Jeff Billings by BradB from 1BOG

I moved to the Bay Area from San Diego almost a year ago, and am really enjoying the cultural diversity, political progressiveness, and the awesome natural beauty of this region.  I am an avid yoga practitioner, and have found the Bay Area to be a true yoga mecca, with some of the finest teachers in the country.  When I’m not on the mat, I love to get out and hike the spectacular trails I’ve been discovering in Marin, the East Bay and even in SF!  A friend turned me on to 1BOG a couple of months ago.  I had just started looking for a job, so the timing was perfect.  It feels good knowing that while I’m making some money to pay the bills, I’m also playing a role in helping local communities reduce their dependence on fossil fuels.

During a cavassing session the other day, I experienced a stark contrast in how homeowners respond to me (and probably other 1BOG Solar Advocates, too) when I encounter them at home.  The first homeowner was apparently on an important phone call when I rang his doorbell.  He threw open the door and howled at me to “Get the !@?& off” his property or he would call the police.  I immediately and gladly complied, probably with record speed!  A bit stunned, I realized how dearly some people hold their privacy at home, and how important it is for me to have the utmost care and respect when approaching them.

The second homeowner was apparently sitting at home bored, and was grateful to see me and to have someone to talk to.  He invited me to sit on his front porch bench and proceeded to regale me with tales about his life and details of his political philosophy.  When I would glance longingly toward his driveway or try to interject about solar power, he would only speed up his pace and intensity.  Thankfully, he eventually got tired and I was able to tell him a little bit about solar and 1BOG.  Ah, patience.