Tracy LaCorte, an engineer who has worked for Bently Holdings since early 2008, doubles as an officer in the Coast Guard Reserve. When deployed, Tracy is typically away for only a couple of weeks a year — but during the 2010 Deepwater Horizon cleanup effort, the Coast Guard needed him for two months in the Gulf of Mexico. During that time, Tracy worked in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana as the Planning Department Documentation Unit Leader, drafting and editing Branch Action Plans, conveying work assignments and special instructions for over 2,200 personnel and 950 support assets.

For his work during the oil spill response Tracy was awarded the Coast Guard Achievement Medal.

As a Lieutenant Junior Grade, Tracy is also a Maritime Law Enforcement Officer and Team Leader for Sector San Francisco. Serving in this capacity he manages Captain of the Port security concerns for 1,500 miles of coastline. He is also responsible for the training development and mobilization readiness requirements for twelve Reserve members.

On a daily basis he works as an engineer at the Bently Reserve, a historic building famous for hosting the West Coast’s finest events. The building boasts highly advanced technologies and sustainable operations; it is one of the oldest LEED certified buildings in the nation.

Businesses everywhere can contribute to important causes of national interest, such as the Deepwater cleanup, by supporting employees like Tracy. These men and women have outstanding leadership abilities and advanced expertise, making them desirable on any team. Bently Holdings recognizes this, and invests in the dedication of employees in the Guard and Reserve by salary matching for a set number of weeks each year while they serve our country. Additionally, Bently Holdings maintains health care benefits for long-term absences — an especially important advantage to those with families.

Bently Holdings salutes Tracy, and all members of the Coast Guard, for their extraordinary contributions to our safety, environement, our nation, and our workforce.

The National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard conducts an awards program designed to recognize employers who support a strong National Guard and Reserve force. Employers qualify for recognition when they practice leadership and personnel policies that support employee participation in the Guard and Reserve.

Bently Holdings worked closely with the new tenants to reuse existing furniture and build outs, saving them money while accommodating their unique needs. One of the oft-overlooked benefits of reusing buildout materials is the great reduction in lead time between build out and occupancy — another benefit that’s been realized by the collaboration of our the Bently Holdings property manager, Marin Brokers, and new tenants.


Reusing build outs can also be of great benefit to the environment by reducing the amount of waste sent to landfill. The average construction project yields 3.9 pounds per waste per square foot — at over 100,000 square feet total, Belvedere Place would be putting nearly 400,000 pounds of waste to landfill were it not to reuse previous tenants’ build outs every time space became available. We understand that each project is different: that’s why we work closely with our tenants to achieve the highest level of waste diversion possible from Day One for each and every new build out.

Building green also has a positive impact on any business’s brand and bottom line. According to Ashley Katz, USGBC spokesperson, “By building green, everyone profits. Owners, in particular, benefit from an increased bottom line gained through energy savings, increased productivity, reduced absenteeism and turnover, and happier employees.”

Contact us today to learn more about what a green management company can do for your business.

One of the newest buildings in Marin, Belvedere Place has ample parking available in its garage, and is located only 20 minutes from San Francisco. The building also features views of Mount Tamalpais and the surrounding hills, with picnic tables and benches for tenant use in a park-like setting. It is located next to Strawberry Village – host to numerous dining options and amenities.

Bently Holdings is thrilled to welcome three businesses to their new home at Belvedere Place!

Devised with the modern-day fashionista in mind, featured designers will showcase an evocative array of exclusive haute couture designs. Including alluring undergarments by Dark Garden Unique Corsetry, feminine expressions of wearable-art by Gelareh Alam, elegant yet edgy gowns by Rebecca Bruce, British-inspired silhouettes by Sara Shepherd, and dramatic women’s and menswear by Sequoia & Gita., each piece shown will reestablish the true meaning of couture: custom, made by hand, one-of-a-kind designs.

To conclude the evening, Amber Marie Bently will show off her own sustainable style with unique runway feature of Amber Marie Bently Couture Jewelry.

As an avid environmentalist and eco-conscious trendsetter, Amber Marie and her husband Chris Bently have dedicated their philanthropic and professional work to organizations such as Global Green and PRBO, and have donated land to the Nature Conservancy. Most recently, Amber Marie’s efforts are focused on the Coral Reef Alliance, the only international organization working exclusively to save coral reefs.

The trail is a part of the Bently-Kirman ranch, which was founded in part by Donald E. Bently of Bently Agrowdynamics, whose vision of sustainable agriculture is being realized at this Nevada ranch. Donald says that he “never bought into the stereotype that agricultural and environmental interests have to be played off against each other” — and hikers of the new trail can see this concept in action.

“The new trail takes visitors past some beautiful natural areas and provides a wonderful recreational opportunity,” says Duane Petite, Carson River Project Director for The Nature Conservancy. “But the trail is also a perfect example of The Nature Conservancy’s collaborative approach to conservation in the Carson Valley for the benefit of people and nature.”

The building of the trail was made possible through a partnership between Bently Agrowdynamics, The Nature Conservancy, the Carson Valley Trails Association, and Boy Scout Troop 495. Volunteers put in more than 100 hours building the trail. Two trail loops meander peacefully around wetlands and through willow and wild rose thickets, mimicking the natural sinuosity of the nearby river, before emerging at four sand bar beaches.

