tn2_george_lucas_2.jpgThe George Lucas Educational Foundation has launched the Go Green Database on Edutopia.org as the centerpiece of an ambitious new package on the state of environmental awareness in public education.
The package includes an online, user-driven database, exclusive short-form video documentaries, and the entire October 2007 issue of Edutopia magazine, available on demand, with additional links dedicated to the growing importance of teaching and practicing sustainability. Included in the issue and online is a poster that lists environmental-awareness project ideas for teachers and students to use in the classroom.
George Lucas' plans to enlarge his Nicasio-based empire. Planning commissioners will consider the merits of Lucas' project itself before forwarding it to the Board of Supervisors for final approval.
The project is one of the largest commercial building proposals ever to come before Marin County planners. It calls for 607,500 square feet of new buildings covering 108 acres with room for 640 new jobs. The remaining 2,048 acres of the Grady and Big Rock ranches would be dedicated as a permanent conservation easement.
Meanwhile, San Geronimo Valley planners on Monday voiced concern that the Lucas project would invite similar development at Flanders Ranch and property at the base of White's Hill owned by Tamalpais High School District - two of the largest open spaces remaining in the valley.
If the Lucas proposal goes through without a zoning change, "a Sony or Fair-Isaac [corporation] could look at Flanders Ranch and argue that it could have similar buildings," warned Frank Binney of Woodacre. Others expressed concern that demand for housing in the valley would increase with Lucas' 640 new employees, as the development would be just over the ridge from the San Geronimo Valley.
