The Extraordinary Ordinary: Susan Linz

[Originally published July 30, 2015]

Susan Linz exudes freshness, warmth and a deep love for Davis. You might know her from Logos Used Bookstore, where she manages all the details of running the shop. 

She and her husband, Peter, started Logos out of love for their community and for humanity. Logos, a nonprofit, is in its sixth year. All profits from book sales go directly to Doctors Without Borders and Save the Children. In 2014, Logos donated $45,000 to Doctors Without Borders and $47,000 overall. Since its inception, Logos has contributed $200,000. 

Susan carefully nurtured and coaxed Logos into becoming a gathering place, a “browsing bookstore.” For example, it’s open on Saturdays until 8, so people can amble over to Logos after dinner with their ice cream cones and enjoy meandering through the store’s 7,500+ books.  

"Conversation is really important. We're good at shouting at one another these days. It's lovely to talk about a book," said Susan. One of Susan and Peter’s favorite questions to ask the students who wander in wanting something to read other than textbooks is, “What do you like to read?” Susan said, “It’s fun.” They help the students sleuth out great books according to their interests—“Steppenwolf by Hesse, for example, for the kids who are getting existential,” said Susan.

A retired French instructor who taught at Solano College, Susan brings her love of languages to Logos with its Spanish, Italian and French Language Circles that meet once each month. A topic is shared beforehand, so people have time to prepare. Then people converge to practice conversing in the language. Poetry readings, shows that feature local artists, and music flood Logos' calendar of events, also à la Susan.

Susan began at UC Davis as a medical student, taking the likes of organic chemistry, but experienced France when she signed up for UCD's Junior Year Abroad program in Bordeaux. Upon returning home, she switched her major to French and went on to earn a Master’s in French, as well. She then returned to France to live for two years in Bordeaux and Tours.

Susan and Peter met in an elevator, as Susan was making her way up to the math TA's office for tutoring. They've been married for forty years. Regarding marriage, Susan said, "Nobody should ever think that it's an easy thing. You have to really work at it."  They have two sons, Davis and Thomas, both of whom have just returned to grad school for their PhDs.

Susan relishes new challenges and experiences. When I asked her how she first responded to Peter's idea of opening a nonprofit used bookstore, she said, "Whoa, that's something that neither of us has ever done before!" Well done, Susan and Peter!

“It’s a joy for us. We’re enjoying it for all it’s worth right now,” said Susan.

Merci, Susan, for shining so brightly. Grazie for all the joy, cultural adventure and affection you share with us. Gracias for being so extraordinary.

The Extraordinary Ordinary: Marjory Tolbert

[Originally published July 22, 2015]

On occasion, we meet extraordinary people who grow more beautiful with each passing year. These vibrant and often quiet contributors to our community are treasures whose lives inspire others. Marjory Tolbert is such a sparkling gem.

An English major just shy of obtaining her Master's, Marjory shared her love of books with me. "Books are your best friends. They are always open-armed and ready to receive you." 

As a child, her family moved a lot. Marjory looked at it as a grand adventure. At an early age, her mother handed her the book, "Heidi," and told her to read it. When she had finished, she asked her mother what she should do. Her mother replied, "Read it again." And thus began Marjory's love affair with books. 

After four years of persistence on the part of Mr. Joseph Tolbert, a Captain in the United States Air Force, Marjory married the man. They had two sons, Ridge and Ned. Joseph flew in three wars--World War II, Korea and Vietnam. And, in 1969, the Tolberts moved to Davis. 

When I told Marjory that she was "zesty," she replied, "Well, what else are you going to do? I had to find ways to get along. You have to sustain yourself." And sustain herself she did. While Joseph was flying missions, Marjory got involved in theater, dancing, chorale, and writing for the BBC and other publications. She worked in the hospitals taking care of wounded soldiers. While they were stationed in England, she traveled extensively throughout Europe,Tangier, Majorca, Egypt and Greece with other Air Force wives.

"I couldn't stand being cooped up constantly. I had to get out, too. I inherited the spirit of adventure from my childhood. I always felt so privileged to get to do all these things," she said. 

Here in Davis, she has been an active member of the University Farm Circle, the Sweet Adelines, El Macero Republican Women (she introduced Nancy Reagan), a Crocker Art Museum docent, on the Yolo County Board of the Red Cross, Davis/Sacramento Symphony League, Davis Family Services, and a docent at the original Nut Tree ranch house...among many other things. 

"If you can't contribute, you shouldn't belong," said Marjory. "I've been very lucky. I've had a good life. I just feel grateful."

Marjory continues to stay interested and involved in the local color and culture. She takes Zumba and Jazzercise, plays bridge and bunko, attends Air Force events, partakes of the theater, and so much more. And, in case you're wondering, the photo up top is Marjory standing next to...Marjory. A friend of hers painted Marjory pin-up style. Marjory's spunk shines through. 

Marjory Tolbert, you've got gumption! Thank you for letting your light shine so brightly and bringing others great joy.

The Extraordinary Ordinary: Terence and Janis Lott

[Originally posted July 8, 2015]

Davis is reflected in the glass of the large New York Times clock in Newsbeat's window, the perfect juxtoposition to describe Newsbeat'sowners,Terence and Janis Lott, and how they conduct their business. (The clock was given to them by the New York Times for being "the perfect newstand.")

Newsbeat is a Davis institution. Janis and Terence are bright lights in our community. They embrace their customers with respect, kindness and care. And they never waver. I've experienced and observed the love they express to everyone who walks into the Newsbeat, regardless of the person's station in life. 

"We're all in this together, people," said Janis. "Being kind is not hard to do. It's all about relationships, about being kind to one another." 

Janis is deeply touched when customers--even from their Sacramento store, which they've since closed--come in to see how they're faring or to show them their new puppy or meet their new baby. Terence and Janis cherish their regulars, too. The eighty-year-old men who come in regularly for their morning newspapers and to talk, for example, and the people who bring in their dogs, well-knowing that Janis and Terence have dog treats at the ready. 

"It's the kind of store that welcomes people from every walk of life with humanity, kindness, and great regard," said Terence. Janis refers to the Newsbeat as "a nice, visceral experience, a little mental health break for people. They can buy or not buy."

Janis is especially grateful for all the quiet support she received from customers and vendors when she was going through chemo. Years later, people are still checking up on her. 

In 25 years of business, they've never had to advertise. "We feel like Newsbeat is special because we're in a special place," said Terence."Yes," chimed Janis, "We're a college town, but we're not hoity-toity like some university towns. There's a bucolic quality here in Davis, the kindness and warmth of an agricultural community...that connection to earth and water and growing things." 

Janis and Terence ardently support local artists and authors in their store, too, which brings us back to our town reflected in Newsbeat's New York Times clock. Sophistication without pretension. Intelligence, not intellectualism. And an awareness of what people want and need. First and foremost, though, is love. Plain and simple. 

Janis and Terence, you are rays of sunshine who brighten all our lives. Thank you for being so extraordinary. 

The Sun, According to Poet Mary Oliver

[Originally posted July 3, 2015]

Welcome to Repower's Friday Solar Poetry Corner. We're as ecstatic about the Sun as is poet Mary Oliver. Mary pegs it! Frankly, solar makes us feel good...really, really good. We're helping Yolo reduce our Greenhouse Gas Emissions and giving our friends and neighbors the opportunity to save big on solar installations and electricity bills. 

Here's to you, Mary Oliver! Enjoy.

