In May 2008 California American Water Company was granted authority by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to increase rates in Larkfield by 36.66%. In January 2009 Cal-Am applied for yet another rate increase of approximately 29%.

The reason the rate cases are so close together is because of a decision by the CPUC in May 2007. That decision revised the rate case schedule for larger water companies so that in the future the larger companies will file a single rate case for all of their divisions.

The Mark West Area Community Services Committee filed a protest of the new rate case. download the Protest that was filed with the Public Utilities Commission. Unemployment, foreclosures and business failures are at all time highs and many people are struggling to make ends met.

The CPUC seems indifferent to the plight of the people they are sworn to serve. The rate case is being allowed to proceed as though the rate case plan were sacrosanct.

The people of Larkfield, Wikiup and Fulton will have an opportunity to voice their opinions of this rate case on Thursday June 4, 2009 at 6:30 PM.

A public Participation Hearing will be held at the Hampton Inn and Suites Windsor at 8397 Brooks Road South, Windsor California. download the Prehearing Conference Statement that was also filed with the Public Utilities Commission

An Administrative Law Judge and a court Reporter will be present to take comments from the public.

Please do not miss this opportunity.

Please tell your neighbors.

DISTRICT FORMATION FUNDRAISER

The Wikiup Tennis & Swim Center was the site of the June 11th Mark West Area Community Services District fundraiser held along with the support of the Mark West Chamber of Commerce. Chamber members and local residents were present to help raise funds for community mailings, public meetings and to promote awareness of potential district formation.

Donations at the event included a tri-tip dinner with fixings served up by local resident and current Chamber President Jim Bajgrowicz. Guest speakers included Sonoma County Supervisor Paul Kelley and Mark West Area Community Services Committee member Pete Lescure.

Supervisor Kelley gave a detailed explanation of The MWCSC's mission and how the district would provide an opportunity for local residents to obtain control and management within the Larkfield and Wikiup area over services including water, sewer, trash services, parks and recreation and street lighting.