March 2020
Save Water, Energy, Money, & the Environment
SBCCOG's General Assembly - POSTPONED
Our Upcoming General Assembly Has Been POSTPONED
The SBCCOG has been contacted by LA County Supervisors, LA County Public Health, and the Beach Cities Health District expressing concerns about the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). 

As a precautionary measure, and in light of all government agency’s actions, SBCCOG believes it is in the best interest of the general public to follow suit and postpone SBCCOG’s General Assembly, which was scheduled for Thursday, March 19, 2020 . Thank you for your willingness to participate and SBCCOG apologizes for any inconveniences this may cause.
West Basin Programs POSTPONED

Effective March 16th, the West Basin Municipal Water District is postponing District events and community programs until further notice in order to help protect the community from the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). The West Basin Board of Directors voted to proceed with caution and implement protective strategies across all District operations. Precautionary measures include offering online and virtual public education programs in place of in-person events, suspending non-essential travel, exploring telecommuting for staff and maintaining a healthful work environment.
Click on the graphic below to learn about West Basin's "Change & Save" program!
Minority- and Women-Owned Businesses, Other Diverse Companies Get 42 Percent of SoCalGas Spending in 2019
SoCalGas announced that the company achieved another record year of spending with over 550 diverse business enterprises in 2019 - at $726 million, the highest in company history. SoCalGas exceeded the California Public Utilities Commission's (CPUC) goal to contract goods and services from women, minority, service-disabled veteran, and LGBT-owned businesses for the 27th consecutive year. Nearly 42 percent of the utility's contract spending went to women, minority, service-disabled veteran and LGBT-owned firms, nearly double the CPUC's goal of 21.5 percent.
Frequently Asked Questions About COVID-19 & the Water Supply
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), COVID-19 is transmitted through person-to-person contact and not through water. The CDC has also stated that the COVID-19 virus has not been detected in drinking water. The Water Replenishment District has taken several measures to ensure your tap water is safe and reliable, even in times of crisis.
FREE Turf Removal & California Friendly Landscape Classes in Torrance: POSTPONED

Upcoming classes addressing turf removal (including the class that was scheduled for April 18th) and California Friendly Landscaping have been postponed due to precautions being taken to address COVID-19. More information will be provided as it becomes available.
Port of Los Angeles Will Award Up to $1 Million Toward Community Grants
(Applications due May 11; Informational Workshops on April 1-2)
The Port of Los Angeles will award up to $1 million in non-taxpayer-funded community grants to support nonprofit organizations that benefit the Los Angeles Harbor community through its annual Community Investment Grant Program. Since 2013, the Port has invested more than $1 million each year in more 60 local organizations that support community projects, programs and events, as part of the Community Investment Grant Program. Grant funding comes from Port-generated revenues and is available in three categories: small (less than $5,000), medium ($5,001-$99,999) and large (more than $100,000). To be considered, an applicant must be a nonprofit organization with 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, with an initiative that promotes local workforce development, education, the environment, or LA Waterfront.
Sanitation Districts' Outreach Events SUSPENDED

As a result of increasing concerns about the coronavirus (COVID-19), the Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts have suspended outreach events until further notice. This includes the cancellation of their facility tours scheduled for March and our Earth Day festival scheduled for April 18. Protecting public health remains their highest priority.
LADWP Earns "Top Ten Utility" Recognition for Energy Efficiency Achievements
Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) tied for the biggest overall point gain on a variety of energy efficiency metrics, and placed in the top ten among 52 large U.S. utilities for its impressive energy-saving efforts, according to the 2020 Utility Energy Efficiency Scorecard released Thursday February 20, 2020 by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE). LADWP increased energy savings 54 percent from 2015 to 2018 and investments in energy efficiency more than 50 percent during that timeframe, distinguishing itself as one of two “most improved” utilities by the 2020 Scorecard, along with Consumers Energy. The utility also dramatically grew its number of energy-saving offerings, including those that utilize less common, emerging technologies such as high-efficiency ceiling fans and zero net energy buildings.
Household Hazardous and Electronic Waste Collection Events - Update: 3/16/2020

Because of coronavirus (COVID-19) concerns, all HHW events have been cancelled for the next 30 days. In addition, their EDCO and Antelope Valley centers are also closed. City of Los Angeles S.A.F.E centers are currently remaining open. Protecting public health and the environment remains Sanitation Districts' highest priority and they look forward to resuming this beneficial program.
Can Public Transit & TNCs Get Along? Expanding the Reach of Transit With Lyft
Lyft riders can now take shared rides to and from select Metro rail stations during weekday rush hour for a $3 flat fare. Once Lyft riders take three shared rides, they will receive an email with a link and information to redeem ten dollars of credit on their TAP accounts. This promotion is available through April 30, 2020.

Also, learn about other Metro programs such as Vanpool and ExpressLanes .
On the Go
News for Southern California Commuters: March/April 2020
Learn about opportunities for ridesharing, public transportation, and the benefits that an Employee Transportation Coordinator (ETC) can offer your workplace. This monthly newsletter addresses the broad audience of commuters that rely on transportation agencies from Los Angeles County, Orange County, Riverside & San Bernardino Counties, and Ventura County.
Learn more about South Bay sub-region & its member cities/areas here
Interested in becoming a volunteer at SBESC? Fill out an application here
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