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  **  Our Novato "Awareness" newsletter aims at fostering regular communication about local issues among all citizens interested in civic awareness, political reform and fairness, social equity, a green and prosperous business climate, a healthy and sustainable environment, peace and justice, and academically rich, welcoming schools.     
      
  **  "Awareness" circulates news about coming Novato events, meeting dates, opportunities, links and programs.  We hope that a more informed community will come together to make better decisions about matters of common concern.  We include also a few events in neighboring communities that may be of interest, and even dare to offer a few guest editorials and opinions. We've managed to put out 30 issues so far packed with information about how we can make Novato a better place to live and work.  We hope "Awareness" has been interesting and useful for you.  If you know of friends, neighbors and relatives who might enjoy receiving  "Awareness", we hope you'll forward them a copy and let them know about us.  
         
  **  "Awareness" is usually available on-line through the Novato Democratic Club (NDC) website: www.novatodemocrats.org  A printable PDF format is also available from that site. NDC co-sponsors "Awareness".  Though not bound to a partisan Democratic Party agenda, "Awareness" does reflect the core values of the NDC. We appreciate the Club’s giving us the opportunity to share it with the community on-line with active links to many of the newsletter’s listings.      

  **  Please also check out the Volunteer and Activism section that is linked below to learn more about local efforts that are making a positive difference in our community. Volunteer-activism commitment is a wonderful way you can make a difference -- and very progressive!  Find a group or a cause that "speaks" to you and get involved!       

  **  Listed organizations aren't officially affiliated and/or endorsed by the NDC or  "Awareness Novato" Newsletter nor do they necessarily endorse or have a relationship with NDC or our newsletter.             
** Your comments and additions are welcome!  Contribute news items or subscribe or unsubscribe to "Awareness Novato" to Lynne at ourhouse4@earthlink.net or emainland@comcast.net  

June-July-August 2008 (No. 31)

SUMMARY OF EVENTS

School's out! Check out the new Novato Website to see what’s happening in Novato for your kids/teens: www.ci.novato.ca.us – click the Parks and Rec link
  
Tuesday, June 17: Novato Farmers Market, Novato

Tuesday, June 17: PeaceNovato Info Table, Vigil + July 4th volunteer needs, Novato   

Tuesday, June 17: Celebrate Marriage Equality, Marin Civic Center

Thursday, June 19: Marin County Registrar of Voters Election Advisory Committee annual community meeting, Marin Civic Center

Thursday, June 19: Race and Class Education Equity Initiative Council, College of Marin

Thursday, June 19: Sustainable Novato's Monthly meeting, Novato

Thursday, June 19: “Take Back the White House”, Marin Democratic Party Headquarters, San Rafael

Sunday, June 22 (and every Sunday): Nuestros Ninos and Childhood Matters, radio programs

Tuesday, June 24:  Landfill Expansion Permit Workshop, Novato

Saturday, June 28: "Walk for Schools!", Novato

Wednesday, July 2: "Poetry Farm", Novato

Friday, July 4: Fourth of July parade (info below in bold/blue on different parade contingents looking for people to join them) , Novato

Thursday, July 10 and August 7: Democratic Central Committee of Marin, San Rafael  

Saturday, July 12: Movies in the Park - “Happy Feet”, Novato

Tuesday, July 15: Marin Clean Energy Study Session, Novato City Council

Friday, July 18: Marin County Election Advisory Committee meeting, Civic Center

Monday, July 21: Committee on Sustainability, Novato City Council, Novato

Wednesday, July 30: "Marin Clean Energy: Questions and Answers":  Community Forum, Novato

Saturday, August 2: Novato Democratic Club meeting, Novato

Monday, August 4: Committee on Sustainability, Novato City Council

Saturday, August 3: Movies in the Park: “Hairspray”, Novato

Saturday, August 23: Movies in the Park: “Pursuit of Happyness”, Novato

Monday, September 8: Committee on Sustainability, Novato City Council 

Link to GUEST EDITORIALS:
Novato Sustainability by Ed Mainland
Redwood Landfill by Chris Gilkerson
California Initiative on Animal Cruelty by Maggie Rufo

Please check out the VOLUNTEER/ACTIVISM OPPORTUNITIES IN NOVATO to learn about local activities and ways that you can make a difference in and for our town Find some time and/or $$ to give back!!  
                   Link to Volunteer/Activism Opportunities in Novato Page

Events Calendar (Novato Fourth of July events are highlighted in blue/bold)

  SCHOOLS OUT! TEEN & FAMILY FRIENDLY - SUMMER FUN ACTIVITIES Besides the Movies in the Park listed below, there are many free events for children, teens and families this summer. Included among free events are: "Celebrate Family!" a series of family friendly entertainment for parents and children of all ages.  All "Celebrate Family!" events are being held at Margaret Todd Center, 1560 Hill Rd and are sponsored by the Novato Civic Arts Commission and Parks and Recreation Community Services. To learn about these and many other summer offerings including those for teens, go to: www.ci.novato.ca.us or 415-899-8200.
  
 -- TUESDAY, JUNE 17 (and every Tuesday thru October, weather permitting), 4-8 pm -- Novato’s Certified Farmers’ Market, Grant Avenue between Machin and Reichert Avenues, the downtown Novato Farmers’ Market is having another terrific season. Check out this year’s wonderful variety of booths/vendors, fresh organic produce, diversity of product, all of which equal more reasons to come down and shop every Tuesday evening!  A wonderful family outing, the Market will also have more vendors selling cooked/prepared foods, an exciting musical schedule, an expanded sitting area and a wide middle aisle great for strolling or strollers and activites for the kids!  Support our local farmers and our downtown Grant Avenue businesses. Cut back car emissions and save on gas, keep it local!
  
 -- TUESDAY, JUNE 17, 5:30-7/7:30 pm – PeaceNovato’s Vigil and information table located at the Farmer’s Market will be operating most Tuesday afternoons while the  Market is open. Among other things, the group has postcards available to address congress, is selling PeaceNovato T-shirts and doing voter registration. PeaceNovato is continuing their crane folding and naming.  Instructions in crane folding will be given to newcomers. The Peace Crane Remembrance Project involves folding a paper crane for every American soldier who has died in the Iraq War (the names of each soldier are also written on each crane). In remembrance of lives lost too soon, the cranes are displayed and carried by volunteers at various marches/events including this year’s Novato’s Fourth of July Parade. The Peace Crane Remembrance Project will continue until the war has ended.  
-- SATURDAY, JUNE 21, 1-5:00 pm -- PeaceNovato is having a work party to repair and repaint the crane poles and peace signs and build new ones for the additional cranes. Come and help. Contact info follows.
-- THURSDAY, JUNE 26, 7:30 pm -- A meeting to string cranes and misc. other work in preparation of PeaceNovato’s fourth of July continent. Contact info follows.
-- FRIDAY, JULY 4, 10:00 am --Volunteers are needed to set up and carry cranes in Fourth of July Parade through downtown Novato.  Any and all help is welcome!  This year the cranes will be accompanied by the Gandhi Puppet Float (8-10 ft) to further represent the importance/need for peace.
To RSVP or for more info about PeaceNovato and/or any of the above volunteer needs: Julie, 415-883-8324 or Maija, 415-898-1623.  

 -- TUESDAY, JUNE 17, 8:45 -- Celebrate Marriage Equality! -- Marin Civic Center in front of room 247 (County Clerk’s office). Join Spectrum LGTB Center and the Marin chapter of Marriage Equity USA to celebrate the first legal marriages issued to same-gender couples in Marin. County Treasurer Michael Smith oversees the issuance of marriage licenses. Last year, Smith was honored as a community partner by Spectrum for his unwavering support of marriage equality.  In 2004, Spectrum extended a similar honor to the Marin County Board of Supervisors for passing a resolution which affirmed marriage equality for same-gender couples. For more information, call Paula at 415-457-1115, ext. 209. www.spectrummarin.org  

STAY INVOLVED--THE FIGHT FOR MARRIAGE EQUALITY IS NOT OVER!  Join the Marin Chapter of Marriage Equality USA on Tuesday, June 17th, 7:00 PM at Ping's Mandarin Restaurant, 817 W. Francisco Boulevard, San Rafael.  This will be an organizing meeting on defeating the November ballot measure to approve a Constitutional Amendment that would define marriage in the State of California only as a union between one man and one woman. For more information, please call Dolores, co-Chair Marin Chapter Marriage Equality USA at 415-456-9010.

-- THURSDAY, JUNE 19, 7-9 pm -- Marin County Registrar of Voters Election Advisory Committee Annual Community Meeting -- Marin County Board of Supervisors Chambers, Marin Civic Center, 3501 Civic Center Drive, 3rd Floor. Featured presentation: "The Future of Voting" with David Dill, Professor of Computer Science, Stanford University, and founder of Verified Voting.org. Professor Dill will discuss the future of voting, current research on voting systems and voting practices, and what this means for the future of voting. Free and open to the public. For more info: www.marinvotes.org or call Elaine Ginnold, Registrar of Voters at (415) 499-6401.

  -- THURSDAY, JULY 19, 7-9 pm -- Sustainable Novato’s monthly meeting. 190 Cabro Court, Novato.  Action towards green building, cleaner energy, reduced carbon emissions, community choice electricity, more water conservation, fewer poisons in schools and city operations, green schools, zero waste, composting of green waste instead of landfilling, local economic self-reliance, independent green businesses, green purchasing, organic eating and locally-grown food, community gardens, community inclusiveness and equity. Be a part of positive change. Learn more what you can do to make a difference locally and globally. All Novatans welcome. To RSVP or for more info: Ed at 415-902-6365 or mailto:info@sustainablenovato.org.  See www.sustainablenovato.org.  

 -- THURSDAY, JUNE 19, 7-9:00pm -- “Take Back the White House” - The Marin Democratic Party (The Democratic Central Committee of Marin) Meeting -- Marin Democratic Campaign ‘08 Headquarters, 1344 4th (at “D”) Street , San Rafael.  Be a part of helping to organize Marin County’s efforts in Taking Back the White House! Now is the time to get involved!  Light Refreshments will be served. RSVP to Evelyn: evelyn@addem.org  

 -- THURSDAY, JUNE 19, 6:30-8:30 -- Race and Class Education Equity Initiative Council -- College of Marin, Conference Room A&B, Student Services Building (downstairs in staff lounge).  Parking Is enforced.  Participate in working with others to look at ways to close the education gap in Marin. For more info: Leslie at 415-454-2152 or leslieconsult@comcast.net  

-- SUNDAY, JUNE 22 (and every Sunday morning) 8 am, Nuestros Niños  - weekly Spanish-language radio show on child development and parenting issues. Looking for information, direction, inspiration? Tune in every Sunday at 8 am on KLOK 1170 AM, La Kalle 100.7/105.7 FM, La Nuestra KBBF 89.1 FM, Tricolor 99.5 FM, Super Estrella 107.1 FM, and Radio José KMBX 700 AM, to talk as a family about the joys and challenges presented by childhood.  Host Doctora Marisol is joined by other experts each week addressing important topics and responding to listeners' calls. For specific information on each week’s topic, to suggest a topic or to learn more about the radio show: 1-866-99NINOS or www.nuestrosninos.com.  And remember the English-language sister show, “Childhood Matters”, with Rona Renner, RN, every Sunday at 9 am on 98.1 KISS FM.  ¿¿Busca información, orientación, inspiración? Le invitamos a sintonizar nuestro programa todos los domingos a las 8:00 de la mañana, en KLOK 1170 AM, La Kalle 100.7/105.7 FM, La Nuestra KBBF 89.1 FM, Tricolor 99.5 FM, Super Estrella 107.1 FM, y Radio José KMBX 700 AM, para platicar en familia sobre las alegrías y los retos que nos presenta la niñez.  

 -- TUESDAY, JUNE 24, 6:30-8 pm -- Public Workshop on the Redwood Landfill's Solid Waste Facilities Permit, at Best Western-Novato Oaks Inn, “Oaks Room”, 214 Alameda del Prado, Novato.   

Marin County is forging ahead with allowing Waste Management Inc. to expand capacity of Redwood Landfill by over 33% to accept more local and regional waste at the growing dump just north of Novato on historic tidelands along the Petaluma  River.
 
This workshop will be hosted by Supervisors Judy Arnold and Susan Adams.  It will be an opportunity to ask our Supervisors and County staff hard questions such as: Where is the county’s zero waste plan?  Why hasn’t the county adopted a zero waste fee on each ton dumped at Redwood on our wetlands so as to develop better composting, resource recovery, and waste reduction programs including public awareness and education?  How will the county assure that mitigation features such as greenhouse gas reduction, phasing-out green and organic waste, and an independent monitor of safety and compliance are include in the final expansion permit?  What is the best way to harvest methane gas for CCA energy without encouraging more dumping of greenhouse gas producing food and organic waste?
 
Public participation and scrutiny is the only way to change business as usual, so please attend and speak-out.  For background information, go to www.noexpansion.org and www.greencoalitionmarin.org.   

-- SATURDAY, JUNE 28, 9 am -- Walk for Schools! The walk will start and end at Marion Field near the intersection of Grant Avemue and 7th Street, Novato.  Bring yourself, your friends, the kids, and even your dog, and come out to walk to show our support for the schools, have fun, and raise some money for the schools at the same time.  The event will start at 9 am.  You can choose a walking route of two, four or six miles.  To register, stop by the Walk for Schools booth at the Novato Farmers' Market, or gp to: www.novatoschoolfuel.org/events/WFS%20Registration%20Form.pdf or mail to: the School Fuel office at 448 Ignacio Blvd., #410, Novato, CA  94949.

