SOLAR PANEL DEADLINE ... The City of Palo Alto Utilities is rapidly approaching the 10.8 megawatts for the solar Net Energy Metering (NEM) program. Once the cap has been reached, new solar customers will be under the NEM Successor rate. Existing solar customers may continue on the NEM rate for a period of 20 years from the date the City of Palo Alto first approved the solar PV interconnection (also known as the NEM term). Since the City expects to reach the NEM cap within the next six months to one year, the city's Utilities Department has launched a system to allow solar customers to reserve a place in the NEM program on a first-come, first-served basis, to customers who have signed solar PV purchase or lease contracts; submitted a complete NEM Reservation application; and are able to have the PV system installed and approved for interconnection within six months from the date the NEM Reservation application was approved. The NEM Reservation Application will be available online Monday, Nov. 14 at 8 a.m. at City of Palo Alto.
PALO ALTO STREET SWEEPING ... As the leaves begin to fall, the street sweepers come out. Palo Alto streets will be swept every week until about Feb. 20, 2017. Street sweeping keeps the streets clean and safe by removing the dirt, metals, petroleum products, garbage and vegetation that regularly collect. Removing these materials is important because they could end up in our storm drains and eventually into our creeks and the San Francisco Bay. Keeping the storm drains clear not only helps to reduce pollution, but also reduces the likelihood of flooding during heavy rain. Street sweepers cannot pick up large pieces or piles. To ensure a clean street: Avoid raking or blowing or piling leaves or other debris in the street or gutter. Keep palm fronds and long twigs and branches out. Pick up litter. Park your vehicles off the street on your designated sweep day. During rains, prevent flooding by raking leaves off storm drain grates.
LANDSCAPE DINNER ... The California Landscape Contractors' Association will hold a dinner meeting Thursday Nov. 10 from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. to honor this year's San Francisco Bay Area Chapter Board of Directors and install the officers for 2017. The event will be held at Chef Chu's, 1067 N. San Antonio Road in Los Altos. To register go to clcasfba.org.
FILOLI FOR THE HOLIDAYS ... The Filoli estate and garden offers a plethora of popular holiday events. Plan ahead and purchase tickets soon, as many events are already sold out. On Friday, Nov. 25 from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. the festivities will kick off with "Opening Night — Première Shopping" where you can enjoy appetizers, champagne, and wine in the Dining Room and Dining Room Terrace. Be the first to see a magnificent showcase of sparkling holiday splendor and to shop a wide range of unique holiday gifts and decor. Black–tie encouraged. Purchase tickets by 4 p.m Monday, Nov. 21 at filoli.org. The cost is $8 for members, $90 for non-members. Check the website for a complete listing of holiday events.
WINTER GARDENING ... Palo Alto's Common Ground expert gardeners say you can plant lots of veggies right now. Plant directly into the ground: beets, carrots, parsnips, radishes, turnips and wildflowers. For a more extensive list and lots of advice go to commongroundgarden.org
