Sunday, November 04, 2007

Hermosa Beach November 4th!

LA Green Drinkers,

Dan Wang will be taking over the reins this month organizing the Hermosa Beach LA Green Drinks. Thanks Dan!

Thanks also to all the venue suggestions we received as we scrambled to find a new location for the West Side Green Drinks. Over 40 people made it over to Beechwood last Thursday and it was a great setting. We have not determined where we will be for December's West Side meeting.

This week-
LA Green Drinks - Hermosa Beach
Thursday, November 4th, 2007
7pm-???

Sangria
68 Pier Avenue
Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
map


Remember-
If anyone wants to bring literature to promote their green issue please do so-
we will have an area for brochures, business cards, etc.
We will also take back any extra literature back and bring them to the next Green Drinks.
The main thing is just to relax and have a good time.

Bookmark this blog for future updates
www.lagreendrinks.org

LA Green Drinks - Culver City is the 1st Thursday of every month.
LA Green Drinks - Hermosa Beach is the 2nd Thursday of every month.
LA Green Drinks - Silver Lake is the 3rd Thursday of every month.
LA Green Drinks - Studio City is the 4th Thursday of every month.

ECO ACTION
LA Green Drinks monthly action we can all take to make a difference -

MASS TRANSIT
The month we encourage everyone to take mass transit this month.
www.metro.net
www.bigbluebus.com
start by finding the routes nearest you and make a point to ride mass transit in November.

Find out more about the LA Public Transit Lifestyle on this blog below
www.metrorider.elhay.net



ANNOUNCEMENTS

Request for Proposal from the City of Santa Monica: Strategy for a Sustainable Local Economy - due November 5th
The City of Santa Monica is accepting proposals from qualified consultants to produce a Strategy for a Sustainable Local Economy for the city. The purpose of the Strategy for a Sustainable Local Economy is to ensure the long-term viability and sustainability of our local economy and to attract and retain businesses to Santa Monica that contribute to the overall environmental, economic and social sustainability of our community. This study will define and develop approaches to enrich sustainable aspect of the City’s economy and will complement a strategic economic development study being conducted concurrently as part of the City’s Land Use Element update of the City’s General Plan.

Timeline
• Responses to RFP due Thursday, November 5, 2007
• Short list of finalists developed Monday, November 26, 2007
• Consultant selection Monday, December 17, 2007
• Finalize project scope, timeline, and budget with City staff January 2007
• For planning purposes: scope of work should be completed by July 2008

Additional information is available at: www.smgov.net/epd/rfp.htm
Please contact Shannon Parry for additional information.
Shannon Parry, LEED AP
Sustainable City Coordinator
City of Santa Monica
200 Santa Monica Pier, Suite I
Santa Monica, CA 90401
310.458.2227
310.260.1574 Fax
www.smepd.org



Keyline Design Workshop: Soil and Water for Every Farm - November 6th & 7th
With Darren Doherty, Whole Farm Planner and Certified Keyline Design Consultant.
9am-5pm, Tues & Wed, November 6 & 7, 2007
Sliding Scale $125-$250 for 2 day Workshop and Demonstration (lodging, meals & transportation not included)
San Luis Obispo County, CA - RSVP for Directions and Details
* Increase Production
* Drought-Proof your Property
* Conserve & Create Healthy Soil
* Sequester Carbon Quickly & Economically
* MORE!
The Keyline Design Workshop will have a blend of technical & practical sessions targeted at farmers, ranchers, professional land managers, consultants, earthmovers and students. The workshop will fully outline all of the principles and techniques involved with the modern application of Keyline Design for the broad landscape.

The workshop includes an impressive demonstration of the multi-award winning implement, the Yeomans Keyline Plow. Courtesy of the Yeomans Plow Company, we will have the use of a fully optioned Yeomans Keyline Plow for a working demonstration.
To Register Please Contact: <keyline@earthflow.com>
To Pay by Credit Card Please Call: 805.459.0452
Presented by Australia Felix Permaculture, Sustainable Agriculture Resource Consortium, Santa Barbara Permaculture Network, Yeomans Plow Company and EarthFlow Design Works


AFI Shorts Program Two includes
South Central Farm: Oasis In A Concrete Desert World Premiere Tuesday, Nov. 6th, 2:00 PM & Thursday, Nov. 8th, 7:15 PM Arclight Cinemas 6360 W Sunset Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90028 map In attendance: Producer/Director Sheila Laffey and Producer/Editor Geoffrey Pepos This doc tells the true story of the high profile controversy involving poor farmers and their supporters, including celebrity tree sitters, the developer and the city over the largest urban farm in the US. It includes a rare interview with the developer and highlights the farmers determined efforts to stay connected to the land after eviction and bulldozing. Also, part of this fall’s 2007 upcoming PBS season in the Natural Heroes Series. www.envirofilms.com


SMC Environmental Issues Lecture Series

Can Technology Solve Our Transportation Problems?
ITS Engineer Jesse Glazer returns from the US Department of Transportation to discuss the latest in Intelligent Transportation Systems.
Wednesday, November 7th • 6:30pm • Free • Bundy 123

Sustainable Santa Monica College
How is SMC becoming more sustainable? Our Associated Students will demonstrate how they are leading the green revolution.
Wednesday, November 28th • 6:30pm • Free • Bundy 217

http://events.smc.edu/environmental.html


Sierra Club and Energy Star Talk - November 14th
The West Los Angeles Group of the Sierra Club is proud to present Kathy M. Diehl, Regional Energy Star Program Manager with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, who will discuss how the Energy Star Program is helping consumers dramatically lower their energy use & save money in the process.

This free educational event is sponsored by the West Los Angeles Group of the Angeles Chapter of the Sierra Club. Event details: November 14th, 2007 at 7pm at Culver City Veterans Memorial Auditorium in the Uruapan room, 4117 Overland Ave., Culver City 90230. (map) Plenty of free lighted parking. Refreshments are served and there is always a lively talk accompanying the program. Feel free to bring a friend; all meetings are open to both members and non-members of the Sierra Club.



Opportunity Green Conference - November 17th
Saturday, November 17th, 2007
UCLA

Is Green the new Gold?
Opportunity Green brings together entrepreneurs, executives and investors focused on building profitable, socially conscious and sustainable enterprises. Explore viral marketing, leveraging the power of online networks to facilitate innovation, how to secure funding in the green marketplace... and more....
Objectives of Conference
- Connect and network with entrepreneurs and executives within the sustainable community
- Collaborate in learning how to grow successful & profitable socially conscious enterprises
- Have fun!
What will you learn?
- How do successful socially conscious businesses grow and get initial traction. What viral growth tactics worked?
- Why did some sustainable/socially conscious businesses succeed while others have failed?
- What are the right tools to build and scale your sustainable business?
- What is the future for sustainable/socially conscious business?
We'll highlight insights from unusual suspects — the enthusiasts, visionaries, experts, financiers and the budding leaders of the socially conscious landscape as well as established players who are looking to expand into new and previously unimagined realms.

The Opportunity Green 2007 Advantage:
* Gain exposure and network with leading entrepreneurs and executives
* Collaborate in learning how to grow profitable enterprises focused on the Triple Bottom Line
* Achieve a competitive advantage, by discovering emerging trends that will keep you on the cutting edge
* Be inspired and ignite your imagination

We'll highlight insights from the visionaries, experts, financiers and budding leaders of the sustainable business landscape, as well as established players who are looking to expand into new and previously unimagined realms.

Don't miss this extraordinary opportunity to join 500+ industry professionals in supporting business and leaders who share your commitment to promoting the Triple Bottom Line (people, planet, profits).

