Fri Mar 18
1. The latest attack on the citizen-enforced California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
2. Free monthly workshop series and volunteer workday at HANC Nursery - this Sunday
3. Phat Beets Produce unveils free Food N' Justice workshop series at the North Oakland Farmers' Market
4. Save the Bay in one corner, Cargill in the other. Be a spectator and auditor on March 29
5. Super Full Moon tomorrow, Saturday. Rain, rain, go away; come again some other day
6. Report on Weed Day at Capitol/Help save state weed programs, including Weed Management Areas
7. Death by a thousand cuts: status on the national level, and some impacts on California
8. Sunday Streets starts 2011 season this Sunday - full calendar
9. Teenager tragedy raises concerns about channelization of streams/herring run draws thousands of birds/the charming Tiger Salamander
10. Shark fin soup - letter to Paul Fong
11. Pacific Chorus Frogs in San Francisco
12. Caltrans' Niles Canyon Project update
13. Feedback: Living New Deal Project/bees and Garlon/native worms for composting?
14. Decide which documents don't need printing out; avoid unnecessary printing
15. Wild Animal Sanctuary featured documentary: The Elephant in the Living Room April 1
16. Save the Dates: Los Landscapes of San Francisco and Detroit
17. 2011 Climate Change and the California Desert conference April 2 at UC Riverside
18. Neighborhood Parks Council - Community Opportunity Fund Round 2
19. 2011 Water Conservation Awards March 22/Paddle to the Sea to benefit Tuolumne River Trust
20. Hetch Hetchy Film Festival March 29 - Harrison Ford and David Brower
21. John Muir the Artist
22. Support Pacifica Land Trust - dinner March 23
23. Rock out to SaveNature at Bowl-the-Planet
24. Ted Kipping potluck/slide show March 22 - Pakistan
25. Scientific American potpourri
26. Wisconsin governor Scott Walker and endorsement by the Koch Bros.
27. Aphorism is the oldest and shortest literary art form. What is it? Geary's Guide to the World's Great Aphorists
28. Traditional marriage is dead. Let's celebrate
29. Notes & Queries: sharks, hiccups, bowing and scraping
(JS: CEQA--California Environmental Quality Act--is a citizen-enforced law, so there is no govt agency doing it for you. Republicans [mostly] have been trying to destroy or weaken it for years, often coming very close. They have a club, the Budget, to hold over the governor and Democrats this year, so this is a dire threat.)
1. The latest attack on CEQA
The recently proposed overhaul of CEQA comes as a compromise to getting the proposed budget passed. Brown is currently negotiating with five anti-CEQA GOP legislators: Sens. Sam Blakeslee, Anthony Cannella, Bill Emmerson, Tom Berryhill and Tom Harman. Senator Cannella is at the forefront of weakening CEQA through his bill, SB 241, which exempts several existing projects and expands the criteria for project exemption.
These recent events warrant action: please contact your local representatives to stop SB 24 and prevent budget bargaining with CEQA.
The following resources will help educate and mobilize those interested in preserving CEQA.
1) LA Times Article:
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-budget-environment-20110316,0,4929214,print.story
2) Sacramento Bee Article:
http://www.sacbee.com/2011/03/10/3466378/groups-urge-brown-to-keep-environmental.html
3) SB 241 (I will forward attachment on request, or google it. JS)
4) How to find your local representative: http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/yourleg.html
****************************
Aster.jpg
2. Monthly Free Workshop Series and Volunteer Workdays this Sunday at Noon!
Co-sponsored by Haight Ashbury Neighborhood Council and Nature in the City.
signandnursery.jpg
BUG GAL JESSICA OROZCO
Jessica shares her knowledge on evolution and the interaction of plants and insects.
Jessica Orozco regularly conducts field trips to the coast and riparian habitats to teach plant identification, Ethnobotany and Ecology. Currently she's examining a model system to study the effects of an invasive species on the dynamics of food webs- as student in Dr. Connor's Lab at SFSU.
The workshop is one hour, 12-1pm, at the native nursery in the Hanc recycling yard, 780 Frederick St.
We'll move inside if it's raining. Stick around after the workshop to volunteer at our monthly workday.
