SoCal Blues

N. California Solar Living Institute NEEDS HELP

2006-01-03T20:23:00.000-08:00

This was off of DailyKos this evening and given the flooding up north, I felt it was very important to post it here.

If anyone can assist, please do so, pass the word, lend support however you can!

Thank you.

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N. Cal. Solar Living Institute- WORST FLOOD IN 50 YEARS!
by KumarP [Subscribe]

Tue Jan 03, 2006 at 07:34:01 PM PDT

Yesterday, I blogged about this important matter here. A lot of Kossacks were moved by the plight of this bastion of sustainability here in Mendocino County, CA.
The Solar Living Center is home of the Solar Living Institute, a nonprofit dependent on donations for its existence. The Institute is all about promoting renewable energy and sustainability, and showcases it with many beautiful, walk-through installations at the 12-acre site.
Right now, they really need your help!
Yesterday, I showed pictures of some of the most dramatic damage they incurred, including a fully submerged biodiesel station that sells my company's fuel.
Today, I'd like to present more information from the Solar Living Institute's new flood website:
see below...
KumarP's diary :: ::
YOUR HELP IS URGENTLY NEEDED!
The Worst Flood Since 1955 Has Inundated the Solar Living Institute Causing up to $150,000 in Damage.
Volunteers Are Needed for Cleanup(a volunteer sign up form will be available online Wed., Jan. 4)
Donations Are Needed for Our Rebuilding Effort
On early Saturday morning, December 31, the flood waters from the Russian River and Feliz Creek completely inundated the Solar Living Center in Hopland, California, forcing our interns to be stranded and evacuated while the parking lot quickly became 10 feet deep in water.
Soon thereafter the interns' geodesic dome burned to the ground after they had fled, causing us to lose much of our valuable archive material from our sustainable living workshops as well as all of our furniture and kitchen appliances that fed our interns.
Other damage to the site includes the following:
* our brand new yurt floated 150 yards away * two pickups, a vanogan, an intern's car and an employee's car, and our tractor were submerged and destroyed * much of our SolFest signage and event materials were destroyed * most of our natural buildings were damaged or destroyed * all of our storage areas and our maintenance shed are gone * many of our site tools were damaged or destroyed * additional damage was done to landscape, fences, the dock, and the road
The good news is no one was hurt, and nothing was damaged to prevent our 2006 workshop program from continuing operation.
WE NEED YOUR HELP NOW MORE THAN EVERTO GET BACK ON OUR FEET
Won't you please help us with a donation to help us rebuild from our losses and create more learning opportunities for our visitors?
Our goal is to raise $150,000 by January 31, 2006.
All donations of $50 or more will be commemorated on our Solar Living Institute Flood Relief Plaque. We encourage our generous donors to put in $100, $500, or $1,000 or more if you can afford it. If each one of our 2500 members put in just $60, we could reach our goal.
Please make an online contribution to our Flood Relief Fund.
Volunteers Needed:
We need all the volunteers we can find to help us clean the site, dump the trash, cleanse the mud, and put our site back together. If you have a few hours or a few days this month to volunteer, please complete our volunteer form. (A volunteer sign up form will be available online Wed., Jan. 4.)
Together we can Rise Up and Be Whole Again!
Thanks for your support!
Thank you for reading this. Yesterday's diary almost made the recommend list- thank you everyone who read it and also to those of you who added tags. I'm really trying to get a lot of Kossacks to see this, as I think it's very much in line with the progressive agenda, and that Kossacks could really help a battered ally get back on its feet.
End of sermon.

IN HONOR OF THE 10 FALLEN MARINES

2005-12-04T04:52:00.000-08:00

When I heard that we lost 10 Marines in one incident and that Mr. Bush felt the economy and his glad-handing and back slapping of himself was more important then to even MENTION that 10 more are gone and 11 are forever wounded...it further appalled me.

It amazes me how he claims he is a man of God and yet his ability to continue the killing makes my mind reel.

Below are the names of the Fallen Marines...please take a moment to hold them in your thoughts/pray for their souls and their families. There were also four other service people that died the following day.

My heart is heavy for all of those who must now grieve...

Never take what you have for granted...

In Peace,
Barbara, Tirawa and Winston

DoD Identifies Marine Casualties
The Department of Defense announced today the death of 10 Marines who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Staff Sgt. Daniel J. Clay, 27, of Pensacola, Fla.
Lance Cpl. John M. Holmason, 20, of Suprise, Ariz.
Lance Cpl. David A. Huhn, 24, of Portland, Mich.
Lance Cpl. Adam W. Kaiser, 19, of Naperville, Ill.
Lance Cpl. Robert A. Martinez, 20, of Splendora, Texas
Cpl. Anthony T. McElveen, 20, of Little Falls, Minn.
Lance Cpl. Scott T. Modeen, 24, of Hennepin, Minn.
Lance Cpl. Andrew G. Patten, 19, of Byron, Ill.
Sgt. Andy A. Stevens, 29, of Tomah, Wis.
Lance Cpl. Craig N. Watson, 21, of Union City, Mich.
All 10 Marines died Dec. 1 from an improvised explosive device while conducting combat operations against enemy forces in Fallujah, Iraq. All 10 Marines were assigned to 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Twentynine Palms, Calif. During Operation Iraqi Freedom, their unit was attached to 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward).
Media with questions about these Marines can call the Twentynine Palms Public Affairs Office at (760) 830-6213.

A THANKSGIVING WISH TO ALL

2005-11-22T18:28:00.000-08:00

What a difficult year this has been for America and the World.

As I reflect upon my own personal trials and tribulations that I've struggled with, I am incredibly thankful for all that I have, even when it seems I have so little.
::
My trip to Louisiana right after Katrina hit has left a profound impression on my soul and in my heart. There are still over a million people that are homeless, displaced or living in unsafe housing as a result, yet these people still are thankful and they humble me.

I see more and more of our military who have come back from war maimed for life, they humble me. I could NEVER have made the sacrifices that they have and face what many will as they journey through life.

This year I am thankful, for my life, my health, my family and my friends.

Take time to help those less fortuante, not just today or tomorrow, but every day. Take time to listen to those in need and help when you can.

Do not forget the hurricane victims and if you can make a trip to the area and assist, please do so.

Do not forget ANY of our veterans from ANY of the wars, if you can, visit a VA hospital and bring them some baked goods, books and good cheer.

Do not forget our homeless children, or our homeless in general...many are now homeless because of no jobs and having lost everything to circumstances...many just need a helping hand to lift them out of their current situation...perhaps yours.

The best to each and everyone for a beautiful holiday season. Make this season, one NOT to forget....help a fellow American. Take time to listen, to love, to care and to act.

Be well and HAPPY THANKSGIVING.

In Peace,
Barbara, Tirawa and Winston

Red and the Horses of Camp Pendlton...continued

2005-10-27T19:44:00.000-07:00

This is Red...I will post additional photos.

This is happening on Camp Pendleton and these abuses, neglect and cruelty has been happening to these horses for over 6 years that I am PERSONALLY aware of and apparently since the current Base Stable Manager has been there.

5 years ago I went to the top at Camp Pendleton about the condition of the Base Stables and asked why there needed to be literally hundreds of horses on the Base from Hart Ranch/Corona Cattle.

It seems at that time that the Colonel who was under the CG was oblivious to any of this and if I remember correctly the Inspector General did a inspection and report...now 5 years later, it seems that from the care standpoint of the horses, they failed.

My questions (just mine mind you):

Why are there over 200 "Hart" horses on the Base?
Whose care are they under?
Where are the leases?
Where are the records an each and EVERY horse from Hart Ranch (Corona Cattle) that is housed on Base?
Why are they not being vetted? Why are farriers not caring for their feet? Why are they not being wormed and given their yearly shots?
If they are, then were are all of those records?
Who is paying for the care of these animals (or lack there of) and where are those records?
Why has this been going on for something close to a decade?
Why does the Base Stable Manager still have a job?

The questions go on. So far the only call I have received from the Base in my attempt to get a meeting with General Lehnert (the CG), is a call from a MAJOR from public affairs! Wow, special! When I returned the call today, I was informed by a Corporal that the major was in meetings and would probably not be able to get back to me until next week!

Personally, I want MY questions answered. Then I want criminal charges brought against the people who are starving and otherwise not caring for these poor animals.

ENOUGH is ENOUGH...

Can we PLEASE NOW DO SOMETHING?

Thank you.

"RED" is dying - The Horses of Camp Pendleton

2005-10-23T14:20:00.000-07:00

I named him 'RED', not overly original for a red horse to be named "Red", but his time on earth is coming to an end and I am helpless to do anything.

Red lives on Camp Pendleton. The story of the horses on Camp Pendleton is one that NEEDS to be told and one that FEW know anything about.

The stable manager of the base stable, Don Nunamaker would have you believe that the hundreds of horses that wander the base and those that use to (and probably still do) live in and around the base stable with the 'boarders' are used for their 'riding program'.

Let me tell you a little about my experience with the horses of Camp Pendleton from 1999-2001. I had a horse boarded at the base stables about that time and there were always about 80-100 head of horses that wandered around the stable area (that was one of the trashiest and most dangerous I've ever been around) at will. The thing I noticed about these horses was that they had a HEART shaped brand on their left shoulders.

Long stories wrapped into a short one for this post. HART RANCH owns these horses. "SLIM" Hart you see lives with his wife in Corona, California and he goes and buys horses from killer sales, goes and gets injured race horses and buys from people who are desperate to sell their animals for whatever reason and then he takes them back to his place and assesses them...some go into the 'movies', as they supply the Hollywood horses, some get resold, often at pretty good prices, some go to 'camps' (i.e., Camp Pendleton) and many are put into feed lots and then transported (against FEDERAL LAW) out of California and into Wyoming, then across to Canada to be slaughtered and sold for food to France.

I won't bore you with the details now, but back in 1999-2001, I use to ride the hills of Camp Pendleton (and hike) and saw many horses who were starved, injured and completely uncared for. At that time I blew the whistle on the base stable manager, the colonel who was in charge of MWR and went nose to nose with the Colonel who represented the base Commanding General.

I wanted to know:

Why all of these horses were allowed in the 'general population' with our boarded horses and WHO was responsible for them?
Why these horses came in and out in the middle of the night and why they seemed to not receive any vet care, shoeing, etc.
WHO was PAYING for the board on all of these horses?
Where was the lease agreement with Hart Ranch that showed that board was being PAID?
Why was there a clear conflict of interest with Hart Ranch/Don Nunamaker (they are related)?
Why were we being told that ALL the horses were needed to support the 'riding program'? When in fact, they never needed more then 20 horses at any given time and there were from 150-600 horses from HART Ranch on Camp Pendleton at any given time...apparently for FREE!

I remember that I contacted the human society and the media and there attempt to go on the base to check the welfare of the animals were denied...just one more government coverup.

What all that got me back then was threatened and my own horse injured.

Now fast foward to 2005, I am hiking those hills again and there are roughly 100 plus horses wandering around. RED is one of them and he is older, probably 20 or so and he is STARVING, he is at least 300 pounds underweight and can barely stand. This evening I found him and held his head, I know his time will come soon, you see if the coyotes come he will be unable to get away, he can barely walk and there is no grass on the base that hasn't died. His eyes are so soft, he must have been a great horse at one time and now he is doomed. No one from the Base care for these horses, they forage what they can and die when they become weak. Earlier this spring we came across a dead horse...newly dead, he must have been taken down after he became too week by the coyotes.

Is Red the only one in this shape? Sadly no, he isn't . There are at least 6-8 who are starving, injured or have something wrong with them...they too will die soon.

I am again looking into Hart Ranch. They have (had) a 'main' ranch in Temecula/Murrieta, California for the 'movie' horses, then Slim and his wife have the place in Corona and they will NOT let anyone go into the back areas where the feedlots are that keep the injured horses and those being readied to be shipped ultimately into Canada for slaughter.

Back in '99, '00, I remember finding out that the Colonel who headed up what was then MWR on Camp Pendleton allowed the Base stable manager (Nunamaker) to have some sort of deal with Hart Ranch to keep all the horses on the Base...at that time there was NO money being paid by Hart Ranch to keep the horses, my guess is it is the same 5 years later.

Think of how much the taxpayers have paid for these horses over the past decade at $100/head times on average 200/month. Then think about the fact that alot of these horses will go to slaughter, they aren't used for riding programs, most of them are not sound enough to be ridden and wouldn't that then mean that the Marine Corps and the goverment is now involved with trafficking of horses across borders for the purpose of slaughter, or at the very least, 'fattening' them up so to speak to accomplish the end result.

So there is some food for thought. I will pray for RED...I actually pray that I had a 'cocktail' to give him to put him down with just an ounce of dignity left in his starved body...

I have listed a link to an OLD (1996) blurp that shows you the type of person that "Slim" is...

http://www.igha.org/news1996.html

If anyone knows of PETA reps, or others that would like to do some investigation, I will show them the horses...

Thank you for reading this and for anyone who can help.

Barbara

Tirawa's Birthday

2005-10-16T18:26:00.000-07:00

It has been a while since I have written anything here, or actually anywhere. I guess I needed some 'down' time from the emotions of having been in Louisiana.

This post is about Tirawa, my best buddy and guardian angel. It is his birthday tomorrow and he'll turn 8.

His name is Pawnee Indian, the myth is that Tirawa was the Pawnee creator and sky god. He taught the skills of speech, clothing, fire-making, hunting, agriculture, body-painting, tobacco smoking, religious rituals and sacrifice. In myths and stories he is generally referred to a "father". The heavenly bodies, winds, thunder, lightning, and rain were his messengers.

I lost Nikketa, my malamute/wolf mix who was so very special to me on November 11, 1997...it was a devastating loss, as he was in excellent health and one morning his spleen ruptured and while he made it through surgery, when I sat with him later I knew it was his time...I told him to be at peace and to send me a puppy that could guide me.

In December of 1997, Tirawa came into my life...he has been a guardian angel, good friend and inspiration in my life. He is a malamute/timber wolf who is breathtakingly beautiful and the kindest creature you will ever meet.

He has blessed the lives of hundreds and at abit over a year old, he saved a child from drowning.

The latest thing he and I did as a team was travel 5000 miles roundtrip to Louisiana to assist those in needs. While the conditions were horrific and the heat was insufferable, he NEVER complained...he sensed he was needed, not only by me, but by those that had lost everything and those workers that 'roomed' with us at the church.

I will write about Tirawa and share his many stories of life...he is simply an incredible creature of the universe and I am blessed to be his keeper.

Happy Birthday Tirawa! May you bless my life with many more.

I love you and all you stand for. Most importantly, thank you for showing me that life is about more then materialistic things.

Your human...

Barbara

November 8 Special Election

2005-10-10T11:52:00.000-07:00

Our friend and teammate Judy Jones sent me this info, and I'm passing it along to anyone who might be interested in helping out:

If you're looking for something to do in San Clemente about the upcoming special election -- here's the answer!!

I'm coordinating with the Alliance for a Better California to defeat propostions 74, 75, and 76, and we have a targeted San Clemente precinct to work on. Something in our neighborhood, less time to get to, and an opportunity to work with some neighbors! Plus in San Clemente, you know it's going to be good exercise!

I'd like to start next weekend, meet at the coffee place near North Beach-- near the intersection of Pico and Camino Real for instructions and general organization. Then, walk the precinct just above for about 1 1/2 hours, and probably another one near downtown.

So far, I have several already volunteering for Sunday at 1 pm. If you can make it then, that would be great. If Saturday about 3 pm works for you instead, or in addition -- we can add that time, too. Finally, since we are being asked to continue until we do make contact, some availability during the week would be helpful as well.

Please RSVP with which of the following works for you:
--Sat Oct 15 3 pm to 5 pm
--Sun Oct 16 1 pm to 3 pm
--weekdays, specify time of day available
--phone call, specify times available
--election day Nov 8 available to call, etc.

RSVP and questions to:
Judy Jones
949-433-4086
jjfroggy@aol.com

Looking forward to seeing as many of you as possible!
Judy

Who would like to meet at HILL STREET CAFE?

2005-10-02T13:39:00.000-07:00

I've had a few folks ask to see photos and talk about the time I spent in Bogalusa and Slidell.

Tomorrow I will be talking with the owners of Hill Street Cafe in Oceanside to see if we could meet in one of their upstair rooms.

Setting this for Thursday around 6:30 p.m. We can socialize from 6:30-7:00. I'll have photos you can look at and I'll give a short talk about Bogalusa and Slidell and also let you know what I am currently doing to assist Slidell High School, St. Tammany Jr. High and Brock Elementary to succeed.

Please RSVP by Wednesday so that I can get a head count...

Also, you can read the post at: http://scoop.epluribusmedia.org/story/2005/10/1/11257/3454
and you'll be somewhat informed.

Hope to hear from you!

In Peace

Barbara

Saturday Morning...

2005-10-01T07:55:00.000-07:00

Last night myself and several very dedicated people worked for several hours on the dailykos diary that I linked here in another post...it was posted last night (Friday) around 11 p.m....at approximately 12:30 a.m. it made the RECOMMENDED list on dailykos.com.

Now you ask me why I have no life on a Friday? Beats me, so I figure do something worthwhile! Actually I can't remember the last real 'date' I had...but perhaps helping others is more important right!?!

Anyway, the diary is now the TOP RECOMMENDED diary..this is a pretty big thing and I encourage all readers here to follow dailykos.com to help these diaries stay recommended as I write them. Dailykos has huge readership and for what I want to accomplish, it is so very important...

Here is a link to a story that has gotten little attention, but I felt I wanted to share it because of a comment that Mayor Mack from Bogalosa made that while it doesn't seem to matter how mad he gets at the government for their lack of response, the ONE THING that was BETTER was that , the hearses had stopped showing up under his window asking where to put the DEAD BODIES...

http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2005/9/29/19711/2255

Here is another link from 'ePluribus Media'...my diary is FRONT PAGED THERE. These folks are amazing, they are doing 'PodCasts' with me and those can be found there as well. They have agreed to do interviews/updates as we need them!!!

http://scoop.epluribusmedia.org/story/2005/10/1/11257/3454

Hope the comments on this site begin...please sign in and comment!

Talk again soon! Have a lovely and safe weekend.

In Peace
Barbara

CHECK THIS LINK OUT

2005-09-30T22:19:00.000-07:00

Okay, so it is just way too late, but we just did this big diary, so here is the link.
http://scoop.epluribusmedia.org/story/2005/10/1/11257/3454

In Peace,

Barbara

Encore Friday!

2005-09-30T10:36:00.000-07:00

T and I continue to 'recover' from the trip....spent much of the week resting and fighting fatigue, headaches and joint aches. Tirawa seems just fine!

Yesterday I spoke with Mr. William Percy, who is the principal of Slidell High School! What an inspiring man. The people of the stricken area continue to amaze me with their quiet resolve and determination to continue forward. My heart breaks after each story and my blood boils when I continually hear of the failure of the government.

My plan is to assist Slidell High School, St. Tammany Jr. High School and Brock Elementary....with that being said there is much to do.

Slidell High according to Mr. Percy, took 'moderate' damage, lost most of the roof and alot of RAIN damage, but they did NOT suffer from the storm surge. The various branches of the military were pitching in and getting the school prepared to open on Monday!

Mr. Percy stated that 39 teachers were HOMELESS...wow, and they are going to come back on Monday to teach?!?!?

They will be holding 'homerooms' at the beginning of the day and talking with each student as to his circumstance and needs. (if they are homeless, etc) Mr. Percy will share information with me to assist in getting needed supplies to the school.

I want to do the same for St. Tammany Jr. High which took a 20 foot storm surge (and I thought should be bulldozed) and rumor has it they want to re-open by November and also Brock Elementary, which will be integrated with Florida Avenue Elementary for the time being.

What do they need? EVERYTHING? Not only from a school perspective, but from the thought that so many of these children are displaced, homeless and have NOTHING left.

I will be having a 'get together' in OCEANSIDE (may do one on Sunday if one of my media contacts can get here), probably at the Hill Street Cafe and share photos and some of my stories and thoughts.

If you are interested in getting together, be it Sunday or another day, please call or email me.

More a bit later after I get my film back.

In Peace...

Barbara

Back in California....

2005-09-28T16:48:00.000-07:00

Greetings,

I had hoped to post days ago and then just couldn't figure out my password/username...silly me.

Tirawa and I arrived back in California on Monday. The trip was long, hot, tiring and ever so rewarding.

Later I will post more and include links to the diaries that I posted at dailykos.com. I also am going to grovel here abit as I'll be posting future diaries there and hope you will all go over there and recommend them...continuing the work to assist the victims, survivors, refugees and evacuees is so very, very important.

What I cannot get out of my head is that I was NOT suppose to be in a third world country, and yet I am certain I was. The living conditions are life threatening in many of the hit areas and what you DON'T see in the news is anything other then New Orleans.

Most importantly now, I need to get answers to 'my' victims that have yet to have any luck. I also have several people who need to relocate and have to find homes for them.

Have a lovely woman (JOY) and her daughter (Victoria) that I believe we need to 'adopt'. I'd love to see her come here to California, but I can't imagine them being able to succeed here due to the cost of living overall. I am trying to get her housed in the Charlotte, North Carolina area, which is near her family...

More about Joy later!

The photo is of Tirawa and I when we were finally resting in Denton, Texas at a life long friends' of mine after we out ran 'Rita'.

Will I go back? Yes. When? Soon.

In Peace, thanks for the support!

Barbara and Tirawa

Quiet around here

2005-09-27T21:17:00.000-07:00

Might as well lighten it up with some potentially interesting news. This teaches us that sometimes it's tough to be a crooked congressman with that pesky Rule of Law thing still hanging around.

Barbara's on her way home

2005-09-23T08:38:00.000-07:00

And is currently taking a much-deserved rest in Denton, TX:

http://barbara.dailykos.com/story/2005/9/23/103932/884

The link to her PayPal account is still active, and I'm sure she'll be needing money to help her get home. Please do what you can, and send her a line to tell her how much we appreciate what she's done!

Things are bad in Slidell

2005-09-20T14:17:00.000-07:00

Barbara has been doing her best to get in touch with me to share the tragedy that she is seeing in Louisiana, especially in Slidell where she is currently. She has written a diary entry on Kos which everyone should read:

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2005/9/20/74113/2569

It's unbelievable, but it falls in line with everything we're hearing about FEMA's lack of response to this crisis. I heard today about a doctor being told he couldn't perform CPR on an elderly patient because he didn't have clearance from FEMA. Thank goodness there are people like Barbara who are going in to do the work that our government refuses to do.

Latest word from Barbara

2005-09-17T22:04:00.000-07:00

Things are looking bad down in Louisiana. Spread the word...

MY THIRD DAY IN BOGALUSA, LA...LET ME TELL YOU, IT IS A GIANT 'CLUSTERF***'. ALL GOVERNMENT AGENCIES ARE SAYING ALL IS WELL...WHILE PEOPLE LIVE IN HOMES WITH TREES IN THEM, NO FOOD, POWER, WATER AND 100 DEGREE TEMPERATURES. THE HEAT INDEX WILL BE 120 TOMORROW....PEOPLE WILL CONTINUE TO DIE.

I AM GOING HOME TO HOME AND MAYBE ONE OUT OF 20 HAVE SEEN ANYONE THAT HAS OFFERED HELP. FEMA IS WORTHLESS AND BESIDES THAT THEY ARE THE MOST ARROGANT SOB'S I'VE EVER DEALT WITH...RED CROSS ARE CROOKS, PLAIN AND SIMPLE. THE VOLUNTEERS AND THOSE THAT ARE STAFF, WELL THE NURSES ARE AWESOME AND THE DOCTORS ARE AWESOME, THE OTHERS ARE QUESTIONABLE.

I'VE SEEN THE SAME RED CROSS DIRECTOR WALK AWAY FROM A VICTIM BECAUSE SHE DIDN'T LIKE HIM AND PATRONIZE A 70 PLUS YEAR OLD WOMAN UNTIL SHE FELL ON THE GROUND IN TEARS.

IT IS CLUSTERF***. I AM NO INVITED TO THE 'OPEC' MEETINGS WHICH ARE REALLY OPERATIONAL MEETINGS OF ALL THE GOVERNMENT FOLKS WHO PAT THEMSELVES ON THE BACKS SAYING ALL IS FINE AND WE DON'T NEED ANYTHING. ALL DAY YESTERDAY I TRIED TO GET AN ASSESSMENT FOR THE NEED OF SENDING IN 6 MEDICAL TEAMS HERE AND WAS TOLD BY EVERYONE THAT ALL WAS WELL...TODAY I BROUGHT A DOCTOR WITH ME AND HE WENT TO THE RED CROSS SHELTER AND WAS STILL SEEING PATIENTS THAT SUPPOSEDLY THERE WERE NONE OF AT 7 P.M. WHEN I LEFT THE TOWN.

I TALKED WITH ACOUPLE WHO IS IN A SPLIT IN 3 HOME WITH NOTHING I AM ATTEMPTING TO FIND THEM HOUSING IN SPLENDORA TEXAS WHERE THEIR CHILDREN ARE....NO GOVERNMENT AGENCY IS HELPING THEM

ANOTHER COUPLE WHERE THE WOMAN HAS POLIO AND WHOSE TRAILER IS IN HALF CANNOT GET ANYONE TO ASSIST THEM...I AM TRYING TO FIND THEM A HOME.

TWO 80 YEAR OLD WOMEN WERE FORGOTTEN FOR THE SECOND DAY BY THE RED CROSS AND HAD NO FOOD OR WATER, ONE WAS OUT OF MEDS...I GOT THEM EVERYTHING AND WILL ASSIST THE ONE TO THE DOCTOR NEXT WEEK.

85% OF THE POWER LINES ARE DOWN AS ARE THE TREES. MOST WILL NOT HAVE FONE SERVICE FOR 4 MONTHS, NONE OWN CELL PHONES AND IF THEY DID YOU MIGHT GET A 'CELL' FOR 5 MINUTES A DAY.

PASS THIS ON, I NEED THE NATIONAL MEDIA UP HERE...NOW.

Checking in

2005-09-16T06:42:00.000-07:00

Barbara has been in contact with me on her progress in Louisiana. Here's her last couple of e-mails:

9/15

I am here, the damage throughout this region is catastrophic. I am using a computer at a command station in Washington Parrish. Many horses, dogs dead

Horrific. Be thankful for what you have.....

9/15

The devastation here is horrific and the help is questionable. Lots of read tape and egos. Want to do a diary on kos, but can't get enough time on a computer.

I'll keep updating as she gets in touch with me. It really sounds like there's not a concerted effort to help the people in the area, unless people like Barb are stepping in to volunteer.

Barbara Update

2005-09-13T18:34:00.000-07:00

Hi, Justin here. I'm Amanda's husband and soon to be a more-often-than-never sporadic poster here as well. Barbara's been in touch with Amanda today, and is in Shreveport, LA. Reports from NOLA-based refugees aren't great--they say that FEMA hasn't given any sort of instructions to any of them, supplies are thin, and, most worryingly, there apparently isn't a tetanus shot for anyone in the entire state of Louisana.

I'm sure Barbara will be by with an update shortly, and we'll fill you in as best we can in the meantime.

BYE!!!!

2005-09-12T01:45:00.000-07:00

Well, it is 1:45 a.m. and who in their right mind is awake! About 30 minutes from leaving!!!!

Keep Tirawa and I (and everyone else) in your thoughts and prayers!

Dr. Ken has a laptop and I now have a digital camcorder, so hopefully we'll blog and do photos....Amanda, I'll send you the photos if we figure this out, hope you can post them here and perhaps do a diary or two over at kos!

In Peace!
Barbara and Tirawa

Sunday Evening ...Winding down

2005-09-11T17:44:00.000-07:00

Well, the truck is packed. Need to take Winston over to his 'foster home' and then T and I will come back, finish cleaning, packing last minute things and call it a night.

Anyone that plans to give a donation, PLEASE deposit it directly into the US Bank account and NOT PayPal, unless there is no other way. As of now, I've not seen any of the donations post into my account.

Ocean Relief Fund, Account Number 1534 5606 2832

I now have a digital cam and Dr. Levine is bringing his laptop...we are ready to roll

Please leave comments when you can and I'll post as often as I'm able.

In Peace
Barbara

13 HOURS...

2005-09-11T12:50:00.000-07:00

I'm done getting things. I have to stop at Boney's for my supplements and at PepBoys to pick up some things they've collected and take Winston to Janet's and stuff to Mom's to mail...am I exhausted? YES! Am I totally overwhelmed? YES!

But amazing things have happened. Met Dr. Annie at CostCo today and she bought a camera for me to take and use...holy crap!!!! She also paid for almost ALL of the supplies I got there. THANK YOU ANNIE!!!

Mom came through with diapers, juice and various goodies for me and others.

So now I need to pack the truck, get some more donated things in, learn to USE the camera, clean the house and give some love to my mutts who are incredibly concerned about what all is happening.

For those that have donated...THANK YOU.

Here is how the trip will work as it stands at 1 p.m. on Sunday.
Leave around 2 a.m. on Monday...meet up with Dr. Ken Levine in Tucson by 8 a.m. We will travel the 'northern' route, taking the 20 rather then the 10. We will drive until around 7 p.m. tomorrow and will find a motel and crash...leaving on Tuesday around 5 or 6 a.m. Arrive in Shreveport after lunch on Tuesday and staying there to meet some folks working on the relief effort, will spend the night in a motel and get one last good nite of R&R. This will allow us to check supplies, give Tirawa time to stretch his big paws and sleep good...and a decent meal. We will head over to Covington on Wednesday at 5 a.m. and should get there sometime after 8 a.m.

I hear Michael Moore is there and Covington is the hub now...

Well, this is enough for now, back to work!!!

In Peace and thankful for so many amazing people.

Barbara

Saturday--Less then 48 hours now.

2005-09-10T06:11:00.000-07:00

I will be gone at a clients' all day today, so nothing will be accomplished. Liz went shopping for supplies for me and refugees in LA and will no doubt load me up, such an incredibly generous woman.

Truck just needs a bath and is otherwise ready. Tomorrow is "Wally World" and CostCo day. Then packing everything Sunday afternoon, fueling the truck and to bed EARLY.

I'm abit concerned about the fuel thing, as I haven't enough cash to cover it, but things will work out....

The news we've heard from Washington Parish is that they are still in desparate need of so much. Generators, chain saws are on the top of their lists, along with BobCats, Trackers, skid loaders, etc.

Dr. Levine and I will do what we can, I am certain we will make a difference.

In Peace.
Barbara
619.213.2762

WOW!

2005-09-09T13:47:00.000-07:00

I am humbled, truly humbled. While I haven't received as many cash donations as I need, I am still going and things will work out.

That being said, to those who have donated, 'thank you' is not enough, how can it be, we all work so hard for our dollars these days and things are tight, so the sacrifices you all have made...well, save it to say we will make a difference down there.

Here is how things are 'washing out' so to speak.
Weseloh Chevrolet - Carlsbad - took care of the truck
Discount Tire - Vista Way location (Rafael manager) came through with a HUGE discount (60% or more)
Dr. Levine - Tempe, AZ - who is paying for the tires and assisting with fuel costs
PepBoys - Mission St (Oceanside) - Bonnie and Crew - fuel containers, combat boots, camis and miscellaneous supplies

Still lookin' for a video camera!!!

Off to get the tires!

In Peace and ready to make a difference!
Barbara & Tirawa!!

FRIDAY-Less then 72 hours now...

2005-09-08T13:16:00.000-07:00

Today is a push day as I will be working 12 hours tomorrow and have time for NOTHING.

The truck will be ready to go by the end of today and I will put the mats and carpet in the back and start 'staging' supplies.

On Sunday, I will be home packing from 2 - 5 p.m., so if anyone wants to bring things over in the supply list, please call me and let me (by SATURDAY) know what you'll be bringing and come on over! Address is: 1306 Missouri, O'side 92054..you have to come through the alley and it is the 2nd GARAGE door on the left, will have a "Beware of Dog" sign on the door.

SUPPLIES NEEDED
5 Cases Water
2-3 Cases of Gatorade
2-3 cases of the Starbucks drink
Toilet Paper/Paper Towels
A GOOD camp knife, one of those with mulitiple
Emergency lights and power
HEAVY ROPE
Jumper Cables/2 ton jack/tow rope with
ALOT OF BUG SPRAY
HARD HAT
Orange Vests
Work Goggles
Sunblock
Hipwaders
Fuel Cards/Donations of $$

As you can see, the list has dwindled, but a few items have been added.

Sunday I will be going to Costco to get the remainder of what I need.

Also...ANYONE WILLING TO LEND A VIDEO CAMERA?

Off to hike Tirawa and Winston and get tires.

In Peace,
Barbara
760.529.9290

State legislators legalize gay marriage

2005-09-08T13:08:00.000-07:00

In a surprising move, the California State Assembly passed a bill that would legalize gay marriage in the state. Of course, Schwarzenneger was quick to distance himself from the legislation of an issue that's been overshadowed by the war in Iraq, among other things. Citing Prop. 22, his spokeswoman stated:

The governor believes the matter should be determined not by legislative action - which would be unconstitutional - but by court decision or another vote of the people of our state.

(More at the LA Times)

Of course, that would mean those "activist" courts getting involved in the matter... why is it then more appropriate for a court to determine the law than the legislature that writes it?

I would love to say that this action is a huge victory for same-sex couples. It is very significant, being that California is the first state to pass a bill legalizing gay marriage. And it seems that Prop. 22 may not have been an accurate representation of the "will of the people" on this matter, and that issue will be taken up by the state Supreme Court. But I can't help but feel that as long as partisan politics play into this issue, on both sides, an honest dialogue will not developed. Americans have to realize that same-sex marriage is in no way a threat to straight marriages, or to our way of life, or any of the other reasons that its opponents give, before the tide will turn on this matter. That means that Americans will have to stop allowing themselves to be manipulated by the media, and I don't see that happening any time soon.

But the same could have been said of any civil rights issue, which is why I, and many progressives, support affirmative action. It took legislative as well as judicial interferance to allow school and public integration, and to make it illegal to discriminate on the basis of age, race, gender or religion. Why should sexual orientation be any different?

Feelin' Pretty Rested - Thursday

2005-09-08T12:37:00.000-07:00

Turned off my phones last night and SLEPT...for 5 hours, a wonderful feeling.

Winston is doing great with his stitches in his butt and Tirawa is very protective of him as well as being concerned since I am beginning to stage things for leaving.

Finalizing leaving plans with Dr. Levin who will be caravaning with me. He lives in Tempe, AZ and will be meeting me in Tucson. "Team Renegade" comes to mind! Departure is scheduled for 2 a.m. on Monday. Anyone want to stop by and say 'goodbye'!

Additional thoughts on supplies that are essential to be smart about this trip. Rubber boots, hipwaders, orange vests, rope.

The supplies are getting promised. Liz Masters, one of my good clients who rides endurance horses is hooking me up with ALOT of stuff. Bonnie from PEP BOYS in Oceanside (Mission Rd) donated two gas containers, a couple of Pep Boy shirts and she's going to talk to her Marine employees about getting me cami pants (safe and good to wear in these conditions) and she's giving me a pair of combat boots (another must have). I am certain I will be a fashion statement!!

Dr. Levine has the gloves needed, the surgical masks and all the medical supplies.

Still would LIKE a 2 ton jack, generator (although power is coming up in Covington and some of the other towns on a sparatic basis), chain saw.

Dr. L and I have decided to stage out of Covington and probably go to the small towns throughout the parish and help as needed.

Gas/diesel can now be gotten easier in Baton Rouge. I have a contact there where we will rest, get a hot shower, let Tman rest and then hook up a trailer with supplies and head to Covington...about 2 hours away.

Truck is serviced and just needs tires on tomorrow....Discount Tires is making excuses now...ah well, may just have to pay full price. Pray I get them for wholesale at the very least.

Need cases and cases of water, gatorade. Food items that are in packages would be great! Can't imagine how I'm going to survive on processed food for 2 or 3 weeks...me who eats no fast food and no processed food.

More later!

So impressed

2005-09-07T22:40:00.000-07:00

I just don't know how Barb does it! She really is a super woman. I am so impressed with her dedication and drive to accomplish this goal of helping the people and pets effected by Katrina.

I share some of her frustration. Work and school have kept me from devoting as much time to drumming up donations as I'd like, except for to make a phone call here or an e-mail there. But the response I've gotten back from people in San Clemente (businesses and City Hall alike) has been, "Oh but we've already given to the Red Cross," or, "Oh we're just telling people to donate to the Red Cross."

Which is fine. Except for the fact that it seems like every other week, San Clemente, like so many other Coastal Orange County towns, holds some sort of fete or hoo-ha to either a) promote tourism, b) make us all feel warm and fuzzy about living here, and c) to raise money for the "International Society of Plantar Warts Survivors", or some equally inane local cause.

Which is also fine. But it's not great. It doesn't even come a damn sight close to fantastic.

See, there are an awful lot of people who live here, and many of them have money. Big money. "I could buy your whole family if the price was right," kind of money. And these people can do better than just "donate to the Red Cross."

I hear that a few local businesses in town are holding raffles and equally unique ideas to benefit the Gulf Coast, which I think is terrific. Maybe it will encourage others to do the same. And I'm going to send out another email blast tomorrow to see what other local groups are up to. But it's just frustrating... maybe it's the nice weather or something, but people here (even most of the Progressives I've met) have been lulled into an apathetic stupor that even the worst of natural disasters cannot rouse.

