Thursday, May 13th, 10-11:30-ish, come for a walk outdoors with some of the ACC group.  This month we’ll walk Albany Blub.  Lots to see, lots to enjoy.

Take Buchanan Street all the way until it dead ends at the beginning of Albany Blub.  There is a trail marker, a large bird sculpture, and parking.  We’ll meet right there.  Please remember:  must sign up in advance, and masks are still required, at least as of this message.  Email to Ruth Robinson.

Dog friendly walk.  It can get breezy right by the Bay, so plan accordingly.

Person of the Planet is introducing monthly group walks of about an hour or two in duration to local parks and trails and points of interest. Consideration will be for easy parking, as accessible as possible. Covid-19 safety protocols will be required. No car pooling at this time.

Meet in front of Rosie the Riveter Museum. Walk around a paved trail past a marina and onto the Bay Trail to see views of SF Bay, shore birds and more.

More information coming soon! Mark your calendars.

An exciting new award-winning film, The Condor and the Eagle is available for viewing online on Sunday, June 28 as part of Interfaith Power & Light’s summer film series! 

This fascinating film highlights the work of Indigenous and Hispanic environmental leaders in the Americas as they battle to safeguard their communities from the impact of fossil fuel development. Their courage and determination in the face of nearly insurmountable odds will inspire you to action.

This multi-faith film event, co-hosted by Interfaith Power & Light includes a post-viewing webinar with some of the advocates featured in the film. This event is an important opportunity to learn about the disproportionate impact of our use of fossil fuels on frontline communities. Black, Brown, and Indigenous communities are suffering disproportionately from the pollution caused by these sources of energy.

Click here to view a preview and sign up to take part in this one time event.

"Indigenous environmental leaders embark on an extraordinary trans-continental adventure from the Boreal forest to deep into the heart of the Amazonian jungle to unite the peoples of North and South America and deepen the meaning of "Climate Justice". Their path through the jungle takes them on an unexpectedly challenging and liberating journey, which will forever change their attachment to the Earth and one another."

Click here to view a preview and sign up to join the film event. It takes place on Sunday, June 28 at 3-5:30pm Pacific/4-6:30pm Mountain time/5-7:30pm Central/6-8:30pm Eastern.  

Click here to learn about more of the powerful films available during Interfaith Power & Light’s summer series. 

Información sobre el documental en Español.

IPL is committed to justice and courage, and it is our hope that this film will inspire us all to be in solidarity with those who struggle for climate justice every day.

Join us for a FREE screening of the award-winning film Dirt Rich, by local director Marcelina Cravat. Marcelina trained at the Art Center College of Design and at the Berkeley Digital Film Institute and founded Passelande Pictures LLC in 2011. Her first film Angel Azul traveled to over 50 festivals and won 13 awards.

Through a beautiful exploration of geotherapy strategies, Dirt Rich inspires the viewer to discover that through the return of carbon to the soil we restore hope for humanity.

Register for your FREE tickets by clicking here!

Dirt Rich takes the viewer on a journey through a multiplicity of carbon draw down strategies that focus on natural solutions that simultaneously address the revitalization of soil and stabilization of atmospheric carbon levels. Currently the planets soils are desperately depleted as the microbial life within them has been greatly destroyed. Scientists are predicting that on the current trajectory there is only enough good soil to support 64 more harvests. This film couldn’t be more timely. Through regenerative agricultural practices, reforestation of abandoned land, protection and the restoration of carbon rich wetlands, Dirt Rich educates and inspires viewers to contemplate how our choices matter, and how everything on this planet connects.

Person of the Planet Presents: Global Warming Demystified:

A lecture and discussion with Jeffrey Bennett

Jeffrey Bennett is an astrophysicist and the author of many books, including the acclaimed “A Global Warming Primer.”

In his time with us, Jeffrey will tackle some of the toughest issues surrounding global warming. He will show us how we can (and must) move beyond political partisanship, and he will frame global warming as a problem we can solve, leading to a better future for everyone.

Register for your tickets HERE!

Join the Book Discussion Group, last Sunday of the next 3 months, 11:30 - 12:30 in the Fireside room.

