Community Briefs: Dec. 15, 2012

Donations needed for families

The Corning Volunteer Fire Department is accepting nonperishable foods and any new, unwrapped toys for distribution to families in the community.

These items will be used for the Christmas Basket program and can be dropped off at the Fire Department, at 814 5th St. Donations will be accepted through Thursday.

A light against crime

The Richfield Neighborhood Watch is asking all Tehama County residents to keep their porch lights on each Monday during December as part of the Lights on 2012 campaign.

The program is designed to help local law enforcement. The campaign has proven to be effective in deterring criminal activity during the holiday season.

Little League taking signups

Corning Little League will hold signups from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. Wednesday at West Street School cafeteria. Bring the player's birth certificate.

Thursday deadline for contest

The Department of Fish and Game and International Sportsmen's Expositions have teamed up to offer a youth essay contest. Holders of a junior hunting license and are youth under 16 who have valid 2012 hunter education certificates are eligible.

To enter, contestants need to submit an essay of 500 words or less on what "Passing on the Tradition" means to them. Participants are encouraged to write about conservation, sportsmanship and ethics.

Essays will be reviewed and scored by the stars of National Geographic's Wild Justice TV show.

The winner will be notified by phone and must be present with his or her parents for the grand prize on Jan. 12 in Sacramento.

Mail entries to Lt. John Nores, PO Box 1, San Martin, CA 95046.

Entries must be received by Thursday.

Christmas Eve Mass

Christmas Mass will be held at 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, located at the corner of Marin and First streets in Corning.

CHP applications available

The California Highway Patrol will begin accepting applications for new officers in January, the first time in three years the agency has looked to hire.

Online applications will be accepted from Jan 3-5.

Candidates must be 20-35 years old, a US citizen, have no felony convictions and be a high school graduate.

There are a variety of tests, including medical, and interviews that will follow.

For information and application, visit www.chpcareers.com.