San Joaquin County's Alternative Newspaper PRICELESS

connections Volume XXIV, Number 4 Published by the Peace & Justice Network since 1986 May 2006

Save the Sunday, April 30, 11 am–5 pm ¡Bucho! to headline Dates Earth Day Fest 2006: Earth Day April 21–23 Living with the Earth High School Join us on April 30 for Earth tal groups, you will find many new Art Show...... 20 Day (see schedule page 11). faces hosting booths this year. Start the day with A hybrid bus a bike ride, shop from RTD and April 30 for some earth- other energy ef- Earth Day...... 1&10 friendly gifts, taste ficient vehicles, some delightful new solar items, vegetarian food, how to keep our May 4 and get ready for planet alive and great entertain- healthy, and much ment—all for the Mother's Day more...all in all a Bucho will perform on the United States for the past four earth. Stockton’s fun way to learn. Earth Day stage in Victory yearsTheir tight neo-soul sound 18th annual Earth Craft Fair...... 20 The Eday bike Park at 3:30 (see performance provides an urban blend of Day is a free and ride starts and schedule page 11). Presented funk, r&b and hip-hop. festive family ends at the north by ASUOP, Bucho bridges the Bucho has garnered a tro- Tuesdays movies at event you won’t side of Victory gap between old school soul and want to miss. phy case full of accolades Park (starting horn bands of the past with the and awards, most recently the P&J center...18 Set in beautiful Victory Park, time 11:30). Music kicks off just youth twist of Hip-Hop energy. the SAMMIE (Sacramento this Earth Day Festival will be big- before noon. UOP students will A strong musical collective Area Music Award) Hall of ger and better than ever (see pages walk from campus starting at that originated in Sacramento, Fame. They were chosen by Sac 10-11). In addition to numerous in this 1:30 pm. The musical sounds of Bucho has rocked crowds Magazine as Sacramento's most projects to make our community Sammy-award winning Bucho throughout the Western intellectual dance band. issue more livable by local environmen- finish the day at 3:30. Iran war: Join the campaign to restore the Delta unthinkable!...... 3 Approximately 40 residents and communities, boaters, anglers, diverse group of people who live Source: The PCL Insider: News From activists in Stockton came together teachers, and community political in the Delta have come together in The Capitol, 4/4/06 www.pcl.org Chernobyl: for a community meeting to kick figures. Their campaign will likely a campaign to protect and restore off a broad coalition-led campaign be based upon successful models their natural heritage," explained 20 years later.....4 to restore the California Delta, such as the League to Save Lake PCL's Matt Vander Sluis. an ailing 738,000 acre area east Tahoe, Mono Lake Committee Action: To find out how to of the San Francisco Bay Area. and the Save the American River get involved in please contact Immigration action Participants at the Thursday meet- Association, bringing attention to Matt Vander Sluis (916) 313- ...... 5 ing included environmentalists, the need for a healthy Delta."We're 4515 [email protected]. Get members of the agricultural com- excited to see this effort take your www.RestoreTheDelta.org munity, representatives of faith shape. It's the first time such a bumper sticker today! Blogs: some smart

voices...... 6 Peace & Justice Network Nonprofit Org. of San Joaquin County U.S. Postage P.O. Box 4123 Health is the issue PAID Stockton, CA 95204 Permit No. 488 ...... 8&9 209/467-4455 Stockton, CA Forests in peril... 12

From the editor

Editor: Bruce Giudici, 786-3109; The more you look, the more you see [email protected] Associate Editors: War & peace: John Morearty Bruce Giudici controlling where jobs are be- air: global warming. Here again Bruce Politics: Gary Barrington ing created to maximize profits the choice is simple and difficult. Environment: vacant It is a time of convergence. We Giudici (which are at record levels, by We must simply adopt a global Layout: Laurie Litman find before us the stark choice of Proofreader: Debbie Cousyn the way). ceiling on uses of resources—in latest news on Mars is that it has two paths —as clear as mountain Ad Rep: Beth Luna, 931-4543 this case, fossil fuels—or else no atmosphere —so I guess we're Doris air after a spring rain. The choice And now for the difficult part: Distribution Coordinator: to put more money above the within 100 years we will flood stuck here for awhile. Haskell, 477-5166 is simple and difficult: simple, The Woodshed, the global coasts where most of Distribution Site: because we all know what must line into salaries, less must flow Every news story points to 630 N. Grant, 462-8834 our populations live. We must be done, and difficult, because to the bottom line: more profits these sustainable solutions: yet Distributors: Rosemary Atkinson, must be shared with the workers. adopt simpler eating habits, so Reid Cerney, Fred & Christy Dillemuth, to succeed we must make sacri- we postpone the inevitable. The Eric Parfrey, Art Raab, John Whittock, that our agriculture can supply fices. The rich will have to sacrifice magic of the marketplace won't and many others their dividends and capital gains calories to hungry people most save us here—the markets are Community Calendar: vacant Simply put, we as a global (known as unearned income, for efficiently—meaning eating less driven by lowest dollar cost. Deadline: 7th of each month (except people must share more and treat Aug & Dec) some reason)—for the sake of meat and more grains, conserv- Income distribution and envi- the earth with more respect. In a Circulation: 10,000 international peace and common ing farmlands and wild habitats. ronmental values are ignored. It world where millions upon mil- decency. And is this so difficult We must know the life cycle of is time for us to save our peoples onnections lions make less than $1 a day, we C is a monthly after all? When an American the products we buy—meaning and our world. So—take part publication of the Peace & must embrace a global minimum making over $10 million re- we must reduce, reuse and re- in a labor demonstration in in- Justice Network of San Joaquin wage and a global ceiling on County. The views expressed ceives a $500,000 Bush tax cut cycle everything. ternational solidarity for all us in Connections are those of the wealth and income. Check out the this year, that money could The difficult part is that we workers. Come to the Earth Days authors and are not necessarily recent street demonstrations. The endorsed by the Network. News, otherwise be spent on saving the have to change some ingrained in your communites—Angels articles, letters and calendar debate over immigrant rights, lives of 100,000 children with habits most of us hold almost re- Camp April 23, Stockton April items should be sent to the after all, is an argument over Peace & Justice Network, P.O. a $5 immunization. Tax money ligiously. Giving fuel efficiency 30 and anywhere else and learn international wage levels—if Box 4123, Stockton, CA 95204. spent, economy stimulated, end primacy, driving less, eating less some new habits. And protest The editor reserves the right of undocumented workers earned of story. Moving the funds into meat, recycling, buying items the wars, in which we workers final decision on copy. Call (209) more in their native lands, there 467-4455 for more information. increased salaries would likewise with less packaging, conserving die and are maimed, so that the PJN is on the internet: http://www. would be no immigrant "prob- pjnsjc.org stimulate the economy. water—in other words, leaving rich are able to maintain control lem." Workers are fighting over the world in better shape for the over our world. This has gotten the crumbs dropping from the As Earth Day approaches, an- next generation to carry on. The out of hand. Get mad, get smart, table of the super-rich who are other communal problem fills the get active.

Feedback they use, in constant pain tests, I used both sides and I carried it In my opinion, it is better to where they deprive the dogs of high. The other side of the sigN invite workers to join our fight ^ Support humane product pain relief while they test the read “obreras unidas jamas seran regardless race or nationality. If Peace & Justice Network pathology of pain and drug ad- vencido” (“the workers united you are only inviting “La raza” testing Board of Directors diction. If you are pro-life check will never be defeated”). to unite, you are cutting your Co-Chairs: Laurie Litman/Christie Would you knowingly give out www.lifeissues.org Find The people around me were numbers and your chances of Kelley Vice-Chairperson: Gary Barrington your money to a charity or com- out about March of Dimes, and reading the signs and making the winning battles at the borderline Treasurer: Bruce Giudici pany that would purposely: Break their contradiction about “saving chants loudly—however, there or in the fight for better education Secretary: Bill McLaury Programs Coordinator: Linda dogs backs, sew kittens eyes shut, babies”. Try giving to proven was unity and conflict about the or healthcare. If you are inviting Whittock poison rabbit's eyes/skin? How caring and un-contradictory hu- signs. I felt extremely proud on “La puebla” (the people), you Volunteer Coordinator: Maria about forced isolation of newborn mane organizations- go to: www. may invite the exploiters to infil- Flumiani a couple of occasions when we Members-at-large: John Morearty, chimpanzees? Testing of this humaneseal.org or write to me passed by restaurant workers trate our ranks - for example the Larry Pippin, Paula LeVeck, Beth kind and many more are done by for more sources. and garden workers standing oil companies and the generals Luna, Chris Kovach many “charities” and companies, Organizational members: SEIU S.E. Mears / Cruelty-Free on the side of the march and the who make war in Iraq. Local 250, Hispanics for Political even when the need is longer Consumers, [email protected] marchers almost automatically If our ranks are open to work- Action, Women of Action, UU Social there, or was never there! Many broke into a spirited “Las luchas ers (who produce all wealth), we Concerns charities on an ever-growing list Las Luchas Obreras no obreras no tienen fronteras.” The become an invincible anti-racist “The Peace and Justice are opting for humane methods of tienen fronteras (the workers on the sideline thrust force. Imagine our ranks swell- Network is a nonprofit testing: culture analysis, control worker’s fight has no their fists into the air and joined ing on Saturday if we had black group studies, simulations. The educational organization borders) the chant. We were comrades; we workers from the healthcare ones that choose cheaper, animal were getting the message out (No industry or transit or Muslim committed to the vision of a methods are hoping you’ll never Editor, on HR4437). farm workers from Lodi and the world in which the equality seek out the barbaric, nightmare- It sounds better in Spanish but There was a disagreement on S.J. Valley, white workers from of all persons is achieved, ish reality of these “tests” done the sentiments are the same. The construction and representatives the second chant: my friends basic needs are met, conflict is behind the guise of “research”. anti-racist march in Stockton and I were chanting “Obreras from the oil workers in Iraq or resolved nonviolently, and the Many companies like Proctor/ on Saturday the 25th of March unidas jamas seran vencidos.” Iran. Gamble, Lever, and Johnson & was impressive and inspiring. Our friends behind us would We all join the Latin workers in earth's resources are shared Johnson use family images with I felt as if I was marching with chant “La puebla unida jamas our fight against the racist immi- responsibly for the well-being babies to imply that “they care” brothers and sisters and we were seran vencido” (“The people gration laws that attack all work- of all her inhabitants and all about you and your family, even very strong. Before I left home united will never be defeated”) or ers, each and every one of us. future generations.” showing dogs in their ads. Why to go to the march I hastily made they would chant “La raza unida Harold Bell don’t they show the “other” dogs political signs out of a yard sign; jamas seran vencido.”

