PRESS RELEASE

The City of Long Beach is one of 10 cities participating in the CoolCalifornia City Challenge, a fun, innovative competition among California cities to reduce greenhouse gases and build more vibrant and sustainable communities. Long Beach is counting on the support of its residents to become the "Coolest California City." Residents who sign up before the deadline of September 29 also have an opportunity to help a local nonprofit or school of their choice win up to $3,000 in prize money.

"I'm very proud that Long Beach is competing to be the Coolest City in California," Mayor Robert Garcia said. “Our community takes sustainability seriously, and we are committed to reduce our carbon footprint in many ways, including through this challenge.” 

Participants log monthly driving, electricity, and/or gas bills from January 2014 to earn “points,” which help earn funding from the Challenge sponsor, Energy Upgrade California. Participants can join a “team” that designates a local school or non-profit to benefit from their points.

Non-profits and schools competing for prize money under a team need a minimum of 100,000 combined points to qualify: First Place, $3,000; Second Place, $2,000; Third Place, $1,000. Prizes will be awarded through the Long Beach Community Foundation. 

All non-profit groups must be a Long Beach-based 501(c)(3) or an educational institution (school boosters clubs may be eligible through their school) and will be vetted by the Long Beach Community Foundation in advance to confirm their eligibility. 

To register, visit www.sustainablelb.com and click on the CoolCalifornia City Challenge Sign Up, call the Office of Sustainability at 562.570.5839, or email Larry.Rich@longbeach.gov.