3 minute read
SEE BIG BLUE BUS
Healthy Re eshing Fun!
2715 Main Street, Santa Monica www.ubatubaacai.com
understand what our riders are thinking, when they are thinking it,” said McCall. “It will allow BBB to help shape our
service to best meet customer expectations in an evolving post-pandemic public transportation landscape.”
Surveys will be anonymous and riders will be prompted to respond before, after and during trips.
BBB has been awarded substantial money before, including $870,000 in 2016 from the Mobile Source Air Pollution Reduction Review Committee’s Near-Zero Engine Incentive Program. This money helped BBB to install low emission engines into many of its vehicles. The department has a goal of completely transitioning to a zero emission fleet by 2030.
McCall said that the grant money will not directly affect BBBs sustainability goals or transition to zero emissions, but will allow the department to collect more specific customer feedback and overall enhance the service.
BBB is one of nine projects across the country to receive money through the EMI program this year. The goal of the program is to “promote technology projects that center the passenger experience and encourage people to get on board.” In a press release last week, Rep. Lieu said he believes BBB embodies these goals and is a worthy investment.
“Investing in eco-friendly public transit systems like the Big Blue Bus is key to helping people get where they need to be while reducing damage caused to the environment,” said Rep. Lieu. “It is a climatefriendly and equitable service that has proven to be an innovative public transportation model in our community.”
McCall said he does not yet have an exact timeline for the launch of the enhanced survey feature, but is actively working with Transit to develop a rollout plan.
grace@smdp.com
PET
FROM PAGE 5
convenient access to water quickly, and frequently on walks. Place water bowls in the shade, and all areas your dogs and cats have access to. Since cats are known to enjoy moving water, a water fountain can encourage them to drink. Cats and dogs are not attracted to warm water, which may deter them from drinking. Change the water frequently, and add ice cubes to the water to keep it cool. As an added source of hydration, add wet food to their meals, or water to kibble. Frozen carrots, pumpkin, and fruits are appetizing to dogs. Dogs and cats do not sweat and can overheat easily! Be vigilant and look for signs that your dog and cat may be in distress which may require immediate veterinarian attention. For dogs these symptoms may include panting, excessive drooling, lethargy, difficulty breathing, pale appearance, blood shot eyes, dizziness, lack of coordination, unusual agitation, vomiting, and diarrhea. Heatstroke in cats can present as agitation, stretching out, breathing rapidly, lethargy, skin hot to the touch, glazed eyes, vomiting, drooling, and slow bounce back of skin.
Keep them indoors when it’s too hot outside! Close areas like conservatories, greenhouses, sheds, and garages as they trap heat. Keep the shades closed and the air circulating by using an air conditioner and bladeless fans to prevent injury if they are knocked over. Dogs can stay cool by sprawling out on a cool mat, damp towels, tile, and hardwood floors. Cats can rule a cool realm in empty bathtubs, showers, sinks, dark rooms, under chairs, and like dogs, they enjoy a good cool floor too.
Plenty of fun can be had inside! Pet pools in shaded areas can be all the rave for dogs. Provide them with high value toys, chews, cognitive activities like hide-and-seek games, board games that reveal treats, games that they can play with you, and practice obedience cues. Cats can swat ice cubes, catnip filled mice and fish pole toys can create opportunities for a fun prey and pounce, a laser toy can make way for an exciting chase, brushing sessions can be purr-worthy, and experts at relaxation, naturally breaks for naps are added satisfaction.
Keeping dogs and cats cool, safe, and entertained on hot days does a fun summer make
Pet of the Week is provided by Carmen Molinari, a long-time volunteer at the Santa Monica Animal Shelter and founder and CEO of Love At First Sit®, a pet care and dog behavior & training company in Santa Monica. Learn about her, pet tips, and Love At First Sit® services at loveatfirstsit.net, and on Instagram at @loveatifirstsit.
