IDA - Bay Area Events

IDA EVENTS
1. Benefit Concert for IDA
2. New Doc "Dark Water Rising" Illuminates Katrina Rescue Efforts
3. SFVS & IDA Co-Present World Vegetarian Day in San Francisco

OTHER BAY AREA EVENTS TO HELP ANIMALS
1. Compassionate Cooks' August Cooking Class: "Hearty Italian Cuisine + Taste Test"
2. Protest Ringling Bros. Circus in Oakland and San Jose
3. Theater Benefit for Romanian Animal Rescue
4. 20 Polish-Arabian Horses Need Homes
5. Homes Needed for Abandoned Rabbits


IDA EVENTS

1. Benefit Concert for IDA

As part of the Oakland New Music Festival, flutist and composer Carol Alban will play a benefit concert to support IDA's campaigns benefiting animals. A classically trained musician, Alban began playing piano and flute at the age of nine, and studied under many accomplished classical musicians while earning her degree at San Francisco State University. She has played flute on a variety of CDs and recorded three albums featuring her own compositions. Visit http://www.myspace.com/carolalban to hear some of her music, then join us at her live performance.

What: IDA benefit concert featuring Carol Alban
When: Sunday, August, 27th at 3:00 p.m.
Where: The Chapel of the Chimes, 4499 Piedmont Avenue, Oakland (get directions - http://tinyurl.com/ja3a3 )

Vegan snacks from Trader Joe's ( http://www.traderjoes.com ) and cookies from Sun Flour Baking Company ( http://www.sunflourbaking.com ) will be served. The price of tickets is a suggested donation, the amount being up to you. Please attend and donate generously to support IDA's programs for animals.


2. New Doc "Dark Water Rising" Illuminates Katrina Rescue Efforts

As the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina approaches on August 29th, award-winning filmmaker Mike Shiley (Inside Iraq: The Untold Stories) is screening his new documentary Dark Water Rising: The Truth About Hurricane Katrina Animal Rescues ( http://www.darkwaterrising.com ) in dozens of cities across the country. IDA is sponsoring the 75-minute movie nationally, beginning with coast-to-coast test screenings in twelve U.S. cities (including two in the Bay Area) as part of our Guardian Campaign.

The film portrays many aspects of what being a guardian means, both for individuals and society at large, emphasizing just how important and irreplaceable each animal's life is. From the individuals who left animals tied to trees in their backyards like mere disposable property, to the government officials who refused evacuees the right to bring their animal companions when evacuating, to the heroes who risked their lives saving the thousands of dogs and cats stranded in the disaster-stricken city, at the film's heart is the message that animals need to be respected as the sentient creatures they are. By adopting guardian language and treating animals as companions, not property, our society will begin to make progress in bettering its treatment of animals. Local showings will be fundraisers for area animal shelters.

Dark Water Rising is the story of the tens of thousands of animals who were left behind in New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina, the worst natural disaster in U.S. history, and the courageous people who set out to rescue survivors against all odds. Many guardians were forced to leave their animal companions behind to die because Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) rescuers would not allow animals in transport vehicles or emergency shelters. Floodwaters trapped at least 40,000 animals in their houses for months, where many died from starvation. Humane volunteers from around the country came to rescue animals in Katrina's wake, braving toxic floodwaters and breaking down doors to save animals' lives. IDA-Project Hope was on the front lines of this historic effort, and coordinated with many groups to rescue, shelter, feed and transport animals.

The film documents the heroic rescuers' efforts, showing both the tragic and heartwarming sides of animal rescue. For every animal who was reunited with a guardian or adopted into a new family, many more starved or died from illness. Shiley exposes the fatal shortcomings of the federal response to Katrina in hopes of raising public awareness about the need for comprehensive animal evacuation plans in preparation for large-scale disasters. This is especially relevant now that the House of Representatives passed the Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards (PETS) Act and the Senate is about to vote on it. If President Bush signs the PETS Act into law, local and state authorities will be required to provide for the needs of animal companions and their guardians during disasters to be eligible for FEMA grants.

What You Can Do:

- Watch the trailer for Dark Water Rising: The Truth About Hurricane Katrina Rescues ( http://www.darkwaterrising.com/trailer.html )

- See the film when it screens in the Bay Area
1) Roxie Theater: Monday, August 28th at 6:30, 8:00, and 9:30 p.m. $8.50 admission (click http://www.roxie.com/directions.cfm for directions)
2) San Rafael Film Center: Thursday, September 7th at 7:00 p.m. $10 suggested donation (click http://cafilm.org/nav1_1.html for directions)

Film Director Mike Shiley will make a personal appearance to introduce the film and answer questions after each screening, and IDA will be tabling at the showings.

- IDA and Mike Shiley are looking for animal protection organizations and individuals who would like to screen the film in their communities. If you would like to screen the film in your area to benefit the local humane society, please contact Mike Shiley at shidog1 [at] hotmail.com .

- Order a DVD of Dark Water Rising ( http://www.filmbaby.com/product_info.php?products_id=1081 ). $5.00 will be donated to IDA for each DVD purchased by our supporters.

- Learn more about IDA's Guardian Campaign ( http://www.GuardianCampaign.com ) and how you can be the impetus for change in your city.


3. SFVS & IDA Co-Present World Vegetarian Day in San Francisco

San Francisco, California -- named for Saint Francis, patron saint of animals -- is one of the most vegetarian-friendly cities on the planet, making it a fitting location for a World Vegetarian Day celebration co-presented by the San Francisco Vegetarian Society (SFVS) (http://www.sfvs.org) and IDA.

SFVS and IDA's World Vegetarian Day celebration will take place at the San Francisco County Fair Building in beautiful Golden Gate Park (click http://tinyurl.com/pbrzd for a map) on Saturday, September 30th and Sunday, October 1st from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The North American Vegetarian Society (NAVS) ( http://www.navs-online.org ), which started World Vegetarian Day in 1977, declared SFVS's 2005 celebration a winner in their Best World Vegetarian Day contest (group/institution category). Last year, approximately 3,000 visitors enjoyed SFVS's World Vegetarian Day festival. With IDA on board, we hope this year's event will be even bigger and better!

SFVS and IDA's World Vegetarian Day celebration will feature:

- World-renowned speakers John Robbins ( http://www.foodrevolution.org ), Howard Lyman ( http://www.madcowboy.com ), Dr. Alan Goldhamer ( http://www.healthpromoting.com/Articles/articles/meet.htm ), Dr. Joel Fuhrman ( http://www.drfuhrman.com ), Dr. Doug Graham ( http://www.doctorgraham.cc ), Kenneth Williams ( http://www.idausa.org/kgw_frame.html ) and more

- The OrganicAthlete ( http://www.organicathlete.org ) Conference on Saturday, September 30th with speakers and presentations from top vegan athletes

- International vegan cuisine and healthy food demos

- Vegan vendors and non-profit booths

- A fabulous eco-fashion show

- Live entertainment, including a performance by acclaimed musician ( http://www.nelliemckay.com )

- A catered vegan dinner (Saturday at 6:00 p.m.) for $12

World Vegetarian Day is free to kids, students and seniors. It is also free to everyone who comes before 10:30 a.m., after which a $5 donation is suggested.


OTHER BAY AREA EVENTS TO HELP ANIMALS

1. Compassionate Cooks' August Cooking Class: "Hearty Italian Cuisine + Taste Test"

Join IDA-sponsored Compassionate Cooks for their next vegan cooking class, "Hearty Italian Cuisine + Taste Test," and learn to make five delicious, nutritious dishes including Kalamata Tapenade Crostini, Penne Arrabbiata "Angry" Pasta, Hearty Spinach Lasagna, Portobello Mushroom Steaks with Herb-Infused Marinade and Decadent Chocolate Cheesecake. This class will also feature a special taste test of non-dairy ice creams.

Using local, in-season, mostly organic ingredients, Compassionate Cooks features easy-to-prepare recipes and debunks myths about plant-based diets. Join the class in August for yummy food samples and a lot of fun!

What: Compassionate Cooks' August Cooking Class: "Hearty Italian Cuisine + Taste Test"
When: Saturday, August 19th, 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Where: The First Unitarian Church of Oakland, 685 14th Street (at Castro), Oakland (click http://uuoakland.org/directions.htm for directions)

Be sure to register in advance either online at http://www.compassionatecooks.com/reg.htm or by calling (510) 531-COOK. The $45 cost of the class includes instruction, food samples, copies of recipes and much more.


2. Protest Ringling Bros. Circus in Oakland and San Jose

It's that time of year again: Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus is back in town, with exploited wild animals in tow. As in previous years, animal advocates will also be at the circus - protesting it outside and educating audiences about Ringling's cruel abuse of animals who only perform tricks to avoid beatings. One particular incentive to take action is that Ringling's infamous "Elephant Department Head" Troy Metzler (a.k.a., "Captain Hook") will be at the performances. Metzler has been repeatedly videotaped hitting and hooking elephants with a bullhook as they scream in pain.

It does seem that Ringling is getting the message that animal abuse won't be passing for "entertainment" here in the Bay Area for much longer -- people are wising up and attendance is dropping, thanks in part to animal advocates' efforts. This year, Ringling has reduced their number of Bay Area performances from the usual 15 to only 8. In fact, they are not even coming to San Francisco's Cow Palace at all!

Animal activists' years of public outreach to expose circus cruelty is paying off, opening up the potential for even further gains against Ringling, the largest circus on the planet.

What You Can Do:

Please help Citizens For Cruelty-Free Entertainment expose Ringling's appalling animal welfare record through public outreach and distributing leaflets outside the circus in Oakland and San Jose.

Leafleting Times (NOT show times):

Oakland Coliseum Arena, 7000 Coliseum Way, Oakland (get directions - http://tinyurl.com/pmxuw ) at the inside entrance
- Thursday, August 17th at 6:00 p.m.
- Friday, August 18th at 1:15 p.m.* and 6:00 p.m.
- Saturday, August 19th at 1:15 p.m.* and 6:00 p.m.

HP Pavilion at San Jose, 525 W Santa Clara Street (at Autumn Street), San Jose (get directions - http://tinyurl.com/q92ua )
- Wednesday, August 23rd at 6:00 p.m.
- Thursday, August 24th at 6:00 p.m.
- Friday, August 25th at 5:15 p.m.
- Saturday, August 26th at 1:15 p.m.* and 6 p.m.
- Sunday, August 27th at 1:15 p.m.* and 6 p.m.

To carpool and for more information, call (650) 654-9955 or email deniz_b [at] yahoo.com .

*It's especially important to be prompt, as we leaflet two shows at that time -- people coming out of an earlier show and people going into the next show. The people come out all at once, so they're easy to miss if activists arrive late.


3. Theater Benefit for Romanian Animal Rescue

Romania Animal Rescue (RAR) ( http://www.romaniaanimalrescue.com ) presents an evening at the theater to raise money for homeless animals in Eastern Europe. The play, "Romania - Beyond Dracula," is directed by Silvian Centiu ("A Transylvanian in Silicon Valley" - http://www.atransylvanian.com ). Don't miss this special performing arts event.

What: RAR theater fundraiser
When: Saturday, October 28th at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Cowell Theater at Fort Mason Center ( http://www.fortmason.org/performingarts/cowell.shtml ), San Francisco

Tickets are $25 apiece advanced purchase, $30 at the door. Order tickets ( http://www.romaniaanimalrescue.com/fundraising.htm#romfest )


4. 20 Polish-Arabian Horses Need Homes

In Santa Rosa, there are now 20 Polish-Arabian horses who are in need of new homes as well as donations for food and medical expenses. Two kindhearted friends - Sydni Locke-Davenport and Melissa Percell - rescued the horses from imminent slaughter and moved them with the help of a team of volunteers from Middletown in Lake County to Sonoma County, their new but temporary home. The two women worked tirelessly driving a trailer back and forth between Middletown and Santa Rosa until all of the horses were safe and now are trying to provide for their needs.

Most of the horses are mares and foals (or mares who are about to give birth), but there are also a few stallions available for adoption. They are of good temperament and basically healthy, even though they were slightly undernourished when rescued. As a group they are accustomed to living in open pasture and untrained for riding, but even the stallions are sweet and docile.

What You Can Do:

- This is a great opportunity for people who have the resources to care for a horse to adopt a wonderful companion and save a life at the same time. For information about adopting horses, call Sydni at (707) 396-3861 or (707) 546-6520, or email sybil1432 [at] aol.com .

- Even if you can't adopt a horse, you can help by donating money to pay their food costs. Call Penngrove Hay & Grain at (707) 795-5712 to make a contribution.

- The horses also need some shots and basic veterinary treatment. If you are a veterinarian or know one who can donate shots and care, please contact Sydni.


5. Homes Needed for Abandoned Rabbits

Every year, the same tragic cycle repeats itself. It begins just before Easter, when pet stores start promoting bunnies as the novelty item of the season. Parents purchase the cute, furry animals for their kids in celebration of the holiday, many not realizing that they require the same amount of care and attention as other animal companions like dogs and cats. As spring turns to summer and these bunnies grow into adult rabbits, they all too often wind up unwanted and are surrendered to local shelters that have only limited resources to care for the many animals dumped on their doorsteps.

At this time, Bay Area rabbit rescue organizations and animal shelters are facing a sudden influx of rabbits in need of homes that far outstrips their ability to care for them all. Shelters in San Francisco, Sonoma County and the South Bay are especially overburdened, their animal care facilities filled to maximum capacity. After battling a heat wave that severely drained their resources, the Silicon Valley shelter was forced to euthanize unadopted rabbits for the first time in over a year. These shelters do everything in their power to avoid taking animals' precious lives, but they can only do so much with their limited means. They desperately need the community's support right now.

What You Can Do:

If you want to help, the best place to start is SaveABunny: The San Francisco/Marin House Rabbit Society ( http://www.saveabunny.com ), one of the largest, most active regional groups in the country dedicated to rabbit rescue. This all-volunteer non-profit organization based in Mill Valley rescues over 250 rabbits a year, coordinating with many Bay Area shelters to find homes for these abandoned animals. Here's how you can help them alleviate the current crisis:

- Adopt a rabbit ( http://www.saveabunny.com/our_rabbits.php ). Rabbits are intelligent, playful and affectionate (especially after being spayed or neutered), and bond with their human guardians for life. They generally get along well with most other species, including cats and dogs (supervised introductions work best). Rabbits who are kept indoors and properly cared for can live for seven to ten years. Like cats, they can be litterbox-trained, so it's safe to let them roam around the house once it's been rabbit-proofed.

- Foster a rabbit ( http://www.saveabunny.com/foster.php ) or two until a permanent home can be found. Short term (one to two months) fostering helps alleviate overcrowding in shelters. Longer term (three to six months) foster homes are also needed for rabbits who have been abused and need gentle, patient guardians to help them heal and trust again.

- Volunteer ( http://www.saveabunny.com/volunteer.php ) with SaveABunny. Opportunities range from caring for rabbits and working with potential adopters to doing community outreach and providing administrative or technical assistance.