Long Beach Green Guide

INVASIVE PLANTS

2010-03-31T15:12:00.000-07:00

Here is a link outlining the plants that are invasive to native habitats.
Definitely worth a visit:
Cal-IPC

LOCAL WALKING SPOT BLOOMS WITH COLOR

2009-03-26T08:14:00.001-07:00

For those of you who enjoy walking, Rynerson Park in Lakewood might be worth a visit. Spring blooms are in profusion right now and offer a visual color feast for the eyes. Walking path wends its way around the perimeter of an expansive grassy area, passing by the backside of Lakewood Equestrian Center. Bunnies, next to the stables, can be seen sitting in the grass, nibbling away on spring greens.

Besides being a nice spot for exercise enthusiasts, this park is also a great place for moms with young children in strollers.

Bicyclists can access the San Gabriel River bike path from a wooden bridge at Rynerson Park, which is located at Del Amo Blvd. and Studebaker Rd.: Google map

CSULB TO OFFER SEMINARS AND GREEN BUILDING CERTIFICATE PROGRAM

2009-02-06T07:18:00.000-08:00

Right in our own backyard, CSULB's extension program is growing green. Returning this year by popular demand, they are offering seminars on green home design and construction. In addition, UCES, is launching a certificate program in April on sustainable building.

Check out the three upcoming events:

1) Green Vendor Fair, February 26, 11 am to 3 pm
Fair details

2) Building Green: Home Design and Construction Seminar
3/4, 4/22, 5/27
Course description
Schedule and fees

3) Green and Sustainable Building and Certificate Program
April 15 through June 3
Course description
Schedule and Fees

STAYING HEALTHY DURING THE FIRES

2008-11-17T07:42:00.000-08:00

Southern California has been hit hard by the fires. People have lost homes, lives have been disrupted and the land has been scorched beyond recognition. For those of us who live miles away from the infernos that have been blazing for days, we're also affected by the smoke. The air has been filled with particulate matter and breathing has been a strain. So what can we do to keep our bodies healthy during such a challenging time?

Storm Cole, our local holistic health practitioner and certified clinical nutritionist, has offered some advice on boosting our immune systems and clearing toxins from our lungs and bodies.

1) Use an air purifier. Stay indoors.

2) Take immune support: echinacea, aloe vera, garlic or astragalus

3) Home air quality:
Diffuse lemon oil throughout your home. This cleanses and increases oxygen.
Steam or vaporize peppermint (tea bags or leaves). This cleanses and dilates bronchials and decongests sinuses.

4) Useful food/vitamins/herbs for oxygenation:
Chlorophyll, vitamin E (wheat germ), yellow dock, black walnut, green leafies, vitamin C (kiwis have the highest amount), fish oil, or omega 3 from walnuts (fats always save you from toxic situations).

5) Juice as much as possible. Juicing relieves the digestive system so your body has more energy to deal with the smoke.

6) Asthma attack:
Cranberry juice concentrate. One teaspoon, put between the lower lip and teeth.

7) Specialty supplements/aromatherapy:
Any of the drainage products below.
-all-cell detox
-lung terrain
-lymph terrain
-skin terrain
-patchouli oil (takes out any chemical pollutants from your body that might have been burned in the air). 20 drops to 8 oz of olive or coconut oil. Put on skin, especially liver area

8) Drink lots of water.

9) Pets will have a hard time. They should have their water charged--or alkalized--with HealthWalk's HydroMag (available at Calypso Juice on Main St. in Seal Beach). Change the water 2x per day. Give them greens and fats. Keep them off of wood floors.

Storm Cole, HHP
5018 Katella Ave.
Los Alamitos, CA 90720
(562) 972-1235
Hours: Tuesday through Friday

PAMPAS GRASS: GARDEN FRIEND OR LANDSCAPE FOE?

2008-10-16T13:19:00.000-07:00

They bend, they sway, and the plumes flutter in gentle winds. They also disperse seeds, which settle into soil and take root in areas where other species are trying to thrive.

Pampas grass, though a garden friend to many, is really a landscape foe threatening California natives, soils and precious wildlife.

Planted for their stately presence and low-water needs, pampas grass--a native of South America, has become a menace in California. Along the Pacific Coast going north toward Big Sur, pampas grass dominates native species and has now become a tremendous challenge as it crowds out smaller plants and tenaciously clings to coastal slopes. It can also be found in the desert, along highways, city roads and even in your neighbor's yard.

In Southern Calfiornia, these silver-colored landscape staples are often planted in home gardens for their height and feathery elegance. So what's the problem? Here are some reasons to pass on planting pampas grass:
-jubata grass and pampas grass are invasive species (originally planted as ornamentals)
-each plume disperses 100,000 seeds when blown by wind--and can travel up to 20 miles
-can crowd out native plants and wildlife that can't compete
-aggressive growth can degrade natural habitats
-pampas grass can become a fire hazard

Though this grass may be beautiful and many gardeners select it as a landscape focal point; it is clearly a growing threat to our local environment. The great news is that we have better choices. Read on for ideas.

Learn more about pampas grass:
National Park Service website

Invasive ornamental grasses and alternative choices:
Cal-IPC.org

Cal-IPC plant categories with non-invasive options:
Cal-IPC.org

Get the low-down on invasive plants:
Cal-IPC resource page

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BIKESTATION GETS SPOT ON BIZ PAGE

2008-07-22T09:46:00.001-07:00

Yesterday, the Press-Telegram ran an article on Long Beach's Bikestation. Read the piece and learn how the nation's first "bike garage" has prompted other cities to follow suit:
Life in the Bike Lane

CREATIVE REUSE STORE COMES TO EAST VILLAGE

2008-07-19T20:52:00.000-07:00

I've been hoping for quite some time that someone would do just what Lisa Hernandez has done: open a reuse store in Long Beach. It's called The Long Beach Depot for Creative ReUse and it's located in the East Village Arts District. Haven't been to it yet, but I'm thrilled that such a "depot" exists for cast offs, scraps, and other odds and ends.

Find out how one woman's family values spawned an idea that is now a reality in our city, by reading Karen Robes' 7/15 article, Scrap Mettle, in the Press Telegram.

GREEN WASTE RECYCLING A POSSIBILITY IN L.B.

2008-07-12T10:33:00.000-07:00

Read this week's article in the Grunion:
Composting Green Waste Could Make Environmental Sense

RECYCLING IS COMING TO MORE L.B. RESIDENTS

2008-07-08T15:57:00.000-07:00

Read the Grunion Gazette article:
Large Apartment Buildings To Get Recycling Within Year

STRETCHING GAS MILEAGE

2008-06-27T17:00:00.000-07:00

Paul B. from Long Beach would like to share some ideas on improving gas mileage and lowering emissions. He has had excellent success with a couple of changes to his cars. Read on...

Hello friends,

I just want to pass on a few tips that considerably help reduce auto emissions and will also save you money. I am not affilliated with any products or companies mentioned below.

The first two products are both effective alone, and live up to the sales pitch. Using them together is much more beneficial. The first is a simple change of spark plugs. www.Pulstarplug.com will show you all the technical data. These hi-tech plugs are far beyond the innovate tip kind sold at automotive stores. They run about 25 dollars each so that's a $100-$200 investment depending on your cylinder count. They're rated for 50,000 miles, which is average.

The second item is a cold air intake. K&N Filters (www.knfilters.com) is the leader in this for automotive applications. On their site they are called hi-performance air intakes. There are similar ones on Ebay at less than half their price and every bit as good.

I did these two modifications on each a Toyota Tercel and a Jeep Grand Cherokee. The benefits are more pronounced on the 1500cc Toyota than the 5.2L (318 for all you old timers) Jeep. That will hold true for all cars and trucks. The smaller the motor, the bigger the benefit. On the Jeep the gas mileage went from 13 city/ 19 hwy. to 16 city/23+ hwy. That's an extra 100 miles per tank on the road! When I had the vehicle smog tested my emissions were 33% lower than the previous test!

Now for the Tercel. I must tell you it's a 1988 with a one barrel carburetor. I expected the results to be good, but I was actually impressed. The mileage went from 33 city/39 hwy. to 45 city/56 hwy. I went from Long Beach, Calif. to Phoenix, Ariz. at 75mph on under 8 gallons. It hasn't been smog tested yet, but there's a very noticeable reduction of carbon residue in the tail pipe.

