Latest news with #Neeley
Associated Press
4 days ago
- General
- Associated Press
Hillcrest CEO Matthew Neeley Recognized as Outstanding Community Leader for Compassionate Leadership and Community Service
LA VERNE, Calif., May 30, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Matthew Neeley, President and CEO of Hillcrest, an age-qualified community in La Verne, was recently honored as an Outstanding Community Leader at the NAACP Pomona Valley Branch 6th Annual Freedom Fund Event. Through his compassionate leadership and steadfast commitment to serving others, Neeley has led efforts that uplift individuals, bridge divides and build a stronger, more inclusive community. 'We celebrate Matthew Neeley for his dedicated service to the city of Pomona and surrounding communities and honor him for his compassion, generosity, and commitment to serving our community,' said Jeanette EllisRoyston, President of the NAACP Pomona Valley Branch. This philosophy of service was evident during Hillcrest's rapid response to the Eaton Fire, which displaced senior residents from The Terraces at Park Marino. Upon receiving a call for assistance, Neeley and his team mobilized within 24 hours to prepare fully furnished, move-in-ready apartments. The displaced seniors were welcomed into the Hillcrest community with care and dignity. 'A great community leader clears the runway for meaningful change, ensuring that good things happen for those in need,' said Neeley. 'If each of us uses the influence we have in service of others, we will create stronger, more connected communities.' In another act of compassionate leadership, Neeley responded to the urgent needs of an Afghan refugee family—providing a safe home on the Hillcrest campus and rallying local faith communities to help them transition to life in the U.S. Today, the children are thriving in school and the parents are employed in their new community. During a moment of national reckoning in 2020, Neeley listened as a Hillcrest resident shared her sorrow in the wake of George Floyd's murder, recalling decades of civil rights struggles. Deeply moved, he wrote a poem that expressed solidarity and hope, which sparked meaningful conversations within the Hillcrest community. He later shared a public letter with 35 peer CEOs, encouraging empathy-driven leadership and continued progress toward equity and understanding. This spirit of unity led to new internal initiatives that continue to foster cultural awareness and dialogue at Hillcrest today. 'Caring for others in times of crisis is at the heart of Hillcrest's mission,' said Neeley. 'We don't just serve our own residents—we serve the larger community as well.' About Hillcrest Hillcrest is an upscale 501(c)(3) nonprofit continuing care retirement community (CCRC) centrally located in the San Gabriel Valley, less than 30 minutes from Los Angeles, Anaheim, Pasadena and San Bernardino and located at the gateway to the Inland Empire. Located in a quiet residential neighborhood just off Foothill Boulevard in La Verne, California, Hillcrest offers independent living, assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing with an emphasis on wellness and health. For more information, visit: NEWS SOURCE: Hillcrest Keywords: NonProfit and Charities, Hillcrest CEO Matthew Neeley, Hillcrest, Senior Living, NAACP, continuing care retirement community, Rob Bonta, Jeanette EllisRoyston, LA VERNE, Calif. This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Hillcrest) who is solely responsibile for its accuracy, by Send2Press® Newswire. Information is believed accurate but not guaranteed. Story ID: S2P126609 APNF0325A To view the original version, visit: © 2025 Send2Press® Newswire, a press release distribution service, Calif., USA. RIGHTS GRANTED FOR REPRODUCTION IN WHOLE OR IN PART BY ANY LEGITIMATE MEDIA OUTLET - SUCH AS NEWSPAPER, BROADCAST OR TRADE PERIODICAL. MAY NOT BE USED ON ANY NON-MEDIA WEBSITE PROMOTING PR OR MARKETING SERVICES OR CONTENT DEVELOPMENT. Disclaimer: This press release content was not created by nor issued by the Associated Press (AP). Content below is unrelated to this news story.
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Texas Lawmakers Want To Use 'Police Power' of the State To Halt Renewable Energy Projects
Texas generates the most renewable energy in the nation. Three Republican bills being advanced by the state legislature could halt Texas' green energy progress and give fossil fuels a leg up in the state's energy market. Senate Bill 388, which has passed the state Senate, would require at least 50 percent of power generation installed after January 1, 2026, to come from "dispatchable" energy sources, which include natural gas, nuclear power, and coal. This bill effectively subsidizes fossil fuel projects by requiring utility providers to purchase power generation credits from dispatchable energy sources. If passed, this bill could have a "big impact" on the state's power grid, Josiah Neeley, senior energy fellow at the free market R Street Institute, tells Reason. The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), the regulatory agency that manages 90 percent of the state's power market, expects its energy demand to jump from about 94 gigawatts (GW) today to 208 GW in 2030. Renewables are expected to satisfy a significant share of this demand. ERCOT says 346 GW worth of projects are waiting to connect to the grid, 96 percent of which are solar, wind, or battery storage. "If you're saying half of all new stuff has to be gas, then you end up cutting out a lot of new generations," says Neeley. Senate Bill 715 amends existing statutes to set strict reliability requirements that would favor fossil fuel sources. Under the bill, "solar generators would have to secure enough battery or gas power to match their output at night—a time when no one expects them to produce energy and when demand is typically at its lowest anyway," according to Doug Lewin, a Texas energy expert. A report from Aurora Energy Research estimates that this bill would add $5.2 billion to Texas power prices over the next decade; residents could pay an extra $200 per year in energy costs. The bill has passed out of committee and awaits a vote on the Senate floor. As these two bills incentivize power generation primarily from fossil sources, Senate Bill 819 would make it harder to permit renewable energy projects. The bill invokes the "police power of [the] state" to "increase electric generation" and "mitigate unreasonable impacts of renewable energy generation facilities on wildlife, water, and land" in Texas. The legislation would require new renewable energy projects that generate over 10 megawatts—enough to power about 10,000 homes—to obtain permits from state regulators before connecting to the power grid. While some cities have zoning requirements, Texas laws currently allow power generators to connect to the grid without a permit. The bill would also force renewable projects to pay an annual "environmental impact fee" to fund site cleanups of these projects, even though greenhouse gas-emitting energy projects in the state, including oil and natural gas, are not subject to similar dues. The bill claims to protect private property rights by preventing solar and wind energy projects from being placed within 100 feet or 3,000 feet, respectively, of any property line unless a developer gets a written waiver from every property owner within the area. Neeley says this bill violates private property rights. "These projects can only happen if the property owner agrees and works out a deal in order to do them," he said. Those who object to these renewable energy projects are usually people who live in another part of the state and don't like renewable energy sources, according to Neeley. Many landowners opposed the bill during a March Senate Business and Commerce Committee hearing. Renewable projects provide supplemental income to farmers and ranchers in many of the state's rural communities, especially as oil and gas reserves have dried up in some counties. A 2023 study from Joshua Rhodes, a research scientist at the University of Texas, Austin, found that, over their lifetime, the state's existing utility-scale wind and solar projects will generate over $12.3 billion in revenue to Texas landowners. Two wind farms in Armstrong County, which has fewer than 200,000 residents, will funnel $100 million to local landowners and school districts. Despite landowner support for green energy projects and private sector backing, the legislature is doubling down on giving fossil fuel projects a leg up. In 2023, lawmakers enacted the Texas Energy Fund to provide $5 billion of low-interest loans to build new natural gas plants. Despite the incentive, "numerous projects have dropped out of the taxpayer-backed loan program," reports the Houston Chronicle. The legislature is considering amending the program to allow geothermal energy projects to apply for loan funding. Critics of renewable energy are right to point out that subsidies for solar and wind energy distort markets and are unnecessary and costly. Spain and Portugal's recent blackouts demonstrate the dangers of over-reliance on intermittent green power sources. However, by putting their thumb on the scale and picking energy winners, lawmakers are running the risk of increasing costs and hurting electricity reliability in Texas. Pablo Vegas, ERCOT's CEO, recently told lawmakers, "The market as structured today is very well suited to support the growth trajectories that we're seeing increase in the state of Texas." In the same testimony, Vegas said that ERCOT will need every energy source to meet the state's projected energy growth. Using the "police power" of the state ignores what regulators and the market are saying: Texas needs every energy source to meet future demand. That includes renewables. 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Los Angeles Times
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
Adam Neeley named Artist of the Year in Laguna's Art Star Awards
Adam Neeley's creations shine brightly for the many who wear the finished products created by the Laguna Beach jewelry designer and goldsmith. Before a crowd of his creative peers and other purveyors of the arts, Neeley received the Artist of the Year award on Wednesday at the 17th annual Art Star Awards in his hometown. 'Twenty years ago, I dreamt of coming to Laguna Beach and joining this amazing art colony, and I did,' Neeley said. 'With a great leap of faith, I opened my first gallery on PCH in North Laguna gallery row. I was 21 years old, and here we are 20 years later. 'I joined the Festival of Arts and exhibited proudly for 12 years and felt like, 'You know what, I'm becoming part of this amazing art community.' … Last year, I was very honored to be the first decorative art exhibition at the Laguna Art Museum. … Along this creative journey, I've met so many wonderful friends and patrons that have supported my art and a deep thank you for this, and for this community to continue to focus [on] and support the arts.' The other nominees were Piper Bangs and Andrew Myers. Bangs, who graduated from the Laguna College of Art and Design with a degree in drawing and painting in 2024, had exhibitions throughout the country, with another exhibiting engagement in Seoul, South Korea. Myers was nominated after showing 'Life in Translation' in a Honarkar Foundation exhibit. The artwork displayed versatility across the mediums of painting, screw art, and sculpture. He recently opened a gallery on Forest Avenue. Chris Quilter, a longtime writer for local parody production Lagunatics, emceed the event, held annually by the Laguna Beach Arts Alliance. Given his background, the show could not go on without some well-placed jokes, including shots he took at his own artistic credentials, and of course, word play. 'They've been limited to largely writing for Lagunatics — for 20 very odd years,' Quilter said. 'Now, we don't know a lot about art, but we know what we like to poke fun at. We accuse the Pageant [of the Masters] of standing still artistically. It takes a moment, then it sinks in.' In the closing moments of the celebration, Jean Stern was recognized with the Lifetime Achievement award. Stern has served as the director emeritus of the Irvine Museum, senior curator of UC Irvine's Institute and Museum of California Art, and as a curatorial fellow at Laguna Art Museum. 'I am deeply sorry that my wife, Linda, and I could not attend this in-person, as I am writing this from my hospital bed,' Stern said in remarks read by Victoria Gerard, deputy director of Laguna Art Museum. 'Most of all, I am grateful and reassured by the LBAA's dynamic and active organizations that Laguna Beach will continue its significant role in the arts of California.' The evening also featured live caricature drawings of guests, as well as a display of some of the handiwork worn on the runway during the Laguna Art Museum's upcycled couture fashion show. Prior to the awards program, the Laguna Beach Community Jazz Band set the mood with its live performance from the stage. Arts Patron of the Year went to Faye and Wayne Baglin, both of whom have served on the board of numerous arts organizations in the community. The Outstanding Arts Collaboration honor went to Laguna College of Art and Design, Group Y and Rivian, which worked together to put on a speaker series called Creativity Flow. 'Creativity Flow began as an idea to bridge the classroom and the creativity industries to bring our students closer to the visionaries shaping culture and to inspire conversation at the intersection of art, design, innovation and impact,' LCAD president Steve Brittan said. 'What it has become has exceeded our wildest expectations. Held at the beautiful Rivian South Coast Theater, Creativity Flow has evolved into a marquee gathering of creative energy, where students meet mentors, ideas meet opportunity, and industries meet the next generation of talent.' Laguna Art Museum's Creative Foundations K-12 Education was recognized as the Best Arts Program. The program helps connect underprivileged youth with access to arts education and reaches 5,500 students across 46 schools from 16 districts. It provides art supplies, community events, in-class instruction, teacher professional development and free museum admission for children under the age of 12. The winners went home with a 'Louie,' the name given to the sculpted works of local artist Louis Longi handed out as trophies.
Scottish Sun
24-04-2025
- Lifestyle
- Scottish Sun
Shoppers in a frenzy as viral Home Bargains garden decoration returns – but with a major ‘cute' twist
THEY were the garden ornaments of the summer last year, with shoppers desperate to get their hands on one. So it's pretty much a done deal that Home Bargains' new version of their viral hot air balloon solar lights are also going to be a sell out success. Advertisement 3 Home Bargains has launched a new version of the hot air balloon solar lights Credit: Extreme Couponing and Bargains UK group/Facebook 3 The new heart shaped lights are already proving popular Credit: Extreme Couponing and Bargains UK group/Facebook 3 They're only £5.99 for a pack of two Credit: Home Bargains The budget retail giant delighted gardening fans with a ground stake version of the pretty decoration for £3.99 earlier this year. And now, Home Bargains bosses have given the solar light a "cute" upgrade for summer. The Heart Shaped Hot Air Balloon Solar Lights come in a pack of two and are priced at £5.99. Store bosses say: "Add a whimsical touch to your garden with the Firefly 2 Heart-Shaped Hot Air Balloon Solar Lights. Advertisement "These charming solar lights feature a beautiful heart-shaped hot air balloon design, perfect for creating a cosy, magical atmosphere. "With a built-in rechargeable battery, they're energy-efficient and ready to shine when you need them most. "The lights are easy to install—just set them up in your desired spot, and they'll automatically turn on at dusk. "Plus, the flame LED effect adds a warm, flickering glow, making these lights the perfect decorative touch for any outdoor space." Advertisement The lights haven't arrived in stores yet so you'll need to be quick to snap them up online. And some shoppers have already been lucky enough to bag them. The Range shoppers are going wild for a new garden buy that's set to be as viral as the Egg Chair but fits WAY more people and keeps you shaded too Posting on the Extreme Couponing and Bargains UK Facebook group, which boasts 2.6million members, Neeley said: "Home Bargains online. £5.99 a pack." She later showed off a snap of them set up in her garden, which sparked a flurry of comments from social media users. Advertisement One gushed: "These look amazing lit up." A second wrote: "I think these are adorable." A third added: "New heart shaped ones love these." "Mine arrived today thanks", said a third. Advertisement A fifth, who also bagged them, chimed in: "I have these they are bigger than I thought but do look lovely when lit up." Meanwhile, a sixth pleaded to a friend: "I NEED these next time you go please." We recently shared how fans are racing to Home Bargains to snap up a "fabulous" plant that will give their flowerbed a colour boost - and it's only £2.99. Advertisement And the cheap plant is even renowned for reseeding each year, meaning you're getting great value for your money. Posting on the BARGAIN LOVERS Poundland, Home Bargains, B&M, Primark, The Range & More, one bargain hunter shared a snap of her garden buy. Julia said alongside the snap: "Fabulous snapdragons, Antirrhinum, 20 in a pack for £2.99 at Home Bargains." This works out at just 15p per plant. Advertisement Unsurprisingly, Julia was so impressed with her find that she picked up two packs. Antirrhinums are cheerful annual plants, guaranteed to brighten up flower borders and containers. Commonly known as snapdragons, they are hailed by garden experts as easy-to-grow, old-fashioned cottage garden plants, beloved by children and bees. They come in a variety of colours and heights, and therefore can be grown in a variety of situations.
The Sun
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Shoppers in a frenzy as viral Home Bargains garden decoration returns – but with a major ‘cute' twist
THEY were the garden ornaments of the summer last year, with shoppers desperate to get their hands on one. So it's pretty much a done deal that Home Bargains' new version of their viral hot air balloon solar lights are also going to be a sell out success. 3 3 3 The budget retail giant delighted gardening fans with a ground stake version of the pretty decoration for £3.99 earlier this year. And now, Home Bargains bosses have given the solar light a "cute" upgrade for summer. The Heart Shaped Hot Air Balloon Solar Lights come in a pack of two and are priced at £5.99. Store bosses say: "Add a whimsical touch to your garden with the Firefly 2 Heart-Shaped Hot Air Balloon Solar Lights. "These charming solar lights feature a beautiful heart-shaped hot air balloon design, perfect for creating a cosy, magical atmosphere. "With a built-in rechargeable battery, they're energy-efficient and ready to shine when you need them most. "The lights are easy to install—just set them up in your desired spot, and they'll automatically turn on at dusk. "Plus, the flame LED effect adds a warm, flickering glow, making these lights the perfect decorative touch for any outdoor space." The lights haven't arrived in stores yet so you'll need to be quick to snap them up online. And some shoppers have already been lucky enough to bag them. The Range shoppers are going wild for a new garden buy that's set to be as viral as the Egg Chair but fits WAY more people and keeps you shaded too Posting on the Extreme Couponing and Bargains UK Facebook group, which boasts 2.6million members, Neeley said: "Home Bargains online. £5.99 a pack." She later showed off a snap of them set up in her garden, which sparked a flurry of comments from social media users. One gushed: "These look amazing lit up." A second wrote: "I think these are adorable." A third added: "New heart shaped ones love these." "Mine arrived today thanks", said a third. A fifth, who also bagged them, chimed in: "I have these they are bigger than I thought but do look lovely when lit up." Meanwhile, a sixth pleaded to a friend: "I NEED these next time you go please." We recently shared how fans are racing to Home Bargains to snap up a "fabulous" plant that will give their flowerbed a colour boost - and it's only £2.99. And the cheap plant is even renowned for reseeding each year, meaning you're getting great value for your money. Posting on the BARGAIN LOVERS Poundland, Home Bargains, B&M, Primark, The Range & More, one bargain hunter shared a snap of her garden buy. Julia said alongside the snap: "Fabulous snapdragons, Antirrhinum, 20 in a pack for £2.99 at Home Bargains." This works out at just 15p per plant. Unsurprisingly, Julia was so impressed with her find that she picked up two packs. Antirrhinums are cheerful annual plants, guaranteed to brighten up flower borders and containers. Commonly known as snapdragons, they are hailed by garden experts as easy-to-grow, old-fashioned cottage garden plants, beloved by children and bees. They come in a variety of colours and heights, and therefore can be grown in a variety of situations.
