Consumer Alert: Coldwater Canyon Ave to Close March 23 – April 25 for Water Trunk Line Replacement‏

LADWP to Replace 99-Year Old Pipe, Requiring Full Use of Street for Construction. Limited through Traffic Reduced to Evening, Overnight Hours and Sundays.

LOS ANGELES (March 4, 2013) – The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) will be replacing a portion of the City Trunk Line, a 60-inch diameter pipeline that runs along Coldwater Canyon Avenue between Mulholland Drive and Ventura Boulevard, necessitating closure of the major Valley to Westside pass from March 23-April 25 to allow the full use of the street for construction equipment and crews.  The LADWP is replacing the 99-year old pipe in sections with new welded steel pipe as part of an ongoing citywide upgrade to major pipelines that cross the city to ensure reliable service and to comply with federal water quality regulations.

Starting March 9th, no left turns will be allowed onto Ventura Blvd from Coldwater Canyon north and south bound as crews prepare for construction.

Closures begin Saturday, March 23, and are scheduled to continue through Thursday, April 25. The hours of closure are Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.  After 7 p.m. each night (6 p.m. on Saturdays), and all day Sunday, one lane in each direction will be open for traffic.

“This is a vitally important project to ensure the continued safety and reliability of our drinking water,” LA City Councilmember Paul Krekorian said. “I know how difficult it will be to drive through the area during this time, which is why I would urge all of us to find alternate routes during construction. While crews are working to repair this pipeline, my office will ensure that residents, businesses, schools and drivers are kept informed about this project and we will work with all city departments to ensure this is done as safely and efficiently as possible. I thank you in advance for your patience and cooperation.”

“This is an important improvement, but it poses an impact and a challenge. LADWP needs to get this job done as quickly and safely as possible,” added LA City Councilmember Tom LaBonge.

“Coldwater Canyon Avenue is one of our key trans-mountain routes, and there’s no question its month-long daytime closure will be a hardship to residents and commuters. But the water trunk-line replacement work’s got to be done, and I’m confident that people will cooperate with patience and understanding, with a final result that we can all be proud of,” said LA County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky.

In 2009, the City Trunk Line ruptured at Coldwater Canyon and Ventura Boulevard, causing flooding of area residents and businesses. Cost of repairs was over $700,000 and claims totaled nearly $8 million. Water loss was estimated at four million gallons.

Details of the closure were discussed earlier today at a morning press conference near the site of the 2009 rupture with Los Angeles City Councilmember Paul Krekorian, who represents the area, joined by Councilmember Tom LaBonge and Los Angeles County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky.

A representative from the City Department of Transportation also discussed traffic mitigation plans that include electronic signage, traffic control officers, new striping to guide motorists through the area.

Motorists are urged to avoid the area during the closure and take alternate routes, including: Laurel Canyon Blvd.; Beverly Glen Blvd., Sepulveda Blvd., Cahuenga Blvd./Highland Avenue and Interstate 405. During peak commuting hours, Coldwater Canyon carries approximately 1,300 vehicles per hour.

The LADWP has worked closely with Councilmember Krekorian and his staff, as well as community groups and others, to ensure that their concerns and issues are addressed to the extent possible.

Special access permits will be issued to area residents and schools, including Harvard-Westlake, and other facilities along Coldwater between Mulholland Drive and Ventura Boulevard.  The actual construction zone is from Dickens Street to Hacienda Drive, where most of the work will occur.

“This project poses particular challenges – on an engineering level and for how to mitigate impacts for those who live, work or travel through this area of the City,” said James B. McDaniel, Senior Assistant General Manager, Water System. “The quality and reliability of your water service is our priority at the LADWP, and we are going to work as quickly and safely as possible to get this job done. We appreciate your understanding and patience.”

For information about the closure, please visit www.ladwp.com.  To receive e-mail updates on construction progress during the closure, please visit LADWP’s online newsroom and sign-up to receive updates here.  Select “City Trunk Line – Coldwater Canyon Construction” from the dropdown menu, or follow @LADWP on Twitter.

