July 2010 Archives
The new solar device was installed in Belmont Shore as part of a six-month-long pilot project in various parts of the city.
The bins harness the power of the sun in an effort aimed at slashing waste, costs and greenhouse gases, according to city officials.
These containers can compact about 150 gallons of trash and compact the material into a 32-gallon bin, squeezing the trash into just 20 percent of its normal volume.
This could translate into savings, since trash collections could be reduced. The bins also come side by side with bottle, can and paper recycling units to boost conservation.
The first installation was on the 200 block of Pine Avenue in downtown.
"The Parking Commission has been working for years to bring recycling to Belmont Shore," said Kurt Schneiter, member of the Belmont Shore Parking and Business Improvement Area Advisory Commission. "The installation of the solar trash can allows us to use innovative technology to increase recycling and hopefully will lead to a cleaner Belmont Shore."
Made from recycled materials, the self-powered system uses built-in solar panels to compact the trash, relying on solar power for 100 percent of the compactor's needs.
The panels, located on top of the compactor, can store energy in a recyclable battery, charging the device when it's not sunny. When the container is full, sensors trigger the compactor, flattening the 180 gallons of trash into easy-to-manage bags. The green light on the compactor turns from green to yellow, transmitting a signal to alert collectors that the unit should be picked up.
The city completed a pilot LED lighting study in the 100-year-old Main Street area near the beach town's pier.
Kim Lighting Archetype LED streetlights are being installed in a bluff-top beach area parking lot and BetaLED LEDway® streetlights have been installed in the downtown taxi loading zone to improve the quality of lighting in both areas.
In the parking lot, the 140-Watt LED lamps and ballasts replace high-pressure sodium fixtures that consumed 295 Watts from dusk to dawn. The LED lights feature wireless controls, providing varying illumination output capabilities and allowing the city to consume more than 60 percent less energy.
The retrofitting lighting in a taxi loading area features three BetaLED LEDway streetlights should result in an anticipated 32 percent reduction in energy consumption.
"We initially looked to LED lighting to improve the quality of light in these high traffic areas, yet the reduction in maintenance costs coupled with longer service life and potential for field controllable dimming are benefits that can't be ignored," said Aaron Klemm, Huntington Beach city energy project manager. "The success of these initial installations will help us to adopt LED technology for streets, walkways, parks and buildings across the city in our efforts to become a more energy efficient, sustainable community."
The pilot installation was made possible by the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program, part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
Huntington Beach officials anticipate additional projects featuring LED lighting, including retrofitting its primary downtown blogs with decorative Acorn Globe-style from Sternberg Lighting that feature wireless controls. The controls will allow the city staff to create three types of light levels to suit the appropriate need. The city also plans to replace area lighting in its parks with BetaLED bi-level fixtures to help alleviate the parks' high electrical costs.
The LED City initiative is an expanding community of government and industry parties working to evaluate, deploy and promote LED lighting technology across the full range of municipal infrastructure to save energy, protect the environment, trim maintenance costs and provide better light quality for improved visibility and safety.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, 22 percent of electricity used in the U.S. powers lighting.
Participants include Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill, N.C.; Ann Arbor, Mich.; Austin, and Fairview Texas; Anchorage and Valdez, Ala.; Tianjian and Huizhou, China; Bremen, Germany; Torraca and Apecchio, Italy; Toronto and Welland, Ontario; Indian Wells, Calif.; Gwangju, South Korea; Danville, Va.; and Boston, Mass.
LED City is a registered trademark of Cree, Inc.
It is estimated that there are over 225,000 household cats and dogs in Long Beach that must be licensed and vaccinated against rabies and licensed, officials said.
County and city workers will update animal license records through door-to-door canvassing.
"Licensing your dog is an important component of responsible pet ownership, promoting public health and promoting community safety," said Ron Arias, director of the Long Beach Health Department. "Licensing your dog or cat is also the only way to ensure that you will be contacted if your pet becomes lost or impounded."
Pet owners can reduce the cost of the license if animal is altered (spayed or neutered). Current prices: altered dog, $20; unaltered dog, $90; cat altered, free until Jan. 1; replacement tag, $10.
The door-to-door canvassing will increase this week throughout the city until it is completed, officials said.
License inspectors will be knocking on doors to check on delinquent licenses, to initiate a license for a new pet, or to ask for proof of rabies certification.
Citations or warnings may be issued for delinquent licenses and expired rabies inoculations.
