Green Team
SORO Tree Planting: Pico!
SORO NC tackles phase 2 of our tree planting efforts with a focus on Pico Boulevard. But we need your help.
Bring: please bring a broom for cleanup around tree well, and camera (optional) for fun pictures. We will supply shovel, gloves, tree, tree stakes and ties, soil amendments.
Volunteer to help beautify Pico
Sunday, April 28 • 9:30am (sharp!)
City Parking Lot on Pico Blvd. between Livonia and Robertson (map)Bring: please bring a broom for cleanup around tree well, and camera (optional) for fun pictures. We will supply shovel, gloves, tree, tree stakes and ties, soil amendments.
- Volunteers can be of all ages and ability levels—there will be less-physical jobs, too.
- Each tree will require a crew of 7 volunteers to be planted, so consider organizing a small team of friends!
- Kids are welcome, as are families and groups of friends/neighbors who would like to work together.
SORO NC supports moratorium on "fracking"
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
SORO NC supports Koretz/Wesson moratorium on "fracking"
LOS ANGELES, California (21 September 2012) - The South Robertson Neighborhoods Council (SORO NC) voted Thursday to support a Los Angeles City Council motion calling for a moratorium on the controversial practice of hydraulic fracturing, or "fracking."
The City motion, co-sponsored by LA Councilmember Paul Koretz and Council President Herb Wesson, calls for "… the Governor of the State of California, the Los Angeles Board of Supervisors, and the Division of Oil, Gas and Geothermal Resources (DOGGR) to move swiftly to place a moratorium on hydraulic fracturing and on the disposal of fracking wastewater by injection wells, until DOGGR, in conjunction with local and state authorities and an independent third party reviewer, makes a determination that such processes are safe for public health, for the water supply and for the environment.”
Concerned about the lack of both state and local regulations governing the process of fracking, the SORO NC Board called for "an immediate adoption and enforcement of regulations governing [fracking's] practice, in order to protect our environment, community, homes, and citizens."
The SORO NC resolution also supports the Culver City Council’s July 2012 Resolution R057 “to immediately place a ban on hydraulic fracturing and on the disposal of “fracking” wastewater by injection wells until the State of California and DOGGR takes all necessary and appropriate actions to adopt, implement and enforce comprehensive regulations concerning the practice of fracking that will ensure that public health and safety and the environment will be adequately protected.”
Hydraulic fracturing is the process in which a high volume of water, sand and chemicals is forced into the earth under enormous pressure causing shale to "fracture," releasing oil and gas and creating large volumes of contaminated wastewater. SORO NC's primary concerns are:
The Inglewood Oil Field in Culver City is comprised of 1000 acres, making it the largest urban oil field in the nation (KTLA News, July 3, 2012). South Robertson is Culver City’s neighbor to the north. 10% of the oil field's surface is in Culver City, but Culver City sits on 20% of the underground portion of the oilfield (as defined by the state’s Division of Oil, Gas and Geothermal Resources or “DOGGR”).
After attending a fracking workshop, hosted by the State of California’s DOGGR, the Culver City council members “were prompted to vote on the resolution [banning fracking] after receiving very little information from the workshop.” (Los Angeles Times, “Culver City Council Calls on State to Ban Fracking Temporarily,” July 3, 2012). In addition, the South Robertson Neighborhood Council joins with South Robertson’s LA County Supervisor, Mark Ridley-Thomas, in support of State Assembly Bill 972 that calls for a moratorium.
About SORO NC
The South Robertson Neighborhoods Council (SORO NC) is chartered and funded by the City of Los Angeles to promote citizen participation in government at a grassroots level. SORO NC gives area stakeholders a voice in the issues, decisions and programs that affect their lives; provides a direct line of communication to the City to help address their unique needs; and builds a stronger community, one step at a time.
Contact:
Paula Waxman, Green Team Co-Chair
greenteamchair@soronc.org
310-295-9920
# # #
SORO NC supports Koretz/Wesson moratorium on "fracking"
LOS ANGELES, California (21 September 2012) - The South Robertson Neighborhoods Council (SORO NC) voted Thursday to support a Los Angeles City Council motion calling for a moratorium on the controversial practice of hydraulic fracturing, or "fracking."
