Enchanting work! Interesting composition and color.
It's about time the red chicken survived and someone else got their heads cut off .. All watched by the green one-all-suited child that realises fairy tales can be reversed and can become scary tales which all are witness too ... It's a shame people are beheaded as they even are in our days and daze ...Shame ... But it needs arts .. We are all the new Aztecs of new blood sacrifices..
Trovo le tue creazioni molto interessanti e di grande forza espressiva. Testimoniano passione e talento. Complimenti e grazie per aver condiviso queste immagini.
Lovely array of colours, very creative and beautiful work Jennifer!
I always admired your technic and your imagination, dear Jennifer !
Lovely artistic image here. Well done Jenifer Regards Tess.
Amazing image and work, Jennifer!


There was the feel of a fairy tale at Sunday's early evening Bach Trio concert at the Hearst Greek Theatre in Berkeley.
As if appearing by magic or royal decree on a balmy night that carried the sweet, earthy scent of summer's return, renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma, mandolin virtuoso and MacArthur Fellow Chris Thile, and the distinguished bassist Edgar Meyer strode from behind massive doric columns at the 114-year-old outdoor amphitheater. Rendering 75-minutes of mastery — theirs and that of Johann Sebastian Bach — the trio's performance presented by Cal Performances preceded a Gala party. Proceeds from the Gala at the Greek II support Cal Performances' education and community programs that reach nearly 40,000 people this season.
How is it that a single composer's output can be vigorous without being loud; emphatic but not heavy; delicate while avoiding trivial or trite; grave and solemn but stopping short of maudlin; tightly structured and yet, gloriously unbound?
The "how" of it didn't really matter. Instead, what was important was the individuality that Ma, Meyer, and Thile brought to their interpretations. Approached by Ma with sophisticated ease and obvious pleasure, by Meyer with a familiarity and nobility that meant his playing was in no way casual, and by Thile with devilish enthusiasm that brought to mind a boy who's just discovered a frog living under his bed and intends to keep it secret, Bach's music unfolded gloriously. The chemistry between the musicians created an atmosphere of adventure, as if by knowing the music well, each in his personal way, they might challenge one another — and us — to hear something new.
The highlights were many. The musicians danced through show-offy trips during the opening movement and played with sustained urgency as if wishing the wave-like third section would never end in closing passages of the Viola Da Gamba Sonata No. 3 in G Minor. In the Adagio, their phrasing stretched to loss and a wistful hanging on as if to memories of loved things or people.
Other works combined breadth and brilliant brevity. The chorale prelude, Kommst du nun, Jesu, vom Hillmel herunter (Come thou, Jesus, from heaven to earth) in its two-minutes and 55 seconds demonstrated intricacy, gorgeous melodic line, and beguiling transitions as melodies begun by one instrument were finished or embellished by another. Moments after, Thile suggested the night was thrilling and asked the crowd, "Same time, same place, tomorrow?" The response was instant and affirmative.
The trio's connectivity was convincing in Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme (Awake, the voice is calling us), and to a lesser extent, in selections from The Well-Tempered Clavier and The Art of the Fugue. Overlapping or consecutive lines handled with sensitivity — no one instrument outbalanced its two counterparts — meant it was always possible to delight in the mandolin's plucky percussiveness or the way in which Ma's upper-register playing revealed the instrument's voicelike or violinlike qualities. Meyer was often the essential anchor, like a human heart that pulses along and keeps the entire operation running.
As promised, new things were heard, regardless of whether or not Bach's music was a favorite friend or a blind date. And this is Bach's appeal: he has been and always will be the people's composer. Along with the aforementioned freewheeling descriptive terms came remembered moments: banging out Bach on Mrs. Bigelow's piano during childhood lessons, and many performances of Balanchine's Concerto Barocco danced to Bach's Concerto in D-Minor for Two Violins. Like in a fairy tale, the frustrations of practicing piano instead of climbing trees and a ballet dancer's bruised toenails washed away. The trio finished the concert with "happily ever after" encores: the chorale prelude, Erbarm dich mein, o Herre Gott (Have mercy on me, Lord God), and from the group's 2011 album, The Goat Rodeo Sessions, the rousing, Quarter Chicken Dark.


text:
Guantanamo Forsaken
By Bryce Dudzinski SILVER, Peoria, Arizona
Bryce Dudzinski SILVER, Peoria, Arizona
Violence is the crooked incentive for Middle-Eastern terrorists to present hostile aggression towards the innocent cries of innocent people. Violence is the reason that motivates corrupt criminals' minds to assail the compassionate hearts of caring people. However, violence is its own cure. To rid the world of violence's perilous attacks, violence must first be fought. Just like the traditional proverb, "Fight fire with fire", America needs to fight violence with violence. The one legal opportunity the United States has to fight back or even prevent violent behavior would be in Guantanamo Bay. The plan for the permanent closure of Guantanamo Bay should definitely be reconsidered and not followed through. Determining the new location for detainees would be too strenuous that the complete transformation would be irrationally extensive. In addition, if the government was to release a portion of the detainee population back to their home country, they would most likely face an unfriendly welcome. Furthermore, the entire process of trialing Guantanamo prisoners would take too long. Guantanamo Bay is the single piece of America that has immensely impacted the safety of our country's entirety.
The new location for detainees is already undecided and completely unclear. Though Barack Obama has strikingly signed a document stating his goal to close Guantanamo Bay within the year, he and his advisors still have no clue where to place the prisoners. There are a few options so far; one option is that the United States set up prisons in America for the detainees. Obama has discussed some possible locations for repositioning the prisoners and two of those choices were in Colorado or Oklahoma. The new president of the United States is supposed to care for America and is now thinking about placing the very people that plotted 9/11 back inside the U.S! President Obama is assisting the Al-Qaeda terrorists in their plan to kill us! In addition, another idea was to give the prisoners back to their home country. However, most countries are sensible and don't want the world's worst criminals walking their streets. Therefore, the option for foreign aid is completely disregarded. Furthermore, in 2001, twenty men were scheduled for release but still remained inside the prison because America could not find an appropriate home. This proves the difficulty that will take place in a rearrangement of the prisoners. Moreover, there is also the decision of what level of security each prisoner should be held at. For example, there is the decision, still undecided, whether to imprison deputies in higher-risk detention centers or low-risk. Additionally, even with some criminals scheduled to resort back to their home countries, there are still many difficulties with their acceptance.
With some detainees returning to their home country, life is still no picnic. Many criminals that return back to their home country are either tortured or persecuted because that country wouldn't allow that criminal to run loose again in their land. Only one country has previously accepted prisoners and that was the Balkan nation of Albania. John B. Bellinger, the legal advisor to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, says that, "In general most countries simply do not want to help. Countries believe this is not their problem. They think they didn't contribute to Guantanamo, and therefore they don't have to be part of the solution." If America plans on closing Guantanamo, that decision should be made internationally because it should be a group effort, or else nothing could be accomplished. In addition, many prisoners have been begging for a renewal in their prison term because they wouldn't dare face their home country. 17 Chinese Muslim prisoners were allowed to go back to China but declined because their fear against the Chinese government. Furthermore, a copious amount of prisoners have petitioned in U.S. courts to stay in Guantanamo prisons for the fear their homeland with kill them. However, the entire process for trial would take immensely long and would, without a doubt, need Barack Obama's one year plan extended.
