UCLA Sustainable Resource Center

Los Angeles Action Guide

Source: Edens Lost and Found www.edenslostandfound.com

WHAT'S A SUSTAINABLE CITY?
FIRST, THE BAD NEWS
   Wasted Energy
   Wasted Water, Filthy Water
   Wasted Dollars
THE GOOD NEWS
   Imagine This
WHERE DO YOU FIT IN?
INDIVIDUAL ACTION
Consume Wisely
Conscious Consumers Checklist
COMMUNITY ACTION
Key Questions
SWOT Everything
Taking it to the Street
Handling the Media
Writing an Effective Press Release
GOOD COMPANY: ALLIES & RESOURCES
National Organizations
International Organizations
Los Angeles Resources - volunteer groups
Los Angeles Resources - governmental agencies
Los Angeles Resources - elected officials

WHAT'S A SUSTAINABLE CITY?

Sustainability is the new buzzword. Everybody's talking about it. But what does it really mean, especially on the scale of a city?

In 1987, the World Commission on Environment and Development, in its report to the United Nations, developed a definition of sustainability that has been widely adopted:

"sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs."

You may wonder how the way in which you go about your daily tasks can affect the lives of those yet unborn or, if you know that your lifestyle is "unsustainable" you may feel there's nothing you can do about it or that what you could do involves too much sacrifice.

But every journey begins with a small step, and there are plenty of steps you can take right this minute. Every day, we make dozens of seemingly insignificant choices that either add to the toll we exert on the environmental or relieve it slightly -- from what we eat, to the containers we use to what we throw away, to how we behave with water and the wheels that get us around. This Action Guide, drawing on the lessons learned from Edens Lost & Found, is intended to help us take those first small steps … and, hopefully, encourage us to take progressively larger steps in the journey towards sustainability.

FIRST, THE BAD NEWS

What is it about a city that is unsustainable? Well, it's the ultimate consumer of resources, the ultimate producer of air and water pollution, the ultimate contributor to climate change. Cities damage human health. They displace the natural environment, destroying plant and animal life. They steal resources from other regions, even other nations.

Take Los Angeles.

This is a vibrant city in a beautiful environment. But it was built with little understanding or appreciation for the power and function of nature and its cycles. The environmental damage wrought by Los Angeles takes a heavy toll on all of us. It endangers our health and safety and the well-being of future generations.

For example, in a natural system, rainfall is caught by trees or shrubs and released slowly into the ground. This cycle produces nutrients, fresh water and clean air. Even in a semi-arid landscape like ours, the ecosystem was once in balance, providing everything that native people, plants and animals needed for a sustainable life.

Yet in building our great city, we interfered with the natural cycles of energy and water by sealing the soil with thousands of acres of concrete and asphalt, doing much more damage than anyone would have imagined.

Wasted Energy

With well over 60% of the city's surface covered with pavement, very little of the sun's energy is absorbed by vegetation. Instead, it heats up the pavement, and thus the air, needlessly overtaxing air conditioners that must struggle against this excess heat at huge cost - huge in terms of dollars, huge in fuel and huge in pollution. Power plants as far away as Utah, New Mexico and Colorado pollute the pristine high desert environment. Strip mining for coal to burn in those power plants destroys the landscape that is damaged again by the air pollution that our city sends far inland.

Wasted Water, Filthy Water

Vast quantities of water are imported from distant regions and fresh water that would normally flow into Mexico is little more than a saline solution by the time we are finished using it to water our lawns and wash our cars. Yet the 15 inches of rain that falls on Los Angeles every year could, if captured, meet more than half of our city's annual needs. But because rainwater is handled as a problem rather than a resource, very little of it is saved and used to refresh our soil and replenish our groundwater.

Instead, this rainfall is channeled to our roadways where it picks up oil, asbestos, pesticides, animal waste, grocery bags, Styrofoam and other trash and, now a toxic soup, rushes through our storm drain system directly out to our beaches, into the bay and on to cities and countries downstream. You know it. You see it on the sand and in the creeks and rivers after a heavy rain.

Wasted Dollars

In the last half-century, we spent billions of dollars on massive flood control projects that were made necessary largely by our wasteful attitude toward rainfall. Likewise, we've built ever-larger landfills at increasingly distant locations (vastly increasing the fuel needs to transport our wastes) , largely because we fail to implement simple steps to reduce the amount of trash we generate.

By ignoring the integrated character of nature and its cycles, we consume unsustainable levels of energy and water to "meet our needs." We design our technologies and infrastructure as if there is no social, economic or environmental cost. We fail to recognize the human cost in terms of mental, physical, and emotional health. Yet there's hope.

NOW THE GOOD NEWS

While you can liken it to turning a massive ship on a dime, it is possible to change the way we manage our city. By retrofitting our environment to mimic rather than fight nature's cycles, we can regain efficiency, reduce waste, and recapture the energy and water we've been squandering for so long.

We can use our best engineering, architectural, and scientific minds to design our city to conserve resources, reduce consumption, mitigate and minimize environmental damage, and maximize human energy, health and connectivity.

We can connect with our highest selves, our families, neighbors, co-workers, and friends as we work together to reverse some of the current damaging trends. Funds presently spent fighting nature can be combined to redesign and retool, to invest in manufacturing, installing, servicing, monitoring and maintaining new, green integrated sustainable management systems for the city.

So, too, we can make changes in our own lifestyle. We can think more consciously about our consumption patterns: how we spend our money, how we use or misuse water, food and other resources, how we get around town, how we cool our home, our car, our office.

Ignorance of the law is no defense. So, too, ignorance of the laws of nature will not save us from the consequences of our unsustainable practices. Each of us has a huge impact on our environment, more than a single member of any other species. Whether that impact is positive or negative is up to us.

Imagine This

In 1997, Paul Hawken, businessman, environmentalist and author, addressed an audience of engineers, landscape architects, building architects and urban foresters who gathered in Los Angeles to begin the work of creating plans for a sustainable city. He finished his speech about "what it will take" with the following vision.

"Imagine a world where the resources are not scarce, but sufficient to all. Imagine a world where there are more jobs than people, a planet where forests are increasing, topsoil is being formed, wetlands are thriving, coral reefs are growing, fisheries are healthy and the atmosphere is not affected by our activities below.

"Imagine a city with tree-lined rivers, promenades and restaurants alongside, and bays that are as pure as oceans anywhere. Imagine a city that is so covered with trees, it looks like a forest from an airplane. Imagine, for a moment, a city that has become whisper-quiet. Hydrogen-powered hybrid-electric cars exhaust only water vapor. Open space corridors have replaced unneeded freeways. Houses pay part of their mortgage costs by the energy they produce.

"Imagine a city where there are no active landfills. Imagine worldwide forest cover is increasing; atmospheric CO2 levels decreasing for the first time in 200 years; effluent water leaving factories cleaner than the water coming into them. Imagine industrialized countries reducing resource use by 80% while improving the quality of life; dams being dismantled; environmental regulations regarded (…) as unneeded, quaint and anachronistic; living standards doubling worldwide; and a vibrant business sector depending upon and promoting these developments.

"Is this the vision of a utopia? A Panglossian fantasy? In fact, the scenario is neither. The changes described could occur within as short a period as fifty years, as the product of economic and technological trends that you can implement and put in place."

Seven years have passed, yes. But we have a marvelous forty-three ahead of us!

WHERE DO YOU FIT IN

Sustainability is about learning to live lightly on the earth. For some of us, that may mean spending our spare time planting trees and tending our compost bin. For others, it will mean turning our energies to community activism, alerting others to the benefits of a sustainable city, forming coalitions and neighborhood groups to support policies that are environmentally beneficial.

Generally speaking, our political leaders want to do the right thing but they need our support and encouragement. They need an ever-widening ring of coalitions working to educate the world at large about how pleasurable and profitable a sustainable city can be for us and for those who will follow us.

In other words, this manual is about community-establishing it, tapping into it, using it to nurture responsibility for our global environment.

The result of a single person's action can be monumental, and when individual acts are added up, they can truly change the world. For example, when we plant and care for trees, alone or together, we begin to build an internal place of peace, beauty, safety, joy, simplicity, caring, and satisfaction. The results encourage us to take on larger challenges.

Planting a tree is a nice thing to do. Yet it also separates gesture and sentiment from true commitment. It gently but ruthlessly extracts commitment from the mere gesture. Trees demand care-our continued involvement, interest, and nurturing. Without it, they die. Planting has the ability to transform our own behavior and that of our culture.

As your perspective changes, you'll wonder how everyone else can be so blind to the natural environment. How can urban dwellers walk past street trees that are being strangled by tree ties and not want to cut them with a pair of clippers, or at least report them? We are right in the middle of a beautiful ecosystem and we don't even see it.

The words community and commons are from the same root. Traditionally, the commons in England were used to graze cows-common land, respected and maintained by all for the good of all. The "commons" are around us still-the streets, parks, air, beaches, ocean, rivers, streams, and forests-but for some reason we don't feel personally responsible for them.

What happened?

We moved out of villages and into cities. No longer did everyone know everyone else's business. Cities granted anonymity and individuality but discouraged community.

