2008 PROGRESS REPORT

Dear Village Gardeners Supporters,

I hope you all had a great holiday season!

I want to express my appreciation for your support over the past year. We have made a great deal of progress, which I'd like to briefly explain.

We have recently received a Letter of Support from L.A. County for our Valleyheart Riverwalk Greenway. Unfortunately, we were unable to compete in the city's Community Beautification Grant program with our "Steps to the Riverwalk" project. However, the county is so supportive they have decided to move ahead starting with a "Concept Report", the first step in the planning of a new LA River greenway, to improve the entire 1/2 mile stretch from Coldwater Cyn Ave to Fulton Ave (north side of river). I have been told that the draft Concept Report should be ready soon.

We have recently received a generous $5,000 Grant from Safeco Insurance Foundation, and a generous $2,500 contribution from Councilmember Jack Weiss of Council District - 5, with special thanks to his field deputy Joan Pelico. Also, there have been several contributions of up to $1,000 each. We can use these funds to purchase new trash cans with self closing lids, Sanitary Dog Waste Bag Dispensers, plants and more, in 2009!

We are planning to develop the irrigated area around the Outdoor Classroom into a model California Native Plant Garden, in 2009. We will accomplish this with the help of volunteers from the community, including neighborhood schools. With the anticipated continued support we received in 2008, I predict 2009 will be another very productive year for us.

Wishing you all the best in the New Year!

Sincerely,

Rick Rabins
President,
The Village Gardeners of the Los Angeles River