Drought Warrants Fast Action From Everyone
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An Urgent Message From Mayor Pam O'Connor
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"With the driest year in recorded history and the second drought in five-years to be declared by the Governor, it is imperative that Santa Monica use its water supplies efficiently.
The Governor's call for a 20% reduction in water use as a response to the drought dovetails with the City's goal for water self-sufficiency by 2020. Due to the drought, these reductions need to happen now to avoid mandatory water reductions later this year.
Water self-sufficiency means eliminating our reliance on imported water, using our limited local groundwater wisely and efficiently, and optimally managing our local water supply." Mayor, Pam O'Connor
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February 27, Thursday 7-9 PM
Martin Luther King, Jr. Auditorium, Santa Monica Main Library
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When writer and avid kayaker George Wolfe organized a boating expedition down the 52-mile Los Angeles River, he became entangled in a legal controversy of national proportions. Rock the Boat looks at the challenges society faces in providing clean water to urban populations, and delivers a bright alternative to the current wave of doomsday documentaries.
A panel discussion follows the screening. Panelists include George Wolfe, Founder and Executive Director of LA River Expeditions; Tom Ford, Director of Marine Programs, Santa Monica Bay Restoration Foundation; Mia Lehrer, Principal Architect at Mia Lehrer and Associates; and moderator Thea Mercouffer, Producer/Director of Rock the Boat.
(Film runtime: 54 min.)
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Screening: Last Call at the Oasis
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February 26, Wednesday 7 PM
Aero Theater
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Sustainable Works and American Cinematheque present: LAST CALL AT THE OASIS.
A critically acclaimed documentary about the world's water crisis, featuring Erin Brockovich. A panel discussion with top water experts moderated by Josh Rubenstein, chief meteorologist for KCBS and KCAL will follow the screening.
Wednesday, February 26th, 7:00pm
Aero Theatre 1328 Montana Ave. Santa Monica
*The first 100 Santa Monica residents admitted FREE.
Click here to reserve your seat. Supported by the City of Santa Monica's Office of Sustainability & the Environment
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February 6, Thursday 7-9 PM
Martin Luther King, Jr. Auditorium, Santa Monica Main Library
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Wheat and barley are being planted again in California by small farmers for farmers market customers. Meet some of the farmers who are starting heritage grain production and learn about sourdough starters and whole grain goodness.
Click here for more information.
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California Friendly� Landscape Training for Residents - FREE
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Saturdays, Feb 15, March 8 & April 19, 11:30 AM-2:30 PM
Camera Obscura Building, 1450 Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica
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Santa Monicans are becoming some of the most California Friendly� residents. In just nine months, more than 130 residents decided to make-over their gardens into sustainable ones and saved more than 850,000 gallons of water. They joined many residents all over southern California that were tired of wasting water, money and time with high-maintenance gardens and switched to beautiful waterwise landscapes.
If you're interested in learning how to create your own California Friendly� garden, join other residents for a fun and free 3-hour training led by local landscaping experts.
For more information and to register, email savewater@smgov.net or call (310) 458-8459. Only 25 spaces are available per training.
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| Whale of a Weekend at the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium |
February 15-16, Saturday & Sunday, 12:30-5 PM
1600 Ocean Front Walk |
The Santa Monica Pier Aquarium will provide a wildlife observation station at the west end of the Pier, stocked with binoculars and field guides, giving visitors the opportunity to search for whales and other local wildlife. Volunteer Naturalists staffing the observation station can address questions about these gentle giants. The Fish Contamination and Education Collaborative will be on hand to run a fishing game teaching which fish are safe to eat.
Inside the Aquarium, guests can make a variety of whale related arts and crafts. Learn more interesting facts about these migratory mammals at the Aquarium through story time, film screenings and fun, interactive presentations for all ages. Visitors can feel the heft of a whale rib, check out bristly baleen and try on a layer of (simulated) whale blubber for warmth. Kids of all ages can have their faces painted and make a whale visor to take home.
See more at healthebay.org.