-- FRIDAY, JULY 4 -- Celebrate Our Schools on the Fourth of July. There are two great ways to do so.  Early in the morning, the Tamalpa Runner’s club is organizing a race and fun run that will start on Grant Avenue. The group is working in cooperation with School Fuel to help support local schools. Go to: www.tamalparunners.org for more info and to register online for the race or walk. Also, the Novato Unified School District and School Fuel are working on a combined Novato Schools entry in the Novato Fourth of July Parade.  We want to make sure that every school is represented and that our students have the opportunity to show their stuff for the whole community.  Every student, staff, or family member is welcome to join the contingent.  If you have questions or a particular idea about their entry, please call Susan at 209-9616.
  
  -- WEDNESDAY, JULY 2 (and the first Wednesday of each month), 7-9 pm -- "Poetry Farm" -- poetry readings at Dr. Insomnia’s, 800 Grant Avenue, Novato. Come and hear from some of our talented local poets plus support one of Novato’s homegrown businesses, Dr. Insomnia’s!  

 -- WEDNESDAY, JULY 4TH, 10 am (sharp!) - noon -- Novato Fourth of July parade, Grant Avenue -- Reichert Ave to 7th Street.  Novato's 16th annual July Fourth, now the second largest in the North Bay, is expected to draw up to 20,000 people this year. Come and watch and applaud, or join in one of the many contingents, including:  

-- WEDNESDAY, JULY 4TH, 10 am -- Novato Democratic Club (NDC) hopes to have a lot of Novato Democrats joining their parade contingent on this very important election year. The Club will be handing out Obama bumper stickers and buttons and voter registration forms, as well as registering voters (all parties). They’ll have a Prius riding with them for those who are unable to walk very far – come join us! Contact Suzanne 415-309-6170  or Lynne Wasley: 415-898-2447. Our Democrat nominee for State Senate, Mark Leno, will be in the front of the parade and is also looking for participants to join his contingent.  
-- Peace Novato – please see info listed under June 17 for more on how you can help.
-- School Fuel/NUSD  - please see info listed under June 28th event.  
For general info on the parade: www.novatoparade.com  

 -- THURSDAY, JULY 10 and AUGUST 7, 7-9 pm -- Democratic Central Committee of Marin (DCCM) meeting. 1344 4th Street, (at "D" St.) San Rafael -- This location is the Marin Democratic Party headquarters for the 2008 election campaign. The DCCM usually meets the first Thursday of each month, but is meeting a week later in July due to their work at the Marin County Fair.  For more info on this meeting and other coming events: www.marindemocrats.org

 SATURDAY, JULY 12, 8:15 pm -- Movies in the Park - Cine en el Parque Movies: “Happy Feet” (PG), Pioneer Park, Simmons Lane. The tale of a tone-deaf, tap dancing penguin – thoughtful, touching and fun!  Enjoy a movie under the stars. Bring the whole family, a blanket to sit on and some snacks to munch on. Free of charge. Movies in the Park are respect/diversity themed movies brought to you by the City of Novato Multicultural Commission/City of Novato,

TUESDAY, JULY 15, 6:30 pm -- Novato City Council's Study Session on Marin Clean Energy (MCE).  NUSD Board Room, 1015 7th Street, Novato.  To learn more about Marin Clean Energy, come to this important, community-wide study session.  For more information and a calendar of Marin Clean Energy events, see www.marincleanenergy.info. For videos of earlier MCE study sessions and information about clean energy and efficiency at the local and state level, see www.womensenergymatters.org   

What is MCE?  Marin Clean Energy (MCE) is a plan to create a new green power agency in Marin County. Under MCE, Marin County cities and towns would form a Joint Power Authority which would buy renewable power collectively and directly, while PG&E would continue to be responsible for the transmission lines, billing and other duties.

What are the benefits of Marin Clean Energy?  Marin Clean Energy would reduce Marin's greenhouse gas emissions by initially providing twice as much renewable power as we receive now. MCE would also increase price stability over the long term by decreasing our reliance on imported fossil fuels to generate our power. MCE will also fuel small, locally based green businesses. In addition, MCE would enable local decision-making over what kinds of power Marin utilizes.

How do I sign up? Marin Clean Energy is currently being considered by each city and town in the county at public study sessions. You are welcome to attend these meetings and to participate in the public dialogue about the MCE choice. Following this public education period, each city and town council will vote on whether to participate. Any resident whose city or town joins the Marin Clean Energy JPA may opt out of green power and choose to stay with PG&E, but if their city or town does not join, they will not be able to join MCE.

-- FRIDAY, JULY 18 (and the third Friday of each month except June, October, and November), 9:30 - 11:30 am -- Marin County Election Advisory Committee, Room 324A, Marin Civic Center. Learn more about our local election oversight and how you can get involved. Sub-committees include:  Election Integrity & Voter Confidence Subcommittee and Voter Outreach and Education Subcommittee. All meetings are open to the public.  For more info about local efforts to ensure honest elections: contact Linda at EPLinda@aol.com Also, see June 19, above, for info on the Committee’s annual community meeting.

