El Monte Union High School District (EMUHSD) celebrated a milestone in its commitment to clean mobility awareness with a dynamic ribbon-cutting ceremony on Feb. 23, which marked the completion of an eye-catching 80-foot-long mural, visible to tens of thousands of commuters on the 60 freeway, and electric vehicle (EV) car wraps that aim to encourage the use of clean transportation. The projects marked the culmination of the District’s Clean Mobility in Schools Pilot Project.

Students, administrators, project partners, parents, and representatives of local elected officials were also treated to a screening of the District’s new “Clean Energy Careers” animation created by renowned artist Lalo Alcaraz. The new animation aims to inspire the next generation of students to explore career opportunities that can positively impact air quality.

“At the beginning of this project, we met with students to get a better understanding of what is important to them and how we can educate the community about clean mobility and wow did they really blow our minds with the type of answers they were providing,” Alcaraz said during the ceremony. “From that meeting on, we took what we learned from them to create two animations, which feature the voices of El Monte Union students and administrators, as well as this beautiful mural, and the car wrap designs.”

The District also partnered with Alcaraz and his team at Pocho Villa Productions to create the animated short, “Taking a Healthy Ride on the Green Side,” which focuses on how choosing green transportation options to get to school can improve community health.

“This project to electrify El Monte Union’s vehicle fleet and promote clean energy has been a true team effort,” EMUHSD Facility and Energy Manager Lena Luna said. “I am extremely proud of our transportation department, our bus drivers, and our students who have fully embraced this transition. Sustainability has been something our District has always advocated for, and we thank the California Air Resources Board for backing us every step of the way.”

In 2020, El Monte Union was awarded a $9.8 million grant by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to fund a cluster of Clean Mobility measures that promote the use of zero-emission vehicles and clean transportation options for students, parents, and staff, while also developing innovative career technical education modules on clean energy careers for students.

The Clean Mobility in Schools Pilot Project transformed mobility for EMUHSD by adding 11 electric school buses to the fleet, 11 all electric utility maintenance carts, six electric ride share vehicles, and charging infrastructure, enabling the District to serve more students and enhance safety through the development of School Mobility and Active Transportation Plans.

“Through the generous support from CARB and California Climate Investments, El Monte Union is helping to lower the harmful emissions that affect our community and our climate,” EMUHSD Board President Ricardo Padilla said during the ribbon-cutting event. “There is no question that educating the next generation of students on clean initiatives, encouraging active transportation options, and preparing them to work in a green economy is a critical part of fostering a legacy of environmental stewardship.”

The Clean Mobility in Schools Pilot Project is part of California Climate Investments, a statewide initiative that puts billions of Cap-and-Trade dollars to work reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening the economy, and improving public health and the environment – particularly in disadvantaged communities. For more information, visit emuhsdmobility.com.

“As we celebrate the completion of our wonderful Clean Mobility in Schools Pilot Project, I cannot overstate how incredible the impact of this initiative has been for our students and community,” EMUHSD Superintendent Dr. Edward Zuniga said. “I want to thank CARB, our project partners in the private sector, Mr. Alcaraz, and our outstanding staff for working together to allow our District to be a part of this important project. By reducing emissions from transportation, we are contributing to cleaner air and a healthier environment for all the residents of our amazing community.”

For all event materials and a timelapse of the mural process, please click here.

From left to right: El Monte Union High School District’s (EMUHSD) Facilities and Energy Manager Lena Luna, California Air Resources Board Deputy Executive Officer Annette Hebert, Mountain View High School senior and Viking Informational Systems Technology Academy (VISTA) member DeAdalene Olmedo, renowned artist and nationally syndicated cartoonist Lalo Alcaraz, EMUHSD Superintendent Dr. Edward Zuniga, EMUHSD Board of Trustee Clerk Esthela Torres De Siegrist, Board President Ricardo Padilla, South El Monte High School senior and Environment To Climate (ETC) Action Club Vice President Meixuan Chen, and Board Member Florencio Briones celebrate the completion of the District’s Clean Mobility in Schools Pilot Project during a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Feb. 23.

El Monte Union High School District Superintendent Dr. Edward Zuniga welcomes students, administrators, project partners, parents, and representatives of local elected officials to the District’s Mural and Car Wrap ribbon-cutting ceremony on Feb. 23.

Renowned artist and nationally syndicated cartoonist Lalo Alcaraz speaks during El Monte Union’s Mural and Car Wrap ribbon-cutting ceremony on Feb. 23.

