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| Sustainable Santa Monica Newsletter |
January 2010 | |
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| Greetings! |
Thank you for receiving this Newsletter-- Keeping you informed of everything Sustainable in Santa Monica, from community events, news, and resources, to business and educational opportunities!
The purpose of this Newsletter is to provide Santa Monica residents, businesses and organizations with the information and resources needed to help meet the goals of the Santa Monica Sustainable City Plan in eight target areas: Resource Conservation, Environmental and Public Health, Transportation, Economic Development, Open Space & Land Use, Housing, Community Education & Civic Participation, and Human Dignity.
You are sure to find inspiration this month as January offers some amazing ways to participate in our sustainable community!! |
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Featured Article |
 "The Sustainable City of the Future"
Lecture by David W. Orr
WHEN: Saturday, January 16, 2010
TIME: 12pm-2:30pm
WHERE: Santa Monica Public Library
MLK Jr. Auditorium
601 Santa Monica Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90401
COST: FREE and open to the public
David W. Orr is the Paul Sears Distinguished Professor of Environmental Studies and Politics and Senior Adviser to the President of Oberlin College and a James Marsh Professor at the University of Vermont.
His career as a scholar, teacher, writer, speaker, and entrepreneur spans fields as diverse as environment and politics, environmental education, campus greening, green building, ecological design, and climate change. He is the author of six books and co-editor of three others. Ecological Literacy (SUNY, 1992), described as a "true classic" by Garrett Hardin, is widely read and used in hundreds of colleges and universities. A second book, Earth in Mind (1994/2004) is praised by people as diverse as biologist E. O. Wilson and writer, poet, and farmer, Wendell Berry.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS EVENT, PLEASE CONTACT
Samantha Sommer
City of Santa Monica Sustainability Liaison
samantha.sommer@sustainableworks.org
310.458.8716 X1
Seating is limited and on a first arrival basis. For more information, visit www.smpl.org or call (310) 458-8600. The Santa Monica Public Library is wheelchair accessible. For special disabled services, call Library Administration (310) 458-8606 one week prior to event.
Sponsored by: Santa Monica's Office of Sustainability & the Environment, Santa Monica Public Library, Bioneers and Sustainable Works | |
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Documentary Double Feature- Thursday, January 7th |
 SOUTH CENTRAL FARM: Oasis in a Concrete Desert (6:30pm) This 24 minute documentary tells the ture story of the controversy involving urban farmers and their supporters- including celebrity tree sitters, developers and the City of Los Angeles- over the South Central Farm, the largest and most bio-diverse urban farm in the U.S. Q & A with filmmaker Sheila Laffey, farm leader Tezozomoc, and activist John Quigley will follow the screening.
SHOW ME THE WAY (7:15pm)  Follow the stories of five urban high school kids with diverse backgrounds and needs as they navigate the challenges of home and school life while supported by a dedicated mentor. Directed by William Gazecki and Sheila Laffey, the film is 56 minutes long. A Q & A with co-director Laffey and associate producer/editor Tim Kitz will follow the screening.
When: Thursday, January 7, 2010
Time: 6:30pm & 7:15pm
Location: Santa Monica Public Library
MLK Jr. Auditorium
601 Santa Monica Blvd. Santa Monica, CA 90404
Cost: Free and open to the public
**Each film will be followed by discussion with the filmmakers.**
This program is free and open to the public. Seating is limited and on a first arrival basis. For more information, visit www.smpl.org or call (310) 458-8600. The Santa Monica Public Library is wheelchair accessible. For special disabled services, call Library Administration (310) 458-8606 one week prior to events. |
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LA Green Drinks- West Side |
 When: Thursday, January 7, 2010 Time: 7-10pm
Location: Check website for current location
The West Side Green Drinks location changes frequently. Please check the Green Drinks website to confirm before heading over. Green Drinks allows for anyone concerned about environmental issues to get together over a drink. Green Drinks events are very simple, informal, unstructured, and self organizing, but help connect the green network. Let's bring together the huge LA environmental community and have fun doing it! |
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Sustainable Works-- Green Living Workshop |
 Learn about the environmental problems and what you can do to help solve them!
The Green Living Workshops cover the following topics, one per week: Water, Energy, Waste, Chemicals, Transportation, and Shopping & Food.
We spend time each week learning about the problems related to each of the above topics on a global, national and local scale. Then with the help of the WorksBook, a comprehensive sustainability primer that all participants receive, we review ten related solutions. Workshops meet for six sessions at the same location and time.
