News & Views

Op-eds, Guest Articles, and Interviews

• REPORT: A Resilient Future for the 99%
  Earth Island Journal, Winter 2012
  Project report on Bay Localize’s work to build equitable, resilient communities as a strategy for addressing climate change, resource scarcities, and economic inequality.
• INTERVIEW: How far have we come in fighting global warming in 2012?
  KALW’s “Your Call” radio show, Dec. 20, 2012
  Bay Localize’s Co-Founder Kirsten Schwind interviewed on KALW
  Kirsten discusses climate activism and how the Local Clean Energy Alliance is making a difference in the fight against global warming.
• INTERVIEW: Finest Worksong: Interview with Aaron Lehmer
  PlanetShifter.com Magazine, Feb. 25, 2012
  Interview by Willi Paul with Bay Localize’s Aaron Lehmer on the Occupy movement, permaculture, and the transition to a post-petroleum, localized world.
• OP-ED: Update city zoning laws to aid urban agriculture
  Oakland Tribune, Aug. 5, 2011
  My Word op-ed on the promise of growing food locally by Bay Localize’s Kay Cuajunco and Aaron Lehmer.
• INTERVIEW: International Day of Climate Action
  Public Radio International’s “Living on Earth”, Oct. 1, 2010
  This set of interviews from organizers around the world features Bay Localize’s Aaron Lehmer talking about the “Get Down and Dirty Oakland” event that took place on 10/10/10.
• OP-ED: Bay Area residents hold the power to make Big Oil pay
  Oakland Tribune, Aug. 27, 2010
  My Word op-ed on the power of residents and organizations to ensure Chevron and Big Oil pays for its pollution of local communities. Co-authored by Bay Localize’s Aaron Lehmer and Jennifer Perez.
• REPORT: Building Resilience
  Earth Island Journal, Winter 2010
  Project report on Bay Localize’s work to build a truly inclusive and equitable movement for regional self-reliance.
• INTERVIEW: Graduate Cool: A recent grad follows her passions and finds a green job she digs
  Grist.com, Sep. 19, 2008
  Interview with Bay Localize’s Maya Donelson discusses her journey from graduate to organizer of a rooftop garden on Glide Memorial Church.
• INTERVIEW: 10 Questions with Aaron Lehmer of Bay Localize
  LocalBizBlogs.com, Mar. 25, 2008
  This interview with Aaron Lehmer discusses how regional self-reliance is key to strengthening local communities.

Articles and Media Featuring Our Work

• Oakland’s Poorest Neighborhoods Will Be The Most Susceptible to Flooding Due To Climate Change And Sea-Level Rise
  East Bay Express, Apr. 19, 2017
• A Little Funding Goes a Long Way
  Resilience.org, Oct. 17, 2016
• Oakland Workers Join Grassroots Environmental Justice Activists To ‘Say No to Coal’
  In These Times, Mar. 22, 2016
• Oakland folks join People’s Climate March in NYC, here
  Oakland Local, Sep. 24, 2014
• Rally and Senate Vote NO AB 2145 the “Monopoly Power Grab”
  KPFA’s “Up Front” with Guest Host Marie Choi, Jun. 23, 2014
• NO AB 2145 the “Monopoly Power Grab” on KPFA
  KPFA’s Pacifica Evening News, Jun. 19, 2014
• Rally at PG&E Office Targets Bill that May Threaten Creation of Local Clean Energy Agencies
  Bay Area News Group, Jun. 19, 2014
• Alameda County: Start up energy agency could power East Bay cities
  The Oakland Tribune, Jun. 6, 2014
  The Alameda County Board of Supervisors unanimously voted to take the first step in Community Choice Aggregation, launching a $1.3 million feasibility study.
• Al Weinrub – A Volunteer Energized About Renewable Energy
  Sierra Club Yodeler, Nov. 4, 2013
  Highlighting Al Weinrub’s leadership in climate justice and renewable energy through his work for the Local Clean Energy Alliance
• Thriving Resilient Communities Collaboratory
  Video piece features thoughts from Rooted in Resilience’s Colin Miller as a member organization of the Collaboratory.
• New Frontiers and Frontlines in the World of Energy
  KPFA’s Terra Verde, Oct. 18, 2013
  Host Laura Garzon discusses impacts of fracking, how to stop it, and clean energy alternatives with Bay Localize and the Local Clean Energy Alliance’s Colin Miller, Future of Energy, and Center on Race Poverty and the Environment.
• Local Clean Energy Alliance Coordinator Al Weinrub on KPFA
  KPFA’s Pacifica Evening News, Sep. 18, 2012
• NerdWallet’s Top 4 Sustainable Living Non-Profits in the Bay Area
  NerdWallet, Jul. 30, 2012
  Article discussing Bay Localize as #2 of the top 4 bay area sustainable living non-profits for inspiring change for the future.
