On Friday, we received a call from a legislative assistant and were surprised to find out that a California State Senator had requested to stop by over the weekend for a quick visit. The assistant remarked that the Senator had heard so many good things about us--and he wasn't even from our area! The purpose of his visit was to help get the laws in California changed in order to enable more people to do what we are doing!
Eeeks, we weren't expecting any visitors and were not set up for any tours of the Urban Homestead just yet! We had a half finished project lying around the backyard; but we managed to tidy up the place for a quick walk through.
We were rather apprehensive; but, as it turned out, he was great and such a nice guy as well. The Senator asked us what were some of the things we would change on a legislative level to make it easier for people to do what we have done. And he asked what were the difficulties we faced to make it as successful as we had made it and how can he can make it better. We told him a lot of things that will, hopefully, be beneficial to all city homesteaders. We explained our relationship with the City of Pasadena, how we are proud of our City that is promoting sustainability on a residential level. Also, we remarked on the importance of when "farming" the front yard, it is vitally necessary to make it pretty as well as practical. We brought up how urban agriculture and sustainability are important on a residential and community level and how sensible rules and regulations are needed to protect the rights of farmers and animals alike. And last, but not least, we brought up the"Cottage Food Act " that is on the minds of quite a few fellow CA homesteaders. This "Food Act" would make it easier on home cooks to sell their goods and is one of the legislative changes that everyone would love to see.
Hopefully, some of our ideas get taken to heart! Before he left, he said "if you need ANYTHING at all... call me." Cool!
Update about 'California State Legislature: Enact a Cottage Food Law in California' on Change.org
"Dear California Cottage Food Law Supporters, We're excited to announce that our bill has an author! Assemblymember Mike Gatto (D - Los Angeles) has committed to working with us to pass a "California Homemade Food Act," soon to be known as “California's Cottage Food Law," which will be introduced in the State Assembly as early as next month...."
:: Resources ::
Cottage Food Law Update in other States
Homebased Baking Cottage Food Laws
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Sunrise!
Morning glory is the best name,
it always refreshes me to see it.
- Henry David Thoreau
It's been a busy and productive week for me and the rest of the family; but there is always time to "be still" and witness the wonders of creation.
Red sky in morning?
Jesus referred to the familiar weather rhyme when he said, "When in evening, ye say, it will be fair weather: For the sky is red. And in the morning, it will be foul weather today; for the sky is red and lowering." (Matthew 16: 2-3) Unfortunately, this glorious "Red sky in morning" didn't have we gardeners taking "warning" that day. Sad to say, no foul weather that day which would have been a welcome relief in our dry state.
Keep praying for rain and have a wonderful weekend, everyone!
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