Thursday, September 29, 2022

Goin' Solar!

 


Sign up (free) to visit six solar installations in the Village of Trempealeau between 10:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, October 1 and 2. The cost to install solar continues to fall and current and coming credits and incentives can reduce the costs even further, making the payback window shorter, not to mention carbon emissions, lower.

Now is the time to learn about solar systems from those who own them and consider signing up for an assessment or make an appointment for a 2023 installation. 

The 2022 in-person and virtual National Solar Tour brought to you by the American Solar Energy Society is the largest grassroots solar,renewable energy and sustainable living event in the nation. The National Solar Tour will occur October1-2, showing a collection of solar sites and local solar tours around the country.

Support Black Student Leaders!!

 


Sunday, September 25, 2022

Vets for Peace coming

 

Vets For Peace Golden Rule Project is a National Project of Veterans For Peace

We aim to advance Veterans For Peace opposition to nuclear weapons and war, and to do so in a dramatic fashion. We have recovered and restored the original peace boat, the Golden Rule, that set sail in 1958 to stop nuclear testing in the atmosphere, and which inspired many peace makers and peace ships that followed. The restored Golden Rule is voyaging once more, to show that a nuclear peace is possible, and that bravery and tenacity can overcome militarism.

On October 5, the Golden Rule will arrive in La Crosse. You are invited to greet the vets and participate by joining them at one or more events.

From 10:30 a.m. to noon, Meet the crew at Riverside Park.

12:30 to 1:30 p.m., Official welcome and proclamation by the Mayor; presentation about the boat's mission.

5:30 to 7:00 p.m., Presentation on the dangers of nuclear war at Pearl Street Books.

Learn more: http://www.vfpgoldenruleproject.org/

Drive/Ride/Bus Electric TODAY!


Electric car drivers, e-bike riders, solar installers, supporters, and interested local residents are invited to La Crosse's Ask Me About My EV event today from 1 to 4 in Copeland Park to highlight the climate, clean air, and cost savings benefits provided by electric cars and bikes as part of the 12th annual National Drive Electric Week.

The twelfth annual National Drive Electric Week, a coast-to-coast celebration of electric vehicles (EVs), will be held September 23–October 2.

The La Crosse event included more than a dozen plug-in electric cars, several e-bikes, solar installers discussing the benefits of powering your vehicle with the sun, and groups and agencies providing information about EVs, renewable energy, and climate action.

EVs are less expensive than people think, and they drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions. At this event there will be older EVs bought used, newer EVs, electric bikes, and even the MTU's e-bus. All these vehicles are less polluting, economical to run, and incredibly fun, efficient and convenient to drive and ride.

There are more than 1.5 million EVs on the road in the United States, and a recent survey by Consumer Reports and the Union of Concerned Scientists showed that more than 60% of prospective car buyers in the U.S. are interested in electric vehicles. Consumer Reports has also found that the cost to own and operate an EV over its lifetime is about half the cost compared to a fossil fueled vehicle.

With more than 40 models available in the U.S. at a wide range of price points, and with new credits and discounts coming next year thanks to the recently passed Inflation Reduction Act, more families will be able to make the switch.

If you can install solar, you'll be able to power your rides with clean, renewable energy. The MTU's electric buses will soon be fueled by electricity generated by waste water treatment plant gases.

Robbie Young, who owns Coulee Bicycle Company, is bringing several electric bikes to show. “We see electric bikes as the transportation solution of today. Electric cargo bikes and family bikes do 90% of what a truck or suv does and costs only a fraction to buy, power, maintain. Kids transported by bike learn their city better than those who ride in cars. They're healthier and happier,” he said.

Local and state supporters of this event include the City of La Crosse, the Coulee Region Sierra Club, the Electric Vehicle Association-Wisconsin Chapter, RENEW Wisconsin, Western Technical College, Wisconsin Clean Cities, and Xcel Energy.

NDEW is presented by national organizers Plug In America, the Electric Auto Association, the Sierra Club, and EVHybridNoire. Nissan LEAF® is the exclusive automotive sponsor of NDEW 2021 and Wells Fargo is the exclusive banking sponsor of NDEW 2022. ClipperCreek and Electrify America are silver level sponsors. Edison International and Enel X are bronze level sponsors. IBEW 11 is a green level sponsor.