The three dates are:

August 25th (Chapter 1),

September 29 (Chapter 2),

October 27 (Chapter 3, 4, 5)

Our book, A Global Warming Primer, gives an elegant and clear explanation about the scientific reasons for global warming (lots of colorful visuals).

Jeffrey Bennett, the author is an astrophysicist, former NASA scientist and prominent lecturer. He is the author of many books for curious adults, textbooks for colleges and for children; one book, "The Wizard Who Saved the World" was chosen to be read at the International Space Station. Jeffrey Bennett will be a Person of the Planet guest speaker on Tuesday, November 5th at 7:00pm. We are excited that Mr. Bennett made time for us on his short visit to the Bay area. Mark you calendars. We will be ready . The book is available through Amazon.

Join the Book Discussion Group, last Sunday of the next 3 months, 11:30 - 12:30 in the Fireside room.

The three dates are:

August 25th (Chapter 1),

September 29 (Chapter 2),

October 27 (Chapter 3, 4, 5)

Our book, A Global Warming Primer, gives an elegant and clear explanation about the scientific reasons for global warming (lots of colorful visuals).

Jeffrey Bennett, the author is an astrophysicist, former NASA scientist and prominent lecturer. He is the author of many books for curious adults, textbooks for colleges and for children; one book, "The Wizard Who Saved the World" was chosen to be read at the International Space Station. Jeffrey Bennett will be a Person of the Planet guest speaker on Tuesday, November 5th at 7:00pm. We are excited that Mr. Bennett made time for us on his short visit to the Bay area. Mark you calendars. We will be ready . The book is available through Amazon.

THE SHAME OF POINT REYES:

A Bay Area nature enthusiast unintentionally discovers the political power of Marin’s ranching community and the atrocities against wildlife and the environment they’ve been committing within a national seashore, all while profiting on the public’s dime. An eye-opening documentary featuring stunning footage from Point Reyes National Seashore.

The public comment period regarding the park service’s new management plan is scheduled for this summer, making this a timely film. Considering the history of mismanagement it is expected that public outrage may be the only way to save the seashore.

You can learn more about the film and filmmaker by visiting the official site by clicking here.

A Carbon-Neutral Future: Strategies for a Stable Climate

Our best chance to minimize the effects of climate change is to be “carbon-neutral” by 2045. Since 2006, California has demonstrated how governments can encourage innovation and gradually reduce emissions without harming the economy. In collaboration with other sub-nations and nation, policies and innovations have been shared around the world. In the coming decade, additional strategies will be needed in order to both reduce emissions at a faster rate and start taking more carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere.

Dr. Epstein presented one of the most popular discussions of the year with many attendees requesting another talk.  Person of the Planet is delighted to announce that event will take place at Arlington Community Church this month.

Robert Epstein, PhD, co-founder, Environmental Entrepreneurs, co-founder and former EVP, Sybase. Bob Epstein is an entrepreneur and holds a PhD from UC Berkeley in electrical engineering and computer science, specializing in distributed database systems.

He is Chairman of the NRDC (National Resources Defense Council) Action Fund. Bob has been heavily involved in founding the Berkeley Food Institute that works to catalyze and support transformative change in food systems, to promote diversity, justice resilience, and health from the local to the global.

Bob's knowledge of public policy is extensive and proven with successes. Come and hear from a subject matter expert about this critical topic.

Join us for a FREE screening of Paris to Pittsburgh, a new film from National Geographic, produced by RadicalMedia in partnership with Bloomberg Philanthropies -- narrated by Emmy® and Golden Globe® Award-winning actress and activist Rachel Brosnahan (“The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”).

From coastal cities to America’s heartland, Americans are demanding and developing real solutions in the face of climate change. And as the weather grows more deadly and destructive, they aren’t waiting on Washington to act. Learn about their incredible stories in Paris to Pittsburgh, and be inspired to create change in your own community!

We are excited to be hosting a screening of this incredible film at Arlington Community Church on Thursday August 29 at 7:00 PM. We hope to see you there!

Watch the trailer by clicking below!

Join the Book Discussion Group, last Sunday of the next 3 months, 11:30 - 12:30 in the Fireside room.

