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Top Five Plants for Modern Drought Tolerant Landscaping in San Diego

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Local, long-time landscape designer Steve Letz is raising awareness about maximizing water conservation in San Diego and believes the answer to the problem is xeriscape, a style of landscape design requiring little or no irrigation.


SAN DIEGO, CA, May 21, 2023 /24-7PressRelease/ — Letz Design, a local landscape design company, is spreading the news about drought-tolerant landscaping with up-to-date information on how residents can boost water-saving efforts with drought-tolerant plants.

Water conservation is a pressing issue in San Diego. The limited availability of water and rising costs will likely force homeowners to change the way they view water as it will become the “new gold”. Letz Design believes that the answer to the problem is xeriscape, a style of landscape design requiring little or no irrigation or other maintenance.

Here are the Top Five Xeriscape and Drought-tolerant Plants Recommended by Letz Design for San Diego Gardens

1.) Penstemon ‘margarita BOP’ / Beards Tongue – A long blooming plant that shines with its iridescent purple/fuchsia flowers. It spreads nearly 3 feet across and should be a long-term favorite in your garden.

2.) Pelargonium ‘sidoides’ / Burgundy Geranium – This no-nonsense plant offers burgundy flowers and a grey-green leaf. It requires very little maintenance and will spread some 18 inches or more.

3.) Teucrium ‘azure blue’ / Azure Blue Germander – A shrub-like plant with light blue flowers and gray-green leaves, it is very heat tolerant and adds an unusual color to the garden.

4.) Euphorbia ‘bonfire’ / Bonfire Euphorbia – This plant offers exceptional color and interest, especially with its showy flower. It is also good to defer gophers due to their toxicity and perform well with very low water and little maintenance once established.

5.) Graptoveria ‘Fred Ives’ / Fred Ives Graptoveria – This striking succulent plant has a unique dusty rose color and older leaves with a golden hue. As it matures, it can take up over two feet of space as it spreads horizontally, adding a nice texture to a garden.

Letz Design urges homeowners to remove their thirsty lawns and replace them with drought-tolerant plants such as these five varieties listed above – along with decomposed granite, crushed rock, succulents, grasses, and California native plants. By doing so, homeowners can reduce their water consumption within the landscape. To learn more about drought-tolerant landscaping, contact Letz Design at www.letzdesign.com.

The mission of Letz Design is to “Save Water to Ensure Our Future”. Letz Design is committed to helping the community of San Diego address the water crisis by offering creative and sustainable landscape solutions. With their expertise in drought-tolerant landscaping, Letz Design can help San Diego homeowners reduce their water usage while still enjoying a beautiful and vibrant outdoor space.

Source: Letz Design Landscaping

amusement and theme parks

Exciting Opportunities at Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Phoenix: Join the 2024 Seasonal Team!

Join the exciting team at Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Phoenix! Apply now for a thrilling 2024 season at www.sixflags.com/phoenix/jobs.

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As we gear up for an exhilarating season ahead, Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Phoenix is thrilled to announce the opening of 500 seasonal positions in preparation for its much-anticipated March 13 kick-off. From lifeguards to food and beverage staff, cashiers to security, EMTs to supervisors, there’s a diverse array of roles waiting to be filled by enthusiastic individuals ready to be part of the adventure.

Tim Baxter, General Manager of Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Phoenix, highlighted, “Six Flags is a worldwide leader in service and entertainment, and we’re looking forward to hiring energetic, responsible team members for the 2024 season. New team members will have the opportunity to learn and grow as they’re trained on Six Flags’ unwavering standard of safety and guest service, ensuring a premium experience for our guests.”

If you’re eager to join this dynamic team, head over to www.sixflags.com/phoenix/jobs to submit your application. Remember, applicants need to be 16 or older to apply.

Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Phoenix stands as Arizona’s largest waterpark, boasting over 30 attractions, ranging from the thrilling Bahama Blaster to the interactive Splashwater Beach. The park’s latest addition, Paradise Island, offers a refreshing 12,000-square-foot activity pool and a host of amenities to keep guests cool and entertained.

Exciting events like Memorial Day and Fourth of July fireworks add to the park’s vibrant atmosphere, promising a season filled with fun and excitement. The upcoming schedule includes spring break from March 13 to March 17, followed by weekend openings starting March 23 and March 24, before transitioning to a seven-day-a-week operation from May 18 onwards.

For those looking to make the most of their season, Six Flags’ 2024 season passes are now available. Visit www.sixflags.com/phoenix for more details and start planning your unforgettable experiences at Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Phoenix. Join us for a season filled with adventure, thrills, and memorable moments!

Source: Glendale Star

https://www.glendalestar.com/business/article_a50636de-dc09-11ee-acde-1383c283add0.html

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financial wellness

Easy Ideas to Stretch Your Retirement Budget: Ways seniors can save on enjoyable activities

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(Family Features) Retirement may mean you have unlimited time to enjoy each day, but it doesn’t mean you have a budget to match.

You probably already know staying active is essential for aging with grace, so instead of letting limited funds keep you at home, explore some ways you can enjoy your leisure time without breaking the bank.

Hit the Gym
Many fitness centers offer special rates and programs for older adults. Hitting the track or joining a group fitness class are easy ways to socialize while getting some exercise. The discounted membership is also an investment since staying fit is important for physical and mental health.

Enjoy Early Dinner Deals
You can still enjoy dining out occasionally, especially if you take advantage of lower-cost meals designed with older adults in mind. Many specials are for meals earlier in the day, which is consistent with a growing trend toward earlier dining. According to Yelp, the number of people eating from 4-6 p.m. has grown 9% (up to 26% from 17% in 2019). Eating earlier promotes better digestion, and earlier meals are often lighter portions for smaller appetites. For example, Cracker Barrel’s Early Dinner Deals feature smaller portions served from 4-6 p.m. on weekdays. Menu items include a variety of homestyle favorites like chicken n’ dumplins, meatloaf, catfish and more.

Check Out the Library
Your local library is filled with hours of free entertainment, but it’s not just the kind you’ll find from getting a library card. You can undoubtedly find a book that covers any genre or interest you can name, but most local libraries also offer programming tailored to special interests and the sessions are typically offered for free or at a low cost. It’s an easy, affordable way to pick up a new skill, meet a favorite author, learn about a topic that intrigues you and more. Other resources to explore include your library’s DVD collection and internet access if you don’t have a computer at home.

Nurture a Garden
Tending a garden may seem like a seasonal activity, but you can make it a year-round hobby. Researching and planning is a good way to carry your gardening enthusiasm into the cooler months and you can start seedlings indoors to extend your growing season. While you’re digging into this low-cost pastime, remember the results of your efforts, such as fresh fruits and veggies, can help cut your grocery costs, too.

Mind Your Money with DIY
Saving money at the grocery store is just one way you can make DIY projects work for you. There are dozens of other examples of ways you can put your skills and interests to use by passing time doing something you enjoy while benefiting your bank account. If you like to tinker with cars, figure out what repairs you can handle yourself and avoid hefty service fees. Crafting and sewing might mean you have ready-made gifts for special occasions and a way to repair or repurpose damaged clothing instead of discarding it.

Ask About Discounts
You may be surprised by how many places offer discounts for older adults that they don’t readily advertise. In some cases, you’ll find the information on their website or signage, but other times, you may find it easier to just ask. When you’re booking an appointment or checking out, inquire about discounts for older adults, including any restrictions, age requirements, the amount of the discount and other pertinent details. Sometimes the discounts are offered on certain days or for specific services, or they may require you to join a loyalty club to access the discounts. When dining out, many restaurants offer a variety of loyalty perks. Rewards members at Cracker Barrel can earn points, or “Pegs,” on qualifying restaurant and retail purchases. Members can also take advantage of bonus birthday, anniversary and surprise rewards throughout the year.

