Guttman Initiatives

Video: March Madness Charity Basketball Game

Administrator — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 19:39:50 +0000

KFC CARES Launch at Harbor Park Apartments

Administrator — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 19:36:31 +0000

Slideshow: Harbor Park Apartments

Wireless Industry Addresses Child Safety

Administrator — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 19:46:18 +0000

In 2007/2008, Guttman Initiatives embarked on its first ever “Industry Integrated Charitable Initiative”™ that successfully brought together the leaders of the mobile industry to collaboratively address an important social issue: safeguarding children from abduction. The product provides a child tracking and alerting service nationally in use today.

From the start, Guttman Initiatives’ vision of this unique collaboration was to build and implement an industry-wide product that would be available through all participating mobile carriers. Sale of the AmberWatch Mobile application and the monthly service fees would mutually benefit the carriers and the charity in a multitude of opportunities:

For the industry
- Unique model of industry-wide collaboration to create and demonstrate benefits of new technology
- Unified message of charitable goodwill
- Public awareness of corporate social participation
- Revenue sharing relationship
For the charity
- Source of dependable revenue
- Use of new technology to address a social issue
- Generate increased public awareness

This Guttman Initiative led charitable initiative helped the wireless industry forge new relationships with various government agencies, raise public awareness on the many benefits of wireless technology, and identified the industry with philanthropy. All achieved by industry-wide collaboration.

Technologies to Change Medicine

Administrator — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 19:45:29 +0000

Lifeguard Health Network Bridges the Gap in Continuity of Care for the Chronically Ill

Lifeguard Mobile health management tools creates the industry’s first fully integrated continuity of care network centered on the patient and his/her trusted support network. These tools drive important communications between the patient to their healthcare network and medical team to continuously assess, adjust and manage proactive healthcare. Lifeguard Mobile also empowers life safety by extrapolating important real time health information through Bluetooth from devices and through a push button mechanism to a predesignated network of supporters and medical care providers.

Why Lifeguard Health Network?

The founders are patient advocates who quickly recognized the significance of these unique health management tools in improving the quality of life and safety of their own family members who suffer from chronic disease. In addition:

Acceleration of aging population – 70% growth rate for people 60 years old+ expected between 2005 to 2020.
Acceleration of chronic disease medical costs – Currently accounts for 70% of total healthcare expenditure. In 2010, 141 million Americans with chronic conditions cost public/private insurers $845 billion dollars.
Acceleration of need for continuity of care in non-institutional settings (ie, home, work, rehabilitation facilities).

This universally accessible patient-centered, mobile health management solution targets:

Transitional healthcare
Chronically ill
Demographically vulnerable
At risk populations

and addresses the following issues confronting the delivery of healthcare today:

Empower the patient regardless of illness
Cost effectively improve healthcare outcomes
Scale health systems globally

Pivot Points in the Environment

Administrator — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 19:44:27 +0000

The Climate Response Fund

The Climate Response Fund (CRF), in its infancy (January 2009), was a reaction to the global call for climate intervention research. The call to action came from the scientific community who warned that we must study climate intervention in order to understand the “in case of emergency” options that could be relied upon if we hit a “catastrophic climate tipping point.” Guttman Initiatives worked with Dr. Margaret Leinen along with advisors to set up the Climate Response fund. It was clear that large organizations were not yet prepared to take the lead on developing rules and guidelines.

What is a climate emergency? One such possibility could be a dramatic release of methane from the arctic permafrost into our atmosphere. The result would be dramatic, effectively changing weather patterns, food growth patterns and even where to build a home.

Climate intervention is not a desired option. Many impacts of climate intervention may be unsettling. The unintended consequences are, of course, not foreseeable. The scientific community absolutely acknowledges these dangers; however, the scientific community also argues that we must be prepared for potential tipping points and that the only way to know whether any of these techniques could offset such tipping points is to study them.

Climate intervention was likened by one participant at the Asilomar Conference to chemotherapy. Although undesirable, it may save the patient from a worse situation. The research will shine light on the field and help us to understand the issues.

The Climate Response Fund was created to ensure that this research is done safely and responsibly.

Continued Calls For Geoengineering

In March 2009, Foreign Affairs published the article, “The Geoengineering Option, A Last Resort Against Global Warming?” by David G. Victor, M. Granger Morgan, Jay Apt, John Steinbruner, and Katharine Ricke. The article highlighted several major points including: 1) odds of reaching a real climate tipping point are increasing; 2) serious research on climate intervention (or geoengineering) is still in its infancy, and has not received the attention it deserves from politicians; and 3) the time has come to take climate intervention seriously.