I am just beginning to test a third product called Ethos. It's an organic gas additive available at www.SimpleGasSolution.com. The website is a bit lengthy but well worth the read. This is NOT an alcohol or petroleum-based additive sold as an octane booster. Hopefully I can post my test results in a couple of months. Besides gaining another huge gas mileage benefit this product should cut my emissions by at least another 30% on both vehicles.

Ethos is a fuel re-formulator that uses esters to separate gas molecules for more efficient combustion. Gas is considered a heavy molecule and the molecules tend to clump together. An ester is a much smaller molecule, completely organic, and when mixed with gas, or diesel, causes a nearly 100% burning of the fuel. This is because the esters have moved the gas molecules apart thus allowing the complete burn. Most cars burn about 80% of their fuel and the remaining 20% of unburned fuel exits your tailpipe as pollution. The website above gives a decent overview and explanation of the product function.

Note: Esters can be inorganic as well as organic. For a detailed definition please visit: www.wikipedia.org.

If you are so inclined, after installing the cold air intake and plugs, you can add headers and/or a Catback exhaust. These are more costly items, do not lower emissions, and take longer to get a return on your investment.

Most everything I've mentioned above is sold as a horsepower improvement. An increase in HP equates to a more efficient motor so keep your foot out of it, reap the rewards, and reduce your vehicles footprint.

Contact Paul with questions or comments.

NEW LISTINGS ON LBGG

2008-06-20T15:24:00.000-07:00

Check these out:

--Power Truck Mount Steam Cleaning (see "Carpet Cleaning"), LBGG "C"
--The Undershirt (see "Promotional Products"), LBGG "P"
Sells green promotional T-shirts.

LOOK WHO'S GREENING

2008-06-16T13:25:00.000-07:00

Even Little Leaguers can get on board the eco-train!
Read how one team has made some very impressive changes in the way they feed their fans:
Press-Telegram: Greening Baseball

LBGG ANNOUNCEMENTS

2008-06-07T08:42:00.000-07:00

1) Events
--Today, Frieda's Produce is hosting its first open-air Fresh Marketplace in Los Alamitos. 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
www.friedas.com

--Restorative Yoga Workshop at FreeSpirit Yoga in Bixby Knolls
1-3 p. m.
*Click on "Schedule" then on "Workshops & Retreats"

--Lavender farms in Southern California open their sweet-scented doors to the public. See LBGG Events page (link below).

2) New Listings
--Acupuncture/Peaceful Waves Healing Center
--Rolfing/Peaceful Waves Healing Center
--Wes Harding Construction (Construction Companies/Green, Contractors/Green)

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ON THE PROWL FOR PAINT

2008-06-04T11:00:00.000-07:00

You'd think that purchasing an eco-friendly paint would be a breeze, right? Wrong!
I've been researching and researching, trying to find the "best" paint that meets my needs for a small project. Unfortunately, the hunt resulted in some disappointing facts--though I still remain hopeful as more companies begin to offer low odor/non VOC paints.

This is what I found, locally:

--Dunn-Edwards (on Bellflower near Stearns St.)
Carries "Eco-Shield" line, but only in gallons.

-Frazee Paints (on Bellflower near Spring St.)
Sells "Envirokote" line, but doesn't have it in stock.

--Lowe's
No "eco" lines.

--Sherwin-Williams (on Willow St. at California Ave.)
Carries "Harmony" line, but only in gallons.

My problem? I needed only a quart of paint.

My dilemma? Drive to The Road Less Traveled in Santa Ana, spend the time and gas to buy one quart of AFM Safecoat, OR just buy one quart of latex paint at a nearby Lowe's. That's what I decided to do and my project is now finished.

Sometimes going green is not such an easy task and requires weighing the pros and cons of each situation.

The moral of the story? Long Beach needs at least one store that sells a few lines of "green" paints that come in different sizes.

Who will take on the challenge?

VISIT VEGETARIAN MAVEN: NAVA ATLAS

2008-05-22T09:30:00.000-07:00

May 19-25 is National Vegetarian Week, so I'll be posting links to some interesting sites, including that of well-known cookbook author and artist, Nava Atlas.

Visit her at: In a Vegetarian Kitchen

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LBGG ANNOUNCEMENTS

2008-05-21T13:12:00.001-07:00

1) Green Drinks is tomorrow (Morry's of Naples). RSVP by today and get 50% off of your first drink.
Email Jenny

2) New categories on LongBeachGreenGuide.com:
--Eco-Entrepreneurial Training
--Health and Healing
--Solar (Solar Ovens/Step Solar)
--Vegetarian Restaurants

3) New listings:
--El Dorado Audubon (under "Activities with a Gentle Footprint and "Bird Watching")
--Evan Little (under "Realtors/Green/Orange County")
--Micro Enterprise Solar Harvest (under "Solar")
--Nature Centers-extended listings.
--OneLove YOGA, Seal Beach (under "Yoga")
--Peaceful Waves Healing Center (under "Health and Healing")
--Viento y Agua (under "Coffee Houses")

4) June Events now posted!

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LONG BEACH MOVING TOWARD SUSTAINABILITY

2008-05-17T08:31:00.000-07:00

Read article in this week's Grunion Gazette:
www.gazettes.com

IDEAS FOR A GREEN WEDDING

2008-05-15T10:35:00.000-07:00

The wedding season is upon us, and with it comes many opportunities to make green choices when planning a matrimonial event. Blue Planet Wedding, out of Canada, has some great tips for keeping things eco-oriented.

95 Ideas To Make Your Wedding More Environmentally-Friendly

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NEEDED: YOUR GREEN WISH LIST FOR LONG BEACH

2008-05-12T10:16:00.001-07:00

Hello all,

Over the weekend I received an email requesting information on car detailers in Long Beach who use earth-friendly products. Unfortunately, I don't know of any here. If you do, please send the info along:
lbgreenguide@gmail.com
Read one woman's eco-preneurial story:
Family Talk Magazine
Visit Emerald Car Cleaners

Also, I'd like to know your "green" wish list for Long Beach. What businesses do you want here? How can we improve? Send ideas to above email and I'll post them in the coming days.

I think we've got a good start when you see the listings on LongBeachGreenGuide.com. We just need to keep at it!

PHOTOS: DOMINGUEZ GAP WETLANDS

2008-05-09T08:02:00.001-07:00

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RECIPES FOR SPRING

2008-05-08T08:44:00.000-07:00

Though the wildflowers may now be a thing of the past, it is still spring and many foods are associated with this season, from fresh salad greens to sweet strawberries.

Here are some recipes by Shanta Nimbark Sacharoff, a cookbook author and health-food store manager in San Francisco.
IndiaCurrents.com

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DOMINGUEZ GAP WETLANDS OFFICIALLY OPENS 5/8

2008-05-07T14:48:00.000-07:00

Right here in our own backyard a new riparian community is taking root. Dominguez Gap Wetlands, a 50-acre Los Angeles County Flood Control project, officially opens with a ceremony tomorrow morning at 7:45. Shuttles will take visitors to the location near Del Amo Blvd. and the 405 Fwy. Learn more details on the LBGG Events page

MAY 4TH BEGINS "BE KIND TO ANIMALS WEEK"

2008-05-04T08:50:00.000-07:00

A message from Shirley Vaughan:

"Join Friends of Long Beach Animals in celebrating American Humane's "Be Kind To Animals" week May 4th-10th. Friends of Long Beach Animals promotes kindness to animals every day of the year. This is a special week that we want to bring public awareness to the fact that we all need to treat our animal friends with the respect and dignity that they deserve.

If you feel like being very, very kind and have room in your household to adopt a critter there are many wonderful pets available at the Companion Animal Village, 7700 E. Spring Street."
--Shirley Vaughan, Friends of Long Beach Animals (FOLBA)
www.friendsoflongbeachanimals.org

RECYCLING BINS COMING TO BELMONT SHORE...MAYBE

2008-05-01T17:45:00.000-07:00

Trash on 2nd St. may find its way to "green" bins if a partnership is worked out between the Belmont Shore Business Association and Shoreline Media. Read more: Grunion Gazette

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LBCC ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS FAIR TODAY

2008-04-30T08:15:00.001-07:00

2008 Long Beach City College
Annual Environmental Awareness Fair

Bldg. E, Quad (lawn) Area

• 10:00am – 2:00pm: Environmental Fair and Electric Car Show

There will be booths from various environmental organizations as well as local green businesses on campus. There will also be a vegetarian food sampling.

