C o m m u n i t y Connections

Meetings Elected A MESSAGE FROM Meetings are in City Hall and the Officials THE CITY TREASURER Community Center unless otherwise noted, and are Mayor The City of Carson has established a open to the public. Jim Dear Fraud Hotline to fight fraud and protect taxpayer’s dollars. The Hotline is an City Council/Successor Agency Mayor Pro Tem Police & Fire Jobs option for anyone wishing to anonymously re- Emergencies 911 Career Center 6 p.m., Elito M. Santarina (310) 952-1762 1st and 3rd Tuesdays port illegal or unethical activity on the part of Animal Control Councilmember Citywide Advisory Commission the City, its officials, employees, contractors Carson Animal Shelter Libraries Mike A. Gipson (310) 523-9566 Carson Regional 7 p.m., 2nd Thursday or vendors. The Hotline is open 24 hours a (Only when necessary) Birth, Death, (310) 830-0901 Councilmember day, 7 days a week and interpreters are avail- Marriage Records Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Economic Development Commission Lula Davis-Holmes able in 20 different languages. County Registrar-Recorder (310) 327-4830 8 a.m., 1st Thursday, (562) 462-2137 Community Center Councilmember Calls placed to the Hotline are confidential Parking Albert Robles Building Permits Enforcement Environmental Commission and handled by a third party vendor. You Building & Safety (800) 654-7275 6:30 p.m., 1st Wednesday do not have to give your name and your call (310) 952-1766 City Clerk Parks & Recreation Cultural Arts Commission Donesia Gause is not recorded through the use of recording Public Transit and Dial- (310) 847-3570 6 p.m., 1st Monday A-Ride (only when necessary) City Treasurer devices, caller identification equipment or any Post Office Karen Avilla other means. (310) 952-1779 Main No. (800) 275-8777 Human Relations Commission Hearing Impaired 6:00 p.m., 3rd Wednesday City Manager (800) 252-9040 Sandbags The City of Carson has taken a pro-active Street Maintenance Parks and Recreation Commission Nelson Hernandez step against fraud by establishing the Cable Television (310) 952-1700, ext. 3520 6:30 p.m., last Thursday Assistant City Manager Time Warner Cable Hotline. In the event that you become Sewer Clean-up Planning Commission Cecil W. Rhambo, Jr. (888) 892-2253 ______aware of unethical, illegal or irrespon- (626) 458-4357 6:30 p.m., 2nd and 4th Tuesday sible activity, don’t ignore it. Call the Fraud Chamber of Public Relations Commission Editor: Commerce Senior Services Hotline toll-free telephone number at (310) 952-1775 12:00 p.m., 4th Tuesday Margie Revilla-Garcia (310) 217-4590 (310) 835-0212 1-877-7 HOT TIP or 1-877-746-8847. Public Safety Commission Graphic Design: 6:30 p.m., 3rd Thursday City Hall Sidewalk Repair Victor Gastelum (310) 830-7600 Street Maintenance Public Works Commission Katie McGovern (310) 847-3520 ______Code Enforcement 6:30 p.m., 2nd Monday City of Carson Position (310) 952-1786 Sheriff’s Station Senior Citizen Advisory Commission (310) 830-1123 The Carson Report is Community Center 4 p.m., 2nd Monday Statement (310) 835-0212 Street Sweeping Veterans Affairs Commission published by Carson is a vibrant city with a small town atmosphere Street Maintenance 6 p.m., 3rd Monday the City of Carson where relationships are important. This is clearly Crime Prevention (310) 847-3520 visible throughout the community, from the stable Neighborhood Watch Women’s Issues Commission to provide those who live and (310) 847-7481 Telephone 6 p.m., 4th Monday single family neighborhoods, which make up nearly eighty AT&T work here with information percent of the city’s residences, to the partnership between Youth Commission Disaster (310) 515-7979 about the city’s programs, businesses and volunteer driven agencies which strengthen Preparedness 7 p.m., 2nd Wednesday the city’s remarkable social fabric. (310) 952-1700, ext.1603 Trash Collection services, and issues. Waste Management Historical Committee The social composition of Carson is California in Dump (310) 847-3508 6:30 p.m, 4th Wednesday All questions, comments, miniature. It is a city with a balanced ethnic and cultural mix Transfer Station or (310) 830-7100 Beautification Committee and contributing information living together in harmony and prosperity. (310) 217-6300 6:30 p.m., 2nd Tuesday Tree Trimming/ should be directed to the The community takes pride in the large percent- Electricity Street Maintenance Utilities Users Tax Citizen’s Budget Southern California City of Carson’s Public age of Carson students who attend college, many to (310) 847-3520 Oversight Committee California State University, Dominguez Hills, a valuable Edison Co. (800) 950-2356 (only when necessary) Water Information Office. asset to the city. Gas California Water Service Mobilehome Park Rental Southern California Gas Co. Company (310) 257-1400 Review Board Carson’s strategic position in the heart of the power- (800) 427-2200 Golden State Water 6:30 p.m., 2nd and 4th Wednesdays Address: 701 E. Carson St., ful economic engine that is Southern California attracts Company (800) 999-4033 Carson, CA 90745 international corporations which recognize the city’s Graffiti Removal Relocation Appeals Board bright future. The city’s proximity to the West Coast’s Landscape & Buildings Youth Services (only when necessary) Tel: (310) 952-1740 two major ports, as well as its intersection by four (310) 847-3500 (310) 952-1788 Community Civic Engagement Board Fax: (310) 549-1466 Southland freeways, makes it a major gateway to the 6:30 p.m., 2nd Tuesday Pacific Rim. Hospital E-mail: [email protected] Harbor General UCLA Sister Cities Association We, the people who live and work in Carson, take pride Medical Center 6:30 p.m., 4th Wednesday Website/E- newsletter (310) 222-2345 in our city and will continue to build relationships which subscription: ensure that future. http://ci.carson.ca.us p a g e t w o THE CARSON REPORT City of Carson to Open Doors as Host Town for the Special Olympics World Games 2015 (LA2015)

