THE LAST TWO tree sitters at the Willits Bypass have come down from their nests. Jean Weilbach, 23, of Fort Bragg, who'd called herself “Crow” and an Oregon woman who called herself “Owl” returned to earth Saturday and Sunday, respectively. Most of the trees in the area are now removed as Caltrans prepares to convert the area into the southbound off-ramp south of the Bypass.
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THE UKIAH CITY COUNCIL held a public hearing Wednesday night on the wisdom of diverting more water from the Russian River, a very bad idea, which means it likely has wide support. There's every indication that the RR is overdrawn now, and Ukiah certainly can't handle development that would increase water demands. More on this one to come.
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LIGHT FROST Wednesday morning in the Anderson Valley but heavy enough that the vineyards all had their sprinklers and wind machines going full blast until about 7.
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FIRE SEASON got off to a hot start Wednesday morning with 200 wooded acres northwest of Calistoga off Yellow Jacket Ranch Road going up with another range fire near Yountville brought under control by Wednesday noon. CalFire had issued a Red Flag Warnings earlier in the week because of dry conditions and high winds.
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MAY DAY AROUND THE WORLD
As European financial markets close for the spring celebration of May Day, protesters across Europe and beyond have taken to the streets to demonstrate for workers' rights and, in many cases, against painful austerity measures.
In Istanbul, Turkey, riot police gassed and fired water cannons at dozens of demonstrators trying to get to the popular-tourist destination of Taksim Square for May 1 demonstrations.
Groups carrying May 1 international Workers' Day banners and chanting "Longlive Workers' Day" while trying to the square were dispersed using water cannons and tear gas in Istanbul's Besiktas district.
Istanbul is now on a citywide shut down. Traffic has been restricted and public transportation to the square has been suspended including subways, metrobuses as well as ferry services that connect the city's European side to the Asian side.
"We are expecting a problematic May 1," said Istanbul Governor Huseyin Avni Mutlu told broadcaster CNNTurk. "It would have been easy to solve this," he said.
Across the Aegean Sea, Greeks are turning out in Athens to show their anger at austerity measures that have sent the country's economy into a tailspin.
But Nathalie Savaricas, a Greek journalist, told CNN that Labor Day protests in Athens were relatively muted this year as fewer Greeks decided to demonstrate.
"There is a sense of resignation among Greeks, she told CNN."What we're hearing now is some 45,000 protesters have assembled in the city center to protest against austerity, and against tax hikes and all the policies that have been continued by Prime Minister Samaras and his team."
Savaricas told CNN that the government is simply following the demands of the troika -- a group of international creditors made up of the International Monetary Fund, the European Commission and the European Central Bank -- which have led the debt-ridden nation's economy into the "abyss."
Greece has a debt to GDP level of 156% while government debt stands at a staggering 304 billion euros. The country -- one of four eurozone countries to request a sovereign bailout -- is also grappling with unemployment of over 27%, the highest in the single currency area, according to Eurostat, the Commission's data service.
Savaricas said many of her friends have fled abroad in search of a brighter future: "What they're telling me is that the Greeks are very much seen with contempt and the opportunities abroad are not that great because Europe is also suffering."
She added that many Greeks at home are pinning their hopes on Samaras retracting some of the government's harsh austerity measures while reducing domestic bureaucracy to encourage foreign investment.
Spain and Italy -- two other countries blighted by the eurozone debt crisis -- have also seen demonstrations on the streets.
In the Spanish capital Madrid and the country's second city, Barcelona, thousands of protesters marched with some displaying signs 'Bread and shelter at fair price!'
Some denounced Bankia, Spain's fourth-largest and partially state-owned bank that requested a 19 billion euro bailout in 2012. Other signs read: "Where is our money? Swindlers."
Francisco Carrizo, 37, a Venezuelan teacher from Madrid, told CNN that people in Spain don't feel like celebrating May Day because unemployment is so high and the "government should be ashamed."
In 2007, before the global economic crisis hit, Spain had 1.9 million people unemployed -- 8.6% of the active population. That figure has now risen to 6.2 million.
Figures from Instituto Nacional de Estadística, Spain's national statistics office, showed unemployment among 16 to 24 year-olds is at 57.2%. Joblessness is higher among women than men.
Carizzo told CNN: "I feel kind of bad because in my case I have two jobs. It's the sort of thing I don't usually tell people. I feel sad, let down and I have mixed feelings about it." He added: "There are people who are having a really hard time."
High unemployment and cuts to the public sector are being felt in Italy too. Unemployment reached 11% in March, while the country remained in political deadlock since the elections in February failed to yield a government.
May Day protests have reportedly taken place in Rome as well as Bologna and Parma in the Emilia Romagna region of Italy.
Read more: Italian lower house approves new government
Martina Lunardelli, 28, interpreter, Pordenone, northern Italy, told CNN that she feels "ashamed" of all the political and economic turmoil that has dogged the eurozone third-largest economy since the debt crisis began in 2010.
"I am trying to flee from here," she told CNN. "I have lost all the residual faith I had in what should be my home country."
(Courtesy, CNN)
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FIRST FRIDAY CALL OUT From Occupy Mendocino To All 99%Ers To Rally At Main & Alder, F.B. 4-6 Pm Call Out From Occupy Mendocino To All 99%Ers -- Occupy Mendocino is alive and well!! For Fort Bragg's First Friday May 3, OCCUPY Mendocino is calling out for every one who believes in OCCUPY principles to come and create a show of numbers - for all members: former, current and new to come to our on-going weekly street rally - 4 to 6 p.m. (Time changed for this day so more people can show up after work.) Come to the corner of Alder and Main in front of the Bank of America and show our local community that we haven't gone away!! This is a CALL OUT inviting all 99%ers to show up! Many of us have been part of the uprising of OCCUPY and still believe in what it stands for but don't have the time every week to come and demonstrate on the street corner to show solidarity and bring attention to the ongoing troubles we suffer as a nation. This Friday afternoon May 3 we want to show our numbers and show our community we believe in a good future for the United States. Please come join us!! If you believe in Democracy, Justice, Fairness, Equal Rights, Protection of the least among us and the possibility of true 'goodness' of our country, please come stand with us Friday afternoon 4 to 6 p.m. on Main Street. We will have lots of extra signs and some informational hand-outs to help tell the stories that OCCUPY endeavors to bring to the top of the List of national priorities. Together We the People are a very powerful force! — Richard Karch, Occupy Mendocino
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BIG NEWS! A first step Victory in the fight to Ban Fracking in California! The first step to Banning Fracking in California, has been approved in Sacramento! There is a lot more work to be done though. The Natural Resources Committee voted 5-3 to temporarily halt fracking till further health assessments can be done. The moratorium bills passed including Santa Monica Assemblyman Richard Bloom's Bill 1301. Which would stop fracking until further legislation is enacted outlining how it can occur safely. We know it cannot be proven safe. Two similar bills; AB 1323 by Holly Mitchell, and AB649 by Adrin Nazarian, call for creating an advisory committee to review health, environmental, economic and other effects. They would recommend regulatory changes. Both bill deserve praise. Now the studies need to be conducted and data collected. That ball has already started rolling. Those bills from Holly Mitchell of Baldwin Hills and Culver City, and Assemblyman Adrin Nazarian, of Sherman Oaks, would require state officials to decide by January 2019 if fracking should occur in California. — Richard Karch, Occupy Mendocino
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“MENDOCINO COUNTY FOOD BANKS” is the title of a Grand Jury Report dated April 3, 2013, but not distributed until May 1, 2013. According to Summary:
“The 2012-2013 Grand Jury (GJ) received complaints from clients who use Mendocino County food banks (FBs). The complaints alleged that workers were taking food meant for low-income clients. The GJ learned that 95% of the workers/volunteers are also clients. In Ukiah, the workers/volunteers receive their allotment first, creating the perception of stealing and/or favoritism. The GJ determined food loss through pilferage was negligible and not an issue. However, the GJ decided to conduct an in-depth investigation of the FBs focusing on the needs of county residents, the accomplishments and difficulties of running FBs, and to gain knowledge on the general operations. The agencies that manage Fort Bragg, Willits, and Ukiah FBs cooperated with the GJ’s investigation and provided information on operations and funding.
In Mendocino County, 20% of the 90,000 population is below the poverty level and needs help obtaining additional food. In the past four years, the demand on FB services has increased while government funding and donations for food programs have diminished. All three FBs are dependent on community contributions. Each agency is working with limited resources and in spite of the challenges, the GJ was impressed with the accomplishments each has achieved.All clients interviewed expressed gratitude for what they receive.
“Improvements should be made in food distribution practices, volunteer training, and access to written policies. Significant disparity in the quality, quantity, and nutritional value of food among the three FBs was evident to the GJ during site visits. On certain distribution days, the GJ observed food that was inedible. Ukiah FB administration should establish a relationship with the Redwood Empire Food Bank (REFB) in order to participate in purchasing fresh produce for their clients at greatly reduced prices. Also noted was the unfair distribution of perishables to the senior/disabled clients. Most of the FB staff are volunteers, some are court ordered; their responses from GJ questions indicated the need for additional training of the policies and procedures. Clients expressed the need for instructions on how to cook and prepare staples (rice and beans) and the meaning of date and expiration labels. Each FB should make available educational materials on food preparation and expiration dates to the clientele. The FB board members must be familiar with their organization’s policies and visit the FB to observe distribution and operations. All three Executive Directors should meet quarterly to exchange information.
“FINDINGS:
F1. Certain practices of the Ukiah FB led to the perception of misappropriations of food by volunteers. Clients do not know the policies and procedures regarding their food allotment.
F2. Many clients do not know how to prepare staples and do not understand the meaning of dates stamped on food products, such as best by/use by/good for a week after sell by date, and expired on.
F3. In Ukiah, the merger of the UCC and Ford Street Project Board of Directors and the selection of one Executive Director increased the workload of the Director and lessened the amount of available time dedicated to the FB.
F4. Most Ukiah board members are not familiar with the FB operation, procedures, and food distribution.
F5. In Ukiah, there is inequality in the distribution of food between the “general distribution” and “senior/disabled distribution.” The overall quality and quantity of food is deficient.
F6. Ukiah does not participate in the REFB. Willits and Fort Bragg appear to benefit from participation in the program.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
R1. FB Managers train all clients and volunteers on the procedures for receiving their food allotment. The training should be based on easily accessible written policies.
R2. The Board of Directors of each FB visits their FB at least twice a year to observe food distribution and overall operation. Board meeting notes shall include a written report of these site visits.
R3. Ukiah FB management staff applies to become a participant in the REFB program.
R4. Ukiah FB management staff develops a procedure to ensure that general and senior/disabled distribution is of equal quality and quantity of food.
R5. The Administrators of the three FBs meet periodically to exchange information, best practices, operations, and website design
R6. FB management creates and distributes educational materials to clients for instruction on the preparation of food staples and the meaning of expiration dates stamped on food products.
THE FULL REPORT can be seen at:
http://www.co.mendocino.ca.us/grandjury/12-13/index.htm
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DON’T VENT, ORGANIZE –
And “Primary” a Democrat Near You
By Norman Solomon
Progressives often wonder why so many Republican lawmakers stick to their avowed principles while so many Democratic lawmakers abandon theirs. We can grasp some answers by assessing the current nationwide drive called “Primary My Congressman” -- a case study of how right-wing forces gain ground in electoral terrain where progressives fear to tread.
