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| Sustainable Santa Monica Newsletter | September 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 September offers some amazing ways to participate in our sustainable community!! |
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Bike Worry-Free on Labor Day Weekend |
 This Labor Day weekend the Santa Monica Bike Valet will be busier than ever. Get an early start on the weekend by riding down to the Pier Thursday evening to hear Dr. John at the Twilight Dance Series and leave your bike with the Valet. Friday night, bike to Main Street and let the Valet watch your wheels while you enjoy dinner and entertainment. Bike Valet hours are 5 p.m. to midnight, between Ashland and Pier Avenue on Main Street, every Friday. Next, hit the sales at the new Santa Monica Place and enjoy Bike Valet parking from 12-9 p.m. Saturday-Monday on Colorado at Main, next to Sears and right across from the mall. And as always, the Bike Valet will serve the bicycling public at the Main Street Sunday Farmer's market. 2009/10 was a record year for the City of Santa Monica's Bike Valet, with 25,100 bikes parked. Help make this year the biggest ever. By providing secure and convenient parking for bikes, the Bike Valet reduces traffic and parking congestion, and supports clean, healthy, sustainable travel. |
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Sustainable Works Fundraiser | |
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SANTA MONICA WILL TAKE UP BAN ON SINGLE USE PLASTIC BAGS IF SACRAMENTO FAILS TO PASS AB 1998 | |
 Santa Monica city officials announced their commitment to protecting Southern California beaches and the Pacific Ocean from plastic marine debris by moving ahead with plans to ban single use plastic bags if AB 1998, The Single-Use Bag Reduction Act does not pass in the Legislature. Santa Monica joined with leaders in Los Angeles County and Manhattan Beach, who made similar announcements today.
AB 1998, authored by local Assemblymember Julia Brownley has already been approved by the state Assembly. It is expected to be voted upon before the end of August in the California Senate. It would ban the distribution of single-use plastic bags and allow for 40% post-consumer content recycled content paper bags to be sold at cost at supermarkets, large retail pharmacies and foodmarts.
Santa Monica's City Council is scheduled to consider a proposed ordinance on October 12, 2010, if the state does not impose a ban. The Santa Monica ordinance would prohibit all retail establishments within city limits from providing single-use plastic carry out bags to customers, and create a Green Fee for each paper bag distributed by grocery stores, convenience stores, and pharmacies in the City. It exempts restaurants from the ban, allowing them to provide plastic bags for take-out food. The ordinance is meant to significantly reduce the environmental impacts related to single-use plastic and paper carry out bags, and to promote a major shift towards reusable bags.
According to Dean Kubani, Director of Santa Monica's Office of Sustainability and the Environment, City staff will complete a report on the proposed ordinance and recommend a level for the Green Fee by mid-September. Staff is scheduled to present the final environmental documents and draft ordinance language to the City Council on October 12, 2010. Kubani said, "The City Council has given clear direction on this issue. They are concerned about the impacts on our neighborhoods, beaches and oceans from trash, and the costs to dispose of plastic debris."
The city participated in the development of a master environmental assessment (MEA) on single-use bags with other jurisdictions in California, including Los Angeles County, Marin County, San Francisco, Berkeley, Richmond, and Pasadena. That document assesses the impacts of the ban and has enabled participants to quickly move ahead with the adoption of bag bans. "Single use plastic bags are a burden to our oceans, our beaches, our economy, and the cleanliness of our city. Other communities have proven that eliminating plastic bags is sensible. Sacramento should pass AB 1998, and the Governor should sign it, but if that doesn't happen, Santa Monica will move ahead with its ban," said Councilmember Terry O'Day.
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Fall 2010 SMC Environmental and Urban Issues Lecture Series | |
Making Santa Monica College More Sustainable
From expanding Sustainable Works to our Center for Environmental and Urban Studies, from a more efficient campus to our organic garden efforts, learn how Santa Monica College is defining campus sustainability and becoming a better neighbor and how you can help.
