Energy Efficiency Rebates - The Sonoma County Energy
Independence Program (SCEIP), and the Regional Climate Protection Authority, in
partnership with Energy Upgrade California™ in Sonoma County, have increased
local incentives now offering homeowners up to 100-percent rebate for Energy
Analysis services. In addition, rebates up to $6,000 are now available for home
energy efficiency upgrades completed through the Whole House Upgrade program.
A Home Energy Analysis includes a customized evaluation of
the home’s energy use and identifies specific opportunities to minimize energy
waste, and improve comfort, many of which are eligible for further rebates and
financing. This is an expansion of the current Energy Analysis rebate offered
by SCEIP. Any Sonoma County homeowner may choose to have an analysis performed
on their home. Immediate plans for energy efficiency improvements are not
required.
An additional $1,000 flat-rate rebate brings the total
rebate for the Energy Upgrade Basic Package projects to $2,000. An additional
$2,000 flat-rate rebate for Advanced Package projects means a homeowner can now
get up to $6,000 in rebates.
Both incentive programs are limited-time offers, available
on a first-come/first-served basis while funds last. Funding for this program
is made available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).
For more information on these rebates, how to contact a Participating
Contractor or HERS II Rater, or Energy Upgrade California™ in Sonoma County,
call (707) 565-6470 or visit
www.EnergyUpgradeSonoma.org
Ours to Protect - People who float or paddle the Russian
River are often amazed at how quickly “civilization” seems to disappear.
Whether they hop into a canoe at Burke’s in Forestville, a kayak in Alexander
Valley rented from River’s Edge or an inner tube that they launch at Steelhead
Beach, paddlers can go for long stretches without encountering other humans.
Unfortunately, because they don’t see signs of habitation, some people assume
that conveniences like restrooms or trash cans don’t exist along the river.
While it’s unclear the impact that recreation use has on river water quality,
even one person using the river as a toilet or trash can is one too many.
Late last spring, Don McEnhill, the Russian RiverKeeper and
I convened a meeting of river outfitters and public agencies to develop a
campaign targeted to recreational users. We identified existing restrooms along
the river (surprisingly, there were more than we thought!) and determined that
we needed two things: directional signs visible to people using the river
indicating locations of restrooms and trash cans and an updated map of the
river.
The RiverKeeper worked with Sonoma County Water Agency and
Sonoma County Regional Parks over the summer on both tasks. In August signs
were erected at several points along the river, from Mendocino County to Casini
Ranch, at beaches where restrooms are available. Signs were posted at all
public beaches and at many private locations, thanks to the generosity of
landowners, including Alexander Valley Campground, River’s Edge Kayak &
Canoe Trips, Burke’s Canoes, Johnson’s Beach, Vacation Beach and Casini Ranch.
These landowners also agreed to allow river users access to restrooms and trash
and recycling.
The sign design and template was provided by the City of
Santa Rosa, who has posted similar signs at creek crossings throughout the
city. The sign features an egret, butterfly, fish and a river/creek, with the
words “Ours to Protect”. Smaller signs indicate the location and include
symbols for restrooms and trash. The signs are being removed for the winter and
will be re-posted late in the spring of
2012.
A brochure featuring an updated river map with access points
and restroom locations has been designed by the Water Agency and Regional
Parks. It will be printed this winter, with funding from several agencies and
private donations. The map will also be available for downloading on the
Regional Parks website.
Tourists flock to Sonoma County to use the Russian River.
Let’s make sure they understand their role as stewards of this precious
resource.
I wish you and yours a Happy Thanksgiving…all of us living
in Sonoma County have much to be thankful for – and in these difficult times,
Thanksgiving is an opportunity to reflect on the good things in our lives that
are sometimes all too easy to forget…like the beautiful Russian River and our
incredible coast.
Labels: COMMUNITIES, News and Politics: SONOMA COUNTY
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