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The Art of Death Midwifery Certificate Training Program 2018 – Feb 16-18 and beyond, Los Angeles

Death Midwifery combines the role of death doula, spiritual counsellor, home funeral guide and celebrant providing support to the death journeyer and their family from terminal diagnosis to final disposition.
 
‘The Art of Death Midwifery’ is a comprehensive three-level certificate program for professional and non-professional end-of-life caregivers, and those wishing to deepen their knowledge of the dying process.

Level I
ENTER THE GRAVE: A journey into dying
February 16, 17 & 18, 2018

Level II
CONSCIOUS DYING: Preparing for a Peaceful Transition
(Pre requisite Level I)
April 13, 14 & 15, 2018

Level III
AFTER DEATH CARE: The 3-day Vigil, Home Funerals & Green Burials
(Pre requisite Level I & II)
June 8, 9 & 10, 2018
“This training far surpassed my expectations – it is deeply spiritual and the material is masterfully organized and presented. I feel prepared and peaceful about my own death now and ready to help guide others.  Incredible value! ”  – S.Kastelar
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Mushrooms and Oil Contamination Introductory Workshop: Saturday, January 13, 2018 from 10:30am to noon at Songs in L.A. Eco-Village

First of an on-going series of events In Celebration of the
25th Anniversary of L.A. Eco-Village:

WHEN:
Saturday, January 13, 2018 from 10:30am to noon.

This workshop is full!  Please let us know if you want to be notified for the next workshop.

Where: 
Songs at Los Angeles Eco-Village, 3554 West First St.
Enter thru chain link gate on Bimini Place just so. of W. First St.

Fee:
Free

Reservations please:
crsp@igc.org   or 213/738-1254

More info: 
crsp@igc.org or 213-738-1254

Mycelium,  mushrooms, mycological remediation, fungi: it comes with many names, but what seems certain is that fungi of various varieties can go a long way toward cleaning up the industrial messes that have been contaminating our places and spaces since the beginnings of the industrial revolution, and even the mess that some of the ancients created, though not nearly as extensively as we have in these more contemporary times.

So, what to do, besides just dig the soil up and cart it away!  Here in the Los Angeles Eco-Village, we’ve just said No! to that!  Away?? Where’s “Away” anyway?  A “hazardous waste facility?”  A conventional landfill?  Someone else’s backyard?

Some of us here think, no matter who made the mess, it’s our place now, and we should learn to clean it up here where we’re at, because our sense of “away” for bad stuff, is that there is no “away!”

Public agencies have been helping to make that happen in a variety of ways with, for example, the US-Environmental Protection Agency’s Super-Fund sites, and to a lesser extent with a wide variety of Brownfields** throughout the country.  Cities, Counties and States, too, have been helping fund many of these clean-ups  that dig and haul soil “away.”  It’s expensive but it’s quick!  And with most developers, time is money, and everyone wants stuff to happen quickly.

But in the times we are living in, those monies are getting scarce, and we can only see them getting scarcer in the future, as we continue to accelerate our penchant for making our cities and rural lands more and more contaminated, not only with the devastating toxics of hydrocarbon derivatives, and toxic heavy metals in our soils, but with the poisons fostered upon our food supply, even as GMO seeds and toxic pesticides and herbicides drift onto organic farms and sometimes contaminated waters are used to irrigate the land.

We have decided to take matters into our own hands: to learn as much as we can about phyto-technologies  or bio-remediation.  These are technologies that use plants, trees, micro-organisms, fungi, air, and water to break down or take up both organic and inorganic toxins to render them harmless.  Granted the inorganic contaminants’ for example lead, copper, cadmium, etc.; take longer, but we can learn patience and how to respect these biological resources as they make their magic happen.

Our long time friend, Jim Bledsoe–artist, self-taught fungi activist, bicycle activist, inventor, carpenter, fixer–will lead us in a micro demonstration for remediating an oil soaked corner of Songs garage.

We invite you to come learn with us.

———————————-

CRSP will be sponsoring a variety of phyto-technology workshops on the new property in the north corner of the Los Angeles Eco-Village demonstration neighborhood, known as Songs, in the coming years.  We will be promoting these workshops to community groups throughout the Los Angeles area that are dealing with contaminated soils in their neighborhoods.

