Clean Energy showcase

Saratoga resident Carol Carrillo was among the winners of Silicon Valley Clean Energy’s (SVCE) Electric Showcase Awards for her efforts to go electric in her home.

All 16 winners were recognized by the Santa Clara Board of Supervisors on Oct. 2.

The Sunnyvale-based clean energy aggregator received more than 150 applications for this year’s awards from Santa Clara County residents and small business owners. The winners include 13 homeowners, an apartment complex, a reform synagogue and a hair salon.

Many of the winners utilized rebates available through SVCE with state and federal incentives to help cover the costs of upgrading to heat pumps, induction cooktops, electric vehicle chargers and other technologies. Some have begun by replacing older gas appliances as they burn out, while others have gone fully electric.

Emergency classes

Wildfire season is upon us, and it’s always good to stay informed and prepared in the event of an emergency.

The Santa Clara County Fire Department is hosting free fire preparedness and home safety classes through the rest of the year. On Oct. 25, the class “Be Ready: Be Prepared for Disasters” will take place from 4:45-6 p.m., and “Are You Prepared for a Medical Emergency?” is set for Nov. 14, 10:45-11:45 a.m. Both classes will be held at the Joan Pisani Community Center, 19655 Allendale Ave., Saratoga.

A “Fall Prevention and Wellness Resources” class will be held in Los Gatos on Dec. 12, 10-11:15 a.m., at 208 E. Main St., room 214.

To register for these classes, visit www.eventbrite.com.

Source: www.mercurynews.com