tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43364653349922112362024-02-07T09:29:29.476-08:00Sustainabilities818 . 747 . 661 . 805Connecting businesses, educators, organizations and individuals <br>to make the greater San Fernando Valley cleaner, greener and more sustainable.Linda Coburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11587097157810549103noreply@blogger.comBlogger105125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4336465334992211236.post-18333540745702495802013-02-11T16:30:00.000-08:002013-02-11T16:30:39.612-08:00Rally to Stop Keystone XL Pipeline, Stop Fracking<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig-r4IrWX905ym34rC2_kXCiD1P562y8xS5bkiixFeSbErniQxPcWoMPEqslyx02LbjljH2pztLGWycmvHpi56vf5xQ4ik54H4eMcsF987g1qDwK9gFkP0-YpwlHpu1Qrc2aAXmMk-jz4/s1600/ClimateMarch.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig-r4IrWX905ym34rC2_kXCiD1P562y8xS5bkiixFeSbErniQxPcWoMPEqslyx02LbjljH2pztLGWycmvHpi56vf5xQ4ik54H4eMcsF987g1qDwK9gFkP0-YpwlHpu1Qrc2aAXmMk-jz4/s640/ClimateMarch.png" width="492" /></a></div>
<br />Linda Coburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11587097157810549103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4336465334992211236.post-50500305421998599332013-02-08T15:44:00.002-08:002013-02-11T15:23:18.635-08:00Make your home S.A.F.E.<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="yui_3_7_2_1_1360347845930_17730"><u id="yui_3_7_2_1_1360347845930_17729"></u></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="yui_3_7_2_1_1360347845930_17730"><u id="yui_3_7_2_1_1360347845930_17729"></u></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span id="yui_3_7_2_1_1360347845930_17730">If your garage looks even remotely like mine, you need to take a trip to a </span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="yui_3_7_2_1_1360347845930_17730"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">S.A.F.E. (Solvents/Automotive/Flammables/Electronics) Center.</span> </span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyKq3Rx5phC2LIrJpw4OepuRUBGWT8cMvy5EI5ABUV8mxlGltBm7RyKpiOTzU9-BoRh4O-umY7BVbLw6xyTEG1MHk7DlXTNZnuonYNax4-msO-I1yh3bmp2zSixx1CaFIj8P-1GkHJScM/s1600/recycle-other-household-hazardous-waste.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyKq3Rx5phC2LIrJpw4OepuRUBGWT8cMvy5EI5ABUV8mxlGltBm7RyKpiOTzU9-BoRh4O-umY7BVbLw6xyTEG1MHk7DlXTNZnuonYNax4-msO-I1yh3bmp2zSixx1CaFIj8P-1GkHJScM/s200/recycle-other-household-hazardous-waste.bmp" width="200" /></a><span id="yui_3_7_2_1_1360347845930_17730" style="font-size: small;">Operated by the City of Los Angeles Bureau of Sanitation, S.A.F.E. Centers accept all manner of household hazardous waste which they will then dispose of properly. This includes </span><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><span id="yui_3_7_2_1_1360347845930_17713"><span id="yui_3_7_2_1_1360347845930_17715">paint, pool and garden chemicals,
printer ink cartridges, motor oil, batteries, fluorescent lightbulbs (including compact fluorescents) and anything else you just know should not go into the regular landfill. </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span id="yui_3_7_2_1_1360347845930_17713"><span id="yui_3_7_2_1_1360347845930_17715">They will also recycle e-waste like old computers, monitors, printers, cables, televisions, microwaves and the like. </span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span id="yui_3_7_2_1_1360347845930_17713"><span id="yui_3_7_2_1_1360347845930_17715">Best of all, they are open to the public every Saturday and Sunday, from 9 AM to 3PM. Two S.A.F.E. Centers are located in the Valley. One is in Granada Hills, at 10241 N. Balboa Blvd. </span></span></span>(half a block south of Devonshire. The other is in Sun Valley, at 11025 Randall St. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span id="yui_3_7_2_1_1360347845930_17713"><span id="yui_3_7_2_1_1360347845930_17712"><span id="yui_3_7_2_1_1360347845930_17711">To see a more complete list of items
that are accepted, visit the <a href="http://www.lacitysan.org/solid_resources/special/hhw/safe_centers/index.htm">Bureau of Sanitation website</a>.</span></span></span></span></div>
Linda Coburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11587097157810549103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4336465334992211236.post-83324378466274868492010-09-30T17:31:00.000-07:002010-09-30T17:31:40.249-07:00Radon in the Valley I recently wrote an article for the new <a href="http://chatsworth.patch.com/">ChatsworthPatch</a> website about the potential <a href="http://chatsworth.patch.com/search?keywords=radon">dangers of radon in Chatsworth</a>. <br />
What I learned was astounding. First, that radon is a very commonly-occurring substance throughout the United States. Second, that radon gas is the second leading cause of lung cancer in America. (Smoking is the first). Third, that throughout the San Fernando Valley radon levels considered unsafe by the EPA have been documented in LOTS of residences.<br />
The statistics come from a<a href="http://www.cdph.ca.gov/healthinfo/environhealth/Documents/Radon/CaliforniaRadonDatabase.pdf"> California Dept. of Public Health databas</a>e that is available to all. It lists the results of tests done on residences by zip code. There is no information on specific addresses or actual radon levels -- it just shows how many tests have been reported in a zip code and how many were at or above the unsafe level of 4 pCi/L (picocuries per liter.)<br />
I work in Chatsworth (16%) live in Northridge (30%), and have relatives living in Granada Hills (16%) and Woodland Hills (32%), so I immediately ordered test kits for home and office and relatives from the <a href="http://www.cdph.ca.gov/healthinfo/environhealth/Pages/RadonTestKits.aspx">Dr. Home Air</a> website as mentioned in the article. It took about a week for the kits to arrive.<br />
