Little Italy Sicilian Festival – San Diego, California May 19, 2013
May 19, 2013 at 8:27 pm (Architecture, Events)
The Polo Barn 100 Year Celebration – Santee, California May 11, 2013
May 14, 2013 at 11:51 am (Architecture, Events)
Old Point Loma Lighthouse and Cabrillo National Monument
January 30, 2013 at 3:37 am (Architecture)
Stephen Bolling
The Old Point Loma Lighthouse in San Diego began operations in 1855 but fog and low clouds often obscured the light. Thirty-six years later a new lighthouse was built closer to the water.
The National Park Service refurbished the Old Point Loma Lighthouse.
The lighthouse water catchment system.
Adjacent is the Cabrillo National Monument which commemorates the landing of Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo at San Diego Bay on September 28, 1542, the first time Europeans set foot on the west coast of the future United States.
From the park is a birds eye view of San Diego’s harbor and skyline, Coronado Island and Naval Air Station North Island.
Native coastal sage scrub provide habitat for wildlife.
More photos.
Healing From The Ground Up
March 7, 2012 at 2:19 am (Community Supported Agriculture, Farming, Organic Gardening)
Stephen Bolling
Let me introduce you to Taj Chaffin. Taj is the Farmer at Blue Sky Ranch and creator of its Community Supported Agriculture subscription service. CSA’s or “subscription farms” provide consumers a way to buy fresh locally grown fruits and vegetables and have them delivered to their home or a nearby location on a weekly basis.
This helps reduce the carbon footprint because the produce is shipped directly to the consumer.
They are also a great way to support your local farmer. When you subscribe to a CSA you not only buy a share of the harvest, but you actually help pay for the cost of the farm production.
One such farm located in the foothills of San Diego is the Farm at Blue Sky Ranch.
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The Farm at Blue Sky Ranch has been providing all natural ultra fresh produce, “grown with intention” for our friends, neighbors and local San Diego restaurants for over 20 years now. We believe that “how you do anything is how you do everything”, which simply refers to our character and how we handle all things in life no matter how big or small.
Our gardens and orchards make up three acres on over 60 acres of mostly uneven native landscape. This makes farming quite a challenge sometimes. But we believe the rewards are well worth the effort. The land plays host to a diverse ecosystem and abundance of native vegetation. Native plants such as Toyon, Ceanothus, Manzanita, Oaks, Poppies, Sunflowers, etc act as pollinators or hosts for beneficial insects. Plants such as these are vital to our natural method of pest management. With 500 mature citrus, avocado and stone fruit trees and 3 large gardens, we provide a good selection of all vegetables and fruits year round.
Our property borders the Silverwood Wildlife Sanctuary – San Diego Audubon Society on one side, with County parks land above the ranch. This remote placement ensures for us, an environment free from contamination to our crops or our 5 deep water wells.
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ABOUT TAJ CHAFFIN, FARMER AT BLUE SKY RANCH (from East County Magazine)
The best part of a CSA can be getting to know your growers. Maybe they grew up on a farm, were in Future Farmers of America, or studied at a university level or with a mentor. And some, like Taj Chaffin, got a wake-up call and turned a passion for gardening into a lifestyle. He inspires others through his creation of a sustainable farm on a portion of Blue Sky Ranch. Taj has learned from Barry Logan, formerly of La Milpa Organics; from his self-initiated studies of the methods of Rudolf Steiner and John Jeavons; and from his personal experiences of living off the land. In addition to hosting the Blue Sky Ranch Community, Blue Sky Ranch supports almost 800 trees including stone fruit (peaches, apricots, plums, nectarines, pears), subtropicals (all citrus, star fruit, passion fruit) and almost year-round avocados. Concern for this fertile land started The Blue Sky Ranch Community 22 years ago. Founder Ingrid Coffin and others moved from San Diego and restored the neglected orchards. Then, Farmer Taj created a new facet of the ranch when he began growing organics seven years ago. His Farm at Blue Sky Ranch is made possible by this community of extraordinary individuals dedicated to making a difference in their own lives and the future of the world. Blue Sky Ranch Community’s website is www.blueskyranch.org. In addition to feeding the Community and the CSA members, Blue Sky ranch now provides ultra-fresh fruit and produce to Marine Room in La Jolla and the chefs at Barona Valley Resort. Taj’s farm has three kitchen garden
s producing vegetables such as bok choy, the super-veggie dinosaur kale, peas, onions, Ford Hook Swiss chard, and healthy staples, such as potatoes, beans, lettuce, peas, squash, multi-color fingerling potatoes, mesclun mixes and heirloom tomatoes. His CSA season is year-round. Farmer Taj takes a personalized approach and likes to meet every prospective member. This way he can have them in mind when he packs the weekly boxes, which include some recipes. This is true for all of his customers, whether they pick up in Rancho San Diego or Kensington or at the Ranch. From the mundane to the sublime, Taj enjoys experiencing himself through loving what he does. To him, farming is the most honest job on the planet and a natural way of checking the reality of what it takes to make an economy work. “It’s not an individual endeavor,” he explains. “A successful farm is one that builds and supports community. Also, our neighboring farms trade organic field crops for our excess citrus and everyone gets what they need. We call it ‘coopetiton;’ cooperating with your competition.” By the way, you can tailor this CSA program to your needs instead of having to purchase an allotment for a whole month or the whole season.
Links:
Farm Bureau San Diego County/Community Supported Agriculture
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If you would like to be interviewed or have your article posted on this blog please e-mail me at sbolling@me.com
Stephen Bolling
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It’s already February, but Look What Happened in January! Are you Ready for the Rest of 2012?
February 2, 2012 at 3:23 pm (Architecture, Business, energy-efficiency, Green, Life Style, Sustainable, Uncategorized, Universal Design)
Stephen Bolling
Thank you for following on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter. In January 2012 these were a fraction of the tools I posted about building, energy, design, management and health. Enjoy these links to the latest trends, products and services to expect in 2012.
RegenerativeHomes™ since 2003 San Diego’s First & Most Comprehensive Site for Green Living & Sustainable Design.
TRENDS TO EXPECT IN 2012
What Happened in 2011 & How Will That Effect 2012?
How to Boost Your Building’s Energy Efficiency
A Synopsis of The State of Green Business ’12 Report
Why is Resilient Business Better Than Green Business?
Why Money is in Rail, Roads & Infrastructure
Free On Line Books & Articles on 2012 Design Trends
NEW PRODUCTS
New Energy-Efficient Alternative to Spray insulation
New Zero-VOC Liquid Roofing Mastic
New Color System for Concrete Floors
New Products to Help Developers
NEW SERVICES
New National Rating System for Sustainable Landscapes
New Consumer Water Efficiency Website
New Service for Organic Retailers
New Plant Hardiness Zone Map from USDA
HEALTH TIPS
How to Relax, Sleep Better & Live Better
MANAGEMENT TIPS
How Lifecycle Cost Analysis Makes Case for Green Building
PLUS
How Architects Hope to Protect Buildings from Earthquakes
Green Insulation Myths You Should Know
Solar Decathlon Relocates to Southern California!
RegenerativeHomes™
Happy New Years 2012
January 3, 2012 at 2:27 am (Architecture, Business, energy-efficiency, Green, Life Style, Sustainable, Uncategorized, Universal Design)
Stephen Bolling
In October 2011 RegenerativeHomes™ began its 8th year as San Diego’s first and most comprehensive outreach and educational source for green living and sustainable design news and information. RegenerativeHomes™ began in 2003 during the Cedar Fire to assist displaced homeowners locate shelter, services and programs. Through public requests it developed into a portal for green building assistance, the first of its kind in the county. This assistance helped those traumatized by horrific events to move forward and rejuvenate both themselves and the environment around them. Today, RegenerativeHomes™ has followers and participants from around the world.
I am the editor of RegenerativeHomes™ and an active member of several professional organizations and pubic agencies and represent a large network of designers, builders, suppliers, law makers and attorneys who are dedicated to the design and construction of projects that promote energy-efficiency, environmental-sensitivity and healthy environments.
I am also a building designer and take a holistic approach that is sensitive to one’s needs and accommodating to nature, inspirational and motivational, and allows for positive changes in one’s life. I’ve been designing environmentally sensitive healing environments for over 30 years and it is my strengths in that area that I feel lacking in much of the new green technology. I believe the more traditional aspects of green design such as orientation to the sun and breezes as well as relationship to the outdoor environment are not only the strongest elements of green design, but are also among the strongest elements of creating healthier environments that provide us stimulus to grow and to revitalize. These environments provide a sanctuary from a stressful day, provide the elderly and physically challenged with visual stimuli and accessible features that drastically improves health and well-being, provides assistance for those recovering from short-term illnesses or injuries, and provides safe havens for babies and children to develop healthy and live calm, balanced lives.
In 2012 design across the globe will move beyond terms such as green and sustainable and incorporate a holistic approach to design. Doctors, yoga instructors, dietitians and healing practitioners will have as much to offer as engineers, plumbers and electricians for the most valuable resources of any building are the people who live, work and play in it and enjoy the natural environment around it. There are small things every one can do to create the sanctuary of one’s dreams. Solar panels, grey water systems, smart metering, energy-efficient windows and recycled cabinets will help the environment and possibly save owners money, but it takes much more to create a better environment for living. The design begins within oneself.
Stephen Bolling. RegenerativeHomes™
Happy 4th of July
July 3, 2011 at 1:24 am (Architecture, Business, energy-efficiency, Events, Green, Life Style, Marketing, PassiveHouse, Sustainable)
Stephen Bolling
The 4th of July suggests independence and patriotism, the American Flag and “long may it wave.” It also suggests BBQ picnics, the beach, pool parties, parades and fireworks. Fireworks certainly aren’t the most environmentally sensitive way to celebrate but they do allow us to lift our spirits and our patriotism. We may not have obtained all our goals, yet, but we should give applause to those goals we have achieved, individually and as a country. I think there’s room to be Red, White and Blue as well as green. In the spirit of an old-fashioned friends-and-family newsletter I’m going to let you know what I’ve been up to lately. Not the bad news, we all have too much of that, just the good news and the good news in the works.
We’re gearing up for the next phase of Blue Sky Ranch and it looks to include the design of at least two new houses and a new accessory building. Expect something really special and innovative. Since this is a work in progress we are always updating with the latest inspiration, methods and materials. As always, we are open to ideas and participation from architects, designers, contractors and other building industry people with regards to green building. E-mail me if you would like to get involved or have a great idea related to sustainability, passive design, alternative materials, fire-resistant construction and related methods for this and future projects.
Robert and Ingrid Coffin
Congratulations to Blue Sky Ranch owners Ingrid and Robert Coffin, the restoration of their historic house in Kensington is the featured story in this month’s San Diego Magazine. If you have the magazine in your home check out “Hacienda with a History”, if you don’t you can read the story and see the photos on-line at San Diego Magazine, The house was also the location of a gala and auction for architect/artist James Hubbell of ILan-Lael.
RegenerativeHomes at the Fair
I met a lot of great people at my booth at the San Diego County Fair this year. Ingrid Coffin, helped host the table. Check out all 10 photos.
Electra Condos and Station B
I had the opportunity to visit the Electra Condos during District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis’ Campaign for Mayor kick off event. I’m not a resident of the city and can’t vote for mayor but it was being held at the historic electric power station Station B which is as good a reason as any to stop by and say hi. This was the first time I was in the 1920′s neoclassical-Art Deco building since 1985 when SDG&E was a client and I was involved in the restoration of some of their early 20th Century buildings. A couple years ago the Electra Condos, the tallest residential tower in downtown San Diego, was added atop the structure which was restored into an elegant meeting/dining facility for the residents. View 9 photos.
Among the dignitaries that attended were current Mayor Jerry Sanders who endorsed Bonnie, Supervisor Ron Roberts and Sheriff Bill Kolender. Bonnie introduced me to a woman who lives in the Electra Condos who in turn invited me the following day to tour the entire building and visit with her and her husband. I also have some great photos off her 22nd floor balcony, take a look.
USS Carl Vinson
Santa Fe Station
To the west off of North Island Naval Air Station is the USS Carl Vinson, the supercarrier that carried Osama bin Laden’s body to its ocean burial. To the north is the historic Santa Fe Station.
Mission Brewery
In June I checked out the new location of the historic Mission Brewery now at the historic Wonder Bread Factory. This was the first time I was in this building since my 3rd grade field trip to the Wonder Bread Factory. It was interesting to see the grain silo still being used, except this time for the production of beer. Check out all 10 photos.
Bob Hope Memorial
And finally, I’ll end with some photos of the Bob Hope Memorial in San Diego off the port side of the USS Midway. See all 7 photos.
Drive sober and safe.
Steve
The Future is Prefab Eco-Friendly Homes
March 27, 2011 at 4:43 am (Architecture, Business, energy-efficiency, Green, Life Style)
Stephen Bolling
My experience with prefabricated structures began as a building designer for a manufacturer of classroom buildings. The classrooms were built in a warehouse on a track system. Glass fiber reinforced concrete walls were tilted up into a steel frame structure and as the rooms were pulled down the track electrical, plumbing, mechanical and finish materials were installed. At the end of the line they were lifted onto trucks and delivered to sites where concrete pads were already poured.
This was quick, efficient and inexpensive. We built entire schools using this system…in weeks not months. But there was still a stigma associated with the modular prefabs. The main focus was quickness and cost. There was an expectation that the units would be cheap in every sense of the word. Today this system is a natural for green building practices. Prefabricated and modular construction is a desirable option for those looking for a modern, affordable, energy-efficient design built with sustainable and responsibly-manufactured materials.
Mariana Ashley is a freelance writer. Here she writes about prefab eco-friendly homes and gives us a good picture of how they have become a trendy option for homebuyers. You can contact Mariana at mariana.ashley031@gmail.com.
The Future is Prefab Eco-Friendly Homes
by Mariana Ashley
Sunset Breezehouse by Michelle Kaufmann Designs.