The City motion, co-sponsored by LA Councilmember Paul Koretz and Council President Herb Wesson, calls for "… the Governor of the State of California, the Los Angeles Board of Supervisors, and the Division of Oil, Gas and Geothermal Resources (DOGGR) to move swiftly to place a moratorium on hydraulic fracturing and on the disposal of fracking wastewater by injection wells, until DOGGR, in conjunction with local and state authorities and an independent third party reviewer, makes a determination that such processes are safe for public health, for the water supply and for the environment.”
Concerned about the lack of both state and local regulations governing the process of fracking, the SORO NC Board called for "an immediate adoption and enforcement of regulations governing [fracking's] practice, in order to protect our environment, community, homes, and citizens."
The SORO NC resolution also supports the Culver City Council’s July 2012 Resolution R057 “to immediately place a ban on hydraulic fracturing and on the disposal of “fracking” wastewater by injection wells until the State of California and DOGGR takes all necessary and appropriate actions to adopt, implement and enforce comprehensive regulations concerning the practice of fracking that will ensure that public health and safety and the environment will be adequately protected.”
Hydraulic fracturing is the process in which a high volume of water, sand and chemicals is forced into the earth under enormous pressure causing shale to "fracture," releasing oil and gas and creating large volumes of contaminated wastewater. SORO NC's primary concerns are:
- The safe disposal of thousands of gallons of toxic wastewater, which can also result in the contamination of underground aquifers. Fracking contaminants such as benzene, diesel fuel, high levels of fluoride, surfactant 2-BE and other chemicals have been found in aquifers in over 1000 documented cases. (ProPublica, “Buried Secrets: Is Natural Gas Drilling Endangering U.S. Water Supplies?,” Nov. 13, 2008.) According to an EPA report dated Dec. 2011, fracking resulted in groundwater contamination in Pavilion, Wyoming (Los Angeles Times, “Culver City Councils Calls on State to Ban Fracking Temporarily,” July 3, 2012). Furthermore, it is unclear what government agencies are responsible for the monitoring and the processing of fracking wastewater.
- The large amount of water required in the process of hydraulic fracturing when California water is a scarce resource. Fracking in the Inglewood Oil Field, located partially in Culver City, produced 126 million barrels of toxic wastewater in 2011.(Mar Vista Resolution) Furthermore, according to the Inglewood Oil Field EIR, 100 new wells are planned for the Culver City section of the Inglewood Oil Field over the next 20 years.
- Earth instability, including earthquakes, can result from injection wells according to a U.S. Geological Survey conducted in March, 2012. In addition, there is concern about the rupture of wells resulting from regularly occurring earthquakes in California and whether or not these ruptures can be quickly detected if they happen. The Inglewood Oil Field lies above the Newport-Inglewood Fault line. (Los Angeles Times, “Culver City Council Calls on State to Ban Fracking Temporarily,” July 3, 2012) It is also true that a large insurer, Nationwide Mutual Insurance Co., will no longer pay for “damage related to …gas drilling”. (Associated Press, U.S. Insurer Won’t Cover Gas Drill Fracking Exposure, Albany, N.Y. July 12, 2012)
- Air pollution, which has been measured at five times above federal hazard standards near fracking sites, are a direct result of truck traffic, large generators, compressors, drills, (University of Colorado study). This pollution can jeopardize efforts to reduce green house gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2020 as mandated by AB 32.
The Inglewood Oil Field in Culver City is comprised of 1000 acres, making it the largest urban oil field in the nation (KTLA News, July 3, 2012). South Robertson is Culver City’s neighbor to the north. 10% of the oil field's surface is in Culver City, but Culver City sits on 20% of the underground portion of the oilfield (as defined by the state’s Division of Oil, Gas and Geothermal Resources or “DOGGR”).
