Police Vs Homeless, Homeless Vs Citizens! See below
FREE
FRIDAY • JULY 25, 2014
INSIDE: New Fire Chief ................
THE PAPER WITH AN ATTITUDE!
VOLUME 10 • NUMBER 15
Sunland Puppy Tales
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Henson Alternative’s “Puppet Up!” ................
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Ming’s Chinese Kitchen closes its doors ................
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Antonovich urges fire safety ................ Police vs homeless ................
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Know your watering days ................
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Mountainview Elementary ................ Wrecks of the Week ................
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DEPARTMENTS What Folks Are Doing........... 2 View from the Rock.............. 3 Letters and Perspectives........ 3 Chef Randy........................... 5 Artfully Speaking.................. 5 Take My Card....................... 9
The “puppynapper” confronts the angry woman he offered puppy to while officers look on helplessly. By David DeMullé The polarization of the community came to another low point Saturday morning. With people calling the office yelling “There’s a stabbing at the Sunland 7-11” we rolled to find nine police cars and two LAFD units. The convoluted story evolved into a puppy being “puppynapped” from its owner that just happened to be homeless. And it went downhill from there. A local woman was walking her dogs when she was approached by “Cody” who offered to sell his puppy for $20.
After she agreed to pay the money and picked up the dog, Cody asked for more money and the argument started. The woman decided to take the puppy away and threw $20 at the feet of the owner and proceeded to walk off. And then the fun began. Cody tried to take the puppy back and was intercepted by a “local” Good Samaritan who thought that the puppy belonged to the woman. Cody’s other homeless friend attacked him and took the man down drawing blood. Passersby and friends of the owner see Puppy, page 6
An Open Letter to the LAPD By David DeMullé Over the past year, the quality of service from the Foothill Division has deteriorated to the point of stakeholder distrust. Officer shootings resulting in death of neighbors and the almost non-existence of traffic safety has caused a distrust of our local police officers. Our Senior Lead Officers have been rotated out leaving only the dregs maintaining the North Valley City Hall office. Recent confrontations between the local homeless and police officers have begun to deteriorate the little
semblance of cooperation between the stake holders and The LAPD. Cronyism between socalled community leaders and the LAPD has effectively put the LAPD into the position of supporting the wrong people and denying the proper personal and media access to the Foothill Division. The Community Relations officer Herrold Egger and the community itself seem to have no communications or even a semblance of interaction between the LAPD and the community. I have watched in disbelief see Letter, page 8
Carnival Rides! Animal Adoptions! Ady Gil World Conservation! Shelter Me! Love that Dog Hollywood! LA Animal Services! Redbird ! Wildlife Waystation Official Fan Page ! Best Friends Animal Society - Los Angeles! Twirlerrific LLC! Dirty Blonde Candle Creations! Sunland Welcome Nature Garden! Origami Owl by Cindi Bast, Independent Designer #21230! The Shiznit! Saffyre Sanctuary, Inc.! The Foothills Paper! Los Angeles Department of Water & Power! Joselito’s Mexican Food Tujunga! and many other local artisans and vendors! Live entertainment featuring Charley & Jesi , The Brave Ones, Travis Creeps, Seth Freeman , STEREO LOVE, ThunderTap, No Convention, Toni Dodd & Southbound Blues , BadTown Boys , Kandy Blue, Old Not Dead, Billie’s Night Out, Jeb Lipson Evans and Rogers and many, many more! Special guests! It’s all here!! Fri. Aug 8. 5 p.m.-10 p.m., Sat. Aug. 9 11 a.m.-11 p.m., Sun. Aug. 10, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
2 — FRIDAY, JULY 25, 2014 • THE FOOTHILLS PAPER
www.thefoothillspaper.com • VOLUME 10 • NUMBER 15
New Fire Chief We would like to introduce Ralph M. Terrazas, the Fire Chief-select for the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD). He is currently an LAFD Assistant Fire Chief assigned to the South Division. In his current assignment as the South Division “A” Platoon Commander, Chief Terrazas is responsible for leading, managing, and training the approximately 500 members on-duty at 54 fire stations throughout seven battalion commands. The South Division Command covers half of the City and includes the complex institutions of the Port of Los Angeles and the Los Angeles International Airport. Terrazas is a 31-year veteran of the LAFD and during his tenure he has served as a chief officer for 14 years in a variety of field and administrative commands. He established the Department’s Professional Standards Division (PSD), which upgraded and
Mayor Garcetti presents our new LAFD Fire Chief Ralph Terrazas professionalized the LAFD’s disciplinary system; applied metric-based management at the Division and Battalion level to achieve continual improvement and data tracking of specific objectives; led the development and passage of the Proposition “F” Fire Station Bond, which enabled the construction of 19 new LAFD stations; served as the Community Liaison Officer, and is the holder of a U.S. Patent for a “Brush Fire Rate of Spread” tool and an Emmy Award of Excellence for production of a public service announcement program.
