2025 South Bay Energy & Climate Recognition Program Awardees

Five Water

Saving Tips from WRD

Enter the 2026 West Basin Student Art Contest

Awardees Announced: The 2025 South Bay Energy & Climate Recognition Program

In partnership with the Southern California Regional Energy Network (SoCalREN), the SBCCOG hosted its third annual South Bay Energy and Climate Recognition Program (SBECRP) awards ceremony. The event recognized South Bay cities for their ongoing commitment to energy-efficiency and sustainability efforts throughout 2025.

This year, all 15 South Bay cities earned recognition for their achievements, with four cities receiving the program’s highest honor, platinum status, for their exceptional leadership and impact.

Read more here.

WRD Offers Five Water-Saving Tips

Installing a water-saving device is the easiest way to lower your water footprint. You can continue to live your daily routine while the appliance or device saves water for you!

Water use devices can be installed both indoors and outdoors for maximum savings. WaterSense, a label for water-efficient products and resources, is a voluntary partnership program sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Look for the WaterSense label on products and services for your home!

Indoor water-saving practices: 

1. Install an aerator to your bathroom and kitchen faucets. This small device reduces the water coming from your taps by about 30%. 
2. Check your toilets and faucets for leaks. 
3. Put a brick or inflatable bladder in your toilet tank to reduce the volume of water per flush. 
4. Wash full loads of laundry and dishes. 
5. Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth or shaving. 

Explore more water-saving tips and resources here (scroll down to “Install Water-Saving Devices”).

Student Artists Invited to Enter the 2026

“Being Water Wise Is…” Art Contest 

The 2026 “Being Water Wise Is…” Art Contest is now open for submissions, inviting students in grades 3–12 within West Basin’s service area to showcase their creativity while promoting the importance of water conservation.

Students are encouraged to craft artwork that illustrates how being water-wise positively impacts their homes, schools and communities. The contest welcomes a wide range of artistic mediums including digital art, photography, watercolors, chalk and fabric – giving students the freedom to express their unique perspectives on water sustainability.

Grand prize winners from the elementary, middle, and high school categories will receive an iPad, stylus and art app gift card, with additional honorable mentions also recognized. Qualifying educators may request free art supply kits and schedule virtual or in-person lessons to support classroom participation.

Entries are due Friday, March 13, 2026, at 5 p.m.. Learn more here. 

West Basin Announces the 2026 Water Lab Schedule—Explore, Learn and Save Water FOR FREE!

Curious about where your water comes from, how it’s recycled, and how you can save money while conserving it? West Basin Municipal Water District (West Basin) is excited to announce its 2026 Water Lab schedule—an engaging lineup of free water recycling facility tours, interactive classes, and virtual chats designed to empower residents with the knowledge of the water infrastructure in their community and how to contribute to a sustainable tomorrow.

The Water Lab program offers tours of the West Basin’s award-winning Edward C. Little Water Recycling Facility (ECLWRF) and brings water treatment technology to life. Participants can also explore emerging water technologies by attending a Know Your H2O class or join a virtual West Basin chat to learn about application tips and benefits of taking advantage of West Basin’s popular residential grass replacement rebate program. 

Space is limited, and events fill up quickly. View the full schedule and register for any 2026 Water Lab event here.

Metro Public Safety Department Launches Care-Based Services Division

Over the past several years, Metro has been focusing on improving the customer experience and public safety for riders and the many Metro employees who deliver our service. Metro wants everyone on its system to be safe and feel safe. As part of that work, Metro is contacted by riders to address issues – and the vast majority of those calls involve societal issues such as homelessness, riders experiencing mental health crises and substance abuse. 

To better help address these issues, Metro’s Department of Public Safety launched its Care-Based Services Division that will bring together all of Metro’s care-centered public safety programs, including Metro Ambassadors, Homeless Outreach Management and Engagement (HOME), and Community Intervention Specialists. Metro is taking a holistic approach to public safety that prioritizes safety, dignity, and the right response for every situation.

Read more here.  

ers May Qualify for Reduced Service Charges

As colder weather arrives, SoCalGas is encouraging customers to take proactive steps to stay safe and improve home energy efficiency this winter. Simple actions, along with available SoCalGas programs, can help households use energy more efficiently and better manage seasonal energy costs. 

Safety Tips  

1. Test carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries as needed. 
2. Never use your oven or range top to heat your home: these appliances are not designed for this purpose and can pose a safety hazard. 
3. Keep range, oven and broiler top areas clean of grease as it is flammable, and excessive build-up may result in a fire. 
4. If you smell natural gas or suspect a leak, call 800-427-2200 from a safe location. 

Read more and explore more safety tips here.

Download the complete SoCalGas Winter Checklist PDF (in English & Spanish) here.

How LACSD Programs Protect South Bay's Public Health and Environment through Ocean Monitoring

Since 1970, the Sanitation Districts have been monitoring and researching how cleaned water from the A.K. Warren Water Resource Facility (formerly known as the Joint Water Pollution Control Plant) affects the ocean. This program ensures protection of public health and the environment. 

The Sanitation Districts efforts include measuring natural variations, as well as conducting biological, chemical and oceanographic  studies in all the habitats off the Palos Verdes Peninsula, where the treatment plant’s cleaned water is discharged. 



Read more here.  

Visit our booth at these upcoming South Bay events

where we will be providing information about local water- and energy-saving programs, and other opportunities to help the residents of our subregion.

Job Opportunities

Metro is seeking qualified candidates to join one of the nation’s largest and most innovative transportation systems.

• Departmental Systems Analyst
• Temporary Administrative Intern
• Manager, Transportation Operations
• Electronic Communication Technician

For a full list of Metro job openings, visit their career page here.

Become a SBESC Volunteer

Learn more about

the South Bay Environmental Service Center (SBESC),

Contact Martha Segovia

310-371-7222 or

martha@southbaycities.org

 Links to Partner Resources En Español:

• Metro - "El Pasajero"

Disclaimer

This newsletter is a collaboration of articles written by the partners of the South Bay Cities Council of Governments (SBCCOG) and is published as provided.