Margaret Pennington
Redwood Chapter Chair

As I write the November 8th special election results are still very fresh on my mind. The voters' rejection of statewide propositions 73, 75 and 76 was good news for Sierra Club. The Club's official recommendation was to oppose those three propositions forwarded by the Governor ­ and the voters did.

The news on the local front in Sonoma County was not so good. Measure M, GE Free Sonoma, which would have provided a 10 year moratorium on growing genetically engineered (GE) crops in Sonoma County, was defeated. Although similar GE Free ballot measures have been successful in other parts of the Redwood Chapter (Mendocino and Trinity Counties), Sonoma County was not so fortunate this time around.

Sierra Club heartily endorsed Measure M and supported the GE Free Sonoma campaign effort. The measure was completely in line with Sierra Club's national position on Biotechnology which calls for acting in accordance with the Precautionary Principle when dealing with this new technology ­ especially in the case of open field grown crops where the risk of GE contamination of surrounding farms and the natural environment is a great concern.

The Precautionary Principle advises that "when an activity raises the possibility of serious or irreversible harm to the environment or living creatures, precautionary measures that prevent the possibility of harm shall be taken even if the causal line between the activity and the possible harm has not been proven."

Sierra Club's policy continues: "In accordance with this Precautionary Principle, we call for a moratorium on the planting of all genetically engineered crops and the release of all GEO's into the environment, including those now approved. Releases should be delayed until extensive, rigorous research is done which determines the long-term environmental and health impacts of each GEO and there is public debate to ascertain the need for the use of each GEO intended for release into the environment."

The Redwood Chapter will continue to partner with GE Free efforts to protect our farms, families and the natural environment from potential unintended consequences of GE crops and foods. We also extend a huge thank you to the folks at GE Free Sonoma, especially campaign director, Dave Henson with Occidental Arts and Ecology Center, and campaign organizer, Daniel Solnit. And thanks to all of our Sierra Club members ­ YOU ­ for stepping up to help. Although the grassroots campaign did not bring victory for Measure M on November 8th ­ the level of commitment and energy this organizing effort stirred up was impressive ­ and that momentum will continue.

Personally, I watched my two 20-something kids engage with the political process over this issue. My son walked precincts. My daughter talked up Measure M with everyone she knew. They both waved "Yes on M" signs at the corner of Lakeville Highway and Highway 37 on election eve - IN THE RAIN! And they both railed at the Press Democrat's negative bias - and wondered WHY? Don't we all. What a grand lesson in small "d" democracy.

2006 is just around the corner. It will be another "regular" election year. Redwood Chapter Political efforts throughout our chapter will need the help of volunteers ­ starting now. In order to endorse environmentally friendly candidates and/or ballot measures we must have active Group and Chapter political committees. Right now most of our Groups are in need of additional political committee members. Redwood Chapter is in need of a Chapter Political Chair to coordinate the endorsement process across Groups. If making change through the ballot box interests you, please consider getting involved with our local Sierra Club political program. Contact your local group political chair (see directory in the Needles) or feel free to contact me.