In the early 2000s, California faced an unprecedented energy crisis as low supply and idle power plants led to record electricity prices. The city of Redondo Beach responded in 2003 by applying for and receiving funds from the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to implement a program to incentivize—through instant rebates—the purchase of EnergyStar® appliances.
The Redondo Beach city manager suggested promoting the program throughout the entire South Bay. He asked the South Bay Cities Council of Governments (SBCCOG) to take on its execution. The program was named the South Bay Energy Rewards Program. SBCCOG staff reached out to 10 retailers to participate. Thus, the SBCCOG’s first energy efficiency education and outreach program began.
Building on the program’s success, Southern California Edison (SCE) and SoCalGas approached the SBCCOG to form a local government partnership program for the 2004–2008 portfolio cycle. It would be a marketing, education and outreach program for the entire SBCCOG geographic area, involving cities, utilities, residents and businesses.
The SBCCOG team recognized it would be more beneficial if hard energy savings were included in the program. It began pursuing opportunities to implement programs such as a joint energy efficiency/lighting retrofit contract and discounted purchasing of energysaving vending machine controller devices for South Bay cities. This effort was branded the South Bay Energy Savings Center, or SBESC.
“The SBCCOG developed a great working
relationship with the utilities involved, which continued to provide funding for energysaving programs in South Bay cities,” said Kim Fuentes, deputy executive director of the SBCCOG, who manages environmental programs. “From there, it continued to gain momentum as the community’s appetite grew for sustainability resources for their health and well-being and to reduce the South Bay’s environmental footprint.”
In the next CPUC cycle of funding, the SBCCOG successfully became a resource program for hard energy savings, taking on goals for helping South Bay municipalities identify and complete cost-saving energy
efficiency projects.
As community energy efficiency outreach efforts continued, there was also an opportunity to speak about other resourcesaving measures like water. In 2006, the SBCCOG added West Basin Municipal Water District and the city of Torrance Water Department to the existing partnerships with SCE and SoCalGas. With this expansion, the SBCCOG board changed the name of the program to its current name: South Bay Environmental Services Center, keeping the acronym SBESC.
“Over the past 17 years, SBESC has provided critical outreach and education services to help raise awareness of West Basin’s water efficiency and educational programs to South Bay communities. SBESC’s team
of professionals works hard to support and represent many of West Basin’s ongoing programs that serve local communities. With their partnership and dedicated staff, West Basin has been able to reach many more people and make greater strides toward making ‘Conservation a California Way of Life,’ resulting in increased water reliability and resiliency throughout the South Bay,” West Basin said in a statement made on behalf of its board of directors. Programs for Torrance Water mirrored those of West Basin for the residents and businesses in Torrance.
According to Jacki Bacharach, executive director of the SBCCOG since 1998, in the SBESC’s early years, “cities were not focusing
• City of Torrance Water Department
• Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority
• Los Angeles Department of Water and Power
• Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County
• SoCalGas (from 2004-2021, 2023)
• Southern California Edison (from 2004-2019)
• Southern California Regional Energy Network
• Water Replenishment District
• West Basin Municipal Water District
In 20 years, the SBESC has helped cities and schools save
• 15,087,532 kilowatt hours of electricity (equivalent to the carbon dioxide ( CO2) emitted from 1,348 homes through energy use in one year)
• 99,466 gas therms (equivalent to reducing 526 metric tons of CO2, the amount of GHGs generated from 117 gas-powered cars driven for one year)
• Providing information to the public at more than 100 community, employee and business events and presentations annually
• Involving the community and extending its reach with SBCCOG volunteers since 2008
• Facilitating trainings and workshops that help cities adopt energy-efficient, water-efficient and waste-reduction policies and practices
• Preparing climate action plans and subregional vulnerability assessments for all cities with regular updates on their greenhouse gas emissions
on energy efficiency programs on their own.” However, concern at the state and federal government level of the effects of climate change was growing. It heightened further in 2005 when nine U.S. mayors invited cities to take action to reduce global warming. In 2006, Assembly Bill 32 passed, requiring California to reduce overall greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) to 1990 levels by 2020 and to slash GHGs to 40% below 1990 levels by 2030.
