RIDLEY-THOMAS LAUNCHES ENERGY MAKEOVER WEEK IN LENNOX AREA

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 22, 2010                                                                                                                             Contact:         Aurelio Rojas 213-280-6579

                                                                                        James Bolden 213-200-5314

 

SUPERVISOR RIDLEY-THOMAS LAUNCHES ENERGY MAKEOVER WEEK IN LENNOX AREA 

LOS ANGELES -- Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas today joined an unprecedented collaboration of environmental experts and public utilities to launch a week-long series of programs in the Lennox area that will help businesses and residents reduce energy use.

 

During the next couple of days, Southern California Edison, West Basin Water District and the Golden State Water Company will install energy and water conservation resources, including new lighting, refrigeration and heating, low-flush toilets and kitchen resources, in more than 90 businesses.

 

Supervisor Ridley-Thomas said the goal is to demonstrate how small businesses can easily achieve about 15 to 20 percent in energy savings with retrofits and taking advantage of available resources.

 

“Our energy makeover will demonstrate that small communities can improve their carbon footprint and benefit their bottom line through minor improvements in their homes and businesses,” Supervisor Ridley-Thomas said during the kickoff event at a shopping center in Lennox.

 

Joining Supervisor Ridley-Thomas were Mary Nichols, California Air Resources Board; Kelly McDowell, Chair of the South Bay Council of Governments; Dave Ford, Southern California Edison; Gloria Gray, West Basin Water District; Shad Rezai, Golden State Water; and  Luis Perez, owner of the Los Tapatios Market.

 

"Energy makeovers are coming to communities around the state,” Ms. Nichols said. “Thanks to astute local leaders, Lennox stands to be a winner."

 

Lennox is located in Southwest Los Angeles County northeast of the 405 and 105 Freeways. Residents are subjected to high levels of pollution and aircraft and automobile related noise.

 

Supervisor Ridley-Thomas has made improving the environment and generating jobs in the Second District top priorities. He said that in addition to reducing energy use, efforts like those in Lennox help to promote green technology.

 

“This is an effort to drive good, green and local jobs – jobs you can’t outsource,” he said. ”

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