The primary purpose of Marin County Election Advisory Committee is to provide advice to the Registrar of Voters about voter participation and election integrity issues as they affect elections held in Marin County.  The Advisory Committee a) provides a link between the voting public and the Registrar of Voters and b) advises the Registrar of Voters to ensure that every voter has the opportunity to vote knowledgeably, safely and effectively.
 
-- MONDAY, JULY 21:  Novato City Council's Committee on Sustainability, 6:30 pm, Margaret Todd Senior Center, Meeting Room 3,1560 Hill Road, Novato.  This new committee, headed by Mayor Pat Eklund and Councilman Jim Leland, is working on a city greenhouse gas reduction plan under the state's carbon reduction mandate AB 32.  The July 21 session will focus on transportation and land use.  This session, and subsequent ones August 4 and September 8, are of interest to all Novato residents concerned about impacts of climate change at the local and regional level and what we can do about mitigating them by reducing emissions and making our community more self-reliant and sustainable.  The Committee was formed in spring 2008 to assist with the Novato City Council's Strategic Plan goal to "Enhance Environmental Sustainability". For more information, contact Jennifer Goldfinger, City of Novato staff, 415-899-8900 or City's website www.ci.novato.ca.us.  
 
-- WEDNESDAY, JULY 30, 6:30 pm -- Marin Clean Energy Community Forum, NUSD Board Room, 1015 7th Street, Novato.  This is a forum co-sponsored by County of Marin and Sustainable Novato to provide answers to questions about Marin Clean Energy (community choice aggregation).  Experts on clean energy will be on hand to provide information and conduct a conversation plans to provide Novato and other Marin jurisdictions with greatly increased green power while reducing carbon pollution.  For more information, contact info@sustainablenovato.org or 415-902-6365.  (See also, July 15 event, above.)
  
-- SATURDAY, AUGUST 2, 9:30-11 am – “Election 2008 – What You Can Do To Make a Difference” Novato Democratic Club (NDC) monthly meeting (first Saturday morning of each month), Chez Pierre, 7330 Redwood Blvd. (formerly Denny’s Restaurant), Novato.  The Club's August 2 meeting will focus on 2008 elections. This is a  critical time -- learn about ways you can get involved. NDC’s efforts include voter registration and GOTV precinct walking. As in 2004, NDC will be providing leadership in Novato by working in tandem with the Democratic Party of Marin and efforts to take back California’s “red” counties and states.  Beside our extremely critical presidential election there are many state propositions that will need local Democrats to weigh in on (some to support, some to defeat). Participants are encouraged to purchase breakfast (“delish” and reasonably priced) and/or donate $5 for coffee, etc. Best is to come early to order your food.  Learn more about how you can get more involved in local, state and national Democratic activities and support Chez Pierre, one of our fine local businesses! For details, contact: Suzanne, NDC President, (415) 309-6170 or Lynne NDC Vice-Pres (415) 898-2557.

NDC is an official Club of the California Democratic Party. Members take part in city and county Democratic activities. NDC meetings are a good place for sharing information about events, lively discussions, informative speakers, and finding local, state and national volunteer opportunities to support the Democratic Party and its values. The Club is a friendly, informal group that welcomes all fellow Novato Democrats/Democrat-learning. Connecting with like-minded people is informative, inspiring and fun!  Your Club involvement can be as much, or as little, as works for you. Check out www.novoatodemocrats.org for more info on the Club and updates on its activities.    

-- SATURDAY, AUGUST 2, 8:15 pm -- Movies in the Park - Cine en el Parque “Hairspray” (PG), Pioneer Park, Simmons Lane. Hairspray is the story of Tracy Turnblad, a big girl with big hair and an even bigger heart, who has only one passion - dancing. When her dream of becoming a regular personality on “The Corny Collins Show” comes true, she wins many fans and becomes an advocate for integration. Hairspray is based on the 1988 John Waters’ cult classic. Enjoy a movie under the stars. Bring the whole family, a blanket to sit on and some snacks. Admission free. Movies in the Park are respect/diversity themed movies brought to you by the City of Novato Multicultural Commission/City of Novato  

 -- SATURDAY, AUGUST 23, 8:15 pm -- Movies in the Park - Cine en el Parque "Pursuit of Happyness" (PG13) -- Pioneer Park, Simmons Ln. Chris Gardner (Will Smith) is a bright and talented, but marginally employed salesman. Struggling to make ends meet, Gardner finds himself and his five-year-old son evicted from their San Francisco apartment with nowhere to go. When Gardner lands an internship at a prestigious stock brokerage firm, he and his son endure many hardships, including living in shelters, in pursuit of his dream of a better life for the two of them. Enjoy a movie under the stars. Come with friends/family and a blanket to sit on and some snacks. Free admission. Movies in the Park are respect/diversity-themed movies brought to you by the City of Novato's Multicultural Commission/City of Novato  
  
