San LorenzoValley children are getting the chance to be creative while helping bring awareness to the San LorenzoValley air quality issues created largely by wood burning smoke heating during the winter.
The Valley Women’s Club, together with the Monterey Bay Unified Air Pollution Control District, is sponsoring an art contest for all children in San LorenzoValley! The subject of the contests is about keeping our air clean.
The San LorenzoValleySchool District is facilitating the contest (which may be used as part of a new “Green” curriculum) and has recently distributed flyers with the details of the contest to students at the elementary, middle and high school. San Lorenzo Valley Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Laurie Bruton stated: “We are always happy about showing off the talents of our students, particularly when it serves our community of San LorenzoValley. The study of our environment is a critical part of our science instruction in school.”
The art contest is an idea that was born from citizen input which was solicited and organized by Supervisor Bruce McPherson to help solve the critical air quality issues our community faces. “The air quality issue in San LorenzoValley can be addressed — and solved — by our local community. That solution will require an educational process and having our creative students show us how to do that through their artwork will be an important part of our success,” McPherson said.
The Valley Women’s Club Environmental Committee is also supporting the art contest as part of their overall efforts to improve air quality in SLV.
The smoke levels in SLV are a serious health issue that we all need to work together to address. SLV residents that have other means of heat are strongly encouraged to use those sources before using a wood stove. When “Spare the Air” alerts occur this winter, citizens can be notified by email, please sign-up to receive messages here: http://mbuapcd.org/programs-resources/planning/sanlorenzovalley/. When these days occur, air quality is expected to be especially unhealthful and wood burning stoves should only be used sparingly. Residents are encouraged to use natural gas, propane, electric, or pellet stove heating options on “Spare the Air” days.
The art contest closes on October 9th, and the winners will be announced at the SLV School District Board Meeting on Wednesday, October 21, at 6:00 p.m. Supervisor Bruce McPherson will be presenting the awards. Everyone is encouraged to come out to see the submissions and enjoy the creativity of our children and support their efforts to keep our air clean!
