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With temperatures expected to approach 100 degrees today in Pleasanton and the Tri-Valley, the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) has declared Saturday a "Spare the Air" day.

Summer Spare the Air alerts are triggered by concentrations of ground-level ozone pollution reaching an unhealthy level, usually brought on by clear skies, hot temperatures and light winds.

Residents are encouraged to drive less and reduce their energy use today and over the coming weekend so pollution levels are lower, preventing health alerts when temperatures are high.

The BAAQMD encourages everyone to:

1) Avoid driving your car. Instead, take public transit, join a carpool, bicycle or walk. Another option is to link errands to minimize driving. Go to 511.org for transit details.

2) Don't use gasoline-powered lawn and garden equipment.

3) Don't use lighter fluid on the barbecue.

4) Reduce household energy use.

5) Avoid using aerosol spray cleaners, paints and hairspray.

For more information about Spare the Air alerts, visit www.sparetheair.org.

— Bay City News Service

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