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Open to all who have an interest in the field of energy efficiency and renewable energy, this first in a series of classes is targeted toward energy professionals – and those who want to explore that opportunity – will be held April 28, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Calpine Geothermal Visitor Center, 15500 Central Park Road in Middletown.
Launched on Nov. 5, 2010, the “Lake County Energy Watch” program gives businesses, nonprofits, special districts, municipal facilities, and residents new opportunities to achieve significant energy savings while saving money.
The first class, “Energy Careers and Business Opportunities” will be held April 28, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Calpine Geothermal Visitor Center, 15500 Central Park Road in Middletown. This class is open to all who have an interest in the field of energy efficiency and renewable energy; a basic knowledge of energy concepts would be helpful.
This full-day seminar includes a continental breakfast and complimentary lunch catered by Chic Le Chef. Registration is required. There is no fee for the class. Visit the Lake County Watch Web page at www.energy.co.lake.ca.us, and select “Classes for Professionals” on the lefthand side of the page to the register.
Covering the California state policies and programs that are creating new and expanded business opportunities for energy professionals, this seminar also describes technology and economics about solar (electric and water heating), energy monitoring, and smart metering.
Participants will learn how energy efficiency programs are created and funded and will take part in a review of energy economics, using residential examples.
Various business models will be reviewed and the various certification and training options available to energy service professionals will be discussed.
For more information about the Lake County Energy Watch program, contact Michalyn DelValle at 707-263-2221 or visit www.energy.co.lake.ca.us .
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The 2010 franchise fee payments total more than $118 million and represent nearly $28 million for gas and more than $90 million for electric service.
A franchise fee is a percentage of gross receipts that PG&E pays cities and counties for the right to use public streets to run gas and electric service.
The property tax payments total more than $140 million, representing full and timely payment of property taxes due for the period from Jan. 1 to June 30, 2011.
The company’s tax payments to counties for tax year 2010/11 increased by almost $29 million over the previous property tax year’s payments as a result of an increase in assessments due to PG&E’s infrastructure investments and an overall increase in tax rates.
A full listing of county-by-county property tax payments is included below.
Pacific Gas and Electric Company Property Tax Payments, Tax Year 2010/11, 2nd Installment
ALAMEDA – $14,328,734
ALPINE – $52,389
AMADOR – $819,132
BUTTE – $2,617,655
CALAVERAS – $562,179
COLUSA – $1,620,928
CONTRA COSTA – $12,453,098
EL DORADO – $1,054,507
FRESNO – $10,547,337
GLENN – $517,785
HUMBOLDT – $1,491,984
KERN – $4,552,499
KINGS – $795,882
LAKE – $532,281
LASSEN – $41,317
MADERA – $1,220,470
MARIN – $1,937,436
MARIPOSA – $264,995
MENDOCINO – $926,923
MERCED – $1,831,959
MODOC – $214,011
MONTEREY – $2,244,902
NAPA – $1,372,106
NEVADA – $859,345
PLACER – $3,159,734
PLUMAS – $1,829,049
SACRAMENTO – $2,708,375
SAN BENITO – $449,703
SAN BERNARDINO – $620,343
SAN FRANCISCO – $8,593,583
SAN JOAQUIN – $6,192,097
SAN LUIS OBISPO – $13,112,814
SAN MATEO – $6,629,646
SANTA BARBARA – $684,621
SANTA CLARA – $15,278,718
SANTA CRUZ – $1,121,266
SHASTA – $3,744,287
SIERRA – $61,552
SISKIYOU – $110,040
SOLANO – $3,519,269
SONOMA – $3,952,088
STANISLAUS – $1,005,425
SUTTER – $761,117
TEHAMA – $880,740
TRINITY – $90,611
TULARE – $350,211
TUOLUMNE – $532,372
YOLO – $1,385,917
YUBA – $1,053,579
Total second installment tax payment: $140,687,013
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In the event of a delay, airlines would be required to provide passengers with adequate food and water, and working restrooms.
These same protections are included in the Air Passenger Bill of Rights Act (H.R. 729), a bill Rep. Thompson introduced in February.
“I am pleased that the Department of Transportation has recognized the need for stronger airline passenger protections,” said Thompson. “Many airlines have resisted offering passengers the option to deplane during excessive delays, or providing basic necessities like food, water, and access to working toilets. The DOT’s commonsense rules will help ensure the comfort and safety of the flying public.”
Specifically, the DOT’s new rule expands the existing ban on lengthy tarmac delays to cover foreign airlines’ operation at U.S. airports and establishes a four hour time limit on tarmac delays for international flights.
Carriers must also ensure that passengers stuck on the tarmac are provided adequate food and water after two hours, as well as working restrooms. Exceptions to the four hour rule will only be allowed for safety, security, or air traffic control reasons.
In addition to the four hour rule for international flights, the DOT will also require airlines to reimburse bag fees if luggage is lost and compensate individuals who are bumped off flights.
Air carriers will also be required to clearly disclose the fees charged for checked baggage, meals, canceling or changing reservations, and advanced or upgraded seating. The DOT’s new rules will take effect Aug. 23.
“The DOT has shown great initiative by taking action to stop the airline industry’s worst abuses, but there’s still more work to be done,” Thompson said. “Because these rules aren’t codified as law, they can be rescinded at any time. My bill, the Air Passenger Bill of Rights Act, would strengthen the protections announced by Secretary LaHood through an act of Congress. That’s why I will continue fighting to get this legislation signed into law.”
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The Lake County Business Services and Lenders Panel will be held on Wednesday, April 27, at 4 p.m. in the Board of Supervisors Chambers located in the Lake County Courthouse at 255 N. Forbes St. in Lakeport.
Hosted by Community Development Services (CDS), this presentation will feature information about a variety of business services and types of loans available.
Panelists include representatives from organizations such as Savings Bank of Mendocino County, Umpqua Bank, Westamerica Bank, Mendo Lake Credit Union, Mt. Konocti Facilitation (MKF), Lake County One Stop Inc., Arcata Economic Development Corp., Lake County Business Loan Program, city of Lakeport Business Loan Program and Lake County Economic Development Corp. Business Loan Program.
For more information, contact Jeff Lucas with CDS at 707-998-9203, Extension 104.
CDS specializes in rural economic development and business financing. With more than 20 years of experience serving Northern California, CDS accesses and manages grants and loans on behalf of city and county governments, economic development corporations, and businesses.
In addition to securing funding for its clients, the CDS team provides in-depth technical assistance in the areas of cash flow and business expansion management, product and services development, market analysis, customer service, and land-use issues.