An avid, lifelong gardener, Alameda resident Robin Lee Hewitt started composting 14 months ago and has found it to be the perfect complement to her garden and yard. She says she’s seen a considerable change in her plants since she began using compost as an amendment.

We all know that the Bay Area is earthquake country. Yet according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), fewer than 10 percent of households have a disaster plan, disaster supply kits or have taken steps to retrofit their homes.