Energy
Marin Clean Energy unveiled a new, free energy savings tool available to homeowners in the Marin County and Richmond. Partnering with PlanetEcosystems, Inc., the web-based tool helps homeowners navigate the complex landscape of energy-efficiency opportunities by developing a personalized plan that offers the most value through specific energy and water-saving measures. This innovative tool is part of MCE’s $4.1 million energy-efficiency program, funded by the California Public Utilities Commission, that will also include incentives for small commercial and multifamily properties and financing through an on-bill-repayment pilot program. The web tool is available at MyEnergyTool.mceCleanEnergy.com. In other news for the power agency, the Novato City Council voted unanimously for the city become a customer of Marin Clean Energy, saving the city about $9,000 annually.Retail
Restoration Hardware Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: RH), based in Corte Madera, reported net revenues increased 25 percent for its 2012--2013 fiscal year, topping the prior year's increase of 24 percent. Net income increased 43 percent to $37.7 million, though one-time charges connected to the company's IPO lead to a net loss of $12.8 million. Net loss per share was $1.36.
Town Center Corte Madera (shopttowncenter.com) recently completed a renovation of the center’s office building located at 770 Tamalpais Dr. at the south end the development. The project included upgrades to hallways, restrooms and the lobby. The lobby now features a "living wall" of plants designed by Bay Area horticulturalist-designer David Brenner and thought to be the only one of its kind in Marin County. The wall is adjacent to a water feature. The lobby also features a wall of reclaimed wood to reinforce a "natural feeling." A bench in front of the living wall provides a pleasant spot to sit and take in the full ceiling-to-floor living wall and water feature.Education
North Bay Leadership Council (707-283.0028, info@northbayleadership.org) is gearing up for the third year of its Algebra Academy program this summer in San Rafael and Novato. Education is NBLC’s top public policy priority in recognition of the need for a high-caliber workforce, civically-engaged residents, and to be economically competitive. It's a partnership between employers and school districts, focusing on helping English-learning students increase their college and career readiness, and interest in pursuing STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) majors. The program is funded through contributions from employers, business associations, educational institutions, local government and nonprofits. Sponsorship levels are Einstein ($5,000), Edison ($3,500), Newton ($2,500) and Galileo ($1,000).Technology
AT&T expanded its high-speed 4G LTE cell phone network in the Bay Area launched in January 2012 to include areas of the North Bay.
Medtronic, Inc. (NYSE: MDT), whose Cardio and Vascular division is based in Santa Rosa, announced Food and Drug Administration 510(k) clearance and the first U.S. clinical uses of its new Affinity Fusion oxygenation system. This system, which is designed to serve as a patient’s lungs by oxygenating and removing carbon dioxide from blood during various open-heart surgical procedures, incorporates numerous innovations for patient safety and ease of use. Notably, system enhancements are designed to prevent and remove air bubbles that can enter the blood during the procedure, which may potentially reduce the risk of stroke.
