Two sycamores at Arroyo Verde Park in Ventura; the area was hit hard by the Thomas Fire but these trees are recovering.
Tonight there’s a lunar eclipse that will be seen over most of North America — and it’s not in the middle of the night! Unfortunately it’s in the middle of winter with much of the US covered by clouds and a major winter storm with some of the coldest day of the season with temps below zero.
Here on the west coast where we live in Ventura, it’s hazy. While we had a stunning sunset and moonrise, I wonder if we will be able to see anything during the eclipse…
Join Us for The Women’s March 1/19/19
It’s clear that the election of Trump to the office of President served as a catalyst for the historic and massive worldwide 2017 Women’s March which inspired hundreds of women to run for office and millions of women to support them in winning in November 2018, when the #WomensWave swept into office record numbers of women and people of color.
This Saturday, 1/19/19, we again march to send our message to President Trump — and to show our newly elected representatives that we have their backs as they prepare to fight on behalf of women and families. Together, our #WomensWave will keep growing and letting the Trump administration know that diverse women will continue to be a wall of power against his destructive agenda!
Why am I marching? Why will I be wearing my pussy hat this winter once again?
- As a woman, it terrifies me that he has bragged about sexual assault.
- As a taxpayer, it shocks me that he has bragged about not paying taxes.
- As a citizen, I see that his billionaire cabinet selections lack the qualifications necessary to carry out their tasks.
- As a graduate in Environmental Studies, I am afraid of his claims that climate change is a hoax.
- As a college teacher, it appalls me that he was fined $25 million because of his fraudulent university– and even more appalled that he still made millions on that deal.
- As a wildlife biologist, I am scared that we will lose more of the species that share this planet with us.
- And this just scrapes the surface of the turd that is stuck on our shoes until he is impeached, or he quits.
We know how devastating the past two years have been to what many of us hold dear. The government shut down is just the latest in a series of horrendous and shocking moments. We know that one day, hopefully soon, the investigation into Russia’s involvement in this election and this administration will bring it to an end.
There are many ways to raise your voice — but an important one is to join a march near you to demonstrate our power and unity, and, critically, to continue to build momentum to 2020 and beyond. When we return to the streets of Washington, D.C. and cities around the world, we arrive with an agenda on behalf of all women, families, and communities.
Organizers say that “When you click the link, you’ll be letting us know that “You’re all in!” as part of the #WomensWave. By RSVPing now, you will help us share with the media and leaders that women are still rising, persisting, and insisting on justice, so please fill out the form. The more of us who are “all in,” the bigger the impact we’ll have together.”
Wear your pussy hat! Here’s how to make a warm furry eared hat!
- Need help arranging transportation or want to register your bus so others in your area can join you? https://action.momsrising.org/go/39523?t=9&akid=11634%2E192137%2ERlV7xm
- Can’t make it to Washington, D.C., but are interested in participating in a march event near you? You can find a full list of the local events happening (organized by state and city) at the main Women’s March website: https://action.momsrising.org/go/39524?t=11&akid=11634%2E192137%2ERlV7xm
- Want to show some MomsRising/MamásConPoder pride around the marches no matter where you are and whatever you’re doing? We have printable “Super M” buttons for you to wear while marching! #MomsMarching “Super M” Button INSTRUCTIONS: Just print the PDF downloaded from the following link, color the buttons, cut them out, and use a safety pin to put the buttons on for the #WomensMarch! –> Here’s the link to get your FREE buttons for the #WomensMarch: https://action.momsrising.org/go/29059?t=13&akid=11634%2E192137%2ERlV7xm
- Want to get involved virtually? Connect with MomsRising on Facebook and via @MomsRising and @WomensMarch on Twitter on January 19th to raise your voice and help amplify the mission of the Women’s March!
- Keep Informed! We will continue to keep you posted as information comes our way! You can also find the latest information at the main Women’s March website, including transportation recommendations, suggested reading, and the mission of the march.
Join us as we continue to advocate and MARCH for justice for all! Justice for Women (and by women!) means justice for all!! Let’s continue to MARCH until we see the changes we want to see in our community and our world We encourage EVERYONE to create ARTIVISM: social action through ARTISTIC mediums of ANY kind: posters, t-shirts, song, visual, dance, chant, music, or walking with a smile!!
Locally, meet at Ventura’s Plaza Park across from the downtown post office and beside Thompson Avenue and Chestnut near the Majestic Ventura Theater. Park in the garage at the beach off the California Street offramp ($5) or the closer parking garage on Santa Clara between Chestnut and California. Ventura County website offers ideas for artivism and more information. www.justiceforallvc.org
*Don’t forget to RSVP that you’ll be there (in Washington, D.C., or any of the sister cities) — and to share the RSVP link or the link to this blog post on Facebook, Twitter, and with friends and family too, so we can keep building a strong movement. Here’s that RSVP link again: https://action.momsrising.org/survey/WomensMarch_RSVP2019/?t=18&akid=11634%2E192137%2ERlV7xm
Here’s a short link to this blog post: https://wp.me/p8BKX-7bF
Also of possible interest to those in Ventura County:
Each January, the Ventura County Reproductive Rights Network (VCRRN) celebrates the anniversary of the landmark Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision. The current assault on healthcare threatens America’s women. What unfolds when stringent limits are placed on reproductive education and care?
On Sunday Jan. 20, 2019, join Cal Lutheran University professors Adina Nack and José Marichal with student Kleya Dhenin to explore:
- What are the threats to access and affordability of reproductive care?
- What happens to a society that severely restricts women’s healthcare and personal choices?
- How can young people transform the political landscape?
For more information, call 805-212-0702 or email VCRRNetwork@gmail.com.
You say it’s your birthday! Well it’s my birthday too yeah! Happy Birthday Matt Mullenweg! Happy Birthday Larry Harvey!
Today, January 11 is the birthday of two key figures in my life:
- Larry Harvey, founder of Burning Man, who died this past year (Jan. 11, 1948 – April 28, 2018)
- Matt Mullenweg, founder of WordPress, who turns 35 today (you can read his birthday post and past year’s reflections here; at least check out his beautiful blog which he wrote on the new Gutenberg…).
It just so happens that these two visionaries share my birthday too!
So cheers, a toast to these visionaries who have had such an important impact on my life, and a hoppy birthday to all who are born on this day! Read more…
Fire and Mud: Poetry Readings, Events Mark Anniversaries
Thirteen months ago, fire raged in Ventura County, and then the fire roared its way into Santa Barbara, setting the stage for destructive floods.
Today, Weds Jan. 9 is the one year anniversary of the debris flow in Montecito that took the lives of 23 people, destroyed hundreds of homes, and impacted countless businesses and workers.
As our community recovers, we grieve for our losses and we are grateful for what remains, and for the first responders who gave their all, and to those whose continuing efforts have helped those in need.
Just because the fire is out doesn’t mean it’s over. Read more…
Happy Holidays and Highlights of 2018
Season’s Greetings from the beach in Ventura California!
Merry Grinchmas from Universal Studios!
Or as Santa Weir would say,
Grateful Deadmas!
I hope you’re having a fantastic day! We went for a walk on the beach on Christmas eve then enjoyed tamales with mole sauce from Maria Bonita, a restaurant in downtown Ventura that specializes in mole sauce. YUM!
And of course we all got new pajamas — and mine are covered in images of sweets — and I’m still wearing them even thought it is afternoon!
I will be changing soon — we’re going to the Ventura Botanical Garden and then to the beach where it’s a super low tide… and maybe we’ll find some beach glass.
Below you’ll find our 2018 Christmas letter with some highlights and photos from our adventures in 2018.
May 2019 be epic! Read more…
Winter Solstice: Full Moon, Heart, Stars
Friday December 21 is the winter solstice 2018, the day with the least sunlight and the longest night.
A most important day for humans for millennia!
A The Smithsonian Magazine writer, asked Native friends about winter solstice traditions. The answer?
Winter is the time for storytelling and star gazing!
California On Fire: Life’s New Abnormal
I live in Ventura, in Ventura County. Growing up, I knew fire was a constant threat.
And then, a year ago, my town burned, and so did much of Western Ventura County. And then the rain brought killer debris flows.
And just a month ago, November 2018, Ventura County was on fire again. Both fires were unusually large and consumed many homes; both fires were fueled by drought and fanned by ferocious Santa Ana winds. I wrote about them here.
the view from my house on Nov. 9, 2018
