Today the San Francisco Chronicle reported that 71 year old Berkeley Mayor Tom Bates has officially given up his Volvo for a public transit pass and "a sturdy pair of walking shoes."  According to the article in the Chronicle, Bates stated, "I'm trying to reduce my carbon footprint to the absolute minimum.  I figure, if I really want to go someplace I can just rent a car."  Apparently Bates had started taking public transportation or walking to work and other events such as  city council meetings for about a year now. 

He recently decided to step up his green commitment by giving up his car completely.  This is great publicity for the Green Revolution.  Here is a city official of a famous, bustling Bay Area community setting an example that we should all be following.  Bates wife, State Sen. Loni Hancock drives a hybrid.  This is a family that can afford to drive two Cadillac Escalades, but chooses not to.  I made the same choice that Bates did, what choice will you make?

- Cyrus