Participants contribute to the collaborative environmental art project entitled ‘Edible LA’ during the 8th Annual AltBuild Expo & Conference at the Santa Monica Civic on Friday, May 6, 2011.

From skyscraper farms to community food swaps, participants are asked to imagine a future where urban food production can supply our increasing needs. Participants are given thousands of small, colorful, vibrant, and tactile objects, which are intended to trigger their connections to the built environment. Green yarn becomes grass, blue poker chips become the ocean, and hair rollers become apartments or office buildings. By seeking out and touching these objects participants begin to merge this micro experience with objects with their macro experience of how they move through and experience urban space. The city is a visual language and a tactile experience.

The AltBuild Expo & Conference is the largest green design and building expo in Southern California. It feature over 150 exhibitors in green building and design materials; energy efficiency techniques and technologies; alternative energy; water conservation and management; environmental plumbing; municipal and state agencies, and non-profit organizations. 40 speakers in sustainable and alternative building practices. The event offers the best practices and practical knowledge of green building.

Herb Katz Dog Park - Images by Fabian Lewkowicz

Santa Monica Mayor Richard Bloom presents a city commendation to Brenda Katz during the Herb Katz Dog Park dedication ceremony at Joslyn Park  on Thursday, May 5, 2011.
 
The City  officially dedicated the off-leash dog area at Joslyn Park in honor of former Mayor Herb Katz. Mr. Katz was a well-known community member and public official who served on City Council from 1984 - 1996 and 2000 - 2008. He also served as a member of the Planning Commission, the Architectural Review Board, the Pier Restoration Corporation and the Bayside District. Herb Katz passed away in January 2009.
 
"Herb loved his community and his dogs," said Santa Monica Mayor Richard Bloom. "Herb loved that dog parks allowed people to socialize while their dogs romped around. The parks provided Herb with an avenue to chat with folks in a way that transcends politics. He would be very pleased to know that he is being remembered in this way."
 
Mr. Katz was well-known at the off-leash dog area at Joslyn Park, where he would bring his two dogs every morning. He was a strong advocate for creating a small dog area within the dog park, as well as championing a high level of maintenance and improved amenities. Following his passing, the community expressed overwhelming support for dedication of the dog park in his honor.
 
"Herb loved his dogs and got great pleasure taking them to the dog park, But most of all, it was getting to know the people that were exercising their dogs there," said Santa Monica Councilmember Bob Holbrook. "I would have never guessed that years ago when I was a paperboy at what was then the Joslyn Estate that one day a dog park on the site would be dedicated to my dear friend Herb Katz."

National Day of Prayer - Images by Fabian Lewkowicz

People  pray at Santa Monica City Hall  during the annual National Day of Prayer on Thursday, May 5, 2011.

Bees sworm at the Santa monica Pier on Tuesday, May 3, 2011.

Santa Monica Police Chief Timothy J. Jackman and Santa Monica Fire Chief Scott Ferguson discuss David Kuntz’s sculpture at Track 16 Gallery during  City of Santa Monica’s  20th annual Boards and Commissions meeting on Monday, May 2, 2011.

Cinco De Mayo - Images by Fabian Lewkowicz

Danzo Aztecca Mictlanxiucoatl perform at Virginia Avenue Park during Cinco De Mayo celebration on Sunday, May 1, 2011.

Pelicans fly above Santa Monica Bay on Wednesday, April 13, 2011.

Arbor Day - Images by Fabian Lewkowicz

Volunteers plant trees during City of Santa Monica’s annual Arbor Day tree planting ceremony at beach parking lot 5S (2600 Barnard Way) on Saturday, April 30 2011.