Money Movement to Support Local Banks

Keep your Money in Sonoma County
where it supports our Community!

We keep talking about it, writing articles about using CASH instead of CREDIT and it's becoming a movement. Remember “We're mad as hell and we're not going to take it any more?” The more people are aware of how greedy people steal from every person who earns a living, the more we have a chance to fight back and support the people who support us. It's all about aligning ourselves with people and institutions who share our values systems.

Check out the latest movement to take your money OUT of greedy banks and put it INTO local banks and credit unions. Put your MONEY where your value systems are supported - where your money goes to support your home community.

In Sonoma County we have credit unions and banks (see list and links below) who keep their money here - and the web site below was developed to help people find a local bank for their money.

http://moveyourmoney.info/

But don't just take their word for it - do a little research of your own to find out how these banks USE your money. “The devil is in the details!”

Here are some SUGGESTIONS from Reader Magi Discoe and SCG Author Alan Joseph:

Hi Vesta,
The Huffington Post had an article yesterday entitled "A New Year's Resolution" ( http://www.huffingtonpost.com/arianna-huffington/move-your-money-a-new-yea_b_406022.html ) that suggested we, as citizens, take our money out of the giant banks and place our money into community banks. It sounded like a great idea to me, but I am not sure which banks are "community banks" and which are just fronts for the ultra large banks. I think it would be a great service for the Gazette to encourage this theme and list real community banks.

This seems to be an idea gaining momentum and as background I would recommend the latest issue of Mother Jones (February).
Magi Discoe

Thanks Magi,
As you know - we've run two articles so far on keeping our money at home - it's becoming a movement which I support!!! Thank you! Here’s a more detailed response from Alan Joseph who wrote those two articles on keeping our money in Sonoma County.
- Vesta

Hi Magi,
Vesta, told me about your interest in local banks. I've been on this path for some time. As Vesta noted, she has published two articles....I wrote them both. The point I made in those two articles was to pay with cash as much as possible.....avoiding the 3% merchant fees and finance charges flying money out of the county....to the sum of millions of dollars every year.

More to your point, I have also made it a personal mission to place my business and personal money in local banks and have some recommendations:

1. Community First Credit Union was started as the Sonoma County Teacher's Credit Union. This is truly a home grown venture with money put right back into our community. www.comfirstcu.org

2. Luther Burbank Savings was founded by the Trioni family....privately held, serving their community instead of their share holders. www.lutherburbanksavings.com

3. Circle Bank is a fairly new venture but noteworthy because it was started and run by women.....www.circlebank.com Their Santa Rosa offices have a childrens' play area and they bake cookies for their waiting room twice a day.....a refreshing approach.

4. Exchange Bank is the oldest local bank in the area. Founded by Frank Doyle, they have a long local history. I know lots of people who swear by them, but I have to say that in the last year or so, they have been in the headlines waaaay too much surrounding real estate loan losses in the Sacramento Valley. I pulled a substantial sum of money out of their bank this last year because of that, but will keep an ear and eye out to see what they do in the future.

I hope this helps with your quest.....and thank you very much for caring. - Alan Joseph

Just one more comment (their's) on two more LOCAL MONEY INSTITUTIONS:

Redwood Credit Union (RCU) is a full-service financial cooperative, assisting local consumers and small business owners with achieving their financial goals and dreams since 1950. As a Member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative, our focus is simply to provide our Members and communities with trusted financial services, friendly personal service and free financial education. www.redwoodcu.org, or call (707) 545-4000.

Summit State Bank - opened its doors in 1984. Headquartered in Santa Rosa, we serve Sonoma County and the greater Bay Area with branches in Santa Rosa, Healdsburg, Rohnert Park and Petaluma. As a community bank, we are committed to giving back to our community. We offer a generous Nonprofit Partnership Program, and support the local organizations and programs that serve Sonoma County.
http://www.summitstatebank.com/


Here's a BOOK SUGGESTION from our Ask EcoGirl columnist, Patricia Dines:

The book Agenda for a New Economy is amazingly hard-hitting, fact-based, and constructive. The author David Korten has been writing on these issues for decades and brings such a great perspective to this, laying out distinctions and a model that instantly make sense and finally for me give words to what we're trying to say - about what we don't want, what we do, how to frame the difference, and how to create the latter. I don't agree with everything, but he gives the conversation a much-needed shove in the right direction. Something I'm not seeing even in radical books let alone, of course, the mainstream conversation. I had the idea of everyone sending this book to Obama, that's how on-point I feel it is.

David Korten Biography

In addition to an active schedule of writing and speaking on global issues, I serve as president of the People-Centered Development Forum, chair the board of YES! Magazine (yesmagazine.org), serve on the board of the Business Alliance for Local Living Economies. (living economies .org), and co-chair the New Economy Working Group. For more information and periodic updates, visit my website davidkorten.org. You can also follow me on twitter.com/dkorten and facebook.com. The Great Turning has an active facebook.com group.

AND - just in from a Gazette reader:

The Huffington Post had an article yesterday entitled "A New Year's Resolution" ( http://www.huffingtonpost.com/arianna-huffington/move-your-money-a-new-yea_b_406022.html ) that suggested we, as citizens, take our money out of the giant banks and place our money into community banks. It sounded like a great idea to me, but I am not sure which banks are "community banks" and which are just fronts for the ultra large banks. I think it would be a great service for the Gazette to encourage this theme and list real community banks. This seems to be an idea gaining momentum and as background I would recommend the latest issue of Mother Jones (February). - Magi

AND...You'll also find this other web site interesting with videos on senate hearings about our financial institution crisis

http://video.google.com/videosearch?client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&channel=s&hl=en&source=hp&q=Senate+hearings+on+AIG&um=1&ie=UTF-8&ei=2C49S5L_GJCIswOQiJTWAw&sa=X&oi=video_result_group&ct=title&resnum=4&ved=0CCAQqwQwAw#

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Homeless by Choice - Another Perspective

The Art of Surviving Homelessness

By Kerry Echo
On the other side of expensive vacation rentals, the ocean is an edge of darkness dotted with lights from invisible boats in the distance. Parked at the end of the continent, I am feeling the terrible weight of my stark life. No one can know, really, in all truth, how I got here. It has been worth pondering in therapy, but no answer to the problem is permanent even if I can make it through another week. Week to week. Day to day.

One foot in front of the other, I struggle to endure the daily routines that circumscribe my life; and, to be honest, I am tired and bored of the radius of financial confinement to which I am presently condemned. I seem to be married to it. I am heartsick at the way money has grown to a staggering importance for me, overtaking everything else, but mostly and rudely the things I love. I have lost my focus for poetry, for long afternoons at the beach, for planning anything beyond the next few hours.

Yet, oddly, and to my own amazement, I would not trade my present circumstance for any other reality. I am not even tempted to find a shortcut or detour. For one thing, I'd be suspicious if things got too much easier too fast. For another, I am proud and competitive and want to see this weird life-warp out to the end: I want the victory over the odds as much as I want a ward against this kind of warp ever happening again.

Yet, I admit I wonder if I have not found a modus vivendi, a make-peace, passive compliance, with the warp rather than the path to defeating it. For all my more-than-occasional desire to run --- run anywhere to get out of here (and one could well ask where here is exactly) --- I cannot seem to find any reasonable alternative to the daily dance of seemingly going nowhere. And run? Run backward into a past that no longer exists?

I do enjoy imagining a prize at the end, if there should ever be an end; but I often doubt these feeble attempts at hope. Hope is tricky. Hope, even a little of it, can plunge one into deeper despair. Like salt or sugar, it is best to go light on it, walk gingerly, but just keep going. I hope, but I am not bragging I have any. I'm not running like a child with scissors. I'm keeping my head down.

I imagine a lot of things. My imagination, though, is much richer than what the world seems to have available. I wanted some good gypsy company out here and hoped for it ---- a gal friend with whom to chat over a beach fire, roast marshmallows, share some silence. I have wanted to record her life --- their lives, for my imagination gave me several women friends with whom to share the coming cold evenings. I thought I might write about these women, hoot about their courage. their intelligence, their strength in pulling themselves through difficult times. They probably don't exist. At least, not the way I imagine them.

For instance, there is a curious gal who lives in a truck about as ugly as mine. She spends most of the day on the Bay in one particular spot, though I could not say where she goes to park and sleep in the evening. I see her very early in the morning as I am washing and dressing for work and if I visit the outdoor washroom in her area before dark.

She seemed friendly at first. I often saw her chatting with people who brought their dogs out for a walk or with someone from the Parks and Recreation crew. However, when I tried to chat with her some time ago, I was politely rebuffed. I was offering food. She said she was on a special diet.

I was unsure how to extent myself to her, and I made a patent mistake. The truth is (and I knew this) the homeless are individuals with a keen sense of dignity: no one wants her state of homelessness pointed out to her, not even obliquely through the offer of food. We hide homelessness from ourselves so that we can do that impossible dance every day. We settle for a lack of definition, a myopic haze that takes some of the sharp edges off, and just plain guessing as to who or what someone once was or did. That is certainly more fun, and that, of course, is the wrong word.

No one talks much to each other out here, which should not come as a surprise. There is too much of a chance of tripping over a live wire of dense feelings that have not been examined or were given up on as yielding nothing but pain if unraveled. We are careful, in other words. There are land mines, you see.

The other homeless, truck-driving lady and I tend to meet coming and going from the public washroom. One day a week ago, she asked if I knew who was taking all the toilet paper off the rolls, a daunting feat, really, when you consider how long it must take to swipe the paper from 12 rolls without leaving a trace, save the cardboard shells they came on. I know we both wonder how the thief is going unnoticed, by what means the toilet paper is being displaced, and how it is being transported from the washroom.

It's the aggravation of being surprised, the grim idea of having to trot back to one's vehicle for tissue or paper napkins to fill the lack, and the curse-laden relief of finding that the thief conscientiously left one roll with enough paper on it in the last stall. It is an ill-timed, five-second emotional roller coaster that no one would enjoy in the early morning, least of all the homeless who have to trek the great outdoors to get to the nearest toilet. It is one of those relatively-small things, like the housed who drop trash in the park or play their radios too loudly, that unite the homeless.

A few days ago in the washroom, this same woman wanted to know if she could ask a personal question. I should have said, "No." I am not that clear headed in the morning, and I was caught off guard. After all, I was dressing, and I will probably never get used to having company in my outdoor boudoir.

"Do you actually shower out here? I mean, do you take cold showers?"

It was all downward from there. I was only half-dressed and felt defensive about something that is really no one else's business. But I am polite by nature and tend to deal honestly with others. I answered the questions: Yes. Didn't I know I could use the Y for only $30 a month? And, oh, she hates being cold. She could never take cold showers. I must run warm. I must have a high metabolism. Blah blah blah. Blah blah blah.

All that at around 6 a.m. My first draught of tea would be a half-hour and two miles away.

Her ignorance was deeply frustrating, even hurtful, as it bumped noisily against my fantasized gypsy girlfriends who would have known the secrets of the open-air shower: the exquisite sensation of cold water warming one's insides; the canopy of pines and palms filled with the sweet susurrus of birds; the high, star-studded, velvet sky overhead; and a privacy otherwise denied the homeless and about which the housed know nothing.

I cannot explain her--- the other truck-driving, homeless lady --- except to guess that she wanted to pretend she had choices and perks of which I might not have been aware. We might as well have been talking over our coffee cups at the fence between our backyards replete with laundry waving in the breeze, immaculate green lawns husbanded by men, and swing sets empty of children in school. There was always a standard histrionic quality to the middle-class housewife and her ability to spend, albeit wisely. That image of the other truck lady and myself persisted through the day, and it was a comfort of sorts, though another kind of fantasy that is far out of reach, existing as it does in another era.

Perhaps her fall from the grace of the middle class had been much harder than mine. It takes considerable time to embrace the notion that one has become part of that class against which the armies of the world protect the wealthy.

In any case, in my position, one can only do what comes to hand. I have a job. I have a vehicle. I amuse myself with crossword puzzles and New Yorker magazines I lift from the YMCA after yoga class. I write. I run in expensive shoes that were worth every hard-earned dollar I paid for them. I make friends.

Friends. They are of considerably more value than money alone. I am sitting now with my laptop aboard a sailboat that sways gently in its slip, lulling me as I pursue the educated idleness to which I am accustomed. The sound of a grand harp makes me curious enough to go topside to view well-dressed people gathering for a wedding about to take place on the grounds next to the marina. I return to the cabin on loan to me, the jazz music playing on the radio, and the appurtenances of the temporary world I have managed to eke out for myself, an accomplishment of the bare truth.

My truck stopped running in the middle of the freeway a few days ago, which means my world had come to an end once again. I had just received my new Triple-A card and had not yet paid the renewal fee, but I phoned anyway. The Highway Patrol pushed me off to the side of the road, and Triple A's truck showed up within the half-hour to tow me to the middle-eastern garage. That slow, sinking feeling of doom around not having a place to sleep for a night, a few days, a week, or worse began to swallow me. And what if the truck were, this time, beyond repair?

Despite having working solidly for six months at a new job, I had only a ten-dollar bill to get me to the end of week when I would get the first decent paycheck of my career there. That workplace deserves a few pages of its own, but suffice it to say that a vehicle breakdown at this time, while inevitable with an old truck, was nothing but bad luck after bad.

The cell phone, the necessity of which I have exhorted many times, was the one piece of good luck I had in hand. I phoned everyone in the area whom I thought might be able to help. I happened to reach a friendly couple whom I had met in yoga class who lived near my YMCA. I humbly stated my need, and they were more than willing to open their door to me.

Within the hour, I had a ride from the middle-eastern garage to the home of the most upbeat, offbeat, intellectual, and artistic couple I have had the pleasure of knowing in a very long time. Their simple, tastefully-remodeled beach house was filled with exotic sculpture Pattie had created and was a delight to my eyes. Bill, a former university professor and a keen, sensitive observer of human beings, had himself experienced homelessness. He seemed to know intuitively what I felt and what was needed. I was offered dinner, of course, but I was also offered a place to sleep and Bill would take me to work the next day. I could stay there at the house. Or on the boat.

The idea of sleeping on a boat was just too outre to pass up. So we packed me up and took me off to the marina where I boarded an old sailboat with the few possessions I could manage to carry away from the truck. Bill took me to and from work the next day, but, as though his kindnesses so far were not enough, Bill offered me the use of his vehicle so that I could drive myself wherever I need to go.

So it is now Saturday. I have barely left the boat all day, preferring the soft, back-and-forth motion on the water to going anywhere my legs could carry me. I sleep soundly in the prow of this little boat and feel rested in a way I have not in a long, long time. It is no wonder the history of modern man began in a boat. I am prayerful today, thankful for the blessing of new friends. I verge on feeling hopeful, but I know, too, that I dare every day, win or fail, to keep going, to keep doing the daily dance I think is going nowhere.

For more essays by Kerry Echo, visit http://artofsurvivinghomelessness.blogspot.com/

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Astrology Jan 2010

Allow the New Year to start slowly. We often have a tendency to try to hit the ground running after the first. Whether due to New Year’s resolutions, overindulging during the holidays or simply perceiving an opportunity for new beginnings, we could start the year with lots of energy and enthusiasm. This year begins with Mars retrograde, indicating that our overall drive and energy level will tend to be lower than usual.

What is begun when Mars is retrograde will often not reach the end that is sought or, if it does, the results may be unfulfilling. This is a time of research and planning. Considering the challenges coming from some of the other transits this year, taking time to get things going and being more thoughtful and thorough in our strategizing will pay dividends in the long run.

The challenging transits are primarily continuations of what we’ve been experiencing in the recent past with a couple of exceptions. The ongoing patterns are the square between Saturn and Pluto, and the opposition between Saturn and Uranus. This year those two transits will coincide in an aspect dynamic called a T-square. I will be writing more about this as the year progresses. Suffice to say at this point that we will be challenged to respond to influences that require integration between stability of tradition in one area, with innovative, progressive, cutting edge change in another. Tying those forces can facilitate major transformations in our lives. For many of us this will lead to closing some part of our life and being open to starting something new. This can be an exhilarating experience no doubt, but one often fraught with trepidation. One of the challenges, therefore, is to respond to the impending transformations with an attitude of surrender to the process. Attempting to hang on to the past, or to parts of our lives that are over or outgrown is an exercise in futility that can only increase the difficulty of the process. Surrender enables us to take an active part in the creation of the new ideas, perspectives and possibilities that are unfolding before us daily.

One of the new developments this year is Uranus transiting into Aries in late May. It will retrograde back into Pisces in August and return to Aries in March of 2011, where it will remain for approximately 7 years. The past 7 years that Uranus has been in Pisces has seen the proliferation of changes in areas that Pisces focuses on, such as the arts. Pisces by nature is a gentle sign. It is more oriented toward transcendent awareness than in physical manifestation. It is probably the least ego centric of the 12 signs. It replaces the need for ego gratification with the drive to acquire wisdom. Uranus is about change. Sometimes the changes are inspired and oriented toward personal or consciousness liberation. Other times the changes are haphazard, extreme and counter productive of anything other than change for the sake of change. Many of the changes that Uranus in Pisces has offered us have been internal, focused more on consciousness and our connection to the universe than on personal expression or behavioral interaction. That will change with Uranus entering Aries. Aries is a fire sign, it is about expressing the self in a direct, assertive, authentic way. Whereas Pisces can be subtle and nuanced, Aries is bold and self-affirming. Pisces can be aware of the complexity of things, Aries tends to perceive things one dimensionally. On the other hand, Pisces can be dreamy, idealistic and self-deceptive in its awareness or choices. It can be easily distracted or dissuaded from acting in accordance with truth or reality. Aries has no such problems. Although at times it may be impatient or opinionated, it always remains true to itself.

One of the challenges of Uranus in Aries is being too impulsive in our actions. We could feel so clear in our inspiration and right in our choice of action that we fail to see any difficulties on the path until we bump into them. Yet, Uranus in Aries is clearly an indication that new options are on the way. The time of deliberation and analysis of Uranus in Pisces is ending. So one challenge we face this year is to integrate the wisdom and psychic sensitivity of Pisces into our decision-making and taking action with Uranus in Aries.

Another new dynamic this year is Jupiter entering Pisces, which will take place on January 18. Jupiter is the co-ruler of Pisces and is said to be in its dignity in that sign. This means that the nature of Jupiter will be easily expressed. Jupiter pertains to the principle of expansion. This can include an attitude of gratitude and joyfulness, a desire to develop the consciousness through learning or travel and a willingness to share what one has in a spirit of generosity and inclusiveness. Even though Uranus will leave Pisces temporarily this year, the presence of Jupiter more than accommodates Uranus’ absence.

We could assume that this transit will increase diplomatic efforts between nations and humanitarian attitudes among people. This could lead to an increase in charitable donations, more people interested in things like the Peace Corps or even a call from politicians for some type of national service for youth. This could also bring about increased interest in indigenous cultures from the point of learning from them rather than seeking to exploit them or their natural resources. Similarly, the Jupiter in Pisces transit suggests an increase in both religious fervor as well as spiritual seeking, often two entirely different experiences.

So take your time and ease into the New Year. There may have fireworks on New Year’s Eve, but there will definitely be explosions that we will all have to address and deal with throughout the year. The more centered we are the better we will be able to respond to the challenges with awareness and creativity.

Aries: This is a good time to increase self-awareness through interaction with others. Spending time with friends or colleagues could facilitate more in understanding how you affect others, and how they affect you. Growth comes from replacing judgment, either of self or others, with a deepening realization of the intentions behind your actions.

Taurus: This is time to expand your social horizons. Be open to people whom you might not normally associate with. Experiment with different behavioral patterns that may feel risky simply because they are new. Growth comes from being more inclusive of others, since this can lead to being more accepting of parts of yourself that may feel awkward.

Gemini: Deep analysis and thorough contemplation can lead to clear understanding about fundamental and profound elements of your life. This could involve deepening personal relationship, updating your values, finding your way through financial challenges or feeling more comfortable with your place in the universe. Answers are found more abundantly through deepening of the mind than through social activity.

Cancer: Ease into your New Year by spending time in artistic pursuits as well as spending romantic time with your partner. You may often be spontaneous and like to be in the flow of the moment. This is a time to be more organized, defined and self-disciplined in order to take advantage of the gentle, harmonious energy available to you this month.

Leo: Some Leos find this time of year difficult. The cold and darkness seemingly take away your normal radiance and positivity. This year offers you a way out of those doldrums. The key is to spend time with people you really care about. This could be a partner or very good friends. Entertaining in your home or engaging in shared creative projects can get your year off to a beautiful start.

Virgo: Spending time clarifying values now can enable you to be more productive in generating stability and security later on. However, remember to include everything that has meaning to you, not just on the material plane. Growth can come from integrating things that you want and like to do with things that are more necessary.

Libra: This could be a more playful time for you than for most other signs. Expressing yourself artistically, romantically or recreationally can help the year get off to a pleasurable start. Whatever you do, try to make it easy and effortless. Sharing the activities with others enhances the experience and can enable you to make new friends or find new ways of being social.

Scorpio: Clearing up old problems with siblings, neighbors or good friends can be an uncomfortable but beneficial way to start the year. After deep contemplation, engage the other person in ways that bring the problems out in the open and thus lead to acceptable resolutions for all.

Sagittarius: Jupiter is your ruling planet. Its presence in Pisces all year could lead to a joyful connection to family and an increased sense of connection to your inner being and higher self. Travel would be educational and real estate dealings beneficial. Growth comes from taking advantage of these opportunities without getting carried away with dreamy idealism.

Capricorn: Early month can bring a desire to be social and the ability to relate to others in comfortable, harmonious ways. Around mid-month take some time to review professional activities. This could involve anything from satisfaction on the job now to long range career goals. This is not a time of action. Contemplation, analysis and planning of strategy is the way to go at this time.

vAquarius: Positive changes in your financial situation could manifest in mid-month. Help may be close at hand that enables either shifts at that time or the clarity to make changes later on. Spend time reviewing the nature of your finances, and clarify your material needs, before making any decisions or taking any action.

Pisces: Jupiter is your co-ruling planet and its transit into Pisces bodes well for you throughout the year. It will enhance your sense of self-worth and self-confidence. It can impel you to expand your horizons through travel or higher education. It can also enable you to feel more comfortable in the social world even as you affirm and deepen the fulfillment of your spiritual path.

Rio Olesky has been studying astrology since 1967 and has been a practicing professional astrologer since 1976. The author of Astrology and Consciousness, Rio offers classes at SRJC and Crystal Channels in Santa Rosa. To make an appointment for a reading, or to find out more about his classes, call Rio at 707-887-1820. Check out his website: www.starwatcher.com.

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SCIATICA & CHINESE MEDICINE

The lower back in Chinese Medicine is the residence of the Kidneys. If the back pain radiates down the leg from the back it indicates a more Full condition, usually from Damp-Cold in the leg channels. Occasionally it may also be due to Damp-Heat. The pain may also only occur in the leg without affecting the back. This syndrome of back pain is called Sciatica. It is important to try and find out what channels are involved so that certain acupuncture points can be used. As mentioned in many of my other articles, pain can be caused by both a deficiency or an excess condition as well as be an acute problem, which occurs suddenly or a chronic problem which continually occurs over time. Chronic conditions are always due to Kidney deficiency which can be combined with retention of Damp-Cold or stagnation of Qi and Blood.

Throughout my eighteen years in acupuncture, I have seen many types of Sciatica and the use of both Acupuncture and Herbs have gotten some very quick results. Many times there is a radiating leg pain in the very back of the leg or on the side of the leg. It usually occurs down one leg only and can be resolved in just a few treatments. The use of the herbs helps to release the cold, nourish the Kidneys and remove the dampness. Along with these treatments, I have given herbs to many patients to take for several months afterwards to minimize further back problems. It is also interesting to look at the function of the back, which helps us to stand erect in the world and move forward. In times of stress, many people experience back problems.

When a backache is accompanied by sciatica it usually takes a little longer to treat. As mentioned above, Sciatica is usually caused by Wind-Cold in both acute and chronic cases. The pain is usually worse in the morning and better with light exercise and movement. The pain can be relieved by an application of heat and is worse when the weather is cold and damp. During an acupuncture treatment I use both a special heat lamp and a warming herb called moxa. When Cold predominates there may be stiffness and contraction of the back muscles and the pain is more aggravated by rest and stagnation. When Dampness predominates there may be swelling, numbness and a feeling of heaviness.

My 55 year old patient complained of an acute backache, which had started after working at one of her jobs as a gardener. The pain was intense and was centered around the lower left kidney area. It radiated downwards to the left buttocks and the back of the leg. She was so uncomfortable that she came directly from work to see if she could get some relief so that she could go back to her job the following day. We even did her verbal intake with her standing up rather than sitting. The muscles on her left side were in spasm and the entire area felt very stiff. She was treated with both distal points and local points for a period of 45 minutes with both needles and moxa. I also sent her home with a fabulous Chinese formula for Sciatica. Upon getting off the table 80% of all her pain was gone and in the next couple days we gave her one more treatment and she took the herbs for four days. After the last treatment she was totally pain free.

Lower backache and Sciatica can be treated perfectly, adequately and successfully according to Chinese Medicine. The results are profound with no Western pain medications or treatments. For any questions or for a free ten-minute diagnosis, please call Marcy @707-824-8747.

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Fire Fighter News Jan 2010

4th Annual Bucket Brigade Blood Bank of the Redwoods
Fire departments around Sonoma County are still competing in the Blood Bank of the Redwoods’ 4th Annual Bucket Brigade, which continues into January. Of course the West County Firefighters would like to win the Trophy this year but we will need the help of the community to do so. To help us you can donate blood, through the Blood Bank of the Redwoods, anywhere in the county between now and the end of January and ask that the donation be made in the name of your favorite West County Fire Department.

Graton
Christmas Tree Farm/New Fire Station
Thank you to everyone that came to our new property on Highway 116 to get a Christmas tree... We sold a lot of trees and cleared more space for the new station! A big “Thank You” to our tree farm manager, Heather O’Dell, for all of her hard work getting the tree farm looking so great. We had a great time meeting everyone and raised a lot of money to go towards the new fire station. Remember- your Christmas tree was also a donation and, therefore, a tax-deductible item for your taxes. We look forward to seeing you next season!

Toy Drive... Another Success
The 2009 Toy Drive was a fantastic success, thank you! Graton Fire was able to deliver presents to over 50 children, brightening their holidays. We wish everyone could experience the joy we see when the fire engine pulls up and delivers your presents... once again, thank you. A tremendous thanks also needs to go out to the Graton Post Office, Andy’s Produce, and Graton Community Club for being toy collection points.

Forestville
Toy Drive – 2009
The Forestville Firefighters Association toy drive was a huge success despite a slow start. Your donations provided toys to 60 families through the Giving Tree at the Forestville School, 78 families through the Forestville Methodist Church and over 50 families through Toys for Tots.
The Forestville Firefighters Association also donated several movie passes for some of the older recipients. A special thank you to all who donated to this wonderful cause!

December Blood Drive
The Forestville Firefighters would like to thank the 42 citizens and firefighters who donated a total of 39 units blood at the December 16 blood drive at the Forestville Fire Station.

Property Tax Information
Did you know that the Forestville Fire Protection District is almost entirely funded by the property taxes paid by its citizens? Each property owner in the District pays 1% of the assessed value of their property in annual property taxes. The Forestville Fire Protection District receives an average of 11% of that 1% for its annual operations. The remaining 90% of the 1% is distributed to the County of Sonoma and to other agencies within the individual’s tax rate area. The property taxes received by the District in December and April make up approximately 85% of the Districts total revenue. An additional 11% is derived from a Special Tax for Fire Protection and Prevention, typically $40.00 per parcel/household, which is also included on your annual property tax bill. The Districts remaining revenue, approximately 4%, is derived from various sources such as grants and State reimbursements. Because the District is so dependant on property taxes the number of foreclosures and the downturn in property values could cause a reduction in the Districts revenue for the next few years. The Board will again be watching the results of the first installment of property taxes, later this month, closely to determine the effects of the current economic situation on the Forestville Fire Protection District.

Sebastopol
Toy Drive
The Sebastopol Firefighters would like to thank the local citizens, Sebastopol I.O.O.F. Lodge and CVS Pharmacy for a very successful toy drive. In cooperation with the Sebastopol Alliance Church, we were able to provide toys to 266 children in 102 families in the Sebastopol area. We received a record number of cash donations, which helped to purchase gifts for older children, who are often left without gifts.

Community Emergency Response Team Classes
The department will be publicizing the CERT classes for 2010 soon. If you ever wanted to be better prepared to survive and respond to natural disasters, this is the class for you. 196 Sebastopol residents have already been trained and you are next. Watch the City of Sebastopol website for class dates and details. www.ci.sebastopol.ca.us

Russian River
Toys for Kids
Thank you all for assisting us with the annual toy drive it was a very successful year.

RRROC
Please help us by attending the RRROC meeting at the Guerneville Vets Hall on January 21st, at 6 pm. We are ultimately asking for funds to purchase and equip a new and much needed ambulance. This will be a difficult decision when goes up in front of the Supervisors since the law is very grey in this area (my opinion) and not likely to be approved.

For 2010
Regretfully by the time you read this article, The Russian River Fire Protection District will have hosted a public hearing on January 6th, at 7 pm, at the fire station to discuss another special tax headed to the voters on June 8th, 2010. We are up against statutory deadlines and have to get this out to you for a first look. The Board has indicated it will hold more public hearings if the public indicates a need or desire.

Following the advice of many after our failed tax initiative of two years ago, we hope to present to you something more palatable. The new tax measure still asks for more money, but it is easier to understand than our last measure. Vacant parcels will be charged $70, no matter the size. At property owners’ suggestion, contiguous vacant parcels will be charged $70. Parcels with one home will be charged $140.00. If your parcel has more than one home on it, the first home is charged $140.00 and each additional home on the same parcel is charged $70.00 (2 homes on one parcel = $210.00, three homes on one parcel = $280.00). Most commercial and industrial properties will be charged $350.00 per parcel. The exception to that is if you have more than four specific uses on your parcel. As an example, if you have a 500 acre parcel with crops on 200 acres and you have a bed and breakfast for a maximum of ten couples, a 1000 square foot retail store and a house your tax will be $350 based on the single highest use (the bed and breakfast).

If you add one more use to this property, let’s say a factory that is industrial in nature, the single highest use changes to industrial use and the fire tax becomes $700.00. Most of our parcels do not resemble anything like this but it is used to illustrate my point. Agricultural parcels are charged $175.00. This new tax measure is asking for $100 more from most of you per year. That equals $.27 more per day than what you are paying now for a total of $.38 per day.

The Russian River Fire Protection District has done everything in its power to save money and reduce expenses but it is not enough. We are not willing to reduce the level of service to balance the budget. It is simply not in your best interest for us to do that and the wrong thing to do; your safety depends on us. It has been thirty years since our last tax measure was overwhelmingly passed. We need your help as much as you need ours. We will make every effort to keep you better informed. Thank you.

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Abuse a la Carte

The Full Meals and the Specials are glaring, dramatic and can be horrifying.

But what about those daily small bites – what I call the “a la carte” menu for elder abuse – little insensitivities, that happen all around us, maybe innocuous, but often painful?

Here’s one example (I see it often) that bank accommodation – you know, handicap sign by the chair, low counter where theoretically one can sit and do bank business comfortably?
The scenarios are amazing! Loud comments, rolling eyes, waits without being acknowledged. This “accommodation” can be easily distorted into humiliation, embarrassment and nervous fumbling.

I’ve witnessed many examples (and lived a few!) where a perfectly composed person is methodically reduced to a nervous wreck – with all eyes re-directed onto an errand-turned-predicament.

Have institutions merely complied with logo and set-up, but really view it as a big annoyance?
Are clerks and service folks trained to automatically assume anyone grey-haired and walking slowly is hard-of-hearing and must be addressed at full volume and in baby talk? Hello?
A recent personal experience went like this: I entered a bank using a cane, sat at the handicap window, and waited. . Eventually, a woman in a big hurry zoomed by, then back-tracked, and asked me (loudly) if I wanted something! Yeah? Do bank business?

She replied again loudly: Is someone holding you a place in line “over there” (pointing across the room)? No. Well, can’t you step to the window? No, I’m seated here, and am waiting my turn.

Well, there’s no one at this window! Well, can there be?

Before moving on, she asked a teller: Can you take care of her if you get a chance?

(Even though the “window” is fully equipped, service there often consists of a teller running back and forth with your materials, processing your transaction away from your line of sight, then asking you to step to another window anyway to run your ID – even ‘tho there is a slide unit sitting right there!)

Despite unnecessary attention called to me, teller explanations to others, and loud comments about my transaction-…. it finally gets done.

I can take care of myself in situations like that. I ask for lower voices and respect for confidentiality. But, not all elders can or will bite back like I do. Many just take this kind of treatment on the chin. The list goes on and on: counting out change with shaking hands, struggling with electronics at check-out …..

WHY do these activities often invite vocal impatience, rude comment, and impudent suggestions from some insensitive younger persons? Do any of them have grandparents? More important, do they treat them that way? Are they just clueless?

I’ve watched elders reduced to humiliation and tears when made the focus of unnecessary attention; watched one frustrated woman simply walk away from her purchase, totally embarrassed.

An old gentleman ran out of a store; I found him sitting on the curb weeping. He’d handed the clerk a dollar coin instead of a quarter. The clerk laughed and proceeded to “educate” him, and questioned why he couldn’t see the difference.

Most elders don’t want to be mini-spectacles as they move through everyday life dealing with the realities of physical limitation. When I experience or witness one of these small indiscretions, I vow to raise my own awareness. When reasonable, I step in and advocate.

Of course, there are many positive examples, and I think it is too easy to languish in those (especially if they are what is closest to our experience and our circle)… and too often, we simply reminisce and wonder what has become of the structures, which assumed and fostered more respect and helpfulness for our elders.

We are outraged when we hear of gross physical, emotional, and mental abuse done to the old, weak, helpless. We should be. We should intervene, contact authorities, and do what we can to end such behavior.

In our everyday path small outrages are happening right in front of our eyes, which I believe are indicative of a coarse and insensitive societal shift.

Zoë Tummillo is a Business & Marketing Consultant/Trainer/Commercial Writer, dba COMMUNICATION CONCEPTS, in private practice since 1974. In addition to Commercial work, she writes “Senior Momentum: A Series of Situations”; & “Pieces of My Path”, essay memoirs of growing up first generation Italian American. To contact her -- email: writingservice@earthlink.net Phone: 707-869-1726

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WINE BANTER - John Haggard on Pairing Wines with Fish

Oftentimes people drop by with Recipes to my store, many of which are seafood, and as we begin to break down the different kinds of seafood, broth, vegetables and herbs, I to try to figure out whether a red wine is going to be appropriate. Recently, I received an article (The Economist) which answered a question I’d really never thought too much about: why are there so few red wines that can be paired with fish that don’t create a fishy after-taste? – and the answer is actually quite simple: wines with high levels of iron turn out to be the culprit. While it seemed obvious not to pair seafood with big red wines like Bordeaux varietals ( such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot, Petite Verdot,), or Zinfandels and Syrah, to name a few, it wasn’t obvious to me that perhaps it was a chemical component (iron) that may have been the reason (Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry).Thank you, Harvey Mendelson, for bringing this article among others to my attention.

While so many white wines (which I’ll go into later) may be paired with fish, I have often found that some pinot noirs make a great pairing with fish, if they are not heavily extracted – and it turns out these pinot noirs have little or no iron – some great examples being; Ferreira’s Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, Preston Estate 2007 (ret: $30-$35) or EMTU’s Pinot Noir Russian River Valley 2006, from organically grown grapes (ret: $35), and am looking forward to the release of the Paul Mathew 2007 Ruxton Vineyard Pinot Noir which normally retails ($35-$40) as his past vintages of this vineyard designate pinot noir have been exceptional and versatile to pair with fish and many other dishes. All of these pinot noirs make great pairings for fish dishes from grilled salmon to paella. Remember when pairing any wine with a cream based sauce that may contain herbs and or aged cheeses such as a pecorino romano that it will most likely pair better with a red wine, such as the aforementioned pinot noirs rather than a white.

Some white clones of pinot pair wonderfully with fish: Pinot Gris, Pinot Grigio and Pinot Blanc. The Italian clone and its descendants all over the world being known as Pinot Grigio, typically (but not always) is harvested earlier and has a more steely, citric and mineral quality. The French clone, pinot gris, typically picked later, has a little more residual sugar, though still a dry wine, and creates a much rounder, softer quality and can be paired with seafood, and occasionally will have a mineral finish. I tend to find the Pinot Gris wines a little more elegant, perfect for pairing and sipping, whereas the Pinot Grigios more typically for pairing, but this is my palate, and I recommend you test your own. Pinot Blanc, yet another mutation of pinot, typically has a more floral quality to it, and once again, pairs well with some seafood items.

With Dungeness Crab Season in full swing, you can find some great white wines to pair from buttery Chardonnays; Hart’s Desire’s Carneros Chardonnay Ceja Vineyard 2008. (ret; $25) or Rielle’s Ritchie Vineyard Russian River Valley Chardonnay (ret: $30) to crisp dry Sauvignon Blancs.such as PKNT 2008 Sauvignon Blanc from Chile (ret; $7) – it’s really a matter of your own personal preference but they will all pair well with crab. On these cool crisp days, it’s well worth heading out to Bodega Bay and the Spud Point Crab Company: 1860 Westshore Road, Bodega Bay. Tel; 707-875-9472.

Moshin Vineyards gets a new winemaker: Mat Gustafson
Congratulations to winemaker, Mathew Gustafson in his move as winemaker for Moshin Vineyards. Mat has long produced some of my favorite pinot noirs under his own label Paul Mathew and Dutton Estate. Moshin Vineyards has a spectacular facility; gravity fed, custom crush, used by several small producers. I anticipate that there will be much to look forward to in the coming years from Moshin Vineyards.

John Haggard is owner of Sophie’s Cellars, The Sonoma Wine & Cheese Market in Monte Rio, California. Sophie’s Cellars is open 11am – 7pm, closed only on Wednesdays. www.sophiescellars.com

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Restaurant Review - Pesto Bar Café

This month we are looking at soups. I could go on and on about favorite soups but I am concentrating on a new restaurant I visited in Sebastopol, the PESTO Bar Café located at 101 South Main Street. I had heard there were good soups in this restaurant—and here are some examples: Sweet Potato Pear Bisque, Summer Squash Bisque, Carrot Ginger, Cream of Broccoli, Ham – Potato and Pea and French Onion. The price of a cup of soup is $4.50 and a bowl is $7.00. But if you add a cup of soup to a sandwich or burger it is $2.00 on top of the sandwich price.

The restaurant’s main feature is the wide variety of dishes with pesto. Along with traditional basil pesto there are pestos made with heirloom tomato, lemon parsley, arugula-walnut, cilantro-almond, kale-pecan, sun dried tomato, caper, basil pesto cream, roasted red bell pepper and many, many more. The pesto menu is based on seasonal items purchased at the Farmer’s Market in Sebastopol and other local farms. They feature a pesto of the day and they even have pesto potato chips.

Jerri Luzania is the owner and Adam Knaak is the chef, assisted by Ivan Redus. Jerri runs the business details and the front of the house with support from her sisters who live in this area. Previously, Jerri was a partner in a marketing firm in Southern California, but she moved here to be closer to her family. Adam has worked in the restaurant business in this area for 15 years.

The menu features the soups ($4.50 to $7), fresh salads ($6 to $9), and Ravioli, Chicken, Filet Mignon, Pasta, French Burger, fresh fish, Duck Confit and Polenta Napoleon. Main course prices range from $8 (Pasta dishes) to $17 with one exception, Filet Mignon at $29. Desserts are $10.

They also have wine and beer and offer a selection of interesting wine based cocktails.

This restaurant is still going through some initial organization, offering new special holiday and brunch menus and planning new and different items on their regular menu. Their hours have fluctuated during the holidays and there may be some fluctuation during the winter months. Currently they are closed on Monday. They are open for Tuesday through Friday for lunch and dinner. On Saturday they open starting at 9:00 a. m. for brunch and continue through dinner till 9;00 p.m. Sunday open for brunch but not dinner. I recommend you call the restaurant at 707 829 3212 and check on the schedule. If they are not open they have a message machine that will tell you the hours and also tell you about the specials they may be running.

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Ask EcoGirl - Patricia Dines on Greening Your Resolutions

Dear EcoGirl: How can I include the earth in my New Year's resolutions?

Signed, Making a Plan

Dear Making a Plan: Thank you for your question. Yes, the new year offers us a handy time to step back and identify the changes we want to make in our lives. And it's smart to include caring for the earth among our intentions, because (1) the planet's well-being is key to our survival and the foundation of all we do; and (2) aligning with the earth can help us save money, be healthier, connect with others, and have more fun!

Here some example ways that you can eco-charge your New Year's resolutions. More about these and other useful actions is at www.askecogirl.info.

Resolution: Improve Your Health & Diet
Strategy: What's good for your body is often also good for the planet. Eating fresh whole local organic foods and less meat can help you lose weight, have more energy, avoid disease, and save money. Plus you'll reduce the eco-impacts of pesticides, packaging, industrial agriculture, and food transportation.
Action ideas:
• Explore recipes that get you excited about cooking from scratch with fresh produce and whole grains. You'll soon prefer it to processed products!
• Buy organic foods, to enjoy truly tasty and nutritious goodies grown without toxics. Organic is affordable when you buy direct and lower on the food chain. It's especially important to feed children organic, to reduce their exposure to toxics that can harm their development.
• Plan outings to local farms and farmers' markets. This trims food miles while helping local farms survive. Choose organic farms to reduce local toxics.
• Shop regularly at your local farmers' markets, or sign up for a farm CSA subscription, then savor your steady stream of farm-fresh delights.
• Plant an organic garden, to enjoy tasty healthy food that further trims your food miles.
• Designate one day a week or month as a vegetarian or vegan day, to reduce your livestock eco-impacts. (If you buy meat, choose organic from small farms.)
• Take walks in nature, alone or with others, for exercise that nurtures body, heart, and soul. Bring children along to encourage nature as their lifelong ally.

Resolution: Cut Home Energy Costs & Pollution
Strategy: Trimming home energy use saves money while reducing energy-related pollution and greenhouse gases.
Action ideas:
• Install a programmable thermostat to automatically lower heating costs while you're at work or school.
• Get a home energy audit, to identify your best opportunities for cutting energy waste and increasing efficiency. You can avoid up-front improvement costs with funding options such as SCEIP (www.sonomacounty energy.org).
• Consider solar power, after improving your home's efficiency, to reduce your use of polluting fossil fuels.

Resolution: Trim Driving Miles & Costs
Strategy: By cutting your driving miles, you can reduce your car expenses and pollution without buying a new car, plus often enhance relationships and integrate more exercise into your routine.
Action ideas:
• Seek carpool buddies for your trips to work, school, and more.
• Add public transit to your schedule. Get information on your local system and start by exploring a simple route.
• Designate one day a week or month as your "alternative commute day" and get to work or school by walking, biking, or taking public transit.

Resolution: Act at the Community Level
Strategy: By joining our efforts with others, we can help create the community-level changes needed to ensure that both we and the earth flourish.
Action ideas:
• Regularly contribute to groups you value. In addition to donating money, consider offering your time and skills, even for just a few hours monthly. You'll feel good connecting with like-minded souls and being part of the solution.
• Educate yourself and take action on eco-issues. E-mail lists from nonprofits can make that easier.
• Encourage your workplace and church groups to take eco-actions.

I hope these ideas help you enjoy the fun of turning our current challenges into opportunities for a better future!

Ask EcoGirl is written by Patricia Dines, Author of The Organic Guides, and Editor and Lead Writer for The Next STEP newsletter. Email your questions about going green to for possible inclusion in future columns.

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Gail's Garden: Gail Fanning on Winter & Spring Gardening

Happy New Year! Looking back over the past year and my resolutions made last January, I’m happy to report that I’ve done pretty well in fulfilling my plans. I have supported my favorite garden charities, the Royal Oak and Garden Conservancy. I have improved my irrigation to be more efficient and have eliminated a portion of my lawn to reduce water use. I have been composting my kitchen scraps regularly. I have learned a lot of things about plants and gardening from many sources: my current source of inspiration is the new book by “Grassman” John Greenlee: The American Meadow Garden. This beautifully illustrated book (photos by Saxon Holt) is full of great ideas and options for those of us working toward eliminating traditional lawns.

I have also had the pleasure this year of designing several yards with “mini-lawns”. These postage stamp size lawns (250 to 400 sq. ft.) are perfect for those of us from the Midwest and the East who really want to have a lawn (I think this is a genetic trait from which we cannot escape!). We feel that a garden needs that jewel of green at its center to be complete. With a “mini-lawn” we can have our soft green spot for barefoot walking and rolling with children without bankrupting the water budget. And on my latest project, sub-surface drip irrigation was used to reduce water use even further. Since the lawn is so small, mowing with a push mower is easy: no release of pollution from gas burning engines, just a little good old fashioned sweat!


Mark your calendar for these fun and informative classes coming up in 2010 on Saturdays at 10:30am at Bassignani’s Nursery- they are all free! 1841 Gravenstein Highway South, Sebastopol Info: 823-3984

January 16 - Roses: Prune and Plant NOW!
Bring your pruning shears and gloves, and learn how to properly prune your roses for great bloom this spring. Designer Gail Fanning will also help you choose the best new roses from our great selection of bare root varieties. With the new disease resistant, easy-care rose varieties you can have beautiful roses with minimum effort!

January 30 - Dormant (Bareroot) Fruit Trees
Bare roots are here! NOW is the time to plant your fruit trees. Tony Bassignani will share his many years of experience and answer all your questions about choosing and caring for your fruit trees.

February 6 - Plant your Sweet Peas Now!
Our own English gardener Claudia Owens will introduce you to the wonderful world of sweet peas: so easy and so lovely! Learn how to grow your own with minimal effort: you will have vases full of fragrance and color.

February 20 - Camellia Festival
Join us for an exciting introduction to the care, feeding and enjoyment of these great landscape standards. Our expert horticulturalist Ken Eliason will teach you the difference between Japonica and Sasanqua, and how to make them an exciting part of your garden! KSRO Garden Talk with Steve Garner will be broadcasting live from the nursery today!

March 6 - Grafting Fruit Trees Successfully
Grow 4 different apples on one tree! Multi-graft trees are fun, and a great way to maximize your fruit production in a small space. Tony Bassignani demonstrates the technique for grafting your own fruit trees.

March 20 - Flowers for Your Cutting Garden
Learn how to start, plant, and care for the wide variety of annuals, perennials, and bulbs which can be used for cut flowers. Garden Designer Gail Fanning shows you how to bring the garden’s bounty into your home!

If you need help and advise with your garden, just give me a call at 829-2455. Consultations in your garden start at only $50. Do you have a gardening question you would like to ask? Or a photo to share?
Send your questions and photos (jpg) to bluehilldesign9@aol.com.

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Listening 2 Children: Sharon Wikoff - To Spank...or Not?

Welcome to 2010! Did you make any New Year’s Resolutions? I invite you to consider a different way of thinking about New Year’s Resolutions. How would you like to “BE” as a parent in 2010? As a grandparent? As a teacher? Would you like to be more loving, more caring, more gentle? This is an excellent time for change! One area to consider is how you want to discipline your child.

Pam Leo, author of the book, Connection Parenting, has written an excellent article on the subject of Spanking. Below are excerpts from that article, printed with permission. The entire article can be read at www.ConnectionParenting.com

Spanking Undermines Discipline
- Loving Alternatives - by Pam Leo

“It’s not nice to hit people; children are people.” - Pam Leo

Parents hitting their children has been accepted as a form of discipline in our society for so long that some parents can’t imagine that it is possible to discipline children without hitting them. We have learned that not only is it possible to discipline children without hitting them, but it is impossible to discipline children by hitting them. Making children feel worse does not make them behave better.

Most parents intend to teach their children to be courteous, respectful, responsible, kind and loving. Children learn most from imitating what they see us do. Since hitting is not courteous, respectful, responsible, kind or loving, how can we possibly expect to teach our children those things by hitting them?

Hitting is punishment, not discipline. Punishing children doesn’t teach them why their behavior was unacceptable or what they should do instead. Punishment is meant to deter children from repeating the behavior by being painful or unpleasant enough to cause the child to want to avoid being punished again. In theory, this method may sound effective, but in reality, being punished causes children to think more about the wrong that was done to them than the wrong they did.

Hitting children not only hurts their bodies, it hurts their hearts and minds. Instead of giving them the message that what they did was bad, being hit causes children to believe that they are bad. Research shows that children who are hit have lower self-esteem than children who are not hit. There is even some evidence from a British study that children who are hit may be less able to learn because physical punishments reduce children’s IQ.

While not all people who were hit as children grow up to be hitters, all adults who hit grew up either being hit or witnessing hitting. When an adult hits another adult we call it assault. When a husband or wife hits the other we call it battering. When a big kid hits a little kid we call it bullying. When a parent hits a child we call it spanking. No matter what name we give it - a swat, slap, tap or spank, it is hitting. When the adults in a family hit each other we call it domestic violence. Why then, when the adults hit the children in the family, do we call it discipline? Nowhere else in our society is hitting considered acceptable. Isn’t all hitting violence?

Most parents love their children and want to be good parents who raise good kids. Many parents feel badly about resorting to hitting their children and are anxious or at least open to learning methods of effective, loving discipline. To those parents I offer some alternatives.

It Wouldn’t Hurt To Try:
• When a child is about to do something dangerous like going into the road or climbing on a bookcase, gather them into your arms, tell them “Danger!” and explain to them why their behavior frightens you. The word danger is more effective than just saying no.

• Children need lots of attention. When we give enough positive attention, children don’t become so starved for attention that they resort to any behavior that will get our attention.
Ending all forms of violence against children will be the beginning of the end of domestic violence. However we treat the child, the child will treat the world.

Sharon Ann Wikoff is a credentialed teacher and an EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) Practitioner. Parenting teleclasses begin in January and can be viewed at: www.SharonAnnWikoff.com

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Our County: Efren Carrillo Jan 2010

While we face the New Year with a mixture of enthusiasm and trepidation, there is much to look back on in this final month of 2009 that is worth celebrating. 2009 has been a year of economic turmoil, which brought unprecedented demand for services to the disadvantaged and disenfranchised delivered with increasingly limited resources. Still, some remarkable accomplishments by our Sonoma County community this month give cause for hope and appreciation.

On December 17th, the Sonoma Land Trust celebrated its acquisition of Jenner Headlands! Not your average accomplishment, Jenner Headlands is the single largest North Coast conservation acquisition in history with over 5630 acres of critical wildlife habitat being preserved forever. This was a truly once in a lifetime opportunity which required the perseverance, grit, and dedication of the Land Trust over a five year period.

The epic struggle to acquire Jenner Headlands culminated in success through creativity, collaboration of public (local, state, and federal government supported the acquisition financially) and private partners, and purposeful dedication by Ralph Benson, Amy Chesnut, and the Land Trust family. Their fortuitiveness will benefit Sonoma County for generations to come.

2009 was a wild ride for Ralph, Amy, and their partners, with the $36 million deal requiring that every part of a complex financial puzzle aligned and came together with no mishaps…all during this incredibly tough year. That coupled with the patience and dedication of the landholders to the outcome yields a remarkable achievement. I am proud to have played a role in supporting their efforts along with Assemblyman Wes Chesbro, former Supervisor Mike Reilly, and former Congressman (current Chair of the Coastal Commission) Doug Bosco. Congratulations to them, to us, and to all future residents and visitors to our beautiful County!

Steps both large and small have been made this year toward greater sustainability for the County. The vision of policy makers in adopting and pursuing the innovative Sonoma County Energy Independence Program (SCEIP) continues into its next phase. The early part of 2010 will see us move forward toward a regional approach to retrofitting homes and commercial properties, using the financing mechanism of SCEIP along with developing a “one stop shop” with all the tools needed for retrofits: energy audits (maximizing the return on retrofit investment), financing, maximizing education, incentives, and implementation.

We expect to see results from leveraging American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds which will continue the job creation begun by SCEIP, and result in a much needed, concerted effort at retrofitting existing properties. Retrofitting has been identified as the number one priority for meeting our green house gas (GHG) community targets. Retrofitting benefits individuals through reduced energy costs and our entire planet through lowered GHG emissions. More information can be found at the Regional Climate Protection Authority’s (RCPA) website (www.sctainfo.org/rcpa.htm) or by contacting Dave Brennan of RCPA (dbrennan@sctainfo.org) or Chris Cone at the Climate Protection Campaign (ccone@climateprotectioncampaign.org)

It is expected that the new program will launch in April 2010, with the initial focus on single family residential units, and moving forward with multi-family and commercial properties within the year.

While we’re on the topic of resources and conservation, there will be a continuing focus on reducing our use of water in 2010. Recent changes in state law regarding greywater are propelling our County to look at alternatives to the use of drinking quality water for landscaping and other high use water needs. Public health is a valid concern, but the time to move forward in dramatically reducing our water use is now.

The past few years of drought and the declining health of our river and salmon populations have brought urgency to the topic. While 2009 showed that community concern is high, and urban users can and will reduce their water consumption when needed, much remains to be done to accomplish a permanent behavioral shift. We will continue to move forward, taking a hard look at water reuse and other methods of water reduction.

I’m looking forward to a very wet (but not too wet) winter to give us a necessary buffer while we work on policy, alternatives, and solutions.

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Rio Nido News & Events Jan 2010

Rio Nido is buzzing with enthusiasm these days. This community is mobilizing itself to reclaim the identity it seems to have lost in recent years. Our quaint hamlet of canyons and one-lane streets is undergoing a fundamental shift in how it views itself and how it wants to be viewed by the world. This community is determined to reclaim its’ historical rights as a well thought of entertainment venue, relaxation summer destination and homes to everyday folks as well. This community is home to nurses, lawyers, architects, contractors, administrators, training professionals, marketing consultants, actors, singers, dancers, poets, bloggers, activists, artists, laborers, web designers, and many others of professional significance. The perception of Rio Nido has long been that this is an impoverished community of substance abusers and low income households. The residents want to restore our community to it’s rightful heritage as a thriving, vital, interesting place to visit and live.

Recent Happenings:
Buzzing! Perhaps because Rio Nido now has a wonderful and successful community garden, and a well used dog park, along the children’s play area in Bruno Farnocchia Park. All are gathering places for the locals to share, laugh and enjoy our quaint sunny community common areas. Rio Nido has in it’s wonderful community park, a tennis court, picnic tables, barbecue pits, and the streets surrounding are also very walkable. Thanks to the Parks District and several wonderful volunteers Rio Nido built a dog park on a razor thin budget and donated materials. A day has not gone by without doggie friendships being made.

Homeowner’s Events:
The Rio Nido Homeowners Association led by it’s President Douglas Misner makes sure the weekends during the summer months is filled with family oriented gatherings and fun. Rio Nido has long been known for live music and great parties.

Parade of Lights:
Are you aware that Rio Nido recently won a 1st place trophy at the “Parade of Lights” for it’s wacky and inspired group of folks who wanted to represent the community in the parade? Well, we did! The contingent was quickly assembled, the entry planned out and executed without a moment to spare, but the biggest challenge of the evening was avoiding the surprises left by the horse in front of our contingent. Some people missed it and others did not. Thanks horsee!

Feeling of Community:
Fed up and tired of the substance abuse and prostitution problems at the Rio Nido Lodge, this community is now making efforts to avoid allowing this to be repeated. Several recent community meetings have been focused on neighborhood security and solutions to the problems created by a long ignored social problems. Rio Nido has had enough and is working on ways to curb the perception of Rio Nido as “Rio Needle”, or whatever the current favorite term may be. As a community, Rio Nido is feeling a sense of empowerment as we work together to accomplish our goals. You need not look further than our recent successful parade entry, the several successful community meetings held to address neighborhood issues and working together on community projects. No longer does Rio Nido want to be the place on River Road where you slow down and drive through on the way to Guerneville, that is if you remember to slow down at all. Rio Nido wants you to visit and get to know us.

Place to Visit:
So you see, there is a lot of buzzing going on in Rio Nido. Like the Phoenix rising out of the fires of blight, the Rio Nido community is determined to be economically vibrant again. With the potential ideas being talked about for the Rio Nido Lodge and the formation of task forces, it may soon again be added to the list of ‘places to visit’ on the Lower Russian River. Rio Nido has many interesting people and with that many interesting stories to be told. If you have any suggestions or topics to share, please feel free to contact us. When you get the chance be sure to buzz into Rio Nido.

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Monte Rio: Winter News & Events Jan 2010

Happy New Year!!! Can you believe it is 2010 already! I hope that this year is one filled with peace, love, joy and prosperity, as well as health and happiness for all of you. I wish everyone success with their New Years’ resolutions, this year I am actually making some and do hope to keep them.

I wish all business owners in the West County the best for the New Year, I hope this economy comes around because I know how everyone is struggling to keep the doors open. From the closing of the Pink and all the businesses that have closed in Guerneville---it is getting to feel like a ghost town. If you love a local business, now is the time to support them in any way you can if you want them to be here next year!

The Rio Theater is now open 5 days a week again (Wed – Sun), as we get closer to the Academy Awards! There are some great movies out there and don’t forget, we have rolled our prices back to just $5.00 for a great film! Imagine that, $5.00, all ages, all movies! Make sure you dress warm though---it is very cold in the theater! Don’t miss Pirate Radio starting on January 10---the two local radio stations, Guerneville and Occidental, will be performing at 2pm with some great music, talks and all around fun!

Don’s Dogs Café is also open 5 days a week and putting out some great sandwiches, incredible breakfast burritos, great Peet’s coffee in the Espresso Machine, and of course all those yummy dogs and chili dogs---steamed or grilled!

The Village Inn will be closed for a short vacation from January 3 – 12 and will reopen with all those fabulous dinners on Wednesday January 13. Also, they have a locals discount on hotel rooms for your out of town guests—just $75.00 and up, per night!

Sophie’s Cellars has a great deal going with many of the local restaurants. Bring in a bottle of wine that was purchased at Sophie’s and there is no corkage fee, the limit is one bottle. You can do this at the Village Inn, Highland Dell, Cape Fear, and Rivers End---just to mention a few. Call for details.

Also, don’t forget the Highland Dell and Café Les Jummels for other delicious and different meals.

Well, that’s all for this month; please let me know if you have info for this column. You can call me at 865-4190 or email me at suzis@sonic.net.

Happy New Year and Happy birthday wishes to some pretty famous locals and friends: 1/1: my friend, Zelda Michaels, 63; and Rio artist Arthur Longoria; 1/2: J’Mari Curtiss; 1/3: Kei Lani Howard; 1/4: Kristina Haynes, 18; 1/6: Andy Bosch, 18; and Gregorio Pehrson---ageless; 1/7: Ricardo Silos, 66; 1/9: Philip Hampton of Village Inn fame; 1/12: Ashley Ogletree; 1/14: Josh Curtiss, & Gloria Potter, great lady!; 1/15: Georgie Gildea, sis-in-law & Andy LeCount; 1/16: William Palmer; 1/17: Morgan Conway-O’Neil, 21; 1/20: Sherry Chojnacki, ageless beauty and another ageless beauty---Sean Loundagin; 1/21: Allen Rivers, my forever “old” boss resting in peace; also Jared O’Connell; 1/23: Gideon; 1/25: Steven; 1/26: Consuela O’Malley, ageless & great! And finally 1/29: Waylon Nicholson, 27.

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Forestville News & Events Jan 2010

I am so excited to be the new Forestville columnist for the Sonoma County Gazette. It is a privilege to be part of this loving, generous, committed community and I am honored to be part of your lives in this capacity.

Happenings at the Hollydale Club:
Join us Sunday, January 17th from 9:00-Noon for the Hollydale Club’s New Year Country Breakfast. Serving Eggs, Link Sausage on the Side, Hash Browns, Biscuits & Gravy, Fresh Fruit and a variety of early morning tasty beverages.

2010 marks the return of the Club’s “Russian Dinner” and aged flavored refreshments, deserts and a taste of the old country, with a Siberian flair, Saturday, February 6th @ 6:00 PM

The Irish Aged Corned Beef & Cabbage Dinner returns Saturday, March 13th @ 6:00 PM, with live Celtic Music and merriments.
Wish list: Fiberglass Panel Cover for 22’ x 20’ Deck Trellis. www.hollydaleclub.org


El Molino High School:
El Molino finished this semester with a sports awards assembly honoring the many scholars and champions that participated in Fall Sports. The Leadership class sponsored a family movie night, featuring carnival games, food, and the movie “UP” to raise money for their Holiday Families program.

Don’t miss The Fiddler on the Roof, brought to you by the talented Drama Department. This classic, directed by Ginger Riley, promises to be a hit. Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings January 28th, 29th and 30th and February 4th, 5th, and 6th. Come and support the arts at El Mo!

Forestville Union School:
The Forestville Academy just wrapped up their fall play, The Werewolf’s Curse or Hare Today, Gone Tomorrow. It was a hilarious spoof, starring a blockbuster cast of 7th and 8th grade thespians. It finished just in time for auditions for the spring musical, Disney’s MULAN Jr. This show will feature 4th thru 8th grade students, directed by Noelle Huberty.
Forestville students also did their share of giving this holiday season. They provided gifts for 60 kids through their annual Giving Tree program and collected 750 food items for the Food Closet at the United Methodist Church.

A special thanks from the Primary art teacher, Deborah Padrick to all the young artists, parents, and grandparents who helped to paint the windows of our town of Forestville with winter cheer. Many businesses participated in this year’s event; Paul Hobbs Wines - Mark Sever, M.S.P.T. - El Molino Store - Bank of the West - Ideal Hardware - Dr. Karol Scheiner, D.D.S - Carr’s - Rotten Robbie - Quicksilver Mine Co. - La Rosa’s, – Benchmark Mortgage/Hans Bruhner – The Forestville Post Office – Aioli’s. All the generous donations go towards the K-3rd art program.

Special Thanks from Forestville United Methodist Church:
Thank you to everyone who helped the Food Bank at Forestville UMC create Christmas Boxes and provide toys for 78 families on the Monday before Christmas! Thanks to the efforts of the Fire Department and the generosity of so many people of this community there were home-baked cookies for every family, two rooms full of toys for all the children and plenty left over to be shared with others. You should have seen the smile on one little boy’s face as he left with a brand new bicycle in his hands.

The people of the FUMC want to thank all our community partners for all your good work this year in the food closet, in the Victory Gardens, in The Landing after-school program for youth, and all who use our facilities to enrich the life of this community—scouting programs, 4H, AA and the Senior Dining Site. We look forward to continuing our partnerships into the brand new year 2010!

This is just a sampling of all that is going on in our community. It is my goal to provide you insight into the many activities, opportunities, and commodities available in Forestville, as well as a glimpse into the lives of the many marvelous individuals that make this a town a family. Please feel free to contact me anytime with ideas and information you’d like to see in this column.

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Guerneville News & Events Jan 2010

This is my first stab at attempting to inform the masses about the “what’s up” in Guerneville, so I’d like to take this time to apologize up-front, in lieu of any mistakes or forgotten events I will most likely commit.

First, in light of the passing holidays, I’d like to make a shout out to the entire community and the visitors who came for the Merchant Open House/Town Tree Lighting and the 9th Annual Parade of Lights. Of course credit is due to the organizers (Valerie Hausmann, to name one) for all their time and effort (and money) that is 100% volunteered. But attendance at this year’s parade was noticeably swollen, in comparison to the past few years. The lights were magnificent and the music was fun! And besides some complaints that the music wasn’t “Christmasey enough” I thought it was an overall successful and delightful event for our community.

But that is over, and the New Year is here: now what? In January, the river seems to slow down a bit more and everybody is tucked away in their respective corners, not to reveal themselves until the first break of sunshine and heat sometime in May. Not true; the winter months are jam-packed with live music, art displays/events, theatrical productions and gorgeous, delicious foods from our restaurants. I recently went to the Rio Nido Roadhouse to dine on state-of-the-art appetizers and dance to “The Pulsators” and had an awesome time! Then there’s Open Mic Night, Wednesdays at Club Yamagata where you can go venture for local talent and a good cocktail. And contrary to popular belief, Club Yamagata is a “bar for all,” not catering to only one exclusive group of people. Although their doors will be closed for a while, we get to look forward to their relocating to a new home, still in Guerneville. Details to come next month. But there’s always live music at the Bull Pen or the cabaret at Main Street Station; the point is, there’s ALWAYS someplace to go and something to do.

I’d like to take time to make mention of a fantastic family who graced the River with their presence some 5 years ago. Brad and Andrea Moran, who own and operate Mill Street Thrift, have been generously giving to the community on a consistent basis since their doors first opened. Originally located on Armstrong Woods Rd in a quaint little house directly across the street from the Senior Center is now the centre point of generosity and “good-will-toward-all” on Guerneville’s Mill Street. They operate a small food bank, providing various foods, from canned goods to loaves of bread and fresh vegetables and fruit (locally grown during the summer months). This food provides hot meals for local homeless individuals and hard-to-do families with small children. In addition to food, they also do a Sock & Blanket drive every Winter and hand these items out to the homeless. I can honestly say that this is “hands down” my absolute favorite thrift store (and I’ve been to plenty, myself); they carry modern, sophisticated, unstained women’s and men’s clothing & shoes, an entire room packed with children’s clothing and toys, kitchen items (ironically organized in the building’s kitchen area), electronics, accessories, movies and music and a wonderful array of household items and furniture who’s collection is constantly changing. Overall you are guaranteed to find something there that “tickles your fancy” and the best part is it’s all at thrift store prices! And a personal request: if you have any old blankets or Men’s jeans or Men’s shoes that are just taking up space in your home, drop them by Mill Street Thrift, ‘cause it’s guaranteed that there’s somebody in your community who could use them.

One more gab before I sign off for the month: Anybody out there who owns an apple tree or persimmon tree: share the wealth. If you do already, AWESOME! If it never crossed your mind, think of this: it’s food rotting in your back yard; food that a child could be eating. Stick up a sign on your fence saying “Respectfully Help Yourself” or leave a boxful on your driveway. But please, no more wasted food.

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Graton News & Events Jan 2010

Two pounds of hope for the new year! Hand tossed! The Sonoma County Regional Park Department provided the Graton Trail Stewards and Keepers (Graton TSAK) with two pounds of native California wild flower seeds for the West County Trail. Helen Kenchaloe of Graton, Chelsea Dare of San Francisco and I had the pleasure of tossing those seeds on the trail between Grey St and Occidental Road last December. For both shady and sunny spots on the trail, the Larner seeds contain several types of lupines, Chinese houses, and clarkias. The clarkias are the ones that did so well last year until someone pulled them up.