To find a location near you, visit crackerbarrel.com/locations.

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock (Couple gardening)


SOURCE:
Cracker Barrel

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Consumer Corner

7 Ways to Reduce Home Energy Costs

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(Family Features) When building your budget, utility bills – especially the electric bill – are likely one of your largest monthly expenditures. One of the biggest culprits: home heating and cooling, which account for more than half of the average American household’s annual energy consumption, according to estimates from the Energy Information Administration.

In fact, 83% of homeowners are concerned about the impact of energy bills on their household budgets, according to a survey conducted by Mitsubishi Electric Trane HVAC US (METUS), with 54% saying it cost “somewhat more” or “much more” to heat their homes this winter compared to last year.

To help dial down your energy costs, consider these tips from the heating and cooling experts at METUS.

Adjust the Temperature
While you’re sleeping or away from home, adjust your thermostat up 5-10 F in the summer or down 5-10 F in the winter, which can help lower annual heating and cooling costs if done consistently. A smart thermostat can monitor your energy use and behaviors then automatically adjust to make your home more energy efficient.

Look for Incentives and Rebates
Qualified homeowners may be eligible to save money on qualified home energy improvement projects. The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA) offers tax credits and rebates, including a credit of 30% (up to $2,000) for qualifying heat pump installation, an energy-efficient option to replace fossil fuel-burning furnaces. Other incentives under the IRA include offsetting costs of electrical panel upgrades and rebates for homes with energy usage reductions of 20% or more.

Switch to a Heat Pump
Among survey respondents, 54% ranked government incentives like the IRA as one of the top reasons they would consider installing a heat pump to replace a traditional air conditioner. Options like Mitsubishi Electric’s all-climate heat pumps use two units – an exterior heat pump, which replaces your existing air conditioning condenser, and an interior unit installed on your furnace – to deliver cost-effective, eco-efficient, year-round heating and cooling. These smart systems not only improve air conditioning efficiency on hot days, but also determine the best source of heat (gas or electricity) on cold days, so your HVAC system is always running at peak efficiency and comfort.

Have HVAC Systems Serviced Regularly
For best performance and efficiency, regular maintenance of your heating and cooling system is imperative. Keeping outdoor units free of debris and changing air filters are tasks most homeowners can handle on their own but bringing in a professional – usually in the spring and fall – can help ensure your HVAC system and all its components, including electrical and ductwork, are functioning properly.

Improve Your Insulation
Poorly insulated attics, walls, ceilings, floors and crawl spaces can lead to energy waste and increase costs by requiring more energy to heat or cool your home. Because air can escape through these spaces when your HVAC system pushes air through your home, adding insulation can help reduce losses and keep your home more comfortable.

Use Appliances During Non-Peak Hours
Rather than using your oven, stove or clothes dryer from noon-6 p.m., peak time for many electricity providers, consider doing so in the morning or later at night. Using these appliances outside of the peak timeframe, when conventional heating and cooling systems are often running full bore, can help lower energy costs. Some utilities may also offer plans that incentivize limiting energy use during peak hours.

Think Multi-Zone
Consider upgrading to an all-climate, multi-zone heat pump, which can seamlessly connect to multiple indoor units, revolutionizing the way you experience comfort in your home. By eliminating problematic hot and cold spots in your home, this system ensures personalized comfort tailored to individual zones and optimizes energy usage by directing it only to the areas requiring heating or cooling. Replacing an outdated HVAC system with a multi-zone solution can also help achieve cost and energy savings. By efficiently managing temperature in different zones, you can experience improved energy efficiency, resulting in a more sustainable and economical solution for heating and cooling.

Find more solutions for improving your home’s efficiency and increasing energy savings at MitsubishiComfort.com.


SOURCE:
Mitsubishi Electric

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