What a well-organized meeting! (Jan. l6 No Spray) Over 300 attendees.
Dave Henson framed the meeting as an organizing meeting-and the purpose of
the effort is to:
Stop public and private spraying of pesticides
Use non-violent means in achieving the above.
He also mentioned the group wants to support the cause of agriculture, and
democracy.
Dr. Marc Lappe cited law that protects citizens from harm when there is reasonable probability of harm (e.g., from application of pesticides). However, the State of California retains the right to establish a state of emergency, which overrides the law of citizen protection. In addition, citizens do not have redress when harmed from actions taken by the State in an emergency.
Marc described the effects of carbaryl, chlorpyrifos and permethrin, which
can cause interference with nerve conduction, human reproduction, and mental
deterioration. His goal: to overturn laws that result in harm to humans
and ecosystems. His site:
http://www.cetos.org
Larry Barnett (former mayor of Sonoma): "You fail when you poison the well." His suggestion: get political-put on your city council's agenda a proclamation against enforced spraying of pesticides in your city limits.
Marleena Maple: Let's make it more costly for them to spray, than not spray us.
Starhawk: suggests direct action: get in the way. Attend non-violent direct action trainings to learn how to respond out of what you love.
Emily Pott (Pesticides Watch, San Francisco):
http://www.pesticidewatch.org/
They provide three types of support:
Assistance with organizing
Pesticide information
Network you with experts
She recommended: http://www.pesticideinfo.org
Emily's vision: people's health needs to be a primary concern.
Michael MacElvoy (New College): they are hosting a benefit for the No Spray Action Network with Celtic-Acoustic-Fold wonder music, Spiral Bound this Friday night at 8:00 p.m. New College also is supporting the effort through research and education.
Wendy Blankenheim (Mendicino County Community Coalition): they have experience that Sonoma Co. can learn from (e.g., Cal-Trans is not allowed to spray pesticides along the roads in Mendocino County). She recommended people sign up on the "Chemically Sensitive Registry" at 805/547-1568. This could prevent spraying in your area.
Comments from the audience:
Boycott non-organic wine
When might they spray? Not known, perhaps Spring
The organizers should conduct a meeting in Spanish for the Hispanics in the
county
Committee heads gave information on their activities, and solicited volunteers.
Dave Henson recapped the concept that concerned people could form affinity groups (e.g., around friends, neighborhoods, day care-whatever natural grouping arises) that would send representatives to meetings and keep everyone linked, and thus prevent burnout. Next meeting, same place, February 15th.
Sheperd Bliss finished with two stirring poems-recited beautifully. (Hesse and Berry)
And, you can go to: http://www.freestone.com/nospray/