The test kit directions state that your home test should be done with all the doors and windows closed. This is not a condition that is normal for my home most of the year -- but it just happened that 100 degree-plus temperatures conspired to keep the a/c running and all doors and windows closed. (There were no directions about air conditioning.)<br />
The test was easy -- take the little plastic container filled with activated charcoal out of a poly bag and set it on a surface off of the floor in a living space inside the house. <br />
We set the kit out on top of the piano in the living room on Friday and on Monday morning popped it into its little bag and sent it off to the lab for analysis. (The cost of analysis is included in the $5 test kit fee -- a bargain.) Today we received the results by e-mail, which we had requested.<br />
They were NOT good. Our home showed a level of 4.2 pCi/L. While you might say that's just a fraction over the line of safe/unsafe, you might want to know that the World Health Organization recently lowered what it considers a "safe" level to 2.7 percent. Which means our home is definitely in the red zone.<br />
The next step will be to run another test (I got an extra kit just in case) and see what the results from that are. If we get two "bad" tests, then we'll have to call in the pros to decide what our next step is.<br />
Most likely, we'll install a radon mitigation system. In my view, you can't be too careful with a toxin in your home that, if left untreated, means me and my family would have the same chance of dying of lung cancer as we would of dying in a car crash. For more crazy statistics like this, and more info on radon, check out the very informative and easy to navigate <a href="http://www.epa.gov/radon/">EPA Radon</a> website.<br />
If you live in the Valley and you haven't ordered your test kit yet, do it. Or make sure you have really good health insurance.<br />
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Linda Coburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11587097157810549103noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4336465334992211236.post-7408745012315084952010-09-29T13:15:00.000-07:002010-09-29T13:35:04.954-07:00Native Plant Sale & Free Garden Talks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.lasmmcnps.org/plant%20sale%20plants.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://www.lasmmcnps.org/plant%20sale%20plants.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> The hubby and I have decided to kill the lawn and create a drought-tolerant landscape in our front yard. That darned Bermuda grass just doesn't want to go away! No water for nearly 9 months and there's still green sprouts (but not enough to leave it.<br />
So I was very excited to learn about the Native Plant Sale this weekend. The extremely knowledgeable volunteers from the <a href="http://www.lacnps.org/">California Native Plant Society</a> will be selling seeds, shrubs, irises, mints, sages, berries and more plus books, posters, and other paraphernalia on Saturday and Sunday, October 2 and 3. <br />
The event takes place at the Sepulveda Garden Center at 16633 Magnolia Blvd. in Encino, just west of Hayvenhurst. <br />
On Saturday, at 1pm, noted landscape architect Bob Perry will discuss his latest book, Landscape Plants for California Gardens. Of course copies of the book will be available for purchase and signing. <br />
Then at noon on Sunday, Emily Green, who writes the "Dry Garden" column for the LA Times, will talk about the 10-year evolution of a native garden.<br />
If you haven't visited yet, the Sepulveda Garden Center is made up of community garden plots and touring through that is worth the trip in and of itself.<br />
Later in the month the Theodore Payne Foundation will be hosting its own sale so if you don't find what you're looking for this weekend, there's a fallback!Linda Coburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11587097157810549103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4336465334992211236.post-32419701855161541792010-08-31T11:16:00.000-07:002010-08-31T11:16:15.174-07:00Chatsworth Solar Manufacturer Pitches the MayorGreat <a href="http://www.dailynews.com/news/ci_15944215">story in the Daily News about Chatsworth-based International Solar Electric Technology </a>meeting with Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa on Monday.<br />
ISET president Vijay Kapur reportedly asked the mayor for assistance in getting a Dept. of Energy loan guarantee. It certainly seems like a reasonable request, especially considering the company would generate 250 new manufacturing jobs.Linda Coburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11587097157810549103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4336465334992211236.post-48508378624758025062010-08-06T11:10:00.000-07:002010-08-06T11:10:13.911-07:00Solar Powered Microturbine Test is Successful<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3c_mIAUUbUBC9V6zzP3a2rWUfKknMkuj-g3aU-b5woHTepC4J0K0wIMIHgzDaFo4Rolq2h0cmv0-2u3sTjbbIvOKx1jAeNyTdnbmHanU-Nw1mft8CAHW-QUuc3zhezRNIPdUxK5tSKkg/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="84" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3c_mIAUUbUBC9V6zzP3a2rWUfKknMkuj-g3aU-b5woHTepC4J0K0wIMIHgzDaFo4Rolq2h0cmv0-2u3sTjbbIvOKx1jAeNyTdnbmHanU-Nw1mft8CAHW-QUuc3zhezRNIPdUxK5tSKkg/s200/images.jpg" width="200" /></a>Chatsworth-based <a href="http://www.capstoneturbine.com/">Capstone Turbine Corporation </a>recently announced that they have been successful in converting sunlight to electricity with a solar receiver driving a microturbine.<br><br><br />
They did so with a product developed by <a href="http://www.heliofocus.com/">HelioFocus</a>, an Israeli company. The two companies are working together to develop a microturbine engine that can use solar power.<br><br><br />
The HelioFocus Solar Concentrator focuses enough sunlight energy to provide heat to drive the microturbine.<br><br><br />
Company executives maintain that this new system is more efficient and requires less space than traditional photovoltaic systems.<br><br><br />
