Farm Lot and Gulch Clean Up- This Saturday!

Think Green!
Litter Clean up this Saturday
April 2nd - 9 am to Noon

We were rained out last time but we are going to try again this Saturday!

Clean Streets is a community project for The California Heights Neighborhood Association. We have been picking up litter every Thursday for over one year. Last year we began our quarterly Saturday Clean Sweeps and this one will be very interesting.

Join us at the Willow - Spring Gulch (the area between Willow & Spring and California & Orange in Long Beach) on Saturday April 2. Councilmember James Johnson will kick off the morning with a brief presentation about this amazing 55 acre space. The entire area is rich with history and interesting topography- it's definitely worth checking out. And it's in desperate need of some litter removal.

Volunteers will enter on California near 28th Street. Bags and gloves will be provided. Students will get volunteer credit and two lucky winners will receive tickets to the Long Beach Aquarium. Please wear comfortable shoes and- parking is limited so car pooling is encouraged.

Hope to see you there!
Stacey Morrison
Clean Streets Organizer

Email us with questions / info@calheights.org

This Saturday's work day canceled!

Saturday's clean up at the farm canceled due to heavy rains. Will post when we reschedule. Thanks everyone.

Original post here.

February Happenings

Hello Long Beach Locals-

I wanted to let you all know about our first work day at the farm. On Saturday, February 19th starting at 9am we will be cleaning up the site. Its not just cleaning up the farm but the entire gulch property. If you have not had the chance to come and check out the land this would be a great opportunity to do so. The clean up is being hosted by Cal Heights Clean Streets, 7th District Council Office and Litter Free Long Beach. Community hours will be signed for, tools and refreshments will be provided and two lucky volunteers will win tickets to the Aquarium of the Pacific. Litter Free Long Beach will also be collecting tires and e-waste - if it has a cord attached, it’s e-waste, excluding large appliances. Please wear sturdy shoes and a hat. There is parking available along California Avenue as well as 28th Street.

Farm Box has been a huge success, especially after our write up in the LA Times. Our next pick up is tonight, Feb 2nd at Bella Cosa store in Bixby Knolls. I have changed the pick up hours to 5-6:30 as most people are coming after work and needed a later pick up.

Each box is $30, there are 2 pick ups in February so if possible its best to pay for both pick ups at the same time. Its a little easier for me to keep track of payment this way but if you would like to try it out first I completely understand. If its something you would like to continue with I ask everyone to bring payment with them when they pick up their last box for the month. For instance the last pick up in January was the 19th so most people paid for February on that pick up.

Each box is packed full or seasonal veggies, fruit and herbs. I am one of the farmers contributing to the boxes. Everything is grown organically or beyond organically and with ethical practices. Recipes are posted here on our site under the recipe section. If you are interested in signing up or have more questions please let me know.

This past week a few of us attended the Ecological Farming Conference in Pacific Grove, California. It was inspiring to be among my farming peers and other land stewards. I met with Michael O'Gorman from the  Farmer Veteran Coalition and was able to hear more about the wonderful work they are doing. I hope to be working with them soon. People were amazed that we were farming in Long Beach and excited about the food shed we are creating. It was a great conference to attend and I feel inspired once again.

Thank you everyone for your efforts and hope to see you on the 19th.

Happy Growing!
Sasha Kanno
Executive Director, Long Beach Local

Write up in the California Heights Newsletter

Thank you John and California Heights for the article in your newsletter and for organizing the clean up effort on February 19th. See you all there!

For the newsletter in its entirety please click here.


