May 201
Transcription
May 201
May 2015 Newsletter Mother’s Day Proclamation & Call to Action! Inside This Issue Mother’s Day Proclamation & Call to Action 1 Green House Gardening 2 First Tuesday Forum 3 “Disneyfication of the Grand Canyon" 4 Keep It California Keep It California PAC 5 6 NCDCC Dinner 7 LaMalfa Watch 8 April First Tuesday Review 9 LWV Annual Meeting 10 Question: What do Julia Ward-Howe, Mother’s Day, and Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13) have in common? Answer: They are Peacebuilders. Peace building is any activity, event, policy and/or program that empowers individuals, strengthens the functionality of families, and builds cooperative and safe schools and communities while maintaining a sustainable environment and economy. Julia Ward-Howe was a prominent American abolitionist, social activist, poet, and the author of "The Battle Hymn of the Republic". In 1870, she wrote her "Appeal to womanhood throughout the world", later known as The Mother's Day Proclamation. It asked women from the world to join together for world peace. (See: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julia_Ward_Howe) California Care Force 11 Bridgeport Spring Event 13 Yuba Bird Walks 14 Interfaith Food Ministries Event 13 Forth Friday Film “Koch Brothers Exposed” Join Us at the Next… 17 Newsletter Info 18 NCDCC Jim Firth, Chair Bob Krueger, 1st vice Chair Mike Healy 2nd vice chair Michele Spencer Corresponding Secretary Nancy Eubanks, Recording Secretary Patricia Wolf News Letter . On February 26, 2015 Rep. Barbara Lee reintroduced the bill HR 1111—The US Department of Peace Building Act of 2015 to the US 114th Congress. HR 1111 is the next step to greatly increasing peace building efforts in the US and abroad. This bill provides a comprehensive approach to preventing and reducing violence, while applying “best practice” peace building policies and programs that will establish collaborative and sustainable ways for us all to coexist. A majority of the funding focus for this bill will be to prevent or reduce domestic, school, and gang violence. HR 1111 would also fund a Peace Academy (on par with our Military Academies) that would train Peace Builders, who would be sent to regions needing conflict resolution services to prevent a war or after a military action to establish a lasting peace, using military force only as necessary. HR 1111 (previously HR 808) was endorsed by the full body of the CA Democratic Party, in Aug. 2013. (For more information about HR1111: www.thepeacealliance.org or www.Thomas.gov.) 1 This month, a delegation of Nevada County Democrats and Peace Alliance Volunteers will be attending the CA Democratic Convention. We will be continuing to educate the CDP delegates about HR 1111 and other effective and cost-effective peace building measures. We have also, submitted a resolution to the CDP Resolutions Committee to support the establishment of Global Ministries or Departments of Peace Building in the 196 Member states of the UN The CDP Conventions are interesting, fun and very much worth anyone’s time and effort to attend—it is where the beginnings of grassroots changes start, gain momentum and move to the national / global level. (See www.peacenow.com/resolution) Call to Action: We are asking Democrats to participate in a national Lobbying Action to honor our mothers and all people affected by violence and war: Please contact President Obama – Google: www.whitehouse.gov/contact or 1600 Pennsylvania Ave., Washington, DC 20500 1. Ask President Obama to: o Publicly support Rep. Barbara Lee’s sponsorship of the bill HR1111 o Support public education about the concept and the positive application of “Peacebuilding” 2. Remind President Obama -In January 2009, the idea of appointing a Secretary of Peace in a Department of Peace was voted as one of the Top 10 Ideas for Change in America. This project was part of a nationwide competition. These ideas were delivered to President Obama's transition team on Jan. 16, 2009. The online community and media network for social issues, Change.org, and the Case Foundation co- hosted this event at the National Press Club in Washington, DC to announce the top 10 rated ideas.” See Wikipedia. Please contact your Congressional Representatives—Google: the website of your Rep. 1. To educate them about HR 1111 and to ask them to become co-sponsors of the bill. Always ask them for a response to your letter/email. Remember, “There is nothing more powerful than idea whose time has come.” Martin Luther King JR. Lily Marie, Nevada County DCC Member & the Peace Alliance Northeastern CA Coordinator Ph# (530) 272-4595 Email: [email protected] Website: www.thepeacealliance.org The drought is worsening. Let every