“Please remember the animal victims in Japan“

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MARCH 21, 2011

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“Please remember the animal victims in Japan“,

Vancouver Green Party Parks Commissioner

(Vancouver), Park Board Commissioner Stuart Mackinnon is asking Vancouver residents to remember the animal victims of the Japanese tragedy. “Along with the incredible human suffering and destruction caused by the Earthquake and Tsunami, many animals were swept away and lost. Many that survived are now homeless and need our help” said Mackinnon.

Rescue organizations like Heart Tokushima, Animal Refuge Kansai (ARK), the Japan Cat Network (JCN), Animal Garden Niigata, and the Nippon SPCA are actively rescuing animals from the devastated area. An on-line information group, the Japan-Earthquake-Animal-Rescue-and-Support can also be accessed through Facebook.

A message on the Animal Rescue Kansai (ARK) website says: “The tragedy keeps on unfolding. Thousands of people are dead or missing and we can assume that most animals in the path of the tsunami perished. We are especially concerned about the number of pets left unattended in homes by people forced into the evacuation centres near the nuclear power plant in Fukushima. It is not clear how many would have been allowed in these centres with their owners. Others in evacuation centres have lost everything and if they have pets will probably have to give them up.”

Mackinnon, Vancouver’s elected Green Party Park Board Commissioner, is urging people to also donate to animal rescue organizations in Japan. “I have donated to not only the Canadian and Japanese Red Cross, but also to an animal rescue organization” said Mackinnon. “Animal Rescue Kansai (ARK) and the Japan-Earthquake-Animal-Rescue-and-Support have Paypal accounts so you can donate on-line”, he added.

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More information:

Commissioner Mackinnon: (c) 778-389-1956

Commissioner Mackinnon’s blog: betterparks.blogspot.com

Desmond Rodenbour, Chairperson, Vancouver Green Party: (c) 604-512-4487

helping our animal friends in Japan

Further to my previous Blog about Ultimate Loyalty, anyone wishing to help our four-legged companions in Japan can contact any of the following volunteer agencies. They too need our help and donations.

Heart Tokushima
Animal Refuge Kansai (ARK)
(PayPal donations can be made through ARK)
Japan Cat Network (JCN)
Animal Garden Niigata
Nippon SPCA

Another way to find out what is happening or to donate is:
Japan-Earthquake-Animal-Rescue-and-Support at Facebook


Here is a note from ARK:

HELP for the ANIMALS made HOMELESS by the EARTHQUAKE and TSUNAMI (2)

14th March 2011

ARK will accept as many animals as possible, those made homeless from the TOHOKU-PACIFIC earthquake and tsunami which occurred on 11th March.

The tragedy keeps on unfolding. Thousands of people are dead or missing and we can assume that most animals in the path of the tsunami, perished. Being a rural area, most dogs would have been chained, unable to escape. Foreigners are being recalled to their countries by their companies for their safety. Already we have a cat called Maggie. We had to pick her up from Kansai airport, as her owner left for Germany.

We are especially concerned about the number of pets left unattended in homes by people forced into the evacuation centres near the nuclear power plant in Fukushima, It is not clear how many would have been allowed in these centres with their owners. Others in evacuation centres have lost everything and if they have pets, will probably have to give them up.

Our office in Tokyo as well as foster homes will be able to take in some animals, others may be brought by air, once airports are open, to Osaka. We are preparing spaces to take them in here in our Nose shelter. We are also thinking of building a temporary shelter on the land in Sasayama (about 40 minutes from ARK by car). At present the land there is being prepared for building but no construction yet. Any donations will be used for the animals made homeless in this terrible disaster. Thank you all for your concern and help. We will do our best for these animals.

Elizabeth Oliver Chairman of the Board of ARK

Skip to the Loo: Why public toilets matter

Here is a link to a great article in The Walrus. I've made public facilities one of my priorities for the Park Board. Staff should be reporting back soon on the future of our public conveniences. Here is a link to my blog about public washrooms: When You Have to Go.

