TITLE
Recommendation to receive and file report on 2011 Solar Grand Prix.
DISCUSSION
Ladies and Gentlemen: Get ready for the exciting (and quiet) Second Annual Solar Grand Prix at the "EI Dorado Park Raceway" on Saturday, April 9 starting at 7:00 am.
Sponsored by Councilwoman Gerrie Schipske and the 5th District Taskforce on Solar Power and Sustainability, this second annual event has drawn 149 teams consisting of over 500 students from 20 different Long Beach schools - more than triple the number from last year's event.
On January 22, 2011, each student attended a brief workshop on the basics of solar energy and how automobiles operate. Experts in the fields of engineering and solar installation conducted the workshop. Upon completion of the workshop, Councilwoman Schipske gave each team a solar car kit that included a solar panel and a motor. Student teams have been working since then to design a solar car that will be raced one of two tracks. Students are awarded prizes for best design and for speed. A volunteer panel of technical experts will judge the cars and officiate the race. The two 20-meter wooden tracks have been constructed by the United Brotherhood of Carpenters.
A number of "solar and sustainability" exhibitors will also be on hand to demonstrate the latest items and provide information. Sponsors of the event include: Partners of Parks, United Brotherhood of Carpenters, IBEW Local Union 11, Southern California Edison, Progressive Power Group, Phat Energy, SA Recycling, P2S Engineering, Inc., Long Beach Lifeguard Association, AMECO Solar, Mr. Mike Walter, Commissioner, Port of Long Beach, Union Bank, Yellow Cab, Grand Prix Foundation of Long Beach, BP America, Inc., and Waxie Green.
The event is open to the public. Several food trucks will be available for food purchase. Students and volunteers also receive a T-shirt and water bottle at the event.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
COUNCILWOMAN GERRIE SCHIP...
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