Also to read more about the Coldwater Canyon Construction March 23 – April 25, 2013

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
*TRAFFIC ADVISORY*
Left Turn Restrictions Begin Saturday, March 9 at
Coldwater Canyon Avenue and Ventura Boulevard
NO Left Turns from Coldwater Canyon Avenue
Northbound and Southbound onto Ventura Boulevard

Left turn restrictions will go into effect as part of an ongoing water trunk line construction project on Coldwater Canyon Avenue in the Studio City area of Los Angeles.Beginning Saturday, March 9, 2013, no left turns from Coldwater Canyon Avenue northboundand southbound onto Ventura Boulevard will be allowed.These left turn restrictions will be in effect for two weeks, through March 23, 2013. At that time, the full closure of Coldwater Canyon Avenue between Ventura Boulevard and Mulholland Drive will commence and will be in effect through April 25, 2013. During this timeframe, the left turn restrictions will remain in effect during non-working hours and on Sundays. For more information on the full closure of Coldwater Canyon Avenue, click here. Left turn restrictions will continue after the closure through June 1, 2013. Drivers who may be affected by the left turn restrictions are encouraged to consider other routes, including Cahuenga Boulevard/Highland Avenue, Laurel Canyon Boulevard, Beverly Glen Boulevard, Sepulveda Boulevard and Interstate 405, or take Metro- visit www.metro.net for more information.

WHAT: Left-turn restrictions from Coldwater Canyon Ave. northbound and southbound onto Ventura Blvd. WHEN: March 9, 2013 through March 23, 2013 – around the clockMarch 23, 2013 through April 25, 2013 – overnight hours and SundaysApril 25, 2013 through June 1, 2013 – around the clock WHERE: Intersection of Coldwater Canyon Avenue and Ventura Boulevard Studio City, CA 91604Map of the intersection

Source: LADWP

Breaking News: LA City Council Unanimously Supports LADWP’s Federal Lawsuit to Stop the Water Waste in the Owens Valley

On November 1, 2012 LADWP announced that the Los Angeles City Council yesterday unanimously approved a resolution supporting the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power’s lawsuit seeking to halt what LADWP alleges are excessive and unlawful regulations and costs being imposed on Los Angeles water consumers by the Great Basin Unified Air Pollution Control District (Great Basin) in the Owens Valley area of California.

According to the LADWP lawsuit, Great Basin continues to issue orders to LADWP to further expand the area of dust control beyond that which LADWP is responsible and continues to seek to fund its own operations at the expense of Los Angeles water ratepayers.

“The City Council today stood up for Los Angeles consumers, who are being unlawfully obligated to pay hundreds of millions of dollars to mitigate dust beyond that for which Los Angeles is responsible. In addition, fresh water is being wasted to reduce dust when other low-water or waterless options exist,” said LADWP General Manager Ron Nichols. “While LADWP continues to honor our obligations to protect the environment by controlling dust for which we are responsible, we simply will not stand idly by as billions of gallons of LA water are wasted at a cost of hundreds of millions of dollars to our customers.”

The proposed City Council resolution states that “the City has spent more than $1.2 billion toward constructing and operating 42 square miles of dust controls and has committed to an additional 3 square miles, resulting in 45 square miles.  …[At] the completion of 45 square miles of dust controls the City will have fulfilled its mitigation obligations and illustrated LADWP’s willing interest in addressing the air quality impacts of its water gathering activities on and around Owens Lake.”

The LADWP remains committed to ongoing dust control on the 45 square miles, and seeks to use other proven means to control dust other than by wasting scarce drinking water.  LADWP has objected to orders by Great Basin to once again, expand the dust control area further, at a cost of $400 million to LADWP water customers.

“Already, nearly $10 from every $100 of the average LA resident’s water bill goes towards the work we perform at Owens Lake. This money goes to pay for the 95,000 acre feet of water per year that is poured on the lake bed – more than what is used by the entire city of San Francisco annually – there comes a time when you mast say enough is enough,” said LA City Councilmember Tony Cardenas. “Expanding this project again is an abuse of the residents of Los Angeles, especially when we consider how far they have strayed from the original agreement reached between the city and the Great Basin.”

The City Council resolution also describes various objectionable and unlawful actions by Great Basin, including “continu[ing] to issue orders to the City to control dust arising from Owens Lake in excess of the City’s agreement, causation, and legal obligation” and “unreasonably charg[ing] the City for the general costs of government and excessive costs of outside attorneys.”

The unanimous adoption of the resolution signifies that the City Council “affirms, supports and endorses the legal position and the filing of a lawsuit by the LADWP acting on behalf of water ratepayers.”

More information on this issue can be found at www.ladwp.com/OwensLake.

