As much as we all try to keep our noses to the grindstone, and try to not pay attention to anything other than what’s on T.V., occasionally something comes along that simply blows our minds.

For example: the oil disaster in the Gulf is blowing our minds.  For good reason too.  Short sighted corporate exploiters of our world’s natural resources have set off an environmental catastrophe by trying to save pennies on the safety requirements of deep water well drilling. 

We call them “short-sighted” because their effort to save a few bucks, while making millions of millions of dollars, seems unbelievable.  I mean, really, what kind of “sight” do you have to miss something this obvious?

But to them – those with the corporate mentality – any long-range consequences of their actions are just not on their radar.  It’s all about grabbing as much as possible as fast as possible, and to hell with collateral damages done to anyone or anything that gets in their way.

We just have to look at the Gulf to see the reality of the consequences of their unquenchable greed.

So, now that we’re speaking of reality, are you ready for a reality check?

OK?  Here you go:

Powerful interests with the same short sighted mentality that created the disaster in the Gulf are operating here in Sonoma County. 

What can only be called corporate exploiters are attempting to establish a gravel quarry in the Roblar Road area west of Cotati.  And they came very close to pulling it off, totally under the radar of the people of Cotati, Petaluma and Rohnert Park.

Like the operators in the Gulf, and their self serving orchestration of Federal Regulators, this local effort was approved by the Sonoma County Planning Commission in May – and the quarry almost slipped into being with some kind of powerful influence greasing the wheels of Sonoma County’s regulatory process and essentially short circuiting the normal review process of environmental concerns – from traffic impact studies, to the potential impacts of high explosives and mining operations on air quality, water table contamination, and the quality of life of everyone impacted by this proposed operation. 

If it weren’t for the last minute discovery by a survey crew, of Mother Nature’s most courageous little environmental protectors, the lowly Tiger Salamanders, we’d already have a quarry moving into operation from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM seven days a week.

You want more information right now?  Visit CARRQ.org  –  the Citizens Advocating Roblar Rural Quality organization.  As much information on this issue as you can handle is gathered on this site. I was very affected by the Russian River Keeper’s report on the huge surplus of gravel available now and in the future, and the total lack of reason or necessity for this proposed quarry.

Do you want to know what you can do about it?  Well, you can dance, listen to great music, and hear the Mayors of Cotati, Petaluma and Rohnert Park (RP’s Mayor will confirm by the 8th) speak about this and other concerns, along with Sue Buxton and Jason Merrick of the Roblar Road area concerned citizens group.

 The event is called Rock for No Rock – A concert to stop the Roblar Rock Quarry.

 It’s happening next Sunday – Sunday July 11th – from noon to 6:00 PM – because our North Bay Area musical community couldn’t help but come to the defense of the city of Cotati and the residents of rural west Cotati – those who would be most directly impacted. 

 This free educational event and concert will feature 12 bands and a number of additional performers – yes, it’s FREE, and all ages are welcome.

 It’s happening in La Plaza Park, in the center of downtown Cotati.  Local restaurants will offer food and non-alcoholic beverages.  Information booths and the local business community will also be on hand.

 Performers will include The Stony Point Band, the Pulsators, Danny Sorentino, the Rotten Tomatoes, Uncle Wiggly, Solid Air, Rule 5,  D’Bunchovous, the Linda Ferro Band, Goathouse, Levi Lloyd, Jody Counter and additional bands and performers, including a special appearance by the legendary Bronze Hog, reunited for this event.

 We’re talking a total grass roots effort here – with the goal of raising awareness about the potential damages to all of us that this proposed quarry would cause – and doing it with free music and an enjoyable afternoon spent in community.

 Please take some time out of your Sunday and join us!