Letter to the Editor: Make it a Sustainable Summer

“When it comes to water, there is either too much, not enough … never just right,” said Shane Chapman, Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District's General Manager, said in a recent letter to the Pasadena Star-News. 

Even though the region and state experienced above-normal rainfall and snowpack this year, we should never return to taking our water supply for granted. There are no guarantees that we will not experience low precipitation over the next few years. The Colorado River has experienced drought conditions over the past eight years and one year of rain and snow will not make up for years of drought.

As we move into the warm summer months, South Pasadena residents are reminded to use water wisely and heed the city’s water conservation guidelines. In addition, summer is also a time of heavy energy consumption, due to increased air conditioner use. Not to mention, children are home in the summer more often powering up all of their electronic devices. It is also a time for guests and visitors. These all can add to increased electricity demand.

In order to make sure South Pasadena residents and businesses are using their energy and water wisely, the City of South Pasadena Natural Resources and Environmental Commission is supporting an educational campaign to share energy- and water-saving programs and tips.

The “Sustainable Summer” campaign will include an informational booth at the series in Garfield Park. At each concert, guests will be able to visit a special booth and pick up literature on ways to save energy, water and money.

Experts from the special “Energy Upgrade California” effort in conjunction with the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments will be on hand, as will representatives from the Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District to answer questions and offer energy- and water-saving suggestions.

The concerts will take place at 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on:

-Sunday, July 10  

-Sunday, July 17

-Sunday, July 24

-Sunday, July 31

-Sunday, August 7

Come learn how you can make this a “Sustainable Summer” that saves water, energy and leads the way for a better, more sustainable future.

—Kim Hughes, Chair City of South Pasadena Natural Resources and Environmental Commission