South El Monte High School’s Environment To Climate (ETC) Action Club members look at the District’s newly designed EV car wraps during a Mural and Car Wrap ribbon-cutting celebration on Feb. 23.

A group of El Monte Union students with a strong interest in environmental science and sustainability received an inside look at the important work being done by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) at their newly built state-of-the-art Riverside Headquarters on November 8. While the students enjoyed the tour, the District’s newest all-electric school bus used for travel, was able to plug-in to the facility’s charging station and recharge.

The field trip began with an overview of CARB, providing students with valuable insights into the organization’s mission and the pivotal role it plays in safeguarding air quality and promoting clean energy solutions in California. The experience also gave students the opportunity to see themselves conducting work to help these efforts and be a part of the solution.

“I think it is fantastic to see students within our new facilities so they can gain a better understanding of who we are and what we do here,” CARB Grants Program Manager for Clean Transportation Incentives Heather Choi said. “We offer many jobs and career pathways across different sectors including engineering, science, law and various automotive opportunities, as well as a Riverside student internship program. We hope this trip leaves students feeling inspired to join CARB in its fight against air pollution and climate change.”

One of the highlights of the trip was the visit to CARB’s light-duty vehicle testing lab, where students had the opportunity to witness cutting-edge emissions testing technology and gain insights into the meticulous processes that ensure vehicles meet California’s strict air quality standards.

In the clean energy chemistry lab, students were introduced to several sustainable energy solutions that researchers developed through precise testing of vehicle fuels and evaporative analysis.This segment of the trip highlighted the critical work CARB does to drive advancements in clean energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The field trip also featured a visit to a public art installation on the CARB campus, where students explored the intersection of art and environmental consciousness. According to CARB, the installation serves as a reminder of the importance of public engagement in promoting environmental awareness and art in inspiring positive change.

“Today was extremely interesting and eye-opening. I learned a lot, especially when visiting the light-duty vehicle testing and clean energy chemistry labs and having the opportunity to see the endless positive possibilities that technology can achieve within our environment,” South El Monte High School’s Environment to Climate Action Club vice president and senior Meixuan Chen said. “After this experience, I am excited to share all the incredible work CARB is doing for our communities with my fellow peers and I am thrilled to know of the career options available to students.”

In 2020, El Monte Union was awarded a $9.8 million grant by the California Air Resources Board to fund a menu of Clean Mobility measures that promote the use of zero-emission vehicles and clean transportation options for students, parents and staff, with the added benefit of educational programs on clean mobility and innovative career technical education modules.

The Clean Mobility in Schools Pilot Project transformed mobility for EMUHSD by adding 11 electric school buses, 11 electric utility maintenance carts, and four electric ride-share vehicles allowing the District to serve more students and plan for more holistic, active transportation to ensure safety and improve congestion.

For more information, please visit the District’s Clean Mobility website.

“We are committed to providing our students with hands-on, real-world experiences that expand their horizons and inspire them to be environmental stewards. This field trip allowed our students to get an inside look at sustainable technology and the critical work CARB does to protect our environment and public health,” Superintendent Dr. Edward Zuniga said. “I want to express my gratitude to CARB for their warm welcome and dedication to educating the next generation about the importance of clean air and sustainability.”

El Monte Union students receive a look inside the California Air Resources Board Riverside Headquarters during a field trip on Nov. 8. The trip provided students with valuable insights into the organization’s mission and the pivotal role it plays in safeguarding air quality and promoting clean energy solutions in California.

El Monte Union students visit a public art installation and explore the intersection of art and environmental consciousness during a field trip to the California Air Resources Board Riverside Headquarters on Nov. 8.

El Monte Union High School District (EMUHSD) is marking Clean Air Day on Oct. 4 by celebrating the District’s essential actions that have earned it the Sustainable Trailblazer Award from the Southern California Regional Energy Network (SoCal REN), acknowledging the District’s sustainability efforts, notably its groundbreaking Clean Mobility in Schools Project.

SoCal REN, a leading organization dedicated to advancing sustainable energy practices in Southern California, bestows the Sustainable Trailblazer Award upon entities that demonstrate exceptional leadership and innovation in environmental sustainability. El Monte Union’s achievement highlights its unwavering commitment to fostering a greener and healthier future.

“We are immensely honored to receive the Sustainable Trailblazer Award from SoCal REN,” EMUHSD Facilities and Energy Manager Lena Luna said. “The Clean Mobility in Schools Project represents our commitment to environmental stewardship and serves as a shining example of the positive impact educational institutions can have on their communities and the environment.”

The District’s Clean Mobility in Schools Project has been a cornerstone of its sustainability initiatives including the addition of 11 electric school buses, 11 electric utility maintenance carts, and four electric ride-share vehicles allowing the District to serve more students and plan for more holistic, active transportation to ensure safety and improve congestion.

The District also partnered with two-time Pulitzer Prize finalist Lalo Alcaraz and his team at Pocho Villa Productions to create the animated short, “Taking a Healthy Ride on the Green Side,” which focuses on how choosing green transportation options to get to school can improve community health.

Additionally, the Coalition for Clean Air and the Los Angeles County Office of Education recognized El Monte Union for being a clean-air hero in its community during an event on Sept. 28 in celebration of Clean Air Day.

“Thank you to the Southern California Regional Energy Network for their recognition of our District’s dedication and efforts toward clean energy,” Superintendent Dr. Edward Zuniga said. “Not only are we working towards reducing El Monte Union’s carbon footprint but we are also creating a healthier and more friendly environment for our students and the broader community.”

El Monte Union encourages community members and organizations to come together and show their support for clean air by taking action to improve and protect public health every day. One action, such as taking public transit, carpooling, and transitioning to clean mobility use can make a significant impact.

The Clean Mobility in Schools Pilot Project is part of California Climate Investments, a statewide initiative that puts billions of Cap-and-Trade dollars to work reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening the economy, and improving public health and the environment – particularly in disadvantaged communities. For more information, visit emuhsdmobility.com.

El Monte Union’s Facilities and Energy Manager Lena Luna discusses the District’s Clean Mobility in Schools Project during a Clean Air Day press event on Sept. 28.

South El Monte High School’s Environment to Climate Action club students engage with school leaders and Coalition for Clean Air members emphasizing the critical significance of environmental care and protection during a Clean Air Day celebration event on Sept. 28.

Mountain View High School’s (MVHS) VISTA Academy student podcast, known as ‘The Art of Talking,’ hosted a successful live recording event with Lalo Alcaraz, a two-time Pulitzer Prize finalist and nationally-syndicated cartoonist. The event, held in the school’s new cafetorium in front of 300 students and teachers on Sept. 19, centered around a discussion of his latest animated short film, “Taking a Healthy Ride on the Green Side.”

In partnership with the El Monte Union High School District’s (EMUHSD) Clean Mobility in Schools Pilot Project and the California Air Resources Board (CARB), the animation focuses on how choosing green transportation options to get to school can improve community health.

The short features the voices of EMUHSD students and administrators, which Alcaraz recorded in MVHS podcast studio.

“I am truly honored to have been a part of this animation project and a guest on the Vista Academy ‘The Art of Talking’ podcast,” Alcaraz said. “We discussed my work and how young people must take advantage of their time in school and be responsible citizens. I was completely blown away by this top-notch production and the abilities these students have. They are sharp and ready for the future.”

During the live event, Alcaraz highlighted the intricacies of his creative process, shared insights into his artistic journey and underscored the significance of using art as a vehicle for activism and societal change. Attendees engaged in an interactive dialogue with Alcaraz, offering an enriching experience and valuable perspective on the power of visual storytelling.

Alcaraz’s notable portfolio includes groundbreaking works such as “La Cucaracha,” the first nationally-syndicated, politically themed Latino daily comic strip. His collaborations extend to renowned television series and films, including the Disney-Pixar film “Coco,” Nickelodeon’s animated children show “The Casagrandes” and the thought-provoking animated show “Bordertown.”

“I am extremely grateful to be a part of my school’s VISTA Academy program because of the knowledge I’ve learned such as directing, editing and producing and the hands-on opportunities that are provided to us such as today’s live podcast event,” MVHS senior and podcast producer Alexis Mata said. “Thank you to Mr. Alcaraz and everyone for coming out and supporting our show, we hope our school community enjoyed listening and are encouraged to choose green transportation options.”

In 2020, El Monte Union was awarded a $9.8 million grant by CARB to fund a menu of Clean Mobility measures that promote the use of zero-emission vehicles and clean transportation options for students, parents and staff, with the added benefit of a pilot career technical education curriculum that aims to engage students in clean energy career pathways.

The Clean Mobility in Schools Pilot Project transformed mobility for EMUHSD by adding 11 new zero-emission buses to the fleet, 11 all-electric utility maintenance carts and four electric ride-share vehicles, allowing the District to serve more students and plan for more holistic, active transportation to ensure safety and improve congestion.

