By Clifford L. Williams,
Globe City Editor

Alameda County and Strategic Urban Development Alliance (SUDA), a local development firm, has collaborated with PG&E on a solar panel project that will provide nearly 400,000 kilowatts a year of solar-generated electricity to Thomas Berkley Square.
   Federal, state and local elected officials leading the community’s “green” efforts recently convened at Thomas Berkley Square — home of the Alameda County Social Services Agency — to celebrate the project, which is designed to replace tens of thousands of dollars of electricity each year with “clean” energy. SUDA hosted the “switch-on” ceremony of the $2.5-million, 16,000-squarefoot rooftop solar panel project.
    Assemblywoman Loni Hancock, who currently serves as the Educachair of the state Natural Resources Committee, praised SUDA for its contributions. “This project is a perfect example of an innovative solution to the challenges associated with climate change.”
    Alameda County Supervisor Keith Carson, who worked with SUDA from the beginning of the project, said, “The solar panel installation is a very exciting step in our emissions reduction and conservation efforts.”
   Alan Dones, SUDA principal, said that he wants the solar installation at Thomas Berkley Square to serve as a positive example for all of the city’s building projects. “This project breaks new ground, showing how the county, or any other agency, can integrate the use of renewable energy into its operations at leased facilities,” he said.

    “In order to realize our model city vision, it is essential that we remain a leader in further developing renewable energy through solar technology, and this project emphasizes that commitment,” said Oakland Mayor Ron Dellums.

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