Christopher Bently, of Bently Holdings in San Francisco, has fond memories of Nevada and understands the importance of this trail. “Growing up as a young boy in the Carson Valley gave me an appreciation for life in a simpler time which is becoming harder and harder to hold on to. The Nature Conservancy together with the hard work of The Boy Scouts in Troop 495 and the Carson Valley Trails Association have honored my father and I in helping us provide usable open space while promoting synergy between land preservation and agriculture. Carson Valley will be able to enjoy local, sustainable agriculture along with usable open lands for many generations to come which has been a way of life here since the valley was first settled,” he says.

The partnership at Bently-Kirman Tract began in 2005 when the Conservancy acquired a conservation easement on the property that safeguarded more than 1,000 acres of floodplain habitat from development. This was achieved with funding from Nevada Division of State Lands, Nevada Department of Wildlife, and a generous donation from Bently Agrowdynamics. “From the beginning, the vision of this project was to demonstrate that cattle ranching, habitat protection, and public access can be compatible activities,” explains Petite. “The opening of this trail puts the last piece of the puzzle in place and showcases how conservation can benefit both people and nature.”

The trail is designed to allow public access while preserving wildlife habitat and ongoing agricultural operations. This is a wonderful trail opportunity for those who enjoy hiking or trail running on a flat grade. Use is limited to foot traffic only; dogs, horses and mechanized vehicles are not permitted.

For more information and downloadable copies of the trail map, visit The Nature Conservancy and click on the “Bently-Kirman Tract” link or visit The Carson Valley Trails Association.

Our Bently Reserve has been nominated as a finalist for the BayList’s Best Wedding Venues Contest — we’re thrilled to be nominated, but it’s up to you to rank us as the best wedding venue in San Francisco. You can learn more here.

If you’ve held or attended an unforgettable wedding at the Reserve, then vote for us today.

About Earth Hour 2010

On Earth Hour hundreds of millions of people, organizations, corporations and governments around the world will come together to make a bold statement about their concern for climate change by doing something quite simple — turning off their lights for one hour. In the U.S. where we are already feeling the impacts of climate change, Earth Hour sends a clear message that Americans care about this issue and want to turn the lights out on dirty air, dangerous dependency on foreign oil and costly climate change impacts, and make the switch to cleaner air, a strong economic future and a more secure nation.

Participation is easy. By flipping off your lights on March 27th at 8:30 p.m. local time you will be making the switch to a cleaner, more secure nation and prosperous America. View the toolkits to find out what else you can do to get involved including leading the Earth Hour movement in your community.

With the shopping season in full swing here in San Francisco, we’d like to share some holiday safety tips with you. Areas like our own Union Square provide some of our city’s most fabulous shops — but amidst all the holiday bustle, distracted shoppers can prove easy prey for pickpockets and other thieves. Here are some tips to ensure that you and your loved ones stay safe this shopping season.

Protect Yourself

• Share your shopping plans with someone you trust — it’s important that someone knows where you are at all times.
• The more the merrier: shop with friends or family, especially after dark.
• Avoid over-using your iPhone or iPod: these are some of the most popular items among thieves, and they can make you a target.
• Dress casually and comfortably. And while we know you’ll want to look great while you shop, try not to wear excessive jewelry.
• Be wary of ATM’s: only use machines that are both well-lighted and highly visible to passerby.
• Be aware of your surroundings at all times. Avoid talking on your cell phone and using other gadgets in public; these devices decrease your awareness.
• Park your vehicle in a well-lighted area. When returning, keep your keys in hand and lock the doors once you’re inside.
• If shopping with children, make sure they know what to do if they become separated from you.
• If someone demands your purse or wallet, try to remember that those holiday goodies aren’t worth your life!

Protect Your Identity

• Carry only what you can afford to lose. Don’t cary large amounts of cash, and never bring all your credit cards on a shopping excursion.
• Travelers should avoid shopping with irreplaceable documents such as passports and drivers licenses; if traveling abroad, bring photocopies of all these documents in case they are lost or stolen.
• Make sure you have a record of all your credit card numbers, so that you can quickly report them if stolen.
• Double-check every credit card receipt at the store. When you get home, shred receipts that contain sensitive information.
• Review your credit card statements to make sure there aren’t any unauthorized charges.

Protect your Possessions

• When parking your car, stash any valuables in the trunk, glove box, or even under the seats. As the old adage goes: out of sight, out of mind!
• As we said before, park your car in a well-lighted area, and try to avoid using parking garages late at night.
• Men should keep their wallets in the front pocket, and women should keep their wallets hidden within their purse. Women should also carry the purse close to the body, and men should keep wallets in zippered pockets.
• Never overload yourself with packages: this makes you a vulnerable target.

A Special Reminder to Our Friends Using the 240 Stockton Street Garage

• Theft in this garage is known to increase during the holiday season. Please remember to keep your possessions out of sight (preferably in your trunk).
• These Holiday caveats are a good reminder to keep your monthly parking cards out of site in your vehicle. We suggest keeping them in your wallet or purse – this item alone tempts individuals to break in, no matter what season!

The most important part of holiday safety is awareness: if you see something suspicious, say something. Be wary of strangers who approach you for any reason; the holidays are the busiest season for con men and other thieves. With a little common sense and some preventative measures, you’ll have a great time shopping for friends and family!


“We’re proud of the Bently Reserve because it’s one of the city’s most architecturally stunning buildings and now one of its most sustainable,” says Bently Holdings CEO Christopher Bently. “It’s a beautiful building with some old bones, but a very modern heart.”

About LEED-CS


The LEED certification was specifically awarded for the environmental upgrades to the building’s “core and shell,” meaning that the certification applies to significant environmental upgrades done to the building’s structure, envelope, heating, ventilating, and air conditioning systems. This certification compliments LEED certification for interiors, which is pending for the conference center and main event halls. LEED-Core and Shell also helps future tenants “go green” by giving them a foundation of environmental upgrades to build upon; many such upgrades have already been completed on the interior of the building by Bently Holdings, as well as in the offices by building tenants. Learn more about LEED here.