“Congratulations to MVHS VISTA Academy student podcast team for hosting a tremendously successful event and thank you to Mr. Alcaraz for his hard work and sharing his experiences with our students and community,” Superintendent Dr. Edward Zuniga said. “This event and animation project has showcased the incredible talents of our students, and it exemplifies the spirit of excellence within our district.”

To watch the 90-second animation with companion 30-second PSAs in English and Spanish, please visit the El Monte Union High School District’s Clean Mobility website.

To listen to the ‘The Art of Talking’ Podcast show, please visit MVHS VISTA Academy website.

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

Mountain View High School’s VISTA Academy seniors and student podcast team DeAdalene Olmedo (left), Ashley Erazo (left center), Martin Elios Obida (right center) and Alexis Mata (right) prepare for their live event with two-time Pulitzer Prize finalist and cartoonist Lalo Alcaraz (center) to discuss his new animated short, ‘Taking a Healthy Ride on the Green Side’ on Sept. 19.

Mountain View High School’s VISTA Academy student podcast team hosts a live event with Lalo Alcaraz, the creator of the nationally-syndicated comic strip “La Cucaracha,” on Sept. 19.

Mountain View High School (MVHS) sophomore Albert Galarza shares his original comic strips and receives praise from two-time Pulitzer Prize finalist and cartoonist Lalo Alcaraz during MVHS VISTA Academy live student podcast event held Sept. 19.

When El Monte Union High School District applied to be part of the California Air Resources Board’s (CARB) Clean Mobility in Schools Pilot Project, their goals were twofold: begin to build clean transportation infrastructure for the District and help the greater El Monte community understand the benefits that clean mobility brings to everyone.

The District’s second goal unexpectedly connected the Clean Mobility team with two-time Pulitzer Prize finalist Lalo Alcaraz and his team at Pocho Villa Productions, resulting in the creation of the animated short “Taking a Healthy Ride on the Green Side.” The animation project was the brainchild of Clean Mobility project partner VMA Communications, a firm that specializes in increasing awareness of projects that enhance the quality of life in the communities they serve.

The 90-second animation and companion 30-second PSAs in English and Spanish focus on green mobility options and benefits and will be available on the El Monte Union High School District’s Clean Mobility website, as well as their social media channels. The PSAs will be offered for broadcast statewide, amplifying the clean mobility message to communities across the state. 

The City of El Monte sits in the middle of four heavily used Los Angeles freeways and its population is disproportionately affected by poor air quality. A $9.8 million grant from CARB allowed the District to purchase a fleet of electric school buses and utility vehicles, build charging infrastructure, and undertake an array of educational activities about clean mobility.

“As part of this grant, we wanted to start a conversation in our community about clean transportation,” District Facilities and Energy Manager Lena Luna said. “Lalo and his team gave us the perfect vehicle to introduce ways students and their families can contribute to green mobility, and the benefits going green brings to the whole El Monte community.”

The animation encourages the El Monte Union community to embrace clean transportation methods for commuting to school, including walking, using public transportation, scootering, biking, or carpooling. It features El Monte Union Superintendent Dr. Edward Zuniga, alongside Luna and student characters, including those inspired by real El Monte Union students who engaged in a focus group with Alcaraz at the project’s outset.

“Meeting with the students at the start of the project was really cool,” Alcaraz said. “They gave it to us straight when talking about their environmental concerns, the challenges they face, and how they and their families get to and from school. We came out of that meeting revved up about the project and what it will mean for students and families to get this information.”

Alcaraz, who is also the creator of the nationally syndicated comic strip “La Cucaracha,” said he wanted to make sure the animation felt relevant to its audience and called on another group of students from El Monte’s Mountain View High School to voice the characters, recording them in the school’s own podcast studio at the invitation of VISTA Academy Coordinator and teacher John Mann.

The District’s dedication to clean mobility extends beyond this project’s scope. Thanks to the grant from CARB, El Monte Union is also developing a career technical education curriculum that will prepare students for an array of job opportunities in the clean energy sector.

“Green energy is a vital part of our future, and we want our students to have the tools they need to pursue careers in this important sector,” Zuniga said. “We also want our community to benefit from the reduced pollution and cleaner air that green transportation will bring. We are grateful to Lalo and his team for helping us find a creative way to get this message out to the El Monte community.”

