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Ubuntu Green Honored by Sacramento Environmental Commission

Last night, Ubuntu Green was honored by the Sacramento Environmental Commission for its community outreach and education work.  Specifically, the Commission noted Ubuntu Green's successful Green Oak Park 2010 Event, which highlighted ways in which residents can live Green and healthy lifestyles, through live healthy cooking demonstrations; a community garden build; a free CFL light bulb exchange and more.  Last year's event was attended by over 200 community members and received accolades from Mayor Kevin Johnson and Congresswoman Doris Matsui for raising awareness of sustainable living. 

The Commission also cited Ubuntu Green's work in establishing its Green Youth Leadership Team (GYLT), which draws talented and motivated students from Sacramento high schools and gives them the tools to be environmental stewards through education and hands-on work in the community.    

SEC Awards Committee Chair Diana Parker presents award to Charles Mason as his son Miles looks on

Governor Brown Signs New Renewable Energy Goal Legislation

Governor Jerry Brown recently signed SB 2X, a bill sponsored by Senator Joe Simitian (D-Palo Alto), that requires the state's utility companies to derive 33% of their electricity from renewable sources by 2020.  The previous goal was 20% by 2020.  Brown signed the legislation at the SunPower manufacturing plant in Milpitas, California, with U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu on hand for the occasion.  Noting the significance of the legislation, Governor Brown said, "This bill will ensure that California maintains its long-standing leadership in renewables and clean energy."  According to Sen. Simitian, among the benefits of the new law are: more investment, tax revenues and jobs to California; improved air quality; and greater attention to climate change.

Gov. Brown signs SB 2X as officials look on

Summer Day Camp

This summer, Soil Born Farms will be offering a series of week-long day camps for youth entering 2nd-12th grades. The day camps will run Monday through Friday at the American River Ranch and each day will focus on specific themes: food distribution, flower bouquets for seniors and restaurants, healthy cooking, American River watershed studies, art, and community service projects. The camps will enable participants to work with and learn from the Soil Born staff and will connect them with educators, farmers, volunteers, and other members of the community. For details, contact Guy Galante, Education Director at ggalante@soilborn.org.

2011 Green California Leadership Awards Announced

Winners have been chosen for the 2011 Green California Leadership Awards. In cooperation with the Board of Advisors for the Green California Summit, the awards were established to recognize outstanding environmental achievements by cities, state agencies and other government entities in California.

Among the winners are:  the City of Tulare for Climate Change; California Department of General Services for Energy Innovation; City of Sacramento for Green Building; City and County of San Francisco for Green Purchasing; County of Santa Cruz for Waste Management; Caltrans for Transportation; the City of Fillmore for Water Management; and the City of Pasadena for Green Culture.  The awards will be presented during a reception at the Green California Summit and Exposition on April 19 at the Sacramento Convention Center.  Click here for a full description of the awards.  And congratulations to all of the winners!

Announcements

4/21 - 9 am to 2 pm - Earth Day 2011, Cesar Chavez Park, 910 I Street, Sacramento.  The City of Sacramento will be hosting its annual Earth Day Celebration at Cesar Chavez Park. We are welcoming you, once again, to participate in this day of environmental education and fun.  As a leading city in transitioning towards a 'GREEN culture' it is our goal to exercise our leadership by continuing our Earth Day celebration and we invite you to partner with us during this transition. Earth Day 2011 will be a celebration where we will flex our "GREEN" muscle and make it our best Earth Day yet.  Contact: Vincene R. Jones at (916) 808-5072, or vjones@cityofsacramento.org. 

 4/27-4/28 - All Day -  Asset-Based Community Development in Action Training, Sierra Health Foundation, 1321 Garden Highway, Sacramento.  ABCD in Action is a learning experience that familiarizes participants with the basic concepts of Asset Based Community Development, teaches tools to put them into practice and provides participants opportunities to develop their skills in using the tools to improve programs and the effectiveness of their nonprofit organization, collaborative or local agency.  For more information or to register for this exciting opportunity, visit http://www.sierrahealth.org/events.aspx?77.

5/7 - 8 am to 6:30 pm - Bryte and Broderick Community Kick Off, Bryte Park, 425 Todhunter Ave., Sacramento.  Alchemist CDC, Always Growing, Sactown Heroes, Bryte and Broderick Community Action Network, The City of West Sacramento, and the West Sacramento Police and Fire Dept. will be at Bryte Park on Saturday, May 7th, celebrating the first annual Bryte and Broderick Community Kick Off. All proceeds from the tournament will go toward funding projects that will provide residents with access to healthy food, job skills, and an opportunity to live a healthier and happier life.  For more information, contact Amelia Garduno at (916) 390-4495 or amelia@alwaysgrowingfoundation.org.

 5/22 - 10 am to 4 pm - A Day on the Farm, American River Ranch, Rancho Cordova.  The Day's Events Include:  Farm Stand: Purchase fresh, local, organic vegetables & fruit; Farm Tours & Nature Walks; Workshops; Kids' Garden Activities; Face Painting & Photo Booth; Community Education Tables; Local Art & Crafts; Live Music & Dancing; Morning Food, Snacks & Lunch.
See a complete schedule of the day's activities after April 22 at www.sacfoodcoop.com. 

6/12 - 11 am to 2 pm - 16^th Annual Health and Safety Fair, 5959 8^th Avenue, Sacramento.  This Tahoe Park tradition is back for its 16^th consecutive year, and we're expecting another great crowd of more than 175 attendees!  Bring information about your organization's services & activities, as well as a health-related craft or game for children to participate in.  For more information, contact Kelly Conley at (916) 277-7001.