Mountain Views News          Saturday, August 20, 2011

Mountain Views News 80 W Sierra Madre Blvd. No. 327 Sierra Madre, Ca. 91024 Office: 626.355.2737 Fax: 626.609.3285 Email: editor@mtnviewsnews.com Website: www.mtnviewsnews.com

5

AROUND SAN GABRIEL VALLEY

Mountain Views-News Saturday, August 20, 2011 

 
Letter To The Editor

RE: THE LABEL GMOs 2012 BALLOT INITIATIVE

PASADENA CAMPAIGN

Pet of the Week

Sonny: Animal ID # A4317725

Meet Sonny, a happy-go-lucky fellow 
(A4317725). Sonny is a graceful, one-year-old, 
tan male Labrador Retriever/Cocker Spaniel 
mix puppy who was found as a stray in West 
Covina on July 28th and brought to the Baldwin 
Park shelter. Weighing thirty-two pounds, Sonny 
walks okay on the leash and already knows how 
to sit on command. He is great with most other 
dogs, and good with kids. Sonny is a medium-
energy boy that adores everyone he comes 
across. He loves to be petted and passes out with 
joy when receiving belly rubs. Sonny is going 
to make a sensational pet for a family living in 
a private home. To watch a video of volunteers 
interacting with Sonny, please visit: http://www.
youtube.com/watch?v=Vaum9hXzhWs

To meet Sonny, please visit him at the Baldwin 
Park Shelter, located at 4275 N. Elton, Baldwin 
Park, CA 91706 (Phone: 626-430-2378). His 
adoption fee is $100 and he is currently available 
now. For any inquiries about Sonny, please 
reference his animal ID number: A4317725. 
The shelter is open seven days a week, 12 pm-7 
pm Monday-Thursday and 10am-5pm Friday-
Sunday. This is a high-intake shelter with a great 
need for adoptions. 

For more information about Sonny or the 
adoption process, contact United Hope for 
Animals Volunteer Adoption Coordinator 
Samantha at samanthasayon@gmail.com or 661-
309-2674. To learn more about United Hope 
for Animals’ partnership with the Baldwin Park 
Shelter through its Shelter Support Program, as 
well as the many dogs of all breeds, ages, and 
sizes available for adoption in local shelters, visit 
http://www.unitedhope4animals.org/about-us/
shelter-support-program/. 

Dear Editor:

 We are the Label GMOs 2012 Ballot Initiative—
Pasadena Campaign. We are submitting this 
letter in order to bring awareness to the pending 
California State Ballot Initiative to label all food 
products that contain Genetically Modified 
Ingredients. We are deeply concerned about our 
food supply and the direction it is taking and are 
extremely committed to changing it. 

We will not go into detail about the disastrous 
consequences that introduction of GMOs into our 
food system has produced in both our nation and 
around the world. Resources for educating ones 
self on the subject are available at the close of 
this letter. To put it simply, the biotech industry 
has quietly and furtively replaced our trusted 
sources of nutrition with new “frankenfoods” 
that threaten our health, our natural ecosystems, 
global food security, and social and economic 
justice worldwide. We are headed down a rabbit 
hole and we need to STOP NOW!!! 

Frustrated with the lack of action on the part 
of the state and federal legislatures, Pamm Larry, 
from Chico, CA decided to do something about it. 
In January of this year she single-handedly took 
on the challenge of creating a ballot initiative for 
2012 that would require that all food products 
containing GMOs are labeled so that we as 
consumers can make informed decisions on what 
we eat. It is our belief that we have a fundamental 
RIGHT to know what is in our food and a RIGHT 
to choose what we eat. These rights have been 
grossly violated by those who control our food 
systems. 

Soon the initiative will be submitted and under 
review by the state. The review process will take 
a couple months, at which time the state will 
return the approved version of the proposition 
and the signature collection part of the process 
will begin. From the date of its return, probably 
in mid October, we will have 150 days to collect 
the 500,000 valid signatures needed to get the 
proposition on the November, 2012 ballot. To 
assure that we have enough signatures to meet the 
required number, we need to actually gather about 
800,000....Pamm has set a goal of one million. 

