Urban Farming Advocates

Signed by the Mayor

UFA — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 17:23:31 +0000

Mayor Villaraigosa signed the changes to the truck gardening ordinance (aka Food & Flowers Freedom Act) on June 4, 2010. These changes become effective 41 days after the date of the mayor’s signature. That means that on Thursday July 15, 2010 the Food & Flowers Freedom Act will be law. However, don’t let time be wasted—the city has already stopped enforcing the old truck ordinance so start preparing your gardens for the fall!

[Download the revised ordinance]

A word from LA City Council President Garcetti…

UFA — Tue, 25 May 2010 01:52:05 +0000

Los Angeles City Council President Eric Garcetti was kind enough to meet with Urban Farming Advocates on the day the City Council passed the Food & Flowers Freedom Act (photo to come!). It was largely due to the efforts of President Garcetti’s office that F&FFA made it through the City and we are very grateful for his dedication to and support for urban farming.

This is what President Garcetti had to say about the passing of the Food & Flowers Freedom Act:

“This makes sure that people can eat healthier and save money during these tough times, while at the same time setting clear rules to avoid any confusion with neighbors or the city. We hope this is a big step forward for urban farming here in Los Angeles, and across the nation.” — Los Angeles City Council President Eric Garcetti

We Urban Farming Advocates would like to extend our thanks to everyone in President Garcetti’s office for their hard work!

Thank you!

Now start farming!

Summary – The Food & Flowers Freedom Act

UFA — Sat, 22 May 2010 14:37:25 +0000

Hi All,

After a long day at City Hall that included the clearing of the Council Chamber because of a raucous protest, the truck gardening ordinance clarification (aka the Food & Flowers Freedom Act) passed the City Council with no opposition.

Thanks to all who braved the masses at City Hall and stood by while the wheels of bureaucracy moved (slowly). Though we disbanded before the final vote (and thankfully before the protest), we were able to get a “victory” photo with Council President Eric Garcetti (to be posted here soon.)

Though this is the last public step of the process, the ordinance change must be signed by the Mayor (within 10 days) and then takes effect 41 days after his signature. That gives us plenty to time to plan our victory celebration.

Thanks again to the many who helped make Los Angeles a better place today.

UFA

Hurray!

UFA — Sat, 22 May 2010 00:11:35 +0000

Hello Food & Flowers Freedom Act Supporters,

Just a short note to let you all know that the F&FFA was passed by City Council this afternoon!!

More details to come…

Last update for Friday – The Food & Flowers Freedom Act!

UFA — Thu, 20 May 2010 03:04:46 +0000

We will assemble between 11 and 11:30am in the Council Chamber at City Hall.

Friday morning, May 21, 2010

Los Angeles City Hall
200 North Spring St.
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 485-2121

Spread the word! See you there!

F&FFA @ City Council – This Friday

UFA — Wed, 19 May 2010 19:04:30 +0000

It’s confirmed!

The Food & Flowers Freedom Act is item #15 on the LA City Council Agenda for this Friday. [download agenda]

If you’re curious what’s under the hood of the truck gardening ordinance clarification, you can take a look at the City Attorney’s transmittal to City Council outlining the changes. [download transmittal]

PLEASE PLAN TO COME DOWN ON FRIDAY MORNING AND BRING ALL YOUR FRIENDS!

Stay tuned for details on when and where to meet up with the rest of the Urban Farming Advocates supporters.

Friday morning, May 21, 2010

Los Angeles City Hall
200 North Spring St.
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 485-2121

See you soon!

City Council – 3rd Update

UFA — Tue, 18 May 2010 16:12:43 +0000

Our sources tell us that City Council will finally hear the Food & Flowers Freedom Act at their meeting this Friday. So mark your calendars (5/21) and let’s get ready to go down to City Hall to show our support!

Chances are the F&FFA will be on the agenda in the late morning or early afternoon – we will know more in the next day or so and will post more details, if possible.

But, for now, plan to be at City Hall Council Chambers on Friday May 21, 2010. 10am would probably be a good time to arrive.

Los Angeles City Hall
200 North Spring St.
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 485-2121

See you Friday!

City Council – 2nd Update!

UFA — Wed, 05 May 2010 16:31:24 +0000

For the 2nd week in a row the City Attorney has not yet completed the rewrite of the Truck Gardening Ordinance, so still we wait. Hopefully next week the City Council will get to vote on the Food & Flowers Freedom Act.

Check back here in a week for the next update.

Thank you again for your continued support!

LA City Council – Update!

UFA — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 16:41:19 +0000

Everything went fine for the Food & Flowers Freedom Act (F&FFA) at City Council on Friday April 16. However, sources say the City Attorney will not complete the ordinance in time for the next Council meeting on Friday April 23. In preparation, Council President Garcetti’s office is putting a F&FFA place holder in the agenda for next Friday, April 30 in the event the ordinance is ready to be heard by City Council.

It remains to be seen if this is still a realistic date. The Council agenda will not be available until next week mid-week (April 28) so we know until then if and at what point in the meeting the ordinance will be heard.

Check back here next week for another update to see if we need to rally on Friday April 30.

Thank you for your continued support of the Food & Flowers Freedom Act!

LA City Council hears the Food & Flowers Freedom Act!

UFA — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 00:20:24 +0000

Greetings supporters!

The Food & Flowers Freedom Act has been waived out of PLUM (Planning and Land Use Management) and will be heard briefly in City Council tomorrow, Friday April 16, 2010.

However, it’s not the actual ordinance that will be heard because the ordinance is not yet written. F&FFA is on the Council agenda so that the Council can direct the City Attorney to rewrite the ordinance with the recommendations approved in the March City Planning meeting. Council President Garcetti will ask that the City Atty complete this work in 1 week.

UFA representatives will attend the City Council meeting tomorrow and report back with the results. Assuming the motion is approved tomorrow and the City Attorney completes the ordinance, The Food & Flowers Freedom Act may be on the agenda for the next Council meeting, the following Friday April 23, 2010.

If so, we will let you know the details and hope to see you there!

Thank you for your continued support of the Food & Flowers Freedom Act.

Download Agenda for Friday, April 16, 2010
The Council meeting starts at 10am tomorrow at City Hall in the Council Chamber. F&FFA is number 43 on an agenda of approx 80 items. It’s not clear when the item will be heard, as items can be taken out of order.