An urban farm in the heart of LA has been providing much-needed food for local residents during the pandemic. It's managed by our KNX
Helpful Honda Heroes of the Week, who are dedicating hours each day, to keep the produce growing!
It’s all volunteer work. In some cases, up to 40 hours a week! Jamie Hamilton is the President of the Solano Canyon Community Garden, and Al Renner is known as the "patron saint" of the operation.
"He's the founder of the garden, he's been there since the beginning!" says Jamie.
Both Jamie and Al are key figures that keep the 5-acre property filled with blooming plants and flowers.
Photo credit © Russell Horning at russellhorning.comPhoto credit © Russell Horning at russellhorning.com
Jamie says they harvest year-round. "Right now, the crops that we have, it's kind of the finishing-up of the winter crops. So, we are harvesting a lot of artichokes, carrots, lettuces, kale and collards."
Al has been with the Solano Canyon Community Garden for 30 years now. The property sits near the tunnels off the 110, north of downtown LA. "When you go in the second tunnel, you're going underneath my orchards!"
During the pandemic, the farm adjusted to help local residents dealing with food shortages. "We set up a program where you come in and you volunteer on Saturdays or Sundays," explains Al, "and, when we harvest, you take home free food. We've given away six-thousand pounds!"
It’s a passion project for both. Jamie says volunteering has given him a sense of peace, and he urges others who may have an interest in volunteering, to find something that pique's their interest. "Go for it! I mean, even if you have no knowledge of the thing you want to work on, or what you want to volunteer your time for, I would say go for it! You will meet like-minded people, who will help you along the path."
Al Renner and Jamie Hamilton with the Solano Canyon Community Garden are our KNX Heroes of the Week!
KNX Heroes is brought to you by California Resources Corporation, saluting our military veterans, and all of our heroes! Go to https://www.crc.com/ for more information.
And, see what your Helpful SoCal Honda Heroes are up to this month, at https://www.facebook.com/SoCalHondaDealers/
Get connected with Al or Jamie on the Solano Canyon Community Garden Facebok page - at https://www.facebook.com/solanogarden/
If you have someone you'd like to nominate as an upcoming KNX Helpful Honda Hero of the Week, click here to submit.
You can also send an email directly to the host - Heather Jordan - to heroes@KNX1070.com
