Proposition 21: Protect California's Parks

The California coast near Monterey.

California’s Parks System faced collapse last year and the picture for the coming years looks grim.

Enter Proposition 21, a statewide ballot initiative that offers hope to help ensure our 278 state parks and beaches stay up and running and our wildlife and marine resources are protected. Prop 21 establishes a stable, reliable and adequate funding source through an $18 increase in the California vehicle registration fee. These funds will be directly deposited into a State Parks and Wildlife Conservation Trust Fund and can only be used for operation of state parks and protection of ocean resources and wildlife.

This new funding source will help develop, operate, manage, and monitor the new network of marine protected areas being established along California’s coastline. The protection of our rivers, lakes, streams, coastal waters and marine resources will be better achieved through the $20 million per year this new fund will accrue.

And there’s a perk for Californians: All California vehicles will receive free vehicle admission, parking and day use in the State Park System.

Persistent underfunding of the State Parks and wildlife conservation has resulted in a backlog of more than a billion dollars in needed repairs and improvements. This backlog also threatens the closure of parks throughout the state and the loss of protection for many of the state’s most important natural and cultural resources, recreational opportunities and wildlife habitat.

So if you’re a resident of the Golden State, help preserve our natural resources and wildlife for future generations by voting Yes on Prop 21 on November 2.

For more information about this measure, visit http://www.yesforstateparks.com/

source: Oceana's Ashley Blacow is Oceana's Pacific Policy and Communications Coordinator.

Californians for Mercury-Free Dentistry

Mercury Dental Amalgam (silver filling)

California is on the move. This time, it's all about Mercury-Free Dentistry.

LNH is committed to helping make California the first Mercury Dental Amalgam-Free Zone in the US.

Feel free to jump on the bandwagon!

LNH has previously shared information regarding the hazards of mercury dental amalgams, and how we support putting an end to this archaic and toxic dental practice. See our archives for details. It's time to safely remove those toxic "silver fillings" from your mouth and replace them with safe (and aesthetically-pleasing) composite material.

Here's a link with information regarding the differences between composite and mercury amalgam fillings: http://www.mynewsmile.com/whitefillings.htm

I am happily mercury-free.

We will continue to update the details of our progress as they unfold.

OC

HEY! Pete Stark -- Wake Up and Mind Yourself!

It doesn't matter which side of the border issue you're on, this is attitude from a tax-paid worker (or anyone who works with people) is just wrong:

http://StandWithArizona.org/3560/

What does Pete Stark and this issue have to do with health?

Nothing. And everything.

Attitude is a top contributing factor to the condition of well being. The exchange of kindness with others feels good, and brings us a sense of well being. (Note the restlessness and building anger from the audience when the congressman replied to questions with sarcasm and disrespect.)

Note: Pete Stark has a background in "health care" legislation. You can google that information.

OC

Keep Methyl Iodide Out of California

From Pesticide Action Network:

California should be leading the way in safe and sustainable agriculture -- not losing ground.

For the first time in many years, California's Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) is considering adding a new fumigant to its list of pesticides approved for agricultural use.  Methyl iodide has been approved nationally, rejected by New York, and is now up for review in California.

Methyl iodide is a known carcinogen so dangerous that over 50 scientists -- 5 of them Nobel Laureates -- sent a letter to the EPA expressing astonishment that the US is "working to legalize broadcast releases of one of the more toxic chemicals used in manufacturing into the environment."

As the largest market for this new chemical, California's choice will send a clear signal to methyl iodide's manufacturer, and the EPA has indicated that California's decision will have an impact on national use. Now is the time to stop methyl iodide in its tracks.

Sign the petition today! Join thousands of people asking state officials to hold the line in California by refusing to register methyl iodide in our state. 

http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/642/campaign.jsp?campaign_KEY=27632
Your name will be added to the following petition letter. Thank you!

LNH