Important Tips for Holiday Budgeting and Shopping

With Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday all crammed into one long weekend, Better Business Bureau wants to help make your shopping adventure go as smoothly as possible.

Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday Make Up a Busy Weekend for Holiday Shoppers

Grab your shopping bags and compile your lists, the biggest holiday shopping days are almost here! With Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday all crammed into one long weekend, Better Business Bureau wants to help make your shopping adventure go as smoothly as possible. Here are some tips:

Create a budget and stick to it

According to the National Retail Federation, the average holiday shopper will spend $749.51 on gifts, decor, greeting cards and other seasonal items, up slightly from the $740.57 they spent last year. How can you keep from overspending? BBB has once again teamed up with Clearpoint Credit Solutions to offer the Holiday Planner Calculator. This easy-to-use online tool will help you create a budget that is realistic for the way you celebrate, entertain, travel and give gifts this holiday season.

Don’t fall for the too-good-to-be-true deal

On “Black Friday” (and every day), get to know retailers first by checking out their BBB Business Reviews at bbb.org. Compare prices before you hit the stores on Black Friday so you know if you really are getting a great deal. Newspapers will often have coupons that give discounts for Black Friday. When searching for coupons online, make sure to get them from the store’s website, not from an offsite deal promoter.
Shop Amazon – Black Friday Deals Week

Shop small on Small Business Saturday

November 24 is Small Business Saturday, a day dedicated to supporting small businesses on the busiest shopping weekend of the year. BBB is teaming up with American Express, a BBB Accredited Business and National Partner, to spread the word on why small businesses are so awesome. Here’s a fun infographic to show just how important small businesses are to our economy.

Watch out for scams

The new BBB Scam Stopper website can tell you all about the latest scams, and help you learn the most common tactics used by scam artists both in-person and online. Be especially careful of holiday related scams. Be sure that letter from Santa is from a legitimate site before you share your child’s personal information. And that friend or grandchild who was mugged while traveling and needs some cash wired ASAP? That’s a scam. Don’t fall for it!

Shop safely online

November 26th is “Cyber Monday,” and there will be lots of online deals to be had. Before your surf the net, make sure your computer has the most recent updates for spam filters, anti-virus and anti-spyware software. Scammers use this holiday time to prey on online shoppers. Only shop on trusted websites, and look for the Ad Choices logo for sites that give you more control over whether advertisers can use your information for targeted advertising. It’s also best to use a credit card when shopping online because you can dispute the charges if you don’t receive the item you ordered.
Shop Amazon – Cyber Monday Deals Week

Know your rights

Whether shopping retail or online, know your legal rights. U.S. law requires that orders made by mail, phone or online be shipped by the date promised or, if no delivery time was stated, within 30 days. If the goods aren’t shipped on time, the shopper can cancel and demand a refund. Consumers also have the right to reject merchandise if it’s defective or was misrepresented. Otherwise, it’s the company’s policies that determine if the shopper can cancel the purchase and receive a refund or credit, so be sure you understand return policies before you buy. Keep track of all receipts and documentation, too.

For more advice on safe shopping this holiday season, visit www.bbb.org.

Also Legal Shield re-affirms with the following 7 tips for Holiday Shopping:

1. Understand your finances before going to the store or shopping online. It is easy to throw your budget or financial planning out the window when confronted by the newest gadget or a great sale, but it is important to set and follow a strict budget for your holiday shopping. Do not let eager sales staff or your own excitement sell you on products that are outside of your budget.

2. Beware of retail credit card or quick loan offers you cannot afford. Many lenders use the holiday cash crunch to attract borrowers. Do not sign up for any new credit cards or loans without reviewing the rates and terms carefully. Call your LegalShield provider law firm if you need any assistance.

3. Know the retailer’s return policy. Many holiday retail disputes stem from misunderstandings over the return or refund policies. Make sure you read and understand the store policies before purchasing big-ticket items. Some returns will require costly restocking fees and some sale items may not be eligible for return.

4. Beware of service plans and warranties. Additional protection is offered as an add-on during checkout at many retailers. Before purchasing a protection plan or warrantee make sure you understand the terms, limitations and likelihood you will need the added protection.