After attending a fracking workshop, hosted by the State of California’s DOGGR, the Culver City council members “were prompted to vote on the resolution [banning fracking] after receiving very little information from the workshop.” (Los Angeles Times, “Culver City Council Calls on State to Ban Fracking Temporarily,” July 3, 2012). In addition, the South Robertson Neighborhood Council joins with South Robertson’s LA County Supervisor, Mark Ridley-Thomas, in support of State Assembly Bill 972 that calls for a moratorium.
About SORO NC
The South Robertson Neighborhoods Council (SORO NC) is chartered and funded by the City of Los Angeles to promote citizen participation in government at a grassroots level. SORO NC gives area stakeholders a voice in the issues, decisions and programs that affect their lives; provides a direct line of communication to the City to help address their unique needs; and builds a stronger community, one step at a time.
Contact:
Paula Waxman, Green Team Co-Chair
greenteamchair@soronc.org
310-295-9920
# # #
Learn more about Genetically Modified (GMO) food
Panel Discussion: Mandatory Labeling of GMO Foods
Thursday, September 6 • 7-9pm (starts promptly)Hamilton High School Cafeteria (map) • Parking available
On Thursday, September 6th, Hamilton students and the SORO NC Green Team will be putting on a educational evening to discuss Proposition 37 (currently on the November ballot) which would require mandatory labeling of GMO foods produced in California. It is a rare opportunity to learn about a complex ballot measure issue from all sides of the debate and to be able to ask questions of the experts. These eight exceptional students have worked all summer to put on this extraordinary event.
The impressive roster includes advocates on both sides of the issue explaining their positions in depth (you can see the speaker list here). If you think that this is not a nuanced issue, you might be surprised after hearing this interesting panel of speakers.
The event is open to the community and there will be a Q & A following. Any questions concerning this event can be directed to Green Team co-chair Paula Waxman or by phone at 310 559-2552.
Tree Planting on Robertson: 100 Volunteers Needed
In 2011, SORO NC dedicated over 25% of its annual budget towards the purchase of new trees for Robertson Blvd. between Cadillac and Cattaraugus. This month, with the support of Council Districts 5 and 10 and Million Trees LA, we tackle Phase 1 with a one-day blitz. But we need your help.
Bring: gardening/work gloves, sun block, water in a reusable bottle, a hat, and closed-toe shoes
Volunteers should register in advance with Paula Waxman at greenteamchair@soronc.org or 310-559-2552. More information can be found on our volunteer flyer.
We're planting Chinese Elms—carefully selected in collaboration with Million Trees LA—hardy, good for public spaces, and designed to grow tall with a large lacy canopy. They'll provide greenery, shade, noise reduction and make Robertson businesses more attractive.
We'll fill in all the empty tree wells with new trees and cut new tree wells into the sidewalk where none exist. In addition, we've funded a two-year watering and maintenance program, to ensure that the trees are properly cared for and can grow strong, healthy roots. We hope they'll survive beyond all of our lifetimes.
This is just the beginning of a larger cooperative effort to revitalize Robertson. We hope you can join us.
Volunteer to help beautify Robertson
Saturday, March 24 • 8am to noon
Hamilton High parking lot (map)Bring: gardening/work gloves, sun block, water in a reusable bottle, a hat, and closed-toe shoes
- Volunteers can be of all ages and ability levels—there will be less-physical jobs, too.
- Each tree will require a crew of 7 volunteers to be planted, so consider organizing a small team of friends!
- Kids are welcome, as are families and groups of friends/neighbors who would like to work together.
- Council President Wesson and Council Member Koretz will be there planting along side us.
Volunteers should register in advance with Paula Waxman at greenteamchair@soronc.org or 310-559-2552. More information can be found on our volunteer flyer.
We're planting Chinese Elms—carefully selected in collaboration with Million Trees LA—hardy, good for public spaces, and designed to grow tall with a large lacy canopy. They'll provide greenery, shade, noise reduction and make Robertson businesses more attractive.
We'll fill in all the empty tree wells with new trees and cut new tree wells into the sidewalk where none exist. In addition, we've funded a two-year watering and maintenance program, to ensure that the trees are properly cared for and can grow strong, healthy roots. We hope they'll survive beyond all of our lifetimes.
