SDRotary - Getting Involved

June 1, 2005

This week’s Bulletin was written by Steve Espino

This Week’s Meeting

Maureen Eberle, President Elect, called our meeting to order in Ron’s absence and invited Mitra Mujica to deliver the Invocation. Mike Lewis led us in the pledge and Jim Mulvaney led us in singing “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” in honor of our NL West 1^st Place Padres. Padre fans hope the May run can last well into the summer. Peter McGuire introduced our numerous guests & visiting Rotarians. Club 33 continues to make our breakfast meeting their meeting of choice.

Announcements

Ø Maureen announced that Ron was relaxing and catching up on his sleep. He did have time to make it to the casino and hit a $1,200 jackpot.

Ø Melissa Blackburn presented a check of $1,000 to Voices for Children, the advocate for foster children.

Ø The Demotion Party this year will be at the San Diego Yacht Club, but on THURSDAY June 30th (not the usual Tues 6/28).

Ø District Council Dinner on June 28th - Please try to attend for induction of the new District Governor and presentation of awards - we are nominated for the RI Presidential Citation!

Ø Jonathan Stone announced the upcoming Relay for Life to benefit the American Cancer Society to be held on August 27-28.

Ø Chuck Pretto from Club 33 is looking for help housing youth exchange students coming into town from 25 different countries. They need volunteer homes for the weekend of June 10-12. Call (619) 523-2700 ext. 325 or send an e-mail to cpretto@kobeys.com.

Ø Maureen announced an upcoming Harbor Cruise to be held on September 15^th and hosted by the Tijuana Agua Caliente Rotary.

Ø Big “Thank You!!” to Mel Gallegos for his work on the PowerPoint presentation showcased at our recent fundraiser.

Ø Jay inducted Karny Stefan as our newest Rotary member, sponsored by Jim Mulvaney. She is with the San Diego Hospice and is a former Rotarian from Arizona.

Ø A nice thank you note was sent to our club by the Deftness Research Foundation.

SGt-At-Arms

Ø Happy Birthday to Jim Mulvaney who celebrated his birthday on May 31^st.

Ø Our Webmaster Scott Carr biked through the Burgundy region of France. …150 miles of fun. Susan Bliecher also participated in a big ride up the coast recently.

Ø Mitra Mujica announced her wedding engagement. The groom-to-be proposed in Big Sur. He rented an entire mountain fully equipped with private waiter and chef. He also got on one knee to pop the question. Way to go Mitra!!!

Ø A happy birthday song for Jay Sener was enjoyed by all.

Ø Joe Marshall the birth of his grandson who was born 9 week early and weighed in at 4 pounds. Mother and child are doing well.

This Week’s Speakers

Mitra Mujica introduced Patrick Charles from SDGE. He spoke on the Advanced metering infrastructure project proposed by SDGE.

San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) has unveiled a proposal to install technologically advanced electric meters for its customers over the next four years. The new meters would ensure accurate automated meter readings, lead to quicker response to electric outages and provide customers with more information regarding their energy use. Ultimately, utility officials say advanced meters should reduce the likelihood of electricity shortages and defer the need for future power plants.

California utilities tested an advanced metering system to reduce energy usage at peak times through a series of statewide pilot programs over the last two years. In 2003 and 2004, more than 2,000 residential and commercial customers across California tested this type of equipment along with electric rates that changed at different times of the day. Pilot program participants were generally pleased, rating their satisfaction more than “7” on a 10-point scale, with “10” being the highest rating possible. Participants also used an average of 14 percent less electricity during critical high-demand, or “peak,” periods, typically 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.

SDG&E plans to spend approximately $420 million in capital expenditures from 2005 to 2009 that will return almost $660 million of benefits to customers in today’s dollars over a 16-year period (2006-2021). These benefits come from operating more efficiently as well as avoiding the infrastructure needed to serve those few hours in the year when demand is extremely high. Additional operational benefits include: reduction in number of meter re-readings; reduction in customer calls about metering issues; and reduction in costs to reprogram meters, which will be done remotely. Also, precise information on customer usage patterns will enable SDG&E to design its system for maximum effectiveness, as well as reduce customer calls to discuss meter readings. SDG&E expects to reduce the meter-reader work force primarily through attrition during phase-in of the new meters.

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