AN EXTRAORDINARY PLACE TO LEARN

Dedication of the White Point Nature Education Center

Palos Verdes - The City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks and the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy (PVPLC) proudly dedicated the White Point Nature Education Center on Saturday, May 22, 2010. The Center will serve as a resource for students, families and community groups from all over Los Angeles.

The new Education Center is located in the beautifully restored 102-acre White Point Nature Preserve. The Preserve features acres of coastal habitat on a scenic site overlooking the Pacific Ocean and Catalina Island. The Preserve is owned by the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks and managed by the PVPLC.

White Point Nature Education Center is housed in a re-purposed former military structure surrounded by a native plant demonstration garden. Inside the Center, multi-media exhibits move visitors through a timeline sequentially arranged exhibits and displays that tell the story of White Point's cultural and natural history, spanning the Pleistocene age through the present.

Materials in the Education Center's interior are built out of sustainable products including 100% recycled curbside glass, low carbon concrete counters and natural bamboo cabinets built by certified green building specialist, Tom Reavey.

A special thanks to all of our sponsors and donors who made this project possible. The Alcoa Foundation's generous donation funded the exhibits, Major Family who helped with the demonstration garden, Robert Reid a noted muralist from the Natural History Museum created the mural that accurately depicts White Point during the last ice age, El-Hefni Technical Training Foundation and Pirate Brands.

The Education Center will be open to the public from 10 am to 4 pm on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. For more information on White Point Nature Education Center call the PVPLC at (310) 541-7613.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Andrea Epstein: (213) 202-2690

Amy A. Garcia: (213) 202-2689

THE THIRD TIME IS ALWAYS A CHARM

Dedication of North Hollywood's Safe Spot Skate Spot

North Hollywood - With a little help from his friends, Professional Skateboarder Rob Dyrdek officially opened North Hollywood Recreation Center's Safe Spot Skate Spot with a couple of rounds of spectacular skateboarding demonstrations. Hundreds of local skaters were there to watch the special test runs and help celebrate the grand opening of the new NoHo Skate Spot.

The City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks dedicated the third Safe Spot Skate Spot with Skateboarder Rob Dyrdek, Councilmember Tom LaBonge and 7-Eleven at North Hollywood Recreation Center on Tuesday, May 18, 2010.

The 9,000-square-foot skate plaza features stairs, granite ledges, tranny elements and hubbas. The state-of-the-art facility was built by California Skateparks, Inc. Recreation and Parks Planning Division managed the project and Gary L. Barton Corporation performed the concrete flat work.

NoHo's Safe Spot Skate Spot was developed in partnership with The Rob Dyrdek Skate Plaza Foundation, 7-Eleven and the Department of Recreation and Parks. A $250,000 donation from 7-Eleven jump started the project and an additional $200,000 in funds from the Department of Recreation and Parks' Quimby Funds finalized the skate spot's overall construction.

The theme of the Safe Spot includes Rob Dyrdek's authentic street skateboarding cartoon and Wild Grinders toy line. The 7-Eleven across the street, which is a popular spot among local skaters, has been transformed into an urban skate store. The store's exterior will feature larger-than-life Wild Grinders graphics. The revamped 7-Eleven Skater Haven will sell exclusive Wild Grinders merchandise, aside from the usual Slurpees and Big Gulps. Dyrdek also designed a Wild Grinders-themed Slurpee cup that will be sold exclusively in 7-Eleven stores nationwide this fall.

The new Street Skate Plaza is the thirteenth skate facility run by the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks. North Hollywood Safe Spot Skate Spot is located at 11430 Chandler Blvd, North Hollywood 91601. For more information about this location or the Department call (213) 202-2700.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Andrea Epstein: (213) 202-2690

Amy A. Garcia: (213) 202-2689

General Manager Jon Kirk Mukri testing out the new equipment and his strength!

A HEALTHY IMPROVEMENT

Dedication of jogging/walking path & outdoor exercise equipment

Los Angeles - Glassell Park Recreation Center is an integral part of its community. The recreation center serves as a safe haven for local youth by providing afterschool care, sports programs and extended hours and programming during the summer months. The center also has a strong Park Advisory Board and Senior Club both comprised of community members.

