Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat, to a deserted place apart. When the multitudes heard it, they followed him on foot from the cities. Jesus went out, and he saw a great multitude. He had compassion on them, and healed their sick. When evening had come, his disciples came to him, saying, “This place is deserted, and the hour is already late. Send the multitudes away, that they may go into the villages, and buy themselves food.” But Jesus said to them, “They don’t need to go away. You give them something to eat.” They told him, “We only have here five loaves and two fish.” He said, “Bring them here to me.” He commanded the multitudes to sit down on the grass; and he took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, he blessed, broke and gave the loaves to the disciples, and the disciples gave to the multitudes. They all ate, and were filled. They took up twelve baskets full of that which remained left over from the broken pieces. Those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children. Matthew 14:13-21
Bresee kids Astrid, Nichole & their little sisters enjoying Earth Day 2012 @ LAEV
Even though Earth Day is everyday at the LA Ecovillage, villagers celebrated the occasion with an open house last Sunday. Friends & neighbors came out to enjoy the beautiful day that kicked off with Cachao chickens crossing the street and the sounds of Zumba inspiring some fun booty-shaking. In addition to refreshing the Salamander Plaza painting, kids participated in pinata making, face painting/ glitter tattoos, and the Children of Paradise art workshop.
Allies from the Bus Riders Union set up their garage sale and raised funds for their work. And David from the Bresee T.O.K. Street Team sold tomato seedlings raised by Dana C, another long-time Bresee kid. Thanks to Jasmine D. who helped with face painting, and Gabriel who brought his family to help with the Food Lobby.
Extra thanks to Julio Sr. for leading tours, Lara for organizing the street painting, Jimmy, Josey & Ianne who master-minded the children’s activities, Yuki for facilitating, and to Lois who organized the yummy organic food that nourish volunteers & visitors alike. We hope to include the White House Place Learning Garden in next years festivities.
This is a photo of a school garden that was created by volunteers and tended by children from 7th Street school in downtown LA.
“7th Street students planted neat rows of flowers and vegetables that won awards. Their garden was a renowned success, and the program expanded with additional land. By 1913, under Larkey’s watch, more than 70,000 students across the city tilled and sowed 150 formerly vacant lots. Teachers encouraged this planting zeal by integrating garden study into classes on geometry, science and art. Parents participated, reading the books that became bestsellers in a greening America.”
Amazing how history repeats itself… in a good way.
LAUSD signs the dotted line! WHPLG is coming to life
Yes!!! After 3 years of planning and negotiations, and over 18 years since the garden was inspired by dedicated LA Ecovillagers, the White House Place Learning Garden is coming to life. LAUSD signed the joint use agreement last week, and looks forward to working with the Beverly Vermont Community Land Trust to operate the garden and making it accessible to students and families from the 8+ schools in our neighborhood.
The real estate guys, who once talked about bulldozing the land for a parking lot are now excited to see this as a model development of a school- community joint use garden. Thank you to Lara Morrison, Lois Arkin, Kristen Benjamin, Dore Burry, and Irma Garcia who helped move the WHPLG to the next stage.
Thinking, dreaming & planning for our the White House Place Learning Garden, found a video of Proyecto Jardin & my friends Rob & Daisy who volunteered countless hours to its creation It features the medicine garden & water fountain I designed with Dadisi & Sheena for our Permaculture class back in 2004. So inspired to see its evolution & hopeful for bringing its spirit to our neighborhood.
