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Save Water, Energy, Money and the Environment

Volume 11, Number 5

 May 2015 

IN THIS ISSUE...
Calling Volunteers!
Drought & the South Bay
City of Torrance
West Basin
Sanitation Districts
Legislation Corner
Energy Upgrade CA
SCG
SCE
L.A. Metro
South Bay Electric Vehicle Program
May 2015 Events & Workshops
A Worthy Read
Interesting Domestic and International Articles Discussing the Environment, Energy Efficiency and Water Conservation







 

 

Upcoming HHW/E-Waste Collection Events



CALLING VOLUNTEERS!

Read about community outreach opportunities

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

Check out our volunteer program and learn how to get involved.   
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

Residents in San Pedro, Harbor City /Harbor Gateway & Wilmington
County Unincorporated Areas in South Bay

 

 

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www.sbesc.com 

Did You Know?

Amazonian trees store more carbon than any other ecosystem on earth and just 1% of trees in the Amazon rainforest are responsible for 50% of its carbon-holding capacity.

Message From the Executive Director of SBCCOG

  

With the persistence of drought conditions forecasting "doom and gloom" throughout the state, Southern Californians are welcoming this month's overcast weather and unexpected rain. Community members reaped the benefits of rain barrels and other water-retention techniques associated with transforming their landscapes into drought-tolerant sanctuaries. The current drought has transformed many into "weather watchers" after being lulled into complacency by the lush 20th century, magnifying the natural conditions of the region's Mediterranean and desert climates.

 

Seeing that it is National Safety Month, take time to consider how "The Drought and You" impacts everyone's safety and what you can do to help. Also, as graduations take place, heed Southern California Edison's warnings regarding the use of celebratory balloons (do not release them outdoors) and other potential hazards. 

 

Jacki Bacharach


 

Drought & the South Bay in the News 
State Board Adopts Mandatory Water Cutbacks of Up to 36 Percent

 

California regulators on Tuesday adopted unprecedented mandatory water cutbacks to address the state's ongoing drought. Californians must abide by water conservation targets of up to 36 percent as part of a sweeping, drought emergency regulation approved by the State Water Resources Control Board.

Read More

 

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City of Torrance 
City of Torrance

Torrance Residents Face New Water Restrictions, Mandatory Cuts in Usage

 

The deepening drought has prompted the city of Torrance and California Water Service Co., whose service area includes the Palos Verdes Peninsula, to adopt much stricter provisions to cut water usage in an effort to meet unprecedented state-mandated reductions.
West Basin Municipal Water DWest Basinistrict 
Visit West Basin's Conservation and Water-Use Efficiency Webpage

 

Residents and businesses will find many ways to save water, especially during this time of drought, by visiting West Basin's "Conservation and Water-Use Efficiency" webpage. 

Faced with future water supply shortages, West Basin has implemented its Water Reliability 2020 program to reduce dependence on imported water. Part of this program includes doubling conservation or water efficiency measures, from 1 billion to 2 billion gallons of water by 2020.

Everyone can do their part by conserving at least 20 gallons per day. From turning off the faucet while brushing your teeth or shaving, to replacing turf in your yard with drought-tolerant landscaping, there is a range of conservation activities that will help everyone be more efficient with their water use.

Read More

 

Sanitation Districts of LA County

Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County

The Low-Water Rebate Program: Save Some Money

  

One of the key principles of the revenue program is that every discharger should pay in proportion to his or her use of the system. As discussed under the Revenue Program, practical considerations make it impossible to meter every user's discharge. Consequently, Sanitation Districts estimate your discharge based on standard loading factors that correspond to the type(s) of facilities on your parcel. They recognize that you may have taken steps to conserve water (for which you should be applauded) and that your actual discharge may be significantly less than what they estimated. If that's your case, the low-water rebate program was designed just for you; it allows low-water users to apply for a reduced service charge.

Read More

 

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Legislation Corner 

California Assembly Members Push to Speed Up Water Storage Construction

Amid a crippling state drought, several state Assembly members are pushing a bill intended to speed up construction of water storage facilities by changing the state-mandated environmental review process. Introduced last month, AB 311 creates a window to resolve litigation over environmental reviews of new water storage facilities.

Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County: Stormwater Authority (SB 45)

SB 485 would provide cost-effective flexibility to achieve compliance with municipal stormwater requirements through collaboration among existing local agencies in Los Angeles County.

Congress Just Passed an Energy Efficiency Bill
 
Recently, the House of Representatives passed S. 535, a modest energy efficiency bill sponsored by Senators Rob Portman (R-OH) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH). This follows Senate passage a few weeks ago. The bill now heads to the president's desk for his approval, which is highly likely.

Energy Upgrade California
30 under $30 - Ways to Reinvest your Climate Credit

Look closely at your April energy bill. Chances are you received something called the California Climate Credit. This is a credit from a state program designed to cut carbon pollution. If you'd like to use your savings, below are 30 products under $30 that will help you manage your energy use and can be found in stores in your area.

 

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Southern California Gas CompanyThe Gas Company

Trade Pro Directory: 

Find Trade Professionals Installing Energy-Efficient Equipment

 

Through the Trade Professional Directory, you will find trade professionals who sell, service, or install energy-efficient natural gas equipment. These trade professionals are active participants in SoCalGas' energy-efficiency programs.

 

To participate in the Trade Professional Directory, you must complete and sign the Trade Professional Agreement and Application (PDF). To search for a trade professional, please select from the listed criteria. If a criteria is not selected in a category, all results in that category will be displayed.

Read More

 

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Southern California EdisonSCE  

It's National Electrical Safety Month

 

SCE is here to help you and your loved ones stay safe around electricity. From what to do if there's a downed power line, to how to keep electric cords in good working order,  to free service when  trees are growing into overhead power lines,  turn to SCE for help in keeping your family safe.

Read More

 

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L.A. Metro
Get Metro's New App and Get Going!

 

Metro offers a number of unique resources for your mobile device. If your mobile phone has Internet access via a mobile browser, you can access these useful tools:

  • Go Metro Los Angeles v3.0
  • Go511 App
  • Simple Trip Planner
  • Nextrip Bus Arrivals
  • LA Metro Transit Watch

Read More
 

Learn more about Metro's Vanpool and ExpressLanes programs. 

 

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South Bay Electric Vehicle Program
Harvard Business Review Makes the Case for Neighborhood Electric Vehicles (NEVs)

"Neglected no more", the future of electric vehicles is more than just Tesla. Harvard Business Review echoes SBCCOG's findings from the Local Use Vehicle (LUV) Demonstration Project. 

Read More

May 2015 Events & Workshops 
Click Here to See a List of Upcoming Workshops & Events