Sponsored by Club for Growth Action, the “Primary My Congressman” effort aims to replace “moderate Republicans” with “economic conservatives” -- in other words, GOP hardliners even more devoted to boosting corporate power and dismantling the public sector. “In districts that are heavily Republican,” the group says, “there are literally dozens of missed opportunities to elect real fiscal conservatives to Congress -- not more ‘moderates’ who will compromise with Democrats…”
Such threats of serious primary challenges often cause the targeted incumbents to quickly veer rightward, or they may never get through the next Republican primary.
Progressive activists and organizations could launch similar primary challenges, but -- to the delight of the Democratic Party establishment -- they rarely do. Why not?
Here are some key reasons:
* Undue deference to elected Democrats.
Members of Congress and other elected officials deserve only the respect they earn. All too often, for example, plenty of Congressional Progressive Caucus members represent the interests of the establishment to progressives rather than the other way around.
* Treating election campaigns more like impulse items than work that requires long-term planning and grassroots follow-through.
The same progressives who’ve spent years planning, launching and sustaining a wide range of community projects are apt to jump into election campaigns with scant lead time. Progressives need to build electoral capacity for the long haul, implementing well-planned strategic campaigns with candidates who come out of social movements and have a plausible chance to win on behalf of those movements.
* Assuming that millions of dollars are necessary to win.
Yes, successful campaigns require effective fundraising -- but money is often a less significant obstacle than a shortage of commitment and willingness to do painstaking grassroots organizing.
* Self-marginalization by ignoring elections.
Some on the left prefer to stay out of electoral contests while focusing on the next protest demonstration -- thus leaving the electoral field to battles between corporate Democrats and Republicans. One sure result: a progressive won’t win.
* Self-marginalization with third-party efforts in partisan races.
In congressional races, Green Party and other progressive third-party candidates have a zero record of success in our lifetimes. In other races with party affiliations also on the ballot (such as governor and state legislature), victories have been almost nonexistent. In such races, the corporate-military complex is not in the slightest threatened by third-party candidates, who rarely get higher than a low single-digit percentage of the vote. In nonpartisan races, by contrast, there are examples of successful and uplifting campaigns by third-party candidates, as with Green Party member Gayle McLaughlin, the mayor of Richmond, California.
By changing just a few words in the Club for Growth’s “Primary My Congressman” manifesto, progressives have a road map for electoral progress: In districts that are heavily Democratic, there are literally dozens of missed opportunities to elect real progressives to Congress -- not more of those who go along with the Obama White House as it keeps compromising with Republicans.
Anyone serious about getting genuine progressives elected to Congress next year should be engaged in developing campaigns now. To avoid the impulse-item syndrome, that means identifying key races where progressives have a real chance to win, while remaining mindful that election campaigns should be subsets of social movements and not the other way around.
If there’s a defining issue that now separates the Obama party leadership from social decency, it is the president’s push to cut Social Security benefits. Less ballyhooed but also crucial is his push to cut Medicare benefits and the ever-present danger of cuts to already woefully-underfunded Medicaid. Meanwhile, Democratic leaders are unwilling to seriously cut the enormous military budget.
Any incumbent Democrat who is not serving progressive interests should be weighed as a possible primary target. And the most fruitful primary challenges are beckoning in heavily Democratic districts where there are many progressive voters and incumbents aren’t measuring up.
By that standard, the Congress members who may be vulnerable to a primary challenge include the 44 who tout their membership in the Progressive Caucus but have refused to sign the letter (initiated by Congressmen Alan Grayson and Mark Takano) promising not to vote to cut Social Security, Medicare or Medicaid benefits.
A good starting point to consider launching a primary challenge in your area would be to look at those 44 members of Congress who continue to refuse to make such a promise, leaving themselves wiggle room to vote for cuts in three crucial programs of the social compact. To see the list of those self-described “progressives,” click here. (Meanwhile, wherever you live, you can let your Congress member and senators know what you think of proposals for such cuts by clicking here.)
It’s fair to say those 44 members of Congress are among the many Democratic incumbents showing themselves to be more afraid of the Obama White House and the Democratic Party hierarchy than they are of voters in their own districts. Progressives in and around those districts need to do less venting and more organizing.