creature do their part. help. 2 Back To Home Page Greenhouse Gardening - Toward a Four Season Garden In the ever-worsening drought conditions that we are experiencing here in California, perhaps it is time to reconsider both our expectations of our agricultural community and our individual relationship with our home gardens. This starts with whether or not we plant a garden and also when and where we choose to plant a garden. Walking into your garden and picking your daily meal is a treat but also rapidly becoming a necessity for many of us. Many farms are discovering that they can no longer take a vacation in the ‘off season’ as it is important to maintain their growing operation thru all four seasons, proving that gardening does not have to stop when the weather turns against you. Agricultural-oriented colleges across the US have introduced new technology that make those questions moot. Instead of using high-tech solutions to solve these problems- appropriate technology has taken center stage. The usual answer is to heat or cool the greenhouse to increase food production- a practice that is hard to justify with energy prices as they are now- The new systems that have been created, use passive solutions to accomplish nearly the same thing. Whereas you can grow anything you want in a high energy-consuming greenhouse- from tomatoes in December to bananas in the snow, a High tunnel is a low (or no) energy consuming alternative. Greenhouses and cold frames have been used for years to extend growing seasons as has Agribond fabric, cloches, water bags and other mechanisms- all have their uses, but only a structure that can stand-up to snow, is easy to work in and maintains a reasonable base temperature can reliably produce food for the entire year. The new systems, called Hightunnels, utilize solar heat and wind to alternatively heat and cool the structure. Instead of maintaining a high temperature the hightunnel manages to keep stable minimum and maximum temperatures- usually between 40º and 90º. Food is produced, year-round but without wholesale change to the growing environment. In the shoulder months, before and after summer- you can lengthen your summer crop season with a greenhouse or a hightunnel... but growing warm weather crops in the winter is almost impossible due to the high costs of fuel to heat and the many pathogens and pests that also will move into a heated greenhouse. With a hightunnel, the modification of the growing environment is less dramatic- and much more cost effective, utilizing primarily sun and wind to warm and cool the structure. But, most importantly, changing your goals and expectations as a gardener to grow foods that flourish in the cool weather and produce a bounty of fresh produce will result in fool-proof (and weather proof) successes. Changing your preferences to easy-to-grow foods that are easily grown in a hightunnel will give you months of weekly harvests, and you can also extend your peppers, squash and cucumber into late fall. When your rainbow chard; and varieties of kale; broccoli; cabbage; lettuce; beet; Potatoes; berries even ginger and more will produce more than you can eat. Most Hightunnels are 12-30 feet wide, at least 8 feet high, by any length and economically made of galvanized metal tubing and covered with poly or woven cloth like “Solaroof.” The sides roll-up to let air circulate and they utilize passive vents based on the expansion of paraffin to operate. These Hightunnels sometimes augment growing conditions using a simple propane heater set at the lowest temperature to maintain a low temperature above freezing. Some growers grow in raised beds or directly in the ground. They sometimes have large doors to allow a tractor to drive in to prepare the ground. Benches are sometimes installed in the spring to allow for growing your own seedlings in flats... although supplemental under-bench heating is needed for that operation. Whether you are growing your own food or farming for market, four season gardening is essential for your dinner or business plan. After all, growing your own is the ultimate food security, and growing a wide variety of produce offers you choice, taste and healthy diet -year round! Ray Diggins, Grizzly Hill Organic Farm For more information go to the USDA site at: www.hightunnel.org Or you can review our structures at: www.grizzlyhill.com: 3 Back To Home Page May First Tuesday Educational Forum Presents Hezekiah Allen Speaking on current Marijuana legislation in Ca., Nevada, and nationally Hezekiah Allen is the Exec. Director of the Emerald Growers Association, the premiere organization working to develop and pass sensible regulation of cannabis cultivation while protecting and promoting the