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Save Water, Energy, Money and the Environment

Volume 11, Number 9

 September 2015 

IN THIS ISSUE...
Calling Volunteers!
Green Building Challenge
Energy Upgrade CA
Home Upgrade
SCG
SCE
Sanitation Districts
West Basin
City of Torrance
L.A. Metro
Volunteer Spotlight
Legislation Corner
South Bay in the News
September 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!

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?

California sources its energy production primarly from natural gas (58%), and secondarily from renewables (23%).

Message From the Executive Director of SBCCOG

This is a funny Fall season!

It has been hot with the chance of thunderstorms. Is this the South Bay??? As we get used to the new "no-longer-any-normal", we continue to look at what we are doing in our daily lives that could be changed. There is significant progress on water savings for the drought and we applaud everyone for doing their part. 

Transportation remains one of the greatest producers of greenhouse gas emissions and looking at the 2016 vehicles that will shortly come on the market for electric and high performing hybrid vehicles is going to be important for anyone that is considering making a vehicle purchase. We are in the midst of National Drive Electric Week, September 12-20, 2015, which is a nationwide celebration to heighten awareness of today's widespread availability of plug-in vehicles and highlight the benefits of all-electric and plug-in hybrid-electric cars, trucks, motorcycles, and more. They are fun to drive, are less expensive and more convenient to fuel than gasoline vehicles, are better for the environment, promote local jobs, and reduce our dependence on foreign oil. And studies conducted right here in the South Bay have demonstrated that the range limits on the vehicles are not an obstacle since most trips are short distances. 

In addition to transportation choices that impact the environment, there are opportunities at home and in your garden to contribute towards a sustainable lifestyle. Specifically, there will be a composting class conducted in the South Bay next month, educating residents how to compost waste to reduce what goes to the landfill. Call 310-371-7222 for more information. 
  

Jacki Bacharach
 
Green Building Challenge
The Green Building Challenge has Launched!
 
The Green Building Challenge, a free online competition bringing resources and recognition to South Bay businesses,  launched on September 1, 2015. Challenge leaders include Beach Cities Health District, Malaga Cove Library, Mar Ventures, Maritz, Miraleste Library, Peninsula Center Library,  Raytheon, and US Hybrid Corporation. Sign up for the Challenge at www.southbaycities.org/gbc or contact SBCCOG at 310-371-7222 for more info.
 
Join us for a program press event on September 23, 9:00 AM featuring Torrance Mayor Patrick Furey and leaders from Southern California Edison, Southern California Gas Company and Golden State Water Company. 
 
Energy Upgrade California
Find the Best Time to Save Energy

Show Bear when you do laundry, cook, clean, and run the A/C. Chances are you're doing some things during the midday peak hours when it's most critical to save electricity. But when you sign up for time-varying rates or other off-peak programs from your electric utility company - changing your schedule a little could save you a lot. Let Bear show you how. 

Home Upgrade

Home Energy: Did You Know...? If I Only Knew a Good Contractor... 


Want to make your home greener, and earn rebates? The first step in the Home Upgrade process is to contact a contractor - and Home Upgrade can help. Home Upgrade Participating Contractors are licensed, insured, and have energy efficiency training - AND, they know how to maximize your rebates for going green.
 
Home Upgrade also collects feedback on their contractors after every project. So, they're customer friendly and reliable, too.
 
Want to find a contractor near you? The Home Upgrade rebate program can help you save on green upgrades, and guide you to a Participating Contractor. Visit The Energy Network's website at http://tenres.com/homeupgrade to learn more.

Southern California Gas CompanyThe Gas Company
ERC Fourth Quarter Seminar Schedule

Check out SoCalGas' upcoming Sustainability, HVAC and Industrial seminars, hosted at their Energy Resource Center (ERC).  
Read More

Southern California EdisonSCE  
Scorching Heat Throughout Southern California Puts Additional Stress on Power Grid
 
With temperatures forecast as high as 108 degrees bringing additional stress on the power grid recently, Southern California Edison (SCE) crews are ready to respond as safely and quickly as possible to make any needed repairs.

Sanitation Districts of LA County
Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County
NBA MVP Talks Trash - Steve Nash Congratulates 2015 Grades of Green Trash Free Winner
  
Schools have recognized a need for environmental education and action, and statistics show that greening schools saves money, decreases absences, and increases test scores yet few have the resources necessary to produce tangible results. According to AB341 established in 2011, California has set a goal to achieve a 75% waste diversion rate by the year 2020. Furthermore, In October of 2014 Governor Brown signed AB 1826 which requires schools and businesses to compost organic waste as of April 1, 2016. There is an undeniable demand for a fun, hands-on program that teaches kids the importance of protecting the environment and inspires them to want to take action. 

West Basin Municipal Water DWest Basinistrict 
Ocean Water Desalination Update

West Basin Municipal Water District has formally released a Notice of Preparation (NOP) for a full-scale ocean water desalination facility Environmental Impact Report (EIR). For more details, please download the notice. Note: An informational public meeting will be held on September 30th. 

For more information on this project, visit the desal website or contact Diane Gatza at [email protected].

Public Meeting
When:     Wednesday, September 30, 2015 at 6:00pm 
               Ending no later than 8:00pm
Where:    Edward C. Little Water Recycling Facility
              1935 South Hughes Way, El Segundo, CA 90245
 
City of Torrance 
City of Torrance
Completion of Stormwater Basin Enhancement Project 
 
On Tuesday, Sept. 1, the City of Torrance marked the completion of the Stormwater Basin Enhancement Projects at the Amie, Entradero and Henrietta Stormwater Basins with a ribbon-cutting ceremony that took place during a regularly scheduled City Council meeting. The ceremony included a video feature about the project, as well as a live broadcast from the Henrietta Basin to the Council Chambers.
L.A. Metro
Torrance Breaks Ground on Regional Transit Center

The City of Torrance held a groundbreaking ceremony Tuesday for the Torrance Transit Park and Ride Regional Terminal. The project will be a LEED-certified multimodal transit facility with eight bus bays and a park-and-ride lot, which will help reduce single occupancy vehicle trips in the region. Approximately 85 percent of the total funding for this project was provided by Measure R, the half-cent sales tax increase approved by L.A. County voters in 2008. 

Learn more about Metro's Vanpool and ExpressLanes programs.

Volunteer Spotlight 
Meet the Rest of Our Energy Generation and Storage - Climate Action Plan Volunteers: Sharon, 
Huijian and Fernanda

Sharon Tam

Currently Attending:  UCLA, B.S. in Environmental Science with Environmental Engineering concentration (In Progress)
Graduated from:  Environmental Charter High School, Lawndale, CA
 
Sharon wants to pursue working in researching environmental issues that affect our ecosystems. She is learning how alternative energy and the environment interrelate. 

Legislation Corner 
California Considers Sweeping Proposals to Cut Greenhouse Gas Emissions

California lawmakers are intensely debating far-reaching goals to curb greenhouse gas emissions. The bill contains three proposals: one to double energy efficiency in buildings, one to derive 50 percent of electricity from renewable sources and one head-turning proposal to cut petroleum use in vehicles by half - all in the next 15 years.

South Bay in the News 
Household Hazardous Waste
Collection Event in Redondo Beach
 
The City of Redondo Beach is hosting a Household Hazardous Waste Collection event on Saturday, October 10th from 8:00 A.M. - 2:00 P.M. at the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center. ONLY Redondo Beach residents can participate, proof of residency is REQUIRED. 

September 2015 Events & Workshops 
Click Here to See Upcoming Workshops & Events