Reporters’ notebook

The Redwood City Fire Department wants residents to know its doing its part in water conservation during the drought. During training, water can only flow through the hoses for one minute or less and all stations are required to be up-to-date with conservation devices like faucets and toilets. All garden hoses at the stations are fitted with shut off nozzles and trucks and vehicles will only be washed once a week. Demonstrations during station tours or other public education events also won’t include the use of water.

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Recology is providing an opportunity to help families in need this season. Donated new or gently used coats right on your curbside on your regular collection day. To make a donation, just place coats in a clear plastic bag marked “Coats for Kids” and to then place the bag next to or on the top of your blue Recycle Cart on your regular collection day during the week of Oct. 13-17.

Additionally, collection containers labeled “Coats for Kids” will also be placed at the Foster City Recreation Center from Oct. 13-24.

For more information visit recologysanmateocounty.com/coats_for_kids_2014.php.

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Quickly, at 375 Grand Ave. in South San Francisco, was closed by San Mateo County health inspectors Oct. 7 for lacking hot and/or cold water.

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Crystal Springs Trail will be temporarily closed from the Runnymeade Trailhead west for a half mile for grading and drainage work on a fire road. Work begins Monday, Oct. 13 and will likely be finished by Friday, Oct. 31.

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San Mateo County has announced the appointment of Ed Wood as the assistant manager of Public Safety Communications. Wood will start Monday, Nov. 3 after serving the city of Burlingame for five years as its police chief. Wood has served both Burlingame and Belmont, spanning more than three decades in law enforcement.

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This Sunday, the flags at fire stations in Belmont, San Mateo, Foster City and other communities in the Bay Area will be flown at half-staff in honor of National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend.

Every October, the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation sponsors the official national tribute to all firefighters who died in the line of duty during the previous year. Thousands attend the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service in Emmitsburg, Maryland. This year, Oct. 11-12, 2014, is the memorial weekend and Sunday of the memorial weekend is always a federal half-staff day.

The Reporters’ Notebook is a weekly collection of facts culled from the notebooks of the Daily Journal staff. It appears in the Friday edition.