Good day gentle reader. You are here reading this because you care. I'm so happy to be able to speak directly to my community. Directly to my friends, to you.
As my first blog, I thought I should talk briefly about what I do and why it's important.
I'm an environmental activist/community organizer. I call it "The Work". It started with SSFL, now the organizations I work with have saved a State Park, created volunteer programs, brought educational programs to our communities schools and successfully lobbied in various political arenas on several key environmental issues. Most notably, the two non-profits I work with were instrumental in the creation of the Santa Susana Pass State Historic Park and the programs that support it. We have had the same mission for over 40 years: Preserve the Simi Hills and Santa Susana Mountains.
I have the privilege to be Vice-President of the Santa Susana Mountain Park Association. I serve at their pleasure. I'm not speaking for them here, and if I do, I'll let you know.
The Blog is titled "Inside the Fence" because that is my perspective. What I write about and comment on here is from that perspective, "Inside".
I changed careers because of the world I seem to have stumbled into. Now, instead of making Documentary Films, I'm helping create a National Park! Shoot bad Reality TV, or change the world? This is much more gratifying. A good documentarian knows he needs to make friends with his subject, he needs to get inside. That's how it started. Now, I'm invited inside. I work inside the fence. I also work in places that still have no fences. My office has mountain lions in it! I wish I could make all the hills like that.
It's important because what we have is vanishing... And it needs to be preserved before its too late.
I'm planning on having guests chiming in on occasion. Most of them are leaders in the community and they have (mostly) matching opinions. There are several key environmental and cultural issues that will be coming to a head in the near future. This can be a place to find out about them. Please bookmark this page.
Now you know my perspective. If you want specifics, drop me a line or comment here. I want to know what YOU think, and why. If you just want to rant and make noise, I'll ignore you and delete the comments. If you have issue and would like to engage on those issues in an atmosphere of mutual respect. Wow, I'm all for it. I really strive for constructive suggestions; so lets work on improving our community as we examine some of the issues we all face locally.
Fire away – I look forward to hearing from you!
