City of Culver City, California
Agenda Item Report
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends the City Council consider City sponsorship of the seventh annual
EarthFestLA to be held at West Los Angeles College on September 15, 2012 and, if
approved, approve a memorandum of understanding between the City and
California Greenworks related thereto.
BACKGROUND:
During the City Council meeting of August 6, 2012, the City Council was addressed
by Mr. Mike Meador, CEO of California Greenworks, the local non-profit organization
that is planning the seventh annual EarthFestLA to be held at West Los Angeles
College on September 15, 2012. Mr. Meador’s comments were in addition to a letter
addressed June 29, 2012 (but received by the City on July 16) where Mr. Meador
requests the City’s support and involvement in EarthFestLA. The City Council
agreed to place this item on the August 13, 2012 agenda for consideration.
Meeting Date: 08/13/12 Item Number: A-5
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM: Consideration of City Sponsorship of the Seventh
Annual EarthFest LA at West Los Angeles College on September 15, 2012 and
Approval of Memorandum of Understanding Related thereto.
Contact Person/Dept.:
Martin R. Cole, Assistant City Manager
Phone Number:
(310) 253-6000
Fiscal Impact: Yes [X] No [ ] General Fund: Yes [ ] No [X]
Public Hearing: [ ] Action Item: [X] Attachments: [X]
Public Notification: Meetings and Agendas – City Council (08/09/12); California
Greenworks (08/07/12)
Department Approval:
Martin R. Cole (08/08/12)
City Attorney Approval:
Carol Schwab (by H. Baker) (08/08/12)
Chief Financial Officer Approval:
Jeff Muir (by N. Kimball) (08/08/12)
City Manager Approval:
John M. Nachbar (08/09/12) City of Culver City, California
Agenda Item Report
DISCUSSION:
City Council Policy Statement 2008-01 (Community Organizations) provides the
criteria applicable to City sponsorship of events. The pertinent part is recounted
below:
Should the City Council wish to consider sponsorship of the 2012 EarthFestLA, staff
estimates that at least $1,000 in staff time will be contributed to the planning,
preparation, or promotion of the event (satisfying criterion (2b) above). To satisfy
criterion (2a), staff recommends the City Council authorize the use of the City’s logo
and/or seal and require California Greenworks to prominently display the logo/seal in
its promotional materials for the event.
In addition to Mr. Meador’s letter, staff has gathered additional information regarding
the 2012 EarthFestLA that was on the EarthFestLA website.
Should the City Council approve this request, a memorandum of understanding
would be prepared to formalize the various duties and obligations of the parties with
respect to this event. The details of the MOU will include, but not be limited to, the
authorization to use the City Logo and Seal and the requirement to include the City
in promotional activities and information. Further, if approved by the City Council,
the MOU would authorize the City to place an advertisement regarding the 2012
EarthFestLA on the City’s website and to advertise this sponsored event via the
City’s e-mail notification system. Mr. Meador has indicated his specific interest in City of Culver City, California
Agenda Item Report
having a banner displayed across one or more City streets that accommodate the
display of banners. City sponsorship of this event is required in order to implement
this request
FISCAL ANALYSIS:
The staff time contribution is expected to include, but not be limited to, time the
Assistant City Manager and Assistant to the City Manager have already dedicated to
discussions with Mr. Meador and the preparation of the staff report presented to the
City Council regarding this proposal. Also, the City was already planning to have a
booth at the event which would also count toward the staff time contribution.
Should the City Council determine to designate this event as a City sponsored
event, very limited additional staff time may be contributed to this event.
ATTACHMENTS:
Informational Materials regarding 2012 EarthFestLA.
MOTION:
That the City Council:
1A. Determine that the criteria in City Council Policy Statement 2008-01 have
been met and designate the 2012 EarthFestLA as a City sponsored event
contingent upon California Greenworks agreeing to identify the City in their
promotional activities and documents as a sponsor of the event and
approve a MOU related thereto; and,
Authorize the City Attorney to review/prepare the necessary documents;
and,
Authorize the City Manager to execute such documents on behalf of the
City.
OR
1B. Take no action (in which case the City would not be a sponsor of the 2012
EarthFest LA)
MEETING DATE: August 13, 2012
AGENDA ITEM:
Consideration of City Sponsorship of the Seventh
Annual EarthFest LA at West Los Angeles College on
September 15,2012 and Approval of Memorandum of
Understanding Related thereto.
ATTACHMENTS
Pages
Informational Materials regarding 2012 EarthFestLA.
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Dear Mr. Nachbar:
My name is Mike Meador, and I am the CEO of a local nonprofit
organization--California Greenworks I nc—th at is planning the
seventh annual EarthFestLA, Sept. 15, 2012 at West Los
Angeles College.
This event is designed to give participants information about
how to reduce their impact on the city's natural environment in
a fun and educational way.
It will feature a concert, film screenings as well as a variety of
educational panels, workshops and demonstrations.
We are currently supported by a number of local elected
officials including Culver City Councilman Jeff Cooper,
Congresswoman Karen Bass and Assemblywoman Holly
Mitchell, who are serving as our event chairs.
3438 W. 43 1 Simi Los Angeles, CA 90008I Ph:323-298-5077 I email: ignCraliforniannworkx1n7, I Fatehook.coinicaliForiQgreenworks
voaccaliktnivemovrks nrg I Tax 111# 01454186
Anthony Simien, CPA
Treasurer
Cash Sutton
Corp orate Membership
Sutton Enterprises
Principal
Reuben Jacobs
Architectural Designer
LA-NOMA
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4rpv ev,bse, r Among our sponsors are West Los Angeles College, Edison International,
the Boeing Employee Fund, and Los Angeles Department of Water and
Power.
I am contacting you to solicit the city's support with and involvement in
EarthFestLA. We would like to have yourself as well as various city
dignitaries—Mayor, Council members etc.—to attend the various events
(based on availability). We would also like to take advantage of various city
resources to stage the event, and would appreciate it if you could place our
event on your Listserv and request that the city assist with placing street
banners in key areas.
In addition, any other support you can provide would be most appreciated. I
thank you for taking time to review this letter. Should you have any
questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at the phone number and
email address listed below. I or someone on my planning committee will
follow this letter up shortly with a call.
Sincerely,
Mike Meador, MBA
Chief Executive Officer
&nail! rnrrieorlor@ca Crforniagreenworks.org .
Cc
City Council Members
CG1 Executive Board
3438 W. am Wed Los Angeles, CA 904011 I Ph! 323-29B-51W I mail-. a mitaiitota" I Facolootkcconicalfforniagreenworks
%rev ralitorniagAmarkorg I Tax ill# 011574186
2 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 1 of 2 pages
July 16, 2012
Mike Meador: (323) 298-5077
in fog cAl Fonda reeri works. org
www.earthfestla.org
Festival and Concert Celebrate Environmental Stewardship
During Coastal Cleanup Month
Educational panel discussions and demonstrations on environmental topics and fun activities for youth are
among the elements of the 7th Annual Earthiest LA coming to West Los Angeles College in Culver City
on Saturday, September 15. A concert featuring chart-topping smooth jazz and R&B artists is also
scheduled.
The day-long event is being coordinated by California Greenworks Inc. in conjunction with West Los
Angeles College. EarthFest LA is intended to raise the level of awareness about environmental protection,
conservation and pollution prevention. EarthFest LA teaches visitors about sustainable ways to live green
and how to reduce any negative impact to our environment.
All exhibitions are free. They include presentations on how to grow and cook foods that improve your
health; understanding the green economy; evaluating the impact of technology such as Fracking on
communities; as well as how to create an energy-efficient home. Demonstrations begin at Ila.m. in front
of the Student Services Building.
Children's activities include a Star Eco Station booth. Star Eco Station is Culver City's popular
environmental science museum for kids. The winners of a student essay and poster contests will be
selected and their works put on display. Kid's Eco Camp will perform an interactive climate change skit
that shows young people the roles they can play in impacting climate change. Information on how youth
can live green by getting involved in activities such as recycling will be provided and there will be face
painting.
(more)
3 EARTHIEST LA 2012
PG 2 OF 2
In addition to all of the free activities, a jazz concert benefiting California Greenworks will run from 2:00
to 6:00 p.m. Headlining is Grammy Award winning artist and smooth jazz legend guitarist Paul Brown.
Also scheduled to appear are chart-topping contemporary jazz musician Darren Rahn; R&B vocalist
Wendy Moten; jazz fusion band DW3; and Motown-influenced singer/songwriter Chris Lightfoot.
Lawn seats are just $15 in advance and $20 at the gate. Children 12 and younger are free. The concert will
be held on the expansive Student Services Building lawn overlooking the city. Tickets can be purchased
online at www.EarthFest LA. org and at the gate. The gate opens at noon and the last band is expected to
take the stage by 4:30 p.m. Picnic baskets are welcome but no alcohol is permitted. Food may also be
purchased at this event.
EartliFest LA is co-chaired by Congresswoman Karen Bass, Assemblywoman Holly Mitchell and Culver
City Vice Mayor Jeffrey Cooper. Community organizations supporting this event are Food and Water
Watch, The UCLA Labor Center and the California Construction Academy, Habitat for Humanity Los
Angeles chapter, Heal the Bay, The Angeles chapter of the Sierra Club, and Champions for Change.
EarthFest LA 201 . being presented by California Greenworks, Inc. and is sponsored by Clear Channel
Outdoors, Toyota Motor Sales USA, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, Edison
International, the Boeing Employee Fund and West Los Angeles College.
California Greenworks Inc. is a non-profit organization whose charter is to improve urban communities in Southern
California specifically Los Angeles County. Our motto "Greening communities one neighborhood at a time" reflects
our mission to improve the quality of life in urban areas by promoting environmental education and awareness,
implementing sustainable community based restoration and revitalization projects that promote open space
conservation and reduce urban blight; push advocacy; and promote green economic development programs.
4 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 1 of 2 pages
July 17, 2012
Mike Meador: (323) 298-5077
info@califorrii:LreenworLI,org
www.eartlafestorg
EarthFest LA Sparks Children's Creativity
CONTEST DEADLINE - AUGUST 1
The 7 th Annual EarthFest LA is coming to West Los
Angeles College on September 15. The day-long
event will feature numerous free, fun and educational
activities for the entire family as well as a number of
special events for youth.
EarthFest LA is designed to help Southern California
residents discover ways to reduce their impact on the
region's environment and is being held during Coastal Clean Up Month. During this month, volunteers
work with environmental organizations to help solve some of the ecological problems man has created
locally and around the world.
The children's activities at EarthFest LA include poster and essay contests; and the appearance of Star
Eco Station, a popular Culver City environmental science museum. There will be sessions on how youth
can live more green by getting involved in programs like recycling. Kid's Eco Camp, from 11:00 a.m. to
4:00 p.m., will feature an interactive skit to help young people understand climate change and the roles
they can play. There will also be face painting.
Other activities, not specifically aimed at youth but that are kid-friendly, include a segment called "From
the Garden to the Table" where master gardeners teach how to plant and growth healthy foods. There are
also cooking and nutrition demonstrations that will take foods grown in the garden and show how to
prepare them in a healthy way.
(more)
5 EARTHFEST LA — CHILDREN'S CREATIVITY
PG 2 OF 2
The winners of the student essay and poster contests will be announced and their works will be displayed
at EarthFest LA. The contests are open to youth in grades 5 to 12. Three winners from each category
(elementary school., middle school, and high school) will be recognized First prize receives a $50 savings
bond, and second and third place winners each receive a certificate of recognition. The deadline to
submit entries is Wednesday Aug. 1, 2012. Submissions should be delivered to 3438 W. 43r d St., Los
Angeles, between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. and essays must be emailed by August 1 at 4 p.m. to:
info@californiagreenworks.org . For specific details on the subject matter and dimensions of the poster
and the essay topics, visit the web site EarthFestLA.org .
EarthFest LA is being presented by California Greenworks Inc. and is sponsored by Clear Channel
Outdoors, Toyota Motor Sales USA, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, Edison
International, the Boeing Employee Fund and West Los Angeles College.
California Greenworks Inc. is a non-profit organization whose charter is to improve urban communities in
Southern California specifically Los Angeles County. Our motto "Greening communities one
neighborhood at a time" reflects our mission to improve the quality of life in urban areas by promoting
environmental education and awareness; implementing sustainable community-based restoration and
revitalization projects that promote open-space conservation and reduce urban blight; pushing advocacy;
and promoting green economic development programs.
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6 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 1 of 2 pages
rev. Aug. 6, 2012
Mike Meador: (323) 298-5077
infogcalifoluiagreenworks.org
www.earthfesda.org
Experts on Fracking to Present at EarthFest LA 2012
Fracking Illustration
Daniel Villao, State Dir. of the DeAna Vitela, CEO & Partner
CA Construction Academy of AquaBio Environmental Technologies
at the UCLA Labor Center
Presentations by experts on fracking, green jobs and construction, and water reclamation will be part of the free activities
at the 7'h Annual EartbFest LA being held at West Los Angeles College in Culver City on Saturday, September 15, 2012.
EarthFest LA is a day-long event coordinated by California Greenworks, Inc. It is intended to raise the level of awareness
about environmental protection, conservation and pollution prevention. In addition to all of the free, family-friendly
activities, a jazz concert benefiting California Greenvvorks will run from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Headlining is Grammy
Award winning smooth jazz artist Paul Brown. Also scheduled to appear is chart-topping contemporary jazz musician
Darren Rahn; R&B vocalist Wendy Moten; jazz fusion band DW3; and Motown-influenced singer/songwriter Chris
Lightfoot.
Food & Water Watch will discuss the impact of fracldng, an issue currently being hotly debated in Culver City, Baldwin
Hills and surrounding communities. A- screening of "Gas Land" by Josh Fox is scheduled to accompany the presentation.
Daniel Villao, primary author of "Beyond Green Jobs," and State Director of the California Construction Academy at the
UCLA Labor Center, will discuss the economic and environmental benefits of a greener economy. DeAna Vitela, CEO
and partner of AquaBio Environmental Technologies, will address the future of water sustainability.
ABOUT FRACKING
In the past few months, hundreds of activists and neighbors of the nation's largest urban oil field in Baldwin Hills have
turned out at meetings to discuss the controversial practice of hydraulic fracturing or "fracking." This method has been in
the news on the East Coast, in the Midwest and in Rocky Mountain states for years.
Fracking uses a high-pressure injection of water and chemicals underground to break up rock so that oil and gas can be
released and pumped out. The technique has raised questions about safety and contamination of underground aquifers
which can contaminate drinking water supplies. Baldwin Hills residents also question if fracking is triggering small
earthquakes that are damaging their properties.
.MORE —
7 EARTHFEST LA SPEAKERS 2 OF 2
According to a June 12, 2012 report by NBC, "earlier this year, regulators with the Division of Oil, Gas, and Geothermal
Resources (DOGGR) admitted that fracking had been used in California for decades. But fracking is not regulated or
tracked in California, so oil companies do not have to tell the state whether, where or when they're using the technique.
The piece quoted Damon Nagami, a staff attorney with the Natural Resources Defense Council "We wouldn't even know
where to look for contamination because the state doesn't require companies to say where fracking is going on."
ABOUT "GAS LAND"
"The largest domestic natural gas drilling boom in history has swept across the United States. The Halliburton-developed
drilling technology of "fracking" or hydraulic fracturing has unlocked a "Saudia Arabia of natural gas" just beneath us.
But is fracking safe? When filmmaker Josh Fox is asked to lease his land for drilling, he embarks on a cross-country odyssey
uncovering a trail of secrets, lies and contamination. — source Gaslandthernovic.com
California Greenworks Inc. is a non-profit organization whose charter is to improve urban communities in Southern California
specifically Los Angeles County. Our motto "Greening communities one neighborhood at a time" reflects our mission to improve the
quality of life in urban areas by promoting environmental education and awareness, implementing sustainable community based
restoration and revitalization projects that promote open space conservation and reduce urban blight; push advocacy; and promote
green economic development programs.
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8