Sustainable Scripps Ranch

Last Updated on Tuesday, January 17, 2012 11:16 AM

Standing Committees

SSR is a standing committee member of the Scripps Ranch Civic Association.

Vision Statement

Click here to download our vision statement.  What do you think?  Send feedback to sustainablescrippsranch@gmail.com

Volunteers needed:

Join the SSR Steering Committee – Leaders needed! Pick your passion and help us educate and inspire your neighbors. Steering Committee meets monthly. Interested in helping with events? Please contact us. To help in any area, please contact sustainablescrippsranch@gmail.com or call Lynn Owens at 858 566 7717.

Upcoming Events
Check back here and in the SRCA Newsletter for Upcoming Events

Cost-Effective Upgrades to your Existing Landscaping

Wednesday, February 8th, 6:30 pm
SRCA Community Center
11885 Cypress Canyon Road

The speaker will introduce cost-effective strategies for upgrading existing landscape water systems. He'll give examples and take your questions about ways to provide more uniform watering, placements for maximum effectiveness, and how to retrofit existing systems with smarter controllers.

Scripps Ranch Plant Tour: North City Water Reclamation Project

Saturday, February 11th, 10am-11am
4949 Eastgate Mall (off of Miramar Road)

Water Reclamation Plant just for Scripps Ranch residents and their guests. The pilot plant is part of the City's water resource strategy, using advanced water purification technology to provide safe and reliable water for San Diego's future. The Demonstration Project will determine the feasibility of a full-scale reservoir augmentation project, which would diversify San Diego's water supply, reduce its dependence on imported water and provide a safe source of drinking water for residents.

You MUST sign up in advance:: https://apps.sandiego.gov/ereg/purewatersd/courses.php?grp=0211

Other tours are open to the general public if you can't attend this one. Check their website for more dates.

No one under age 5 is allowed, and ages 5-18 must be with an adult. Registration is limited to about 20 people and should be completed by February 4th.

We're also coordinating carpools to the site; contact us if you want to rideshare with us.

Water Purification Tours
Tours of the Advanced Water Purification Facility at North City Water Reclamation Plant 4949 Eastgate Mall. Learn about technology to turn waste water into drinking water. Facility will be open for one year.

Registering for a tour is required. Info at 619 533-6638 or https://apps.sandiego.gov/ereg/purewatersd/courses.php?grp=publ

Residential Outdoor Water Conservation Rebates & Services
Smart Controller Rebates Micro-Irrigation Rebates Sustainable Landscape-Turf Replacement Rebates
Free Mulch from Miramar Greenery

www.sandiego.gov/water/conservation/#rebates

Past Events:

Mother Nature's Child- Join us for a thought-provoking film and discussion:

Wednesday, January 11th 6:30 pm
Scripps Ranch Community Center 11885 Cypress Canyon Road

RSVP or questions: Janice Swaisgood (858) 880-9836 or Sustainablescrippsranch@gmail.com

Mother Nature's Child explores nature's powerful role in children's health and development through the experience of toddlers, children in middle childhood and adolescents. The film marks a moment in time when a living generation can still recall childhoods of free play outdoors; this will not be true for most children growing up today. The effects of "nature deficit disorder" are now being noted across the country in epidemics of child obesity, attention disorders, and depression.

Mother Nature's Child asks the questions: Why do children need unstructured time outside? What is the place of risk-taking in healthy child development? How is play a form of learning? Why are teachers resistant to taking students outside? How can city kids connect with nature? What does it mean to educate the 'whole' child?

Following the movie, Janice Swaisgood of the Scripps Ranch Family Adventures in Nature (FAN) club will lead a discussion and answer questions.

November Program:Water Information Extravaganza

Wednesday, Nov 9th 6:30- 8PM
SRCA Community Center 11885 Cypress Canyon Road
RSVP: Lynn Owens 858.566.7717 or Sustainablescrippsranch@gmail.com

Find out the answers to all your questions about water:
Where's our water come from? How is it used? What limits the supply? Why does it cost so much? What are the "new sources" of water that may be available (Desal; "purple pipe" water; advanced water treatment for potable, conservation, etc.)

