Complete Streets Sample Letter

Dear Legislator,

Wherever we live, our roadways are central to our communities. They connect us to our schools and our jobs as well as to neighbors and local businesses. As such, the streets in our communities should be designed not just for motorists but for users of all kinds. Unfortunately, many roadway projects add capacity for automobiles and help increase vehicle speeds but do nothing to address the negative effects of those changes on other roadway users. As a result, communities across the country have built miles and miles of roads that are unsafe for or inaccessible to pedestrians, bicyclists, and riders of mass transit.

It’s time for a change. It’s time that all roadway projects that receive federal aid incorporate “complete streets” policies to ensure that they are designed and built with everyone in mind, regardless of age, ability, or mode of transportation. In addition to improving safety and accessibility for all roadway users, a federal complete streets mandate would also make walking, bicycling, and riding public transportation more attractive transportation options, which in turn would help the United States in its efforts to green its energy economy and reduce its dependence on fossil fuels.

I urge you to support the Safe and Complete Streets Act of 2011 (H.R. 1078/S. 1056) to ensure that all federal aid roadways incorporate complete streets policies in order to make them as safe and accessible for all users as possible and hope that you will do everything in your power to ensure that your colleagues in Congress will do the same.

Complete our streets!

Thank you,

There's No Place Like Homes

Other People's, That Is

Book a Short Term House or Apartment Rental Through Crashpadder

Crashpadder.com allows hosts and guests to arrange lodging agreements in a way that's simple, secure, and mutually beneficial. Hosts can supplement their incomes by letting a room while their guests save an average of 83% as compared to equivalent hotels. And according to The Carbon Coach, Crashpadder stays have an 80% lower carbon footprint than the average hotel stay.

The Crashpadder site also lets guests create and share Trips that provide information to potential hosts on areas they'd like to visit, number of guests, and preferred dates. The site sends updates to hosts whenever specifications in a Trip jive with the facilities their trying to let. Everyone wins!

Add or book a room through Crashpadder now!

Bookmark with:

Delicious |  Digg |  reddit |  Facebook |  StumbleUpon

It's Almost Time for Swimsuit Weather

Better Get Ready for the Car-pool! ...Eh? Eh?

So maybe you don't want to see your coworkers in their speedos and bikinis (or maybe even your spouse), but carpooling is one of the best ways to save gas and reduce emissions, especially on the trips you're taking all the time.

Carpools can also help reduce the monotony of a commute through lively conversation, which has the other added benefit of keeping the driver alert. And if all of that weren't enough, more carpools means fewer cars on the road, which in turn makes it easier for vehicles to maintain a consistent speed and save more gas. Everyone wins!

Don't like talking to your coworkers? Maybe you should find another job.

Bookmark with:

Delicious |  Digg |  reddit |  Facebook |  StumbleUpon

Does the New Nissan LEAF Live up to Its Name?

Gimme an L! Gimme an E! Gimme an A! Gimme an F!

What's That Spell? Leading, Environmentally Friendly, Affordable, Family Car!

Nissan recently reopened limited online reservations for its all new LEAF, the current World Car of the Year, and if you live in any of its launch markets, you’ve probably seen the billboards. The LEAF is Nissan’s 100% electric and at 99 miles per gallon gasoline equivalent ranks as the most efficient EPA certified vehicle…for all fuels…ever. Talk about high mileage! What’s more, being all electric means the LEAF produces zero emissions at the point of operation.

The LEAF is certainly leading the way for the wider development and spread of environmentally friendly vehicles (the “L” and the “E” in its name). But is it affordable? The LEAF starts at $32,780 in the United States, where qualified buyers can take advantage of a $7,500 federal tax credit (the same credit that applies to the purchase of Chevrolet’s plug-in hybrid, the Volt, which starts at $40,280). You’ll also save at the pump – because you won’t ever need to fill up. On gas, that is. Nissan advertises that the LEAF can go 100 miles on a full charge, and the car can be fully charged from a 220 volt home outlet in eight hours. It can also be charged to 80% in 30 minutes with a quick charger at a public charging station.