Website news: City of Novato unveiled its new website May 15, 2008. Besides a new look and design, the website offers many new features: Better organization – the new pop down menus allow for easier navigation throughout the website, E-notification – allows you to sign up for email notification for meetings, events, and other Novato related information, Document Central - features a centralized library of city documents and forms and that you may access, Interactive calendar -  allows you to see Novato events by category, department, and by month, News updates - allows you to select to receive notice of city press releases, newsletters, and other 'what's new' content, Job Postings - notifies potential applicants when job openings are available, Facilities Directory - allows you to quickly search the city's facilities for specific features you would like to use, Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - allows you to search by the topic of your question or the city department and find information quickly and Improved Content Management - allows City staff throughout the organization to make timely updates to the site as needed.  Check it out! www.ci.novato.ca.us  

Please check out NOVATO VOLUNTEER AND ACTIVISM OPPORTUNITIES. Learn more about local groups and services, including: Novato Independent Elders, Novato Live Well Network, No Wetlands Landfill Expansion/Green Coalition, PeaceNovato, United for Safe Schools Novato, Sustainable Novato, School Fuel, Novato Human Needs Center, Novato Youth Center, Novato Spirit, Novato Wellness Center, Novato Housing Coalition and many others. Find out how you can support the efforts of some outstanding groups and be a part of making a positive change in our community!

NOVATO SUSTAINABILITY -- LOOKING FOWARD
By Ed Mainland
Mr. Mainland is Secretary, Sustainable Novato

 "Sustainability" has become a watchword. It covers a myriad of good and desired outcomes, maybe some confusing or even conflicting. Still, we hope the word still retains useful meaning.  For many, it boils down to acting today not to foreclose options for the future of our kids and grandkids.  It connotes living within our means, be they economic, environmental or whatever.  It means not "overdrawing on our capital", whether that capital is ecological, biological, cultural or economic or just plain trust.  And it means nurturing and growing those kinds of natural and man-made resources in light of the long-term general good and hopes for a decent life.

So here's some good "sustainability" news. Novato's City Council resolved last October 15 to count "enrich quality of life" as part of its mission, and "enhance environmental sustainability" as one of its three-year goals.  To help do this, the Council listed four immediate steps:  By March 1, action on City green purchasing, a public forum on green building, an action plan to reduce the City's carbon footprint; and by May 1, draft a green building ordinance for the commercial and municipal (city) sectors.  We say, kudos to the City for taking better care of our "natural capital".

Here's more good news:  the newly formed Novato Independent Business Alliance (NIBA) is giving a voice -- and a powerful and collective brand -- to locally-owned businesses, local investors and local entrepreneurs who say to us, "community-rooted private enterprise is good for Novato".  This goes beyond just "Shop Novato" or "shop downtown".  NIBA presumes that community members want to think of themselves not just as consumers but as citizens first.  It's all about greatly enhancing local self-reliance and engaging Novatans in robust discussion and involvement in decisions about municipal spending and related city longer-term issues of viability and prosperity and well-being.  A new voice for sensibly growing Novato’s "economic capital".  

Still more good news:  Novato Green Schools Coalition and Sustainable Novato are sponsoring a "Green Schools" Community Forum January 30 from 6-9 pm at NUSD Board Room, 1015 7th Street, Novato.   Green schools can create a healthier learning environment, raise test scores, increase attendance, save us money in the long run and reduce global warming impact.  The "Green Schools" Forum aims a drawing attention to lots of great people and lots of great programs and practical ideas already underway at various of Novato's schools, pointing the way for all of these separate strands to come together effectively and purposefully, and replicating them more widely.  

Our Council, our businesses, our schools -- all working toward real long-term sustainability in the Novato community.  That's hope for the New Year for sure.

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Other no-brainers at Redwood Landfill - Printed in the Novato Advance, December 5, 2007
By Christopher Gilkerson
Mr. Gilkerson is the director of the Green Coalition for Responsible Waste /Resource Management. He lives in Novato.

The Advance's editorial last week opined that it is a "no-brainer" for the Redwood Landfill, just north of Novato owned by the global giant Waste Management Inc. (WMI), to generate electricity from the harmful methane gas its business emits from the rotting garbage that's been there for years.  The Green Coalition agrees, and encourages WMI to start taking action immediately.  But here are five other equally significant no-brainers to clean up the waste in Marin.

First, ban the dumping of green, organic and food waste that is responsible for creating all that methane gas - 23 times more potent than carbon dioxide when it comes to global warming.  Most yard waste is not composted.  Instead, it is added to the garbage at the dump as "erosion control" or daily cover.  Many cities, states and countries ban that practice.  The environmentally sound approach is to divert green materials to a dedicated digester facility that can more cleanly and efficiently produce both compost and energy.  The Green Coalition has asked Marin County and WMI to plan such a facility.

Second, the landfill should be converted into a resource recovery park, where the last resort is burying materials as "waste."  In Monterey and Berkeley, for example, they go far beyond recycling and focus on reduction, reuse and recovery, which are far better for the environment than recycling.  These environmental parks co-locate and promote small businesses as tenants and include salvage, building material and hardware exchanges, and "last chance" stores.  They save landfill space and resources while creating green jobs in partnership with local businesses.  The Green Coalition has proposed a feasibility study for the Redwood Landfill site, and we've asked the county and WMI to cooperate on this vision.

Third, to truly partner with the public and allay environmental concerns, WMI should agree to an independent monitor of the Redwood site who reports to the community (as in Alameda County). Despite WMI's recent PR attempts to clean up its image, garbage can be a dirty business.  Just last week, WMI was fined $1 million for repeatedly violating California emission laws with its garbage trucks. Another recent example is the rotting garbage in Oakland neighborhoods this past summer due to WMI's lock-out of workers. We need an independent monitor to supplement the minimal state-required testing given the sensitive wetlands location of the landfill and the fact that most trucks are not inspected for hazardous materials.  

Fourth, a mitigation fee per ton of material that WMI buries instead of diverts should be adopted by the County.  It could pay for the independent monitor, create the infrastructure for the green compost and energy facility, and implement a resource recovery park and other zero-waste measures. The fee would also discourage out-of-county-waste that is now shipped into Novato.  It might cost you another 50 cents a month on your garbage bill, but it will pay dividends in the long run.  Or even the short run: one authoritative estimate is that Redwood landfill capacity will be reached in just eight years.  Then we'll have to rely on reduce and reuse strategies instead of burying our castoffs.

Fifth, establish long-term fiscal responsibility for future leaks and failures after the landfill closes, so taxpayers don't have to pick up a multi-million dollar cleanup tab.  Redwood Landfill sits on wetlands between faults in a floodplain that drains into the Petaluma River and the bay.  So our concerns focus on the seismic, flood, sea-level-rise, and groundwater risks of the 166-foot mountain of garbage WMI is amassing.  For more information about the risks, including Google Earth maps, go to www.noexpansion.org.

Our county government must act now and secure commitments from WMI while it has a chance.  Pending before the county is WMI's request to expand its permitted capacity by about 35 percent and make other operational changes.  It would be foolish to approve the expansion and then expect WMI to agree to all of the "no-brainers" when it doesn't have any incentive. Without binding commitments from WMI before any expansion, they could walk away in a few years and say, "Your problem now, Marin."

Additional Information
The Green Coalition -- which includes Sustainable Novato, Sierra Club, Novato Democratic Club and many other organizations* -- is eager to work with all parties. They have met with WMI's manager at the landfill about these issues and are still hoping for a constructive reply. Our local Supervisor, Judy Arnold, has lent an informed and sympathetic ear. Last year, Marin supervisors promised a waste issues workshop for everyone to learn more. The workshop should include WMI, local groups and outside experts.  The supervisors originally promised to convene the workshop before the hearing on the landfill expansion takes place at the Marin Planning Commission, now expected in February. Call Supervisor Arnold at 499-7331 to give her your views. For more information on the Green Coalition for Responsible Waste / Resource Management and/or to support their efforts go to: www.nowetlandsexpansion.org   

These the Coalition’s New Year’s resolutions, they need your help to succeed - Please consider a tax deductible contribution to help them reach these goals:

• Stop the dumping of yard waste and other green materials at Redwood Landfill with their potent greenhouse gas and global warming impacts.
•  Prevent leaking of toxic landfill waste into our marsh, river and Bay.
•  Move beyond recycling to waste reduction, and require composting.

The Green Coalition for Responsible Waste / Resource Management has focused local attention on the dangers of the waste-business-as-usual in Marin and Sonoma Counties. Many of you have already given your time and moral support, which they value greatly. They also thank you if you’ve made a past contribution. But they need financial help now. Their founding member organization, No Wetlands Landfill Expansion ("NWLE"), is dedicating all of its contributions to the Green Coalition cause. Your contribution to NWLE will help pay for educational materials, public relations efforts, funding a professional grant writer, and geotechnical and other experts to review and comment on the proposed landfill expansion environmental impact report and alternative solutions. Please make your tax-deductible check payable to NWLE / The Rose Foundation** and mail to: NWLE c/o The Rose Foundation, 6008 College Ave., Suite 10, Oakland, CA  94618

For more information, go to www.noexpansion.org  With your help, we can have a more sustainable future.

