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

Do you want to divert solid waste through recycling, become water efficient, eliminate toxic chemicals, minimize transportation impacts, reduce energy use and learn to make better consumer choices? Of course you do!

Sustainable Works Green Living Workshops take you through all areas of sustainability and guide you to a greener life.

New series starting in June. Sign Up Today!

Tuesday Series
Starts June 10th
Tuesdays 7-8:30pm
1744 Pearl St. Santa Monica
Sustainable Works office

Wednesday Series
Starts June 11th
Wednesdays 7-8:30pm
601 Santa Monica Blvd. Santa Monica
Santa Monica Public Library

For more information please visit the Sustainable Works website or contact Barent Roth at 310.458.8716x1

It's Here!

The opportunity is here for an introduction and overview to the LUCE Strategy Framework (Land Use and Circulation Element)

Over the last few years, the Community & the City have worked intently together to develop a cohesive and inclusive vision for the future of Santa Monica.

Please join us at the upcoming Planning Commission meetings to share your thoughts on the LUCE strategy.

Thursday, May 22nd
Civic Auditorium
Presentation, Discussion and Public Comment

Wednesday, May 28th
City Council Chambers
Continued Discussion and Public Comment

Santa Monica City Council Opposes Proposition 98, Supports Proposition 99.

If adopted by California voters on June 3rd, Proposition 98 would eliminate rent control and other tenant protection laws in Santa Monica and may limit land use planning and affordable housing efforts, abolish certain laws that protect the environment and may prevent future water projects.

Proposition 99, which also appears on the June ballot, would establish a constitutional prohibition on taking owner occupied homes for conveyance to a private party, without affecting rent control and tenant protection laws.

On April 29, 2008, Santa Monica City Council adopted a resolution against proposition 98 and in support of proposition 99.

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

On April 22, 2008, the Santa Monica City Council voted to approve a slate of amendments to the City's Green Building Requirements. These requirements will apply to all new construction and significant remodels in the city. Substantive changes to the existing requirements include an expansion of the compliant green construction materials, increased energy efficiency requirements, improved landscape water conservation, and a higher landfill diversion rate for waste from construction and demolition projects.

Historically, Santa Monica has had green building requirements for commercial, industrial, and residential project of four or more stories. The new green building requirements would apply to all new construction in the city, including single-family and duplex residential projects.

Some specific requirements include using solar heating to heat pools, limiting turfgrass (traditional sod) planting to 20% of the landscaping, diverting 65% of C&D waste from the landfill, and installing high efficiency irrigation systems. More detailed info can be found at www.smgreen.org.

In enacting these requirements, the City of Santa Monica continues its commitment to sustainability. The approved measures will lower the cost of home ownership, reduce the burden on the utility infrastructure, curtail the production of greenhouse gas emissions, and decrease the city's overall water demand.

For More Information, contact:
Brenden McEneaney
Green Building Program Advisor
brenden.mceneaney@smgov.net
www.smgreen.org
310.458.8549

Join the Yale Club of Southern California for a sizzling environmental panel and networking event with leaders from public and private Green sectors.

What:
Environmental panel discussion and networking reception with beer, wine, and appetizers

When:
Wednesday, May 28, 7 - 9 PM

Where:
The Haworth Showroom @ the Water Garden, 1601 Cloverfield Blvd. Santa Monica, CA 90404

Panelists:
Kevin McKeown (BK '69), Councilmember, City of Santa Monica
Topics: Santa Monica's Sustainable City Plan - what it is, how it was developed, how it guides city policy

Steve Glenn, CEO, LivingHomes ( leader in sustainable home design)
Topics: 'Green Building' and how the private sector can be an important force for positive change

Emily Shelton (FES '04), Senior Sustainability Engineer, Mattel
Topics: Mattel's strategy for overcoming the environmental challenges faced by a multi-national corporation

Andrew Cheung (SY '93), Associate General Counsel, LA Unified School District
Topics: LAUSD's policy for addressing AB 32 greenhouse gas emission reductions and for implementing cost-saving energy efficiency and renewable energy strategies

Moderator:
Brenden McEneaney (JE '02, FES '03), Green Building Program Advisor, City of Santa Monica; Board Member, US Green Building Council, Los Angeles Chapter

Cost:
Yale Club Members: $15
Non-members and guests: $25

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