Showing posts with label volunteer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label volunteer. Show all posts

Tuesday, October 7, 2025

To save the remaining trees of Altadena



There is an organization that is currently doing something to save the remaining trees of Altadena, more than half of which were wiped out by the Eaton Fire. They are Amigos de los Rios ("Friends of the Rivers," referring to the Emerald Necklace).


(amigosdelosrios.org)
ADLR offers free watering assistance for Altadena homeowners:

In the wake of the Eaton Fires, our local trees need our help. We’re offering watering assistance for Altadena’s homeowners to protect and preserve our community canopy.

By signing up, those in need give permission for ADLR's trained team to visit a property and water its trees.

Amigos de los Rios is an Altadena-based 501c3 urban greening non-profit that has served the community since 2003.


Its office was destroyed in the Eaton Fire and many of our staff have been impacted by fire damage and loss, leading to a great deal of concern about the tremendous loss of trees thoughout this Los Angeles foothill community.

It is critical to protect the remaining trees in Altadena by watering them over the hot Indian summer months to help them survive.
As such ADLR has started a program to help all families provide water to surviving trees. ADLR is working hard to raise grant funds for this endeavor. Support ADLR by donating to this effort or volunteering.


Mission

If LiDAR is brought in, what's under the canopy?
Amigos de los Rios is working to create the Emerald Necklace: a natural infrastructure network of green spaces, green schools, parks, and trails throughout under-served communities in the Los Angeles Basin. ADLR is connecting the mountains to the sea, helping to provide equitable access to nature, and protecting our environment and urban communities from the threats of climate change. More
Effort to save Altadena’s remaining trees after Eaton Fire

Highlighted by NBCLA, California Community Foundation, ABC7, and Pasadena Star News, after the devastating Eaton Fire, local groups are leading an urgent effort to save Altadena’s remaining trees. More

Creating an Emerald Necklace of parks in the Los Angeles Basin with support from California Climate Investments funding through the California Natural Resources Agency’s Urban Greening Program, Amigos de los Rios expanded the green schoolyard project at Mary Jackson. Multilingual More

Saturday, August 30, 2025

Burning Man Days 5-6: Burn vs. Rain


More chaos at Burning Man! Torrential rains turn Playa [saline salt basin of ancient inland sea] into [alkaline clay dust sludge] mud pit - 70,000 stranded

(Disaster Weather) Aug. 31, 2025: BLACK ROCK DESERT. What began with a sandstorm tearing apart camps [and destroying this year's Orgy Dome] and art quickly spiraled into something even worse.

Heavy rains turned the Nevada playa ("beach") into a seven-mile-wide mud pit, swallowing bikes, stranding vehicles, and forcing everyone to walk and gates to close once again.

One man was airlifted after a suspected electrocution in the flooded desert [from electrical equipment getting wet and people going barefoot], while thousands more struggled through the bone-chilling nights, abandoned bicycles, and mud-soaked shelters.

With all passenger flights grounded, cars stuck axle-deep, and festivalgoers posting desperate updates, Burning Man 2025 is being called one of the most miserable editions in its history.

[This is not an error or accident by Nature, just part of the experience that is part and parcel of Burning Man, flowing with the elements come what may.]
📢 Subscribe to the channel for daily extreme weather news 📢

Sources:

Saturday, September 21, 2024

California Coastal Cleanup Day (9/21)


Inland waterways are next. See calendar
(LAist) It’s one of the biggest days of the year for the ecologically minded.

Thousands of volunteers across Southern California will come together on the morning of Saturday, Sept. 21, for the annual California Coastal Cleanup Day.

Last year, volunteers removed 376,308 pounds of trash from Cali beaches and waterways across the state, according to the California Coastal Commission, including 10 tons of debris in Los Angeles County and 12 tons in once filthy Orange County.

The cleanup provides insights into what’s being thrown away in Southern California or, more accurately, what’s being littered. Cigarette butts are the most commonly found item, though plastics and Styrofoam are becoming more common, according to the nonprofit Heal the Bay.

We've got a tropical blond surfer reputation
That’s despite the state’s efforts to cut back on the use of these items. In case anyone is wondering, those new rules are still being phased in as of this year.

If volunteers can’t make it to the beach but still want to help, consider volunteering at one of the inland cleanup sites listed below, because those “No dumping, Drains to ocean” signs on storm drains aren’t lying.

Today wasn't really convenient, so there are other options:

Heal The Bay
Heal has relaunched their monthly Nothin' But Sand clean-up events, which happen on the third Saturday of every month. By the way, the organization expects to cross 2 million pounds [2,000 lbs. is one ton] of trash picked up over the 35 years it's been managing Coastal Cleanup Day for L.A. County.

How to sign up

Some organizers just want volunteers to show up and help out, no sign up required — and beachgoers can always pick up trash wherever, whether or not it’s at one of these official sites.

However, others are requesting that volunteers register in advance to get an accurate headcount. A few of the more hands-on cleanup sites require boats or other special equipment.

To find more information for each site, including contact information and signup details, find it on THIS MAP from the California Coastal Commission.

Wednesday, September 4, 2024

Florida's Satanic Temple vows to fight

Two can play at that game, Ronny. Trump trounced you. What do you actual wits we'll do?.
What seems to be the problem, Minions? - It's this guy De-Sanctimonious. - The loser?
.
Satanic Temple vows to ‘raise hell in the sunshine state’ as DeSantis passes bad law to put 'religion' in schools
Trump ally Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis
The Satanic Temple has vowed to “raise hell in the Sunshine State” as Gov. Ron DeSantis’ Florida has officially passed a state law allowing religious chaplains in public schools.

As school districts around the state are now deciding whether to have chaplains or not, members of The Satanic Temple are stating that it will send its chaplains to public schools in Florida.
DeSantis signs tragic new religious law

Aw, c'mon, Ron, you knew we'd show up.
Earlier this year, Republican Florida Governor Ron DeSantis officially signed a new law that allowed religious chaplains [of any religion, including Satanism] the opportunity to hold a position in public schools.

This chaplain program is supposed to allow volunteer chaplains to give guidance and support to public school students.

Parents Express Outrage Over Chaplain Program
You tell your teacher, Hell no! - OK, Mom.
However, once Gov. DeSantis signed this bill into law, many Florida parents expressed their outrage over the religious program. These parents don’t believe religious chaplains have any right to be on public school grounds, talking with students and pushing their own religious views.

A violation of the Constitution
Trump: DO it, Ron. I'll pardon you federally.
Many parents have since come out to declare that this chaplain program violates their own constitutional rights, particularly when it comes to freedom of religion and the separation of church and state.

Various organizations and parents have vowed to take Florida school districts to court if they implement this program.

The Satanic Temple [a collection of progressive people more interested in civil liberties than Satan or Christian fears] has found their own way to push back on this law.

Satanic Temple Chaplains in Florida Schools
Rightwing conservative showman outsmarts 'em
After Gov. DeSantis first signed this law, The Satanic Temple was one of the first religious organizations to express its interest in sending its own chaplains to Florida’s public schools. 

This move comes as the Temple continues to fight for the separation of church and state. To do so, The Satanic Temple knowingly places itself in these types of situations, as it knows this religion [Satanism as showmanship] is very off-putting to many self-righteous Christians.

Gov. DeSantis Fights Back
However, Gov. DeSantis quickly fought back against the idea of The Satanic Temple having chaplains in schools.

“We’re not playing those games in Florida,” DeSantis said. “That is NOT a religion.”

Keeping the Satanic Temple Out of Schools
It's all the Devil's doing! What we need is a Republican-run Christian sharia law theocracy!
.
Florida Education Commissioner Manny Diaz recently released a new model policy for school districts, pushing only for “credible chaplains” to be put in schools — and thereby keeping Satanic Temple chaplains out.

“Florida welcomes legitimate and officially authorized chaplains to become volunteers at their local schools and to provide students with morally sound guidance,” Diaz said. [No Satanists need apply.]

The Satanic Temple Continues to Fight
The Satanic Temple — which received its tax-exempt status back in 2019 as a religious organization — is fighting back against these latest moves that were seemingly targeted against it.

In a new post on its website, The Satanic Temple explained that it wasn’t backing down at all.

Raising Hell
.
In a signup sheet on the Temple’s official website, the group explained that it would “raise hell” in Florida

“Throughout Florida, The Satanic Temple’s members, supporters, and allies are standing up for true religious freedom and confronting encroaching theocracy. Are you ready to stand with us and raise hell in the Sunshine State?” read the sheet.

School Districts Remain Wary
Though this law has officially been passed, many school districts in Florida have been wary about actually voting for a chaplain policy.

Osceola County School Board voted against creating a chaplain program for the second time in a row. Many members, including those appointed by Gov. DeSantis, have expressed their worries over legal issues.

An Unpopular Policy?
Can we reach that one hypocritcal knucklehead, who is ruining everything to boost himself?

Kids have to listen to Satanic chaplains?
Lucien Greaves, the co-founder of The Satanic Temple, spoke during Osceola County School Board’s recent meeting, stating that they were voting on an unpopular policy.

Greaves stated, “You’re voting on a policy that is unpopular, divisive, poorly planned, obviously dishonest in its goals, unnecessary, and introduces new risks to children, even if you are allowed to implement it.”

