A journal of modern day pioneers forging a new frontier in the city through intensive agriculture and extreme sustainability in urban homesteading.

Reviving the old-fashioned "can-do" spirit of self-reliance and resourcefulness, they have faced many challenges. With faith and determination, these once-ordinary city dwellers are boldly reclaiming their lives and land. continue

film screening rss

May 18, 2010

Growing community, check out the updated list of upcoming events and film screenings of our little, homemade film ‘Homegrown Revolution.’

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August 7, 2009

Screening this Saturday at
Rhode Island International Film Festival
Sat. Aug 8 @ 3:00 pm
Columbus Theatre Arts Center
Providence , RI
HOMEGROWN a FILM BY ROBERT MCFALLS
By dawn, the interchange of the 134 Freeway and Interstate 210 is already starting to thrum with traffic. But only a hundred feet away, the Dervaes family has been up for hours. Their [...]

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June 24, 2009

What: Film Screening of CONSUME THIS MOVIE! & Local, Vegetarian Potluck
When: Sunday, July 19  (5:30 PM – 9:00 PM)
Where: 626 Cypress Ave, Pasadena CA (see map)
Cost: $10 (children under 12 are free) A small entrance fee is required to help pay for facility rental, dvd screening fee, sound system, and purchase of eco friendly compostable dinnerware
Space [...]

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June 9, 2009

Before we jump back to our regular homestead happening entries there’s a few announcements.   First, a list film screenings of the documentary HOMEGROWN by Robert McFalls

deadCenter Film Festival
Oklahoma City, OK
Sat, Jun 13, 01:00PM
Kerr Auditorium
Indianapolis International Film Festival
July 15-25
Exact Screening date TBD
Woods Hole Film Festival
Woods Hole, Maine
July 25-August 1
Exact Screening date TBD
Rhode Island International Film [...]

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May 27, 2009

Homegrown Revolution Screening in Encinitas with Dervaes family as special guests
(and if you read further on we are trying to wrangle a OC/San Diego FG Gathering while we are at it!)

Event Details
VIP PARTY
WHEN: Friday June 5 7:30-9:30pm
WHERE: Lemongrass Salon 910 2nd Street
Come celebrate the Second Annual Cottonwood Creek Environmental Film Festival with filmmakers, the [...]

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May 1, 2009

What: Film Screening of ARE WE RUNNING DRY & Local, Vegetarian Potluck
When: Sunday, May 24 (5:30 PM – 9:00 PM)
Where: 626 Cypress Ave, Pasadena CA (see map)
Cost: $10 (children under 12 are free) A small entrance fee is require as it helps pay for facility rental, dvd screening fee, sound system, and purchase of eco [...]

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April 1, 2009

What: Film Screening of FOOD MATTERS & Local, Vegetarian Potluck
When: Sunday, April 26 (5:30 PM – 9:00 PM)
Where: 626 Cypress Ave, Pasadena CA (see map)
Cost: $10 (children under 12 are free) A small entrance fee is require as it helps pay for facility rental, sound system, and purchase of eco friendly, compostable dinnerware
Space [...]

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March 2, 2009

What: Film Screening of EATING ALASKA & Local, Vegetarian Potluck
When: Sunday, March 29 (5:30 PM – 9:00 PM)
Where: 626 Cypress Ave, Pasadena CA (see map)
Cost: $10  (children under 12 are free)  A small entrance fee is require as it helps pay for facility rental, screening licensing fees, sound system, and purchase of eco friendly, compostable [...]

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December 23, 2008

Thanks to a generous donation (thank you DT!)  we have been able to purchase 2 boxes of LOCAL and ORGANIC apples for the upcoming screening (award winning documentary BROKEN LIMBS) and potluck on December 28th (spaces are still available so RSVP)
Due to the weather the ENTIRE event (potluck & screening) will be held INDOORS. So no need [...]