5. Shop online from trusted retailers. It is important to make sure you are on the correct website by checking the domain name in the browser. Sometimes unsolicited emails that link to products will actually direct you to scam sites designed to look like a trusted retailer. Make sure the website’s checkout is also secure. The domain name at the top or bottom of your browser should contain https://.

6. Do your homework when using an unknown online retailer. Make sure the company has a physical address and a working phone number. Run their name through a search engine to make sure they have a good reputation.
7. Never pay for items purchased online with wire transfers or money orders. These types of payment offer no tracking or protection in the event of a scam.

Source: Better Business Bureau, Legal Shield
Photo credit to: BBB

Editor’s Note: The tips provided here is intended for general information purposes only, and is not legal advice. Readers should be aware that while certain principles outlined on this post may be similar to principles followed in their own state or province, laws can vary considerably. If you have any questions please call your provider law firm. From everyone at DiversityNewsMagazine.com, DiversityNewsPublications.com and the entire Diversity News Publications Family of Companies, we wish you and yours a Happy and Safe Holiday Season!

Consumers Reminder: Los Angeles Department of Water and Power Daylight Saving Time Ends Sunday!

Customers Reminded to Reset Sprinkler and Lighting Timers to Save Water, Power and Money.

LOS ANGELES — Friday, November 1, 2012, With Daylight Saving Time ending at 2:00 a.m. on Sunday, November 4, 2012, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) reminds customers to set their clocks back one hour, and reset lighting timers, programmable thermostats and sprinkler timers.

In the City of Los Angeles, outdoor watering is restricted to hours before 9:00 a.m. and after 4:00 p.m. With cooler fall temperatures, and as the rainy season approaches, LADWP encourages customers to adjust their sprinkler timers and reduce outdoor watering. Fall is also an excellent time for outdoor planting and customers who replace their lawn with climate-appropriate flowers, shrubs, trees and water-permeable hardscape are eligible to receive $1.50 for every square foot of lawn under the LADWP’s California-Friendly Landscape Incentive Program.

LADWP also encourages customers to reset their lighting timers to turn on only after daylight hours and to remain lit only as long as necessary. Energy efficient compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs and long-life LED lights are recommended for installation wherever possible. CFL and LED lights may cost a little more at the outset, but they use less electricity, last longer and save customers money in the long run.

The time change presents a valuable opportunity for LADWP customers to review energy and water routines at home and in the workplace to seek out ways to conserve. Effective conservation can help customers better manage utility costs and save money. For tips on easy ways to conserve, and information on the Department’s many water and energy conservation programs and rebate programs, please visit www.ladwp.com.

Source: LADWP

CareerBuilder’s Mid-Year Job Forecast Points to a Better Hiring Picture in the Back Half of 2012

Chicago, July 5, 2012 – While the jobs recovery continues to lag that of previous recessions, the outlook for the back half of 2012 shows continued improvement over 2011. Forty-four percent of private sector employers reported they are planning to hire full-time, permanent staff from July 1 through December 31, 2012, an increase of nine percentage points over the same period last year. In last year’s forecast, the number of companies planning to hire full-time, permanent employees (35 percent) increased seven percentage points over 2010. The nationwide survey, which was conducted by Harris Interactive© from May 14, 2012 to June 4, 2012, included more than 2,000 hiring managers and human resource professionals across industries and company sizes.

Download Full-Report: http://bit.ly/OjOPwN

“The rate of job creation has been slower than what we would have expected at this point in the recovery, but the market is stable,” said Matt Ferguson, CEO of CareerBuilder. “Two years ago, the hiring activity in the U.S. was driven primarily by large employers recruiting in metropolitan areas for a handful of industries or job functions. Today, we see job listings in all industries, market sizes and company sizes. The outlook for the remainder of the year is better than 2011, but it will follow the same pattern of steady progress rather than a surge in job growth. Employers will remain careful as they assess barriers and opportunities for growth in the economy and their own businesses.”

Employers plan to add a mix of new employees over the next six months, with each category trending up from last year:

· Hiring full-time, permanent employees – 44 percent, up from 35 percent in 2011

· Hiring part-time employees – 21 percent, up from 15 percent in 2011

· Hiring contract or temporary employees – 21 percent, up from 12 percent in 2011

Small Business Hiring

Hiring among small businesses is gradually gaining ground. However, companies with 50 or fewer employees continue to be more cautious than other segments and reported little change in recruitment plans from last year.

· 50 or fewer employees – 21 percent hiring full-time, permanent employees, up from 20 percent in 2011

· 250 or fewer employees – 31 percent hiring full-time, permanent employees, up from 26 percent in 2011

· 500 or fewer employees – 34 percent hiring full-time, permanent employees, up from 27 percent in 2011

Hiring in Metropolitan and Rural Areas

Job creation is picking up in both big cities and outlying towns. Of employers who are hiring, 75 percent said they will be recruiting for positions in large metropolitan areas while 39 percent will be hiring in non-metropolitan, rural areas.

Hiring By Region

Comparing regions, the West is the most optimistic in terms of hiring plans for July through December and reported the highest year-over-year increase for adding full-time, permanent staff.

· West – 47 percent hiring full-time, permanent employees, up from 35 percent in 2011

· South – 45 percent hiring full-time, permanent employees, up from 38 percent in 2011

· Northeast – 44 percent hiring full-time, permanent employees, up from 34 percent in 2011

· Midwest – 40 percent hiring full-time, permanent employees, up from 32 percent in 2011

Where Employers Are Hiring First

The top functional areas for which businesses plan to hire first are those directly impacting revenue and innovation. Customer Service remains in the No. 1 spot for recruitment with Information Technology and Sales rounding out the top three.

· Customer Service – 24 percent

· Information Technology – 22 percent

· Sales – 21 percent

· Administrative – 16 percent

· Business Development – 13 percent

· Accounting/Finance – 12 percent

· Marketing – 11 percent.

Emerging Occupations

More employers are also reporting that their organizations have created entirely new job functions within their organizations to respond to evolving business demands. When asked if their organizations currently have positions that didn’t exist in their firms five years ago, employers pointed to the following:

· Positions tied to social media – 16 percent

· Positions tied to storing and managing data – 15 percent

· Positions tied to cyber security – 12 percent

· Positions tied to financial regulation – 10 percent

· Positions tied to promoting diversity inside and outside the organization – 9 percent

· Positions tied to green energy and the environment – 8 percent

· Positions tied to global relations – 8 percent

Hiring in Q2 2012

One-third (34 percent) of employers added full-time, permanent headcount in the second quarter, up from 29 percent last year and 33 percent last quarter. Nine percent decreased headcount while 56 percent made no change to staff levels and 1 percent were unsure.

Hiring in Q3 2012

Looking ahead, 30 percent of employers plan to hire full-time, permanent employees in the third quarter, up from 26 percent last year. Given that employers historically have been more conservative in estimates than actual hiring activity, the number may come in higher at quarter end.

Seven percent expect to downsize staffs, down from 8 percent last year. Fifty-eight percent anticipate no changes to headcount while 5 percent are undecided.

Changing Jobs

Workers are feeling better about their job prospects with one-in-four (27 percent) stating they are likely to leave their current jobs in the next 12 months, up slightly from 26 percent last year.

As the job market improves and employee turnover rates increase, the competition for in-demand talent is getting more intense. Thirty-nine percent of employers are concerned that top talent will leave their organizations, up from 35 percent last year. Twenty-one percent reported they lost top performers in the second quarter, up from 18 percent last year and 19 percent last quarter.

*Totals may not equal 100 percent due to rounding.

Survey Methodology

This survey was conducted online within the U.S. by Harris Interactive^© on behalf of CareerBuilder among 2,298 U.S. hiring managers and human resource professionals and 3,892 U.S. workers (employed full-time, not self-employed, non-government) ages 18 and over between May 14 and June 4, 2012 (percentages for some questions are based on a subset, based on their responses to certain questions). With pure probability samples of 2,298 and 3,892, one could say with a 95 percent probability that the overall results have a sampling error of +/-2.04 and +/-1.57 percentage points, respectively. Sampling error for data from sub-samples is higher and varies.