• Long Beach Litter and Abatement Awareness Campaign
• El Dorado Nature Center
• Long Beach Green Guide
• ARC International Electronic Waste Management
• Surfrider Foundation
• Electric Car Sales and Services
• Happy Veggie Vegetarian Restaurant
• And many others

"REUSE": LOST IN TRANSLATION

2008-04-27T13:40:00.000-07:00

Today, while eating a leisurely lunch, I glanced over at a pile of filled, plastic bags headed for the Goodwill. One of my daughter's projects for Saturday was to clean out her bedroom closet. "Mom, where do you want me to put all the stuff I need to get rid of?" she said with slight annoyance. (The cell phone rings in her pocket. Friends beckon...)
"I've saved some large bags and they're in the kitchen cabinet on the bottom shelf," I said, hoping that she heard the 'plural' in my response. Her closet was bulging.

Two hours later she announced that she was done. Today the give-aways got lugged to the front door, where I glimpsed some humorous words on a large Target bag, which will soon be on its way to the thrift store.

For 23 years I taught English as a Second Language. It never ceases to amaze me how messages get lost in translation.

"10 WAYS TO REUSE YOUR TARGET BAG"

1. Tiny Trashcan Liner (Tiny???)
2. Doggy Duty (That's a busy dog.)
3. Water Balloon (Wouldn't be able to lift it. Too heavy.)
4. Road Trip Rubbish (If someone's eating that much, they're in big trouble.)
5. Soggy Laundry (I thought "soggy" was for lawns.)
6. Ice Pack For Head Lump (That would need to be one BIG head lump!)
7. Toiletry Tote (How many toothbrushes can fit into a 2-foot high trash bag?)
8. Kitty Litter Liner (For a lion, maybe.)
9. Tomorrow's Lunchbag (My husband would be the laughing stock of the office.)
10.Care Package Padding (Surely, one could do better than using a Target bag for care package padding.)

Bag: "Made in China"

Can Target not afford expert copywriters?

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ARBOR DAY

2008-04-25T17:25:00.000-07:00

"Tree with Fence"
7 x 10"
by Rena Williams, watercolor artist
Auburn, Alabama
Visit Rena Williams' Blog

National Arbor Day Foundation has named Long Beach a "Tree City USA."
Read more: L.B. news

Long Beach Dedicate-a-Tree program:
www.longbeach.gov

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GREEN DRINKS TONIGHT

2008-04-24T10:52:00.000-07:00

Morry's of Naples, from 7-9:30 p.m.
5764 E. 2nd St.
(562) 433-0405
Meet in "The Backroom Wine & Cheese Bar"
Morry's of Naples
Contact: Jenny Caronna
jenny@fundraisinggreen.com
www.GreenDrinks.org
Informal, eco-friendly gathering of people interested in networking over drinks and food. Exchange ideas, make new friends, and enjoy a night out with others who share green passions.

TREE PLANTING EVENT: VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

2008-04-23T11:02:00.000-07:00

Bixby Knolls Business Improvement Association Partners with Leadership Long Beach-Class of 2008 and Public Works for Arbor Day Tree Planting

On Saturday, April 26, 9am – Noon, 48 trees will be planted along the Atlantic Avenue corridor between Carson and Burlinghall. This project is part of a brand new and unique partnership between the Bixby Knolls Business Improvement Association, Leadership Long Beach-Class of 2008, and the City of Long Beach, Department of Public Works. This project is the best case scenario of partnerships between city agencies and associations working together for the greater good.

“It’s a win-win situation,” said Blair Cohn, Executive Director of the Bixby Knolls Business Improvement Association. “The tree planting helps complete the BKBIA tree planting program and contributes to our overall streetscape plan. Leadership Long Beach gets to leave a legacy of the 2008 Class, and Public Works gets to celebrate Arbor Day and continues to create the urban forest of Long Beach. How can it get any better than that?”

It’s A Grind, 4245 Atlantic, will be the headquarters and meeting place for the event. Free coffee and hot chocolate will be provided by It’s A Grind to all volunteers. The coffee house will even be bringing out their official mascot, Toddy, for the event! Councilwoman Rae Gabelich will provide the food for the volunteers. There will be a brief demonstration and training and then volunteers will be assigned to tree wells for the planting. Members of Leadership Long Beach will serve as “captains” responsible for a section of tree wells and volunteers.

Approximately 100 volunteers are needed to plant the trees. It’s a great way for residents to come out and celebrate Arbor Day. Tools and supplies will be provided by Public Works and Long Beach Greens and volunteers are encouraged to bring shovels and gloves.. Volunteers interested in helping with the tree planting should contact the Bixby Knolls Business Improvement Association at (562) 595-0081 or info@bixbyknolls.com. Spread the word to family, friends, and neighbors.

The BKBIA thanks California Heights ReLeaf for their collaboration in reigniting our tree planting program, which taught the BKBIA how to facilitate volunteer tree plantings in the commercial corridors. CH ReLeaf was instrumental in securing the first planting on the 3400 block of Atlantic last November. Through that effort, important relationships were formed in our community and with organizations such as Tree People Los Angeles and the City of Long Beach. The collaboration with CH Releaf provided BKBIA with the experience and expertise needed to beautify our business districts and create a more pedestrian friendly environment to attract residents, visitors and new businesses to our area. CH ReLeaf continues its involvement and will provide planting supervisor training to ensure a healthy start for our trees.

Other supporters include Long Beach Greens and Tree People for providing volunteers, tools and other supplies for this special event.

Project Contacts:

·Leadership Long Beach, Nelson Kerr, Nelson_Kerr@longbeach.gov
·City of Long Beach, Dept. of Public Works, Art Cox, Art_Cox@longbeach.gov
·Bixby Knolls Business Improvement Association, Blair Cohn, info@bixbyknollsinfo.com

Blair Cohn
Executive Director
Bixby Knolls Business Improvement Association
4313 Atlantic Avenue
Long Beach, CA 90807
Phone (562) 595-0081
Fax (562) 595-0281
www.BixbyKnollsInfo.com

A DAY TO HONOR EARTH

2008-04-22T09:07:00.000-07:00

"Untitled Earth Painting"

5 x 7"
by Rena Williams, watercolor artist
Auburn, Alabama
Visit Rena Williams' Blog

Let Earth Day be only a reminder of the things we need to do throughout the year...

--Take action. Any action.
--Change one habit today.
--Speak with your dollar through the power of your purchases.
--Walk more. Drive less.
--Go into nature. Watch. Listen. Be inspired.
--Support green businesses. Encourage mainstream ones to make changes.
--Think twice before buying products that cannot be recycled.
--Read Irene Guoz's "Forty-Somethings" on the LongBeachGreenGuide.com Articles blog

Visit this website:
We Can Solve It

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"TROUBLED LAND"

2008-04-18T08:24:00.001-07:00

by Rena Williams, watercolor artist
7 x 10"
Auburn, Alabama
Visit Rena Williams' Blog

On hiatus...
See you back on Monday.

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MORE INFO...

2008-04-17T09:51:00.000-07:00

1)On Friday the 18th, Ja Yoga--the new yoga studio in town--will host a free community yoga class at 6:30 p.m.

2) New listing today:
Sealight Soy Candles, based in Seal Beach. See "C" for Candles or "S" for Soy Candles on LBGG (link below).

3) New category on LongBeachGreenGuide.com: "Vegetarian Restaurants"
I know there are many more out there, but this is a beginning and these are fairly close to Long Beach. If anyone would like to add to the list, please send an email.

Be sure to check the LBGG Events page. Much going on this coming weekend.

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LBGG ANNOUNCEMENTS, REQUESTS AND NEW LISTINGS

2008-04-16T09:04:00.000-07:00

Hello all,

I'd like to share some updates with you and also pass along some information:

1) Tonight is the Organic Valley fundraiser for Heifer International at the Fowler Museum, UCLA. Learn more by visiting the LBGG Events page: www.LongBeachGreenGuide.com

2) Long Beach City College is having an Environmental Fair on Wednesday, April 30. If you are a local green business or organization, they would like you to come and participate. Free tables. Email Reijo R.

3) Ready for some reflection and relaxation? Immaculate Heart Center for Spiritual Renewal has given LBGG their blessings to list their organization under "R" for Retreats. If you're in need of some quiet time in a beautiful setting, this is the place to go: www.LongBeachGreenGuide.com
(scroll down the page)

4) New listings:
--Call 2 Recycle ("R" for Recycling)
--Ja Yoga ("Y" for Yoga Studios)
--Maid Green ("H" for Housecleaning Services)
--Green Drinks on 4/24 at Morry's in Naples
--Shred-It Day, event on 4/26
--Bixby Knolls Tree Planting on 4/26
--Woven Image Benefit Concert on 4/27 (Celtic, Jazz, Folk music)

More coming soon!

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SPECIAL TONIGHT ON NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC CHANNEL

2008-04-13T11:12:00.000-07:00

"The Human Footprint" airs tonight at 9 p.m. on the National Geographic channel. A special Preserve Our Planet presentation:
www.nationalgeographic.com

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STATE PARK PHOTOS

2008-04-12T11:30:00.000-07:00

Blooms abound in the California State Parks. View this page for some beautiful sights:
www.parks.ca.gov

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ALL ABOUT ASPARAGUS

2008-04-11T08:57:00.000-07:00

Tis the season for those tender, green shoots to show up in our cooking repertoire. Gently steamed, lightly roasted, or stir-fried with seafood, meat or other veggies, these spring spears are a must during the short time they're here.

Learn more about asparagus on Culinate.com:
www.culinate.com

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TREEHUGGER'S "HOW TO GO GREEN" GUIDES

2008-04-08T09:05:00.000-07:00

Need some ideas for going green, staying green or turning a deeper shade of emerald? Treehugger.com has plenty of links on this page. Check it out:
www.treehugger.com

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LBGG ANNOUNCEMENTS

2008-04-07T14:54:00.000-07:00

1) Justin Rudd's Second St. Walkers to continue on Mondays through April:
2nd St. Walkers

2) New listings on LongBeachGreenGuide.com:
--Growing Roots (under "P" for Plantscaping)
--ParadiseO.com (under "O" for Organic Foods and "P" for Produce)
--Proactive Health Solutions (under "W" for Women's Health)
--Seal Beach Animal Care Center

3) Events for month of April growing daily!
Just added: A showing of "Inconvenient Truth" to be held at Viento y Agua Coffee House in Long Beach on 4/22. See details on EVENTS page: LBGG Events Page

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SPRING IN THE DESERT

2008-04-03T08:41:00.001-07:00

LIGHTS OUT THIS EVENING

2008-03-29T17:02:00.000-07:00

Tonight, Lights Out America and World Wildlife Fund (WWF) have joined hands to encourage people around the world to turn off their lights for sixty minutes during an event called Earth Hour. In doing so, citizens can make a bold statement about their ability to effect change--even through the power of flipping off switches.

Time? 8-9 p.m.

Read more about this event:
www.LightsOutAmerica.org
www.EarthHourUS.org

THURSDAY GREEN DRINKS--NEW VENUE

2008-03-25T13:59:00.000-07:00

Jenny Caronna, of Fundraising Green, has moved Green Drinks to a new venue at Morry's of Naples on Second St. in Long Beach. The eco-friendly gathering will be held in the Backroom on Thursday, March 27th:
Morry's Backroom

For more info, visit LongBeachGreenGuide.com EVENTS page:
LBGG Events

SWAPSITES: THE PLACE TO GIVE AND RECEIVE

2008-03-21T12:17:00.000-07:00

Don't want to throw it away, re-gift it or send it to the thrift store? How about swapping an item you no longer want for something that you do? Rachel Kaufman writes about the increasing trend of swapsites: those places online where "trade" takes on a new meaning.

Read this month's article, "One For Me, One For You," in Whole Life Times magazine:
www.wholelifetimes.com

LongBeachGreenGuide.com
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POLLUTE NO MORE: MAKE THE LAWNMOWER SWITCH

2008-03-20T18:00:00.000-07:00

Southern California Edison has teamed up with South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) to help people reduce pollution when tending to their landscapes. Turn in your gas-powered, fume-spewing lawn mower and get a cordless electric mower for $100--normally valued at $400. Registration started on 3/18/08.

Visit this website to learn the details:
www.sce.com

Register online:
www.aqmd.gov

Or call for more info:
(888) 425-6247

LongBeachGreenGuide.com
Email LongBeachGreenGuide.com

PINK BLOSSOMS IN EAST LONG BEACH

2008-03-10T08:51:00.000-07:00

photos by Sumi Lissak

LongBeachGreenGuide.com
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ANNOUNCEMENTS

2008-03-07T09:52:00.000-08:00

1) Tonight is First Fridays in Bixby Knolls. Listen to music, stroll up and down Atlantic Ave., savor food from restaurants, and see the work of local artists. Guest appearance by musician Brett Bixby (www.brettbixby.com)
www.firstfridayslongbeach.com

2) Theodore Payne wildflower hotline is now live! Call to find out where the flowers are blooming.
(818) 768-3533
www.theodorepayne.org

3) Litter Free Long Beach launches "Litter Stinks" persuasive poster contest for 6th-8th grade students. Find out the details by visiting the website:
www.litterfreelb.org

4) Community Tree Planting:
When: Saturday, March 8
Where: 6th and Santiago Ave., Long Beach, 90814
Time: 9 a.m. to noon (please arrive at 8:45 to sign-in)
Join Citizen Forester Brett Beck as he continues to beautify his Long Beach neighborhood. Last fall, Brett and his community planted magnolia and Australian willow trees on six city blocks. Now, he will lead another community planting on the parkway bordering Alamitos Heights and Little Rec Park. Group will be planting 30 Southern Magnolia and Sweetshade trees. Come out and be a part of the fun!
Meet near the corner of 6th St. and Santiago Ave. Follow the TreePeople signs!
What to Bring: Wear comfortable clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty and closed-toe shoes. Don’t forget a water bottle, sunhat, sunscreen and your positive energy.
For more information or to sign up, contact Brett Beck @ 562-233-6945
Or: brett.beck@verizon.net.

Email LongBeachGreenGuide.com

SAVE THE STARRY, STARRY NIGHTS

2008-03-05T07:59:00.001-08:00

"Orion Nebula"
Photo courtesy of Michael Beckage

A message from our local, Seal Beach astronomer:

Greetings!

This is going to be a great year for fun astronomical activities so I will be writing often over the next few months.

Have you ever wanted to do real science but didn't know how? Well I have an easy project that has real scientific importance. The project is called the "Star-count Challenge."

As a culture of planet Earth we are being less than careful with many resources. The dark night sky is certainly one resource that is losing ground due to bad artificial lighting practices. The Star-count project was conceived to help document the clarity with which we can see stars and hence keep a watchful eye on the state of what astronomers refer to as "light pollution."

Please visit this link and see if you can spare 30 minutes some evening between now and March 8 to do some real science that just might help save starry skies for the future. I am going to take the Star-Count Challenge tonight!
www.skyandtelescope.com

If you are interested in learning how to help stop light pollution you can visit the web site of the International Dark Sky Association (IDA) and see if you feel moved to participate. I have been a member of the IDA for many years and its a great organization.
www.darksky.org

Whether you participate or not, I hope you will enjoy the great spring skies let me know if you have questions! I should have some new public events and classes lined-up soon so stay tuned!

Best regards,
Michael Beckage
Email Michael
www.discoverthestars.net

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LBGG ANNOUNCEMENTS

2008-02-28T08:56:00.000-08:00

1) Green Drinks gathering tonight.
Here's a note from Jenny Caronna:
This is a reminder to all our friends: Green Drinks Long Beach, an Eco-inspired Gathering, will be held this Thursday, February 28th from 7 - 9:30pm at the Gaslamp Restaurant. Last month's event was a success and we hope to see all of you again.
The Gaslamp is located at 6251 E. PCH in Long Beach. At PCH and Loynes.
We look forward to seeing you there.
Thanks,
Jennifer Caronna
Fundraising Green

2) New Q & A article on LongBeachGreenGuide.com.
Read "How to Decipher Your Electric Bill

3) Green gardening business launched this month! If you're tired of noisy lawn mowers and fume-spewing leaf blowers, it's time to hire Mark Stump, with Clean Air Lawn, based out of Long Beach. Mark is now open for business and welcomes new customers. Make the switch today!
www.cleanairlawnco.com

FIRST BILL

2008-02-26T08:19:00.001-08:00

Back in late December, soon after the winter solstice, my home went solar.

With average monthly electric bills of $250, my husband and I decided to harness the power of the sun by investing in panels that would use nature's energy. Todd Fanady with Ameco (www.AmecoSolar.com) helped us through the process, first analyzing our usage and then assessing our solar needs based on that information and the configuration of our roof. We went with a 27-panel, 3.75 kilowatt system. This plan was designed to offset our electric usage by 50% and get us into the cheapest price tiers.

In January, we officially turned on the system after we got the go-ahead from SCE.

A few weeks ago we received our first bill: $50! What a joy to see a $200 reduction. And to add to the excitement of having solar panels comes another obsession: watching the meter spin backwards--even on an overcast day.

To learn more about deciphering your electric bill (a first step before going solar), look for a new article coming this week, a Q & A interview with Todd Fanady. Will make an announcement when it's on LongBeachGreenGuide.com.

DESERT AWASH IN GREEN

2008-02-25T12:51:00.000-08:00

High desert rainfall has given the Mojave a facelift. Miles of previously dry earth now fan out in cool greens as early wildflowers begin to nudge upward from the sand. Those who live in the desert say, "this year will be spectacular." All indications make this statement seem a definite reality--but not quite yet. Warm days and sunlight still need to encourage growth before the plants will be in full bloom.

This weekend, in the Wonder Valley area outside of 29 Palms, I saw purple verbena, wild irises--still without flowers--and some desert dandelions. The drive up through Morongo Valley was a blanket of green. Almost difficult to believe when looking through eyes trained to see only sand, sage and creosote.

Later, I'll post information on wildflower viewing sites. This spring promises a colorful palette and a trip to the Mojave may just be in order.

WARM LASAGNA FOR A RAINY WEEKEND

2008-02-22T08:03:00.000-08:00

Back to food...

Here is a whole wheat (no frowns, please) lasagna recipe from Sunset magazine's February issue. With rain expected this weekend, what could be better than a warming pasta dish? And it's even got greens!

Whole-Wheat Lasagna with Butternut Squash and Kale

See you again on Monday...heading to the high desert for some R & R.

LUNAR ECLIPSE WEDNESDAY

2008-02-19T08:26:00.001-08:00

A photo and note from local astronomer, Michael Beckage:

Greetings, Everyone.

Weather permitting, get ready for a celestial treat on Wednesday night! There will be a total eclipse of the moon in the early evening. Total eclipses happen when the full moon and passes through Earth's shadow directly opposite the sun. We are fortunate this time because the event takes place in the early evening instead of 2 AM like the eclipse last August. If you miss this one, you'll have to wait until December 2010 for the next total lunar eclipse.

On the West coast the moon rises at 5:30 PM on Wednesday with the partial phase of the eclipse already in progress. At about 7:00 totality begins and lasts until nearly 8:00 PM. During totality you can expect the moon appear as an orange-colored orb hanging low in the East against a starry background that includes the planet Saturn. I have attached a mosaic of images that I took during the last total eclipse using a small telescope and digital camera.

The great thing about lunar eclipses is that you don't need a telescope to really enjoy the view. My personal favorite way to view this type of event is with binoculars. If you have binoculars or a small telescope, now is that time to get them out!

Lunar eclipses move slowly. From start to finish it takes over three hours for the moon to pass into and out of the Earth's shadow. In my opinion, the best time to view this eclipse will be between 6:30 and 7:30 when the moon goes from being partially eclipsed into totality. If you have limited time, try to watch during that period.

Here is a link for more information:
Sky and Telescope

All we need now is a break in the clouds!

Happy eclipse watching,
Michael Beckage

WHOLE GRAIN PANCAKES FOR SUNDAY MORNING BREAKFAST

2008-02-16T18:22:00.000-08:00

This month's Green Issue of Bon Appetit magazine features "Feel Good Food," which includes recipes with whole grains, from pastas and pancakes to cookies and scones.

For breakfast in the a.m., how about a stack of pancakes with wild blueberry-maple syrup? That'll get you fueled for the day before heading outside on a Sunday morning. Yes, they're sweet with syrup, but who cares...

Tomorrow promises to be sunny. Great weather for burning calories!

Try the recipe below from Bon Appetit:
Whole Grain Pancakes with Wild Blueberry-Maple Syrup

GREEN GARDENING BUSINESS LAUNCHING SOON IN L.B.

2008-02-15T08:31:00.000-08:00

We have landscape designers, native-plant specialists and arborists with training in trees. Soon, we'll have one more branch to add to our city's growing canopy.

In the next week or two, Long Beach will have a new--perhaps first--green gardening business. Mark Stump, who previously worked in the entertainment industry, has been making a career switch behind the scenes over the past couple of months, and he's now very close to his official launch.

So what is a "green" gardening business? According to Stump, it's one which is free of toxic fumes and noise pollution. This means no gas-powered equipment or motors rumbling through a quiet soundscape. Stump will be mowing and tending to lawns in the traditional way: with a push-reel mower and hand edger. For clean-up: the good old-fashioned broom and rake.

Learn more about Mark Stump's business in an upcoming post. Stay tuned for contact details...

A CHOCOLATE RECIPE FROM SUNSET MAG

2008-02-14T08:20:00.000-08:00

Chocolate is a must on Valentine's Day. It pleases the palate, elevates the mood and nourishes the heart. Try this Sunset recipe below as a finishing touch to a love-filled day.

And remember...use organic ingredients whenever possible.

Dark Chocolate-Chunk Brownies

Email LongBeachGreenGuide

LATEST LISTINGS

2008-02-12T14:22:00.000-08:00

LongBeachGreenGuide.com continues to grow each week and I'm happy to announce that the following businesses are now listed:

*Allegra Print & Imaging--Printers (Allegra offers environmentally-friendly printing products)
*Bixby Knolls Strollers--Walking Club
*Blue Gecko Design, Kathleen Irvine--Landscape Designer
*Bradley Method Natural Childbirth Classes, Anne Marie Reggie, Instructor--Childbirth (under "Women's Health")
*Eat Your Veggies--Food (organic meals, lunchboxes, vegetarian food delivery service)
*4th & Elm Health Foods--Health Food Store
*Integrative Childbirth Services, Rena Koerner--Doula
*Joy Spread the Word--Clothing/Organic/Green
*Native Plants/Xeriscaping Consultant, Mike Letteriello
*Pink Cloud Events, Sarah Shewey--Event Planning/Weddings (Green)
*S. Groner and Associates--Community Relations/Media Relations/Public Education
*Rethreads--Promotional Products/Green
*True Beauty Wellness--Day Spa/Acupuncture

Also see these new categories:
--ACTIVITIES WITH A GENTLE FOOTPRINT (under "A")
--WOMEN"S HEALTH

On Friday, look for an announcement on a new business about to launch in Long Beach.
Always stay posted on current news by visiting this blog!

Green on,
Sarojni
Email LongBeachGreenGuide

WILD RICE RECIPE FROM "THE GREEN GUIDE"

2008-02-10T14:11:00.000-08:00

Blogging can be a big responsibility: writing regular posts, finding hot topics, researching current news, making announcements and so on. I think it's time for me to come out of the culinary closet and break up the "eco-postings" with two of my favorite earthly obsessions: food and cooking.

I've decided to post recipes now and then, either those that I've created, or some that I've come across online. I may even dig into my yellowed collection that's more than 30 years old, to offer up some cooking and meal ideas.

For now, here's one from a borrowed source:
A wild rice recipe from National Geographic's Green Guide:
Hand-Harvested Wild Rice with Pecans and Scallions

*Use organic ingredients whenever possible.

CO-OP AMERICA'S FEBRUARY TIP

2008-02-06T11:11:00.000-08:00

Read "Practice Clothing Consciousness," an article by Co-Op America
Green Tips
www.coopamerica.org

SCENES AND GREENS

2008-02-05T19:12:00.000-08:00

photos by Sumi Lissak

BIXBY KNOLLS LITERARY SOCIETY TO MEET IN MARCH

2008-02-04T08:40:00.000-08:00

Bixby Knolls Business Improvement Association is happy to announce the Bixby Knolls Literary Society. This is a brand new community book club that will meet monthly in Bixby Knolls businesses to discuss literature. The focus of the club will be American literature both current and classic. Nino’s Italian Restaurant will be host for the monthly discussions. Each month a different special guest will lead the discussion. The meetings may expand into showcases for local artists and musicians over the next few months. All details are below:

To Read Well is to Master the Ages

First Selection:
Holy Land: A Suburban Memoir
By D.J. Waldie

First Society Meeting:
Monday, March 10, 2008, 7:00pm
Nino’s Italian Restaurant
3853 Atlantic Avenue

Author D.J. Waldie will be in attendance to discuss his book.

Guest Discussion Leader: Will Swaim, Publisher & Editor-in-Chief, The District Weekly

The first 35 members to sign up will receive a copy of “Book by Authors,” an anthology of creative works by local writers and artists. The book was conceived and designed by Ryan Smolar, Smolarcorp, and partnered with the Long Beach Public Library Foundation.

