LA Team Effort

LA Team Effort Launches a New Blog!

2010-10-26T09:23:00.000-07:00

LA Team Effort has transitioned to a more advanced blog platform and will no longer be updating this site. So please check out our new and improved LA Team Effort blog!

Low Impact Development Ordinance Meeting on November 4 at 1:30p.m.

2010-10-25T13:46:00.000-07:00

Dear Clean Water Supporter, We invite you to attend a Low Impact Development (LID) Ordinance Stakeholder Meeting. The meeting details are as follows:Date: Thursday, November 4, 2010Time: 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.Location: City of Los Angeles, Bureau of Sanitation, Media Technical Center, 2714 Media Center Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90065, Upstairs Training Rooms A & BAt this meeting, City of Los Angeles

A Forgotten Creek Will Lead the Way

2010-10-25T11:50:00.000-07:00

For nearly half a century, the North Atwater Creek has been all but forgotten. Set in the Glendale-Narrows portion of the Los Angeles River, this natural creek has become overgrown with non-native grasses and invasive exotic species such as the Mediterranean Castor oil plant. A man-made creek, the soil in its unstable banks is contaminated from decades of toxic runoff draining from an urban area.

Friends of the LA River: Interview with Shelly Backlar

2010-10-25T00:15:00.000-07:00

Shelly Backlar is the executive director of the not-for-profit Friends of the LA River (FoLAR), an advocacy group that promotes the restoration and revitalization of the river. She recently spoke with LA Stormwater about FoLAR and some of the issues they are currently tackling.When and why was the Friends of the LA River (FoLAR) founded?Friends of the Los Angeles River was founded back in 1986 as

Our Fave 5 Facts about the LA River

2010-10-21T13:32:00.000-07:00

We all know what it is, where it is and most of us even know what it does. It’s in the background of our city, but in many ways it’s the heart of LA. It flows through our communities and to the ocean we all enjoy and love. It’s none other than the Los Angeles River.So what do we really know about the river aside from it being a concrete channel leading runoff to the ocean? Below is a handful of

QuikScience Challenge 2011!

2010-10-20T12:08:00.000-07:00

The USC Wrigley Institute for Environmental Studies and Quiksilver, Inc have teamed up for a new science education program that is sure to make a splash!It is the QuikScience Challenge 2011 and is described as a multi-faceted competition for student teams to spark their interest in science and the ocean. The Challenge will also foster leadership, environmental awareness and stewardship. There are

Three Rainwater Harvesting Workshops in Santa Monica

2010-10-13T17:00:00.000-07:00

Are you thinking about installing rain barrels around your house? Or do you just want to learn more about rainwater harvesting, like how to reuse the water or a few safety tips? Well, the City of Los Angeles, along with the Cities of Pasadena and Santa Monica are having a few events that are right for you!To be presented at the Santa Monica Rainwater Fair on Sunday, October 17, the American

Monthly Events: Be an Eco-Champion this October!

2010-10-05T08:42:00.000-07:00

The heat wave is behind us. That means one less excuse for not getting out into the sunshine for a day of eco volunteering. Below are a few great opportunities to build community and help make our city a bit more green. >On Thursday, October 7th, come out to Park Work Day in Beverly Hills where Tree People and volunteers will be getting rid of unwanted, invasive plants as well as working to

The Riverdale Green Street Project: Ribbon Cutting & Neighborhood Celebration on 9/29

2010-09-28T13:59:00.000-07:00

Who among us hasn’t experienced the joy of planting a seed, nurturing the seedling and proudly watching it blossom into a young tree or flowering shrub. And so it goes with ideas. An idea is planted, nurtured and supported, and in time, that idea grows into a movement that positively changes lives and neighborhoods. The City’s Stormwater Program is undergoing a similar transformation with new

The Tale of Two Green Streets

2010-09-23T13:53:00.000-07:00

All across America, the idea of “going green” has taken off. Everywhere people are beginning to understand that our day-to-day actions have had a cumulative impact on Earth. And, with that understanding comes the desire to reduce that effect with a greener lifestyle. “Green” has become the new gold standard for how we live our lives to ensure the future health and sustainability of our world.It

Countdown to California Coastal Cleanup Day!

