Los Angeles Board of Public Works vice president Monica Rodriguez was recently honored by the Los Angeles Beautification Team at its dinner on June 9 at the Globe Theatre at Universal Studios.

photo courtesy of the Los Angeles Department of Public Works

Rodriguez was presented with the Environmental Leadership Recognition award and accepted the Environmental Recognition award on behalf of Keep Los Angeles Beautiful, for which she serves as chair. She is pictured with Councilmen Tom LaBonge, 4th District, and Paul Koretz, 5th District.

Rodriguez was recognized for spearheading a rain barrel pilot program to address the drought. Through a partnership with different groups, more than 1,000 repurposed rain barrels have been distributed to residents since last November. The rain barrels have captured an estimated 240,000 gallons of rainwater that is being used for irrigation, instead of going directly into the storm drains.