Emergency Room visits are a smaller part of our overall health care spending  than is popularly supposed. Yet insurers are looking to shift some of those costs back onto patients who do not require immediate hospitalization

Dr. Jay KaplanCutting off payments for ER visits that turn out not to be acute medical emergencies will trim those costs, says Dr. Jay Kaplan of Marin General Hospital and the American College of Emergency Physicians. But he believes it is bad medical policy.

Anthony WrightThat should come as no surprise, adds Anthony Wright, Executive Director of Health Access. It's an attitude that has been consistent over many years.

Much of this discussion is based on the notion that treating patients in the Emergency Room is more expensive than seeing them in a doctor's office. But it's hard to know if that is really the case, says Dr. Kaplan, because the accounting and billing systems for each are dramatically different.

Chevy Volt charging.

At some Sonoma County businesses, shoppers fill up their car batteries, while filling up their grocery bags. In our continuing coverage of Sonoma County's electric vehicle infrastructure, we look at why businesses are choosing to install stations, giving customers a chance to charge up at no expense.

Chase Cambron (above) oversaw the installation of two new charging stations at Clos du Bois winery in GeyservilleMarc Geller, of Plug in America, an advocacy group for electric vehicles, discusses what motivates businesses to become part of the public charging infrastructure.

From schools to shopping markets, places to charge elecrtic vehicles are sprouting all over. At Sonoma County's northern most station, customers can sample chardonnay while topping up. This spring Clos du Bois winery in Gesyerville installed two stations, becoming part of the ChargePoint Network, a linked system that helps drivers find stations and reserve charging time.

Chase Cambron's electric motorcycle charging at Clos du Bois.Chase Cambron, Vice President of Operations at Clos du Bois, discusses the advantages of using ChargePoint.

Screen capture from ChargePoint Network's website.There are many practical considerations for a business deciding to install charging stations, says Marc Geller of Plug in America, an advocacy group for electric vehicles. What is the layout of the parking lot? Is the business in a useful location for EV drivers?   

Peter Asher, now and thenFrom a 1960s pop star to being a respected artist manager and a highly successful record producer, Peter Asher's musical life has come full circle, as he has resumed live performing once again.

Although Peter and Gordon became one of the most commercially successful British Invasion groups of the early 1960s, Peter Asher recalls it all as a pleasant chain of fortuitous circumstances.

In part through his long-standing friendship with Paul McCartney, Asher became the head of Artists & Repertoire for the Beatles' Apple Records, where he signed an American singer-songwriter, James Taylor, and produced his debut album. After Apple folded, Asher teamed with Taylor as both manager and producer for several years. Toward the end of that time, he recalls, his attention was drawn to another emerging performer.

In yet another role, Asher took part in a PBS television special dedicated to the musical legacy of Buddy Holly, who wrote "True Love Ways," one of Peter and Gordon's many hits. Buddy Holly: Listen to Me airs on KRCB television on Saturday, June 2, at 7:30 pm.