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Upcoming HHW/E-Waste Collection Events
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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,
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Where Does Your City Rank in the
SCE Energy Leader Partnership Program?
Platinum Tier
20% Energy Reduction
City of Lawndale
City of Lomita
City of Manhattan Beach
Gold Tier
10% Energy Reduction
City of El Segundo
City of Hawthorne
City of Inglewood
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
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Did You Know?
Approximately 33 million live Christmas trees are sold in North America every year. After the holidays, look for ways to recycle your tree instead of sending it to a landfill. Check with your community solid waste department and find out if they collect and mulch trees. Your town might be able to use chippings from mulched trees for hiking trails or beachfront erosion barriers.
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Message From the Executive Director of SBCCOG
While you are busy closing out 2014 with celebrations and family events, it's not too early to start thinking about your New Year's Resolutions. Yes - a better diet always comes to mind. We are also hearing that more and consistent sleep is a good idea. At the South Bay Cities Council of Governments, we encourage you to think about making 2015 the year that you start taking containers to the restaurant for your leftovers, consider composting, reduce your shower time, make more of your own decorations for parties, turn off lights when you leave a room, remove unused plugs from their sockets, use recycled office supplies, recycle your Christmas tree and so much more.
Recycle Across America, a non-profit corporation, features some interesting facts that show that even a little bit makes a difference:
- Recycling one aluminum can saves enough energy to run your television for three hours.
- Five plastic bottles (PET) recycled provides enough fiber to create one square foot of carpet or enough fiber fill to fill one ski jacket.
- Recycling a stack of newspaper just 3 feet high saves one tree.
- Recycling just one glass jar saves enough electricity to light an 11 watt CFL bulb for 20 hours.
- Recycling 1 ton of cardboard saves 46 gallons of oil.
As we close 2014 and get ready for 2015, think about what new green practices you can adopt for the New Year.
And - we wish you very Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!
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Southern California Gas Company
Get Ready For Winter
When the weather gets colder, heating bills may be higher because customers use more natural gas. Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas®) is committed to helping customers manage their winter energy bills. SoCalGas may be able to help you or someone you know conserve energy and save money with:
- 20 percent discount
- One-time $100 bill assistance
- No-cost, energy-saving home improvements
- Extra allowance of gas at the lowest rate for certain medical conditions
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Southern California Edison
Holiday Decorating Safety Tips
Getting into the holiday spirit means putting up decorations around your home. Know when to throw out a decoration and when it's OK to place it outside. Here's SCE's guide to safely decorating this holiday season.
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L.A. Metro 
What is a Vanpool?
With gas prices rising, traffic congestion increasing, and energy resources dwindling, smart long-distance commuters are seizing the opportunity to turn an often costly and frustrating daily commute into a more pleasant experience. It's called vanpooling.
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Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County
New Municipal Solid Waste Rates Effective January 1, 2015
Effective January 1, 2015, new municipal solid and inert waste (MSW) rates will charged at the Puente Hills Materials Recovery Facility (MRF), the Downey Area Recycling and Transfer (DART) Facility, the South Gate Transfer Station, and Calabasas Landfill. There will be changes to the green waste rates at the Puente Hills MRF, the DART Facility, and the Scholl Canyon and Calabasas Landfills. The Sanitation Districts boards were briefed in October, and a revised rate ordinance was adopted on November 18, 2014.
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West Basin Municipal Water D istrict
Rain Barrel Program Update
West Basin plans to schedule dates in January and February 2015 for their rain barrel "giveaway" program. If you can't wait, there is another option. You can purchase up to 4 qualified rain barrels right now and apply for a rebate (starting at $75) offered by Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, through So Cal Water Smart. Follow this link for details.
Rain barrel rebate guidelines are as follows:
- Minimum size: 50 gallons
- Rain barrel must be designed for the intended purpose of rain capture
- Should have a cover to prevent mosquitoes, rodents and debris from entering
- The rain barrel must be mounted in a way that allows the barrel to receive water unimpeded from a rain gutter.
- Should not block or restrict access to walkways or pathways
- Rain barrel must not be connected to the irrigation system and must be distributed through a hose or bucket
- Should be elevated 6 inches off the ground on a solid foundation
- Should be strapped to your home for safety if the height of the barrel is two times greater than the width
- Maximum of 4 rain barrels per home
Rain barrels can range in price from $80-$300; they are available for purchase from the major big box stores (Home Depot, Lowe's, Walmart, Sears, Sam's Club, etc.) or can be purchased online. Amazon.com offers quite a variety.
If you have any questions about applying for the rebate, you can call the So Cal Water Smart hotline: (888) 376-3314.
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 City of Torrance
Torrance Transit Offers FREE Holiday Bus Service for Shoppers
In the spirit of providing easy access to shopping along the Hawthorne Boulevard corridor this holiday season, Torrance Transit will offer the Torrance community its annual "Shopper's Special Bus" service. Continuing free bus service every Saturday and Sunday will be available through Dec. 21.
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Legislation Corner
California Lawmakers Look to 2015 for Drought Legislation
California lawmakers' failure to pass water legislation this Congress raises questions about strategy, tactics and the ability to learn from falling short. It also sets the stage for next year when - wait for it - the whole anti-drought drama returns for an encore.
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| South Bay in the News
More Drought-Tolerant Plants, Recycled Water Touted for Los Angeles City Parks
Finding ways to keep the city's 435 parks green while saving water, the Los Angeles City Council instructed local agencies to pursue an aggressive policy to increase their plantings of drought-resistant plants and reclaimed water.
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South Bay Officials Select Inglewood Mayor to Represent Area on Metro Board
Dissatisfied with the amount of money allocated to the South Bay for transportation projects, a coalition of local officials voted Thursday to replace Santa Monica Mayor Pam O'Connor with her Inglewood counterpart as the regional representative on the Metro board.
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December 2014 Events & Workshops
Click Here to See a List of Upcoming Workshops & Events
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