A Future for Willow Gulch?
Most of you have driven past Willow Gulch without giving it a glance. Why would you? From the street, there’s not much to see. Bounded by California, Orange, Spring and the cemetery along Willow, the 55 acre site is used primarily by Signal Hill Petroleum for access to oil wells and as a catch basin for 405 Freeway runoff. In 1933 it accommodated the rubble from hundreds of buildings that failed in the Long Beach earthquake, and more recently it was considered for the now defunct sports park, doomed by a lack of funding. The rusting Amerigas plant at Orange and Spring finally came
down last fall, and Sasha Kanno, of Wrigley Garden fame, is in the midst of cultivating a small urban farm on the site near 28th and California.
On December 11th, Councilmember Johnson invited active community members to tour the site, led by Larry Rich, City of Long Beach Sustainability Coordinator, who has been introducing locals to the history and future possibilities of Willow Gulch for the past several years. Once enveloped by the rolling nature of the property, we quickly lost sight of the city surrounding us and began to understand how the land could become a gem of an urban oasis where residents and visitors might escape the hustle and bustle of urban life. We learned that Willow Gulch got its name from a natural spring that ran to the LA River, lined the entire way with native willow trees. In fact, the area near the Willow Blue Line stop was home to a small farming community called Willowville, dubbed “Hicksville” by higher society Long Beach folks. To remove the stigma, the residents cut down the trees and eventually covered over the creek altogether. Today it lives on only in the names of Willow Avenue and Spring Street, where drivers speed by, oblivious to the history in their midst. The rolling topography and a steep hillside along the eastern edge that contains the second highest point in Long Beach were an expensive obstacle for the sports park. Uplifted by the Newport Inglewood fault, Willow Gulch rests along a chain of hills that stretch from Cal State Long Beach through Alamitos Heights and the inclines near PCH and Redondo, to Signal Hill, through Cal Heights and Bixby Knolls and off to Dominguez Hills. “Why flatten one of the most topographically interesting sites in our city?” asked Mr. Johnson. Limiting grading significantly reduces expenses while preserving the hills that lend shelter and unique character to our mostly flat cityscape.
We’ll keep you posted on progress for possible plans at Willow Gulch, where reduced activity has given rise to a young crop of willow trees already reestablishing themselves!
If you are interested in learning more, contact the 7th District Council Office at 570-7777.

Plan to join Cal Heights Clean Streets on February 19th as we dedicate our next quarterly
Saturday Clean Sweep to removing litter and debris here.Join Cal Heights Clean Streets for our quarterly Saturday Clean Sweep at Willow Gulch, with our 7th District Council Office and Litter Free Long Beach.
Volunteers will pick up litter and debris in and around the site. Community hours will be signed for, tools and refreshments will be provided and two lucky volunteers will win tickets to the Aquarium of the Pacific!
Litter Free Long Beach will also be collecting tires and e-waste - if it has a cord attached, it’s e-waste, excluding large appliances.
To join the Clean Streets email list visit calheights.org, click on Clean Streets. Please wear sturdy shoes.
Parking will be limited so carpooling is recommended.

Wrapping up Kickstarter and other exciting things...

Hello Long Beach Local-

I hope you are staying cool and keeping those plants watered, its finally the Southern California summer we are accustomed to and man it is hot. I think the tomatoes are ripening before our very eyes.

Few things coming up that I wanted to share with you.

Farm Stand Fridays at Wrigley Garden, Farm Stand is open. Please stop by for a $10 farm box or you can also purchase veggies individually. Please check the website for details. The purpose of the Farm Stand is to provide not only Long Beach residents but residents immediately surrounding Wrigley Garden with fresh fruits and vegetables. If you would like to participate or sponsor a family please let me know. You can also preorder your box by emailing me and I will reserve one for you.

This Saturday, August 28th will wrap up our fundraising efforts at Kickstarter. If you have not yet pledged to Farm Lot 59 you have 5 days left. As of right now we have raised $10,432 toward the start up of the farm. If you have not viewed Kickstarter or our video please check it out here http://kck.st/aP1hWS. We are doing some amazing things and your financial support is needed. Thank you to everyone who has already pledged, I can't wait to get this farm growing!

Also on Saturday the 28th from 10:00am - 12:00pm is the recognition ceremony for the Peace Garden. Located at Martin Luther King, Jr. Park, 1133 Rhea St. Long Beach, CA. If you are interested in starting a community garden or doing a type of neighborhood garden project this is the perfect opportunity to come and meet the experts. I'm proud that Wrigley Garden and Long Beach Local is part of the supporting team for this garden.

Lastly please mark your calendars for November 20th for a street tree planting at Wrigley Garden, 1950 Henderson Ave, 90806. Our friends, Wrigley is Going Green, wrote and was awarded the Neighborhood Partners Program (NPP) grant and will be planting 60 street trees. Our goal for this tree planting is to leave something beautiful behind after our garden has moved on. We are also planning on having a BBQ/ pot luck this day. Please get in touch if you are interested in volunteering for this event or would like to help organize the BBQ. More information will become available as the date gets closer.

Thank you for being supportive in everything we are doing. It is much appreciated.

Please view our Kickstarter campaign and spread the word. Only 5 more days!!
http://kck.st/aP1hWS

Happy Growing!
Sasha Kanno
Executive Director, Long Beach Local
562.230.7207
sashakanno@mac.com
www.longbeachlocal.org
http://wrigleygarden.org

http://www.facebook.com/wrigley.garden?ref=name

Everythinglongbeach.com & Farm Lot 59

Thank you everythinglongbeach.com for helping us spread the word.

http://www.everythinglongbeach.com/kickstart-farm-lot-59/
Farm Lot 59 wants to Kickstart the future of sustainable food in Long Beach

2010-07-01 · By Editor

Talk to anyone who has ever followed the “100-mile Diet” and you’re likely to hear stories about food that fills the soul and the unexpected friendships that grow out a search for locally-sourced, fresh foods. This is because buying food “fresh from the farm” does more than just nourish the body. Consumers that know where there food comes from—and, in some cases, even the farmer that grew it—share a sense of connection with the farmer, the earth, and the food that is unparalleled in store bought produce.

Farm Lot 59 wants to strengthen the direct connection between farmer and consumer in Long Beach by building a 1-acre biodynamic, organic mini-farm that will grow healthy, fresh food and teach young people to become farmers.

Sasha Kanno a community farming activist and executive director of Long Beach Local, explains that the name “Farm Lot 59″ makes a direct reference to Long Beach’s early agricultural past.

In 1881 the land was plotted to become 20‐acre farm lots. The farm lots were numbered 1 through 185. Because of its topography and role in the City’s municipal water infrastructure, Farm Lot 59 was never developed into a farm or homes and remains owned by the City of Long Beach to this day.

“Long Beach use to be full of agriculture,” said Kanno. ”Let’s get back to our roots. Our children should be able to have wonderfully fresh food while growing up in the city.”

Earlier this month, the Parks, Recreation and Marine Commissioners voted to approve and issue a right-of-entry permit to Long Beach Local for the use of 2712 California Avenue to build and operate a one-acre urban farm and mulch yard — the land which will return to its “roots” as Farm Lot 59.

Kanno says that there is a vision laid out for Farm Lot 59, and securing the land was an important step.

As the Farm grows, it require labor to plant, harvest, process and take produce to market. Green jobs such as program director, farm operator, produce stand manager, events coordinator, master composter are envisioned and additional support services such as website hosting and maintenance, newsletter, and bookkeeper will be required.

There are also opportunities for entry‐level jobs and internships. The farming industry has a very large generational gap the average farmer aged 55 or older has grown from 37% to over 60% in the last 60 years. Farm Lot 59 will be a local training ground for youth who want to continue in this trade and be able to make a living wage while doing what they love.

Farm Lot 59 has the potential to become the start of a new chapter in Long Beach’s agricultural history, as a 21st Century Urban Farm. As part of this future, the group is using modern technology to build support online at http://kck.st/aP1hWS

Kickstarter is a platform that helps people crowdsource funding for projects. It’s a simple process that allows organizers to launch a project, set a target date and solicit community support. If enough people commit to financially backing the project, then the project gets funded and the backers recieve prizes. If the target amount isn’t met, the project does not get funded and backers are not responsible for their pledges.