**A Brownfield is any site that is actually contaminated or perceived to be contaminated.  The property that CRSP purchased a little over a year ago is a brownfield with a variety of toxins in the soils and inside the buildings.

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Explorations in Nature: Collaborative Nature Weave – Sat., Dec. 16, 2017 from 10am to noon at L.A. Eco-Village

You are invited

to the public closing reception, children’s exhibition and collaborative nature weave.

DATE/TIME
Saturday, December 16, 2017 from 10am to noon

LOCATION
117 Bimini Pl, Courtyard
Los Angeles 90004
Los Angeles Eco-Village

FREE AND OPEN EVENT
No reservations required.

All welcome!  Children & Adults of all ages

This culminating public event and exhibition is made possibly in part from a grant from the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, in association with CRSP, the Beverly-Vermont Community Land Trust, the Urban Soil-Tierra Urbana Housing Co-op.

See the colorful flyer here:
Explorations in Nature 12 16 17 public reception English flyer

Mushrooms and Oil Contamination Introductory Workshop: Saturday, December 2, 2017 at 10:30 at Songs in L.A. Eco-Village

*Introductory workshop with Jim Bledsoe:
When:
Saturday, December 1, 2017 from 10:30am to 11:30am

Where:
Songs at Los Angeles Eco-Village, 3554 West First St.
Enter thru chain link gate on Bimini Place just so. of W. First St.

Fee:
Free

Reservations:
Not required.

More info: 
crsp@igc.org or 213-738-1254

Mycelium,  mushrooms, mycological remediation, fungi: it comes with many names, but what seems certain is that fungi of various varieties can go a long way toward cleaning up the industrial messes that have been contaminating our places and spaces since the beginnings of the industrial revolution, and even the mess that some of the ancients created, though not nearly as extensively as we have in these more contemporary times.

So, what to do, besides just dig the soil up and cart it away!  Here in the Los Angeles Eco-Village, we’ve just said No! to that!  Away?? Where’s “Away” anyway?  A “hazardous waste facility?”  A conventional landfill?  Someone else’s backyard?

Some of us here think, no matter who made the mess, it’s our place now, and we should learn to clean it up here where we’re at, because our sense of “away” for bad stuff, is that there is no “away!”

Public agencies have been helping to make that happen in a variety of ways with, for example, the US-Environmental Protection Agency’s Super-Fund sites, and to a lesser extent with a wide variety of Brownfields** throughout the country.  Cities, Counties and States, too, have been helping fund many of these clean-ups  that dig and haul soil “away.”  It’s expensive but it’s quick!  And with most developers, time is money, and everyone wants stuff to happen quickly.

But in the times we are living in, those monies are getting scarce, and we can only see them getting scarcer in the future, as we continue to accelerate our penchant for making our cities and rural lands more and more contaminated, not only with the devastating toxics of hydrocarbon derivatives, and toxic heavy metals in our soils, but with the poisons fostered upon our food supply, even as GMO seeds and toxic pesticides and herbicides drift onto organic farms and sometimes contaminated waters are used to irrigate the land.

We have decided to take matters into our own hands: to learn as much as we can about phyto-technologies  or bio-remediation.  These are technologies that use plants, trees, micro-organisms, fungi, air, and water to break down or take up both organic and inorganic toxins to render them harmless.  Granted the inorganic contaminants’ for example lead, copper, cadmium, etc.; take longer, but we can learn patience and how to respect these biological resources as they make their magic happen.

We invite you to come learn with us.

———————————-

*CRSP will be sponsoring a variety of phyto-technology workshops on the new property in the north corner of the Los Angeles Eco-Village demonstration neighborhood, known as Songs, in the coming years.  We will be promoting these workshops to community groups throughout the Los Angeles area that are dealing with contaminated soils in their neighborhoods.

**A Brownfield is any site that is actually contaminated or perceived to be contaminated.  The property that CRSP purchased a little over a year ago is a brownfield with a variety of toxins in the soils and inside the buildings.

