Greetings,

It's been a week since my husband and I returned from our 3-week trip to Italy. What a fabulous time we had! The beautiful countryside, incredible food and the heartwarming hospitality of my Italian family made the trip unforgettable.

It was nice to return to summer in Sonoma County!

I am happy to report that the California State Parks and Wildlife Conservation Trust Fund Act of 2010 has been qualified for the November Ballot. We have our work cut out for us during the months ahead as we encourage everyone we know to VOTE YES to provide sustainable funding for our State Parks and return vital general fund dollars to social services. You can help the campaign with donations and by endorsing at www.yesforstateparks.com.

Even though we are hopeful the ballot measure will pass in November, we still must ensure adequate funding for our State Parks for the coming fiscal year. At this time, the Legislative Budget Conference Committee is considering cutting funding for State Parks, which will increase the service reductions we have seen this past winter and spring. Local businesses suffered from those reductions and the damage done in the closed areas will take more time and money to repair. We have seen that park closures are not cost effective. Please take action and tell our legislators to restore funding for State Parks at the $140 million dollar lifeline level so we can keep our parks open.

Stewards needs your support! Event sponsorships are way down this year and we had to cancel our golf tournament. Our upcoming events are going to be wonderful and we would love your support in attending and helping to spread the word. Link to our website from your Facebook page or email a link to your friends and family. Get your tickets now and support our education and stewardship volunteer programs.

Volunteers are also needed for all our upcoming events, the Gourmet Hike and Art in the Park (July 17), Bodega Seafood Art and Wine Festival (August 28 & 29) and the Old Grove Festival (September 24 & 25). Email stewards@mcn.org with the dates you can volunteer and we will get back to you with times and job options.

My best to you all,

Michele Luna, Executive Director

Gourmet Hike and Art in the Park
July 17, 2010, 1:00 to 5:00 pm, (arrive no later than 2:00 pm for the Gourmet Hike) - Follow the signs to the Group Picnic Area

Meander along the lovely trails of Armstrong Redwoods amidst the towering old growth redwoods enjoying appetizers prepared by local chefs, wine tasting, entertainment by local musicians, art demonstrations and an exhibition of fine art for sale in the historic Redwood Forest Theater.

Visit our Website for all the details and Purchase your tickets early, the Gourmet Hike sold out in 2009.

There are two option for enjoying this event:
Gourmet Hike & Art in the Park: $35 per person, 2 for $65
Art in the Park and Dessert: $10 per person

Food donated by: Applewood Inn, Jenner Bistro, Chef Patrick's, Corks and Coffee Bazaar

Wine donated by: Korbel Champagne, Barefoot Wine & Bubbly, Old World Winery and Russian River Vineyards

Entertainment donated by: The Thiessen Brothers, Happenstance, Jim Ocean and Edgehog

Jenner Headlands Hikes
July 24, 2010, 10:00 to 3:30 - Special Forest Hike
August 17, 2010, 10:00 to 3:30
Visit our websitefor all the details and to register online.

Old Grove Festival
Friday and Saturday, September 24 & 25, 2010

Friday Evening - "Hoedown in the Redwoods"
Gates open - 5:00 pm
Opener: Edge of Town
Headliner: Laurie Lewis and the Right Hands - "Superb Bluegrass"

Saturday Daytime - Gates open at 11:30 am
The Mighty Chiplings, Jim Ocean, The Fargo Brothers and The Thugz
Admission: $10 per person

Saturday Evening - "Aloha in the Grove"
Gates open at 5:00 pm
Opener: Taimalietane Islands of Polynesia Dance Troupe
Headliner: Ledward Kaapana
"Incomparable Slack Key"

Plus The Great Hawaiian Feast

For Evening Performances:
General admission: $25
Redwood Circle (first 4 rows): $40
Children (5-12): $10
(Muliple shows and group purchases made at one time under one name receive reserved seats.)

For more information visit our website.
Ticket Sales online.

Michele Luna, Executive Director
Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods