Sept.12, 2008

Garamendi predicts changes in energy sources and jobs

The CPI Speaker Series this week featured Lt. Governor John Garamendi discussing state and local policies that can help meet the challenges of climate change and build a green economy.

Garamendi, who championed environmental policy as Deputy Secretary of the Interior under Clinton, described dramatic changes that are coming in our energy sources -- from wind power to algae-produced oil -- and in the workforce of the future.  Investing in the new energy technologies will open many opportunities for workers to be trained in green-collar jobs, he said.

About 120 people enjoyed the luncheon and the lieutenant governor's talk on Mission Bay.  Watch a video of highlights of the speech online.

Students: Send in your Fave Rave Flicks!

To start the school year with the right attitude, CPI's My Fave Teacher project invites K-12 students throughout San Diego County to make short videos raving about a favorite teacher or any other school worker.

CPI will begin featuring the videos online later this month and will award prizes (grand prize an iPod Touch!) at our annual Gala on Oct. 16, where CPI is honoring all educators.

For this initial contest, videos must be submitted by Sept. 19 -- next Friday!  The videos can be made on any digital camera or even cell phones, and must be 1 minute or shorter. 

Instructions are available at www.onlineCPI.org/MyFave.  Send questions to MyFave@onlineCPI.org.

Besides teachers, the videos could be about librarians, bus drivers, school secretaries, groundskeepers - any of the people whose work contributes to a good school day.  With threatened layoffs and budget cuts hanging over their heads, our hard-working educators need our support and appreciation.

Help us spread the word and get students involved in talking about the value of educators!