"The commercial Concentrated Solar Power product should compare favorably in cost to photovoltaic," said Mark Gilbreth, Capstone's chief technology officer. Linda Coburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11587097157810549103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4336465334992211236.post-30613455409769115232010-06-29T09:23:00.000-07:002010-06-29T09:23:02.574-07:00Food Justice with Patt Morrison - Town Hall Event<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media.scpr.org/images/events/2010/06/17/PM_Food_Deserts_7-15-2010_FINAL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" ru="true" src="http://media.scpr.org/images/events/2010/06/17/PM_Food_Deserts_7-15-2010_FINAL.jpg" /></a></div>Local public radio station KPCC will be hosting a special Town Hall event with Patt Morrison on July 15 with a mouthful of a title: Navigating L.A.’s Food Deserts: How to Ensure Equal Access to Healthy Food & Fresh Produce.<br />
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The event takes place Thursday, July 15, in Pasadena at the Crawford Family Forum and Mohn Broadcast Center. A press release said that Morrison ..."will spend an hour with those on the front lines of food justice to explore L.A.'s food deserts and the efforts to attract more grocery stores, farmers' markets and community gardens into these underserved, and often forgotten, communities."<br />
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There's no charge to attend but reservations are required. To learn more about this event, or to RSVP, visit <a href="http://www.scpr.org/events/2010/07/15/navigating-ls-food-deserts-how-ensure-equal-access/">scpr.org/forum</a>.<br />
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Photo Credit: David McNew, Getty ImagesLinda Coburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11587097157810549103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4336465334992211236.post-71073587052812292462010-06-15T17:15:00.000-07:002010-06-15T17:15:08.560-07:00Environmental Curriculum Approved Statewide<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Verdana, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpVxgIPqVhAwhoGKDofH9pkcDQsIaf6syqC1SR7YdOQEPFoQ7zusr89V3l0U5D7DsXI7Mb0DUkUxbzZd3zGuckCX0dg-ioErN2AO87VxsqM1o6eM49PhyphenhyphenMv4fLcWqPR2SP55zWVN4FLf4/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpVxgIPqVhAwhoGKDofH9pkcDQsIaf6syqC1SR7YdOQEPFoQ7zusr89V3l0U5D7DsXI7Mb0DUkUxbzZd3zGuckCX0dg-ioErN2AO87VxsqM1o6eM49PhyphenhyphenMv4fLcWqPR2SP55zWVN4FLf4/s320/images.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="display: block; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">The Cal/EPA announced today that the <b style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;"><i style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;">California Education and the Environment Initiative (EEI) Curriculum</i></b> was approved for use in K-12 classrooms statewide. The State Board of Education voted for it unanimously.<span style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;"><br><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="display: block; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">“Students of all grade levels love learning about the environment around them,” said Linda Adams, Secretary of the California Environmental Protection Agency.<span style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;"> </span>“With the approval of the State Board of Education, the EEI Curriculum takes important science and history-social science academic standards that every student needs to understand and uses the environment to teach those standards to mastery.<span style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;"> </span>Along the way, the EEI makes learning relevant and fun, and we’re pleased that this new curriculum will be an in-depth resource for California educators statewide.”</div><br><div class="MsoNormal" style="display: block; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Visit <a href="http://CaliforniaEEI.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=086ecc5d195d39b986b7fd247&id=fe5fb99388&e=63a03f2c54" rel="nofollow" style="color: maroon; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">www.CaliforniaEEI.org</a> to see all of the 85 EEI Curriculum units.<span style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;"> </span>Many are still in their “final draft” version, but final versions are being posted weekly. By Fall of 2010, the entire curriculum will be available <span style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;">for download free of charge.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="display: block; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br />
</div>Linda Coburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11587097157810549103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4336465334992211236.post-53469106789466350282010-05-21T09:36:00.000-07:002010-05-21T09:36:02.494-07:00Amgen Tour Finale in the Conejo Valley<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amgentourconejo.org/civica/news/inc/blobfetch.asp?BlobID=16417" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.amgentourconejo.org/civica/news/inc/blobfetch.asp?BlobID=16417" /></a></div>It's hard to believe, but a major sporting event is going to have its grand finale' in Thousand Oaks this weekend.<br />
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That's right, professional cyclists on the <a href="http://www.amgentourconejo.org/">Amgen Tour of California</a> will cross the finish line on Westlake Boulevard near the Hyatt on Sunday (May 23).Even if you're not a cycling enthusiast, don't miss this opportunity to watch the best of the best zoom past as they take on a tough mountain course.<br />
