|
|
Published February 15th, 2023
|
Letters to the editor
|
|
|
|
|
In support of electrification
Switching out fossil fuel appliances (such as a water heater, dryer, furnace, and stove) for highly-efficient electric alternatives is an excellent way to reduce one's carbon footprint, but it can be daunting. Fortunately, there are many resources to help along the way. PG&E is extremely supportive of this transition to all-electric buildings, and even hosts on-demand and live webinars open to the public at PGE.com/EnergyClasses. Register for an account, and then explore the many free courses available! Whether you want to learn how to use induction woks to stir-fry (even translated into Mandarin!), or learn the multiple ways of swapping out a gas furnace with a heat pump, PG&E has you covered. A great hands-on way to learn more about highly-efficient electric induction cooking is to experiment with it yourself! PG&E loans out portable induction cooktops for free to PG&E customers. Learn how you can borrow a cooktop and compatible pan by visiting and registering here:
https://pge-induction.myturn.com/library/.
City Council Member Wei-Tai Kwok's shares his inspiring journey towards decarbonizing his entire own home. Read part one of his journey here:
www.sustainablelafayette.org/single-post/why-we-are-removing-gas-from-our-home-and-going-all-electric
I can't wait for all the Inflation Reduction Act rebates and discounts that are coming down the line! We check for updates at RewiringAmerica.org. We recently swapped out our gas water heater for a highly efficient heat pump water heater, which we love. Next, we are planning to switch out our gas cooktop with induction, which is more powerful, more easily controlled, and way easier to keep clean!
Nancy Hu DDS
Lafayette
Vote Yes on Measure Z
The reason my husband and I first moved to Orinda, 43 years ago, is the same reason new parents still move here today. The first-class schools in Orinda are the envy of the East Bay and beyond.
However, the fact that Orinda schools receive among the lowest per-student funding in the state means that our schools and students may no longer be able to keep up without local community support. I will be voting Yes on Z because I personally experienced the benefits good schools provided my own children, and I want the next generation to have the same opportunities.
I also know that supporting quality education is a wise investment that protects our quality of life and our local property values.
Additionally, any senior who feels the cost of Measure Z (about a dollar a day) will be a financial burden can apply for an exemption from the cost of the measure. This ensures Measure Z is not a burden to those on fixed incomes.
When our children were in school, most of the teachers lived right here. Now teachers can't afford to live here, and most commute from a distance. We need to keep our salaries competitive to attract the best teachers. Measure Z is what we need to do that.
Please join me in supporting Orinda's next generation and voting Yes on Measure Z by March 7.
Linda Landau
43-Year Orinda Resident and former OUSD Board Member
Measure Z includes important oversight
As a member of OUSD's Parcel Tax Independent Citizens' Oversight Committee for the past 6 years, I can attest that past local school funding has been spent as promised, on local students. That is why I will be supporting Measure Z, because it includes the same important oversight requirement as previous measures.
The district has been extremely transparent in every audit I have been a part of. The new measure also includes an independent citizens' oversight and annual audits that will ensure Measure Z funds are spent as promised. Additionally, all funds must stay only in Orinda's elementary schools and the intermediate school! By law no funds can be taken by the state or used for administrator salaries or pensions.
Join me in voting to provide OUSD with critical funding needed to keep great teachers in our schools and vote Yes on Z by March 7.
Daniel Pier
OUSD Parcel Tax Oversight Committee President |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA