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Articles of Interest

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Articles of interest to Unitarian Universalists

Please sign the petition to ask for designation of the central coast waters as the Chumash National Marine Sanctuary at www.tinyurl.com/CHNMSpetition

Protect California’s Central Coast! Create a National Marine Sanctuary

Establish a new Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary on California’s Central Coast to permanently protect this biologically and culturally rich area from offshore oil development.

Why This Matters

Oil-soaked pelicans, dead dolphins, closed beaches, fishing bans, and economic hardship for coastal businesses as a result of the most recent Santa Barbara-area spill remind us that Oil and Oceans Don’t Mix!

California’s Central Coast is an area of extraordinary biodiversity. Endangered whales, dolphins, sea otters, seals, pelicans and other wildlife thrive here, feeding on rich nutrient upwellings. The new Chumash National Marine Sanctuary would stretch from Gaviota, near the recent oil spill, to Cambria, terminus of the Monterey Bay NMS. Sanctuary status for this area would prohibit oil development, seismic testing, dumping of agriculture wastewater, and other threats. Comprehensive ecosystem management would ensure the health of the marine habitat.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) recently expanded two Northern California sanctuaries and is evaluating potential new national marine sanctuaries, This makes the South Central Coast a prime candidate. We need a strong push from the public to get NOAA to act now!

General Assembly (GA) is the annual meeting of our Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA). Attendees worship, witness, learn, connect, and make policy for the Association through democratic process. Anyone may attend; congregations must certify annually to send voting delegates.

General Assembly 2017
June 21-25, New Orleans, LA

Planning has begun for General Assembly 2017 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, 900 Convention Center Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70130. Google Map. Steeped in a history of influences from Europe, the Caribbean, and Africa, it is one of America’s most culturally and historically-rich destinations. It is a city known for its music, food, architecture, and festivals. The average high temperature in June is 89 degrees and the average low is 71.

New Orleans is also known as a place of re-birth following the devastation of Katrina in 2005. Many Unitarian Universalists have contributed time and funds in the effort to rebuild both the city and the congregations in the area.  By going to New Orleans, we can both celebrate our successes and recommit to the relationships that have been forged with this community.

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