When: Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Time: 6:30pm
Location: Santa Monica College Bundy Campus Room 123 MAP |
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Pico Branch Library Community Workshop and Survey | |
 When: Saturday, September 11, 2010
Time: 2pm-4pm
Location: Terry Community Meeting Room at Virginia Avenue Park,
2200 Virginia Avenue, Santa Monica 90404 MAP
A Community Workshop inviting public input on planning the new branch library in Virginia Avenue Park will be held on Saturday, September 11, 2010, from 2 to 4 p.m. in the Thelma Terry Community Meeting Room at Virginia Avenue Park, 2200 Virginia Avenue.
Topics covered at the Let's Talk Pico Branch Library workshop will include an update on planning the new branch library, a presentation featuring a virtual tour of libraries nationwide as well as an opportunity to meet the design team, Koning Eizenberg Architecture. Workshops are also planned for October, November and December.
Virginia Avenue Park is served by Big Blue Bus Lines 7 and 11. The park is wheelchair accessible and welcomes persons of all abilities. For special accommodations, call the park at (310) 458-8688 or TTY (310) 917-6626 at least three business days prior to the workshop. A Spanish-language translator will be available at the workshop.
The public is also being encouraged to give input on the Pico Branch Library planning process by completing a survey, available in both English and Spanish. The survey is available online and copies are available at all Santa Monica Public Library locations and at Virginia Avenue Park. For more information about the Let's Talk Pico Branch Library Community Workshop, call Library Administration at 310-458-8606, signup for email updates at pico.library@smgov.net, or visit the website. |
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2010 Sustainable Landscape Design Series for Professionals |
 Plant, Soil, Water Relationships
Find out how to improve soil structure and increase water holding capabilities. Learn how to prepare soil, analyze deficiencies and add the correct amendments. Also learn about mycorrhizal and soil biota.
When: Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Time: 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Tuition: FREE
Instructor: Ackerman
Location: Santa Monica College Bundy Campus (MAP)
The Sustainable Landscape Design Series for Professionals is intended for professionals working in Santa Monica who want to learn more about sustainable landscaping principles, local rebate programs and City regulations. Classes are taught by experts within the field.
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Buy Local Santa Monica Business Mixer |
 When: Tuesday, September 14, 2010 Time: 5-6:30 pm Location: EAMES OFFICE, 850 Pico Blvd. Santa Monica 90405 MAP
A great opportunity for Buy Local Santa Monica businesses to network, meet one another, the BLSM Committee + hear more about the City's Sustainability Efforts + the Cool Foods Pledge. Sponsored by the BLSM Committee, the City of Santa Monica Office of Sustainability + the Environment and the Pico Improvement Organization, with refreshments provided by Upper West, Bite Bar and Trader Joe's. **Free but RSVP required to buyocalsm@smgov.net. ** Note: You must be a Buy Local SM business to attend. To sign up, www.buylocalsm.com/signup. |
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Santa Monica College Continuing Ed: Green Curriculum |
The Power of the Sun
Everyone is talking about solar power-what it can do for the planet, and what it can do for YOU. If you're considering switching to solar power to reduce polluting emissions and save money on your energy bills, this is the workshop for you! We'll discuss how solar power works, the systems currently available, typical costs and financing, installation, and maintenance.
When: Wednesdays, 3 sessions starting September 15, 2010, ending September 29, 2010
Time: 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm Tuition: $65.00 Instructor: Crawght Location: Santa Monica College Bundy Campus
**Sign-up through Santa Monica College's Continuing & Community Education Program by CLICKING HERE |
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Green Garden Academy: Bird and Butterfly Gardens | |
 Learn to create a beautiful habitat for attracting birds, butterflies, and other good bugs. Also find out how you can reduce your maintenance and chemical use in the garden. Discover the secrets of building a healthy garden.
