Join the USGBC-NCC Monterey Branch at the LEED Platinum, solar-powered Chartwell School for a round table discussion of commercial and residential energy usage, conservation and generation in California. Learn the advantages of generating your own power at your business or home, how to take advantage of dropping solar module prices and financing options for solar power systems. A representative from PG&E will also present an introduction to the "smart grid," how the plug-in hybrid and electric vehicle industry relies on the smart grid, and how managing building loads during peak usage reduces the impacts of power generation. An energy auditor will reveal the easiest ways to start conserving energy in your home or business.

From the Californian: The green building features of a planned Salinas apartment complex and of the new municipal pool were showcased to the public Wednesday at the first community event for Sustainable Salinas held at the Sherwood Community Center. 

From the Californian: The Transportation Agency of Monterey County chose light rail over rapid buses Wednesday for a 16-mile transit corridor between Monterey and Castroville. 

TAMC also voted to move ahead with a commuter rail line linking Salinas to San Jose in 2012.

From Santa Cruz Geeks (http://bit.ly/1Y2SPH):

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) staff have signed off on a 428 mile fiber optic trunk project for Santa Cruz, Monterey and San Benito counties on California’s Central Coast. These approvals make it more likely that the project will receive federal stimulus money through the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s (NTIA) Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP).smallCCBCmap.png

From The Californian: The decision by electric car maker Green Vehicles to relocate to Salinas came in response to a tentative city incentives package worth about $450,000, plus enterprise zone tax benefits that have been available here since January. 

"In this competitive market, we want to do all we can to get a quality business that can generate jobs in this city," City Manager Artie Fields said.

Our semi-regular Friday breakfast at the Haute Enchilada.

Plus candy!