Rowell Ranch’s Many Participation Opportunities April 8, 2009
Posted by castrovalley in Local News.trackback
The Castro Valley Rotary is inviting all elementary students in Castro Valley, whether public, private or home-schooled, … more
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Talk about good timing! Following is a letter which ran in the April 3 HAYWARD DAILY REVIEW.
NO TOBACCO
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Tobacco causes more deaths in the United States than HIV, illegal drugs, alcohol, motor vehicles injuries, suicides and murders combined.”
A recent report by the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration showed a 30 percent increase in the rate of smokeless tobacco use among boys ages 12 to 17 from 2002 to 2007. This includes snuff and chewing tobacco.
The use of such products increases the risk of oral cancer, as well as heart disease, stroke and emphysema. It leads to nicotine addiction, just like cigarette smoking. I should know–tobacco has killed many of my family over the years.
How is it, then, that U.S. Smokeless Tobacco is the principal sponsor of Hayward’s Rowell Ranch Rodeo in May? Animal cruelty aside, this hardly fits in with the rodeo’s “wholesome family entertainment” image.
Those concerned should contact the Rodeo Committee and the Hayward Area Recreation and Parks District (HARD) at 1099 E Street, Hayward, CA 94541. The rodeo needs a more suitable sponsor.
Sincerely,
Eric Mills, coordinator
ACTION FOR ANIMALS
Oakland
And a P.S. – The calf roping event should be banned outright, as Rhode Island has done. These are mere BABIES, people! Imagine the public outcry if pet dogs were mistreated thusly.
Smokeless tobacco is always behind the scenes in rodeo. Kids are exposed to this killer in such an insidious way. Many of the rodeo competitors use smokeless tobacco. Poor role models for children, don’t you think? Rodeo also shows children that abusing an animal is not only fun, but monetarily rewarding. Calf roping is the worst event.
Not only is it completely wrong and unjust that you are teaching children how to abuse animals, because that is what a rodeo is based on, severe animal abuse, but its also sponsored by the #1 human killer, tobacco.
Children should not be involved in such violence and certainly not around second hand smoke and pro-smoking venues.
Those concerned should contact the Rodeo Committee and the Hayward Area Recreation and Parks District (HARD) at 1099 E Street, Hayward, CA 94541.
Shani Campbell
President
East Bay Animal Advocates
P.O. Box 1406
Martinez, CA 94553
http://www.EastBayAnimalAdvocates.org
The idea of having school children participating in any event connected with animal abuse is appalling. It is made even more appalling by the fact that this rodeo, as well as many others, is sponsored by the tobacco industry.
Just what kind of twisted values are being served up by the Castro Valley Rotary Club?
Hello Friends,
I wanted to reply to this posting and clarify ( correct ) a misconception.
The Castro Valley Rotary does not have any contractual agreements or sponsorship with the Rowell Ranch Rodeo.
The story you are referencing in these posts speaks about a chili cooking contest that the Castro Valley Rotary club held recently. I am not sure how that translated to a supposed sponsorship of the Rodeo itself. But, this is in incorrect assumption. There is no sponsorship relation between the two.
This just in from Virginia Handley,of ANIMAL SWITCHBOARD:
“To: H.A.R.D. – The members of Animal Switchboard, many of whom live in Alameda County, urge you to reject the sponsorship of Smokeless Tobacco at the Rowqell Ranch Rodeo. It is a terrible message to children for Alameda County to not just condone but actually promote smokeless tobacco. There is no lack of statistics on the detrimental effects of this product. It is amazing that Rowell Ranch would have such sponsorship.
Thank you for your consideration.
Virginia Handley
Animal Switchboard
Fort Mason Center
San Francisco, CA 94123″
If it wasn’t bad enough to abuse innocent animals for entertainment, the rodeo is condoning, sponsoring, putting the seal of approval on smoking tobacco. We need to be exemplary to our kids, not exploitive.
Greed has no boundaries, especially with this rodeo. If they can’t make enough money at the gate–jerking a calf’s neck at the end of a rope for thrills, spurring and cinching a flank strap around terrified horses (applying electrical shock only when “necessary” of course) for entertainment, not to mention what trauma animals are subjected to that we never see–they turn to tobacco for $$$. They hide their sickness by insisting it’s a “family fun” event, but tobacco sells if young people are hooked and addicted.
This year they take sponsorship money that promotes cancer-causing tobacco; future rodeos will claim to support the fight against cancer–pink ribbons, donations (that can never be verified), with promotors wearing white hats. What a disgrace rodeo is!