Glassell Park truly makes a difference in the surrounding community with its programming and amenities. The popular park helps neighbors have more productive and fulfilling lives. The park's newest addition will contribute to that legacy by encouraging Glassell patrons to improve their health by exercising.

The Department of Recreation and Parks and Council President Eric Garcetti proudly dedicated a jogging/walking path and outdoor exercise equipment at Glassell Park on Monday, April 26, 2010. General Manager Jon Kirk Mukri, City Engineer Gary Lee Moore and local community members were all on hand to help cut the red ribbon and start exercising.

The outdoor improvement project included the construction of 1/3-mile jogging/walking path that goes along the perimeter of the park grounds. Along the path there are five different exercise stations with equipment that can be used for cardiovascular, strength and coordination workouts.

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.

Recreation and Parks' Planning and Construction Division worked with the Architectural Division of the Department of Public Works' Bureau of Engineering to design the enhancements. The Recreation and Parks Construction Division and Landscape and Irrigation Unit built the jogging/walking path and installed the exercise equipment. Funding for the $395,000 project was provided by developer fees.

The idea for the project came about from the local community and Councilmember Garcetti's office and is a reflection of the Citywide Community Needs Assessment that was conducted by the Department of Recreation and Parks starting in November 2007 and culminating in 2009.

Glassell Park is located at 3650 Verdugo Road, Los Angeles 90065. For more information on the park's programming and amenities call the recreation center directly at (323) 257-1863.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Andrea Epstein: (213) 202-2690

Amy A. Garcia: (213) 202-2689

MAY NATURE HIKES AT GRIFFITH PARK
Four hikes led by Ranger Ernie! One of them requires wheels!

Los Angeles - They say that April showers bring May flowers! So, here's four chances to see the beautiful flowers the rain has brought to life at Griffith Park. Ranger Ernie will be leading the way, all you need is the right shoes, water and an available weekend in May!

Three nature walks in Griffith Park and one bike ride will be offered during the month of May by the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks.

The first excursion will take place on Saturday, May 1 at 8 am, and will be ideal for beginners. The 5-mile hike will start at the Observatory parking lot and head to Charlie Turner Trail, then to Dante's View (where hikers will stop for a quick water break), then to Mount Hollywood Summit where trekkers will have a breathtaking 360 view of Los Angeles. After the beautiful scenery Ranger Ernie will continue north to water tank 153, then head back on Mt. Hollywood Road back to East Observatory Road.

The intermediate level hike on Saturday, May 8 (8 am) will be seven miles and is designed for those who have some previous hiking experience. This course will be from the Observatory to the famous Hollywood sign.

Beginners will have another chance to test their skills with a night hike on Friday, May 28 at 6:30 pm. Make sure to bring your cameras for this journey, it's time was specifically picked to watch the sunset.

All three nature hikes will begin at the Griffith Observatory parking lot, 2800 E. Observatory Road, Los Angeles 90027.

The last May expedition will require a helmet and wheels. On Saturday, May 29 Ranger Ernie will lead a Bike Ride through Griffith Park. Participants will fly by some of the popular locations within the historic park. Riders will meet at the Park Ranger Visitor's Center at 9 am.

Those planning to participate should dress accordingly and bring drinking water and snacks. For more information about any of the hikes, contact Ranger Ernie Ybarra at (323) 644-6661 or by e-mail at ernie.ybarra@lacity.org.






MEDIA CONTACT:
Amy A. Garcia: (213) 202-2689

A PLACE TO HOLD SPECIAL MEMORIES

Grand Opening of Brand Park Community Building

Mission Hills - Home to the beautiful and famous Memory Garden and neighbor to the Mission San Fernando Rey de Epsana, Brand Park (a.k.a. Mission Park) has been part of the Recreation and Parks' family since 1921. For over 80 years, Brand Park has been an important part of the Mission Hills community. Residents have used the parkland for many different events. From Birthday parties and family baseball games to Weddings and Quinceanras the historical location has hosted them all. The new Community Building has been built to compliment and enhance the park's existing features and provide a space where many more special memories can be shared.