For more information about La Crosse Drive Electric Week, visit: https://driveelectricweek.org/event?eventid=3360

For a complete list of National Drive Electric Week events, visit: DriveElectricWeek.org

Wednesday, September 21, 2022

La Crosse Hmong New Year

 


The Hmoob Cultural & Community Agency and Hmong Community cordially invite you, your family and friends to join us in celebrating our New Year Festival.

Day Events:
-Traditional Ball Tossing
-Cultural Performances
-Food & Clothing Booths
-Sports Tournaments
and much more...

ADMISSION FEE: $5.00/PER PERSON
(Free Parking)
Free Admission for Seniors 65+ and children under age 5

NIGHT EVENT from 6pm to Midnight
at the La Crosse Center, 300 Harborview Plaza

ADMISSION FEE: $15/PER PERSON AT THE DOOR, $10.00/PER PERSON IN ADVANCE-PRESALE ONLY AT FESTIVEL GROUND ON SATURDAY!

Tuesday, September 20, 2022

Change or die

Recent articles about fast approaching climate "tipping points" make the need to make immediate changes even more important.

Change how?

For one thing, we have to stop transportation emissions

That means quit driving. Not kidding. Most transportation emissions, more than any other sector, come from cars and light trucks. That's us. That's our weekend rides in the countryside, our summer camper road trip to visit the national parks, our flying about the countryside to visit the grandkids, our daily 20 mile commute, alone, in our fossil fuel car. We can do things differently and we must.

This Thursday, World Car Free Day, the MTU will offer free fares all day. Take advantage. La Crosse Area Transit Advocates offers Ride with a Guide training for new bus riders. Use this opportunity to make a change in your habits.

Yes, you can take some long distance trips without flying or driving. Buses and trains can get you to many places. Buses are going electric. Train service in our area will soon double.

Ride your bike or walk (most U.S. daily trips are under 3 miles). Push our city to increase its density and stop permitting developments with no services on the outskirts of town. Vote no on the school district's ridiculous plan to make high school students and their families drive hundreds more miles per year to get to school.

If you have to drive, get and share an electric car. Used ones are affordable for many. The costs to own and operate are much less. You will not be burnng fossil fuels. 

Come to the EV show with car and bike owners telling about their experiences and learn about how the inflation Reduction Act (IRA) can help you switch in 2023.

The IRA has many incentives, rebates, and credits for transportation, installing renewables, and reducing energy use by insulating and sealing buildings. An overview of benefits is here. Plan now to take advantage of these programs.

We are at the cliff's edge. Do what you can do as quickly as you can do it.

Sunday, September 18, 2022

Get ready to VOTE!

 

September 20 is National Voter Registration Day, "a nonpartisan civic holiday celebrating our democracy. First observed in 2012, it has quickly gained momentum ever since. Nearly 4.7 million voters have registered to vote on the holiday to date."

Nationally, up to 25% of those eligible are not registered to vote. This holiday intends to change that.

In Wisconsin, while Republicans have restricted voting access with harsh voter ID rules and more recent changes to absentee voting and ballot return procedures, we are still able to register up until election day. But, registering before election day is less hectic and gives you more time to make sure you have the right registration documents with you.

The League of Women Voters of the La Crosse Area will be at the La Crosse Public Library, 800 Main Street, on Tuesday, September 20 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. to register voters and provide more information about voting. If you need to register because you're a new voter, or if you need to update your registration because of a change of name  or address, here's your chance. If your friend, child, colleague or neighbor needs to register, offer to take them.

You can check your registration status at MyVote.WI.gov and learn what ID you need for registration and voting  at https://elections.wi.gov/Register.

Register. Learn. Vote.

Thursday, September 15, 2022

Planned Parenthood - your help needed

From Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin:

We are hitting the streets and knocking on our neighbors' doors to talk about what's at stake with reproductive rights in Wisconsin in the upcoming November election. Can you pitch in? 

