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8A Page 18 nearby city (Long Beach) has already implemented mandated water rationing, the brooms serve as an important way to conserve one of Southern California's most valuable resources. "It's been a hugely successful event: Lyon said. "Besides being a fun thing that also does some good, it's a great opportunity to get them thinking about other ways to reduce utility costs and be good to the earth at the same time. n The Center also hosted a community lamp exchange in Torrance last year in which about 2,000 residents exchanged their traditional lamps for lamps with compact fluorescent light bulbs, free of charge. Edison donated the florescent lamps and residents were invited to exchange up to 10 household lamps apiece. Lyon and her staff also distribute free Edison-provided fluorescent light bulbs wherever they go to entice constituents to try them. According to Judy Mitchell, council member for Rolling Hills Estates and League second vice- president, the Center has helped raise awareness about resource efficiency and provide residents with ways to conserve. "The community is more and more interested in incorporating energy efficient measures in their homes," Mitchell said. "People are concerned about the environment and want to do the right thing. But most of the cities in our council are smaller. with fewer resources. The Energy Savings Center allows us to collaborate in order to maximize our own efficiencies and reduce costs." Currently, each SBCCOG city is developing its own green building standards. Leading the way is Manhattan Beach, which has already assessed its own carbon footprint and is working on ways to comply with AB 32, the Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006. According to Lyon, one of the most rewarding aspects of the Center is that volunteers in the community are talking with their city officials and giving feedback about the green initiatives in their cities, and opening up the conversation about green to a broader audience. For more information on the South Bay Energy Saving Center, visit www.sbesc.com. Annual Conference Registration Open! Conference and housing registration is now open for the League of California Cities 2008 Annual Conference and Exposition. The event will take place September 24-27 at the Long Beach Convention Center. To register, visit www.cacities.orQ/events. Look for more details in next week's Priority Focus. Find a Bill, Legislators, Leg Committee, or Ask League Leg Staff Visit (and bookmark!) the League's Legislative Resources Web page (www.cacities.orQ/leqresources). You'll find a roster and contact information for the League's legislative staff; the online Bill Search program, background materials on lobbying your legislators, and more. 8