The Department of Recreation and Parks, Councilmember Richard Alarcon and Mission Hills' residents celebrated the grand opening of the Brand Park Community Building on Thursday, April 15, 2010. The $1.7 million community building will serve residents of Mission Hills by supporting diverse educational and leisure programs.

The one-story building includes a multi-purpose assembly room, an entrance lobby, small office and a serving/warming kitchen. The building will also be used as a rental space for community activities and meetings, as well as special events such as weddings, birthdays and other cultural celebrations.

The project also included improvements to the adjacent courtyard which included enhanced landscaping, a trellis, gazebo and other outdoor amenities. Funding was provided by Propositions 12, 40, K and A, Quimby and Sites and Facilities Funds.

Brand Park Community Building is located at 15174 San Fernando Mission Blvd, Mission Hills 91345. Please call (818) 896-6510 for rental information.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Andrea Epstein: (213) 202-2690

Amy A. Garcia: (213) 202-2689

CELEBRATING UPGRADES AND AFRICAN-AMERICAN HERITAGE

Dedication of upgrades at MLK Therapeutic Center

Los Angeles - The City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks, in partnership with Councilmember Bernard C. Parks, the Department of Public Works' Bureau of Engineering, General Services and the Community Development Department (CDD), dedicated improvements at Martin Luther King, Jr. Therapeutic Center in South Los Angeles.

The $1.2 million renovation project included construction of a new basketball court, tennis court, swing set, irrigation system, nighttime lighting and security camera system. The Architectural Division of the Bureau of Engineering in the Department of Public Works designed the upgrades; the city's Department of General Services performed the work and CDD funded the improvement project.

The dedication ceremony was also an African American Heritage Month celebration and coincided with the 20-year anniversary of the release of Nelson Mandela from prison. Mandela, like Martin Luther King Jr., was a fierce advocate for equality and civil rights.

The recent upgrades comprise the third of four phases of upgrades planned for the site. Phase one consisted of renovation of the baseball field and the addition of a handicap-accessible playground. Phase two involved the construction of the Mary McLeod Bethune Library, a LEED-certified green building, and phase four will involve the construction of a synthetic soccer field.

The new security camera system features 10 surveillance cameras that will be monitored at two separate locations, and new lighting was installed at the tennis and basketball courts. In addition to the universally-accessible playground, the park also includes a therapeutic recreation center, which provides a variety of programs for people with disabilities in South Los Angeles.

Children from adjacent Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School attended the dedication, as well as City Engineer Gary Lee Moore and Pacific Region Superintendent Mark Mariscal from Recreation and Parks.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Therapeutic Center is located at 3916 South Western Avenue and provides a variety of programs for people with disabilities ages 5 to adult in the South Los Angeles area. Center activities encourage and empower individuals to express themselves through recreation activities. These programs help participants to be creative, develop motor skills, increase self-esteem and enhance their leisure interests. For more information about the center call (213) 847-0878.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Andrea Epstein: (213) 202-2690

Amy A. Garcia: (213) 202-2698

SIX FREE WAYS FOR HEALTHY LIVING

Dedication of South Park's Outdoor Fitness Zone

Los Angeles - The Department of Recreation and Parks in partnership with Councilwoman Jan Perry, Kaiser Permanente, The Trust for Public Land (TPL) and the Community Redevelopment Agency of Los Angeles (CRA/LA) dedicated an Outdoor Fitness Zone at South Park on Thursday, January 14, 2010.

General Manager Jon Kirk Mukri, Councilwoman Jan Perry, Kaiser Permanente's Diana Bonta, CRA/LA Commissioner Alejandro Ortiz and TPL California State Director Sam Hodder were all on hand to help cut the red ribbon and officially open the Fitness Zone to local exercisers. Two legendary Dodgers, Bobby "Babo" Castillo and Kenny "KT" Landreaux made a special appearance to sign autographs and emphasize the importance of exercise at the Dedication Ceremony.