The Clean Mobility in Schools Pilot Project is part of California Climate Investments, a statewide initiative that puts billions of Cap-and-Trade dollars to work reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening the economy, and improving public health and the environment – particularly in disadvantaged communities. For more information, visit emuhsdmobility.com.

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

Award-winning illustrator Lalo Alcaraz works with students from Mountain View High School in El Monte to voice the characters in an animation project to promote clean mobility in the El Monte Union High School District. The California Air Resources Board recently awarded a grant to the District to add electric buses and vehicles to their fleet, engage students in clean energy pathways, and promote clean mobility in their community.

“Taking a Healthy Ride on the Green Side,” an animated short by Los Angeles Times cartoonist Lalo Alcaraz, features the voices of students and administrators from El Monte Union High School District to promote the benefits of clean mobility.

INTERVIEW AVAILABILITY

Lalo Alcaraz is available for interviews about this project on request.

El Monte Union High School District has prepared School Mobility & Active Transportation Plans as part of their participation in the Clean Mobility in Schools Pilot Project. Funding for the plans was made possible by the statewide initiative, California Climate Investments.

The plans were developed to help identify school-related mobility needs and solutions that will encourage active transportation for students within the El Monte Union High School District and studied seven schools serving El Monte area students including: Arroyo, El Monte, Fernando R. Ledesma, Mountain View, Rosemead, and South El Monte High Schools and the Granada Transition Center.

The goal of the School Mobility & Active Transportation Plans is to identify project ideas that will make it more safe, comfortable, and fun to walk, bike, or take other types of low-emission transportation to get to campus. The plans are tailored to the specific conditions and needs of the different schools and provide recommendations for infrastructure improvements. An analysis of existing conditions and circulation patterns, an inventory of existing infrastructure and a school community survey helped inform the plans.

“We are excited for the opportunity to work with local partners to pave the way for implementation of recommendations and solutions identified in these plans,” Superintendent Dr. Edward Zuniga said. “We appreciate the community’s survey participation and feedback provided on ways to make El Monte Union a safer and cleaner transportation District.”

A presentation on the School Mobility & Active Transportation Plans is scheduled at the next Board of Trustees meeting on March 2nd. The plans are available for viewing on the District’s Clean Mobility website www.emuhsdmobility.com.

EL MONTE, CA – El Monte Union High School District has received nine additional electric buses as a part of the District’s participation in the Clean Mobility in Schools Pilot Project, completing its fleet of 11 electric buses provided through a $9.8 million grant from the California Air Resources Board (CARB). The District celebrated the arrival of the first buses in August with a green ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The new fleet of electric buses will allow the District to serve more students using state-of-the art zero-emission vehicles equipped with the most current safety features. The District’s participation in the Clean Mobility in Schools Pilot Project is part of its overall commitment to finding sustainable emission-free transportation that will enhance the quality of life for students and staff who commute. The new buses are estimated to save the District up to 80% in fuel costs and up to 50% in maintenance costs over traditional diesel powered vehicles.

“El Monte Union is proud to be leading the way in helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improving air quality for District communities by replacing diesel and gasoline vehicles with clean zero-emission vehicles,” District Facility and Energy Manager Lena Luna said. “We are excited to continue working with CARB and our other partners on this project.”

Additional components of the project include a pilot career technical education curriculum to engage students in clean energy career pathways, School Mobility & Active Transportation Plans developed to identify mobility needs and possible solutions at each school, three electric motor pool vehicles and five energy storage systems that tie into the District’s existing solar power system.

The District has already received 11 all-electric 2021 Gem Polaris utility maintenance carts, and construction to help support existing bus charging infrastructure is underway.

“El Monte Union is thrilled to be a grantee participant of the Clean Mobility in Schools Pilot Program. This program has been instrumental in allowing the District to deliver electric buses and green-tech infrastructure for the benefit of the cities EMUHSD serves, including El Monte, South El Monte and Rosemead,” Superintendent Dr. Edward Zuniga said. “We are thankful to CARB and all of our partners for helping us transform mobility at our school sites.”

For more information regarding the Clean Mobility in Schools Pilot Project and the Active Transportation Plan,please visit https://emuhsdmobility.com/.

El MONTE, CA – El Monte Union High School District received the first two of 11 electric buses on July 21 and two more on July 22 as a part of the District’s participation in the Clean Mobility in Schools Pilot Project, made possible by the $9.8 million grant awarded by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). 

