Solar Grand Prix Orientation A Huge Success

What do you call over 300 students and parents coming out on a Saturday morning? A huge success.

That's what's happened yesterday at the El Dorado Community Center.

I launched the orientation meeting for the First Solar Grand Prix at 10 am to a standing room only audience of students, teachers and parents who came to listen to the basics of solar energy and how to build a solar car.

Thanks to the participation of the 5th District Solar and Sustainability Task Force and volunteers from the Parks, Recretation and Marine Department, we were able to host a very organized and productive orientation.

Our speakers included:

• Pat Vogel -- artist and the maker of the first solar car at CSULB
• Pat Redgate -- owner and operator of Ameco Solar
• Ryan Gardner -- CSULB Engineering student
• Matthew McHale -- 5th District Neighborhood Liaison and Solar Grand Prix coordinator

At the conclusion of the orientation, adult coaches (parents and teachers) were given a basic solar car kit (solar panel and motor) for their team of students.

Student teams were also given hand-outs and links (www.lbdistrict5.com and then click on Solar Grand Prix tab) to videos and other materials.

The teams will race their creations on April 10 at the First Annual 5th District Solar Grand Prix.