Finding local stability in a global economy

Enormous global challenges - including climate change, the energy crisis, and now economic meltdown - demand that we look beyond short-term fixes, to long-term viability. We need to be aware of how current practices will affect future generations, how local economies relate to global stability, and how individual decisions affect whole communities. Taking a comprehensive, holistic approach to community planning is essential.

The importance of creating sustainable communities is the highly-pertinent theme of a “Fall Harvest Picnic” sponsored by the Santa Barbara County Action Network (SB CAN) and the Santa Barbara Council on Research and Education (SB CORE). Keynote speaker James C. Murphy will explain why sustainability today is no longer merely an option, but an obligation. Murphy is a highly-regarded expert who has worked globally on the front end of this evolving field, most recently with the International Institute for Strategic Studies, the world's leading think tank for international affairs, where he was responsible for a new initiative in climate change and energy security.

The picnic will be held high on a hillside overlooking the magnificent Gaviota Coast on Sunday, Oct. 26. We will be celebrating the bounty of the fall harvest and honoring “H.O.T.” Heroes” - individuals and organizations making significant contributions to creating sustainable communities through their efforts in the areas of housing, open space, and transportation.

Mickey Flacks will be honored for her longtime advocacy of affordable and workforce housing. As a member of the Housing Authority's Board of Commissioners and the County's Affordable Housing Task Force, she has worked to create much needed housing for moderate to low income families. In addition, Mickey is co-chair of Santa Barbara for All (SB4ALL), a coalition of engaged citizens that seeks to create a thriving community that balances protection of the environment, economic well being, and social equity. Central to that is finding practical solutions to housing the city of Santa Barbara's diverse workforce.

Marc Chytilo has devoted untold time and effort to facilitating alternative transportation. As a public interest environmental attorney for over 20 years, Marc has represented community groups and individuals in a wide range of environmental issues, often pro bono. His advocacy has resulted in the funding and establishment of the intercommunity public transit service in northern Santa Barbara County - the Breeze Bus, serving Lompoc, Vandenberg Air Force Base and Santa Maria. His work also led to the development of the van pool service offering safe, reliable, and affordable transportation to Santa Maria Valley farmworkers.

The Environmental Defense Center and the Santa Barbara County Farm Bureau will also be honored as co-founders of the Santa Barbara County Ag Futures Alliance (AFA). The Alliance brings together members of the agricultural, environmental and social justice communities to find common ground in promoting the long-term viability of local agriculture. Santa Barbara's AFA is one of several coalitions throughout California that raise awareness about of the importance of local agriculture in creating sustainable communities and maintaining a healthy planet. This importance is highlighted by the Roots of Change Fund, which helps support this work: “How food is grown, processed, distributed, sold, and eaten affects the very fabric of the state. It effects our open spaces, the development of our cities, our health, our children's health, the economy, the health of our landscapes, biodiversity, the climate, air, water, and soil, in short - our connection with, and care for, the natural world.”

The public is invited to join in the celebration. Enjoy an old-fashioned hayride through an olive grove to the picnic site high on a hill overlooking the coast, where a team of culinary wizards will prepare a smorgasbord of harvest delights made with fresh local produce from Santa Barbara County farms. For reservations, contact Olivia at 879-1768 or Olivia@sbcan.org.

Deborah Brasket is executive director of the Santa Barbara County Action Network (SB CAN). She can be reached at 722-5094 or Deborah@sbcan.org. “The Forward View” is a progressive look at local issues that runs every Wednesday. For information, call 736-1897 or e-mail at: howerton62@aol.com.