Carson selected as an LA 2015 Host Town, providing culture, training and accommodations to international athletes in July 2015 t a special event on October 27 at California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH), Athe City of Carson announced that the commu- nity has been officially selected to participate in the Special Olympics World Games Host Town program from July 21 – 24, 2015. Before the Special Olym- pics World Games begin on July 25, 2015, more than 7,000 athletes from 177 countries will be welcomed to Southern California through the Host Town pro- gram. As many as 100 communities from San Luis Obispo to San Diego will have the honor of being selected as an official Host Town. William Henderson, Kapresha Trotter & Cal State Dominguez Hills Cheerleaders “We are thrilled to see so many communities eager to participate in this integral component of the World and the United States, all of which have previously orga- Games,” said Patrick McClenahan, president and chief nized Host Town programs as part of the Special Olym- executive officer of LA2015, the Games Organizing Com- pics World Games. mittee. “The Host Town program will not only create last- ing memories for these athletes and coaches from around LA2015 is actively identifying potential Host Town candi- the world, but leave a lasting legacy for the communities dates to be considered for the program. Communities are who are opening their doors, hearts and minds to host evaluated on the availability of lodging accommodations, these inspiring athletes.” sports practice facilities and recreation/entertainment of- ferings for the athletes, among other criteria. Host Towns As a Host Town, the City of Carson will showcase itself as are also responsible for planning activities for the athletes a vibrant city with a small town atmosphere. Located in the to introduce them to the community and help spread the heart of Southern California, the diverse social composi- word about the Games. tion of Carson is California in miniature. CSUDH, which also housed athletes for the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, The City of Carson joins the growing list of officially pro- will provide accommodations during the Host Town pro- claimed Host Towns, which includes Long Beach, Thou- gram for the delegation of athletes arriving next year. sand Oaks, Calabasas, Studio City, Manhattan Beach, West Covina, Arcadia, Burbank, Santa Clarita, Palmdale, “The City of Carson embraces the opportunity to have a La Mirada, Glendale, Palm Springs, Santa Maria, Santa role in the 2015 Special Olympics World Games and pro- Barbara, Irvine, Downey, Whittier, Simi Valley, Fountain vide a mutually meaningful and memorable experience Valley, Pasadena, Huntington Beach, Fullerton, Solvang, to the athletes, coaches and volunteers, to showcase our Oxnard, San Diego North County (which includes Del diverse community,” said Carson’s Mayor. Mar, Encinitas, and Solana Beach), Corona, Mountain Communities of Lake Arrowhead, Inglewood, San Pedro, The Host Town program has been an important element Poway and Ontario. More Host Town selections will be of Special Olympics World Games since 1995, and the announced in the coming weeks. experience has left a lasting impression on the local com- munities in Ireland, Japan, China, Greece, South Korea WINTER 2014/15 p a g e t h r e e City of Carson GarageGarage And Yard Sale Requirements Did you knowSale a permit is required to conduct Garage a garage or yard sale in the City of Carson he following information is a guide to help you through the permit Sale T process and avoid any code viola- tions. These requirements have been set forth in the Carson Municipal Code Section 4600 through 4606.