When: Saturday, September 18, 2010
Cost: Free Time: 10am-1pm Location: Main Library Multipurpose Room 601 Santa Monica Blvd. Santa Monica, 90401 MAP
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"Roots & Shoots" Day of Peace Festival |
 JANE GOODALL'S "ROOTS & SHOOTS" YOUTH PROGRAM HOSTS 8TH ANNUAL DAY OF PEACE ECO FESTIVAL
More than 600 California Youth to Present Inspiring Environmental Projects at Free Eco-Fest Celebrating United Nations International Day of Peace; Celebrity Guests; Concert Performances; Peace Dove Parade; Food Drive for People and Pets; Activities for Kids of All Ages!!
When: Sunday, September 19, 2010
Time: 11:00am-4:00pm
Location: Santa Monica Pier MAP
Cost: FREE
Festival-goers are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items for the Day of Peace Food Drive for People and Pets. Donations will be distributed by Westside Food Bank to local social service agencies that assist individuals, families, and pets in need.
Through her Roots & Shoots program Dr. Jane Goodall encourages the efforts of young people and adults all across the globe to identify concerns in their communities and take action to create a better world. With tens of thousands of young people in close to 100 countries, the Roots & Shoots network connects youth of all ages to participate in local and global campaigns to promote better relationships between individuals, a greater understanding of different cultures, and a more balanced co-existence among people, animals and the environment.
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Singing to Sustain the Earth | |
 When: Sunday, September 19, 2010
Time: 2pm
Location: MLK Jr. Auditorium, Santa Monica Main Library
601 Santa Monica Blvd, Santa Monica 90401 MAP
Come hear the Tongva myth about the all-night gambling game between Sun and Coyote. It's winner take all, and that means whoever wins either destroys the earth or saves it. This powerful myth is the source of "Singing to Sustain the Earth," one of the opening events of the 2010 GLOW Festival. Come to this pre-GLOW program to learn the dance steps and songs that will guide this Santa Monica Community Procession and Performance the following week at GLOW. Then plan to take part in GLOW on Santa Monica Beach, September 25th from 7pm to 3 am. For information, visit glowsantamonica.org. |
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City of Santa Monica Office of Sustainability & the Environment -- Events in September 2010 |
 Community Sustainability Report Card Presentation
Learn about the release of the 2010 Sustainable City Report Card - an update on Santa Monica's progress toward becoming a sustainable city. This year marks the sixteen-year anniversary of the Sustainable City Plan.
When: Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Time: 7:30 p.m.- 8:30 p.m. Where: Martin Luther King Auditorium, Santa Monica Main Library 601 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica, CA. The library is accessible by Big Blue Bus lines 1, 2, 3, 7, 8, 9 and 10; and is located two blocks from the Transit Mall. Wheelchair accessible, to request disability related accommodations please call (310) 458-2213 or email environment@smgov.net.
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Sustainable Food Celebrations
Wednesday's Downtown Farmers' Market
Wednesday, September 22, 2010; 10 a.m.-noon
Saturday's Downtown and Pico Farmers' Markets
Saturday, September 25, 2010; 10am-noon
Sunday's Main Street Farmers' Market
Sunday, September 26, 2010; 10am-noon
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Dirt! Screening on the Pier
When: Friday, September 24, 2010
Time: Gates open at 7pm- Movies start after dusk
No tickets required in advance - Food, drinks and treats available for purchase. Chairs, blankets and kids are welcome. Protect the environment and ride your bike, FREE bike valet service available. No alcohol allowed.
To Learn more about Sustainable Santa Monica, please visit the website. |
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GLOW 2010 | |
Glow is returning to the splendor of Santa Monica beach on September 25, 2010. Building on the extraordinary success of Glow 2008, the free dusk-to-dawn biannual event features the work of international, national and local artists. Glow is the only all-night art event in the United States that emphasizes the commissioning of original artwork. Glow projects invite active audience engagement and exploration and constantly surprise in their unexpected placement in spaces and times not normally reserved for fine art. Santa Monica joins such cities as Paris, Toronto, Montreal, Rome, Brussels, Madrid and Riga as part of a global movement producing "white night" or "nuit blanche" events.
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ReUse Challenge: Documentary & Workshop | |
 When: Saturday, September 25, 2010
Time: 2pm
Location: MLK JR. AUDITORIUM and MULTIPURPOSE ROOM,
Santa Monica Main Library
601 Santa Monica Blvd, Santa Monica 90401
Learn how to fight plastic pollution in this two-part event. At 2:00pm, we'll screen the awardwinning documentary Bag It, about the global production, use and disposal of plastic bags and other plastic trash. Then we'll move upstairs to the Multipurpose Room where Team Marine, a Santa Monica High School student group focused on the environment, will lead a family-friendly "reUse" workshop on how to recycle plastic products. Sponsored by ReUse Connection. |
| The 26th Annual California Coastal Cleanup Day | |
When: Saturday, September 25, 2010
Time: 9am-12noon
California Coastal Cleanup Day is the premier volunteer event focused on the marine environment in the country. In 2009, more than 80,600 volunteers worked together to collect more than 1,300,000 pounds of trash and recyclables from our beaches, lakes, and waterways. California Coastal Cleanup Day has been hailed by the Guinness Book of World Records as "the largest garbage collection" (1993). Since the program started in 1985, over 800,000 Californians have removed more than 14 million pounds of debris from our state's shorelines and coast. When combined with the International Coastal Cleanup, organized by The Ocean Conservancy and taking place on the same day, California Coastal Cleanup Day becomes part of one of the largest volunteer events of the year.
Coastal Cleanup Day is the highlight of the California Coastal Commission's year 'round Adopt-A-Beach program and takes place every year on the third Saturday of September, from 9 a.m. to Noon. (The 2010 Cleanup will take place on the fourth Saturday of September so as not to conflict with Yom Kippur.) Coming at the end of the summer beach season and right near the start of the school year, Coastal Cleanup Day is a great way for families, students, service groups, and neighbors to join together, take care of our fragile marine environment, show community support for our shared natural resources, learn about the impacts of marine debris and how we can prevent them, and to have fun!
Be part of the solution to marine pollution!
* View the powerful video, Synthetic Sea, from the Algalita Marine Research Foundation, which explores the problem of plastic ocean debris and helps explain some of the reasons why Coastal Cleanup Day is so important. |
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Huge Rebates- Limited Time only |
 Grants: up to $5,000 to install a sustainable garden. Cash for Grass: up to $1,000 to remove grass in the parkway. Irrigation Rebate: up to $500 to upgrade your system. Free Irrigation Products: up to $500 in free products for low-income homeowners. Weather-Based Irrigation Controllers: up to $200. Sprinkler Rotary Nozzles: up to $5.00 each. Clothes Washers: up to $350 to install a washer with water factor 4.0 or less.
*Restrictions apply; funds are limited. |
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New Big Blue Bus Fare & Pass Program Set to Begin August 29 |
 The Big Blue Bus is set to unveil its new fare structure beginning August 29, which will include new cash fares and transfer prices along with the introduction of two new types of value-added passes. In addition, a new online store will be launched August 17, giving customers the ability to purchase transit passes on-line.
The two new value-added passes being introduced include the 13 Rides Pass and the 30 Day Pass. Both passes came about as a result of discussions held earlier this year at community meetings throughout the Big Blue Bus service area. The new 30 Day Pass fits the bill for riders who want the ability to ride an unlimited number of times during a 30-day time period. The 30 Day Pass is a pre-purchased card that can be activated at any time and is available as a 30 Day Local Pass for riders who only ride the Local service, or as a 30 Day Express Pass, which includes entry to all Local lines and the Line 10 Express bus connecting downtown Santa Monica with downtown Los Angles. Reduced rate versions of these passes are available for students and senior/disabled/Medicare passengers.
The new 13 Rides Pass gives passengers 13 rides for the price of 12, and is designed for people who travel less frequently but want the convenience of a using a pass instead of searching for exact change. Both the 30 Day Pass and 13 Rides Pass require advance purchase before boarding.
The Big Blue Bus will also continue offering its popular Day Pass, which allows for unlimited rides on both Local and Express lines for one convenient price. The Day Pass is designed for riders who want to take more than two trips a day, and who prefer the convenience of using a pass instead of paying cash for each ride.
"Using passes really helps to streamline the entire fare collection process, which keeps the buses running on time," said Dan Dawson, Big Blue Bus customer relations manager.
Cash fares under the new plan will rise by 25 cents in most instances. The new cash rate for regular passengers and students using Local service will go from 75 cents to $1, with Express service increasing from $1.75 to $2.
For senior, disabled and Medicare passengers who pay cash when boarding, the cost per trip will go from 25 cents to 50 cents. This is the first increase to the senior/disabled/Medicare fare in 25 years, and only the second increase to the base fares for students and regular riders in the last quarter of a century. Big Blue Bus passes can be purchased at Blue: The Transit Store, located at 223 Broadway near the Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica and also online at BigBlueBus.com. Various resale locations, including many local schools and libraries, also carry certain types of Big Blue Bus passes. A complete listing of sites can be found at BigBlueBus.com. |
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Last Fridays on Main Street -- TGILF!! | |
The Friday Before First Fridays Is Here At Last! On September 24th and the last Friday of every month, participating Main Street businesses will stay open late with specials and special events!!
Santa Monica Bike Valet is on Main Street every Friday evening! Bicyclists who valet on Last Fridays will receive discounts from participating merchants. The Bike Valet is on the east side of Main Street between Ashland and Pier Avenue from 5 p.m. to midnight every Friday until further notice. Note: Some merchants will be offering discounts to those who valet their bikes! Look for the *.
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Car Free Friday! | |
 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, September 24, 2010
Where: Everywhere, Los Angeles County |
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SAVE THE DATE! 2010 AltCar EXPO October 1 + 2 | |
When: Friday, October 1, 2010 + Saturday, Oct 2, 2010 Time: 10am - 5pm Location: Santa Monica Civic Auditorium, 1855 Main St., Santa Monica, 90401 MAP
AltCar Expo is the most extensive alternative energy and transportation event on the West Coast! This FREE, two-day, zero-waste transportation event showcase the latest products and trends in alternative transportation. Featuring over 150 alternative fuel transportation retailers including Toyota, Ford, Nissan, Honda, GM and BWM along with alternative companies CODA (HQ in SM!), Electric Blue Motors, Studio Manufacturing, Electrorides and more.
Highlights include:
■Ride + Drive....test drive the newest on the market (and SOON to be on the market) sustainable cars!
■Presentations on the latest in Electric, Hydrogen, Hybrid, Plug-In + More!
Opening Day Focus on Fleets Conference for Industry - Pre-Registration required.
General Speaker Sessions for Consumers and Industry ... and much more!
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SAVE THE DATE! Rideshare Week- October 4-8 | |
 Rideshare Week is October 4-8. It's a great time to try new ways for traveling to work. You can ride a bike, walk or take the bus. You could also ride with co workers or work at home all day. When you leave your car at home you help reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality. Thousands of Southland commuters are making the pledge to give up their cars and try carpooling, transit, biking or walking at least one day during the week, including "Rideshare Thursday" on Oct. 7. Metro is giving away wonderful prizes to commuters who make the pledge and leave their cars at home. Go to www.metro.net to pledge online.
If you are a Santa Monica employer planning to celebrate Rideshare Week, contact Jacquilyne.brooks@smgov.net at the City's Transportation Management Office so we can share your ideas through our employer newsletter.
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Green Plumbers Training | |
 Join us for green plumbing workshops one night a week from September-November for career-boosting training at two Los Angeles locations! Accredited Green Plumbers are trained in indoor and outdoor water/energy conservation technology, solar hot water, graywater, and how to perform residential water and energy audits. To register, visit: http://www.greenplumbersusa.com/fall-series, or call toll-free 888-929-6207.
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Use the IPhone to Green Your Neighborhood |
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 Want to report someone hosing off, using a leaf blower, or dumping in the storm drain? Now it's as easy as pushing a button! Use the new iphone app to report eco-violations to the City of Santa Monica. Going green has never been so easy!
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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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