The concept of a net zero energy home (ZEH) is to reduce electrical loads to the point that the home's photovoltaic system annually supplies as much electricity to the utility grid as the home uses.

Not only does it require a clear understanding of the climate, building enclosure and internal loads, but the house also must be monitored upon completion to evaluate its actual performance.

This intermediate- to advanced-level class is intended for architects, builders, home performance contractors, designers, engineers and utility staff who are interested in or have experience with ZEH projects.

It will cover the history, challenges, and realities of designing and building ZEHs.

Researcher Danny Parker will astonish, enlighten and entertain with his fascinating perspective on why, how and what it really takes to achieve a ZEH.

Topics include energy gauge modeling, performance monitoring, rebates and incentives.

“Planning a zero energy new or existing home in California” will be held Thursday, July 21, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at The Lodge at Blue Lakes, 5135 Highway 20 in Upper Lake.

Registration is required. Please visit the Lake County Energy Watch Web page at www.energy.co.lake.ca.us, select classes for professionals on the left had side to register.

In addition to providing this energy education, “Lake County Energy Watch” which was launched on Nov. 5, 2010, has partnered with Richard Heath and Associates (RHA) who oversees the Energy Fitness Program, an energy efficiency program available to all non-residential PG&E customers in Lake County whose electrical demand is 200 kW or less including city, state, and federal facilities located in Lake County – as well as non-profit organizations, small businesses and special districts.

The Energy Fitness Program offers lighting retrofits (remove and replace existing lighting for high energy efficient lighting) at no- or low-cost.

The retrofits include 4- and 8-foot linear fixtures, high bay fixtures, Energy Star compact fluorescent lamps, LED exit signs or retro kits, occupancy sensors, vending machine controllers, faucet aerators, as well as additional LED and other cost effective savings measures.

Most of these measures are at absolutely no cost – including removal and installation – with just a few of the options requiring a nominal surcharge.

Lake County Energy Watch was awarded $10,000 by Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) to assist 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in Lake County with paying any applicable surcharge for lighting retrofits.

When a 501(c)(3) nonprofit receives services from RHA through the Lake County Energy Watch program, RHA will invoice Lake County Energy Watch on behalf of the eligible organization.

For residential customers, Lake County Energy Watch is helping to promote A.B.S, an Energy Savings Assistance Program contractor previously known as the Energy Partner Contractor with PG&E that can provide residents with free energy education and weatherization on homes, apartments, or mobile homes which can include attic insulation, weather stripping, caulking, energy-efficient lighting and refrigerators, window repair and more.

Lake County Energy Watch is administered by PG&E using funding from California utility ratepayers under the auspices of the California Public Utilities Commission. Energy Watch partnerships are designed to help local governments and their communities lower their energy bills and enjoy a cleaner environment.

For more information about the Lake County Energy Watch program, contact Michalyn DelValle at 707-263-2221 or visit www.energy.co.lake.ca.us.

To qualify for a Habitat for Humanity home a family must have the need for better housing, have a sustainable, qualifying income dependent upon the number of members in your household, and be willing to partner with Habitat for Humanity in building homes.

The partner family is required to perform a minimum of 500 sweat equity hours prior to becoming a Habitat for Humanity homeowner.

Habitat for Humanity gives a “hand up” not a “hand out.”

Habitat for Humanity, Lake County has completed a total of 15 houses to date and will begin building another home within the next week.

Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit, volunteer-based organization dedicated to eliminating substandard housing in Lake County with the assistance of donors and volunteers who give their time and energy to build these homes.

Families with the need for adequate housing and think they may qualify are encouraged to contact Habitat for Humanity’s Web site at www.lakehabitat.org or call the office at 707-994-1100.

KELSEYVILLE, Calif. – Zino's is ready for the summer “chicken plunge,”.to be held Sunday, July 10, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

All of those folks too chicken to jump in the waters of Clear Lake on New Year's Day 2011 can redeem themselves by plunging on July 10.

Bring the family and enjoy tri-tip sandwiches on the beach and cheer on those brave enough to take the plunge.

All proceed will benefit the Yuba College scholarship in Zino's name awarded to a worthy culinary student.

Cost for the plunge is $10 per person.

Bring your friends and come enjoy this worthwhile event.

The meeting, which begins at 9:30 a.m., will take place at the Lakeport Yacht Club, located in Lakeport at the Fifth Street boat ramp.

The flotilla is actively seeking new members and encourages anyone interested in joining this active group to attend the meeting.

The group also has members who will attend local club meetings and organizational meetings as guest speakers.

To learn more about these programs and the flotilla, please call the information phone line at 707-513-5122.

Massey Burke will lead the workshop from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day at Dancing TreePeople Farm, 1445 Pitney Lane, Upper Lake.

Burke has been teaching and practicing natural building since 2003. She has designed and built structures in the Pacific Northwest, Washington DC, and different parts of Northern California.

Topics will include cob (clay/sand/straw) building, hands-on experience and discussions about business opportunities in Lake County.

The cost is $150 for the weekend or $80 for Saturday only.

Register online at http://www.verticalclay.com or call 707-275-8890.

For information on partial scholarships and payment plans contact Loretta McCarthy, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or telephone 707-275-8890.

According to AAA, during the upcoming July 4 celebration holiday weekend more than 4.6 million Californians are projected to travel 50 miles or more from their homes. This represents a 2.3 percent decrease compared to last year.

“Travelers are definitely feeling the budgetary squeeze this year,” said AAA Northern California spokesperson Cynthia Harris. “Although some Californians may be postponing their travel plans, many others are bucking the economic headwinds by opting for shorter vacations and by cutting back on travel expenditures in order to afford a weekend getaway.”

July 4 marks one of the busiest national holidays. This year, AAA projects more than 3.6 million Californians will drive to reach their holiday destinations. That’s a 2.9 percent decrease when compared to 2010.

Air travel will increase by 1.7 percent, with more than 541,000 Californians expected to take to the skies to reach their holiday destinations.

More than 430,000 state residents plan to travel by other modes of transportation, such as rail, buses and watercraft. This represents a decrease of 2.6 percent when compared to travel figures from last year.

Nationally, AAA forecasts just over 39 million people will travel 50 miles or more during the 4th of July holiday weekend, representing a 2.5 percent decrease compared to last year.

Independence Day holiday weekend airfares are expected to increase by 11 percent, with the lowest round-trip rate averaging $213 per ticket, to top 40 U.S. air routes, according to AAA Leisure Travel Index.

Hotel rates at AAA Three Diamond lodgings are increasing by 3 percent this year, when compared to 2010. They’re averaging $147 per night.

Weekend car rentals also are forecast to increase by three percent, to an average weekend rate of $56. A West Coast family of four is expected to spend an average of $782 over the weekend, while the average road trip will cover 602 miles.

According to AAA’s survey, the primary leisure activities for Californians celebrating the nation’s birthday will be dining, visiting family and friends, traveling to the beaches and waterfront areas, shopping, and sightseeing. Approximately 30 percent of California residents said they will be traveling with family members.

As part of AAA’s ongoing commitment to providing safety and protection to motorists, the AAA Tipsy Tow Program will offer a free tow for drinking drivers from 6 p.m. on July 4, until 6 a.m. on July 5, in Northern California, Nevada and Utah.

Members and non-members alike can call (800) 222-4357 (AAA-HELP) for a free tow of up to ten miles. “Just tell the AAA operator, ‘I need a Tipsy Tow’, and a truck will be on its way,” said Harris. “Service is restricted to a one-way ride for the driver and his or her vehicle to the driver’s home.”

AAA tips to avoid air travel delays

Avoid unnecessary frustration while flying, by following these defensive measures:

• Avoid delay-prone flights. Before you book, make sure you’re on a flight that has a decent arrival history.

• Know your airline. Avoid airlines that are known for labor disruptions or major instances where flights have been canceled.

• Book a nonstop. If you fly direct, you won’t get stuck in a connecting city.

• Fly mornings. Whenever possible, book the first flight of the day. Delays tend to worsen later in the day.

• Leave enough time for connections. Schedule at least one hour for a connection. Give yourself more time if you have to change planes and go through security again.

• Use small airports. Avoid airline hubs whenever possible. Secondary airports are usually less congested and less prone to delays.