The Green Blog Network: Happy Sustainable Holidays From Sen. Pavley

Sustainability Award

Pavley staffer Stephanie Molen presents Sustainability Award to Toyota Santa Monica GM Bill Rinker

Each month I recognize a business, person or organization in my district that is dedicated to preserving our environment by living and working responsibly. This month I'm proud to announce that I presented an Environmental Sustainability Award to Toyota Santa Monica.

Bill Rinker, the General Manager of Toyota Santa Monica has shown forward thinking by installing the first open access electrical vehicle charging station in the nation. Anyone with a plug-in or hybrid vehicle manufactured in 2010 and beyond, will be able to drive up to Toyota Santa Monica to get charged.

As the #1 Hybrid Dealer in the World Toyota Santa Monica has continued to accommodate and promote a sustainable environment. The dealership's dedication and commitment to resource conservation by purchasing policies, recycling, implementing operation changes that eliminate toxic chemicals, energy efficiency and water conservation is remarkable and an inspiration to other businesses in the 23rd Senate District.

Help for the Holidays

If your family is one of the many struggling this holiday season, I would urge you to research the non-profits in your area that can help meet your needs. I have listed just a few of the many valuable organizations serving the residents of the 23rd Senate District.

Inclusive Teaching at Chime Institute

Sen. Pavley with Governor Schwarzenegger

I had a wonderful time with Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, first Lady Maria Shriver, Assemblywoman Julia Brownley, and other dignitaries at Chime Charter School in Woodland Hills recently as they announced that the new combined elementary and middle school will be renamed the CHIME Institute's Schwarzenegger Community School.

CHIME implements a unique co-teaching model where general and special education teachers plan, assess and instruct all students to provide targeted curriculum and learning experiences that meet the needs of all students. This co-teaching and collaborative related service model ensures these layers of instructional support benefit all students. CHIME Charter Elementary School was named "Charter School of the Year" by the California Charter School Association in 2005 and in the same year was recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a leading model of inclusive education.

Celebrating 10 Years of Green Entrepreneurial Leadership

Sen. Pavley with E2 Co-Founder Nicole Lederer, Peter Lehner, Frances Beinecke, E2 Co-Founder Bob Epstein and NRDC Founder John Adams at the E2 10th anniversary gala

I was thrilled to take part in the 10th Anniversary celebration of Environmental Entrepreneurs, or E2, which is an organization affiliated with the Natural Resources Defense Council. E2's mission is to unite business leaders to advocate for good environmental policy. E2 was started in California by co-founders Bob Epstein and Nicole Lederer with a goal of driving environmental policies that make good economic sense. It was a visionary idea – promote environmental laws that are good for business. Bob and Nicole worked with me on my Clean Cars Bill (AB 1493) in 2002 and on my landmark Clean Energy Law (AB 32) in 2006. They also worked with me on my Alternative Fuels bill (AB 1007), and most recently on my Energy Improvement Financing Bill (SB 77). Congratulations on 10 productive years and many more to come!

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