SVAN Newsletter -- March 9, 2010

March 9, 2010

What One Heart Can Do For Haiti - Menlo Park Fundraiser
Sunday, March 14, 6am - 10pm
Menlo Park Restaurants and Shops

Upon seeing the images of Haitians suffering, Josef Nevigato, a local 12 year old boy, appealed to his family to do something to help. In response, his family, which owns Cedro Ristorante Italiano in downtown Menlo Park, decided to hold a benefit for Haitian earthquake relief. The benefit will raise funds for two organizations on the ground in Haiti -- Partners In Health and Whirlwind Wheelchairs International. SVAN decided to co-sponsor the event, led by Carolyn Digovich and Pam Salvatierra. More than 10 local businesses have joined us so far.

What can you do? Bring family and friends to any of the participating restaurants and shops on Sunday, March 14th, and a healthy percentage of profits will go to the people of Haiti.

Visit the Heart for Haiti event page for a complete list of participating businesses. And if you're a local business owner, please consider joining us in this event.

See you Sunday! SVAN will have a table outside Cedro's.

Winter Film Series: In Transition
Friday, March 12, 7:30pm
Acterra, 3921 E. Bayshore, Palo Alto
Directions

The Transition movement is about communities around the world responding to peak oil and climate change with creativity, imagination and humor, and setting about rebuilding their local economies and communities.

In Transition is the first detailed film about the Transition movement filmed by those that know it best, those who are making it happen on the ground. It is positive, solutions focused, viral and fun.

Our Winter Film Series focuses on positive solutions to critical world problems. We've been getting fifty or so people each Friday evening, and the feedback has been very positive. Please join us – and our co-sponsors Acterra and Transitions Palo Alto / Silicon Valley – for the film, discussion, and dessert. You can RSVP here.

Los Altos 21st AD Candidates Forum
Monday, March 15, 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Hillview Community Center Multipurpose Room
97 Hillview Av. Los Altos
Directions

The Peninsula Democratic Coalition (PDC) invites you to a Candidates Forum for the Assembly District 21 seat (currently held by Ira Ruskin). All three candidates will be participating: Rich Gordon, San Mateo County Supervisor; Yoriko Kishimoto, former Mayor of Palo Alto; and Josh Becker, Founder of New Cycle Capital.

Doors open at 6:45pm, and light refreshments will be served. The event is free and open to the public.

Preparing Palo Alto for Inevitable Impacts of Climate Change
Tuesday, March 16, 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Lucie Stern Community Room, 1305 Middlefield, Palo Alto
Directions

Climate change is happening. We must do everything possible to minimize its severity by reducing our use of fossil fuels, but we also should begin preparing ourselves for the changes ahead.

In Palo Alto, we can expect an increased risk of flooding, water shortages and wildfires in our foothills. How can we prepare for these impacts?

Former Mayor Peter Drekmeier will outline some of the challenges ahead and identify some specific measures we can take to reduce the local impacts of climate change.

Following Peter’s talk, attendees will be invited to divide into small groups to discuss the issues presented.

Sponsor: Community Environmental Action Partnership (CEAP), a joint project between the City of Palo Alto and community groups. If you can't join us for the meeting, check out the CEAP web page for more information on this topic.