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CicLAvia – Sunday, December 10, 2017 from 9am to 3pm on Wilshire Blvd.

Ciclavia Iconic Wilshire Boulevard
Sunday, December 10, 2017 from 9am to 3pm
From Western & Wilshire to Downtown LA Spring St.

CicLAvia heads back to Iconic Wilshire Boulevard on December 10 as Koreatown, Westlake, and Downtown Los Angeles will host the country’s largest open streets event! Streets will be closed to cars and open for cyclists, pedestrians, runners and skaters to use as a recreational space.

Planning a feeder ride or walk and want to add it to our site? Email info@ciclavia.org!

Download the Route Map

Download the Notification Flyer

New to CicLAvia? Here are some things you need to know for December 10th:

  • CicLAvia is FREE!
  • CicLAvia lasts from 9 AM until 3 PM
  • CicLAvia closes streets to car traffic and opens them for people to walk, skate, bike, play, and explore parts of Los Angeles.
  • CicLAvia is not a race! There’s no starting point or finish line – begin where you like and enjoy the day your way.
  • CicLAvia traffic flows in two directions, just like regular traffic. Check out some more safety tips.

Questions or Concerns

General event information: please contact CicLAvia at 213.355.8500 or info@ciclavia.org

For concerns regarding the Los Angeles street closure permit, contact LA Bureau of Street Services, Investigation and Enforcement Division, Special Events at 213.847.6000.

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Public Meeting Sat., Nov 11, 2017 from 10am to noon at 117 Bimini Pl, LA 90004

This Public Meeting is Regarding Contaminants and Proposed Remediation

Concerning the property at:

 3554 and 3560 West First Street – Los Angeles 90004

Previously known as Song’s Auto Shop
and the Teriyaki House

This meeting is a component of a proposal being prepared by the nonprofit property owner, CRSP, in the Los Angeles Eco-Village, for a US-Environmental Protection Agency (US-EPA) Brownfields Clean-Up grant.  A draft copy of the CRSP proposal will be available as noted below by November 10, 2017.  Your comments will be incorporated into the final grant proposal to the US-EPA and should be received by CRSP no later than November 14, 2017

A summary of the US-EPA’s “Analysis of Brownfield Cleanup Alternatives (ABCA)” and the alternatives for remediation of contaminants can be viewed on-line below.  The complete 43 page ABCA report can be viewed in hard copy at 117 Bimini Place, Lobby, Los Angeles 90004 or you can access it here.

Public comments can be mailed to:
CRSP
117 Bimini Pl, #221
Los Angeles CA 90004
Or sent via email to:     crsp@igc.org
Or submitted in person at the November 11th meeting.

A Plan for redeveloping the property includes car-free co-op oriented mixed uses, including an environmentally sensitive hostel, small green businesses  operated by neighbors within the Los Angeles Eco-Village on Bimini and White House Place or within easy walking distance. CRSP will also be continuing its co-op training and education programs on the site, including workshops on phytotechnologies for remediating brownfields.

See additional information or keep updated at http://laecovillage.org/home/news/
or contact: crsp@igc.org    213-738-1254

Executive Summary for Analysis of
Brownfield Remediation Alternatives  (ABCA) at
3554 and 3560 West First Street
Los Angeles 90004

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

In 2017, Weston Solutions, Inc. (WESTON®), performed a Phase II Targeted Brownfields Assessment (Phase II TBA) at 3554 and 3560 West 1st Street, Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California (the Site). The TBA was requested by the property owner (applicant), CRSP, and performed under contract with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The purpose of the TBA was to characterize conditions at the Site, because it is being considered for redevelopment.

Contaminants, including toxic heavy metals and petroleum hydrocarbons, were detected in surface soils and or soil gas
analyzed as part of the TBA work. This Analysis of Brownfields Cleanup Alternatives (ABCA) report identifies and compares different cleanup scenarios for the Site based on results obtained from the Phase II TBA (WESTON 2017). These scenarios are ranked on effectiveness, implementability, and cost.