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Eateries in the Oaks Shopping Center will be opening early to accommodate spectators and other activities are planning throughout the weekend. Click <a href="http://www.amgentourconejo.org/special/events.asp">here</a> for details.<br />
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The King of Cycling, Lance Armstrong is out of the race after taking a tumble and requiring stitches on Thursday but chances are excellent he'll make some kind of appearance. Linda Coburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11587097157810549103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4336465334992211236.post-47275664077454032962010-04-28T14:03:00.000-07:002010-04-28T14:03:19.274-07:00Sunday Food Harvest Volunteers NeededThis weekend, May 1<sup>st</sup> and 2<sup>nd</sup> <a href="http://www.foodforward.org/">Food Forward</a> will participate in Big Sunday with its Big Pick event.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBNMihbrottV-uHfip6bXBeVEClUSQqhI3HPIwCEqYeHHi3_hB8vova81QLT1KjzmM6HS24hLLttGwsXJQyu_BRYh5g9HAdrUxsMwo-hYYxq2agLrJxAuA0pbJIkP2alni-dVrHfnjDas/s1600/FF.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBNMihbrottV-uHfip6bXBeVEClUSQqhI3HPIwCEqYeHHi3_hB8vova81QLT1KjzmM6HS24hLLttGwsXJQyu_BRYh5g9HAdrUxsMwo-hYYxq2agLrJxAuA0pbJIkP2alni-dVrHfnjDas/s320/FF.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Help harvest fruit trees in neighborhoods in the North San Fernando Valley to feed the hungry. There are multiple trees on multiple properties just ready to be harvested! EXTRA trees have come through so we need EXTRA help!<br />
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Volunteers are needed on Saturday, May 1 from 9am to noon in Granada Hills, and on Sunday from 9am to noon in Northridge. Please RSVP to <a href="mailto:marie@foodforward.org">marie@foodforward.org</a> if you are free to help out! Let her know which day/location you will report to.<br />
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In addition to getting the warm and fuzzies, you'll also be eligible for donuts and coffee both days plus FREE Big Sunday t-shirts for all who help!<br />
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Read more about the massive amount of fresh fruits and veggies being offered to L.A. area food banks by Food Forward in this <a href="http://www.latimes.com/features/food/la-fo-gleaners9-2009sep09,0,604880.story">Los Angeles Times article</a>.Linda Coburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11587097157810549103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4336465334992211236.post-71865072718273579042010-04-27T17:54:00.000-07:002010-04-27T17:54:19.197-07:00Vote for Environmental High by Thursday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2ViLtqV7QAunsGhXeqyuobVIjFVAUaLjGMeSCKukFaXyQAdqPjIIdU82CHDUO_8wJ3BTpjBSmAI7xmN6P4agJ8XWt00I63h3nSh7N5qLD3-Z6DpceL4NWNfM_UmlnyxZZBs8MBsgO0Ng/s1600/echs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="97" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2ViLtqV7QAunsGhXeqyuobVIjFVAUaLjGMeSCKukFaXyQAdqPjIIdU82CHDUO_8wJ3BTpjBSmAI7xmN6P4agJ8XWt00I63h3nSh7N5qLD3-Z6DpceL4NWNfM_UmlnyxZZBs8MBsgO0Ng/s320/echs.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The students at <a href="http://www.echsonline.org/">Environmental Charter High School</a> in Lawndale are asking for YOUR vote in Obama's Commencement Challenge.<br />
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You must vote by Thursday evening for your vote to count.<br />
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Environmental Charter is a college prep charter school in South Los Angeles. Of the five finalists in the Commencement Challenge it is the only West Coast school, and it is the only institution that focuses on sustainability in its curriculum.<br />
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Give the kids at high 5 by voting NOW at <span style="color: black; font-family: Trebuchet MS,Verdana,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1103345843927&s=6836&e=001pBJx62JfkP6dn44xmBHx-uV317NGrpHlAtUapTKKRc941k5bE1QPvLJenp4d0z2__ydhVZCCWgTBym6xIG_i4SSDtDSlkrUJeqIzcrGG867ORVPOvCbvzgSNdBq1CZMg2I4psfvYWYg=" rel="nofollow" shape="rect" style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">http://www.whitehouse.gov/commencement</a>. </span></span>Linda Coburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11587097157810549103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4336465334992211236.post-56694258857737168712010-04-23T23:17:00.000-07:002010-04-23T23:18:07.949-07:00Whole Child Whole Planet Earth Day Extravaganza<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.highlandhall.org/10%20New%20home%20page/WCWP" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.highlandhall.org/10%20New%20home%20page/WCWP" /></a></div>I spent a couple of hours this evening helping Kathy Arnos and her gang of volunteers set up for the <a href="http://www.wcwpexpo.com/">Whole Child, Whole Planet Expo</a> taking place on Saturday from 9:30a.m. to 6 p.m. The venue is truly beautiful -- the Highland Hall Waldorf School in Northridge feels more like a summer camp than a primary school campus.<br />
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Beautiful venue, free admission, free childcare, workshops, lots of freebies and great giveaways, music and entertainment, kids crafts -- I can't imagine a better way to spend the day which promises to feature our best weather all week.Linda Coburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11587097157810549103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4336465334992211236.post-29781701241968571262010-04-21T17:39:00.000-07:002010-04-21T17:39:36.392-07:00Earth Day Water Expo at Balboa Park<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt7wlUHFXyNML2gIllCC7vnDhQv8BnJPsnrZHvkMwqVCjLr9ZmzslyAY9iQbSZFLFh1_r_V0OXM4eE_2PaCmJn2Vu2A2NyNN8bgcjt8mfKghw0TNBn6yOsmqGda8lQbV0F9e2CBmkZTHo/s1600/ValleyWaterExpo.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt7wlUHFXyNML2gIllCC7vnDhQv8BnJPsnrZHvkMwqVCjLr9ZmzslyAY9iQbSZFLFh1_r_V0OXM4eE_2PaCmJn2Vu2A2NyNN8bgcjt8mfKghw0TNBn6yOsmqGda8lQbV0F9e2CBmkZTHo/s320/ValleyWaterExpo.png" /></a></div>I'm really excited about the <a href="http://valleywaterexpo.blogspot.com/">Earth Day Water Expo</a> happening Thursday, April 22, at Balboa Park.<br />