If one of the Graton column readers is the someone who killed the clarkias or knows the someone who killed the clarkias, it’s important to note that clarkias probably grew in that area before it became a sterile field of cinders when the train track was constructed. (I was told that the clarkias were destroyed in protest against the Graton TSAK, viewed by the vandalizer as a group of yuppie newcomers trying to gentrify the trail.) Also, due to the work of the Graton TSAK and the Graton Labor Center in trimming back the black berry bushes by hand, there are now about two dozen oak saplings thriving in the spaces that were cleared. As are there many other native plants. The diversity of plants on the trail has increased greatly since we started our work in clearing the blackberries by hand two years ago.

About 12 people from the Graton Centro Laboral showed up for December‚s trail keeping day, plus Karin Lease, Arnold Levine and Jane Kurtz from TSAK, along with Arnoldo from Sonoma County Regional Parks. Arnold and Karin headed up two Blackberry SWAT (Special Ways and Tactics) Teams while Jane the Amazon formed a team of her own. I massacred the Spanish language while Ignacio, Ernesto and Bosboly from Guatemala got rid of all the acacia saplings and did excellent Blackberry SWAT Team work at the Southern end of the trail. Bottom line: We got it ALL done! Blackberry lopers are trimmed, acacia saplings are gone. Plus, we are a few thistles less. We won’t need to have another trail keeping day until early summer!

Thanks to local high school students, those who live in Graton environs received flyers about the Graton Park project, offering opportunities to buy commemorative bricks for the park. Alicia Fittipaldi, Jason Simionato, Israel Montes, Ortenzia Flores, Jeff Sherrod, Nick Gaetano and Frank Robinson, students of New Horizon School in Santa Rosa provided after school prep support and volunteer school hours to prepare or deliver the flyers. The students received pay for the delivery funded through the school’s WorkAbility1 Grant which provides work training/ work/volunteer experiences for students with learning differences. Marianne Campbell, Director of New Horizons said, “They loved doing the work, knowing Graton might someday have a park and they might have some part in making that happen. The New Horizon WorkAbility1 slogan is “Caring About Community. These kids are the greatest!”

Local students, Ben and Brigid Hedlund from El Molino and Joey Hedlund from Willowside School also participated in distributing the flyers. Their work was funded by the Graton Green Group. Ben Hedlund says they look forward to helping more with the creation of their park in Graton.

Lesa Tanner of Graton writes, “A special light has gone out in the world. Sandee Lee Turner, born on November 18, 1956, died of cancer on December 13, 2009. Sandee was a treasured part of Oak Grove School, where she volunteered since 1977. She won Volunteer of the Year in 1992 from the Sonoma County School Trustees‚ Association and in 1999, Oak Grove‚s new library was dedicated as the “Sandee Turner Library.” A Celebration of Sandee's Life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on January 16, 2010 at Oak Grove School, 8670 Bower St., Sebastopol, CA 95472. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the Sandee Turner Library, or your favorite charity.”

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Cazadero News & Events January 2010

Looking out of the windows of my cozy cyber-hut, I see many tall redwoods, cloudy skies and the wood smoke as it curves upward. Rain has been falling fairly regularly and we are all hoping for a ‘normal’ rainfall year! The ultra-cold weather has led to more temperate numbers and I am down to only a few layers.

Raymond’s Bakery is taking a vacation until January 28th, so you will have to satisfy your baked-good urges in another way! Check the Cazadero General Store for their supplies.
Enjoy the monthly 15% off discount at Cazadero Supply each 1st Saturday. A terrific assortment of household, garden and mechanical items awaits you!

I was saddened to see that person(s) unknown have thrown paint onto our great ‘Cazadero Welcomes You' sign-BOO!! This is a direct insult to the hard-working fund raising folks in the Cazadero Community Club and to sign painter/artist Lenny Weinstein. It will be fixed soon.

I hope that all of the Montgomery Elementary School students and staff are enjoying their winter break-school opens again on January 4th.

Of course we hope not to have to use our own special Disaster Preparedness Site at the Baptist Camp, but be assured that Bonnie Chase will pass on the need for the volunteers and the Red Cross if necessary. Bonnie also tells me that the great community garden has both winter and cover crops. A report to the Cazadero Community Club’s Tuesday, March 2 meeting at 7 p.m. at the Fire hall will go over the garden’s 2009 expenses. It is a wonderful place for all!

I would like to recommend a great book to you all. Stillwater Cove resident Lynn Rudy’s ‘opinionated’ history of our area is an eye-opening description of early logging, ranching and farming on Sonoma’s North Coast. Rudy, a biological illustrator, has embellished this history with 265 photos, drawings and maps. The early villages (some long disappeared) roads, schools, hotels and lumber chutes are all shown and explained. This book is a terrific way to discover the answers to many questions of our past for Cazadero residents. Copies are available at www.fortrossinterpretive.org

Wishing a Very Happy Birthday to Peg Canelis celebrating on January 6th, joined by my dear husband Gregorio Pehrson also on the 6th, Hank Wiedmann will be 24 on the 17th, with Matthew Harra turning 25 on February 4th, Megan Levine celebrates 29 years on February 18 and Natalie Canelis will be 24 on February 19th.

Have a great New Year in 2010 and call me at 632 5545 or email mayawrld@sonic.net with info for your Cazadero column!

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Occidental News & Events Jan 2010

I hope you’re still basking in the glow of a wonderful holiday season and the beginnings of a fantastic new year. We enjoyed a beautiful couple weeks, both low-key and yet ultimately very busy. Unusually for us, we did not make advance plans—we talked about it, but never pulled the trigger on anything. So it was a real revelation when our time filled up completely with friends driving in unexpectedly from out of the area, and many other fun events. Had we planned in advance, we wouldn’t have been here to enjoy the spontaneity of long-time friends arriving with little notice. Something to be said for lack of planning ….

Rural Food Program
The St. Philip/St. Teresa Parish Rural Food Program, entering its third decade of service to people in West County who face the challenge of having nutritious groceries for their families, continues to experience more demand for services. In the last two months of 2009, families seeking assistance increased 60% – over 150 people braved the chill mornings to line up for groceries that helped to feed over 500 adults, children, and seniors. Rod DeMartini, Program Coordinator, thinks that requests for support will continue to increase in 2010, given high unemployment and reduced social programs funded by the government. A positive development, however, is that the parish program will be working with Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Santa Rosa in an on-site program to assist Rural Food clients in enrolling in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (formerly called Food Stamps). There are also plans to respond to the growing number of children who are being supported by the program in offering additional nutritional groceries that would be beneficial to them.

The Rural Food Program distributes groceries on the second Tuesday of every month from 9-11 a.m. in the parish hall of St. Philip, in Occidental. Set up is on Mondays from 1:30-3 p.m. Volunteers are always welcome and appreciated!

Occidental Center for the Arts
Winterlude, a chamber music concert presented by Occidental Center for the Arts, promises a magical evening of music from France and England, dating back from the 1500s to one hundred years ago. The concert is meant to lighten the dark nights of winter with bright melodies.

The music is for lute, oboe, bassoon, clarinet, piano and voice. It includes pieces by Finzi, Canteloube, Debussy, and Ravel. Jeff Chan, clarinet, Daniel Celidore, oboe, Miranda Kincaid, bassoon, Alice Chan, piano, Dominic Schamer, lute, and Amy Schamer and Chris Fritzche, vocalists. The concert is Saturday, January 9 at 8 p.m., at the Occidental Community Church, known for its excellent acoustics. A suggested donation of $20 will benefit Occidental Center for the Arts.

Renowned ensemble, Nota Bene, will play a matinee program of sonatas, trio sonatas, and other works from the Baroque period, on recorder, oboe, harpsichord, and cello. The concert is Sunday, February 21 at 3 p.m., in the elegant main dining room of the French Garden Restaurant, on Highway 12 in Sebastopol. A suggested donation of $15 benefits the Occidental Center for the Arts, and refreshments from the delicious French Garden menu will be available for purchase. Come early and enjoy lunch, or stay late and have supper afterwards.

For both concerts, make reservations, by calling 707-874-9392.

Avatar
By now, if you’re at all interested in movies, you’ve heard of (or even seen) the movie, Avatar. Full disclosure—I and my husband are both science fiction and fantasy aficionados, so I guess it was a fairly foregone conclusion that we’d love this movie. However, I was not prepared for the degree to which it swept me up and more than any movie I can remember, made me feel like I was truly in an alien, totally unknowable (on this planet) place. Quite an accomplishment, and a very complete experience as we enjoyed the storytelling, character development, and dialogue, in addition to the clearly superlative special effects. If you’re not averse to science fiction and enjoy a great yarn, see this movie. Even if you don’t like sci-fi, broaden your horizons a bit, and see this movie!

Thanks for all the kind feedback on my last column. Each month, I look forward to providing as much value as possible.

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Camp Meeker News for 2010

Ah, the gray-white silence of January. It’s one of my favorite times of year. After the stress and overstimulation of December, January beckons like high-thread count sheets. There is nothing on the calendar but a cup of green tea and that book you’ve been itching to read since Thanksgiving. Even if your love-hate relationship with the holidays is more love than hate, you must admit you’ve had enough.

What’s in store for Camp Meeker in 2010? It could be quite a bit, if our new Board members keep up the momentum they showed at November and December board meetings. The handover from old to new board members was marked by conspicuous collegiality, and a flurry of business done to clear the decks for the new crew to implement their ideas.

First, there is the “temporary” Tower road bridge. This bridge was installed quickly as a temporary measure, but now two years have gone by and the county is in no hurry to replace it with a permanent structure. This temporary bridge has an 8” water main under it, and some wear and tear is already evident. In a proactive effort to forestall calamity, the outgoing board authorized the water system operator to make repairs and send us the bill. Good show.

Next, a history item and a follow-up: that spooky pile of logs just below the Tower Bridge is the remains of Mel Meeker’s 1866 sawmill, and the old and new board members are in agreement that it is something that should be restored. The new board will be researching that idea, led by Seth Murchison. Hand in hand with that will be a Camp Meeker History Project, led by Cathie Anderson with help from Mr. Murchison. I’m a big fan of this project.

Moving forward into the present, there is the ongoing effort to determine whether we should acquire the land in Monte Rio where our well is located, and the effort to purchase that land if the board decides it’s a good idea. Also on the docket is a project to improve the guardrail situation at the top of the stairs leading to our new bridge. Some logs have been dragged as a stopgap safety solution, but a more permanent solution is desired.

That was the November meeting. At the December meeting (which I was unfortunately unable to attend), the new board hit the ground running on the previous issues and announced some ambitious initiatives of their own. I will briefly recap.

Jeff Fawcett will be spearheading an effort to get our heads around the water line break that happened last month, and to recommend actions we might want to take to prevent future similar breakages, and to properly respond if the pipe breaks again. This might take the form of special meetings, ad hoc committees, and emergency preparedness workshops.

Michael Ming brought his firefighting experience to bear with a presentation on fire prevention issues facing Camp Meeker. This includes things like brush clearing and sudden oak death tree removals, and might result is a fire management plan for the board.

Artist Seth Murchison pursued the cultural goals he outlined in the campaign by suggesting a “Camp Meeker Supper Club” as a first step toward the revitalization of Camp Meeker’s community social and cultural life. Perhaps there will be some natural synergy with the Cathie Anderson’s history project and we will hear about some of the cultural activities in Camp Meeker’s golden age. That is something I will try to help with in these column inches. Help me out by emailing me at taustin660@comcast.net with your tall tales.

Finally, there was some discussion of the Bohemia Ranch waterfall park project, wherein the people of the west county get a second crack at making a public park out of the jewel of a waterfall on lower Duvoul Creek. The board is discussed whether and how Camp Meeker should support that effort.

I apologize for the brevity of my descriptions, but my space is small and the flurry of activity is large. If you want more information, the place to go is the monthly board meetings, second Tuesday of the month at Anderson Hall. Get involved!

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Winter Water Conservation - Save Water Now, Save All Year

This past summer residents, businesses and land owners throughout the Russian River watershed once again responded to the requests to conserve water and did a great job reducing water use to help preserve water supply in Lake Mendocino. More and more residents are making improvements to their irrigation systems and removing high water use plants in their home gardens and public landscapes, replacing them with low water use plants to help reduce summertime water use. Water is a limited resource and it is extremely important that we use every drop as efficiently as possible all year round. Typically, in the winter most water use is from indoor household and business activities. By installing efficient fixtures, eliminating wasteful practices and using water wisely during the winter, you invest in year-round water savings because indoor fixtures are used all year. Not only are you saving our precious water resource, but you are also reducing the amount of wastewater that must be treated.

As utility costs continue to rise, there are simple things that you can do to reduce your water use and ultimately save money on your water and sewer bill. One way is to turn off your irrigation system during the winter months. Our region typically receives much more rainfall in the winter than plants need to stay healthy, so there is no need to irrigate during these months. Even during dry periods in the winter, plant growth is very slow and supplemental irrigation is rarely needed. By turning your irrigation system off now, you will eliminate waste and save money. You may also save money all year long because many utilities determine wastewater charges based on water use during the winter months when water use is typically for indoor needs only. Check with your local utility to determine when and how they calculate your wastewater charges.

A second way to save water and money is to check for and repair leaks. The biggest single cause of high utility bills is leaks. A single leaking toilet can waste over 200 gallons per day, and this is water that is also flowing to the sanitary sewer! To eliminate water waste from leaks, test your toilets and check your faucets and showerheads for leaks. Also, turn off all of your water using devices and check your meter to see if the low flow indicator is spinning. If it is moving, you may have a leak. Fix leaks right away because the longer you wait the more money and water you waste. The “Water Saving Home” web site at www.h2ouse.org has great tips for how to detect leaks, fix leaks, choose efficient plumbing fixtures and adopt water wise habits.

Another way you can save water and money is to improve the efficiency of your indoor water use fixtures. Consider replacing toilets with high-efficiency toilets (also called HET) that flush at 1.28 gallons per flush or less. Upgrade showerheads and aerators to high-efficiency versions and consider replacing your washing machine with a qualifying high-efficiency model. Many of our water and electric utilities provide rebates and incentives for replacing indoor water use fixtures with high-efficiency models.

Finally, you can save water and money by thinking about how you use water and determining if there are ways to either use less or eliminate the use all together. For example, turn the water off while brushing your teeth, don’t use the toilet as a wastebasket, use your garbage disposal less, and only wash full loads in your dishwasher and washing machine. Changing these habits will change your bill, and save our precious resource.

By turning off your irrigation system in the winter months, checking for leaks, replacing your indoor water fixtures, and improving your water use efficiency, you can save water, reduce wastewater and save money all year long!

This article was authored by Jennifer Burke of the City of Santa Rosa on behalf of RRWA. RRWA (www.rrwatershed.org) is an association of local public agencies in the Russian River Watershed that have come together to coordinate regional programs for clean water, fisheries restoration, and watershed enhancement.

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Gail's Gardens - Looking Back at 2009

Happy New Year! Looking back over the past year and my resolutions made last January, I’m happy to report that I’ve done pretty well in fulfilling my plans. I have supported my favorite garden charities, the Royal Oak and Garden Conservancy. I have improved my irrigation to be more efficient and have eliminated a portion of my lawn to reduce water use.

I have been composting my kitchen scraps regularly. I have learned a lot of things about plants and gardening from many sources: my current source of inspiration is the new book by “Grassman” John Greenlee: The American Meadow Garden. This beautifully illustrated book (photos by Saxon Holt) is full of great ideas and options for those of us working toward eliminating traditional lawns.


I have also had the pleasure this year of designing several yards with “mini-lawns”. These postage stamp size lawns (250 to 400 sq. ft.) are perfect for those of us from the Midwest and the East who really want to have a lawn (I think this is a genetic trait from which we cannot escape!). We feel that a garden needs that jewel of green at its center to be complete. With a “mini-lawn” we can have our soft green spot for barefoot walking and rolling with children without bankrupting the water budget. And on my latest project, sub-surface drip irrigation was used to reduce water use even further. Since the lawn is so small, mowing with a push mower is easy: no release of pollution from gas burning engines, just a little good old fashioned sweat!

Mark your calendar for these fun and informative classes coming up in 2010 on Saturdays at 10:30am at Bassignani’s Nursery- they are all free! 1841 Gravenstein Highway South, Sebastopol Info: 823-3984
www.bassignaninursery.com

January 16 - Roses: Prune and Plant NOW! Bring your pruning shears and gloves, and learn how to properly prune your roses for great bloom this spring. Designer Gail Fanning will also help you choose the best new roses from our great selection of bare root varieties. With the new disease resistant, easy-care rose varieties you can have beautiful roses with minimum effort!

January 30 - Dormant (Bareroot) Fruit Trees Bare roots are here! NOW is the time to plant your fruit trees. Tony Bassignani will share his many years of experience and answer all your questions about choosing and caring for your fruit trees.

February 6 - Plant your Sweet Peas Now! Our own English gardener Claudia Owens will introduce you to the wonderful world of sweet peas: so easy and so lovely! Learn how to grow your own with minimal effort: you will have vases full of fragrance and color.

February 20 - Camellia Festival. Join us for an exciting introduction to the care, feeding and enjoyment of these great landscape standards. Our expert horticulturalist Ken Eliason will teach you the difference between Japonica and Sasanqua, and how to make them an exciting part of your garden! KSRO Garden Talk with Steve Garner will be broadcasting live from the nursery today!

March 6 - Grafting Fruit Trees Successful. Grow 4 different apples on one tree! Multi-graft trees are fun, and a great way to maximize your fruit production in a small space. Tony Bassignani demonstrates the technique for grafting your own fruit trees.

March 20 - Flowers for Your Cutting Garden. Learn how to start, plant, and care for the wide variety of annuals, perennials, and bulbs which can be used for cut flowers. Garden Designer Gail Fanning shows you how to bring the garden’s bounty into your home!

If you need help and advise with your garden, just give me a call at 829-2455. Consultations in your garden start at only $50. Do you have a gardening question you would like to ask? Or a photo to share?

Send your questions and photos (jpg) to bluehilldesign9@aol.com.

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Recycle Holiday Trees - Three Options for Sonoma County

COUNTY REMINDS RESIDENTS TO RECYCLE HOLIDAY TREES

~ Unincorporated County residents benefit from new
Christmas tree disposal options ~

Keep Sonoma Clean, a multi-agency Sonoma County program designed to reduce illegal dumping, reminds Sonoma County residents to recycle their Christmas trees.

Three convenient options are available for tree recycling:
- cut the tree into pieces and place it in your green waste container
- call a nonprofit to collect the tree
- or drop the tree off for free at one of many locations throughout the County.
Complete details can be found at www.recyclenow.org/r_christmastree.html, the Sonoma County Waste Management Agency Web site.

This year, residents in the Unincorporated County have an additional option for Christmas tree disposal. As a result of a new contract with North Bay Corporation, residents in the Unincorporated County may place a whole Christmas tree at the curb for pickup.

This service also is available in Healdsburg, Rohnert Park, Santa Rosa and Windsor. Residents may visit www.recyclenow.org/r_christmastree.html for curbside pickup dates and details, or contact their local recycling and garbage disposal provider.

In order for trees to be recycled through any of the collection programs, they must be free of decorations, tinsel and stand (metal or wood). Flocked trees will not be accepted.

“Sometimes people think that it’s okay to dump Christmas trees, because over time they decompose,” noted Patrick Carter, Waste Management Specialist for the Sonoma County Waste Management Agency. “But just because a waste product degrades doesn’t make it legal to throw it by the side of the road or in a creek. Roadside dumping is unsightly, trees discarded in a ditch or creek can cause flooding, and dead trees can create a fire hazard.

“Keep Sonoma Clean has now installed approximately a dozen surveillance cameras at common illegal dump sites throughout the County,” Carter added. “Regardless of how difficult times are, it’s always important to dispose properly of your waste to keep our families and neighbors healthy and safe. We offer so many options for recycling your Christmas tree; there is no excuse for dumping it illegally.”

For complete information about proper disposal or recycling of unwanted goods other than Christmas trees, consult the Keep Sonoma Clean Web site at www.KeepSonomaClean.org. To report an illegal dump site, visit the Web site or call 877-565-DUMP (3867).

Keep Sonoma Clean is a cooperative effort between the Sonoma County Department of Health Services, Environmental Health Division; the Sonoma County Department of Transportation and Public Works, and the Sonoma County Sheriff, and is funded by a grant from the California Integrated Waste Management Board.

Zero Waste – You Make It Happen!

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From the Gaza Freedom March–in Cairo!

Gaza Freedom March–Vigil at the Nile

A report & blog from Gaza Freedom Marcher Starhawk, a Cazadero, Sonoma County resident and activist for political, social and environmental causes. This is her most recent entry into her blog - you can take it from there by following her at http://http//starhawksblog.org/...and learn more about the gaza freedom march at: www.gazafreedommarch.org ...more below...

Still a bit dazed and confused from jetlag, I went down to the Lotus Hotel where Medea Benjamin and Anne Wright and many of the other organizers are staying. It is also peeling and seedy, and when people told me, “Thank you for putting your life on the line,” I didn’t quite imagine that the biggest mortal dangers would be elevators, with archaic wooden cages and exposed wiring and metal grates dating back to the Third Dynasty. Of course, that’s only if you survive the Cairo traffic. Crossing the street here is a bit like trying to dodge your way through a herd of stampeding mustangs.

So far unscathed, I got sucked into doing media work for most of the afternoon. About a hundred people went out to the Kasr al Nil bridge around noon—the bridge to the large island in the middle of the Nile. They placed cards and flowers on the bridge to commemorate the more than 1300 Gazans who died in the Israeli assault that began a year ago today, on December 27, 2008. The police eventually showed up and ordered them off the bridge, but didn’t arrest anyone.

The plan for the afternoon was to meet at 4 pm down by the Nile and take feluccas, the small sailboats that go up and down the river. On the boats, we could meet in small groups and then converge later for a larger meeting. We hurried down there (I spend a lot of these actions trailing after people who are younger, faster and slimmer) and eventually I jumped in a taxi with a few other women at Lisa’s suggestion. A knot of activists were surrounded by a thicket of cameras. The police were blocking us from getting on the boats, and shut down the rental place. But we gathered, a group of several hundred, which we had been expressly forbidden to do. Medea Benjamin, one of the Code Pink leaders, jumped up and made an impromptu speech. “Who here wants to take a boat on the Nile, like tourists do?” she asked. Everyone raised their hands. “Who here wants to go to Gaza?”

The crowd began cheering and unfurling banners and chanting “Free Gaza!” We lit our candles in cups and held them aloft. There were people from all over the world in the crowd—young students and old people, every imaginable mix of countries and races and religions. The spirit was strong, and as more and more police arrived, everyone remained calm. The crowd began marching back down the riverside, and then the police threw up a cordon and blocked us in. Lisa was trying to negotiate and persuade the head officer to let us march down back to the bridge and disperse there, but he wouldn’t go for it. The police were not in riot gear—most of them seemed to be in plain clothes, and their hearts weren’t realy in keeping us blocked in. They held hands to barricade us, and they kept smiling. People lifted up their arms and ducked under and got out, and from time to time they opened up and let people out, without much rhyme nor reason. Basically, they are personally in sympathy with our cause, and that’s working in our favor.

Eventually, they moved aside and let everyone go. People felt strong and empowered by the action. We had been told that the Egyptian government did not want us to protest in Cairo, to be interviewed by the press, to interact with Egyptians. And we had done all of the above.

Our canceled meeting had been rescheduled and moved several times, but finally we had it outside, in the middle of Tahrir Square, a big central square in downtown Cairo, right out in the open. What I love about explicitly nonviolent actions, and what sometimes gets lost in the attempts we make to accommodate diverse tactics and security culture, is that in-your-face attitude we can adopt when we aren’t trying to hide what we’re doing. The authorities say, ‘you cannot meet in groups larger than six people,’ and cancel our permit for a building, so we meet in the center of town in the public square. We create a dilemma for the authorities—either arrest us or concede this political space.

The cops left us alone. But—all the busses that we’d rented for our attempt to go to Gaza tomorrow have been canceled due to pressure from the government. Ordinary Egyptians, who live here, don’t have the privilege we enjoy and are not immune to threats.

The French contingent went en masse to their embassy, threatening to encamp on its lawn, and got them to intervene with the Egyptian government and they got security permits for their busses. Or so we’ve heard—I don’t know yet if the busses actually arrived or were allowed to leave.

With all the stress and continually changing conditions, I’m still deeply thrilled to be here. Under the clamor and the smog lies a sense of age and a whiff of ancient things. That river we’re walking besides is the Nile! I see a scraggly cat and think, ‘This is where cats come from!” I see a man in flowing robes and kaffiyeh who could have been standing there for a hundred years.

Tomorrow Anne Wright, a U.S. diplomat who resigned in protest against the Iraq War and who has become a dedicated activist, will take another delegation to the foreign office to continue their negotiations. Please keep up the calls and the writing. I apologize for the typo in the previous post—the website is:

http://www.gazafreedom.org/

http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/424/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=1946

Your support is keeping us safe and will hopefully open the road to Gaza—not just for us, but for the people whose lives and health and freedom are blighted by this siege.

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Sonoma County Artist Awards for Performing, Music and Literary Arts for 2011

The Sonoma County Artist Awards for Performing, Music and Literary Arts for 2011 is a long way away as regards the actual giving of the award, but the process begins in 2010 and the application process and more have changed. Artists OF ALL KINDS need to be aware of these changes so they can prepare their work for the application process.

These awards are for Sonoma County artists only!

Firstly, everything is going virtual. Nominations, applications, submissions and judging. (It is possible that there will be a gathering in Santa Rosa for conference of many of the judges either in person or, for some, via Tele-Conferencing, to finalize their decisions.) There are several reasons for this and the biggest one is convenience for all.

The second is that we have a greater chance of not losing anything. Not that we did last time but you never know.

Thirdly we wish to expand the outreach for applicants, nominators and judges and to make the ability for their participation more convenient.

Finally, for those artists who already have much of their work memorialized online in social networks or sites such as My Space,Vimeo or You Tube, Music or Literary sites etc, artists will be allowed to reference them via URL rather than duplicate a submission. They will be asked to date stamp such references or performances.

The most important change is that we will no longer be asking nominees to submit hard copy such as DVDs, CDs or print material. That is, there will no longer be a need for an artist to create or copy any print material and submit it via the postal service with all the inconvenience that implies. Those whom we invite to be nominators will be asked to nominate on line, again saving time and lessening the inconvenience of submitting hard copy nominations. All artists' videos, audio and print material may be submitted via an online application form.

To that end I am asking you to spread the word among your respective artistic communities and to take note yourselves, that should the possibility of a $5,000 award appear enticing, artists should begin to think of memorializing their work on video or audio or by transferring it to digital. For Musicians from all genres that may not be a hard thing to do. For Performing artists, such as Theatre people, Dancers, Opera or Musical Theater performers, Street performers etc, recording their work on video or audio is getting to be far more common. Of course, getting the relevant permissions, will be a pain, but a pain worthwhile if an artist becomes a finalist. Last year many videos were submitted on DVD and I'm sure that followed the rules of the game. For Literary artists, without making any presumptions, many writers already have their work in digital format and therefore it shouldn't be a problem.

The rules, regs and restrictions for the awards will be posted online on the Artist Awards website early in 2010 and an email will go out to well over a hundred Sonoma County artists, organizations and commentators inviting them to nominate one Sonoma County artist from the categories defined. Those nominated artists will then be invited to apply for the awards. There will be a $25 submission/application fee, also payable online, to cover the costs of administering the awards program. By making the submission process an online experience the cost on postage, time and inconvenience will, we believe, be alleviated.

Finally, this award is the largest single monetary award, given out to any single artist, from each of the three categories, from any Sonoma County Arts organization. Based on a peer recognition process, the Arts Council and Community Foundation Sonoma County administer this program to encourage and promote the county's artists and to reward overall excellence, as suggested by the nominators and as adjudicated by the independent panel of judges. No member of the Board or Staff of either Arts Council of Sonoma County or Community Foundation Sonoma County will be allowed to apply for an award or have any influence or input in the final adjudication of the three winners.

So to summarize, The 2011 Sonoma County Artist Awards of $5,000 each to one Sonoma County artist each from the Performing, Music and Literary disciplines will be an all online affair. We ask that you spread the word within your community of artists to record their careers on video, audio and digitized formats to enable them to apply for this award. The award may be used in any way the winning artists deem useful and is not a grant for work to be produced but a recognition of the excellence of the artist. Many of you will be invited to nominate such an artist you think merits this award so, until then, please enjoy your festive season, keep healthy and we'll be in touch in the new year.

Thanks for all you do.

John

ps. If you have any questions please feel free to call me at 707-579-2787. The council offices will be closed from December 24th until January 4th 2010.
--
JOHN A MORAN
Performing, Music and Literary Arts Manager
The Arts Council of Sonoma County
404 Mendocino Avenue, Santa Rosa, CA
t:707.579.2787 ext 102
f:707.542.3412
c:707.548.4148
jmoran@artscouncilsc.com

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Sonoma County Hay Assistance Program for Horses

Help get the Word Out
- Feed the Hungry Horses

Sonoma Action for Equine Rescue needs help in getting the word out about the Hay Assistance Program. Despite the hopeful reports on the financial pages of our nation; around the NorthBay economic hardships continue to cause heartbreak and our horses continue to be shipped out to slaughter. They cannot wait for an economic upturn. They gotta eat today.

Our Donate A Bale program in all the feed stores; as well as a grant from the national ASPCA folks, have allowed us to distribute hay and feed to needy horse owners. Please help us get this information to the folks that need it. We are targeting family pets that still have homes but whose fodder is becoming beyond the means of their owners.

Basic Guidelines and Application can be found on the front page of www.saferhorse.com.
Safer 707-824-9543

HAY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FOR HORSE OWNERS

SAFER (Sonoma Action For Equine Rescue) has a program to help horse owners who are trying to hang on to the family's horses during these hard times. Hay and Feed are donated through the Donate A Bale program at all the local feed stores as well as supplied through a grant written by SAFER and granted by the national ASPCA. Criteria are as follows.

1. No Breeding of any kind in two year period.
2. Situation must be short term (3 months or less). Hay is provided one month at a time. SAFER may not be able to supply ALL the feed needs for that time period.
3. Assistance is granted when a complete application is submitted and a site check done. Documentation must be complete. This will include financial information as requested.
4. SAFER will also assist in rehoming horses if that is a better solution. SAFER has a free web site and email alert list that actively tries to find homes for the animals. See SAFER Horse for instructions on how to list your horse or sign up for the email alert list.
5. Participants will receive a “Gift Certificate” to a local feed store.
7. Feed must be used for the designated horses for the time indicated. Feed must be protected from rain and rodents. Feed must not be sold, given away or shared with animals not so indicted on the application.

HAP is provided by donations from the public to a registered charity.
SAFER has the SOLE RIGHT TO DETERMINE ELEGIBILITY.

Application and complete guidelines are available on the website. All donations to SAFER are tax deductible.

ALSO:
Donate A Rail
Now at Martin's Ranch Supply and
Wine Country Ranch Equipment

We need to construct some temporary pens at a foster ranch to hold horses from the auction and from surrender. NorCal Equine Rescue up in Oroville has a well known adoption facility. They will intake our auction horses but they can only come down once a month to get them. If you have any panels you can donate please do think of us and donate a few bucks at these wonderful Ranch Supply companies that are supporting this effort for the Horses.

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Organ, Piano & Harpsichord Recital - Book of Noels

Organist, Harpsichordist and Pianist, Beth Zucchino performs Alexandre Guilmant

Organ Recital at Incarnation Episcopal Church
By Maria Vilaboy

My family and I attended the Presentation of the First Book of Noels, Opus 60 of Felix-Alexandre Guilmant given by organist, harpsichordist and pianist, Beth Zucchino. The concert was a series of Noels from the 1800’s written by the French organist-composer Alexandre Guilmant. The music was really enjoyable and festive. My favorite piece was the Offertorie (no. 3) sur le noel Joseph est bien marie as parts of it reminded me a little of Beethoven’s Gloria mass that is often performed during the holidays.

Listening to these carols in this older, beautiful church really added to the experience as well as it was easy to imagine hearing these songs at a Sunday service back in the 19th century.
One of the songs sounded sort of Irish and after the program the organist mentioned that it was actually a Scottish drinking song. Supposedly back in those days the churches tried to get more people to attend services so they sometimes incorporated familiar songs of the day.

Although much of the music sounded lovely and simple, it didn’t seem like it would be simple to play. The organist really used her whole body, playing the keys, pushing buttons and pressing pedals with her feet. Watching her feet was very interesting as they really moved on some songs and I was really impressed with how many things she was doing at once. I have always been a fan of pipe organs and but this one was different than any I had seen before. After the concert, several of us were standing close to the organ admiring it but it would have been really nice if someone could have described or explained in general how the organ works.

The organist also talked a little about the composer before the program and she mentioned that he wrote this series of pieces for his 18 year old daughter who was an organist at their family’s church. It made me think that although we have come so far in many ways especially with technology since the 1800’s, it seems we have lost such an important part of our culture. Back then it seemed like it was common for many children to learn to play music and to even become accomplished musicians. Now it seems that even though our society listens to more music than in the old days and there is much more music available to hear, there are unfortunately less of us actually playing it.

