In October, the SBCCOG hosted an energy efficiency technology showcase at its office in Torrance to advance those connections. It offered an opportunity for SoCalREN-approved businesses to present services and energy technology options to cities and agencies. Representatives from eight cities and one special district across the South Bay attended. Eight businesses, ranging from building resource companies to energy contractors, showcased their offerings.

The City of Rolling Hills recently collaborated with the South Bay Cities Council of Governments (SBCCOG) to host a workshop where residents experienced hands-on training from a Certified Master Composter. The residents learned about composting basics and its environmental benefits, as well as locally specific topics, such as whether composting horse manure or tainted hay is possible. Eager participants filled City Hall chambers for the event.

To better meet the needs of its member cities and partner agencies, the South Bay Cities Council of Governments (SBCCOG) has relocated to a new office near Old Torrance. The SBCCOG kicks off an ambitious work program that includes identifying sites for South Bay mobility hubs and resiliency centers; expanding the Functional Zero Street Homelessness program; and finding six-figure energy savings for businesses and residents.

West Basin Municipal Water Rain Barrel Giveaway Program is back. This is your chance to practice water conservation, improve water efficiency and prepare to take advantage of the upcoming rainy season. SBCCOG partner West Basin will host six giveaway events throughout the district’s service area.

Over the last four years, the South Bay Cities Council of Governments (SBCCOG) has helped families of South Bay elementary school students in historically underserved communities save an estimated 70,000 total kilowatt hours of energy in their homes. This school year 56 additional classrooms will benefit from Southern California Regional Energy Networks’ (SoCalREN) Kits for Kids program due to increased demand--a 300% expansion.

 As SoCal water shortages remain widespread this spring, the lush green lawns that made up the residential landscapes of the South Bay’s past continue to shrink as residents gradually transition to more sustainable options like river rock, succulents and sage. But residents of Torrance are proving there is nothing aesthetically “dry” about drought-tolerant gardens, and the city is taking notice.