December 13, 2017
Volume 3, Issue No. 10
Happy Holidays!!
As 2017 Comes to A Close We have Clean Water,
Healthy Soil, Rural Communities and
Holiday Gifts in Mind
Dear friends & allies,
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This has been a trying year for those of us seeking a more inclusive, just, healthy and ecologically responsible world. Yet, we never give up belief that progress is possible. Below the Index, which reminds us what more needs our caring attention, the invitation to this week’s webinar and our coverage of last week's celebration of healthy soils show that the people of our state seek a better world. We take heart in that fact. Like farmers who must be eternally optimistic, we believe next year will be better than this one. It is the season of light and we wish you happy holidays that are filled with good food, loving family and cherished friends!
Important Facts from the 2016 Food and Farming Index

The Index, a component of the annual Legislation Tracker, reveals that we have a water problem in this state. Although it is too early to tell, we are hearing a growing concern that 2017-18 may see a return of drought conditions. Northern California has received about half it normal rainfall to date. The Central Valley less than a quarter and Southern California about 1-2 percent. The fires in the southland attest to just one of the problems. The facts below make evident another. Too many Californians have no access to potable water. We are the nation’s richest state and the planet’s 6 th largest economy, but the numbers here seem like they could come from a developing nation. The 2017 Tracker and Index will be released on January 16 th in Sacramento. See details below.
Join us on January 16, 2018 for the release of the 2017 Index, Legislation Tracker & Legislators Scorecard!

We’ll also be announcing two Food and Agriculture Policy Champions who are doing their part to make California healthy and resilient.
In Case You Missed California Soils Week

Last week California held its first annual celebration of healthy soil. California is committed to soil because it offers an array of benefits: higher yields of more nutritious food; better absorption and retention of precipitation; less water and air pollution and capture and retention of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO 2 ), which is one of the three most powerful greenhouse gases causing global warming. Dr. Rattan Lal, a renown soil scientists, estimates that healthy soils could capture 50 parts per million of the excess CO 2 . If we did that it would lower the current CO 2 level back down to 350 ppm, which is where we need to be to halt climate chaos. Through its Healthy Soils Initiative and legislation, California is the first state in the nation to make grants available to farmers to improve soil quality. See the links below to learn some of the interesting events and remarks from those working to save our soils.
DON’T MISS IT: ROC-CDPH Webinar

Strategies to Improve Healthy Food Access In Rural Communities
Friday December 15, 1-2:30 pm PST

Please join us for a webinar sponsored by the CA Department of Public Health. The intention is to help local health departments, organizers and advocates to learn about three successful programs in the state that improve nutrition access. Rural California communities, from which our state and nation are fed, sadly suffer some of the highest rates of food insecurity and diabetes. Presenting will be Cathryn Couch from the Ceres Community Project, Daniel Hartwig and Peter Allbright from Woolf Farming Company and Melita Love of Farm to Pantry. You must register to participate. Click on the link below to register.
A Great Gift for Your Holiday Giving: Don’t Miss Out on Our Beautiful Shirt!

Hear Ye Hear Ye: We need your support to make the changes we all want in our food system! Donors of $75 or more will receive a beautiful Roots of Change Tee with the slogan: Vote for your food! 

IMPORTANT: On the PayPal payment page, see the field below your $100 or more amount that says “Write a Note (optional)". In that field, please stipulate Male or Female cut and size (XL, L, M, S).
Thank you!
Thank you for your support. Have a wonderful holiday season with your family & friends!




Michael R. Dimock
President, Roots of Change
Strategic Advisor, California Food Policy Council 
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