There has never been a better time to help out and be recognized.
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To read the South Bay Cities Council of Governments' latest edition of its newsletter, South Bay Watch, click here |
Where Does Your City Rank in the
SCE Energy Leader Partnership Program
Platinum Tier
20% Energy Reduction Stay Tuned
Gold Tier
10% Energy Reduction
City of Hawthorne
City of Lomita
Silver Tier
5% Energy Reduction
City of Carson
City of El Segundo
City of Gardena
City of Hermosa Beach
City of Inglewood
City of Manhattan Beach
City of Redondo Beach
Valued Level:
City of Lawndale
City of Palos Verdes Estates
City of Rancho Palos Verdes
City of Rolling Hills Estates
City of Torrance
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Message From the Deputy Executive Director of Environmental Programs
Our focus in this issue of the e-newsletter highlights the commercial side in addition to the variety of environmental services offered to residents and municipalities. Saving money is undoubtedly a constant for all the energy efficiency, water conservation and air quality efforts that take place in our daily lives whether in the home, at school, or at work. Growing the perspective from the individual interest to include the business sector is of value to everyone, particularly in these challenging economic times.
You will find articles on low cost Energy Upgrade California loans to county homeowners, PACE financing for commercial properties, Home Depot water-wise plant savings events, a Green Expo sponsored by the Torrance Chamber of Commerce, and financial incentives made available by Southern California Gas Company to businesses for energy efficiency projects - a variety to raise your awareness of viable options.
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Energy Upgrade California
PACE Program for Commercial Properties - Attractive Financing Options Available
Through Energy Upgrade California (EUC) in Los Angeles County, owners of non-residential, non-publicly-owned, income-producing commercial properties in LA County have access to PACE financing. PACE stands for "Property Assessment Clean Energy." Under the PACE structure, property owners can negotiate project-specific terms with the investors of their choice, and repay the cost of the upgrade over time through a contractual assessment placed on the property tax bill. PACE investors are fully secured through a voluntary contractual assessment, and as such, they have the security to offer financing at lower rates and over longer periods.
More on PACE Commercial Financing
LA County Homeowners:Click Here to Enter a Sweepstakes to Win a Greenpoint Rating For Your Home Worth $2,000. Deadline: May 9 at 12:01 a.m.
FLYER
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The Gas Company
$30 Million in Incentives Available for Energy Efficient Projects for Business - Carson Business Wins Award
On March 29, 2012 Southern California Gas Company announced that more than $30 million in rebates and incentives are available in 2012 to business customers for qualifying energy-efficiency projects. The announcement was made at SoCalGas' annual Business Expo in Pomona, Calif., where over 300 business representatives learned how they could save energy and money through the utility's programs and latest green technologies.
More on Incentives for Business from the Gas Company |
Southern California Edison
Helping Businesses with Retention, Expansion and Attraction
Southern California Edison (SCE) has a wealth of information on their website for businesses of any size. In addition to rebate information, high bill helpers, and other ways to improve the bottom line, SCE offers information on how their Regional Economic Development (RED) teams, their experienced Economic Development Team and their network of resource partners can help guide businesses in many diverse ways. Also offered on the website is the Economic Development Services Fact Sheet.
Click here to go to the SCE Economic Development website. |
L.A. Metro
The Rule 2202 Solution
Are you an employer of 250 or more employees in the South Bay? As you are aware, you must comply with SCAQMD's Rule 2202 - On-Road Motor Vehicle Mitigation. Adopted in 1995, the objective of the Rule 2202 program is to reduce mobile source emissions generated from employee commute trips. The rule applies to all employers within the South Boast Air Quality Management District that employ over 250 personnel.
An option that is available for employers to offer their employees is Metro's Vanpool program.
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Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County
"Be Safe and Protect the Environment by Proper Disposal of Needles" from the Los Angeles Times, 20 April 2012
Most people today know that you can't toss certain hazardous items like old paint and motor oil in with the regular trash. These materials can be dangerous and need to be disposed of in a separate manner to protect public health and the environment.
These requirements also apply for used needless, also referred to as medical waste or sharps. Sharps are hypodermic needles, pen needles, intravenous needles, lancets, and other devices that are used to penetrate the skin for delivery of medications. Since September 12, 2008 it has been illegal to dispose of sharps in the regular trash due to safety and environmental concerns.