The three dates are:

August 25th (Chapter 1),

September 29 (Chapter 2),

October 27 (Chapter 3, 4, 5)

Our book, A Global Warming Primer, gives an elegant and clear explanation about the scientific reasons for global warming (lots of colorful visuals).

Jeffrey Bennett, the author is an astrophysicist, former NASA scientist and prominent lecturer. He is the author of many books for curious adults, textbooks for colleges and for children; one book, "The Wizard Who Saved the World" was chosen to be read at the International Space Station. Jeffrey Bennett will be a Person of the Planet guest speaker on Tuesday, November 5th at 7:00pm. We are excited that Mr. Bennett made time for us on his short visit to the Bay area. Mark you calendars. We will be ready . The book is available through Amazon.

Join us for a FREE screening of Woman at War a new film from Magnolia Pictures, written & directed by Benedikt Erlingsson.

Halla is a fifty-year-old independent woman. But behind the scenes of a quiet routine, she leads a double life as a passionate environmental activist. Known to others only by her alias "The Woman of the Mountain," Halla secretly wages a one-woman-war on the local aluminum industry. As Halla's actions grow bolder, from petty vandalism to outright industrial sabotage, she succeeds in pausing the negotiations between the Icelandic government and the corporation building a new aluminum smelter. But right as she begins planning her biggest and boldest operation yet, she receives an unexpected letter that changes everything. Her application to adopt a child has finally been accepted and there is a little girl waiting for her in Ukraine. As Halla prepares to abandon her role as saboteur and savior of the Highlands to fulfill her dream of becoming a mother, she decides to plot one final attack to deal the aluminum industry a crippling blow.

Watch the trailer by clicking below!

Dr. Epstein’s event will be postponed to a later date. Check back here for more details.

Join us for a FREE screening of Paris to Pittsburgh, a new film from National Geographic, produced by RadicalMedia in partnership with Bloomberg Philanthropies -- narrated by Emmy® and Golden Globe® Award-winning actress and activist Rachel Brosnahan (“The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”).

From coastal cities to America’s heartland, Americans are demanding and developing real solutions in the face of climate change. And as the weather grows more deadly and destructive, they aren’t waiting on Washington to act. Learn about their incredible stories in Paris to Pittsburgh, and be inspired to create change in your own community! Watch the trailer here.

We are excited to be hosting a screening of this incredible film at Arlington Community Church on Thursday May 30 at 7:00 PM. We hope to see you there!

Program sponsored by Person of the Planet

Arlington Community Church, 52 Arlington Avenue, Kensington, CA

You are invited to come hear a dynamic and motivational speaker on Thursday, May 9th at 7pm.

Susan Hendershot, President of Interfaith Power and Light will present the compelling story of this national organization, founded here in California in 2000.

The mission of Interfaith Power & Light is to be faithful stewards of Creation by responding to global warming through the promotion of energy conservation, energy efficiency, and renewable energy. This campaign intends to protect the earth’s ecosystems, safeguard the health of all Creation, and ensure sufficient, sustainable energy for all.

Global warming is one of the biggest threats facing humanity today. The very existence of life – life that religious people are called to protect – is jeopardized by our continued dependency on fossil fuels for energy. Every major religion has a mandate to care for Creation. We were given natural resources to sustain us, but we were also given the responsibility to act as good stewards and preserve life for future generations.

What are faith communities to do?  Come and learn at this special presentation.

PERSON OF THE PLANET SPEAKER: MARY SELKIRK

Person of the Planet Group will be sponsoring a talk by Mary Selkirk on Friday, April 12 at 7:00 at Arlington Community Church, 52 Arlington, Kensington. We will do a short Person of the Planet meeting at the start to touch base and hear what actions you have taken to be a voice for the Planet. Come relax with a cup of tea.

The topic of the evening will be "Building the Political Will in Washington for Climate Action". Mary Selkirk from the Citizens Climate Lobby will do a short introduction of their work and a brief discussion on the "Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act" (HR763). The H763 bill is the first bi-partisan climate bill in the US Congress in 10 years.

