Archived Radio Show

April 21, 2025

Original Radio Show  ID:
WSA250421

Listen to the Show on the Mp3 Player below

Duration 57 minutes

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Featuring

Click the Name to access the Segment below

1. Commentary by our Host, Elaine B. Holtz, Opening Prayer Song by our guest Charlie Toledo, and Reminiscing on the 1970 Survival Faire at San Jose State College by Co-producer Ken Norton

2a. Charlie Toledo, Director, Suscol Intertribal Council, Napa County, CA

2b. MaDonna Feather Cruz, Member, Round Valley Indian Tribe - A Sovereign Nation of Confederated Tribes, located in Mendocino County, CA, and 3rd Generaltion member of Suscol Intertribal Council

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1. Commentary by our Host, Elaine B. Holtz, Opening Prayer Song by our guest Charlie Toledo, and Reminiscing on the 1970 Survival Faire at San Jose State College by Co-producer Ken Norton:

In this heartfelt Earth Day episode of Women's Spaces, for the first segment the host Elaine B. Holtz welcomes Charlie Toledo, Executive Director of the Suscol InterTribal Council, and Madonna Feather Cruz, a member of the Round Valley Indian Tribes, to discuss indigenous wisdom, women's issues, and environmental advocacy. Elaine begins with a reflection on spirituality, personal healing, and the importance of Earth Day. She recalls a moment when Charlie's prayer helped her overcome vertigo, emphasizing the power of spiritual connection and gratitude for the Earth.

Charlie opens the segment with a prayer song honoring the land's original inhabitants and reminding listeners that we are all part of a vast, interconnected cosmos. She sings the Women Warrior song—used in marches and gatherings—to encourage strength, unity, and intention among women rising in activism.

Elaine shifts the focus to upcoming activism events, including a series of protests from May 1st to 5th centered on immigrant and workers' rights. She urges listeners to stay informed and vocal, invoking the constitutional promise of "We the People" and quoting Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

The segment also pays homage to Rachel Carson and her groundbreaking environmental work Silent Spring, reminding us of ongoing struggles against environmental harm. Ken Norton, co-producer and environmental advocate, shares memories of the symbolic 1970 burial of a Ford Maverick at San Jose State—a dramatic protest against pollution and the auto industry’s role in climate change. He reflects on recent wildfires and other climate disasters as calls to action.

The segment closes with reflections on the miracle of Earth and the necessity of caring for it. A children's choir sings The Earth is Our Mother, reinforcing the message of unity, hope, and environmental stewardship. This first segment of the show highlights spirituality, history, and collective responsibility to protect our planet and future generations.

Survival Faire SJSC February 20, 1970. Ken Norton is circled at top of student crowd burying the car to draw attention to environmental impact of the internal combustion engine. Photo by .Stan Creighton/The Chronicle

2. Interview of our Guests Charlie Toledo and MaDonna Feather Cruz

On Women’s Spaces, host Elaine B. Holtz welcomes Charlie Toledo and MaDonna Feather Cruz, two Native American women dedicated to advocacy and cultural preservation. Charlie, executive director of the Suscol Intertribal Council since 1992, brings decades of experience in public speaking, mediation, and alternative health care. She holds UN consultative status and participated in the 1995 International Women’s Conference in Beijing. Charlie criticizes the U.S. for failing to sign human rights treaties, rooted in a history of Native genocide. She links global violence to early trauma, calling for healing through compassionate birthing and self-love, drawing on her experience as a midwife.

Charlie recounts the origins of the Suscol Intertribal Council in Napa, founded after the desecration of the Suscol village burial site in the 1970s. Led by Elder Jim Big Bear King, the Council’s activism helped establish the California Native American Heritage Commission and the federal Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), securing legal protections for Native remains. Guided by four pillars—human rights, land stewardship, youth empowerment, and wellness—the Council focuses on land-based restoration, education, and advocacy. Since 1998, it has implemented Indigenous practices on 24 acres of land, including permaculture and controlled burns.

Charlie also promotes hemp as a sustainable climate solution, advocating for its use in construction, energy, and agriculture. She influences state climate policy and champions public education for systemic change.

MaDonna Feather Cruz, a third-generation council member and Round Valley Indian Tribe member, continues her family’s legacy. She uplifts Native youth through mentorship, cultural programs, and parenting support, emphasizing healing and dignity. Her efforts reflect the Council’s mission to foster resilience and protect future generations. Together, Charlie and Madonna highlight truth-telling, tradition, and compassion as essential to justice and transformation.

2a. About our Guest: Charlie Toledo/Towa, native to New Mexico. She has been the Executive Director of the Suscol Intertribal Council (SITC), a community-based organization, since 1992 located in Napa, California. She has experience as a public speaker, presenter, and community organizer in regional, statewide, national, and international forums. Since 1982 she has worked in alternative healthcare fields, as well as background in mediation for individuals, families, and organizations. She has been an organic gardener since 1978. She has a lifelong commitment to social justice and international work on Human Rights and Environmental social justice issues. Charlie is an active participant of several Human Rights and Climate Change boards including an advisor to W.I.N and consultant status with the UN. 

