 | | Energy efficiency makes sense for your wallet and the environment - it's a win-win choice Last year, the Mayor began publishing a monthly message to reach out to the community, highlight important issues and share upcoming community events. As your new Mayor, it's a new tradition I look forward to continuing throughout 2012! February's focus is on energy efficiency, a timely topic for this time of year when cold weather can lead to higher energy bills. In Fiscal Year 2010-11, the cost to meet the City of Palo Alto's (City) energy demand by helping customers achieve improved efficiency was on average 5.5¢ per kilowatt hour (kWh), compared to the cost of purchasing future electric supply on average 11¢ per kWh. It's a win-win for the City to help our customers meet their energy efficiency goals. For Residents - Most households receive monthly home energy reports that provide personalized energy usage information. There are easy no cost or low cost tips on cutting down on energy use, like adjusting your thermostat before leaving home. You may be eligible to apply for rebates of up to $300 for new qualifying appliances ranging from dishwashers and refrigerators to clothes washers, water heaters and power strips. Rebates of up to $1,500 are available if you install a solar water heating system in your home. Residents may also be eligible for rebates on a large-scale project like installing a solar photovoltaic system (PV) on your roof through the City's PV Partners Program. For Businesses - The City partners with businesses through the Right Lights+ program, which provides free energy surveys, recommendations for tailored strategies to reduce electric and natural gas usage, and connections to rebates and local, trusted contractors. Annual rebates of up to $100,000 are available to help businesses save money for installing energy efficient attic/roof insulation, window films, commercial dishwashers, laundry systems, heat pump water heaters, water boilers, commercial pool heaters, HVAC systems, refrigeration and lighting. Rebates are also available for specific and customized energy uses, so it pays to check it out. Next up for Energy Efficiency - Two new initiatives in 2012 will expand energy efficiency opportunities for the City's utilities customers. First, for electric vehicle (EV) owners, the City has established EV charging stations in several locations, and in July will be rolling out Time of Use rates so people can charge their vehicles when overall community energy use is down (like the middle of the night) and rates may be lower. These rates can encourage EV purchasers to shift their extra electric demand to off-peak times. Second, the City is tapping innovation here in Palo Alto through a partnership to test cloud-based energy management software focused on energy efficiency with People Power so residents will be able to access that information easily through mobile apps. Take the first step toward an energy efficient 2012 by calling the City's Utility Marketing Services staff at (650) 329-2241 for assistance.  Mayor Yiaway Yeh
|  | Thursday, February 2
"Tell Me Everything" Parenting Program: 7 PM
This free program is for parents who want to learn communication strategies to bridge the information gap between themselves and their child. [ http://www.cityofpaloalto.org/depts/mgr/message_from_the_mayor_2012/020112.as..." rel="nofollow" target="_blank">more ] | | Friday, February 3
See "Go Dog Go" at the Children's Theatre: 2 & 7 PM
This show thrills audiences with its chaotic carnival of music and physical comedy about the joys and challenges of life and friendship. [ http://www.cityofpaloalto.org/depts/mgr/message_from_the_mayor_2012/020112.as..." rel="nofollow" target="_blank">more ] | | | | | Tuesday, February 7
Public Meeting on Pardee Park Renovations: 6:30 PM
Attend this meeting at the Lucie Stern Center Community Room, 1305 Middlefield Road, to review the proposed park renovations and provide your input. [ http://www.cityofpaloalto.org/depts/mgr/message_from_the_mayor_2012/020112.as..." rel="nofollow" target="_blank">more ] | | Friday, February 10
Drop by the Mayor's Office Hours: 2 - 4 PM
Come by during office hours in the Mayor's office on the 7th floor of City Hall at 250 Hamilton Avenue, Palo Alto. [ http://www.cityofpaloalto.org/depts/mgr/message_from_the_mayor_2012/020112.as..." rel="nofollow" target="_blank">more ] | | Wednesday, February 15
Teen Volunteer Book Buddy Training: 4:15 - 5:15 PM
Teens! Learn the art of reading to young children. [ http://www.cityofpaloalto.org/depts/mgr/message_from_the_mayor_2012/020112.as..." rel="nofollow" target="_blank">more ] | | Wednesday, February 22
Lytton Gateway Planned Community Discussion: 6 PM
The project would allow a new mixed use, five story building on the 21,713 square foot former Shell station location. [ http://www.cityofpaloalto.org/depts/mgr/message_from_the_mayor_2012/020112.as..." rel="nofollow" target="_blank">more ] | | Monday, February 27
State of the City Address: 7 PM
Join the Mayor, City Council, City staff and community at this annual event to learn more about what the year ahead will bring. [ http://www.cityofpaloalto.org/depts/mgr/message_from_the_mayor_2012/020112.as..." rel="nofollow" target="_blank">more ] | | Tuesday, February 28
eBooks for iPad/iPhone/iPod Touch & Android: 5:30 - 7 PM
Learn how to get free eBooks from the library on your favorite mobile device.
[ http://www.cityofpaloalto.org/depts/mgr/message_from_the_mayor_2012/020112.as..." rel="nofollow" target="_blank">more ] | | Wednesday, February 29
Edgewood Plaza Shopping Center Discussion: 6 PM
Plans for this site include renovating the center's three existing Eichler retail structures, relocating one retail structure, constructing 10 new single-family homes and creating a 0.22 acre park. [ http://www.cityofpaloalto.org/depts/mgr/message_from_the_mayor_2012/020112.as..." rel="nofollow" target="_blank">more ] | | | | | | | | | | | | | 
| New Mayor and Vice Mayor Selected
At a special City Council meeting on Tuesday, January 3, outgoing Mayor Sid Espinosa was publicly recognized for his leadership and collaboration as well as for active participation in community events during his tenure as Mayor in 2011. Council also selected Yiaway Yeh as Mayor and Greg Scharff as Vice Mayor for 2012. | | City's Top Five Priorities for 2012
To kick off the year, the City Council held its annual retreat on Saturday, January 21, to determine this year's priorities. After some discussion, the Council decided to carry over the five major priorities for the 2012 priorities: City Finances, Land Use and Transportation, Emergency Preparedness, Environmental Sustainability and Community Collaboration for Youth Well Being. The Council, City staff and the public also kicked off an upcoming series of more in-depth discussions about the Infrastructure Blue Ribbon Task Force's detailed report about the City's long term infrastructure needs and ways to fund those needs. As a result, 2012 will be the "Year of Infrastructure" as the Council, City staff, and the community tackle these complicated issues. | | | | | | | | | |
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