In order to avoid a citation for having an unlicensed or unvaccinated animal, residents are encouraged to secure a dog license in advance of the canvassing effort by visiting the PD Pitchford Animal Companion Village at 7700 E. Spring St., or visit http://www.longbeach.gov/acs/pet_license/default.asp.
Animal Care Services is open to the public Wednesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Village is closed on Monday, Tuesday and holidays. Call 570-PETS (7387) for service. Visit ACS online: www.longbeach.gov/acs.
Q: I have a question about trichinosis in wild game. I understand it's caused by a nematode-like worm that burrows into its host, and is most commonly associated with pork (although it can be found in any game that eats meat, such as bear). But, how common is it? For pig hunters, is it something that we should look out for, and if so, how do we guard against it?
A: You can be at risk for contacting trichinosis if you eat raw or undercooked meats, particularly bear, pork, wild feline (such as a cougar), fox, dog, wolf, horse, seal or walrus. The disease cannot be transferred to others as infection occurs only by eating raw or undercooked meat containing Trichinella worms.
According to DFG senior wildlife veterinarian Dr. Ben Gonzales of the Wildlife Investigations Laboratory, limited data related to pig hunting indicates that trichinellosis (trichinosis) is relatively uncommon in wild pigs in California. Gonzales says he personally still cooks all his pork -- domestic and wild -- to well done. The greater risk to human health from wild pig relates to food hygiene and care of the carcass after it is taken.
Here are some facts on trichinosis from the Centers of Disease Control (CDC) and on how to prevent it:
• Hunters should practice good field dressing practices and cook all meat well.
• Cook meat products until the juices run clear or to an internal temp of 170°F.
• Freeze pork less than six inches thick for 20 days at 5°F to kill any worms.
• Cook wild game meat thoroughly. Freezing wild game meats, unlike freezing pork products, even for long periods of time, may not effectively kill all worms.
• Clean meat grinders thoroughly if you prepare your own ground meats.
• Curing (salting), drying, smoking or microwaving meat does not consistently kill infective worms.
DFG recommends hunters take the following precautions when field dressing and preparing wild pigs:
• Wear gloves when dressing out hogs and dispose of gloves properly.
• Avoid eating/drinking/smoking while doing so.
• Wear eye protection if there is risk of eye splashed with blood/other fluids.
• Wear coveralls over clothes or promptly change into fresh clothes after dressing animals.
• Wash hands and equipment thoroughly with hot, soapy water.
• Practice good handling/storage procedures with the meat.
• Properly cook the meat to 170°F to kill bacteria, viruses and parasites.
Wild pigs inhabit 56 of 58 counties in California but are most common in the foothills from the central coast region to the western Sierra Nevadas, and on up into Humboldt County. Though widely distributed, hikers and other outdoors enthusiasts may still only catch a glimpse of one as it bolts through brush.
Anyone seeing a wild pig that appears ill should report it to DFG's Wildlife Investigations Lab at (916) 358-2790.
For more information, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dpd/parasites/trichinosis//.
Q: Does every licensed fisherman have to have their own stringer to hold their limit of fish?
A: DFG laws do not specifically require each person to have their own stringer. However, it is a violation to possess more than your limit of fish. If you allow others to share your stringer, make sure they remain with you at all times, or else you are likely to be cited for having an over limit.
Q: I am now on one year of probation because of an abalone violation. Am I allowed to still buy a fishing license to go only ocean fishing?
A: You will have to read the terms of your probation ordered by the court. If the judge ordered no fishing for 12 months, then the answer would be no. If the judge said no abalone fishing, then other fishing may be allowed. The ruling may differ by courts, but if the case was prosecuted in the Fort Bragg court, then according to Lt. Dennis McKiver, it probably calls for no fishing at all for 12 months. That's the usual term for abalone violations in Mendocino County.
Q: I have a question about trichinosis in wild game. I understand it's caused by a nematode-like worm that burrows into its host, and is most commonly associated with pork (although it can be found in any game that eats meat, such as bear). But, how common is it? For pig hunters, is it something that we should look out for, and if so, how do we guard against it?
A: You can be at risk for contacting trichinosis if you eat raw or undercooked meats, particularly bear, pork, wild feline (such as a cougar), fox, dog, wolf, horse, seal or walrus. The disease cannot be transferred to others as infection occurs only by eating raw or undercooked meat containing Trichinella worms.