To reserve a spot: 415 564-4107 or deidre@natureinthecity.org
*********************
3. Phat Beets Produce unveils free Food N' Justice workshop series at the North Oakland Farmers' Market
Starting March 26th the North Oakland Farmers' Market will begin its free Saturday workshop series entitled Food N' Justice. The series will be during the Saturday North Oakland Farmers' market in the experiential tent and will feature such diverse workshops from Urban Aquaponics with Kijiji Grows to Homemade Food Preservation with Author and food Activist Sandor Katz . Most workshops are 12-2pm and all are free and open to the public
Phat Beets Produce works to connect small farmers of color to urban communities through the creation of farmers' markets and school farm stands and urban market gardens. The North Oakland Farmers Market happens every Tuesday 2-7pm at 747 52nd St and every Saturday 10-3pm at the Arlington Medical Center Parking Lot at 5715 Market St. These are food justice farmers' markets and are rooted in the belief that healthy food is a human right and not a privilege. EBT and WIC are always welcome and accepted. More information is available at www.phatbeetsproduce.org
***************************************
4. As a valued member of the Save The Bay community, we'd like to extend an invitation to a special debate on March 29, sponsored by Bay Citizen and the San Francisco Planning and Urban Research Association (SPUR), between Save The Bay's own David Lewis and Peter Calthorpe, chief designer of Cargill's salt pond development plan.
Cargill's salt pond development plan is the biggest threat to San Francisco Bay in 50 years. These 1,436 acres of salt ponds should be protected and restored to wetlands to benefit wildlife, water quality and the region's quality of life. That is why Save The Bay is working to defeat this destructive Bay fill proposal and promote full restoration of the site.
We hope you'll join us for what promises to be a lively debate!
When:
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
5:30 p.m. reception
6:00 -- 7:00 p.m. debate
Where:
SPUR 654 Mission Street
San Francisco, CA 94105-4015
How Much:
Free to SPUR and Bay Citizen members
$5 for non-members
*************************************
5. Super Full Moon March 19
A super full moon occurs when the Moon is at its closest point to Earth in its orbit around us. (Yes, that's a self-centered or solipsist viewpoint--we both orbit around a common center of gravity.) I post this in the forlorn hope that the clouds will part Saturday night. After all, they owe us one. Remember when there was a total lunar eclipse at the winter solstice, just four months ago? Rain. Grrrr. OK, weatherman, you DO owe us one. So deliver.
http://www.tecca.com/news/2011/03/17/super-full-moon/
********************************
6. JS: Brief report on Weed Day at the Capitol
Close to 40 volunteers, deeply concerned about the effects of invasive plants on land and water natural systems as well as in agriculture, came from various parts of northern California for their annual visit to legislative staff. Even in a grim year spirits were high, fueled by the importance of their cause. This 8th annual visit was, like the others, fun and educational--for volunteer participants as well as for staffers. That's why we return every year. And I always look forward to being in the beautiful Capitol, restored about 30 years ago at the controversial (yes, controversial) price of $67 million. Turned out the best $67 million we ever spent. This year we weren't able to go into the ravishingly beautiful Assembly and Senate because they were both in session--and the atmosphere was palpably intense, oozing out and penetrating all parts of the Capitol. Blood, too.
For us it was a tough message when there's no money. However, we had a bottom line, which was our main message: Keep vital weed programs, including Weed Management Areas, on the books, even if unfunded. Eliminating them entirely would be disastrous, as it would be difficult or impossible to reinstate them later. I have no idea what the politics behind these proposals are, but you can be sure they are complicated, even Byzantine.
As always, weeds is not a liberal vs conservative issue, nor partisan. It tends to be more rural vs urban, as urban representatives tend to be much less aware of the issue, even though everyone is affected in one way or another. City folks tend to be more focused on the human-built world; unfortunately cities are where most of the people live, so that's a built-in problem.
(Added note: Cover enough legislators and sooner or later you get a little surprise, often a pleasant one. Last year we met with Republican Assemblyman Paul Cook, former mayor of Yucca Valley, who converted his city into a Dark Sky City, requiring all lighting to be directed ground-ward. He likes to see the starry sky. He also instituted a program of native plants to be planted throughout the city.
This year my pleasant surprise was the staffer we talked to in Fiona Ma's office (an urban legislator!). She was a PhD in some aspect of saltcedar (tamarisk), one of the worst weeds of the entire west, but particularly in arid riparian areas. So she had a pair of ears to hear our message. She also had a firm grasp of political realities, and reminded us that our message would be much better received if we could say that our issues would help create jobs. Ah yes, I expect that to be topic A with politicians for the foreseeable future, but a hard one for us to make.)
___________________________
Save WMAs and CDFA Weed Programs - Send letters!
Amid massive cuts being made in Sacramento, CDFA is proposing to eliminate funding for all weed programs, including WMAs, A-rated weed eradication, and biocontrols. As the state agency mandated to protect the state from invasive plants, It’s critical that CDFA retain these programs at some level, even minimal, so that existing infrastructure can be renewed when funding does become available.
Please send letters from your organization to help save these programs (see our sample letter and instructions on where to send).
On March 16, natural resource managers came to Sacramento for Invasive Weeds Awareness Day at the Capitol and visited the offices of all 120 state legislators. We found a high degree of interest in balancing needed cuts while not crippling the state’s long-term ability to maintain critical programs that address invasive plants. Thank you to all that were able to attend.
To maintain these programs through the current and future rounds of cuts, your letters can make a difference. Keep them coming.
Doug Johnson
Executive Director
California Invasive Plant Council
**************************
7. Planning & Conservation League
DEATH BY A THOUSAND CUTS
Yesterday, the U.S. Senate passed yet another stopgap measure to prevent a federal government shutdown, while lawmakers attempt to work out a deal on the federal budget. The current federal budget is loaded with provisions that slash funding for public health, clean air, endangered speciesand clean water. Some of the wholesale cuts include stripping the Obama Administration of its ability to act on climate change, cutting all funding for protecting salmon in the San Francisco Bayand support for the removal of the Klamath dams.
With the next deadline extended to April 8th, lawmakers will return to their districts. No doubt greeted by constituents who understand what is at stake and hoping to protect their air, drinking water, and communities.
**********************************
8. Sunday Streets 2011 Season starts this Sunday!
(Rain or shine...)
Beginning of Sunday Streets season starts this Sunday, March 20th, and goes through October 23rd.
Someday it's gonna rain... Possibly this Sunday. It might be wet out, but Sunday Streets will go on. We'll be out and ready for the 11:00 am start time, so bring your umbrellas and plan for a leisurly walk or ride along the car-free Embarcadero. Any changes of plans will be posted on Sunday Streets website (www.SundayStreetsSF.com) and Facebook page.
What’s New in 2011:
· Event Hours: 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. This change is in response to the chorus of requests for the event to go later each day. The later schedule allows participants to attend their regular Sunday morning activities or linger over breakfast and still have time to enjoy a full day of Sunday Streets.
· Emphasis on local programming and spontaneous activities: We are looking to community leaders, merchant associations and neighborhood groups to play a larger role in creating activities along each route. Sunday Streets will still offer free bike rentals (one hour, credit card and ID required) and repairs, bike education, outdoor roller rink, kids and pet programs and have areas set aside for specific activities and community outreach. The rest of Sunday Streets programs will be community-driven and community-produced events and activities. Go to SundayStreetsSF.com to find a downloadable version of Sunday Streets 2011 Program Guidelines.
· Zero waste: Large banners with maps and program areas will replace printed schedules, and we are asking our program partners to minimize hand outs and engage participants through interactive activities instead.
· Improvements to established routes:We are working to improve routes, focusing on using merchant corridors and routes that connect to new neighborhoods.
o Bayview: Connect via Lower Portrero Hill and Mission.
o Mission: 24th Valencia Streets (dropping Harrison and adding another commercial street).
o WesternAddition: Includes North of Panhandle, Alamo Square, Fillmore neighborhoods.
o Civic Center/Tenderloin: New route in Tenderloin/Civic Center area that creates a connected route through the area.
Volunteers Rock!
The San Francisco Bicycle Coalition manages the thousands of volunteers who, collectively, provide hundreds of hours of dedicated work to keep Sunday Streets safe and fun for everyone. For more info on how to volunteer go to: www.sundaystreetsSF.com/volunteer.html
Sunday Streets 2011 Season Schedule (confirmed):
· March 20: Embarcadero from Fisherman’s Wharf to Mission Bay;
· April 10: Great Highway and Golden Gate Park;
· May 8: Mission- includes the popular route along 24th and Valencia Streets;
· June 12: Bayview, 3rd St. from Bayview Opera House to Dogpatch, Lower Potrero Hill;
· July 10: Great Highway and Golden Gate Park;
· August 14: Civic Center/Tenderloin;
· September 11: Western Addition- North Panhandle, Alamo Square and Fillmore neighborhoods;
· October 23; Mission;
Show your support for Sunday Streets:
DONATE: https://livablecity.org/donate/
BE OUR FRIENDon Facebook: facebook.com/sundaystreets
Sunday Streets is made possible by the good work of the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency, the program’s official City sponsor, the SF Mayor’s Office and Livable City.
************************************
9. From Watershed Project
Are Creeks Dangerous?
Tragic Loss Raises Concerns About Channelization
As the city of Walnut Creek mourns the loss of two vibrant, happy teenagers, residents look to the source of the tragedy: creek channelization. How can we make creeks a safer place? Read More
herring1.jpg
Gulls Gone Wild
Herring Run Draws Thousands of Birds to Pt. Richmond
A flurry of gray and white bodies eclipsed the shoreline tides. Like something out of a Hitchcock film, birds flapped, circled, dived, and feasted on an abundance of roe. Last month, an excellent run of herring deposited billions of eggs on seaweed, rocks, eelgrass and pier pilings. Read More
Click here to read more...What's in Your Watershed?
The Charming Tiger Salamander
Marshy wet patches in Northern California's pastures and fields are more than just mud puddles. They are rich ecosystems for the glossy-eyed California Tiger Salamander.
Read more
********************************
10. Shark fin soup
To 22nd District Assemblymember Paul Fong:
Thank you very much for being the principal co-author of AB 376 banning the importation and sale of shark fins! I strongly support this bill. Cutting off the fins of sharks and letting them sink to their deaths is a horrible practice.
The argument that this practice should continue because it is "cultural" is a weak one. Cultural practices can be cruel as this one is, and societies move on, leaving these practices behind. The Chinese used to bind the feet of women, basically making cripples of them, because it was felt that it made them desirable. That practice has ended. There are examples in all cultures of this kind of evolving away from cruel practices. Pam Hemphill MD
Dear Ms. Hemphill,
Thank you for your letter in support of Assembly Bill 376. As a co-author of this bill, I could not agree more strongly that we need to start protecting the world’s shark population and ocean ecosystem by banning the possession, sale, trade and distribution of shark fins.
I applaud you for your proactivity and urge you to continue gathering support by speaking with friends and family about this important issue. Together, we can make a difference! Paul Fong
****************************************
11. Pacific Chorus Frogs in San Francisco (from Edgard Bermudez)
> I have been reading about the PCF in San Francisco….. you may or may not know this…but since the 1960s-1970s there was always a small population of frogs in the backyards on the 700 block of Athens St…..i should know I grew up there and they always came out to croak when it rained……..as far as I know they are still there…..
******************************************
12. CalTrans Niles Canyon Project Update
More than 170 people showed up at the hearing with CalTrans on March 9th to oppose the Niles Canyon “Safety Improvement” Project, and peppered CalTrans Region 4 Director Bijan Sartipi with questions about the need for the project, the purported safety benefits and severe environmental impacts including damage to the Alameda Creek environment. For photos and information about the hearing seewww.savenilescanyon.org.
Niles CanyonProtest Picking Up Steam
Livermore Independent 3-12-11
Niles Canyon Road Widening Project Battle Brews
San Francisco Chronicle 3-10-11
Caltrans Moving Ahead With First Niles Canyon Road Project
Contra Costa Times 3-10-11
Caltrans has agreed to hold another public hearing soon, this time in the evening so that more of the public can attend. We do not have a date yet for the hearing - stay tuned for details, we will want to pack this meeting. Check www.savenilescanyon.org for updates. CalTrans however has refused to put the project on hold or stop the project and could not provide answers for many of the community’s questions. The agency confirmed its reputation as arrogant, non-responsive to the public, deceptive and lacking transparency, and uniterested in community input.
Save Niles Canyon and the Alameda Creek Alliance will hold another protest against the project at the bottom of the canyon in Niles, on Saturday, April 9th at 3 pm. Seewww.savenilescanyon.org for more information.
**************************************
13. Feedback
Gray Brechin:
> Thank you for the lovely tribute on your front page! Now I do owe you lunch. I'll try to get over to SF before going back to NYC in a couple of weeks to spread the New Deal Gospel to the benighted heathens there.
>
> Your theory that crises produce great leaders is an interesting one, but then, why didn't it make a great leader of Obama because we are indeed in multiple crises now from which the drug of ubiquitous and spectacular entertainment coupled with our incremental destruction of our public education system has successfully distracted us. For many people and places in the country, we are in a Great Depression now, and yet we get blithe happy talk out of the White House about the improving economy. Obama may even believe that crap since, unlike FDR, he surrounded and insulated himself with many of the people who caused the crash, none of whom are wearing the prison stripes they deserve. We must, after all, look forward rather than back unless one happens to be Bradley Manning or PJ Crowley.
>
> I've been reading Roosevelt's speeches and comparing them with those of the would-be Great Orator now in the White House. The difference is striking: FDR's had genuine substance based on firm convictions that government's role is to help its citizens (and the environment.) Obama delivers market-tested glittering generalities that don't amount to a pitcher of warm spit. Having grown up with wealth, FDR was not impressed or intimidated by it, whereas it dazzles the Obamas. I won't even begin to contrast the achievements of Eleanor Roosevelt (who really DID deserve the Nobel Peace Prize) and Michelle's.
>
> Aside from the crisis in Japan which is now coming our way (even as Obama reassures us that OUR reactors are perfectly safe when, in fact, THOSE reactors were ours as well), the twin crises that Obama has never addressed in public are climate change and the current mass extinction. His inaction and silence on the former may well be his most lasting and catastrophic legacy. When I was in DC last week, I saw an extraordinary exhibition of paintings by Alexis Rockman at the American Museum of Art. Rockman has a deep reverence for terrestrial life paired with an equally great apprehension of what we are doing to it, and he renders his visions in often panoramic paintings of what is coming at us while we diddle with our iPods and cheer for our favorite team. My favorite was of the ruined U.S. Capitol overwhelmed with vines in a fetid swamp in the not-so-distant future. I thought "What an appropriate fate to the institution whose members now so stridently insist that climate change is a liberal hoax and the president who sabotaged the Copenhagen talks on his way to deliver a war speech in Oslo!" A small creek called the Tiber heads on Capitol Hill and runs underground down the Mall to the Potomac. How fitting that Obama's fecklessness, like that of the largely forgotten caesars of the past, will bring back that swamp to engulf the buildings of today's Rome.
Gray: You don't share my assessment of our present situation. I reprint here, for reference, what I said then regarding liberals' disappointment with Barack Obama:
Many have expressed disappointment in Barack Obama. My view is that history throws up great men only in extraordinary times, times of crisis. We are not presently in the type of crisis that allows for history-changing type of leadership. Not enough people are hurting and desperate yet. The suffering today cannot be compared with that of the 1930s, a point that Gray Brechin underscores. Otherwise, we would not have voted in an unregenerate Republican Party. Perhaps the G.O.P. can produce the crisis that can produce change? While great souls and minds often have changed the course of history, they can't do it if the times are not ripe. Lincoln or FDR couldn't have surmounted the obstacles that confronted Obama; the time is not ripe.
As you said yourself, we can't compare, eg, today's unemployment and plight of working classes with that of the 1930s. A difference can be underlined by the fact that not only did FDR get elected in a landslide, together with a huge-majority Democratic Congress, but he got re-elected three more times. How did the electorate respond to the "crisis" today? Look to the 2010 election.
No, Gray, the country doesn't agree with you, and it is because too many voters are comfortable, even if they are not rolling in quite as much dough as they were. It takes a lot of suffering to get people to pay attention to what is happening; they haven't suffered enough yet, not nearly enough. Things have to get a lot worse--and they will. It won't be fun, but that's what it takes to effect change.
As to Obama and your dim view of him, what would Lincoln have done without the crisis of secession? He would have been another in a series of mediocre-to-decent presidents that we had during the 19th century. Ditto Roosevelt without the Depression. Great people do mold history often; I cited several last newsletter. But some discover greatness in themselves in response to crises they are confronted with. Does Obama have greatness hidden within? Perhaps not, but we'll never know until we get into a full-blown crisis, which could happen. Until that time, he's severely restricted in what he can do, and many who voted him in are hurting in their disappointment. Not me; I knew he inherited a lose-lose situation, with high and uncurable unemployment, huge deficits (thanks to Dubya, mostly), and enough Republicans to stymie change. Stick around; things are going to get a lot more interesting--and painful.
In the meantime, irreparable damage is going to be done, some of which could have been avoided if the electorate were more educated. Our educational system has always emphasized the business and technological side versus educating the mind and heart, and we are paying the price.