Involving innocent children in the well-documented extreme animal abuse in rodeos and exposing them to tobacco at the same time is beyond the pale.
Just last year, the Rowell Ranch Video was caught using electric prods on horses, in violation of state law. You can see the video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dZRNiwlB034
There are countless other videos and investigations out there, repeatedly showing the same rodeo abuses – in violation of PRCA rules, govt. laws, and human decency.
Fortunately, harming animals for entertainment is quickly falling out of fashion as people become more aware of what happens behind the scenes in rodeo, circuses, and some zoos and amusement parks.
My kids would be horrified to be forced to attend this type of event! They would be scarred seeing God’s creatures treated thusly as a form of “fun.” As far as I’m concerned, this is cruelty masquerading as ‘culture.’
This event offers absolutely nothing positive to anyone. Throw in the tobacco advertising and a new picture emerges – if this is about entertainment perhaps I could plaster some photos of my mother in the hospital dying of emphysema – the crowds might get a kick out of that too!
Are you kidding me? Kids and tobacco. Is this Hicktown, California? Please – bad enough that you think rodeos are a healthy form of amusement – they are not -just animal cruelty, but to bring kids to a place where chewing tobacco is sponsoring an event is also child cruelty. My son went to college in South Carolina where Skoal and other “smokeless” tobacco products were common. Rotted teeth, gum sores and cancer of the mouth are not uncommon in young people.
Does the Rotary Club know that the Rowell Ranch in Castro Valley is helping to promote the potentially disfiguring and lethal chewing of tobacco through their allowing a producer and seller of chewing tobacco to sponsor the ranch’s upcoming rodeo? A recent news article said that chewing tobacco is more and more prevalent among teen-agers and even children, and I urge the Rotarians to vigorously protest this sponsorship.
I wanted to reply to this posting and clarify ( correct ) a misconception.
The Castro Valley Rotary does not have any contractual agreements or sponsorship with the Rowell Ranch Rodeo.
The story you are referencing in these posts speaks about a chili cooking contest that the Castro Valley Rotary club held recently. I am not sure how that translated to a supposed sponsorship of the Rodeo itself. But, this is in incorrect assumption. There is no sponsorship relation between the two.
Wow! It concerns me that the Rotary Club would encourage children to be in the vicinity of tobacco products as well as teach them questionable practices with animals. Are animal abuse & smokeless tobacco what the youth of today need? I think not.
Hello Friends,
I wanted to reply to this posting and clarify a misconception.
The Castro Valley Rotary does not have any contractual agreements or sponsorship with the Rowell Ranch Rodeo.
The story you are referencing in these posts speaks about a chili cooking contest that the Castro Valley Rotary club held recently. I am not sure how that translated to a supposed sponsorship of the Rodeo itself. But, this is in incorrect assumption. There is no sponsorship relation between the two.
It’s inconceivable that the Rotary Club would even consider promoting a rodeo with a tobacco company as its principal sponsor. Apparently none of the Rotarians are aware of the gruesome damage that chewing tobacco will do to the oral cavity. By the time those chewing teenagers reach their early twenties they will be providing their oncologists with a healthy income. To what good end could a tobacco sponsorship result in the lives of the youngsters? None.
We wanted to reply to this posting and clarify ( correct ) a misconception.
The Castro Valley Rotary does not have any contractual agreements or sponsorship with the Rowell Ranch Rodeo.
The story you are referencing in these posts speaks about a chili cooking contest that the Castro Valley Rotary club held recently. I am not sure how that translated to a supposed sponsorship of the Rodeo itself. But, this is in incorrect assumption. There is no sponsorship relation between the two.
Hooking kids on tobacco might be what the tobacco companies have in mind but the welfare of children depends on caring, responsible adults to act on their behalf. This is an unwholesome proposition. Please don’t allow any drug company to subversively push its respective drug on children. Thank you.
I’m saddened that the Rotary Club is sponsoring this rodeo. Rotarians should fundraise with compassion, not at an event where animal lives are put at risk. I live in an area where a number of bucking horses have been killed at rodeos. This is horrendous for the animals and for the children watching the agonizing deaths. I hope kind parents will keep their children home where the kids won’t be exposed to the promotion of smokeless tobacco or compelled to watch animals being harmed.
This posting needs to clarify ( correct ) a misconception.
The Castro Valley Rotary does not have any contractual agreements or sponsorship with the Rowell Ranch Rodeo.
