Community Corner
San Rafael Vigil to Mark Superstorm Sandy Anniversary, Raise Awareness of Climate Change
The vigil will be held tonight at 6 p.m. at San Rafael City Plaza.
Editor's Note: This vigil took place on Tuesday, Oct. 29.
By Bay City News
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A vigil is planned in San Rafael tonight to mark one year since Superstorm Sandy hit the northeastern U.S. and to put climate change in the spotlight.
The 6 p.m. vigil at San Rafael City Plaza, located at Fourth and A streets, is also meant to highlight other natural disasters around the world.
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"We want to connect the dots among the whole series of climate disasters that have been increasingly striking the planet," Sustainable San Rafael President Bill Carney said.
Tonight's program will include talks about 10 different climate disasters by representatives from various Bay Area organizations, he said.
Each talk will be followed by a moment of silence for victims of disasters including Hurricane Katrina, flooding in Pakistan, fires in Australia and tornadoes in the U.S., Carney said.
"By reflecting on these disasters and the consequences of these tragic climate events, it's sending a message.
Climate disruption is real and we need to act," Organizing for Action Marin leader Belle Cole said.
She said the immensity of Superstorm Sandy, which caused billions of dollars in damage, was "utterly amazing."
Cole said it is hard to imagine New York City under 13 feet of water.
"The Bay Area is experiencing the same sea level rise that made Superstorm Sandy such a devastating storm," Carney said.
Efforts to address climate change will also be discussed tonight, including President Obama's Climate Action Plan, Cole said.
The Rim Fire, which started in August and was contained on Thursday, will come up as well.
Marin is susceptible to a wildfire like the Rim Fire as temperatures rise and conditions dry out, Carney said.
"We're calling on fellow citizens and government leaders to take on solutions to climate change," he said.
Anyone who plans to attend tonight's vigil is encouraged to bring candles, flashlights and signs.
Tonight's program is cosponsored by Organizing For Action, Sustainable San Rafael, Citizens Climate Lobby and Sustainable Marin.
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