Documentos de Académico
Documentos de Profesional
Documentos de Cultura
po County
FREE ADMISSION
Featuring
Live Music,
Handcrafted Items
& Kidz Zone!
Painting by Elise Beavers
Courtney’s Quill
To have a deeper experience, the trick is
to sync both sides of the brain to the same
frequency, known as hemispheric synchro-
nization, preferably in Alpha or Theta.
Hemispheric synchronization in Theta cre-
ates a state of consciousness during which
Well, summer has officially begun, and we much greater integration is possible. We
seem to be in the midst of perfect summer become insightful, access intuition and
weather! I love the longer days, the warmer creativity easily, experience spontaneous
evenings, and the overflowing local pro- healing, and more directly perceive our
duce stocked at every local farmers market. connection to the Divine. Chanting, danc-
And, of course, this is always the time of ing, spinning, meditating, from the begin-
the year for me to catch up on the stack of
novels growing more quickly than my own Drum Circle Magic Part Seven: ning of human existence, we have sought to
achieve this blissful, indescribable, transfor-
Rhythmic Enlightenment
children! Oh how I love summer! mational state of grace otherwise known as
Besides the time to read and cook, sum- transcendental consciousness, and extend
mer also brings one of the most fun events it for as long as possible. As covered in
to our town. Day with Creative Women earlier articles, sound very effectively pro-
takes place on August 8, 2009 from 10 a.m. Welcome back to the circle. If you have to 3 hours playing the dominant role. Not duces entrainment, making trance inducing
to 5 p.m. in the Mission Plaza. This event been following this column, we have only are we switching sides, we are often drumming one of the easiest ways to syn-
celebrates women artists from a variety of taken a journey together into the various generating many separate wave patterns, chronize and maintain Theta waves. This
genres and mediums. There is a place for aspects of rhythm. These explorations have at varying frequencies, on either side. Our was the major role of the ancient Priest-
children to play, for vendors to sell their included the universal, emotional, personal, conscious thoughts are supported by three esses, it is the Shaman’s Way, the Path of
crafts and artwork, and for everyone to heart beat, communicative, and intuitive major types of brain waves: Beta, the out- the Sufi, the Mystic Heart and the ultimate
dance to the wonderful musical artists who aspects of drumming. Some of you may see ward, logical, analytical speech mode; purpose of drumming.
send amazing tunes throughout the entire a pattern. Contemplating the format to use Alpha, a slower, more relaxed, creative state; Even if you are only planning to have
plaza! I have enjoyed this festival for the in beginning this series, I was drawn to the and Theta, the most profound and dream- a little fun with your drum (and there is
past five years, and yet, did you know that human chakra system as a mode for dis- like, interfacing conscious and unconscious nothing wrong with that!), you should be
this is the 35th anniversary of the festival? cussing the essentials, as this is the basis of thought. Theta is the frequency of advanced aware of this aspect. It is the source of cul-
Wow. Congratulations to the Women’s our energetic presence. In keeping with this learning and physical and emotional tural reverence, the incredible persistence of
Community Center for putting on such a template, we have arrived at our connection healing, but is very hard to maintain, the practice in the face of persecution, and
fantastic event every year. to the Divine. usually leading quickly into Delta, the pat- the feeling of oneness within a circle. You
This issue follows with Day with Cre- Our brains are separated into two hemi- tern of sleep. At any given time several con- hold a powerful tool for increased health,
ative Women, as this is our creative issue. spheres, the left and right, responsible for scious frequencies, even possibly the same well-being, and spiritual insight. How far
Please look on page 4 for all the wonder- logic and creativity, respectively. These but out of sync, may be taking place within you take it is up to you. So play and grow
ful poems we received. We truly have some halves take turns, lasting about 30 minutes the brain. and until next time, keep the beat!
talented women in our community, and I
am so proud and happy to publish some
of their amazing personal thoughts and Correction from Last Issue My piece “Waiting” belongs to a body
poems. Bravo to all of our amazing artists. of work that focuses on a moment of cri-
Finally, I urge you to spend a little Cover Artist sis. Interested in manmade disaster, such
as nuclear, and its ability to match the
time volunteering for Women’s Press. We
are in desperate need of some help, and I Ashley Wertheimer destructive forces of nature, this piece cre-
ates my own vision of the catastrophic
promise you the work is minimal. If you
are at all interested, please contact us at moment before the two powers collide.
