Our City’s “Technology & Telecommunications Advisory Committee” held its regular monthly meeting, last night. Except for two former committee members whose terms had expired, no other members of the public were present. Although I’m no longer an “official” member, I couldn’t help myself. I had to drop by just to “keep in touch” with what’ going on ICT-wise in Petaluma. I know I could have waited until the meeting would be posted on the City’s web site and available 24/7 via Granicus http://petaluma.granicus.com/ViewPublisher.php?view_id=8

However, there isn’t any substitute for “seeing and hearing” the proceedings, live.

Actually, my main reason for attending was to listen to the “Solarize” presentation by Luigi Resta and colleagues. It was very informative and gave a good overview about how municipal governments are using solar power as an alternative source of energy. Please take the time to view it.

As many local readers know, the Petaluma CyberCity Roundtable was instrumental in proposing the idea for such a citizens’ committee to the City Council in 2005.When the call for membership applications was announced, the City Clerk received responses from many interested Petalumans. In fact, the committee ended up with two more members than needed. At the first meeting, I volunteered to serve a one year slot. Even though I could have applied, again, I chose not to do so. Why? Some people have asked; especially since I was so “Gung Ho” to get it established.

I’m still very enthusiastic about the role of this committee and the impact it can have upon serving the “public good.” Personally, my original goal of getting the committee “off the ground”has been accomplished. Now, it is time to devote more time to other areas of interest like the recently initiated NERT project (Neighborhood Emergency Response Teams), the Petalumans of Yesteryears, and the City’s “Green Building” Program. It was just a coincidence, but the meeting I just returned from this morning was an orientation meeting for the “Stakeholders Advisory Team” for the City of Petaluma Green Building Program. “This program is designed to encourage adoption of local building practices that result in buildings that are more resource efficient, healthier to live and work in, cost less to maintain, and generally have better resale value than conventional buildings.” You’ll be hearing more about this programs in the coming months.

Petaluma continues to be a great place to live, work, play and learn. There are still many challenges facing our community. There will be plenty of “Do Good” topics to blog about in the coming weeks. Stay tuned.