Visit the Farm Lot 59 Project on Kickstarter at http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/sashakanno/farm-lot-59/ to watch the video, donate and use the social media links to share the project with a friend.

Farm Lot 59 needs to raise $10,000 by August 28 and are already nearly a tenth of the way to their goal. Be sure to check out the “backers” page and see the “thank you gifts” that supporters receive — especially if you’re a fan of fresh, locally-grown vegetables delivered weekly.

Farm Lot and The Factory

Natalie from The Factory called and offered up her front porch. Well, not exactly her porch but close enough. Next weekend, July 10th the 5th Annual Legends of Lions Dragster Expo and Car Show is right down the way from her restaurant. This is a great opportunity for us to be out to talk about Farm Lot 59. We will be there to promote our urban farm as well as take donations.

Please stop by and enjoy some music, have a beer on the lanai, support local business and future farming in Long Beach. See you there!

Kickstarter...

now go pledge!

http://kck.st/aP1hWS

Farm Lot 59!!

Hello Long Beach Local-

I'm very excited to update you on the progress of the urban farm. On Thursday June 17th the Parks, Recreation and Marine Commissioners voted to approve and issue a right-of-entry permit to Long Beach Local for the use of 2712 California Avenue for the purpose of providing a one-acre urban farm and mulch yard. We got the farm!

With the land secured and the vision laid out now its time to get to work. Our vision is to create an urban/ rural connection within the local community and Farm Lot 59 will accomplish this in Long Beach.

As the Farm grows, so will the need for employees, creating green jobs in Long Beach. The Farm will require labor to plant, harvest, process and take produce to market. Green jobs such as program director, farm operator, produce stand manager, events coordinator, master composter are envisioned and additional support services such as website hosting and maintenance, newsletter, and bookkeeper will be required. There are also opportunities for entry‐level jobs and internships. And don’t forget we want to train young farmers. The farming industry has a very large generational gap the average farmer aged 55 or older has grown from 37% to over 60% in the last 60 years. Farm Lot 59 will be a local training ground for youth who want to continue in this trade and be able to make a living wage while doing what they love.

Farm Lot 59 will serve as an educational resource for the Long Beach community. Children, along with their parents and teachers they can come and learn about urban farming and earth’s ecosystems. Children will be able to meet chickens, explore the farming operation, and identify bugs and flowers. Nutrition education is an important component to the Farm, starting children off young eating their fruits and vegetables, learning how to shop on a budget and preparing meals at home. If you have interest in this aspect of the Farm please let us know. We are in the developing stages of this program.

A portion of the of the proposed Farm Lot 59 will be designated as the Municipal Mulch Pile, this will be our citywide composting and soil making facility. No more driving to San Pedro! The City of Long Beach along with restaurants and residents can bring their green waste to be composted. There will also be mulch provided by the Office of Sustainability’s Mulch‐a‐lot program. Successful gardening begins with healthy soil. Please let us know if you would like to be one of the first to get involved in this great program.

But all of these things will not be possible without funding. Please help us fund our project at Kickstarter, tell your friends and make this part of the community.

http://kck.st/aP1hWS

Kickstarter is a platform that helps people crowd source funding for projects. It works like this: you launch a project, if enough people commit to financially backing your project by the target date, then the project gets funded and the backers receive prizes. If the target amount isn't met, the project does not get funded and backers are not responsible for their pledges. So please help us spread the word.

Thank you to everyone who has helped get us this far. You are all much appreciated and loved. See you in the fields!

Happy Growing!
Sasha Kanno
Executive Director, Long Beach Local
www.longbeachlocal.org
http://wrigleygarden.org

http://www.facebook.com/wrigley.garden?ref=name