We can do better than this.

Exhaustion Sets In

2005-09-07T19:33:00.000-07:00

I am not sure where these days are going. I write notes of what needs to get done, then by 9 a.m., there goes that list...today was no different.

I began receiving calls and emails and making arrangements for everything from getting three folks on planes that are in centers in LA, to figuring out what medical professionals need to practice in LA, to reading a letter from the Oceanside City Manager that royally hit a nerve when I was just abit to exhausted to let it role off my back, so I blasted him...in a nice way, but none the less....guess I could post it here later if I figure out the blue blocks that Amanda is trying to teach me!

Spoke to the Governer's office in LA and they are getting fed up with the Red Cross and their inability to function and do anything worthwhile. LA has now set up there own relief fund that goes directly and IMMEDIATELY to the victims...WOW, what a concept.

http://louisianahelp.org/

I spoke to numerous companies to beg for supply donations and it was interesting getting responses. They WANTED to help, but the HIGH UPS (i.e., CEO, CCO CFO, etc) decided to GIVE TO THE RED CROSS or they sent supplies directly.

There's that Red Cross thing again!

Trying to firm up meeting up with a doctor out of Arizona (Dr. L) and 'caravaning' together.

Hmmm, the Orange County Chapter of the Veterans for Peace have hit some snags, so I have thrown an idea to them about sending a van/truck to Oceanside area and staging one here and have it leave on Monday when I leave.

So many calls, so exhausting. I am getting the supplies, I'm being promised alot of water, gatorade, and tons of other stuff.

Sunday will be 'staging' day at 1306 Missouri Avenue, Oceanside 92054, fo those that want to come by with stuff. More details later.

I know there is more to share, but you know what? I'm exhausted...take care...

Katrina - a timeline which deserves answers

2005-09-07T16:40:00.000-07:00

Today, as many of you did, I received an e-mail from MoveOn asking us to sign a petition which demands that our Federal government stop blaming Louisiana for their failure. If you haven't signed the petition, please do.

The timeline included in the e-mail is worth reading, and really sheds light on what this Administration was up to in the hours (days) preceding and following Katrina:

Friday, Aug. 26: Gov. Kathleen Blanco declares a state of emergency in Louisiana and requests troop assistance.

Saturday, Aug. 27: Gov. Blanco asks for federal state of emergency. A federal emergency is declared giving federal officials the authority to get involved.

Sunday, Aug. 28: Mayor Ray Nagin orders mandatory evacuation of New Orleans. President Bush warned of Levee failure by National Hurricane Center. National Weather Service predicts area will be "uninhabitable" after Hurricane arrives. First reports of water toppling over the levee appear in local paper.

Monday, Aug. 29: Levee breaches and New Orleans begins to fill with water, Bush travels to Arizona and California to discuss Medicare. FEMA chief finally responds to federal emergency, dispatching employees but giving them two days to arrive on site.

Tuesday, Aug. 30: Mass looting reported, security shortage cited in New Orleans. Pentagon says that local authorities have adequate National Guard units to handle hurricane needs despite governor's earlier request. Bush returns to Crawford for final day of vacation. TV coverage is around-the-clock Hurricane news.

Wednesday, Aug. 31: Tens of thousands trapped in New Orleans including at Convention Center and Superdome in "medieval" conditions. President Bush finally returns to Washington to establish a task force to coordinate federal response. Local authorities run out of food and water supplies.

Thursday, Sept. 1: New Orleans descends into anarchy. New Orleans Mayor issues a "Desperate SOS" to federal government. Bush claims nobody predicted the breach of the levees despite multiple warnings and his earlier briefing.

Friday, Sept. 2: Karl Rove begins Bush administration campaign to blame state and local officials—despite their repeated requests for help. Bush stages a photo-op—diverting Coast Guard helicopters and crew to act as backdrop for cameras. Levee repair work orchestrated for president's visit and White House press corps.

Saturday, Sept. 3: Bush blames state and local officials. Senior administration official (possibly Rove) caught in a lie claiming Gov. Blanco had not declared a state of emergency or asked for help.

Monday, Sept. 5: New Orleans officials begin to collect their dead.

(Adapted from: Katrina Timeline, http://thinkprogress.org/katrina-timeline/)

Hump Day and Preparations Continue.

2005-09-07T07:23:00.000-07:00

Didn't get back to writing last night as I returned home at 11 p.m., looked/answered emails and then took care of Winston who now has stitches in his butt and Tirawa who was concerned for his little buddy.

Okay, the preparations continue and I'm getting anxious on several accounts as there is alot to do and supplies still needed.

The great news is that the truck will be going to Weseloh Chevrolet for a 'check up' and I hope to hear regarding tires today and that will be done on Friday. All of this has been DONATED.

Still working on a laptop with wireless capability, do have one offered that is old, but would be fine for me to power up daily and keep a written journal to be edited and published when I return.

Still 'iffy' on a video camera and digital to be used for 3 weeks. Not looking to buy these (although I will probably buy one out of my 'slush' fund that generally goes toward emergencies) and hope one will come through. I have two folks working on this.

Now onto the supplies that I have decided I need for me to live for 2 - 3 weeks in my truck. In no particular order, but all needed. If anyone has any of this stuff, please call me IMMEDIATELY so I can arrange to get the things.

If you care to buy them directly and get them to me, that is great. If you want to donate a gift card to say; CostCo, Target, Wal-Mart, K-Mart, or any sporting store do so and I will go get what is needed. Or if you just want to donate, go to the PayPal donation button, or you can make a direct deposit into the OCEAN RELIEF BANK at US Bank...call or email me for the Account Number.

SUPPLIES
Candles/lighters/matches
Handi-wipes (ALOT OF THEM)
Gas storage cans - 5 gallons (need 6)
10 cases minimum of WATER, 2-3 Cases of Gatorade, 2-3 cases of the Starbucks drink (okay, so this is a luxury, but I'm doubtful there will be good caffeine there)
Toilet Paper/Paper Towels
A GOOD camp knife, one of those with mulitiple talents
Latex gloves (several boxes)
Surgical face masks (several boxes)
Emergency lights and power sources
SunShower
Heavy duty Extension Cords
HEAVY ROPE
Jumper Cables/2 ton jack/tow rope with hooks
Generator (that could possibly stay there)
Camp Stove
Bug spray ALOT OF BUG SPRAY
Chain Saw (donated, that can STAY THERE)
Fuel Cards!!!!

I will post later, as the day progresses!

Today's phrase is...

2005-09-07T00:33:00.000-07:00

"Cross-Browser Compatibility".

I'm DONE with this page for now... still not 100% happy with the way it looks, but I probably never will be. But at least the links aren't half way across the page.

Who knows... with Barbara's luck, maybe she can talk someone into donating me web design lessons... ;-)

VERY QUICKLY...more late tonight

2005-09-06T14:58:00.000-07:00

Very busy day. Started it off with calls in the middle of the night and emails requesting various information, offering various things and feeling overwhelmed before 5 a.m.

Then coming back from the walk with Tirawa and Winston (the 'boyz'), my landlords' dog ATTACKED Winston and off to the vet he had to go. The casual indifference of my landlord just about unhinged me. Jerk.

I am waiting for a call from the regional person at Discount Tires, but it sounds positive and I'm guessing I'll have donated tires.

Mike Weseloh at Weseloh Chevrolet has agreed to get my truck in for servicing and is 'donating' general maintanence and if any 'bigger' things need to be done, we will discuss and work something out. WOW!

I will do a more complete posting later, need to go try and lease/sell a horse.

Uh-oh

2005-09-06T11:29:00.000-07:00

I just checked this page here at work and realize that it looks really jacked up on this computer. For anyone out there looking at the page wondering, "What was she thinking?!?" I apologize, and am working out the problems to make it display properly across the board.

The page appears to display properly on Opera, but not on the version of Windows 6.0 I have at work. I have no idea why this is, but if anyone else does, I would appreciate your help!

Busy days

2005-09-06T07:15:00.000-07:00

Today and tomorrow are school days for me, so I won't be posting much. But I'm sure Barb et al. will be around, and I can't wait to hear updates on how her planning for the Louisiana trip is going!

Willfully ignorant?

2005-09-06T06:57:00.000-07:00

Blind to the facts? Criminally arrogant? Or all of the above? You decide!

The Bush Administration clearly does not enjoy listening to facts and opinions that don't jive with their concept of reality. After all, who would know best about what threatens Louisiana's coastal wetlands - scientists, or a bunch of filthy, crooked career politicians?

Parishes Against Coastal Erosion (PACE) Response to the Bush Administration's June 14, 2005 Policy Statement on the Proposed Energy Act of 2005

Our Louisiana legislature this month passed a constitutional amendment requiring any new offshore oil and gas revenue to be put in a trust fund dedicated to coastal erosion.

Louisiana has made a commitment. Now, it's time for the President to step up to the plate and support funding to prevent the untold damage to the ecology, economy and potential loss of life in large numbers.

With the National Hurricane Center predicting another active hurricane season, PACE President Aaron Broussard said he fears that it is going to take a major storm and significant loss of life before the nation acts responsibly.

(Tip off from Crooks and Liars)

That was just a couple of months ago. It makes you wonder just how far this Administration will go to ignore those who actually know what's going on?

One more before bed

2005-09-05T21:16:00.000-07:00

This was too nice not to share:

US Airforce Lt. Nathan Brosheal holds a kitten rescued and airlifted to New Orleans International Airport in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans, Louisiana. The United States officially asked for emergency aid from the European Union and accepted assistance from the United Nations, as countries around the world pledged help for the hundreds of thousands left homeless by Hurricane Katrina.

From here

Reaching out

2005-09-05T20:45:00.000-07:00

We've been so wrapped up in getting Barb ready to go to Louisiana and getting this site up to scratch that I've turned a blind eye and a deaf ear to the news over the last day. But it looks like others all over the area are coming out to help the Katrina victims:

http://www.ocregister.com/ocr/2005/09/05/sections/local/local/article_662847.php

It's a great thing to see!

I'm going to be in contact with some local business, government and social people here in San Clemente over the next few days. My hope is that, in addition to seeing Barbara safely on her way to help people and pets in the disaster area, I can help organize a fundraiser. More info on that as it comes along...

One more for the "They Have No Decency" file

2005-09-05T20:25:00.000-07:00

Former First Lady Barbara Bush thinks this whole environmental disaster we call "New Orleans" turned out to be just the thing its residents needed.

"And so many of the people in the arena here, you know, were underprivileged anyway, so this (she chuckled slightly)--this is working very well for them."

This interview aired on NPR (written up here: http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2005/9/5/20932/75590)

Why stop with cake? I'm waiting for them to start rolling out the guillotines. Maybe the revolution will be televised this time.

Links are up!

2005-09-05T19:05:00.000-07:00

*Phew*

Now maybe I can quit thinkering around with this thing and actually start posting...

The pets.....

2005-09-05T14:37:00.000-07:00

Read this article and just cried. Dont they know that to some people pets are the only thing they have? Now whats going to happen to all the animals?? This effects me deeply, because I come from a farming background, and our animals/pets are the first considerations. For people to have to give up their pets, is more heart rending, than giving up any material posessession. I just hope, and pray that eventually some will come be found and reunited.

Evacuees Distraught Over Lost Pets
By MIKE STOBBE, AP

ATLANTA (Sept. 5) - As Valerie Bennett was evacuated from a New Orleans hospital, rescuers told her there was no room in the boat for her dogs. She pleaded. "I offered him my wedding ring and my mom's wedding ring," the 34-year-old nurse recalled Saturday. They wouldn't budge. She and her husband could bring only one item, and they already had a plastic tub containing the medicines her husband, a liver transplant recipient, needed to survive.
Such emotional scenes were repeated perhaps thousands of times along the Gulf Coast last week as pet owners were forced to abandon their animals in the midst of evacuation.

In one example reported last week by The Associated Press, a police officer took a dog from one little boy waiting to get on a bus in New Orleans. "Snowball! Snowball!" the boy cried until he vomited. The policeman told a reporter he didn't know what would happen to the dog.

At the hospital, a doctor euthanized some animals at the request of their owners, who feared they would be abandoned and starve to death. He set up a small gas chamber out of a plastic-wrapped dog kennel.
"The bigger dogs were fighting it. Fighting the gas. It took them longer. When I saw that, I said 'I can't do it,'" said Bennett's husband, Lorne.

