Tom Dickerman has provided the following information about the San Mateo Post Carbon outpost:
We started about six months ago, monthly meeting the second Thursday of the month at [Green Party Headquarters] 212 Miller Street, South San Francisco. We have about twenty people who have expressed an interest, with about six showing up on an average night.
Our focus has been twofold:
- to help get our COUNTRY take urgent action on renewables, in order to address peak oil
- to get OURSELVES ready for peak oil, with some kind of sustainable way of life
In regard to the second, some of us are interested in forming a partnership to purchase land and do sustainable organic farming. I just put an ad for partners on craigs list. We expect to find about ten partners who can invest an average of $100,000 each and buy and develop about ten acres of farm land, near the San Francisco bay area. We figure one acre can feed one extended family, if properly developed. Improvements would include a deer-proof fence, photovoltaic panels, a well and rototilling in steer manure. For my part, I expect to build greenhouses, because they conserve water, and minimize problems with weeds and pests. Partners bring ability to get a lower price by buying a larger parcel, social support, expertise and ability to share tools and resources.
I have personally been trying to educate the public and change government policy toward renewables for the past fifteen years. I estimate that I have written about 15,000 letters. So, at this point my emphasis is to try to help my family. Others in the group as still trying to help the nation, and are at different stages in their development. Its all good.
We are always looking for new members for the Post Carbon group. Please join us. Contact us at smpc@sfbayoil.org
