Or click here to see a flyer.

Last week we explored ways to save money on skyrocketing gas costs.  Let's take a closer look at carpooling options. The best approach is to find others at work who live in your vicinity.  But if this doesn't pan out, how about trying to connect with people online?

There are many carpooling websites but most of them are not worthwhile for the Conejo Valley.  These include:  www.NuRide.com (not available yet in our area), www.ridecheck.com (mostly for 1-time rides, not regular carpools), www.carpoolworld.com (just didn't seem very user friendly nor helpful), www.ridesearch.com (was useless to me) and www.ridester.com (mostly 1-time rides).  And ride-sharing social network sites www.zimride.com and www.goloco.org were too much effort to figure out.  I prefer something immediately USEFUL!

The one website that seemed to have a decent selection of potential carpoolers in the Conejo Valley area was www.eRideshare.com.  The site is geared towards daily commuters and did not take long to figure out.  I quickly found 50 possible carpools originating within a 10 mile radius of Thousand Oaks.  Type in your zip code and see what is available. You still must register (for free) to contact other users.  This one is worth checking out.

You can also try the Ventura County craigslist rideshare link (http://ventura.craigslist.org/rid/).  This turned up a few possibilities but is mostly geared towards 1-time rideshares.

I had high hopes for www.ridematch.info as it is sponsored by various local transportation authorities.  They make you register before searching for carpools which I did not like.  After that somewhat painful process I found very few options.  The site has potential but was not user friendly.  I would not recommend it.

Another alternative is the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner train, which runs from San Luis Obispo to San Diego.  With local stations in Ventura, Oxnard, Camarillo, Moorpark and Simi, you can take the train to Glendale, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara and other destinations.  Amtrak can be pricey for a 1-time commute (currently $32 round-trip Moorpark/Los Angeles) but if you buy a monthly pass ($302) and use it all the time you can really save a lot of money and wear and tear (both you and your car).  Visit www.AmtrakCalifornia.com for more information.

So good luck and let me know if you have other carpooling ideas!

So I'm sitting here in my family room with my young boys, TV blaring in the background.  A commercial for Gerber Life Insurance, the "Grow-Up" plan, appears on the screen.  What the?  Why would I want to spend money on life insurance for a baby??  Does this make any sense to consider?

The plan is summarized at www.gerberlife.com.  It is a whole life policy with coverage ranging from $5K to $35K.  You can buy the policy for a kid (or grandkid) anytime between the age of 14 days and 12 years. At age 21 the policy automatically doubles in value as long as the premiums are paid.  At age 28 your kid can increase coverage by a factor of 10 at the then applicable rate.

I took a closer look at the $30K policy, with a monthly premium of $20.46.  They say that after 20 years the "cash value" of the policy equals or exceeds the premiums you paid.  That would be $4900 in year 2028.

If you took that $20.46 each month and invested in a college savings plan and it earned an average of 5% or 8%, you would have $8400 or $12K in year 2028.  To me, that makes a lot more sense than an insurance policy.

Would this Grow Up plan make sense for anyone?  The policy makes sense if your child dies, as the payoff would pretty much cover the funeral and burial costs; not much more than that.  Statistics in the U.S. indicate a death rate of 1 in 5000 children aged 1 to 14 and 1 in 1400 for teens ages 15 to 19 (the California rates are roughly 10% to 15% better than these averages). 

Seems to me that the premiums are better spent on college savings then the possibility of death at an early age.

One last argument for the policy is that it guarantees your child the ability to increase coverage by a factor of 10 at age 28.  This would only pay off for someone who otherwise is unable to get life insurance at that age.  To me, this is not worth forking out 27 years of premiums for.

No, I'm not talking about intestinal gas pain.  The price of gasoline averages $4.60 in Ventura County today, up from $4 just one month ago and $3 a year ago.  What can you do to ease the financial pain? 

Get a New Plan, Stan

The best thing you can do of course is drive less.  Try carpooling to work, telecommuting now and then if possible or better yet, live close to work and try bicycling!  I know some people that commute to downtown Los Angeles from Thousand Oaks.  This 90 mile daily round-trip trek costs roughly $15/day just in gas at today's gas prices, ignoring added wear and tear on the car and time consumed behind the wheel.

