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Don’t Miss the Annual Antonovich Trail Dusters Ride
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Join the bi-annual Michael D. Antonovich Trail Dusters Ride on Sunday, May 20, 2012 at Los Pinetos! Pre-registration is a must. All registrations must be received by Friday, May 18, 2012. Check in and pancake breakfast at 7:00 a.m. The event will kick off at 9:00 a.m. and continue through the scenic trails of Los Pinetos. The day will conclude with a traditional barbecue and live country western music.
FLYER
MAP
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DPR Lake Lifeguards Set New Record in Baker to Vegas Relay Race
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Congratulations to our Lake Lifeguards who recently competed in the Baker to Vegas Race and set a new team record with an impressive 14 hours 31 minutes completion time! The DPR team placed 7th out of 276 teams and took 2nd Place in the Invitational category.
The Baker to Vegas Race is a 120-mile relay race with runners competing from over 250 safety and law enforcement agencies throughout the world. The event was held on April 21st and April 22nd.
Our team is comprised of 20 Lake Lifeguards each running a leg of the race ranging from 4 to 10 miles over the California and Nevada desert. The race begins Saturday afternoon in Baker, California and ends Sunday morning in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Lake Lifeguard Baker to Vegas team represents 200 lifeguards stationed at three of Los Angeles County’s recreational lakes, Castaic Lake, Bonelli Park and Santa Fe Dam.
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CONGRATULATIONS TO THE DPR LAKE LIFEGUARD TEAM:
1. Cary Flebbe - N. Section Team Co-Captain Senior Lake Lifeguard -Castaic Lake
2. Billie Bivens Supervising Lake Lifeguard –Santa Fe Dam
3. Ryan Murphy Lake Lifeguard –Castaic Lake
4. Dylan Rudy Lake Lifeguard –Santa Fe Dam
5. Matt Safdeye Lake Lifeguard –Castaic Lake
6. Edgar Murguia Senior Lake Lifeguard –Castaic Lake
7. Anthony Aguinaga Lake Lifeguard –Castaic Lake
8. Leo Sandoval Lake Lifeguard –Castaic Lake
9. Manny Barrios Senior Lake Lifeguard –Castaic Lake
10. Grady Kelly Lake Lifeguard –Castaic Lake
11. Chad Ernsdorf Lake Lifeguard –Castaic Lake
12. Kelly Ames Lake Lifeguard –Castaic Lake
13. Matt Alberti Lake Lifeguard –Castaic Lake
14. Rogelio "Roger" Castaneda Lake Lifeguard –Santa Fe Dam
15. Micah Bivens Senior Lake Lifeguard –Puddingstone Lake
16. Andrew Polgar Lake Lifeguard –Castaic Lake
17. Jose Maldonado - E. Section Team Co-Captain Senior Lake Lifeguard –Santa Fe Dam
18. Sean Evans Lake Lifeguard –Puddingstone Lake
19. Steve Evans Supervising Lake Lifeguard –Santa Fe Dam
20. Oscar Villagomez Senior Lake Lifeguard –Castaic Lake
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LENNOX PARK & ATHENS PARK
DODGER DREAMFIELD DEDICATIONS
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On Thursday, April 26, 2012, The Dodgers Dream Foundation in partnership with the LA84 Foundation dedicated its 23rd Dodgers Dreamfield at Lennox Park and on Saturday, April 28, 2012, the 24th and 25th fields were dedicated at Athens Park. The Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation has received Dreamfields at three parks with Mona Park receiving the first new Dreamfield in November 2011.
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Dodger Alumni, including Dodger legendary pitcher, Fernando Valenzuela, Kenny Landreaux, Wes Parker, Sweet Lou Johnson and Derrel Thomas also lead pitching and batting clinics for the children in attendance. Dodger pitcher Nathan Eovaldi also participated in the workshops and signed autographs for the youth.
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The renovations at both parks included upgrades to the backstops, the addition of roofs over the dugouts, bleacher and bench upgrades, irrigation improvements, re-grading to insure smooth and consistent playing surfaces and renovation of field turf or, where necessary, installation of new sod. A new feature of the Dreamfields will be solar-powered scoreboard, with the tag line “Think Blue, Act Green.”
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This growing partnership with the Dodgers Dream Foundation and LA84 to improve this aspect of our parks will provide youth with the perfect environment in which to come out and play.
*Photos by Larry Goren/Los Angeles Dodgers 2012
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Dia del Nino or “Day of the Child
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Since the 1920’s, El Dia del Nino-the Day of the Child-has been celebrated globally—this commemoration reminds society that children must be treasured and revered.
Throughout the world, children are celebrated with gifts and opportunities to enrich their lives with storytelling, reading and writing, and through events at local libraries, schools and neighborhoods, and opportunities for parents to share activities with their children that recognize their special talents.
