Sonoma County homeowners are now eligible for rebates of up to 100% for Energy Analysis services. In addition, rebates up to $6,000 are now available for some home energy efficiency upgrades.

These new incentives were announced Oct. 27 by the Sonoma County Energy Independence Program (SCEIP), and the Regional Climate Protection Authority, in partnership with Energy Upgrade California™

A Home Energy Analysis uses cutting-edge technology to determine where a home may be leaking energy and wasting money, and addresses potential indoor air quality and health concerns. The analyst assesses all the major energy efficiency features of the home, looking at the house as a whole system. Air leaks, heating and cooling systems, water heating systems, insulation, windows, attached lighting fixtures, major appliances, solar systems, and other energy uses are all inspected. The 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. Any Sonoma County homeowner may choose to have an analysis performed on their home. Immediate plans for energy efficiency improvements are not required.

Read more: INCENTIVES FOR HOME ENERGY EFFICIENCY INCREASED

 Final AIA Report to be Presented at a Community Meeting December 3 in Santa Rosa

The Southeast Greenway Campaign Committee has received the American Institute of Architects’ (AIA) report:  Imagine…A Greenway to Spring Lake and Beyond.   It offers a provocative, conceptual vision for the old Highway 12 right-of-way, rooted in ideas collected from more than 300 residents, State, City and County officials who participated in town hall meetings and roundtable discussions in June.  

With striking visuals, the report paints a picture of a linear Greenway stretching from Spring Lake Park to Farmers Lane that is very much tied into the fabric of the surrounding neighborhoods and the community at large. This new jewel of open space would provide amenities including:  

1.      Bike and walking paths 
2.      Open space with restored native habitat and restored creeks 
3.      Historic orchards & community gardens
4.      Spaces for meeting, relaxing and recreating

Read more: Vision for Greenway to Spring Lake

There have been a series of new cases of equine herpes virus in California over the last several weeks, in Tuolumne, San Joaquin and Sonoma counties. 

Locally, there was a single confirmed case in Sonoma County, which was quickly identified and quarantined until the risk of contagion had passed.

Equine Herpes Virus (EHV-1) infection in horses can cause respiratory disease, neurological disease, abortion in mares and neonatal foal death. The neurological form of the disease, is known as Equine Herpes Myeloencephalopathy (EHM),  has the potential to cause high morbidity and mortality. EHV-1 is easily spread and typically has an incubation period between 2-10 days. Respiratory shedding of the virus generally occurs for 7-10 days, but may persist longer in infected horses. For this reason, the isolation period recommendation for confirmed positive EHM cases is twenty-one (21) days.

Read more: Equine Herpes Virus Update

Loleta, Calif. – The Wiyot Tribe and Friends of the Eel River (FOER) were joined by Native American Indian tribes from throughout Northern California in a prayer ceremony Saturday focused on returning the Eel River and the fisheries it supports to a healthy, sustainable state. This event follows several similar ceremonies held since 2009 that have taken place in different parts of the nearly 3,600-square mile Eel River watershed.

“Rivers need water to survive,” said Nadananda, Executive Director of the Friends of the Eel River. “The cost of diverting so much water out of the Eel River is simply too high. Salmon and steelhead are on the brink of extinction here. While increases in water flows over the past five years have made it possible for Chinook salmon populations to begin to make a comeback, significantly more water will need to be returned to the river if we are going to save these fish.”

Read more: TRIBES JOIN CEREMONY TO RETURN NATIVE SALMON TO EEL RIVER