GLASS FULL
In a month of miserable PR for the still-current occupant of the White House, perhaps this Dec. 15 headline from NPR was the nadir: “Trump Administration Postpones Listing Monarch Butterfly as Endangered Species.” But reader Cindy Lindh isn’t about to abandon Danaus plexippus in its hour of need.
“Unfortunately, it appears there is no federal assistance for (monarch butterflies) or for the numerous other creatures deserving assistance,” Cindy wrote in an email to the Index-Tribune, asking if we could help inform readers about ways they might restore habitat for the pollinators in the spring.
Cindy says the “gang” at the Sonoma Monarch-Pollinator Garden, behind the First Congregational Church at 252 W. Spain St., will be “actively offering native milkweed seedlings and gardening tips” to anyone interested in turning their grounds into a safe and beneficial space for the magnificent monarchs. She’s also working with the Sonoma Resource Conservation District to create “nectar waystations” throughout the county and corridor of habitat.
“The hope is that members of the Sonoma Valley community will find a pot, a patio or a garden to entice them with not only native milkweed but also organic nectar-rich flowers too,” wrote Cindy in a follow-up email. “The ’old-timers’ tell me monarchs migrated through this valley by the millions. Wouldn’t it be great if we could make a difference and bring them back from the brink? As you know, by helping the monarchs, all of our pollinators benefit.” For more information, call 707-935-8986.
GLASS EMPTY
After the busy holiday package-delivery season, porch thieves are under renewed scrutiny – and reader Joan is planning a sting.
“Get a few empty cartons, put something heavy inside… Put a fake label on the box so it looks as if it was shipped to you via Amazon,” Joan recently plotted on a neighborhood social media site. “Put the boxes on your front porch or wherever the delivery people generally place them.” Well, you know where she’s going with this: a good old-fashioned stakeout.
After watching from a secret location for a while, Joan suspects you’ll see someone suspicious approaching. “Take their photo and try to photograph their car, especially the license plate,” urged Joan. “Call the police and report the theft.”
Neighborhood commenters whole-heartedly approved of the stratagem – with Denise suggesting “putting something yucky” in the fake package, and Sara from Agua Caliente recommending used kitty litter.
Sonoma Joyce, however, observed that it “sounds like someone has too much time on their hands” – which might just be what the porch thieves want us to think. After all, idle hands do the Devil’s work. - Jason Walsh
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