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| SUN LAKES LIFESTYLES | MARCH 2023 | 13 By Michele Walter, crystalwater@dc.rr.com Our Community Awareness Program presented a very interesting program this month about the Riverside County Sheriff Department's activity in our area. Captain Timothy Salas, Commander of the Cabazon Sheriff Stations, explained that Riverside County is the 4th largest county in California, and its Sheriff 's Department is the 2nd largest in the state. The Sheriff 's Department includes Search and Rescue teams with helicopters, Canine Patrols, a Dive Unit, a Volunteer Posse, Mounted Enforcement, two mobile command centers for critical incidents, and a 24/7 Swat Team. Captain Alyssa Vernal, Commander of the Corrections Division described all the medical, educational, religious, and vocational opportunities that are provided to incarcerated men and women at the Larry D. Smith Corrections Facility in Banning. Sergeant Jauregui from the Banning Police Department and Mike Romero, Director of Securitas gave updates on our community. You can watch this program on Channel 97 or go to our website under Community Awareness Program. We are still having issues with pets that are not on their leashes. My recommendation is that if you know someone who is not adhering to our policies and procedures please use "Message to Management" on the SLCC website or by dropping a note in the box in the Main Clubhouse Lobby. They will deal with these problems. Again, CALIFORNIA STATE LAW: Prohibits dogs from running loose on any public street, park, or other public areas or upon private property other than that of the dog owner. A dog must be restrained by a substantial leash not exceeding six feet and be in the control of a competent person when off property. BE COYOTE AWARE - SAFETY TIPS: This is mating season for coyotes. Please do not feed coyotes. Remove attractants: pick up trash, secure garbage, and feed pets inside. Don't leave food or pets outside at night. Walk dogs on leashes, especially during pup rearing season (April-August). Pick up your small dog if you see a coyote and DON'T let pets roam. If approached, don't run. Wave arms, make noise, and walk toward the coyote until he retreats. Be BIG AND LOUD. Avoid areas where coyotes may be denning, feeding, or hiding pups. CRIME-PREVENTION TIPS: When out and about, always be aware of your surroundings and who is nearby. Walk with confidence — attackers often seek out people they perceive as weak. Don't walk alone at night, avoid dark parking lots, have yours keys and phone in your hand ready for when you need them, lock your car after getting in, and stay away from people who make you uncomfortable. MOBILE PAYMENT APP SCAMS: Be wary of texts or calls about payment apps. Use payments apps to pay friends and family only. Raise the alarm on urgent payments requests. Avoid unusual payment methods. If you do get scammed, notify the payment app platform and ask them to reverse the charge. If you linked the app to a credit card or debit card, report the fraud to your credit card company or bank. File a police report, file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission, or call 1-877-FTC-Help. TIPS ON HOW TO REDUCE YOUR GAS BILL: Turn down your thermostat. Turn off your heater at night. Inspect your filter regularly. Use cold water for laundry and wash full loads. Cook smart, adjust the flame to fit pans, and don't open oven door to check on food as this can cause the temperature to drop as much as 25 degrees. Lower the temperature on your water heater. Do not use your fireplace. YOUR PERSONAL WATER PORTAL: The city of Banning is introducing Dropcountr, the new customer water portal. The Dropcountr app allows residents to: • Keep track of their water use • Set conservation goals • Receive utility alerts Register online or download the app, Dropcountr, from the Apple or Android app store or by going online to Dropcountr.com/banning. You will need your utility statement, account number, account name, and email address to sign up. If you see water leaks in Sun Lakes or on Sun Lakes Blvd., you can call the Water Leak Alert number at (951) 849-6296. This is through the city of Banning. Our next program is on Tues., March 7, 1 to 3 pm in the Main Clubhouse Ballroom. Guest speaker is Gerald Winkel, Disaster Program Manager from American Red Cross/Southern California Region. This disaster-preparedness workshop will help you identify actions to be taken before, during, and after an incident. The presentation will focus on earthquakes and special consideration for older adults. You will have the opportunity to sign up for free smoke alarm installations at your residence — a team will visit your home, at your convenience, to test your existing alarms and replace them right away if needed. We are doing much better in keeping our garage doors closed. Just a reminder, if you have any issues or concerns please contact "Message to Management." There are forms in the Main Clubhouse by the reception desk or you can contact them directly from our website. Hope to see everyone on March 7. Let us all be informed and stay safe. For more information, please contact Michele Walter at (951) 202-8009 or email crystalwater@dc.rr.com. PLEASE REPORT ANY SUSPICIOUS INDIVIDUALS, ACTIVITIES AND THEFTS DIRECTLY TO BANNING POLICE DEPARTMENT, CALL 911. Community Awareness Program BANNING BUSINESS EXPO: BUILDING COMMUNITY WORTH TOGETHER! Get to know your businesses right here in Banning! The Community Awareness Program and the Banning Chamber of Commerce are showcasing Banning businesses on TUES., APRIL 4, 5 TO 8 PM IN THE MAIN CLUBHOUSE BALLROOM. Light refreshments will be served. For more info, call Michele at (951) 202-8009.

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