About CareerBuilder®:
CareerBuilder is the global leader in human capital solutions, helping companies target and attract their most important asset – their people. Its online career site, CareerBuilder.com®, is the largest in the United States with more than 24 million unique visitors, 1 million jobs and 49 million resumes. CareerBuilder works with the world’s top employers, providing resources for everything from employment branding and talent intelligence to recruitment support. More than 10,000 websites, including 140 newspapers and broadband portals such as MSN and AOL, feature CareerBuilder’s proprietary job search technology on their career sites. Owned by Gannett Co., Inc. (NYSE:GCI), Tribune Company and The McClatchy Company (NYSE:MNI), CareerBuilder and its subsidiaries operate in the United States, Europe, South America, Canada and Asia. For more information, visit www.careerbuilder.com.

Source: CareerBuilder
Logo courtesy and credit to: CareerBuilder

Editor’s Note: This is a great news and here at Diversity News Magazine and Diversity News Publications are proud media partners of CareerBuilder.

FDA approves Belviq to treat some overweight or obese adults

On Wednesday, June 27, 2012 The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved Belviq (lorcaserin hydrochloride), as an addition to a reduced-calorie diet and exercise, for chronic weight management.

The drug is approved for use in adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater (obese), or adults with a BMI of 27 or greater (overweight) and who have at least one weight-related condition such as high blood pressure (hypertension), type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol (dyslipidemia).

BMI, which measures body fat based on an individual’s weight and height, is used to define the obesity and overweight categories. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than one-third of adults in the United States are obese.

“Obesity threatens the overall well being of patients and is a major public health concern,” said Janet Woodcock, M.D., director of the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. “The approval of this drug, used responsibly in combination with a healthy diet and lifestyle, provides a treatment option for Americans who are obese or are overweight and have at least one weight-related comorbid condition.”

Belviq works by activating the serotonin 2C receptor in the brain. Activation of this receptor may help a person eat less and feel full after eating smaller amounts of food.

The safety and efficacy of Belviq were evaluated in three randomized, placebo-controlled trials that included nearly 8,000 obese and overweight patients, with and without type 2 diabetes, treated for 52 to 104 weeks. All participants received lifestyle modification that consisted of a reduced calorie diet and exercise counseling. Compared with placebo, treatment with Belviq for up to one year was associated with average weight loss ranging from 3 percent to 3.7 percent.

About 47 percent of patients without type 2 diabetes lost at least 5 percent of their body weight compared with about 23 percent of patients treated with placebo. In people with type 2 diabetes, about 38 percent of patients treated with Belviq and 16 percent treated with placebo lost at least 5 percent of their body weight. Belviq treatment was associated with favorable changes in glycemic control in those with type 2 diabetes. The approved labeling for Belviq recommends that the drug be discontinued in patients who fail to lose 5 percent of their body weight after 12 weeks of treatment, as these patients are unlikely to achieve clinically meaningful weight loss with continued treatment.

Belviq should not be used during pregnancy. Treatment with Belviq may cause serious side effects, including serotonin syndrome, particularly when taken with certain medicines that increase serotonin levels or activate serotonin receptors. These include, but are not limited to, drugs commonly used to treat depression and migraine. Belviq may also cause disturbances in attention or memory.

In 1997, the weight-loss drugs fenfluramine and dexfenfluramine were withdrawn from the market after evidence emerged that they caused heart valve damage. This effect is assumed to be related to activation of the serotonin 2B receptor on heart tissue. When used at the approved dose of 10 milligrams twice a day, Belviq does not appear to activate the serotonin 2B receptor.

Heart valve function was assessed by echocardiography in nearly 8,000 patients in the Belviq development program. There was no statistically significant difference in the development of FDA-defined valve abnormalities between Belviq and placebo-treated patients. Because preliminary data suggest that the number of serotonin 2B receptors may be increased in patients with congestive heart failure, Belviq should be used with caution in patients with this condition. Belviq has not been studied in patients with serious valvular heart disease.

