Food not Lawns

Author Heather Flores’s picture of an urban utopia looks more like a Fruitopia. In her how-to book Food Not Lawns, Flores suggests that transformation of a yard into a garden is the perfect path toward food security and independence from profit-driven grocery stores. The author even goes further than the lawn, suggesting that every malleable strip of open soil, including the cracks in the sidewalks, should be dedicated to growing food rather than wasted on plants and grasses used only for decor. Community-minded and environmentally charged, this first-time author gives an inspiring perspective of how the world would be if its citizens were willing to embrace their green thumbs and live a little more ecologically sound. Flores will give a slide show and sign books Wednesday, October 8, 6:30 p.m., Goleta Valley Community Ctr., 5679 Hollister Ave., 967-1237. Also, check out Seed Swap, Sunday, October 12, noon-3 p.m. at Fairview Gardens, 598 N. Fairview Ave.