Comment Archives: stories: News & Features
Re: “Sandwiches!”
Love the article. But can I just say, that Chase is the new Ike?
Re: “Sandwiches!”
Great article! Two other amazing sandwich places I would add are Chloe's French Cafe (their jambon brie sandwich with warm ham, brie, pears, and brown mustard is amazing but so are a bunch of their other sandwiches). Pearson & Co is also an old favorite - love all their different foccacia bread sandwiches particularly, but their meatloaf sandwich on ciabatta is also a standout.
Re: “Step by Step”
LifeRing and AA are OK. I attend both from time to time, as do others, although I do not dwell on this in either group. I benefited from SMART prior to its folding in my locale; monitoring SMART's website is still an option.
But a turning point in my success is Rational Recovery's Addictive Voice Recognition Technique. AVRT is available online and on paper. Check it out and consider embracing a "Big Plan."
As relates to this article, the Rational Recovery Monitoring Program is available for those in a legal bind.
Re: “The Anchor-Outs”
Thank you to Ryan White for this compassionate and informative piece on this marginalized community. It is a pleasant reminder that quality journalism persists. Such work expands intelligent discourse and has lasting impact. May you thrive.
Re: “The Anchor-Outs”
I live in Sausalito and I love the character that anchor outs bring to this area. The author of this article did an excellent job of showing the perils, humor and grit of this group of people.
Re: “Step by Step”
I personally found AA to not be the best recovery fit for me. I did attend for four years and have worked the 12 steps with a sponsor. As it turns out, Life ring secular recovery and the emphasis on personal empowerment has actually been a better match for me. Many struggle with some of the concepts in AA and I think it is important to recognize and inform about alternate choices now available for people recovering from addiction. I quit drinking to improve the quality of my life and expand my world again. I’m glad Bill W wanted to help others addicted and I’m glad his plan for living has been helpful for so many. Whats not ok is the way Bill’s vision has come to dominate the recovery world. As AA says, “there’s a screw for every nut” and I believe this idea needs to extend out of AA to the other support approaches available for people who need a different approach for their recovery. This article is about choice and I am so grateful to have found that I have other choices available as well. I only wish for others to have equal access to the information they need to make an informed choice about the recovery support system that will be most helpful for them. Thank you for raising awareness on this subject and I would also like to point out I have friends who attend AA and I support their right to choose what works best for them as well.
Re: “Bogus Bohemia”
"Of course, there are those who believe far more serious offenses take place in the redwoods, and Moore and Occupy Bohemian Grove want nothing to do with them."
"In the last decade, the entrance to the Bohemian Grove has become a soapbox for 9-11 conspiracy theorists, protesters of fluoridated water and SmartMeters . . ."
My, what a broad brush Jay Scherf uses to tarnish "fringe" groups associated with BGAN. Surely Occupy Bohemian Grove would not limit ourselves to the LESS serious offenses. It would be interesting to learn whether Moore concurs with the liberty Scherf takes in disparaging such a broad spectrum of other activist whistleblowing groups pointing to the identity and constituency of the 1%. If so, the repugnant labeling would explain how many political fish with "new blood and new ideas" may be swimming through new holes in BGAN's "network of loosely connected groups".
For those daring to question the official version of the 911 Commission Report, the 911 Truth Movement is based on real history, not conspiracy theory. If you want conspiracy theory, read the Commission Report. Meanwhile, information provided by commercial pilots and research performed by well over 1000 professional Architects & Engineers for 911 Truth confer much greater legitimacy than any amount of ignorant mudslinging by reactionaries waving the flag of "conspiracy theory". AE911Truth.org
"Protesters of fluoridated water" . . .what a bunch of wackos they are! Scherf reveals yet more ignorance of the history of industrial hazardous waste disposal that formed the underpinnings of the practice of fluoridating municipal water supplies, and the very legitimate reasons why in most of Europe where they have socialized medicine with positive incentives for keeping people healthy instead of healthcare industry profit incentives for making people sick, fluoridated water is expressly prohibited by law.
Likewise for Smart Meter protesters. What irony they are contending with the exact same corporate culprit as did the anti-nuke group that formed "BGAN's roots" over thirty years ago, for exactly the same reasons--public health. The American Academy of Environmental Medicine just came out with a very comprehensive and indicting report on this issue:
http://aaemonline.org/AAEMEMFmedicalconditions.pdf
So how did Smart Meter protesters get on BGAN's bad side?
