Transcription
1 Dept. of the Month Animal Services See Pages Vol. 4 No. 4 April 2005 SERVING OVER 15,000 CITY AND DWP EMPLOYEES City Employees Club of Los Angeles City Holds Memorial for Flores, Garris Public Works employees Rene Flores and Ricardo Garris, killed while at field office, are memorialized at service. Rene Flores Story by Bev Haro, Club Counselor; Photos by Robert Larios, Club Operations Director The City held a memorial service March 10 for Rene Flores and Ricardo Garris, who were shot and killed in late February by a co-worker. Ricardo Garris Flores was 54; Garris was 49. The service began as Valerie Lynne Shaw, President of the Board of Public Works, welcomed the attendees. Mayor Hahn, City Council Members, and Members of the Board of Public Works followed with their remarks. Then, several colleagues from the Bureau of Street Services shared their reflections. And, Street Superintendent II the. Rev. Bruce Jones offered words of inspiration. Finally, the Club s Annual Meeting Marks Successful Year Cecilia Talbot, Susan Valencoure are honored with prestigious Club awards. Photos by Summy Lam, Club s IT Guru Explore. Dream. Discover. Cecilia Talbot PRESIDENT S AWARD WINNER See Passings, Page 22 It s from a quote of Mark Twain s and we felt that it was very appropriate for the next twelve months, said Club CEO John Hawkins to the staffers, Club reps and vendors who gathered Feb. 22 for the Club s 77th annual meeting Feb. 22 high atop City Hall. Hawkins continued: The full quote is: Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn t do than See Annual Meeting, Page 22 Irish Eric Robles, Gen. Services, introduces the Town Crier to the crowd at City Hall. Photos by Alive! Staff Banning High School from Wilmington, California wowed the crowd. Downtown turns green as the annual St. Patrick s Day parade enjoys a new route and more participants and viewers. The sixth annual version of the downtown St. Patrick s Day Parade found a new end point (Olvera Street), a new route, a new participant (Mayor Jim Hahn) and new interest all around! Congratulations to all who made it happen. Club reporters were on location, asking City employees what they thought about the parade.here are some of the comments: Mary Reuschel, Management Analyst I, Fire Department: I went last year, and there is much more participation this year. It s also nice to see so many ABOVE: Staff members from Councilman Tom LaBonge s office enjoy the annual St. Patrick s Day parade March 17 Los Angeles Downtown News sponsored this LAFD fire truck which was one of 18 fire trucks making an appearance in the paradez. See Parade, Page 8 Los Angeles Police Emerald Society. City Employees Club of Los Angeles 350 S. Figueroa St., Suite 700 Los Angeles, CA CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID Permit #30391 Los Angeles, CA Letters to the Editor... 3 History Comes Alive!... 4 LAX Police Chief Wilson Earns State Certification Retirees NEWS Zoo Opens New Playground St. Patrick s Day Parade LA Council of Engineers and Scientists Awards Travel Talk: Most Popular Vacations ClubFest 2005: Calling Bands and Artists Armando Alba, Club Member, Retires from GSD Coloring Contest for Kids Black History Luncheon Zoo Welcomes New Baby Orangutan Asian Association s New Year...17 Wanda Williams-Brown Retries from DWP Central City Police Boosters Recognizes Its Best David Pongvarin Baby Shower in Mail Services Bill Lamb Retires From City After 32 Years...24 Events 411: What s Happening Around the City...26 Inside This Issue Pet Club: Jackie David Moves On...27 Police Horse Elvis Dies John s Picture Perfect Contest Lt. George Mossman, Animal Svcs. Transfers Lifes Moments Dept. of the Month: Dept. of Animal Services National Dispatchers Week, LAPD LAX Names Alejandro Sanchez Employee of the Quarter Where in LA? Contest Ken & Sharon Perry Retire From Building and Safety Coloring Contest: For Adults! Join These Clubs: Club Listing St. Baldrick s Event a Success Cooking with the Club Cartoon Corner: Lewis The Mule Movie and Book Reviews Classifieds Ads Ticket Express Discount Tickets...50 Club Store: Club Merchandise...51
2 2 April 2005 City Employees Club of Los Angeles, Alive! THE CLUB S BOARD Michael Biagi Regner Globus Rita Robinson Michael Leighton Maria Romasanta David Muraoka Robyn Barnes INSURANCE SERVICES BOARD Joanie Mukai Rose Hyland Rodney Punt Andrew Virzi, Jr. Marilyn McGuire-Holly Numbers YOU CAN USE City Employees Club (800) of Los Angeles City Employees Club (213) of Los Angeles FAX City Employees (213) Deferred Compensation City Employees Benefit Office (213) City Employees (213) Retirement System or (800) City Paymaster (213) City Personnel Office (213) City of L.A. Clerical (213) EXT. 340 and Support Services Union, Local 3090 Commuter Services (213) DWP Credit Union (213) DWP Employees Assn. (213) DWP Information (213) DWP Paymaster (213) DWP Personnel (213) DWP Retirement Plan Office (213) April 2005 Volume 4 No. 4 Alive! is published monthly by: City Employees Club of Los Angeles 350 S. Figueroa St., Suite 700 Los Angeles, CA Telephone: (800) John Hawkins, MANAGING EDITOR John Burnes, EDITOR JJLA Associates, DESIGN AND PRODUCTION Alive! is the official publication of the City Employees Club of Los Angeles, 350 S. Figueroa St., Suite 700, Los Angeles, CA Postage paid at Los Angeles, California. CONTACT US: alive@cityemployeesclub.com SUBSCRIPTION RATES: Alive! is included with membership in the City Employees Club of Los Angeles. INQUIRIES: alive@cityemployeesclub.com, or (213) POSTMASTER: Send address corrections to City Employees Club of Los Angeles, 350 S. Figueroa St., Suite 700, Los Angeles, CA Alive! does not accept advertising from persons or organizations believed to be unreliable or financially irresponsible. Alive! is not responsible, however, for the performance of advertisers, the delivery or quality of their merchandise or services, or the legality of any particular program. Before making any purchasing decision, we recommend you consult additional sources as needed. Please contact the Club if you have any bad experiences with an advertiser. LACEA management reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to refuse any advertisem*nt. Engineers and (213) Architects Association Fire and Police Pension System (213) Local 347 (213) Los Angeles Federal (213) Credit Union Los Angeles Firemen s (323) Credit Union or (800) Los Angeles Fire (323) Department Museum Los Angeles Firemen s (213) Relief Association Los Angeles Retired Fire and (888) Police Association Office Depot (818) Discount Hotline Retired L.A. City (213) Employees, Inc. Ticket Hotline (888) Whistleblower/ (800) Complaint Program Worker Compensation (213) Have a number you d like us to include? Send it in: alive@cityemployeesclub.com by John Hawkins President and CEO, The Club Don t Forget Mom, And Resetting Clocks Captain Andrade of Fire Station 3 and his loyal volunteers did it again at the sixth annual St. Patrick s Day Parade downtown. The Club had its top photographers at the parade, so don t miss the special spread beginning on pages 8 and 9. Also, make sure you move your eyes a little to the right from this column and read the Letters to the Editor they are really starting to pick up both in volume and content; and hey, it s the best way around to have your voice heard on issues that matter to you, a City employee. And It s Daylight Savings Time again: April 3, to be exact. Make sure you set your clocks and watches one hour ahead ( me with the name of the person who came up with the idea of Daylight Savings Time, and I ll send you a free movie ticket to a theater of your choice see my address below). Support your fellow City employee 911 dispatchers! April is National Dispatchers Week. Tuesday, April 12, the Metropolitan Communications Dispatch Center (MCDC) will host its open house, and the Valley Communications Dispatch Center (VCDC) will host its open house Monday, April 11. See page 38 for all the details. Mother s Day is just around the corner (May 9), so that means that it s time to show your appreciation for one of the most important persons in your life; and the best way to do that is to send in a picture of you and your mom (or just your mom) with a summary of all the things that make her great. We ll publish every single one we get in the May issue. Look on page 11 for all the details. Make sure you don t miss the premiere of our new cartoon, The World According to Lewis the Mule. It s on page 47 and it will be a monthly feature created by Matt Bennyworth, a gifted artist who also happens to be a member of the Mounted Platoon! Lastly, I want to give a big thank you to Guerdon Stuckey and his awesome employees at Animal Services for their enthusiastic participation as April s Department of the Month keep up the excellent work! John jhawkins@cityemployeesclub.com CLUB Member Benefits All active or retired City of Los Angeles and DWP employees are eligible to become members of the City Employees Club of Los Angeles. To join, call (800) Discount Rates at Enterprise Rent-a-Car You can save money when you book through the Club s exclusive deal with Enterprise. Savings depend on vehicle class and a number of other factors. But, these are low, flat rates that you pay anytime, all the time.to make your reservation, call any one of the convenient Enterprise Los Angeles area locations. Make sure to mention customer number 32W2864 when making your reservation.when asked, use PIN CIT for on-line reservations. Your Newest Benefit Office Depot Bulk purchasing plan can save you up to 40 percent on Up to selected items. 40 % Call the Club s Office Depot hotline, (818) , or kmeyer@officedepot.com, OFF to link your credit card. (Your Club card will not work with this benefit. You must call to link your credit card.) Great Ticket Discounts! Some of the cheapest tickets in town, with no markup! Call the Ticket Guy Hotline: (888) These are just some of the attractions available to you: Dunn Edwards Present your L.A. City Employees Club Card at the time of purchase at any Dunn-Edwards Paint store (32 area locations), and you ll receive a 20 percent discount on all Dunn- Edwards Manufactured Paint Products. Best Western Save up to 20 percent when you stay at any one of more than 4,000 Best Western hotels worldwide. Call (800) and use the Club s MVP number: Check out a full list on page 42! 20 % OFF Up to 20 % OFF Alive! Newspaper Get the best-read newspaper for City employees delivered to your home. Every month you get City news, coupons, recipes, retirements, babies, weddings, the Department of the Month and and many more! don t forget about those great Alive! contests! For more information go to or call (800) Partnerships Take full advantage of the Club s strong partnerships for: Auto and Homeowners Insurance: (800) (press 3) Travel Discounts: (888) Auto Buying Service: (626) Home loans, and more: (866) Club Insurance Your life and wellbeing are important to the Club. Get peace of mind with the Club s strong insurance programs: Term Life Insurance ($10,000 - $300,000) Spouse Life Insurance ($10,000 - $300,000) Long Term Disability Short Term Disability Insurance ($700 - $2,000 benefit per month) Long Term Care Insurance Cancer Insurance ($10,000 - $50,000) Group Rated Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance Group Rated Auto and Homeowners Insurance
3 City Employees Club of Los Angeles, Alive! April Cecilia Talbot, Club Claims Administrator Word The on the Street [ ] You probably won t get to meet Club Claims Administrator Cecilia Talbot very often until you really need her. That s when her service shines. So, to assure you that you are in good hands, from time to time Alive! will reprint letters commending the service given by Cecilia and her excellent staff. Ed. Ican only say one word about your service: beautiful. Tell all of the staff thank you from the bottom of my heart. Like I said, I evaluate the service as beautiful. Thank you again. Love to you all. Beverly Ealey Your services are exceptional. I evaluated your services exceptional because you acted in a professional manner and knew when you what you were doing. Jose Solis The people I spoke to over the phone were very compassionate and prompt in taking care of my request. I received my husband s insurance benefit shortly after my request. I appreciated the quick service. Thank you to the City Employees Club. Rochelle E. Snyder Ihad no knowledge that the deceased had this insurance until [I was] notified by your representative. Your letter to me was precise about what you needed to process the claim. I submitted those documents and subsequently received your check She was courteous and assured me that I could contact her if she could be of further assistance. Barbara Criner Trust the Club with your family s insurance needs. Trust the Club with your long-term disability concerns. We have more than $2 billion of insurance in force, protecting you and your family. Trust the Club PRAISE PRAISE PRAISE LETTERS to the Editor City Council Should Address Violence Against City Workers Regarding the attacks on Animal Services employee Jackie David we in Rec and Parks have long been subjected to every type of attack, i.e. verbal threats, physical threats and actual use of weapons guns, knives) against our people, with some injuries as a result (to my knowledge no deaths; last death was in the 1970s, when an Aquatic Employee was shot to death at the Coliseum Pool). These threats have resulted not only in physical injuries, but more importantly on mental stress, forcing some employees to resign or suffer stressful working environment. Most of us that have been working many years, have accepted this as part of our job and have dealt with it in different forms as most of the time neither the department nor the City have been able to do much, except instruct the victim (employee) to write a Special Occurrence & Loss Report. Several years ago when I was assaulted by a father, I made a police report and I was desperately trying to have the department help me with this situation as I did not feel safe at my work location, but I did not receive any help from anyone or any department. I had to do a restraining order by myself. I have also been threatened and attacked by gang members; the department s response has been negligible. One time I was even accused of cowardness for failing to stop gang activity leading to my attack by them (gang). I don t know what the answer is, but perhaps the City Council might want to start considering making it unlawful to attack or threaten City employees while on performance of our work, just like the postal employees and other federal employees have, by perhaps making the attacks felonies instead of misdemeanors, making threats a crime, and adding stiffer sentences to these threats and attacks. (This should also include property damages. For example my vehicles have been heavily vandalized due to attacks by patrons.) Richard Nieto, Rec and Parks City Deaths Remind Him to Live Each Day Like It s Last I wouldn t have known about the passing of City employees if it weren t for Alive! Dang. What s up with our own? I m really sorry to hear that last month several City employees passed away. These regrettable events make me think about life in general. The reality is that this is a rude awakening for anyone thinking that we re invincible. We ve all got to take better care of ourselves, like having a healthy diet, using common sense in all of our decisions and not do things like drinking and driving, getting enough sleep, eating hamburgers and fries for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. But even then, there is nothing we can do about accidents, so it s best to live like today is your last day. That s what I do, and life today (right now at this minute) couldn t be better for me. Jaime Avila, Street Services Congratulations to DOT for Coming Up Roses in Pasadena You know I ve worked for the City for over 22 years, and I ve never heard about our work being outsourced. All I ever heard were rumors about the City jobs being replaced by contract workers. So, I guess what I m trying to say is congratulations to the DOT! I read about how you were asked by the City of Pasadena to help them cover the Rose Parade in the last issue and was really impressed. Hopefully we ll see more and more of this happening and you know, it makes me proud to be a City employee. John Lechlinski, General Services Retiree Really Enjoys Page With Phil Skarin, Ed Harding Hello Alive! I am a retiree who lives all alone at Lake Elsinore. I just wanted to tell you that I really enjoy reading the Retiree News page, especially the Member News section. It gives me quite a lift to know that there are other retirees out there celebrating anniversaries and the like. I also really like Phil Skarin s Thought for the Day. Do you know if he writes those himself? Oh, and one more item, do you know if that Ed Harding fellow is single? I think he s quite handsome. Thanks for listening. Mary Rose Wilkins, Club Member Mary Rose: Phil Skarin often does write the Thought of the Day. He will be happy that you enjoy them. Ed. YOUR LETTERS Billy s Golf Bragging Sounds A Lot Like a Challenge to Us Since my most embarrassing start to my golfing career last year at the RLACEI Annual Golf Tournament, I spent long-excruciating hours after working long-excruciating hours as a golf starter. I ve spent hundreds of dollars on customizing my golf clubs to get my perfect swing. I have read 73 golf books. Even spent over $4,000 on training sessions with PGA golfers. I ve done all this because I will never again experience the defeat I experienced last year at the hands of the RLACEI members or any other City golf tournament again. So, now I welcome anyone with enough City courage to compete against me. It s my goal to enter every City golf event and win! That s right, win! This is my pledge to all my fellow colleagues: Pound for pound, I m the best golfer the City of Los Angeles has ever existed, and I ll show it starting with the 19th annual Building and Safety Golf Tournament on April 18th at the Porter Valley Country Club. There d better be an Alive! photographer there to document my performance as the City s greatest city employee golfer of all time! William Billy Big Clubs Greene, Rec and Parks Now Retired, She Has Time to Bake, Send Recipes to Club Chef After 30 years of City service, I have a lot of time on my hands to do the things I didn t have time to do while I was working. For one thing, I ve taken up cooking and I m learning to bake. I wonder if Chef Robert Larios can offer some baking recipes and tips, especially with baking breads. I ve read every column and I don t think Chef Robert has ever had a baking recipe. I reckon he s not a baker. Once I get better at baking, maybe I ll send in a few of my own delightful baking recipes. Joyce Miller, Retired, Engineering Joyce, read this month s Cooking With the Club, for a response from Chef Larios. And feel free to send us your recipes any time you want. Our mouths are watering already. Ed. There Was a Lot of Barney To Go Around Last Month My sister said my favorite cartoon Barney works with Daddy. Daddy s newspaper has a picture of a man. His name is Lawrence Barney. He is not the real Barney from TV. Daddy said people like Lawrence Barney. Daddy said kids like him. I think Barney and Lawrence Barney are friends. Heather Howard, Daughter of Tim Howard, DWP Heather, thank you for writing. You are charming! The Barney on TV is very lucky to have a friend as nice as you. (Heather is referring to the story we published last month about the retirement of Lawrence Barney.) Ed. Call Him Crazy, But This Adult Is Coloring With Green A coloring contest for adults? I have to admit I thought it was a joke at first. But I guess you guys are really serious. And once I saw the prize of $100 I went scurrying for some crayons and pens and whatever else I could dig up. My grandkids think I m crazy but I don t care, I m going to win this one; I may be retired but I can still color inside the lines! Leroy Clemens, Retired Tree Surgeon Lindsay Teaches Us a Lesson About Gratitude, Happiness Hi. Thank you for sending me a Beanie Baby. I know I didn t win the coloring contest, but it s okay because I got the Beanie Baby in the mail. My mom said I should say thank you so that s why I m writing. Does anyone like Avatar the Last Air Bender? It s a new show on Nick. I really like it. Thanks. Lindsay Lovgren, 8 years old WRITE TO US TODAY! Send your letters by to talkback@cityemployeesclub.com or conventionally: The Club, World Trade Center, 350 S. Figueroa St., Suite 700, Los Angeles, CA 90071
4 4 April 2005 City Employees Club of Los Angeles, Alive! ComesAlive! by Hynda Rudd, City Archivist (Retired), and Club Member LEFT: Dodger Stadium under construction, MIDDLE: Eviction in Chavez Ravinez: Abrana Arechiga, 63, weeps as she reads an eviction notice tacked on her home by Deputy Sheriffs, ordering the family to move from Chavez Ravine to make way for the Dodger ballpark. Five children are members of two families who must get off the property by 9 a.m. Monday. Photo date: April 10, (This photo originally appeared in the Los Angeles Herald-Examiner.) RIGHT: Walter O Malley in front of an almost-completed Dodger Stadium in Chavez Ravine, From Brooklyn to Los Angeles: The Unbelievable Story of the Dodgers With another baseball season upon us, Alive! columnist Hynda Rudd tells the story of how a baseball team was born, and a neighborhood died. As Los Angeles approaches the rites of spring and the opening day at Dodger Stadium April 12, it became obvious when my daughter, Melinda Feldman, suggested that this column should review the history of how this beloved sport came to Los Angeles. And so it shall be. Dodger Stadium was the first privately financed Major League facility since the opening of Yankee Stadium back in Opening day for this monumental occasion was April 10, The cost to build the Stadium with a 56,000 seating capacity was $23 million. The Dodgers owner Walter O Malley paid $494,000 to complete the purchase of Chavez Ravine. The property was valued at the time at $92,000. The architect was Emil Praeger. Dodger Stadium, which also hosted the Los Angeles Angels from April 1962 to September 1965, was considered one of the sport showcases of its time in the United States. But, the Stadium did not become a reality in Los Angeles without a troubled local past. The story begins in an area known as Chavez Ravine that overlooks downtown Los Angeles. This canyon community was named for pioneer Julian Chavez. He lived in the area from approximately 1810 to He was a member of the City s first Common (City) Council in Those minutes, with the Chavez signature, can be found in the City Archives in Spanish with an English translation. He was also known to have served on the first County Board of Supervisors. Originally, Chavez Ravine was a potter s field in Later, the site became a smallpox infirmary, then a tuberculosis sanitarium, and then a Jewish site for the Hebrew Benevolent Society Cemetery from 1855 to 1910 prior to the land becoming a barrio for an established but poor Mexican-American community. Many of these residents had fled persecution in Mexico with the intent of finding a secure home nestled in the hills of this canyon. But, in time, they once again, would become uprooted! A later account of the Chavez Ravine transition begins back in 1946 when it became known to the City of Los Angeles through the City s Planning Commission as one of eleven blighted urban areas in the City. This area was considered improper land use. Most housing was considered sub-standard; there were poor street layouts; there was a lack of proper sanitation; juvenile delinquency was rampant; and tuberculosis was evident. By 1948, the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) had taken an interest in Chavez Ravine. On July 24, 1950, the residents of Chavez Ravine received a letter from the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles. This overwhelming communication stated that a public housing development will be built on this location for families of low income The house[s] you are living in [are] included. The letter continued by stating that the new federal housing project, the Elysian Park Heights development, co-designed by Robert Alexander and world-renowned architect Richard Neutra, would be available to the Chavez Ravine residents, if they were eligible for public housing. In October 1950, the City Council approved $110 million for 10,000 public housing units for all eleven blighted urban areas. In 1951, foes of public housing often referring to it as creeping Socialism, were beginning to rear their public head. By December of that year, the City Council voted 8 to 7 to cancel the contract for redevelopment. The Housing Authority then asked the courts to rule on the legality of the Council cancellation. In response, the Council asked for a referendum on June 3, 1952, for the public to vote to continue or abandon the public housing developments. The California Supreme Court in April 1952 ruled that the City Council could not revoke the Housing Authority contract. Also, the referendum would not have legality for the contract cancellation. Nevertheless, the City held the election, and more than 600,000 people voted by a 3-to-2 margin to abandon public housing. California Senators William F. Knowland and Richard M. Nixon pressed for federal legislation to make the contract cancellation legal. Meanwhile on the other side of the country in Brooklyn, New York, Walter O Malley, an attorney and owner of the major league baseball team the Brooklyn Dodgers, was turned down by local authorities when he requested to build a new, larger stadium in New York to replace their home, Ebbets Field. Other major league teams were moving from their original habitats to far off destinations, sometimes halfway across the country. This was an inspiration to O Malley. Back in Chavez Ravine, most of the residents of the area had sold their property and left according to the law set down by the Housing Authority. Some of those properties were torched for the purposes of training Fire Department personnel. Other sites were auctioned off for valuable items including bricks, windows, etc. Still other people of the area refused to leave because they wanted fair value for their property and resented what had happened to their neighborhood. Later, many of those independent individuals were literally removed from their property by force. By the fall of 1952, the U.S. Supreme Court had reaffirmed the findings of the California court rulings that the cancellation of the housing contract was illegal. During that era of communist red-baiting in America, three top administrators of the Housing Authority had been fired after being called before the State Senate Un- American Activities Committee; they all pled the Fifth Amendment. In July 1953, Norris Poulson became the 47th mayor of the City. His platform was to remove federal domination of the City. He then renegotiated with the weakened Housing Authority so that Chavez Ravine and other urban blighted area housing projects would be abandoned. In August of the same year, the Housing Authority sold 170 acres of Chavez Ravine land to the City for $1.25 million, a loss to the federal government of $4 million. Congress mandated that the City use the land for public purposes only. It has been said that Mayor Poulson and some of the City Council of the time were interested in turning the City-owned acreage in Chavez Ravine into a major league baseball field. The first team considered was the Washington Senators. It became apparent later that O Malley and local Democrats, the Mayor, City Council In last month s Alive!, Hynda wrote about the history of the various former City halls in Los Angeles. Here is another photo (taken near the time of the building s official use) of the earliest of L.A. s first City Hall. (The photo we used is a modern photo of the same building.) Enjoy! members Kenneth Hahn and Rosalind (Roz) Wiener Wyman, and Franklin Delano Roosevelt s son James found each other. The City felt that a major league team would be profitable economically and positive for public relations for the country s third largest city. In March of 1957, the Mayor and other city and county officials met with O Malley to offer him a site in Chavez Ravine for the Brooklyn Dodgers. On June 3, 1958, a referendum was set allowing the city to sell an additional 130 acres or 300 acres total to the Dodger organization. By a vote of less than two-percent, the Dodger organization won. In October of that year, the City Council approved a resolution to transfer Chavez Ravine to the Dodgers. Once again the City Council was admonished by the courts for illegal delegation of duty and public trust. Also, at that time, after much legal and political negotiations, Walter O Malley convinced New York Giants owner Horace Stoneman to move his team to San Francisco. On January 13, 1959, the California Supreme Court ruled for the Brooklyn Dodgers. In May of that year, under the use of eminent domain the City had the police compel then bulldozers evict the final few families that had refused to leave Chavez Ravine. Construction of Dodger Stadium began on June 3, 1959, on the one-year anniversary of the referendum vote approving the transfer of Chavez Ravine to the Dodgers. Original plans to open the Stadium in 1960 suffered from many building delays. Finally, Dodger Stadium, on the hill, became a reality on April 10, 1962, for its opening day festivities. It should also be noted that the Dodgers moved to Los Angeles in 1958, and played major league baseball for four years at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The new Los Angeles Dodgers team played their first game on April 18, 1958, defeating the San Francisco Giants 6-5 before a crowd of more than 70,000 people.