If the public is interested in helping out, here is 
what we need them to do: 

1. Start talking! Talk to everyone who will 
listen and tell them about the initiative and about 
the issues with GMOs, emphasizing the foremost 
issue that “WE HAVE THE RIGHT TO KNOW 
WHAT WE ARE EATING”...get them mad that 
their rights have been violated...that they have the 
right to keep themselves healthy and to know what 
is in their food. There is no argument against that!

2. Want to get MORE involved? Right now, 
while we wait to get the proposition back from the 
state, we are tabling events to educate the public 
and bring awareness to the initiative and to GMOs 
and their issues (it is absolutely ASTOUNDING 
how many people have no idea what GMOS are 
or that they eat them everyday). We are looking 
to hold demonstrations, show films, get our story 
in the media as much as possible, and to speak 
to groups on the subject. You can rally your 
organization to help us out, or to take your own 
actions. We can help you out by providing you 
with some literature and training you as a speaker.

3. Still hungry to do more? Come signature 
gathering time we need an ARMY to hit the 
pavement...at local food markets, community 
events, roaming the streets etc. to get every single 
registered voter to sign one of our petitions.

4. Here is the not so fun part (yes the other 
parts are exciting and fun)...we need funding. The 
literature that we distribute and other promotional 
materials are costly and are absolutely necessary...
every little contribution helps. If anyone knows 
of someone who is a huge champion of this 
cause that has more than they need, see if you 
can persuade them to invest in our cause. We 
are NOT a non profit...we are a political action 
group and as such are not tax deductible. If 
anyone has any fund raising skills, we hope you 
will step forward and help us out.That about sums 
everything up. If you are interested in joining us, 
you can contact us at: labelgmospasadena@gmail.
com. For more information about the initiative, 
visit our website www.labelgmos.org and for vast 
amounts of information on the issues with GMOs 
check out www.organicconsumers.org or www.
responsibletechnology.org. Looking forward 
to hearing from some of you soon. With Much 
Gratefulness and Kindest Regards, Label GMOs 
2012 Ballot Initiative--Pasadena Campaign

Azusa Eagles to Host Fourth 

Annual Charity Poker Run August 27

Proceeds benefit Loma Linda Children’s 
Hospital

Azusa, Calif. – The Fraternal Order of Eagles 
#2810 of Azusa, Calif., will hold their Fourth 
Annual Charity Poker Run Saturday, Aug. 27, to 
benefit the Loma Linda Children’s Hospital. The 
event begins at 8 a.m. at the Azusa Aerie, located 
at 1603 N. San Gabriel Canyon Rd.The poker 
run is open to the public with a registration cost 
of $20 per person. Ride length is 100 miles and 
events include a 50/50, door prizes, arts & crafts, 
raffles, a bike show and more. Crossroads Band 
will perform live for guests.The Azusa Eagles has 
maintained a presence in the community since 
1948 and currently host more than 290 Aerie and 
180 Auxiliary members.For information contact 
Beth at eaglepokerrun@aol.com or by phone at 
626-252-7138.

 
What better way than a 
scoop of ice cream with a 
little fudge sauce on top to 
savor women’s right to vote? 

 To celebrate the momentous 
day 91 years ago when 
women gained full participation 
in democracy with the 
passage of the 19th amendment, 
the League of Women 
Voters Pasadena Area is 
throwing an ice cream social 
for the whole family on Sunday, 
Aug. 28, 4:00-5:30 p.m., 
at the historic Hillmont 
House, 939 N. Hill Ave., 

Pasadena.

 Ragtime music by Dad’s 
Band Plus One, games 
and activities for children 
and plenty of Carmela’s 
ice cream on the lawn of a 
Victorian landmark promise 
and old-fashioned good 
time. Children under 13 are 
free. Everyone else pays only 
$5. 