Hop on the Bus, Gus

For local trips in Thousand Oaks, check out Thousand Oaks Transit, which has 4 bus routes that for $1 (for adults; $.75 kids and $.50 seniors) that can take you around the area from Dos Vientos to as far as Costco in Westlake Village.  I will admit that I have not tried the bus as it only runs on weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. but it looks like a great alternative to driving.  Other transportation options from Thousand Oaks to other locations are nicely summarized here.

Two Chores in One Trip, Chip

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$3 round-trip for day trips to Zuma Beach this summer!  Can't beat that for saving money on gas!  More info at www.ci.moorpark.ca.us or 805.517.6256.

Here is the latest "City Watch" alert from Deputy Jim DeSoto of the Thousand Oaks Police Department. If you are interested in receiving these updates directly from him via email, click here for more information.

Crimefighters,

Hydrox, the world's only cookie that sounds like a skin moisturizer, is returning from retirement for a brief stint sometime in late August 2008.  Hydrox was taken off the market in 1999, so this is a big deal to diehard Hydrox fans.  Visit www.HydroxCookies.com for more information.

Hydrox was launched by the Sunshine Biscuits Company in 1908 as the first creme filled chocolate sandwich cookie.  The Oreo didn't come out until 1912 but soon Nabisco's marketing and distribution power had Oreo running circles around Hydrox.  In fact, nearly half a TRILLION Oreos have been sold since they were launched, making them the top selling cookie of the 20th century.

I like an underdog, so I'm cheering the return of the Hydrox and hope that enough people catch on to them again so that Kellogg's (which bought the company that owned the Hydrox brand in 2001) keeps them on the market.  I barely remember what Hydrox tastes like but I've heard they are slightly less sweet than Oreos.

So why did they create the name Hydrox based on hydrogen and oxygen, the elements that make up water?  Beats me!  Though even more perplexing is where the name Oreo came from. Nobody seems to know the answer to that one, even Nabisco.  Though the theory that the "re" came from "cream" that was sandwiched between the two "o's" from chocolate seems almost plausible.

So let's lead the effort to bring back the Hydrox permanently.  Kellogg's, if you read this, please feel free to send me a few cases of retro Hydrox cookies later this summer and I promise to spread the Hydrox gospel!  How about an Oreo/Hydrox Taste Challenge a la Coke/Pepsi!!??  Hydrox fans, let Kellogg's know you want the Hydrox back for good!

It seemed like we were getting way too many telemarketing calls...usually right around 8 p.m. while struggling to get the kids bathed and into bed.  And I thought we had signed up for the National Do Not Call Registry years ago.  So here's a brief "refresher" on how the Do Not Call Registry works and what it can and cannot do.

What It Does

If you register your phone number in the National Do Not Call Registry, telemarketers must stop calling that number within 31 days.  The Registry applies only to personal phone numbers, both home phone and cell phones.  The law does not apply to business lines.

What it Doesn't Do

If you buy goods or services, they can call you up to 18 months even though your number is on the Registry.  If you want them to stop calling you sooner, you must tell them in writing.  The Registry does not apply to political, charity and survey calls.  If you inquire or apply to a particular vendor, they can call you for up to 3 months, even if you are on the Registry.

How Do You Register?

Register at www.donotcall.gov.  It only takes a

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The FBI issued preliminary crime statistics for 2007 today, and...(drum roll)...CONGRATULATIONS, Thousand Oaks!  We are back to the Number 1 spot on the list among the 257 U.S. cities with populations over 100,000.  Our total crime rate in 2007 was 1.668%, or 16.68 crimes per 1,000 people.  This very slightly edged out the city of Irvine, California which was at a crime rate of 1.684% (not bad at all, Irvine!).  Irvine could have beat us if we had just another 25 reported crimes last year, so that was quite close.  Amherst Town in New York was 3rd place at a crime rate of 1.742%.

CLARIFICATION:  My "Safest City" designation was based on the "total" crime rate.  News reports today have ranked Irvine as the Safest City for 4 years in a row based on having the lowest "violent" crime rate, not "total" crime rate (see below).  As it stands, T.O. ranks 2nd among California cities for lowest violent crime rate and 1st for lowest property and total crime rates.  Irvine ranks 14th in terms of property crime rates among California cities.