NUMBER OF SALES PER YEAR: Per Carson Municipal Code 4606, no original date) to Business License The City of Carson only allows three signs or other forms of advertising a counter at City Hall and select a new (3) sales per year per location. yard sale is permitted on any public date with no additional charge. property or upon any other property YARD SALE PERMIT REQUIRED: within the City, except one sign, not Failure to comply with these regula- You must purchase a permit in person to exceed 15 by 20 inches, upon the tions will avoid the issuance of an by visiting Carson City Hall located property where the sale is being con- Administrative Citation which carries at 701 E. Carson Street. Residents ducted. The sign must be placed at fines of $100 for the first offense, must provide proof of residency such least five (5) feet from the inside the $200 for the second offense, and as a driver’s license or California sidewalk, or if there is no sidewalk, $500 for the third. Identification card, and/or utility bills. from the inside edge of the curb. Please note: To report an illegal ga- An Application for a yard sale is avail- No flags, banners or similar items rage sale after hours or on weekends able online at http://ci.carson.ca.us/ shall be displayed. No sign shall be or holidays, please contact the City of content/files/pdfs/buslicense/Yard- placed more than two (2) days prior to Carson Public Safety Department at SaleApp.pdf. Cost of each permit is the yard sale. DO NOT place signs (310) 830-7600, Ext. 1788. $19.00 per day (2014). on utility poles, light poles, utility boxes, stop signs, or mail boxes. Each permit issued is good for either Don’t forget to remove signs by 6 three (3) consecutive days, or two (2) p.m. on the last day of the yard sale. consecutive two (2) day weekends, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 6 DISPLAY OF GOODS: A proper dis- p.m. Make sure to post the Yard Sale play of your sale items can entice Permit on the property where the sale potential buyers. Do not block the is in progress. It shall be visible from sidewalk, parkway, or any other the nearest public street. Please be area within the public right-of-way, sure to get permission from the prop- as this could be a health and safety erty owner where the yard sale will be hazard. held. NO REFUNDS: If it rains on the day SIGNS: Posting signs is a key ele- of your sale, you may bring your ment to ensuring a successful sale. permit (within one week of your p a g e f o u r THE CARSON REPORT 3… 2…1: Enrichment Program Put Carson Kids Into Action

he Enrichment Arts program has The 3-in-1 Enrichment Program been active in the City of Car- has put on 3 musical plays: Seus- son for the last 3 years. From its sical, Fame Jr., and The World of Thumble beginning in 2011, the program Yesterday, Tomorrow, and Fantasy started off small with only 15 kids and 2 and currently working on a fourth classes: Voice and Reading. play, Annie Jr.

Currently, the Enrichment Arts program In order to make the production of has over 400 kids enrolled from the Annie Jr. a success, a fashion show City of Carson and surrounding cities fundraiser was held on October 24, with various classes offered such as 2014 to help raise money for micro- reading, math, voice, tap dance, hip- phones, lighting, backdrops hop, tennis, golf, hula, zumba for kids, and other necessities in order pinterest for kids, piano, and crochet. to put on a great production.

