The MEC Newsletter: Issue 27 - Spring 1998

HCP Fraud Exposed by Kirsten Johnsen

In 1973 the Endangered Species Act (ESA) was passed by Congress for the purpose of "averting and reversing the trend toward extinction" of endangered species.... In 1982 a loophole was created...

Seeking Part Time Bookkeeper

The MEC needs a volunteer to help with our books.

Crisis Alert!

ITEM: The MEC has funding to remain in operation for about one more month. ITEM: The MEC is an absolutely essential part of our community and if the doors close, this community will suffer because of it. Think about that.

Journalists Needed

The MEC newsletter crew welcomes any and all participation, experienced or not.

The New MEC Mission Statement

The MEC updates its Mission Statement

The MEC Is Expanding by Lynda McClure

As part of an earthquake retrofit, the MEC will be expanding. Because of his desire to support an environmental center, the current owner rents to the MEC at a fraction of the rental value. Now it is our turn to assist him in this expensive project.

What the Heck is the MEC? by Jenny Burnstad

The Mendocino Environmental Center is a multi-faceted organization working to promote positive change in environmental and social justice issues in Mendocino County, Northern California and beyond.

MEC in the Courts by Kirsten Johnsen

A description of some of the lawsuits that the MEC has been involved in over the last few years.

Letter to the Editor

Speaking for Life by Kirsten Johnsen

Thoughts on life and the plight of environment while lying on a snag at edge of a stormy surf.

Toxic Free Future by Bruce Hering

Toxic Free Future grew out of the late 1996 early 1997 actions to halt CALTRANS' use of roadside herbicides in Mendocino County. This effort was comprised of concerned citizens from all parts of the county and could not have succeeded without the MEC.

A Concern for Justice by Cora Lee Simmons

Some thoughts on the Bear Lincoln trial

Mendo-Lake Human Rights Monitoring Project by Lynda McClure

The Mendocino-Lake Counties Human Rights Monitoring Project (HRMP) is a group of concerned residents from diverse backgrounds who are committed to nonviolence, police accountability, and equal justice for all our neighbors.

Youth for the Environment by Amber Trotter

This newly formed organization is a way for teens to get involved in environmental issues and to meet and share ideas with each other.

Judi Bari vs. FBI by Tanya Brannan

Last October, Judge Claudia Wilken ruled that the FBI agents andOakland Police officers directly involved in the 1990 frame-up of Earth First! organizers Judi Bari and Darryl Cherney after they were bombed in Judi's car, are not immune from civil prosecution and must stand trial on the evidence presented to the Court.

Think Headwaters Forest is Saved? - Think again! by Alicia Littletree

Earth First! put out the call to make March of 1998 "March Against MAXXAM!" Hundreds of forest defenders joined us at base camp and on the front lines to try to say no to despicable Habitat Conservation Plan and to demand Debt for Nature, permanent protection of all 60,000 acres of Headwaters Forest, and jail for Hurwitz.

Redwood Nation Earth First! by Kirsten Johnsen

"Redwood Nation" Earth First! has been working closely with and through the Mendocino Environmental Center for nearly a dozen years. Earth First! is a constantly evolving worldwide movement based upon the philosophy of biocentrism: each species has a right to survive and prosper independent of human intervention. The preservation, conservation and flourishing of all life processes is the center of focus, hence the term biocentrism.

Spring Calendar

Events comig up in April and May 1998.

The Loving Army by Contributed by Ede Morris

A protest song written by Ede Morris and dedicated to Susan Crane, an anti-nuclear activist and political prisoner currently in federal prison for acting on her beliefs for a sane and just world.

Jerico -98 by Carmen Christy

March for Amnesty for USA'S Political Prisoners About the National March on March 27,1998 to protest the imprisonment of over 150 political prisoners being currently held in the United States prisons.

Rough and Ready Creek by Friends of the Creek

The NICORE mining project threatens to destroy the pristine Rough and Ready Creek, located in the South Kalmiopsis Roadless Area of Southern Oregon.

Rotten Compost by Vicki Oldham

The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on the Environmental Impact Report for Cold Creek Compost Inc. (CCCI) on April 2, 1998.... There are serious concerns about the process and scope of this EIR.

Jackson State Owners Give Advice by Monroe Robinson

The Citizens Advisory Committee to Jackson Demonstration State Forest (JDSF) is getting down to business. For five months we allowed ourselves to be controlled by JDSF managers; then we recognized a common vision for the future of our State Forest and got started.

Eel River Diversion Plan by Dennis C. O'Brien

The diversion of Eel River water into the Russian River at Potter Valley will be reduced by 15%, according to a plan released last month in Ukiah by government agencies and PG&E. The plan, presented at a meeting of the Eel-Russian River Commission, was offered as a compromise between the urban and agricultural interests of the Russian River users and the need to maintain fisheries in the upper Eel River.

Planning for the Russian River: A Symposium by Shannon Wesley

This is the first biennial conference hosted by the Steering Committee of key organizations, members of the community, and the Sonoma County Water Agency. The hosts are hoping for broad-based participation from private or public groups, and individuals, interested in Russian River issues.

A Plea For Peace by Marvin Lehrman

During our first year, here at the Ukiah Cannabis Buyers Club, we've heard many heartwarming stories from seriously ill people about the benefits of medical marijuana (MMJ)

E Pluribus...excuse me! by Doug Strong

If the community volunteers and agency representatives involved in the welfare reform planning process expected a cogent, persuasive plan, reflecting a broad consensus, to evolve, they will be disappointed.

Changing Rules For Organics? by Tim Bates

On December 16th, 1997, the United States Department of Agriculture released the proposed rules for the National Organic Program.... The overwhelming response (1,000 to 1) has been negative - very negative.

Stop Pollution by Bruce Haldane

It's here; it's there; it's all around us; some of it is even inside our bodies (not to mention our minds).

Protecting Wildlife by Rebecca Grant

Some things kids can do to respect and appreciate wildlife.

Mariposa Students Come to the MEC

What a treat! Students from Jennifer Bamesberger's Mariposa Middle School class came to the MEC for a field trip in December! Here's what they had to say:

Coyote Killing Collars by Camilla Fox

Marin, Sonoma and Mendocino are the first counties in California to allow ranchers to use the highly toxic poison Compound 1080 in Livestock Protection Collars (LPCs) to kill coyotes.

The Vehicle And The Voice: How To Help the MEC by Kirsten Johnsen

There are a lot of ways people can plug into volunteer work at the Mendocino Environmental Center. What's most important to remember is that each one of us lends a unique quality to our volunteering. There are many different jobs to be done, so find your niche among the activities!