Breathing – yes, that fundamental function – finally may be more of a pleasure this year at El Marino Language School, where students and faculty have fought off fumes from the 405 Freeway for as long as adults can remember.

With little fanfare but enormous relief, the almost landmark announcement came from Asst. Supt. Mike Reynolds:

“We have installed the air filtration system at El Marino,” he said.

The long, long wait may have reached a happy junction, but this is a work in progress.

One significant piece remains, and it reposes in the clouded future.

“We have plans to install air conditioning in the classrooms,” Mr. Reynolds said. “At the moment, those plans are awaiting approval at the Dept. of State Architect. That will be the final step.”

One more wrinkle.

“At the moment, it would be hard to leave the classroom doors closed on super hot days to maximize the effect of the filtration system,” Mr. Reynolds said.

The good news is that air conditioning, a longtime elusive goal, is on the way “as soon as we get approval from the state.”

Estimated time of arrival? “I am hoping a few months,” Mr. Reynolds said. “The state is real backlogged, and they move at a glacial pace.”

Three years ago, the first meaningful step was taken – installation of the original pilot system in a single classroom. “We tested thoroughly with the help of El Marino’s Committee for Clean Air,” Mr. Reynolds said.

The venture was successful.
“We showed that the system of high quality filters, MRB 16, removed up to 95 percent of the particulates from the 405 Freeway.

“That was the test, learning that there was a system that could do it,” Mr. Reynolds said. “Then we looked into the most effective, efficient way of installing filtration. We looked at many alternatives.

“In the final analysis, we are looking at two different methodologies, depending on the logistics of the buildings.”

Some would be roof-mounted, others wall-mounted, said Mr. Reynolds. “All would do the same thing, though, use the MERB 16 filter to clean the air.”

He predicted that all parts will be in place at El Marino in “10 or 11 months.”