Page 1 Haynes Power plant has been granted permission to use diesel to power the plant this summer to prevent blackouts.

DWP ower company allowed to burn smog

producing diesel to prevent blackouts

Air quality regulators will allow the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (DWP) to violate pollution rules this summer by burning diesel fuel at the Haynes Power Plant, if it is the only way to prevent blackouts.

A a recent hearing the South Coast Air Quality Management District’s (AQMD) board granted the DWP a 90-day exemption from emissions limits.

The utility company petitioned the AQMD to allow the use of diesel fuel as a “last resort.”

A report by state energy agencies and the DWP warned that Southern California could face about 14 days of rolling blackouts during the summer due to reduction in the supply of natural gas from the Southern California Gas Co. storage facility in Aliso Canyon. The DWP and the AQMD said a failure to prevent blackouts would actually increase emissions elsewhere by forcing hospitals, police stations and businesses to run diesel backup generators with few pollution controls.

Diesel emissions cause nitrogen oxide, which creates smog.

The natural gas plant is normally allowed to burn diesel during a natural disaster such as an earthquake.

In addition to holding public meetings to address concerns in communities near the plants, theautility must pay $1.5 million, plus $100,000, for each day diesel fuel is used during a natural gas curtailment. The fees will be used to install air filters and purchase electric buses for nearby schools.

Jay and the Americans

Amphitheater 2016

New season kicks off at 8 p.m.

The 2016 Amphitheater season starts tonight at 8 with Jay and the Americans kicking off a summer of music under the stars.

Shows start at 8 p.m. until September, when they start at 7:30. Admission is free. Minibus transportation will be available before and after shows.

Starting at 5 p.m., Koffel’s, the Taco Tuesday food truck, will be parked near the tables in the bus loading area with a variety of foods for sale, along with sweet treats from Cold Stone Creamery.

Pizza Thursday continues to be held during the Amphitheater season in the parking lot of Clubhouse 6 from 5-8 p.m., sponsored by the GRF Recreation Department. Domino’s provides the pizza and welcomes special orders, which may be called in to 493-2212 between 10 a.m.-1 p.m. for pickup at the truck.

Cathie Merz, staff photos

The 2016-17 GRF Board of Directors are Tim Bolton, Mutual 16 (back, l-r); Steve McGuigan, Mutual 8; Paul Pratt, Mutual 2; Barry Lukoff, Mutual 14; Perry Moore, Mutual 17; Richard Stone, Mutual 1; Paula Snowden, Mutual 2 (front, l-r); Susan Hopewell, Mutual 6; Kathleen Rapp, Mutual 7; Carole Damoci, Mutual 12; Linda Stone, Mutual 3; Joy Reed, Mutual 4; and Leah Perrotti, Mutual 1. Not pictured are Phil Hood, Mutual 5; Marjorie Dodero, Mutual 9;

Mary Ruth Greer, Mutual 11; and Helen Tran, Mutual 15.

GRF New officers will oversee foundation matters

by Cathie Merz

Community Editor

The Golden Rain Foundation Board of Directors reorganized last week for the 2016-17 term and elected new officers.

Carole Damoci was elected president; Linda Stone, vice president; Phil Hood, treasurer; and Joy Reed, corporate secretary.

The board will be looking to the future, according to President Damoci. GRF Board meeting are held at 10 a.m. on the fourth Tuesday of the month in Clubhouse 4. All shareholders are encouraged to attend. Shareholders’ input is welcome.

Three new representatives will be serving this year, Helen Tran, Mutual 15; Susan Hopewell, Mutual 6; and a director to be named later from Mutual 10.

Damoci was first elected to the board in June 2012 after serving on the Mutual 12 board. She is familiar with laws that govern common interest developments and has a well-rounded background in LW after serving on nearly every committee, including the Executive, Physical Property, Recreation, Finance, Information Technology Services, Security, Bus & Traffic, Library, and the Facilities and Amenities Review Ad Hoc committees. She was also on LAMC Medical Advisory Board.

Stone was elected to the GRF Board in 2013 after serving two terms as Mutual 3 president. She has served on the executive Committee for three terms, Finance Committee, the Information Technology Services, Physical Property, Recreation, Architectural Design Review committees and the Facilities and Amenities Review Ad Hoc Committee.

This is Phil Hood’s first term as an officer. He was elected to the Board of Directors in 2014 after serving as the chief financial officer and president for Mutual 5.

He has served on the Executive, Finance, Recreation, Communications, Library and Security, Bus & Traffic, Architectural Design & Review and Mutual Administration committees. He was also a member of the Facilities and Amenities Review and Committee Charter ad hoc committees.

Joy Reed returns as the corporate secretary for the board. She joined the Board of Directors in 2014. She has served on Executive, Communications, Recreation, Information Technology Services, Recreation and Architectural Design and Review committees. She was also a member of the Facilities and Amenities Review Ad Hoc Committee.