Is this real coalition building, or just plain old divide & conquer?
Re: “Step by Step”
If you read the article carefully, you will see that Richard was speaking about the choices in his rehab program being limited, not to that AA itself . He says, "I'm not going to put down AA, because it's helped millions of people," says Richard. "They've inspired me and encouraged me. But I don't think it should be shoved down people's throat." As in, people should be given options other than 12 Step. In addition, AA has been ruled as being a religious program by the 9th circuit court. The 2007 United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit ruling Inouye v. Kemna specifically refers to AA as a "religion-based" treatment program.
Re: “Step by Step”
"These are some TYPICAL MIS-MISCONCEPTIONS about N.A., N.A. IS NOT A RELIGIOUS MOVEMENT, a temperance movement, a cure of or a cure all, N.A. does not prescribe or pay for the treatment of addicts, N.A. does not run recovery homes, rest homes or any other outside organization, THE SOLE PURPOSE OF N.A. IS TO HELP THE ADDICT WHO WANTS TO STOP USING" .
Meaning; regardless of anything else.
I also understand and agree the plight of having an option in the courts and it's end result, yet his bases of reasoning is incorrect...from prejudice.
Re: “Step by Step”
It is great that the county courts are expanding the options they'll provide, and I say that as someone who attends a lot of AA meetings. The saying around those rooms is, "AA works if you work it," and there is a lot of emphasis on the "if." Contrary to Richard S's impression, AA's traditions explicitly reject an insistence on participation in religion or (or being institutionalized within a court system), and I've certainly never experienced such insistence.
A lot of people are offended when confronted by the "G-O-D" word, and if that is a barrier for Richard S in finding his sobriety, I'm pleased that the county is working with him to find an alternative. I hope the zealotry of skeptics who doubt that he'll find an effective alternative doesn't cast a negative impression on AA as a whole.
I'm mostly just surprised that this story made the front page. And I wish Richard S well and the best of luck.
Re: “Step by Step”
Unfortunately AA is populated largely by zealous ranters, like "don't get me started". So is scientology.
Re: “Step by Step”
First of all, if Richard S. ever went to any 12 Step meetings and paid attention or read any 12 Step literature he would know that everything practiced in a 12 Step Program is "suggested" not "insisted" and/or has never been "shoved down anyone's throat" and more importantly, it is not now nor ever has been a "religious" program. AA is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organization or institution. There are thousands, if not millions, of atheist's and agnostic's who have stayed clean and sober for the rest of their lives using the 12 Step programs. Richard S. would also know that in all 12 Step Programs; the only requirement is the "desire" to quite drinking or using drugs; that it's primary purpose is to carry the its message to the alcoholic/addict that still suffers (that would obviously be Richard S.); that A.A. has no opinion on outside issues; hence the A.A. name ought never be drawn into public controversy and that our public relations are based on attraction rather than promotion; and most importantly that "Anonymity" is our "Spiritual" foundation ever reminding us to place principals before personalities!
So, I think it pretty safe to say that Richard S. if full of B.S. You might want to bring back to his attention and everyone else's that he was, in fact, "arrested" for a DUI! He is just an angry addict that got caught, was given a "choice" of jail or a "chance to get clean and sober". He chose what he thought was the easy way out and didn't like that choice either! And this is his selfish, self centered way of complaining about how unfair life is; just like any good little addict would. It's always about me, poor pitiful me. Yeah! I'm sheddin some tears for ya Richard S.
Well, here are a few more choice facts:
As of January 2012 there are over 2,133,842 members of Alcoholics Anonymous world wide and over 38,1664 in correctional institutions.
In 2010, 10,228 people died in drunk driving crashes — one every 52 minutes — and 345,000 were injured in drunk driving crashes.
In 2010, 211 children were killed in drunk driving crashes. Out of those 211 deaths, 131 (62%) were riding with the drunk driver.
About one-third of all drivers arrested or convicted of driving while intoxicated or driving under the influence of alcohol are repeat offenders.
As of January 2012 there are an estimated 2,133,842 killed by people driving while intoxicated!