The proposed redevelopment of this site will include an ecologically sensitive hostel with environmentally and co-op oriented mixed retail uses or services. Based on that proposed use, cleanup of the Site to standards suitable for a commercial-industrial use exposure scenario is recommended before planned re-use/redevelopment can begin.

The Site is composed of an approximately 0.25 acre parcel located in a mixed commercial-residential-institutional neighborhood approximately 3 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles. The western portion of the Site contains a single-story approximately 600 square foot commercial building formerly used as a restaurant. The eastern portion contains a  one-story commercial structure, with a small second floor loft, approximately 2,600 square feet, formerly used as an automotive repair shop.

The following concerns were identified during the Phase II TBA:

Cadmium was present at concentrations that exceed the specified human health screening levels for a commercial use exposure scenario in two surface soil samples collected from the southern portion of the Site.

Four semivolatile organic compounds (SVOCs) were present at concentrations that exceed the human health screening levels in a surface soil sample collected from the southwest portion of the Site.

Total petroleum hydrocarbons as diesel (TPH-d) were present at concentrations that exceed the residential human health screening levels, but are below the commercial/industrial screening levels in southwestern portion of the Site, in the same surface soil sample as the SVOCs.

The building materials and some appurtenances (i.e., fluorescent lights and possibly other electrical equipment) in both buildings contain non-friable asbestos-containing material (ACM), lead based paint (LBP), and/or polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs).

Ethylbenzene and chloroform are present in sub-slab soil gas above the human health screening levels for a residential exposure scenario in the former auto repair shop.

To continue reading the US-EPA ABCA, go here.

NOTE FROM CRSP REGARDING PHYTOREMEDIATION:  Although the US-EPA did not include any alternatives on  phytoremediation or phytotechnology for rendering soil contaminants harmless to human health in the ABCA, there is additional information on the successful use of various plants, trees, and microorganisms for brownfield soil remediation.  Please learn about them on line at the Center for Creative Land Recycling: http://mailchi.mp/cclr/webinars-07-31-17
or at this website for the International Journal on Phytoremediation“.   It is CRSP’s intent to apply the current US-EPA grant application for the remediation of hazardous materials within the buildings, and to develop a future remediation plan for the soils beneath the currently paved surfaces outside the buildings.

 

 

 

INHABIT: Building Intentional Communities in L.A. – Wed., Oct 11, 2017 at 3301 W. Washington Blvd, LA 90018

OCHI PROJECTS
3301 W WASHINGTON BLVD, LOS ANGELES, CA 90018
WWW.OCHIPROJECTS.COM
In conjunction with MOLLY LARKEY: a shape made through its unraveling

INHABIT: Building Intentional Communities in Los Angeles

October 11th, 7 PM

and

ARTICULATE: Language as Resistance

October 14th, 3 PM

INSTALLATION IMAGES

EXHIBITION CHECKLIST

INHABIT  focuses on issues of land and property. As communities, we have the possibility of using our joint economic and social power to build affordable housing that supports our economic and social well-being. It is facilitated by LATCH collective and At Home Housing.

We invite anyone interested in creating affordable, sustainable housing to come with any questions about tiny houses, intentional community, and the collective building process. As a group, we will share information and resources, and generate practical solutions and designs for building alternative communities in Los Angeles and elsewhere.

LATCH Collective is a network of tiny house enthusiasts supporting each other in designing and building tiny, transportable homes. We organize opportunities for sharing and receiving skills, knowledge, experience, tools and support. We also advocate for increased housing options in Los Angeles, specifically for spaces that are affordable, sustainable, well-designed and safely built.

At Home Housing is an organization dedicated to creating housing opportunities for intentional communities. We organize members, provide trainings, and reach out to those who are interested.  We educate the public and policymakers about the benefits of community living throughout Los Angeles.

ARTICULATE  considers how language can be used as a performative speech act that creates our shared reality. We will explores some deep structures of language and create individualized tools for healing and resistance.

Amanda Yates Garcia is an artist, witch and healer. She draws from a broad range of esoteric strategies including the Western Mystery Traditions of tarot, alchemy and Hermeticism; shamanic healing practices; positive magic and witchcraft; herbalism; energy work (Reiki, tantra and other yogas); psychomagic and more.