heritage of cannabis cultivation in the State of California He was born and raised in Humboldt County and studied Politics and Government at Pacific University. After university he returned to the North Coast to work as a consultant helping local residents increase water storage, implement conservation irrigation practices, and assisting local organizations with fundraising and strategic planning. In 2010 he was hired as the Executive Director of the Mattole Restoration Council. While with the MRC Allen was one of the first community leaders to call attention to the increasingly severe environmental impacts associated with illegal and unregulated marijuana cultivation. In 2013 Mr. Allen stepped down as ED of the MRC to focus all of his attention on advancing regulation for marijuana to help stem the tide of environmental and violent crimes associated with cultivation. He has presented at dozens of best management workshops, helped to author the widely distributed Best Management Practices guide, and has done on-site consultation with dozens of farmers throughout the region and the state. In June 2014 Hezekiah relocated to Sacramento after he was hired as the Executive Director of the Emerald Growers Association, a trade association focused on promoting the medicinal, environmental, economic, and social benefits of lawfully cultivated marijuana. Today he is working to bridge the gap between rural communities and state government in CA. His focus is on rural economic development through farmer and small business friendly regulation of cannabis. . Tuesday, May 5th 5:30 – 8pm Banner Grange 12629 McCourtney Rd, Grass Valley, Pizza & Salad Provided. Beverages available, including water and soda Sponsored by Nevada County Democrats. nevadacountydemocrats.com Visit us on Face book. 4 Back To Home Page "Disneyfication of the Grand Canyon" Little known to the public at large is a plan for a massive $500 million to $1.1 billion commercial development by Confluence Partners LLC, a Scottsdale, AZ based investment group (real estate, resorts, theme parks) at the edge of the Grand Canyon National Park. The proposed project has a common boundary with the Navaho reservation: the confluence of the Little Colorado River with the main Colorado River. Their web site shows plans for this colossal project comprised of 420 acres of infrastructure: roads, boutique hotel, shopping mall, gift shops, "hot dog stands", amphitheater and a 1/4 mile tramway equipped with 8 passenger gondolas that can carry 10,000 people a day down to the river. All tribes - Havasupai, Zuni, Hopi and Navajo consider this confluence a sacred and spiritual site and have collectively opposed it. (The gondola would require a mechanized gash through the canyon wall from rim to river - 3000 feet. It would create a constant noise - a "Disneyfication of the Grand Canyon" - David Nimkin, director of the N.P Conservation Assoc. and light pollution "in a place that has forever been a paradise of silence and pristine nature") Dave Uberuaga, superintendent of Grand Canyon National Park: "These two project (yes, there's another big development proposed south of the park) constitute the greatest threat to the Grand Canyon in the 96 year history of the park." 'Grand Canyon National Park is a World Heritage Site. I have a responsibility to protect it." The Navajo (the Bodaway-Gap tribal unit and one of the poorest) live on the land that covers the site of the proposed development. The Bodaway-Gap are quoted by the developers as representing the positive opinion/support of their development of all the native people - quoting a vote from a 2012 meeting: YES, 57 votes; NO, 50 votes) The native tribal organizations, the National Park Service, Sierra Club and many more are totally opposed to this development. It is heading for the courts to settle a boundary issue. It is a responsibility of all of us to write and lend our support in opposing this atrocity. Teddy Roosevelt: The Grand Canyon - "leave it as it is. You cannot improve on it. The ages have been at work on it, and man can only mar it." This information came from the March 2015, Smithsonian Magazine. Pictures of the confluence by Bill Hatcher: www.Smithsonian.com/canyon Written and researched by Dennis and Lucy Sloate ? Facsimile only Back To Home Page 5 Keep It California Requests your attendance at a Public Presentation By the State of Jefferson Proponents at The Nevada County Board of Supervisors Chambers Rood Center, Nevada City May 12, 2015 Please arrive by 12:30 pm Stop by our Table Before Going In There will be an opportunity for 3 minute questions and statements. We recommend bringing a written statement if you plan to speak. In case time runs out before your turn, you