I spent the last week in southern California for several presentations and book signings, including one at UCLA, another before a group of lawyers and an event in San Diego. And I celebrated the west coast launch of my book with more than two hundred like-minded citizens at a celebrity filled gathering at my parents’ house in the Hollywood Hills.  

At every stop, I met concerned and caring citizens, many involved in a massive campaign in California to outlaw veal crates, gestation crates and battery cages through a citizen initiative.  Thanks to the passion, dedication and hard work of volunteers throughout the state, the campaign gathered nearly 800,000 signatures, which have been turned in to election officials.  We expect the measure to appear on the November 2008 ballot in California.

While in Los Angeles., I was able to visit the hills in Griffith Park near my parents’ house.  I first felt connected with nature and wild animals—including deer, coyotes and birds—in these hills, and I try to visit whenever I can.  

Animals and nature seem to have a way of calming and grounding humanity.  Dozens of people were in the park, some walking their dogs, and all enjoying nature’s beauty. I was marveled by three large black birds who sailed peacefully, riding a gentle breeze along the side of a cliff below a ridge where I stood. As the rainy season has come to an end, the Hollywood Hills are green this time of year, and I nibbled on some fresh Mustard greens that were growing in abundance.  

Gene