Ultimate Loyalty

Japanese Dog Refuses to Leave Injured Friend Behind
In all the news about the terrible tragedy of the earthquake & tsunami in Japan, pets and other animals are the forgotten victims. This video shows the incredible compassion animals possess. When you think about donations to the Red Cross, please also consider a donation to the SPCA.

Here is an interesting article from the Tahoe Daily Tribune:

HUMANE SOCIETY: The plight of Japan's pets

March, 15 2011

By Dawn Armstrong
Special to the Tribune

What happens to pets and livestock in times of disaster has become of international concern. The specially trained animal welfare professionals and volunteers who respond to disasters became more visible to the world via television and Internet during Hurricane Katrina response and recovery. When disaster strikes, human survival becomes a priority, but there are organizations which focus on the survival of animals as well.

Animal Refuge Kansai, and the Japan Earthquake Animal Rescue and Support collaboration including HEART-Tokushima, Animal Friends Niigata and Japan Cat Network are responding in Japan.

“Although a country like Japan experiences earthquakes frequently, nothing had prepared us for one on this scale,” according to an ARK web posting. “From our experience of the Great Hanshin earthquake on Jan. 17, 1995, we know that the number of homeless pets may be immense. We are preparing for what might be a huge influx of animals.

We already have some facilities in place and a team of experienced staff able to deal with traumatized animals. We may have to build emergency shelters as well. The logistics of getting animals from the Tohoku/Sendai area is immense since roads and other transport links have been cut and may take time to restore. Our only means to get animals down to Osaka may be by helicopter.”

The American Humane Association headquartered in Denver is on call to respond if asked to help.

“We are closely monitoring the situation in Japan,” the AHA reported via its website. “We are reaching out to our international partners regarding a joint response to this emergency.“

The U.S. based World Vets has also pledged support.

“World Vets has been monitoring the situation in Japan,” according to the organization's website. “We are currently working to coordinate relief efforts for the animal victims affected. We have made contact with U.S. Army veterinary associates stationed in Japan as well as Japan based animal charities and World Vets veterinary volunteers who remain on standby. We have supplies ready to go and are preparing the deployment of a first-responder team to carry out an ‘on the ground' assessment and provide initial aid.

The common concern at the moment are the animals that are being left behind and/or missing. The base of operations is being established in a safe location outside of the epicenter where animals will be temporarily sheltered and cared for.”

And, as always, the animals themselves are responding to help humans survive. National Disaster Search Dog Foundation based in Ojai, California is sending six Canine Disaster Search Teams to assist with human rescues.

Is your family — including your pets — ready for emergency or disaster?

While pundits ponder whether it will be fire, flood or earthquake — get ready. Free disaster preparedness kits for pets are available from the Lake Tahoe Humane Society and S.P.C.A. Call or come by to pick up yours, 530-542-2857.

Provided by the Lake Tahoe Humane Society and Society for the Prevention of Cruelty of Animals to help "Keep Tahoe Kind." Dawn Armstrong is the executive director of the Lake Tahoe Humane Society and SPCA.

Copyright 2011 Tahoe Daily Tribune. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Tahoe Daily Tribune March, 15 2011 4:02 pm

Canadian banks accepting donations for RED CROSS relief efforts in Japan

(Ottawa, March 14, 2011) – The Canadian Red Cross is pleased to announce that ten banks in Canada are accepting cash donations in support of Red Cross relief efforts in Japan. On Friday March 11, an 8.9 magnitude earthquake struck Japan causing major damage and triggering 4 metre waves in Japan and a tsunami warning across the Pacific Coast.

“Local Red Cross teams have been working around the clock to help millions of people left devastated by the recent earthquake and tsunami in Japan,” says Conrad Sauvé, Secretary General and CEO of the Canadian Red Cross. “We are grateful to the participating banks for making it easier for Canadians to support Red Cross relief operations underway in affected communities and for the generous donations already made by a number of banks.”

The Red Cross response to this disaster was immediate. The Japanese Red Cross has a network of over 2 million registered volunteers. Over 80 health and disaster relief teams are currently on the ground providing emergency medical assistance, assisting in evacuations and distributing urgently needed supplies including over 30,000 blankets.

Canadians can give online, call toll-free at 1-800-418-1111 or visit their local Red Cross office or one of the participating bank branches. Cheques should be earmarked Japan Earthquake Asia Pacific 2011.

The following banks are also accepting financial donations from March 15 to April 15, 2011:

BMO Financial Group
Canadian Western Bank
CIBC
HSBC Bank Canada
ING DIRECT
Laurentian Bank of Canada
National Bank Financial Group
RBC
Scotiabank
TD Canada Trust

The Canadian Red Cross is a member of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, which includes the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the International Committee of the Red Cross and 187 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. Our mission is to improve the lives of vulnerable people by mobilizing the power of humanity in Canada and around the world.

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from: http://www.redcross.ca/article.asp?id=38438&tid=001

Tweets and twitters; robbing Peter to pay Paul

I have entered the world of Twitter (for those interested you can find me @betterparks) and have found a whole new world. Tonight Brent Granby of COPE was twittering at the Board and tweeted that I did not support the Board funding the Homeless Shower program. This is incorrect. As I stated at the meeting, I fully support the program--after all I brought the motion to supply soap and hot water in all PB public facilities because I believe everyone has the right to be clean. What I objected to was the vote to take money from one program to pay for another. The Board voted tonight to take money from the golf course maintenance contingency fund to pay for our budget short-fall and the shower program. If city council had given us a sufficient budget, we would not have a deficit to make up and we could fund new initiatives like the homeless shower program. It surprised me that Brent would send this out. COPE Commissioner Loretta Woodcock was absent tonight, so I don't know how she would have voted, but like me she voted against the budget in December which included the idea of taking money from other programs to pay for the deficit.

Vancouver Not Vegas!

I have signed the petition and joined the coalition to stop the building of a mega-casino at BC Place. Please read the petition and sign up to show your support for Vancouver Not Vegas!

Position Statement of the Vancouver Not Vegas! Coalition

Our position: On February 1, 2011, Vancouver City Council passed a motion calling for a full public review of gaming in the Province of BC.

1. The Vancouver Not Vegas! Coalition asks Vancouver City Council to pass a moratorium on the granting of new gaming licenses in Vancouver until that public review has taken place;

2. We further ask that City Council sever the appended Edgewater application for increased slot machines and gaming tables from the PavCo Re-Zoning Application of 777 Pacific Boulevard. We ask that the Edgewater application be re-commenced with proper notice to the public of the extent of the expansion sought.

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Your participation will help us defeat the proposed Edgewater mega-casino. It’s looking very promising, but we need your letters, your presence at the hearings, and your short speeches. Help us urge our City Council to say “No Dice!” to the BC government’s application for massive gaming expansion in our downtown. For news and blog posts, click here.

Please help by doing the following:

1. Sign up to speak City Council at the NEW DATE: Monday March 7, 7:30 public hearings at City Hall. Even just a few sentences to Council is enough. Dial 311 or 604-873-7191 to sign up.

2. Sit with us in the Council Chamber on the evening of Monday March 7, 7:30 pm at City Hall, as well as subsequent dates (TBA – check City Schedule).

3. Write to Vancouver Mayor and Council. Use the City of Vancouver feedback form or just send your own concise email to: mayorandcouncil@vancouver.ca, gregor.robertson@vancouver.ca, michael.magee@vancouver.ca, geoff.meggs@vancouver.ca, tim.stevenson@vancouver.ca, ellen.woodsworth@vancouver.ca, suzanne.anton@vancouver.ca, david.cadman@vancouver.ca, andrea.reimer@vancouver.ca, kerry.jang@vancouver.ca, clrlouie@vancouver.ca, heather.deal@vancouver.ca, george.chow@vancouver.ca, vancouvernotvegas@gmail.com

4. Sign our Petition.

5. JOIN our website – subscribe on the right-hand sidebar. This allows us to send you (infrequent) info & appeals for help.

