If you passed by City Hall recently you probably noticed a chain-linked fence around the lawn.

The city is installing drought-tolerant landscape in front of City Hall.

California had the driest January to March on record and a Stage 2 drought is in place for the region, which mandates a 10% reduction in water use across the East Bay. The city is implementing water conservation efforts, including converting the City Hall lawn to a drought-tolerant landscape. The lawn area will be fenced off through the end of July while the new landscaping takes place. All access points to City Hall remain open during regular business hours. All public meetings at City Hall, i.e., City Council meetings, will remain online only via Zoom.

East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) is offering homeowners rebates up to $2,000 to replace your lawn with a drought-tolerant landscape. The rebate is available through June 30. Visit www.ebmud.com/water/conservation-and-rebates/rebates/lawn-conversion-rebate to learn more.