To some this sounds like old news, to others this sounds like gibberish. What is a prefabeco-friendly home? The term prefab simply means prefabricated. Components of a structure are manufactured offsite in an industrial facility. Once the structure is designed and constructed offsite, it is shipped to the building location and erected there. Prefab housing is not a new concept. Having components of the building process take place in a factory has been a part of home construction for decades now. However, in recent years, prefab housing has become synonymous in many ways with a modernist aesthetic and sustainable design. There are four central factors that make prefab eco-friendly homes the wave of the future: smart design, smart materials, affordability, and fashion.
Many prefab green architects begin their structural design long before ever drafting a sketch of a room or deciding on building materials. Laying a smart foundation is the first step to building an eco-friendly home. Green architects use advanced computer modeling to site homes in locations that will maximize natural light and passive heating and cooling. Architects must design to build less, use interior spaces wisely, and design for longevity and flexibility. This means that architects design spaces that feel larger than they are by incorporating large windows and spaces with multiple functions. Through the use of large and numerous windows, green architects design to minimize the need to turn lights on during the day. Furthermore, smart design orients homes in the landscape to maximize both views and energy efficiencies, while at the same time avoiding extreme excavations or other invasive procedures when laying a foundation. Prefab houses are designed to last longer than traditional homes. Designed for longevity, these homes are typically made primarily from sturdy wood and steel frames. Because the structures are built offsite in a factory with controlled conditions, the materials are better cared for during vulnerable stages, producing higher quality construction and higher quality houses.
Using smart materials is the next step to designing a prefab eco-friendly home. Many builders focus on incorporating as many recycled and renewable products as possible into their home design. Furthermore, utilizing offsite factory construction allows builders and architects to reduce waste by 50 to 75 percent and use less materials overall. One of the staple materials used in eco-friendly building is bamboo. Because bamboo grows so quickly and easily, it is a wonderful renewable material to use in flooring and other design elements. Utilizing steel, wood, and cement as durable framing materials enables homes to withstand even the harshest weather conditions and allows for easier upkeep.
Not only is prefab more environmentally friendly than traditional building methods, it is also considerably less expensive. The elements of mass customization, mobility, and versatility in building materials make prefab homes ideal for low-income communities and areas that are prone to natural disaster. As established, prefab homes use fewer building materials, making them less expensive. Furthermore, prefab homes take a fraction of the time to design and manufacture because they are created within a controlled environment. This means that prefab homes can be produced more quickly for a lower cost. Recycled countertops and glass tiles are common within prefab homes. These materials make beautiful stylistic accents within a home without having a negative impact on the environment.
Do not be fooled by the terms “inexpensive” and “mass production” when discussing prefab housing. While prefab eco-friendly homes are extremely cost effective, they have also become iconic of the new desired modern aesthetic. Homeowners and architects alike value clean and simple design. In light of the ever challenging economy, many celebrity-status designers have redefined prefab for a market that values both cost and style equally. The fact that efficient, green housing is replacing oversized homes in the world of fashion is a huge step in the right direction. All over the world, architects are refining modern design elements to coincide with environmentally friendly techniques. These smart and hip new homes are essential to the eco-friendly revolution of the modern world. And we like them!
This article was originally posted on March 16, 2011 by Joyce Benson on GreenStrides.
If you would like to be interviewed or have your article posted on the RegenerativeHome blog please e-mail me at sbolling@me.com
Stephen Bolling
Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
March 17, 2011 at 2:21 pm (Architecture, Business, energy-efficiency, Events, Green, Life Style, Marketing, St. Patrick's Day, Sustainable)
Stephen Bolling
When I was a kid I always made sure I wore green on St. Patrick’s Day so not to be pinched. As I’m getting older I don’t mind getting pinched so much, in fact sometimes its kind of nice depending on who’s doing the pinching. However, I do mind getting pinched in the wallet.
That brings me around to energy-efficiency. Not only is it good for the environment - green – but it makes good economic sense – it lets us keep more of the green in our wallets.
I’m a sustainable building designer, an environmentalist, and a blogger. I’m also the creator and editor of an educational website for sustainable living and building. My Facebook and Tweets feature daily news on sustainability, green living, energy-efficient products and even a daily vegan recipe (or two). My WordPress blog features guest bloggers in sustainable design, green living and other related fields to present a holistic approach to green living.
I’m located in San Diego and that’s noticeable on my website, but it touches on issues of interest to anyone anywhere. I encourage everyone to connect with me on my various networking sites like Facebook, Twitter, You Tube and WordPress by going to my website and choosing the sites and letting me know who you are so I can do the same. I’m always interested in good people doing good things.
If you would like to be interviewed or have your article posted on this blog please e-mail me at sbolling@me.com
Stephen Bolling
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