Alhambra Debate Tournament on Water and Climate Policy

Congratulations to Alhambra High School and its debate team for organizing a two-day debate tournament that hosted over 200 students from 15 different schools. The debate focused on water and climate policy issues and is sure to cultivate a passion for environmental stewardship among our next generation of leaders.

The event was supported by a $1,500 grant from the San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District through its O.W.L. Community Grant Program. Thank you to all the students, teachers, and administrators who participated in and/ or supported the event and to District Board members Steven Placido (Division II – Alhambra and Monterey Park) and Mike Eng (Division III – Monterey Park) for being present to award the grant.

Our O.W.L. Community Grant Program began nearly a decade ago and has funded dozens of water education and conservation projects organized by schools and non-profit organizations. In addition to the Alhambra debate tournament, we are proud to have recently sponsored the following projects throughout our service area of Alhambra, Azusa, Monterey Park, and Sierra Madre:

Monterey Vista Elementary School (Monterey Park) – The grant funds will be used for a retaining wall garden. Students will learn about gardening, water, weather, and erosion.

Alhambra High School – The grant will fund a native plant garden and campus beautification project for the 20232024 school year. The project is part of Alhambra High School’s environmental science curriculum and advisory program.

Sierra Madre Elementary School Farm-to-Table Program – The grant will be used to install a drip-line irrigation system in the school’s garden.

Monterey Park Bruggemeyer Library – The grant was awarded to the Library’s Junior Friends teen group. The grant will help purchase a collection of books and media about water and water education that can be checked out of the library. The grant will also be used for an Earth Day event that the Junior Friends group plans for Spring 2024.

Complete information about the O.W.L. Grant program, a list of past recipients, and an online application form are available at sgvmwd.com/ water-conservation/#owl-grants. New grant applications are welcome on an ongoing basis.

Email info@sgvmwd.com or call 626969-7911 for more information.