Thursday, January 24, 2019

Canvas against coal letter to the editor

LETTER TO THE EDITOR:
Canvas Against Coal in Richmond

     Are you one of the many Richmond residents finding black dust on your window sills and cars? Much of that is coming from the coal trains going to the Levin-Richmond Terminal, and some of it is blowing off the uncovered piles waiting for shipmentright into the lungs of everyone breathing it. 
     In November 2017, a concerned group of people got together under the auspices of the Sierra Club to form No Coal in Richmond,a citizensgroup dedicated to stopping the coal and petroleum coke (petcoke) shipments from polluting our air, water and landand creating a public health crisis.
     The City Council is currently considering an ordinance that would phase out coal and petcoke handling and storage over a period of five years. This is now  being reviewed by the city attorney. To help show community support, No Coal in Richmond will be canvassing neighborhoods with a petition in both English and Spanish that concerned residents can sign. A training session on canvassing is being held Jan. 24, from 7-8:30 p.m.but you do not have to attend this to help canvass. 
     The training includes a script with talking points and a chance to practice. The event will provide fliers about the No Coal in Richmondcampaign, the letter for signaturesas well as instructions for obtaining signatures via cellphone, a copy of the proposed ordinance, and addresses to canvass.
      Ready to do something local to combat climate change? Then take part in the campaign to stop coal exports from the Bay Area.

     To attend the canvassing training, please RSVP to action@sunflower-alliance.org. Cant make this meeting but want to canvass? Let us know.
WHEN:
Thursday, January 24, 7 8:30 PM
WHERE:
Bobby Bowens Progressive Center
2540 Macdonald Ave.
Richmond, CA 94804

(Submitted by Janis Hashe, Richmond)