Department of Water and Power

Sep 19 2011
Wendy Greuel, Eric Garcetti, Austin Beutner also in race

LOS ANGELES, Calif.—Former Los Angeles City Councilman Greig Smith today endorsed Council President Pro Tempore Jan Perry for mayor in 2013.

Smith, who left office in July and was replaced by Councilman Mitchell Englander in the 12th District, said Perry was well suited for the job.

Aug 12 2011

Solar Incentive Program

LOS ANGELES, Calif.—The City Council took the rare action today of voting to take control of a popular Solar Incentive Program run by the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, based on concerns it will benefit businesses more than homeowners.

The council voted 11-1 to assert its authority to overrule the department, which recently made changes to the incentive levels.

Aug 12 2011

Analyze programs and rates

LOS ANGELES, Calif.—Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and two council members named their appointments today to a five-member residents committee that will help create a Department of Water and Power watchdog office.

The committee is charged with appointing the first executive director of the Office of Public Accountability, which will analyze DWP programs and rates and advocate on behalf of customers.

Jul 28 2011

Rising sea levels, increased flooding

LOS ANGELES, Calif.—The Los Angeles region is likely to face rising sea levels, increased flooding and impacts to the quality and quantity of its water supply, but is making progress in preparing for the effects of climate change, according to a study released this week.

The Natural Resources Defense Council report, “Thirsty for Answers: Preparing for the Water-related Impacts of Climate Change in American Cities,” analyzes the impacts of climate change on water supplies and waterways in the Los Angeles area and across the country.

Jul 8 2011

Traffic light synchronization program

LOS ANGELES, Calif.—Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa announced the completion today of a five-year effort to convert all of the city’s traffic lights and pedestrian signals from incandescent bulbs to LED lights.

Villaraigosa said the LEDs are about 85 percent more efficient than traditional lights, and the conversion will save the city about $4 million annually.

Across Black America

Here’s a look at African American people and issues making headlines throughout the country.

California
San Diego college students and volunteers will carry out their sixth home restoration project on Wednesday, July 10 through Sunday, July 14. as part of the “Healing our Heroes’ Homes” (H3) program created by the nonprofit Embrace. The five-day effort will take place at the home of medically retired Marine Corps Capt. Sarah Bettencourt. Bettencourt served with many different units across the country during the Global War on Terrorism and developed a rare neurological disorder in 2008. With a focus to restore the homes of disabled veteran homeowners, H3 falls in line with Embrace’s mission to mobilize college-student volunteers and community members to serve less fortunate members of civilian and veteran communities. The project for the Bettencourts’ home includes kitchen and bathroom remodeling, building ADA-compliant disability ramps, widening their driveway to ADA standards, widening doorways and landscaping.
 
District of Columbia
The 2013 Smithsonian Folklife Festival will showcase its five-year community research project on African American identity with the program “The Will to Adorn: African American Diversity, Style, and Identity.” This multicity collaboration examines the history and culture of the aesthetics of African Americans. The festival will be held June 26-30 and July 3-7, outdoors on the National Mall between Seventh and 14th streets. “Whether we realize it or not, we are all dress artists. The way we compose our look is a creative expression of our ideas about who we are and who we aspire to be,” said Diana N’Diaye, program curator. “This program explores the diversity of African American traditions of style, but also teaches young people the importance of documenting their own culture and saving that information for themselves and future generations.”