5 City Employees Club of Los Angeles, Alive! April That s a Winner! Cheryl Chase, Police Service Representative and Club Member, proudly holds her two tickets to the movies. She won the tickets after dropping her business card during her visit to the City Employees Club office. If you re a Club member, next time you visit the Club s world headquarters, make sure you drop your business card in the bowl for the drawing, too. This Is to Certify LAX police chief Bernard Wilson earns highest state certification. Chief of Los Angeles Airport Police Bernard J. Wilson received an executive certificate from the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST). It is the highest level of certification awarded by the agency to a California police chief or sheriff following completion of rigorous education, training and testing at the law enforcement executive level. The presentation was made Feb. 22 by Greg Murphy from the POST executive office at a regular meeting of the Los Angeles Board of Airport Commissioners. POST fosters professionalism in law enforcement by recognizing achievement in education, training, and experience through its professional certification program. The program seeks to raise the level of competence of law enforcement personnel and to foster cooperation among the POST Commission, agencies, organizations, jurisdictions and individuals. A City of Los Angeles employee for 30 years, Wilson was appointed chief of Airport Police in April At the same time, he was designated to hold the federally mandated position of Airport Security Coordinator for LAX. In both roles, he is responsible for physical security of the six-squaremile airport facility with a total population of travelers, non-traveling visitors and airport workers estimated at more than 140 million annually. Chief Wilson has served as a key decision-maker for numerous major crisis incidents, including aircraft crashes, labor disputes, bomb threats, natural disasters, industrial accidents, terrorist incidents and major crime events. As an instructor in aviation security, terrorism and traveler victimization, Chief Wilson has instructed hundreds of police and security officers from around the world. In addition to meeting the requirements for the executive certificate, Chief Wilson earlier earned the POST Supervisory Certificate and the POST Management Certificate. He also has been awarded the California Commendation Medal from the State of California Military Department and the Leadership Award from the International Association of Airport & Seaport Police. He has been named an Honorary Special Agent from the U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations. Chief Wilson is a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police, International Association of Airport & Seaport Police, International Counter-Terrorism Officers Association, International Association of Bomb Technicians and Investigators, Airport Law Enforcement Agencies Network, American Association of Airport Executives, American College of Forensic Examiners Institute, and the Los Angeles Police Emerald Society. From left: Greg Murphy, a senior law enforcement consultant with the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) executive office, congratulates LAX Airport Police Chief Bernard Wilson after presenting him an executive certificate. The executive certificate is the highest level of certification awarded by the agency to a California police chief or sheriff following completion of rigorous education, training and testing at the law enforcement executive level.
6 6 April 2005 City Employees Club of Los Angeles, Alive! Retirees NEWS For Retirees By Phil Skarin, RLACEI Publicity Chair Retiree Hotlines Who to call? Following is a list of contacts for the City and for the DWP: City Employees Retirement System: (213) City Retirement Counselors: Edward Harding (805) Jack Mathews (310) Phil Skarin (818) Helen Salgado (323) Robert Wilkinson (818) (membership) Jerry Bardwell (818) Americo Garza (562) Harold Danowitz (310) Neil Ricci (310) DWP Retirement Plan Office: (213) MEMBER N E W S Wedding anniversaries: Bob and Sue Knox, Hollywood, celebrated their 40th on Jan. 3 with a trip to Antarctica aboard the Clipper Adventurer. They first met while serving as Peace Corps volunteers in Peru James H. and Dona Smith celebrated their 60th on Jan. 9. James worked for the Survey Division in Van Nuys for 30 years. Dona worked for the County for 32 years, including 25 years as a court reporter Earl Rogers, Mariposa, since his retirement from the Bureau of Engineering, has enjoyed traveling and a new career as an artist and art instructor at Merced College. He has painted a mural titled Early Mariposa at the Mariposa Museum. His wife of 60 years, Eileen, hasn t yet given him the brush. Call him at (209) June Grose, past president and secretary of RLACEI, has passed away. She was an avid gardener and loved roses. This leaves us with only one living past president, Anthony Mafrica, Van Nuys A number of our members are active on the Credit Union Board: Neil Ricci is the Secretary, Cliff Cannon is the Treasurer, and Jack Mathews, Gary Mattingly and Denise McGee are Directors. The Credit Union can, through the Credit Union Services Org. provide financial management, insurance, travel discounts and vehicle purchases, call the Credit Union If you have news about yourself or other retirees that you d like to share, send it to Phil Skarin 5301 Norwich Ave., Van Nuys, CA , or phone (818) or fax (818) T HOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Our differences define us, but our common humanity can redeem us. We just have to open our hearts. Karen Armstrong Changes Affecting Pensions, Bylaws Subject of Meeting Ed Harding, RLACEI President By Phil Skarin, Publicity Chair, RLACEI Ed Harding, RLACEI President, reports: Our next Membership Meeting will be at 1 p.m. Thursday, April 14, at the Van Nuys/Sherman Oaks Senior Center at 5040 Van Nuys Blvd., Sherman Oaks. A free lunch will be served at noon only if you have made reservations a week ahead by calling on of the officers on the Retirees Help-Lines on page 2. Bring your spouse. There will be speakers who will tell about current matters affecting your health plans and retirement benefits. You will be asked to vote on a Bylaws amendment that will change the way officer are elected. The proposed changes to Articles III and V Article III Officers and Directors Section 1 The Executive Board shall consist of twelve (12) elected directors and the immediate Past President. The officers of this Corporation shall be a President, First Vice President, Second Vice President, a Secretary, and a Treasurer. These officers and directors shall perform the duties prescribed by these by-laws and the parliamentary authority adopted by the Corporation. Section 2 are shown below. Revamped Pensions: The Governor is attempting to get an Initiative on the ballot that will revamp the pensions plans of all public employees in the State. The affect it might have on retired employees is not known at this time. More info next month. Ballots will be mailed out on May 14 for electing a retired member to be a commissioner on the LACERS Board. Ken Spiker has been doing a great job and our Executive Board recommends that you re-elect him. Legislative Update: Ken Spiker, our elected Commissioner on the LACERS board, regarding the forced sale of $318 million, due to a Commission conflict of interest, has been resolved without a negative impact to the retirement fund. DFA, the small cap investment fund manager, was directed on October 12, 2004, by the Board of Directors to sell off the fund s assets within 120 days. All the assets were sold within the required timeframe for a total of $340 million, $22 million higher than their valuation on October 12, DFA started in their final report that there were no liquidation costs incurred as a result of the forced liquidation. In conclusion, while it is unfortunate that LACERS no longer has access to this high-performing fund, at least there has been no adverse impact to the overall fund. Upcoming Events: The 27th Annual Retiree s Bylaws Amendment The election of officers directors shall take place at the Annual Meeting in October, with their installation at the October December meeting. The new elected officers directors shall assume their offices on January 1. Section 3 The President, the Second Vice President, and four(4) Six (6) Directors shall be elected at the October meeting each year. Held in the even years and the First Vice President, as five (5) Directors shall be elected at the October meeting held in the odd years. All officers and Directors shall be elected to serve two years or until there successors are elected. Section 4 Invitational Golf Tournament will be held on Tuesday, June 14, at the Alhambra Golf Course. If you would like to be a prize sponsor, contact Phil Skarin at (818) or Tom Stemnock at (818) Hal Danowitz asks you to visit our Website to find the latest retirement news The LAFCU is sponsoring a Walk for Someone You Love for this Year s March of Dimes WalkAmerica at Griffith Park from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 30. Upcoming events: April 14 - Membership Meeting & Luncheon at Van Nuys/Sherman Oaks Senior Center; June 14 - Golf Tournament August 11 - Picnic at Grace Simons Lodge Oct. 6 - Annual Corp. Meeting & Elections at VN/SO Senior Center Dec. 8 - Christmas Party at Grace Simons Lodge Retiring Soon? Are you planning to retire soon? Well, then, why not contact Helen Salgado, Membership Chairperson at (323) and she will arrange to get you enrolled in RLACEI and you can begin to receive the benefits of membership. The President, First Vice President, and Second Vice President shall be selected from the elected directors of the Executive Board at the November meeting, with their installation at the December meeting for a 1-year term beginning on January 1. The Treasurer and the Secretary shall be selected and appointed from among the elected Directors and shall serve at the pleasure of the Executive Board. The President may appoint a chaplain, Parliamentarian and a Sergeant-at- Arms, who may attend meetings of the Executive Board. Article V The Executive Board Section 1 The Executive Board shall consist of the officers, and eight (8) twelve (12) elected Directors and the immediate Past President.
7 City Employees Club of Los Angeles, Alive! April Playtime at the Zoo Zoo opens a playground for families. Acolorful new children s park opened at the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens March 3 thanks to a generous $250,000 donation to the Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association (GLAZA) by prominent attorney Neil L. Papiano. Joining the exuberant children at the opening ceremonies were Councilmember Tom LaBonge, Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association (GLAZA) and Zoo officials. The Neil Papiano Play Park, which incorporates animal-themed climbing sculptures, large play structures, a toddler area, water misters, grassy landscaping, and a large picnic area, is accessible to all children visiting the Zoo, including those with medical and physical challenges. Papiano, prompted by childhood yearnings to play in parks when he lived in an urban neighborhood where none was available, has committed himself to providing safe, well-designed, top-quality play areas for city children. Councilman LaBonge presented Papiano, a powerful force in the legal arena for many years, with a City proclamation recognizing his considerable contribution to the Zoo. Thanks to a very generous Neil Papiano, children of all ages and capabilities can experience this very special animal-themed playground while playing amidst a whole Los Angeles Zoo of animals, said Councilmember Tom LaBonge. The people of Los Angeles are very grateful to Neil for making this happen. He is an angel in the City of Angels. Neil Papiano Play Park s design was a collaboration by Valley Crest of San Fernando and Zoo staff for the construction of the park. We are exceedingly grateful to Mr. Papiano, said Connie Morgan, president of GLAZA. Because of his generosity, Los Angeles has a new play park that is available to every child who visits the Zoo. According to Zoo Director John Lewis, It is important to us that the Zoo is not just a source for education to the public but serves as a memorable place to visit. The park is a captivating, vibrant setting that reflects the Zoo commitment to the public. We extend our deepest gratitude to Mr. Papiano. The Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association, with more than 60,000 members, is a private, nonprofit organization founded in 1963 that raises money for exhibits, research, capital projects, education programs, conservation, community outreach and other programs of the city-owned Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens. The Los Angeles Zoo is home to more than 1,200 mammals, birds, amphibians and reptiles representing more than 370 different species. The Zoo participates in cooperative worldwide Species Survival Plan projects and is dedicated to the conservation of rare and endangered wildlife. Zoo admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children ages For information about the Los Angeles Zoo, call (323) Neil Papiano, the man who made the park a reality and for whom this new park was named. From left: Councilman Tom LaBonge; Sharon Coggin, LA Zoo Public Relations & Marketing; and Darryl Pon, LA Zoo Planning and Development. From left: Gina Dartt, LA Zoo Public Relations and Marketing; Gail Dwyer, LA Zoo Public Relations and Marketing; and Sharon Coggin, LA Zoo Public Relations and Marketing. DWP General Manager Ron Deaton expresses his gratitude for the new park. Even the grownups were having fun! Former Executive Directors of LAX Lydia Kennard and Jack Driscoll show their support for Neil Papiano. Apolinar Castro, Gardener Caretaker. Richard Lewis, LA Zoo Volunteer Docent. Tad Motoyama, Zoo Photographer II. Ross Hendricks, Gardener Caretaker, and Carlos Carrillo, Gardener Caretaker, make sure everything looks great for the guests. Tom Anderson, Zoo Security Officer, making sure the kids and adults have a safe time. One of the specially commissioned animal sculptures that have been designed to appear as though they are emerging from the water (there s also a hippopotamus). Frank Ramirez, LA Zoo Senior Security Officer (and Club Member who frequently contributes entertaining movie reviews for Alive!). Zoo Director John Lewis extends his gratitude to Neil Papiano. Kayla, one of the children on hand, took advantage of the wheelchair accessibility of the park.
8 8 April 2005 City Employees Club of Los Angeles, Alive! Mayor and mayoral campaign candidate Jim Hahn, LAFD Chief Bill Bammatre and Miss Olvera Street. Children performing traditional Irish dancing. The Jakers! Irish For a Day! Downtown Sees Green Parade Continued from Page 1 Councilmembers and the Mayor; I was very surprised to see him and I m happy that he s out here. Eloisa Paguia, Management Analyst II, ITA: This is great.it s the first time I have ever attended. Because it goes by City Hall, I can just come down during lunch. Councilman Tom LaBonge: It s a great parade, and it s getting better we are now going to Olvera Street! Jose Linaras, Parking Attendant I: Awesome! Luis Perez, Parking Attendant: The best I ve seen. Councilman Antonio Villagarosa: This is my third year. It s great; it s getting bigger and bigger; it s better attended and better organized this time around. In a sense, St. Patrick s Day is almost an American tradition in many ways and it s a great opportunity for us here in L.A. to get out and celebrate the many ethnic communities that make up LA.We need every chance to bring people together. Club Member Mark Barrera, Automobile Dispatcher,Gen. Services: I m always glad when there is something to celebrate! Linda Mikell-Hoyt, ITA: I m so happy they changed the parade route to have it go past City Hall. Eric Maya, DOT, Transportation Engineer: There is so much activity and excitement here, this parade is fun to watch. Erin Go Bragh! Celebrity guest star Sheila Kelley. Councilman Tom LaBonge on foot. From left to Right:Jose Flores, Parking Attendant I; Luis Perez, Parking Attendant, and Jose Linaras, Parking Attendant I. From left: Linda Mikell- Hoyt, ITA, and Alina Yeghyazarians, ITA, enjoying the parade as it passes by City Hall. The parade begins with the Los Angeles Police Emerald Society. The Wells Fargo Stage Coach breaks from the trails to participate in this year s parade. Finbar Hill, the Honorary Consul of Ireland. Eric Robles, GSD and Mona Curry, GSD. Captain Fowlks, LAFD, talking with the Club CEO John Hawkins.
9 City Employees Club of Los Angeles, Alive! April LAFD Chief Bill Bammatre and his wife, Liz. Los Angeles Police Emerald Society. Eric Maya, DOT, Transportation Engineer, 2 years, just moved into the CALTRANS building across from City Hall. Miss Olvera Street, with LAFD Chief Bill Bammatre and his wife, Liz Bamattre. The LAPD Rescue Vehicle. Councilman Benard Parks. Banning High School in Wilmington participated with a roar from the band and flair from the flag girls. Councilman and Mayoral Candidate Antonio Villaraigosa. Banning High School. Some staff members from Councilmember Tom LaBonge s office ride in the parade, greeting the parade viewers and enjoying the moment. Officer Humphrey, DOT West Division, makes sure the traffic flows smoothly. Eric Robles, Gen. Services, introduces the Town Crier to the crowd at City Hall. Casey s Party Bus was one of the wildest parade participants. From left: Eloisa Paguia, Management Analyst II, ITA, with Mary Reuschel, Management Analyst I, Fire Department. From left: Club Member Mark Barrera, Automobile Dispatcher, Gen. Services.He was in charge of maintaining the City Council automobiles during the parade; with new Club member Donald Moreno, Maintenance Laborer, Gen. Services, Safety Representative.. Assistant Chief Jim McDonnell of the LAPD. A band at Pershing Square. Councilman Eric Garcetti.
10 10 April 2005 City Employees Club of Los Angeles, Alive! Engineered for Excellence LA Council of Engineers and Scientists sponsor 2005 awards banquet. Photos by Robert Larios, Club Operations Director In celebration of National Engineer Week, the Los Angeles Council of Engineers and Scientists (LACES) held its 2005 Engineering Awards Banquet Feb. 24 at the Sempra Energy Resource Center. The banquet serves as a celebration to National Engineers Week celebrated February 20-26, Engineers Week was first established in 1951 by the National Society of Professional Engineers and is recognized throughout the United States as the important annual event that is designed to bring to the public s attention, the work and contributions of the nation s engineers. One of LACES missions is to promote, recognize and publicize the critical importance of the achievement and the many contributions engineers make to the enhancement of the quality of life. The banquet recognizes and honors those outstanding engineers in the various engineering disciplines in our communities, the nation and the world. Following are the City of Los Angeles awards. The Club congratulates all the City employee winners, and thanks Michael Simpson, LACES president, for all his assistance. LACES President Michael Simpson. Representatives for Haynes Units 3 and 4 Repowering Project, for DWP. THE POWER ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS The Valley Generating Station Repowering Project, for DWP. Located in Sun Valley is a replacement of four older generating units that were nearly 50 years old with a 533 megawatt combined cycle power plant. Approximately 1 million man-hours were expended in the construction of this project over a 30-month period with an on-site labor force peaking at 550 people. Haynes Units 3 and 4 Repowering Project, for DWP. Located in Long Beach is a replacement of two older generating units with a 575 megawatts combined cycle power plant. Approximately 1.1 million man-hours were expended in the construction of this project over a 30-month period. This $375 million project met DWP s safety, schedule and quality expectations. Hollywood Water Quality Improvement Project was designed to meet new water quality regulations. Seven tunnels were constructed. Tunnels ranged from one mile long/10.5 feet diameter, to 150 feet long/six feet diameter. East Central Interceptor Sewer Project, Bureau of Engineering. An 11-mile long, 11- foot diameter sewer tunnel placed into operation on August 9, Integrated resources plan, Bureau of Sanitation. A visionary process that provides many benefits: o Meet future wastewater needs o Increased use of recycled water o Increased local water supply o Reduced stormwater pollution o Improved water quality o Clean beaches o Improved air quality o Increased open space o Enhanced quality of life o More Jobs Los Angeles Center For Enriched Studies, a joint project with Rec and Parks. Located on the existing campus of the Los Angeles Center for Enriched Studies, a new sports facility complex will house an indoor swimming pool, gymnasium, weight room, two multi-purpose rooms, locker room and offices. LEADERSHIP IN ENGINEERING AWARD Lakeview Terrace Branch Library, Bureau of Engineering. This library represented the culmination of successful partnering of City departments, which include the Library Department and the Department of Public Works Bureau of Engineering. The building s design promotes energy efficiency by utilizing aspects of location and interior/exterior or building systems to maximize the use of natural light and air, landscaping and recycled or environmentally conscientious materials. HARRY STAUBS AWARD Sewer Science Program, Bureau of Sanitation. The Sewer Science Program is an interdisciplinary microbiology, chemistry, physics and environmental curriculum for high-school and middle-school students. It provides a comprehensive educations program for traditional and off-track students by having a hands-on mobile treatment lab unit that teaches students about wastewater treatment. The program is an effective longterm approach to deliver the City s pollution prevention message and an innovative way to introduce the youths to the City services. MEDIA AWARD Santa Monica Boulevard Transit Parkway Project Community and Media Relations Team, Department of Public Works. The Santa Monica Boulevard Transit Parkway Project involves the reconstruction and reconfiguration of Santa Monica Boulevard between the I-405 Freeway and the Beverly Hills City limit in West Los Angeles. This 2.5-mile project is the largest street improvement project ever undertaken by the City of Los Angeles. NEW OUTSTANDING ENGINEER AWARDS Debbie Pham, Bureau of Sanitation- Wastewater Engineering Services Division, 11 years. Sanitary Engineer. Serge Michael Haddad, Bureau of Engineering, 2.5 years. Project Engineer. Jose R. Fuentes, Bureau of Engineering, 12 years. Construction Services Manager GEORGE WASHINGTON ENGINEER OF THE YEAR AWARD Roger Tim Haug, Bureau of Engineering, 22 years. Deputy City Engineer. Employees representing the Integrated resources plan, Bureau of Sanitation. From left: Stan Horwitz, Club Representative and Senior Engineering Manager; Jose R. Fuentes, Construction Services Manager; Serge Michael Haddad, Project Manager; Debbie Pham, Sanitary Engineer; and LACES President Michael Simpson. Employees representing the East Central Interceptor Sewer Project, Bureau of Engineering. Employees Representing the Los Angeles Center for Enriched Studies, a joint project with the Department of Rec and Parks. Lakeview Terrace Branch Library, Bureau of Engineering. Michael Simpson, President, LACES, delivers his opening remarks. The Harry Staubs Award, Sewer Science Program, Bureau of Sanitation. George Washington Engineer of the Year Award: Roger Tim Haug, Bureau of Engineering, 22 years. Deputy City Engineer. Santa Monica Boulevard Transit Parkway Project Community and Media Relations Team, Department of Public Works and LADOT.
11 City Employees Club of Los Angeles, Alive! April Newsbrief MAYORAL ELECTION Pay Tribute to Your Mom! Moms love tributes. It s the least you can do, after all she has done for you! With just 26 percent casting ballots (we re sure Club members voted in higher numbers), City Councilman Antonio Villaraigosa and Mayor Jim Hahn won the March 7 primary election, outpacing a field of candidates that also included Bob Hertzberg, Councilman Bernard Parks and Richard Alarcón. Villaraigosa had the highest percentage of votes, at 33 percent. Hahn had 23 percent, and Hertzberg 22 percent. The day after the election, Hertzberg conceded to Hahn, as the number of outstanding votes would not have put Hertzberg in the lead, he reportedly concluded. A runoff election between Villaraigosa and Hah, a recreation of the last mayoral election in 2001, is set for May. In other pertinent races, current officeholders Rocky Delgadillo, Eric Garcetti, Jan Perry, Ed Reyes, Jack Weiss, Alex Padilla, Dennis Zine and Janice Hahn all won reelection. CITY EMPLOYEES: Pay tribute to your mom this Mother s Day with a photo and message of lifelong love, published in Alive! In our May issue, we ll print a photo of you and your mom (or just your mom) and a two-or-three sentence message of Happy Mother s Day from you. Photos can be either print or digital. But you have to act quickly, as our May issue is fast approaching. Send in a print or digital photo of you and your mom (or just your mom). Send digital photos to: talkback@cityemployeesclub.com. Send print photos (or drop them off in person) to: City Employees Club, 350 S. Figueroa, Suite 700, Los Angeles Here is a picture of me and my Mom, Yvonne Mary Hawkins. Through thick and thin she has always been there for me, even while raising six other children (six boys and one girl). Currently she s living in Chico with my dad. She is President of the Chico Catholic Ladies Relief Society as well as an Extraordinary Minister at her local church. My mom is a native of Pennsylvania yet was raised in Echo Park during its heyday. And hey, she s a Taurus just like me so that s got to mean something! Thanks, Mom, for everything. Include a message of Happy Mother s Day (up to three sentences). Deadline: April 12.