For more information call the Bixby Knolls Business Improvement Association: (562) 595-0081 or email: info@bixbyknollsinfo.com

FIRST FRIDAYS LONG BEACH, TONIGHT FEB. 1st

2008-02-01T09:12:00.000-08:00

Tonight, Bixby Knolls Business Improvement Association will host First Fridays Long Beach, a monthly happening which promotes local artists, musicians and businesses. Events are located on Atlantic Ave. between Bixby Rd. and just north of Burlinghall Drive in Bixby Knolls.
Learn more:
www.firstfridayslongbeach.com

ANNOUNCEMENTS

2008-01-31T14:00:00.000-08:00

--Tonight's Eco-Link meeting, which is posted on my EVENTS page, is canceled. Next meeting will take place on Thursday, February 28th.

The message below was forwarded to me by a friend. Thought some of you might be interested:

ZERO WASTE CONFERENCE IN LOS ANGELES SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 2nd

You’re Invited! Please join us for the 2nd Zero Waste Citywide Conference!

FEBRUARY 2, 2008 7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

AT THE LOS ANGELES CONVENTION CENTER - ROOMS 515 A and B

We will be discussing the policy, program and facility options for the Zero Waste plan and exploring the possibilities for the future of Los Angeles . This conference will be a unique and hands-on experience! Come early to check out the Zero Waste Film Festival and a continental breakfast from 7:30-8:30 am and avoid the lines for parking!

Elected officials and City staff will be on hand to answer your questions and provide updates on what the City is already doing to reduce waste. Please join your fellow community members at this exciting event on February 2 nd and the Los Angeles Convention Center .

Interested? Please contact Glenda Silva or Rebecca Wood at (323) 349-0661 or via email at dso@victorgriego.com to RSVP.

Visit the city’s NEW and IMPROVED zero waste website at:
www.zerowaste.lacity.org

LOS CERRITOS WETLANDS LAND TRUST MEETING TONIGHT

2008-01-29T16:23:00.000-08:00

The Los Cerritos Wetlands Land Trust meets the last Tuesday of every other month at the Belmont Shores Mobile Home Park club house on Loynes Drive (next to the Gaslamp). This month's meeting is tonight at 7 p.m. For more information, go to Los Cerritos Wetlands Land Trust website

FISHMONGERS: SELLERS OF HEALTH, OR PURVEYORS OF POISON?

2008-01-28T11:11:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, while on my way home from visiting a friend in Rancho Palos Verdes, I decided to take my daughter to Ports O' Call in San Pedro. During my childhood this was a place my parents often took out-of-town visitors so they could see the bustle of the port. Back then (yes, I'm a Baby Boomer), the "village" was hopping and very exciting for young kids like my sister and me--and a thrill for the foreigners who always seemed to be coming through our doors.

Ports O' Call was also a great place to buy smoked fish, a favorite specialty my family always enjoyed. So yesterday I thought it would be nice to share that memory with my daughter.

Upon entering the San Pedro Fish Market, my eyes scanned the numerous choices of fish and shellfish. Crabs floated in murky water and glistening fillets lined the long case, which was topped with hot sauce bottles for those in need of an extra kick. Crab boil seasonings (think Cajun) sat in the backdrop as a Southern lure.

My purpose was to buy a few types of smoked fish, but I couldn't help notice all the other offerings. Tilapia, shrimp from Taiwan, farm-raised salmon with "added coloring," lobster, red snapper and many more. A sinking feeling came over me as I read all the sources of the seafood (meaning countries of origin).

I'm very aware that we are over-fishing our waters, and I know much of the fish we eat is tainted with metals and other chemicals. This makes it difficult for consumers who are trying to follow health guidelines that encourage eating more fish for the omega oils.

We're damned if we do, and we're damned if we don't.

Though I did buy my smoked fish, I realized that my seafood-eating days are going to be limited, and my choices will only include the species that are low in toxins. So much for a fond childhood memory.

To crack this conundrum, read more about the good, the bad and the ugly when it comes to choosing your seafood.
Monterey Aquarium's Seafood Watch page
Vital Choice Wild Seafood & Organics
Environmental Defense Eco-Friendly Seafood Selector

NEWS AND VIEWS

2008-01-25T09:14:00.000-08:00

News:
Read about Councilwoman Bonnie Lowenthal's push for biodiesel in an article published yesterday on LBPost.com:
Green By Way of Biodiesel?

Views (from sea level):
Last night, Green Drinks Long Beach had a sizable turnout at the Gaslamp on PCH. Many new faces and a nice mixture of ages and backgrounds. The Gaslamp proved to be a good venue for Green Drinks, with plenty of space, lots of seating, and options for food and libations.

Though most of us drove to our destination in cars, Russ Roca, "the eco-friendly bicycling photographer," rolled in on his bicycle. Bravo, Russ.

Next Green Drinks gathering: Thursday, February 28, 7-9:30 p.m.

Coming later this week:
Info on the L.A. Zero-Waste Conference

Stay tuned...

REMINDER: GREEN DRINKS GATHERING TONIGHT

2008-01-24T08:45:00.000-08:00

Green Drinks Long Beach, an eco-inspired gathering, will be held tonight, January 24th from 7 - 9:30pm at the Gaslamp restaurant.

The Gaslamp is located at 6251 E. PCH in Long Beach (at PCH and Loynes).

We look forward to seeing you there.

Hosted By:
Fundraising Green
Fundraising Green website
info@FundraisingGreen.com

WHOLE LIFE TIMES ARTICLE ABOUT CREATIVE REUSE

2008-01-22T08:42:00.000-08:00

In this month's issue of Whole Life Times, writer Jessica Ridenour shares with readers ways to be creative with reuse, from turning household objects into art to buying yard-sale finds for furnishing a home. Read on...

Whole Life Times article,Think Outside the Big-box

WATERCOLORS FROM A FRIEND

2008-01-19T09:51:00.000-08:00

Rena Williams is a talented watercolorist from Auburn, Alabama. You will frequently see her work posted here because she captures beautiful nature themes in her paintings.
Enjoy...

1) Rose rock, 5 x 6"
2) Rose quartz 4 x 6"
3) Moab rock 2.5 x 3"

Visit Rena Williams' Blog

STAR GAZING NOTES

2008-01-17T07:10:00.000-08:00

Michael Beckage, one of our local astronomers, has some notes to share:

Greetings and Happy 2008.

This week there are two wonderful opportunities to have fun with planets.

Mercury, the planet closest to the sun, is about as visible as it ever gets this week. It's orbit is only about 1/3 the diameter of Earth's and so it never appears very far from the sun from our vantage point. Mercury is simply lost in the glare of 'ol sol most of the time. This week, however, Mercury appears far enough East of the sun that you can find it easily IF you have a clear view of the Western horizon. To see Mercury go to a place where your Western (actually a little South of due West) horizon is unobstructed. At about 5:40 to 5:45 start looking for a bright, star-like object just above the horizon. Hopefully you will find Mercury and be one of the relatively few people on Earth to know that you are seeing Mercury, then amaze your friends when you point it out to them!

Mars is high and bright all month long. On Saturday evening, Mars and the nearly full moon will be exceptionally close together in what we call a conjunction. Moon-planet conjunctions are some of the coolest celestial occurrences because anyone can find the moon, and if you find the moon on Saturday night, you will find Mars too!

Here is a link to the Griffith Observatory Sky report for a little more information about planets: Griffith Observatory Sky Report

In about a month we have a special treat coming. There will be a total eclipse of the moon on the evening of February 20. Unlike the last one in August eclipse happens between the very respectable hours 6 and 9 PM. I will have more details on this great event in another update.--Michael Beckage

Discover the Stars website

COSTCO STEPS ON THE EMERALD PATH

2008-01-15T15:54:00.000-08:00

Angi Carelli, with Pore Baby Organics, sent this message to me yesterday. Here it is:

Costco has a new program to recycle your old electronics -- computers, cameras, etc. --any age. They will send you a prepaid shipping label to send in your item, thus shipping is free. If it's of any value, they may send you a cash card to use at Costco. Also, they have a zero tolerance landfill policy meaning that none of the components of the recycled item will end up in a landfill -- all of it is utilized!
Learn more about Costco's recycling program

Angi M. Carelli, Long Beach
Independent Representative
Pore Baby Organics
World's 1st Certified Organic Skin Care Line
email: info@porebabyorganics.com
phone: 562.438.7686

SATURDAY EVENTS

2008-01-11T11:35:00.000-08:00

A Few Reminders:

Tomorrow Justin Rudd will be having a community event:

1) "Say Cheese" Photo Exhibit in front of WAMU bank from 12-5 p.m.
Learn more: Say Cheese web page

Photos from top to bottom taken by the following people:
Jeff Harris
Lonnie Dean
Florent Blanc

2) Christmas Tree Recycling Reminder:
Put out those trees by early tomorrow morning for pick-up by the City of Long Beach recycling trucks.

