Attachment 10

Pacific Grove START

Sustainable Pacific Grove is proposing to create a Sustainability Transitions and Resource Tools (START) site, which can act as a model for educating Pacific Grove residents about sustainability. It is proposed that the area contain a community garden planted in containers, cisterns to collect rainwater, solar panels, composting bins, worm growing boxes, food dehydration and storage systems, and solar ovens, pedal power appliances, bike and tool lending area, and resource materials.

The START site would also be used to host locally grown food fairs and exchanges between neighbors and local area growers. It would also provide a focal point for community workshops, demonstrations, seed and cutting distribution, hands-on experience in constructing and care of gardens, and other related activities. Education materials such as information on sustainable food growing in Pacific Grove, alternative energy, water collection and local vendors would be available in kiosks.

The idea behind the START site is to provide examples and to show residents that it is possible to transfer these concepts to their homes and to other sites around town (e.g. creation of neighborhood gardens, schools gardens, etc). Additionally, Pacific Grove citizens would have the opportunity to work together to build the demonstration area and oversee its operations. By working on the START site, citizens would be also building networks and community sharing so that we are able to support one another.