By DIANE A. RHODES
Special to The Press-Enterprise
Most people are cognizant of conservation issues and the importance of recycling. But many do not know how to make a difference on a daily basis. That's where the Green Coalition of the San Jacinto Valley comes in.
"Our goal is awareness," said Wigsbert "Wiggs" Mendoza, president of the nonprofit organization, which was formed in August. "Green Coal's purpose is to be a resource to the community."
The coalition's action plan includes community education through workshops and activities; citizen participation through use of a green directory that identifies locations of recycling centers and product outlets; and advocacy for green development for businesses and homes.
"It's hard to define what 'sustainable community' means," said Mendoza, of Hemet. "It's about not doing things that will lead to the degradation of our community."
The group hopes that residents will "work together to balance ecological, economic and social needs to ensure a clean, healthy and safe environment for all members of society and for generations to come."
Green Coalition of the San Jacinto Valley members, from left, Ginger Stack, Wiggs Mendoza and Flora Johnson stand near Johnson's ZENN electric car she purchased in April.
Mendoza practices what he preaches
by driving a fuel-efficient three-cylinder Geo Metro and taking Metrolink to work in Los Angeles. He has been employed by the Metropolitan Water District for about 15 years and currently works as its manager of sustainability resources and economic development.
"Working for the water district gives me a daily dose of conservation," Mendoza said. "But water is only one part of it -- we need to take a whole-house approach. It's not only about the environment but about overextending ourselves and threatening resources."Mendoza also is a Hemet city planning commissioner.
"My claim to fame is I brought the green concepts in and the City Council was supportive," he said. "Building green is about managed growth."
Coalition member Flora Johnson moved into an all-electric home in Hemet six years ago. The solar panels on her roof generate the power needed to operate everything in and around her house.In April, she purchased a zero-emissions ZENN electric vehicle.
"Since 90 percent of my driving is around town I didn't want to spend that much on gas, so I researched alternatives," Johnson said.
She now spends about 88 cents for every 25 miles she gets per battery charge.
"She carries an extension cord in the back like other people carry jumper cables," Mendoza said.
"Knowledge is never wasted," said Ginger Stack, Mendoza's wife and the organization's secretary.
The next meeting is at noon Thursday at the First Presbyterian Church's Fellowship Hall, 515 E. Kimball and Hemet. Lunch is optional but reservations are required by calling 951-929-0854.
Membership applications are available at meetings and by contacting Mendoza at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Information: 951-616-8644.
Reach Diane A. Rhodes at 951-763-3461 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