According to DFG senior wildlife veterinarian Dr. Ben Gonzales of the Wildlife Investigations Laboratory, limited data related to pig hunting indicates that trichinellosis (trichinosis) is relatively uncommon in wild pigs in California. Gonzales says he personally still cooks all his pork -- domestic and wild -- to well done. The greater risk to human health from wild pig relates to food hygiene and care of the carcass after it is taken.
Here are some facts on trichinosis from the Centers of Disease Control (CDC) and on how to prevent it:
• Hunters should practice good field dressing practices and cook all meat well.
• Cook meat products until the juices run clear or to an internal temp of 170°F.
• Freeze pork less than six inches thick for 20 days at 5°F to kill any worms.
• Cook wild game meat thoroughly. Freezing wild game meats, unlike freezing pork products, even for long periods of time, may not effectively kill all worms.
• Clean meat grinders thoroughly if you prepare your own ground meats.
• Curing (salting), drying, smoking or microwaving meat does not consistently kill infective worms.
DFG recommends hunters take the following precautions when field dressing and preparing wild pigs:
• Wear gloves when dressing out hogs and dispose of gloves properly.
• Avoid eating/drinking/smoking while doing so.
• Wear eye protection if there is risk of eye splashed with blood/other fluids.
• Wear coveralls over clothes or promptly change into fresh clothes after dressing animals.
• Wash hands and equipment thoroughly with hot, soapy water.
• Practice good handling/storage procedures with the meat.
• Properly cook the meat to 170°F to kill bacteria, viruses and parasites.
Wild pigs inhabit 56 of 58 counties in California but are most common in the foothills from the central coast region to the western Sierra Nevadas, and on up into Humboldt County. Though widely distributed, hikers and other outdoors enthusiasts may still only catch a glimpse of one as it bolts through brush.
Anyone seeing a wild pig that appears ill should report it to DFG's Wildlife Investigations Lab at (916) 358-2790.
For more information, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dpd/parasites/trichinosis//.
Q: Does every licensed fisherman have to have their own stringer to hold their limit of fish?
A: DFG laws do not specifically require each person to have their own stringer. However, it is a violation to possess more than your limit of fish. If you allow others to share your stringer, make sure they remain with you at all times, or else you are likely to be cited for having an overlimit.
Q: I am now on one year of probation because of an abalone violation. Am I allowed to still buy a fishing license to go only ocean fishing?
A: You will have to read the terms of your probation ordered by the court. If the judge ordered no fishing for 12 months, then the answer would be no. If the judge said no abalone fishing, then other fishing may be allowed. The ruling may differ by courts, but if the case was prosecuted in the Fort Bragg court, then according to Lt. Dennis McKiver, it probably calls for no fishing at all for 12 months. That's the usual term for abalone violations in Mendocino County.
State health officials Friday reported that two Stanislaus County women are the first cases of West Nile Virus in the state for this year.
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) officials said both women developed symptoms consistent with WNV. Neither were hospitalized, but both are at home recovering, the officials added.
Although WNV has not been documented in Long Beach this year, it has been detected in 19 of the state's 58 counties -- 52 positive birds, 107 positive mosquito samples, six chickens and one squirrel.
With the heavy rains this past season, the warmer weather has created conditions for mosquito breeding.
Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services officials are urging residents to take the following precautions:
-- Avoid mosquito-infested areas especially at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
-- Eliminate standing water, dumping or draining water in neglected ponds, birdbaths, fountains, buckets, old tires or anything that can hold water -- and become mosquito breeding sites.
-- Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants outdoors whenever possible.
-- Use mosquito repellant with containing DEET, Picaridin, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus. Follow instructions; consult with your child's pediatrician for appropriate concentrations of DEET on children under the age of two.
-- Keep tight-fitting screens on doors and windows, and make sure they're in good condition.
Maintain swimming pools in proper working order; drain water from pool covers.
-- Limit the watering of lawns and outdoor plants to twice a week to avoid runoff.
-- Report dead birds or squirrels to the California Department of Health Services by calling 1-877-WNV-Bird or online at www.westnile.ca.gov.
For more details, contact the Long Beach's Vector Control Program at 562.570-4132 or online at www.longbeach.gov/health.
More details about WNV are available at www.westnile.ca.gov, or at the Federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile.
Marine biologist Carrie Wilson of the state Department of Fish & Game produces this question-answer feature. It is slightly edited. She can be contacted at CalOutdoors@dfg.ca.gov.
Q: Is it legal to use the assistance of a submerged light source in the taking of trout, crappie and maybe even some catfish in California? The lights might include waterproof flashlights or standard 12-volt drop down fishing lights (made by Optronics) and maybe a floating crappie light.