The FBI groups two main categories of crimes; violent crimes (murder, rape, robbery, assualt) and property crimes (burglary, larceny/theft, auto theft).  Thousand Oaks reported 182 violent crimes (70% of which were assault) and 1,942 property crimes.  While it feels good to be #1, we still have room for improvement.  Our overall crime rate actually grew by 6% in 2007 vs 2006.  However, our violent crime rate dropped by 19% while property crimes grew by 8%.

At the bottom of the list was St. Louis, Missouri, Orlando, Florida and Little Rock, Arkansas, at rates of 11.93%, 10.45% and 10.35%, respectively.  What this means is that you are 7 times less likely to be the victim of a crime in Thousand Oaks than in St. Louis.  The dubious honor of highest violent crime rate belongs to Flint, Michigan.  In 2007, 24 out of every 1,000 Flint residents were the victim of a violent crime.

Simi Valley ranked as the 9th safest U.S. city at a total crime rate of 2.09% (4th safest in California, after T.O., Irvine and Glendale).  Oxnard's crime rate was 2.747%, which was a slight drop from 2006.  This earned Oxnard recognition as the 12th most crime-free large city in California out of 65 cities.  Ventura was lower on the list, at #45.

Keep up the great work, fellow Conejo Valley residents!  For more information, visit www.fbi.gov/ucr/ucr.htm.

If you look through this site, in particular the Events Calendar, you will find numerous FREE concerts and other events coming up this summer.  But for convenience, here is a list of links to these FREE events!  Nothing better than FREE outdoor entertainment all summer long!  Oh, did I mention these were all FREE!?

• Local 4th of July events
• Thousand Oaks Concerts in the Park
• Kids' Club at The Oaks
• Janss Marketplace Summer Jams
• Oxnard Salsa Festival
• Lil' Critters Club at Paraiso in Dos Vientos
• Fairy Tales in the Park
• Agoura Hills Summer Concerts/Movies in the Park
• Navy Seabee Days
• Janss Marketplace Open Mic and Interactive Fountain Shows

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Visit www.FuelEconomy.gov, a website maintained by the U.S. Environmental Agency, for everything there is to know about auto mileage.  The site provides gas mileage tips, miles per gallon on cars going back to the 1985 model year, tax rebate information on new hybrids, quick and easy MPG comparisons for cars and much more.

Tonight I learned the EPA changed the way it measures MPG in 2008 to reflect faster speeds, faster acceleration and increased air conditioning use.  Apparently MPG measurement standards had not been changed for decades.  So if you want to see the old vs new MPG estimates for your old clunker, click here.  The MPG on my cars was about 10% lower than the original estimate (which is no surprise).

You can also use the site to compare MPG on cars.  I compared the mileage on a Toyota Highlander 4WD vs Hybrid 4WD and learned that the hybrid gets about 7 MPG more than the non-hybrid, which would save $800/year if I drove 15,000 miles per year.  Based on my mileage, the hybrid would save me maybe $500 per year in gas, assuming $4 per gallon.  This is not enough to make up for the additional cost of the hybrid.  But the top-rated Toyota Prius Hybrid with city/highway mileage of 48/45, looks tempting.

The last thing I checked out was the current tax rebate status of hybrid cars and discovered that rebates are no longer available on the Highlander have not been available since Sept 2007 (the rebate phases out after 60,000 vehicles have been sold).  But I see there is a $3000 tax rebate on your income taxes if you buy a 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid.

Thanks to my wife for pointing out this useful and informative site.  With gas prices at an all-time high, it is getting hard to ignore finding ways to save money.

Here is the latest "City Watch" alert from Deputy Jim DeSoto of the Thousand Oaks Police Department. If you are interested in receiving these updates directly from him via email, click here for more information.

Crimefighters,

We need to identify another suspect who is connected to crime in our great city. The attachment shows a female making a purchase using a stolen credit card. The images are blurry because they are taken from video surveillance. Please forward and disseminate this e-mail so we can identify the person.

If anyone knows the identity of the suspect, please call detectives at 805-494-8221 or e-mail TO City Watch. You can remain anonymous. We need to dress this person in more appropriate clothing—jail blues.

Continue your vigilance on crime!

Jim (DeSoto)

America's 232nd birthday is coming up quickly. The 4th of July is a Friday this year so start planning your weekend festivities soon!  Here are some local activities in T.O., Westlake Village, Moorpark, Simi Valley, Calabasas, Channel Islands, Camarillo, Ojai and Ventura to consider. Please contact us if you know of more (or if you have a backyard BBQ you'd like to invite the rest of us to!).

Thousand Oaks

The annual city fireworks display is launched from the hill behind the Hillcrest Center of the Arts in Thousand Oaks. Best viewing will be at the Oaks Shopping Center (where porta potties will be available) and Janss Marketplace parking lots. Fireworks start at 9 p.m. Call the Conejo Recreation and Park District for more information at 805.381.1247.

CRPD is also hosting a pancake breakfast 4th of July morning from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Borchard Community Center (Reino and Borchard in Newbury Park).  Cost is only $3 ($2 for seniors and kids 6 and under).  More info at 805.381.2791.  There will be a Home Run Derby at Borchard Park Field #2 from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at a cost of $5 (call 805.495.4674 for details) and a Senior Home Run Derby from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. in field #1 for $4 (call 805.381.2744).  And FREE swimming at NPHS and TOHS swimming pools from noon to 4 p.m. (call 805.495.4674) as well as FREE concert featuring the Conejo Pops Orchestra starting at 5 p.m. at Conejo Community Park.

The Janss Marketplace will host its annual 4th of July Fireworks Spectular event with a viewing of the Thousand Oaks fireworks display on the top floor of its parking structure and the Fountain Courtyard areas.  Live DJ, Early McCallister and "No Duh" - L.A.'s hottest No Doubt tribute band.  The event starts at 5 p.m. and ends after the fireworks.  There is plenty of room but seating is limited to the parking structure (access to roof begins at 4 p.m and limited to 2500 guests, so get there early to secure a spot (bring a blanket and chairs to pad your place on the concrete!). 

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Keep your kids reading and ready for the next school year, have some fun, and join thousands of others who surely know good summer fun! Children and teenagers of all ages are invited to participate in the Summer Reading Program at the Grant R. Brimhall Library and Newbury Park Branch. For children, the theme this year is “Catch the Reading Bug” and for teens, the theme is “METAMORPHOSIS @ YOUR LIBRARY” Both programs run from June 19 to August 3, 2008.

To participate, children must come to either the Grant R. Brimhall Library or the Newbury Park Branch Library anytime between June 19 and August 3 to sign up. Teens can sign up online or in the library. Participants will receive a reading log, in which they list books they read or listen to, and a book bag. Each week during the program, small prizes will be given to club members and storytimes and special programs for families will be presented at both libraries throughout the summer. Special events include interactive music programs, a story hour performance of folktales from around the world, and a guest appearance of a celebrated insect zoo, just to name a few! “Teens only” programs include sessions on song-writing, personalityhandwriting analysis, macramé (a craft program that combines knots and stories), and a special library scavenger-hunt created and presented by the Thousand Oaks Teen Advisory League.

There will be brochures describing summer storytimes and special programs available at both Libraries. For more information, call the Grant R. Brimhall Library’s Children’s Help Desk, (805) 449-2660, extension 213 or the Newbury Park Branch Library’s Reference Desk, (805) 498-2139. Information can also be found on the library’s website at www.toaks.org/library.

UPDATED 6/25/08!  Here's a list of nearly 90 summer camps and programs in the area with contact information, in no particular order.