This momentum served as the impetus for the SBCCOG to work with cities in 2005 and 2007 to complete GHG inventories for each city. To fund this work, the cities agreed to pay a special assessment. It updated results in 2011 and 2012, funded by SCE and SoCalGas. SBCCOG staff collected and inputted data provided by various agencies. It then quantified the figures using the ClearPath tool (icleiusa.org/clearpath) from ICLEI –Local Governments for Sustainability, which converts statistics into emissions data.
Using this baseline carbon footprint, the SBCCOG then worked with cities to develop climate action plans (CAPs) to help them set goals for reducing their GHGs. These plans were adopted by each of the city councils. Since then, the SBCCOG has been able to leverage those CAPs to secure partnerships and funding to implement and promote recommended changes, such as energy equipment upgrades for municipal facilities, residents, businesses and community members. The CAPs have also helped the SBCCOG secure competitive grant funding
and expand energy partnerships to include the Southern California Regional Energy Network (SoCalREN) to promote energy efficiency at public agencies.
“The SBESC has been a tremendous help to community members and local agencies on a wide range of sustainability programs and offerings,” said Douglas Krauss, environmental programs manager for the city of Hermosa Beach, who recently worked with SBESC team members on the city’s GHG inventory. “From education to funding opportunities to good old manual labor through their priceless volunteer and staff hours, the SBESC is tireless in its support of improving the local environment. We hope it continues for many decades to come.”
As the energy program grew, so did requests to add other programs and education on sustainability such as transportation options, waste reduction and more water partners. “To have a comprehensive message, we worked hard to get the Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts to join our efforts,” said Bacharach. Over time, the Water Replenishment District (WRD) and the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power joined West Basin and Torrance Water to work with the SBCCOG to promote water conservation initiatives, such as trainings and workshops on nonfunctional turf replacement, distribution of rain barrels, and replacement of water-wasting faucets and showerheads.
“The SBESC has been a great asset to the
WRD,” said Jenn Stewart, senior public affairs representative, WRD. “They have helped amplify WRD’s education programming and have cultivated a large network of engaged citizens who are interested in participating in WRD’s Groundwater Festival, Eco Gardener classes and facility tours.”
Adding to its sustainable program offerings, the Los Angeles Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) became a partner to boost electric vehicle usage and ride-sharing.
With recent record-level drought exacerbating statewide and worldwide concerns about climate change, in 2023 the focus on sustainability is greater than ever. But Fuentes and Bacharach agree that armed with the SBESC, the South Bay is well positioned for a sustainable future.
“What we’re doing now is building off our existing network and audiences to bring even more programs to help our cities and the South Bay,” said Fuentes. Bacharach added, “Because of our many years of working with our cities on sustainability, we can hit the ground running. We are now going to double down to help our cities stay at the forefront of the huge climate challenges ahead of us. And we can face them better together, which is what the SBCCOG and SBESC are all about.”
Members of the SBESC team, along with representatives from the SBCCOG’s water and energy partner agencies, recently toured Water Replenishment District’s Albert Robles Center for Water Recycling and Environmental Learning. Top, from left: Dakota Townson, project coordinator, SBCCOG; Leah Myhre, project manager, SoCalREN; Gus Meza, senior water policy and resource analysts, West Basin Municipal Water District; Shawn Fujioka, project coordinator, SBCCOG; Martha Segovia, senior project manager, SBCCOG. Bottom, from left: Katty Segovia, project coordinator, SBCCOG; and Kim Fuentes, deputy executive director, SBCCOG.
Toilet Exchange Program: The SBESC partnered with West Basin to provide the public with free high-quality, high-efficiency toilets that conserve water.
South Bay Energy Savings Center: The city of Redondo Beach received funding from the California Public Utilities Commission to provide residents instant rebates in exchange for the purchase of EnergyStar® appliances. With the desire to extend this offer to the entire South Bay, the city manager asked the South Bay Cities Council of Governments (SBCCOG) to implement the program. Its success led the SBCCOG to create a program called the South Bay Energy Savings Center (later renamed the South Bay Environmental Services Center or SBESC).
Holiday Light Exchange: In 2006, SBESC began working with Southern California Edison (SCE) to facilitate the exchange of energy-guzzling incandescent lights for new LED holiday lights, which use 80% less electricity and cost less than a dollar per season to operate. In 2014, various local organizations, businesses and elected officials began sponsoring the program in place of SCE funding. Through the program, approximately 250 boxes of incandescent light strands have been donated each year to Walser’s, an electronic waste recycling facility in Torrance.
“From education to funding opportunities to good old manual labor through their priceless volunteer and staff hours, the SBESC is tireless in its support of improving the local environment, and we hope it continues for many decades to come.”
—Douglas Krauss, environmental programs manager, city of Hermosa Beach
Direct Assistance Program: The SBESC provided the community with information about a program that offers energy-saving improvements, such as weather stripping, low-flow showerheads and ceiling insulation to eligible income-qualified renters and homeowners.
Waterbroom Giveaway: The SBCCOG provided South Bay businesses with $23,750 worth of Watermiser™ waterbrooms free of charge, funded by West Basin Municipal Water District and Torrance Water. Waterbrooms, sold in 2007 for a retail value of $250 each, employ a combination of water and air to get hard surfaces cleaner with virtually no runoff.
VendingMiser®: The SBESC implemented a program to deploy more than 160 vending machine energy-saving controller devices for South Bay cities, schools and businesses with expected savings of more than 260,000 kilowatt hours and $40,000 in energy costs per year.
Jack
Cash for Kitchens Program: In 2009, the SBESC began working with West Basin to facilitate a program tailored to restaurants and commercial kitchens to offer on-site water efficiency surveys and rebates up to $3,000 for the purchase of eligible aircooled ice machines and up to $6,000 for the purchase of Energy Star dishwashers. In 2017, the program expanded as Torrance Water
and the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power also began offering commercial kitchen water audits to Torrance and city of Los Angeles residents. Program participants received free water-saving, pre-rinse spray valves and flow-restrictors to help reduce their operating costs. Through the program, more than 600 water assessments have been completed.
“The SBESC has been a great asset to the Water Replenishment District (WRD). They have helped amplify WRD’s education programming and have cultivated a large network of engaged citizens who are interested in participating in WRD’s Groundwater Festival, Eco Gardener classes and facility tours.”
—Jenn Stewart, senior public affairs representative, Water Replenishment District2010
Top: The owners of JBJ’s Bakery in Carson receive information on the Cash for Kitchens program from former Carson Council Member Elito Santarina (far right).
Bottom: The SBESC assisted Cal State University Dominguez Hills in its enrollment in West Basin’s Cash for Kitchens program.
Operation Lamp Exchange: SBESC partnered with Edison to offer residents new, more efficient Energy Star lamps in exchange for incandescent and halogen light fixtures. More than 24,579 were exchanged, saving more than 750,000 kilowatt hours.
Water Star Program: The SBESC teamed up with West Basin to offer the Water Star program. Local children received a free water conservation kit and took home the title of Water Star if they saved 20 gallons per day.
2012
Smart Sprinkler Controller Exchange Program: The SBESC, in partnership with West Basin, launched a program to encourage residents to exchange their old sprinklers for new weather-based irrigation controllers that reduced outdoor water use by up to 30% or 40 gallons per day.
Free Rain Barrel Program: In partnership with West Basin, SBESC helped coordinate the distribution of free rain barrels to West Basin customers through hosted, drivethrough events and home deliveries. Each barrel can collect up to 50 gallons of water for reuse in gardens and landscaped areas. Thousands of rain barrels are distributed every year, and the program serves to not only collect rainwater but also to bring attention to water conservation efforts. Since 2015,
more than 14,000 free rain barrels have been provided to residents. In 2017, SBESC also partnered with Torrance Water to coordinate the distribution of free rain barrels to Torrance customers through drive-through events. West Basin customers may visit westbasin.org/rain-barrels or call 310-2714633 to learn more. Torrance residents may call 310-371-7222.
SBCCOG and West Basin Municipal Water District volunteers assist residents in loading rain barrels into their cars at community distribution events.
Turf Replacement Rebate Program: Through a partnership with West Basin, the SBESC began promoting West Basin’s Turf Replacement Rebate Program, which offers customers rebates starting at $3 per square foot of turf removed. For more information visit westbasin.org/grass-replacement
Change & Save Program: West Basin designed a conservation and rebate program to reduce residential water and energy use and lower utility bills for qualified residents.
Residents received free water-saving device kits and rebates up to $500 for the purchase of high-efficiency washing machines.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions Review: The SBCCOG assisted its members in the completion of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reviews at the city and community level in 2005, 2007, 2011 and 2012. The years 2005 and 2007 were funded by a special assessment from SBCCOG member cities. In May 2013, SCE and SoCalGas provided funding to facilitate support and accelerate the climate action planning work in the South Bay by funding 2011 and 2012. To develop inventories, the SBCCOG works collaboratively with member cities and utilities to aid staff with the collection and aggregation of data. It then uses the ClearPath tool (icleiusa.org/ clearpath) from ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability to quantify emissions. The SBCCOG is now reviewing the 2019 and 2020 emissions, working with CivicSpark Fellows. For more information visit southbaycities.org/ greenhouse-gas-emissions-inventories
and SCE, the energy efficiency chapters were developed. Through a grant from the Strategic Growth Council, the transportation, greening and renewable chapters were completed in 2017 and 2018. These documents guide cities on how they can lower GHGs, reduce their energy costs, protect air quality and public health, and improve the economy and environment. The SBCCOG will soon update CAPs again with data from its most recent GHG emissions review (currently in progress). For more information visit southbaycities.org/climate-action-planning
Community Workshops: The SBESC began offering workshops on energy efficiency for apartment building owners and managers and on Water Wise landscaping to the community in collaboration with local water agencies. It also offered Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design workshops for businesses, and sustainable living courses for residents through the Torrance and Manhattan Beach Adult School in English and Spanish. Facilitation and promotion of community workshops in support of partnership programs is ongoing. For current events visit southbaycities.org/calendar
Climate Action Planning: Using data collected in its completed GHG inventories, SBCCOG embarked on developing climate action plans (CAPs) at the city and community-wide levels. Funded by SoCalGas
Top: The SBESC provides information at more than 100 community events annually.
From left: Hawthorne Council Member Haidar Awad, SBCCOG environmental analyst Jennifer Zivkovic LaMarque, SBCCOG volunteer Kathy Haynes and Hawthorne Mayor Alex Vargas.
Bottom left, from left: SBCCOG staff members and environmental services analysts Cierra Washington and Marilyn Lyon invite the community to spin the wheel to win a West Basin conservation kit.
Bottom right, behind table: SBCCOG senior project manager Aaron Baum discusses energy and water savings with community members.
Gateways to Green Building PreApprenticeship Program: The SBESC partnered with the South Bay Workforce Investment Board to implement a program that aimed to develop and certify green building skills through classroom and handson instruction, community service activities and supportive services, while leveraging public and private resources.The program was funded through stimulus dollars under the California Clean Energy Workforce Training Program.
PACE (Property Assessed Clean Energy) Financing: In 2013, the SBCCOG entered into agreements to support PACE financing programs that allowed homeowners and businesses to receive 100% financing to implement clean energy or energy-efficient improvements on their property. Repayments were done through property tax over a 20year period.
2010
GreenIt, A Guide to Greening Your Home: SBESC, the South Bay Association of Realtors® and West Basin Municipal Water District collaborated to create a booklet available on the SBESC website for homeowners, as well as for distribution to Realtors® for their clients.
2010
Energy Upgrade California™: The SBCCOG worked with Los Angeles County through funding provided by the Federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act grant to implement an incentive program for South Bay residents to retrofit their homes for energy and water efficiency. The program aimed for property owners to achieve a 20% reduction in energy consumption in their homes. Upgrades could include basic weatherization, such as adding insulation, sealing a home, or installing energy efficient windows, tankless water heaters, air conditioners and solar panels. Participating customers were eligible for $5,000 in rebates and tax credits to offset project costs.
2012
The Ocean Safe Car Wash Program: In partnership with West Basin, SBESC implemented a program to encourage drivers to use commercial car wash facilities that recirculate water while also reducing runoff.
Drought Defender: The SBESC began offering an all-inclusive, water conservation online resource hub. The hub showcased waterand money-saving programs, workshops, tools, tips and resources provided by its partners— West Basin and Torrance Water.
Green Business Assist Program: Hatched from the South Bay Cities Green Building Challenge, the SBESC has continued to work with South Bay businesses to provide information and referrals to reduce energy, water and waste through the Green Business Assist Program (GBAP). The program provides a free service offered in partnership with West Basin and Golden State Water Company. GBAP is designed to encourage sustainable actions in the South Bay business community. Through the program, the SBCCOG provides information, education and resources from utilities on incentive programs that can save businesses money. Today more than 362 South Bay businesses are enrolled. For more information visit southbaycities.org/greenbusiness-assist-program
“Over the past 17 years, SBESC has provided critical outreach and education services to help raise awareness of West Basin’s water efficiency and educational programs to South Bay communities. SBESC’s team of professionals works hard to support and represent many of West Basin’s ongoing programs that serve local communities. With their partnership and dedicated staff, West Basin has been able to reach many more people and make greater strides toward making ‘Conservation a California Way of Life,’ resulting in increased water reliability and resiliency throughout the South Bay.”
—West Basin Municipal Water District board of directors
Travel Pal: With funding from Metro, the SBCCOG launched a website that facilitated environmentally sustainable trip planning through ridesharing, transit opportunities and other green transportation options.
The SBESC provides resources for South Bay business owners like Oscar Mendez at Upper Layers Skin Care in Hawthorne to reduce energy, water and waste.
Environmentally Friendly Landscaping, Gardening and Post Control: The SBESC became a source of information and resources for the community on how to create and maintain sustainable landscapes and gardens that are naturally resistant to drought and pests, conserve water and provide habitat for native wildlife. The Beach Cities Watershed Management Group and the Peninsula Watershed Management Group provide this information to the SBESC for posting on the SBCCOG website. For more information visit southbaycities.org/ environmentally-friendly-landscapinggardening-and-pest-control.
SoCalREN Kits for Kids: The Southern California Regional Energy Network (SoCalREN) partners with SBCCOG to introduce South Bay students to new energy efficiency tools through the Kits for Kids program. Students are asked to perform an interactive scavenger hunt to receive energy and water efficiency items at no cost to help their families cut energy and water use, while saving money. To reward their efforts, participating classrooms receive grants for books and supplies.
SBESC Local Government Partnership: Southern California Edison (SCE) and SoCalGas began their partnership working with the SBCCOG in 2004 to promote their utility programs to South Bay cities and residents. Through this program, South Bay local governments received nearly $3 million in cash incentives for the adoption of energy efficiency measures in their facilities. Additionally, through this program cities received various energy-efficient equipment and its installation for free through a Direct Install program. This program provided a service valued at $1.6 million and reduced roughly 11,000 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Through the partnership, nearly 600 utility accounts were connected to ENERGYSTAR Portfolio Manager to closely track energy use and trends over time.
Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts: The sustainability program partnership between the Sanitation Districts and SBESC has helped advance the Sanitation Districts’ mission since 2008. This partnership allows for a wide range of conservation strategies to be presented to all sectors of the community at educational and outreach events—including virtual—in which SBESC participates.
Vanpool (until 2023) and ExpressLane Promotion: In partnership with Metro, the SBESC provided information to the public and to South Bay businesses on vanpool formation and ExpressLane use. SBESC worked with Metro to ensure that vanpool subsidy guidelines continued to incentivize South Bay vanpools.
Top: Students and teachers from Towne Avenue Elementary School in Carson celebrate their earnings through SoCalREN’s Kits for Kids energy-saving program.
Bottom: Kits for Kids participants received LED light bulbs, efficient-flow showerheads and faucet aerators to install at home.
Top: Southern California Edison, in partnership with the SBCCOG, presents the city of Hawthorne with a check for $52,936 for its 2016-2017 energy conservation efforts through the Energy Leadership Partnership Program.
Bottom: The city of Rolling Hills achieved Silver Tier status through the Energy Leadership Partnership Program.
Sustainability Program Partnership: The SBESC partnered with the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) to promote LADWP energy efficiency and water conservation programs to residents, businesses, community groups and agencies in the San Pedro, Harbor City/Harbor Gateway
and Wilmington Areas of Los Angeles City Council District 15. Activity highlights include exhibiting and conducting presentations at community events, coordinating with LADWP to provide training programs and services to residents, and identifying commercial kitchens for water assessments and conservation training. The SBESC also coordinated the LADWP programs with SoCalGas, which provided incentives for clean and calibrated gas-powered kitchen equipment.
Water Replenishment District Programs: The SBCCOG commenced a partnership to support the Water Replenishment District's initiatives to replenish groundwater to decrease the region’s reliance on imported water by promoting sustainable gardening programs and classes.
and include energy benchmarking, audits of a facility’s energy use, inventories of facility equipment, project management support and outreach services. Participation in the SoCalREN helps cities reduce energy costs and invest savings toward public resources while helping cities stay in compliance with state energy policy. For more information visit southbaycities.org/energy-efficiency.
SBESC Volunteer Program: Since 2008, more than 300 volunteers have provided more than 20,000 hours of service to helping the SBCCOG, including the SBESC program. Volunteers have helped develop pages for the website, assisted in the development of grant opportunities, GHG inventories and CAP development and implementation, and staffed hundreds of community outreach events. To become a volunteer call 310-3712222, ext. 209, or contact Martha Segovia at martha@southbaycities.org.
Beacon Awards: Through the years the SBESC has helped many member cities apply to participate in the Institute for Local Government’s Beacon Program and has received the designation of Beacon Award Program Champion. The program provides recognition and support for local agencies to build more vibrant and sustainable communities.
South Bay Cities Green Building Challenge: Through grant funding from Southern California Edison, the Gas Company and Golden State Water Company, the South Bay Cities Green Building Challenge program was established to help businesses reduce energy, water and waste while improving quality of life and making the South Bay a more attractive place to work, live and play. It also encouraged colleagues and peers to do the same. The two-year competition was designed to drive measurable sustainability improvements in the categories of energy, water, waste and transportation. This program grew to later become the Green Business Assist program.
SBCCOG staff visited Water Replenishment District’s Albert Robles Center for Water Recycling and Environmental Learning to learn how wastewater is treated to replenish the underground aquifer system.
Southern California Regional Energy Network: Beginning in 2020, the SBCCOG partnered with the SoCalREN Public Agency Programs to continue to provide energy efficiency services to member cities following the conclusion of local government partnerships. The SBCCOG facilitates SoCalREN services, which are offered for free
Top: SBCCOG volunteers John Rodman and Daniel Bianca assist with meeting setup. Bottom:
Energy Efficiency and Energy Leader Recognition Luncheon: As part of the SBESC/SCE Energy Leadership Partnership
Program, beginning in 2016 cities were recognized annually for their outstanding efforts in improving energy efficiency at municipal facilities.
At A Glance: From 2012 to 2019, the SBESC prepared quarterly “At A Glance” reports for cities to provide analysis of existing energy use and identify opportunities to improve energy efficiency.
Energy Management Information System: Through a grant from Southern California Edison, the SBCCOG set up web portals for participating municipal energy managers, facility managers and financial managers to view all utility cost and consumption data in a single location using a portfolio management approach. The tool helped identify priority facilities for energy efficiency projects.
Top: The SBCCOG presents a check to the city of Gardena for its Platinum Tier level achievement in the Energy Leadership Partnership.
Bottom: Lomita Council Member and SBCCOG 2015-2016 Board Chair Jim Gazely (center) presents former Torrance City Council Member Kurt Weideman (left) with recognition for Torrance’s Gold Tier level and former Gardena Council Member Dan Medina, (right) for Gardena’s Platinum Tier level achievement.
The South Bay Energy & Climate Recognition Program: The South Bay Energy & Climate Recognition Program, in collaboration with the SoCalREN, launched in 2023 to recognize cities for their sustainable actions. Cities will be recognized for their achievements at a ceremony this December hosted by the SBCCOG and the SoCalREN.
Contract Engineer: The SBESC hired and has retained a contract engineer, Greg Stevens of GSE Solutions, to give South Bay cities advice on call about energy use. Stevens has helped cities identify gas energy efficiency projects; conduct comprehensive and targeted gas audit services; perform calculations and assist with incentive applications; and execute retro commissioning (fine-tuning existing building systems to meet energy saving criteria). He has also provided technical support and general energy engineering consulting services.
Energy Managers Working Group: The SBESC formed the Energy Managers Working Group to bring cities together to discuss their challenges and successes in energy initiatives.
Renewable South Bay: In April 2017, the SBCCOG, in coordination with Renovate America, launched Renewable South Bay, a program that connected residents with resources, education and materials about how to add renewable energy to their homes. Homeowners gained access to HERO PACE financing to cover installation costs. The contractor diversity pilot also offered opportunities for minority, women and veteranowned contracting businesses to work with Renovate America and receive personalized support for growing their business.
Energy Benchmarking: The SBESC began helping cities track municipal energy use and maintain state benchmarking compliance using ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager.
—Leah Myhre, project manager, SoCalREN
“By leveraging the COG's deep understanding of their community's needs, SoCalREN is better able to provide trusted, regionallyspecific information to the South Bay agencies we serve. SoCalREN receives added insight and can be more responsive to the evolving needs of the community. This in turn helps shape SoCalREN's future program services and offerings to better fit the unique and diverse regions served.”
National Sol Smart Program: The SBESC worked with its member cities to become “Solar Ready” communities. The SBCCOG received an award for gold designation. The cities of Carson, El Segundo, Gardena, Manhattan Beach, Palos Verdes Estates, Redondo Beach, Rancho Palos Verdes and Torrance also received national recognition for their efforts.
South Bay Watch is a quarterly bulletin by the South Bay Cities Council of Governments to inform local leaders of subregional progress and alert them to emerging issues.
Governing Board:
Chair
California Green Business Network Program: In 2018, through grants provided by the California Green Business Network (CAGBN), the SBCCOG began working with the cities of Torrance and Hawthorne to help businesses become more environmentally sustainable and responsible to cut greenhouse gas emissions, reduce waste, conserve water and lower pollution. In 2022, El Segundo joined the CAGBN. Through the program, businesses in those communities can earn CAGBN certification. Today more than 200 South Bay businesses are certified.
Facility Equipment Inventories: Through the completion of facility inventories of energy-using equipment at 37 facilities in 10 South Bay cities, the SBESC identified an estimated potential of 274,727.95 kilowatt hours of energy savings (equivalent to 195 tons of CO2, which equates to the emissions from using 21,908 gallons of gasoline). The inventory, funded by the SoCalREN, is helping cities find energy-saving opportunities. Findings inform the SBCCOG where to advocate for potential resources to help cities convert to more sustainable equipment, which will equate to hundreds of thousands of dollars in energy savings. Facilities are continually being added to the list to be inventoried through December 2023.
Cedric Hicks, Carson
1st Vice Chair
Rodney Tanaka, Gardena
2nd Vice Chair
Bernadette Suarez, Lawndale
Immediate Past Chair
John Cruikshank, Rancho Palos Verdes
Members:
Carson, County of LA, El Segundo, Gardena, Hawthorne, Hermosa Beach, Inglewood, Lawndale, Lomita, Los Angeles, Manhattan Beach, Palos Verdes Estates, Rancho Palos Verdes, Redondo Beach, Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates, Torrance
SBCCOG Executive Director
Jacki Bacharach
Legal Counsel
Michael Jenkins, Best Best & Krieger LLP
Treasurer
Matthew Robinson, City Treasurer
City of El Segundo
Editor:
Colleen Farrell, Senior Project Manager, Communications
Contributor:
Rosemary Lackow, Administrative Assistant
Design:
Vincent Rios Creative, Inc.
To subscribe to SBCCOG newsletters or view past editions, visit southbaycities.org/newsletter
Top, from left: Douglas Krauss, environmental programs manager, Hermosa Beach, observes as Talia Perluss, SBCCOG project coordinator, studies the electric panel at Hermosa Beach City Hall during a facility equipment inventory.
Bottom, from left: Talia Perluss and Shawn Fujioka, SBCCOG project coordinators, tag team to complete a facility equipment inventory at the Joslyn Community Center in Manhattan Beach.
To view a schedule of SBCCOG meetings, visit southbaycities.org/calendar.
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