We have left the information below on the site for its historical value until a new garden site is approved and citizens of La Mesa decide to move forward with a new garden.
GROSSMONT UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD FAILS TO APPROVE JOINT USE GARDEN
Last night GUHSD Superintendent Svenson recommended against approval and 3/5 of their board voted to deny a request from the City of La Mesa to lease a 6000sf unused plot of land on the Helix Charter High School campus for the establishment of a community/school garden partnership that had received unanimous support from the La Mesa City Council, as well as from the La Mesa Rotary Club, La Mesa Beautiful, The San Diego Master Gardeners and Helix High School parents, teachers, students and the Interact Service Club.
Board member Jim Kelly, who works in the insurance industry, asserted that a garden partnership with UC Cooperative Extension trained Master Gardener volunteers and community members represents too great a liability risk for the school district despite a hold harmless clause, an entrance to the fenced garden directly from off campus, the ability of the District to rescind the lease with 60 days notice and $1 million in liability insurance that the agreement requires the gardeners to carry. Risks cited by Board member Kelly and Superintendent Svenson include the risk of vandalism, the campus being overrun by homeless encampments seeking free food, destruction of a sand lot by the presence of vegetable garden, and the possibility of food poisoning from eating and sharing food grown using organic farm methods on the school campus. Finally Mr. Kelly stated that although directed to due diligence, the district staff had not done so and he could not support the garden. Numerous attempts by garden advocates over the last several weeks to reach Mr. Kelly by phone and email to address his concerns were unsuccessful.
The joint use garden had received funding from the federally funded County of San Diego “Healthy Works” Grant and the California Endowment. The Funding will now be used to develop a community garden at another site in La Mesa where the community gardeners will grow their own food and seek opportunities to provide garden education to nearby schools, youth groups and community members. The garden group plans to share their passion for growing and eating healthy food with the larger community as a way to inspire others to live healthy lifestyles.
The gardeners wish to express their appreciation for board members Priscilla Schreiber and Dick Hoy’s outspoken support, and for the support from Helix Charter staff, Executive Director Rani Goyal; the public servants in the City of La Mesa, the City Council and most especially for the time, energy and heart that Yvonne Garrett, the Assistant City Manager has put into this project.
Hopefully, I speak for all the gardeners and garden supporters in saying, we look forward to digging in, getting our hands dirty, and seeing a lush and productive garden arise from yesterday’s ashes. (2/10/12)
View the Preliminary Garden Design Here
La Mesa/Helix Charter Community Garden Meeting
Wednesday, December 14th, 6pm – 8pm
La Mesa Police Department Community Room
Minutes:
Attendees: Mindy Swanson, Linda Johnson, John Hochman, George Mercer, Carol Prior, Amanda McNamara, Jon Wreschinsky, Kathrin Fuller, Judy Jacoby, Charles Anaker, Debi Byrd
Report back on Fundraising Event:
The La Mesa/Helix Community Garden Fundraiser was a huge success. Approximately 55 people were counted at the height, however there were several folks who stopped in. There wasn’t a sign in so we don’t have an accurate count. We will have a sign in next event. Twenty-three (23) prizes were donated for the raffle and two (2) silent auction items. Raffle ticket sales and 20% of the purchases at X resulted in a revenue of $776.00 for the event. Expenses for the event totaled $317.08 for a net of $459.92. Additionally the project was publicized. La Mesa Patch promoted the event prior to the date . The East County California newspaper was in attendance (Cynthia Robertson) and she interviewed landscape designer George Mercer, Principal Rani X, community gardeners (and Helix Parents) Shirley, Jack and Susan Taylor. Look out for that coverage. With the net revenue from this event and the $500 from La Mesa Beautiful we now have ~$900 in the bank to spend on the project. Thank you to Charles (many coordinating prep, cleanup), Jennifer Joe (awesome and well received food demo), Amanda, Ashely, Carol Pryor, Carol Lockwood, Shirley, John and Hector (audio visual).
Report on Current Progress:
Joint Use Agreement Status: On January 10th the La Mesa City Offices will approve the agreement – this approval is a formality. On January 12, 2012 the Grossmont School District School Board will vote on the Joint Use Agreement. At this point there is no reason to think it will not pass. Regardless it is important to come out and attend this meeting which will be held at the Grossmont School District Offices, East County Regional Education Center 924 East Main St., El Cajon, 92021 starting at 5p. Come early especially if you would like to sign up to speak in support of the agreement. Judy will be checking in with Yvonne to see if there are any additional preparations for this meeting that should be made. Suggestions were made to talk with La Mesa Council Woman Ruth Sterling and Councilman Art Madrid given their support for these type projects.
Clarifications on the Joint Use Agreement: This agreement is a 2 party Joint Use Agreement between the school district and the city. The City would have liked a 3 party agreement including the community garden board – but the district was not willing to make a 3 party agreement so the current agreement is between the city and the school district. A separate agreement between the city and the community garden board will also be created. This arrangement will allow for easier adjustments in the community garden agreements with the city.
Once the agreement is completed work on the garden can proceed.
