MAKING AN ISLAND OF A DIFFERENCE

Reseda students help Lake Rehabilitation Project

Reseda - Forty Reseda High School students helped install floating islands at Reseda Park Lake on December 17, 2010. The volunteer mission was part of the Reseda Park Lake Rehabilitation Project, which has been underway since August 2010, and was designed to create a more healthy lake.

From 10:00 am to 2:00 pm the students assisted staff with the installation of seven floating islands that consist of a multiple layer of recycled matrix held together by marine-grade foam. The students from Reseda High School's Science Magnet Program also learned about the environmental benefits of the floating islands, which include improved water quality through nutrient uptake, the provision of fish and wildlife habitat and a more attractive park environment.

The Rehabilitation Project is a partnership between RAP, the Office of Councilman Dennis Zine (3rd District) and Public Works. The improvement project is being funded through a $1.169 million State Proposition 40 grant. Engineering improvements, such as the installation of a new aeration system, have already been made by the City's contractor Metro Builders.

The floating islands, totaling 5,000-square-feet, were manufactured for the project by Floating Islands West located in Mokelumne Hill, California and will be anchored at various points in the lake. The islands are a biological approach that yield multiple benefits for the lake's habitat.

THANK YOU Reseda High School for making an island of a difference!!!

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Andrea Epstein: (213) 202-2690

Amy A. Garcia: (213) 202-2689

CLIPPERS FEED THE COMMUNITY EVENT

At Rancho Cienega Sports Complex

Los Angeles - This year Santa got help from some TALL helpers! He sent six special visitors to Rancho Cienega Sports Complex on December 13, 2010 to make a difference in the lives of 2,400 needy families.

The Los Angeles Clippers Foundation in a joint effort with Feed The Children, The Department of Recreation and Parks and the Salvation Army Siemon Family Youth and Community Center provided 1,600 families from Rancho Cienega Sports Complex and 800 families from the Siemon Family Center with food and every day essentials.

Clippers players Eric Bledsoe, Brain Cook, Ryan Gomes, Eric Gordon, Craig Smith and Willie Warren; along with Clippers staff and season ticket holders handed out food boxes, books and toys to help brighten the lives of children and families in Los Angeles during the holiday season.

The Los Angeles Clippers Foundation exists to foster and support community outreach programs and activities with positive educational, civic, environmental and humanitarian values that benefit and enhance the quality of life primarily for children in greater Los Angeles.

Founded in 1979, Feed The Children began as a nonprofit relief organization dedicated to stopping the needless hunger, suffering and death of hungry boys and girls around the world. Over the course of its 29 year history, Feed The Children has grown into one of the nation's largest, most efficient international charities. Today, Feed The Children delivers food, medicine, clothing and other necessities to individuals, children and families who lack the basics they need to survive due to famine, war, poverty or natural disaster.

A special THANKS to all of the generous partners involved who made this charitable event possible!!!

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Andrea Epstein: (213) 202-2690

Amy A. Garcia: (213) 202-2689

A NEW UAP INSPIRED BY THE SEA

The 17th Universally Accessible Playground at Glen Alla Park

West Los Angeles - The Department of Recreation and Parks (RAP) proudly dedicated a Universally Accessible Playground (UAP) at Glen Alla Park on Thursday, December 16, 2010. Commission President Barry A. Sanders, Councilmember Bill Rosendahl (11th District), Brad Thornton from Shane's Inspiration and eagered children were all in attendance to celebrate the opening of RAP's seventeenth UAP.

The new limitless playground has a nautical theme and features a ship with a pelican mast head and steering wheel. The play equipment is painted in shades of blue and has decorative maritime-themed panels throughout the playground. Glen Alla's UAP also has a climbing rock designed for scaling with a grassy slope on the backside and a sensory tunnel where children can explore and discover fossils and other textures. There is an accessible sand table with a sea turtle transfer station that helps children in wheelchairs to easily transfer into the sand. Children can also wheel up to the accessible table and hunt for buried fossils. To complete the nautical theme, a huge whale serves as the center piece for the sand area and is perfect for children to climb on and pretend to harpoon.

