FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

LOCAL SERVICE AGENCY (ENERGY) STAR-CROSSED!

ALAMEDA, Calif., March 10, 2005 - The stars were in alignment at the Angela Aguilar Center Wednesday afternoon when a new Energy Star refrigerator from Sears, Roebuck and Company was delivered through a donation facilitated by Alameda Power & Telecom.

Alameda Power & Telecom and Sears are both partners in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Energy Star program. Energy Star goals include assisting individuals, businesses, and organizations in protecting the environment through superior energy efficiency.

The Center, housed at 1901 Third Street, is best known as one of Alameda's Head Start preschools, a program of Xanthos, Inc.

The constellation of notables present to inspect the refrigerator included Janet Bunker, a parent and member of the Head Start Policy Council and Xanthos Board of Directors, Xanthos Executive Director, Irene Kudarauskas, and Ann McCormick, President of the City of Alameda's Public Utilities Board.

Students Anthony, Rachel, and Janeselle present handmade flowers to Janet Bunker, parent and member of the Head Start Policy Council and Xanthos Board of Directors, Ann McCormick, President of the City of Alameda's Public Utilities Board, and Kathy Moehring, also a member of the Xanthos Board of Directors in appreciation for a new Energy Star refrigerator.

"We are pleased to be part of this effort," said McCormick. "It's another example of the uniqueness of Alameda and the distinctive way in which Alameda Power & Telecom is connected to our community. Like Alameda Power & Telecom, Sears has made a strong commitment to the Energy Star program. Being able to leverage that commitment to benefit the Center is truly rewarding," she continued.

Kudarauskas added, "This donation is very much appreciated, and we're glad to be a part of this initiative to save energy and environment. Energy Star works for us!"

The donation of the refrigerator is not the only reward the Center will see. Because of its Energy Star rating, the unit uses substantially less energy and offers significant energy cost savings over a standard unit, allowing Xanthos to direct these savings into its service programs.

Alamedans can participate in other Alameda Power & Telecom Energy Star programs, such as its ongoing Refrigerator Rebate and Recycle Program and upcoming annual Great White Light Sale. To learn more, browse the site, or call 510-748-3907.