Join us at Opportunity Green held at UCLA, as together we explore the future of successful sustainable business.
www.opportunitygreen.com

For sponsorship opportunities, please contact Karen Solomon at 310-709-6952 or email karen @opportunitygreen.com



Greener Sessions Art Exhibit - November 17th
Greener Sessions is hosting a benefit of Green Ambassadors that is an exhibit of artists, scientists, architects, engineers, and designers who have sketched solutions to the problems relating to global climate change. This unique collaboration is also a fund raiser for Green Ambassadors. Gallery opening is from 5:00-10:00 PM at 1511 S. Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice 90291 map (this exhibit will be open for 3 weeks). Please show your support by attending. You'll be inspired by this unprecedented event. Calling all Youth Artists! We are looking for your sketch for global climate change. The top 10 sketches of youth from around the world will be exhibited. You will receive recognition at the opening. (www.becoolbegreen.com)


FlexCar Free Sign ups UPDATED PROMO CODE
Flexcar is running a promotion right now that is allowing free signups for our service. This is a wonderful opportunity to experience the latest technology in mobility options.
Follow the steps below to take advantage of the free sign up!
1. Go to www.flexcar.com, click on "Join Now" at the top of any page, and select "Personal" plans.
2. Fill in
FREELAX in the "Promo Code" field (box 2).
3. Have them fill in your email address (the same one you use on your Flexcar account) in the "Enter Referrer's Full Name" field (box 17A).
If you have any questions contact Walter King
Walter King General Manager Los Angeles Region walter.king@flexcar.com M: 213.272.1032


Sustainable Building Advisor Program - ongoing
Second Friday 9-5, Second Saturday 9-3; 9 months, started Oct. 12th
Class cost: $1,950
Material Fee: $0.00
Lead Instructor: Blair Seibert
Location: Los Angeles-Bundy Campus
Registration: Thru SMC's website: commed.smc.edu

Specialized training program for architects, engineers, developers, building owners, contractors and other building professionals interested in learning about strategies and tools for implementing sustainable building. Identify and articulate the key practices of sustainable building. Apply LEED™ and other relevant criteria or established guidelines. Analyze the costs and benefits of incorporating sustainable building measures. Work with architects, designers, builders, building operators, and utilities to improve a building's performance. Take advantage of financial incentives and technical assistance offered by governments, utilities and non-profit organizations. Establish sustainable design goals for project development. Assist in the education and training of staff in your facility or firm in sustainable building.

This class will prepare students for the optional NaSBAP exam which offers SBA Certification. Exam fees are not included in the course fee. See http://www.nasbap.org/CSBAexam.htm for more information about the exam.

The weekend course runs for nine months (first consecutive Friday and Saturday). For more information email: info@verdearchitects.com or call 310-422-2417.

Class Schedule:

Dec. 7 & 8
Jan. 4 & 5
Feb. 1 & 2
Mar. 7 & 8
Apr. 4 & 5
May 2 & 3
June 6 & 7


Composting Workshops
Check the Calendar of events for a workshop near you-
www.lacity.org/SAN



JOB POSTINGS


LA REGIONAL DIRECTOR FOR SOLAR NON-PROFIT
Founded during the 2001 California energy crisis, GRID Alternatives' mission is to empower communities in need to meet their basic requirements of health, education, and economic opportunity by providing renewable energy and energy efficiency services, equipment, and training. GRID Alternatives provides these services exclusively to low-income households earning less than 80% of area median income, including families, seniors, and persons with disabilities. Our programs seek to enhance long-term housing affordability for low-income households by permanently reducing their energy costs, and to expand economic opportunity by providing skills and training in the growing field of solar electricity.

We are looking for a full time Regional Director to help bring GRID Alternatives programs providing free renewable energy and energy efficiency services to low-income homeowners in the Greater Los Angeles Area and surrounding regions. The Regional Director will manage the operations of GRID Alternatives LA office and transition that office into a GRID Alternatives LA Affiliate.

Job Duties
The Regional Director will report to the Executive Director of GRID Alternatives and will work directly with the Bay Area GRID Alternatives staff to develop local infrastructure in anticipation of transitioning LA office to an LA GRID Alternatives affiliate. Due to the start-up nature of the LA office, Regional Director will initially be required to do a little bit of everything this may include volunteer management, construction related tasks, administrative duties and taking out the trash. The specific job duties for which this position was created include:.
• Helping coordinate large (30 house) solar installation project at end of October.
• Managing LA office staff (soon to consist of two AmeriCorps VISTA members and a construction manager).
• Fundraising from private foundations, corporate sponsors, local governments, and individual donors (including grant writing, donor cultivation, etc).
• Building an advisory board of directors that will eventually become the LA Affiliate's founding board of directors
• Establishing infrastructure for transition of office to affiliate status.
• Developing and maintaining partnerships with affordable housing developers, job training programs, local government housing departments, etc.
• Working with and reporting to GRID Alternatives Bay Area staff.
• Managing the finances of LA office, under the financial oversight of GRID Alternatives' Program Director and Bookkeeper.
• Building a GRID Alternatives Southern California presence and representing a positive public image of GRID Alternatives (including networking and speaking presentations).
• Identifying and interfacing with program clients.
• With the assistance of local Americorps volunteer, recruiting and managing volunteers.
• Working directly with GRID Alternatives Bay Area staff to develop short and long term vision for LA area operations.

Necessary skills and qualifications
• Passion for sustainability, affordable housing, the environment, or environmental justice
• Ability to problem solve and learn new skills
• Leadership/management skills
• Effective public speaker
• Articulate writer
• Comfortable working and communicating with diverse populations
• Self-motivated and driven, able to create a local GRID Alternatives presence where one did not exist before.
• Able to work independently while at the same time able to work collaboratively with GRID Alternatives Bay Area staff.

Recommended skills and qualifications
• Previous non-profit management experience
• Strong ties or roots in LA
• Connections in the LA affordable housing, philanthropic, low-income advocacy communities
• Knowledge of solar energy


Office Location
GRID Alternatives does not currently have an office in the LA area. Initially, there will be opportunities to work from home; however, part of job duties will require helping to locate suitable office space. The expectation is that once an office has been located, the Regional Director will work full time out of that office.
Compensation
$72,000 annually + medical, dental, vacation, and 403b retirement plan
To Apply
Email resume and cover letter to jobs@gridalternatives.org
Please include LA Regional Director in the subject heading
We are an equal opportunity employer – People of color are encouraged to apply.


WEB DEVELOPMENT PRODUCER/PROJECT MANAGER Conscious Enlightenment publishing, parent company of Whole Life Times magazine in LA, is seeking a web development producer/project manager to join our growing media family. Conscious Enlightenment is a family of urban lifestyle websites, magazines, and lifestyle products and services focusing on green living, social change, health and wellness, yoga and spirituality/personal growth. Each month, we provide leading edge alternatives for crafting healthy, active, balanced lives, and for creating a sustainable society. Through our print magazines, original multimedia content (see www.yogamates.com), and local and national events, CE links the people, ideas and organizations that are building a better tomorrow. Job Description: Manage web development projects with a team of graphic artists and web development programmers. This job includes working with our clients to determine their needs for web development projects and then overseeing the entire process. The job does not require the ability to write code, but a detailed understanding of database structure and technical specifications is required. The ideal candidate will have both extensive project management skills as well as up-to-date hands-on web production skills. Qualifications: • Progressively related experience of at least two years and graduation from a four-year college or university with a degree in computer science or a related field; or an equivalent combination of related experience and education. • 5 + years experience in web site development and creation of interactive content. • 2 years in web site management. • Experience designing and managing online advertising campaigns. • Experience managing a content-oriented web site. • Hands-on site development experience. Must have a deep knowledge of web standards, browser compatibility issues, and accessibility issues. • Must have hands on skills with HTML, CSS, Photoshop, FTP, Microsoft Project, and be familiar with Content Management Systems • Excellent communication skills and the ability to multitask in a fast paced working environment • Passion for yoga, health and wellness and holistic living a plus. Email goodjobs@wholelifetimes.com for more information.


LA Green Drinks - Silver Lake
Thursday, November 15th, 2007
7pm-???
The Good Luck Bar
1514 Hillhurst Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90027
map

LA Green Drinks - Studio City
on hiatus due to Thanksgiving Holiday
LA Green Drinks - Culver City
Thursday, December 6th, 2007
7pm-???
location to be determined
Bookmark this website for future updates

www.lagreendrinks.org