The $900,000 project was funded by Quimby fees and designed by Shane's Inspiration. Shane's Inspiration is one of RAP's most powerful partners. Over the last 12 years, the Department of Recreation and Parks and Shane's Inspiration have revolutionized playground design and utilization.

Glen Alla Park is located at 4602 Alla Road, Los Angeles 90043. For more information on Glen Alla Park or other Department facilities and/or services call (213) 202-2700.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Andrea Epstein: (213) 202-2690

Amy A. Garcia: (213) 202-2689

A INNOVATIVE & INSPIRING ADDITION

Dedication of The Carrot Seed Sensory Nook @ Aidan's Place

Los Angeles - The Department of Recreation and Parks and Shane's Inspiration have created a strong and effective partnership over the last 12 years. Together we have built 17 Universally Accessible Playgrounds (UAPs) throughout the City of Los Angeles and revolutionized playground design and utilization. On December 9, we dedicated a Sensory Story Nook at Aidan's Place UAP at Westwood Recreation Complex and reached a new level of limitless play.

Opened in December 2001, the UAP at Westwood was dedicated in memory of Aidan James Gaffney whose parents initiated the project after visiting Shane's Inspiration in Griffith Park. Aidan was born with a rare muscular disorder that left him dependent on a ventilator and wheelchair. Aidan's Place was the second fully accessible playground in the United States.

The Gaffney Family have continued to support Aidan's Place and decided to create a special addition to the playground by raising funds for a Sensory Story Nook inspired by Aidan's favorite book, The Carrot Seed.

The new Carrot Seed Sensory Nook at Aidan's Place is a passive area for reading books with children or for quiet contemplation. The Nook is an ideal place for children with autism or other cognitive disabilities to withdraw from the action of the playground if it becomes overwhelming. It is designed so that the Redwood trees will eventually grow tall enough to provide a sense of enclosure to the space.

Two giant carrots are at the entrance of the sensory nook and the back of the sensory wall is tiled to depict the story of The Carrot Seed. Michelle Griffoul Studios created the tiles as a labor of love. The tiles are different textures and the letters are raised to aid children with sight impairment. There are buttons on the back of the wall that when pushed will emit different nature sounds. This will help children learn cause and effect and will also increase cognitive ability through identifying sounds and their sources. The inside of the nook is decorated with tiles created by Aidan's brothers and their second grade classmates. In addition, there is a poem dedicated to Aidan by his mother, Nicole.

The dedication was a special day for RAP and Aidan's Family. The Gaffney Family attended the celebration and Aidan's brothers helped cut the ribbon and officially open The Carrot Seed Sensory Nook.

Aidan's Place & The Carrot Seed Sensory Nook are located at Westwood Recreation Complex, 1350 Sepulveda in Los Angeles 9005. For more information on this location or the Department visit http://www.laparks.org/ or call 213.202.2700.

MEDIA CONTACTS: Andrea Epstein: 213.202.2690 Amy A. Garcia: 213.202.2689

A CHILLY SWIM TO START THE NEW YEAR

10th annual Polar Bear Swim at Hansen Dam Aquatic Center

Lake View Terrace - Looking for an exciting way to PLUNGE into 2011? Hansen Dam Aquatic Center will hold it's annual New Year's Day Polar Bear Swim at 8:00 am on Saturday, January 1, 2011. The chilly swim is open to anyone age eight or older.

Swimmers will get a certificate of participation at the FREE event and will enjoy refreshments and a bonfire that will warm them up after their frosty swim. Any and everyone are invited to take a plunge they will never forget and have a polar beary good time.

Hansen Dam Aquatic Center has a 1.5-acre man made swim lake and is located at 11798 Foothill Boulevard in the Lake View Terrace area of the northeast San Fernando Valley. For more information call Hansen Dam at (818) 899-3779.




MEDIA CONTACTS:
Andrea Epstein: (213) 202-2690
Amy A. Garcia: (213) 202-2689

A CHANCE TO VISIT JOLLY OLD SAINT NICK

8th annual Train Ride to Santa's House at Travel Towm Museum

Griffith Park - The holiday season is here! Instead of waiting for Santa Claus to come to town, go and visit him while he makes his list and checks it twice and let him know you haven't been naughty but super nice!

For the 8th year in a row, Travel Town Transportation Museum in Griffith Park will host the annual Train Ride to Santa's House during the holiday season. On seventeen evenings between Thanksgiving and Christmas, families will be able to take a miniature train ride to visit jolly old Saint Nick.

The first train ride of the season will depart on Saturday, November 27, 2010 at 5:00 pm. Visitors will board at a festively decorated station while being entertained by a dazzling light show. Once aboard, passengers will travel past the reindeer barn and Santa's workshop before arriving at the North Pole, where photos with Father Christmas will be available. After their visit, guests will re-board the train and travel along the decorated 1/4-mile track back to the station.

Tickets are available by reservation and at the gate, if extra seating is available. Tickets are $7 per person; children 18 months or younger can ride for FREE. Reserved tickets can be purchased at the Travel Town ticket booth or online at www.traveltownrailroad.com. Due to a 700 guest limit each evening, advanced ticket purchases are encouraged. Digital photographs with Santa will be available for $5.00 or guests may bring their own camera but will be limited to two shots.

The Train Ride to Santa's House is a wonderful alternative to visiting Santa at the mall and will be the only holiday light show in Griffith Park this year. The annual event is operated by Travel Town Transportation Museum in cooperation with the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks.

This year's schedule is: November 27 & 28, December 3-5, 10-12 and 15-23 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm (weather permitting train cannot operate in the rain). Travel Town is located at 5200 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles 90027.





MEDIA CONTACTS:
Andrea Epstein: (213) 202-2690
Amy A. Garcia: (213) 202-2689

CELEBRATING IMPROVEMENTS & ADDITIONS

Dedication Ceremony at Van Ness Rec Center

Los Angeles - The Department of Recreation and Parks dedicated outdoor improvements at Van Ness Recreation Center on Tuesday, November 23, 2010. General Manager Jon Kirk Mukri, Councilmember Bernard C. Parks and City Engineer Gary Lee Moore were all on hand to celebrate the project's completion and help cut the big red ribbon.

Improvements included upgrades to the three baseball fields with the construction of a new batting cage (complete with a pitching machine), a walking track, new exercise equipment, two drinking fountains, new bleachers, dug-out benches and concrete and decomposed granite aprons. The $978,716 project also included the repair of the existing park boundary fence and refurbishment of the irrigation systems.

The new exercise equipment is grouped in three different stations along the walking track and will provide the community with a great way to exercise and stay healthy. The cardiovascular equipment uses the body's mass for resistance instead of a weighted system, which allows it to be used by people of all ages and stages of physical fitness, with no concern of injury. The easy-to-use fitness equipment is designed to be durable, vandal resistant and used in various configurations.

Van Ness Recreation Center is located at 5720 2nd Avenue, Los Angeles 90043. For more information on this location or other department facilities or programs, please call (213) 202-2700.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Andrea Epstein: (213) 202-2690

Amy A. Garcia: (213) 202-2689

SKATING THROUGH THE HOLIDAY SEASON

13th annual Downtown On Ice at Pershing Square

Downtown Los Angeles - The Department of Recreation and Parks celebrated the return of Downtown On Ice at Pershing Square on Thursday, November 18, 2010. RAP's General Manager Jon Kirk Mukri along with Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Councilwoman Jan Perry official opened the outdoor skating rink with special guests The Rockettes.

In its 13th season, Downtown On Ice provides spectacular holiday fun under the sun and stars at picturesque Pershing Square, 532 South Olive, is open everyday from November 18, 2010 through January 17, 2011.

The tradition continues with Los Angeles' largest outdoor skating rink with the lowest admission price of just $6. As a favorite holiday destination, the facility boasts a medley of FREE events including a holiday concert series, a Winter Holiday Festival, championship skating exhibits and much more.

Framed by towering skyscrapers and stunning historical landmarks, the rink is made possible thanks to sponsorship by the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks and Councilwoman Jan Perry (9th District).

Centrally located in the heart of the City of Angels, the facility is easily accessible by car, bus or Metro. The convenient stop at Pershing Square Station makes getting there easy. Underground discount parking is available with validation. For more information and a detailed session schedule go to http://www.laparks.org/pershingsquare/press.html or call (213) 847-4970.

