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'The time has come for all good men to come to the aid of their country'- my mom used to practice writing that on her typewriter. And let's face it folks, this beleaguered republic needs help like never before; the forefathers must be spinning in their graves!
| Hey, I'm all up for a good challenge! It's been 5 years now sinceI began this partisan experiment and re-registered from Green to Democrat. Anyone who's read my book ('An Activist's Almanac') knows the history of the 2003 State Convention, and it caused me to sit out the next one, angry that change comes too slowly to save our precious old-growth forest. But, in the immortal words of Aerosmith, "I'm Back"- and back with a vengeance! Fresh from the Ocean Protection Council meeting up in Monterey, I and my trusty assistant, (the both lovely and talented Sandra Brazil) are preparing the RV, getting her ready to 'set sail' for San Diego, with a fill schedule of save-the-world action planned! It all starts off with a secret dinner date with the fantastic activists of La Jolla, a night of Lasagna and strategy brain-storming! Then, it's off to the San Diego Convention Center and the California Democratic State Convention itself, with all 2008 California Presidential hopefuls and Democratic Presidential Candidates in attendance! Sorry about all the !!exclamation points!!, but this is some exciting s@#!t :) Although I'm not a State Central Committee Delegate this time around, I have recieved full 'Observer' status, with full access to all the busy convention goings-on. I and Sandra will also be attending the star-studded Presidential Candidates dinner come saturday night. But make no mistake- it's all business for us, friends. We have two (count 'em, 2!) presentations before the Environmental Caucus, and they will vote on wether or not to support the Resolution to Create a Marine Sanctuary for Harbor Seals at Casa Beach! Also on the agenda for the Caucus meeting will be a presentation given by Sue Moloney on the need for an Old-Growth Tree Bill, or as we call them, 'Heritage Trees'. Interestingly and historically, there will be no need for a Heritage Tree Resolution, as that one was passed by the 67th Assembly District Democrats, then by the Orange County Democratic Party Central Committee, then accepted by the entire delegation at the 2003 State Convention and, finally, by the full E-Board that June as well, a grand-slam! For your consideration, I include the text of both those resolutions below. Love and respect, Joey Racano, Director Ocean Outfall Group (Recipient, Surfrider Foundation 2002 Board Appreciation Award) Former CDP State Central Committee Delegate Endorsed by California Green Party, 2002 Orange County Greens, 2002 CDP Patrick Henry Club, 2004 Author, Heritage Tree Resolution Resolution Passed by the Environmental Caucus at the 2003 State Convention -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 03-03-13-2 ~Resolution in Support of the Preservation of Heritage Trees~ Whereas, Heritage Trees, defined as trees older than the State of California, are a precious resource to all, including future generations; and Whereas, property, harvest and construction rights can be exercised in such a way that home construction and harvest can be done around Heritage Trees; now, therefore Be It Resolved, that the California Democratic Party supports the proposition that Heritage Trees shall no longer be logged, cut, or otherwise extirpated, and natural habitat and ecosystems shall be preserved wherever and whenever possible and that a review board be established to enforce these rules, any disputes being settled by arbitration. Also passed the Resolutions Committee and was passed by the full E Board in June, 2003. Offered by Joey Racano ~Resolution Regarding Creation of a Marine Sanctuary for Casa Beach~ WHEREAS, harbor seals have inhabited the area known as Casa Beach in La Jolla, California, as a haul-out site, hauling out being a physiologically necessary activity through which this species comes ashore to conserve energy, give birth, and nurse their young; this haul-out site being the only harbor seal rookery south of Carpenteria, California, attracting many hundreds of visitors daily adding significant economic benefits to the city and county, as well as providing a unique nature education opportunity; and, WHEREAS,although the harbor seals are true seals and should be protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) as well as California and San Diego law, enforcement of the law by authorities on all levels has been lax; documented harassment of the harbor seals has continued on a regular basis without legal repercussions for offenders, while compliance with and enforcement of the MMPA with regard to harbor seals is being promoted by federal authorities in other areas of the United States*; and, WHEREAS, more protection is needed for the preservation of this rookery, as scientific studies have indicated that harbor seals are timid regarding disturbances on land, and are especially vulnerable to disturbances in the critical first few hours of life, during which mother and pup must establish a bond to ensure proper nurturance during the first four to six weeks; now, Therefore, be it RESOLVED that the Environmental Caucus of the California Democratic Party does hereby support creation of a Marine Sanctuary at Casa Beach to provide fuller protection, and the creation of a Marine Conservancy for Casa Beach, with by-laws, a charter, and the appointment of a Board of Directors to oversee their implementation, and be it further Resolved that copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Speaker of the Assembly, the President of the Senate and the chairs of the respective policy committees of the State Legislature. _____________________ *See, Sharing the Shore with Harbor Seal Pups in Washington State, available at http://www.nwr.noaa.gov/Marine-Mammals/upload/sealpups.pdf |
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