October Program: Clean Vehicle Symposium and Showcase

Wednesday, Oct 12, 2011 6:30-8:00 PM,
SRCA Community Center, 11885 Cypress Canyon Road
Vehicles available for viewing and test drives starting at 6:00 PM
RSVP and info: Rob Holmes 858.689.2179 or Sustainablescrippsranch@gmail.com

The Clean Vehicle Rebate Project is funded by the California Environmental Protection Agency's Air Resources Board and administered statewide by the California Center for Sustainable Energy to promote the production and use of zero-emission vehicles (including electric, plug-in hybrid electric, and fuel cell vehicles). Rebates of up to $5,000 per vehicle may be available for individuals and business owners who purchase or lease new eligible clean vehicles.

During this symposium you will:

• Learn about the sustainability objectives of clean vehicles,
• Learn about current state of clean vehicle technologies and where the technologies are headed
• Find out the things you'll want to know about charging your vehicle
• Learn about the status of rebate programs for purchasing vehicles and for installing homecharges
• Talk with Scripps Ranch homeowners' about their experience with clean vehicles
• See and (in some cases be able to test drive) vehicles such as the Plug-in Prius, Chevy Volt, Nissan Leaf and Tesla (pending availability).

Sustainable Scripps Ranch in September: Reduce then Produce
Wednesday, Sept 14, 2011
6:30-8:00 PM, Scripps Ranch Community Center, 11885 Cypress Canyon Road
RSVP and info: Rob Holmes 858.689.2179 or Sustainablescrippsranch@gmail.com

Reducing energy consumption is the best way to cut your energy bills. The result is a home that’s safe, comfortable and healthy as well as efficient. You start by understanding how your house works as a system and where you have the most inefficiencies. California Center for Sustainable Energy (CCSE) will explain how a qualified contractor can diagnose your house and help you pick your best paths to reducing energy use. Contractors have agreed to charge no more than $199 for the assessment. Participating HERS II raters are from $400-$700. CCSE can provide a $300 rebate for HERS II ratings once you complete an Energy Upgrade California project. A qualified home can also take advantage of group savings on solar. Program ends October 20. With the Energy Upgrade California program you’re can get up to $4000 in rebates. Solar electric or solar water heating system is eligible for a 30% federal tax credit.

More info at CCSE website:
CCSE https://energycenter.org/
Reduce and Produce Program: http://www.sdreduceproduce.org/
California Energy upgrade program: https://energyupgradeca.org/overview

Wednesday, June 8th: California Center for Sustainable Energy (CCSE) Cash Rebates for Home Energy Retrofits

Wednesday, June 8 th 6:30-8:00pm
Scripps Ranch Community Center, 11885 Cypress Canyon Road
RSVP desired: Rob Holmes, 858.689.2179 or sustainablescrippsranch@gmail.com

San Diego homeowners who have qualified contractors perform specific energy-saving improvements can receive cash rebates under the statewide home retrofit program, Energy Upgrade California (EUC). The EUC program promotes a whole house performance approach that focuses on the many elements within a home that affect energy use, and how they interact and influence health and safety.

Two key components of Energy Upgrade California are home energy assessments and incentives for efficiency improvements based on the energy savings a home energy upgrade can achieve. Participating homeowners may be eligible for up to $4,000 in SDG&E incentives as well as additional local rebates and federal tax credits.

Sunday, May 15th :Something New- Green Street at the Scripps Ranch Community Fair

Scripps Ranch Community Park 11:00-5:30pm

The theme of the Fair this year is “Scripps Ranch – Going Green”. In addition to the usual exciting array of fun-filled family events to celebrate our wonderful community and to showcase community organizations, schools, children’s groups, local businesses and non-profits, we will have a special section called “Green Street.” On Green Street you’ll be able to interact with eco-friendly non-profits and companies dedicated to sustainable practices and keeping our environment green and safe, including

Local organizations such as Sustainable Scripps Ranch and Family Adventures in Nature
Alliant University’s Organic Garden and Bright Green MBA Program
Sustainability Program and Rebate Managers such as the California Center for Sustainable
Energy and SDG&E
City Departments, including Water Conservation and Environmental Services
Non-profits including various parks, I Love a Clean San Diego,, and the Solana Center
Solar PV and hot water installers
Water-wise landscaping and water harvesting experts
Home energy efficiency and remodeling companies
Electric vehicle providers of everything from bicycles to off-road vehicles to personal electric vehicles.

Wednesday, May 11^th: Kevin Fretz of Green Alliance Presents

“Sustainable Organic Practices, Designed by Nature for our Community” 
How can we best manage our gardens and green space with organics? Why should organics be considered more sustainable than chemicals? Are all organic products considered sustainable? Are they all safe for your family and the environment? Can you save money and still be green?