Mary Selkirk is an avid hiker, whitewater rafter, cyclist, and volunteer/member of the Governing Board of Citizens Climate Lobby.

Before retiring and joining CCL, Mary spent 30 years first as an environmental activist and then a collaborative policy specialist, focusing on California water and natural resources. As an environmental mediator with the Center for Collaborative Policy at Sacramento State for many years, Mary designed and led numerous multi-party dialogues on complex water and natural resources projects throughout the State, including the South Bay Salt Pond Project, the biggest wetland restoration project west of the Mississippi, right here in our own San Francisco Bay.

After serving as the Sierra Club’s Northern California Regional Water Committee, Mary was elected in 1994 to the Board of Directors of East Bay MUD, representing Berkeley, Kensington, Albany and El Cerrito. She served on the Bay-Delta Advisory Council, a Federal Advisory Committee, taught environmental mediation in the UC Davis Land Use and Natural Resources Program, as well as at Sacramento State, and served on the City of Berkeley’s Creeks Task Force.

Mary will share her own story of her growing passion and concern about climate change, and how the core values that form the foundation of Citizens Climate Lobby-- focus, inclusiveness, personal engagement, respect for political differences, nonpartisanship, and optimism—have sustained her through 6 years of lobbying on climate action in Washington.

This evening will be time well-spent. If you plan to attend, let us know so we can plan set-up accordingly: personoftheplanet@gmail.com We look forward to seeing you.

A photocopied section is available on the table by the door and social hall downstairs if you don't have the book.  Arlington Community Church Fireside room.

PERSON OF THE PLANET SPEAKER SERIES:

 MATT GOUGH

March 14 @ 7:00 PM

Person of the Planet is happy to present Matt Gough from the Sierra Club.  He will speak on Thursday, March 14 at 7:00pm in the Fireside Room at the Arlington Community Church.  As Assistant Director of Communications, Matt worked with the community and with people across the country to help pass proposed legislation to promote renewable energy and resist Trump's attacks on the environment.  They have helped to shutter 30 coal fuel infra-structures and promote "Beyond Coal" agendas.  As an honorary Person of the Planet, Matt will share what they are doing to resist Trump's attack on the environment and what solutions lie ahead. Come, learn and participate in the conversation. 

Matt Gough is a biker, hiker, and general fan of the outdoors, Matt comes to the Sierra Club from the Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) where he organized communities and lobbied elected officials in Indiana, Illinois, and along the California coast.  Matt has successfully lead fundraising offices that strengthened environmental protections, pushed for public health improvements, and enforced common sense consumer rights. A graduate of UC Santa Cruz, he is fiercely passionate about climate change solutions, an equitable clean energy transition, and engaging folks with the outdoors. Matt grew up in sunny Los Angeles and now happily calls the foggy bay area home.

"Climate change is both a terrible global specter and an unlikely opportunity for dramatic social change. Untethered carbon emissions threaten to increase global temperatures, cause catastrophic natural events, sea level rise, agricultural disruption, and forced migration in the tens of millions. Smart climate policies that curb carbon emissions and support renewable energy can create new economic opportunities in the renewable energy sector, healthy communities not burdened by the blight of dirty fuel infrastructure, better public transit for better quality of life, and equitable and just access to cheap and clean energy at home. I am committed to climate change advocacy that benefits our planet and our people. Solutions for our future must be just and equitable for everyone; they are the essential ingredients in the recipe for a healthy planet."

Years of Living Dangerously:

In this groundbreaking event series, celebrity correspondents bring us stories on those affected by, and seeking solutions to, climate change - from locations shockingly close to home. Covering issues like severe hurricanes, droughts, and the increasing extinction rate of wildlife, it’s a gritty look at not only how we have impacted our planet, but also how we can save it for future generations.

Get More National Geographic: Official Site: http://bit.ly/NatGeoOfficialSite

Check out the trailer by clicking here!

Join us at Arlington Community Church at 52 Arlington Avenue, Kensington, CA 94707

Person of the Planet Film Series Double Feature

1:00pm

Bag it.

Try going a day without plastic. Plastic is everywhere and infiltrates our lives in unimaginable and frightening ways. In this touching and often flat-out-funny film, we follow "everyman" Jeb Berrier, who is admittedly not a tree hugger, as he embarks on a global tour to unravel the complexities of our plastic world. What starts as a film about plastic bags evolves into a wholesale investigation into plastic and its effect on our waterways, oceans, and even our own bodies.

Check out the trailer by clicking here.

A Plastic Ocean

2:30pm

A Plastic Ocean begins when journalist Craig Leeson, searching for the elusive blue whale, discovers plastic waste in what should be pristine ocean. 

Check out the trailer by clicking here.

Join us at Arlington Community Church at 52 Arlington Avenue, Kensington, CA 94707

Give the gift of health – Food as Medicine Class

Thursday, December 13, 2018, 7-9pm

Maya Blow, Herbalist, Classical Homeopath, Organic Farmer, Educator, Permaculturist, Co-Owner Soul Flower Farm, Founder and Director

Maya is presenting a program on a topic important to each of us and those we care about.  Caring for the earth and caring for our bodies requires knowledge and instruction, both often lacking in the way we have been educated.

Please join us as we learn from Maya.  Seating is limited and there is a per person charge of $20.   Maya is a gifted teacher who comes not only from a place of intellect but also a place from the heart.  To pre-register, please emaill: personoftheplanet@gmail.com

Maya tells us this:

Food As Medicine Class...

Many of our most common culinary herbs and garden weeds contain highly valuable medicinal properties. Wayside weeds living all around us possess special nutritional and healing powers that often surpass cultivated plants. Traditionally these medicines were eaten as foods in cultures across the globe. In this workshop we will discuss medicinal plants that can easily be incorporated into our everyday diets for maximum health benefits as well as learn some simple recipes and methods of preparation. We will discuss foods to support common ailments such as high blood pressure, insomnia, pain and inflammation, arthritis, and gut health.  We will also do some live demos and each student will receive a handout with recipes and nutritional information.  

The Green Holiday Bazaar will be held at Arlington Community Church on Saturday, November 24, 2018 from 11-3pm.  Just in time to get an early start on all your holiday shopping.  There will be one-of-a-kind items created by a large number of local vendors – wooden trays and cutting boards, hip clothing from recycled garments, bags, bee honey, and much much more.  All items are earth friendly and best of all,  “green”.  Sponsored by Person of the Planet.

Vegan Dinner Night

Friday November 9 from 6:00-9:00 PM

Vegan food is a great way to help reduce our carbon footprint, aside from its health benefits. Retired Chef (Ajanta restaurant, Berkeley) Lachu Moorjani and his wife Shanti Moorjani are happy to offer a Vegan Cooking Class at their home in Berkeley. In this hands-on cooking class, we will cook together a fabulous dinner and then sit down and enjoy the fruits of our labor. Here is the menu for the class:

Appetizer:

Hara Bhara Kabob: A pan-fried cake made with spinach, green peas, potatoes and spices, served with Mint-Cilantro sauce.

Main Dish:

Urid Dal, a lentil dish made with urid beans, flavored with cumin, ginger, tomatoes and onions.

Side Dish:

Alu aur Sem ki Sabzi, green beans and potaotes sauted with spices including mango powder, paprika, tuemeric and coriander.

Rice dish:

Khumbi Pulav, basmati rice cooked with onions, garam Masala and shiitake mushrooms

Bread:

Paratha, a flaky flat bread, flavored with ajwain seeds

Dessert:

Mango smoothie

Cost of the cooking class and sit down dinner is $40.00. All profits will be donated to Person of the Planet. To sign up for the class, emails us at personoftheplanet@gmail.com or call our office at ACC at; (510) 526-9146. Class size is limited to 8, first come first served. We will call or email to confirm.

The Good News and (Maybe) Better News

In October 2017 Person of the Planet sponsored a public talk by Dr. Robert Epstein.  Dr. Epstein presented one of the most popular discussions of the year with many attendees requesting another talk.  Person of the Planet is delighted to announce that event will take place at Arlington Community Church this month.

