Lead Entity(ies): Los Angeles Community Garden Council

Project Summary: On June of 2006, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (DPW) authorized the Los Angeles Community Garden Council (LACGC) to oversee the use of the land located under the transmission line right of way corridor between Compton Creek and 121st street as a community garden.  Presently there are approximately over 120 urban farmers working the garden.  Under the direction and facilitation of the LACGC, the farmers formed a club lead by a group of officers to oversee the everyday operations of the garden and establish a set of rules and guidelines by the gardeners for the gardeners.  Farmers meet at least once a month to discuss and address any issues as they relate to the rules and guidelines currently established.

The farm’s proximity to Compton creek lends it self for watershed education.  Our monthly meetings incorporate education on water and watershed related issues which are made relevant to the farmers.  Recently, we have been developing our youth programs.  All farmers are encouraged to bring their children to the monthly meetings.  During the monthly general meetings, the children, separate of their parents, are provided with fun, creative, educational, environmentally-oriented activities and workshops.  We meet every month the second Sunday of the month.  We are close to various freeways and accessible via-public transportation close to the Avalon Blue-Line station.  The address for the farm is: 658 East 111th Place, Los Angeles, CA 90059.

The Los Angeles Community Garden Council is a non-profit corporation whose mission is to connect people with community garden space in their neighborhood. They are a group of community gardeners who work together to try to solve common problems. Council members each provide the services that they are best equipped to, and coordinate their efforts to accomplish our mission. Community gardens and the LACGC work together to build and manage, advocate and celebrate. To read more about the LACGC, their work please visit: www.lagarden.council.org.

Urban Semillas facilitates the process for the farmers to take the next steps towards creating a long-term sustainable governing structure for the garden.  We are currently developing a sustainable system that is both functional and transparent through strategic planning, effective training and adaptive facilitation. 

1. ✦Facilitate and model monthly garden meetings
   

2. ✦Further development and refining of existing garden rules and guidelines
   

3. ✦Leadership training
   

4. ✦Organize and facilitate Garden Board Elections
   

5. ✦Build Capacity within the gardener community to participate in garden policy development
   

6. ✦Development of youth programs at the garden