Continue reading »]]> In a message received from Plug In America, we learned that a true friend of the Environment lost his battle with cancer.

It is with a profound sense of loss that we recognize the passing of our friend, fellow EV advocate, and valued mentor Doug Korthof.  Doug was a passionate advocate for plug-in vehicles, who worked tirelessly to educate anyone who would listen about the benefits of driving electric.

For those of us involved in the fight to stop the automaker’s practice of removing working electric vehicles from the road, Doug was always there, working late night shifts and volunteering to help with most any task.  He was a prolific writer whose musings on electric transportation can still be found on numerous websites.

Doug’s passions ran far beyond plug-in vehicles.  He was also a strong advocate for solar energy, opening the family home to numerous tours, speaking at public events and government hearings, and helping out at his son William’s solar business.  In his home of Orange County California, Doug is well known for leading roles in stopping the offshore dumping of lightly treated municipal sewerage through the county’s ocean outfall pipe. He was also a moving force to reduce the size and scope of development on the Bolsa Chica Wetlands as well as a strong voice for the rights of Native Americans, whose ancestral villages and burial grounds were being disturbed by development.

Doug is survived by his wife Lisa Rosen, and sons William and Ed Korthof.

Doug’s loss will be felt far and wide in the Plug-in community.  If you’d like to help celebrate Doug’s contributions, a Doug Korthof Memorial Charger Fund has been established to fund the installation and maintenance of one or more charging locations in Doug’s honor.  With the help of Doug’s family, locations will be selected near Doug’s family home in Seal Beach California or his alma-mater, Cal State Long Beach.   The installation and maintenance will be managed by the non-profit organization, Adopt-A-Charger.  If you’d like to donate to this effort you can do so here:

http://adoptacharger.org/doug-korthof-memorial-fund

Continue reading »]]> The California Center for Sustainable Energy (CCSE), in partnership with the City of Santa Monica, the  South Coast Air Quality Management District, and the EV Project, is holding a free workshop for Californians interested in learning more about life as a plug-in electric vehicle (PEV) owner.

Topics being covered are:

• The up to $2,500 rebate available through California’s Clean Vehicle Rebate Project.
• Southern California Edison’s PEV rates and programs.
• Regional activity on public infrastructure.

Date: February 15, 2012

Time: 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM

Location: Santa Monica Main Library, 601 Santa Monica Boulevard, Santa Monica, CA

For more information or to register click here.

Continue reading »]]> We at OCICE receive these prayers and praises from Christians Caring for Creation and thought we should share them with our members.  If you faith has similar prayers and praises for protecting Creation, please pass them on to OCICE and we will be happy to post them.  

Dear CCC Prayer Partners,

Thank you for standing together at the Throne of Grace, praying in the POWERFUL NAME of JESUS, for our LORD’s precious creation and those who are working to protect it.  We have new Praises and Prayer Requests, and always appreciate your input for the CCC prayer network.

PRAISES:

The population of beluga whales in Cook Inlet, Alaska, has dropped drastically over the last 30 years, and yet, in 2008, the state of Alaska challenged the federal government’s decision to list the belugas as endangered.  However, in November a federal judge, siding with the Natural Resources Defense Council and their allies, ruled that the whales had been properly listed as endangered.  This is a PRAISE!

Grizzly bears living in the Yellowstone ecosystem will keep their endangered species protections after a federal appeals court rejected the government’s four-year effort to strip the bears of their safeguards.  This is a PRAISE!

PRAYER REQUESTS:

1)  The Northern Gateway pipeline, proposed by energy giant, Enbridge, would transport Alberta tar sands crude oil through the coastal rain forest habitat of some 400 remaining Spirit Bears.  Enbridge’s track record is alarming!  The company has been responsible for 80 pipeline spills in 2010, including a spill of nearly a million gallons of tar sands oil into Michigan’s Kalamazoo River.  PLEASE PRAY the Canadian Joint Review Panel, that is going to determine whether or not the Northern Gateway pipeline will be built, will vote to STOP the building of this pipeline.  Thank you.

For information on how to help, go to:  www.SaveTheSpiritBear.org  and  www.sierraclub.bc.ca  (Go to 1st paragraph and click on Take Action on Tankers; then, click on Read More, and then on Take Action.  You can sign a letter to Canada’s Prime Minister re: the Northern Gateway pipeline.)

2)  The Obama Administration has agreed to strip wolves of their endangered species protection in Wyoming.  This puts the fate of Wyoming’s wolves in the hands of state officials, who have proposed allowing the animals to be shot on sight across almost 90% of the state.  PLEASE PRAY for these endangered and embattled animals, that the Obama Administration will REVERSE the decision and will leave the Wyoming wolves endangered species protections in place.  Thank you.

3)  The Orange County Interfaith Coalition for the Environment (OCICE) will be presenting a “Solar Nights” workshop in Orange County, on Thursday, Feb. 9, from 7-9 p.m., at Church of the Foothills, 19211 Dodge Ave., Santa Ana, CA.  Utility reps. will be sharing up-to-date and valuable information to assist congregations who are ready to go solar, or just curious.  The presentations will include energy efficiency strategies to lower your energy consumption with no or minimal investment, given by So. Calif. Edison and Energy Upgrade California.  For more information:  ecofaith@ocice.org

4)  During its annual “Washington Week” gathering this year, the National Religious Coalition on Creation Care (NRCCC) is partnering with the National Cathedral and Blessed Earth to proclaim and spread the message of the critical need for Creation Care. There will be a service at the National Cathedral on Earth Day (Sunday, April 22), followed by a Prayer Luncheon, at which NRCCC will present its annual “Steward of Creation” award to Wendell Berry.  The next day, Monday, NRCCC will be hosting a conference that brings together voices from the faith, scientific, medical, and military communities, re: the seriousness of climate change.  PLEASE PRAY the HOLY SPIRIT will take over the plans, planners, speakers, and attendees at these events; that JESUS’ words will be brought forth; and, that GOD’s WILL will be done before, during, and after these gatherings.  Also, PLEASE PRAY that the HOLY SPIRIT will go before those who will be visiting politicians’ offices; that JESUS will speak through the NRCCC; and, that our LORD will touch hearts and minds, and bring about change in DC that will lead to the protection and restoration of GOD’s precious creation!  Thank you.

For more information:  Fred@Ecostewards.org

5)  PLEASE PRAY for VICTORIES in the 9th Circuit and the Federal Court for Rachel Fazio (John Muir Project), as she strives for the protection of National Forests and the creatures that live therein, through the ”Moonlight”, “Twin Peaks”, “Angorra”, and EXF cases.  Thank you.

(Our National Forests cool and moisten our air, cleanse it, and fill it with oxygen.  They calm the winds, anchor the soil, and slow the movement of water.

They also provide habitat for countless species and offer us places to renew our spirits and bask in the beauty of our LORD’s precious creation. Yet, our National Forests are being commercially logged and destroyed by multi-national timber companies.  PLEASE PRAY this will stop.  Thank you.)

6)  New research by a team of researchers from the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies and James Cook University shows the disastrous consequences the world’s rising carbon dioxide levels are having on ocean life.  A member of the research team, Professor Munday, issued a stark warning:  “We’ve found that elevated CO2 in the oceans can directly interfere with fish neurotransmitter functions, which poses a direct and previously unknown threat to sea life.  Around 2.3 billion tons of human CO2 emissions dissolve into the world’s oceans every year, causing changes in the chemical environment of the water in which fish and other species live.”  PLEASE PRAY these studies and others will spur our country’s politicians to pass legislation that will serve to lower our CO2 emissions.  If you are interested in working on this issue, contact Fred Krueger at:  Fred@Ecostewards.org

7)  The giant otter is the largest of the otter species and is highly endangered.  They are native to the tropical rainforests of South America, and their habitat is being destroyed by logging and other human activities.  PLEASE PRAY for them and all the creatures who are fighting to survive. Thank you.

8)  Please continue to pray for Judy Meyer, who is battling lymphoma.  She has just had her last chemo treatment, and is now in the period where her blood count and immunity is low.  Please pray for protection, and that the upcoming PET/CT scan will show she is in remission and cancer-free.  Pray the LORD will completely and permanently HEAL Judy’s body, in every way!  Thank you.

9)  Please continue to pray for Deborah Hopkinson, who has a degenerative condition in her joints, keeping her legs from being able to support her.  Please pray the LORD will completely HEAL her, returning her to permanent health and strength.  Thank you.

10)  Please pray for Rev. Owen Owens, that he may have the strength and stamina to continue his work to stop natural gas fracking in the Pennsylvania area.  Pray the LORD will keep him healthy, so he is able to continue being a leader of this important cause.  Thank you.

(Fracking is short for “hydraulic fracturing, a rapidly expanding natural gas drilling technique.  It involves injecting water and chemicals deep underground to break up rock and release natural gas.  The practice has been linked to water contamination and illnesses.)

11)  Please pray for Tom English, that he may receive a special touch of grace and inspiration from the Holy Spirit, as he designs the National Religious Coalition on Creation Care (NRCCC) conference on climate change, Washington, DC,  April 23.  Pray the Lord will lead him regarding plans, publicity, and all else involved, bringing forth a conference that will be blessed with success and an important impetus for creation care in our nation.

Genesis 1:20-22  (NRSV)

“And God said, ‘Let the waters bring forth swarms of living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the dome of the sky.’ So God created the great sea monsters and every living creature that moves, of every kind, with which the waters swarm, and every winged bird of every kind.  And God saw that it was good.  God blessed them, saying, ’Be fruitful and multiply and fill the waters in the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth.’”

Psalm 145:17  (NIV)

“The LORD is righteous in all his ways and loving toward all he has made.”

By the power of CHRIST,

Amy and Connie

Continue reading »]]> Wednesday, February 15, 2012, 1:00 P.M. – 2:30 P.M. (Eastern)

– An ENERGY STAR Energy Management Networking Web Conference

OCICE would like to make you aware of the following FREE web conference.  These web conferences are helpful for companies and congregations that are working toward reducing their energy use – and installing solar systems!

