Garden is Closing- Don't forget

Hello gardeners-

Don't forget this weekend is your last chance to remove all your personal belongings. After Sunday all items will be considered abandoned and we will start the demo.

We will be planning to move the remaining items out of the garden starting the middle of June. If you are interested in helping us please check back here or subscribe to the mailing list at www.longbeachlocal.org. Your help is much appreciated.

Thanks and see you all soon!
Sasha

2030 Plan for Long Beach

If any of you are interested in being part of the future of Long Beach please contact the planning department and ask to be added to this list. Your input is valued and requested. Let's work together to make LB even greater than it already is.

CITY OF LONG BEACH
DEPARTMENT OF DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
333 West Ocean Blvd., 4th Floor  Long Beach, CA 90802  Phone:  570.5237   Fax:  570.6205

April 20, 2011
 
Dear Neighborhood Association Members,
 
2010 was another successful year for Long Beach neighborhood associations, which helped advance Long Beach’s commitment to enhancing the quality of life within the city. We saw continued successes in neighborhood revitalization, citizen participation, and code enforcement. From your direct involvement in planning projects, your efforts have led to the beautification of our parks, neighborhoods, and street parkways, and enrichment of the overall fabric of our city.
 
Your successes are related to your many outstanding volunteer efforts and contributions toward the betterment of Long Beach. In 2010, the Willmore City Heritage Association (WHCA) won Neighborhood, USA’s “Neighborhood of the Year” first place award in the category of Physical Revitalization – Single Neighborhood, for restoring a 106-year-old house, saving it from demolition, and helping a local family purchase the home – removing two blighted vacant lots in the process. At one Craftsman Village Historic District’s monthly graffiti removal and neighborhood clean up alone, 200 volunteers removed nine tons of trash and debris from surrounding streets and alleys. This is just one of many similar efforts that took place throughout the city. Neighborhood associations have also contributed to greening efforts by planting trees throughout Long Beach. At the North Alamitos Beach Association’s Neighborhood Tree Planting last July, volunteers planted 35 new trees in the area. And the neighborhood associations also help build community, such as the West East-Side Community Association’s extremely successful annual Halloween Carnival at Orizaba Park where approximately 700 people attended the festivities.

In 2011, the Planning Commission will need your help with our planning processes for now and the future. We are working on our Long Beach 2030 plan, which includes evaluating zoning requirements within the city. Our successes in that effort count on community participation and support. We encourage you to recruit and involve as many of your neighbors as possible to participate in the process.
 
On behalf of all the members of the Planning Commission, we again thank you for your commitment to improving our neighborhoods.
 
Sincerely,    

Charles Durnin
Chair
Long Beach Planning Commission

Amy J. Bodek, AICP
Director
Long Beach Development Services

There is a young man who needs our help.

Hello gardeners and friends-

This is totally off topic from gardening and the usual stuff I post about but its worth mentioning. Over the last month or so I have noticed a young black man parked outside our house. He just sits in his car in the evening and uses his little notebook computer. I have called the police a number of times asking him to move on but he always comes back. So either he knows someone who lives on the block or something. He must have his paperwork in order because he has not had his car towed or repossessed.

Last night I asked my husband to go out there and speak with him. Turns out his name is Alan and he is homeless. Young black male in his 20's. He did not get all the details as to why he is living in his car but it really made us sad.

When The Husband walked up to his car he was stealing the internet from a neighbor but he had job application sites open for Walmart. I'm not sure if we will see Alan again or if he has moved on for good but if there is anything you folks can suggest for him please let me know.

I know of Operation Hope at the UBOC on Atlantic but they might just let you use the computers for free. I'm not sure if they do job placement or training. If you know of any programs or job seeking strategy please let me know.

Thank you-
Sasha

Fun Friday!

Wrigley Garden will be open today. Come down and say hello. I'll be there getting ready for tomorrow's Chicken Meet-up as well and working in the greenhouse.

Next Friday our Farm Stand will be open! I promise!!

