MARCH/APRIL 2003

Shopping carts are a great help at the supermarket, but they do not belong on sidewalks and parkways. Abandoned shopping carts are a hazard to traffic and pedestrians and can quickly become eyesores in any neighborhood.

Pasadena storeowners are required to mark each cart with the store name and hire a retrieval service to pick up stolen and abandoned carts within 24 hours.

Shopping carts are the property of supermarkets and should not be taken from the premises under any circumstances. Anyone who consistently takes shopping carts off private store property should consider using a foldable, personal grocery cart instead. They are low-cost, easy to use, have sturdy wheels especially designed for concrete sidewalks and don't clutter Pasadena's neighborhoods.

To pick up lost and abandoned carts, the city has hired a service that returns them to stores if they are marked and recycles those that aren't marked. If you see a lone cart during your daily travels, call the shopping cart hotline at 744-8CART to have it picked up within 24 hours.

For more information go to www.ci.pasadena.ca.us and click on Lookin' Good Pasadena.

Stamp Out Mosquitoes Before They Sting

It's been all over the news: the West Nile Virus is expected to hit California during the upcoming mosquito season, April through October. You can protect yourself and your family with a little knowledge and some tips from the Pasadena Public Health Department.

First the facts:

• Infection is pretty rare. The virus is spread to humans through bites from mosquitoes that have also bitten infected birds. (You can't catch the West Nile Virus from birds or from another person or animal.)

• In the unlikely event someone is infected, there usually won't be signs of illness and the virus will go away on its own. But about one in five will have a mild headache or fever. In severe cases, especially among young children and the elderly, the virus infects the brain, causing confusion, paralysis, coma and even death.

Just to be safe, if you discover a dead crow, jay, magpie or raven, don't touch it! Call 744-6004 and the Pasadena Public Health Department will arrange for testing by the California Department of Health Services, if necessary.

You can avoid problems by eliminating mosquito breeding grounds around your yard. Dump out all standing water from buckets, planters, old tires, rain gutters - any place where rain or sprinkler water pool up. Be sure to inspect ponds, swimming pools or spas regularly to make sure they have good filtration and chemical additives. You can also buy mosquito-eating fish from local stores. You can keep mosquitoes outside where they belong by making sure all of your windows and doors have good, sturdy screens.

The Health Department regularly checks city streets for standing water but if you see standing water pooled up along the curb or on other public property, be sure to report it at 744-6004. While you're out and about, keep in mind that mosquitoes are most active at dusk and in the evening. Try to stay away from heavily wooded areas near rivers, lakes and marshes - where mosquitoes multiply. If you're planning a hike or a trip to a known mosquito hangout, be sure to rub on an insect repellent that contains DEET before donning long pants and a long-sleeved shirt with a high collar.

To Your Health!

Start your journey to healthier living at the Pasadena Public Health Department's fourth annual family festival, "Your Passport to Public Health," on Saturday, April 5, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Central Park.

Enjoy health and fitness demonstrations by the Galaxy Soccer Mobile Unit, dance performances, musical acts and door prizes, plus giveaways and information on programs from prenatal care and children's health insurance to immunizations, insect control and emergency preparedness.

Meet the friendly folks of Pasadena Fire Department, Pasadena Police K-9 Unit, CHAP medical and dental health center, D'Veal Family Programs, Pacific Clinics, Planned Parenthood of Pasadena and more. Be sure to swing by designated booths and show your "passport" to become eligible for special prizes.

For more information, call 744-6168.

In With The New

You'll be sorting the cans, plastics, paper and other recyclables from your trash this month, just like always. But a different truck will come around to collect them.

Athens Services began handling the city's curbside recycling services in February for single-family residents. But don't worry: your service and rates will remain the same.

If they miss a pick-up, call 336-6100 from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday or 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday. At other times, just leave a message on their 24-hour phone line. For other questions about trash collection and recycling, visit www.ci.pasadena.ca.us/publicworks or call 744-4087.

Green Up the Earth in Your Own Backyard

Everyone knows April showers bring May flowers. At "Greening the Earth Day" you can learn to create your best spring garden yet with the latest information on water conservation, composting and tree care.

Hosted by the Public Works Department and Pasadena Water and Power and sponsored by Gelson's Market and Paseo Colorado, the free event is Saturday, April 26, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Paseo Colorado's Garfield Promenade. The event will focus on gardens, composting, water-wise landscaping and trees. You'll talk with city experts and representatives from Earthwise Friends Productions, local garden clubs, native plant societies and conservation groups. You'll also attend workshops to learn about composting, vermicomposting with earthworms and water-wise landscaping. You can also buy a backyard compost bin and pick up free conservation goodies.

For more information, email cmeredith@ci.pasadena.ca.us or call 744-4721 or 744-6970.