2b. About our Guest: MaDonna Feather Cruz is a registered member of the Round Valley Indian Tribe - Round Valley, California, and a third-generation member of Suscol Intertribal Council (SITC). Her grandmother, Norma Knight and her mother, Denise Feather were some of the original founders of Suscol Indian Council. She has participated in activities and programs since childhood. She now serves on many boards in California Indian Country. She brings her exuberance and cultural background to the goals of SITC and to the collective benefit of California tribes and tribal Organizations.

Guests' Links: 

 Suscol InterTribal Council website:  https://suscolcouncil.org/

Madonna Feather Cruz's website:  www.madonnafeather.com

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Our History Is Our Strength

Check out important dates to remember in Herstory at the National Women's History Alliance, where the date descriptions were sourced unless otherwise indicated.

Special thank you to the National Women’s History Alliance for making women’s history alive. Shout out to Co-Founder and Retiring Executive Director, Molly McGregor who will be on the show when we celebrate Women’s History Month in March for making the fabulous list of Women in History where I get most of the info I present in this Herstory segment.

Herstory Events:

September 22, 1962 – Rachel Carson publishes her book Silent Spring, documenting the adverse environmental effects caused by the indiscriminate use of pesticides.

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Announcements  

Monday, April 28, 2025 11 AM # repeats 11 PM PT, the show will be feature our guest Nikki Dohn, artist.   Radio KBBF 89.1 FM, North SF Bay or live streaming at https://kbbf.org/live

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Monday, April 28, 2025, 6:00 to 7:30 PM, The Ins & Outs of Running for Elected Office, League for Women Voters - Sonoma County, Zoom Meeting, Must Register - Click Here. 

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League for Women Voters - Sonoma County lists Events and Blackouts Protesting Corporations Against Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI). See their website at  https://www.lwvsonoma.org/

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Wednesday, April 30, 2025, 10 AM PT, the show will be a repeat or our 4/28/25 show that features Nikki Dohn, artist,  Radio KPCA 103.3 FM, Petaluma, CA. https://petalumacommunityaccess.org/kpca 

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Thursday, May 1, 3 - 5 PM, International Workers Day March/Rally, Santa Rosa,CA, sponsored by Community United to Resist Fascism (CURF) which is a coalition of Sonoma County organizations. This is the first of May 1- May 5 5 Days of Action & Protest of CURF.  See poster below and https://www.mobilize.us/indivisiblesonomacounty/event/775589/

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May 1st - 5th, Sonoma County, CA, CURF 5-Days of Action and Protest. See poster below:

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Saturday, May 3, Rise Up - Resist - Reject the Oligarchs March/Rally at Juillard Park, 11:00 AM - 2:30 PM, Santa Rosa, CA. sponsored by Peace and Justice Center of Sonoma County and Community United to Resist Fascism (CURF), which is a coalition of Sonoma County organizations. 4 Converging Marches ending at Juillard Park. For details and tips see https://www.mobilize.us/mobilize/event/778614/ or https://www.pjcsoco.org/ and poster below:

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Sunday, May 4, 2:00 - 3:30 PM Palestine Solidarity Sunday, Old Courthouse Square, Santa Rosa, CA - Day 4 of CURF 5 Days of Action and Protest.

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Sunday, May 4, 12:00 - 6:00 PM, Sonoma Valley Cinco de Mayo Celebration, presented by La Luz Center. The event aims to provide accessible and culturally relevant activities, food, and performances for our community while also featuring informational and well-being booths. See https://www.sonomacity.org/event/2025-cinco-de-mayo-celebration/

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Ongoing:

Every Wednesday the Peace and Justice Center of Sonoma County issues new weekly list of events and links to community non-profit organizations. It includes ongoing peace and human rights rallies and protests: PJC website www.pjcsoco.org

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Take action every day - Calendar: https://indivisiblesoco.org/calendar/

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The North Bay Organizing Project - Rapid Response Project

https://www.northbayop.org/nbrrn

Music Selections

The Opening and Closing Theme song The Woman in Your Life is You is done with permission of the Composer and Singer Alix Dobkin ((August 16, 1940 – May 19, 2021) Alix Dobkin death was just announced - Thank you for all you did for Lesbians to be recognized and Women to be honored. May you rest in peace. See our Interview with Alix Dobkin on 12/1/2014 and our Memorial to Alix Dobkin on 5/24/2021

The Woman in Your Life is You by Alix Dobkin from the album Living with Lavender Jane (2010 Woen's Wax Works) - www.alixdobkin.com

The Earth is our Mother, sung by The Revels Children Choir. from the single The Earth is our Mother (Revels Records) )

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For music purchasing opportunity, supporting the artists: