Serving Van Nuys, Sherman Oaks, Encino,

N. Hollywood & Glendale

Hotel Monteleone, Page 7

Feb 6th - 12th, 2012 (Ter’t #255) “Go golfing and have fun.” -- George C. Thomas VOl #5 ISSUE #46

Weekly Every Monday

MADE IN AMERICA

Criollo Restaurant, Page 9

The Government Center Gazette& Van Nuys News Press

Be prepared for the chance of rain on Tuesday... don’t wear suede shoes. Mon -- Tue -- Wed -- Thu -- Fri -- Sat -- Sun H: 72 63 71 76 74 71 69 L: 47 45 45 47 46 45 47

With temps in the 70s this week, this terrible winter may be at its end.

--Weather Corner --What are noCtiluCent Clouds? Noctilucent clouds are rarely seen clouds of tiny ice particles that form approximately 75 to 90 kilometers above the earth’s surface. They have been seen only during twilight (dusk and dawn) during the summer months in the higher latitudes. They may appear bright against a dark night sky, with a blue-silver color or orange-red. (Source: weather.com)

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Valentine’s day Wedding Ceremonies Being Performed at the Van nuys County Building

VAN NUYS, CA -- On Tuesday, February 14, the Los Angeles County Clerk Offices throughout Los Angeles County will be hosting civil wedding ceremonies. At the San Fernando Valley office in the Government Center at 14340 Sylvan Street, Van Nuys, civil wedding ceremonies will be held from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm. These days, there is no longer a three-day wait before your license is issued so you can be married immediately. However, you must be in line to obtain your marriage license before 3:00 pm. You can also save time by applying for you license online by going to LA County Clerk/marriage licenses. It is highly recommended you call (818) 376-3700 to make an appointment for your ceremony.Fees for obtaining a marriage license is $90 for a public license and $85 for a confidential card and payment can be made in cash, credit card, and debit/credit card. You can also pay by check or money order made payable to the Registrar-Recorder County Clerk or RRCC. Please remember that one witness must be present at the ceremony unless you’re using a confidential license or one can be provided for a fee of $18. The fee for the civil ceremony is $25. Go to www.lavote.net for information as to documents you need to bring with you when you apply for the license. There is no dress code. In the past couples have worn jeans or formal wedding attire. You or your guests can photograph the ceremony. It’s an irreplaceable souvenir of two people starting their lives together. Besides the chapel at the Sylvan County Offices the conference room will be available for ceremonies to accommodate the couples who want to get married on the most romantic day of the year. (Among the Volunteer Deputy Commissioners performing the ceremonies are the Government Center Gazette’s own Entertainment & Travel Editor Jean Strauber and Contributing Political Columnist Irving Leemon.)

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moVeon memBers Protest at Van nuys state Building

By Bridget DuncanA small group of MoveOn.org members protested Jan. 19 in front of the Van Nuys State Building against immunity for big banks from federal investigation.“They’re going to get away with a slap on the wrist,” said Paul, who wished to keep his last name anonymous as he stood across the street from five waiving American flags alongside the Volkswagen Van Nuys dealership.A Northridge resident and parent, Paul added he is concerned for his children’s future, his friends caught in layoffs in a collapsed job market and people close to foreclosure, while a passerby yelled at the protester, “A**holes, a**holes.”Susan Fuchs, a San Fernando Valley native, mother of two, hypnotherapist and wife of an attorney carried her handmade red, white and blue sign reading, “President Obama Investigate My Bank” next to a man pushing his grocery cart full of stuffed-black trash bags.Fuchs, who has been an activist since she protested against The Sunshine Canyon Landfill in Sylmar in 1986, said she had received her second appraisal and was not in a good mood the day she contacted MoveOn.org but was told they have a mission statement, which was important to Fuchs before joining and protesting with its members.According to Fuchs, she has spent many hours since May working with her bank JPMorgan Chase & Co. to get a lower interest rate on her home loan, but she keeps getting low appraisals on her home and Chase continues to pass her paperwork from one person to the next.Among the occasional honking horns of support for the protesters, Fuchs adds, “A lower interest rate and $400 to $600 in my pocket – wouldn’t that help the economy?”The event organized by MoveOn.org member Dan McCrory titled “Yes He Can?” comes on the heels of President Barack Obama’s controversial recess appointment at the beginning of January of former Ohio attorney general, Richard Cordray, as director of a consumer protection agency.The agency, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, with Cordray in place, allows “the agency the standing to move ahead with new resolution of varied financial entities, authority it has lacked in the absence of a director since its creation in July 2010,” according to The New York Times.At the same time, President Obama appointed three additional members to the five seat National Labor Relations Board to ensure it continues to move forward; Sharon Block, a deputy assistant Labor Secretary for Congressional affairs who worked for the late Senator Edward M. Kennedy, Massachusetts Democrat Richard Griffin, general counsel for the International Union of Operating Engineers and Terence Flynn, a lawyer for the only Republican on the board, Brian Hayes.McCrory, a member of MoveOn.org for two years, recording secretary for the National Writers Union as well as a candidate in the race for the 41st Assembly District against incumbent Julia Brownley, said his biggest concern is the “lack of accessibility that the 99 percent has to make things work.”After yelling through his blow horn to cars passing by, acquiring new signatures and assisting recruits trying to call the White House to encourage President Obama to oppose a “sweetheart” deal for the banks and Wall Street after their involvement in the foreclosure crisis, McCrory in his blue jeans and white sneakers added a priority is the “Contract For The American Dream” which in 16 short paragraphs outlines a progressive economic vision of 125,000 Americans.Meanwhile, President Obama in the State of the Union address Wednesday said, “And tonight, I’m asking my Attorney General to create a special unit of federal prosecutors and leading state attorney general to expand our investigations into the abusive lending and packaging of risky mortgages that led to the housing crisis. This new unit will hold accountable those who broke the law, speed assistance to homeowners, and help turn the page on an era of recklessness that hurt so many Americans.”The special unit, or group, now consists of Eric Holder Jr., the Unites States attorney general, Co-chairman Eric Schneiderman, the New York State (Continued on page 8....)

