New reasons to soak up the sun

The story was published in the Los Angeles Times on Sunday:

FOLKER KORTE racked up $21,000 worth of energy-saving upgrades to his single-story, three-bedroom home in San Pedro last year but only spent $9,000.

Plus, he didn't have to fork over the full amount for the several rooftop solar panels and then wait for a rebate. Korte paid for his portion, and his contractor obtained the balance from the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power through its Solar Incentive Program.

That's only the beginning. Korte was also eligible for up to $2,000 in federal tax credits. His electricity bill has dropped from a monthly average of $90 to $30. And, as the price of oil soars, the solar panels increase the appeal and value of his home.

The costs of eco-renovations such as solar energy systems, insulation and energy-efficient appliances are more than offset by the resulting increase in market value to the home, experts and studies say. Some realty agents even use energy-saving attributes in their marketing pitches, listing a home's solar distinction alongside the swimming pool and spa.

— T.J. Sullivan

Los Angeles Mantis

By TJ Sullivan.

Discovered that we have a white Praying Mantis living in the large flowerpot outside our window. I've never seen one this color before.

— TJ Sullivan in LA

I'm Still Writing ...

This website isn't up to full strength yet.

Much of it is under construction.

I'll post an announcement after additional features come online. In the meantime, I intend to write blog entries as time allows, so please bookmark blog.tjsullivanla.com and check back.

If you'd like to pass on a compliment, comment and/or criticism, please do so in that order.

Thanks to LA Observed for the mention.

-- T.J. Sullivan

LAX Lighted Pylons Are Back On … Kinda

By TJ Sullivan.

I was driving down Century Blvd. to Sepulveda last night, and noticed that many of the 100-foot-high, lighted pylons at LAX were lit up. I remember when they switched them off in January 2006 for a $1.8 million tune-up. LA Observed had the story in full. The colors I saw last night were constant, so maybe LAX is just testing them, or maybe they've been on all summer and I've only just noticed. We're talking a Crayola five-pack in terms of the color selection and no transitions. Many of the pylons weren't on. I found no recent info about it on the LAX website.