Greetings, fellow Avilones. With summer safely in the rearview mirror, we can now set our sights on the upcoming fourth quarter of the year, filled with activities and holidays. October is a month when we typically see some of our best weather here in Avila Beach, though it is not uncommon to have a few exceptionally hot days, which for the most part we avoided this past summer. With a return to normal fourth quarter functions after a two-year absence due to the pandemic, the “Foundation” enters its busiest season. Our focus the next couple of months will be on evaluating applications from local agencies seeking grants for programs/projects to take place in 2023, and choosing those we can support. Come December, I will publicly announce the grantee recipients.
By now, I imagine most of you have been informed about the future of the Diablo Canyon Power Plant. Previously on a track toward de-commissioning, things have changed, mostly due to concerns about potential power deficiencies without the plant. Circulated in early September by Eric Daniels, PG&E Public Policy and External Fairs representative for San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties, was the following communication…….
“Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 846 into law today. The law directs all relevant state agencies and PG&E to act quickly and coordinate on the necessary and prudent actions to extend Diablo Canyon Power Plant (DCPP) operations for an additional five years beyond 2025. SB 846 ensures energy reliability as the state accelerates its transition to renewable sources. The bill was supported by local representatives Senator John Laird and Assemblyman Jordan Cunningham. The Legislature showed overwhelming support for the bill in its final votes: Assembly Floor 69-3 and Senate Floor 31-1. PG&E is committed to California’s clean energy future and as a regulated utility, we are required to follow the energy policies of the state.”
“As part of SB 846, the state will authorize a loan of up to $1.4 billion to PG&E to support extending operations at DCPP. The law also directs PG&E to take steps to secure funds from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), and any other potentially available federal funding, which would be used to pay back the loan and lower costs for customers. To that end, today PG&E filed an application for federal funding through the DOE’s Civil Nuclear Credit program.”
“While the state has changed policy regarding operating DCPP beyond the current expiration date of the licenses, it has also directed continued work on decommissioning planning activities. Consequently, PG&E intends to continue on a parallel path towards ultimate decommissioning, including maintaining the Decommissioning Engagement Panel.”
On another matter, a question was directed to me last month about the Bob Jones Pathway, so I reached out to Nick Franco from SLO County Recreation and Parks for a clarification about the issue of motorized bikes allowed on the Pathway. Nick responded thusly………….“electric bikes are a frequent topic of discussion on the Bob Jones Pathway. The Pathway is extremely popular (which is a great thing) and that can sometimes lead to conflicts with so many users on the trail and some not displaying appropriate consideration for others. Whether on a pedal bike or an
e-bike, the laws require people to travel at a speed that is safe for the conditions. When the trail is crowded, that safe speed may only be 5mph, 2mph or less. California law prohibits class 3
e-bikes from trails, but permits class 1 and 2 e-bikes on trails. For the purposes of this law, the Bob Jones Pathway falls under the trail category and class 3 e-bikes are prohibited, (a class 3
e-bike features Pedal Assist only and tops off at 28mph), but all other bikes are allowed.”
Last but not least, I offer a heart-felt thank you, but sad farewell to longtime San Luis Bay Estates resident Sherry Danoff, who recently sold her home and is moving to San Diego to be closer to family. Sherry served diligently for many years on SLBE and AVAC boards and committees. She will be difficult to replace, but always remembered as a valued Avilone. Good luck, Sherry!
That’s all for now. See you at the beach!
By now, I imagine most of you have been informed about the future of the Diablo Canyon Power Plant. Previously on a track toward de-commissioning, things have changed, mostly due to concerns about potential power deficiencies without the plant. Circulated in early September by Eric Daniels, PG&E Public Policy and External Fairs representative for San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties, was the following communication…….
“Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 846 into law today. The law directs all relevant state agencies and PG&E to act quickly and coordinate on the necessary and prudent actions to extend Diablo Canyon Power Plant (DCPP) operations for an additional five years beyond 2025. SB 846 ensures energy reliability as the state accelerates its transition to renewable sources. The bill was supported by local representatives Senator John Laird and Assemblyman Jordan Cunningham. The Legislature showed overwhelming support for the bill in its final votes: Assembly Floor 69-3 and Senate Floor 31-1. PG&E is committed to California’s clean energy future and as a regulated utility, we are required to follow the energy policies of the state.”
“As part of SB 846, the state will authorize a loan of up to $1.4 billion to PG&E to support extending operations at DCPP. The law also directs PG&E to take steps to secure funds from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), and any other potentially available federal funding, which would be used to pay back the loan and lower costs for customers. To that end, today PG&E filed an application for federal funding through the DOE’s Civil Nuclear Credit program.”
“While the state has changed policy regarding operating DCPP beyond the current expiration date of the licenses, it has also directed continued work on decommissioning planning activities. Consequently, PG&E intends to continue on a parallel path towards ultimate decommissioning, including maintaining the Decommissioning Engagement Panel.”
On another matter, a question was directed to me last month about the Bob Jones Pathway, so I reached out to Nick Franco from SLO County Recreation and Parks for a clarification about the issue of motorized bikes allowed on the Pathway. Nick responded thusly………….“electric bikes are a frequent topic of discussion on the Bob Jones Pathway. The Pathway is extremely popular (which is a great thing) and that can sometimes lead to conflicts with so many users on the trail and some not displaying appropriate consideration for others. Whether on a pedal bike or an
e-bike, the laws require people to travel at a speed that is safe for the conditions. When the trail is crowded, that safe speed may only be 5mph, 2mph or less. California law prohibits class 3
e-bikes from trails, but permits class 1 and 2 e-bikes on trails. For the purposes of this law, the Bob Jones Pathway falls under the trail category and class 3 e-bikes are prohibited, (a class 3
e-bike features Pedal Assist only and tops off at 28mph), but all other bikes are allowed.”
Last but not least, I offer a heart-felt thank you, but sad farewell to longtime San Luis Bay Estates resident Sherry Danoff, who recently sold her home and is moving to San Diego to be closer to family. Sherry served diligently for many years on SLBE and AVAC boards and committees. She will be difficult to replace, but always remembered as a valued Avilone. Good luck, Sherry!
That’s all for now. See you at the beach!
RSS Feed