If I don't see you today hopefully will see you tomorrow. Chicken Meet-up starts at 10. Bring a pot luck item if you can and a small donation of $10 is requested. But if you cannot do either that's ok too. Just come down and say hi.

We also launched a new website, www.longbeachlocal.org thanks to my first and most beloved intern Tessa its up and running. Still a work in progress but so is everything don't ya think? Email us if you see a glitch or have something to add.

Thanks so much-
Sasha

Macadamia Nut Tree

This Macadamia tree was blooming a few weeks ago at the VA Hospital. It was so fragrant and the bees were loving it! Flowers mean fruit, looking forward to some mac nuts soon.
Craig also thought it smelled nice.

Earth Week!

Big week planned for all the tree hugging do gooders out there. Wednesday Wrigley Garden along with Green Lab and the Sunday Farmers Market will be at the Civic Center from 11-1:00. We will be giving away seeds and seedlings along with fresh brewed worm tea.

If you have any questions about your garden there will be Master Gardeners there to answer all your gardening questions. Stop by and say hello!

Please come down and join us at the gardening showcase at the City Hall!

Earth Day Tree Planting

Hello Fellow Tree-Huggers, Wrigley Gardeners and Do Gooders-

Wrigley is Going Green! and the Wrigley Garden in conjunction with Southern California Edison, the City of Long Beach, Office of Sustainability, Councilmember Tonia Reyes Uranga and the neighbors of Taper Street and Fashion Avenue are planting 40 trees on April 24, 2010 at 9:00 a.m. We will meet at 1315 Taper Street, Long Beach, CA 90810—Northwest corner of Taper Street and Fashion Avenue. (Taper street is a small street in West Long Beach: Willow Street west to Santa Fe Avenue north, right on 34th Street, left on Delta Avenue, right on Taper Street.)

In preparation of the tree planting, we will be pre-digging the holes Saturday April 17th at 10:00 a.m.

Please bring a shovel and gloves to each occasion.

Volunteer for one or both events!

Feel free to contact Wrigley is Going Green with any questions.

Hope to see you there.

Best,
Lisa Wibroe, Mauna Eichner and Lee Fukui
wrigleyisgoinggreen@hotmail.com

First Friday April 2nd

Wrigley Garden will be at First Fridays this Friday April 2nd! At the corner of Bixby and Atlantic we will have a mini farmers market. Wrigley Garden along with the Sunday Farmers Market, Shortnin Bread, Frutos Farms and Gourmet Conspiracy will have a mini Mock Market.

This is a fundraiser for the garden, we will have produce, veggie starts and all sorts of fun stuff for you. See you there.

If you would like to volunteer in our booth please let me know. The more the merrier!

Thanks,
Sasha

Wrigley Heights Community Meeting

Dear Residents,
One of my highest priorities as your Council member is to continue to maintain a high level of transparency. I have sought to develop green space throughout the 7th District.
Please join us on March 27th as we discuss the creation of more green space in the Wrigley Heights. As your representative, I will keep you informed with updates on all concerns. Contact my office with any concern at 562-570-6139.
Best Regards,
Tonia Reyes Uranga
7th District Council Member


Wrigley Heights Community Meeting
Saturday, March 27th, - 9:30 am
3332 Magnolia Ave, Long Beach 90806

Please join your neighbors for a discussion on the development of a Dog Park and Community Garden.

For more details, please contact Ricardo Linarez at (562) 570-6139 or ricardo.linarez@longbeach.gov

The City of Long Beach, City Council
(562) 570-6139—Fax (562) 570-6954
www.longbeach.gov/district7

Wrigley Heights Garden & Dog Park Meeting- Tomorrow

Good evening everyone,

We have moved the meeting regarding the Dog Park Site from 3431 Pacific to Wardlow Road and Golden Avenue. The meeting will begin at 9:30 am on Saturday March 6th.

There will be a sign posted at 3431 Pacific Place advising people of the new location. This meeting will be held outside so please dress warm and you may bring a chair to sit on.

City Staff from Parks & Recreation will be there in order to provide answers to questions you may have.

Please advise your neighbors of the change of location, which is Wardlow Road and Golden Avenue.

Remember Councilmember Tonia Reyes Uranga hopes all those concerned would act responsibly and focus on the good of the community.

Kindest Regards,

Ricardo Linarez
Office of Tonia Reyes Uranga
Councilmember, 7th District
Member, SCAQMD Governing Board
333 W. Ocean Blvd. L.B., CA 90802
Tel. 562/570-6139 Fax 562/570-6954

Wrigley Heights Garden & Dog Park Meeting

Saturday the 6th:
Thanks for everyone for standing by. I am waiting for the City Council office to confirm the location for the meeting. I will let you all know as soon as I hear from them. But plan on 9am somewhere in the Wrigley neighborhood.

We are still having a work day at the garden. We will be building boxes for our orchard. We will be there from 2:00 until dusk. Bring water and gloves if you use them. I'm sorry that this got pushed and next time we have a work day there will be a potluck following. I promise!

If you have ideas or suggestions for workdays or anything else please let us know.

Thanks-
Sasha

Advisory Committee for the Proposed Wrigley Heights Dog Park / Community Garden has been canceled

Due to the heavy rain expected tonight and Saturday, the meeting for the Advisory Committee for the Proposed Wrigley Heights Dog Park / Community Garden has been cancel.

It is reschedule for March 6th 2010 at the proposed site at Golden Avenue and Wardlow Road from 9 am to 10:30 am.

Feel free to give me a call if there is anything you need.

Kindest Regards,

Ricardo Linarez
Office of Tonia Reyes Uranga
Councilmember, 7th District
Member, SCAQMD Governing Board
333 W. Ocean Blvd. L.B., CA 90802
Tel. 562/570-6139 Fax 562/570-6954

Thank You Connected Corridor!

Since opening this summer, The Wrigley Garden has fed 40 plus families from its raised garden beds on the site of two former drug houses. The subject of a recent LA Times article celebrating the positive effects of gardening on the community, the Wrigley Garden is a two-year project located on land owned by the City of Long Beach. Supporters include The Long Beach Neighborhood Foundation, a 501(c)3 corporation, Wrigley is Going Green, The Long Beach Community Foundation, Connected Corridors, 6^th and 7^th District Council Office, and Parks Recreation and Marine.

Our mission is to create a positive environment for the youth and their families through gardening, sustainability practices, nutrition and exercise. This urban garden serves not only the Henderson Avenue residents but also neighbors along the LA River corridor. In addition to creating a garden that puts food on the tables of families, our vision is for this garden to serve as a demonstration garden for the gardenʼs future site. We are currently

working with district seven as well as the cityʼs Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine to develop a one-acre site in Wrigley Heights.

In the short amount of time that the garden has been in operation, we have already seen a huge change in the neighborhood. Henderson Avenue is heavily impacted by gang activity and crime. With the presence of the garden, there is less crime, and a burgeoning sense of community, with neighbors looking out for their common goals and needs. We are also a fresh set of eyes looking at a neglected neighborhood. Per our request, the Long Beach Police Department has also stepped up their patrols of the area, which is a deterrent for the drug trafficking that often takes place on this block. This project, with the help from the Connected Corridor and the connections we have made through the grant process, will make a difference in the lives of the Henderson Avenue residents, and could be a model for the city of Long Beach. We hope our project will become an inspiration for other communities throughout Long Beach. The Wrigley Garden is thriving, and has become an innovative and cost-effective model for what residents can do when we work together.

On behalf of Rachael and myself I would like to say thank you to Carina and all the good people at Connected Corridor. We look forward to all the good things to come in Phase IIII and throughout Long Beach. Thank you!

