On October 13, 2007, approximately sixty Northern California Department of Peace supporters, friends and family members participated in our first annual inaugural picnic in Sonoma, CA. The Sonoma DOPN group hosted and helped organize this event.

The food was plentiful and fantastic. The weather cooperated -- after a deluge of rain the day before, the sky was blue and we could not have asked for a more beautiful Sonoma wine-country day.

After everyone was well fed, we talked about a multitude of exciting events that are happening at all levels of this campaign -- including the recent Global Summmit for Ministries and Departments of Peace in Japan, national Peace Alliance events, the 2008 California-wide regional conference, and Northern California past and upcoming events. Representatives of Northern California's twenty-two U.S. Congressional districts reported on events in their districts and contacts with their Congressional representatives.

The highlight of this picnic was getting to know the many Northern Californians who are working toward establishment of a U.S. Department of Peace. Thanks to the Sonoma group and to all who participated in the picnic.

Above is a photograph of those who were there at the end of the picnic.

Thanks again ... you all rock!

by Nancy Merritt
Northern California State Co-coordinator