Butterfly Ball Sponsorships Available
The Central Coast State Parks Association 3rd annual Butterfly Ball is set for September 10.
“We look forward to sharing this night of elegant performances and informative programming with you in support of western monarch butterflies and sustaining healthy habitats and native pollinator gardens,” said CCSPA officials. “Last year, our Butterfly Ball donors successfully fundraised $13,000, which helped kickstart the Western Monarch Trail, a multi-agency collaborative project to provide consistent messaging in support of healthy western monarch populations.”
Proceeds from this event will go towards the continued support of the Western Monarch Trail project and the restoration of native nectar habitat in our local state parks, which sustain overwintering monarchs. Even with the recent increase in numbers this year, the population of the western monarch is still at a 99% decline since the 1990s.
Become a sponsor of the 2022 Butterfly Ball contact Event Manager Beca Martin with any questions at (805) 548-0393 or send an events@centralcoastparks.org.
For more information about the Butterfly Ball, go to centralcoastparks.org and click on the events tab.
Woods Launches ‘Pointy-Eared Pup’ Awareness Campaign
Woods Humane Society has seen increased numbers of “pointy-eared pups” (German shepherd and Siberian husky-type mixes) in its shelter. The nonprofit adoption center says that these breed types—known for their thick coats, intelligence, alertness, and high energy levels—have gone up from about 21.7% of the dogs cared for in 2019, to 26.7% in 2021, and their length of stay within the shelter is also increasing. Similar trends are being noted in shelters across the nation.
“One cause of this trend may be that people adopt without knowing about the proper care these breed types tend to require,” said Woods Community Engagement Manager Robin Coleman “Many people like the magical look and idea of these dogs, but we want to also help prepare them for providing the daily exercise, mental enrichment, training, and grooming that will help these dogs thrive in their new homes.”
Without a steady routine to fulfill their drive and expend energy, these breed types can be known to be vocal, jump fences, or dig out of unsecured yards. “But,” Coleman says, “with the right elements in place, they make amazingly loving, loyal, smart and gentle companions. Once they bond, they really bond.”
Currently, Woods has 12 of these types of dogs available for adoption, making up nearly 40% of its currently available dog population. To help find permanent homes for them, and to make room to help even more in need of transport from overcrowded shelters around the state, Woods share fun facts and pointers for adopters considering adopting a “pointy-eared” dog on its social media channels and website throughout May.
For more information, visit www.WoodsHumane.org or call (805) 543-9316.
Save Money, Save Energy and Help the Grid This Summer
Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) customers can save money with the lauch of the the new Power Saver Rewards Program.
The program is free, voluntary and 1.8 million customers are being enrolled this month. Others are encouraged to join. The purpose is simple: Saving energy on hot days reduces the strain on California’s grid.
“The Power Saver Rewards Program is truly a win-win as customers will be rewarded financially for saving energy on hot days and, at the same time, the demand on the grid will be lessened to ensure continued reliability and cleaner air,” said Aaron August, PG&E vice president of business development & customer engagement. “There’s no cost or penalty for not reducing energy, just opportunities to be rewarded for reducing usage. That means customers can only save money and will never pay more by participating in the program.”
Between May 1 and October 31, Power Saver Rewards event days will be triggered when the state’s grid operator, the California Independent System Operator, issues an Energy Emergency Alert Watch and/or a Flex Alert. PG&E will send an email or text the day before an event day to remind customers of the hours to reduce energy use.
Customers who reduce energy use between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m. on select hot days will receive a credit on their bill after the program season ends. The credit amount is determined by how much the customer saves. The customer will receive $2 per kilowatt hour (kWh) for reducing electricity use during events with a yearly bill credit.
Customers can temporarily reduce usage by turning their thermostat to 78 degrees or higher (health permitting), turning off lights not in use, unplugging EVs and waiting to use big appliances such as washers, dryers, and electric ovens until the peak of grid demand passes.
PG&E electric customers with a SmartMeter not enrolled in a conflicting peak hour program are eligible to participate. Most customers enrolled in a Community Choice Aggregator (CCA) can also join. Customers can disenroll from the program at any time through the program website.
Some PG&E customers have been automatically enrolled in the program this month including those on the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) and Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) programs.
To sign up, go to powersaver.pge.com.
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