---

From: Sean Jennings <swjennings@gmail.com>
To: LAPG <lapg@arashi.com>
Sent: Fri, October 30, 2009 6:39:05 PM
Subject: Re: [Lapg] permculture neighborhoods

I'd have to say "Great Discussion."  It is nice to see this LAPG Listserv being used finally as a place to discuss rather than just promote. 

Have you heard of the Ecohood Project in what I believe to be Prescott, Az.  That may be what was being referred to.  While I do not know of any such thing in Los Angeles (LA Ecovillage does come to mind though), Valerie & Dennis are right, creating an ecological minded community where you live now is key, its not that hard.

Start a veggie garden in your front yard, talk to your neighbors as they pass by, and before you know it, you'll meet all sorts of eco-minded folks, in the neighborhood you live in now.  We are zone 0, Permaculture starts with making personal change, and believe me, it will expand from there.

I do live in a rural place similar to Topanga, but I live and work at home, creating a CSA and Nursery, but if you have to commute, the country is not the best option.  I have been lucky enough to form a close community with my neighbors in this somewhat sparsely populated place.  We have neighborhood potlucks, farm days, music jams and more. 

Working close to home frees up more time in my day due to no commute as well as ties me to the place I live, it is easier to meet my neighbors and easier to get to know the land I live on.  Whether you live in the city or country, change your lifestyle so you can work close to where you live, invite your neighbors to share meals, and grow some food where people can see it and share in it. 

If we all worked close to home, ie walking or biking distance, imagine the effect on LA's traffic problems.  We all have the choice to make it a reality, I encourage you to try.

Sean