Mendocino Land Trust relies on donations/national laws that helps them sustain their organization. In addition individuals/groups are able to help out with MLT. Also it helps keep public parks open for the public to enjoy cliff side scenery.
The money they receive really depends on the donors and the amount the government will give them. It's not consistent because they have to ask annually for support and it affects them greatly. Especially for individuals who work for the Trust. When the government shutdown a couple of years ago--some employees didn't get paid.
The effect is also tremendous. There isn't enough people to protect the land, and maintain it. There is only at least 1 or 2 people that goes around to check if the land is 'OK' from drug lords growing weed and maintaining the land from invasive species. The land of Mendocino rely on the volunteers, and the organization to contiune to maintain the land in good shape and be able to enjoy the beauty of it. Below is the link for those that would like to donate, and I have to say, it was worth every minute pulling out thistles.
http://mendocinolandtrust.org/
Tuesday, April 7, 2015
Tuesday, March 31, 2015
Call to Action, Moral Issues
On Thursday, March 26th, I took part in the Call to Action Day at NDNU. I volunteered to be part of the Mural project for the library.
Before we started on the mural, we had a discussion with the artists that created the mural for the library. The mural was inspired by a hate/vandalism crime that occurred on campus in the fall. The incident was in JB, during the third day on WOW week, an individual wrote discriminatory words on students name tags that were on the doors. The words were array of racist, homophobic, bigotry words that were very hurtful. The RA was in disbelief that such hatred still exists here at NDNU and so, she took the name tags down and had a conversation with her bosses about the incident. Unfortunately, the incident didn't get much attention here at NDNU where I think it should have. After her meeting with her supervisors, she had an activity planned to notify the students that had their name vandalize. So the RA, spread the name tags on the floor and told the students to look for their names--and when the students found their names and read the words under them--many of them were upset, hurt and some even cried. How can someone be so malicious to people that they don't even know--labeling, assuming that you haven't met?
As much as I am disgusted with what happened. NDNU/administrators did not mention to student of such acts-- this says a lot about how it is important for students to participate more on issues that aren't talked about on campus. So the mural is to bring awareness of what is not being said and to educate our community about the incident/hate crime that is not being talked about at NDNU and around the world. Hoping this mural will open up discussions about race, prejudice, etc. and not feel uncomfortable.
This mural does serves the seven themes of Catholic Social Teaching in regards to treating each human/individual life with great dignity because we are God's creation. The mural brings into light of the wrongs that has been with the students at JB and also trying to bring awareness to such prejudice/racism/homophobia at NDNU and because the RA believed that every person deserves the right to have a life filled with justice and every person's life are to be treated with great dignity.
Overall the project was very enlightening and informative.
Before we started on the mural, we had a discussion with the artists that created the mural for the library. The mural was inspired by a hate/vandalism crime that occurred on campus in the fall. The incident was in JB, during the third day on WOW week, an individual wrote discriminatory words on students name tags that were on the doors. The words were array of racist, homophobic, bigotry words that were very hurtful. The RA was in disbelief that such hatred still exists here at NDNU and so, she took the name tags down and had a conversation with her bosses about the incident. Unfortunately, the incident didn't get much attention here at NDNU where I think it should have. After her meeting with her supervisors, she had an activity planned to notify the students that had their name vandalize. So the RA, spread the name tags on the floor and told the students to look for their names--and when the students found their names and read the words under them--many of them were upset, hurt and some even cried. How can someone be so malicious to people that they don't even know--labeling, assuming that you haven't met?
As much as I am disgusted with what happened. NDNU/administrators did not mention to student of such acts-- this says a lot about how it is important for students to participate more on issues that aren't talked about on campus. So the mural is to bring awareness of what is not being said and to educate our community about the incident/hate crime that is not being talked about at NDNU and around the world. Hoping this mural will open up discussions about race, prejudice, etc. and not feel uncomfortable.
This mural does serves the seven themes of Catholic Social Teaching in regards to treating each human/individual life with great dignity because we are God's creation. The mural brings into light of the wrongs that has been with the students at JB and also trying to bring awareness to such prejudice/racism/homophobia at NDNU and because the RA believed that every person deserves the right to have a life filled with justice and every person's life are to be treated with great dignity.
Overall the project was very enlightening and informative.
Monday, March 23, 2015
Judiciary
While I was in Mendocino forest there are a lot illegal drugs that are being grown and one story that my professor shared with us is about Matthew Coleman, whom was murdered by individuals whom were growing marijuana. Unfortunately, Mendocino is dealing a lot with people trying to use federal protected land to grow illegal drugs in addition harming the land/native plants. Below is the link of more detail of Matts death and his work in Mendocino. I learned a lot from Rachel and I can see that her passion of being there to continue is Matt's work meant a lot to her and I'm glad that I went.
In addition, Mendocino Trust has gotten most of their lands from individuals who wants to relinquish their rights to the land and hand it over to the Trust to conserve the land. The reason they do that is because of many reasons. One common reason is that the generations of great-grandchildren are too great and to split the land up with them would cause more debate of how the land should be used--so the grandparents instead gives the land to the Mendocino Trust and draws up a plan to how to conserve the land to the legalities of the land/price etc. So, it's pretty cool that they are able to do that and continue to conserve.
Source:
1. http://kymkemp.com/2011/08/15/mendocino-land-trusts-matt-coleman-murdered/
2. http://www.pressdemocrat.com/csp/mediapool/sites/PressDemocrat/News/story.csp?cid=2477320&sid=555&fid=181
In addition, Mendocino Trust has gotten most of their lands from individuals who wants to relinquish their rights to the land and hand it over to the Trust to conserve the land. The reason they do that is because of many reasons. One common reason is that the generations of great-grandchildren are too great and to split the land up with them would cause more debate of how the land should be used--so the grandparents instead gives the land to the Mendocino Trust and draws up a plan to how to conserve the land to the legalities of the land/price etc. So, it's pretty cool that they are able to do that and continue to conserve.
Source:
1. http://kymkemp.com/2011/08/15/mendocino-land-trusts-matt-coleman-murdered/
2. http://www.pressdemocrat.com/csp/mediapool/sites/PressDemocrat/News/story.csp?cid=2477320&sid=555&fid=181
Local governmental units
"For immediate release:
Mendocino Land Trust Applauds Passage of Bill to Expand California Coastal National Monument
Mendocino County, CA – Mendocino Land Trust praises the U.S. House of Representatives vote this week to expand the California Coastal National Monument to include the Stornetta Public Lands in Mendocino County, California. This was the very first bill introduced by newly elected Congressman Jared Huffman (D) - San Rafael.
The existing California Coastal National Monument is comprised of 1,100 miles of scenic off-shore sea stacks, rock formations and habitat. Despite the size of the monument, which stretches the entire length of the California coastline, tourists and nature enthusiasts are limited to viewing the rugged off-shore rocky areas from a distance.
Including Mendocino County’s Stornetta lands within the boundary of the California Coastal National Monument would not only provide visitors a chance to enjoy an on-shore portion of the attraction, it would bring national attention to Mendocino County as a destination for recreation, providing a positive economic impact to our local economy.
A national monument designation within Mendocino County will also permanently preserve a swath of our historic, coastal, agricultural lands. “Protecting the Stornetta Public Lands is an important step in safeguarding California’s coastal heritage,” said Sam Goldman, California State Director with the Conservation Lands Foundation. “Whether through legislation or by Presidential proclamation, we look forward to a national monument designation which will provide common sense protections to ensure that these lands are preserved the way they exist today, so that future generations can continue to benefit from and be inspired by them.”
There is strong support from the community and local officials to include the Stornetta Public Lands in the California Coastal National Monument. As the Senate considers the legislation, Mendocino Land Trust urges senators to pass a clean bill as introduced by Senators Boxer and Feinstein."
_____________________________________________________________
This announcement was made in 2003 and it relates to local government because legislative action have been implemented to "safeguard California's coastal heritage" and it seems that its becoming more of a national topic--for example, the legislation for water conservation for next year (or sooner) and it has become a domino affect in California and hopefully these legislation will help with California.
Source:
http://conservationlands.org/media-page/pr-acole-advocacy-awardLegislative Changes
My community partner has sought and encouraged legislative in 2003 with Mendocino Land Trust. They passed a bill to expand California Coastal National Movement and this bill has been very helpful for Mendocino to preserve of property that is admirable, states Wesley Chesbro, whom is an Assemblyman for the Conservation Lands Foundation. The movement has coastal lands stretching 1,100 miles of scenic off-"shore stacks, rock formations, and habitat...it would bring national attention to Mendocino County as a destination of recreation, providing positive economic impact to our local government" stated Mendocino Land Trust in their 2003 press release of the great expansion after the bill.
The reason why it's important for legislative/local government to be involved is because a lot of the coastal land are owned by private owners and it would be harder for the public to enjoy the great outdoors in Mendocino. In addition, Mendocino Trust is trying to revive the and conserve the coastal part of Mendocino because habitats live the environment and if it were to be destroyed, the Redwood wouldn't be what we know of it now and the coast would be dead. Nicolet, the volunteer lead for Mendocino Trust stated that there challenges when trying to pass a legislative bill that helps conserve the land--first, the lack of funding into Mendocino, not enough staff to maintain conservation and they depend on volunteers to help out with projects, and I trying to keep the coastal lands open to the public so everyone can see the beauty of Mendocino.
The reason why it's important for legislative/local government to be involved is because a lot of the coastal land are owned by private owners and it would be harder for the public to enjoy the great outdoors in Mendocino. In addition, Mendocino Trust is trying to revive the and conserve the coastal part of Mendocino because habitats live the environment and if it were to be destroyed, the Redwood wouldn't be what we know of it now and the coast would be dead. Nicolet, the volunteer lead for Mendocino Trust stated that there challenges when trying to pass a legislative bill that helps conserve the land--first, the lack of funding into Mendocino, not enough staff to maintain conservation and they depend on volunteers to help out with projects, and I trying to keep the coastal lands open to the public so everyone can see the beauty of Mendocino.
Mendocino Alternative Spring Break, Daily Blog
Day 2: First day on the job and man did we work!! Our lead Nikki, whom is part of the Mendocino Woodland Trust, had us dig out blackberry roots, brooms, and ice plant. These plants are invasive-meaning they are not native plants in California and it was a lesson that the pretty yellow flowers that I saw during our drive up to Mendocino were actually,bad.
A cool thing that I learned about invasive plants were the brooms. hey produce too much nitrogen, some say that nitrogen is good for the soil but really it’s not. Too much nitrogen changes the chemical reaction in the soil and sometimes it would be hard to plant certain plants. In addition, brooms came from South Africa. After 8 hours of cleaning up the side of the trail and pulling ice plants, I was wiped out and ready to call it day but not quite yet, it was taco night and it was delicious.
A take away I would have to say is that the Woodland Trust is an organization that is run by four individuals and they depend on volunteers to help with keeping the park, trails and beach cleaned/maintained. In addition, the land that they get is usually from families that aren't living there anymore and if they were to split up--it’ll be too controversial that can escalate to the point where there will be disputes or a concern that the land would be exploited, in result, the land is given to Land Trust where they draft legal documents that can preserve the land and how it’s used for the public.
Overall, today was the toughest. It exceeded my expectation of what I’ll be doing here at my Alternative Spring Break and I feel more engaged and excited with what I’ll be doing for the next couple of days.
Day 3: Today’s task was to clean all 32 cabins at Campsite 2 (where we stayed for during break) and we were split into four groups of three. Each person had a task to do--dust, sweep, spray down the beds and make sure it’s cleaned thorough. My group went to the front of camp two which were hit pretty badly from the January’s storm. As the morning continued to the afternoon, my group leader spoke a park ranger about the history of Mendocino Camp Association and she came back with a some great history tidbit about the site. Mendocino Camp Association was one of the many Civilian Conservation Corps location in United States.
In 1930 FDR created the New Plan Deal and it included a program for individuals that didn't have a job during the Great Depression to live at the woodland and where they were to help with the conservation of California Historical Parks. The program provided them food, clothing, and shelter, and in some sense helped those whom were struggling during the 1930s.
Knowing the history of the location and what it stood for to many individuals that lived 90 years ago and to today--urban youths are able to spend time in nature and learn about the habitat that some have no idea that it exists, in addition, it an education program/location. After our cleaning frenzy in the morning, we headed to hike the sea cliff where I saw, four seals, tadpoles, climbed rocks and most importantly breathed fresh air. I’m loving it.
It’s Monday night and our breakfast, lunch and supper have been splendid. Tonight, we had a special guest come over with Salmon and chocolate cake, yum. I’m loving this trip and I’m learning a lot. Especially living here at the Mendocino (30 min drive to HWY1) gives me an idea how lovely it is to go into the forest and then come out to the coastal waters--definitely a perk living here for spring break.
Day 4: Another day in the woods with my lovely ASB crew. Breakfast was made by Kai and the ‘pancake master’ Perry. The group was split up again to carry woods and my group was back to the cabins cleaning up the last eight cabins. After cleaning we rushed to catch a canoe at the big river at 1pm and we got there on time, and I have to say, the experience to be on the big river was beautiful surreal, and serene.
We saw some coastal seals, and birds--the most amazing part was when my group in stopped paddling and we were in this serene quite place that we didn't talk for 10 min. None of us said to be quiet but it was moment of silence that somehow our group found peace at that moment to be still and LISTEN. We as a group witnessed a moment that was indescribable and somehow we were in syn with each other--while being still for 10 min we were able to hear the waterfall flowing, bugs buzzing and a bird flapping its wing--it was a humbling experience that I will never forget. Being on this trip to experience how beautiful, and vital our environment is to our world--puts everything in a different perspective. I’m so glad to be on this trip to experience the great redwood, big lake and especially the moment I shared with my canoe mates--it was amazing to feel it, see it and giving back.We headed back to our starting point and met up with the other canoes and I have to say, after that, it dawned on me that this service project is more than getting hours for my course but attaining more understanding of how much of the California forest needs our help, assistance and care to conserve it for others like myself to enjoy what nature has to offer and the nature has to give to us to survive. Ultimately today’s canoe trip was an eye-opening experience where I witnessed a moment that me and a few can share because it was a shared moment---and now in a fast paced world with technology, self-centered and greedy individuals that forget how far we've come.
Its past one in the morning and some have gone off to do their own exploring in the dark and I’m in my cabin trying to get warmer to go back to the moment of peace in my memory. Twas a great day and I'll never forget it.
--------- The End.
Conclusion:
A take away from this amazing experience is how much I learned about invasive species and in result I see them everywhere in the Bay Area and I wonder, does anyone know what these plants are? Anyways, I didn't blog on the last two days because I wanted to take in the time I had with friends that I've made at Mendocino and really reflect on my experience.
I would do it again if I were to take it upon myself to plan it for next year, (most likely I will). On the last day we pulled out European sea grass and it was a task, I didn't like the fact that the roots were hard to pull out and at the same time, I was glad that we worked a little bit before we headed back to our privileged lives that everything was so easily accessible. The trip definitely changed my perspective on how fragile California really is and how it beautiful it is.
Wednesday, February 25, 2015
Who is Dorothy Stang?
I've been part of the NDNU community for the past year and half, and I finally learned about Dorothy Stang in my Local and State Government class. Dorothy Stang was a sister in Brazil and was an advocate for the indigenous peoples land and protecting the Amazon rain forest. She was fighting against injustice committed by greedy lumbers and exploiters. She was murdered in 2005 that led to the President of Brazil to protecting 20,000 of the Amazon's 1.6 million square miles under federal environmental protection---this part of the land is located to where Stang did some of her work. This woman, I've come to admired because of her boldness to fight injustice and most importantly her faith in Gods plan and that to me resonantes to my understanding that everyone has a calling to serve.
The charisma of NDNU have definitely re-motivated me to continue my work with AmeriCorps and even sparked my interest for the PeaceCorps somewhere that I really care about--Tonga. My father's home and recently it has transitioned to become more of a democratic nation-state.
The charisma of NDNU have definitely re-motivated me to continue my work with AmeriCorps and even sparked my interest for the PeaceCorps somewhere that I really care about--Tonga. My father's home and recently it has transitioned to become more of a democratic nation-state.
Mendocino-Alternative Spring Break
Final and last update of my community service project. I'm going to Mendocino during my spring break and will be working in two different projects for five days. I'm pretty excited with the opportunity that I will part of. I had a training this past Sunday that went over the Catholic Social Teaching and our role as volunteers to Mendocino organization and to our society and selves.
Blog topic #5:
I believe in some sense there is some kind of conflict that is locally--meaning that there isn't much support/funding to help in conserving the Mendocino park and they count on donors and volunteers to help with the effort. In addition in keeping the land from businesses from exploiting/destroying the land. That would be a conflict that I think local would have and nationally, I'm not sure.
Here is the link for where I will be in two weeks.
http://mendocinolandtrust.org/?What_We_Do
Blog topic #5:
I believe in some sense there is some kind of conflict that is locally--meaning that there isn't much support/funding to help in conserving the Mendocino park and they count on donors and volunteers to help with the effort. In addition in keeping the land from businesses from exploiting/destroying the land. That would be a conflict that I think local would have and nationally, I'm not sure.