Pictured Above: Trumpeter, bandleader and singer Louis Armstrong, who was a much imitated innovator of early jazz.

-- PhotograPh of the Week --

opinions & Editorial

page 2 Monday, February 6th - sunday, February 12th, 2012www.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

email: editor@VannuysneWsPress.Com

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 --chi·me·ra (pronounced “ki-meer-uh” or “kahy-meer-uh”) -- noun1. (often initial capital letter) a mythological, fire-breathing monster, commonly represented with a lion’s head, a goat’s body, and a serpent’s tail.2. any similarly grotesque monster having disparate parts, especially as depicted in decorative art.3. a horrible or unreal creature of the imagination; a vain or idle fancy: He is far different from the chimera your fears have made of him.4. Genetics: an organism composed of two or more genetically distinct tissues, as an organism that is partly male and partly female, or an artificially produced individual having tissues of several species.(Source: Dictionary.com Unabridged. Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2011.)

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-- from the sidelines --By Irving Leemon, Contributing ColumnistWe are teaching our children and young adults that it’s OK to break the law and also to use violence when we don’t like someone or something. They are being constantly exposed to violence in video games, on radio, on television, and in the movies. If you don’t see that this constant exposure to violence is showing them that it’s all right to use violence to get attention, or against someone we don’t like, then we have a real problem.One of the latest examples is the teenager in New Jersey who is accused of attempting to fire bomb a synagogue and a Jewish community center. In another instance, two teenagers in Utah are accused of plotting to bomb a school in Utah, then steal a plane and fly it to a South American country to avoid punishment.We aren’t supposed to destroy someone or something that we don’t like. But these kids don’t know that. They have been taught by the media and entertainment industry that they can create violence and death and that it’s OK if they can ‘get away with it’.The State of California is preparing to pass a law that allows local law enforcement officers to ignore requests from federal agencies to hold illegal aliens they have in custody until they can be transferred to federal enforcement officers. Regardless of the fact that they have sworn to enforce the law and help other law agencies. I guess we can disobey any law that we don’t like, or feel is not just, like killing another person we don’t like.We need to let Washington know that the immigration laws need to be changed now, and not let stupid politics get in the way. The Senators and Representatives swore to serve and protect the people, and at the same time they also swore to obey namely, Mr. Norquist who has an overly simplistic idea about national budgets and the ramifications they create. To me, PROTECTING AND SERVING AND THE PEOPLE IS MUCH, MUCH, MORE IMPORTANT AND MORAL.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------A very interesting trend has appeared in the “conservative” and Republican (are there any left?) pronouncements. When they are against something they use the words “Right to…” as in “the right to life”. What they are really saying is that a woman should have no right to control what happens to her body even after a brutal rape and/or if her life is threatened by a pregnancy.The “right to work” really means that workers cannot form an organization to bargain for better working conditions and pay. It also means the right of employers to hire and fire at will, including firing a worker because of one’s politics, AND to pay workers less then than a reasonable wage. It also forbids unions from giving to political causes and politicians. At the same time, corporations and companies (which really means the corporations’ boards and CEOs) can give as much of the corporations’ money as they want with out the stock owners’ knowledge or approval, and whether or not they agree with the causes. In theory, who owns the companies? What about the owner’s rights to say how their companies spend money?Do the “conservatives” want unlimited right to bear arms? Taken to its limits and logical conclusion I feel that violence and anarchy would prevail. This is not the 1700’s when there were fewer people and they were not living in such large cities. Agree? Disagree? Email me at ileemon@socal.rr.com.