Source: LADWP

Consumers Reminder: Los Angeles Department of Water and Power Daylight Saving Time Ends Sunday!

Customers Reminded to Reset Sprinkler and Lighting Timers to Save Water, Power and Money.

LOS ANGELES — Friday, November 1, 2012, With Daylight Saving Time ending at 2:00 a.m. on Sunday, November 4, 2012, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) reminds customers to set their clocks back one hour, and reset lighting timers, programmable thermostats and sprinkler timers.

In the City of Los Angeles, outdoor watering is restricted to hours before 9:00 a.m. and after 4:00 p.m. With cooler fall temperatures, and as the rainy season approaches, LADWP encourages customers to adjust their sprinkler timers and reduce outdoor watering. Fall is also an excellent time for outdoor planting and customers who replace their lawn with climate-appropriate flowers, shrubs, trees and water-permeable hardscape are eligible to receive $1.50 for every square foot of lawn under the LADWP’s California-Friendly Landscape Incentive Program.

LADWP also encourages customers to reset their lighting timers to turn on only after daylight hours and to remain lit only as long as necessary. Energy efficient compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs and long-life LED lights are recommended for installation wherever possible. CFL and LED lights may cost a little more at the outset, but they use less electricity, last longer and save customers money in the long run.

The time change presents a valuable opportunity for LADWP customers to review energy and water routines at home and in the workplace to seek out ways to conserve. Effective conservation can help customers better manage utility costs and save money. For tips on easy ways to conserve, and information on the Department’s many water and energy conservation programs and rebate programs, please visit www.ladwp.com.

Source: LADWP

Board of LADWP Commissioners Approves 2-Year Electric Rate Increase

Legal Mandates and Aging Infrastructure Drive Need for Rate Increase.

LOS ANGELES – September 12, 2012, The Los Angeles Board of Water and Power Commissioners moved forward today with a proposed 2-year electric rate change to pay for investments needed to comply with legal mandates that are driving a complete transformation of LADWP’s power supply, to invest in replacing rapidly aging infrastructure to maintain reliability and expand customer opportunities through additional investment in money-saving energy efficiency programs which also comply with state requirements. The rate action, which requires approval by the Los Angeles City Council, would increase LADWP’s system average rate by 11.1% over two years, or 1.4 cents per kilowatt-hour (KWh).  Typical residential customers who use 500 KWh per month would see an increase half that amount (5.5%) over the two years, and pay $3.65 cents more per month on the current average monthly electric bill of $65.79 in the second year of the rate increase.

“It is never easy to raise our customers’ rates, but the Department has made the case that these investments are needed to comply with legal mandates and to invest in replacing aging infrastructure that is essential to maintaining reliable service to our customers,” said Thomas Sayles, President of the Board of Water & Power Commisioners.

The Board also concurred with a recommendation by General Manager Ronald O. Nichols to defer action on a proposed 5% water rate increase that would have taken effect in July 2013, to allow time for the city’s independent ratepayer advocate, Dr. Fred Pickel, to further analyze proposed changes in the water rate structure and capital program. Nichols said unanticipated financial savings realized this summer will enable LADWP to continue critical capital projects for now while further analysis is completed, but that future water rate increases will eventually be needed.

The proposed two-year electric rate increase approved today by the Board follows over 16 months of community outreach and an independent review by the Ratepayer Advocate. The Ratepayer Advocate’s report confirmed that the proposed rate increases are necessary and warranted to comply with legal mandates and invest in basic reliability.  It also credited the Department with cutting costs and made recommendations to further cut costs beyond the immediate 2-year rate period.
The Ratepayer Advocate has recommended further evaluation of future costs beyond the 2-year rate period to seek reductions in levels of future rate increases.

“This was a rates process like no other in the Department’s history. We achieved a level of transparency that is unprecedented, providing more information on what is driving our costs and about the basis for the needed rate increase to the public and to the ratepayer advocate than ever before,” said LADWP General Manager Ronald O. Nichols. “We listened to what our customers and other stakeholders expected from the Department of Water and Power, and supported their priorities in our recommendations.  As a result, we will more than double last year’s investment in energy efficiency to help our customers save money and launch the full 150MW Feed-in Tariff demonstration program to more aggressively expand solar on LA rooftops and include more of our customers.”