Bob Epstein’s Talk on Oct. 18, 2018:  California Accomplishments in Addressing Climate Change and the Role of the State in the Coming Decade

Recently California announced the 2016 greenhouse gas emissions inventory.  We achieved our goal of reducing emissions to 1990 levels four years ahead of the 2020 target date.  This talk will look at how that was achieved – what is working and what isn’t. As we plan for a further 40% reduction by 2030, how can that be achieved and what is the role of California in the global context of reducing worldwide emissions in the developing and developed countries.

Robert Epstein, PhD, co-founder, Environmental Entrepreneurs, co-founder and former EVP, Sybase.  Bob Epstein is an entrepreneur and holds a PhD from UC Berkeley in electrical engineering and computer science, specializing in distributed database systems.

He is Chairman of the NRDC (National Resources Defense Council) Action Fund.  Bob has been heavily involved in founding the Berkeley Food Institute that works to catalyze and support transformative change in food systems, to promote diversity, justice resilience, and health from the local to the global.

Bob's knowledge of public policy is extensive and proven with successes.  Come and hear from a subject matter expert about this critical topic.

Rise for Climate March

Join Person of the Planet at the “Rise for Climate March” In SF

 Saturday September 8, 2018

On September 8, 2018, thousands will march in San Francisco for the largest climate march the West Coast has ever seen.

Together they will Rise for Climate, Jobs & Justice as part of a global day of action to demand our elected leaders commit to no new fossil fuels and a just and fair transition to 100% renewable energy.

World’s Largest Street Mural: At the end of the march on Sep 8, be sure to check out the record-breaking street mural at Civic Center. Their goal is to complete 50 mural sections, each 50×50 ft.

Person of the Planet will meet near the Sue Bierman Playground which is to left as you face the Ferry Building just past the Embarcadero Plaza between 10am and 11.  The march starts at 11am.  Look for the long Person of the Planet banner.

March Schedule

10:00-10:50 AM - March Line-up at Embarcadero Plaza

We will be gathering at the foot of Market Street in San Francisco, near Embarcadero Plaza. We will be encouraging people to march and organize not just as individuals - but along themes based on the diversity of our communities, concerns, and issues. Contingents are self-organized and growing in numbers.

11:00 AM - We Rise Together: Moment of Solidarity

We’ll share a moment of silence followed by a song before we march.

11:05 AM-12:00 PM - March down Market St.

The route will go from the Embarcadero Plaza area, up Market St, to Civic Center. It is largely flat, about 1.7 miles, and should take the average marcher about 1.5 - 2 hours to complete. We will have a support vehicle at the tail of the march if anyone needs a ride or a break.

12:30-4:00 PM - Resource Fair at Civic Center

The march will end at Civic Center Plaza, near San Francisco City Hall. There will be music, and dozens of information tables from the organizations that helped make this march possible.

2:00 PM - We Rise Together: Moment of Solidarity

We’ll take moment for everyone to stop painting, step back and see what we’ve created. A drone will take photos as we move and sing together. Same song as before

PLASTIC OCEAN begins when journalist Craig Leeson, searching for the elusive blue whale, discovers plastic waste in what should be pristine ocean. 

Check out the trailer by clicking here.

Try going a day without plastic. Plastic is everywhere and infiltrates our lives in unimaginable and frightening ways. In this touching and often flat-out-funny film, we follow "everyman" Jeb Berrier, who is admittedly not a tree hugger, as he embarks on a global tour to unravel the complexities of our plastic world. What starts as a film about plastic bags evolves into a wholesale investigation into plastic and its effect on our waterways, oceans, and even our own bodies.

Check out the trailer by clicking here.

We follow filmmaker, Kip Andersen, as he uncovers the impacts of highly processed industrial animal foods on our personal health and greater community, and explores why leading health organizations continue to promote the industry despite countless medical studies and research showing deleterious effects of these products on our health.

Check out the trailer by clicking here.

Cowspiracy: The Sustainability Secret is a groundbreaking feature-length environmental documentary following intrepid filmmaker Kip Andersen as he uncovers the most destructive industry facing the planet today – and investigates why the world’s leading environmental organizations are too afraid to talk about it.

Check out the trailer by clicking here!