Earth Day Cleanups, Events And Free Transit Planned In LA County

LOS ANGELES, CA — Earth Day will be marked across the Southland Wednesday with a variety of events, including community cleanups, tree plantings, educational programs, free public transit and a large-scale public light display aimed at promoting sustainability.

In Culver City, streets near several schools will be closed to traffic to create a car-free commuter corridor for students as part of the Safe Routes to School program. A stretch of Elenda Street will be shut down, allowing students to walk, bike, skate or use public transit while participating in activities focused on reducing emissions and improving safety, according to organizers.

Metro will also mark the day by offering free rides systemwide on buses, trains, Bike Share and Micro services to encourage residents to use public transit.

"Every Day is Earth Day at L.A. Metro," Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins said in a statement. "Transit is the cleanest way to travel, and by using our electric trains and low-emission buses, you can lower your carbon footprint by 45 percent compared to driving."

Active Recycling Co. in the Chesterfield Square neighborhood of South Los Angeles will offer residents the opportunity to dispose of up to 500 pounds of trash for free as part of an effort to combat illegal dumping.

"The Clean-Up Los Angeles City/County Campaign is ongoing and won't stop as long as there is litter on the streets, alleys, and vacant lots," the company said in a statement.

In the Antelope Valley, about 100 youth participants from Watts and surrounding communities will take part in a tree-planting effort at a wolf sanctuary in Palmdale, planting cloned redwoods and sequoias as part of a reforestation initiative.

"We must reforest the planet with old-growth trees — for the children, grandchildren, and all life on our planet," said David Milarch, founder of the Archangel Ancient Tree Archive.

In Malibu, environmentalist and author Bill McKibben is scheduled to speak at Pepperdine University as part of an Earth Month lecture series focused on climate issues.

Pacific Park in Santa Monica will illuminate its solar-powered Ferris wheel with a 90-foot-tall spinning globe display Wednesday night, using energy- efficient LED lighting to promote renewable energy and environmental awareness.

"The eco-friendly, enhanced LED lighting provides 81 percent greater energy savings than most Ferris wheel's traditional incandescent bulbs," officials said.

At Cal State Northridge, students and community members will gather for an Earth Day event featuring free plants, food and information about environmental programs.

Councilwoman Eunisses Hernandez and city officials will unveil plans for a $40 million stormwater project at MacArthur Park designed to reduce reliance on potable water by capturing and treating runoff. Her office said the project includes proposed green space improvements, shade trees and pedestrian enhancements.

In Orange County, the Pretend City Children's Museum in Irvine will host an Earth Day celebration featuring activities focused on conservation and environmental education.

UC Irvine will host a full slate of Earth Day programming, including lectures, sustainability fairs and panel discussions addressing climate change and environmental equity.

Other events include a beach cleanup in Huntington Beach and a gardening program at the Fountain Valley Library offering seeds and guidance on growing sustainable home gardens.

In addition to organized activities, the annual Lyrid meteor shower is expected to peak overnight Tuesday into Wednesday, offering skywatchers a chance to observe meteors in darker areas away from city lights.

Earth Day, first observed in 1970, is held annually on April 22 and now includes events in more than 190 countries aimed at promoting environmental protection.

City News Service