Santa Monica College’s Worm Army (And Other Headlines)

Did you know that Santa Monica College hosts an army of 400,000 worms on its campus? The worms have been employed since 2001 and are part of broader efforts to make the campus more sustainable, another method to address the climate emergency.

Worming around college

My colleague Julia Barajas visited the campus to see the process and talk to the people involved in helping feed the worms. Instead of transporting food waste from the campus to a landfill, the worms help transform it into nutrient-rich fertilizer.

The worms are also part of a larger sustainability program on campus. Some of the courses offered involve learning about “green living” and recycling, but they also provide opportunities to learn about the worms’ work.

I leave you with my favorite bit of the story, a quote from Kenny Derieg, the school’s recycling program specialist:

“Worms are a lot smarter than they get credit for... They’re essentially the intestines of our planet.”

Read the story and see all the worm photos.

Stay safe, L.A. There’s more news below — just keep reading.

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Wait! One more thing...

Catching the holiday energy

Los Angeles Union Station ushers in the holidays with its 8th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on Monday, Nov. 20.

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Courtesy of Union Station

)

I am back from vacation, and now I have the holidays on my mind. I always tell myself that I want to attend holiday-themed events and get my gift shopping done early, but I always fail at doing both. So, I’m using this newsletter to hold myself accountable.

Here are some holiday-themed events happening this week. Read the full list of everything happening in L.A. and SoCal.

• Love Actually Live, The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, Beverly Hills:  The multimedia concert celebration of Richard Curtis' beloved film returns to the Wallis, in time for the holidays — and the film's 20th anniversary. Actors, singers and a live orchestra perform soundtrack faves including “Christmas is All Around,” “Trouble With Love,” and “Both Sides Now.”
• L.A. Zoo Lights: Animals Aglow, Griffith Park: Take a stroll through holiday lights and large-scale lantern sculptures of wildlife from California and from around the world.
• 31st Annual Festival of Lights, The Mission Inn, Riverside: Millions of lights illuminate The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa, which is decked out in its holiday best with animated angels, elves, and holiday decor. 

The gift of giving: I mentioned many newsletter moons ago that I was a big fan of Larry Mantle before working at LAist, so I was so happy to see that he put together a gift guide of his favorite books. I know a few people in my life who love to read, so I’ll be using his guide for inspiration.

Bonus: I’m also excited for my colleague Caitlin Hernández’s Queer L.A. event happening Nov. 30. I know this week will be busier than usual, so I’m putting this on your radar now. And the topic is absolutely perfect during the holiday season if you’re seeking more self-care: finding joy through wellness spaces. Get your tickets.