More on Needles and Sharps Drop Off Program
Flyer Showing Drop Off Locations in the South Bay |
West Basin Municipal Water District Smart Gardening Expos May 5 & May 19
West Basin will be co-sponsoring water-wise events in May at two Home Depot locations in the South Bay. The first event will be on Saturday, May 5, 2012 at the Home Depot at 14603 Oceangate in Hawthorne from 9am to 2pm. The second event will be in Torrance on Saturday, May 19, 2012 at the Home Depot located at 24451 Crenshaw Blvd from 9am to 2pm.
Both events will feature mini-demonstrations once per hour with water efficiency specialists on hand to answer questions. Shoppers will be able to purchase climate-appropriate plants up to 50% off the regular price.
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City of Torrance May 17 - Regional Mixer/Green Expo
On Thursday, May 17, the Green Torrance Committee of the Torrance Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Regional Mixer/Green Expo! The South Bay Environmental Services Center will be exhibiting water, energy and environmental resources available to businesses that wish to reduce utility costs or learn how to green their businesses. The event takes place from 5:30-8:00 pm at the Toyota Automobile Museum, 19600 Van Ness Avenue in Torrance. There is a $5.00 charge at the door.
Note that the Green Torrance Committee includes city economic development staff and businesses that practice eco-friendly procedures, and offer green services or products. Because of their interest and support, the Expo is truly a worthwhile community event.
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Staff Spotlight
Joline Munoz is a welcome addition to the South Bay Environmental Services Center and is our main contact for Energy Upgrade California. With a background in Environmental Engineering and passion for the environment, Joline strives to learn more and educate others about such topics as sustainable solutions and conservation strategies.
Outside of work, Joline is very active in the American Society of Civil Engineers Younger Member Forum as an officer of the Los Angeles Chapter and enjoys the outdoors while running, swimming, and climbing. This energetic individual completed her first half-marathon last year and plans to run a full-marathon in the next year. |
Legislation Corner
SB1066 - Coastal Resources - Maximizing Project Benefits Along the Coast. From the office of Ted W. Lieu, CA 28th District
SB1066 corrects an ambiguity in law to ensure that the California Coastal Conservancy, as part of its mission to use innovative entrepreneurial techniques to protect, restore, and enhance coastal resources and urban waterfronts, can engage in projects that address climate change impacts in these areas.
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The Green Idea House
An Idea Whose Time Has Come!
One afternoon a few years ago, the SBESC office received a call from a Mr. Robert Fortunato, who asked if we knew anything about net-zero houses, and we introduced him to our partners Southern California Edison, Southern California Gas Company and West Basin Municipal Water District.
Fast forward to 2012: Robert, his wife Monica and their son, Carter, just moved back into their completely remodeled net-zero and award winning home in Hermosa Beach, which they call the Green Idea House.
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Cities in the News
Energy Efficiency Leader Award goes to Gardena - from Gardena Valley News 22 March 2012
"Leaders at Gardena Municipal Bus Lines (GMBL) received the Energy Efficiency Leader Award from Thermo King, a manufacturer of temperature control systems for a variety of mobile applications during a ceremony at the Gardena bus facility.
In recognition of GMBL's commitment to operational and energy efficiency and sustainability, the city's Transportation Department will receive the "Energy Efficiency Leader Award" from Thermo King, a manufacturer of temperature control systems for a variety of mobile applications and a brand of Ingersoll Rand.
More on Gardena's Energy Efficiency Leader Award
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May 2012 Events & Workshops
The SBESC Office will be closed on Monday, May 28 in Observance of Memorial Day
West Basin Smart Gardening Expo
Saturday, May 5, 2012
9:00 am - 2:00 pm
Home Depot 14603 Oceangate, Hawthorne, CA
Sanitation Districts Hazardous Household Waste Collection
Saturday, May 5, 2012
9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Rancho Palos Verdes City Hall
30930 Hawthorne Blvd, Rancho Palos Verdes
Greening Your Home with Energy Upgrade CA and Water Reliability 2020
Thursday, May 10, 2012
6:30 - 8:30 pm
Inglewood City Hall 1st Floor Community Room
One Manchester Blvd., Inglewood
Regional Chamber Mixer/Green Expo
Hosted by the Green Torrance Committee of the Torrance Chamber of Commerce
Thursday, May 17, 2012
5:30 - 8:00 pm
Toyota Museum
19600 Van Ness Ave, Torrance
West Basin Smart Gardening Expo Saturday, May 19, 2012 9:00 am - 2:00 pm Home Depot 24451 Crenshaw Blvd, Torrance, CA LA County Dept of Parks & Recreation Health and Wellness Fair Saturday, May 19, 2012 10:00 am - 6:00 pm Yvonne Burke Sr/Community Center 4750 W. 62nd St., Ladera Heights |
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