New Electronic Gas Metering in Sunland-Tujunga
Gem Faire in Santa Barbara
Free Edendale Noon Concerts
Free Glendale Noon Concerts
Gem Faire, West Coast’s Premier Jewelry & Bead Show, will be in Santa Barbara Aug. 8-10, 2014 at Earl Warren Showgrounds (3400 Calle Real, Santa Barbara). Hours are Fri. 12pm-6pm, Sat. 10am-6pm, and Sun. 10am-5pm. Admission is $7, valid for the entire weekend. Nearly 100 importers, exporters and wholesalers from around the world will be on site with the largest selection of fine jewelry, costume jewelry, precious & semi-precious gemstones, beads, crystals, gold & silver, pearls, minerals, and much more at manufacturer’s prices. Other jewelry and beading essentials, including jewelry tools, displays and boxes will be available all under one roof. Jewelry repair, cleaning and ring sizing service is on hand while you shop. Be sure to enter a door prize ballot for a chance to win cool items, with hourly drawings throughout the weekend. Mark your calendar! Gem Faire will be in Santa Barbara for three days only! Buy quality gems, jewelry and beading supplies directly from the source. For more information, visit www.gemfaire.com or contact Gem Faire, Inc. at 503-252-8300 or info@gemfaire.com. •••
A COMMUNITY CONCERT at the Edendale Branch Library, 2011 W. Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90026. For more information, please call (213) 207-3000. FREE ADMISSION Concert in the Community Room. Free parking in the library lot. Program will feature works for solo cello by HENZE & J.S. BACH; Los Angeles based composers: GEORGE N. GIANOPOULOS & ALI HELNWEIN and works chosen from the 15 MINUTES OF FAME: www.voxnovus. com/15_Minutes_of _Fame/ Event website: www.edendaleupclose.blogspot.com. This concert is supported by a grant from the Hennings-Fischer Foundation. Future concerts in this free series at the Edendale Branch Library: BRAHMS FESTIVAL with the Edendale Ensemble! Saturday August 30 at noon until 1 p.m. featuring the Brahms Clarinet Quintet on Saturday September 6 at noon until 1 p.m. featuring Brahms String Quartet No.1, Op.51/1. Concert info will be updated at www.edendaleupclose.blogspot. com. •••
FREE ADMISSION GLENDALE NOON CONCERTS Every FIRST & THIRD WEDNESDAY at 12:10-12:40 pm at the Sanctuary at FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF GLENDALE, 209 N. Louise St. (at Wilson), Glendale CA 91206 (818) 242 2113 AUGUST 20, 2014 Duo Recital DMITRI SHOSTAKOVICH Sonata for Violin & Piano, Op.134 (1968) NANCY ROTH - violin LORENZO SANCHEZ - piano SEPTEMBER 3, 2014 JOHANNES BRAHMS Piano Trio No.2 in C major, Op.87 JACQUELINE SUZUKI -violin MAKSIM VELICHKIN - violoncello HAROUT SENEKEREMIAN - piano SEPTEMBER 17, 2014 ARIOSO DUO CYNTHIA ELLIS - flute MICHELLE TEMPLE - harp http://cindyellisflute.weebly. com/arioso-duo.html CONCERT UPDATES: www.glendalenoonconcerts. blogspot.com/ •••
Henson Alternative’s “Puppet Up!” Uncensored Red dots indicate that you have the new Remote Read Gas Meter. The Southern California center. And with an advanced Gas Company (SoCalGas) is meter, you will have access upgrading their metering sys- to view hourly, daily and tem by adding a communica- weekly gas usage, as well as tion device to all residential up to 13 months of monthand business natural gas me- ly data (depending on how ters. Your gas usage is still long you’ve been enrolled in measured the same way it is My Account). By better untoday, but with the advanced derstanding how much gas meter, it is automatically and you’re using and when, you securely transmitted to our can better identify ways to customer service and billing save.
Gas Leak Plugged by LAFD
But when you accidentally break the main line and take a chance of blowing up the house, you call the fire department to save the day.
Following highly successof The Jim Henson Company ful 2013 seasons in both Edand what happens when the inburgh and Toronto, the camera stops rolling. grown-ups wing of The Jim This production delivers Henson Company hit Austra- “two shows in one” as the hilia in 2014 with PUPPET UP! larious puppet action is pro- UNCENSORED their live jected live on large screens show that lets loose the peril- flanking the stage, while the ous and provocative elements puppeteers race around beof comedy on stage with a low – displaying their skills bunch of fine-looking pupin full view of the audience. pets. A night of major laughs, Its Whose Line Is It Anyway not for minors. meets Saturday Night Live The Henson Alternative meets The Jim Henson Comis The Jim Henson Compapany. This ‘psychotic pupny’s label for content created pet party’ features a few recspecifically and exclusively reations of classic pieces origfor adult audiences. Previous inally created by Jim Henson, credits include “Tinseltown” Jane Henson, and Frank Oz for Logo, “Puppet Up! – Unthat haven’t been seen by live censored” for TBS and the audiences in decades. upcoming feature film “Hap Sometimes dark, certainpytime Murders” currently in ly innovative, and always hidevelopment. larious, the scenes in PUPPET Created by award-winning UP! reiterate the marvelous director, producer, and writpossibilities of puppets in the er Brian Henson and actor, di- hands of masters like these. rector, and improvisational Each PUPPET UP! show is guru Patrick Bristow (Ellen, a unique experience due to Seinfeld, Curb Your Enthuits spontaneous nature - and siasm, Whose Line Is It Anyeach performance is different, way?), PUPPET UP! – UNshowcasing the wit, technique, CENSORED invites audienc- and that trademark Henson es to witness the other side dryness and sly anarchy.
The adult version of the Muppets is a fantasy experience you won’t forget! The Pasadena Playhouse is located at 39 South El Molino Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91101. Tickets are available by calling The Pasadena Playhouse at 626-356-7529 or by visiting The Pasadena Playhouse Box Office, Tuesday – Sunday from 1:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. during non-performance dates. On performance dates the Box Office is open Tuesday – Saturday from 1:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. on Sunday. For more information, visit www. PasadenaPlayhouse.org.
THE FOOTHILLS PAPER • FRIDAY, JULY 25, 2014 — 3
VOLUME 10 • NUMBER 15 • www.thefoothillspaper.com
I look around me at the residents of S-T and I have to bite my tongue. What a melting pot we have here, and no I’m not talking about the people who live here, I’m talking about the different schemes that people use to get ahead of the system. Welfare, GR, SSI, EBT, money laundering businesses, are all the ways that the government suckered us into being their voters. Our city government has gotten out of hand. And it trickles down even to the local neighborhood council. I’m not going to beat the dead horse of the fraudulent STNC elections, why should I continue? From the Los Angeles Dept. of Neighborhood Empowerment to the actual STNC members, nobody cares that it disgraced itself. It’s a given. And the stake-holders didn’t care enough to want to change it. A poor show, people. Speaking of a poor show, I’ve never lived in poverty, although I’ve had a few hard times. In my travels throughout the world, I’ve seen real poverty. And I’ve seen what it does to people and how they allow them-
selves to be run by despots. We don’t have poverty here in S-T, we have the abject stupidity of the City of Los Angles and its local minions. Look at our homeless, living on the streets, being beat on by the wantabee gangbangers and their peers. Yes, most of them get government stipends, and they try to live their lives the best they can, until they get sick and die. I look around me and have to ask myself, “Who are we really helping?” We have thousands of illegal children being ferried over to unknown repositories. Yes that is a good cause, but doesn’t anyone want to help ourselves first? Like maybe using that money to create safe places that our homeless can live in, or maybe, God forbid – get those who need mental help the help they need. We have become a welfare nation/ state. How many of you have seen people driving luxury cars go shopping with an EBT card? It’s way too many. A couple of councilmen ago, we set up a “homeless working group” to address the homeless/transient problem. A placebo that the
City can say that they are trying to create change with. Populated with some pretty good people (and some real scumbags), the group plods on with no real authority or the ability to do anything except line the pockets of city contractors. Some time ago, I created an exportable living program that allowed the homeless to live in safe environments with all the amenities they needed to live a safe and productive life with counseling and job training. And yes, I used County money to fund it. And it worked, but the Cleghorn machine with its junk yard dog(s) shut it down. And now we have the police and private security guards assaulting the homeless and putting everyone in harm’s way. And boys and girls, it’s going to get worse. America is trillions of dollars in debt. Our city is in the hands of the corrupt. There is nowhere for the poor to go except further down. Assaults are up, public drunkenness is up, drug use is up, suicides and attempted suicides are up. And all we do is ignore it. There needs to be some major decision changes made here.
VIE W
R OC K We have got to stop the downward spiral of helplessness that our people feel and help them get somewhere safe. Not form “phonetrees” to send daily volleys of phone calls to the LAPD complaining of people sitting/sleeping/being on the sidewalks, but talking to our local council representatives about actually making changes. It’s a given, bad things often happen to people putting them into such a tail spin that they hit rock bottom, losing their houses, cars and help from family and friends. There are lots of real reasons and stories that people have about their situations. It’s time to stop talking and offer help. Otherwise you will be waking up to a whole new town that you won’t like. And you won’t be able to say it’s the Water.
The Foothills Letters & Perspectives Why Not? THE FOOTHILLS PAPER
is published bi-weekly. All contents are copyrighted and may not be reproduced without written consent of the publisher. All submissions to this newspaper become property of THE FOOTHILLS PAPER and may not be republished in whole or in part. The opinions expressed by contributing writers do not necessarily express the views of the publisher nor staff of this newspaper. TFP is available free of charge. No person may, without prior written permission from TFP, take more than one copy of each edition (stated value: $1). Only authorized TFP distributors may distribute THE FOOTHILLS PAPER. THE FOOTHILLS PAPER has terminated its Non-Profit status so that it can more effectively address political and social problems within our community! EXECUTIVE EDITOR/PUBLISHER Dr. David DeMullé editor@thefoothillspaper.com PRODUCTION and DESIGN Randall Fleming ftp@thepaper.ws WITH THANKS TO The ILS Foundation for Their Support
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Dear Editor, The Big Tujunga’s homeless encampment, which began as a group of about 20 displaced hippies who had tenuous relations with the “Hog Farm” 50 years ago grew to become a shantytown of roughly 100 scattered tents and a tree house that was quasi-sanctioned by city officials because no one was sure of exactly where the different agencies had authority. About every 18 months, one of the councilmen gets excited and calls in the different agencies, and with a lot of hoopla and show of LAPD forces, does a random clean-up of the wash. And it lasts for about a week, and everybody comes back. The encampments spontaneously emerged about 2007, as growing numbers of people were displaced by the stagnating economy and many found themselves living on the streets after a round of foreclosures. The homeless began congregating under the 210 bridge and a tent city formed that Sunland-Tujunga officials at first resisted but in time reluctantly grew to accept. But things are getting even worse as homeless migrants converge on the Big-T and our local parks. And nothing positive is really happening. The city has vacant land at the corner of Grove and Oro Vista in Sunland, it’s already fenced, it has water, and it is distant from the local businesses that are impacted by the homeless camping at their front doors.
All it needs are porta-potties, a cooking area and portable showers. It even has the Chaple of the Hills across the street for assistance. Is this site being ignored because no one can charge $15 million
dollars to house 50-60 people? Think about it. It would only be for LOCAL homeless people and their pets. It could work. It would be managed by the people that want to help
the homeless as well as the homeless themselves. Why hasn’t anyone except Doc figured it out? Sincerely, J.B.
4 — FRIDAY, JULY 25, 2014 • THE FOOTHILLS PAPER
www.thefoothillspaper.com • VOLUME 10 • NUMBER 15
Award-Winning Filmmakers to Premiere Documentary on Antonovich Urges Fire Safety Family, Social Justice & Finding Meaning in Life
Antonovich Joins Firefighters and other local officials to urge prevention preparedness for wildlife season.