By moving to cities, we gave up many of our responsibilities to governments and institutions. The larger cities grew, the less in touch we were; the less in touch we were, the more damage we did. But we lost the ability to discern the difference we made. We assumed we had no control over our environment and, therefore, no role to play in preserving or enhancing it.

Eighty percent of the U.S. population now lives in what we would call a city. Most of us who live in large cities have inherited large city problems: pollution, bad planning, too much concrete, not enough community life. This only adds to our conviction that there's nothing we can do to change our situation.

Yet the synergy of people working together can create the magic that produces sustainable communities. When those people are neighbors, the magic is only beginning. From tree planting and care to sharing fruit and rich compost and having monthly cookouts and block-club activities, as we begin to recycle our energy instead of being drained by strenuous work, we're revitalized. Instead of feeling alienated, we create family. Instead of feeling helpless, we find power. Instead of wondering why we're alive, we have purpose.

But where to start? What are we allowed to do? Don't you need a college degree to be able to do serious urban tree planting or to talk with conviction about sustainability? These are the questions this guide will answer. You'll understand how to start this work right from where you sit. You'll discover that it is a basis-practically a prerequisite-for mobilizing our society to take on the larger environmental challenges that face us.

INDIVIDUAL ACTION

Our lives are ever changing. Perhaps years have passed since you first thought sustainable living should be higher on your list of priorities than it was, maybe you have been involved with an environmental organization, consumer group or political party all along, or maybe it was Edens Lost and Found the brought you to this place of action. Maybe you have more free time now, a desire to make a real difference for younger generations or have skills you want to offer. Whatever it was that brought you here, you are willing to take action…now.

So, what does that action look like?

There are several ways you can work towards sustainability - through changes in the way you live your own life and through organizing others to change the course of public policy. Maybe making changes in your own life is all you have the time or desire for. Fine. This section will help you "live like a native" by reducing the environmental toll you and your family exert on your habitat.

First, measure your environmental footprint at www.redefiningprogress.org/footprint/. Now, try out one, two or more of these actions and reduce your footprint

1. Skip a car trip each week
The average American drives over 250 miles each week. Replace a weekly 20 mile car trip by telecommuting, biking or combining errands and you'll reduce your annual emissions of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide by nearly a thousand pounds! Can't pull off a 20 miler? Then skip what you can.

2. Replace one beef meal each week
Meat production is extremely resource-intensive - livestock currently consume 70 percent of America's grain production! Feedlot beef is particularly wasteful. For every 1,000 of us who take this action, we save over 70,000 pounds of grain, 70,000 pounds of topsoil and 40 million gallons of water per year!

3. Shift your shrimp consumption
Today, nearly 70 percent of the world's fisheries are fully fished or over-fished, and about 60 billion pounds of fish, sharks, and seabirds die each year as "bycatch" -- animals caught accidentally as a result of wasteful fishing techniques. For every 1,000 of us who stop eating shrimp, we can save over 12,000 pounds of sea life per year.

4. Stop Junk Mail
For every 1,000 of us who succeed in halving our personal bulk mail, we save 170 trees, nearly 46,000 pounds of carbon dioxide, and 70,000 gallons of water each year. Visit: www.junkbusters.com or write to: Mail Preference Service, PO Box 9008, Farmingdale, NY 11735-9008

5. Replace four standard light bulbs with energy-efficient compact fluorescent lights (CFLs)
Want $100? Replace four standard bulbs with low-mercury CFLs, and you'll reduce your electricity bills by more than $100 over the lives of those bulbs! More importantly, you'll prevent the emission of five thousand pounds of carbon dioxide. Feel like replacing more than four bulbs? Go for it! Also, install energy-efficient appliances when you upgrade. Visit: www.energystar.gov.

6. Move the thermostat 3°F
Heating and cooling represent the biggest chunk of our home energy consumption. Just by turning the thermostat down three degrees in the winter and up three degrees in the summer, you can prevent the emission of nearly 1,100 pounds of carbon dioxide annually. Feel like starting with a 1°F shift? Turn your thermostat as far as you can without feeling uncomfortable.

7. Eliminate lawn and garden pesticides
Americans directly apply 70 million pounds of pesticides to home lawns and gardens each year and, in so doing, kill birds and other wildlife and pollute our precious water resources.

8. Think Native
Plant native wildflowers, shrubs, grasses and trees. They require less watering and attract birds and pollinators to your yard.

9. H2Only
Water in the evening or early morning to avoid excessive evaporation. It is also better for your lawn.

10. Install an efficient showerhead and low flow faucet aerators
Of all natural resources, water is the most essential. But available supply is diminishing rapidly as human populations swell and inefficiently drain precious aquifers. For every 1,000 of us who install faucet aerators and high-efficiency showerheads, we can save nearly 8 million gallons of water and prevent over 450,000 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions each year!

11. Take the Night Off
If your company's computers are on a network and cannot be shut down at night, at least turn off the monitors.

12. Get a Tune Up
When just 1% of car owners get a tune up, nearly a billion pounds of carbon dioxide are kept out of the atmosphere.
Visit: www.rides.org/main/carpool.htm
Join: Community Car

13. Recycle More
Americans currently recycle only about 10% of our waste. Start today.

14. Buy Used
For each new car made, we create 27 tons of waste. If you have to buy a vehicle, consider purchasing a used one. Also remember to buy the most fuel-efficient vehicle in its class. Don't automatically choose a hybrid; they pose some serious battery-disposal problems down the road. A better choice would be a small, light car that's not loaded down with air conditioning and power accessories. Learn to drive a stick shift; it can make a big difference.

15. Seek Non-Toxic Alternatives
Read labels and fine print; look for "natural" or "biodegradable" ingredients. Eco-friendly building materials, cleaning supplies, and cosmetics do exist.
Visit: www.realgoods.com. Shop at local stores that sell such products and your local natural foods shops.

16. Think Organic, Think Local
Buy fresh, local produce and products as often as possible. Seek out and support local farmers' markets. Avoid chemical pesticides for your lawn and around the house. Buy organic food.

17. Spread the word to others.
Inspire two friends. There is an easy way for you to triple the positive impact you are making with any of these actions: convince two friends to join you in your effort and share your favorite sustainable living tips with them.

18. Support candidates for public office who recognize the importance of sustainability.
Your vote counts. Use it to help ensure that those who hold public office recognize the importance of leaving a livable world for future generations.

Consume wisely

You could say that being a conscientious consumer is part of individual action, and it is. But it's such an important and far-reaching part that it deserves lots more attention than we tend to give it, which is why we've devoted an entire section to it.

After all, living lightly and voting faithfully are only two parts of the equation. We also influence the world by what we buy - and we send a message to the corporations who have the power to change most of their more destructive practices.

You can create real change in the world simply by making informed choices about the things you buy. Find out more by visiting the websites of the Responsible Shopper and the Conscious Consumer

A few quick and easy ways to get started:

Buy consumables from "bulk bins."
Since 1/5 of our waste is from packaging, avoid buying overpackaged items, including food.
Talk to shopkeepers who sell overpackaged items, encourage them to sell goods that are not overpackaged, and cite companies that consciously sell less packaged items.
Complain to companies that overpackage their goods. Here is a sample letter:

To whom it may concern:

When I recently bought (name of product), I was disheartened to see how overpackaged it is. I write to urge your company to re-think how extraneously you package this product, since 1/5 of the waste in our landfills comes from packaging on products like yours. While I understand that some companies employ such overpackaging as a way to assure consumers that a product is tamper-resistant, others - and this may be the case here - overpackage their products from tradition, without considering what the effect such wasteful packaging has on the physical environment.

I am sure your company is a good corporate citizen and wants to avoid contributing to overflowing landfills. I urge you to re-think how you package (name of product) and I look forward to seeing changes so that I can continue to support (name of manufacturer) with future purchases of (name of product).

I look forward to your personalized reply.

Yours sincerely,

Your name
Address

Identifying environmentally responsible companies.
Visit Coop America or The Green Guide to learn about environmentally responsible companies and products.

Communicating with corporate America.
Tell them the good, the bad and the ugly. Companies should be thanked for environmentally responsible practices and chastised for irresponsible practices.

Here are a few quick tips to get you started. For specific products, visit the conscious consumer marketplace.

Conscious consumer's checklist

Reduce, reuse - The best way to start is to take care of what you already have! Avoid waste. Make things last. And don't let a little wear send you on a shopping spree.
Buy recycled products - For comprehensive info on where to recycle in your area, visit www.earth911.org But the recycling loop isn't complete until the materials collected at curbside and drop-off sites are remanufactured into new products and purchased by consumers. The less "virgin" resources that go into products, the better.
For paper products - Buy paper with the highest percentage of "post consumer waste" (PCW) and, when possible, paper that is "process chlorine free" (PCF). Major office supply stores now carry this paper - entirely because of consumers demanding that they do so.
Buy energy efficient products - Whether it's a car or a computer, choose the most energy efficient model. For electrical appliances, look for the "Energy Star" logo.
Buy local - This supports your local economy and reduces energy consumption required by the global transport of goods. Farmers' markets are especially wonderful resources. More info on farmers markets can be found on the Union of Concerned Scientists Green Tips Web site.
Avoid excess packaging - A large percentage of our municipal solid waste stream is the result of unnecessary packaging. When given a choice, select the product that is sensibly packaged, not over-packaged. Whenever possible, reuse or recycle packaging.
Avoid polyvinyl chloride, or "PVC" - Often labeled as "Number 3" plastic, PVC is a leading source of dioxin (a potent toxin) in the environment. The Greenpeace Web site has more information on PVC.
Look for green labels - Whenever possible, look for labels that let you know the product is certified as environmentally friendly. But be careful - don't blindly accept a product that calls itself "green" and doesn't offer any substantiation. To get smart on what labels mean, visit Consumers Union's Eco-labels Web site

And finally ...
Look for the Green Seal or Scientific Certification Systems labels, or other labels offered by respected environmental organizations.
For wood products, look for FSC certified labels.
For seafood, look for MSC certified.
For coffee, look for fair trade, "organic" and "shade grown."

