Alhambra survey collects community input on sustainability

Alhambra officials have launched an online survey to help them develop the city’s first plan to boost environmental sustainability.

The questions range from addressing climate change to methods of education and outreach, as well as one that asks what residents are currently doing to promote a healthy local environment.

“The City … is developing a Comprehensive Environmental Sustainability Plan, which is called Sustainable Alhambra,” according to the initiative’s online hub. “This plan will look at many factors that affect our environment and lives, and it will identify projects and programs to enhance the sustainability of Alhambra for current and future generations.”

Residents who take the seven-question survey are eligible to win one of four $25 gift cards.

In recent weeks the city has hosted three workshops to gather public feedback on environmental concerns and sustainability.

The city commissioned a December 2023 “existing conditions assessment” by consulting firm Environmental Science Associates that outlined areas of focus for developing Alhambra’s sustainability plan. The report provided these areas of focus:

Preservation and maintenance of parks and open spaces, featuring collaborative programs with local schools and organizations;

Updating of the tree ordinance to increase protections for existing and mature trees, while promoting the planting of drought-tolerant and native species; 

Transportation improvements to interchanges, bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, public transit stations and reducing cut-through traffic in residential areas;

Expanding Alhambra’s electric vehicle fleet and planning for more electric vehicle charging stations “in partnership with the Southern California Regional Energy Network (SoCalREN) to serve City parks and disadvantaged or high-need areas,” according to the city; 

Promoting energy efficiency citywide through enrollment in the Clean Power Alliance for renewable energy source, plus efficiency upgrades to street lighting and participation in regional energy programs available through Southern California Edison and the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments; 

“Conservation pricing” for water usage that provides a cost-saving incentive for customers who consume less;

Ongoing improvements and new projects related to the stormwater system that help with water capture and filtration and aim to reduce the amounts of harmful pollutants discharged into the city’s and regional waterways;

On the economic front, attention to “regular, strategic planning and positioning for future growth of retail, restaurant, and office industries that will enhance market conditions,” officials said; 

Quantifying the amount of greenhouse gas in the community greenhouse gas to assess where emissions are greatest — mainly within the energy sector — “and identifying targets aligned with state policies”;

Local laws to reduce organic waste and single-use plastic containers, encourage and enable food recovery and increase cost-savings for local restaurants. 

More information on “Sustainable Alhambra” is online at https://www.cityofalhambra.org/726/Sustainable-Alhambra.

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