1. Conejo Recreation and Park District camps, large variety, including surfing, science, engineering with Legos, sports, performing arts, cultural enrichment, archeology, african safari, basketball, cheerleading, engineering, fashion camp, golf, lacrosse, math, multimedia, photography, robots, day camps with different weekly themes, "little folks" day camps for ages 4-7, etc. 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ages 6-14 in T.O. and Newbury Park www.crpd.org 805.495.2163
2. Boys & Girls Clubs of Conejo & Las Virgenes www.bgcconejo.org 805.449.1309
3. Ventura County Council Boy Scouts summer camps http://www.vccbsa.org/
4. iD Tech Camps at CLU/Pepperdine www.idTechCamps.com 888.709.8324
5. Camp Summertime at Calamigos Ranch in Agoura/Malibu for ages 4 to 14  www.campsummertime.com 818.706.7335
6. New West Symphony Summer Music Camp in Thousand Oaks 7/21-7/25 for 3rd-5th graders 805.777.7886
7. Silverfin Lacrosse Summer Clinic at Peppertree Park in Newbury Park, 6/24-8/5, ages 9-18, www.tolacrosse.com/silverfin or call 805.760.1171
8. Westlake Montessori School Summer Camp www.westlakemontessori.com/summer_camp.html 805.495.2962
9. City of Agoura Hills Department of Community Services summer camps (brochure available at http://ci.agoura-hills.ca.us/Index.aspx?page=70)
10. Skatelab Summer Camps in Simi Valley, http://www.skatelab.com/skatepark/camp.php 805.578.0040
11. Lazy "J" Ranch Camp in Malibu 140 acres in Malibu www.LazyJRanchCamp.com 310.457.5572
12. Little Oaks School Day Camp in Thousand Oaks, ages 4-12 www.littleoaksschool.com 805.495.5513
13. Phoenix Ranch Day Camp in Simi Valley, ages 5-13, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. www.phoenixranch.org/camp.html 805.526.0136
14. Agoura Hills Dance summer day camps, ages 2-14, www.agouradance.com 818.991.8883
15. Fashion Design Camp for middle school students and up at Sheldon's Art Academy in Oak Park www.sheldonsartacademy.com 818.706.9444
16. Summer climbing camp at Boulderdash Indoor Rock Climbing in Thousand Oaks www.boulderdashclimbing.com 805.557.1300
17. Childrens Theatre Experience Summer Camp in Thousand Oaks, ages 8-18, www.ctexperience.com/programs/summerCamp.asp 800.514.2787
18. Fitness by the Sea Kids Camp in Malibu 6/23-8/29 ages 5-14 www.fitnessbythesea.com 310.459.2425
19. Camp Keystone Summer Day Camp in Agoura Hills www.campkeystone.com 818.889.2224
20. Art Camp in Agoura Hills, day camp for 5-11 year olds www.summerartacademy.com 818.386.1108
21. Broadway Theatre Camp 7/7-7-10, 7/14-7/24 ages 6+ www.talentlabonline.com 805.557.4942
22. Little Oaks School Day Camp 4 1/2 to 12 years www.littleoakschool.com 805.495.5513
23. Knuckleheads Gym Summer Fun Fitness Day Camp begins 6/16 www.knuckleheadsgym.com 805.499.8700
24. Academy of Dance and School of Performing Arts Summer Camp 7/14-7/24 and 8/11-8/21 in Thousand Oaks www.academyofdance.us 818.889.1515
25. Girl Scouts of Central Coast summer camps http://www.girlscoutsccc.org/ 800.822.2427
26. Chamberlains Performing & Fine Arts Summer Camp in Agoura Hills 7/21-8/16, ages 6-16 www.chamberlainspfaa.com 818.735.9464
27. Elvenstar Equestrian Day Camp in Moorpark ages 7+ www.elvenstar.com 805.529.2800
28. Eagles Soccer Club in Camarillo ages 6-14 June-Aug www.eaglessc.com 805.701.8203
29. Stages Theater Camp in Agoura ages 7-15, 6/23-7/26 www.campstages.com 805.374.8744
30. Brandi Chastain Soccer Camp for Girls & Steve Sampson Soccer Camp for Boys at CSUCI in July, ages 10-18 www.gsiacademy.com 805.757.3000

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Yesterday the news was shocking.  A convicted child predator was caught on tape at a Borders bookstore in Arcadia, stalking a 5 year old girl and attempting to touch her and inappropriately rub up against her in full view of other shoppers.  The girl's father caught on and the whole scene is caught on tape (click here for a CBS video report and crime scene video footage).

Closer to home, on Thursday it was announced that a maintenance worker at Oaks Christian School in Thousand Oaks was arrested for allegedly videotaping girls in the locker room. Click here for the Ventura County Star story.

Two weeks ago a Moorpark bus driver was arrested for suspicion of molesting a boy with autism.

Last month a former Ventura elementary school teacher was sent to jail for molesting an 8 year old boy for 2 years.

Always be aware of your surroundings and where your kids are and who are with your kids.  Here are a couple of websites that provide a database of sex offenders by area (one of these sites was used by the father seen in the Arcadia video going after the sex offender after he realized what was happening to his daughter, which led to the arrest of the pervert).

www.FamilyWatchdog.us

www.meganslaw.ca.gov/

Today we learned that American Airlines will start charging $15 to check in your luggage.  Yet another reason to steer clear of airline travel.  $15 doesn't bother me.  It's the fact that now more people than ever will lug their heavy bags onto the plane, causing more delays and frustration.  Not to mention the additional time and effort of collecting $15 from passengers opting to check in their bags.

Fuel costs are way up and airlines are losing money.  We understand. Just raise your fares!  Don't nickel and dime us to death with these miscellaneous fees! 

Let's amuse ourselves by reviewing AA's baggage fees (these fees are one way):

• First checked in bag (tickets bought after 6/14/08) is $15, unless you pay full fare, fly 25,000+ annual miles ("Gold" status) or are flying outside of America.
• Your 2nd checked bag costs $25.
• Your 3rd, 4th and 5th bags cost $100 each (I hope my wife is reading this).
• Your 6th, 7th, 8th and 9th bags cost $200 each (heck, I'll pay $200 just to watch how they lug all these bags out of the airport).  This is about what it costs to overnight a 50 lb bag via FedEx/UPS.

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One last reminder to dislodge that cell phone from your ear while driving starting Tuesday, July 1st.  The California Wireless Telephone Automobile Safety Act of 2006 takes effect on that date.

Dislodge Phone From Ear!

Many of us are addicted to holding the cell phone to our ear in the car.  Get it out of your system!  Conejo Joe plans to drive the entire weekend of June 28-29 while using a handheld cell phone glued to his ear.  That should do the trick. Or consider moving to our neighbors in Oregon, Nevada, Arizona or Mexico (except Mexico City), where there currently are no bans in place.

You can use a Bluetooth or other type of earpiece to talk on the phone. But you can't have both ears covered.  You can also use a built in hands-free system in your car.

The Speakerphone Loophole?

The California DMV has Q&As about the new law that provide more guidance.  The new law only prohibits using a cell phone unless it is configured to allow hands-free listening and talking, and of course is used in that manner.  But you are not prohibited from using the speakerphone function of your cell phone while driving.  I called the DMV and CHP to confirm

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Recent coyote attacks on toddlers in the Los Angeles area are a reminder to be aware of coyotes here in the Conejo Valley.  We are fortunate to be surrounded by open space, which makes us neighbors with these scavengers.  And now is the time of year when coyotes have their pups and additional mouths to feed. 

Coyotes are not picky when it comes to eating. Anything from rabbits, rodents, deer, birds, chickens, frogs and other animals to your pets, pet food and fruits and vegetables and garbage.  Here are some tips from www.coyotebytes.org:

• Don't feed coyotes!  Feeding them makes them more apt to come back for more.  You don't want to become buddies with a coyote.
• Don't unintentionally lure coyotes by leaving out pet food bowls, food scraps, etc.
• Don't provide water sources to coyotes.
• Don't leave your pets outside unsecured, particularly at night.  Keep them leashed.
• Don't leave toddlers alone outside, especially if you know coyotes are in the area.
• If they are roaming through your neighborhood, scare them off by shouting, making loud noises or throwing rocks.
• Don't offer coyotes a beer, even if a Phoenix Coyotes hockey game is on TV.

Bottom line is keep your distance, don't give coyotes reason to scavenge for food around your house and be aware of where your pets and toddlers are.  Coyotes can be fun to watch (and you will see plenty of them if you hike the local trails in the morning), but don't think about going up and trying to pet one!

Here is the latest "City Watch" alert from Deputy Jim DeSoto of the Thousand Oaks Police Department. If you are interested in receiving these updates directly from him via email, click here for more information.

Crime Fighters,

Nothing is immune from thefts. Your vehicles, your personal identification, copper wiring, construction equipment, and the list is endless. Unless the object is bolted down, there is a possibility that someone might take your possessions. Now, those ‘bolted down’ objects are not secure.

Water Thefts

There have been water thefts from fire hydrants and meter boxes. The fire department, the city of Thousand Oaks, and the police department are the only entities authorized to take water without a meter attached to a hydrant or a meter box. The problem: construction companies have been attaching hoses to fire hydrants without obtaining a meter from the respective water company. Thousands of gallons of water are illegally taken when unlawful connections are made to fire hydrants. In the end, we all pay for the stolen water.

Besides the financial aspect, another concern is the possible contamination of water. Anytime someone links with a

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