South Park's new Fitness Zone is the first of six Fitness Zones to open in the South Los Angeles area. The five other locations are 48th Street Park, Slauson Recreation Center, Gilbert Lindsay Recreation Center, Fred Roberts Recreation Center and Trinity Recreation Center.

According to the L.A. County Department of Public Health, 37.8 percent of adults are obese in the community surrounding South Park. The Fitness Zone will provide much-needed free physical activity opportunities for the entire neighborhood.

The new Fitness Zone is an easy-to-use outdoor gym designed to improve general health through weight loss, cardiovascular endurance, increased flexibility and strength building. The exercise equipment is designed to be durable, vandal resistant and used in various configurations. The Fitness Zone is free and can be used by teenagers and adults of all fitness levels.

The outdoor exercise area has eight pieces of equipment: a cross-country ski machine, an upper body workout station, horizontal bars, leg press machine, lat pull-down machine, seated arm machine, incline crunch bench and lying leg curl machine. All of the machines have American’s with Disability Act compliant surfacing and bilingual instructions decals.

Studies have shown that providing free and easy to use exercise equipment dramatically increases the opportunity to engage in physical activity. The Department of Recreation and Parks is proud to be a partner in providing healthy opportunities and living choices.

South Park is located at 345 East 51st Street in Los Angeles 90011. For more information on this location or the Department please call (213) 202-2700 or visit our website at http://www.laparks.org/.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Jane Kolb: (213) 202-2694

Amy A. Garcia: (213) 202-2689

REMEMBERING A FALLEN HERO'S LEGACY
Renaming of West Valley Park in honor of Officer Randal D. Simmons

Reseda - It has been almost two years since LAPD SWAT Officer Randal D. Simmons died in the line of duty but his heroism and dedication are still making undying influences. On Thursday, January 28, 2010 the Department of Recreation and Parks, in partnership with Councilmember Dennis P. Zine, brought together Officer Simmons' family, friends and colleagues for a special ceremony to remember the fallen hero.

West Valley Park was renamed as LAPD SWAT Officer Randal D. Simmons Park and will serve as a tribute to his personal sacrifice and his community advocacy. A 27-year LAPD veteran, Officer Simmons was shot during a standoff on February 7, 2008 in Winnetka (about a mile away from the community park). He was the first SWAT officer to die in the unit's 40-year history.

Officer Simmons has been described by his colleagues as loyal, selfless, focused, compassionate, brave and inspirational. He committed much of his time to helping and comforting people in urban neighborhoods including Watts, Hacienda Heights, Compton and Carson. He was an ordained minister at Glory Christian Fellowship International. Simmons was instrumental in developing programs and Christian events for at-risk youth such as the annual "Greatest Toy Giveaway" which provided toys and gifts to over 1,000 needy children during the holiday season.

The ceremony included the unveiling of the new park sign and remarks from General Manager Jon Kirk Mukri, former LAPD officer Councilmember Zine, Assistant Chief Micheal Moore, Deputy Chief Kirk Albanese and Captain John Incontro. Officer Simmons' wife Lisa also spoke thanking the City for the honor and added, "I know Randy is looking down and smiling and couldn't be happier because this is a park where children will come and play, families will gather and people will jog. They'll see his name and know he was a great man."

LAPD SWAT Officer Randal D. Simmons Park is located at 6731 Wilbur Avenue in the Reseda community. The 8.38 acre park includes a children's play area, walking paths and picnic tables.

Although he is no longer with us and will be missed, his charitable and giving legacy will live on forever. Officer Simmons is survived by his wife Lisa, son Matthew and daughter Garbrielle.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Jane Kolb: (213) 202-2694

Amy A. Garcia: (213) 202-2689

CLASH OF THE DERBY TITANS

Broomball challenge between LAPD & L.A. Derby Dolls

Los Angeles - Armed with only athletic shoes, helmets, brooms and a winning game plan, members of the LAFD faced off against Southern California's premiere women's banked track roller derby league at Pershing Square's Downtown on Ice on Thursday, January 14, 2010.