A History of Leadership


Since purchasing the building in 2005, Bently Holdings owners Christopher and Amber Marie Bently have cultivated a green environment by requiring all new tenants to design their office space at a minimum of LEED Silver Certified. One of these tenants, the Energy Foundation, became the first commercial space in San Francisco — and one of only thirteen worldwide — to receive LEED-CI Platinum Certification from the US Green Building Council.


Bently Holdings has worked closely with the SmithGroup and BCCI Builders to update and remodel the building while preserving its unique Beaux-Arts style. New flooring was purchased from Forest Stewardship Council certified sources. Artificial lighting was re-designed to interact with natural sources, a daylight harvesting system was implemented, and a central automation and control network was installed to monitor occupancy and save energy in real time. Throughout the refit, demolished material was recycled in excess of 75 percent, and any new paints were low VOC (volatile organic compound).

Modern eco-friendly amenities abound, such as the thirty-three indoor bicycle parking spaces that make green commuting much more convenient for tenants. The building also boasts some of the most sophisticated office and conference technologies in the City. But does the investment outweigh the risk? According to Amber Marie Bently, the president of Bently Holdings, it does: “We feel owning a LEED-Certified building gives us a competitive advantage in the market even during such an economically difficult time.”

Preserving San Francisco History

One might think that refitting an eighty-five year old building to meet and exceed modern green standards would take away from its historic charm, but Bently Holdings has methodically preserved this building’s original magnificence. From the lavish mural in the lobby by celebrated artist Jules Guerin, to the prominent Beaux-Arts Ionic Colonnade, to the dazzling period chandeliers in the Banking Hall, the Bently Reserve is as much a part of San Francisco’s colorful past as its bright future.


About Bently Holdings:
 Founded in 2001 as a sustainable luxury real estate and property holdings company, Bently Holdings has become a benchmark for California’s green building initiatives.

Update: while the strike has been averted, these are still fantastic tips to travel green every day. Perhaps some of our readers can learn from the plans they made for a possible strike.

Commuting to Work

For the Conservative Conservationist

One of the simplest and most common ways to go green is carpooling. Not only does it limit harmful emissions by reducing the number of vehicles on the road, but it makes you feel good about reducing your carbon footprint. Other advantages to carpooling include shortened commute time and the financial benefit of sharing toll charges that can top six bucks, depending on the route you travel.

Sounds awesome right? But what if you find yourself unable to fill the seats necessary to avoid getting a $381.00 ticket from the Highway Patrol for illegal use of the High Occupancy Vehicle Lane? Or say you decide to take on the role of rider but cannot stomach the notion, or even worse, the fragrance of mass transit? Well, you need look no further than the line forming on your local street corner. Causal Car Pooling, or “Slugging” is the practice of waiting to be picked up by a random driver looking to reach the HOV passenger minimum, which is usually 3 or more people. To become a Slugger all you need to do is show up at a designated pick up spot in your city and wait to be picked up. That’s it. And once you obtain a ride, simply follow these basic Slugging etiquette tips and you’re on your way to being green:

• No talking unless the driver initiates conversation.
• Never accept a ride out of turn.
• No open windows unless all passengers approve.
• No money is ever exchanged or requested.
• Go easy on the cologne and perfume. Also, no personal grooming inside the vehicle.
• Smoking and drinking of beverages is prohibited, unless the driver permits it.
• The driver has full control of the radio and passengers may not request a station or change the volume. Also please refrain from yelling out “that’s my $%@! jam!” should your favorite song be played.
• Drivers are not to pick up Sluggers en route to or standing outside the line, a practice referred to as “body-snatching.”

Finer Point:

“Slugging” originated in the 1970′s with city bus drivers who had to determine if prospective riders standing at the bus stop were “real” passengers waiting for the bus, or fake “slugs” waiting to be picked up by a car pooler looking to fill up his vehicle. More useful travel tips and information on Slugging can be found at slug-lines.com.

For the Green Giant

Should you choose to jump into being green with both feet first, then mass transit is a step in the right direction. Leaving your your car at home for just one day will have a positive environmental impact by reducing the harmful carbon emissions responsible for the Greenhouse Effect. Thankfully the Bay Area has a myriad of options for public transportation including the following:

AC Transit provides service originating in the East Bay and services San Francisco, San Mateo and Palo Alto. AC Transit currently operates 3 hydrogen powered buses on their 50 and 57 lines, and has plans plans to purchase 10 hybrid-diesel buses in the future. For your convenience AC Transit also offers wireless internet on some buses that serve Transbay lines.

SF MUNI services the city and county of San Francisco. Its network is a combination of bus, trolley, Muni Metro and historic cable car lines. Many buses in their 1000 vehicle fleet are diesel-powered, with a little less than 1/3 that are zero-emission and powered by overhead electrical wires. Underground Muni Metro rail systems typically share the same station as BART.

Further information on these and other transit options servicing the Peninsula such as Caltrain, Golden Gate Transit, and SamTrans can be found here at 511.org.

Tips for traveling the rails? Trains typically run every 5 to 15 minutes during commuting hours, so it’s okay if you miss one. You don’t want to be the guy who holds everyone up because your JanSport backpack got caught while bursting through closing doors.

Finer Point:

The IRS now allows up to 120.00 per month in pre-tax transit benefits which can be applied toward the purchase of qualified transportation expenses. Check with your employer to get the process started.

