Dear VCCoolers,

Bike month for sure! We hope you've been enjoying and partaking of your own two-wheel green machine.

Now it's time for VCCool's huge Annual Kids' Bicycle Safety Rodeo - designed (with love) for Ventura's up-and-coming green "drivers" and their families.

Also, learn about our Green Urbanism Presentation, a discussion about a local food co-op, the Santa-conference ride, and more.

Plus - we are excited and honored to include a piece about VCCool receiving an award from the Ventura County Board of Supervisors!

-From the folks of VCCool
www.vccool.org

VCCool's Third Annual Kids' Bicycle Safety Rodeo

Saturday, May 30th
9am - 2pm
255 West Stanley, Ventura
Free

This event is so amazing for kids it's crazy! They learn about traffic safety, arm signals, getting seen on the road and sidewalk. There are helmet checks, helmet art, free helmets. There are bike checks, minor repairs, puppet shows, and our all-new fantabulouse and way more fun, skill course - with real mini-streetlights. We're giving away two new bikes and tons of used bikes (including a dozen used bikes for parents), bells and rear lights to kids who complete the skill course, plus hundreds of kids and adults with their bikes having a great time. This is for all kids/youth 17 and younger. Families learn lots too! BRING YOUR BIKE.

Everyone - please try to park at Patagonia and cycle to the event!! We're expecting 1000 people, and SummerFest who is hosting the umbrella event with TONS of entertainment and sports is expecting over 6,000 people. We have a bike corral - but bring a lock. Avoid the carbon emissions and parking zoo. NOTE: The "Thank you list" is soo huge - we'll do it in our next newsletter with lots of great photos.

PS This year's kids' safety rodeo is totally busting the bank - so PLEASE - Donate on line ! Every buck helps.

Climate Change Action Award Goes to Rachel Morris and VCCool

This year the Ventura County Board of Supervisors held their first "Climate Change Action Award" ceremony. There were several categories including Youth Leadership, Private Industry, and others.

Rachel Morris, president of VCCool, and VCCool, took the Adult Leadership category.

“The reason VCCool is able to go forward as quickly as we can is because the community is behind the concept that we need to take action on global warming. We just happen to be the tip of the iceberg that shows,” says Morris.
- VCReporter Article

What is New Urbanism? A Presentation by Nick Deitch

Thursday, June 11
6:30pm - 8:30
at Main St. Architects
422 E. Main St., Ventura (upstairs)
Free Event

So, you've heard VCCool has a "New Urbanism Pod" They've been meeting, planning, commenting at hearings. But what is this "New Urbanism" all about? Nick Deitch of Mainstreet Architects, author, and key mover and shaker of the VCCool N.U. Pod will be providing slides and an in depth discussion of these important concepts. Nick will be able to answer your questions in detail - but a sneak preview is - cities designed for people instead of cities designed for cars. (Wow - Cool!)

First Friday Art Ride: Get Your Santa On
Jingle Bike Bells!

Friday, June 5th
First Friday Art Ride
6:00 pm
start at Artists Union Gallery
330 S California St, Ventura CA
(wear red, green, whatever says "ho ho" to you!)

REMEMBER TO BRING YOUR BIKE LIGHTS!!
(This is a non-sponsored event - so ride often, ride safely, ride at your own risk.)

way more info

Santa, his helpers, and Mrs Claus will ride from the Artists Union Gallery on the Promenade and around downtown Ventura visiting art galleries and shows including Architexture, Buffalo Records, and Fox Fine Jewelry.

“No bike? Put on your Santa suit and hat and join the Santa Convention from 7-10pm at the Bell Arts Factory,” said participant Gwendolyn Alley. “We’ll have Mexican food, lemonade, live and dj music, and beer donated by Anacapa brewery.” The ride is free, but $5-15 donations are requested to support the Bell Arts Factory, VCCool, and the Ventura Bicyclists Union. The Bell Arts Factory is located at 432 Ventura Ave.

Local Food Co-op? Discussion and Brainstorm

Sunday, June 14th
4pm - 6pm
345 West Center St., Ventura

OK you patient people. It is time! Let's get together and brainstorm about a local food co-op. What is it? What's the vision? Do we have enough critical mass to get this baby off the ground? How about location? What part would YOU like to play? Food is such an important part of the carbon footprint picture. How can we make this a more green place to dine?

Let's get together on the patio over guacamole, chips, and some sort of lime drink and toss some ideas around. Feel free to bring a local snack! Who knows what may bloom?

Veggie Oil Workshop

Saturday, June 27th
9am-5pm
held near the beach in beautiful downtown Ventura.
Please contact Lynne: 805-338-2576 or email: artbarn805@sbcglobal.net.

Learn to convert from Dino-diesel to Veggie Oil! This day-long workshop will be led by Jock Doss, an avid converter of diesel vehicles. Participants will receive all the information they will need to convert a car, and will have hands-on experience converting a car from start to finish. Cost is $120 and includes a delicious lunch/beverages. Bring a friend and cost reduced to $100!

Educational Bike Shop - Opening and Bike Ride

Saturday, May 30th
10am to 5pm
510 W. El Roblar, Ojai (Meiner's Oak)

Join Project Ride for a community celebration with free food and activities. It's a locally owned bike shop that teaches you how to fix your bike and bike safely! Free coupons for tune-ups and new parts will be given away. Raffle for free bike repair. They will have a leisure community bike ride departing from the bike shop at 5:30 PM. Bring your bike and hit the road!

VCCool Monthly Pod Meetings:
(A great way to get involved in Climate Action!)

Ventura Bike Union meeting
Tuesday June 9th
Second Tuesdays of the month
6:30pm to 8:30pm
345 West Center St, Ventura

The purpose of the Bike Pod is to create a bike culture in our community.

"Green Urbanism" meeting
Third Thursday of the Month
Thursday, June 18
6:30pm to 8:30 pm
Mainstreet Architects
422 East Main Street, Ventura

The New Urbanism Pod is reviewing issues of city planning, zoning, parking, and more, all with an eye on greener communities.

If you received this message from a friend, and you'd like to be on Ventura's Global Warming email list, send a note to the action@vccool.org with instructions to add you to the global warming e-mail list.

To remove yourself from our list, simply send a note to action@vccool.org with a request to remove you from the global warming list..