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SLO climate change activist Heidi Harmon’s electric car calamity

January 24, 2022

Heidi Harmon

By KAREN VELIE

Former San Luis Obispo mayor and climate change activist Heidi Harmon attempted to “do the right thing,” and travel to a rally in San Francisco in an electric car. After multiple attempts to find a working charging station in San Jose, Harmon realized charging the car would take up to seven hours and there was no way she could make the rally.

Harmon posted multiple videos about her difficulties in traveling in an all-electric vehicle. She discusses calling the police or asking someone to send a helicopter to rescue her.

Many of the posts have now been deleted, though a collage of portions of Harmon’s videos remains:

Harmon spearheaded an effort last summer to enact a SLO city energy policy requiring all-electric new buildings. At that time, Mayor Harmon sat on the Central Coast Community Energy Board of Directors, the electric energy company she was promoting.

Harmon stepped down from her mayoral seat in August to battle climate change, Harmon said. Harmon is now working as a senior public affairs director for the Romero Institute’s Let’s Green CA initiative, a nonprofit affiliated with Central Coast Community Energy.

On Jan. 13, Harmon was headed to San Francisco to protest against PG&E’s solar penalty fees, but was unable to attend because of issues with vehicle charging infrastructure and the time it takes to charge an electric vehicle.

Harmon posted multiple videos during her attempt to charge the electric car she was driving on the Lets Green CA Instagram page, which she later shared to her own Instagram page. Since then, some of the videos have been deleted, and Harmon disabled her personal Instagram page.


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Well, this was a Great lesson for Heidi.


5

Don’t like to cast aspersions

But

How much higher is her income now?


Do individuals working for nonprofits have to disclose their tax returns?

Does this fall under FPPC rules?


Just curious.


1

“Don’t like to cast aspersions” Yes you do, here you are.


“How much higher is her income now?” How is that your business? She is no longer an elected official. You must be against the right of privacy.


-6

Heidi’s experience was not typical for most EV drivers, and especially not for experienced EV travelers. She made some rookie mistakes, but I am largely to blame. She had asked me to arrange a car for her, and I did, but I should have helped her plan the route to make sure she stopped at functioning, fast charging stations. The trip should have taken no more than 4.5 hours with one 30-minute charging stop in Salinas. That said, it is true that the EV charging infrastructure in California is not reliable, with the notable exception of the Tesla network. I wish I had set her up with a Tesla. She would have made the trip in a little over 4 hours with a 10-minute stop to charge. Tesla sold more than 60% of the EVs in California, so if anything is typical, it would be a Tesla road trip. Tesla’s do 95% of the work for the driver. Not only does it plot your route and tell you where to charge and how long it will take, but it’s Autopilot mode can essentially drive you to your destination.


-10

It’s funny that, despite her age, she makes the same statements a frustrated, naive, entitled, helpless teenager would make.


83

Heidi~ Karma is a Bitch. Just wait until Helio’s sentencing when everyone finds out who he has rolled over on for a lighter term. In 3, 2, 1…


80

When is that, anyway? Investigations sure take a long time.


0

Could be worse, could be Peschong and his Lobbying firm for big oil or district reps in conflict of interest. Or worse. John Hammon from Paso, the denialist.


-122

…the broken record just keeps on spinning…

Where are your facts? Unless you put some meat on that bone you won’t let go of, LET IT GO.


25

With all your hot air Heidi, try a big balloon next trip. You should make without any problem.


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