There was no guarantee of a sweeping victory for either team but both sides had high hopes. Before their brooms took their first sweeps, L.A. Derby Doll Tae Kwon Ho could already smell victory, "The LA Firefighters are true heroes. So, it's a real shame that we'll have to kick their butts!" But the LAFD team captain was also confident in his derby squad, "We stay in shape with our jobs and training is a part of our lifestyle, so we're confident that we will be able to run them up and down the ice for the full hour."

The Broomball Challenge was part of the Department's Community Outreach Program. Attendance was FREE but donations were made to benefit the LAFD Widows, Orphan and Disabled Fireman's Fund.

The LAFD Team members from Fire Station #9 Downtown and other outlying stations worked hard at developing their derby skills prior to the match. Their hard work paid off, LAFD won the derby 16-7!

For more information on The Derby Dolls, who have their next match on January 23, 2010 when the Sirens take on the Varsity Brawlers, visit www.derbydolls.com/la. For more information on this event of the Department, please call (213) 202-2700 or visit our website at http://www.laparks.org/.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Jane Kolb: (213) 202-2694

Amy A. Garcia: (213) 202-2689

ANOTHER SAFE SPOT FOR SKATERS

Hollenbeck Park's Safe Spot Skate Spot Dedication

Los Angeles - Kick flips, ollies and aerials, OH MY!!! Hundreds of skateboarders flooded Hollenbeck Park to break in the new Rob Dyrdek Safe Spot Skate Spot and to get a glimpse of the professional Skateboarder.

The City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks in partnership with The Rob Dyrdek Skate Plaza Foundation and Councilmember Jose Huizar proudly dedicated the Hollenbeck Park Safe Spot Skate Spot on Thursday, December 17, 2009.

The 14,000-square-foot skate spot features rails, steps, ledges and benches. The landscaping design incorporates Hollenbeck Lake's signature park elements and the vast tree areas to create a skate plaza that is innovative, open, inviting and seamlessly integrated into the current park setting.

The Rob Dyrdek Safe Spot Skate Spot at Hollenbeck Park is a classic example of a successful public-private partnership with the City of Los Angeles. After Rob Dyrdek's Foundation provided $75,000 to design and assist in construction, Councilmember Huizar and the Department worked together to secure an additional $250,000 to complete the construction and landscaping improvements. The result has been a remarkable transformation of one of the City's least used "pre-fab" skate parks into what will surely be known as one of the country's premier skating plazas.

The collaboration between the Department of Recreation and Parks, The Rob Dyrdek Foundation and Councilmember Huizar to create a Safe Spot Skate Spot is the culmination of almost $1 million of improvements at Hollenbeck Park during 2009. Improvements included completely rebuilding the historic floating bridge, repairs to the lakeside path, an ADA accessible playground, additional landscaping and tree planting, doubling the amount of picnic tables and the installation of an outdoor fitness area.

Hollenbeck's Skate Plaza is the second Safe Spot and the 12th skate facility run by the Department. The new Safe Spot Skate Spot offers a picturesque view high on a hillside at the southeast corner of the park overlooking the lake. Hollenbeck Park is located at 415 South Saint Louis Street in East Los Angeles 90033. For more information on this location or the Department call (213) 202-2700 or visit our website at http://www.laparks.org/.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Jane Kolb: (213) 202-2694

Amy A. Garcia: (213) 202-2689

A MAGNIFICENT DISPLAY OF LIGHTS
14th Annual Griffith Park Holiday Light Festival

Los Angeles - Get your OOHS and AWES ready!! The Griffith Park Holiday Light Festival is opening tonight, December 3, 2009! This magnificent display of lights along a one-mile segment of Crystal Springs Drive has become a holiday tradition that attracts more than half million visitors each year.

The 14th annual Griffith Park Light Festival will be open nightly from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm from December 3 through December 30, 2009 with a spirited display of seasonal scenes accompanied by music.

Today's kick-off will be Bike Night, giving cyclists a chance to enjoy the FREE show of traditional holiday portrayals together with images of Los Angeles history. From Friday, December 4 through Thursday, December 17, the festival will be vehicle free as part of the City's efforts to have a greener L.A.; Friday, December 11 through Sunday, December 13 there will be an educational mini-fair with information on family activities, healthy nutrition, some tasty holiday treats and more.

FREE parking will be first-come, first-served at the Los Angeles Zoo, near the merry-go-round and near the pony rides. Those planning to go should wear comfortable shoes to cover the one-mile route and warm clothing.

Beginning Friday, December 18 and continuing nightly through Wednesday, December 30, the attraction will be open for those who want to drive through the presentation, the entrance to which is off of Los Feliz Blvd., or take a FREE shuttle from the Zoo parking area. Walkers are also welcome during this portion of the festival's run.

For equestrians, Department of Recreation and Parks staff will be on hand December 9-10, 14-17, 21-24 and 28-30 (Monday - Thursday) from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm to help keep walkers and horse riders safe.

Festival sponsors include the Los Angeles: Department of Water and Power, Department of Recreation and Parks, Visitors and Convention Bureau, Department of Transportation, Zoo, World Airports and Autry National Center.

Those planning to go are encouraged to do so Monday - Thursday, when crowds will be smaller. For more information, go to http://www.dwplightfestival.com/, or call (323) 913-4688.




MEDIA CONTACTS:
Jane Kolb: (213) 202-2694
Harvey Drut: (213) 202-2696

GLIDING INTO THE WINTER SEASON

12th annual Downtown on Ice at Pershing Square

Los Angeles - It's time to pull out and dust off your scarves and mittens or maybe just a long sleeved shirt, depending on the L.A. weather!! Downtown on Ice (DOI) at Pershing Square is back for its 12th season.

The Department of Recreation and Parks in partnership with Councilwoman Jan Perry celebrated the official opening of Downtown on Ice at Pershing Square on Friday, November 20, 2009 with special guests Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa and The Grinch.

Performances by L.A. Ice Theater's Youth Ensemble, Olympic bound two-time National Pairs Champions Keauna McLaughlin and Rockne Brubacker and a musical number from The Grinch kicked-off the opening ceremony, which was emceed by Mayor Villaraigosa.

With a low admission price, DOI is the coolest way to add a little winter chill to the holidays without spending a lot of money. The outdoor ice rink is open seven days a week through January 18, 2010. An hour on the 70-foot by 50-foot rink is $6, plus $2 for skate rentals. Metro and MetroLink riders can get a $1 discount by showing a coupon which is available on all mass transit lines.

Downtown on Ice is open Monday through Thursday from 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm and Friday through Sunday 10:00 am to 10:00 pm. There will be special extended holiday hours starting December 18 through January 10, when the rink will be open EVERYDAY from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm. DOI will also be open on all of the major holidays; Thanksgiving Day from 2:00 pm to 10:00 pm, Christmas Day from 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm, New Years Day from 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm and Martin Luther King Day from 11:00 to 10:00 pm.

For the first time this year, Mommy and Me Stroller Skate sessions will be offered on Tuesday mornings from 10:00 am to 11:00 am (December 1, 8, 15 and January 12). New mothers can now share in the fun by pushing their bundles of joy in their strollers onto the ice.

Beyond skating, a medley of FREE events including a winter concert series, Winter Holiday Festival, championship skating exhibitions and much more will be offered at Pershing Square throughout the Downtown on Ice season.

Pershing Square is located in the heart of downtown at 532 South Olive Street 90013. Underground discount parking is available with rink validation. For more information and a detailed session/event schedule go to http://www.laparks.org/pershingsquare/doi.html or call (213) 847-4970.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Jane Kolb: (213) 202-2694

DEPICTING A VICTORIAN-ERA CHRISTMAS
Holiday exhibition at Banning Residence Museum


Wilmington - Come see what a Victorian Christmas looked like! Banning Residence Museum, a City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks facility, will have a four-week holiday exhibition added to its regular tour beginning Saturday, December 5, 2009.

