Environmentalists target candidates

Environmentalist group Greenpeace rolled into Huntington Beach last week, partially in an attempt to put congressional candidates in the hot seat on global warming issues. But while neither U.S. Rep. Dana Rohrabacher nor his challenger, Mayor Debbie Cook, showed up, the group’s officials still called the day a success.

The 26-foot bus “Rolling Sunlight” is powered solely by biodiesel, along with 256 square feet of solar panels to run an “action tent” that lets the public record video and e-mail messages to congressional candidates. The bus travels the country as part of the “Global Warming Story Tour,” targeting contested congressional districts to pressure candidates on climate change issues, Greenpeace spokesman Josef Palermo said.

The bus, parked at Fourth and Main streets Friday, drew a lot of attention, Palermo said. With the U.S. Open of Surfing going on nearby, 225 people wrote postcards and several recorded video messages — more than previous stops, he said.

“Turnout was great, and it was a beautiful day,” he said.

Cook, who didn’t attend, said her emphasis on conservation was different from that of groups like Greenpeace.

“I like to focus on the energy side of the equation, because it’s an issue that we can all unite behind,” Cook said. “You can’t solve climate without solving the energy problem. It’s immediate. It’s something people, everybody can get behind, understand, recognize. It’s instant gratification.”

Efforts to reach Rohrabacher for comment were unsuccessful.

All messages will be sent to both candidates whether they were there in person or not, Palermo said.

“Whether the candidates were able to attend or not, we’re going to make sure they hear our message loud and clear,” he said.

MICHAEL ALEXANDER may be reached at (714) 966-4618 or at michael.alexander@latimes.com.