For more information on Classical Sonoma – please visit their web site: www.ClassicalSonoma.org

And to learn more about Beth Zucchino's concerts, etc. - please visit
http://www.CreativeArtsSeries.com
and
http://www.ConcertArtistCooperative.com

And for your listening pleasure – try Michael Barone's nationally distributed, well-received, and long-time American Public Media-based program "Pipe Dreams" exploring the art of the pipe organ as one of numerous possible references. Pipedreams is a nationally broadcasted radio station in the US. ~ http://pipedreams.publicradio.org/listings/2009/0950

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Sonoma County - The Green Jobs Epicenter?

A Report on Green Jobs and Training
with Resources for Green Jobs (below)

by Woody Hastings

“350 Day”, a day of international actions focused on raising public awareness of the urgency of taking action on climate change, refers to what climate scientists tell us is the maximum concentration of carbon dioxide Earth’s atmosphere can safely sustain - 350 parts per million (ppm). Unfortunately, we passed that mark in the early 1990s. We are currently at about 390 ppm and rising at about 2 ppm per year. 350.org estimates that about 5200 events took place in October in about 181 countries to focus our attention on this environmental dilemma and what we can do to change our course of action. Creating jobs in Green Technology is part of the solution.

Evelina Molina of the North Bay Institute of Green Technology, produced Action Fair, an all-day event in Santa Rosa that featured a diverse line-up of people and organizations involved in a wide variety of green career projects and programs. The bottom line is that many opportunities exist for employment and training in the rapidly developing field of “green” jobs and careers. “We want to make sure that green jobs are truly green in the sense that they provide opportunities for under-served, under-represented, low-income communities of color with barriers to employment. The jobs should provide wage-earners a family living wage, health benefits, and career pathways to prosperity. If the emerging green jobs economy does not create a fair and just opportunity for all, then it is not ‘green’ and will not create the sustainable socio-economic infrastructure that is needed to pull us out of this economic slump,” said Molina.

“It is going to require an army of people to do all the energy efficiency building retrofits, weather-stripping, and renewable energy installations that will be needed to reach the greenhouse gas emissions reductions targets that must be met to avert global disaster,” said Chris Cone of Solar Sonoma. She reminded the audience that Sonoma County has the most aggressive climate action plan in the nation, committing the county to carbon dioxide emissions reductions of 25% below 1990 levels by 2020. “The things that constitute the crisis - climate change and the recession, are the drivers that present the opportunity - a transition to a green economy fueled in part by the federal stimulus funds for green jobs,” she went on to explain.

That point was underscored by a speaker who followed, John Richau, Regional Director of the Community Alliance of Career Training and Utility Solutions who anticipates a veritable “boom” in jobs in home retrofitting over the next few years due to the fact that the California Public Utilities Commission is funneling $3.1 billion in federal stimulus money over the next three years to communities throughout California for that purpose.

Other private sector opportunities are emerging without federal assistance. GreenRay Technologies, an LED lighting start-up based in Santa Rosa, is opening a new manufacturing plant in Sonoma County and is currently hiring. “For years and years you’ve seen jobs like these moved overseas to Asia and other places. GreenRay is reversing that trend and will be employing people and manufacturing right here at home,” said Gene Quisisem, Western Regional Director for the firm. LED lights are even more energy efficient than compact fluorescents and do not contain any hazardous materials.

Many renewable energy projects and other green projects are being proposed in the Bay Area, including the North Bay. Some of them are large and offer the possibility of significant number of green jobs. One of the struggles is to ensure that the communities in which the projects are located are not left out of the employment opportunity. Multi-stakeholder agreements that address this concern are known as “community workforce agreements.”

A textbook example was provided by Joshua Arce of the Brightline Defense Project (brightlinedefense.org). Joshua recounted the recent story of a 5 megawatt solar project planned to be installed on top of the huge cap covering the Sunset Reservoir in San Francisco. No jobs from the chronically underemployed and unemployed districts of San Francisco were planned. Brightline organized a coalition of communities and succeeded in stopping the project with the demand that at least 30% of the workforce be hired from local underserved communities. The demand was met and the project was approved. Arce highlighted five key stakeholders that must be included in a successful project: 1) Industry; 2) Labor; 3) Elected Officials; 4) The local Workforce Investment Board; and last but not least 5) Community and Environmental Organizations.

The most compelling personal story of the day came from Edgardo Tafoya, a young man transformed by the career opportunities that unfolded for him via the North Bay Institute of Green Technology. Edgardo had spent many years incarcerated since some regrettable “mistakes made” during his teen years. “It was impossible to get a job just by filling out an application. I needed someone who was going to take a chance on me and believe that I have something to offer,” he said. Edgardo is now gainfully employed in the rapidly emerging “green collar” field of home energy efficiency retrofitting.

Many more opportunities are emerging in this field all the time. See the short list (below) for just a few of them.

Woody Hastings is a freelance environmental writer based in Sonoma County. Contact him at whastings@earthlink.net

Green Careers & Jobs - Sonoma County Resources*
Listed Alphabetically

Community Action Partnership of Sonoma County / YouthBuild Santa Rosa

YouthBuild Santa Rosa provides mentoring, educational & vocational training and skill development in leadership, communication, problem-solving and goal-setting to low-income youth in Sonoma County.

www.capsonoma.org/youthbuild

707-578-2034



Community Alliance of Career Training and Utility Solutions

Fresno-based organization that offers training and nationally recognized certification on a wide variety of green technologies. Sonoma County courses offered.

www.greencactus.org

559-960-7899



Eco Workforce

San Jose-based green collar workforce staffing agency focusing on energy efficiency and solar installations

www.eco-workforce.com

408-277-3114



Global Exchange

San Francisco-based organization offers a wide variety of programs including a green careers training program.

www.globalexchange.org

415- 255-7296



Green Ray

Sonoma County-based commercial and residential LED lighting start-up. Hiring for its new manufacturing plant in Santa Rosa.

www.greenraytechnology.com



Green Sonoma County

Sonoma County-based start-up that offers residential and commercial energy audits by certified technicians. Positions available for independent referral representatives and salespersons

www.greensonomacounty.org

707-623-6757



North Bay Institute of Green Technology

Provides training, job placement, and retention of low-income, unemployed, or underemployed persons for careers in green collar jobs.

www.nbigt.org



Santa Rosa Junior College

“Local instruction leading to global solutions.” Many practical course offerings under the rubric of sustainability.

www.santarosa.edu

707-527-4011



Solar Sonoma

Promoting Solar Energy Development Countywide

www.solarsonomacounty.org

707-829-9191



Sonoma State University Center for Sustainable Communities

Provides training on sustainability topics such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions, green building, land use planning and public health - for local governments and other organizations.

www.sonoma.edu/etc/home/sustainable_communities

707-664-2577


*Note: this is not a comprehensive list. It reflects the organizations that were featured at the 350 Action Fair for Green Jobs & Training on October 24th 2009

IF YOU KNOW OF MORE GREEN JOB RESOURCES - please e-mail them to: vesta@sonic.net

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Access Taylor Mountain Permit & Planning begin

To provide interim access to Taylor Mountain during the park-planning process, the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District, in partnership with the Sonoma County Regional Parks Department and LandPaths, is offering a permit program for the public interested in enjoying the 1000+ acre Taylor Mountain Regional Park and Open Space Preserve.

The permit program, similar to the model developed by LandPaths for the Willow Creek addition to Sonoma Coast State Park, and the program used for Tolay Lake Regional Park, will include access for hikers, equestrians, and bicyclists.

Seasonal trail restrictions are in effect; mountain bike and equestrian uses not permitted until further notice.

To obtain a permit, you must first attend a 1-hour orientation session. RSVP required.

Please visit www.landpaths.org or call 707.524.9318 to reserve space or for more information.

ORIENTATION DATES:

JANUARY:
Saturday, Jan 9 at 11am
Monday, Jan 18 at 11 am
Saturday, Jan 23 at 10 am

En español: Domingo, 31 de enero – 1 pm

La Montaña de Taylor ya está abierta con permiso especial!
Para tener acceso a este terreno favor de llamar a 707-544-7284 x11
En español: Domingo, 31 de enero – 1 pm

FEBRUARY:
Wednesday, February 3 (10 AM)
Saturday, February 13 (2 PM)
Sunday, February 21 (11 AM)

MARCH:
En Español: Domingo, 7 de marzo (1 PM)
Sunday, March 21 (1 PM)
Wednesday, March 31 (5:30PM)

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Copenhagen Report-back: What Now?

Local activist and award-winning community organizer Evelina Molina will present her first-hand account as a credentialed delegate to the global climate negotiations in Copenhagen.
The event will take place Saturday, January 9th, 2010 from 2pm to 4pm at the Finley Community Center, 2060 West College Ave., Santa Rosa. Ms. Molina will be joined by Kevin Danaher, co-founder of Global Exchange and the GreenFestivals, and Norman Solomon, national co-chair of the Healthcare Not Warfare campaign.

“Copenhagen Report-Back: What Now?” Recently returned from the United Nations Climate negotiations in Copenhagen, local activist and award-winning community organizer Evelina Molina will present her first-hand account from the action in the streets, to the action inside the Bella Center where she was a credentialed delegate with Global Exchange. In addition to an analysis of what happened in Copenhagen, the event will focus on local action planned and underway in Sonoma County in response to climate change. She’ll present visuals and share her impressions of what happened and how we move forward from here. Ms. Molina will be joined by Kevin Danaher, co-founder of Global Exchange and the GreenFestivals, who, with his characteristic humor and wit, will offer his perspective and discuss essential local actions to address growing climate instability, the emerging green economy and the green collar jobs and careers that are a key component of this new paradigm. The discussion will be moderated by Norman Solomon, national co-chair of the Healthcare Not Warfare campaign, who will also share his analysis of the media’s coverage of Copenhagen and strategies for a "green new deal."


ADMISSION: $5-15 donation suggested, no one turned away for lack of funds

EVENT SPONSORS: Co-Sponsored by Global Exchange www.globalexchange.org and the North Bay Institute for Green Technology www.nbgreeninstitute.shutterfly.com

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Project Censored: Inside the Media Complex

Inside the Military Media Industrial Complex:
Impacts on Movements for Peace and Social Justice

By Peter Phillips and Mickey Huff

Among the most important corporate media censored news stories of the past decade, one must be that over one million people have died because of the United States military invasion and occupation of Iraq. This, of course, does not include the number of deaths from the first Gulf War nor the ensuing sanctions placed upon the country of Iraq that, combined, caused close to an additional one million Iraqi deaths. In the Iraq War, which began in March of 2003, over a million people have died violently primarily from US bombings and neighborhood patrols. These were deaths in excess of the normal civilian death rate under the prior government. Among US military leaders and policy elites, the issue of counting the dead was dismissed before the Iraqi invasion even began. In an interview with reporters in late March of 2002 US General Tommy Franks stated, “You know we don’t do body counts.”[i] Fortunately, for those concerned about humanitarian costs of war and empire, others do.

In a January 2008 report, the British polling group Opinion Research Business (ORB) reported that, “survey work confirms our earlier estimate that over 1,000,000 Iraqi citizens have died as a result of the conflict which started in 2003. We now estimate that the death toll between March 2003 and August 2007 is likely to have been of the order of 1,033,000. If one takes into account the margin of error associated with survey data of this nature then the estimated range is between 946,000 and 1,120,000.”[ii]

The ORB report came on the heels of two earlier studies conducted by Dr. Les Roberts and colleagues at Johns Hopkins University and published in the Lancet medical journal. The first study done from January 1, 2002 to March 18, 2003 confirmed civilian deaths at that time at over 100,000. The second study published in October 2006 documented over 650,000 civilian deaths in Iraq since the start of the US invasion and confirmed that US aerial bombing in civilian neighborhoods caused over a third of these deaths. Over half the deaths were directly attributable to US forces.

The now estimated 1.2 million dead six years into the war/occupation, included children, parents, grandparents, cab drivers, clerics and schoolteachers. All manner of ordinary Iraqis have died because the United States decided to invade their country under false pretences of undiscovered weapons of mass destruction and in violation of international law. An additional four to five million Iraqi refugees have fled their homes

The magnitude of these million-plus deaths and creation of such a vast refugee crisis is undeniable. The continuing occupation by US forces has guaranteed a monthly mass death rate of thousands of people a carnage that ranks among the most heinous mass killings in world history. More tons of bombs have been dropped in Iraq than in all of World War II.[iii] Six years later the casualties continue but the story, barely reported from the start, has vanished.

The American people face a serious moral dilemma. Murder and war crimes have been conducted in their name. Yet most Americans have no idea of the magnitude of deaths and tend to believe that they number in the thousands and are primarily Iraqis killing Iraqis. Corporate mainstream media are in large part to blame. The question then becomes how can this mass ignorance and corporate media deception exist in the United States and what impact does this have on peace and social justice movements in the country?[iv]

Truth Emergency and Media Reform

In the United States today, the rift between reality and reporting has peaked. There is no longer a mere credibility gap, but rather a literal Truth Emergency in which the most important information affecting people is concealed from view. Many Americans, relying on the mainstream corporate media, have serious difficulty accessing the truth while still believing that the information they receive is the reality.

A Truth Emergency reflects cumulative failures of the fourth estate to act as a truly free press. This truth emergency is seen in inadequate coverage of fraudulent elections, pseudo 9/11 investigations, illegal preemptive wars, torture camps, doctored intelligence, and domestic surveillance. Reliable information on these issues is systematically missing in corporate media outlets, where the vast majority of the American people continue to turn for news and information.

Consider these items of noteworthy conditions. US workers have been faced with a thirty-five year decline in real wages while the top few percent enjoy unparalleled wealth with strikingly low tax burdens. US schools, particularly in the west, are more segregated now than half a century ago. The US has the highest infant mortality rate among industrialized nations, is falling behind in scientific research and education, leads the world as a debtor nation, and is seriously lacking in healthcare quality and coverage, which results in the deaths of 18,000 people a year. America has entered another Gilded Age. Someone should alert the media.[v]

The Free Press or Media Reform Movement is a national effort to address mainstream media failures and the government policies that sanction them. During the 2008 National Conference for Media Reform (NCMR) in Minneapolis, Project Censored interns and faculty conducted a survey, completed by 376 randomly selected NCMR attendees out of the 3,500 people registered for the conference. This survey was designed to gauge participants’ views on the state of the corporate news media and the effectiveness of the media reform movement.

The survey also sought to determine the level of belief in a truth emergency, a systematic hiding of critical information in the US. Not surprisingly, for a sample of independent media reform activists, majorities in the 90% plus range agreed on most criticisms of mainstream media, that corporate media failed to keep the American people informed on important issues facing the nation and that a truth emergency does indeed exist in the US.

Regarding the reasons, 87% of the participants believed that a military-industrial-media complex exists in the US for the promotion of the US military domination of the world and most agreed with research conclusions by Project Censored, and others, that a continuing powerful global dominance group inside the US government, the US media, and the national policy structure is responsible.

What was clear from our survey is that media democracy activists strongly support not only aggressive reform efforts and policy changes but also the continuing development of independent, grassroots media as part of an overall media democracy movement.

While most progressive media activists do not believe in some omnipotent conspiracy, an overwhelming portion of NCMR participants do believe the leadership class in the US is dominated by a neo-conservative group of some several hundred people who share a goal of asserting US military power worldwide. This Global Dominance Group (GDM) continues under both Republican and Democratic rule. In cooperation with major military contractors, the corporate media, and conservative foundations, the GDM has become a powerful long-term force in military unilateralism and US political processes.

The Global Dominance Group and Information Control

A long thread of sociological research documents the existence of a dominant ruling class in the US, which sets policy and determines national political priorities. C. Wright Mills, in his 1956 book The Power Elite, documented how World War II solidified a trinity of power in the US that comprised corporate, military and government elites in a centralized power structure working in unison through “higher circles” of contact and agreement.[vi] This power has grown through the Cold War and, after 9/11, the Global War on Terror.

At present, the global dominance agenda includes penetration into the boardrooms of the corporate media in the US. Only 118 people comprise the membership on the boards of director of the ten big media giants. These 118 individuals in turn sit on the corporate boards of 288 national and international corporations. Four of the top 10 media corporations share board director positions with the major defense contractors including:

William Kennard: New York Times, Carlyle Group

Douglas Warner III, GE (NBC), Bechtel

John Bryson: Disney (ABC), Boeing

Alwyn Lewis: Disney (ABC), Halliburton

Douglas McCorkindale: Gannett, Lockheed-Martin.

Given an interlocked media network of connections with defense and other economic sectors, big media in the United States effectively represent the interests of corporate America. Media critic and historian Norman Solomon described the close financial and social links between the boards of large media-related corporations and Washington’s foreign-policy establishment: “One way or another, a military-industrial complex now extends to much of corporate media.”[vii]

The Homeland Security Act Title II Section 201(d)(5) provides an example of the interlocked military-industrial-media complex. This Act specifically asks the directorate to “develop a comprehensive plan for securing the key resources and critical infrastructure of the United States including information technology and telecommunications systems (including satellites) emergency preparedness communications systems.”

The media elite, a key component of the Higher Circle Policy Elite in the US, are the watchdogs of acceptable ideological messages, the controllers of news and information content, and the decision makers regarding media resources. Their goal is to create symbiotic global news distribution in a deliberate attempt to control the news and information available to society. The two most prominent methods used to accomplish this task are censorship and propaganda.

Sometimes the sensationalist and narrow media coverage of news is blamed upon the need to meet a low level of public taste and thereby capture the eyes of a sufficient market to lure advertisers and to make a profit. But another goal of cornering the marketplace on what news and views will be aired is also prominent.

Billionaire Rupert Murdoch loses $50 million a year on the NY Post, billionaire Richard Mellon Scaife loses $2 to $3 million a year on the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, billionaire Philip Anschutz loses around $5 million a year on The Weekly Standard, and billionaire Sun Myung Moon has lost $2 to $3 billion on The Washington Times. The losses in supporting conservative media are part of a strategy of ideological control. They also buy bulk quantities of ultra-conservative books bringing them to the top of the NY Times bestseller list and then give away copies to “subscribers” to their websites and publications. They fund conservative “think tanks” like Heritage and Cato with hundreds of millions of dollars a year. All this buys them respectability and a megaphone.

Even though William Kristol’s publication, the Standard, is a money-loser, his association with it has often gotten him on TV talk shows and a column with The New York Times. Sponsorships of groups like Grover Norquist’s anti-tax “Americans for Tax Reform” regularly get people like him front-and-center in any debate on taxation in the United States. This has contributed to extensive tax cuts for the wealthy and the most unfair tax laws of any industrialized country – all found acceptable by a public relying upon sound-bites about the dangers of ‘big government.’ Hence media corporation officials and others in the health care, energy and weapons industries remain wealthier than ordinary people can imagine. Their expenditures for molding opinion are better understood as investments in a conservative public ideology[viii]

Modern Media Censorship and Propaganda

A broader definition of contemporary censorship needs to include any interference, deliberate or not, with the free flow of vital news information to the public. Modern censorship can be seen as the subtle yet constant and sophisticated manipulation of reality in our mass media outlets. On a daily basis, censorship refers to the intentional non-inclusion of a news story – or piece of a news story – based on anything other than a desire to tell the truth. Such manipulation can take the form of political pressure (from government officials and powerful individuals), economic pressure (from advertisers and funders), and legal pressure (the threat of lawsuits from deep-pocket individuals, corporations, and institutions). or threats to reduce future access to governmental and corporate sources of news.

Following are a few examples of censorship and propaganda.

1. Omitted or Undercovered Stories - The failure of the corporate media to cover human consequences, like one million , mostly civilian deaths of Iraqis, reduces public response to the wars being conducted by the US. Even when activists do mobilize, the media coverage of anti-war demonstrations has been negligible and denigrating from the start. When journalists of the so-called free press ignore the anti-war movement, they serve the interests of their masters in the military media industrial complex.[ix]

Further, the corporate mainstream press continues to ignore the human cost of the US war in Iraq with America’s own veterans. Veteran care, wounded rates, mental disabilities, VA claims, first hand accounts of soldier experiences, and pictures of dead or limbless soldiers are rare. One of the most important stories missed by the corporate press concerned the Winter Soldier Congressional hearings in Washington, D.C. The hearings, with eyewitness testimony of US soldiers relating their experiences on the battlefield and beyond, were only covered by a scant number of major media, and then only in passing. In contrast to the virtual corporate media blackout concerning American soldiers’ views of the war, the independent, listener sponsored, community Pacifica Radio network covered the hearings at length.[x]

A common theme among the most censored stories over the past few years has been the systemic erosion of human rights and civil liberties in both the US and the world at large. The corporate media has ignored the fact that habeas corpus can now be suspended for anyone by order of the President. With the approval of Congress, the Military Commissions Act (MCA) of 2006, signed by Bush on October 17, 2006, allows for the suspension of habeas corpus for US citizens and non-citizens alike. While media, including a lead editorial in The New York Times October 19, 2006, have offered false comfort that American citizens will not be the victims, the Act is quite clear that ‘any person’ can be targeted.[xi]

Additionally, under the code-name Operation FALCON (Federal and Local Cops Organized Nationally), federally coordinated mass arrests have been occurring since April 2005 and netted over 54,000 arrests, a majority of whom were not violent criminals as was initially suggested. This unprecedented move of arresting tens of thousands of “fugitives” is the largest dragnet style operation in the nation’s history. The raids, coordinated by the Justice Department and Homeland Security, directly involved over 960 agencies (state, local and federal) and mark the first time in US history that all domestic police agencies have been put under the direct control of the federal government.[xii]

All these events are significant in a democratic society that claims to cherish individual rights and due process of law. To have them occur is a tragedy. To have a “free” press not report them or pretend these issues do not matter to the populace is the foundation of censorship today.

2. Repetition of Slogans and Sound Bites - The corporate media in the US present themselves as unbiased and accurate. The New York Times motto of “all the news that’s fit to print” is a clear example, as is CNN’s authoritative “most trusted name in news” and Fox’s mantra of “fair and balanced.” The slogans are examples of what linguist George Lakoff has referred to as framing. Through constant repetition, the metaphors and symbols that pervade our media turn into unquestioned beliefs. Terms like “liberal media,” “welfare cheaters,” “war on terror,” illegal aliens,” “tax burden,” “support our troops,” are all distorted images serving to conceal a transfer of wealth from people needing a safety net to corporations seeking profitable markets and military expansion.

3. Embedded Journalism - The media are increasingly dependent on governmental and corporate sources of news. Maintenance of continuous news shows requires a constant feed and an ever-entertaining supply of stimulating events and breaking news bites. The 24-hour news shows on MSNBC, Fox and CNN maintain constant contact with the White House, Pentagon, and public relations companies representing both government and private corporations.

By the time of the Gulf War in 1991, retired colonels, generals and admirals had become mainstays in network TV studios during wartime. Language such as “collateral damage” and “smart bombs” flowed effortlessly between journalists and military men, who shared perspectives on the occasionally mentioned but more rarely seen civilians killed by U.S. firepower. This clearly foreshadowed the structure of “embedded” reporting in the second Iraq War, where mainstream corporate journalists literally lived with the troops and had to submit all reports for military review.[xiii]

A related militarization of news studies by Diane Farsetta at the Center for Media Democracy documented a related introduction of bias. These investigations showed Pentagon propaganda penetration on mainstream corporate news in the guise of retired Generals as “experts” or pundits who turned out to be nothing more than paid shills for government war policy.[xiv]

The problem then becomes more complex. What happens to a society that begins to believe such lies as truth?

The run up to the 2003 war in Iraq concerning weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) is a case in point. It illustrates the power of propaganda in creating not only public support for an ill-begotten war, but also reduces the possibility of a peace movement, even when fueled by the truth, to stop a war based on falsehoods. The current war in Iraq was the most globally protested war in recorded history. This did nothing to stop it and has done little to end it even under a Democratic president who promised such on the campaign trail. The candidate of “hope and change,” with peace groups in tow, has proven to be dependent upon the same interests in foreign policy that got the US into war in the first place.[xv]

The Progressive Press

Where the left progressive press may have covered some of the Winter Soldier issues, most did not cover the major story of Iraqi deaths. In Manufacturing Consent, Wharton School of Business Professor of Political Economy Edward Herman and MIT Institute Professor of Linguistics Noam Chomsky claim that because media are firmly embedded in the market system, they reflect the class values and concerns of their owners and advertisers.

The corporate media maintain a class bias through five systemic filters: concentrated private ownership; a strict bottom-line profit orientation; over-reliance on governmental and corporate sources for news; a primary tendency to avoid offending the powerful; and an almost religious worship of the market economy. These filters limit what will become news in society and set parameters on acceptable coverage of daily events.[xvi]

The danger of these filters is that they make subtle and indirect censorship more difficult to combat. Owners and managers share class identity with the powerful and are motivated economically to please advertisers and viewers. Social backgrounds influence their conceptions of what is “newsworthy,” and their views and values seem only “common sense.” Journalists and editors are not immune to the influence of owners and managers. Reporters want to see their stories approved for print or broadcast, and editors come to know the limits of their freedom to diverge from the “common sense” worldview of owners and managers. The self-discipline that this structure induces in journalists and editors comes to seem only “common sense” to them as well. Self-discipline becomes self-censorship—independence is restricted, the filtering process hidden, denied, or rationalized away.

Project Censored’s analysis on the top ten progressive left publications and websites coverage of key post-9/11 issues found considerable limitations on reporting of specific stories. The evidence supports the Chomsky and Herman understanding that the media barrage may in fact contribute to the news story selection process inside the left liberal media as well.[xvii] Even the left progressive media showed limited coverage of the human costs of the 9/11 wars.

The figure reported in summer, 2007 documenting a million dead did appear in progressive websites and radio including After Downing Street, Huffington Post, Counter Punch, Alternet, Democracy Now! and the Nation, but several took months to get to it. This lack of timely reporting on such a critical story on the humanitarian crisis of the US occupation by the alternative press in America does not bode well for a strong, public, peace movement. The US is in dire need of a media democracy movement to address truth emergency concerns.

In response, the Truth Emergency Movement, held its first national strategy summit in Santa Cruz, California Jan. 25-27, 2008. Organizers gathered key media constituencies to devise coherent decentralized models for distribution of suppressed news, synergistic truth-telling, and collaborative strategies to disclose, legitimize and popularize deeper historical narratives on power and inequality in the US. In sum, this truth movement is seeking to discover in this moment of Constitutional crisis, ecological peril, and widening war, ways in which top investigative journalists, whistleblowers, and independent media activists can transform how Americans perceive and defend their world.

We learn from grassroots actions in the US but also from experiences of other countries. This requires us to transcend the stereotypes of other countries hammered by the corporate media. It is not by chance that two Latin American nations, both targets of US efforts to remove their popular leaders by force, have been vilified by mainstream media. Both Cuba and Venezuela, however, have been experiments in local democratic participation in which voices of communities weigh heavily upon social policy.

International Models of Media Democracy in Action: Venezuela

Democracy from the bottom is evolving as a ten-year social revolution in Venezuela. Led by President Hugo Chavez, the United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV) gained over 11⁄2 million voters in the November, 2008 elections. “It was a wonderful victory,” said Professor Carmen Carrero with the communications studies department of the Bolivarian University in Caracas. “We won 81 percent of the city mayor positions and seventeen of twenty-three of the state governors,” Carrero reported.

The Bolivarian University is housed in the former oil ministry building and now serves 8,000 students throughout Venezuela. The University (Universidad Bolivariana de Venezuela) is symbolic of the democratic socialist changes occurring throughout the country. Before the election of Hugo Chavez as president in 1998, college attendance was primarily for the rich in Venezuela. Today over one million, eight hundred thousand students attend college, three times the rate ten years ago. “Our university was established to resist domination and imperialism,” reported Principal (president) Marlene Yadira Cordova in an interview November 10, 2008, “We are a university where we have a vision of life that the oppressed people have a place on this planet.”

The enthusiasm for learning and serious-thoughtful questions asked by students was certainly representative of a belief in the potential of positive social change for human betterment. The University offers a fully staffed free healthcare clinic, zero tuition, and basic no-cost food for students in the cafeteria, all paid for by the oil revenues now being democratically shared by the people.


Bottom up democracy in Venezuela starts with the 25,000 community councils elected in every neighborhood in the country. “We establish the priority needs of our area,” reported community council spokesperson Carmon Aponte, with the neighborhood council in the barrio Bombilla area of western Caracas. Aponte works with Patare Community TV and radio station and is one of thirty-four locally controlled community television stations and four hundred radio stations now in the barrios throughout Venezuela. Community radio, TV and newspapers are the voice of the people, where they describe the viewers/listeners as the “users” of media instead of the passive audiences.[xviii]

Democratic socialism has meant healthcare, jobs, food, and security, in neighborhoods where in many cases nothing but poverty existed ten years ago. With unemployment down to a US level, sharing the wealth has taken real meaning in Venezuela. Despite a 50 percent increase in the price of food last year, local Mercals offer government subsidized cooking oil, corn meal, meat, and powdered milk at 30-50 percent off market price. Additionally, there are now 3,500 local communal banks with a $1.6 billion dollar budget offering neighborhood-based micro-financing loans for home improvements, small businesses, and personal emergencies.

“We have moved from a time of disdain [pre-revolution—when the upper classes saw working people as less than human] to a time of adjustment,” proclaimed Ecuador’s minister of Culture, Gallo Mora Witt at the opening ceremonies of the Fourth International Book Fair in Caracas, November, 2007. Venezuela’s Minister of Culture, Hector Soto added, “We try not to leave anyone out. . . before the revolution the elites published only 60-80 books a year, we will publish 1,200 Venezuelan authors this year…the book will never stop being the important tool for cultural feelings.” In fact, some twenty-five million books—classics by Victor Hugo and Miguel de Cervantes along with Cindy Sheehan’s Letter to George Bush—were published in 2008 and are being distributed to the community councils nationwide. The theme of the International Book Fair was books as cultural support to the construction of the Bolivarian revolution and building socialism for the 21st century.

In Venezuela the corporate media are still owned by the elites. The five major TV networks, and nine of ten of the major newspapers maintain a continuing media effort to undermine Chavez and the socialist revolution. But despite the corporate media and $20 million annual support to the anti-Chavez opposition institutions from USAID and National Endowment for Democracy, two-thirds of the people in Venezuela continue to support President Hugo Chavez and the United Socialist Party of Venezuela. The democracies of South America are realizing that the neo-liberal formulas for capitalism are not working and that new forms of resource allocation are necessary for human betterment. It is a learning process for all involved and certainly a democratic effort from the bottom up.

International Models of Media Democracy in Action: Cuba

“You cannot kill truth by murdering journalists,” said Tubal Páez, president of the Journalist Union of Cuba. In May of 2008, One hundred and fifty Cuban and South American journalists, ambassadors, politicians, and foreign guests gathered at the Jose Marti International Journalist Institute to honor the 50th anniversary of the death of Carlos Bastidas Arguello —the last journalist killed in Cuba. Carlos Bastidas was 23 years old when he was assassinated by Fulgencia Batista’s secret police after having visited Fidel Castro’s forces in the Sierra Maestra Mountains. Edmundo Bastidas, Carlos’ brother, told about how a river of change flowed from the Maestra (teacher) mountains, symbolized by his brother’s efforts to help secure a new future for Cuba.

The celebration in Havana was held in honor of World Press Freedom Day, which is observed every year in May. The UN first declared this day in 1993 to honor journalists who lost their lives reporting the news and to defend media freedom worldwide.

Cuban journalists share a common sense of a continuing counter-revolutionary threat by US financed Cuban-Americans living in Miami. This is not an entirely unwarranted feeling in that many hundreds of terrorist actions against Cuba have occurred with US backing over the past fifty years. In addition to the 1961 Bay of Pigs invasion, these attacks include the blowing up of a Cuban airlines plane in 1976 killing seventy-three people, the starting in 1981 of an epidemic of dengue fever that killed 158 people, and several hotel bombings in the 1990s, one of which resulted in the death of an Italian tourist.

In the context of this external threat, Cuban journalists quietly acknowledge that some self-censorship will undoubtedly occur regarding news stories that could be used by the “enemy” against the Cuban people. Nonetheless, Cuban journalists strongly value freedom of the press and there was no evidence of overt government control. Ricardo Alarcon, President of the National Assembly Cuba allows CNN, AP and Chicago Tribune to maintain offices in Cuba, noted that the US refuses to allow Cuban journalists to work in the United States.[xix]

Cuban journalists complain that the US corporate media is biased and refuses to cover the positive aspects of socialism in Cuba. Unknown to most Americans are the facts that Cuba is the number one country in percentage of organic foods produced in the world, has an impressive health care system with a lower infant mortality rate than the US, trains doctor from all over the world, and has enjoyed a 43% increase in GDP between 2005 and 2008.

Neither Cuba nor Venezuela are utopian societies. Developing countries subject to continuing pressure by the US may be cautious and suspicious of provocateurs that would incite violence or provoke US military intervention. But in these countries, the ability of local media expressing voices of local communities is something from which media reformers can learn.

Grassroots Antidotes to Corporate Media Propaganda

Tens of thousands of Americans engaged in various social justice issues constantly witness how corporate media marginalize, denigrate, or simply ignore their concerns. Activist groups working on issues like 9/11 Truth, election fraud, impeachment in the Bush era, war propaganda, civil liberties abridgements, torture, the Wall Street meltdown, and corporate-caused environmental crises have been systematically excluded from mainstream news and the national conversation leading to a genuine Truth Emergency in the country as a whole.

Now, however, a growing number of activists are finally saying “enough!” and joining forces to address this truth emergency by developing new journalistic systems and practices of their own. They are working to reveal the common corporate denominators behind the diverse crises we face and to develop networks of trustworthy news sources that tell people what is really going on. These activists know we need a journalism that moves beyond inquiries into particular crimes and atrocities, and exposes wider patterns of corruption, propaganda and illicit political control by a military and corporate elite.

Recent efforts at national media reform through micro-power community radio– similar to the 400 people’s radio stations in Venezuela– and campaign finance changes, that would mandate access for all candidates on national media, have been strongly resisted by the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB). NAB, considered one of the most powerful corporate lobby groups in Washington, works hard to protect over $200 billion dollars of annual advertising and the several hundred million dollars political candidates spend in each election cycle.

The Truth Emergency movement now recognizes that corporate media’s political power and failure to meet its First Amendment obligation to keep the public informed leaves a huge task. Citizens must mobilize resources to redevelop news and information systems from the bottom up. Citizen journalists can expand distribution of news via small independent newspapers, local magazines, independent radio, and cable access TV. Using the internet, the public can interconnect with like-minded grassroots news organizations to share important stories. These changes are already in progress.

Becoming the Media: Media Freedom International and Project Censored

In response to Truth Emergency conference, the Media Freedom Foundation and Project Censored launched an effort to both become a repository of independent news and information as well as a producer of content in what are called Validated Independent News stories vetted by college and university professors and students around the world. As corporate media continue their entertainment agenda and the PR industry—working for governments and corporations—increasingly dominates news content, there exists a socio-cultural opening to transform how the public receives and actually participates in the validation and creation of their own news.

Corporate media are increasingly irrelevant to working people and to democracy. People need to tell their own news stories from real experiences and perspectives, as an alternative to the hierarchically imposed and “official” top-down narrative. What better project in support of media democracy than for universities and colleges worldwide to support truth telling and validate news stories and independent news sources.

Only 5% of college students under 30 read a daily newspaper. Most get their news from corporate television and increasingly on the internet. One of the biggest problems with independent media sources on the internet is a perception of inconsistent reliability. The public is often suspicious of the truthfulness and accuracy of news postings from non-corporate media sources. Over the past ten years, in hundreds of presentations all over the US, Project Censored staff has frequently been asked, “what are the best sources for news and whom can we trust?”

The goal of this effort is to encourage young people to use independent media as their primary sources of news and information and to learn about trustworthy news sources through the Media Freedom International News Research Affiliate Program.

By the end of 2008, there were over thirty affiliate colleges and universities with plans to expand that participation several fold this next year. Through these institutions, validated independent news stories can be researched by students and scholars, then written, produced and disseminated via the web. In addition, on any given day at the Media Freedom Foundation website, one can view enough independent news stories from RSS feeds to fill nearly fifty written pages, more than even the largest US newspapers.

An informed electorate cannot remain passive consumers of corporate news. As aforementioned activist David Mathison suggested in his how-to manual, Be the Media, where he argues and instructs not only about how to build community media but how to build community through media.[xx]

Part of building community is in developing awareness about the type of world we want to participate in creating, and developing strategies for achieving change. New forms of media that promote widespread responsibility for both creating and disseminating information do not remove the need for people to protest, to demonstrate, to march, to boycott and to demand entry into corporate board rooms. Rather it assures that voices can be heard and, as shown in Howard Rheingold’s Smartmobbing Democracy,[xxi] the power of new Internet communication technologies can be harnessed to mobilize more effectively.

Contrasted with previous more limited technologies, Rheingold points out that now, “[m]obile and deskbound media such as blogs, listserves and social networking sites allow for many-to-many communication.” Technology has helped level the playing field by creating a virtual sphere where people can exchange ideas and instigate activism. Grassroots, bottom-up, peer-to-peer efforts have increased in influence and effectiveness due to the speed and breadth of new communication technologies. We are currently experiencing a potential for collective activism on a scale never before seen.

The continued expansion of independent internet news sources allows for the mass political awareness of key issues and truth emergencies in the world. The involvement of university and college professors and their students in validating news stories will be an important component of reliability verification of these sources. As we learn who we can trust in the independent news world, we will be in a stronger position for the continued development and expansion of democratic social movement/anti-war efforts in the future.

It is up to the people to unite and oppose the common oppressors manifested in a militarist and unresponsive government along with their corporate media courtiers and PR propagandists. Only then, when the public forms and controls its own information resources, will it be armed with the power that knowledge gives to move beyond the media induced mindsets that limit change to modest reform. Grassroots media providing voice to those who would challenge elite domination are our best hope to create a truly vibrant democratic society that promises as well as delivers liberty, peace, and economic justice to all.

Peter Phillips is a Professor of Sociology at Sonoma State University and President of the Media Freedom Foundation and recent past director of Project Censored.

Mickey Huff is an Associate Professor of History and Social Science at Diablo Valley College and serves on the executive committeeof the Media Freedom Foundation and is recent past associate director of Project Censored.

Media Freedom website include:

Daily News at: http://mediafreedom.pnn.com/5174-independent-news-sources

Validated News & Research at: http://www.mediafreedominternational.org/

Daily Censored Blog at: http://dailycensored.com/

Project Censored: http://www.projectcensored.org/


[i] US General Tommy Franks, quoted in The San Francisco Chronicle, March 23, 2002, online http://www.globalsecurity.org/org/news/2002/020323-attack01.htm.

[ii] Peter Phillips and Andrew Roth, Censored 2009, (New York: Seven Stories, Press, 2008), 19-25. This story is the number one censored story of the year at Project Censored for this year, archived online http://www.projectcensored.org/top-stories/articles/1-over-one-million-iraqi-deaths-caused-by-us-occupation/ and for the earlier casualty numbers see http://www.countercurrents.org/iraq-polya070207.htm.

[iii] Ibid.

[iv] Various theories exist on the problem of the subject, from historian Rick Shenkman’s Just How Stupid Are We to historian and cultural critic Thomas Frank’s What’s the Matter with Kansas, but few examine its affects on the peace community. For more on the issue of American historical amnesia, see Gore Vidal on Democracy Now! at http://www.democracynow.org/2004/5/21/gore_vidal_on_the_united_states , also, In These Times online at http://www.inthesetimes.com/article/3099/the_united_states_of_amnesia/ and for a broader academic look at the issue of how Americans have become arguably the least informed, most entertained people in the modern world, see the now classic work from the late New York University media scholar Neil Postman, Amusing Ourselves to Death: Public Discourse in the Age of Show Business, (New York: Viking Adult, 1985). This article hopes to shine more light on the impact of all of the aforementioned on the peace movement in general and what can be done about it. For another view of this written earlier, at the outset of the US invasion of Iraq in 2003, see Felix Kolb and Alicia Swords, “Do Peace Movements Matter?” Commondreams.org, May 12, 2003, online at http://www.commondreams.org/views03/0512-08.htm.

[vi] C. Wright Mills. The Power Elite, (New York: Oxford University Press, 2000, reissue). Also, continuing with this theme in terms of democratic communications theory/policy and the ideas of an open society, see the work of Jurgen Habermas, The Structural Transformation of the Public Sphere: An Inquiry into a category of Bourgeois Society, published in1962, and The Theory of Communicative Action, from 1981, as well as Karl Popper’s The Open Society and Its Enemies, first published in 1945.

[vii] Norman Soloman, “The Military-Industrial-Media Complex

Why war is covered from the warriors’ perspective,” Extra! July/August 2005, published by Fairness and Accuracy in Reporting (FAIR), on the FAIR website at http://www.fair.org/index.php?page=2627.

[viii] Cenk Uygur, “Conservative Media vs Progressive Media” Posted on The Daily Kos blog, July 1, 2009.<http://www.dailykos.com/story/2009/7/1/748854/-Conservative-Media-vs.-Progressive-Media> )

[ix] Linda Milazzo, “Corporate Media Turned Out for Jena, but Not for Anti-War. Here’s Why.” Atlantic Free Press, September 23, 2007, online at http://www.atlanticfreepress.com/news/1/2473-corporate-media-turned-out-for-jena-but-not-for-anti-war-heres-why.html.

[x] For more on the Winter Soldiers, see Censored 2009, chapter 1, story 9, pp. 58-62 and online http://www.projectcensored.org/top-stories/articles/9-iraq-and-afghanistan-vets-testify/ and chapter 12, pp.297-319. See the KPFA radio and Corp Watch website for the coverage at http://www.warcomeshome.org/wintersoldier2008.

[xi] Peter Phillips, Censored 2008, (New York: Seven Stories Press, 2007), 35-44. Online http://www.projectcensored.org/top-stories/articles/1-no-habeas-corpus-for-any-person/ and http://www.projectcensored.org/top-stories/articles/2-bush-moves-toward-martial-law/.

[xii] See Censored 2008, chapter 1, story 6, 55-59. Also online at http://www.projectcensored.org/top-stories/articles/6-operation-falcon-raids/.

[xiii] Ibid.

[xiv] Diane Farsetta, Center for Media Democracy, studies on Pentagon propaganda online at http://www.prwatch.org/pentagonpundits and http://www.prwatch.org/node/8180.

[xiv] Norman Soloman, “The Military-Industrial-Media Complex
Why war is covered from the warriors’ perspective,” Extra! July/August 2005, published by Fairness and Accuracy in Reporting (FAIR), on the FAIR website at http://www.fair.org/index.php?page=2627.

[xv] For several excellent studies of US Iraq War propaganda, see PR Watch’s John Stauber and Sheldon Rampton, Weapons of Mass Deception: The Uses of Propaganda in Bush’s War on Iraq, (New York: Tarcher Penguin, 2003), and their follow up Best War Ever: Lies, Damned Lies, and the Mess in Iraq, (New York: Penguin, 2006), and the exhaustive work by Anthony R. DiMaggio, Mass Media, Mass Propaganda: Examining American News in the “War on Terror,” (UK: Lexington Books, 2008). Additionally, forthcoming in fall 2009, just reviewed by the authors, is Robert P. Abele, The Anatomy of a Deception: A Reconstruction and Analysis of the Decision to Invade Iraq, (Baltimore: University Press of America, 2009).

For reports on the continuation of war policy under President Barack Obama, see Center for Media Democracy’s John Stauber, “How Obama Took Over the Peace Movement” online http://www.prwatch.org/node/8297, and Peter Phillips, “Barack Obama Administration Continues US Military Dominance” online http://www.projectcensored.org/articles/story/http-wwwprojectcensoredorg-articles-story-barack-obama-administration-c/.

[xvi] Edward Herman and Noam Chomsky, Manufacturing Consent: The Political Economy of the Mass Media, (New York: Pantheon Books, 1988, 2002). For an introduction of the Propaganda Model, see chapter 1, or see a retrospective by Edward Herman online http://www.chomsky.info/onchomsky/20031209.htm.

[xvii] Peter Phillips, Censored 2008, see chapter 7, “Left Progressive Media Inside the Propaganda Model,” 233-251. Online at http://www.projectcensored.org/articles/story/left-progressive-media-inside-the-propaganda-model/.

[xviii] Co-author Peter Phillips interviewed Carmon Aponte while visiting the Patare Community TV and radio station in a trip to Venezuela for a book fair in 2008. The station was one of thirty-four locally controlled community television stations and four hundred radio stations now in the barrios throughout Venezuela.

[xix] Co-author Peter Phillips attended the major journalism conference in Cuba in 2008. About his experiences there, Phillips remarked, “During my five days in Havana, I met with dozens of journalists, communication studies faculty and students, union representatives and politicians. The underlying theme of my visit was to determine the state of media freedom in Cuba and to build a better understanding between media democracy activists in the US and those in Cuba.”

Phillips continued, “I toured the two main radio stations in Havana, Radio Rebelde and Radio Havana. Both have Internet access to multiple global news sources including CNN, Reuters, Associated Press and BBC with several newscasters pulling stories for public broadcast. Over 90 municipalities in Cuba have their own locally run radio stations, and journalists report local news from every province.”

“During the course of several hours in each station I (Phillips) was interviewed on the air about media consolidation and censorship in the US and was able to ask journalists about censorship in Cuba as well. Of the dozens I interviewed all said that they have complete freedom to write or broadcast any stories they choose. This was a far cry from the Stalinist media system so often depicted by US interests.”

[xx] For more details see the Project Censored website at http://projectcensored.org/, for independent media feeds see Media Freedom Foundation at http://mediafreedom.pnn.com/5174-independent-news-sources, and for more on the Project Censored International Affiliates Program, see http://projectcensored.org/project-censored-international-affilates-program and http://mediafreedominternational.org. For more on how to become the media, see David Mathison’s work online http://bethemedia.com. For more on Smart Mobs, see Howard Rheingold’s work online http://www.smartmobs.com/book/.

[xxi] Howard Rheingold, “Smartmobbing Democracy,” in Rebooting America: Ideas for Redesigning American Democracy for the Internet Age,” ed. Allison Fine, Micah L. Sifry, Andrew Rasiej and Josh Levy. Retrieved from The Personal Democracy Press Website: http://rebooting.personaldemocracy.com/node/5484.

*The co-authors would like to express sincere appreciation for editing assistance provided by Rebecca Norlander and Ellen Gaddy.

Yes I want to Support Project Censored in 2010

Enclosed is my check: $50_________$100_________$1000_________Other________

Name_________________________________________________________________________________

Address______________________________________________________________________________

City___________________________State___________________Zip___________________________

Charge my: Visa_______________________Mastercard_______________________________

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All Financial Gifts Tax Deductible: Media Freedom Foundation: 501-C-3

Mail to: Media Freedom Foundation, P.O. Box 571, Cotati, CA 94931

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Project Censored Looking for help

For 34 years Project Censored has been committed to bringing the most vital stories to public awareness with the belief that genuine democracy depends on freedom of the press. The new Censored 2010 yearbook has drawn international attention to some of the most important underreported stories of our times and we are researching many stories for our next book already. We continue to need your vital support of Project Censored as we transition and expand our work to bring forth the most important news stories of the year both in print and online.

Independent media, both on the local and national level, is at risk. This is just one of the reasons that Project Censored and the Media Freedom Foundation just gave Media Freedom Awards to the KPFA Flashpoints radio team at our recent book release celebration in Santa Rosa. Help us support the critical independent voices that cover the “news that doesn’t make the news.”

Project Censored is not only working on new underreported stories but spreading the word via our new Daily Censored website, Facebook page and Media Freedom Foundation PNN site which aggregates independent news from many of the most reliable sources around the world. We are also organizing the first Modern Media Dialogue Series to be held from February to May at Sonoma State University. This is the only university series in the United States devoted to dialogue and deliberation about the modern media.

Project Censored is also involved in an ongoing and growing collaboration with the college and university affiliates program through Media Freedom International. Peter Phillips and Mickey Huff not only continue to pursue censored media with this effort, but in addition there are also now over 30 affiliates with more on the way, including some from Latin America, Europe, and Asia. The 2010 book contains work from nine of the affiliates, with a few placing stories in the top ten. The MFI website will be a home base for affiliate work and continue to publish Validated Independent News stories and more detailed academic, investigative reports year round in the effort to combat censorship and the ongoing Truth Emergency in the United States and around the world.

As I begin my first year as Project Censored director I would like to personally ask each of you to consider a gift of support so that we may continue our work. Our project requires us to raise $150,000 every year and given the cutbacks in the California State system and on the Sonoma State University campus, your support is more vital to us now more than ever. Please make your tax deductible donation at http://www.projectcensored.org/about/support/

For this holiday period we have set a fund raising target of $10,000 for the next five weeks. You can watch our progress towards that goal on-line at www.projectcensored.org.

We are also offering our new Censored 2010 book edited by Peter Phillips and Mickey Huff for a special 20% discounted rate when you buy two or more for seasonal gifts. You can buy the discounted books at http://www.projectcensored.org/project-censored-2010-book-holiday-promotion

Sincerely,
Benjamin Frymer, Director Project Censored
In cooperation with Peter Phillips, President: Media Freedom Foundation

Media Freedom Foundation is the Fiscal Non-profit Fund Raising Corporation that Supports Project Censored and related Media Freedom Efforts.

Check out some of our most recent work at these links:

http://www.peterbcollins.com/podcast/PBC_20091203.mp3

http://www.dailycensored.com

http://www.projectcensored.org

http://www.mediafreedominternatinal.org

http://mediafreedom.pnn.com/5174-independent-news-sources

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Trimming Your Holiday Waste - from EcoGirl

Trimming Your Holiday Waste

By Patricia Dines
Published in the Sonoma County Gazette, December 2009
(c) Patricia Dines, 2009. All rights reserved.

Dear EcoGirl: How can our family reduce the trash we generate during the holidays?
Signed, Overflowing

Dear Overflowing: Thanks for your great question. Yes, America's waste stream is 25% higher between Thanksgiving and New Year's, so this is a vital and fruitful time for us to cut back.
Did you know that since 2005 Sonoma County has been hauling 6,000 tons of garbage weekly to out-of-county sites? The recent and ongoing drama over how to reopen our county's dump is just one example of the many problems we can avoid by creating less trash.


Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
The easiest way to trim your trash (and overall eco-impact) is to practice the 3 Rs in everything you do.

So remember: Reduce what you buy, Reuse/Repair what you can, then Recycle responsibly. Also buy recycled and used items to complete the loop and support the reuse market.

Seasonal Tips
Here are some specific ways you can cut your holiday waste.

Entertaining & food
• Buy a potted Christmas tree. After the holidays are done, you can plant it outside to enhance your property.

• Label your recycling container with what goes in there, so that guests can help recycle and lighten your load.

• Buy food from bulk bins to reduce packaging waste, save money, and get only what you need.

• Set your table with washable plates, cups, silverware, and napkins. If you use plastics, wash them for later reuse.

• Compost food scraps in your home pile or via your green can. Most foods can go in, except meat, bones, cheese, and oil. Don't put in plastic or bio-bags.

Greeting cards

• Choose recycled paper cards. Avoid glitter and foil, as these aren't recyclable.

• Create unique and personalized cards by cutting images from magazines or last year's cards, then pasting them onto blank cards. Even add embellishments!

• Email online "e-cards" when possible.

Gift giving

• Offer experiences rather than products, such as: A massage gift certificate, a pre-paid class registration, theater tickets, a coupon for babysitting, cookie-making lessons, or a day helping clean out the garage.

• Bring your own bag for shopping, or accumulate purchases into one bag.

• Buy gifts that are: Durable, minimally packaged, used, recycled, and recyclable. Also help your giftees trim waste by giving them a commuting mug, battery recharger, or attractive cloth bag.

Gift wrapping

• Buy wrapping paper that's recycled and chlorine-free. Avoid metallics as they can't be recycled.

• Purchase and reuse holiday-themed cloth and paper gift bags.

• Reuse ribbon and bows; most can't be recycled.

• Wrap creatively, for instance with magazines, comics, sports pages, maps, fabrics, even paper bags. Kids can help decorate with stamps and drawings. Tie packages and bags with compostable raffia, twine, twigs, leaves, or flowers.

• Choose wrapping alternatives. For instance, tie sewing supplies with measuring tape, wrap kitchen utensils in a kitchen towel, and gather bath treats in a pretty storage basket.

After the festivities

• Save wrapping paper, ribbons, and cards for reuse next year.

• Recycle foam "peanuts" at a private mail center.

• Drop unneeded shopping bags at a thrift store for reuse.

• Recycle non-metallic holiday cards and wrapping paper in your blue recycling can, along with glass, cans, cardboard, paper, and most plastic.

• Put your Christmas tree in the green can, after removing decorations and cutting it to fit fully inside. Or call the Eco-Desk (565-3375) for more about their tree recycling options during the first half of January.

• Donate old toys, clothes, and more, to brighten someone's day while making better use of the embedded resource costs. Quality discards can go to a consignment store, netting a little cash.

• Donate and recycle electronic items, including phones, computers, TVs, and other gadgets. Keep these out of the trash as their toxics leach from landfills and poison people, wildlife, and ecosystems. A great place to donate is the Computer Recycling Center (Santa Rosa, www.crc.org, 570-1600). You can also recycle through some curbside services and household toxics centers.

For more information

• Sonoma County Eco-Desk. Find local recycling, donation, and disposal details on their website and the recycling section of the AT&T Yellow Pages (under "R"). www.recyclenow.org, 565-3375

• Book: Choose to Reuse, by Nikki & David Goldbeck. Wonderful ideas and resources for repair and reuse.

• Online: The Story of Stuff. This popular video engagingly illuminates the eco-cost built into every product we buy, inspiring responsible action. Share it with friends! www.storyofstuff.com

• Projects: Zero waste. Encourage cultural redesign that avoids waste by designing materials either for reuse or to harmlessly return to the earth. www. crra.com/grc/articles/zwc.html

• My online copy of this article has more tips and specifics for reducing waste, giving green gifts, finding used goods locally, consigning items locally, and composting at home. www.patriciadines.info/EcoGirl3d.html.

I hope these ideas help you walk gently on the earth this holiday season.

Ask EcoGirl is written by Patricia Dines, Author of The Organic Guides, and Editor and Lead Writer for The Next STEP newsletter. Email your questions about going green to for possible inclusion in future columns. View past columns at
Your can also become a Facebook fan of "Ask EcoGirl", to show your support and stay in touch! Join at www.facebook.com/AskEcoGirl.

"EcoGirl: Encouraging the eco-hero in everyone."
© Copyright Patricia Dines, 2009. All rights reserved.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
OTHER WEBSITES OF INTEREST
Environmental activists seek green Black Friday, Nov. 27, 2009
http://networkedblogs.com/p19256648

A recent U.S. Environmental Protection Agency report found that nonfood products and packaging are associated with 37 percent of America's greenhouse gas emissions - making them the largest source of greenhouse gases. A similar analysis by PPI puts that number closer to 44 percent when the emissions used to produce imported products are included.
Waste stats, http://www.cleanair.org/Waste/wasteFacts.html

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12 Days of Holiday Safety from American Red cCoss

Twelve Days of Holiday Safety
from American Red Cross, Sonoma & Mendocino Counties

In the spirit of the season, the American Red Cross offers 12 holiday safety tips.

With last-minute gifts to buy, social events to attend and family and friends to visit while the weather outside may be frightful, American Red Cross, Sonoma & Mendocino Counties has 12 days of health and safety tips to make the holiday season safe, happy and bright.


1. When the weather outside is frightful, heat your home safely. Never use your stove or oven to heat your home. Never leave portable heaters or fireplaces unattended. Install smoke alarms on every floor of your home and outside all sleeping areas and test them once a month. Be sure to have your chimney cleaned and inspected regularly: chimney fires are common and dangerous.

2. Drive your sleigh and reindeer safely. Avoid driving in a storm, but if you must, keep your gas tank full for emergency use and to keep the fuel line from freezing. Let someone know your destination, route and when you expect to arrive.

3. Prepare your vehicle for traveling to grandmother’s house. Make an emergency kit and include items such as blankets or sleeping bags, jumper cables, fire extinguisher (5 lb., A-B-C type), compass and road maps, shovel, tire repair kit and pump, extra clothing, flares, tow rope. You can purchase soft blankets, first aid kits and other items to have in the car from your local Red Cross. See www.arcsm.org for details.

4. Help prevent the spread of the flu. Wash hands with soap and water as often as possible, or use hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol. Use sanitizing wipes to disinfect hard surfaces such as airplane tray tables, luggage handles, cell phones, door handles and seat armrests.

5. Use a Red Cross-trained babysitter when attending holiday festivities. Red Cross-certified babysitters learn to administer basic first aid; properly hold and feed a child; take emergency action when needed; monitor safe play and actively engage your child; and some may be certified in Infant and Child CPR. Want to get your 11- to 15-year-old trained? See www.arcsm.org and click on “Take a Class,” or call (707) 577-7600.

6. Prevent hypothermia by following Santa’s lead. Dress in several layers of lightweight clothing, which will keep you warmer than a single heavy coat. Wear a hat, preferably one that covers your ears. Seek medical attention immediately if you have symptoms of hypothermia, including confusion, dizziness, exhaustion and severe shivering.

7. Roasting chestnuts on an open fire? Avoid many fire dangers that are common this time of year. Stay in the kitchen while you are cooking and be alert. Keep anything flammable—such as potholders, towels or curtains—away from your stove top. Have a “kid-free zone” of at least 3 feet around the stove and areas where hot food or drinks are prepared or carried. Never leave candles burning unattended.

8. Be a lifesaver during the holidays and always. The Red Cross recommends at least one person in every household should be trained and certified in first aid and CPR/AED. Your local Red Cross chapter has conveniently scheduled courses and can have you trained and certified in a few hours. Your business can offer Red Cross classes, too. See www.arcsm.org and click on “Take a Class” for a schedule of classes, or call (707) 577-7600.

9. Designate a driver or skip the holiday cheer. When you designate a driver who won’t be drinking, you help make sure a good party doesn’t turn into a tragedy. A good host ensures there are non-alcoholic beverages available for drivers. The designated driver should not drink any alcoholic beverages, not even one.

10. Cut down on your heating bills without being a Grinch. Get your furnace cleaned by a professional; change the filters regularly. Make sure heat vents aren’t blocked by furniture. Close off any rooms you aren’t using and close heat vents or turn off radiators in those rooms. Use either insulating tape or caulking strips to surround your windows and door moldings. Put up storm windows or storm doors to keep the cold out.

11. Don’t move a muscle, until they buckle. Each person in your vehicle should have their seatbelts securely fastened before driving off. Ensure children are buckled up and their car seats are installed appropriately based on their age and size. Children 12 and under should always sit in the backseat.

12. Resolve to “Be Red Cross Ready” in the New Year. You can take one or more actions to prepare now, should you or your family face an emergency in 2010. Get a kit. Make a plan. Be informed.

If you have a serious home emergency such as a fire or flood, and need help from the local Red Cross for shelter, food or medicine, call 707-577-7600 or 1-800-608-8634.

Best wishes for a safe and happy holiday season from American Red Cross, Sonoma and Mendocino Counties.


Visit www.arcsm.org to learn more about the local Red Cross and the services they provide to our community.


ABOUT THE AMERICAN RED CROSS, SONOMA & MENDOCINO COUNTIES

American Red Cross is a neutral, humanitarian organization that provides relief to those affected by disasters, and prepares people to prevent and respond to emergencies. American Red Cross, Sonoma & Mendocino Counties, like all Red Cross chapters, is self-sustaining and receives no funding from the national organization. It receives no direct funding from United Way, and minimal government funding. All disaster assistance, and service to members of the Armed Forces, is free and made possible by voluntary donations of time and money by the people of Sonoma and Mendocino counties. Donations can be made online at www.arcsm.org, via mail to, 5297 Aero Drive, Santa Rosa, CA 95403, or by phone at (707) 577-7600. Mendocino residents can call (707) 463-0112.

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Christmas Story - A Father's Gift

A Father’s Gift

By Alan Joseph

I can’t remember the first time I stood next to my father as he played the piano. The melodies were so familiar that it seemed I had listened to them all my life. And, indeed, I had. Every night as my mother cooked dinner, my father would sit down at the piano and ask softly, “Well, what would you like to hear?”

Of course, my favorites were all the songs he had always played, “Five Foot Two, Eyes of Blue”, “Ain’t She Sweet?”, and “Sweet Georgia Brown” to name but a few. Tin Pan Alley was alive and well every night in our home. Melodies were played, voices sung out, serious toe tapping music. And it always ended the same way. My mother would poke her head around the corner and say, “Sounds great, you guys, dinner’s on.”

But as the years rolled on, my father played less and less. Still at his side as he would end a song early, I would ask, “What’s wrong, Dad? Aren’t you going to play?” He would smile and rub his hands and say, “They just aren’t as young as they used to be, you know?” It was true, his soft touch had grown increasingly stiff. To his knowing ear, it just wasn’t right, and more and more the piano sat quiet.

Years later I had gone home for Thanksgiving and was giving my Mom a hand with the mashed potatoes and gravy. From behind the living room door I heard the notes that struck such a familiar chord. I asked my mother if Dad was playing again. “No,” she said. “Honestly, he hasn’t played for years. Maybe you should go in while you have the chance.” Upon opening the door, those melodies wrapped around my heart again. And though a little stiff, the magic was still there. Same songs, same gentle phrasing, same laughter.

It was the last time I heard him play. The following Spring, I received a call from my mother telling me he had died in his sleep. But his music stayed with me in the most surprising way. A year later I was engaged to be married and I found myself shopping for a guitar. Well, if I was going to start a family of my own, I had to have some way of playing those songs before dinner.

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Sonoma County Composting Toilet Project Approved

Sonoma County Water Agency Approves
Composting Toilet Pilot Project

On December 15th, the Sonoma County Water Agency Board of Directors approved a pilot project that will test “composting toilets” in Occidental. Composting toilets require no external water source and do not discharge to sewers, making them potentially well-suited for communities with limited water supply and sewer capacity. Currently, composting toilets are not permitted in Sonoma County.

“Many of my west county constituents are interested in composting toilets,” said Director Efren Carrillo, who represents Sonoma County’s fifth supervisorial district. “This pilot project will provide the data and analysis we need to tell us whether and how to move forward.”


Initially the pilot project will involve four households within the Occidental County Sanitation District. It will include the installation, monitoring, evaluation and, after the evaluation period, removal of the composting toilets, which are designed to compost the waste products within the units. Composting toilets are used in other parts of the world, but have limited distribution in the United States. The data from the pilot project will help determine whether the toilets are suitable for use in Occidental and in communities that have limited sewer capacity.

In addition to the composting toilet pilot project, the Sonoma County Water Agency (which operates the Occidental County Sanitation District) is offering a direct installation high-efficiency toilet program to sanitation district customers. Through this program, residents and businesses receive free installation of high-efficiency toilets, showerheads and faucet aerators.

For additional information about the composting toilet program, contact Doug Messenger, 707.547.1952 or e-mail: douglas.messenger@scwa.ca.gov.

For information about the direct installation program, call Brian Lee at 707.547.1918 or e-mail: brian.lee@scwa.ca.gov.

Below is some additional information on Composting Toilets - for the full document, please visit: http://oikos.com/library/compostingtoilet/

What is a Composting Toilet System and How Does it Compost?

Composting toilet systems (sometimes called biological toilets, dry toilets and waterless toilets) contain and control the composting of excrement, toilet paper, carbon additive, and, optionally, food wastes. Unlike a septic system a composting toilet system relies on unsaturated conditions (material cannot be fully immersed in water), where aerobic bacteria and fungi break down wastes, just as they do in a yard waste composter. Sized and operated properly, a composting toilet breaks down waste to 10 to 30 percent of its original volume. The resulting end-product is a stable soil-like material called "humus," which legally must be either buried or removed by a licensed seepage hauler in accordance with state and local regulations in the United States. In other countries, humus is used as a soil conditioner on edible crops.

The primary objective of the composting toilet system is to contain, immobilize or destroy organisms that cause human disease (pathogens), thereby reducing the risk of human infection to acceptable levels without contaminating the immediate or distant environment and harming its inhabitants.

This should be accomplished in a manner that
• is consistent with good sanitation (minimizing both human contact with unprocessed excrement and exposure to disease vectors, such as flies).
• produces an inoffensive and reasonably dry end-product that can be handled with minimum risk.
• minimizes odor.

A secondary objective is to transform the nutrients in human excrement into fully oxidized, stable plant-available forms that can be used as a soil conditioner for plants and trees.

The main components of a composting toilet are:
• a composting reactor connected to one or more dry or micro-flush toilets;
• a screened exhaust system (often fan-forced) to remove odors, carbon dioxide, water vapor, and the by-products of aerobic decomposition;
• a means of ventilation to provide oxygen (aeration) for the aerobic organisms in the composter;
• a means of draining and managing excess liquid and leachate;
• process controls, such as mixers, to optimize and manage the process; and
• an access door for removal of the end-product.

The composting reactor should be constructed to separate the solids from the liquids and produce a stable, humus material with less than 200 most probable number (MPN) per gram of fecal coliform.

General Types of Composting Toilet Systems
Composting toilet systems can be classified in several ways:


• Self-Contained versus Centralized
Composting toilet systems are either self-contained, whereby the toilet seat and a small composting reactor are one unit (typically small cottage models), or centralized or remote, where the toilet connects to a composting reactor that is somewhere else.

• Manufactured versus Site-Built
One can either purchase a manufactured composting toilet system or have a site-built composting toilet system constructed (however, the latter can be difficult to get permitted by local health agents).

• Batch (Multiple-Chamber) versus Continuous (Single-Chamber)
Most composting toilet systems use one of two approaches to manage the composting process: either single-chamber continuous composting or multi-chamber batch composting processes.

It is difficult to generalize about which process affords the greatest opportunity for complete processing and minimizes the potential for pathogen survival. In a batch system, a finite supply of nutrients is cycled and recycled through microbe populations until the nutrients, both the free ones and those bound in microbial protoplasm and cell walls, are ultimately converted to stable, fully oxidized forms, and the fungi have performed their work on the remaining lignin and cellulose compounds, releasing antibiotics in the process.

Definitive research is needed in this area.

Active versus Passive

As with solar systems, composting systems are usually either passive or active. Passive systems are usually simple moldering reactors in which ETPA (excrement, toilet paper and additive) is collected and allowed to decompose in cool environments without active process control (heat, mixing, aeration).

Active systems may feature automatic mixers, pile-leveling devices, tumbling drums, thermostat-controlled heaters, fans, and so forth. The trend in the composting of municipal solid waste (garbage and trash), sewage sludge and yard and agricultural residues is toward active systems. By making the process active, the size of the composter can be reduced, because composting efficiency is speeded up (and the volume of the material reduced faster).