The museum will be transformed into a Victorian re-creation of "A Southern California Christmas". The setting of the house will be a large afternoon Christmas dinner and will show how Southern Californians tried to create a feeling of winter in a semi-tropical climate.

Included in the exhibition will be a display of 14 mannequins wearing period clothing and there will be seasonal decorations throughout the museum. The special holiday show will run through Sunday, January 3, 2010.

Tours are offered daily except Monday and Friday at 12:30 pm, 1:30 pm and 2:30 pm, with additional tour on Saturday and Sunday at 3:30 pm. Admission is $5 for adults and $1 for children under 12.

For more information about the holiday presentation of the museum call (310) 548-7777 or visit http://www.thebanningmuseum.org/. Because the museum is being renovated, the annual Victorian Christmas, which is held the first weekend in December, will not take place in 2009.








MEDIA CONTACTS:
Jane Kolb: (213) 202-2694
Harvey Drut: (213) 202-2696

A CIVIL WARTIME HOLIDAY CELEBRATION
10th annual "Civil War Christmas" at the Drum Barracks Museum



Los Angeles - Tour the museum to experience how Christmas was celebrated in the early 1860s through authentic re-creations of holiday festivities, with decorations, entertainment including seasonal songs that are sung and played on a collection of vintage hand bells and more.


Ladies from the U.S. Sanitary Commission (which was the precursor of the American Red Cross) will talk about their efforts to provide soldiers with supplies the Army could not and to ensure their health and safety. Medical practices used during the era will be demonstrated and displayed, as will artifacts and weapons and sewing machines and techniques. There will also be reenactments of battlefield encounters and surveillance practices.


The museum also has a two-part exhibition recognizing the bicentennial of the year in which President Abraham Lincoln was born. "Lincoln and California" chronicles his interest in visiting the Golden State after the war and possibly even settling here. "Lincoln in Everyday Life" shows the prevalence of the image and name of the 16th president today.


For more information about the Drum Barracks "A Civil War Christmas" or the museum call (310) 548-7509. Guided tours are offered Tuesday through Thursday at 10:00 am, 11:00 am, noon and 1:00 pm, Saturday and Sunday at 11:30 am, 12:30 pm, 1:30 pm and 2:30 pm through the end of the year. A $5 donation is requested for visitors age 12 or older.







MEDIA CONTACTS:
Jane Kolb: (213) 202-2694
Harvey Drut: (213) 202-2696

TAKE A MINI-TRAIN RIDE TO THE NORTH POLE
7th annual "Train Ride to Visit Santa" at Travel Town Museum

Los Angeles - ALL ABOARD!!! Grab your winter gloves and beanies, we're going to visit SANTA!
The 7th annual Train Ride to Visit Santa holiday program at Travel Town Museum in Griffith Park will begin the weekend of Saturday, November 28-29, 2009.

From 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm both nights, passengers will take a short trip aboard the Santa Express miniature train to the North Pole, where they can tour jolly old Saint Nick's residence and visit with Santa as he prepares for his annual global travelling. Mrs. Claus will be the evening's hostess, giving visitors an inside scoop about life at the top of the world.

The return trip will go through a wonderland of holiday lights, scenery and music. The holiday program is put on by Travel Town Railroad, weather permitting, in cooperation with the Department of Recreation and Parks.

Additional dates for this special holiday presentation are December 4-6, 11-13 and 16-23, and those planning to go should dress for cold weather. Tickets are $7 per person; children 18 months old or younger can ride for FREE and parking is also FREE. Digital photos with Santa can be purchased for $5, or guests can take their own photos for FREE.

Given the popularity of the attraction, buying tickets in advance at the Travel Town ticket booth or online at www.gprah.com/organization/christmas.htm is suggested. Any remaining tickets will be sold at the gate.

Travel Town Museum is located at 5200 Zoo Drive in Los Angeles 90027. For more information about the Train Ride to Visit Santa call (818) 881-2586 or (323) 662-9678.





MEDIA CONTACTS:
Jane Kolb: (213) 202-2694
Harvey Drut: (213) 202-2696