Want more? Explore a host of free green tips from the Union of Concerned Scientists.

COMMUNITY ACTION

Individual action is admirable and is all that most of us will have the time or energy for. But if you have the time, energy and - most important - the commitment, it's time to take it to the streets, to become a sustainability activist in your community.

Think globally, act locally. We hear those words so frequently it is easy to ignore them. However, we must not. For in those few words we are reminded that we are part of the whole and what impacts our very world others and we do now for generations to come. At the same time we are urged to make changes as individuals and in our own communities. If you feel like you are all dressed up and ready to go, and wanting to work with others but not sure what to do or how to do it, this Action Guide can help you work in coalition with others. The key word here is "action."

First things first. You must take a hard look at where you are, where you want to go and what resources are required to take you there. Once you have that information it will probably be pretty clear which route is right for you.

This section is intended to be useful to both newcomers (N) and veterans (V). We will use the (N) and (V) symbols to mark passages for each.

What is a coalition?

Coalitions are alliances of individuals and/or organizations that want to work together to affect change or protect the status quo on the issue(s) that unites them.

Coalitions formed as a direct result of Edens Lost & Found may share one common word - sustainability. Sustainability is the common thread among the coalitions; and the only thing coalition members necessarily agree on.

Small or large, formal or informal, permanent or ad hoc, the great thing about coalitions is that they have many faces. Environmentalists, businesses, municipalities, educators, sportsmen, all have a vested interest in sustainability. Broad-based coalitions work. Be creative. Have fun. Help change the world.

A coalition is a great organizing tool. It gives individuals and organizations something to rally around, provides an identity and sense of place and longevity and continuity. We all know that once we are a part of an organization we look at our opportunities and responsibilities from an entirely different perspective.

Every one of us has been part of some team at some time. The first thing we learned is that we don't have to do everything ourselves. By working together we can benefit from the skills of others.

Together we can educate, raise awareness, network, and affect change more rapidly. As your coalition starts to take form, help it evolve into what works best for you.

Now that you are all fired up and ready to give sustainability the priority it deserves, you may be inclined to just jump right in. Enthusiasm, dedication and the will to make a difference will take you a long way - just not all of the way.

There are good reasons to slow a bit and make sure you know what you want to do and how you want to do it.

There are some steps that are important to everyone in coalition building, no matter what your starting point. If you are just starting out these tools will provide a framework for forming your coalition…if you have been around a while, the tools will help to reassess where you are and hopefully provide some insight and guidance on how you can expand your reach and enhance your impact.

Key Questions

The first question to ask yourself is whether it is best for you to join an existing coalition or to start a new one.

Take a look around -- see who is out there and what they are doing. Does it make sense to join an existing coalition effort or to start one on your own?

What do you want to accomplish?

Is your issue already being addressed?
Which organizations, agencies, localities are building sustainability programs?
Do you see a "gap?" For example, has no one organized dentists, churches, parents or other natural affinity groups who could bring something to the table?

What kind of coalition would you like to form or join?
There are no wrong answers here, but certainly there are lots of options.

An informal neighborhood group.
A community-wide coalition made up of folks with very different or very similar skill sets -- focused on
- Broad-based sustainability
- One or two issues
State, Regional, National, International
Person-to-person vs. web-based

What part of sustainability do you want to work on?

What are your key interests?
Where would you like to make your impact?
Be specific.
Write it out. Focus. Focus. Focus.

Your town: what's good, what's bad?

If you want to focus on local sustainability issues, you'll need to do an "audit" to find out what needs fixing in your community.

For example, in 1998, Sustainable Seattle, a volunteer citizen's network committed to improving its region's long-term health, brought together community members to define and assess what it called "Indicators of Sustainable Community." Review the checklist this coalition used to assess Seattle's sustainability (pdf file).

Sustainable Seattle looked at such things as public transportation options, air and water quality, stormwater runoff, pollution, urban sprawl, and availability of locally raised produce.

For a more general community sustainability assessment tool, visit the Global Ecovillage Network's website.

Your evaluation should include physical, social and even spiritual factors.

Some physical factors include:

Sense of place - community location & scale, restoration & preservation of nature;
Food availability - production & distribution;
Physical infrastructure, buildings & transportation - materials, methods, designs;
Consumption patterns & solid waste management;
Water - sources, quality & use patterns;
Waste water & water pollution management;
Energy sources & uses.

Social factors:

Openness, trust;
Communications - the flow of ideas & information;
Networking outreach & services - resource exchange, internal & external;
Social sustainability - diversity & tolerance, decision-making, conflict resolution;
Education;
Health care;
Sustainable economics - healthy local economy.

Spiritual factors:

Cultural sustainability;
Arts & leisure;
Spiritual sustainability;
Community glue;
Community resilience;
A holographic, circulatory world view;
Peace and global consciousness.

If you're a veteran activist, much of this will be old hat to you, but it doesn't hurt to step back and review where you are and how you can include sustainability in your existing efforts. You may need to redirect resources or tweak your operation.

Newsletter Do you already have a newsletter or Web site? You could add a sustainability feature.
Events If you're already participating in community events, offer to share your table with another sustainability group.
Legislative rankings Already putting out a scorecard ranking your legislators? Now's a good time to add a sustainability rating.

SWOT Everything

You've heard of SWOT -

Strengths
Weaknesses
Opportunities
Threats

Doing a SWOT analysis now will save you time down the road and may prevent you from making a wrong move. SWOT everything - issues, ideas, individuals, organizations. A thorough SWOT analysis will increase your chances of success and most likely leverage your resources. The end result is a list of potential tactics from which you can draw.

Consider possible scenarios. From brainstorming to role-playing there are valuable lessons to be learned through this exercise.

Think about what happens if you miss your deadlines.
What if bad weather threatens or cancels your premier event?
What is Plan B if the volunteers who promised to show up do not?

Identify your targets.

Remember, not all targets are created equal. Some are primary and some are secondary.
A secondary target may simply be a conduit to your primary target.
Figure out what each target can do for you or to you.
Be creative.

Identify your allies.

Think broadly. You probably have many more than you know.
Make a Wish List of the allies you would hope to assemble.
Know you will find allies in the most unusual places.
Encourage those who share your views to speak up directly - this strategy is far more impactful than consolidating all of these people under one umbrella.

Decide what resources you need to achieve your objectives and goals.

Look at everything you'll need, including time, funding, volunteers and expertise.
Determine access to technology and equipment.
Seek out in-kind contributions.
Identify the networks you will need.

Devise your tactics.

Tactics put the action in your strategy.
Identify your audiences. Don't spend all your time preaching to the converted, but rather convince the undecided. However, don't waste too much time on people who will never agree with you, unless you have a very good reason to believe they may actually change their mind soon.
Identify the hot buttons for your audience. What is of value to them (votes, credibility, respect, money, labor, employment or support)
Use the tactics best suited for your situation or your audience. Do you need to use tactics of persuasion, of negotiation, tactics that challenge or support the status quo, or confrontational tactics? A caveat about tactics of confrontation: nine times out of ten, a personal meeting with your target yields far better results than picketing against them. In fact, confrontations can backfire. Remember, no permanent friends, no permanent enemies.
Whenever possible, use personal connections.
Are your tactics in tune with other things that are happening?
Do you have the resources to support your tactics?
Does your group feel comfortable with the chosen tactics?

Create a timetable.

Be specific.
In addition to start and end dates for every item on the list, clearly identify those items that are set in stone or contingent on other action or outside activities.
Indicate who is responsible for what and by when. This amount of detail will likely increase your chances of successfully meeting your deadlines.

Taking it to the Street

Remember, message and delivery go hand-in-hand.

The message

Know your issue.
Keep it simple.
Get specific. Focus on issues that impact many people - with sustainability that certainly will not be a problem!
Use language that is clear and concise.
Go easy on the rhetoric, abbreviations and technical terms.
Make a personal connection by telling a personal story.
Help make people want to listen to you!

The delivery

Get to the point: communicate what you want clearly and directly. Don't waste anyone's time or theirs by going off on tangents.
Don't be intimidated by the powers that be.
Remember that you are a resource for first-hand information. You provide value.
Show you have support. Elected and appointed officials understand that the individuals and organizations that share your position represent voters for them.
Show personal experience with the issue - yet another opportunity!
Every communication you have - by phone, or in person, or in writing - should have one basic message: there is an important problem in your community and you are asking someone to take action to solve that problem.
Stick with the truth - don't get creative or exaggerate. If you don't know something, say so. You can follow up later as needed.
Tell your story in writing… and in pictures. Easy to understand charts and graphics are also valuable, as are materials developed by other credible groups.
Develop a one-page fact sheet that describes both the problem you want solved and what specific actions you want taken.
Distribute your materials wherever you go, even if the people you came to visit were out.
Don't forget that officials and their staffs can come to you. They can obtain media coverage for such visits and/or put a photo of the visits in their newsletters. Visits will not only help them better understand the problems you are up against but could solidify support.
Follow-up. Do what you said you were going to do.
Don't forget to say thank you.
Watch to see if what you asked for actually got done
Don't burn bridges. It is easy to become very emotional over issues that are important to you, but don't destroy a possible relationship over one issue. There will be other issues, and other times where you will want someone's support.

Working with the Media

There's nothing mysterious about the press. Reporters and editors are busy, even harried. Chances are they don't know too much about the topic and probably don't have time to learn, so don't try to tell them more than they want to hear. Don't try to convert reporters - they're not supposed to be advocates.

16 Easy Ways to Get the Word Out

Every chance you get, bill yourself as a supporter of sustainability.
Call a Speak-Out Line. Many local newspapers have call-in phone lines where you can leave a message or state an opinion without identifying yourself on a designated answering machine. The messages are then printed in a subsequent edition of the newspaper.
Write a Letter to the Editor.
Write an op-ed on sustainability, gathering factual information from any number of available sources.
Be a caller on talk radio.
Be a guest on talk radio.
Take a photo of an event promoting sustainability and submit it to the local newspaper, properly identified.
Get involved with your local cable station - get your own show or be a guest on someone else's show.
Put the local press on your email listserv or mailing list, to receive updates, notices, and the like.
Make a practice of sending out announcements to the local press.
Make yourself an expert on, and media resource for, sustainability issues, or recruit someone else to do so.
Call a reporter and introduce yourself - ask if she/he will meet for coffee and use the opportunity to give an overview of local sustainability issues and activities you or others are involved in, and their importance to our communities.
Visit local newspaper editorial boards - prepare your message and take it to the editors (make sure you know your stuff - these folk can be tough-minded)!
Go places reporters go. Reporters cover community events such as service club luncheons, charity fundraisers, candidate debates, and so forth.
Stockpile illustrative stories about sustainability to share with the media as appropriate.
Post an item about the sustainability issues that most concern you to a listserv or website devoted to sustainability topics.

Cultivate Relationships With Reporters

First question to ask a reporter: Are you on deadline? If the answer is yes, get off the phone! Say you'll call back the next day.
Be prepared. Acquaint yourself with the reporter's work before you call, know her or his "beat" -- the stories the reporter regularly covers.
Write your story or event down on paper. Reporters almost always ask for information on paper. Write a background memo or press release before you pick up the phone and fax or email the memo or release the minute you hang up.
Create a fact sheet about your effort, activity or group working towards sustainability with specifics: define sustainability, your goals or mission, plus a media contact with phone number and address information. Well-done materials will boost your credibility in a reporter's mind.
Start from square one - don't assume a reporter knows anything about sustainability!
Avoid sustainability "speak." Phrases like "buying green," "green building developments," or "urban sprawl," may be all-Greek to a reporter who is hearing about sustainability and its goals for the first time.
Think "Sound Bite." A reporter is more likely to listen to what you have to say if you present yourself clearly, concisely and quickly. Remember, she or he has a story quota and a deadline to meet by the day's end.
Don't be discouraged by a new or green reporter. Take advantage of the opportunity. Reporters are often transient types, who arrive in a new community with no knowledge of their surroundings. Use the opportunity to present yourself as an established member of the community and create a relationship. It's likely to pay off later when they are looking for a quote or a story idea.
Thank journalists, via snail mail, email or a phone call, when they report on sustainability issues. Politely correct them when you believe they reported erroneously.
Don't get discouraged easily.

Writing an Effective Press Release

Use letterhead of some sort, even if you create it on your computer. At the top right, include the name and phone number to contact for more information (CONTACT: Jane Doe, 555-1234). Be sure to list a number that will be answered by a live person, even if it includes both work and home numbers.

At the top left, indicate a release date - FOR RELEASE: IMMEDIATELY - The release date becomes especially important if the press release contains advance information or quotes for an event that hasn't happened yet. In such cases, be more specific (FOR RELEASE: 11:00 am, Wednesday, October 3, 2005).

A headline should grab a reporter's attention. Think about why some newspaper headlines make you want to read further, and then write the headline you'd like to see in the paper.

The lead, or opening paragraph or two, should answer the archetypal Five W's journalistic questions: WHO, WHAT, WHERE, WHEN, WHY (and sometimes HOW), although not necessarily in that order

Work your way down from there, anticipating what reporters might want to know: cover the most important facts first and follow with details. Make the verbs active and the subject concrete.

QUOTES - Try to include a succinct sentence or two that sums up the essence of the release and attribute it to a key person involved in your effort, your coalition or your group. Well-written quotes often jump right off the press release and onto the newspaper!

The last paragraph of every press release essentially should be the same, a "boilerplate." It answers the questions that never change, regardless of what you're writing about. These are questions about sustainability and your effort to promote it: what sustainability is, and its primary issues, when your activity, your coalition or your group formed, and how many people are involved in your effort.

Double-space each page. Type "More" at the bottom of the first page, if yours is a two-page release. Type "-30-" at the bottom of the last page to indicate the reader has come to the end.

Keep the release reasonably short - two pages is about right. See a sample

GOOD COMPANY: ALLIES AND RESOURCES

Whether you're building a coalition or working individually, you'll want to search out and team up with organizations that are already supporting sustainability.

We've assembled a list of international, national, California state and regional contacts to help you as you plan to take action.

National Allies and Resources

The Sierra Club and the League of Conservation Voters, among other national groups, rate and endorse federal candidates. Visit www.sierraclub.org/politics and www.lcv.org/scorecard/scorecardmain.cfm for details.
The federal government's Smart Communities Network Web site at www.sustainable.doe.gov has a variety of tips and information about sustainability.
The Center for Livable Communities is a national initiative of the Local Government Commissions (LGC). LGC is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, membership organization of elected officials, city and county staff, and other interested individuals throughout California and other states that helps local governments identify and implement solutions to today's problems.
Coop America is a national nonprofit organization founded in 1982 that promotes sustainability by providing economic strategies, organizing power and practical tools for individuals and businesses interested in addressing social and environmental problems. Don't miss "Ten Things You Should Buy to Stop Waste and Save Money" and "Save Money, Time and Resources When You Shop."
The Center for a New American Dream helps people consume responsibly to protect the environment, enhance quality of life and promote social justice. It has a resource-rich, "take action" Web site.
Northwest East Institute offers programs that emphasize individual responsibility, the importance of a supportive community, and the dual need to walk lightly on and to take action for the earth. Programs focus on readings and discussion groups that can be easily initiated by anyone.
Redefining Progress (RP) works with a broad array of partners to shift the economy and public policy towards sustainability.
Rocky Mountain Institute is an entrepreneurial nonprofit organization that fosters the efficient and restorative use of natural, human and other capital to make the world more secure, just, and life sustaining.
Simple Living Network is a network of individuals who pursue a more sustainable, simple lifestyle (a.k.a. "voluntary simplicity"). Its website offers tools, examples, and contacts for those interested in a more modest, conscious and restorative lifestyle.
Smart Growth Online is a project of the Smart Growth Network (SGN), which was formed in 1996 by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. SGN is a network of environmental groups, historic preservation organizations, professional organizations, developers, real estate interests, and local and state government entities that work to encourage development that serves the economy, community and the environment. Smart Growth Online offers information about best practices in development, land use and creating more livable cities.
Sustainability Institute is a think/do tank dedicated to sustainable resource use, sustainable economics, and sustainable community.
Union of Concerned Scientists is an independent nonprofit alliance of concerned citizens and scientists striving to build a cleaner, healthier environment and a safer world.
The work of the Worldwatch Institute revolves around how to achieve the transition to an environmentally sustainable and socially just society.

International Allies and Resources

Take action on an international scale by educating yourself about, and supporting, ome or more of the many organizations that promote sustainability on a global scale. Here is a mere handful, and each has links to other worldwide efforts.

A World Institute for a Sustainable Humanity (A W.I.S.H.) is an international nonprofit organization working to provide models and support for life sustaining activities that integrate solutions to poverty and the environment while fostering self-reliance. Visit its website to learn of its local projects across the globe.
Basel Action Network is an international network of activists based in Seattle that seek to prevent the globalization of the toxic chemical crisis.
Global Living Project is an educational and research-oriented non-profit organization working on a myriad of global problems resulting from overpopulation and over-consumption. GLP conducts an ongoing and multi-faceted investigation into how humanity can live equitably and sustainably within the means of nature.
International Institute for Sustainable Development advances policy recommendations on international trade and investment, economic policy, climate change, measurement and indicators, and natural resource management to make development sustainable.
Natural Step is an international advisory and research organization working with global resource users to create solutions, models and tools designed to accelerate worldwide sustainability.
The National Environmental Directory is an invaluable web-based directory of 13,000 environmental and sustainability organizations.

