2009 Volunteers Needed for Homeless Count
The 2009 Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count will take place Tuesday, January 27, 2009, 8 p.m. – 2 a.m. Volunteers are needed for a biennial census of homeless people in Santa Monica.
Interested volunteers are encouraged to attend one of the following training sessions:
1. Thursday, January 15, 7 – 8:30 p.m., Virginia Avenue Park, Thelma Terry Center, 2200 Virginia Avenue.
2. Saturday, January 24, 10 – 11:30 a.m., Santa Monica Main Library, Martin Luther King, Jr. Auditorium , 601 Santa Monica Boulevard.
The Santa Monica Police and Fire Departments and the Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce are also looking for volunteers.
RSVP to City of Santa Monica, Human Services Division dina.aubrey@smgov.net or call 310.458.8701 for more information
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City OK’s Park Commemorative Donor Program
Many Santa Monicans have expressed their wish to donate a tree, a park bench, a piece of play equipment and more as a way of honoring people who are or have been important to their lives. With the support of the Recreation and Parks Commission and the City Council, the City of Santa Monica has initiated a program that allows the public to purchase tributes and commemorations while improving the City’s parks, beach and community forest. “GIVE Santa Monica” tributes are an excellent way to mark a celebration, pay tribute to a retiring colleague, or honor a loved one.
Donors have the choice of making a contribution of $25 or more to a general fund, purchasing an amenity of $250 or more, or planting a tree for $500 or more to improve the city’s parks, beaches, and streetscapes. All contributions will be acknowledged with a certificate and commemorative gift, and posting on the City website. Contributions of $750 or more will include a plaque installed at or near the site.
To view the detailed wish list or to download an order form, please visit parks.smgov.net or call the Open Space Management Division at 310.458.8573.
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Green Business Certification Program Reveals Local Innovators
The housekeeping staff at the Sheraton Delfina in Santa Monica begin their day cleaning and sanitizing guest rooms using a state-of-the-art solution of essentially tap water and salt. Midway across town, David Hertz, is giving a tour of one of the first green roofs in Southern California to a group of Santa Monica High School students. Further north, diners enjoy delicious, healthy food in the unique atmosphere of “living walls” comprised of hanging succulents and recovered decking materials at Kreation Kafe. These businesses are certified green with Santa Monica’s two year-old Green Business Certification (SMGBC) Program, one of a growing network of similar programs sprouting up across California.
The Sheraton Delfina is one of the first hotels on the west coast to introduce and test a non-toxic cleaning system which electrolyzes tap water and salt to create a cleaning agent that both cleans and sanitizes. The newly renovated hotel will be hosting the 2009 Santa Monica’s Sustainable Quality Award luncheon on March 25th.
The work, of the David Hertz Studio, of Environmental Architecture focuses on the design and construction of environmentally responsible residential and commercial buildings and the products that go along with it. Their reconditioned office space includes a “green roof” with drought tolerant plants and solar panels on it. It is one of the first of its kind in the L.A. area.
These innovations and more are examples of what any business can strive for. Look for the GBC decal in their window or visit smgbc.org for more details.
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Treesavers “Tree Commission” support meeting
This Treesavers first-of-the-year public meeting will be held to gather support to create a much-needed Santa Monica Tree Commission to advise the City Council on urban forestry issues. (The Tree Commission item has been scheduled to be on the City Council agenda on Tuesday, January 13)
The meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, January 6, 6:00 p.m., Natural Resources Defense Council Robert Redford Building, 1314 Second Street, (just S. of Arizona Avenue).
For further information contact Jerry Rubin at 310.399.1000
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Salvation Army Donations
The Salvation Army Family Center on 11th Street in Santa Monica will take donations as usual throughout the holiday season. The center takes donations of furniture, clothes, and usable items, and will also pick up.
For an appointment for pick-up call 310.451.1358
