Vandals in our Karl Wente park

Did you see the work done in the park by some wayward youths last week? A can or two of spray paint made a semi-lasting impression on the equipment in Karl Wente park. A neighbor saw what had occurred the next day and called the city. They had it cleaned up the best they could within 24 hours. Remember, call the Livermore Police Department when you see suspicious activity in the park or at Sunset School. The best number to call (and program into your cell phone - 911 calls will go to the CHP - adding minutes to a true emergency response) is 925-371-4900. The number for the graffiti hotline is 925-373-5600. Anyone willing to start a neighborhood watch program for Darwin, Kingsport & Frankfurt?

Alameda County Master Gardners

Last week, at the Alameda County Fair, I stopped to ask a question of the Master Gardener about composting. Succesful gardening in the City of Livermore can be such a challenge, so any chance I have to ask someone with dirt under their fingers, I take. The Master Gardener asked me a few questions abut the compost set up, grabbed a piece of paper & drew up a design for a hot composter. I was impressed. She suggested that I call the Plant Doctor Hotlines anytime I had a question and that I pass the number on to folks who have questions about their gardens. The contact number for our county is 925-960-9420. The various websites with useful gardening information are http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/ for Pests, Disease and Weeds. UC Guide to Healthy Lawns www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/tools/turf . The UC Vegetable and Research Information http://vric/ucdavis.edu/ . Finally, our friends, Alameda County Master Gardeners http://acmg.ucdavis.edu/ .