“There’s No One in Charge,” Full Disclosure, 9/23
There Are Smarter Transit
Technologies
What needs to be explained about the Oakland Airport Connector is
why the economic stimulus bill excluded more efficient and practical
technology alternatives. Besides BRT, there are several competing
Automated Rapid Transit technologies that are much more economical than
outdated monorail and light rail. The challenge is getting government
approval to demonstrate untested technology that can solve our future
transportation needs virtually carbon-free. Companies like Oakland’s
own Cybertran International could build a much faster automated tram
system for a price comparable to BRT, but the federal government is
still committed to the past instead of the future. The US needs a
public discussion of the urgent need to finally demonstrate the robotic
ultra-light tram technologies that our economy will need.
Sennet Williams, Berkeley
“Altamont Bird Slaughter Worsens,” Eco Watch, 9/30
Climate Change Threatens Birds
While well-intended, Robert Gammon’s article suffers from the
author’s preconceptions about the controversy in the Altamont Pass and
a lack of research. For one, Mr. Gammon’s article relies on data from
2007 and prematurely concludes that wind turbines in the Altamont Pass
are “shredding raptors at an increasing rate.” Yet, as Dr. Smallwood of
Alameda County’s Scientific Review Committee explained later in the
second to last paragraph of the article, everyone involved is waiting
for the most recent mortality estimates to be released. Until the most
recent mortality estimates are released, it is premature to conclude
whether the wind companies’ mortality reduction measures have
worked.
Mr. Gammon’s article fails to provide any context for wind energy or
avian mortality in the Altamont or the complexity of the controversy.
According to the National Audubon Society, climate change is expected
to result in the loss of 25-33 percent of all species on earth,
including many species of birds. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate
Change anticipates that climate change will be the most significant
driver in the loss of global biodiversity by the end of this century.
In 2008, Governor Schwarzenegger issued a widely-lauded executive order
to mandate that California get 33 percent of its power from renewable
energy resources by 2020. Wind power is necessary to reach this goal
and to minimizing impacts of climate change. Unfortunately, some degree
of avian mortality appears inevitable wherever wind farms are
developed.
Notably, Mr. Gammon’s article fails to include interviews with
representatives of the California Energy Commission, the California
Department of Fish & Game, or the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
— the agencies tasked with regulating energy development and
wildlife resources in California. For decades, none of these agencies
acted to reduce avian mortality in the Altamont.
Mike Boyd and Shawn Smallwood are right about many things. Too many
birds continue to be killed in the Altamont unnecessarily. The
settlement — to which CARE is a signatory — is a consensus
document; and, we believe that the wind companies have not always met
their obligations. We demanded that companies remove additional
high-risk turbines after they missed some early deadlines. While we are
concerned that the wind companies have not been adequately held
accountable for the continued killing of birds in the Altamont, we all
must wait for the most recent monitoring team report so that the
Scientific Review Committee can determine whether measures implemented
have been effective in reducing avian mortality in the Altamont.
We find it unfortunate that Mr. Boyd, or any observer, would
consider Golden Gate Audubon (or any Audubon chapter) to be more
“pro-wind” than “pro-bird.” Our staff and volunteers dedicate every day
to making the Bay Area a safer place for birds and other wildlife.
Rather than offer cheap shots at those trying to solve these problems,
we encourage everyone who cares about birds and other wildlife to get
involved and help us solve this apparently intractable question: how do
we develop new, renewable energy resources quickly and on a large scale
in ways that protect current wildlife populations?
There are no easy answers, but we urge the East Bay Express‘
readers to help solve these problems by joining the stakeholder groups
and public information meetings about wind power in the Altamont (and
elsewhere) and by contacting their state legislators, the California
Energy Commission, the Department of Fish & Game, and the U.S. Fish
& Wildlife Service to enforce environmental laws and implement
policies that protect birds and other wildlife as California develops
renewable energy projects. Only with input from the public and the full
involvement of state and federal agencies will we even begin to develop
new energy resources wisely.
Mark Welther, Executive Director, Golden Gate Audubon
Bob Power, Executive Director, Santa Clara Valley Audubon
Society
“Deeper South,” Restaurant Review, 10/7
Off the Wagon?
Has Anneli Rufus recently gone off her vegetarian diet? If so, fine.
If not, why is she opining about dishes containing meat and seafood?
Readers deserve full disclosure.
Robert Lauriston, Berkeley
Anneli Rufus Responds
In recent months, I have become a “flexitarian,” following my
doctor’s advice, and now eat flesh about twice a month. That being
said, in my reviews I never opine about a flesh dish if I haven’t eaten
it myself. If an opinion appears in one of my reviews about a flesh
dish that I haven’t eaten, it is the opinion of a carnivorous companion
and is always cited as such.
“Seeking “Human” Rights for Corporations, Raising the Bar, 10/7
Consumers Arise
I was moved by Jay Youngdahl’s story on Intel seeking human rights
as a corporation. At the risk of sounding like a wacky conspiracy
theorist, what if we see other multi-national corporations doing the
same thing? The article made me wonder if — to paraphrase —
“belittling humanity, and elevating corporations to god-like status” is
not the object of the exercise. It seems the corporate world already
sees the entire population of the world divided into Producers and
Consumers with no other identity at all. They just want to make it the
law.
Simon Rubenstein, Oakland
“A Homegrown Music Festival to Treasure,” Music, 10/14
Our Fair Came Later
Camden, this ain’t Chicago — which is to say, we didn’t have a
World’s Fair in 1933. In 1939-40, New York had the World’s Fair,
while SF had the Golden Gate International Exposition (GGIE), for which
TI was built.
Kevin Walsh, Emeryville
“Privatizing the Parks,” News, 10/14
Privatization Is Beautiful
Thank you for your recent coverage of Kijiji’s beautiful garden in
Mosswood Park. I bike by Mosswood several days a week and have
been delighted to see the garden area’s revival since Keba and Eric
started working there. Their long hours and talent have brought new
life to the park and the neighborhood is better for it.Having witnessed
Kijiji Grows in action, teaching youth and adult community residents
about aquaponics and gardening with enthusiasm, I am thankful for their
presence in Oakland and our community.
Navina Khanna, Oakland