(Norman Solomon is co-founder of RootsAction.org and founding director of the Institute for Public Accuracy. His books include “War Made Easy: How Presidents and Pundits Keep Spinning Us to Death.” He writes the Political Culture 2013 column.)
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US DRUG NANNIES SEND MORE DISPENSARY LANDLORD LETTERS
US Attorney Melinda Haag has issued a spate of new landlord letters targeting medical cannabis dispensaries in Northern California .
Cal NORML has so far heard reports from dispensaries in San Jose, San Francisco and Ukiah. The letters warn landlords that the facilities are operating too close to a school or park. Under federal law, distribution of controlled substances within 1,000 feet of a school or youth recreation area is punishable by enhanced penalties. In addition, the letters warn landlords that they are liable for forfeiture under USC Title 21, Section 881(a) 7. Unlike some previous letters, they do not threaten immediate prosecution or set a deadline for compliance.
The targets include some dispensaries that have been operating in their present location without complaint for years. One San Jose club was scolded for being located 881 feet from a school on the other side of the freeway and an industrial park. Another in San Francisco was over 900 feet from a small public park.
Cal NORML denounced the DOJ letters as yet another indication of the bankruptcy of federal marijuana policy. "Federal bureaucrats have no business butting in on local land use decisions," said Cal NORML director Dale Gieringer. "The DOJ's claim to be protecting school children is risible, given the closer proximity of liquor stores, sex shops, and other adult businesses to schools. It's time for the Obama administration to stop threatening law-abiding businesses, and to start revising federal marijuana policy." — California NORML Release April 30, 2013. canorml@canorml.org. California NORML (510) 540-1066. 2261 Market St. #278A, San Francisco CA 94114 - www.canorml.org
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MAY LOCAL FOOD CALENDAR
Sat May 4 - Boonville Farmers' Market Spring Plant Sale - Boonville Hotel - 10:00-12:30 (see info below)
Every Mon - Farm & Garden Show - KZYX 90.7 FM - 1-2 pm (see Mar 4 info below)
Tue May 7 - Holistic Health Perspectives - KZYX 90.7 FM - 1-2 pm
Every Tue - Agriculture & Ecology Hour - KZYX 90.7 FM - 7:00 pm
Sat May 11 - AVHS Ag Dept Plant Sale - 9:00-noon (see info below)
Sat May 11 - Boonville Farmers' Market - Boonville Hotel - 10:00-12:30
Mon May 13 - Mendocino County Fair Board Meeting - FG Conference Room - 7 pm
Sat May 18 - Boonville Farmers' Market - Boonville Hotel - 10:00-12:30
Sun May 19 - AV Grange Pancake Breakfast - Philo Grange - 8:30-11:00 (see info below)
Tue May 21 - Holistic Health Perspectives - KZYX 90.7 FM - 1-2 pm
Tue May 21 - AV Grange #669 Meeting - Philo Grange Hall - 7 pm
Sat May 25 - Boonville Farmers' Market - Boonville Hotel - 10:00-12:30
Save the Date: July 26-28 - Not-So-Simple Living Fair - Boonville Fairgrounds
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The AV Senior/Community Center has an expanding vegetable garden that is providing some of the produce for the meals there. All community members are encouraged to take advantage of this local food opportunity. For meal schedule and more information go to avseniorcenter.blogspot.com or call Gina at 895-3609.
Restaurants in Anderson Valley that support our farmers by using locally grown produce are Aquarelle Cafe, Boont Berry Farm, Boonville General Store, Boonville Hotel, Floodgate Cafe, Lauren’s Café, Paysanne and Mosswood Market.
The Boonville Farmers' Market begins this Saturday, May 4, 10-12:30, at the Boonville Hotel parking lot. As is the tradition with the BFM, this first market is also the Spring Plant Sale.
The 15th Annual AVHS Ag. Dept Plant Sale is Saturday, May 11th, 9AM to Noon
The first AV Solar Grange Local Food Pancake Breakfast was a success! Over 80 happy folks came and enjoyed Mendocino Grain Project Foisy Grain in our Buttermilk pancakes along with local eggs and bacon (not local, but natural.) Fresh organic coffee and milk and juices also kept folks smiling. The event allowed musicians and poets to use the open microphone with 4 folks stepping up. Ryan O. is overseeing the open mic and will support folks jamming together and a free breakfast will be offered to any one sharing their talent. The next event will be the third Sunday in May, the 19th, from 8:30 to 11 AM. Contact Greg 707-895-3842 or avgoverseer@saber.net
Petit Teton's strawberries are coming in! We welcome you to stop by the farm for strawberries as well as some of the many other veggies growing now...lettuce, broccolini, greens, asparagus, Tokyo turnips, micro greens, eggs and radish. Soon to ripen...sweet spring onions and peas. Come wander and shop. If you want to be sure we're here and find out what exactly is available, our number is 684.4146 or you can email farmer@petitteton.com.
Cindy Wilder has plants for the taking at WildeAcre Farm, 13461 Airport Road, Boonville. There are strawberry plants in both 4-inch and gallon, 4-inch yerba mansa and 4-inch stinging nettles. These plants are free and available by appointment. There are also some raspberries, asparagus, rudbeckia and a few other perennials for the digging. Email wildeacre@gmail.com or call Cindy at 895-2949.
Now that the Boonville Winter Market has come to an end, WildeAcre Farm also has kefir, sauerkraut and chia seed muffins available by special order. Email wildeacre@gmail.com.
The Mendocino County Fair needs help in the way of more community involvement. Have you signed up yet to be a member? Just stop in the office and sign the book. If you have input for the board, their meetings are the second Monday of each month at 7:00 PM in the Conference Room.
Specifically, would anyone be interested in a position as a volunteer PR person for the Fair in the months leading up to the Fair? The position would entail working with Jim Brown, the Fair Manager, to get the word out about deadlines for Fair entries and any other messages that he might want to get out to the community.
LOCAL FOOD ITEMS AT LAUREN'S RESTAURANT IN BOONVILLE (*indicates locally produced)
Small Plates-
Crostini* with Rare Sirloin & Arugula* Sauce $7.00
Arugula* with Pears, Blue Cheese and Pecans $7.00
Savory Tart with Asparagus*,Leeks* & Asiago Cheese $7.50
Main Plates-
Pasta with Prosciutto, Pea Shoots* & Snap Peas in Cream* Sauce $16.50 served with Organic Broccolini*
Roasted Rocky Chicken* Sandwich with Caramelized Onions & Greens on Schat’s Sourdough Wheat Bread* $14.50 served with French Fries or Salad
Pizza with Wild Black Chanterelles* Leeks* and Mozzarella $15.50 served with a Small Green Salad
Pizza with Spinach*,Green Garlic Cream*,Leeks* & Fresh Mozzarella $14.50 served with a Small Green Salad
Asian Big Bowl - Thai Green Curry with Rocky Chicken* & Vegetables* on Brown Basmati Rice $14.50 served with Red Cabbage Salad & Cucumber Relish
Desserts
Baby Rae's Cheesecake with Wild Blackberry* Sauce
Sierra Beauty Apple* Tartlet With Vanilla Ice Cream
Strawberry* Rhubarb* Shortcake with Whipped Cream
Plus all the regulars: Burgers, Tostada, Meatloaf, Sesame Noodles, Grilled Avocado Sandwich, More Salads, More Pizzas and More!
Lauren's Restaurant is in downtown Boonville. Serving Dinner - Tuesday through Saturday, 5:00 to 9:00. Summertime Lunch - Thursday through Sunday, 11:30 to 2:30, May through Oct.
More on food banks:
http://www.counterpunch.org/2013/05/02/the-politics-of-food-banks/