SACRAMENTO
Hundreds of California students to participate in Day of Action for Solar Schools
On Thursday of this week, hundreds of students from more than a dozen schools across California will participate in a “Solar on Schools Day of Action”. Wearing T-shirts and holding banners, they will gather to show their support for clean energy in schools by taking photos and using social media to urge California decision makers to take action.
While schools are eager to adopt solar technologies, recent regulatory changes have created obstacles. The students’ advocacy comes at a critical time: Senate Bill 1374 (Becker), which would overcome these obstacles and ensure schools can fully benefit from solar energy, has passed through the California Legislature and is awaiting signature from Gov. Newsom.
By participating in this Digital Day of Action, students will emphasize how solar energy in schools is crucial for:
- Showing young people that adults are taking action on climate change
- Creating opportunities for hands-on learning for skills in the green economy
- Lowering energy costs for cash-strapped school districts
Elementary, middle and high schools across California and virtually on social media platforms (X, Instagram, and TikTok) will participate. Follow along by tracking the hashtag #SolarPowerStudentPower.
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LAKEPORT
Lake County Air Quality Management District’s temporary office closure
The Lake County Air Quality Management District (District) office is temporarily closed to walk in traffic due to staffing shortage. The office closure starts today and will remain in effect until further notice. All in person services will require an appointment to ensure District staff is available.
To request an appointment, please call the District and leave a message with your name, phone number and reason you are calling. District staff will contact you to schedule an appointment.
Please check the District website (WWW.LCAQMD.NET) for additional details. Information will be posted soon with general instructions to obtain building permit sign-offs, CEQA reviews, and other reviews that are not part of a District permit evaluation. To ensure timely response to requests, complete data submittals and forms are required.
At this time, the District is no longer able to participate in pass through grant programs including the FARMER program, woodsmoke (woodstove changeout) program, and the Community Air Monitoring program.
Updates to the office closure, burn program, and other operations will be posted on the District website in the coming weeks.
We appreciate your support and understanding at this difficult time.
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LAKEPORT
Gudmundson and Garrity receive 2024 Alexander Memorial Scholarships
Jordann Gudmundson, a recent Upper Lake High School honors graduate, has been named the 2024 recipient of the Paul and Otha Alexander Memorial Scholarship. On Sunday, at the Lake Co. Fair Jr. Livestock Awards event, Jordann was presented with a plaque and $850 check in recognition of her contributions and accomplishments as a student, athlete, coach, FFA officer, and student employee. Athlete of the year in 2021, listed among the Rotary Top 40 for two years, serving as a youth basketball coach and Associated Student Body President (ULHS), attendee of the California leadership camp (CADA), supporter of the Wreaths Across America Program, and office manager for Sothern Smiles Dental Practice are just a few of her many achievements. She also spent four years of active engagement with the Upper Lake FFA club. Gudmundson’s goals are to seek a business degree in marketing, starting at Butte College then transferring to a university program.
Also earning recognition and $400 as runner up, was Hannah Garrity. Hannah is another amazing young woman, graduating with a 4.18 GPA, with plans to attend CSU Fresno as an Animal Science major. Hannah is a self-published author, who loves the outdoors and her life in Lake County. Recognized as an outstanding cross country and track athlete, she was also active in school government and community service, volunteering at the Redwood Empire Food Bank and the Wasson Memorial Veterinary clinic. She dedicated 11 years of exemplary engagement with the Blue Heron 4-H club.
The Alexander memorial Scholarship is proud to have had a role in recognizing the best of the best in Lake County’s FFA and 4-H youth organizations for 24 years, an award sponsored by the Lake County 4-H Council, the Falge family, and the Alexander family. The scholarship is named in honor of Paul and Otha Alexander of Upper Lake who dedicated many years supporting 4-H and the Jr Livestock Auction at the Lake County Fair (1950-90s).
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