Winter Reskilling Expo
Educational Forum Focuses On Local Food Sovereignty and Water Conservation
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he Winter Reskilling Expo takes place Sunday, January 27 from 10 am to 4 pm at the Museum of Art and History (MAH), 705 Front Street in Santa Cruz. Admission is by donation, $5 to $25, based on a sliding scale. Proceeds benefit TimeBank Santa Cruz. Doors open at nine. The Reskilling Expo presents lowcost sustainable living-skills education to Santa Cruz County residents. The Winter Expo is offering 14 separate hands-on workshops on food-related topics such as natural agriculture, beginning beekeeping, fruit tree grafting and sauerkraut made simple. Classes on cottage food practices, seed stewardship, seed starting, seasonal preserves, and composting highlight the Winter Expo’s focus on local food sovereignty. Brett Graf, an ecological landscape designer, is presenting a workshop on “How to Turn Your Lawn into Food.” Six new teachers include Kathryn Lukas, John Bartolero, Howard Ling, Sylvia Patience, Zane Griffin and Michael Olson. “When people begin to define and
design their own food systems, they develop food sovereignty,” says Reskilling
Expo Director Bonnie Linden. “When those who produce, distribute and consume food create policies that support a sustainable local or regional economy, they have local food sovereignty. Local food sovereignty is the antithesis of global food systems that answer primarily to the demands of markets and corporations. In addition to classes, we plan to show ‘Incredible Edible Todmorden,’ an inspiring video from the UK, a country that is doing amazing things with food sovereignty.”
The Winter Expo includes a panel discussion designed to explore the elements of local food sovereignty. Panelists include Aaron Dinwoodie, a physicist and farmer at Tunitas Creek Farm in Pescadero; Delmar McComb, a horticulturist, designer and biodynamic farmer; Zane Griffin of Santa Cruz Local Foods and Michael Olson, a nationally known food activist from KSCO radio and Think Local First. The session includes break-out groups for participants to discuss next steps forward with the panelists. The Expo continues its exploration of water use and conservation best practices. “Water is an issue in our region currently, so we’re having a Water Salon at this Winter Expo,” says Linden. “This is a hosted gathering for participants to refine their taste and increase their knowledge of local water issues through conversation. It will be hosted by LeAnne Ravinale, water conservation coordinator for Scotts Valley Water District.” In addition to regular events at the MAH, the Reskilling Expo has established two other resilience-building outreach projects: the Santa Cruz Grows Seed Library and TimeBank Santa Cruz. Workshops on Seed Starting and Plant Propagation are offered at each Expo. TimeBanking is a system of reciprocal exchange that builds local resilience as members trade services hour-for-hour. “Expo” page 25
Stone Appointed Chair of Assembly Human Services Committee
SACRAMENTO — Assemblymember Mark Stone (D-Santa Cruz) has been named Chair of the Assembly Human Services Committee. The committee considers legislation regarding child welfare, adult foster care, CalWORKS and developmental disability services. “I’m pleased to continue my work to protect the most vulnerable Californians by serving as Chair of the Human Services Committee,” said Stone. “I look forward to focusing on legislation to improve the lives of California’s children, elderly, and disabled citizens.” Stone’s appointment builds upon his previous work as a champion for disadvantaged children. As a Santa Cruz County Supervisor, Stone served on the 24 / January 15th 2012 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com
Santa Cruz County First 5 Commission and the Santa Cruz County Child Welfare System Improvement Plan Steering Committee. During that time, he led an overhaul of the County’s child welfare system, allowing disenfranchised youth of Santa Cruz County to have a voice in their future. Stone was sworn in to represent the 29th Assembly District on December 3. His district includes the communities of Monterey, Marina, Pacific Grove, Sand City, Seaside, Capitola, Santa Cruz, Scotts Valley and a portion of San Jose. n