Santa Monica Property Blog

ALTERNATIVE ENERGY POLL – SOLAR RULES

Edited by Jodi Summers

An overwhelming majority -92% of Americans polled - Support Solar Energy Development, according to the 2009 Schott Solar Barometer. The Schott Solar Barometer is a national survey conducted by independent polling firm Kelton Research.

The overwhelming support for solar power is consistent across political party affiliation with 89 percent of Republicans, 94 percent of Democrats and 93 percent of Independents agreeing that it is important for the U.S. to develop and use solar power.

Furthermore, close to eight in 10 (77%) Americans feel that the development of solar power, and other renewable energy sources, should be a major priority of the federal government, including the financial support needed. This sentiment also remains the same since June 2008 (77%).

If only given the opportunity to support one source of alternative energy, 43 percent of Americans would opt for solar over other sources such as wind (17%), natural gas (12%) and nuclear (10%).

Almost half of all Americans (49%) say they’re currently pondering solar power options for their home or business – and another three percent already have solar power. Among those who would like to take advantage of solar power at home or at work, seven in 10 (70%) envision they would make the change within the next five years.

The general consensus is that many Americans feel they lack information – fewer than one in five (12%) - can claim that they’re extremely informed about the subject of solar power in general. What’s more, almost three in four (74%) Americans admit they wish they knew more about solar power options for their home or business.

http://www.cleanedge.com/news/story.php?nID=6455

http://www.resourceactionprograms.org/blog/index.php/tag/southern-california/

http://saferenvironment.wordpress.com/2009/02/02/solar-power-%E2%80%93-sustainable-green-energy-to-protect-our-economy-and-environment/

http://www.geni.org/globalenergy/library/articles-renewable-energy-transmission/solar.shtml

http://www.sunandclimate.com/images/solar-power-dallas.jpg

http://www.generatormart.com/200806092224444674.shtml

http://earth911.com/blog/2007/10/15/pros-and-cons-of-solar-power/

FYI – NEW MULTIFAMILY LEGISLATION FROM SACRAMENTO

FYI – NEW MULTIFAMILY LEGISLATION FROM SACRAMENTO

By Jodi Summers

Legislators in Sacramento were more interested in finding was of shrinking the new $7.4 billion deficit for the 2010-11 budget than they were in thinking about the hit that apartment building owners have taken in the multiunit marketplace this downturn.

Fortunately, the more ominous legislation affecting multiunit properties has been shelved until next year, but, as a local multiunit property owner, we know you want to know what has passed and what is on the horizon.

Passed

* Assembly Bill 1020 (Emmerson, R-Redlands): Limits fees that may be imposed by local and state government and preempts local health departments from adopting any new or additional safety standards on top of federal guidelines regarding public swimming pools. Brings state regulations in line with federal law regarding anti-entrapment devices in pools.

* Senate Bill 120 (Lowenthal, D-Long Beach): Allows a tenant or occupant who has paid utilities in place of a landlord in order to prevent him or her from being shut off to deduct that amount from rental payments.

* Senate Bill 290 (Leno, D-San Francisco): Extends a Jan. 1, 2010, sunset period for a 60-day termination notice requirement for tenants who live in a property for longer than one year.

Be Aware of

* Assembly Bill 473, from Assemblymen Bob Blumenfield, D-Van Nuys, will require owners of properties with five or more units to arrange for mandatory recycling services.

* Assembly Bill 479, introduced by Assemblyman Wayne Chesbro, D-Arcata, will require local governments in large counties to adopt mandatory recycling laws for commercial properties.

**

http://www.carealestatejournal.com/newswire/index.cfm?sid=&tkn=&eid=905490&evid

http://www.consrv.ca.gov/smgb/PublishingImages/CaliforniaStateCapitol02.jpg

http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2006/12/the-governator—64_1280.jpg

http://www.greentechforum.net/wp-content/uploads/2007/06/california_state_flag.png

http://www.limitstogrowth.org/WEB-Graphics/CaliforniaPostcardGreetings.jpg

http://forcechange.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2008/03/cfl-float.jpg

YALE PICKS THE TEN MOST ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY COUNTRIES

YALE PICKS THE TEN MOST ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY COUNTRIES

Edited by Jodi Summers

Every year, Yale University releases an Environmental Performance Index (EPI), calculating national environmental factors such as a country’s environmental health, air pollution, water resources and productive natural resources. So let us present to you the most recent top 10 winning countries who can boast the title of the most eco-friendly nations in the world.

1 - Switzerland

Switzerland’s hard-line legislation on pollution makes it one of the world’s most eco-friendly nations. Switzerland’s strategy is to continue to foster cooperation between organizations and individuals. To make sure everyone is acutely aware of how precious the environment can be, Switzerland charges for their water and waste management services as well as establishing severe environmental taxes. Prevention is the third key tenet, shown by the 2006 development of the Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN), to sustain natural resources and develop safety measures for natural hazards.

2 - Norway

Overcast Norway is the home of the world’s largest solar production plant, owned by REC Group. Norway has also taken emissions seriously, and is now planning on becoming carbon neutral by 2030, not 2050 as originally expected. The change in anticipated timing has been reduced because of what Norway has learned by funding green projects abroad and reducing at-home driving and flying.

3 - Sweden

Sweden’s mandate for a country free of fossil fuels by 2020 puts it as the third most eco-friendly country on the planet. Already, a majority of Sweden’s power is either nuclear or hydroelectric. Solutions for automobile and flight transport include ethanol and animal waste conversion. Additionally, Sweden is one of the world leaders working on harnessing the power of waves. At the University of Uppsala, Sweden is developing “wave power” which converts waves into 4x as much energy as solar power in the same amount of time, with no waste and no emissions.

4 - Finland

Finland is experiencing a remarkable recovery from industrialization, using initiatives to clean up water and air quality in industrial areas, and practicing land preservation. Bravo as Finland has managed to reverse deforestation. The country’s forests are now growing at a greater rate than they are being deforested, showing an environmental gain even with the annual timber harvest. Finland can also be attributed with starting the United Nation’s Environmental Program (UNEP) Task Force for Sustainable Building and Construction, which looks not only at the sustainability of the building, but of the resources and process used to construct it.

5 - Costa Rica

With 5% of the world’s biodiversity contained in one country, Costa Rica has always been on the forefront of environmental conservation. Did you know that a full quarter of the nation is devoted to park preservation? That helps the country score high on the EPI list. Couple their conservation efforts with the fact that Costa Rica uses hydroelectric power in 80% of the country, and add on their 5% gas tax which funds environmental programs, and Costa Rica comes in fifth.

6 - Austria

It’s very impressive that Austria’s environmental conservation measures are enforced by all levels of government, from federal to municipal authorities. For example, waste disposal is a highly regulated department encompassing everything from individual waste to corporate chemical, air and agricultural pesticide pollution. Water quality and forest preservation, are extremely high on Austria’s list of priorities, thus the quality level for Austria’s lakes and rivers is among the highest in the world. The development of Austria’s National Protective Forest Plan has also helped in keeping the nation’s natural beauty pristine.

7 - New Zealand

New Zealand‘s relatively small population in relation to land mass has helped preserve this nation’s natural resources. While automotive emissions and industrial pollutants are still problematic, New Zealand is working hard to develop restrictive legislation and alternative energy sources. The nation was host to the 2008 World Environment Day, and has developed the Environmental Risk Management Authority, which regulates the introduction of non-native species and environmental components so as not to threaten New Zealand’s pristine atmosphere.

8 - Latvia

The Baltics weigh in. By monitoring and reducing water pollution, Latvia’s salmon crop and freshwater bodies are all in the range of “good.” Taken steps toward improvement, Lativia has begun dismantling pollutive farms to reduce fertilizer and insecticide chemicals and allow room for the return of natural forests. Since obtaining freedom from the Soviet Union 1990, Lativa has decreased stationary pollution by 46% and wastewater by 44%, devoting a major portion of environmental funds to water treatment and energy conservation techniques.

9 - Colombia

Beating Costa Rica, Colombia is home to 10% of the world’s species, giving the country a wealth of ecological diversity. While Colombia has had problems in the past concerning deforestation, the detrimental effects of the coca trade, and political strife involving their natural oil deposits, these factors have served to motivate Colombia towards energy conservation and new, less politically tumultuous resources. Colombia has also begun programs for the cultivation of natural parks that support the growth of native medicinal plants with preserves such as the Orito Igni-Ande Medicinal Flora Sanctuary, a 10,626 hectare preserve.

10 - France

The French government is very aware of the problem of climate change. Their strict environmental protection measures are incorporated into the national Constitution and reviewed every year with the eventual goal of 54 million tons of saved C02 by 2010. France is one of the few in the Kyoto agreement to cut such a large amount of emissions so quickly. The country’s laws are comprehensive, covering every layer of production from supplier to producer to consumer. This has helped make France the number one producer of renewable energy sources in the EU, 78% of its energy being nuclear powered, which in turn has reduced nitrogen oxide and other hazardous emissions by 70%.