Passive systems are designed to optimize the process by design, not mechanical action, allowing only time, gravity, ambient temperature and the shape of the container to control the process. Passive composters are often referred to as moldering toilets, as the process at work is natural uncontrolled decay at cool in-ground temperatures at or below 68° F. In this cool environment, molds (fungi and actinomycetes) are the primary biological decomposers, because it is a bit too cool for the faster-acting mesophilic and thermophilic bacteria.

For the full document this information was pulled from, please visit: http://oikos.com/library/compostingtoilet/

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Guerneville "Parade of Lights"

By Aleta Taylor

After my first time attending the Parade of Lights last Saturday, I was truly impressed. It was, by far, the most entertaining and beautiful parade I had ever seen. The event was announced by 5th District Supervisor Efren Carrillo and RR Chamber Events Director Valerie Hausmann, who did a terrific job describing every business and their involvement in the community. The Parade Princess, Carly Rose, was one of the first to arrive, winning the title by fundraising the most money to support the parade.

Despite the bitter cold weather, the sidewalks were packed with families wrapped in blankets and clutching hot cups of cider and cocoa provided by various stores that stayed open through the event. Children wearing Santa hats enthusiastically grabbed for candy being tossed from the floats.

This being the 9th year in operation, the parade has been attracting participants from farther reaches of the county each year. A newcomer this year was the Bay Area PT Cruiser Club, an impressive line of the flashy cars all decked out in colorful displays. The roaring cheers from the crowd are sure to encourage their return next year.

A popular trend this year was the array of fire trucks from various departments along the river. They included the Russian River FD, Monte Rio FD, Cazadero FD, and Baxman Family Fire Co. all of which displayed their shiny trucks, and loud sirens, proudly. My favorite was the Monte Rio fire truck, which played Christmas carols all along Main Street.

A few other impressive floats were King’s Sport & Tackle, The Woods/RRR/Rainbow Cattle Co., Russian River Sisters, and Bohan & Canellis. I must also mention the wonderful children who participated in the parade, some of which include the Guerneville Gator Band performing Christmas tunes and the Dirt Slingers from Duncans Mills revving up the energy on their dirt bikes and 4-wheelers.

This fantastic event is well worth attending and supporting. If you would like more information on the annual Parade of Lights or want to donate to the fund, please call or visit the Russian River Chamber of Commerce at 16209 First Street PO Box 331 Guerneville, CA 95446 Tel: 707-869-9000. www.russianriver.com

The Woods, RRR & Rainbow Cattle Co.

Santa Clause!

Russian River Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence

Peace Navy

King's Sport & Tackle

The Parcel Store also hosted Santa for free photos during the Tree Lighting Ceremony.

Bohan & Canellis Float

Photos by Aleta Taylor

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The Art of Giving - Tips, Toy Drives, Non-Profits & Thrift Stores

The Art of Giving
& Receiving

By Vesta Copestakes
Many years ago I was offered a rather extravagant gift and felt unprepared to receive such generosity. It’s so easy to give and so challenging to receive some times! I was asked to stand on the other side of that gift and feel the joy this generous heart was feeling as he handed the package to me. He wanted me to receive graciously and just assume he saw me as worthy of such a fine object.

In the Season of Giving, it helps to step across the line to the receiving side and feel what it’s like from the recipient’s perspective. Do they feel joy? Do they feel overwhelmed by the gift. Do they feel obligated by the expectations attached to their response? Do they get the impression that you know who they are…their needs and desires?

At this time of year many people feel more pressure than joy, so it helps to remember that this process of giving is supposed to be about happiness, joy, generosity and personal connection. With that in mind, I’d like to lead you through my collections of the many ways we can give to others.

I’ll start with my tips for people who just haven’t managed to get motivated yet – and move to the many ways we can be generous to those we cherish as well as to perfect strangers. Many of these are suggestions submitted by readers – thank you so much!

Toy Drives of Sonoma County: This information has been up for some time in our BENEFITS CATEGORY - please go to - http://www.sonomacountygazette.com/blog/2009/11/holiday-toy-drives-of-sonoma-county.html - there's still time to help our children!

Procrastinators Shopping Tips

By now it’s mid-December and while some people have their presents purchased, wrapped and even shipped to distant family and friends – others haven’t even begun the process.

Last month’s Gazette featured my annual Small Shops of Sonoma County shopping tour where I take you town by town throughout Sonoma County and introduce you to shop owners and their wares. The full version is in the CATEGORY on the right at Small Shops of Sonoma County. It includes towns that didn’t make it to the print edition…the communities of Cloverdale, Healdsburg, Windsor and Petaluma. Over time we’ll even flesh out some of the stores we left out this year because they are worthy of your attention!

The Shopping Tour will eventually make it to it’s own web site – but in the mean time we have links to the web sites of everyone mentioned and contact information for all advertisers.

The following tips are not town-oriented…they are more about objects you can purchase and actions you can take that become valuable gifts.

Park Passes: This is giving the great Outdoors to someone you love that allows them FREE access to local and State parks all year long. It’s enjoyment of nature and fresh air – and – keeps our parks open for all to enjoy. Your purchase of a Pass helps provide funds for trails and facilities, habitat protection and public access. Keep one of these in your wallet and you can park for free at any park in Sonoma County or even California!

Sonoma County Regional Parks:
2300 County Center Drive 120A, Santa Rosa, (707) 565 – 2041,
www.sonoma-county.org/parks/p_pkpass.htm
You can also get a pass at any of the Regional parks where there is a gate keeper – such as Doran Beach Park out on the Coast.

California State Parks: There are two ways to benefit our state parks and give a gift at the same time. One is a proposed statewide ballot measure to try to put the State Park Access Pass on the ballot in November 2010. Go to: http://www.calparks.org/ to help with this one – then in the mean time – get a Park Pass as a present – for yourself as well as a friend! And of course – they offer Gift Certificates! http://calparks.org/join/giftmembership.html It’s not as easy as walking into an office in Santa Rosa, but you can e-mail members@calparks.org for help or call (415) 262-4400 to find a local state park where you can purchase a pass while out for a stroll on the beach – or whatever!

Gift Certificates: Now this may seem like a lazy way out ,but it’s actually a really good gift. Many people would rather choose their own gift and if you have neither the time nor personal information to get an appropriate gift – this solves the problem. I’m suggesting people get gift certificates to dog groomers for their pets, bottles of wine, dinners, you name it. If a business has a gift certificate available – let the recipient choose their own gift!

Candles: These are small gifts that come in a rainbow of colors, sizes from tiny tea-lites to long beeswax tapers. Some are made of soy and are smokeless – some are molded into shapes and decorated. What they all have in common is that they are both functional as well as decorative. Whether it’s an elegant dinner or light for when the electricity goes out, candles are useful gifts that bring both warmth and soft light. But the best part is that they make a room feel special – like something wonderful is happening. Just be careful and leave them flaming only when you are physically present – and make sure they are set on non-flammable surfaces. Accidents do happen and that tends to take the joy out of the experience!

Chocolates: There are only a few people on this planet who don’t delight in chocolate – not the candy bar kind – but the hand-made truffles, crèmes, etc. that you find in a real chocolate shop. I got so many recommendations for Viva Cocolat in Petaluma that I must send you to this spectacular shop! Jude, my printer sales rep and I enjoy visiting Lynn Wong’s shop when I distribute papers in Petaluma. One day we set our plate with chocolates named after women – just for fun! On a cold day, make sure you try Lynn’s hot cocoa! 110 Petaluma Blvd N - www.vivacocolat.com I don’t want to leave anyone out and I know there are many chocolate shops in Sonoma County. I just don’t know them all – but I have tasted David Gambill’s award-winning truffles at Sonoma Chocolatiers in Sebastopol. Superb! These are top-of-the-line taste experiences – but I have to say that a Dove bar fulfills the need when the chocolate urge strikes. No matter what chocolate you buy, just make sure you know a person’s tastes – dark and bitter to light and creamy – these things count to chocolate lovers.

Holiday Tree Ornaments: The wonderful thing about many ornaments is that they are not just for holidays. You can buy Austrian crystals that move to a window after the tree comes down. Tiny brass bells shine on a tree then move to the front door to announce guests. I have friends who love to exchange ornaments over the holidays because it’s the kind of gift that adds up over they years. Each ornament represents another year of friendship that builds history on a decorated tree. At this time of year several shops have displays of vintage ornaments. Right now you can go to the Annex of Legacy in Sebastopol (see their ad) and get vintage ornaments that help finance the Sebastopol Senior Center. Vintage always has charm! And so many of the gift shops around decorate their stores with ornaments that not only bring a festive atmosphere to the shop, but are also items to purchase. Most don’t cost much so you get a meaningful gift with very little cash! One of my favorite stores for this is Rose and Thorn just 3 miles west of Sebastopol along Bodega Hwy. Carole loves to decorate so her store is filled with ornaments most shops don’t; carry. Besides – she’s just a wonderful person and sells an amazing array of small items you can stuff in a stocking. Visit the chickens and goats while you are there!

Wine Glasses & Mugs: These are items that tend to break so people always need them! Believe it or not, one of the best places to get coffee mugs are thrift stores! A good mug can set you back $10 but not in a thrift store – maybe 50¢! Ok – they aren’t stellar quality but they can be quite amusing! For top quality go to a store that sells ceramic mugs and find ones that are small works of art for your hot coffee or soup. I’m especially fond of soup mugs! And wine glasses – talk about breakables! I never knew how important which shaped glass is for what wine until James Haug of Wine Emporium in Sebastopol demonstrated the subtle shift in taste that occur when you drink the same win fro a different glass. Rather impressive! Most of our wine shops have glasses to sell as well as wines, so visit one, taste a bit of we and buy some glasses! A gift for you as well as your friend!

Lunch or Dinner with a Friend: This gift comes in a card so find a good one to “wrap” the gift in. The very best card shops are actually art galleries! Many artists see the value in hand-made cards or reproductions of their art on paper. Find an image that your friend will love to keep and write a note offering time to share and enjoy each other’s company over a meal. Make sure you actually make the date when you exchange the gift because months and sometimes years can go by without this kind of intimate sharing of time and experience. Sonoma County has more opportunities to share a meal than most places and just about everyone of them is exceptional. I’m expecting lunch with Alan very soon to celebrate our anniversary when we had lunch at Cape Fear Café in Duncans Mills and decided to cross over the line from friends to lovers. Precious memories at lunch! Worth repeating!

Time & Experience: There is nothing more valuable in any of our loves than time. We have only so much of it – once we use it it’s gone forever and we never get more. Spending time with anyone is precious. Whether you volunteer your time for a good cause (see our Volunteer calendar) or take the time to be with someone you care about – you’ve just given someone a piece of your life. Shared experiences live in our hearts and minds…sometimes forever. They may not take up much room under a Christmas tree, but they hold more value over the long run than any object.

Whether it’s something you purchase or create, gifts are expression of our love and appreciation for each other. The most important aspect of any gift is that it expresses your knowledge of the recipient. You may feel pressured by time running out by now – but if the gift doesn’t feel special, it’s not worth giving at all. You may just need to write a note and tell someone that you want to go out together to find a gift that they cherish rather than one that fills a box.

Happy Gift-Giving & Receiving!

Shopping
for a Good Cause

By Vesta Copestakes
There are two reasons we are concentrating on good causes this holiday season – one is simply because our world is being economically challenged, so need is more rampant than in the past. And another is because it’s the time of year when people tend to look beyond their own needs toward the needs of others. That’s a good thing any time of year, but we’ll take advantage of the current generosity of spirit right now.

Our list of readers’ favorite non-profits is a great opportunity to make a donation to a good cause and get a tax deduction in the process. For people who need to give less to the IRS and more to something they believe in, this is a good time.

The following is more a list than a shopping experience, but the bottom line is that you can shop, come out with things you need – even gifts for the holidays, and the money you spend goes to support a homeless shelter, food for the hungry, care for the sick – it goes on and on. Whether you know the good cause or even care which one it is, try shopping at a thrift store and come away with treasures for very little money. The only difference between shopping here and a retailer that has new goods is that these are used. It’s called recycling!!!

Love Your Neighbor Thrift
2150 Bell Dr. off Piner, Santa Rosa, 707-542-0446
This huge warehouse has many rooms, each divided into categories from clothing to china, lots of picture frames – small appliances, a library room and children’s rooms. They provide support services for individuals in great need and who are not taken care of by other organizations – the people who fall through the cracks as they say!

Sutter VNA Thrift Stores – Donation Center & Store
Volunteers sort and sell everything from clothing to furniture, antiques, jewelry, collectibles, etc.
OPEN: Mon – Sat 10am to 5:30 pm
1620 Piner Rd, Santa Rosa - 707-523-1775
510 Lewis St., Santa Rosa 707-528-9310
6350 Commerce Blvd., Rohnert Park 707-588-8015
748 Gravenstein Hwy N, Sebastopol 707-824-4712
Provides compassionate care to Hospice patients and their families. Has bereavement support groups, grief counseling and crisis intervention. Provides skilled nursing and therapy to frail elderly.

Assistance League
5 West Sixth St, Santa Rosa, 707-546-9484
Clothing to household items. This is a good place to find high quality work clothes!
All-volunteer foundation provides community projects to serve unmet needs in Sonoma County for children through adults.

Sacks Thrift Stores
116 Fourth Street, Railroad Square, Santa Rosa, 707-541-7227
128 Liberty Street, Petaluma – 707-765-2228
Mon – Saturday 10 to 5 and Sunday 9 – 2
“Upscale Retail” shop specializes in gently used household items, linens, jewelry, furniture, artwork – you name it. Check out their holiday window display. These volunteers make an art form out of donated treasures. Benefits Face to Face, Memorial Hospice & Petaluma Hospice

Pick of the Litter Thrift & Gift Shop – www.forgottenfelines.com
1701-A Piner Rd., Santa Rosa 707-570-2590
Monday- Saturday 10 -5 for donations & shopping
Recycled items help Sonoma County’s feral cat population through spay/neutering and veterinary care. Shop for gently used items in all categories they have a great book section – and you may even find a cat to fall in love with through their adoption program

Welfare League!
126 Fourth St, Railroad Square, Santa Rosa 707-542-7480
Mon – Sat 10 – 4 – Everything you need for home and life under one roof – except food!!
An all-volunteer womens’ organization specializing in serving the needs of families. This unique organization works with parents to provide items they need in a supportive environment from clothing to bike helmets and child safety seats. They work with Catholic Charities, Social Services, Childrens’ Shelter, United Against Sexual Assault and the Police Chaplaincy Program.

Redwood Gospel Mission - www.srmission.org
1821 Piner Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 707-528-7285
This vast warehouse has everything from clothes to furniture and toys. They even carry car seats and refrigerators! At one end of the building you purchase items to help the mission and at the other end they are giving away food and support.

Goodwill Industries – gire.org
3535 Industrial Dr., Santa Rosa 707-545-2492
680 Sebastopol Rd, Santa Rosa, 707-570-2392
10000 Lakeville St, Petaluma 707-778-7485
513 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg 707-431-8408
4 Padres Ctr. Parkway, Rohnert Park, 707-585-0300
792 S. Cloverdale Blvd., Cloverdale 707-894-5200
A broad range of items from clothing to furniture and everything in between. Their stores are especially good for men’s items – which is rare! Donations support job training and services for people with disabilities and other employment barriers.

Food for Thought Antiques & Treasures – www.fftfoodbank.org
2701 Gravenstein Hwy. South, Sebastopol, 707-823-3101
Open 11 to 5 daily
Mostly volunteer operated – FFT, along with 10 vendors, run this large shop filled with treasures of all kinds both old and used from rolls of fabrics and shelves of books to wrought iron fencing in the garden section. They specialize in estate liquidations so the items fall under a broad spectrum from antiques to just old stuff! FFT operates a food bank that serves people with HIV/AIDS .

The Legacy
781 Gravenstein Hwy So, Sebastopol 707-823-7520
This shop specializes in sewing, knitting and crochet supplies – for the most part! Now for the holidays they also have the Annex next door that is selling vintage holiday decorations! All proceeds support the Sebastopol senior Center. His is a treasure house for crafters!

If you know any more, please e-mail me at vesta@sonic.net and I’ll add them to this list!

Good Causes
Who Could use Some Help!

Maybe you need an end-of-year tax deduction, or you have spare time and are looking for something to do. If either of these apply to you, our readers have suggestions! We’re putting these up on our web site so if you’d like to add your own - e-mail them to vesta@sonic.net and we’ll add them to our list.

Habitat for Humanity: ReStore
The Habitat for Humanity of Sonoma County ReStore needs your donations of doors, windows, cabinets and working appliances (7 years or less). Nearly any building or remodeling material in good shape can be recycled through ReStore, saving you dumping costs and providing a tax deduction as well. More importantly, your donations will go back into the community to help people who are upgrading their homes.

By recycling your old car through the Humanity’s Cars for Homes car donation program, you help save energy and natural resources with the added benefit of supporting the effort to eliminate poverty housing and homelessness within your community.

All operating profits from ReStore sales go into Habitat’s building programs. Habitat for Humanity of Sonoma County is working to provide affordable housing for all Sonoma County families.

Contact Info:
(707)568-3228 to schedule a drop-off, a pick-up
24 10th Street in Santa Rosa
Tue 10am-4pm; Wed, Thu, Fr 9am-5pm; Sat 9am-4pm
www.sonomacountyhabitat.org

Forgotten Felines
Forgotten Felines of Sonoma County is dedicated to protecting and improving the lives of feral cats through local spay/neuter programs, placement services, community outreach and nationwide education. They offer low-cost spay/neuter services for feral and tame stray cats. They operate solely on private donations and not funded by any city or county funds, income is received primarily through the Pick of the Litter Thrift & Gift, located at 1701 Piner Rd in Santa Rosa. Visit www.forgottenfelines.com for information on adoptable cats, volunteer opportunities, and a wish list of items they are in need of.

Contact Info:
Forgotten Felines:
Adoption Facility located inside the Rohnert Park Adoption Facility
301 J. Rogers Lane. Rohnert Park
PO Box 6672
Santa Rosa, CA 95406
707-576-7999

Pick of the Litter Thrift & Gift:
Pick of the Litter gratefully accepts merchandise donations between 9:30 am and 5:00 pm Monday through Saturday at our donation door.
1701-A Piner Rd., Santa Rosa
707-570-2590

SAY - Social Advocates for Youth believes that it takes a village to raise a child. That is why they are building the village that Sonoma County youth deserve. SAY is a community leader in providing support, opportunities, and hope to children, youth and families.

The Coffee House Teen Shelter is the only 24/7 emergency youth shelter in Sonoma County. It provides safe, short-term housing, food, clothing, and counseling for runaway and homeless teens age 12/17, and for families needing a safe harbor for their teens during times of crisis. The Drop-In center serves three hot meals a day. Crisis intervention, counseling, and family reunification services are available.

The Tamayo House is a supportive housing program for former foster care recipients, as well as street youth, and youth living with serious mental disorders. Residents 18-24 years old achieve successful autonomy and independence through a range of housing, education, and case management services.

How to Help:
Donate money on their secure website www.socialadvocatesforyouth.org
Volunteer – become a mentor, help at the Coffee House, help plan an event
Donate items such as cars, furniture, clothing, etc.

Contact Info:
Coffee House
1243 Ripley St., Santa Rosa
707-544-3229
Street Outreach Program: 707-522-2263
Tamayo House
1700 Yulupa Ave, Santa Rosa
707-528-7500

Ceres Community Project
The Ceres Project provides organic, local and nutrient-dense meals to individuals and families who are dealing with serious illness. Their goal is to restore food to its place as primary medicine for healing and healthy communities by training young people how to cook and eat organic, and educating all sectors of our community about the relationship between what we eat and the health of our bodies.

On Jan 9th, the Ceres Community Project presents Back to Basics with Healing Broths. Taught by Nutrition Director JoEllen DeNicola, the course offers hands-on experience preparing Ceres’ healing Immune Broth and bone broths. The class takes place at Capers and Co., 330 Main St in Sebastopol, from 9-11 am. Visit www.ceresproject.org or call 707-829-5833 x3 for more information or to register for the class. Event fee is $30.

How to Help:
Purchase Ceres’ new cookbook, Nourishing Connections: the Healing Power of Food and Community, online at www.ceresproject.org or at Copperfield’s Bookstore in Sebastopol.
Volunteer by harvesting produce and picking up donations, preparing meals and delivering them to our clients, tabling at the farmer’s market, helping with office work, and meeting with and supporting clients.

Financial donations can be made through PayPal, mailing a check, or by phone with credit card.
Purchase their food products online and pick them up at 330 S. Main Street in Sebastopol Tue-Thurs.

Contact Info:
330 S. Main Street
PO Box 1562
Sebastopol CA 95472
707·829·5833
www.ceresproject.org
info@ceresproject.org

Russian River Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence
The Sisters are a 21st Century order of nuns. Their mission is to spread joy and goodwill through charitable acts and fundraising, with consideration of the special needs of the Russian River area. They host monthly Bingo Tournaments to raise money for various organizations within our community that are in need. “We believe in creating a hate-free zone in our community by reaching out to all peoples regardless of sex, religion, sexual orientation and political beliefs.”

How to Help:
Attend a monthly bingo charity event, the second Saturday of every month at the Odd Fellows Hall in Guerneville at 7pm, but arrive early. Cards are $15 each or 2 for $20 and all proceeds benefit a different organization each month.

Become an RR sister and attend their General meetings held the 3th Thursday of each month. For more info & meeting location email info@rrsisters.org

Donate funds online at www.rrsisters.org through their PayPal account and designate which charity you would like the donation to benefit.

Contact Info:
Russian River Sisters, Inc.
Post Office Box 771
Guerneville, CA 95446
info@rrsisters.org

West County Health Centers
West County Health Centers provides comprehensive primary medical care, dental services, mental health services, and confidential teen services at five sites throughout western Sonoma County. Medical services are available to all members of the community including those with Medicare, Medi-Cal, CMSP and most major insurances. For those who are uninsured, they offer a sliding scale and programs that provide free services.

Make a donation in a loved one’s name to West County Health Centers and give the gift of health care to your community. Your donation to West County Health Centers enables our professional staff to deliver the right care to anyone in need... regardless of their financial means. Visit www.wchealth.org to make a secure online donation.

Contact Info:
(707) 869-2849 16319, 3rd Street
P.O. Box 226
Guerneville, CA 95446
www.wchealth.org

Russian River Watershed Protection Committee
The Russian River Watershed Protection Committee is dedicated to the care and preservation of our beautiful Russian River. Primarily through the tireless work of Director, Brenda Adelman, they strive to educate and inform their members about the seemingly endless threats to this beautiful natural resource.

How to Help:
Mail your donation check to:
RRWPC
P.O. Box 501
Guerneville, CA 95446
Make a secure online donation at www.rrwpc.org

Contact Info:
www.rrwpc.org
Brenda@rrwpc.org
P.O. Box 501
Guerneville, CA 95446

Climate Protection Campaign
Their mission is to create a positive future for our children and all life by inspiring action in response to the climate crisis. CPC advance practical, science-based solutions for achieving significant greenhouse gas reductions.

How to Help:
Mail donation check to:
P.O. Box 3785
Santa Rosa CA 95404
Call 707-525-1665 to make donation over-the-phone
Donate online by credit card at www.climateprotectioncampaign.org

Contact Info:
P.O. Box 3785
900 College Avenue, Santa Rosa CA 95404
Ann Hancock, Executive Director
ann@climateprotectioncampaign.org
707-525-1665


Sonoma County Animal Shelter
The Sonoma County Animal Shelter is committed to serving the public in the care and well-being of animals, both domestic and livestock, throughout the unincorporated areas of Sonoma County, the City of Santa Rosa, and the Town of Windsor. Visit www.theanimalshelter.org for information on adoptable animals and volunteer opportunities.

For those unable to adopt at this time but wishing to make a difference in the lives of shelter animals throughout the year, SCACC is now accepting tax-deductible donations. Contributions payable to “Sonoma County Animal Care and Control” can be made in person or via mail at the address below.

Contact Info:
Sonoma County Animal Shelter:
1247 Century Court
Santa Rosa, CA 95403
707-565-7100

Hours:Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 12:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.;
Wednesday 12:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.; and Saturday 12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.


We can add to this list at any time - so please send us your suggestions: vesta@sonic.net

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California Wildlife Conservation Trust Fund Act

Wildlife Trust Fund
California State Parks Wildlife Conservation Trust Fund Act of 2010

By Michele Luna, Executive Director, Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods

On November 3rd a proposed statewide ballot measure was filed with the Attorney General’s office. The “California State Parks and Wildlife Conservation Trust Fund Act of 2010, would create a stable, reliable and adequate source of funding to protect state parks and conserve California wildlife.” - From the California State Park Foundation’s website

Initiative Basics:
The State Parks and Wildlife Conservation Trust Fund (“Trust Fund”) revenues could only be spent on state parks, wildlife, natural lands and ocean conservation programs.

The Trust Fund would be funded by an $18 annual State Park Access Pass surcharge on all California cars, motorcycles and recreational vehicles that would be collected by the Department of Motor Vehicles as part of the annual vehicle license fee. Larger commercial vehicles (those subject to the Commercial Vehicle Registration Act), mobile homes and permanent trailers would be exempt.

Vehicles subject to the surcharge and all occupants of those vehicles would have free day use admission to all state parks throughout the year.

Trust Fund revenues would amount to approximately $500 million each year (based on about 28 million registered vehicles) and 85% would be allocated to state parks and 15% to other state wildlife and ocean protection agencies.

With a new dedicated revenue stream in place, approximately $130 million of General Fund dollars, that provide a portion of overall state parks funding, would now be available for other vital needs, like schools, health care, social services or public safety.

The Trust Fund would be subject to an independent audit by the State Auditor and a Citizens’ Oversight Committee would be created to ensure funds are spent appropriately. Audit, oversight and administrative costs of this measure would be limited to 1% of the annual revenues.
With many State Park areas closed due to the current budget crisis, Californians are getting a glimpse of what is to come if we are not successful in passing this important initiative. Our parks will be lacking in all essential services and they will be trash-ridden and fouled by visitors who use the parks regardless. Our precious natural and cultural resources will not be protected and may be lost forever.

We need your help in getting this initiative on the ballot and then voted into law during 2010. After the Attorney General’s office provides a title and summary for the initiative, signature gathering can begin. We expect this to occur right after the New Year.

Volunteer Signature Gatherers Needed

The more volunteers we can recruit and train to gather signatures the more cost-savings there will be for a campaign that will cost in the millions. Stewards is proud to sponsor one of the first signature gathering workshops in the State in Santa Rosa on December 12, 2009. Anyone interested in gathering signatures MUST attend a workshop to become acquainted with the details involved with collecting signatures that will qualify the ballot measure. Please email stewards@mcn.org or call (707) 869-9177 with your name, preferred email address and phone number and we will get back to you with the details of where and when to meet. If you cannot attend this workshop please let us know and we will work on scheduling another one after the first of the year.
For more information about the California State Parks and Wildlife Conservation Trust fund Act of 2010 visit www.calparks.org.

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Imminent Lawsuit over Fish Kills from Water Diversions

Local Watershed Groups Put State on Notice

Lawsuit Imminent Over Water Diversions
Killing Salmon and Steelhead
in Russian and Gualala Rivers

Northern California River Watch of Sebastopol, Coast Action Group of Gualala, and the national environmental group The Center for Biological Diversity, sent notice of intent to sue California’s State Water Resources Control Board for authorizing water diversions that harm federally protected salmon and steelhead trout in the Russian River and Gualala River watersheds. The water board is violating the Endangered Species Act by permitting water diversions in Mendocino and Sonoma counties, primarily for vineyards, that adversely affect salmon. “River Watch is hopeful that this notice will protect the last of the species and ultimately allow the restoration of fish runs,” said River Watch member Larry Hanson.

Water diversions and pumping from streams for grape growing de-water rivers and creeks where listed fish species spawn, harming imperiled coho salmon, chinook salmon, and steelhead trout. Vineyards pull groundwater and divert stream flows to irrigate, protect from frost and heat, and irrigate grape vines post-harvest. De-watering of streams occurs not only during spring and summer vineyard irrigation, but also due to winter “frost protection” pumping to protect budding grapes from frost. When freezing temperatures hit the North Coast, vineyards pumping water for frost protection can dry up the Russian River and its tributaries, stranding and killing young salmon.

“Twelve years after the state water board determined that pumping for frost protection is harmful to salmon and concluded it to be a waste and unreasonable use of water, the board has still failed to take appropriate action on frost irrigation,” said Jeff Miller, a conservation advocate with the Center for Biological Diversity. “Further fish kills are unacceptable — coho salmon are near extinction in the Russian River, and chinook salmon and steelhead are not far behind.”

In the spring of both 2008 and 2009 there were fish kills due to excessive water diversions in the main stem of the Russian River at Hopland and in Felta Creek, a tributary of the Russian River. There are at least 60,000 acres of vineyards in the Russian River watershed, 70 percent of which are within 300 feet of salmon streams. The Wheatfield Fork of the Gualala River is also experiencing dramatic changes from over-pumping, and fish habitat and survival are being significantly harmed.

The State Water Resources Control Board permits and authorizes harmful water pumping, diversions, and water storage and continues to issue water appropriation permits in the over-allocated Russian River and Gualala River watersheds, in conflict with public trust values and beneficial uses. In 1997, the water board released a report identifying vineyard practices, particularly frost protection activities, that adversely impact federally listed species of fish struggling to survive in the Russian River basin and its tributaries.

The National Marine Fisheries Service requested in the spring of 2009 that the water board pass regulations to protect listed fish species, but the board has continued to allow frost-protection withdrawals and unreasonable and excessive water use to continue in these watersheds. The water board is violating the Endangered Species Act by consenting to improper use and by failing to enforce existing regulations.

The region’s significant fisheries are near extinction: coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) on the central California coast are listed as endangered by both the state and federal governments; chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) along the California coast are federally listed as threatened; and steelhead trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) on the central California coast and northern California are federally listed as threatened. Central California coast coho salmon are now at only 1 to 2 percent of their historical abundance. Coho have been eliminated from more than half of their historical streams in California, and in recent years, only 500 to 1,000 wild coho have returned to the entire central coast region to spawn. California coast chinook salmon have declined 97 to 99 percent from historical runs. Northern California coast steelhead have declined by 90 percent and central California coast steelhead have declined by 80 to 90 percent in the past 50 years.

Salmon and steelhead spawn in freshwater streams and young fish require habitat with sufficient flows; deep pools; adequate food and shelter; and clean, cold water in order to survive long enough to migrate to the sea. The huge amounts of water withdrawn for grape growing dries up spawning beds and kills fish or leaves young salmon and steelhead stranded in hot and crowded shallow pools, where they are exposed to overcrowding and predators.

January 2010 Meetings on Frost Mitigation & New Rules:

January 6 - Mark West Creek Watershed: 4pm at Kendall Jackson Wine Center, 5007 Fulton Rd, Fulton

January 8 - Green Valley: 4pm at Dutton Pavilion of Santa Rosa Junior College Campus/Shone Farm, 7450 Steve Olson lane, Forestville

January 8 - Knights Valley: 10am at Kinights Valley Fire Department, 16850 Spencer Lane, Calistoga

January 8 - Dry Creek and Alexander Valleys: 4pm at Healdsburg Community Center, Foss Creek Elementary School, 1557 healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg

January 14- Russian River Basin: 10am at Dutton Pavilion of Santa Rosa Junior College Campus/Shone Farm, 7450 Steve Olson lane, Forestville

January 21 - Dollars and Sense, grape market economics seminar and information on crop insurance as a risk-mitigation measure. Sonoma Wine Grape Association, 420 Aviation Blvd., Santa Rosa, 522-5860, info@sonomawinegrape.org

WATERSHED GROUPS:

Northern California River Watch
500 N. Main St. Ste. 110
Sebastopol, CA 95472
Fax: (707) 824-4372
E-mail: us@ncriverwatch.org
http://www.northerncaliforniariverwatch.org/


Alan Levine
Coast Action Group
Box 215
Point Arena, CA 95468
Phone: (707) 542-4408
alevine@mcn.org


Center for Biological Diversity
351 California St., Ste. 600
San Francisco, CA 94104
tel: (415) 436.9682
fax: (415) 436.9683


California’s State Water Resources Control Board
1001 I Street
PO Box100
Sacramento, CA 95812-0100
916-341-5254
fax: 916-341-5252
http://www.swrcb.ca.gov/


National Marine Fisheries, Northern California
Attn: PRD Division
777 Sonoma Ave Rm 325
Santa Rosa Ca 95404
(707) 575-6050
(866) 300-2948 (VTS line)
(707) 578-3435 Fax

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Addiction & Chinese Medicine

The idea of addiction has been a long-term topic on many levels. The past several years I have seen patients who are addicted to cigarettes, food and there own mental restlessness. This state of constant craving is never satisfied and affects the Heart and scatters the Qi. Craving also affects the Pericardium that surrounds the Heart and stirs up the fire in the Heart.

In disease, the Minister Fire refers to a pathological, excessive Empty-Fire rising from the Kidneys. The emotion of the Kidneys is fear and as this energy rises from the lower Dan Tien it begins to affect the Mind. If the Mind is settled, calm and content, the Pericardium and the Heart energy will follow and the person will lead a happy and balanced life. If the Mind is weak and dissatisfied, the Pericardium and the Heart will demand cravings and the person will constantly desire food, cigarettes and other objects but when attained they will never receive satisfaction and will be left frustrated and aroused.

