Candidate for
Board Member; Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District; Ward 6

Since being appointed to the Board two years ago, I have worked to continue the mission of the open space district, "to acquire and preserve a regional greenbelt of open space land in perpetuity; protect and restore the natural environment; and provide opportunities for ecologically sensitive public enjoyment." I have been dedicated to helping resolve issues with surrounding property owners, user groups, and local governments. If elected, I will continue to support the acquisition and management of lands to complete a regional greenbelt. I will also support continued public access consistent with the protection of wildlife and vegetation.

I am a long time resident and business owner on the peninsula. I am a graduate of San Jose State University with a degree in Environmental Studies. As owner of Palo Alto Hardware, I have been active in promoting environmental programs that address the issues of energy conservation, less toxic pest management, hazardous waste recycling, and solar energy. Our efforts have been recognized locally, regionally, and nationally. Palo Alto Hardware was the first designated "Green Business" by the county. Along with my district duties, I have been very actively involved with numerous community non-profit organizations and service clubs. My environmental activism began with my college education at San Jose State University. I was one of the first students to enroll in the newly formed Environmental Studies Department and earned my B.A. degree in that major in 1973. Utilizing what I had learned, I designed and built an earth-integrated, 100% solar heated home on Skyline Blvd in 1976. The house was featured in Sunset magazine for energy efficiency and design.

Professionally, as owner of Palo Alto Hardware, I have been proactive in many environmental programs: • I was involved with the pilot "Less Toxic Pest Control Program" with the Regional Water Quality Control Plant. This program has now expanded to more than 150 retail hardware and nursery businesses in the Bay Area. • Sponsorship of Earth Day events including San Francisquito Creek and Baylands clean up efforts. • I have presented at many City sponsored community events focused on energy conservation. • Partnered with the City of Palo Alto to recycle fluorescent light bulbs and in programs to eliminate products that contain mercury. • Palo Alto Hardware was honored with the first "Green Business" award by the County of Santa Clara in 2000 in the City of Palo Alto. • I was honored as the recipient of the "Business Environmental Network Award" from the Peninsula Conservation Center in 1999. • Anna Eshoo asked me to speak at her Energy Town Hall Meeting as one of four panelists to promote energy conservation and alternative energy options for homeowners. • Last year, Palo Alto Hardware installed a 30kw photovoltaic system, the largest between San Francisco and Los Angeles. This system has reduced our energy demand by 90% and actually feeds power back on to the grid during peak energy consumption hours. • Solar Division of Palo Alto Hardware. In 2000 Palo Alto Hardware began selling photovoltaic systems for homes. According to the State Energy Commission, Palo Alto Hardware is responsible for more individual homeowner installations last year than any other solar retailer in the state. • For three years now I have served as Ace Hardware's environmental chair. I have worked with Ace Hardware Corporation to initiate programs available to dealers nationwide. • I have served as co-chair of the City of Palo Alto's Sustainability Committee. This group meets to make recommendations to the City to improve programs for better sustainability. • I have been a part of and highly active in many environmentally focused groups including: Peninsula Conservation Center Foundation, Acterra, Northern California Solar Energy Association, Canopy, Committee for Green Foothills, Gamble Gardens, and the "Spare the Air" program in the Bay Area.