One current stipulation is the agreement states that the construction is to be overseen by a licensed contractor – the electrical has to be coordinated with the district and the water submeter would be conducted in cooperation with the district.
The sub-meter and the chain link separating the garden from the school will be covered by the City (essentially Live Well funds)
There are two outstanding potential issues of concern for the district from Yvonne’s perspective:
The Orchard: there is some indication that the district may have a problem with planting trees.
Gardener Protection from Ball Field: There needs to be a clear plan of how to deal with fly balls from the hardball field (and potentially the softball, although it is farther and less of a threat). The solution for this will be some type of netting plan.
Additionally:
Parking Clarifications: Community gardeners will not be able to park in campus lots – but will be allowed to park on Lowell or other side streets. There is limited parking due to the construction demands and this could cause a problem if gardeners are impacting this as well.
Ultimately we will want vehicular access on Lowell and pedestrian access – which will be allowable. This access will need to be locked when no-one is in the garden.
La Mesa Community Garden Agreement was shared during the meeting. This agreement could include a volunteer requirement.
Design and Organization Discussion
George will come up with a “schedule of quantities” based on the design that he has come up with. Another Helix parent who does irrigation design (known excellent irrigation designer) can complete the irrigation design and also do a “schedule of quantities” to add to George’s. These schedules will help to create a supply list that is generic and then see who might be able to supply items. When items are donated can show the savings generated from donations/gifts
Irrigation discussion: Most expressed support for a design with a hose bib at each bed constructed with sturdy metal pipe that will last. Note: the draft agreement has specifications about irrigation – promoting a thoughtful use/conservation of water.
Tools: Need a tool shed for school tools (that can also be used for community usage). Shed will house larger tools, not hand tools that gardeners and watering gear that individual gardens will provide for their plot. Larger tools might include forks, shovels, wheel barrows, etc. There are already a number of donated tools including tools donated by General Motors.
Raised bed materials: Interest in creating beds from a variety of materials from redwood, stone, brick, urbanite, Treks (heavy recycled plastic – easy to work with, no splinters). Generally want to feature recycled or “upcycled” (beautified recycled materials). Hector will be a great resource for this.
Art in the Garden: School is interested in participating in this. Around now is when Junior proposals are due so the timing may be off. An interest in mosaics was expressed. Carol Lockwood is a friend of Hubble and may be able to facilitate some project. Also a jeweler, Terry White, also expressed interest in helping with ART in the garden.
Compost: Discussion of where to allow materials to be contributed from. General theme that community gardeners could use compostable items from plot or home, but general public could not bring compost to site. Suggestion to move compost off of the cement to be on to the soil where earthworms and drainage were more available. Regardless of when and where the composting is started we will need to import a great deal of soil amendment to fill all of the designed raised beds.
Project Phasing: An idea was brought up to start from the central area and build out from there. The central area can be dedicated community/school beds. This begins the garden with the community central gathering spot. The currently drawn design allows for about 27-30 seats (a class). This design was to create the sense of community meeting space immediately when entering the garden.
Student Project incorporation: George will help identify specific areas that student projects would be a good fit to help direct the evolution of these projects.
Donations, Grants and Fundraising
Donations and In-Kind: Need to track the value of these donated items and donated time for folks like George with design efforts to use in grant reports etc.
Put in grant for Fiskars. GRANTS: A lot of grants coming up in the new years (Target, Walmart etc). Consider applying for additional funds. A bigger USDA grant for secondary schools is due at the end of January. This grant is interested in cost sharing or matching so figures about donations and/or in kind would be helpful.
The garden has a connection with RCP Block and Brick that could result in providing some nice stone for construction as well as pathway granite, etc.
Additionally a shed is being donated from Larson’s.
Garden Organization
In order to create the initial agreements the garden has to have some kind of board. A regular meeting schedule is also included in the agreement with the city. The insurance will also need to be set up. San Diego Community Garden Network has two other gardens that are interested in being covered by an insurance policy through them, Golden Hill Community Garden and Juniper Community Garden. The idea would be for gardens to become members to the network to obtain the policy. The gardeners pay fees to their garden to cover the insurance and water which will cover the policy through the network.
Currently the school is designated to have a minimum of two plots. The school would sign a gardener agreement for their plots. Would school pay fees?
During school hours there is to be a complete separtion between the school and the garden. Considerations about bathrooms need to be made.Teachers will be having a lunch meeting right after the break (January 3rd, 2012) to discuss school integration plan.
Next Meeting: Plan to have next La Mesa Community Garden Meeting right after the scheduled school board meeting, Wednesday January 18th, 2012 at Saint Andrews Church.
Tidbits shared between the lines:
Chayote Vine – A nice vine to include in the garden
Worms –Worms bioremediate toxins in the soil
The Fourth Sister (in the three sisters garden) is Bee Flower, a pollinator plant.
The City of La Mesa and Helix Charter High School are hosting a joint use community garden. This exciting project is a first for San Diego and hopefully will serve as a model for other schools in the county. We know La Mesan’s like to garden and we know that community spirit abounds. This garden is a wonderful opportunity to create a living demonstration of what a community working together can accomplish.
Partially funded by a planning grant from San Diego County Health and Human Services with funds the Healthy Works Grant awarded in 2010. The grant will provide the initial funding for planning and designing the garden. In addition, earlier funding from Live Well Funding awarded to La Mesa allowed the City to hire Judy Jacoby as the Community Garden Coordinator last year and to put aside some additional funding for construction. As the project progresses additional sources of funding from donations, in kind contributions, mini grants and fundraising events will help to make the garden a reality. Already Lars Construction has generously offered to build a shed for the garden and garden tools have been donated by General Motors. There are close to 100 people on the community garden interest list .
The first community meeting took on Wednesday evening, August 30th. It was attended by over 60 residents, students, parents and teachers. About two thirds of those attending were general community members and about a third were students, teachers and parents from Helix. Mayor Art Madrid, Helix Executive Director Rani Goyal, and Yvonne Garrett, Assistant City Manager welcomed everyone. Debi Byrd, Helix Environmental Science teacher will be the lead teacher for the garden,
The core team overseeing the grant and campus logistics include Judy Jacoby as garden coordinator; Debi Byrd, lead teacher; Charles Anaker, community member; Susan Taylor, Helix parent and Master Gardener; Ken Britschgi, Helix Charter Facilities Manager along with Rani Goyal and Yvonne Garrett.
For information on free garden classes go to our RGEC Centers Blog Page. If you want to participate or follow the progress of the garden complete the survey at the bottom of this page.
October 28,2011
City of La Mesa-Helix Charter High School Community Garden Mission and Goals
Administration Team- Chair: Jon Wreschinsky
Design Team- Chair: George Mercer
Mission
To provide an inclusive space to garden together within the City of La Mesa that encourages self-reliance, promotes sustainable practices, contributes to community development, fosters positive social interaction, helps provide for regional food security, and increases environmental awareness by providing information, instruction, and practical experience in sustainable organic food gardening.
We will create a shared vision to work collaboratively and to cultivate a place for individuals, families and friends to learn about and to experience the rewards of gardening – “to grow food, grow minds and grow community”
Goals and Objectives:
Grow Food –
• Demonstrate sustainable practices in becoming good stewards of the land
• Increase food awareness and the importance of locally-grown foods Enrich the soil and preserve the land through hands-on responsible gardening practices
• Fee appropriate
• Be a place to learn about healthy food, gardening techniques, sustainability and nature
• Design Elements
• Gardening spaces for students and interested citizens to explore and grow their own food and the resources and tools to make it happen.
• Easily accessible gardening plots for interested citizens and groups
• Inclusive infrastructure – raised beds, wide walking paths, etc.
• Provide tools and resources, fenced in areas, water access, sheds
• Design for low energy and water use.
• Incorporate the use of alternative energy sources and rainwater harvesting.
• Develop on-site composting facilities.
Grow Minds – “To teach each other sustainable gardening techniques”
• A garden space to share and learn new skills through informal interaction in the garden, formal workshops & training days and other teaching opportunities
• An outdoor classroom available to proximate schools to encourage critical thinking and scientific inquiry as a part of the environmental education process
• A safe space where participants can grow with their crops while developing a sense of identity, self-esteem and respect for self, others, and the land
• Provide classes and mentorship opportunities for college and high school students, as well as for the wider community
• Incorporate opportunities based on an inter-generational approach to community action
• Design Elements-
• Showcase exemplary design.
• Provide interpretive signage.
• Include an outdoor teaching/meeting area.
Grow Community – “To encourage the building of cooperation and friendships”
• Bring people together through a common meeting area, social interaction & networking and planned community activities
• Encourage participation of our at-risk population to discover and blend our strengths, our differences and our diversities
• Partner with government, business, schools, non-profit groups and citizens to find sponsors & local donors
• Facilitate access to local food for all participating citizens and promote sharing of food with the food bank, soup kitchen, friends and neighbors
• Become a forum for produce exchange and/or a farmers’ market.
• Create a more resilient community by promoting health and wellness though fresh foods, exercise and a sense of belonging
• Be a place to meet and work with others with shared interests and common goals.
• Design Elements
• Provide both shared and individual gardening plots.
• Provide an area for produce processing.
• Include an inviting meeting/gathering area
Promote and Incorporate Earth Friendly Practices
• The Community Garden will demonstrate sustainable building and management techniques.
• Design Elements
• Use recycled, reused and re-purposed materials to construct and maintain the garden
• Use environmentally sustainable materials for construction.
• Utilize alternative energy, water conservation and composting techniques
• Design for low energy and water use.
• Incorporate the use of alternative energy sources and rainwater harvesting.
• Develop on-site composting facilities.
• Include plant species that encourage local wildlife.
Beautify and Enhance the School and Community
• Design of the garden to be both beautiful and functional.
• Maintain the garden in a neat and tidy fashion.
• Design Elements
• Include attractive design elements such as vine arbors, shade trees or structures, seating, and a water feature.
• Use of plants with attractive and scented flowers and foliage, where appropriate.
Just want to help out.
Interested in learning about gardening