12 12 April 2005 City Employees Club of Los Angeles, Alive! OFFICIAL CLUB PARTNER Travel Talk by Tony Adler, President, Cruise and Resort, Inc. Club Travel Partner What could possibly be the common thread linking Las Vegas, Caribbean cruises and African safaris? You could have answered the Mirage Hotel in Las Vegas because it has a Caribbean theme with tigers and elephants, but it wasn t what I had in mind. For me, the commonality is that these are among the most popular destinations we book at Cruise and Resort. I ve been going to Las Vegas since I was a child. I drove there on my 16th birthday and managed to play blackjack without being carded. I arranged for casino credit on my 21st birthday. I believe that some of the amazing growth in Las Vegas was due to my loyalty (addiction?) and willingness to spend my money there. Eventually, I learned to hedge my bets by buying stock in the casino/hotel companies. That certainly helped, but it was sort of like betting on both heads and tails when flipping a coin. Las Vegas has definitely grown up (and so have I). It is such an exciting town with way more than just gambling to offer. Some of the best spas, shopping and entertainment attract millions of visitors each year. We were just there last month. We stayed at the newly remodeled MGM Grand. It s worth a few dollars more to stay in what they call Bungalow Suites. The extra room is welcome and the bathroom is much bigger than standard rooms. We took our kids to the Outlet Shops for great deals on Nautica and Polo shorts and shirts. Although we had our car on this trip, we took the new monorail up and down the strip many times. We ate at a terrific steakhouse at Harrah s called The Range, and we enjoyed seeing the Lance Burton show at the Monte Carlo. We can also recommend Diego s, the new Mexican restaurant at the MGM Grand with unusual twists on Mexican cuisine and wonderful margaritas. We have special rates at most of the properties, and we are happy to share with you our knowledge of each property. My personal favorites include the MGM Grand, Bellagio and Four Seasons. We love the Caribbean and we love Princess Cruises. We are sailing on the new Caribbean Princess on June 11 for a one-week cruise from Ft. Lauderdale to St. Thomas, St. Maarten and Princess private island in the Bahamas, Princess Cays. Can you join us? As of press time, we still had some rooms available. We ll have a private co*cktail party, and lots of fun on and off the ship! We are bringing our children, so if you have kids that s great too! By the way, this huge ship has all the bells and whistles including Anytime Dining and an outdoor movie theater. Just another tie-in to Las Vegas, this ship also has one of the largest casinos at sea. Even if you can t make our cruise in early summer, please call us for any cruise Vegas, Africa, the Caribbean Are the Most Requested Trips Call your Club representatives at (888) Julie, David or Kristy to talk about any travel destination. Be sure to mention that you are a Club member for your maximum discounts. in the Caribbean or elsewhere. Did you know that one of your Club representatives at our company, Julie Wallace, used to be a cruise line sales manager for Holland America, Windstar and NCL? Julie s cruise knowledge is incredible, and she knows the ins and outs of those particular cruise lines better than anyone. In fact, your representatives Kristy, David and Julie, have been on more than 100 cruises! Our rates are competitive with the Internet companies, but nobody can compete with our knowledge and experience. We actually like talking to our clients! Okay, I admit that I was surprised that we sell so many African safaris and vacations. It is not a short trip, and most people want to stay at least a few weeks once they commit to traveling so far. It is precisely because it is such a unique destination and so few people have visited this continent that so many seek our expertise and advice. We custom-create unbelievable adventures. Most of our trips are with Micato Safaris and Abercrombie and Kent. Our clients are well taken care of, and most of our safaris are more about pampering than roughing it. This isn t pitch-atent camping! The bush lodges and tented camps are luxurious and romantic. Our Micato Safaris are fully escorted with preferred accommodations, all meals included, a no-tipping policy and interesting guest lecturers. We help you choose from safaris that visit South Africa, Botswana, Kenya, Tanzania and more. We have never had a client return without being in awe of what they saw in Africa the totally amazing wildlife, the friendly people, and the joy of fulfilling a lifetime dream. We book singles, couples, families and multi-generational reunions. We hope you get to experience this adventure that will be forever embedded in your memory! Thank you, Club Members, for calling about our Hawaii trips. Many of you were surprised by our Hawaii bargains that included airfare, car rentals and some of the best hotels. We have access to so many different companies, which allows us to compare and find the best deals for our valued clients. It is often about much more than price. We tell you exactly what we think of the hotels, the tour companies and any other component of your trip. We don t make enough on any one sale to have any incentive to lie to you. We make money by creating regular customers that come back again and again. It s a simple concept, but it works. Remember we can help you with short weekends to extended vacations, hotels and villas to cruises, tours and spas. How about a weekend golf outing in the desert? We even handle in-bound travel to Los Angeles, so if you have guests or business associates visiting, be sure to give us a call. We love working with Club members! Calling All Musicians. WE WANT YOU to play at ClubFest! We need: Bands Singers Entertainers Ensembles Not all acts will be asked to perform at ClubFest.The afternoon isn t that long! What Can You Do! Contact John Hawkins, Club CEO jhawkins@cityemployeesclub.com ClubFest 2005 HELP CREATE THE FUN! HELP DESIGN the Official ClubFest 2005 T-shirt. Are you a professional designer? Or do you just like to dabble? Either way, give it a try. Design a logo that will be reproducible on the back of a T-shirt, and send it in.you could win! For more information Contact John Hawkins, Club CEO jhawkins@cityemployeesclub.com
13 City Employees Club of Los Angeles, Alive! April He Kept Things Right Club Member Armando Alba retires from Gen. Services. By Larry Smith, City Employee Photos by Robert Larios, Club Director of Operations After 33 years of service, Armando Alba retired from City service. The great day was celebrated with friends and family March 8 at Luminarias Restaurant in Monterey Park. Armando began working for the City of LA March 7, 1972, as a tree trimmer with R & P. His tree-trimming job was short lived and two months later ended up working as a maintenance laborer on a crew transplanting trees and weed control. This led to work at the Hansom Dam Golf Course. Apparently early on the course was only nine holes. Armando spent much of his time moving rock when the course was being expanded to 18 holes. He also worked guard duty on nights and weekends. In October 1972 Armando was promoted to Mechanical Helper and transferred to 2310 E. 7th St., where his duties included minor vehicle repair and New Equipment Prep. January 1973 brought a transfer to the DWP and a permanent position. His work location was on Main Street, where he worked with machinists, welders and plumbers. In January 1975 DWP s loss was Fleet Service s gain. Armando was promoted to Equipment Mechanic and transferred to 2222 E. 7th St. (nights). Within about a year he ended up working days at his current location. Except for a brief period when the powers that be decided to let individual departments receive their own equipment, Armando has been a fixture with Technical Services. Armando s work with Technical Services has affected nearly everyone in the City. While his direct involvement with City employees could be considered limited, you would be hard pressed to find employees who had not heard of him. While a local TV reporter was attempting to defame the department s procedures, Armando stood out as cool and calm and very professional. During the last five years, everyone in the department could count on the receiving and the prep of new equipment being handled. There wasn t much the spec writers and inspectors could throw at him that he could not straighten out. Armando has always kept us in line. The streets are clean traffic signals operate the lights go on trash is picked up the list is endless. Armando is the best example of what is right in the City. He will be missed. Armando Alba getting his city plaque. From left: Terry Lien, Equipment Specialist II, 39 years; and Ralph Quintero, Equipment Specialist I, 31 years. From left: James Okikawa, Auto Body Builder/Repairer, 19.5 years; and Ben Baca, Auto Painter, 17 years. Armando Alba, a man a few words, has a positive attitude. From left: Herald Combs, Equipment Specialist, 25 years; and Art Flores Automotive Dispatcher II, 18 years. From left: Dan Rivera, Auto Body Builder, 11 years; and Ben Baca, Auto Painter, 17 years. From left: Sean McMorrow, Equipment Specialist I, 16 years; and Oscar Bustos, Equipment Specialist II, 20 years. From left: Jim Bonville, Director, Fleet Services, 25 years; and Tony Declue, Assistant GM, 32 years. Arden Hough, Equipment Mechanic, 20 years. Paul Fadul, Mechanical Engineering Associate II, 3 years. From left: Armando Alba, Heavy Duty Equipment Mechanic, 33 years; and Larry Smith, Equipment Specialist, 17 years. Dan Parker, Automotive Supervisor, 15 years From left: Kevin Lee, Automotive Engineer II, 21 years; and Mike Graham, Equipment Specialist II, 20 years. From left: Larry Smith with Lynn Ho, Sr. Clerk Typist, LACERS, 5 years. From left: Joseph Palumbo, Auto Body Supervisor, 20 years; and Enrique Bellegas, Welder, 30 years. From left: Alan Morioka, Equipment Mechanic, 4 years; and Kris Goolsby, 20 years. From left: David Orozco, Equipment Mechanic, 3 years; and Herb Schmidl, Heavy Duty Equipment Mechanic, 13 years. A male and female basketball league is forming. From left: Robert Garcia, Auto Painter, 17 years; and Ed Segal, Equipment Mechanic, 20 years. Alvin Blain, General Manager, 31 years; Dave Wilson, Equipment Superintendent, 30 years; and Rob Simanovich, Equipment Specialist, 20 years. From left: Jess Tiznado, Heavy Duty Equipment Mechanic, 32 years; and Bryant Tarumoto, New Car Prep-Tech Services, 5 years. From left: Jose Hernanadez, Equipment Mechanic, 5 years; John Nerio, Welder, 15 years. CITY HOOPS LEAGUE SEASONS: Spring league is between January and April. Summer league is between June and August. Fall league is between October and December. REGISTRATION FEES: $225 per team OFFICIALS: $30 per game ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Jose Aviles All City Basketball League P.O. Box Los Angeles, CA (323) javiles243@yahoo.com From left: Rosa Ruiz, Clerk Typist, 10 years; Shannon Cahill-Hayman, Sr. Clerk Typist, 6 years; and Lydia Chagolla, Clerk Typist, 1 year. From left: Leo Villasenor, Equipment Mechanic, 19 years; and Louis Armstrong, Retired, General Services after 32 years. Allie Taylor, Clerk Typist, 30 years. MEN & WOMEN: JOIN TODAY!
14 14 April 2005 City Employees Club of Los Angeles, Alive! WIN 4 free tickets to UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOLLYWOOD An award package will be given for each age group: * Ages 5 and under * Ages 6 to 7 * Ages 8 to 10 Coloring It s a Contest! Color this fun picture, have an adult send it in, and you could win four free tickets to UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOLLYWOOD! We want to know about you! Tell us a little about yourself: Your name How old are you? When is your birthday? What is your favorite television show? What is your favorite snack? What is the first name of your best friend? I want to go to Universal Studios Hollywood because: For parents/guardian to complete: Name of parent/guardian: Job title and department with the City: Parent/guardian phone number: Child s address/state/zip: Submit to: Club Coloring Contest City Employees Club of Los Angeles World Trade Center 350 S. Figueroa St., Suite 700 Los Angeles, CA Deadline for submission: May 10, 2005 Hey Hey kids! The Club will do everything it can to gather all the submissions, but it cannot be responsible for lost or misdirected mail. Good luck, and have fun!
15 City Employees Club of Los Angeles, Alive! April Black History Luncheon Black Personnel Association holds fourth annual Black History luncheon. Story by Irene Key, President of the Black History Committee Photos by Robert Larios, Club Operations Director The Black Personnel Association held the fourth annual Black History luncheon Feb. 24 at the New Otani Hotel. February was Black History Month. Special City Employee Awards were chosen by Bureau of Sanitation employees. The recipients mirrored the great efforts and dedication to their craft. After a live music selection from Momma and Me, the BOSS (Bureau of Street Services) Choir sang several heart warming musical selections for the attendees. Host Cora Jackson-Fossett serves as Public Information Director II for the City of Los Angeles Department of Public Works. Appointed in April 1999, she is responsible for developing, executing and administering comprehensive programs and projects in media relations, community relations, marketing communications and crisis communications for the third largest municipal agency in Los Angeles. Congratulations to the awardees. From left: Cora Jackson-Fossett, 15 years, Public Information Director II and host for the luncheon; James Duncan, Street Services Supervisor II, Program Director, 15 years (presented the special awards ceremony); and Irene Key, Principal Clerk, 21 years. Cheryl Elam, recipient of the Woodson Award. Nazario Saucedo, recipient of the Martin Luther King Award. Irene Key, Principal Clerk, 21 years. Marcus McNeil Black History Committee Member and Street Services Supervisor II, 16 years, accepts award on behalf of Leroy Young, recipient of the Rosa Parks Award. Shelia Shannon, Payroll Supervisor I, 33 years, conducted the scholarship presentation to high school students. Larry Walton, recipient of the Jackie Robinson Award. Christine Giddings, Clerk Typist, 7 years, participates in the fashion show during the program Shelly Wilks, Maintenance Laborer, 5 years, participates in the fashion show. Patricia Sweets, Principal Clerk, 21 years, participates in the fashion show. Erin Jones, Clerk Typist, 4 years, participates in the fashion show.
16 16 April 2005 City Employees Club of Los Angeles, Alive! GO DODGERS! It Came Out Swinging New baby orangutan represents a milestone in the Zoo s efforts to protect endangered species. The story of the birth of the Los Angeles Zoo s new baby orangutan contains all the components of a dramatic epic. For L.A. Zoo officials, though the successful birth on Tuesday, Feb. 22, of an endangered species is considered a tremendous feat in itself, the heart of this story comes long before the baby s conception. This is a tremendous victory and success in zoological efforts to protect endangered species, said John Lewis, L.A. Zoo Director. It speaks volumes to the dedication, compassion and skill of the L.A. Zoo staff and the willingness of the area s medical community to share their incredible knowledge. We are excited and proud to share this special baby with Los Angeles, our visitors, and most importantly, future generations of orangutans. Minyak, the baby s father, symbolizes a hard luck story. In fact, when he first arrived at the L.A. Zoo in January 2002, there were times when staff worried if Minyak would survive his debilitating condition. Minyak suffered from chronic respiratory illness starting as an infant. His recurring condition (known as air sacculitis), which can occur both in wild and captive apes, caused him to have frequent bouts of pneumonia. Minyak, whose parents were wild caught orangutans, plays an important role genetically to the breeding of orangutans because he is a purebred Bornean orangutan. The American Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan program, which recommends placement of endangered animals at accredited zoos to ensure genetic diversity, was in search of a positive environment for Minyak, but because of his health condition it was difficult to place Minyak in a good home. The L.A. Zoo stepped up to the occasion, believing that the drier Southern California climate and the high caliber orangutan facility, Red Ape Rain Forest, would be a perfect place for him to thrive. We were hopeful that his condition would improve and it did for some time, but his problems resurfaced and it became apparent we needed to look for a long-term cure, Lewis said. It was then that we decided to remove Minyak s air sac entirely, an operation that has never before been attempted on a mature ape. It was through a team effort with our staff, talented veterinary and human doctors, and IQ Air, that we were able to turn Minyak s condition around. Though orangutans with respiratory problems have had their air sacs removed, the operations have been done early in the orangutan s life. Minyak s operation was conducted when he was 21, at an age when his air sac was much larger than his younger counterparts. On January 2003, a team of talented doctors, consisting of volunteer human and animal doctors from the Zoo s Medical Advisory Board, performed the groundbreaking operation. Dr. Ralph Potkin, a clinical professor at Cedar Sinai Medical Center of pulmonary care medicine, described the surgery as life saving due to Minyak s overwhelming physical condition that caused increasing lung damage. The success of the operation is evident through Minyak s survival, Potkin said. Since the operation, Minyak has gained weight, become more social and has had no major bouts with his respiratory infections. We are thankful to have been part of Minyak s operation and ultimate recovery. It is only fitting after so many veterinarian efforts have led to the advance of human medicine, that we participate in this operation. After the surgery, Minyak and his keepers underwent a rigorous training program conducted jointly by Animal Health and Animal Care that enabled Minyak to take his medications, move from holding area to exhibit spaces, and be nebulized by the keepers daily. In addition, IQ Air, a Swiss company that specializes in air cleaning systems, donated and installed air equipment, which is valued between $10,000 and $13,000, after the operation in January They will continue to maintain the system for another four years as the Zoo staff evaluates the cost of operating the system and the long-term health benefits for Minyak. Once Minyak recovered, he was brought back to the Red Ape Rain Forest, currently home to orangutans Bruno, Eloise, Rosie and Kalim. Zoo staff waited and crossed their fingers, hoping that Minyak s improved health would be conducive to breeding. It was, and in June 2004, the baby was conceived. Kalim, the mother of the baby orangutan, also has a special story. She was hand-raised in the Zoo s nursery with three other orangutans. As such, being a first-time mother, Zoo staff wondered how well she would be able to take care of her baby. To help prepare her, staff trained Kalim on several maternal skills that included: retrieval of an object from the floor, presentation of a stuffed orangutan, and teaching Kalim the proper positioning of a baby to her chest appropriate for holding and feeding. We are very proud of Kalim and how well she is taking care of her baby, said Jennie McNary, Curator of Mammals. From the birth to the dayto-day interaction, Kalim has been extremely responsive. The staff is very happy with how well Kalim took to maternal training, but even more pleased that she is raising the infant on her own. The success is evident through the growing bond between mother and child. The breeding of orangutans is important because of the ongoing plight of these primates. At most, 20,000 orangutans still exist in the wild, down 30 percent to 50 percent from 10 years ago. They are endangered from years of habitat loss, hunting and the pet trade in their native Indonesia.
17 City Employees Club of Los Angeles, Alive! April Asian Assn. s New Year LACEAAA holds association meeting, celebrates Chinese New Year. Information and photos for this story were provided by Mike Fong and Joe Quan. More than 140 City employees and guests ushered in the Year of the Rooster at the Los Angeles City Employees Asian American Association (LACEAAA) Annual Lunar New Year luncheon at Empress Pavilion Restaurant Feb. 17. During the event, Association President Doug Shur introduced the new board. The event was a wonderful occasion with delicious Chinese food and great entertainment including a lion dance! Every attendee received a lai see lucky money envelope with a new California quarter. Doug Shur gave remarks regarding his vision and goal for LACEAAA during the next two years. LACEAAA Vice President Mei Ong did a great job in organizing the luncheon. Special guest included LAPD First Assistant Chief Jim McDonnell; Public Works Board President Valerie Lynne Shaw; CRA Commissioner Shu Kwan Woo; and West Valley Planning Commissioner David Iwada. The new board consists of: Doug Shur, President, LAPD Mei Ong, Vice President, Public Works Joe Quan, Vice President, ITA Kathy Khou, Vice President, Controller Irene Sae Koo, Treasurer, Transportation Glenn Kawahata, Recording Secretary, ITA Mike Fong, Corresponding Secretary, CDD Jaime Truong, Immediate Past President Building and Safety Please visit the LACEAAA website at for information on upcoming events. The Association invites you to a future LACEAAA event! The crowd participates to receive gifts from the entertainer. A member of the audience tries to maintain his composure while balancing the spinning dishes. LACEAAA President Doug Shur welcomes everyone. Some of the attendees enjoying the luncheon. LAPD Assistant Chief Jim McDonnell came to celebrate.
18 18 April 2005 City Employees Club of Los Angeles, Alive! Waving Goodbye to Wanda Wanda Williams-Brown retires from DWP. Now she s off to Texas. Story by Bev Haro, Club Counselor Photos by Robert Larios, Club Operations Director Wanda Williams-Brown retired from the DWP Customer Service with a festive event March 12 at the Proud Bird Restaurant in Westchester. She spent 28 years in service to the City. Wanda started as a Commercial Service Representative at the DWP and at one time was the only female Commercial Field Collector (collecting delinquent DWP bills in the field or turning off service for nonpayment). She worked on the committee that developed the department-wide DWP Earthquake Preparedness Program. She was one of the first group of Residential Conservation Representatives hired by DWP after the federal government mandated that utilities of a certain size were required to hire and train individuals to conduct energy conservation surveys. And she worked several years as an Account Executive in Major Accounts, providing personalized service to some of the DWP s largest commercial and industrial customers. She considers her greatest accomplishment as starting at the DWP with just a high school diploma. As a single parent, she obtained a Bachelor of science degree in business management and a Master s degree in business administration, both from Pepperdine University. Married to the Rev. Willie Brown, Wanda is the mother of one son, Christopher Williams Sr. and one daughter, Tracey Renee Williams, three stepsons, one stepdaughter and eleven grandchildren. Other accomplishments: Member of the DWP Choraliers Member of DWP Toastmasters Founding Board Member of Water and Power African A m e r i c a n Association (WPAAA) Former member of the Association of Blacks in City Government (ABCG) Former member of the Affirmative Action Council Former DWP Rep to the A m e r i c a n Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE) Represented DWP as a speaker for various civic and community organizations on energy conservation and rates issues Staffed DWP booths at conventions and trade shows Soloist for DWP Good Friday services Participated for two years as a speaker from DWP for Career Day at the Los Angeles Center for Enriched Studies Provided musical selections for numerous DWP retirement celebrations and memorial services Member of Park Windsor Baptist Church since July 1981 Lead vocalist with the Voices of Park Windsor Choir Former member of the Trustee Board serving as Financial Secretary In her retirement, she looks forward to singing, entertaining family and friends, planning parties and reunions, traveling, baking, floral design and decorating. What a life! What a career! Congratulations, Wanda. Wanda Williams-Brown and her husband, Willie. Happy Retirement, Wanda! Gwyn Walker presents Wanda with a Toastmasters award. From left: Harrison Chastang, Retired DWP, 32 years, with wife Ruth Harrison. From left: Jimi Roberson, Retired DWP, 28 years, with Betty Dixon-Edwards, Retired DWP, 32 years. From left: Carolyn Carter, Retired DWP, 32 years; and Barbara Merrick, Data Entry Supervisor, 30 years. BAKER TO VEGAS PRE-RACE PARTY WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13, HRS TIL? POLICE ACADEMY LOUNGE GIVEN BY: COMM DIV. MORE INFO: CONTACT LOURDES VARAS FUN FOOD FRIENDS DANCING FREE PARKING $5 DONATION ALL ARE WELCOME
19 City Employees Club of Los Angeles, Alive! April From left: Schiry Monroe, Documentation Technician, 25.5 years; and James Monroe, DWPretired-Info Systems Supervisor, 33years. Master of Ceremonies Keith Brown. Betty Quarter, DWP-retired Maybrie Lasuere, Retired DWP, 32 years. Selina Roberts sings the first song during Wanda s retirement party. Beverly Swann, Retired DWP, 37 years. Conney Williams shared his special and moving poem for Wanda, and then received a standing ovation by attendees. Retired DWP, 23 years. From left: Beverly Tagger, Retired DWP, 33 years; and Darrilyn Johnson, St. Commercial Service Rep., 30 years. From left: Mary Sneed, Retired DWP, 35 years; and Anna Redd, DWP-retired. From left: Mary Burns, Retired DWP, 32 years; and Ellie Riley, Retired DWP, 30 years. From left: Pat Houston, Retired DWP, 30 years; David Jones, Field Service, 21 years; Jean Godfrey-Bell, Sr. Commercial Rep., 33 years; and Susan Washington, Management Analyst, 33 years. From left: Penny Brown, Sr. Clerk Typist, 29 years. Peter Garra, DWP Photographer, 29 years. From left: Pearl Williford, Retired DWP, 31 years; and Robert Garcia, Supervisor, 34 years. From left: Gloria Lee Ray, Utility Services Manager, 28 years; and Heidi Bas, Sr. Premier Account Manager, 17 years. From left: Yvonne Woods, Computer Operator II, 11 years; and Wanda Clark, Sr. Costumer Service Rep., 27 years. From left: Sharon Kendrick, DWP-Call Center Manager, 25 years; and Vernon Kendrick, Retired DWP, 33 years. From left: Martha Hernandez, Utility Marketing Rep, 25 years, with her son, Kevin Garcia. Master of Ceremonies Baron Brown Slappy White crashes the retirement party (performed by Keith Brown). From left: Janet Dunham, Sr. Utility Buyer, 17 years; and Zara Madison, Utility Marketing Rep, 18 years. From left: Connie Garrison, Customer Service Rep, 30 years; and Joyce Bodley-Walker, Customer Service Supervisor, 29 years. April Steffen, representing the DWP Choraliers, honors Wanda. Belinda Crawford presents Wanda with a certificate from the DWP Employees Association. Ida Smith of Park Windsor Baptist Church says a few words on behalf of the congregation. Gregory Black, representing DWP management, presents Wanda with a certificate of appreciation on behalf of DWP. Back, from left: Marylin Washington, Sr. Clerk Typist, 30 years; Billy Younger, Retired DWP, 36 years. Front: Vivian Dode, Sr. Clerk Typist, 30 years; and Belinfa Crawford, Administrative Assistant, DWP 26 years. Linda Colley dressed in the Texas attire to welcome everyone at the retirement party and to welcome Wanda to Texas this is where she will be living her years after DWP. Steve King, former ACEB- SA president, shares his appreciation for Wanda for her help during his tenure. Tracy Williams, Wanda s daughter with her mother. From left: Shelia Le Fridge, LAPD Management Analyst II, 15 years; Norma Brooks, Retired DWP; and Sandy Mack, Office of Finance, 33 years.
20 20 April 2005 City Employees Club of Los Angeles, Alive! Central City s Heroes Central City Police Boosters recognizes the precinct s best employees of the year. Liliana Herrera, Volunteer of the Year, stands next to her award. From left: Officer Chris Jarvis, Central Bike Unit; Officer John Rice, Central Bike Unit; Carlos Lopez, Director of Security, Bank of America Plaza; and Milon Morgan, Director of Security, Ernst and Young Plaza. From left: Officer Donna Cornejo, OCB; Cindy Feng, Management Analyst; and Celeste Garin, Management Analyst, Club Member. By Arlene Herrero, Club Counselor; Event photos by Michelle Moreno, Club Events Guru The Central City Police Boosters held the group s annual Police Recognition Day luncheon March 8 at the Wilshire Grand Hotel. The event recognizes sworn and civilian employees and volunteers for their exemplary service. Honored were: Liliana Herrera, Volunteer of the Year Officers Pernell Taylor and James Lenoue, both of the Bicycle Unit, Officers of the Year Sgt. Leonard Perez, Supervisor of the Year Maria Lucy Rios, Civilian Employee of the Year (and Club Member) Det. Jamie Bennett, Detective of the Year Sgt. Leonard Perez, recipient of the Supervisor of the Year award, was not present to accept his award. He was called to active duty and is in Iraq. His wife Christina, daughter Briana and son Brandon accepted on his behalf. Brandon read an acceptance letter. The Club congratulates the winners, who are much-deserved. Additional information was provided by Officer and Club Member Marie Kardiban. From left: Cecilia Tatum, Central Police Station, 4 years, and Stephanie Sancez, Volunteer, staff the table as all guests check in for the luncheon. From left: Gloria Le Noue, guest of Officer Le Noue; Keith Le Noue, guest of Officer Le Noue; Margie Blessing, guest of Officer Le Noue; and John Le Noue, guest of Officer Le Noue. From left: Police Officer Darrion Carlyle, PSU; Police Officer Maniel Melgoza, PSU; Police Officer Angel Guerra, PSU; Lieutenant Robert Hauck, Internal Affairs; and Detective Tricia Hauck, Central Homicide. From left: Mitch Honda, Little Tokyo Public Safety Association; Satoru Uyeda, Little Tokyo Public Safety Association; Hisako Uyeda, Little Tokyo Public Safety Association; and Nancy Kikuchi, Tokyo Public Safety Association. Universal Protection Services, from left: Michael Zackoff, Edward D. Salsameda, Louis Boulgarides and William Timberlake. From left: Sgt. Caulford; Police Officer James Le Noue, Central Bike Unit; Alison Le Noue, 6-year-old daughter of Officer Le Noue; and Kimberly Le Noue, wife. Universal Protection Services, from left: David Lamber, Chris Rike, Roger Langner and Patrick Silver. CENTRAL AREA OFFICERS OF THE YEAR Pernell Taylor James Lenoue Police Officer II Pernell Taylor and Police Officer II James Lenoue are assigned to the Bicycle Unit as partners in the Central Area Problem Solving Unit. Their specific assignment is violent crime suppression. Officers Taylor and Lenoue targeted violent crime locations within Central Area. They developed strategies to combat aggravated assaults and street robberies. One of the strategies was to develop expertise in narcotics enforcement. Officers Taylor and Lenoue vigorously arrested narcotics offenders who were also known to be involved in violent crimes. Officers Taylor and Lenoue are one of the highest producing team in Central Area. Their duty performance is outstanding based on their powers of observation, motivation and dedication. Officers Taylor and Lenoue s initiative and professionalism greatly contributed to the 26 percent reduction in Aggravated Assaults and a 20 percent reduction in Robberies in Central Area. Officers Taylor and Lenoue confronted extremely violent individuals every day. Their professionalism and ability to make sound tactical decisions under stress resulted in maintaining control of the situation. Officers Taylor and Lenoue supported the Central Area community policing efforts. They responded to citizen concerns and requests for police assistance, which resulted in a positive partnership with community members. Officers Taylor and Lenoue received numerous commendations from their supervisors and citizens in the community. Their dedication and commitment to the Department and the citizens of Los Angeles cannot be overstated. Officers Taylor and Lenoue represent a positive image of the Los Angeles Police Department. CENTRAL AREA SUPERVISOR OF THE YEAR Sgt. Leonard Perez Supervision in the complex and ever-changing world of law enforcement requires an individual of staunch character, unwavering leadership and the ability to sustain a motivational level that returns dividends to the employees, organization and community. When one looks at what makes an exemplary supervisor, initiative and the respect garnered from subordinates, peers and supervisors makes for a solid and indisputable gage of quality of an individual. In addition, a balance must be struck between exceptional tactical skills and solid, insightful administrative acumen. All of these qualities are embodied in Central Patrol Division s Watch 5 field supervisor, Sgt. Leonard Perez. Under Sergeant Perez s model supervision, Central Mid PM Watch has become one of the most productive and coveted assignments in the division. The reason: the stamp of excellence coloring the members of Watch 5, as Sgt. Perez raises the bar for quality proactive policing. The Z cars under his insightful eye function in unison, forming what could best be described as a special problems unit. Yet the tone Sgt. Perez sets underscores the fact that the officers are members of a larger team, with challenging goals to fulfill. With ease, he navigates through a myriad of demands each and every day. It truly appears that the more challenging the situation, the greater Sgt. Perez s abilities shine. Often asked to substitute for the assistant watch commander or watch commander, he is at home balancing watch demands, utilizing common sense and good judgment. Sergeant Perez has the innate ability to not only look at the issues at hand, but also assess the totality of circ*mstances and their potential impact on the Department. His maturity and professionalism cause others to embrace his advice, counsel and discipline, even if it is unpopular, with genuine acceptance. Sgt. Perez s institutional knowledge creates an environment of confidence among the officers who work for him. Leonard keeps abreast of all changes in Department policies, making his knowledge of the pursuit and use of force policies outstanding. His written work product is completed staff work. He often volunteers to do more than his share of the work. He immediately acknowledges and responds to supervisor requests, supporting the officers field enforcement efforts. Sgt. Perez shies away from nothing. He genuinely cares about the quality and caliber of the individuals who are members of the Department. It is with pride and confidence that Central Patrol Division has selected Sgt. Leonard Perez for Central Area Supervisor of the Year. CENTRAL AREA CIVILIAN EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR Maria Lucy Rios Central Area is pleased to recognize Clerk Typist Maria Lucy Rios as the Civilian Employee of the Year for Lucy began her career with the Department in February 1978, as an office trainee. After her appointment to Clerk Typist, she was assigned to the Central Area Records Unit in July Record Clerks are the unsung heroes of the Department, providing crucial support services to field officers and detective personnel. Lucy ranks among the best of the best. Her extensive job knowledge and expertise in Records Unit functions have earned her the reputation as the unit s resident problem-solver. Lucy loves a challenge and never shies away from a difficult assignment. Lucy s strong commitment to Department and unit goals is evident in all she does. Due to the hiring freeze, the Records Unit has struggled with a staffing shortage, particularly on Day Watch. Lucy rose to this challenge, demonstrating her ability to juggle a heavy workload while still providing exceptional support service to officers, citizens and personnel from outside agencies. During this past year, Lucy was commended for providing outstanding service to Parole Agents. Central Records handles a heavy volume of
21 City Employees Club of Los Angeles, Alive! April Back, from left: Chief of Police William J. Bratton; Captain James A. Rubert, Central Area Commanding Officer; Assistant Chief Sharon Papa, Office of Support Services, Club Member; Tom Hyde, President, Central City Police Boosters; Captain Blake Chow, Commanding Officer, Central Patrol; and Deputy Chief Lee Carter. Front: Maria Lucy Rios, Civilian Employee of the Year, Club Member. From left: Police Officer Jesse Mojica, Central PSU; Police Officer Craig Rensch, Central PSU; Emmett Badar, Central Detective; and Albert Marengo, Central Detective. From left: Captain Blake Chow, Commanding Officer, Central Patrol; Captain James A. Rubert, Central Area Commanding Officer; Chief of Police William J. Bratton; Liliana Herrera, Volunteer of the Year; Assistant Chief Sharon Papa, Office of Support Services, Club Member; Deputy Chief Lee Carter; and Tom Hyde, President, Central City Police Boosters. The Perez family accepts the award on behalf of Sgt. Leonard Perez, who was called to active duty in Iraq. Front, from left: Captain Blake Chow, Commanding Officer, Central Patrol; Captain James A. Rubert, Central Area Commanding Officer; Chief of Police William J. Bratton; Bianca Perez; Christina Perez; Assistant Chief Sharon Papa, Office of Support Services, Club Member; Tom Hyde, President, Central City Police Boosters; and Deputy Chief Lee Carter. From left: Charlie Boone, Hamilton Pacific; Greg Monsouir, Hamilton Pacific; Scott Bradshaw, Hamilton Pacific; Sgt. Brad Wise, Central Police Station; and Sgt. Rosalie Garcia, Central Police Station. From left: Captain Blake Chow, Commanding Officer, Central Patrol; Assistant Chief Sharon Papa, Office of Support Services, Club Member; and Sgt. Campbell. From left: Captain Blake Chow, Commanding Officer, Central Patrol; Captain James A. Rubert, Central Area Commanding Officer; Chief of Police William J. Bratton, Police Officer II Pernell Taylor, Bike Unit; Police Officer II James Le Noue, Bike Unit; Assistant Chief Sharon Papa, Office of Support Services, Club Member; Tom Hyde, President, Central City Police Boosters; and Deputy Chief Lee Carter From left: Captain Blake Chow, Commanding Officer, Central Patrol; Captain James A. Rubert, Central Area Commanding Officer; Chief of Police William J. Bratton; Jamie Bennett, Detective of the Year; Assistant Chief Sharon Papa, Office of Support Services, Club Member; Tom Hyde, President, Central City Police Boosters; and Deputy Chief Lee Carter. Dennis Needleman receives a Special Recognition Outstanding Community Service Award. Left: Officer Marie Kardiban, Club Member. Chief of Police William J. Bratton congratulates the award recipients. Captain James A. Rubert, Central Area Commanding Officer, proudly holds his Outstanding Leadership award presented to him on behalf of Councilwoman Jan Perry and the Central City Police Boosters Board of Directors. From left: Deputy Chief Lee Carter with Carol Schatz, President, CEO, Central City Association, guest speaker. From left: Police Officer Kris Werner, Central PSU; Police Officer II Pernell Taylor; Police Officer II James Le Noue; Police Officer Candelaria; Sgt. James Baker, Club Member; and Cathy Susim, Central Station, Club Member. requests from Parole Agents and Probation Officers, and often these individuals have only minimal information on the arrestee under investigation. Researching the information they need can be difficult and time-consuming, but Lucy never hesitates to provide the same top-quality level of service she provides to our own officers. In addition to her regular clerical functions she provides invaluable assistance to the Records Unit supervisor, consistently demonstrating her initiative and resourcefulness. Despite the many obstacles she faces on a regular basis, such as supply shortages, system downtime and equipment failure, she never loses her can-do attitude and positive outlook. Lucy s outstanding job performance and dedication to duty makes her a most deserving recipient of the honor of Central Area s Civilian Employee of the Year. CENTRAL AREA VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR Liliana Herrera Liliana Herrera has been a devoted and dedicated volunteer with the Central Division Juvenile Impact Program since Liliana is a loyal volunteer who teaches and counsels Juvenile Impact students once a week. Liliana teaches a curriculum from the Los Angeles Commission on Assaults Against Women (LACAAW) called In Touch with Teens. The curriculum covers alcohol and drug abuse counseling, anger management and violence prevention. It is a curriculum that was created by LACAAW and is recognized nationally. Liliana has been employed with LACAAW since 1998, as the High Risk Youth Program Coordinator. Liliana counsels female juveniles who are incarcerated and helps them with selfesteem, assists with job training and also teaches violence prevention. Liliana believes the key to saving the youths of today is helping parents. While employed at LACAAW, Liliana has received additional training in parenting through the KCET Parenting Program. Liliana helps parents who have students in the Juvenile Impact Program. Parents walk away from the outreach meetings with a sense of understanding on how to deal with and better raise their children. One of Liliana s passions in life is to prevent violence against women. She has received her self-defense training and knowledge through several training courses given at LACAAW. Liliana teaches the female students in the program basic self-defense techniques and methods to defend themselves. A majority of the activities offered at the Central Division Juvenile Impact Program are due to Liliana s knowledge and generosity. Liliana always goes above and beyond what is required of her and receives personal satisfaction knowing that she has helped families and students. It is with great pride and honor that Central Area has selected Liliana Herrera as the 2004 Volunteer of the Year. CENTRAL AREA DETECTIVE OF THE YEAR Jamie Bennett In early 2003, Detective Trainee Officer Jamie Bennett, after being recognized as an individual who possessed the attributes of a good investigator, was selected to work the Central Homicide Unit. From the onset, Officer Bennett was a standout individual who possessed a fresh perspective and raw tenacity. He quickly established himself developing into an accomplished and savvy investigator. In the months that followed, Officer Bennett sought opportunities to challenge himself as Lead Investigator in several complex and cumbersome investigations. Officer Bennett s most notable case was the result of an in-depth investigation that included a search warrant of a suspect s makeshift residence located in an overgrown field. The investigation began when a plastic tarp containing the decomposed remains of a female was found in a field along the Los Angeles River. During the initial investigation little was known of the unidentified victim and the circ*mstances surrounding her death. However, the persistence and relentless investigation on the part of Officer Bennett soon caused a break in the case. A transient male who lived in the proximity of where the victim was discovered was identified, and this caused a shift in the investigation. Officer Bennett, who had assumed the role of primary investigator, concluded that the transient s tent was the likely crime scene and immediately prepared a detailed search warrant. During the serving of the warrant Officer Bennett recognized an abundance of forensic evidence, including blood, hair, fibers and a unique ring previously described by a witness. Armed with this information, he consulted with Scientific Investigation Division criminalists who responded and successfully collected several items containing forensic value. The suspect, later arrested by Officer Bennett for nearly beating his girlfriend to death, was found guilty of the brutal assault at a jury trial after Officer Bennett provided compelling testimony. The suspect was sentenced to 50 years in State prison for the brutal beating. In spite of Officer Bennett s efforts, the District Attorney s Office declined to file murder charges. Officer Bennett however, has not relented to this day and continues to seek potential witnesses and evidence in hopes of someday filing the case. It is Officer Bennett s tenacity, commitment and steadfast dedication that make him such a valuable member to both Central Area and the Community he serves. It is therefore with pride and great honor that Detective Trainee, Jamie Bennett, be recognized and honored as the Central Area 2004 Detective of the Year.
22 22 April 2005 City Employees Club of Los Angeles, Alive! Two City Employees Are Mourned Passings Continued from Page 1 Director of the Bureau of Street Services, William Robertson, delivered the closing remarks. The deaths came as a shock to a City family still reeling from the deaths of three City employees: Julia Bennett and Alfonso Caballero in the fatal Metrolink accident and derailment, and Rory Shaw while he was attending to a sinkhole emergency on Tujunga Boulevard in Sun Valley. The shooting occurred barely a week after the death of Shaw, and on the same day the City hosted a memorial service for him. At about 5:30 p.m. Feb. 24, a City employee, Thomas Sampson, walked into a Street Services field office south of downtown and shot his supervisor and a co-worker, killing them both. The field office is at 2474 E. Olympic Blvd. The victims were Flores, Sampson s supervisor, and Garris, Sampson s co-worker. Both victims were discovered by a co-worker who had returned to the worksite. According to the LAPD, detectives learned that Sampson and his supervisor, Rene Flores, had a phone conversation regarding Sampson being late for work. Following the counseling, Sampson abandoned his City-owned work truck on the 10 Freeway in West Los Angeles and took a bus to where he had parked his personal car. Sampson drove home, changed from his work clothes into a suit, armed himself with an assault rifle, drove to 2474 E. Olympic Blvd, and waited for Flores to return to work, the LAPD says. Sampson confronted Flores inside the office and shot him, the police report says. Sampson also shot Ricardo Garris, a co-worker, who happened to be in the office at the time, according to the LAPD. Sampson left the Street Services site, drove to Hollenbeck Police Station and surrendered to officers, the report indicates. Police say they recovered the assault rifle at the time of Sampson s surrender. Sampson was arrested and booked for the murders of his co-workers. Rene Flores Rene Flores was a supervisor and bridge repair expert in the Bureau of Street Services, Public Works. He was a 22-year veteran of the bureau, a very hard worker who volunteered for weekend shifts and planned to retire in two years. The Sunland resident was engaged to be married this year. Rene enjoyed spending time with his family, gardening, sailing and riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle. He is survived by his mother, his fiancé, children from previous marriages, and five brothers and sisters. Ricardo Garris Ricardo Big Rick Garris was reportedly Rene Flores s right-hand man on the bridge repair detail in Street Services. He was a 23-year veteran of the City. The Inglewood resident enjoyed riding motorcycles and bikes, racing cars, watching boxing matches and helping others. He is survived by his widow, Yvette Williams. Club Recaps Year of Achievements at Annual Meeting Annual Meeting Continued from Page 1 by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover. That s very appropriate for us in the year ahead. The meeting featured: great news of the Club s success delivered by Board President Mike Biagi, and; prestigious Club awards to two very dedicated people, Club Claims Administrator Cecilia Talbot and Club Rep Susan Valencoure. I m beginning to realize that 2004 turned out to be one of our more successful years in recent memory, recounted Club Board President Mike Biagi. LACEA reached 99.6 percent of its revenue goal, and Insurance Services came in at an even 98 percent. Our insurance in force is holding strong at a record high of $2.17 billion and total membership is climbing past a staggering 15,400! The Alive! newspaper made it to 52 pages. Remember when it was just 16? And we had the most popular refund check on record, if not the largest $900,000 of the $1 million was cashed within the first 21 days!, Biagi said. Clubfest 2004 at Calamigos Ranch was awesome! It was a beautiful day filled with friends, family, food and fun! We have already begun planning for 2005, and we are looking forward to making it even more outstanding than last year. Topping all this off has been staff s relentless pursuit of providing the ultimate in customer service, while at the same time celebrating the lives and work of City employees. It s what the Club is all about. I would like to thank each and every one of you for your contributions and dedication to the Club, Biagi said. The continued success of the club will be made possible by the team effort of the staff, the department reps and the board to make 2005 a stellar year! From left: Club Board Members Regner Globus, Maria Romasanta, Michael Leighton, Michael Biagi and Rita Robinson. Not present: Robyn Barnes. New Club Chairman of the Board Michael Biagi addresses those in attendance at the annual meeting. Club Board Member Maria Romasanta and Club CFO Brian Trent. Club Chief Financial Officer Brian Trent and Club Board Member Regner Globus talk about the current financial health of the Club. Back, from left: Ling Kaufman (Club Department Rep from the Controller s Office); Lupe Medina, Club Administrative Services Representative; and Trinh Pham, Club Accountant. Front: Cecelia Talbot, Club Claims Administrator. Club Board Member Regner Globus enjoys a moment with those in attendance. From left: Club President John Hawkins expresses his gratitude for the Club s success, and voices optimism for its future.
23 City Employees Club of Los Angeles, Alive! April Oh, Baby! Co-workers of David Pongvarin in Mail Services throw him a baby shower. David Pongvarin, Delivery Drive I, 5 years, Mail Services Division - GSD The colleagues of David Pongvarin in the Mail Services Division put together a baby shower for him and his wife, Sharon. Their child, Logan, was 2 months old at the time of the excellent shower. The shower was held Feb. 18 in City Hall. There was cake, punch and presents. David had a huge smile throughout the event. Employees at the Mail Services Division all respect David greatly for his dedication and hard work. He is always willing to do the extras to meet the division s commitment to provide each City Department professional and quality messenger and delivery service. This is why his colleagues voted him as the Employee of the Year. Chandra Mosley contributed information for this story. Congratulations, David and Sharon! ABOVE: From left: Sharon Pongvarin, Baby Logan and David Pongvarin. FAR LEFT: David Pongvarin arrives with his mail dolly only to realize that there is a surprise for him and expresses his happiness with a gracious smile. LEFT: David Pongvarin with Chandra Mosely, 23 years, Mail Services Division Head - GSD. Annual Meeting Awards The Presidents Award Cecilia Talbot, Club Claims Administrator From John Hawkins, Club CEO: The president s award is given to a club staff employee who has gone above and beyond the scope of their job. Cecilia has one of the toughest jobs at the Club. Every time her phone rings, she s guaranteed to talking to someone in grief, pain or anger. You see, Cecilia is the Claims Administrator for the association and with over 2 billion dollars of insurance in force, you can imagine the number of claims she manages in the course of a year. Now just imagine hearing about death, disease, injury, day in and day out. It takes a special person to stay focused and positive. Congratulations Cecilia! The Club Rep Award - Susan Valencoure of the Los Angeles Zoo Robert Larios, the presenter of the award expressed his gratitude: When I think of this years recipient, I think swift acting, speed, and velocity when we ask for her help. Not only that but when I got a chance to meet with her she was alongside with last years Department of Rep of the year recipient, Olivia Figueroa of the Controller s Office so you know greatness rubs off on greatness. The City Employees Club of Los Angeles recognizes her for the supreme service she has given to the City of Los Angeles as well as the extreme excellence she has demonstrated for the City Employees Club of Los Angeles. Her continued support of the Club has never gone unnoticed. Because of her service, she has been chosen as the recipient of the 2004 Department Representative of the Year Award.
24 24 April 2005 City Employees Club of Los Angeles, Alive! Saying Goodbye To Bill From left: Rudy Bayan; Greg Vergara; Dorothy Tamashrio; William Lamb; Mei Yee; Aida Almanzor; and Eileen Yoshimura. Bill Lamb retires after 32 years with the City. Story by Liz Montes, Club Counselor Photos by Angel Gomez, Member Services Manager Friends and family of William Bill Lamb gathered at Luminaria Restaurant in Monterey Park Feb. 24 to say goodbye. William retired from the City after more then 32 years of service. His last department was the Controller s Office. He began his career with the City in 1972 as a Junior Administrative Assistant with LAPD. He was promoted to CAO in 1978 as a Senior Administrative Analyst. He then joined the Controller s Office in 1989 as a Chief Accountant. He managed the Single Audit Section until 2001, and then became a Financial Specialist managing the Financial Reporting Division. Under Bill s management, the Controller s Office has received the Government Finance Officer s Association excellence in financial reporting for the last nine years. He was also instrumental in the implementation of the City s financial management information system and conversion of financial reporting to meet professional standards. Congratulations, Bill. Thanks for your service, and enjoy your retirement. From left: Laura Chick, Controller, and William Lamb. Back row, from left: Cathy Khou; Lydia Schmitz; Nam Huymh; Henry Chisom; and Raty Khou. Front: Raquel Ileto; Christine Tabirara; Imelda Sy; Noemi Marasigan; and Rina Bautista. From left: Jeff Lamb, son; Silvina Salvi; William Lamb; and Jason Lamb, son. Back row, from left: Lucita Yan; Teresa Kyu; Shu Lee; Amelia Cua; Min Chen; and Sharon Chow. Front: Frieda Huang; Ling Kaufman; Wanie Jeerapaet; and Perla Veneracion. From left: Helen Lee; Sally Rocio; Julieta Barba; and Imelda De Guzman. From left: Irene Lim; Shriley Tan; Amy Robles; William Lamb; Vicky Ancajas; Melani Rejuso; Jemmie Tam; and Tessie Bautista. From From left: William Lamb and Tony Miera, Retired Chief Deputy Controller. Back row, from left: Elgina Woods; Beverly Jones; Michael De La Rosa; Jovanne Lavender; Mark Hoffman; Elaine Owens-Sanchez; and William Lamb. Front: Manny Paguio; Charlene Lee; Kathy Hayakawa; and Sonny Gonzales. 40% OFF Discount given to all City, DWP, Fire and LAPD personnel.
