missing wire

Recently, someone stole a PG&E truck out of the company's Petaluma yard, making off with its cargo of 2,000 pounds of copper wire worth around $7,500. Steadily increasing prices paid for scrap metal have sparked an ongoing series of metal thefts, with copper wire an appealing target. "It's a nationwide problem that we're experiencing here," explains PG&E spokeswoman Jane Schuering. She notes that from January to June of this year, $900,000 worth of metal was stolen from PG&E. Thanks to close cooperation with local law enforcement, about $600,000 worth of the metal was recovered. "Since 2006, we've helped in the making of more than 2,000 arrests associated with metal theft," Schuering says. The vehicle stolen from the Petaluma yard is a white 2006 Ford F-250 with a PG&E logo, license plate 8C16700. PG&E officials have received several tips regarding the theft and are working with the Menlo Park Police Department on a possible arrest.

wine to go

Want to buy a case of vino without leaving home? In Napa County, American Canyon's planning commission recently approved a Safeway Inc. proposal to sell wine over the Internet to California residents. The national grocery story chain wants to open a small Internet office in a large American Canyon warehouse occupied by wine distributor New Vine Logistics. According to planning commission documents, New Vine Logistics will assist Safeway with warehousing and fulfillment for this new project. An adult's signature will be required for all deliveries, which will be made by FedEx. Sales tax will be charged—with American Canyon credited as the point of sale. Safeway officials could not be reached for comment on this new venture.

working-class marin

Not everyone is rich in high-priced Marin County. "There's this perception that there is no poverty and there are no poverty issues," says Antonia Hollander of the Grassroots Leadership Network of Marin. "That's not accurate. There are communities where people are struggling day by day. The issues that affect everyone affect them even more—healthcare, crime and violence, transportation." The yearlong Equal Voices for Healthy Communities campaign will raise awareness of the issues facing Marin County's working-class families. Kick-off activities start Oct. 13 with a Right to Housing and Tenants' Voice Forum in San Rafael, followed by a forum with San Rafael City Council candidates and a dialogue with Marin City leaders. Details are online at www.maringrassroots.org.

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