Water Replenishment District Eco Gardener Program - Sign up for a class TODAY! 

Need expert advice on your summer garden? Find quick tips to assist you with your project.

Metro's I-105

ExpressLanes Project - updates & information

Immerse yourself in free Eco Gardener workshops, hosted in community centers throughout the region

Discover the beauty of sustainable gardening with WRD’s Lillian Kawasaki Eco Gardener Program! Since 2006, WRD has partnered with cities and nonprofits throughout the 43-city service area to provide FREE workshops that educate and inspire. Whether you're interested in drought-tolerant plants, rainwater capture, edible gardening, or irrigation basics, our interactive workshops have you covered. 

Join WRD at local community centers, where expert instructors lead engaging presentations, followed by hands-on garden walkthroughs and demonstrations. Available in English and Spanish, these workshops offer practical tips to create your water-efficient oasis while connecting with neighbors and nurturing a thriving ecosystem. Click here for a full list of workshops near you! 

Use this handy-dandy Integrated Pest Management cheat sheet for quick tips 

University of California’s Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program 

What is IPM? 

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an effective and environmentally sensitive approach to pest management that relies on a combination of common-sense practices. IPM programs use current, comprehensive information on the life cycles of pests and their interaction with the environment. This information, in combination with available pest control methods, is used to manage pest damage by the most economical means, and with the least possible hazard to people, property, and the environment. 



The IPM approach can be applied to both agricultural and non-agricultural settings, such as the home, garden, and workplace. IPM takes advantage of all appropriate pest management options including, but not limited to, the judicious use of pesticides. In contrast, organic food production applies many of the same concepts as IPM but limits the use of pesticides to those that are produced from natural sources, as opposed to synthetic chemicals. 

For more information on how to develop an environmentally friendly landscaping garden and pest control management system, visit us our page at: SBCCOG Integrated Pest Management 

I-105 ExpressLanes Project

Tune in to SoCalREN as they light the way to a brighter,

more sustainable future

Introducing Hi, Energy!, where our partners, SoCalREN, bring you front-row access to the innovators and leaders across Southern California who are making a real difference. From demystifying the benefits of heat pumps to guiding you through actionable steps toward decarbonization, the SoCalREN is here to help you navigate the path to a cleaner, greener future. They will also help to uncover career opportunities in the booming green economy and tackle the urgent challenges of urban heat islands. Whether you’re looking to make smarter energy choices at home, work, or in your community, this podcast connects you to the conversations that can inspire change. Join SoCalREN as they light the way to a brighter, more sustainable future!

To learn more, visit SoCalREN's Hi Energy! site here.

LADWP and MWD announce joint effort of water conservation extends offers to residential and multi-family customers

Take advantage of LADWP’s $500 rebate on a high-efficiency clothes washer. Save water, lower your water bill, and upgrade your laundry game! http://ladwp.com/ResWaterRebates

LADWP, in conjunction with the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD), offers the SoCal WaterSmart Rebate Program for residential and multi-family customers owners (1-4 units) to promote the use of water conservation products.  

For more information about Pure Water Los Angeles, please visit the program webpage ladwp.com/PureWaterLosAngeles. 

How to Safely Dispose

Unused Medications

Flushing unused medications down the toilet or sink was once common practice encouraged by doctors and pharmacists. We now know that it is better for the environment to keep these substances out of the drain and out of the trash.

Instead, bring your medications to a drug take back location that will safely dispose of nearly all drugs free of charge. Included is a link that will take you to three websites with maps for take back locations.

For more information, visit www.nodrugsdownthedrain.org.

Student Artwork Shines Through 2025 “BEING WATER WISE IS…” Art Contest

SoCalGas Announces First Renewable Natural Gas Contract Approved Under California Program

Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas) today announced it executed a contract with Organic Energy Solutions (OES) to procure renewable natural gas (RNG) converted from organic waste and inject it into SoCalGas’ pipeline system. The contract is the first approved by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) under Senate Bill (SB) 1440 which sets specific RNG procurement targets for the state’s natural gas utilities. The RNG will be sourced from a project located in the City of San Bernardino and is an important step toward achieving California’s goal to reduce methane emissions from agriculture and waste while advancing energy decarbonization in the state.

SB 1440 is recognized as the nation's first renewable gas standard and led the CPUC to set goals for the procurement of RNG, also known as biomethane, which is made from the organic waste of wastewater treatment plants, dairies, landfills, agricultural practices and forestry residues. Depending on its source, RNG can be carbon negative, meaning it captures more greenhouse gases than it emits. SoCalGas aims to replace approximately 12% of the traditional natural gas it delivers to residential and small business customers with RNG by 2030, pursuant to the targets that have been established under SB 1440 by the CPUC. The new RNG standard is expected to help the state achieve its goal to reduce methane emissions by 40% by 2030.

“As the first RNG procurement project under California’s renewable gas standard, this contract represents an important milestone for the RNG industry and SoCalGas as we work together to advance California’s energy goals,” said Elsa Valay-Paz, vice president of gas acquisition at SoCalGas. “By converting waste that would otherwise end up in landfills into usable energy, this project is intended to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality and help California reach its climate goals.”

For more information on SoCalGas’ RNG initiatives, visit socalgas.com/sustainability/renewable-natural-gas.

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.

Upcoming SBCCOG Outreach Events

Job Opportunities

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

• DEPUTY EXECUTIVE OFFICER, COMMUNITY RELATIONS (PROJECT DELIVERY COMMUNICATION)
• ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION TECHNICIAN
• PENSION AND BENEFITS ANALYST (CALPERS PENSION ADMINISTRATION)
• SENIOR EXECUTIVE OFFICER, DIVERSITY AND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY

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



To learn more about

the South Bay Environmental Service Center (SBESC),

click here.

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.