Welcome to the Class of 2025!
To begin our time together, LASA tackled thinking about water – history, infrastructure, the range of careers associated with, treatment, testing, desalinization, and more! On Thursday, we gathered at The Huntington to meet each other and for Bill to “introduce” us to Henry and Arabella Huntington. We drew maps of Los Angeles County and explored the grounds to spot water use (from fountains to irrigation) as well as some of the many treasures in the galleries and library.
We also welcomed our first guests of the year: Stacie Takeguchi, Assistant General Manager for Water at Pasadena Water & Power and Jeff Kightlinger, former General Manager of Metropolitan Water District (MWD). They brought decades of experience in the water industry and knowledge about the history of MWD, current practices, and future concerns.
Mia reflected, “I found Ms. Takeguchi’s comments on the importance of a holistic view on the water system to be especially powerful, as it is yet another example of room to grow in the unity of LA.” Thank you to Stacie and Jeff for spending some of the day with us.
On Friday, we rode a bright yellow school bus to La Verne and MWD’s Weymouth Water Treatment Plant and Water Quality Lab. We divided up into the two groups to learn about each side of the operation with Steve Shriver and Paul Rochelle. MWD is celebrating 50 years of the work of the Water Quality Lab – marking the federal environmental legislation of 1974. Their lobby is filled with a helpful timeline that is also available online. 1 From looking down on the plant from the roof to considering all the samples tested each year, the trip expanded our knowledge of how water is evaluated and moved around Southern California.
Amelie was grateful that the trip helped her “to understand the science behind our water.” Genevieve added that “it was interesting to hear about the MWD processes, especially the ways they are working to be more sustainable like the project to recycle wastewater into more drinking water.” She also enjoyed learning “about the different ways they test the water, like by smelling water samples to analyze the quality of the water – in the same way you can do on your own at home. In general, visiting the water and power plant was very enlightening, and especially enjoyable to learn more about how the water from the Colorado river and North California travels to the tap in my bathroom sink.” Aileen summed up the trip: “So many different sciences go into offering California safe, clean drinking water. Chemistry and geography are integral to the process of building the water ways, tracking contaminants, and balancing the acidity of the water. Very fun!!” Thanks to Stacie, Steve, and Paul, as well as Steven Hines for such a great site visit.
When we returned to The Huntington for lunch and to think through the day, LASA students brainstormed water issues that they would like to consider: desalinization; water quality – from preventing agricultural runoff to screening for plastics; equitable pricing; and more. We look forward to continuing these conversations.
On Saturday, we braved the warm weather kayaked the LA River. We learned about the Owens Valley as well as the LA River from historian Lauren Kelly. Guided by Gary and his team, we took in the complex ecosystem of the River and considered the River across time. Thanks to Lauren and Gary for rounding out the summer session and planting more questions for us to consider.
Tonindeye and Cara echoed many of our thoughts as we wrapped up the summer. “The extensive process that is used to clean water made me think of how much of a privilege clean water is,” Tonindeye shared; “it makes me think of how we can make sure other people in the world have clean drinking water.” Cara added, “I will definitely reflect upon what I have learned about the hard work put into our ability to have clean water every-time I turn on the faucet. Today also taught me about how lucky we are to have the Metropolitan Water District as not many areas in the world have people that have dedicated their lives to make sure we have safe drinking water.”
Thinking good thoughts for all as LASA students and teachers begin school! We’ll see you in September…