Julia Moore is a 5th grader at Beacon Hill Classical Academy with a passion for science and learning. Since moving to Ventura from Tennessee with her family, she thought she was leaving the snow and winter weather behind. However, a science project study quickly proved that was untrue.
When Julia’s teacher assigned a science project on snow removal and how to melt snow on the roads, Julia did not know where or when there would be snow in our county. She interviewed Roads and Transportation Superintendent, Rudy Munoz, for her report.
“It was so fun to talk to Julia about snow in our county. Since many people do not know that the Northern region of Ventura County receives a fair amount of snow during the winter months and that Lockwood Valley has a microclimate, it’s always great information to teach young students,” says Rudy.
Rudy shared with Julia that Public Works uses sand instead of salt during snow removing operations, as sand is less damaging to the environment in a protected area. The sand’s primary purpose is to improve traction on icy road surfaces, and Roads & Transportation applies it after they clear the snow from the roadway. The sand that Ventura County PWA Roads & Transportation uses is called #1 Sand, and Arcosa Lightweight produces it locally at the aggregate plant on Lockwood Valley Rd. Thanks to Rudy for sharing his insight and experience!
