May 8 Salon Theme is

"Light and Dark"

SALON SERIES III is Friday, May 8th, 7 to 9 p.m. at the Green Coalition Resource Center - 206 N. Signal St., Suite S, in downtown Ojai.

In honor of the International Year of Light, May's Salon theme is 'LIGHT AND DARK.'

The wonder of the night sky has been a constant since the dawn of civilization. It has inspired countless generations, poets, scientists and dreamers.

In Science, darkness is the absence of light, but can we have light without the dark? The night atmosphere chemically goes through a self-cleansing process, so our daylight atmosphere is purer.

In Art, dark and light use each other to create a picture that has depth and shape. This contrast is very important, and the artist has to learn how to work with both.

In Psychology, the dark or shadow informs the light of consciousness. This consciousness and insight is dependent on the exploration of the invisible or the dark.

Where are you on the spectrum? Come share in the medium that speaks to you, spoken word, image, object, song . . . or come to listen.

The evening will be a casually structured conversation hosted by Gail Topping and Deborah Pendrey. Please note and honor that it is our intention for this Salon Series to be a place to get 'heart' nourishment for the many challenges we face, NOT cite problems and resolve issues.

A donation and beverage to share is appreciated, though not required. The Salon will begin promptly at 7 p.m. and seating is limited. We encourage early arrival with doors opening at 6:45.

You Can Go Solar.

We Can Help!

Solarize Ojai Valley is a program brought to you by the Green Coalition and Community Environmental Council (CEC), a partnership that makes it easier and more affordable for local homeowners to go solar. Our group purchasing model helps local homeowners install solar electricity through a streamlined and hassle-free process, at a discounted price.

Local homeowners who meet these three simple qualifications are eligible for savings through the Solarize Ojai Valley program:

• Live in the Ojai Valley
• Own a suitable home for a solar installation
• Sign a contract with a pre-qualified installer April 22 - July 18

CEC and OVGC first carefully evaluated and selected experienced solar installer partners. We then negotiated a limited time, discounted price that the installer partners agreed to offer to Ojai Valley residents who go solar through the program. By gathering residents together in a community-led effort to go solar, Solarize Ojai Valley ALSO offers a significant discount made possible through collective purchasing - $3.60 per watt rather than the Ventura County average of $4.88.

To learn more about Solarize Ojai Valley contact April Price, CEC's Energy Associate by email or by calling (805) 963-0583 x101. You are also encouraged to attend a free solar workshop. At the workshops, we explain solar technologies, energy efficiency, solar financing options and most importantly - how going solar can save you money:

Thursday, June 4, 6:00-7:30pm Chaparral Auditorium, 414 E. Ojai Avenue, Ojai, CA 93023

Thursday, June 30, 6:00-7:30pm Oak View Park & Resource Center, 555 Mahoney Avenue, Oak View CA 93022

May is Water Awareness Month

Water Awareness Month began during California's 1987-1992 drought. It was developed by the State Department of Water Resources and the Association of California Water Agencies to educate the public on the importance of efficient water use and conservation habits.

During the month of May we are asked to reevaluate our water conservation efforts to ensure we are focused on preserving the most precious resource in California - water. With 2015 being declared as the fourth year of a drought, it is more important than ever to do everything we can to help sustain a long lasting water supply.

Let's take this time to focus on our conservation efforts - what we are currently doing and how we can do better. Learn more at Local Water Matters Resource page, Water: Use it Wisely, and Save Our H20.