Courageous Hearts, November 30

The Green Tent is taking the day off. We're excited to have Courageous Hearts Youth Services return to our space. They'll be selling hand made, high quality scarves, necklaces and bracelets - all made by homeless and at-risk youth. EVERYTHING IS DESIGNED AND MADE BY THEIR ARTISANS. The scarves, normally $30 each, will be on sale for $18. And they'll be unveiling their new Premium line of bracelets developed by their youth.

As a non-profit based in Los Angeles, Courageous Hearts endeavors to bring out the best in each child and teen by supporting them in realizing their own inherent value and magnificence. Since it’s inception just over a year ago, it has delivered food, supplies and uplifting resources to 100's of homeless youth living in L.A. In June, they partnered with the LAUSD’s Homeless Education Department and helped celebrate and honor 85 homeless teens graduating from high-school.

In July, they launched a project called The Courageous Youth Artisans, with the intention to make an even greater difference in the lives of these amazing, and yet challenged teens. Stop by the Green Tent space and see the results. 

Each of their employed teens are INCREDIBLE, AMAZING, and COURAGEOUS young people who have lived through and are living through some incredibly challenging and heart-wrenching times. Some have single parents or no parents around to guide and support them. Some have experienced homelessness, violence, death, and families torn apart by unfortunate circumstances. Despite these obstacles, all have endured and have dreams, wishes, and hopes for a successful future.They are Resilient, Bright, and are the future of our Community. 

Master Gardeners, November 23

This month the UCCE LA County Master Gardeners weren’t able to plant up a storm — so you’ll get a chance to do it yourself! 

Stop by the Green Tent on November 23 from 9 am to 1 pm, stick your hands in some garden soil, and learn how transplant tiny “starts” into small containers to give them a safe growing home till you are ready to put them in your own garden or containers at home.

The Master Gardeners will help you with your gardening questions, and offer information and free packets of seeds plus you’ll take home whatever you plant up!


Please recycle your plastic six packs by dropping them off with the Master Gardeners so they can continue planting seeds to give away at the Green Tent each month.

Just a reminder...click here for great monthly tips for Southern California. And remember, be water wise; you can get great information and tips online at: http://bewaterwise.com.

Skanska, November 16

The Expo is Headed West -- Got Questions?

When will the EXPO Line extension to Santa Monica be completed? Where will the stations be? Will there be parking? How do I ride the Metro? Can I use cash? What's a TAP card - and how do I get one? Is there a discounted rate for seniors - and how do I apply?

Get answers to these questions and more when a Skanska-Rados rep visits the Mar Vista Community Council Green Committee Tent November 16. As the contractor for the Expo 2 project They'll provide information related to design, current construction, impacts to traffic and schedule of activities/completion. They're bringing station rendering exhibits, informational flyers and a few giveaways.

Exposition Transit Corridor, Phase 2 will extend westward to Santa Monica from the Metro Expo Line Culver City Station and run along the old Pacific Electric Exposition right-of-way to 4th St. and Colorado Av. in downtown Santa Monica. It is expected to open for business in 2015. Click here for more Expo Line information.

Recycled Fashion/Art + Green Garden Showcase, November 9

“Fall in Mar Vista” silk blouse/eucalyptus leaves

Did you know that a plain white blouse could interact with nature and turn into a work of art? Marcela Domínguez Bensabat, born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, is a textile artist who coaxes leaves into releasing their pigments and imprinting their shapes on fabric. 

Marcela finds these leaves on her daily walks and bike rides in Mar Vista, Del Rey, and Venice. Through a loving, labor-intensive process, she calls forth the power that often unnoticed plants have to release their tints onto fabric and craft wearable beauty.

In her search to reduce the carbon imprint of the clothes she designs, Marcela is currently using vintage clothing as her canvas. The materials she uses include silk, wool, linen and cotton.

“Autumn Glow” wool shawl/eucalyptus leaves

See some of the pieces Marcela has been working on at the Green Tent this Sunday, and learn how she and the leaves give vintage clothing a magical look.

A Mar Vista Green Garden Showcase  volunteer will also be at the Green Tent from 9:00 till 2:00. Sustainable gardens are long term water savers. The Green Garden Showcase is dedicated to encouraging them to sprout throughout Mar Vista. Would you like to be a garden scout? Are you interested in showing your garden in the 2015 tour? Do you have questions about converting to a drought tolerant garden? Stop by and chat.