From member to campaigner to leader

You too can join in the effort to protect North Livermore

When I first joined the Sierra Club, I had a small child, and it was difficult to find time for volunteering. I thought that I could at least protect the environment through my donations.

Around that time I moved to Livermore. I loved its mix of urban and rural, and its beautiful surrounding hills and valleys. After a while I became aware of how developers were repeatedly trying to impose large-scale developments in North Livermore. Their projects would bring urban sprawl, traffic congestion, and rapid growth to one of the last major green areas in our valley.

At that point I volunteered for the Alameda County Measure D campaign, and helped walk door-to-door before the election. Measure D passed, drawing an Urban Growth Boundary around the city, and I thought that would control the developers. I faded back into my less involved lifestyle.

Then Bush was elected in 2000. I was strongly opposed to many of his policies, especially his stance on the environment, but I chose to complain from the sidelines. When the 2004 campaign started, I knew I had to do something, and began to work to defeat Bush. Although that effort did not succeed, I realized that people have to stay involved and committed to creating positive change. I was eager to work on another campaign.

Around then Pardee Homes, a subsidiary of Weyerhaeuser, the multinational timber conglomerate, circulated an initiative to change the Urban Growth Boundary to permit them to develop 2,450 tract homes in North Livermore. The issue will go before the voters this November. I realized that if this development goes forward, it will open the door for other developers. The future quality of life in Livermore is at stake.

In February the Sierra Club called to ask if I would help circulate flyers and talk to residents at the local grocery stores. I immediately said yes. I started attending local campaign organizing meetings as well. I was then asked to co-chair a fundraising event for the campaign. It was held on May 22, and was a big success, with around 200 people.

My volunteer experiences have been very rewarding and satisfying. I have met many people who are supportive of our campaign, and who are just plain nice people to know. I have gained valuable organizing skills, and feel empowered knowing that my efforts can make a significant difference in my community.

It is critical that we win this election to send a message to developers that the East Bay, and cities like Livermore, are not for sale. Pardee Homes has already spent $800,000 on the campaign, and it is just getting started. We don't have that kind of money. What we need is people power to get the truth out about the big-money interests. It is vital that other Sierra Club members get involved. Whether it is handing out flyers, talking to your neighbors, or helping at a phone bank, we need folks to take that next step in getting involved and actively making Livermore the best community it can be.

What You Can Do

We need you! Please take a few hours to come out and help spread the word at an Environmental Precinct Walk. Upcoming dates include:

Sat., June 18, 10 am -1 pm;
Sat., July 9, 10 am - 2 pm;
Sat., July 23, 10 am - 2 pm;
Sat., Aug. 6, 10 am - 2 pm;
Sat., Aug. 20, 10 am - 2 pm.

There will be frequent additional volunteer opportunities till election day in November. For questions or to sign up, contact Mike at mdaley-at-sfbaysc.org or call (510) 848-0800, ext. 304.

Tamara Reus