| Newsletter:
February 2026 | | | Lake Elizabeth Water Quality Project | | | | Next time you visit Lake Elizabeth in Central Park, be sure to check out our new interpretive sign located right next to the Visitor's Center. Positioned to offer the perfect vantage point of the City's Lake Elizabeth Water Quality Improvement Pilot Project, the sign provides a detailed look at this vital initiative. Launched in summer 2025, the project aims to protect our local wildlife and strengthen the lake's resilience against extreme heat. Why This Project Matters
The project was implemented following a fish die-off event that occurred in Lake Elizabeth in July 2024. Expert analysis determined that the cause was a combination of shallow lake depth and extreme heat, which led to a drop in oxygen levels. To help prevent this from occurring in the future, the City implemented the project to stabilize water temperatures and maintain healthy oxygen levels in the lake. The project's measures currently at work on the lake's surface include: - nine vegetated floating islands that provide vital shaded shelters for fish and create new habitats for both aquatic and land-based organisms,
- a fountain and two aerators that help stabilize water temperatures, keep the water oxygenated, and improve water circulation to prevent algae growth, and
- three monitoring probes that collect real-time data on how effective the measures are in keeping the lake's temperature and oxygen levels stable.
How the Project is Performing
The Lake Elizabeth Water Quality Improvement Pilot Project has been well received by the community, and we're excited to share the following updates. - Thriving habitats: After overcoming early challenges with plant die-offs and pelicans using them as resting spots, the floating islands have successfully taken root. They are now flourishing above the surface, while fish have started to gather in the protected havens below.
- Ongoing maintenance: City staff has gained valuable hands-on experience with the maintenance required to keep these measures running efficiently, providing a better understanding of what is needed to ensure the project's success.
- Data collection: While we're still waiting for a major heat event to fully test the measures, they're all functioning as intended. We'll continue monitoring the data and providing updates.
- Future planning: The insights gained from this pilot project are being used to develop a comprehensive lake management plan. This future roadmap will explore expanding successful measures to other areas of the lake, incorporating shoreline plantings, and introducing additional protection measures. City staff is currently defining the scope for this expanded effort.
Stay tuned for more updates as we work to keep Lake Elizabeth a healthy haven for wildlife and a place our community can enjoy for years to come. | | | High-Tech Upgrades for Fremont Recycling and Transfer Station | | | | The City is excited to announce the completion of a $10 million high-tech transformation for the Fremont Recycling and Transfer Station. Located at 41149 Boyce Road and owned and operated by BLT Enterprises, this facility provides essential waste, recycling, and hazardous waste services for Fremont, Newark, and Union City. Supported by a 10-year contract extension with the City of Fremont, the transformation integrates state-of-the-art technology to significantly enhance the facility's sustainability and operational safety. Key upgrades include: - Pellenc Optical Sorters: Five high-volume machines use light refraction and compressed air to identify and separate paper, cardboard, and various plastics.
- Expanded Plastic Recovery: The facility now recovers polypropylene plastics (e.g., yogurt cups, bottle caps).
- Robotic Integration: One robot removes plastic film from sorted paper, while a second robot monitors the residue line to recapture any missed recyclables.
- Infrastructure Improvements: The facility features an upgraded solar energy system and modernized employee spaces and restrooms.
These upgrades will reduce manual waste handling; enhance efficiency and employee safety; and improve recycling rates by increasing the quality of recycled materials. The City is proud to support this progress, which reflects a future-focused approach to sustainability and serves as a vital step in achieving Fremont's waste diversion and climate action goals. | | | Energy Bill Changes in 2026 | | | | Fremont is a proud member of Ava Community Energy (Ava). That means our electricity is generated by a local, not-for-profit energy provider. To start off the year, Ava is decreasing electricity generation rates by 15-20% (depending on a customer's rate schedule and service plan). For the average residential customer, these new generation rates are about $10 less per month than they were last year. PG&E increased its electricity delivery rates at the same time, but Ava's generation rate decrease helps offset these increases. For more information, Ava provides the following resources: | | | Upgrade your home for less with BayREN's EASE Home Program! This program helps eligible single-family homeowners improve comfort and lower energy bills with upgrades like insulation and duct sealing. BayREN covers 80% of project costs, with households paying no more than $1,000 total, and manages the process from start to finish. Eligibility requirements include living in a single-family home that was built before 2010 and having a household income at or below 120% of the area median income. See if you qualify and apply today! For questions, contact the EASE Program by phone at 866-998-8655 or by email. About BayREN
The Bay Area Regional Energy Network (BayREN) is a coalition of the Bay Area's nine counties partnering to promote resource efficiency at the regional level, focusing on energy, water, and greenhouse gas reduction. | | | SunShares Discount Solar Program | | | | Fremont continues to lead the way in clean energy! Last fall, the City once again partnered with Bay Area SunShares to provide residents with exclusive discounts on home solar and battery storage from pre-vetted installers. We're excited to announce that 18 Fremont households took advantage of the program and are now powered by the sun! ☀️ Looking to make the switch to solar? SunShares is returning this spring and fall. Visit the website to sign up for updates and be the first to know when enrollment opens. | | | Community Classes & Events | | | | Talkin' Dirt! Starting Veggies from Seed
Date: Saturday, March 7
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Location: Fremont Main Library, 2400 Stevenson Blvd.
Learn More
Attend this workshop to learn how a soil blocker works and how to grow vegetables from seeds. Hosted by Local Ecology and Agriculture Fremont (LEAF). | | | | PG&E Virtual Town Hall Bay Area
Date: Monday, March 9
Time: 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Location: Online Webinar
Learn More
Learn about safety work, winter storm response, and available resources for customers. An opportunity to ask questions and connect with PG&E leaders will be available. Hosted by PG&E. | | | | Save the Date for Earth Day Fair
Date: Saturday, April 18
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Location: Downtown Event Center, 3500 Capitol Ave.
Learn More
Save the date for Fremont's annual Earth Day Fair! Explore indoor and outdoor exhibits, chat with eco-friendly experts, and discover practical tips for a more sustainable lifestyle. Activities include entertainment, music, games, art activities, and residential services like medication drop-off and prescription eyeglass recycling. Hosted by the City of Fremont, Washington Health, and Local Ecology and Agriculture Fremont (LEAF). | | | | Spring into STEAM Event
Date: Wednesday, April 22
Time: 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Location: Downtown Event Center, 3500 Capitol Ave.
Learn More
Attend this free event which highlights educational pathways in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math. Enjoy hands-on STEAM activities, giveaways, an FUSD scavenger hunt, food trucks, music, raffle prizes, and more. Bring the whole family for an evening of learning and fun! Sponsored by Cargill and hosted by the City of Fremont. | | | Copyright © 2026 City of Fremont, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this newsletter because you expressed interest in the City's Sustainability efforts.
Our mailing address is:
City of Fremont39550 Liberty Street Fremont, CA 94537
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