Marc Lifscher, Los Angeles Times

Staff Reports, Stockton Record Net

STOCKTON - Anticipated federal stimulus dollars to keep the chill at bay while protecting jobs are on the way, including $1.8 million for San Joaquin County's weatherization program.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's Office on Tuesday announced more than $68 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act had been awarded. The county money was expected; it's part of a $4.2 million contract approved by the county Board of Supervisors in June.

Todd Woody, Los Angeles Times

Would you pay $39.95 for a light bulb?

Didn't think so. But what if it used 90% less electricity than a standard incandescent bulb, cut greenhouse gas emissions and saved you about $280 over its 25-year life span?

That's the challenge facing Dutch start-up Lemnis Lighting, which on Friday began selling the American version of what apparently is the world's first dimmable LED bulb compatible with home light fixtures.

John Cox, Bakersfield.com

Agueda Serrano still doesn't buy it.

The 71-year-old Bakersfield resident showed up early to the "answer centers" that Pacific Gas and Electric Co. set up at a downtown hotel Friday to help people understand why their electricity bills shot up this summer.

Victor Garcia, Visalia Times-Delta

The Visalia Unified School District's four-day summer work schedule helped lower its utility costs by $129,000, Superintendent Stan Carrizosa said.
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In the district, office staff, custodians and maintenance crews work 12 months of the year.

Summer district staff worked 10 hours per day, four days per week.

Based on the program's success, the district is planning to continue it next summer, Carrizosa said.