The 3-in-1 Enrichment Arts Program This past summer, the Enrich- incorporates dance, drama and voice. ment Arts program decided to incorporate summer camp into Parents of program participants like the 3-in-1. The kids came to camp variety of activities that the Enrichment Monday-Friday, and along with Program has to offer the kids. learning dance, drama, and voice they were able to enjoy “Before the end of summer camp, Ken- activities such as arts and crafts, “I think 3-in-1 camp is probably the nedy and I definitely felt like a part of games, field trips, swimming and the best thing that’s happened to me in my the City of Carson family,” said mother camp attendees created their own back whole life,” said participant Isabel Lazo. Kenya Dixon. “When I found out about drops and props for their summer play, 3-in-1 and the counselors explained all Fame Jr. The Enrichment Arts program has a the different activities they had for chil- new session every 3-4 months. All dren, my daughter got really excited. “I love this camp! It’s the best ever. It classes are held at the Congress- The counselors expressed in their de- has arts, jazz, and we get to have all woman Juanita Millender-McDonald scription that before the end of summer sorts of fun” said Samara Bradley. Community Center. The program is you will feel like family and they kept open to the youth between the ages that promise,” added Dixon. The production of Fame Jr. was a two of 5-16 years of age. The next session day show. There was an indoor produc- starts in February 2015. For additional tion on the first night, and drama under information and enrollment information, the stars the second night. Together, please call the Human Services Divi- these two shows brought in a crowd of sion at (310) 835-0212 ext. 1410. about 500 people.

The aim of the Enrichment Arts Pro- gram is to encourage its participants to step out of their comfort zone and take risk while building self-esteem, in- crease positive socialization, and build friendship through performing arts.

WINTER 2014/15 p a g e f i v e City of Carson Celebrated Filipino-American History in the Month of October with Star Studded Performances

showcase of amazing talents Parks and Recreation and performing artists in music, Chairman Alex Cainglet A creative arts, and varied forms of and Kat Iniba, host of entertainment from the Filipino-Amer- the show called “Halo Halo with Kat ican community rocked the SouthBay Iniba” co-hosted the ceremony. Pavilion every weekend of October to celebrate Filipino-American History Larry Itliong was responsible for or- Month. ganizing immigrant farm workers and cannery workers for over 30 years. On top of the celebration at the He helped establish the Alaska Can- SouthBay Pavilion, on October 25, nery Workers Union in the 1930s and a tribute march started the culmina- helped get a contract that called for tion ceremony around the vicinity of eight-hour days with overtime pay. Congresswoman Juanita Millender- McDonald Community Center and In 1965, Larry Itliong led the success- City Hall to honor the life’s work and ful “Great Delano Grape Strike” to legacy of Larry Itliong – a Filipino- protest the low wages and miserable American labor leader and organizer. working conditions. In 1966, he led the Agricultural Workers Organizing Hundreds of participants from vari- Committee and merged with the Na- ous organizations joined the peaceful tional Farm Workers Association led march. The October 25 program fea- by Cesar Chavez to form the United tured Philippine folk singer Florante Farm Workers union. On October 2010, Carson City Coun- and Jazz Singer Charmaine Clamor. cil passed a resolution establishing They were joined by local singers In 1970, Larry Itliong founded and October 25 as Larry Itliong Day in Angel DeVera and Jo Awayan. became the president of the Fili- Carson. pino American Political Association (FAPA), The Filipino-American History Month the first national po- Celebration is an annual event during litical Filipino Ameri- the four Saturdays of October in the can organization and City of Carson. The events are done a crucial alliance be- in collaboration with the SouthBay tween Filipino profes- Pavilion, Mutch Carino of Maxx Pro- sionals with 30 active mos, Filipino American Chamber of chapters throughout the Commerce-South Bay Los Angeles, United States. and the Bayani Campaign Coalition Task Force.

