Welcome to a Review of the Global Trends - Local Choices road trip.
Part 1 - Olympia, Bellingham, Everett, Roseberg, Chico
The purpose of the trip was to share a range of ideas about living more people and planet friendly. This account will be more about the trip, rather than the content of the 16 or 17 presentations made. My thanks to friends made who provided me with warm hospitality, helped organize the presentations and are working where they live for a more peaceful and healthy world.
There were two parts to the trip - a week in Washington State and almost five weeks in California.
This was an adventure in multiple ways - it was geographical, personal, social and educational. Below are a number of fotos and short descriptions of what happened.
Home. The idea for the trip began here at home in my suburban back yard.
More specifically, inside at my desk and computer.
First GTLC presentation was the showing of the DVD at Tsunami Books in Eugene.
First destination was Terra Commons in Olympia. Suburban homes are 100 feet behind where the foto was taken. Terra Commmons is an activist group in Oly and specifically into food forests.
Meeting with fun city staff in Olympia to find out about neighborhood and green volunteer programs. I have a keen interest in collaborations between cities and citizens.
The presentation was at Fair Trade Coffee House. Next day we had a bike tour of green properties and projects. This will be the site of "green" construction.
Community Supported Bakery - One can buy a share and receive a very tasty set of baked goods every week.
Bike tour in front of a rental house with raised beds for growing veggies.
Michael and Robin. The free store at the co-op in Olympia
Making a presentation in Bellingham.
Work party in Bellingham. A house used to occupy this property. The group was putting in gardens all over town.
Work party in Bellingham building a school garden.
Front yard garden in Bellingham. Jeff told me there is an increasing number of such gardens in town.
Chris in Bellingham. She is a neighborhood advocate and has helped create more community and gardens in York Neighborhood, Bellingham's most active neighborhood association.
Chris and I walked a bit in the n'hood and saw a number of front yard gardens. She has organized numerous work parties for garden building and knows just about everyone who lives nearby.
York Neighborhood Association works hard to bring about a more cohesive place to live. Note the very attractive neighborhood scale commercial zone.
The Hub in Bellingham. Bike center - work space, parts, instruction, recondition bikes. Every town should have a place like this.
Begin GTLC Tour to the South
Shortly before the presentation at the Roseburg Public Library.
First night away from home. Kitchen chat about Vista, Americorp and the Great Society.
A not so conventional house and yard in Ashland.
A front yard in Ashland with over 45 fruit trees.
I saw this fellow, he seemed to have something to say,,,,,,
Eric Navickas, Ashland city councilor is a grass roots community activist and a very nice guy.
That's California behind the sign. On the way to Chico. There was heavy snow here the day before and the day after I went over Sikiyou Pass.
Biking in Chico with David and Adrian.
I needed some dental work.
David's front yard garden in Chico. In the rain.
Meeting with Chico Neighborhood Services manager, Shawn Tillman. Great opportunities are available.
I biked up Bidwell Creek, into the foothills. This is a basalt landscape. Beautiful! Headed for the big pool.
The Grub Farm house. A group house on the edge of Chico. Nine adults, several kids. CSA and activists.
Adrian and I visit Chaffin Family Orchard near Oroville. They use goats and chickens extensively for orchard management. These are olive trees.
Chickens at work. The Orchard has adopted permaculture practices and saved a great deal of money.
A view of part of Chaffin Orchard, and the Sierra Nevada foothills beyond.
Presentation in Chico.
Chico pals.
I was very impressed by this giant community pool in Chico. Its way larger than the very nice Barton Springs in Austin. Its Bidwell Creek enlarged, natural water straight from the nearby hills.
Part 1 - Olympia, Bellingham, Everett, Chico
Part 2 - Sacramento, Davis, Nevada city
Part 3 - Yosemite, Visalia, Oxnard/Ventura, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo
Part 4 - San Luis Obispo, Monterey, San Francisco, Santa Rosa
Part 5 - Santa Rosa, Return to Oregon, Bend