Not bad, huh? Environmentally friendly, a tax break, no more expensive fill ups, and relatively convenient to charge. There is, however, one thing that potential buyers of the LEAF should consider before they purchase the car: buying a LEAF means buying its battery system, which will cause the car to depreciate more significantly than were Nissan to offer an option for batteries to be leased (and also means a higher purchase price). In addition, making frequent use of quick charges will cause a 10% greater gradual battery capacity loss over 10 years than from charging with a 220 volt outlet at home. Nissan’s warranty only covers the original battery in full for the first year.

Still, if the range of the LEAF suits your driving needs, it’s not a bad deal – particularly considering that its development as a widespread production vehicle means a huge step away from transportation’s petroleum dependency. Plus, drivers should expect to see more public charging stations in cities and on highways as cars like the LEAF proliferate. And shaking our collective oil addiction is a family value, right? Better World Club thinks so, anyway. Let’s hear it for the LEAF!

Things People Like About the 2011 LEAF:

- It’s electric! …no gas expenses
- Greenest production car ever built: 94% recycled or recyclable
- Sophisticated interior instruments help drivers get the most out of a charge

Things People Don’t Like About the 2011 LEAF:

- Computers are expensive to fix when they break (get the service contract)
- Unattractive design
- Short range

MSRP:

MSRP $32,780 - $33,720 depending on trim (SV reviewed here)

Fuel Economy Stats:

Estimated EPA MPG (electric): 106 (city), 92 (hwy), 99 (combined)
Estimated Energy Consumption (kw-Hrs/100 miles): 32 (city), 37 (hwy), 34 (combined)
Cost to Drive 25 Miles: $0.94
Annual Fuel Cost*: 561
Annual Petroleum Consumption (1 barrel=42 gallons): 0.4 barrels/year

[*Based on 45% highway, 55% city driving, 15000 annual miles and a fuel price of $0.11 per kilowatt-hour.]

Warranty:

Basic: 36,000 miles / 36 months
Powertrain: 60,000 miles / 60 months
(Powertrain Limited Warranty -- Vehicles equipped with a continuously variable transmission also have a 10-year, 120,000 mile CVT limited warranty extension.)
Rust: Unlimited miles / 60 months

Corrosion Coverage is for 60 months/unlimited miles to repair inside-out rust through corrosion on vehicle. Nissan also has a Lifetime Replacement Panel Corrosion Warranty which is to the original repairing vehicle owner who installs or has installed outer sheet metal panels that develop inside/out rust through corrosion.

Adjustments: 12,500 miles / 12 months

Original Battery: 36,000 miles / 36 months
Covers 100% for the first 24 months, then prorated as follows: 25-32 months, covered 75%; 33-50 months, covered 50%; 51-84 months, covered 25%. Labor covered 100% if serviced by a Nissan Dealer.

Towing: 36,000 miles / 36 months
Towing is available to nearest Nissan dealer for warranty covered breakdowns.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Frontal Crash, Side Crash, And Rollover Tests:

NHTSA rates crash-tested vehicles by assigning them one to five stars. A five-star rating indicates the most injury protection, while one star indicates the least protection.

Overall: Not rated
Frontal: Not rated
Side: Not rated
Rollover: Not rated

Recalls:

To date, there have been no recalls announced for the 2011 LEAF.