The Sun

Have you ever seen
anything
in your life
more wonderful

than the way the sun, 
every evening, 
relaxed and easy, 
floats toward the horizon

and into the clouds or the hills, 
or the rumpled sea, 
and is gone– 
and how it slides again

out of the blackness, 
every morning, 
on the other side of the world, 
like a red flower

streaming upward on its heavenly oils, 
say, on a morning in early summer, 
at its perfect imperial distance– 
and have you ever felt for anything
such wild love– 
do you think there is anywhere, in any language, 
a word billowing enough
for the pleasure

that fills you, 
as the sun
reaches out, 
as it warms you

as you stand there, 
empty-handed– 
or have you too
turned from this world–

or have you too
gone crazy
for power, 
for things?

One Year After Going Solar: PG&E True-Up

[Originally posted July 2, 2015]

Happy Repower homeowner Fred Lee went solar a year ago. Yesterday, he emailed us the numbers on his ROI in Solar. Here is what he wrote:

Subject: PGE True-up on our one year of solar cells

PGE has just released the "true-up" on our one year of our solar cells use. 

Last year, before installation of the solar cells, we paid PGE over $5550 for use of electricity. 

The True Up total electric use was $452.20, i.e., our total electric use cost during the past year compared to solar cell generation was a negative $452.20. Therefore we have saved about $6,000 last year as a result of solar cell generation and our reduced rate of electricity use. 

During the past year, we paid $210/month on the Yolo Federal [Credit Union] loan that enabled us to purchase the solar cells. We also saved about $11,000 in our 2014 federal tax credit due to the solar cell purchase.

Thanks for all your help in obtaining our solar cells.  

Fred

The Extraordinary Ordinary: Estela Gatto

[Originally published July 1, 2015]

We use the Davis' downtown United States Post Office a lot.  And Estela Gatto, the woman behind the front desk...the woman who keeps everything moving along harmoniously... the woman who gives each person her full attention and care...always makes our day.

It doesn't matter who needs what, Estela is unwaveringly patient and kind. Students come in with flumpily wrapped packages to mail overseas (with all the labels in the wrong places) and Estela helps them sort it all out.

Today, an "experienced person," who has probably circled the Sun at the astounding speed of 67,000 miles per hour eighty-plus times now, didn't understand how to swipe her credit card and Estela very quietly and patiently explained. One of the people in line stepped to the front to help the woman, too. The potentially drab post office was shining with positive vibes.

Estela sets the tone of kindness. Sometimes the line gets long, but she never acts pressured or irritated. She jokes with everyone and makes sure that the people waiting all are reaping the benefits of the air conditioning. 

"Don't stand out there to wait. It's too hot," Estela says, "Come in here and just remember your place in line." 

I went to the Post Office today for the express purpose of seeing Estela about this blog post. I waited in line and looked around me. There were four or five in line behind me, but no one looked grumpy. When it was my turn, I told Estela why I had come.

"Estela, Repower decided to highlight people who are making a difference in our community, and you're our very first person to be featured in our Extraordinary Ordinary Wednesday post! You always make our day and I know that you brighten many others' days, too."

"It comes naturally to me because I just treat others the way that I would like to be treated," she said. 

Then something else extraordinary happened. Everyone in the line chimed in and shared their appreciation of Estela. They were excited about the idea of our Extraordinary Ordinary Wednesday post and asked where they could read about their beloved Estela. Yes, we had a bit of a celebration in the middle of the tiny Downtown Davis Post Office!

When I shot Estela's photo, she joked, "I hope I didn't break your camera." Not a chance. Estela Gatto, you are beautiful...a ray of sunshine who brightens all our lives. Thank you for being so extraordinary. 

When you go solar with Repower, we donate $500.00 to the charity of your choice.

The Extraordinary Ordinary...Every Wednesday

[Originally published July 1, 2015]

The Repower team deeply appreciates the people in Yolo County who let their light shine, give their all, and consistently go the extra mile without any fanfare.  They are brilliant stars in what some would call "ordinary jobs." But these people, these bright lights, transform the ordinary into the extraordinary...every day. 

We wanted to celebrate these people. So, we decided to say, "Thank you," every month to these folks for their sunny dispositions and generous hearts.

When you go solar with Repower, we donate $500.00 to the charity of your choice.