Key drivers of the power rate increase include investments needed to keep LADWP on track to meet 33% renewable energy by 2020; stay on schedule with State of California requirements to eliminate the use of ocean water cooling at its coastal power plants; and, ramping up investments in energy efficiency over the next two years to put the Department on the path to achieving at a minimum, the required 10% reduction in electricity use  by 2020.  These efforts, among others, will position LADWP to transition out of coal generation when current contracts for coal power expire, or sooner.

The rate increases will also provide needed investments in replacing or repairing aging power distribution infrastructure. “We need to aggressively invest in replacing aging poles, transformers, wires, cables, and cross-arms, as well as build new power distributing stations and repair old ones,” said Aram Benyamin, LADWP Senior Assistant General Manager – Power.  This increase will allow us to make a significant investment in reducing our current backlog of repairs to maintain the outstanding power reliability our customers expect and deserve. While additional investment will be needed in the future, this gives us a significant boost toward those efforts.”

Click here to learn more about how the rate increase will affect various types of customers, and here to see how LADWP’s rates compare to other utilities.

For more detailed information and to use the LADWP’s online rates calculator, please visit www.ladwp.com/rates.

Source: The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power
Logo credit to: The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power

Cool Tips for Hot Days from LADWP on How to Stay Cool and Conserve Energy as Summer Heats Up

August 7, 2012 - LOS ANGELES, CA. With high temperatures in the forecast for the next several days in Los Angeles, LADWP offers these tips to help customers stay cool and conserve energy. Energy conservation during high temperature summer days helps prevent strain on power system infrastructure while also helping our customers save money on their power bills.

These simple tips are easy to implement in daily routines and are highly effective conservation measures:

Tips for the Home

• Adjust thermostat to 78 degrees to reduce energy usage during the hottest hours of the day when air conditioning systems have to work hardest to cool.
• Limit the use of appliances during peak hours of the day- use washing machines, dishwashers, vacuum cleaners and other heavy appliances during evening hours.
• Try to avoid using your stove or oven during peak hours of the day since it will add to the heat inside the home.
• Ventilate your home at night and early morning by opening windows and doors to clear out the heat and allow cooler air to circulate.
• Turn off lights and equipment when they are not in use.
• Replace incandescent light bulbs with energy efficient compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) wherever appropriate.
• Close draperies, shades or blinds during the heat of the day to reduce the extra heat from direct sunlight.
• Check your home for adequate insulation and for proper sealing of windows and exterior doors.
• Plant shade trees to reduce heat gain inside the house.
• Install / use ceiling fans or “whole house” fans for comfort cooling. A whole house fan will cool down your house early evenings and early mornings for a fraction of the energy cost of operating an A/C unit.
• Install a programmable thermostat to adjust the temperature automatically and maximize your energy savings.
• Clean or replace air-conditioner filter(s) every month to maintain efficiency and air flow.
• Regularly brush or vacuum the condenser coils at the bottom or rear of your refrigerator and check door gasket for tight fit and adjust if necessary.
• When buying appliances, choose energy-saving EnergyStar-rated models.
• Limit the time you run your pool pump during summer to six hours a day, and schedule the run time to avoid operation between 1 pm and 5 pm.
• Unplug “energy vampires” like cell phone chargers, DVD players, microwave ovens and other appliances that use energy even when turned off or in sleep mode.

Tips for the Workplace

• Turn off your desk and overhead lights, and meeting room lights, if they are not needed, or install motion detector switches in each room.
• Keep personal appliance use to a minimum.
• Turn off all computer equipment when you leave the office or when they are not in use for long periods of time.
• Be sure your computer equipment goes into sleep mode when temporarily not in use.
• Go paperless when possible. Reduced printing and copying translates into reduced energy use.

LADWP Energy Conservation Rebate Programs

• Energy Star-Rated Room Air Conditioners. $50 rebate on qualifying models.
• Central Air Conditioners. $100-$120 rebate on an energy efficient model.
• Refrigerator Exchange for Low Income Customers. Qualifying low-income or Lifeline customers can receive a free energy efficient refrigerator in exchange for an old inefficient model.
• Refrigerator Turn-In and Recycle. LADWP customers who buy new Energy Star-rated refrigerators and turn in their old model for recycling can receive up to $115 in rebates.
• Whole House Fans. $200 rebate per unit.
• Energy Star-Rated Residential Window Products. Rebate of $2.00 per square foot of glass for qualifying models.
• Cool Roofs. Rebate of $0.30 per square foot.
• Pool Pump and Motor Replacements. $500 rebate on variable speed models.