• When Will We Go Green?
  East Bay Express, May 30, 2012
  Article discussing how some Bay Area communities are forming public-power networks to buy and build renewable energy, but East Bay cities have been slow to join the green revolution. Quotes the Local Clean Energy Alliance’s Al Weinrub.
• When the Economy’s Rotten, Sell Compost: Transforming Ecological Crisis into Community Opportunity
  East Bay Express – Progressive Opportunities Conference, Feb. 26, 2012
  Audio presentation revealing exclusive sneak peak at interactive tools from Bay Localize’s forthcoming second edition of the Community Resilience Toolkit. Speaker: Bay Localize’s Kirsten Schwind.
• Economic Development for our Communities – the potential of decentralized Energy Systems
  East Bay Express – Progressive Opportunities Conference, Feb. 26, 2012
  Audio presentation on how localized energy systems can address both the climate crisis and economic crisis of our cities, rolling back greenhouse gas emissions and providing clean energy jobs. Speaker Local Clean Energy Alliance’s Al Weinrub.
• Progressive Opportunities Conference: Building a Just and Sustainable Local Economy
  East Bay Express, Feb. 15, 2012
  Story on this East Bay Express-produced conference designed to help build a “just and sustainable” local economy. Quotes the Local Clean Energy Alliance’s Al Weinrub.
• Oakland aims to rebuild local food system one farm at a time
  Oakland Tribune, Feb. 11, 2012
  Story on Oakland’s efforts to boost local food production through urban agriculture and food micro-enterprise. Quotes Bay Localize’s Aaron Lehmer.
• Editorial: Making Clean Power SF work
  SF Bay Guardian, Dec. 20, 2011
  Editorial on SF’s emerging Community Choice Energy program, affirming the Local Clean Energy Alliance’s call for in-city development of renewable energy as part of the program’s rollout.
• Are we green yet? San Francisco’s ambitious clean-power program moves toward approval
  SF Bay Guardian, Dec. 20, 2011
  Story on SF’s emerging Community Choice Energy program. Notes the work of the Local Clean Energy Alliance to ensure in-city development of renewable energy as part of the program’s rollout.
• Urban Farming in Oakland
  Oakland North, Nov. 30, 2011
  Video news piece on Oakland’s emerging urban agriculture zoning update. Includes interview with Bay Localize’s Aaron Lehmer.
• Marchers in S.F. push for end to fossil fuel use
  San Francisco Chronicle, Sep. 24, 2011
  Story on the Moving Planet mass mobilization for climate justice, including quote by Bay Localize’s Aaron Lehmer.
• At planning meeting, Oaklanders debate over urban animal husbandry
  Oakland North, Jul. 22 2011
  Coverage of Oakland’s first community meeting on urban agriculture. Quotes Bay Localize’s Aaron Lehmer.
• Oakland Sprouting New Farming Laws
  NBCBayArea.com, Jul. 21, 2011
  Coverage of Oakland’s efforts to update urban agriculture zoning laws. Quotes Bay Localize’s Aaron Lehmer.
• Planning commission votes to ease restrictions on selling backyard produce
  Oakland North, Jun. 16, 2011
  Coverage of the Oakland Planning Commission’s unanimous approval of a proposal to allow “crop growing” as a home occupation. Quotes Bay Localize’s Aaron Lehmer.
• City’s local power program will be greener, but not so local, at first
  SF Bay Guardian, May 12, 2011
  Feature on efforts to ensure that San Francisco’s Community Choice Energy program includes plans for building out local solar systems. Quotes the Local Clean Energy Alliance’s Al Weinrub.
• Decentralized renewable energy is goal of Bay Area coalition
  California Independent Voter Network, Mar. 22, 2011
  Feature article on the Local Clean Energy Alliance’s new publication, Community Power: Decentralized Renewable Energy in California
• Advocates rally for clean energy
  KTVU, Mar. 18, 2011
  News segment covering a rally for clean energy following the 2nd annual Clean Power, Healthy Communities conference. Features interview with Bay Localize’s Kirsten Schwind.
• Oakland aims to rebuild local food system one farm at a time
  East Bay Express, Mar. 18, 2011
  Feature article describing the efforts of Bay Localize, the Oakland Food Policy Council, and our allies to advance key urban ag recommendations to the City of Oakland.
• Will Going Local Make Us Happier?
  KALW’s “Your Call” radio show, Jan. 13, 2011
  Program featured Bay Localize’s Kirsten Schwind, Helena Norberg-Hodge, and guests to discuss the value of localism. In her new documentary, The Economics of Happiness, Norberg-Hodge argues that not only does going local foster a better economy, but it’s critical to finding pleasure and meaning in our lives. Click here for the full show.