can turn in the written statement to the clerk of the board. Keep It California, a non-partisan PAC P.O. Box 993581, Redding, CA 96099 Email: [email protected] Website: keepitcalifornia.org Nevada County Keep Coordinator: Margie Joehnck “I never considered a difference of opinion in politics, in religion, in philosophy, as cause for withdrawing from a friend.” Thomas Jefferson WE ARE STRONGER TOGETHER KEEP IT CALIFORNIA Instead of dividing our community and chasing yesterday’s dreams, we embrace our California heritage and work together to address today’s needs. FPPC# pending 6 Back to home page Keep It California PAC Formed Rural California citizens vote to form a new multi-county, non-partisan political action committee called “Keep It California PAC” On Tuesday April 7, 2015, concerned citizens from throughout rural California met in Redding, California and voted to form a new multi-county, non-partisan political action committee. “Keep It California PAC was formed to represent the interest of all Republican, Democrat and Independent voters who oppose separation from California,” according to Keep It California Campaign Chair, Cindy Ellsmore. “Our mission is to advocate for better representation of rural California and to oppose breaking away to form a new state.” The Principal Officers for the Keep It California PAC elected at this meeting include: Cindy Ellsmore Campaign Chair Sierra County Kevin Hendrick Vice Chair, Spokesperson Del Norte County Rob Rowen. Vice Chair, Campaign Headquarters Shasta County Dolly Verrue Secretary Siskiyou County John Mertes Treasurer Del Norte County Larry Marks Assistant Treasurer Siskiyou County “Keep It California is forming Local Coordinating Committees in every county where State of Jefferson proponents are active and has volunteers in 20 counties building these committees to monitor and respond to any incursions by Jefferson proponents,” stated Vice Chair, Kevin Hendrick. “Keep It California will provide material and financial assistance to these local efforts.” Hendrick was the director of the Keep It California campaign in Del Norte County which defeated the proposed State of Jefferson with 58% voting NO on an advisory ballot measure in June 2014. Keep It California will encourage local agencies to evaluate the financial risks and uncertainties before continuing down the wayward path to Jefferson State and will inform voters and elected officials of the disastrous consequences of separating from California. Most rural counties get back more money than local taxpayers pay to the State of California. “If we separate from California, our communities will lose millions of dollars in funding for roads, education, and social services for youth, families and seniors,” explained Cindy Ellsmore. “Jobs funded by the state through our schools, counties, parks, prisons, police and nonprofit community provide living wage employment which helps support our local economy.” Margie Joehnck is the Keep It California Coordinator for Nevada County. She is organizing now for a presentation by the State of Jefferson proponents at the Board of Supervisors meeting, May 12. (See next page for details). We’d like as many people as possible to show up. Keep It California, a non-partisan PAC Email: [email protected] P.O. Box 993581 Redding CA 96099 Website: keepitcalifornia.org 7 Back To Home Page Stand Up – Speak Up for Democratic Values! Working toward the 2016 Election Sunday, May 31, 2015—10:30 a.m. Alta Sierra Country Club, 11897 Tammy Way Special Guest Speaker Daraka Larimore-Hall, Ph.D. California Democratic Party Secretary Honoring Lily Marie-Mora, Volunteer of the Year Tickets $45.00 True Blue Democrat $125.00 (2 tickets; name in program) Reservation Deadline: May 26, 2015 Sponsorships Available: Contact Janet Reynolds at 530.210.4476 Platinum Sponsor: $1000Gold Sponsor: $750Silver Sponsor $500 To purchase tickets online, go to: https://secure.actblue.com/contribute/page/nevadacountydemocrats.com Contributions to the Nevada County Democratic Campaign Coalition are not tax deductible for federal income tax purposes. Your contribution will be used in connection with federal elections and is subject to the limitations and prohibitions of the Federal Election Campaign Act. Contributions used in connection with federal elections are limited to $5,000 per calendar year. Federal law requires us to use our best efforts to collect and report the name, address, occupation and name of employer of individuals whose contributions exceed $200 in a calendar year, Federal ID# C00568667. Corporate and union contributions are acceptable under California law and will be used in connection with nonfederal elections. California law permits contributions up to $7,000 per calendar year for use in supporting state candidates. There are no limits on contributions use for purposes other than supporting state candidates, State ID# 1371509 Paid for by Nevada County Democratic Campaign Coalition and not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee 8 Back To Home Page LaMalfa Watch March 2014 By Robert Provensano Representative LaMalfa’s recent votes: H.R. 685 Mortgage Choice Act passed 286-140 LaMalfa voted yea Amends the Truth in Lending Act to weaken the requirement to disclose all fees and points actually charged to the loan. H.R. 650 Preserving Access to Manufactured Housing Act passed 263-162 LaMalfa voted Yea Changes the Truth in Lending act to remove sellers of manufactured homes from the definition of “mortgage originator”, and changes the definition of “high cost mortgage”. So much for consumers! H.R. 1105 Death Tax Repeal passed 240-179 LaMalfa voted Yea Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal the estate tax on estates over $5m, and lowers the gift tax rate. If you are leaving to someone, or receiving from someone, an estate over $5m this will help you otherwise it simply reduces federal revenues and increases the deficit. Another gift to the rich! All through his career Mr. LaMalfa seems to have been interested in water issues. He has fought to weaken federal and state rules and regulations designed to protect the health of our waterways, and therefore our water. What has our congressman tried to do for (to) us? Fortunately, most of these failed. -Amend the Clean Water Act to exempt the harvesting of forest products from clean water regulations. -Make changes to the Fish and Game Code to exclude ground water from the definition of water sources that are regulated. (2004 - CA SB665) -Allow certain levee building and maintenance projects to move forward regardless of any environmental regulations or other agency’s recommendations. (2006 - CA SB 8220) -Change the amount of land required to mitigate wetland disturbed when building or maintaining levees from 1:3 to 1:1. (2006 - CA SB 3025) -Remove the disturbed wetland mitigation requirement completely for certain other levee projects. (2006 - CA SB 2027) -Prohibit the federal government from demanding transfer of water rights to the federal government in exchange for granting any permit, lease, or use agreement. (2013 - H.R. 3189) - Amend the Central Valley Project to give water dedicated to irrigation districts a higher priority than water dedicated to fish and water life purposes. (2014 - H.R. 3964) -Amend the Clean Water Act to prohibit the requiring of permits for discharge of storm water runoff from forest roads. (2013 – H.R. 2026) -Amend the Clean Water Act to prohibit the requiring of permits for pesticide discharge into water (2013 – H.R. 935) Water is important. Water is going to be more important. Water is going to be power. Water is fungible. Water belongs to everyone. If someone pumps water from under his land it fills back in from the guys land next store. Water is the Public Trust. We need the leadership of someone who looks at water from a global perspective rather than a personal financial perspective. 9 Back to home page April 2015 First Tuesday Review Dr. Ken Cutler, MD, MPH, Nevada County Public Health Officer, Board Certified Pediatrician and 22 year resident of our county, came and spoke at our April 7th 1st Tuesday Educational Forum about childhood immunizations. He explained that public health is about what we do collectively as a society to assure conditions in which people can be healthy. Control of communicable diseases is one of those public health issues. The U.S. Supreme Court affirmed in the 1905 Jacobson v Massachusetts case that government has the right to require vaccinations that prevent the spread of many harmful communicable disease, but may not be arbitrary i.e. vaccinations can be compulsory but must be made contingent on a matching need. Over time the states have made exemptions for medical and religious reasons and 20 states (including California) now also allow an exemption from vaccinations based on personal belief. Nevada County is one of 2 counties in the state that has the highest unvaccinated population in the state at 20%. For “community immunity” to be effective the vaccination rate needs to be 85-90%. Because of the measles outbreak in Disneyland recently, the California legislature is considering a bill SB 117 to make personal exemptions harder. Dr. Cutler briefly talked about why parents aren’t getting their children vaccinated. One of the biggest myths that is still around is the MMR vaccine cause autism. Denmark did a massive (over 500,000 children) study and found no evidence of the link between autism and the vaccine. No one knows why there is such an increase in autism. Some of the increase may be due to better reporting or reclassifying mental disorders in children. In conclusion, Dr. Cutler recommends all children get vaccinated, unless there is a medical reason not to. The benefits of vaccination greatly out way the risks. 