Spiders!
I found this one in the shower this morning. It appears to be an example of the woodlouse spider (Dysdera crocata). They specialize in eating the woodlouse (known locally as pillbug or sowbug). They will bite, but their bites, while possibly a bit painful, are not dangerous. They are sometimes mistaken for the poisonous brown recluse spider, but they don't really look alike.
Potholes
According to a story posted today on KTLA's website, "Operation Pothole" will begin this weekend. Street repair crews will attempt to reach the goal of filling 10,000 potholes in two days. The story blames the proliferation of potholes on the recent storms, but anyone who has driven in the Valley during the past few years is painfully aware that, while storms may make things worse, our streets have been plagued with neglected holes for a very long time.Residents can report potholes by calling 311 or 800-996-2489.
Progress in Fight Against Mobile Ad Trailers
The following is an edited version of a press release issued by Councilman Grieg Smith's office:In a major victory for the community, the City began towing mobile advertising trailers from L.A. streets after Councilman Smith’s legislation to regulate the blight of unhitched trailer billboards went into effect on Jan. 1, 2011.
“This is a huge success in our efforts to protect the quality of life in our community,” Councilman Smith said. “This ordinance is long overdue, but now with local control over this issue, we can finally rid our streets of these nuisances.”
Smith's motion to have the City Attorney immediately begin drafting an ordinance to strictly regulate the mobile advertising trailers was approved by City Council on Friday, Dec. 17, 2010. On Thursday, Sept. 30, 2010 Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed AB 2756 into law, a bill by Assemblyman Bob Blumenfield that allows Los Angeles to ban or regulate the mobile advertising trailers that have become a plague on San Fernando Valley streets. To see the full ordinance, visit http://clkrep.lacity.org/onlinedocs/2009/09-2140-s1_ord_181495.pdf
The weekend that the enforcement action began, more than a dozen unhitched advertising trailers were impounded and towed and over 30 were cited. Owners of the trailers face misdemeanor fines from $250 to $1,000 and up to six months in jail.
To report a mobile ad trailer, call the DOT Parking Enforcement Communications Division at 818-752-5100 or 213-485-4181. Immediately Press "2" to report a parking violation. Be ready to provide the trailer license plate number and the street block location.
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