For the Tree Hugger

If you feel like car pooling isn’t green enough or that using public transportation is child’s play, then you may want to consider mankind’s most basic form of transportation: walking. Walking is very simple. It requires no fossil fuel consumption, no expensive maintenance, and has health benefits to boot. Some would say walking is the most perfect form of green transportation that you can find, and it’s also good for you. Unless of course you accidentally walk through a bad neighborhood and then we would highly recommend you break into a slow jog or maybe even consider running. You can avoid this pedestrian hazard by using websites like mapmywalk.com to plan the optimal route if you are unfamiliar with the area. Basic membership is free, but if you want to be able to print your mapped route then you will need to upgrade to a premium account which is only five bucks a month.

Not a walker? Then you may want to look into bike commuting. It also has obvious health benefits and under the Bicycle Commuter Act, a $20.00 per month tax credit is available for employees who bike to work. There is a wealth of information on bike commuting at bikecommuters.com. You can also check back here at a later date for more information on the subject.

Flipside of the coin:

Believe it or not some environmental experts believe the physical act of walking is actually more harmful to the environment than driving a car. For example, a person who walks 3 miles to a shopping center will lose more calories than a person who drives the same distance. The extra food needed to replace those lost calories, approximately 100 per mile, will most likely have been produced using an industrial process that is more harmful to the environment than the CO2 emissions coming from a 3 mile trip in a vehicle. Of course the entire theory is thrown out the window if the driver is going to the mall for a hoagie. You can form your own opinion by reading this article in its entirety.

Consider yourself officially enlisted in the ongoing fight to save our planet. You now have the knowledge to be eco-friendly, or at the very least, fortify your current efforts. These easy commuting tips will undoubtedly help you arrive to work feeling greener!

Arriving on time may be a different story.

A first of its kind for San Francisco, A Common Green will give eco-friendly organizations the chance to network, communicate, and coordinate their efforts under one green roof. The possibilities for new partnerships, collaborations, and initiatives are endless — but the goal for a greener future is common to all. San Francisco’s most influential energy leaders, nonprofits, organizations, and entrepreneurs will be in attending this sustainable soiree.

The event will be held at the LEED-registered Bently Reserve on Thursday, August 20th, from 5 to 7 p.m. Green Certified caterer Paula LeDuc Fine Catering will provide delicious hors d’oeuvres made with local and sustainable ingredients, paired with organic wine provided by Hallcrest Vineyards. A special surprise guest speaker will be making a keynote address.

“This will be the first time an event in San Francisco has worked to bring all green nonprofits, foundations, universities, green minded entrepreneurs and businesses together to meet, learn about activities and projects, and discover areas where we can collaborate to further environmental conservation,”

says Christopher Bently, CEO of Bently Holdings.

His wife Amber Marie, the President of Bently Holdings and a prominent eco-couture jewelry designer, added

“We believe this is an especially important time to be hosting this event. As funding for environmental initiatives has become more challenging yet environmental issues are pressing, networking and collaboration can uncover opportunities and solutions otherwise left untapped.”

In what will become an annual event, A Common Green is a meeting of minds for the Bay Area’s many environmental communities and leaders, giving them the chance to create concerted efforts to improve the quality of life for the entire West Coast.

About the Orchard Hotels: California’s first LEED-NC hotel, the Orchard Garden Hotel, and San Francisco’s first LEED-EB hotel, the Orchard Hotel, each offer a distinctive experience in one of the most vibrant cities on the planet. Our boutique spaces deliver a mix of classic charm, outstanding service, and contemporary panache for both business and pleasure travelers.

About the Bently Reserve: A famously grand and state-of-the-art facility, the Bently Reserve and Conference Center offers a one-of-a-kind setting for up to 650 guests. Featuring advanced technologies, legendary ambiance, and unparalleled eco-friendliness, the Reserve hosts innovative meetings, cosmopolitan conferences, intimate gatherings, and groundbreaking events.

Billed as “an intelligent action/adventure/Ocean’s-Eleven-like horror film wrapped around a tale of redemption and ultimate revenge,” The Cove is a documentary that follows an elite reconnaissance team to the picturesque fishing village of Taiji, Japan.

The Cove will be showing at 12:00 p.m., 2:25 p.m., 4:45 p.m., 7:10 p.m., and 9:45 p.m. Bring your ticket stub to the Aventine for a drink compliments of Heart of Green, and meet and mingle with special guests local eco-glitterati from 9 p.m. to midnight.

We think this is an important cause and a groundbreaking film – so after you see the film, you should get involved. This special event is being managed by the amazing Nadine Weil, founder of Heart of Green and VP of ecofabulous.

Belvedere Place is over 100,000 square feet of the finest office space in all of Marin, featuring views of Mount Tamalpais and the surrounding hills. Awarded the Energy Star Building rating in 2007, this building is making the transition to 100% solar power.

Nearby hiking trails that span 11 acres offer a beautiful landscape, perfectly matching this building’s sustainable style. Belvedere Place offers the highest standards of LEED quality and technology.

This event is RSVP only – make sure to let us know you’ll be attending as soon as you can – spaces are filling up fast!

5:00-7:00 p.m.
May 14th
Belvedere Place, 2 Belvedere Pl. 3rd Fl
Mill Valley, CA 94941
ph. 415.288.0202 ext 304
Contact us

Brian Huse, executive director of the Coral Reef Alliance, and Rick MacPherson, director of conservation programs, discussed the state of coral reefs and why they’re invaluable to our planet.

