A BRAND NEW GYM IN THE VALLEY
Dedication of multi-use facility at Van Nuys-Sherman Oaks

Los Angeles - The City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks' General Manager, Jon Kirk Mukri along with Councilmember Wendy Greuel (2nd District) and Bradley M. Smith, Chief Deputy City Engineer helped dedicate the Van Nuys-Sherman Oaks Recreation Center's new gymnasium on February 25th.

The dedication of a $4.26 million improvement at a City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks facility located in the San Fernando Valley. The existing 12,069 square-foot gymnasium was demolished and replaced with a 13,425 square-foot building that can have full-court basketball games and which has a state-of-the-art scoreboard. There’s also an adjacent enclosed patio area that can be used as a multipurpose component.

The replacement gymnasium was designed by the architectural firm Paul Murdock & Associates of Los Angeles, and built by Metro Builders and Engineers Group, Ltd., of Newport Beach. The Department of Public Works’ Bureau of Engineering managed the project through its Recreational and Cultural Facilities Program. Funding for the improvement came from
Proposition K.


MEDIA CONTACTS:
Jane Kolb:(213)928-9294, or cell, (323)816-6712

A BLOOMING LANDSCAPE
The annual bloom of Cherry Blossoms

Los Angeles - The annual bloom of cherry blossoms at Lake Balboa, a City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks’ operated facility in the heart of the San Fernando Valley, is expected to be at its peak viewing from Friday, March 17, through Sunday, April 1 , 2006.

One of the traditional harbingers of spring, this picturesque display of natural beauty is available to visit during daylight hours. The lake is part of Anthony C. Beilenson Park, which is located within the Sepulveda Dam Recreation Area.

The more than 2,000 Japanese cherry blossom trees there are the Pink Cloud variety, which means that they are ornamental flowering trees and not fruit-producing. They were donated by an anonymous Japanese benefactor.

They originated from a single parent tree and were developed to grow in warm climates. The flower has one row of petals in a circular shape, just like those that are found on cherry trees in Japan. The Department of Recreation and Parks began planting them in 1992.

Lake Balboa/Beilenson Park offers a variety of activities for all ages to enjoy. There’s a bicycle path, a separate walking/jogging path, a plethora of picnic areas, and a children’s play area. Water enthusiasts can enjoy pedal boats, kayaking, fishing, and more.

The entrance to Beilenson Park is on the east side of Balboa Blvd., between Burbank Blvd. and Victory Blvd. For more information about the amenities, call (818) 785-5798.


MEDIA CONTACTS:
Jane Kolb: (213)928-9294, or cell, (323)816-6712

IMPROVING 2 CITY POOLS
Lanark and Harvard Pools are being replaced

Los Angeles - The Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa announced a new funding plan that will replace two swimming pools in the City on February 27th. The press conference was held at Lanark Recreation Center, a Department of Recreation and Parks facility, in Canoga Park.

The two pools that will receive funding are Lanark Pool in the San Fernando Valley and Harvard Pool in South Los Angeles. In 2001 and 2002, Harvard and Lanark pools were closed to the public and have remained closed due to the lack of funding needed to replace them.

Funding for the two projects has been provided by the Municipal Recreation Program Fund. $1.8 million will be used for Lanark Pool and $2 million for Harvard Pool.

Lanark Pool is scheduled to re-open by the spring of 2007 and Harvard by late 2007. Both pools will provide recreational swimming, as well as water exercise classes, team sports, lifeguard and junior lifeguard training, adaptive swimming for the disabled and swimming lessons.



MEDIA CONTACTS:
Jane Kolb: (213)928-9294, or cell, (323) 816-6712

GETTING BACK INTO THE SWIM OF THINGS
Groundbreaking for $5.8 million Pool and Aquatic Center

Los Angeles - A new 5.8 million Northridge swimming pool, a City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks facility, officially broke ground Thursday. The existing pool will be demolished and replaced; the new facility will also have a separate activity pool with a water slide and play equipment. The new aquatic center will be one of the few pools in Los Angeles that will be accessible for both young children and handicapped people.

Funding comes from numerous sources, including Propositions K, 12, and 40, the City’s general fund, developer fees, and a seismic bond fund that was created after the 1994 Northridge earthquake. Jones & Madhavan Architecture Engineering of Thousand Oaks designed the facility, which will be built by Morillo Construction, Inc. of Pasadena. The Department of Public Works’ Bureau of Engineering will manage the project through its Recreational and Cultural Facilities Program.

The renovated aquatic center is expected to open in September 2007. The existing poolhouses will be replaced with more spacious changing areas designed to accomodate families. There will also be a first aid station, restrooms and changing rooms, exterior rinsing showers, office space, and more.