Valerie Bennett left her dogs with the anesthesiologist, who promised to care for about 30 staff members' pets on the roof of the hospital, Lindy Boggs Medical Center.

"He said he'd stay there as long as he possibly could," Valerie Bennett recalled, speaking from her husband's bedside at Atlanta's Emory University Hospital.

On Saturday afternoon, she said she saw a posting on a Web site called petfinder.com that said the anesthesiologist was still caring for the animals.

Louisiana State Treasurer John Kennedy, who was helping with relief efforts Saturday, said some evacuees refused to leave without their pets.

"One woman told me 'I've lost my house, my job, my car and I am not turning my dog loose to starve,'" Kennedy said.
Kennedy said he persuaded refugees to get on the bus by telling them he would have the animals taken to an exhibition center.

The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals picked up two cats and 15 dogs, including one Kennedy found tied up beneath the overpass next to an unopened can of dog food with a sign that read "Please take care of my dog, his name is Chucky."

The fate of pets is a huge but underappreciated cause of anguish for storm survivors, said Richard Garfield, professor of international clinical nursing at New York's Columbia University.

"People in shelters are worried about 'Did Fluffy get out?'" he said. "It's very distressing for people, wondering if their pets are isolated or starving."

The Bennetts had four animals, including two beloved dogs.

They moved to Slidell, La., in July when Valerie took a job at an organ transplant institute connected to Lindy Boggs. Lorne, a former paramedic, is disabled since undergoing a liver transplant in 2001.

On Saturday, as Hurricane Katrina approached, both went to the hospital to help and took all four animals with them.
They fed their guinea pig and left it in its cage in a patient room. They couldn't refill its empty water bottle because the hospital's plumbing failed Sunday, they said. They poured food on the floor for the cat, but again no water.

"I just hope that they forgive me," Valerie Bennett cried.

Links down

2005-09-05T11:02:00.000-07:00

Blogrolling seems to have a hard time supporting our links. I'm putting together a links list now that will actually be better and more organized.

Another IMPORTANT website

2005-09-05T10:22:00.000-07:00

I will be updating this posting with websites regarding efforts for the victims of hurricane Katrine throughout the day as I run across them and use them.

http://livewire.fm/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=7

In Peace,
Barbara

Monday...morning came about much too quickly...

2005-09-05T08:56:00.000-07:00

Good Morning!

Well, did get to bed around midnight last night and then up at about 4 a.m....too old for this stuff.

I'm getting some amazing calls and emails and am truly beginning to believe that this trip and effort on my part is meant to happen.

Last night I spoke with a representative of www.prosweepclean.com in Baton Rouge and they need assistance with distributing items and I told them I'd have a truck and if they can get a trailer and load it I'll stop by and hook up and take it to Washington or Jefferson Parish. Please visit their website and see what you can do.

Also am in touch with Veterans for Peace, which is one of the buses from Camp Casey that has now set up in Covington, LA. Go to their site and they have ADDRESSES where to send things directly. Patrick's email is also there as well as a cell number: http://www.vfproadtrips.org/

I've also been contacted by a doctor in Arizona who has asked if he could catch a ride with me! We will talk later to figure it out. There have also been a half dozen others seeking rides to the area, if anyone else is planning to travel to the area.

A great place to see what is happening and post things is. www.nola.com and go to their forums/volunteers board.

I had hoped to post how much we have in donations, but since the account is new, I don't even have a pin number yet to access it! I do know (from having rec'd confirmation from various people) that there is at least $300 in there!

I've had donations of 5 cases of water for myself and a portable/folding bed. It looks like the reality of getting a video camera donated for a few weeks will happen and possibly a laptop, but still working on that one.

What is important to say here at this time is that when you go into an area with the damage that there is in LA, MS and AL, you MUST have all your ducks in a row. That means that my truck MUST be in top working order and I must have the supplies that I need to survive for the 14 days I will be there under the worse of circumstances...so to do this safely it takes alot.

Should my truck breakdown in the hurricane area, I DOUBT I can call AAA and ask for a tow...

This is NOT a vacation, I will NOT be staying in luxury hotels/motels...I suspect I will be sleeping in the back of my pickup the majority of the time and setting up my little 'sun shower' for quicky washings.

I do anticipate 20 hour days, in the 90's with 100% humidity. I do anticipate fatigue like I've not experienced in years. I do expect to be emotionally drained by the experience.

So again, if you can help, please donate what you can...fuel cards are so welcome! If you want to donate FOR the refugees, right now until I know if I'll be towing a trailer...I might suggest PHONE CARDS...I can put them all in a shoebox and distribute them to refugees in San Antonio and Houston.

It is beginning to look like I"ll be going the '8' to the '10', that puts me through San Antonio and Houston...a good thing as I have family in SA and friends in Houston.

To Baton Rouge is 1707 miles. It will be another 150 or so to the towns I will be in ultimately.

Until later and In Peace.

Barbara

Thrilled to see this.....

2005-09-05T02:20:00.000-07:00

(Editor's note and an introduction: Christine is a guest blogger from the Midwest who is keeping us in touch with local activism outside of California.)

This sure makes me proud to live in the northern Midwest. Minnesota is doing so much to help.
My own hotel has shipped out tons of clean bedding,pillows and blankets as of today I believe. Still businesses are gathering everything to help these people.

http://www.startribune.com/stories/462/5597001.html

I have to say...If it wasnt for the small towns, and communities and people like us getting help for these people, they would still all be sitting there. Because I truly believe our government aint doing enough.
Minnesota mayors are banding big time to help these people, and the local governments are doing fine. Its our higher government(ie the President and his yahoos) that have taken so long to get help.

Lets hope this all continues. Im seeing good stuff happen finally, but not because the government has stepped in.

Good luck to all who work at helping these people and God bless them. To those who turn their backs, and drag their feet....I hope you sleep well at night, because if it was me, the guilt would eat me alive.

Pastor Dan's Posting from Dailykos....

2005-09-04T21:22:00.000-07:00

Brothers and Sisters (pray for New Orleans) by pastordan

Let us join together in a time of great anguish to pray for the victims of Hurricane Katrina, for our leaders, and for ourselves.

For the victims:
We remember those displaced by enormous catastrophe whose houses were destroyed by water, wind and fire; who were left unemployed, their places of business smashed; who are sheltered far from home, frightened, alone, their lives disrupted; who may never be able to return to the city they have lost. Protect and deliver them. We remember those trapped in the city: who awaited help for long hours and days; who were trapped in attics and upper floors; who were forced to endure privation, terror, hunger and thirst; who stole to stay alive;who died from murder, suicide, lack of food and medicine; who called out for help that never arrived. Show them compassion.

We remember the rescue workers who tried to fight fires without usable water; who watched their levees and their city collapse helplessly; who plucked untold numbers from wreckage and water; who transported thousands; who did all they could; who stayed on the job far past the breaking point; who called out for help that never arrived. Sustain and heal them.

We remember the dead:
The grandmothers and grandfathers;the infants and children; the unlucky; the poor; the victims of violence and indifference; all who called out for help that never arrived. Accept them into your mercy and grant all that they were denied in this life.

For our leaders:
We remember those who acted courageously and with foresight; who did their duty and more; who wept for those they could not protect; who marshaled every resource they could find; who pushed themselves to their limits and beyond; who begged for help that never arrived. Give them thanks and praise; prosper the work of their hands.

We remember those who were overwhelmed by disaster; whose radios ceased to function; whose plans were inadequate; whose leadership collapsed; whose offers of assistance were spurned; Comfort and protect them.
We remember those who failed the victims through ignorance, confusion, or hard-heartedness; who fell victim to confusion and inaction due to their lack of leadership; who failed to evacuate the city quickly; who did not prepare adequately; who ignored the need to prepare;who stole the protection of 400,000 persons for an immoral war; who did not know where assistance was needed; who did not provide assistance in time; who waited for paperwork instead of acting; who vacationed at a time of crisis; who congratulated themselves; who held press conferences instead of helping; who halted or faked help to burnish their own image; who promised help that never arrived.Forgive them and cleanse our hearts of anger toward them.

For ourselves:
We remember that we are sometimes held back: we are afraid to risk what we have; we are stretched thin and unsure of our abilities; we are indifferent; we are apathetic; we are depressed and grieving; we are angry and outraged, and we sometimes misuse our emotions; we are tempted by the lure of the easy way out.Forgive us and equip us.

We remember that we have tremendous power for good: we can give our money; we can give our time; we can give our energy; we can open our homes; we can open our hearts. Motivate us to ever-greater action.

We remember that we can demand change:
we can demand adequate planning; we can demand adequate and timely response; we can demand adequate environmental protection; we can demand that resources not be diverted for political aims; we can demand that resources be shared equally, and for the good of all; we can demand that those who have failed be held accountable; we can demand that justice be done; we can demand that help always arrives.

May it ever be so!

Sunday...dealing with rejection, anger and stupidity...

2005-09-04T14:58:00.000-07:00

I did a long diary earlier today and decided to take it down and keep this simple.

I am heading to the hurricane ravaged area...in my truck. I am doing this on my own. I will leave either the 11th or 12th of September. I will make a decision mid-week regarding hauling a trailer. As I think more about that, it might well be more intelligent (from a safety viewpoint) to drive only the truck down and coordinate with those in Baton Rouge and hook to a trailer there and take it to Washington Parish.

This is who I am and what I feel must be done. I am going to call up some favors and make it happen.

If anyone out there wants to be a part of it, please feel free to do one of a couple of things listed below:

1. PayPal donation on the site here. This goes into the Ocean Relief Fund which I have opened at US BANK.

2. Call me for the US BANK account number and make a deposit directly into the account.

3. Send a fuel card for any amount.

I will happily take phone cards and hand them out to refugees if anyone wants to send them to the address listed at the bottom (also send fuel cards there).

If anyone has family and need them moved, let me know and I'll see what I can do....I am going there to help with bringing a life back to refugees. I am beyond angry and am so saddened. If anyone questions my reasons, or my being so bold to ask for donations, call me.

Sometimes it is time to 'PAY IT FORWARD'...go rent the movie...you'll understand then.

I have calls to make to the east coast now and down to LA to see if people have arrived safely.

Thank you to all who are helping and a huge thank you for those that believe in me and my ability to assist.

In Peace and God bless.

Barbara

Barbara Schulz
Ocean Relief Fund
PO BOX 2215
Oceanside, California 92051

Remember though I am leaving on Sunday, September 11th!!!

What California's leaders are doing to help victims of Katrina

2005-09-04T14:38:00.000-07:00

Schwarzenegger calls on Californians to donate blood, money; sends National Guard

Boxer calls on FEMA to speed up aid, asks for monitoring of oil industry to ward against price gouging, and writes open letter to President Bush

Feinstein merely sends her sympathies

From what I can find, Dana Point, Temecula, Rancho Santa Margarita, and Irvine are the only local cities that mention donating to victims of the disaster. Perhaps the other cities will catch up once the holiday weekend is over.

No news in the LA Times or the SD Union-Tribune about how to help the victims other than donating to the Red Cross, etc., but the North County Times makes mention of several local businesses and organizations raising donations. (Encouraging news for us, Barbara!)

Lake Elsinore Man's Efforts to Help Victims

More news as it comes in...

It's not just people who need help

2005-09-03T23:32:00.000-07:00

In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, we should realize that there are possibly thousands of homeless, hurt animals who also need help. One charity that is undertaking the effort to help pets effected by Katrina is Noah's Wish: http://www.noahswish.org/

The Humane Society is also racing to save animals in the areas hit by the hurricane: http://www.hsus.org/

Chief Justice Rehnquist dies of cancer

2005-09-03T22:43:00.000-07:00

...Just what we need at the moment.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20050904/ap_on_go_su_co/rehnquist

More on this later. Any bets that his replacement will be an absolute Nazi in comparison to Roberts?

Saturday...Preparation begins.

2005-09-03T11:33:00.000-07:00

Here is a website that MUST be read: http://www.dailykos.com/story/2005/9/3/103635/8748

Wow! People are mobilizing. I just got off the telephone with some folks in El Cajon that are putting together donations necessary in the way of SIMPLE clothes, diapers, medical supplies, shoes, blankets and so forth.

They have had a very rich individual offer to charter a 737. If this is true, there will be a huge amount of space for donations.

These are people that feel that it is necessary to get things to the people and want to see 100% get to the refugees, not maybe 50% after the fact as happens with the various organizations.

I am coordinating with them.

Phone calls are being made for what is needed for me to travel safe there. Anyone who has connections and can make calls please do so.

IMMEDIATE NEEDS:

Tires - for a 2003 Duramax Diesel Chevy Truck HD 3/4 ton.

A Chevy dealership to do a complete check of the above truck and perform an oil change, fuel filter change, check brakes, shocks/struts, etc.

Trailer for donations

Donations for fuel for the trip

Laptop w/satelite
Digital camera/video recorder

Later today, after I make calls, I will post a 'wish list' and we will then see what happens.

PAYPAL will be set up later today on this site, also I have a 'donation' account set up at US BANK. You can go into any US BANK and deposit whatever you can afford to. Please contact me directly for the account number.

Accounting of all donations will be done and posted here as I have time. Money will be used for fuel and expenses. I am hoping all the supplies and requests will be donated directly and not need to be bought.

If I take a trailer into Texas and unload at one of the refugee spots, it is my hope to coordinate in that town to have a load ready and take it into the hurricane area...perhaps Covington, LA.

Yes, I have room for a rider, perhaps two...but I'm definitely taking one dog.

Also, there are a number of mid-wives that want to go and assist IMMEDIATELY. I will get more contact information on the other efforts in Southern California and post them here.

Please donate what you can...look for the paypal to be up within the next few hours.

Or US BANK: "OCEAN RELIEF FUND" (contact me for the account number)

Beyond words...

2005-09-03T01:29:00.000-07:00

As the news pours out of New Orleans since the Katrina disaster, it has become more apparent than ever that the Bush administration ignored warnings about what a hurricane of this magnitude might do to the area, and furthermore neglected to send the troops, food, water and means of evacuation for its victims.

There's so much out in the blogoshpere right now about this issue and how Katrina may further damage Bush's tarnished image. Bush can't even give his brief appearance in New Orleans without looking confused and befuddled... perhaps because he wasn't met by a cheering crowd made up entirely of his supporters. The head of FEMA proves himself to be completely inadequate to the task. The relief effort comes in three days late and several million dollars short. Mass chaos, death, starvation and devastation reign in New Orleans. And our government wants to talk about the estate tax.

These people have no shame. They have no decency.

Call Sens. Feinstein and Boxer NOW, please. Frist and his fellow Republicans are callously focused on the almighty dollar in the face of human suffering, and the Dems. in office need to do everything in their power to bring this latest ghoulish action to a screeching halt.

Unfortunately, this disaster has brought to bear with many Americans what we already knew about this administration - we are dealing with an oligarchy, and if you aren't one of the 'haves', like Bush and his cronies, you are just as expendable as the 'have nots' in New Orleans. Why bother with messy issues like natural disasters when you can play guitar on stage like a country star, or ride bikes with Lance Armstrong, or try to repeal more tax dollars that go to help prevent things like what just happened in New Orleans. Dealing with issues like natural disasters takes leadership... something that Bush clearly cannot offer. When normally vapid anchors on cable news are loosing it during interviews about Katrina, you know something's really wrong with your country.

And as more and more people come to realize that something's wrong with our country, the question starts to get asked... what if this hadn't been a hurricane? What if this had been one of those terrorist attacks that the Bush administration threatened us with throughout the last campaign cycle? What if this had been Chicago or LA or, god forbid, New York once again? Would it take three days for help to get to any of those cities in the wake of an attack?

We're looking at three possibilities here. One, that this administration badly bungled an honest attempt to aid the people in the Gulf Cost area both before and after the damage. Two, that the administration willfully withheld aid and stalled planning and action before and after the damage, for any number of reasons (the major ones possibly that those most devastated are black and poor). And three - and perhaps the scariest possibility - that the government wouldn't have been able to do any better than they did if they wanted to due to the lack of funds and resources thanks to the Iraq war. And if that's the case... god help us all if a terrorist attack ever happens again in this country.

Bush won his re-election on a platform of 9-11, security in the face of a threat to American safety, and the war. Now when he's faced with yet another disaster on American soil, we see that his blank stare in that classroom in 2001 was no fluke. It's easy to play like you're a cowboy when lives aren't at stake. He clearly cannot provide the leadership he so often promises when there are.

As you see in Barbara's previous post, we are in the process of working out what we can do in our area to help the victims, whether it is a donated goods drive or physically going to the area to volunteer with the victims. Whatever it is, we'll post it here and keep everyone in touch.

In the meanwhile, please keep the people affected by this disaster in your thoughts...

An Introduction....

2005-09-02T17:08:00.000-07:00

As many of you know, I have been thinking about going to the hurricane stricken area...well the decision has been made.

I intend to leave on September 12th. For those of you who pray, pray that this all comes together, for those that meditate or do something else, please send energy toward me for this trip.

The logistics to do this the way I want are huge. I need help, I'm reaching out to everyone here and asking you to pass the word.

What I promise you is that WE collectively, who are all a part of this will make a difference and do good.

I opened a 'donation' account at US Bank. I will give that information later this evening when I begin my 'journal' here. I will also explain how money donations will be used.

I am also working on a trailer to tow with me so that I can take SIMPLE clothing items, shoes, blankets, pillows, toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, etc.

So please put on your thinking caps, I need alot of supplies including a laptop with satelite/wireless, a digital camera and a video recorder.

If someone out there wants to go with, all I ask is you know computer stuff and can video.

ABOUT ME:

I'm 47 and traveled extensively throughout the U.S. I've trained horses, been (and still am) a litigation paralegal, am a licensed massage therapist and have just received my real estate license and will be coming back to begin a new career after this trip.

Not a rich person financially, that is another reason for the cry for 'help' here. Live in a small studio in Oceanside California with my two dogs...Tirawa (malamute/wolf) and Winston (jack russell). They will go with me, Winston will be 'farmed' out at a good friends in Austin Texas, Tirawa will make the trip. I'll post pictures when Amanda tells me how!

I have bills like everyone, I'm struggling somewhat, but not as bad as those refugees in the hurricane zone. I'm going to suck up my pride and ask those that I pay monthly if they will forgo ONE month of my bills...we will see.

So far I've contacted the Oceanside City Council and North County Times, no replies yet, but it is a three day weekend...

I need to eat something now and relax abit and make notes, lots of notes, as I think of things I must write them down....

Please join me in my journey...beginning here and now. I welcome you. I welcome your questions, concerns, thoughts and prayers.

Together we will help those who have nothing, we must, we are all Americans and humans.

I intend to help both the humans and the creatures, I've been trained to handle both in a crisis.

In Peace

Barbara

A MUST VIEW VIDEO....

2005-09-01T11:43:00.000-07:00

I need to say no more.

http://www.crooksandliars.com/2005/09/01.html#a4727

Letter to the Editor

2005-09-01T07:00:00.000-07:00

I can't imagine they will publish this, but stranger things happen and perhaps fish will fly.

I will be writing more later today...so many thoughts in my mind and so much heartbreak in my heart. It seems I may need to go to the Gulf to assist...perhaps protesting in Washington isn't as important, but that will all be discussed in a later 'blog'...

++++++++++
This presidency has failed, totally and completely. This Administration has proven to be nothing more then a group of lying, self-righteous people who haven't a clue what it is to live any type of a moral life.
Mr. Bush MUST step down, as must his entire Administration.
We as Americans have been lied to for the entire 'reign' of King George and his Merrymen. We are in a war with no justification and that was begun on lies. We now are seeing the worse catastrophy in American history and our National Guard is in Iraq, the military equipment is in Iraq, the MONEY has all gone to Iraq (Oh, and to HALLIBURTON), something like a half a TRILLION dollars so far.
There are thousands that have lost their lives, HUNDREDS of thousands that are refugees, Americans are shooting at Americans, there is no law and order and did I mention that our NATIONAL GUARD is in IRAQ?
King George, you are pathetic. Your taking vacation during war was appalling enough. The fact that you continued your vacation and and thought bought and paid for photo ops were more important then LEADING during a NATIONAL DISASTER...well, that is just CRIMINAL.
King George, step down, we don't trust you anymore. You have compromised AMERICA for over 3 years with your illegal war and now our own country is sinking.

THE WORSE DISASTER IN US HISTORY

2005-08-30T19:35:00.000-07:00

An the man that we are suppose to call "President" is doing flippin' sick photo ops at Coronado...

New Orleans is underwater, millions are displaced indefinitely, the environment is shot in that part of the country, there will be thousands that lose their lives and BUSH is getting a guitar.

He has not been indicted and Impeachment proceedings have not been started WHY?

Here is a post on DailyKos currently.

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2005/8/30/222138/171

Relief for hurricane victims

2005-08-30T07:12:00.000-07:00

After a nasty head cold, I'm back, and like Barbara, the victims of hurricane Katrina are on my mind.

If you'd like to make a donation to the victims to help them get back on their feet, please go here:

http://www.redcross.org/

I grew up in Oklahoma, and personally saw the damage an F5 tornado did to my hometown. Hard-working people were left with next to nothing after that tornado was finished with them. From what I've read and heard about this hurricane, the flooding and damage is unbelievable. Please do something if you can.

Hurricane Katrina

2005-08-28T12:21:00.000-07:00

This storm wasn't suppose to be but a little tropical storm that hit Florida. It hit Florida and became a hurricane, then killed quite a few unsuspecting people. Then the weather folks took notice and said that it could get strong, maybe Category 3 when it hit the gulf.

It is now BEARING down on New Orleans as a Category 5. It could wipe out the city, to say nothing of thousands of lives. The industry that will be destroyed there will include oil refineries, chemical plants and any number of toxic waste, which will leave that entire are of the country a toxic sesspool and the potential health issues as a result.

We all need to take time to pray/meditate and hold the millions that will be devastated in our thoughts and prayers....these are Americans and we must hold them near our hearts.

If you can become a Red Cross volunteer, they will need people to go to the areas hit the hardest...if I'm called to go, I will have room to take people.

We are blessed right now...

In Peace and with my thoughts with those in the path of the hurricane.

Barbara

CORONADO UPDATE - Monday nite vigil/Tuesday Protest

2005-08-28T10:20:00.000-07:00

Happy Sunday!

Here is an email I just received from San Diego CPJ.

I am willing to drive to Coronado tomorrow NITE, IF I have 3 other riders at least (can take 4 easily). Would leave by 6 p.m.

Again, I am driving down from O'side at 4:30 a.m. on Tuesday and can take alot of folks in my truck...contact me as to where to meet to jump in the truck!!!

We need thousands there on Tuesday and at the very least several hundred tomorrow nite...let's roll folks!!!

Post here if you have rider space, from where and which event!

__________________________

Give Bush the Welcome He Deserves! George Bush will be in town August 29 and 30 to mark the anniversary of Japan's surrender and the end of WWII at a ceremony at the North Island Naval Air Station.1. There will be a candelight vigil Monday evening, August 29, 7 p.m. at the Hotel Del Coronado where Bush will be staying. Details about where to gather will be posted tomorrow (Sunday).2. Demonstration at NASNI Main Gate on Alameda, Coronado, Tuesday, August 30, 6 a.m. From the North County Coalition for Peace and Justice http://www.nccpj.org/:Gates will open at 6:00 a.m. for the 10,000 "invited guests" and the ceremony will take place at 8:00 a.m. True to form, this will be a harbor-side event so protestors can be kept far from this location. However, the road leading to North Island inCoronado would be a good protest location. Since parking in Coronado is scarce and parking laws are enforced, the North County Coalition for Peace and Justice will be using public transportation to get there. Directions from North County are below; San Diego people should check with the bus company to figure out best route for themselves to arrive at demonstration location: NAS NORTH ISLAND MAIN GATE on Alameda.Don't forget to bring your favorite signs -- but no woodsticks (cardboard tubes are OK)Trip to North Island from North County:Coaster Regular Fare: $ 5.25 Senior & Disabled Fare: $ 2.50 Meet at Oceanside Transit Center at 5:15 AM (That's right 5:15 AM! At 05:23 AM we will take the COASTER to SAN DIEGO (last car) ·Get off the stop at SANTA FE DEPOT at approximately 06:21 AM. ·At 06:50 AM take the 903 Bus to NAS NORTH ISLAND MAIN GATE ·Get off the stop on 4TH ST at ALAMEDA BLVD/NASNI MAIN GATE atapproximately 07:13 AM. ·Walk approx. 1 block NE on Alameda Blvd. Total walking is 0.11miles. to NORTH ISLANDReturn trip (leave at 9:00 AM)Regular Fare: $ 5.75 Senior & Disabled Fare: $ 2.75 ·walk 0.1 mile SE from NORTH ISLAND to 3RD ST at I AVE ·At 09:13 AM take the 901 Bus DOWNTOWN to SAN DIEGO ·Get off the stop on BROADWAY at KETTNER at approximately 09:41 AM. ·At 09:45 AM take the COASTER to OCEANSIDE·Get off the stop at OCEANSIDE TRANSIT CENTER(ARRIVE) at approximately 10:42 AM.