2010-09-21T15:23:00.000-07:00

On Saturday September 25, 2010 the 26th Annual Coastal Cleanup Day will be held across California. Last year’s turn out for the largest marine environment event in the country was enormous here in the Golden State. Over 80,600 great volunteers collected over 1.3 million pounds of trash and recyclables. This year promises to be just as successful!California Coastal Cleanup Day is made possible by

Stormwater Partner Earns Pioneer Woman of the Year!

2010-09-16T13:03:00.000-07:00

The City of Los Angeles Stormwater Program would not be successful if it weren’t for our gracious, committed partners. Our work’s outcome is enhanced due to the amount of talent and knowledge we are privileged to work with every single day. That’s why we are pleased to announce that Sherri Akers, a community environmental advocate and supporter of the Stormwater Program who lives in Mar Vista,

Third Ballona Creek Watershed Meeting Scheduled for Tuesday, September 21st

2010-09-14T10:25:00.000-07:00

The City of Los Angeles Stormwater Program, on behalf of the Ballona Creek watershed, invites you to participate in the third workshop for the development of Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDL) Implementation Plans for the Ballona Creek watershed on Tuesday, September 21st.The two previous workshops discussed the identification and prioritization of pollutant hotspots and opportunities for water

Sun Valley Stormwater Tour Wants You!

2010-09-08T09:30:00.000-07:00

Want to check out some of the area’s most advanced stormwater projects? This month you are invited to come out to Sun Valley where the City of LA Department of Public Works and the Prop O Citizens Advisory Committee will take you on a tour of three fantastic sites (Strathern Wetlands Park, the Sun Valley Multi-Use Facility and Elmer Avenue Green Street). Please RSVP by September 10th. For more

Monthly Events: Kick-start Fall with a Little Community Building!

2010-09-02T11:39:00.000-07:00

What better way to welcome the change in seasons than with a volunteer or community event this month? If you didn’t have a chance to lend a hand for the environment this past summer, it’s not too late to jump right in to help green L.A. this fall. And if you did volunteer, we’re sure you are all rested up and ready to go again! Here’s a taste of what’s in store for September!>On Saturday,

Echo Park Lake Clean Up Hits the Airwaves

2010-08-24T12:25:00.000-07:00

The City’s effort to clean up Echo Park Lake was covered by a local National Public Radio affiliate earlier this month. The City of Los Angeles is in the planning stages of rehabilitating the lake to address the trash and pollutants that have impaired thiswater body. The lake, well-loved by the community, was last drainedand cleaned shortly before the 1984 Summer Olympics.Currently stormwater

State & County Move to Ban Single-Use Plastic Bags

2010-08-18T10:51:00.000-07:00

Plastic bags do not biodegrade. That means if they are littered they can wash into the storm drain system and end up being dumped into our ocean waters.There, plastic bags can become a problem for aquatic life for decades on end. Turtles and other creatures often mistake plastic bags for food, and birds and fish can get wrapped up in the bags causing death and severe injury.In order to address

Los Angeles Stormwater E-Media Program Garners NACWA Award

2010-08-11T15:22:00.000-07:00

The City of Los Angeles’ Stormwater Program is proud to be the recipient of a National Environmental Achievement Agency (NEAA) Award from the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA), for outstanding achievement in the Stormwater E-Media Program. The prestigious NEAA Award recognizes Los Angeles’ E-Media Program for its innovation in educating and engaging residents and stakeholders

Monthly Events: End Summer in Style by Volunteering for Cleaner Water

2010-08-02T16:07:00.000-07:00

Summer is coming to an end. Well almost, and if you haven’t had a chance to volunteer to improve our water quality by planting a tree or picking up trash, you still have plenty of time! This month is chock full of fun events and opportunities, so here’s a peek!>On Tuesday, August 2nd head on over to Echo Park Library for a presentation on the lake’s rehab, hosted by the City of LA.>If Tuesday is

Transforming F’s to A’s – One Beach at a Time

2010-07-29T14:02:00.000-07:00

Ah, summertime. A season filled with warm balmy nights, backyard barbecues, Little League games, and weekend trips to the beach. Each of us has favorite summer memories, and I’d venture to guess that those recollections involve a beach, river or lake – we just naturally gravitate towards water during hot months. We’ve all enjoyed that morning bike ride along Santa Monica Bay, been mesmerized by

Win Two FREE Tickets to Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach!

