Decided to redo our landscape, raj: Last summer
we. And he further explained that we could go for it if it was
subsidized like solar panels, my father explained that synthetic
grass is expensive. This
encouraged us to propose legislation. My
brother and I became interested in finding out if we could install synthetic
grass, which will help conserve fresh water.
What do you think
will be some of the long term effects of the popular adoption of synthetic
grass in residential areas?.
When did you realize
that the prospective of artificial grass as a drought-tolerant option wasn't being
fully utilized?.
We
learned that there was not a state-wide program that provided state-wide
incentives, nevertheless, counties do not generate much tax
revenue and given that some of the cities and cannot afford to provide incentives to its residents. Raj: After
researching extensively on this topic, we learned that many cities in
California did offer rebates for homeowners and businesses that purchased and
installed artificial turf.
We
learned that more than 60% of fresh water is wasted on lawn maintenance in
California. We wanted to do our
part to conserve fresh water, therefore. Ari: Living in the Central
Valley, one cannot escape drought news.
Proposing this bill has given us the
opportunity to help our neighborhoods
Also,. Ari: Our community
has instilled in us the will power to give back to our community. we have learned that the sky has no limit in defining our own
destiny.
Therefore, we proposed a portion of
incentives to train them in artificial turf installation. Ari: We wanted to
make sure that our proposal does not negatively impact anyone, especially
hardworking Californians in the landscape industry.
Could you explain this a bit further?. On your Facebook page you say that popular adoption of fake turf will "bring economic
prosperity to the state of California".
Raj: It is a
politically hot subject. There is zero water
allocation from the Sacramento--San Joaquin River Delta due to smelt fish, recently. Water was the
main issue, more than any other political reason. Control of the flow of water and influence, south) control most of the legislative
processes due to their population and and The majority of Central Valley residents believe
that Big Brothers on both sides (North, hence. Several times
in the past, a division of California has been proposed.
As xeriscaping?, do you think
synthetic grass has any advantages over other drought-tolerant alternatives
such.
They both help lessen the wastage of fresh
water. On the other hand, xeriscaping, takes away
that naturalness. However, grass is a part of our
natural lives. Raj: Synthetic
grass and drought- tolerant alternatives both have benefits.
According to a
report, you are interested in pursuing a career in politics because of this
experience, raj. Is there a specific area of politics you are interested in?.
We however have goose bumps from
being on the assembly floor submitting AB 603 and seeing "Grewal Family" name
on the notice board in the assembly hall
As. We were honored and
delighted to be invited by Mr. Ari: It was an
amazing experience. Just feels great!, but being there
on, the assembly floor, a visitor you are just allowed to be in the gallery. Salas to be a part of history in the
making.
Could you expound on this idea?. On your Facebook page you say that you "would like to propose a clause in the bill allocating a
percent of subsidy to provide vocational and trade education for those who may
get negatively impacted so they can rebuild a better and brighter future for
themselves and their families".
What has it been like
working with Bakersfield assembly member Rudy Salas? Are there any lessons you
can impart to us that you learned from working with him?.
How does this
experience fit into both of your long-term goals?.
Could you
expound on that?. Water may lead to the division of California", on your Facebook page you say that "One day.
We strongly
believe that the synthetic grass industry will also contribute in creating jobs
(ie, along the same lines. Installation, manufacturing, and maintenance). And logistics (warehouse and transportation)
jobs, now we can see how
many jobs it has created in terms of software and, ari: In the beginning
lot, of people were against Internet or online shopping, e-commerce.
It would also diminish the chances of another
severe drought to occur in California. Ari: Primarily, the
adoption of synthetic turf in residential areas would help conserve a lot of
fresh water that can be used for our Central Valley agriculture.
What motivated you to
pursue this endeavor so seriously?.
The brothers created a Facebook page for their project called Saving California Farms One Drop at a Time. Sierra Pacific High School and students in Hantford at Pioneer Middle
School, thought of the idea and suggested it to
Mr, raj and Ari. Salas via a letter. Salas liked the idea, now it's being put into motion and. Mr
The
bill would grant a subsidy to those who replace their natural grass lawns
with artificial grass, if passed. AB
603, was introduced by Bakersfield assembly member Rudy Salas in February, the bill. Brothers Arijeet and Rajvarun Grewal, students in Hanford, cA, helped
forward a bill that would subsidize fake turf in California.
Going through this
adventure has definitely opened my eyes to the endless career paths from which I could
choose. Whatever job I do take, raj: I have not
fully chosen my field; still, i would love to give
back to my community.
Mr, taxation and Did you have a
specific strategy for pitching the Bill to the Chairman of the Assembly
Committee on Revenue. Phil Ting?.
We have learned to become more
active in our community. Raj: It was a
wonderful experience. We have learned
more about the other projects and bills that are being proposed in the Assembly
Session.
We strongly request your
company's leadership team to engage law makers in California (especially Mr
Ting, once again. and Mr. Salas) and support our bill. Raj: We exceedingly appreciate you reaching out to
us.
Where did the idea
come from?.
What was the
experience like traveling to Sacramento to introduce AB 603? Did anything occur
that was unexpected? What was the most surprising thing you learned about during
your trip introducing the bill?.
Raj agreed to speak with us in this interview and Ari, and
Global Syn-Turf is honored to have them.
Is there anything
else either of you would like to talk about?.
We also encourage the industry (including your company) to support and lobby our bill. Ting in our bill's support. We have also
requested the local city council and county Board of supervisors to write to
Mr. Ari: It was a great
pleasure to meet Mr. Phil Ting and asking for his support in person. We believe we have already reached the masses
via TV and newspapers.
...