Jamie Oliver

Its a great speech and a vision we all have. Please copy and paste to view.

http://www.ted.com/talks/view/id/765

http://www.tedprize.org/tedprize-updates/watch-jamies-talk-now/

Garage Sale

WRIGLEY GARAGE SALES WEEKEND OF FEBRUARY 27^TH & 28^TH

^{Get your permits now so you can participate in the weekend community garage sale. The permit can be applied for in person at City Hall's Business Licensing Division (4th floor) and a couple of police division locations. Those applying must bring proof of residency such as a current utility bill and a picture ID like a driver's license or passport.}

^{E-mail Wrigleyisgoinggreen@hotmail.com or go to Wrigley Garden on Facebook to register your address to be added on a flyer with a list of participating garage sale addresses to give out at each site. This will allow people to go easily from one sale to another right here in Wrigley.}

^{Many participants are donating a percentage of their proceeds to Wrigley Garden; however, this is not mandatory, just greatly appreciated. :-)}

Green Week - Panel Discussion

We have been invited to participate in a panel discussion focusing on Green Alternatives to Careers. Very exciting.

This panel will be held Thursday, February 11, 1:00 – 2:30 pm, in the Career Development Center, Brotman Hall 250.

For a map and directions to the Visitor Information Center (VIC) on the CSULB Campus, please visit http://daf.csulb.edu/offices/ppfm/parking/vic.html (there is a link to a map on the right). For freeway directions, visit http://daf.csulb.edu/maps/directions.html.

Heirloom Pig Butchery Class & Charcuterie Workshop

Heirloom Pig Butchery Class & Charcuterie Workshop

This is a workshop for cooks, chefs or passionate gourmands that would like to learn more about breaking down whole pigs & primal cuts so they can make their own Bacon, Lardo, sausage, Coppa, Pancetta and more. We will have a whole Mangalitsa (Wooly Pig) for the demo along with a whole shoulder of Becker Lane Organic Berkshire Acorn finished Pork. We will break down the Mangalitsa to primal cuts and discuss what to do with each part. Basic recipes for curing pork will be covered as well as smoking techniques. We will only have room for 10 people at this workshop and there is a $60 fee. We will be able to taste some Mangalitsa Bacon, Pancetta & Coppa at the end of the class. Please contact Chef Paul at 562 400-5659 to reserve your spot and get more information

Saturday, January 30th, 2010 from 12noon – 3pm
Location: Primal Alchemy Kitchen at 81 Aquarium Way, Long Beach
Parking: Aquarium of the Pacific parking structure on Aquarium Way is the closest to the kitchen, not sure what the parking fees are that day.

Los Angeles Times

Thanks to Robert for seeking us out for his article. Also thanks Cailey, Brianna and Don for getting some of their fall crop in the ground!
Click on picture to take you to the full article.

Plant Sale

Test Your Green Thumb at the California Native Plant Sale!

California Native Plant Sale at El Dorado Nature Center

On Saturday October 24, 2009 from 9:30 – 2:00 pm, El Dorado Nature Center will be hosting its annual California Native Plant Sale sponsored by Partners of Parks. Most of the plants available are well suited to Southern California’s dry climate and require minimal watering once established. Many have fragrant foliage and bear brightly colored flowers that are attractive to butterflies and birds. All proceeds go to support habitat restoration at the Nature Center. Be sure and come early for best selection. Members of Friends of El Dorado Nature Center may make pre-sale purchases beginning at 9:00 am. Memberships to the Friends of El Dorado Nature Center may be purchased at the event. A $7 vehicle entry fee will be credited toward all purchases of $75 or more. For more information, please call (562) 570-1745.

El Dorado Nature Center

7550 E. Spring St.

Long Beach, Ca 90815

Long Beach Marathon

This is a great article from the Press Telegram featuring our nonprofit and one of our gardeners. Way to go guys and gals!
Keisser: Marathon a place for a family stroll
By Bob Keisser, Columnist
Posted: 10/12/2009

