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Every week, the Action News This Morning team updates you on events going on in the community, stories they are working on and life behind-the-scenes at Channel 13. You can subscribe to their morning newsletter here. 

MIKE TSOLINAS

Hello summer!

Finally after 15 days of 100-degree heat, summer officially arrives today at 4:09 PM.

This means that today the sun’s rays strike directly on the Tropic of Cancer and while it’s not always the case, usually it’s the longest day of the year.

I usually stay away from long-range projections because I think they’re a little iffy, but last year we did not have a hundred degree day until June 14th. Thus, perhaps this summer will be a hot one.

Heat like we have been seeing lately is tough enough on humans, but to pets it can be even worse or deadly.

Every year we hear of someone who has left their dog or cat in a car in extreme heat and the result is usually very sad.

In many ways a car is like a greenhouse, holding heat inside it and not allowing it to escape. This fact produces temperatures in general that are a good 20 degrees warmer inside the car. So, if it’s 100 degrees outside the car, inside it the temperature would be around 120 degrees.

Many think that cracking the windows is good enough along with some water for your dogs in the heat, but that is simply not the case. Take a look at this study.

So please remember when it’s hot outside, it’s much hotter in your car! Pets love unconditionally and during the summer here in the desert they need our help to insure their safety.

Stay coooooool… Mike

KIM SMITH 

Stick or Auto?

I posed this question on Facebook with some great responses from our awesome Road Rockers.
 
I learned how to drive a stick in an emergency situation and am so glad I did. Nothing like a sport car with stick shift! My Alfa Romeo I owned for about a minute was a pleasure to drive - but NOT in heavy traffic!

Here are your comments. Roger, our chopper pilot, introduced a third choice that is just too cool for school - read on!
 
Stick or Auto? Why?

Mark Spradlin -- auto, because I'm lazy

Mark Abukoff -- Well, I like a stick because you have more positive control over the vehicle, but auto frees up a bit more concentration. So to be sensible I'd take auto...

Matthew James Smith -- Stick is cool in something sporty,for everything else,automatic...

Keith Held -- Stick is better for a sports car and can be more fuel efficient but usually makes the price of the car more expensive. Auto on the other hand well it's just drive and forget it. Some have a combination of both now, auto with the option of shifting yourself. Really just depends on what you want more.

June Maglio Eichler -- In 1962 I got a brand new automatic Chevy and asked my dad to try it out. He said "I can't drive that, it has no stick!"

Roger Maynulet -- Paddle shifters is the third and best choice. My next car will have that option.

Mark Abukoff -- combo does sound very cool. Still waiting for a good price hover-convert though :) Maybe eBay has a kit...

Patrick Sylvester -- Most cars have paddle or auto shifters now...well at least foreign makes...my Mini had it and my Jetta has it..

Roger Maynulet -- Essentially a clutch less manual that you switch by using paddle shaped flaps on the steering wheel. All the benefits of both manual and auto

Dave Kirkpatrick -- I feel that if you are permitted to drive in this state you should be required to proficiently operate both transmissions ... before you can drive on public highways !!! emergencies happen !!!

Andy Williams -- Depends on the car and what the purpose is behind it..ie like racing or just a daily driver. If it is a muscle car with an automatic , its not a muscle car

Ken Woychesko -- Auto: you can hold hands with the person beside you

LISA REMILLARD 

"Dancing with the Stars" Pro Tristan MacManus stopped by Midday last week and shared some EXCLUSIVE information. "Dancing with the Stars: LIVE in Las Vegas" is being extended past the early July end date.

Tristan says the crows and the demand have been so great at the Tropicana hotel and casino that they decided to keep it going for a bit longer. Fantastic! More sequins, spray tans and Tristan for all of us!!!

I also asked him about the time he spent with the legendary Gladys Knight last season and if he plans to return for this upcoming All Star season.

And, of course, I couldn't help but ask the hunky Irishman (notorious for a die-hard fan base) where he likes to hang out in Vegas when he's not dancing on the Tropicana stage. Watch the video to find out!!!

CASEY SMITH  

I'll never forget the first time I announced, on-air, that it was hot in Las Vegas.  

It was about 12 years ago and it was "only" about 90 degrees outside.  I got a call from a long-time local after the show who politely told me it was "not hot" and it doesn't "get hot" until it's at least 100 degrees in the shade.  

I certainly understand that now, but that being said, it's hot.  It already feels like July and that means we all need to be careful and mindful of the heat.
Thankfully, we have yet to report on a child or pet left in a hot car, so let's keep it that way.  Please remember to double check where your children are at all times and think twice about taking your dog with you in your car or truck.  

It's also a good time to remind everyone to be on their toes when it comes to pool safety. Your backyard pool can be very inviting to the little ones, but the end result can be disastrous if you're not there to supervise the watery fun.   It breaks my heart to report on tragedies that can easily be avoided.

Please, Be Smart and Be Safe when to comes to driving with kids and pets in your car and around the backyard pool.  Here's hoping Summer 2012 is tragedy-free and fun for all!