SUBSCRIBE to the bill, and stop its being weakened (already it has suffered one substantial weakening), on:
http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/cgi-bin/postquery?maison=AB&nro=974&act=1

BILL STATUS is on:
http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/bill/asm/ab_0951-1000/ab_974_bill_20030408_status.html

AB974 CHANGES "...reasonable mitigation measures shall be required." TO "Areas containing significant archaeological, paleontological, or cultural resources or sacred sites shall be protected against substantial disruption."

SEND THIS LETTER TO ASSYM. JOE NATION, D-6 (Marin County area),

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Assemblymember Joe Nation
Room 3013, State Capitol
Sacramento, Ca. 95814
Phone: 916-319-2006, Fax: 916-319-2106

RE: SUPPORT AB 974

Dear Assemblymember Nation:

_______________ would like to express ___ support for AB 974. Strengthening the cultural resource protections of the Coastal Act is essential for preserving the integrity of Native American sacred sites and culturally significant areas along the coast. Throughout California, growth pressures are overwhelming Native American tribes' ability to participate effectively in planning and land use matters that negatively impact or destroy our land-based heritage. While this destruction is by no means confined to the Coastal Zone, the Coastal Act is an appropriate place to focus your efforts to protect cultural resources, as this landmark body of law already provides a consistent framework of regulatory controls on development for protecting public resources.

Over the years we have witnessed the destruction of our cultural heritage at the hands of developers and corporations who are not constrained by anything stronger than public opinion. Too often that means that all we can do is monitor the destruction, and bear witness to the desecration. Extending Coastal Act protections that currently safeguard wetlands, sensitive habitat, public access and coastal agriculture, to include cultural resources and sacred sites is not only sensible and fair, it is long overdue.

_______________ applauds your leadership in addressing this important issue, and ___ wish to offer our support and assistance as your bill progresses.

Sincerely,

NAME________________
ADDRESS______________
CITY, ZIP_________________
PHONE/FAX/EMAIL________________

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PS, REMEMBER the BIOSTITUE who claimed that the "Little Shell" wetland in the path of the Huntington Beach hotels had "no habitat value"? Well, go by there now! The wetland, and "big shell" across the street, is alive with red-wing blackbirds, mallards, fish, and scads of other visitors including some protected species. The developer now LOVES this scenic wetland, which ensures the protection of big shell too, because it solves their drainage problem! As they now realize, the entire area was an estuary, and subject to flooding. Perhaps, before all the ORA sites are desecrated, someone will realize that they should be respected, too. But, as in the case of Little Shell,
it took an army of people, including Joey Racano's daily picketing, resisting developers sending goons and police to attack picketers, a lawsuit, and, finally, the intercession of CCC ex. dir. Peter Douglas, to get them to do what they should have done in the first place -- FOLLOW THE COASTAL ACT, and common sense! AB974 is just one more way of getting them to do the right thing -- they will love it in the long run!

/Doug

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