Rest at Night, à l'Emily Dickinson

[Originally published June 26, 2015]

Happy Friday! Welcome to Repower's Friday Solar Poetry Corner. After all, in addition to being an extraordinary source of clean, affordable energy, there is a certain poetic element to solar. The Sun, so powerful and constant, well, Emily Dickinson pegged it in Rest at Night. Enjoy!

Rest at Night
The Sun from shining,
Nature—and some Men—
Rest at Noon—some Men—
While Nature
And the Sun—go on— 

We Can Lead by Example, Right Here and Right Now, in Yolo

[Originally published June 25, 2015]

All right. Pope Francis's call for swift action on climate change got me to thinking about leadership toward sustainability. Other world leaders, too, are stepping up to the plate. But it occurred to me that there is a lot that each one of us can do to lead on the very real and mighty micro-levels of our families, neighborhoods, and communities. In other words, I realized that we don't need to be world leaders to benefit the world. But we do need to be leaders and we need to lead by our example ... right here in Yolo County.

 

The Most Popular Guy at the Party

I then remembered  an article I read a while back about the most popular person at a party. The writer asked, "Who do you think the most popular guy at the party is? The one telling tons of jokes? The handsomest? The richest?" No. The most popular guy at the party is the one who listens well to what others are saying...who shows a genuine interest in others. So doesn't it play out that to lead by example requires us also to be genuinely interested in others? 

 

The Invitation

Humans are insatiably curious about and aware of one another. They are interested in other humans. Large hotel chains experimented with signs that asked their guests to reuse their towels to help reduce water usage and wastewater output. One type of sign provided facts about water usage and towels, assuming that the facts alone were enough to compel people to change their behaviors and reuse their towels. The other type of messaging invited the guests to join all the other people who are already helping to save the environment by reusing their towels. Which type of messaging was most effective? The invitation to join the others at the party! 

 

Primary Reasons People Go Solar

For most, economics are the primary motivating force behind the decision to go solar. Freedom from PG&E rate hikes. Greatly reduced or Net Zero energy usage.  The fact that solar is clean and green is a great "added benefit." While the economic rationale of going solar is important, there is something more serious at stake here than mere dollars. 

 

What We Do and Don't Do

It's interesting that, when people see their friends and neighbors going solar, they become interested in going solar, too. What we do and don't do influences the people around us. Not doing whatever we can to mitigate climate change runs counter to the environmental and economic intelligence we need to exercise to get out of this Climate Change Pickle. 

 

The Biggest Yes

Yes, going solar usually a sound economic decision. And, yes, it increases the value of your home. And, yes, it frees you from PG&E's ambiguity and rate hikes. But it's bigger than all this. The biggest "yes" is that going solar feels so good because we're taking action to mitigate the damage we've done to the environment, so that Earth can begin to heal. And, by doing so, you invite others to the party. What we do has a big impact. Can you feel the (re)power?

Yolo County’s Universe Travelers

[Originally published June 19, 2015]

Just think. We are circling the Sun at the astounding speed of 67,000 miles per hour. We're not getting older, we're becoming more well-traveled. We are Universe Travelers. Great news, right?  

And then, to top that, the magnificent Sun that we're orbiting is traveling 70,000 kilometers per hour and pulling us and the entire solar system with it. It really doesn't get better than this! Everything is in motion and it is...beautiful. 

The science and poetry of Solar Energy are wondrous, as are its economics and environmental sustainability. If you're curious about going solar...about the money you can save on electricity generated by the Sun...or about the great financing options out there, call us or fill out your information and we'll get right back to you. 

Meanwhile, enjoy this short video on our Sun System, aka homesweethome.

 

Summer Sun, à la Robert Louis Stevenson

[Originally published June 19, 2015]

 

Welcome to Repower's Solar Poetry Corner! Since time began, the Sun has aroused humankind's curiosity, as we are completely dependent upon it. The Sun has also inspired many a poem. {The painting above is "Alien Sun" by Gretzky.) Here is Robert Louis Stevenson's "Summer Sun," perfect for Yolo County. 

