Mutual Housing California Achieves Zero Net Energy in Woodland

Congratulations to ECOS Member organization Mutual Housing California for being the first multi-family affordable rental development in the nation to receive the U.S. Department of Energy’s Zero Energy Ready Homes certification. California Housing Partnership Corporation’s (CHPC) Green Rental Home Energy Efficiency Network released a case study that highlights Mutual Housing’s success in designing Spring Lake, a 62-unit development for farmworkers in Woodland.

Spring Lake produces as much energy as they use, and has reached between 36.5% and 40.8% above 2008 Title 24 energy requirements. The property received $5.5 million in permanent funding from the USDA by committing to Zero Net Efficiency.

Law Bites: Legal Clinic & Workshop for Urban Ag in Sac 6/23

Are you currently practicing urban agriculture in the city of Sacramento, or would like more information about how to do it?

In an effort to help implement the recently passed Sacramento City Urban Agriculture ordinance, the Sacramento Urban Agriculture Coalition is hosting a legal clinic for people currently practicing urban agriculture or would like more information about how to do it!

Law Bites: Legal Clinic and Workshop for Urban Agriculture in Sacramento

When: Tuesday, June 23, 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Where: Colonial Heights Branch Library, 4799 Stockton Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95820

There will be lawyers on hand to answer questions people have on the following areas related to urban agriculture:

● Employment law: How do I hire someone to help? Do I have to pay interns? What’s an I-9?

● Tax and Government Benefit Impact: Do I need to pay charge sales tax to sell produce? Am I going to lose my SSI if I make money selling food?

● Choosing how you form: Do I have to form a business? What are the advantages? How can I be a nonprofit?

● A workshop to talk about the urban agriculture ordinance passed by the City. What did it change? What do you need to do to take advantage of it?

Registration is required as space is limited. Please click here register here while there are still seats available.

Guests are encouraged to bring dinner for themselves, or something to share, potluck-style.

Childcare is available, courtesy of Building Healthy Communities (BHC).

Sponsors: California Endowment BHC, Sacramento Urban Agriculture Coalition, Oak Park Sol, The Environmental Council of Sacramento (ECOS), Legal Services of Northern California, the Law Office of Cameron Rhudy, and Alchemist CDC

SACOG to present at ECOS TAQCC cmte mtg 6/4

Join the ECOS Transportation, Air Quality & Climate Change (TAQCC) committee for its regular monthly meeting, featuring a special presentation on the 2016 Metropolitan Transportation Plan/Sustainable Community Strategy (MTP/SCS) by Kacey Lizon, MTP/SCS Project Manager of the Sacramento Area Council of Governments (SACOG)! A question & answer session will immediately follow the presentation.

When: Thursday, June 4, 2015 6pm
Where: Mogavero Notestine Associates, 2012 K St, Sacramento, 95811

ECOS supports policies aimed towards reducing automobile Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) and promoting alternatives such as biking and walking.

New Member Organization: Los Rios College Federation of Teachers!

A warm welcome to the Los Rios College Federation of Teachers, the newest member organization of ECOS!

Inspired by the accomplishments of the US labor movement, the Los Rios College Federation of Teachers (LRCFT) was founded in 1978 to represent faculty throughout the Los Rios Community College District (LRCCD) . Since then, LRCFT has been a leader in the struggle for faculty labor rights in the Sacramento area and the education rights of all Californians.

In the spirit of great labor leaders both past and present, they dedicate their work to the principles of opportunity, quality, and accountability.

LRCFT represents approximately 2,500 instructors, counselors, librarians, college nurses, and program coordinators at all campuses of California’s second largest community college district, including, American River College, Cosumnes River College, Folsom Lake College, and Sacramento City College.

BIG Day of Giving 2015

ECOS is ecstatic to have received $3,025 in gifts during the BIG Day of Giving in 2015! From ECOS, local wildlife and your neighbors, thank you for helping us achieve regional and community sustainability and a healthy environment for existing and future residents. ‪#‎BIGDoG2015‬

New member organization: Wellstone Dems!

We have a new member organization with which we are excited to partner! At the March board meeting, ECOS voted to approve the joining of the Wellstone Progressive Democrats of Sacramento as a member organization of ECOS! The club is named after Senator Paul Wellstone, who led various campaigns on behalf of farmers, laborers, the rural poor, and the environment. Welcome Wellstone Progressive Dems! Learn more about them at their new website: www.wellstonedems.org. ECOS offers individual and organizational memberships. You can view a full list of our current member organizations here. To renew or establish your organization’s membership, click here.