NEVADA FOCUS: Blogs, Progressive Majority, Food Co-op, Alternative Energy, Groups and Events

PROGRESSIVE MAJORITY:

Progressive Majority is one of the most successful progressive organizations out there, electing good, solid progressives all over the country. Soon Progressive Majority will be up and running in Nevada and you can help. Fill out THIS FORM to join the Progressive Majority email list and stay informed. We'll send out an email as soon as we launch in Nevada.


NEVADA 2010: I now have my Nevada 2010 Act Blue page up to support Democratic efforts to turn Nevada bluer. Dina Titus (NV-3) is one of our top seats to defend in 2010, particularly given her vote in support of Obama's Healthcare reform and the right wing attacks against her. I am also targeting NV-2 to take over from the Republicans (a long shot, but so was NV-3 in 2008!) and supporting the Nevada Democratic Party as well. Give a little bit to solidify our gains in Nevada.


Humboldt County, NV Democrats Soup Kitchen: Every Fourth Sunday (and sometimes fifth Sunday), 5pm – 7pm
138 Winnemucca Blvd. Methodist Church back door
We are serving a dinner to less fortunate people in our community. You can find out when the next one is by checking out the Humboldt County Dems calendar.


Blogging Nevada:

Blue Sage Views

LeftyBlogs Nevada is the place to find out what's happening in the progressive blogosphere across Nevada.

My Silver State: Where Progressive Nevadans Unite


Here are some Democracy for America groups in Nevada for those who want People Powered Politics:

Las Vegas Democracy For America: Las Vegas Democracy For America is working to build our membership, register new voters, work to see our votes are protected and help elect Progressive Democrats at every level.

Our goal is to create a vibrant, unified Democratic Party in our counties and state. In addition work with other states to promote unity and take back our country in 2008. Sign up here to help.

DFA Reno/Democracy for Nevada: We are the Northern Nevada non-campus DFA affiliate Sign up here for more info.

Henderson NV Democracy For America: Henderson NV & Las Vegas Democracy For America are working to build our membership, register new voters, work to see our votes are protected and help elect Progressive Democrats at every level. Sign up here for more info.


And for those who like to combine social events with politics, here are the Drinking Liberally groups in Nevada:

Boulder City, Nevada
* Last Friday of each month, 6:00 pm onward
* Boulder Dam Brewing, 453 Nevada Hwy
* Hosted by Valerie McNay, Lynn Goya, Dave Kreamer and Matt Di Teresa, bouldercity (at) drinkingliberally.org

Fernley, Nevada
* Third Thursday of each month, 7:00 pm onward
* Truck Inn, (upper level of restaurant)
* Hosted by Joe Slabbinck and Robert Gleason, fernley (at) drinkingliberally.org

Northwest Las Vegas
* Every Thursday, 6:30 pm onward
* Tenaya Creek Restaurant & Brewery, 3101 N. Tenaya Way
* Hosted by Betsy Meinhold, lasvegas (at) drinkingliberally.org

Southeast/Henderson
* Every Tuesday, 7:00 pm onward
* The Gin Mill, 2561 Windmill Parkway (SE corner Windmill Parkway & Pecos)
* Hosted by David Black-Downes and Karen Kostoff, henderson (at) drinkingliberally.org

Reno
* Second Wednesday of each month, 6:00 pm
* Sage Creek Grill, 5851 S Virginia St (next to Wild Oats)
* Hosted by Kevin and Allison Edwards


Continuing the Fight for Healthcare reform in Nevada: sign up here to volunteer for the Health Care for America Now campaign in Nevada. About Health Care for America Now:

Health Care for America Now (HCAN) is a national grassroots campaign of more than 1,000 organizations in 46 states representing 30 million people dedicated to winning quality, affordable health care we all can count on in 2009. Our organization and principles are supported by President Obama, Vice President Biden, and more than 190 Members of Congress.

We are building a national movement to win comprehensive health care reform by helping mobilize people in their communities to lobby their U.S. Senators and Representatives in Congress to stand up to the insurance companies and other special interest groups to achieve quality, affordable health care in 2009.

Sign up to fight for health care reform in Nevada now. Or contact:

Theresa Navarro, HCAN
tnavarro@healthcareforamericanow.org


NEVADA FOOD CO-OPS

It took nearly 7 years living within a few blocks of one of the biggest food co-ops in America before Joy and I joined it. We were definitely reluctant. But, in the end the lack of good produce and the decline of our local supermarkets led to us joining. And the result is a slighly more inconvenient shopping trip each week, but much healthier, higher quality and cheaper food. I recommend joining a co-op if there is one nearby. You will save money and eat healthier. I find only one food co-op in Nevada to highlight...if you know of others, let me know:

Great Basin Community Food Coop
271 Wonder Street
Reno, Nevada 89502
Phone: (775) 324-6133
info@greatbasinfood.coop
http://greatbasinfood.coop

Great Basin Community Food Cooperative welcomes all who choose to participate in a community that promotes more equitable and ecologically sustainable ways of living, shares resources, and creates economic opportunity in an atmosphere of respect and reverence for humanity and the earth.

# We will maintain an uncompromising commitment to organic, local, and sustainable enterprise and products to the fullest extent possible.

