A Worthy Read
Interesting Domestic and International Articles Discussing the Environment, Energy Efficiency and Water Conservation
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CALLING VOLUNTEERS!
There has never been a better time to help out and be recognized.
You can make a huge difference!
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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
City of Lomita
Gold Tier
10% Energy Reduction
City of El Segundo
City of Hawthorne
City of Manhattan Beach
City of Rancho Palos Verdes
Silver Tier
5% Energy Reduction
City of Carson
City of Hermosa Beach
City of Inglewood
City of Redondo Beach
City of Torrance
Valued Level
City of Lawndale
City of Palos Verdes Estates
City of Rolling Hills
City of Rolling Hills Estates
City of Gardena
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Did You Know?
U.S. power plants used renewable energy sources - water (hydroelectric), wood, wind, organic waste, geothermal, and sun - to generate about 12% of our electricity in 2012.
- U.S. Energy Information Administration
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Message From the Deputy Executive Director of Environmental Programs
"A little water is sea to an ant", an Afghan Proverb quote that has meaning for each one of us today. Water scarcity affects every continent and water conservation needs to be a daily habit. We take so much for granted as water streams out with a simple twist of a handle, spigot or nozzle for us. What if that was not the case?
Governor Brown is urging California residents to make July
"Water Smart Month" in recognition of the great volume of water we could collectively save in our homes and backyards. We are all invited to practice more sustainable water consumption, whether it be watering the lawn less frequently, constructing a drip irrigation system for the garden or upgrading existing systems with smart irrigation controllers. Outdoor water use typically peaks in July and landscape irrigation is the single largest use of water in urban areas, comprising nearly one-third of urban water use. For specific details on saving water, including advice on how long to run your sprinklers, visit the Save Our Water campaign website at www.saveourh2o.org. 
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the average American household uses 320 gallons of water per day, much of which goes to lawns and outdoor landscaping. One way to further water savings is by using regionally appropriate plants to create a water-smart landscape that is both beautiful
and efficient to achieve curb appeal. Once established, native plants require little water beyond normal rainfall. To attend the July 27
th California Friendly Landscape Training in the City of Carson offered by the West Basin Municipal Water District, register here.
Fresh water is not a given for many families around the globe, which explains another quoted Afghan Proverb, "Filthy water cannot be washed." Think about it and appreciate the clean tap water that is at our finger tips for drinking - a responsible use of this natural resource. These and other practical ideas are found in the articles that follow to help foster water use awareness and conservation during summer in the South Bay.
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Governor Announces July as "Water Smart Month"
Urges Smart Irrigation Practices to Reduce Outdoor Water Use
Because July is peak month for outdoor water use, Gov. Edmund G. Brown Jr. has announced the month as "Water Smart Month." The governor's announcement is part of the state's ongoing effort to educate the public about ways to conserve water, principally through the statewide Save Our Water program. California's Water Smart Month coincides with a national effort to increase the public's knowledge about improved technology for sprinklers, drip irrigation and sprinkler timers.
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Southern California Gas Company
Seminars this Quarter
See a complete list of the upcoming seminars hosted at the SoCalGas Energy Resource Center for commercial and industrial sustainability here.
"Save money, improve quality and reduce emissions? Where do I sign?"
Sign up for a no-cost energy-efficiency assessment of your business. Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas®) will visit your facility at no charge and make recommendations for saving energy and improving operations.
"I'm very impressed with the money my company is saving after SoCalGas' assessment," said Tony Glassman, plant services manager at California Amforge. The assessment recommended a burner upgrade and a new refractory, which ended up saving about 10,200 therms per year. The changes also improved product quality and reduced emissions-and SoCalGas provided a $10,200 incentive as well.
Learn More
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Southern California Edison
SCE is Partnering with the State During July's 'Water Smart Month.'
Most Southern Californians are conscious of the water they use, but not everyone realizes that when we save water, we also save electricity.
That's why Southern California Edison (SCE) is partnering with the state during July, which Gov. Edmund G. Brown, Jr., declared as "Water Smart Month." According to the state water plan, as California deals with its energy supply and infrastructure challenges, the state must address the points of highest stress.
