Fire safety foremost

Almost everyone in the Antelope Valley has experienced the awful feelings and effects caused by wildfires. It would be wishful thinking to hope that there will never be another time like that, so we have to be prepared to combat it. These fires have been caused by humans as well as nature, and there are ways the humans can eliminate their errors.

As of July 16, fire restrictions were implemented in wildland areas until further notice. These include:

1. No fire using wood, charcoal, or any other material, as well as campfires or stove fire is allowed outside a developed fee campground.

2. Smoking is only allowed within an enclosed vehicle or at a developed campground.

3. Fireworks or any kind of explosives are prohibited.

4. Tracer rounds, steel-core ammunition or exploding targets are forbidden while recreational shooting.

5. No open burning of weeds, debris, or brush is allowed.

6. Vehicles are prohibited in wildland areas off gravel or dirt roads, unless you are carrying an ax, shovel and one gallon of water.

It is recommended that cell phones be carried with you in these areas. These restrictions affect our valley, as well as western Nevada to our north. Please be careful.

Relay for Life

The annual Relay for Life Walk will take place Saturday, July 24, starting at 10 a.m. and running through the night until 6 a.m. Sunday. Our Antelope Valley Survivors team will have a booth with goodies to support the fundraising of the team, as will the other teams participating in the Walk. Please plan on stopping at Lampe Park that day or evening to give them your support, emotional or financial. It will truly be appreciated.

Fishing in the West Walker River

Due to the long lasting snow melt from the higher elevations, our river hasn't been its usual perfect self as early as usual. It has gradually improved and should be great very quickly. There have been some plants of large fish in the river, and there will be another in the first week of August, so get out and try your luck. I don't think you'll be disappointed.

This and that

The Antelope Valley Regional Planning Advisory Committee will have their next meeting Aug. 5, after taking a break in July. As always, the members of our community are encouraged to attend and give their opinions on future plans that could affect us. We'll hope to see you at 7 p.m. that evening at the Walker Community Center.

Lynne Katusich can be reached at lynnekat@schat.net or (530) 495-2552.