ActiveLab

Gas companies have tried to convince us for years that it's safe to use gas appliances in our homes, but research shows that burning gas is bad for our health and indoor air quality, not to mention the toll it takes on the environment. On this episode of ActiveLab, you'll hear a recording of the Healthy Homes Info Session recorded on July 22, 2021. The panel, featuring the research team at UCLA, The Energy Coalition, and ActiveSGV, will discuss the latest findings from the Healthy Home Study, tips to help you prioritize health and energy efficiency inside your home, and next steps for implementing a clean energy future.Links to more information, resources, and tips shared in this ActiveLab episode include:The ABC's of Electrifying your Homes Appliances - https://www.activesgv.org/healthy-home-study.htmlPurpleair.com  ActiveLab is made possible by the support of ActiveSGV members and the Liberty Hill Foundation. For more information about ActiveSGV, or to support our work, please visit activeSGV.org.

This episode was recorded on 05/04/2021. In this episode of ActiveLab, Brisa Aviles interviews Ana Zepeda from the Lundquist Institute, a 501(c)3 independent non-profit biomedical research organization, affiliated with UCLA and the Harbor-UCLA Medical Center. Kicking off the first podcast of the COVID-19 series, we talk about vaccine research, why practicing empathy during this time is especially important, and discuss the most common myths and misconceptions about the pandemic. For more information on the COVID-19 vaccine please visit: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/keythingstoknow.html?s_cid=10496:cdc%20covid%20vaccine:sem.ga:p:RG:GM:gen:PTN:FY21

Baldwin Park and Alhambra residents elected two fresh, new faces in November 2020. Mayors Sasha Renee Perez and Emmanuel J. Estrada share their thoughts on being elected to local office before turning 30, and what local communities can do to improve our health, address equity issues, and prepare for climate change.ActiveLab is made possible by the support of ActiveSGV members and the Liberty Hill Foundation. For more information about ActiveSGV, or to support our work, please visit activeSGV.org.

This episode of ActiveLab is about one couple’s efforts to transform a non-descript, suburban Ranch house into a healthier, more sustainable 21st century home! Over the past few years Wen Lee and Chris Stratton of Temple City have chronicled their largely DIY home renovation project on their blog FrugalHappy.org. While the many upgrades might not be apparent from the outside -- other than the visible solar panels on the roof and vegetable garden replacing the front lawn -- theirs is now one of the most energy-efficient homes in the San Gabriel Valley, a region where most homes remain “dual-fuel”, relying on both methane gas and electricity for power, heating, and cooling.More information, resources, and tips shared in this episode:Sample Watt Reader (to help you measure how much energy devices in your home use) - Kill-A-Watt meterPortable Induction Stove Top recommendations (great way to try out modern induction cooking technology at an affordable price - about $75) - WirecutterWonky building science resource website - Green Building AdvisorSample Indoor Air Quality Monitor (used by Chris and Wen in their home) - IQ Air "Electrify Everything" (popular with some building performance/HVAC contractors) - Facebook Group Living the Green Dream in the SGV (video story of Wen/Chris' project under construction) - SCESample Health StudiesHealthy Home Study (2019) - Avocado Heights / Bassett"Effects of Residential Gas Appliances on Indoor and Outdoor Air Quality and Public Health in California", UCLA Fielding School of Public Health (2020)Philip J. Landrigan, M.D., Howard Frumkin, M.D., Dr.P.H., and Brita E. Lundberg, M.D., The False Promise of Natural Gas, New England Journal of Medicine, Chris and Wen’s Blog - Frugal Happy Did this episode inspire you to undertake some changes in your home? We’d love to hear about it. Let us know @activeSGV on social media or via info [at] activeSGV.org ActiveLab is made possible by the support of ActiveSGV members and the Liberty Hill Foundation. For more information about ActiveSGV, or to support our work, please visit activeSGV.org.

On this episode of ActiveLab, Adriana Pinedo and Wes Reutimann discuss the state of Census in the San Gabriel Valley, the lack of action on meaningful climate policy in the 2020 CA state legislative session, ActiveSGV's upcoming efforts to inform voters, and what it's like to be a local election worker! Check out ActiveSGV's Voter Guide here: www.activeSGV.org/voteTake the Census (and remind friends and family to) here: https://my2020census.govDetails on how SGV state elected officials voted on key environmental and health bills in 2020 here.Election workers needed! Learn more here. ActiveLab is made possible by the support of ActiveSGV members and the Liberty Hill Foundation. For more information about ActiveSGV, or to support our work, please visit activeSGV.org

This episode of ActiveLab is all about our Bike Friendly Business District (BFBD) program. ActiveSGV staff, Amy Wong and Carly Curiel, are joined by Jannet Hernandez and Osmar Mérida, owners of Plant Love Food. Plant Love Food is a delicious, plant-based Mexican restaurant located in El Monte and one of our favorite bike-friendly businesses! Listen as we discuss how Jannet and Osmar started Plant Love Food, how COVID-19 has impacted their business, what we as customers can do to support, and some updates on their new location opening up on Main Street (aka: Valley Mall) in downtown El Monte! Note: Since the recording, the El Monte Farmers’ Market has been closed until further notice.To learn more about Plant Love Food, follow them on Instagram, @plantlovefood. For more information on our Bike Friendly Business District Program, please visit: bikefriendlysgv.com. ActiveLab is made possible by the support of ActiveSGV members and the Liberty Hill Foundation. For more information about ActiveSGV, or to support our work, please visit activeSGV.org.

On this episode of ActiveLab, ActiveSGV discusses the next #ReadSGV book club selection: “East of East: The Making of Greater El Monte”. Active staffers Diane and Carly host this interview with special guests Romeo Guzman and Caribbean Fragoza (founders of the South El Monte Arts Posse and editors of the book) as well as Gloria Arellanes (Tongva elder and Chicanx activist) who is featured in the book. “East of East provides a radical new history of El Monte and South El Monte and tells stories that have been excluded from dominant historical narratives—stories that long survived only in the popular memory of residents, as well as narratives that have been almost completely buried and all but forgotten.”If you’d like to purchase the book, you can find it here: www.rutgersuniversitypress.org/east-of-east/9781978805484Don’t forget to join us for our virtual book club meeting on July 30, 2020 at 6pm! RSVP and details here: www.facebook.com/events/287769968941064/ ActiveLab is made possible by the support of ActiveSGV members and the Liberty Hill Foundation. For more information about ActiveSGV, or to support our work, please visit activeSGV.org

ActiveSGV interviews Danny Heeley, the manager of America’s #1 Bike and Plant Store, about running a small shop in the midst of a pandemic. Challenges have included juggling new safety protocol, record demand for repairs, and a global shortage of entry-level bicycles. Located in the west San Gabriel Valley, The Cubhouse is providing appointment-only essential bike service during the COVID-19 shutdown. ActiveLab is made possible by the support of ActiveSGV members and the Liberty Hill Foundation. For more information about ActiveSGV, or to support our work, please visit activeSGV.org

What SGV cities are moving walking, bicycling, and active mobility projects forward? ActiveSGV’s Wes Reutimann touches base with Pasadena Disability and Accessibility Commissioner David Azevedo on the status of the valley’s first bi-directional, on-street protected bike/rollway, and how Commissioners and residents have been working together to ensure the final design meets the needs of people of all abilities. Part 2 of our mini-series on the state of active transportation in the SGV includes updates on the following cities.Baldwin ParkPasadenaSouth PasadenaClaremontProject info/images:SGV’s 3rd (installed) protected, on-street bike/rollway - Foothill Blvd, ClaremontPotentially the SGV’s 1st on-street, protected, two-way bike/rollway - Union Ave, PasadenaCitywide Bicycle Parking - South PasadenaActiveLab is made possible by the support of ActiveSGV members and the Liberty Hill Foundation. For more information about ActiveSGV, or to support our work, please visit activeSGV.org

What SGV cities are moving pedestrian, bike, and other active mobility projects forward? ActiveSGV Executive Director David Diaz and La Verne Bicycle Coalition co-founder Doug Strange join Wes Reutimann to discuss the latest, greatest projects coming online in 2020 as well as what's in store for National Bike Month in the SGV. Part 1 (of 2) includes updates on the following cities:El MonteSouth El MonteArcadiaUnincorporated Valinda - La PuenteLa VerneSelect project images and references:Merced Ave Greenway - South El MontePuente Creek Greenway - Unincorporated LA CountyLa Verne Bicycle Coalition - See their Facebook page for project imagesActiveLab is made possible by the support of ActiveSGV members and the Liberty Hill Foundation. For more information about ActiveSGV, or to support our work, please visit activeSGV.org

Active San Gabriel Valley organizers Amy, Adriana, and Wes share and discuss:What the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day (4/22/1970 - 4/22/2020) means to those who weren't around for the first one;Their personal experiences with actions individuals can take to save money, improve community and personal health, and support local climate action; andVoices of the SGV, ActiveSGV's effort to uplift stories of San Gabriel Valley residents we have the opportunity to work with and for. Additional Episode Resources:Full Moon Yoga - email carly [at] ActiveSGV.org for details on the next one!Darn Tough socks - sample product built to last (Amy's rec)#EarthMonth relevant children's book rec - Allan Drummond ("Pedal Power"; "Green City"; "Energy Island"; "Solar Story")ActiveLab is made possible by the support of ActiveSGV members and the Liberty Hill Foundation. For more information about ActiveSGV, or to support our work, please visit activeSGV.org