On November 18, 2008, City of Santa Monica Councilmember Pam O’Connor was awarded with the first County of Los Angeles Chair’s Green Leadership Award (GLA). The Chair’s GLA recognizes Ms. O’Connor as an individual who embodies the mission of the GLA to “develop and implement innovative strategies to enhance our environmental sustainability;” whose actions demonstrate leadership; and whose dedication plays a significant role in environmental education.

As City of Santa Monica Councilmember she has contributed to the adoption of the first local green building code and the Solar Santa Monica initiative. Ms. O’Connor serves on the Los Angeles Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Board and has been fundamental in establishing the ad hoc Sustainability Committee to ensure the reduction of MTA’s environmental footprint. She is an active member of I.C.L.E.I, Local Governments for Sustainability working with cities throughout the world on environmentally sustainable climate protection. Ms. O’Connor is committed to developing and implementing policies and partnerships that enhance community live ability, transportation and environmental sustainability. She demonstrates a personal commitment to the environment and uses her reputation to educate and inspire others to take action.

On April 21, 2009 The County Board of Supervisors recognized five community groups selected as recipients of the first annual Green Leadership Awards (GLA).

The County created the GLA program in 2008 to recognize outstanding energy conservation and environmental efforts made by individuals, public agencies, businesses and nonprofit organizations.

The five award-winners were selected for the following accomplishments:

Left to right, Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich, Ursula Schmidt, and Supervisor Don Knabe

City of Pasadena On-Line Green Training project

Through an interactive, Internet-based design, Pasadena’s 1,880 full-time employees receive training on the Green City Action Plan while receiving inspirational and practical tips for going “green” at work and at home. The city benefits from having a workforce educated and engaged in environmental stewardship. Visitors who complete the green training gain knowledge about available local resources, services and rebates that will help them reduce their utility bills, eliminate waste, and cut their transportation costs.

Grand View Elementary School, Manhattan Beach

Planet Pals Project – Trash Free Tuesdays

Students at Grand View Elementary School bring their lunches to school in reusable trash-free lunchboxes each Tuesday. This, as well as composting and recycling measures, enabled the school to generate a record low of one-half bag of trash for more than 700 students, opposed to 40 bags previously. Grand View has diverted more than 1,500 large bags of trash from landfills. This program has been rolled out to seven other elementary schools, reaching 8,500 kids.

Left to right, Richard Ludt, Supervisor Don Knabe, and Carlos Herrera

Interior Removal Specialist, Inc., South Gate

Interior Construction and Demolition Debris Recycling Project

Interior Removal Specialist is the leader in Los Angeles County in diverting and recycling materials such as drywall, carpet, ceiling tile and manufactured lumber. Its 80% diversion efforts extend the life of existing landfills and reduce the environmental impact of construction and demolition debris. Additionally, the donations made by recycling furniture and other materials reintroduce nearly 100 tons of materials back to the community.

Old Torrance Neighborhood Association, Torrance

Citizens for a Cleaner City Project

Residents of Torrance accepted the mayor’s challenge to contribute to a safe, clean and well-maintained city. Volunteers from age 6 to 85 began a bi-monthly Saturday clean-up day concentrating on the highest payoff areas, such as entrance and exit areas to the city. Since 2006 they have removed more than two tons of trash and debris and recycled items like aluminum cans. The cost benefit to the city is evident by the number of volunteer hours donated, freeing city employees to take on other essential services. This is a model program for other cities.

Left to right, Charles Payne, Todd Hays, and Supervisor Don Knabe

Left to right, Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich, Scott Ochoa, Mary Ann Lutt, and Supervisor Don Knabe

City of Monrovia Environmental Accords

The City of Monrovia created a “Green Team” responsible for implementing green projects and policies. In less than two years, the city reduced lighting energy consumption by 20% by replacing regular light bulbs with compact fluorescent lamps. The city installed cool roofs at their historic museum and the police department, reducing air pollution and smog formation. Installation of 22 waterless urinals in city facilities led to an annual savings of 888,000 gallons of water. The newly built energy-efficient library provides an improved working environment for library patrons and staff and sets the precedent for future construction trends.