This is just the beginning of a larger cooperative effort to revitalize Robertson. We hope you can join us.
Green Living: free environmental workshops for all
Beginning next month on October 13th, environmental experts from Sustainable Works will begin the first of three six-workshop series conducted at three different venues convenient to SORO residents: Westside Pavilion (Oct 2011), Fairfax High School (Oct 2011), and Temple Isaiah (April 2012).
These classes are being offered for FREE via a $45,000 grant secured by Council District 5 through LADWP and the US Department of Energy.
The six-week workshops meet once a week for 90 minutes. Over the course of the six evenings, you will learn how to reduce your impact on the earth by living more sustainable lives, as well as practical information for how to reduce your energy and water bills, reduce your waste and make better consumer choices regarding transportation and food. Each attendee will get lots of free goodies such as aerators, low-flow showerheads, CFL's, and tire pressure gauges. In addition, each evening, Sustainable Works will conduct a free raffle of compost bins, worm bins, rain barrels and many more items. Download the workshop flyer for more information.
For dates, times, and addresses and to pre-register for any series visit:
Register online or at 310-458-8716 ext. 2
Register at 310-458-8716 ext. 2
These classes are being offered for FREE via a $45,000 grant secured by Council District 5 through LADWP and the US Department of Energy.
The six-week workshops meet once a week for 90 minutes. Over the course of the six evenings, you will learn how to reduce your impact on the earth by living more sustainable lives, as well as practical information for how to reduce your energy and water bills, reduce your waste and make better consumer choices regarding transportation and food. Each attendee will get lots of free goodies such as aerators, low-flow showerheads, CFL's, and tire pressure gauges. In addition, each evening, Sustainable Works will conduct a free raffle of compost bins, worm bins, rain barrels and many more items. Download the workshop flyer for more information.
For dates, times, and addresses and to pre-register for any series visit:
Westside Pavilion
Starts Thursday October 13th • 7-8:30pm • runs for six Thursdays
Register online or at 310-458-8716 ext. 2
Fairfax High School
Starts Tuesday October 18th • 7-8:30pm • runs for six TuesdaysRegister online or at 310-458-8716 ext. 2
Temple Isaiah
Starts Monday April 16th • 7-8:30pm • runs for six MondaysRegister at 310-458-8716 ext. 2
Council Member Paul Koretz of Council District 5 said:
"Every day, we make decisions that can have a positive or negative impact on the earth, with every one of us playing a vital role. I hope these programs can show all of us—our neighbors, friends and relatives, that we no longer need to feel overwhelmed by ballooning water and energy bills. Although we face diminishing resources, our communities must be empowered by the knowledge that our simple day-to-day choices can have a direct impact on our present and future lives."
Don’t pass up this wonderful opportunity to learn how you can reduce your impact on mother earth. Sign up for a class and share this information with your neighbors and community. We'll all be better off for it.
SUNDAY IN THE GARDEN (4/17) from 10 to noon
Hi friends, neighbors, garden clubbers, and greenies,
We will really need help in the garden this weekend between 10 and noon to clean out beds 5 and 6 to ready them for corn and tomatoes. We are slowly getting our Spring/Summer plantings up. We planted watermelons, zucchini, beans, strawberries last week and harvested the last of the beans. Bring friends and water. Come in thru the Canfield/Kramerwood walk thru gate.
Hugs,
Paula
We will really need help in the garden this weekend between 10 and noon to clean out beds 5 and 6 to ready them for corn and tomatoes. We are slowly getting our Spring/Summer plantings up. We planted watermelons, zucchini, beans, strawberries last week and harvested the last of the beans. Bring friends and water. Come in thru the Canfield/Kramerwood walk thru gate.
