Archive for March, 2008

Santa Rosa was named as one of America’s 50 Greenest Cities in a recent article in Popular Science magazine (see article here). Ranked #23 overall, Santa Rosa also was featured for its innovative use of geothermal energy from The Geysers.

The criteria used to select and rank the cities aren’t exceedingly clear, but the method seems to be fairly subjective. In its aggressive campaign to lower greenhouse gas emissions and combat global warming, I would think that Santa Rosa and Sonoma County would rather be recognized for current efforts such as setting a goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 25% below 1990 levels by 2015, or for its Build it Green (BIG) program, one of the most innovative in the country.

The Geysers is not new news but nonetheless, if it helps Santa Rosa get recognition for its efforts in preserving the environment, so be it. It may, in fact, demonstrate something called the Perseverance Principle.

The Perseverance Principle essentially says that if you work consistently and persistently toward attaining a goal, you may reap benefits in unexpected ways. It may not relate directly to current activities, but somehow,  the level of effort achieves results. In other words, persistence pays.

Congratulations to Santa Rosa and congratulations to the Perseverance Principle.