Hi Jacob rodrig,
      You ask.
       For decades I have heated my home with wood grown on my own property. I know there is air pollution but I like the smell of wood burning. The ash has minerals. I mix it with manure & old hay & put it under trees, in garden---everywhere.
        Other eco-activity: outdoor toilet, solar panels, pigs for meat, chickens for eggs, orchard, garden, photovoltaics on roof, goats for milk, clothesline, bicycle for transportation and articles for our local paper (one below).  EldrSloBill

At 06:22 PM 11/11/07, Jacob rodrig wrote:

I have a question, what do you do with your old wood ash? Can it be put under trees? If so what kind? Or not to do it at all? Can it be put in your hot compost? Lots of questions but no answers. Help Please.  Jacob

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OAKS
By Bill Denneen
      There was a very large oak just east of Mid-State Bank on Tefft. To me it symbolized rural, rustic Nipomo and why I moved here.  It is now (Oct. 2nd) gone along with a part of me. If I had wanted to live in L.A. I would have moved there.
     The fossil record indicates that the oak woodland habitat has been here for around a million years.  The native Chumash depended on this oak habitat and its acorns for 9,000 years.  The acorns were  their main carbohydrate sources; they venerated these fine trees.
        Our civilization has been here for only about 250 years. The impact of our domination has resulted in little oak woodland  remaining. As part of my hike into Black Lake Canyon Oct. 7th  we visited a small portion of  Oak Woodland-----to me it was like being in "church". This habitat  exhibits high species diversity with 2,000 species of plants, 170 species of birds, 100 species of mammals, 60 species of amphibians and reptiles and more than 4,000 species of insects.  Eagles, owls, raptors, bobcats, foxes and coyotes are abundant.
        The coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia) is our dominant, climax tree -----it belongs here (do we??).  It and the maritime chaparral are often covered in lichen-----indicative of the coastal fog belt in which we live.  It is well adapted to our specific climate.  There are a few other kinds of oaks locally: Blue Oak ( Q. douglassi) found to our east on dry slopes.  Valley Oak (Q. lobota) the large trees found in valleys to our south.  Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties have both attempted to establish an oak-protection ordinance---both failed.
        The entire Nipomo Mesa was once covered with oak-woodland  habitat.  A 1975 Cal Poly study indicates that about a century ago nearly 90 percent of the charcoal used, mainly for gunpowder, came from the oaks of the our area.    After the mesa was denuded of its oaks the blue gum eucalyptus (E. globulus) was planted in rows from Australian seed-----big mistake. 
        The ideal time to plant acorns is in the fall after 3 inches of rain  (Dec./Jan.)---after collecting them in October (now) and store them in your refrigerator under moist conditions (stratification).  I do not recommend planting seedlings from a pot as this limits the length of the tap-root which needs to reach three feet down  in order to reach the water table during the long dry summer.
        Another thing I do is plant in the shade of a coyote bush, known to the Chumash as "nurse plants" as they provided shelter from the sun for the growing oak seedling.  The native oaks are adapted to fire and can easily regenerate after the periodic chaparral wildfires.  It always amazes me to see an oak recover following a fire.  One problem at hand is the over suppression of fire which leads to buildup of fuel and therefore large wildfires which in turn kill the mature oaks.
        The next time you enter the oak woodland (like Nipomo Native Garden) just sit quietly for a while and listen to all the life , plants and animals that oaks support.  Feel the spirit of the Chumash that were here for so long.  Plant acorns for your grandchildren. Take time to wrap your arms around an oak, you will feel "grounded" to Mother Earth - you will then be a true "tree-hugger" like me and your life will be enriched.
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My newsletter. If U want on mail list U have to request (I hate spam).
NIPOMO FREE PRESS:
Hi Enviro-inclined,
     My computer has been "down" for the past 10 days-----now, all of a sudden it "works"-----WHY?---magic????
VryConfusdEldrBill
Contents:
1. Evolution
2. Earth
3. Aging
4. Contraceptives
5. Global Warming (proof)
6. Grankids
7. Coreopsis
8. Hikes & Bikes
9. Katcho

# 1. EVOLUTION:
       Excellent letter to editor in Trib. this AM (10th ) by W.R.Cole. It amazes me that over 50% of Americans do not believe in evolution (probably think the earth is flat too).

# 2.  PLANET EARTH:
              Human caused ecosystem destruction has progressed well beyond
the Earth's carrying capacity -- its ability to provide goods  and services, and to regenerate. Global heating is occurring
at a rate and extent far exceeding expectations. There are too  many people to meet basic needs for all based upon further  habitat destruction for resources, much less making possible  Western lifestyles. Ecological crises have progressed to the  point where global ecological, economic and social upheavals  are guaranteed. This is ecological fact, truth, knowledge -- it is what it is, and no value is gained by stating otherwise.
http://earthmeanders.blogspot.com/ October 28, 2007  (rest of article on request)

# 3.  AGING:
          Population ageing is without parallel in the history of humanity. The number of older persons is expected to exceed the number of children for the first time in 2047. In the more developed regions, the number of children dropped below that of older persons in 1998. Population ageing results from reductions of fertility that have become virtually universal. Population ageing has profound consequences for all facets of human life. In the economic area, ageing will have an impact on economic growth, savings, investment, consumption, labour markets, pensions, taxation and intergenerational transfers. In the social sphere, population ageing influences family composition and living arrangements, housing demand, migration trends, epidemiology and the need for health-care services. In the political arena, population ageing may shape voting patterns and political representation. Since 1950 the proportion of older persons has been passed from 8% in 1950 to 11% in 2007, and is expected to reach 22% in 2050. Karen Gaia says: This article says nothing about the solutions to population ageing. My advice would be to plan ahead for baby booms so that the population is productive and can provide a future for themselves, including their older years. One of the ways a family can have a better future is to have a smaller family and to educate the children that the family does have.
http://www.un.org/esa/population/publications/WPA2007/wpp2007.htm (rest of  article on request)

# 4. CONTRACEPTION:
                 More than 100 million married women in developing countries have a need for contraception, and yet are not using a method of contraception. About 15% of married women and 7% of never-married women in developing countries have an unmet need for contraception; but that proportion varies by region, country and socioeconomic characteristics. A study says that one-third of pregnancies in developing countries are unintended. Young women and married women in rural areas are most likely to have unmet need. Reasons include concerns about possible health and side effects and the belief that they are not at risk of getting pregnant. Few are unaware of family planning options. The proportion of women with unmet need is greatest in Sub-Saharan Africa. Family planning programs have made strides in reducing unmet need and educating women about contraception, but there is a long way to go.   http://www.guttmacher.org/media/nr/2007/07/09/index.html



# 5.  GLOBAL WARMING (proof):

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# 6.  BLACK LAKE  (3 generations)

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 # 7.  COREOPSIS HILL:
       While attending Bill's full moon bluff-side fire, I asked him where his next hike would go. He asked where I would like to go. I thought about it for a while and then remembered that I hadn't been to Big Coriopsis Hill for more than 30 years when Kathy Jones took me there. We agreed on a meeting time and place and the following Sunday Bill, his son Steve and grandson Devon joined me to head for the hill. On the way, we passed a monument placed in honor of Lena Enos by Kathy and Gaylord Jones in 1994. She thought of the place as her garden, and I could see why. Bill pointed out that it was yellow season, with many yellow flowers brilliantly blooming. The wildlife refuge we passed through was recently washed by an unexpected rain and was especially beautiful. We discovered that the invasive thin bladed ice plant was being systematically eaten, probably by deer. Thanks deer! Bill and family decided to give Devon a rest and headed back before reaching the hill. I proceeded through the thick brush, reflecting that the last time I was here, off highway vehicles had denuded much of the dunes in the area. As I approached the top of the hill, I spotted a large coyote sitting, contemplating the ocean and not hearing me approach. He was beautiful, many colors and a big bushy tail. When I was about ten feet from him, I said, "Hi dog," and he jumped in surprise. Looking over his shoulder as he trotted away, he gave me a dirty look. I sat and watched him trot at least a mile away, over the dunes, finally disappearing in the trees near Oso Flaco Lake. On the way back, about half way down the hill, I came across a frog, 2-3 inches in length, sitting in a small hole. I guess the rain woke him up. I looked over to where Hidden Willow Canyon lay, inviting me for an overnight stay. What a special place! Thanks Bill.
David Georgi,    dgeorgi@csub.edu   http://www.csub.edu/~dgeorgi