Standard Features:
- Power Door Locks Operated Via Card Key and Internal Switch With Automatic Locking
- Vehicle Anti-Theft Via Alarm and Engine Immobilizer
- Child Safety Door Locks Located On Rear Doors
- 4-Wheel Anti-Lock Brakes
- Regenerative Braking System
- Traction Control
- Electronic Brake Force Distribution
- Brake Assistance
- Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) Vehicle Stability Control System
- Front Power Vented Disc and Rear Power Solid Disc Brakes
- Front Power Outlet
- Drive-By-Wire Control For Shifting
- 24-kWh Laminated Lithium-Ion Battery Pack
- AC Synchronous Electric Motor; Front Mounted With Horsepower Of 107 and Torque Of 207
- ZLEV Emissions
- iPod(R) Auxiliary Audio Input Jack
- Front Auxiliary Audio Input Jack
- Wireless Communication Access For Bluetooth(R) Enabled Devices
- USB Port
- AM/FM Radio With 6 Speakers Total; CD Player; MP3/ WMA Player; XM(R) Satellite Radio (Subscription Required)
- GPS Navigation Aid With Screen
- Radio Antenna
- Carwings Telematics Include Remote HVAC Controls, Remote Battery Level and Remote Battery Changing Functions (Requires Web Enabled Phone, Includes 36 Months Of Service)
- LED High Intensity Discharge Headlights
- Underbody Aero Cladding
- Front Air Dam
- Front and Rear Body Color Bumpers
- Rear Spoiler
- Underbody Protection
- Automatic Climate Control
- Audible Warnings Include Seatbelts Unfastened
- Exterior Temperature Gauge
- Voice Activated Controls For Bluetooth(R) Wireless Enabled Devices
- Motor Start/Stop Button
- Battery Gauge
- Tire Pressure Monitor
- Cruise Control
- Trip Computer With Autonomy Range Remaining, Average Energy Consumption, Miles To Empty, Instantaneous Energy Consumption and Stop Watch
- Steering Wheel Mounted Controls For Audio, Cruise Control and Wireless Enabled Devices
- Carpet Located In Passenger Cabin and Cargo Area
- Intelligent Key(TM) Card Key
- Keyless Entry Operated Via Card Key
- Remote Fuel Door Release Located Inside Vehicle
- Remote Liftgate Release Located Inside Vehicle and On Multi-Function Remote
- Multi-Function Remote Operates Anti-Theft, Door Lock/Unlock, Power Windows and Liftgate
- Passenger Airbag With Dual-Stage Deployment
- Front and Rear Crumple Zones
- Side Guard Door Beams
- Rear 3-Point Center Seatbelt
- Front Pretensioners With Force Limiters
- Front Seatbelt Height Adjusters
- Front and Rear Side Head Curtain Airbags Located In Roof
- Driver Airbag With Dual-Stage Deployment
- Front Active Head Restraints
- L A T C H
- Passenger Airbag Cutoff Sensor Activated By Seatbelt Engagement and Weight
- Seat Mounted Front Side Airbags
- Front and Rear Automatic Locking Retractors
- Front and Rear 3-Point Seatbelts
- Cloth Seats
- Rear 60/40 Split Folding Bench Seat With Adjustable Headrests
- Front Dual Reclining Bucket Seats, Driver Side Manually Adjusts 6 Ways Total, Passenger Side Manually Adjusts 4 Ways Total With Driver Adjustable Seat Height and Adjustable Headrests
- Tilt Steering Column
- Electric Power Speed Sensing Rack and Pinion Variable Assisted Steering
- Front Dual Door Mounted Storage
- Front Passenger Seatback Storage Pocket
- 4 Front; 4 Cupholders Total
- Illuminated Glovebox
- Front Covered Lower Console Storage Located On Floor
- Rear Stabilizer Bar
- Front Stabilizer Bar
- Independent MacPherson Strut Front Suspension With Coil Springs and Shock Absorbers
- Semi-Independent Torsion Beam Rear Suspension With Springs and Shock Absorbers
- 1-Speed Automatic Transmission With Floor Mounted Shifter
- SBRP205/55R16 Bridgestone Ecopia All-Season Tires
- Alloy Wheels, 16-In.
- Inflatable Spare Tire Kit
- Dual Black Power Adjustable Exterior Rearview Mirrors
- Power Window Lockout/Override
- Power Windows With Driver One-Touch Up and One-Touch Down
- Rear Window Intermittent Wiper/Washer
- Variable Intermittent Windshield Wipers
- Electrochromic Interior Rearview Mirror
- Front Dual Sunvisors
- Rear Window Defroster
Technical Specs:
Standard Engine: MOTOR
Standard Transmission: 1 Speed Automatic
Cylinders: N/A
Horsepower @ RPM: 107@NL
Fuel Economy Cty/Hwy: 106 / 92
Combined Fuel Economy: 99
EPA Class: Mid-Size
Number of Valves: N/A
Fuel Type: ELE / Not Applicable
Overdrive Transmission: No
Cargo Volume: 23 cu. ft.
Fuel Capacity: N/A
Brakes (Front): Disc
Brakes (Rear): Disc
Driveline: Front Wheel Drive
Steering: Rack & Pinion
Suspension (Front): Independent
Suspension (Rear): Semi-Independent
Tire Wheel Diameter: 16 in.
Seating: 5
Curb Weight: 3366
Height: 61.0
Length: 175.0
Wheelbase: 106.3
Width: 69.7
Doors: 4

