The Loma Linda Neighborhood Association is dedicated to providing communication, beautification, social activity, coordination and education. We hope these efforts will promote cooperation among residents and foster goodwill in our neighborhood.

A Publication of the Loma Linda Neighborhood Association ~ P.O. BOX 10533 Phoenix, AZ 85064-0533

FEBRUARY 2011 ~ NEWSLETTER

Letter from our Chairman ~ By: Marcos Cerecedes

Phoenix has always been fortunate to have mild winters, so along with this great weather it is a great time to take advantage of our surroundings to explore and one of those is by going for a walk. Yes, even in our large urban jungle there are wonderful places to go for a stroll. Indian School Steele Park on a Sunday morning is one great place to leash your dog or dogs and expend their energy. You can visit the memorials and monuments and enjoy the city views along the sidewalks around the park and pond. Another fantastic place is the Grand Canal which crosses right through our neighborhood. There are paved bike and pedestrian paths and a wonderful place to bird watch and catch a glimpse of this early pioneer canal. Or if you are more the more adventurous types there is Piestewa Peak with its many trails for all types. Take morning wake-me-up hike up the rocky trail to the peak and enjoy the view. If you are in the mood for something more leisurely there are plenty of flatter trails in the park that you can view native plants in their natural environment. Now if none of these fit your fancy then there is another great place to walk and this is our neighborhood with its collection of many homes and faces. This is an excellent way to meet your neighbor and maybe glimpse at a garden or iron fence that may not see when in your car. So next time when the sun is out this season, go for a walk and remember to use sunscreen; your skin always needs protection.

LLNA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL NEWS

Ms. Draghi’s homeroom is currently wrapping up their “Tour of Europe” unit. Each day, for one week, the students have learned about the history of four different European nations. After this, the students studied and practiced identifying and spelling English words with origins from the day’s specific country. At the end of each unit, students had a “taste of” whatever country they studied for the day. We began with Greece and Kalamata Olives, traveled then to Italy where we ate Garlic and cheese bread, and then finally traveled to Germany and France where we ate pretzels! It was alot of fun!

The Loma Linda Library is excited to announce that our school has been selected to participate in the 2011 Bookman’s Reading Challenge. Our school could win $15,000! The more you read, the more you win! The contest starts January 17th!

A note from the Music Room: Students in grades 5 through 8 were writing their own music throughout second quarter!

Gardener’s Corner– By: Annette Weaver

The natural world of plants and animals and soils and rocks is an amazing place. If you have ever traveled cross country from Arizona back east the transition from desert to plains to woodlands to the tall forests of the northern United States is quite breathtaking. We have been across Texas in the spring when acres and acres of wild flowers, planted first because of Ladybird Johnson’s passion for those very wildflowers, were in bloom. In the late 70’s when traveling we would sometimes see flocks of birds numbering in the thousands. Haven’t seen this in many years and hope that we have just not traveled at the right time of year.

Each state has its own distinctive fauna and flora. Although many of the plants that we enjoy here in Arizona have come from some other place on this globe of diversity we have our own unique set of native plants. It seems to me the further east you go the more foliage there is and the more people inhabiting that region. Could be the more foliage the more water and water is a limiting factor to population and plant growth.

The great open spaces of the southwest are populated by cacti, succulents and low growing bushes such as creosote, salt bush and scrub cedar. Some of the bushes that inhabit this country put out chemicals from their roots into the surrounding soil that prevents other plants from growing too close ( a way to ensure they get the scarce nutrients and water available). Hence when you look out over the desert it sometimes seems as if the bushes were planted intentionally at regular intervals.

Maybe we inhabitants of the desert southwest are a little like these bushes. According to some visitors from back east from whose back yard you can see from one end of the block to the other we might be a bit anti-social. We put up big block or wood fences, stake out our territory and shut ourselves in our homes rarely stepping out to see the sun rise or the glow of the full moon or to smell a blooming rose. So in the coming year try checking out the sun, the moon, the rose and perhaps your neighbors you may find a kindred spirit.

To plant this month: asparagus, soy beans, beets, cantaloupe, cucumbers, eggplant, muskmelon, okra, sweet potatoes, summer squash, radishes, turnips. Also check nurseries for tomato and pepper plants. It’s too late for seeds but you can put out plants.

IDENTITY THEFT DURING TAX SEASON

Tax season is upon us once again and according to the Identity Theft Resource Center, this mans another opportunity for criminals to steal your identity. The docu- ments you send and receive contain all the important information criminals are searching for; your name, address, bank and financial account information and your social security number.

Here are some tips to minimize the risk or identity theft:

1. Paper Security - Keep your tax paperwork in a safe, locked location. Financial documents should not be left in a vehicle.

2. Document Disposal - Shred all documents with a cross-cut shredder. This includes receipts, papers with credit card account information and Social Security Numbers (such as health benefit payment and income reporting forms), and loan documents. All these documents contain important financial information that thieves can use to convert into a new account in your name. Keep in mind that a seven year old receipt can be used by a thief.

3. Computer Security- If you file your taxes on line or store financial information in your computer be sure to update your firewall, anti virus, and spy ware soft ware to protect yourself from invasion.

4. Mail Theft Prevention - Take your tax documents directly to the Post Office. Drop them in a box inside the Post Office. If you use an outside Post Office pickup box, it is best practice to drop your mail before the last pick up. Leaving mail overnight gives thief a better opportunity to steal mail. Don’t leave tax documents in an outgoing mail box at work.

