Category Archives: Solar Energy

Green Revolution vs. Community Empowerment — Why Are They at Odds?

Posted on May 28, 2009 by

Ever since Measure B on solar energy got ramrodded onto the ballot last November, I’ve grappled with the question why the environmental movement prefers to cut deals with politicians rather than muster greater support from a public that embraces the … Continue reading →

Posted in Community Activists, Los Angeles, Solar Energy | Tagged , , , , | 20 Comments

Contempt for Voters: DWP, Mayor Ignore Rejection of Measure B

Posted on April 13, 2009 by

“A proprietary department of the City of Los Angeles, the Port is self-supporting and does not receive taxpayer dollars.” — April 2, 2009 press release from the Port of LA announcing the DWP will give a “$3.5 million up-front cash … Continue reading →

Posted in City Hall, Los Angeles, Solar Energy | Tagged , , , , , | 12 Comments

Real Solar Energy Efforts and the DWP’s Dirty Little Deal with the IBEW

Posted on April 6, 2009 by

“As a matter of fact we have an agreement with the IBEW that (under) the 20 percent by 2010 (renewable energy) standard, 40 percent will be owned or will be optioned to be owned (by the DWP) in recognition of … Continue reading →

Posted in Hot Topics, Los Angeles, Solar Energy | Tagged , , , , , | 6 Comments

Save David Nahai’s Job — “Greenwashers” Rally for Their Pal, Not for the Environmental Cause

Posted on April 1, 2009 by

Whether or not they believe in some imminent environmental doomsday, just about everybody “gets it” that we have to stop wasting water, polluting the air and exhausting the planet’s resources.   It’s taken a long time but the environmental movement … Continue reading →

Posted in Hot Topics, Los Angeles, Solar Energy | Tagged , , , , | 7 Comments

Thus Spake Brian D’Arcy: Nahai’s Kiss of Death

Posted on March 30, 2009 by

“Truthfulness (is) the highest virtue; this means the opposite of the cowardice of the “idealist” who flees from reality…” — Friedrich Nietzsche. Sounding a lot like the German philosopher who believed God is dead and man as supermen must reign … Continue reading →

Posted in City Hall, Los Angeles, Solar Energy | Tagged , , , | 19 Comments

Money, Power and Green Energy — Which Way for the Environmental Movement?

Posted on March 26, 2009 by

“When something that should be very popular doesn’t pass, it is a wakeup call to the mayor and the City Hall establishment. There was something that went on that the mayor and others need to look at and understand. There … Continue reading →

Posted in City Hall, Los Angeles, Solar Energy | Tagged , , , , , | 4 Comments

Measure B, the Aftermath: D’Arcy, the Bully on a Power Trip

Posted on March 21, 2009 by

Brian D’Arcy is the most powerful figure in City Hall politics, or at least one of them. There is no uncertainty at all as to whether he is the most feared. It is as if he had the letters H-E-L-P … Continue reading →

Posted in City Hall, Los Angeles, Solar Energy | 3 Comments

Measure B, the Aftermath: Nahai’s Super Ego and the Role of Fall Guy

Posted on March 21, 2009 by

In a city that worships at the Temple of Ego, DWP GM David Nahai is a shining superstar — if a giant image of him flashing these days on digital billboards along Sunset Boulevard qualifies for entry into the Pantheon … Continue reading →

Posted in City Hall, Los Angeles, Solar Energy | Tagged , , , , | 9 Comments

We Beat City Hall — We Can Change LA Working Together, Yes We Can

Posted on March 19, 2009 by

The Highway Patrolman’s red lights were flashing as I stood outside my car just across the border into Arizona Thursday night waiting for him to write the ticket when I heard the “tweet” alert. I reached for the cell phone … Continue reading →

Posted in City Hall, Community Activists, Hot Topics, Los Angeles, Solar Energy | Tagged , , , , | 15 Comments

DWP Monopoly or Nothing: IBEW Union Bosses Reject Working Together for Solar Energy

Posted on March 17, 2009 by

IBEW union bosses Brian D’Arcy and Marvin Kropke spent a million dollars or more of their members’ money to try to get voters to give them a monopoly on solar energy jobs in LA. They had blocked the city from … Continue reading →

Posted in City Hall, Los Angeles, Solar Energy | Tagged , , , | 13 Comments