Comment Log Display

Dear Chair Nichols and Air Resource Board Members, 

I gratefully applaud your hard work in the implementation of SB
375. I believe this law and appropriate enforcement, will send us
forward in acheiving the reductions in greenhouse gas(GHG) emission
that we all desire.   At the same time, encouraging our better
choices for sustainable communities and transportation will enhance
our environment and community health in numerous other important
ways. 

I urge you to adopt the most agressive yet achievable GHG emisson
reduction targets.  I urge you to influence community development
to support connectivity among students, families, and seniors.

As a parent of a 16-year old I have seen vividly, for the last 10
years, how school and after-school activity driving is exacerbated
by poor planning and lack of safe bike routes and viable busing
schedules.  Busing and biking build independence in kids.   Time
after time, school after school, activity after activity, we would
lack the the safe bike routes and bus schedules to get to and from
our neighborhood.  This meant a trip home from work to pick up my
son, a trip to his activity, a trip back to work, all just for the
ride getting there.  This was for repeated trips to sports fields,
community center and other class venues, movie theaters, food
hang-outs, etc.  Along with reduced chances to grow in
responsibility, the dependence on my car meant my son spent less
time outdoors and more time isolated in computer games.
 
What I observed was very common among families in my neighborhood. 
Each neighborhood has stories to tell - their specific wishes and
challenges.  You need web sites that can take input on suggested
bike and bus routes for each neighborhood.  

In your upcoming meeting, please vote for ambitious GHG emission
reduction targets, and achievable sustainble community plans. Thank
you for all your hard work and for the opportunity to submit my
comments. 

Sincerely, 
Kristin Cothern