It's the Way of Love!

Daniel "Nane" Alejandrez of Barrios Unidos

We talk to Daniel "Nane" Alejandrez Founder and Director of Barrios Unidos (http://barriosunidos.net/). From the Barrio to the United Nations, Alejandrez has spread his message which combines analysis of the root causes of crime with concrete programs that offer youth positive alternatives. He is also Co-Chair of the Urban Peace and Justice Summit, the national organization that works to forge truces between African American and Latino gangs. Alejandrez has been recognized for his inspiring efforts and is the recipient of numerous awards including the National Fellowship of Reconciliation Martin Luther King Jr. Award and a fellowship from the California Wellness Foundation.

Protecting the World's Oceans with Save the Waves and Surfrider Foundation

We talk to Katie Westfall, Save the Waves Environmental Director, and Dustin Macdonald, Chair of the Santa Cruz Chapter of Surfrider Foundation. Save The Waves Coalition (http://www.savethewaves.org) is a global nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting and preserving the coastal environment, with an emphasis on the surf zone, and educating the public about its value. We are a devoted group of surfers, scientists, and activists, who share a common belief that our wild coastal areas around the world are precious and valuable, and need to be protected. The Surfrider Foundation (www.surfridersantacruz.org)  is a non-profit grassroots organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of our world’s oceans, waves and beaches. Founded in 1984 by a handful of visionary surfers in Malibu, California, the Surfrider Foundation now maintains over 50,000 members and 80 chapters worldwide.  We discuss the dedication of the next world surfing reserve in Santa Cruz, CA.

Land Trusts as a Means to Protect Land

We talk to Randy Widera the Founder of the UCCR Web of Life Field (WOLF) School.  UCCR (United Camps, Conferences and Retreats) is the facility management non-profit that is partnering with CA State Parks to take care of Little Basin, and the WOLF School is the Program Division of UCCR.  WOLF gets to provide environmental education and interpretive programs to all who attend Little Basin. Randy speaks about WOLF School and what they are doing for students, teachers and families.  He also talks about Little Basin grand opening recreation festival for Little Basin Cabins and Campgrounds (http://littlebasin.org/). Next we talk to Terry Corwin, the Executive Director of Land Trust of Santa Cruz and Jeff Helmer. The Land Trust of Santa Cruz County is dedicated to protecting and caring for the lands we love.  It protects both working lands, like farms and timberland, and natural lands with high conservation value – thus protecting water supplies, wildlife habitats, and open space (landtrustsantacruz.org).

Whole Heart Native Warmth Project and Indian Canyon

We talk to Maggie Sotelo about Whole Heart Native Warmth Project.  This project provides blankets to Native Americans.  For more information after listening to the interview you can go to http://www.facebook.com/wholeheart.nwp. Next, we talk to Ann Marie Sayers and Kanyon from Indian Canyon, the only federally recognized Costanoan Ohlone territory.  They host an annual traditional storytelling in the summer months as a fundraiser for their village house.    Please see indiancanyonlife.org for more information.  

Jazzelle Speaks about Her Activism through Filmmaking Process

Jazzelle talks about activism through film. She shares the story of the Light Brown Apple Moth Eradication Program and how she used film to assert our right to health and safety.  Jazzelle is a film-maker and musician. She produces social justice documentaries, music videos, and the award winning "Planet of Dreamz" music show on  CTV.  Her recently produced video, "Echoes of the Great Depression-Santa Cruz Occupied", was screened at the 11th Annual Santa Cruz Film Festival. Her videos have been featured in film festivals for the last 5 years.  You can check out more videos at www.youtube.com/jazzellemusic.

Mike Kittredge and Megan Carlson on Helping the Homeless

We talked to Mike Kittredge and Megan Carlson of Homeless Services Center in Santa Cruz, CA about homelessness and ways people are helping right here in our community. Did you know that on average, volunteers weigh less, live longer, and are generally happier than non-altruists? It's true! Give back right in your own community, and help us build a better Santa Cruz, even if you only have one hour a month.    For more information you can go to http://scshelter.org.

Tierra Madre Farmers Discusses Techniques for Preserving World's Crop Diversity

On this episode of It's the Way of love we talk to Chris Menge, Shane Murphy & Cory Murphy of Tierra Madre Farm.  Tierra Madre Farm is a small farm in the Santa Cruz Mountains dedicated to promoting and preserving our world's crop diversity.  They collect and propagate fruit and vegetable crops and offer seeds and fruit trees. They also offer our unique produce for sale through CSA (community Supported Agriculture) and wholesale to local restaurants, markets and businesses.  For more information visit http://www.tierramadrefarm.com.