The drug’s manufacturer will be required to conduct six postmarketing studies, including a long-term cardiovascular outcomes trial to assess the effect of Belviq on the risk for major adverse cardiac events such as heart attack and stroke.

The most common side effects of Belviq in non-diabetic patients are headache, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, dry mouth, and constipation, and in diabetic patients are low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), headache, back pain, cough, and fatigue.

Belviq is manufactured by Arena Pharmaceuticals GmbH of Zofingen, Switzerland, and distributed by Eisai Inc. of Woodcliff Lake, N.J.

For more information:

Approved Drugs: Questions and Answers

CDC: Overweight and Obesity

About  The U.S. Food and Drug Administration: The FDA, an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, protects the public health by assuring the safety, effectiveness, and security of human and veterinary drugs, vaccines and other biological products for human use, and medical devices. The agency also is responsible for the safety and security of our nation’s food supply, cosmetics, dietary supplements, products that give off electronic radiation, and for regulating tobacco products. For more information visit http://www.fda.gov

Source: http://www.fda.gov/
Photo credit to: U.S. Food and Drug Administration

Los Angeles Department of Water and Power Unveils new and improved official website at www.LADWP.com

The New www.LADWP.com Features Intuitive Layout, Self-Service Capabilities and Offers 24/7 Service and Information About the Nation’s Largest Municipal Utility.

On May 14, 2012 The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) today announced the launch of its new and improved official website,www.LADWP.com.

The English/Spanish bilingual site is more user-friendly and features a modern, updated design with streamlined navigation and improved self-service capabilities. Residential and commercial water and power customers can now access improved bill view and payment options, online applications for rebates and low income discounts, view electric and water consumption charts and graphs to understand their usage trends, view past bills and track service requests.

The website also features real-time neighborhood power outage maps and information and also comes in a mobile version for customers who use smart phones and other handheld devices.

“The new www.LADWP.com features improvements in terms of appearance, ease and convenience,” said LADWP General Manager Ron Nichols. “But more importantly, users now have 24/7 access to information that can directly impact their quality of life, including neighborhood power outage maps and water and power consumption charts to help estimate future bills. Our new online presence furthers our ability to provide the high quality online customer service experiences our customers expect.”

The new website houses detailed information on the relationship between the LADWP and the early growth of the City of Los Angeles. LADWP financial information, reports, electric and water rates, Board of Water and Power Commission agendas and community information are still readily available on the website (click “About Us”). The site also features new customer service video tutorials and information on topics such as: How to read your water and electric meters, the Low-Income Discount Program, energy and water conservation, and the “Charge Up LA” electric vehicle program.

LADWP’s website is among the most frequented municipal websites in the nation.  First launched in 1995, nearly 200,000 users log-in to the website each month with more than 120,000 of these users viewing and paying their bill online.

Customers can provide feedback on the new website by clicking on the “Contact Us” tab at the top of the website and then selecting “Email Us.”

The new www.LADWP.com is part of a major initiative to improve the quality of the customer experience. The initiative will address specific process, organizational and technology improvements in customer service, including replacement of the LADWP’s 30+ year old Customer Information System (CIS).

To read the original press release visit http://www.ladwpnews.com/go/doc/1475/1430887/

 # # #

Editor’s Note: We tried the website today on June 13, 2012 and we can say that at the beginning we were not sure why we need to update our password and security questions but, then later it was easy to navigate, pay our power bill, even shows the bill been populated instantly via PDF. Congrats to LADWP staff on this huge improvement with your customers.

LADWP to Hold Community Meetings to Discuss Proposed 2-Year Power & Water Rate Changes on April 25-May 10th

Legal Mandates and Aging Infrastructure
Driving Need for Rate Increases;
Seven Regional Meetings Slated April 25-May 10

On Thursday, April 19, 2012 The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) will hold a series of community meetings throughout the city beginning April 25 to educate and inform customers regarding proposed power and water rate changes needed over the next two years.

The proposed changes are necessary to meet a series of regulatory mandates that affect much of LADWP’s existing energy and water supplies, and to invest in replacing aging infrastructure to maintain reliability for LADWP’s 1.4 million electric customers and 657,000 water customers.

