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In With the New: Obama’s Fuel Efficiency Standards

Pooja Jhobalia — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 12:15:13 +0000

As we are officially in the busiest driving season of the year, let’s take a look at the cars already on the road. More than 15,000,000 Angelenos drive the roads and as much as I hate to admit it – we are exceedingly dependent on foreign oil. It is remarkable that when gas prices plummet, we see more SUVs (aka cars the size of houses) driving around. And when gas prices soar, we see people driving compact cars with people piled up inside. It’s not surprising that our new presidential administration seeks to change these habits.

According to the EPA, our current vehicles get only 21 mpg on average. The Obama White House has unveiled an aggressive standard for auto manufacturers to boost the overall fuel economy by 40% over seven years.

The Obama Administration passed a new rule on May 19 requiring an average fleet fuel efficiency of 35.5 mpg by 2016. The old federal standard sought that efficiency by 2020.

Under the new system, all vehicles will need to meet or exceed a target adjusted to their vehicle size. For example, a Chevy Tahoe, which is 55 square feet, will be required to get about 24 mpg by 2011. Currently, the vehicle gets about 15 mpg. Additionally, this vehicle will have to continually improve from that point on. A senior administration official states that this transition will “remove 900 million metric tons of carbon dioxide from the air, take 177 million cars off the road, and shut down 194 coal-fired power plants.”

By the time these changes come into effect, it is estimated that gas prices will be closer to $3.50 – translation – people will flock to their mini compact vehicles and leave their SUVs hibernating in the garage. The Obama Administration states that the cost per fuel-efficient vehicle would increase to an optimistic $1,300 per new vehicle. It would take less than a few years to visualize the benefit of fewer trips to refuel our vehicles’ empty bellies.

How do gas-guzzlers suddenly become fuel efficient? No drastic changes need to be made to the infrastructure and many manufacturers have found that only minor modifications to the vehicle and engine design are necessary. So the only question left unanswered is: why have we not done this already?

For those of us who do not plan to purchase a new vehicle anytime soon, here are some tips to reduce your trips to the gas pump: Decrease aggressive driving, avoid excessive idling and maintain properly inflated tires. By following these tips you can significantly improve your vehicle’s fuel economy. Remember, the best gas mileage comes from adjusting our driving habits.

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A Presidential Change

Tracy Hepler — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 13:02:27 +0000

Today we celebrate the inauguration of The 44th President of the United States of America, Barack Obama. This past year his candidacy inspired many of us. Some of us entered the political arena as volunteers for the first time, others who had given up on the political process before, gave it another chance. Many of us found hope in his inspiring message of change. One thing became clear, inaction is no longer an option.

Barack Obama’s message of hope inspires me not only for the state of our nation, but also for the state of our planet. Despite much of the damage that has been done to our planet, I believe we can make a difference, we can work together to fight Global Warming and that we don’t have to sacrifice our lifestyles to do it. WE can make Change happen.

In honor of the inauguration, ydt has decided to devote this week to social activism causes through out our community. We hope that we can inspire you to go out into your community and find a cause that speaks to you. To help you out we’ve also released a Volunteer Guide that we will be updating with organizations, causes, and non profits as we discover them.

“We are the change we have been waiting for.” Barack Obama, President of the United States of America

*Inauguration coverage begins on CNN today at 8 a.m. PST

ydt Alert: Co-Founder Tracy Hepler featured her first blog for the Huffington Post Green on 01/16/2009. A Twenty’s Somethings Guide to Going Green reaches out to the 20 somethings of Gen Y to show them how they have the power to make the world a greener and better place. Read the full article and support Tracy here. You can also view her Blogger Profile on the Huff Post here.

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National Day Of Service

Tracy Hepler — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 14:08:16 +0000

I love the MLK Holiday weekend because it’s the extra break we need after the holidays. It’s sort of like a Bloody Mary the morning after a night of binge drinking; it helps take the edge off.

National Day of Service: A Call to Service from President Elect Barack Obama

It’s important to remember why we get this day off. Our next president has called for a “Day of Service” on January 19th, the day before the inauguration and the day that we honor the work and memory of Martin Luther King. This past year we all seemed to demand one common thing: change. Change of the way our government works, change of the way that business works, change of the way we treat people and our environment. What ever you want to change, take this day to make that happen.
“Be the change that you want to see in the world.” Mahatma Ghandi

Location: All throughout Los Angeles there will be volunteer opportunities.
Web: Visit www.usaservice.org to find more information. Here is direct link for volunteer opportunities taking place this weekend within a 20 mile radius of L.A.. Also visit our event calendar for Heal The Bay Volunteer Opportunities this weekend.

Word What: Word Play

“It’s part This American Life, part stand-up comedy.” L.A.’s best comedians and comedy writers will be displaying true life stories while DJs play a real time sound track (think the organ player at the Silent Movie Theatre). Added bonus? Free beer and wine. Come support local talent, get tipsy and have some fun.

Location: The Fake Gallery, 4319 Melrose Ave. Date/Time: Friday, Jan 16th, 8 p.m. Web: www.wordplayshow.com Tickets: Advance tickets are gone; to get on the list, email info@wordplayshow.com and wait for a reply.