2010 PARK HEROES

9th annual People for Parks Awards

Hollywood - Hundreds of park supporters attended the 9th annual People for Parks Awards Ceremony at the Hollywood Bowl on Tuesday, November 9, 2010. The ceremony saluted 6 individuals from the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks for going above and beyond their call of duty.

Here's a list of the City's 2010 Park Heroes:

Andrew Fuerte is a volunteer at East Wilmington Greenbelt Community Center. Andrew is only 12, but has already proven that he is wise and compassionate beyond his years. He once gave his lunch to a younger child who didn't have one, without thinking twice or asking anyone what to do. In 2009, the coaches and parents of the Greenbelt Community Center saluted his dedication by presenting Andrew the basketball league's Sportsmanship Award. Everyone who comes in contact with this Teen Park Hero admires him!

Kenneth Gibbs, Sr. has been a volunteer at Panorama Recreation Center for 10 years. Kenneth led the Park Advisory Board for three years, is an energetic coach, and often fills in as DJ and emcee for special events. When the center recently experienced a shortage of coaches, Kenneth - "Powerman" to his friends - volunteered to coach four basketball teams so participants would not be disappointed. He has also used his cinematic abilities to train teens on the basics of film-making, and has produced two films featuring members of the Panorama Teen Club. Kenneth is a multi-talented and tireless Park Hero!

Martin Cruz is a Recreation Assistant at Normandale Recreation Center. Martin has served in many capacities during 11 years with the Department. He has coached and officiated sports, created programs, and worked with officials and residents to address gang activity, homelessness and other local problems. Martin had even paid registration fees for young people who otherwise would not have been able to participate. This Park Hero is also - literally - a lifesaver! He recently came across a young man who had doused himself in gasoline and was holding a lighter, but was able to convince him that suicide was not the answer!

Ron Dugar has been a Recreation Assistant for the Municipal Sports Section for more than 26 years. Although Ron played softball, he never coordinated a league or umpired a game. As soon as he joined Municipal Sports, though, he saw how his experience as a player could help. Ron learned how to coordinate the league, which now has about 1,000 teams per year, and to officiate, becoming a college official. He eventually became the lead instructor of the section's Umpire Certification Program. Ron also teaches and lectures part-time and full-time employees all over Southern California. Tragically, a few years ago, he suffered a stroke and had to re-learn how to walk and talk. This Park Hero could have retired, but insisted on coming back to what he considers the greatest job on Earth!

Kim Welden & Elaine Piha have worked for Recreation and Parks for more than six years, first as Recreation Assistants, then as Recreation Coordinators, and now as Facility Directors. As part-time employees for the Youth Employment Internship Program, they re-wrote the entire curriculum, retained all the staff and supervised sites. As CLASS Parks Coordinators and as Directors of CLASS sites, Kim and Elaine brought many innovative ideas to their communities, including the hugely successful Princess and Knight Parties. With the help of a dedicated staff and teen volunteers, they transformed their Recreation Center gyms into fantasylands for girls and boys at separate events. They convinced teenagers to dress up and pose for pictures as princesses and knights, and were even able to convince construction employees to build thrones. Kim and Elaine also truly care about their neighbors. A few years ago, they and a small group of co-workers "adopted" a family from each of their Recreation Centers, collected money, and went shopping for the two families. They bought gifts for each member, as well as gifts that could be enjoyed together. These Park Heroines wrapped and delivered all the gifts in time for Christmas - on their own time and with their own money!

CONGRATULATIONS to these inspiring Park Heroes!!!!

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Andrea Epstein: (213) 202-2690

Amy A. Garcia: (213) 202-2689

RE-GREENING THE LOS ANGELES RIVER

Groundbreaking Ceremony for North Atwater Park

Los Angeles - The Department of Recreation and Parks in collaboration with the Department of Public Works Bureaus of Engineering and Sanitation broke ground on the North Atwater Park Expansion and Creek Restoration Project on Thursday, October 28, 2010. Councilmembers Tom LaBonge (Fourth District), Ed P. Reyes (First District) and Council President Eric Garcetti were on hand to celebrate the plans for the improved parkland.

When complete, the North Atwater Park Project will provide 3-acres of additional parkland featuring a picnic area, demonstration garden, outdoor classroom, concrete play tunnel and sand play area. The project will also restore a creek that connects to the Los Angeles River. Native plant landscaping on the creek banks and along the streambed to prevent erosion and naturally clean stormwater before going out to the river. This project will help the City improve water quality for the L.A. River and is the first City of Los Angeles project in the re-greening of the Los Angeles River.

The North Atwater Park Project was undertaken in connection with the settlement of two Clean Water Act enforcement actions, Santa Monica Baykeeper v. City of Los Angeles and United States, and State of California ex. Rel. California Regional Water Quality Control Board, Los Angeles Region v. City of Los Angeles. This project is also being funded by Proposition 50 through the California Resources Agency to improve River Parkways.

The improvement project is expected to be complete in late 2011.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Andrea Epstein: (213) 202-2690

Amy A. Garcia: (213) 202-2689

REMEMBERING THE HOLOCAUST

Dedication Ceremony for the Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust

Los Angeles - In 1961 a group of Holocaust survivors were brought together by fate at Hollywood High School while learning to speak English. They shared their stories and discovered that each of them had different artifacts from the Holocaust era. They decided that the special relics needed a permanent home where they could be safely displayed and preserved. Together they founded the Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust.

Now, after fifty years and four different locations, the Los Angeles Holocaust Museum has found a permanent home at Pan Pacific Park, a City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks facility. The new building is located next to the Martyrs Memorial and is partially built underground to preserve the green parkland.

The Department of Recreation and Parks General Manager Jon Kirk Mukri along with Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Councilmembers Tom LaBonge, Eric Garcetti and Paul Koretz, Supervisor Zev Yaroslovsky, Assemblymember Mike Feuer and a group of Holocaust survivors proudly dedicated and opened the new Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust on Thursday, October 14, 2010.

The $18 million structure was created by award-winning architect, Hagy Belzberg. The new museum building has one of the largest green roofs in California and mixes technology advanced exhibits and authentic artifacts. The high-tech design has already received the Los Angeles Cultural Affairs Commission Design Honor Award and the Green Building Design Award.

The museum presents the history of the Holocaust as objectively as possible by displaying original artifacts. The museum's architecture and layout play significant roles in visitors' experiences. The rooms descend and decrease in light as they progress towards the darkest part of history. A powerful and affecting interactive Memory Pool in The World That Was will help build understanding of Jewish life throughout Europe prior to World War II. Other displays include a touch-screen computer table with 25,000 floating photographs and a testimonial wall with 85 video screens that allow visitors to hear survivor stories.

The Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust is the only Los Angeles institution with a sole focus on the events of the Holocaust and FREE admission. Museum attendance is expected to increase to 50,000 visitors per year from the 13,000 average of previous years.

The new museum is located at 100 South The Grove Drive in Los Angeles 90036. For more information visit http://www.lamoth.org/ or call (323) 651-3704.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Andrea Epstein: (213) 202-2690

Amy A. Garcia: (213) 202-2689

GHOST & GOBLINS & VAMPIRES.......OH MY!!!

Recreation & Park's 2010 Halloween Activities

Los Angeles - With Halloween right around the corner, the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks (RAP) is pulling out the cob webs, broomsticks and spiders in preparation for the SPOOKTACULAR holiday. Recreation and Parks is hosting a wide-variety of spooky activities throughout the City of Los Angeles for everyone to enjoy.

Here's a list of a few thrills that are sure to send chills your way:

-Ride a Haunted Halloween Railroad at Los Angeles Live Steamers Railroad Museum in Griffith Park. The 12th annual Ghost Train Halloween attraction will be offered October 22-24 and October 28-31 from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm each night. The miniature train will depart from "Scarewood" Station and travel through devilish displays of spooky spirits, creepy clowns, witches, vampire babies and other assorted frightful fiends. There is a suggested donation of $7 per person. For more information call (323) 661-8958 or visit http://www.lals.org/.

-Walk if you dare or run if you're scared, through a Horror Haunted House at Westchester Recreation Center. The longest running Haunted House in Los Angeles, Westchester's Horror House has been running for 22 years and is sure to scare the bee geezers out of anyone who dares to visit. These is a $5 fee for ages 8 and up. The Horror Haunted House will be open from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm on Friday, October 29 and Saturday, October 30. On Halloween Day, the Recreation Center will be hosting a Kids Zone with face painting, a trick-or-treat village, super jumper, cotton candy and more from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm. The Haunted House will be open from 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm on October 31. Westchester Recreation Center is located at 7000 West Manchester Blvd, Los Angeles 90045.

-The Cabrillo Marine Aquarium in San Pedro will be transformed into an underwater world of chills, thrills and gills for the 5th annual "Sea Scare" on Saturday, October 30 from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Guests can come in costume and join the masquerade of ghosts and goblins, go trick-or-treating at six themed goodie stations, or walk along the docks of the "Port Town" scare zone. Visit the Aquatic Nursery for a special treasure hunt, scary sea creature feedings and bone tingling cryogenic demonstrations. A band of marauding pirates will provide entertainment and the "Sea Scare Glow Party Zone" will have close-up magic, a hula hoop contest and dancing. Admission is $5 for adults and $1 for children and senior citizens. For more information about the event or costume guidelines call (310) 548-7562 or go to http://www.cabrillomarineaquarium.org/.

-The Monster Mash is sure to be playing at Denker Recreation Center's Teen Club Halloween Dance. The $1 Halloween boogie is open to teens 13-18 with a school ID. Teens can show off their THRILLER moves from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm on Friday, October 29.

- For all the die hard skaters out there, Pedlow Skate Park in Encino is hosting a SCARY Skate Contest from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm on Halloween Day. Show off your Frankenstein ollies, Vampire kick flips and goblin board slides at the "Tricks for Treats" Skate Contest. For more information call (818) 266-6991.

- Visit Sylmar Recreation Center's "Trick or Treat Village" and Halloween Carnival on October 31 from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Local businesses will come together to create a safe and fun "Trick or Treat Village" and hand out candy. A costume contest and carnival rides are just a few of the festivities being offered.

Remember, safety is important to having a Happy Halloween! Here are a few safety tips for your ghostly agenda:

-Help your children pick out or make a costume that will be safe. Make sure costumes are fire proof and the eye holes should be large enough for good peripheral vision.

-Plan a safe route to know where your older children will be at all times. Instruct them to stay on main streets and not to cut through alleyways or dark places.

-Younger children should always be accompanied by an adult when trick-or-treating.

-Instruct your children not to eat any treats until they bring them home to be checked.

-Make sure your children carry flashlights, glow sticks or have reflective tape to make them more visible to cars.

-Go only to well-lit houses and remain on porches rather than entering houses.

-Cross streets at the corner, use crosswalks (where they exist) and do NOT cross between parked cars.

The Department of Recreation and Parks wishes you a HAPPY, SAFE and SPOOKTACULAR Halloween!!!

**For a complete list of Halloween Activities hosted by the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks visit http://www.laparks.org/pdf/halloweenevents.pdf or call (213) 202-2700.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Andrea Epstein: (213) 202-2690

Amy A. Garcia: (213) 202-2689

HIKE THROUGH GRIFFITH PARK

Seven trips through the end of 2010, with something for all skill levels

Griffith Park - The City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks will offer seven hikes covering all skill levels to various locations in Griffith Park through December, each led by one or more park rangers. The starting point will either be the Griffith Park Ranger Station, 4730 Crystal Springs Drive, or Griffith Observatory, 2800 E. Observatory Road.

Saturday, November 6: A six mile intermediate level trek starting at the Ranger Station at 8 am that will follow the Mineral Wells Trail to the composting facility, then along the Skyline Trail to the Golden State Freeway Trail, ending at the Ranger Station at 11 am.

Friday, November 26: Sixth annual Day After Thanksgiving excursion to the Hollywood Sign. The intermediate to advanced level 10-mile roundtrip hike will begin at the Ranger Station at 8 am and will go to Bill Eckert Trail, Vista Del Valle Drive, Upper Mulholland Trail and Mt. Lee Drive. There will be a photo opportunity and the journey will end at 1 pm.

Saturday, November 27: An eight-mile advanced level challenge from the Observatory to West Observatory Road, Mt. Hollywood Road, Upper Mulholland Trail and Mt. Lee Drive. The most strenous section follows to Cahuenga Peak Trail, which leads to Burbank Peak and the "Magic" Tree, named for its resilience through droughts and fires, with a spectacular panoramic view. This hike will begin at 8 am.

Saturday, December 4: Half-marathon, the route and time for which has yet to be determined.

Friday, December 17: A three-mile night hike (6:30 pm to 9 pm) for beginners from the Ranger Station to the Mineral Wells Picnic Area and back.

Hikers should dress accordingly for the time of day and year, and bring plenty of water and snacks. For more information about the hikes call (323) 644-6661, ext. 1549.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Andrea Epstein: (213) 202-2690

Amy A. Garcia: (213) 202-2689

AN UNDERWATER WORLD OF CHILLS, THRILLS & GILLS

5th annual "Sea Scare"at Cabrillo Marine Aquarium

San Pedro - Cabrillo Marine Aquarium will hold its 5th annual "Sea Scare" Halloween program on Saturday, October 30, 2010 from 6:00pm to 9:00pm. The Aquarium will be transformed into an underwater world of chills, thrills and gills.

Guests can come in costume and join in the masquerade of ghouls and goblins, go trick-or-treating at six themed goodie stations, or walk along the docks of the "Port Town" scare zone. All while, a band of marauding pirates will entertain with crazy antics and bad pirate jokes.

Visit Cabrillo's Aquatic Nursery for a special treasure hunt, scary sea creature feedings and bone tingling cryogenic demonstrations. Stop by the Exploration Center for some treats, participate in bio-luminescent crafts, and learn about marine life that lurks in the ocean. Enter the Marine Research Library for some creepy creations and spooky stories.

At the Craft Corner, kids of all ages can participate in such activities as kookie cookie decorating. There will also be a costume contest for a chance to win spook-tacular prizes and the stage show "Evilution" returns with new dances and comedy performances.

"Deep Fear", a new haunted walk-through attraction, will be introduced and the Aquarium's resident cannibal, Red Bone. In addition, the "Voodoo Village" has been expanded and will have games of chance and fortune readings. The all-new "Sea Scare Glow Party Zone" will have close-up magic, a hula hoop contest and dancing.

Admission is $5 for adults and $1 for children and Senior Citizens; FRIENDS of Cabrillo Marine Aquarium will be admitted for FREE. There will also be giveaways for the first 200 guests.

Cabrillo Marine Aquarium is located at 3720 Stephen White Drive in San Pedro 90731. For more information about the event or costume guidelines call (310) 548-7562 or go to www.cabrillomarineaquarium.org.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Andrea Epstein: (213) 202-2689

Amy A. Garcia: (213) 202-2689

SCREAM THROUGH A SCARY STEAMER RIDE

12th Annual Ghost Train at Griffith Park

Griffith Park - Board a miniature train at "Scarewood" Station and travel through devilish displays of spooky spirits, creepy clowns, witches, vampire babies and other frightful fiends. Scream your way past 18-foot tall Halloween pumpkin creatures, an Old Western Ghost Town and more.

The multi-media (lighting, video and audio) experience also includes smoke effects and the popular haunted mine tunnel, as well as animatronics - and maybe even some surprises. New 2010 features are an Appalachian Mountain theme, including: Grandma's Potting Shed, with 24 singing potted plants and a giant man-eating plant finale; Grandpa's Hillbilly Hill, which has an old geezer in a rocking chair on the porch of his cabin being a curmudgeon with a 16-foot tall moonshine still; plus rats, hogs, a talking tree and more.

The 12th annual Halloween Ghost Train attraction at the Los Angeles Live Steamers Railroad Museum (LALSRM) will be offered October 15-17, 22-24 and 28-31, 2010 from 7:00pm to 10:00pm each night. All passengers must be at least 34 inches tall and weigh less than 350 lbs.

There is a suggested donation of $7 per person, riders are encouraged to go early, as lines can be very long and dress warm. The Halloween Ghost Train is the largest annual fundraising event put on by LALSRM, which is a nonprofit organization; proceeds will be used to pay for maintenance and purchase equipment.

The Los Angeles Live Streamers Railroad Museum is located at 5202 Zoo Drive in Griffith Park (adjacent to Travel Town Museum). Information about LALSRM special events and more is available at www.lals.org or by calling (323) 661-8958. Regular weekly public rides led by a 1/8-scale steam, diesel or electric locomotive are given on Sunday from 11:00am to 3:00pm, with a $3 suggested donation.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Andrea Epstein: (213) 202-2690

Amy A. Garcia: (213) 202-2689

FRIDAY NIGHT FRIGHT FLICKS

At Pershing Square in Downtown L.A.

Downtown Los Angeles - Cinematic chills and Friday night thrills!!! Every week in October 2010 there will be a FREE Friday Night Fright Flick screening at Pershing Square in Downtown Los Angeles.

The Fright Flicks will be presented on a 40 x 20 outdoor screen, complemented with a professional sound system. Movies are FREE with lawn seating in the Pershing Square outdoor amphitheater. Moviegoers are welcome to bring a blanket, lawn chair and picnic (or purchase food on site) and enjoy seeing a classic horror film under the stars at a multi-use entertainment and cultural oasis amid the downtown skyscrapers.

The remaining films to be shown are:

October 22 - House of Usher (1960, based on a short story by Edgar Allan Poe and directed by legendary horror filmmaker Roger Corman) starring Vincent Price as head of a cursed family living in a creepy mansion who welcome an unsuspecting suitor

October 29 - Whatever Happened to Baby Jane? (1962, directed by Robert Aldrich) starring Bette Davis and Joan Crawford as aging actress siblings living as recluses, each having suffered tragedy that ultimately pits them against each other.

Pershing Square is located at 532 South Olive Street in Downtown Los Angeles 90013. Friday Night Fright Flicks are presented by the Department of Recreation and Parks, together with the Downtown Neighborhood Council and The Historic Downtown Los Angeles Business Improvement District.

IMPORTANT THINGS TO REMEMBER:

- Guests are asked to refrain from loud conversation or cell phone use during the films

-Pershing Square is a City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks facility and it is city policy that drinking of alcoholic beverages or smoking of any kind is prohibited. Guests found in violation of these rules will be asked to leave the park.

-Convenient underground parking is available at Pershing Square

- Pets are welcome, if they are well-behaved and kept on a leash

-Films will be canceled in the event of inclement weather. Film status can be confirmed after 5pm the day of by calling (213) 847-4970, e-mailing pershing.square@lacity.org or visiting the website at www.laparks.org/pershingsquare.

We look forward to seeing you at the movies! And remember POPCORN is on the "SQUARE"!!!

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Andrea Epstein: (213) 202-2690

Amy A. Garcia: (213) 202-2689

AN OUTDOOR WORKOUT SPACE

Outdoor Fitness Equipment at Studio City Rec Center

Studio City - The City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks, along with Councilmember Paul Krekorian (CD 2), Park Advisory Members and local residents, dedicated new Outdoor Fitness Equipment at Studio City Recreation Center on Saturday, October 9, 2010.

The multi-station outdoor fitness equipment includes apparatuses to develop the lower, upper and core body areas, and improving cardiovascular health. The fitness equipment is easy-to-use and is designed to be durable, vandal resistant and used in various configurations. The equipment uses the body's mass for resistance instead of a weighted system, which allows the equipment to be used by people of all ages and stages of physical fitness, with no concern of injury.

The new fitness equipment was purchased from Greenfield Sport Parks, Inc. of Santa Ana and installed by Department of Recreation and Parks Citywide Construction Forces. The $65,000 addition was funded by developer fees.

Studio City Recreation Center is located at 12621 Rye Street in Studio City 91604. For more information on this location, visit our website at http://www.laparks.org/ or call (213) 202-2700.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Andrea Epstein: (213) 202-2690

Amy A. Garcia: (213) 202-2689