*Members of the Green Coalition for Responsible Waste / Resource Management, include: Sierra Club Marin Group, Sustainable Novato, Sustainable San Rafael, Sustainable Petaluma, Sustainable Marin, Friends of the Petaluma River, Madrone Audubon, The Bay Institute, Baykeeper, No Wetlands Landfill Expansion, Novato Democratic Club, Petaluma Tomorrow, Democracy for America, Green Builders of Marin, Friends of Novato Creek, Seniors for Peace, Grey Panthers of Marin, Environmental Action Committee of West Marin, Petaluma River Council, and Daily-Acts.

 **The Rose Foundation is NWLE's fiscal sponsor and a 501(c)(3) organization.  Contributions are tax deductible.  The Rose Foundation will send an acknowledgement of your generosity for your tax records.

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Support urged for drive to put farm animal cruelty act on ballot  Printed in the Marin IJ  December 9, 2007
By Maggie Rufo
Ms. Rufo volunteers at WildCare and the Marin Humane Society. She lives in Novato.

 "Animals suffer as much as we do. True humanity does not allow us to impose such sufferings on them. It is our duty to make the whole world recognize it. Until we extend our circle of compassion to all living things, humanity will not find peace."

 ALBERT Schweitzer's recognition of how we treat animals bears heavily on how we treat each other.

I take Dr. Schweitzer's words as inspiration as I join the efforts of volunteers all over California participating in a groundbreaking ballot initiative campaign to place the California Prevention of Farm Animal Cruelty Act on the November 2008 ballot. This effort, requiring 650,000 signatures from registered California voters, is sponsored by the Humane Society of the United States, Farm Sanctuary, animal protection groups, family farmers, veterinarians and public health professionals who are joining together to improve the lives of our food animals.

The goal is to reform factory farms, which are a threat to family farms. They also are gross environmental polluters and the source of unimaginable cruelty for chickens, cows and pigs.

There are 19 million egg-laying hens in California. Most are confined in small stacked wire cages in windowless warehouses. Debeaked to keep them from mutilating themselves or other hens because of the stress, they are forced to produce eggs around the clock. They are slaughtered after about a year when their bodies finally give out.
Male chicks are thrown, often alive, into dumpsters as they are worthless to the egg producer.

For male calves, the cruelty starts with them being taken from their mother before they are weaned. This is how we get milk from cows. The calves spend four months, tethered by the neck, in crates so narrow they cannot turn or lie down comfortably before their slaughter. Even the American Veal Association is recommending this be phased out.

Breeding pigs live in gestation crates, which are individual metal stalls only two feet wide. They can barely move and develop crippling joint problems and lameness and undergo debilitating mental and physical stress. At the end of pregnancy, sows are moved to another metal stall where they are kept separated from their nursing piglets, with no other physical contact. The piglets are prematurely weaned, and the sow is re-impregnated and returned to the gestation crate.

Will this initiative end the suffering of California's food animals? No, but it will reduce suffering for nearly 20 million animals in California factory farms by allowing them enough space to turn around and extend their limbs. Certainly we can grant our food animals this small amount of comfort.

The three methods of intensive farming described are the focus because they are so widely practiced. Producers of food will have until 2015 to phase out the cruelest confinement practices. Polls show that many Americans care about where their food comes from and how it was treated before it reached their plates. If you care, please look for signature gatherers at local events.

Add your voice to the chorus of compassion for California's farm animals. The signature gatherers are all unpaid volunteers. To learn more, or to volunteer, please visit www.humanecalifornia.org.”

 Additional Information

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“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that has.”  
 -- Margaret Mead, US Anthropologist
  
 “I wanted you to see what real courage is, instead of getting the idea that courage is a man with a gun in his hand. It's when you know you're licked before you begin but you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what”.  
-- Harper Lee, Author, To Kill a Mockingbird  
  
"I am not an advocate for frequent changes in laws and constitutions, but laws and institutions must go hand in hand with the progress of the human mind. As that becomes more developed, more enlightened, as new discoveries are made, new truths discovered and manners and opinions change, with the change of circumstances, institutions must advance also to keep pace with the times. We might as well require a man to wear still the coat which fitted him when a boy as civilized society to remain ever under the regimen of their barbarous ancestors."  
 -- Thomas Jefferson, U.S. President

"To consciously evolve, we require clear vision of a compassionate future that draws out our enthusiastic participation in life." –- Duane Elgin   

"Those who say it cannot be done should not interrupt the person doing it."  -- Chinese proverb.


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