NELA Transition News | March 27, 2011

3/27/2011

The following content is an html archive of the NELA Transition Newsletter. Some links and images may not work, and the document may not not format correctly in all browsers or on mobile devices.

North East Los Angeles Transition News

March 27th, 2011

NELA Transition is a community group working on positive changes in our community as we face global warming, peak oil and economic decline. We share our skills working on projects which increase our local resilience and strengthen community connections. Our members are located in the Los Angeles neighborhoods including Pasadena, Altadena, Highland Park and Eagle Rock. nelatransition.org

NELA Transition's First Event in Highland Park

North East Los Angeles Transition held their first Highland Park event on March 17th, 2011. The event was held at All Saints Episcopal Church, which is a local church that is very supportive of the Transition Movement. About 40 people enjoyed the music of Salaam Suite and ejoyed a community potluck before watching "The Power of Community: How Cuba Survived Peak Oil". Read more and see pictures from the event

Volunteers Needed

NELA Transition is looking for volunteers who can help with setup and take-down at events, teach reskilling workshops, and to table at upcoming Earth Day events. If you are interested in volunteering, contact
people@nelatransition.org

The Transition Handbook

“There is no more important book than this one for any community seeking to change toward ecological sustainability” – Jerry Mander, founder/director of the International Forum on Globalization

Transition Handbook, download
Transition Handbook, order

Transition Los Angeles is a "city hub," in the L.A. basin which helps facilitates the sharing of information and resources between local Transition Groups. There are monthly leadership meetings which are open to the leadership of any of the local groups.
www.transitionla.org

350 Home and Garden Challenge

Organizing a 350 Home & Garden Challenge in your town (or city, village, county, parish, island) not only helps raise awareness and continue to build local resiliency, it offers an opportunity for your citizens to be a part of something much larger. And we are going to help make it as easy as possible for YOU to bring this incredible challenge to your community. This is the perfect opportunity for Transition communities across the country to come together on a single weekend and show their solidarity.
Take Action

300 Years of Fossil Fuels in 300 Seconds

Watch this short video from the Post Carbon Instititue which won a DoGooder Nonprofit Video Awards in the Best Video in the Small Non-profit category.

Why Transition?

The Transition movement represents one of the most promising ways of engaging people and communities to take the far-reaching actions that are required to mitigate the effects of peak oil, climate change and the economic crisis. Furthermore, these relocalization efforts are designed to result in a life that is more fulfilling, more socially connected and more equitable than the one we have today. Read more

Change your Consciousness, Change your World

Dr. Ling O'Connor, professor of Environmental Science at Pasadena City College

April 9th, 6:00 Potluck, 7:00 Talk
Presented by: NELA Transition

Humanity is facing many crises, including climate change, peak oil, threats of nuclear radiation and shortages of water. There have been efforts underway to address these issues for many years, but by most measures things are getting worse. We grew up in a culture learning stories about the way the world is, stories based on a way of life that is considered normal, but very destructive to the ecosystems which sustain us. These stories, or beliefs, are a barrier to a true change to living sustainably. We need an inner transformation, a change in our beliefs, to make such a transition possible. One way to challenge these beliefs is to look at some of the findings of science which challenges these stories. Ling O'Connor will lead us into an exploration of some of these scientific findings. .

Some of the questions we will look into will include:

What does it take to create a sustainable world?
Is a paradigm change in beliefs needed for the environmental movement to be successful?
Does our perception of reality limit what we can achieve?
Can findings of science change what we believe?

Throop Church
300 S Los Robles Ave
Pasadena, CA 91101

6:00 PM - Potluck
7:00 PM - Talk by Ling Luet O'Connor
8:00 PM - Discussion

Home
by Yann Arthus-Bertrand

April 10th, 10:30 AM
Presented by: Neighborhood Church

This visually dramatic special illustrates the planet's fragile state entirely from a birds-eye view in stunning high definition. With spectacular aerial views from more than 50 countries, viewers will see the extent of human impact on our landscapes. And not a moment too soon: In the past 50 years --a single lifetime -- the Earth has been more radically changed than by all previous generations of humanity.

Ross Chapel

Neighborhood Church

301 North Orange Grove Boulevard, Pasadena, CA

The Economics of Happiness

Friday, April 15th, 7:00 PM

The Conscientious Projector screens The Economics of Happiness outside at Memorial Park in Pasadena.

The Economics of Happiness describes a world moving simultaneously in two opposing directions. On the one hand, government and big business continue to promote globalization and the consolidation of corporate power. At the same time, all around the world people are resisting those policies, demanding a re-regulation of trade and finance—and, far from the old institutions of power, they’re starting to forge a very different future. Communities are coming together to re-build more human scale, ecological economies based on a new paradigm – an economics of localization.
www.theeconomicsofhappiness.org

Altadena's Urban Farmers Market

April 17th, 1 PM to 4 PM
Presented by: The Arroyo Time Bank

Zane Grey Estate, 396 E Mariposa St. Altadena, CA, 91001

At the Altadena Urban Farmers Market community members sell home grown and home made stuff, mostly food, to each other. A membership is required to shop. Membership forms are available at www.arroyotimebank.org under the AUF Market tab. Shoppers can print out and sign the membership form at home to avoid the line at check in. A new membership form must be signed and dated for each month's Market. Interested vendors can fill out the web application at www.arroyotimebank.org under the AUF Market tab. Some vendors also accept time dollars from Arroyo Time Bank members as payment. For more information on the Arroyo Time Bank, visit http://www.arroyotimebank.org/

NELA Transition Meeting

April 17th, 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM

The location is to be determined, but will likely be in Pasadena or Highland Park. RSVP to people@nelatransition.org

End of Suburbia: Oil Depletion and the Collapse of the American Dream

Saturday, May 7th and Friday, May 13th
Presented by: NELA Transition

Join us for a community potluck, screening of "End of Suburbia", and discussion at one of the two screenings.

Saturday, May 7th at 6:30 PM
Throop Church
300 S Los Robles Ave
Pasadena, CA 91101

Friday, May 13th, 6:30 PM
All Saints Episcopal Church
5619 Monte Vista St.
Los Angeles, CA 90042

End of Suburbia

6:30 PM - Potluck
7:00 PM - End of Suburbia: Oil Depletion and the Collapse of the American Dream
8:20 PM - Discussion

THE END OF SUBURBIA: Oil Depletion and the Collapse of The American Dream

"We're literally stuck up a cul-de-sac in a cement SUV without a fill-up" - James Howard Kunstler

Since World War II North Americans have invested much of their newfound wealth in suburbia. It has promised a sense of space, affordability, family life and upward mobility. As the population of suburban sprawl has exploded in the past 50 years, so too has the suburban way of life become embedded in the American consciousness.

Suburbia, and all it promises, has become the American Dream.

But as we enter the 21st century, serious questions are beginning to emerge about the sustainability of this way of life. With brutal honesty and a touch of irony, The End of Suburbia explores the American Way of Life and its prospects as the planet approaches a critical era, as global demand for fossil fuels begins to outstrip supply. World Oil Peak and the inevitable decline of fossil fuels are upon us now, some scientists and policy makers argue in this documentary.

The consequences of inaction in the face of this global crisis are enormous. What does Oil Peak mean for North America? As energy prices skyrocket in the coming years, how will the populations of suburbia react to the collapse of their dream? Are today's suburbs destined to become the slums of tomorrow? And what can be done NOW, individually and collectively, to avoid The End of Suburbia ?

Hosted by Barrie Zwicker. Featuring James Howard Kunstler, Peter Calthorpe, Michael Klare, Richard Heinberg, Matthew Simmons, Michael C. Ruppert, Julian Darley, Colin Campbell, Kenneth Deffeyes, Ali Samsam Bakhtiari and Steve Andrews. Directed by Gregory Greene. Produced by Barry Silverthorn. Duration: 78 minutes

If you would like to help out with setup or cleanup or would like to have a table at either of these events, contact people@nelatransition.org or call 626-388-0046

NELA Transition News | March 12, 2011

3/12/2011

The following content is an html archive of the NELA Transition Newsletter. Some links and images may not work, and the document may not not format correctly in all browsers or on mobile devices.

North East Los Angeles Transition News

March 12th, 2011

Community comes together for a Potluck With a Purpose

North East Los Angeles Transition held their second event, A Potluck with a Purpose. About 60 people gathered for a community potluck and a screening of "In Transition 1.0: From Oil Dependency to Local Resilence" at Throop Church in Pasadena on March 5th, 2010. The documentary reviewed briefly the issues of peak oil and climate changed and showed the achievements of established Transition Towns, mostly in the UK, where the Transition Initiative started. The Transition Initiative is a response to the issues of peak oil, climate change and economic crisis. It responds with a positive vision and people coming together to make their community more resilient. Read more and see pictures from the event

Principles of Transition

First Principle: Positive Visioning

Transition Initiatives are based on a dedication to the creation of tangible, clearly expressed and practical visions of the community in question beyond its present‐day dependence on fossil fuel. Our primary focus is not campaigning against things, but rather on creating positive, empowering possibilities and opportunities. The generation of new stories and myths are central to this visioning work.

Sohpy Banks

Sophy Banks on the Psychology of Change

Watch this 22 minute video where Sophy talks about how it's important to address the psychological aspects transition, and about how the response to an awareness of environmental and economic crisis seems to be that similar to what faces when loosing a loved one. There are stages of loss which include denial, anger, barganing, and acceptance.

Arroyo Time Bank

Time Bank members list the services they want to give and receive on the Time Bank website, where members are introduced to each other and the exchange of services is facilitated. For every hour you help another member, you earn a Time Bank hour. Then you can use that hour to have a neighbor help you: getting a ride, learning the computer, getting a haircut, gardening, etc. The Time Bank values everyone’s contributions equally. The idea is pretty simple and the goals include having people helping each other reweave communities with support, strength & trust .

http://arroyotimebank.org/

NELA Transition will have it's first Highland Park event on March 17th at All Saints Epsicopal Church - "The Power of Community: How Cuba Survived Peak Oil". We will also have a presence at a number of events coming up in the Pasadena area. This should be a great month for increased awareness in North East Los Angeles about the issues of oil dependency and the transition to a more self relient and connected community.

Turn a Lawn into a Garden

Saturday and Sunday, March 12 & 13th
Presented by: Larry Santoyo of Earthflow Design
Food garden 10:30 AM to 4:00 PM - Larry Santoyo of Earthflow Design will teach this hands-on class on how to transform a water-guzzling lawn into a garden paradise. 4867 Wiota St. LA CA 90041

The cost is $25 per day or $40 for both days with one payment. Learn the basics of Food Forestry, garden design, sustainable landscape construction, sheet mulching, raised-bed building w stone and broken concrete. garden construction, tree planting and vegetable garden design and installation. RSVP for details and pre-register via paypal to reserve your space to Joan Stevens at mamabotanica@sbcglobal.net *Please no persons under 18 years old -no pets

Workshop on Rainwater Harvesting

March 12th, 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Presented by: The City of Pasadena

Pasadena residents and others will learn how to harvest rainwater during a free workshop Saturday, March 12, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Salvation Army Pasadena Tabernacle, 960 E. Walnut St .

Rain gardens conserve water, replenish groundwater supplies and create sustainable oases around homes. Workshop participants will learn principles, practices and tips for water-harvesting rain gardens and earthworks.

"Living in a semi-arid climate, it is important to find a way to capture rainwater and put it to good use," said Nancy Long, water conservation manager at Pasadena Water and Power. "Rain gardens quickly infiltrate rainfall into the soil where less is lost to evaporation."

The workshop will be taught by rain gardens expert Brad Lancaster, who has more than 15 years of experience in permaculture education and design.

Examples of rain barrels will be displayed at the event. Free raffle prizes will include two rain barrels and for four sets of books written by Lancaster . Product exhibitors will be at the workshop, many offering discounts to consumers.

Registration is required to attend. Participants can register at www.cityofpasadena.net/savewater or (626) 744-7926.

Sponsors of the event are Pasadena Water and Power, Foothill Municipal Water District, Glendale Water and Power and Burbank Water and Power.

Free Fruit Trees at Milagro Allegro Community Garden

Sunday, March 13th, 12:00 noon to 2:30 PM
Presented by: Milagro Allegro Community Garden

Due to a generous donation, Milagro Allegro Community Garden is delighted to be able to offer free bare root fruit and nut trees this Sunday, March 13th from 12-2:30pm

Tell your friends!
Two trees per household as long as they last!
Please bring your own newspaper and plastic bags to transport your trees.

Varieties available: Non-Pariel Almond, Ne Plus Ultra Almond, Anna Apple, Royal Apricot, Black Mission Fig, Desert Delight Nectarine, Tropic Snow Peach, Florida Prince Peach, Start Saturn Peach, Monterrey Pear, Fan Sil Pear, Dwarf Santa Rosa Plum, Beauty Plum

Tree giveaway is free to the community; donations to the garden are greatly appreciated!

Milagro Allegro Community Garden www.hpgarden.org
Garden location: 115 S. Ave 56, LA 90042
1 block SE of Figueroa, behind the Highland Theater

Nicole M. Gatto, MPH, PhD
Director, Milagro Allegro Community Garden
info@hpgarden.org
www.hpgarden.org

The Power of Community: How Cuba Survived Peak Oil March 17th, 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Presented by: NELA Transition

FREE: Potluck / Screening / Community Discussion
When the Soviet Union collapsed in 1990, Cuba's economy went into a tailspin. With imports of oil cut by more than half – and food by 80 percent – people were desperate. This film tells of the hardships and struggles as well as the community and creativity of the Cuban people during this difficult time. Cubans share how they transitioned from a highly mechanized, industrial agricultural system to one using organic methods of farming and local, urban gardens. It is an unusual look into the Cuban culture during this economic crisis, which they call "The Special Period." The film opens with a short history of Peak Oil, a term for the time in our history when world oil production will reach its all-time peak and begin to decline forever. Cuba, the only country that has faced such a crisis – the massive reduction of fossil fuels – is an example of options and hope. www.powerofcommunity.org

All Saints Episcopal Church, 5619 Monte Vista Street, Los Angeles, CA 90042

Invitamos a los que hablan español
Pelicula: El poder de la comunidad - cómo Cuba sobrevivió al pico del petróleo (con subtítulos en español)

For questions or if you can help with setup or takedown, contact people@nelatransition.org, 626-388-0046

Arroyo Food Co-op Book Club

March 28th
Presented by: Arroyo Food Co-op

www.arroyofoodcoop.com

Come to meet like minded people who are active in making the Arroyo Food Co-op a reality in our community. Share your thoughts and insights.

We will start with the first book (In Defense of Food) and move down the list. Send me recommendations if you know of some good books that this group would be interested.

Vroman's Bookstore
695 E Colorado Blvd

Pasadena, CA 91101