womenspress.slo@gmail.com. The theme of manmade order and
So, enjoy your summer and all the nature has carried over into my final year as
goodness that comes with this time of year, an art and design major at Cal Poly, now
and I hope to see you at Day with Creative focusing on royal European gardens and the
Women! taming of the natural world. Using water
About This Issue’s Cover Artist
Courtney
fountains as my subject matter, my recent
Elise Beavers work explores the liquidity of paint, specifi-
cally the manner in which it breaks down
Elise Beavers is a third year student in the a form creating tension between figure and
Communication Design program at Cali- ground. “Waiting” was shown in January at
fornia State University Chico, studying Traditional Tattoo as part of my first solo
Graphic Design. Originally from Moraga, show. I’m graduating in June as a fifth year
California, she has studied fine art for over senior Art and Design major at Cal Poly. I
YOU CAN HELP ten years and is currently working to build
her portfolio to advance within her pro- Last issue’s cover artist bio for Ashley Wert-
lived in Italy and studied art for a year, an
amazing experience that has changed my
CREATE THE BEST NEWSPAPER gram. She hopes to establish herself in the heimer was inaccurate. We sincerely apologize life forever. After I fulfill my desire to travel
Graphic Design industry, with a focus on for this mistake. The title for the cover art was abroad again, I hope to continue on to grad
ON THE CENTRAL COAST! “Waiting.” In her own words: school in the near future.
advertising and package design.
What If I Fail?
By Inglis Carre’-Dellard, M.F.A. If a work isn’t going well, it doesn’t nec-
essarily mean that the original impulse was
Fear of failure can strike at any time in the flawed. It is often possible to back up and
creative process. “What if this new direc- reconsider previous choices by changing
tion turns out to be a dead end?” “What if areas to reopen some possibilities. Some
I can’t resolve this composition problem?” media are more forgiving and flexible than
“This project was a success, but will I be others. An accident can result in a complete
able to keep this up?” change of direction for a project that will
If we step back and consider the prob- lead the way into exciting new territory.
lem from a little distance, we can see that If a series of projects seems to have gone
fear strikes hardest when we are focusing astray, some change in your routine or sur-
too much on the product, rather than the roundings could be responsible. Did you
process. The product is the surface expres- discard a tried and true approach when one
sion of our creative journey and also a sign or two small changes would have sparked
pointing out future possible directions for your work up without a major reinvention?
our work. It is not the end of the journey. Have you started painting in the afternoon
At the beginning of our journey, when instead of the morning or vice-versa? Have
we make the first mark on the canvas or you traded your usual cup of herb tea for
write the first word of a story, the possibili- an espresso? Are you distracted by family
ties for how the piece develops seem end- problems? Any of these factors can have an
less. As we continue to build our project, effect on your process.
the possible outcomes decrease in number Often, an exaggerated quest for perfec-
as one by one the earlier possibilities drop tion will cause us to judge good works too
away. As the piece develops, new paths harshly. Since art is made by humans, every
beckon, we choose among them, and oth- work will have flaws and inconsistencies
ers continue to drop away. At the end of the reflective of human imperfections.
project the work becomes its own unique Let’s remember that a truly creative
Attached Parenting
The Children’s Bookshelf
By Lisa Pimental Johnson David Shannon’s illustrations are full of
saturated color, detail, and buckets brim-
Can you sense it? Energy is sizzling off ming with whimsy. It will almost convince
school children’s skins. Can you smell the you life is better on a pirate ship with Cap-
aroma of sunscreen in the air? Can you hear tain Braid Beard.
the jingle of the ice cream truck on your The next book is mentioned in fond-
Society for the Self-Absorbed his new pirate friends how to play soccer
on board the ship, and they teach him how
to pick his teeth with chicken bones. All is
hard not to dive to the floor to buy that
slightly used book, but her mother silently
added it to her purchases. The rest of the
happiness in a good stinky pirate way until adults took that memory home with them!
By Jen Mowad child experiences success, we somehow feel he discovers what they don’t do...
responsible for that as well.
With video camera rolling, I have docu- Yet, all this attention makes me won-
mented my youngest daughter’s first steps der how our children will develop when
over the past week or so. I also have digi-
tal pictures of the same events which I can
such focus and interest is given to their
every little word, act, or deed. When I Honoring Your Needs
send out in a slideshow via a photo sharing view friend’s blogs, I enjoy reading the lat-
website, and ones taken on my cell phone est quirky comments spouted by a curious By Barbara Atkinson response to loving the Self enough to listen
which can be sent to family member’s cell toddler or watching the goofy dance of a to its needs.)