For More Information

• How to apply for the above rebates, please click here.
• For energy-saving tips and programs, click here.
• The City of Los Angeles “Ready L.A.” for information on how to prepare for a heat wave.

Source:  LADWP 
Photos credit to: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Breaking News: Statement by Los Angeles Department of Water and Power regarding Mammoth Creek Water Issues

High Priced Public Relations Campaign Run by LA Firm Attempts to “Snow” the Public & Media.

On Friday, June 29, 2012 that Los Angeles Department of Water & Power General Manager Ronald O. Nichols released the following statement today regarding an article in the LA Times concerning the town of Mammoth Lakes & Mammoth Creak Water District:

The Mammoth Creek Water District has retained consultants to undertake an intensive and costly public relations campaign to cast the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) as attempting to deny the Town of Mammoth Lakes a water supply from Mammoth Creek.  This is simply not true.  A story reported in today’s Los Angeles Times repeats many of the baseless arguments set forth by lobbyists and public relations consultants hired by Mammoth Creek Water District (MCWD) at public expense, and I am very concerned that the public is being misled and has been misinformed as to the basic facts.  LADWP is in no way attempting to deny water to the Town of Mammoth Lakes and has communicated to MCWD staff and Board that we are ready and willing to work with them to find a solution.


Here are the facts on the issues involving LADWP and MCWD:

For the past a decade, LADWP has expressed its concerns to MCWD regarding water diversions from Mammoth Creek. Over the last year, LADWP and MCWD officials have been negotiating to find a mutually acceptable way of sharing the water of Mammoth Creek while not harming the water customers and ratepayers of Los Angeles. Those talks have consistently failed to produce results.

We believe the reason for the failure to reach an agreement is that so far, the MCWD is unwilling to do what is provided for by water rights laws and protocols of the State of California.  LADWP has held the senior water rights on Mammoth Creek since 1905.  That water flows to Owens River, and is a part of the water supply to Los Angeles.  Water from Mammoth Creek used by MCWD to meet local needs can be replaced by LADWP by purchasing more water from the Metropolitan Water District (MWD).  Water rights laws and protocols provide for LADWP to make that substitution to enable the Mammoth water district to meet local needs, which LADWP has repeatedly expressed we are willing to do.  However, there is no obligation for LADWP to make that substitution and charge our customers to provide free water to MCWD.  To view this otherwise is to ignore the very foundation of water rights laws in California.  We believe that MCWD knows its position is groundless and has undertaken a public relations campaign to camouflage that fact.

LADWP had not pressed this issue legally, believing that a fair solution could be reached.  However, when MCWD sought to update its Urban Water Management Plan to allow the resort community to increase its water use by 50% in the future by using LADWP’s water source, we were forced to ask a judge to protect the interests of Los Angeles’ water customers who pay LADWP water rates.  LADWP has been accused of making a “water grab” but that is simply not the case.

Even though LADWP has taken legal steps required to protect our water rights, at the same time we have also been clear that we are prepared to continue our long-running negotiations with MCWD, in the hope that a compromise can be reached.  In fact, recent conversations, not reported in the Times story, have been very positive, and.  LADWP and MCWD staff have been quietly working together to look for a suitable resolution that would enable LADWP to retain its water while meeting the needs of MCWD.

It is important to note that even if other supplies cannot be found and Mammoth customers were asked to pay for the water purchased and paid for by Los Angeles’ residents, under the worst-case scenario average Mammoth customers would see their monthly water bills increase from about $24 to $35 – while the same amount of water currently costs a Los Angeles customer about $43 a month.  In other words, LADWP’s rates would still be about 25% higher than the rates enjoyed by Mammoth’s residents, businesses and resorts.  LADWP has over 300,000 qualified low-income and senior citizen customers who would continue to pay more for their water than customers pay in in Mammoth Lakes even if MCWD compensated for the LADWP water that it is diverting.  Los Angeles water customers cannot continue to subsidize Mammoth’s water bills.   We believe there are solutions that enable alternatives other than simply reimbursing LADWP for the water that MCWD is using and we remain actively engaged with MCWD to collaboratively find such a solution.

I want to reiterate that LADWP has no intention, nor any desire to deprive the citizens of Mammoth of water.  No amount of misinformed public relations efforts can change these facts.  We remain willing to work out a solution that will ensure adequate and affordable water supplies to the community of Mammoth Lakes on a sustained and fair basis and we stand ready to work with MCWD to resolve this issue.

Source: LADWP Public Affairs
Graphic credit to: LADWP

LADWP to Hold Community Meetings to Discuss Proposed 2-Year Power & Water Rate Changes on April 25-May 10th

Legal Mandates and Aging Infrastructure
Driving Need for Rate Increases;
Seven Regional Meetings Slated April 25-May 10

On Thursday, April 19, 2012 The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) will hold a series of community meetings throughout the city beginning April 25 to educate and inform customers regarding proposed power and water rate changes needed over the next two years.

The proposed changes are necessary to meet a series of regulatory mandates that affect much of LADWP’s existing energy and water supplies, and to invest in replacing aging infrastructure to maintain reliability for LADWP’s 1.4 million electric customers and 657,000 water customers.

General Manager Ronald O. Nichols and LADWP Senior Managers will present the proposed power and water rate changes during the upcoming meetings, answer questions and take comments. “We began a conversation last summer regarding the fundamental reasons why LADWP needs to increase water and power rates,” Nichols said. “A lot has happened in the past year; legal mandates that were unclear have come into focus. Aging equipment has gotten older and deferred costs are mounting. A ratepayer advocate has been appointed and is at work reviewing these proposals.”

The proposed rate change is most critical for power. Legal mandates are driving the need to rebuild or replace over 70 percent of LADWP’s existing energy resources and generation. In the next 10 to 15 years, LADWP will need to expand renewable energy to 33 percent of the power provided to customers; transition out of coal generation and replace it with a mix of renewable energy, natural gas and expanded energy efficiency measures; and rebuild aging generating units at three coastal natural gas power plants.

The power rate proposal requests a 4.6% increase beginning July 1, 2012 and 5.9% effective July 1, 2013 for a total of 10.5% over 2 years, an increase to the current average rate of 1.4 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh). For the typical residential customer, using 500 kWh, this would add $3.35 per month to their current $65.79 monthly bill.

The proposed power rates will also fund new investments in energy efficiency programs, as a way to mitigate the potential bill impacts. Energy efficiency is also a cost-effective way to meet environmental mandates and improve reliability.

On the water side, the Water Quality Factor adjustment approved earlier this year–$0.35 per billing unit (748 gallons) for mandated drinking water quality improvements–enables LADWP to defer consideration of an additional water rate action until later this year.

In fiscal year 2012/13, customers will see an automatic adjustment for purchased water when the price is adjusted in late Spring. An additional increase of about ½ percent is planned, as part of rate adjustments that require Board of Water and Power Commissioners action only, to support continued development of local water supply programs. These include water conservation, recycled water, stormwater capture, and groundwater cleanup—all of which reduce reliance on imported and purchased water.

For fiscal year 2013/14, LADWP is proposing a 4.6% water rate increase effective July 1, 2013, excluding the cost of purchased water, to invest further in pipeline and related infrastructure replacement, local water supply programs and additional water quality investments that are part of $1.1 billion required for water quality compliance. Nichols stressed that while action on the request was not needed immediately, the increase needs approval this year to allow time to approve the necessary construction and related water quality improvement contracts and hire and train pipeline replacement crew members.

Following are the dates and locations for the regional meetings. In addition, LADWP is planning to hold additional online webinars and meetings that will be announced in the near future.

RSVP’s for the community meeting are encouraged, but not required.  To RSVP, please click on the link below each meeting, or call 213-367-1361.

Harbor:
Wednesday, April 25, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Crowne Plaza Hotel, Salon A
601 S. Palos Verdes St.
San Pedro 90731
RSVP

West Valley:
Thursday, April 26, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites
22617 Ventura Blvd.
Woodland Hills 91367
RSVP

Metro:
Saturday, April 28, 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
LADWP John Ferraro Building Headquarters
111 N. Hope St., A Level
Los Angeles 90012
RSVP

South L.A.:
Monday, April 30, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
LADWP Crenshaw Service Center
4030 Crenshaw Blvd.
Los Angeles 90008
RSVP

East L.A.:
Wednesday, May 2, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Recreation and Parks Ramona Hall
4580 N. Figueroa St.
Los Angeles 90065
RSVP

East Valley:
Thursday, May 3, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
LADWP Van Nuys Service Center
14401 Saticoy St.
Van Nuys 91405
RSVP

West L.A.:
Thursday, May 10, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Stephen S. Wise Temple, South Taub Annex
15500 Stephen S. Wise Drive
Los Angeles 90077
RSVP

###

Source: LADWP News Room
Graphic credit to: LADWP News Room

Consumer News: LADWP Reminder: Daylight Saving Time Begins This Sunday

Customers Reminded to Reset Clocks and Timers to Save Water, Power and Money

On Friday, March 9, 2012, with Daylight Saving Time beginning at 2:00 a.m. on Sunday, March 11, 2012, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) reminds customers to turn clocks forward and reset lighting timers, programmable thermostats and sprinkler timers.

The City of Los Angeles is currently under mandatory water conservation, which restricts outdoor watering to times before 9:00 a.m. and after 4:00 p.m.  Customers should note the change in time and adjust their sprinkler timers accordingly.

LADWP encourages customers to reset lighting timers to turn on only after daylight hours and to remain lit only as long as is necessary. Energy efficient compact fluorescent light bulbs are recommended for installation wherever possible.

The time change is a valuable opportunity for LADWP customers to review energy and water routines at home and in the workplace to seek out ways to conserve. Effective conservation can reduce utility bills and result in monetary savings for customers: save water, save power, save money. For tips on easy ways to conserve, and information on the Department’s water and energy conservation programs and incentives, please call 1-800-DIAL-DWP or visit www.ladwp.com

Source: LADWP.Com

THIS POST IS PARTIAL SPONSORED AND BROUGHT TO YOU BY: Ingrid’s Cafe in Beverly Hills (Click picture to visit website)

LADWP Water Quality Factor Customer Rate Increase Approved Effective March 2012

On Thursday, February 9, 2012 The Los Angeles City Council approved an adjustment (rate increase) to the City of Los Angeles’ Water Rate Ordinance, an action that will ensure that LADWP has sufficient revenues to complete upcoming projects necessary to comply with federal and state water quality regulations and meet compliance deadlines. The modifications include a 35-cent increase to the Water Quality Improvement Adjustment Factor, a component of the rate LADWP charges customers for water, which prior to this adjustment was insufficient to fund major legally mandated drinking water quality projects that are the subject of a compliance agreement entered into by the LADWP with the California Department of Public Health and United States Environmental Protection Agency.

“Keeping the water safe for our customers is the Water System’s top priority and to do that we need to comply with drinking water quality regulations,” said LADWP General Manager Ron Nichols. “Water rates in Los Angeles, even with this increase, remain competitive with other utilities in the region while allowing us to proceed with construction of urgently needed drinking water quality projects. It also protects our water customers from paying more over the long-term by avoiding significant penalties and fines that would result from failing to comply with legal mandates. We are grateful to the City Council for recognizing the urgency of this request.”

Compliance with State and Federal water quality regulations requires major investment in LADWP’s water distribution system, including nearly $600 million in new contracts that must be awarded in the next 12 months. The first of these contracts is for the Headworks Reservoir for $218 million, as part of LADWP’s compliance requirement to cover, bypass or remove from service all 10 water reservoirs in the Los Angeles basin. Five have been covered or bypassed to date, and five more remain — including Silver Lake and Ivanhoe, which will be replaced by the Headworks Reservoir.

The modifications to the Water Rate Ordinance approved by City Council today are subject to review by the Mayor, and are expected to take effect in late March 2012.

Source:  LADWP Newsroom & Graphic credit to: LADWP

Diversity News Magazine Year in Review: Top 11 Stories of 2011

1. A politician the gets little bit Naughty by playing with himself on social media like Twitter gets in big trouble.

Anthony Weiner Twitter Scandal Is Not Going Away; New Photos Revealed.

http://diversitynewsmagazine.com/2011/06/anthony-weiner-twitter-scandal-is-not-going-away-new-photos-revealed/

2. The story the opened many people eyes and found out how Fishy and nasty is this guy who claims he is Jesus.

Self-promoter David Harrison Levi and Followers Apparently Escorted Out by Security in Hollywood.

http://diversitynewsmagazine.com/2011/06/self-promoter-david-harrison-levi-and-followers-apparently-escorted-out-by-security-in-hollywood/

