Hope this email finds you well and happy and using your powers for good.
Well, I'm getting accustomed to these debates/forums. I have to say, I'm not very good at tooting my own horn. Have to get better at describing all my mostly behind the scenes volunteer work, or find some volunteers to do it for me.
The Marin Democrats have made their endorsements - they were as expected. The two incumbents got the nod as did Wendi Kallins (the Safe Routes co-founder) - she is as close to an incumbent as you can get - since SR2S was responsible for securing a LOT of transportation funding. This is very frightening to me, because it is usually tied to projects that do not fit in to our current surroundings.
Speaking of transportation funding, I sent this note to my neighbors the other day :
"I just wanted to let you know about these transportation equity bills currently under consideration - and express another very sincere "thank you" to anyone who had the courage to speak up during that mess of a Private/Public Works project, aka the million dollar "Safer Route" which then became a million dollar "more convenient walk to the yogurt store and Whole Foods."
AB 2332 (E. Garcia)
California spends billions of dollars every year on highways that divide neighborhoods, worsen air pollution, promote climate change, and put vulnerable road users at risk, especially in disadvantaged communities. This bill would ensure that California’s highway investments provide benefits to the transportation and safety needs of residents in those communities, needs identified by community members themselves through strong public participation. In addition, those highway investments would also have to create good jobs for low-income individuals and others with barriers to employment.
AB 2796 (Bloom)
This bill would establish a permanent percentage of Active Transportation Program funding to support planning in disadvantaged communities. This bill ensures that disadvantaged communities can access funding to plan future projects, as well as to pay for non-infrastructure projects such as bicycle safety education, encouragement, and engagement programs.
AB 2222 (Holden)
As public transit is getting more expensive, it’s becoming out of reach to the folks who need it the most. This bill creates a Transit Pass Program to provide discounted transit passes for students and residents of affordable housing, encouraging greater transit ridership and reducing driving.
AB 1982 (Bloom)
The Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (Cap-and-Trade revenues) may subsidize sophisticated traffic light timing that makes it easier to drive at higher speeds. This induces more driving and reduces safety for vulnerable road users—contrary to our greenhouse gas reduction goals. This bill will ensure that low-speed signal timing is also eligible. Timing lights at 12-15 mph will make streets safer and more convenient for people traveling by bicycle, on foot, or on the bus.
If you would like to support these bills, please visit:
http://www.fixcaliforniaroads.
It is an honor to serve.
See you on Evergreen!
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Mari Tamburo for
Homestead Volunteers"
Seems all that work we did a couple of years ago is helping to bring about some positive change!
That's a silver lining.
ox,
Mari
