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Save Water, Energy, Money and the Environment

Volume 10, Number 2

February 2014 

IN THIS ISSUE...
Calling Volunteers!
Water Crisis
SCG
Department of Energy
SCE
L.A. Metro
Sanitation Districts
West Basin
City of Torrance
Staff Spotlight
Legislation Corner
Cities in the News
February 2014 Events & Workshops
A Worthy Read
Interesting Domestic and International Articles Discussing the Environment, Energy Efficiency and Water Conservation


 

Upcoming HHW/E-Waste Collection Events

None Currently Scheduled in South Bay
CALLING VOLUNTEERS!

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

Complete our volunteer application and submit it by email or mail.   
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
 / Harbor Gateway & Wilmington

County Unincorporated Areas in South Bay 

2014 REBATE FORMS 

  

Southern California Gas Company  

 

Southern California Edison

 

West Basin Municipal Water District  

 

 En Espa�ol

 

Southern California Gas Company
Southern California Edison Sanitation Districts of LA County
Metro - "El Pasajero"

  

 

 

Find us on FacebookFollow us on TwitterView our profile on LinkedIn

 

 

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 
City of Lomita

 

Gold Tier
10% Energy Reduction 
City of El Segundo
City of Hawthorne
City of Inglewood
City of Lawndale
City of Manhattan Beach

City of Rancho Palos Verdes

 

Silver Tier
5% Energy Reduction 
City of Carson
City of Hermosa Beach
City of Redondo Beach
City of Torrance 
 
Valued Level
City of Gardena
City of Palos Verdes Estates
City of Rolling Hills
City of Rolling Hills Estates

Did You Know?




Message From the Executive Director of SBCCOG

 

We are in the middle of a very busy month at the South Bay Cities Council of Governments (SBCCOG).  The fourth Friday in February is always our General Assembly - our major conference of the year.  Each year we feature a different topic and on February 28, we will focus on "Why Must We Care: The Cost of the Changing Environment to the South Bay." 

 

This year's topic should be of interest to those that are concerned about the stewardship of our environment and the conservation of our resources.  We have expert speakers who will discuss the impact of climate changes specifically on the South Bay and what our cities need to do to understand and prepare for changes in the way or types of services and programs that they provide.  It's also a great opportunity to network with others throughout the South Bay.   And there are city and sponsor exhibits to view.

 

The General Assembly is free thanks to our many sponsors whose names you can find when you register for the event at www.southbaycities.org   Registration is required so we know how many people to plan for.

 

I hope to see you there.

 


Jacki Bacharach

 

Water Crisis
Governor Brown Declares Drought State of Emergency
 
With California facing water shortfalls in the driest year in recorded state history, Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr., on January 17, 2014, proclaimed a State of Emergency and directed state officials to take all necessary actions to prepare for these drought conditions.

"We can't make it rain, but we can be much better prepared for the terrible consequences that California's drought now threatens, including dramatically less water for our farms and communities and increased fires in both urban and rural areas," said Governor Brown. "I've declared this emergency and I'm calling all Californians to conserve water in every way possible."  
Read More

California Officials Forecast 'Zero' Water Deliveries

State officials announced on January 31st that 29 water agencies serving 25 million people across California can expect "zero" water deliveries from the State Water Project this summer because of the worsening drought.

 

Although that delivery projection could change, it is the first time a "zero allocation" forecast has been made in the 54-year history of the State Water Project, which is operated by the California Department of Water Resources and typically delivers Sierra snowmelt to cities and farms throughout the state.


Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2014/01/31/6119042/california-officials-forecast.html#storylink=cpy

Southern California Gas CompanyThe Gas Company

Save Energy and Money This Winter

  

 

Here are some simple steps to help you save energy and on your gas bill, this winter:

  • Take advantage of our helpful conservation tips 
    Save energy and money at home this winter--and all year round--with our hot tips and programs. 
  • Help keep your gas appliances operating safely and efficiently by having them inspected every year by SoCalGas or a licensed, qualified professional.
  • Use interactive tools to find Ways to Save 
    Get personalized energy analysis, along with customized recommendations on ways to save. 
  • Request and install a complimentary Energy Efficiency Starter Kit 
    Get a low-flow showerhead and three faucet aerators to help you save water and energy costs. Look for SBESC's table at your next community event and ask for one.
  • If you don't qualify, but know SoCalGas customers who might, please let them know!
  • If you don't qualify for our Energy Savings Assistance Program, but know SoCalGas customers who might, please let them know!
  • You can view your usage history, sign up for the Level Pay Plan, request payment arrangements and more.

 

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Department of Energy
Energy Department Updates Home Energy Scoring Tool for Advancing Residential Energy Performance

As part of the Energy Department's commitment to helping families across the United States save money by saving energy, the Department announced on January 9, 2014, its first major software update to the Home Energy Scoring Tool, developed by the Department's Building Technologies Office and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL).

 

The Home Energy Score allows homebuyers to compare homes on an "apples to apples" basis and provides recommendations for energy efficiency improvements. In addition, homeowners and homebuyers receive a cost-saving estimate of how these improvements could reduce utility bills and improve a home's score. This provides homebuyers with the opportunity to undertake energy investments when improvements are most likely to take place-at time of purchase or within the first year of owning a home.

Read More

DOE Tightens Efficiency Standards for "External Power Supplies" (Power Adapters)

National Resources Defense Council (NRDC) commends the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) for issuing new efficiency standards for external power supplies - those black boxes that connect many of our electronic and other household devices to wall outlets - which will save Americans $300 million annually in the form of reduced electricity bills and avoid the need for a large (500 MW) power plant, reducing the toxic air pollution that impacts our health and the carbon pollution that destabilizes our climate. It is a great step forward to meeting President Obama's climate action plan goal of 3 billion tons of greenhouse gas emissions reductions from appliance efficiency standards by 2030.

Southern California EdisonSCE  

Computer & Office Equipment: Use & Care

 

Computers: Take the Night Off

Turn your computer off at night. Turning it off will save energy, and won't harm the hardware.

 

Down Time: Shutting Down

Turn your monitor off if you will not be working for more than 20 minutes continuously, and shut down your computer if you'll be away for more than two hours. Otherwise, leave it on - the initial power surge of re-starting may use more energy. Also, since screensavers don't actually save power, set a short screen saver setting preference to allow your computer to enter sleep mode faster. If your computer is communicating with auxiliary devices such as fax machines, it will stay in active mode and not switch to sleep mode as quickly, so setting a shorter screen saver setting preference will help in this case.

Read More

 

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L.A. Metro
ExpressLanes

What kind of electric/hybrid vehicle qualifies for toll-free travel on ExpressLanes starting Feb. 24? Those with Green and White stickers. Get all the details via the announcement on ExpressLanes' website.  

Receive $10 in FREE tolls for each referral that signs up!

 

Don't miss the moments that matter. Metro ExpressLanes commuters on the 10 and 110 freeways save as much as 30 minutes in drive time. Now you can save time in traffic and earn rewards with Metro ExpressLanes. Refer your friends and family to sign up for FasTrak�, and you'll receive $10 in free toll credits for each referral that signs up! No limit.

Read More

 

Vanpool

 

The following partner leasing agencies are authorized by Metro to receive applications under the Metro Vanpool Program:

  • CalVans 1.866.655.5444

    CalVans Vanpool Vehicle Offerings & Prices
  • Enterprise Rideshare 1.800.VAN4WORK

    Enterprise Rideshare Vanpool Vehicle Offerings & Prices
  • vRide 1.800.VANRIDE

    vRide Vanpool Vehicle Offering & Prices

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Sanitation Districts of LA County

Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County

Celebrate Earth Day with the Sanitation Districts on April 12, 2014

 

Join Sanitation Districts of Los Angels County on April 12 at their main office in Whittier for their 8th Earth Day event. Tour a water reclamation plant, enjoy music and dance performances, create eco-friendly arts and crafts, visit over 50 exhibitors, and participate in many other activities while learning about environmental issues. Don't miss this fun and educational event! 

