January 2022
Save Water, Energy, Money and the Environment
TOP STORIES
Capture water for your garden with a free rain barrel
Learn about the largest, most efficient and lowest cost wind farm in LADWP’s renewable energy portfolio
Metro cuts costs for low income riders
Register for Upcoming Rain Barrel Pick-Up Events

West Basin Municipal Water District's free Rain Barrel Program returns in time for what will hopefully be a plentiful rainy season. Rain barrels, valued at $80 each, provide a great way to save water and reduce stormwater runoff by collecting and reusing rain water. A rainwater capture feature, such as a rain barrel, is also a requirement for West Basin’s grass replacement rebate program, which starts at $3 per square foot of grass replaced.

The District is hosting two drive-through pick-up events:

  • Pick-Up Event #1: January 29, 2022 – Edward C. Little Water Recycling Facility (El Segundo) 8 a.m. to 11 a.m
  • Pick-Up Event #2: February 5, 2022 – West Basin Municipal Water District Headquarters (Carson) 8 a.m. to 11a.m.
Largest and Lowest Cost Wind Farm in LADWP's History Begins Operation

The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) has moved closer toward becoming 100% carbon free by 2035 with the completion of the largest, most efficient and lowest cost wind farm in LADWP’s renewable energy portfolio to date.
Updates on City of Carson Sewage Spill
LA County Sanitation District (LACSD) recently became aware of a sewage spill located at the intersection of 212th St. and Moneta St. in the City of Carson. Their crews are onsite working to contain the spill. The spill occurred due to a sewer collapse near the 110 Northbound off-ramp to 220th St. Currently, there is no threat to public health and property aside from the spilled sewage. For latest updates,
Metro's LIFE Program Reduces Fares for Low Income Riders
Metro is reducing the cost of transit for low-income riders with the LIFE Program. The program offers fare discounts that can be applied toward the purchase of weekly and monthly transit passes on Metro and any LIFE participating transit agencies, or 20 free rides on any one of the participating transit agencies.

If you’re new to the program, you will get a free 90-day pass valid as of January 10, 2022. After your free pass expires, you will be able to load the LIFE discount fare onto your TAP card.
Also, learn about other Metro programs such as Vanpool and ExpressLanes.
Agency Spotlight: City of Carson

This month, we are celebrating the City of Carson’s commercial hot water boiler upgrades at their Community Center! With SoCalREN, the city received support on applications, project management, vendor identification, and an energy use analysis. SoCalREN also collaborated with the City’s ESCO, TRANE, to provide comprehensive and seamless services to make the project a reality. Our paired efforts resulted in securing
$1,500 in incentives and timely completion of the project. Overall, the project will achieve an average of 10% reduction in energy use at the site, while providing beneficial maintenance upgrades to the boilers just in time for the winter months!

Project Details:
  • Average 10% reduction in energy usage;
  • Measure upgraded: commercial hot water boilers;
  • $38,500+ lifetime cost savings;
  • 20 years average estimated useful life;
  • 2,000+ therms in annual energy savings;
  • Project timeline: September 2020 - March 2022, and;
  • $1,500 incentives received through the Statewide Water Heater Program (SWHP).

Read more about public agency case study success stories here.
Learn more about apprenticeship programs (click graphic below for more information) available via the SoCalREN that prepare individuals to become a highly trained and skilled journeyman/woman and to ensure that individuals are prepared to meet the competitive challenges of today’s global market economy.
Join WRD for a Virtual Winter Gardening Class on January 19
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.

To protect public health, WRD has postponed in person Eco-Gardener Classes until further notice. Instead, it is offering virtual classes. It offers on-demand and live webinar options.

The on-demand classes are accessible anytime using the link you receive when you RSVP.

The live webinar classes have a set date and time, and are led my an instructor who can answer your questions.
Help to Unload Household Hazardous Waste is Here

LACSD's 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 are listed below:

S.A.F.E. (Solvents / Automotive / Flammables / Electronics) Center locations and days/hours of operation in Los Angeles can be found here.
Learn About New Mandatory Organics Recycling Requirements for Torrance Residents

In September 2016, Governor Brown signed into law SB1383, establishing methane emissions reduction targets in a statewide effort to reduce emissions of short-lived climate pollutants (SLCP) in various sectors of California's economy. SB 1383 establishes targets to achieve a 50 percent reduction in the level of the statewide disposal of organic waste from the 2014 level by 2020 and a 75 percent reduction by 2025.
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. It will be critical in helping SMBs increase
efficiency, bring in customers, and
cut costs so they can bounce back.
Businesses in Torrance, Hawthorne and El Segundo can join the CAGBN by contacting Martha Segovia: (310) 371-7222 or martha@southbaycities.org
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 or companionship? The SBCCOG has partnered with Silvernest to create a program called Home Share South Bay. It's 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.
 Links to Partner Resources En Español: