Talk Back: SmartMeters, obesity and K-9 bulletproof vests

An independent audit of PG&E's SmartMeters says the new meters are "highly accurate":

"Interesting. It is possible that the people who experience huge increases in their bills after Smart Meters are installed had inaccurate meters before and were underpaying? Ours didn't change much. I sure would like to do away with tiered billing through. It's almost criminal. I know the basic rate would increase, but everyone should pay the same rate per kHw for what they use, not force those who use more to subsidize the bills of those who use less." — plumaslaker

"I don't buy it! Look for PG&E to break out with a PR campaign touting how great these meters are. We need competition! There are way too many people having problems with these meters." — shackattack

"If you have a good paying customer, for 12 years, and its average bill for "services" rendered is only about $150 per month, with small increases over the years due to inflation, cost of living, etc., and the customer is fine with that, now, there comes the Smart meter and his bill jumps to $320. Is he expected to just be merry about it and say "oh well, we will just use candles now at night to reduce our bill??" I am not an expert, but if I want to lose my own customers, this is the right way to do it, unless I have a monopoly." — kvasir40

"Raising the cost of energy is an excellent way to save the precious resources we have left. If you can't afford the increase, use less energy, a little discomfort won't kill you." — borednyc

A UCLA study determines Yuba-Sutter has some the highest obesity rates in the state:

"Just look at how many fast food places there are along the highway 20 strip. Instead of a 99 cent store why not a Baja Fresh, Jacks Urban Eats, El Pollo Loco etc. These franchises serve more healthier food but of course they probably would not last in this area." — yubacitynative

"...There are plenty of things one can do to maintain their health without having to pay high price for the racquet club or gym. The track at YCHS is great , as long as you go when their not having any type of practice on the field. Also there is a lot of parks with ample walking space, but not necessarily a "track." I use to walk around my neighborhood, throw my iPod on and just walk. It's not that hard." — corrinalabonte

"I'm wondering how UCLA knows how much everyone weighs. They don't. They can't. What was the methodology for that study? What sample of the population did they use? Guess I'll read the study . . . after I finish my bacon and pancakes. :)" — dmgdmg

"...But the number one cause of obesity is stress. The people in Y-S are overly stressed with a poor economy, poor work prospects, personal safety, and many more. As a community, if we don't address these stressors, it won't create a climate conducive to changing lifestyles. Calling everybody an uneducated, Okie isn't helpful. I moved here from San Diego, believe me, Y-S has some issues that other places don't deal with." — hisbrideawaiting

A Meridian couple donates the necessary funds to ensure all Sutter County Sheriff K-9s have bulletproof vests:

"What great citizens we have in our community." — friend2many