Flyer

  

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West Basin Municipal Water DWest Basinistrict 
CA Statewide Drought Emergency Declared

 

On January 17th, California Governor  Jerry Brown declared a drought emergency in California as the State faces the least amount of rainfall in its 163-year history. No mandatory water restrictions are being proposed for West Basin's service area.  West Basin has adequate imported and recycled water supplies for the coming year due to past investments in recycling and conservation.  West Basin's Water Reliability 2020 program is backed by similar investments in storage and infrastructure by Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. However, West Basin strongly encourage everyone to be water efficient during this time of drought.

 

For more information about West Basin' water efficiency programs and tips on reducing your water use, click here. Also, see if you qualify for these current water conservation programs:

City of Torrance 
City of Torrance

The City of Torrance is Encouraging its Residents to View Southern California Association of Governments' Draft Public Participation Plan: Now Through March 7, 20014 | 5 PM

 

The Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG)  is updating its Public Participation Plan. SCAG is committed to providing meaningful and substantive opportunities for the general public and all interested parties to be involved in SCAG's decision making regarding regional transportation, land use and environmental planning activities. To that end, SCAG released its 2014 Draft Public Participation Plan on January 22, 2014 for a public review and comment period, which ends at 5:00 p.m. on March 7, 2014. Check out the Public Participation Plan posted on January 22, 2014.
Staff Spotlight 
Lena Luna 

 

Lena Luna is the new Environmental Programs Specialist for Energy and Transportation at the South Bay Environmental Services Center, a program of the South Bay Cities Council of Governments (SBCCOG). In this role, she acts as lead on municipal energy including oversight of the Energy Leader Partnership Program. Prior to joining SBCCOG, Ms. Luna was the founder of Luna Energy Corporation (LEC). LEC implemented the Enterprise Energy Management Information System across five Orange County cities under direction of the City of Huntington Beach through funding from a competitively awarded grant. A significant finding in one city included over $90,000 in savings to the General Fund. Ms. Luna holds a BS in Biological Sciences from the University of California, Irvine and is currently pursuing a MBA with specialization in management and strategy. She has two children and enjoys hiking, camping, and traveling.

 

Legislation Corner 

Rep. Henry Waxman to retire from Congress
 

Rep. Henry A. Waxman, whose legislative record has made him one of the country's most influential liberal lawmakers for four decades, announced on Thursday, January 30, 2014 that he will retire from his Westside seat, the latest in a wave of departures that is remaking the state's long-stable congressional delegation.

 

During a congressional career that began when Gerald R. Ford was president, Waxman became one of the Democratic Party's most prolific and savvy legislators, focusing on issues related to healthcare and the environment. He played a central role - sometimes over opposition within his own party - in passing laws that dramatically cut air pollution, helped reduce smoking, expanded Medicaid coverage for the poor, reduced pesticides in food, made generic drugs more widely available, helped AIDS patients, promoted the development of drugs for rare diseases and improved federal regulation of nursing homes.

Read More

Assemblyman Isadore Hall Announces Push for State Bond Measure to Help Combat Drought

As California continues in the grips of a persistent drought, Assemblyman Isadore Hall announced Friday, February 7, 2014 that he and Democratic colleagues will push for a statewide bond measure that would raise tens of billions of dollars for new water distribution infrastructure and groundwater cleanup.

 

At a news conference in front of the Edward C. Little Water Recycling Facility in El Segundo, Hall said the plan would build on Gov. Jerry Brown's support for controversial underground "peripheral tunnels" designed to quickly ferry water from Northern to Southern California.

Read More

Cities in the News 
City of Hawthorne Embraces Ocean Friendly Landscaping at City Hall on February 25th
 

The City of Hawthorne is replacing grass lawns and other water-guzzling plants with native ones, applying an ocean friendly landscape approach to save water. There will be a hands-on workshop on Tuesday, February 25th, which is open to the public, addressing how to plant native species, install drip irrigation systems and other techniques to conserve outdoor water use. 

Register Here

 

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February 2014 Events & Workshops 
Click Here to See a List of Upcoming Workshops, Trainings & Events