On Thursday night, Sacramento residents will gather to celebrate a new brand of "localism". Increasingly, Sacramentans are redefining it's traditionally negative conotations of narrow-mindedness and stubbornness. Instead, "Sacramento localism" is about efforts to build a healthier, more sustainable community, including reducing pesticide use and increasing food security.

Thursday's event, entitled “Organic Sounds,” will highlight two local efforts that are setting precedent for the entire state: the Pesticide-Free Sacramento and the soon-to-be-launched EAT (Environment and Agriculture Taskforce) Sacramento projects. Sacramento City Councilman Rob Fong and Chef Michael Tuohy of the Grange Restaurant will be the featured speakers, sharing words about both efforts.

Sacramento localism is more than just lectures. Residents at Thursday's event will also hear performances from Sacramento Americana bands Rowdy Kate, Starts & Garters and regional blues musicians Spotted Dog. And they will also have a chance to taste food from Del Paso gourmets Magpie Catering and Synergy Chef, providing local and organic food. And, not to be outdone, regional wineries Orleans Hill and La Rocca will be providing organic wine. 

“Sacramentans are challenging the way toxics pesticides are used in their backyards and finding creative solutions to fix an increasingly broken food system,” said Paul Schramski Towers, State Director of Pesticide Watch, the organization behind the event and organization supporting the two local efforts. “By investing in local food and organic places, we can create a healthier, more vibrant community.”

Over 3.2 million pounds of pesticides are used in Sacramento County, including thousands of pounds in urban homes, schools, parks and workplaces. Area organizations, including Physicians for Social Responsibility, Mothers’ Support Network and the Sacramento Natural Foods Co-op launched Pesticide-Free Sacramento as a comprehensive effort to reduce and ultimately eliminate pesticide use in the region.

EAT Sacramento is a more recent effort, emerging from efforts of the members of Organic Sacramento and the Sacramento Area Community Gardens Coalition, and supported by Pesticide Watch. As Sacramento residents face water shortages and increasing food prices, EAT Sacramento promotes new ways to grow your own local food, as well as support and enlarge local, organic farms. This effort will be more formally launched later this month.

Sacramento localism is an exciting movement to reinvest in a healthy, new Sacramento. "Sacramento residents have decided that we not only need green jobs, but we also need green thumbs," Towers added.

For more information about Organic Sounds, visit www.pesticidewatch.org.