Accommodating ALL Religions
Manny, draft something to keep Catholics out, too
Greaves further said that the school will have to ensure they are accommodating to all religions. He added, “The reality is, you’ll have to accommodate religious identities you may not agree with [like those pesky Buddhists, Yogis, New Agers, Hinjews, Hindus, meddlesome Quakers, Muslims, angelic Amish, and maybe even the Orthodox Jews]. You will end up with Satanist chaplains.”

Thursday, August 1, 2024

Real news: Rebel Alliance Network

Latin-Irish Che Guevara, killing is bad even in war

Rebel Alliance News
KPFK's Rebel Alliance News (RAN) provides cutting-edge, progressive news covering local, domestic, and international issues that are censored or disregarded by the mainstream corporate media.

The news collective now includes over 20 volunteers providing news, commentary, analysis, and community calendar tips.

The hour-long daily evening newscast is produced locally with international, national, and state input with a strong dose of the beats shaping life in Los Angeles and surrounding areas, with periodic reports from Ventura and Santa Barbara -- and seeking regular volunteer beat reporters/stringers from Orange County, Long Beach, the Inland Empire, and San Diego.

This is an all-volunteer newsgathering, editing, and broadcast operation, Monday through Friday at 6:00 pm, complete with commentaries and cultural coverage and listeners' audio letters to the editors. RAN was started by Ziri Rideaux in Nov. 2022. Website:

Friday, December 1, 2023

I want to be RICH but avoid wrong livelihood

Access to Insight; Dhr. Seven (trans.), Pat Macpherson, CC Liu (eds.), Wisdom Quarterly

Right livelihood, right livelihood, what is "right livelihood"?

Right livelihood is the fifth of the factors of the Noble (Ennobling) Eightfold Path. (Noble or aryan means "enlightened"). This factor belongs to the virtue division of the path.

The Buddha's definition
"What is right livelihood? A disciple of the noble ones (enlightened ones), having abandoned wrong livelihood, keeps life going by right livelihood. This is called 'right livelihood' (samma ajivo)" (SN 45.8).

"If one's outgo exceeds one's income,
one's upkeep will be one's downfall."
-Dhr. Seven, quoting wise business advisors

SUTRA: right livelihood
How rich? I want my own rocket.
"Here in this Dharma (Doctrine), Vyagghapajja, a householder knowing one's income and expenses leads a well-balanced life, neither of extravagance nor of miserliness, knowing that one's income will exceed expenses, and expenses will not one's income.

"Just as the goldsmith or apprentice knows, on holding up a balance, that by this much has it tilted down or by that much it has tilted up, even so a householder, knowing one's income and expenses, leads a well-balanced life, neither of extravagance nor of miserliness, assuring that one's income exceeds one's expenses, not one's expenses one's income" (AN 8.54).

Right livelihood's relation to the other factors of the path
Is it good to give our time? Yes, volunteer.
"How is right view the forerunner [of the path to enlightenment]? One discerns (knows and sees) wrong livelihood as wrong livelihood, right livelihood as right livelihood.

"What is wrong livelihood? Scheming, persuading, hinting, belittling, and pursuing gain with gain, this is wrong livelihood...

"One abandons wrong livelihood and enters upon right livelihood: This is one's right effort.

"One is mindful to abandon wrong livelihood to enter and remain in right livelihood: This is one's right mindfulness.

"Thus, these three factors — right view, right effort, and right mindfulness — revolve around right livelihood" (MN 117).

Wrong livelihood for lay Buddhists
Lie, cheat, steal!
"A lay follower abstains from five types of business. What are those five? One abstains from [trade, commerce, attempting to profit from]
  1. business in weapons,
  2. business in human beings (exploitation, buying and selling humans, prostitution),
  3. business in flesh (meat),
  4. business in intoxicants (alcohol and drugs of abuse), and
  5. business in poison" (AN 5.177). More

Wednesday, December 11, 2019

Volunteer at Insight LA

Trudy Goodman (InsightLA.org/volunteer); Dhr. Seven, Ashley Wells, Wisdom Quarterly

insightLA.org
Volunteering is an exciting way to be part of the InsightLA family. In addition to the deep satisfaction of supporting its many wonderful programs, there are individual benefits as well. Why join the InsightLA Volunteer Team? Here are some reasons people choose to volunteer:
  • To explore the integration of life and Dharma practice
  • To help support and maintain teachers and students
  • To meet fellow meditators and make new friends
  • To be part of a spiritual community or sangha
  • To participate in a special retreat or program
  • To share expertise and knowledge
  • To express generosity
  • To have fun
Take a minute to fill out this short form to be contacted to explore available opportunities: CLICK HERE.
  • The Liberated and Joyful Heart Embodying Care and Love During this festive season, InsightLA is delighted to host a joyful afternoon with Trudy Goodman, Father Greg Boyle, Yogini Seane Corn, George Mumford, and Jack Kornfield as a benefit for InsightLA. Join in for heartfelt stories, transformative inner practices, and inspiring conversation.

Tuesday, September 3, 2019

Volunteer for 9/11 Day of Service

KFIam640.iheart.com, Service on 911-day; Editors, Wisdom Quarterly

This coming 9/11 day marks the 18th anniversary of the fake (false flag) "terrorist" attacks in the U.S. that killed 2,996 people and injured thousands. In partnership with 911day.org, let's join hands for a day of service in Los Angeles.  KFI (640 AM) listeners are invited to sign up and help pack over 3 million meals alongside radio hosts at Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) Frank Hotchkin Memorial Training Center and in conjunction with volunteers across eight cities. SIGN UP HERE for a 2-hour shift to volunteer alongside a favorite radio host! Full schedule coming soon.

Monday, July 9, 2018

Life at ThaBarWa Meditation Center (video)

ThaBarWa Centre, May 28, 2018; Sayalay, Ashley Wells, Dhr. Seven (eds.), Wisdom Quarterly


I came to help save the Rohingya minority.
This brief documentary gives all glimpse of life looks at the ThaBarWa Meditation Center in Thanlyin, Burma.

It is impossible to describe the variety of activities and opportunities for merit in a mere 20 minutes. The center is too complex and must be experienced firsthand to understand.

Shwedagon Pagoda, Rangoon (Yangon), Burma
Thabarwa means “original nature” in Burmese. The center is a place where volunteers can practice meditation and donate their time, effort, and energy to helping others. The center, located in Thanlyin, Burma, was established in 2008 by Ven. Ashin Ottamathara to take care of the most crucial needs of the community.

The center provides sanctuary to more than 3,400 people including the aged, sick, disabled, homeless, and helpless. It provides help free of discrimination or restrictions. Volunteers have the opportunity to live, work, and learn alongside nuns, monks, and Burmese people in a unique way.

Golden temple, Shwedagon, Yangon, Myanmar
The ThaBarWa Center helps people in need, and international volunteers are a big part of that as they travel, live free, and share their skills and smiles. Some of the activities include helping patients with general care, washing, and physical therapy.

Volunteers also help building the center, teaching English to locals, doing art projects, cooking, sustainable gardening, and taking care of children.

This documentary was itself filmed and edited by international volunteers. "A truly [special] and beautiful community, where you can experience the purity and true nature of human beings, help unconditionally, [as] you will find that you will help yourself, too" - Saska Sarnikorpi Filmer, editor, and international volunteer

Friday, June 29, 2018

Free* Day-Long Meditation Retreat (June 30)

Ananda M. (Dharma Meditation Initiative), Jen B., Dhr. Seven, Ven. Aloka, Wisdom Quarterly

Ven. Aloka, Thabarwa Meditation Center, LA
*Free to volunteers who apply. Space at the Center is limited. Price ($20) includes all activities, lunch, massage, drinks, and snacks. Everyone welcome. No experience necessary.

We begin the summer in the foothills of the Angeles National Forest.

Magic bowls, crystals, plant oils...all help.
This is a relaxing retreat of meditation, massage, essential oils, guided visualizations, crystals, yoga, community hugs, vegan lunch, Q&A and group sharing.

We will have more time than Thursday evening meditations:

This day-long spa treatment is a chance to sit, recline, relax, eat, enjoy, and move.

Can breath-control lead to ecstatic states?
We will laugh and breathe ecstatically. Bliss guaranteed. Direct experience of serenity with singing bowls, pyramid energy, mindful movement, and boundless loving-kindness.

TALK: "How did Prince Siddhartha let go and gain Enlightenment?" with American Buddhist nun Ven. Aloka and an Irish-Native American guide. RSVP (FREE)

Friday, March 9, 2018

Wanted: California Bald Eagle Count (March 10)

Los Angeles Times); Xochitl, Ashley Wells (eds.), Wisdom Quarterly UPDATED
Careful! Those are my babies! - Stop nagging. The cam is on! (Friends of Big Bear Valley)
Humans would be willing to help birds?
WANTED: Volunteers ("citizen scientists") to help count the number of bald eagles wintering over in Southern California. No experience necessary.

Bring warm clothes. It's the 39th year that the U.S. Forest Service and California State Parks have organized the seasonal count to monitor how many eagles come to visit.

Afraid of the weather? Watch a pair of eagles with two eggs in their nest with the Big Bear Eagle Cam operated by Friends of Big Bear Valley from the comfort of home.

Big Bear Eagle Cam: Bald eagle nestin
Volunteers should show up at one of a number of lake (watch out for Sasquatches if it's Big Bear) with binoculars and a watch. This final bald eagle count is scheduled for March 10, 2108 between 9:00-10:00 am... More + DETAILS

UPDATE: More bald eagles spotted!