This Summer, Let's Save Energy Together
Through efforts to conserve energy, our region expects to have enough electricity for the summer, even without nuclear power. You can help, too. Here's how: take advantage of savings tips to keep your usage lower and your home efficiency up, and visit SCE's Outage Center to stay prepared. You can also register for Save Power Days, upgrade to earn rebates, and take simple steps to reduce your use and bill.
Give It A Rest
Afternoons are a great time to unwind and unplug - your electrical devices, that is. SCE's Save Power Days reward customers like you for reducing energy use between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m., up to 12 days a year. That can mean up to $100* annually in bill credits.
How To Get In On The Savings
Participating in Save Power Days is easy: All SCE customers are automatically enrolled. To change your enrollment status simply visit My Account. Limit your electricity use on specially selected Save Power Days. SCE will notify you through Save Power Day Incentive Alerts** the day before each Save Power Day event, via text, phone, or email (your choice) so you can take full advantage of the program.
Add Up The Savings
It's simple. To calculate your earned bill credits, SCE will take your average usage from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. during your three highest usage weekdays out of the last five (excluding holidays and any recent Save Power Days). SCE will then compare that average to your electricity usage during the Save Power Day. If the Save Power Day usage is lower, you'll earn a bill credit of $0.75 per kilowatt reduced. That can add up to big savings.
Energy Saving Tips: Shop Wisely for Indoors and Outdoors
When you need to purchase new appliances choose ENERGY STAR® qualified fans, clothes washers and dryers, refrigerators, cook tops, freezers, and major appliances.
Take advantage of the Southern California Edison (SCE) generous $200 cash rebate on the purchase of a new variable-speed pool pump and motor. Benefits to residents include $400 annual savings on energy bills and a much quieter running pool pump and motor! Please contact South Bay Environmental Services Center www.sbesc.com to learn how you can Save Water, Energy, Money and the Environment. Our friendly staff will guide you to resources, rebates and programs.
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Energy in Brief
How Much of Our Electricity is Generated from Renewable Energy?
U.S. power plants used renewable energy sources - water (hydroelectric), wood, wind, organic waste, geothermal, and sun - to generate about 12% of our electricity in 2012. Read More Return to Top |
L.A. Metro 
Metro ExpressLanes Has a New Friends and Family Promotion
To participate in the Promotion, you must be an existing Metro ExpressLanes FasTrak customer with an account in good standing. When existing Metro ExpressLanes customers (referrer) refer a friend or family member (referred customer) and a new Metro ExpressLanes FasTrak account is opened using the referrer's account number, the referrer will receive $10 in toll credits after the referred customer's account has been open for 60 days and is in good standing on the sixtieth (60th) day. Promotion runs from June 12, 2013 to August 17, 2013. For full details click here.
Employer Benefits from Metro Vanpool Program
Vanpool Programs can help your company's bottom line by reducing parking demand and improving your ability to recruit and retain qualified employees. And the Metro Vanpool Program is now making this commute option even more attractive and economical.
The cost of parking is predominantly borne by businesses. Whether you pay for off-site employee parking or offer free parking, parking shortages can limit company growth potential, diminish land use options, use up customer parking and add maintenance costs. Parking costs are one of the most immediate cost areas that companies can relieve through encouraging employees to vanpool.
The average one-way commute distance for an employee is nearly 20 miles. Longer commutes impact employment choices and retention. Offering a vanpool program enhances your company's overall benefits package by easing burdensome commutes. And participating in the Metro Vanpool Program reduces these commute costs even further.
Whether converting existing employee vanpool groups or registering new vanpool groups - the Metro Vanpool Program can help.
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U.S. Department of Transportation
The Future of American Transportation
Over the weekend, US Department of Transportation Secretary, Ray LaHood, spoke at the Aspen Ideas Festival about the future of American transportation. It's an important topic, one that concerns everyone who uses this nation's roads, bridges, rails and runways to get where they need to go or to get the goods they need. He thinks it's important to share with all of you some of what he said on Sunday. Read More Return to Top |
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Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County
Registration for Trash Free Lunch Challenge Open Now!
The Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County are teaming up with environmental nonprofit organization Grades of Green to host the 3rd annual Trash Free Lunch Challenge! Participating schools compete to reduce the amount of waste produced on campus by encouraging students to pack trash free lunches, sort waste properly, and to bring reusable items to school to reduce waste. Last year, schools who participated in the challenge collectively diverted over 20,000 bags of trash from being sent to landfills. Grades of Green has 18 spots available for schools to participate in the 2013-2014 challenge. Participating schools receive a school wide assembly, personalized eco-consultation, raffle prizes to incentivise students, educational flyers and signage, and more! Registration is open until August 30, 2013. For more information and to register, visit www.gradesofgreen.org/trashchallenge or call Program Manager Nicole Sevier at nicoles@gradesofgreen.org
Community Tour of Joint Water Pollution Control Plant: Saturday, August 3rd - 9:00am - 10:30am
Have you ever wondered what happens to your wastewater? Come find out and take a tour of the Joint Water Pollution Control Plant in Carson!
Flyer
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Infographic: Sustainable Energy for All
What Will It Take?
What will it take to meet the Sustainable Energy for All goals for energy access, renewable energy, and energy efficiency by 2030? The Global Tracking Initiative combines the work of 15 international organizations to show where the world is today in energy access, renewable energy, and energy efficiency, and how far it needs to go to meet the 2030 goals. See Infographic Return to Top |
West Basin Municipal Water D istrict
Water 101 Course and Night Tour of Water Recycling Facility: Thursday, August 1 - 6:30pm - 9:00pm
The Water 101 Course provides a global, national, and local perspective on current water issues. You'll gain insight into the effects of global climate change, population growth, and public policy on the future of our fresh water resources.
Learn the answers to questions about where our local water comes from, the history of California's water resources, and what steps are being taken towards creating sustainable, local water supplies.
Light dinner is included as well as a night tour of the Edward C. Little Water Recycling Facility.
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Water Conservation Technology
Measure Your Water Usage in Real Time With MyWater
Many of us use more water than we really need, which can lead to unfavorable financial and environmental results. But the line between excess and necessity can often be hard to discern.
So Anthony Jakubiak, a recent graduate of Northwestern University, designed a gadget intended to monitor and measure your water use. MyWater displays real-time usage and compares how much water you've used with other homes in the area. The device also shows your personal water habits over time.
Read More
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 City of Torrance
Landscape Lunch and Learn for Landscape Professionals (in Spanish) Open to All South Bay Communities - Tuesday, August 6th
Are you a homeowner who employs a Spanish-Speaking landscaper/gardener? If yes, then you will want to send your landscaper/gardener to this training (taught in Spanish)!
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In California, Building Codes and Demand Response Align
Title 24, OpenADR and the California Smart Grid/Smart Building Experiment
Last year, the California Energy Commission approved its latest version of Title 24, the state's master building code -- a massive 244-page document covering everything from household windows and insulation to factories and skyscraper building management systems. Set to go into effect on Jan. 1, 2014, the rules include a few changes that could really push automated, open-standards-based demand response into the mass market.
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Legislation Corner
City and County Leaders React to President Obama's Historic Climate Plan
President Obama delivered a speech at Georgetown University (June 25, 2013), outlining his President's Climate Action Plan, which ICLEI USA and others have reviewed in advance. Below, leading local elected officials and ICLEI USA's Michael Schmitz weigh in on the plan from a local government perspective.
Now in Effect! New Energy Use Disclosures for Nonresidential Buildings (California Public Resources Code Section 25402.10)
Effective July 1, owners of nonresidential buildings that contain a total gross floor area of more than 50,000 square feet are required to contend with new energy use disclosure requirements in accordance with California Public Resources Code Section 25402.10. The requirements provide that any owner who is selling, leasing, or financing a subject building must obtain and disclose, prior to the sale, lease or financing of the building, the energy use data for the most recent 12 months (information regarding the building's operating characteristics and the ENERGY STAR® Energy Performance Score for the building).
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| Cities in the News
Longtime South Bay Farmers Markets Manager Mary Lou Weiss Dies at 75
Mary Lou Weiss, a farm girl from Ohio who managed farmers markets in Torrance, Hermosa Beach and other South Bay cities for more than two decades and served on the Hermosa Beach school board for 16 years, died on the weekend of June 22-23. She was 75.
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Hermosa Beach features 2nd in the 10 Best New Complete Streets Policies In The U.S.
Cities across the country are making plans to cater to bikers and pedestrians (along with cars) as they design and manage their transportation infrastructure. These 10 cities are the ones doing it best.
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July / August 2013 Events & Workshops
Click Here to See a List of Upcoming Workshops & Trainings
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