OVF Donates got off to a fabulous start of what we hope will grow to be a long lived program!
 
This new program has received nothing but encouraging words and actions of support. Thank-you for all those who contributed this past Sunday afternoon! The produce was beautiful. A special call-out goes to Steve Ballantine for majorly helping out with the collecting and taking photos! We received lettuces, peas, broccoli, cabbage and so much more.
 
Anticipating the growth of this endeavor, we will be needing more volunteers to help with the receiving, inspecting, sorting, and organization on our collection days.
 
The director of Meals on Wheels said their clients "loved" getting fresh veggies with their meals.
 
We cannot wait for the next Donation Day on February 26th. Hopefully, we will see an even bigger turn-out!

The new Partnership Agreement between Ocean View Farms and the Los Angeles Department of Recreation & Parks was approved by the Commissioners at their meeting September 7. OVF and DR&P have been negotiating the terms of the 3-year partnership since November of 2010, which are still pending approval of the Mayor’s office and City Attorney. OVF retains all administrative rights for the garden. The most immediate impact for OVF members is an increase in plot fees to help cover the Annual Use Fee of $1,000.

The report of the General Manager to the R&P Commissioners regarding the OVF Partnership Agreement may be found on page 67 of the R&P Board Meeting agenda

Garden members with further questions should contact the OVF Board.

Ocean View Farms is proud to be one of five grant winners of the 2011 DeLoach Vineyards Community Garden Campaign. 15 community gardens across the United States competed in an online campaign for $20,000 in grants to be divided equally between the 5 gardens who accrued the most votes. OVF will use the $4,000 award to enhance OVF’s educational activities.

‘Thank you’ to everyone who voted daily online over the four month period to help make this grant to OVF possible.

Watch our video (1:51)

For more information please see the DeLoach Vineyards Press Release

OVF was one of many stops on the Mar Vista Green Gardens Showcase which highlighted green and sustainable living in the Mar Vista area. Always good to share and receive tips on good gardening with our friends and neighbors.

Visit the Mar Vista Green Gardens Showcase webpage.

OVF held it's annual election during the General Meeting on April 9th, 2011.

*Won election **Uncontested

• Vice-President - Frank Harris**
• Garden Master - Ed Mosman**
• Membership Secretary - Carrie Manuagh**
• Independent Projects Monitor - Marc Spigelman* (91%) - Lorraine Zecca (9%)
• Phase I Upper - Andrew Sacks**
• Phase II Upper - Haidy McHugh* (70%) - Cheryl Noda (30%)
• Phase III Upper - Ron Fine**
• Phase IV Upper - Martha Goode**

Thanks to everyone for a wonderful turnout.

Despite a heavy downpour, Tomatobration 7 was a huge success!

Barbara Spencer of Windrose Farm sold over 700 tomato seedlings to OVF members and members of the community. Barbara graciously answered all tomato questions put to her by the crowd huddled under their umbrellas. Just goes to show that nothing can keep good gardeners down!

For more information see the Windrose Farm webpage.