Upcoming Workshops:
Starts Monday evening January 11 at Santa Monica Yoga from 7:15-8:45pm 1640 Ocean Park Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90405
Starts Wednesday evening January 13
at Santa Monica Public Library
from 7-8:30pm
601 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90401
Starts Monday evening January 19
at Fairview Branch Library
from 7:00-8:30pm
2101 Ocean Park Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90405
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Energy Efficiency Auditing Class |
 Join the rapidly expanding Green Collar economy by learning about energy efficiency and weatherization. Energy efficiency is the first step when considering a renewable energy solution such as solar. This 27 hour course provides training in the basic energy concepts needed to be successful as an Energy Efficiency auditor. Course topics include: basic energy concepts, identification of energy efficiency measures, uses of energy auditing tools, how to perform energy assessments, weatherization, and the effective communication of cost-effective, sustainable energy measures. In addition you are invited to participate in the 6 hour business boot camp* if you are interested in launching your own business as an Energy Efficiency Auditor.
When: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM; 11 sessions starting January 11, 2010, ending February 4, 2010
Please read: No class 1/18. 1/14 & 1/21 class in room 102
Tuition: $350.00
Instructor: Cooley
Location: Airport Arts Campus (MAP)
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Green Business Networking |
 When: Tuesday, January 12, 2010 Time: 6 - 9pm
Location: The Ambrose Hotel
1255 20th Street
Santa Monica, CA 90404
You're invited to the only pure networking event for owners and decision-makers of LA's green businesses. We meet at Santa Monica's award-winning, sustainable Ambrose Hotel - where upscale tranquility meets affordable luxury www.ambrosehotel.com. Delicious organic snacks provided by Whole Foods Market. Wine and non-alcoholic beverages will also be available. |
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Introduction to Solar Power Systems |
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 Everyone's talking about Solar! Participants will learn the basics of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems and how to convert sunlight into electrical energy. The calculations for capacity and system 'sizing' will be explained. A hands-on installation of a mini-system will occur with student participation. Participants will learn about PV system components, panel mounting hardware, standard codes and safe installation procedures. Participants will also gain an understanding of the environmental and energy independence issues shaping the solar industry. Opportunities in the field of renewable energy will be discussed as will incentives, rebates and current market status.
When: Tuesday & Thursday, 6:30-9:30pm; 6 sessions starting January 12, 2010, ending January 28, 2010
Tuition: $280.00
Instructor: Crawght
Location: Airport Arts Campus MAP
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Wellness Discussion |
 Co-opportunity, Santa Monica's Cooperative Natural Grocer, is hosting a wellness discussion. Now, more than ever, it's important to be proactive to safeguard your health. Three different speakers: a homeopathic practitioner, an esthetician, and a chiropractor, will be addressing holistic health and wellness topics, with a focus on starting the New Year off right.
When: Thursday, January 14 from 6:30pm to 8:30pm
Where: Martin Luther King Jr. auditorium in the Santa Monica Public Library
601 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica, 90401
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Sustainable Industries Economic Forum 2009 |
Thursday | January 14, 2010 | 8:00-11:30am
Sheraton Delfina | Delfina Ballroom
530 West Pico Blvd | Santa Monica, CA 90405
Join us for the most authentic and inspiring sustainable business event on the West Coast. Learn how you can position your company and brand as a leader and join this timely conversation.
8:00-8:30am - Registration
8:30-8:45am - Welcome, breakfast is served
8:45-9:15am - Keynote by Paul Hawken
9:15-9:30 am - Presentation by Arianna Huffington
9:30-9:50 am - Q &A with Paul Hawken moderated by Arianna Huffington
9:50-10:35 am - Panel Discussion
10:35-10:45 am - Closing remarks
10:45-11:30 am - Networking
Featuring: Paul Hawken (CEO, Pax Engineering Group, Author of "Ecology of Commerce" and "Natural Capitalism")
Panelists: Andy Cohen, John Babcock and Shelley Billik
Sponsored by: Mind Click, Manatt, City of Santa Monica, USGBC-LA Chapter,
Anderson Printing, & BBMG |
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"Let's Talk!" Big Blue Bus Community Forum |
  Tell us what your thoughts are. It's not public transit without you!
Big Blue Bus' Community Meeting Series will take place:
January 20-February 2, 2010
AGENDA:
Wednesday, January 20th
6:00pm-8:00pm
LA City Library (Palms/Rancho Park Branch) 2920 Overland Ave., LA
Lines 8 and 12 to Westwood Blvd. at National (Library 2 blocks east on Overland)
Thursday, January 21st
6:00-8:00pm
Montana Branch Library, 1704 Montana Blvd., Santa Monica
Line 3
Monday, January 25th
6:00-8:00pm
Fairview Branch Library, 2101 Ocean Park Blvd., Santa Monica
Line 8
Saturday, January 30th
2:00-4:00pm
Santa Monica Main Library, Multi-purpose room, 2nd floor, 601 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica
Lines 1, 2, 3, 7, 8, 9, 10
Tuesday, February 2nd
6:00-8:00pm
Santa Monica Main Library, Multi-purpose room, 2nd floor, 601 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica
Lines 1, 2, 3, 7, 8, 9
Call Big Blue Bus Customer Service at least three business days prior to the meeting you wish to attend to request Language interpretation and disability- related accommodation.