Coral reefs provide local coastline communities with natural shelter from storm damage, and bolster local economies through tourism. When not abused, they’re an important source of food, both locally and abroad. They’ve even become an important resource for the medical industry: coral can be used as a bone graft substitute, and reefs are providing doctors with new antibiotics that can save lives.

On the global scale, coral reefs are a vital part of the oceans’ delicate ecosystem: they serve as shelter and nursery for an astounding 25% of all marine life. This includes plankton, the irreplaceable foundation of the oceans’ entire food chain.

Sadly, coral reefs have become threatened by global warming, coastal development, and over-fishing. Even if you don’t live near a coral reef, your decisions can make a difference: conserve energy to cut down on global warming, don’t eat fish gathered from over-harvested seas, and try to purchase local organic products that cut down on the carbon footprint left by the food and transportation industries. And finally, spread awareness of this important issue: the survival of the coral reefs is important to our whole planet!

Learn more at the Coral Reef Alliance, and watch part of the coral reef discussion below:

But we can create the change that’s needed by being conscientious consumers of seafood. When you’re at the supermarket or a restaurant, being an informed customer can help turn the tide.

Seafood Watch, an organization dedicated to spreading consumer awareness and action, can help you take action. Not only are they a valuable source of information on the web, they offer convenient pocket guides and even an iPhone application with information on regional restaurants and supermarkets that sell sustainable seafood.

If you’re a lover of sushi and seafood, we think you should take a look at some Seafood Watch resources:

• Regional Pocket Guides
• Sushi guide
• Seafood Watch on your iPhone

These resources are easy to bring with you wherever you go, and they can help you save our planet.

In case you haven’t noticed, gone are the days of the generic mixed breed mongrel. You need only look as far as San Francisco’s tony Union Square to realize the dog of the moment is now highly pedigreed and obscenely pampered. With this heightened level of financial motivation for potential thieves, not to mention emotional investment for the owner, imagine what it must feel like to exit your local coffee shop only to find an empty leash tied to the post where your best friend used to be. That’s right, your dog is gone. So now what?

In the first 24 hours:

• React: Look in the immediate area, immediately. If your dog just got away it’s probably still close by and should respond to your voice. Training your dog to respond to specific vocal commands gets you extra points.
• Contact: Get in touch with local veterinarians, animal control, and emergency pet clinics in your area should you come up empty handed. Joining a recovery service like homeagain.com will also give you access to text and email notification so that other members know your pet is missing. Suspect foul play? Call the police and file a report post-haste.
• Twitter: You know those people keeping you updated with every minute detail of their lives? Put them to work searching for your pet. Post the area your pup was last seen and keep your fingers crossed that Julie112 will stop tweeting about Snuggie Commericals and her favorite danish clogs long enough to take a look around.

Over the next 48 hours:

• Inform and Inquire: Make your neighborhood aware there is a missing dog by knocking on doors or launching an ambitious photo campaign. This will also put heat on the pet thief should they live locally and have taken your pet for companionship. I mean really. Who does that?
• Mark your territory: Help your pet find their way back using what nature gave them. Dogs have an amazing sense of smell and the simple act of hanging an old t-shirt on your front door can serve as a beacon to guide them back home.
• Reward: Tread lightly with this method. There are enterprising pet thieves who consider this as a regular source of income. They’ll swipe your beloved pet and wait for you to post a healthy reward before swooping in for an easy payday.

According to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association, there are an estimated 163 million dogs and cats in the United States. With those kind of numbers, every now and then one is bound to go AWOL. At the very least, you should get your dog licensed as it creates a record of traceable ownership should Rex wind up in a Dog Catcher’s net. You can find tons of information regarding licensing as well as microchipping at San Francisco Animal Care and Control. The kind folks over at SFACC will also be providing free pet chipping to local residents on April 8th!

Most importantly, you should use simple common sense and, above all, trust your gut. If you leash your Tibetan Spaniel to a parking meter and get a weird feeling that this is the last time you are going to see him, you’re probably right. Should you insist on taking your pet along for your weekly errands into the city, surf over to dogfriendly.com for an assorted list of rover loving retailers such as Neiman Marcus and Williams-Sonoma.

The best thing you can do for your pet is to be informed about theft prevention and recovery should the worst case scenario become a reality. You should also consider teaching your dog to remove a pet thief’s arm at the elbow. Just in case.

Think getting an intimidating looking dog will deter a canine crook? Guess again. The most stolen breed in the United States is the Pit Bull. Wonder where your dog ranks on the hot sheet? Get over to Dog Detective to get the skinny on dog theft statistics and more.

Bently Holdings is a long-time supporter of PAWS and other animal rights groups. We hope you and your canine companion have a safe Spring together.

It is here the world’s largest annual dolphin kill takes place in a hidden bay that is watched over by armed guards and obscured behind blue tarpaulins. What occurs beyond the patrols and scrims is one of Japan’s darkest secrets: pods of dolphins are herded into the bay, where they are trapped behind a wall of nets and butchered by whalers with spears and knives.

The goal of The Cove is to stop these barbaric acts by exposing them to the world. The filmmakers risk everything to capture this footage, and we vividly feel the danger they’re in – but as with any groundbreaking film that transcends its genre, there are elements humor, and the touching narrative of one man’s personal redemption.

This a documentary that we believe everyone should see, and at Bently Holdings we hope to witness the end of the Dolphin Killings. The Cove captures the power of filmmakers so committed to an important cause that they’ll stake their lives on it.

The Cove: Trailer

Learn More:

Secret film will show slaughter to the world

The Official Movie Site

savejapandolphins.org

Sundance Film Festival 2009: The Cove

Louie Psihoyos, “The Cove”: An Ecological Crisis and Green Filmmaking

Commuting to Work

For the Conservative Conservationist

One of the simplest and most common ways to go green is carpooling. Not only does it limit harmful emissions by reducing the number of vehicles on the road, but it makes you feel good about reducing your carbon footprint. Other advantages to carpooling include shortened commute time and the financial benefit of sharing toll charges that can top six bucks, depending on the route you travel.

Sounds awesome right? But what if you find yourself unable to fill the seats necessary to avoid getting a $381.00 ticket from the Highway Patrol for illegal use of the High Occupancy Vehicle Lane? Or say you decide to take on the role of rider but cannot stomach the notion, or even worse, the fragrance of mass transit? Well, you need look no further than the line forming on your local street corner. Causal Car Pooling, or “Slugging” is the practice of waiting to be picked up by a random driver looking to reach the HOV passenger minimum, which is usually 3 or more people. To become a Slugger all you need to do is show up at a designated pick up spot in your city and wait to be picked up. That’s it. And once you obtain a ride, simply follow these basic Slugging etiquette tips and you’re on your way to being green:

• No talking unless the driver initiates conversation.
• Never accept a ride out of turn.
• No open windows unless all passengers approve.
• No money is ever exchanged or requested.
• Go easy on the cologne and perfume. Also, no personal grooming inside the vehicle.
• Smoking and drinking of beverages is prohibited, unless the driver permits it.
• The driver has full control of the radio and passengers may not request a station or change the volume. Also please refrain from yelling out “that’s my $%@! jam!” should your favorite song be played.
• Drivers are not to pick up Sluggers en route to or standing outside the line, a practice referred to as “body-snatching.”

Finer Point:

“Slugging” originated in the 1970′s with city bus drivers who had to determine if prospective riders standing at the bus stop were “real” passengers waiting for the bus, or fake “slugs” waiting to be picked up by a car pooler looking to fill up his vehicle. More useful travel tips and information on Slugging can be found at slug-lines.com.

For the Green Giant

Should you choose to jump into being green with both feet first, then mass transit is a step in the right direction. Leaving your your car at home for just one day will have a positive environmental impact by reducing the harmful carbon emissions responsible for the Greenhouse Effect. Thankfully the Bay Area has a myriad of options for public transportation including the following:

AC Transit provides service originating in the East Bay and services San Francisco, San Mateo and Palo Alto. AC Transit currently operates 3 hydrogen powered buses on their 50 and 57 lines, and has plans plans to purchase 10 hybrid-diesel buses in the future. For your convenience AC Transit also offers wireless internet on some buses that serve Transbay lines.

BART is also a convenient green alternative when traveling from the East Bay into the Peninsula with the average ride time from Downtown Oakland to Powell Street near Union Square being 20 minutes. Parking is available at most stations on a daily or monthly basis, and can be purchased online at the BART website. Tickets can only be purchased on-site using cash or credit, and always give yourself a few extra minutes just in case there is a queue.

BART is susceptible to delays, but they typically last no longer than 15 minutes. If you allow plenty of time for travel and unexpected incidents you will find BART to be an efficient and relatively inexpensive mode of transportation around the Bay. Be mindful to keep your BART ticket away from your cellular phone, or you will demagnetize its magnetic strip. The ticket can be replaced at no additional cost, but the inconvenience of taking a damaged ticket to an office, and the subsequent hoops that follow, may not be worth it if the remaining denomination is low.

SF MUNI services the city and county of San Francisco. Its network is a combination of bus, trolley, Muni Metro and historic cable car lines. Many buses in their 1000 vehicle fleet are diesel-powered, with a little less than 1/3 that are zero-emission and powered by overhead electrical wires. Underground Muni Metro rail systems typically share the same station as BART.

Further information on these and other transit options servicing the Peninsula such as Caltrain, Golden Gate Transit, and SamTrans can be found here at 511.org.

Tips for traveling the rails? Trains typically run every 5 to 15 minutes during commuting hours, so it’s okay if you miss one. You don’t want to be the guy who holds everyone up because your JanSport backpack got caught while bursting through closing doors.

Finer Point:

The IRS now allows up to 120.00 per month in pre-tax transit benefits which can be applied toward the purchase of qualified transportation expenses. Check with your employer to get the process started.

For the Tree Hugger

If you feel like car pooling isn’t green enough or that using public transportation is child’s play, then you may want to consider mankind’s most basic form of transportation: walking. Walking is very simple. It requires no fossil fuel consumption, no expensive maintenance, and has health benefits to boot. Some would say walking is the most perfect form of green transportation that you can find, and it’s also good for you. Unless of course you accidentally walk through a bad neighborhood and then we would highly recommend you break into a slow jog or maybe even consider running. You can avoid this pedestrian hazard by using websites like mapmywalk.com to plan the optimal route if you are unfamiliar with the area. Basic membership is free, but if you want to be able to print your mapped route then you will need to upgrade to a premium account which is only five bucks a month.

Not a walker? Then you may want to look into bike commuting. It also has obvious health benefits and under the Bicycle Commuter Act, a $20.00 per month tax credit is available for employees who bike to work. There is a wealth of information on bike commuting at bikecommuters.com. You can also check back here at a later date for more information on the subject.

Flipside of the coin:

Believe it or not some environmental experts believe the physical act of walking is actually more harmful to the environment than driving a car. For example, a person who walks 3 miles to a shopping center will lose more calories than a person who drives the same distance. The extra food needed to replace those lost calories, approximately 100 per mile, will most likely have been produced using an industrial process that is more harmful to the environment than the CO2 emissions coming from a 3 mile trip in a vehicle. Of course the entire theory is thrown out the window if the driver is going to the mall for a hoagie. You can form your own opinion by reading this article in its entirety.

