July 2, 2004

County offers regional programs

By County Supervisor James Beall
Special to the Times

This month I would like to share information on various county and regional programs that you should be aware of. Please contact my office if you would like more information:

$500 for Woodstove/ Fireplace Change-Out
Santa Clara County residents can make a clean air choice and save hundreds of dollars! The Bay Area Air District is offering up to $500 in rebates when you replace your wood burning appliance with one that uses natural gas. This rebate offer is only available for homes in Santa Clara County and you must install a new gas line in order to be eligible to receive a rebate. Switching from burning wood to gas will reduce air pollution and improve air quality in your neighborhood. Visit www.baaqmd.gov for more information.

Santa Clara County Parks and Recreation
Now you can make your boating, camping or group picnic reservation any time of day or night right from your home computer. Just click on www.gooutsideandplay.org and you will be linked to the county of Santa Clara’s Parks and Recreation Web site. You can take a virtual tour of our camping facilities and learn about guided hikes, places to take your dog and moonlight paddle tours.

Green Business Opportunities
The Santa Clara County Green Business Program is a regional joint venture program for certifying businesses that operate using environmentally sound practices. The county’s Green Business coordinator will assist you in reviewing your business’ compliance status and identifying a variety of environmentally sound business practices to implement. You can visit reduce.waste@pln.sccgov.org to get enrolled in the program.

Emergency Preparedness Pocket Guide
The Santa Clara County Public Health Department recently launched its Emergency Preparedness campaign with countywide distribution of the “Emergency Preparedness Pocket Guide.” The pocket guide focuses on general emergency preparedness with important county phone numbers. Guides are available in English, Spanish and Vietnamese. Email odms@hhs.co.scl.ca.us to request a pocket guide.