MEDIA CONTACTS:
Harvey Drut: (213) 928-9296, or cell, (323) 816-6711
Jane Kolb: (213) 928-9294, or cell, (323) 816-6712

THE DEPARTMENT'S PAD CHAMPION
Helping to increase the survival rate of cardiac arrest victims

Los Angeles - The City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks General Manager Jon Kirk Mukri received the Public Access Defibrillation (PAD) Program Champion Award on February 14th. Mr. Mukri was recognized for his outstanding support of the City’s PAD Program while serving as the General Manager of the Department of General Services (GSD).

GSD, under Mr. Mukri, installed all the alarmed cabinets, wall brackets and signage for the automatic external defibrillators at City Hall, Piper Tech, Marvin Braude Center, Parker Center, the Personnel building and the Richard Riordan Library at no cost.

The PAD Program, coordinated by the Los Angeles Fire Department, purchases and installs Automatic Defibrillators (AEDs) in public places such as convention centers, golf courses and City buildings. The program also provides AED training for City employees. When used correctly AEDs (a medical device) can stop cardiac arrest.

Los Angeles Fire Chief William Barnattre unveiled a Public Safety campaign to raise awareness of Sudden Cardiac Arrest and the PAD program on February 16th. The event launched a series of public service announcements to publicize the availability of defibrillators at LAX, the Los Angeles Zoo, Convention Center and City Hall.

The goal of the new campaign is to increase the survival rate from sudden cardiac arrest throughout the City. Fire officials said they have trained over 4,000 City employees and have deployed over 644 AED units.

Joining Chief Barnattre and Mr. Mukri was cardiac arrest survivor Anel Mendez, a mother and teacher who suffered a cardiac arrest last summer at LAX. Her life was saved by the availability of a defibrillator, which was on site thanks to the PAD Program.


MEDIA CONTACTS:
Jane Kolb: (213) 928-9294, or cell, (323) 816-6712

BECOME A POSITIVE COACH
6 positive coaching alliance workshops in L.A.


LOS ANGELES – The City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks will hold six Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA) workshops in March 2006.

Each two-hour session, which is open to the public and offered at no charge, provides coaches and parents with tools they can use to become “Double-Goal” coaches – those who look to achieve athletic success and also build character in their players. Participants will also learn how to “Redefine a Winner,” “Fill the Emotional Tank” of athletes, and “Honor the Game.”

The presentations are part of an ongoing series of workshops for people who work to establish and maintain a positive athletic environment for Southern California youth. The programs are made possible by grants from the Amateur Athletic Foundation, Nike, and PCA.

The upcoming workshop schedule, with location and contact information, is:
· Wednesday, March 15 – Mar Vista Recreation Center, 11430 Woodbine Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90066, (310) 398-5982.
· Thursday, March 16 – Saint Andrews Recreation Center, 8701 Saint Andrews Pl., Los Angeles, CA 90047, (213) 485-1751.
· Wednesday, March 22 – Barrington Recreation Center, 333 S. Barrington Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90049, (310) 476-4866.
· Tuesday, March 28 – Branford Recreation Center, 13306 Branford St., Arleta, CA 91331, (818) 893-4923.
· Wednesday, March 29 – Ramona Hall, 4580 N. Figueroa St., Los Angeles, CA 90042, (323) 276-3021.
· Thursday, March 30 – Valley Plaza Recreation Center, 12240 Archwood St., North Hollywood, CA 91606, (818) 765-5885.

All programs are scheduled for 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., with check-in at 6:30 p.m.

PCA is a Stanford University-based, nonprofit organization that works with adults on effective coaching, and is currently the Department of Recreation and Parks’ source for sports leadership and training standards for its staff, coaches, and parents.



MEDIA CONTACTS:
Harvey Drut: (213) 928-9296, or cell (323) 816-6711
Jane Kolb: (213) 928-9294, or cell (323) 816-6712

THE CHATSWORTH CHOCOLATE FACTORY
Stage performances of "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory"

LOS ANGELES – Chatsworth Recreation Center, a City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks facility located in the west San Fernando Valley, will present stage performances of “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” on February 24 and 25, 2006.

The production of this popular children’s story, which has been made into two movies, including the 2005 hit starring Johnny Depp, will feature members of the facility’s theater class. Show times are 7:00 p.m. on Friday and 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. on Saturday.

The cost is $2 for adults and $1 for children ages 4-12. Those who are age 3 or younger (who must be accompanied by a parent) will be admitted free. Guests will also be able to purchase refreshments at a snack bar inside the auditorium.

Chatsworth Recreation Center, which is also known as Chatsworth Park South, is located at 22360 Devonshire St. For tickets and more information about the “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” shows, call (818) 341-6595.