Big Blue Bus: (310) 451-5444 |
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Smart Cycling Courses at Santa Monica REI |
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 Parents' Introduction to youth bike safety:
Learn about bike and helmet fit and how to teach your child to become a safe and predictable cyclist...
When: Wednesday, January 20th at 7:00 PM.
Where: Santa Monica REI MAP
Youth bike safety - Grades 5th & 6th
(Kids) Gain your independence by learning to be a safe and predictable cyclist...
When:Wednesday, January 20th at 7:00 PM & Saturday, January 30th at 10:00 AM.
Where: Santa Monica REI MAP
Both courses are led by League of American Bicyclists certified instructors and take place at the Santa Monica REI store.
To sign up, contact Juliet at juliet@la-bike.org or call 213.629.2142.
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Ray Anderson- Talk & Book Signing |
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Sustainable Business Council & UCLA Present Ray Anderson, CEO and Chairman Interface, Inc., talk and book signing featuring Ray's new book: "Confessions of a Radical Industrialist: Profits, People, Purpose-- Doing Business by Respecting the Earth." For more information, www.sustainablebc.org
When: Thursday, January 21, 2010, 7 - 10pm
Where: UCLA |
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Green Garden Academy |
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 INTRODUCTION TO SUSTAINABLE LANDSCAPE DESIGN
When: Saturday, January 23
Time: 10:00am to 1:00pm
Where: Santa Monica Public Library, Multipurpose Room
601 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica 90401
Cost: FREE and open to the public
Taught by Russell Ackerman, ecological landscape design and water resource conservation expert. Learn the basic principles of sustainable landscaping and get on the road to a beautiful garden. Find out how to apply for the City's landscape grant program and learn local landscape and irrigation requirements.
This class is part one of a 12-part monthly series, The Green Garden Academy.
Each class walks participants through a different topic to help make your garden a huge success. Learn more and register for the classes at http://greengardenacademy.eventbrite.com. |
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Sustainable Works Helps Green Your Business |
 Sustainable Works' Business Greening Program provides the tools and resources businesses need to implement environmental solutions and "green their bottom line." The program is FREE to Santa Monica businesses and will save money and time through increased efficiency and employee education. The Business Greening Program includes a free environmental assessment, and then helps businesses implement chosen environmental actions step by step. Over 160 businesses have participated in the Business Greening Program since 2001. In 2008, 44% of participants received recognition in the community by receiving a Sustainable Quality Award or Green Business Certification.
To sign up for the Business Greening Program, call 310.458.8716 X 2 or email Tamsyn Hunnewell
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City of Santa Monica- Fats, Oil & Grease Collection Program |
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For a number of years, the Solid Waste Management Division (SWMD) has offered the collection of fats, oil and grease (FOGs) from downtown restaurants. The cost of this collection was paid for by the SWMD and provided at no charge to restaurants. GeoGreen, newly contracted by SWMD, placed leak proof, 200 gallon containers for the collection of FOGs in the 1st floor refuse collection areas of downtown parking structures 2 through 6 for restaurant use. The new vendor will collect the FOGs at no cost to the City or program participants. Restaurants located in other areas of the City are encouraged to request smaller containers for their location. The downtown containers are collected twice a month and will be monitored closely as participation increases. GeoGreen is committed to using the collected material for conversion into biofuels only. Currently, many City divisions utilize biofuels in their vehicles. The SWMD has a number of non-CNG vehicles that in the future could benefit from the purchase of biofuels created from the FOGs collected locally. Residents are encouraged to continue using the Household Hazardous Waste Center (MAP) to recycle their FOGs free of charge.
For more Info, Please Contact Myesha Jones, 310.458.2201 ext 5706 |
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Solar Santa Monica at Goal Line! |
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With an annual goal of adding another 500 kW to the total solar capacity of the City, Solar Santa Monica has verified 483 kW of 2009 installations -- so far! Capturing statistics requires getting information from the California Solar Initiative, City building permits, solar contractors, and home and business owners directly. If you know of a 2009-installed solar system, please click here to contact Solar Santa Monica with the address and we will check to be sure it has been counted among the Champions! | |
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Thank you for your commitment to a Sustainable Santa Monica! Have a Happy New Year and let's all resolve to be even greener in 2010!
Sincerely,
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Samantha Sommer
Sustainable Santa Monica
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