VIDEO: Voices of Change : Youth Making Media that Matters

Argenis Herrera has been producing social issue documentary films for the last six years. Coming from San Diego's Barrio Logan, it is rare to find a producer/director that consistently turns out compelling stories about powerful community members in this marginalized neighborhood. What is perhaps more unique about Argenis is that he is only eighteen and began film-making when he was twelve. He hasn't been alone, for the last six years Argenis has been a part of the Teen Producer's Project.

Originally Posted at Think.MTV.com

Produced by: Corduroy Media

VIDEO: Paying for College Bus Tour

I know that my parents began saving for my college tuition when I was very young. I was fortunate to have a family that helped me pay for my college education. Many young people think that if their family does not have money then they have no chance of going to college. Well Arnold Hernandez is traveling to 60 cities around the country visiting low income communities teaching students and their parents that there are many ways to get money for college.

Originally Posted at Think.MTV.com

Produced by: Corduroy Media

VIDEO: Save Trestles

When I think of Southern California two things come to mind, Surfing and traffic. At the intersection of these is the San Onofre State Park, one of the world's best surfing beaches and the proposed 241 toll road. At the center of this debate are young people. Making the call for action, democracy and protection of wild and open spaces. One of the thousands of people that have been involved in fighting the destruction of San Onofre State Park is Marty Benson.

Originally Posted at Think.MTV.com

Produced by: Corduroy Media

VIDEO: Literacy for Environmental Justice : Closing California's Urban State Parks

With California's state budget in a huge deficit, Governor Schwarzenegger is planning the closure of 48 state parks. Candlestick point is one of the parks slated for closure. Established as the countries first urban state park the closure of Candlestick point would mean the elimination of a vital recreation area for thousands of Hunters Point residence. Home to 365 federally designated toxic sites, the residence of Hunters Point can't afford the loss of this precious green space.

VIDEO: The Light Brown Apple Moth: Destructive Pest or Cash Cow

Published onThink.mtv.com
 

The Light Brown Apple Moth : Destructive Pest or Cash Cow
 
Last spring a world renowned UC Berkeley biologist discovered an irregular visitor to northern California. After checking his backyard insect traps he discovered several small moths. Having studied this creature in it's native born Australia, The Light Brown Apple Moth was easy for him to recognize. Since it's discovery in Australia it has been found on several continents and regarded as a benefit or detriment depending on the local. Since it's discovery last year the state has become very concerned that it will become an agricultural liability. Although there has been zero crop damage reported the Department of Agriculture has declared a state of emergency and has commenced with a plan to spray the entire state in hopes of eradicating the tiny "pest."

The spray consists of a moth hormone that will render it sterile. Although used in some agricultural settings the spray has never been tested for prolonged human contact.

Because the state has declared an emergency they may continue spraying unrestricted by the EPA for the next ten years. With the prospect of being sprayed with an untested hormone that can linger in the air for up to 90 days many residences have become alarmed. This concern has raised many questions. I recently visited with both sides of this debate in the cities of Berkeley and Oakland.