New Blog

I just created a new blog about Arcata. The Arcata Reporter will cover news and entertainment events that I come across in Arcata, California.

Please sign my petition to the Governator to save Mattole

I just created an online petition to Governor Arnold Schwartzenegger, asking him to take measures to protect what remains of the old growth forests in the Mattole watershed. About 2000 acres of old growth is left. This unique ecosystem provides habitat for endangered species. A tiny pecentage of the original old growth forest in California is left. Pacific Lumber has been known for its unsustainable logging practices since it was taken over by Texas based Maxxam Corporation. These practices have harmed water quality and downsteam residents. Steps could be taken to purchase the land or to ban old growth logging. To sign this petition click here.

Redwood Peace and Justice Center

I want to thank the Redwood Peace and Justice Center for giving me use of their space and computers for my forest activism, and our People Project meetings. The Redwood Peace and Justice Center is a nonprofit community project which provides a resource network and physical space to empower local organizations and individuals committed to education and action in human rights, social justice, and nonviolence. Groups use the center for meetings, outreach, and organizing. The center brings different perspectives to the public through their retail space and info shop, and sells locally made handcrafts and fair trade imports as an alternative to corporate sweat shop manufactured goods. To contact them or make a donation go to http://rpjc.net/

Mattole Skillshare is Big Success

I spent last week at the Mattole Wildlands Defense Skillshare at the Mattole Beach. I thought it went quite well. The most surprising thing was that there was not a drop of rain for all seven days. One of the most popular wokshops was the Coyuntura, which is Spanish for conjunction. It taught us a new way of analysis and finding solutions to problems. Other worshops were: pocket pouch survival kit, plant identification, rebel media, foraging, yoga, and history of Mattole forest defense. As a blogger and photographer, I was particularly interested in the rebel media workshop.

Students Protest Cuts to Native American Studies Dept.

This morning, about sixty students entered the office of Humboldt State University President Rollin Richmond, and occupied his office for one hour. Ricmond tried to engage the protesters in conversation, but for the most part the students remained silent with arms locked together to make their point. Many of the students wore t-shirts saying "Support Native American and ethnic studies" and "Stop Academic & cultural & spiritual genocide". They are unhappy that two or three instructors are to be let go. University police showed up shortly after the protest began, but there were no arrests.

Anti-war Protest in Eureka

This morning, about thirty people protested against the Iraq war, at Congressman Mike Thompson's office in Eureka. After displaying signs and banners outside, the demonstrators went inside to express their concerns to office manager Liz Murguia. The protesters want Thompson to support Lynn Woolsey's House Resolution 508. They will demonstrate again at the office next Monday, and a larger protest will be held on Saturday, March 17 at noon at the Eureka Courthouse. Townhall meetings are planned for sometime after that, as local activists try to ramp up opposition to Bush's war policy.

Large Turnout for PALCO Bankruptcy Talk

There was a large turnout of concerned community members tonight, to hear Peter Clapp talk about the Pacific Lumber Company's Capter 11 bankruptcy. Clapp, a bankruptcy attorney and teacher, spoke at the River Lodge Conference Center in Fortuna. Clapp said the two key issues were the valuation of the company, and the feasability of sustainable harvests. Many of the questions submitted by the audience, indicated that members of the timber industry community are worried about their pensions. The company's debts total about $750 million. The company,s main asset is it's 200,000 acres of timberlands.