Coronado Protest - Tuesday (8/30/05)

2005-08-26T15:07:00.000-07:00

Dear All,

We are gonna go a protestin' and rallyin' come Tuesday a.m.! Come on down and join the fun, remember, we are the PEACEFUL ones okay?

I will be DRIVING from Oceanside. I want to leave by 4:30 a.m. (so what if it is in the middle of the night, we will find a Starbucks that opens at 5 on the way down!).

I have a crewcab truck, can fit 5-6 in the cabs and will also put carpet in the bed (which has a topper on it) and floor pillows, so for those that are younger, more agile and adventuresome, you can ride there, probably 4-6 there! Wow, almost a bus now!

Everyone can pitch in a couple of bucks for fuel if you can! We'd get there by 6. They are allowing people who were invited in at 6 a.m. apparently, so don't we ALL want to be there when they are lining up on the road to the gate?!?!?!

If anyone is going to drive, let us know from where and how many people you can take, we have 72 hours folks...not alot of time! Let's get to it!

We had almost 20,000 people at the vigils in LA and SD areas...wouldn't it be grand to get a couple thousand for this!

We'll probably be back in O'side after 11 a.m.!

AMERICA TAKING AMERICA BACK!!!! Let's roll.

In Peace,

Barbara

BUSH IN CORONADO on Tuesday - PROTESTS anyone?!?!

2005-08-26T10:38:00.000-07:00

So mom reads this article to me: http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/metro/20050826-9999-7m26visit.html

of course my ears perk up and I'm thinking that with almost 10,000 people in San Diego county having attended vigils just a little over a week ago, we need to get say, heck 1/3 of them over to Coronado.

Then you can take it one step further...how about a "Camp Casey" on the beach beginning Monday?!?! we can then be in place for a nice little ralley when our friend Shrub shows up.

Please pass this on and let's post on our blog here as to interest. We can easily get the press and wouldn't the Crawford folks be THRILLED!

So my friends in peace...pass the word...Coronado!!!!

In peace

Barbara

Ahhhnold's poll numbers going south

2005-08-25T14:59:00.000-07:00

... It was only a matter of time. His one-liners may have worked on the big screen, but when you're trying to explain why not a whole lot has changed since you kicked the last governor out of office... not so much.

Feinstein scrutinizes Roberts

2005-08-25T14:26:00.000-07:00

There's been pitifully little news about Supreme Court appointee John Roberts lately - the most recent being Sen. Feinstein's remarks that she is concerned about the role Roberts may take regarding Roe v. Wade.

More here.

I think it's time that we push to get a full examination of Roberts' documented opinions on such issues.

Contact Sen. Feinstein and support her effort to find out the truth behind Roberts' motives as a Supreme Court justice.

The new crusade

2005-08-25T13:57:00.000-07:00

You would have thought that after many hundreds of years, some members of the Christian fold would have softened somewhat on the subject of murdering others "In the name of God." Pat Robertson is a shining example of how the religious right's extreme crusader mentality can do nothing but embarrass and hurt our country.

I'm sure you've heard it by now... Robertson, once again, proclaims from the safety of his television studio that someone has to die because they don't jibe with his views. The Washington post has an excellent article on the subject here.

This isn't the first time Robertson has sent down a fatwa calling for the removal of someone (or many someones) he sees as standing in the way between him and a truly holy, white-washed, sanitized America. Most recently, he spent a lot of time praying about the Supreme Court.

What we're seeing here is yet another example of hypocrisy in extremist conservative Christianity. When Bush in 2003 asked Liberian President Charles Taylor, indicted for war crimes, to step down, Robertson's response was:

How dare the president of the United States say to the duly elected president of another country, "You've got to step down."

It's no small surprise he feels this way, considering his huge investment in Liberian gold mining. Strange that he feels so strongly about supporting the overthrow of other world leaders, namely those who openly oppose the Bush Administration.

Simply put, Venezuelan oil is a challenge to the Bush administration's attempt to corner the market on fossil fuel. They tried to incite the Venezuelan people to vote out (i.e. "overthrow") Chavez in recent years. This failed to happen. Bush administration heap big annoyed, and meat puppets like Robertson continue to toe the party line, spewing talking points with a dangerous edge to the paranoid shut-ins of America.

Cindy will be back in Crawford TODAY

2005-08-24T13:55:00.000-07:00

Says it all! Go to www.bradblog.com and he will be covering tonite live, Joan Baez concert at Camp Casey and Cindy's arrival back!

Listen to BRADSBLOG LIVE from CRAWFORD

2005-08-24T13:16:00.000-07:00

Here is the link from DailyKos today from a diary.

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2005/8/24/1602/44786

Am listening to him currently.

Amanda, or anyone who knows how to contact AirAmerica...they can stream this guy 24/7...they need to be notified....let's try to get this going for him!

In Peace,

Barbara

A victory for California's same-sex couples

2005-08-23T07:06:00.000-07:00

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20050823/ap_on_re_us/lesbian_custody

Stating that both members of a same-sex couple are equally responsible for any children that result from their relationship if the couple breaks up doesn't sound like a victory, but it is. It can be hard for us to wrap our brains about it, but ruling in this way, even though it relates to a negative situation with the couple, is paving the way for total same-sex equal rights. Ruling that gay couples with children have the same rights and responsibilities as straight couples with children is one step closer to giving gay couples the recognition as a legitimate union, and who knows... perhaps one day allowing them to marry!

From Randy Gold...up LA way!

2005-08-22T19:04:00.000-07:00

Am posting this for Randy:

Seems like lots of Southern Californians are heading out to Washington, DC for the anti Iraq war march in September. For those of us who are still debating or who don't know much about what's going on, I've put together a web page (www.randywarhol.com) with info for Southern Californians about transportation to DC, accommodations, and links to the various event organizers (including what's going on in L.A. that weekend.) I thought you might want to post this link in your newsletters, informal distributions and/or blogs/web sites to help spread the idea that going to D.C. is quite doable and is something to consider seriously. I've also posted info about last minute trips to Crawford, TX this week, including a bus leaving from L.A. this Wednesday (8/24) with Gold Star Father, Bill Mitchell. Contact tonia4@earthlink.netOh, and a link as well to the new chart topper "The Ballad of Cindy Sheehan" by Playing In Traffic (from Neighbors For Peace & Justice, Studio City.)Peace,RandyTravel to Washington, D.C. for the Anti-war march (Sept. 24-26)Make your plans for the march on Washington, DC! Many of your local colleagues are already going. Information for Southern Californians on transportation to D.C., accommodations, and links to the various event organizers. Info on the events being planned in DC that weekend (much more than just a big rally, but that's the main event on the 24th), and also info on Los Angeles area events that weekend. www.randywarhol.com

The Lone Star Iconoclast

2005-08-22T18:08:00.000-07:00

Has it really just been a bit over two weeks since Cindy Sheehan arrived in Crawford?

I remember the morning she was due to be there, I was reading various diaries on DailyKos and thought, damn, no one is mentioning Cindy going to Crawford and we need to get on the press... Me, knowing little to nothing about doing a diary wrote one from my heart, saying, we MUST contact the press and insist they cover her...

I then had my dogs to walk and life to get on with for the day. I checked back an hour or so later and my goodness, my diary had made the recommended list!!! People were thirsty to do this and see Cindy get noticed. So I sat down and contacted press on my own...I did a search for the Crawford paper, it was named the "Lone Star Iconoclast"...I called them, not certain what they would say.

It ends up they were delightful! The gentleman I talked to said that they had heard she was on her way and that they would like to talk with her! So I blogged that along and by golly, this little paper has kicked butt ever since!!!

This is an article that they did on Joan Baez....Joan was in Del Mar with Michael Moore and is amazing (at least to me). For some reason, this article made me cry, I think it was because of what the young man that plays taps did....

Enjoy.

In Peace,
Barbara

http://198.65.14.85/News/2005/31-40/34news01.htm

Casey Sheehan Bracelets

2005-08-21T18:57:00.000-07:00

This incredible woman from over Dailykos way posted one day and showed a photo of this lovely bracelet that she made for herself in honor of Casey and those we have lost...I immediately asked her if I could order one, then quite a few others did the same.

Here is her blog link with the bracelet... http://hyperbolicpants.blogspot.com/

I just received mine yesterday and it is so lovely....she put a lovely hand written note in which reads: " Casey" "To remember those lost and honor the search for truth. Thank you for helping to support Gold Star Families for Peace and The Crawford Peace House."

She is asking $15 w/$10 going toward the above...

In Peace

Barbara

The pro-Bush camp in Crawford

2005-08-21T12:40:00.000-07:00

Barbara brought up a good point to me about the movement on the pro-Bush side to counter Camp Casey in Crawford. From what I've read, they can't even be original about it.

You would think, by watching the news, that most people think Cindy Sheehan is a loon and are scrambling to support the president. As we can see from recent polls, this is not the case.

And as we saw at our recent vigil in support of Cindy Sheehan, the majority of people were with us, with one lone protestor against our event. People were walking in off the street to join us. And this was in Oceanside, home of Camp Pendleton and the military core of Southern California.

So... don't believe the hype. If the media were covering the events in Crawford accurately, we would see a huge movement in favor of Sheehan through the support she is getting from people from all over the country, not just the opposition in Texas - one of the few states in which Bush is polling positively.

ABC-Salt Lake City, refuses to air advertisement w/Cindy Sheehan

2005-08-21T11:24:00.000-07:00

I just sent the following email over to: sales@abc4.tv in Salt Lake City.

As you know, the Shrub feels the need to take a vacation away from his vacation. The mayor of SLC has asked for a MAJOR demonstration when Shrub & Co show up there tomorrow.

ABC refused to air Cindy's ad saying something to the affect that it would 'upset viewers'...so here is my email to them:

Dear ABC affiliate:

It saddens me that the powers that be at your station refuse to air an ad which reflects a MOTHER of a KIA'd SOLDIER asking for answers. This will upset your viewership how?

I hosted a vigil in Oceanside, California on Wednesday, August 17, 2005 to stand in solidarity with Cindy (whom I know...interestingly enough, she isn't a 'nut' case at all, but a very intelligent, articulate woman who wants answers about this illegal war and that just flat ass scares the press and this administration). I didn't send out the canned 'Press Release', but an invitation for the media to join us.

Oceanside is home to Camp Pendleton, over 20,000 marines are deployed from here and over 500 have shed their blood in Iraq and will not be coming home to families...thousands are walking wounded and their lives have been ruined.

Interestingly ABC and NBC showed up for the vigil in OCEANSIDE, interestingly enough they initially balked. I had told them it would be their loss, not mine, if they chose not to attend, that their viewers would be the ones that would be upset for not having been shown this.

That we who are against the war and who stand in solidarity with Cindy and the Gold Star Families, are not 'peacenuts', 'beatniks', 'hippies, who smoke dope'....last time I checked, I had an advanced degree and am a successful business woman with a history involving the military.

I received calls that out of the 20 vigils held in San Diego alone, that ABC and NBC would both be at Oceanside...they said they would only be there for awhile, then they wanted to go to others.

They came at 6-6:30 p.m.....neither stations left until after 8:30 p.m....you see, they couldn't. They saw over 200 people coming together, from all walks of lives, Vietnam Vets, Korean Vets, WWII vets and widows and current Iraq vets standing side by side in solidarity. We saw rich, poor, successful and unemployed. We had military wives with children. The news media (including our local newpaper) were drawn in, not only by our message, but by the group itself...

What hit me the hardest and this is when I knew I was doing the right thing, by standing in solidarity with Cindy, was when on the perimeter, numerous young (I call them 'baby') Marines stood and observed...I went to them, introduced myself, told them that I was there for them, to ask questions of our Administration that they cannot, due to being in the military.

These were men under 21, all had done at LEAST 2 tours in Iraq, most were going back within months for a THIRD...their eyes were empty and so sad, so incredibly sad.

I went to hug them and they couldn't bring themselves to hug me...and I told each one to be safe...it was then they would put their arms around me and weep.

They did not join our circle, but afterwards they came to me and thanked me and told me what I did was beautiful and not what the press was trying to imply, that we were evil.

So you see ABC4 in Salt Lake City...it is freedom of speech, it is DEMANDING accountability of our Administration, it is about these young guys.

What you are doing is WRONG, just plain WRONG. You can either step up to the plate as the momentum grows to make this Administration accountable, or you can sit back and spew some general b.s. statements as you have been doing.

Again, I ask you, how will airing the Cindy Sheehan ad upset your viewers, except to make them question the Administrations accountability.

