Streetsblog Los Angeles

I've been back in town for less than twenty four hours and next week's party and fundraiser is really coming together.  We picked up food sponsorship from Ralph's and Trader Joe's and finalized the donation for 120 long necks from our friends at New Belgium Brewing.  We'll have some other home-made goodies on hand for Wednesday so expect a good spread, including some things I'll be making myself.

If you're interested in attending, the party starts at 7:00 at 11555 National Boulevard at St. Andrew's West L.A.  Cost is $20 on a sliding scale.

And, of course, I can't thank our friends at New Belgium Brewing enough.  This is the second time they've stepped up to help us out, and having some good beer, joining the wine and non-alcoholic drinks that Marybeth and I are donating add such a great atmosphere.

The other big news of the day is that we now know most of what is going to be featured at our silent auction.  A huge thanks to Siel "Green L.A. Girl" Ju who is the hero of this story.  She put together this entire auction out of the goodness of her heart.  From the Green L.A. Girl website, here's what we'll have to offer:

>> Two “Start Car-Sharing Today!” packs form LAXCarShare, Los Angeles’ local car-sharing service with locations all over the city.

The two lucky winners will each receive a free application, a free 1-year membership to LAXCarShare, and five hours of free driving. Each pack has an $85 value — and could save you a whole lot more if it gets you to get rid of your car altogether. Plus, LAXCarShare will provide coupons to all attendees! (more about LAXCarShare)

>> A 30-Day Big Blue Bus pass, along with a pass holder lanyard and a 75th anniversary toy Big Blue Bus.

Be one of the first to try out the brand new 30-Day pass from Santa Monica’s Big Blue Bus! The passes are so new they won’t actually work until Aug. 29, a few days after the party. A $60 value, this pass will let you ride the Big Blue Bus free as many times as you like for a 30-day period — beginning the first day you use the pass. Avoid the downtown SaMo traffic for the rest of this summer!

>> A Pair of Kigo Shoes, eco-friendly footwear designed for the walker and public transit-taker!

These comfortable, lightweight, foldable shoes keep your feet looking stylish while you’re getting around town car-free. The winner will get to choose between the Kigo Curv or Kigo Edge (right), then pick the size and color of his or her choice. The shoes have a $69.99 value. (a review of Kigo shoes)

>> An eco-friendly haircut or color from SHADES, a green hair boutique in Beverly Hills.

Get your hair did without damaging it with noxious and dangerous chemicals at this inviting, chic boutique. Sip complimentary organic coffee while getting your service at this upscale spot, kept sunny and airy with large skylights. (a review of SHADES; thanks to Ellen Lutwak for coordinating this auction item).  Note from Damien: If you're interested in this one, be ready to have to bid against some of my family members....

>> A Back-to-School Kit from ReBinder, maker of eco-friendly office products.

The kit has a $39.99 value — and contains all the office supplies you need for your next eco-friendly project: two 3 ring binders, two binder replacement covers, six pocket dividers, six pocket folders, six notebooks, six CD sleeves, and three CD cases. (more about ReBinder’s kit)

>> Signed copies of Banana and To See Every Bird on Earth, books by Dan Koeppel, author, local bicycle activist, and founder of Big Parade LA.

Two lucky winners will each get copies of Banana: The Fate of the Fruit That Changed the World and To See Every Bird on Earth: A Father, a Son, and a Lifelong Obsession — perfect books for fruit and bird lovers, or anyone with an interest in reading riveting tales of massacres, suicides, corporate conspiracies, government corruption, and bribery (in the case of Banana) or obsession, personal turmoil, drug abuse, and the search for life’s meaning (in the case of To See). Get a chance to read both, and meet Dan himself at the fundraiser. (a review of Banana)

>> Two Streetsblog LA T-shirts, so you can proudly announce to the world that you’ve done your part to create a less car-dependent future for Los Angeles.