For example, trialing all the Guantanamo prisoners would take too long. America's government still doesn't have a clue of what rights to grant the detainees. Bellinger, State Department's legal advisor, said that "It often takes us months and months, or even years to negotiate the human rights assurances that we are comfortable with before we will transfer someone to another country." In addition, the United States also doesn't know the capital punishment entitled to each prisoner for their crimes (terrorist to federal offenders). Furthermore, which criminals should be trialed? Out of the 800 prisoners, America has made a list of 80 detainees to have a trial (5 of those are suspects for 9/11). The process to assure the release of Guantanamo prisoners would take unreasonably long.
Because there are no crystal clear ideas or set decisions of the repositioning of the Guantanamo prisoners, the plan for the permanent closure of Guantanamo Bay should be eradicated. The inconclusive establishment for the location of detainees, unallied assistance from foreign nations, and time-consuming process of trial all prove that Guantanamo should remain open and running. Keeping all the twisted, corrupt criminals of the world away from the opportunity to construct chaos would allow more successful progression for America and the world.
By Sana Awan BRONZE
Laurel, Maryland
Sana Awan BRONZE, Laurel, Maryland
The Test of Power
Remembering Loma Prieta
By Megan Soldati BRONZE
Pleasanton, California
Megan Soldati BRONZE, Pleasanton, California

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Crantock Church is dedicated to St Carantock. A church existed here before the Normans, probably dating from St Carantoc in the 6th century. The foundations of the church are pre-Norman, but the earliest visible features are Norman choir arches.
Crantock village roots can be seen in its earlier name - Langurroc, 'The Dwelling of Monks'. It had its origins in the arrival of a Sixth Century Celtic saint, Carantoc. He is said to have been blown into the Gannel estuary when sailing from Ireland. To give thanks for his deliverance, he decided to build himself an oratory. However the dove that he had brought with him ( the dove was shorthand for the "holy Spirit" in those days) flew inland with a twig in its beak, and dropped it. Carantoc took this as a sign from God that he should build the oratory at that location.
Then a collegiate church was founded here early in the thirteenth century by Bishop Bruerne. The choir was reconstructed in 1224 and a tower added.
However by 1337 Bishop Brantingham called attention to the state of the tower and left money for its repair. By 1412 the belfry of the collegiate church fell upon the nave and reduced it to ruins. Bishop Edmund Stafford, on the 11th August 1412, invited the faithful to assist in its restoration. But in 1417, the chancel was recorded as still being in a ruinous state.
The college suffered at the Dissolution of the Monasteries by Henry VIII, but the Norman church survived and, although suffering neglect over the centuries, was fully restored at the turn of the twentieth century. The Rev. G. Metford Parsons came to the village as vicar, and at once set about a restoration in the 1890's. It now boasts some of the finest wood carving in the West Country.
The arcades have pointed arches of Newquay sand-stone, supported on octagonal pillars of the same material. The eastern end of the north aisle is used as a vestry. There is a south porch and a priest's door.
The tower is of three low tapering stages, with Early English buttresses; the parapet is embattled. It contains six bells.
The Rood screen was destroyed at the dissolution of the monasteries. The present screen was, unusually for the time, carved by a woman, Miss Mary Rashleigh Pinwell, a vicar's daughter from Devon. It was brought to Crantock in 5 sections and erected in 1905.
Much of the fourteenth century parclose screen in the south chapel is also original.
The font, of native elvan, is inscribed with the date 1474, but is probably of Norman origin, the date commemorating rebuilding after the fall of the tower.
The chancel arch is Early English, as is also the western tower, as high as the belfry.
The register of marriages and burials dates from 1559.
The silver chalice of the Communion service is dated 1576 on the cover.
The original village stocks are around the back of the church . Previously they were in position in the church tower, here they were enclosed. About 1817, the last man in the stocks, managed to free himself, climb the steps to the belfry and, used the rope of the tenor bell to lower himself down to the roof and got away.


Not every show can be with us forever and sometimes we must say goodbye to wonderful theatre in order to welcome new shows. Here are the shows that are leaving London in January 2017, so don't miss your chance to see them while you still can!
Beverley Knight, an absolute powerhouse performer, has been wowing audiences in The Bodyguard at the Dominion Theatre and now it's your last chance to see her. When a stalker threatens her family, a pop star hires a personal bodyguard, but she never expected to fall in love with him. You can still enter our exclusive Front Row Lottery via the app to win £15 tickets here.
Behind the gates of the mysterious Wonka factory lie wonders, the likes of which you've only seen in your dreams. Will you get a golden ticket to see Charlie and the Chocolate Factory? Based on Roald Dahl's beloved book, don't miss this visual treat – get exclusive access to £25 Rush tickets via the app.
Simon Callow brings the Dickens classic, A Christmas Carol, to life in his one-man show. It's the timeless story of Ebenezer Scrooge's journey from lonely miser to warm-hearted family man – catch it now at the Arts Theatre.
Cabaret Queen and a viral sensation for her uncanny impressions, Christina Bianco's Christmas show, O Come, All Ye Divas comes to an end this month. Head down to the Charing Cross Theatre and expect games, songs, comedy and more!
A firm family favourite, The Railway Children has brought the magic of E. Nesbit's beloved novel to life, complete with a real steam train that pulls right into the theatre! When their father is called away on mysterious business, Bobby, Peter and Phyllis find adventure in the countryside and begin a new life as the Railway Children.
It's time to say goodbye to Lin-Manuel Miranda's Tony Award-winning musical, In The Heights. It's a slice of life piece in a struggling New York neighbourhood with a hip-hop flavour that's not to be missed!
A circus and cabaret extravaganza, La Soirée will leave your jaw on the floor! With cabaret performers, new burlesque acts, a circus sideshow and contemporary variety, there's something for everyone.
Reece Shearsmith, Ken Stott and Harriet Thorpe star in the classic play, The Dresser. An ailing actor, Sir, struggles to overcome ill health and past demons as his faithful Dresser, Norman, prepares him for a performance of King Lear.
The Children examines what happens when people are faced with a terrible choice: to sacrifice yourself for future generations or to save yourself and the ones you love. Unlock access to exclusive £15 Rush tickets via the app.
Comedian Harry Enfield makes his stage debut in Once In A Lifetime at the Young Vic. In the new age of talking pictures, stars are seeking elocution lessons to help them keep their jobs. To mix with movie moguls and the Hollywood elite, three New Yorkers head to California to cash in on the trend.
Taking audiences into the murky world of drugs and debauchery, Trainspotting Live is an immersive experience not to be missed. Based on Irvine Welsh's novel, follow Renton through the dark underbelly of Glasgow at the Vaults Theatre.
Cinderella is the biggest show in town and you can still enjoy this star-studded seasonal show at the London Palladium. Paul O'Grady dons the drag once again and is deliciously devious as the wicked stepmother, and Natasha J. Barnes stars as the beautiful Cinderella.
David Bowie's may have left us last year, but his art lives on in his musical, Lazarus. Thomas Newton is spending his immortal life drunk and heartbroken, but can a mysterious girl change his life for the better? You can enter to win £15 tickets to Lazarus in our exclusive Front Row Lottery via the app.
Created by NoFit State, Bianco is an immersive promenade show that blends circus acts with performance theatre, accompanied by live music. Beautiful and unexpected, Bianco will leave you breathless.
Inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's heartbreaking tale of The Little Matchgirl, audiences will experience different short stories with every match the girl strikes. Combining puppetry, magic and mystery, the stories play out in the moody candlelight of the Sam Wanamaker playhouse and create a very unique performance.
Jonathan Larson's iconic musical Rent, celebrating its 20th anniversary, explores the death of Bohemian living in Manhattan. A group of friends struggle to live and love in the face of gentrification, breakups and the AIDS epidemic sweeping New York.