6. Volunteer! Send us an e-mail: vancouvernotvegas@gmail.com . Thank you, Vancouver! This is OUR home. Don’t let them roll the dice on our city’s future.

Enquiring minds want to know...

I just had a call from a member of the press asking if it was true that I would be running for City Council in the next election. My response was that it was news to me! I have not yet decided if I will run at all, let alone for City Council. This is the second call from the press on this topic. I suppose with the next civic election just over 10 months away, people are starting to get interested. It is true that I have been asked by some people I respect very much if I would run for Council.

My time on Park Board has had its disappointments--especially the nastiness of some of the other Commissioners in their personal attacks. I don't mind a good debate--in fact I long for it, as real debate has been conspicuous in its absence at the Park Board--but there should be no room for petty personal attacks. Parks and green spaces seem to have taken a back seat to other issues this term. The continuing cuts in services and programming due to budget constraints, and the lack of interest in the environment for most of this term have also been disappointing. Pet projects and political posturing have been the biggest priority it seems to me.

I have devoted much of my adult life to serving the community in one way or another, and what I need to decide is if politics is the best way to make my contribution. Those who know me know I talk about the almost magical childhood I had growing up in Vancouver parks. I loved both the summer and winter days at the beach, the sunny days at the outdoor pools with my family and friends, and the terrific programming at my local community centre. And then of course all the time spent in my local park and the really magical outings to Stanley Park and the Bloedel Conservatory. It is the memories from my childhood that drew me to the Park Board and advocating for parks and green spaces.

I am proud of my advocacy both on and off the Board and will continue to advocate for those things I believe in. There are still many things I want to achieve for my community. As I told the Straight, I just have to decide if I can best do that at the elected level.

Stay off the ice on Vancouver’s lakes and ponds

The Vancouver Park Board is asking would-be skaters not to venture out onto frozen lakes and ponds in city parks. Most ice is too thin to support people or even pets.

Recent cold temperatures have allowed ice to form on lakes and ponds; however the ice is not thick enough to permit skating. Warmer temperatures, snow and rain in the forecast will add to the danger.

Warning signs are posted at traditional skating locations and park rangers and lifeguards are patrolling the areas reminding people to stay off the ice.

Locations include Trout Lake at John Hendry Park, Lost Lagoon and Beaver Lake in Stanley Park, Queen Elizabeth Park, Jericho Beach Park, Vanier Park and Sutcliffe Park near the entrance to Granville Island.

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General enquiries: 3-1-1 (within Vancouver) or 604-873-7000 (outside Vancouver)

Media enquiries: Barb Floden, Communications Coordinator, at (t) 604-257-8438 or (c) 604-992-5646

Six goals for 2011

It is hard to believe that this is the last year of my mandate from 2008. Time flies! With about 11 months left in this term I have 6 major goals for the year.

1) Management restructuring of the Park Board to make it more efficient and responsive. The Park Board needs to restructure--this is something we have known since the beginning of this mandate. The previous General Manager, Susan Mundick, wanted to start on the restructure after the election but was swept away and now here we are in our last year with little to show for it but a lot of folks in 'acting' positions. Restructuring the management to better reflect the nature of the organization would go along way to streamlining decision making and cost cutting too.

2) A stewardship plan for Stanley Park. Staff is working out the details now on an overall management plan for Stanley Park. Many parts--like the state of the ecology, and forest management plans--have already been completed.

3) Support Commissioner Woodcock's call for a visioning for Beaver Lake. This little gem in the heart of Stanley Park is in dire need of help. We need to put together a plan for the future that respects the integrity of the lake so that it fits into the bigger picture of the park as a whole.

4) An honest reassessment of our Joint Operating Agreements with our Community Centre partners. The stop/start process that has been on again/off again over the past few years must be changed into a respectful dialogue that is beneficial for the community at large.

5) A Capital Plan that recognizes the aging infrastructure of our community amenities and the real needs of the Park Board.

6) A fair and equitable contract for our hard-working and dedicated employees. Approaching the negotiations from a position of respect will go a long way to making the process a lot easier.