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| Sustainable Santa Monica Newsletter |
February 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 February offers some amazing ways to participate in our sustainable community!! |
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Sustainable Santa Monica Earth Day Student Poster Contest |
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ATTENTION ALL K-12 STUDENTS THAT LIVE OR ATTEND SCHOOL IN SANTA MONICA
The City of Santa Monica's Office of Sustainability & the Environment, Big Blue Bus and Sustainable Works
Announce the 2010 Earth Day Student Poster Contest
Go Green. Ride Blue.
What Does Sustainable Transit Mean to You?
The purpose of the second annual Earth Day Poster Contest is to raise awareness of Santa Monica's Sustainable City Plan and this year's theme highlights one of the goal areas- sustainable transportation. As our student community and next generation leaders, we want to see your thoughts and ideas expressed through art about clean air, climate change, healthier lifestyles and sustainable transportation.
AWARDS
Grand Prize winners in each age category will have their poster art displayed on the outside of the Big Blue Bus in the king size ad space for one month! Runner-up winners will have their poster art displayed on the interior of the Big Blue Bus for a period of one month!
CEREMONY
All students, their families and teachers will be invited to an Earth Day Celebration on April 22, 2010 at the Santa Monica South Beach Green. Students will be recognized for their artistic contribution. Winning posters and all poster submissions will be displayed and prizes will be awarded!
Please contact Samantha Sommer with any questions, or call 310.458.8716 x 1.
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Buy Local Santa Monica Testimonials |
 The Buy Local Santa Monica Campaign was created in 2009 by representatives of the Santa Monica business community and the City of Santa Monica to support local businesses and raise awareness around the community, economic and environmental benefits of choosing local first. In addition to reaching out to Santa Monica residents, we are also encouraging our businesses to "think local first." Local businesses are encouraged to submit testimonials that tell us:
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About your favorite Santa Monica Businesses
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How buying local has made a difference to your bottom line, sustainability goals or overall business performance.
We will feature the nominating and the nominated businesses on our website and you may also see testimonials promoted through local media partners, including SM Daily Press, Seascape Community Newsletter and City TV!
Submit your nominations to:
Jennifer Taylor
DEADLINE: FEBRUARY 24, 2010 | |
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Gardens of Gratitude Kick-off Gathering |
The Westside Permaculture Group is gathering again! Besides getting the chance to reconnect with old friends and having the chance to make new ones, we're going to begin the planning of our next Gardens of Gratitude event. Last year, over 96 gardens were planted in one weekend with the support of 250 volunteers. This year is going to be even bigger and better than last year!
WHEN: Monday, February 1st
TIME: Potluck starts at 6pm. Meeting 6:30pm-8:30pm.
WHERE: Santa Monica Main Library's Multi-Purpose Room
601 Santa Monica Blvd. 90401
Bring lots of food for potluck for all to share. See you all there!! What are you Grateful for? CLICK HERE to learn more about last year's event. |
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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!
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
AGENDA
Fare Restructure Proposal
Tide Ride Redevelopment
Website Redevelopment
New Hybrid Buses
Bus Stop Redevelopment (learn about new shelters/signs to be built)
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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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 February 2
ending February 18, 2010
Tuition: $280.00
Instructor: Gordon Crawght
Location: Santa Monica College TBA
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LA Green Drinks- West Side |
 When: Thursday, February 4, 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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Expo Line- Board Meeting |
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The Board of County Supervisors and the Expo Line Board are in the final stages of deciding
the details of the Expo Line service, which will connect Santa Monica with Downtown LA.
Meeting details:
When: Thursday, February 4, 2010
Time: 2pm-4pm
Location: Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration
500 West Temple Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Board of Supervisors'
Hearing Room 381B
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Green Business Networking |
 When: Tuesday, February 9, 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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Business at Sunset Mixer |
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 Join us at the American Red Cross of Santa Monica for a night of food, drinks, and networking. Our mixers are hosted by a different Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce member each month. With over 100 members at each event, it is a perfect way to network and make important business contacts. Our guests enjoy food, drinks, and each host adds a unique touch to make the event memorable.
Where: American Red Cross
When: Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Time: 5:30 - 7:30pm
Location: 1450 11th Street, Santa Monica, CA (MAP)
Cost: $10 (member pre-sale), $15 (member door), $20 (non-members)
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS AND TO GET MORE INFO
Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce Events & Activities! |
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The Green Buildings of Santa Monica |
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 When: Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Time: 7:00-8:30pm
Location: Santa Monica Main Library Martin Luther King, Jr. Auditorium 601 Santa Monica Blvd. 90401
Join us for a visual presentation and discussion on the green buildings of Santa Monica with Anna Jacobson, Morley Builders project manager, and UCLA Instructor James Bassett. You'll find out what went into creating the LEED Gold Certified Santa Monica Main Public Library, and learn about other green buildings around Santa Monica
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Farmers Market Panel Series |
Fruit trees can produce well into their eighties, but their permanence can also be a liability when the effects of drought, insect invasion, changing customer demand and delayed innovation combine to decrease production. This panel of experienced tree fruit growers and experts will discuss how they protect flavor and quality by applying age-old growing practices to bold innovation in their search to grow "the perfect fruit." |
| City of Santa Monica's "Sustainable Landscape Design for Professionals" Series |
 Lawn Alternatives
Success stories and tips for safe lawn removal, choosing plants to replace lawns, planting in parkways and irrigating groundcovers.
When: Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Time: 4:00-7:00pm
Where: Santa Monica College Bundy Campus (MAP)
Cost: Free for Landscape Professionals Only (NO business license nor contractor license required to attend)
Taught By: Russell Ackerman, City of Santa Monica, Ecological Landscape Designer and Resource Conservation Expert
Introduction to Sustainable Landscape Maintenance
Learn more about the City of Santa Monica's sustainable landscaping principles, landscape and
irrigation requirements, rebates and programs for landscape professionals. Learn to troubleshoot common maintenance problems.
When: Thursday, February 18, 2010
Time: 4:00-7:00pm
Where: Santa Monica College Bundy Campus (MAP)
Cost: Free for Landscape Professionals Only (NO business license nor contractor license required to attend)
Taught By: Russell Ackerman, City of Santa Monica, Ecological Landscape Designer and Resource Conservation Expert
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Business & Consumer Expo |
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 At this annual trade show, the Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce educates businesses and consumers on how to survive the economic downturn with their Business and Consumer Expo. Santa Monica government offices are on hand each year to give businesses tips and advice.
Businesses are able to network with other businesses, as well as sell their products/services to the local community. Consumers are able to learn more about their city and the issues that impact them. They are able to find resources that are available right here in their own community.
A popular raffle is also done each year to support the Chamber of Commerce and offers wonderful prize packages and gifts!!
When: Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Time: 5-8pm
Where: Sheraton Delfina Hotel, Santa Monica (MAP)
Cost: This event is FREE and open to the public!
For More Information, Contact Tish Tisherman
marketing@smchamber.com
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Green Garden Academy |
 The official school of green gardening! This series of classes is for the Santa Monica Gardener that wants to grow a beautiful, worry-free garden that will last for years. Each class will walk you through a different topic to help make your garden a huge success and the envy of your neighbors. Classes will be held once a month on Saturday from 10am-1pm at the Santa Monica Main Library. Taught by Russell Ackerman, ecological landscape designer and water resource conservation expert.
Lawn Be Gone, Part I (3 units)
When: Saturday, February 20. 2010
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
This class is part one of a 12-part monthly series, The Green Garden Academy.
Learn more about this series at www.sustainablesm.org/landscape
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Introduction to Permaculture |
 Come find out about permaculture, a holistic approach to integrating human shelter, plants, animals, soils, and water to create a more sustainable community. This powerful course covers everything from natural building materials and techniques to creating edible, water-saving gardens, and takes a look at useful, sensible strategies used by communities to lessen their carbon footprint.
When: Monday, 7:00pm-9:00pm; 6 sessions starting February 22, ending March 29, 2010
Cost: $89.00
Location: Santa Monica College Bundy Campus
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Spring 2010 SMC Environmental & Urban Issues Lecture Series |
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Spreading Sustainable Works
Each semester, we start with this update to find out what's new from our heroes at Sustainable Works as they help residents and businesses become more efficient.
When: Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Time: 6:30pm
Where: Santa Monica College Bundy Campus, Classroom 123
(MAP)
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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: Tuesday 6:00pm-9:00pm & Thursday 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM; 11 sessions starting February 23, 2010, ending April 1, 2010
Tuition: $350.00
Location: Airport Arts Campus (MAP)
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Car Free Friday! |
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 THE LAST FRIDAY OF EVERY MONTH IS "CAR-FREE FRIDAY!" More bikes on LA streets for a healthier and cleaner Los Angeles! Car-Free Friday encourages more people to ride a bike at least one day a month. Experience the greater Los Angeles area by bike and stay healthy, save money, reduce green house gas emissions and have fun! Get a friend who does not ride yet, to join you on the last Friday of the month to ride to work, to party, to shop, to eat, to hang, TO BIKE IT!!
When: Friday, February 26, 2010
Where: Everywhere, Los Angeles County |
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Last Fridays on Main Street |
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The Friday Before First Fridays Is Here At Last! On February 26th and the last Friday of every month, participating Main Street businesses will stay open late with specials and special events!!
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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 Wednesday evening March 3, 2010
3/3, 3/10, 3/17, 3/24, 3/31, and 4/7
at Santa Monica Public Library
from 7-8:30pm
601 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90401
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Thank you for your commitment to a Sustainable Santa Monica!
Sincerely,
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Samantha Sommer
Sustainable Santa Monica
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