Bookmark with:

Delicious |  Digg |  reddit |  Facebook |  StumbleUpon

Lemon Information

2010 Honda Pilot

Better World Club’s ''Lemon Information'' highlights consumer complaints against a different car model each month. We are not editorializing or claiming that these cars are necessarily lemons. Instead, we are merely providing information and ask readers to form their own opinions.

Component: Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Complaint: Brake pedals sometimes become soft, requiring application of significant pressure to slow the vehicle. One driver was unable to sufficiently slow herself in a residential cul de sac, resulting in her vehicle's collision with a deck. At the time, her vehicle had only been driven 490 miles.

Component: Visibility
Complaint: Side mirrors shake and significantly reduce visibility at speeds above 45 mph.

Bookmark with:

Delicious |  Digg |  reddit |  Facebook |  StumbleUpon

April 2011 Recalls

DRV is recalling certain model year 2011 Select, Mobile and Elite suite 5th wheel recreational vehicles equipped with ITC 2 wire dimmer switches. The dimmer circuit board overheats during use causing the circuit board and dimmer housing to melt and deform. As the dimmer switch fails, the lights may become inoperable or not work correctly and there may be a noticeable smoke or burning smell. The failure of the dimmer switch will cause the lights to stop dimming and/or working. An overheated switch can also lead to personal injury and/or fire. Dealers will replace the dimmer switches free of charge. The safety recall began on May 3, 2011. Owners may contact DRV at 1-574-457-6472.

Ducati is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 Multistrada 1200, and model year 2011, Diavel motorcycles. The electronic steering lock may fail to disengage during the motorcycle "key-on" process. This has been linked directly to a certain revision of the hands free device software. It could result in a situation where the motorcycle's engine might start while the steering lock is still engaged. A rider could start the motorcycle and attempt to ride away while the steering is still locked. The rider could experience the inability to steer increasing the risk of low speed tip-over or collision, thus increasing the potential for injury to the rider. The dealer will update the software of the hands free control unit free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during May 2011. Owners may contact Ducati at 1-800-231-6696.

Ford is recalling certain model year 2011 E-150, E-250, E-350 and E-450 trucks for failing to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 207, "Seating Systems." It may be possible that under unusually high loads, such as during a crash, the driver power seat track worm gear may fracture. In the event of a crash or other circumstances of severe loading, the worm gear could fracture and allow the seat to shift unrestrained forward or backward increasing the risk and/or severity of injuries to the driver. Dealers will inspect the driver's seat track assembly, and if necessary, replace it free of charge. The safety recall began on May 2, 2011. Owners may contact Ford Motor Company Customer Relationship Center at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's recall campaign number is 11C16.

General Motors is recalling certain model year 2011 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles. During manufacturing the steering wheel could have been improperly fastened and may detach from the steering column. Should the steering wheel detach from the steering column while driving, the driver could lose the ability to steer the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will inspect to ensure that the steering wheel is assembled properly. This service will be performed for you free of charge. The safety recall began on April 7, 2011. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, or at the owner center at www.gmownercenter.com. GM's recall campaign number is 11094.

Honda is recalling certain model year 2001-2002 Honda Accord, and Civic 2-door and 4-door, model year 2002-2003 CR-V, model year 2002 Odyssey, model year 2003 Acura CL, and model year 2002-2003 Acura TL vehicles. This recall is related to a series of recalls on these vehicles in which Honda is replacing the inflators within the driver's side air bag to address a defective condition. This recall addresses approximately 2,430 air bags that may have been installed as replacement service parts in the event, for one example, a covered vehicle had been in a crash necessitating the replacement of the driver's air bag, and the replacement air bag installed was one that may have contained a defective inflator. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's air bag, the inflator could produce excessive internal pressure that could cause the inflator to rupture with metal fragments striking and injuring the driver or other occupants. Owners of all vehicles on which a replacement service air bag may have been installed will be notified. Dealers will inspect vehicles, and where a defective air bag inflator is identified, the inflator will be replaced, free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or about June 27, 2011. Owners may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009. This safety recall campaign is related to recalls 08V-593, 09V-259, and 10V-041.

Hyundai is recalling certain model year 2010 Tucson vehicles manufactured from February 27, 2010, through April 17, 2010, for failing to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment," for the photometry requirements of the rear reflector assemblies installed in the rear bumpers. This could lead to reduced visibility of the rear of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will replace the rear reflector assemblies, free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during June 2011. Owners may contact Hyundai's Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-633-5151.

Hyundai is recalling certain model year 2010 Santa Fe 2WD vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions and 2.4L engines manufactured from October 15, 2009 through March 5, 2010. The intermediate shaft may suffer from noise and excessive wear due to a misalignment of the intermediate shaft with the right side output gear. Continuing to drive the vehicle in this condition leads to the development of a whirring/whining noise and can eventually cause damage to the automatic transmission. Damage to the transmission may cause loss of motive power, increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will replace the right side output gear and intermediate shaft free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during June 2011. Owners may contact Hyundai's Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-633-5151.

Jayco is recalling certain model year 2011 Eagle, Super Lite and Jay Flight G2 travel trailers manufactured from December 9, 2010, through February 11, 2011. These trailers may have cracked bolts attaching the leveling jacks to the trailer frame. If all of the bolts break, it could result in the jack coming loose from the frame. If the jack comes loose while the vehicle is in motion a crash, injury or death may result. Dealers will replace the fasteners attaching the leveling jacks to the frame with more robust fasteners. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during May 2011. Owners may contact Jayco at 1-800-283-8267.

Kentucky Trailer is recalling certain model year 2011 KY trailers that were built from October 26, 2010, through March 17, 2011, equipped with Gunite automatic slack adjusters manufactured from October 15, 2010, through January 31, 2011. Due to an incomplete "knitting" of the iron at the time of casting, inadequate structural integrity of the slack adjuster housing can occur, which could cause the housing to break at the handle under normal operating loads. If the slack adjuster housing were to break, the wheel brake to which the slack adjuster is attached would no longer function, causing the vehicle to have reduced braking capacity and, if mounted on the steer axle, the vehicle could pull to one side, possibly resulting in a crash. Kentucky Trailers will notify owners and dealers will replace any affected slack adjusters free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during May 2011. Owners may contact Kentucky Trailer at 1-888-598-7245.

Kia is recalling certain model year 2004-2007 Spectra LD vehicles manufactured from November 7, 2003, through March 6, 2007, originally sold, or currently registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia. There is a possibility that corrosion of the fuel tank straps that hold the tank may occur as a result of prolonged exposure to road salt. As a result of the corrosion, one or both straps may separate allowing the fuel tank to contact the ground and possibly disrupt the integrity of the tank. The fuel tank can fall from the vehicle and strike the ground, which could cause a fuel leak. Leaking fuel can create a fire hazard. Dealers will replace the fuel tank straps and attaching hardware with new zinc coated parts. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during June 2011. Owners may contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542.

Kia is recalling certain model year 2011 Sorento 2WD vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions and 2.4L engines manufactured from the start of production through May 22, 2010. The intermediate shaft may suffer from noise and excessive wear due to a misalignment of the intermediate shaft with the right side output gear. Continuing to drive the vehicle in this condition leads to the development of a whirring/whining noise and can eventually cause damage to the automatic transmission. Damage to the transmission may cause loss of motive power, increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will replace the right side output gear and intermediate shaft free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during May 2011. Owners may contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542.

Mercedes-Benz is recalling certain model year 2011 E-class model W212 and S212 vehicles manufactured from July 8, 2010, through July 12, 2010. Insufficient adhesive between the vibration damper and its inner mass damper ring could cause a sudden separation of the inner mass damper ring from the vibration damper. While working in the engine compartment during engine operation, the damper ring could strike and injure the person repairing the vehicle or a bystander. Dealers will inspect and replace parts as necessary free of charge. The safety recall began on April 8, 2011. Owners may contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372.

MV Agusta is recalling certain model year 2010 F4 motorcycles for the rear subframe. The upper fixture points may not be sufficiently robust, which may result in the subframe cracking and failing, local to the fixture points, during use. The stability of a rider and passenger could be compromised, thereby causing the risk of a crash. A reinforcement support kit for the rear subframe will be installed by dealers free of charge. The safety recall began during April 2011. Owners may contact MV Agusta at 1-215-830-3300.

Newmar is recalling certain recreational vehicles equipped with 1200 series Norcold refrigerators. The population of refrigerators being addressed contains either a sensing algorithm or thermal switch to shut off power to the refrigerator when high temperatures are detected in order to prevent a potential fire. The response times of the sensor algorithm and thermal switch devices to stop power are not sufficient. The sensing algorithm or thermal switch installed to shut off power to the refrigerator when high temperatures are detected due to a possible hydrogen gas leak may not shut off in sufficient time to prevent a fire. Newmar is working with Norcold to identify and notify any affected owners. Owners will be instructed to contact Norcold dealers to receive the remedy free of charge. Please see Norcold's defect report 10E-049 for additional information. The manufacturer has not yet provided an owner notification schedule. Owners may contact Norcold at 1-800-767-9101.

Nissan is recalling certain model year 1996-2004 Pathfinder and Model Year 1997-2003 Infiniti QX4 vehicles originally sold, or currently registered in the District of Columbia, Connecticut, Delaware, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington D.C., West Virginia and Wisconsin. In areas of the country in which heavy concentrations of road salt are used, a mixture of snow/water and salt may enter an assembly location hole in the upper strut housing, causing water to collect at the mating surface of the strut housing panel and the inner hood ledge assembly. Over time, this snow/water and salt intrusion may result in corrosion of the strut tower housing in some subject vehicles. The strut housing may crack and pull away from the inner hood ledge assembly. This may lead to grinding noises, increased steering effort, and possibly the steering column to break, resulting in the loss of steering control, which could result in a crash. Nissan will inspect the strut housing and repair the vehicles as necessary free of charge. An interim notification letter to owners will be mailed on or before May 16, 2011. Owners may contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.

Starcraft is recalling certain model year 2011 Autumn Ridge AR-One, Autumn Ridge, and Lexion S-Lite travel trailers manufactured between October 29, 2010, and January 27, 2011. These trailers may have cracked bolts attaching the leveling jacks to the trailer frame. If all of the bolts break, it could result in the jack coming loose from the frame. If the jack comes loose while the vehicle is in motion a crash, injury or death may result. Dealers will replace the fasteners attaching the leveling jacks to the frame with more robust fasteners. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during May 2011. Owners may contact Starcraft at 1-800-945-4787.

Thor Motor Coach (TMC) is recalling certain model year 2008-2010 Outlaw and model year 2011 Avanti motor homes manufactured from August 2007, through November 2010. The stop lamps may be intermittent during light brake applications. The stop lamps may not properly indicate that the service brakes are applied which may lead to a crash without warning. TMC will notify owners and repairs will be performed by Daimler Trucks (DTNA) dealerships free of charge. (See DTNA's recall campaign 10V-178.) Notification to owners by DTNA is expected to begin during May 2011. Owners may contact DTNA at 1-800-547-0712.

Toyota is recalling certain model year 2011 Tundra vehicles equipped with a 3-Joint type propeller shaft. Due to improper casting of the slip yokes, there is a possibility that the slip yoke may break, causing the propeller shaft to separate at the joint and come into contact with the road surface. The driver could experience loss of motive power and vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash. Toyota will notify owners and inspect the propeller shaft and, if necessary, replace it free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during May 2011. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.

Toyota is recalling certain model year 2008 Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, and model year 2007-2008 RAV4. In the curtain shield airbag (CSA) system, there are two sensors in the airbag sensor assembly which are designed to detect vehicle roll angle. If one of these sensors malfunctions, the airbag warning light (malfunction indicator light: mil) will illuminate and the roll detection system will be suspended; however, the airbag CSA remains available in the event of a side crash. If both sensors fail nearly simultaneously after initial airbag system check, the CSA and the seat belt pretensioner could be inadvertently activated. Inadvertent activation of the CSA and/or the seat belt pretensioner can cause injury to a vehicle occupant. Toyota will replace the airbag sensor assembly with a new one containing improved roll rate sensors, free of charge. Toyota intends to send an interim owner notification to owners early to mid-May 2011 when sufficient parts and remedy becomes available. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.

Vermeer is recalling certain model year 2009-2011 BC1200XL single axle brush chipper trailers manufactured from July 24, 2009, through February 14, 2011. During the assembly process the incorrect lug nuts were installed on wheels for the 285/75/R16 flotation tire option. These incorrect lug nuts may loosen, since the lug nuts do not match the countersink holes in the wheel disc. Loose lug nuts can damage the wheel disc and result in wheel separation from the trailer, increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will replace the lug nuts free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or about June 1, 2011. Owners may contact Vermeer at 1-641-628-3141.

Webasto Product North America, Inc. (Webasto) is recalling certain Hollandia 700 and 600 series and Hollandia TVS 900 series sunroofs installed as original equipment by Erickson Auto Trim on various passenger vehicles. The adhesive bond between the glass and the metal frame can debond increasing the risk that the sunroof glass would separate from the vehicle. Complete glass-to-frame debonding can develop gradually and may be evidenced by metal corrosion around the sunroof frame, wind noise, vibration, visual bond separation and/or water leakage. In the event of a separation, the falling glass could create a road hazard or strike a trailing vehicle, and cause a crash. Webasto, the manufacturer of the sunroofs, will be performing the safety recall campaign. Owners who have been identified as having an affected sunroof installed in their vehicle will receive a safety recall notice from Webasto. The safety recall began on October 8, 2010. In order to determine if your vehicle is affected, please review the list of vehicles provided to us by Erickson Auto Trim by clicking on the hyperlink affected vehicle list or you may visit Webasto's website at http://www.sunroofcheck. You can also call Webasto toll-free at 1-888-749-8632.

Bookmark with:

Delicious |  Digg |  reddit |  Facebook |  StumbleUpon

Sample Letter to CA Assembly in Support of AB 361

Dear Assemblyperson [Assemblyman/woman and a name sounds a little better],

More and more entrepreneurs are starting companies that seek not only to profit in the traditional sense but also to create a material positive impact on society and the environment. As such, corporate leaders and investors need to be able to run their businesses in ways that consider the interests of a variety of stakeholders and that incorporate a broader mission than simply maximizing profit. Unfortunately, traditional corporate law defines the fiduciary duty of corporate officers and directors narrowly, making it difficult for businesses with a social mission to make the kinds of complicated decisions they face every day, even when those decisions maximize returns to shareholders.

It’s time that California law recognized the important potential of so called Benefit Corporations to provide market based incentives for investing in solutions to the many social and environmental problems currently facing our state and the world.

This would be good for California. Each state should attempt to become “the” state for 21st century incorporation. What Delaware became for conventional corporations, California could become for the modern corporation.

I encourage you to support AB 361, which would establish legal infrastructure for the creation and oversight of Benefit Corporations in California. I also ask that you do everything in your power to convince your colleagues in the Senate to pass the bill as well. With the passage of Benefit Corporation legislation, California has a chance to be a real leader in creating the legal infrastructure necessary to support sustainable businesses in America.

Sincerely,

Bookmark with:

Delicious |  Digg |  reddit |  Facebook |  StumbleUpon