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Written by: Dave Gebhard

Published: 26 July 2008

Created: 26 July 2008

Last Updated: 21 August 2008

I read in the paper that Honda has set up the first hydrogen car production line, though it is still limited to those like Jamie Lee Curtis with deep (+$200,000) pockets, and the logistical nightmare of safe and plentiful hydrogen gas stations is still in the future.

Honda is copying the winning formula established by Toyota, with its Prius hybrid technology. Research and Development can provide one with the patents for the cheapest and most efficient systems, and make it the leader in the utilization and promulgation of an entire generation of vehicles.

Why can't Detroit see that alternative energy will be the next big quantum leap in business? I could not care less about the auto industry per se, but our workers need a healthy manufacturing sector to restore our standard of living and the nation's financial health. A service economy will only fall further behind, especially since country's with better educational systems, will catch up with established industries such as computing.

Why are our oil companies so intent on wearing blinders, and not branching out into alternative energies? The future is in renewable energy, which is hopefully nonpolluting and led by Americans.

I am still unhappy at the cavalier way General Motors recalled the EV1 in the 1990s, and summarily denied the renewal of leases. What happened to that technology? It was good enough for all those who owned and leased them.

There are many who convert their own vehicles to electricity, but Congress refused to transfer the oil company subsidy to alternative energy firms. Congress must renew the tax breaks for alternative energy startups, to ensure America will become the alternative energy capital of the future.

We need to decide if we are to continue to keep our heads in the sand, or think ahead. Toyota and Honda are thinking ahead, and they are thriving.

Dave Gebhard lives in Lakeport.

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Written by: Scott and Linda Fergusson

Published: 22 July 2008

Created: 21 July 2008

Last Updated: 22 July 2008

It was our understanding that the road work that closed the old Hidden Valley Lake Main Gate on Highway 29 in Lake County for the last few months was to produce a safe turnout lane into Hidden Valley Lake for southbound traffic.

We were expecting the turnout lane to provide a safe lane so people could avoid being slammed into by drunk and or speeding drivers who are not paying attention (which happened to us and our daughter in separate incidents there).

It seems that a lot of money was spent to do a bunch of nothing there ... What's happening?!

Where's the turn out lane?

Maybe this question would be directed to Ed Robey or maybe Susanne La Faver or Jim Comstock since Ed is on his way to retire. We hope someone knows the story and we're looking forward to hearing it.

Scott and Linda Fergusson lives in Hidden Valley Lake.

Editor's note: Caltrans told Lake County News that the project has been put on hold due to an issue with the newly installed pavement. The lane must be repaved and then striped before the turn lane is complete; however, there is no exact estimate for completion.

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Written by: Vicki L. Hays

Published: 21 July 2008

Created: 21 July 2008

Last Updated: 22 July 2008

As you may be aware, the First 5 Lake County Commission provides New Parent Kits to parents of children born in Lake County. Keeping babies and young children healthy and free of disease is a large part of the educational materials in these kits.

In order to keep oral health a critical part of this outreach effort, many agencies have provided funding/supplies to ensure each kit contains an infant toothbrush and non-fluoride toothpaste.

In response to a recent request to local dentists to join in our efforts to stop the transmission of oral disease from mother to child we asked for help in providing each kit with an adult-sized toothbrush and dental floss.

We would like to thank the following for their generous donations: Dr. Brian Grey, Dr. Alexander McGeoch, Dr. Thomas Hewlitt and Dr. Prasong Imsaurey

It is certainly apparent you are aware of the importance of establishing the practice of sound oral hygiene as early as possible in a child’s life. Thank you again for helping us to achieve this goal.

Vicki L. Hays is secretary for the First 5 Lake County Commission.

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