PUBLIC OUTREACH COMMITTEE
ITEM:		DISCUSSION ITEMS
5.	REVIEW DISTRICT SPONSORSHIP OF SPANISH INTERPRETER FOR ADVANCED GREEN GARDENER COURSE IN MONTEREY
Meeting Date:			January 29, 2010	Budgeted:	Yes
From:			Darby Fuerst	Program/	Water Conservation
			General Manager	Line Item No.: 4-2-1-C
Prepared By:			Stephanie Pintar	Cost Estimate:	$1,200

SUMMARY: An Advanced Green Gardener Program training program is scheduled for April 7 through June 9, 2010, at the Monterey Adult School (222 Casa Verde Way, Monterey). The advanced course consists of ten classes with topics such as the soil/food web, natural pruning, irrigation design, irrigation scheduling, plant installation strategies, lawn replacement, and sustainable hardscapes. Staff is requesting authorization to contribute $1,200 for Spanish translation services. Green Gardeners has a translator available to provide the service, but was unable to secure funding for translation services for the Monterey courses.

Support for Monterey Bay Green Gardener courses on the Monterey Peninsula is in keeping with the District’s goal to reduce outdoor water use. The Monterey Bay Green Gardener Program provides professional training and certification in ecological landscaping. The program goals are to reduce reliance on synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, reduce water pollution and encourage water conservation. Clients using Green Gardening services benefit from improved landscape health, appearance and value, as well as increased sensitivity to local environmental concerns (i.e., the local water problem).

RECOMMENDATION: This item is for information only. Funding for this training is in the FY 2009-2010 budget and will be approved administratively by the General Manager.

EXHIBITS

None

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