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| 6th Annual Sustainable Santa Monica Student Poster Contest |
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Santa Monica currently gets about half of its water from local wells. The other half comes from very far away. Our Plan is to become "self-sufficient", meaning our groundwater wells will be able to supply all of our water. Your challenge is to show us ways we can do this. What do you think it means to use water "well?" For contest and submission details, visit sustainablesm.org.
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| "Follow that Chef" Event Featuring Chef and Author Mary Lamontagne - FREE |
| February 22, Saturday, 9:00 AM 3rd St and Arizona |
Meet Chef Lamontagne, author of EATS: eat all the seconds, and our staff with the red wagon at the corner of 3rd st. and Arizona in the middle of the Santa Monica Farmer's Market. This walk will then move on to The Market at Santa Monica Place for a book signing, followed by a demonstration and tasting.
Reserve your spot for this free event at thegourmandiseschool.com.
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| February 27, Thursday, 4:00 PM Children's Activity Room, Main Branch Library |
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Eat seasonal food and learn about the food you eat with the Santa Monica Farmers Market! Grades 6 - 12.
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Sustainable Seafood Solutions: A Panel Discussion
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February 27, Thursday, 6-9 PM
St. Roberts Auditorium, Loyola Marymount College
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The Los Angeles Food Policy Council and Sustainable Seafood LA invite you for an evening of engaging dialogue and sustainable seafood tasting, designed for consumers and business owners who want to learn more about the range of sustainable seafood options available, progress being made in fisheries and aquaculture and the tools available for making informed seafood choices.
For more information, click here. To RSVP, click here.
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Socio-Economic Analyses of Coastal Ecosystem Resilience: Urban Coastal Research Symposium
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March 12, Wednesday, 8 AM - 6 PM
University Hall Auditorium, Loyola Marymount University
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Please join us for a scientific symposium that will focus on the social and economic benefits of the resilience of urban coastal ecosystems. Presenters from throughout California will discuss topics ranging from wetland restoration to Marine Protected Areas and watershed-level greening efforts. This event is co-hosted by the Santa Monica Bay Restoration Commission, the Center for Urban Resilience, and Loyola Marymount University.
Cost: $20 (does not include parking). Registration closes February 28th. Please note we will not be able to accommodate late registrants.
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| SMC Spring Semester Enrollment Still Open for Aspiring Sustainability and Zero Waste Professionals |
 The Recycling and Resource Management (RRM) Program at Santa Monica College is designed to provide formal training for individuals interested in working in the green jobs sector or bring an environmental competitive edge to their traditional position, such as marketing or facilities management. For more information, click the image. |
Santa Monica Sustainable Quality Awards
SAVE THE DATE: APRIL 30 |
 Savor sustainable small bites from local chefs, enjoy a sumptuous lunch featuring Santa Monica Farmers Market produce, celebrate and meet SQA Excellence Winners and get inspired by Patagonia's green business practices! For more information, visit smsqa.com. |
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Congratulations to
Mayor Pam O'Connor Politician of the Year
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Grow & Engage
Santa Monica's Free Community Workshops
Green Living Workshops bring like minded people together who are interested in doing more to protect their health and the health of the planet.
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Zero Waste Events for Santa Monica Residents
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Rebates Available for Santa Monica Residents
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Artist in Residence: Luke Haynes
1450 Ocean welcomes Luke Haynes, inaugural Studio Artist in Residence. Luke will be creating his signature art quilts and offering free workshops for public participation during his tenure February 1- March 1.
Second Saturday Free Craft Lounge with reDiscover
Saturday, February 8, 10:30 - 2 PM; FREE
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Green Drinks events are casual and allow for moments of serendipity. Open to all. We connect the LA environmental community and have fun doing it! Location varies, check website for current details.
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Complimentary raw, organic and vegan food, wine and drinks will be provided. The tax-deductible door charge on the day of the event is $15, or only $10 when you contribute in advance using PayPal no later than 2 PM on the day of the event. Upcoming Events |
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