Joshua Trees are a member of the yucca family. The name Joshua tree was given by a band of Mormons who crossed the Mojave Desert in the mid-19th century. The tree's unique shape reminded them of a Biblical story in which Joshua reaches his hands up to the sky.

By far one of the coolest experiences was my drive in the all-electric Tango Car. President Rick Woodbury brought it down and Norman (the photographer) and I took it for a spin [and at way too high of speeds for my blood]. I would like to confirm to everyone that it does indeed go from 0 to 60 in less than 4 seconds. More importantly, however, its a great zero-emission, all electric vehicle.

I took a shot of Ranger Don Roberts and friend next to the car. And yes, everyone thought it was the coolest thing ever.

While in San Francisco, much needed trips to the Farmer's Market, Amoeba Records and then a grand finale at the Commonwealth Club. On February 22nd, the Commonwealth Club hosted its 19th annual Distinguished Citizens Awards at the Fairmont Hotel. The focus of the awards was on sustainable energy production.

It was a way-to-long but very stimulating night of practical and progressive thinking on the future of sustainable energy. Award recipients and participants in the panel included: The Energy Foundation, a San Francisco partnership of six foundations involved in research and production; Timothy Draper, founder of a $30 million fund that invests in clean energy technology; Denis Hayes, co-founder of Earth Day and director of the Bullitt Foundation, which funds environmentally friendly projects in the Pacific Northwest; Michael Peevey, president of the California Public Utilities Commission; and Daniel M. Kammen, director of the Renewable and Appropriate Energy Laboratory at UC Berkeley. Arthur Rosenfeld, a California Energy Commission commissioner who led a Nobel Prize-winning group in particle physics at UC Berkeley, recieved the club's Lifetime Achievement Award.

Ed Begley was there too, giving a bit more star-power to the mix. Denis Hayes, however, was by far the most entertaining of the mix. Peter Darbee, the Chairman, CEO and President of PG&E Corporation had some very progressive views on how to pressure our government towards energy efficiency...Draper blathered way too much about the Tesla.

In the interview, Van Dyck (RBC Dain Rauscher) discusses climate change and clean energy technologies; the controversial investments of the Gates Foundation; and how we can create change through socially-responsible investing (SRI) and shareholder action. I hope I was able to capture at least part of his strength of vision and boundless energy for environmental and social justice issues.

Read the full interview here.