• Date/time: 6:30-8:30 PM. Weds, May 11th
• Location: Scripps Ranch Community Center, 11885 Cypress Canyon Road
• RSVP and info: sustainablescrippsranch@gmail.com

Wednesday, April 13 th 2011: Family Adventures in Nature Presents "Children and Nature: Taking the Next Steps with Your Family" This interactive program is about the disconnect between children and nature, relevant research and simple ways you can connect your kids and nature in the great outdoors. Learn about free nature club and local outings too.

Family Adventures in Nature

Core philosophy: Nature is a tonic to our souls. We need to get out and experience it with our families and work to protect it for our children and grandchildren. It's good for us and good for our children.  For more info about FAN see below

Wednesday, March 9 th : CCSE presents Introduction to Solar

Are you interested in solar power for your home and want to know more, but also want to avoid possible high-pressure sales approaches from vendors?• Then this meeting is for you.

The California Center for Sustainable Energy (CCSE) is a non-profit organization dedicated to Greening Your World®. They provide un-biased, free workshops and information resources about sustainable energy technologies and incentive programs. Normally, their workshops are held only at their facility on Balboa Ave. •At the request of SSR and the SRCA, however, they have agreed to bring some of their workshops to us! The first workshop to be held here is on Solar PV for your home – including an introduction to the technology, costs, incentives, and how to pick a contractor.

For basic information about solar for homeowners, start at the following website:

https://energycenter.org/index.php/incentive-programs/california-solar-initiative/residential

To see CCSE’s “solar for homeowners” presentations, covering all that was presented to us and more, go to:

https://energycenter.org/index.php/incentive-programs/california-solar-initiative/videos-and-presentations and select “Power point presentations”.

Wednesday, February 9^th 2011 MCAS Miramar talks

Did you know that there is a rare National Natural Landmark (NNL) – called the Miramar Mounds – right here in our backyard? ·Did you know that protecting that Landmark is the responsibility of the same organization that is one of the largest users of recycled water in San Diego and has been the recipient of four major energy and water management awards in recent years?

On February 9^th, two experts from MCAS Miramar will share with us information about key sustainability areas that the base proudly supports. Specific of this event are:

Dr. Charles Black will describe their Natural and Cultural History preservation programs. ·Among Miramar’s 23,000 plus acres are thousands of acres of rare coastal sage scrub, hundreds of acres of streambed (riparian) areas, over 120 acres of vernal pools (97% of· which have been destroyed elsewhere in the county) and over 100 pre-historic and historic sites (some of which are eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places). Dr. Black will tell us about these sites and habitats and the dozens of rare, unusual and protected species that are found there, and will explain how the MCAS Miramar Natural Resource Division meets their mission of supporting the operational requirements of a Marine Aircraft Wing and other units while ensuring compliance with a multitude of laws and regulations and upholding the guidelines of the Marine Corps Environmental Compliance and Protection Manual.

Mr. Randy Monohan will then discuss MCAS approaches to increasing their energy security, and hence becoming better equipped to meet their operational missions. In 2006 and 2007 the air station received the SecNav Energy Award, in 2008 it received the Presidential Award for Leadership in Federal Energy Management and in 2009 it won the Secretary of the Navy Energy and Water Management Award in the Marine Corps’ large shore category. All this means that the base is a leader in sustainability areas· ranging from the use of solar/renewable energy, to electricity from landfill methane, to improved energy efficiencies in buildings to use of biomass and other alternative ·fuels for vehicles and even aircraft.

Wednesday, Nov 10^th, 2010 Introduction to Water Harvesting

Brook Sarson of H2Ome covered the practical aspects of residential rainwater harvesting and greywater harvesting, including cost, materials, legal, and location considerations. You would be surprised to learn how much water you can actually catch from your roof. Brook also introduced passive methods of retaining storm water on your property and in your soil and how to maximize your potential with appropriate plantings.

For more information, download her presentation here: Gray water\Water Harvesting Presentation Nov 10 2010.pdf

Sustainable Scripps Ranch's Showcase Garden

Our demonstration project is underway on Charbono Street. SSR, Urban Green Landscape Architecture, and the Urban Corps of San Diego are partnering with the Swaisgoods to create a demonstration yard incorporating significant sustainable elements, such as a bio-swale for rainwater filtration and recharge, native and adapted plant selections, increased permeable surface area for greater water absorption, and more shade over the driveway. The implementation also emphasizes minimizing construction waste, using local and recycled materials, and installing a smart irrigation controller and highly efficient watering system. This project was designed especially for neighborhood do-it-yourselfers. Volunteer workdays are a valuable education tool for people who want to learn about these practices. We have completed three successful workdays and plan several more. Please email [sustainablescrippsranch@gmail.com] if you would like to join us in a workday.