Furthermore, the article reflected precisely the philosophy and intent for the Asilomar International Conference On Climate Intervention Technologies, “Although the international scientific community should take the lead in developing a research agenda, social scientists, international lawyers, and foreign policy experts will also have to play a role. Eventually, there will have to be international laws to ensure that globally credible and legitimate rules govern the deployment of geoengineering systems. But effective legal norms cannot be imperiously declared. They must be carefully developed by informed consensus in order to avoid encouraging the rogue forms of geoengineering they are intended to prevent”.

The call for this conference came from other sources as well. In April 2009 President Obama’s Science Advisor, Dr. John Holdren remarked, “It’s (climate intervention) got to be looked at. We don’t have the luxury of taking any approach off the table.” In June 2009, the US National Academy of Sciences held a Geoengineering Workshop. This was a part of the Academy’s two-year study of ‘America’s Climate Choices’ for response to climate change. The workshop was tremendously successful and resulted in a clear consensus in support of climate intervention technology (geoengineering) research.

About The Conference

The International Conference on Climate Intervention Technologies was developed to bring together leading world-wide scientists and specialists in risk assessment and governance, and nonprofit organizations to propose rules and guidelines for climate intervention studies. The conference took place at the Asilomar Conference Center, Monterey California, March 22-26, 2010 and was developed by Guttman Initiatives along with a new nonprofit, The Climate Response Fund.

The goal of the conference was not to debate either the use of climate intervention or ethical issues. It explicitly focused on facilitating international standards to reduce risk associated with research. Guttman Initiatives secured the leadership of Dr. Paul Berg (Nobel Prize 1980), who successfully implemented the historic Asilomar Conference on Recombinant DNA Technologies that proposed the rules and guidelines currently in place for RDNA science. Like the first Asilomar Conference, the guidelines developed from this environmental conference will continue to be assessed regularly with international participation to incorporate new information resulting from ongoing research.

Leading Nonprofits Participating to Set Rules and Guidelines for this Science

To ensure the broadest consideration of environmental protection and precautions, leading nonprofits participated both in the scientific organization of the conference and in efforts to propose guidelines for climate intervention technology research. For example, Dr. Stephen Hamburg (Chief Scientist for the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF)) and Mr. Steven Seidel (Vice President for Policy Analysis of the Pew Center for Global Climate Change) participated as active members of the conference’s Scientific Organizing Committee.

Conference Developer and Chair of Scientific Organizing Committee are Internationally Known Climate Scientists

Guttman Initiatives worked closely with Dr. Margaret Leinen, CEO of the Climate Response Fund (former Chair of the US Global Change Research Program, Vice-Chair of the Climate Change Science Program and Assistant Director for Geosciences of the National Science Foundation). Additionally, Guttman Initiatives worked closely with the conference’s chair of the Scientific Organizing Committee, Dr. Michael MacCracken (Chief Scientist for Climate Change Programs of The Climate Institute and former President of International Association of Meteorology). The Scientific Organizing Committee developed the agenda for the conference.

Organizing Committee

To achieve the conference’s goals, the Scientific Organizing Committee was comprised of leaders representative of scientific excellence in the fields related to climate intervention and with expertise in developing consensus around difficult climate-related issues. These leading scientists represented a diversity of geographic background and scientific expertise. Their summaries highlight their experience in consensus building as well as their scientific experience and recognition.

Framing the Issue of Climate Intervention (Media, Public Education)

Led by the Environmental Defense Fund and Pew Center for Global Climate Change, Guttman Initiatives and CRF helped frame the issue of climate intervention in ways that allowed productive public discussions of climate intervention. We launched work with nonprofit partners on a summary of climate intervention technologies intended for non-scientific audiences. We also focused on a variety of media sources (ie, Science and Nature, The Economist). At the policy level for scientific media, we discussed strategy with Alan Leshner (American Association for the Advancement of Science) and Floyd Bloom (former editor of Science). Furthermore, we also had discussions with experts in public opinion related to climate change, such as Dr. Anthony Leiserowitz (Yale University), so as to develop information that will assist in framing the issue for a variety of audiences.

International Interest

Although many countries and states are still considering their position on the use of climate intervention technologies, the conference garnered support because of the urgent need to set global guiding principles for research. As a result, the State Of Victoria, Australia became a partner/sponsor for the conference.

World governments and international research foundations were largely immobilized (not funding experiments) because of concerns of research risks. Unless these public and private organizations can point to an international scientific consensus on guiding principles for risk management, it is unlikely that funding will materialize; leaving a dangerous vacuum in the knowledge of climate tools. Even more frightening was the fact that until this conference ensued, these guidelines were nonexistent for researchers and scientists proceeding to study these techniques. This left us gravely open to potential unintended consequences from experimentation without appropriate global consideration of safety standards.

The Conference

The first evening of the conference was magical. The tone had changed. The Scientific Organizing Committee performed an absolutely tremendous job in setting the expectations and character of the conference. The speakers pointed to historical parallels in which global collaborative considerations were successful. When participants approached the microphone to speak, each acknowledged their commitment to the goal of setting guidelines and their willingness to collaborate. There was professional respect and… a willingness to learn.

The subsequent days were long, intense and at times, grueling. There were real, and sometimes heated debates. Different perspectives were clear, but the collaborative and respectful tone rose above the differences.

Throughout the conference, the various fields of climate intervention science were reviewed. During these discussions, the scientists heard different perspectives from economists, environmentalists, social scientists, etc. There was great sensitivity to our shared future in the evolution of these discussions.

In Conclusion

Ultimately, there was one word that resonated from the environmentalists, economists, historians, policy makers and others who attended the conference. The word was humility… and that perspective changed the path of the conference. The conference’s summary statement captured this sentiment.

It is believed that the most important element that resulted from the conference was the collaboration of the different disciplines. The groups had historically been very confrontational – and they had demonstrated this leading up to the conference. During the conference, there was a transformation. Collectively the group demonstrated a willingness to “hear the other side” and more importantly, listen. I think it was an awakening for all attendees.

We continue to have commitment from the participants to work together. We must cherish and utilize this asset wisely. Currently, a report on Geoengineering Governance from the Bipartisan Policy Commission is being released in October 2011 using the Asilomar Principles as the starting point for their governance talks. The conference is prominently featured in the report. In addition, the Asilomar Conference was featured in the work of an international group of scientists who led a workshop to develop ideas on how to study the ecosystem effects of geoengineering. Again, the Asilomar Principles were deemed the appropriate framework to conduct this research appropriately.

Guttman Initiatives and CRF are honored to be able to make a difference by encouraging our community, our nation and our world to keep their focus on geoengineering developments.

Multi-Family Housing Addresses Causes

Administrator — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 19:43:45 +0000

The collaboration of Guttman Initiatives (GI) and Klein Financial Corporation (KFC) to design, develop and implement unique, sustainable cause marketing programs for the multifamily housing industry has provided a multitude of benefits for residents and the community:

Greater sense of community for residents
Convenience and savings for residents
Community-wide integration through cutting edge social responsibility programs
Long term dependable funding programs for non-profit partners

Several pilot programs are currently underway. These unique marketing programs, specifically targeted for the multifamily housing industry, are already demonstrating their effectiveness in helping apartment communities function more prosperously, as well as, positively impact collective giving and social responsibility.

Klein Financial is the premier real estate investment banking consulting company focused on affordable housing finance and development with a record of approximately $3 billion in financing and developing public and private projects. More than 60 % of Americans live in multifamily housing.

Harbor Park Apartments Partners with the Lawrence Hall of Science

Administrator — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 15:08:48 +0000

On August 10th 2011, the EBAYS Program began at the Norman C. King South Vallejo Community Center. The partnership between Klein Financial Corporation and the Lawrence Hall of Science helped provide the opportunity for student’s to develop their science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) skills. Unlike any other apartment community, Harbor Park students will actively participate in science experiments around Vallejo to address problems of soil, water and air quality. Participation in the program ranges from 10-15 junior high and high school students, who will meet twice weekly during the school year. All students participating in the program who meet attendance and participation requirements will receive a $500 stipend for their successful participation and completion in the program.

Klein Financial is also proud to be a sponsor of the Lawrence Hall of Science’s Inventors Lab and Inventors Club. This program has served almost 900 kids in the Vallejo area giving them valuable exposure to core science and engineering skills. The Inventor’s Lab allows visitors of all ages to engage in hands-on exhibits, brainstorm ideas, and test their designs. All Harbor Park residents have the opportunity to receive free family passes so that they can continue to participate in these programs throughout the school year.