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For one thing, it starts at 6 p.m. so those of us who work all day can still celebrate Earth Day.<br />
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For another, they are going to have a whole mess o' vendors there with water-saving devices, landscaping tips, plant consultations, and the like.<br />
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DWP reps will be there too and I'm very interested in learning more about the so-called "Cash for Grass" program. (Think front lawns, not 4/20 folks). It's also referred to as the <a href="http://socalwatersmart.com/index.php">SoCal Water Smart program</a> or the <a href="http://www.ladwp.com/ladwp/cms/ladwp000399.jsp">LADWP/MWD Residential Water Conservation Rebate Program</a>.<br />
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The Expo is free and with more than 20 valuable raffle prizes you could actually end up in the plus column. Of course you'll for sure at least learn one useful thing you can take home regardless.<br />
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Do Earth Day right and take the Orange Line to avoid parking hassles or ride your bike (make sure your lights are charged up). The Sports Center building is on the Burbank end of the park on the West side of Balboa.Linda Coburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11587097157810549103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4336465334992211236.post-41022298988626493552010-03-04T10:06:00.000-08:002010-03-04T10:06:36.752-08:00Stop Phone Books Before They Are DeliveredAfter just receiving pounds of phone books delivered to my home and office -- phone books that will never be used -- I was pleased to receive this electronic news from <a href="http://www.smart2begreen.com/newsletter">Smart 2 Be Green</a>, about how to stop them from coming in the first place.<br />
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Visit <a href="http://www.yellowpagesgoesgreen.org/stop-yellow-pages/">YellowPagesGoesGreen</a> and <a href="http://www.paperlesspetition.org/">Paperless Petition</a>.<br />
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In the meantime, phone books can be recycled with all your other paper recycling. Or you can reuse them as these enterprising college men did, <a href="http://www.ecojoes.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/02/phone-book-couch.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="161" src="http://www.ecojoes.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/02/phone-book-couch.jpg" width="200" /></a>courtesy of College Humor.com.Linda Coburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11587097157810549103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4336465334992211236.post-75229180856043309562010-01-21T15:42:00.000-08:002010-01-21T15:44:44.403-08:00Go Green Expo This Weekend<a href="http://www.treehugger.com/Go-Green-LA-show.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; float=right"><img border="0" height="86" src="http://www.treehugger.com/Go-Green-LA-show.jpg" width="220" /></a><br />
I'm looking forward to the <a href="http://www.gogreenexpo.com/events/attendees.php?evid=13">Go Green Expo</a> this weekend. Last year's event had something for everyone -- families, homeowners, renters, pet lovers, hard-core greenies and people just getting informed. I've been informed that Made in the Valley will have a number of its member companies exhibiting including spa treatments by Bee Gorgeous Organics, organic coffee tasting by Aha Chocolate and pastries from Divine Delights.<br />
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There's a whole raft of workshops, yoga sessions, a drum circle, film screenings and seminars. Also, for some reason, there are a lot of events about pets including a pet rescue hosted by Linda Blair. <a href="http://www.gogreenexpo.com/events/index.php?evid=13">Check the schedule here.</a><br />
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Tickets are $10 for adults which covers both Saturday and Sunday. Kids under 12 are free, seniors and students with valid IDs get in for just $5. The event is at the Los Angeles Convention Center so you can take the Metro. If you drive down, expect to pay at least $12 to park. Saturday the hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday it's 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (But from past experience, some vendors start packing up around 3 p.m. on Sunday so don't wait until the last minute.Linda Coburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11587097157810549103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4336465334992211236.post-26904414490218174102009-11-16T12:02:00.000-08:002009-11-16T12:29:48.227-08:00The Dreaded Affluenza Virus<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwpJwI-eWz7y3yoV64qSJ75rm8tzVBUdseVdUgO8uI83bMjmLT1ZOE5nVcZlvMXGjyENYAsAcQIBSqOaQrmRGjzlo9Jlx6d91-ljBaSULfFXf21n3PUy51cHy8fYX9eIrDIMTpOekjGHM/s1600/Affluenza.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Affluenza" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwpJwI-eWz7y3yoV64qSJ75rm8tzVBUdseVdUgO8uI83bMjmLT1ZOE5nVcZlvMXGjyENYAsAcQIBSqOaQrmRGjzlo9Jlx6d91-ljBaSULfFXf21n3PUy51cHy8fYX9eIrDIMTpOekjGHM/s1600/Affluenza.jpg" style="float: left; border: none; height: 114px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 0px; width: 154px;" /></a><br />
</div>Influenza dominates the news these days, but you're much more likely to be afflicted with affluenza this time of year.<br />
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That's right, affluenza -- a mental health disease that is known to affect mental processing and logic functions. It is particularly strong in the Northern Hemisphere between November 24 and December 25.<br />
