Briefs: Region defies gas-price trend

MID-VALLEY

Gas prices rose in much of California but declined slightly in Yuba-Sutter over the last month, according to new figures from AAA of Northern California.

The average price for a gallon of regular unleaded was $3.64 last month in Marysville, down two cents from a month earlier. That's more than a dime below the statewide average of $3.78.

AAA officials said investor activity pushed prices up over the last month, but in recent days both less activity and reduced driving demand has pushed prices downward again.

Sacramento

LaMalfa opposes election bill

A bill designed to give California greater say in the presidential election got Gov. Jerry Brown's signature Monday, drawing criticism from state Sen. Doug LaMalfa.

"This law eliminates 220 years of American tradition that protects the fabric of our country from fractionalization and mob rule," LaMalfa, R-Richvale, wrote in a press release. "Under this plan, large urban population centers will dominate the elections for president. Rural America and rural California will no longer be spoken to in campaigns and will be a reduced factor in national politics."

Assembly Bill 459, by Assemblyman Jerry Hill, D-San Mateo, would give the state's electoral votes to whichever candidate receives the most popular votes nationwide.

Supporters believe the bill would force candidates to campaign in California because of its large population. But the bill would only come into effect if states constituting a majority of electoral votes adopt it.

Yuba County

District curtailing irrigation water

Irrigation water users around Collins Lake in Yuba County will have to be ready for dry pumps beginning on Labor Day.

As part of a survey of reduced flows in Dry Creek, water deliveries by the Browns Valley Irrigation District will be curtailed between Sept. 5 and 8, the district announced.

The district has to turn off the water to document for the state the amount of return flows BVID can recapture. Timing is meant to coincide almost with the end of irrigation season.

Marysville

United Way kicking off fundraising

The Yuba-Sutter United Way is kicking off its 2011-12 fundraising campaign with a community fair at Washington Square Park in Marysville.

The event is 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Sept. 10 at the corner of 10th and E streets.

Activities include free entertainment and free food and drinks.

For more information, visit www.yuba-sutterunitedway.org or call 743-1847.

Yuba City

Swimming ending at Gauche

This weekend includes the final days of the season for Little Swimmers Tot Time and Twilight Swim at Gauche Aquatic Park, 421 C St., Yuba City.

Little Swimmers Tot Time, for children to 5 years old, is 10-11:30 a.m. Friday.

Admission is $3 for one child and a parent or guardian 16 years or older; and $2 for each additional parent/guardian. Guardians must stay within arm's reach of the child.

Twilight Swim is 8-10 p.m. Saturday. Guardians 16 years or older must accompany children under 11 years.

Admission is $4 per person; free for children 2 years and under.

For more information, contact the GAP office at 822-4655.

Yuba-Sutter

Gleaners to distribute food

The Yuba-Sutter Gleaners Food Bank's food distribution schedule is set for August at several locations in the community.

Monday — Yuba City Moose Lodge, 205 S. Walton Ave.

Aug. 22 — Y-S Gleaners warehouse, 760 Stafford Way; and the Hans Miller building, 420 Miles, both in Yuba City.

Aug. 23 — Wheatland Senior Center, 705 Third St.; Sutter Youth Organization, 7740 Butte House Road, Sutter; and South Sutter Recreation Association building, Palm Street, East Nicolaus.

Aug. 24 — Live Oak Community Center, 10200 O St.

Aug. 25 — American Legion, Linda Post 807 hall, 5477 Feather River Blvd., Linda; and the First Presbyterian Church, corner of Sampson Street and Rideout Way, Marysville.

Aug. 26 — Veterans of Foreign Wars hall, 4956 Powerline Road, Olivehurst.

Call 673-3834 for more information.

Linda

New hours at animal shelter

New hours begin Aug. 22 for the Yuba County Animal Care Service Shelter at 5245 Feather River Blvd., Linda.

Hours Monday to Friday will be 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. for the shelter office and 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. for the kennels.

Both the kennel and office are also open 9 a.m.-noon Saturdays.

Live Oak

Barbecue bingo fundraiser set

The Live Oak Lions Club is hosting a barbecue bingo to help start local residents Labor Day weekend activities.

The fundraiser is at 7 p.m., with doors open at 5 p.m., Sept. 1 at the Live Oak Community Building, 10200 O St.

Cost for the games is $12 for six cards and $1 per three additional cards. Sandwiches, cookies and coffee are free for bingo players.

For more information, contact Craig Berry at 701-3720.

LINDA

Golf Classic on Sept. 23

Sponsors are sought for the Sutter Medical Foundation's 13th Annual Swing Into Health Golf Classic set Sept. 23 at the Peach Tree Golf and Country Club in Linda.

The sponsorships, available by business or individual, range from $300 to $5,000. Proceeds benefit the foundation's urgent care expansion.

For information about sponsorships, call Julie Eckardt at 749-3347.