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Keep Calm And Veg On: Parkway Gardens Approved By City Council
Photo by via the Dwight Sippler on Flickr
The Los Angeles City Council decided to waive a law that prohibited gardening enthusiasts and food activists from planting fruits and veggies on public parkways.
The council advised enforcers to immediately suspend any punishment while they work on rewriting the ordinance and figuring out a permitting process for gardeners.
The motion was initiated by Council President Herb Wesson and was agreed upon by a 15-0 vote, according to City News Service.
The issue was initially highlighted by TED speaker and South L.A. activist Ron Finley, and more recently brought to light by two citations that were given out to area gardeners.
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Councilmembers recognized that doling out citiations in a city that's dealing with a health crisis didn't make much sense. Says CNS:
Councilman Mike Bonin said he supports the vegetable gardens because Los Angeles has a "wellness crisis" while Councilman Felipe Fuentes, an avid gardener, pointed to a "tremendous diabetes crisis" in his San Fernando Valley district.
So expect to see greener parkways in your near future.
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
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