Long Beach Energy has committed themselves to a Solar Energy program that
has some nice ideas. They are proposing education, outreach, some projects,
and funding for residential installations. As part of this program, they
have invited the LB PV CO-OP members/supporters/educators to participate in
a Solar Energy Expo and Fun Fair on June 22.

The fair will include solar appliances, solar cars and aquarium, info on PV,
manufacturers, installers, rebate programs, EVs, scooters, bikes, recycling,
conservation, science projects by LBUSD students demonstrating how solar
energ6y works, children's storytellers and crafts.

The fair is being held Saturday, June 22 from 10 am to 2 pm at the El Dorado
Nature Center at 7550 E. Spring Street. I'm asking if anyone on this list
would be interested in participating. I've got a scheduling conflict so I
personally cannot attend, but I could lend any participants a panel, pump,
bucket, etc., to show kids how the sun can pump water, etc. Some handout
info. Please let me know.

I've got to be honest. I'm writing to you with some skepticism. I'll
itemize my concerns:

* Long Beach Energy, like every other City Department, is highly
disorganized and not on top of things. Otherwise, why would we be getting
an invitation to participate in an event 11 days before the event. This
gives no time for planning.
* Long Beach Energy has not advertised this event in any way that I
have seen (mail inserts, website, newspaper), so I think they are setting
themselves up to fail. Or to say, "see, there is no public interest in
solar energy."
* Long Beach Energy is installing a 1 kW PV system at the Nature
Center. The job walk was on June 6. The bids are due June 11. They want
the system awarded, permitted, built and approved by June 22. This may not
be unrealistic, but it's not good practice. It seems they want it fast in
time to show it off for this event. Quite frankly I'm not sure that's in
the best interest of the public. Particularly since the site for the PV
system is not ideal. There are a lot of trees; I mean, it's a Nature Center
so it should have trees. The number one thing to consider for building is
siting and often we have discussed location, space, sun access. Why is Long
Beach Energy choosing this space when there are other public spaces for a
nice 1 kW system that would make sense and would actually work?
* My last email I told you about Long Beach Energy's announcement to
provide additional funds on top of State funding for residents who install
PV systems. At that time I believe I wrote "I'm not sure how this is going
to work" because it is in conflict with the State program. The State will
generally consider that double-dipping. What the State would do under usual
circumstances is to reduce the overall cost of your system by the amount
received from other funding sources, then rebate $4.50/W or 50% of the
system, whichever is less. If you receive other funding, chances are you'll
get an incentive for 50% of the system. So, this extra $2-3k may not
actually be $2-3k on top of what the state provides. I've asked Long Beach
Energy how this will work and of this date they haven't ironed it out. Yet,
they will be rolling out their funding program on June 22. For those of you
that are looking for an extra $2-3k as the last little bit of help you need
to get a system installed, I'd say jump on it early because there are some
gaps in the program and you may benefit from early response.

I'm not sure what Long Beach Energy is doing. There are disconnects between
the Departments, lack of a unified vision, oh, you know, there are ways to
get things done that make sense and will result in good public service, and
then there are ways that are painful to the public and the City. It seems
we are caught in a cycle of bad communication and process. At this point
I'm not optimistic that Long Beach will move into Green any time soon. But
in the 1st District I see improvements that are made IN SPITE of lack of
leadership and IN SPITE of City Hall. So though I'm not optimistic, I am
hopeful that Long Beach will slowly go Green in spite of our leaders.

Ok, please let me know if you want to participate. THE SOONER THE BETTER.
If I don't hear back from anyone before Friday, June 14, I'm going to
decline this invitation from Long Beach Energy.

Please remember, education is very important and you all have the ability to
educate the public. I hope someone will consider participation in this
event. Remember, this discussion started a year ago based on a common
interest for information. Lately, I've been volunteering in elementary
schools and will gladly attend your child's or relative's or friend's school
to teach youngsters of all ages about solar energy. Just let me know. It's
Free!

Dina Predisik