phones. I have logged the date of those first vivacious little tot. But lately I’ve begun to When I begin to talk about meeting your Look at it this way: if you’re an
steps in her digital baby book, along with wonder what happens when these children own needs, many women automatically employer looking for a specific set of skills
other humorous and memorable tidbits grow up and become aware of the attention find a feeling of selfishness crop up in their in an employee, you’re going to do what’s
about her life at this stage. Of course I also they have received almost daily via blogs, minds. Most of us by nature are giving best for you and your business. If some-
updated my blog with both video and pic- e-mails, video, pictures, and social network- and nurturing beings. Culturally, that has one doesn’t have the skill level you need, but
tures. I think the only thing missing is an ing sites such as Facebook and MySpace? expanded to an ideal of the self-sacrificing you succumb to feeling sorry for them, via
update to my Facebook page, and since I’m Will this generation be so consumed with wife and mother; historically we have been a perceived need of theirs or a sob-story,
at it, I should join Twitter so I can update themselves that they won’t develop the nec- the unpaid volunteers keeping many orga- and then hire them for that reason, you and
her walking status to my friends on there as essary empathy and respect needed to be nizations afloat. All this until we burn out your business are in trouble. Eventually,
well. Oh, and how could I forget to post it positive, productive society members? Will and wonder why. Meeting your own needs you’ll be faced with having to let them go,
to the message board of my mom’s group, technology continue to develop ways for isn’t about not being helpful or kind. It’s and what a bigger mess that will create for
so all my close and not-so-close mom them to communicate with others, yet not about responsibility to the Self. everyone involved. It’s also true that those
friends are aware of her latest milestone? truly connect? Will they become so self- Your responsibility lies with meeting who apply for the position and don’t get
Reflecting on the most recent accom- absorbed that having a “community” only and honoring your own needs with lov- hired may feel their needs haven’t been met
plishment of my daughter, I am recogniz- satisfies their need to communicate about ing kindness and not acquiescing to what and may blame you. When you meet your
ing just how much attention is focused on themselves and will they comprehend that you think are another’s needs or only doing needs at the seeming expense of another,
our children. Yes, the first years are a thrill- there is value in connecting and sharing what others want you to do. A familiar trust that there is a higher purpose at work.
ing time for both parent and child; watch- with others? illustration of this occurs on an airplane: In the years that follow, these individuals
ing them grow and develop is exhilarating As I move into unprecedented parenting the airline personnel tells everyone about may look back on this perceived failure, and
and fulfilling for every mom and dad and territory with technology as an ever-pres- the use of the overhead oxygen mask, realize it was the best thing that could have
it makes you want to shout from the roof- ent part of our daily life, I am committed instructing parents to first put the mask on happened at the time.
tops with the pride that is brimming over to utilizing what makes our family’s life themselves and then their child. (You’re no Like the employer, you are charged to
for your child. And I imagine parents have easier and what contributes to our quality good to anyone if you pass out before you meet your own needs, to honor your Self.
experienced similar feelings of pride for of life. However, I am also committed to can assist them.) Trusting Life is the wisdom of allowing, and
their children for thousands of years, as limiting the use of technology when it It’s not that your needs supersede anoth- not assuming you know what is best for
cavemen boasted of their sons’ first hunt- comes to monitoring and sharing my chil- er’s needs or that you turn your back on anyone or anything else; that’s the job of
ing sessions and medieval women delight- dren’s eating habits, sleeping patterns, and your innate kindness. Rather, when you Spirit. Just like you, other people have their
edly helped their daughters birth their first bowel movements. I’m sure my “commu- respond by extending that innate kind- own relationship with All There Is, their life
babies. From the moment a child is born, nity” will thank me for that, as will my chil- ness to yourself and honoring your needs, lessons, and their own responsibility to Self.
a parent feels an enormous responsibility dren some day. you will find that your response is what’s The only way to proceed, then, is to honor
for the success of that child and when that best for everyone involved, even if that your own needs trusting all is well and will
doesn’t seem evident at the time. (This isn’t an be well.
excuse for ego to “get its way”; rather it’s a
July & August 2009 | www.womenspress-slo.org | Women’s Press Voices 7
Anneka Scranton
written it. She has dedicated her vocation This deep conviction in all aspects of
and avocation to increasing peace and jus- human rights unifies her volunteer efforts,
tice at the community and international such as helping the homeless as a Friend
levels. No small task! But Anneka, who of Prado Day Center, educating the pub-
celebrates the small wins, is not discour- lic as a frequent instructor for Osher Life-
aged; she keeps extending her efforts from long Learning Institute, and advocating
Forging regional initiatives to global movements.
She describes the purpose that drives
for a Human Rights Commission for SLO
County.