For more information about the exhibition or events, contact Ochi Projects at hello@ochiprojects.com.

UPCOMING EVENTS

CONNECT  addresses the divisiveness created by capitalism based on the creation of scarcity. We will use techniques derived from the Theater of the Oppressed to explore paradigms based in connection and abundance, as well as discuss solutions to the problem of contrived scarcity. This event will be held with Jade Gordon on October 21st, 3-5 pm.

GALLERY INFO      |    OCHISHOP.COM

*NEW GALLERY HOURS, WEDS – SAT, 12-5PM
3301 W WASHINGTON BLVD, LOS ANGELES, CA 90018

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PERMACULTURE CERTIFICATION COMBINED TRAINING at Cal-Earth in Hesperia, October 16-28, 2017

For the past 6 years Cal-Earth Institute and Midwest Permaculture have combined our recognized and established certificate trainings for a rare and powerful learning opportunity. 
 
This program includes the full Core Curriculum as well as a full PDC curriculum delivered by Midwest Permaculture. 
 
This year the registration is unexpectedly low and we want to make our best effort to get more participants since our Permaculture instructors Bill and Becky Wilson are traveling from Illinois for the training. See below for some additional options we are providing this year, and please spread the word. We need to get at least 5-8 more participants to make this amazing workshop happen.
 

Cal-Earth Institute and Midwest Permaculture are combining their recognized and established certificate trainings for a rare and powerful learning opportunity. Having delivered over 60 PDC courses, Midwest Permaculture is an internationally recognized provider of quality permaculture trainings. Their full PDC curriculum will be delivered to students at this combined training so that all will earn their Permaculture Design Certificate. Check out a detailed picture summary of one of our previous combined trainings

TOPICS COVERED

  • The workshop will include the full Core Curriculum taught at Cal Earth Institute during the first five days followed by a full PDC taught by Midwest Permaculture

Topics Covered by Midwest Permaculture:

  • Observations and Patterns
  • Principles and Ethics of Permaculture
  • Designing for Different Climatic Zones
  • Soils, Plants, and Trees
  • Guilds and Polycultures
  • Water and Earthworks
  • Utilizing Micro-climates
  • Designing with Succession in Mind
  • Eco-Building
  • Zone and Sector Analysis
  • Aquaculture
  • Planning the Homestead
  • Bio-Fuels
  • Economics
  • Niche Marketing
  • Urban and Suburban Permaculture
  • Garden Management
  • Small-Farm Strategies
  • Large-Farm Possibilities
  • International Implications
  • Starting your own Permaculture Business
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The Nuts & Bolts of a Worker Co-op Start-up – Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2017 in Culver City at 7pm

Long time L.A. Eco-Village resident, and founder of Pacific Electric Worker Co-op, Somerset Waters, will share his experiences as the founder of a start-up worker co-op.

Sponsored by:
LAWORCS: LA Worker Ownership Resources & Cooperative Services
More info:
The Nuts and Bolts of a Worker Cooperative Start-Up with Somerset Waters

 

Wednesday, October 25, 2017  at 7:00 PM
at

About Somerset:

somer photoSomerset Waters (“Somer”) wears multiple hats at Pacific Electric Co-op, including client relations, project manager, and lead electrician.  He has over two decades of experience as an electrician, one decade in the solar industry, and enjoys manipulating energy.  He is a licensed C-10, California Certified Electrician.  The trade runs in his blood: his maternal grandfather was an electrician at a factory in Poland.  His great-grandfather was a mason, a brilliant carpenter, and a master of quality in his projects.  Prior to cofounding Pacific Electric Co-op, Somer was a Journeyman Electrician out of IBEW Local 11 and worked for several large solar companies. Somer and his family live in Los Angeles Eco-Village. He plays the cello and performs with his wife, Aursiha. Watching his daughter grow up makes his heart sing.

Pacific Electric logoPacific Electric is a full service electrical and solar contracting firm based in Los Angeles committed to serving our clients, supporting our workers, creating jobs, and practicing environmental sustainability.  Contact: somerset@pacificelectric.coop
pacificelectric.coop

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