Let's do get together for lunch for our promised gloom session, seeing who can out-gloom the other. We're both pretty good, but I bet I'll win. I never expected Obama to make substantial changes.
On Mar 16, 2011, at 2:24 PM, Steven Lawrence wrote:
> Jake, it was great to see and hear about all the WPA (and other similar agencies) projects. An excellent lecture. Thank you.
>
> I wonder how the New Deal was financed. As today government must have been coming up short collecting revenues. I've never heard that these works were bond financed. Today even plugging pot holes may be bond financed.
>
> Another observation: we could never repeat today; the EIRs and approvals would take ten years. In the 1930s they just built and built.
>
> Finally, were workers paid minimum wage? I'm guessing they weren't unionized, as back then government workers were not. (Roosevelt expressed belief that they could and should not be, I've heard.) I doubt they had prevailing wage underpinnings.
I can guarantee you they were not paid minimum wage, and of course there were no unions, nor any needed. Minimum wage laws and unions were created to address problems; as these problems didn't exist at the time there was no need. Simple.
I'm puzzled why you brought up the question, as it was not germane to the situation. People were starving or on the verge of starvation. They finally got a govt (and employer) desperately concerned about their plight and doing all it could to help them--and they were deeply grateful.
On Mar 18, 2011, at 6:08 AM, (beekeeper) Philip Gerrie wrote:
> Someone else was sounding the garlon alarm in the Marin Beeclub with this:
>> On January 15th www.milliontrees.wordpress.com picked up my letter and printed it along with additional information that I think is important for us all to know. Apparently these many agencies use Garlon, with the active ingredient triclopyr, to kill the roots of Eucalyptus trees that have been removed. Garlon is toxic to bees.
>
> I replied with: I concur with Craig.( who advocated reason) Being green is not black nor white. Beekeepers also love star thistle that is overrunning the state's grasslands. Eucalyptus nectar has a habit of crystalizing easily as well. With many things, we look with tunnel vision at what is best for us through what is best for the bees. It is simple to state things in a way that is alarmist or show pictures right after trees have been removed. The challenge nowadays is to make decisions in an informed way.
>
> I could do with a little less honey and know that plants and whole eco-systems that were here for thousands of years have a chance.
>
> I spent 1 minute of googling and found this.
>
> How do you know the amount of Garlon 3A applied won’t hurt animals?
> The mode of action of triclopyr, the active ingredient in Garlon 3A, affects plants only. The herbicide’s active ingredient disrupts the growth process within the plant by affecting enzymes unique to plants. Garlon 3A does not have a similar effect on animals or insects.
>
> (Oh, and I love they way they use the word pesticides for herbicides)
Which is not inaccurate; herbicides are now classed as pesticides. Anti-chemical advocates choose it because it sounds dangerous. However, that is slightly misleading, because herbicides in general tend to be less dangerous than most insecticides. As you state, triclopyr (Garlon), as well as glyphosate (Roundup) are designed to interact with plant metabolism, but not those of animals.
On Mar 17, 2011, at 6:47 AM, Daniel Jacobs wrote:
> Subject: Native worms for composting?
>
> Hello Jake, I'd like to start worm-composting the kitchen scraps in my Pleasant Hill apartment. In the reading I've done so far on vermicomposting, I've found that the worm species typically used for composting came originally from Europe: Eisenia fetida (red wiggler) and Lumbricus rubellus, another European red worm. L. rubellus worms, when released into natural settings in North America, tend to consume leaf litter so fast that they disrupt local ecosystems -- according to composting author Cathy Cromell.
>
> Instead of propagating an introduced species, I'd much rather deal with a native species of worm. Do you have any suggestions for an appropriate native species? And, if so, do you know where I could buy a starter batch of worms?
I don't think I can help you, Daniel, as I know little about the subject, and possibly less than you. I have read a number of digest articles on the subject and what I've read seems to indicate that this is a done deal and there is nothing we can do to reverse the situation, for good or ill. If you find otherwise, let me know.
**********************************
14. A new green file format: WWF
The WWF format is a PDF that cannot be printed out. It’s a simple way to avoid unnecessary printing. So here’s your chance to save trees and help the environment. Decide for yourself which documents don't need printing out – then simply save them as WWF.
