Last Saturday, April 21, the Watts Clean Air and Energy Committee successfully hosted its inaugural Earth Day Celebration at St. John’s United Methodist Church.
Community members of all ages turned out to visit the booths, eat delicious local healthy food, and hear from community leaders and elected representatives. The speaking ceremony, which began at noon, gave attendees an opportunity to hear from LADWP Commissioner Bill Funderburk, who spoke about Watts’ leadership in the fight for clean energy for all and how that has led to choosing Watts as the location for clean energy projects like Electric Vehicle charging stations.
Other participants included GRID Alternatives Executive Director for Greater LA Area Michael Kadish, who delivered the solar panels for the 6kw MegaWatts installation at the Church, and messages from Sierra Club National Board Vice President Susana Reyes, Watts Clean Air and Energy Committee member Shirley Gamble, and Watts Neighborhood Council member Mac Shorty.
This year, the community celebrated the contributions of the late Mike Chattom. Chattom, who was a founding member of the Watts Clean Air and Energy Committee, was honored not only by fellow council member Shirley Gamble in her speech but by everyone who gathered at the event. When the committee signed the solar panels, they dedicated them to Mike as he was a catalyst for the MegaWatts solar project.
