Imagining the future of SM Airport, September 1

Envision some possibilities

Santa Monica Airport is a part of the City of Santa Monica that residents rarely see and use – and even fewer see it by bike – or envision potential cycling connectivity relating to this space. 

This Sunday at the Green Tent, Michael Brodsky will explain the purpose of an upcoming bike ride around the airport. 

Learn about the impact of the airport in its current state - air pollution, noise, sustainability, safety - and some surprising alternatives that are being considered.   

The FAA contract with the City of Santa Monica ends in 2015. There are residents who feel that the contract should not be renewed. They are beginning to explore exciting new possibilities for the land use that could turn this facility into a healthy benefit for the entire city and region. 

Concerns and questions put forward include:

• Nearby residents who feel severely impacted by the airport facility voice concerns about air pollution, lead pollution, constant noise and regular plane crashes.

• Residents who do not live near the airport have questioned the cost of subsidizing the airport as well as the significant environmental costs and lack of sustainability that private jet travel represents.

• Some question the expense and pollution of running this 227 acre facility that is used by very few residents. Should so few benefit from this large property that the City owns and maintains?

Michael is a member of Santa Monica Spoke, a local chapter of the Los Angeles County BIcycle Coalition. Come share your concerns and ideas - or just chat about bike riding. Learn how you can participate in the SM Airport  bike ride.

Master Gardeners, August 25

The UC Cooperative Extension LA County Master Gardeners are back

...and they've planted up a storm to give away 

This month pick up some packets of seeds and while you're at it, one of these lovely plants, while they last. FREE!

Heirloom Bloomsdale Spinach, which grows best during cool weather in the Spring and Fall, and here in SoCal, in the winter, too.

Spicy Globe Container Basil and Italian Genovese Basil will keep good company with all those tomatoes you're now harvesting.

A few Heirloom Dill (Leafy Diana) have come up, so they'll bring those.

If the Pixie Cabbages begin to emerge, they'll be on hand as well..

There'll be a couple of Calendula pot marigolds, pretty to look at and edible too.

Happy to say our Brillliant Rainbow Quinoa is coming up beautifully -- that has been a popular choice; you eat the seeds but young leaves are edible too! Click here to learn more about quinoa.

Green Salad Bowl lettuce, one of the most popular leaf lettuces for the home garden.

The White Stem Bok Choy is roaring to life.

They'll have a few Mild Mustards to share.

And everyone loves Kale -- so they're bringing the Vates Dwarf Blue with the super curly edged compact leaves.

Six Pack - waiting to be refilled by Master Gardeners

It's a prolific month! Come see us and bring us your questions; we'd LOVE to hear your success stories, too!! Don't forget to bring your leftover plant six packs so our Master Gardeners can keep bringing seedlings to the market. Thanks!

Join the four week GROW LA VICTORY GARDENS low cost basic gardening series that will be held at Master Gardener Julie's amazing home garden and in Master Gardener Marlena's tropical backyard orchard IN MAR VISTA. Starts September 7th. Click here for details; look for "Julie Strnad's Garden" listing on the page.

Green Real Estate, August 18

In Real Estate, GREEN is GOLD!

Did you know that "Green" homes often sell faster and for more money than the traditional home? 

Not only does your investment into "green" home upgrades save you money with lower utility costs and rebates, but it helps put more "green" in your pocket when it's time for you to sell. Save yourself money, "green" our community and help save the Planet, too.

Come by the Green Tent to meet local National Association of Realtors GREEN Designee Susan Klos, and get green upgrade ideas to help transform your home to be sustainable, eco-friendly and a more valuable property.

Susan has a free wildflower seed packet for our Green Tent guests.

Urban Chick Farms, August 11

Mar Vista chickens

Backyard Chicken Keeping

Interested in backyard chickens? Want to harvest fresh eggs every day?

Come to the Green Tent August 11 to chat with experienced urban chicken keepers. They will answer your questions and give you information about resources in Los Angeles.

Keeping chickens is fun and rewarding! They provide healthy fresh eggs for your table, valuable fertilizer for your garden and entertainment for your family and friends. 

Chickens have loads of personality and can easily be part of your homestead. Learn about

city ordinances, helpful tips for keeping your chickens happy and more. 

Do you already have chickens? Please stop by and share your experiences.