Mischief Theatre's hilarious seasonal show, Peter Pan Goes Wrong, gave audiences the giggles with their technical glitches, cast arguments and general disasters. If you enjoyed the other Mischief shows (The Play that Goes Wrong and Comedy About A Bank Robbery), you'll love this one.
Want more? Check out our podcast series, Broadway Backstory.


text:
AMRAT NETWORK
The Trafficking in Persons is "the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harbouring or receipt of persons, by means of the threat or use of force or other forms of coercion, of abduction, of fraud, of deception, of the abuse of power or of a position of vulnerability or of giving or receiving of payments or benefits to achieve the consent of a person having control over another person, for the purpose of exploitation."
AMRAT MEMBER CONGREGATIONS PROFILE
CELEBRATING ORANGE DAY
A GLIMPSE ON THE REALITY
AMRAT
(Asian Movement of Women Religious Against Human Trafficking),
AMRAT Regional Meet at Jashpur, Chattishgarh, India
16th Feb – 19th
Pope Francis said . "Trafficking in persons is a despicable activity, a disgrace to our society that calls itself 'civilized'!" He called upon the international community to find "effective initiatives and new approaches for safeguarding their dignity, improving their quality of life and for facing the challenges emerging from modern forms of persecution, oppression and slavery." (Pope Francis, Plenary Assembly of the Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People, May 24, 2013)
Trafficking between Indian states is rising due to increased mobility, rapid urbanization, and a growth in a number of industries that use forced labor such as construction, textiles, etc. An increasing number of job placement agencies lure adults and children for sex trafficking or forced labor, including domestic servitude, under false promises of employment. Chattishgarh is one of the states of origin from where women, children and girls are being trafficked. It is the fact to note that there are AMRAT members, the women religious actively work against trafficking in persons by creating awareness, rescuing and rehabilitating the trafficked persons.
As planned the IXth AMRAT Meet was held for the regional coordinators, executive members and sisters working for this cause. The meeting was in Asha Deep, the Social Service Society , the Jesuit centre at Pathalgaon in Jaspur district in Chattishgarh. There were 20 sisters from 10 congregations from Mumbai, Delhi, Jharkhand and Chattishgarh.
Srs.Annie Jesus and Emelda FMM welcomed the sisters with colourful traditional tribal dance of the place performed by animators and the students of Kansabel .They beautifully enacted the evolution of tribals history and their development in their lives by the interventions of missionaries. The meeting began with official welcome by Sr.Sahaya FMM the president of AMRAT.
Rev.Fr.Agapit Tirkey .S.J. the resource person of the day dealt with topic on Safe migration. He explained about the trafficking and unsafe migration leading to sex trade and labour exploitations.
On the 2nd day Srs.Jyoti BS and Sr.Sahaya FMM briefed about the history of AMRAT with the help of video clips and power point pretensions. Then the regional coordinators presented their report which was inspiring. The group discussion brought in a variety of insights and reflections which led to the Action Plan for the year.
At the end of the meeting all the participants expressed their joy of being part of AMRAT and promised to extend their collaboration in implementation of the action plan.
At every night documentaries on human trafficking was viewed to the participants.
Each person forced into slavery has a unique story—a story of struggles, hopes and dreams.
This is what we witnessed as we heard the tearful stories of the young girls who were trafficked and rescued by Sr.Annie FMM and her staff .During the exposure visit we interacted with these girls. It was heart breaking to hear their sad stories.
All the participants appreciated the great work carried out by the FMM sisters at Kansable in spite of all the hardships and opposition even to the extent of threat to their lives. The meeting ended with the short picnic to the Sangam.
Let our prayer be............(Proverbs 31:8-9) teaches us to "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy."
Thanks to Sr.Annie FMM and her community for organising such inspiring exposure visit and meeting.
Posted by AMRAT NETWORK2010 at 20:19 No comments:
Sr. Zubaida,fmm -Pakistan
Organized awareness programme on Human trafficking in person for the young Religious, Novices and Pre-Novices of five different Congregations here in Pakistan. It was a good response as 35 members participated and were grateful for sharing about the victims of Human trafficking, they were really taken up for that is done and have been sorry for not doing much for criminal act.
In future we plan to continue to share and to make aware people how to stop this criminal act. Through pastoral work and in school..
A Day Of Prayer And Fasting
Request of Women Religious to Pope Francis
February 8 is the feast day of St. Josephine Bakhita, who was kidnapped as a child and sold into slavery in Sudan and Italy. Once Josephine was freed, she dedicated her life to sharing her testament of deliverance from slavery and comforting the poor and suffering. The idea for this day came after Pope Francis entrusted two Vatican academies to study the problem of human trafficking, and a group of women religious asked the pope to raise greater awareness in the church about the issue by establishing a worldwide day of prayer and fasting.
"On that day, we will lift our voices loudly in prayer, hope, and love for trafficking victims and survivors," said Bishop Eusebio Elizondo, M.Sp.S., auxiliary bishop of Seattle. "If just one person realizes from this day that they or someone they know is being trafficked, we will have made a difference."
25th of every month is celebrated as the ORANGE DAY
Promoting the ORANGE DAY
25th of every month is set aside as the ORANGE DAY to highlight the issue of violence against women and girls. Orange Day aims to spark worldwide awareness of the fact that violence against women and girls is a violation of their Human Rights and to call for its eradication without reservation, without equivocation and without delay. Get involved, share emails and posts, messages on the Facebook and tweet about it to promote awareness to say 'No' to violence and UNITE to irradiate violence against women and girls. Let us join together and promote this cause so that violence against women and girls may stop. Some of our schools and communities have already introduced this day and are going a way ahead to promote this day.
Women/Girls experience physical or sexual violence from men in their lifetime. It happens everywhere – at home and at work, on the streets and in schools, during peacetime and in conflict. Violence against women and girls has far-reaching consequences, harming families and communities, stunting human development, destroying self-esteem and undermining economic growth. Everyone has a role to play in combating this global pandemic; the time to act together is now.
Orange Day: January 25
On January 25, the UNiTE campaign will focus on access to justice for survivors of violence against women and girls in the lead up to February 14th, when the V-Day initiative will launch the One Billion Rising for Justice action.
1. Wear anything orange every 25th of the month to take a stand on ending violence against women & girls.
2. Encourage all your friends and others to wear orange on every 25th of the month, share posts & tweet about it!
3. Use & share the photo of the UNiTE ribbon – the new symbol for ending violence against women and girls;
4. Change your Facebook cover photo to the cover photo of the Say NO – UNiTE Facebook page, promoting the Orange Day and the ribbon.
5. Proclaim loud and clear that every 25th of the month as Orange Day! Make UNiTE ribbon, the global symbol on ending violence against women & girls!
6. Share some ideas if you have and we can post it to make this day more effective.
AMRAT IN ACTION IN RAJASTHAN
AWARENESS PROGRAMME IN
The meeting began at 10 a.m.at St. Angela school staff room, Jaipur Rajasthan; with a prayer and a Bhajan by Sr. Aurora M.S.A. thereafter Sr. Carol welcomed all the 11 members from Ajmer, Jaipur, Kota, Udaipur, and Chandigarh (Punjab).
We are privileged to have 3 resource person namely Mr. Govind Beniwal- Member Child rights commission Rajasthan, Mr. Vijay Goyal- Resource Institute for Human Rights Jaipur, Mr. Shiv from Allaripu; each members came their introduction.
Mr. Govind said that it is not olnly the problem of India but the problem of the whole world. The whole family is affected. Women, men, and children fall prey to trafficking worldwide. They are viewed as valuable commodities in the sex trade or labor industry, vulnerable individuals are targeted by traffickers poised to exploit their desperation, misfortune, and ignorance. They may be lured by false promises of employment opportunities and a better life, abducted, or sold outright by families who themselves are in need of money or hope to provide a better life for their children.
Explaining further 'what is trafficking' he said Human trafficking is a horrific crime against the fundamental rights and dignity of the human person and there are several forms of human trafficking such as:
o The recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision, or obtaining of a person for:
o sex trafficking in which a commercial sex act is induced by force, fraud, or coercion, or in which the person induced to perform such act has not attained 18 years of age; or
o labor or services, through the use of force, fraud, or coercion for the purpose of subjection to involuntary servitude, peonage, debt bondage, or slavery.
o Coercion includes threats of physical or psychological harm to children and/or their families. Any child (under the age of 18) engaged in commercial sex is a victim of trafficking.
Indian law had accepted this as problem/issue and this is always done by force if done by mutual consist than it is not come under trafficking. Owing to the lack of anti-human trafficking laws, enforcement of such laws where they exist, along with the ease and ability to re-exploit individuals, human trafficking has become one of the fastest growing sources of profits for criminal enterprises worldwide.
Traffickers lure vulnerable men, women and children with false promises of good jobs, an education, economic security and even love. Once lured, the traffickers are able to keep their victims from seeking help by confiscating identification documents, using threats of violence against the victim or their family, as well as subjecting the victim to physical, psychological and/or sexual abuse. No sector or industry is immune from human trafficking. Victims have been identified in factories, restaurants, construction work, agricultural fields, hotels, spas, nail salons, and even private residences.
How to Identify a Human Trafficking Victim? These are some red flags:
Seems anxious, fearful or paranoid. Avoids eye contact.
Tearfulness or signs of depression.
Unexplained bruises or cuts or other signs of physical abuse.
Appears to be in a relationship with someone who is dominating.
Never is alone and/or always has someone translating or answering questions on their behalf.
Not in control of their own finances.
Presents with secrecy or unable to answer questions about where they live.
Inconsistent details when telling their story.
Has no identification such as a license, passport or other ID documents.
Inability to leave their job or residence. Says they cannot schedule appointments.
Being a recent arrival to the United States and does not speak English.
Is under 18 and providing commercial sex acts. Or at any age unwillingly providing commercial sex acts.
Is afraid of law enforcement or receiving help from an outside entity.
If you can find an opportunity to get he/she alone, ask him/her the following screening questions:
Can you leave your job or house when you want?
Where did you get those bruises or is anyone hurting you?
Do you get paid for your employment? Is it fair? How many hours do you work?
(If foreign national) How did you get to the present destination and is it what you expected? Are you being forced to do anything you don't want to do?
Are you or your family being threatened?
Do you live with or near your employer? Does your employer provide you housing? Are there locks on doors or windows from outside?
Mr. Vijay & Shiv shared with us the various rescue operations held in Rajasthan especially, Jaipur, Kota, and Ajmer and how challenging it is. We need to network with BGOs and Law Enforcement officers who are involved in these rescue operations; need to visit the places children works railway stations, factories, bus stands, hotels, Dhabha etc. Build up rapport with the children and win over their confidence and then only they will share with us.
After the tea break we went into groups district - wise and discussed how and what we can do as way forward. The Resource persons explained to us the following:
Way forward: Prevention is very important and how we can focus on certain ideas
v Maping to identify the destination/ source areas
v Organize awareness building programs and social protection programs
v Pressure building on govt.
v Prevent Child marriages, Child labour.
v Security of a child and woman.
v Shelter Homes, Shishu Homes
v In our country, there are places where these children are kept like shelter home etc.
v Child welfare committee.
v Human rights Education in Schools and in communities/ colonies
v Childline – 1098
v Access to entitlement
v formation of village child protection committees at P.S. level; inorder to check the trafficking source & destination, child & family migrants
v Crisis management centers for Counseling & Legal Aid services
v Identify the child labourers and inform the child Welfare committee of the place.
v Get involved in rescue operation.
The following are the district-wise Action Plan:
Ajmer : Sr.Carol MSA , Sr.Lillian PSA, Sr.Cecil PSA,
v Base line survey and data collecting.
v Crisis management center.
v Get involved with Alaripu NGO
Kota Sr. Aurera M.S.A., Sr. Sudha P.S.A., Sr. Terisita
§ Visit the children in the Railway Platforms, Dhaba, renbasera, mess centre build up confidence with them, gather informations about them and continue the contact with these children
§ Visit on Monday and thirsday from 7 to 10 am .
§ Maintain Record and other informations gathered.
§ Continue with child line information
§ Crisis management for mentally tortured children.
§ Awareness programs about human trafficking.
Udaipur Sr. Mala, Sr. Kirti
Jaipur Sr.Helen MSA, Sr.Tejohono SMA, Sr.Jerin SMA
v empower our own children.
v give awareness program through children.
v establish child guidance center.
Panjab & Chandigarh Sr.Joyal PSA, Sr.Josain PSA, Sr.Sunila PSA
Through family visiting, we will do a survey of the bounded labours especially about those people who have come from outside like Orissa, Bihar, Nepal etc.
We will have continues meeting with the labours and children for having a good relationship.
In the school level, we will keep an awareness programs for the children regarding child abuse.
We have fixed the next meeting to be held in the 1st week of February. Sr. Lillian P.S.A. gave a vote of thanks and thanked our resource persons for giving us this golden opportunity to learn, and understand about human trafficking. We also plan to organize a training program for those who wish to get involved in this program; date is not fixed.
Sr.Aurora MSA
Natural Disasters and Child Trafficking
Almost two months after Super Typhoon Haiyan hit the central part of the Philippines, people are still suffering from hunger, dehydration, displacement and emotional stress, as well as another tragedy often linked to natural disasters: human trafficking.
Out of the thousands of survivors relocated to Manila and Cebu, a yet unknown number of youngsters have been snatched by mafias to be sold to prostitution dens and modern slavemasters, according to Bishop Broderick Pabillo, convenor of the Philippines' Interfaith Movement Against Human Trafficking and Manila's auxiliary bishop.
"During disaster situations [like Haiyan], a lot of people are desperate to look for work, shelter, and education, among other things. These particular vulnerabilities are the usual things offered to them by exploiters," Pabillo told Devex. "It's sad that victims are already suffering the effects of disasters and are still being put under human trafficking."
Haiyan affected over 16 million people with 4 million displaced, according to the country's disaster management agency. Although a number of victims have decided to come back and rebuild their lives in their devastated communities in Leyte and Samar, the majority remain in Manila and Cebu.
These people include women and children, the most vulnerable to human trafficking, a long-standing concern in the Philippines, described as "a source … destination and transit country for men, women and children who are subjected to sex trafficking and forced labor" by the www.humantrafficking.org, part of the U.S.-based aid groupFHI 360.
Challenges and solutions
Some of the most common forms of human trafficking include prostitution, child labor and forced labor, with either rural-urban transitions or just rural ones in the case of agricultural labor with none to very low wages.
Human trafficking is sadly common in the Philippines after calamities like Haiyan.
"These cases are definitely not isolated. There are times when Filipinos are the ones who approach [these foreigners]," he said. "According to a study we conducted, those who exploit are usually the victims' kins or close ties … with most of them ignorant that they are being exploited already."
One of the most pressing challenges in addressing this issue is precisely this lack of awareness to the forms and causes of human trafficking. Being aware improves the rescue rate of human trafficking because people will be able to save themselves — something Pabillo hopes the aid and development community can further contribute to: "[Being aware] helps because when a potential victim knows who to call or who to go to, response will be immediate."