For Real This Time: Dim Sum Ride With the Flying Pigeon

So I made a boo boo last week, but it’s really happening this week. Join the cycling enthusiasts at the Flying Pigeon for their first Dim Sum Ride of 2009. The mission: ride a loaner Flying Pigeon Bicycle and taste the delicious dim sum that China Town has to offer. At the end, top it off with a cocktail at Hop Louie. If playoff football isn’t your thing, then this might be the way to spend your Sunday.

Location: 5711 N. Figueroa St., Los Angeles, CA 90042. Date/Time: Sunday, 1/18, 10 a.m. Ride leaves promptly at 10:30 a.m. Web: http://flyingpigeon-la.com/
*Bring at least $20 to cover the meal and drink. RSVP required to attend. Please call 213-909-8986 to reserve your bike.

Shout Out to Three Thousand Troubled Threads: Artist Beili Liu at Tarryn Teresa Gallery

At ydt we love all things thread related, so this exhibit seems like a no brainer. Austin based artist Beili Liu creates beautiful artistic installations based on simply needles and thread. All there is to say is go and see it.

Location: Tarryn Teresa Gallery 1820 Industrial St. #230 Los Angeles, CA 90021 Tel: 213-627-5100 Web: www.tarrynteresa.com Dates: From 1/17 thru 2/27

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Election Season: Measures & Props

Tracy Hepler — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 14:22:11 +0000

In the years of presidential elections, the two major candidates usually get most of the attention. However, each season at the polls we are also presented with a variety of measures and propositions that can potentially change our state, cities and communities. So, it’s important to figure out the facts behind our CA props before you check your ballot on November 4th.

In the spirit of the upcoming election, ydt wants to help you do your homework on three propositions and one measure that directly affect the topics we discuss regularly on ydt. While all of the issues on the ballot are important, we believe these four that address public transportation, alternative energy and animal cruelty respectively are issues that require urgent attention. As part of your active lifestyle regimen, we encourage you to get informed!

Prop 1A: High Speed Rail Bonds Legislative Initiative Amendment.

Prop 2: Standards for Confining Farm Animals Initiative Statute.

Prop 7: Renewable Energy Generation Initiative Statute.

Measure R: Traffic Relief and Rail Expansion Ordinance.

Plus, all registered voters should have received a California Voter Information Guide in the mail from the Secretary of State. This is a good resource because it presents both sides for and against any measure or proposition on the ballot. Another worthy online resource is Factcheck.org operated by a non-partisan group dedicated to presenting nothing but the facts.

Feel free to share your opinions on these issues by clicking on “Thread with Us” below (on-line).

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Pass The Cheese Festival

Tracy Hepler — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 11:30:31 +0000

To the people who say L.A. has no culture, NONESENSE is what I say to you.

Green Lifestyle: The Abbot Kinney Festival

“Connected,” the Green Lifestyle section of the Abbot Kinney Festival is happening this Sunday. Their Motto: Take the focus from products to people. Check out “Connected” to see some local greenies in L.A. like ,artist, local chefs, non-profits and more. The general festival is in its 24th year, celebrating Venice’s rich diversity and happens to be the ultimate block party. Location: Abbot Kinney Blvd & Main, Venice. Date/Time: Sun. 9/28 from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Web: www.abbotkinney.org.

Cheese Please: San Gennaro Precious Cheese Festival

If there is one thing that Italians are known for, it is their food. While the East Coast seems to have street cred when it comes to good Italian food, at least we have San Gennaro’s Precious Cheese Festival in the Heart of Hollywood. Come eat delicious formaggio, play some Bocce Ball, practice your Italiano and top it off with some good Italian (or local) wine/beer. Admission is $5 for Adults, free for kids 12 and under. E Molto Bene! Parking: Hollywood & Highland Center. Date/Time: Saturday & Sunday 9/27-9/28. Web: www.feastofla.com/index.html.

Nose in a Book: The West Hollywood Book Fair

Come to Weho and meet some of your favorite authors and writers. Readers: get your books signed, check out writer’s panels, and if you have kiddies, take them to the kid’s section with storytelling, performances and more. Aspiring writers: check out writers’ workshops, the comics scene and meet indy bookstores, small presses, literary groups and more. Best part, it’s free! Location: West Hollywood Park 647 N. San Vicente Blvd. Date/Time: Sunday 9/28 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Web: www.westhollywoodbookfair.org/

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I Scream, You Scream: The Great L.A. Ice Cream Party

It’s hard to say “no” to ice cream, especially when it’s for a good cause. Started 11 years ago as a way to get young people together for social causes, this party has evolved into one of the largest ice cream socials in the city. Their goal isn’t to raise millions, but to allow young people to give back and do something good for the community. This year there are supporting LA Commons, a group that works to promote public art in local neighborhoods. Location: Griffith Park, 4730 Crystal Springs Drive. Date/Time: Saturday 9/27 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

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ydt GIVEAWAY: Have more ideas for weekend fun in L.A.? Share your favorite hot spots with us and be entered to win a $20 Gift Certificate to Bacaro – downtown’s newest friendly wine bar!

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