10 Back to home page 11 Back to home page 12 Back To Home Page Free Health Care Clinic November 14-15,2015 Grass Valley Veterans Memorial H a l l The Nevada County Community Host Group needs your help. Please help us connect with Service Organizations & Faith-Based Affiliates. They can: raise community awareness · donate and/or fundraise · assist with food preparation and service · We have a 10-minute presentation explaining who we are, what we'll be accomplishing and how your group can help. To set up a presentation, contact: Mindy Oberne. mindy @bagglady.com, (530) 273-3033 Help us recruit Health Care Professional Volunteers • We need about 50-80 health care professional volunteers each clinic day • When you see your health care professional, let him/her know about the clinic and ask them to volunteer by registering at Ca/iforniaCareForce.org Help us recruit General Public Volunteers We need about 200 general volunteers each clinic day · We need about 50 volunteers each day for setup & teardown · •Tasks include registering patients, assisting health care professionals, escorting patients and many more. Register at CaliforniaCareForce. Org Help us by donating (All donations are tax deductible) The Clinic is totally funded by donations Donate online at CaliforniaCareForce.org or call (916) 749-4170 or · •Send a check to: California Care Force,950 Reserve Dr. Suite 120, Roseville CA 95678 Be sure to specify your donation is for the Grass Valley clinic. · 13 Back To Home Page COME ON DOWN TO BRIDGEPORT FOR A FUND RAISER TO HELP SUPPORT THE SOUTH YUBA RIVER STATE PARK It’s the “Celebrate Spring” Event Sponsored by the South Yuba River Park Association May 15, 2015 4:00pm—7:00pm An evening in the Park of fine food , hosted bar, and live entertainment. Donations of $50.00 per person For more info, call Jean 530-265-8401 14 Back To Home Page Back to Home page 15 Interfaith Food Ministries 16 Back to home page Friday Film Presents "Koch Brothers Exposed" The Film will be shown on May 22, at 7:00, in the sanctuary of UUCM. This documentary film is part of the Fourth Friday Film Forum cosponsored by the church's Social Justice Coordinating Committee and the Center for Peace and Justice of Nevada County. The film is a hard-hitting investigation of the 1% at its very worst. This full-length documentary film on Charles and David Koch -- two of the world's richest and most powerful men -- is from acclaimed director Robert Greenwald. The billionaire brothers bankroll a vast network of organizations that work to undermine the interests of the 99% on issues ranging from Social Security to the environment to civil rights. This film uncovers the Koch's corruption -- and points the way to how Americans can reclaim their democracy. Discussion to follow. Refreshments will be available. $5 - $10 donation requested; no one turned away for lack of funds. [UUCM = Unitarian Universalist Community of the Mountains, 246 South Church Street, Grass Valley.] JOIN US AT THE NEXT: Nevada County Democratic Women’s Club No regular meeting this month First Tuesday Democrats Tuesday May 5th 5:30 p.m. Banner Grange 12629 McCourtney Rd, Grass Valley, 530-265-3367 Health Care for All There will be no meeting in May For more information call Bob at 530-274-3989 Back To Home Page NCDCC Thursday May 21st 6: 00 pm 138 New Mohawk Rd. Nevada City 95959. 530-265-3367 Volunteers for California CareForce May 13th 6-8 pm Briar Patch Community Room. 17 LIST YOUR UPCOMING EVENT HERE! Email the following information about your upcoming charitable or social event, and we will include it in our next newsletter: · Name of organization · Contact info (email, phone, etc.) · All about your event (flyers, etc.) Email: mailto:[email protected] YOUR NEVADA COUNTY DEMOCRATIC NEWSLETTER! Contribute to your Nevada County Democrat Newsletter. Send us your Democratic stories and pictures so that we can include them for all to read. Send us ideas that we can write about. We will be improving our newsletter over the next several months to help keep you better informed about what Nevada County Democrats should know. Email your stories, pictures and thoughts to: mailto:[email protected] Visit us On Facebook at Nevada County Democrats. Share your thoughts and interesting articles you have read. http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/groups/355077870274/?ap=1 18 Back To Home Page