State of the Planet

Posted is a very informative and interesting audio slide show highlighting some major changes occurring on our planet as a result of human activity. The slide show illustrates the affect humans have on the earth's biosphere and living organisms in a variety of ways; in fact, some scientists have even dubbed the present era the "Anthropocene", or the era of humanity.
Take a couple minutes out of your day and watch the slide show. All of the maps are from the Atlas of Global Conservation--also a very fun and informative resource.

Greendance Film Festival

The Greendance Film Festival is his Saturday, April 24th.

Brought to you by the Institute for Sustainable Development at CSU, Chico, the Greendance Film Festival is a day-long event showcasing a broad range of films related to environmental awareness and sustainable development.

New to the festival this year (and a very bright idea), Greendance will be available to you in the comfort of your own home! In order to minimize the festival's carbon footprint and provide multiple venues in an ecologically sensible way, The Institute for Sustainable Development has partnered with KIXE TV and VideoRanch3D to broadcast select films on air and online. If you are living in the greater North State area simply tune in to KIXE TV on Saturday to watch Greendance films from on your television. If you are in Botswana, Budapest, Benicia or anywhere else outside of KIXE TV's broadcasting range simply go to VideoRanch3d.com and watch select films on your computer.

And of course, because a film festival wouldn't be a festival if it didn't have a live screening, the actual Greendance Film Festival will be held at the Harlan Adams Theater this Saturday, April 24th between 10:00-7:00 PM.

For a complete list of films, including those that will be available through KIXE TV and VideoRanch3d, visit Greendance Film Festivals website.

EcoFest!! This Saturday, April 17th

Come to Chico State this Saturday for the 13th annual EcoFest Celebration!

The Environmental Action Resource Center (EARC) at CSU, Chico has worked relentlessly to bring the most popular musicians, entertainers and speakers together to promote and celebrate environmental awareness. This Saturday spend your time enjoying sunshine, music, dancing, arts, crafts AND speeches from Rawlins Advisory Board members Jim Pushnik and Mayor Ann Schwab.

Aside from the entertainment provided, EcoFest-goers will be able to peruse through various tables set up by local green organizations and shop for gifts made from local vendors. If you show up at 11 you can even join the free outdoor yoga class!
Lawn chairs are encouraged as are bicycles, families, friends and dancing feet. For more information visit aschico.com or check out the tentative schedule below.
See you there!

11:00 - 11:40 Yoga
11:45- 12:25 MaMuse
12:30 – 12:45 Rawlins Professor for Environmental Literacy Jim Pushnik
12:55 – 1:55 Diego’s Umbrella
2:05 – 2:35 Goddess2U Belly Dancers
2:40 – 2:50 Chico Mayor and Rawlins Advisory Board Member Ann Schwab
3:00 – 3:40 Swamp Zen
3:45 - 3:55 Paul Maslin Award Announcement
4:00 – 4:30 Gorgorlu West African Dance
4:35 – 4:40 Art Contest Winner Announcement
4:45 – 5:15 JP Gutierrez
5:20 – 6:10 Boss 501

Frugal House 2010, The Art of Sustainable Design - April 15-18

Due to the success and popularity of last year’s fundraising event the Frugal House is back at it, this time bringing you all the sustainable design inspirations and affordable furnishing ideas your creative heart could desire. Using an empty home as a blank canvas Chico State and Butte College students have designed and decorated a home with refurbished furniture and décor, creating a beautiful (and enviable) blend of thrift and tasteful design. Everything inside the home is for sale during the event and all proceeds benefit the North State Symphony Orchestra.

Information and tickets to Frugal House 2010, including the Grand Opening ceremony (complete with live music, wine and first dibs on any of the décor) can be found online at the Symphony’s website or in town at The Shop, The ARC Store of Butte County, Zucchini & Vine, Creekside Cellars, Paw Prints Thrift Store and the North State Symphony Office. This year the house is located at 716 Brookwood Way, directly off of Hooker Oak Ave.

Chico Releases Draft of 2030 General Plan

The City of Chico has released the new 2030 General Plan to the public for review and comment. Updated approximately every 20 years, the General Plan is a “statement of the community’s priorities to guide public decision making” by providing “...a comprehensive, long-range and internally consistent policy framework for the growth and preservation of Chico”.

New to the General Plan is a Chapter dedicated entirely towards the sustainable growth and development of Chico. This chapter addresses the ways Chico can efficiently improve the environment, economy and social equity in Chico over the next 20 years. The inclusion of an entire chapter on Sustainability marks a milestone in the City of Chico’s dedication to responsible development. By including Sustainable measures in the future development of Chico, the City establishes an innovative and leading role amongst Northern California communities.

To review and comment on the new General Plan visit the 2030 General Plan website at Chicogeneralplan.com, view it at the Butte County or CSU, Chico Library, or pick it up on a CD at the Planning Services Department on the second floor of the Chico Municipal Building at 411 Main Street. Comments are accepted until June 31^st.

Participate in Earth Hour this Saturday

The World Wildlife Fund's 3rd annual Earth Hour event is scheduled to happen this Saturday, March 27th from 8:30 to 9:30 PM.

Over 80 million Americans and 1 billion people worldwide participated in Earth Hour last year by turning out their lights for one hour in support of action on climate change and toward creating a cleaner, safer and more secure future.

Landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Golden Gate Bridge, Las Vegas Strip and the Great Pyramids of Gaza will also participate in the event this year. The City of Chico will also participate by turning off exterior lights at the Chico Municipal Center on Main Street.

The Rawlins Advisory Board encourages you to participate in Earth Hour as well and to tell your friends and neighbors about the event and the importance of our solidarity and recognition of mankinds environmental responsibilities.

More information about Earth Hour can be found at www.myearthhour.org

Big Chico Creek Ecological Reserve

Did you know the Big Chico Creek Ecological Reserve is open for public use? Anyone can walk in to the reserve at any time, just sign in at a main gate and follow the rules posted on the sign. The BCCER is a perfect place for a picnic, family outing or an afternoon stroll. Access the reserve through Highway 32 or Bidwell park, and make sure you're not going on a designated hunting day by checking out the BCCER website here.
The BCCER is a resource managed by the California State University, Chico Research Foundation through The Institute for Sustainable Development and the College of Natural Sciences.