A total of nine events (that we knew of) were planned for Saturday, April 14th, ranging from hikes and bike rides to rallies with speakers. A few got rained out, but most of them happened and got the message out—Congress: Cut Carbon 80% by 2050! Now the Step It Up campaign is asking all the organizers to contribute to a "small, quick book on organizing to stop global warming," as well visit our legislators with copies of our event photos. If you want to take part in any follow-up actions or activities, contact us at EECOM.

San Anselmo
More than 250 people attended the inspiring, educational fair held at the San Anselmo Recreation Center (moved indoors because of the rain, but jampacked with party energy!). Speakers included Randy Hayes of Rainforest Action Network and International Forum on Globalization, Marin County Supervisor Charles McGlashan, State Senator Carole Migden, and Marin Municipal Water District Board member Cynthia Koehler. Local organizer Chloe Martin directed a play called Save Some for Me, written by the Marin-based group Cool the Earth and performed by students from Drake High School and White Middle School.

Tiburon
Four speakers educated and inspired the audience and four youth speakers shared their feelings and their determination to combat global warming and create a GREENPRINT for the 21st century. Participants lined up at the projected sea level rise at Blackie’s Pasture for their group photo.

San Rafael
The organizers of this rally (many from Sustainable San Rafael) wrote: "Approximately 50 people gathered at a major intersection in the heart of our City of San Rafael, California — an area which studies predict would be under water with a 1 meter rise in sea level. We wore beach outfits, life jackets, snorkels and masks (despite the chilling winds). A boom-box blared the music of the Beach Boys, and everybody held signs saying things like: "Cut Carbon or Swim Here!", "San Rafael Under Water?", "Step It Up, Congress! Stop Your Dithering!", and "Cut Carbon Now!" Folks driving by honked their horns in recognition and support of the message. Spirits were high! There were people of all ages and walks of life: local politicians, teachers, business owners, parents, kids, doctors, photographers, Sisters from Dominican University, and folks representing at least six different churches. "Let's do this again!" they all seemed to say. It felt good to be getting out this hugely important message."

Mt Tamalpais
And finally, EECOM's own hike was cancelled due to pouring rain — but a few intrepid souls made it up the mountain anyway! They wrote:

My family went to the top of Mt. Tamalpais, in Mill Valley, CA, to join the Step It Up! Event scheduled there. In the rain, we searched to find the others, but it seems we were the only ones who made it. So we made our own event! We climbed to the summit, and prayed and shouted and did our best to clear the skies. And we did! Now let's clear the thinking of every politician in Washington DC!

We will reschedule this hike, which will feature naturalist and long-time Marin plant woman Kathy Cuneo making the connections between global warming and local ecosystems. Stay tuned!!