August 2020
Save Water, Energy, Money, & the Environment
Tunnel Boring Machine Naming and Art Contests: Sept. 15th - Oct. 15th

The Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts invite Los Angeles County students in grades 1 through 12 to help name the Clearwater Project tunnel boring machine (TBM) before it starts its quiet journey to build a new tunnel that will protect our local waterways. They also need your help to decorate the TBM with your artwork. To participate in their TBM naming and art contests, please read further for more details. Winners will receive recognition and cool prizes.
What is a Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM)?
S.A.F.E. Collection Centers Have Re-Opened

This FREE service allows for the drop-off of household hazardous waste and electronics at designated locations. To find a location near by, what items are accepted, rules implemented to protect against COVID-19, and more, please click the link to the flyer below.
LADWP Solar Interconnection Fees Information and FAQs Summer 2020
On April 28, 2020, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) received a letter from California Solar and Storage Association (CALSSA) that expressed concerns over solar interconnection fees. The information contained in the CALSSA letter was based on incorrect information, resulting in a misunderstanding within the local solar community and other stakeholders—customers that we value very much.
SoCalGas Launches Restaurant Recovery Program Donating $75,000 to Black-Owned Restaurants in Los Angeles County & Inland Empire

SoCalGas announced the launch of the company's Restaurant Recovery Program, which aims to assist Black-owned restaurants in both Los Angeles County and the Inland Empire that have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The program will be administered by the Vermont Slauson Economic Development Corporation (VSEDC), a community-based organization that provides economic opportunities for prosperity by infusing resources into neighborhoods that need support the most. The Restaurant Recovery Program was announced in conjunction with Los Angeles Black Restaurant Week, of which SoCalGas is a proud sponsor. Black Restaurant Week is part of a larger, ongoing effort to support Black-owned businesses in the Los Angeles area.
Get Started on the Pathway to Zero Net Energy

The Southern California Regional Energy Network (SoCalREN) Public Agency Programs, is proud to offer the Pathway to Zero Program for public agencies! Pathway to Zero was created to maximize energy efficiency opportunities in disadvantaged communities while driving the integration of distributed energy resources (DERs) and other sustainability-related strategies and supporting public agencies on a path towards zero net energy (ZNE). DERs and other sustainability-related strategies reviewed:
  • Demand response
  • Electric vehicle charging infrastructure
  • Solar water heating
  • Photovoltaic (solar) and battery storage systems
  • Green rate options
  • Permanent load shifting
  • Water efficiency
Water Conservation Resources
Interested in learning about rebates for rain barrels or water-efficient household and landscaping devices? How about grass replacement and tips on how to transform your lawn into a California Friendly garden? Visit West Basin's water conservation website to access all of these resources and more!
Albert Robles Center Receives Highest LEED Certification
The Water Replenishment District announced its Albert Robles Center
(ARC) for Water Recycling and Environmental Learning has been awarded LEED Platinum Certification, the highest rating offered to environmentally sustainable buildings. Only 5.7
percent of LEED projects in the United States have achieved this distinguished designation. The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program rates the environmental sustainability of projects based on a points system. There are four certification categories, which include Certified, Silver, Gold and Platinum.

ARC, located in Pico Rivera, is a multipurpose site which encapsulates WRD’s commitment to community and sustainability. ARC achieved a Platinum Certification through its innovative design to optimize the efficient use of water and energy. The facility, opened in
August 2019, produces 14 million gallons a day of advanced treated water. This water is used to replenish groundwater resources that provide 50 percent of the drinking water for over four million residents in Southern Los Angeles County. 
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.

Upcoming events in the South Bay:
S.A.F.E. Center locations and days/hours of operation in Los Angeles can be found here
Service Changes
Some Metro buses will begin running increased service to add capacity for essential travel. All other lines not mentioned below (follow "Read More" link), will continue on a modified Sunday schedule every day of the week. Train service will remain the same. By increasing service in their busiest bus lines, Metro will help alleviate crowding and encourage riders to social distance while riding Metro. They ask that riders to wear a face covering at all times unless you have a health condition or disability that prevents you from wearing one.

Also, learn about other Metro programs such as Vanpool and ExpressLanes.
On the Go
News for Southern California Commuters: July / August 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.
Census 2020
There is Still Time to Respond
The 2020 Census is happening now. You can complete your questionnaire online, by phone, or by mail. Please note that if you are responding online, you must complete the census in one sitting, as you don't have the ability to save your progress. You can see the questions the census asked. Even if you did not receive an invitation to respond from the Census Bureau, you may respond online or call the U.S. Census Bureau's phone line.
SBCCOG General Assembly 2020 Sponsors
SBCCOG is Hiring
SBCCOG is currently hiring for the following position:

  • Project Manager I (Energy Efficiency Programs)

To learn more and apply, please follow this link
Learn more about South Bay sub-region & its member cities/areas here
Interested in becoming a volunteer at SBESC? Fill out an application here
 Links to Partner Resources En Español:
Connect with us