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Save Water, Energy, Money and the Environment

Volume 8, Number 5

May / June 2012

IN THIS ISSUE...
Calling Volunteers!
Achieved Certification
Businesses with Green Practices
EUC
SCE
Gas Company
Sanitation Districts
West Basin
City of Torrance
Staff Spotlight
Cities in the News
City Highlight: Hermosa Beach
Evidence-Based Gardening Takes Gold
South Bay Gets Plugged In
Great Resources at PV Street Fair & Music Festival
Green Machine: Electric Freight Trucks Coming to LA
Reminder: AB 341 - Mandatory Commercial Recycling

CALLING VOLUNTEERS!
There has never been a better time to help out and be recognized.
 

Email Martha, call her at 310.371.7222, x 209 or complete our volunteer application and submit it by email or fax.
 

You can make a huge difference!
 


 Visit Our Cities

Carson
El Segundo
Gardena
Hawthorne
Hermosa Beach
Inglewood
Lawndale
Lomita
Manhattan Beach
Palos Verdes Estates
Rancho Palos Verdes
Redondo Beach
Rolling Hills
Rolling Hills Estates
Torrance

SCE Customers in
San Pedro & Harbor City


County Unincorporated Areas in South Bay

 

2012 REBATE FORMS AVAILABLE ON-LINE! 

  

The Gas Company
 
 

Southern California Edison

 

West Basin Municipal Water District
 

 

 

 

 

En Espa�ol
The Gas Company
Southern California Edison Sanitation Districts of LA County
Metro
 
County of Los Angeles 

 

 

Find us on FacebookFollow us on Twitter

 

 

www.sbesc.com 

  
  
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 Hermosa Beach
City of Inglewood
City of Manhattan Beach
City of Redondo Beach
 
 
 
Valued Level:
City of Gardena
City of Lawndale
City of Palos Verdes Estates
City of Rancho Palos Verdes
City of Rolling Hills Estates
City of Torrance
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Message From the Deputy Executive Director of Environmental Programs

 

There are two synergistic events that take place during the months of May and June. While we reflect on Memorial Day and remember the personal sacrifices of others to sustain the freedoms of our country, graduations are taking place celebrating academic accomplishments that prepare young and old to "make a difference" in their lives. Take note in this newsletter of the numerous workshops, seminars and trainings offered by SBESC and our partners on sustainability related topics to foster knowledge, understanding and action for resource protection on a community scale, and job enhancement as a personal investment - both working towards a sustainable South Bay.
 

Catherine Showalter

 

 

Achieved CertificationSBESC

SBESC Gives Recognition    

 

The SBESC would like to recognize South Bay city staff members and commissioners Sona Kalapura of Manhattan Beach, Timothy Cunningham of Torrance, Doug Krauss of Hawthorne, and Mindy Wilcox of Inglewood who have earned certifications as Certified Sustainability Managers through a SBESC training program.  For more information about the many training options available to city staff, commissioners and elected officials, click here.    

Businesses with Green Practices
Eco-Friendly Printing Practices Allow Green Ink Marketing to Remain "Green" 

 

Torrance business owners Pat Sandt and Sue Moylan co-founded Green Ink Marketing (GIM) on the principles of professional  experienceintegrity, community involvement and eco-friendly practices. GIM is a full service marketing agency

that specializes in promoting Green Ink's clients' uniqueness in order to increase their sales.  

Read More

Energy Upgrade LogoEnergy Upgrade California
Residential  Financing Options Through
Matadors Community Credit Union 

 

Los Angeles County homeowners can now qualify for loans with as little as 2% interest for home energy upgrades while conserving energy, lowering utility bills and earning cash incentives. 

 

In all but the very newest homes, almost half of the heated or air conditioned air can be lost through leaky ducts, uninsulated walls, ceilings and floors. Homeowners who make energy-saving home improvements such as insulation, sealing, HVAC upgrades, energy-efficient windows, tankless water heaters and other "fixed" improvements can earn cash incentives of between $2,000 and $8,000. Not only do these upgrades save on monthly utility costs,  they can also increase the value of the home.

 

The first step for homeowners interested in making energy efficient upgrades is to visit the Energy Upgrade CA website and locate a participating contractor. The South Bay Environmental Services Center also has staff who can answer questions - just call (310) 371-7222. Additionally, homeowners can call toll free at (877) 785-2237.

 

The low interest Matadors loans can help homeowners take advantage of the Energy Upgrade CA program. To learn more about Matadors Community Credit Union please visit www.matadors.org.

SCE
 
Southern California Edison

Southern California Edison Customers, Purchase Eligible Compact Fluorescent Lamp (CFL) Bulbs at a Discounted Rate!!

 

For a limited time, you can purchase discounted energy-efficient CFL bulbs online. SCE has reduced the prices of energy-efficient CFL lighting products at participating online retailers.

Learn More

 

Lighting Showroom Trial

Southern California Edison (SCE) is offering 30 to 50 percent discounts on ultra energy-efficient lighting fixtures at 10 The Home Depot stores in its service area. The fixtures normally sell for about $10 to $15; with the discount, they are priced as low as $5.

The Gas Company
The Gas Company

ENERGY STAR� Natural Gas Tankless Water Heaters

 

Up to $400 Rebate (limited time only April 1, 2012- Dec. 31, 2012 )

How to Qualify and Apply

 

LEED the Way Toward Building Sustainable Foodservice Facilities - Seminar on Thursday, June 7th, 2012

   

The US Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program offers the commercial foodservice industry a way to build sustainable

foodservice facilities and achieve LEED certification. One of the most challenging aspects of LEED is to meet the energy and

water efficiency requirements. Fortunately, LEED for Retail has addressed some of these challenges and the doors have been opened for commercial foodservice.

Details and Registration Form 

 

Sanitation Districts of LA County

Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County

Redondo Beach Elementary School Wins Award for Reducing Trash

 

At Jefferson Elementary in Redondo Beach, the cafeteria trash bin is no longer the sole dumping ground for uneaten food, empty cartons and discarded packaging . . .

 

. . . Jefferson Elementary is the winner of the inaugural Los Angeles County Trash-Free Lunch Challenge, created by a Manhattan Beach-based nonprofit organization called Grades of Green and sponsored by the Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County.

More on the Trash-Free Lunch Challenge 

 

Have You Ever Wondered What Happens to Your Trash and Sewage?

Take a tour of the San Jose Creek Water Reclamation Plant and Puente Hills Landfill on Saturday, June 9 and find out.    RSVP by June 5 to Nell Madigan at (562) 908-4288, x 2300 or by email at [email protected].

FLYER and MAP

West Basin Municipal Water District           Free Public Tours! West Basin

 

Go visit West Basin's facilities and check out the flyers below.  
City of Torrance 
City of Torrance

Ocean Friendly Garden Workshop

Saturday, June 2, 2012 - 9am - noon

 

The City of Torrance will be hosting an Ocean Friendly Garden Workshop on Saturday, June 2 at West High School.  Join the workshop and learn how to develop and maintain an ocean friendly garden using the latest sustainable and water efficient materials, techniques and technologies designed specifically for Southern California.
 
A small sample of what is covered:  Learn about native and other drought tolerant plants, water efficient irrigation systems and devices.   Learn how to perform a site evaluation, turf (grass) removal, mulching, soil remediation, rainfall capture, plant selection and upkeep.   
West High School
Building 5 - Cafeteria
20401 Victor St., Torrance

 

 
Staff Spotlight 
Dan Rodman 

 

Dan Rodman is a Program Assistant for the South Bay Cities Council of Governments, working at the South Bay Environmental Services Center.  One of his principal efforts involves implementing the Local Use Vehicle Demonstration Project, a program that studies the use of electric vehicles as a tool to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality in the South Bay.  Dan is also a board member at the Bikerowave, a bicycle community center in Los Angeles.  In the fall, he will continue his professional development at the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs as an urban planning master's student.  With a passion for the urban environment, Dan hopes to be an agent of change who supports the human element of communities.

Cities in the News 
Manhattan Beach Among 12 Winners in Water Conservation Challenge
 

Manhattan Beach is one of 12 cities to win a national water conservation challenge sponsored by the nonprofit organization Wyland Foundation and Toyota.

 

The results of the 2012 National Mayor's Challenge for Water Conservation were announced May 3. Participants in winning cities will be entered into a drawing for prizes, including the top award:  a Toyota Prius c Hybrid.

More on Manhattan Beach 

 

City Highlight

Hermosa Beach Wins $410,000 Grant

 

Congratulations to the City of Hermosa Beach! Two years ago, a group of Hermosa Beach residents sat down to see if they could become the first carbon neutral city in the United States. They are on their way now! Hermosa Beach officials will use the $410,000 grant proceeds from the California's Strategic Growth Council to develop an aggressive three-year plan to completely eliminate the city's carbon footprint, Mayor Jeff Duclos said in a statement.The funding represents about 2.4 percent of the city's annual budget, and Hermosa Beach leaders said they hope it will allow the town to emerge as a national leader in eco-friendly policy.

Evidence-Based Gardening Takes Gold
This year's Chelsea Flower Show in London Demonstrates the Benefits of Urban Greening  

Diverging from its stereotype of landscaped gardens and conservatories, this year's Chelsea Flower Show in London is going urban. Urban greening, that is.  

Occupying a corner of the show's famous Great Pavilion, the Environment section sports planters made from reclaimed wooden doors and recycled bottle acting as irrigation systems. 'We want to encourage people to plant, wherever they are,' says Eoin Redahan of the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), keepers of the British gardening flame and organisers of the annual show.

Read More

Plug In

Local Leaders Attend an Insider Tour of the International Electric Vehicle Symposium (EVS26)

 

As Californians struggle with paying $4 or more a gallon for gasoline, more than 50 local officials and leading state policy makers gathered on May 8 at the Los Angeles Convention Center to learn how to prepare their cities to take advantage of the opportunities presented by the emerging market in plug-in vehicle technologies. The group heard from various state and local leaders and received an insider tour of the International Electric Vehicle Symposium (EVS26), the world's largest event showcasing electric drive technologies and featuring more than 3,000 industry experts, policymakers and media.