With, or without you, AMERICA is going to take AMERICA BACK.

IN PEACE,

Barbara Schulz

HACKETT TEAM JOINS CANDIDATE STEVE YOUNG IN CA-48!

2005-08-21T05:59:00.000-07:00

This is pretty exciting stuff folks. As you know Paul Hackett, just missed winning a seat in congress and his team mobilized and did amazing things (with the help of the 'kos' community), in a very short period of time.

Just read this post and I believe we need to get behind this guy!

CA:48th:The Hackett Team Joins Candidate Steve Young in CA-48! by BigDog04 [Subscribe]

Sun Aug 21st, 2005 at 00:02:48 PDT
The Paul Hackett OH-02 Field Team hit the ground today in the CA-48th Congressional District, with more coming, and joined with Steve Young to provide him with the best in professional campaign services so his Candidacy can win the CA-48th. Those at the DFA Training and Meeting today had an opportunity to meet them and see Steve Young in action.

Link for the entire diary is below:
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2005/8/21/3248/92644

In my district (49th), there needs to be a strong candidate to challenge ISSA. It seems he has never voted for ANYTHING when it comes to veterans...prettys scary since his district includes Camp Pendleton....

Send a message to Laura

2005-08-21T01:58:00.000-07:00

CODEPINK has been keeping vigil at Camp Casey in Crawford, and they are asking that we seek the help of another mother to get Bush's attention...

On Thursday, we had a wonderful “mother’s day” at the camp where all day long, women at the vigil and around the country wrote letters to Laura Bush asking her to intercede with her husband on Cindy’s behalf. In just 24 hours after putting out the call, we received over 500 letters to the First Lady from the women of America—one more poignant than the next. We’ll include a sample on our website, and if you’d like to add your own, email it to laurabush@codepinkalert.org.
...
We can’t tell you how inspiring it has been to be by Cindy’s side and see this movement blossom. CODEPINK will be here until Cindy gets her meeting with Bush, or leaves at the end of August.
...
With love and optimism,
Alicia, Dana, Farida, Gael, Jodie, Medea, Tiffany and Whitney (CODEPINK)

Surely, a mother and good Christian like Mrs. Bush would have compassion for all the parents in America who have lost a beloved son or daughter to this war... wouldn't she?

Bush poll numbers at all-time low

2005-08-20T21:10:00.000-07:00

It's a beautiful thing to see...

Breakdown by state

As has been pointed out in many places, such as KOS and The Randi Rhodes Show, Bush's poll numbers are highest in Idaho... which is exactly where he's headed to tout his message about the war, followed closely by a trip to Utah, another of the 10 or so states in which he is still polling positively.

Clearly, Bush must be afraid to speak to the nearly 60% of Americans who do not support or trust him. And I thought he was supposed to be the "War President"...

So-Cal Blues!

2005-08-20T15:17:00.000-07:00

(Edit - And pardon the seemingly ever-changing look of this site. I'm learning CSS as I play with different styles, and I think I'm pretty happy with this one...)

Yes - I've changed the blog! It didn't make sense to call ourselves "San Clemente Blues" when we have so many people here from Mission Viejo, Rancho Santa Margarita, Laguna Beach, Oceanside, and so on...

So, Southern California Blues it is. :-)

I'm excited about the change. Here's hoping this young blog will attract people from all over the "grey" areas of Southern Orange and Northern San Diego Counties to join us!

2005-2006 Elections

2005-08-20T13:30:00.000-07:00

It's time to start thinking about the upcoming State and National Congressional elections!

Here are some tools that may help you find a candidate in your area to support:

ActBlue directory of Federal Democratic candidates

ActBlue directory of State Democratic candidates

List of current State Congress members and districts

Find a map of your district

Let's start thinking of some ways we can take action in the upcoming elections!

On a personal note...

2005-08-20T11:34:00.000-07:00

I have a LOT going on all of the sudden. I'm starting a new semester at college, and I've just been asked by our Marketing and Communication department at work to consider going out for the Writer's position that was recently vacated.

So.... Some of my energies may be elsewhere for a little bit. I'll still be here blogging when I have the opportunity, and I'm lucky that Barbara is here helping out.

I know that there's more than just me and Barabara reading this, and I do hope some of you start leaving comments. We need your feedback to keep our momentum!

I rarely agree with Paul Begala

2005-08-18T20:54:00.000-07:00

And I usually consider him a sell-out media whore like James Carville. But occassionally, just occassionally, he says something that makes sense. His message here is profound.

Linked from Atrios.

Vigil Pictures

2005-08-18T20:44:00.000-07:00

The first of our vigil pictures are rolling in. Jussta has been nice enough to send us a link with some of her great pictures, and I have received some from other people that I will get up tomorrow.

Thanks Jussta!

http://www.jussta.com/vigil_by_the_sea.htm

Cindy's mother suffers a stroke

2005-08-18T18:53:00.000-07:00

This has just come across. Cindy's mother has suffered a stroke and she and her sister are back in Los Angeles.

Camp Casey will continue, she will return when she is able.

Please, pray, meditate, talk to your higher power...but keep Cindy and her mother in your thoughts through this difficult time...

We must carry on now, in her honor.

http://crawfordupdate.blogspot.com/

In the News...

2005-08-18T11:56:00.000-07:00

It's pretty cool to see our event covered in the press!

From San Diego's NBC affiliate

The NC Times front page story

Please let me know if you see us in the press anywhere else!

Simply Amazing...

2005-08-18T08:02:00.000-07:00

Last night's Oceanside vigil was beautiful and amazing. There were so many lovely people there to support the cause. I was especially struck by how people pitched in to help where needed, and by the families and members of the military who were willing to share their stories.

I am happy to say that our event, and other vigils around the country, received a lot of media coverage. Just watching the news this morning showed that the vigils did exactly what Cindy Sheehan hoped they would - they drew attention to the question of why we are in Iraq, and why young men and women have to die for a cause that was not justified.

I do hope that those of you who found your way to this blog will help us build this community. Here's what I need from you now:

If you took pictures at the vigil, please contact me at fellicity@cox.net and we will coordinate how you can send the pictures to be included in a slideshow.

Please feel free to use the comments feature of this blog to communicate with me and each other. We want to know what YOU want to do to make a difference in the community. This will help us plan future events.

If you would like to contribute to this blog as a co-editor on a regular basis, please contact me here or at the above email address. I would like to grow this blog into a source of local and national news and information for people in our group.

Thank you all for making last night's vigil so special. And a super-duper thank you goes out to Barbara Schulz who put her heart and soul into coordinating the event. I'm sure we all look forward to working with her on these causes in the future!

Last Minute Notes Before The Vigil...

2005-08-17T16:39:00.000-07:00

I'm VERY excited to say that we have nearly 150 people signed up for the Oceanside event. I see that events taking place all over the country are building steam and momentum. This is really going to be a powerful statement we make tonight.

I will be blogging about the vigil afterwards and will hopefully have lots of pictures to share. Until then... we hope you will stand with us tonight!

Interesting...

2005-08-16T19:44:00.000-07:00

...what a Google search will find!

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1464388/posts

As much as I loathe to tread in anything Freeperish, I thought it might be good to do a little digging before tomorrow's vigil. My oh my, do the Freeps hate MoveOn!

So be warned, lurking Freepers. Many members of our MoveOn team are Republicans! Yes, folks from your side seem to be getting a little disillusioned...

If you will be among us tomorrow, we hope you will at least be respectful of our men and women who have died in battle and stand peacefully by our side in remembrance of them. If you can't manage to behave like decent human beings... well, at least the police will be about 100 yards away!

Information On Props. 74 and 76

2005-08-16T18:21:00.000-07:00

From our friend and teammate, Judy Jones:

PROPOSITIONS INFORMATION
Anyone interested in the upcoming Propositions #74 & #76 is invited to join me at a meeting of the JFK Good Works Club (of Democrats) to hear Michael Stone of the California Teacher Associations.
Date: August 25
Time: 7 pm
Location: Highland Association Clubhouse
23372 Niguel Road
Laguna Niguel, CA 92677

Directions from 5 Fwy: Take Crown Valley west towards ocean. Turn right on Niguel Road, cross Alicia Pkwy, up hill, around curves, under an overhead walkway bridge, immediate right into club driveway (very little signage).

For more information on these propositions and their impact on California's educational system, visit: http://www.ss.ca.gov/elections/elections_j.htm.

Go here for information on Prop 74, and here for info on Prop 76.

Despicable Behavior

2005-08-16T18:06:00.000-07:00

Why do those who claim to support the troops always seem to be the first to attack them?

We've seen it done with Kerry, Clark, Cleland, McCain, and any other member of the military who has disagreed with this administration or spoke truth to power. And now innocent rows of white crosses commemorating our servicemen and women who have died in this pointless war are mowed down by someone who doesn't like what Cindy Sheehan has to say.

This is just unacceptable.

I hope that our vigils tomorrow night will make a statement. This isn't the red states versus the blue states. This isn't Democrats versus Republicans. This is America standing up against this administration and people who flatly abuse our military power and those who serve.

Media Contacts for Tomorrow's Vigil

2005-08-16T12:56:00.000-07:00

Update:

It appears that all of our media contacts for the area have been tapped out, but if you plan on attending and are able to bring a camera, that would be GREAT. We plan on sending information about the event to various media outlets in the area after the fact.

________________

Here are two media outlets you can contact to get the word out about our Oceanside vigil:

Bob at the North County Times
(760)901-4079
http://www.nctimes.com/

William Alexander, editor of OC Register for South Orange County
(949) 492-4316

Call and let them know you want them to cover this event!

Cindy Sheehan Vigils in the News

2005-08-16T12:02:00.000-07:00

Okay, it's in 'The Saratogian', but it's a start...

Vigil to be held for Cindy Sheehan

Cindy Sheehan Vigil Update

2005-08-16T08:20:00.000-07:00

Barbara has sent us more information about Wednesday's vigil. There are currently over 30 people attending! We'd love to see you all there.

(updated)

The actual address for the pier is: 312 Pacific Street, Oceanside, 92054.

There is a parking lot on "STRAND STREET" which is the road that runs along the beach itself. To get there, you need to take a RIGHT on Pacific and go to the first street to the LEFT (there are pinky/orange colored condos there), at the bottom of the hill take a left...about 1/4 mile down or so is the parking lot, I hope to 'claim' a fire ring right there.

For those that have offered wood, THANK YOU!!! If anyone can get to the beach around 7:15 with wood, that would be lovely!

I will have candles. We will have a condolence card to sign and send to Cindy. If you have a business card to pass, that would be great!

We are thinking of making S'Mores!!! So anyone with 'sticks' to roast marshmellows! (reminds me of camping as a kid now!) Also, anyone who can grab a bag of marshmallows, hershey bars, grahm crackers!

Bring chairs/blankets for yourselves.

At 8:00, I would like to light candles and have a moment of silence to honor Cindy and all the families who have lost loved ones and for our soldiers who have lost their lives, been wounded and for those who are currently in Iraq (and Afganistan)or who are soon to go.

Please pass the word!!!Contact the press. I would love over 100 people at our fire ring, in solidarity...

In Peace.

Barbara Schulz

Today's news...

2005-08-16T07:08:00.000-07:00

Deadline for Iraqi constitution extended

Israelis and settlers fighting once again in Gaza Strip

Roberts memo shows his true colors

Bush 'Goes On With Life'

2005-08-14T15:56:00.000-07:00

From The Burmingham Alabama News:

On Friday, Bush's motorcade drove by the protest site en route to a Republican fund-raising event at a nearby ranch.

As Bush rolled by, Sheehan held a sign that said, "Why do you make time for donors and not for me?"

Cindy Sheehan Vigil

2005-08-14T15:21:00.000-07:00

Our SCBlues friend and teammate, Barbara Schulz, is hosting a vigil for Gold Star Mom Cindy Sheehan in Oceanside on Wednesday, August 17 at 7:30 PM.

Please go to the event page to sign up:

http://www.moveonpac.org/event/events/event.html?event_id=3555

We will be posting more information about this event as it arrives!

Welcome to the San Clemente Blues team blog!

2005-08-14T13:40:00.000-07:00

This is a place where I hope we can all learn about national and local events while staying in touch with each other. Over the next few weeks I will be making some improvements, including a better comments system and a message board. I would love for our blog to be a communication tool to stay in touch not only with our team in San Clemente, or just with MoveOn members, but with like-minded individuals throughout Southern Orange County, CA.

I hope you find this blog useful, and if you ever have suggestions about how to make it better, please let me know. If you are interested in being a regular contributor to this blog, please let me know so that I can give you permissions.

Enjoy!