• Laney Garden and the 10/10/10 Work Party
  Laney College, Oct. 10, 2010
  This article describes the evolution of Laney College’s campus garden, and notes the “Get Down and Dirty” work party and concert that Bay Localize produced in collaboration with the Oakland Climate Action Coalition, Ella Baker Center, and CommuniTree on 10/10/10.
• Crafting A Peak Oil “Narrative”
  Scienceblogs.com, Oct. 7, 2010
  This article by Sharon Astyk quotes Bay Localize’s Dave Room, speaking at the Association for the Study of Peak Oil (ASPO) Conference about the importance of challenging the materialistic notion of the American Dream, and replacing it with a narrative centered around thriving in resilient communities.
• How Resilient Are You?
  Yes! Magazine, Aug. 13, 2010
  This article offers a personal resilience test and summarizes various resources and organizations for boosting your community’s resilience. Bay Localize’s Community Resilience Toolkit is featured.
• Prop 16 Opponents Celebrate
  SF Bay Guardian, Jun. 9, 2010
  Article discusses the victory by renewable energy activists against Prop 16, PG&E’s “Power Grab” ballot box attempt to undermine Community Choice Energy programs.
• Climate Change – Is Oakland a Model for a Local Approach?
  OaklandNorth.net, Feb. 24, 2010
  This article highlights the work of the Local Clean Energy Alliance and the Oakland Climate Action Coalition to build a movement for strong climate policies and clean energy jobs. Quotes Bay Localize’s Dave Room.
• When the Revolution Is Over, the Work Begins
  Oakland Magazine, Jan./Feb. 2010
  This article outlines the many local campaigns and groups working for sustainability in the East Bay. Quotes Bay Localize’s Dave Room.
• Oakland hip to community
  Mother Earth News, Oct./Nov. 2009
  This article highlights Bay Localize as a group that “has launched a variety of successful programs designed to build local economic and environmental self-reliance.” Quotes Bay Localize’s Kirsten Schwind.
• Oakland sets emissions goals
  Oakland Tribune, Jul. 10, 2009
  This article highlights the role of Bay Localize and the Oakland Climate Action Coalition in pushing for strong climate protection targets in Oakland. Quotes Bay Localize’s Aaron Lehmer.
• City Council plans to make huge cuts to Oakland greenhouse gas emissions
  Oakland Tribune, Jul. 7, 2009
  This article highlights the role of our Local Clean Energy Alliance in pushing for strong climate protection targets in Oakland’s emerging Energy and Climate Action Plan. Quotes Bay Localize’s Dave Room.
• Urban Farming, a Bit Closer to the Sun
  New York Times, Jun. 16, 2009
  This article highlights several rooftop gardens in San Francisco, Chicago, and New York, including Graze the Roof, a Bay Localize-affiliated project on top of the Glide Memorial Church.
• Graze the Roof, a rooftop garden at Glide
  San Francisco Chronicle, Dec. 27, 2008
  This article discusses Graze the Roof, a garden project on top of the Glide Memorial Church’s offices, that is a partnership between Glide and Bay Localize.
• Slow Pleasures – You Are What You Eat
  Oakland Magazine, Nov. 2007
  Wanda Hennig reports on the growing Slow Food movement, and quotes Bay Localize’s Kirsten Schwind on the potential of hydroponic rooftop gardens to help meet urban food needs.
• At This Gallery, Green Is Primary – ‘Living Roof’ Tops Berkeley Space
  San Francisco Chronicle, Aug. 1, 2007
  This article by Nancy Davis Kho reports on the Green City Gallery, a green urban solutions showcase in downtown Berkeley, co-managed by Bay Localize and Dig City Coop.
• Fluorescent Light Bulbs, Controlling Electricity Sources Lauded at Community Meeting
  Berkeley Daily Planet, May 22, 2007
  This news article by Judith Scherr reports on Berkeley’s Measure G Climate Action Kickoff meeting, and notes Bay Localize’s advocacy of Community Choice Aggregation as part of the solution.
• Localize It: Local Action – New Initiative Aims to Deglobalize the Bay Area’s Economy
  SF Bay Guardian, Jan. 3, 2007
  This news article by Jeff Goodman describes the Campaign for Bay Area Localization and summarizes the arguments for transitioning to a more sustainable, localized economy.
• Toward a Sustainable San Francisco
  SF Bay Guardian, Jan. 3, 2007
  This Guardian editorial says that our Campaign for Bay Area Localization makes a “powerful argument” for localizing our regional economy and urges the S.F. Supervisors to “hold hearings, bring in the authors of the report, and move to create a formal policy that sets sustainable local economics as a standard for all city business.”
• The Oil Is Going, The Oil Is Going!
  Salon.com, Mar. 22, 2006
  This piece profiles the peak oil movement, reports on Bay Localize’s Berkeley community event, and quotes Bay Localize’s Aaron Lehmer.