5. Tax Preparer’s and Personal Privacy - Be selective about who prepares your taxes.

6. Investigate tax preparation companies with the Better Business Bureau, espe- cially new or seasonal offices. Ask how your information will be stored, what computer security software is used, and if the person working on your taxes has undergone a thorough background screening. Do you see personal papers displayed on desks? If you feel uncom- fortable go elsewhere. Avoid doing financial business in a supermarket concession booth where others may hear or see your transaction. Those mini offices are not soundproof and criminals have been observed watching transactions with telescopic lenses.

7. Tax Time Scams- If you receive an email asking you for your Social Security Number or financial information, delete it or send it to FTC for investigation. The IRS does not send emails stating you are being electronically audited. They also do not contact you by email about refunds which require you to provide bank information. If you have any ques- tions about an email you received from the IRS or a letter that sounds suspi- cious, immediately call the IRS Taxpayers Advocates at 877-777-4778.

8. Employment Identity Theft - Identity theft goes beyond financial identity theft. Sometimes your information is used for thieves to get a job. They may be em- ployed using your or your child’s Social Security Number. In these situations, the IRS may send a notice indicating that more than one person is using your Social Security Number, or that you owe back taxes. If this happens, immediately contact the IRS Taxpayer Advocates or the Identity Theft Resource Center for assistance.

For more information:

. Identity Theft Resource Center www.idtheftcenter.org . IRS Taxpayer Advocates at 1-877-777-4778 . Federal Trade Commission www.consumer.gov/idtheft.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Feb . 1 - Neighborhood Meeting

Feb. 9 - Early School Release - 12:10 p.m.

Feb 14 - Valentine’s Day

Feb. 17 - Community Council - 6 p.m.

Feb. 21 - Holiday - President’s Day

Feb. 1 & 15 - School Governing Bd. Meeting - 7 p.m.

Information provided by the City of Phoenix Fire Department

On December 8, 2010, the Phoenix City Council approved a memorandum of understanding between the fireworks industry and the City of Phoenix regarding the sale of consumer fireworks. Fireworks will be sold in commercially zoned areas only. All indoor sales must be within buildings that have fully automatic sprinkler systems. The sale of permissible consumer fireworks at temporary tents will be limited to 3,000 pounds gross weight at any time.

Fire permits are required for both retail and wholesale distribution. Signs will be required at places of sale and display that advise that purchases of permissible consumer fireworks within the city of Phoenix limits is prohibited to persons under the age of 16 and that using the fireworks within the city of Phoenix limits is prohibited. The use of fireworks in Phoenix is now a Class 1 Misdemeanor punish- able by up to $2,500 and/or six months in jail.

For more information on what is legal and what is illegal, contact the Phoenix Fire Department Fire Prevention office at 602-262-6771.

MAKE SURE THAT YOU AND YOUR CHILDREN CELEBRATE SAFELY BY FOLLOWING ALL OF THE SAFETY TIPS.

Make sure your family fireworks celebration is safe by supervising your children’s use of State-Approved Fireworks. You may be held liable for any damages or injuries caused by your children’s misuse of fireworks. Don’t use illegal fireworks! To report the sale or use of illegal fireworks, call your local fire department.

Only a limited variety of fireworks are approved in Arizona. They con- sist of primarily static, ground-based fountains, some handheld items, spinners and novelty items. Here are a list of the type of firework items that are “State-Approved” in Arizona: Ground and Handheld Sparkling Devices, such as Cylindrical Fountains, Cone Fountains, Illuminating Torch, Wheel, Ground Spinner, Flitter Sparkler, Toy Smoke Device, Wire Sparkler / Dipped Stick Sparkler; Novelties such as Party Poppers, Snap Caps, Snakes, Glow Worms; Multi-tube Fountains.

If you have any doubts about an item, contact your local fire department. Some communities may not permit the use of State-Approved Fireworks within their jurisdiction or may have other restrictions on where and how State-Approved Fireworks may be used. If you have any doubts, check with your local police or fire department.

LLNA DONATION FORM / Gracias por su cooperacionName / Nombre________________________________________________________ Address / Direcion _____________________________________________________ Donation Amt. / cantidad: $______Date of Donation / Dia de Donacion: __________ We are a non-profit organization run entirely by volunteers. However, we need your contributions to support this newsletter and other necessary expenses throughout the year. Your contribution is tax deductible and will benefit your neighborhood directly. Please use the form below for your donation. A thank you card will be sent to acknowledge receipt.

Home Of the Month!

Area A : 1822 E. Fairmount

Area B : 2139 E. Weldon

Area C: 2049 E. Mulberry

Each month Area Representatives of “A”, “B” and “C” choose one outstanding home in each area for beautification, home im- provement, a well-manicured yard, etc. Of course, there must be NO zoning violations. This month’s certificates will be honored at :

Linda’s on Osborn. ~ 2333 East Osborn Rd.

Congratulations to this month’s winners!

Holiday Home Of the Month!

Congratulations to the winners of the award for the most spectacular Holiday House display. It was a tough decision as there were so many beautifully decorated homes. The lights were truly spectacular and added to the spirit of the season.

A poinsettia plant was presented to each of the following winners.

Area A – 1934 E. Clarendon

Area B – 2108 East Mitchell

Area C – 2317 E. Mulberry

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