Neighborhood Councils Receive Funding for Street Service Projects

Earlier this week, the Council unanimously approved a motion authored by Councilman Zine that will transfer $50,000 to each of the five Neighborhood Council’s in Council District Three (Reseda, Woodland Hills, Canoga Park, Tarzana, and Winnetka) for a total of $250,000. These funds will be used for street services projects to improve the infrastructure in the Third Council District whether it be additional tree trimming, street repair, and/or maintenance.

Happy Birthday to Our U.S. Army
Friday, June 14th marks the 238th Birthday of the U.S. Army and also our nation’s Flag Day. To commemorate this day in history, Councilman Zine, who chairs the U.S. Army Los Angeles Community Advisory Board, had the privilege of holding a ceremonial cake cutting celebration during a presentation in Council Chambers. The Army tradition is to cut the cake with a saber; and this year, the honors went to Major Justin Babcock, the Executive Officer of the Los Angeles Recruiting Battalion. Councilmember Rosendahl, a veteran, also participated in the presentation.

The 238th birthday commemorates America's Army (Soldiers, families, and civilians) who are achieving a level of excellence that is truly Army Strong. During this time, we also celebrate our local communities for their steadfast support of our Soldiers and families. In the words of U.S. Army Chief of Staff General Raymond T. Odierno, "The strength of our Nation is our Army; the strength of our Army is our Soldiers; the strength of our Soldiers is our Families. This is what makes us Army Strong." Happy 238th Birthday to our United States Army!

Relay for Life Rocks the House in Fight Over Cancer
For 24 straight hours, from 9am on Saturday, June 8th to 9am on Sunday, June 9th, over 25 teams and 325 participants took to the track at Grover Cleveland High School in Reseda to celebrate what has become a spirited and compassionate West Valley tradition, the American Cancer Society’s Annual Relay for Life fundraiser. 

With the individuals and teams chomping at the proverbial bit, the opening ceremony got underway promptly at 9:00am with everybody who is anybody from the Reseda and West Valley communities in attendance.

From Relay for Life supporter Councilman Zine, to Los Angeles City Councilmember-elect Bob Blumenfield and West Valley LAPD Captain John Egan, everyone in attendance had come together to create a send-off worthy of this auspicious occasion. Offering a heartfelt welcome and leading the opening ceremony, was event chairperson, Rhonda Bunnin, who also served as captain of team from the Therapeutic Living Center for the Blind. In addition to Rhonda, other key supporters included Revitalize Reseda and the Reseda Neighborhood Council.

The theme this year was "Rock and Roll" and how cancer has impacted musical artists over the years, both from a survivor and loss perspective. Images of icons we have lost to cancer like Bob Marley, George Harrison, and Frank Zappa were placed around the track and reminded everyone of the enormous cost we have all paid on some level – either personally or indirectly. Apparently the theme worked as the enthusiastic walkers and support teams made this year’s event a resounding success by easily surpassing the goal of $35,000 and amassing a whopping $41,000 for the good of the cause.

Some of the highlights of this year’s Rock and Roll Relay for Life event were the always-moving Luminaria Ceremony at dusk, which honors those lost to cancer with what amount to lighted umbrellas circling the track, and the ongoing barrage of good old rock and roll offered by the 10 bands who volunteered their services much to the delight of the revelers. There were also themed laps, live entertainment, excellent food, and team tent that looked like a 50’s diner.

For the historians among us, the Relay for Life began in the mid-1980s by a Tacoma surgeon, Dr. Gordy Klatt, who decided to personally raise money for the fight by doing something he enjoyed—running marathons. In May 1985, Dr. Klatt spent a grueling 24 hours circling the track at the University of Puget Sound, and in 1986, 19 teams took part in the first team relay event which served as the catalyst for the international event we see in 2013.

LA Pride Parade Welcomes Councilmembers 
On a beautiful Sunday morning, the City of West Hollywood hosted the 43rd Annual LA Pride Parade along Santa Monica Blvd. Councilman Zine once again participated in the festivities attended by approximately 400,000 people. Riding his Harley Davidson, the Councilman thrilled the crowd with his roaring engine and maneuvers around his banner. The City of Los Angeles Fire Truck filled with other current council members and staff along with the two newly elected, openly gay council members, Mitch O’Farell and Mike Bonin, enjoyed the cheers along the 1.3-mile parade route. Councilman Bill Rosendahl was a Special Honoree at the parade, Councilmember Tom LaBonge rode alongside the fire truck on his bicycle, and Mayor-elect Eric Garcetti and his supporters filled a double-decker bus. All were embraced by the crowd with cheers and applause.

Council Recognition for Councilman Zine
Please join us at the Los Angeles City Council meeting onWednesday, June 19th to honor Councilman Zine's 12 years of service representing Council District Three. The meeting will begin at 10am and will be located in John Ferraro Council Chambers (Room 340) at Los Angeles City Hall, 200 N. Spring Street, Los Angeles 90012.

Animal Services Alert: Fire Season
We have already seen fires burning in the City of Los Angeles and areas bordering the City. Fires destroy wildlife habitats. During fires, many animals that are driven out by fire may appear more frequently around homes.

Please exercise caution if you see wild animals. They may be frightened, distressed or injured. Some of these animals may have suffered burns from the fire and some may have a condition known as Mange which leaves open sores and bald patches that resemble burns. Please be patient with displaced animals as they will need to feel a sense of safety before moving on or returning to areas that have been burned.

Companion animals normally kept outside should be kept indoors to avoid conflict with wildlife and also to protect them from the particulate matter in the air caused bythe smoke from the fire.

If wild animals appear at your home that look sick, injured, orphaned or distressed, do NOT approach the animal; instead call (888) 452-7381 for assistance.

For additional information, go to http://www.laanimalservices.com/about-animals/wildlife/.

For a wildlife emergency, call (888) 452-7381.

How to Make a Wildlife Incident Report: 
https://www.facebook.com/notes/los-angeles-animal-services-wildlife-program/wildlife-incident-report/159296457558063 

LAPD Alert