The Sheriff's Department has begun a seat-belt enforcement effort that will last through the holiday season.
Extra deputies and police officers from neighboring cities will be patrolling roads and setting up checkpoints to look for seat-belt violators. The campaign will also target drunken and unlicensed drivers.
Fines for drivers and passengers not wearing seat belts can be as high as $89, and as high as $350 for children under 16 who aren't using proper seat restraints.
Officials say traffic collisions often increase during the holiday rush.
– Kristina Davis
Water controllers
to be handed out
The Olivenhain Municipal Water and Santa Fe Irrigation districts plan to give away 50 controllers next week for customers to reduce unnecessary watering.
District customers who have old controllers and at least 2,000 square feet of lawn or gardens are eligible to receive the devices, which will be handed out 5 p.m. Wednesday at the Rancho Santa Fe Garden Club.
The controllers attach to sprinkler systems to turn the systems on and off, and are equipped with rain and solar sensors. They automatically shut off sprinkler systems for two days after rain to conserve water, said Teresa Chase, conservation and education coordinator for the Olivenhain Municipal Water District. Controllers also limit water use on overcast days, she said.
To sign up for the devices, call (760) 632-4641. The Olivenhain Municipal Water District includes parts of Carlsbad, Encinitas, San Diego, San Marcos and Solana Beach, among other areas.
– Matthew Rodriguez