Los Angeles Allies and Resources

Also see "Community Resources" CLICK HERE

Volunteer Allies and Resources

Governmental Allies and Resources

Elected Officials

Volunteer Allies and Resources

30-Minute Beach Cleanup
Justin Rudd, Citizens Group
5209 The Toledo '1
Long Beach, CA 90803-
(562) 439-3316

Alliance for Survival - Los Angeles
Jerry Rubin, Director
2035 4th St., Ste. 103C
Santa Monica, CA 90405-
(310) 399-1000

Alliance for Survival - Orange County
Marion Pack, Executive Director
200 N. Main St., Sutie M-2
Santa Ana, CA 92701-
(714) 547-6282

American Lung Association
Wilshire Blvd. Suite 300
Los Angeles, CA 90036-
(323) 935-5864

Americans for A Safe Future
Jennifer Richardson,
409 Santa Monica Boulevard, 2nd Floor
Santa Monica, CA 90401-
(310) 395-2388

Amigos de Bolsa Chica, The Bolsa Foundation
Alexia Swanepoel, Citizen Group, Non-Profit
16531 Bolsa Chica Street, Suite 312
Huntington Beach, CA 92649-
(714) 840-1575

Ballona Lagoon Marine Preserve
P.O. Box 9244
Marina Del Ray, CA 90295-
(310) 306-6744
www.blmp.org

REBRAC
4175 Fairmount Blvd
Yorba Linda, CA 92886-
(800) 662-2322

Cabrillo Marine Aquarium
Randi Abrams-Gonzalez,
3270 Stephen White Drive
San Pedro, CA 90731-
(310) 548-7562

California Compost Quality Council
19375 Lake City Road
Nevada City, CA 95959-
(530) 265-4560

California Conservation Corps
11401 South Bloomfield, Box 9
Norwalk, CA 90650-
(562) 651-5502

California League of Conservation Voters
Lizette Castano, Director
10780 Santa Monica Blvd
Los Angeles, CA
(310) 441-4162

California Native Plant Society
Steve Hartman
6223 Lubago Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 91367-
(818) 881-3706

California Public Interest Research Corp
Ed Maschke, Executive Director
11965 Venice Blvd., Suite 408
Los Angeles, CA 90066-
(310) 397-3404

Californians Against Waste Foundation
Johnnie Carlson, Non-Profit
926 J Street, Suite 606
Sacramento, CA 95814-
(916) 443-5422

Center for Environmental Education
7016 Dume Drive
Malibu, CA 90265-
(310) 589-0506

Children's Nature Institute
Lizette Castano, Executive Director
Franklin Canyon Park
2600 Franklin Canyon Drive
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
(310) 860-9484

Clean Air Now
3438 Merrimac Road
Los Angeles, CA 90049-
(310) 472-8633

Coalition for Clean Air
10780 Santa Monica Blvd., Suite 210
Los Angeles, CA 90025-
(310) 441-1544

Common Ground Garden Program
5610 Pacific Blvd, Suite 203
Huntington Park, CA 90255-
(323) 838-4532

Communities for a Better Environment
605 W. Olympic Blvd, Suite 850
Los Angeles, CA 90015-
(213) 486-5114

Community Forest Advisory Committee
C/O Board of Public Works
200 BN. Spring Street, RM 361
Los Angeles, CA 90015-
(213) 485-5675

Concerned Citizens of South Central Los Angeles
Melodie Dove, Environmental Organizer
4707 S. Central Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90011-
(213) 846-2500

Earth Communications Office
12100 Wilshire Blvd, ' 1950
Los Angeles, CA 90011-

Earth Resource Foundation
Stephanie Barger,
230 E. 17th Street '208
Costa Mesa, CA 92627-
(949) 645-5163

Earth Service, Inc.
1011 Swathmore, Suite 4
Pacific Palisades, CA 90272-
(310) 230-2203

Earth Share of California
Belinda M. Teitel,
1821 Wilshire Blvd., Ste. 540
Santa Monica, CA 90403-
(310) 264-7766

Eco-Home Network
4344 Russell Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90027-
(323) 662-5207

Eco Village
3551 White House Place
Los Angeles, CA 90004-
(213) 738-1254

Education Communications
Nancy Pearlman,
P.O. Box 351419
Los Angeles, CA 90035-9119
(310) 559-9160

Environment Now
Kevin Wells, President
2515 Wilshire Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90403-
(310) 829-5568

Environmental Defense Fund
3250 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1400
Los Angeles, CA 90010-
(213) 386-5501

Environmental Media Association
10780 Santa Monica, Blvd '210
Los Angeles, CA 90025-
(310) 446-6244

Environmental Ministries
7528 Garden Grove Avenue
Reseda, CA 91335-
(818) 344-7870

Expo Neighbors Association
4123 Exposition Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90016-
(213) 731-0323

Friends of Ballona Wetlands
Wendy Rains, Executive Director
7740 W. Manchester Ave. Suite 205
Playa del Ray, CA 90293-
(310) 306-5994

Friends of LA River
570 W/ Avenue 26 '250
Los Angeles, CA 90065-
(323) 223-0528

Global Cities
2962 Filmore Street
San Francisco, CA 94123-
(415) 775-0791

Global Green USA
Mary Luevano, Policy & Legislative Affairs Director
227 Boradway St. Suite 302
Santa Monica, CA 90401-
(310) 394-7700

Green Party of California
Mike Feinstein, Green Party Candidate
P.O. Box 5631
Santa Monica, CA 90409-5631
(310) 314-7336

Greenpeace
3767 Overland Ave., Ste. 114
Los Angeles, CA 90034-
(310) 287-2210

Green Team Center for Environmental Studies
1744 Pearl Street
Santa Monica, CA 90405-
(310) 458-8716

Heal the Bay
Mark Gold, Executive Director
3220 Nebraska Avenue
Santa Monica, CA 90404-
(310) 453-0395

Hollywood Beautification Team
P.O. Box 931090
Hollywood, CA 90093-
(323) 962-2143

International Council for Environment Initiatives
Michelle Pawar, Executive Director
15 Shattuck Square, Suite 215
Berkeley, CA 94704-
(510) 540-8843

LA Shares
Bert Ball, Executive Director
3224 Riverside Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90027-
(213) 485-1097

Labor/Community Strategy Center
3780 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1200
Los Angeles, CA 90010-
(213) 387-2800

League of Women Voters/Environmental Action Committee
Mary Johnson, President
2411 Cameron Avenue
Covina, CA 91724-
(818) 332-6124
www.lwv.org

Livable Places
Ryan Lehman, Executive Director
634 So. Spring Street, Suite 727
Los Angeles, CA 90014-
(213) 622-5980

Los Angeles Conservancy
Alan Barasorda,
727 West 7th St., '955
Los Angeles, CA 90017-
(213) 623-2489

Los Angeles Conservation Corps
Linda Gamberg,
P.O. Box 15868
Los Angeles, CA 90015-
(213) 747-1872

Los Angles County Bicycle Coalition
Kastie Lund, Executive Director
634 S. Spring, Suite 821
Los Angeles, CA 90014-
(213) 629-2142

Madres del Este de Los Angeles Santa Isabel
924 South Matt Street
Los Angeles, CA 90023-
(323) 269-9898

Malibu Foundation for Environmental Education
Michael Klubock, Founder, Exec Director
1471 S. Bedford St., '3
Los Angeles, CA 90035-
(310) 652-4324

Mono Lake Committee
Frances Spivey-Weber, Executive Director
322 Culver Blvd
Playa del Ray, CA 90293-
(310) 316-0041

Mountains Restoration Trust
Carolin Atchison,
3815 Old Topanga Canyon Road
Calabasas, CA 91302-
(818) 591-1701

National Audubon Society
6042 Monte Vista St.
Los Angeles, CA 90042-
(323) 254-0252

National Audubon Society-California Chapter
4700 North Griffin Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90031-
(323) 221-2255
Jill Shirley, Outreach Director
Audubon California, Putah Creek Road
Winters, CA 95694-
(530) 795-0550

National Resources Defense Council
1314 Second Street,
Santa Monica, CA 90401-
(310) 434-2300
Joel Richards, Sr. Attorney
6310 San Vicente Blvd., Suite 250
Los Angeles, CA 90048-
(323) 934-6900

National Urban & Community Forestry Advisory Council
Suzanne M. del Villar, Executive Assistant
P.O. Box 1003
Surgarloaf, CA 92386-1003
(909) 585-9268

National Urban & Community Forestry Adivsory Council
USDA Forest Service
20628 Diane Drive
Sonora, CA 95370-
(209) 536-9201

North East Trees
4701 Olsen Street
Los Angeles, CA 90041-
(323) 255-4863

People for Parks
10951 W. Pico Blvd., 3rd Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90064-
(310) 474-4248

Physicians for Social Responsibility
1316 Third Street Promenade, Suite B1
Santa Monica, CA 90401-
(310) 458-2694

Population Coalition
Mary Hempel, Executive Director
1476 North Indian Hill Blvd.
Claremont, CA 91711-
(909) 625-5717

Rainforest Action Network - Los Angeles Field Office
Tamar Hurwitz,
1431 Ocean Avenue., Ste 500
Santa Monica, CA 90401-
(310) 487-2068

Rhapsody in Green
135 N. Mission Road
Studio City, CA 91604-
(323) 654-5821

Santa Monica Bay Keeper
Tracy J Egoscue, Executive Director
P.O. Box 10096
Marina del Rey, CA 90295-
(310) 305-9645

Santa Monica Bay Restoration Project
Marianne Yamaguchi,
320 W. Fourth Street, Suite 200
Los Angeles, CA 90013-
(213) 576-6645

Save the Whales
P.O. Box 2397
Venice, CA 90291-
(831) 899-9957

Sierra Club
Tony Catenacci,
3435 Wilshire Blvd., '660
Los Angeles, CA 90010-
(213) 387-6528

Southern California Council on Environment & Development
Kathleen Gildred, Director
626 Santa Monica Blvd. '253
Santa Monica, CA 90401-2538
(310) 281-8534

Surfrider Foundation
Christopher J. Evans, Executive Director
P.O. Box 3825
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266-
(310) 535-3116

The Trust for Public Land
Mary Menees,
3250 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 2003
Los Angeles, CA 90010-
(213) 380-4233

Theodore Payne Foundation
10459 Tuxford Street
Sun Valley, CA 91352-
(818) 768-1802

TreePeople
Andy Lipkis, Founder/President
12601 Mulholland Drive
Beverly Hills, CA 90210-
(818) 753-4600

UCLA Ocean Discovery Center
1600 Ocean Front Walk
Santa Monica, CA 90405-
(310) 393-6149

ULI Los Angeles
Susan Kamel, Executive Director
444 S. Flower Street, 34th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90071-
(213) 236-4882

University of California, Los Angeles Environmental Coalition
Yuki Kidokaro, Co-Director
308 Westwood Plaza, 300 Kerckhoff Hall
Los Angeles, CA 90024-
(310) 206-4438

Venice Action Committee
804 Main Street
Venice, CA 90291-3218
(310) 399-6690

Wetlands Action Network
Marcia Hanscom, Executive Director
P.O. Box 1145
Malibu, CA 90265-
(310) 456-5612

Wildlife Waystation
14831 Tujunga Canyon Road
Los Angeles, CA 91342-
(818) 899-5201

Zero Population Growth, Inc. - Southern CA Office
Susan Peterson,
519A SanVicente Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90402-
(310) 260-9166

Governmental Allies and Resources

Algalita Marine Research Foundation
Marieta Francis,
148 Marina Drive
Long Beach, CA 90803-
(562) 598-4889
www.algalita.org

Aquarium of the Pacific
John McCord, Education Manager
100 Aquarium Way
Long Beach, CA 90802-
(562) 951-1603
www.aquariumofthepacific.org

Arroyo Seco Foundation
Tim Brick, Citizen Group
539 Erast Villa Street ' 2
Pasadena, CA 91101-
(626) 584-9902
www.arroyoseco.org

Bolsa Chica Land Trust
Marc Stirdivant, Executive Director.
5200 Warner Avenue ' 108
Huntington Beach, CA 92649-
(714) 846-1001
www.bolsachicalandtrust.org

California Coastal Commission

Sara Wan, Commissioner
22350 Carbon Mesa Road
Mailibu, CA 90265-
(310) 456-6605

Dr. William A. Burke, Vice Chair
11110 West Ohio Avenue, Suite 100
Los Angeles, CA 90025-
(310) 444-5544

Steven Kram, Commissioner
151 El Camino Drive
Beverly Hills, CA 90212-
(310) 859-4400

Patrick Kruer, Commissioner
The Monarch Group
7727 Herschel Avenue
La Jolla, CA 92037-

Toni Iseman, Commissioner
2338 Glenneyre
Laguna Beach, CA 92651-
(949) 494-7634

Edward Laurence Albert, Commissioner
P.O. Box 6303
Malibu, CA 90265-

Maria Elena Durazo, Commissioner
675 S. Park View St.
Los Angeles, CA 90057-
(213) 481-8530

Amanda Susskind, Regional Director
10495 Santa Monica Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90025-
(310) 446-8000

David Allgood, Commissioner
10780 Santa Monica Blvd '210
Los Angeles, CA 90025-
(310) 441-4162
www.coastal.ca.gov

California Coastal Commission-South Coast District

Chuck Damm, Sr., Sr, Deputy Director
200 Oceangate, 10th Floor
Long Beach, CA 90802-4416
(562) 590-5071

Deborah Lee, Deputy Director
200 Oceangate. 10th Floor
Long Beach, CA 90802-4416
(562) 590-5071

Teresa Henry, District Manager
200 Oceangate, 10th Floor
Long Beach, CA 90802-4416
(562) 590-5071
www.coastal.ca.gov

California Dept of Parks and Recreation, Point Mugu
Cara E. O'Brien, State Park Interpreter
9000 W. Pacific Coast Highway
Malibu, CA 90265-
(805) 488-1827
www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=630

Huntington Botanical Gardens
Steven Koblik, President
1151 Oxford Road
San Marino, CA 91108-
(626) 340-5210
www.huntington.org

Los Angeles and San Gabriel Rivers Watershed Conservancy
111 N. Hope Street, Suite 627
Los Angeles, CA 90012-
(213) 367-4111
www.rmc.ca.gov

Los Angeles Department of Public Works,
Environmmental Affairs
Melinda Barrett, Head Baker
900 S. Freemont Avenue 3rd Floor
Alhambra, CA 91803-1331
(626) 458-5975
www.ladpw.org

Los Angeles Department of Public Works,
Wathershed Protection
Mike Mullin
2714 Media Center Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90065-
(323) 342-1576
www.ladpw.org

Los Angeles County Dept of Beaches & Harbors
Government Agency
13837 Fiji Way
Marina del Rey, CA 90292-
(310) 305-9503
www.beaches.co.la.ca.us/bandh/main.htm

Los Angeles CountyDepartment of Public Works,
Environmental Defense
Emily Montanez, Government Agency
900 South Fremont Avenue
Alhambra, CA 91803-
(626) 458-3579
www.ladpw.org

Los Angeles Zoo
533 Zoo Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90027-
(323) 644-4224
www.lazoo.org

Malibu Creek Docents
Patricia Scroggins, President
28754 Mulholland Highway
Agoura Hills, CA 91301-2821
(818) 889-6238

Malibu Foundation For Environmental Education
Michael Klubock, Executive Director
1471 S. Bedford Street '3
Los Angeles, CA 90035-
(310) 652-4324
www.malibufoundation.org

National Wildlife Federation
Stephanie Stowell, Sr Mgr Regional Educ Programs
3500 Fifth Avenue, Suite 101
San Diego, CA 92103-
(619) 296-8353
www.nwf.org

Natural History Museum
Sarah Marcotte,
900 Exposition Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90007-
(213) 763-3344
www.nhm.org

Malibu Beaches, Parks & Attraction
Malibu City Hall
23815 Stuart Ranch Rd.
Malibu, CA 90265-
(310) 456-2489
www.ci.malibu.ca.us/index.cfm?fuseaction=nav&navid=12

Orange County Dept of Harbors, Beaches & Parks
1 Irvine Park Road
Orange, CA 92869-
(714) 973-6865
www.ocparks.com/default.asp

Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy
Barbara Dye, Exec. Director
916 Silver Spur Road, Suite 108
Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274-
(310) 541-7613
www.pvplc.org

Southern California Coastal Water Research Project
Stephen Weisberg
7171 Fenwick Lane
Westminster CA 92683
(714) 894-2222
www.sccwrp.org

Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden
Ann Joslin, Director of Community Relations
1500 North College Avenue
Claremont, CA 91711-3157
(909) 625-8767
www.rsabg.org

Riverside Park& Recreation Dept
3900 Main St
Riverside, CA 92522-
(909) 826-2000
www.ci.riverside.ca.us/park_rec

San Bernardino County Regional Parks
777 E Rialto Avenue
San Bernardino, CA 92415-0763
(909) 387-2757
www.co.san-bernardino.ca.us/parks

Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy
Dash Stolarz, Pub Affairs & Media
570 W. Avenue 26
Los Angeles, CA 90065-
(323) 221-9944
www.smmc.ca.gov

South Coast Botanic Gardens
26300 Crenshaw Blvd
Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA 90274-
(310) 544-1948
www.palosverdes.com/botanicgardens

UC Riverside Botanic Gardens
University of California
Riverside, CA 92521-0124
(909) 787-4650
www.gardens.ucr.edu

Ventura, City of
Johnji Stone, Interpretive Prog Supv
P.O. Box 99
Ventura, CA 93002-
(805) 650-8137
www.ci.ventura.ca.us

Elected Officials

City of Los Angeles

Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa
200 N. Spring St., Room 303
Los Angeles, CA 90012-
(213) 978-0600
www.lacity.org/mayor

Ed Reyes, City Councilman
200 N. Spring Street, Rm 410
Los Angeles, CA 90012-
(213) 473-7001
www.acity.org/council/cd1

Jack Weiss, City Councilman
200 N. Spring Street., Rm 440
Los Angeles, CA 90012-
(213) 473-7005
www.lacity.org/council/cd5

Tony Cardenas, City Councilman
200 N. Spring St., Rm 455
Los Angeles, CA 90012-
(213) 473-7006
www.lacity.org/council/cd6

