The Riverside County Waste Management and the City of La Quinta will host a Household Hazardous Waste
Collection Event on Saturday, February 26, 2011, at the City Hall south parking lot (78-495 Calle Tampico)
from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. It’s FREE!
Acceptable items include: motor oil, paint, antifreeze, pesticides and cleaning products; electronics such as televisions,
computers, VCRs and telephones. Unacceptable items include explosives, infectious or medical waste (other than
sharps), ammunition, radioactive material, asbestos or appliances.
County residents are asked to limit waste to no more than 5 gallons or 50 pounds per trip per vehicle. Waste
from businesses and nonprofits will not be taken. This year there has been a second FREE event added, which will
take place on May 14, 2011.
City residents are also able to dispose of the above types of household hazardous waste at the Riverside County Household Hazardous and Universal Waste Collection
Facility at 1100 Vella Road (in Palm Springs) on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. For latex paint, used engine oil, antifreeze and batteries (only), the Coachella Valley
Transfer Station, located at 87-011 Landfill Road (near Coachella), is open Mondays through Fridays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to noon.
For additional information, call (760) 777-7120 or email osantana@la-quinta.org.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Thursday, December 9, 2010
GET READY NOW!
We don't have the disaster seasons like the rest of the country..ie. Hurricanes, Flooding, etc... Mother nature adlibs now and then so we must always be prepared. In light of this, I offer the following:
In a major-mega disaster-emergency, be prepared to shelter-in-place for two weeks or longer. The old 3 day rule is not reality, only an arbitrary mark chosen by who knows whom. Be prepared with water, food, first aid supplies, birth and new baby equipment and supplies for a newborn and mother if someone is pregnant, medicines/prescriptions, shelter, lights and extra batteries, portable radio with extra batteries, etc. Water quantity should be 1 gallon per person per day, but in the summer desert heat, quantity should be 2 gallons per person per day. OK, this may be overkill but nearby your bed have a flashlight, sturdy shoes, long pants, long sleeve shirt, whistle and work gloves. Foot injuries and cuts are the most reported injuries in an earthquake. Do not step on glass after you have come from under your pillow when the shaking stops. Make sure you are o.k. first, so you can then help others. The first priority is you, then your family, then your home and then your neighbors; aBe a good scout! - Be preparedlso, be prepared in your vehicle and work place. When the Southern end of the San Andreas fault has a mega rupture it will be devastating. History shows that the Southern end has had a rupture every 150 years, except for the last 300 years. We are now 150 years overdue for a catastrophic earthquake. The Big One, an earthquake of about a magnitude 8.0, on the Southern end of the San Andreas Fault, will devastate a wide area of Southern California, including Coachella Valley. First Responders will be overwhelmed by such an event with major assistance coming from outside the region. Make a plan, build a kit and get trained. THE BIG ONE WILL HAVE A BIG BITE, DON’T GET BITTEN. The Southern end starts in the Salton Sea area and runs Northwest crossing the I-10 in the Indio area, through the Coachella Valley/Riverside County into San Bernadino County and Los Angeles County, crossing the I-5 in the Tejon Pass/Gorman area and then into the San Joaquin Valley heading to San Francisco. The Pacific Plate will slide North along the North American Plate for a distance that could be about 20 feet in areas. DARE TO PREPARE, DARE TO SURVIVE. WHEN YOU ARE PREPARED YOU ARE IN CONTROL. 10% OF LIFE IS WHAT HAPPENS TO YOU. 90% OF LIFE IS HOW YOU REACT TO IT.
