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Volume 1, Issue 5
May 2013
CITY OF LOS ANGELES DEPARTMENT OF RECREATION AND PARKS
ANGELS GATE THE 2013 TUGBOAT OF THE YEAR SAN PEDRO, CA. - The Steamship Historical Society has named the Los Angeles Maritime Museum's tugboat ANGELS GATE as the 2013 Tugboat of the Year. The award was presented on Saturday, May 4th, at a ceremony during the Society's annual conference held in Long Beach, California. Built in 1944 for the US Army Transportation Corps, the ANGELS GATE (originally named ST-695) served at the Army Port of Embarkation in Wilmington, California. After the war, she was sold to the Port of Los Angeles and used for general towing and public relations tours. ANGELS GATE "retired" from service in 1992 and was acquired by the Los Angeles Maritime Museum, a facility of the City of Los Angeles, Department of Recreation and Parks’ Pacific Region. Operated by an all vol-
unteer crew and Coast Guard licensed captains, ANGELS GATE currently offers educational harbor tours to museum members and serves as the "Classroom at Sea" for students at the Port of Los Angeles High School. “On behalf of the Museum, we are honored to receive this award, and are especially grateful to our tugboat crew and captains for all of their hard work and dedication to our educational programs,” said Marifrances Trivelli, Director of the Los Angeles Maritime Museum. CDR John Hamma, USN (Ret), President of the Steamship Historical Society, stated; "Each year the Steamship Historical Society of America recognizes vessels, people or entities that have exemplified or made a significant contribution to the history of engine-powered ves-
sels. ANGELS GATE was selected in recognition of her approaching 70th anniversary and the Los Angeles Maritime Museum's devoted efforts to preserve her and make her available for educational and enjoyment purposes." The Steamship Historical Society is the world's leading organization dedicated to recording, preserving and disseminating the history of engine-powered vessels. For more information, visit their website at http://www.sshsa.org/
Inside this issue:
Special points of interest:
LA High Memorial Park Opening, Woodland Hills RC Master Plan Unveiling
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Palms RC Re-Dedication, Evergreen RC Playground Opening, Toberman RC Playground Opening
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50 Parks Initiative: Fox and Laurel Park Opening
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Café Hollywood at Las Palmas SCC, Baseball Opening Day at Bellevue RC
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William Nickerson RC Tea Party, Bellevue RC Princess Party
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“Sew much Fun” at Lincoln Park RC
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Partnerships
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ANGELS GATE 2013 Tugboat
Fox and Laurel Park
Café Hollywood at Las Palmas SCC
Park Princesses at William Nickerson RC and Bellevue RC
Jackie Robinson Day Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI)
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LA High Memorial Park Opening 5/2/13
Pictured Above: First grade students from Wilshire Crest Elementary School enjoying the new park
The Department of Recreation and Parks along with Councilmember Tom LaBonge debuted the new park equipment at L.A. High Memorial Park. The 2.51 acre facility provides open space and a children's play area
for the use of the surrounding community. With the use of $300,000 in Quimby fees, the park's play area was completely replaced and walkways were redone. "Parks are the key to a healthy city, and it's important
we continue to invest in making our parks even better," Councilmember Tom LaBonge said. "I'm excited to join with the Brookside community in welcoming these improvements."