2010-07-28T15:58:00.000-07:00

Subscribe to the LA Stormwater YouTube channel and post "I love clean water" in the channel comments section from now until August 16th, 2010 and you will be entered to win 2 FREE tickets to the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach! Big thanks to the Aquarium of the Pacific's sustainable seafood initiative - Seafood for the Future - for donating the tickets!Winner will be announced on August

The Coast is Clear(er)

2010-07-27T12:15:00.000-07:00

We live in an age where cutting edge technology is everywhere, making our lives and its related challenges easier to solve. Often times we aren’t aware or able to understand the technology that makes our lives easier. It just happens in the background, without us knowing. We simply reap the benefits.And so it is in our ongoing fight to combat ocean pollution. On any given summer day here in Los

Kids Ocean Day Through the Eyes of a Teacher

2010-07-21T13:34:00.000-07:00

Hi there, I’m Natalie Guerboian, Special Education teacher here at Newcastle Elementary school, which participated in Kids Ocean Day 2010. It was a first time experience for me and my students, as I am a first year teacher. It was something special to see thousands of students coming together to help keep our oceans clean.A few of my students were amazed to see the amount of trash left behind and

The Great L.A. River Cleanup: An Interview with Sofia Mohaghegh

2010-07-16T09:04:00.000-07:00

In May 2010 Sofia Mohaghegh, an Environmental Engineering Associate II with the City of Los Angeles' Watershed Protection Division volunteered with other City Sanitation employees during La Gran Limpieza (or the Great Clean-Up) an annual spring Los Angeles River clean-up event organized by Friends of the Los Angeles River. Sofia recently answered a few questions about the event and the day's

Consideration of LID Ordinance at Energy & Environment Council Committee

2010-07-14T16:17:00.000-07:00

Due to a scheduling conflict, the proposed Low Impact Development (LID) Ordinance will not be considered by the Energy and Environment Council Committee at their July 20, 2010 meeting. The Committee will schedule the LID Ordinance for a future meeting once the City Council returns in September from their recess.We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused and will continue to notify

New Bacteria Limits Set for LA River

2010-07-14T12:28:00.000-07:00

On July 9, 2010, The Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board (LARWQCB) held a hearing in Glendale to decide the Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) for bacteria in the LA River. TMDLs establish the maximum amount of pollutants that are allowed to enter a particular water body in order to comply with federal water quality standards. LARWQCB approved a new bacteria TMDL for the LA River

L.A. River to Receive Protections under the Clean Water Act

2010-07-09T17:47:00.000-07:00

This past week a big change occurred in how the Federal government views the L.A. River. EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson visited Southern California and announced that the river would be designated as 'traditional navigable waters'. That may not mean much on its surface, but it certainly means a lot for those that want to see the river repaired."We're moving away from the concrete," Jackson told

Monthly Events: Sunshine and Volunteering: A Recipe for a Great July

2010-07-07T15:32:00.000-07:00

Summer is in full swing here in Southern California. This month is packed full of great events and volunteer opportunities, so pick a weekend to check out a local eco event or donate a few hours of your time to a good green cause!>On Saturday, July 10th there are a number of events to choose from. Check out the Eco Fest in Venice, the Lotus Festival in Echo Park or hop on over to Topanga Canyon

Low Impact Development (LID) Ordinance and Handbook Update

2010-07-01T08:51:00.000-07:00

Legislative action, meetings, committees selected - we have a lot to update you on regarding the City of Los Angeles Low Impact Development Ordinance and its related handbook. Here is what's going on:Mayor's Office Completes Review of LID OrdinanceWe're pleased to report that the Mayor's office has completed its review of the proposed Low Impact Development (LID) Ordinance and has forwarded it

5 Things You Probably Didn't Know About Venice Beach

2010-06-23T08:50:00.000-07:00

We all know that Venice Beach is a funky sort of renaissance amusement park along the beach in West Los Angeles. The boardwalk is known for its eclectic street vendors, artists, musicians, muscles and some of the best surf in LA County. But did you know the following about one of our favorite summer spots? * Venice (formerly Venice America) was founded as a beach resort by tobacco millionaire

Take the Pet Pledge and Win a $25 Gift Card!

2010-06-15T13:40:00.000-07:00

Are you on Facebook? Well the LA Stormwater Program sure is!Join our Facebook page and post "I pick up after (enter your dog's name here)" on our wall from now until June 30th and you will be entered into our drawing to win a free $25 Gift Card donated by Modern Dog! Winner will be announced July 1st.Find out all the hip pet news in our latest http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs087/

Why Ocean Day Matters

2010-06-08T13:22:00.000-07:00

The LA Stormwater Program attended the 17th Annual Kids Ocean Day with thousands of local students to help reduce and prevent coastal pollution in Los Angeles. Listen to a few City staffers, kids and a teacher talk about the importance of the event and why the City was so excited to take part in the day’s clean up event at Dockweiler Beach.

Monthly Events: Start the Summer off Right and Volunteer for a Cleaner LA

2010-06-03T09:18:00.001-07:00

The year is half over, have you volunteered yet? Well, if you have, thank you. If you haven’t yet had a chance, let June be your month! For more info on the following events, including time and location, please visit the embedded links or check out our calendar.>Come out on Saturday, June 5th and help the Echo Park Trash Abatement Project clean up litter along Sunset Blvd. Tree People will also

5,000 Los Angeles Kids Cleanup Dockweiler State Beach, Form Human Mosaic Calling to "Sustain Life"

2010-05-27T14:48:00.000-07:00

PLAYA DEL REY, CA—Confirming their commitment to protecting marine life, 5,000 area students and their teachers participated at the Adopt-A-Beach Cleanup and formed an aerial artwork in celebration of Kids Ocean Day. The event was hosted by the Malibu Foundation for Environmental Education, the California Coastal Commission, the City of Los Angeles, Keep Los Angeles Beautiful, and Whole Foods

LA’s Efforts to Transform Water Quality at Three Heal the Bay F-Grade Beaches

2010-05-26T11:26:00.000-07:00

Today the local environmental group Heal the Bay issued its annual beach report card in time for the start of the summer beach season, providing beach goers with important water quality information. Without fail, over the last few years, Santa Ynez Beach, Castle Rock Beach and Inner Cabrillo Beach have received poor grades when it comes to their water quality. That is about to change. Working

When Less Is More - In the Garden

2010-05-21T10:58:00.000-07:00

Hey gardeners and home owners out there, did you know that you could reduce the amount of toxins in our waters by following a few easy rules? It’s true and if you have a lawn or garden and occasionally use pesticides or herbicides to green it up, we have a little recommendation that could go a long way in helping keep our waterways clean .First, always read directions on any product you plan to

Friends of the Ballona Wetlands Honor Cynthia M. Ruiz, Los Angeles Public Works President

2010-05-13T09:44:00.000-07:00

On April 29, 2010 at an evening awards ceremony held on the 51st floor of City National Plaza, the Friends of the Ballona Wetlands recognized Los Angeles Board of Public Works Commissioner Cynthia M. Ruiz as a “Watershed Warrior” for her ongoing efforts to protect Ballona Wetlands. Commissioner Ruiz and Terry O’Day of Santa Monica City Council were presented with the first-ever “Passionate

Monthly Events: This MAY Be the Time to Volunteer for a Greener LA

2010-05-04T15:41:00.000-07:00

Spring is officially in full swing and May is the month you should consider volunteering to green our great city and improve water quality conditions. For more info on the following events, including time and location, please visit the embedded links or check out our calendar.>Every Thursday during the month of May TreePeople will be hosting a Park Work Day in Beverly Hills, so if the weekend is

Rainwater Harvesting Participant Shows Off Her Crafty Rain Barrel

2010-04-28T17:04:00.000-07:00

The LA Stormwater Program was on hand for this year’s Mar Vista Green Garden Showcase on April 25th in celebration of Earth Day (and groovy gardens!). The event was organized by Mar Vista Green Committee to give area residents a glance at the creative and inexpensive ways to conserve outdoor water use.One thing we know for sure is that this is a model community at the forefront of Los Angeles’

April Showers Bring . . . A New Frame of Mind - A Message from the Stormwater Program Manager