Common her life as, “I always try to find common
ground and connection. People are search-
Convinced about the power of women
to affect change, Anneka has become very
By Laura Grace
Day With
art, the two chose the name Nu Monet to
Kristina Bennett. Delia Horwitz is a profes-
reflect their unique approach to music. Nu
sional facilitator and leadership consultant
Monet performances span a wide variety of
as well as a dancer, and shares her whimsi-
musical genres, including tunes from the
cal rhymes as an inspiration for navigating
American songbook, show tunes, jazz stan-
Creative Women
through life’s challenges. Kristina Bennett
dards, folk ballads, and arias from operas.
creates and directs local interactive theatre
Nu Monet is rapidly gaining recognition
projects and is part of the SLO ecstatic and
on the California Central Coast, driven by
contact improv dance communities. Kris-
the duo’s superb musicianship and profes-
tina can be reached at (805) 540-1942, kris-
Spirituality Matters
Casino
Cultivating Soulful Self Care Spirituality
By Heather Mendel emergency, “please place one over your own
face before trying to assist another,” Audre Part 1
The words of the Desiderata, purport- Lorde reminds us too that caring for our-
edly written several hundred years ago and selves is not self-indulgence, it is self –pres-
found in a church in Baltimore, remind us: ervation. Hillel stated: If I am not for myself,
Whether or not it is clear to you, no who will be for me?
doubt the Universe is unfolding as it John O’Donohue, mystic poet, has
should. Therefore be at peace with God, some fascinating ideas about living soul-
whatever you consider God to be. With all fully: “The more I’ve been thinking about
it’s sham and drudgery and broken dreams, this, the more it seems to me actually is that
it is still a beautiful world. the visible world is the first shoreline of the
As we look around us, it is only with an invisible world. And the same way I believe
innate optimism and unswerving faith that with the body and the soul. That actually...
we can hold this vision. As the slumber- the body is in the soul, not the soul just in
ing giant of the Eastern hemisphere awak- the body. And that in some way the poi-
ens to the promise of all that consumerism gnancy of being a human being is that you
can bring, the West looks at the emptiness are the place where the invisible becomes
that consumerism leaves in the soul and visible and expressive in some way.” By MaryAine Cherry Yourself. Stop the negative self talk and
seeks answers to life’s questions in the wis- Our scientific bias has blinded us to accept you are a brave, chosen, beautiful
dom of the East. As Nature is despoiled to what indigenous people all over the world Sunday in Reno at the Grand Sierra: I ven- being that was made perfectly to be here
the point of suffocation, we are all finally knew and know that nature – rocks, plants, tured through the crowds, flashing lights, and have joy in this human (hands of God)
forced to look at our place in the Universe animals, the stars, planets, and universe- and noise to the Grand Theatre to attend experience.
and ask those embarrassing questions about -is alive with a consciousness, different but the ’Transform Your Life’ Conference with I like the way Dannion Brinkley said
what we individually are doing to help and equal in all ways to our own. When we go Marianne Williamson, Rabbi Shmuley, and human = hands of God. Maybe you believe
what we are doing to hinder the realigning out each morning, silently and listening, in Dannion Brinkley. They talked about life, and maybe you have another name for All
balance that is so out of kilter. We think O’Donohue’s words with “an open heart love, and the hereafter. That Is. It’s ok. The Creator is all the same
we know so much! Science has provided and a watchful reverence,” we are amazed Marianne encouraged us to get off our and loves our imagination.
incredible insights about the working of the at what we can learn. Being aware of the butts and grow up and realize this is not a Love is the most important feeling.
natural world and gifted us with a corporate vitality of nature and her cycles connects us dress rehearsal. We’re doing it and our ‘col- Express it, say it, tell people, show it, be
machine that clogs our world with plastics into the rhythm of the universe. If we con- lective we’ have things to do and do now. love.
and aluminum, and then infests our bod- sciously attend to this energy we start to Take responsibility for the things you can We are created in perfection. We are
ies with parabens and other chemicals that open to life in anew way in which the fol- change. Feeding the children is paramount more than our job, bank account, posses-
we can’t pronounce that poison our bod- lowing can enhance the soulful quality of in her message. sions. Find joy in what you do and the rest
ies and we wonder at the number of can- our days. Reading O’Donohue is taking The Rabbi talked about sex. Yeah, will follow. If you are poor and have joy,
cer–related illnesses, numbers of children the oxygen mask he offers. he talked about sex and the dying of it. it’s good. If you are overweight and have
with being diagnosed with autism—all in We have overexposed ourselves and mar- joy, it’s good. If you are rich and have joy,
the greediest, most consumerist nation on Heather Mendel’s website’s are riages and relationships are suffering from it’s good. Be grateful and write it down to
the planet. As Americans, as women, how • www.dancinginthefootstepsofeve.com not being ‘enoughism’. Our collective self remind yourself when you forget. Practice
do we find any sense of balance and soul- • www.wordartist.com esteem is hurting. The richest nation has enjoying yourself. Do something you love
ful ways to live our lives? Just as the crew in • sacredfemininematters.blogspot.com self esteem issues because we aren’t suc- everyday. Love what you are doing because
any airplane instructs: In the event of any cessful enough or pretty enough and then you can. Love finishing it and doing some-
it gets worse. You can make a list of what thing you think you really love.
is wrong with us. You can start making it I really believe when we accept ourselves
right again by looking within and noticing exactly as we are, joy follows and life lines
how precious you are. Anyone that works up to support the spirit and the experiences
daily and keeps at it should be considered we have as humans. We can have fun!
a hero. Speak up, volunteer, and help out. The
Dannion has died three times and has giving brings so much love into life that the
been on the other side and seen that which giver actually ends up receiving more from
you only get to see when you die. He says, the time given. Paying it forward.