Consider yourself officially enlisted in the ongoing fight to save our planet. You now have the knowledge to be eco-friendly, or at the very least, fortify your current efforts. These easy commuting tips will undoubtedly help you arrive to work feeling greener!

Arriving on time may be a different story.

The event focused on green solutions that can help the world’s economy and energy crisis. Proceeds benefitted Global Green’s initiatives in the Bay Area, as well as its innovative efforts to help rebuild New Orleans with sustainable, affordable housing and schools for low-income families.

The event also featured the first global solar report card. We hope California’s groundbreaking initiatives will be a model for president-elect Obama’s economy, and that it will increase funding for solar power and the creation of green jobs nationwide.

Matt Petersen, the president and CEO of Global Green, said “We are truly honored by the support of the San Francisco community to embrace Global Green¹s mission to fight climate change and protect our coastal cities at risk. As the next international climate meeting – the COP 14 – kicks off today in Poland and President-elect Obama gets ready to assume office in the face of environmental and financial crises, there has never been a more important time to transform our economy to create new green jobs and clean energy. Our Global Solar Report Card released today affirms California’s transformational leadership.”

Gorgeous and Green was co-chaired by Zem Joaquin, Matt Petersen, and Nadine Weil; it included a VIP dinner, an exclusive performance from American Idol finalist Elliot Yamin, and a presentation by climate expert and Global Green Advisory Board member Dr. Stephen Schneider.

The evening was topped off with an eco-fashion show by Clarissa Nicosia and Lily Achatz. It will feature Bahar Shahpar, Cari Borja, Del Forte Denim, Eco Citizen, Edun, John Patrick Organic, Juleselin, Lara Miller, Larsen Grey, Lily Achatz, Livity, Linda Loudermilk, Loomstate, Loyale, Mika Machida, Platinum Dirt, Rain Tees by Andira, Same Underneath, Sara Shepherd, Stewart+Brown, and Thomas-Ray Eccles. Sustainable shoes were provided by Charmone Shoes and Cri de Coeur, and cosmetics by Jane Iredale Mineral Cosmetics. Hair by diPietro Todd, and models from Stars Model Management. The event also featured sustainable and natural jewelry by our very own Amber Marie Bently.

Bently Holdings is a longtime supporter of Global Green, and we are proud to have hosted this event once again.

Bently Holdings is especially proud to have our very own Bently Reserve included in this exhibit, as it not only showcases the historical significance of the Bently Reserve, but reflects our City’s environmental efforts. The talented artists of Figureplant, one of San Francisco’s most famous design and fabrication resources, created the intricate models of these buildings from 100% re-used materials. Visitors who look closely will notice, for example, that the Ghirardelli clock tower is tiled with old chocolate brown light switch plates, the Transamerica Pyramid building is studded with nearly 1000 keys from computer boards and Coit Tower features a combination of used plumbing supplies, tape measures and mini blinds.

This focus on sustainability makes this event “100% San Francisco”; Conservatory director Brent Dennis says that “So much about this says San Francisco. It’s a celebration of the things that make our city unique – our architecture, our history, our park and also our creativity and leadership in the environmental movement.”

Bently Holdings is a proud member of San Francisco’s vivid history, and we look ahead to becoming a leader in its sustainable future!

Held poolside at the Phoenix Hotel on October 7th, 2008, TNDC’s 16th Annual Celebrity Pool Toss raised $278,000 for our Tenderloin After-School Program and families helped by TNDC’s housing and social services… making it the highest grossing fundraiser in the event’s history!

The Tenderloin District got its name from the days when police were paid more to work it’s rough streets, enabling officers to buy better cuts of meat. Thanks to organizations like the TNDC, much is improving for the quality of life of hundreds of families throughout San Francisco’s varied Tenderloin without gentrifying the unique flavor or historic spirit. Bently Holdings is a strong supporter of TNDC, helping make one of San Francisco’s culturally rich neighborhoods safe and enjoyable for those in need.

Learn more about the Tenderloin District.

Although many of us understand the harmful effects of junk mail on our global environment, the crisis persists: every year more than 100 billion pieces of junk mail — almost 900 pieces per household — arrive in American mailboxes. Junk mail in America accounts for about 30% of all the mail delivered in the world and more than 100 million trees a year are logged to produce it. Almost half of it goes to landfills unopened, yet Americans still spend eight months of their lives dealing with it. The Canadian Boreal Forest and Indonesian tropical forest—both of which play a vital role in protecting us from the effects of global warming—are being destroyed to supply paper to this wasteful industry.

The event, hosted at the Spanish Suite at CLIFT, included celebrity hosts Malin Akerman, and Discovery Channel Planet Green Stars Annabelle Gurwitch, Boise Thomas, Darren Moore, and Peter Glatzer.

Guests enjoyed Treetini eco-friendly cocktails by VeeV and Cava sparkling wine by Organic Vintners while raising over $125,000 for ForestEthics and its vital campaign to stop the junk mail epidemic. The event’s co-chairs included ForestEthics board members Nadine Weil and Marika Holmgren, and was sponsored by Christopher & Amber Marie Bently, the King Pacific Lodge eco-resort in the Great Bear Rainforest, the Epi Center eco-MedSpa, Parducci, Honig, Ecofabulous, Heart of Green, Organic Events, and PlanetTran hybrid car service.

Learn more at DoNotMail.org, and Sign up for the Do Not Mail registry.