p a g e s i x THE CARSON REPORT Latin Jazz Legend Poncho Sanchez Led This Year’s Carson’s Jazz Festival Line-up hree-decade leader and legend of talents in dancing as musicians, solo- of straightahead jazz, gritty soul ists, and bands took turn entertaining the Tmusic, and infectious melodies and crowd. rhythms, Poncho Sanchez, topbilled the One of the longest running events in Car- City of Carson’s annual Jazz Festival on son, the jazz festival draws a huge crowd September 27 at Anderson Park. from all over the Los Angeles Metropolitan Other jazz bands and artists that per- Area, having topbilled such performers as formed in the annual show included Jazz Angela Bofill, Ronnie Laws and other big in Pink, Kristlyn Jazz Quartet, Mekiel names in the jazz music industry. Ruben Band, A. Ray “The Weeper” Fuller, Dozens of booths enclosed An- Tizer, and Rick Parma-The Saxman. derson Park selling a variety of The Jazz Festival, which took place from products and promoting upcoming 11a.m. to 6 p.m., featured non-stop live events in Carson and surrounding jazz entertainment as well as activities for areas. every member of the family. This year’s Jazz Festival was Aside from non-stop entertainment, the sponsored by the Carson Citi- festival kicked-off the Breast Cancer zens Cultural Foundation, in Awareness Campaign and free health conjunction with the City of Car- a variety of delicacies, arts and crafts, screenings was a part of the Health and son. games and activities for kids. Wellness Expo. Whether it is your first Jazz Festival or Over a half a year of planning and thou- The festival included a wide variety of your twentieth, Carson’s Jazz Festival sands of hours put in by community volun- food, crafts and display booths, a kiddie is both mesmerizing and memorable – teers working across different committees area with carnival games and various what with a long line up of jazz perform- are involved in putting together each an- stage activities. It was also a showcase ers and a plethora of booths offering nual seven-hour event. Mayor’s State of the City Address A long list of accomplishments and The Mayor placed key emphasis in said, is also reflected in terms of the promising preview of the coming year “achieving a successful image for the numerous infrastructure projects, park highlighted the 2014 State of the City city,” a goal that he shares with the improvements and the expansion of Address, which took place on October entire City Council. To this end, he available programs for its citizens. 28 at the Congresswoman Juanita Mil- cited projects that play strategic roles In addition to the flourishing represen- lender-McDonald Community Center. in moving the city forward, including the tation of the City’s economic develop- continuing expansion of the Auto Row Addressing over 300 guests repre- ment front, the Mayor also described on the 405 freeway, new, big name senting the business community, civic the Carson’s current state as “safe and businesses in various locations and organizations and the general public sound.” He shared positive information several newly-completed housing proj- attended the annual event in which the in the area of public safety and com- ects throughout the City. Mayor presented his report card and plimented the Carson Sheriff’s Station provided an update on upcoming City The City’s aggressiveness in its pursuit for its successful crime prevention pro- projects. of a new image for Carson, the Mayor grams.

WINTER 2014/15 p a g e s e v e n Southern California Edison Energy Assistance Program for Limited Income Residents he Energy Savings Assistance Program can help you efficient refrigerators, air conditioners and more, as well conserve energy and save money. For income-qual- as home efficiency solutions like weatherization that will Tified customers, Southern California Edison (SCE) help you save energy and money every day. will provide free appliances* and installation of energy- *In some instances you may be required to pay a co-payment

Are You Eligible for Free Appliances? If you qualify, SCE will cover the costs—including installation— of new energy-efficient appliances. To be eligible for the program, you must meet the qualifications below: • Be a homeowner or renter who receives electric services through a residential meter • Have an active SCE service account • Meet the program eligibility requirements, including the installation requirements • Meet the income qualifications

For more information, please call (800) 736-4777 or log on to https://www.sce.com/wps/portal/home/residential/assistance/energy-saving-program. Southern California Gas Company Offers Energy Savings Assistance Program outhern California Gas Company (SoCalGas) offers no-cost energy saving home improvements and There are two ways you may qualify: Sfurnace repair or replacement services for qualified 1. If you or another person in your household limited-income renters and homeowners. receives benefits from any of the following: • Medi-Cal/Medicaid Available energy-saving services may include: • Medi-Cal for Families A & B • Attic insulation • Women, Infants, & Children (WIC) • Door Weather Stripping • CalWorks (TANF) or Tribal TANF • Caulking • Head Start Income Eligible–Tribal Only • Low flow shower heads and faucet aerators • Bureau of Indian Affairs • Water heater blankets General Assistance • Evaporative cooler covers and A/C covers • CalFresh (Food Stamps) • Pipe insulation • National School Lunch Program (NSLP) • Faucet aerators • Low-income Home Energy Assistance • Minor repairs to exterior doors and/or windows Program (LIHEAP) • Energy Education • Supplemental Security Income (SSI) • Furnace repair or replacement 2. Total income for all persons in your house- (owner-occupied only) hold meet income guidelines. • Water heater repair or replacement (owner-occupied only) For more information, please call SoCalGas at (800) 331-7593 or log on to http://socalgas.com/for-your-home/assistance-programs/esap/. p a g e e i g h t THE CARSON REPORT Country Western Fair Makes its Debut Back to Dominguez Park fter several years of hiatus, the City of Carson held its annual Country Western Fair at Dominguez park A on October 11. The fair featured non-stop live country music entertain- ment, line dancing, western riders and entertainment for the entire family. There was a petting zoo, carnival rides, games, raffles and prizes, boxing exhibition, car show, horse show, and much more.

