Marin VEG
July, 2024

This newsletter begins with sad news about Dr. John McDougall and good news about Amy's Kitchen.  There is much more to read after those two pieces, and I hope you will read the whole thing.  Perhaps in the shade while sipping something refreshing.  Stay hydrated, remember to use sunscreen, and enjoy these long summer days.

Sad News
Dr. John McDougall Died
Groundbreaking physician, author, educator and advocate for plant based diets John McDougall died on June 22.  He was an influential, lifesaving pioneer, and he will be missed.  For the announcement from his family, scroll down in this article to below his photograph. https://plantbasednews.org/news/celebrities/physician-dr-john-mcdougall-dies/


Amy's Kitchen Boycott Ends
Hooray! The Food Empowerment Project announced in June that the boycott of Amy's Kitchen is over.  Conditions for workers have improved, and we can resume buying Amy's products with a clear conscience. Thanks to FEP for spearheading this effort on behalf of employees at Amy's.  https://foodispower.org/amys-kitchen-boycott-ends/ See below for more news from The Food Empowerment Project.

Hold the Date: Saturday, August 24, 3 PM
The Great Goatsby
Jazz Age Themed Fund Raiser for Goatlandia
Learn more about this fun and fancy event at https://goatlandia.org/

Afternoon Tea at Muir's Tea Room
Having recently enjoyed vegan afternoon tea at both the Empress Hotel and at Butchart Gardens in Victoria, British Columbia, I was thrilled to indulge in an equally delicious and elegant afternoon tea in Sebastopol's Muir's Tea Room.  Now in its  tenth year, Muir's Tea Room is a charming, welcoming lunch spot less than an hour from San Rafael. The tea service includes tea, of course, and unique savory treats and sandwiches, remarkable sweets, fresh fruit, scones and butter - all vegan and all scrumptious.  According to owner Christine Dzilvelis, close to 90% of their customers are not vegan.  This attests to how good food is good food, regardless of its label.  Muir's Tea Room will be closed the first two weekends in July and re-opening July 20. The theme from then through August will be the popular Tiki Tea. Reservations are highly recommended. See the menu, learn more, and make reservations at Muirstearoomandcafe.com

Compassionate Living's Two Spring Conferences Now Available for Viewing
The Compassionate Eating Conference and the Humane Hoax Chicken Webinar - well worth watching and sharing - can both be seen at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XmEo4YqNHWs

Why Baia and Some Other Vegan Restaurants Closed
Well, this explains a lot.  Baia and other SF vegan restaurants have closed, but it's not for lack of interest.
https://www.sfexaminer.com/culture/food-and-wine/why-so-many-san-francisco-vegan-restaurants-are-closing/article_ddaf226c-0bc9-11ef-aefe-abd5d92effd4.html

Speaking of Vegan Restaurants
I have tried to find out when the vegan burger place might open in San Rafael, but cannot connect with the company. If I ever get an answer, I'll be sure to tell you.

West Hollywood Goes Vegan
In an effort to slow climate change, the city of West Hollywood has decided to offer vegan food at all city events and meetings. Will any Marin towns or cities follow their example? Who wants to spearhead this effort locally?  https://www.cbsnews.com/losangeles/news/west-hollywood-goes-vegan-requiring-plant-based-dishes-at-all-city-events/ Vegan Studies Initiative The Arihanta Institute (in partnership with Compassionate Living) is offering a new course to study veganism in the context of the Jain religion. Non-harming and veganism are key components in Jainism. Learn more at https://www.arihantainstitute.org/blog/55-the-vegan-studies-initiative-at-arihanta-institute Denmark Creates a Path to Veganism Denmark is the first country to create a national action plan for shifting to a plant based diet. The plan hopes to reduce carbon emissions by reducing the consumption of meat and dairy. Here is an article with details about the initiative. https://reasonstobecheerful.world/denmark-radical-plan-plant-based-future/ Food Empowerment Project Changes from Not for Profit to a Collective A change in the structure of The Food Empowerment Project refocuses accountability in the organization. Founder lauren Ornelas explains the change here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJ5dmN8tung If you have been reading this newsletter for a while, you will know that FEP is one of my favorite organizations because it focuses on human rights alongside animal rights. Learn more about their good work at FoodIsPower.org Diet and Dementia The results of a small scale study conceptualized by Dr. Dean Ornish suggest that a mostly plant based diet, with exercise, might be effective for slowing the progression of Alzheimers disease. Much more research is needed before celebrations begin, but this is an heartening beginning. https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2024/06/07/vegetarian-diet-exercise-slows-alzheimers/73964271007/ Planetary Health Diet This will not surprise most readers. A diet designed to enable the planet to produce enough food to feed the earth's expected 10 billion inhabitants also improves their health. Even though the diet includes some fishes and birds, its predominantly plant based recommendations are good news. https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/news/press-releases/planetary-health-diet-associated-with-lower-risk-of-premature-death-lower-environmental-impact/
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