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

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. As added incentive, I will donate to any Nevada candidate on my Nevada 2010 page that one of my readers donates to.


Blogging Nevada:

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

My Silver State: Where Progressive Nevadans Unite

And a reader's suggestion: About ProgressNow Nevada: a multi-issue progressive advocacy organization that combines cutting edge online organizing and communications with rapid and hard-hitting earned media strategies. Year round, ProgressNow Nevada works to engage citizens from across the state around issues of immediate state or local concern.

Desert Beacon: Progressive blog for those interested in Nevada and national politics

RockSpot: ramblings about political issues.


Elliot Anderson for Nevada Assembly:

Elliot Anderson is running for Nevada's state Assembly (District 15) in Clark County. Anderson is a unique candidate in that he has been endorsed by a wide spectrum of Nevada's organizations: from Las Vegas LGBT Publications and Nevada Conservation League all the way to the National Rifle Association. More importantly to my interests in his campaign, VoteVets.org and Howard Dean's Democracy for America have also endorsed Elliot Anderson for Nevada Assembly. He is a true progressive who also can talk to the NRA...that is a rare opportunity! Here is Anderson's campaign statement to DFA:

Before graduating from high school, Elliot Anderson signed up for the U.S. Marine Corps. Serving as a machine gunner for four years on active duty and three years in the inactive reserve (including a combat deployment to Afghanistan), he returned a decorated marine. He received numerous medals awarding his service, including the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, three Sea Service Deployment Ribbons, a Combat Action Ribbon, and the Rifle Expert Badge. After his return from duty, Elliot began searching for a place to call home and build his future. Nevada turned out to be the perfect fit.

Once moving to Nevada in 2005, Elliot immediately became recognized by many as an individual with a strong work ethic who was dedicated to improving our community. . While serving as the Interim Chair of the Nevada Democratic Veterans and Military Families Caucus, he helped to raise funds in order to send care packages to America’s men and women overseas.

Currently serving as the Nevada State Captain for VoteVets.org, Elliot works to empower and elect to office America’s veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Elliot has also worked hard with the community to address our service men and women’s needs. Recently, Elliot has successfully fought for the people in Assembly District 15 at the Nevada legislature. While working for our current Assemblywoman, Kathy McClain, Elliot was able to develop and present language for a Bipartisan veterans bill that passed unanimously in both the Senate and the Assembly. Elliot not only continues to work hard at all he does, but has made a commitment to use these experiences in order to advocate for better communication between residents and the elected officials who represent them.

In the military, in school, and in his civilian life, Elliot gained unique qualifications which differentiate him from others. While serving our country, he learned how to negotiate in order to find common ground between disagreeing parties, and also the importance of fighting for those who don’t have a voice of their own. While working for Assembly 15, he quickly grasped the ins and outs of the legislative process, while proving himself as someone who listens and believes in working towards a goal that benefits the people. His involvement with numerous community organizations established him as a leader in grassroots and community outreach. Elliot has become the perfect choice to represent the people of Assembly 15.

Anderson has also been endorsed by VoteVets.org, the AFL-CIO, IBEW 357, Southern Nevada Building and Construction Trades, Senator Bob Coffin, Assemblywoman Ellen Koivisto, Assemblyman Harvey Munford, Assemblyman Joe Hogan, Assemblywoman Kathy McClain, and Assemblyman Paul Aizley.

If you live in the 15th Assembly district, please volunteer for Eliot Anderson's campaign. And if you can't do that, please donate to his campaign.


The Nevada Young Activist Project (NYAP)

The Nevada Young Activist Project (NYAP) was developed as part of PLAN’s commitment to nurturing and supporting the lead- ership development of our state’s youth. NYAP’s vision is to aid the development of an educated and respected youth community that works towards the goals of social justice, willingly takes action and is able to achieve positive changes in our community in order to create accessible pathways to engage the democratic process and to reverse underrepresentation of their communities.

Action PLAN:
* Recruit young activists and educate them in public policy making and the political system as a whole
* Provide local youth with the necessary tools to become leaders in their community
* Develop and continue nurturing an active base that— with comprehensive access to opportunities and resources—actively, continuously and successfully takes direct action within the progressive movement
* Develop and nurture a base of able and non-able voters that share our values/goals/ vision and can effectively mobilize them during the electoral cycle
* Deepen young people's commitment to civic engagement through voter registration and "Get Out the Vote" activities

Learn More

Check out the NYAP Brochure to see our list of trainings with descriptions.

Get Involved

NYAP members participate in a variety of issues ranging from environmental work, immigration to homeless advocacy. Please contact one of the PLAN offices to get more information.

Las Vegas:
732 S. 6th Street, Suite 200
Las Vegas, NV 89101
(702) 791-1965
Contact the office.

Reno:
821 Riverside Drive
Reno, NV 89503
(775) 348-7557
Contact the office.


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.


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.


Other 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


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


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