ournalist Michael McCarthy writes about environmental topics, social change and outdoor issues for San Francisco-area publications. He is the author of travel guidebook "Picnics in Paradise: Short Walks and Easy Bike Rides in Wine Country and Marin County." From 1992 to 1997 Michael achieved international recognition as editor and publisher of "Spare Change," a controversial magazine sold on the streets of Vancouver, British Columbia, by homeless and street-involved people. For his work with the homeless, Michael was awarded the Ethics in Action Award in 1997 by Canadian Businesses For Social Responsibility, and was featured extensively on international television, radio and newspapers.