Economy
Contact Chris Prelitz ::: chrisprelitz@cox.net

U.S. backed dollars and bank loans aren't the only way to trade for goods. Barter, scrip, and complimentary currencies are legal and alive and well in many cities in the US and globally. Local exchange systems keep funds local and can remain vibrant even in troubled times.

Energy
Ron May ::: rmay@mayco-inc.com

What alternative sources of energy might Laguna residents develop to "power down"?

Food
Sean McCracken ::: sean@welivethedream.com

Our food group is promoting a network of yard gardens rather than starting with a large community garden. Everyone participates and the TLB Food Group joins individual yard gardens together in community through education, installation, distribution, maintenance and potluck garden parties. We began by building numerous gardens throughout Laguna, but now our next efforts are focused on a micro-community called the ‘Oak Village Community Gardens’ encompassing the neighborhoods surrounding Oak Street. We currently have 5 gardens in place in the neighborhood, are building three more by the end of March. Our goal is 15 gardens by the end of May. The result: shared produce with neighbors and those in need, while building community and health. We meet the first Monday of the month at someone’s home. Garden installations are the third Saturday of the month. The meetings are fun, with plenty of wine and local food. We currently have about 25 members with more joining every day. Members present information on gardening tips, followed by discussion. Everyone takes ownership of our projects and has a gift to contribute.

Heart and Soul of Change
Michele McCormick, Ph.D. ::: drmmc@cox.net

We at Transition Laguna Beach understand that the individual lies at the heart and soul of a collective vision. That inner work guides the outer expression of our true vocation. Ghandi said, “Be the change you want to see.” A wisdom saying expands this theme by using water as metaphor, “It takes just one drop to begin a grand waterfall”. In Chinese, the symbol for “change” carries meaning for both hope and despair. We embrace hope. And, understand that the process of change takes time and may elicit strong emotions, joy, excitement; or even resistance, fear, anger or conflict. The Transition Town strategic plan embraces the Motivational, Transtheoretical F-R-A-M-E-S model of change (Hopkins, 2008)… high on responsibility and action. TLB’s therapists and eco-psychologists are ready to assist those who are adjusting to the reality of a new way of living, of waking up to this new “paradigm” shift and a future beyond the present challenges we face. The stages of change recovery model moves from contemplation through resistance and on in to action and firm commitment (Proschka & DiClemente, 1992; Miller & Rollnick, 2002) . That commitment from the heart and soul become the action steps that energize our work groups: food, water, energy or transportation.

Mobility
Max Isles ::: maxisles@gmail.net

Transition Laguna wishes to improve mobility within the city while reducing private car use, reducing congestion, and air and noise pollution. Transition Laguna, partnering with other Laguna-based groups, will work for improved cycle paths, improved public transport and increased usage of public transportation. Transition Laguna plans to establish bike stations located around the city where residents and visitors will be able to pick up a bike and use it for half an hour or all day and return it to the same bike station or the one that is most convenient.