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To find out if you are in danger, take the Affluenza Risk Assessment <a name='more'></a> by answering True or False to the following questions:<br />
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1. I'm willing to pay more for a t-shirt if it has a cool corporate logo on it.<br />
2. I believe that if I buy the cocktail dress, the cocktail party will come.<br />
3. I have a shoe collection Imelda Marcos would envy.<br />
4. When I'm cold, I take my clothes off and turn up the heat.<br />
5. I'm willing to work 40 years at a job I hate so I can buy lots of stuff.<br />
6. When I'm feeling blue, I like to go shopping and treat myself.<br />
7. I want an SUV although I rarely drive in conditions that warrant one.<br />
8. I usually make just the minimum payment on my credit cards.<br />
9. I believe that whoever dies with the most toys wins.<br />
10. Most of the things my friends/family and I enjoy doing together are free.<br />
11. I don't measure my self-worth (or that of others) by what I own.<br />
12. I know how to pinch a dollar until it screams.<br />
13. I worry about the effects of advertising on children.<br />
14. To get to work, I carpool, ride my bike or use public transportation.<br />
15. I'd rather be shopping right now.<br />
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<span style="font-style: italic;">For questions 1-9 and 15, give yourself 2 points for true and 1 point for false.<br />
For questions 10-14, give yourself 0 points for true and 2 points for false.<br />
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If you scored:<br />
10-15 No dangerous signs of Affluenza at this time.<br />
16-22 Warning: You have mild Affluenza.<br />
23-30 Cut up your credit cards and call a mental health professional (or your mother).<br />
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There are a number of vaccines available, both of which require nothing more than spending between 20 and 60 minutes in front of your computer, which you're obviously doing anyway. I recommend starting off slowly, with the 20-minute <a href="http://www.storyofstuff.com/">Story of Stuff </a>video. Suitable for all ages, the Story of Stuff traces the path of consumer products and its effects on our physical environment and our mental health. You should watch it just because Glenn Beck says you shouldn't.<br />
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For a booster shot, move on to the 60-minute PBS special entitled <a href="http://www.pbs.org/kcts/affluenza/">Affluenza</a>. (To do so you'll need to either purchase the video from <a href="http://www.bullfrogfilms.com/">Bullfrog Films</a> or download the free <a href="http://www.veoh.com/browse/videos/category/educational/watch/v1465225TgyF4x6j#http%3A%2F%2Fwww.veoh.com%2Fsearch%2Fvideos%2Fq%2Fpublisher%3Alarts99">VEOH</a> web player which takes just a minute or two.)Linda Coburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11587097157810549103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4336465334992211236.post-37413772020129700662009-10-21T11:59:00.000-07:002009-10-21T12:10:48.290-07:00Another NC Votes For Bike LanesGlenn Bailey, chair of the City of LA Bicycle Advisory Committee reported via e-mail that the Reseda Neighborhood Council has added its YAY (or yea, if you wanna get technical) vote for more bike lanes in the Valley. Following is the full text of his email.<br /><br />"In response to the recent Reseda Boulevard peak hour motor vehicle lanes versus bicycle lanes controversy, the Reseda Neighborhood Council board voted overwhelmingly Monday night to support the installation of bicycle lanes on Reseda Boulevard "where feasible."<br /><br />According to a map presented by the Department of Transportation's Paul Meshkin, there is currently adequate width on Reseda Boulevard between Valerio Street on the south and Chase Street on the north, a distance of approximately one mile, to allow for such lanes.<br /><br />The remaining stretch in Reseda between Vanowen and Valerio streets is too narrow to allow for bicycle lanes without the removal of parking or traffic lanes but will be studied for bicycle route designation (signage only), Meshkin said."<br /><br />Make YOUR voice heard by reviewing AND COMMENTING ON the <a href="http://www.labikeplan.org/">draft bike plan</a> before Nov. 6.Linda Coburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11587097157810549103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4336465334992211236.post-38439855439888779292009-10-18T21:37:00.000-07:002009-10-21T12:11:41.360-07:00Eco- and Wallet-Friendly Shoes<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.summerrayne.net/wp-content/gallery/advertisements/thumbs/thumbs_004_ads_sro_payless1.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 100px; height: 129px;" src="http://www.summerrayne.net/wp-content/gallery/advertisements/thumbs/thumbs_004_ads_sro_payless1.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Just saw an article in the <span style="font-style:italic;"><a href="http://sundial.csun.edu/2009/10/eco-sneakers-affordable-green-fashion">Daily Sundial</a></span> (the Cal State Northridge daily newspaper)about a line of eco-friendly shoes introduced by Payless Shoesource in April. They're cute, cheap, and use organic, natural and recycled materials (mostly). <a href="http://www.payless.com/store/catalog/brandlisting.jsp;jsessionid=C3B0C1BE879B6CCAA69EB5CC6A6D812B?trail=1014:100125&catId=cat10376&brandId=100125">Check them out</a>!Linda Coburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11587097157810549103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4336465334992211236.post-38955251119371605472009-10-16T10:00:00.000-07:002009-10-16T10:00:03.891-07:00Newsweek recently came out with a list of what it called <a href="http://greenrankings.newsweek.com/">The Greenest Big Companies in America.