In a major-mega disaster-emergency, be prepared to shelter-in-place for two weeks or longer. The old 3 day rule is not reality, only an arbitrary mark chosen by who knows whom. Be prepared with water, food, first aid supplies, birth and new baby equipment and supplies for a newborn and mother if someone is pregnant, medicines/prescriptions, shelter, lights and extra batteries, portable radio with extra batteries, etc. Water quantity should be 1 gallon per person per day, but in the summer desert heat, quantity should be 2 gallons per person per day. OK, this may be overkill but nearby your bed have a flashlight, sturdy shoes, long pants, long sleeve shirt, whistle and work gloves. Foot injuries and cuts are the most reported injuries in an earthquake. Do not step on glass after you have come from under your pillow when the shaking stops. Make sure you are o.k. first, so you can then help others. The first priority is you, then your family, then your home and then your neighbors; aBe a good scout! - Be preparedlso, be prepared in your vehicle and work place. When the Southern end of the San Andreas fault has a mega rupture it will be devastating. History shows that the Southern end has had a rupture every 150 years, except for the last 300 years. We are now 150 years overdue for a catastrophic earthquake. The Big One, an earthquake of about a magnitude 8.0, on the Southern end of the San Andreas Fault, will devastate a wide area of Southern California, including Coachella Valley. First Responders will be overwhelmed by such an event with major assistance coming from outside the region. Make a plan, build a kit and get trained. THE BIG ONE WILL HAVE A BIG BITE, DON’T GET BITTEN. The Southern end starts in the Salton Sea area and runs Northwest crossing the I-10 in the Indio area, through the Coachella Valley/Riverside County into San Bernadino County and Los Angeles County, crossing the I-5 in the Tejon Pass/Gorman area and then into the San Joaquin Valley heading to San Francisco. The Pacific Plate will slide North along the North American Plate for a distance that could be about 20 feet in areas. DARE TO PREPARE, DARE TO SURVIVE. WHEN YOU ARE PREPARED YOU ARE IN CONTROL. 10% OF LIFE IS WHAT HAPPENS TO YOU. 90% OF LIFE IS HOW YOU REACT TO IT.
Saturday, August 28, 2010
How green are you?
We can never discuss this topic too often. Just how much water do you see washing down the streets from irrigation systems set improperly. Are you trying to show you have money to burn or just rather have landscaper set it and not be bothered (The landscaper is not paying the bill). There really is no reason to set watering for 3-6 intervals a day. Get a grip on you utilization of our most precious natural resource and take heed of these excellent tips shared on Rismedia. Tip # 1 contains the best one, in my eyes, after you re-adjust your watering times....use the footprint test.
Keep the faith........
RISMEDIA, August 28, 2010--Soon, summer will be on its way out and the rains may even slow. Still, it's more important that ever to conserve water. From checking the kitchen faucet to watching your laundry loads, there's plenty we can all do to save water.
Here are some tips from Pennsylvania American Water (effective in any part of the country) on how you can conserve water and reduce the environmental impact of water consumption both indoors and outside the home:
1. Water your lawn only when it needs it. An easy test to tell if your lawn needs water is to simply walk across the grass. If you leave footprints, it's time to water. (An added benefit of watering less often is that fewer, deep-soaking waterings encourage deep root growth and stronger turf.)
2. Water in the early morning. As much as 30 percent of water can be lost to evaporation by watering during midday.
3. Set your lawn mower one notch higher to make your lawn more drought-tolerant.
4. Use drip irrigation hoses to water plants, and water in the early morning or evening.
5. Use a broom instead of a hose to clean your sidewalk, driveway, or patio.
6. Forego the hose and wash your car with a bucket and sponge instead. According to EPA WaterSense, a hose left running can waste as much as six gallons per minute while a bucket and sponge uses only a few gallons to do the job.
7. Keep a bottle of cold tap water in the refrigerator. You'll avoid the cost and environmental impact of bottled water and you'll have cold water available in the summer without running the faucet.
8. Run dishwashers and clothes washers only when they are full. If you have a water-saver cycle, use it.
9. Adjust the water level of your clothes washer, so that it matches your load size.
10. Regularly check your toilet, faucets and pipes for leaks and have them fixed promptly. An easy test for toilet leaks from EPA WaterSense: Place a drop of food coloring in the tank. If the color tints the water in the bowl without flushing, there's a leak. Check your water meter before and after a two-hour period when no water is being used. If the meter changes at all, you probably have a leak.
Keep the faith........
RISMEDIA, August 28, 2010--Soon, summer will be on its way out and the rains may even slow. Still, it's more important that ever to conserve water. From checking the kitchen faucet to watching your laundry loads, there's plenty we can all do to save water.