Great Resources Available at Palos Verdes Street Fair & Music Festival

Energy Upgrade CA and Other Program Information Available!

 

Thinking of remodeling and upgrading your home?  South Bay Environmental Services Center will exhibit Energy Upgrade CA and our other valuable resource programs at the 25th Anniversary of the Annual Palos Verdes Street Fair & Music Festival June 9 and 10th.   Meet participating contractors for Energy Upgrade CA and learn about rebates and incentives up to $8,000!  Other program information regarding resources available through Southern California Edison, Southern California Gas Company, West Basin Municipal Water Districts, Metro and Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts will be shared. 

Read More 

Green Machine: Electric Freight Trucks Coming to LA
An "eHighway" Could Cut Carbon Emissions by 30%
  
San Francisco has its famous electric streetcars, but Los Angeles looks set to take the concept one step further. Freight trucks may soon buzz up and down electric lines along Interstate 710, which connects Los Angeles to Long Beach, California. This "eHighway" could cut carbon emissions and fuel use by trucks by as much as 30 percent.
Read More

 

AB 341: Mandatory Commercial Recycling 

Reminder: 

 

Beginning on July 1, 2012, businesses AND multi-family residential dwellings of 5 or more units, must comply with AB 341, Mandatory Commercial Recycling. As was reported previously in the March/April 2012 SBESC newsletter, this bill requires that "on and after July 1, 2012, a business that generates more than four cubic yards of commercial solid waste per week or is a multifamily residential dwelling of five units or more shall arrange for recycling services, consistent with state or local laws or requirements, including a local ordinance or agreement, applicable to the collection, handling or recycling of solid waste, to the extent that these services are offered and reasonably available from a local service provider." The three-fold purpose of the Mandatory Commercial Recycling law is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, create new jobs by diverting commercial solid waste to recycling efforts and to expand the opportunity for additional recycling services and recycling manufacturing facilities in California. 

June 2012 Events & Workshops
 
City of Torrance - Ocean Friendly Garden Workshop
in Collaboration with West Basin Municipal Water District
Saturday, June 2, 2012
9:00am - 12:00 pm
West High School, Main Library
20401 Victor Street, Torrance
 
High Efficiency Toilet Exchange in Collaboration with West Basin Municipal Water District
Saturday, June 2, 2012
10:00 am - 1:00 pm
West Basin Parking Lot
17140 Avalon Boulevard  Carson, CA 
 
Earth Day Festival, City of Hawthorne
Saturday, June 2, 2012
10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Hawthorne Memorial Park
3901 W El Segundo Blvd, Hawthorne
 
Service Provider Resource Fair
Saturday, June 2, 2012
10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Hawthorne Memorial Center
3901 W El Segundo Blvd, Hawthorne
 
Greening Your Home Through Energy Upgrade California and Water Reliability 2020 - Workshop
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
South Bay Environmental Services Center
20285 S Western Ave, Suite 100, Torrance
 
25th Annual Palos Verdes Street Fair/Music
Saturday and Sunday, June 9 & 10, 2012
10:00 am - 10:00 pm & 10:00 am - 9:00 pm
Crossfield and Deep Valley Drives
Rolling Hills Estates 90274
 
City of Torrance's Disaster Preparedness and Environmental Fair/City Yard Open House
Saturday, June 9, 2012
10:00 am - 2:00 pm
City Services Facility
20500 Madrona Ave, Torrance

 

Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County
Tour of San Jose Creek Water Reclamation Plant and Puente Hills Landfill
Saturday, June 9, 2012
San Jose Creek - 9:00 am- 10:30 am
Puente Hills - 10:30 am - 12:30 pm
RSVP to Nell Madigan at (562) 908-4288 or [email protected]
 
Water Reliability 2020 and other SBESC Programs Presentation to Gardena Brownfield
Community Relations Committee
Thursday, June 21, 2012
3:30 pm - 5:30 pm
Gardena Municipal Transportation Facility
13999 S Western Ave, Gardena
 
Greening Your Home Through Energy Upgrade California and Water Reliability 2020 - Workshop
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
South Bay Environmental Services Center
20285 S Western Ave, Suite 100, Torrance
 
SBCCOG Board of Directors Meeting
Thursday, June 28, 2012
6:00 pm
SBESC Office
20285 S Western Ave, Suite 100, Torrance
 
Retro-Commissioning, Operations, and Maintenance Training Workshop
Thursday, June 28, 2012
8:00 am - 12:00 pm
SBESC Office
20285 S Western Ave, Suite 100, Torrance
 
California Advanced Lighting Controls Training Program
Thursday, June 28, 2012
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
SBESC Office
20285 S Western Ave, Suite 100, Torrance
 
Ocean Friendly Garden Workshop
Saturday, June 30, 2012
10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Michael Landon Center at Bluffs Park
24250 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu