Original Proposal to re-open rootop gardens by Elliot Gonzales

Hi my name is Elliot Gonzales and I have a few solutions for the main library rooftop problems. When the city tried to fix the problem, they found it to be a very costly project and frustrating project. This is a big space and the library's roof leakages are a big problem. The city eventually decided that they will build a new library. Lately, however the city coffers have drained, and it will most likely not build a new multi-million dollar library for quite some time. The garden space remains neglected in the meantime. I live and work across the street from the library. In fact, from my break room where I am writing this I am staring directly at the garden space and it is quite and eyesore. As an environmentalist and gardener I'm more than willing to volunteer to work on this space. It is already zoned for parks and would require no further action from the city. I understand that I cannot use water and that the building has no watershed, however, where there's a will, there's a way. The area across from Verizon, (where I work), has a desert microclimate. This means that that this area is dry and sandy like a desert. For this space, I can plant more cacti in addition to that ones that are already there. So far this area has aloe vera, and some plants that look like agave. There are other microclimates on the roof where more types of plants can be planted. For example, in the beds that have dandelions, and other plants commonly called "weeds" we can introduce new native "weeds", wildflowers, like the ones you see on mountains and hills or succulents. Another microclimate is the cooler, less sunny area by the city hall, where jacaranda trees and bushes still are, this area would be perfect for drought resistant herbs like sage, sagebrush, rosemary and lavender. More trees, like beautiful jacarandas or water absorbing yet drought resistant eucalyptus would go great here. Now you may have the questions, like how can you sprout seeds or native plants without water? Many plants, especially cacti, I can get from cuttings donated from the community, as for watering them, these plant require little water, and once they've established a root system will drink the water where they can find it and store it. I can start them off and then transplant. This way they won't require any more water. Also to retain moisture, we could place plastic bags or discarded children’s swimming pools under the plants, these methods will not only help retain moisture, but also help prevent as much rain from dripping into the library. This is a trick I use when I want to stop water from dripping indoors through the holes of my indoor plants.. I also water them less often. This trick would be great for the plants I'm speaking of as they don't require much water in the first place. So water is not an issue. Ok, next issue, why the city is reluctant - money. I'm going to underline the next sentence. I'm not asking the city for money or time. I plan on asking for donations. Donated time - volunteer work and asking for cuttings from neighborhoods, especially, the Belmont Heights area where I used to live and see gardener's THROW AWAY plants. Many residences, like myself love Long Beach and would love to donate for this project. I have space in a Long Beach Organics, through this space I have so many wonderful members of my community who would love to help work on this project. A few of them not only are experts on gardening, but also are environmentalist who are very familiar with the need to reintroduce native species and the use of drought resistant species. In speaking about this idea I’ve met teachers from the local colleges who have a great amount of knowledge in propagation and planting techniques. Just by speaking of this project I’ve met so many people who are more than willing to help out with either time, plant donation, money, or information. The city of Long Beach has many other resource I can use that won’t cost a dime. For information, tips and visual model of a great native landscape I can go to the city water department’s native garden. Also there is the Urban Forest project sponsored by the city. They have spoken at city meetings and they have lots of information. I’ve mentioned at city hall how this is a great program, which if were actively working directly with communities can help create a sustainable city. One idea they proposed that the council members really liked was the idea of teaching community members how to landscape and take care of the city owned area in front their homes. This cuts down on expenses and gets the community actively engaged in their city. What better project than a community space in desperate need of trees and attention?This is just a general description of the plan. Of course, there are many smaller detail to sort out, but in the understanding that whoever reads this is probably busy with many other more urgent needs I chose to spare the excess details including more information about identifying microclimates, identifying soil nutrients and acidity through weeds, xeriscaping, container gardening, and urban gardening. I have researched all of these categories very extensively and have found that there is a seemingly never-ending plethora of information. To alleviate any doubts as to why this is a completely feasible and beneficial project here are some question and answers:How are we going to deal with leaks on the library? These plants will not fix the problem of leaks. To fix the problem will cost millions of dollars, as asserted by the city. However, by not watering the plants there will help absorb excess water instead of the soil staying bare and heavy with rain water continually dripping with no way to pump it out. These plants will make use of it, and after waiting a whole summer and hot fall will gladly “drink” it and store as much as possible. Also there will be a layer of wood and mulching under the soil. This technique also helps retain moisture by absorbing water, creating a buffer that absorbs water before it can make to the holes of the rooftop. Also adding plastic underneath the soil beds will help keep water in the soil and prevent as much drainage. How are you going to maintain the park? This area is dry and full of space, so it will be quite some time until actual trimming maintenance is needed. There are many gardeners who believe in work-less techniques for gardening these include mulching, which helps preserve moisture, absorbs waters and slowly releases organic matter into the soil. When the trees and bushes need trimming, simply leave trimmings there and it becomes mulch that has the nutrients taken from the soil and puts them back in. As I mentioned before, I both live and work across the street, so when this is necessary, and it won’t be for quite some time, I can just go over and take care of it. If not myself some other volunteer would gladly do this. This project is to make use of neglected space and create a mini urban forest. If you go on the rooftop as of this moment you can see how nature has maintained the area fine with just neglect! How do you plan on getting plants and volunteers? I am an active member of my community, especially environmental and art communities. I already have quite a few volunteers and can easily get more if necessary. As for plants I plan on asking for donations in well gardened neighborhoods. When people are gardening, as I mentioned before they throw lots plants in the trash. Also you can start many vines and plants just from cuttings. A sprig of rosemary left in a water for a month, when planted can turn into a giant bush. Also many gardening stores will probably donate plants they plan on discarding. These will provide quite a few plants. Of course this may not provide enough to cover the entire area. That’s when we go to wholesale seeds. Seeds retail are relatively inexpensive; you can buy 500 seeds of wildflowers for under $5. At wholesale seeds are way cheaper and would be great for a project like this where you can see them take off and flourish. Just imagine sowing a handful sunflowers on this space in fall and seeing them bloom in summer. Now imagine just 10 people doing this and what and effect if would have! Many of the seeds can be planted before the rainy seasons and it wouldn’t be until summer that you have an abundant garden of flowers and herbs. This will cost less than $40 to saturate the area. (I can spare that.) How many people are going to be involved? Already I have twenty-two people who are waiting for approval get this project started. These people all know people who would love to volunteer and if necessary I’m sure we can find more. Also, when it comes to information we have not only the city sources, but two great colleges with horticulture programs that specialize in native plants. In fact, LBCC has a great plant sale of native plants and if asked I’m sure would contribute whatever they can. Who is in charge? I have been really organizing this with my partner, Ivan Deavy and we will take the role of coordinator and assistant coordinator. However many people will hold different responsibilities, for example, helping finding plants and funds if necessary. Also, Ivan is in charge of organizing artwork, the experienced gardeners will be in charge of helping and teaching amateurs. The city owns the property a will be in ultimate control of regulations, like hours of operation and, granting permission for this project. If the person in charge plans on leaving, who takes authority? If I cannot for whatever reason, keep the position of coordinator, Ivan will handle the project and if not him, whoever is the most dedicated volunteer will take the position, hopefully this project will be maintained until a new library is built.How do you deal with the homeless and crime? The homeless are the only people actually using this space as of today. So far, since this area has been closed there does not seem to be any problems with them being there. In fact of all the people in Long Beach they are the only people enjoying this space. If more people began using this space it would help repel crime more than neglect, which only encourages it. I can not guarantee there won’t be tagging or vandalism. This is Long Beach, but there are some ways to repel it. One is to give the area attention. Neglect only gives people a sense that they won’t get caught. Also adding artwork has been proven to defer graffiti. Even if a person graffiti when there is better art, the artwork stands out and soon enough graffiti can be painted over or turned into mosaic. As for drug dealing and the other stuff that happened in the past. All of those things are a result of neglect. The building has security and someone is paid to keep an eye on this area already. Also, there is a courthouse and police station less than 50 yards away. The area is literally directly under the noses of the people who run the city of Long Beach and is there main view. I can’t think of any other better ways of protecting it. The offices across the street and condos have direct view of this area as well, a view that adds to the property value. The city, the police, the security, the neighbors and the community using the site all have direct access to watch this place. Are you planning on this being an event site? Yes, if possible, to raise funds and awareness and get the community involved quite a few artist have agreed to sell and or donate pieces for the space. We can host a gallery, on the roof! What other ways are there to beautify this area? Besides the giant gardening project, Ivan who is a local artist would like to donate pieces for display on the site. He also knows many people who are willing to donate pieces to the city. Volunteers, Stephen,Luz,Rene and Pablo also would be willing to donate pieces.When do you plan on starting? As soon as possible. The meetings and donation collecting can begin this summer. The artist can start projects and have them ready for spring after the rainy season. Also this summer is great time to plan out a guide for where to plant what. Summer is a good time to start taking in cuttings and allowing them to soak for a few months and develop roots. We can also take native plants in pots and begin watering them. As for the actual gardening this will be effective only if we work with nature. In late fall we can plant seeds, many of which won’t grow until spring and blossom late next summer. The purpose of waiting for late fall is to wait for the rainy season. This is also a good time to transplant the cuttings and native plants, which will, after being placed in the soil will not receive any more water besides rain. They will absorb what water they can and be left outside to adapt to the weather. What plants do you plan on growing? I plan on growing mainly native plants, however, there are many medicinal plants that grow in waste areas and require no outside sources of water. These would be great to introduce weedy area, instead of constantly fighting weeds, we can introduce new “weeds”. Here is a list of the native plants followed by a list of non native medicinal plants that grow in waste areas: NativeEvening primrose, coneflowers, Colorado four o clock, Trembling Aspen (tree), chaparral, cardinal flower, California Poppy (state flower) , Canaigre, California Laurel (tree), Broom Snakeroot, sagebrush, horseweed (already growing on roof) , Juniper, male fern, mormon tea, Pine (tree), Redwood (tree), aloe (on roof), Joshua Tree, Yucca (tree), Oak (tree)Waste AreaFlax, feverfew, cowslip, Eucalyptus (tree), ivy (vine) , dill, dandelion (already growing), cornflower, chicory, catnip, caraway, basil thyme, alfalfa (ground cover), chamomile, lavender, lavender cotton, milk thistle, mugwort, mullein, oats, passionflower (vine), morning glory (vine), jasmine (already on roof), mustard, Jacaranda (already on roof), sunflower, psyllium, rosemary, sage, wild thyme, winter savory, wood sorrel, wild senna, clover (ground cover)Many of these plants can be grown by seed, others, by transplants. Ground covers and vines will help take up the open space.Who will help you? This is a list of names only, I have contact information if necessary, many of the last names I spelled from memory, so they are subject to error: Daniel Brezenoff, Rana Brezenoff, Luz Mc Durina, Stephen Woodruff, Pablo Romano, Mark Likowski,April Cooper, Renee Quie, Sherine Jaharaz, Ginger White, Tony Johnson, Mary Beth Greenwood, Mary Burgess, Mr. Burgess, Steven Delgado, Annie Gholson, Paul Hoag, Zara Kind, John White, Allen Johnson, Brian Michaels, Amber Green, Ivan Deavy, Elliot GonzalesHow much will this cost? Even if I started planting seeds by myself, this would cost less than $40 for quite a few , (obviously not most or all), but quite a few of these. Ivan would like to plan an outdoor gallery on the roof. We are part of an art collective in Downtown LA called Catalyst and we’re both experienced in curating events. It’s amazing how much people will give if you just ask and I don’t see money being a big issue. I’ve started many small gardens in empty soil with just a little effort. The financial aspect will be one of those things to be determined once we’ve started this project. First we will have to see how many plants have been donated, how much members are willing to contribute and how many contributions we can receive from the community.The main point that I would like to mention to the city, is that I’m not asking a dime. If anyone has little cash that can feel they can donate, that is more than gladly accepted; however, I am not asking the city for funding or any extra time.Why are you so determined to do this? I live and work across the street and see this site everyday. Living downtown, I have no place to garden and reconnect with nature and everyday I see this space that is neglected and is going to waste. This is a space that took a lot of time, work and thousands if not millions of dollars. I would love to do something about it. Often times people see problems and complain about them, but never take action. I would love to take this problem and turn it into a solution. I think it’s the little things that tell the big story and when I see a neglected investment in the center of city, it only shows how sometimes we let great things fade and how sometimes people give up. I started this project thinking it would be easy for the city to fix this problem, but after attending city meetings I realized things aren’t always as easy they seem. That’s when I realized that the individual and the community has a role to play in maintaining the city. So instead of complaining and waiting for someone to do something, I’ll do it. If given permission for this project and it is successful, this can only be the beginning for a progressive city thinking green. Not only by big projects like greening the port, but smaller “people” projects like making use of neglected space and letting citizens maintain the city property around them, saving the city money and allowing the neighborhoods to be directly involved in their community’s appearance. Long Beach is an amazing city with great people who can make big changes in their community and making the world, just that much better. So far there have many talks in the council meetings about making Long Beach green, about getting communities to take care of their areas, what better place to start than our own neglected rooftop?