News from the South Bay Environmental Services Center: February 2023

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February is Humpback Whale Awareness Month!

February, 2023

Save Water, Energy, Money and the Environment

TOP STORIES

Watch LA County Sanitation District's Work to Protect Marine Life

Give Your Hospitality; Get a Free Sustainable Landscape with LADWP

Asst. U.S. Energy Secretary of Electricity to Keynote SBCCOG's General Assembly

Get WRD's Drought Toolkit for Quick Tips to Conserve Water

Did you know that California residents use about 85 gallons of water per day? That is a lot less than we used to, but with frequent drought conditions across the state, it's up to all of us to help conserve water.

When it comes to saving water, small changes at home can make a big difference. The WRD Drought Toolkit webpage shows you how you can reduce your water use by 15%.

For more information on how you can do your part during the drought and to get WRD's Drought Toolkit Click Here.

Enter the West Basin "Water is Life" Art Contest and Earn a Chance to Win an Apple IPAD

The West Basin Municipal Water District announced the launch of its 2023 Water is Life student art contest. It calls on local students to develop creative artwork that inspires water conservation in our communities.

West Basin is currently accepting artwork submissions until Friday, March 17, 2023 at 5 p.m.

Fifteen student winners (one grand prize winner and four honorable mentions in each elementary, middle, and high school grade category) will be selected by a panel of judges in April 2023.

Each winner is awarded a new Apple iPad, with Grand Prize winners additionally receiving a digital stylus pen and $25 Apple Store gift card. For full details and contest guidelines Click Here.

Torrance Residents Can Get Up To Two New Oil Filters

This Saturday February 18, Torrance residents can receive up to two new oil filters in exchange for two used filters while supplies last.

Visit O'Reilly Auto Parts at 4308 Pacific Coast Hwy, Torrance, CA 90505. For full details, call 888-HEY-SLICK or Click Here.

Apply for the Metro ExpressLanes Low-Income Assistance Plan

Qualifying Los Angeles County residents can receive a one-time $25 credit when they set up their FasTrak account (proof of eligibility required).

The $25 credit can be applied to either the transponder deposit or pre-paid toll deposit.

With this plan the $1 monthly account maintenance fee is also waived. To see if you qualify Click Here.

Take a Virtual Ocean Tour to See How Sanitation Districts Monitor and Protect Local Marine Life

Since 1970, the Sanitation Districts have implemented extensive water monitoring programs. They assess potential environmental effects of the Joint Water Pollution Control Plant (JWPCP) discharge on local coastal waters, measure natural variations, and ensure the health of the public and environment.

This program utilizes an assortment of monitoring vessels to conduct biological, chemical and oceanographic studies in the variety of marine habitats found off the Palos Verdes Peninsula. It performs ocean outfall system inspections to ensure their structural integrity and continued safe operation.

Results from the various ocean monitoring programs are provided to the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board and other interested parties through a series of reports.

To watch the virtual boat tour Click Here.

Show Your Neighborhood Hospitality by Offering Your Front Yard as an Outdoor Classroom

Are you interested in having your front yard turf removed and replaced with low-water use sustainable landscape at no cost to you? As a Hands On Workshop host, your front yard will serve as an outdoor classroom for neighbors and community members to receive hands-on experience with a turf replacement project.

Attendees will learn how to remove turf, lay mulch, install irrigation, capture rain water, and install California-friendly and native plants. In return for your hospitality, your new sustainable landscape will be provided free of charge. For full details and to apply to be a host Click Here .

The Survey Results Are In: Agencies Love Being Part of SoCalREN Public Agency Programs

We are proud to partner with the SoCalREN to offer top-tier energy services to our local public agencies. The Annual Satisfaction Survey recently wrapped, confirming that these offerings are something to brag about.

SoCalREN Public Agency Programs achieved a satisfaction score of 89% in 2022, topping the industry benchmark of close to 70%. According to the results, 9 out of 10 agencies would recommend SoCalREN to others.

“SoCalREN staff are always organized, helpful, and understanding of the challenges public agencies face,” said one city Energy Champion. “The programs have helped us identify our weak spots and focus our team’s attention where it’s needed most.”

Learn more about what it means to be part of the SoCalREN network by reading the SoCalREN blog.

To read more on the survey Click Here

SBCCOG's Project Coordinator Laurie Jacobs discusses Kits for Kids Program featured in the Re-Energizing Your Communities Podcast

The SoCalREN Kits for Kids Program introduces third and fourth-grade students to energy efficiency and how it can help their families save money and improve their comfort and safety at home. Students from participating schools perform an interactive scavenger hunt and receive energy-efficient items at no cost.

Laurie Jacobs, project coordinator of the South Bay Cities Council of Governments (SBCCOG) sat down with Julie Castro, host of the Re-Energizing Communities Podcast to discuss the importance and success of the program in Episode 14 Introducing Kids to Energy Efficiency with "Kits for Kids."

Click The Play Button In The Purple Box To Listen.

Introducing Kids to Energy Efficiency with “Kits for Kids” | RSS.com

Did You Know?

Humpback Whales were almost entirely wiped out by commercial whaling in the 19th and early 20th century, according to the Endangered Species Coalition. However, due to amazing global conservation efforts, the current global population has rebounded from a low point of 10,000 back to nearly 80,000, as of 2022. You can help keep our oceans safe by reducing plastic use, volunteering for a beach clean-up, or using chemical free sunscreen while in the water.

U.S. Energy Secretary for Electricity to Address Energy Reliability, Resilience and Climate Change as 23rd General Assembly's Keynote

Our program “The South Bay: Leading the Way in Resilience and Adaptability” will explore how the South Bay is adapting to the impacts of climate change and working to create a more resilient future.

In addition to our speakers, county, state, and federal legislators representing the South Bay are invited to attend. To Register Click Here.

Thank You to Our Current 2023 GA Sponsors

Benefactors

Chevron Products Company

Continental Development Corporation | Mar Ventures, Inc.

LA County Supervisor Holly Mitchell

Port of Los Angeles

South Bay Association of REALTORS

Sponsors

Clean Power Alliance

Kosmont Companies

LA County Supervisor Janice Hahn

Metropolitan Water District of Southern California

Southern California Association of Governments

Southern California Edison

Studio One Eleven

The Energy Coalition

Water Replenishment District of Southern California

Watson Land Company

West Basin Municipal Water District

If you are interested in being a sponsor, please contact Rosemary Lackow at 310-371-7222 or by email at Rosemary@southbaycities.org

Click Here for the February 2023 Calendar of Events and Workshops

What is the Green Business Program?

The California Green Business Program is a network of local programs operated by counties and cities throughout California. Businesses in El Segundo, Hawthorne and Torrance are eligible to join the CAGBN.

Businesses that apply receive personal attention from the public agencies and utilities that serve them. The program is funded by grassroots contributions from local government and utility partners to make it accessible to small to medium-sized businesses in California.