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Letters of support
Following is a letter written by a supporter of peace. Please send your own and do your part to spread the peace.
September 14, 2010
Dear Christopher Bentley, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs;
I hope the first day back in session filled you with strong hope and will
for improvement of aboriginal affairs. Your position in the Ontario
Government must fill you with honour to be able to positively influence
and improve impacts on First Nations. The history of the land we share is
based on beautiful friendship, yet we have had a turbulent relationship.
As we awake to imposed conditions, and as we work toward reconciliation,
we are in an era of restoration and rebirth.
In the Southern tip of my riding, Simcoe--Grey, is an unused outdoor
education centre on the Haldimand Tract. The Mohawk people desire to
restore and reopen this centre for their youth, and offer educational
services to school boards.
The Toronto District School Board is the registered land title owner. The
Toronto District School Board put the Mohawk on notice that accessing the
land would be regarded as trespassing and a criminal offence. However the
school board is willing to discuss interests, concerns, and a sale for
fair market value.
On the final day of session before summer, Gilles Bison of the Ontario NDP
called on the Ontario Government “to enter into negotiations with the
Toronto District School Board and once the land title has been reverted to
the crown, that we enact what we had done in the Haldimand Proclamation
many years ago and transfer that land back to the Mohawk people so they
can use it for their traditional use.”
The Mohawk plan to renovate the existing buildings to properly accommodate
their needs. There are plans to erect a traditional longhouse, and also a
greenhouse to preserve traditional medicines and plants to go alongside
traditional field farming. The education centre constructs identity for
Mohawk youth as they connect with their heritage. It builds friendship and
reconciliation for generations to come.
This is a magnificent opportunity for all.
Sincerely,
Ernie Hilts
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FYI: Canada : Tightened muzzle on scientists is 'Orwellian'
from the Eagle Watch
This looked like something worthwhile to keep in mind when gathering or trying to gather information on a topic.
Kittoh
Tightened muzzle on scientists
is 'Orwellian'
Documents reveal federal researchers, whose work
is financed by taxpayers, need approval from Ottawa
before speaking with media
By Margaret Munro, Postmedia NewsSeptember 13, 2010
Andrew Weaver, a climatologist at the University of Victoria, says
the public has a right to know what scientists are discovering
and learning.
The Harper government has tightened the muzzle on federal scientists,
going so far as to control when and what they can say about floods at
the end of the last ice age.
Natural Resources Canada (NRC) scientists were told this spring they
need "pre-approval" from Minister Christian Paradis' office to speak with
journalists. Their "media lines" also need ministerial approval, say
documents obtained by Postmedia News through access-to-information
legislation.
The documents say the "new" rules went into force in March and reveal
how they apply to not only to contentious issues including the oilsands,
but benign subjects such as floods that occurred 13,000 years ago.
They also give a glimpse of how Canadians are being cut off from
scientists whose work is financed by taxpayers, critics say, and is often
of significant public interest -- be it about fish stocks, genetically modified
crops or mercury pollution in the Athabasca River.
"It's Orwellian," says Andrew Weaver, a climatologist at the University of
Victoria. The public, he says, has a right to know what federal scientists
are discovering and learning.
Scientists at NRC, many of them planetary experts, study everything
from seabeds to melting glaciers. They have long been able to discuss
their research, until the rules changed this spring.
"We have new media interview procedures that require pre-approval
of certain types of interview requests by the minister's office," wrote
Judy Samoil, NRC's western regional communications manager, in a
March 24 e-mail to colleagues.
The policy applies to "high-profile" issues such as "climate change,
oilsands" and when "the reporter is with an international or national
media organization (such as the CBC or the Canwest paper chain),"
she wrote.
The Canwest papers are now part of Postmedia Network Inc.
Samoil later elaborated, saying "the regional communications
managers were advised of this change a couple of weeks ago."
The documents show the new rules being so broadly applied that
one scientist was not permitted to discuss a study in a major research
journal without "pre-approval" from political staff in Paradis' office.
