Subject: A Hopeful Look at the New Year
Date: January 9, 2014 4:39:02 PM PST
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As we manage local issues and apply our beliefs in 2014, it is important that we are not legislating against fears that no longer have a basis in fact. So to begin the year on a hopeful note, let's take stock of the "general situation" -- the world, the US, California, to be sure our opinions and our reactions are current, well informed and that we've have considered the big picture. First take a look at this hour long documentary called Don't Panic by Hans Rosling, the Swedish researcher who operates the Gapminder website and a frequent and highly respected speaker at the TED talks. If you believe the world is going downhill, watch it -- you will feel a lot better an hour later. It also does a good job of pointing out realities for the US.
Then, with an eye to what needs to happen this year, see Measuring Poverty , the new addition to the Resources page, also from the PPIC. We are an agricultural region and as such, it is important that we prepare ourselves economically for what many see as a 'growing' change from predominantly grapes to more food crops. Much of this expectation is based upon climate change and rising prices for food production. The next City Council meeting is on January 14. Then 2 weeks later, says the Star, there is a St. Helena Economic Forum on January 31. But there is no mention of it on the City website, even on the Calendar page. The City is at a key point in formulating a viable economic future since so many other cities have already risen to the challenge of the post-recession economy. Catching up and diversifying here needs to happen soon. See the Ideas page to check out Mt. Hood, one of those areas already organized.
Sandy |