Copy
View this email in your browser

Local 20/20 logo
Local 20/20 Weekly Announcements
October 5, 2020
Kobocha squash by Cindy Jayne

Note: No COVID-19 Update on Mon, Oct 5th *Update*


No update this week, the next one will be 10/12/20.






 

Climate on Tap: Al Gore’s “Truth in 10”- Mon, Oct. 5th  *Online*
 This session will introduce you to “Truth in 10,” a slide presentation on climate change created by Al Gore. This slide show is available for you to share with others! Experience this fascinating and engaging slide show and discuss ways it can be shared with friends, family, groups, and more.
 Each Climate on Tap is held on the first Monday of the month and is co-sponsored by Local 20/20 Climate Action, Jefferson County Public Health, and FinnRiver Cidery. This is not a lecture series, but a book club/discussion format. Each session includes  information to get the conversation started, followed by group discussions that include what locals think and what locals plan to do. For further information email Laura Tucker or call 360-379-4491. 
Time: 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. 
Zoom link: 
https://zoom.us/j/96415430894?pwd=M1BBd0dKdEtRTkNNNjVuRENLQ1RLQT09
Meeting ID: 964 1543 0894
Passcode: 665611


First Indigenous Online Film Festival - Now through Mon Oct 5th *Online*
For the first time, Vision Maker Media will be hosting an online, five-week-long celebration of American Indian, Alaska Native and worldwide Indigenous films from August 31 – October 5, 2020. Accompanying the films, a collective of inspiring filmmakers will discuss the films and more. To see the films, go here.
 

Virtual Town Hall - Dove House Online Fundraiser - Tues, Oct 6th *Online*

You can meet Recovery Café leaders at the Zoom Town Hall. On October 1, Dove House is launching its first online fundraising campaign to raise $25,000 to build a deck and install landscaping for a beautiful, welcoming outdoor space to accommodate appropriately distanced gatherings at the Recovery Café. Peer-led support groups, classes in “School for Recovery,” community-building social activities, therapy sessions, and more will be led outside.
Our fundraiser includes an event each week in October, Domestic Violence Action Month.
On 10/13 go on a virtual tour of the newly renovated space at 939 Kearney St. 
On 10/20 play virtual BINGO for prizes. (All who donate by October 19th will be sent two BINGO cards.)
On 10/26 enjoy an online concert with Hollow Moon. 
Event details, links and fun ways to give at 
https://www.dovehousejc.org. Or, text CAFÉ to 800-304-0911. Questions? Call Brian Richardson at 360-385-5292.
Time: 5:30-7 pm. Location: Online


“Your Soil—It's All about Geology" - Thurs, Oct 8th  *Online*
Michael Machette presents discussion on the local geology of the Quimper Peninsula and its effect on the soils in your garden.  All of the soils in this region are young (less than 15,000 yrs), but they can be some of the most productive in the state. Michael is a Quaternary geologist (one who deals with the past 2 million years of the earth’s history). His 35-year career was in the arid Southwest with the US Geological Survey in Denver, but he moved to Port Townsend in 2008 to retire near the water in a cooler low-land climate.  Michael is a a principle advisor to the Quimper Geological Society, which has more than 800 local members. 
https://wsu.zoom.us/j/92819751790
Meeting ID: 928 1975 1790
Time: 3:00 pm Location: Online


Coffee with PT City Manager John Mauro on KPTZ - Thurs, Oct 8th
Brewocracy has a new weekly time slot on KPTZ - Thursdays, from 12:10 to 12:40 pm. Discovery Road DJ host Tim Quackenbush hosts Port Townsend City Manager John Mauro in a live broadcast that encourages productive dialogue. John takes questions that listeners call in to 360-215-7270 during the 12:10 to 12:40 p.m. broadcast. You can also email questions to Tim Quackenbush.  See the KPTZ event page here for links to join the Zoom meeting. Or simply tune in to KPTZ at 91.9 FM.  Check KPTZ for the schedule, and find recorded conversations on the Discovery Road page.

Jefferson County Shoreline Master Program Survey Closes Fri Oct 9th *New*
Jefferson County is in the process of updating its Shoreline Master Program (SMP). SMPs are local land-use policies and regulations that guide use of Washington shorelines. SMPs apply to both public and private uses for Washington’s more than 28,000 miles of lake, stream, wetland, and marine shorelines. They protect natural resources for future generations, provide for public access to public waters and shores, and plan for water-dependent uses.

Find out more information at the project website here. Learn more by visiting their interactive online Story Map here.  Share your ideas by filling out their survey here.


Port Townsend Farmers Market - Sat, Oct 10th
October is a great time to appreciate the pumpkin and its winter squash family. While the tomato, cucumber, zucchini, and eggplant seasons are soon to close, winter squash is just rolling into your farmers markets.
The 
Port Townsend Farmers Market  is also online!  Place your order online here by 1 pm Thursday and pick it up during market hours. There is a now a new option for bike delivery of online orders from the farmers' market. Find out more here. Don't forget your mask!

We are asking folks to join us in the $20 farmers market challenge. Farmers market sales are down 52% versus last season. This sales reduction may result in local farms and businesses closing due to the pandemic economic downturn. We need help to turn things around. We are asking market shoppers to spend more of their weekly grocery budget directly with local farms at the Port Townsend or Chimacum Farmers Market. We also offer the JCFM online store, open Tuesdays 5:30 pm-Thursdays at 1 pm at jcfmarkets.org. The Farmers Market $20 Challenge-- shop local for your health, to support local farms, and as an investment in our community.
Time: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Location: Uptown, Tyler Street.

Chimacum Farmers Market  - Sun, Oct 11th
Want to shop for locally grown food in the heart of our farming community with your dog at your side? Well, the Chimacum Farmers Market may be just the market for you. Located in the heart of Jefferson County’s farm country, The Chimacum Farmers Market is set up every Sunday from 10 am to 2 pm, June-October. You can find the weekly vendor map on their website.  Senior and immuno-compromised shopping hour from is from 10-11 am. General community shopping from 11 am to 2 pm at Chimacum Corner Farmstand. The Chimacum Farmers Market will follow the health and safety plan developed in partnership with Jefferson County Public Health listed in their newsletter, and now includes having shoppers wear masks to protect others.
Time: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.  (seniors 10-11), Location: 9122 Rhody Dr, Chimacum

Celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day by Exploring the číčməhán Trail - Mon, Oct 12th *New*
Benches were installed at two sites on the číčməhán Trail just in time to enjoy the view on Indigenous Peoples Day, October 12, and throughout the year.  The benches are located at the Four Points interpretive sign at the intersection of Van Buren and Blaine and the Laurel Grove Cemetery gravesite of S’Klallam Chief číčməhán, his wife si?ám’itsa (see-hem’itza) and a grandson. 
From Four Points one can view Mt. Rainier, Mt. Baker, the Olympic Mountains and Orcas Island on a clear day.  Chief číčməhán’s gravesite offers a southeastern view over the trees to Port Townsend Bay. 
A 30-page booklet created by the Tribe includes a Trail map and descriptions of all 18 of the historic sites, email here.  More history here.

The číčməhán Trail is a project of Native Connections Action Group at Quimper Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, in partnership with the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe.  Celeste Dybeck, Jamestown S’Klallam Tribal Elder, is the project lead. 


Learn About Pacific Harbor Seals - Tues, Oct 13th  *Online*
Friends of Fort Flagler offers an opportunity to hear from one of the area’s premier experts on marine mammals, Casey McLean, Executive Director of SR3. Casey Mclean has over 12 year’s experience working with marine animals and is the Executive Director of SR3, Washington’s first dedicated marine animal hospital.  SR3 is a nonprofit organization that focuses on response, rehabilitation and research of local marine wildlife.
To register, please email your name, email and the city of residence to
Friends of Fort Flagler. They will send you the links and instructions.
We have seen an increase in harbor seal strandings at Fort Flagler in 2020. What should you do if you see one?  How can you help them? This program is part of an effort by Friends of Fort Flagler to expand our focus to include the natural history of the park. They will be working with park staff to enhance the natural environment by working on the trails, removing invasive species, and restoring the natural habitat.  They hope to provide a variety of educational opportunities for park visitors.
Time: 6 pm Location: Online


Jefferson Land Trust Work Party at Valley View Forest - Tues, Oct 13th *New*
Jefferson Land Trust is holding a work party to finesse the trails that the community members built at the Valley View Forest property in anticipation of welcoming the public to this protected forest. They'll also be installing gates and benches to prepare this protected forest for its public debut. Due to Covid-19 safety protocols, registration is required. Sign up here! Contact Carrie for more information and location details.
Time: 10 am - 1 om
Location: Contact them for specifics


Local 20/20 Climate Action Outreach Meeting - Thurs, Oct 15th  *New Date*
Want to help educate the community on what we all can do related to reducing our carbon footprint? Attend our monthly meeting to learn more about what is currently planned, and add your ideas to the mix! Meetings are generally on the second Thursday of the month,but for October the meeting will be on the 15th, from 3:00 - 5:00 pm. For the online meeting information, email Cindy
Time: 3 pm – 5 pm Location: Online


Jefferson County Tiny Home Community Webinar Series - Wed, Oct 21st *New*
Jefferson County’s housing crisis is going from bad to worse as the economic impact of COVID-19 hits.  Learn why Tiny Home Communities are a sustainable solution to the housing affordability crisis here in Jefferson County.  The goal in this webinar series is to answer many of the questions you might have about tiny home communities, such as: How do you build them?  Where can you locate them?  And would a tiny home community be a good fit for me?  Series starts on
Oct 21 with  Tiny Home Community Development Basics; then Nov 18  Tiny Home Community Development Strategies; and Dec 16  Tiny Home Communities as Supportive Housing, all 6:30 - 8 pm.
Learn more and register here , or email.
Time: 6:30 - 8 pm, Location: Online
 
Engage PT Discussion on Water Supply - Mill Agreement - Mon, Oct 26th *New* *Online*
The City of Port Townsend is beginning the process for renegotiating an agreement with the Port Townsend Paper Mill that will address operations, maintenance, and replacement of the Olympic Gravity Water System as the City looks forward to the next 100 years of water supply.  After nearly 100 years, 30 mile pipeline is at the end of its design life.   In an effort to develop the best possible strategy for moving forward, the City desires to put all considerations on the table.  Steve King is leading the discussion with the Port Townsend Paper Company.  Steve will provide an overview of the background, considerations recognized to date, and the path forward.  Climate change and water supply is one of those key considerations that will need to be vetted as part of the analysis and process.  Local 20/20's Climate Preparedness group is co-hosting this discussion. The zoom meeting link will be posted here as this gets closer.
When: 2:00 - 3:00 pm,  Location: Online
Community Notices
 
Local 20/20 COVID-19 Resources l2020.org/COVID-19/  *Online*
A central location for community-wide information relating to COVID-19, updated frequently. Includes Reliable Information Sources, Food Sources, Community Covid-19 Resource pages, Giving and Getting Assistance, Community Events Online, Community Face Mask Program, and information web posts related to COVID-19. Look in the red box at the top of the page for all the newest information.


Jefferson Land Trust Fall Harvest Dinner Challenge
*Online*
The Jefferson Land Trust has issued Fall Harvest Dinner Challenge. You can choose a pairing of food with specialty sauerkrauts from Midori Farm. Source as much of your meal as possible from local farms. Then email them a photo or two of your table with information on the ingredients. They will share the results via social media and their website.

Needed: Canning Jars and Lids
As you might already know, there is a nationwide shortage of canning jars and lids.  As the pandemic continues, many new people have taken up canning, and some supply chains have been disrupted, meaning that lids are sold out across the country.  Meghan at Hopscotch Farm is seeking unused regular mouth (small) canning jar lids and/or 4 oz canning jars so that produce will not to go to waste.  If you have any regular mouth lids or 4 oz jars that you would like to donate or sell, please email Meghan  or call her at  or 206-947-1116. Or you can find the Hopscotch booth at the Saturday Port Townsend Farmers Market.

Jefferson Land Trust Burial Survey *Online*
Conservation burial cemeteries and memorial forests are places for family and friends to come to honor and remember a loved one in a natural setting. Jefferson Land Trust is considering creating a conservation burial wildland cemetery and/or a memorial forest for scattering ashes. To help them decide whether to proceed with these projects, they’re asking for community feedback in a brief, 10-question online survey.

Broadband Survey Takers Needed *Online*

You may have heard that the Port, the PUD, the City and the County have all joined together to work on some specific aspects of the COVID response - especially in areas that have emerged as vulnerable areas for our communities. One area is broadband access - with focus areas of education, business and health care. Recently the Jefferson Broadband Action Team had a presentation from the Washington State Department of Commerce on new possibilities for seeking funding for broadband funding. In order to be competitive, communities need to map out  connectivity of residents. In order to do that, WA State Dept of Commerce has developed a short survey for residents to describe their access to the internet. You can help out by taking this easy one-minute survey. 

Local Adult Family Home Looking for Volunteers
The Hamilton House, a Port Townsend Adult Family Home, is looking for volunteers to help in the garden, taking residents on socially distant walks and bike rides, fundraising, graphic design, events, and more! Let us know your expertise and we can find somewhere you can fit in. Hours are flexible. The Hamilton House houses six residents  and is operated by Olympic Neighbors, a local nonprofit organization that provides safe, affordable housing and staff support for adults with developmental disabilities. Contact Stephanie Brooks at 616-566-6103 or email here to learn more. You can also complete the volunteer application here


Local 20/20 Statement on Systemic Racial and Social Inequities
As our hearts, minds, and bodies survive and move through the COVID 19 pandemic and into the uprising of voices demanding social and racial justice sparked by the murder of George Floyd at the hands of law enforcement, Local 20/20 acknowledges the existence of systemic racial and social inequities in our country.  With compassion, we “take a knee” in solidarity with victims of oppression in any form.  We pledge to work harder at understanding what it takes to make positive change toward our collective goals for policy that reflect antiracist actions and ideas. Local 20/20’s mission is to promote sustainability and resilience through advocacy and education. We recognize that our goals of a healthy existence for all can ONLY be achieved through policies that uphold racial and social equity. As we enjoy the benefits of living in this incredible paradise, we also acknowledge that we live on land usurped by European Settlers from the Jamestown S’Klallam, the Lower Elwah Klallam, the Port Gamble S’Klallam, the Skokomish, the Quinault, the Quileute, the Hoh, and the Makah tribes.
Read about 
actions that have emerged since we first posted this statement.
See updated readings in our Resilience Review section below on this topic.

Local Economy / Currency Group Forming 
Local 20/20 is always looking for ways to make the local economy more resilient and with COVID 19 we are also looking for ways that might help restart our local economy. Currently, we are researching a range of local complementary currency options, including the existing one, but are open to any ideas which can make us more resilient to outside forces. If you would like to join a group whose mission is to discuss these topics please email Mark.

Host a Meeting on the Local Housing Emergency *Online*
The HSN's Outreach Housing Action Team is releasing the Cultivating Community Solutions to the Housing Crisis video online to continue reaching broader audiences and inspiring more action. You can view the video here. You can continue spreading this call to action by sharing this video in the community. COVID-19 is a threat multiplier to the challenges our struggling community members were already facing. You can join the HSN Giving Circle here.


Nature in Your Neighborhood with Jefferson Land Trust - View All  the Event Recordings *Online*

Although the live virtual events in Nature in Your Neighborhood ended last week - you can still sign up to view all the event recordings online! Recordings are available from all 8 of the Virtual Nature Walks that are centered around what hidden wonders there are to discover in our own backyards and neighborhoods as well as the 6 Extending Your Reach presentations on local geology, marine mammals, wildlife tracking and more. Sign up to receive a link to all of the recordings, to be in the know about future events, and to receive a *treasure trove *of supplemental materials shared by the presenters!


Just Soup on Tuesdays
On Tuesday, 11:30-1:30, Just Soup provides free, hot soup lunches at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 1020 Jefferson St, on the Tyler St. bus line [by the Bell Tower.] Enter the rear church parking lot on Franklin, and whether you are on foot, bike, or car, you will be in line for curbside pickup, with masks, gloves, and safe distancing protocols in place.  Pick up a lunch for yourself or your neighbor in need. No questions asked.
Many partners and supporters have come together to feed Port Townsend one bowl at a time!!!  This information also appears on
 Local 20/20 COVID-19 Resources Meals Page here
Times and Locations:  11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Tuesdays, St. Paul's Episcopal Church

Facebook Group for Jefferson County Food Growers *Online*
A new Facebook group has been formed for gardeners, community gardens, and farmers to share resources, information and inspiration. Here you can connect with other food and herb growers in our region.  You can find answers to your questions about pests, powdery mildew, and all the other challenges faced by food growers.  Ask for or share resources such as seedlings, seeds, manure, and more. Post pictures for plant identification or just to share your inspiration.

Download Port Townsend Walking Times Map

Local 20/20 Transportation Lab's popular walking times map is downloadable here.  It provides approximate travel time on foot between points. Estimates are based on an average speed of 3 mph. Walking is healthy, social, fun, costs nothing, keeps your carbon footprint small and allows you to maintain social distance. Use the map to find new routes across our beautiful town.


Emergency Text Alerts from Jefferson County
Sign up to receive Jefferson County Department of Emergency Managements emergency alerts by text on your mobile phone and/or by email.  NIXLE messages provide crucial information in an emergency & are sent directly to your text-enabled device and/or email. The sign up web page also has information about other alert and warning systems, including the tsunami warning system and the WSDOT alert system.


A Tool for Neighborhood Organization
Nextdoor is a private social network for YOUR neighborhood. Use this link to join one of 59 Nextdoor Neighborhoods (NDN) in Jefferson County. Currently there are 11,523 subscribers, with many new members joining each day. Email Pete Hubbard with questions or comments.

Library Resources A to Z 
Jefferson County Library has now begun delivery of holds and pick up of returns at all bookmobile stops  You can see the schedule here. Curbside holds may be picked up at the library on Tuesdays-Saturdays, 10 a.m.-5:00 pm
Bookmark this Jefferson County Library page to access to a HUGE number of free resources from A (Academic Search Premier, Ancestry.com, and Automotive Resources) to the Washington Anytime Library with its e-books and audiobooks. In between find Kanopy for three free full-length films per month plus unlimited Kanopy Kids and The Great Courses. ProQuest takes you to scholarly journals, dissertations and theses, books and videos. (A feature that limits searches to peer-reviewed material yielded 503 studies for the search term COVID-19.) Classes? Try Mango for languages, Lydna.com for computer skills and more. You don't even need a library card to access the Khan Academy for homework help from pre-school up through advanced placement and test prep. If you have trouble logging in, call  360-385-6544 Mon-Fri  between 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. to get help from a librarian.

Calling Local Photographers!

Local 20/20 Weekly Announcements invites local photographers to submit images that capture the character of our community and its natural setting. For the opening photo of each weekly email, we seek local color, horizontal (“landscape”) orientation, and jpeg format. Please no children, pets or recognizable faces. Kindly send to events@l2020.orgPlease include your name in the jpeg filename. We are an all-volunteer non-profit, so compensation for your talent and generosity is a photo credit and our profound thanks. 
Resilience Readings
Do you have readings, podcasts or videos to share that are aligned with our Local 20/20 mission?  Please submit them here for consideration.

The five real conspiracy theories you need to know about *New*
The current sad state of our national political system includes a descent into conspiracy theories that threaten real harm to real people and degrade the health of our society. This article does not go into any depth examining Q-Anon, coronavirus or anti-vaxxer conspiracies but takes the opportunity to highlight some very real and impactful things happening in our world. For the most part these are phenomena that are so insidious and have been with us for so long that they’ve faded into the background paradigm. Author Jeremy Lent asks us to consider the vast conspiracy that makes things possible such as turning the world into one giant marketplace and in the process creating almost unimaginable levels of wealth disparity. Lent also outlines the conspiracy to plunder the global south, and the efforts to hide the effects of climate change to protect corporate profit. Lent’s last “conspiracy”  is the one to “grow the global economy indefinitely, while killing most of life on Earth and risking the collapse of civilization.” In terms of impact this last one seems especially far fetched. Such a thing could not really be possible… right?  Please find the article at Resilience.org here.
 

Ontology as a hidden driver of politics *New*
This article is a thought-provoking dive into the paradigms that operate in the background and which shape how we think about the world. Essentially this refers to what we call reality. One of the current problems we face that seems almost insurmountable is that our society has devolved into the situation where major segments of the population believe different things and operate from different realities. Understanding how or why this happens would be a place to start healing the divide. Only when we start pulling together will we have a decent chance to address the enormous challenges before us (see Climate change article below). Authored by David Bollier, this is an overview to a report compiled at last year’s workshop by the Commons Strategies Group and the Institute for Advanced Sustainability Studies. The article and a link to access the full report are available here.


New Study shows a Vicious Cycle of Climate Change building on layers of warming ocean water *New*
It would have been easy to miss the alarming new report from researchers who describe how the Oceans are “stabilizing”. These days it would be quite understandable to welcome any sort of stabilizing but in our oceans this represents an ominous situation. The ability of our oceans to buffer the impacts of CO2 and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere has allowed us to delay the onset of the major impacts of climate change forecast for the future. However, it seems the ability of the oceans to perform this service is ending far sooner than scientists had expected.  One of the study's co-authors is Michael Mann of Penn State who also says we now cannot rule out some of the more dire risks including that atmospheric CO2 could triple by the year 2100, and that global average temperature could rise by 8 degrees F.  Even as so much of our attention seems focused on things like the death toll from COVID-19 and an uncertain political situation we should also take time to assess our world from the big picture perspective and to act accordingly. Find the article by Bob Berwyn at Inside Climate News here.

The Political Economy of Decarbonization: Tradable Energy Quotas for energy descent futures
When we consider the many challenges of climate change, we often avoid considering the need to modify our lifestyles to utilize less energy. This article by Samuel Alexander and Joshua Floyd examines the concept of ‘Tradable Energy Quotas (TEQs) that could help equitably manage a societal response to transitioning away from using fossil fuels, whether we choose to do so to forestall climate catastrophe, or whether we’re forced to by diminished supply. Alexander and Floyd examine Joseph Tainter’s theory that as societal complexity increases, greater inputs of energy are required to solve problems that arise.  The implication is that if we adopt lower energy lifestyles and economic degrowth there will be the risk of destabilizing societal inequities. A system of TEQs offers a way to distribute the available energy equitably among all stakeholders in relation to basic human needs rather than some other system that exacerbates current economic inequality. This wonky but worthwhile article holds relevance to our local community and can be found here.

Truth and Redistribution 
In the Yes! magazine's Black Lives Issue, authors Darrick Hamilton and Naomi Zewde discuss how to fix the racial wealth gap, end plutocracy, and build black power. They discuss how acknowledgment alone is insufficient to address "America's race problem manifesting as a Black economic problem."  “We can only move forward from the long history of racial exploitation for those who have been harmed.  In essence, acknowledgment and apology alone (truth and reconciliation) will be incomplete if not accompanied by some form if material redress: It is only with both these factors that America can ever have racial justice.” This article addresses what needs to happen for equity in America.  What does reparation mean, and how would that make real change? Please find the article here.


West Coast Wildfires: A Letter to Friends from an Oregon Resident
John Kaufman, formerly  of The Scientists’ Institute for Public Information, worked for 35 years on climate and energy issues. He writes from Salem, OR, to help the nation get a sense of what has going on there with the fires. He reminds us of the impacts wildfires leave long after the fires have gone out. As he says, we have entered a new era. Please find his essay here.



The Desperate Search to Find His Family Ends in Tragedy
Sometimes the entirety of a disaster is so overwhelming that the human mind has a hard time grasping the situation. This article about the Beachie Fire tells of the heroic efforts of Chris Tofte of Stayton, OR, as he tried to get back to his family after going to borrow a trailer so they could pack up and evacuate. It is very well written and gives us a sense of how terribly easy it is to get caught by a wildfire. Such stories, even though hard to read, may help us motivate to prepare ourselves in case we find ourselves in such a situation. Published in The Oregonian September 12th, please find the article here.

On COVID and Climate Perils
Local 20/20's monthly PT Leader column for August described a few parallels between the Covid-19 pandemic and climate change.  It is a friendly reminder that we need to act, and quickly, to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions in order to avoid the worst consequences of climate change.  It encouraged taking a look at your own carbon footprint and considering easy individual actions that a person might take.  The author, Cynthia Bratz, P.E., describes how her own individual actions influenced others to act.


Living in the Time of Dying  

Living in the Time of Dying’ is short documentary film (54 min.) by Australian Michael Shaw. It begins with a trip to visit local author Dahr Jamail (The End of Ice). It is a meaningful exploration of the situation in which humanity finds itself here on planet Earth--that  we must consider societal collapse as likely and even human extinction as quite possible. Featured interviews with Jem Bendell (Deep Adaptation) and Native Elder Stan Rushworth help us consider our own story in the here and now. Noted dharma teacher and author of Facing Extinction, Catherine Ingram asks us to find the courage to move towards acceptance.  Ingram leaves us with a Leonard Cohen quote: “So come my friends, be not afraid. / We are so lightly here. / It is in love that we are made; / In love we disappear.” If you are able to find some quiet time today, I think you will enjoy this video available here.

A Helpful Approach to Communication in These Difficult Times
Local 20/20's monthly PT Leader column for July shared how in times like the ones we are experiencing now, one of the most compassionate things we can do for one another is to listen--listen carefully and offer back what we have heard the other person say about what they are feeling and needing. "It is impossible to overemphasize the immense need humans have to be really listened to, to be taken seriously, to be understood,” notes Dr. Paul Tournier.  This article by Suzanne Jones, M.A., is entitled A Helpful Approach to Communication in These Difficult Times” 


Our Power Comes from Acting without Escape from Our Pain
This article is co-authored by Gail Bradbook, one of the founders of the Extinction Rebellion (XR), and Jem Bendell from the Deep Adaptation Forum (DA), and represents a unified view on how the two groups view the climate crisis. As outlined in Heinberg’s article below, both groups agree on the urgency and existential level of the threat. There had been some concerns expressed that the Deep Adaptation approach, which begins with an acceptance of the probability of civilization collapse may lead people into bottomless despair and inaction. This essay addresses that concern directly and, beautifully, I think, realigns the two camps. While XR will continue efforts to demand action from the current political system in order to lower our collective greenhouse gas footprint, DA people will focus on work at a personal and local level to help cushion the inevitable fall. Both approaches are valid and necessary;  the important thing is the awareness of the urgency of the situation. Please find the article here.

In Detroit a New Type of Neighborhood Has Emerged
Where exactly is the line between a community garden and urban agriculture? Does it matter? As Port Townsend debates the future of the City-owned golf course, there is a growing advocacy for considering the value of growing our own food close to home. At the same time there remains a level of skepticism as to whether small scale agriculture or community gardens can grow a significant part of our community's food supply.  This article describes the emerging phenomenon of “agrihoods,”communities built around a large garden/small farm hub. Increasing food security and building community are some of the ways these efforts increase our resilience. Please read this 2019 article from Yes! magazine about efforts in Detroit and imagine how Port Townsend might look and feel in the future. 

The Pandemic is Making Us Question the Connection between Work and Money
This is a wonderful meditation on the concept of money. Author Curtis White picks up on the recent automatic deposits sent to people to provide relief from COVID-19’s economic effects and wonders if money can be magically created out of thin air, what does that mean? What is this thing called money, and how insidiously ingrained has it become in our psyche? White further explores how life without money might be possible, and he offers an argument for local communities taking control of their economy to find new ways to do the things that communities do regardless of money. Please find the article at Salon here.

Doom or Denial: Is There Another Path?
Systems thinker and Post Carbon Institute fellow, Richard Heinberg, contrasts the differing approaches to our climate crisis by two movements. Extinction Rebellion (XR) basically attempts to demand action from governments using civil disobedience. Deep Adaptation (DA) starts with acceptance that collapse of civilization is pretty much inevitable at this point. XR has concerns that DA promotes a fatalistic attitude that may prevent actions that could still save civilization, while DA argues that XR adherents are ignoring evidence and generalizing the actions of DA followers who are moving through grief to find the hope that exists even when we are faced with an apocalyptic situation. Heinberg uses the contrast to examine the capacity for denial that humans have evolved, and to assess the Adaptive Cycle of ecosystems. He concludes with sane and moral advice that all of us must “play our part in the defense of nature and humanity as cleanly and selflessly — and as effectively— as possible.” Find the article from Resilience.org here.

Should No-Till Farming Be Adopted by All to Help the Earth?
Jefferson County governments and people are currently engaged in dialogue about ways to improve our community’s food system resilience. Such an effort requires learning concepts and terminology so that those engaged in such discussions can be working from the same page. This article is a great overview of what “no-till” farming means and the important nuances we should consider in that discussion. For example, it discusses the differences between no-till farming and regenerative agriculture.  We want to sequester as much carbon as we can in the ground, and at the same time we want to build the health and vibrancy of our soils and recognize how important they are to growing food.  The underlying concept is that we all need to learn more about how our food is grown and to be more intimately involved in the endeavor. Please find the article here.

Cogs in the Climate Machine
This is a delightful, entertaining article that takes us back in time--way back. It helps us appreciate the radical changes that explosive human growth and technology have wrought. The author, Julia Steinberger, asks readers to employ their scrolling fingers to understand the unprecedented situation in which we find ourselves. For example, she plays out how the stable period since the last ice age has permitted the development of agriculture. She discusses the conditions that existed the last time atmospheric CO2 levels were this high in terms of temperature and sea levels, and the outlook is sobering. Turning towards an optimistic outlook, she and two other authors posit that we may not yet be toast, saying “There is no historical evidence that we need fossil fuels to thrive, and looking into the future, Eric Beinhocker notes that we need to eliminate them to survive." But as Steinberger notes, "we are in a struggle for survival and the odds are very much against us."  She argues there are two culprits: “scientific positivism (the overcautious nature of current scientific communication) and market fundamentalism (the belief in markets-above-all enshrined in neoclassical economics and policy).” She concludes by saying “it can be done” and asks each of us to become as revolutionary as we can. Please access this wonderful article at Medium via the link here.