 Connections May 2006 Stop the war on Iran Why bombing Iran Once again, Bush is using out- plans for an attack on Iran, and anti-government ethnic-minority right lies about "weapons of mass who has a decades-long record groups." is wrong destruction" to justify an attack of investigative journalism, in- This article and similar articles as part of a long-term strategy to cluding exposes of the My Lai in the Associated Press, Agence Patricia Kushlis, Cheryl Rofer, establish U.S. control over the massacre in Vietnam and the France Press, Washington Post Patricia Lee Sharpe, oil-rich Middle East. He lied in U.S. torture chambers of Abu (reprinted at the StopWarOnIran and Linda Durham order to lead the U.S. into a war Ghraib, wrote in the April 17 blog) and other major media out- with Iraq that has cost the lives of New Yorker: lets, attest to the very real threat Credible news reports indicate more than 100,000 Iraqi people. "The Bush Administration, of an imminent attack on Iran. that the Bush administration is Now he's using the same lies to while publicly advocating di- Furthermore, there is evidence planning for a bombing campaign demonize the people of Iran and plomacy in order to stop Iran that the Pentagon is preparing for against Iran, possibly including justify a war that may be much from pursuing a nuclear weapon, a possible nuclear strike against nuclear strikes. However, nuclear more destructive. has increased clandestine ac- Iran. U.S. Navy aircraft, operat- weapons experts believe that Iran The time to act is now. tivities inside Iran and intensified ing from carriers in the Arabian will need at least three years to President Bush, with the support planning for a possible major Sea, are flying simulated nuclear develop nuclear weapons and of politicians from both parties, is air attack. Current and former attack missions in preparation for more likely five to ten years. already preparing for an attack on American military and intelli- such a strike. According to Hersh, There is no imminent danger. hundreds of sites in Iran, most of gence officials said that Air Force "One of the military’s initial op- Iran has admitted to past viola- them located near major popula- planning groups are drawing tion plans, as presented to the tions, but current evidence sug- tion centers. These strikes will up lists of targets, and teams of White House by the Pentagon gests that Iran is in compliance kill tens of thousands if Iranian American combat troops have this winter, calls for the use of with the Nuclear Nonproliferation Afghanistan, Lebanon and else- civilians. Pulitzer Prize winning been ordered into Iran, under a bunker-buster tactical nuclear Treaty. An attack with conven- where. Demagogues would journalist Seymour Hersh, who cover, to collect targeting data weapon, such as the B61-11, tional weapons would attract few preach that the long expected broke the story last year of US and to establish contact with against underground nuclear or no allies and result in dimin- sites." US-led crusade had begun. The ished non-military power for the US would not be safer. After all of Washington's US. First use of nuclear weapons, There is a better way to create a talk about weapons of mass by the only country to have used safe world. Iran, the modern seat destruction, it is the Pentagon them before, would put the US of an ancient civilization, wishes that possesses the largest stock- in major breach of longstanding to be respected in a world where pile of nuclear weapons and is international norms. America leadership seems open mostly threatening to use them against would become a pariah, a rogue to nuclear powers. Iran must civilian targets. Whether these nation, condemned and isolated understand that bluster and threat threats are real or are just a tool of by all. psychological warfare to intimi- won't lead to a place at the table. Such strikes would be imprac- The US must also understand date and destabilize the Iranian tical as well as wrong. Military government, it is clear that the that bluster and threat won't stop strategists have suggested that the nuclear proliferation. Contact Your Reps real international danger is from US could avoid counterattacks Multi-party negotiations with Pres. George W. Bush, The White House, 1600 Pennsylvania Ave, Washington, not Tehran. from a strike on Iran's nuclear NW, Washington DC 20500. 202-456-1414 Iran are already under way, facilities if attacks on Iran's retal- A global movement but the US should expand its Sen. Barbara Boxer, 1700 Montgomery St, Ste 240, San Francisco, iatory capacity were launched si- Iraq-centered consultations into CA 94111. 415-403-0100; 112 Hart Building, Washington, DC against a global empire multaneously. Others believe that broader bilateral and regional 20510. 202-224-3553, [email protected] popular support for the Islamic In the few weeks since security talks. Dealing wisely Republic would crumble under Sen. Dianne Feinstein, One Post Street, Ste 2450, San Francisco, StopWarOnIran was launched, and patiently with the Iran situ- CA 94104. 415-249-0707; 331 Hart Building, Washington, DC nearly a quarter of a million such stress. They are mistaken. 20510. 202-224-3841, [email protected] ation will go far to restore the petitions have been sent from all Iran is not Iraq. It is more moral and intellectual leadership Rep. Dennis Cardoza (R-District 18( 445 West Weber Ave. Suite over the globe voicing growing populous and intensely nation- of US. Through cooperation, not 240, Stockton, CA 95203. 209-946-0361, 503 Cannon House Of- opposition to the war. We've alistic. Despite strong political fice Building, Washington, DC 20515, 202-225-6131. fear, America can achieve a safer, printed tens of thousands of differences among Iranians, more stable world and a more Rep. Richard Pombo (R-District 11), 2321 W March Lane, Ste 205, leaflets and placards for distribu- bombing Iran would generate a lasting peace. Stockton, CA 95207. 209-951-3091; 1519 Longworth Bldg, Wash- tion at protests, speak outs, and unifying patriotic response. The ington, DC 20515. 202-225-1947, [email protected] educational forums. Much more Ahmadinejad regime would be Patricia Kushlis isn an inter- national affairs specialist in Rep. John Doolittle (R-District 4), 2130 Professional Dr, Ste needs to be done in the next few strengthened, and consequences 190, Roseville, CA 95661. 916-786-5560; 1524 Longworth Bldg, weeks to alert the world to the for US policy throughout the Europe, Asia, the US, politics, Washington, CA 20515. 202-225-2511 growing danger of a new war. Muslim world would be severe. public diplomacy and national security; Cheryl Rofer a chem- Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice, 2201 C St, NW Washington, Action: Contact the new anti- Even crippled by air strikes, Iran DC 20520 could worsen the situation in Iraq ist; international environmental war group by calling the Peace projects, nuclear and strategic & Justice Center at 467-4455. and launch terrorist attacks on Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, State Capitol, Sacramento, CA Israel by mobilizing Hezbollah issues.and Patricia Lee Sharpe 95814. 916-445-2841 Locally, we can make our voices a communications specialist heard. And keep informed— and others. Unilateral US attacks State Sen. Michael Machado (D-District 5), 31 E Channel St, with 22 years in the U.S. foreign check out the StopWarOnIran on Iran might also cause turmoil Room 440, Stockton, CA 95202. 209-948-7930; State Capitol, in Middle Eastern oil fields, es- service in Asia, Africa and Latin Rm 4035, Sacramento, CA 95814. 916-445-2407 blog for news updates. pecially in Saudi Arabia, whose America. Source: StopWarOnIran.org release Assemblyperson Barbara Matthews (D-District 17) , 31 E Channel wells are located in heavily Source: http://whirledview.typepad. 4/11/06 www.StopWarOnIran.org St, Room 306, Stockton, CA 95202. 209-948-7479; State Capitol Shiite regions, and would enrage com/whirledview/2006/04/dont_ Room 5135, Sacramento, CA 95814. 916-319-2017 39 W. 14th St. #206 NY NY 10011 Shiite communities in Pakistan, bomb_iran_.html 212.633.6646

May 2006 Connections  20 years later Joanie McCulloch M.T. Massage Therapy Chernobyl health impacts Myofascial Release • Chronic Pain Relief • Fibromyalgia Pain Relief • Swedish Massage • On April 26, 1986, at 1:23 a.m., • To date, approximately 400,000 Deep Tissue Massage • Acupressure • Reflexology reactor number 4 at the Chernobyl residents have been perma- GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE Atomic energy Station exploded. nently evacuated from contami- Subsequent investigations re- nated regions; 116,000 of these 1955 Lucile Ave, Suite B 1st time only: vealed that tests that were being were evacuated shortly after the Stockton CA 95209 $60 for 2 hours (1st hour devoted to conducted on the operating and explosion. myofascial release) 298-0393 backup systems were misman- • 600,000 soldiers, firemen, and aged. The plant was immediately clean-up workers (men and shut down. Nonetheless, a large women) were sent to the di- amount of radioactive steam was saster site during the radiation newborns and 20,000 stillborn released into the atmosphere dur- emergency in the months after Sizes for your space, fetuses in Belarus; researchers ing the explosion. The highest the explosion. styles for your taste concluded that birth defects amount of radioactive fallout was • Liquidators (cleanup workers) 8,000 square feet of real fine FuRniture • Custom Finishes registered in the vicinity immedi- have nearly doubled since wood furniture, ready to finish live in Belarus, Russia, and 1986. ately surrounding Chernobyl. Kazakhstan, and more than and finished. Styles from • More than 10,000 Ukrainian Contemporary to Classic. Mon–Sat; 10am–5pm The atomic energy station and 350,000 liquidators live in children have been to Cuba for Catalog shopping for special 630 North Grant St., Stockton the nearby town of Prypiat are Ukraine. orders. Since 1971. treatment of leukemia and other (2 blocks east of the DMV) located in northern Ukraine, 90 • During the past decade, approxi- New sales monthly! illnesses. kilometers north of Kiev, the mately 40,000 clean up workers (209) 462-8834 • Overall, cancer illnesses among We have finishing supplies and capital of Ukraine, a city with a have died, mostly men in their a finishing service www.WoodshedStockton.com children in Ukraine have tripled population of 2.8 million. At the 30s and 40s (US death toll in time, the prevailing winds were since 1986. Unique, durable all wood furniture Vietnam after 12 years of in- directed north to northwest, so volvement was approximately • Children of Chernobyl liquida- that Belarus received the most 50,000). tors born after the 1986 disaster widespread deposit of radioactive have a rate of chromosome • A permanent 30 kilometer fallout. With subsequent shifts in damage seven times higher The Holisticzone “dead zone” was established the direction of the wind, as well than their siblings born prior around the power station where as rainfall, northern regions of to the nuclear accident. Rev. Gay Lynn Saunders, D.C. human habitation is forbid- Ukraine, as well as the southern den. • The UN Office on Population border of European Russia re- reported that in 1994, the only by appointment only (209) 607-2669 • 1.2 million people continue to ceived radioactive fallout. Soviet two nations in Europe that had  live on lands contaminated by Pain control, Self-discovery & Emotional Balancing incor- authorities neither officially ac- negative population growth “low-level” radiation, outside porating: Craniosacral Therapy, Reiki, B.E.S.T., Alchemical knowledge the explosion, nor were the Ukraine and Belarus. Hypnotherapy the 30 kilometer zone; ap- warned their citizens until May The report attributed this de-  Detoxification and Nutritional Balancing incorporating: proximately 1,800 villages are 2, 1986. cline in part to increased infant Supplementation, Individualized Diet & Live Food Principles affected. Here's what followed: mortality and adverse health • Gradual seepage of radiation • Excessive levels of radiation conditions stemming from into the water table, especially were recorded in northern the Chernobyl disaster. Infant the Dnipro River and its tribu- Scandinavia, Wales, Ireland, mortality in Ukraine stands at taries, threatens water supplies Ann M. Cerney Northern Italy, Greece, and twice the European average (14 for millions of people in com- Attorney at Law coastal Alaska in the first weeks per 1,000 live births). ing decades. 45 Hunter Square Plaza, Stockton after the explosion. • Chernobyl has fueled a massive 104 N. School St. #205, Lodi • Total number of evacuees and • As a result of prevailing winds infertility crisis in Ukraine, cleanup workers (those ex- 948-9384 or 369-1333 and rains, heaviest radioactive according the Boston Globe of posed to the most intense levels fallout occurred on southern January 26, 1996. of radiation) was close to three- • Personal Injury • Probate and central Belarus, and north- • According to radiation health • Social Security • Trusts quarters of a million people. ern Ukraine. experts working for the National • Immigration • General Practice • Shortly after the explosion, thou- • In Ukraine, over 4.5 million Academy of Sciences, most • Wills • Se Habla Espanol sands of children and adults in hectares (11 million acres) were cancers that result from radia- Ukraine and Belarus were contaminated, some of the most tion exposure do not develop stricken with acute radiation productive agricultural land in until 10–20 years after expo- sickness; symptoms included the world. sure. The highest incidence of vomiting, hair loss, and severe cancer is expected to occur over Roger K.Lang, D.D.S., Inc. • Total amount of radiation re- rashes. This contradicts original leased as a result of the explo- the next 5–10 years and there- 3031 W. March Lane, Suite 318E official public estimates of 100 fore no accurate assessment of (Go north on I-5, exit March Lane, go west to sion at Chernobyl was origi- people. “The Fountain” and turn right) nally reported as 50 million Chernobyl’s overall impact can • The World Health Organization (209) 956-0601 curies by Soviet authorities. be made until this period has reported that thyroid cancer Fax: (209) 952-8845 During the past decade, sub- expired. among children living near Email: [email protected] sequent research in Europe Source: Fact sheet by Alex Kuzma, Chernobyl rose to levels 80 Web: www.drlangdds.com and North America and new Children of Chornobyl* Relief Fund, times higher than normal. calculations have resulted in 12/05 www.childrenofchornobyl. revised estimates of up to 260 • Experts from the University of org and Nuclear Monitor 641, Jan million curies. Hiroshima analyzed data on 27, 2006

 Connections May 2006 Senate immigration reform—pathway to where?

The Senate is now debating offer humanitarian assistance facilities in May 2006. Closed immigration reform—reviewing to people without appropriate military base facilities are to legislation to address the real- documentation as the House bill be considered for these deten- ity that an estimated 12 million would do. tion facilities. people are now living in this But this bill is a compromise, • Invading everyone’s privacy. country without valid immi- so it contains some items that New employees are already re- gration documents. FCNL has FCNL does not favor, and a quired to establish their right to expressed support for the 271- few provisions that ought to be work in the U.S. by presenting page bill proposed by Sen. Arlen removed before final passage. valid identification papers such Specter (PA) and approved by the As the amendment process con- as a birth certificate, an original Senate Judiciary Committee as a tinues, FCNL will look for and Social Security card, and a license moderate alternative to a more support amendments to address or similar document. The Specter Pombo’s punitive “enforcement only” these issues: bill takes this requirement a step bill offered initially by Senate • Treating immigrants like crimi- further. It authorizes the cre- Majority Leader Bill Frist (TN). nals. The Specter bill rejects the ation of a national database that immigration law The Specter bill offers the best idea (which appears in the House includes all of the information possibility for real immigration bill, H.R.4437) that violations necessary to verify a potential As reported in the Central Valley be held in jail until deported. reform in this congressional ses- of immigration laws should be employee’s eligibility for em- Business Times, the draconian None could be released pending sion. treated as felonies. But the Senate ployment in the U.S. It would immigration House bill HR 4437 a court date. In addition, a tall The Specter bill includes ele- version retains a substantial appa- require employers to seek pre-ap- passed 239 to 182 when it came fence, costing an estimated $2.2 ments that we at FCNL believe ratus to enforce immigration laws proval of all potential employees up for a final vote in December. billion and stretching nearly 700 are essential to comprehensive as if they were criminal laws. For through this database. If the elec- There were 36 Democrats who miles, would be built along the immigration reform: instance tronic system is unable to con- joined 203 Republicans to vote U.S.-Mexico border in California • It regularizes the guest worker ° The bill would load the firm eligibility, the employer is yes. Seventeen Republicans, 164 and Arizona. Anyone found to be program, provides some security National Crime Information required to dismiss the person and Democrats and one independent assisting undocumented people against abuse of these workers, Center, a criminal database, to cooperate with the Department voted against the measure. The could face felony charges. of Homeland Security by sharing and creates a path to citizenship with information about mil- bill was opposed by most mem- Local California House mem- all available information on that for people who come to work lions of civil immigration law bers of Congress from the Central bers who voted in favor of the bill person. Employers would face here. violators. (Section 231) Valley, with only Richard Pombo were John Doolittle, Dan Lungren heavy fines for non-compliance. • It provides a reasonable solu- ° The bill would, in effect, re- from Tracy voting in favor. and Richard Pombo. Those who tion to the fact that millions of quire local law enforcement This database comes with a If the House bill were to be- voted against it were Dennis immigrants are already living agencies to arrest and detain lot of baggage, including the come the law of the land, it Cardoza and Doris Matsui. For and working in the United States people who have not commit- massive workload involved in would become a felony to sneak more information on the House without proper documentation. ted a crime beyond violating maintaining such a vast database into the country illegally and bill, go to: http://thomas.loc. While this is not an amnesty pro- immigration laws. (Section and verifying names that cannot employers would have to con- gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d109: gram, it allows people who have 231) Local law enforcement be found on the first attempt, the firm the authenticity of employ- h.r.4437: lived in this country for many potential for both error and abuse, ees' Social Security numbers agencies argue this legislation Source: Central Valley Business years, paid taxes, and become and the high likelihood of bureau- would make it more difficult against a national database of Times, 3/27/06 essential to the U.S. economy a to get cooperation from their cratic problems even for people legitimate numbers. If they didn't, path to citizenship over a period communities to protect public who meet all legal requirements they would face fines of time. At the end of a waiting safety. for employment. Sen. Kennedy of $25,000 for every (MA) has offered an amendment period, people who violated civil ° The bill requires that anyone violation. The bill also (SA 3219) to address some of the immigration laws would have (other than Mexican nation- requires every illegal privacy concerns in this section. to pay a $2,000 fine, repay any als) caught trying to enter alien who is caught to back taxes that they owe, clear the U.S. without appropri- We remain optimistic that background checks, and learn ate documentation shall be Congress will retain the fairest English and civics before being detained until removed from elements of the Specter bill, eligible for citizenship. the country, or a final decision and will reject some of its most This legislation is as important regarding their admission is disturbing provisions. As you for what it does not contain as for reached. (Section 131) communicate with your senators about this bill, encourage them what it contains. For example, ° The bill authorizes the to initiate or support amend- current law treats illegal entry Secretary of Homeland ments that will fill in some of the into the country as a “civil viola- Security to “construct or ac- pot-holes in the bill and create a tion”—a minor infraction of the quire” 20 detention facilities, workable system for welcoming law that does not necessarily jus- with capacity for 10,000 indi- and integrating immigrants into tify immediate arrest and deten- viduals who might be detained the U.S. tion. The House-passed bill, H.R. pending removal. As part of 4437, treated these violations as this process, the head of the Source: Friends Committee serious crimes—felonies. The Department of Homeland on National Legislation release Specter bill does not make that Security announced recently 4/4/06, FCNL, 245 Second St. NE, change. It also does not criminal- that the U.S. plans to open Washington, DC 20002-5795 http:// www.fcnl.org (800) 630-1330 ize individuals and groups who “family-focused detention”

May 2006 Connections  Tailor Made Windows Speaking of blogs Simonton® Windows We will make any size and shape Evolving into direct action without removing stucco Thermal windows • Sliding doors • Garden windows • Bay windows Laurie Litman tion). And while we’re talking Complete installation or install your own; we show you how about it, please call your senators Speaking the lingo PG&E rebates • Financing Available • If you want your news hot today to insist that military force You may feel a little out of CA State Contractors #668257 and sharp, the blogosphere is against Iran be taken off the table. Lowest prices anywhere! the place to go. Breaking news it to begin with; as with any For more information, go to the group, the blogosphere has is posted on a number of blogs blogs below. 482-1044 • 931-5731 accompanied by insightful and its own language. Here are knowledgeable comments and Some of the best a few acronyms to help get analysis from readers. you started. FDL But beyond the day-to-day http://www.firedoglake.com EPU—Evil Parallel Universe information, a new and exciting IANAL—I am not a lawyer Offering Zazen Meditation phenomenon has been emerging MyDD IMO—In my opinion at in the last few months. A number http://www.mydd.com Middlebar Buddhist Monastery of the larger progressive blogs TalkLeft IMHO—In my humble opinion In Stockton have begun to organize direct http://www.talkleft.com LOL—Laughing out loud actions. Eschaton OT—Off topic Classes: Wed & Fri A During the Alito hearings, the http://www.atrios.blogspot.com 6:00–6:30 am Soto Zen mainstream democrats gave up OTOH—On the other hand DailyKos the nomination as a “done deal.” ROFL—Rolling on the floor Call 209-462-9384 Mission http://www.dailykos.com Since 1956 Not so the blogs. The call went laughing Hullabaloo out to people to start calling their ROFLMAO—Rolling on the http://digbysblog.blogspot.com legislators and things started to floor laughing my ass off happen. Kerry took a stand to The Next Hurrah WATB—Whiny ass titty organize a filibuster and other http://thenexthurrah.typepad. baby wavering senators joined him. com Not enough, that’s true, but at least there was some resistance to this disgraceful nomination. What would have happened if the Lawn signs, peace opposition had started earlier? Since that time the progressive pins, mugs, and T-shirts blogs have gotten louder and more aggressive. This is a very good thing. When the Washington NEW!!! Beautiful PJN Post hired a right-wing blogger, mugs. it was the readers of progressive blogs who went out and found numerous instances of plagia- rism by this racist wingnut. As Joe Lieberman continues to provide democratic cover for “War is NOT the answer” lawn signs come from the Friends George Bush, bloggers set up Committee on National Legislation (FCNL). We are requesting an avenue to send money to his a $5 donation to cover costs challenger, Ned Lamont. People (sorry, we can’t ship lawn from one of the blogs pitched in signs). We also have elegant to order more than 1000 rubber pins made of pewter in the stamps that said “Rubber Stamp shape of the peace sym- Republican Congress” which are Michael–David Winery bol for $10. Also, handsome being delivered to various mem- PJN T-shirts in many colors, Phillips Farms bers of Congress (most recently Arlen Specter) and were part of and more. Come by the P&J Wine Tasting Daily a televised bit of theater on the Center to see these items, plus buttons and bumperstickers Gold Medal Wines from Lodi House floor. galore, 231 Bedford Rd, Stockton CA 95204. Call 467-4455. Breakfast—Lunch And now, a "Roots" project has Enjoy our Homemade Pies been started to encourage people and farm meals! from every state to lobby their Fresh Local Produce Sustainable Natural Farming representatives. Right now, the effort is working to stop Bush Open daily 8–5 pm from attacking Iran. We all hope 1 mile east of I-5 on Highway 12 in Lodi and pray this is successful. (You http://www.LodiVineyards.com (209) 368-7384 are welcome to join this project. Give me a call for more informa-

 Connections May 2006 Sawznhammers “Saw”: a tool for analysis, taking things apart; a proverb, often trite “Hammer”: a tool for synthesis, putting things together; to pound away

A Catalog of Hope: Plan B 2.0: Rescuing a For a moment, let your imagi- term danger of spring floods and nation run. Imagine the U.S. summer drought. Homeowners Planet under Stress and a Civilization in Trouble economy turned to the produc- on the Atlantic Coast can no By Lester Brown, W.W. Norton Company, 2006 tion of efficient hybrid cars, longer buy storm insurance, and windmills, solar electric panels, two of the biggest insurance clean buses, light rail and high companies in the world, Swiss reviewed by John Morearty done in one part of the world or world wide. And an earth restora- speed trains, the building of bi- Re and Munich Re, are calling another! Smallpox is gone, the tion budget—$93 billion annu- This is an amazing book, but cycle paths. Imagine ten million for urgent action against global U.S. Alaskan salmon fishery is ally, worldwide. That's a total of you can skip the first half - unless unemployed Americans getting warming. Ted Turner bought by agreement sustainable, South $161 billion a year. Yes, it's a lot you want to lacerate your heart jobs insulating every building in 3,569 copies of Plan B 2.0 to give Korea and Ireland are reforest- of money. It is also one third of with more bad news. The coming the country, producing and in- to world leaders, corporate CEOs ing, the Danes are marketing the United States annual military decline of oil, food and fuel com- stalling energy-efficient windows and members of Congress. windmills ten times more ef- budget, one sixth of the whole peting for land, emerging water and appliances. It's high time to get to work, ficient than those of a few years world's annual military budget. shortages, rising temperatures Imagine appealing to the ideal- building a new world. In the ago, Americans are snapping up The money is there. and rising seas, natural systems ism of young Americans to join a slogan of the immense World hybrid cars and waiting for the under stress, our socially divided But surely such a massive re- national service corps or a world Social Forums of the past several models to come on the market world, environmental refugees - allocation of resources would peace corps, to learn peaceful years, which can be plugged into the if you're conscious, you already take a long time? Brown recounts conflict resolution under the wall at night and be recharged on Another world is possible. know this grim stuff. I barely the history of how the U.S. econ- umbrella of a new Department wind-generated electricity, light It's up to all of us. We are the made it to page 120. omy was transformed after Pearl of Peace, complementing the rail is rolling, Cuba is a leader Harbor. Even during the Great sleeping giant. But then, relief! For many Defense (it used to be called the in solar development, Dutch Depression of the 1930s, U.S. years Lester Brown and his War) Department. Congressman On Thursday afternoons from engineers are advising Asia, auto makers sold 3.1 million ci- World Watch Institute have been Dennis Kucinich has been pro- April 20 through May 25, John Africa and Latin America how vilian cars a year. But Roosevelt publishing State of the World, an posing a Department of Peace for Morearty will be reading aloud to design cities for bicycles, and persuaded the Congress to forbid inventory of windmills and solar years. Rush Limbaugh recently from Lester Brown’s book, and in Curitiba, Brazil slum dwellers the manufacture of civilian cars panels installed, fisheries pro- ridiculed the idea; maybe Dennis the work of other sages—Colin (and everybody else) ride buses in 1942, and the entire immense tected, children fed, immunized has something? Confucius said, Fletcher, Joanna Macy, Martin for free to public libraries which productive capacity of the U.S. and educated and so on. Now the if you want to change the world, Luther King—at the Peace and are everywhere, and for every turned to tanks, planes, war- second half of his new book Plan appeal to the best in people. Justice Center. Reading begins bag of trash which the poor pick ships and merchant ships, and B 2.0 brings it all together in an But appealing to self-inter- at 3:30 sharp, open discussion up and hand in they receive a munitions?. The Japanese, said inspiring catalog of hope. est is necessary too. Climate ends at 5 PM. The theme is, bag of food. There are even Churchill, had awakened a sleep- change is finally getting wide- "Time, Compassion and Hope." Imagine brainstorming with community gardens in Stockton, ing giant. How was it possible? spread attention; as the Scripps Admission free, donations to the your friends how to build a sane California, and a Habitat for The political will was there; the Oceanographic Institute predicted Center gratefully accepted. Info and decent life for everyone on Humanity store with recycled people supported the transforma- years ago, California faces long- 464-3326. planet earth. You'd gather with building materials. tion. coffee and cookies, maybe wine The new world is all around us, and cheese, big sheets of paper, in bits and pieces. magic markers, and you'd start Resume your brainstorming writing: basic education for all, session, face the tough ques- stabilize population, better health tions. How can we build a new for all, curb HIV, end corporate economy that fosters all these farm subsidies. Okay, another good things, instead of the bad page: protect and restore forests, stuff we're churning out? Again, conserve and rebuild soils, sta- Lester Brown points out transfor- bilize water tables, regenerate mations underway or being seri- fisheries, protect plant and animal ously proposed: impose taxes on diversity, produce protein more pollution and carbon emissions efficiently, move lower on the instead of people's labor, shift food chain. Still more: hybrid subsidies from oil and nuclear to cars running on wind-electric- clean sustainable energy, give tax ity, solar electric, geothermal, breaks for super-efficient cars, re- cut carbon emissions fast. One quire eco-labeling so consumers more sheet of paper: Redesign can vote with their wallets, foster urban transport, farms in the city, new industries and new jobs, reduce urban water use, make cit- with opportunities for investors ies livable for everyone including and workers alike. the poor. Pack of dogs kill savage crocodile How much would it cost to Tape those sheets to the wall, save the planet, and care for Sometimes nature is cruel but there is also a beauty in that cruelty. The crocodile, one of the ultimate take a break. Then open Plan the poorest among us? Brown predators, can even fall victim to the kind of implemented 'team work' strategy which is possible due B and discover that all these constructs a poverty eradication to the pack mentality and social structure of canines. The mauling was still taking place as the picture wise things are already being budget —$68 billion annually, above was being taken. The photographer deserves a medal for his bravery.

May 2006 Connections  Delta Sierra Group Massachusetts health Meetings held fourth Monday of ev- ery month—7 PM. at Central United reform: false promises Methodist Church, 3700 Pacific Avenue, Stockton. Check Connections It's a stirring scene. The calendar for dates. Everyone who loves the planet welcome. Governor, legislative leaders and leaders of Health Care For Phone 476-1926 or 948-5478 All standing in the State House Rotunda declaring victory in the ”Do something for wildness, and make the fight for universal health cover- mountains glad.“ —John Muir age. Unfortunately, this week's tableau merely repeats one from 20 years ago when Governor Dukakis was celebrating passage of his universal healthcare bill. That plan imploded within two The problem billing, marketing and other years, and today about 250,000 First, the politicians assumed administrative costs. That's ten more people are uninsured in that only about 500,000 people times as much overhead per en- Massachusetts than the day in Massachusetts are uninsured. rollee as Canada's national health it was signed. Unfortunately, The Census Bureau says that insurance program. Overall, Massachusetts' new health re- 748,000 are uninsured. Massachusetts residents will spend $13.3 billion on health care form legislation looks set to Second, the linchpin of the plan bureaucracy this year—nearly repeat that disaster. is the false assumption that unin- one third of our total health sured people will be able to find The new bill bill. If we cut bureaucracy to affordable health plans. A typical Canada's levels we could save The new bill includes three group policy in Massachusetts $9.4 billion annually, enough key provisions meant to ex- costs about $4500 annually for to cover all of the 748,000 un- pand coverage. First, it would an individual and more than insured in Massachusetts and modestly expand Medicaid eli- $11,000 for family coverage. A to improve coverage for the rest gibility. Second, it would offer wealthy uninsured person could of us. Study after study—by the subsidies for the purchase of afford that—but few of the unin- Publications Congressional Budget Office, the private coverage to low-income sured are wealthy. The legislation Technical Writing & Editing / Graphic Design / Web Sites General Accounting Office and individuals and families, though promises that the uninsured will even the Massachusetts Medical the size of the subsidies has yet be offered comprehensive, af- Society—have confirmed that to be determined. Finally, those fordable private health plans. But single payer is the only route to InfoWright making more than three times the the only way to get cheaper plans affordable universal coverage. PO Box 162644 poverty income (about $30,000 is to strip down the coverage— Sacramento 95816 for a single person) would have boost copayments, deductibles, And single payer is popu- 916.444-5118 to buy their own coverage or pay uncovered services etc. Hence, lar. The Massachusetts Nurses [email protected] a fine. the requirement that most of the Association supports it along To help make coverage more uninsured purchase coverage will with dozens of other labor, se- affordable, a new state agency either require them to pay money niors and consumer groups; so do will connect people with the they don't have, or buy nearly 62% of Massachusetts physicians private insurance plans that sell worthless stripped down policies according to a recent survey. the coverage, and allow people that represent coverage in name National polls find that almost to use pre-tax dollars to purchase only. two-thirds of Americans favor Personal Pathways Life Coaching a tax-funded plan like Medicare coverage (a tax break that mostly Third, the legislation will that would cover all Americans. helps affluent tax payers who are do nothing to contain the by Toni Mandara Williams But single payer national health in high tax brackets). This new skyrocketing costs of care in insurance threatens the multi- agency is also supposed to help Massachusetts—already the Want to live with more million dollar paychecks of design affordable plans. highest in the world. Indeed, it insurance executives, and the energy, joy, & creativity? Businesses that employ more gives new infusions of cash to outrageous profits of drug com- than 10 people and fail to provide hospitals and private insurers. panies and medical entrepre- health insurance will be assessed Designing Makeovers for neurs. It's time for politicians a fee (not more than $295) to Alternatives to stand up to the insurance and *Health *Heart *Spirit help subsidize care. Additionally, The legislation offers empty drug industries and pass health hospitals won a rate hike assuring promises and ignores real—and reform that can work. them better payments from state popular—solutions. A single programs, and several provisions payer universal coverage plan Source: Statement by Steffie were included that are meant to could cut costs by streamlin- Woolhandler and David Himmelstein, primary care physicians at Cambridge attract additional Federal fund- ing health care paperwork, ing to help pay for the Medicaid Hospital and Associate and members making health care affordable. of Physicians for a National Health Call for a free introductory coaching session expansion. (209) 948-0738 Massachusetts Blue Cross spends Program, an organization of 14,000 only 86% of premiums paying physicians that support universal [email protected] for care. It spends the rest - more access to health care, headquartered than $700 million last year—on in Chicago. www.pnhp.org 4/6/05

 Connections May 2006 Disastrous Medicare drug law takes effect

Robert Hayes they design a drug "benefit" that allows the pharmaceutical prescription Picture this movie: It's 2003 in MSM = truth? Check out the companies to further inflate the drug program the wealthiest nation in the world price of medications and reap resembles the re- and millions of Americans are alternatives & decide for billions of dollars in windfall building of New suffering needlessly and dying profits. They promise tens Orleans and the war in yourself prematurely because they cannot of billions more in prof- Iraq. They each serve as afford medicine. Employers have its to health insurers to a human tragedy, an admin- If you tap in to some of the alternative media, you will get a hiked up the cost of their retiree deliver this coverage. istrative fiasco and a predict- very different perspective on events. Especially now, when the drug coverage and pharmaceuti- mainstream media often acts as a cheerleader for whatever the But there is a human able consequence of politicians cal companies have continued to administration does, it’s necessary to go a little further to get cost—this $700 b i l - willing to squander the national drive up the prices of life-saving your news. An internet connection is helpful. lion package is l e a v - treasury so long as it goes into prescription drugs. ing millions of older and the pockets of their mercenary KPFA (94.1 FM) provides the best coverage around for many Congress and the president disabled Americans worse off supporters. issues. You can listen on the internet at http://www.kpfa.org know they must act or risk being and millions more of them still For the past 40 years Medicare Democracy Now! on KPFA, 94.1 FM at 9am, on KVMR, 89.5 at run out of office. There is near- without drug coverage. The has been a national treasure. It 7pm or on the web at: http://www.democracynow.org universal support to add prescrip- administration spin machine is has done what it promised when http://www.firedoglake.blogspot.com tion drug coverage to the nation's hard at work to pretend that this signed into law by President treasured Medicare program. tawdry story is not the reality fac- Lyndon B. Johnson in the sum- http://www.wampum.wabanaki.net So, two of the nation's most ing the American people today. mer of 1965. Medicare, a humane, http://www.thinkprogress.com powerful economic interests, the Here's the reality: 16 million reliable and efficient (yes, a gov- drug and insurance industries, Huffington Post http://www.huffingtonpost.com Americans with Medicare-men ernment-run single payer) health are invited up to Capitol Hill to and women age 65 and older care system, allows Americans to OpEdNews.com http://www.opednews.com collude with leaders of Congress and people with severe, long- live longer, more productive and Common Dreams News: http://www.commondreams.org/ to develop a prescription drug term disabilities—still have no better lives. Had the drug benefit benefit—one that serves their Truth Out: http://www.truthout.org/ drug coverage. Just 7 million been administered directly by interests. Taxpayers, senior citi- Americans who were uninsured Medicare, doctors, rather than AlterNet.org: http://www.alternet.org/ zens, people with disabilities: be before the drug program was profiteering insurers, would de- Free Press http://freepress.net damned. We have friends to pay launched are newly insured. Six cide what drugs are needed, and back. http://www.reclaimthemedia.org million of the poorest and frailest Medicare would use its substan- Working with $700 billion in Americans who lost Medicaid tial purchasing power to bring Media Tank, http://www.mediatank.org taxpayer funds, the congressio- coverage on January 1 now U.S. drug prices in line with the Counter Punch http://www.counterpunch.org nal leadership—all Republicans rest of the world. (Americans, on have inferior, less-reliable drug MediaChannel: http://www.mediachannel.org/ except then-Louisiana Sen. John coverage. And the anger and average, pay double the price of Breaux (now a covert, but highly- dissatisfaction of people who are other developed countries for the Independent Media Center: http://www.indymedia.org paid lawyer for the drug lobby) enrolled in drug plans increases same medicine.) It's time to turn Black Voices for Peace: http://www.bvfp.org/ and Montana Sen. Max Baucus— each day as they discover how this plan around—now. hides behind closed doors and The Nation—http://www.thenation.com/ inadequate and unreliable the Robert M. Hayes, an attorney, is gets to work. Hightower News — http://www.webactive.com/hightower/ benefit is. president of the Medicare Rights With no public oversight and Coverage gaps, excessive out- Center, the nation's largest inde- Mother Jones—http://www.motherjones.com/ with the press milling outside of-pocket costs and routine deni- pendent source of information In These Times — http://inthesetimes.com/ locked doors, the congressional als of coverage for needed drugs and assistance on health care Tom Paine.common sense — http://www.tompaine.com/ junta drafts legislation locked are commonplace. Even enroll- rights and benefits for older and arm in arm with the puppe- ment in a private drug plan fre- disabled men and women. Global Alliance Against Weapons & Nuclear Power in Space teers that control the federal quently leaves older Americans — http://www.space4peace.org government. In a back room, Source: TomPaine.com 4/6/06 going without the medicines article at http://www.tompaine.com/ The Guardian: http://www.guardian.co.uk/worldlatest/ they need. In this springtime of articles/2006/04/07/d_for_disaster. Angry Arab News Service—http://www.angryarab.blogspot. national discontent, the nation's php com/ Corporate Watch—http://www.corpwatch.org/home/PHH.jsp Six million of the poorest and frailest Americans who lost We’re on the web too! The Peace & Justice Network of San Joaquin County Medicaid coverage on January 1 (pjnsjc) website has information, calendar, media links, and more. Under construction and growing. Share your now have inferior, less-reliable ideas on how the website should evolve. drug coverage. http://www.pjnsjc.org

May 2006 Connections  18th Annual Earth Day Festival

Special thanks to our sponsors: ASUOP Port of Stockton Stockton Rapid Transit District …and to all those who make this our greatest Earth Day Festival ever!

Section "A" Van Buren School Reading Section "E" Section "F" San Joaquin Co Rapid Transit GV Production (papermaking) Club AARP Stockton Sailing Club District (with bus) City of Stockton Police Dept./Lost River of Words American Cancer Society Calaveras River Watershed Sierra On-site shredding Family Resource and Referral and Found (located close to the Foster Care and Adoption Stewardship Group Section "I" stage) Section "C" Defenders of Wildlife San Joaquin Co. Public Works New School Aikido Fishery Foundation of California (Stormwater) By Women's Hands Delta Sunset Middle Eastern USDA Natural Resources Monutain Lion Foundation City of Stockton Stormwater Fine Egyptian Arts Dancers Conservation Service Tri-Valley CARES Management Program Kulture Krash Pete McCloskey for Congress San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution League of Women Voters Deltakeeper Life Untamed Steve Thomas for Congress Dist. Mediation Center of SJ County Stockton Urban Waterways Triggerfish and Pongo Designs San Joaquin Co. Solid Waste PFLAG Advisory Committee Cora's Creations (crafts) Section "B" Waste Management Stockton ACLU Stockton East Water Dist. Kellogg Garden Products Scavenger Delta Sierra Club—Mother Lode Comssol computer recycling ONE Achievement Section "G" Center for Land-based Learning Section "D" Chapter Section "J" (food) Delta Vista Academy San Joaquin Audubon Society Heifer International Independent School at Elkhorn Peace & Justice Network San Joaquin County League of San Joaquin Farm Bureau Snak Shax Lodi High School Port of Stockton Conservation Voters Capitol Concessions Middle College High School Delta Solar Campaign for Common Ground Section "H" Delroys Montessori Children's House Finish Healthy PG&E Java J'z coffee Trinity Lutheran Pre-school American Red Cross ACE train AAA—Auto Club Cartridges for Kids

10 Connections May 2006 History, culture Entertainment and environment 11:00 am: Taiko Drums of the Delta

11:20 am: Mariachi Juvenil Wednesday, April 26th Jeff and Toni Hart have a com- 6:30 p.m. bination of degrees in biology 11:30 am: Welcome Family Chavez Central Library and environmental and natural re- 605 N. El Dorado, Stockton source sciences and have worked Bike Ride Cyclists in horticulture, forestry, consult- Jeff Hart, who with his wife ing and research. Their business, Toni give Eco Tours of the Hart Restoration, emphasizes Delta, will present a computer 1 2:00 pm: River of Words Poetry & Art Contest winners an ecological approach to res- illustrated slide lecture about toration and has several related the environmental and cultural businesses including Hartland 12:15 pm: Garden Gnomes history of The Sacramento-San nursery and Farms. The nursery Joaquin Delta. He will discuss specializes in growing plants early Spanish and pioneer his- native to Northern California?s 1:15 pm: Delta College Monday Night Big Band Jazz tory, the effect of the gold rush Central Valley and that thrive in era on the Delta, early settlement, this climatic zone. They use these farming, reclamation, plant and plants extensively in their resto- 2:15 pm: Delta Sunset Belly Dance Troupe animal life, water issues, cur- ration projects. You're invited to rent resource and environmental attend a fascinating and informa- problems, modern agricultural 2:30 pm: U-2 and beyond tive evening learning about the concerns and various proposals Delta! for improving the region. 3:15 pm: Endangered species mask parade

3:30 pm: Great Battery Round-up Winner announced Eco symposium 3:30 pm: Bucho looks hot 5:00 pm: Closing drum circle Sat, April 29th, 8:30 am –8:30 pm SMUD District Customer Service Building, 6301 S St, Sacramento Watershed Awareness Festival: Join the state’s leading decision makers in chart- join the fun ing out policies that will lead California The 2nd Annual Watershed ditional exhibitors from govern- Strange, Watershed Coordinator, towards a sustainable Awareness Festival will be mental agencies, not-for-profit Upper Mokelumne River future. The Planning Saturday June 3rd in Sutter groups, or similar entities that Watershed Council, (209) 257- and Conservation League Creek at the Minnie Provis have a mission or goals that 1851 ext 105. is thrilled to announce Park and Community Center. relate to watershed educa- the following speakers for This year’s all-day community tion, watershed manage- the Planning and Conservation event is located closer to the ment, and protection of League’s 2006 Environmental for Governor Phil Angelides and watershed’s more dense popu- watershed health Legislative Symposium, A Steve Wesley, keynote speak- lation and adjacent to a living ˆ and as we Climate of Change: er Michel Gelobter, Larry J. laboratory (Sutter Creek). The know, water- Pete McCloskey, a former U.S. Schweiger, , and State Attorney event planning committee is sheds include Congressman and the Republican General Bill Lockyer. And that’s looking for interested people that just about challenger to Congressman just the beginning. can help with the event ˆ both anything that Richard Pombo, will speak in Fees:$70/$80; $15 Students; planning the event and support happens on the morning. Also speaking Breakfast $6.50, lunch $8, dinner during the event. This is a great land or wa- will be Assembly Member Fran $17. Walk-in registration begins community event. We should all ter. For info Pavley, former State Attorney at 7:30 am. Financial assistance do what we can to support this on how to General John Van de Kamp, Paul and group rates available. (916) celebration and help it grow over get involved, Dolan, Democratic candidates 313-4522 or at [email protected]. the years. We are looking for ad- contact Terry

May 2006 Connections 11 World's forests continue to shrink

“A healthy planet needs healthy 1.4 billion hectares of remaining of the Yangtze River valley left forests. Thriving forests regulate primary forest-natural forest that the countryside vulnerable to the water cycle and stabilize shows no sign of human impact-6 severe floods in 1998. soils. Forests also help moderate million hectares are lost or de- Unfortunately, China's tree climate by soaking up and stor- graded each year. We are losing cutting ban has simply driven ing carbon dioxide. In addition not only forest area but some of deforestation elsewhere, as China to these ecosystem services, our best forest stands. continues to be the world's larg- forests provide habitat for diverse est wood importer and processor. flora and fauna, offer cultural, Africa loses the most South and Southeast Asia lost spiritual, and recreational op- Africa lost 64 million hectares over 14 million hectares of forest portunities, and provide a variety of forest between 1990 and 2005, in the last five years. Indonesia's of food, medicines, and wood,” the greatest decline of any conti- natural forests, losing 2 million says Elizabeth Mygatt of Earth nent. Fuelwood gathering drives hectares a year, have suffered Policy Institute. (See http:// much of this forest depletion. some of the heaviest cutting and www.earthpolicy.org/Indicators/ Timber exports also play a role, could disappear within 10 years Forest/2006.htm .) with 80 percent of the Congo as they give way to timber and Nearly 4 billion hectares of Basin's timber production being oil-palm plantations. forest cover the earth's surface, exported, mainly to China and Apart from China, most of roughly 30 percent of its total the European Union. the gains in forest area are in land area. Though extensive, the South America has sustained industrial countries, while de- world's forests have shrunk by the second greatest forest loss veloping countries bear the brunt some 40 percent since agriculture since 1990—59 million hect- of deforestation. Forest area in began 11,000 years ago. Three ares—and deforestation has North America has been stable at revenue each year. Certification emerged more quarters of this loss occurred in accelerated somewhat over the roughly 675 million hectares for Forest plantations—plant- than a decade ago as a way to the last two centuries as land was last five years, from 3.8 million the past 15 years, with deforesta- ed stands that often consist of identify forests that are man- cleared to make way for farms hectares a year in the 1990s to 4.3 tion in Mexico largely offsetting single-age monocultures—can aged and logged responsibly. and to meet demand for wood. million hectares annually since new plantings and reforestation alleviate logging pressure on Sustainable forestry depends Over the last five years, the 2000. This recent acceleration re- in the United States. Central natural forest areas. Worldwide, on shifting from clearcutting to world suffered a net loss of some flects Brazil's reported net loss of America has lost over 5 million plantations account for less than selective cutting of mature trees 37 million hectares (91 million 16 million hectares between 2000 hectares since 1990, and Europe 5 percent of global forest area but while maintaining the social acres) of forest, according to data and 2005—three fourths of the has gained 12 million hectares. produce roughly 35 percent of and economic benefits enjoyed from the United Nations Food regional total. If Amazonian de- Industrial countries may be lead- the annual wood harvest. Growth by forest inhabitants and other and Agriculture Organization. forestation continues unchecked, ing the way in conserving their in plantation area has acceler- stakeholders. As of early 2006, This number reflects the felling the world's largest rainforest will own forests, but their demand for ated, increasing by 2.8 million the Forest Stewardship Council, of 64.4 million hectares of trees be cut down to 60 percent of its wood drives much of the defor- hectares a year since 2000. By the world's most rigorous ac- and the planting or natural regen- current size by 2050. estation elsewhere on the globe. 2020, plantation production is creditation organization, had cer- eration of 27.8 million hectares of Asia lost a net 8 million hect- Forests are cleared to grow projected to meet 44 percent tified some 68 million hectares new forest. Each year the world ares in the 1990s, but gained a food and energy crops, graze of global wood demand. Close in 66 countries as sustainable. loses some 7.3 million hectares net 5 million hectares between cattle, and meet demand for to half of the world's produc- Certification has expanded con- of forest, an area the size of 2000 and 2005. This reversal is wood products. The global wood tive plantations are located in siderably in the past five years, Panama. Due to extensive refor- due to a massive reforestation harvest totaled 3.4 billion cubic China, Russia, and the United although certified wood products estation, this net forest shrinkage effort in China, which reported meters in 2004, up from 2.3 States. Still, plantations cannot still constitute only a small frac- has slowed slightly from the 8.9 planting 20 million hectares of billion cubic meters in 1961. offer the same biodiversity and tion of the global market. million hectares lost annually in trees between 2000 and 2005, Fifty-two percent of this is used vitality that a natural forest can. For consumers, demanding the 1990s. While this is encour- with more than a third of this as fuel, though this varies region- Plantation development is most certified wood products spur aging, it obscures the sobering area in plantations. This growth ally. Fuelwood accounts for 89 advantageous on lands that are responsible forest management fact that gross deforestation has rate, more than double that of percent of Africa's wood harvest, already clear of trees, as a way and help curb illegal logging. If not declined significantly since the previous decade, is largely a where it is often the only acces- to offset future deforestation governments, as policymakers 2000. result of China's logging ban, a sible and affordable source of and decrease pressure on natural and forest product consum- Forest degradation is also policy enacted after widespread energy for heating and cooking, stands to supply forest products. ers themselves, were to take a cause for concern. Of the world's deforestation in the upper reaches but only 17 percent in North and stronger leadership role in for- Central America, where other Solutions to deforestation est management oversight and energy sources are more readily Reducing consumption of enforcement, this would also Much of the world's wood is available. virgin wood products is integral encourage sustainable forestry Much of the world's wood is to protecting the world's remain- practices. Protecting the world's harvested illegally. Illegal log- ing natural forests. This entails remaining natural forests, cul- harvested illegally. Illegal logging ging accounts for more than half curbing the world's appetite for tivating new forest stands, and of timber production in Russia, timber, paper, and other wood reducing consumption of forest accounts for more than half of Indonesia, Brazil, and Cameroon. products and decreasing wood resources are all critical steps In addition to devastating for- burning for fuel by developing toward preserving the indispens- est ecosystems, illegal logging energy alternatives. In addition, able services that forests provide. timber production in Russia, robs forest dwellers of their stepping up recycling efforts It is in our best interest to keep livelihoods, fuels social turmoil, will temper the need to fell more forests flourishing. and deprives timber-producing Indonesia, Brazil, and Cameroon. trees. Source: Earth Policy Institute release countries of up to $15 billion of 4/5/06 http://www.earthpolicy.org

12 Connections May 2006 Iraq bases to stay Bush gift

Dave Waldon to Big Oil I recently read an Just weeks after President Bush interesting article from the pledged to combat America's Fort Dodge, Iowa, news- "addiction to oil," the admin- Oil royalty rip-off paper "The Messenger." istration announced new fuel The article, entitled, economy (CAFE) standards for "Under the current environment, olds. Naturally, the oil barons are "Elaborate U.S. light trucks that amount to "Deck we don't need royalty relief." primed to prey on this bureau- bases raise ques- chair rearranging, only worse," in Michael Coney, lawyer for Shell cratic blunder and bilk the public tions about stay in the words of Steven Nadel, ex- Oil NYT, 3/27/2005 out of billions in payments that Iraq," was dated ecutive director of the American Even as they wallow in record are rightfully due to the Treasury. March 21, 2006. If Council for an Energy-Efficient oil prices, the oil companies' top The GAO estimates that taxpayers the story was in the Stockton Economy (ACEEE). executives are trying to swindle could lose out on $20 billion over Record, I missed it. the next five years, as a result of Mr. Bush has called for a 75 the federal taxpayer for billions The writer reveals four the 1998 and 1999 lease loophole percent reduction in Middle East more in handouts. The companies' massive military bases in Iraq. and a 2003 legal victory by oil oil imports by 2025--a reduction latest gambit is to squirm out of Millions upon millions of cubic of dollars in a far-off land just companies who'd challenged the of 5 million barrels per day. But paying royalties for the privilege feet of concrete have been poured. to make life better for Iraqi methodology by which royalty the new federal standard, calling of drilling for oil and gas in One base has an Olympic-size citizens? The aforementioned relief was calculated. for an increase of 1.8 miles per publicly owned offshore waters. swimming pool. Some have fast bases seem to have no trouble in gallon in light trucks between According to the Government Not content with this $20 bil- food outlets such as KFC and obtaining clean drinking water, 2007 and 2011, would achieve Accountability Office (GAO), the lion, Kerr-McGee last week filed Burger King. Another base has adequate electricity, reliable roughly one-seventh of that companies' latest efforts could add a lawsuit challenging the price a Harley-Davidson dealership, sanitation, safe medical facilities amount, according to ACEEE, as much as $80 billion over the thresholds for lease contracts filed along with Ford and Chevy lots. and functional security. which has called for an increase next 25 years to the oil barons' in 1996, 1997, and 2000. If this These bases are equipped to Make no mistake about it. The of at least double that amount, enormous profits. legal raid is successful, GAO esti- accommodate thousands upon Bush administration will have plus further improvements after The seeds of the current roy- mates that the oil and gas industry thousands of troops and civilians. many thousands of troops in Iraq 2011. alty rip-off were planted in 1995 could cheat taxpayers out of an Pool tables, plasma TVs and the for years to come. They will re- addition $60 billion in royalties This week's new rule, says when Congress passed the Outer requisite banks of vending ma- ligiously protect our investment over the next 25 years-for a grand ACEEE, could also cause even Continental Shelf Deep Water chines adorn the facilities. and staunchly guard the oil infra- total of $80 billion. this nominal new light truck Royalty Relief Act (DWRRA). Is anyone naive enough to structure they came to control in fuel economy to be undermined Proponents of the bill championed Fortunately for the taxpay- believe the United States is build- the first place. The President and by allowing unlimited sales of the legislation as an encourage- ing public, it appears the oil ing these bases to leave to the his lackeys in Congress don't re- larger, lower-mileage trucks. ment for oil companies to drill barons may have gone one step Iraqis? Has the US Government ally worship God; they worship Automakers will still be allowed in the deep waters of the Gulf of too far this time. Several con- "invested" hundreds of billions the Almighty dollar. to sell large numbers of full- Mexico at a time of record low gressional committees, includ- size pickups and SUVs without oil and natural gas prices. The ing the House Resources and offsetting them with sales of bill provided a royalty "holiday" Government Reform Committees more fuel-efficient trucks, as on lease contracts signed between and the Senate Energy and Natural Exxon CEO raked In was required under the previ- 1996 and 2000 for oil and gas ex- Resources Committee, have ous CAFE standards. Thus the tracted from the Gulf of Mexico. launched investigations. While new regulations could actually To make sure taxpayers weren't these committees investigate $190,000 a day yield an even lower average fuel forced to take it on the chin for- whether the public's resources Over $686 million from 1993–2005 economy for trucks than the pre- ever, the 1995 law capped the roy- will be plundered by oil barons, vious CAFE standards. "Under alty "holiday" based on volumes bills have been introduced in the Average Americans are struggling to keep up with persistently this new system," said Nadel, of oil and gas extracted and depths House of Representatives and the Senate to eliminate royalty relief high gas prices, now approaching $3 a gallon. Testifying before "the MPG gains are not assured at which the fuels were drilled. It when prices are high. Stopping the Congress last November, Exxon CEO Lee Raymond blamed the for a manufacturer's truck fleet. A limited royalty relief to a set vol- shift in the vehicle mix can cause ume of production from a lease: royalty rip-off shouldn't really be problem on "global supply and demand" and assured the public oil savings to evaporate." 17.5 million barrels from depths difficult, except for those mem- that "we're all in this together." Last year, Raymond made due bers of Congress whose campaign The new rule does require of 200 to 400 meters, 52.5 million war chests are filled by the oil with "a total compensation package" of just $69.7 million or for the first time that the larg- barrels from depths of 400-800 barons. Congress should end this $190,915 a day, including weekends. After his haul in 2005, est SUVs be brought under the meters, and 87.5 million barrels rip-off and force oil companies to Raymond has decided to retire. It's seems that, for Raymond, not CAFE system. However, large from depths greater than 800 me- pay their fair share. working is even more lucrative than working: Exxon is giving "Class 2B trucks"—vehicles ters. In addition, the law tied the royalty holiday to market prices: Lee Raymond one of the most generous retirement packages which comprise some 80 per- Action: Support House cent of all pickups and SUVs when a certain price threshold is Resource Committee Chair in history, nearly $400 million, including pension, stock op- weighing from 8,500 to 10,000 reached (approximately $34 a bar- Pombo in making sure big oil tions and other perks, such as a $1 million consulting deal, two pounds--still are exempt from rel currently), the royalty holiday pays their fair share. years of home security, personal security, a car and driver, and ends—at least in theory. Theses any fuel-saving requirements. Source: The Chopping Block, 4/4/06, stipulations were suppose to apply use of a corporate jet for professional purposes. Exxon is now a production of the Green Scissors Source: BushGreenwatch release to all leases signed between 1996 facing several "shareholder resolutions this year that criticize 3/30/06 BushGreenwatch, 1717 Campaign and led by Friends of the and 2000. the company's level of executive pay and seek to rein it in." Massachusetts Ave NW #600, Earth, Taxpayers for Common Sense Washington, DC 20036 (202) 783- Inexplicably, lease contracts and U.S. Public Interest Research Source: ThinkProgress.org release 4/14/06 7400 www.bushgreenwatch.org, a signed in 1998 and 1999 failed to Group. http://www.greenscissors. Friends of the Earth project include stipulated price thresh- org/