</a> It's incredibly disappointing -- they really should have stopped at the top 25. <br /><br />The 65th Greenest Company in America, <a href="http://greenrankings.newsweek.com/companies/view/medtronic">Medtronics</a>, lives right here in Northridge. Here's what Newsweek had to say about why it ranked in the Top 100:<br /><blockquote>In 2008, (Medtronics) recycled 44% of its total solid waste, a 5% increase from the previous year. Also has made small efforts to eliminate controversial substances, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), from products. But beyond setting short-term goals on air emissions, the medical device manufacturer has announced few other plans. </blockquote><br />Really? that's it? They recycled? Is that all it takes to be this high up on the list? I'm afraid that if I read any further I'll just pop a vein.Linda Coburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11587097157810549103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4336465334992211236.post-50639859611639184092009-10-15T09:47:00.000-07:002009-10-15T09:58:45.357-07:00Cal State Northridge Sustainability EffortsThe most recent issue of <a href="http://www.northridgemagazine.com">Northridge Magazine</a>, the alumni magazine of Cal State Northridge, is an ode to the wide variety of sustainability initiatives on the campus.<br />The <a href="http://www.northridgemagazine.com/2009/10/ultimatesustainablesystem/">Physical Plant Department</a> has been leading the way in energy efficiency for more than 20 years and the campus boasts the largest fuel cell power plant of any university in the world.<br />On Tuesday, Oct. 20, CSUN will be hosting its first <a href="http://www.csun.edu/sustainability/">Water Day</a>. Leave your super soakers at home -- this is a free educational event, open to the public, that will include workshops and lectures on the water issues facing California (past and present), tips and tricks to increase personal water efficiency, updates from DWP and others on the future of water, and more. <br />Then on Wednesday is <a href="http://www.csun.edu/sustainability/">Campus Sustainability Day</a>. Workshops and roundtables to invite the local and campus community to discuss sustainaibility issues and presentations by CSUN students about sustainability research and projects. From 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., join the Associated Students Environmental Affairs Committee at the Orange Grove. Help pick oranges that will be used in campus food services and donated to local food banks.<br />At 5 p.m. Hillel Center will be hosting a Sustainable Gardening Social. Exchange a non-perishable food item (to be donated to a local food bank) and in return you'll get dinner, including produce from their experimental food garden, and a show!Linda Coburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11587097157810549103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4336465334992211236.post-91929635507344159692009-10-02T22:15:00.000-07:002009-10-02T22:24:02.797-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioWMi_pjuf1_4h3GovLfWnE9i7rRCpqKaSqTCAYAcsL5jnPXXnj62q0cZPd8h0PgX2OlLYlFzLxZP1vTPG4JrqAOYZcpw4Vemh2isc7144HX8F5S55MT4OR2nx2mpOxAySQXDQU8VrPwk/s1600-h/editing+survey+button3.png"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 82px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioWMi_pjuf1_4h3GovLfWnE9i7rRCpqKaSqTCAYAcsL5jnPXXnj62q0cZPd8h0PgX2OlLYlFzLxZP1vTPG4JrqAOYZcpw4Vemh2isc7144HX8F5S55MT4OR2nx2mpOxAySQXDQU8VrPwk/s200/editing+survey+button3.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388239794796690770" /></a>The City of Los Angeles has received funds from the DOE to develop and carry out programs and projects to reduce energy consumption.<br><br />Believe it or not, they want YOUR opinion about how to spend the money. That is, if you're a resident of the city of angels. <br><br />"The public opinions we are collecting will be incorporated into the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy that is being developed as part of (the Energy Efficiency & Conservation Block grant."<br><br />It's a fairly short survey that simply asks you to rate priorities for various projects under consideration. There's also room for you to add your own ideas.<br /><a href="http://www.environmentla.org/EECBG/EECBG.htm" target="_blank">Please take the survey now</a> -- make your GREEN voice heard.Linda Coburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11587097157810549103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4336465334992211236.post-66739508940924749652009-10-02T21:12:00.000-07:002009-10-02T21:49:57.949-07:00Recycle Shoes, Get New Ones at a Discount<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkMH3TgQyVtNw74RnKQhaLc1PJYQK542RlqfFR4Xhnvfe_iyJt1nuYVIHhtDZw3QVEqEhqPYdg_XeuOB3Ql_Z_me6fUn2i_nxtQEMvo68JT-eDeaD99EiS9xsRrgfZxk0p1tShOVuYUeY/s1600-h/solesforsouls.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 157px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkMH3TgQyVtNw74RnKQhaLc1PJYQK542RlqfFR4Xhnvfe_iyJt1nuYVIHhtDZw3QVEqEhqPYdg_XeuOB3Ql_Z_me6fUn2i_nxtQEMvo68JT-eDeaD99EiS9xsRrgfZxk0p1tShOVuYUeY/s200/solesforsouls.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388223439076913186" /></a>If you've got any unworn or "gently worn" footwear in your closet, Sport Chalet will take them off your hands and give you a discount on new shoes to boot.<br><br />The recovered shoes will be donated to <a href="http://www.soles4souls.org/" target-"_blank">Soles 4 Souls</a> which will then distribute them to people in need throughout the world. Many of the shoes go to disaster victims and they are particularly trying to fill the need in Samoa for those who survived the tsunami this week.