 |
|||||
|
Energy powwow aims to stave off blackouts
by Jason Dietrich
Lights went out across the Beach Cites last week as rolling blackouts swept across Southern California, backing up traffic and shutting down businesses. To help spread information about California’s often confusing power structure, the cities of Hermosa and Redondo Beach are putting on a discussion and informational presentation 6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 29 at the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center located at 1935 Manhattan Beach Blvd.
"If you think this week’s blackout was bad, just wait until this summer. This is only the tip of the iceberg," said Redondo Councilman Bob Pinzler.
Experts will address how individuals, businesses and cities can conserve power, how to prepare for rolling blackouts, and the causes of the looming energy crisis. Panelists will also discuss the scope of the problem, and how it may affect the rest of the nation and further impact the South Bay.
Redondo Beach Mayor Greg Hill and Hermosa Beach Mayor John Bowler will host the free presentation. Keynote speakers will be Sacramento Bee Columnist Dan Walters, author of "The New California: Facing the 21st Century" and "Dimming of America," and Peter Navarro, associate professor of economics and public policy at the University of California, Irvine.
Press Secretary for Governor Gray Davis Steven Mazitlio, Commissioner Robert Laurie of the California Energy Commission and Mark Woodruff, president of AES Southland are also scheduled to attend, as are representatives from Southern California Edison and the Southern California Gas Company.
The presentation will begin with the speakers, followed by panel discussion until 9 p.m. A multi-city task force will meet on April 30 to follow up on the results of the discussion.
"We think it’s going to be a provocative discussion, and a chance for people in the South bay to get some expert advice on dealing with this crisis," said Maggie Healy of the Redondo Beach City Manager’s office.
Healy said that the summit is budgeted to cost the host cities $7,000. ER