Within Los Angeles County, we provide literacy and arts programming, and multicultural events at which children from all ethnicities share their diverse traditions and customs; these celebrations include the visual and performing arts—art exhibits comprised of priceless elements completed by children are showcased, and dances and theatre presentations are performed by children of all ethnicities.
The County’s official Dia de Los Ninos celebration will be held at LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes on Saturday, April 28, 2012 from 12:00 noon to 4:00 p.m. as part of the cultural center’s one year anniversary.
For a complete listing of Dia del Nino events, please click here
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Eaton Falls Public Education Campaign Launched
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A multi-agency press conference took place on Tuesday, April 17, 2012 at 3p.m. at Eaton Canyon Park and Nature Center to address the increase in rescues, injuries and fatalities trying to reach a secondary waterfall.
Speakers included representatives from the U.S. Forest Service, Los Angeles County Fire Department, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Pasadena Fire Department and the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation.
View the Public Service Announcement.
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ATTENTION HIKERS
Don’t believe the false information being spread through social media about a so called safe hike to a second waterfall around Eaton Canyon.
There is no developed trail leading up to the top of Eaton Falls. This is a rugged natural area located in the Angeles National Forest. People have died or become seriously injured by climbing, in an attempt to continue further up the canyon.
Trying to climb a crumbling mountainside is not worth losing your life or risking serious injury to yourself and others.
Learn an important lesson from the fatal mistakes of victims who have died and those who were seriously injured! Don’t try it. It is not worth losing your life!
Download the safety flyer
For more information on hiking trails, visit http://www.fs.usda.gov/main/angeles/home
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Celebrate the 50th Anniversary
Of the
Renaissance Pleasure Faire
Golden Jubilee
April 7 – May 20, 2012
Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area
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Celebrate 50 years of 16th Century fun with the Renaissance Pleasure Faire Golden Jubliee at Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area, 1550 Arrow Hwy., Irwindale, CA, 91702. The Faire begins April 7 – May 20, 2012, Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. This year’s Faire marks it’s 50th Anniversary with over 40 stage shows featuring entertainment from around the world, 150 craft artisans, hand-powered rides, games, English ales, fine wines and over 100 gourmet foods to choose from! For tickets, showtimes and more information visit www.renfair.com/socal/ or call 626-969-4750.
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Placerita Canyon Natural Area Trails
And
Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Trail Project
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A community meeting to discuss the Placerita Canyon Natural Area Trails and Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Trail Project was held at William S. Hart Park on February 15, 2012. The community meeting minutes with participant comments, questions and answers are available HERE.
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Grants Available to Replant Trees from 2011 Windstorm
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Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich announced a $2,500,000 County grant program to replant trees in parts of the San Gabriel Valley devastated by the December 2011 windstorm. Grants of up to $100,000 will be awarded competitively to cities, other public agencies and nonprofit organizations that partner with public agencies. Grant guidelines allow for trees to be planted in parks and public open spaces as well as in parkways along residential and commercial streets.
The application deadline has been set for May 31st for applicants to develop comprehensive replanting programs. Grants should be awarded this summer allowing for tree planting as early as this fall or winter. Priority will be given to the grant proposals demonstrating the greatest need.
Applications can be downloaded from the Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District website at http://openspacedistrict.lacounty.info or for more information, call (213) 738-2981.
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Los Angeles County Arboretum Reopened
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The Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden reopened to the public on Monday, December 26, 2011 after extensive clean up from windstorm damage.
“We are so grateful to the community for their outpouring of support,” said Russ Guiney, Director of the County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation. “So many people contacted us to express their concern, offer their support during the clean up and with rebuilding efforts still to come.”
Arboretum Chief Executive Officer Richard Schulhof reported that the garden lost a total of 235 trees and 700 others were damaged, the most severe loss of trees in living memory. “Although I am saddened by the loss of so many beautiful specimens, I am looking forward to the opportunity to rebuild, “said Schulhof. “This is a time for planning for the future of the Arboretum. We are extremely grateful for the continued support from the community as we begin to restore the trees and gardens.”
Thanks to the collaborative clean up efforts from hundreds of people, including staff from the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation, Los Angeles County Department of Public Works, Los Angeles County Agricultural Commissioner/Weights and Measures, Los Angeles County Fire, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Parks Bureau and staff and volunteers from the Arboretum, the garden reopened earlier than expected.
The Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden, located at 301 N. Baldwin Ave. in Arcadia, CA 91006 is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
For more information about the Arboretum Tree Fund to restore the gardens, please visit www.arboretum.org.
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Superintendent Tim Phillips at the beautiful
Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden
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People for Parks Honors Mayor
Michael D. Antonovich and County
Parks and Recreation Heroes
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It was a star-studded evening above the world famous Hollywood Bowl stage on Wednesday, October 12 where the People for Parks 10th annual Parks Celebration recognized the vital role that parks and recreation plays in healthy communities. Hosted by Los Angeles broadcast journalist Laura Diaz, the event honored men and women of all ages who make parks special, show exemplary community service, and for their invaluable contributions to life and leisure in Southern California. Honorees were nominated by employees and visitors of local parks in within Los Angeles County and the City of Los Angeles. Los Angeles County Mayor Michael D. Antonovich received a special award for being a champion of parks and recreation. Other honorees included Kelly Meyer and Chi Kim, founders of the American Heart Association Teaching Garden; Los Angeles Police Department Chief Charlie Beck for his commendable principles of community policing and smart recreation to reclaim MacArthur Park and Park Heroes: Marco Cruz, Meliza Hernandez, Steven Katz, Julio Moreno, Eberlin Flores, Charles and Martha House, Joe Montalto and Maria Topete. Congratulations to all the honorees and park heroes!
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New Online Reservation and Registration System for Los Angeles County Departments of Parks and Recreation and Beaches and Harbors
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The public will now be able to make and pay for reservations at select Los Angeles County Parks and Dockweiler Beach with the new Los Angeles County Activity Registration and Reservation System (LACARRS). LACARRS will allow the public to access, review, schedule, and reserve County facilities and services such as swim lessons, picnic areas, RV park spaces, community rooms and conference quarters and pay via credit card. The general public can access the new online reservation system at http://reservations.lacounty.gov
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Child Support Services Department’s “Most Wanted” List
Child Support Services Department’s “Most Wanted” list is available to the public from Child Support Services Department. Please click on the link provided for the most updated information. http://cssd.lacounty.gov/wps/portal/cssd/parents/mostwanted
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The renovations at both parks included upgrades to the backstops, the addition of roofs over the dugouts, bleacher and bench upgrades, irrigation improvements, re-grading to insure smooth and consistent playing surfaces and renovation of field turf or, where necessary, installation of new sod. A new feature of the Dreamfields will be solar-powered scoreboard, with the tag line “Think Blue, Act Green.”
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The California Parks and Recreation Society launched the Parks Make Life Better!SM branding campaign to raise awareness of the benefits of parks and recreation throughout California and to raise the status of parks and recreation as an essential community service. There are 525 park and recreation agencies in California that can unite under one banner to communicate clearly and concisely the key messages of the Parks Make Life Better!SM branding campaign, and to reach objectives which include building loyalty for parks and recreation services; heightening the profession's bargaining power and independence; stimulating growth; attracting talented people to the profession; involving the public and gaining greater resources and support.
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PARKS UPDATES
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Enhancements and Repairs
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Whittier Narrows Recreation Area and The Army Corps Of Engineers Announce the Notice of Preparation for the Environmental Assessment (EA) for the special event: Cinco De Mayo Celebration
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Whittier Narrows Recreation Area and the Army Corps of Engineers are publicly announcing the Notice of Preparation for the Environmental Assessment (EA) of the proposed special event in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act and the California Environmental Quality Act. The proposed event is the Cinco De Mayo Celebration event.
This is the 19th year of the Cinco de Mayo event to be held at Whittier Narrows. This event anticipates approximately 35,000 – 50,000 people and approximately 4,000 - 5,000 vehicles. Admission for this event is free, and there is a $15 parking fee per vehicle, with parking in Area A and B only. This event will feature live entertainment, promotional booths, food and beverage booths including beer gardens, souvenir booths, outreach/informational booths, etc. Cleanup of the site would be completed by 5 p.m., May 9th, 2012. Park areas next to sensitive environmental areas are excluded from the event. Other nearby recreation and wildlife areas will remain open and accessible to the public.
The Corps is reviewing this Special Event. Please click on link for more details about this project. If you have questions or would like additional information, please contact Carvel Bass, Ecologist, Asset Management Division at (213) 452-3392.
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Arcadia Tennis Center Concessionaire
Community Meeting
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A Community meeting is scheduled for Thursday, January 12, 2012 at the Arcadia Park to address the community’s concerns and answer any questions regarding the new Arcadia Tennis Center Concessionaire. Click here for more information.
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The Second phase of the Department of Parks and Recreation Public Information Campaign Play for Life! is well underway.
The Play for Life! campaign’s message encourages youth, teens, families, seniors and everyone in between to be active, be healthy and to do so at one of the 145 Los Angeles County Parks facilities. Read More…
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Stop and Smell the Flowers! At 4 Arboreta and Botanic Gardens
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Take a Hike! on 337 Miles of Hiking and Equestrian Trails
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Make a Splash! at 27 Public Swimming Pools
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Chill Out! at 14 Lakes
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Go Fore It! at 19 Public Golf Courses
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Walk it Off! At 94 Local and Regional Parks
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Get Cultured! At the Hollywood Bowl and the John Anson Ford Amphitheatre
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Be One with Nature! At 19 Nature Centers and Wildlife Sanctuaries
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Links for articles previously posted:
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Placerita Canyon Nature Center and Natural Area LEED-EB Certification
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Mayor Michael D. Antonovich Honors National Association of County Parks and Recreation Officials (NACPRO) Award Winners!
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