**

Sources:

http://epi.yale.edu/Home

http://epi.yale.edu/CountryScores

http://www.bemoreeco.com/2009/03/top-10-eco-friendly-countries/

http://www.sussex.ac.uk/International/europe/Sweden.jpg

http://greenferret.files.wordpress.com/2008/09/switzerland-mountain-lake.jpg

http://www.boxturtlebulletin.com/tag/norway

http://www.ippnw-students.org/Chapters/Finland/finland.jpg

http://www.unitedplanet.org/volunteer-in-costa-rica-long-term/images/costa-rica-ocean-view.jpg

http://www.nationalgeographic.com/adventure/0510/photos/Jpegs/NewZealand.jpg

http://www.austria-trips.com/images/Austria-Mountains.jpg

http://www.e-architect.co.uk/riga/jpgs/jurmala_latvia_hoskins_m06.jpg

http://img5.travelblog.org/Photos/61720/335583/p/f/1781.jpg

http://i40.tinypic.com/2qncqxi.jpg

http://www.bargesinfrance.com/premier-burgundy-countryside.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3115/2352156385_c389b09b15_b.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/pj48/image/45644972/original.jpg

WHAT DOES THE GOVERNOR’S WIFE THINK? SACRAMENTO IS DIVIDED ON HOW TO MOVE FORWARD ON NEW GREEN ENERGY INITIATIVES

WHAT DOES THE GOVERNOR’S WIFE THINK? SACRAMENTO IS DIVIDED ON HOW TO MOVE FORWARD ON NEW GREEN ENERGY INITIATIVES

By Jodi Summers

The Governor and the Sacramento Democrats are divided in how to move forward and meet the state’s newly targeted energy goals. The Democratics wants the green power and the green jobs to come from within the state. The Governator just wants it done. As state 1st Lady Maria Shriver is a Democrat by birth married to a Republican, and a savvy politica in her own right – balance may lie with her opinion on the issue…would California’s First Lady offer her opinion please.

The recent update to AB 32, California’s landmark 2006 global warming initiative, says California electric utilities must get 33% of their power from renewable sources by 2020.

“With this action, we will ensure that California remains the pioneer in clean energy and clean jobs,” the Governor proudly declared.

The governor’s Executive Order S-21-09 came three days after Democratic lawmakers passed legislation Senate Bill 14 and Assembly Bill 64mandating the same goal, but in a way Schwarzenegger’s office said was too restrictive. The governor said he will veto the Democratic bills because they would limit how much wind, solar and geothermal energy utilities could import from other states.

The two sides did not disagree about the need or the practicality of setting an ambitious 33% renewable energy target. The conflict is over how California should reach the goal and the cost of making it happen.

The Democratic bills were backed by some but not all of the state’s utilities. The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, Pacific Gas & Electric Co. and Sempra Energy supported the bills, while Southern California Edison Co. and the Sacramento Municipal Utility District asked the governor for vetoes. The bills also drew support from labor unions and consumer advocates and opposition from manufacturers and independent energy-generating companies.

A recent study by the California Public Utilities Commission observed that said 11 new transmission lines and additional infrastructure would be needed to meet the 33 percent goal. Transmission lines typically cross several communities a well as federal land, so the permitting and siting process is very involved, bureaucratic - and time consuming. SC+E noted that each line can take about 10 years to build, and the total cost to electricity customers would be $115 billion.

Critics of the governor’s mandate argue that California will end up subsidizing green jobs in other states and Canada.

Our first lady, Maria Shriver Schwarzenegger, a former newscaster, had Democratic roots that run deep. Maria is a member of Kennedy family through her mother, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, the sister of President John Kennedy and Senator Ted Kennedy. Her father, Sargent Shriver, is a former ambassador and a former Democratic candidate for the U.S. Vice-Presidency. Married to a Republican governor, the two must find political peace at the dinner table. California is interested in her opinion on how the state should achieve the bold green energy stance of Executive Order S-21-09.

http://gov.ca.gov/issue/energy-environment/

http://www.sgvtribune.com/news/ci_13345618?source=rss

http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-power16-2009sep16,0,3412344.story

http://www.historyguy.com/biofiles/shriver_maria.html

http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/contributor/1800320712/photo/573730

http://theenvelope.latimes.com/galleries/photo/globescl-arrivals29_iafwqnkf,0,5199746,email.photo

https://alumni.berkeley.edu/california/200709/simons.asp

http://www.environmentamerica.org/uploads/ig/hp/ighpWSCwRpKVJbuUaA7LCA/DSC_0263.jpg

LIVE GREEN –> IDEAS TO GREEN YOUR PROPERTIES

Edited by Jodi Summers

1. Double-Paned Windows

According to the Department of Energy, the typical U.S. family spends $1,300 a year on home energy bills. Double-paned windows are up to 40 percent more energy-efficient than standard windows, and allow you to save from 10 to 25 percent off your heating or cooling bill, on top of saving five tons of carbon dioxide emissions per household per year.

2. Caulking and Storm Panels

Double-paned windows are expensive, and it could take decades for their savings to counterbalance their cost. To improve insulation without switching windows, seal up any leaks or gaps around doors and windows with caulking and weather stripping, then add a storm panel to your single-pane window to increase energy efficiency for far less money than double-paned windows.

3. Plant Trees

On top of soaking up carbon dioxide, trees that surround your house can provide hading in the summertime, keeping your property cooler and requiring less energy-intensive air conditioning.

4. Swap Your A/C for a Ceiling Fan

Ceiling fans are remarkably effective in cooling and use far less energy than air conditioning. If you still need a little A/C, consider running it on low, and using ceiling fans to effectively circulate the cool air.

5. Get Your Ducts in a Row

Faulty duct work can cause serious, life-threatening carbon monoxide problems in the home. Check your ducts for air leaks. Look for sections that should be joined but have separated, and then look for obvious holes. If you use tape to seal your ducts, experts suggest using mastic, butyl tape, foil tape, or other heat-approved tapes (look for tape with the Underwriters Laboratories logo). A well-sealed vapor barrier on the outside of the insulation on cooling ducts prevents moisture buildup.

6. Be Reasonable with the Thermostat

No reason to be uncomfortable in your home to save energy or reduce emissions, but try to keep it as warm as you can stand it in the summer, and turn it down to 68 or below in the winter.

7. Change Your Bulbs

Electricity is the largest source of U.S. carbon emissions, using about 38 percent. A switch to compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) or light-emitting diodes (LEDs) can reduce emissions and energy use drastically. Keep in mind, CFLs still contain mercury; LEDs are considered the best bet.

8. Turn Off and Unplug

Research conducted by the DOE shows that in the average American home, 75 percent of the electricity used to power home electronics is consumed while the products are turned off. Unplugging seldom used appliances could shave up to $10 off your monthly electricity bill.

9. Reach for the Energy Stars

There’s an ENERGY STAR version of almost every appliance these days from a computer to a refridgerator. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), by choosing their ENERGY STAR-qualified products, consumers can cut energy use by 30 percent, a savings of about $450 each year.

10. Switch to Solar or Wind Power Without Buying Your Own System

According to the DOE, at least 50 percent of customers have the option to purchase renewable electricity directly from their power supplier. Such power is sometimes referred to as “green power” or “clean power,” and costs an average of $1.25/month extra.

11. Shower Efficiently

With our new tiered water rates, it’s wise to be conscious about how much time, and water, you’re spending in the shower. A one- or two-minute reduction in shower time can save up to 700 gallons of water per month.

12. Use the Cold Water

If your shower takes awhile to heat up, catch the cold water in a bucket and use it to water your garden or lawn.

13. Go Native

Using native plants in landscaping can reduce residential water use by 20 to 50 percent.

14. Green Paints, Materials, and Accessories

According to the California Air Resources Board, indoor air quality in the state is worse than outdoor air quality, thanks to the toxins in paint, wood finishes, carpet, adhesives, and solvents. Air quality in new and recently renovated homes can be up to 10 times more polluted than outdoor air quality. To cut down on indoor toxins, opt for Green Seal certified paints and solvent-free adhesives.

15. Displace Water

Put a plastic bottle or a plastic bag weighted with pebbles and filled with water in your toilet tank. Displacing water in this manner saves five to 10 gallons of water a day. That’s up to 300 gallons a month, even more for large families.

16. Seal Your House

Visit the DOE’s Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy site for a printable home energy audit, check your home for cracks, and have adequate installation installed.

28. Keep Your Garden Green

It might surprise you to learn that homeowners actually use 10 times more pesticides and fertilizers per acre than farmers, on average; 67 million pounds of the stuff are applied on lawns each year. Opt for native plants, safer pesticides, and compost for fertilizer instead.

www.realtor.com

www.dinnergarden.org/victoryGardens.html

Ocean Park Sunset - 4 March 2009

Ocean Park Sunset - 4 March 2009

photo by Jodi Summers