I feel like a modern day prophet preaching how a book has changed the way I look at things these days…. and No, it’s not the Bible, it’s Van Jones’ book, “The Green Collar Economy.” I picked up the book after reading an article about the author in a local magazine and then found out that Jones, an Oakland, CA resident, had been drafted by President Obama to become a Special Advisor on green jobs in the White House.
“The Green Collar Economy” sets out to solve two problems: Saving the Environment and our Economy by providing jobs for the Poor…..seems ambitious, but this week a group of 40 young folks in Oakland, California graduated from one of the nation’s first green job training programs. Plus the group Jones founded, Green for All, was one of the organizations responsible for making this happen along with the City of Oakland and several other groups under the organization called Green Job Corps. Most of these new graduates were either from low-income level, ex-convicts or people who tested below an eighth grade level. Some of the new grads didn’t show up for their graduation ceremony because they were already working at new jobs …now that’s success in my book!
I’ve been a Recruiter for the past 13 years and the idea of training someone in a 12 – week program with a direct result of a job offer at the end is idealistic and doesn’t happen very often. If it did I wouldn’t have much of a career! But I’m happy to hear about a program that can save our planet while providing jobs for those who don’t always get a break. In fact, I was so excited about the book, the training program and Michelle Obama’s San Francisco visit, that I filled out an application to volunteer for Green for All. The organization’s headquarters is practically in my backyard, so I figure I have no excuse but to get off my butt and help out those who need it.
President Obama’s 2010 budget includes a Green Jobs initiative (The Green Jobs Innovation Fund) that will provide $50 million dollars for training. Cities like Oakland, Richmond and Berkeley in the San Francisco Bay Area are taking advantage of these programs early on.
The First Lady’s visit this week was to kick off the White House initiative called United We Serve where the President is challenging each of us to volunteer within our communities. You can go to the website and either find a volunteer opportunity or create one of your own. This initiative continues the momentum Barack Obama had when he ran for President. Many people, including myself volunteered for his campaign and would like to continue being part of the solution, so United We Serve is the perfect opportunity.
My hat goes off to Van Jones for practicing what he preaches with the idea that we can take steps to sustain our planet while providing jobs for everyone in our society. Thanks to Michelle Obama, for getting us to realize that we have to participate and serve within our communities if we truly want to be proud to profess that we are part of our Community, our Great Nation and the only Planet we have.
The Global Block Party in support of Earth Hour 2009 was a true success on Saturday March 28th! Since Progressive Pulse represents progressive content in New York, Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay Area, we wanted to show our support for Earth Hour and reach out to our neighbors and meet some new friends. We’re happy to report that through our first ever online streaming radio broadcast we were able to extend the block party globally. Thank you to all of the progressive artists and musicians who contributed their music to this broadcast. Your music is re-shaping and transforming the music landscape and introducing us to global sounds. For all the music heard check out our 
Doing some last-minute holiday shopping? The EcoHolidaySF Website leads shoppers to coveted, one-of-a-kind treasures for their loved ones, while buying locally, contributing to humanity and nurturing the planet. Talk about a Hanukkah miracle!These eco-artisans from around SF create handsome jewelry, natural facial and body products, sustainable fashion, fair-trade art, hand-crafted chocolates. One of my favorite finds is Tyler Bender Book Co.’s hand-bound journals made from vintage, re-purposed books. Check them out at: 
Drink no Evil
English Retreads (ER) makes biker-sexy belts, bags, purses and haute couture dog collars out of re-purposed tires. The pieces look like leather, but are far more beautiful and durable. ER is turning out a gorgeous product while keeping tires from the landfill and CO2 from the atmosphere. Check out their line at 
Faced with a wall of glistening corsets, coats and gowns, we were wowed by Rene Geneva Design. Rene is committed to using “materials, production methods and business practices that do the least possible harm to the environment and the people who inhabit it.” She has partnered with a fair wage women’s textile cooperative in Nicaragua where she taught the craftswomen to do appliqué and make corsets. She works with indigenous populations and small villages around the world where she sources rare organic textiles, such as hand spun and woven “peace” silks and fabric made from the bark of trees. Check out her work at 
Wheels When You Want ‘Em
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hybrids for quite some time. Toyota has 3 hybrid models: PRIUS, CAMRY HYBRID and HIGHLANDER HYBRID. I have personally driven a PRIUS (pictured above and right) rental car a couple of times and was impressed with the incredibly amazing gas mileage – I think I drove the car around LA for a week and only refilled the tank once before turning it in. Also, the Prius is comfortable and has plenty of hatchback room – good for loading things in and out. Toyota is at the forefront of hybrid vehicles having sold over 1,000,000 hybrids to date. Nissan licensed Toyota’s hybrid running gear and created the CAMRY HYBRID – making Toyota as one of the leaders in my book for Hybrid Technology!
There were plenty of CONCEPT vehicles including Concept Hybrids. They included the futuristic CUBE by Nissan (above left), Chrysler’s ecoVoyager (right) and GMC’s Denali XT (above right) which uses 85% Ethanol and 15% Gasoline and is a truck with cargo capabilities. The CUBE reminded me of the SCION in shape and size but, apparently does not have very much power.
I think my favorite car in the entire Auto Show was the little two seater, SMART CAR (above and left). They are so cute and I imagine jetting around the city making the rounds to all my favorite spots in one day! The price point and style definitely make this a winner in my book especially the new PASSION CABRIOLET which boasts a fully automatic soft top. I know its critics will quickly point out that there are ONLY 2 seats and the dangers associated with such a tiny car. However, the SMART car brochure quickly points out its extra strength steel shell that is reinforced for minor collisions and honestly who needs more than that extra special someone in the shotgun seat!
HYBRID (above) – seems like an oxymoron to me… Even LEXUS introduced its LS 600h L (right) which boasts all the benefits of a Hybrid without giving up any luxury or comfort. The spokesperson on site for LEXUS was quick to point out all of these luxuries including the backseats that lounged to a 45 degree angle with individual foot rests and serving tray.
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