Here's a list including all things Fourth of July -- fun facts, fireworks and barbecue safety tips and more from the U.S. Government's official Web portal. Some of the standout links are:

• Reminders on barbecue safety from the Agriculture Department

• A virtual visit to the Liberty Bell Center

• Have your children test their knowledge on the Declaration of Independence with this quiz. This site also offers quizzes on life in the White House, First Ladies and even presidents' pets.

• All-American recipes, including a recipe for Laura Bush's Hot Chocolate.

• If you're interested in donating your time and effort for a patriotic cause, this link is a thorough compilation of donation projects, volunteering opportunities and other ways to support your country.

Be safe and have a great Fourth!

Posted by Daily Link at 8:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Heal the Bay has a new initiative to raise awareness of water quality conditions. Ads went up on South Bay lifeguard stations to inform beachgoers to text their location and find out the Heal the Bay grade for the water. To receive text messages about South Bay beach water quality, send a text message to 23907 and type the following codes for these specific locations.
For Marina del Rey, Mothers' Beach, text mdrmothers
For Dockweiler State Beach at Ballona Creek, text ballona
For Manhattan Beach at 40th Street, text mb40
For Hermosa Beach Pier, text hermosapier
For Herondo Street storm drain, text herondo
For Redondo Beach at Avenue I drain, text avenuei
For Malaga Cove, Palos Verdes Estates, text malagad
For Palos Verdes Estates, text bluffcove
For Rancho Palos Verdes, text longpoint
For Cabrillo Beach's harborside at lifeguard tower. text cabrillo

More locations are available at the Heal the Bay website.

Posted by Daily Link at 6:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Torrance residents heading out on vacation may want to swing by the City of Torrance Web site first, where they can request that police keep an extra eye on things while they're away.

Besides the usual contact information, the vacation security check form asks such things as whether you plan to leave lights on, who is authorized to be there while you are gone (gardeners, maids, pool people, etc.), and whether cars will be parked in the driveway.

The police department makes no guarantee that vacation checks will be done daily, and it does not assume any liability for loss or damage to your property during your vacation if you do fill out the form.

While at the site, safety-conscious residents might also want to check out other entries on the Crimes, Trends & Prevention page, including one on why there is a rash of catalytic converter thefts and steps you can take to reduce the chances yours will be stolen, another on how to tell if a solicitor is genuine or a possible thief casing your house, and suggestions for preventing identity theft.

Posted by Daily Link at 11:05 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)