When I did a google search for “sustainable and affordable housing,” the top three urls are from HopeDance, from an issue we published almost five years ago (go to http://www.hopedance.org/archive/issue28/toc.htm). There were only 321 sources for that subject, and of those I would say 90% are non-US websites. That’s pathetic. Most of the websites are from UK, Australia, Ireland, Wales and Canada. In that earlier HopeDance issue, there was one “sustainable and affordable” project in the tri-county area — one that was (and still is) in the works. Five years later, there are numerous projects. This makes me hopeful. In fact, rather than hunting for projects ourselves, some of the builders and architects have sought us out. That’s a first — and a healthy sign for HopeDance, and for sustainability in general.

As typical with each issue, we attempt to create a balance of diverse projects. We have Katie Renz lamenting about her and friends’ inability to buy land and/or a house. William Ostrander submitted a piece about conservation building. Rather than use the often over-used term “green building,” he is now in a position to convey to his fellow contractors and builders sustainability practices that might not have been heard because of the word “green.” So be it. Whatever works. Whatever can bridge the gaps.

Also included in this issue is the M:OME group reporting on a project on Pepper St. (in SLO) where they use a number of sustainable methods in design and construction. Warren Brush, an active and passionate soul when it comes to advocating sustainable practices reports on his own involvement with creating community simultaneously while creating a home (with a tinge of Mayan deeprootedness). Rather than focus on just a building per se, Susan DeFreitas reports on an EcoHood, which differs from an eco-village. And rather than it being out in some rural area, it’s flourishing in a mid- to low-income neighborhood. In the same vein, we have Brad Johnson interviewing Scott Kellogg of the Rhizome Collective (of 10 people) who were recently given 10 acres in the city of Austin to create an ecological justice park, where sustainability will not be just for the affluent but to continually bring to mind social justice in the permaculture and sustainability movement. The latter two projects need to be widely publicized so we can understand the possibilities that surround us, especially in light of the Dalidio Ranch project, where the inside-the-box thinking is you must put another Marketplace on precious soil. Rosemary Wilvert reports on some of the alternative and solution-oriented ideas for that ranch.

We had requested stories about the houseless and landless, but they never emerged. What we have (which might even be more important) is a night with two films that focus on the houseless situation.

We have reports about organizations that are bringing various groups together. Freelancer Natasha Dalton reports on a meeting of progressive professionals regarding the challenge of “affordable housing.” For a summary of where this country is at when it comes to Housing, please see Shay Solomon’s wise words. Regular contributor Amy Landau reports on “ancient” housing. We must not forget that at one time we lived in the hillsides, in the mountains... which truly boggles our “normal” psyches.

We are continuing our series of health-related articles. Our films are listed on page 27 [of the print issue], where you can read details/ads of each film gig. We are once again branching out into Sonoma County in a concerted effort.

Thanks to all who have made the Film Library / Store in SLO a smashing success and be prepared for watching FiLMS outdoors when it gets warmer.

Bob Banner, Publisher


<back | top^