Yesterday, Michael Alexander of the Huntington Beach Independent called us up to ask some follow-up questions regarding the recent Global Warming Story Tour stop in downtown Huntington Beach – which is part of CA-46, represented by Dana Rohrabacher, who is being challenged by Debbie Cook in this year’s elections.

Today, I checked online, and sure enough, our article is featured prominently on the front page of the newspaper's website! You can read the full article online and check out Debbie Cook's reaction to our event in her hometown. “I like to focus on the energy side of the equation, because it’s an issue that we can all unite behind,” Cook said. Too bad she didn't come on out and see the Rolling Sunlight firsthand -- a vehicle that runs completely off of biodisel (the good kind -- used vegetable oil) and has 256 sq. ft. of solar panels on top. How's that for the energy side of the equation? Wouldn't be much of a Global Warming Story Tour if energy weren't a major part of it, eh?

As for Rep. Dana Rohrabacher? According to the article, "efforts to reach Rohrabacher for comment were unsuccessful."

-Abi Smith
Greenpeace campaign coordinator 

This is my first time in California, really in the West at all. I'm not quite sure what I expected it to be like, but it is not like any terrain I have ever seen. Right now we are driving from Costa Mesa to Palm Springs and I can see foothills to my left. I am used to the mountains back East covered with trees and luscious vegetation. Here I can feel the dry, I can see it. Yes, there are trees, but looking across the range it seems more like brush than anything else. 

We had an event in Palm Springs, Ca. Wake-up time was 0440, talk about some sleep-walking activists! The weather was 113̊ F at the highpoint and 0800 felt like 1100 because of the heat!  It was a good event, otherwise. The organizers and volunteers were helpful and did a good job.

Citizens in the area were talking to us about how they felt global warming affecting them; most commented on the increased humidity. Deserts are generally arid from what I know, so obviously something is changing in the atmosphere if the humidity is reaching 48%! I did not really notice it, but then again I am from the South East and am used to stepping out of my house and immediately being covered in sticky sweat.  

-Kathryn Hilton
 Global Warming Story Tour crew

The Rolling Sunlight rolled down to Long Beach on Wednesday for an event calling on Congresswoman Laura Richardson (D-37) to become a global warming champion. We set up in downtown right next to City Hall, where Rep. Richardson used to work, and we were able to speak to many of her former co-workers and city employees. People were thrilled to have their voice heard, and spoke about various impacts of global warming, from the polar bears to rising sea levels. 

It seems that everyday, the media reports on how global warming is affecting faraway places — from melting icecaps to disappearing glaciers. And with droughts, floods, and unpredictable weather hitting our own communities, it’s clear that we can’t ignore this problem anymore. The fact is, our children and grandchildren could inherit a very different world from the one we grew up in. We need to act now.

As our friendly polar bear helped to greet passers-by, it became clear that people here in Long Beach are already making small changes in their lives and doing their part to stop global warming by changing their light bulbs, driving less, and buying more efficient appliances. But while important, these small actions alone won’t stop global warming.  We need action from our leaders in Congress—but they won’t do anything until they hear from enough of us.

People here understand the threat that global warming poses to our way of life. And they want action from their government. This isn’t a partisan issue, and anybody running for Congress in this community should commit to being a leader in the fight to stop global warming. The people of California's 37th district are already doing their part. It’s time for Rep. Richardson to do hers.

-Sarah Holzgraf
Campaign Coordinator
Greenpeace Los Angeles

Greenpeace's world renowned solar vehicle, The Rolling Sunlight, made a stop in Pacifica, California today on track with it's nation-wide tour the Global Warming Story Tour. We got to "chill out" today with surfers, families, and constituents of California district 12 in Pacifica's chilly, foggy Bay-Area beach. There were big waves, and the ripples were resounding, and the sea- shells sang "energy (r)evolution!" We are confident this was heard throughout district 12, which embodies parts of Pacifica, Marin, South San Francisco, and the Sunset district of San Francisco. We sent a clear message to Congresswoman Jackie Speier: Your district wants you to act now on climate change!

Many surfers spoke to us about their fears concerning the issues facing the shorelines of California. The general concern was rising sea levels, and the loss of their beaches. We rallied these folks to sign petitions, write letters to Rep. Speier, and we filmed them giving a testimonial on how global warming was affecting them. The overall feeling was that as individuals, they were doing their part to reduce their consumption of energy, and were now ready for congress to step up to the plate. Thanks to all of our volunteers, and all of the kind people we met today!

The San Mateo County Times covered the event, and the San Jose Mercury News ran the article -- Check it out!

-D. Alexander Holmes
Frontline Campaign Coordinator, San Francisco

 

During the Story Tour stop at the Oregon Country Fair, Greenpeace students Lindsey, Teresa, Jessica and volunteers Andy and Karen braved temperatures in the 90s to collect global warming messages to Congress from almost 600 people. Folks were excited to share their concerns about global warming and to urge Congress to take immediate action. Many Oregonians said they were worried about what we’re leaving for future generations, such as the increase in heat waves and the impacts on the salmon population. Lots of people talked about how they want more wind and solar power for Oregon.

One of my favorite moments was when 14-year old Talies from northwestern Oregon sent a video message to Democratic candidate Kurt Schrader. Talies said: “I am one of many who have been immensely disturbed by our political leaders’ lack of action in the face of global warming. I am a fan of clean air, and a diversified ecosystem that is in perfect balance. However, I fear that these lovely luxuries that I consider to be my birthright will not be available to me throughout my life if this issue that is global warming is not addressed seriously by the candidates that will be representing my family and myself. Thus, I ask you good Sir to heed my request and take a clear stance on global warming.”

Visit the OR05 page if you live in Oregon and want to get involved with Greenpeace and help stop global warming!

-Sofia Gidlund
Greenpeace Field Organizer
Salem, OR