Update 11-14-2007 #1
Oil spill report Wednesday morning:
Training tonight, maybe later: No registration is required for training tonight to certify you for some work with oil for this spill only, 6-10 PM tonight, Wed., Nov. 14, at the County Fair Building, Ninth and Lincoln, in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco.This will be followed by San Francisco cleanups for trained volunteers Thursday - Sunday.
If you are interested another training session in the East Bay, email Nabil Al-Hadithy, Director of Berkeley's Toxic Management Program, NAlHadithy@ci.berkeley.ca.us.
Doing it yourself? I am not recommending this, but if you are going to go out on your own, there are pretty fair directions including safety measures at http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/vol/477196802.html. And heed this, from the Baykeeper website: Safety gear such as double Nitrile/rubber gloves, overshoes, and Tyvek suits can minimize exposure to bunker oil, which causes cancer and other long-term health problems. Children should not be exposed to bunker fuel at all. Anything that comes in contact with the fuel, including shoes and clothing, should be doubled bagged along with all other oily waste and taken to a hazardous waste facility. Do not wear oily clothes home! Do not put contaminated materials in the trash or compost!
Fundraisers: The weekend is coming - check the Baykeeper website, http://www.baykeeper.org/news/oilspill.html, for fundraisers. So far, Doc's Clock in SF on Nov. 16, and the California Culinary Academy Nov. 30.
Hearing on spill and response: Assemblymember Loni Hancock, chair of the Assembly Committee on Natural Resources, has called an emergency oversight hearing on the spill, 10 am - 1 pm Thursday, Nov. 16, at Emeryville Council Chambers, 2nd Floor, 1333 Park Ave., Emeryville. The hearing will "investigate what led to the spill, assess current conditions and examine the environmental damage, as well as determine what immediate steps will be necessary to ensure proper clean-up and protection of coastal and marine resources and wildlife." I am pretty sure this is mostly invited speakers. If you have something to say about how we could respond better next time, you might try emailing aides of Rep. George Miller, who is also working on this hearing: Kathy.hoffman@mail.house.gov, ben.miller@mail.house.gov . Hancock's office couldn't help me on this yesterday, but you might try her aide Armando Viramontes, (916) 319-2216, today.
Weekend work parties:
Plant natives with Urban Creeks Council at the newly restored reach of Codornices Creek adjacent to St. Mary's High School, Albina Street north of Hopkins, 9 am - 1 pm. Wear boots with good traction; this area is very steep. (They may have to limit numbers for this reason).
Friends of Five Creeks and Berkeley Path Wanderers will weed and plant natives on paths in the upper Codornices watershed, 10 am to about noon, followed by a light picnic at Glendale-LaLoma Park. Meet at lower Glendale Path, Campus at Glendale.
Needed materials: The bird-rescue center at Shorebird Nature Center needs unflavored pediatric electrolyte solution (to feed oiled birds), flashlights that use AA batteries, and heavy gloves impervious to hazardous chemicals. Ongoing needs include towels, pillowcases, paper grocery bags, and plastic bags for dead birds. This is the best place to check for local opportunities to get trained and volunteer; 510- 981 6720. Directions to the center at http://www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/marina/marinaexp/directions.html).
Meanwhile, other ecological work goes on, with a choice of three local work parties Saturday, Nov. 17:
Weed and plant at Gateway Park on Baxter Creek, Ohlone Greenway at the stub ends of Conlon, just east of San Pablo Avenue, 9:30 am - 12:30 pm. Information at oceansdesign@gmail.com.