<br>Donate any pair of gently worn shoes at a <a href="http://www.sportchalet.com/">Sport Chalet store</a> between October 5 and October 12 and not only will you feel all warm and fuzzy, but you will receive 25% off any regularly priced pair of shoes in their stores. One discount per pair -- bring as many pair as you like.Linda Coburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11587097157810549103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4336465334992211236.post-11036883609074107272009-08-17T16:10:00.000-07:002009-10-02T21:50:28.629-07:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSiYDIQsQPE4GGe51DEA964-Kgce3tLUqt4XIBuGKzmPNse3zyzhJhkYvlgDZNkM3FHxrHwDb_7zhNjOTlnqL20ODj24UU1W8JPf3e6SRBGh-ODIiPjG6zIccNgYL0AVa8NPB6VdeqAyM/s1600-h/bicycledreamsmovie.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSiYDIQsQPE4GGe51DEA964-Kgce3tLUqt4XIBuGKzmPNse3zyzhJhkYvlgDZNkM3FHxrHwDb_7zhNjOTlnqL20ODj24UU1W8JPf3e6SRBGh-ODIiPjG6zIccNgYL0AVa8NPB6VdeqAyM/s200/bicycledreamsmovie.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371077729650746498" /></a><a href="http://la-bike.org">The Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition </a>will be co-hosting a special screening of a new documentary film, <a href="http://bicycledreamsmovie.com">"Bicycle Dreams"</a> August 29.<br><br />The award-winning film by Stephen Auerbach chronicles the Race Across America, an epic, 3000-mile bicycle race from the Pacific to the Atlantic.<br>The screening will begin at 7 p.m. at the <a href="http://encinovelodrome.org">Encino Velodrome</a>, 17301 Oxnard Street. A $5 donation per individual or a $15 donation per family is requested.Linda Coburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11587097157810549103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4336465334992211236.post-75311649350896111502009-06-30T10:44:00.000-07:002009-06-30T11:06:12.192-07:00Reel Green Workshop in Burbank<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFX4I-AtHEQtTwrJwxBucxgvhR84BaC1G38I35sBr1trGogIEqtwE6h8SP9Wwao8NxRj4w46U5kwPUT1_ikUoEnyNfOtv0JEwoW8ySwrS0LX4pzGOrl0c6uUA-RdNs-NzLAVXDPuvDMW0/s1600-h/burbankgreenlogo.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 71px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFX4I-AtHEQtTwrJwxBucxgvhR84BaC1G38I35sBr1trGogIEqtwE6h8SP9Wwao8NxRj4w46U5kwPUT1_ikUoEnyNfOtv0JEwoW8ySwrS0LX4pzGOrl0c6uUA-RdNs-NzLAVXDPuvDMW0/s200/burbankgreenlogo.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353181359222429330" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.BurbankGreenAlliance.org" target="_blank">The Burbank Green Alliance</a> will be hosting a <a href="http://www.BurbankGreenAlliance.org/events.html" target="_blank">two-hour workshop </a>on July 11 aimed at helping those in the entertainment industry to become more sustainable.<br><br>Topics will include creating sustainability goals, forming a culture of sustainability, and implementing in-house recycling initiatives.<br><br><br />Already confirmed as speakers are Josh Mark, director of sustainability for Fox Broadcasting; Shannon Schaefer, president of <a href="http://www.ecosetconsulting.com/" target="_blank">EcoSet Consulting</a>; and Lauren Selman, president of <a href="http://www.reelgreenmedia.com" target="_blank">Reel Green Media</a>.<br><br><br />To attend you must RSVP by July 1 to Jessica Aldridge by calling (818) 238-3900 or sending an email to info@BurbankGreenAlliance.org.Linda Coburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11587097157810549103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4336465334992211236.post-70051751859396046752009-06-05T10:52:00.000-07:002009-06-05T11:35:03.857-07:00It's All About the Bicycles This Weekend<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOvB3wamYN4Os6JoC6BGws5dyYnuL3FC3gJ78-iAf7969ROjLITC8OXwmogjVF5vGPX0aX4F2uTZlQFteAEgq0CjvPdY-JSqDZfjUn2U_Hm35nNe43cK2PSd35gb6gUmbCp5eEiylvOSE/s1600-h/rr-art-200w.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 133px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOvB3wamYN4Os6JoC6BGws5dyYnuL3FC3gJ78-iAf7969ROjLITC8OXwmogjVF5vGPX0aX4F2uTZlQFteAEgq0CjvPdY-JSqDZfjUn2U_Hm35nNe43cK2PSd35gb6gUmbCp5eEiylvOSE/s200/rr-art-200w.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343903659445105218" /></a>The 9th Annual <a href="http://la-bike.org/events/los_angeles_river_ride.html" target="_blank">Los Angeles River Ride</a> takes place this Sunday with five different length rides all leaving from the Autry Museum at Griffith Park. The Century begins at 7 a.m. with the 70-, 50- and 35-mile rides leaving at 15 minute intervals thereafter.<br><br>A 10-mile Family Ride, taking place completely on the dedicated river bike path starts at 11 a.m. Sign-ups for that start at 10 a.m. to coincide with the beginning of the Fun Fair where the <a href="http://www.la-bike.org" target="_blank">Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition</a> and <a href="http://momsinmotion.com/" target="_blank">Moms in Motion</a> will host bike safety demonstrations in a fun and interactive environment.<br><br>Bone up on bicycle safety online by reading <a href="http://ow.ly/bacx">How Not to Get Hit By Cars</a> at BicycleSafety.com. Very important especially after the <a href="http://www.topix.com/forum/source/san-gabriel-valley-tribune/TRK5104V2AQE8GFDD" target="_blank">recent death</a> of mother of two Stacy North who was riding her bicycle on the wrong side of the street near Lake Balboa when she was struck by a DWP truck.<br><br>The City of L.A. is calling on all cyclists to review the newly revised draft Bike Plan. <a href="http://www.labikeplan.org/bikeway_maps/" target="_blank">Check out the map</a> of Valley streets and proposed improvements, additions to bike routes. Comments must be in by June 12.<br><br>If you are a cyclist, weekend, commuter or other, and want to meet up with like-minded folk, join the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000002198073&ref=mf#/profile.php?id=100000002198073&v=wall&viewas=617846675" target="_blank">Valley Bikery</a> at 7:30 p.m. tonight (Friday, June 5) at Pitfire Pizza in North Hollywood.Linda Coburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11587097157810549103noreply@blogger.com0