3) Community E-Waste Drive
10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Location: Parking lot on the NE corner of Long Beach Blvd. and Broadway. Located across the street from the Bank of America.
Description: Bring all your unused computers, TVs, cell phones, electronic devices, etc. to be disposed of properly.
Sponsor: Goodwill and 2nd District Council Office

GREEN SPEED--PLEASE READ!!!

2008-01-10T11:49:00.000-08:00

Hello folks,

Well, the Grunion Gazette has done it again! Today an article came out about the Long Beach Green Drinks monthly gathering, and this coverage has now officially brought Green Drinks out of the closet and into the public eye. Thanks to Jenny Caronna, of FundraisingGreen.com, L.B. has a way for people to meet each other in an informal venue--and with wine and food. Read the Grunion's article:
Gazette Green Drinks article
Visit the Fundraising Green website

The other BIG news is this:

LongBeachGreenGuide.com and OCGreenGuide.com have created an alliance and we are now affiliate sites. Founder Casey Cochran and I, through our websites, hope to help green (and "greening"--meaning in the process of becoming...) companies, businesses, organizations, groups and so on, by providing them with a way to be listed--and found--online.
Visit Casey's site:
OC Green Guide

Last, but not least, LBGG has an articles blog as of today. Check in regularly for new articles, interviews and eco-tips:
LongBeachGreenGuide Articles Blog

As I often say, "many ideas brewing..."

NEWS AND UPDATES

2008-01-09T12:20:00.000-08:00

Much is happening behind the scenes here at LongBeachGreenGuide.com and I have a few things to share:

***Aimee Wyatt's green housecleaning business, called I'm Cleanin' Green, now has a website and it's live. Let's support our two local businesses who are leading our community away from chemical-based housecleaning services to ones which are plant-based. What a boost for our city--and for our homes!
Cleanin' Green website

***Long Beach's very own "Eco-Friendly Bicycling Photographer," Russ Roca, is now listed on the LBGG site. Read more about Roca's pedaling ways in an article which appears in the January issue of Whole Life Times:
Life Can Be So Car-Free

***Rent-a-Green Box (listed on LBGG under "Moving Supplies"), has a short video on YouTube. Here's the link:
RentaGreenBox on YouTube
Earth Friendly Moving website
Learn about the RecoPack

***Community reminder: The City of Long Beach will be picking up Christmas trees on Sat. Jan. 12th. If you have one that is now tinder material, please put it out on the curb by early Sat. morning.

New Listings on LongBeachGreenGuide.com

2008-01-07T09:56:00.000-08:00

Thanks to an article in the Grunion Gazette last week, interest in the LBGG site has piqued. Over the past few days I've heard from some green business owners in our community and they are now listed in various categories on LongBeachGreenGuide.com.

Here they are, along with some other recent listings:

1) Native Plant/Xeriscaping Consultant, Mike Letteriello
See listings on these pages:
NATIVE PLANTS/CONSULTANTS
XERISCAPING/CONSULTANTS

2) The Green Recruiter
Elizabeth Kiely
EMPLOYMENT RECRUITERS/GREEN
The Green Recruiter website

3) Soylar Candles
Irene Guoz, President
Soylar Candles is taking orders starting today!
Soylar Candles

4) SalvageLIfe.com
Beth Giles, owner
Web-based business (Long Beach) promoting sustainable living through careful selection of vintage pieces that are relevant to current trends. SalvageLife.com's goal is to reduce the use of new resources by creating an easy and fun shopping environment that helps the earth and its people without sacrificing style.
SalvageLife.com
LBGG CLOTHING/VINTAGE

5) Aromaids, "Finally...cleaning meets well-being"
Aromaids, Inc.
Long Beach-based eco-friendly housecleaning business.
(888) 641-8865
Aromaids.com
LBGG HOUSECLEANING SERVICES

6) Going Green Carpet Clean, Inc.
Long Beach
(562)439-5309
Residential, commercial and marine non-toxic carpet cleaning services.
GOING GREEN CARPET CLEAN
LBGG CARPET CLEANING

Coming soon...
Alchemy Design + Architecture
Russ Roca, "The Eco-Friendly Bicycling Photographer"

SOLAR INSTALLED!

2008-01-02T16:47:00.000-08:00

Big news...

After months of planning, my home now has a solar system thanks to AMECO, a local solar company based out of Signal Hill. AMECO installed a 3.75 kilowatt system on our roof, Dec. 27th and 28th--just in time to end 2007 with a green "bang!" What a thrill to see this project come to fruition and to be producing energy from the sun.

I learned a lot on this journey, including how to decipher my electric bill. Thanks to Todd Fanady at AMECO, I now understand the different tiers and why our bills were so high (pool pump, no insulation on our roof, electric heater, A/C etc.). In a future posting I will write a piece called "How to Read an Electric Bill." Many folks aren't aware of the high costs they incur when they're in the high tiers. Getting into the lower ones does take effort (finding the electric hogs), but it is possible.

Pictures of our installation coming soon...

Happy New Year!

Ameco Solar website

BORREGO SHOTS FROM BECKAGE

2007-12-17T08:34:00.000-08:00

Michael Beckage, a local Seal Beach astronomer, has shared some photos he took last week in Borrego Springs, where dark, dark skies provided an excellent backdrop for telescope viewing.

Here are some photography details:

Best images from the desert:
> Comet Holmes (close-up)
- 80 mm f5 Refractor
- 60 second exposure at ISO 1600
- Celestron tracking mount
> Comet Holmes (wide field)
- 34 mm f4.5 Canon lens
- 257 second exposure at ISO 800
- Piggyback on Celestron
> Orion Nebula (M42)
- 80 mm F5 refractor
- 40 second exposure ISO 1600
- Celestron tracking mount

(The bottom photo is Mars)

Thank you for sharing, Michael!

STAR GAZING TONIGHT IN SEAL BEACH

2007-12-15T08:47:00.000-08:00

Here is a message from Michael Beckage, local Seal Beach astronomer, inviting one and all to view the stars tonight:

Hello, All.

On Saturday evening December 15 Bogart's Coffee House and several local Astronomers are hosting a free public star party near the Seal Beach pier. The skies have been clear, and isn't a wonderful time to reflect on the magical nature of the universe in which we live? So take a break from holiday shopping or the normal routine and come out for some wonderful views through large telescopes!

We'll be gathering on the grassy area on the East side of the pier starting around 6:30 and we'll keep looking until at least 9:00. If you get cold you can pop over to Bogart's and get a nice hot drink! http://www.bogartscoffee.com/

There are numerous wonderful objects to view, such as a gorgeous crescent moon, some of the best star clusters in the sky, and we'll hopefully get a clear view of Mars! Mars is about as close as it gets to the Earth right now until the year 2016, so if the air is very clear and stable, we should be able to see some surface details on the "Red Planet". (It's actually not that red through a telescope, more of a pale orange...)

Come on out and have some astronomical fun tonight!

Michael Beckage

OUT WITH THE "OATS" AND IN WITH THE NEW

2007-12-13T20:08:00.000-08:00

Well, yesterday I discovered that Wild Oats has now indeed become Whole Foods. The sign change took place last week, and for those of us who make deep associations with names, businesses and the like, it's time to make the mental switch. You'll find Whole Foods Market at:
6550 E. Pacific Coast Highway
Long Beach, CA 90803
Phone: 562.598.8687

Bye, bye Oats...

WEDNESDAY'S BIG SURF

2007-12-07T08:28:00.000-08:00

Local surf and nature photographer, Brian Kucera, captured this shot on Wednesday.

Visit Brian's website

THE BELMONT SHORE PARADE: RED AND WHITE, BUT NO SIGN OF "GREEN"

2007-12-06T07:59:00.000-08:00

On Saturday night, my husband and I wended our way through the streets of Belmont Shore to reach our destination on 2nd St., where the Belmont Shore Parade takes place in early December each year. Our daughter was a participant that night, and as proud parents, we sat on the sidelines waiting for her to come by as a part of her middle school cheer group. The mood amongst revelers was electric, yet my own was mixed.

Though I love the Belmont Shore Parade with its marching bands, waving children and festive floats, this year I observed the procession through tinted lenses. Since I'm always looking at things hoping to see a "green" slant, I couldn't help but notice there was no evidence of this color hue in the parade--yet. I do believe it's possible to mix the two, providing onlookers with a visible affirmation that Long Beach is in the midst of positive change toward a greener city.

Imagine these as part of a future Belmont Shore Parade:
--vehicles powered by electricity, biodiesel, or veggie oil
--participants carrying banners made from recycled materials (is there such a thing?)
--green business owners joining the parade
--more trash cans placed in conspicuous locations for easy use
--a ban on Silly String. Yes, it's fun. But what a mess--and it stains clothes!

Just some thoughts...

BURIED STAR

2007-12-03T14:40:00.000-08:00

Dashboard" />Watercolor (1991)
7.5 x 10"
by Rena Williams
Auburn, Alabama

Rena Williams's Blog

GREEN DRINKS GATHERING ON 11/28

2007-11-27T17:42:00.000-08:00

Come one, come all to the Long Beach Green Drinks gathering on Wednesday, 11/28:

House of Hayden, 7-? p.m.
421 East 1st Street
Long Beach
(between Atlantic & Long Beach Blvd.)
Questions: Jenny@FundraisingGreen.com
http://www.greendrinks.org

Hope to see you there!

THREE WAYS WITH FUYU PERSIMMONS

2007-11-20T13:28:00.001-08:00

Photo courtesy of K & J Orchards, Winters, CA

Fuyu persimmons are one of my favorite late-fall fruits and last week a neighbor shared her bounty with me.

Over the years I've experimented with serving Fuyus in a variety of ways, and people who haven't tried these crunchy, tomato-shaped fruits are often won over in just the first bite. Unlike the Hachiya, which is gelatinous, the Fuyu is best eaten when firm.

Pick some up at a local farmers' market or health food store--or if you're lucky, try to get a few from a neighbor's tree.

Here are three simple recipes:

In the Raw

Wash Fuyu persimmons with cool water. Pat dry. Slice off the stems. Cut into eight pieces and put in a decorative pattern on a plate. Place toothpicks in each slice and serve.

Spinach Salad with Fuyu Persimmons
Serves 4

1 10-ounce bag baby spinach, rinsed and patted dry
1 med. Fuyu persimmon, washed, dried and sliced
2-3 T. pecans, toasted (can substitute walnuts) and coarsely chopped
dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds
your favorite vinaigrette salad dressing

Place spinach in salad bowl and top with sliced persimmons, toasted pecans, and dried cranberries (or pomegranate seeds). Gently toss salad with dressing.

Note: For added flavor, crumble feta cheese on top.

Mexican-Style Fuyu Persimmons

2 Fuyu persimmons, washed, stemmed, sliced
juice from one lime
salt
cayenne pepper

In a bowl or on a plate, drizzle lime juice over sliced persimmons. Sprinkle with salt and a dash of cayenne. Toss gently.

Note: This was my husband's invention a few nights ago and he loved it!

GREEN TIP BLOG

2007-11-19T09:09:00.000-08:00

There are many earth-friendly websites to visit, in addition to the plethora of green blogs that exist for timely information. Here's a link that was sent to me last week:

This Week's Green Tip blog

GREEN LIVING EXPO IN VENTURA THIS WEEKEND

2007-11-16T09:48:00.000-08:00

If you happen to be in or near Ventura this weekend, the Green Living Expo is on today and tomorrow, offering exhibitor booths, workshops, and tips from guest speakers.

For more info, visit this website:
The Green Living Expo

The next "local" expo will be at the Los Angeles County (Pomona) Fairgrounds, March 28 and 29, 2008.

STILL OUT AND ABOUT

2007-11-14T11:16:00.000-08:00

You'd think by now, that desert tortoises would be tucked away in their burrows as winter nears; but it's not so--at least not this past weekend when the daytime temps hovered in the 70s and 80s and the nighttime lows remained quite comfortable.

Over the three-day holiday, my family and I were in Wonder Valley, an unincorporated community outside of 29 Palms. While wandering the desert and digging up invasive mustard plants, my husband came across this large tortoise. "She" was lumbering along quite happily, munching on little plants that had just sprung up from a previous rain. Seeing her created a lot of excitement--even with young teens, who came running to get a glimpse.

Spotting this threatened species was one of the highlights of our short trip away. We also had sightings of a jackrabbit, red racer, rattlesnake and numerous lizards. Oh yes, and a spectacular sunset on Sunday evening (sorry no pics of this).

photos by Bruce I. Lissak
"Desert Tortoise"
"Prickly Mess"

Learn more about the Mojave desert tortoise (Genus: Gopherus
Species: agassizii):
National Park Service Desert Tortoise info

THE BIG DRAIN

2007-11-09T12:32:00.000-08:00

In an effort to make some positive 'green' changes in our own home, my husband and I have decided to do a few things:

1) Get a new roof with two inches of rigid foam insulation. Done.
2) Get solar panels. Installation happening sometime in Dec.
3) Empty the pool to eliminate the costs of a pool pump, pool maintenance AND to reduce water usage (constant evaporation means constant refilling with gallons of precious water each week!).

This brings me to the title of this blog...

Two days ago we drained our pool.

Before my daughter went off to school I told her to say goodbye to it (not easy). Last night she stood in the shallow end looking down to the deep end and said, "I can't believe I used to swim in this!" The truth is, not a one of us used the pool very often and this backyard water-guzzler had become a financial burden and water hog. Though the costs of taking it out are high, we're looking forward to demolition...and later, a beautiful setting designed with native, drought-tolerant plants. We're also going to incorporate the broken concrete into the design, with meandering paths, steps and benches.

THE DUST HAS FINALLY SETTLED

2007-11-03T17:49:00.000-07:00

Over the past four weeks, my family and I have been living with much disruption--but all for the ultimate good. The first couple weeks involved the clanging and banging of getting a new roof. Lots of dust seeping through cracks I never knew existed. The second two weeks involved electrical work--cutting into drywall, patching with mud, then sanding it when it had dried. More dust floating through the air. So why the construction projects?

We live in the Cliff May ranchos, and though these houses are known for their unique mid-50s architecture, they do have their problems. There are no attics, only tongue and groove ceilings, so this means no insulation. There are lots of windows, so this causes much heat loss in the winter and scorching temps in the summer and fall when the sun beats down on us and through the glass. We needed to take care of two problems: an ailing roof and no insulation. (Maybe window replacement will come later.)

Thankfully, these issues have now been remedied. (WHEW!)

Before the new roof (paper and rock to composition shingle) went on, we decided to install two inches of rigid foam to buffer us from the elements. After this insulation was snugly atop the tongue and groove boards, we noticed an immediate change in the temperature of our home. What a great investment.

With the roof now done and the dust officially settled (into my vacuum cleaner), today we signed the contract with a local solar company to get photo voltaic panels installed before the end of the year. Yeah!!!

Will try to keep an account of this for those who are interested.

Cheers to a new roof, double cheers to insulation.

Email Sarojni

TRASHED, the story of garbage...American style

2007-10-29T20:06:00.000-07:00

Now TRASHED is coming to Los Angeles. Thursday, November 1st at the historic Crest Theater, 1262 Westwood Blvd, Westwood, CA.
310-474-7866. Q&A discussion with producer/director Bill Kirkos will follow the screening.

Visit TRASHED website

LONG BEACH GREEN DRINKS GATHERING A SUCCESS

2007-10-27T17:13:00.001-07:00

On Wednesday, October 24th, Jenny and Don Caronna with FundraisingGreen.com, officially started the first Long Beach chapter of Green Drinks, an international organization of "green-minded" people. The informal gathering was held at The House of Hayden on 1st St. in the East Village Arts District, and as the evening progressed, an array of individuals came through the door to meet others with green passions and positive viewpoints. We had new business owners, doctors, supportive friends, a Sierra club member, urban planner, veggie-oil enthusiast and more.

Check back to find out about the next gathering. We'll be skipping November because the third Wednesday of the month is the night before Thanksgiving. Hope to see you in December.

Visit some "green" websites in Long Beach:

Fundraising Green
beachgreens, "farm to door produce delivery"
LongBeachGreenGuide

Visit GreenDrinks.org:
Green Drinks

Email Sarojni

2007-10-12T13:33:00.000-07:00

REMEMBER GREEN GRASS
5 x 7 "

by Rena Williams, watercolor artist
Auburn, Alabama
Rena Williams's Blog

I thought I'd start my blog off with a nice visual...a reminder of nature's beauty.
Thank you, Rena.