Stanislaus River Documentary Looks at Protest's Impact 30 Years Later
By Gina Cuclis
"Last River Lost" is a documentary in production about the struggle in the1970s and early 1980s to save the Stanislaus River in California's Sierra foothills from being flooded by the New Melones Reservoir. Although that fight involved many individuals, and spawned the creation of the national environmental organization Friends of the River, one man's act made the issue a national story.
In May of 1979, FOR co-director Mark Dubois chained himself to a rock as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers was preparing to fill New Melones. His location in the Stanislaus River canyon was a secret to all except one — FOR's PR guy Don Briggs. When Army Corps officials first heard about Dubois' act, they thought it was just a stunt. Then Briggs arranged a midnight press interview. From the front page of the LA Times to the CBS Evening News, the stand-off between Dubois and the Army Corps became national news.
Dubois' act received the attention of Governor Jerry Brown and President Jimmy Carter, winning the river a reprieve. Ultimately, however, the Stanislaus River and those who loved it would lose.
This Example of How to Make National News Still Relevant Today
The Internet may have changed how we receive our news, but what makes a good story hasn't. Human drama, urgency, the David vs. Goliath theme. A man willing to put his life on the line for a place he loves. The difference between now and 1979 is that Twitter, and other digital media tools, would help spread the story faster.
"Last River Lost's" Sonoma County Connection
Santa Rosa resident Christian Kallen is the movie's writer and director. I am honored to share that I was interviewed for this movie, due to my active involvement with the issue. I would consider it a personal favor if you would please watch the trailer. Even if you don't consider yourself an environmentalist, there's a PR lesson in it. (You'll first see me just before 4:00)
Santa Barbara FOR Chapter 1978/79. Gina Cuclis third from the left standing.
Please share your comments. And if you like the message of the movie, please share the trailer with your friends. Thank you.
"Last River Lost" is a documentary in production about the struggle in the1970s and early 1980s to save the Stanislaus River in California's Sierra foothills from being flooded by the New Melones Reservoir. Although that fight involved many individuals, and spawned the creation of the national environmental organization Friends of the River, one man's act made the issue a national story.
In May of 1979, FOR co-director Mark Dubois chained himself to a rock as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers was preparing to fill New Melones. His location in the Stanislaus River canyon was a secret to all except one — FOR's PR guy Don Briggs. When Army Corps officials first heard about Dubois' act, they thought it was just a stunt. Then Briggs arranged a midnight press interview. From the front page of the LA Times to the CBS Evening News, the stand-off between Dubois and the Army Corps became national news.
Dubois' act received the attention of Governor Jerry Brown and President Jimmy Carter, winning the river a reprieve. Ultimately, however, the Stanislaus River and those who loved it would lose.
This Example of How to Make National News Still Relevant Today
The Internet may have changed how we receive our news, but what makes a good story hasn't. Human drama, urgency, the David vs. Goliath theme. A man willing to put his life on the line for a place he loves. The difference between now and 1979 is that Twitter, and other digital media tools, would help spread the story faster.
Santa Rosa resident Christian Kallen is the movie's writer and director. I am honored to share that I was interviewed for this movie, due to my active involvement with the issue. I would consider it a personal favor if you would please watch the trailer. Even if you don't consider yourself an environmentalist, there's a PR lesson in it. (You'll first see me just before 4:00)
Santa Barbara FOR Chapter 1978/79. Gina Cuclis third from the left standing.
Please share your comments. And if you like the message of the movie, please share the trailer with your friends. Thank you.
Posted by Gina Cuclis at 10/23/2009 7:00 PM 
Categories: Political Organizing, Causes, Public Relations Tips
Tags: news Gina Cuclis Mark Dubois Stanislaus River Friends of the River PR Twitter Sonoma County
Categories: Political Organizing, Causes, Public Relations Tips
Tags: news Gina Cuclis Mark Dubois Stanislaus River Friends of the River PR Twitter Sonoma County
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