Our door-to-door Canvassing has been a fun opportunity to have meaningful conversations with supportive voters in our community. No previous experience is required; training is provided before the start of each canvass and there is also a virtual canvass training tonight (and again next Thursday night) at 6 p.m. 

Links to register for upcoming canvasses and virtual canvass training sessions are below, please feel free to forward this email to your personal contacts or share these links on social media! 






Sunday, September 11, 2022

Public participation time

There are several opportunities for us to participate in developing important plans for our community. Please take advantage if you can. If you can't attend specific meetings, you can always read the documents published for comment, and feed back via online forms or by emailing the appropriate departments and council members.

1. Every second Tuesday at 8:30 a.m., the city's Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) meets online to discuss improvements and plans for bike and ped infrastructure and policies. Often, this is a very important first step in pushing for protected bike lanes, improved sidewalks, better connections, safer intersections, and more. Check the agendas at their city web page. Read the September 13 agenda here.

2. A  Public Hearing regarding the Housing Authority of the City of La Crosse’s, PHA 2023 Annual Plan and the Five-Year 2023-2027 Capital Fund Program Plan is scheduled for Wednesday, October 12, 2022 at 1:30 p.m. at Ping Manor, 1311 Badger Street.

The Public Hearing will be held for the following purpose:

Provide an opportunity for residents of the City of La Crosse, including LHA Residents and Non-Residents, to express their comments regarding LHA’s proposed PHA 2023 Annual Plan and the Five-Year 2023-2027 Capital Fund Program Plan.

Draft copies are available for review at the Housing Authority website www.lacrossehousing.org, as well as at the Administrative Office, located at 1307 Badger Street, La Crosse, WI 54601. Office hours are from 9:00 a.m. to Noon and 12:30 to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Written comments will be considered until October 1, 2022 at 8:00 a.m. CST.

The Housing Authority of the City of La Crosse will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, familial status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, or marital status. 

Equal Housing Opportunity: info@lacrossehousing.org

3. The City of La Crosse is updating Confluence, the City of La Crosse’s Comprehensive Plan via Forward La Crosse, a campaign to encourage public involvement in the planning process. The deadline to participate has been extended to September 30, 2022. 

There are FIVE WAYS to participate: 

BONUS: Take and post photos of your favorite (or least favorite) things in La Crosse and tag Forward La Crosse on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter utilizing the hashtag #MoveForwardLaCrosse and be entered in a prize drawing. Four participants will be randomly selected to receive a $25 Gift Card from Downtown Mainstreet Inc. valid at over 75 local businesses.

4. Have you read and commented on the city's Climate Action Plan yet? We are going to need a lot of people to understand why this plan is needed and to push for its adoption later this year. If you haven't read it yet, please do it this week!!

5. The La Crosse School District is planning an expensive change that will disadvantage many low-income and non-drivers families, increasing school-related vehicle miles traveled while the city is planning ways to reduce them. You may wish to attend their focus group sessions which are not opportunities for public input, but rather exercises in frustration for people who don't want this plan and so want some answers. (In fact, there have never been real public input sessions.) In this case, your participation is needed to ensure your family, neighbors, co-workers and others understand that this is important and should not be just a public rubber stamp of a bad plan that needs to go back to the drawing board. Email for more details.

On a related note, the City of La Crosse is finalizing its budget plan with no public input planned until the plan is complete. What good will it be to have input when you are finished? Public input may drive proposals for amendments, but with such an intricate plan, where changing one small thing here may unravel another important thing there, chances of those changes passing are relatively small.

If you sincerely want public input, it seems much better to offer those opportunities at the beginning of the process, not at the end. Put the bathroom in the floor plans, don't wait until the house is built and then stuff a forgotten bathroom into a closet.

If you know more about how city budgets work and could provide a post with some insight into this backward system and how best to make needed changes through public input, please email couleeprogressive at hotmail. 

Friday, September 09, 2022

Pride moves to Logan HS

Because of the rain forecast for Saturday, Pridefest will be held at Logan HS instead of Riverside Park.

