October 11, 2006 STOP RED LIGHT RUNNING, REDUCE PREVENTABLE COLLISIONS AND SAVE LIVES Do you really save time by running a red light? Most people run red lights because they are in a hurry, when in fact they only save seconds. Red light running is the leading cause of urban crashes according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. One in three Americans knows someone who has been injured or killed in a red light running crash. Houston-Galveston Area Council data indicates that red light collisions in the Houston area account for approximately $121 million per year in direct economic cost and $225 million per year in total comprehensive cost. Beginning September 1, 2006 red light safety cameras began operating at some of our city's most dangerous intersections. Vehicles photographed going through red lights at intersections where cameras are installed will receive a Notice of Violation and $75 fine. The City of Houston's objective is to change driver behavior to keep the community and our kids safe. Every driver makes a decision when approaching an intersection where the light has just turned red. The goal is for every driver to slow down for a yellow light and stop on red. For more information about Houston's red light camera traffic safety program, including a map showing the intersections, visit www.houstontx.gov/police/trafficsafety.htm. GO GREEN HOUSTON! The City of Houston is sponsoring the Go Green Houston Rally on America Recycles Day. The Go Green Houston Rally will highlight traditional and non-traditional recycling opportunities. It will be a fun and festive venue as local high school bands and Radio Disney (including their radio personalities and interactive children's activities) encourage Houstonians to recycle. We are asking Houstonians to GO GREEN by wearing green clothing and bringing gently used eyeglasses, clothing and/or baby items, as well as non-perishable food items to benefit non-profit organizations that reduce, reuse or recycle materials. Mark Your Calendar: WHERE: At the Reflection Pool area of City Hall's Hermann Square, 901 Bagby For more information, call 3-1-1, the City's Customer Service Hotline. CRIMESTOPPERS SAFE SCHOOL PROGRAM: Crime Stoppers values our children as our eyes and ears inside the schools, and offers cash rewards for information that often only they can provide. The Crime Stoppers Safe School Program has worked since 1997 in Houston area school districts to solve and prevent serious crimes on school campuses. The Crime Stoppers Safe School Program provides that students may report criminal activity through the anonymous tip hotline: 713.222.TIPS. Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to students who provide information that results in the arrest and charging of a suspect for a crime already committed. Crime Stoppers also offers cash rewards to students who provide information about criminal activity that is planned on a school campus, bus, or at a school event. All callers remain anonymous. CALL 713.222.TIPS 2006 BUFFALO BAYOU REGATTA - OCTOBER 21 The Buffalo Bayou Partnership, a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing Houston's historic waterway, invites all paddlers to join the fun. Houstonians of all ages are encouraged to participate in the 15-mile USCA-sanctioned race along the scenic Buffalo Bayou. New this year is the Challenge Cup, geared toward university students, military personnel, Boy and Girl Scout Troops. Those not wanting to paddle can catch the outdoor fun and cheer on the racers. Live music, food and drinks will be at the Sesquicentennial Park finish line. WHEN: Saturday, October 21, 2006 (Rain Date: Sunday, October 22, 2006). Regatta Registration opens at 7:30 am, race begins at 9:00 am. To register for the 2006 Buffalo Bayou Regatta, and for more information on individual canoe and kayak divisions visit www.buffalobayou.org or contact: Trudi Smith at 713.752.0314 ext. 3. HOW MANY DOES IT TAKE TO CHANGE A LIGHT BULB? Or rather how much can you save by simply changing a light bulb? The answer is quite a bit, if it is an ENERGY STAR qualified light bulb. The bulbs use at least 2/3 less energy than standard ones and last up to 10 times longer than regular bulbs. They also generate 70% less heat, so cooling you house with less energy means saving even more money! Changing five bulbs in your house could save you up to $150, it is estimated. In this era of rapidly rising energy costs, the City of Houston is joining the nationwide Change a Light campaign during October to encourage the use of more efficient bulbs that have earned the efficient ENERGY STAR rating. It's a small step that can help protect the environment, save energy and save money. Local retailers such as Wal-Mart, Sam's Club and the Home Depot will be making the bulbs available. For more information on the program and other energy savings ideas visit www.energystar.gov. To register for CitizensNet go to www.houstontx.gov and click on the CitizensNet logo. To update your record, Click Here To prevent your email service provider from marking a CitizensNet message as spam, UNSUBSCRIBE to CitizensNet Disclaimer: All information, excluding your e-mail address, is generally subject to public disclosure under the Texas Public Information Act (See Chapter 552 of the Texas Government Code). Thank you for your continued interest in the CitizensNet E-Newsletter. |