 Reservations and further 
information about the 
League are available by calling 
626-798-0965. 

 Reservations and tickets 
also are available online: 
http://www.lwvpasadenaarea 
.org/donate.html.

CELEBRATING WOMEN’S EQUALITY DAY

AUGUST 28

GOOD FOOD & DRINK

DO I HAVE TO ASK?

EPAZOTE: THE MAYAN SPICE: An aromatic Central 
American spice, said to be “Nature’s Bean-O.” by Christopher Nyerges 

Just when I believe I have been 
promoted to a five star General of 
the restaurant army and certain I 
will win every battle. I am hit by 
a surprise attack and defeated. 
It was Saturday Night and it 
commenced in a promising 
fashion. The heat of the day was 
receding beneath the pledge 
of a California evening. I was 
meet a group of people at one of 
my all time favorite restaurants
Café Beaujolais in Eagle Rock. 
There were eight of us, they 
were coming from a play and 
thankfully they were timely, so 
we were seated immediately. Our 
charming server JC started our 
night by naming the specials, 
and he did something that was 
distinctly welcoming, he gave 
us the rundown of the specials 
and he added the prices as well. 
How many times have you gone 
to an upscale restaurant and the 
server tells you the specials of 
the night without affixing the 
prices? Apparently, miracles 
do exist in the confines of the 
restaurant world. 

There is an old adage, If you have 
to ask you probably can’t afford 
it? That may be true, but there is 
little worse for me than having 
an overpriced special when the 
New York Steak would easily 
compete at several pegs in price 
below the special. The mystery 
of a dinner items price on a 
menu does not enchant 
me with same intrigue my 
girlfriend does when she 
says, “I have a surprise for 
you honey.” More times 
than not the prices of the 
special do not meet the 
execution of the meal, or 
were worth the Bentley 
expense if they could 
perform the deed. One 
shouldn’t be forced to 
ask for the price of the 
special. I hate to be forced 
to wallow in shame that 
inquiry. 

You may recall a 
previous article where I 
was critical of a reader 
named Tony for getting 
burned by a ($14) glass 
of house Chardonnay. 
He said, “I will take the House 
Chardonnay.” Believing it would 
run in the ($6-$8) range, but he 
never inquired into the price. 
Tony, This is one of those do as 
I say not as I do. You can relax 
CJ, the food and the night was 
orchestrated to perfection. 

After Café Beaujolais my 
friend Ken and I stopped by 
a neighborhood bar. You may 
know it, a quaint place by the 
bridge. Anyway, for some crazy 
reason we ordered something 
called Sambuca. A couple 
rounds into this gold liquor with 
a hint of coffee beans we were 
staring at a $100 bill plus a tip. I 
thought about you Tony! Damn 
me!!! 

Traveling down the coast
How many restaurants do you 
know that have been open for 
over forty 
years? I found 
one in Laguna 
Beach. The 
Cottage Restaurant on the Coast 
Hwy with sand sprinkling its 
doorstep. The Cottage has been 
serving great breakfasts since its 
doors opened. All the favorites 
line the menu including 
Blueberry Pancakes that are 
worth waking up for a drive down 
the coast. The short distance to 
the beach adds a perfect place 
to stroll after a wonderful meal.
The Cottage Restaurant 308 
N. Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach. 
Opens at 7 AM (949) 494-3023

[Nyerges, the author of “Guide to Wild Foods,” has led Wild Food Outings 
since 1974. He writes a regular blog at www.ChristopherNyerges.com, and 
broadcasts a weekly podcast at Preparedness Radio Network. He can be 
reached via his website.] 

Anyone who uses beans as a significant part of their diet – such as 
vegetarians -- should know about epazote. 

I first learned of the remarkable gas-relieving effects of epazote in 
1975 while studying Mexican and Central American herbalism. 
Once my instructor had introduced me to this herb, I immediately 
recognized it as the common plant of so many of the streams I’d 
hiked along in the hills above my Pasadena home. 

My Costa Rican instructor shared with me his family secrets: Add 
a few leaves of epazote to a pot of beans for a delicious flavor and to 
render the beans gas-free. 

As the years progressed, I was astounded that virtually no 
Americans I’d talked with were familiar with this herb, let alone its 
anti-gas effects. Yet, this common, inconspicuous herb had been 
known and used in Southern Mexico and Central America for 
centuries! 

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

In the recorded literature of Europe and North American, epazote 
(Chenopodium ambrosiodes) is known for it efficacy in expelling 
intestinal worms. For dogs and cats, add one teaspoon of the seed 
(or herb) to their meals `til the worms clear up. The herb is said 
to be less effective against tapeworms. The Natchez Indians used 
epazote to expel worms in children. The Chinese used the herb as a 
diaphoretic (promotes sweating). The anthelmintic and vermifuge 
qualities of epazote are well recognized, and the herb is cultivated 
in parts of the Soviet Union for this use. Herbalists believe that 
epazote was also used by the ancient Mayans both as a spice and 
medicine. (It is referred to in 
Mayan texts as lucum-xiu). 

But here in the United States, 
epazote is being re-discovered 
mostly for it’s anti-flatulent 
properties. It is believed that 
epazote’s effectiveness in 
removing the “gassiness” of 
beans is due to the presence 
of oil of chenopodium, which 
is found in concentrations 
of 10% in the seed, and one 
percent in the leaf. 

Remember that excess 
flatulence is a symptom, 
and that epazote only deals 
with that symptom. The gas 
problem will continue if 
the cause is not eliminated. 
Some methods to eliminate 
the cause of gas are eating 
slowly, chewing your food 
thoroughly, proper food 
combination, etc. 

Epazote can be found fresh at the Sierra Madre Farmer’s Market, 
and occasionally the dried form can be found in health food stores. 

The seeds (for growing) and packets of the dried herb can be 
purchased from Survival Services, P.O. Box 41834, Los Angeles, CA 
90041. Seeds are $2; herb is $3.50 a packet. There is also a unique 
booklet entitled What Causes Gas? ($5.10), which describes the 
many dietary and non-dietary causes of gas, as well as practical 
solutions. 

COOKING WITH EPAZOTE

Cooking with epazote is easy! Add approx. one tablespoon of the 
herb -- both the chopped stems and the leaves -- to a pot of beans. 
You can use it fresh or dried. The epazote herb can also be added to 
soups, stews, and made into tea. The powdered leaves can be added 
to salads, such as potato and bean salads. 

Here are some simple recipes I’ve developed for using epazote. 

LENTIL SOUP1 cup lentils 

1 bay leaf

5-6 cups water 

2 tsp. dried epazote

1 diced red onion 

3 cloves of garlic

2 diced carrots

Wash the lentils, and then simmer for an hour and a half. Add the 
other ingredients when the beans are nearly soft. Simmer `til the 
vegetables are soft. (Add salt or kelp to taste, if desired.) 

MIXED BEAN SALAD

1 cup cooked/sliced green beans 

1 cup cooked kidney beans

1 cup cooked garbanzos

Dressing equal parts olive oil and apple cider vinegar

1 tsp. dried/powdered epazote 2 diced cloves of garlic1/2 tsp. 
dill Salt and pepper, to taste, if desiredMarinate the beans in the 
dressing, preferably at least eight hours, but no less than 30 minutes. 

MAYA BLACK BEAN SOUP

1 cup black beans sage, pinch

water oregano, pinch

3 onions epazote, two tsp.

3 small potatoes salt and pepper, to taste

Cook the beans with the onions and potatoes. When the beans are 
tender, add the seasonings. Let simmer on low temperature for 15 
minutes before serving.

TABLE FOR TWO by Peter Dills