Power to the People preserving our ecology!

2012-02-08 "Update on Richardson Grove Campaign: The Mighty Redwoods Still Stand!" from "Bay Area Coalition for Headwaters"
2530 San Pablo Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94702
510-548-3113
bach@headwaterspreserve.org
www.HeadwatersPreserve.org
skype: karenpickett
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hello forest lovers,
The good news is that due to strong opposition to Caltrans' plans to bring heavy machinery into Richardson Grove State Park, Caltrans has not yet broken ground in this project which they had planned to csarry out long ago.  That opposition has manifested loud and clear as editorials, civil lawsuits, rallies, demonstrations and thousands of postcards and letters from you,  We plan to keep that ground in tact.
There is a court hearing in federal court in San Francisco on Feb. 23 that is pivotal.  The case was filed challenging Caltrans by our friends and colleagues at EPIC, the Center for Biological Diversity and individuals, and carries with it an injunction that has prevented forward movement of the project thus far. Central to the case is the declaration by forester and professor Joe McBride, who scientific credence to the argument that, contrary to Caltrans' claims, the root systems of the ancient redwoods in Richardson Grove are likely to be significantly damaged by Caltrans' planned excavations, thereby compromising the life and vigor of the giant trees. The judge in the case is not likely to decide on the day of the hearing, but it is always helpful to show support the the environmental arguments by having a full courtroom, and it should be an interesting hearing, oral arguments will be taking place in this "battle of the experts".  As always, it is important to dress appropriately and carry photo i.d., necessary for entry for entry into the federal building.
The hearing is at 8 am in courtroom of Judge Alsup's, Federal bldg in San Francisco at 450 Golden Gate (near Civic Center BART). (Check the Save Richardson Grove website just before, as court hearings are often changed, although we don't expect that to happen here.)

Other Action to Take -
The Save Richardson Grove website (www.saverichardsongrove.org) has underson a much needed updating and makeover.  You'll find it easy to navigate and packed full of good information when you visit it.  Take special note of the "Take Action" link that guides you through sending an email to your California State Assemblyperson and State Senator.  It is an election year, and they need to hear from you and take a stand!
Our previous email to you included information on the Occupy Richardson Grove preparation and action camp Feb. 11-13 on the Mendocino / Humboldt county lines. Info at occupyrichardsongrove@gmail.com, or download the flyer we sent to this list (Email us at bach@headwaterspreserve.org if you need the flyer resent.)
More information soon! Stay tuned and keep the redwoods in your heart.

Richardson Grove Action Camp Feb 11-13 to be Ready to Hug the Trees!
Sponsored by Occupy Richardson Grove, Ecotrans Affinity Group and Earth First! in northern California, an ACTION CAMP will take place over Valentine's Day weekend Feb. 11-13, 2012, near Piercy in northern Mendocino county.  The flyer with details is attached as a pdf. If you cannot open this, please reply, asking for text version.
This action camp is in preparation for possible negative outcomes in upcoming court hearings concerning Caltrans highway project through Richardson Grove State Park in Humboldt County.  If it turns out that direct action and tree hugging become necessary to stop heavy equipment, redwood forest defenders need to be ready!  Please read (and post if you can, or forward on Facebook) the attached flyer. Info contacts for the camp are Occupy Richardson Grove (707) 932-5898 or occupyrichardsongrove@gmail.com.

Correction to previous Save the Dates message sent to this list:
The premier of the documentary flim Who Bombed Judi Bari? at the SF Green Film Festival is FRIDAY March 2 at 5 pm.  More info to come.