Property owners need to make a bold statement and a firm stand - no more encroachments on our rights and "taking" of our land - not 200 ft, not 100 ft, not 50 ft, not even one foot!

A true nightmare story of what can happen when you find yourself outside the political “inner circle.” A relative of a disgruntled employee told Hillary Falconer of Briarcliff Farm that she was going to report  Falconer to the county and other agencies.  Shortly thereafter, Briarcliff Farm was inspected by the enforcement unit of the Planning Department of the County of Santa Cruz.  And thus, the nightmare began! 

Santa Cruz "red-tagging" is an experiment in social engineering.  Those in favor with those in power get special treatment.  Those who are not in favor often end up with  alleged building code violations called "red tags."  This is not the story of a free America that has rights protected by the Constitution.  Rather, it portrays the “Gestapo of the West” where only the wealthy or those willing to commit their life savings or retirement funds have a chance to protect themselves.*

When does a voting majority ever have the right to take away legal property from another? According to one of the most renowned U.S. Supreme Court Justices, Robert H. Jackson, the answer is never. According to Jackson, "One's right to life, liberty, and property, . . . and other fundamental rights may not be submitted to vote; they depend on the outcome of no election."

Despite what you might be hearing, the reauthorization of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) will not foster respect for private property rights.

Smooth salesmen and lawyers representing land trusts, environmental organizations and government agencies are swooping down upon America’s beleaguered and highly regulated rural landowners. With a smile, some cash and a contract, America's landowners are rapidly losing private control of natural resources. 

Summary:

"Liberty Garden proves that if people are free to create voluntary associations, the laws of economics and the consequence of stewardship will cause the earth to improve."

Michael Shaw, Abundance Ecologist

 LA SELVA BEACH, Calif. -- Michael Shaw is the owner and proprietor of Liberty Garden, where -- using a program of seedbank management -- he created a native plant oasis o­n the central coast of California. In this excerpt from his treatise "What is Private Property?", Shaw explains that if people are free to create voluntary associations, the laws of economics and the consequence of stewardship will cause the earth to improve. "Private property and a healthy planet are inseparable," Shaw says.

Summary:
Oregon State Senator Ted Ferrioli proves that instead of conserving precious resources, fundraising efforts to acquire land for conservation are a ripoff to the taxpayer with no guarantee that the promised benefits will materialize.

Summary: Michael Park reviews an enlightening audio lecture by economist George Reisman.

SUMMARY:
In a powerful 50 minute presentation, abundance ecologist Michael Shaw described the nature, origin, structure and pace of the implementation of Sustainable Development/Agenda 21 in Santa Cruz and across the nation to residents of Auburn, California. The presentation incorporated examples from the Sierras, including a proposed Auburn City Tree Ordinance that dictates what a homeowner can do with trees on their own two acre lot. A report from this event (from the Auburn Journal) follows, with annotation by Freedom 21 Santa Cruz [now Freedom Advocates].