White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism by Robin DiAngelo
The audience: White progressives, the time: current. Robin DiAngelo offers a comprehensive perspective of why it’s so hard for white folks to talk about racism and how that silence contributes to racial inequities today. If you don’t want to find and read a copy, tune into youtube and hear her talk about the book chapter by chapter here, or a shorter version on Deconstructing White Privilege by the same author here.



Food Sovereignty Now and Beyond COVID-19
Author Eric Darier talks about the need for big changes in our food and agricultural systems. He first describes how our food system was basically broken before the pandemic, for example 30% of food is wasted while nearly a billion people on the planet don’t have enough food to eat. Darier says that food insecurity is not due to a lack of food but to inequality, and to a system that produces the wrong types of food. Basically we have allowed corporations to dictate food production based on profit calculus. The emerging alternatives focus on resilient and ecological systems. An ecological food system is one that works for people and the environment, and one that delivers “food justice.” Darier lays out a list of basic principles: Food is a common good. Not just another economic commodity. All levels of government have a role. Cities and counties need to support the transition, such as Victoria BC, where Parks staff are growing veggie seedlings for free distribution. Food justice. Policies that support universal basic income and redistribution of wealth. Fair treatment for essential food system workers. Those who produce, process, share, and distribute food should earn a decent income. Use of individual power to accelerate change. Each of us can make changes at the household level to help bring out the needed change. Please take some time in between meals today to consider how you can help. Find the article here.

A Disastrous Summer in the Arctic 
Just in case you need a break from worrying about the corona virus, here’s a reminder of how bad things are with respect to the Climate Emergency. In The New Yorker, author Carolyn Kormann reports on extreme temperatures in the Arctic. The Siberian town of Verkhoyansk, which holds the record for the coolest temperature ever recorded  (-90 degrees F), for an inhabited place, recorded temperatures of over 100 degrees F recently on the same day Las Vegas experienced that same temperature. The alarming consequences include thawing of the permafrost, causing an oil storage tank to collapse and a subsequent disastrous oil spill. The extreme heat also brings the risk of Arctic wildfires and sets up a vicious cycle as the permafrost releases  methane and other greenhouse gases. Readers are encouraged to follow this link to the article.

The United States: An Obituary 
Richard Heinberg is noted for his calm, common sense communication style. His analysis of the big picture relies on understanding the multiple interconnected systems that permit our human society. In this essay Heinberg reviews recent key developments of the American past and argues that any hope to return to the status quo is a “fundamentally unrealistic” expectation, and that the U.S. is “entering a period of political, social, and economic dissolution. Heinberg lays out a powerful case that makes it difficult for readers to turn away from the unvarnished realities we face. His advice is to utilize the base of our "unifying values - hard work, thrift, generosity, fairness, honesty, ingenuity and mutual respect" as we adapt  to "less consumptive and more localized lifestyles". Please take the time to access this important essay here.

 
 
Local 20/20 Mission
 
Working together toward local sustainability and resilience –
integrating ecology, economy and community through action and education.

Action Groups are where we do most of our work. Each is focused on an interrelated aspect of sustainability. Visit L2020.org to learn what the different action groups are working on.
Want to submit an announcement?

We welcome notices of events, calls for participation and other items of interest.  Local 20/20 Announcements goes out every Monday morning. Please submit the following in paragraph form:  Subject or event. Brief description. Day, date, time. Venue address. Contact information. Web links. Include a logo or a photo in jpeg format.  See existing announcements for examples – no bullets, colored fonts, etc., plain text is best.

Email to events@L2020.org by 8 p.m. Saturday.  We post announcements aligned with Local 20/20’s mission and of interest to our community. Note that we don’t post on line petitions, pleas to contact legislators, or gofundme type items. Local 20/20 reserves the right to edit or reject submissions. If you have questions or concerns, please email us at events@l2020.org.

The posting of any specific event does not in itself endorse the organization or the event.  We reserve the right to edit or reject submissions considered inappropriate or inconsistent to our mission statement.
Consider forwarding Local 20/20 Announcements to a friend.
New subscribers can sign up here.
Help Sustain Local 20/20
https://twitter.com/local_2020
https://www.facebook.com/l2020org/
https://l2020.org/Website
info@l2020.org
Copyright ©2020 by Local 20/20  All rights reserved.

Our mailing address is:
1240 W. Sims Way #12,  Port Townsend, WA 98368

Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.






This email was sent to <<Email Address>>
why did I get this?    unsubscribe from this list    update subscription preferences
Local 20/20 · 1240 W. Sims Way #12 · Port Townsend, Wa 98368 · USA

Email Marketing Powered by Mailchimp