Here is the link for where I will be in two weeks.
http://mendocinolandtrust.org/?What_We_Do
Tuesday, February 3, 2015
EHU
The question for today's blog "Does your CP participate in political campaigns or take public stands on campaigns or candidates? Why or Why not?
I'm not sure if they are involved with political campaigns. I will amend this blog later but for now, I think they aren't supposed to participate in any kind of public stand campaigns or candidates--as they're are political neutral. Again, I will find out as soon as I can.
I'm not sure if they are involved with political campaigns. I will amend this blog later but for now, I think they aren't supposed to participate in any kind of public stand campaigns or candidates--as they're are political neutral. Again, I will find out as soon as I can.
New Community Project
Alright readers, I had to find another community project--which is why I haven't blogged for while.
So, I've chosen to volunteer at Ecumenical Hunger Program. It's a program that caters to families that are experiencing economic hardships. EHU provides the essentials for any family, individual that are going through those challenges and help them get back on their feet.
The relationship between citizens and EHU is a positive relationship. They rely on each other to be in existence and even workout. Thinking about location of EHU being in the Bay, a part of California that is densely populated with a lot people. A survey was conducted that in each family household in EPA or any community has 12 people living in one house or in other words--2-3 families per household. Which is why EHU and the citizens here in EPA/San Mateo county works very well.
I got connected with a email and phone call and they were happy to have me help out.
Citizen participation affects my CP is huge. The EHU is non-profit and it needs volunteers all the time.
I believe to be a participant at EHU is by having some empathy to those who are having a little hard time with trying to get things on track. Anyone can participate and spend their time helping a store that provides hope to families here in the Bay.
So, I've chosen to volunteer at Ecumenical Hunger Program. It's a program that caters to families that are experiencing economic hardships. EHU provides the essentials for any family, individual that are going through those challenges and help them get back on their feet.
The relationship between citizens and EHU is a positive relationship. They rely on each other to be in existence and even workout. Thinking about location of EHU being in the Bay, a part of California that is densely populated with a lot people. A survey was conducted that in each family household in EPA or any community has 12 people living in one house or in other words--2-3 families per household. Which is why EHU and the citizens here in EPA/San Mateo county works very well.
I got connected with a email and phone call and they were happy to have me help out.
Citizen participation affects my CP is huge. The EHU is non-profit and it needs volunteers all the time.
I believe to be a participant at EHU is by having some empathy to those who are having a little hard time with trying to get things on track. Anyone can participate and spend their time helping a store that provides hope to families here in the Bay.
Thursday, January 22, 2015
Reaching out to Immigration Legal Resource Center to be my Service Project
My community project for this semester is going to be at the Immigration Legal Resource Center in San Francisco. (I've sent an interest email to volunteer and I'm waiting for a reply)
This project relates to our local need in providing resources to immigrants here in San Francisco and the bay area. The increasing number of immigrants from Mexico, El Salvador, Tonga, Liberia and many other places either being here for many years or just getting here needs assistance in understanding of their rights and how the state/federal government affects their status here as an immigrant (illegal/green card holder etc.)
Now, last year in 2014, Obama made a huge stride in trying to make something out of the immigration reform and with states also trying to understand the new regulations in regards to current immigrants, immigrants with children who were born in the US etc. Yes, my CP is affected because of Obama's executive action early December because there are more things to take into consideration of what can a state can do to find/assist/help immigrants with their status. CP is accountable to the state and federal.
I'm excited for this opportunity to learn and understand more of what is going in the realm of immigration.
This project relates to our local need in providing resources to immigrants here in San Francisco and the bay area. The increasing number of immigrants from Mexico, El Salvador, Tonga, Liberia and many other places either being here for many years or just getting here needs assistance in understanding of their rights and how the state/federal government affects their status here as an immigrant (illegal/green card holder etc.)
Now, last year in 2014, Obama made a huge stride in trying to make something out of the immigration reform and with states also trying to understand the new regulations in regards to current immigrants, immigrants with children who were born in the US etc. Yes, my CP is affected because of Obama's executive action early December because there are more things to take into consideration of what can a state can do to find/assist/help immigrants with their status. CP is accountable to the state and federal.
I'm excited for this opportunity to learn and understand more of what is going in the realm of immigration.
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