25 City Employees Club of Los Angeles, Alive! April Raffle! (See below) GROUP-RATED INSURANCE! City Employees Work Hard Auto Home Watercraft Motorcycles Rental property Recreational vehicles Office and Apartment buildings Umbrella liability Commercial risks Approvals! Fast Low Cost Premiums! Low Cost Premiums! Win 4 passes to Disneyland just for looking into your insurance needs! Read the rules on the raffle entry form. Let the Club Help Protect What You Have! No matter what you own, you can insure it! Your home and your auto are two of the biggest purchases you can make. Why not protect them? Take advantage of the Club s strong purchasing power. The Club s insurance partner offers group-rated insurance. That means lowcost premiums and fast approvals! Take advantage today! Protect your assets. Call today! Press Option 3 (800) Have these things handy, to be ready to save: Your Club membership ID number Your current policy Offered through the Club s partner, Crusberg Decker Insurances Services, Inc., CADOI #OD Offices in Pasadena, Montclair, Corona and Lancaster. This program representing the following California admitted insurers: Alliance United Insurance Services Allied Insurance Co. Civil Service Employees Insurance Co. Explorer Insurance Co. F.A.C.T. Hartford Insurance Co. Infinity Insurance Co. Mercury Insurance Group Millennium Insurance Co. Progressive Insurance Co. Safeco Club Insurance Raffle Entry Form Everyone who fills out the coupon below and sends it in to the Club insurance partner will be eligible to win four free passes to Disneyland. SECOND PRIZE: $50 gift certificate to the Disney Store. Two forms will be chosen. No purchase necessary. One entry per Club Member only - UPON COMPLETION OF QUOTATION. Winners need not be present to win. Name: Club Member ID #: Day phone #: Evening phone #: address: ENTRY DEADLINE: 4/30/2005 Another great benefit offered to members of the City Employees Club of Los Angeles Home address: What kind of insurance are you looking for? MAIL YOUR ENTRY TO: Crusberg Decker Insurance Services,Inc. 285 N. HIll Avenue #200, Pasadena, CA 91106, or fax to: (626)
26 26 April 2005 City Employees Club of Los Angeles, Alive! Olvera Street, Mother Nature On Tap for April Hello folks! Welcome back to Events 411! I hope you had a great Easter, St. Patrick s Day, or just a great March in general. If you didn t, well there is always April to make up for it and boy are there plenty of fun activities going on. First off, April 30 is the 75th anniversary of Olvera Street, one of the oldest streets in Los Angeles. Now if you re like me and don t know much about the history of Los Angeles but would like to learn more, make sure you attend this event. Also don t forget to read our History Comes Alive! section in this month s issue. It s full of so many interesting facts about another Los Angeles mainstay, the Dodgers. Speaking of history, would you like to travel back into time? Well then there are three events for you! The Annual Heritage Day at Banning Museum, the Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival, and the Renaissance Pleasure Faire are three great events that not only transport you hundreds of years back into time, but also do so in a fun way. Just remember the theme is historical, not the prices. Well, if you have had enough of history, let s talk about the present. April is the month to celebrate the importance of Mother Nature and learn more about conservation. There are several events including the EcoMaya Festival and Earth Day at Cabrillo Beach and the L.A. Zoo, that celebrate our wonderful planet. These are great events to take your kids and teach them about the environment and how to take care of it for future generations. There are several other events going on out there. But I would like to change the subject a bit and ask that you look at our Military Recognition Section on the next page. I would like to encourage you to send photos of your loved ones who are currently serving in the military. Here at the Club, we want to recognize the bravery and sacrifices of the men and women who risk their lives to protect not only our country but also more importantly the freedom and lives of every American citizen. We would also like to recognize the brave families that support such great individuals. So if you happen to know of anyone serving, please be sure to send their information in. Also, be sure to always look for this section in future issues. Well that s it from me. I thank you for taking the time to read Events 411 and I wish you a wonderful month full of fun times and great memories. See ya around the City! If you know of any events occurring in the Los Angeles or have any opinions or suggestions on the events listed, please send them in: michelleonthemove@cityemployeesclub.com For more information about events around Los Angeles, visit these websites: Know of any great City events? Let me know! I ll be happy to include your event in my monthly column. (Listings are limited to City events, with an emphasis(although not exclusively) on families. Make sure to include dates, times, locations, costs (if any) and contact information. me at: MichelleOnTheMove@cityemployeesclub.com or call me at (800) Michelle BY Michelle Moreno, City Events Guru what s happening? what s happening? what s happening? what s happening? what s happening? what s happening? what s happening? what s happening? what s happening? what s happening? on themove EVENTS what s happening? what s happening? what s happening? what s happening? what s happening? what April Annual Feria de los Niños Bring the kids and celebrate the wonder of youth, this event offers families a festive atmosphere with exciting activities featuring boat rides, tortilla making contests, an inflatable obstacle course, plenty of food and a nighttime display of 2,000 candles floating on the lake. (L.A Festival Guide) Date(s): April 9-10 Time: Sat: 10 a.m. 9 p.m. Sun: 11 a.m. 7 p.m. Site: Hollenbeck Park 415 S. St. Louis St., East Los Angeles Cost: Free More info: (888) or Sponsor: Rec and Parks Meet the Grunion (Closed Season) Come watch the silvery fish come up on the beach to spawn. Don t forget to bring a flashlight, and warm clothing. Please note that grunion may not be taken by hand only observation is allowed. (Day is subject to change; please call or visit the Website to confirm.) Date: April 10 Time: 8 p.m. (aquarium opens) 9 p.m. (auditorium program begins) 10:50 p.m. 12:50 a.m. (Grunion Run) Site: Cabrillo Marine Aquarium 3720 Stephen White Dr., San Pedro Cost: $5/adults, $1/seniors and children (fee for Aquarium) Free (Grunion Run) More info: (310) or Sponsors: Rec and Parks California Poppy Festival Come and celebrate California s official state flower with a day of crafts, great food, live entertainment, plenty of activities, and much more. Date(s): April Time: 10 a.m. 6 p.m. Site: Lancaster City Park N. 10th St West Cost: $7/adults, $3/seniors, children (6-12), free/children (5 and under) More info: (661) or Renaissance Pleasure Faire Hazaa! Come and enjoy the annual Renaissance Faire. There are tons of activities, lots of food, and lots of fun. Date(s): April 16 May 22 Time: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Site: Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area E. Arrow Highway, Irwindale Cost: $22/adult, $12/child (5-11), free/ children under 5, $19.50/students, senior, military Club Discounts - TBA More info: (626) or San Gabriel Annual Street Fair and Festival Birthday Bring your family and/or friends and celebrate San Gabriel s birthday with a day of fun, food, and lots of activities. Date(s): April Time: Fri: 5p.m. midnight Sat: Noon - midnight Site: Historic San Gabriel 425 S. Mission Dr. Cost: Free More info: (626) or Earth Day Fair at Cabrillo Beach Come and help out Mother Nature by participating in Earth Day. This event begins with a beach cleanup and ends with a fair: activities for kids, prizes, food, guided walks to the adjacent salt marsh, Salinas de San Pedro, and more! Date: April 23 Time: 8 10 a.m. (Coastal Cleanup) 10 a.m. 3:30 p.m. (Fair) Site: Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, 3720 Stephen White Dr., San Pedro Cost: Free $7/beach parking More info: (310) or Sponsor: Rec and Parks Ninth Annual Arbor Day Celebration Yay trees! Come and learn more about these shade-providing, air-cleaning gifts from Mother Nature. Activities will include demonstrations, crafts, food, music and much more. Date(s): April 23 May 16th Annual Fiesta Broadway L.A. Come and participate in the largest Cinco De Mayo celebration in the world. (Website) Date(s): May 1 Time: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Site: Downtown L.A. Broadway, Hill, and Spring St. Cost: Free More info: (310) or Cinco de Mayo Celebration at Olvera St. Come and celebrate Cinco de Mayo with a day of workshops, food, live traditional music and dance, and much much more! Date(s): May 6-8 Time: 10 a.m. 10 p.m. Site: Olvera Street, Los Angeles 845 N. Alameda St. Cost: Free More info: (213) or Eighth Annual Dog Faire and Pet Adoption Are you an animal lover? Come and bring your pooch for a Time: 11 a.m. 3 p.m. Site: Griffith Park, 3401 Riverside Dr. Cost: Free More info: (888) or Sponsor: Rec and Parks Fifth Annual Blooming of the Roses Festival If you enjoy flowers, this event is for you. Come and watch the beautiful roses of Exposition Park. Enjoy the rest of the day participating in exhibits and other fun activities. Date(s): April Time: 11 a.m. 3 p.m. Site: Exposition Park, 741 State Drive, Los Angeles Cost: Free More info: (888) or Sponsor: Rec and Parks L.A. Zoo Earth Day Expo Want to teach your kids about the importance of the environment? Join the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens and K-EARTH 101 FM for two days of festivities that will include recycled crafts and more. (Zoo Website) Date(s): April Time: 10 a.m. 4 p.m. Site: Los Angeles Zoo 5333 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles Cost: $7/adult, $4/child (discount prices at Club Headquarters) $10/adult, $7/senior, $5/child (ages 2 to 12), free/children (under 2) More info: (323) or City Sponsor: Los Angeles Zoo 10th Annual Los Angeles Times Festival of Books If you are a fan of literature, come to the L.A. Times Festival of Books. There will be lectures, workshops, storytelling, demonstrations, book signings from well-known authors, and much more. There will also be a great section for kids. Please note that tickets are required for indoor panel and speaker sessions. Tickets will be available Sunday, April 17th, at 12 p.m. at all Ticketmaster locations throughout Southern California, free of charge. Date(s): April Time: April 23: 10 a.m. 6 p.m. April 34: 10 a.m. 5 p.m. Site: UCLA Campus, Westwood Cost: Free More info: (213) or Eleventh Annual EcoMaya Festival Also known as the Mother Earth Day Celebration, this event celebrates Mother Nature as well at the Mayan Culture. Come and enjoy the various exhibits, dances, music, food, and much more. Date(s): April Time: 10 a.m. 7 p.m. Site: Los Angeles Eco Village 117 Bimini Place, Los Angeles Cost: Free More info: (323) or Annual Heritage Day at Banning Museum Want to see how life was in the 1880s - that s right, more than 100 years ago! Well if you are interested come to the Banning Museum for a trip back into time: Take a leisurely self-tour of the historic 1864 residence. You can learn a Victorian Dance step at a barn dance! Play hoops and tug-owar or enter a sack race. Listen to live music from the era on the front porch. Artisans will be invited to demonstrate their special crafts. You ll see ladies sewing a quilt, woodcarvers carving their creations and much more! (Website) Date(s): April 24 Time: 11 a.m. 4 p.m. Site: Banning Residence Museum 401 East M St., Wilmington Cost: Free More info: (310) or Sponsor: Rec and Parks day of fun in the sun. Activities will include an agility aptitude test, a microchip identification clinic, vaccinations, product demonstrations, doggie psychics, pet portraits and much more. (Website) Date(s): May 7 Time: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Site: Sepulveda Basin Dog Park Victory Blvd., Lake Balboa Cost: Free More info: (888) or Sponsor: Rec and Parks Meet the Grunion (Closed Season) Come watch the silvery fish come up on the beach to spawn. Don t forget to bring a flashlight, and warm clothing. Please note that grunion may not be taken by hand only observation is allowed. (Day is subject to change, please call or visit Website to confirm.) Date: May 10 Time: 8 p.m. (aquarium opens) 9 p.m. (auditorium program begins) 10:40 p.m. 12:40 a.m. (Grunion Run) Site/Cost/More info: See April 10 World Trade Week Harbor Tour In celebration of World Trade week, the Port of Los Angeles is offering free one-hour harbor tours. Come and 12th Annual 50+ Fitness Jamboree and Expo Are you or do you know a senior interested in fitness? Well come and enjoy a health fair, massage booths, foot reflexology, entertainment, demonstrations and much more. Participants can also register for a 1K and 5K walk. Date(s): April 28 Time: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. Site: Griffith Park Ranger Station 4730 Crystal Springs Dr., Los Angeles Cost: Free (fee for walks) More info: (888) or Sponsor: Rec and Parks Meet the Grunion (Closed Season) Come watch the silvery fish come up on the beach to spawn. Don t forget to bring a flashlight, and warm clothing. Please note that grunion may not be taken by hand only observation is allowed. (Day is subject to change, please call or visit the Website to confirm.) Date: April 10 Time: 8 p.m. (aquarium opens) 9 p.m. (auditorium program begins) 10:55 p.m. 12:55 a.m. (Grunion Run) Site/Cost/More info: See April 10 Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival Howdie Pardners! If you want to take a trip back in time to the Old West, come and enjoy the Cowboy Festival. There will be food, music, poetry, cowboy gear and much, much, more. Call or check out the website for the daily schedule. Daily Admission tickets are only available for April 30 & May 1. Date(s): April 28 May 1 Time: April 28 29: Specific showtimes for events are available online. April 30 May 1: 10 a.m. 6 p.m. Site: Melody Ranch Motion Picture Studio Oakcreek Ave, Newhall Cost: $15/adults, $10/child (12 & under), free/child (under 3) 2-day pass: $25/adults, $15/child More info: (800) or World City Music Festival - Daughters of the Purple Sage & Kanata Native Dance Theatre Enjoy the music of the Old West and the Plains and Woodland tribal dances. There will also be a Hoop Dance of the Hopi and myths of many Native American tribes. This is part of the 2005 season of World City, an admission-free Saturday performance series designed to celebrate the diverse cultural traditions reflected in the Los Angeles population. Date(s): April 30 Time: 12:30 and 2 p.m. Site: Walt Disney Concert Hall 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles CA Cost: Free More info: (213) or Olvera St. 75th Anniversary Celebration Come and celebrate one of the oldest streets in Los Angeles. Please call or see Website for time information. Date(s): April 30 Time: TBA Site: Olvera Street, Los Angeles 845 N. Alameda St. Cost: Free More info: (213) or 16th Annual Pacific Islander Festival Tahiti Want to learn more about Tahiti and its culture? Come for a day of exhibitions, food and more. Date(s): April 30 May 1 Time: 10 a.m. 5 p.m. Site: Harbor Regional Park 2580 Vermont Ave., Wilmington Cost: Free More info: (714) or Sponsor: Cultural Affairs bring the family and catch a glimpse into one of the busiest ports in the world! Date(s): May Time: 11 a.m. 5 p.m. Site: Tours depart Ports O Call in San Pedro and Banning s Landing in Wilmington Cost: Free More info: (800) or Sponsor: Port of Los Angeles World City Music Festival - Olga Loya and Quetzalcoatl Latina storyteller and author Olga Loya uses a dramatic mix of Spanish and English to share traditional tales from Latin America, as well as stories from her own varied and colorful life growing up in east Los Angeles. Quetzalcoatl, Alfredo Lope s internationally-renowned band dedicated to the preservation of the rich Latin culture, plays authentic music of Mexico, South America, and Cuba in a dynamic concert. (Website) Date(s): May 28 Time: 12:30 and 2 p.m. Site: Walt Disney Concert Hall 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles CA Cost: Free More info: (213) or what s happening? what s happening? what s happening? what s happening? what s happening? what s happening? what s happening? what s happening? what s happening? what s happening? what s happening? what s happening? what s happening? what s happening? what s happening? w
27 City Employees Club of Los Angeles, Alive! April The Pet New Leash on Life: Jackie Transfers to Personnel Dept. The news is out. I have left L.A. Animal Services and have transferred to the Personnel Department to work as Public Information Director for the Public Safety Bureau s Fire & Police Recruitment Program. What an exciting challenge! I leave L.A. Animal Services with a sad heart in that I will miss my City family and the many real and true friends I have been so fortunate to have made while at the Department. They were, they are, the best! I will also miss the excitement and thrill of not knowing what each day, or each moment for that matter, will bring. Here are a just a few of the calls, incidents and other things I will not forget: A call at 1:30 a.m.: A truck carrying cows is down on the 210 Freeway lots of dead cows, lots of media, what do we do? First call at around 6 a.m. on a Sunday: A horse is down, a chopper is waiting at Van Nuys Airport and we need you out there to handle the media. Be there in half an hour! I go into the home of the son of a famous movie producer on a search warrant. The LAPD, the Department of Fish and Game and our Animal Control Officers are there to confiscate wild, predatory animals. There were bobcats hidden in a closet. The tipoff? This wealthy young man also owned a serval that got loose. His neighbors reported it. He had a really beautiful home. He had his famous lawyer meet us on site. A call on the way home: One of our officers shot herself and her baby. Friday at around 6 p.m., I join the Director of Field Operations and go into a home in a nice section of San Pedro fronting the ocean. From the outside, the house looks like any other home well maintained and worth a lot of money. I walk in with our Animal Control Officers and the police. We are all covering our noses. The stench is unbearable. Here is what we find: Animals everywhere some healthy, some sick, and some dead. There are holes in the wall. There are feces everywhere. To get to the bottom of the stairs, we have to climb over overturned furniture, manure and what looks like dead animals. There s an open refrigerator with rotting food in the kitchen. Lots of empty and half-filled cans of food on the tables and counters. Animals roam in and out of the fridge. We get to the second floor. Much like the first. We do notice quite a few empty liquor bottles strewn about. I am called into a room. The room, just like the rest, is filthy beyond description. There s a little boy s Club Jackie David, Public Information Director, L.A. Animal Services bed with animal feces in it. The stench is unbearable. I glance over at the boy s open closet. On a hanger is one set of clothes for the boy: a very clean, neatly pressed and starched shirt and pair of slacks. It s more than I can take. I leave. A day at Disneyland with my son for his fifth birthday. I m on the cell phone between rides, talking to the news media as my pager demands calls be returned. Many live remote morning broadcasts with Gayle Anderson of KTLA Channel 5. It s enjoyable every time, with a gem of a person. Photos of dog bite victims. Lots of children and senior citizens. Going into a Van Nuys warehouse that raises rats (more than 25,000) for the purpose of feeding other animals. There were quite a few snakes slithering about, too. I was in heels. I was not comfortable. Working with all kinds of news media, day and night, to get the word out about what responsible pet ownership is truly all about. The family dog kills an 18-month-old baby. I get calls. People are concerned about the dog. An 80-plus-year-old woman, who takes care of cats, has collapsed. Her cats are hungry. They are nipping at her and eating her alive. She is rushed to the hospital. She has no money to pay. I get a phone call at my desk later in the evening. Someone is concerned and wants to donate money. I eagerly share information on the elderly lady. The caller says: Well, actually, I d like to donate the money for the cats. Waiting in my car, alone and in the dark at 5 a.m. on a Saturday. I m in an empty park in the heart of gang territory. I m waiting for trucks to arrive and set tents up for our Pet Fair. We had more than 1,000 folks show up for the Pet Fair. A real success. Again waiting in my car, alone and in the dark at 5 a.m. on a Saturday. I m waiting to set tents up for our Pet Fair in Pacoima. We had more than 5,000 folks show up for that event. We vaccinated some 1,600 dogs! The Grand Opening of the South Los Angeles Shelter was a total success everyone was happy and there was an abundance of news media! The launching of the Spaymobile again a total success with an abundance of news coverage. Working many hour shifts days in a row. Work is demanding. I am overwhelmed. Collapsing on the job, being hauled away in an ambulance and spending three days in a cardiac unit just a little too much fun on the job. Hearing our General Manager Dan Knapp say, as he hands me my 10-year pin at a Commission meeting, Jackie walks on water! Working with a new General Manager with many more hour shifts and hardly any days off. Kids are sick. The house is falling apart. Work is demanding beyond comprehension. I am overwhelmed. Collapsing on the job again. This time I spend four days at the Northridge Hospital s cardiac unit. Again too much fun on the job. I still hadn t learned my lesson! My doctor told me I would die if I didn t slow down. Hearing our General Manager, Jerry Greenwalt, state publicly at a Commission meeting, We have the best Public Information Officer in the City! (Blush!) Getting pats on the back from shelter staff: No Public Information person has done as much for this Department as you have. Getting a tip, There s a group called the Animal Defense League that s after your General Manager and the Department. Two years of harassment, day after day, from the Animal Defense League and their followers. Four General Managers in six years. Waking up on the morning of Christmas Eve to discover $15,000 worth of damage to my personal property by the Animal Liberation Front. My mother is crying. My children asking, Why? Merry Christmas. Death threats. My children asking, Why? Making the decision to move. What I have mentioned is just a sampling of all the excitement, challenge and yes, pain endured, while working for a Department filled with its own challenges and supported by workers who are dedicated enough to stand up and meet those challenges. While I will miss the fun of working for L.A. Animal Services, I move forward with a strong determination and many plans to meet the chal- Jackie lenge of raising recruitment numbers for Personnel. The City needs firefighters. The City needs LAPD officers, officers for the Harbor Department, the Airport and General Services. I look forward to reaching our future heroes and helping bring them into this great service. At the annual meeting of the City Employees Club and Alive! in February, I realized for the first time that I had a following a group of folks who so kindly came up to me to tell me how they looked forward to enjoying my articles every month. I was deeply touched. So, here s the scoop. I am not leaving Alive! and, in fact, hope to be able to contribute articles as they relate to the Personnel Department and Personnel issues. I promise it will be of interest to Alive! readers. At the same time, I am not done writing animalrelated articles from afar and, as always, welcome any questions you may have on the subject. And so, as I get my feet wet with the new job, let me share with you a few last tidbits of advice from L.A. Animal Services that should carry you, your children and your pet safely through life: Treat your pets as members of your family. Take care of them. Think of your needs and then think of your pet s needs: food, water, shelter, exercise, vet care and definitely a lot of love. You get back what you put into your pet. Being a responsible pet owner means that you not only provide for your pet but that you make sure your animal is spayed or neutered. It is the right thing to do. Get a microchip for your pet to make sure you get it back should it stray. Get your animal trained for everyone s sake including the animal s. Keep your dog on a leash when off your property. Keep it secured when on your property. (In most dog bite cases, we hear owners say, But my dog would never bite or this is a first ) Remember that your home insurance rates are tied to your animal and that it will hit you in the pocket if your dog does bite. (Note: Every year, in the City of Los Angeles, some 70,000 people become victims of dog bites and dog attacks. Most of these are children under the age of 12 mostly boys 10 and under.) Remember that all dogs can bite so don t take any chances. Keep your children safe by training them how to act around animals. Be aware and never ever leave children unattended with an animal especially a dog. Pick up after your pet your neighbors, your community and the environment appreciates being poop-free. Treat wildlife with distance and a healthy respect. Know the wildlife in your area and let them know you don t want them on your property by keeping it free of debris, brush, vegetation and water. If you do not give them a reason, wild animals will not hang around your property. Keep a healthy respect for all life. It will keep you safe. Stay strong. Keep Alive! Police Horse Elvis Dies Esteemed member of mounted platoon dies after ten-year service. The Los Angeles Police Department, Metropolitan Division, Mounted Platoon regrets to announce the death of Elvis, a member of its equine ranks. Elvis, who died in February, began his LAPD career in September 1995 as an eight-year-old registered Arabian. He quickly proved to be capable of performing the challenging job of a police horse. The Mounted Platoon is involved in a wide range of law enforcement activities including crime suppression, crowd management and control, search and rescue, and various community relation functions. Elvis was effective and quiet in the completion of these duties. Throughout his nearly ten-year career, Elvis was deployed consistently during major events held in the City. These events included a multitude of major demonstrations, labor disputes, street festival and sporting events. Mounted Platoon deployment for crime suppression targets specific high crime locations and usually results in a significant reduction in crime. Elvis helped his human partners make hundreds or arrests to effectively reduce crime in these areas. Accomplishments Elvis was used in a number of high-profile situations, among them: 2000 Democratic National Convention Three Los Angeles Lakers victory parades 2004 NBA All-Star Game and All-Star Jam events More than 20 major labor disputes and demonstrations Nine Martin Luther King Jr. Day parades Four major anti-war demonstrations Countless crowd control incidents, including rock concerts and street festivals arrests while working crime suppression details throughout the City A significant number of community service events at schools, hospitals and churches throughout the City The impact of Elvis loss is considerable. Horses of Elvis caliber are rare and require significant investment. To train and maintain police horses requires an investment of equipment, care and a commitment of time and extensive training. Budget shortages have prevented the City from providing the support necessary for the continuous purchase of horses for the Elvis Mounted Platoon. The Los Angeles Police Equestrian Fund, a partnership of business, the local equestrian community, concerned and caring citizens, and neighborhood volunteers was established to bridge this need. Members of the organization assist the Mounted Platoon through charitable donations and fund-raisers so high quality police horses and supplies critical for effective operations can be purchased. Contributions may be sent to: Los Angeles Police Equestrian Fund, 3934 Rigali Ave., Los Angeles, CA The Mounted Platoon s Lt. Tingirides and Maggie St. Clair provided information for this story.