Asilomar Conference Recommendations on Principles for Research into Climate Engineering Techniques

Administrator — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 12:43:21 +0000

Click on the link below to see the document:

AsilomarConferenceReport.pdf

Video: “Pet Palooza” dog park opening and pet adoption event

Administrator — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 11:42:03 +0000

Harbor Park Apartment Homes, in Partnership with Uc Berkeley Lawrence Hall of Science and Fighting Back, Builds a New Apartment Community Model for Vallejo

Administrator — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 00:46:19 +0000

VALLEJO, CA (October 5, 2011) - On September 29, 2011 Harbor Park Apartment Homes, a Klein Ventures Property professionally managed by Phoenix-based Alliance Residential Company, hosted a community event where they introduced the Klein Financial Corporation (KFC) Cares Program designed to build and improve the community through a variety of unique services and education-promoting efforts, and brought their community residents and the greater neighborhood together with food, games and music.

Over 250 residents, and neighbors of all ages celebrated from the afternoon into the early evening enjoying games and dancing to music from the local radio DJ , DJ Rell at 89.5FM. Radio talk show personality, Erica Blue, served as a co-host announcer for the festivities. A Community Mural, “We Are Community” was hand-painted by residents of all ages from Harbor Park, capturing this spirit of coming together and creating a colorful and enduring mark of community spirit. The University of California, Lawrence Hall of Science Innovators Laboratory program was presented by their staff to the family and children of the community; many of the children currently participate in this robotics and science education program that is hosted across the street from Harbor Park in the South Vallejo Community Center.

In addition to the fun, Harbor Park introduced the KFC Cares Program comprised of initiatives designed to improve the lives of individuals within the greater community. Bob Klein, President of Klein Financial, stated: “We have created the KFC Cares Program for all of our properties because we have demonstrated that commitments to special programs for our residents and their families can dramatically improve their lives and the sense of community for the apartment community. When the residents and their children are fully engaged with these programs, their successes are accelerated and amplified; we know that together we can make a difference.” Such progressive programs include the unique One Touch Savings and Service program, the University of California, Lawrence Hall of Science Innovators Laboratory scholarship program, and the Vallejo Neighborhood Watch Program.

The unique Harbor Park One Touch Savings & Service program, exclusive to Klein Financial Communities, offers residents savings through exclusive discounts to a wide array of businesses, and a concierge service designed to make life easier, including, for example, preferred access to concert tickets, cab reservations and daily wake-up calls. “The coupon discounts could save a resident family up to $250 a month or more; our Property Manager uses the discount program and she has realized even larger savings,” acconding to Mr. Klein.

Harbor Park is also deeply committed to education. Harbor Park has partnered with the University of California, Lawrence Hall of Science Innovators Laboratory to offer program scholarships to the property’s high school students. The programs are free to all Harbor Park students, and the high school students receive a $500 annual stipend when they participate in the most advanced program. In addition, at the beginning of the school year, Harbor Park hosted a successful “Gear Up for Success” event for the community where over 100 Harbor Park school children were provided basic tools for success, each receiving his or her own backpack filled with fun and necessary school supplies.

In a wider community focus, Harbor Park has created a South Vallejo Neighborhood Watch program, steered by the Harbor Park Community Officer, Denard Fobbs, in collaboration with Mr. Washington Davis, a retired Oakland Police Officer who lives at Harbor Park. This Neighborhood Watch is supported by the local nonprofit group, Fighting Back Partnership, that has involved 3,500 neighborhood residents in 10 Watch areas. The program is nationally recognized by the Coalition of Anti-Drug Communities of America. Denard Fobbs recently joined the staff of Klein Financial Corporation as the Community Outreach Officer. Mr. Fobbs continues to serve as a Captain in the US Marines Active Reserve; he recently returned from two tours in Iraq.

Harbor Park Apartment Homes is leading the market in programs designed to enhance and improve the lifestyle of its residents and the greater Vallejo community. Mr. Klein closed his remarks by stating, “I want to thank all of our resident families, the University of California Berkley Lawrence Hall of Science, Fighting Back, FM Station 89.5, and the Alliance Residential property management staff for their work with Klein Financial in making Harbor Park an unmatched, in fact extraordinary, North Bay apartment community.”

For more information, visit www.harborparkapartmenthomes.com.

About Harbor Park Apartment Homes

Harbor Park Apartment Homes provides all of the benefits of a suburban neighborhood with easily accessible urban conveniences. Harbor Park offers two- and three- bedroom apartment homes that are among the largest in the metro area. Professional landscaping and a picnic area with a state-of-the-art playscape offer abundant outdoor living areas to enjoy the fresh Pacific Ocean breezes. A renovation program is in place which will further improve resident living including private garages and a clubhouse with a fitness center and business center. Located within minutes of local Vallejo schools, parks, and neighborhood dining & retail, Harbor Park provides a unique sense of neighborhood and community.