The San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District recently approved a $50,000 grant to support a greening initiative at Fremont Elementary School in Alhambra. Led by Asian Pacific Islander Forward Movement (APIFM) through its “Water is Life” program, this initiative aims to tackle critical environmental health challenges while enhancing community wellness. Fremont Elementary School, located near the I-10 freeway, faces high levels of pollution, extreme heat, and pedestrian safety risks, making it an urgent priority for environmental intervention.
Project leaders Je-Show Yang and Jean Park from APIFM’s Water is Life team bring a wealth of experience in environmental justice and public health. Their past efforts include developing a water conservation outreach program funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and partnering with the Council for Watershed Health to address the intersections of air quality, water capture, and community health. For this initiative, Yang and Park will collaborate with the Alhambra Unified School District and the Fremont Elementary School community to design solutions tailored to the area’s unique needs, with technical guidance from Council for Watershed Health.
As a Title I school, Fremont Elementary serves a diverse student body in an area with significant environmental challenges. The greening project aims to transform the campus into a healthier, safer, and more engaging environment. Planned improvements include enhanced stormwater capture, increased green spaces, and measures to improve air quality and mitigate heat. Involving the school principal, Parent-Teacher Association, and local families, the project will prioritize creating spaces that foster both environmental sustainability and student well-being.
This initiative reflects SGVMWD’s dedication to addressing and promoting community health through sustainable, community-driven solutions. It also aligns with broader regional efforts to improve climate resilience, expand access to green spaces, and support equitable environmental outcomes. By improving Fremont Elementary’s campus, this project not only addresses immediate environmental health challenges but also provides educational opportunities for students and families to learn about water conservation and climate adaptation strategies.
Last year, SGVMWD, working with Catalyst SGV, celebrated the success of a greening project at Marguerita Elementary School in Alhambra, which transformed the campus into an outdoor classroom featuring California native plants. At Alhambra High School, SGVMWD continues its partnership with science teacher Ms. Lofthouse and her students, who have already planted California native plants on their campus. This ongoing effort focuses on reimagining and revitalizing the school grounds to create outdoor spaces that promote student health and wellness. By incorporating native plants and designing inviting areas for relaxation and activity, the project ensures students have access to spaces that support their physical and mental well-being while fostering a connection to the environment.
