Clean Tech Manufacturing Facility Passes First Hurdle

The Los Angeles Community Redevelopment Agency unanimously passed an agreement to move forward with the proposed Green light rail car manufacturing plant. Italian manufacturing company Ensaldo Breda has agreed to hire union workers and pay prevailing wages at the site injecting millions of dollars into the local economy. The new clean tech facility will be a socially responsible LEED certified project. The design incorporates water and energy conservation, use of recycled materials, and photovoltaic panels. The project is expected to create at least 650 full time Green jobs and utilize local hiring through a training agreement between AnsaldoBreda and Trade Tech College.

Final Push for YES ON MEASURE B

This weekend brought out more community supporters for Yes on Measure B. Volunteers knocked on a record amount of doors throughout Los Angeles. They spoke with registered voters and took the message to the streets. Support for Measure B is growing. Los Angeles Mayor, Antonio Villaraigosa supports the Green Jobs Initiative. You can see the commercial he appeared in by clicking here. Last week a debate was conducted at Daniel Webster Middle School located at 11350 Graham Place, Los Angeles. There is so much desire for solar power right now that people arrived as early as 5pm though the event didn’t officially begin until 7pm. It was clear to most in the audience that the biggest opposition to the initiative was from Big Oil and other right-wing republican groups.

It’s hard to make an argument against solar, but they tried. Dede Audet seemed to argue that the city might need "air rights" to harness the suns rays. I have to admit, I had never heard that argument before. The best argument for Measure B is that it reduces the city’s carbon footprint, creates green collar jobs, encourages local manufacturing, and creates power during peak hours when it’s needed most. After hearing all the arguments the moderator, Los Angeles City Councilmember Bill Rosendahl added his endorsement for Yes On Measure B.