MARTINEZ, Calif. – Our little city by the Bay has come in sixth place in the Cool California Challenge, a contest to motivate residents to reduce their carbon footprints.
Twenty-two California cities participated in the challenge, with households tracking driving and home energy use, and completing bonus actions to earn points for their cities.
Martinez resident Steven Grubka was the leading energy saver for Martinez, with family members Marjorie Grubka and Todd Sutton close behind.
A pump station operator with the Central Contra Costa Sanitation District, Grubka said his energy-saving efforts include picking up trash during his lunch hour, using recycled water on his lawn, utilizing solar power at home, and driving an efficient (although slow, he joked) Toyota Yaris vehicle.
Way to go, Grubka!