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http://www.usgbc-ncc.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=107&Itemid=103
Launch of new Silicon Valley Branch is smashing success! 
The Northern California Chapter launched its newest branch in Silicon Valley on May 13th, 2008, with a gala celebration held at Adobe Headquarters in downtown San Jose. The event quickly gained momentum and attracted amazing support, resulting in a wait list of more than 100 people.
More than 180 people heard a very moving program featuring San Jose Mayor Chuck Reed, USGBC Founder David Gottfried, Lockheed Martin’s Director of Facilities Joe Gonsiewski, venture capitalist Paul Holland of Foundation Capital, and USGBC-NCC Board 
member and
Advisory to the Chair of the California Energy Commission, Panama Bartholomy. The program was followed by a reception with great food, wine donated by Parducci, and music by San Jose Jazz.
Adobe’s Randy Knox, NCC Board President Andrea Traber, Silicon Valley Chairman Brandon Tinianov, and NCC Executive Director Dan Geiger also participated in the program, which highlighted the unique character of Silicon Valley’s innovative and entrepreneurial culture.
Following a welcome by Mayor Reed, David Gottfried highlighted the early founding days of USGBC, the amazing global growth of green building and green building councils, and the importance of USGBC tackling important social equity issues. Joe Gonsiewski described Lockheed Martin Space Systems’ embrace of green practices and LEED, and discussed the many measures his company is taking to reduce carbon impacts and create a healthy work environment, while pointing this out as a significant business advantage in terms of attracting top talent.
Paul Holland entertained the audience with several stories about his involvement in investing in green businesses, as well his very innovative approach to building his own LEED Platinum home – he’s going for 115 points! Panama Bartholomy pointed out both the strong challenges we face on a global scale, as well as the significant leadership role the State of California is playing in addressing these challenges. He concluded by powerfully comparing our current path of stripping future generations of resources to discrimination that spawned past social movements.
Brandon Tinianov, Silicon Valley Branch Chairman, said “the success of the event shows that the branch’s time has come. During the group’s formation, we saw active participation and encouragement from all areas – public private, innovation and construction. I expect really wonderful things from the organization.”
The Silicon Valley Branch was born of the efforts of almost 50 volunteers, who began organizing the Branch in January 2008. Andrea Traber remarked: “Silicon Valley may have set a USGBC record on how quickly they organized a new branch”! Former NCC Presidents Marty Kelly and Sharon Refvem played key roles in assisting the Branch during its organization stage, and the NCC staff was pleased to assist in their efforts as well.
The Branch plans to have monthly events, in a variety of locations in Silicon Valley, on the 2nd Tuesday of each month, and will participate in many conferences and educational programs in the area. The next Branch event is on June 10th at the Santa Clara Convention Center, and will feature the organicARCHITECT, Eric Corey Freed.
NCC wishes to thank the many volunteers, organizers and sponsors of this event, and is confident that the Silicon Valley branch will live up to the reputation of the area’s can-do, creative spirit.
After Google-ing other cities and the word “plan” or other related words and then trying San Jose, I was astonished (perhaps I shouldn’t be) to find that there were a scant few pages to be had for my beloved hometown. This will change. I invite others to post here as well: rants, raves, and links to articles are all welcome. For the home of so much innovation technologically, there is little socially. This will change.