SAVE AS WWF, SAVE A TREE
http://saveaswwf.com/en/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MzY4SGgEB7g&feature=player_embedded
*******************************
15. The Wild Animal Sanctuary Featured Documentary
I would like to bring your attention to an amazing film that we at The Wild Animal Sanctuary are very excited about, it's called The Elephant in the Living Room. The film blows the doors off the exotic pet issue in the United States and has won 4 BEST DOCUMENTARY Awards as well as a recent GENESIS Award nomination.
4 Star Theater 2200 Clement St. San Francisco CA 94121 Phone: (415) 666-3488 Opens on Friday, April 01
There is a lot of buzz around this film with high praise from film critics and animal lovers alike. It opens in select theaters on April 1st and 8th and we encourage all of our local animal friends to join the Sanctuary in supporting the filmmakers' sacrifice and effort to bring this important issue to the forefront and GO SEE THIS MOVIE!
The Sanctuary is featured at the end of this movie, as we were called in to rescue the African Lions who are the main characters throughout the film (Lacey, Tabitha & Sampson).
Keep in mind, the movie will play for one week only in most cities so it's important that you not wait or you will miss it! It's also important that you visit the website for Local Theater Listings since it will not be playing in every theater in your city. You can watch the Trailer and see Audience Reaction here.
Also, we can use your help! Please join the cause by "friending" the Facebook Page and help us spread the word to other friends, movie lovers and animal lovers. If you would like to volunteer in a bigger way, please feel free to contact me directly.
058a82f4a0cf496c90cd0e82555e81d9.jpeg
THE ELEPHANT IN THE LIVING ROOM - Theatrical Trailer
**********************************************
16. Save the dates
April 10 - LOST LANDSCAPES OF SAN FRANCISCO
April 19 - LOST LANDSCAPES OF DETROIT
Sponsored by the Prelinger Library. Details later.
If you'd like to reach me (especially with information about San Francisco or Detroit home movies and family films in your collection), please email rick@archive.org
****************************************
17. You are invited to join us for the 2011 Climate Change and the California Desert Conferenceon April 2 at UC Riverside's Palm Desert Graduate School Campus Auditorium. The purpose of the conference is to educate youth, citizens, elected officials, students and the staff of land management agencies about how climate change will affect our California desert and our California desert national parks.
The need for this conference has never been greater. Scientists describe the Southwestern United States as a "Climate Responsive" region, an area that will be most affected by climate change. Climate change will affect water resources, vegetation, invasive species, endangered species and our local economy. Find out what you can do to protect the remarkable biodiversity and outstanding recreational opportunities of the California desert.
Conference Information
When: Saturday, April 2, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. (Registration begins at 8:30 a.m.)
Where: UCR Palm Desert Graduate School Campus Auditorium, 75-080 Frank Sinatra Drive, Palm Desert, CA 92211
RSVP: Please RSVP to Seth Shteir, sshteir@npca.org
Details: Admission is free! All ages are invited to attend. Coffee and breakfast snacks will be served, and please bring your own coffee mug and lunch (or money to purchase lunch). There is free parking, and carpooling is encouraged. To view the scheduled speakers and special guests, or for more details on the conference, please click here for the schedule.
***************************************
18. Neighborhood Parks Council
Community Opportunity Fund Round 2
Please help spread the word about the Community Opportunity Fund (COF), an exciting park funding opportunity.
About the Community Opportunity Fund
The Community Opportunity Fund program of the 2008 Parks Bond is a $5 Million capital program that allows residents, neighborhood groups, and park advocates to initiate capital improvements in their parks by matching public funding with other private gifts and grants.
The $3 Million in direct funding will be split into 3 rounds, with award budgets of $500K, $1.25 Million, and $1.25 Million. The COF can fund small projects like additional benches and trash cans as well as larger capital projects. The deadline for the second round is June 24, 2011.
Important Notes
A representative for each application is required to attend a COF workshop. NPC is once again partnering with the Recreation and Park Department to host these workshops. The dates and locations are:
• Monday, 03/21 from 6:00 – 7:30 PM, Parque Ninos Unidos
• Wednesday, 03/30 from 6:00 – 7:30 PM, Minnie Lovie Ward/Oceanview Playground
• Wednesday, 04/06 from 6:00 – 7:30 PM, Joe Lee Rec Center
• Saturday, 04/09 from 12:00 – 1:30 PM, Duboce Park (outside Rec Center)
• Wednesday, 04/13 from 6:00 – 7:30 PM, County Fair Building Rec Room |