Here are some tips from Pennsylvania American Water (effective in any part of the country) on how you can conserve water and reduce the environmental impact of water consumption both indoors and outside the home:
1. Water your lawn only when it needs it. An easy test to tell if your lawn needs water is to simply walk across the grass. If you leave footprints, it's time to water. (An added benefit of watering less often is that fewer, deep-soaking waterings encourage deep root growth and stronger turf.)
2. Water in the early morning. As much as 30 percent of water can be lost to evaporation by watering during midday.
3. Set your lawn mower one notch higher to make your lawn more drought-tolerant.
4. Use drip irrigation hoses to water plants, and water in the early morning or evening.
5. Use a broom instead of a hose to clean your sidewalk, driveway, or patio.
6. Forego the hose and wash your car with a bucket and sponge instead. According to EPA WaterSense, a hose left running can waste as much as six gallons per minute while a bucket and sponge uses only a few gallons to do the job.
7. Keep a bottle of cold tap water in the refrigerator. You'll avoid the cost and environmental impact of bottled water and you'll have cold water available in the summer without running the faucet.
8. Run dishwashers and clothes washers only when they are full. If you have a water-saver cycle, use it.
9. Adjust the water level of your clothes washer, so that it matches your load size.
10. Regularly check your toilet, faucets and pipes for leaks and have them fixed promptly. An easy test for toilet leaks from EPA WaterSense: Place a drop of food coloring in the tank. If the color tints the water in the bowl without flushing, there's a leak. Check your water meter before and after a two-hour period when no water is being used. If the meter changes at all, you probably have a leak.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
What your Burgular will not tell you.....
Here are some notes taken from the September 2009 Reader’s Digest issue about burglars, which came from the book “Burglars On The Job” by criminology professor Richard T. Wright. Another resource is “crimedoctor.com”. 1) OF COURSE I LOOK FAMILIAR. I cleaned your carpets, painted your home or delivered your new refrigerator. 2) THANK YOU FOR LETTING ME USE YOUR BATHROOM WHILE I WAS WORKING AROUND YOUR HOME. I unlatched the window to make my return easier. 3) LOVE YOUR FLOWERS AND THE NICE KID’S TOYS THAT ARE LEFT OUT. Makes me wonder what nice things are in the house and the types of computer gaming systems are there. 4) MIGHT LEAVE A PIZZA FLYER IN YOUR FRONT DOOR TO SEE HOW LONG IT TAKES YOU TO REMOVE IT. 5) THANKS FOR HAVING YOUR ALARM SYSTEM CONTROL PAD IN VIEW OF A WINDOW. Now I can see if it is on or off before I break in. 6) I DO NOT TAKE A DAY OFF BECAUSE OF BAD WEATHER. 7) I ALWAYS CHECK THE DRESSER DRAWERS, BEDSIDE TABLES AND THE MEDICINE CABINET. 8) I ALWAYS KNOCK FIRST. If you answer, I’ll ask for directions or offer some yard service work (doesn't matter if you do not take me up on it). 9) I WON’T HAVE TIME TO BREAK INTO YOUR SAFE. But, if it small enough and not bolted down, I am taking it with me. 10) LEAVING A RADIO ON MIGHT DETER ME. 11) THANKS FOR LEAVING YOUR GARAGE DOOR OPEN ENOUGH TO SLIDE UNDER IT, I COULDN'T FIT BUT MY FRIEND IS SMALL. 12) I DO NOT WANT YOU TO CHECK http://www.rd.com/living-healthy/article-8-more-things-a-burglar-wont-tell-you/article156681.html FOR MORE THINGS I WON’T TELL YOU.
These are tips worthy of reading and implementing. They say you can't teach an old dog new tricks but make it easy on yourself-study hard... and
Keep the faith!
These are tips worthy of reading and implementing. They say you can't teach an old dog new tricks but make it easy on yourself-study hard... and
Keep the faith!
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Water rates are rising just when use is maximized .....