rammy Award Winner Mariachi 1st Annual Hispanic Heritage Month Divas de Cindy Shea took cen- terstage as the City of Carson Celebration with Music and Festivity presentedG the first Hispanic Heri- tage Month Celebration on Septem- ber 21 at Carson Park.

The performers featured in this year’s program included the Tlanex- tli Tlacotan Aztec Dancers, Grupo Folklorico Faisan, Pasion Latina, Alma Latina, Raices Peruanas, Alma De Oro, and Carson’s very own Mariachi Academy. Comedian Ralph Figueroa was the emcee for the event.

National Hispanic Heritage Month recognizes the contributions of His- panic and Latino-Americans in the United States and celebrates the group’s heritage and culture. WINTER 2014/15 p a g e n i n e 2014 Carson Scholarship Pageant Kings and Queens Crowned The City of Carson crowned Mr. Teen, Miss Carson and Miss Teen Carson in a scholarship pageant on October 10. The contestants competed in the areas of talent, short speech, question and answer, evening and swimwear. The Miss Carson Pageant began many years ago in 1971 and the previous one was held last year during the city’s 45th Anniversary. “We are proud to bring this prestigious event once again this year,” said the Mayor of Carson. “It is important for us to honor and rec- ognize the many talented young gentlemen and ladies in the City of Carson and the future they will represent,” he added. The significance of the Carson Scholarship Pageant is to provide assistance for young male and female residents of Carson to further their education, be a vibrant representation of our younger genera- tion, and a proud resident of the City of Carson. Miss Carson 2014 Mr. Teen Carson 2014 Cristina Garcia Michael Whittiker, III

Check out the Brand New Outdoor Fitness Zones of Carson Parks and Recreation Com- provide a new way of bringing the mission recommended to City Council community out to a neighborhood park the adoption of the Healthy Eating Ac- and exercise as they walk along the tive Living Cities Campaign. trails.

In an effort to take this campaign fur- The City of Carson provides its resi- ther, the City has upgraded all of its dents with a master plan system of playground equipment and has com- community and neighborhood parks, pleted its last installation of (4) play- facilities, and a wide range of recre- ground equipment in 2013. Now, ational opportunities for the beneficial all twelve parks as well as four mini- use of leisure time and the installa- he Los Angeles County Regional parks within the City of Carson are tion of outdoor exercise equipment Park and Open Space District equipped with ADA accessible play- will increase the opportunity to live a Tprovided a grant to fund the Out- ground equipment for youth to seniors healthier life. door Fitness Zones Project in the City to enjoy. of Carson. The City received a grant You can find the outdoor fitness zone in the amount $250,000 for the cre- The City’s capital project of outdoor at Anderson, Calas, Dolphin, Domin- ation of these Outdoor Fitness Zones. exercise equipment for (5) of its twelve guez, and Hemingway Parks. Each parks has been completed. The instal- park has 7 different exercise “zones” In fighting the rise of obesity within the lation of outdoor exercise equipment that can be used for multiple exer- City of Carson, in 2012, the City Coun- has provided accessibility of outdoor cises. Some can be adjusted to in- cil passed a Resolution banning all equipment for individuals from youth crease or decrease resistance to high fat snack and high sugar drinks to seniors, which will aid in the fight better suit the user. It is a great ad- sold in vending machines within city against obesity. The inactivity of citi- dition for those that walk at the parks parks. The passing of this resolution zens is on the rise and the use of open because they now have multiple exer- was accomplished through a collabor- space in on the decline. The creation cise zones they can incorporate into ative effort with the California Center of outdoor exercise equipment would their walks. for Public Health Advocacy. The City p a g e t e n THE CARSON REPORT SoCalGas Says Get a Jump on Winter: Now is Best Time to Prep Furnace, Light Pilots Utility Offers Rebates for Energy-Efficiency Upgrades to Help Keep Bills Low he winter heating season is around the corner. “To avoid the rush in winter and enjoy a shorter wait Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas) says time, customers are encouraged to schedule an ap- Tdon’t wait; now is the time to inspect heating ap- pointment online now at socalgas.com or call a li- pliances, relight pilots and perform any needed main- censed heating contractor to provide this service for tenance on hot water heaters, furnaces, and other you.” gas-fired equipment to avoid health or safety hazards. Failure to perform annual maintenance on gas appli- “Heating appliances should be serviced annually to ances may result in exposure to carbon monoxide, keep them operating safely and efficiently,” said Gil- which can cause nausea, drowsiness, flu-like symp- lian Wright, Vice President of customer service for toms, and even death. SoCalGas.

