Pleasanton Youth Make a Difference Through "Green House Calls"

Energy-efficient lightbulbs? Check. Water heater pipe insulation? Check. Water leak evaluation? Check. 

These are some of the things that California Youth Energy Services (CYES) will measure through their "Green House Calls" initiative. Every Summer, Bay Area youth visit residents from Pleasanton and cities including, Antioch, Berkeley, Fremont, Livermore, Marin, Oakland, Richmond, San Leandro, and Union City with the hopes of improving their homes' energy efficiency.

CYES, stemming from Rising Sun Energy in Berkeley, have attracted youth from the Bay Area who aspire to helping locals become more aware of green services while getting a taste of the bustling workforce.

"Last year in April we reached out to youth at libraries, through city announcements, and city events. We work on job development within each city and we mostly look toward ages 15-22," explains Chrsitina Mestas, Marketing and Outreach Manager for Pleasanton.

One of the things that stands out about the program is its commitment promoting green jobs to Bay Area Youth and guidance through hands-on outreach. 

Last year they employed over 18 youth and serviced over 2,840 homes throughout the Bay Area.

Melissa Ott, an energy specialist from Pleasanton (and who introduced this program to Patch readers last year) says, “I especially like the fact that this job isn't furthering the consumerist, 'buy-buy-buy' mindset that is plaguing our society."

"In fact, it's in some ways trying to reverse this by beginning with at-home resource conservation and efficiency behaviors, which can lead to more eco-educated and conscious consumers and citizens,” Ott explains.

This is the second Summer that Pleasanton has serviced it's residents here and abroad. Last week, I was able to experience the Green House Call at my home in Dublin. Yoseph Mirsky and Jason Spooner of CYES Pleasanton, evaluated the energy and water efficiency by changing out my lightbulbs to CFLs, checking for water leaks and measuring the water pressure, insulating the water heater pipes, and providing our family with a new power strip. 

I made an appointment last year and they were all booked up for the Summer. I took the appointment this year and on top of providing a wonderful assessment of my energy and water sources, Yoseph and Jason were well versed in their field of work. I especially noticed the extra energy-saving tips at the end of the appointment. After each appointment, residents will be emailed a point-by-point breakdown of efficiency findings.

CYES will now be extending their Green House Calls to mobile home parks. Green House Calls are FREE to all residents and are available from July 3 to August 10 and spots fill up quick. To reserve now, call 510-665-1501 ext 10 or visit Rising Sun Energy's website.