From: felixlopezmail@yahoo.com
Date: 11/07/03
Time: 02:18 PM


Dear Shannon: A first step is to gain a better understanding of the organizational structure of government agencies who promulgate environmental law in California. Because of their legal jurisdiction these agencies provide both lead agency and primary agency responsibility in guidance of policy. More importantly, they may have access to funding dollars to support projects in your area. I would also recommend you become familiar with the California Public Code, CEQA, Clean Water Act, Clean Air Act, NEPA, Cal-EPA, and other such landmark legislation. Also get familiar with the local General Plans of the cities and counties in your area. The General Plan contains four to ten "planning elements" which guide local officials. I would recommend you start by searching the following website: http://ceres.ca.gov/ quote: "The goal of CERES is to improve environmental analysis and planning by integrating natural and cultural resource information from multiple contributors and by making it available and useful to a wide variety of users." unquote If you the time and resources there is nothing better than citizen involvement. But it does take hard work and commitment. I have found that most government agencies do a pretty good job although at times they are overwhelmed with projects and the power of nature. Plz excuse any spelling or grammar errors. Felix A. Lopez BA-Biological Science MBA - Strategic Planning Certificate in Urban & Regional Planning