August 2021
Save Water, Energy, Money and the Environment
West Basin Activates Water Shortage Contingency Plan

At the July 26th meeting of the West Basin Municipal Water District Board of Directors, the Board activated its Water Shortage Contingency Plan and declared water Shortage Level One for the service area which covers nearly one million people in 17 cities and unincorporated areas in Los Angeles County.
LADWP Resumes In-Person Customer Programs

Since the end of June, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) has resumed in-person services for several popular residential and commercial customer programs that were suspended in March 2020 as part of the department’s response to COVID-19 in order to protect the health and safety of customers, employees and contractors. During the temporary suspension of in-person activity for select customer programs, LADWP continued to accept rebate submissions and program sign-ups. As LADWP resumes the in-person portion of programs, LADWP remains committed to prioritizing safety.
Find Out Where Your Wastewater Goes
LACSD is offering virtual tours available to the public. See how the Sanitation Districts protect public health and the environment by converting your wastewater into recycled water or by managing your solid waste.
Metro's On-Demand Rideshare Service Pilots Seven Los Angeles Zones
Metro Micro (an on-demand rideshare service in your neighborhood) is now piloting in seven different service zones across Los Angeles County — and Metro is glad to see so many people giving it a try! However, as the service becomes more popular, some riders are seeing wait times longer than our goal of 15 minutes (or less). If you’ve experienced a longer wait time than usual when booking a ride, Metro sincerely apologizes and thank you for your patience. Rest assured that Metro is working to reduce that wait time and make your experience better.
Also, learn about other Metro programs such as Vanpool and ExpressLanes.
SoCalREN's Metered Savings Program Saves Money and Time

With California laser focused on energy efficiency, a new program is helping public agencies get electricity-saving projects up and running faster. The Southern California Regional Energy Network (SoCalREN)'s Metered Savings Program streamlines energy efficiency projects for public agencies by offering access to technical services like energy savings evaluation, financing support, and project management.

On average, projects in the Program take less than half the time to receive approval for construction than projects in alternative incentive or support programs. "The Metered Savings Program offers a turnkey solution for public agencies to implement energy efficiency projects that go beyond utility incentivized measures." said Lauren Seymour, SoCalREN Program Manager and Metered Savings Program Lead. "I'm proud of the Program's simplified approach, opportunities for deeper energy savings, and ability to monitor and track energy savings over time, which empowers public agency staff to better manage their energy use."

Like all SoCalREN's programs and services for public agencies, the Metered Savings Program is offered at no cost for participants. to the South Bay Cities Council of Governments partners with the SoCalREN Public Agency Programs to offer the Metered Savings Program in the South Bay. Interested in learning more? Contact us at [email protected] or visit socalren.org/meteredsavings to get started.
Mobile Home Park Communities Save Money Through SoCalGas Utility Conversion Program

SoCalGas recently completed upgrades to enhance the safety and reliability of the natural gas systems serving 18,650 families at 274 mobile home communities throughout Central and Southern California. The company converted these mobile home communities from privately-owned, master-metered systems with new utility-owned systems. The conversion to an energy system owned and maintained by SoCalGas allows residents in these communities to become direct SoCalGas customers and provides them with routine safety checks, the ability to manage their natural gas usage, and eligibility to sign up for SoCalGas’ energy savings and customer assistance programs that can help them save money.
SoCalREN Multifamily Program Offers Rebates to Property Owners, Managers and Contractors
If you’re considering upgrades at your #multifamily property, contact SoCalREN first. SoCalREN can help you identify and prioritize energy-saving opportunities, plus connect you to incentives for qualifying projects—all at no cost. For more information on eligibility requirements for your property, please visit SoCalREN's website.  

Contractors who work in HVAC, lighting, or water heating did you know SoCalREN can help you offer your multifamily property customers incentives to make energy efficiency upgrades? Join their network for access to one-on-one account manager support, marketing assistance, technical support, and online training with the SoCalREN Multifamily Program. Learn more about becoming a Participating Contractor today by clicking here. 
WRD Teaches Eco Gardener Classes On-Demand
These on-demand, virtual classes will teach participants about sustainable gardening through three topic areas. Sign up today to receive a link to the class that you can use at your convenience from the comfort of your home.

Click flyer below to sign up.
The Lillian Kawasaki Eco Gardener Program teaches homeowners about the multiple benefits of planting a sustainable garden through a series of in-person classes. Whether you attend one or all of them, you are certain to walk away with knowledge about sustainable garden design concepts as well as plant and material selections for creating an attractive, water efficient garden.
Household Hazardous Waste Disposal Help is Here

LACSD is happy to announce that their household hazardous waste and electronic waste roundups have resumed. Please adhere to all COVID-19 safety precautions for these events. Upcoming events in the South Bay listed below:

S.A.F.E. (Solvents / Automotive / Flammables / Electronics) Center locations and days/hours of operation in Los Angeles can be found here.
Torrance Public Library Seeks Feedback with Customer Survey

The Torrance Public Library needs your input. As it plans for Fall and beyond, it would like to know the hours and services most preferred by the community. Please take a moment to assist Torrance Public Library in planning by sharing your preferred hours of operation and the types of programming you would like to see.
On the Go
News for Southern California Commuters: May / June 2021
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 and San Bernardino Counties, and Ventura County.
California Green Business Network (CAGBN)
California Green Business Network Helps Businesses Through Uncertain Times
The California Green Business
Network quickly switched to virtual
assistance for small businesses and
is helping them adapt during this
challenging economic time. We will
be critical in helping SMBs increase
efficiency, bring in customers, and
cut costs so they can bounce back.
Businesses in Torrance and Hawthorne can join the CAGBN by contacting Martha Segovia: (310) 371-7222 [email protected]
Home Share South Bay
Homesharing Offers Win-Win for Homeowners and Renters
Are you a homeowner looking for extra monthly income? Help around the house? Companionship? Home Share South Bay is a new program designed to match homeowners who have extra room(s) in their home with someone in need of housing due to high rents and cost of living. Homesharing is a way to relieve financial pressure.
Employment Opportunities with SBCCOG
Senior Manager (Homelessness Services)

Senior level position responsible for the development of strategies, standards and processes for implementation of programs, activities and events related to homelessness and senior services programs.
Senior Project Manager (Planner)

Under the direction of the executive director, the senior project manager – planner, is an “at will” position responsible for conducting the South Bay Cities Council of Governments Housing and Development program.
 Links to Partner Resources En Español:
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