2010-04-19T15:42:00.000-07:00

How often have we heard the adage that April showers bring May flowers? This year in Los Angeles, April showers are bringing a new frame of mind as well. More and more Angelenos are viewing rainwater as a resource to be captured and used, instead of a liability to be diverted into our storm drain system. All across the southland, we are beginning to see residents recognize not only the importance

The Road Less Traveled: Pervious Pavement & Other Green Surfaces for Your Home

2010-04-19T15:11:00.000-07:00

Impervious surfaces, or areas that do not allow water to absorb into the ground, blanket a large portion of urban Los Angeles. Most of us only have to look as far as our driveways to find a concrete, asphalt or brick surface that is impervious. While surfaces of this sort are useful in controlling flooding, they are detrimental to groundwater supplies and hazardous to the health of our water

Rainwater Harvesting Program Plans to Flow Citywide

2010-04-16T13:07:00.000-07:00

Good news! The LA Stormwater Program has successfully completed the City’s first Rainwater Harvesting Pilot Program at the end of March! The even better news? As a result of the pilot, 600 Los Angeleno homeowners and eight commercial building owners received and installed free rain barrels and planter boxes to collect rainwater and reduce urban runoff that leads to the ocean (see pics here). Just

Be a Part of Putting Together the City's LID Handbook!

2010-04-12T15:52:00.000-07:00

The City of LA’s Low Impact Development (LID) ordinance is moving forward and the Bureau of Sanitation wants to make sure its landmark LID guidelines will best serve our community. In a unique and transparent effort, the LA Stormwater Program will be coordinating the efforts of public officials, stakeholders, private industry and the general citizenry in the development of a LID Handbook.And we

Save Water by Going Native!

2010-04-06T13:25:00.000-07:00

Water is a precious resource, especially in Southern California where the annual average of rainfall is much lower than in other parts of the country. At times this can mean water shortages and drastic cut backs as our population is large and our potential to use water is great due to our dry climate.There are certainly many ways to conserve water usage, but one that is not often talked about is

April Events- Earth Day Celebrations, Garden Tours and More!

2010-04-01T16:18:00.000-07:00

April 22 marks the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day, so there is no better time than now to volunteer for the environment (and your community)! For more info on the following events, including time and location, please visit the embedded links or check out our calendar.>Join us on Saturday, April 3rd for two great events. First, we'll be kicking off a native garden workday and beach clean up in San

Stormwater 101

2010-03-30T14:02:00.000-07:00

If you need a refresher course on the Los Angeles stormwater system, check out the Stormwater 101 article on "Your Daily Thread". Questions were answered by the L.A. Stormwater's own Joyce Amaro!

An Angeleno Shares her Rainwater Harvesting Program Experience

2010-03-25T13:00:00.000-07:00

by Sherri Akers The keyword is “We”… the collaboration between the Mar Vista community and LA Stormwater set the bar for what is possible when the community gives up the ‘why don’t they…’ attitude and works with the city towards a greener LA! The LA Rainwater Harvesting Program was an incredible example of what can be achieved when city government and grassroots community volunteers band

Reduce Your Dog's carbon paw-print? Yep, and even win a free prize!

2010-03-09T12:04:00.000-08:00

So maybe your dog doesn’t leap through hoops and catch Frisbees six feet in the air, but that doesn’t mean your little friend can’t win a contest.That’s right, and it’s even easier than training your dog to do fancy tricks. Just log on and join our Facebook page, if you have not done so already. Once you are there post on our wall and tell us how your cute pooch reduced his/her carbon paw-print.

Get Your Volunteer on for Clean Water!

2010-03-03T10:46:00.000-08:00

Upcoming Events for March 2010:For more info on these events, including time and location, please visit the embedded links or check out our calender.>Come join the clean-up of Cienga Elementary School on Saturday, March 6. The event is sponsored by Keep America Beautiful Great American Cleanup, the nation's largest community improvement program. The event is part of the group’s annual clean-up

Keep Your Furry Friend Pawsitively Green!

2010-02-24T11:23:00.000-08:00

The digital age has provided animal lovers with many resources to discover everything from pet health and safety tips to the latest pet clothing trends. However, scouring through the abundance of information available can be overwhelming, especially for the busy dog owner. Fortunately, for those residents who want quick, trusted tips on how to protect their companion while also reducing their

The Ripples Behind and the Waves Ahead - A Message from the Stormwater Program Manager

2010-01-29T17:24:00.001-08:00

It’s hard to believe that I’ll commemorate a decade with the Stormwater Program in 2010. It’s even harder to consider that Los Angeles’ Stormwater Program celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. Time sure does fly!The City’s Program has grown significantly in the past 20 years. In 1990, the original staff of the then-named Stormwater Group was comprised of just two people working to meet

Heal the Bay's Executive Director Looks Back on the Stormwater Program's 20 Years

2010-01-29T17:07:00.000-08:00

by Mark GoldAfter 20 years, the City of Los Angeles’ stormwater program is at a crossroads. The program has come a long way since its beginnings in the early nineties as a result of the Hyperion consent decree and new regulations under the federal Clean Water Act and the first countywide stormwater permit. The City has done a superb job on stormwater education for students, businesses and the

Survivor: Stormwater Staff Reflect on the Last 20 Years

2010-01-28T14:37:00.000-08:00

In 1990, a group of castaways (i.e. staff) were sent to the not-so-remote location of Los Angeles to start a tribe named the Stormwater Management Division that was faced with a challenge: protect water quality. OK, so maybe it's not exactly like the show Survivor, but you get where we're going with this. Now in its twentieth season the Stormwater tribe is bigger, but their challenge is still

5 Rainwater Resolutions for the New Year

2010-01-25T16:14:00.001-08:00

The New Year means a rebirth of sorts. It is a time to reflect and a time to look forward. While we like to look at our accomplishments, it's even more important to look at the work ahead. As such, what better way to ring in a new decade than by making a few simple rainwater resolutions to improve the quality of your neighborhood and our city. Take a look below and pick one, or two (or five if

Rainwater Resolutions for Rover

2010-01-21T12:44:00.000-08:00

It’s hard to believe that we’re already celebrating a new year and a new decade! It seems like just yesterday we were all ushering in a new millennium and hoping Y2K wouldn’t impact us too much.With the start of 2010, we’re all making resolutions, so how about keeping your dog in mind when making a few new pledges that will pawsitively impact the health of our communities and the environment?

2010 Resolution - Time to Walk The Talk

2010-01-20T13:25:00.000-08:00

By: Joyce Amaro Stormwater Public Education Manager With a week of rain forecasted, last Sunday afternoon seemed like the perfect time for me to put my New Year resolution of doing “personal community clean-ups” into action. With my dog Dodger at my side and armed with a plastic bag and a pair of gardening gloves, Dodger and I walked a short half mile loop in the Alhambra neighborhood where I

Board Passes Low Impact Development Ordinance!

2010-01-20T10:44:00.000-08:00

The Stormwater Program is excited to announce that on January 15, 2010 the Low Impact Development (LID) ordinance was approved by a unanimous City of Los Angeles Board of Public Works’ vote. The ordinance will require 100% of runoff from a storm of three-quarter-inch magnitude to be captured or reused at new homes, larger commercial developments and some redevelopments. If these requirements are

Reminder: LID Ordinance Hearing on January 15, 2010

2010-01-13T16:11:00.000-08:00

Dear Clean Water Supporter,We are excited to kick off 2010 with a proposed Low Impact Development (LID) Ordinance that will be heard by the City of Los Angeles, Board of Public Works on Friday, January 15, 2010.The Board of Public Works will consider this LID Ordinance at 9:30 a.m. on January 15, 2010; City of Los Angeles, City Hall, 200 North Spring Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012, Room 350.

Volunteering Can Earn a Free Ticket to the Happiest Place on Earth

2010-01-08T09:41:00.000-08:00

Usually when one decides to donate their time to volunteer for a good cause they do not expect anything more than a sense of satisfaction in return for the work they’ve accomplished.However, that is about to change with the help of Disney.The equation is simple: Do a day of volunteer work and you will receive 1 free day of rides and entertainment at Disneyland Resort or Walt Disney World Resort

Community Input Shapes LID Ordinance: What Folks Are Saying & How We’re Listening

2009-12-28T11:49:00.000-08:00

So far the City of Los Angeles Stormwater Program has held five public meetings on the Low Impact Development (LID) Ordinance from October-December of this year.The reason for these meetings is simple: your input is important to us! Without it, we have no way to gauge the support we ultimately need to move forward with this important ordinance.Many of our stakeholders have chimed in. Folks from

Looking for a Last Minute (green) Holiday Gift?

