January 2025
Marin VEG

I wish you love, joy, wonder and wisdom in the new year! Thank you for your interest in veganism, a major step toward a kinder world.

In this first newsletter of 2025 you will find sobering news from Chef AJ, hopeful news about a new vegan burger restaurant in Marin, an update  on the Pt. Reyes tule elk fence, information on vegan cheese, lobsters, Veganuary, and bird flu.

Happy reading and happy new year!

Summary of Vegan News from 2024
Even though this is from a Portland, Maine newspaper, it is a good summary of what happened in the vegan world last year.
https://www.pressherald.com/2024/12/19/veganism-gains-ground-in-2024-our-news-roundup-tells-you-what-and-where/


Veganuary 2025
The theme of this year's international Veganuary campaign is how unnatural - weird - it is to be eating the flesh and secretions from nonhuman animals.  You can learn more about Veganuary and its history and see the clever, head-turning ads for the program at     https://www.veganfoodandliving.com/news/veganuarys-thought-provoking-2025-campaign-highlights-why-eating-meat-is-weird/

Tule Elk at Pt. Reyes Update
It feels like whiplash. Fence is up. Fence is coming down.  Fence is stopped from coming down.
The fence that confines tule elk at Pt. Reyes National Seashore began to come down last month.  Then the cattlemen sued to stop the dismantling of the fence. Here's a report from the Tree Spirit Project that provides some background and an update. 
https://treespiritproject.com/elk/  The Marin IJ published this story about the latest lawsuit: https://www.marinij.com/2024/12/11/lawsuit-delays-removal-of-point-reyes-elk-fence/


New Vegan Burger Restaurant Coming to San Rafael
It looks as if that new vegan burger place might open this month.  The owner is looking for people to hire. This was posted on Nextdoor this week: https://nextdoor.com/p/G4XXH4YNJ8m_?utm_source=share&slp=&share_platform=1&extras=MzE0MDQ1ODQ%3D
And the website for the restaurant now says "Coming Soon" for the San Rafael address (819 Fourth St.)
https://www.malibusburgers.com/  Keep an eye out for Malibu's in a week or two.

Bird Flu Is a Serious Threat
Human and nonhuman animals are at risk from bird flu.  Let's stop breeding and confining birds and cows and other animals. People are creating and maintaining the  perfect conditions for bird flu to thrive.
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/18/health/bird-flu-emergency-california.html?unlocked_article_code=1.iU4.ziE3.dJ0WWq_mMcDI&smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare

Vegan Cheese Update
Vegan cheese has come a long way since I started my vegan lifestyle in 1986.  Here is an article about many artisanal vegan cheeses available today.  I have not tasted most of these, but among those I have tried, my favorites are Nuts for Cheese and Miyoko's (both available at The Good Earth and often on sale).
https://vegoutmag.com/food-and-drink/best-vegan-artisanal-cheese-brands/

Stop Killing Lobsters as Fundraisers
The terrific organization Fish Feel (Fishfeel.org) is joining with In Defense of Animals and the Interfaith Vegan Coalition to stop fundraisers at churches and elsewhere that boil living lobsters for paying attendees.  You can learn more and sign a petition  at
https://www.idausa.org/campaign/wild-animals-and-habitats/latest-news/boiling-is-brutal-save-2000-lobsters-doomed-by-church-fundraiser/  The November event described there is an annual event  in Alabama, so the campaign is ongoing.

Chef AJ Shares News  of Her Cancer Diagnosis
In an emotional and honest video, chef AJ shares with viewers her recent diagnosis of stage 3 lung cancer.  This a reminder for all vegans: We are not immune to illness.  Do not ignore symptoms. Do not be disdainful of doctors.  Do not shame vegans who are ill by looking for "reasons" they got cancer, had a stroke or heart attack or developed an autoimmune condition.  Humans get sick. Many diseases are multi-factorial. Non-harming is at the core of veganism. Let's practice it with humans, too.   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=36XThEsfLCg

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