28 28 April 2005 City Employees Club of Los Angeles, Alive! John s Picture Perfect Read the rules below, and happy snapping! Rules: The contest is open to all Club members in good standing. Nonmembers are welcome to submit, but only Club members are eligible to win the monthly prize. If your photograph does not win, you are welcome to re-submit. Winners are chosen by Club staff. All decisions will be final. You must certify (if asked) that you indeed took the picture. No ringers! Photos can be submitted either on paper or digitally. Please don t send both. If you want your print photo returned, please write your name, address and phone number on the back of your photo. Photos can be of any subject matter: vacation, portraits, families, landscapes, still lifes, pets, etc. Subject matter must be appropriate for Alive! Paper prints can be mailed to: Picture Perfect Contest, Alive!, City Employees Club of Los Angeles, 350 S. Figueroa St., Suite 700, Los Angeles, CA Digital photos optimally should be between 100K and 2 megabytes in size and may be ed to: pictureperfect@cityemployeesclub.co m The contest is all in good fun:the Club cannot be responsible for delays in delivering Alive!, or for delays in the transmission of responses. We have a winner and lots of great images! Here are the others who submitted great shots this month: Ernesto Ramos - Retired John Otoshi - DWP Edwina Valencia - Library Ilda Diaz - Library Jose Aviles - Rec and Parks Barbara Johnson - Personnel Allyn Rifkin - DOT Carlos Aranda - DWP Jenny Arzate - Rec and Parks Johnny Raxtun - DOT Start snapping today, and send us your best results! The winner will receive a $50 gift certificate to Best Buy. WIN $50 Best Buy gift certificate DEADLINE: May 15 Runner up: FERNANDO TAPIA - DWP This month s winner: TOM TAG GARBER We Have a WINNER! I am a Wastewater Mechanic at the Terminal Island Treatment Plant and have been working for the City over 22 years. My passions are: restoring vintage automobiles, surfing, diving, photography and spending time with my seven grandchildren. I have a very full life. We have been in the National Woodie Club for 15 years and love going to all the local club events. It was at the 2004 Doheny Wood Car Show that I shot this picture of three 1950 Ford Woodies all in a row, showing off their beautiful pastel colors on a sunny spring day. It was these cars and the great vintage surfboards of my youth which first caught my eye. I kept coming back to these cars all day until the light was just right. Persistence paid off and I finally got the shot I was after. I call it The Good Old Days and I hope you all enjoy it. Great shot,tag! CLUB MEMBERS: Call (888) for all your travel needs individuals, groups, meetings and incentives. Your Club Partner for Travel THIS MONTH S FEATURED VACATIONS Club Members save $$$ and receive special benefits! We are Cruise Specialists! Call for all cruise lines: - American West Steamship Co. - Princess - Holland America - Crystal - NCL - Celebrity - Radisson Seven Seas - Royal Caribbean - Carnival The Best Mexican Riviera Cruises From $619 8-Nights from Los Angeles: Sail to Acapulco, Zihuatanejo/Ixtapa, Puerto Vallarta and Cabo San Lucas Call for all Cruises Caribbean, Mexico, Alaska, Europe, Canada/New England, Bermuda, Asia Call for all Exotic Vacations African Safari Experts Hawaii Resorts and Tours Worldwide Villa Rentals Book Your Summer Alaska Cruise Now! We still have exclusive availability on prime dates - Don t Miss Out! EASY VACATION PLANNING! Call for all travel Cruises, Tours, Spas, Hotels & Resorts Official Club Partner Personalized service for all Club Members (888) or (818) Kristy at kadler@cruiseandresort.com or Julie at jwallace@cruiseandresort.com Ventura Boulevard, 10th Floor, Sherman Oaks, CA Rates are per person, based on double occupancy, subject to availability and certain conditions may apply. Ships Registry: Bahamas. CST # Call for all Las Vegas Hotels MGM Grand, Mirage, Mandalay Bay, Bellagio, Four Seasons, Caesar s Palace, Wynn Las Vegas
29 City Employees Club of Los Angeles, Alive! April Mossman Heads East Animal Services Lt. George Mossman transfers to the East Valley District. Story by Liz Montes, Club Counselor, Photos by Angel Gomez, Member Services Manager On March 3, Harbor Animal Services Shelter employees hosted a party for District Manager Lt. George Mossman, who transferred to the East Valley District to work as a Hearing Examiner. The Harbor Shelter employees tried to keep the news quiet as they brought in special international homemade cuisine: Mexican, Filipino, Italian, Chinese and American a feast of chips, salsa, rice, chicken, egg rolls, tamales, chicken, macaroni, spaghetti, pancit, empanadas, etc. for the boss they loved. Although he was ill and could barely walk, Lt. Mossman did make it to the District to say goodbye to the employees who meant so much to him and to accept a special gift: a Fountain of Luck for his new desk at the East Valley Shelter. We hate to lose him, said Hal Moore, the Harbor s Animal Care Technician Supervisor, He was so good to us and for us and for all the animals. He ran a tight ship yet did so in such a way that he made each and every one of us feel special and cared-for. I wish he weren t leaving, said Animal Control Officer Marie Ushman. We will miss him so very much. One thing is for sure: Wherever his work takes him, Lt. Mossman quickly earns the respect and love of those he works with! Lt. George is relocating to the East Valley Shelter to conduct hearings as Hearing Examiner. Prior to the Harbor, Lt. Mossman was District Manager of the North Central Shelter for some two years. Before working for the City, Lt. Mossman was a sergeant in the U.S. Air Force where he worked as Law Enforcement Specialist/Military Police in command of some 15 soldiers. He was also Base Customs Inspector and From left: George Mossman, Sr. ACO, 20 years, who transferred from his previous shelter; and Jackie David, who received training and was a member of the Antitransferred to Personnel. Terrorist Threat Base Team. Back row from left: Renee Jones, Sr. Clerk Typist, 5 years; Kristi Navarro, ACT, 4 years; Hal Moore, Sr. ACT, 7 years; Jackie David, (former) Public Information Director, 15 years; Esperanza Castro, RVT, 5 years; Orlando Calayag, RVT, 17 years; Erika Vela, Clerk, 4 years; Darline Mallet, ACT, 4 years; and Julie McIntyre, ACT, 4 years. Front row: Marie Ushman, ACO, 6 years; George Mossman, Sr. ACO, 20 years; Doreen Vail, ACO II, 20 years; and Davina Holbert, Clerk Typist, 2.5 years. The Doctor Is Moving City s medical services is moving to a new building in early May temporarily. If you ve used the City s Medical Services Division (formerly the Occupational Health Services Division) in the past, or you need it now, you should know: The service is moving in early May. The new temporary location: 432 East Temple St., near Alameda Ave. So don t go to the old location on West Sixth Street. The Medical Services Division is where you go for a health exam when you first join the City or for a medical exam when you need special evaluation or a health accommodation. This Division also provides psychological and administrative services as well as Industrial Hygiene. In short, this is the Division that evaluates the medical fitness of City applicants and employees a valuable support for any City department. The move is scheduled for the fist week in May and so, until that date, do continue to go to the current facility located at 1401 West Sixth St. Stay tuned as Alive! keeps you posted on what s going on with your City. Have you been thinking about... LONG TERM Care INSURANCE? Group Rated Pension/Payroll Deducted Rates Are Locked Call the people you can trust: The City Employee Club of Los Angeles. We have been offering the highest quality group rated insurance plans exclusively to active and retired City employees for over o75 years. Call today for your free information kit on how the City Employees Club of Los Angeles can help you choose the right Long Term Care plan for you Don t wait another day. Start preserving your assets today! City Employees Club of Los Angeles World Trade Center 350 South Figueroa Street, Suite 700 Los Angeles, CA 90071
30 30 April 2005 City Employees Club of Los Angeles, Alive! Life s Important Moments Did you get married? Have a baby? (Yea!) Get a promotion? (Hooray!) Retire? (Ahhhh.) We want to hear from you. Share your news with the world! Send all notices and digital photos to: moments@cityemployeesclub.com Send paper notices and print photos to: Alive! 350 S. Figueroa St., Suite 700, Los Angeles, CA Retirements Share your moments! NAME TITLE DEPT. #YEARS John Afford Dept. Chief DOT 36 Thomas Allen Signal Systems Elec. DOT 18 William Allender Helicopter Mechanic Gen. Services 30 Bayani Aquino Sr. Bldg. Inspector Bldg. and Safety 30 Linda Arnold Sr. Cartographer Public Works 32 Frank Atwood N/A DWP N/A John Baker N/A DWP N/A John Beems N/A DWP N/A Deborah Berg N/A DWP N/A Gerald Berg N/A DWP N/A Michael Berru N/A DWP N/A Corazon Biscocho Accounting Clerk Gen. Services 30 Jeanne Blakely Mgmt. Assistant CDD 30 Clarence Brawn N/A DWP N/A Ramon Cordova Signal Systems Elec. ITA 39 Louise Corwin N/A DWP N/A Leo Couron N/A DWP N/A Roy Daniels Building Inspector Bldg. and Safety 20 Bobbie Jean Davis N/A DWP N/A Donna Delaney N/A DWP N/A James Durkin N/A DWP N/A Verita De Hesa Sr. Clerk Typist LAPD 27 Robert DeVilbiss N/A DWP N/A Victor Esquivel Maintenance Laborer Public Works 23 Joseph Feinblatt N/A DWP N/A Thelma Feliciano Accountant Controller 18 Anne Flayer Sr. Mgmt. Analyst CDD 26 Darrell Fullingam N/A DWP N/A Gerald Gewe N/A DWP N/A Peter Goff N/A DWP N/A Henry Green Pr. Security Officer Airports 29 David Griffith Sr. Recreation Dir. Rec and Parks 39 Margaret Harmon N/A DWP N/A Willie Harris Plumber Public Works 25 John Harris N/A DWP N/A Kenneth Hart N/A DWP N/A Thomas Hatcher Ref. Coll. Truck Operator Public Works 31 Glenn Haynie N/A DWP N/A Robert Henry Sr. Mgmt. Analyst Harbor 35 Clifford Higa N/A DWP N/A James Hodges N/A DWP N/A Joseph Hoffman N/A DWP N/A Jack Holmstrom N/A DWP N/A John Horling N/A DWP N/A Marciene Hunter N/A DWP N/A Octavio Hurtado N/A DWP N/A Patricia Ialongo City Planning Associate City Planning 23 Michele Iuvara Equip. Operator Airports 29 Laurel Jeffreys N/A DWP N/A Cheryl Jenkins N/A DWP N/A Bernadette Kirkwood N/A DWP N/A Richard Kosanovic N/A DWP N/A Dennis LaFrance N/A DWP N/A Loretta LaMarca Development/Marketing Dir. Zoo 28 John Latimer Traffic Officer DOT 35 Robert Leitch Sr. Construction Inspector Bldg. and Safety 43 Christine Leung Fiscal Systems Spec. Rec and Parks 31 Edward Lewis N/A DWP N/A Adolph Lisberg N/A DWP N/A LeRoy Longo N/A DWP N/A Peter Lowery N/A DWP N/A Dianne MacCary Librarian Library 35 Anthony Marufo N/A DWP N/A Alice Mauthe N/A DWP N/A Milan Metcalf N/A DWP N/A Michael Micciche N/A DWP N/A Frederic Michael Emerg. Prepare. Coordinator Animal Services 32 Julia Miller Sr. Mgmt. Analyst LAPD 16 Sam Molmud N/A DWP N/A Patrick Morse N/A DWP N/A Phillip Mudd N/A DWP N/A Donald Nichols Communication Electrician ITA 34 Henry Norman N/A DWP N/A Jeffrey Parker N/A DWP N/A Warren Paul Refuse Collection Supervisor Public Works 43 Jack Pearson N/A DWP N/A Philip Peterson N/A DWP N/A Harry Petty N/A DWP N/A Gary Mattingly A Job Well Done Gary Mattingly to retire from Police and Fire Pensions. Gary Mattingly has announced he is retiring after 38 years with the City. He has worked hard to ensure the happy retirements of so many City employees, and now it is his turn. For the last 23 years he has been the General Manager of the Fire and Police Pension System, which is not only the largest of the City s three pensions systems, but also the only one that is 100 percent funded. When Gary started, Fire and Police Pensions was just 23 percent funded. Gary was also the first in the City to fund retiree health insurance costs on an actuarial basis, virtually ensuring that there will be no cutbacks in the subsidy paid to retirees for health and dental insurance costs. He began in the Bureau of Street Lighting for three years, spent one year in the Bureau of Personnel and 11 years in the City Administrative Office, before assuming charge of the Fire and Police Pension System. Congratulations from the Club, Garry, on a job well done! The Club thanks David Stielow, who contributed information for this story. NAME TITLE DEPT. #YEARS Gunter Pick N/A DWP N/A Mary Pinch Secretary Rec and Parks 32 James Preusch Chief Financial Officer Harbor 13 Mario Quitoriano Sr. Build. Operating Engr. Airports 36 Edith Quigley N/A DWP N/A Harvie Randall N/A DWP N/A John Ross Refuse Collection Operator Public Works 36 Albert Salcedo N/A DWP N/A Robert Schmidt N/A DWP N/A Joseph Schneider N/A DWP N/A Gary Shimabukuro Heavy Duty Equip. Mechanic Airports 36 Thomas Silva N/A DWP N/A Otis Slaughter Sr. Bldg. Inspector Bldg. and Safety 30 Wayne Smith Sr. Build. Inspector Bldg. and Safety 30 Frederick Speaker N/A DWP N/A Reggie Spearman Traffic Officer DOT 31 Esther Stein N/A DWP N/A George Stigile Asst. GM Rec and Parks 33 Meryl Sundberg N/A DWP N/A Barbara Taylor Police Adm. LAPD 30 Guido Teren N/A DWP N/A Dora Tom Data Process Tech ITA 27 Irma Tom N/A DWP N/A Robert Tripp Jr. N/A DWP N/A Robert Ulrich N/A DWP N/A Susan Vasquez Exec. Secretary ITA 34 Albert Vega Carpenter Gen. Services 36 Joseph Whalen N/A DWP N/A Earline White Systems Analyst ITA 23 Victor White N/A DWP N/A John Whitney N/A DWP N/A Max Wiener N/A DWP N/A Howard Yandell N/A DWP N/A Alive! and your City Employees Club wishes to thank each and every one of the following, who have spent many years making Los Angeles the great city it is. Congratulations, and enjoy your well-deserved rewards!
31 City Employees Club of Los Angeles, Alive! April Births Weddings Gizelle Lymani Garcia, born Feb. 22nd to Manny and Lici Garcia. Manny is a Club Member and a Traffic Officer II with DOT Parking Enforcement, Valley Division. Sheka Wilson, Clerk Typist, Airports, and Derrick Stocker, Feb. 26 in Las Vegas. Aaron David Doss, born Feb. 2 to Joseph and Luz Doss. Joseph works for the Record Retention Center, Airports. Weddings: Recently married? Congratulations! Share the news with your City employee family. Tell us the names of the bride and groom, the date and place of the wedding, and the City or DWP job title of the bride and/or groom. (Include a photo, too, and we ll try to print it.) Send it in! Send to moments@cityemployeesclub.com. Club Graduations Alive! is delighted to continue publishing graduation photos of Club members and their children. Have a photo of a recent graduation? Send it in to Alive! Graduations, City Employees Club of Los Angeles, 350 S. Figueroa St., Suite 700, Los Angeles, CA Kristina Alejandra Sabad, born Feb.2 to Kristen and Bernie Sabad. Granddad is Red Medina, Construction Inspector, Public Works. Grandmom is Lupe Medina, Club staff member. Births: Send us the following information: full name of the newborn, date of birth, name of parents, job title of the parent(s) who work(s) for the City or the DWP, your phone number and a baby photo. Send to moments@cityemployeesclub.com Our thoughts and condolences are with the family and friends of the following current and retired City employees who have passed away: NAME DEPT. # YEARS Active Julia Bennett LAFD 23 Jimmy Bryson Airports 2 Walter Kepner DWP 22 Eugene Proctor Transportation 1 Richard Ramos LAPD 24 Rory Shaw Public Works 18 Marva Taylor LAPD 27 Robert Trimble DWP 31 Luis Zuniga Rec and Parks 16 Retired Jimmy Amaya DWP 33 Sarah Anderson Gen. Services 24 Robert Beasley Airports 7 Cora Beauregard Controller 14 Dorothy Block DWP 23 Ray Booth DWP 19 Carolyn Brown DWP 6 Melvina Brumfield Rec and Parks 8 Edmund Butler Public Works 23 Herman Butler Rec and Parks 29 Eli Camacho DWP 34 John Campbell DWP 17 Floyd Cooley DWP 27 Charles Davis DWP 16 E.D. Dyer Public Works 35 David Faxon Harbor 30 Gene Foster DWP 23 Elvie Fursee DWP 10 John Green Bldg. and Safety 19 Theodore Hames CDD 22 Lucille Henderson DWP 31 Gerald Hoffman Gen. Services 35 Frederick Honda Rec and Parks 30 John Horrocks Sr. DWP 33 Samuel Hudson DWP 29 Reginald Humphreys DWP 27 In Memoriam Richard Humphreys Public Works 47 Kaoru Ikeda Public Works 13 Beverly Johnson DWP 17 Carl Johnson Harbor 22 John Jones DWP 27 Gudrun Kamper City Attorney 12 Harvey Lewis Rec and Parks 21 Shelton Lewis Sr. DWP 34 Victor Lucas Gen. Services 11 Hugh Merida Public Works 31 Mario Miranda DWP 34 William Moore Public Works 30 Donald Moore Harbor 25 Albert Morley LAPD 10 Agnes Mudzinski DWP 12 Robert Muller DWP 17 Hollis Netherly Public Works 27 Elmer Nosler Public Works 27 Frances Nourse DWP 21 Gengo Okura DWP 11 Luella Ostrander Transportation 10 Cecil Parr DWP 32 Ferdinand Patin Gen. Services 33 John Pengilly DWP 15 James Peterson City Council 9 Sumuel Polonsky DWP 27 Frank Reinhard Bldg. and Safety 30 Helen Reuser LAPD 19 Eddie Roberson Gen. Services 32 Johnnie Roberts DWP 32 Howard Robinson DWP 24 Henry Rodriguez DWP 27 Roman Romero DWP 33 Carlo Romito Transportation 16 James Sakamoto DWP 34 Lily Samson Harbor 31 William Sondergaard Bldg. and Safety 18 Frank Stanisich Gen. Services 12 William Tolin Rec and Parks 31 In Memoriam: We receive this information directly from the City and the DWP. But send us the name of the deceased, and we ll print the notice. Send in a photo of the deceased, too, if you have one, and include your phone number. Send to moments@cityemployeesclub.com. * The New Members Club gives a great big welcome to these new members, who recently joined the Club: Welcome New Members! Laura Acevedo Douglas Adger Ana Aguilar Andy Aguilar Anita Ali Migoi Ali Thomas Allen II Sergio Alvarez Patricia Anciano Sara Anela-Kelly Alise Asadourian RonnieAyala Kenneth Bailey Claudio Barraza Robert Beaudry Kim Bendimez Veronica Bizarro Melvic Blanco Jacqueline Boucher Homer Boulin Lawrence Calderon Sylvia Calloway Albert Campos Gary Canales Fernando Carrasco Camille Carter PatrickChen MichelClaiborne-Thompson Beverly Clark Maria Contreras Catherine Cordero Timothy Cottrell Dean Cox Mercy Crenshaw Nida De Jesus Snezana Deh Ted Demas Josh DeZiel Willie Dockery Synorve Drake Nora Duenas Laronda Echols Behzad Eghtesady Jesus Espinoza Beatrice Estrada Lakeisha Evans Edna Flitcraft Chiwanda Foster Mary Fountain Yolanda Fountain Tashanda Fredrick Elliot Galindo Elsa Gallegos-Rodriguez Shuandy Galvez Alfonso Garcia Emma Garcia Javier Gomez Jose Gonzalez Jerry Green Laurie Guillen Eliseo Gutierrez Ramona Hallstead Leonora Harmon Thomas Hatcher Rosalyn Hawes Patricia Heuer Akilah Hite Joseph Hoffman Brandi Holley Daniel Hurst Masaaki Iwaoka Kerisha Jackson Jenai Johnson Bridgett Johnson-Jackson Bridget Jones Juan Juarez Rina Kelly Gabriela Kennedy Sherrell Lampkin Richard Laquey Jennifer Lindstrom Shawnie Livera David Lopez Alvin Lopez Jr. Rackiel Lord LenoreLucio Stan Ludwig Emilia Lugo JohnnyLugo Susan Luna CarlitoMagiba Jean Markham Gloria Martinez Katy Martinez-Ramirez Kimberly McClendon Lea Meighan Carlos Mejia Johnnie Miranda Elisha Mitchell Rhonda Mitchell Marilyn Moore Richard Morales Oscar Munoz Robin Nash Bridget Nickelson Al Noble Angelina Ortega Regina Osuna Patrick Owairu Cherie Parker Craig Patterson Cesar Pedroza Paul Phillips Sunita Pidech Martha Pinckney Guillermo Pinelo Ernie Preciado Tommy Quiroz Constance Randle James Reed James Reeves Daisy Rendon Elizabeth Revell Fortino Reynoso William Riddle Rafael Robeniol Carlton Roberson Ricky Robinson Augustine Rodriguez Sandra Rodriguez Luis Rubalcava Sheriece Russeau Miriam Sandez Carolyn Sawyer Matthew Schneider Mechelle Sherman Stephan Shuff Anita Sibayan Denise Sinclair Andrew Smith Reynaldo Solorzano Marco Soto Tami Sotomayor Joe Stackhouse Michael Stadler Thomas Starkey Leroy Stevens Gabriel Subia Leo Surratt Dwayne Thompson James Tran William Valdez Tai Vu Anita Whited Denise Williams Stephanie Williams Henry Williams Stephany Williams Paul Wong Judie Worthen Judy Wright Danilo Yap Nick Zingo
32 32 April 2005 City Employees Club of Los Angeles, Alive! During last year s National Dispatchers Week, Stephanie Brown-Smith, Police Service Representative, sits in front of her console ready to provide assistance. Thank a Dispatcher LAPD to note National Dispatchers Week in April. Tour signups are available. Story and photo by Arlene Herrero, Club Counselor Make sure you thank an LAPD 911 emergency dispatcher during the second week of April, which has been designated National Dispatchers Week April As we did last year, the Club is proud to donate prizes for the festive week, which is being recognized locally by the LAPD. In 1992, then President George H. Bush proclaimed the second full week of April as National Dispatchers Week to honor the hard working and often overlooked police dispatchers throughout the country who provide a vital service to their communities. Los Angeles Police Department s Communications Division is responsible for the operation of the Los Angeles City system and the police dispatch system. Our dispatchers, known as Police Service Representatives (PSRs) are an integral part of the public safety net. In 2004, they answered 3.3 million calls while providing dispatching service to field officers. Among the activities Communications Division has planned to honor and thank the PSRs will be the presentation of Communications Division s Annual Most Valuable PSR awards. Each year, a PSR from each watch and a supervisor are selected by their coworkers as best epitomizing the spirit of teamwork, service to the community and leadership that is the hallmark of Communications Division. Communications Division has two dispatch centers that handle the 911 calls and the police dispatch system. An Open House will be held in each of the new high-tech, state-of-the art dispatch centers. Open houses are scheduled: Tuesday, April 12, at the Metropolitan Communications Dispatch Center (MCDC). The MCDC is at 100 North Los Angeles St. in Los Angeles. Monday, April 11, at the Valley Communications Dispatch Center (VCDC). The VCDC is located at Roscoe Boulevard in West Hills. Open House tours will be provided for all police officers, City employees, members of the media and other interested parties only during these scheduled times: 12:30 a.m., 8 a.m., 10 a.m., 1 p.m., 5 p.m., and 8 p.m., on each center s respective open house dates. To RSVP for a tour or questions concerning this event, please contact PSR Marco Mendoza, Community Relations Unit, Communications Division at (213) or (213) PSRs Marco Mendoza and Marisol Vielma provided information for this story. From left: Susan Smetana, Supervisor; Alejandro Sanchez, Equipment Operator, 5 years; and Dave Waldner, Assistant Chief of Construction and Maintenance. Employee of the Quarter Story and photos by Liz Montes, Club Counselor On March 8, LAX named Alejandro Sanchez as its employee of the quarter. He was awarded at LAX. Here is his commendation: As an Equipment Operator, Alex Sanchez has proven to be an asset to the Construction and Maintenance Division. Alex is a dedicated employee and a team player who takes pride in a job well done. He can be depended upon to complete his duties thoroughly and goes above and beyond what is asked of him. Alex is assigned to the Asphalt Paving Crew. He demonstrates a high level of initiative and pays close attention to detail. Alex is a natural leader who takes an active roll in training new employees and assists his supervisors whenever needed. He continuously thinks of good recommendations and his contributions to projects are always positive and constructive. Float Your Boat, for Free CITY EMPLOYEES ARE INVITED TO TOUR THE LAPD S EXCELLENT 911 EMERGENCY DISPATCH CENTERS AS PART OF NATIONAL DISPATCHERS WEEK. OPEN HOUSES ARE SCHEDULED: Tuesday, April 12 Metropolitan Communications Dispatch Center (MCDC) 100 N. Los Angeles St., Los Angeles Monday, April 11 Valley Communications Dispatch Center (VCDC) Roscoe Blvd.,West Hills TO RSVP: Contact PSR Marco Mendoza (213) or (213) Open House tours will be provided for all police officers and City employees during these scheduled times: 12:30AM, 8AM, 10AM, 1PM, 5 PM, and 8PM on each center s respective open house dates. Free boat tours of the Port of Los Angeles will be available to Southland residents and visitors Saturday and Sunday May 14 and 15, in observance of World Trade Week The hourlong tours of the nation s busiest port will depart both days between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. from Ports O Call Village in San Pedro and Banning s Landing in Wilmington. An impressive array of ships, machinery, wildlife and other sights unique to the harbor provides a fascinating sightseeing adventure for visitors of all ages. After the tours, visitors can enjoy the shops and restaurants in Ports O Call Village, learn about harbor area history at the Los Angeles Maritime Museum, or take free rides on the Port s Waterfront Red Car Line. The Red Cars offer free transfers to the rubber-tire San Pedro Electric Trolley, to access the shops, galleries and restaurants in historic downtown San Pedro, and to Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, Cabrillo Beach and the Cabrillo Beach Bathhouse. The Waterfront Red Car Line also goes to the Cruise Ship Promenade, where visitors can stroll the Port of LA offers free boat tours in observance of World Trade Week May The whole family is invited. beautiful new boardwalk and visit the historic S.S. Lane Victory, a floating museum. In addition, exhibits at Ports O Call Village and Banning s Landing Community Center will highlight the Port s upcoming waterfront development projects. Reservations are not required for the free boat tours, which board on a firstcome, first-served basis. Handicap passenger access is available at each departure point. Information about the Port s World Trade Week Boat Tours program is available 24 hours a day on the Port s toll-free special events line at (800) 831-PORT; at (310) during normal business hours; and at World Trade Week is a national, month-long program of tours, seminars and other events to educate the public about the importance of international trade to the local economy. For information about other local World Trade Week activities, call the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce at (213) , or visit the official event website,
33 City Employees Club of Los Angeles, Alive! April Where in LA? WIN $ 50 Claim Jumper RESTAURANT CERTIFICATE New Photo Same Great Prize Get ready for another great contest. We wish you could all win! For April, we re keeping the same great prize: a $50 gift certificate to Claim Jumper Restaurant. Excellent, you say! All you have to do is send in a correct and substantial answer (in your own words) to talkback@cityemployeesclub.com, and you could win! What is this? Where is this? The Club member who gives us the most complete, detailed description of the object related to the City of Los Angeles wins the great prize! This month s deadline: April 11. See complete list of rules. Thanks for playing, and good luck! Send your response along with your Club card number by whereinla@cityemployeesclub.com), by fax ([213] ) or by surface mail (350 S. Figueroa, Suite 700, Los Angeles 90071). The winner of last month s contest is: Paul Munz, Engineering This month s photo is of the waterfall in the Rock Garden at the Los Angeles Police Academy. Many weddings, reunions and parties take place in this beautiful garden. There was a time when the entire staff of the Police Academy was sworn police officers. Trustees also assisted in the maintenance of the Academy grounds. This peaceful rock garden was built by trustees and off duty Los Angeles Police Revolver and Athletic Club members and is now a City historical landmark on the Academy grounds in Elysian Park. The garden is located behind the main building and is definitely worth a visit. Also submitting a correct answer: Honorary mention goes to another correct response from Club Member Theodore J. (Ted) Aquaro of the Fireman s Relief Association. But we have it on good authority that the Rock Garden at the LAPD Academy is where you proposed to your wife, Maggie and of course she said yes. Good job! Contest Rules: 1. Winning contestants must be Club members in good standing. Everyone is welcome to submit responses, however. (Responses without Club membership numbers will be accepted but not eligible for the winning prize.) 2. Responses can be delivered by mail, fax, or in person (phone responses will not be accepted). 3. Winning responses will be determined by official Club personnel. All decisions will be final. 4. The contest is all in good fun: The Club cannot be responsible for delays in delivering Alive!, or for delays in the transmission of responses.
34 34 April 2005 City Employees Club of Los Angeles, Alive! Off to Oregon Ken and Sharon Perry retire from Building and Safety. From left: Doug Devine, Sr. Building Inspector, 16 years, with Bob Nunn, BMI, 5 years. Photos by Robert Larios, Club Operations Director Ken and Sharon Perry headed off to a retirement life in Oregon, starting with a party held in their honor. They were both Senior Inspectors with Building and Safety. The retirement party took place March 2 at the Bear Pit barbecue restaurant. Reid Daub helped coordinate retirement party. The Club congratulates Ken and Sharon, and wishes them bon voyage! Ken and Sharon Perry enjoying their retirement party. From left: Stan Angelotti, Sr. Plumbing Inspector, 24 years, with Michael Tharpe, Chief Inspector, 28 years. From left: John Zolnikov, Sr. Building Inspector, 29 years; and Brian Trupin, Sr. Building Inspector, 20 years. From left: Shannon Haas, BMI, 5 years, with John Whipple, BMI, 2.5 years. Michael Martin, Principal Inspector, 16 years. Reid Daub. Roger Woodland, BMI, 5 years. Angel Sindayen, BMI, 4 years. From left: Jim Bangham, Sr. Building Inspector, 16 years; and John Kelly, Sr. Building Inspector, 20 years. From left: Patrick Gilbert, Principal Inspector, 20 years; and Craig Davis, Sr. Building Inspector, 16 years. Dennis Hawks, Electrical Inspector, 16 years. Ken Perry. Sharon Perry. From left: Ruben Perez, Assistant Bureau Chief, Building and Safety Code Enforcement, 32 years; Lee Clifton, Principal Inspector, Housing Department, 19 years; and Keith Gordon, Sr. Housing Inspector, 25 years. From left: Jack Barton, Fire Sprinkler Inspector, 15 years; Karin Izumi, Fire Sprinkler Inspector, 5 months; and Lee Garcia, Fire Sprinkler Inspector, 15 years. From left: Mike Lee, Chief Inspector, 33 years; Jeff Paxton, Principal Inspector-Housing, 18 years; David Lipton, Principal Inspector-Housing From left: Carl Stude, Plumbing Inspector, 18 years; Howard Stern, Electrical Inspector, 15 years; and Edward Mitchell, Sr. Electrical Inspector, 18 years. Ken and Sharon receiving the coveted Building and Safety Badge.
35 City Employees Club of Los Angeles, Alive! April IT S A NEW CLUB CONTEST!! WIN $ 100 Target Gift Certificate Deadline for submission: May 10, 2005 It s a Coloring Contest! That s right why let your kids have all the fun? So get out your crayons, your colored pens, or your oils and start coloring in this picture. And whatever you do, make sure you have fun! One winner will receive a $100 gift certificate from Target. Make sure you read the rules, and good luck! Please Complete: Name: Job title and department with the City: Address City/State/Zip: Rules of the Club s Adult Coloring Contest: Winning contestants must be Club members in good standing. Everyone is welcome to submit responses, however. (Responses without Club membership numbers will be accepted but not eligible for the winning prize.) Winning responses will be determined by official Club personnel. All decisions will be final. for Adults! PLEASE PROVIDE Responses can be delivered by mail or in person at the Club World Headquarters. Address: City Employees Club, 350 S. Figueroa, Suite 700, Los Angeles Deadline is May 10. All responses must be completed by the person indicated: no ringers (including your children!) Club Membership Number: Send Entries to: Club Adult Coloring Contest City Employees Club of Los Angeles World Trade Center 350 S. Figueroa St., Suite 700 Los Angeles, CA The Club will do everything it can to gather all the submissions, but it cannot be responsible for lost or misdirected mail. The contest is all in good fun: The Club cannot be responsible for delays in delivering Alive!, or for delays in the transmission of responses.
36 36 April 2005 City Employees Club of Los Angeles, Alive!
37 City Employees Club of Los Angeles, Alive! April CLUB CORNER Join These Groups Fly Fishing Enthusiasts A club is forming in the Santa Clarita area for fly fishing enthusiasts with all levels of skill. Call Theodore J. Aquaro, (661) LA City Employee s Asian American Association Established in 1971, the Los Angeles City Employees Asian American Association (LACEAAA) was formed to represent employees of Douglas Shur, President Asian/Pacific Islander descent and assist in protecting them from discriminatory acts in their application to, and employment, with the City; and advance employment, education, economic, and social concerns of Asian/Pacific Islanders in City service; and resolve unique work-related problems of any Association member. Call (213) or write to LACEAAA, P.O. Box 86323, Los Angeles, CA or visit us at Association of City Employees with Disabilities The Association of City Employees with Disabilities (ACED) is committed to the recruitment, employment, retention and promotion of persons with disabilities. Also, ACED counsels and represents employees faced with discrimination on the job. Call Joe O Toole at (213) Affirmative Action Association for Women Established by the City Council as the official representative for female City employees, the Affirmative Action Association for Women (AAAW) has been representing women for more than 25 years. The AAAW is an employee advocate organization that gives particular attention to the advancement of women and minority employees of the City of Los Angeles. Its members, both male and female, serve on association, department, and Citywide committees that focus attention on personnel policies and practices and support a continuing commitment to equal employment opportunities as a basic principle of the City s merit system. Call (213) 847-AAAW, write to AAAW, P.O. Box 53488, Los Angeles, CA 90053, or visit the Website at Alive! offers this space every month for Club members to invite other Club members to join their group. It could be work-related, or social, or all about your hobbies. Whatever it is, send us a notice at talkback@cityemployeesclub.com, and we ll post the notice free as a service to our members! Jackie Zarate, President Los Angeles City Employees Chicano Association (LACECA) The Los Angeles City Employees Chicano Association (LACECA) was established in 1971 and was the first City recognized employee Affirmative Action Association. Membership is open to anyone interested in supporting the goals and objectives of the organization. LACECA is dedicated to promoting equal employment opportunities in our workplace, City government and community. It sponsors and supports a variety of training events and seminars to assist employees in their career development. Meetings are usually held the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month at 5:30 p.m. in the second floor conference room of the Personnel Department Building, 700 E. Temple Street. Contact Leonor Garcia, at (213) , ext. 3 or write to LACECA, P.O. Box 53590, Los Angeles, CA Los Angeles Association of Black Personnel The mission of the Los Angeles Association of Black Personnel (LAABP) is to motivate, encourage and educate individuals to realize their dreams and move forward in their career within City government. Contact Steve King at (213) or write to LAABP, P.O. Box 53822, Los Angeles, CA Los Angeles Filipino Association of City Employees In 1980, the Los Angeles Filipino Association of City Employees (LAFACE) was organized to serve as an advocate to the fast-growing number of Filipinos in City service. Its primary goal is to promote the general advancement of Filipinos in the City. LAFACE works cooperatively with other minority groups in promoting equal employment opportunities in the City. LAFACE does not limit its function to assisting Filipinos in acquiring employment, promotion, and passing examinations in the City, but also to promoting the economic, educational, social, and cultural advancement of Filipinos in the community. Contact Caroline Lorenzo (213) or write to P.O. Box 53389, Los Angeles, CA CLUB PHOTO FEATURE Eric John Uehlinger Club Member John Uehlinger writes: I feel honored and proud to have a son, Eric John Uehlinger, Lieutenant Corporal in the United States Marines, stationed in Camp Fallujah, Iraq. The 19-year-old marine believes in freedom and serving his country. His tour of duty will end in April, and he plans to continue college. Eric is the son of John W. Uehlinger, a pipe fitter at the Bureau of Sanitation at Hyperion Treatment Plant with 19 years of service. Semper Fi! YES Lieutenant Corporal in the United States Marines Armed Forces If you have a family member in the military and would like to honor them in Alive!, please send in a photo and include their name, their branch of military service, where they re stationed, your City department, and any other information about them that you would like to include, to: Alive! Military Service Recognition City Employees Club 350 S. Figueroa St. Suite 700 Los Angeles, CA The Club in the Honor Those Who Serve could run b/w if no space for color
38 38 April 2005 City Employees Club of Los Angeles, Alive! Close Shave! St. Baldrick s event shaves the heads of the LAFD, LAPD for a good cause. Story by Bev Haro, Club Counselor Photos by Arlene Herrero, Club Counselor Captain Waldie Brangham of Fire Station 89 and Sgt. William Doyle of the LAPD organized the St. Baldrick s event together. St. Baldrick s is an international day of voluntary head shaving for a good cause fighting cancer via the CureSearch Children s Oncology Group. The event takes place on St. Patrick s Day every year. This year s event took place at the LAPD Police Academy garden area, where members of the LAFD and LAPD got their heads shaved and raised money via sponsorships. It marked the third St. Baldrick s event for Brangham and Doyle. Patricia White, a Police Service Representative (Metro), was the top fundraiser. She raised $3,615. The second place winner was Firefighter Danny Wu, who raised $2,850. He tried to increase the donations in his name by offering to pay for dinner for the top donor. In third place was William Doyle, son of Sgt. Doyle, who raised $1,920. People made donations to sponsor a shavee via the Website, stbaldricks.org, or in person at the event. The City Employees Club sponsored a drawing for a PlayStation 2 and movie packages. Participants donated one dollar for each drawing ticket at the event. Of course all of the proceeds were given back to St. Baldrick s. The winners were announced at 11:30 a.m. and $145 was raised from the drawing. The Club thanks the LAFD and LAPD, and Waldie and William for inviting us to your great event! That s the last of it, Pat! Way to go. From left: Dave Soto, Fire Station 1, 28 years; Jim Hall, Fire Station 70, 36 years; and Frank Hurtado, Fire Station 70, 7 years. Another good sport and first-year participant Captain John Incontro, 26 years, Pacific Station, asked his barber to go easy on the top. From left: Captain Waldie Brangham, LAFD; Kathleen Ruddy, St. Baldrick s Executive Director; and Sgt. Greg Doyle, LAPD Communications, Club Member. Lieutenant Ludwig attempts to attain a Mohawk look. Looks like the Mohawk for Lt. Ludwig had to go. Too late to stop her now, Lieutenant! Lieutenant Stan Ludwig, LAPD Communications, Club Member, smiles happily in anticipation. Danny Wu, LAFD, contributed his second outstanding contribution, thanks to an anonymous donor, who donated $1,000. Danny Wu before he was shaved. David Flynn, 1 yr, Fire Station 83C, was one happy customer! Capt. Smith proudly stands next to Pat White, the top fundraiser. Pat raised more than $3,500. What a pricey haircut, Pat; way to go! From left: Pat White, Sr. PSR II, 28 years, Club Member; and Captain Andrew Smith, LAPD Communications. Capt. Waldie Brangham welcomes and thanks everyone for coming. From left: Sgt. Greg Doyle, LAPD Communications, Club Member; and Captain Brangham, LAFD. Pat White, Sr. PSR II, 28 years, Club Member, stops everyone in time to put on some lipstick. Frank Gutierrez, barber, was the lucky winner of the dollar donation drawing. He came to shave some heads and walked away with the PlayStation 2, donated by the Club. First-year participant Ron Matthews, 19 years, Fire Station 27, experiences a parting of the Bald Sea. A group photo of the brave men and women from LAPD Communications who participated. What a happy bunch! Hope to see you all next year. Bev Haro, Club Counselor, represented the City Employees Club, which donated movie packs and a Sony PlayStation 2 for the drawing. The drawing raised $145. Sgt. Greg Doyle, LAPD Communications, Club Member, requested a Mohawk. The crowd looks on in amazement.
39 City Employees Club of Los Angeles, Alive! April Christine Perkins, Police Officer, 17 years, Central Bureau, closes her eyes for her shave. This was her first year. A brave husband and wife team, from left: Christine Perkins, Police Officer, 17 years, Central Bureau, and Jeff Perkins, Police Officer 17 years, PSB. This was their first year participating. Asta Webster, Police Officer, 15 years, OCB, Club Member, a first-year participant. First-year participant Wes Buhrmester, Police Officer, 18 years, Internal Affairs. First-year participant Jeffri Norat, Police Officer, 15 years, Central Bureau. Larry Martinez, Sr. Lead Officer, Foothill Station, requests a little off the top. Third-year participant Kelly Taggart, Fire Fighter III, 4 years, Station 37A. Kelly s son, a cancer survivor, was unable to attend as he was undergoing treatment. First-year participant Steve Romas, Firefighter, 18 years, Station 6. Captain Tom Reyes, Fire Station 2, at his first St. Baldrick s event, was the first to have his head shaved this year. He wants to thank everyone at Fire Station 2 for all the contributions he collected. The F stands for Fire! Tim Halloran, 5 months, Fire Station 86C, experiences his second St. Baldrick s event, even though he has been on the job just five months. How is that? Turns out, his dad is a Retired Firefighter. Doing a great job staffing the registration table were, from left: Jed Fernandez, PSR II, 4 years; Howard Tien, PSR III, 5 years, Club Member; and Michael Elling, PSR III, 25 years. Thanks go to Police and Fire for providing items for the Club s goodie bag. From left: Don Witty, 20 years, Fire Station 20; Mary Fishkin, Jr. Loan Counselor, Police & Fire Home Loans, Club Partner; Jim Ruiz, 19 years, Fire Station 20; and Rick Miller, 17 years, Fire Station 20. Having fun were, from left: Michelle Rodriguez, Police Officer, Foothill Station, and Julian Almaraz, Sr. Lead Officer, Foothill Station. Howard Tien, PSRIII, 5 years, Club Member, was another team player from LAPD Communications. Scott Hamilton, 4 years, Fire Station 27B, was still smiling, considering it was his first year. CITY EMPLOYEE POLLWORKERS SOUGHT FOR UPCOMING ELECTIONS Positions could include overtime pay. Second-year participant Shawnie Livera, PSR III, 10 years, Club Member, proudly shows off her new look. A family affair! From left: Kristine Doyle, wife; son Tom Doyle; Sgt. Greg Doyle, LAPD Communications, Club Member. Tom was proud to grow his hair during the year to be shaved during St. Baldrick s. Cancer survivor William Doyle, son of Sgt. Greg Doyle, is ready to get his head shaved. William T. Fujioka, City Administrative Officer is supporting and volunteering for the election. The City of Los Angeles has established and funded a comprehensive City Employee Poll Worker Program that will place City employees at polling places to assist community volunteer poll workers for the upcoming May 17 municipal elections. City employees assigned to work at polling places may be paid overtime, in accordance with their Memorandum of Understanding. What a bunch of troopers, all seated for a shaving! Ladies who came to show their support for Pat White and the rest of LAPD Communications were, from left: Sherry Kemp, Sr. PSR I, 26 years; Tracy Page, Sr. PSR I, 15 years, Club Member; Pat White, Sr. PSR II, 28 years, Club Member; Yvette Bentley, Sr. PSR I, 17 years, Club Member; Dorine Thomas, Sr. PSR I, 19 years, Club Member. To apply for a pollworker position, or for more information, please call (213)
40 40 April 2005 City Employees Club of Los Angeles, Alive! Cooking Club with the by our own Robert Larios Send Us Your Recipes! If you would like your recipe published in the next issue of Alive!, you may fax your recipes to (213) or us at Food To Get You Into The Game This is one of my most favorite times of the year. April to me means the start to a brand new baseball season. The sounds and the experience of the ballpark rekindle fantastic moments growing up. The sounds of fans cheering, the crack of the bats as batters make contact with a 90-mile-per-hour fastball, and of course the food all have made such profound impacts that these sensations and memories will carry with me for a long time. Whenever I am at a baseball game, I am compelled to eat a hot dog because there is nothing that tastes better than a hot dog at a ball game. But when I am at home, the hot dog seems to lose some of the flavor found at the ballpark. That is why I have put together a variety of recipes that are perfect for watching baseball games on television. INGREDIENTS 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 cup vegetable oil 2 tablespoons cold milk 1 1/2 teaspoons white sugar 1 teaspoon sea salt 6 Fuji apples, cored and sliced 3/4 cup white sugar 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 cup white sugar 1/2 cup butter DIRECTIONS Preheat oven to 350 degrees. To make crust: In a large bowl, mix together 1 1/2 cups flour, oil, milk, 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar and salt until evenly blended. Pat mixture into a 9-inch pie pan, spreading the dough evenly over the bottom and up sides. Crimp edges of the dough around the perimeter. To make filling: Mix together 3/4 cup sugar, MVP s Apple Pie The Big League Breakfast Burrito is one of the most filling and energy packed meals I have ever had. It is perfect not just for breakfast but for anytime of the day. If you are watching your cholesterol or if you are looking for a healthy alternative, try egg whites instead of using whole eggs. Joyce Miller submitted a Letter to the Editor suggesting that she didn t think I have ever included baking recipes. Joyce has a good observation because the subject of baking cakes, breads and deserts are an entirely different area of cooking that is unfamiliar to me. However, I do know how to make a fantastic apple pie. Try out the MVP s Apple Pie. The Mustard n Potato Salad is another great addition for your baseball-watching pleasure. Ingredients can be substituted, including mayonnaise for salad dressing or chives instead of onions. Experiment with a variety of mustards to get your personal Coach s Baked Beans By Joe Riley, DWP INGREDIENTS 1 (28 ounce) can baked beans 1/2 pound bacon, cut into small pieces 8 ounces brown sugar DIRECTIONS Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Pour beans into a two-quart casserole dish. Place bacon in a nine-inch skillet, completely covering bottom of pan. Spread brown sugar over bacon and cook on medium heat. When 3 tablespoons flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Sprinkle over apples and toss to coat. Spread evenly in unbaked pie shell. To make topping: Using a pastry cutter, mix together 1/2 cup flour, 1/2 cup sugar and butter until evenly distributed and crumbly in texture. Sprinkle over apples. Put pie in the oven on a cookie sheet to catch the juices that may spill over. Bake 45 minutes. bacon grease starts to bubble up through the sugar, transfer to the casserole dish and mix with beans. Bake in preheated oven for 45 minutes. favorite flavor. Whether it is baseball or a summer barbeque, baked beans are an American tradition. Joe Riley from DWP knows that to be true with his recipe called Coach s Baked Beans. It is a simple recipe but very flavorful. It is just the way I like recipes to be! Mustard n Potato Salad INGREDIENTS 6 large potatoes peeled and cubed 3 eggs 1 onion, finely chopped 3 stalks celery, diced 3 teaspoons sweet pickle relish 1 (4 ounce) jar pimentos 2 teaspoons prepared mustard 3 tablespoons creamy salad dressing 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon pepper 1 teaspoon sea salt DIRECTIONS Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add potatoes and cook until tender but still firm, about 15 minutes. Drain, place in a large mixing bowl and beat until smooth. Place eggs in a saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring water to a boil; cover, remove from The Homerun Corn Dog is brought to us by Freddy Fargo the Bureau of Sanitation. It s also a quick and easy recipe with tasty results. If you have children, this is the recipe for you. Enjoy the recipes and the new baseball season! Big League Breakfast Burritos INGREDIENTS 8 eggs 8 tortillas Pepper 1/2 cup shredded cheese 1/2 pound Canadian bacon 1/2 cup mushrooms sautéed (optional) DIRECTIONS Cook bacon, pour off fat. Combine eggs and bacon and cook until soft done. Sprinkle in cheese. Place portion onto tortilla, fold once, fold each end and roll. Serve with salsa or picante sauce. Makes 3 or 4 servings. You may also use sautéed green peppers or chopped ham or crumbled bacon instead of sausage. Homerun Corn Dog By Freddy Fargo, Bureau of Sanitation DIRECTIONS In a medium bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, salt, pepper, sugar and baking powder. Stir in eggs and milk. Preheat oil in a deep saucepan over medium heat. Insert wooden skewers into frankfurters. Roll frankfurters in batter until well coated. Fry two or three corn dogs at a time for 8 to 10 minutes, or until lightly browned. Drain on paper towels. heat, and let eggs stand in hot water for 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from hot water, cool, peel and chop. In a mixing bowl, combine the potatoes, eggs, onion, celery, relish and pimentos. Blend together the mustard and salad dressing, add to salad and mix well. Sprinkle with paprika and refrigerate until chilled.
41 City Employees Club of Los Angeles, Alive! April Newsbrief RECREATION FOR GIRLS The World According to Lewis the Mule by Matt Bennyworth Cartoon Corner The seventh annual Girls Sports Day L.A., an event devoted to increasing female involvement in athletics, will be held on Saturday, April 9 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Rancho Cienega Sports Complex, a Rec and Parks facility in the Crenshaw area. Hundreds of females ages 6-18 will spend the day learning about and participating in various sports activities, including free clinics in golf, soccer, tennis, and volleyball. The theme of this year s event is Girls Got Game. In addition, there will be guest presentations by college and professional athletes, including former Los Angeles Sparks player Timicha Kirby (who is now a Rec and Parks employee), and a display of women s sports memorabilia. Each participant will also receive lunch and a free T-shirt. The event was established through a partnership between the Rec and Parks and Los Angeles Women in Sports (LAWinS). Girls who participate in sports do better in school, are more likely to take on leadership roles, and learn to set personal goals. In addition, sports participation improves self-esteem, helps create friendships, and breaks down social barriers; physical activity is also an effective way for girls to fight depression while lowering their risks for heart disease and breast cancer. For more information about Girls Sports Day L.A., call the Municipal Sports Section of Rec and Parks at (213) The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Alive!, the Alive! staff, the City Employees Club or its staff.
42 42 April 2005 City Employees Club of Los Angeles, Alive! Critic s Corner What I Saw Write a brief review of a current movie give us the general plot line, whether you liked it, and whether it s appropriate for family audiences. If we print it, we ll send you two free movie tickets! So let s hear it! Send them to: talkback@cityemployeesclub.com Hitch wise would not give them a second thought. to murder. That s where the real intense stuff a message, that money cannot buy happiness. The film stars Will Overall it s a sweet romantic comedy that comes in: Who is Charlie, you ask yourself: a The language and content of the movie may Smith as the cure for the rates a high score. No violence, and not too harmless little boy, a ghost, a psychopathic not be suitable for young children. I would common man. Meaning, many sexual references. Men can check out killer, or just made up? You be the judge. definitely recommend the movie; do not listen in this particular case, the Website for some tips on dating, and You ll find out, and the result is terrifying. to the other movie critics. guys who are hopelessly some of the advice given in the movie. If men If you liked Secret Window, you ll like Stephanie Lazarus, LAPD smitten by the love bug, see it with a woman, ask her to explain it. If Hide and Seek. It s worth the money. WIN Two FREE Movie Tickets without an inkling of game. (Skill with the ladies, for those who don t know.) The film starts off as one might imagine, quite charming and somewhat offbeat. Eva Mendes stars in this one as Sara Melas, who works for a leading gossip magazine. Who just so happens to be single and waiting on someone like Mr. Fresh Prince-Charming. Seems there just aren t any decent guys who aren t either full of themselves or bringing some serious game for Ms. Major League to take a swing at. Enter Hitch (Will Smith), who quickly brings his A game to the table. The only thing is his A game quickly becomes a D for dud. The movie bounces around the notion that there are certain moves in dating that work and lead to love and bliss. It s quite you go with another male, see if you can figure it out together, then ask a woman! Barbara Johnson, Personnel Hitch (Will Smith) is the guy guys call on when they want a girl so badly, but are too nervous or whatever to go for it. He coaches, sets up opportunities, and offers whatever help you may need to get the girl. The two major plotlines: Hitch setting up his newest and toughest client (Kevin James) with a beautiful and wealthy celebrity. The other is Hitch solving his own love life with columnist Sara Melas (Eva Mendez). This is a funny romantic comedy that makes a fantastic date movie. Enjoy. Gwen Lew, DWP If you enjoy romantic comedies, then this Nyra Smith, Sanitation Winn-Dixie This was a fantastic movie. It is marketed for children s pleasure, but adults like myself will enjoy the movie. The story is about a dog that found its way to a little girl who had no friends, when she met the dog he opened her world and all the characters of the movies heart open from the pain that they had felt in the past. This movie has Cicely Tyson, a very versatile actress who draws you into whatever character she portrays. The focal character is the dog that cannot speak with words, but speaks a lot with the heart. Be Cool This movie has a lot of stars: John Travolta, Uma Thurman, Cedric the Entertainer, Danny De- Vito, Christina Milian, Harvey Keitel, The Rock, Steven Tyler (of the band Aerosmith) and others. So you would think with all those stars the movie would be great. Well, the movie was just okay. It was 118 minutes and it seemed longer. Travolta plays a mobster who was in the movie industry and wants to now get into the music industry. Travolta hears a talented singer (Milian) sing at the Viper Room and wants to be her agent. Milian has a contract with Keitel s character, and he does not want to release Milian from entertaining, and both actors have very good is the movie for you. It s about a love doc- The movie was a little long, but kept me the contract. The movie drags on with who is comedic timing. Rounding out the cast is tor (Will Smith) who provides dating advice watching for the almost the entire two hours. going to produce Milian s record. The music funny man Kevin James (King of Queens) to men that need a little extra help to capture Laronda Echols, LAPD through out the movie is good; you would whose dance routine is one for the ages. the women of their dreams. The love doc- almost think this was a musical. The movie The movie is a definite commercial hit, with enough panache to be a good date tor faces a little trouble of his own when he tries to impress Sara Melas (Eva Mendes), a In Good Company was a comedy and had some suspense. It had its moments, but I would not rush out to see movie. This one will make for great future journalist of a tabloid magazine. In the This is a good movie, it. There is violence, sexual references and Blockbuster nights! process, it ruins everything for his client starring Dennis Quaid, profanity, probably not a good choice for chil- Dory Boyd, Sanitation (Kevin James) who is pursing a celebrity Topher Grace, Marg dren or young teens. (Amber Valletta). This is a great date movie Helgenberger (from CSI) Stephanie Lazarus, LAPD Hitch is a romantic comedy for every male that kept me laughing from beginning to end. and others. Quaid is the over 10 years of age. All girls are exempt since they are studying boys from the time Will Smith is not only charming, but also humorous and his dancing brought back head of an ad agency for a major magazine. The Maria Full of Grace they are old enough to chase them on the memories of his character in the television company is going to reorganize and hires This is a harrowing playground. Will Smith plays Alex Hitchens, series The Fresh Prince of Bel Air. Grace to be the new head of the ad agency. story that takes you into a.k.a. Hitch, Date Doctor extraordinaire. Rotundra Greene, Airports Grace, who is half Quaid s age, is now his boss. the world of young He promises, Three dates, gentlemen. After Grace meets Quaid s daughter, played by Colombian woman who that you are on your own, and he does deliver. Kevin James, from King of Queens fame, Hide and Seek Scarlett Johansson, and they have a romance. Quaid s style of getting clients is the old- agrees to become a drug mule a person hired to plays Alex Brennaman, who is in love with This movie was way fashioned way and this is not the new man- smuggle cocaine into the Amber Valletta (Raising Helen), an heiress better than what I agement s philosophy. The magazine compa- United States. The catch is that drug mules named Allegra. We are taken through the expected it to be. The ny is not doing well and they begin laying off must swallow packets of the drug and carry it steps for each of the three dates as promised previews made it look workers. Quaid s wife, Helgenberger, in their body as they fly into America. Once by Hitch, and the courage that must be mus- great, and another good becomes pregnant and his daughter is going there, they are held up in a hotel room until tered by all of the men to be successful with thing was that it didn t to college. Quaid is worried about his job, but each packet is passed through their system. It the ladies of their dreams. give away too much. It s in the end everything works out. The movie is a dangerous business as they must get Eva Mendes is Sara, a gossip columnist not the scariest movie, it beats White Noise keeps you interested with the different plots. through immigration, hoping that the pack of who is a little too attached to her job. She by far, but don t get me wrong, there were It s funny, kind of sad, but has a good mes- the lethal drug does not break inside them. meets Hitch in a club when Will Smith is at some very intense suspense scenes through- sage. This movie would be fine for teenagers. They are not to use the toilet until they arrive his most charming, and practicing what he out the whole movie. Stephanie Lazarus, LAPD at their destination for fear of flushing the preaches. They go no further until Hitch does Acting is perfect. I don t think there was a valuable cocaine packets, otherwise risking his homework on Sara (men, pay attention) and pursues her in ingenious ways. Their dates are a disaster, yet somehow charm Sara better choice for the part rather than Robert De Niro. He s one of my favorite actors. He does a great job in all his roles, no matter Diary of a Mad Black Woman harm from drug dealers. In her film debut, Catalina Sandino Moreno plays Maria Alvarez, a young woman from a small town in enough to continue to see him, until she dis- what the genre of the movie is. And the little Prior to this movie, I Colombia. After quitting her low-paying job covers that he is the infamous Date Doctor, girl (Dakota Fanning) is perfect; she s very had never heard of Tyler and finding out she is pregnant, Maria meets who has had a hand (mistakenly, she believes) creepy. And there are good performances Perry. Perry plays three a young man who entices her to work as a in a disastrous date her closest friend suffered. from Elisabeth Shue and Famke Janssen. parts in this movie, a drug mule. What makes the story work is its A front-page gossip column scandal puts The story of the movie is very simple. The lawyer, a woman by the ability to help the viewer understand Maria s Hitch on the line, and all of the men he has thing I love about it is you can watch it, name of Madea, and plight and decision to become a drug mule helped (some he didn t) on the spot with understand it, and be frightened all at the Madea s brother. This is a funny comedy, also without any judgment. It is a compelling jour- their women. Albert loses Amber and con- same time; it doesn t really have that many starring Steve Harris, who played a television ney as Maria faces the consequences for her fronts Hitch about his belief in his own twists or turns until the end. By the way, the lawyer on The Practice, Shemar Moore (very decisions. This movie was based on inter- product. Traditional sappy scenes, amid ending is great, very intense and creepy, but good looking) and Kimberly Elise. Elise is views from real-life experiences of drug mules comedy, ensue and all ends well. that s all I ll say. married to Harris. Harris is a very famous and is worthy of its intention. It is in Spanish On a broader scale, Hitch should appeal to I ll admit, it starts off slow, but then when lawyer. He wins an award for lawyer of the with English subtitles and is filmed in all men and boys who are good people and the suspense starts taking place, it hardly lets year and then throws his wife out of their Colombia and New York City. All of the per- seem not to succeed in attaining the one up. The main part of the story revolves mansion. Elise, who is Madea s granddaugh- formances are realistic, and it brings you into who always alludes them in deference to the around the little girl, coping with the death of ter, helps Elise with restarting her life. Madea a world you might never have known about. guy with looks or money. Surprisingly maybe, her mother, and her imaginary friend Charlie. is too funny to describe; you have to see the Catalina Sandino Moreno was nominated for to them, they will learn that there really are You re left to decide who Charlie is. He movie. The movie is not only a comedy, but a Best Actress Oscar. steps that can be taken to attract and keep seems harmless at first, then strange events there is a love story that slowly develops Dan Basilgo, LAPD Comm. Division the attention of someone they thought other- start happening, from threatening messages between Elise and Moore. The movie also has
43 43 April 2005 City Employees Club of Los Angeles, Alive! Ticket Express Ticket Guy Navin Cotton, Ticket Guy You can call or your comments, concerns: TEL: (800) If any member is participating in any local theatre productions, sports events, or volunteer events, let me know and I ll try to put an ad in next month s issue. Discount Tickets by Mail, Phone, Web site & FAX This is your chance to enjoy the entertainment options you love all at discounted prices as a benefit of membership in the Club. We ll send you back your tickets by mail. ALL TICKETS SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY. PRICES MAY CHANGE. DO NOT SEND CASH ALL SALES ARE FINAL NO REFUNDS. When visiting Club offices, only the first 15-minutes of parking will be validated. The CLUB strongly encourages that members phone in orders before visiting our office. Orders will be processed as soon as received. Tickets must be mailed to your home address. City Employees Club of Los Angeles cannot be held responsible for money or tickets lost in the mail. For your convenience, the Club accepts VISA or MasterCard. Maximum 12 tickets per event/ theatre/attraction per order. DISCOUNT TICKET Order Form for City Employees Club of Los Angeles members. Retail Club Theatre Tickets ** Price Price Quantity Total AMC - RESTRICTED TICKETS $9.00 $5.50 x =$ AMC - GOOD ANY TIME $9.00 $7.00 x =$_ Krikorian Theatres GOOD ANY TIME $9.50 $5.50 x =$ Regal/Edwards Cinema/United Artists RESTRICTED TICKETS $9.00 $5.50 x =$ Regal/Edwards Cinema/United Artists GOOD ANY TIME $9.00 $6.50 x = $ Imax at Exposition Park - Adult $7.50 $5.00 x = $ Imax at Exposition Park - Child $4.50 $3.75 x =$ Cinemark Theatres $8.75 $5.50 x =$ Loews Cineplex /Magic Johnson $8.50 $5.50 x = $ Loews Cineplex /Magic Johnson (Good Anytime) $7.00 x = $ Mann Theaters $9.00 $6.00 x = $ Pacific Walk/Drive In $9.00 $5.50 x = $_ The Bridge Cinemas $11.00 $8.00 x = $_ Retail Club Theme Parks / Attractions ** Price Price Quantity Total Aquarium of the Pacific - Adult $18.75 $14.95 x =$ Through 12/31/05 - Child 3-11 $9.95 $8.95 x =$ Boomer s Family Fun Centers - All day Pass $20.00 $14.00 x =$ California Adventure - Adult $53.00 $42.50x =$ Through 12/17/05 - Child $43.00 $37.50 x =$ Catalina Island Express (Round Trip) - Adult $41.00 x =$ - Child $34.00 x =$ Catalina Sightseeing - Adult $17.75 x =$ - Child $9.00 x =$ Choice of 2 tours: Avalon Scenic, Casino, Daytime Glass Bottom Boat or Sea Rocks Cruise. Seasonal. Ticket not valid 5/27-30, 1/1-4, and 9/2-5, 2005 Disneyland - Adult $49.75 $42.50 x =$ Through 12/15/05 except 7/17 - Child 3-11 $39.75 $37.50 x =$_ Disneyland/California Adventure $ $ x = $_ Premium Annual Passport - Black out dates apply Disneyland/California Adventure $ $ x = $_ Deluxe Annual Passport - Black out dates apply Disneyland Park Hopper - Adult $69.00 $50.50 x =$_ Through 5/3/05 - Child $59.00 $40.50 x =$ Knott s Berry Farm - Adult $45.00 $23.95 x = $ - Child 3-11 $32.00 $14.95 x = $ Legoland - Adult/Child - Through 1/31/06 $41.95 $29.95 x =$ Los Angeles Zoo - Adult $10.00 $7.00 x = $_ - Child 2-12 $7.00 $4.00 x = $ Medieval Times - Adult $46.65 $39.65 x =$ Offer expires 12/29/05 - Child 12 and under $32.40 $29.40 x =$ Movieland Wax Museum - Adult $12.95 $7.50 x = $ Buena Park Location_ - Child 4-11 $6.95 $4.95 x = $ Ripley s Believe It or Not - Adult $8.95 $6.50 x =$ Buena Park Location_ - Child 4-11 $5.95 $3.95 x = $ San Diego Zoo - Adult $32.00 $25.00 x = $ Through 3/31/06 - Child 3-11 $19.75 $15.75 x =$ Sea World San Diego - Adult $50.95 $39.00 x =$ Through 12/31/05 - Child 3-9 $40.95 $34.00 x =$ Six Flags Magic Mountain - Adult $47.99 $22.00 x =$_ Through 12/31/05 - Child under 48 $29.99 $15.00 x = $_ Universal Studios - Adult/Child-Through 6/30/05 $49.00 $35.00 x = $_ Universal Studios - Annual Pass $80.00 $47.75 x =$_ Wild Animal Park - Adult $26.50 $21.00 x =$ Through 3/31/06 Child 3-11 $19.50 $15.50 x =$ Hot Ticket Deals! Disneyland Annual Passport (Premium) Regular Price: $ Club Price $ Valid 365 days (1 yr from date of activation) at both Disneyland Park and California Adventure. 10% merchandise discount at select locations throughout Disneyland Resort. Free Annual Parking Pass for the Mickey & Friends parking structure % dining discount at select Disneyland Resort restaurants. Special Rates at the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort. One year subscription to Disney Magazine Disneyland Annual Passport (Deluxe) Regular Price: $ Club Price $ Valid 320 pre-selected days (1 year from date of activation) at both Disneyland Park and California Adventure. 10% merchandise discount at select location throughout Disneyland Resort. Annual Parking Pass for the Mickey & Friends parking structure for an additional $ % dining discount at select Disneyland Resort restaurants. Special Rates at the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort. Not Valid: 1/1,2/19-20, 3/19,3/26, 4/2,4/9, 4/16, 4/23, 4/30, 5/7, 5/14, 5/21, 5/28, 6/4, 6/11, 6/18, 6/25, 7/2-4, 7/6, 7/16-17, 7/23, 7/30, 8/6, 8/13, 8/20, 8/27, 9/3-4, 11/24-26, 12/24-31/2005. Retail Club Gift Certificates Price Price Quantity Total Golf n Stuff $26.50 $11.50 x =$ See s Candies Gift Certificate (1 lb.) $12.40 $9.75 x =$ Mulligan s Family Fun Center $15.00 $10.00 x =$ $15 Gift Certificate Club Store Merchandise CITY SEAL Hat (with seal only) Retail Club Price Price Quantity Total Orange $12.50 x Black $12.50 x =$ =$ CITY SEAL Hat (with Los Angeles ) Orange $12.50 x =$ Black $12.50 x =$ CLUB LOGO Hat Dark Blue $12.50 x =$ Khaki $12.50 x =$ SUB TOTAL To order City Seal Watches, call the Ticket Guy (888) Shipping & Handling Tickets: Standard Mail* $2.25 x 1 = $ Tickets: Certified Mail $3.50 x 1 = $ Hats ($1.25 per each item) $1.25 x =$ TOTAL (please include shipping) To Order: BY MAIL: Complete the order form below and mail to: Ticket Guy City Employees Club of Los Angeles 350 S. Figueroa St., Ste. 700 Los Angeles, CA Member Information Member s name Home Street Address $ $ BY PHONE: (888) BY FAX: (213) BY WEB SITE: Go to and click on Club_Discounts. City State Zip Home Phone Club Member Number Make all checks payable to the City Employees Club of Los Angeles. Allow 3 to 7 days for delivery. Work Phone Payment Check or Money Order enclosed (please paper clip to order form) Make all checks payable to the City Employees Club of Los Angeles Credit Card Please charge $ (enter total from above form) to my credit card. MasterCard VISA No. Exp. / Cardholder Name * When using Standard mail, please be aware that the Club cannot be responsible for tickets lost in the mail. ** Please be aware that black-out dates and restrictions may apply to the use of discounted tickets. Cardholder Signature
44 City Employees Club of Los Angeles, Alive! April TO ORDER CLUB STORE MERCHANDISE: Call the Ticket Hotline: (888) The Ticket Guy is waiting for your call! or Complete the order form on the previous page. ClubStore OFFICIAL CLUB MERCHANDISE The Perfect Gift for City Employees! City Seal Watches Enlarged to show detail. These watches have been meticulously crafted using only high-quality quartz movements in hypoallergenic casings. Watches shown actual size. Mens Silver Color, Embossed City Seal MODEL: #1051 PRICE: $54.46 Mens Full Color City Seal, Black Band MODEL: #1245 PRICE: $36.00 Black/Silver Color Pendant, Embossed City Seal MODEL: #1494-XBK PRICE: $43.23 Mens Silver Color, Embossed City Seal, Leather Band MODEL #1161-XSB PRICE: $64.97 Mens Gold Color, Embossed City Seal MODEL: #1673 PRICE: $76.54 Ladies Silver Color, Embossed City Seal MODEL: #2051 PRICE: $54.46 Ladies Full Color City Seal, Black Band MODEL: #2245 PRICE: $36.00 Black with City Seal: $12.50 each Get Your City Seal and Club Logo Hats! SOLD OUT! Dark Blue with City Seal: $12.50 each Orange with City Seal: $12.50 each High quality embroidered ball caps! Black with City Seal and City of Los Angeles script: $12.50 each Dark Blue with City Employees Club of Los Angeles logo: $12.50 each Khaki with City Employees Club of Los Angeles logo: $12.50 each Orange with City Seal and City of Los Angeles script: $12.50 each
45 45 April 2005 City Employees Club of Los Angeles, Alive! Protect your Family and Home with 24-Hour A ward Winning Monitoring Center Rapid Response and Peace of Mind $ 49 * Installation! Call today and receive a FREE* SMOKE/HEAT DETECTOR INSTALLATION. That s a $ 165 value. Save $ 165 Peace of mind at home and away! Call Call Antonio Cervantes! *Call for information on Brink's monitoring fees and other terms. OFFER REQUIRES BRINK'S EASYPAY AUTO PAYMENT. Three-year minimum monitoring agreement required at the Brink's current rate. Applicable taxes and permit fees not included. Offer may not be combined with any other discount. Installation of smoke/heat detector or carbon monoxide detector available for an extra fee. Local codes may require the installation of additional smoke/heat detectors at an additional cost. Monitoring of smoke/heat detector or carbon monoxide detector is an additional $1 per month. Limited time offer, offer subject to change at any time. Home ownership and credit approval required. Home must be located in Brink's service area Brink's Home Security, 8880 Esters Blvd., Irving, TX CA#AC Offer ends April 30, Benefits MEMBER Discount Tickets TICKET EXPRESS: Buy tickets by Phone, Mail, or Web site Theme parks and attractions (up to 70% off) Movies - all major screens (up to 70% off) Plays, musicals, the arts, sports events Alive! Newspaper Births, weddings, retirements, deaths Free Classifieds Retirees Corner Department of the Month DWP news Opinion column Movie reviews Organized Club information Group Rated Insurance Products Term Life Insurance Long Term Disability Short Term Disability Insurance Long Term Care Insurance Cancer Insurance Legal Services Plan Group Rated Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance Group Rated Auto and Homeowners Insurance Plus The Famous Refund Check Pet Insurance More Benefits Free Notary Service Scholarships Employee-of-the-Year Award Meet the Club Team These are the faces behind the Club. Our staff is dedicated to helping our members receive the maximum benefit from their membership. If you have questions, concerns or suggestions about your Club, our counselors are ready to help. Need help? Find your Counselor When contacting the Club, ask for the counselor that handles your department. Beverly Haro Member Services Counselor Aging, Department of Community Development Department DWP Admin. DWP Financial Services Executive DWP Marketing and Customer Service DWP Water Services Employee Relations Board Environmental Affairs, Department of Fire Department Library Department Neighborhood Empowerment, Department of Pensions, Department of Fire & Police Personnel Department Transportation, Department of Street Services, Bureau of Zoo Department, Los Angeles Arlene Herrero Member Services Counselor Building and Safety, Department of DWP Energy Services DWP Water Services (Aqueduct So. District) Engineering, Bureau of General Services, Department of Harbor Department Information Technology Agency Police Department Retirement System, City Employees Sanitation, Bureau of Liz Montes Member Services Counselor Accounting, Bureau of [Formerly] Animal Regulation, Department of Airports, Los Angeles World Chief Legislative Analyst, Office of the City Administrative Officer City Attorney City Clerk Coliseum, Los Angeles Memorial Community Redevelopment Agency Contract Administration, Bureau of Controller, Office of the Convention Center, Los Angeles Council District # 1-15 Cultural Affairs, Department of Department on Disability DWP Integrated Support Services El Pueblo De Los Angeles Finance, Office of Housing Department Management/Employee Services, Mayor, Office of the Planning, City Recreation and Parks, Department of Street Lighting, Bureau of John Hawkins President & CEO Michael Anderson Information Technology Manager Alan Bound Information Technology Programmer Lupe Medina Administrative Services Representative Brian G.Trent Chief Financial Officer Leigh Thompson Accountant Summy Lam IT Business Analyst Michelle Moreno Administrative Assistant Robert Larios Director of Operations Angel Gomez Member Services Manager Mike Louie Member Information Coordinator Howard Pompel Member Services Counselor Navin Cotton Vendor Relations Coordinator Ticket Guy Trinh Pham Accountant Cecilia Talbot Claims Administrator Sara Fama Claims Assistant Questions? We re here to help. Call between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. weekdays. (800)
View more
