SUNGEVITY AS THE PARTNER OF CHOICE FOR UTILITIES
Printer-friendly version By Roy L Hales March 13, 2015 (San Diego’s east County) – Alec Guettel is back in North Carolina. It has been decades since he obtained his bachelor of arts in Political science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Guettel and another of Sungevity’s executives are staying at the local Mariott, while they oversee the company’s entrance into the state. They will also be attending the NC Clean Tech Summit, where Geuttel will be one of the key people in a panel discussion on February 20, 2015. He took my call in his hotel room. In the course of our interview, Guettel said, “we have really positioned ourselves as the partner of choice for utilities.” He is right, of course, though only one has signed with Sungevity to date. E.on is Europe’s biggest utility and probably the first to recognize that the future lies with renewables. Guettel described their joint pilot project in the Netherlands as “exceeding their expectations.” Though their penetration of the market is “not massive,” it is “gaining traction.” “We are seriously discussing going into Germany, but not ready to announce anything yet,” he said. Guettel added, “We are having a lot of conversations with a lot of utilities.” Though the conflict between utilities and disruptive technologies like solar energy appears to be ending in Europe, it is a Global issue. Corporations are looking for solutions. In their news release, Sungevity describes itself as ”the first national solar company to operate in North Carolina.” This “first” is less important than the partnerships involved with this deal. Guettel said Lowes is the biggest employer in this state, which is important because Sungevity’s services are sold through Lowe’s. In North Carolina, Sungevity has also partnered with Mosiac. “North Carolina is one of the leading solar markets in the country, but all that is at the utility scale,” said Guettel. “No one has really cracked residential yet because there wasn’t a financing option that lets customers pay as you go and start saving right away.” Sungevity pioneered solar leasing, which is one of the reasons they spread so quickly through eleven states and DC. “We had a huge 2014. We nearly doubled again, for the second year in a row. We gained market share and we think we are #3 in terms of market domestically and that doesn’t count our international business,” said Guettel. Solar leasing is not permitted in North Carolina law, which is why Sungevity partnered with Mosaic. They created a 20-year loan plan which allows homeowners to take advantage of both the 35% state income tax credit and the 30% federal renewable tax credit for solar customers. The state incentives are scheduled to expire at the end of the year and it is not certain if it will be offered again, or in what form, in 2016. “That fairly represents all of us. We hope that it is extended and we don’t have a ton of visibility on whether that will happen or not. We can make a lot of progress this year and hope it will be extended,” said Guettel. “The overall picture is that the costs of solar keep coming down dramatically year after year. We expect that to keep happening. Over time we be competitive in all states, regardless of subsides.” According to the North Carolina Sustainable Energy Association’s annual census, the solar sector is expected to grow 34% this year. This does not take into account the arrival of a company like Sungevity. It is starting up in the triangle of Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill. Sungevity partnered with Sierra Club and CREDO. For every installation purchased through these partners, it will provide $750 to the respective organization as part of Sungevity.org, the company’s cause marketing initiative. Sungevity has three “aces,” which make it a tough competitor in any market: An emphasis on serving customers, which extends to financing An emphasis on strategic partnerships, which gives it access to resources developed by other companies the company’s proprietary iQuote technology, which is why I am quick to agree Sungevity is the partner of choice for utilities. The data needed for the most recent version is not yet available in North Carolina. Guettel does not know when this will change. He said the old version, which allows customers to obtain a quote within 24 hours is still superior to anything on the market. The next generation, which produces quotes instantly, made its debut in San Diego and the Bay area last sumer. It is now used in three states, the Netherlands and Australia. Customers can walk into a Lowes store in San Diego, for example, type their address into a computer and immediately get a quote. All the necessary data – the design of their roof, local influences (like shade from nearby trees) and weather patterns – are already in the computer system. According to Sungevity’s Chief Technical Officer, Steve Atherton, “We have taken our years of experience of people using our RSD tool to design hundreds of thousands of systems and using LIDAR data … and a lot of very specific software and technology, we can basically now design systems at city scale, state scale and potentially country scale.” It is the ability to accurately plot the solar potential for systems at city, state and, potentially, national levels that makes this technology so valuable to utilities. It is one of the keys to a solar energy future. Printer-friendly version
PHOTOS OF THE WEEK: VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLARS
Printer-friendly version March 12, 2015 (Anza Borrego Desert) – Kristin Kjaero visited the Anza Borrego desert Tuesday, where she observed “thousands of caterpillars in a feeding frenzy…The roads were dotted with yellow splotches.” Standing still for just a few moments to take a photo, she adds, “I had caterpillars crawl onto each foot.” After munching on the flower fields, these caterpillars will ultimately turn into white sphinx moths – which in turn help pollinate flowers to assure future growth. Printer-friendly version
SAN DIEGO COUNTY VINTNERS ASSOCIATION WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL MAY 17
Printer-friendly version March 12, 2015 (San Diego)–The San Diego County Vintners Association is celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2015 with its expanded annual wine festival. The SDCVA Wine & Food Festival will exclusively feature San Diego County wineries along with educational winemaking and food demonstrations, a silent auction and live music. The festival will take place in the charming village-like central courtyard of the historic Bernardo Winery in San Diego on Sunday, May 17 from 1- 4 PM (wine sales continue until 5 PM). Tickets are $50 in advance/$65 at the door and include unlimited wine tasting and a selection of gourmet foods. Designated driver tickets which include food tasting and bottled water are $25 in advance/$30 at the door. Media passes are also available. This is the one and only fundraising event benefitting the San Diego County wine industry to support educational seminars and marketing for all SDCVA member wineries and vineyards. “California winemaking began right here in San Diego County, explains San Diego County Vintners Association President Linda McWilliams, owner of San Pasqual Winery in La Mesa. “With more than 100 wineries in our county now, San Diego is fast becoming a premier destination for wine lovers. This is the perfect opportunity for local residents to discover and support their local wineries”. The San Diego County Vintners Association is a non-profit association dedicated to supporting the San Diego viticulture and winemaking community, educating local wine enthusiasts and embracing sustainable agricultural practices in the county. To learn more visit www.sandiegowineries.org Printer-friendly version
LA MESA COUNCIL TAKES ACTION ON SENIOR LIVING FACILITY AND VILLAGE PARKING
Printer-friendly versionBy Janis Russell March 12, 2015 (La Mesa) — On Tuesday, La Mesa’s City Council voted to move forward on negotiations with Westmont Companies for development of a senior living facility adjacent to Briercrest Park. The Council also set an optional $25,000/parking space fee for a space in a conceptual parking building, for expanding Village businesses in lieu of providing additional on-site parking. Bill Chopyk, the community development director, presented a staff report on the proposed senior living facility, noting that there was a competitive process for negotiation to develop a senior living facility and that Westmont Living had been chosen. Chopyk introduced the representatives from Westmont: Michael O’Rourke; principal owner; and the two project managers, Joe Taylor and Stan Sokolove. “We’re very excited,” O’Rourke said about the prospect of partnering with La Mesa on the property, which he added is “a really perfect site within proximity to Grossmont Hospital…” Vice Mayor Sterling praised staff for their recommendation to move forward with this project. O’Rourke, a La Mesa resident, told her, “We’re long term holders of real estate… We’re in here for the long term.” City manager David Witt said, “I think we can move forward with this very quickly.” Sterling then made a motion to approve the selection of Westmont companies to develop a senior living facility on the Briercrest site and authorize staff to prepare an agreement to negotiate with Westmont Companies. Councilmember Guy McWhirter seconded the motion. The vote was 4-1 with an abstention from Councilmember Bill Baber. Next was a hearing continued from January 27th to consider adoption of an optional in-lieu parking fee for required off-street parking for non-residential development in the downtown commercial zone. While most Village lots are fully built out without space for any additional parking, the Village Specific Plan allows properties to build upward – but with expansion comes a corresponding requirement to provide more parking spaces. For this reason a study and conceptual plans for a parking structure was done in 2011 using a grant from SANDAG. The plan was put on the back burner until property owners and merchants decided whether or not to create a PBID (answer, not), and then the recent election had been held. It was brought back to Council last meeting, who requested updated numbers and continued it to this meeting. Witt introduced Paul Marra from Keyser- Marston Associates to explain this in detail. “We completed the 2011 study,” Marra stated. “We went back to our data resources and surveyed a couple of parking consultants…The most typical figure for cost per parking space is $25,000. We still think your proposal would be appropriate.” Councilmember Kristine Alessio thanked Mara for doing this. Witt acknowledged that this was a significant step and called it consistent with other programs. There were no speakers for this item. Baber clarified to Witt that the parking in-lieu fee meant that the building developers either provide parking spaces or pay the fee. Witt confirmed that. After the hearing closed, Council had four related items to vote on. The first one was a negative declaration. First, Alessio pointed out that she was hesitant to adopt the ordinance because there was already the downtown specific plan project already in place, and she wasn’t comfortable with the in-lieu fee. Sterling then moved to adopt the declaration with a second by Mayor Mark Arapostathis. The vote was 5-0. Then, Sterling moved to adopt the ordinance considering the parking section from title 12 of the city’s municipal code. Arapostathis gave a second. The vote was 4-1 with Alessio against. Next, Sterling made a motion to adopt the zoning ordinance section from title 24.04. The vote was 4-1 with Alessio against. Lastly was a consideration of a resolution of Council to adopt the in-lieu parking fee for fiscal year 2014-2015. The fee would be $25,000 per parking space. The vote was 3-2 with Baber and Alessio against. For more information about the senior living facility, go to pages 101-107 in the March 10 agenda with items document. For more information about the parking ordinance, read pages 108-168 in the March 10 agenda with items document. Also of note, the consent calendar included approval of a resolution authorizing the filing of an application for smart growth incentive grant program funds through SANDAG for the final design and construction of a pedestrian crossing at Spring Street and the I-8 off ramp trolley tracks and a sidewalk with connectivity to University Avenue. For more information about this item, click here for the March 10, 2015 agenda with items and read pages 49-89 from the city website. Printer-friendly version
ARREST MADE AFTER “BURNBOOK” THREAT AGAINST EL CAJON VALLEY HIGH
Printer-friendly version Grossmont district blocks access to Burn Book app following latest incident March 11, 2015 (El Cajon ) – An anonymous message sent on the popular phone app “BurnBook” at 12:40 a.m. threatened the safety of students and staff at El Cajon Valley High School, El Cajon Police reports. After the threat was brought to the attention of school administrators, police presence on campus was heightened while an investigation ensued. An eighth grader who reportedly posted the threat was located at a nearby middle school and arrested, booked into juvenile hall on charges of making criminal threats. Police believe there was not any actual danger to anyone at the school. “BurnBook” is a popular phone application which allows subscribers to post anonymous comments as a form of social media. The app, popular among teenagers, has evolved into a method to spread rumors, engage in cyber-bullying, and make threats to others. Some previous threats made from the Burn Book app have forced local schools to go into lockdown, which has significantly impacted police resources. Following today’s incident, Grossmont Union High School District Superintendent Ralf Swenson announced in a message on the district’s website that the district has blocked access to Book Burn on district media. However he asks help from parents and students. “We are encouraging students to delete the BurnBook app,” said Swenson, who urged parents to regularly review apps on students’ phones as well as photos, and to remind teens to guard their online reputations. The