Woodland Hills Recreation Center Master Plan Unveiling 5/13/13 “The project is estimated to cost $13 million dollars”
Pictured Above (L-R): Ramon Barajas, Superintendent, RAP; Lee Marks, Senior Recreation Director, Woodland Hills RC, RAP; Gary Lee Moore, City Engineer, Department of Public Works, BOE; Michael A. Shull, Assistant General Manager, Planning, Construction, and Maintenance, RAP
The Department of Recreation and Parks along with Councilman Dennis P. Zine, Third District and Public Works, Bureau of Engineering unveiled the design for the new Woodland Hills Recreation Center, pool and bathhouse located at 5858 Shoup Avenue, Woodland Hills, CA 91367. The project consists of three phases expected to be completed in July of 2016. The project plans include the demolition of two existing structures and the construction of the new recrea-
tion building that will include a gymnasium, multipurpose rooms, office, kitchen, restrooms and support facilities along with the demolition of the existing pool and bathhouse and the construction of a new pool and bathhouse. There will also be the addition of a new 5,000square-foot playground. The project is estimated to cost $13 million dollars. “I am so proud that part of my legacy in the West San Fernando Valley will be the construction of a brand new recreation center in Wood-
land Hills. This upgraded facility will offer Valley residents a host of amenities to enjoy for decades to come. This complex is the latest investment in Recreation and Parks projects that I have made over the years in the communities of Canoga Park, Reseda, Tarzana, Winnetka, and Woodland Hills,” said Councilman Dennis P. Zine, Third District.
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Palms Recreation Center Re-Dedication 5/25/13
Pictured Above (L-R): Councilmember Paul Koretz, Fifth District; Barry A. Sanders, Commission President, RAP; Honorable Rosalind Wyman and John A. Perez, Speaker of the Assembly, Fifty-Third District
The Department of Recreation and Parks along with Councilmember Paul Koretz, Fifth District, Speaker of the Assembly John A. Pérez, Fifty-Third District, and the Los Angeles Parks Foundation honored Rosalind Wyman by re-
naming the Palms Recreation Center after her. Roz Wyman was instrumental in securing the financing for the acquisition and development of Palms Recreation Center. She also has the unique status of being the youngest woman
ever elected, at the age of 22, to the City Council of Los Angeles. On July 1, 2013 it will be exactly 60 years since her historic election to public office.
Evergreen Recreation Center Playground Opening 5/28/13 The opening of the new outdoor equipment built for youth and adults took place on Tuesday, May 28, Pictured Above: The New Outdoor Playground at 2013 at EvEvergreen Recreation Center ergreen Recreation Center thanks
to the Department of Recreation and Parks, Councilmember José Huizar, Fourteenth District, First 5 LA, and the Los Angeles Neighborhoods Initiative (LANI). The upgrades include a new a tot-lot for children ages 0-5, a playground for youth 5-12 years, and an adult fitness zone. The pro-
ject is among the first of some 40 such Tot Parks and Trails to be located throughout Los Angeles County in order to address First 5 LA’s concern over childhood obesity, which the agency believes is one of the most significant health threats facing L.A. County.
Toberman Recreation Center Playground Opening 5/30/13
Pictured Above (L-R): Javier Solis, Principal Grounds Maintenance Supervisor, RAP; Sophia Piña-Cortez, Superintendent, Metro Region, RAP; Counciman Ed Reyes, First District; Veronica Hahni, Executive Director, LANI; Karen Robertson-Fall, Program Officer, First 5 LA and the Community
Hosted by the Department of Recreation and Parks, Councilmember Ed P. Reyes, First District, First 5 LA, and the Los Angeles Neighborhood
Initiative (LANI), the grand opening of new outdoor equipment was celebrated at Toberman Recreation Center. “We are pleased to support the healthy development of young children county-wide
through our investment of nearly $12 million in both our Tot Parks and Trails projects and the City of Los Angeles’ Department of Recreation and Parks,” Karen Robertson-Fall, Program Officer, First 5 LA.
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Fox and Laurel Park Opening 5/17/13 The Department of Recreation and Parks along with Councilmember Richard Alarcón, Seventh District, and the Los Angeles Neighborhood Land Trust (LANLT) opened the 13th park as part of the 50 Parks Initiative; a public-private partnership that will add over 170 acres of new park space to the City of Los Angeles. The newest
Councilmember Richard Alarcón said, “Creating parks in our communities, especially in “park poor” areas, is critical to improving our local quality of life and promoting a healthy lifestyle. It was my pleasure to provide resources to the Fox and Laurel Park project and now it is my pleasure to invite the neighborhood to enjoy this community gem.”
To date, 53 sites have been identified for incluPictured Above: Barry A. Sanders, Commission sion in President, Recreation and Parks and Mariachi the proBand Members gram, empark, Fox and Lauphasizing that the rel Park, is located title of the initiative at 14353 W. Fox is only a starting Street, San Ferpoint for a program nando, CA 91340. that can continue to
Pictured Above (L-R): Nury Martinez, Executive Director, Pacoima Beautiful; Alina Bokde, Executive Director, LANLT; Councilmember Richard Alarcón, Seventh District; Barry A. Sanders, Commission President, RAP; Jon Kirk Mikri, General Manager, RAP; Enrique Molina, Science Club President, San Fernando High School; and Community Members
grow. Of those 53 sites, 39 have been secured by the Department and 14 are in the process of being purchased, leased or transferred. Each park takes between four and six months to build. The Department hopes to open 16 of the 53 before July 2013.
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Hollywood at Las Palmas Senior Citizen Center My mum and I are currently visiting from Australia and had the pleasure of being guests of this wonderful show called Café Hollywood at Las Palmas Senior Citizen Center. On behalf of my mother, I just wanted to express how much we thoroughly enjoyed the entertainment. The line up of performers performed in a variety of showcases, each one talented in their own way. From what I heard, most of them
are working entertainers in the industry. What makes this truly engaging is the fact that it is live and best of all, it is free for everyone to enjoy. l think that the City of Los Angeles has done its constituents good by providing entertainment that is enjoyable to the public. Furthermore, it fosters the rich talents that reside right in your community. As someone who has worked for the City Council in Townsville, Queensland, l
know how difficult it can be trying to put together a show of this kind of caliber and seeing it successfully executed. We were so entertained by our experience that we have to share this thanks to the Director, Luke Euzarraga. This is beneficial to the community and what a gem this activity is. This is a program worthy of your continued support.
Café Hollywood at Las Palmas Senior Citizen Center
Sincerely, Malou Alexopolous
Baseball Opening Day at Bellevue RC Baseball Opening Day at Bellevue Recreation Center had over 200 participants from the twenty-two teams in attendance, including the t-ball, coachpitch, minors, majors, juniors and GPLA divisions. Following the flag ceremony and the National Anthem, each player was introduced with their team as they rounded the bases at full speed. Homer, the Bellevue baseball mascot, stood at
home plate and congratulated the players as they ran past him. Each team then selected a player to throw out the first pitch of the season. The coach from that respective team caught the pitch and then celebrated with the entire team. Once each team had been recognized and the first pitch had been thrown, the entire crowd was asked to get on their feet as the song “Take Me Out to the Ballgame”
began to play over the loud speakers. As the crowd cheerfully sang along, the Bellevue staff threw out peanuts, popcorn and baseball trinkets to the crowd.
Pictured Above: Jimmy MacWilliams, Recreation Coordinator, Bellevue RC welcomes the Opening Day participants
Pictured Left: Bellevue RC Staff Assistants and Homer, the Baseball Mascot
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William Nickerson Recreation Center Tea Party
Pictured Above/Right: William Nickerson’s RC Pretty Princesses
William Nickerson Recreation Center hosted its Annual Young Ladies Tea Party. The Theme was Pretty Princess. Everyone in attendance was to wear a fancy dress and thanks to one of our donors, all of the girls were able to wear a pretty dress. The girls were dressed so beautifully that most of them in the Nickerson Gardens had their mothers drive them up to the park, even though it is close enough to walk. The mothers loved the decorations and the young ladies in their ball gowns. We had more than enough dresses for all to wear; even the young ladies who are
extremely athletic and usually refuse to wear a dress, decided to wear a dress to the event. Everyone in attendance received a “girly” goodie bag as well. Everyone had a fantastic time. The girls played games, danced, listened to a motivational speaker, and received lots of givea-ways. We would like to thank all of our sister parks for being a part of this event by bringing their young ladies to the tea party: Jackie Tatum Harvard Recreation Center, Jordan Downs Recreation Center and William Nickerson Recreation Center Teen Clubs.
Special thanks to CLASS Parks Administration for assisting us in this event and also to Mrs. Sophia Piña-Cortez for her expertise in hosting tea parties. We look forward to next year’s Young Ladies Tea Party with the
Bellevue Recreation Center Princess Party
Pictured Above: Bellevue Recreation Center Disney Princess Court
Pictured Above: Tinker Bell and Child Princess
A Princess Party was held at Bellevue Recreation Center on Saturday, May 4, 2013. The magical event included a tea party, arts-and-crafts, jewelry, makeup and dress-up. There were thirty young princesses in attendance; each one was introduced as they entered the party and then escorted down the red carpet by none other than Prince Charming. At the end of the red carpet waited the Queen and each young lady was taught to curtsy and was given a pink token to be used at the wishing well. Each princess then selected a skirt, a tiara, a wand and sev-
eral pieces of jewelry from the treasure chest before they were given the full treatment at the Royal Salon. Next, artsand-crafts awaited them where they were able to create their own bracelet and necklace prior to completing a coloring page of their favorite princess. As these events were taking place, the princesses (Snow White, Aurora, Belle, Tinker Bell and Cinderella) each took a turn around the room, posing for pictures and spreading cheer. Finally, it was time for the tea party where the young ladies were
joined by the five princesses. Everyone enjoyed finger sandwiches, punch and cupcakes as the princesses told stories of fairytale land. To bring the magical afternoon to a close, the young princesses gathered around the wishing well with their pink tokens as Tinker Bell taught them how to make a wish. As they closed their eyes and made their wishes, she sprinkled them with fairy dust and deemed them all Royal Princesses.
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“Sew Much Fun” at Lincoln Park Recreation Center
Why should I take a sewing class? That is the question the Teen Club Members at Lincoln Park Recreation Center ask of me. My replay is always, “Why not, what do you have to loose - you only have something to gain.” I tell them that while learning to sew they will learn about fabric and garment construction. This will make them better consumers when go to purchase garments; they will be able to determine the quality of the merchandise you are purchasing. I explain to them that as they are learning they will be able to mend and alter their clothing so
that they fit better; and it will save them so much money. Sewing can also be a creative outlet. You can express yourself through the different fabrics you choose and also by what you decide to create; whether it is a bag, wallet, a shirt, a pair of pants, a dress, a quilt, or a pillow. After having this conversation with the teens and now four months into class, I CAN’T GET THEM TO STOP! They come in with new ideas every week. First it was a makeup bag, then a dress, now it’s pillows. They are enjoying themselves so much; every Wednesday
we end-up staying longer and longer so, I decided to extend the hours of the class. We went from one Pictured Above: Nicole White, CLASS Parks hour (5-6pm) to Recreation Coordinator, Lincoln Park Recreation Center and her Youth Sewing Class’ two hours (5masterpiece pillows 7pm). They just don’t want to quit! Never say never because you never know if you will like “I can’t get something unless you try it at least them to once! So try someSTOP!” thing new today and surprise yourself!
Lincoln Park Teen Club Member and her pillow creation
Teen Club Member sewing away
Nicole White~
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“Creating collaborative partnerships to provide positive programming”
Most kids can only dream about playing at Dodger Stadium but on April 14th, 100 RAP kids got the chance of a lifetime. In honor of Jackie Robinson Day, the children were able to walk onto the famous major league ballpark. As a blue bonus, they learned baseball skills from Dodgers legends thanks to Jackie Robinson Day Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities’ (RBI) Youth Clinic. Jackie Robinson’s daughter, Sharon, was the guest speaker and addressed the importance of equality in sports and life. Hall of Fame third baseman Frank Robinson, Major League Baseball’s first black manager, also spoke to the kids about the impact Jackie had on his career. Dodgers legends Maury Wills, Tommy Davis, Al Downing, Kenny Landreaux, “Sweet” Lou Johnson, Dennis Powell and Derrel Thomas helped run various on-field drills including fielding, hitting and throwing. The participating recreation centers were Montecito Heights, Bellevue, Queen Anne, Costello, 109th Street, Rancho Cienega, Ross Snyder, Ritchie Valens and Hubert Humphrey. Ten kids from each recreation center were selected to participate in the celebration.
Councilmember Tom LaBonge led the way to the top of Mount Hollywood on May 9th to celebrate the 8th Annual Hike for Health and the 2013 “Get To Know Your Wild Neighbors” launch event. 300 kids participated in the event which started with the 3-mile trek and ended at the Greek Theater parking lot where local non-profits set-up educational and interactive booths. Participating organizations included The Audubon Center from Debs Park, Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, Bureau of Land Management, National Forest Foundation, LA Animal Services Wildlife Program, RAP’s Camping Section and Cow Wow. This is the 2nd year RAP has participated in the contest that invites youth to create original works of art, writing, photography, videography and music inspired by their local natural surroundings and wildlife. Submissions are accepted April 8th through November 1st. For more information visit: www.get-to-know.org
Healthy Lifestyles After School Club Grants Administration has received a $5,000 grant from the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Railway Foundation to create a new healthy component to Banning Recreation Center’s After School Program. The new element will have participants engage in 60 minutes of daily physical activity, promote nutrition education with healthy snacks and will include parent participation. The goal is to motivate youth to develop skills and habits necessary to lead healthy lifestyles.
RAP Sheet is a newsletter produced by the Development and Marketing Division of the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks TY
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CITY OF LOS ANGELES DEPARTMENT OF RECREATION AND PARKS
221 N. Figueroa Street, Suite 710 Los Angeles, CA 90012 Phone: 213-202-2700 Fax: 213-202-2615 Contact: Andrea.Epstein@lacity.org (Administration) Melissa.Moran@lacity.org (Administration) Mireya.Coronado@lacity.org (Operations) Amy.A.Garcia@lacity.org (Partnerships)
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CITY OF LOS ANGELES MAYOR ANTONIO R. VILLARAIGOSA DEPARTMENT OF RECREATION AND PARKS BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BARRY A. SANDERS, PRESIDENT LYNN ALVAREZ, VICE-PRESIDENT W. JEROME STANLEY, MEMBER JILL T. WERNER, MEMBER JOHNATHAN WILLIAMS, MEMBER ADMINISTRATION JON KIRK MUKRI, GENERAL MANAGER REGINA ADAMS, EXECUTIVE OFFICER KEVIN W. REGAN, ASSISTANT GENERAL MANAGER, OPERATIONS VICKI ISRAEL, ASSISTANT GENERAL MANAGER, PARTNERSHIPS MICHAEL A. SHULL, ASSISTANT GENERAL MANAGER, PLANNING, CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE
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Lafayette Community Center Synthetic Soccer Field Re-Opening
Pictured Above: Javier Solis, Principal Grounds Maintenance Supervisor, RAP; Carl Cooper, Principal Recreation Supervisor II, RAP; Sophia PiñaCortez, Superintendent, Metro Region, RAP; Patrick Escobar, Vice PresidentGrants and Programs, LA84 Foundation; Barry A. Sanders, Commission President, RAP; Congressman Xavier Becerra, Thirty-Four District; Tony Brown, Executive Director, HOLA and Community Children
The Department of Rec-
reation and Parks along with Congressman Xavier Becerra, 34th District, Heart of Los Angeles (HOLA), and the LA84 Foundation re-opened the newly refurbished synthetic soccer field at Lafayette Park. The refurbishments were made possible by a generous donation from the LA84 Foundation. This field is heavily used and the reopening will be a great benefit to the community.
(above): Mark Mariscal, Superintendent, Pacific Region, RAP and Tony Brown, Executive Director, HOLA practicing soccer drills (below): community children chasing the ball and taking a break