This new fleet of electric buses is a part of the District’s efforts to reduce its carbon footprint, creating a healthier environment for students, families and staff. El Monte Union’s participation in the Clean Mobility in Schools Pilot Project promotes the use of zero-emission vehicles and clean transportation options for its school community, thanks to the CARB grant. 

“Our students deserve transportation to school in buses that are not only safe but also work to eliminate poor air quality in their hometown, and so El Monte Union is excited to see the first buses being delivered because it is the start of new era of transportation for our students,” Facility & Energy Manager Lena Luna said.

The purpose of the new buses will be to transport students using state-of-the-art vehicles with the most current safety features that are not reliant on diesel or gasoline. These buses will reduce the District’s carbon footprint and help to improve the air quality of the cities EMUHSD services, including El Monte, South El Monte and Rosemead. 

Brandon Bluhm, Director of New School Bus Sales at A-Z Bus Sales, Inc., said that his company is 100% employee-owned and the leading distributor of alternative fuel and zero emissions school buses in California. Bluhm explained that electric school buses can save districts up to 80% in fuel costs and up to 50% in maintenance costs over traditional diesel-powered vehicles. 

“We are proud to be leading the way for alternative fuel and zero emissions bus sales in the state, and it continues to be a great experience partnering with the El Monte Union High School District,” Bluhm said. “We expect that the rest of the buses will be delivered over the next few months.”

The District’s project will also add three electric motor pool vehicles, five energy storage systems and charging hardware to support electric vehicles. The District has already received 11 all electric 2021 Gem Polaris utility maintenance carts.

The active transportation plan is another component of this project and complements the electrification of the school buses and maintenance vehicles by generating project ideas that focus on how students and staff get to school and also aims to improve school transportation safety and air quality. The plan takes a comprehensive look at key issues identified by each school community to understand students’ trip from home to school at the community level. 

“El Monte Union is excited to receive the first of our electric school bus fleet, marking the beginning of a cleaner and brighter future for our students, staff and school community,” Superintendent Dr. Edward Zuniga said. “Thank you to CARB and all of our partners for helping us to make this transition from gasoline to electric a reality and thank you to our staff who continue to work tirelessly in the best interest of our students and families.”

For more information regarding the Clean Mobility in Schools Pilot Project and the Active Transportation Plan, please visit https://emuhsdmobility.com.

EL MONTE – El Monte Union High School District has received the San Gabriel Valley Energy Champion award and achieved gold tier status for outstanding efforts and dedication to maximizing energy efficiency, becoming the first district in the San Gabriel Valley to earn the recognition.

Gold tier status is achieved when a school district attends three SGV energy work group meetings or energy efficiency trainings, audits and benchmarks facilities to review their energy usage, holds meetings with the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments (SGVCOG) to discuss potential energy efficiency projects, and displays and advertises energy efficiency marketing materials on its website.

El Monte Union received the recognition in December 2020 and was officially recognized during the April 14 Board of Trustees meeting by SGVOG representative and management aide Ana Bordello.

“Thank you so much for being leaders in our region, for your great efforts in increasing energy efficiency and for being a leader among school districts,” Bordello said.

The SGV Energy Champion award is made possible by the San Gabriel Valley Energy Wise Partnership (SGVEWP) between Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas), the SGVCOG and cities and school districts in the San Gabriel Valley.

“Our District is honored to be recognized as a gold tier San Gabriel Valley Energy Champion,” Dr. Edward A. Zuniga said. “Finding sustainable ways to maximize our District’s energy output is a part of our culture and curriculum, which prepares our students for a future in green jobs. El Monte Union makes every effort to lead by example, not just for ourselves but for our entire community.”

EMUHSD is currently working with Southern California Regional Energy to implement a battery energy storage system and HVAC controls to increase energy efficiency. For more information on these efforts and more, visit: https://emuhsdmobility.com.

Dear EMUHSD community,

As our District continues to develop new and innovative ways for each of our high schools to offer safe, comfortable and fun ways to commute using low-emissions transportation, it is important that we listen to the feedback provided by our community.

The EMUHSD School Mobility & Active Transportation Plan is an initiative focused on providing our community with eco-friendly ways to get to school.

By taking a quick survey, you can tell us how you think we can make El Monte Union a safer and cleaner transportation District. Plus, you can enter to win a raffle, featuring such prizes as a $25 gift card to your choice of Target, Superior Grocers, 99 Ranch Market or CVS!

The closing date for the survey is Friday, April 30.

The Survey is offered in English, Spanish, Vietnamese and Mandarin.

Click here to take the survey and enter to win: