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Panel on Culture and Ecology of Juristac

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Join us for a panel discussion about Juristac, an ecologically-sensitive ancient ceremonial site located South of Gilroy. The discussion will focus on why the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band, environmental groups, and concerned citizens want to protect the land. These groups oppose granting a permit for the proposed Sargent Quarry, which would cover 317 acres and remove 40 million tons of sand and gravel.

The discussion’s panel will include: Valentin Lopez, Chair of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band; Alice Kaufman Legislative Advocacy Director for the Committee for Green Foothills, and conservation ecologist Dr. Stuart Weiss, Ph.D., Chief Scientist for Creekside Science. The panel will discuss Juristac’s cultural and spiritual significance, conservation and open space values, and the relatively pristine ecology of this critical wildlife corridor and watershed.

In Amah Mutsun tradition, Juristac is a site equivalent in importance to any of the great religious pilgrimage sites of the world. It is the land in which their spiritual leader, Kuksui, dwells. The area was also a place of refuge for the ancestors of Amah Mutsun during and after the Mission Period. Ancient villages and burial grounds exist in the vicinity.

Juristac is ecologically unique and environmentally sensitive. It sits at the nexus of the only wildlife corridor to connect the Santa Cruz, Diablo, and Gavilan Mountain ranges. It is home to endangered and threatened species, and includes unique habitats. Its creeks empty into the Pajaro River, deemed America’s Most Threatened River as recently as 2006.

We invite you to learn about the cultural and natural uniqueness of Juristac. The fate of this land, dubbed “Our Local Standing Rock” by the media, is in the hands of our local representatives. Their decisions will be shaped by the opinions of their constituents. Your opinion matters!