This year’s U.S-Japan Green Conference will focus on “green” construction, its trends and what we can expect in the future of green construction. Please join us as our distinguished panel of experts will discuss the green construction processes that are environmentally responsible and resource-efficient throughout a building’s life-cycle. Conference followed by reception.

THIS IS A CENTRAL RIVER TOUR

Learn about the past, present and future of the mighty (!?) L.A. River, PLUS enjoy some fantastic tacos and raspados along the way.

Difficult as it is for many people to believe, the Los Angeles River was once a very real flowing river, along the banks of which the city was founded. In 1781, 44 people (Los Pobladores) traveled from Sonora, Mexico to settle along its West bank. For more than 100 years, this 51 mile long river was the sole source of water for the city that grew around it.

Have you ever really seen the LA River? Do you ACTUALLY know anything about it? Sure, maybe you’ve passed a concrete slab with an LA River sign… but do you know the *true* stories of the river’s past and present beyond the fictional details you remember from seeing the movie Chinatown? And what about its future? Everyone may think they know what the LA River is, and many have heard that it’s being revitalized. But who knows where and what exactly is happening along its banks? There’s much more to the story than meets the eye as you pass from a speeding car while commuting.

So join us as we walk and drive along the river, to talk about its central role in the city’s history and the necessity of the ambitious revitalization projects to LA’s future. The tour convenes at the Los Angeles River Center & Gardens (570 W Ave. 26, near the 5/110 – DIRECTIONS HERE) where we form carpools, and stops at the verdant Glendale Narrows, the historic Arroyo Seco confluence, and the industrial downtown stretch that everyone’s seen in movies and on TV.

We’ll eat lunch in Boyle Heights en route (we’re scouting restaurants right now… you can also feel free to bring your own lunch) — and then we’ll head into the even less well-known South, to the new Maywood Riverfront Park and the stunning new Dominguez Gap wetland in Long Beach.

Tour led by Jenny Price.

Bring sunscreen, snacks, water and shoes that can get wet. Dogs welcome. Spaces limited.

FYI, there’s a window of time to leave the tour mid-day if necessary… but if you do, you’ll miss out!

PLEASE ARRIVE AT 9:00AM SHARP

TOUR LEAVES PROMPTLY AT 9:30AM

The Agoura Hills Environmental and Sustainable Living Fair

The fair will include a variety of public and private organizations to provide information on many aspects of what it means to live in a sustainable way, such as representatives from waste management organizations, solar power installers, recycle groups, bicycle advocates, organic and local food, and government organizations that provide services.