SHIRLEY KIMBERLIN Everything I list turns to SOLD! 805-886-0228 skimberlin@aol.com
This week’s listings on the back page
Council voices interest in Community Energy
Not forgotten
BY LEA BOYD
Energy that is both cleaner and cheaper gained the Carpinteria City Council’s interest at its May 26 meeting. The four councilmembers present (Wade Nomura was absent due to his wife’s medical condition) agreed that a Community Choice Aggregation, in which a local government acts as an energy purveyor by purchasing energy on the wholesale market, would be worth considering. A letter will be sent to the County of Santa Barbara expressing interest in, and possible contribution to, a feasibility study for such an undertaking. CCAs allow customers to decide what type of energy they wish to support, which can lead to greater use of alternative energy sources, such as wind and solar. “I think the future is renewable energy and we need to get there sooner than later,” said Councilman Fred Shaw. The transmission, maintenance and billing of electricity would be left to the existing utility company, in Carpinteria’s case, Southern California Edison. Three CCAs are now in operation in California, and Jefferson Litten of the Community Environmental Council spoke about the success of these programs in saving customers money while drastically reducing emissions of carbon dioxide. He said the additional benefits of a CCA are that revenues stay local, there is added choice and competition, and local jobs are created. A feasibility evaluation for Santa Barbara County is expected to cost from $280,000 to $335,000. Carpinteria has not committed to participating, but the council’s support opens the door for potential participation. Jim Taylor of Carpinteria Valley Association noted that catastrophe like the recent oil spill could be avoided if dependence on fossil fuels were reduced or eliminated. Oil is transported to and from Carpinteria, where, Taylor said, “We live constantly at risk of disaster.” He added, “There is nothing to fear from a solar spill.”
Carpinteria appears safe from Refugio oil spill
In response to a barrage of questions fielded by the city from concerned Carpinterians, City Manager Dave Durflinger publicly announced at the May 26 city council meeting that oil from the recent spill at Refugio State Beach is not expected to reach local shores. At this point, the oil has migrated as far as Haskell’s Beach in Goleta. Anyone interested in helping is advised to call California Spill Watch at 228-4544.
DOBBINS
A new Fallen Veterans Memorial at Carpinteria Valley Memorial Park was dedicated on May 22 to kickstart Memorial Day weekend. The memorial, an undertaking of Eagle Scout candidate Duncan Smith, pictured center, contains the names of 28 Carpinterian veterans who died during a time of war. Smith commented that the community supported him greatly in his endeavor to provide a tribute to the fallen veterans.
Cate School holds 102nd commencement ceremony
Cate School graduated 77 members of the class of 2015 on May 24, marking the school’s 102 nd commencement ceremony. Headmaster Ben Williams conferred the diplomas and recognized each student with personally crafted citations describing their contributions to the school. English teacher Peter Arango, who is retiring after 18 years in the classroom, delivered a commencement address, as did Elli Park, who was selected by her classmates to speak. Students from the class of 2015 will matriculate at colleges including Stanford, Yale, Columbia, Haveford, Princeton, Georgetown, Middlebury, University of Virginia and University of Pennsylvania. Science Department Chair Bob Bonning was awarded the Spittler Cup for inspiring students to hold themselves to high standards, and English Department chair Ross Robins received the Servons Award for his commitment, compassion and exemplary service to the school.
CATE PHOTO