Week In Review: Solar Power, No Power, Parks and Alcohol

On Tuesday evening, the City Council unanimously to govern establishments that serve alcohol. The 39-page law doesn't change the basic regulations, but it does establish a more streamlined set of rules. Several bar owners criticized the ordinance at the public hearing, but council members said it sets a "level playing field" for all establishments in town.

The council on Tuesday evening also heard City planners outlined a plan that would install a new drainage system, add new pathways and build a permanent base for the holiday ice rink. The rink foundation would be used for bocce ball courts during warmer months. The cost of the entire project would exceed $1 million. In an unscientific poll on Patch this week, 75 of the 97 people who voted said Civic Park is fine and it should be left alone.

On Tuesday afternoon, schools officials and local politicians officially dedicated the at Northgate High School. The project is one of 51 in the Mt. Diablo Unified School District overseen by SunPower. At Northgate, there are 2,178 panels producing a total capacity of 926 kilowatts.

On Tuesday morning, 29,000 PG&E customers in Walnut Creek after a problem occurred at the utility's substation near Walnut Creek Intermediate School. The incident happened about 9 a.m. It affected businesses and homes in and around the downtown area. Most customers had power restored by 10 a.m. PG&E officials said the cause is being investigated and they expect that review to take several weeks.