Another challenge is the rate and manner of prosecution when the traffickers are caught.
The Philippine judicial system is notorious for being a hollow institution with conviction and prosecution rates remaining very low due to incompetence or corruption. The bishop noted that having a high conviction and prosecution rate in human trafficking cases would set an example for those who are thinking of committing such crimes in the future, especially those belonging to larger syndicates and criminal groups.
Lastly, rehabilitation and psychological treatment for victims needs to be improved significantly.
Pabillo emphasized that the development community can make a significant mark in this aspect because of their expertise and technical knowledge that can fast-track the usually long and arduous process of recovery.
"It's a challenge for all of us to eradicate human trafficking as a form of modern day slavery," he concluded, adding that Haiyan's example should start a more earnest focus on human trafficking in the country as stronger and more devastating disasters are expected to hit the Philippines.
Combat human trafficking, Pope urges new ambassadors to Vatican
Vatican City, Dec 15, 2013 / 04:07 pm (CNA/EWTN News).- Meeting with 17 newly appointed ambassadors to the Holy See, Pope Francis encouraged them to work together, regardless of creed, against the "slavery" of human trafficking.
"This is a true form of slavery , unfortunately increasingly common, which affects every land, even the most developed, and which affects the most vulnerable people in society: women, children, the disabled, the poorest and those who come from situations of family or social disintegration," the Bishop of Rome told the newly accredited ambassadors, including the representative of Palestine, Dec. 12 at the Vatican's Clementine Hall.
"In these persons, in a special way, Christians recognize the face of Jesus, who identified with the smallest and the neediest among us. Others, who do not refer to a religious faith, in the name of our common humanity share our compassion for their suffering and the commitment to free them and to tend to their wounds. Together we can and must take action to free the victims of human trafficking and to put an end to this horrible trade ."
He mentioned the victims of forced labor, and those trafficked for both labor and sexual exploitation, saying "this cannot continue: it constitutes a grave violation of the human rights of the victims and is an affront to their dignity, as well as a a defeat for the global community."
"All persons of good will, whether they profess a religion or not, cannot allow these women, these men and these children to be treated as objects, deceived, violated, often repeatedly sold, for various purposes, and at the end either killed or ruined physically and mentally, to end up discarded and abandoned. It is shameful."
Pope Francis continued, calling trafficking a "crime against humanity," saying "we must unite" to end this "increasingly aggressive" scourge which he said threatens not only its victims but "also the foundational values of society," justice, and "family structure and social life."
Speaking to the representatives of so many nations, the Roman Pontiff said there must be a "more decisive political will" to end trafficking and protect the rights of those trafficked and to prevent the corrupt and criminals from eluding justice and having the last word."
He urged better legislation throughout the world, noting particularly the importance of laws to "facilitate regular migration" so as to "reduce the problem."
In addition to the transport of illegal migrants, Pope Francis noted as causes of human trafficking the drugs and weapons trades, and the mafia.
He commended the measures taken by government to combat trafficking, yet also lamented the involvement "at times" of "public officials and members of peace missions" in the trade in persons.
"However, to effectively combat this scourge, it is necessary for action to extend to the fields of culture and communication. Also, we must deeply examine our consciences: how many times do we tolerate that a human being is considered as an object, displayed to sell a product or to satisfy immoral desires?"
"The human person must never be bought and sold like merchandise. Whoever uses and exploits human persons, even indirectly, becomes complicit in their oppression."
The Roman Pontiff told the ambassadors that he addressed this concern of his to them because he believes "in the value and the strength of concerted commitment in combating it."
"Therefore, I exhort the international community to adopt an even more unanimous and effective strategy against human trafficking, so that in every part of the world, men and women may no longer be used as a means to an end, and that their inviolable dignity may always be respected."
Pope Francis concluded, offering the ambassadors his "best wishes" and pledging the help of the Roman Curia in their mission.
"I invoke upon your persons and upon your families, as well as upon your staff, an abundance of divine blessing."
The First Asia Policy Conference on Human Trafficking
International Network of Consecrated Life Against Trafficking in Persons
An evangelical response of hope to the phenomenon of trafficking
TALITHA KUM: The First Asia Policy Conference on Human Trafficking was held at the Salesian Retreat House, Thailand from November 10-14, 2013. The networks which represented the conference were: Talitha Kum -Thailand - APWRATH, Australia – ACRATH, and India- AMRAT. The meeting initiated with the Eucharist celebrated by Fr. Theppharat Pitisan, SDB and concelebrated by Fr. Emmanuel Chan Rhan Huh. The members of the AMRAT had the joy of animating the liturgy. The lighted candles carried at the entrance procession represented the place of work in their respective countries. At the end of the Eucharist Sr. Rita Mascarenhas requested the participants to come forward and take the lighted candles along with them to be light for the fragile humanity trapped in the flesh trade. Later Sr. Marivic Sta. Ana FMA, the program coordinator instructed the group about the Gallery walk and of its presentation the next day and gave a rationale and the objectives of the 3-day conference. The Thailand group – APWRATH.(Asia Pacific women Religious Against Trafficking in Humans) saw to the opening ceremony in a creative and meaningful way.
Sr. Estrella Castalone, FMA, coordinator of TalithaKum in her opening message said; Jesus by His very example reminds each one of us of our delicate mission: He did not work the miracle alone but was always accompanied by His disciples. He did not command but lovingly took the girl by the hand and said; "TalithaKum, little girl arise!" And this is exactly what we are committed to undertake at TalithaKum, to repeat the same words of Jesus to everyone affected by human trafficking,
She quoted the first Urbiet Orbi message given on Easter Sunday by Pope Francis. He said: "Human trafficking is the most extensive form of slavery in the 21st century". Commenting on the words of the Pope, Sr, Estrella said; that we all know what the Pope was talking about, this modern slavery called human trafficking and how extensive it is because we touch the lives of people who have been affected by it and that is why we have committed ourselves to put a stop to it. And that's the reason why TalithaKum exists!
The Gallery Walk: was one more a creative initiative, each one was encouraged to go around and look at the posters prepared by each group. It was a glimpse of works and accomplishments of TalithaKum in Asia and TIP Country profiles.
The Resource persons for all these 3 days were Atty. Cristina Sevilla, LL.M. who spoke about International Instruments and model laws on Anti-Trafficking in Persons.
Ms Jean Enriquez, Executive Director, CATW-AP spoke on Legislative and Policy Advocacy on Anti-Trafficking. Ms Amihan Abueva, from the Philippines a representative of ASEAN Commission on the Promotion and Protection on the Rights of Women and Children (ACWC). Her discussion was taken from ASEAN Commission on the Promotion and Protection on the Rights of Women and Children. The Resource persons helped in drafting the country Policy on Anti- trafficking in Persons, each group got together to put the ideas and identify objectives and effective key strategies and approaches: i.e., policy and legislation, protection, prevention, recovery and reintegration. The questions raised by the assembly were: Is there a need to improve, to revise the policies, Legislations concerning Trafficking? After much discussion the assembly came to a common platform, saying that; Media does a good propaganda/publicity, so how could we work in collaboration with the media persons?
Sr. Estrella Castalone FMA. presented the works accomplished by TalithaKum Asia through a powerpoint presentation. She also appreciated and thanked all the participants and collaborators who reached out generously in supporting this event. As a token of love and gratitude, each participant and the resource persons were given a Rosary blessed by Holy Father Pope Francis. Everyone indeed felt blessed and happy to receive this gift from Sr. Estrella. The Certificate of Participation was given by Sr. Marivic Sta. Ana, FMA to all the participants. The closing ceremonies was seen by AMRAT- INDIA. This was followed with the Power Point presentation on the Samaritan Woman depicting, it is Jesus who is the source of our life and we as consecrated women are called to bring life to its fullness in the lives of people. It was nice to see 10 FMA involved in this mission of Human Trafficking in different networks.