May 2006 Connections 13 “My sincere view is that the commitment Venezuela has top oil of our forces to this fight was done with a casualness and swagger that are the special reserves in the world province of those who have never had to Greg Palast US Department of Energy execute these missions—or bury the results.” If you thought high oil prices were just a blip think again. analyses seen by Newsnight show —Retired Lt. Gen. Greg Newbold In an exclusive interview with Greg Palast for BBC Newsnight the Venezuelan President Hugo that at $50 a barrel Venezuela— Chavez has ruled out any return to the era of cheap oil. The co- lourful Venezuelan leader hosts not Saudi Arabia—will have the the OPEC meeting on June 1 in Caracas and he will ask OPEC biggest oil reserves in OPEC. to set $50 a barrel—the average Tori L. Davis, L.C.S.W. price last year—as the long term Licensed Clinical Social Worker, License #18235 level. During the 1990s the price that Venezuela's reserves are now abroad. Chavez has repeatedly Psychotherapy/Consultation/Trainings of oil had hovered around the bigger than Saudi Arabia's. won democratic elections and $20 mark falling as low as $10 a Chavez's increased muscle will the opposition operates freely al- 7510 Shoreline Drive, Suite A7 barrel in early 1999. not go down well in Washington. though some members have been Stockton, CA 95219 Chavez told Newsnight "we're In 2002 the Bush administra- charged with accepting illegal (209) 477-8482 trying to find an equilibrium. tion welcomed an attempted foreign donations. Nonetheless The price of oil could remain coup against Chavez. He told George Bush's administration at the low level of $50. That's a Newsnight that the Americans repeatedly targets Chavez on fair price it's not a high price". had organised it in an attempt human rights and finances his Hugo Chavez will have added to get hold of Venezuela's oil. opponents. clout at this OPEC meeting. US Ironically by invading Iraq Earlier this year US Defense Department of Energy analyses George Bush has boosted oil Secretary Donald Rumsfeld Grants Writer seen by Newsnight show that prices and effectively transferred compared Chavez to Hitler—be- School, City & County government at $50 a barrel Venezuela—not billions of dollars from American cause he was elected demo- Non-profit & Private Industries Saudi Arabia—will have the consumers to Chavez. Up to $200 cratically—and last year the P.O. Box 4588 biggest oil reserves in OPEC. million a day—half of it from the influential American evangelist Stockton, CA 95204 Venezuela has vast deposits of US—is flooding into Caracas. Pat Robertson called for his extra heavy oil in the Orinoco. Chavez is spending this on build- assassination. Robertson later Beverly Joyce Ford (209) 474-2270 Traditionally these have not ing infrastructure and increasing apologized and said that he did been counted because at $20 a the minimum wage and improv- not "necessarily" have to be barrel they were too expensive to ing health and education in the killed so long as he was kid- exploit—but at $50 a barrel melt- poor ranchos which surround napped by American special ing them into liquid petroleum the cities. As a result even his forces. Chavez told Newsnight becomes extremely profitable. opponents accept that Chavez is that he was still concerned that The US DoE report shows that extremely popular and will easily George Bush had not learnt the at today's prices Venezuela's oil win the next Presidential election lessons of Iraq and would or- reserves are bigger than those of in December. der an invasion to try to secure the entire Middle East including Chavez is also spending bil- Venezuela's oil. "I pray this will Saudi Arabia, the Gulf states, lions in the rest of Latin America not happen because US soldiers Iran and Iraq. The US DoE also —exchanging contracts for oil will bite the dust and so will we, identifies Canada as another fu- tankers and infrastructure projects Venezuelans". He warned that ture oil superpower. Venezuela's and buying up loans in Argentina any such attempt would lead to deposits alone could extend the and Brazil. He has made cheap a prolonged guerilla war and an oil age for another 100 years. oil deals with Ecuador and the end to oil production. "The US The US DoE estimates that Caribbean. He has also spent people should know there will be Chavez controls 1.3 trillion bar- some of the dollars which have no oil for anyone". Chavez does rels of oil - more than the entire come in from the US supporting not accept Tony Blair's criticism declared oil reserves of the rest Fidel Castro in Cuba. In return of him for lining up with Fidel of the planet. Hugo Chavez told Cuba has supplied the thousands Castro. He told Newsnight "if First Unitarian Newsnight's Greg Palast that of doctors and teachers who are someone is sleeping together it "Venezuela has the largest oil re- transforming conditions in the is Bush and Blair. They share the Universalist Church serves in the world. In the future barrios of Caracas. Washington same bed." Venezuela won't have any more accuses Chavez of buying influ- Source: Greg Palast reporting 2737 Pacific Avenue oil - but that's in the 22nd century. ence in Latin America. for BBC Newsnight TV, 4/3/06 at Bristol Street Venezuela has oil for 200 years." Chavez has not invaded any View Palast's investigative reports stocktonuu.inreach.com Chavez will ask the OPEC meet- foreign countries. He does not for Harper's Magazine and BBC ing in June to formally accept have secret prisons at home or Television's Newsnight at http:// (209) 466-7743 www.GregPalast.com

14 Connections May 2006 Mission indeed accomplished

2222 Greg Palast The five largest oil companies Get off it. All the carping, belly-aching and complaining pulled in $113 billion in profit in about George Bush's incompe- tence in Iraq, from both the Left and now the Right, is just dead 2005—compared to a piddly $34 wrong. On the third anniversary of the tanks rolling over Iraq's billion in 2002 before Operation border, most of the 59 million Homer Simpsons who voted for Bush are beginning to doubt if Iraqi Liberation. In other words, his mission was accomplished. But don't kid yourself -- Bush it's been a good war for Big Oil. and his co-conspirator, Dick We’ve moved!! Cheney, accomplished exactly New location…same great service and programs what they set out to do. In case And what did the USA want every time Mad Mahmoud in for new and existing small business owners you've forgotten what their real Iraq to do with Iraq's oil? The Tehran threatens to cut supply, mission was, let me remind you answer can be found in a 323- the price of oil leaps. And Dick Contact us at of White House spokesman Ari page plan for Iraq's oil secretly and George just love it. San Joaquin Delta College Fleisher's original announce- drafted by the State Department. Dick and George didn't want Small Business Development Center ment, three years ago, launching Our team got a hold of a copy; more oil from Iraq, they wanted 56 S. Lincoln Street • Stockton, CA 95203 of what he called, how, doesn't matter. The key less. I know some of you, no 209-954-5089 "Operation thing is what's inside this thick matter what I write, insist that our Web: http://sbdc.deltacollege.org Iraqi Bush diktat: a directive to Iraqis President and his Veep are on the Liberation." to maintain a state oil company hunt for more crude so you can that will "enhance its relationship O.I.L. How droll of them, how cheaply fill your family Hummer; with OPEC." cute. Then, Karl Rove made the that somehow, these two oil- giggling boys in the White House Enhance its relationship with patch babies are concerned that change it to "OIF"—Operation OPEC??? How strange: the the price of gas in the USA is Servamatic Solar & Iraqi Freedom. But the 101st government of the United States bumping up to $3 a gallon. Water Airborne wasn't sent to Basra ordering Iraq to support the No so, gentle souls. Three Photovoltaics & Solar Electric to get its hands on Iraq's OIF. very OPEC oil cartel which is bucks a gallon in the States (and a Hot Water Heating "It's about oil," Robert Ebel told strangling our nation with out- quid a litre in Britain) means co- Water Softeners me. Who is Ebel? Formerly the rageously high prices for crude. lossal profits for Big Oil, and that Reverse Osmosis CIA's top oil analyst, he was sent Specifically, the system ordered makes Dick's ticker go pitty-pat Water Pumping by the Pentagon, about a month up by the Bush cabal would with joy. The top oily-gopolists, before the invasion, to a secret keep a lid on Iraq's oil produc- the five largest oil companies, 482-1044 931-5731 confab in London with Saddam's tion—limiting Iraq's oil pumping pulled in $113 billion in profit in George Nahas to the tight quota set by Saudi former oil minister to finalize 2005—compared to a piddly $34 lic. 668257 Bc-36C46 the plans for "liberating" Iraq's Arabia and the OPEC cartel. billion in 2002 before Operation oil industry. In London, Bush's There you have it. Yes, Bush Iraqi Liberation. In other words, emissary Ebel also instructed went in for the oil—not to get it's been a good war for Big Oil. Ibrahim Bahr al-Ulum, the man MORE of Iraq's oil, but to pre- As per Plan Bush, Bahr Al- vent Iraq producing TOO MUCH the Pentagon would choose as Ulum became Iraq's occupation Membership includes a subscription to Audubon Magazine & post-OIF oil minister for Iraq, on of it. oil minister; the conquered nation Hoot Owl. 645 West Harding Way • 464-4800 the correct method of disposing You must keep in mind who "enhanced its relationship with http://www.wuway.com Iraq's crude. paid for George's ranch and OPEC;" and the price of oil, from Make checks payable to ... National Audubon Society. Dick's bunker: Big Oil. And Big Clinton peace-time to Bush war- Send to: Audubon Oil—and their buck-buddies, time, shot up 317%. PO Box 7755, Stockton, CA 95207 the Saudis—don't In other words, on the third ____$35 Individual ____$38 Family ____$20 Student ____$21 Senior make money from anniversary of invasion, we can pumping more oil, say the attack and occupation is, NAME______PHONE______but from pumping less indeed, a Mission Accomplished. of it. The lower the However, it wasn't America's ADDRESS______supply, the higher the mission, nor the Iraqis'. It was an price. It's Economics Mission Accomplished for OPEC CITY______STATE______ZIP______101. The oil industry is and Big Oil. run by a cartel, OPEC, and Questions about Audubon? Call Dave Wagner 943-6997. what economists call an The Guardian, 3/20/06. On http://www.sanjoaquinaudubon.org "oligopoly"—a tiny handful of June 6, Penguin Dutton will release Greg Palast’s new book, operators who make more money Join our when there's less oil, not more of Armed Madhouse: Dispatches it. So, every time the "insurgents" from the Front Lines of the Class LOCAL blow up a pipeline in Basra, War. www.GregPalast.com. Audubon

May 2006 Connections 15 The politics of righteousness and George W Bush

Jim Anderson ideas—the elect make no bargains faithful in their communities. In no denying the fact that countless ism to take this country off the with the devil. It is this tendency, virtually every European state numbers of Christians all over path to theocracy and back on the I know a lot of progressive peo- the practice of demonizing those headed by a right-wing dictator, Europe blamed Jews for every- road to democracy. ple who are continually amazed who disagree with you, that has one of the most effective organiz- thing that was wrong with the I once read an article about and disgusted by the current state not only permeated our entire ing principles was to demonize world. And the opportunistic and President Clinton being complete- of political affairs. The oil and public discourse, but has created those on the Left. Not only Hitler, cynical leaders who pandered to ly confounded by the rigidness gas junta that has hijacked the a political and social environment but Mussolini, Tiso, Horthy, and that segment of the faithful never and uncompromising nature of the executive office seems to become where the most blatant offenses others constantly railed against missed an opportunity to inflame Republican opposition he faced more dishonest, belligerent, and of this administration become democrats, socialists, communists and incite. on a certain issue. He suppos- incompetent with each passing excused, ignored, or otherwise and blamed the Left for every- Unfortunately, no one knows edly made a comment that went day. And the people that support covered-up because dissent is thing from economic problems, when this Elmer Gantry-like po- something like “we’re essentially this cabal—the Religious Right, the most visible hallmark of the to corrupting social mores, to litical circus will end. It may take Eisenhower republicans here, the corporate executives, and the heretic. destroying the very fabric of so- another disastrous war or some why won’t they deal with us?” pro-gun groups—seem to do so ciety. By the late 1930’s, no fewer other unseen tragedy to bring What he, and many Americans, regardless of how bad things get. One of the most disturbing than seventeen European states people to their senses. Let’s hope fail to understand is that the word In fact, millions of Americans aspects of this development is not embraced some form of reaction- not. There are, however, emerg- compromise does not exist in the seem to be completely unfazed that it is new and, therefore, hard ary authoritarianism and the heads ing signs that discontent with the lexicon of today’s Republicans. by the fact that we were led into to come to terms with, but that it of most of those states—whether failed policies of this administra- For them, there is no such thing as a war with lies, that the deficit is is a recurring theme in our history fascist, clerical fascist, National tion is on the rise among those the “loyal opposition”, only those skyrocketing out of this world, or and we don’t seem to learn from Socialist, or establishment dicta- not commonly associated with who are with them, and those who that 5 million more people are liv- it. In fact, the current practice of torship—remained very popular “Bush’s Base.” But progressives are against them. And if one op- ing in poverty in 2005 than in the infusing politics with reactionary (that is, until the war started to should not just sit back and hope poses the elect, then one opposes last year of the previous adminis- right-wing religion was expertly turn in favor of the Allies). And this current wave of reaction God. Until the Left accepts the tration. To those who still proudly described by the historian Richard this occurred in states whose implodes on its own accord—the fact that this is the type of men- display GW bumper stickers on Hofstadter over forty years ago. In populations identified themselves self-proclaimed righteous among tality their dealing with, they’re their vehicles, this president can The Paranoid Style in American as Christian by margins of 9 to 1, us are too convinced of their call- going to continue to be confused apparently do no wrong. Politics and Other Essays he noted the tendency of right-wingers to, or better! ing to let their leader go down and amazed when it comes to But that should not really come “secularize a religiously derived This is not to suggest that all without a fight. It’s going to take dealing with the phenomenon of as such a surprise, for one need view of the world, to deal with Christians are fascists or that a groundswell of grassroots activ- George W. Bush. only look at those segments of political issues in Christian im- George Bush is next in the lin- the electorate that stand behind agery, and to color them with eage of Adolf Hitler—to do so this criminal enterprise. On one the dark symbology of a certain would trivialize the crimes of the side of the triangle that makes up side of Christian tradition.” If Nazis and grossly exaggerate the Bush’s loyal constituency are the today’s discourse was infused personal defects of our president. Time for clean election$ Ken Lays, Jack Abramoffs, and with the imagery of peaceful However, it should be noted that, Halliburton execs, who couldn’t In an historic vote in January, the State Assembly passed the Quakers, things might not be so not only in Germany but in all the care less about bankrupting the California Clean Money and Fair Elections Act (Assembly Bill bad. Unfortunately, the public Axis states, reactionary leaders government as long as they make 583). The Assembly vote put California one big step closer to debate has been co-opted by Bible constantly tried to pass them- a buck on it. On the other leg of making public financing of election campaigns a reality, joining Belters, Red Staters, and consum- selves off as the moral and spiritu- the triangle are the gun worship- a growing number of states that have rejected the special-interest ers of Tim LaHaye books who al saviors of people whose values ers who, bunkered ˆdown deep in funded elections that currently distort our democracy. believe that if you are not on their were under assault in the midst of their compounds, see only that side then you are among the ranks a culture war waged by the athe- Action: AB 583 is now in the Senate. Please call Senator which falls into the crosshairs of of the unrighteous. The president istic Left. Hitler, it has been said, Don Perata, President pro Tem of the State Senate, and urge him their scopes. Lastly, rounding-out and those around him never miss was sanctioned by much of the to support AB 583. The Senate Elections Committee will hear the base of the triangle are the an opportunity to pander to this clergy because he waged a war on the bill on April 19, and we expect stiff opposition. Your call to Jerry Falwells and James Dobsons sentiment. As he declared shortly decadent art, dirty literature, and Senator Perata is vital to securing his support, and his support is of the world who see the world in after the attacks on 9/11—either godlessness. (In a similar vein, vital to passing the bill through the committee and the Senate. terms of black and white, good you’re with him or against him. one probably won’t find books on You can call him at either his district office (510) 286-1333 or versus evil. capitol office (916) 651-4009. Progressives should also never pacifism and dissent at your local And therein lies the problem. underestimate the steadfastness Christian bookstore but you may Here are some points you may wish to make: A large chunk of our political and conviction of those who very well find reactionary tomes landscape has been framed by the • Clean Money makes elections about ideas, not money. embrace this worldview. Getting on the evils of liberalism by such language of religious hucksters • Clean Money is already working in Maine and Arizona, where those on the Right to listen to saintly authors as Michael Savage who, convinced of their own more women and minorities have been elected to office. someone other than a reactionary and Sean Hannity.) righteousness, have no capacity • Clean Money programs are not expensive—it's only $5.50 per demagogue is highly unlikely. As Moreover, many high-rank- for tolerance or compromise. In Californian to root out the inefficiency and corruption created by long as Sean Hannity and James ing officials—clerics as well as the eyes of those on the Religious our current special interest dominated system. Dobson have access to a micro- politicians—demonized the Jews Right, the Left represents the forc- phone the chance that Bush’s among them for similar reasons. • Clean Money has won Democratic and Republican converts es of darkness while conservatism base will turn against him is pretty In Germany, Austria, Hungary, in the states and cities where it exists, because elected officials is the choice of those convinced slim. and other countries, Jews were can get back to the business of policy-making and serving their that their political disposition mir- vilified for being purveyors of constituents, instead of dialing for dollars every day. rors that of the Almighty. This is a It is also important to remem- atheistic communism. Scholars very ominous and dangerous de- ber, looking back historically, that Source: Common Cause release 4/4/06 www.commoncause.org/ca If may debate the extent to which you are interested in volunteering, contact [email protected] velopment because it means that most of the dictators that surfaced the anti-Semitism of the time was to get plugged in. there can be no loyal political op- in the twenties and thirties used political or religious but there is position in today’s marketplace of similar methods to mobilize the

16 Connections May 2006 Fighting corruption matters Photographs for viewing at the Henry Paine Gallery, 147 E. Alpine Ave., Mon–Fri., 1–6pm. Stockton Big oil vs. you subsidies—meaning your tax The drug industry vs. you Are you still getting squeezed dollars—for every dollar spent Right now millions of seniors at the pumps every time you buy on campaign contributions dur- are overwhelmed as they wade gas? Are you or your relatives ing that period. through a flood of information to paying skyrocketing bills to heat The stated purpose of many figure out the prescription drug your homes this winter? Does all of the subsidies was to provide benefit that was approved by this seem like just a bad coinci- "incentives" to the industry. the Republican-led Congress in dence when oil companies are Apparently the record profits 2003. In a recent poll almost two 147 E. Alpine, Stockton, 95204 raking in record profits? in fact, the companies were enjoying thirds say they do not understand (209) 942-2821—open M–F, 1:00–6:00 pm some of the largest corporate —ExxonMobil posted a record the drug benefit, which forces profits in U.S. history? $9.9 billion profit in just the them to choose between up to Well it's not a coincidence. third quarter of 2005—were not 40 different plans that provide incentive enough. (According to Although Congress did not very different coverage. Why reports filed with federal regula- pass an energy bill until the sum- did Congress make this process tors, the five largest oil compa- mer of 2005, oil and gas compa- so confusing? And why did the nies made a staggering $257.79 nies got a huge headstart when, bill, among other things: billion in pure profit from 2001 after contributing more than $1.8 • Make seniors responsible through the third quarter of million to George Bush's 2000 for 100% of their prescription 2005.) presidential campaign, they were drug costs between $2,251 and invited to sit on Vice-President To make matters even worse, $5,100, Cheney's "Energy Task Force," the 2005 energy bill also pro- • Put private companies in charge whose report provided the blue- vided a grab bag of regulatory of administering the program, rollbacks for Big Oil, thereby print for the energy bill. You were • Forbid the federal government weakening protections under not represented on this super from negotiating for much lower the Clean Water Act, the Safe secret task force, however, as prices with drug makers, and neither citizen advocacy groups Drinking Water Act, and the • Prevent the importation of much nor environmental organizations Environmental Policy Act—all cheaper drugs from Canada? were invited to join. of which provide further corpo- rate profits at a potentially grave If you answered "to make The purchase of private access public cost. U.S. drug makers and insurance to lawmakers didn't end there. companies richer," you would be In one blatant example, House And when Americans began to correct. Majority Leader Tom DeLay (R- feel the pinch of high gas prices Pacific Tex.), who played a major role in in the fall of 2005, amid charges In 2003 alone, corporate spe- forcing through Big Oil's energy of price gouging and reports of cial interests, including HMOs Complementary bill, held an energy company golf the astronomical oil company and pharmaceutical companies, fundraiser for his Leadership PAC profits, was Congress willing to dished out $141 million for a Medicine Center at the fashionable Homestead re- impose a windfall profits tax on veritable army of 952 lobby- sort in June of 2002—at the very the industry? No. And when the ists—close to twice as many serving Stockton for 21 years moment energy legislation was industry executives were asked if lobbyists as there are members being formulated in the House. they would donate the $6 billion of Congress—to make sure that the bill was written for the Yi-Po Anthony Wu, M.D., M.P.H. Teresa M. Chen, Ph.D. The timing of this fundraiser in government subsidies they Medical Director, Internal Medicine Program Coordinator was so suspect that the House were just given to help low-in- benefit of large insurance and Yoshiko Kage, L.Ac., M.S., M.A. ethics committee felt compelled come families pay for heating drug companies, as opposed to the health needs of American Dorel Rotar, L.Ac., MTOM to admonish DeLay, for what oil that winter, were they willing Brian Chee C. Loh, L.Ac., O.M.D. it called the "appearance" that to share any of their fantastic citizens. Worse still, nearly half Shu-Chuan Susan Wang, L.Ac., Ph.D donors were being provided with wealth? Once again, the answer of these lobbyists were former Licensed Acupuncturists, Herbalists employees of the federal gov- special access regarding pending was no. The Best of Eastern and Western legislation. However, Congress was will- ernment, including 30 former members of Congress, and at All told, the oil and gas indus- ing to allow the oil company ex- Medicine for Health and Healing least 11 top staffers who left the try gave members of Congress ecutives to testify in hearings last Bush administration to lobby for • Internal Medicine • Acupuncture & Moxibustion • more than $55 million in cam- fall without being put under oath. the drug industry and HMOs in East & West Herbs • paign contributions from 2001 This turned out to be mighty con- Chinese Health Exercises (Tai Chi & Qi Gong) 2003. through October 31, 2005 (Center venient for the execs, since they for Responsive Politics). Not all responded, upon direct ques- Action: Become a Citizen surprisingly, the energy bill tioning, that they had not been Watchdog and join our Clean Shop at the Herb Store passed by Congress in 2005 did involved in any way in Cheney's Up Washington campaign. Go to Specializing in Traditional Chinese Herbal Remedies virtually nothing to address the Energy Task Force. Yet only two http://action.citizen.org/signUp. wide variety of western herbs & nutritional supplements fundamental problems plaguing days later the Washington Post jsp?key=769&t=CleanUpWashi imported teas  vitamins & minerals  health bars America's energy policies. But it published a leaked White House ngton2col.dwt for more info. essential oils  healthcare & educational books  did lavish Big Oil and their col- document showing that many of over-the-counter medications their companies had, in fact, par- Source: Public Citizen release http:// leagues in the gas industry with a www.citizen.org/ Store Hours: Monday-Friday 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. whopping $6 billion in subsidies. ticipated in the secret meetings. That's a return of $110 in federal 645 West Harding Way • 464-4800 Visit our website @ http://www.wuway.com

May 2006 Connections 17 Join Tuesday Film Night 6:30 pm, PJN Center, 231 Bedford Rd, Stockton AIDSWalk— April 25 the heart & Mr. Smith Goes to Washington When idealistic junior senator Jefferson Smith (James Stewart) arrives sole event in Washington, he’s full of plans and dazzled by his surroundings— qualities he retains even in the face of widespread corruption on the part of his colleagues. of the year

May 2 AIDSWalk of San Joaquin is A Day Without A Mexican hosting its 12th annual walk, One morning, California wakes up to find that one-third of its population “The Heart and Sole” event of —the Hispanic third—has disappeared. A strange pink fog envelops the year on Saturday, May 13, at the state, and communication outside its boundaries is ccompletely Oak Park in Stockton beginning cut off. The economic, political and social implications of this disaster at 10:00 am. threaten California's way of life, and for a group of disparate people The AIDS walk is an oppor- (all white, except for one Latina), the cracks in their private lives are forced wide open. tunity for friends and family members to commemorate the May 9 lives of loved ones who have died Blackboard Jungle of AIDS. Community members and businesses are also encour- Inner-city high school teacher Richard Dadier (Glenn Ford) struggles to maintain his idealism in this gritty drama set in the 1950s. The aged to show their support for students drink, smoke, steal and cause mayhem, and two of Dadier's AIDS awareness in San Joaquin delinquents (Sidney Poitier and Vic Morrow) duke it out to be crowned County. We are currently recruit- leader of their classroom turf. This film was the first major motion ing individual walkers, teams and picture with a rock 'n' roll soundtrack, which includes "Rock Around team captains, as well as corpo- the Clock." Anne Francis costars. rate sponsorship of the event. In May 16 addition to the walk, there will be entertainment, food and prizes. Tsotsi (African) AIDSWalk of San Joaquin After shooting a woman and driving off in her car, a ruthless New board Delta College was founded 1993. The goal is Johannesburg thug known only as Tsotsi (Presley Chweneyagae) is surprised to discover that he isn't alone, kept company by a crying to raise awareness and support presents infant in the backseat. Unable to leave the little nipper behind, he to those whose lives are affected of Health grudgingly takes the child home and through his efforts to care for by HIV/AIDS. It is also about student art the tyke, Tsotsi slowly rediscovers his compassion, self-respect and remembering those who have lost Care for capacity to love. their battle with this disease. exhibition May 23 Proceeds from this event are All SJ Delta Center for the Arts March of the Penguins donated to HIV/AIDS agencies and the LH Horton Jr Gallery in San Joaquin County. The dona- We are most pleased to an- presents the 7th Annual Juried Award-winning photographer Luc Jacquet takes documentary film tions distributed from AIDSWalk to new heights—and depths—with his first feature film, a stunning nounce: Roger Speed is now the Student Exhibition & Art Awards insider's look at the life of the emperor penguin. The product of morre San Joaquin are used to provide Chair of HCA-SJ; Jerry Bailey Competition, April 27 through than a year of filming in the brutal Antarctic ice, this official Sundance aid to HIV/AIDS clients with will co-chair; Carolyn Pometta May 25, 2006. The opening re- selection presents never-before-captured footage of the penguins' food and transportation vouchers, will continue as Treasurer/ ception is planned for Thursday, underwater life and explores their steadfast quest for monogamous help with basic living needs and Membership Chair, and Paula April 27th from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. mates. assist with burial funds. AWSJ LeVeck (with back-up from All events are free and open to May 30 also collaborates with these Donna Shane and Cynie Downs) the public. sister agencies to raise public will serve as Secretary. If you A Strong Clear Vision—Maya Lin The Gallery is currently awareness about the epidemic haven't officially joined HCA, open Mondays by appointment, In this Academy Award-winning documentary, filmmaker Freida Lee with other annual events such as please consider doing this as the Tuesdays from 11 am to 4 pm, Mock captures the genius of Maya Lin, a visionary architect vaulted World AIDS Day in December issues surrounding health care Wednesdays & Thursdays from to fame at age 20 after her pared-down, modern and controversial and National Condom Week in design was chosen to memorialize the Vietnam War in Washington, coverage for all of California 11 am to 6:30 pm and Fridays D.C. The film also describes other memorials Maya Lin has created, February. continue to be an on-going cri- from 11 am to 1 pm with special such as the Civil Rights Memorial in Montgomery, Ala. Early registration is encour- sis and issue for all of us. Don't extended hours on Saturday, Coming in June: aged, check-in is at 9:00 a.m. forget our meetings every second April 29th, from 11 am to 3 pm. and the walk begins at 10:00 Thursday, from 6–8 pm at the Info: 954-5507 http://finearts. Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner, Harold & Maude, a.m. For more info, call (209) Peace and Justice Center, 231 deltacollege.edu/gallery The Courtship of Eddie’s Father, Il Postino 608-WALK (9255). You can also Bedford Place, off the Miracle register online at www.sanjoa- Mile. quinaidsfoundation.org and click on Fundraising Opportunities.

