Donations may be made between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. at ArmorStruxx, 500 S. Beckman Road. For more information, call 371-8000.

Lodi man's truck burns in apparent arson

A 26-year-old Lodi man's truck was set on fire not long after he got into a dispute about his cell phone early Wednesday, police said.

The fire broke out just after 2 a.m. in the 400 block of East Oak Street, but explosions could be heard from as far as Kettleman Lane at Mills Avenue.

Lodi fire crews put out the blaze, which did not burn any other property but destroyed the 1968 Ford pick-up truck, Lodi Police Detective Steve Maynard said.

The truck's owner had gotten into an argument with people who wanted to use his cell phone, and police are investigating whether that dispute was related to the fire. No arrests have been made.

Investigators ruled out natural causes, including electrical problems, and believe the fire was an arson, Maynard said.

Paint cans and other trash had been left in the truck's bed, and they exploded when the fire broke out. A number of people called police from the Downtown area to report hearing banging noises, and an officer on patrol heard the noise from Kettleman Lane, Maynard said.

Nominations sought for 'Young Heroes' program

Do you know of a child who has done a good deed that deserves recognition? The goal of the "Our Young Heroes" program is to celebrate the selfless deeds of these children. Currently, the News-Sentinel is accepting nominations for its annual "Our Young Heroes" program. Those chosen are recognized with plaques, a news story and a cash award.

Young heroes are children who have exhibited extraordinary acts of kindness, generosity or bravery. They may have helped out in an emergency, led a project for a worthy cause or gone above and beyond expectations in some way.

The deadline for nominations is Nov. 21. The program is open to children ages 14 or younger as of Dec. 13. Boys and girls in northern San Joaquin County and southern Sacramento County are eligible.

A story detailing each child's good deed will be published in the News-Sentinel.

The young heroes will be recognized on Dec. 14 at 2 p.m. at the Lodi Community Band concert at Hutchins Street Square.

The Young Heroes program was started by Joan Levy, former News-Sentinel classified advertising representative, along with Lap and Yee Wong, of Lodi.

The nomination form may be dropped off at the News-Sentinel, 125 N. Church St.; faxed to 369-6706; mailed to P.O. Box 1360, Lodi, CA 95241; or e-mail the questions and answers to pamelab@lodinews.com.

Please submit nominations to Pam Bauserman, Panorama editor.

Wood-burning will have restrictions as of Nov. 1

The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District is advising area residents that Check Before You Burn season begins Saturday.

On certain days the district can prohibit wood burning because of air quality conditions, starting Saturday and until Feb. 28. Smoke from residential fireplaces can greatly increase the amount of particulate matter in the Central Valley's air.

Because of tightened wood-burning restrictions, the air district estimates that no-burn days may double or triple in some counties this winter, according to a statement released by the district.

Wood-burning forecasts will be available each day at 4:30 p.m. at http://www.valleyair.org, or by calling (800) SMOG-INFO (766-4463.)

Residents can also obtain a fireplace exemption form at www.valleyair.org/BurnPrograms/wood_burning.htm.

Free emissions testing at Delta College

San Joaquin Delta College will be offering free emissions testing on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the college's main campus in Stockton. Vehicles will be subject to a brief tailpipe emissions test with an emission testing device and if necessary cars will proceed to a free on-site diagnostic station for an under-the-hood check.

If vehicles do not pass the emissions test, Valley CAN will provide a coupon for up to $500 worth of emission-related repairs at a local Gold Shield certified smog shop. No registration or paperwork is necessary for the emissions testing. The first 100 participants on Saturday will receive a San Joaquin RTD two-day unlimited bus pass.

The event is being hosted by Valley CAN (Clean Air Now), the Advanced Transportation Technology and Energy Initiative Center and San Joaquin Delta College. Delta, which is located at 5151 Pacific Ave. in Stockton, will hold the events in the parking lots near Pershing Avenue and Burke Bradley Road.

Schwarzenegger endorses Abram Wilson

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has endorsed Republican San Ramon Mayor Abram Wilson for the 15th Assembly District seat being vacated by Guy Houston, R-San Ramon, due to term limits, according to an e-mail from Wilson's campaign office.

The 15th Assembly District includes Galt, Thornton, Elk Grove and parts of the East Bay.