Craving will cause Heart-Fire and Empty-Fire depending on the underlying condition of the patient. It seems to me that there are many emotional states such as resentment, anger, agitation, animosity, bitterness and hatred which all seem to play a large roll in the body not being balanced and for cravings to constantly occur. I believe this to be a temporary relief since the cravings seems to run the person involved with never any satisfaction. All of this bottled up emotion helps to create excessive consumptions of many things that seem to sabotage one’s spiritual growth. The positive counterpart to all of these emotions is flexibility, hope and a quiet endurance of hardship. The Heart meridian is made up of blood or substance and when this blood is deficient and there is not enough substance then the Heart and the Shen will not rest peacefully. It is important to build up this substance and open the Heart so that the cravings can longer have a hold on the patient.

Irregular eating and excessive consumption of fats, sweets, dairy foods and cold-raw foods can injure the Spleen and also create Blood and Qi stagnation. The Blood Sugar diet seems to balance out the body and make it more neutral. I have also found that deep breathing helps to shift the patient’s space and allows them to inhale deeply and oxygenate their Heart area. Over the past couple years there has been a great deal of stress on many people and they have resorted to some compulsive behaviors that take them completely out of their bodies. Sometimes I have seen the Lung play a major role in this type of addiction since the Lungs emotion in Chinese Medicine is grief and sorrow. It is important that people know that any organ can be responsible for disharmony and that my role as a practitioner is to create harmony and fullness in each patient. I do believe it is a time of Heart for many people and in opening up the Heart and pulling people back into their bodies so they can begin to experience peace.

My patient that I have been working with to stop smoking has just recently turned a corner since I have gone into deeper treatments of both His Heart and his Lung energies. He is now able to take a deep breath without craving a cigarette and feels more full and relaxed. There are many deeper issues that need to be looked at in order to get true healings. I believe all of these illnesses are an invitation to make healings within us and gain the spiritual benefits of health. We all have a right to feel good and a right to be happy and free of old patterns and of pain. The more we work on ourselves and honor ourselves the more we can move forward into true freedom.

Please call with any questions or schedule a free 15-minute diagnosis so that you can move forward into true health and freedom.

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Wheel of Light: December 2009

December is the darkest month of the year. It calls on us to go inside, both in the context of indoors as well as within ourselves. This is a time to contemplate, past choices and actions as well as to plan for new beginnings in the New Year. This year we have a useful tool with which to do this. Mars, the planet of action, initiation and assertiveness turns retrograde on December 20th. and remains so until March 10th.

Mars pertains to anything we do that is physical, from working out, to building something, to being sexual. It retrogrades approximately every two years, for about ten weeks. The longer Mars remains retrograde, the less physical drive and energy we have. So, in combination with the season, this is not a time to start anything significant. Our interest in the project may dissipate and our interest in completing it follows accordingly. If circumstances conspire to demand that we must start something at this time, it’s advisable to start slowly and allow the activity to pick up speed once Mars turns direct.

This is not to suggest that we just focus on the present and forget everything else. Mars retrograde is a good time to complete previously unfinished projects. It’s a good time to research things to do in the future and even to plan and strategize when to start and the best ways to do them.

Mars is in the sign Leo, and will remain there the entire time it is retrograde. Leo can very loving and playful. It is creatively expressive, sexual and athletic. Thus, in general, review and pan activities that involve these qualities. If you know or have a copy of your natal horoscope, you can personalize this transit even more by noting the house (area of life experience) where the sign Leo resides in your chart. This is the house where you can take greatest advantage of the Mars transit at this time.

Mars is a fiery energy and Leo is a fire sign. The temptation to go and do something, perhaps even something big or grandiose, could be strong. If it involves having a good time, especially during the Holiday Season, go for it. This is not a time to just sit around and think. Especially because of the long nights and short days, this could lead to seasonal affective disorder, otherwise known as depression. Leo loves to party and entertain. Use those tendencies as ways of fending off inner darkness. But keep your expectations and expenditures small. A get together with a few good friends will feel better and be more fun than trying to throw a party for neighbors and fifty friends.

The influences of a retrograde planet actually begins prior to the day of its retrogradation and continues for a while beyond its turning direct. We call these extra days “the shadow”. Mars retrograde shadow began in mid-October. After it turns direct in March the shadow will remain until mid-May. Some of us may have been feeling this shift for a while. Whether we are already feeling it or not, however, the shadow period is a time to become aware of the slowing down of our drive and impulse to act. This rate will continue even after the retrograde period is over. Tune in to your body. It will let you know when and at what rate to slow down, stop, review, plan, when to go forward and when to pick up speed in the New Year.

Aries: Since Mars is your ruling planet, you may have a harder time during its retrograde period. It is your nature to initiate projects. Trial and error could be your mantra. Growth for you at this time involves digging all those unfinished projects out of the cabinets and garage. Completion can help you to learn one of the hardest but most important lessons for Aries: patience.

Taurus: Challenges come up from mid-month on. These could involve intimate relationships, emotional and/or financial. Be precise about your goals in these areas and state them clearly, but don’t be so stubborn about maintaining them that it creates alienation from your partner. Growth comes from your willingness to be open to innovation and experimentation. Satisfaction can come even if you don’t get everything that you want.

Gemini: The full Moon in Gemini on the first provides an opportunity to express your deepest feelings to those closest to you. This honesty could produce a sense of vulnerability, and others may feel overwhelmed with the information. In the long run, however, this type of interaction can create a sense of emotional well-being for you and feelings of stability in the relationship.

Cancer: Strong desires to be of service could manifest for you this month. This could come from actually doing something for others or by simply sharing with them information that would be beneficial for them. Mid-month in particular could bring a variety of situations and people, possibly outside your regular social circle or daily routines. Growth for you comes from being discriminating about what to share, with whom, at what time and in what way.

Leo: Physical activities, including holiday shopping and party giving should be done early in the month. Feelings of love and generosity will abound for you at that time. After that, pay attention to the energy that you actually feel in your body. If you run through an internal stop sign you could feel very depleted by the holidays or early in the New Year.

Virgo: Early month could bring conflicts or power struggles with children or lovers. Be clear about your goals and needs in those relationships. Growth can come from sticking up for yourself. One option, to resolve at least some of the issues, is to play. This could be in an artistic context or simply doing something that you find fun and enjoyable. Doing something like that with whomever you are in conflict with makes it a particularly delicious experience.

Libra: This is a good time for you to do some deep introspective contemplation. Writing, either in journal or creative form, could be a good way to access valuable internal information. It doesn’t matter if you share this with anyone. It’s a way to gain perspective about yourself. Being at home and sharing time with family and good friends could bring some deep bonding and emotional fulfillment.

Scorpio: Although Mars is the co-ruler of Scorpio, you might have an easier time during its retrograde period than other signs do. The key is not to try to do too much. Powerful feelings of love and generosity could give you a false sense of energy and you could wind feeling depleted. Take advantage of the good impulses, but remember to tune in to realistic energy limits and boundaries.

Sagittarius: Physically and socially there is an abundance of energy for you, especially early in the month. You could feel drawn to be of service to others in your community or simply to share your positivity with those closest to you. Either way, compassion and concern for others helps to boost your spirit and your consciousness during the holiday season.

Capricorn: This is a time for deliberate and methodical activities. Slowing down is good, but don’t stop doing what you enjoy and what is productive. Growth comes from learning to share with others in balanced and harmonious ways. You don’t have to lead the parade or take responsibility to make sure everyone else is having a good time. If others see you enjoying yourself, they can follow your example by making sure they are benefiting from their own experience.

Aquarius: Take time to go within this month. This could take the form of a spiritual retreat, extended periods of meditation or having fun with art projects. Whatever activity works for you, opportunities lay in spiritual growth and consciousness development. Being with others who share the same form of communion enhances the potential of the experience for all concerned.

Pisces: Powerful feelings of compassion and a drive to be of service to others abound for you all month. There may be challenges to your philosophical points of view, but the confidence to maintain your beliefs helps to overcome those disputes. Growth comes from developing the attention to detail that enables you to be most effective in your contributions.

Rio Olesky offers classes and private consultations in Sonoma County. Join Rio for his annual Perspectives talk on Tuesday January 5, 2010 at The Wells Fargo Center for the Arts. For more information about Perspectives 2010, regular classes or to make an appointment for a reading, call Rio at 707-887-1820. Check out his website: www.starwatcher.com

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Your Watershed: Holiday Recycling in Sonoma County

It’s the holiday season and that means more trash will be generated than at any other time of the year. After the holidays, you’ll likely be left with some cleanup—wrapping paper and packaging—not to mention the tree itself. If your gifts include new electronic devices, such as a new flatscreen TV, laptop or digital camera, you might find yourself with the challenge of properly disposing of your old equipment. Luckily, there are many opportunities in Sonoma County to easily recycle your wastes.

• Wrapping paper and ribbon - Recyclable paper makes up a large portion, 27%, of what’s going into our garbage in Sonoma County. Holiday paper and cardboard packaging can be recycled along with other year-round paper items like catalogs and magazines in your single-stream curbside recycling cart. Only foil-backed and plastic wrapping paper cannot be recycled.
Save ribbon to reuse on next year’s packages.
• Packaging -If you accumulate packing peanuts and bubble wrap over the holidays, many local packaging stores, such as UPS Stores, are glad to accept these items for reuse.
• Veggie food scraps - Compost your veggies! Fruits, vegetables, peels and seeds can be composted at home or put in the curbside yard waste carts for the municipal composting program. In fact about 35% of residential garbage is food waste, totaling nearly 800 tons a week in Sonoma County--a resource that could be used instead of landfilled.
• Christmas trees - Christmas trees can be recycled into compost and mulch! Your tree needs to be free of flocking, tinsel, decorations and its stand for recycling.
For curbside pick-up, and drop-off options, call the Sonoma County Eco-Desk at 565-3375 or visit www.recyclenow.org
• Electronics - Under a State mandate, electronics cannot be put in the garbage. An electronic device is anything with a circuit board. Look for devices with digital displays or programmable features. Examples include computers, TVs, laptops, printers, answering machines, CD & DVD players, stereos and cell phones. You have three options for proper disposal of electronics: 1. Bulky item pickup, 2. Curbside recycling, and 3. Drop-off recycling.
1. Bulky item pickup is available by appointment for residential garbage customers in Healdsburg, Petaluma, Santa Rosa, Sebastopol, Rohnert Park, Windsor and the unincorporated area. To schedule a home pickup, call your garbage company.
2. Curbside recycling for household electronics, not larger than 2 feet in any dimension, is available for garbage customers in Cloverdale, Cotati, Healdsburg, Petaluma, Rohnert Park and Sebastopol. Devices with screens (such as TV’s, computer monitors and laptops) and batteries are not accepted curbside.
3. Drop-off recycling for non-working and working electronics is available at all County Refuse Disposal Sites, through electronic waste collection events, and at participating businesses in Sonoma County. For a complete list, call the Sonoma County Eco-Desk at 565-3375 or visit www.recyclenow.org
4. Batteries - Batteries should not be placed in the trash. Batteries are recycled by different processes than electronic equipment and should be removed from electronic equipment prior to recycling. By law, retailers selling rechargeable batteries are required to take back used rechargeable batteries from their customers. For a list of retailers, visit the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporations’s web site at www.rbrc.org
Some stores offer take-back for alkaline batteries, in addition to rechargeables. These stores include Whole Foods Markets, REI and the Computer Recycling Center. All kinds of household batteries can also be disposed of through Sonoma County’s Household Toxics Program. For a complete list of options, call the Sonoma County Eco-Desk at 565- 3375 or visit www.recyclenow.org
• More Recycling Information - For additional questions about recycling and year round disposal options in Sonoma County, see the Sonoma County Recycling Guide printed in the AT&T phone book Yellow Pages under Recycling, call the Sonoma County Eco-Desk at 565-DESK (3375) or visit www.recyclenow.org

This article was authored by Karina Chilcott and Lisa Steinman of the Sonoma County Waste Management Agency on behalf of RRWA. RRWA (www.rrwatershed.org) is an association of local public agencies in the Russian River Watershed that have come together to coordinate regional programs for clean water, fisheries restoration, and watershed enhancement.

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Russian River News Info

After several years on the market, a former successful manufacturing entrepreneur purchased the 19-room Applewood Inn.

Valerie Hausmann of the Russian River Chamber of Commerce is gathering information on people willing to volunteer their time to the community

New sessions are starting in January 2010. Directed by Sonia Tubridy and Jean Ashley, Russian River Children's Choir is accepting singers from ages 6-14.

Applewood Inn Purchased
After several years on the market, a former successful manufacturing entrepreneur purchased the 19-room Applewood Inn.
Innkeepers Jim Caron and Darryl Notter are retiring from the hotel after 25 years at the helm and Ecuadorean native Carlos Pippa and his girlfriend Sylvia Ranyak assumed the reins earlier this month. He officially signed the deed Nov. 24.
In an interview, the 61-year-old said he plans to make a few cosmetic updates to rooms and the pool and spa area, but the name and layout will remain the same. He is also planning to install a large 80-to-100 kilowatt solar system on the property.
“Basically, I was retired after I sold my import business and I was bored and wanted to do something new,” he said.
“It was love at first sight when I saw the inn. I have traveled throughout the United States and the world due to business, and this is the one area I like the most. It reminds me so much of Italy, where much of my family is from.”
Mr. Pippa was born in Ecuador to an Italian father and French mother and moved to the U.S. in 1964. Previously, he founded and led a company called Global Finishing Solutions, which manufactured paint-spray booths for cars. He also owned a gourmet food retail business in Plano, Texas called World Delicacies.
Mr. Pippa lives on the property and will act as operating manager. The hotel will keep the same staff and chef, but he is adding regular lunch hours in addition to dinner. Ms. Ranyak is a commercial and residential interior designer.
Mr. Caron and Mr. Notter purchased the hotel, then called The Estate, in September of 1985, adding nine rooms to the site overtime. They added the “Piccola Casa” in 1994 and the new restaurant building and “Gate House” in 1999.

Now in the Russian River Redevelopment Project Area:
Small Business Assistance Program
In an ongoing effort to equip small businesses with opportunities to grow and prosper, the Sonoma County Community Development Commission and the Russian River Chamber of Commerce have partnered with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Santa Rosa Junior College, to provide no-cost professional business advising to local businesses. All appointments are one-to-one and confidential.
The SBDC can help with business planning, marketing, record keeping, accounting, management, taxes, cash flow, capital access and acquisition, pricing and cost control, and other areas of small business operations. In addition the SBDC will offer workshops customized to local business needs. Businesses located in the Russian River Redevelopment Project Area can participate at no cost.
For more information, or to make an appointment, contact the Russian River Chamber of Commerce @ 869.9000. All counseling sessions take place at the Chamber, 16209 First Street in Guerneville. Chamber membership is not required to participate in the business advising program
For more information on the SBDC see their website www.sbdcsantarosa.org or call 524.1770.

Russian River Children's Choir
New sessions are starting in January 2010. Directed by Sonia Tubridy and Jean Ashley, Russian River Children's Choir is accepting singers from ages 6-14.
Rehearsals are held on Thursdays from 4:15 to 5:00 PM at the Guerneville Community Church: 14520 Armstrong Woods Road, Guerneville.
The sessions include vocal training, ear training and songs from classical, folk and international literature.
This is a program of the River Choir.
Fee is a suggested $5-$20 a month.
For information please call 869-3273 or 865-2702

Russian River Volunteer Registry
Valerie Hausmann of the Russian River Chamber of Commerce is gathering information on people willing to volunteer their time to the community. With a roster of individuals, their skills and passions, she will be able to help match people with projects with volunteers who can help. If you are interested un registering – or if you need a few volunteers to complete your goals, please contact Valerie at 707-217-9613 or e-mail: vhausmann@msn.com. Valerie has registry forms she can e-mail you or you can pick one up at the Visitors Center 16209 First Street – on the Plaza in downtown Guerneville.

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Wine Banter - Port or Porto?

Port is a fortified wine, which simply means a wine that has been fortified with brandy or another distilled spirit and then aged. You will see so many designations including Porto, Ruby and Tawny, White Port, Colheita, L.B.V, and Vintage Port - what does it all mean?

Let’s begin with Ruby Porto as this is the most common port offered in restaurants. Like all ports, Ruby Porto is typically served at the end of the meal. It is also considered to be a lower tier port unless designated by a vintage. Ruby Portos are great pairings for chocolate desserts or simply paired with a cup of coffee, espresso or cappuccino.

Tawny Porto often shows a number signifying how many years the porto remained in the barrel before bottling. The younger the tawny, typically the spicier the flavor is from the oak barrels. One of my favorite tawnys, though not inexpensive, is the 30-Year Tawny – it nearly always has a caramel quality.

Colheita is very similar in flavor to some of the younger tawnys, however, it has a vintage date on the bottle which means all of the tawny in the bottle comes from one vintage. Colheitas typically do not get better with age, but remain relatively the same.

L.B.V. (Late Bottled Vintage) Porto will show a year on the bottle and can be similar to vintage ports though Vintage Ports only spend two years in the barrel and are only from vineyard designated years, whereas the L.B.V. will spend from four to six years in the barrel. L.B.V.s typically exhibit flavors of red and or black fruit and, like a Ruby Porto, can be paired with chocolates and / or coffee.

Vintage Ports are typically declared only about three times per decade when the perfect conditions in Portugal have produced grapes worthy of vintage designation. Vintage Port will age for decades (in the bottle), provided temperatures are not fluctuating – the perfect temperature being 58 fahrenheit.

Ports are made from many varietals of grapes – Bual (pronounced “Bo-All”), for example, has a distinct citrusy quality – the younger the Bual, the spicier the Bual – which is derived from the barrels. However, as Buals are aged in barrels for longer periods of time, they begin to get more of a creamy buttery softness on the palate while still maintaining the beautiful citrus quality. If you see “Bual” on the label, it must be at least 78% Bual. The younger Buals, with their spicy quality are particularly good with desserts such as Bread Puddings – whereas an older Bual works well paired with a Crème Brulee – especially vanilla bean.

How long will port last once opened?

Tawny Ports and Colheitas are typically oxidized – due to the fact that they spend long periods in the barrel – and the barrels are being topped up, so as evaporation and saturation of barrels takes place, sometimes referred to as the “angel’s share” the barrels have to be topped up to keep the port from spoiling from over-exposure to oxygen. This means that they have already been exposed to oxygen, and can be left on the counter for months at a time after opening
Once opened, Vintage Ports have a much shorter life. One way to extend the life of a vintage port upon opening is to decant gently so as to separate the port from the sediment (leaving the sediment in the bottle). Once decanted, rinse the bottle three times in warm water – and then leave upside down for a about forty-five minutes allowing the moisture to drain out. Then, using a funnel, return the vintage port to the bottle, without the sediment and put its cork back in. The port should now last for seven to ten days on the counter.

In the onset of Winter and the holidays, port makes a great pairing for so many desserts, cheese plates and the like. Then there is the best pairing of all: good friends, conversation, a warm fireplace and a glass of port at the end of an evening.

John Haggard is owner of Sophie’s Cellars, The Sonoma Wine & Cheese Market in Monte Rio, California. Sophie’s Cellars is open 11am – 7pm, closed only on Wednesdays. www.sophiescellars.com

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Shark Bait - Cremation & Honoring Your Loved One

Q: We have acquaintances who would like to have their ashes scattered over Sonoma County. Is that legal?
Signed: “Dotting” Paradise, Lovingly.

Dear “Dotting” Paradise:
What an interesting query - it caused me to don my researcher’s cap! As I sauntered through the California laws relating to cremated remains and the sort, I discovered a few interesting quirks. First, technically it is against the law to dispose of any human remains unless it is in a cemetery.

What’s the “penalty” if you violate this law? Technically, breaking this law is classified as a misdemeanor, meaning it is a criminal offense and our Sonoma County District Attorney could file charges against the offender. (Health & Safety Code sec. 7054).

California is the largest state by volume for cremations. (Japan has the highest rate of cremation - 95%!) Now, with that said, I suspect that many Californians unknowingly violate the law by honorably scattering ashes under the cover of dark or discreetly, without the threat of prosecution. Not that I am encouraging to run afoul of the law, but the numbers do speak for themselves (and I don’t recall the last time I read an article about a family being prosecuted for illegally disposing of the ashes).

Now, hold on. Don’t lose hope to honor your loved ones and to also stay on the right side of he law. Most laws are a tangled weave of exceptions! You have a few options. You can legally dispose of the ashes one of the following ways:
• Door #1: In any church or religious shrine, with their written permission
• (H & S Code sec. 7054.6);
• Door #2: In “areas where no local prohibition exists” (H&S Code sec. 7116); or
• Door #3: At sea, which is defined as 500 yards from the shore. (H&S Code sec. 7117).

Let’s take a closer look behind Door #2—in areas where no local prohibition exists. This is a very broad exception. In essence, the key here is implicit or implied permission. For example, Smokey the Bear would even approve of you scattering ashes in our national parks - you just have to get a special use permit (Yosemite, for example, regularly issues such). Likewise, there is no prohibition against scattering the ashes on private land, with the land owner’s permission, of course. But be wary—if the private property owner goes to sell the land, he or she is supposed to disclose the existence of the human remains. Makes sense, if you think about it.

Now, let’s take a peek behind Door #3 - scattering at sea. Anyone can scatter the ashes, as long as they have a water vessel and a permit from the County. Yeap, that’s right. Ya gotta go by our Public Health Department (625-5th Street, Santa Rosa; (707) 565-4407) and they will help you with the paperwork. You just need eleven bucks and a copy of the death certificate. Now, when I first heard about this permit requirement, my cynic thought, “Oh, just another finger in the pie - government trying to control”. Oh, but contraire… if you think about it, the permit creates a permanent paper trial in case relatives of loved ones want to know where the remains are or visit the general site. Think of it as a “paper marker” for the future family genealogist who comes behind you.

Thanks for the great question - made me think and work - no easy answer. But as John Galsworthy quipped, “The beginnings and endings of all human undertakings are untidy”.

DEAR READERS: Do you have a legal question that is burning in your mind (but are afraid to ask an attorney…cha-ching…cha-ching)? If so, please send your questions to Debra A. Newby via email (contact information below). Your name will remain confidential. Although every inquiry may not be published, we will publish as many as possible. Finally, this Q & A Legal Column is intended as a community service to discuss general legal principles and does not create an attorney-client relationship.

Debra A. Newby is a resident of Monte Rio and has practiced law for 27 years. She is a member of the California, Texas and Sonoma County Bar Associations and currently maintains an active law office in Santa Rosa. Her law practice emphasizes personal injury law (bicycle/motorcycle/motor vehicle accidents, dog bites, trip and falls, etc.) and expungements (clearing criminal records). Debra can be reached via email (debra@newbylawoffice.com), phone (707-526-7200), fax (526-7202) or pony express (930 Mendocino Avenue, Suite 101, Santa Rosa, 95401).

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Restaurant Review - DeSchmire

“When I first walked in that back door I knew some day I would like to own this restaurant.” That is the thing that crossed Danny Eastman’s mind when he went to work for De Schmire Restaurant in Petaluma 24 years ago. Danny started by washing dishes, moved into learning prep work and then the entire restaurant business through ‘on the job’ training.

The Restaurant was originally a candy store, later turned into a restaurant where people lined up to savor the good food served on wooden tables with benches. Later Matt Roche and Robert Steiner bought the restaurant and enclosed the patio and replaced the picnic benches with individual tables, white table clothes and napkins, creating a different dining atmosphere.

They taught Danny Eastman all he needed to know by the time he purchased the restaurant in February of 2007. A month for painting and sprucing the place up and Danny was ready to go. He had help from Andrew Lujan who started at this restaurant himself as an apprentice in 1975 and is now the chef. Andy Lujan developed his taste for cooking from his mother who was a well known pastry chef. Andy also has worked in other French Restaurants, such as La Petite Bergier and Daniel’s in Marin County and The Bistro in Santa Rosa. Two other team members are Judi Mitchell who takes care of the front of the house and Greg Call, another chef, who has also been around for about 20 years creating the tasty meals of the house. These three chefs get along very well as the kitchen is rather small and it takes real coordination to work around each other.

Dan runs the business and purchases all the food as well as serving as part time Chef and Front of the House. He buys locally, getting meat from Rancho Veal (where he gets his sweetbreads), produce in Penngrove, fish from San Francisco, and his duck from Reichardt Duck Farm. His menu is extensive. He tries to have 3 or 4 fish dishes, chicken, beef, duck, veal, and 4 specialties every night. Danny’s specialty is his soups. He always has French Onion and Roasted Garlic Mushroom, but there are other special soups offered at different times. This week it is pumpkin soup. Last week a customer said, “I’ve eaten onion soup all over the world and this is the best I have ever had.”

The menu is French cuisine and entrees are extensive. The selections include: Filet Mignon , New York Steak or Sauté de Beouf ($22 to $24); De Whole Schmire combines filet mignon and jumbo prawns Portuguese (($28); Rack of Lamb ($29); Sweetbreads ($29)’ Veal Morel ($25); Chicken dishes ($20 - $28); Roast Duck ($20); two Prawn dishes ($22); Salmon ($21) Halibut ($22); Sole Dore ($21) and Paris Nights – a medley of fresh seafood, scallops, prawns, sea bass and mussels served in a creamy saffron sauce ($22). On top of this every night they have 3 or 4 Specialty Dishes.

There are 7 selections for Appetizers ($7 to $9) and 7 different soups and salads ($5 to $7) on the regular menu. The desserts include a chocolate mousse and crème Brule. The wine list changes but you can get wine by the glass, or a bottle of white wine which ranges in price from $30 to $45 and red wines ranging from $30 to $55.

When I decided to cover a restaurant in Petaluma I asked some “foodie” friends for a recommendation and without hesitation heard, DE SCHMIRE. The atmosphere is inviting, and both the service and the food are very good. As you know, French Cuisine is noted for delicate sauces that are part of the different dishes. You won’t be disappointed at De Schmire.

The restaurant is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Wednesday through Sunday they are open for dinner starting at 5:30 till closing (about 9:00). It is helpful to call in for dinner reservations so Danny has staff on board for crowded evenings, and you will be assured of a table. The phone number is 707 762 1901. There is a banquet room that holds 35 people. It is popular for Holiday Parties, Weddings, Birthdays and other special events. The restaurant is located at 203 Bodega Avenue in Petaluma. It is very close to downtown and parking is available across the street.

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Occidental News & Events

The Gazette is moving to a first-of-the-month release date and deadline was early, so not much time to gather news. Luckily, I have some value added input to offer. Even though we’re in the 21st Century, there’s still very little widespread protocol for how to be diplomatic and respectful around infertile, or gay and lesbian couples. So here goes …

My husband and I have one of the most intentional children to grace this planet. We make every attempt to raise our son in an environment that’s full of love, acceptance, nurturing, and discipline. As sophisticated as kids are these days, and as ‘live and let live’ as most west County residents are, however, we nevertheless work hard at shielding him from those who seem less enlightened.

So you can imagine our horror when people often ask, right in front of him, “who’s the father?” We have our stock answer: “he has two Dads; isn’t he lucky?” But we’re still always shocked, every time we get this one. People sometimes even seem a bit out when we tactfully try to put off their question until our son is out of earshot. Go figure. I even had one (Mormon) mother of ten tell me, “Oh, he can’t understand anything you’re saying.” At nearly 3 ½, our son definitely understood; and we were mortified.

Another perennial favorite: “who’s the man” or “who’s the wife?” And no, I’m not exaggerating—people really do ask this one!

Recently, a well meaning new friend (whom we had only known for 15 minutes at a mutual friend’s birthday party) said to me, I’m sure quite innocently, “when did you get your son?” I almost always have to bite my tongue and hold off a sarcastic reply like, “we picked him up on Black Friday a few years back at Nordstrom’s,” or “at the on-line baby catalog.”

Now I understand that people have a natural curiosity, as it’s quite apparent that neither one of us can actually bear children. But a better way (yeah—he’s finally at the helpful part) is simply to act interested and engage us about our son for a few minutes (it’s easy—what parent won’t chat, often ad nauseam, about their kid?). When we’re all comfortable, and you’ll know it, all you’ll have to do is say something like, “if you don’t mind my asking,” and before you can even finish, we’ll make it easy for you.

And since we’re grateful to our lesbian friends for paving the way to same-sex parenting, let me just add on their behalf that you risk dealing with real grief issues if you ask “who’s the mother,” as often, the non-biological mom may not be able to have children, and might still be mourning this reality. Of course, she is every bit as much the child’s mother as the women who bore the child.

As the holidays approach let’s commit to being a little bit kinder, more compassionate, more delicate, more caring. Let’s think twice about how what we’re going to say may affect those around us. Your gay, lesbian, and fertility-challenged friends and acquaintances have already gone through so much in order to parent, why add to their already over-full plate?

A final thought: when we vacationed with our son out of the country last year, we had to make sure we had notarized copies of his birth certificate, our pre-birth stipulation, and several other legal documents. Lucky for us we had them, as an overly curious customs official started asking questions as we left France to go to England. Bet you’d never, ever have thought of this—only gay male couples deal with this issue as there’s no mom travelling with the child, giving rise to suspicion of possible kidnapping.

Enough said, as truly the joy and blessings of raising a child far outweigh any of the extra problems we encounter.

Occidental Occasions
Life’s busy at the OCA (Occidental Center for the Arts). Saturday community assistance days are happening regularly and there is a fund-raising concert/dinner at the Union Hotel on December 17, www.floracanta.org.

Thanks for reading; and happy holidays to you, and many blessings to your family and friends for the New Year.

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Monte Rio: Winter News & Events

Boy did my editor fool me this month. I have already written my November to December column and included all the birthdays. Now I find out that she is waiting for my December to January column! I’m so confused and very very late! In a way it is good because last month I forgot to mention the winter solstice on December 21. I will once again wish you a wonderful and warm holiday season filled with joy and love.

Since I have this opportunity to remind you all, please shop locally for your Holiday Gifts. The local businesses are really struggling to stay open during this horrible economy and any money you spend in their shops is a huge help! I believe that all the businesses have gift certificates available, which really is a wonderful way to spend your money, support the local businesses, and get your friends and family to go to your favorite places in town.

Don’t miss the Holiday Wonderland Craft Fair located at the Monte Rio Community Center on December 18 from 11am to 7pm, December 19 from 10am to 6pm and finally on December 20 from 10am to 4pm. Last year was great with all kinds of interesting and beautiful crafts. Vendors interested in applying for a booth, should contact MRRPD at events@mrrpd.org or by calling 707-865-9956.

Don’s Dogs Café will be open both Christmas Eve from 9am – 3pm and Christmas Day from 9am – 5pm. Don has expanded his menu to include Pulled Pork to die for and Cuban Sandwiches which are incredibly yummy! He has Black Angus Cheeseburgers and a new Cardiac Burger, which includes a ¼ pound sausage patty! My new favorite is a grilled Polish Sausage with homemade coleslaw on top. Don is definitely having fun with his new grill menu, stop by and check it out. Yes---he still does have the best hot dogs in Sonoma County!

I am sure that the Village Inn, Highland Dell and Café Les Jummels are all having great holiday dinners and New Year’s specials, but make your reservations early!

The second half of December includes the following birthdays. Big Happy Birthday wishes on December 15, both Lee Torr IV and Vivian Imperiale celebrate and the next day December 16, tanned Debbie Warner, turns 58! December 19, Robbie Davenport, celebrates his 24th while my fabulous mom, Pat Gildea ends the decade at 79(!!!) and Brandon Nunez also celebrates. December 21 is Stephanie’s special day, 22. December 22, Herman Hernandez celebrates his day. December 25, Jesus, 2009 and then on December 26, Steve Spector and Alex Saunders both celebrate their day. December 27, Zach Eager, turns 18! December 28 Catherine celebrates and on December 29, Laura Robles turns 54. December 30 is a very full day with--- Megan Bosch, 26; Angela Orr, great lady; Kendall Dawson, 8; my brother Skip Gildea, 48 and finally, I think Mark of Village Inn Fame hits 55---they are all celebrating!!!

Happy New Year and Happy birthday wishes to some pretty famous locals and friends: January 1 my friend, Zelda Michaels, 63; along with Rio artist Arthur Longoria; January 2, J’Mari Curtiss celebrates. On January 3 Kei Lani Howard turns a year older and on January 4 Kristina Haynes turns 18---ow can that be!? Andy Bosch turns 18 on January 6 while Gregorio Pehrson remains ageless. On January 7 that ever cute Ricardo Silos turns a whopping 65 and on January 9, Philip Hampton of Village Inn fame, hits 51. January 12 Ashley Ogletree, soon to be a new mom celebrates and then on January 14 both Josh Curtiss and that wonderful Gloria Potter both have their special day! Finally on January 15 my sister-in-law, Georgie Gildea, turns 40-something! Happy Birthday to you all and here’s wishing us all a very happy and Prosperous New Year!

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Mitzvah Moments - Give to the Needy this Holiday

“Think outside the box.” Give someone the gift of giving to someone else. Here are some ideas.

• Blood Bank of the Redwoods. Give the gift of life - give blood, the need is especially great during the holidays. Call 545-1222 for blood bank hours and blood mobile locations.

• Give the ultimate gift - life to a local woman! Tracie Skaggs, who has lived in Guerneville for more than 30 years, still needs a kidney. Tracie and her husband, Mike, have given so much to the community. Remember her Halloween Haunted House fund raisers and “Elves with Attitudes,” where she and her partner at All About You Beauty Salon adopt several families at the holidays, making sure everyone in the household gets gifts.
Tracie has been on peritoneal dialysis for over a year, making it hard for her to work and continue her community service. She could wait more than seven years for a deceased donor, but a living donor is somewhere in our community. It’s easy to be a living donor––I know, because I am one––and a kidney from a living donor is the best option for Tracie. Please spread the word––may you or someone you know “share your spare.”
Find out more about kidney donation and see “The Gift of Life,” a video, at www.ucsfhealth.org/kidneytransplant/?gclid=CK_y6L6r3JkCFRwwawodjSVyWA or call 1-800-482-7389. www.kidney.org transplantation/livingDonors/info.cfm, is also good. Tracie needs a donor with type O or O- blood, but paired donation programs mean someone with another blood type could still donate. Leave Tracie a message at 707-695-7591 if you’re interested in being a possible donor.

• The Living Room, Santa Rosa’s daytime drop-in shelter for homeless women and children, needs gifts by December 15th––especially items for women (umbrellas, socks, combs & brushes, jewelry (may be used), gloves, wooly scarves & caps, small makeup or manicure kits) and teenage boys (movie passes, M & L sweatshirts, watches, hand-held games). Go to www.thelivingroomsc.org contribute.htm or call 707-579-0138 to donate money.

• The Volunteer Center’s Secret Santa Program delivered over 13,000 gifts in 2008. Adopt a Secret Santa Gift Heart––go to www.volunteernow.org; www.santa09.htm for where you can find them and more information.

• The Marine Corps’ Toys for Tots program has many drop-off sites locally. Go to santa-rosa-ca.toysfortots.org/local-coordinator-sites/lco-sites/donate-toys.asp or call 707-584-5886 for locations and more information. You can donate online, too.

• Firefighters’ Toy Drives. Drop off new unwrapped toys at fire stations in Forestville, Santa Rosa, and Sebastopol (which also takes used toys in great condition.) Look for Graton firefighters’ donation barrels at the post office and Andy’s Produce.

• Sleep Train’s Secret Santa Toy Drive benefiting the Children's Village of Sonoma County and the Valley of the Moon Children’s Foundation ends Dec. 12th. Take any new, unwrapped toy or game to the Santa Rosa store at 2795 Santa Rosa Ave. or donate online at www.sleeptrain.com/page.aspx?nid=151. If you miss this opportunity, their (new) pajama drive is from January 4th to February 21st.

• Help a dad or mom in the service read to their kids. Support the USO’s “United through Reading” program, which has video cameras and libraries at most USOs, both in the US and overseas, so parents can read a bedtime story to their children via web cam. Or donate to help buy phone cards for “Operation Phone Home.” While you can’t specify who will get your gift, you can make it in honor or memory of someone. If you don’t know anyone in the service, check out the wall of honor at the main post office in Santa Rosa for a name or two. Check out other USO programs at www.uso.org or call 1-800-876-7469. If you are an American Airlines frequent flier, you can get 125 miles for every $25 you donate––you have to do this by phone.

Local Food Banks need your help all year, but especially now. See last month’s Gazette and and the website GazExtra! for one near you. Many local charities have benefits during the Holidays. See the Gazette’s calendar for information.

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Graton News, Updates & Events

Sometimes a window opens and opportunity slips in. This time it’s an opportunity for Graton and it’s wearing a Holiday smile.

How much would you pay for a park in downtown Graton? Especially, how much would you pay if, in addition, you could give those on your Holiday gift list a part of the park that will be theirs for generations?

Imagine: That your children will go to the park to see their names there, - and that their children will go to see those names, and that the children of those children will see the names of their grandparents in the park.

That's the kind of lasting legacy you can leave for yourself and all your loved ones.
You might want to commemorate your grandparents (do they really want another book or some perfume - wouldn’t they rather be remembered in Graton Park?) or your favorite club, sports team or alma mater. As do the bricks on the sidewalks downtown, you could leave a spiritual blessing from you to the universe.

(Ms. Zula Bryson, a 92-year old transplanted from Texas to Forestville, purchased a brick to celebrate her beloved alma mater, Texas A&M. Out here in West County, there will always be a "Go Aggies!" shout out.)

On this page is ordering information for the purchase of a lazer engraved brick for prices starting at $50 each. The bricks will be used for the pathways in the new park. Please contact me for more order forms, or pick up order forms at Mr. Ryder’s Antiques downtown Graton. Take a look at the proposed park design while you’re there!

With the funds raised from the sale of the bricks, we will be able to secure matching funds from local organizations like the Community Foundation and Open Space. There are some Holiday angels out there who will match what we raise that season. Let’s show what Grateronians can do! (Grateronians are those within and without Graton environs who love community.)
We each need to do our part to create the Graton Park Plaza. When we all buy a brick, we’ll be well on our way!

Thank you so much for your generosity and community spirit!
We can do this! Together, we can build a park in Graton.

Some Facts about the park project: The Graton Green Group, organized in early 2008 has been working with Graton Fire District to purchase their property at the corner of Graton and Ross Roads when they leave for their new facility to be built north on Highway 116. The Graton Labor Center is acting as the fiscal agent for fund-raising for the park.

For more information, contact me at hdlil@comcast.net. To provide suggestions for the park design, contact Cricket Seagull at atcrickets@comcast.net. To view the proposed design for the park, visit groups.google.com/group/gratongreengroup?hl=en. To be added to the web group, contact Robyn Bramhall at robynbramhall@comcast.net Northbayhr@gmail.com.

Saturday, December 14th, Santa will be at the Graton Community Club from 1 to 5 p.m. Tell Santa you want a park!

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Gail's Garden - Winter Gardening 2009

Wow! Isn’t this a great season of fall color which we are enjoying! Just back from a ride on the bike trail between Graton and Forestville: red and gold vineyards, flaming liquid ambars and maples, burgundy berry leaves, even the apple trees are beautiful in rust and umber tones. All the berries are luscious: pyracantha, toyon, and cotoneaster, and I especially enjoy seeing shiny, round rose hips decorating the green foliage of the shrub roses.

I hope you will be able to join me for a class on decorating for the holidays with items from your own garden: the class is on Saturday December 12 at 10:30 am at Bassignani’s Nursery in Sebastopol (1841 Gravenstein Highway South). It’s all free, just bring some greenery to share: redwood, cedar and pine are always great, but don’t be afraid to be different! Magnolia and eucalyptus leaves are great, and I think live oak would be fun too. I made a wreath for my front door this Thanksgiving using acacia tree branches: a lovely soft, feathery green, they have tiny bead-like buds at the branch tips. They look lovely combined with rose hips and the colorful leaves of Chinese pistache. At the class I will be teaching you how to make your own wreath form with grapevines, and how to decorate it. I will also demonstrate some different and fun ways to make centerpieces for your holiday table and swags for the doors or stairways. I hope to see you there on the 12th!

Looking for a great gift for the gardener on your list? Call me for a gift certificate for Garden Coaching! For just $50 you can purchase your friend an hour of my time in their own garden, where I will demonstrate pruning techniques, share plant care and maintenance tips, and make design suggestions for a more enjoyable garden setting. This is a very personal gift, which I tailor to the needs of each individual and their garden: sure to make your friends happy and more successful gardeners! Call me today at 829-2455, and I will mail a certificate direct to you or your friend in time for the holidays.

Upcoming Garden Events:
FREE classes on Saturdays at Bassignani’s Nursery in Sebastopol:
Holiday Decorating from the Garden: bring some greens to share as
We create wreaths, swags, and table decorations!
December 12, at 10:30 am
Coming on January 16th: Rose Pruning Workshop
FREE ROSE PRUNING LESSION including spraying and rose care will be given on Saturday, January 2nd and 9th 9AM – 12PM at the Luther Burbank Art and Garden Center located at 2050 Yulupa Ave., Santa Rosa. The free lessons will be sponsored by the Redwood Empire Society, for more information please call (707) 545-2872

Do you have a gardening question you would like to ask? Or a photo to share?
Send your questions and photos (jpg) to bluehilldesign9@aol.com.

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Fire News & Holiday Events

4th Annual Bucket Brigade Blood Bank of the Redwoods
Fire departments around Sonoma, Lake and Mendocino counties have come together to participate in Blood Bank of the Redwoods' 4th Annual Bucket Brigade during December and January of this year. Last year 40 fire departments took part and we collected nearly 1155 units of blood, which was a huge boost for our community's blood supply.

Last year's winner, Geyserville Fire Protection District attracted a grand total of 102 donors.. Participating fire departments will recruit community members, colleagues, friends and family to donate lifesaving blood in an effort to win the Bucket Brigade Trophy. Of course the West County Firefighters would like to win the Trophy this year but we will need the help of the community to do so. To help us you can donate blood, through the Blood Bank of the Redwoods, anywhere in the county between now and the end of January and ask that the donation be made in the name of your favorite West County Fire Department. Blood drives in the West Count will be held on:
• December 16, 2009 from 3pm to 7pm at the Forestville Fire Station
• December 19th from 10am to 1pm at the Russian River Fire Station

Blood drives for Graton and Sebastopol fire stations has already occurred, but you can still donate at any blood bank event, or at their main office, and let them know which department you would like to support.

Preventing Christmas Tree Fires

Selecting a Tree for the Holiday
Needles on fresh trees should be green and hard to pull back from the branches, and the needle should not break if the tree has been freshly cut. The trunk should be sticky to the touch. Old trees can be identified by bouncing the tree trunk on the ground. If many needles fall off, the tree has been cut too long, has probably dried out, and is a fire hazard.
Caring for Your Tree
Do not place your tree close to a heat source, including a fireplace or heat vent. The heat will dry out the tree, causing it to be more easily ignited by heat, flame or sparks. Be careful not to drop or flick cigarette ashes near a tree. Do not put your live tree up too early or leave it up for longer than two weeks. Keep the tree stand filled with water at all times.
Disposing of Your Tree
Never put tree branches or needles in a fireplace or woodburning stove. When the tree becomes dry, discard it promptly. The best way to dispose of your tree is by taking it to a recycling center or having it hauled away by a community pick-up service.

Forestville Fire Protection District
The Forestville Firefighter's Association Toy collection for Toys for Tots, the Giving Tree and the Methodist Church is off to a very slow start this year. Your new and unwrapped gifts may be dropped off at the Forestville Fire Station up to December 23rd. Recalled or used toys can not be accepted.
We are Thankful Too
The full-time staff, volunteers and the Board of Directors of the Forestville Fire Protection District are thankful this year for the continued support of the Forestville Community. Because of your tax dollars we are able to provide a cost effective yet efficient emergency delivery service to the community. Your tax dollars allow the District to have sufficient paid staff to be on the road and responding to any emergency with our first engine company within 45 to 60 seconds from being notified by our Dispatch Center. Every request for service within the District also generates a response from home or work of our full-time and volunteer staff who respond to the station to either respond additional engine companies or standby in case there is another call for service. This occurs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days of the year. As the District's emergency responses near the 700 mark annually this is a significant commitment of personnel and hours. Service and Sacrifice is alive and well in the Forestville Fire Protection District. Again all of the members of the Forestville Fire Protection District would like to thank our entire community for your support and wish you all a happy and safe Holiday Season and a wonderful New Year.

Graton Fire Protection District
Graton Fire Christmas Tree Farm: Thu-Sun 9-5
With the purchase of the Del Davis Christmas Tree Farm at 3750 Gravenstein Highway North in 2006, the volunteer firefighters and board members now find themselves selling Christmas trees. With over 9 acres of pine, fir, and spruce trees, we have lots to sell. The tree farm is open Thursday through Sunday from 9am to 5pm and all donations are going to support the new fire station. As a donation, your tree is tax-deductible as well. Trees are being sold by height, regardless of the type of tree. Pull saws and measuring sticks are available as are volunteer firefighters to help you cut, carry, trim, and net your tree. There are fire helmets and badges for the kids. If you have further questions, please call the firehouse, 823-7939. Thank you for supporting the new fire station.

Toy Drive Deadline is 12/21
Our annual toy drive continues through Monday, December 21st. Each year, Graton volunteer firefighters work with Oak Grove School and local charities to determine needy families in our district. This holiday season, we are collecting new, unwrapped toys for over 30 children up to age 12. We will also accept cash donations, wrapping paper, tape... whatever you can spare. Items can be dropped off at:
• Graton Post Office
• Graton Christmas Tree Farm (Thu-Sun, 9-5)
• Andy’s Produce Market

Thank you to everyone who donated last year and helped make another family’s Christmas a reality. We look forward to your support again this year. Questions? Call 823-7939.

Sebastopol Fire Department
Sebastopol Fire Department is collecting toys for our Christmas helping program until December 15th. Please bring new (or like new) toys to the fire station and help share the spirit of the season.

Russian River Fire Protection District
The Russian River Firefighters are collecting toys for the holiday season. Like many others we are seeing a decline in toy donations, but we are thankful for what arrives, and we know our residents will do everything they can to help out. So feel free to drop off your unwrapped toys at the fire station.
As a reminder please be careful when hanging your holiday decorations and use only Underwriters Laboratory (UL) listed appliances, devices, and lights.
The Russian River Fire District Board of Directors and staff continue to deal with revenue losses beyond our control. We continue to look at cost effective ways to serve you at the same levels you have come to expect. The Board of Directors reminds you to attend the regular Board meetings held here at the Fire Station on the third Tuesday of each month. The meeting in December (12/15/09 at 7pm) is very important since we well be discussing a tax measure we expect to go to the voters on June 8th of next year. The first public hearing specific to the tax measure will be held in early January. We will keep you posted.

Bodega Bay Fire Protection District
The Bodega Bay Firefighters are collecting toys for the holiday season.
Please keep an eye out for our annual report in early February.
Thank you and best wishes for the holiday season.

Drive Safely
Please be very careful out on the road this season. Driving your vehicle is most dangerous this time of year, with rainy, icy weather and often restricted vision due to fog. Please drive carefully and remember to plan ahead with a designated driver if you plan to tip your glass at your favorite Christmas party.

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Efren Carrillo - Our Community

Congratulations to everyone involved in the building, design, and planning for Harmony Union School District’s Salmon Creek Falls Environmental Center at their Occidental campus. Victoria Johnson reports that it has earned the very first LEED PLATINUM certification in Sonoma County, and is the only LEED Platinum public school building in the State! This remarkable achievement resulted from true community collaboration and a lot of hard work.

An important special election for the Russian River Redevelopment Oversight Committee (RRROC) will take place on December 18, 2009 between 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Mail in ballots can be sent if they are received by December 17th.

For details about the election and to read candidate statements, visit www.sonoma-county.org/cdc/rrroc_election.htm
The RRROC provides citizen input and makes funding recommendations for the Russian River Redevelopment Project. Information about meetings and updates are also available at the CDC website.

There are five RRROC seats up for the election in 2009:

• Two seats in the Residential Tenant category (candidates: Amber Twitchell, Chris Auzton, and Dawn Robinson-Warner)
• Two seats in the Residential Owner-Occupant/Residential Property Owner category (candidates: Ken Wikle, Rex Good, and Tom Lynch)
• One seat in the Business Owner/Business Property owner category (running unopposed: Elio Buck Sierra)

The Sonoma County Energy Independence Program (SCEIP) recently reached the $40 million mark in applications. This program provides financing for homeowners and building owners to make energy and water upgrades. From new insulation and windows to toilets and heaters and solar panels, this program is making homes and buildings throughout Sonoma County more energy and water efficient. Many thanks go to Assemblyman Jared Huffman for authoring AB811 which paved the way for our SCEIP program and its financing mechanism.

Local residents from large ranches to individual homeowners have taken advantage of this program. The Dutton Ranch near Sebastopol installed solar panels on their workers' housing that offset up to 99% of the building's electricity needs. This system saves more in electricity costs than their payments.

Having a professional perform an audit of your home or building can reveal inexpensive, easy repairs that can save a lot of energy. For example, a few small efficiency improvements such as duct sealing and insulation can reduce the size of a planned solar system substantially and therefore the system cost.

Russell Gaughen of Monte Rio chose to improve his 1950s era home's energy efficiency on his own by replacing windows, doors and insulation. After making sure his building envelope was energy efficient, the SCEIP program allowed Russell the financing mechanism to install the solar upgrade that he had longed for. With his solar panel system in place, he will pay for it over time with the money he saves on energy bills.

Following on the heels of SCEIP, a collaboration developed by the County and major cities (Santa Rosa, Petaluma, and Rohnert Park) resulted in the newly created Sonoma County Regional Climate Protection Authority which will work with the Climate Protection Campaign to design and implement a one-stop retrofit service. The retrofit program, due to launch in April 2010, will provide energy analysis, finance packages and options (SCEIP), and access to certified contractors through a single contact point.

Funded in part by federal stimulus money, the design and implementation of the retrofit program will include stakeholder input and collaboration with existing programs. The first quarter of 2010 is the critical input and design period for the program. For information or to provide resources, contact Chris Cone (ccone@climateprotectioncampaign.org or 525-1665x118).

To take advantage of the SCEIP program, contact Sonoma County Energy Independence Program (www.sonomacountyenergy.org or 521-6200)

This Christmas season is a great time to support the work of Starcross Community, in the Annapolis hills, which serves the needs of children with HIV/AIDS both locally and internationally. The Starcross story shows that the work of few can make a difference in the lives of many. Starcross relies on Holiday sales to support their work year round. This has been an especially challenging for them with their olive harvest reduced by 90%, so please visit their website at www.starcross.org for both inspiration and to show support with a gift purchase or donation.

This year has been difficult for many in our community, and challenges lie ahead for all of us in the coming year...The Holidays are a good time to slow down, breathe, and appreciate friends, family, and our beautiful county. I hope this season brings all of you opportunities for joy and reflection, and a look forward to the turn of the year.

County offices will be closed from Christmas Eve through January 3rd, as part of a cost saving measures agreed to by our employees.

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Creating Peaceful Holidays with Children

I want to share with you excerpts from an article written by Pam Leo, author of the book, Connection Parenting. It's a wonderful article for this time of year! Enjoy!

"The Gift Every Child Really Wants"

by Pam Leo


Whether we observe Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or Solstice, the holidays have become more stressful for many parents and less happy for many children. By the time we add shopping, wrapping, baking, decorating, and holiday events to our already busy schedules, we have less time than ever to spend with our children. When children don't get enough attention from the people they love, their "love cup" gets empty and they feel disconnected and unhappy.
If adults try to make children happy by buying them more presents to compensate for spending less time with them, we teach children that "things" are supposed to make them happy. When gifts become a substitute for love instead of a symbol of love, children begin to measure how much they are loved by how many gifts they receive. The more empty their "love" cup, the more "things" children ask for to try to fill the emptiness they feel.

The gift every child I really wants, is the gift of feeling connected, loved, and valued. Those feelings can't be found in any present or in any amount of presents. Children want to be with us and to do what we do. Feeling connected, loved, and valued comes from spending time with the people they love and from doing things with and for the people they love.

One of the best gifts we can give to children is the experience of the joy of giving. We can encourage children to make an "I want to give" list as well as an "I want to get" list. Children delight in giving their own gifts. When children are allowed and invited to fully participate in the holiday making, wrapping, baking, and decorating, they become more focused on what they want to give than on what they want to get. Children who feel connected, loved, and valued don't need lots of gifts to fill their "love cup."

We can break the "presents instead of presence" cycle by doing the holidays with our children instead of for them. Whether our children are still very young and we have a fresh beginning to create meaningful holiday traditions and rituals or we have older children who have been accustomed to receiving lots of presents, we can put the "happy" back into the holidays by filling our children's "love cup" with connection instead of consumerism.

Most of all, we can stop trying to "do it all." We can tell family and friends that we are changing how we "do" the holidays and that we have decided to spend more time connecting with our children. When we slow down the pace and stop doing and buying too much, our children are happier, we are happier, and our holidays are happier.

For this entire article, including numerous tips on how to create a less stressful holiday and one filled with more joy please visit Pam Leo's website, www.ConnectionParenting.com

Sharon Ann Wikoff is an educator and has been working with children and families for over 25 years. Her 2010 schedule of parenting classes and services can be found at www.SharonAnnWikoff.com by mid-December. She hosts the radio program, The Voice of Change, which can be heard at www.BlogTalkRadio.com/Sharon-Anne

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Cazadero News December 2009

The relentless cold fog is still surrounding my cozy cyber hut! I do hear that we are going to get a long series of rainstorms next week, so perhaps it will also warm up! The recent Cazadero Holiday crafts faire was very pleasant, with many folks stopping by for early shopping and tasty snacks! I do appreciate the St. Coleman's Ladies and their luscious banana cream pie! Thanks to all of the Cazadero Community Club volunteers, especially Vera Bohan, Susan Moll, the Juillys, Bonnie Chase, the Portas and others too numerous to list!

The Club will begin meeting monthly again on Tuesday, March 2, 2010 - 7 p.m. at the Firehall. This is the perfect time to renew or obtain your Club Membership. Only $10.00 for Individuals and $15.00 for families! Please send to P.O. Box 3,Cazadero 95421.As a member of the Caz Club, I am very pleased that our fund-raising efforts have enabled us to once again donate to the CVFD, FT. Ross FVD, the Montgomery Elementary school and in creating 5 scholarships for local High School grads.

Several Cazaderans will participate in the Annual Occidental Holiday Faire, to be held at the Occidental Community Center on Friday-Sat. December 12-13. There will also be a very festive 3- day Monte Rio Wonderland Faire on Dec.18 - 20 at the lovely MR Community Center/Koret Club. Support your local craft persons and groups! The Old Tyme Cazadero Xmas celebration will take place downtown on Saturday, Dec.12. from about 11 a.m. Sponsored by the great Cazadero General store, the event usually has a fun parade, 'snow' and good cheer! Several local crafters will also be on hand.

The Russian River Jewish Community will host a fabulous Chanukah latke party and musical evening with Jubilee Klezmer Ensemble, Thursday, Dec. 17th 5:30 at the RR Senior Center. Bring candles and menorahs for a group lighting! Please call 632 5545 for more info. The Cazadero Supply continues its 1st Saturday 15% off sale-a great way to stock up for the winter!
Raymond’s Bakery offers up many tasty holiday delights, plus Friday's Pizza Night.

The Montgomery Elementary School's Annual holiday extravaganza will be held at the Firehall at 7 p.m. on Dec.17th. Santa Claus will also visit the classrooms at MES on Friday, Dec. 18th, arriving in a CVFD fire truck. Winter break begins on December 21st and school resumes on January 4, 2010. Students were happy to have gone on many field trips, including to the De Young museum and Japanese Tea Garden in San Francisco, and the Charles Schultz Museum and Skating Rink. Join the Boosters Club and help out at your school!

Happy Birthday to Karen Lough celebrating on Dec.20, Daniel Kane turns 24 on Christmas Day, Katie King will be 23 on Dec. 27th,my friend Stephen Gross of Riens Beach celebrates on New Years Eve, other local Capricorn friends are Peter Perlman, Curtis Sabah and my dear husband Gregorio, who will dance for joy on his January 6th birthday! Alana Mummy turns 19 on January 1st, Hank Weidmann will be 24 on Jan.17th, and Kellie Hickson turns 20 on January 12th. Remember to tune into your local low-power FM Station, KGGV FM 95.1-streaming at www.kggvfm.org Several Cazaderans including myself, Fred Sabino and Gregorio Pehrson are regular programmers and have a lot of fun presenting great programming to you! Have a wonderful Chanukah, Christmas and Kwanaza and a very peaceful New Year! Please call me at 6325545 or email mayawrld@sonic.net with info for your Cazadero Column.

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Camp Meeker News December 2009

I guess I know what to write about this time. It was a fairly big deal learning that our drinking water was not entirely safe, and a pretty stressful week it was. At this point I hang my head in shame and confess that I was, um, out of town that week. Yep, I had just made the big used-truck score on a sweet ’04 Tacoma with - get this – 12,000 miles on her. And unbeknownst to me, the sweet mag rims that earned me many dude points among the Truck Guys at work (and lo, they are legion). A score like that merits a few days of hitting the road “Easy Rider” style and, y’know, Finding America. And a gorgeous America it is if you drive in leisurely fashion up the Oregon coast as I did on two sparkling and crisp blue sky autumn days. When I arrived in Tacoma with my Tacoma, it was gray and rainy as per standard Puget Sound procedure, but the un-damage had been done. I am a happy man.

But back to the late unpleasantness in Damp Sneaker. It was, if Brock Dolman will pardon my pun, a watershed moment. If you have been reading up on global events, you know that fresh potable water (and the looming lack thereof) is one of the four horsemen that are riding down on this world in this most interesting century. The other three being peak oil, climate change, and encroaching wifi. I kid, I kid. Writing that sentence was depressing the heck out of me and I needed to lighten the mood.

Yes, our water line broke, spilling our drinking water into the creek and ingesting who knows what foul pollutants from the storm water. Maybe none, we don’t know – but prudence and unambiguous state law dictated that we be told in no uncertain terms to boil our water before drinking it. Everything is fine now, for us anyway. Still to be told is the chlorinated drinking water’s effect on the 8,000 coho fingerlings planted in the creek not long before as part of the effort to bring the salmon back to Dutch Bill Creek and to the Russian River watershed as a whole.

As we feel empathy for those coho children, let’s also feel empathy for the many people world wide for whom boiling water before drinking it is a daily and indefinite truth. Our access to fresh drinkable water right from the tap is the most precious luxury any of us own – and own it we do, along with the apparently fragile pipeline bringing it to us. Of course, by “ownership” I mean we pay the bills on it while other people decide what is to be done with it. Such is representative democracy, and I am not saying that in despair. Whatever horrible things are beyond our control in DC and worldwide, local elections still matter. As if anyone here needs reminding.

The specific task before us now is to educate ourselves on this water pipe as much as we can. Not only will this knowledge aid us in making appropriate decisions as required about the water pipeline, any knowledge we can gather about this pipeline will prove to be useful data if another pipeline, such as a sewer pipe, is ever proposed again.

The other thing we can get good practice at is solving a community problem together. We’re going to have to do more of that in the future, and with far less help from distant government authorities. If we get better at working together for mutual survival, that will be the silver lining here.

Okay, let’s end on a happy note. Shortly before the whole pipeline excitement, Gold Ridge Resource Conservation District (GRRCD) had a celebration at the firehouse for the completion of the dam removal and creek restoration project. Go down there and be inspired by what a community can do, working together. GRRCD was the spearhead agency on this and I say job well done. Your tax dollars at work!

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Artist Profile: Zak Zaikine

Press kits are not an everyday occurrence in my mailbox and often unsolicited materials are immediately relegated to the circular file in an attempt to eliminate clutter in my life. So when I received a large envelope a couple of months ago, I immediately looked with skepticism at the elaborate addressing and sighed. The return address was Zak Zaikine, artist of considerable talent and a name on my list of artists that I must meet. The book that emerged from the plain manila encasing was a colorfully crafted tribute to one of my favorite places in the world, the Hawaiian Island of Kauai. The Magic of Hanalei Bay is the story of Kauai rain and wind, the chickens that survive in this environment and the mercreatures of the sea. Inside was a personally inscribed message offering rainbows and blessings to me and my family. A coy little chicken graces the middle of the inscription and holds a heart with the words “for you.” The package was a hard sell that immediately grabbed my attention and warmed my heart. Such was my second introduction to Zak Zaikine.

I had first heard of Zak from Janet Charnofsky in 2006. (She was featured in this column in May, 2006.) Janet gave me a greeting card with one of Zak’s whimsical images and suggested that I contact him. “He is going through some health issues right now but please keep him in mind,” was Janet’s advice. The card has been amongst my desktop collection for these three and a half years – reminding me that someday I will meet this young man with a flair for bright colors, fanciful images and apparently poor health. Little did I know that this “young” man has produced art for over 60 years! The vibrancy and joy in his paintings and children’s books reflect youth and optimism that is not anticipated. But meeting Zak takes away all preconceived notions of age or health.

The first thing that comes to mind when entering the lair of Zak Zaikine is that he loves to make art. His art is everywhere and comes in all varieties. The kitchen walls and surfaces are covered with ceramics (he has two kilns), sketches and metal figurines of Zak’s making. As he leads the tour of his house, each room has a theme – although not necessarily adhered to – of a genre or era in his lifetime of creating. He talks of making sculptures out of hangers in the 50’s and the famous patrons he has known over the years. He reminisces about the house he built on Long Island and sold to Paul Taylor, the choreographer, because their numerology was compatible. He beams as he speaks of his two daughters, Lynda and Anastasia. He insists that the people who have cared for him during his struggle and recovery from MRSA and the loss of his leg be mentioned because without them, he would not be having this discussion today.

Zak was born in Queens, New York to immigrant Russian parents with the name Victor Eugene Zaikine. His New York heritage is woven through his conversation as easily as his life in California. He has resided in many places but Sonoma County is the final refuge that supports his desires to be in consort with the universe and partake of the fruits that abound. While no part of his artist endeavors take a back seat to others, Zak’s current emphasis is on his children’s books. In addition to The Magic of Hanalei Bay, two other books are currently available – A Mother’s Love, a story of kittens based on his experiences while living on a ranch outside of Healdsburg, and Eugene and the Magical Carrot Tree. Any child would be delighted to have one or all of these books under the Christmas tree. They are beautifully produced on recycled paper with soy inks. You can purchase the books on Zak’s website www.zakzaikine.com or you can locate one of the many local galleries where Zak’s work is displayed. I know that you will find signed books at Quicksilver Mining Company in downtown Forestville.

Zak’s large collection of art works is truly as magical as his stories. I sincerely hope that you will take time in this busy holiday season to find a little magic.
In honoring Zak’s wishes to give praise to the many who have helped in his recovery, I am including this thanks from him.

My Healing could not have happened without the help of my Darling Daughter Anastasia, My Dear Friend Karin O’Keefe, My Friend and Acupuncturist David Walker, My Dear Friend and Neighbor Ron, Dr. Thomas Yatteau, Cheryl Caletti, N.P., Vicchi Oleski, Claude Smith, Rick Hobbs, Natalie Slanina, Adrianne Sinclair, Lorenzo De Santis, Shayne Cook, Bud D’Orazio, Elizabeth Draper, Joshua Muscat and Steve of Buffalo Direct. Let these few represent the countless other folks in my extended community.

You can email your comments to bshula@comcast.net. Read what other things Barbara is up to at www.MyWineCountryVillage.com.

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Forestville Events December 2009

We would like to thank all the volunteers who helped contsruct the new playground at the Forestville Youth Park. The project was a huge success. Please keep in mind that the park is solely maintained by volunteers, so bring gardening supplies next time you visit and help us keep the park looking clean and beautiful.

Thank You to everyone who attended the Forestville Tree Lighting ceremony on Nov. 29. Thank you to anyone who brought treats to share, the choir for caroling, Kim Horn and Forestville students for their hand-painted gourds decorating the tree, and the Forestville Fire Department for giving Santa a grand entrance. A final thank you to the Forestville Chamber of Commerce for hosting this wonderful event every year!

Holiday Open House in Forestville
The gathering will honor Brenda Adelman and will feature her beautiful hand crafted jewelry for sale at a wide range of great gift-giving prices.
Brenda has been a local hero for three decades, working tirelessly to protect our river. She’s also a talented artisan and for the first time is showing her work privately.
Refreshments provided. Bring something to share if you are so inclined. There will be great conversation, board games for those who want to play, and good holiday cheer!
Saturday, December 12
1-4 p.m.
8346 Park Avenue
Mirabel Heights, Forestville
Info: 887-0711 or 887-8381

Madrigal Dinner
Forestville United Methodist Church invites you to attend a Madrigal Dinner on December 12th. It will be a visit to a bygone time at a 17th Century English manor house whose middle class Squire and Lady invite the townfolk to enjoy a Christmas Feast with a festive meal and pageant with Christmas music, song and dancing. It is designed to be a fun time for the community and congregation, to build camaraderie and focus persons on the Christmas season. While the staff and performers will be in costume, guests are not required to wear a costume, but may to choose to do so. The cost is $15 for adults and $10 for children. Seating is limited so make your reservations no later than December 5th. To reserve a seat, call the church office at 887-2020.

Fellowship Committee members and others will prepare and serve the four course meal and provide entertainment for the guests. Mike and Joan Mortensson will serve as the Squire and Lady of the Manor, presiding over the event. Neil Yeager will play the “Lord of Misrule” in the pageantry. There will be a variety of entertainers including a group of dancers, singers and harpsichord, dulcimer, guitar, flute, and recorder musicians.

Imagine the FUMC Social Hall decorated with 17th Century banners and grapevine wreaths with lighting by small Christmas lights and candles in punched tin candleholders. Guests will be seated at long tables with green tablecloths, greenery and candles as was the custom of the day.
The meal will be served family style in four courses. First course will be mushroom soup. Second course will be Shepherd’s Pie. Third course will be cheese and fruit. Fourth course will be steamed pudding. There may even be a surprise at the end of the feast. The Fellowship Committee looks forward to seeing you at the Madrigal Dinner! Make your reservations soon.

Children’s Christmas Party
A Gift of Time for you!
A Gift of Love for your Kids!
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Does the Holiday season get a little too busy, or a lot??? Do you wish you could just have a few hours to yourself or to share with a special friend or spouse? Do you need time to find or make the Christmas surprises just right for your children?

As a gift to the parents of our Forestville community, our Godly Play staff are planning a Children’s Christmas Party at the church on Saturday, December 19th from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Families may bring their children ages 4 to 12 and youth willing to be Christmas “angels.”
The real story of Christmas will be shared with the children through Godl