# We will respect the diverse needs of our community at all cultural and economic levels, especially delivering the lowest prices possible consistent with a sound business plan.

# We will provide resources and tools to help our community empower themselves by hosting educational workshops and creating a knowledgeable and accommodating staff.
Great Basin Community Food Cooperative, above all, exists to reflect the values of its members.

The co-op is preparing to move at the end of March 2009 to 542 1/2 Plumas

We are excited to announce that we will be open to the public and accepting food stamps at our new location. The new site is also a great community access point for wholesome, local food-- located within two blocks of three major bus lines!! It has 34 parking spaces and enough storage space to accomodate bi-weekly orders from our largest organic distributor and daily deliveries from our local farmers and crafters!!

They also have a nice list of events.


Alternative Energy in Nevada:

Some stats from RePower America:

* Boulder City’s ‘Solar One’ is the third largest solar thermal plant in the world with a 64-megawatt capacity. Potentially, the site could generate 2,000 megawatts, or enough power for about a half-million people.

* Nevada has sixteen operating geothermal plants with a total of 300-megawatts installed capacity – producing enough electricity for over 200,000 homes! There are an additional 300-megawatts of geothermal power under development.

* The state has a renewable portfolio standard (RPS) that requires all public utilities to generate 20% of their electricity from renewable energy resources by 2015, with at least 5% from solar energy.

Alternative energy and YOUR energy bill: YOU can be part of the solution for America by signing up to purchase your energy through a Green Power Provider. My wife and I have been doing this in NYC for years. All our energy usage is provided through wind energy generation on American farms. So we use clean energy AND help American farmers. It costs us three cents per kilowatt-hour more per month, but we feel great about it. Although our actual energy may come from anywhere, we are paying to purchase wind energy for the energy grid. Each state has different programs available, usually through yuor existing energy provider right on your existing energy bill. To find such options in Nevada, go here and pick your energy provider from the list. If you need help, you can email me and tell me who you get your bill from (don't give me any other info!) and I can tell you who to contact to go green through that energy provider. Or you can do the same thing using Renewable Energy Certificates through an organization that works with utility companies, though in this case it is a separate bill. One off the cheapest (.4-1 cent per kilowatt-hour), but still e-Green certified, ways to do this is through Good Energy. Or, for about half a cent per kilowatt-hour you can purchase renewable energy certificates through Carbonfund.org. ANY of these ways you do it, you are helping the environment, helping America, and helping cut carbon emissions.


Bently Biofuels: Producing and Selling AMERICAN Fuels in Nevada

Bently Biofuels Company is dedicated to the research, development, production, and distribution of renewable fuels in order to preserve the environment and free our nation from the problems of imported energy. We feel this is the right thing to do for ourselves and for future generations.

Retail Station Now Open
The Bently Biofuels Outpost, our first retail store opened to the public on Tuesday September 30th 2008. The station is located at 1350 Buckeye Road in Minden, Nevada (location map) a short distance from our biofuel plant and is open for fueling 24/7. The station sells various blends of biodiesel and ethanol for all vehicles along with an assortment of healthy foods and eco-friendly products. For store hours and additional information visit Bently Biofuels Outpost.

Bulk Fuel Sales
Bently Biofuels Company produces biodiesel from a variety of recycled and non-food sources of vegetable oil. Bulk fuel blends are available for purchase at our plant by appointment or for delivery to your job site or business.

Fleet Solutions
Our retail station accepts ProFleet, our fleet card solution for local businesses wanting to green their transportation fleet. A fleet card application and additional information is available at PCS4fuel.

For information on our products and services click here. You may contact us by leaving a message at 775-783-0123 or by emailing us.


Sunrise Susutainable Resource Group, Reno, NV

Sunrise has worked for over ten years to educate and advocate for a sustainable future. As we have seen the adoption of so many sustainable concepts over the last few years, it becomes important that we not loose site of the real sustainable future – one where all 6.7 billion people on earth can have their needs met without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.

Our Mission:
The Sunrise mission is to empower Nevadans to use resources responsibly through education, advocacy and community development.

Our Affiliations:
Sunrise is a member of the Progressive Leadership Alliance of Nevada and is a chapter of the American Solar Energy Society.


Las Vegas Alternative Energy Group: Whether you want to inform yourself or are a Pro, Discuss various forms of energy procuration, why it makes sense for the community, the world and, of course, your pocket book!

A Greener Las Vegas: Green Home, Housing, Home Remodeling, New Urbanism & Sustainable Development


Groups and Events in Nevada:

The Progressive Leadership Alliance of Nevada (PLAN) is a non-profit organization formed in 1994 to bring people and organizations together to build a better Nevada. We are more than two-dozen groups dedicated to working for social, economic, and environmental justice. Our member groups include anti-poverty activists, people of color, children’s advocates, disabled persons, environmentalists, lesbians and gay men, and labor unions.

Las Vegas Democratic Party Meetup Group A large and active group organizing Las vegas.

Southern Nevada Stonewall Democratic Club
P O Box 72858
Las Vegas, Nevada 89170-2858
702 250-2070
www.stonewalllv.org

Stonewall Democrats of Northern Nevada serves the greater Reno/Sparks/Carson City area of Northern Nevada, meetings seem to be first Monday of each month. For more info: 775-787-0890, StonewallDemNN_at_yahoo.com