Hugs,
Paula
Grow LA Victory Garden Classes
For four consecutive Sundays (May 1–22) at the Hami Garden, the Grow LA Victory Garden Initiative will help new gardeners start their own gardens quickly and easily in a container, in the backyard or at a community garden. Participants are able to turn their interest in gardening into successful, productive gardens that will generate positive changes in their homes by helping to lower grocery bills and enhance opportunities to eat healthy food.The Grow LA Victory Garden classes are organized and led by UC California Cooperative Extension Master Gardener volunteers. Those who complete the 4-week training will become UC-Certified Victory Gardeners.
List of topics include the following:
- Week 1: Planning, tools, containers, building raised beds, seed starting, plant selection
- Week 2: Soil preparation, soil properties, transplanting, irrigation, and mulching
- Week 3: Composting, pest management (weeds, diseases, insects), beneficial insects, organic pesticides and fertilizers.
- Week 4: Harvesting, pollination, seed saving, fruit trees, recipes, review, graduation
Visit our event page for more information about the program and registration.
Castle Heights Eco-Fair
Castle Heights Elementary School will be holding a full week of events to celebrate Earth Day. Co-sponsored by SORO NC, the week includes recycling and e-waste drives and culminates in an after-school Eco-Fair on Friday, April 29. Held from 2:34 to 4:30 pm, the Fair includes Earth-friendly crafts, games, music, demonstrations and food.
For more information, download Castle Heights Elementary's Earth Week flyer or Eco-Fair flyer.
For more information, download Castle Heights Elementary's Earth Week flyer or Eco-Fair flyer.
Castle Heights Earth Week & Eco-Fair
Castle Heights Elementary School will be holding a full week of events to celebrate Earth Day. Co-sponsored by SORO NC, the week includes recycling and e-waste drives and culminates in an after-school (2:34 to 4:30 pm) Eco-Fair on Friday, April 29. The Fair will include Earth-friendly crafts, games, music, demonstrations and food.
For more information, see our Eco-Fair event page.
For more information, see our Eco-Fair event page.
Second Annual Electronic Waste Drive
On Saturday, January 29 from 10am to 2pm, students from S.A.F.E. (Students Assembled for Earth, a Hamilton High School Club) and SORO Green Teamers will be collecting electronic waste at Hamilton (map) to ensure that our environment stays green and healthy.
Last year's electronic waste collection was extremely successful, packing a huge truck to the brim. Let's make this year's even better.
What is "electronic waste"? Any no-longer-usable piece of equipment with a cord (except bulky items like refrigerators, stoves and dishwashers). Bring your computers, monitors, mice, keyboards, hard drives, printers, scanners, fax machines, stereos, radios, hair dryers, VCRs, blenders, TVs, monitors, electronic games AND CELL PHONES. Please, no hazardous waste.
Help Pick Fruit for the Mayor's Day of Service
Do you regret that fruit on your fruit tree goes to waste? There are many who are hungry! The SORO NC Green Team, together with local school clubs, scout troops and other local organizations will be picking neighborhood fruit and avocado trees for the:
Mayor's Day of Service aka "Big Sunday"
Saturday (and Sunday, if you are Orthodox), May 1st and May 2nd, 2010
8:30am–12:30pm
We are looking for two things:
- Fruit trees with fruit ready to be picked
- Volunteers to help with harvesting
For appointments to have your fruit tree picked, or to volunteer for one of our crews (it's really fun!), call or email Paula Waxman at 310-559-2552 / paulawaxman@soronc.org
The Green Team drops off all fruit collected to our local food bank:
SOVA Food Bank
8846 West Pico Blvd., Los Angeles
In February, we picked over 700 pounds of fruit in 2 days! So contact us today to schedule your tree...or yourself (to volunteer).
Free Fruit Trees from Tree People
A give-away program sponsored by the SORO NC Green Team and S.A.F.E., "Students Assembled for Earth," a Hamilton High School Club.
The following trees are available for adoption:
| BARE ROOT | POTTED |
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HOW TO ORDER: Email your order before Monday, January 18th to Paula Waxman. Very limited supply, so first come, first served. Schools get priority. WE WILL CONFIRM YOUR ORDER BY RETURN EMAIL.
HOW TO PICK UP TREES: Trees distributed on Saturday, January 23 between 10 am and 2 pm at Hamilton High School (map) .