>^,,^<    >^,,^<   >^,,^<   >^..^<   >^,,^<   >^,,^<   >^,,^<

# 8.  EldrBill's   HIKEs & BIKEs:  NOV.& DEC. 
*******************************************NOV. 11, 0930, Sun,  POINT SAL.  Meet at the end of Brown Rd. at locked gate, hike up PS road to see what military has done on the ridge, 1,000 ft elevation change, dogs welcome.
********************************************NOV. 18, 0930, Sun. BIKE  WOODLANDS .
A bicycle tour of the "instant city' with many stops. Meet at junction of Willow Rd. & Albert Way. Must wear helmet. On bikes we can go on golf cart trails with many stops----very easy ride.
**********************************************NOV. 22,  THANKSGIVING HIKE to BLACK LAKE
Details for Land Conservancy at 544-9096 for their hike.  I am thinking about having a Turkey Feast at my Hostel, if interested let me know----but soon. Needed  is someone to cook the turkey.
**********************************************NOV. 24, Sat. NIPOMO LUNA GROUP,  7:30PM  Meet around fire on the full moon to play drums & talk on edge of bluff overlooking Santa Maria Valley.
***********************************************NOV. 25. 0930, Sun,  BIKE TOUR of NIPOMO  See Nipomo on an easy bike ride with many stops. We'll probably stop at Nipomo Native Garden , Creekside Preserve. Meet at Nipomo Library.
******************************************DEC. 2, 0930, Sun. CREEKSIDE PRESERVE   Meet behind Adobe Plaza, hike new trail on Haystack  & Nipomo Creeks, Dogs welcome. Easy hike. Some poison oak.
****************************************DEC. 9.  0930, Sun. BIKE  WOODLANDS   A bicycle tour of the "instant city' with many stops. Meet at junction of Willow Rd. & Albert Way. Must wear helmet. On bikes we can go on golf cart trails
********************************************DEC. 16, 0930   COAST HIKE  See a remote area of dunes, 4 miles, dogs OK, check for  details just before at <bdenneen@kcbx.net> or 929-3547
******************************************DEC. 23, 0930  OCEANO DUNES HIKE:  Meet at melodrama in Oceano. See levee, creek, dunes,SVRA. Kids welcome. Bring water & windbreaker
**********************************************DEC. 24, 7:30 PM,  CHRISTMAS EVE  NIPOMO LUNA GROUP,   Meet around fire on the full moon to play drums & talk on edge of bluff overlooking Santa Maria Valley. Dogs welcome
**********************************************DEC. 25,  CHRISTMAS DAY HIKE  Details not firm yet---suggestions?????
***********************************************JAN. 1, Tuesday  30th Annual  NEW YEAR's  DAY-HIKE TO MUSSEL ROCK  Meet at 0930 on Guadalupe Beach to hike to the top of Mussel Rock to start the new year off right . No dogs.

# 9. KATCHO:
     If you are NOT  in his district------delete now..
     I am attempting to come up with  20 potential candidates to run in the next election for Supervisor .  I am open to suggestions. If your name is on the list & U will in no way be a candidate let me know & U R gone but you will never in the future get on my list. If U R thinking about running  let me know & I'll add U.
       My goal is at least 20 potential candidates----already I have found some "potentials" are not valid (not even in the district)  I am deleting the below----if U disagree let me know ASAP why that person should NOT be deleted:
Jennifer Brown, Patti Andreen, Tony Ferrera , Nancy Graves
        Katcho in my opinion will be moving on to higher office but who knows what or WHEN. First is as a Presidential Candidate  but .that is out because he wasn't born here ( Arnold likewise). Maybe to replace Sam, Able or Lois but it is too early as no one knows what their  plans are (e.g. Abel to Gov??, Sam to Congress??, Lois to President.??).
      Twenty potential Supervisors to replace Katcho when he moves on:
David Angelo
Larry Vierheilig
Donna Mills
 Mike Eisner
Barbara Mann
Jim Guthrie
Paul Teixeira
Sam Nunez
Nick Alter
Charlie Gulyash
Ed Eby
Greg Doudna
Donna Kandel
Ed Arnold
Mike Winn
Ken Shamordola
Guy Murray
Steph Wald
Patti Duron
Lucia Casalinouvo
Joe Costello
Peg Heathcote
Adrienne Dickinson