NRC scientist Scott Dallimore coauthored the study, published in the
journal Nature on April 1, about a colossal flood that swept across
northern Canada 13,000 years ago, when massive ice dams gave
way at the end of the last ice age.
The study was considered so newsworthy that two British universities
issued releases to alert the international media.
It was, however, deemed so sensitive in Ottawa that Dallimore, who
works at NRC's laboratories outside Victoria, was told he had to wait
for clearance from the minister's office.
Dallimore tried to tell the department's communications managers
the flood study was anything but politically sensitive.
"This is a blue sky science paper," he said noting: "There are no
anticipated links to minerals, energy or anthropogenic climate change."
But the bureaucrats in Ottawa insisted. "We will have to get the
minister's office approval before going ahead with this interview,"
Patti Robson, the department's media relations manager, wrote in
an e-mail after a reporter from Postmedia News (then Canwest News
Service) approached Dallimore.
Robson asked Dallimore to provide the reporter's questions and
"the proposed responses," saying: "We will send it up to MO
(minister's office) for approval." Robson said interviews about the
flood study needed ministerial approval for two reasons: the inquiring
reporter represented a "national news outlet" and the "subject has
wide-ranging implications."
The documents show several communications managers, policy
advisers, political staff and senior officials were involved drafting
and vetting "media lines" on the ancient flood study.
Dallimore finally got clearance to talk to reporters from Margaux
Stastny, director of communication in Paradis' office, on March 31,
a week after NRC communications branch was told the study was
appearing in Nature, and two days after reporters began
approaching Dallimore for interviews.
By then, the reporters' deadlines had passed and they had already
completed their stories about the ancient flood. Canwest News
Service, CBC, ABC, Reuters and other organizations based their
reports on interviews with co-authors of the study from universities
outside Canada that responded to interview requests promptly.
This effectively "muzzled" Dallimore by not allowing him to do
timely interviews, says Weaver, at the University of Victoria, who
says the incident shows how "ridiculous" the situation has got in
Ottawa.
"If you can't get access to a nice, feel-good science story about
flooding at the end of last glaciation, can you imagine trying to get
access to scientists with information about cadmium and mercury
in the Athabasca River? Absolutely impossible," says Weaver, in
reference to growing controversy over contaminants downstream
from Alberta's oilsands.
Environment Canada and Health Canada now tightly control media
access to researchers and orchestrate interviews that are approved.
Environment Canada has even produced "media lines" for federal
scientists to stick to when discussing climate studies they have
coauthored with Weaver and are based on research paid for
through his university grants.
"There is no question that there is an orchestrated campaign at the
federal level to make sure that their scientists can't communicate to
the public about what they do," says Weaver, adding that the
crackdown is seriously undermining morale in federal labs. "Science
is about generating new knowledge and communicating it to others."
© Copyright (c) The Vancouver Sun
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*NEWS: Bison Lawsuit to be Heard in U.S. Federal Court
Buffalo Field Campaign
West Yellowstone, Montana
PRESS ADVISORY--FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE--THURSDAY, SEPT. 16
Lawsuit To Be Heard in U.S. Federal Court Over Slaughter of America's Last Wild Buffalo
CONTACT: Darrell Geist, Buffalo Field Campaign habitat coordinator (406) 531-9284
WHAT: U.S. District Court Judge Charles C. Lovell will hear arguments for summary judgment in a lawsuit filed by a coalition of conservation groups, Native Americans, and Montanans against Yellowstone National Park and the Gallatin National Forest for harming wild bison and associated species.
WHEN: 10 AM, Tuesday, September 21, 2010.
WHERE: Helena, Montana, Federal Court House, 901 Front Street, 3rd floor Room 2.
WHO: The plaintiffs are Western Watersheds Project, Buffalo Field Campaign, Tatanka Oyate, Gallatin Wildlife Association, Native Ecosystems Council, Yellowstone Buffalo Foundation, and Montana residents Daniel Brister, Meghan Gill, and Charles Irestone.