mobile app has caused “serious disruption at high schools throughout San Diego County and nationwide,” Swenson stated, adding it has been used by students to engage in cyber bullying and threats against schools. Those making threats may believe they can remain anonymous, but Swenson warns, “They are wrong, and they will be made known.” BurnBook has agreed to share IP addresses with law enforcement of users who post threats. Captain Davis with the El Cajon Police confirms, “Burn Book developers were fully cooperative with law enforcement during this investigation.” All school threats are taken very seriously, Captain Davis added. “Anyone with information regarding threats to a school or to students is encouraged to immediately notify school staff, a School Resource Officer, or any Police Officer.” Printer-friendly version
PHOTOS OF THE WEEK: CACTUS BLOOMS
Printer-friendly version March 12, 2015 (El Cajon) – Photographer Robert Gehr snapped these beautiful early season barrel cactus blooms – no, not in the desert, but in the cactus garden outside the Olaf Wieghorst Museum and Western Heritage Center in downtown El Cajon. “I find the Cacti very interesting in that such a tough, thorny plant can produce such exquisite beauty which attracts hummingbirds and bees,” he writes, adding, “This is one of my go to places for photographing nature in the city.” Printer-friendly version
PHOTOS OF THE WEEK: CUYAMACA PEAK
Printer-friendly version March 10, 2015 (Cuyamaca) – Melody Munoz sent in these photos after this week’s snowfall on Cuyamaca peak. Printer-friendly version
SCIENCE AND HEALTH HIGHLIGHTS
Printer-friendly versionMarch 10, 2015 (San Diego’s East County) — Our Health and Science Highlights provide cutting edge news that could impact your health and our future. SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY Solar-powered plane takes off for trip around world (Washington Post) Game of drones: As U.S. dithers, rivals get a head start (Reuters) Warp in spacetime lets astronomers watch the same star explode four times (CS Monitor) Diablo Canyon used bad data for safety equipment for 30 years Tension From Utility Companies Casts A Shadow On Rooftop Solar Industry HEALTH UC San Diego Finds Possible Way To Test For Autism (KPBS) Anti-aging drugs discovered (U-T) Possible HIV cure OK’d for testing (U-T) For excerpts and links to full stories, click “read more” and scroll down. SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY Solar-powered plane takes off for trip around world (Washington Post) A Swiss solar-powered plane took off from Abu Dhabi early Monday, marking the start of the first attempt to fly around the world without a drop of fuel.Solar Impulse founder André Borschberg was at the controls of the single-seater when it took off from the Al Bateen Executive Airport Game of drones: As U.S. dithers, rivals get a head start (Reuters) Drones, or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), are a hot ticket in Silicon Valley, but U.S. government dithering over regulations has given overseas companies a head-start in figuring out how best to exploit them. Warp in spacetime lets astronomers watch the same star explode four times (CS Monitor) Thanks to a phenomenon known as gravitational lensing, the Hubble Space Telescope has captured four images of the same supernova explosion. Diablo Canyon used bad data for safety equipment for 30 years (CalCoast News) — Correspondence from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission — released by Sen. Boxer in a recent hearing and reported Sunday on Page 1 of the San Francisco Chronicle (PDF) — shows that since Diablo Canyon’s first reactor came online in 1984, PG&E failed to use updated seismic and loss-of-coolant-accident data, known as LOCA loads, for replacement equipment. / Failure of such equipment in an earthquake could lead to a catastrophic release of radiation. Tension From Utility Companies Casts A Shadow On Rooftop Solar Industry (NPR) — There’s growing tension between the rooftop solar panel industry and traditional utility companies as solar continues to grow in popularity. Melissa Block speaks with Joby Warrick of the Washington Post. HEALTH UC San Diego Finds Possible Way To Test For Autism (KPBS) An international team of scientists led by UC San Diego has found what they believe is a way to accurately test for autism spectrum disorder in boys as young as 1-2 years old. Anti-aging drugs discovered (U-T) Heart function improved, frailty reduced in mice, says Scripps Research, Mayo Clinic team. Possible HIV cure OK’d for testing (U-T) California biotech Sangamo to re-engineer immune system of patients to resist disease. Printer-friendly version
ECM WORLD WATCH: NATIONAL AND GLOBAL NEWS
Printer-friendly versionMarch 11, 2015 (San Diego’s East County)– East County Magazine’s World Watch helps you be an informed citizen about important issues globally and nationally. As part of our commitment to reflect all voices and views, we include links to a wide variety of news sources representing a broad spectrum of political, religious, and social views. Top world and U.S. headlines include: U.S Utilities wage campaign against rooftop solar (Washington Post) Judge assigned to make changes at Ferguson courts (CBS) Bloody Sunday 50th anniversary: Thousands crowd bridge in Selma, Alabama (Washington Post) Women on 20s: Time to put a woman on the $20 bill (CBS6) College Rape Case Shows A Key Limit To Medical Privacy Law (NPR) Protecting our children’s DNA (U-T San Diego) WORLD Chad and Nigeria launch offensives against Boko Haran (Al Jazeera) The Islamic State appears to fray from within (Washington Post) Iran-backed advance in southern Syria rattles Israel (CS Monitor) Arab Commentators Strongly Back Netanyahu on Congress Speech, Iran Nuclear Threat (Algemeiner) ISIS bulldozes ruins of ancient Assyrian city of Nimrud, Iraqi ministry says (CNN) ISIS supporters have about 46,000 accounts on Twitter (Marketplace.org) Egyptian strikes kill 25 militants in two days: sources (Reuters) North Korean Diplomat Stopped In Bangladesh With $1.4 Million In Gold (NPR) 12 die, thousands evacuated in Argentine flooding (AP) In Syria, Archaeologists Risk Their Lives To Protect Ancient Heritage (NPR) Venezuela’s Maduro says U.S. sanctions seek to topple his government Mexico official: 14 police arrested for kidnap, extortion (AP) Saudi Arabia eclipses India as world’s largest weapons importer (JPost) Four suicide bombings in Nigeria. Is this Boko Haram’s last gasp? (+video) (CS Monitor) ISIS bulldozes ancient city of Hatra (+video) For excerpts and links to full stories, click “read more” and scroll down. U.S Utilities wage campaign against rooftop solar (Washington Post) If demand for residential solar continued to soar, traditional utilities could soon face serious problems, from “declining retail sales” and a “loss of customers” to “potential obsolescence,” according to a presentation prepared for the group. “Industry must prepare an action plan to address the challenges,” it said. / The warning, delivered to a private meeting of the utility industry’s main trade association, became a call to arms for electricity providers in nearly every corner of the nation. Three years later, the industry and its fossil-fuel supporters are waging a determined campaign to stop a home-solar insurgency that is rattling the boardrooms of the country’s government-regulated electric monopolies. Judge assigned to make changes at Ferguson courts (CBS) A Missouri appeals court judge was appointed Monday to take over Ferguson’s municipal court and make “needed reforms” after a highly critical U.S. Department of Justice report that was prompted by the fatal police shooting of Michael Brown. Bloody Sunday 50th anniversary: Thousands crowd bridge in Selma, Alabama (Washington Post) Thousands of marchers, government officials and other public figures gathered Sunday for a second straight day to commemorate the 50th anniversary of a brutal police assault on civil rights demonstrators that spurred the passage of the Voting Rights Act. Women on 20s: Time to put a woman on the $20 bill (CBS6) Forget about Andrew Jackson and his big hair. It’s time we put a woman on the $20 bill. So says an organization called Women on 20s, which is trying to convince President Obama and Congress to replace the controversial seventh president with a woman. College Rape Case Shows A Key Limit To Medical Privacy Law (NPR) A woman who is suing the University of Oregon for mishandling her rape case could have her own medical records used against her in court. Yes, that’s legal. Protecting our children’s DNA (U-T San Diego) If there is one commonality among state newborn screening practices, it’s the complete lack of transparency of the entire process. WORLD Chad and Nigeria launch offensives against Boko Haran (Al Jazeera) `Ground and air’ operation in northeastern Nigeria begins a day after the armed group pledged allegiance to ISIL. The Islamic State appears to fray from within (Washington Post) The Islamic State appears to be starting to fray from within, as dissent, defections and setbacks on the battlefield sap the group’s strength and erode its aura of invincibility among those living under its despotic rule. Iran-backed advance in southern Syria rattles Israel (CS Monitor) As Iran nuclear talks near a deadline, Shiite forces are on the move near the Golan Heights, potentially pitting Iranian forces against those of Israel. Arab Commentators Strongly Back Netanyahu on Congress Speech, Iran Nuclear Threat (Algemeiner) Leading Arab opinion makers weighed in on the controversy surrounding Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s address to Congress on Tuesday and expressed strong support for his stance on the Iranian nuclear threat. ISIS bulldozes ruins of ancient Assyrian city of Nimrud, Iraqi ministry says (CNN) ISIS has again destroyed cultural treasures, this time bulldozing the site of the ancient Assyrian city of Nimrud in northern Iraq, the nation’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities said. ISIS supporters have about 46,000 accounts on Twitter (Marketplace.org) According to a paper from the Brookings Institution, there are about 46,000 Twitter accounts out there being used by ISIS supporters. And they’re pretty active, too. Those accounts had an average of a thousand followers each, which is way higher than your average non-ISIS-related Twitter user. Egyptian strikes kill 25 militants in two days: sources (Reuters) Egyptian military air strikes have killed 25 Islamist militants in Northern Sinai over the last two days, security sources said, targeting an insurgency that seeks to topple the Cairo government. North Korean Diplomat Stopped In Bangladesh With $1.4 Million In Gold (NPR) The first secretary of the North Korean Embassy in Dhaka tried to claim diplomatic immunity when customs officials asked to scan his bags, officials said. 12 die, thousands evacuated in Argentine flooding (AP) Flooding from heavy rains has left 12 people dead in Argentina, officials said on Friday In Syria, Archaeologists Risk Their Lives To Protect Ancient Heritage (NPR) Academic “Monuments Men” have donned disguises and dodged snipers to
EAST COUNTY ROUNDUP: LOCAL AND STATEWIDE NEWS
Printer-friendly versionMarch 11, 2015 (San Diego’s East County)– East County Roundup highlights top stories of interest to East County and San Diego’s inland regions, published in other media. This week’s top “Roundup” headlines include: LOCAL The Plume Won’t Doom the Qualcomm Site (Voice 0f SD) California PUC judge rejects gas plant contract, tells SDG&E to seek clean energy instead Supervisors OK accepting bids for cameras on deputies (Ramona Sentinel) The Definitive Guide to San Diego’s Political Musical Chairs(Voice of SD) San Diego Man Accused of Knowingly Spreading HIV Faces Up To 6 Months In Custody(KPBS) MTS awards big bus contract STATE US, California Modify Area For Renewable Energy Plants 12 Groups Ask UCLA to Address Anti-Semitism Drone bill gives cops broad power (U-T San Diego) LOCAL The Plume Won’t Doom the Qualcomm Site (Voice 0f SD) There are many roadblocks to building a new Chargers stadium. A massive gas plume that once snaked underneath Qualcomm Stadium probably isn’t one of them. California PUC judge rejects gas plant contract, tells SDG&E to seek clean energy instead (DIVE) — An administrative law judge has recommended that regulators at the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) reject San Diego Gas & Electric’s (SDG&E) bid to purchase power from the natural gas-fired Carlsbad Energy Center, the LA Times reports. Instead, the judge directed the utility to seek morepreferred resources, such as renewables, storage, energy efficiency and demand response. Supervisors OK accepting bids for cameras on deputies (Ramona Sentinel) The San Diego County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Tuesday to begin taking bids for cameras that sheriff’s deputies can wear on their uniforms. The Definitive Guide to San Diego’s Political Musical Chairs (Voice of SD) San Diego lawmakers are playing another round of musical chairs. Can’t keep up with who’s on first? We’ve assembled this guide to help you keep track – until the Supreme Court decides to reset the game board. San Diego Man Accused of Knowingly Spreading HIV Faces Up To 6 Months In Custody (KPBS) Thomas Miguel Guerra, 30, faces up to six months in custody and a $1,000 fine when he is sentenced April 13. MTS awards big bus contract (U-T) — Relationship with French firm has been questioned in the past. STATE US, California Modify Area For Renewable Energy Plants (KPBS) — The state and federal governments will move forward on less than half the California desert land initially designated for renewable energy plants, officials said Tuesday. 12 Groups Ask UCLA to Address Anti-Semitism StandWithUs initiated the following letter to UCLA Chancellor Gene Block in reaction to an incident in which a candidate for the UCLA Judicial Board was asked if being Jewish presented her with a conflict of interest. The questioners later apologized, but the 12 organizations below seek additional measures. Drone bill gives cops broad power (U-T San Diego) Law enforcement groups say they want police surveillance power extended to drones. Printer-friendly version