THE RETURN OF LITTLE LANDERS PARK
The park in Tujunga has reopened


Tujunga - Little Landers, a City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks facility in Tujunga reopened on Saturday, March 25th. The 1.61 acre park, which surrounds the historic Bolton Hall, has undergone major improvements, which include a new children's play area, irrigation system, enlarged patio area, trellis, refurbished grounds and access path.

Entertainment was provided by local area youth. General Manager, Jon Kirk Mukri was in attendance, as well as Councilmember Wendy Greuel, Sunland-Tujunga Neighborhood Council members and local residents.

Funding for this $930,000 project was provided by Proposition K. Environmental Construction Inc. was the contractor; the Department of Public Works; Bureau of Engineering designed and managed the project.



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

ST. PATTY'S DAY AT PERSHING SQUARE
Rain did not stop the green celebration


Los Angeles - Finn MacCool rocked the 8th Annual Pershing Square Saint Patrick's Day concert on Friday. Pershing Square, a Department of Recreation and Parks facililty, was the last stop in the 2006 City of Los Angeles St. Patrick's Day Parade.

The free concert ran from 12:30 to 2 pm and brought out the green in just about everyone. Local radio station Jack FM was there handing out green goodies along with the Budweiser girls who were handing out O'Doul's non-alcoholic beer.

In addition to the concert and festivities, the water in the fountain at Pershing was dyed green, representative of what is done to the Chicago river each year on March 17.



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

THE WOOF WAS RAISED
At the Shaggy Dog Family Pet Fair


Los Angeles - The woof was raised at the Shaggy Dog Family Pet Fair at Whitnall off-leash dog park, a Department of Recreation and Parks facility, on March 11th. The family event brought out dogs of all sizes.

A special appearances were made by Councilmember Tom Labonge and Cole, the Shaggy Dog. Shaggy Dog postures, frisbees and t-shirts were given out to the pooches and owners that were in attendance.

Los Angeles Animal Services' Spay and Neuter Mobile provided services on more than ten animals. The pet fair was also a success for an orphaned Alaskan Husky. The eight-year-old dog was adopted at the fair and will become roommates with another Husky.

The movie, "The Shaggy Dog" starring Tim Allen is currently playing in theatres.


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

A FABULOUS DISPLAY OF FLOWERS RETURNS
Exposition Rose Garden to re-open March 15, with four varieties added

LOS ANGELES – When it re-opens on March 15 following its annual winter pruning, the renowned Exposition Rose Garden, a facility operated by the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks, will feature four new varieties that are deemed to grow in 2006.

The additions are Rainbow Sorbet, Tahitian Sunset, Wild Blue Yonder, and Julia Child, named in honor of the late gourmet chef, who died in 2004. The quartet was chosen by the All-American Rose Selections organization as the best roses for the upcoming season.

In addition, at least three as-yet unnamed varieties that will be the 2007 roses of choice, will be among the 165 styles of this enticing flower which can be viewed and enjoyed. In all, the garden is home to about 10,000 rose bushes, as well as other distinctive landscaping.

Since 1928, the Department has operated and maintained the Rose Garden, which is visited by thousands of Angelenos and tourists annually, and is often used by residents as a place of quiet and refuge in an urban setting.

It offers a classic formal display of rose beds arranged in a grass-girded oval around a picturesque central fountain, with beautiful gazebos, making it a popular location for weddings and other events, and as a backdrop for photos and filming, all of which permits are needed for

Exposition Rose Garden is located at 701 State Dr., near the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, and is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to dusk. For more information, call (213) 763-0114.


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

SOUL FOOD CELEBRATION
Black History Month event at Van Nuys Recreation Center

Los Angeles - Van Nuys Recreation Center, a Department of Recreation and Parks facility, ended Black History Month with high spirits and full stomachs. On February 28th, the recreation center hosted a Soul Food Celebration from 3 to 5 PM.

The event was designed to be a huge family reunion for all Los Angeles residents, with food, music and fellowship. The food was prepared by the recreation center's facility director, Paige Barnes, recreation assistant, Rosalinda Diego and volunteer, Kimberly Gould. The menu included collard greens, corn bread, fried chicken, mac and cheese, pecan pie, sweet potato pie and pound cake.

Paige said she enjoyed this event, "because the community showed such appreciation for everything that was done and the kids enjoyed watching us cook and learned how to prepare various dishes. I also enjoyed cooking with my volunteers and staff, and there was a lot of love that was put into the preparation." Over 100 people attended the celebration.


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