Do you feel confused, depleted or hopeless when confronted by yet another bleak report on the state of the climate, our petroleum supplies or the economy? Then this half-day symposium will not only inform you but - at least as importantly - inspire you and connect you with local people who share your concerns. To learn about this symposium and find the latest schedule, visit http://awakeningthedreamer.org/ .

The Transition Initiative - a global movement to provide effective, enthusiastic, locally appropriate responses to climate disruption, peak oil and the economic crisis - has several newly formed groups in SLO County! To learn about this movement, go to http://transitiontowns.org/ . To get involved locally, browse around the social network site for California at http://transitioncalifornia.ning.com/ , then become a member and join the various groups of interest to you.

Imagine fertile soil being set aside to grow organic produce for those who could least afford it. And imagine the tilling, planting, weeding and picking all being done by volunteers.

That's precisely what Steinbeck Vineyards and Winery, along with the Winery Music Awards, have signed up to try to accomplish this year. To pull it off, they need the help of anyone who's willing to get their hands dirty and have some fun with like-minded people of all ages.