3. Miss California USA 2011, Alyssa Campanella, is the winner of the 2011 MISS USA® Competition.

Miss California USA 2011, Alyssa Campanella, Wins the 2011 Miss USA Pageant

http://diversitynewsmagazine.com/2011/06/miss-california-usa-2011-alyssa-campanella-wins-the-2011-miss-usa-pageant/

4. The recording artist wondering and trying to be a good citizen gets busted at criminal dirty bar in West Hollywood.

Breaking News: Recording Artist Arnold G Stabbed with a Knife by Gold Coast Bar Patron in West Hollywood

http://diversitynewsmagazine.com/2011/07/breaking-news-recording-artist-arnold-g-stabbed-with-a-knife-by-gold-coast-bar-patron-in-west-hollywood/

5. Los Angeles #1 traffic freeway; I-405 Countdown to the Closure.

I-405 Mulholland Drive Bridge Demolition & Countdown to the Closure

http://diversitynewsmagazine.com/2011/07/i-405-mulholland-drive-bridge-demolition-countdown-to-the-closure/

6. The porn; gay, bi, straight and confuse industry seeking for more clients and business.

Facebook Response On Porn Photos and Sexual Videos Appearing on Wall‏

http://diversitynewsmagazine.com/2011/11/facebook-response-on-porn-photos-and-sexual-videos-appearing-on-wall%E2%80%8F/

7. The reporter the finally gets a break for her humanitarian and community service.

Christine Devine recipient of the 63rd LA Area Governors Award & NBC4 Tops 63rd Annual Los Angeles Area Emmys

http://diversitynewsmagazine.com/2011/08/christine-devine-recipient-of-the-63rd-la-area-governors-award-nbc4-tops-63rd-annual-los-angeles-area-emmys/

8. Los Angeles County once again on a Dark Night!

BREAKING NEWS: High Winds; Southern California Power Outage Update

http://diversitynewsmagazine.com/2011/12/breaking-news-high-winds-southern-california-power-outage-update/

9. Once of some many awards show worthy to cover or watch because it was search on Google the entire year.

The 19th Annual ESPYs Awards 2011 Complete Winners List

http://diversitynewsmagazine.com/2011/07/the-19th-annual-espys-awards-2011-complete-winners-list/

&

12th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards Returns to Las Vegas & Air on Univision Network

http://diversitynewsmagazine.com/2011/05/12th-annual-latin-grammy-awards-returns-to-las-vegas-air-on-univision-network/

10. The new upcoming Rising actor the you will be seen more often on the big screen.

Boo Boo Stewart from The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn I Receives Rising Star Award

http://diversitynewsmagazine.com/2011/11/boo-boo-stewart-from-the-twilight-saga-breaking-dawn-i-receives-rising-star-award/

11. The man/inventor the made our daily life better each day.

BREAKING NEWS: Apple CEO Steve Jobs Resignation Letter

http://diversitynewsmagazine.com/2011/08/breaking-news-apple-ceo-steve-jobs-resignation-letter/

And finally we want to share some data of whom are our loyal readers.

The DEMOGRAPHICS are:

Gender: Female
41% Male
59% Female
Age: Young Adults
12% Under 18
40% 18-34
31% 35-49
18% 50+
Ethnicity: Other Ethnicities
69% Cauc.
11% Afr. Am.
5% Asian
12% Hisp.
2% Other
There are more visitors of other ethnicities here than average.
Children in Household: No Kids In Household
64% No Kids
36% Has Kids
Household Income: Less Affluent
21% $0-30k
28% $30-60k
26% $60-100k
25% $100k+
This site attracts a less affluent audience.
Education Level: College Graduates
35% No College
49% College
16% Grad. Sch.
There is a high index of College Graduates here.

Now you have it all, you have spoken and the above list is the results of your preferences.

Remember for us to keep covering and publishing we need your support, by advertising your services, products, events and brand names. Please contact: editor@diversitynewsmagazine.com for our media kit or prices. Thank you for your support and business.

Once again congratulations to everyone who made it to the Top 11 Stories of 2011 on Diversity News Magazine, the #1 online and consumer news magazine published by Diversity News Publications. Let’s see who will be in the Top 12 Stories of 2012. The clock will start ticking on January 1, 2012 and run through the last week of December 31, 2012.

Source: Google Analytics, Go Daddy, Alexa, Quantcast.

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