Alex Padilla, City Councilman
200 N. Spring Street., Rm 465
Los Angeles, CA 90012-
(213) 847-7777
www.lacity.org/council/cd7

Jan Perry, City Councilwoman
200 N. Spring Street., Rm 420
Los Angeles, CA 90012-
(213) 473-7009
www.lacity.org/council/cd9

Cindy Miscikowski, City Councilwoman
200 N. Spring Street, Rm 415
Los Angeles, CA 90012-
(213) 485-3811
www.lacity.org/council/cd11

Eric Garcetti, City Councilman
200 N. Spring St., Rm 470
Los Angeles, CA 90012-
(213) 473-7013
www.lacity.org/council/cd13

State of California

Hon. Arnold Schwarzenegger, Governor
300 South Spring Street
Los Angeles, CA 90013-
(213) 897-0322
www.governor.ca.gov

California State Senate
Senator Dick Ackerman, Senator Ackerman
17821 East 17th Street, Suite 180
Tustin, CA 92780-
(714) 573-1853
http://republican.sen.ca.gov/web/33
Senator.ackerman@sen.ca.gov

California State Senate
Senator Richard Alarcon, Senator Alarcon
6150 Van Nuys Blvd, '400
Van Nuys, CA 91401-
(818) 901-5588
http://democrats.sen.ca.gov/senator/alarcon

California State Senate
Senator Dede Alpert, Senator Alpert
1557 Columbia Street
San Diego, CA 92101-
(619) 645-3090
http://democrats.ca.gov/senator/alpert
senator.alpert@sen.ca.gov

California State Senate
Senator Jim Battin, Senator Battin
73-710 Fred Waring Drive '112
Palm Beach, CA 92260-
(760) 568-0408
http://republican.ca.gov/web/37
Jim.Battin@sen.ca.gov

California State Senate
Senator Debra Bowen, Senator Bowen
2512 Artesia Blvd., '200
Redondo Beach, CA 90278-
(310) 318-6399
http://democrats.sen.ca.gov/senator/bowen
senator.bowen@sen.ca.gov

California State Senate
Senator Gilbert Cedillo, Senator Cedillo
617 South Olive St., Suite 710
Los Angeles, CA 90014-
(213) 612-9566
http://democrats.sen.ca.gov/senator/cedillo

California State Senate
Senator Denise M. Ducheny, Senator Ducheny
637 3rd Avenue, Suite C
Chula Vista, CA 91910-
(619) 409-7690
http://democrats.sen.ca.gov/senator/ducheny

California State Senate
Senator Joseph Dunn, Senator Dunn
12397 Lewis Street, ' 103
Garden Grove, CA 92840-
(714) 705-1580
http://democrats.sen.ca.gov/senator/dunn

California State Senate
Senator Martha Escutia, Senator Escutia
12440 E. Imperial Hwy., Suite 125
Norwalk, CA 90650-
(562) 929-6060
http://democrats.sen.ca.gov/senator/escutia

California State Senate
Senator Liz Figueroa, Senator Figueroa
43801 Mission Blvd., '103
Freemont, CA 94539-
(510) 413-5960
http://democrats.sen.ca.gov/senator/figueroa

California State Senate
Senator Dean Florez, Senator Florez
2550 Mariposa Mall, Suite 2016
Fresno, CA 93721-
(559) 264-3070
http://democrats.sen.ca.gov/senator/florez

California Sate Senate
Senator Dennis Hollingsworth, Senator Hollingsworth
27555 Ynez Road, Suite 204
Temecula, CA 92591-
(909) 676-1020
http://republican.sen.ca.gov/web/36

California State Senate
Senator Ross Johnson, Senator Ross Johnson
18552 MacArthur, Suite 395
Irvine, CA 92612-
(949) 833-0180
http://republican.sen.ca.gov/web/35

California State Senate
Senator Betty Karnette, Senator Karnette
3711 Long Beach Blvd., '801
Long Beach, CA 90807-
(562) 997-0794
http://democrats.sen.ca.gov/senator/karnette

California State Senate
Senator Sheila Kuehl, Senator Kuehl
10951 W. Pico Blvd ' 202
Los Angeles, CA 90064-
(310) 441-9084
http://democrats.sen.ca.gov/senator/kuehl

California State Senate
Senator Bob Margett, Senator Margett
23355 E. Golden Springs Drive
Diamond Bar, CA 91765-
(909) 860-6402
http://republican.sen.ca.gov/web/29
Senator.Margett@sen.ca.gov

California State Senate
Senator Bruce McPherson, Senator McPherson
701 Ocean St., Rm 318A
Santa Cruz, CA 95060-
(831) 425-0401
http://republican.sen.ca.gov/web/15
senator.mcpherson@sen.ca.gov

California State Senate
Senator Kevin Murray, Senator Murray
600 Corporate Pointe, ' 1020
Culver City, CA 90230-
(310) 641-4391
http://democrats.sen.ca.gov/senator/murray

California State Senate
Senator Gloria Romero, Senator Romero
149 S. Mednik Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90022-
(323) 881-0100
http://democrats.sen.ca.gov/senator/romero

California State Senate
Senator Jack Scott, Senator Scott
215 N. Marengo Avenue, Suite 185
Pasadena, CA 91101-
(626) 683-0282
http://democrats.sen.ca.gov/senator/scott

California State Senate
Senator Byron Sher, Senator Sher
100 Paseo de San Antonio, Suite 206
San Jose, CA 95113-
(408) 277-9460
http://democrats.sen.ca.gov/senator/sher

California State Senate
Senator Nell Soto, Senator Soto
822 N. Euclid Avenue
Ontario, CA 91762-
(909) 984-7741
http://democrats.sen.ca.gov/senator/soto

California State Senate
Senator Tom Torlakson, Senator Torlakson
2801 Concord Blvd
Concord, CA 94519-
(925) 602-6593
http://democrats.sen.ca.gov/senator/torlakson

California State Senate
Senator John Vasconcellos, Senator Vasconcellos
100 Paseo de San Antonio, Suite 209
San Jose, CA 95113-
(408) 286-8318
http://democrats.sen.ca.gov/senator/Vasconcellos

California State Senate
Senator Edward Vincent, Senator Vincent
1 Manchester Blvd. ' 600
Inglewood, CA 90301-
(310) 412-0393
http://democrats.sen.ca.gov/senator/vincent

State Assembly

www.assembly.ca.gov/sgc
California State Assembly
Assemblyman Ed Chavez, Assemblyman Chavez
13181 Crossroads Parkway North, Suite 160
Industry, CA 91746-
(626) 961-8492
http://democrats.assembly.ca.gov/members/a57

California State Assembly
Assemblywoman Judy Chu, Assemblywoman Chu
1255 Corporate Center Dri., 'PH9
Monterey Park, CA 91754-
(323) 981-0342
http://democrats.assembly.ca.gov/members/a49

California State Assmbly
Assemblyman John Dutra, Assemblyman Dutra
39510 Paseo Padre Parkway
Freemont, CA 94538-
(510) 440-9030
http://democrats.assembly.ca.gov/members/a20
Assemblymember.Dutra@assembly.ca.gov

California State Assembly
Assemblymember Robert D. Dutton, Assemblyman Dutton
8577 Haven Avenue, Suite 210
Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730-
(909) 466-4180
http://republican.assembly.ca.gov/members/index.asp?Dist=63⟨=1

California State Assembly
Assemblywoman Sally J. Lieber, Assemblywoman Lieber
274 Castor Street, Suite 202
Mountainview, CA 94041-
(408) 277-2003
http://democrats.assembly.ca.gov/members/a22
Assemblywoman.Lieber@aseembly.ca.gov

California State Assembly
Assemblyman Ken Maddox, Costa Mesa
Costa Mesa District Office
1503 South Coast Drive '205
Costa Mesa, CA 92626-
(714) 668-2100

California State Assembly
Assemblymember Cindy Montanez, Assemblymember Montanez
11541 Laurel Canyon Boulevard, Suite C
Mission Hills, CA 91345-
(818) 838-3939
http://democrats.assembly.ca.gov/members/a39

California State Assembly
Assemblyman Joe Nation, Assemblyman Nation
Sonoma County Office
50 D Sreet, Suite 305
Santa Rosa, CA 95404-
(707) 576-2631
http://democrats.assembly.ca.gov/members/a06

California State Assembly
Assemblywoman Gloria Negrete, Assemblywoman Negrete
4959 Paolo Verde St, Suite 100B
Montclair, CA 91763-
(909) 621-2783
http://democrats.assembly.ca.gov/members/a61

California State Assembly
Speaker Fabian Nunez, Sepaker Nunez
320 W. 4th Street, Rm 1050
Los Angeles, CA 90013-
http://democrats.assembly.ca.gov/members/a46/mainpage.htm

California State Assembly
Assemblywoman Jenny Oropeza, Assemblywoman Oropeza
One Civic Plaza Drive, Suite 460
Carson, CA 90745-2243
(310) 518-3324
http://democrats.assembly.ca.gov/members/a55
Assemblywoman.Oropeza@Assembly.ca.gov

California State Assembly
Assemblyman Robert Pacheco, Assemblyman Pacheco
17800 Castelon Street, Suite 125
City of Industry, CA 91748-
(626) 839-2000
http://republican.assembly.ca.gov/members/index.asp?Dist=60⟨=1

California State Assembly
Assemblyman Simon Salinas, Assemblyman Salinas
100 W. Alisal St., Suite 134
Salinas, CA 93901-
(831) 759-8676
http://democrats.assembly.ca.gov/members/a28

California State Assembly
Assemblymember Todd Spitzer, Assemblymember Spitzer
1940 N. Tustin Street, Suite 102
Orange, CA 92865-
(714) 998-0980
http://republican.assembly.ca.gov/members/index.asp?Dist=71⟨=1

California State Assembly
Assemblyman Juan Vargas, Assemblyman Vargas
678 3rd Avenue, Suite 105
Chula Vista, CA 91910-5844
(619) 409-7979
http://democrats.assembly.ca.gov/members/a79

United States Congress

Sen. Barbara Boxer
312 N. Spring Street, Suite 1748
Los Angeles, CA 90012-
(213) 894-5000
http://boxer.senate.gov

Sen. Dianne Feinstein
Guillermo Gonzalez, Deputy State Director
11111 Santa Monica Boulevard, Suite 915
Los Angeles, CA
(310) 914-7300
http://feinstein.senate.gov

Rep. Christopher Cox
One Newport Place, Suite 1010
Newport Beach, CA 92660-
(949) 756-2244
http://cox.house.gov

Rep. Henry Waxman
8436 West Third Street, Suite 600
Los Angeles, CA 90048-
(323) 651-1040
http://www.house.gov/waxman

Rep. Howard Berman
14546 Hamlin Street, Suite 202
Van Nuys, CA 91411-
(818) 994-7200
http://www.house.gov/berman

Rep. Diane Watson
4322 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 302
Los Angeles, CA 90010-
(323) 965-1422
http://www.house.gov.watson

Rep. Maxine Waters
10124 S. Broadway Suite 1
Los Angeles, CA 90003-
(323) 757-8900
http://www.house.gov/waters

Rep. Xavier Becerra
1910 Sunset Blvd., Suite 560
Los Angeles, CA 90026-
(213) 483-1425
http://www.house.gov/becerra

Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard
255 E. Temple St., Suite 1860
Los Angeles, CA 90012-3334
(213) 628-9230
http://www.house.gov/roybal-allard

Rep. Brad Sherman
5000 Van Nuys Blvd., Suite 420
Sherman Oaks, CA 91403-
(818) 501-9200
http://www.house.gov/sherman

Rep. Hilda Solis
4401 Santa Anita Ave., Suite 211
El Monte, CA 91731-
(626) 448-1271
http://solis.house.gov/HoR/CA32/English/Home+Page.htm

Rep. Adam Schiff
35 South Raymond Ave., '205
Pasadena, CA 91105-
(626) 304-2727
http://www.house.gov/schiff

Rep. Jane Harman
2321 Rosecrans Boulevard, Suite 3270
El Segundo, CA 90245-
(310) 643-3636
http://www.house.gov/harman

Rep. David Dreier
2220 East Route 66, Suite 225
Glendora, CA 91740-
(626) 852-2626
http://dreier.house.gov//cdd_bio.htm

Rep. Juanita Millender-McDonald
970 West 190th St., East Tower, Suite 900
Torrance, CA 90502-
(310) 538-1190
http://www.house.gov/millender-mcdonald

Rep. Grace Napolitano
11627 East Telegraph Road, '100
Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670-
(562) 801-2134
http://www.napolitano.house.gov

Rep. Ed Royce
305 North Harbor Blvd., Suite 300
Fullerton, CA 92832-
(714) 992-8081
http://www.royce.house.gov

Rep. Linda Sanchez
4007 Paramount, Suite 106
Lakewood, CA 90712-
(562) 429-8499
http://www.lindasanchez.house.gov

Rep. Loretta Sanchez
12397 Lewis Street, Suite 101
Garden Grove, CA 92840-
(714) 621-0102
http://www.lorettasanchez.house.gov/display2.cfm?id=8059&type=Home

Rep. Dana Rohrabacher
101 Main Street, Suite 380
Huntington Beach, CA 92648-
(714) 960-6483
http://www.house.gov/rohrabacher

Rep. Ken Calvert
3400 Central Avenue, Suite 200
Riverside, CA 92506-
(909) 784-4300
http://www.house.gov/calvert

Rep. Gary Miller
1800 E. Lambert Rd., Suite 150
Brea, CA 92821-
(714) 257-1142
http://www.house.gov/garymiller

Rep. Joe Baca
201 North "E" Street, Suite 102
San Bernadino, CA 90988-5222
(909) 885-BACA (2222)
http://www.house.gov/baca

Los Angeles County Board Supervisors
Supervisor, County Board Supv
http://bos.co.la.ca.us

Smart Growth Caucus
Assembly Woman Patricia Wiggins, Caucus Chair
State Capitol
P.O. Box 942849
Sacramento, CA 94284-9
(916) 319-2007

Campaigns

Save South Central Community Farm

UC Sustainable Food Systems

Sustainable Transportation

UC Build Green

UC Divest Sudan

Save Financial Aid

Save South Central Community Farm

13 year old community farm essential to residents' wellbeing is threatened by development.

Support is badly needed. Below is a sample letter to the Mayor.

For more information go to www.southcentralfarmers.com

Click here for sample letter to Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.

UC Sustainable Food Systems

The California Student Sustainability Coalition is working with the recognition that the University of California is comprised of campus constituencies that are moving toward a systems approach in transforming their food systems (including production, purchasing, distribution, preparation, consumption, and waste management), the CSSC UC Food Systems Campaign will advocate for and secure the UC Regents commitment to creating and maintaining sustainable campus food systems through the creation and implementation of clear guidelines for campus food systems to prioritize organic, local, and socially responsible choices that will support the health of consumers and workers, local economies, and California agriculture.

More information at

www.sustainabilitycoalition.org

www.farmtocollege.org

Move UC! Sustainable Transportation

The California Student Sustainability Coalition has met with the UCOP ad hoc committee with sustainable transportation, as well as Executive Vice-President Joe Mullinix. Although UCOP has expressed reluctance to begin work on a policy, they have committed to convening a committee this summer for the purpose of conducting a sustainable transportation "best practices" study of the UC system.

The Move UC Resolution "Asks"

That the University of California, Board of Regents pass a comprehensive sustainable transportation policy that shall include, but not be limited to the following provisions;
That the University of California reduce the total fossil fuel consumption of its fleets by 50% in the next ten years. And that the University work towards the goal of achieving a climate neutral (zero fossil fuel consumption) fleet by 2030.
That the University of California reduce the number of staff, faculty and students commuting in single occupancy vehicles by 25% in the next ten years by supporting and promoting alternative transportation such as bicycling, walking, carpooling and public transportation. And that the University work towards a 50% reduction in single occupancy commuting by 2025.

For more information or to send an e-card on sustainable transportation:

www.sustainabilitycoalition.org

UC Build Green

Campaign by the California Student Sustainability Coalition. In July 2003 the UC Board of Regents passed a ground breaking Green Building and Renewable Energy Policy that sets an example for our state and the rest of the country. This policy was passed as the after a year of hard campaigning by the CSSC and Greenpeace.

The policy mandates that:

10% of Grid Purchased energy be from renewable sources immediately, increasing to 20% by 2017
10 megawatts of onsite renewable energy generation (solar) be intalled

energy efficientcy be increased so that energy usage is reduced to 10% below 2000 levels by 2017

all new buildings must meet LEED "certified" equivalent standards and strive for "silver" rating

As of 3-10-2004 the UC Office of the President has yet to complete the full implementation policy that the campuses will follow. Once this is complete the campuses will have to put the policy into action and this is easier said then done. In many ways the hard part has just begun and the CSSC plans to continue to work to make sure the policy is implemented to it's fullest and that where possible campuses exceed the mandates of the policy.

For more information or to send an e-card on sustainable transportation:

www.sustainabilitycoalition.org

UC Divest From Sudan

THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA has millions of dollars, many from the endowment that finances student education and the retirement fund for faculty and staff, invested in companies that do business in Sudan. These investments spur the economic growth, estimated at 8.3% for 2005, which allows the Sudanese government to purchase military equipment and pay soldiers to continue the genocide in Darfur. If the UC DIVESTS from these companies, at little financial risk to itself or the retirement fund, it will take away from this economic growth and effectively pressure the government to end the genocide.

The UC Sudan Divestment Taskforce is working to make sure Sudan cannot use UC's assets to finance genocide, and we want to send a message to the Sudanese regime that the killing and slave raids must stop. Sign the petition below to join UC community members calling on the University to divest from companies operating in Sudan until the genocide stops.

For more information contact:

UC Sudan Divestment Taskforce at ucsudandt@gmail.com

To download the full proposal or sign the petition go to:

www.ucdivestsudan.com

Stop Fee Hikes and Save Financial Aid

The UC Students Association is running an extensive campaign to protect financial aid and stop excessive fee hikes. They are looking for students to attend UC regents meeting on November 16 and 17 in Berkeley and they are particularly looking for testimonials from students whose lives have been affected by the fee hikes.

More information at: