Serving Van Nuys, Sherman Oaks, Encino,

N. Hollywood & Glendale

Whale Watching, Page 9

jan 2nd - 8th, 2012 (Ter’t #251) “Hawaii is not a state of mind, but a state of grace.” -- Paul Theroux VOl #5 ISSUE #42

Weekly Every Monday

Dinosaurs, Page 3

The Government Center Gazette& Van Nuys News Press

It will be cold and miserable all week, then really hot. Mon -- Tue -- Wed -- Thu -- Fri -- Sat -- Sun H: 74 72 72 74 74 69 99 L: 40 41 39 40 40 39 40Don’t care so much about the weather, like really, we are in LA, come on.

--Weather Corner --What is a Variable Ceiling? A Variable Ceiling occurs when the height of a ceiling layer increases and decreases rapidly, The ascribed height is the average of all the varying values. This is also a building term for different heights in a room, like a cabin.

WE LEGALIZEADDITIONS DONE

WITHOUT A PERMIT.WE REPRESENT PROPERTY OWNERS AS “AUTHORIZED AGENTS”

HANDLE “ORDERS TO COMPLY” SENT TO YOU BY THE CITY.WORK WITH CODE ENFORCEMENT INSPECTORS.HANDLE YOUR CASE AT THE DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING.

SPEAK ON YOUR BEHALF AT THE CITY ATTORNEY’S HEARINGS.NEGOTIATE WITH THE PROSECUTOR IN COURT

For Information (818) 516-59266262 Van Nuys Blvd, Van Nuys, CA 91401

(GARAGE CONVERSIONS, PATIO ENCLOSURES, ETC) Houses Wanted for Cash Buyer!!!!! Any Condition !!No Repairs Needed !!! No Commissions to Pay!!

Call Direct (818) 510-2365 or call for our Free 24 hr Recorded Message (800) 337-9461 ext. 1001

Construction Loans Available!!!Call David Gutierrez (818) 922-5997

Old Mission Financial, Inc. 16461 Sherman Way #105 Van Nuys, CA 91406 NMLS# 354547 DRE# 01482419

Call our Free 24hr Recorded Message onConstruction Loans (800) 337-9461 ext. 1025

Houses Wanted for Cash Buyer!!!!! Any Condition !!No Repairs Needed !!! No Commissions to Pay!!

Call Direct (818) 922-5997 or call for our Free 24 hr Recorded Message (800) 337-9461 ext. 1001

Mayor Villaraigosa, Chief beCk announCe 9th ConseCutiVe year of

CriMe reduCtion in los angelesLOS ANGELES, CA -- On January 5, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and Los Angeles Police Chief Charlie Beck announced the City’s 2011 year-end crime statistics that showed violent crime and property crime were reduced across Los Angeles for the 9th consecutive year.“Thanks to the hard work of LAPD officers and our gang reduction efforts, crimes rates in Los Angeles are once again at historic lows,” Mayor Villaraigosa said. “For nearly a decade crime has declined in LA — this speaks to the impact a record number of police officers has had on our City. In 2012, I remain committed to keeping public safety our top priority and ensuring that our communities continue to enjoy the safety they deserve.”In 2011, the total number of citywide Part 1 crimes was 104,215—a decrease of 5.8 percent. Citywide violent crime was down 7.3 percent while property crime was down 5.5 percent.

“For the 9th consecutive year, the officers of the LAPD and the community have worked together to reduce crime in Los Angeles,” said Los Angeles Police Chief Charlie Beck. “This year’s reduction, 5.8 percent, is even more remarkable because it was achieved despite the continued fiscal challenges facing the City.”Complementing the City’s police force, the Mayor’s office of Gang Reduction and Youth Development has targeted gang intervention and prevention efforts where they are needed most—in the areas of highest gang crime. Overall gang crime dropped 15.2 percent which represents a reduction of nearly 843 gang crimes last year. The LAPD also reported a 9.4 percent reduction in gang-related shots fired.In 2011, the Los Angeles Fire Department continued to serve Angelenos by transporting approximately 500 individuals to local hospitals and responding to nearly 1,000 emergency incidents per day. Los Angeles has the lowest fire fatality rate for any large city and the LAFD averaged 48 percent below national fire loss levels.”With over 350,000 calls for service in 2011, the Los Angeles Fire Department is there when you need us,” said Los Angeles Fire Chief Brian Cummings.Also present at the press conference were federal officials from the United States Department of State and the United States Marshal Service who were instrumental in helping the Arson Task Force apprehend the suspected arsonist responsible for the recent string of arson fires. At LAX, the total number of reported crimes dropped 27 percent to 1,612 in 2011 from 2,220 in 2010. Major crime decreased by 29 percent to 508 incidents in 2011 from 715 incidents in 2010. Reports of Part 1 Property Crime, the more common type of crime that affects the quality of passengers’ experiences at LAX, decreased 29 percent to 503 incidents in 2011 compared to 710 in 2010. “LAX is one of the safest, high-density and high-traffic areas in the City of Los Angeles,” said Los Angeles Airport Police Chief George Centeno. “The total number of crimes is remarkably low, given the over 250,000 people – travelers, visitors and workers – come to LAX every day. The 2011 crime statistics are a direct testament to the dedicated hard work provided by every sworn police officer and civilian employee. The City of Los Angeles continues to experience reductions in crime due in part to an expanded police force, more targeted police strategies, community policing, improved enforcement tactics, as well as the implementation of the City’s comprehensive gang initiatives.

Pictured Above: A nice lady giving Ukulele lessons at the Ka’anapali Beach Hotel in Maui, Hawai’i. For more information on the Ka’anapali Beach Hotel, check out www.kbhmaui.com or just go and visit, mahalo.

Who is baraCk obaMa?President Obama was born in Hawaii on August 4th, 1961, to a father from Kenya and a mother from Kansas. Growing up, he was also raised by his grandfather, who served in Patton’s army, and his grandmother, who worked her way up from the secretarial pool to become middle management at a local bank. After working his way through college with the help of scholarships and student loans, President Obama moved to Chicago, where he worked as an organizer to help rebuild communities devastated by the closure of local steel plants. He went on to Harvard Law School, where he became the first Af-rican-American president of the Harvard Law Review. Upon graduation, he took a job teaching constitutional law at the University of Chicago. He also remained active in his community, leading a drive that registered more than 150,000 voters in Illinois leading up to the 1992 election. Barack Obama was first elected to the Illinois State Senate in 1996. During his time in Springfield, he passed the first major ethics reform in 25 years, cut taxes for working families, and expanded health care for children and their parents.

Elected to the U.S. Senate in 2004, he reached across the aisle to pass the farthest-reaching lobbyist reform in a generation, lock up the world’s most dangerous weapons, and bring transparency to government by tracking fed-eral spending online. As President, Barack Obama has dedicated himself to putting Americans back to work and restoring eco-nomic security to middle-class families. He’s been driven by the basic values that make our country great: America prospers when we’re all in it together, when hard work pays off and responsibility is rewarded, and when every-one—from Main Street to Wall Street—does their fair share and plays by the same rules.

opinions & Editorial

page 2 Monday, january 9th - sunday, january 15th, 2012 www.vannuysnewspress.com

The Government Center Gazette & Van Nuys News Press

The Government Center Gazette & Van Nuys News Press is published weekly on Mondays by George Christopher Thomas, Publisher.

Advertising and Editorial offices are based out of Agoura Hills, CA. telephone: 818-605-8940 • 818-707-2507 fax: 818-286-9579

WWW.VannuysneWspress.CoM

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p.o. box 2444, Van nuys, Ca 91404Opinions and positions taken in articles and op-ed submissions are those of the author and do not reflect the opinions of the Publisher or this newspaper’s advertisers. Please submit letters to the editor and story ideas to Editor@VanNuysNewsPress.com or P.O. Box 2444, Van Nuys, CA 91404. Your first copy of this newspaper is free; additional copies are $50 each. For an annual subscription please mail a check for $33 payable to “Van Nuys News Press” to P.O. Box 2444, Van Nuys, CA 91404. Please write “subscription” in the memo and include your name and mailing address. If you subscribe, it will come (in the mail).

PUBLISHER: George Christopher ThomasEDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Joanne Lewis

CIRCULaTION MaNaGER: Elias PazTRaVEL & ENTERTaINMENT EDITOR: Jean Strauber

STaND UP PHILOSOPHER & RESIDENT HISTORIaN: Jeff ThomasHOME DECORaTING EDITOR & EXECUTIVE aSSISTaNT: Sandra H. Thomas

aDOPTED GOLF RaDIO FaMILY: The Gottfried Family, aM 570COPYWRITER & RaDIO PRODUCER: alex “Foghorn” Fish

TRaVEL WRITER & EXTREME SPORTS EDITOR: Kara Holly DeMillePRaCTICaL LEGaL POINTERS COLUMNIST: Joann Deutch, attorney

DEPUTY aSSISTaNT SUGGESTION EDITOR: Julie CastroCONTRIBUTING OPINION COLUMNIST: Irving Leemon

CONTRIBUTING “MISS-LaNE-IOUS” COLUMNIST: Lane M. ShermanAll pictures and materials sent to The Government Center Gazette are considered

property of the publisher, and will not be returned. Thanks! Have a nice day and be good!

-- Word of the Week --id•i•o•glos•si•a (pronounced “id-ee-uh-glos-ee-uh, -glaw-see-uh”) -- noun1. a private form of speech invented by one child or by children who are in close contact, as twins.2. a pathological condition characterized by speech so distorted as to be unintelligible. (Source: Dictionary.com Unabridged. Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2011.)

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-- the next step in fighting -- disease in the deVeloping WorldBy Eric G. BingOne of the world’s largest foreign aid organizations just announced it will be forced to make substantial program cuts next year. For hundreds of thousands of people, the consequences could be lethal.The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB, and Malaria announced in late November that it had failed to raise the minimum $13 billion needed to support current operations. This is terrible news--fully 70 percent of antiretroviral HIV/AIDS drugs available in poor countries are provided by the Fund.Now it’s up to the rest of the international community to pick up the slack. That’s no small task given the uncertain economic climate. It’s all the more important we are focusing our energies and dollars on programs that will work, sharing resources, and maximizing the synergies across disease-specific infrastructures. Fortunately, a large-scale model of an effective program already exists--and it was started right here in the United States.The President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) was created by the George W. Bush administration and extended by President Obama. PEPFAR has proven highly successful in addressing the global AIDS epidemic by expanding the use and availability of top-flight antiretroviral drugs.After the global HIV/AIDS rate of new infections exploded in the 1980s and 1990s, experts were predicting the disease would kill off entire generations of people in poorer countries. PEPFAR was a cornerstone in the international effort to check the spread of the epidemic. Program officials, making a concerted effort not to trample local medical operations, worked in conjunction with state and municipal authorities to build up medical infrastructure and address the healthcare challenges specific to local communities. PEPFAR also worked closely with the Global Fund to jointly fund targeted antiretroviral distribution campaigns in areas worst hit by this disease.In large part because of PEPFAR, the total number of people living with AIDS has essentially held steady over the past decade--rather than escalating out of control as credible estimates predicted. Today, 33 million people have the disease. Meanwhile, the rate of new HIV infections has dropped by nearly 20 percent and an estimated 7 million people with HIV infections are currently alive because they now have access to antiretroviral drugs.The positive effects of PEPFAR aren’t confined to healthcare. Unfortunately AIDS often debilitates people in their most productive years. When people get healthy, they’re more productive at their jobs and less likely to leave the workforce. (Continued on page 9...)

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www.CrosswordWeaver.com

ACROSS

1 The only ruling party in China (3 wds.) 6 Multi party conference (abbv.) 7 Current President and General Secretary

(2 wds.) 9 Main religion of the Chinese people

11 National Hoilday month 13 Currency name in China 14 Most potential political opposition party (2

wds.) 16 Official language name 17 Highest judicial court in China (3 wds.)

DOWN

1 Part of the NPC, headed by the General Secretary (2 wds.)

2 Number of Parties in the multi-party conference

3 Type of Legislation Branch 4 Part of the NPC, headed by the

Secretariat (2 wds.) 5 Precommunism Nationalist Party leader (3

wds.) 8 The Little Red Book

10 Head of the State Council (head of government)

12 The Capital of China 15 Abbreviation for the official name of the

government

entertainment tips of the week

Monday, january 9th - sunday, january 15th, 2012 PAGE 3www.vannuysnewspress.com

By Jean Strauber,Entertainment EditorNext Monday will be the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday and the schools are closed. What to do? Here are four suggestions:THE aUTRY MUSEUMThe Autry will be opening its doors on Monday, January 16, 2012 to remember Dr. King, who was one of the most influential and respected civil rights leaders of the 1950’s and ‘60s. The day before, Sunday, January 15 is the monthly Family Day, and on both days the Autry will feature a wide variety of themes relating to the American West. On Sunday, January 15, former members of the Ninth and Tenth Cavalry Association (Buffalo Soldiers) will join Autry visitors for StoryTime. The Buffalo soldiers were the segregated African-American units of the U.S. Army. Primarily formed after the Civil War, the Buffalo Soldiers also includes the 24th and 25th Infantry Regiments which served our country until President Harry S. Truman ordered the integration of the Armed ForceOn Monday, January 16, Gold Rush activity will be ongoing from 11:00 am-

3:00 pm and at 11:30 am and 1:00 pm docent-led tours will be available. On the Martin Luther King holiday you’ll also find all of the museum’s galleries. The Autry Store and the Autry Cafe will be open. Museum Admission: $10 adults, $6 students and seniors, $4 children ages 3-12 and free for Autry members, veterans and children age 2 and under.The Autry is located in Griffith Park near the junction of the 5 and 134 Freeways.

THE LOS aNGELES ZOO

is my second suggestion. Located just across the parking lot from the Autry Museum, the Los Angeles Zoo will also be open on the Martin Luther King Holiday from 10:00 am-5:00 pm. Here are some of the highlights that the zoo features:The Elephants of Asia habitat includes bathing pools and sandy hills, and is dedicated to the health and welfare of these animals. The exhibit familiarizes the zoo visitor with the challenges Asian elephants face while in the wild. The Campo Gorilla Reserve is a new habitat that is home to seven western lowland gorillas. You’ll

find yourself on a forested pathway for views of two separate troops of gorillas -- a family and a bachelor group -- living among waterfalls and lush plants. The new front entry Sea Life Cliffs is a replica of California’s rocky coast, and is home to a group of harbor seals. This habitat features two deep saltwater pools, rocky coves, and above and below water viewing locations. Best of all there is a seating area for visitors to observe the seals.The Australia section of the LA Zoo is home to the koalas. These marsupials share two separate habitats with kangaroos, wallabies and echidnas.Please note: When driving south on the 101 freeway between Balboa and Hayvenhurst you’ll notice a large grove of eucalyptus trees in the Sepulveda Garden Center. Their leaves are used to feed the koalas at the zoo.The one-acre Chimpanzees of Mahale Mountains habitat has been lauded by world-renown primatologist Jane Goodall as one of the finest zoo habitats. This one-acre habitat is designed to resemble the native environment of Tanzania’s Mahale Mountains and is

unique with mountainous rock formations, waterfalls and streams, palm trees and soft green grass. The visitor will also see a chimpanzee penthouse with heated bedrooms for the apes and an outdoor playground that even has a jungle gym. The Winnick Family Children’s Zoo will give your children the chance to explore a cave, a desert trail or watch for prairie dogs through specially designed pop-up bubbles.For more information please call (323) 644--4200. La COUNTY NaTURaL

HISTORY MUSEUM Did you see the Los Angeles County Natural Museum’s float in the Rose Parade? Featured on the float entitled “Dinosaurs in L.A. Backyard” were Triceratops, Thomas the T. Rex and Mamenchisaurus as well as a replica of the Museum’s original building, which was built in 1913. Visit the Los Angeles County Natural History Museum and the all-new 14,000-square-foot Dinosaur Hall which is twice the size of the Museum’s old dinosaur galleries. You’ll find a

Tyrannosaurs rex growth series featuring a baby, juvenile, and sub-adult T-Rex. The 11-foot baby was about two years old when it died and is the youngest known T. Rex fossil in the world; the juvenile was about 13 and more than 20 feet long and weighed about 4,000 pounds; and the adult, Thomas the T.rex, at 17 years old was 34 feet long and nearly 7,000 pounds and was excavated by Natural History Museum paleontologists in southeastern Montana from 2003-2005.The Los Angeles County Museum Natural History is located at 900 W. Exposition Bouelvard, Los Angeles. Visit nhm.org for more information.

PaGE MUSEUM aT THE La BREa TaR

PITSLocated adjacent to the Los Angeles Museum of Art on Wilshire Boulevard in the heart of the Miracle Mile, you’ll find the La Brea Tar Pits and the Page Museum.The La Brea Tar Pits is one of the world’s most famous fossil localities where saber-toothed cats, wolves and mammoths have been

trapped in 10,000-40,000 asphalt deposits. The Page Museum has a collection of more than 3,000,000 Ice Age specimens and decades of research.Tours are available at 1 pm and 3 pm on weekdays and weekends at 11 am, 1 pm and 3 pm and may include Pit 91 where you can view fossils still embedded in an excavation pit; their current excavation, Project 23, where excavators work seven days a week, and the Pleistocene or Ice Age gardens and may last 30 minutes to one hour.Museum Hours are 9:30 am-5:00 pm. Page Museum Tickets are children ages 4 and under free; children 5-12 $5; student with ID $8; senior 62+ $8; Adults $11.May I suggest you can have a delightful lunch to the original Farmer’s Market, where you can possibly catch a glimpse of a television or movie star who has walked from the nearby CBS Television City. What a variety of food stalls! You have a choice of Italian, Chinese, Japanese, Seafood, Hamburgers or you can even enjoy the pancakes at Dupars.

page 4 Monday, january 9th - sunday, january 15th, 2012 www.vannuysnewspress.com

police news &Information

business &commerce

-- business of the Week --“Sunlight On The Water, Kona, Hawai’i”

Michael & Melainah Yee are your guides for a truly extraordinary and unique Hawaiian experience. Together, their great love and respect for the Dolphins, Whales and all who call the Ocean their home, is reflected in the sharing of their extensive knowledge and etiquette for swimming with free Dolphins. Michael and Melainah met in 1998 when she first came to Hawaii to be with the Dolphins. In 2002, surrounded by their Ohana (family, friends and loved ones), they were married at sunset by Michael’s hanai Father, Kahuna Lanakila Brandt. Their deep personal, some might say magical, connection to the Dolphins was reflected when the Dolphins arrived just as the ceremony began, spinning and leaping out of the water during the entire ceremony! It’s this uncanny and special connection with the Dolphins that accounts for their 98% success rate of finding Dolphins on each Dolphin Swim. Both Michael and Melainah are USCG licensed captains. “China” Mike has been surfing, diving and has captained boats on the Kona Coast for over 25 years and is one of the most experienced captains on the Big Island. He operated the first charter boat offering Dolphin Swims in Hawaii. While in his teens, he became a well known champion surfer in Hawaii and Southern California. He is a complete water-man, and his extensive knowledge of the coastline is unsurpassed. He is as comfortable in the water as most people are on land. In 1999, Melainah returned to the Big Island for a two month sabbatical from Atlanta – she never left! She is a facilitator who teaches and hosts seminars on attaining self empowerment and remembering who we truly are. She offers Dolphin Retreats, retreats on Hawaiian Spirituality and retreats about the Ancient Land of Lemuria. Together, Michael and Melainah are Kona’s unquestioned leaders when talking about experience with Dolphins. They are known internationally and have been featured on several television documentaries discussing the Human/Dolphin connection. If you are seeking an experience that is out of the ordinary and that will connect you to the Aloha and Spirit of Hawaii there is simply no better tour operator than SunLight On Water with whom to experience these magnificent creatures. We invite you to book your trip today and experience one of the most memorable days of your life. For ecotour practices with the dolphins, whales and manta rays, you won’t find anyone on the Kona Coast who takes these practices closer to heart than we do. Preserving and caring for our environment is the underlying principle of our business. Our tours are structured to conserve the environment and improve the well-being of local people. (Check out www.sunlightonwater.com for more information)

Fight

Valley Industry & Commerce Association5121 Van Nuys Blvd., Ste 203, Van Nuys, CA 91403 - phone: 818.817.0545 - fax: 818.907.7934 - www.vica.com

VICA STANDS UP FOR THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY

Maintains a consistent, pro-business presence at L.A. City Hall and with other government agencies

Opens doors and cuts bureaucratic red tape at all levels of government with VICA’s Red Tape Busters program

Holds elected officials accountableby keeping a scorecard of their votes

Tracks the legislation that will impact your business and advocates for a business-friendly environment

City HallCanYou

Get VICA on your business team!Call us today at 818.817.0545 or visit www.vica.com to learn more.

suspeCt lunges at offiCers With a knife offiCer-inVolVed shooting oCCurs

LOS ANGELES, CA: Two LAPD Topanga Division patrol officers were engaged in an officer-involved shooting while conducting a follow-up investigation in North Hollywood. The suspect who was shot remains in critical condition in the hospital. At about 1:45 p.m. on Jan. 4, 2012, two officers were looking for an assault suspect at an apartment in the 5200 block of Colfax Avenue in North Hollywood. After knocking on the door of one of the units, they were met with a resident who was not the person they were seeking. However, the resident informed them that the man they wanted to question, 47-year-old Mark Miles, was inside the unit. As soon as the officers entered the unit, Miles displayed a steak knife and pointed it at the officers. Officers drew their weapons and ordered Miles to drop his knife, but he refused. He then lunged forward at the officers, holding the knife in a threatening manner, and the officer-involved shooting ensued. Immediately after the shooting, officers called for medical assistance, and the suspect was taken to a hospital. No officers were injured during the incident. The LAPD Force Investigation Division responded to the incident and will conduct a thorough investigation of the officer-involved shooting and all related crimes. The investigation will ultimately be reviewed by the Office of the Chief of Police, the Office of the Inspector General and Board of Police Commissioners for compliance with the Department’s use-of-force policy, which states that an officer’s use-of-force actions must be objectively reasonable. Anyone with information about this incident is urged to call LAPD’s Force Investigation Division at 213-486-5230. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477). Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on “webtips” and follow the prompts.

Join the Mid Valley poliCe CounCilWe offer a few levels of membership to fit your needs as either a corporate member or as an individual member of the MVCPC. Our corporate membership sponsor levels are tiered. Each corporation is recognized on our web site and in printed materials – the levels of commitment and membership privileges include the Gold, Silver and Bronze. Gold members are entitled to the highest level of website recognition for your corporation. Individual stakeholders in the community are also encouraged to support the MVCPC by joining. Please show your support for the organization and secure your membership today - it’s simple and we utilize PayPal. You may also write a check made payable to the Mid-Valley Community Police Council and mail it to: Mid-Valley Community Police CouncilPost Office Box 125 Van Nuys, California 91408 ATT: Membership Membership granted upon approval of the Mid-Valley Community Police Council. MVCPC is a registered 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization.

Monday, january 9th - sunday, january 15th, 2012 page 5www.vannuysnewspress.com

Community News & Events

MVCPC WANTS YOU!The Mid-Valley Community Police Council is currently considering candidates for two very important Executive Board seats. We are a 30+ year old 501 © (3) and our mission is to support the men and women of the Los Angeles Police Department - here, in the San Fernando Valley. We meet once per month and offer cutting-edge public safety information, crime updates and prevention intelligence to our general membership. The funds we raise go directly to those who “Protect and Serve”. We provide facility improvements to the station, supplemental training and equipment for the Officers, we support LAPD’s Youth Programs and much more! We present two well attended, highly successful fundraisers per year in addition to the funds we secure through tax-deductible donations made by corporate and business partners in our community. We are strictly a volunteer organization who is motivated to support this critically important city-funded department and we’re proud of the work we do! We’re greatly appreciated by the Officers and Command Staff at the Van Nuys Division Station and we’re cognizant of the benefits delivered to the community that our collaboration creates. Please visit our website to learn more about us www.midvalleypolicecouncil.org Searching for:Vice President - Membership Ideal candidate will have a vested interest and contacts (professional, residential or other) in the geographical area served by this station: Sherman Oaks, Valley Glen, or Van Nuys. Position responsibilities will be to focus on broadening the membership and enhancing our visibility/branding.Vice President - Events and Outreach Ideal candidate will be highly organized and self-motivated. Position responsibilities will be to lead the collaborative efforts to promote and produce two annual events; identification of donors, coordination of vendors and volunteers and more.Both positions are incredibly rewarding! Our Executive Board is comprised of generous, competent professionals who are respected leaders in the community. We have a lot of fun working together - you will too! For further information and immediate consideration, please contact: Jean Sinatra, President, MVCPC at jeansinatra@earthlink.net or 818.988.8202.

Valley-Wide business and soCial hour trade shoW & Mixer to be held in february 2012Second annual event to help close out the Chamber’s 100th Anniversary

TARzANA, CA -- Join the Greater San Fernando Valley Chamber of Commerce at its second annual Valley-wide Business Expo, the B.A.S.H. - Business & Social Hour to be held on Wednesday, February 22 at Braemar Country Club.B.A.S.H. is the largest business exposition in the Valley, giving you unparalleled success in exposing your products and services to your most important marketplace. Its winning combination is the Valley-wide mixer that will connect attendees and exhibitors with prospective customers and suppliers.Table top exhibits are reasonably priced, making it affordable for all businesses to participate. Add-ons include the chance to place a business flyer in the reusable shopping bag given to all attendees, ads in the Business Referral Directory (available for non-exhibitors as well), and sponsorships that further your exposure. About the Chamber: The Greater San Fernando Valley Chamber is the premier business organization in the San Fernando Valley and has been serving businesses for 100 years, making the Valley a better place to live, work, play and shop.

neVhC reCeiVes Joint CoMMission aCCreditationAmbulatory Health Care Accreditation Program Approval

SAN FERNANDO VALLEY, CA -- Northeast Valley Health Corporation (NEVHC) has received The Joint Commission accreditation for its health care services. Recognized for its high standards of quality, the Joint Commission accreditation certifies that NEVHC, as one of the nation’s largest community health care organizations, provides exemplary medical services to its patients.“Northeast Valley Health Corporation is a mission driven community clinic”, said Dr. Seidman, M.D., NEVHC C.M.O. “The Joint Commission accreditation provides recognition of our continued excellence and a validation of our quality service efforts.”This accreditation places NEVHC as one of the premiere health care clinics in the Los Angeles area. NEVHC is dedicated to providing medical care services consistent with the national standards of excellence. Additionally, this accreditation recognizes the commitment towards a healthy community. Together with the Federal Quality Health Center (FQHC) certification, NEVHC provides comprehensive care of the highest quality.About Northeast Valley Health Corporation: NEVHC is a private non-profit community health center that provides comprehensive health services to the medically uninsured and underserved residents of the San Fernando and Santa Clarita Valleys. Programs and services include Dental, Pharmacy, Radiology, Women’s Health and Prenatal Services, Pediatric Services, Immunizations, Case Management and the Women’s, Infant and Children’s (WIC) nutrition and breastfeeding program.

page 6 Monday, january 9th - sunday, january 15th, 2012 www.vannuysnewspress.com

Travel tips of the weekguaranteed departures With tap

By Jean Strauber, Travel EditorI received a brochure from a company new to me, TAP-Travel Alliance Partners Guaranteed Departures. In their catalog you’ll find a variety of safaris, rail journeys, and motorcoach adventures. I found some of their Guaranteed Departures rather unique. They offer itineraries that take a look behind the scenes, step off the beaten path, and make a way for you to be journeying on a road less traveled. You can go birding in New Jersey, attend the Baseball All-Star Game, ride Colorado trains and visit ghost towns, visit Yellowstone in winter, enjoy an “American Country Christmas,” attend the Baseball Hall of Fame Induction Weekend, or take a “Brewery Tour Bavarian Style.”Here are just two of them:• THE BOB HOPE USO SHOW: A Virginia Beach SecTAPular EventDAY 1- Your plane arrives in Norfolk (VA) where you’ll meet your tour director and transfer to your oceanfront Courtyard by Marriott hotel in Virginia Beach.That night, you’ll meet your fellow travelers at dinner in an oceanfront restaurant. In the afternoon, why not visit the Old Coast Guard Station with its interactive exhibit which will allow the visitor the same view of the ocean and beach that the Surfman had from the tower. For more information go to old coast@va-beach.com. Or, the Virginia Marine Science Museum, one of the top aquariums in the country with more than 800,000 gallons of aquariums and live animal habitats, over 300 hands-on exhibits, an outdoor aviary and a 1/3-mile nature walk. DAY 2- After breakfast (included) you’ll board your motorcoach to travel to Norfolk for a tour of the US Naval Base with a US sailor as your tour guide. You’ll also visit the Nauticus, an interactive Maritime & Naval Museum and the USS Wisconsin, the last and largest battleship built by the US Navy. Your afternoon is free to relax or explore Virginia Beach. In the evening you’re invited to enjoy “New Jersey Nights, The Story of the Jersey Boys: Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons.” DAY 3- After breakfast you’ll return to Norfolk to visit the MacArthur Memorial Museum and take a lunch cruise through the Norfolk Harbor. In the evening you’ll be entertained by a live tribute to the Big Bands of the 30’s, 40’s and 50’s. Your included dinner is a candlelight seafood buffet. Ending your evening will be the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra with their headline event: “The Sinatra Legacy,” a special live tribute to the

music of Frank Sinatra. DAY 4- After breakfast you will board your motorcoach for a Taste of the Farmer Market tour and continue on to the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Museum where you’ll enjoy an IMAX movie followed by a self-exploration at the aquarium. After a lunch on your own you’ll arrive at the Virginia Beach Military Aviation Museum to visit hangars filled with aircraft from World War I and II. You’ll take a seat on the bleachers by the airfield for “Swingtime in the Skies.” An English double decker bus sporting a banner for the “Glen Miller Army Air Force Band” will drive up with “Bob Hope,” “The Andrews Sisters” and the entire “Glen Miller Band” all wearing World War II uniform waving to the airfield visitors. There will be narration on historic planes, music of the era and flyovers featuring both Tri-Planes and Bi-Planes. For dinner you’re being treated to a Southern Style Cookout in a hangar and King Neptune’s USO Show and a nostalgic “Thanks for the Memories” evening show.DAY 5- After breakfast you’ll be transferred to the Norfolk Airport for your return flight home.Fare for this 5 day/4 night tour is $1,389 per person/double occupancy.• CUSTER STaTE PaRK BUFFaLO ROUNDUP: Each fall the buffalo (some 1,200 head) in Custer State Park are rounded up for the annual branding, sorting and vaccinating in an Old West

tradition. You can witness this thrilling event with the 6 Day/6 Night TAP Guaranteed Departure holiday.DAY 1- Fly into the Rapid City Regional Airport and transfer (included) to the Comfort Inn (or something similar), South Dakota. If you arrive early in the afternoon you might want to explore Memorial Park, a beautiful greenway with a rose garden, fountain pool, a meandering Rapid Creek, a section of the Berlin Wall and monuments honoring Rapid City’s veterans as well as victims of the 1972 flood. Or stroll through their downtown district and marvel at the statues of the presidents you’ll find throughout the district. DAY 2- Your morning, after a continental breakfast, will be a visit to the Buffalo Roundup Arts Festival which offers entertainment, arts and crafts, and even buffalo burgers. You’ll also visit the Crazy Horse Memorial where Custer made his last stand. And, then, it’s on to Mount Rushmore, the Shrine to Democracy with the stone carvings of the four presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. You arrive at the park and walk up a path lined with the flags of the 50 states and as you round a bend you’ll find yourself staring at this tribute to these leaders of our democracy. It’s an awesome sight! Dinner will be on your own and your tour director will have suggestions for the evening.

DAY 3- After an early breakfast you’ll board your motorcoach which will take you to the annual buffalo roundup at Custer State Park. You’ll be fascinated by watching them drive the herd into the Buffalo Corrals. After the herd is safely in the corrals you’ll see the park staff sort, brand, test and select certain animals for the fall sale held in November. After lunch on your own you’ll enjoy a ride on an 1880 steam train that’s been featured in many television shows and Hollywood movies.

DAY 4- Historic Deadwood is your destination for today. Here was the last great gold rush in the lower 48 states. And, the legends of Wild Bill Hickock, Calamity Jane, and Poker Alice were made here. You’ll tour Boot Hill and visit the gravesites of these characters that were larger than life. You might also learn, as I did, why they called it “Boot” Hill. DAY 5- After breakfast you’ll begin your day with a visit to the Journey, an interactive collection of four previous museums with an outstanding gift

shop. Then, South Dakota’s Badlands National Park. Early explorers described it as “hell with the fires burned out.” The Badlands offer unique geologic beauty, Native American culture and, of course, the world-famous Wall Drug. In case you haven’t heard about Wall Drug, it’s a sprawling tourist mall that occupies most of downtown Wall, South Dakota. It’s a roadside wonder off the Interstate 90 and has been featured on Good Morning America, People Magazine and even Better Homes and Gardens. Day 6- Bid farewell to your fellow vacationers and head for home.For the 6 days/5 nights your fare is $946 pp/dble occupancy.If you’re an individual looking to join a tour, a Tour Operator wanting to add to your offerings, a Travel Professional searching for a unique travel adventure or a group leader trying to avoid having to cancel another tour, take a look at the TAP Guaranteed Departures for 2012 and 2013.For more information or to receive a brochure consult your travel agent or me at trvlwritr2@aol.com.

Monday, january 9th - sunday, january 15th, 2012 page 7www.vannuysnewspress.com

Hotels, Resorts & Spas

-- property of the Week --“Keauhou Palena #901, Kona, Hawai’i”

Spacious 1 bedroom 2 bath condo on the golf course in Keauhou. Tee off from your lanai or just relax and enjoy the tropical breezes. This quiet community is close to Keauhou Bay, shops restaurants and all types of activities. GREAT D I S C O U N T S APPLY DURING THE YEAR. MANY SPECIAL OFFERS! (Check out www.k o n a r e n t a l s .com or email: makereservations@konarentals.com for more information.) Aloha and welcome to the Island of Hawai’i; the newest of the Hawaiian Islands. The Big Island, our nickname, is indeed big enough to fit all seven of the other islands in it. And not only is the island big, it’s still growing, thanks to the active volcanoes. The Big Island offers eleven different climate zones and an array of landscapes to please and accommodate every visitor. We have lush rainforest, deserts, black sand beaches and amazing waterfalls. We even have snowcapped mountains! The world’s most active volcano, Kilauea, is here. The lava flow has added hundreds of acres to the island. A visit to Hawai’i Volcano National Park allows you to experience this awesome force of nature and should not be missed. The Big Island of Hawai’i has played a major role in the history of the state. King Kamehameha the Great, credited with uniting the Hawaiian Islands into one kingdom, hails from the Big Island. You can visit the statue commemorating his birth on the beautiful Kohala Coast. Then take a trip to Parker Ranch to learn about the paniolo (Hawaiian cowboys). Make a visit to Kealakekua Bay where the memorial has been placed for Captain James Cook at the place where he died after his incredible discovery. There are countless ways to explore the Big Island; stargaze atop Mauna Kea (when it is snow covered). Visit one of the beautiful white sand beaches, or an incredible black sand beach. Tour one of Kona’s fabulous coffee plantations, the island’s cash crop. Swim and snorkel with gentle manta rays, giant sea turtles and amazing sea life. Visit the Merrie Monarch Festival, the world’s largest hula celebration. Visit Ka Lae, the southernmost tip of the United States, or just watch a beautiful waterfall and relax. The discovery and adventure available on the Big Island is endless. Tee off at an award winning golf course, go horseback riding, explore the beautiful valleys on an ATV, go deep sea fishing, snorkeling and so much more. Maybe just sit on your lanai and watch the dolphins and whales play right in front of you. (www.konarentals.com)

-- destination of the Week --“Malibu Country Club, Malibu, CA ”

Evoking the nostalgia of golf courses built at the turn of the 20th century, the Malibu Golf Club sits alone in the majestic, rolling hills of the Santa Monica Mountains. The 6614 yard William

Francis Bell design offers 18 holes of championship golf in one of the most breathtaking settings in all of Southern California. Only 45 minutes from downtown Los Angeles, the club enables you to escape the hustle and bustle of the city without driving for hours. The property provides the feel of a private or resort course at reasonable daily fee prices. Come discover why many consider us to be one of the best kept secrets in the golfing community. The Malibu Golf Club … how golf in Los Angeles was meant to be played! Tee Time reservations may be made up to 10 days in advance. Rates include green fee and cart per person. Call Today (818) 889-6680. Be sure to visit the restaurant which offers a fully stocked bar and a simple yet surprisingly diverse menu. Enjoy the sweeping panoramic views from our patio as you reflect on your memorable day at the club. (For more information, check out www.themalibugolfclub.com)

-- Chef of the Week --“Chef Matthew Zubrod ”

Chef Matt brings 20 years of culinary and hotel management experience from various Mobil and Five-Star properties throughout the United States and Paris. Prior to joining Malibu and Vine, he was the chef/partner at Monettes on the Big Island in Hawaii. He also opened DishAspen in Colorado where he was featured in various publications including Wine Spectator, Esquire and USA Today. In addition, Chef Matt was twice recognized as one of America’s Best Hotel Chefs by the James Beard Foundation during his 12 years with Ritz Carlton. This is one of the highest honors among food professionals. Located at the renowned and public Malibu Golf Club, Malibu and Vine Bar & Grille is a hand crafted beer and wine bar with random acts of cooking featuring the culinary designs from Chef Matthew Zubrod. Our Outdoor Wine Bar features numerous varietals of locally grown Semler and Saddlerock wines. Both overlook the perfectly manicured #1 fairway in one of the most breathtaking settings in all of Southern California. Come experience this incredibly unique and complete dining experience! (For more information, please visit www.malibuandvine.com)

page 8 Monday, january 9th - sunday, january 15th, 2012 www.vannuysnewspress.com

politics & government

-- golf Course of the Week --“Half Moon Bay Golf Links, Half Moon Bay, CA”

Set against dramatic cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Half Moon Bay Golf Links features 36 holes of championship golf. For over 30 years, avid golfers have been returning to this

incomparable setting, enjoying the variety of play offered by our two award winning courses, The Ocean and The Old. Half Moon Bay has been home to Costanoan Indians, Spanish explorers, and Canadian rumrunners from the days of Prohibition. Modern-day Half Moon Bay is known for fields of pumpkins and artichokes, but it keeps the spirit alive with the legendary Mavericks and the idyllic natural beauty that makes today’s explorers want to stay. For more information about what to see, do, and eat while visiting Half Moon Bay, please visit: www.experiencehalfmoonbay.com Appropriate golf attire should be worn at all times on the golf course and practice areas. Tank tops, tee shirts, cutoffs, and jeans are not considered appropriate attire. Tennis shoes are acceptable. Metal spikes are not encouraged. Replacement spikes are available for a nominal fee. Tee times may be made up to 45 days in advance and will be held with a valid credit card. Starting times begin at daybreak. Notice of cancellation must be received 48 hours in advance of scheduled tee time or full rate will be charged. Refer to group contract for cancellation policy for groups of 16 or more. All prices are subject to change and do not include applicable local taxes. (Check out www.hmbgolflinks.com for more information)

a boost for Valley hoMeoWners & the eConoMy

-- faCts of

the Week --~The state of Hawaii consists of eight main islands: Niihau, Kauai, Oahu, Maui, Molokai, Lanai, Kahoolawe and the Big Island of Hawaii.~ Hawaii is the most isolated population center on the face of the earth. Hawaii is 2,390 miles from California; 3,850 miles from Japan; 4,900 miles from China; and 5,280 miles from the Philippines.~Hawaii is the only state that grows coffee.~More than one-third of the world’s commercial supply of pineapples comes from Hawaii.~There are only 12 letters in the Hawaiian alphabet.* Vowels: A, E, I, O, U* Consonants: H, K, L, M, N, P, W~From east to west Hawaii is the widest state in the United States.~The Hawaiian Islands are the projecting tops of the biggest mountain range in the world.~Honolulu’s zenith star, (the star that rises directly above it) is Arcturus. The Hawaiians called it Hokule’a. (Hoe koo lay uh.)~Under-sea volcanoes

created Hawaii.

By Congressman Brad ShermanIn November Congress approved a provision that I have long championed that will help protect home values in the Valley and help our nation’s lagging economy. This new provision will raise the cap on FHA mortgages to $729,750 until December 31, 2013. That means that anyone trying to buy, sell, or refinance a home in the Valley of up to $729,750 will be eligible for an FHA-insured mortgage, which offers borrowers a much lower down payment, and a much lower interest rate. It also increases the likelihood that someone buying a home will get approved for a loan, and that those trying to sell their home will find an eligible buyer. This is especially true in high cost areas like the Valley. Without this FHA provision we would have seen another sudden decline in home prices, severely harming the Valley economy.In addition to keeping interests rates low, this provision also supports home values throughout the region and boosts the Valley economy. All Valley residents will benefit by the simple fact that home owners in the region will have hundreds more dollars available each month to

spend and reinvigorate the economy.Conversely, if home owners are otherwise s a d d l e d with high interest rates and deflated home values, everyone loses - no one would be spending any money, and the only local restaurant families could afford would have golden arches in the front. Most people are deeply invested in the value of their home, including senior citizens whose equity in their homes is critical to retirement plans. People who are invested in the housing market know that deflated home prices can have a domino effect. When one home in the neighborhood sells for less than it was bought, it can hurt the resale value of every other home nearby. These increased loan limits are our best defense against another housing collapse in America’s ten biggest cities. Best of all, the loan limit extensions do not add to the deficit, nor do they require a dime of additional spending by the federal

government. The FHA operates entirely from its self-generated income and costs the taxpayers nothing. I hope to make these limits permanent before the extension expires in 2013.Additionally, I have co-sponsored the HOME Act which allows those with mortgages owned or guaranteed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to refinance - even if they owe more than their home is currently worth. Mortgage rates are at historic lows and many homeowners want to refinance to reduce their monthly payments by hundreds or even thousands of dollars. But many homeowners do not have the 20 percent equity required to refinance, and some

owe more than the current value of their home. This provision will help create jobs in the San Fernando Valley. Homeowners who save hundreds of dollars each month are good customers for local Valley businesses. Furthermore, it does not expose the federal government to additional risk because these mortgages are already guaranteed or owned by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac.That is why I will continue to work with my colleagues and do everything in my power to permanently extend the FHA loan limit, and see that the HOME Act becomes law. We can’t afford another housing crisis.

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family & food

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-- restaurant of the Week --“Tante’s Restaurant, Kona, Hawai’i”

An incredible “Million Dollar View” at Tante’s Restaurant is only a few steps away from the rolling waves of the Pacific Ocean. Tante’s Restaurant is located in the middle of the old quaint Kailua-Kona Village on the charming street of Alii Drive. Specializing in the Freshest Seafood, Local Fresh Fish, Steaks, and an emphasis on Local Favorite dishes in this casual and airy setting. Check out www. tantesrestaurant.com for more information, or just stop on by, Mahalo.

the next step in fighting disease in the deVeloping World By Eric G. Bing (...Contined from page 2) Effectively combating HIV/AIDS has enabled millions of workers to support their families and fuel economic growth. By stabilizing the labor force, PEPFAR has made developing economies significantly more attractive to trade partners and foreign investors.PEPFAR has worked, there is no question about that. The international community should support programs that build on PEPFAR’s successes and emulate its model.The new Pink Ribbon Red Ribbon initiative does precisely that. It purposefully operates within the PEPFAR structure to more effectively address the rising rates of two other diseases devastating sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America--cervical and breast cancer.Over 85 percent of total cervical cancer cases occur in developing countries and yet fewer than 5 percent of women in this region will ever have a pelvic exam.Every year, meanwhile, there are some 1.4 million new breast cancer cases worldwide. More than 450,000 women die from the disease annually.Pink Ribbon Red Ribbon is a $75 million joint effort between the George W. Bush Institute, Susan G. Komen for the Cure, the United Nations, and several major pharmaceutical companies.It focuses on the same goals as PEPFAR: contribute vital medical equipment to enable local primary care doctors to improve diagnosis and treatment; expand the availability of screening and treatment services; and create grassroots education programs to inform people of the nature and causes of these diseases.This program specifically focuses on improving integration between screening and treatment of HIV with cervical and breast cancer. Cervical cancer and HIV are tightly linked--HIV weakens patients’ immune system and makes the body more susceptible to infections that can contribute to cervical cancer, which is 4 to 5 times more common in women living with HIV than in those who are HIV-negative. Cancer of the women’s reproductive organs can be highly stigmatized in many cultures.The headline goal of Pink Ribbon Red Ribbon is to reduce total cervical cancer deaths among women it treats by 25 percent. Like PEPFAR, Pink Ribbon Red Ribbon’s successes in improving women’s health outcomes will have a ripple effect throughout the communities it serves.Most excitingly, much can be done to combat preventable women’s cancers in the developing world where two-thirds of cancer deaths occur. Leveraging existing health delivery platforms--like PEPFAR--maximizes cost efficiency of these expanded programs and speaks both to the pronounced humanitarian disparities and the costliness to economic development of countries that shoulder the heaviest burden.The budget shortfall suffered by the Global Fund is a tough blow against the campaign to improve health in developing countries. But by supporting innovative programs like Pink Ribbon Red Ribbon that exploit synergies among existing programs and specifically build on the successes of proven aid campaigns, the international community can ensure that efforts to address global diseases continue undiminished.Eric G. Bing is Senior Fellow and Director of Global Health at the George W. Bush Institute.

-- aCtiVity of the Week --“Whale Watching, Kona, Hawai’i”

It doesn’t get much better than this. Going on one of our Whale Watches, you’ll see the most majestic creatures on earth from the safety of our boat. The Hawaiian Island chain constitutes one of the world’s most important habitats for the endangered North Pacific Humpback Whale and offers some of the best Whale watching in the world. Hawaii is the only place in the U.S. where Humpbacks breed, calve, and nurse their young. Scientists estimate that two-thirds of the entire North Pacific population (approximately 4,000-5,000 Whales) migrate to Hawaiian waters each winter, where boats like ours carefully navigate amongst them providing unrivaled Whale watching opportunities. Adult Humpback Whales are 40′-45′ in length and weigh approx 2000 lbs per foot! They travel to Hawaii in the winter months to breed and give birth. Baby Humpback Whales weigh about 3 tons at birth but are born with no blubber, which is why they are born in the warm waters of Hawaii. Our marine naturalist will provide information about the Whales and we will listen to their amazing songs with our underwater hydrophone. We leave for a 2.5 hour Whale Watching trip from 12:30pm – 3:00pm during the Whale season. Departing from Honokohau Harbor, just south of the Kona Airport we’ll head out on one of the greatest adventures you’ve ever had. (Check out www.sunlightonwater.com)

page 10 Monday, january 9th - sunday, january 15th, 2012 www.vannuysnewspress.com

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-- Quotes of the Week --Henry David Thoreau quotations:~ “Any fool can make a rule, and any fool will mind it.”~ “Cultivate the habit of early rising. It is unwise to keep the head long on a level with the feet.”~ “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Live the life you’ve imagined. As you simplify your life, the laws of the universe will be simpler.”~ “I know of no more encouraging fact than the unquestioned ability of a man to elevate his life by conscious endeavor.”~ “Live each season as it passes; breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit, and resign yourself to the influences of each.”~ “Most are engaged in business the greater part of their lives, because the soul abhors a vacuum and they have not discovered any continuous employment for man’s nobler faculties.”~ “Men have become the tools of their tools.”~ “Success usually comes to those who are too busy to be looking for it.”~ “The cost of a thing is the amount of what I call life which is required to be exchanged for it, immediately or in the long run.”~ “What people say you cannot do, you try and find that you can.”~ “Man is the artificer of his own happiness.”

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MOLLY DOB: 09/05/2003 BREED: Female, Great Dane blend WEIGHT: 80 lbs. No Dogs, No Cats, Children (8 years and up) There are some dogs with sad stories around here, but I think I’ve got them beat. My family decided after 7 1/2 years that they didn’t want me any more. I don’t understand why. I’m a super friendly, sweet girl, and I don’t want to be in a kennel!

I’m almost 8 years old, and for a big dog like me, that’s practically a senior citizen. I have tons of energy and lots of love to give, so please, if you have room in your life for a big girl with a big heart, come on in.

LUCIa DOB: 12/06/2010 BREED: Female, DMH, Dilute Calico WEIGHT: 7 lbs FELV positive Lucia is our new office cat. This little cutie loves to play, snuggle with people and “help” on the computer. She’s also got a purr like a little motorboat. Unfortunately she is also FELV positive, which means she can’t be around other cats unless they are FELV positive as well.

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