December 2018
Save Water, Energy, Money, & the Environment
SoCalGas Launches New "Dial It Down" Alert, Encouraging Customers to Conserve Natural Gas Use During Winter

To help lower the risk of possible natural gas and electricity shortages this winter,  SoCalGas announced the launch of a new energy conservation alert program designed to raise awareness about ways Southern Californians can reduce their natural gas use during periods of cold weather this winter. Beginning December 1, SoCalGas will issue a "Dial It Down" Alert during periods of cold weather when local demand for natural gas for home heating, hot water, and cooking can increase rapidly and put a strain on the natural gas system. Dial It Down Alerts are similar to the Flex Alerts issued by the California Independent System Operator (CAISO) that call on customers to conserve electricity for a specific period of time. If a Dial It Down Alert is issued this winter, SoCalGas will determine the duration of the conservation effort and will announce when the alert has ended.
FREE Turf Removal Class in Torrance: Saturday, January 26, 2019
Remove your turf and successfully convert your landscape into a sustainable drought-tolerant garden. The class will help you understand and meet rebate program requirements.
Infographic: Holiday Decorating Safety Tips
'Tis the season for holiday decorating hazards. But it doesn’t have to be. Not the U.S. average of about 200 homes fires annually involving Christmas trees, not the fact that 27 percent of those fires are ignited by heat sources like fireplaces, space heaters and candles being too close to those trees and not even the 26 percent of tree fires caused by electrical failures or malfunctions.
Rain Barrel Distributions 2019

Must be a resident in West Basin Municipal Water District's service area to participate.

Each rain barrel includes a 2-3’ flexible downspout, water hose connector, overflow fitting, and built-in mosquito screen. Barrels are made from recycled food barrels, and may be available in black or terra cotta colors. Product Dimensions (approximate): 24 inches wide x 40 inches tall; 16 pounds; 55 gallon capacity.

Register for one of the dates and locations below:
LADWP Awards $1.4 Million in Energy Efficiency and Water Conservation to 24 Non-Profit Grantees
The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) has awarded $1.4 million for fiscal year 2018-2019 to 24 non-profit organizations to develop and implement programs focused on improving energy efficiency and water conservation throughout Los Angeles. In this round of funding, LADWP’s Community Partnership Outreach Grants Program awarded a grant to an Owens Valley-based non-profit organization, High Sierra Energy Foundation. In addition to the Owens Valley grantee, grants were awarded in each of the City’s 15 Council Districts.
Groundwater Tours
WRD conducts free tours throughout the year. The purpose of the tour is to acquaint you with the challenges faced in supplying water to southern Los Angeles County. For additional information or dates and times of upcoming groundwater tours, please contact Jenn Swart at jswart@wrd.org . 
Household Hazardous and Electronic Waste Collection Events

The Household Hazardous Waste and Electronic Waste Collection Program (HHW) gives Los Angeles County residents a legal and cost-free way to dispose of unwanted household chemicals that cannot be disposed of in the regular trash. Click on date(s) below for more information about the next event taking place in the South Bay:

CalRecycle's Holiday Recycling List
Crenshaw/LAX & Green Line Update
The final Board meeting of the year was a very long one, clocking in at six-plus hours and involving a wide variety of issues. With a 7 to 4 vote with two abstentions, the Board approved a motion approving the C-3 operating plan for the Crenshaw/LAX Line and Green Line to be put in place after the Crenshaw/LAX Line opens, which is forecast for mid-2020. The operating plan would be a one-year test program.

Also, learn about other Metro programs such as Vanpool and ExpressLanes .
Bixby Marshland
Did you know that, in addition to operating wastewater and solid waste facilities, the Sanitation Districts own and maintain a marshland? Yes, it’s true! The Bixby Marshland, a 17-acre marsh, located to the northwest of the Joint Water Pollution Control Plant (JWPCP) near the intersection of Figueroa Street and Sepulveda Boulevard in the City of Carson, has recently been restored by the Sanitation Districts.
South Bay in the News
Businesses in Hawthorne and Torrance Can Now Join the California Green Business Network

Hawthorne and Torrance businesses can now join a network of more than 4,000 prominent and respected businesses across the state taking steps toward sustainability. Benefits include:
  • Recognition - businesses appear in a Green Business Directory that will be seen by local consumers
  • Savings - green businesses implement practices that lead to cost savings in energy, water, and garbage bills
  • Support - certification includes free, on-site green technical and financial assistance

SAVE THE DATE for SBCCOG's
20th Annual General Assembly: Thursday, February 28, 2019

The theme for the SBCCOG’s 2019 General Assembly will be "Celebrating the Past - Shaping the Future". The program will review the previous 20 years and what has changed in the South Bay. SBCCOG is also happy to announce that the Keynote Speaker will be Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong, Executive Chairman of the Los Angeles Times!
Learn more about South Bay sub-region & its member cities/areas here
Interested becoming a volunteer at SBESC? Fill out an application here
Where Does Your City Rank
in the SCE Energy Leader Partnership Program?

Platinum Tier: 20% Energy Reduction
Hawthorne, Hermosa Beach, Inglewood, Lawndale, Lomita, Manhattan Beach, Palos Verdes Estates, Rancho Palos Verdes, Rolling Hills Estates

Gold Tier: 10% Energy Reduction
Carson, El Segundo, Gardena, Redondo Beach, Rolling Hills, Torrance
Connect with us