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I attended the January meetings and know that dozens of people spoke to you about Salida and Wood Colony. Many of these people are Modesto residents, who elected you and it is your job to listen o them and to represent them fairly. It's obvious to all of us who you actually represent…yourselves and the Modesto Chamber of Commerce, which seems to have a great deal of influence over you. The fact that two of you voted against the land grab proposal just makes me feel that between all of you, you decided who could save face, and yet your proposal would still go forward.
Prudential California Realty in Modesto (I will comment on this one in a moment).
Now back to Prudential California Realty in Modesto. This is owned by Craig Lewis, of the Board of Directors of the Chamber of Commerce. Councilman Bill Zolocki is Mr. Lewis' employee, so it seems that he will vote however Mr. Lewis wants him to, and that will be any way that could potentially provide financial benefits to Prudential California Realty.
Cogdill & Giomi Real Estate does property appraisals, so they stand to make a profit when and if property in Wood Colony starts being sold, just like Prudential Realty.
It's my personal belief that Councilmen Zolocki and Cogdill should recuse themselves from voting on any issues that concern real estate, including the annexation of Salida and Wood Colony.
For the audience members, if you are interested, you can find this list of businesses on Eye on modesto.com. Please share this information with your friends, family and neighbors.
It's old school and it's history but some of the same players were involved back then.
Back in the late 1990's the Village I debacle had not only come to a head but the public finally understood the financial windfall the developers received by talking the council into lowering building fees. Zagaris was a major developer along with his political sidekick George Petrulakis. Their partners in the scheme to bend the City Council to their way was the Building Industry Association (BIA) with Bill Zoslock, along with a helping hand from the Modesto Chamber of Commerce. Zoslocki, looking to double down and not just receive thanks for his help with the BIA's arm twisting of the Council, became, at the time, a self-described developer and joined in reaping the lucrative rewards.
Helping with lowering the builders fees on the Council was Dave Cogdill Sr. Why is all of this important you ask? It was when the citizens found out all of the promises made to them were lies and there was no money for parks, street lights and sidewalks that they revolted and basically elected an entirely new city council along with a new mayor. Enter in Modesto Mello-roos. Now people who had just purchased a home discovered they had a second mortgage to pay, some upwards of $400 dollars a month. called "Mello-Roos" fees.
And the Backlash began: The politicos at the time thought it would be business as normal. Zagaris had been running multiple candidates to the city council for years using George Petrulakis to vet candidates and help them with their campaign financing (George likes this phrase better than political bag-man). Then they were in the middle of another campaign and Zagaris' candidates were having a rough time. Outsiders, people outside the Zagaris camp, were running well in the polls and when the dust settled there was a new, unexpected Mayor in town.
Petrulakis and the Chamber remember history: Marsh defeated Hawn fairly easily for Mayor the last time out and until Marsh stepped in it knee deep (Salida's potential annexation and subsequently Wood Colony's) he appeared to be on cruise control as a two-termer. During Marsh's inaugural address he spoke in favor of annexing Salida and set off a fire storm of protest. We have both Bill Zoslocki and Stephanie Burnside waiting in the wings to run against Marsh hoping to stretch this debacle out closer to the election in two years.
Thanks to Marsh's political blundering the face most people see, including at least one editor, is Marsh is trying to scoop up Wood Colony, while Zoslocki, Cogdill, Lopez, and Madrigal are sneaking up on Salida. And the switch-a-roo came immediately after the council took a break just before the last vote. Now I'm not suggesting a conspiracy, but you have to wonder what made all of them switch sides.
What do they have planned for Salida? While everything is in flux most are guessing Marsh and his bunch are going for annexation of all of the prime farmland South of Kiernan and the proposed zoned business park in the Salida Now plan. If Marsh is successful in stealing the land designated for Salida, it would make Salida's incorporation much more difficult. And if all he is really after is jobs, then let Salida create them and allow Modesto to supply the water and sewer. Ah, but that's the rub. Marsh has already said he would refuse Salida the utility service. But didn't he just petition LAFCO to allow Beard Industrial access to these same services without risking annexation? Special favors for special people.
So what's the fear and what's the real Question: The fear for the Chamber is the people of Modesto will wake up and remember how the Council has been ignoring them while bending over backwards to accommodate the Chamber's development interests. If that were to happen maybe a unexpected wildcard candidate could emerge for Mayor. Heck, a whole slate of candidates could emerge which is exactly what happened back in the late 90's and early 2000's.
It takes a lot to awaken Modesto voters. Their memories are short but a recall could not only embolden them but remind them of the power of the ballot box.
So the answer to what is the question, will the sleepers awaken?
Good morning my fellow members of the Board of Supervisors, CEO Risen, County Counsel Doering, those who are in the chambers today and those who might be watching on television or over the internet. It is a privilege to present the state of the county address for 2014.
Stanislaus County is a big place, over 1500 square miles. More than 520,000 of us live in our nine cities and unincorporated communities. Two of California's three major north/south transportation corridors, Highway 99 and Interstate 5, come through us. Three rivers, the San Joaquin, the Toulumne and the Stanislaus, give us drinking water, allow our crops to grow and contribute to our recreation and relaxation. We have a California State University, a community college and several private educational outlets. And of course, we are close neighbors with UC Merced.
Stanislaus County's government itself is big. We have 3900 employees, 26 different departments and an annual budget of more than 1 billion dollars. Because of the recession, we do the same amount of work, if not more, than in 2008, but with 750 fewer employees. And those who work for the county have seen their wages reduced as we have tried to meet the new fiscal realities. We owe them a debt of thanks for their dedication and commitment in trying times.
The employees of Stanislaus County continue to be our greatest asset. Over the last few years County employees have been asked to do more with less and have responded. Everyday our employees are out on our roads, in our neighborhoods and working in our departments providing services to the members of our community. On June 30, 2014, labor contracts for all represented County employees will expire. Over the next six months, the County will be working to complete negotiations with all twelve County labor groups. Our goal will be to recognize the value of our employees while ensuring the County remains fiscally viable in light of the uncertainty surrounding the long term economic recovery.
We have big, and at times, daunting challenges. Our unemployment rate is too high. We have a water crisis. We need to improve public safety for our residents. Most importantly, we need to restore hope. Too many of our neighbors believe that the avenue of opportunity is closed to them. It isn't, but they remain to be convinced.
The foundation of Stanislaus county's economy is agriculture. I want to speak a bit about this not just because it is my profession, but because it is so important to all of us, and because it represents the foundation upon which hope and opportunity can be built.
We sometimes take agriculture for granted. We shouldn't. In Stanislaus County, it is a multi-billion dollar business. The value of agriculture commodities produced in Stanislaus County is over 3 billion dollars. With the multiplier effect the impact in Stanislaus County is 11 billion dollars a year. Ag related business such as E & J Gallo Winery, Del Monte, Foster Farms, Seneca, Stanislaus Food and ConAgra are some of the county's largest employers.
My family emigrated from Switzerland and has farmed in Stanislaus County for more than 100 years. I am my family's third generation and I've been a farmer for over 40 years. The San Joaquin Valley and Stanislaus County in particular, is the most productive and bountiful farm ground in the world. The Mediterranean climate that we enjoy is extremely rare in the world. Couple that with our productive soils and an extensive irrigation system fed by the Stanislaus, Toulumne and San Joaquin Rivers, and we have the ability to grow more than 200 different crops. This is unique n the world. Today this valley leads the nation and the world in production of almonds, walnuts, peaches, apricots and milk. It is the envy of other agricultural parts of our own country. In the national and worldwide agricultural community, California is known more for its agricultural products than for Hollywood, our beautiful coastline or the Silicon Valley.
Through the years we hear of Stanislaus County becoming an economic engine for industries other than agriculture, but much of that is unrealistic. We will never be a tourist mecca like the coast. Nor are we going to attract the California film industry here or become another Silicon Valley. I am not suggesting we shouldn't diversify and look for other opportunities, but we need to lead with our strength. Our strength is agriculture.
Unemployment is chronic in our county. According to a report from California State University Stanislaus, employment in the valley lags behind the state in employment growth. In order for there to be growth in employment, we need diversity in our economy that will provide jobs that complement our economic base. The medical industry is one example of this, and it employes over 10,000 people here. Warehousing and Distributing have added many good paying jobs with the Patterson area gaining the most. We can add jobs in Riverbank at the ammunition plant. Turlock has developed its job center area with the Blue Diamond plant as its foundation. Hilmar cheese plans an expansion there also.
We need to take advantage of our fine educational institutions and partner with UC Merced, CSU Stanislaus and MJC. The new leadership at these educational institutions is poised to work with business leaders and others to assist in not only sustainable job growth but economic growth. We need to be more aggressive in attracting more companies that will bring "core jobs" to our county. We need our cities and the county to work more closely together to better coordinate these efforts.
Many years ago, when I was a student in a high school ag class, our teacher asked us what we wanted to do when we grew up. Since all of us were from farm families, each of us replied that we wanted to be farmers. Our teacher then explained that our agricultural economy is like an hour glass. The top part of the hour glass represents all of the inputs to agriculture, the things needed to make farming work: the tractor and irrigation companies, the people who provide the fertilizer, fuel, trucking and nursery stock, the bankers, accountants and repair shops needed by farmers. All of these occupations fill the top of the hour glass.
The farmer and the farm worker is the narrow part of the hour glass, where the fewest amount of people are employed. This was where all of us in that class wanted to be. The bottom part of the hour glass represents the people and suppliers involved in the processing, distribution, sale and transportation of the farm products: the canneries, wineries, truckers, packaging companies and grocery stores.
The point my teacher was making was that you don't have to be on a farm to be employed by agriculture. It is something I never forgot. Agricultural inputs, production and processing account for 38% of Stanislaus county's employment. That doesn't include the teachers, doctors, accountants, plumbers, auto mechanics and others who serve and work with those who are directly engaged. Agriculture truly is the "big tent" that shelters all of us.
We have the most productive and abundant agricultural industry the world has ever seen. In the United States in 1900, the average family spent 43% of their income on food. In 1950 that percentage went down to 30%. Today only 9% of the average family's income is spent on food. When the United States Department of Agriculture expanded its activities in the Great Depression, our leaders said the purpose of our agricultural policy was to provide Americans with a health, inexpensive, abundant and varied food supply. It is fair to say that California, and our valley, have been instrumental in achieving that purpose. We ought not, and we will not, risk this resource.
Agricultural land should not just be considered the inventory for the next housing tract or warehouse. Ag land is an important and irreplaceable natural resource that is responsible for employing more people than any other industry in this county. It is time we recognize this reality. We will not improve ourselves by paving over our most productive agricultural land or by simply becoming a bedroom community for the Bay Area. It is important that we recognize the uniqueness of what Stanislaus County has and build on that strength.
No one understands agricultural policy and its importance like people from Stanislaus County. That is why our county has produced two United States Secretaries of Agriculture: Ed Lyng and Ann Venemen, and four California Directors of Agriculture: Henry Voss, Clare Berryhill, Anne Venemen and Bill Lyons. Much of the national and state agricultural policy has been driven by Stanislaus county citizens. Agriculture is in our blood.
The Stanislaus County Supervisors have addressed some of the challenges facing agriculture.
* We adopted the Right to Farm Ordinance, which recognizes the right to farm in a manner consistent with accepted customs and standards. This has protected our farmers from frivolous law suits and unrealistic demands.
* We extended the Williamson Act to protect agricultural land and open spaces.
* We passed the Ag Element which recognized the importance of our agricultural sector and set goals and objectives that include enhancing the marketing and promotion of agriculture, protecting food safety, soil erosion prevention and water conservation.
* We passed the first agricultural preservation requirements in the San Joaquin Valley, stipulating one acre of land be set aside in perpetuity for every acre of land taking out of production for construction of residential housing. Although Stanislaus County was sued by the Building Industry Association, we prevailed.
* Citizens adopted a measure requiring countywide voter approval of any new residential developments in the unincorporated areas.
* The Stanislaus Local Agency Formation commission (LAFCO) now requires cities without our county to adopt a Plan for Agricultural Preservation. CaLAFCO recently awarded our Local Agency Formation Commission two of its highest honors: Most Effective Commission and Project of the Year for its Agricultural Preservation Policy.
* 2014 marks the 100th year of the establishment of the Stanislaus County Farm Bureau and the UC Cooperative Extension. Both organizations have done much to benefit our agricultural industry. The UC Cooperative Extension provides research, education and technical assistance that helps our farmers develop best management practices and makes them more competitive in the world market. The Stanislaus County Farm Bureau represents farmers and ranchers at all levels of government and consistently is a strong and positive voice for all sectors of agriculture. Both organizations have given Stanislaus County 100 years of outstanding service. We look forward to their continued leadership in meeting the challenges of the next 100 years.
But despite these successes we still have further to go. We face serious challenges in two major areas: transportation and water.
Evey industry in this county, including agriculture, relies on a sound transportation system to move its people, goods and services. Counties with a local transportation tax, which we refer to as "self-help" counties, are able to use local dollars to leverage billions of Federal and State dollars each year for improving their transportation systems. This in turn helps create jobs, expand mobility and enhance local communities. Currently over 81% of California's population resides in a self-help county, placing Stanislaus County at a huge disadvantage when it comes to competing for limited transportation funding. Local leaders broadly accept that we need to be a self-help County. But if we do ask voters to consider the issue again, StanCOG must develop an allocation plan with the cities and the county, and a list of county-wide projects that we all can agree on. I call on each city council of our nine cities, as well as the County Board of supervisors to pass a resolution agreeing on the allocation formula and the county-wide road projects. This unified focus is essential to gaining the trust of and support from the voters on this important issue. Unless the County and the cities move as one on a transportation measure, we will not be successful. The model that nearly passed in 2008 should b the basis of any new proposal. Partnership and cooperation is the key.
In that election, a change of only 70 votes out of over 160,000 cast would have given us the 2/3 margin we needed. No one likes tax increases, but we can only move this forward if we act together. But if we don't move together, we will not move at all.
Another major challenge is water. We are over pumping at an alarming level. Management of the county's groundwater is a new arena for us. Every city in Stanislaus County relies on groundwater for drinking water. To a great extent, agriculture relies on groundwater. The current drought conditions have focused our attention on this vital natural resource. The depletion of the groundwater resources that serve our County is not simply a drought related issue; it is an issue of sustainability. Recognizing the critical importance of a groundwater policy, this Board took action last year to prohibit its export and sale. We have now formed a water advisory committee made up of representatives of agriculture, irrigation districts and community members. This committee has been charged, with public input, to develop a well thought out policy that will provide a sustainable solution to groundwater over drafting. This policy must be developed using scientific facts and it must provide us with long term solutions. There is no value in pointing fingers and there is no time for delay. We need to act. if we don't and the problem worsens, the state of California will intervene and we risk the ability to control our own destiny.