2 of those people injured were my younger brother and sister, both suffered severe, irreversible brain injuries and one was also paralyzed on the right side…for the rest of his life!
Are you ready to take responsibility for your actions Richard S? You won't get a choice next time.
So, I'll be looking for Richard S. in the news and counting the days to see how "powerful" he is over his addictions and look forward to hearing how he is staying clean and sober. Hope that's workin for ya Richard S.
Oh! and one question…what make, model, and color of car do he drive? I want to make sure to tell all my friends and family stay clear of it while they are driving or walking the streets of Sonoma County.
Re: “Step by Step”
The statement that, "all references to 12 Step have been removed," is incorrect. The newly revised Participant's Guide to Drug Court says, "regular attendance at group self-help meetings such as a12 Step program or other alternative programs." Alternatives are not listed anywhere in County literature and are not mentioned specifically in this document. 12 Step
"Guillén likens the choices in Sonoma County to a cafeteria menu, where defendants are encouraged to choose their mode of self-help." There are zero options listed anywhere in county literature.
Re: “Bogus Bohemia”
I can't believe the manhattan project was conceived there...I wonder how many Monsanto execs go there.
Re: “Delta Blues”
Mr. Wade says, "...claims that a canal would "remove so much water" are just that---claims. Operational limits of a proposed canal have yet to be finalized yet draft elements of the Bay Delta Conservation Plan..." But that's exactly the point. There are very long lists of important questions that remain unanswered about how this massively expensive plumbing system would work, it's impact on the ecosystem, and of course how it will be paid for and who pays, that have NOT been answered.
It is not unreasonable to put science and policy BEFORE building this thing. But those who want it don't care about answering the questions. They want what they want and that's all that matters.
Salmon Water Now asks Governor Brown 7 questions that taxpayers and ratepayers would like to have answered. Maybe Mr. Wade has some answers. You can see the short video and the questions here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I-n1LK1QVqc…
Those who are pushing for the canal to be built ought to stop and think about what it would mean. The march to approval and building needs to be slowed down. Take a look at another video that also helps put this debate in perspective:
Stop and Think: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OnV6MCvXK38…
Re: “Delta Blues”
Those who oppose the Peripheral Canal fail to include all of the facts in their arguments because the facts do not support their position. Claims that a canal would "remove so much water" are just that---claims. Operational limits of a proposed canal have yet to be finalized yet draft elements of the Bay Delta Conservation Plan (BDCP) already include limits on exports when natural river flows are lower.
There are a myriad of factors impacting salmon (and other fish) populations including water quality, invasive species, predatory fish, and ocean conditions. A recent report by the National Research Council stated that improving ecological conditions in the Delta will fail if they don't target multiple stressors, contrary to the constant drum beat calling for a reduced water supply for farms, homes and businesses.
The Sacramento River fall Chinook escapement, ocean harvest and river harvest index clearly shows population (and harvest) peaks in 1988, 1995, and 2002 with corresponding dips in the intervening years. It is normal to expect a rise in salmon numbers now and in the next few years and that's exactly what we're seeing.
Blaming the pumps or deliveries of water that flow through the Delta as the primary cause of reduced salmon populations is simply an exercise in hiding the facts.
Mike Wade
California Farm Water Coalition
Re: “Ocean of Noise”
U.S. NAVY’S TWELVE 5-YEAR WARFARE TESTING PROGRAMS &
THE INCREASING & ONGOING THREAT TO THE GULF OF MEXICO,
A CALL TO TAKE ACTION
U.S. Navy PUBLIC COMMENT DUE BY JULY 10, 2012
ATLANTIC & PACIFIC OCEANS
HELP SAVE 11.7 Million MARINE MAMMALS & THEIR OCEAN HABITAT TODAY!
http://www.agriculturedefensecoalition.org/us-navy
In a letter to NOAA, dated June 19, 2009, several U.S. Senators, including U.S. Senator Feinstein and U.S. Congressman Henry Waxman, stated: “...In many regions, the Navy plans to increase the number of its exercises or expand the areas in which they may occur, and virtually every coastal state will be affected. Some exercises may occur in the nation's most biologically sensitive marine habitats, including National Marine Sanctuaries and breeding habitat for the endangered North Atlantic right whale. In all, the Navy anticipates more than 2.3 million takes (significant disruptions in marine mammal foraging, breeding, and other essential behaviors) per year, or 11.7 million takes over the course of a five-year permit..."
Help Protect 11.7 Million Marine Mammals Today by contacting your elected officials and adding your voice by making a public comment today before the July 10, 2012 deadline:
(The Public Comment period for the new U.S. Navy Atlantic/Gulf of Mexico 5-Year Warfare Testing Range that will use bomb blasts and Sonar is from May 11, 2012 through July 10, 2012). U.S. Navy Website: http://aftteis.com/Home.aspx
(The Public Comment period for the new U.S. Navy Pacific 5-Year Warfare Testing Range that will use bomb blasts and Sonar is from May 11, 2012 through July 10, 2012). U.S. Navy Website: http://hstteis.com/Home.aspx
National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
The NOAA Definition of “Take”: “Defined under the MMPA (Marine Mammal Protection Act), as "harass, hunt, capture, kill or collect, or attempt to harass, hunt, capture, kill or collect." Defined under the ESA (Endangered Species Act) as "to harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or collect, or to attempt to engage in any such conduct…”
U.S. Navy is Using the Earth & Inhabitants as Test Subjects
Our oceans and land areas, in the Pacific, Atlantic, and the Gulf of Mexico along with all inhabitants, are being used as warfare test guinea pigs without public consent, debate, U.S. Congressional hearings or any public oversight.
Marine Mammal Mitigation Measures – Effective Only 9% of the Time
Mitigation measures, to protect marine mammals from sonar, are effective only 9% of the time according to NOAA & the U.S. Navy (See U.S. Congressman Mike Thompson's Letter regarding this subject-California 2009).
Fish, birds, ocean habitats, feeding and breeding grounds, biologically sensitive areas, and human health, are not protected by any government agency in most areas of the Gulf of Mexico, and in the Atlantic & Pacific Oceans, from military weapons testing. The U.S. Navy is using toxic chemicals, sonar, missile exercises, bomb blasts and other types of new weapons testing which threaten national marine sanctuaries, marine reserves, and biologically sensitive areas which ar e not protected in many regions from this type of activity.
You may read the U.S. Navy Environmental Impact Statements online or visit this website for more information and documents on this subject:
http://www.agriculturedefensecoalition.org/us-navy
No U.S. Congressional Hearing Held on this Issue & None Planned in the Future (WHY?)
Our U.S. Senators and members of the U.S. House have refused, so far, to postpone these disastrous “takings” or hold U.S. Congressional Hearings while pretending to be ocean environment friendly in their re-election speeches. In addition to refusing to be interviewed by the press with regard to this issue (only a few exceptions), all of our elected officials have steadfastly refused to hold U.S. Congressional hearings in order to protect our marine mammals, fish, birds, endangered species, and human health.
Expanding and initiating new warfare testing in more areas of the Pacific, the Atlantic, and the Gulf of Mexico, will also spell disaster for millions of marine mammals, and fish, and their habitats. We do not elect to be the guinea pigs for these experiments or to have our oceans used for massive warfare testing. Say “no” today…Ask for U.S. Congressional Hearings to protect human health and our marine mammals. (Call Your Elected Officials in Washington, D.C. Toll Free: (1866) 220-0044)
The U.S. Navy should be protecting our oceans and natural resources...not destroying them in the name of war practice.
Respectfully,
Rosalind Peterson
Agriculture Defense Coalition
Redwood Valley, California 95470
(707) 485-7520
E-Mail: info@californiaskywatch.com
Re: “Hidden Agenda”
Leilani Clark, you are probably right. Corporations and the government would never do anything to hurt us. We should all just go back to sleep and not question this Agenda 21 thing. They call it an 'agenda' themselves, but we should not let that worry us. I'm sure that these corporations have only our best interests in mind. Personally, I'll try to forget about the fact that, in the 20th century, global governments outright murdered an estimated 260,000,000 people. That could never happen here. We're so much better than everybody else. I won't worry about it.
This Week's Issue
Re: “Express Lane”
What about Trader Joes and Target? They have a ton of food. Then there's Lola's. They are all within walking distance of the Circuit City site. I guess it's alright if they let another grocery store in but use common sense. Please. It would be nice if it were safer to ride a bike or walk on Santa Rosa Avenue.