Dear Friends and Neighbors,

    Fall is here and political campaigns are in full swing. Exercising you right to vote is particularly important this year. If you have any doubts about whether or not you are registered to vote, you can find out by following the links at the bottom of this newsletter.

    I have written about several programs that benefit our climate change goals: solar installations at a discount, disposal of hazardous waste, and a prototype green house in our neighborhood. Please take a moment to check out the information, which I think you will find relevant and useful. For example, I am exploring the advantages of the "Solar Shares" program because the lease on my electric vehicle is up soon and the discounts on a new leased EV seem favorable using this offer.

    The Crime Report presents a good picture, but remember that this is only through June, 2016. In our hills neighborhood, residents have reported car break-ins, mail and package thefts, and home burglaries. With many residents installing security cameras, we are getting excellent images of the perpetrators and video of how they operate. The police department is collecting all of these photos and videos and analyzing the information. I have confidence that these criminals will be caught. Reporting each incident is crucial to the way the Police Department allocates its resources, so please take the time to report even minor offenses.

    Let's not make it easy for these criminals. Please do not leave anything of value in your car. Make sure your doors and windows are locked when you leave home or at night. If you are going out of town make arrangements for your mail to be collected by a neighbor or put a hold on delivery with the USPS. Feeling safe in our community is essential to the quality of life that we all expect. Your safety is my number one priority.

My best,