2011 Water-wise Landscaping Tour

Sunday, March 27th 1-4pm (south side of Pomerado)
Saturday, April 2nd from 10-1pm (north side of Pomerado)
To view an interactive Google map and house listings, click HERE

Waterwise Garden Tour

Want to see good examples of low-water landscaping in Scripps Ranch? Here are the stops from our 2010 Waterwise Garden.
To download a printable map and house listings, click HERE.
To view an interactive Google map and house listings, click HERE.

Questions? Contact sustainablescrippsranch@gmail.com

Starting Your Waterwise Garden

Download Tips for Starting a Waterwise Garden (PDF 65kb)
Photos of Helen and Larry’s Garden on La Colina Rd ( Photo 1 | Photo 2 | Photo 3 )

Family Adventures in Nature of Scripps Ranch

A main goal of Family Adventures in Nature (FAN) is to help families reconnect with nature. Our core philosophy is that in order to "save" something, one must first love it. In order to love something you've got to know it and feel connected to it somehow. You've got to own responsibility for it. This is how we fit into SSR.

Upcoming FAN events include "Wilderness Wednesdays", highlighting local trails here in Scripps Ranch. We meet each Wednesday at a designated trail at 10:00 am and are usually out for about two hours. All ages welcome, geared toward toddlers and preschoolers. Starting in February 2010, meeting times will alternate between 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.

For more information and calendar info, please join our BigTent group, https://www.bigtent.com/groups/fanclub

Our group is based in Scripps Ranch, but we welcome families from all over San Diego, and we work with similar groups in other areas of San Diego. Contact for more info: Janice@FamilyAdventuresinNature.org

Other Local Events

The following organizations host frequent talks and events in the Scripps Ranch area. Visit their websites for current information and details.

California Center for Sustainable Energy, Balboa Avenue, San Diego: http://energycenter.org

The Water Conservation Garden at Cuyamaca College: http://www.thegarden.org

Evergreen Nursery: http://www.evergreennursery.com

Anderson Nursery: http://www.walterandersen.com

Sustainability Links for Scripps Ranch

www.greennexxus.com is the United States home page for One Million Acts of Green. Check the Acts of Green list for dozens of easy changes you can make, then sign up and start recording your own acts. When you sign up, join the Sustainable Scripps Ranch group (Community > Find a Group > Sustainable Scripps Ranch) and we’ll document our community progress together.

www.victorygardenssandiego..com Started by Scripps Ranch resident Bob Greenamyer, this is a great web site if you want to start a home, school, or community vegetable garden or want to help others do so.

www.Standforless.com is a unified website for recycling, water, energy, and clean air in California. Planned as a state-wide program, it’s starting first in San Diego and Denise Cleary of Scripps Ranch is the local coordinator. Take the pledge, get weekly email tips, and make Denise happy all at the same time!

www.BeWaterWise.com gives water-saving tips, plant lists and garden design ideas.

www.thegarden.org/, the Cuyamaca College Water Conservation Garden’s website, offers videos, book suggestions, fire-safety advice, and a water-smart telephone help line.

http://www.bewiseranch.com/ For fresh, seasonal, local organic fruits and vegetables, Be Wise Ranch delivers large and small boxes to a Scripps Ranch pickup site weekly. Visit the web site for more information and a signup form.

Attachments:

3b [1024x768].jpg	[Helen and Larry's Garden]	323 Kb
3e [1024x768].jpg	[Helen and Larry's garden]	309 Kb
DSC_2184 [1024x768].jpg	[Helen and Larry's Garden]	329 Kb
SSR Waterwise Garden Tour Map & List 2010.pdf	[Waterwise Garden Tour Map and List]	1293 Kb
SSR_STRATEGIC_PLAN for SRCA.pdf	[Vision Statement]	98 Kb
Tips for Starting a Waterwise Garden.pdf	[Tips for Starting a Waterside Garden]	64 Kb
Water Harvesting Talk Nov 10 2010.pdf	[Water Harvesting Presentation]	1369 Kb