Dress for Success is an organization dedicated to raising funds to “promote the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support, and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life.” Amber Marie Bently co-chaired the event. The evening included both live and silent auctions, drinks and hors d’oeuvres, and a performance by jazz singer Paula West. Celebrity guest Nick Verreos, of Bravo’s Project Runway, mingled with the crowd and livened up the auctions.

Client Delicia Cunningham shared her success story with gala-goers: Dress for Success helped her find employment and improve her life after a period of chemical dependancy. She said that “Dress For Success also put me in a support group called the Professional Women’s Group. Let me tell you, we do the group in the Kimpton Hotel in the corporate room. Everything was so fancy and so nice, I felt so worthy and so deserving, that now I’m looking for bigger and better things. And I owe it all to the people at Dress For Success.”

The evening also featured tastings by various Bay Area chefs, including Elizabeth Faulker of Orson and Citizen Cake, Jamie Jauren and Pastry Chef Irene Contreras of Absinthe Brasserie & Bar, and Robert Helstrom of Kuleto’s Italian Restaurant.

On April 24th, guests at the Westin St. Francis can bid in silent and live auctions for a variety of human and pet related items to raise money for PAWS’ services. The event also features photo-ops hosted by top professional animal photographers, hosted cocktails and fabulous food, and even Doggie Day Care and Bow Wow Bar with doggie treats on silver trays!

Pets Are Wonderful Support (PAWS) is a volunteer-based organization that provides for the comprehensive needs of companion animals for low-income persons with HIV/AIDS and other disabling illnesses, as well as senior citizens. By providing these essential support services, educating the larger community on the benefits of the human-animal bond, and advocating for the rights of disabled individuals to keep service animals, PAWS improves the health and well-being of disabled individuals and the animals in their lives.

Bently Holdings is a long time supporter of PAWS, and we are proud to once again support our furry friends and the people in need of PAWS.

Volunteer at PAWS today.

On December 18th, 2007 saw the evolution of one of San Francisco’s hottest tickets, the Global Green eco-fabulous fundraiser at the Bently Reserve. The event now in it’s 3rd year was hosted at the Bently Reserve once more and had everything from organic tequila bars to an all natural fashion couture fashion show. Guests were joined by Jason Lewis, Josie Maran, Deepak Chopra, Jason Behr, and Michelle Branch. Special guests were treated to a special acoustic set by Michelle Branch during a private dinner before the party. This year record funds were raised to further the efforts of the California green schools initiative and the green building of New Orleans.

On December 12th, 2006 the Bently’s hosted the San Francisco Global Green fundraising event, Gorgeous and Green at the Bently Reserve. The Bently’s along with celebrity hosts Leonardo DiCaprio, Salma Hayek, Kevin Connelly, Mia Maestro, Lukas Haas, Gael Garcia Bernal, Orlando Bloom, William McDonough, Jonny Moseley and many more all worked to heighten the awareness of issues tackled by the organization. It was a night to remember with many green businesses presenting alternative ways to sustainable lifestyles among a gorgeous decor and cocktails. Our own sister company, Bently Biofuels was also on site demonstrating the use and benefits of biodiesel alongside the new all electric Tesla super car.

For 2007, PRBO together with Bently Holdings hosted the Blue Ball, a celebration fund raiser at the Bently Reserve, September 27th in honor of the 40 years of conducting research at the Farallon Islands and their 35 year partnership with the US Fish and Wildlife Service. The Blue Ball was a spectacular event raising over $120,000.00 for the continuing efforts at the islands. PRBO has been an instrumental force in the cleanup of the recent Cosco ship oil spill. The Bently’s are so impressed with the organization and efforts of PRBO that both Christopher and Amber Marie sit on the non profit’s board of directors. Find out more about the Point Reyes Bird Observatory and show them your support for their work on what is referred to as the Galapagos of the North, the glorious Farallon islands.

Bently Holdings has long been a supporter of Friends of the Urban Forest. Most recently Christopher and Amber Marie Bently hosted San Francisco Grown, an event at Greens restaurant April 27th of 2008. The event raised money and consciousness for the need and beauty of planting trees in San Francisco. Present and speaking was Katrina Heron, board chair of Slow Food Nation, board member, the Chez Panisse Foundation and former editor of Wired and former contributing editor of the New Yorker and Vanity Fair.

On October 26th, 2007 the Bently Reserve teamed with Friends of the Urban Forest and Playalove for the second consecutive Spiderball. All proceeds were donated to Friends of the Urban Forest, helping San Francisco become more beautiful one tree at a time. Among cirque by El Circo, Burning Man’s own Celtic Forest, beds lining the perimeter of the entire party and the bazaar happenings of love and amazement was San Francisco’s own yet world renowned Bassnectar.

On October 27th, 2006, Bently Holdings hosted the first ever Spider Ball, brought to you by the Bently Reserve and Playalove. Spider Ball was a halloween event beyond your wildest dreams celebrating music with DJ Colette, DJ Smoove and DJ Tamo all amidst fire shows, fortune tellers, a VIP Voo Doo lounge, cirque, art and general halloween madness.

Bently Holdings is continuing to support FUF in creative and meaningful ways to enable San Francisco to become more green and beautiful every day.

The first event in 2006 was held at the Beach Chalet on the edge of Golden Gate park. It was a fantastic event for their first ever and drew supporters Mayor Gavin Newsom and San Francisco DA Kamala Harris. We can’t wait for Sunset Youths third annual event which will again be held at the Bently Reserve. San Francisco’s young people located in the Sunset district have so much to be thankful for thanks to the bold efforts made by Sunset Youth Services and their supporters.