save south central farmers.

After a month of enjoying the pleasures of eating locally-produced food, basking in the light of my open refrigerator which holds an abundance of beautiful seasonal vegetables, it was truly with a heavy heart that I heard others in my area may not be so lucky. The South Central Farm is a 14-acre urban garden serving the needs of a working-class (or as the site describes it "impoverished") neighborhood. Unfortunately, the farmers are being threatened with eviction at any minute because, according to ABC News, "...the owner Ralph Horowitz...plans to pave the area and develop it; some speculate he may build a Wal-Mart."

Besides the food it provides, why else is this farm important? From the farm's blog, Save the Garden:

"...the community could use more farms and less industrial pollution. The train tracks on either side of the farm not only provide defeaning horns and a thundering racket, but they also are responsible for almost 80% of Wal-Mart's south-western retail supply. Take a walk outside the garden and usually you'll run into a long train carrying hundreds of 'China Shipping' crates to retailers. The trains help create some of the highest soot levels in all of Los Angeles. The farm helps dampen the combination of noise and air pollution for a community of people who can't afford to live in the rest of LA [sic]."

Along with citizen activists who are camping out in trees and holding vigils at night and desperately trying to raise the $16-million asking price for the property, several celebrities are fighting for the farm, including Julia Butterfly, Joan Baez, Leonardo DiCaprio, Danny Glover, Daryl Hannah, Ed Harris, Charlie Sheen and Alicia Silverstone. It is my hope that these voices will be heard.

The farm is accepting tax-deductible donations here (note: if the land cannot be purchased, the organization will issue you a refund). You can send a letter to the mayor here.

Resources:

• Learn more about the farm.
• Listen to an update on the farm on "Good Food," a program airing on KCRW, the public radio station of Los Angeles.
• Read the farm's blog.

Update:
I received the following call to action from the South Central Farmers on July 2:

Support the South Central Farmers! 
Save the South Central Farm & Support Small Farms Worldwide!

South Central Farm International Solidarity Days
July 7-10

Join the South Central Farm International Solidarity Days to defend the rights of small farmers so they may continue to live and farm with dignity while producing a healthier, safer community for all!  We will be raising awareness for the small farming movement and its critical place in the green/environmental landscape with special attention paid to urban farms, family farms, global environmental justice, food security, and green development.

The Struggle Continues!    
Although 350 family farmers were evicted from the 14 acre South Central Farm on June 13 the movement to protect this community grows each day. We are now gearing up for a July 12 court date that will set the wheels of justice in motion and challenge the legality of the sale of the farm. We are raising global awareness for our cause – and for the cause of social justice worldwide. Join the international social network committed to justice for people and the planet.

Host a Solidarity Event in Your Community!
Join in solidarity with L.A.’s South Central Farmers and their supporters from Friday July 7 to Monday July 10. We are asking you, our global allies, to host an event in your community on one of these four days. The city hubs will be Los Angeles and Oakland, CA.

Solidarity Events are a way for YOU to make a difference now!
Host an event in your community and raise awareness about the South Central Farmers and the ‘Little Farm that Could.’ Together we are activating the global movement for food security, urban and small family farms, and environmental justice.

What to do:
1.  If you do only one act of solidarity, then call or e-mail L.A. City Council Woman Jan Perry. Ask Ms. Perry to work with the people of Los Angeles and broker a win-win deal for the farmers, the land developer and the city. Implore her to help negotiate the sale the land to the farmers. Councilperson.Perry@lacityorg  or jan.perry@lacity.org and telephone here 213.473.7009. 

2.  Organize a local rally, prayer vigil or parade.

3.  Print flyers from our Web site and distribute at supermarkets, farmers markets, Church or temple.

4.  Protest in front of your local City Hall or Supreme Court to let authorities know that feeding families with fresh, organic, affordable produce is a basic human right.

5.  Wear a green ribbon or green t-shirt.

We encourage local creativity that is respectful and nonviolent.

The Struggle Continues!  La Lucha Sigue!

More information, including logos, questions and answers and links to register your event.

This entry is cross-posted at eatlocalchallenge.com.

photo credit: South Central Farmers