Prevent an Identity Crisis

DENTITY THIEVES KNOW how to find "gold." They may steal your mail or your wallet, sort through trash cans or eavesdrop on conversations. Worse, thieves may try to trick you into giving information over the phone or by email, or hijack your unprotected computer.

While you may not be able to protect yourself completely, you can certainly decrease your risk with these tips from the Pasadena Police Department:

Check your credit reports once a year from the three credit reporting firms: Equifax (800-525-6285), Experian (888-397-3742) and TransUnion (800-680-7289).
Visit www.privacy.ca.gov/financial/cfreeze.htm to place a security freeze on your credit information.
Avoid carrying your Social Security card with you and never give the number to anyone unless absolutely necessary.
Don't have your SSN or driver's license number printed on your checks.
Watch for people who may try to eavesdrop while you're talking to a sales clerk or bank teller.
Use a crosscut paper shredder before you throw out any papers with sensitive or identifying information.
Never provide information to phone solicitors unless you initiated the call.
Delete any suspicious email requests without replying.
Use a locked mailbox to send and receive all mail.
Shred any pre-approved credit card offers you receive. You can reduce this junk mail by calling (888) 567-8688 (they'll ask for your SSN).

If, despite your best efforts, someone steals your personal information, call
744-4501 to report the crime and contact the Federal Trade Commission at www.consumer.gov/idtheft or (877) 438-4338.

Share the Book, Share the Fun

BY NOW READERS ACROSS PASADENA are enjoying "The Kite Runner," by Khaled Hosseini, Pasadena's 2005 One City, One Story selection.

kite_cover Book discussions have been planned through March 28 throughout Pasadena. Special discussions just for teens are set for Wednesday, March 16, at 3:30 p.m. at Allendale Branch Library and Saturday, March 26, at 3 p.m. at Central Library.

Bring a kite to Area H near the Rose Bowl on Saturday, March 12, at 11 a.m. for a fun kite-flying festival. Prizes will be awarded for best of show, most creative and fiercest kites.

On Friday, March 18, at 7:30 p.m. in the Forum at All Saints Church, 132 N. Euclid Ave., you'll have the chance to meet the author himself. (The event will be videotaped and replayed on 55 KPAS.) Earlier that day, he'll talk with Pasadena teens at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. in Central Library's Donald Wright Auditorium. Space is limited, so teens should call 744-4766 for a reservation.

For a complete list of upcoming events and book discussion topics, or to volunteer
as a discussion leader, visit the website at www.onecityonestory.com or call 744-4066, option 6.

Be a Responsible Dog Owner

PET OWNERS ARE RESPONSIBLE for their dogs' behavior, on and off their own property. Here's a quick rundown of city laws that help keep our local pooches safe
and happy:

Any time he's off your property, he must be on a leash. If your dog is found running around, he'll be considered a stray and may be taken to the Pasadena Humane Society and SPCA. You'll have to pay impound and boarding fees in addition to a fine.

Be sure your dog is wearing a current license tag at all times. You can buy one from Municipal Services at 280 Ramona St. (one block south of Walnut Street between Garfield and Marengo avenues). You'll need a current rabies certificate and $12.92 for a spayed or neutered dog (you must have written proof of this procedure) or $28.52 for a dog that hasn't been spayed or neutered. Call 744-4166 (press 3) for more details.

Remember, a current license tag is your dog's ticket home if he is picked up by an animal control officer. For more information check out the Pasadena Municipal Code at www.cityofpasadena.net/cityclerk/municode.asp or at Pasadena Central Library.

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	Public Affairs

Prevent an Identity Crisis

Share the Book, Share the Fun

Be a Responsible Dog Owner

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