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The most controversial initiative on the March 3rd ballot is Measure B, "which calls for unionized DWP workers to install solar panels on rooftops and parking lots across the city," as the LA Times once put it. Solar power, a definite good thing, is not all that it's cracked up to be, at least in this plan say opponents. At last night's packed Sherman Oaks Neighborhood Council meeting of around 200 people, proponents from both sides of the issue were scheduled to speak. But the Yes on B side represented by James Unger, which is for all purposes is Mayor Villaraigosa and friends, did not show. The opposition, officially represented by City Attorney candidate Noel Weiss, gave their spiel and easily won over the crowd who booed and hissed at the mere mention of the yes side. Who knew the do gooding nature of solar power would turn into such a contemptuous subject?
Measure B, the Solar Power Initiative, Loses to Crowd of 200
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Good posts from the front lines Zach. Interesting that Trujillo's crew was a no show; they were very cooperative and friendly about coming to my NC meeting until I had to sadly inform them that our Council President refused to place the item on the agenda, despite the fact we had both sides confirmed.
The issue with B is not solar but a measure so badly flawed that even the City's staff and consultant said so. It was rushed to the ballot and quite frankly few even have any confidence in the DWP's ability to even manage the program; given past experience on solar.
We need solar but we don't need it held hostage by DWP. A green industry is taking off in LA and too much government intervention will kill it. It could be an excellent source of jobs and could restore LA's industrial base to some degree. I also think it specifically is an industry that is suited for free market innovation, without the hand of the government, much like the IT field. Also this could drive up DWP rates as much as 300% which I'm not sure anyone could afford now.
Zach there are some items your readers may not know about as to why we weren't at Sherman Oaks.
Jill Banks Barad is both the President of the Valley Alliance of NC's and the Sherman Oaks NC. When we asked why we weren't allowed to give a presentation on Measure B at the Valley Alliance, she ignored us. When we followed up with her in person on Saturday about the Sherman Oaks NC she was flustered and answered that we could only speak during public comment.
Note, that at the very same time Noel Weiss was talking during what I believe was public comment (I would love to know if he was on the agenda). Our campaign was invited and agendized to speak at the Hollywood Residents Association NC where both sides were heard. The NO side was represented by Ron Kaye and Jack Humphreville.
When both sides were given equal time and agendized the Hollywood Residents NC decided to investigate further and pushed it to their meeting next month, an appropriate and smart move on their part.
As for the North Hollywood NC, I would argue that if we can't make it we will still be friendly and cooperative and will be to any Neighborhood Council that invites us.
But when given the choice between two competing time slots with one NC having us agendized and another throwing us a bread crumb on public comment (i refer to Sherman Oaks, not North Hollywood) I find it makes sense to attend and debate the merits of Measure B with the NC that has put us on their agenda. Some may think that is radical, I see it as prudent.
As for the merits of the initiative you can go to http://greenenergygoodjobsla.com/ to learn more.
Thanks
Hey Mike,
Thanks for your response. You guys were listed under "New Business" with a "Possible Action Item" and not under "Public Comment." Noel Weiss and Jeff Bloch had ample time to speak. Sorry you couldn't make it!
"New Business" is "news" to us.
We were told by Jill verbally on Saturday we were going to be under "public comment."
Mike, can I get added to your press release list? zach@laist.com. thanks!
Measure B has some pretty good merits. Despite the controversy regarding how it was put onto the ballot it has a similar makeup to that of California's landmark energy law AB 32. I've heard the arguments put up by the critics that it is a backdoor deal, union power grab (no pun intended) and that it will be expensive, but those items don't necessarily affect the merits of the issue.
What it does is create a mandate to produce 400 megawatts of renewable power to reduce the carbon footprint of the city and provide an estimated 2000 green collar jobs (not to mention jobs created by the manufacturing required). These are the kinds of jobs that Hillary and Obama talked about when they campaigned in California last year. Our economy needs those jobs.
LADWP is the agency that produces the city's power, like it or not, so they are the agency to do it. Waiting until people "feel" DWP has their act together is unrealistic.
I'm not saying that Measure B is perfect, just that the positives outway the negatives and people should be blinded by all of the conspiracy hype.
yeah, lets give this lucrative contract to the DWP so they can make solar energy even less cost effective than before. I think in these times using competitive bidding is the only way this project can be done efficiently & financially responsible. Lets use this as an opportunity to support our economy and remove bureaucracy.
Mike unfortunately we wanted to get you on the agenda for the NoHo NC but our President refused to agendize it. We're going however to bring it up as an emergency item and hope it flies. So we may wind up considering it There was nothing personal; you're in the same boat as the No side.
Adam - why do we need the DWP to mandate solar power? There is already a fast growing solar industry in LA; why nationalize that under the DWP.
As well under this plan the panels will be made in China not LA. How does that grow jobs?