One Major issue plaguing our community of South Gate is plastic waste. In 2024, Los Angeles County has faced major problems in the environment stemming from plastic waste. A 2020 study by UCLA revealed that the local facilities here in our county process over 100 tons of waste DAILY, with the great majority being plastic. We as taxpayers have to pay the price for this as we spend around 18 million annually on waste programs to reduce debris and reduce the burden that the plastic pollution has in our county. Not only have we wasted MILLIONS of taxpayer dollars trying to reduce the impact of the plastic waste we have also been impacted regarding our health. The tiny plastic particles in microplastics that result from the breakdown of large plastic items like water bottles are a big problem, we find these microplastics in our beaches, mountain ranges and various other areas. Microplastics are known to be dangerous to us because they can accumulate in our body, ruining our hormonal balance, which can lead to cardiovascular diseases. They can also impact our liver, kidney, and even our brain just from the inhalation or ingestion. Alarmingly these microplastics also can cause reproductive issues because of the hormonal imbalance which can impact one's fertility. So the question remains then how can we work together as a community to prevent this? We can reduce the cause of plastic waste in the first place, plastic bottles. According to the city of South Gate Beverage Container Recycling Program each Californian consumes an average of 571 beverages with the California Redemption (CRV) Value every year. To attack the problem from the root we have to think about why people are consuming so many plastic bottles every day, and the answer to that question is the lack of water refill centers across South Gate, and to an extent Los Angeles. To address the issue of people using too many water bottles there will be multiple steps. First we would have to start a campaign to include water refill stations around the city, in libraries, schools, public park recreational centers etc. Secondly we would encourage people to bring their insulated drink containers to water refill stations. People would receive clean, cold, and filtered drinking water that would be refillable for them for a small fee to cover the water cost of refills. The city council will implement these plans, by having students from schools, residents and others to petition the mayor Maria Davila, Vice Mayor Joshua Barron, Council Member Maria del Pilar Avalos, Council Member Gil Hurtado, or Council Member Al Rios to speak on this issue and vote to implement these refill stations for water. It would be practical to start at schools and libraries and then expand to various other city locations once they receive more funding. The City can work with the State Board of Environmental Safety in order to receive the initial funding to fund the program. To include the community we would begin by doing a mass social media campaign including videos to explain the cause, and have representatives take these to schools (which would gladly support the cause) and have the students sign a petition. I will personally help with making social media posts and write emails to my local representatives in order to advance this plan as it is beneficial to everyone involved, I am very well versed in social media tactics, as I have accumulated millions of viewers and hundred of thousands of likes for a school based sports page I have posted on in just one year.

My name is Jerry Zavala, a senior at South Gate Senior High School, and my entrepreneurial journey has been profoundly shaped by my work with El Dicho Birreria, a food truck owned by my aunt. This experience has not only instilled in me a deep passion for growing businesses but has also guided me toward my broader goal of merging sustainability with entrepreneurship. El Dicho Birreria is more than just a food truck; it represents a family legacy and a thriving business that brings joy to our community through its authentic tacos. Working alongside my aunt, I have been deeply involved in various aspects of the business, from managing daily operations to engaging with our loyal customers. This hands-on experience has taught me the intricacies of running a successful enterprise and has sparked my ambition to drive growth and innovation within our business. One of the most fulfilling aspects of my role at El Dicho Birreria has been helping to expand our reach and enhance our service. From refining our menu to optimizing our supply chain (finding lower prices) and exploring new marketing strategies, I’ve been deeply invested in every facet of the business. Seeing the tangible impact of our efforts—whether it's a positive customer review or a bustling day of sales—has reinforced my passion for entrepreneurship and my commitment to the growth of our family business. My experiences with El Dicho Birreria have also inspired me to think about how we can further improve and innovate. I’ve observed the challenges associated with managing a small food truck, particularly in terms of efficiency, sustainability and financials. These insights have led me to propose and implement new practices, such as transitioning to eco-friendly packaging and minimizing food waste, these not only comply with future city regulation but also make a impact in combating waste. These initiatives not only align with my personal values but also respond to growing consumer demand for sustainable practices. The growth of El Dicho Birreria is closely tied to my vision for expanding our impact. I am passionate about leveraging this experience to explore new business opportunities and potential partnerships. For instance, I am actively researching ways to introduce locally sourced ingredients and streamline our operations to enhance both our environmental footprint and our community engagement. My goal is to elevate El Dicho Birreria from a beloved local food truck to a model of sustainable and community-focused business practices and use local produce such as purchasing from local meat vendors. The entrepreneurial skills I’ve developed through my work with El Dicho Birreria are invaluable. I’ve learned the importance of adaptability, customer focus, Multitasking and strategic thinking. More importantly, I’ve seen firsthand the challenges and rewards of growing a business from the ground up. These lessons have fueled my desire to continue supporting and expanding my aunt’s business, while also exploring new ventures that align with my values and aspirations. This scholarship will provide essential support for my continued growth and development as an entrepreneur. It will enable me to invest in further training, explore innovative business practices, and implement sustainable solutions that will benefit both El Dicho Birreria and the broader community. My journey with El Dicho Birreria has been a profound learning experience and a source of great personal fulfillment. It has solidified my passion for entrepreneurship and my commitment to fostering growth and sustainability in every venture I undertake. Thank you for considering my application and supporting my vision for a thriving, sustainable future.