2009-12-23T10:45:00.000-08:00

Have you ever walked or driven past a tree and thought to yourself, “What a wonderful addition to this neighborhood?”In many ways trees define who we are as people. We climb them, watch their leaves change and sometimes even pick their fruit.Trees are also about more than aesthetics; they help clean the air by absorbing carbon dioxide, which contributes to climate change. Trees also help

Why is LA proposing a Low Impact Development ordinance?

2009-12-22T12:12:00.000-08:00

The City of Los Angeles is proposing a LID ordinance for a number of reasons.First and foremost, LID will dramatically improve water quality in our city. By capturing and either infiltrating or using rainwater more effectively, on a larger scale, our oceans will be cleaner. Beach goers will thank us, not to mention marine life!Secondly, LID may save the City and its taxpayer’s money. LID provides

City of L.A. Surpasses Trash Limit Milestone of 50% Reduction

2009-12-17T13:00:00.000-08:00

After investing nearly $50 million toward retrofitting 30,000 catch basins in the city to reduce trash and debris from entering our storm drains, the City of L.A. recently announced we have achieved an over 60% reduction in trash that enters Ballona Creek and the Los Angeles River.Trash Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL), which refers to the amount of trash pollutants that enter the stormwater

LID Ordinance Hearing Date Rescheduled to January 15, 2010

2009-12-10T14:53:00.000-08:00

Dear Clean Water Supporter,Thank you for the excellent feedback and comments regarding the proposed Low Impact Development Ordinance. We greatly appreciate the time and effort everyone has put into reviewing the draft ordinance and providing valuable insight to develop a workable and flexible ordinance.We have been working diligently to address the many comments and concerns voiced by community

Who will be affected by LA’s Low Impact Development ordinance?

2009-12-04T10:16:00.000-08:00

You may be wondering how you and your community may be affected by LA’s proposed Low Impact Development (LID) ordinance.Here’s how.The proposed Low Impact Development Ordinance will require that all new construction or redevelopment projects within Los Angeles capture the first ¾” of rain generated by a storm. This rainwater, once captured, will then need to be infiltrated into the groundwater or

How will the Low Impact Development ordinance affect LA’s water quality?

2009-12-03T16:31:00.000-08:00

A few of the water issues we face in Los Angeles such as stormwater pollution and water shortages will be positively impacted by the Low Impact Development (LID) ordinance.LID, of course, is not a cure all and implementing the tenets of LID will not eliminate stormwater pollution. However, as demonstrated by community-based projects like the Proposition O-funded Oros Green Street project, when

What Exactly is Low Impact Development (LID)?

2009-11-25T12:30:00.001-08:00

Low Impact Development (LID) may seem like an oxymoron since development has to have some kind of impact. Right? Certainly any construction does impact its surroundings, but the effect development has on the local environment can actually be negative or positive.In laymen’s terms, LID refers to land planning and engineering practices that mitigate the impact of stormwater pollution on the local

Board of Public Works Weighs in on Low Impact Development Ordinance

2009-11-23T15:42:00.000-08:00

This is the first in a series of Low Impact Development (LID) Ordinance updates. Your input and engagement is vital to this process so please stay tuned.On Friday, November 13, the Board of Public Works discussed the Bureau of Sanitation’s proposed Low Impact Development (LID) ordinance. A total of 30 community members attended the meeting and spoke during the public comment period. In a 2-1 vote

Your Input Needed! Attend the Low Impact Development Ordinance Meeting (12/1)

2009-11-20T11:06:00.000-08:00

Dear Clean Water Supporter,If you weren't able to attend one of October's Low Impact Development community meetings, you still have a chance to provide your input! The Stormwater Program invites you to an evening community meeting to encourage public participation and comment on the proposed LID Ordinance for the City of Los Angeles.Please join us in supporting clean water and clean neighborhoods

LOS ANGELES AND EL SEGUNDO CELEBRATE A COMPLETED WATER QUALITY PROJECT

2009-11-09T15:40:00.000-08:00

Los Angeles City Councilman Bill Rosendahl of District 11, El Segundo Mayor Kelly McDowell, Public Works Commissioner Paula Daniels and other dignitaries celebrated today the completion of the Imperial Highway Sunken Median Stormwater Best Management Practices (BMP) project. A gathering was held on Imperial Highway between Pershing Drive and Main Street, and was concluded with theplanting of a

CA Legislature Passes Water Conservation Bill

2009-11-07T17:19:00.000-08:00

The state Legislature finished with one piece of a multi-part water package Tuesday when the Assembly approved a bill mandating a statewide drop in per capita water use. The package, which includes an $11.1-billion bond that must go before voters, would nudge California in new directions on water policy while giving something to each of the major factions that have warred over the state's

FREE Planter Boxes for Businesses (Est Value: $4,500)

2009-11-02T22:24:00.000-08:00

We’ve received an overwhelming number of residential applicants for the L.A. Rainwater Harvesting Program, so we thank you for your interest and commitment to protecting water quality! We do still have available spots for businesses that are interested in receiving a FREE, custom-made planter box. These tailored planter boxes help beautify the property and treat

Enter Your Pooch In Our Photo Contest

2009-10-30T15:46:00.000-07:00

We're getting into the Halloween spirit with a doggie photo contest! Just submit a holiday themed photo of your favorite four-legged friend to our Facebook page (no later than November 9) and you could win a gift card to Eco-Pet LA.* Not on Facebook? That's OK, you can also email us at LAstormwater@lacity.org* Thanks to Eco-Pet for the donation. You guys rock!

LA Prepares for Tricks & Treats this Season

2009-10-29T12:43:00.001-07:00

October marks the beginning of the rainy season here in Los Angeles. It is also the time of year when we celebrate a culturally popular holiday – Halloween. As we enter the wet winter months ahead, Los Angeles faces some potentially frightening challenges. Will the El Niño conditions predicted by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) scientists create monstrous storms

Taking the Boo out of Bacteria

2009-10-29T12:41:00.000-07:00

You can’t see it but it’s there, hiding out, just waiting for you in the storm drain. It's not a ghost or a scary monster, although it is certainly frightening. It's bacteria. Unlike other stormwater pollutants such as oil and litter, bacteria cannot be seen with the naked eye. While most environmental microorganisms are part of a natural healthy ecosystem, there is a small percentage of them,

Wicked Wildfires with Wet Weather...Watershed Woes

2009-10-29T12:36:00.000-07:00

Wicked wildfires and frightful floods are a natural and challenging part of the ecological cycle here in California. Fire is essential in Mediterranean ecosystems with certain species of native plants needing fire to guarantee their existence. All too often, however, these fires take place in the fall when the flames are fanned by fierce Santa Ana winds that hauntingly howl through our canyons.

El Nino-He's Back...

2009-10-29T12:34:00.000-07:00

In July, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) scientists announced the return of El Niño, a climate phenomenon with significant influence on global weather. Occurring, on average, once every two to seven years and typically lasting 12 months, El Niño is the warming of central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean waters. Generally, an El Niño event will produce increased rainfall

Call for Comments on LID Ordinance

2009-10-28T10:36:00.000-07:00

The City of LA wants to thank everyone who participated in the Low Impact Development (LID) workshops earlier this month.A total of 66 program stakeholders attended the workshops, including representatives from a variety of organizations (business/development community, environmental community, neighboring cities and Los Angeles neighborhood councils).The draft of the LID ordinance is now ready

Stormwater Reuse Bill Passes in California

2009-10-20T13:37:00.000-07:00

A new California bill seeks to expand the role of stormwater management to incorporate strategies that will use it as a resource. The Stormwater Resource Planning Act, SB 790, allows municipalities to tap funds from two of the state’s existing bond funds and use the money for projects that reduce or reuse stormwater, recharge the groundwater supply, create green spaces and enhance wildlife

Rain Barrel Expert Needed ASAP!

2009-10-20T01:36:00.000-07:00

The City of Los Angeles is seeking a rain barrel installation expert willing to participate as an instructor in a City of Los Angeles “How To” video.* The video will serve as a tool for residents who are looking to install a rain barrel at their property. The video will be available online as well as in DVD (by request).Participation will include an announcement of your name and business in the

Public Invited to Prop O COAC Meeting (10/21)

2009-10-19T16:20:00.000-07:00