General Manager Ronald O. Nichols and LADWP Senior Managers will present the proposed power and water rate changes during the upcoming meetings, answer questions and take comments. “We began a conversation last summer regarding the fundamental reasons why LADWP needs to increase water and power rates,” Nichols said. “A lot has happened in the past year; legal mandates that were unclear have come into focus. Aging equipment has gotten older and deferred costs are mounting. A ratepayer advocate has been appointed and is at work reviewing these proposals.”

The proposed rate change is most critical for power. Legal mandates are driving the need to rebuild or replace over 70 percent of LADWP’s existing energy resources and generation. In the next 10 to 15 years, LADWP will need to expand renewable energy to 33 percent of the power provided to customers; transition out of coal generation and replace it with a mix of renewable energy, natural gas and expanded energy efficiency measures; and rebuild aging generating units at three coastal natural gas power plants.

The power rate proposal requests a 4.6% increase beginning July 1, 2012 and 5.9% effective July 1, 2013 for a total of 10.5% over 2 years, an increase to the current average rate of 1.4 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh). For the typical residential customer, using 500 kWh, this would add $3.35 per month to their current $65.79 monthly bill.

The proposed power rates will also fund new investments in energy efficiency programs, as a way to mitigate the potential bill impacts. Energy efficiency is also a cost-effective way to meet environmental mandates and improve reliability.

On the water side, the Water Quality Factor adjustment approved earlier this year–$0.35 per billing unit (748 gallons) for mandated drinking water quality improvements–enables LADWP to defer consideration of an additional water rate action until later this year.

In fiscal year 2012/13, customers will see an automatic adjustment for purchased water when the price is adjusted in late Spring. An additional increase of about ½ percent is planned, as part of rate adjustments that require Board of Water and Power Commissioners action only, to support continued development of local water supply programs. These include water conservation, recycled water, stormwater capture, and groundwater cleanup—all of which reduce reliance on imported and purchased water.

For fiscal year 2013/14, LADWP is proposing a 4.6% water rate increase effective July 1, 2013, excluding the cost of purchased water, to invest further in pipeline and related infrastructure replacement, local water supply programs and additional water quality investments that are part of $1.1 billion required for water quality compliance. Nichols stressed that while action on the request was not needed immediately, the increase needs approval this year to allow time to approve the necessary construction and related water quality improvement contracts and hire and train pipeline replacement crew members.

Following are the dates and locations for the regional meetings. In addition, LADWP is planning to hold additional online webinars and meetings that will be announced in the near future.

RSVP’s for the community meeting are encouraged, but not required.  To RSVP, please click on the link below each meeting, or call 213-367-1361.

Harbor:
Wednesday, April 25, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Crowne Plaza Hotel, Salon A
601 S. Palos Verdes St.
San Pedro 90731
RSVP

West Valley:
Thursday, April 26, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites
22617 Ventura Blvd.
Woodland Hills 91367
RSVP

Metro:
Saturday, April 28, 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
LADWP John Ferraro Building Headquarters
111 N. Hope St., A Level
Los Angeles 90012
RSVP

South L.A.:
Monday, April 30, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
LADWP Crenshaw Service Center
4030 Crenshaw Blvd.
Los Angeles 90008
RSVP

East L.A.:
Wednesday, May 2, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Recreation and Parks Ramona Hall
4580 N. Figueroa St.
Los Angeles 90065
RSVP

East Valley:
Thursday, May 3, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
LADWP Van Nuys Service Center
14401 Saticoy St.
Van Nuys 91405
RSVP

West L.A.:
Thursday, May 10, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Stephen S. Wise Temple, South Taub Annex
15500 Stephen S. Wise Drive
Los Angeles 90077
RSVP

###

Source: LADWP News Room
Graphic credit to: LADWP News Room

Consumer News: LADWP Reminder: Daylight Saving Time Begins This Sunday

Customers Reminded to Reset Clocks and Timers to Save Water, Power and Money

On Friday, March 9, 2012, with Daylight Saving Time beginning at 2:00 a.m. on Sunday, March 11, 2012, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) reminds customers to turn clocks forward and reset lighting timers, programmable thermostats and sprinkler timers.

The City of Los Angeles is currently under mandatory water conservation, which restricts outdoor watering to times before 9:00 a.m. and after 4:00 p.m.  Customers should note the change in time and adjust their sprinkler timers accordingly.

LADWP encourages customers to reset lighting timers to turn on only after daylight hours and to remain lit only as long as is necessary. Energy efficient compact fluorescent light bulbs are recommended for installation wherever possible.

The time change is a valuable opportunity for LADWP customers to review energy and water routines at home and in the workplace to seek out ways to conserve. Effective conservation can reduce utility bills and result in monetary savings for customers: save water, save power, save money. For tips on easy ways to conserve, and information on the Department’s water and energy conservation programs and incentives, please call 1-800-DIAL-DWP or visit www.ladwp.com

Source: LADWP.Com

THIS POST IS PARTIAL SPONSORED AND BROUGHT TO YOU BY: Ingrid’s Cafe in Beverly Hills (Click picture to visit website)

CONSUMER NEWS: Reminder: Daylight Saving Time Ends Sunday!

Customers Reminded to Reset Sprinkler and Lighting Timers to Save Water, Power and Money

LOS ANGELES — November 4, 2011 – With Daylight Saving Time ending at 2:00 a.m. on Sunday, November 6, 2011, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) reminds customers to turn clocks back and reset lighting timers, programmable thermostats and sprinkler timers.

The City of Los Angeles is currently under mandatory water conservation, which restricts outdoor watering to times before 9:00 a.m. and after 4:00 p.m. Customers should note the change in time and adjust their sprinkler timers accordingly.


LADWP encourages customers to reset lighting timers to turn on only after daylight hours and to remain lit only as long as is necessary. Energy efficient compact fluorescent light bulbs are recommended for installation wherever possible.

The time change is a valuable opportunity for LADWP customers to review energy and water routines at home and in the workplace to seek out ways to conserve. Effective conservation can reduce utility bills and result in monetary savings for customers: save water, save power, save money. For tips on easy ways to conserve, and information on the Department’s many water and energy conservation programs and incentives, please visit www.ladwp.com.

Source: LADWP.Com


Editor’s Note: Dear readers, remember to  turn clocks back and reset lighting timers, programmable thermostats and sprinkler timers and put new batteries in smoke alarms when you turn clocks back.


THIS POST IS PARTIAL SPONSORED AND BROUGHT TO YOU BY: Ingrid’s Cafe in Beverly Hills (Click picture to visit website)

Los Angeles Area Homeowners: Want to be on TV? HGTV is Looking for You

Attention Los Angeles Area Homeowners: You want to be on TV? HGTV is Looking for You.

HGTV’s hit renovation show “PROFESSIONAL GRADE” is searching for Savvy homeowners in the Los Angeles Area this Spring/Summer for it’s third season.

Think you’ve got what it takes to be the GENERAL CONTRACTOR on your OWN RENOVATION? Think you can do it cheaper than the pros?  HGTV’S hit new renovation show PROFESSIONAL GRADE is searching for savvy homeowners.  Put your skills to the test for a chance to win BIG CASH!

Homeowners If You Are…

• Planning on Renovating a Space in Your Home
• Handy and Have the Know-How to Pull of a Renovation Project
• Able to Complete Your Renovation in 4-5 Weeks
• Ready to be your own GC by finding the best possible prices on everything from materials to appliances
• And Willing to do the Bulk of the Work, but sub-contract labor when necessary

You could potentially make back the ENTIRE cost of your renovation

To Apply Go To: http://www.highnoontv.com/casting_apply_new.php?application_id=3

Auditions begin NOW.  No PHONE CALLS PLEASE! All email inquiries will be considered and answered with an email or phone response.  Homeowners must have an appropriate budget already set aside for renovation.


For more information about HGTV’s, “Professional Grade,” visit:
http://www.hgtv.com/professional-grade/show/index.html and High Noon Entertainment http://www.highnoontv.com