Holiday Closures, New Distracted Driving Law, Christmas Tree Recycling

1. Don't forget! City Hall will be closed Wednesday in observance of the holiday.

2. Distracted driving is dangerous, especially if you’re a new driver. Starting Wednesday, California drivers under the age of 18 are prohibited from using a wireless device while driving, even if it is equipped with a hands-free option.

3. The Orange County Transportation Authority is offering free bus rides from 6 p.m. on New Year’s Eve until 2:30 a.m. on New Year’s Day. This is the 12th year OCTA has offered free rides to promote holiday safety.

4. Need help making and keeping your new year’s resolutions for 2014? Here’s a link to a government website that lists popular resolutions and the government agencies that can help. Not surprisingly losing weight is first on the list, and the National Institutes of Health have a plan for you.

5. Waste Management will collect and recycle holiday trees on the regular or rescheduled collection days at no charge through Friday, Jan. 17. Trees must be cut to lengths less than four feet. Decorations, tinsel, metal ornaments, and metal stands must be removed from the trees. Flocked trees will be collected but cannot be made into compost due to their chemical content. After January 17, non-flocked trees can also be recycled by cutting them up and placing them in the green waste carts.

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