Editorial: Santa Ana mayor pitches green jobs

Mayor Pulido's assertions on this particular topic, while perhaps well intentioned, are off the mark. A better idea would be for Mr. Pulido and the Santa Ana City Council to focus on cutting regulations, taxes and fees for all businesses, demonstrating that Santa Ana desires to be a hub for any and all industries willing to do business within the city's borders.

Santa Ana has put an ambitious emphasis on "going green." Among the initiatives under way is one that waives fees on permitting for solar panels for homes and businesses. Mr. Pulido also touted Philadelphia's apparent creation of a "green region" to help foster growth in that city's green industry – it sounded like Mayor Pulido was advocating for a sort of green enterprise zone, an idea that would give special benefits to the sector.

We're supportive of conservation and other "go-green" efforts; the Register recycles extensively and regularly reviews its energy use to reduce costs and the Editorial Board encourages other businesses to do the same. But, we're skeptical of "green" measures that depend on government subsidy to create jobs, and insofar as Santa Ana looks to government to fund this sector, that's where the vision falls short. Most so-called "green jobs" are low-paying, such as installers and recycling laborers. Advocates pad the numbers by including administrative positions, but don't mention that the secretaries and clerks hired come from other industries for no net employment gain.

Advocates seldom discuss lost opportunity costs – what a company's money would have bought if invested for more profitable uses. Moreover, government mandates are essential to creating these almost-always tax subsidized jobs. Otherwise, the "green businesses" would operate at a loss. As explained in the 2011 book, The False Promise of Green Energy, green jobs irresponsibly seek to transform society on borrowed money, wishful thinking and bad economics. As Spain discovered, each government-subsidized green job created resulted in more than two lost conventional jobs.

Santa Ana Mayor Miguel Pulido, addressing a crowded ballroom Thursday at the Doubletree Hotel in his annual State of the City speech, said he believes turning Santa Ana into a green job hub will be one of the best ways to recoup an estimated 30,000 job losses that the city has suffered during the last three years.

Mayor Pulido's assertions on this particular topic, while perhaps well intentioned, are off the mark. A better idea would be for Mr. Pulido and the Santa Ana City Council to focus on cutting regulations, taxes and fees for all businesses, demonstrating that Santa Ana desires to be a hub for any and all industries willing to do business within the city's borders.

Double Tree Hotel Philadelphia - HelloPhiladelphia.com

Philadelphia has its share of hotel chains, but the DoubleTree Hotel Philadelphia and other large businesses on the Avenue of the Arts don’t feel like chain stores at all. Heavily influenced by the surrounding culture of the Avenue of the Arts , it’s common to find guests carrying musical instrument cases and art near the DoubleTree Hotel Philadelphia.

The hotel also hosts artistic, community-centric events for the local community, such as Dorian’s Parlor , a monthly steampunk event attracting guests in formal Victorian-inspired fashions. Dorian’s Parlor serves as a center for those interested in the steampunk aesthetic, featuring fashion shows, comedians, musical acts, author readings and more.

The DoubleTree Hotel is located near many of the city’s most prominent cultural and historical attractions. Along the Avenue of the Arts, visitors will find the Kimmel Center , the Academy of Music , the Wilma Theater and the Merriam Theater. The University of the Arts uses many of these venues for student rehearsal and performance.

Visitors wishing to sample local restaurants will find the DoubleTree’s central location ideal. (Reservations are suggested for most local restaurants as crowds appear suddenly following concerts and plays.) The DoubleTree includes a formal dine-in area as well as an informal bistro restaurant.

Guests sensitive to smoke and other allergens should consider the DoubleTree. A completely non-smoking establishment, the DoubleTree’s spacious lobby, dining and conference areas prevent close exposure to other guests’ perfumes and hair products. The spacious nature of common areas and room accommodations also make the DoubleTree ideal for those who typically feel claustrophobic in urban environments.

The DoubleTree Philadelphia is known locally for parking convenience, its garage open to hotel guests and non-guests alike. If you’re attending an event at the DoubleTree, inquire with the event organizer about event parking prices, as this hotel sometimes offers a discount with a validated ticket. Valet service is available around the clock.

HelloMetro Tip:  The DoubleTree is easily accessible from the Philadelphia International Airport or by train or car. It’s accessible by all nearby major roadways. If you need to ask for directions or find yourself lost, use City Hall as your landmark—the Double Tree is a short distance from it.

Insiders' Guide to Philadelphia

1996 International Sherwood Fusion Theory Conference, March 18-20, 1996, Doubletree Hotel, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Reptiles magazine

DK Eyewitness Travel Guide: Philadelphia & The Pennsylvania Dutch Country

Fodor's Philadelphia & the Pennsylvania Dutch Country