+++

On Thursday, the climate emergency resolution passed and the "conversion therapy" ban passed. Please thank the good council members for standing strong. And please consider running for council to retire those who opposed.

These are the council members who voted against and are up for reelection in April 2023. Nomination papers will be due in early 2023. Who will run against them?

CORRECTION District 1, Andrea Richmond (abstained on ban, no YES on climate emergency) The official vote is not yet reported. The unofficial information I received was incorrect. Corrected now. Still, abstain on the ban?

District 2, Scott Neumeister

District 3, Barb Janssen

The terms for two other no voters, District 9, Woodard, and District 12, Happel, are not up until 2025.










Tuesday, September 06, 2022

TAKE FIVE MINUTES - CLIMATE EMERGENCY RESOLUTION!

 

PLEASE TAKE FIVE MINUTES RIGHT NOW to email zzcouncilmembers@cityoflacrosse.org, cityclerk@cityoflacrosse.org, and reynoldsm@cityoflacrosse.org in support of #22-0977: Resolution declaring a climate emergency, committing to policies that reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and accelerating the clean energy transition, and supporting intergovernmental cooperation to reduced GHG emissions.

The original resolution, introduced in July, was withdrawn to be rewritten when some council members expressed concern that naming fossil fuels would offend some people. The new version replaces "fossil fuels," with "greenhouse gas emissions." You can read the two versions here at the cityoflacrosse.legistar.com web page.

Still, at the August 30 J&A committee meeting, there were council members indicating they would not support the resolution. Only two of us spoke/registered in favor of the resolution!

WE NEED CLIMATE ACTIVISTS to spend a measly five minutes TODAY to email council members (and the clerk so your support letter will be part of the record) to get this resolution passed. If we cannot pass a "words" resolution, how will we ever pass the "deeds" recommended in the climate action plan later this year?

You can call council members and email them. Your email doesn't have to be long. Just say, I hope you will support the climate emergency resolution. We are in an emergency and need to recommit to taking real action to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions as soon as possible. Or something like that.

For more information about the global effort to declare a climate emergency, please see Climate Emergency Declaration and UN Facts about the climate emergency.

PLEASE SHARE WITH OTHERS.

Thursday, September 01, 2022

If a tree falls ...

If COVID-19 is still spreading and killing around the country, but people are "tired of it," does it matter?

It's September 1, 2022, and COVID community transmission levels are HIGH throughout most of the state, yet you would never know it by the minuscule number of people wearing masks in our community and the number of crowded, unmasked, in-person events.

WTF?

Following the right people on Twitter has helped me understand the complete and total failure of national health agencies, both under TFG and during the current administration, to effectively lead on this health crisis.

You may have noticed that suddenly things are better. One reason, as explained by Dr. Eric Topol

... the CDC continue to push a contrived metric which they call “community level” to “know your risk for serious illness”. As defined by the CDC website, this “is determined by the higher of the new admissions and inpatient beds metrics, based on the current level of new cases per 100,000 population in the past 7 days”. This is not appropriate guidance since Americans would be rightfully concerned about getting infected, not stressing hospital resources in their community. The right United States map, is the “community transmission” which simply reflects the number of confirmed cases in the past seven days per region.

But, hey, it's like the flu, right? Except it isn't. COVID-19 can cause severe and expensive long-term health problems including

New studies show that up to 50 percent of people infected with COVID end up with long COVID. And that's if you don't die from it. While no longer making headlines, the average COVID death rate in the US is about 400 per day (and some days, like August 31, 1,518 deaths, much higher) and that includes vaccinated and boosted individuals.

As school starts again, in "back to normal" mode, COVID infections will put children, school staff, and families at risk. There are many, with conditions that make them more vulnerable to serious health effects, who will be endangered by lax policies. The consequences for children who may end up with long COVID may mean health and financial issues in the future.

We can reduce the opportunities for spread and further mutation by being diligent about masking with high quality N/KN95 masks and replacing in-person indoor events with remote or outdoor events where possible. Unfortunately, the crazies have cowed health officials into silence. So, it's up to individuals and families. 

Get vaccinated, wear a mask, encourage others to do, push for better public policies.