2012 marks the 20^th anniversary of the launch of the ENERGY STAR program with establishment of the first ENERGY STAR certification marks for computers and monitors. Since then, the program has expanded to cover multiple product categories, commercial buildings, and industrial plants. Today, ENERGY STAR is widely recognized as an important factor for promoting energy efficiency in all the markets where the program works.

The February Web Conference will look back at the program’s success and progress, more recent accomplishments, and plans for the upcoming year. Joining us will be:

• Jean Lupinacci, Director, ENERGY STAR Commercial & Industrial Branch
• Mike Zatz, ENERGY STAR Commercial Buildings programs
• Elizabeth Dutrow, ENERGY STAR Industrial programs
• Maura Beard, ENERGY STAR Communication initiatives

Registration

Pre-registration for this web conference is recommended. To register, go to http://energystar.webex.com/meeting and select the Monthly Web Conference on February 15, 2012 from the calendar.  The meeting password is “network”.

Registration for this web conference is limited to 150 participants, so prompt registration is recommended. A 56K modem (minimum) with a separate phone line is also necessary.

If this will be your first ENERGY STAR web conference, please test your browser and computer system’s compatibility with WebEx before joining the web conference.

 About the Web Conferences

The ENERGY STAR Energy Management Web Conferences are held regularly on the third Wednesday of the month from 1:00 P.M. to 2:30 P.M. Eastern.  Each monthly web conference is structured around a different energy management topic that provides a starting point for discussion.  The web conferences are convened for the benefit of ENERGY STAR partners and provide a forum for sharing successful energy management practices.

For more information about ENERGY STAR Web Conferences and Networking events, please visit:

Continue reading »]]> According to the Orange County Register, the Orange County Great Park will host the U.S. Department of Energy 2013 Solar Decathlon, where 20 teams from universities around the world will design and construct solar-powered, energy-efficient homes.

The teams will spend the next two years designing and building the homes, which they will reassemble in a solar village at the Great Park competition site in fall 2013. Students compete in 10 categories including architecture, engineering, affordability, and energy efficiency.

This just proves that Orange County can and is turning Green!

Read the Full Story

Continue reading »]]> Join Plug in America in urging  CARB Board Chair Mary Nichols, to close the ZEV loophold.  Ms. Nichols negotiated a special deal which would dramatically weaken the ZEV program allowing automakers that ‘overcomply’ with the new Federal GHG standards to get away with producing fewer EVs. This sweetheart deal allows an automaker to cut the number of pure electric-drive vehicles by as much as 50% over the 2018 to 2021 timeframe in exchange for just 2 g/ mile GHG overcompliance during that time.  Read More on the Plug in America website

Continue reading »]]> The ~48-acre Hafen property in Trabuco Canyon is the fifth property purchased as preserved open space in an effort to advance the environmental permitting process for the 13 Measure M2 freeway improvement projects and expand conserved land in Orange County.

This acquisition represents the third in a series of acquisitions with this particular landowner.  The first two acquisitions were made with the Department of Fish and Game and Wildlife Conservation Board.  The entire property (149 acres) connects on the east to the recently acquired Ferber Ranch and on the west to Live Oak Canyon.  It has excellent coastal sage scrub habitat and beautiful steep cliffs.  The property also contains important low elevation habitats for target species.

Learn more about Measure M2.

Continue reading »]]> California has been a leader in protecting the environment through a host of innovative and exceptional laws, including the California Environmental Quality Act, the Coastal Act, the Global Warming Solutions Act. To ensure California continues its forward thinking, the Planning and Conservation League (PCL) and the PCL Foundation have planned an excellent line up of creative and expert speakers for its Environmental Legislative Symposium.

The theme of the 2012 event is:  THINK SMALL: Local Solutions to Protect Our Environment, Strengthen Our Communities and Rebuild Our Economy

Date:  Saturday, January 28, 2012
Time: 9 AM – 5 PM
Venue: Sacramento Convention Center, 1400 J Street, Sacramento, CA 95814

Visit the PCL Website for Details and to Register

Continue reading »]]> Transition Laguna Beach will host Joanna Macy next month with a Weekend Workshop entitled “Work That Reconnects.”

The Work That Reconnects draws on spiritual traditions and living systems theory to help participants discover how they can bring forth fresh vision, courage and creativity in this time of global crises.

This weekend workshop will weave sound and silence, teaching, reflection, and personal sharing together with interactive processes. Come prepared to fall in love again with life.

Eco-philosopher Joanna Macy, Ph.D. is a scholar of Buddhism, general systems theory, and deep ecology.  A respected voice in the movements for peace, justice, and ecology, she interweaves her scholarship with five decades of activism.

Lecture: Fri., Feb. 3 at 7 p.m. $15 ($20 at the door)

This lecture is recommend and free to workshop participants.

Workshop: (Includes both days): $295
Sat., Feb. 4 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Meals provided.
Sun., Feb 5 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Includes breakfast & lunch.

Discounted hotel rates available at Pacific Edge Hotel

Held at Anneliese Schools’ Willowbrook Campus
Reigster now at www.seedsed.org
Questions, contact Elise Higley at 949-292-5960 or
Michele McCormick at 949-715-9931

Download the Flyer