Jane Bogner
Solano Group

Solano Group Annual Meeting - December 10 Solano Group members are invited to attend the Solano Group Annual Meeting on December 10 at 7 pm at the Fetterly Art Gallery located in the Vallejo Plaza at 2467 Sonoma Blvd. Refreshments will be served. The next ExCom officer meeting will be held on Wednesday, January 28, 2004 at the Fetterly Art Gallery. Directions solanobreeze@yahoo.com or 707-644-9183.

********

Victorious Local Elections Solano Group ExCom endorsements won big. We endorsed eight candidates and two propositions in three city elections. In Vallejo, two of the four candidates won: Mayor Tony Intintoli and Council person Gary Cloutier won reelection while newcomers Tom Bartee and Victoria Gray made a good showing. In Benicia, Elizabeth Patterson won a council seat but Donnell Rubay was unsuccessful in her bid for Benicia Mayor. Benicia voters approved the Open Space Measure K.

Solano Group endorsed two winners of council seats in Fairfield: Marilyn Farley and Jack Batson. Voters In Fairfield also passed Measure L that limits further growth. Thanks to all who worked for these candidates and measures in Vallejo, Benicia, and Faifield. Your tireless efforts are greatly appreciated.

********

VALCORE Community Recycling: Check out www.VALCORErecycling.org.

VALCORE Recycling 2003 Workday: Dec 27. We work from 9 am to Noon. $50 is offered to volunteer supervisors for their favorite classroom. Thanks to all for bringing their valuable recyclables to Vallejo. A big thank you to Mary Ochoa, Mike Altgelt, Lalaine Guevarra and Jane Bogner for working on October 4 with the new Cub Scout troop. Thanks to Lalaine Guevarra, Debbie Surani and Elena DuCharme for working on October 18 at the International Day celebration at the Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum. Thanks also to Museum director Jim Kern and this wife Chris, who always include environmental issues at the museum.

Watch for Xmas Tree Recycling programs in your city.

********

Green Mare Island to Medusa 10K/5K Race - November 8 Jane Bogner has served on the organizing committee of this race for four years. Each year, planners make the race greener. This year, Vallejo debuted their new Event Recycling Containers alongside the compost bins for fruit scraps, paper recycling bins and trash containers. A large group of Solano Group members guarded these bins and educated runners and their families. Earthware (corn-foam plates, bowls, forks and spoons) were used at the pre-race sponsors party and race-day VIP tent. Over 97 pounds of these bio-degradable cornstarch items plus paper napkins and food wastes are being composted in VALCORE's (and Jane's) backyard composting bins. 40 pounds of CRV containers, 48 pounds of scrap containers and 250 pounds of cardboard and paper were recycled. This event drew 893 runners (plus family and friends) and over 400 volunteers. Kudos to all.

Thanks to my crew who arrived two hours before the race began: Phil McCullough, Steven Day, Craig Toeung, Ray Anderson, Kenn Browne, Sam McGee, Maria Trefren and City of Vallejo Recycling Coordinator Derek Crutchfield.

********

Hikes on the Swett/King Ranches in Solano County: Dec 6, Jan 17, Feb 7, Mar 20, and Apr 10. Call Kathy Blume 707-864-2108 or keva@castles.com.

********

Mark your calendars for the best environmental event in the North Bay. San Francisco Bay Flyway Festival will be held on Mare Island in Vallejo on January 23 - 25, 2004. Learn about our local wetlands and environment by hiking, birding, building a birdhouse or attending a lecture at this event. For more information go to www.sfbayflywayfestival.com or call 707 649-WING. If you would like to volunteer to lead a hike, clean the building, put up an informational booth, sell merchandise or sponsor a children's activity, please call Myrna Hayes at 707-557-9816 or myrnahay@pacbell.net.

********