The Don Pedro Dam is now coming up for federal re-licensing. This is a critical issue for Stanislaus County. We need to partner with the MID and the TID to ensure we retain the water that is ours. We must work with our local elected officials, with our representatives in Sacramento and at the federal level. We cannot take it for granted that this will just happen. Our entire economy depends on this effort. Giving up any additional water from Don Pedro Dam will have long lasting negative implications for all of our citizens and our agricultural industry.
While I believe transportation and water are critical issues, there are other important concerns affecting County government and the well being of our residents.
The Stanislaus County Employees Retirement Association, (StanCERA) is the agency that governs the pension fund of our county's 3300 retirees and holds in trust the retirement money of our current employees.
It is made up of public members appointed by the Board of supervisor and members elected by county employee associations. This board has acted responsibly and with vision in difficult times. StanCERA took a big hit in 2008 with the recession. Our fund balance dropped by $874 million in February of 2009. It is now at $1.7 billion. In addition to prudent investment decisions that account for part of this gain, StanCERA adjusted its formula that governs how much money needs to be set aside to insure these obligations are met. The assumed rate of return was lowered to a more realistic level. We closed the rolling amortization period so debt didn't just get put off into the future. We have adopted a policy to reduce the risk inherent with investing in these funds. We will take measured steps to replace some investments with guaranteed bonds so that the cash flow needs of StanCERA will always be met. In the 2012/2013 fiscal year StanCERA's earnings rate, as compared to other public pension funds in the United States, ranked third nationally and second in California. Our funded ration is now close to 78%. Our retirees, and our current employees, and county taxpayers can feel confident that their fund is well managed and based on sound financial principals.
In 2007 this Board adopted a metal theft ordinance requiring scrap metal dealers to be licensed and to record information about sellers for every transaction when individuals were selling non-ferrous metals. Prior to the ordinance, metal theft was increasing at an alarming rate. This ordinance was so successful that then Assemblyman, Tom Berryhill introduced a bill similar to the Stanislaus County's ordinance and it became state law.
Today we have similar problems with walnut theft. There re more than 38,000 acres of walnuts in Stanislaus county with a farm gate value of $220 million dollars. Walnut theft has increased to disturbing rates. I suspect that there is hardly a walnut grower in the County who hasn't suffered losses. I am generally the last one clamoring for more regulation, but walnut theft is something we must make a serious effort to stop.
As with metal theft, the problem must be addressed at the point of purchase, which in this case involves unlicensed roadside vendors not requiring proper documentation or proof of ownership by the seller. Another concern is food safety. Under legitimate operations processors can trace any contaminated product back to the grower. Having roadside cash buyers mixing any and all nuts, stolen or not, erases the chain of accountability should any unsafe product be introduced. I call on the Ag commissioner to work in conjunction with the Ag advisory board to draft a reasonable ordinance to address the increasing problem of walnut theft and present it to the board for consideration this year.
Over the past two years, Stanislaus County has had a dramatic increase in acute psychiatric inpatient admissions. This increase impacts bed capacity and creates a financial burden for the County. In the past year, County staff and all area hospitals met and began a working relationship that focused on addressing the psychiatric bed capacity issues and the growing need to secure programs to meet the County's mandated obligations. As a result, a new 16 bed psychiatric health facility will provide psychiatric treatment services designed to require less staff than an acute psychiatric hospital, and reducing overall cost to the county by $1.5 million while providing better services to county residents. An existing and now vacant residential facility located at the County's Stanislaus Recovery Center site in Ceres is currently being renovated and is on track to open March 1 of this year.
Stanislaus County's health delivery system has always struggled to keep pace with the needs of our community. The Board has a strong commitment to serve the public interest by promoting a healthy community. One health issue that merits our attention is the alarming rate of obesity among children. In Stanislaus County more than 40% of 5th, 7th and 9th grade students are either overweight or obese. Obesity and physically inactivity can have profound negative health consequences for children. Increase risk of diabetes, heart disease, hypertension and stroke are just some of the potential consequences.
Obesity has become second only to tobacco use as the leading preventable cause of disease and death. If this trend continues, for the first time in human history, today's children could be the first generation to have a shorter life span than their parents. Recognizing the magnitude of this problem and the serious public threat to the health and well-being of children and families, all nine Stanislaus County cities have passed resolutions to embrace policies that facilitate activities to promote a healthier lifestyle and diet. These policies could provide increased opportunities for physical activity in our parks by encouraging walking and biking.
I call on Stanislaus County to recognize this growing problem, and pass a similar resolution as our nine cities have. We all need to work together to assure that everyone in Stanislaus County has access to healthy foods and safe places to be active. Providing health environments and healthy choices promotes healthy people in a healthy Stanislaus.
We have read about and many have experienced the increase of crime in our communities. The security of our homes, neighborhoods, schools and businesses is essential to the quality of life. If you fear to let your children go to the park, or walk to school, not much else matters. This County will continue to make the public safety of our residents a priority.
Public Safety Realignment under Assembly Bill 109 continues to be a significant challenge for Stanislaus County. The effects of this paradigm shift in our criminal justice system have increased our costs and affected the jail bed capacity in our County. Our correctional facilities are at a maximum capacity and realignment has forced us into early releases from custody. Additionally, property and drug offenses continue to impact our community. Despite the challenges of realignment, Stanislaus county has focused on our strong collaborative partnerships and spirit of cooperation.
Our local public safety agencies and the members of the Community Corrections Partnership have taken on the difficult task of leading our local realignment efforts.
Through their leadership and planning, we have developed an effective strategy to deal with complex issues such as recidivism, substance abuse and mental illness. Efforts have focused on implementing only those programs and services that have the best results and are proven to work.
While the state provides funding to the County, the funding is not adequate to compensate for the costs of realignment. The number of criminal offenders we house and supervise continues to exceed state projections resulting in increased overcrowding in our jail facilities and in the number of offenders being supervised in the community. Funding formulas used to determine the county's allocation of realignment funding are being reviewed. If the number of offenders sentenced locally continues to increase, and if the state does not increase the funding to Stanislaus County, other resources will be needed to fund realignment programs.
We will continue to advocate for a change in the funding formula, as well as the total dollars available for realignment so that more money can be brought to Stanislaus County. The County will continue to work together with our public safety partners and community based organizations to effectively deal with our offender population.
Cooperation is the key to meeting our challenges. City and county government must work better together. The dispute over the property tax administration fees was divisive. That is behind us now and we need to come together. We can disagree and argue, but in the final analysis we need to cooperate. Our cities are our partners, not our adversaries. Challenges that face our county and our communities will either be dealt with in a timely manner that results in a positive momentum for our residents or be dealt with in a way that hurts our economy and our ability to succeed. The county and the cities don't get a pass. Stanislaus County doesn't win if the cities lose and the cities don't win if this county loses. There will be no progress on infrastructure, on water or on other important issues unless we learn to work together.
In order for farmers to be successful, they must deal with all kinds of unforseen circumstances, which can impact the bottom line. They are resilient, innovative and independent. Our government needs the same approach to its day-to-day business. Neither Sacramento nor Washington is going to come riding into the Valley and improve our schools, arrest our criminals, build our infrastructure, take care of our elderly or insure equal opportunity for our children. They won't safeguard our groundwater or protect our farmland in a way that best serves us. We are the only ones who can do that. Finger pointing may make us feel good, but the obligation to make our county more prosperous rests squarely on the 520,000 people who live here. Events beyond our control will shape our future. How we handle those events however, is fully in our hands.