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November 24, 2008

Harvest table

Look at that long line! Folks up and grabbing some delicious food

Local organizations table with information

The potluck

Freedom Gardens table. Haven’t signed up then what are you waiting for?  You are missing a great group of local foodies who are modern day version of “victory gardeners’

A good showing of local Freedom Gardeners fill [...]

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October 29, 2008

FILM & FOOD NIGHT
Join us for another evening of good food, education and inspiration.
WHEN: Sunday, November 23, 2008 (5:00 PM)
WHERE: 626 Cypress Ave, Pasadena CA (school across from the urban homestead)
COST: $10 donation (children under 12 are free)  Space is limited, please RSVP
EVENT SCHEDULE
5:00 pm So Cal Freedom Garden Meetup (members can swap crops, seeds, etc)
5:30 [...]

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September 15, 2008

People milling around, petting the goats and (Jordanne’s in the middle answering everyone’s questions)

Lining up for food

Fill ‘em up! Six tables full of good food.

Happy goats

Happy volunteers

Eating and socializing

Everyone getting to know their table mates

The “Freedom Garden” table and our very own So Cal Freedom Gardeners contingent

Folks listen intently to the quiz questions following the [...]

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September 4, 2008

Documentary, Potluck, Swap & City Goats!
Don’t forget on September 14th PTF will be hosting another community oriented event. Complete with homegrown food, fellowship, inspiration and fun – come on down!
Our goats, Blackberry and Fairlight will be present for your petting pleasure.
When: Sunday, September 14
Time: 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Where: 651 N Orange Grove, Pasadena Ca [...]

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August 24, 2008

Eco Documentary & Local Food Potluck
By popular demand! Join us for another evening of food, inspiration and community. Space is limited so please reserve.
When: Sunday, September 14
Time: 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Where: 651 N Orange Grove (school adjacent to the urban homestead), Pasadena CA
Cost: $10 (what your donation pays for)  Children under 12 are free.
Reservation [...]

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July 25, 2008

One Man, One Cow, One Planet is a film that takes us into the heart of the world’s most important renaissance – something that few of us are aware is even happening. Hoes rather than swords are at the frontline of a battle for agricultural control that is being fought over Indian soil. Its outcome [...]

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July 14, 2008

PTF hosts an inspiring film and local food potluck.
This informative and positive film will inspire debate about our sustenance on this planet and world food production.
This is not your usual doom and gloom experience – it gives great optimism for the world and WHAT ORDINARY PEOPLE CAN DO. Michael Burton, New Zealand

Where: 651 N Orange [...]

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The Urban Homesteaders
Jules DervaesJustin DervaesAnais DervaesJordanne Dervaes
Cast of Characters
    
   
    
    
    
 
Blogging Since 2001
Got an hour or two or a couple of days?

Clear your schedule, kick back, and follow the Little Homestead in the City chronicles through the years. Please read responsibly and in moderation. Remember to feed your family and or pets and water your garden...

There's 2,568 posts so it might take awhile. Consider yourselves warned.

COMPLETE URBAN HOMESTEAD ARCHIVES:



LOCATION
Pasadena, CA
(Northwest Pasadena, one mile from downtown Pasadena 100 yards from 11 lane freeway)

PROPERTY SIZE
1/5 acre (66' x 132' / 8,712 sq.ft.)

GARDEN SIZE
~ 1/10 acre (3,900 sq.ft. / ~ 66' x 66')

GARDEN DIVERSITY
~ 400 different vegetables, herbs, fruits, berries

FOOD PRODUCTION
~ 6,000 lbs annually / 99% of our produce $75,000 savings

URBAN HOMESTEAD SUPPORTS
4 full-time resident adults, a menagerie of animals, volunteers, and many clients

ENERGY USAGE
$12 a month / 6.0 kwh day

WATER USAGE
$600 / 175,000 gallons a year

SOLAR POWER PRODUCED
12,410 kwh as of 5/12/10

GALLONS OF BIODIESEL MADE
2,500 gallons as of 5/12/08

FACTS N FIGURES
Learn more about the Urban Homestead
Full Stats Summary