The director of Weaving the Past: Journey of Discovery, Walter Dominguez, and his cast and crew are checking their final shot of the day on location at Pioneertown Movie Ranch in Yucca Valley, California. LOS ANGELES–Director/ Writer/Producer Walter Dominguez and Executive Producer Shelley Morrison (Chasing Light Pictures, LLC) have announced that their award-winning feature length documentary “Weaving the Past: Journey of Discovery” is set to have its world premiere gala on Friday, August 15, at 7:00 p.m. at the Laemmle Playhouse 7 theater complex in Pasadena’s historic Playhouse District. The exclusive engagement runs from Friday, August 15, to Thursday, Aug 21, 2014. Daily screenings during the run are 1, 4, 7 and 10pm. Notable Los Angeles and Pasadena civic leaders, dignitaries, social justice activists and church leaders are among those attending opening night. A Q&A with the filmmakers and a Mexican fiesta-themed reception will follow. Shelley (who co-starred as “Rosario” on the ground-breaking television comedy series, Will & Grace) said, “This remarkable documentary is garnering acclaim in preview screenings and has just won an ‘Accolade Award of Merit’ in an international film competition. We are excited about this
film’s potential to reach a broad audience.” The documentary tells the dramatic story of Dominguez’s grandfather’s transformation from a young Mexican revolutionary fighting oppression in Mexico, into a political refugee and labor organizer in the mines of Arizona, and finally into a Mexican-American Methodist minister continuing his fight for social justice throughout the U.S. Southwest. The film also weaves in Dominguez’s relentless twelve year quest to uncover the secrets of his grandfather’s early years of life and locate his grandfather’s long lost relatives in Mexico. “This film is about family, history, heroes, justice and finding meaning in life,” said Dominguez. “It’s been an emotional and deep process for me that took many years to complete. Whatever your ethnic background, the film reaches your core. Everyone has someone in the family history that has overcome great adversity and acted selflessly and heroically to benefit and help others. This documentary honors that nobility and courage in our ancestors.”
Only Successful Businesses advertise in The Foothills Paper!
At a press conference at Eaton Canyon Natural Area and Nature Center, Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich, along with Assemblyman Chris Holden, Los Angeles County Deputy Fire Chief John Todd and other local officials and firefighters, encouraged the public to take precautions now to protect themselves and their families during wildfire season. “This year our region is facing an extreme fire season due to severe drought conditions, a
drier than average winter, and steps to be prepared at home, an abundance of dry vegetawork, school and placed of tion,” Antonovich said. “ worship: While our Los Angeles County Fire Department is a model • Develop a Plan for fire prevention nationwide • Keep Supplies and works hard to preserve life • Stay Informed and property before and during • Get Involved fires, each of us has the duty of being the first responder for our The Fire Department’s own families and neighborhood “Ready, Set, Go” plan is a valuable resource for our residents in the event of a fire.” Antonovich added that to en- in fire-prone areas and is availsure your family’s safety, it is able on our website at www.anvital that you take the necessary tonovich.com.
Ming’s Chinese Kitchen Closed on Tuesday!
Ming’s Chinese Kitchen owners Gene and Shirley Yan. I’m not what you’d call a Chinese Food Aficionado, but when I want Chinese Food, I want it to go and I want it now! Ming’s Chinese Kitchen has been one of my favorites for over 10 years and I just found out that they have been here since early 1955. That’s almost 60 years of cooking and serving the best Chinese food on Foothill Boulevard Ah the tales they can tell of the biker bars, the two lane
sometimes dirt sometimes pavement Foothill Blvd., they watched Tujunga evolve. Like the Chinese railroad workers that made the west come alive, Ming’s Kitchen brought good, honest food to Tujunga and continued until now. When you’re hungry and Chinese is what you want, you want good, hearty food. Not one of those fast food monoliths like the Panda Express, you want good old fash-
ioned solid food that hasn’t been “Americanized.” At Ming’s, the portions are really large, so leftovers are a definite bonus. Just like at home, there’s always some left over for tomorrow. The community will miss Gene and Shirley Yan and all their kids that worked at Ming’s Chinese Kitchen. “Everyone has to retire sometime” said Gene “and now it’s our time to rest.”
THE FOOTHILLS PAPER • FRIDAY, JULY 25, 2014 — 5
VOLUME 10 • NUMBER 15 • www.thefoothillspaper.com
Japanese Eggplant This simple vegan recipe takes very little time and effort to prepare. The Flavor-to-Effort ratio* is very high and along with a little brown rice, makes a satisfying, nutritional and calorie-conscience meal. Ingredients: 4-5 Japanese eggplants (cut into bite-size pieces) 2 tablespoons rice vinegar 2 tablespoons vegan miso soup 1 tablespoon sugar 1 tablespoon Tamari 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 1 teaspoon sesame oil 2 teaspoons sesame seeds Directions: Put a pinch of salt in a bowl of water and soak eggplants in the salted water for about 10 minutes. Drain and dry them with paper towels.
Artfully
SPEAKING
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Large and Bold Combine rice vinegar, miso, sugar, and soy sauce in a small bowl and set aside. Heat olive oil in a skillet on medium heat. Fry eggplants for 4-5 minutes. Pour the sweet and sour sauce over eggplants. Cover and simmer on medium-low
heat until liquid is almost gone. To serve, add sesame oil and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Flavor-to-Effort ratio is something I created. This recipe is very flavorful and takes very little effort. I would rate it an 8 out of 10 on my scale.
See Chef Randy’s food blog for more recipes at
http://valley-vegetarian.com
Early on in my career I painted larger works. I painted more figures than landscapes and I had trouble selling these, but that isn’t the point I make here. Painting large is liberating on several levels and many artists who paint small would benefit from trying it. You have to summon courage, fortitude and inner energy to paint large and the rewards are great even if the piece misses. When I stand at arm’s length from a canvas and start slashing away with my initial strokes I feel as though this is what being an artist is all about. You have to be fearless with the amount of paint you squeeze out and use every bit of it. Brushes have to be big in order to get more paint on the canvas quickly. This is an exhilarating feeling that has to be experienced to be understood. There is an excitement that fills the air as you apply more and more paint. Fear level also increases as you enter the proverbial “ugly” stage most paintings go through before starting to come together. Most importantly, as the artist, you feel a release from earthly constraints as your arm swings and your spirit stretches out in front of you moving the paint around. The smell of so much paint exposed to the air intoxicates you as it fills your nostrils. Big juicy pieces of paint slathered on with abandon. Painting large is a liberating experience to say the least. At
best you feel like you’ve accomplished something; a piece of you is lifted from your soul and applied to your work. I feel tired and exhausted when I finish but satisfied I have reached the true potential of what it means to me to be an artist. When I go to museums and see the monumental works of the masters I get a truer sense of what it may have been like to paint a life size pastoral work or a work with multiple life size figures. The largest work I’ve painted to date was five feet by seven feet with five figures: two adults, four children; two dogs and a cat set in an interior. It took nine months and countless hours of preliminary painting before I even applied paint to the final canvas. I look at pictures of it now and can’t believe I did this piece. This idea of painting large works has, for the most part, been relegated to those who command larger prices and therefore paint for homes that can handle an artwork measured in feet instead of inches. Of course the need for smaller works fits into the homes and lifestyles of most people today therefore artists paint in sizes to fit a contemporary lifestyle and it is understandable. But if ever you feel constrained by the small canvas, open up and titillate your senses and feed your imagination. I still paint big every now and then; more for me; to feed my soul.
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6 — FRIDAY, JULY 25, 2014 • THE FOOTHILLS PAPER
www.thefoothillspaper.com • VOLUME 10 • NUMBER 15
Know Your Police vs Homeless Watering Days
With California currently facing emergency drought conditions, LADWP is asking residents across the city to look for more ways to reduce water use and make conservation a part of your daily routine. Here a few things residents and businesses should avoid: Using water on hard surfaces such as sidewalks, walkways, driveways or parking areas (with exception of water brooms). Irrigating landscaping between the hours of 9
a.m. and 4 p.m. Allowing excess water from sprinklers to flood gutters. Using water to clean, fill, or maintain decorative fountains unless the water is part of a recirculation system. Serving water to customers in eating establishments, unless requested. Allowing irrigation leaks to go unattended. To learn more about watering days and the city’s conservation plan, visit ladwp.com/waterconservation.
S-T Crime Stats Theft 07/02/14 07:30 PM 8300 BLOCK OF FOOTHILL BL Burglary 07/05/14 06:00 PM 7700 BLOCK OF SUMMITROSE ST Theft 07/05/14 09:00 AM 7400 BLOCK OF FOOTHILL BL Assault 07/07/14 11:15 PM 10400 BLOCK OF MOUNT GLEASON AV Burglary 07/07/14 05:45 PM 2700 BLOCK OF SANBORN AVE Theft 07/10/14 05:00 PM 9600 BLOCK OF FOOTHILL BL
Burglary 07/13/14 06:30 PM 10700 BLOCK OF PLAINVIEW AV Assault 07/13/14 08:30 PM 6400 BLOCK OF FOOTHILL BL Robbery 07/13/14 08:30 PM 6400 BLOCK OF FOOTHILL BL Theft 07/15/14 10:00 AM 9900 BLOCK OF AMANITA AV Burglary 07/15/14 05:30 PM 7900 BLOCK OF FOOTHILL BL Theft 07/15/14 11:00 PM 9700 BLOCK OF PALI AV
Theft 07/12/14 02:05 AM 6600 BLOCK OF FOOTHILL BL
Burglary 07/15/14 12:10 AM 10700 BLOCK OF WESCOTT AV
Theft 07/13/14 08:30 PM 6400 BLOCK OF FOOTHILL BL
Theft 07/17/14 10:00 PM 10600 BLOCK OF SHERMAN GROVE AV
Burglary 07/12/14 05:00 AM 8200 BLOCK OF FOOTHILL BL
Assault 07/19/14 01:15 AM 10200 BLOCK OF TUJUNGA CANYON BL
Theft 07/13/14 08:00 PM 11100 BLOCK OF MCVINE AV
Assault 07/19/14 12:45 PM 2200 BLOCK OF MONTROSE AVE
Being the editor of the only newspaper in town makes me a moving target for all the community wackos, but when I see what our LAPD has to go through I’m impressed by how they remain their composure (most of the time). In a confrontation on Foothill Boulevard yesterday, a private security guard confronted a homeless man. (The story about how that happened on public property is still being questioned.) but the end result is that he got a cup of water thrown on him and he called 911 saying that he was assaulted. Once again the LAPD rolled out if force and there were 5 police vehicles on the scene. The homeless person who is known to have a terminal disease was taken to a local hospital for evaluation. No one was arrested and LAPD Sgt. Smith handled the situation so well, even I was impressed. Yes, there are a lot
Local homeless man pleads for help for his friend that is having a medical problem. of bad feelings going around with Tomi Lynn’s Geriatric Brigade calling the cops 5-10 times a day and the police having to respond, but as long as we have “do-gooders” that try
and take the law into their own hands, there will be confrontations. See the full video on Facebook.com/breakingnews.
Puppy from pg. 1 jumped into the fray. No one was seriously injured and except for the woman who kept screaming “He’s a homeless drug addict that doesn’t deserve a puppy,” everyone was calm and went about their lives. Cody got his puppy back and the police returned the woman’s $20 to her. And that was just the beginning. In a related incident across the street at the Skate Park portion of Sunland Park, the puppy-trio got into yet another altercation with an adult while jaywalking across Foothill Boulevard. Once again the blond-haired minor attacked someone–two assaults in three days (that we know of). One of the major problems we have here in Sunland-Tujunga begins with having an LAPD “Community Relations Officer” that doesn’t respond to the needs of the community because he is being politically correct. And that means that important information isn’t getting out to the community. In all other communities, you can call the “Media Relations Officer” and get an update on what is happening there. Not here in Sunland-Tujunga with its political in-fighting and cronyism with certain members of the neighborhood council. And it starts at the top of the chain of command. Information of the homeless situation, assaults and everyday crimes are “filtered” through the Senior Lead Officers that follow the party line. In last Monday’s assault on yet another local resident in Sunland Park, we have to reconsider what is actually be-
This is the first victim who was attacked at the 7-11 in Sunland when he tried to help the woman struggling with the “puppynapper.”
This blond haired kid with the green hat attacked another person at the park. CAUTION! This kid came on a bus from some other town with his two friends to live in the skate park. ing gotten away with because stake-holders aren’t being informed.
No one was arrested or detained. See the full video on Facebook.com/breakingnews.
THE FOOTHILLS PAPER • FRIDAY, JULY 25, 2014 — 7
VOLUME 10 • NUMBER 15 • www.thefoothillspaper.com
WreckS O Ff T H E W E E K Slow down and live...
Perspectives
We Can’t Leave These Men Behind
The road curved and she didn’t. What’s wrong with that picture? La Tuna Canyon Road
There were way too many accidents to cover here; visit
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Mountain View Elementary to Perform at Annual Gala
The Woodcraft Rangers will be hosting its annual Gala on July 31 from 6 p.m. until 10 p.m. at the Japanese Cultural & Community Center located at 244 South San Pedro Street, Los Angeles. The Gala offers a thrilling evening of fine fare and entertainment. Included in the evening’s program are Woodcraft’s Awards of Distinction given to individuals who embody the spirit of our programs and enable children to envision a future full of promise. It is also fundraiser to help fund the NVision Programs of Woodcraft Rangers that develop experiences that engage imagination, stimulate thinking, uncover talents, and reveal potential. These programs include traditional and non-traditional offerings in a variety of categories, including science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), sports, skateboarding, visual and performing arts. According to CEO Chris Johnson, “This has been a great year for Woodcraft Rangers. We have empowered and inspired many youth through our NVision Programs and we continue to do it at such a high quality. This past year we exceeded one million youth served by Woodcraft Rangers since its inception. We relish our partnerships with many organizations in developing programs who
help enrich youth and look forward to celebrating everyone in the Los Angeles area who have influenced and shared a part in our success.” Carla Singer, LA’s Best CEO adds, “LA’s BEST is proud of our 26 year association with Woodcraft Rangers. The greatest honor of all is to be recognized by one’s colleagues who continue to energize and motivate the after school field to become more relevant to kids and their communities.” Celebrities in attendance will consist of Lisa Vidal, who is best known for her role in Being Mary Jane, Jaime Brewer from American Horror Story, Helen Slater from The Legend of Billie Jean, and Actress, Singer, and Composer, Erica Gimpel. The event will be emceed by Samm Levine from Freaks and Geeks, and catered by award winning food network star Chef Aaron J Perez. The evening’s true highlight is the youth performers from all over the schools that Woodcraft serves. Among some of the performances will be a cultural folkloric group, drama performers, a mariachi group, urban dance performers and many more. For further information contact, (213) 249-9293 or info@woodcraftrangers.org. To learn more about Woodcraft Rangers, go to www.woodcraftrangers.org
The situation on Texas’ southern border is not the only refugee crisis facing the United States. Thousands of Afghan interpreters who need to get out before the Taliban kills them for collaborating with U.S. troops are stuck over there because the State Department has run out of visas. Make no mistake, this is a test of our national character: These men risked their lives to help us bring democracy to Afghanistan, but they might die because our government doesn’t work. About 6,000 interpreters need to come here, and we’ve only got 3,000 slots left. We can either start digging 3,000 graves in Afghanistan, or we can remember that we’re the country that put a dozen men on the moon. We can do big things, and this is just paperwork. This should not be that hard. There are leaders on this issue. Reps. Earl Blumenauer (D-Oregon) and Adam Kinzinger (R-Illinois) are working with Sens. Jeanne Shaheen (D-New Hampshire) and John McCain (R-Arizona) to pass a stopgap bill to provide 1,000 more visas until the defense budget kicks in, but the August recess is coming up, and congress is acting like a bunch of kids aching to be let out on vacation. It’s going to be hard to get congress to focus on this issue. The danger facing the Afghans is real, and the deadline is near, but this problem has never risen to crisis-of-theweek status. No one in congress is going to lose re-election if they let the Taliban hunt the translators down and chop their heads off. But
that attitude doesn’t make sense to anyone who served in Afghanistan. “If they were American citizens, we’d spare no expense protecting them and helping them flee to the safety of U.S. soil. But, because they were born Afghan or Iraqi, they’re somehow subject to a lower standard of treatment. The truth is, these translators did a lot more than most Americans to protect and defend our country. They have earned their place in America,” wrote Army Reserve Capt. Matt Zeller and his former translator Janis Shinwari in a joint oped for CNN.com. We can help the interpreters once they get here. Zeller and Shinwari, featured recently on HBO’s VICE, started No One Left Behind to set up interpreters with furnished apartments, hook up the utilities, and help them find jobs. It’s a great organization that could use your help to make good on a promise our country is having a hard time keeping. But all the money in the world won’t make a difference for Zeller and Shinwari if congress doesn’t extend the Special Immigrant Visa program. It would be lazy for us assume congress will fail. There’s nothing stopping you from calling or emailing your member of congress and demanding they keep America’s promise to these interpreters. These interpreters risked their lives for us. You can afford a few minutes to return the favor. You could do that right now, in fact. -Jason Stanford
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8 — FRIDAY, JULY 25, 2014 • THE FOOTHILLS PAPER
www.thefoothillspaper.com • VOLUME 10 • NUMBER 15
Foothills Pet Page HARMONY FARMS IS SPONSORING A PET APPRECIATION FOOD PROJECT FOR PETS OF THE HOMELESS and requesting donations of pet food and toys to be delivered to the local homeless camps. Please help us help them! Their pets need love and food. Harmony Farms and Wag My Tail-Sunland have donation boxes at their stores.
Safe Boating With Your Pet
With boating season in high gear it’s a good time for a little refresher on pet friendly boating to ensure your little one is safe. Before hitting the high seas with your pet it’s important to plan ahead and always keep the best interests of your four-legged friend in mind. Boating with your pet can be a wonderful and bonding experience or a not so pleasant one. It’s all a function of proper planning and preparation. Be sure to take these necessary provisions to ensure that your pet’s boat cruise is a happy and safe one. • Identification Tag: Make sure your pet has a collar with an identification tag. Include contact information, marina address and slip number. • Familiarization with the Boat: It is best to gradually in-
K-9 Boating Safety Vest troduce your pet to your boat and the water. Let your pet explore the boat while it is docked before going out on the water. Turn on the engine and let them get used to its sound,
smell, and feel while the boat is docked. Then, take your pet out on small cruises and gradually build up to longer cruise. • Safe & Easy Boat Access: see Boats, page 9
Rabbits Make Great Pets Taking care of rabbits can be fun, interesting, and educational. Rabbits are also fairly easy and economical compared to other pets. Rabbits require very little space, and they never have to be walked! Cages can be built or purchased at a place like Tractor Supply or a farm supply store. Rabbits are very tolerant to extremely cold weather, but they need some protection from the strong winter winds. Cages may have a nest box, or some boards can be nailed to the west and northwest sides of the cage to serve as a windbreak. Also, rabbits don’t like hot weather, so cages should
(818) 353-2500
be in an area that has some shade. If the temperature gets above 75 degrees, then rabbits are usually uncomfortsee Rabbits, page 9
THE FOOTHILLS PAPER • FRIDAY, JULY 25, 2014 — 9
VOLUME 10 • NUMBER 15 • www.thefoothillspaper.com
Letter from pg. 1 as qualified captains such as Ivan Minsal and Capt. Jerry Rodriguez have come onboard and then summarily dismissed for less competent officers. My concern now is the almost felonious acts of one LAPD officer and his partners that has drawn his sidearm on two homeless residents that reside on Foothill Blvd. When confronted with “This is the FOURTH
time you’ve pulled your pistol on me and my dogs,” the officer replied, “No, it’s only been THREE times.” There have been far too many officer-involved shootings and attacks on civilians here in Sunland-Tujunga. I am making a formal demand that you look into these breaches of conduct, and provide an answer as to why any officer would draw his firearm on two peaceful homeless residents of Sunland-Tujunga. This behavior cannot be condoned.
natural water and may get sick. • Going Potty: A big challenge of boating with your pet is making provisions Provide a special pet ramp for your pet so that they can go to the bathroom. to get on and off the boat. This not only Bringing along your cat’s litter box and includes from the dock to the boat but securing it inside the cabin is a good soalso from the water to the boat. Pets lution for your feline friends. Dogs, weigh much more wet than dry and it can be very difficult to lift them back in- however, are a bigger challenge. If your boat trip does not allow for regular land to your boat after a swim. stops for your dog to do their business, • Flotation Device: A personal flotation then provisions must be made so that device (a.k.a. pet life jacket) can also ensure safety while on the water. Not all they can relieve themselves on the boat. A portable dog potty that simulates grass pets can swim (including some dogs). Even if your pet is a good swimmer, get- is an excellent solution. • Health Records: If your boating destiting tossed overboard can put any anination is a marina or place that you’re mal into a panic. In addition, your pet not familiar with, be sure to bring along could suffer from exhaustion or hypoa copy of vaccination and health records. thermia. Many pets also fall into the waSome places may require proof of imter from the dock or while trying to get munization before letting pets explore from the dock to the boat. Having your on land. pet equipped with a flotation device • Call Ahead: While most marinas and with a lifting handle makes retrieving parks welcome pets, there are some that your pet much easier and safer. Help aren’t pet friendly. Be sure to call ahead your pet get used to the PFD by first before arriving on shore. practicing at home for short periods of Wishing you and your pet safe and time. Start by putting the PFD on your pet and let them walk around with it on. happy travels on the water this season! About TripsWithPets.com The next step is to let your pet swim TripsWithPets.com is the #1 online rewith it on for a short period. It’s a new experience for your pet so it’s important source for pet travel. Named best pet for them to get used to it before the boat travel site by Consumer Reports, TripsWithPets.com’s mission is to offer retrip. sources that ensure pets are welcome, • Proper Hydration & Staying Cool: happy, and safe while traveling. The Pets do not sweat, so keep an eye out for heavy panting or drool and a rapid heart website features a directory of pet friendly hotels and accommodations beat. Protect pets from heat by providacross the United States and Canada, as ing some shade on the boat, providing well as airline & car rental pet policies; plenty of water and keeping the deck pet friendly restaurants, beaches, and cool to protect paw pads. Bring along a pet travel bowl and fresh water. It is crit- events; a user-friendly route search option; pet travel tips; pet travel supplies; ical to hydrate pets before they get into the water. Otherwise, they will drink the and other pet travel resources.
Boats from pg. 8
Rabbits from pg. 8 able. Another plus in raising rabbits is the cheap cost of feeding of them. Rabbits are one of the most economical pets to own. A 25-pound bag of rabbit pellets may last 3 or 4 weeks, possibly more. It depends on how many rabbits an owner has and the size and appetite of the bunnies. Furthermore, it’s a good idea to supplement the rabbit pellets with grass, clover, and fruits. Rabbits love apples. Feeding rabbits these extra treats will make a bag of pellets last much longer, and rabbits enjoy something different than the same old food. Fresh water is a must. Water should be changed daily Rabbits need something to gnaw on for the health of their teeth. Wooden fruit flavored chew sticks can be purchased at pet stores, or rabbits can be
given small limbs or twigs from trees. Wood from apple, pear, or maple trees works very well. Rabbits also love to eat the leaves of apple trees. An additional way to keep rabbits happy is to not overcrowd them. It’s best to keep only one male per cage due to the fact that they may become aggressive towards each other, but 2 female rabbits can live well together. They will even cuddle up against each other in cold weather. These pets can also give back a useful product of their own. Rabbit manure makes great organic fertilizer and has a high nitrogen content. It’s best to let it age for a couple of months before using it. Rabbit manure can work wonders on pumpkins, tomatoes, and other plants. Rabbits are pets that should not be overlooked. They are cute, cheap, and fun.
Only Successful Businesses advertise in The Foothills Paper!
