Page 32 - Sonoma County Gazatte May 2017

It wasn’t so busy there either, but I was raising kids, and that kept me busy enough.
KUDOS to them, and to all the local citizens who advocated for a strong stand by our governing body.
There were plenty of environmental battles to ght as well. I worked for the local paper where I learned all about the dangers of Growth. If you widen the freeway, there will be more tra c, more people, they said. Now the freeway is wider, no end to tra c jams in sight. But many battles were won. Of course the ght to stop the nuclear power plant on Bodega Head – the so-called “Hole in the Head” – was the grandmother of them all. Thanks to the many neighbors who rallied around the issue and the EPA o cial who happened to hear about it on the radio, the Hole is now a lush pond o ering sanctuary for birds.
But immigration is only one of the many federal initiatives coming our way from this relentlessly heartless federal administration.
Those were the days! Activism fueled, at least in part, by that succulent West County crop that is about to be re-packaged and corporatized as soon as it’s o cially legal. Will attorney general Sessions, with his passion for eliminating drugs and keeping “ lthy” Mexicans on their side of the border, actually stand up against the likes of Philip Morris et.al. when they start churning out their nifty little packages of dope?
Among the busy is Indivisible Sonoma whose members are ring o pink postcards and signing petitions to protect our democracy.
The head of the Sonoma County Growers Alliance, Executive Director Tawnie Logan, was quoted in a recent issue of Sonoma Magazine (the super- glossy published by the PD) as saying the SCGA was encouraging the growers to form cooperatives to maintain control of their industry. Three cheers for that idea! If we can keep our wealth owing locally we’ll be in good shape when the inevitable crash follows the pro igate spending and heedless foreign policies of the Trump administrate. Put a tari to staunch the ow of imports from China? Good luck on that one.
And the Chamber of Commerce held its LocalFest in April, supporting new business ventures in Sonoma.
Ah Trump. He has invaded our living rooms across America, broadcast by the networks to which we are hooked, even in little Sonoma.
Have I left anything out? I’m sure I have. The ballet performance, in La Luz de la Luna, a bene t for La Luz, was sold out before I got it together to purchase a ticket.
Next to wine and tourism it is he who has stirred things up here.
It’s exciting to witness all the creative activities of our town in the midst of what must seem to be the beginning of a dark era of repression and militarism in our nation, and to see that Sonoma citizens are strengthening our most important asset during this turbulent era, our community.
The threat of deportations of our Latino residents was the rst thorn to puncture our bubbles in this prosperous, cheerful town.
And let’s hear it for the mothers who manage to nd time to populate and strengthen all these initiatives.
An initiative started by Susan Lamont, retired director of the Sonoma County Peace and Justice Center, urging city and county agencies to take a stand against Trump’s threatened deportation policy travelled throughout the
Let’s keep our community strong and bright during the days to come!
City of Santa Rosa Honors 13 Recipients with 36th Annual Merit Awards
county following the election, well before Trump’s Executive Order imprinting the directives that lay ahead. “It Can’t Happen Here” made its way to the School Board, who, with the help of the gently guiding hand of IWHH member Claudia Robbins passed in February a strong resolution o ering protection to students in our community from the anticipated invasion of ICE, the federal immigration agency, on our campuses.
Ah the erstwhile sleepy little town of Sonoma, how we miss her! Twenty years ago there was not much happening here.
I lived in Sebastopol then, out in the countryside near Occidental.
Then on April 17, the City Council unanimously passed its warm-hearted resolution to protect the democratic rights of all targeted groups in our community.
I am pleased to say I was among them.
Local groups sprang into action to oppose these initiatives including the horrible healthcare bill Trump presented to replace the A ordable Care Act, and subsequently withdrew.
A demonstration to oppose Trump’s ignorant stance to dismantle protections against climate change was rapidly organized by a coalition of local environmental groups in concert with the national march on April 29.
And so it goes on.
But lest we think that Sonomans are only occupied with politics, this erstwhile quiet town also managed to present SonomaWood, the highly reputed international lm festival.
Our love for the earth was celebrated Earth Day April 23 with events all over the Valley, from Bouverie Preserve in Glen Ellen and Quarryhill to Maxwell Farms, Sweetwater Spectrum and an Earth Care Festival in town. Wow! Talk about energy!
The City of Santa Rosa honored many extraordinary individuals and organizations for their volunteerism in serving the community and improving quality of life in Santa Rosa on April 24, 2017, at City Hall. .
Unitarian Universalist Congregation Saturday Breakfast: For serving the community through a weekly meal
for approximately 175 people who are experiencing homelessness.
Awards were presented in 5 categories. Below are the recipients to be honored:
Jeanne-Marie Jones: In recognition of over 25 years of volunteer work, including 15 years as Director, at F.I.S.H. food pantry, serving those in need.
BEAUTIFYING OUR COMMUNITY
Santa Rosa Parks Foundation: For support
of City parks and outstanding fundraising
efforts resulting in a new train engine at Howarth Park.
of the volunteer efforts to create this unique museum and preserve Santa Rosa’s local history.
Welfare League: For the tireless volunteer efforts at the Welfare League Thrift Store and ongoing community programs.
NEIGHBORHOOD ENRICHMENT – Strengthening our neighborhoods
Zack Rhodes: In recognition of his vision in creating and facilitating the community art program FreeArtFridaySR.
Rotary Club of Santa Rosa East: In recognition of its members’ philanthropic and volunteer efforts in community and youth programs.
Redwood Empire Mountain Bike Alliance:
Nancy Wang: For her remarkable service with the Redwood Empire Chinese Association and her other ongoing volunteer efforts in the community.
SPECIAL AWARD
For their vision and hard work in creating and maintaining Santa Rosa’s first public bicycle pump track at Northwest Community Park.
COMMUNITY SERVICES – Serving others, particularly young people, seniors & those in need
Sally Mullen: For 25 years of dedicated service on the City of Santa Rosa Merit Awards Committee.
Raízes Collective: For their dedication to empowering youth through artistic, cultural and environmental programs.
First United Methodist Spirit Café: In recognition of its ongoing commitment to serving meals to the hungry and homeless in Santa Rosa.
Since 1978, the City’s annual Merit Awards have acknowledged and celebrated the outstanding work being done to strengthen neighborhoods, serve people in need, expand our artistic and historical culture and beautify the community.
CULTURAL ENRICHMENT – Expanding and enriching the artistic & historical culture
Santa Rosa High School Museum: In recognition
Joey R. Chasse: Outstanding efforts with Schools of Hope, Marine Corps League and Coats for Vets.
32 - www.sonomacountygazette.com - 5/17