Connections may contain copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such material available in our efforts to advance understanding of environmental, political, human rights, economic, democracy, scientific, and social justice issues, etc. We believe this constitutes a 'fair use' of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, the material in this paper is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes.

18 Connections May 2006 PJN Website Corner—www.pjnsjc.org May Calendar A new way to Thru Apr 29 Morearty will read aloud; 3:30 sharp Sat, May 6 Harold Farley ceramicist and Tina till 5. 464-3326. See pages 7 & 20. Freedom from War meeting, 1 - 4:30 Moore oils and pastels. M-F 10-5, pm, 200 W 14th St, Davis Info: www. donate to PJN Sat 11-3 Tidewater Gallery, 223 E. Apr 27–May 25 freedomfromwar.org 530-758-2362. Weber Ave, Stockton. 463-4033 Juried Student Exibitions and Arts See page 20. Awards Competition, Delta College Fundraising has recently be- report” and read information Thurs, Apr 20 LH Horton Gallery Tue 11-4, Wed/ Sun, May 7 come very serious business at about PJN. Readings with open discussion: John Thu 11-6:30, F 11-1 954-5507 UOP University Chorus, Pacific the Peace & Justice Network. In Use a credit card to make Morearty will read aloud from Colin Singers and Oriana 2:30 pm Faye order to continue to maintain the a one-time donation or set up Fletcher, Joanna Macy, Lester Brown, Fri, Apr 28 Spanos Concert Hall, UOP. 946- new P&J Center, we must raise Martin Luther King and others. Pacific Jazz Ensemble, 7:30 pm, 2116. recurring donations to become Freewheeling discussion to follow. Spanos Concert Hall, 946-2116 more money than ever before. a sustaining member—we are Peace and Justice Center, six Thur, May 11 So you will be happy to know looking for monthly sustainers. consecutive Thursdays, 3:30 sharp Sat, Apr 29 Health Care for All San Joaquin group that there is a new way to donate After donating, you will receive till 5. 464-3326. See page 7. Eco Symposium with leaders and meeting, 6-8 pm. 231 Bedford Rd, to PJN—our website is now part an email receipt for your taxes. shakers. Sponsored by Planning and Stockton. Second Thursdays. Fri–Sun, Apr 21–23 See page 11. of our fundraising efforts. Go to http://www.pjnsjc.org Conservation League. Readings with open discussion: John Stockton Area high school art show, Morearty will read aloud; 3:30 sharp On our home page (www. and see how easy it is to support 231 Bedford Rd, Stockton. Fri 6 - 8, Sun, Apr 30 till 5. 464-3326. See pages 7 & 20. pjnsjc.org) is a button “Donate peace and justice in SJ County. awards at 7 pm. Sat/Sun 12 - 5 pm. 18th annual Earth Day Festival, Now” that will take you to a 467-4455 Victory Park, Stockton. 11 am-5 pm. Sat, May 13 secure server maintained by Great food, bands, booths, and more. AIDSWalk. See page 18. Sun, Apr 23 Free admission. Be there! See pages Network for Good, a 501(c)(3) Classified Calaveras County Earth Day 1 & 10. Sun, May 14 nonprofit organization oundedf in Celebration, Utica Park, Angels UOP Symphony Orchestra playing San Joaquin Vegans monthly potluck, 2001 by Time Warner Foundation HELP WANTED Coordinator Camp. 11 am-5 pm. Great food, bands, Britten, Straus and Sibelius. 2:30 pm, 5:30, 231 Bedford Rd, Stockton. $2 and AOL, Cisco, and Yahoo. and organizer for The Rosemarie booths, and more. Free admission. Spanos Concert Hall, 946-2116 with food, $9 without food. Info: Be there! From there you can “view full Lane Community Garden.. Needs [email protected] Second to have some knowledge of UOP Symphonic Wind Ensemble Thur, May 4 Sundays gardening. The work includes concert, 2:30 pm. Faye Spanos Readings with open discussion: John Concert Hall, UOP. 946-2116 Morearty will read aloud; 3:30 sharp Mon, May 15 Support assigning individual garden plots. till 5. 464-3326. See pages 7 & 20. Knitting with Peig. See page 20. Vital that this position be filled. Wed, Apr 26 Center meeting, Peace & Justice “A Forgotten Resistance: The Mosque Wed, May 17 Concerned Center, 231 Bedford Rd, Stockton. 6 of Paris”, a 26 minute documentary San Joaquin Delta College Big Band Defenders of Wildlife pm. All welcome. 467-4455 film about the role of French Muslims Jazz concert. 7:30 pm. SJ Delta Citizens Action Fund is looking for an in aiding Jewish children and the Peace & Justice Network board College Tillie Lewis Theatre. $5- experienced campaign profes- Resistance during World War II, meeting, Peace & Justice Center, 231 7.50. 954-5110. Several people have asked how sional to help run an independent followed by a discussion with Bedford Rd, Stockton. 7 pm. All Thur, May 18 to make contributions to CCCoS expenditure issue campaign in Holocaust survivor Annette welcome. 467-4455 to support our CEQA legal battle. Herskovits. 7:30pm. Pacific Theater, San Joaquin Delta College Symphonic the 11th Congressional District UOP. Free. 298-1442. Fri, May 5 Band concert. 7:30 pm. SJ Delta Tax deductible checks should be in California [Richard Pombo's Mother's Day Craft Show at the College Atherton Auditorium. $5- made payable to "The League History, Culture and Environment of district]. The ideal candidate will Center. Jewelry, handmade items and 7.50. 954-5110. the Delta talk sponsored by the Fund," indicating on the memo have field and communications more. 231 Bedford Rd, Stockton, All League of Women Voters. 6:30 pm Readings with open discussion: John line "CEQA Lawsuit" or "CCCoS experience and some manage- welcome. 467-4455. See page 20. Chavez Central Library, 605 N. El Morearty will read aloud; 3:30 sharp Lawsuit." Non tax-deductible ment experience. Dorado, Stockton. See page 11. till 5. 464-3326. See pages 7 & 20. May 5-14 checks should be made out to Position available immediately Thurs, Apr 27 Delta College musical Urinetown. May 19-28 "CCCoS" or "Concerned Citizens through November 20, 2006. 8:00 pm. Delta College Tillie Lewis Coalition of Stockton.".Both tax Readings with open discussion: John Stockton Civic Theatre presents Kiss Competitive salary along with a Theatre. $12-14. 954-5110. Me, Kate, musical of Shakespeare's and non tax deductible checks chance to work on a great cam- Taming of the Shrew. Thurs 7:30 pm, should be mailed to: CCCoS, P.O. paign with a strong team. Contact Fri/Sat 8 pm, Sun 2:30 pm. 2312 Rose Box 4548, Stockton, CA 95204 M a r i e L a n e , S t o c k t o n . Kevin Keefe at kkeefe@urban- $20/$18/$15/$8. 473-2424. dare.com for more information. Talking It Through Sundays Talking It Through is now two half-hour shows. Weekly Tai Chi, 2:30–4, Northeast Community Tuesdays Center, 2885 E. Harding Way & The Real Show hosted by Margee Ensign is Stockton City Council Meeting, Golden Gate. UOP on Monday at 6pm every Tuesday at City Hall, 5:30 pm. Monthly http://www.stocktongov.com/clerk/ Theater Film Talking It Through is hosted by Adrian Nichols and pages/CouncilAgenda.htm Second Mon Sammy Nunez every Monday evening at 6:30pm TaiChi, 6-8 pm, Northeast Community PFLAG meeting 209-870-3339. Schedule Center, 2885 E Harding Way. SJTV: Stockton, Lodi and Manteca cable channel 26 Second Tues Films at Pacific Theatre Audubon Society, 7:30 pm, St. Paul's Education • Environment • Politics • Culture First & Third Fridays Cost: $5 to general public; Poetry, 8:30–10:30 pm Latte Lounge, Church, 2220 W Alpine, Stockton. $3 to faculty, staff and Sponsored by the Peace & Justice Network, InterFaith Council 235 E Miner Ave. 466-6224. Second Thurs alumni; Free to UOP of San Joaquin County, Pacific Complementary Medicine students Center Saturdays Health Care for All, 6 pm at the P&J Birding Field Trips with S.J. Audubon Center, 231 Bedford. May 4,5,6 @ 8pm Check the TV page of Wednesday’s Record for latest info. Monster Society. sanjoaquinaudubon.org Third Thur Studio volunteers wanted! All ages…we’ll train. Tai Chi Chuan at the Confucius Hispanics for Political Action May 6 @ 10 pm Call 467-4455. Church on Lafayette St., 8:30 am–11: meeting, 6:30-8:30 pm. Cancun Dazed and Confused am. (209) 952-8582. Restaurant, Weber St, Stockton

May 2006 Connections 19 It’s All Happening At the P&J Center Antiwar working group forms—come join!

On April 9, activists met to now available for purchase at Activities would include edu- discuss forming a new group to the Peace and Justice Center for cational programs and counter organize opposition to war. $10 each. For more information recruiting efforts. Any big peace The meeting started with the on this film, visit www.voicesof- action later this summer will documentary “Voices of Patriots: patriots.com. require getting more people in- Why Are We In Iraq?” where David Dionisi then introduced volved. participants heard career military “Freedom from War,” an orga- The next meeting date and professionals address key issues nization that is working on all time was set for Thurs. April surrounding U.S. war policy in conflict issues. It is sponsoring 20, at 7:00 pm, at the Peace & Iraq. Discussion followed with an organizing event on May Justice Center, 231 Bedford Rd, the film’s producers Valerie Mih 6 in Davis (see calendar and Stockton. and Don Richards. http://www.freedomfromwar. New voices are needed for While this film focused on org/whatweoffer.htm). this process to continue—get in only one aspect of the losses Various mission statements on the ground floor. Contact Jim in Iraq, the filmmakers pointed were discussed, with the general Walsh jwprod1956@clearwire. out that it was created to reach theme of bringing antiwar aware- net for more information. We are the hearts of people who are ness to the San Joaquin valley, to all invited to the Freedom from more concerned with American bring an end to the war in Iraq, War meeting Sat. May 6th from 1 losses—and would appeal to a to prevent future wars, and to to 4:30 p.m. at 200 W 14th Street broader audience. This DVD is support a world free from war. in Davis.

You can help! Knitting The Peace & Justice Center is a great asset to our community. You can help keep the Center going in a with Peig number of ways. Peig Fairbrook will teach a • Send a generous donation now. knitting workshop at the P&J Center beginning Monday, May Mother’s Day • Be a monthly sustainer. 15th, at 3:30 pm. Classes will be • Rent the Center for your meetings or other events. 1.5 hours in length for 6 weeks. • Bring friends and participate in Center activities. The entire workshop is $50 per Jewelry/Art/Craft person. Mothers and daughters might wish to join together for this fun class! Or fathers and sons. A minimum of 6 people is required. Gift Show connections Please call the Peace & Justice Center at 467-4455 for informa- Would you like Connections tion and registration. To view Friday, May 5, 2006 delivered to your home? It’s FREE! Peig’s work, visit her website at http://www.peig.net. 12:00 Noon~8:00 P.M. Name______Reading/ Peace & Justice Center Address ______discussion City, State, ZIP ______with John Unique, expressive one-of-a-kind gifts

Phone______Readings with open discus- hand-made with devotion and quality sion: John Morearty will read for that one-of-a-kind woman! Email______aloud from Colin Fletcher, Joanna Macy, Lester Brown, Free admission Mail to: Peace & Justice Network, Box 4123, Martin Luther King and others. Stockton, CA 95204 (209) 467-4455 Freewheeling discussion to fol- Peace & Justice Center low. Peace and Justice Center, 231 Bedford Road (off Pacific Avenue) Peace & Justice Network does not sell or donate our mailing list. six consecutive Thursdays start- Connections is supported by donations and advertisers. ing April 20. 3:30 sharp till 5. Call 209-467-4455 for details 464-3326.

20 Connections May 2006