In an effort to enhance quality of life for its residents, San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments (SGVCOG) has committed to improving the environment as one of its strategic goals. To achieve this end, SGVCOG’s Energy, Environment, and Natural Resources (EENR) Committee coordinates environment-related efforts among the Valley’s many jurisdictions, pursues funding opportunities for the Valley, and promotes beneficial policies to its member agencies. As an outgrowth of these efforts, the EENR Committee has created five working groups to address issues related to energy, water, open space, solid waste, and air quality. These working groups will expand the committee’s ability to address environmental issues and bring insight and expertise to the committee’s areas of primary concern.

With an ever-increasing focus on energy consumption and environmental impacts, sustainable and energy efficient design of buildings is a key strategy for local governments and communities to embrace.  The San Gabriel Valley Energy Wise Partnership and SGVCOG hosted a Green Building Workshop on Wednesday, June 10th at the City of Monrovia''s brand new LEED-certified library.

 An expert panel of professionals, including representatives from the US Green Building Council, building industry, and local government presented the latest information on green building to more than 70 participants.

 Open Space

Denis Bertone, Chair

San Gabriel and Lower Los Angeles Rivers and Mountains Conservancy (RMC)

The RMC was created by the California legislature in 1999. Legislation was introduced by then-state Senator Hilda Solis.  The RMC is one of nine conservancies within the California Resources Agency. Their mission is to preserve open space and habitat in order to provide for low-impact recreation and educational uses, wildlife habitat restoration and protection, and watershed improvements within our jurisdiction. The area of the conservancy includes the San Gabriel Mountains, the San Gabriel Valley, and much of the Los Angeles Coastal Plain. The Rio Hondo subwatershed was also included. And because the Rio Hondo connects to the lower Los Angeles River, the latter was added.  The sources of capital funds for the RMC are a series of propositions approved by the voters.

NEWS

Open Space Workshop

On Thursday, October 27^th, 2009 the COG in partnership with the Rivers and Mountains Conservancy (RMC) hosted an Open Space workshop in the City of San Dimas. The workshop provided practical and timely information on the status of RMC’s grant program, particularly as it relates to the San Gabriel Valley.  RMC provided an update on the status of all their funded grants, pending projects that have been conceptually approved, and the outlook for future grant cycles.  Participants were provided an overview of a highlight successful multi-benefit project that was able to garner both state and local funds in the City of Duarte. The workshop also presented information on matching fund opportunities from the State and local levels and how to package projects in order to effectively leverage funding from various sources. The Wilderness Society, that provided information on the campaign to designate new areas in the Angeles National Forest as wilderness and scenic rivers and the National Park Service on the San Gabriel Mountain Special Resource Study. Approximately 50 people were in attendance representing cities and non-profit organizations active in the San Gabriel Valley.

Water Project Priority List - Open Space Elements

• San Antonio Spreading Ground Multi-Benefit Improvements
• San Gabriel Valley Water Recycling Project
• Santa Anita Canyon Water Conservation Projects
• Alosta Connection/ Raymond Basin Feeder
• Hahamongna Basin Multi-Use Project

All projects incorporate open space elements, recreation opportunities, and habitat preservation.

Solid Waste

Sam Pedroza, Chair

NEWS