A Wake Up Call

Whether it was sirens blasting in the middle of the night or the recent news headlines about safety violations and delays in the repairs to the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station, area residents have increasing concerns over the state of nuclear power in southern California.

The Alliance for Nuclear Responsibility believes the problems at SONGS deserve to be reviewed in an open and transparent process by state agencies, elected representatives, all first responders, and the NRC. Nuclear ³safety² is under NRC jurisdiction, although emergency planning is shared by local, state and federal authorities. Under whose jurisdiction is the damage to the public¹s perception of safety from these recent scenarios? Economics and reliability of power generation are under California jurisdiction‹and what do these delays and mishaps cost for the power that was supposed to be ³too cheap to meter?²

Local residents can get updated information on nuclear issues affecting California from Alliance for Nuclear Responsibility outreach coordinator, David Weisman.

For more information, please visit the Alliance for Nuclear Responsibility
www.a4nr.org

GE Alfalfa Threatens Organic Agriculture

Organic farmers and consumers of organic meat and dairy products need to make their voices heard with comments to the USDA about the proposed approval of genetically engineered Roundup Ready alfalfa. The USDA's draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) approves of releasing the new crop into the environment, despite known risks genetically modified alfalfa poses to organic livestock agriculture.

Alfalfa is a perennial plant and the fourth most widely grown crop in the U.S. It is a fundamental source of livestock forage and a relatively cheap source of protein for organic ruminants, as well as adding valuable nitrogen to the soil. Because bees can carry alfalfa pollen for up to 4-6 miles, potential contamination from a neighbor's field, even miles away, renders useless buffer strips and other devices typically employed with genetically engineered corn and soybean crops. These pesky bees just won't respect fence lines and 'no trespassing' signs!

Click here to view Cornucopia's action alert for more background and details on how to submit comments to the USDA on this important issue

Speak OUT Against Monsanto

WHAT: On Sunday, Feb. 21, several organizations and social networking sites will join in a protest against Monsanto’s patent domination over OUR food supply. Monsanto is one of the largest producers of genetically engineered (GE) seed, and developed the milk producing hormone rBGH for dairy cattle. This company is also the developer of numerous PCBs, Agent Orange, DDT, and is responsible for persecuting small (and large) farmers.

WHY: To halt the most powerful threat to the safety of OUR food supply from GE foods and fibers, and to promote a safe and affordable food supply from non-patented, non-GE seeds.

WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 21, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
WHERE: San Diego Convention Center, at Fifth Ave, and Harbor Drive. Banners and signs are encouraged.

Permaculture: Getting Started

Permaculture is an approach to designing agricultural systems (and human settlements) that mimic the relationships found in natural ecologies; a philosophy of working with, rather than against nature.

You don’t need to be a farmer to begin integrating permaculture methods into your garden or yard.

Click here to read an article by Jim Ruen on how to begin with subtle changes.