‘you don’t die’, ever. You meet yourself and If you love your freedom, thank a vet-
review what you did to everyone else from eran; he/she gave their heart and soul to
their perspective, as if you were them. give us a country that is free. There are
Whoa, that makes me want to do better thousands of veterans dying alone, forgot-
now. It does matter what we do and what ten by us. Call me about The Twilight Bri-
we don’t quite get around to doing. gade hospice training coming August 29-30.
You are greeted by your loved ones and Be the change you wish to see. Gandhi
then one wonders what you were thinking I almost forgot to tell you. The
when you chose or were chosen to be in casino employees were asking what we
this human body. were doing in there. They could feel the
The point of this conference was to place was lighter, the energy higher than
wake up spiritually. I received this affir- usua,l and they wanted to know about
mation for the teaching that I offer. I talk it. We were happy and we weren’t drink-
a lot about trusting your feelings and trust- ing. We were glowing with good, lov-
ing your inner voice and guess what, it’s ing, warm feelings. We are the change
my job. I’m a cheerleader for the self. How when we share our light and love.
cool is that? I came to do what I love doing. Beautiful Blessings, MaryAine
I’m in the right job. You can be too. If you
don’t know how, I’ll help you find out. MaryAine Cherry, Inner Transformation
We are here to realize that we are doing Self Development Guide helping people release
what we came to do and to be nicer and limitations, inspire them to reach for their
more loving to: goals and believe it’s possible. www.return2joy.
com maryaine@return2joy.com
12 NOWNews Women’s Press | July & August 2009 | womenspress.slo@gmail.com
August 26
#5 terrified of parental response, August 7:
denied to herself that she was preg- • birthday of Elizabeth Gurley Flynn,
nant labor organizer, helped found
#6 pregnancy tests repeatedly gave a ACLU, 1890
Let the Whole false negative August 8:
#7 health care worker didn’t test for • Day with Creative Women,
Community Know! pregnancy
#8 no health care worker available
Mission Plaza
Apr 10:
#9 no abortion care provider available • birthday, Dolores Huerta, 1930; co-
August 26th marks the day the 36th state brated as Women’s Equality Day, a chance #10 didn’t have enough money for early
legislature ratified the 19th Amendment to for us to remind ourselves of the power founder United Farm Workers
abortion, and as she tried to scrape August 13:
the US Constitution, making it official: all of the ballot. A chance to celebrate the it together, the pregnancy got more
women have the right to vote. Beginning changes in our society brought about by the • birthday, Lucy Stone, pioneer for
and more advanced women’s rights, 1818; kept her own
in the 1840’s as a whisper among women influence of women voters. #11 drug/alcohol problems during
abolitionists and temperance supporters, And it is also a chance for us to reflect name at marriage
pregnancy, didn’t realize she was August 18:
women took the tactics and strategies devel- on what women can do and must continue pregnant
oped in those fights and used them to advo- to do for the future. • NOW regular meeting, 6 PM
#12 late diagnosis of fetal anomaly August 23:
cate for suffrage for themselves. However, it This year, instead of a public event, #13 OB didn’t do the right tests at the
took 72 years from the First Women’s Right NOW is sponsoring an ad in the Tribune • Fannie Farmer opens Boston cooking
right time school, introducing standard measure-
Convention in Seneca Falls, in 1848, until and the New Times to publicize the impor- #14 Test results were misread
that date in 1920 for our goal to be realized. tance of the contributions made by women ments for recipes, 1902
#15 Test results were lost August 26:
In the 88 years since, women have made as a result of our voting power. We encour- #16 OB delayed giving test results
a huge difference in the shape of our cul- age our supporters to help us defray that • Women’s Equality Day
#17 Fetus has anomaly that can’t be August 28:
ture. Beginning immediately after pas- cost. How much we receive in donations diagnosed early
sage, in that first election in 1920, women will determine how big an ad we can pur- • Martin Luther King, Jr’s March
#18 Test results were misrepresented or on Washington, “I have a Dream”
overwhelmingly voted for social changes chase. Let’s make it a full size page!! We are misinterpreted to patient.
and ran for office in record numbers not certainly worth it! Send contributions, large speech, 1963
matched until recently. and small, to NOW, PO Box 1306, SLO
Since 1971 August 26th has been cele- 93406, “women’s day ad” in the memo line.
July & August 2009 | www.womenspress-slo.org | Women’s Press NOWNews 13
NOW NEWS What exactly is in that wrinkle cream, Think about that baby lotion that you are health care, and social programs are all on
lotion and make up you are putting on applying to your precious one. For the the chopping block.
Continued from p. 13 you skin? What are the dangers of toxic health of all contact: Teens Turning Green, She also talked about the fact that a 2/3’s
and cancer causing agents that are standard Environmental Justice, and Toxins in vote is needed to pass a budget. Getting
Advisor on athletic equity and has been ingredients in many over the counter cos- School Environment to get more informa- that amount of people to agree on anything
monitoring school athletic program com- metics? tion on what you can use and what you can can be a tremendous feat.
pliance with Title 9 for over 15 years. Title Teens Turning Green decided to find do to inform yourself and your daughters. One thing she was sure of is there is
9 requires athletic opportunities, funding, out. This small group of teenage women Beauty is more then skin deep. hope. The momentum is here. Now what
and scholarships at schools that receive began a national movement to investigate Guest Speaker: Latifa Lyles, by Lynne can we do? Write, write, write, and Run,
public funds to be within 5% of the propor- toxic exposures from the products that are Levine run, run. Write to your representatives,
tion of female to male athletes. Linda gave targeted to teens. They began educating For me the highlight of the NOW State your governor, your president. Then run
an update on several complaints that were peers and the community about healthy Conference was meeting and hearing the for a seat. Locally and nationally. This is the
blocked by the Bush administration. We lifestyle choices. Guest Speaker, Latifa Lyles. She is now perfect time to throw your hat in the ring.
hope to have better compliance with the They came up with the Dirty Thirty the National NOW Vice-President, the Now is the time to make a difference.
law with this new administration. list of chemicals to avoid in skin, cosmet- group’s youngest ever National officer. She California NOW Board of Directors
We also had a roundtable discussion of ics, and personal care products, including: is 29 years old and is now a candidate for Meeting, by Leslyn Keith
issues facing the LGBT community in ath- aluminum zirconium, benzyl acetate, ben- President of National NOW. She presently The Board of Directors has quarterly
letics and how the homophobic culture in zalkonium chloride just to name a few. (for serves as National spokesperson on issues meetings, one of which is usually in con-
many athletic departments affects the par- a complete list go to teensturninggreen.org) ranging from reproductive rights to Social junction with the State Conference. As
ticipation of women and girls in sports. They also have a list of Eco-conscious Security. She is a passionate young Afro- this was an election conference, the newly
Historically, if you were a female physi- beauty and personal care products. Alaffia, American feminist—an activist who, as elected officers presided over the meeting.
cal education teacher, it was assumed you Burt’s Bees, Dr. Bronner’s, Jason. And also National President, would make the voice Normal business was conducted, including
were gay. Many athletically inclined girls being good business women they came up of NOW heard everywhere! reports from the Treasurer, Legislative Advi-
were also painted with the same brush. The with their own product line: Teens Turn- Guest Speaker: Nancy Skinner, by Pat sory Committee, and other issue committee
stigma of being gay, and the homopho- ing Green. They informed us that many of Renshaw reports. Of interest to NOW members and
bic atmosphere, kept down participation these chemicals are also banned in many In November 2008, Nancy Skinner other feminists is a special event planned
of women and girls in sports. Interest- foreign countries. Companies use the same (D-Berkeley) was elected to represent the for the 40th anniversary of Woodstock to
ingly, there is a much more positive image procedure to make their products but add Bay Area’s 14th Assembly District. The dis- be held at Golden Gate Park on Oct. 25,
of female athletes than of male athletes in the toxic chemicals to one’s made in the trict includes Albany, Berkeley, El Cerrito, 2009 called the West Fest. California NOW
the media currently. Male athletes are much United States. The reason…only 10% of Emeryville, Kensington, Lafayette, Mor- will be sponsoring a stage and will receive
more likely to appear in the media for ste- beauty products are tested for health con- aga, Orinda, Pleasant Hill, Richmond, proceeds from the sale of West Fest CDs.
roid use, domestic abuse, or other viola- cerns in the US. Many of these products San Pablo, and parts of Oakland and El Additionally, California NOW will be part-
tions of the law than are female athletes, are linked to breast cancer. The fact that Sobrante. nering with a feminist wine club who will
who are celebrated for their achievements. the FDA does not regulate these products On May 30th Ms. Skinner spoke at the be donating 50% of their profits to NOW.
Workshop: Safe Cosmetics with Teens because they are not food let’s in a toxic California NOW State Conference about Unfortunately, the meeting was dis-
Turning Green by Pat Renshaw soup of hormone changing, breast carcin- the dispute within the legislature on how rupted when we were informed of the hor-
Host: Genevieve Roja of the National ogens’ and lead contaminants, which are to balance the budget. She spoke of the rific murder of Dr. George Tiller. Several
Campaign for Safe Cosmetics and the directly applied to our skin, eye, and lips. frustration she feels in witnessing cuts to board members present were friends of his.
Breast Cancer Fund. This is just what is used for adults. the most needy in our society. Education,
July & August 2009 | www.womenspress-slo.org | Women’s Press Resources 15
ABUSE Project Lifesaver Planned Parenthood
Adults Molested as Children Support Group (AMAC) 548.0909 www.projectlifesaverofslo.org SLO 549.9446
Rape Survivors Support Group, SLO Safe and Sober Support Group Stroke Support Group
Support Group for Sexual Assault Survivors 473.6507 471.8102 (SLO)
545.8888 St. Barnabas (Depression/Divorce/Grief) Caregivers of Stroke Survivors
Center for Alternatives to Domestic Violence 489.2990 www.stbarnabas.ag.org 544.2266 (SLO)
781.6406 Talk/Listen - Emotional support Women’s Support/Therapy v (general)
North County Women’s Shelter & Resource Center, 489.5481 534.1101
(inc. domestic violence support groups) Transformations Counseling Center Women’s Healthcare Specialists
461.1338 Free monthly workshops 541.7908 544.4883
SARP (Sexual Assault Recovery & Prevention) FINANCE/BUSINESS POLITICAL
545.8888 or 800.656.HOPE (4673) Consumer Credit Counseling Services Code Pink
Women’s Shelter Program of SLO 800.540.2227 www.slocodepink.org ososousaville@aol.com
781.6401 www.womensshelterslo.org Commission on Status of Women
GAY & LESBIAN 545.8412; Dawn Williams
ADDICTIONS Gay and Lesbian Alliance of the Central Coast
AA Meeting Democratic Women United
541.4252 541.4252
541.3211 PFLAG.Parents & Friends of Lesbians & Gays
Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACA) League of Women Voters
438.3889 543.2220
498.2176 SOL (Single Older Lesbians)
Al-Anon NOW (National Organization for Women)
Mostly socializing! Call 474.9405 www.kcbx.net/~slonow/ slonow@kcbx.net
534.9204
Cambria Connection (12 step support) HOSPICE READERS/WRITERS
927.1654 Hospice of SLO County, AIDS Bereavement Group Adult Literacy
Casa Solana 544.2266 and 434.1164 541-4219
Women’s Recovery Home 481.8555 Hospice Partners of the Central Coast Creative Writing Group
Chemical Dependency intensive 782.8608 748-2676; contact Gloria
outpatient program Nightwriters
541-9113 JOBS/CAREERS
Compulsive Eaters Anonymous, H.O.W. Concept
549.9656; contact Shirley Powell
AARP Sisters in Crime
546.1178 www.ceahow.org 788.2643 http://SinC-CCC.blogspot.com
Drug & Alcohol Services Cal Poly Foundation
781.4275 Jobline 756.7107 www.calpolyfoundation.org SENIORS
Narcotics Anonymous Cal Poly University Adult Day Care
549.7730 and 800.549.7730 http://calpolyjobs.org 756.1533 489.8894 (Arroyo Grande);
Overeaters Anonymous Cuesta College 434.2081 (Templeton); 927.4290 (Cambria)
541.3164 http://www.cuesta.edu Jobline 546.3127 Adult Protective Services
SCA, SLAA & SAA (Sex, Love & Romance Addictions) The Creekside Career Center 781.1790
461.6084 788.2600 or 237.3014 www.slocareers.org Computerooters:
TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) Department of Rehabilitation Computer help: 489.6230
929.1789 www.tops.org 549.3361 Department of Social Services:
Women for Sobriety Mission Community Services Corporation In-Home Support 781.1790
215.536.8026 www.womenforsobriety.org Women’s Business Partners Nursing help for the terminally ill 781.5540
595.1357 www.mcscorp.org Elder and Dependent Adult Advocacy and Outreach –
CHILDREN & FAMILIES Private Industry Council (PIC) Victim Witness Assistance Center
Birth and Baby Resource Center www.jobhunt.org 788.2601
546.3755 www.bbrn.org 781-5821
LEGAL Elder Law, Geraldine E. Champion, Attorney
Childcare Resource Connection
541.2272 or 800.727.2272 Core Mediation Services 473.4747
Foster Grandparents.Senior Companions
Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) 544.6334 medeee8@aol.com 782.9200
“A child’s voice in Court in SLO County” District Attorney’s Office – Victim Witness Center Senior Ballroom Dance club
541.6542 781.5821 489.5481 dg17@juno.com
Children’s Services Network Family Law Facilitator Senior Peer Counseling
781.1847 788.3418 Free, trained in.home counseling for 60+
First 5: Children & Families Commission Lawyers Referral Services/Legal Aid Alternative
781.4058; ask for Susan Hughs 788.2099 547.7025 ext. 15
Homeschooling in SLO County (HSC) Pro Per Divorce Workshop SPIRITUAL
462.0726; ask for Barbara 544.9313 Circle of Spiritual Enlightenment
La Clinica De Tolosa 238.5334 Senior Legal Services 541.1963; www.spiritualcircle.org
La Leche League 543.5140 Awakening Interfaith Spiritual Community
489.9128 Meditation Monday evenings 7-8 pm
Migrant Childcare Program MEDICAL SUPPORT/SERVICES
ALS Support Group (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) Open to all. 772-0306 awakeninginterfaith.org
544.4355 and 466.3444 Hungry Hearts Spiritual Community
MOMS Club of South SLO county 227.4785 or 674.4162
RC liturgy with womanpriest 546.8672
473. 2548 Alzheimer’s Support Meditation Group
Partnership for Children 547.3830, 534.9234 (SLO/Los Osos) Mondays, 7:30–8:30 PM; 772.0306
541.8666; ask for Beth 888.488.6555 New Beginnings Church
Real F.A.C.T.S. (Forum on Abused Children) American Cancer Society Every Sunday, Coalesce Bookstore, MB
460.9016 San Luis Obispo 543.1481, 238.9657 Self-Realization Fellowship
Social Services Templeton 434.3051 Sunday Services 995-1599
781.1600 Anorexia Nervosa & Bulimia Support Group
Support for Kids Coping with Domestic Violence 541.9113 WOMEN’S CENTERS/SHELTERS
473.6507 Arthritis Foundation Homeless Shelter
892.5556 781-3993
EMERGENCY/CRISIS Cancer/ Breast Cancer Support Groups Housing Authority
Hotline 543.1481 ext. 3 for information 543.4478
www.slohotline.org 800.549.8989 Caregivers of Aging Parents North County Women’s Resource Center, Shelter
Sexual & Rape Prevention (SARP) 543.7969 461.1338
545.8888 or 800.656.HOPE (4673) Celiac Disease Support Group Prado Day Center (for the homeless)
Temporary Restraining Order & Victim Witness 226.9893 786.0617 www.pradodaycenter.org
Program 781.5821 Endometriosis Association Women’s Community Center, SLO
EMOTIONAL SUPPORT www.endometriosisassn.org 544.9313
Enhancement, Inc. (for breast cancer survivors) Women’s Shelter Program of SLO
A.D.A.P.T. (Aid in Divorce Adjustment Problems Today) 771.8640 www.enhancementinc.com
543.0388 549.8989 (crises), 781.6401 (business)
EOC Health Services Clinics www.womensshelterslo.org
Alzheimer/Dementia Resource Center no or low cost reproductive health services
434.2081 or 534.9234 or 888.488.6555 544.2478 (SLO); 489.4026 (Arroyo Grande) OTHER WOMEN’S ORGANIZATIONS
CALL–Concerned Agoraphobics Learning to Live Healthworks of the Central Coast Altrusa International, Inc.
543.3764 No or low cost reproductive health services 481.1039; Cici Wynn, President
Co-Dependents Anonymous (CoDA)
542.0577 (SLO) 481.5093 (Grover Beach) 542.0900 American Association of University Women
Hearst Cancer Resource Center 781-0922 Karen www.aauw.org
927.1654 (Cambria) 466.8600 (North County) 542.6269 Camping Women
Community Counseling Center IC Interstitial Cystitis/Painful Bladder Syndrome 440.2723 www.campingwomen.org
543.7969 3rd Thursday, SLO, 7 -9 pm 464-0564 Hadassah.SLO
Dealing With Divorce Long-term Care Ombudsman Services of SLO County 543.9452
544.9313 785.0132
Depresson and Bipolar Support Alliance Group Lymphedema Education & Support Group OTHER GROUPS & GATHERINGS
927.3703 2nd Monday, 4-5 pm, 782-9300 Central Coast Peace and Environmental Council
Divorce Discussion Group Parkinson’s Support Groups 544.3399 or 783.2383
489.2990, saintbarnabas@sbcglobal.net 466.7226 (Atascadero/Templeton) Compassion & Choices (or Final Exit)
Eating Disorders Support Group 800.247.7421 or 489-5481
546-3774; free, meets weekly in SLO 481.7424 (Arroyo Grande)
541.8633 (SLO)
Please send additions, corrections or deletions to:
womenspress.slo@gmail.com or leave a message
at the WCC: 805.544.9313. Last update 7/1/09.
... looking for a spiritual change?
The Circle of Spiritual Enlightenment is an interfaith community
dedicated to celebrating diversity and honoring
the spirit that connects all things.
Shirodhara
Oil Treatment
Alleviates stress, Calms the mind
Rejuvenates the entire face