A: Yes, it is legal to use lights when fishing at night when and where such fishing is permitted. Lights may be used on or as part of any fishing tackle (California Code of Regulations Title 14, Section 2.15). Just make sure that the waters where you plan to fish allow for nighttime fishing. Some lake managers or concessionaires at managed lakes do not allow for any fishing after dark.
However, when it comes to trout or salmon though, it is not legal to take them at night. Several lakes and streams with specific night fishing regulations are outlined in CCR Title 14, section 3.00, Page 14 in the 2010 California Freshwater Sport Fishing Regulations booklet.
Q: Is it legal for me to carry a concealed handgun in California if I have a CCW permit from a neighboring state?
A: Concealed Carry Weapons (CCW) permits for handguns are issued by the counties and only to residents of cities and counties within California. No provision or exception is given for anyone who is not a resident of California. CCWs issued in another state are not recognized by California.
For more information on firearms questions not related to method of take, contact the local police or sheriff's office in your area or the Bureau of Firearms at http://ag.ca.gov/firearms/. To print out a booklet on California firearms laws, visit http://ag.ca.gov/firearms/forms/pdf/Cfl2007.pdf.
Q: Is it legal to keep live bait in an aquarium at home and use it for bait in the future? For example, I'd like to catch a few shiner perch nearby. I have a saltwater tank at home, and I'm wondering if I can keep them alive in my tank and then use the live shiners as bait in a week or two?
A: No, the moving of fish is prohibited. Live fin fish taken under the authority of a sportfishing license may not be transported alive from the water where taken (CCR Title 14, section 1.63).
Q: Is it permissible for someone to own a Pacific ring-neck snake?
A: Yes, you may possess up to two Pacific ring-necked snakes (Diadophis punctatus amabilis). This is one of the reptile species listed with provisions allowing for their take and possession (CCR Title 14, Section 5.60). If you plan to capture this snake from the wild, be aware the law requires that in order to take legal reptile species from the wild (except rattlesnakes), a person must first purchase a sportfishing license.
Q: What's the best way to tell the difference between the prohibited canary rockfish and the legal vermilion rockfish? They look so much alike and I don't want to risk getting a ticket. I'm nervous about trying to keep any of these big red fish I catch in case I mistakenly have a canary rockfish. Suggestions?
A: Canaries and vermilion do look alike at first until you learn some of the subtle differences which will then make them pretty easy to differentiate. Canaries' key characteristics: They're orange to red in color, have a clear line extending along the lateral line from head to tail, are smooth under their jaw (vermilions are rough to the touch), have no black edges to their fins like the vermilions, and have a slightly forked tail fin.
For a good visual comparison of these two species, visit http://www.dfg.ca.gov/marine/pdfs/canary_id.pdf. Good luck and keep fishing!
Zoning administrative hearing officers have postponed indefinitely a Local Coastal Development Permit request to operate a farmers' market in East Long Beach.
The permit seeks operations on Saturdays and Sundays from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. with 100 vendor spaces, at 6701 E. Pacific Coast Highway, a site known as the "Pumkin Patch."
Long Beach project manager Jeff Winklepleck gave no reason for the postponement -- the second in recent weeks.
A strong wave of wetlands advocates failed to sway the Huntington Beach City Council to keep five acres safe from development at Bolsa Chica wetlands.
Only one council member -- Mayor Pro Tem Jill Hardy -- voted to safeguard the acreage from being rezoned from park to low residential. The developer pushed for the change to build 22 single-family homes.
However, the environmentalists repeatedly made it clear during a four-hour debate Tuesday night hat the issue will be appealed to the state Coastal Commission.
The wetlands advocates argued that the homes are not compatible for the wetlands' sensitive ecosystem. But the main thrust of their criticism centered on concerns for the cultural resources of the area -- with some of the six historic sites featuring human remains and artifacts, some dating back 9000 years.
Many speakers were angry over the developer's handling in 2008 of scores of ancestral remains, along with artifacts buried with them, which had been unceremoniously bagged and stored in trailers for about two years.
At the time, critics charged the developer with keeping details secret to avoid restrictions on development at a significant site. Hearthside Homes officials countered that the details were provided in environmental reports.
Ed Mountford , senior vice president for Hearthside Homes, told the Tuesday night gathering --- that drew several hundred development opponents --- that there had been no misconduct at the site.
The mesa could be a giant grave, which would limit development of the site, the wetlands advocates contend..
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It's a garbage can that only a mother could love.