Summer Sun

Great is the sun, and wide he goes
Through empty heaven with repose; 
And in the blue and glowing days
More thick than rain he showers his rays. 

Though closer still the blinds we pull
To keep the shady parlour cool, 
Yet he will find a chink or two
To slip his golden fingers through. 

The dusty attic spider-clad
He, through the keyhole, maketh glad; 
And through the broken edge of tiles
Into the laddered hay-loft smiles. 

Meantime his golden face around
He bares to all the garden ground, 
And sheds a warm and glittering look
Among the ivy's inmost nook. 

Above the hills, along the blue, 
Round the bright air with footing true, 
To please the child, to paint the rose, 
The gardener of the World, he goes. 

Robert Louis Stevenson

Sustainable energy is here.

[Originally published June 12, 2015}

In the June 8, 2015 issue of The Christian Science Monitor Weekly, Gregory M. Lamb interviewed Lester Brown, the environmental analyst and founder of the Earth Policy Institute, who sees a bright future for sun and wind power. Here are a few tasty tidbits from the article. 

"For a lot of our lifetimes, we've been getting energy [oil] from halfway around the world. Now suddenly we have rooftop panels and we're getting energy from 10 feet over our heads."

—Lester Brown

Founder of the Earth Policy Institute

 

"There's a whole list of billionaires just piling money into this [sun and wind]. What that does for investment is it says, This is where the smart money is going."

—Lester Brown

Named "...one of the world's most influential thinkers"

 

"Almost all the big homebuilders in this country either offer or automatically put solar panels on new rooftops...because buying a house with no electric bill is kind of neat." 

—Lester Brown

Called "the guru of the environmental movement"

READ ENTIRE INTERVIEW WITH LESTER BROWN

We’ve Repowered Our Visual Brand

[Originally published June 11, 2015]

We’re excited to announce that our new logo is ALIVE! James Goodchap of Goodchap Brand Identity developed our visual brand after a lot of careful listening and strategic thought. Fun was definitely something we wanted to convey. Local. Fresh. Community-based. And, of course, solar.

“The Repower team and I have a longstanding and rich history of working together, so there was already a high level of trust and an understanding of the caliber of thinkers with whom I was working. The brand visual identity had to be distinct, memorable. We were looking for something that had a level of energy and excitement and that reflected the sustainable technology at this pivotal time in our world, when we all must look after the planet. This project resonated with me. As a long-term bicycle commuter, I was thrilled to put my oar in the water and partner with Repower.”

—James Goodchap

Thank you, James!

Sunlight Feeds Yolo’s Hungry

[Originally published May 27, 2015]

In 2014, Repower had the pleasure of supporting more than 25 Yolo County nonprofits. Every time a Yolo County homeowner goes solar with us, we donate money to a local organization. You repower your home with sunlight and we help repower our community. What's not to love?

One of our favorite nonprofits is Yolo Food Bank. Yolo Food Bank feeds 17,000 households each month. This year, when you go solar with Repower, we will donate $500 to Yolo Food Bank in your name. That’s one meal a day for a year: Feed 1,500!

Here’s how we do it:

  1. We perform a no-cost solar analysis to review your PG&E bills and evaluate available roof space to help you determine if solar is a good investment for your home.

  2. We evaluate and explain multiple financing options, including programs with no up-front cash outlay, to help you choose the one that’s best for you.

  3. We manage the entire solar process—design, permitting, installation, and financing—for you.

RepowerYolo leverages the power of group purchasing. Combined with Yolo Food Bank's  buying power - through bulk and wholesale purchasing - Repower saves you $3,000-10,000 on your solar installation and the Food Bank stretches each dollar donated to equal $5.50 in food value. That means that your solar system will give Yolo Food Bank $2,750 worth of food to help wipe out hunger in our community.