Picture yourself in your own saucer-like flying machine. (Photo by Moller International)

Fresno-based Electronic Recyclers of America, which says it California’s largest recycler of electronic waste, has launched a joint venture with an investment fund owned by the Azcarraga family, the family that founded Mexican television network, Televisa.

The two have formed Electronic Recyclers International, a Mexican joint venture to recycle millions of pounds of Mexican e-waste such as computers, cellphones and other consumer electronics.

The Azcarraga family will invest an estimated $15 million in ERI, which plans to construct an e-waste processing plant in Mexico and begin operations sometime in 2007. ERI also plans regional transfer stations around Mexico to collect, sort and ship e-waste to its central processing plant. Each of these facilities will employ up to several hundred Mexicans.

Central Valley ‘flying saucer’ to be sold via eBay

A saucer-shaped two –person vertical take off and landing aircraft developed by Moller International (OTCBB: MLER) of Davis could be yours if you have the high bid in an eBay auction scheduled for later this month.

Moller says its original two-passenger “M200X” prototype saucer-shaped vertical take off and landing aircraft, predecessor to its better-known “Skycar” aircraft, is going to be offered for sale on eBay. The auction is anticipated to start Nov. 14, the company says.

This is the company’s second attempt to sell one of its products via the online auction company. The first did not go so well.

On Oct. 9 Moller offered its “M400X Skycar” prototype for sale, but bids tendered did not meet its minimum reserve price.

The Skycar is designed to vertically take off and land, seat four persons and travel 700 miles at a top speed of 350 mph.

Former Hanford city manager quits

Jan Reynolds, who has been both Hanford’s city manager and then its assistant city manager following a bitter employment dispute with city council, has quit his city employment.

Mr. Reynolds on Friday submitted his resignation effective Nov. 20. He gave no reason.

His resignation came as attorneys were about to set a date for legal action over his severance package from his job as city manager. Part of the deal had been for him to serve as assistant city manager.

Budget shortfall crimps classes at Sac State

The number of classes and the ways they are offered may change at California State University, Sacramento because of a budget shortfall.

University President Alexander Gonzalez has ordered an immediate $6.5 million cut in the school’s $233 million budget.

That’s expected to mean fewer part-time instructors resulting in larger classes or classes delivered via the Internet.

There are about 23,000 full-time students enrolled at CSUS this fall, about the same as last year’s enrollment. Lack of significant enrollment growth in the face is steadily rising operating costs is seen as one explanation for the budget problems. State funding is based on the number of students enrolled.

Major delays predicted on Highway 99 near Atwater

If you’re planning to drive northbound Highway 99 between Merced and Atwater, be prepared to sit in long lines of traffic.

The California Highway Patrol says highway construction will reduce the northbound side of the freeway to a single lane between Merced and Atwater area through Tuesday, Nov. 14.

Drivers should consider using Interstate 5 to avoid delays of as long as 40 minutes, the CHP says.