With all the talk on land use, transportation, density, and green building you have likely heard of Smart Growth. But what is it?

Please join us for a special presentation by Dimitris Klapsis on the thinking, principals, and practices behind Smart Growth. The presentation will be followed by time for Q&A.

When:
Tuesday, May 27th, 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Where:
Santa Monica Main Library, 601 Santa Monica Blvd.

About the Speaker:
Mr. Klapsis is a LEED Accredited Professional and a senior project manager with HMC Architects in Pasadena and a board member of the United States Green Building Council Los Angeles Chapter.
His experience in sustainable development includes the Robert Redford Building for the Natural Resources Defense Council, Santa Monica's first platinum building, and various transit-oriented-developments such as the Taylor Yard Parcel "C" master plan - a LEED-ND 24 acre mixed-use development, Del Mar Station in Pasadena, and Mission Meridian in South Pasadena.
Mr. Klapsis has presented on sustainability at the Congress for New Urbanism X, the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy Summer Study on Energy Efficiency in Buildings, the Municipal Green Building Conference and Expo, United States Green Building Council- LA Chapter, the United States Green Building Council Annual Members Summit, and the Natural Resources Defense Council Environmental Entrepreneurs (E2).

For more information please contact Traci Reitz: traci@sustainablesm.org

The Santa Monica Festival is a celebration with a purpose, highlighting the dynamic connection between the City's communities, culture, business, environment and art. The festival aims to inspire participants to live a greener, healthier and more sustainable lifestyle.

Aside from the explosion of activity and artistic expression, much of the electricity required for the event is generated on-site with solar panels, the rest is generated by clean power sources like geothermal. The Festival is zero waste - the goal of which is to eliminate garbage going into landfills and to maximize recycling. All food related waste will be recycled or composted, including biodegradable forks and plates used to eat the various delicacies available. Attendees are encouraged to go green by riding bikes to Clover Park and then leave your ride with our bike valets while you enjoy an eclectic mix of music and dance and celebrate Santa Monica's vibrant spirit.

Presented by the City of Santa Monica Cultural Affairs Division & Environmental and Public Works Management Department

When:
Saturday, May 10, 2008 11 am - 6:00 pm
Where:
Clover Park 2600 Ocean Park Boulevard
310/458-8350

Please join us to celebrate the 2008 Sustainable Quality Award winners!

For thirteen years the Chamber of Commerce and the City of Santa Monica have honored local organizations that make extraordinary contributions to our community with the Sustainable Quality Award.

Sustainable Quality Award Luncheon

WHEN:
Monday May 12, 2008
Luncheon from 11.30am till 1.30pm

WHERE:
Sheraton Delfina, Rooftop Ballroom
530 Pico Boulevard, Santa Monica, CA 90405

RSVP:
Reserve tickets by calling 310.393.9825
Or visit www.smchamber.com/events
Click on "May" calendar

Pre-paid tickets May 1st - May 9th are $50- $55
Tickets at the door are $60

Includes lunch & dessert, eco-friendly gift bag, and special prizes!

With Keynote Speaker:
Gay Browne, CEO and Founder, Greenopia: The Urban Dweller's Guide to Green Living

And Emcees:
Peter Kreitler and Alexandra Paul, co-hosts of Earth Talk Today

Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, picnic baskets and sunscreen for a day of family fun in the sun as we celebrate Santa Monica's newest eco-forward feat - Beach Green!

Beach Green is more than a pretty patch of grass. Nearly an acre of asphalt was removed to create this new park that will stop pollutants before they enter Santa Monica Bay while it reduces heat given off by traditional parking lots. This pilot project is primarily funded by a grant from the State Water Resources Control Board. If successful, the project may be replicated in other cities along the California Coast.

When:
Sunday May 18th 11 am to 2 pm
Where:
2030 Ocean Ave, just north of Ocean Park Blvd

Free bike/stroller valet service from 11 - 2:30

Learn to manage household chemical purchasing, use, and learn simple steps in evaluating products and services for your home. Karl Bruskotter and Andrew Basmajian bring decades of experience working for the City of Santa Monica's Environmental Programs Division and they are both fathers of young children.

When:
Thurs., May 29, 7:00 p.m.
Where:
Santa Monica Main Library, Multipurpose Room

Could you make your home 25% more energy efficient for a few thousand dollars?

This interactive workshop examines the cost vs. benefit of specific improvements that could help you reach that goal. We review financing options available to homeowners, including energy efficient mortgages. An energy efficiency consultant will answer questions to close.

Free to the public.
Presented by Modern Earth Finance

When:
Monday, May 19th, 2008, 7 PM
Where:
Santa Monica Main Library
601 Santa Monica Blvd
Multipurpose Room

Information or RSVP: 818-933-8790

The number of household battery collection sites has increased for your convenience. Check out our list of participants to find the location nearest you.

Did you know you can search and browse sustainability themed titles online? This handy tool helps you find the books you need based on topic searches as diverse as Air Pollution, Environmental Economics, and Green Marketing.

Please help us to increase the number of community members receiving this message! I am asking all of you to forward this on to friends, coworkers and loved ones. 1 person or 20 people -- it is up to you. But let's challenge ourselves to grow our list by 100 members this month!

Because a sustainable future involves everyone!

Remember, your contact information is never shared and I will never send you spam.

Thank you all in advace.

Traci Reitz
Community Sustainability Liaison, Santa Monica, CA