The story you are referencing in these posts speaks about a chili cooking contest that the Castro Valley Rotary club held recently. I am not sure how that translated to a supposed sponsorship of the Rodeo itself. But, this is in incorrect assumption. There is no sponsorship relation between the two.
My Grandparents were long-time Rotary members & I am disturbed that the Rotary Club is promoting an activity to children that is sponsored by a tobacco company & an event that promotes cruelty to animals & that was found in violation of state law in using electric prods.
By all means, promote Castro Valley’s rich history & encourage kids in art and writing, but don’t tie it to the Rowell Ranch Rodeo.
People, please think long and hard about the Castro Valley Rotary’s comment, “the vision of our students will be the future of their children”. The future of their children should be one of compassion and not tormenting and hurting animals, which has been the case in rodeos. The future of their children should be healthy and not involve tobacco of any kind, which kills people.
Wake up, people! Think about the careless disregard for animals in the rodeo, and what it teaches kids. Clean up your act and dump tobacco.
Lucy S
The story you are referencing in these posts speaks about a chili cooking contest that the Castro Valley Rotary club held recently. I am not sure how that translated to a supposed sponsorship of the Rodeo itself. But, this is in incorrect assumption. There is no sponsorship relation between the two.
As an educator, I am appalled and dismayed at the Rotary Club’s support of the Rowell Ranch Rodeo and US Smokeless tobacco. Rodeos are one of the cruelest forms of sadistic entertainment. Animals exploited in rodeos suffer monstrous cruelty and fear which result in physical and psychological trauma. Numerous animals used in rodeos are permanently injured and frequently die. They are sent to slaughter when they are no longer deemed useful. Children who attend rodeos learn to view animal torture and domination as acceptable and enjoyable entertainment. The same principles are conveyed to children who attend circuses, theme parks, bullfights and zoos. Children should be taught that animals are sentient individuals who experience pain, sadness and joy and should not be dominated for human amusement. It should be noted that the Rotary Club frequently supports circuses as well. Additionally, all forms of tobacco cause cancer. I strongly urge the Rotary Club to permanently stop their support of animal-related entertainment and smoking. Numerous non-animal forms of entertainment are far superior and educational.
The Castro Valley Rotary does not have any contractual agreements or sponsorship with the Rowell Ranch Rodeo.
The story you are referencing in these posts speaks about a chili cooking contest that the Castro Valley Rotary club held recently. I am not sure how that translated to a supposed sponsorship of the Rodeo itself. But, this is in incorrect assumption. There is no sponsorship relation between the two.
Wouldn’t it be better to find a sponsor that advertises good nutrition, like fruits and vegetables, to children? What was Rowell Ranch thinking when they chose Smokeless Tobacco as a sponsor for their event where children are involved and attending?
On the other hand, if there are people who promote rodeos and its use and abuse of animals, than why should they care about teaching children to use tobacco?
And FYI, we had Trader Joes as a sponsor and then people like Eric complained to them saying they “Couldn’t believe they sponsored a rodeo”. It’s not as easy as it seems to get sponsors. Like the rodeo committee has told people before, if we could get the same amount of money from another sponsor as we do from U.S. Smokeless Tobacco, we’d take it.
Attending a rodeo is not animal cruelty. It teaches young people that dogfood and hamburgers are not the only thing that these well cared for animals provide.
The ignorance of rodeo plastered all over here is just as vast as the ignorance for this chewing tobacco debacle. If any of you cared to do research before you spoke of rodeo’s being strictly based on animal cruelty, you would have learned that the livestock that is provided for a rodeo is a business. The better your product (i.e. the livestock) the more money you get paid to bring yours to a rodeo. Now, would it make any sense at all for these people to let their animals be treated poorly at the risk of losing all that money? No. For example, Little Yellow Jacket, a three-time PBR “Bull of the Year” (2002, 2003 and 2004) is the only bull to hold this title in the history of PBR. Of his four owners, one stated, “Little Yellow Jacket is one of the best investments I have made when purchasing bulls. Little Yellow Jacket epitomizes the whole package from performance to genetics, and is an outstanding sire as well” (pbrnow.com – official site of the professional bull riders).
Also, the Rowell Ranch Rodeo is part of the PRCA (Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association) and consistent proper treatment of animals by PRCA members has been well documented by many vetrinarians. A Scottsdale, Az equine veterinarian named Dr. Jennifer Schleining is quoted as saying, “The PRCA upholds the standard of humane care of rodeo animal athletes, and in my professional opinion rodeo remains a healthy, humane, family oriented sport”. (Prorodeo.com). Animals are only able to perform when they are healthy, just like humans. Simple LOGIC, as stated on the PRCA page, says that no sensible businessperson would abuse an animal that is expected to perform.