SoCalGas offers these simple low-cost/no-cost tips to help keep winter gas bills low: • Have a qualified, licensed technician test, clean and adjust your equipment. Check out the Brand New Outdoor Fitness Zones • Perform routine maintenance recommended by the manufacturer, according to the owner’s manual. This includes replacing dirty air filters and cleaning intake screens, condenser coils, supply registers and return grills. • Identify and repair leaky or disconnected ducts. • Caulk cracks around windows, doors and other openings. • Set programmable thermostats to turn heating on 30 minutes before people arrive and off 30 to 60 minutes before they leave. Set thermostats no higher than 68 degrees Fahrenheit during occupied periods in the winter.

SoCalGas is offering a variety of programs to help customers manage winter gas bills. These include: • Ways to Save Interactive Tools. Answer a few questions to get your home energy analysis, along with customized energy-efficiency recommendations. You can create an energy action plan, track and update your progress and see how your actions help you save energy and money. Visit socalgas.com (Search “SAVE MONEY WIZARD”). • Energy Efficiency Rebates for Homes. This program offers qualifying energy improvements to your home or multi-family property. SoCalGas offers many ways to save energy and money by upgrading residential natural gas equipment that meets program requirements, such as furnaces, hot water heaters, tankless water heaters, clothes washer, wall or attic insulation, and low flow showerheads. • SoCalGas’ Rebates for Property Managers and Owners. This provides a variety of rebates and incentives to qualified customers for upgrading to new energy-efficient equipment, qualified central heating system, storage water heaters, insulation, tankless water heater, hot water controllers, and pool heaters. • Energy Efficiency Business Seminars. SoCalGas offers seminars that provide information about improving the energy efficiency of a business. Topics include basics in lighting, boilers, equipment maintenance and more. Seminars are geared towards facility managers, building owners, contractors and restaurants, but are applicable to many businesses.

For more information about these programs, call SoCalGas at 1-800-GAS-2000 or visit www.socalgas.com/business. WINTER 2014/15 page eleven A Message from Southern California Edison to Conserve Energy

n Southern California, it costs more to produce electricity in the summer, when energy demand is at its peak, and less Ito produce electricity in the winter, during periods of lower demand. When you use energy wisely, you’ll be saving money and the environment.

That’s why the City of Carson and Southern California Edison (SCE) are partnering to encourage energy efficiency and con- servation.

Using energy wisely in our everyday lives is a smart way to en- sure our planet and its natural resources are protected. Simple changes to your daily routine on how and when you use electric- ity can make a difference.

For example, switch off unnecessary lights and at the end of the day turn off office equipment. Even using your washing machine, dryer or dishwasher before noon or after 6pm can help conserve energy when demand is at its highest.

nergy management is the first and best way to manage your energy use not only at home, but at Ework too. It can help create a brighter future for us all. By becoming more energy conscious, you’ll help California conserve valuable energy resources now and well into the future.

page twelve THE CARSON REPORT