Coalition Update: February 2007
COALITION UPDATE is a monthly email newsletter. It contains articles about TALC's program initiatives, announcements and calendar items, and is a great source of information about recent TALC activities and victories.
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TALC EVENTS

NEWS FROM TALC

OTHER EVENTS

NEWS FROM TALC MEMBER GROUPS

 
 

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TALC EVENTS

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Join us at TALC's Summit addressing global warming -- Saturday, March 24
Last week’s news headlines underscored the growing global warming crisis. With transportation responsible for half of the Bay Area’s greenhouse gas emissions, driving less is the single biggest way to reduce our climate impact. TALC's 10th Annual Summit on Saturday, March 24 will advance the movement to turn the tide on sprawl and create a region of walkable neighborhoods connected by fast, convenient transit. Plenary speakers include Assemblywoman Loni Hancock, Chair of the Natural Resources Committee, and Michael Gelobter of Redefining Progress. Speakers and breakout sessions will show how we can advance environmental, social equity, and quality-of-life goals while helping to cool the planet. (A recent Marin Independent Journal article draws the connections between affordable housing, transit ridership, and greenhouse gas emissions.) Please join us at the Summit to get involved, strategize, network, and hone your advocacy skills in the movement for a more sustainable and socially just Bay Area.

Learn more and register: www.transcoalition.org/cal/summit07/summit.html

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You’re invited to TALC’s next regional meeting -- Wednesday, February 21
Get involved in the movement for a better Bay Area at TALC’s upcoming regional meeting on Wednesday, February 21. The theme of the evening is “Crafting (and Winning) Our 2007 Transportation Agenda” and is dedicated to learning about and strategizing on the most important transportation campaigns for the region this year. A large part of the meeting will focus on the Metropolitan Transportation Commission’s upcoming Regional Transportation Plan, with MTC staff attending part of the meeting to present MTC’s new approach to the RTP. We’ll also cover saving public transit in the State budget, high-speed rail, and more. The meeting is from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. at the Sierra Club’s third-floor conference room in downtown San Francisco, 85 Second Street, near the Montgomery BART/Muni station. The meeting is free and open to the public. Burritos and beverages will be served. New to TALC? Come at 5:00 p.m. for an optional orientation about TALC and regional issues. RSVPs are appreciated so that we can provide enough seating and food. To RSVP, or if you have questions, contact Marta Lindsey at marta@transcoalition.org or 510-740-3150 x321.

Learn more: www.transcoalition.org/calendar.html#regional

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NEWS FROM TALC

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Help protect state transit funds!
TALC is forging ahead with a campaign to stop Governor Schwarzenegger’s proposed raid of $1.1 billion from the State’s Public Transportation Account. Working with CALPIRG and the California Transportation Association, we have already been framing the debate. We’re showing that the Governor’s proposal is an assault on working families and the environment. Now we’re planning a spring lobby day both in Sacramento and locally to educate legislators about the importance of public transit. Learn about what’s proposed and see how you can help at the web page listed below. To help plan or participate in the lobby day, contact Carli Paine at carli@transcoalition.org or 510-740-3150 x315.

Learn more: www.transcoalition.org/c/sus_spill/index.html

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Safe Routes to Transit funding available
The Safe Routes to Transit (SR2T) Program will be awarding another $4 million in funding to projects and plans around the Bay Area that improve bike/pedestrian access and safety to and from regional transit stops and stations. The Call for Projects for the second SR2T funding cycle was released on February 1, with applications due on April 3. Now is the time for advocates to approach their cities and transit agencies to make sure that they will be applying for funding for eligible projects. The web page below lists eligibility requirements and more.

Learn more: www.transcoalition.org/c/bikeped/bikeped_saferoutes.html

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Great Communities and Safe Routes in the East Bay
The Great Communities Collaborative is working to engage residents in the downtown San Leandro planning process. There will be a key public meeting on Saturday, March 10th from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the San Leandro Main Library. For more information contact Lindsay Imai of Urban Habitat at lindsay@urbanhabitat.org or 510-844-1191 to get involved.

At Peralta Elementary School in Oakland, TALC’s Safe Routes to Schools Program is helping the community organize monthly walk to school days. Walk to School Days will be reinforced through pedestrian safety classes, environmental education classes addressing the effect of transportation choices on the environment, along with neighborhood mapping classes. Contact Melanie Grubman at melanie@transcoalition.org or 510-740-3150 x332 for more information.

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Exciting volunteer opportunities
TALC’s 10th Annual Summit is just around the corner on Saturday, March 24. Volunteers are needed to help with various tasks before, during, and after the event. All levels of skills are welcome and volunteers get free admission!

We’re also looking for a library organizer that can help maintain and organize our growing library of reports and publications. We’ll be able to acknowledge hours worked in case these are needed for class credits. Check the website to see how you can become a volunteer or contact Karla Perez-Cordero at karla@transcoalition.org or 510-740-3150 x319.

Learn more: www.transcoalition.org/about/about_intern_vol.html

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New multimedia section of TALC’s website
TALC’s website has a new section with a small, but growing collection of multimedia files. Check out The Fiscalization of Land Use, a funny song about a serious subject, originally performed by David Schecter at TALC’s 2006 Summit. There’s also a link to a video interview with Enrique Peñalosa, the former mayor of Bogotá, Columbia, who describes what happens when a city creates wonderful spaces for pedestrians.

Listen and watch: www.transcoalition.org/multimedia.html

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OTHER EVENTS

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Workshop on regional climate action – Friday, February 16
A coalition of Bay Area regional agencies is soliciting public input to help develop a set of initiatives on the best regional strategies to help reduce global warming. The Joint Policy Committee is holding a Regional Climate Action Workshop on Friday, February 16, from 9:00 a.m. to noon, at 101 8th Street in Oakland at the MTC/ABAG headquarters. RSVP as quickly as possible as space is limited. If you can’t attend the meeting, click on the link below to submit your comments via email.

Learn more: www.abag.ca.gov/jointpolicy/jpc_climate_change.htm

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Environmental Legislative Symposium – Saturday, April 14
On April 14, the Planning and Conservation League (PCL) will host its annual Environmental Legislative Symposium in Sacramento. This year it is entitled “How To…. Win The Environmental Battles That Test This Generation.” The economic, environmental, and social equity challenges that confront California are putting this generation to a test. These environmental policy issues include climate change, flood protection, and land use reform. As a league of environmental organizations from across California, PCL wants you to hear the latest information on these environmental issues and to walk away with the tools to be an effective environmental advocate in your region. Information and registration opportunities will be available on their website soon.

Learn more: www.pcl.org

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NEWS FROM TALC MEMBER GROUPS

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TALC’s newest Members: AFSCME Local 3916 & BikeAlameda
TALC welcomes our newest member groups, AFSCME Local 3916 and BikeAlameda. AFSCME Local 3916 is an AC Transit local chapter of the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees union. BikeAlameda works to improve the City of Alameda’s bicycle network and facilities and to educate the community about the benefits of safe bicycling.

Learn more: www.afscme57.org and www.bikealameda.org

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TALC’s newest Affiliates: Greenlining Institute & Bay Localize
TALC would like to welcome our newest affiliate groups, the Greenlining Institute and Bay Localize. The Greenlining Institute is a multi-ethnic public policy, research, and advocacy institute that works to improve the quality of life for low-income and minority communities. Bay Localize is working to shift the Bay Area’s global, fossil fuel-dependent economy towards one that is more self-reliant, localized, and green.

Learn more: www.greenlining.org and www.baylocalize.org

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Urban Habitat is hiring
Urban Habitat is seeking a Program Associate to coordinate all aspects of its Transportation and Housing Program. The program aims to promote a regional equity agenda that provides all residents with affordable housing and accessible and reliable transportation. This is a great opportunity for someone with initiative who is passionate about transportation and housing issues.

Learn more: www.urbanhabitat.org/uh/employment#job2

 

Update: 02/08/2007 

 
 

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