MEDIA CONTACTS:
Harvey Drut: (213) 928-9296, or cell, (323) 816-6711
Jane Kolb: (213) 928-9294, or cell, (323) 816-6712

EIGHT NEW BASKETBALL COURTS
Fox Sports Net's basketball court improvement plan

Los Angeles - Fox Sports Net (FSN) West and FSN West 2 have gifted the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks with five new and three refurbished basketball courts at facilities throughout the City.

The improvement plan was kicked off with a groundbreaking ceremony on Monday, January 30th at Highland Park Recreation Center. Highland, Palms and Branford Parks will have existing basketball courts refurbished. The recreation centers that will recieve new courts are Chatsworth South, David M. Gonzales, Glassell Park, Slauson and 109th Street.

The Department's General Manager, Jon Kirk Mukri was in attendance, as well as FSN celebrities, Sean Farnham and Bill MacDonald.


Media Contact:
Jane Kolb: (213) 928-9294, or cell, (323) 816- 6712

HONORING CONGRESSMAN EDWARD ROYBAL
Plaque dedication and tree planting ceremony in tribute to the late leader

LOS ANGELES - In honor of the late Edward R. Roybal, the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks has dedicated a bronze plaque and Brazilian Butterfly Tree at Ramona Hall in East Los Angeles, one of the Department's facilities.

Edward R. Roybal was a Los Angeles City Councilman for more than a decade (1949-1962), and then a member of the U.S. House of Representatives for 30 years (1963-1993). He has been hailed as a champion of civil rights and social justice.

The tribute was presented by the Department of Recreation and Parks, together with the Northeast Democratic Club of Los Angeles. Mr. Roybal passed away on October 24, 2005, at the age of 89. The dedication ceremony took place on February 10th, what would have been his 90th birthday.



MEDIA CONTACTS:
Jane Kolb: (213) 928-9294, or cell, (323) 816- 6712
Harvey Drut: (213) 928-9296, or cell, (323) 816-6711

VALENTINE'S DAY CELEBRATIONS
For children and teenagers in Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES – Young people who want to have a good time celebrating Valentine’s Day 2006 will have plenty of events to choose from that are being held at City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks facilities

Most of the activities will take place on Valentine’s Day, but a few will be held a little early. All of the presentations are free or have a nominal fee ($5 or less)

Those who are interested in attending the programs are encouraged to contact the facility in advance for further information. The public can also call the Recreation and Parks Information Office for assistance toll-free at 1 (888) LA PARKS (527-2757).

2/10
6-10 p.m.
Fred Roberts Recreation Center
4700 Honduras St.
L.A., 90011
(323) 234-8650
Teen dance with a DJ, and refreshments

2/10
6-10 p.m.
Victory-Vineland Recreation Center
11117 Victory Blvd.
North Hollywood, 91606
(818) 985-9516
Babysitting party (pizza and movie) while parents go out

2/14
3:30-6 p.m.
Banning Child Care Center
1331 Eubank Ave.
Wilmington, 90744
(310) 548-7726
Candy and card exchange for kids

2/14
4:00 p.m.
Culver-Slauson Recreation Center
5070 Slauson Blvd.
L.A., 90230
(310) 398-5291
Family-oriented theme party

2/14
4-6 p.m.
David M. Gonzales Recreation Center
10943 Herrick Ave.
Pacoima, 91331
(818) 899-1950
Music and dancing for teens

2/14
4-6 p.m.
Downey
Recreation Center
1771 N. Spring St.
(323) 225-7100
Moon bounce, entertainment, refreshments

2/14
4-6 p.m.
Hollenbeck Recreation Center
415 S. St. Louis St.
L.A., 90033
(323) 261-0113
Art project, music, and dance
(ages 8-15)

2/14
4-6 p.m.
Hubert H. Humphrey Memorial Park
12560 Filmore St.
Pacoima, 91331
(818) 896-6510
Party for kids ages 5-12


MEDIA CONTACTS:
Jane Kolb: (213) 928-9294, or cell, (323) 816- 6712
Harvey Drut: (213) 928-9296, or cell, (323) 816-6711

SAINT PATTY'S DAY CONCERT
A celebration in downtown L.A.

LOS ANGELES – Pershing Square, a City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks facility located in the downtown area, will hold its eighth annual St. Patrick’s Day Concert and Celebration on Friday, March 17, 2006, from 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

This free event will take place at the conclusion of the seventh annual City of Los Angeles St. Patrick’s Day Parade, the terminus of which will be the historic Square. The music of Finn MacCool will then put everyone in a festive mood to start a three-day weekend party.
The concert is an opportunity for downtown workers, visitors, and other guests to revel in the excitement of a popular and beloved commemoration of heritage, and all things green.

In addition to the concert, the water in the fountain at Pershing will be dyed green, representative of what is done to the Chicago River each year on March 17. Food and beverage vendors will be at the popular venue for this special lunchtime event, and O’Doul’s non-alcoholic brew will be among the liquid refreshments that are available.

Pershing Square is located at 532 S. Olive St. For more information about St. Patrick’s Day festivities there, call (213) 847-4970, or visit the Department’s website, www.laparks.org (Directory of Services, then Special Facilities, then Pershing Square).


MEDIA CONTACTS:
Jane Kolb: (213) 928-9294, or cell, (323) 816- 6712
Harvey Drut: (213) 928-9296, or cell, (323) 816-6711

VALENTINE'S CELEBRATIONS FOR SENIORS
Several programs to celebrate the special day of love


LOS ANGELES – Senior citizens who want to enjoy a Valentine’s program with other seniors will have several chances to gather together to mark the occasion at facilities operated by the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks.

Dances, parties, music, entertainment, food, fun, fellowship and more will be offered for guests as young as 50 years old, with some events catering to a slightly older crowd. All but one of the events will take place prior to February 14.

All activities are free or have a nominal charge. Those interested are encouraged to call the facility in advance for further information. The public can also call the Recreation and Parks Information Office for assistance toll-free at 1 (888) LA PARKS (527-2757).

2/9
10:30 a.m.
El Sereno
4818 Klamath Pl.
L.A., 90032
(323) 222-2040
Music, food, and games

2/9
11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Vineyard
2942 Vineyard Ave.
L.A., 90016
(323) 732-2510
Line dance party

2/10
10:30 a.m.
Boyle Heights
2938 E. 3rd St.
L.A., 90033
(323) 264-5757
Holiday dance

2/10
10:30 a.m. to noon
Mid-Valley
14450 Valerio St.
Van Nuys, 91405
(818) 785-8488
Party with lunch
(reservation needed)

2/11
1:00 – 3:30 p.m.
Fairfax
7929 Melrose Ave.
L.A., 90046
(323) 653-1824
Dance with live band, refreshments

2/13
11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Las Palmas
1820 N. Las Palmas Ave.
L.A., 90028
(323) 465-7787
Party with entertainment

2/15
10 a.m. to noon
Sunland
8651 Foothill Blvd.
Sunland, 91040
(818) 352-5282
Party with special menu, door prizes


MEDIA CONTACTS:
Jane Kolb: (213) 928-9294, or cell, (323) 816- 6712
Harvey Drut: (213) 928-9296, or cell, (323) 816-6711

BLACK HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATIONS
Special activities and programs throughout L.A.

LOS ANGELES – Black History Month 2006 will include numerous programs and activities at City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks facilities in celebration of the contributions of African-Americans, both past and present.

Some events will be held at senior citizen centers and are designed for those who are age 50 or older, while others will be presented at childcare, recreation, and community centers in different parts of the city, and are either for a younger audience, or the whole family.

All programs are free, but those who are interested in attending are encouraged to contact the facility in advance for further information. The public can also call the Recreation and Parks Information Office toll-free at 1 (888) LA PARKS (527-2757).

2/9
1:30 p.m.
Jim Gilliam Senior Citizen Center
4000 S. La Brea Ave.
L.A., 90008
(323) 291-5969
Potluck lunch

2/11
1-4 p.m.
Imperial Courts Recreation Center
2250 E. 114th St.
L.A. 90059
(323) 564-1834
Observance for youth

2/17
2-6 p.m.
South Park
Child Care Center
345 E. 51st St.
L.A., 90011
(213) 847-6744
Salute to Black innovators

2/21
11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Mount Carmel
Senior Citizen Center
830 W. 70th St.
L.A., 90044
(323) 789-2821
Black History Fest

2/23
6:30-8 p.m.
St. Andrews Recreation Center
8701 St. Andrews Pl.
L.A., 90047
(213) 485-1751
Performances by after school, teen clubs

2/25
TBA
Harvard
Recreation Center
1535 W. 62nd St.
L.A. 90047
(323) 778-2579
Call facility
for information

2/25
TBA
Jordan Downs Recreation Center
9900 S. Grape St.
L.A., 90002
(213) 485-1835
Open house with community information

2/28
3-5 p.m.
Van Nuys Recreation Center
14301 Vanowen St.
Van Nuys, 91405
(818) 756-8131
Taste of the South Soul Food Celebration


MEDIA CONTACTS:
Jane Kolb: (213) 928-9294, or cell, (323) 816- 6712
Harvey Drut: (213) 928-9296, or cell, (323) 816-6711