Why do we fall for the green illusion that is the electric car?

Press Kit | Green Illusions Book: "“Environmentalists generally object to battery-powered devices and for good reason: batteries require mined minerals, employ manufacturing processes that leak toxins into local ecosystems and leave behind an even-worse trail of side effects upon disposal. Though when it comes to the largest mass-produced battery-powered gadget ever created—the electric car—environmentalists cannot jump from their seats fast enough to applaud it.” —Ozzie Zehner, The Economist"

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With Large Oil Reserve, California Faces Fracking Debate | KQED QUEST

With Large Oil Reserve, California Faces Fracking Debate | KQED QUEST: "California has long been an oil-producing state, but it’s getting renewed attention because of the Monterey Shale, the country’s largest shale oil reserve. It stretches under a large part of Central California. In places like Southern Monterey County, where new oil leases are being offered, the battle for fracking is heating up."

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No money for #freetransit. Billions in tax money wasted subsidizing sports

Animated Infographic: Watch As America's Stadiums Pile Up On The Backs Of Taxpayers Through The Years: " Public financing of stadiums for private teams is common enough now that it's largely taken for granted, even though these deals rarely produce anything of real value for the municipalities that fund them. "

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Bay Area gets $45 million for new buses

With transit investments, a surge of dividends across America - Welcome to the FastLane: The Official Blog of the U.S. Secretary of Transportation: "And in California, FTA Deputy Administrator Therese McMillan was in the Bay Area where transit providers are receiving more than $45 million. Projects range from replacing old buses that have logged hundreds of thousands of miles over many years with clean, fuel-efficient vehicles to upgrading bus service as part of MUNI’s Rapid Network."

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There can be no peaceful coexistence with the private auto. It must be put in the dustbin of history.

Driver Plows Through Bike Corral at Duboce and Valencia, Injuring Man | Streetsblog San Francisco: "A car driver plowed through a bike corral on Saturday in front of Zeitgeist, a bar on the corner of Duboce Avenue and Valencia Street. The driver reportedly stopped and cooperated with police after crashing through 10 of the 11 curbside bike racks, breaking a man’s leg, and wrecking at least a dozen parked bikes, according to the Uptown Almanac, which posted photos of the carnage."

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Free Transit allows all citizens to be engaged in life of the city

Does Public Transportation Match Community Wishlist of Services? - San Jose Inside: "But if the city is being asked to provide transportation for seniors to community centers, why not expand this to libraries as well? Libraries offer social engagement and lifelong learning. Perhaps we should promote the value of fresh air and open space with daily transportation to Alum Rock Park.

We also have youth under 16 that are unable to drive and they certainly would benefit from free transportation to parks, libraries and community centers. In some communities, youth get free bus rides with a library card.

Allowing residents to access their government in person is another shared value. Perhaps providing free transportation to City Hall for the many public meetings occurring Monday through Friday?"

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Make Muni fare-free for youth, spur the economy! #freemuniforyouth

People speak out for #freemuniforyouth

Huge turnout for #freemuniforyouth