10 — FRIDAY, JULY 25, 2014 • THE FOOTHILLS PAPER
From American Legion Post 377 We are certain you have noticed on Foothill Boulevard that the Sunland/Tujunga Hometown Heroes Banners have returned to show our community pride in the men and women who have and continue to serve our country. Last year, our community was able to honor 52 military service men and women on these banners. If you are in possession of a “Hometown Heroes” banner and would like to have it dis-
played again, please take your banner to the McGroarty Arts Center. There is a $55 charge for re-posting the banners. For information on having a “Hometown Hero” banner made for your military service Sunland/Tujunga resident, and/or other information regarding this project, please use one of the following email accounts: chism957@ gmail.com (Rotary Club) or the American Legion Post 377: StandatEse@aol.com.
www.thefoothillspaper.com • VOLUME 10 • NUMBER 15
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Attention All Veterans, Sons, Daughters and Wives of Veterans Come and Enjoy your local American Legion Post Help support Veterans and Veterans’ Causes
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ American Legion Post 377 10039 Pinewood Ave., Tujunga
(818) 353-9856 Events open to the Public
Want a quick fun meal?
Canteen Hours - 7 days a week, 2- 10 p.m.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Saturday, August 16, 6:30 p.m.
Spaghetti Dinner/Dance
From BBQ to Tamales, we have
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Saturday, August 30, 6:30 pm
the best quality meats and Wild
with Heller Highwater • $8
Casino Night
$25 includes: dinner, 2000 scrip, scrip gambling, auctions, raffles and a night of fun $100 includes: for sponsorship, 2 dinner tickets, 6000 scrip, recognition, full signage with balloon (sponsorships are tax deductable)
10
%
We have Free Range Turkeys all year long!
On selected items.
818-248-3068
off
$10 OFF Family gathering, large party, need more room to play? Rent your local American Legion Hall. Competitive rates, large hall with bandstand. Let the Legion meet your needs.
For Hall Rental, call Commander Dan at (818) 521-1137
Game Products in the Foothills!
1-800-567-PEST (7378)
(818) 768-3549 Rats • Earwigs • Fleas Ants • Cockroaches • Spiders
ANY SERVICE AIRTIGHT ENVIRONMENT PEST CONTROL
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Foothills Paper
THE FOOTHILLS PAPER • FRIDAY, JULY 25, 2014 — 11
VOLUME 10 • NUMBER 15 • www.thefoothillspaper.com
un S d e W Open . m . p 6 12 -
12 — FRIDAY, JULY 25, 2014 • THE FOOTHILLS PAPER
National Night Out is August 5
www.thefoothillspaper.com • VOLUME 10 • NUMBER 15
Sons of the American Legion by Squadron Commander Bill Carroll
Phil Tabbi’s world famous National Night Out BBQ draws fans from around the valley! National Night Out is an event where citizens can show their support of those who “Serve & Protect” us. Sunland-Tujunga one of several communities throughout Los Angeles County that on Tuesday, Aug. 5 will be having a community get together. This will be the was the 30th annual National Night Out, where various law enforcement agencies mingle with the public to promote support for anti-crime programs, and strengthen neighborhood and community partnerships. Last year, families and residents of the Foothill Division area spent a comfortable summer evening in local parks such as Bolton Hall and Stonehurst, meeting and mixing with Los Angeles police officers and members of the local fire stations. Last year Stonehurst park was filled with the aromas of barbeque, hamburgers and grilled sausages, and music, as
the public moved from table to table receiving information including how to protect their homes, neighborhood watch groups, free ID tags for children and health tips. Besides great food at most NNO’s, there will also the chance to chat with male and female law enforcement officials face-to-face on whatever questions you may have, be it the number of patrols through a particular neighborhood to the job opportunities available in law enforcement. “National Night Out” is sponsored nationwide by the National Association of Town Watch (NATW) non-profit organization dedicated to the development and promotion of various crime prevention programs including neighborhood watch groups, law enforcement agencies, state and regional crime prevention associations, businesses, civic groups, and individuals, devoted to safer communities.
The Legion Family made it happen! I think all of us truly enjoyed the 4th of July this year. Thank you to Robert Young for all of his hard work getting the float in the parade, and thanks to all who helped make it happen. Please join us for this†month’s Birthday Dinner on Saturday, August 16. The Sons of the Legion will be cooking a spaghetti dinner with music by Heller Highwater, so join us for dinner, dance and fun. Peace and love to all. (article submitted by Wendy Hart in behalf of the SAL) July Night at the Races Many thanks to Betty Michalski for the fun handmade table decorations. Beer cans were used to symbolize the horses. Art Busse, Doug and his grandson Khristopher Slater, Lucille DeThomas and Ed Reagan cooked up and served meatloaf, baked potatoes and veggies
with Neapolitan ice cream for dessert. Bob Smith conducted the 50/50 Raffle; Mike Loman won. Sam Marsteller distributed the chips, Catherine Vaananen figured the pay offs and took in the cash for the horses, Dolores Tarin kept track of the chips, Marilyn Straight kept track of the horses “I’m just horsing around”, Laura Kellgreen took in the bets, and Esko Vaananen ran the horserace. Great turn-out and participation for the delicious dinner and fun event! Congratulations to Bud Fales, our new Honorary Sheriff! Many thanks to all who supported Bud in his campaign! The sole purpose of Bud’s participation was to raise money for the post and that he did! Thank you to all who supported him and thanks to Bud for all he does for post - Wendy Hart
New “Stealth” Motorcycle
The future is here at the LAPD motor Division. And we thought the BMW police bike was quiet. This “ Empulse” exhibits no exhaust and is exceptionally stealthy, this bike holds unique tactical advantages over traditional internal combustion alternatives. The 100% electric powertrain offers personnel the ability to rapidly move over technical terrain while making virtually no noise and emitting no smell. Perhaps the most covert form of two-wheeled transportation, the motorcycle is completely silent when stopped and can accelerate instantly from 0 rpm. Seen at LAPD headquarters in Los Angeles. First recommendation would be to change the bench seat to a saddle. Someone is going to get a sore butt.