Author: The Argonaut

Thursday, July 1st CHAMBER FORUM — The Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce hosts a business technology forum; noon to 1 p.m. at the Santa Monica Chamber office, 501 Colorado Ave. Suite 150, Santa Monica. Space available to first 40 who reserve. Free. Information and reservations, (310) 394-1868. Saturday, July 3rd SANTA MONICA COLLEGE FIREWORKS — The 75th annual Santa Monica College “Celebrate America” show sponsored by the college and Santa Monica community groups; includes live music, exhibits, food stands and fireworks show; doors open at 5 p.m., Dan Crow and the Thunderwear Band at 6 p.m, House Brew band at 7 p.m., USC Marching Band at 8:30 p.m., followed by fireworks. Gates close at 8:45 p.m. Santa Monica College Corsair Field, 1900 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica. Free but donations sought. Parking, $5. Information, 434-3001. Sunday, July 4th WESTCHESTER JULY 4TH PARADE — The Westchester-LAX/Marina del Rey Chamber of Commerce presents the annual Westchester July 4th Parade; starts at noon at Loyola Boulevard and Manchester Avenue, continues north on Loyola Boulevard to Loyola Marymount University campus. Sponsored by Decron Properties, Playa Vista and Cripps-Crockett Realty. Information from the chamber, (310) 645-5151. MARINA DEL REY FIREWORKS —The County Department of Beaches and Harbors presents the annual Marina del Rey fireworks over the Marina main channel; radio station KXLU (88.9 FM) choreographs patriotic music that can be heard over loudspeakers at Burton...

The Southern California Gas Co. is reminding customers that households whose income is low enough to qualify can receive a monthly 20 percent discount on natural gas bills. The program is called the California Alternative Rates for Energy (CARE). Last year such customers saved an average of $66.50 annually with the discount, according to Michelle Mueller, Gas Company vice president, customer services. New enrollment guidelines for participating in the program went into effect Tuesday, June 1st, expanding the benefits provided under the program, Mueller said. Mueller said The Gas Company has “an ongoing commitment” to make sure that eligible customers know about and take advantage of the discount program. Every year, the California Public Utilities Commission adjusts the maximum qualifying income levels to reflect changes in the federal poverty guidelines, Mueller said. The new guidelines are higher than previous guidelines set in June 2003. “The new income guidelines mean that more customers can now qualify for the CARE program,” she said. The million Gas Company customers who are enrolled in the CARE program represent 74 percent of those who are eligible to participate, she said, adding that 350,000 customers are eligible but have not enrolled. For information: in English, (800) 427-2200; in Spanish, (800) 342-4545; in Mandarin Chinese (800) 427-1429; in Korean, (800) 427-0471; and in Vietnamese, (800) 427-0478. Or www.socalgas.com/residential/...