Waste Not: When it comes to recycling...

Waste Not: When it comes to recycling hazardous household waste, the council’s 3rd District in the West Valley is tops in the city, according to the Bureau of Sanitation. . . . The district, one of 15 in the city, accounted for nearly one-fifth of the used motor oil, anti-freeze, car batteries, paints and other materials turned in by city residents. The Valley as a whole had a higher participation rate than the rest of the city in the Hazardous Waste and Oil Recycling Program.

Dial Direct: Time was, if you lived in the San Fernando Valley and wanted to reach someone in Los Angeles County government via telephone, you first had to dial your party using the 213 area code. But no more. . . . At the urging of Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky, new operators were added Aug. 1. Now, all residents need to do to reach out and touch someone is call (818) 407-0959 and be patched through directly.

Well Traveled: If experience pays, then the Cal State Northridge Matadors women’s soccer team is in for quite a year. Joining its ranks is the well-traveled Marilyn Huschka, a onetime waitress who used to snowboard in the off-season. . . . Huschka, above, is expected to be a key player for Northridge, which opens Aug. 30 at Cal State Los Angeles (C6).

Cops and Bikes: The LAPD West Valley Division’s bike patrol unit was slated to receive 20 new bicycles this year thanks to the generosity of local businesses and other donors. . . . But the program, which deploys officers on two-wheelers, is seven bikes shy of its goal and still in need of additional funding, officials say. To help, contact the West Valley Division at (818) 756-8542.