AT THE HELM— Officers for the GRF Board of Directors in 2016-17 are Phil Hood (l-r), treasurer; Carole Damoci, president, Linda Stone vice president and Joy Reed, corporate secretary.

Of Mutual Interest

Leisure World residents often write letters to the editor expressing a deep appreciation for their community by the sea. The News would like to feature residents’ testimonials to illuminate Leisure World’s vibrant lifestyle. It might be the deep neighbor-to-neighbor connections that are often kindled here, the wide variety of amenities to keep body and spirit healthy or the crazy quilt of clubs that foster a serious leisure, the kind that demands commitment. Residents are invited to submit brief statements about what they love about Leisure World to include their complete name, mutual numbers and contact information. Email them to rutho_news@lwsb.com or drop them off at The News office on weekdays between 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Physical Property

Need contractor for work inside LW?

Read this first before hiring anyone

by Mark Weaver

GRF Facilities Director

Finding a contractor who will perform quality work at a reasonable price can be a daunting task. It’s always a good idea to ask for and check references. To do this, residents can contact the Better Business Bureau at (213) 631-3600 (bbb.org) and The California State Contractors License Board at 800 321-2752 (www.cslb.ca.gov) to see if there are complaints against a prospective contractor.

Most importantly, residents should check with their Mutuals and/or the GRF Physical Property Department before starting any work. The Physical Property Department will only allow approved contractors to work inside Leisure World. A list of approved contractors is available in the Physical Properties Office. Contractors must qualify and obtain proper permits before the commencement of any work. GRF and/or city permits are required for any modifications to the building, including electrical, plumbing or mechanical work, and the addition of square footage.

No permits are required for items such as painting and window coverings inside units. Some Mutuals have recently required the need for an in-house permit for floor replacement. Information on obtaining a permit to modify a home can be obtained by contacting the GRF Permit Clerk at 431-6586, ext. 352.

The following warning signs should alert people to unscrupulous, disorganized, inexperienced or financially troubled contractors who may deliver broken promises, bad work and blown budgets rather than professional results:

• First Impressions: In any business, first impressions are important. How a contractor presents himself and maintains his truck, tools and equipment are good indicators of how well he’ll take care of you and your job. He should look neat and professional, and his vehicles and equipment should be clean and in good repair.

• Beware Low Bids: Price is always an important consideration when selecting a contractor, but don’t let a low price or a special deal blind you to a potential problem—both can be signs that you should be wary. A bid far lower than others may indicate the contractor isn’t experienced enough to know the actual cost of the job or he never intends to finish the work. Disreputable contractors may bid low to secure a contract and then tack on extra charges as the job progresses.

• Take Your Time: If you are pressured during the bidding process by tactics such as “limited-time offers,” look for a different contractor. Hiring a contractor is not a split-second decision; for this reason, many states give homeowners three days to cancel a home improvement contract — without obligation — after signing it. A prospective contractor should take his time as well, carefully reviewing the specifications of your job before submitting his bid. If he doesn’t take notes and measurements and make material and labor calculations, or if he simply names a price based on a similar job, he may not be detail-oriented or thorough enough to do a good job.

• Beware Materials Discount: A prospective contractor may offer a discount, hoping to earn future business following a job well done, but be wary if a contractor offers materials at a discounted rate. Small contractors rarely buy materials in the high volumes necessary to yield big discounts, and unless they severely overestimated quantities for a previous job, they rarely stock large inventories of material. Discounted materials are usually seconds, ungraded or below-grade minimums for code, any of which would compromise the quality of your project.

• Only 20 Percent Up Front: While the price may be right, what about the terms of payment? In general, don’t choose a contractor who asks for more than 20 percent of the total cost of a job up front. While some projects require a large initial payment to cover a deposit for products like cabinets or special-order ceramic tile, it doesn’t apply to commodity materials like roofing and lumber, which a legitimate contractor will usually purchase on account with at least 30 days to pay.

• Beware Cash-Only Jobs: Finally, a contractor who works on a cash-only basis raises a big red flag. Not only does paying in cash limit your financial recourse if problems arise, the contractor is likely not operating a legitimate business, which includes paying taxes and insurance. Look elsewhere for a professional to perform the work.

Seal Beach

Bath accessibility applications are being accepted

The City of Seal Beach Bathroom Accessibility Program is set to restart on July 1. With $180,000 of new funding, the City of Seal Beach will make between 65-85 bathrooms more accessible to qualified residents. The process converts the tub/shower combination into a shower only, and eliminates the need to lift one leg up and over the tub wall, which is particularly difficult when standing barefoot on a wet surface. In addition, the grant funds can also be used to replace an existing toilet with a high-boy toilet; further assisting seniors.

Applications are currently being accepted. Call CivicStone at (909)364-9000 for an application or download it on the City of Seal Beach’s website http://www.sealbeachca.gov/City-Services/Senior-Services.

For people who need help, an application workshop will be held Tuesday, June 28, in Clubhouse 4, Section A, from 2-5pm. To expedite the application process, bring your latest IRS tax return (if applicable), most recent bank statements and investment statements.