About the ELC

We created the Environmental Learning Center (ELC) to teach children and adults about sustainable water and solid resources management in Los Angeles. The ELC was developed as an engaging, interactive learning environment that not only explains sustainable principles for everyday life, but also demonstrates these principles. So as visitors look around, they will see water and solid materials recycling on-site, conservation practiced continuously, environment-friendly building materials and a green roof, and many more examples of sustainable principles in action. Visitors to the Environmental Learning Center will gain a greater understanding of the City’s work to protect public health and the environment.

Through interactive exhibits, our visitors will learn the essential role of every individual for the future of clean water treatment and conservation, watershed protection and the management of our solid resources. We believe that visitors to the Environmental Learning Center will discover an amazing resource for environmental education. We hope that after visiting, thousands of Angelenos of all ages will be inspired to adopt sustainable practices in their daily lives, thus becoming much needed -- and much more effective -- stewards of the environment.
 
 

Mission Statement
The Environmental Learning Center’s vision is to become the leading center for environmental education while inspiring future generations to protect public health and the environment through their commitment to conservation and environmental stewardship.

The City of Los Angeles dedicated the ELC to the City residents for the possibility of inspiring future generations to protect public health and the environment through sustainable behaviors.



Meet The Team

Director - Niesha C. Louis
As the Director of the ELC, Ms. Louis oversees daily operations and management of the administrative support for the ELC. She has worked in the ELC since May 2016 and has over 11 years experience working for the City of Los Angeles.

You can reach Ms. Louis at niesha.louis@lacity.org.


Operations Manager - Kenneth Jeong
Mr. Jeong is responsible for overseeing the operations and administrative aspects of keeping the ELC running. Some of his primary areas of responsibility include purchasing, operations, and personnel. Mr. Jeong has worked for the Los Angeles Environmental Learning Center at Hyperion for 6 years. He is an avid cyclist and enjoys traveling.


Project Coordinator / Curriculum Specialist - Leticia Sandoval Flores
As the Project Coordinator/Curriculum Specialist, Ms. Sandoval is currently developing an engaging curriculum that supports the newest Next Generation Science Standards. She’s also available to personally meet with educators to assist with developing their own curriculum to enhance their ELC visit. She has worked at the ELC since May 2016.

You can reach Mrs. Flores at Leticia.sandoval@lacity.org


Office Engineer Technician - Sandra Williams
As the Office Engineer Technician at the ELC, Ms. Williams manages and executes various aspects of the contracts that maintain the ELC exhibits. She assists in the development and planning of various projects at the ELC including special events.


Tour Guide - Nancy Carr
Ms. Carr has been educating tour groups about the Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant for over 14 years. She is an expert on the plant's history and also serves as a guide for ELC tours.  Ms. Carr always enjoys sharing information and educating new groups about the plant and the ELC.

You can reach Ms. Carr at nancy.carr@lacity.org


Project Assistant/ Tour Guide - Alan Rodriguez

Mr. Rodriguez assists with daily operations and maintenance of the ELC exhibits. He provides engaging tours of the interactive exhibits while also assisting with additional projects, both on and off site.

Mr. Rodriguez has traveled to Reclamation Plants all over the country. He holds Certifications and Associates degrees in OSHA Construction Safety and Health, Solid Waste Management, Supply Water Systems Technology and Wastewater Treatment. Mr. Rodriguez will be continuing his education at California State University, Dominguez Hills in Fall of 2018.


Administrative Clerk/Tour Guide - Christiana Saldana

As an administrative clerk at the ELC, Ms. Saldana eads tours of exhibits within the center. This includes educating visitors about water and solid resources as part of the many services LA Sanitation provides to residents. Ms. Saldana holds a B.A. in Geography, a minor in Geology and a certificate in GIS.

As a CSULA Alumni and Southern California native, Ms. Saldana is quite familiar with the region and looks forward to a career furthering LA Sanitation's environmental goals. She enjoys traveling when possible to explore new regions, customs, cuisine and how other cities manage their resources.


Administrative Clerk/ Tour Guide - Michelle Lopez


Ms. Lopez is a California State University, Long Beach graduate with a double major in Sociology and Human Development. She very much enjoys traveling, and had the opportunity to study abroad in Florence, Italy.

At the ELC, she is a tour guide of the Environmental Learning Center where she showcases all of the exhibits, and informs all our visitors about what L.A. Sanitation provides for Los Angeles residents.


You can reach the ELC staff at 310-648-5363.



ELC AWARDS

2012:
Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) Southern California Chapter Project Achievement Award for Building Projects: Renovation and Modernization

American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Region 9 Outstanding Sustainable Engineering Project Award

U.S. Green Building Council (USBGC) Los Angeles Chapter LEED Gold Certification

2013:
California Water Environment Association (CWEA) Public Education Award (Large Budget Award)

California Association of Sanitation Agencies (CASA) Achievement Award for Outstanding Capital Project

2014:
American Academy of Environmental Engineers & Scientists (AAEES) Environmental Communications Award Honor Award

2015:
National Environmental Achievement Awards from the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) : Public Information and Education Award