The defendants are Ken Salazar, Secretary of the Interior; Suzanne Lewis, Park Superintendent, Yellowstone National Park; National Park Service, an agency of the U.S. Department of Interior; Leslie Weldon, Regional Forester, US Forest Service Northern Region; U.S. Forest Service, an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture; Mary Erickson, Gallatin National Forest Supervisor.
WHY: The plaintiffs' suit claims:
U.S. Forest Service decisions are precluding native bison and associated species from occupying and using Gallatin National Forest lands.
U.S. Forest Service is not providing for diversity of plant and animal species on the Gallatin National Forest, is not managing habitat for bison, and is not ensuring viable populations of bison and associated species exist on the Forest.
National Park Service decisions are causing impairment or unacceptable impacts to native bison populations by allowing the wanton destruction of wild bison and not conserving the wildlife species and related resources in the Yellowstone ecosystem.
The plaintiffs have asked for court review of both agencies' refusal to analyze and disclose new information and changed circumstances relating to bison management and brucellosis.
The plaintiffs seek relief from the court requiring the federal agencies to take a hard look at environmental impacts and make informed decisions with the best available science about wild bison and related species in the Yellowstone ecosystem.
Legal filings online
http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=7ocZnSyTOXbwtZou9kYHD%2FnTSnRmR0%2FA
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Subject: International Action Center calendar: Sept. 16-23 
Friends:
Very successful demonstrations calling for unity and solidarity in the face of anti-Muslim bigotry and racism were held this past Saturday in NYC, Gainesville, Fl. and elsewhere Pictures and video are available for viewing on the national IAC website. Please go to http://www.facebook.com/l/aa627MtO0P3yt1Nt1cCrYKinIwA;www.iacenter.org for more information and analysis.
The funeral services for Rev. Lucius Walker, founder of IFCO-Pastors for Peace and a leading figure in the anti-racist, anti-war struggle in the US will be held this Friday, Sept. 17 in NYC. Rev. Walker who died of a heart attack on Sept. 7 was an outspoken critic of US interventionist policies and actively supported liberation movements in Central and South America, in particular. He organized 21 Friendshipments to Cuba, deliberately breaking the US blockade by bringing material aid and political solidarity to the Cuban revolution.
In consultation with other activists, the Atlanta IAC is discussing plans for a tribute to Rev. Lucius Walker to be held here in Atlanta. Please contact the IAC if you would like to help organize this event. (atlantaiac@aol.com)
Calendar:
Thursday, Sept. 16 (multiple events)
noon-2pm, monthly Task Force for the Homeless forum, Antioch Baptist Church North, 540 Kennedy 30318 (off Northside Dr). Agenda includes report on police repression of public food distribution programs. Lunch provided. For more information, call 404.230.5000. Also please go to the websitehttp://www.facebook.com/l/aa627IU7mmqaF_FJ_U5I7lDezcQ;www.homelesstaskforce.org, for current videos and information about volunteer needs at the city's largest provider of services for homeless people.
rescheduled , film screening of "Trouble the Water" postponed to
Thursday, Sept. 23.
7pm and 8pm, Screen on the Green features "Palestine is Still the Issue," Emory University, Asbury Circle. Refreshments. Sponsored by Emory Advocates for Justice in Palestine.
7pm, film, "Iran (Is Not the Problem)," exposes the media misrepresentations of US and Iran relationship from the 1950's to 2007. Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 1911 Cliff Valley Way NE, Rm 210. $3 donation requested. Sponsored by Peace Network. For more information, call 770.491.6817.
Friday, Sept. 17 (multiple events)
noon-1pm, weekly Stand for Peace, Colony Square, 14th and Peachtree. Anti-war activists have held a vigil with signs and banners on this corner every Friday for over 8 years, giving visibility to demands for Troops Out Now and No US Occupation of Iraq and Afghanistan. Sponsored by WAND.
7:30pm, film, "Snow Falling on Cedars," explores impact of racism in a 1950's s murder case, First Existentialist Congregation, 470 Candler Park Dr NE 30307. $1-10 donation requested. Discussion to follow.
Saturday, Sept. 18 (multiple events)
9am-1pm, WRFG Jazz Carwash and Waffle Breakfast, Little 5 Points Community Center, 1083 Austin Ave, parking lot at the corner of Euclid and Austin. To buy advance tickets, please call the WRFG office at 404.523.3471. All proceeds to benefit WRFG, 89.3 FM, Atlanta's station for progressive information.
10am-7pm, Collard Greens Cultural Festival, Shrine of the Black Madonna parking lot, 946 Ralph D. Abernathy Blvd SW (at Gordon Pl. SW). Featuring cooking contest, children's activities, food, music, vendors. The International Action Center will have a book table. Please stop by and say hello and look over our stock of progressive titles. Festival proceeds to benefit scholarships to Afro-centric schools.
1-3pm, program, "From the Freedom Flotilla to Shutting Down GILEE," featuring international participants of the Gaza aid ships attacked by Israeli military and local divestment activists engaged in closing a police exchange program between Georgia and Israel, headquartered at GSU, American Friends Service Committee building, 60 Walton St, 2nd fl. Refreshments. Sponsored by Movement to End israeli Apartheid-Georgia. For more information, go to http://www.facebook.com/l/aa627Okx6Le40Ed9GqQH8sPelvA;www.meiag.org
Tuesday, Sept. 21
Scheduled execution date of Brandon Rhode. Letters and messages to the Georgia Pardons and Parole Board are encouraged. The use of the death penalty in Georgia continues the unequal application of criminal prosecution and punishment which targets the poor and communities of color. For more information, go tohttp://www.facebook.com/l/aa627xmBqc5Q0Gb9JdKaISpva3A;www.gfadp.org Also a complete list of vigils around the state. 6:30pm, Georgia State Capitol, Washington St. steps.
6:30pm, program, "Report Back from Haiti," Auburn Ave. Research Library, 101 Auburn Ave NE (at Courtland). Members of a recently-returned delegation from the Malcolm X Grassroots Movement will discuss the current situation in Haiti following the devastating earthquake. Sponsored by Haiti Will Rise Again Coalition.
Thursday, Sept. 23 (multiple events)
6-9:30pm, film, "Trouble the Water," tells the story of Hurricane Katrina's impact on the Gulf region, Hunger Coalition building, 9 Gammon St (on campus of Carver HS , University and Hank Aaron). Sponsored by Project South and Georgia Citizens Coalition on Hunger.
7-11pm, benefit, "Sex, Wine & Chocolate 2010: SPARKing the Fire in Each other," Rialto Center for the Arts, 80 Forsyth St. 30303. A fantastic night of performances, beverages, desserts, and dancing to benefit the work of SPARK: Reproductive Justice Now. For ticket information, go to http://www.facebook.com/l/aa627VeW7_uY-qzYeb6awZq_Tmw;www.sparkrj.org
-------------------------------------------
Please WATCH the following short video about the Cost War and Homelessness in America & FORWARD it to others.
http://www.facebook.com/l/aa627iccRDqVLV5k_ljohaq2s5A;www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-xSkyG3q-U
Thank you!
Azi
treeafrica@yahoo.com
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No answer to 911 results in native womans death
Vancouver, BC, Press Release - April 21, 2010 - With events beginning April 8, a young woman, Kerri Canepotatoe from the Big River First Nation died tragically after hiking 70 kilometres in a desperate attempt to get help for three relatives who were stranded on a remote back road in north-western Saskatchewan.
"Without question, Kerri is a hero. The very system that saves countless lives and what we all depend on when we are in dire need, failed her" said Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, President of the Union of BC Indian Chiefs.
Canepotatoe, Melissa Rabbitskin and her two young children, were travelling near Loon Lake on April 8 and after getting stuck in a slough, Canepotatoe ventured out looking for help after 911 calls were made. Canepotatoe died of exposure.
Unfortunately, it was not the 911 calls that led to the discovery of Canepotatoe and her relatives, whom had survived for seven days in the vehicle but the discovery of Canepotatoe's body.
In a similar incident in northern BC on Jan. 1, 2009, 18 year old Matthew Armstrong called 911 four times pleading for help after getting lost in the woods south of Williams Lake. Like Canepotatoe, Armstrong also died needlessly from exposure.
"Matthew and Kerri would be alive today if the 911 and RCMP dispatchers did their jobs. Kerri and her relatives called 911 three times and Matthew called four times, how many times does it take to have the dispatchers respond? The sole intent of 911 is to render assistance in emergencies. Matthew's and Kerri's deaths are directly attributable to the failings of an outdated and inadequate 911 system," stated Grand Chief Stewart Phillip.
"There is an urgent need not only to have properly trained personnel in dealing with these calls, but to ensure that wireless providers and emergency dispatchers upgrade their equipment so 911 calls aren't lost in rural or remote areas and can be traced," said Grand Chief Stewart Phillip. "The UBCIC strongly believes that if such upgrades were implemented and properly trained personnel in place, the deaths of Matthew and Kerri would have been prevented."
In closing, on behalf of the Union of BC Indian Chiefs, we convey our prayers and sincere condolences to the grieving families.
/For further information: http://www.ubcic.bc.ca/
For more information, please contact
Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, President, Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs
Primary Phone: 250-490-5314
Secondary Phone: 604-684-0231
E-mail: ubcic[at]ubcic.bc.ca
Posted By: Anthony Jay Henhawk Jr.
To: Members in First Nations & Aboriginal Rights
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Native leaders warn of conflict over Ontario northern development legislation
TORONTO — Ontario is heading for conflict with First Nations, Native leaders said Thursday, after the province moved ahead with contentious legislation governing northern development.
Native leaders are worried they will lose control over traditional land under the Far North Act, which is on the verge of passing.
The legislation opens half the northern boreal region – about 42 per cent of the province — to development like the kind being planned in the so-called “Ring of Fire”, a pristine 5,000-square-kilometre swathe of land set to be mined for its rich ore deposits.
Native leaders were at Queen’s Park on Thursday demanding the bill be halted
“If it passes as is, there’s going to be conflict on the land,” said Margaret Sakchekapo-Kenequana, executive director of the Shibogama First Nations Council. “We cannot simply just hand over jurisdiction to the government of Ontario, because the jurisdiction was given to us by the creator and we will uphold that. That is our sacred responsibility.”
Grand Chief Stan Beardy said Premier Dalton McGuinty ignored direct requests for changes to the legislation.
“We’ve told him for one whole year what our issues are, what our concerns are, and it almost seems like they’re not listening,” said Beardy, who leads 49 northern bands.
Beardy said if passed, he would oppose the new legislation “by any means necessary.”
The threat opens the specter of disruptive occupations like the one that has haunted the southwestern Ontario community of Caledonia since 2006.
Liberal ministers attempted to cool the rhetoric yesterday, touting their own outreach efforts in negotiating changes to the bill.
Linda Jeffrey, minister of natural resources, said the government had implemented all the changes demanded by Aboriginal groups.
She said their continued discontent was caused by the confusing language of a bill “drafted by lawyers.”
“I think there are some challenges with trying to communicate what’s happening in the bill,” she said. “My goal was to accommodate all of the requests… That’s what I think the amendments have done. We’ll see on the ground how the First Nations community comes around to understanding it.”
The bill has cleared all legislative hurdles and can now be passed any time.
Aboriginal leaders warned against that.
“If I came into your backyard and started pitching up my teepee, would you like that? Probably not, eh? You probably would want consent or tell me that I’m loitering, I’m trespassing,” said Sakchekapo-Kenequana. “That’s the same thing. The far north, 42 per cent of Ontario, is our homeland.
"That is our homeland. We have a right to say what happens in that territory.”
Read more: http://www.ottawacitizen.com/life/Native+leaders+warn+conflict+over+Ontario+northern+development/3535775/story.html#ixzz0zkzyZ4rq
Posted By: Anthony Jay Henhawk Jr.
To: Members in First Nations & Aboriginal Rights
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Fw: Food & Water Watch
This is bad news - GMO Salmon and the growers want it so they do not have to mark it as GMO/Farmed so people won't know...
I will go to the Food and Water Watch protest tomorrow a few blocks from work in front of the Capitol...
Food and water watch asks if anyone can sign on at their site below to make some phone calls. Hopefully I will have some pics/vid up tomorrow.
Spread this around - super urgent.
Thanks
Russ
http://www.foodandwaterwatch.org/
Russell Imrie
rimrieoffice@gmail.com
408.408.7619
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Playing With God: Terry Jones, Christian Radicalism and 15 Minutes of Fame
Anthony Samad: Religion without sincerity, reason, or spirituality is not a good look no matter who wears this evil jacket. Evil things happen when people play with God and use political motives to desecrate his word.
Read More
http://www.laprogressive.com/progressive-issues/playing-god-terry-jones/
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Tell the U.S. Attorney: Investigate Christine O'Donnell!
Dear Supporter,
Next week, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) will ask the Delaware U.S. Attorney David Weiss to open a criminal investigation into Christine O'Donnell's abuse of campaign funds. We'll also ask the Federal Election Commission to look into the matter. It seems pretty clear to us that she has been using her campaign money to finance her personal life, which is flat-out illegal.
CNN is already looking into the matter. Click here to see their report.
We need your help.
Sign our petition encouraging U.S. Attorney David Weiss to fully investigate this matter.
Please be sure to forward this email to all your friends and neighbors.
The task of building a better Washington continues, and we could never do what we do without the continued support of thousands of people just like you.
Thank you,
Melanie Sloan,
Executive Director
CREW
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Book Released about Michael Vick's Canine Victims
Having trouble viewing this email? Read it online in your browser.
Latest News from the Frontlines of Animal Welfare
September 17, 2010
1. The Lost Dogs, Book about Bad Newz Kennels Survivors, Now Available
It’s official—The Lost Dogs: Michael Vick’s Dogs and Their Tale of Rescue and Redemption was released yesterday and is available for purchase nationwide. Check out a short video about the book made by its publisher, Gotham Books. Read More...
http://www2.aspca.org/site/R?i=zzOVenJq8-BFZoJE4_w8gw..
2. Saving Animals’ Lives: $100K Challenge Leaders Announced
The results of the first month of the ASPCA $100K Challenge are in, and boy did our contestants deliver. Find out the total number of animals’ lives saved and see if your local shelter is in the lead!
http://www2.aspca.org/site/R?i=hUvz8tcZoMRP9umnK1lC_Q..
3. ASPCA Happy Tails: Match Made in Heaven
Loyal companion Lola was a perfect match for the Herrings. Find out how the new furry family came together with the help of a caring sister and the ASPCA’s Meet-Your-Match® program.
http://www2.aspca.org/site/R?i=-aB3PukhoJ5Ok-OE58R6rA..
4. Save 20% on ASPCA Back-to-School Must-Haves
Whether you’re putting the finishing touches on your back-to-school wardrobe or getting an early start on holiday shopping, the ASPCA Online Store has you covered. Shop our life-saving shelves today.
http://www2.aspca.org/site/R?i=6BCT6e4WEZLaa0nx-6ohYA..
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9/21 2p.m. - SF Supervisors must vote again on "Charge for Harm" Alcohol Cost Recovery Fee
Jorge,
We will be there! You have the full support of AIM-WEST in this campaign to "charge for harm" alcohol recovery fee starting in SF. I will help arrange a meeting with da Mayor and the Indigenous community representatives asap.
Thank you for bringing it to our atencion at our last meeting on September 8.
Tony Gonzales
AIM-WEST Director
Www.aimwest.info
Sent from my iPhone
On Sep 17, 2010, at 4:25 PM, Jorge Castillo
- this email is an update on how the legislation is going. We will rally Monday at 4pm at 24th and Noe st. in San Francisco
outside Plump Jack Wines (owned by the Mayor) and we need your support also Tuesday at 12:45 at SF City Hall to talk to
Supervisor Bevan Dufty. - Tlazokamati
Jorge
SAN FRANCISCO COMMUNITY PROVIDERS & STAKEHOLDERS
Congratulations and Thank You
Your support of the SF"Charge for Harm" Alcohol Cost Recovery Fee resulted in it being passed by the SF BOS at its first reading on September 14, 2010, by a vote of 7 to 3.
The meeting was full of debate and colorful language as this newspaper article points out:
http://sfappeal.com/news/2010/09/booze-fee-passes-after-what-supe-daly-described-as-a-bunch-of-fucking-whining.php
Now the BOS must vote a final time to approve it on Tuesday, September 21, 20910
We need your continuing support to insure the SF Board of Supervisors will cast the final vote of approval for the alcohol recovery fee.
URGENT!
Please take the following steps to secure a veto-proof majority and to prevent the Mayor's veto:
STEP ONE :
Supervisors Bevan Dufty voted against the fee but we must still try to get him to do the right thing!
- Join us Tuesday September 21 at 12:45pm outside Superviisor Dufty's office. We'll meet with him at 1pm.
- Also Re-Send an official letter of endorsement on your organization's letterhead to:
· Supervisor Bevan Dufty via faxe at: 415-554-6909
· Send one copy of your letter to Marin Institute via fax at: 415-456-0491 or email jorgec@marininstitute.org
STEP TWO:
Tell the Mayor to recuse himself from making a decision on the alcohol fee since he has investments in the wine business
and this represents a conflict of interest.
- Setup a meeting to speak to the Mayor in person and send your letters supporting the fee. The Mayor can be
reached at: telephone: (415) 554-6141 fax: (415) 554-6160 email: gavin.newsom@sfgov.org
STEP THREE:
Attend the Board of Supervisors Meeting
When: Tuesday, September 21
Time: 2 p.m.
Where: SF City Hall Room 250
We recommend watching the entire September 14th SF Board of Supervisors debate to witness the great amount of support we have been able to build. Go to this site:
http://sanfrancisco.granicus.com/ViewPublisher.php?view_id=10
(If the link does not work by clicking, copy & paste it in your browser window)
Then click on the word "video" for the date of September 14. Once you get the small video screen, go to the menu underneath the screen, scroll down to item 19 titled "establishing an alcohol cost recovery fee" and click on it to watch that portion of the hearing.
Background Information:
The "Charge for Harm" alcohol recovery fee ordinance will recover $16 million annually for essential services and programs such as alcohol treatment, prevention, detox, sobering, emergency and other hospital care, and SFPD emergency medical transport.
Supporting documents:
1. Talking points
2. Supporter list
3. Support Letter Template
For More information
Recovery providers and othersContact: Jorge Castillo (Marin Institute) at Jorgec@marininstitute.org or call(415) 257-2488
Prevention providers Contact: Matt Rosen (Youth Leadership Institute) atmrosen@yli.org or call (415) 836-9160, ext. 240
Jorge Castillo
Marin Institute: The Alcohol Industry Watchdog
24 Belvedere Street
San Rafael, CA 94901
Phone: 415.257-2488
Fax: 415.456.0491
Email: Jorgec@marininstitute.org
--
"When crazy people call you crazy, you know you're sane.
When evil people call you evil, you know that you are a good person.
When lairs call you a liar, you know that you are truthful.
Know who you are and don't let others tell you who you are." - Dave Kitchen
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