However, about the tobacco issue – they are a SPONSOR. They have ads at the rodeo just like any other successful business would at an event that would have people who use their product. This does not go without saying that people are not being FORCED to use this product. Many of you must think that Americans, let alone people of the Bay Area are stupid if you think that a sign will make someone do something. People have common sense, and you all must be taking that for granted for the fact that none of you can clearly think level-headedly on this subject. If you pass a sign saying, “Come Stop at McDonalds – Right This Way!” does that FORCE you to drive your vehicle straight to the nearest McDonald’s, or can you think for yourself and understand that it is JUST advertisement, regardless of the health aspects it pertains to.
In that case, Mr. Mill’s points out that he has found information on the problems that tobacco has had on others and how the Rowell Ranch Rodeo is supposed to be “wholesome family entertainment” yet the danger of tobacco doesn’t fit into it. Well, Mr. Mills, have you ever attended a fair? That sounds like “wholesome family entertainment”, however, there is large advertisement for things such as deep fried twinkies and funnel cakes. With the rise of obeisity in our country, then shouldn’t that be addressed as well? How about “wholesome family entertainment” at the beach or at a picnic? But, alas, the rising cases of skin cancer is a large problem and should be avoided as well, shouldn’t it Mr. Mills? What about America’s pastime of attending baseball games? Well, we must not be able to go to that either because there are horrible advertisements for cheap beer on their $1 beer days which is a problem because of the rising issue of alcoholism and drunk driving deaths that are popping up everywhere, including the baseball player in Southern California. Also, baseball players are large users of chewing tobacco as well and that is made widely apparent on the popular bubble gum “Big League Chew”. All of this must clearly be stopped because it, after all, does effect the well being of our younger generation and everyone else as well because apparently no one can think for themselves according to every one of you.
Regardless, advertisements are just that – advertisements. I have grown up around family members who smoke, and odly enough I was able to play competitive soccer for 15 years without any breathing problems from “second hand smoke” AND I don’t smoke. I’ve grown up reading advertisements for many things, but none of those advertisements have FORCED their product into my life in any way, shape, or form. Just because something is occuring that you may not like, doesn’t mean you have the privilege to infringe upon anyone else’s rights. As American citizens, we have the right to choose what we want to do within legal means. When someone turns 18, they have the right to CHOOSE whether or not they want to smoke or use tobacco or who they want to vote for. When someone turns 21, they have the right to CHOOSE whether or not they want to use alcohol or gamble. No one is saying that anyone has to do anything and a sign surely won’t make anyone do anything unless they cannot think for themselves. I don’t know how you raised your children, but I was raised with common sense and I, along with many other people, can think for myself and make decisions based upon my own opinion, not what some advertisement is saying.
The ignorance is amazing in Castro Valley. I saw an advertisement for killing myself and I went out and jumped off a bridge.
AHHAHA this is ridiculous its sponsoring. Its a commercial. The studio or network your favorite TV show is on paid by companies to advertise. All you have to do is watch them or change the channel no one is making you buy the product to continue viewing the show.
God forbid some of you easily corrupted minds, which you all are, believe what some advertisement says and take it for the truth.
Who really cares what the sponsor is. Would you be having such a big problem if it was hooters or playboy or hustler providing the sponsoring?
I seriously cant believe how weak minded all of you are.
+1 for Ashley, she knows her shit.
You go Itty Bitty! All the stock are the stock owners babys! That is there income, they wouldn’t let them get abused. The calves used for calf roping are taken very well care of as are the bulls and broncs. And for the tobacco situation, just like Ashley said, just because there is signs about Copenhagen or Skoal doesn’t automatically mean you need to chew. It doesn’t persuade anyone to go buy it. Its a sponsor…whats the big deal? I grew up around rodeo and this is a way of life. Not “having fun abusing animals.”
“It doesn’t persuade anyone to go buy it. Its a sponsor”
Do you think the sponsor doesn’t expect any ROI? Of course they are trying to persuade consumers to buy it, they wouldn’t give the Rodeo money for nothing in return would they?
“I grew up around rodeo and this is a way of life.Not “having fun abusing animals.”
Humm, can children who live in places where war is a way of life use the same excuse when they “grow up” and kill someone or a lot of somebodies?