Long Beach officials are bursting with pride over the city's first solar garbage can.
The unveiling -- set for 11 a.m. Wednesday at 245 Pine Ave. -- will mark the installation of the first of three solar trash cans in Long Beach for a pilot period of six months.
These solar trash bins harness the power of the sun in an effort aimed at slashing waste, costs and greenhouse gases.
The containers have the same blueprint as regular trash cans but can compact about 150 gallons of trash and compact the material into a 32-gallon bin, squeezing the trash into just 20 percent of its normal volume and operating entirely on solar energy.
This could translate into savings as trash collections are expected to be reduced, according to city officials.
The solar trash bins are being tested in three Long Beach locations, in partnership with the Business Improvement Districts, to test the success of the solar technology.
The bins will be placed in high traffic areas, highlighting another green project in the city.
Marine biologist Carrie Wilson of the state Department of Fish & Game (DFG) produces this Q&A feature, which we provide below. She can be contacted at CalOutdoors@dfg.ca.gov.
Q: To allow catch and release fishing in no take waters is an interesting concept because it allows fishing after the limit is achieved. Under this philosophy an angler fishing a catch-and-release only water (zero limit) would never be able to catch a fish since they would be in momentary possession of an overlimit. Bass tournament fishermen routinely will have a limit in the livewell and cull to larger fish (legal or not). Most wardens I've talked to don't like the idea of culling. They say you should stay one short of a limit, but they can't justify that concept when compared to the zero limit waters. It would be interesting to have a judge's perspective. Your thoughts?
A: In waters where the bag limit for trout or salmon is zero, fish for which the bag limit is zero must be released unharmed, and should not be removed from the water.
Given this, if a fish is accidentally killed or dies in the process of catch and release fishing in these zero limit waters, a violation occurs. The fish must be released alive or in a condition where it will live or else it becomes a "take" and the angler can be cited (see page 27 in the 2010 Freshwater Sport Fishing Regulations booklet).
A zero bag limit means you may not retain any fish, but take with immediate release is still legal. In fisheries with number limits (e.g. bass with a five-fish limit), the limit is defined by a number of fish. "Take" is defined as the hunt, pursuit, catch, capture or killing of a fish or the attempt to hunt, pursue, catch, capture or kill a fish. If the limit is five fish, and you have five and continue to fish, you are attempting to take more than five, which by law is considered "take" of an overlimit. It's a subtle difference, but it is different. By allowing "zero take" fisheries, the Department of Fish & Game (DFG) is allowing angler opportunities where fishing may occur without the retention of any fish.
In regard to your comparison to bass fishing tournaments, a special allowance is made only for DFG-permitted bass tournaments to allow for culling once a limit is reached. The regulations covering tournaments prohibit the use of bait so that all fish, including those culled and those weighed, may be released alive. Most bass are hooked in the lip or mouth and have a good survival rate when released after capture and retention in a live well. Most states have similar laws allowing for culling only during authorized tournament events.
Q: I live in the Sacramento area and saw a family of gray foxes in my backyard living under a shed. There are two babies and a mother. Who should I call in order to have them relocated? Are there any particular things I should avoid doing in order not to provoke them?
A: Gray foxes are native to California and have been living in semi-urban backyards for many decades. According to DFG Associate Wildlife Biologist Dale Whitmore, they can be beneficial by reducing the rodent population and will keep to themselves if the landowner stays away from them. Make sure to remove any pet food and water bowls to discourage them from staying. Their survival depends upon each fox keeping its fear of people. If there is a problem, try calling the Sacramento County Agricultural Commissioner.
Q: After crab fishing, it's so nice to clean the crabs on our boat at the dock before heading home to drop them into the steamer. However, I was stopped by a DFG game warden at Half Moon Bay recently who said it was a violation since there was no way to tell if the crab was legal without the shell - similar to the requirements for abalone. I could not find anything in the regulations on this. Can we clean our crabs at the berth before taking them home?
A: Crabs must be brought ashore in such a manner that the size and species can be determined (Fish & Game Code, sections 5508 and 5509). You may legally clean the crabs only after you remove them from the boat onto shore (including dock or pier) or after you haul the boat out of the water.
Q: Can fresh salmon roe be used to fish for salmon, rockfish or anything else off the coast?
A: Yes, it is legal to use roe from legally taken or possessed salmon as bait in ocean waters.
Long Beach planners have released the Colorado Lagoon Phase 2 Study for public review and comment.
It is available at: www.longbeach.gov/cd/property_services/project_development/colorado.asp
The City Council approved the project Environmental Impact Review (EIR) on Oct. 14, 2008. At the same time, the council requested the Phase 2 Study to identify and analyze various alternatives to improve the tidal connection between Colorado Lagoon and Alamitos Bay in order to further improve water quality.
Four alternatives have been identified:
-- Second Parallel Underground Culvert
-- Open Channel with Bridges
-- Combination Open-Channel and Short Culverts
-- Combination Open-Channel (Maximum Wetlands) with One Short Culvert and One Bridge.
Each alternative was carefully evaluated, including effectiveness of design, impacts on surrounding areas, construction and maintenance costs, and other considerations. All alternatives met project objectives, although to varying degrees.
Two public meetings on the matter have been scheduled:
-- Marine Advisory Commission, July 8, 2:30 p.m., Long Beach Yacht Club, 6201 Appian Way
-- Parks and Recreation Commission, July 22, 9 a.m., El Dorado Park West Community Center, Senior Center Library, 2800 Studebaker Rd.
At each meeting, a presentation and opportunities for public comment will be provided. Both commissions will provide a ranking of the alternatives to the City Council.
Written comments should be sent by Aug. 31, to Eric Lopez, 333 West Ocean Blvd, 3rd Floor, Long Beach, CA 90802 or Eric.Lopez@longbeach.gov
A taskforce has asked marina owners and watercraft refueling stations to encourage patrons to practice healthy boating practices.
In a letter to 117 business owners, the California Quagga/Zebra mussels taskforce -- comprised of nearly a dozen state and federal agencies -- warns that Quagga and Zebra mussels pose a very large threat to state waterways.
The first line of defense is prevention, the taskforce advised.
The taskforce includew California departments of Fish and Game, Water Resources, Parks and Recreation, Boating and Waterways, and Food and Agriculture. Federal agencies include Forest Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, Army Corps of Engineers and the Bureau of Reclamation.
Boater awareness and action are key to preventing spread of the mussels, which can become attached to boats and other equipment, according to Susan Ellis, Department of Fish and Game's statewide coordinator of invasive species.
Quagga and Zebra mussels should be kept from being moved to other state waterways, the taskforce emphasized.
Boaters are being asked to inspect all exposed surfaces, wash boat hulls thoroughly, remove all plants from the boat and trailer, clean and dry live-wells and bait buckets, dispose of baitfish in the trash and drain all water, including that in lower outboard units.
Watercraft also should be kept dry for at least five days in warm weather and up to 30 days in cool weather between launches in different bodies of fresh water.
This holiday weekend, boaters may be subject to boat inspections by a number of natural resources agencies.
Boat owners who fail to follow the rules on inspections will be turned away.
If the vessel carries the non-native aquatic mollusks, the owners could have their vessel quarantined.
Quagga and Zebra mussels wreak havoc on the environment by disrupting the natural food chain and releasing toxins that affect other aquatic species. The mussels frequently settle in massive colonies that can block water intake and threaten municipal water supplies, agricultural irrigation and power plant operations.
The taskforce hopes to raise public awareness of the damages caused by the mussels.
For more details, visit www.resources.ca.gov/quagga/docs/QUAGGA_GUIDEBOOK.pdf.
The Bolsa Chica Land Trust needs the public's support to convince the Huntington Beach City Council to retain the land use designation on 5 acres of the Bolsa Chica Mesa as open space.
The council meets Tuesday at 6.
The proposed development site features areas that have historic significance, where burials and artifacts have been located, Land Trust leaders said.
They want the council to deny "The Ridge" project for 22 homes.
For nearly 30 years this Bolsa Chica bluff area has been designated as open space/parkland for all to enjoy.
"It should stay that way!" insisted Flossie Horgan, a board member of the Land Trust.
The City Council Chamber is in the Huntington Beach Civic Center at 2000 Main Street, on the corner of Yorktown.
About the authors
Joe Segura, a mild-mannered reporter for a major metropolitan newspaper, has covered Gotham City, er Long Beach, for 34 years. During his very, very long -- endless -- tenure, he's covered almost every beat, and he was the main writer for BeachWeek, which focused on life and lifestyles of the shoreline communities from downtown Long Beach to the Huntington Beach pier.
He's also been keenly interested in environmental issues, long before green became fashionable, writing extensively about the battles to save Bolsa Chica (Huntington Beach), Hellman (Seal Beach) and Los Cerritos (Long Beach) wetlands.
E-mail Joe at joe.segura@presstelegram.com.