There is no time like the present to start training yourself to conserve water and save some money. Water is the lifeblood of the desert and brown lawns aren't the worst of a prolonged drought or rationing. We all need to take an active part in the custodianship of our natural resources. Step one: WATER
Now is the time to establish some basic water conservation measures to not only help save water, but also to cut down on the associated costs. A drought can occur at any time, although in many areas, the effects are greatest in the summer. It's estimated that every household could easily save 100-150 gallons of water each day if the following suggestions were implemented:
Don’t let faucets run continuously. Letting the water run when shaving, brushing teeth or rinsing the dishes is common practice, but an open faucet can allow 5 gallons to pass in as little as 2 minutes;
Use water-saving showerheads and faucets. High-flow showerheads can provide a water flow of 5 or more gallons a minute. Flow restriction devices can cut flow in half or more without reducing the water pressure;
Water your lawn and plants early in the day. Using a deep watering technique once a day will train your lawn and plants to be drought-resistant. Watering your lawn 5 or 6 times a day, even if it's for just a few minutes, is a waste in the long run. You might as well water the driveway. A deep-watering technique will reduce the loss of water due to evaporation; and late watering is also effective in reducing evaporation. If you don't already, water your plants slowly and infrequently, especially in the summer. Consider drip irrigation for garden areas to add water just where it is needed;
Check for drips and leaks. A dripping faucet can allow up to two gallons per hour to be wasted. Toilets are also prime suspects. To check a toilet, simply drop some food coloring into the tank (not the bowl) and wait 15 minutes before flushing. If colored water shows up in the bowl, you have a leak from the tank to the bowl;
Replace your old toilet. If your home was built before 1992 and the toilet has never been replaced, then it is very likely that you do not have a water-efficient 1.6 gallon per flush toilet. You can check the age of your toilets by looking at the date stamp inside the tank. Lift the lid and look at the back of the tank cover for the manufacturer's imprint of the make, model and date of manufacture. Old toilets are the largest water users in many homes, typically using 3 or more gallons per flush. In addition, you might want to consider a two-button toilet; and
Finally, replace old clothes washers. Next to old toilets, an old washing machine generally is the next largest water user in a home. New Energy Star™ rated washers use 35-50% less water and 50% less energy per load. You’ll have an upfront cost but a modern, energy efficient unit saves money on both water and energy bills. Be sure to use the manufacturer's recommended detergent to ensure proper operation.
Stay tuned and........ Keep the faith!
Now is the time to establish some basic water conservation measures to not only help save water, but also to cut down on the associated costs. A drought can occur at any time, although in many areas, the effects are greatest in the summer. It's estimated that every household could easily save 100-150 gallons of water each day if the following suggestions were implemented:
Don’t let faucets run continuously. Letting the water run when shaving, brushing teeth or rinsing the dishes is common practice, but an open faucet can allow 5 gallons to pass in as little as 2 minutes;
Use water-saving showerheads and faucets. High-flow showerheads can provide a water flow of 5 or more gallons a minute. Flow restriction devices can cut flow in half or more without reducing the water pressure;
Water your lawn and plants early in the day. Using a deep watering technique once a day will train your lawn and plants to be drought-resistant. Watering your lawn 5 or 6 times a day, even if it's for just a few minutes, is a waste in the long run. You might as well water the driveway. A deep-watering technique will reduce the loss of water due to evaporation; and late watering is also effective in reducing evaporation. If you don't already, water your plants slowly and infrequently, especially in the summer. Consider drip irrigation for garden areas to add water just where it is needed;
Check for drips and leaks. A dripping faucet can allow up to two gallons per hour to be wasted. Toilets are also prime suspects. To check a toilet, simply drop some food coloring into the tank (not the bowl) and wait 15 minutes before flushing. If colored water shows up in the bowl, you have a leak from the tank to the bowl;
Replace your old toilet. If your home was built before 1992 and the toilet has never been replaced, then it is very likely that you do not have a water-efficient 1.6 gallon per flush toilet. You can check the age of your toilets by looking at the date stamp inside the tank. Lift the lid and look at the back of the tank cover for the manufacturer's imprint of the make, model and date of manufacture. Old toilets are the largest water users in many homes, typically using 3 or more gallons per flush. In addition, you might want to consider a two-button toilet; and
Finally, replace old clothes washers. Next to old toilets, an old washing machine generally is the next largest water user in a home. New Energy Star™ rated washers use 35-50% less water and 50% less energy per load. You’ll have an upfront cost but a modern, energy efficient unit saves money on both water and energy bills. Be sure to use the manufacturer's recommended detergent to ensure proper operation.
Stay tuned and........ Keep the faith!
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Summertime and the living is easy ......
The snowbirds have gone home, the lines at Costco and Walmart are shorter, there's parking nearly everywhere (but little shade), the kids are out of school and ..... Did I mention there's little shade anywhere?
Things can be fairly peaceful when schools close for the summer. Vacations can start, kids go to camp or the beach, etc.; however... not everyone can get away. Boredom can set in quickly when there's little to do and no money to do it with ..... which reminds me of this quote "If the Devil finds a man idle, he'll set him at work - J. Kelly - Scottish Proverbs 1721.
Don't be a victim - Keep Alert !!! and keep your garage door closed or at least only open enough so that no one can get under it, especially a small unattended child. Considering that heat rises, there may be no significant benefit anyway. You'd be better off installing a vent high above the existing vent(s) in your garage to allow a flow of air, getting an attic fan or whole house fan.
Watering tip to save money, save water and make your landscape drought resistant: Water once in the morning, a good soak so the water goes deep and the roots will follow. Watering 3-5 times a day, might make you think you're being nice to your landscape but a lot of water hits the sidewalk and gutter 3-5 times a day taking your money with it. There's 3-5 times as much evaporation - wasted water and money; and finally, the roots remain close to the surface where they are subject to higher temperatures and if subjected to severe conditions or a REAL drought came, they have no chance. Additionally, consider a smart irrigation controller from CVWD.
Stay tuned for more coming soon and .......... Keep the faith!
Things can be fairly peaceful when schools close for the summer. Vacations can start, kids go to camp or the beach, etc.; however... not everyone can get away. Boredom can set in quickly when there's little to do and no money to do it with ..... which reminds me of this quote "If the Devil finds a man idle, he'll set him at work - J. Kelly - Scottish Proverbs 1721.
Don't be a victim - Keep Alert !!! and keep your garage door closed or at least only open enough so that no one can get under it, especially a small unattended child. Considering that heat rises, there may be no significant benefit anyway. You'd be better off installing a vent high above the existing vent(s) in your garage to allow a flow of air, getting an attic fan or whole house fan.
Watering tip to save money, save water and make your landscape drought resistant: Water once in the morning, a good soak so the water goes deep and the roots will follow. Watering 3-5 times a day, might make you think you're being nice to your landscape but a lot of water hits the sidewalk and gutter 3-5 times a day taking your money with it. There's 3-5 times as much evaporation - wasted water and money; and finally, the roots remain close to the surface where they are subject to higher temperatures and if subjected to severe conditions or a REAL drought came, they have no chance. Additionally, consider a smart irrigation controller from CVWD.
Stay tuned for more coming soon and .......... Keep the faith!
Saturday, May 22, 2010
SUMMER IS NEARING and that means .........
Kids will be getting out of school and have a lot of time on their hands. I don't mean that the kids in our area are going to be running rampant but kids in general will have a lot of time on their hands. Long, hot summer days with not a lot to do can bring out the worst in some so Neighborhood Watch is even more important these days.....along with taking better precaution ourselves.
Keep an eye and an ear out for the neighbor's dog and don't just shrug it off. Look out the window or over the fence. Hear something breaking....Check it out. It's hot and a lot of people crack their garage doors but kids can squeeze into the smallest of spaces so if you do crack your garage door....remember that it doesn't need to be over an inch or two to be effective. At that, you should keep out unwanted visitors, including a roadrunner but I make no promises on crickets, etc....
Keep the faith!!!
Keep an eye and an ear out for the neighbor's dog and don't just shrug it off. Look out the window or over the fence. Hear something breaking....Check it out. It's hot and a lot of people crack their garage doors but kids can squeeze into the smallest of spaces so if you do crack your garage door....remember that it doesn't need to be over an inch or two to be effective. At that, you should keep out unwanted visitors, including a roadrunner but I make no promises on crickets, etc....
Keep the faith!!!
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