Farm Lot 59, an urban farm located next to Willow Springs Park in Long Beach, is seeking community support after an arson fire on May 1 destroyed their compost bin, hand-painted signs, and bee boxes. The fire is the latest in a series of vandalism incidents that have troubled the farm on California Avenue for years. According to staff, previous damages include graffiti, holes cut in fences, and stolen tools from a work truck, which was eventually sold to prevent further thefts.
Luna Gaia, who manages flower production at the farm, suspects the farm was targeted in retaliation after unhoused individuals were cleared from a nearby encampment in Willow Springs Park. Gaia emphasized that the farm staff did not report the encampment or have any involvement in its removal. She regularly checks the perimeter fence for breaches and has encountered broken locks and stolen copper piping.
Kathy Miranda, the farm’s marketing director, noted that calls to the police have been largely unproductive. The farm staff frequently reports break-ins but are often told by police that little can be done after a crime occurs. Neighboring spaces, such as Long Beach Community Compost and the Long Beach Office of Climate & Sustainability, have also faced vandalism.
Farm Lot 59, established in 2010 by Sasha Kanno with a $25,000 grant from the Long Beach Community Foundation, sells produce to local restaurants and donates unsold items to Food Finders, a nonprofit organization. The farm also offers flower sales and bouquet-picking events to support its operations. Despite the challenges, the farm has received support from volunteers and community members, who have helped remove damaged materials and offered to create new signs.
The farm aims to raise $12,000 to repair the burned fence section, rebuild the compost system, install new bee boxes, and replace damaged signs. If you are interested in helping you can donate here.
Recently, the farm celebrated its 15th anniversary with food from local vendors, highlighting the community’s role in sustaining the farm.
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