Gavin McKiernan was running for three.
To be more accurate, he was running and his two kids, Mia and Finn, were enjoying the Long Beach Marathon from their seats in the double stroller he pushed all 26 miles and 385 feet on a cool Sunday morning.
Such are the intimate joys of what one could call The People's Marathon.
Those who came out Sunday to run the marathon, half-marathon, bike ride or kids race all had their own stories - some ran for personal achievement, some in memory of loved ones, some as part of a team and some just because it's fun and good for you.
Last year, the race staged by International City Racing and sponsored by International City Bank, set a record with 18,000 competitors. This year's field was estimated at 23,000, with all of the 18,000 bibs printed for the marathon and half-marathon gone before race day.
Gavin and Terry McKiernan are running veterans. This was Gavin's eighth marathon and his second in Long Beach. Wife Terry ran the half-marathon last year with the kids, and this year the kids strolled in their first-ever marathon with dad while mom did a half.
They were probably three of the most popular people running Sunday. Mia and Finn had all the comforts of home - juice boxes, their favorite stuffed animals, cookies and enough layers of clothes to keep them comfy while dad steered and finished in less than four hours.
"We run with them all the time," said McKiernan, who lives with
his family in the Wrigley section of Long Beach, "since they were about six weeks old."
It was partially out of family fun and partially for family sanity.
"Mia was not a good sleeper, so I'd take her for a run and then come home and Terry would take her for a run."
Mia is now 5, and Finn joined the race three years ago this coming December.
"They love it. They like the idea of a free fast ride," he said with a grin. "They especially like it when we run with the club. Some Saturdays they'll act like they might want to go back to sleep, then Mia will ask, `Will we run with people?' and they'll want to go."
The club McKiernan noted is A Running Experience Club (AREC), which has its own story.
The original club was an offshoot of a running store by the same name that opened in 1982, according to club president Todd Rose. The store eventually closed but the club endured.
"There were some lean times in the mid-`90s," said Rose, who launched his own neighborhood foundation fun runs of 5 and 10 kilometers in Wrigley this past June. "There were just a handful of people in the club when I joined 13 years ago.
"But I wanted to get it going again, and we had some money in the club account, so I did some local advertising and we slowly built back up to decent numbers."
More than decent. Two years ago, AREC had 190 dues-paying members. Last year, it jumped to 259. This year, it's at 364, and Rose estimated 120 members ran some part of Long Beach Sunday.
A lot of the members make Long Beach the focal point of their running.
"It's an Average Joe club," said Rose, a former cross country runner in college who finished the half-marathon Sunday in an hour and 42 minutes, "and available to anybody. We have some who run just one event a year, Long Beach, and we have some elite runners, and even some trail runners."
Karen Hester, who works in the city attorney's office and whose son Allen Woods is a former Dirtbag, used Long Beach last year to qualify for her first Boston Marathon, and she ran under four hours Sunday to qualify again.
"I'm going to Boston," she said. "It was tough, but when I got to Long Beach State I fed off the crowd, took off my (headphones) and just got into the good feelings.
"It's a great group of people and the club keeps growing. We had a big pasta party Friday and we push each other to reach our goals and just to enjoy the experience."
Teammate Nadine Echeverry was aiming at a sub-four-hour finish so she could qualify for Boston, but she hit the proverbial wall hard at 25 miles and didn't finish. "I felt bad for her, but she's determined. She'll make it next year."
Kathleen Phair lives in Seal Beach, joined AREC in February, and posted a personal best in her first run in Long Beach.
"I'm a new member and just getting to know everybody," she said. "There's a lot of positive motivation."
"The club is a huge help in just having people and friends to train with," McKiernan said. "This is a great course and the organizers do a great job putting the race on. It's not New York or Boston, but it's better than most. You actually have people on the course who cheer for you. It's not just friends and family."
Bob Seagren, the former Olympic pole vaulter who runs IRC, says there's no ceiling on how popular the race can become. The field was large enough this year to have staged starts, which proved popular for the runners and cyclists.
"If we ever are able to widen the bike trail, I think we could get 40,000 entries," he said.
I asked Gavin whether there's any chance Mia and Finn won't follow their parents into the running fraternity. "Mia ran in her first race this year, a one-mile fun run," he said.
So look for her in the 2019 Long Beach Marathon. She just won't be in a stroller.
bob.keisser@presstelegram.com