Legal Terms 1 2

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Constructed with Crossword Weaver

ACROSS

3 Short version of the facts 4 Finding a person guilty 6 Right to money or property 8 The jailing or imprisonment

10 Cause to appear in court 11 One who testifies 14 Statement of being guilty or not guilty 19 Court order to bring a person before a court (2

wds.) 20 To deprive a person of liberty 21 List of cases to be tried 22 Person accused 23 Stopping an arrest or court

DOWN

1 Decision made by jury 2 Declare not quilty 5 Accused twice same crime (2 wds.) 7 Money taken for temporary liberty 9 Oral pledge

12 Proclaimed punishment after conviction 13 Sworn statement of facts 14 Person who complains 15 Case of review 16 Order to arrest 17 The person with the authority to hear a case 18 Preliminary proceeding where evidence is taken

to find fact

entertainment tips of the week

Monday, February 6th - sunday, February 12th, 2012 PAGE 3www.vannuysnewspress.com

By Jean StrauberThe next couple of weeks I will be sharing with you information I have received for the 2012 Hollywood Bowl Summer Season. And, it promises to be a good one. This week I’ll feature the Weekend Spectaculars and four Sunday Sunset Performances. Weekend Spectaculars will be on Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m. (please note the new time).

• JULY 6-7: FROZEN PLANET LIVE -- This will be the world premiere of “Frozen Planet Live,” which will be a portrait of the last great wildernesses on Earth -- the polar regions. The show will feature stunning images of the Arctic and Antarctic as you have never seen them before, along with live orchestral accompaniment conducted by award-winning composer George Fenton. The production is being co-produced by the BBC and Discovery

Channel. If you enjoyed “Planet Earth Live,” then you’ll certainly find this memorable.• FRIDAY, JULY 13 only: Fans of Garrison Keillor and the Prairie Home Companion, and those of us who so thoroughly enjoyed the movie, will certainly want to see “Prairie Home Companion” at the Hollywood Bowl. It’s a unique blend of music and comedy that so many

Americans have treasured over the years.• SATURDAY, JULY 14 only: It’s become a new tradition-the “Grease Sing-a-long.” Again there will be pre-show festivities beginning at 6 p.m., followed by the popular film projected on the Bowl’s giant screen.• JULY 20 -21: Smokey Robinson (pictured below), King of Motown, known for his classic hits such as “Tears of A Clown,” “I Second That Emotion,” “Tracks of My

Tears”, and more, will make his Hollywood Bowl Orchestral debut with the

Los Angeles Philharmonic.• JULY 27-28: Every year the Hollywood Bowl stages a musical, and this year it’s “The Producers,” that zany, funny adventure about a down-on-his-luck Broadway producer and his mild-mannered accountant who concoct a get-quick-rich scheme to bilk their investors by producing the most notorious flop in history. The musical, based on Mel Brooks’ Oscar-winning 1968 film, was a winner of a record-breaking 12 Tony Awards. It will also be performed on Sunday, July 29th at 7:30 p.m.• AUGUST 3-4: The Hollywood Bowl will be presenting “Pixar In Concert” with clips and memorable scores from each of Pixar’s movies (including its latest release, “Brave”) performed live by the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra. Another performance will be presented on Sunday,

August 5th at 8:00 p.m.

• FRIDAY, AUGUST 10: Norah Jones (pictured above), the multi-Grammy winner, returns to the Bowl for the first time since 2004. • SATURDAY AUGUST 11: Winner of Tonys, Golden Globes, a Grammy, an Emmy and an Oscar, Liza Minnelli returns to the Hollywood Bowl for one night only in “An Evening With Liza Minnelli.” It’s a special one-night appearance only.• AUGUST 17-18: It’s the “Americas & Americans Festival” this weekend with Colombian superstar Juanes. This 17-time Latin-Grammy-winning guitarist and songwriter has become the leading all-Spanish language music artist in the world and has made a global impact with his blend of rock en Espanol and traditional Latin American rhythms.He last performed at the Bowl as part of a Decade Of Difference for President Bill Clinton. • AUGUST 24-25: Songstress and jazz pianist Diana Krall (pictured, right) returns to the Bowl with an evening of jazz standards and beautiful ballads.• AUGUST 31- SEPTEMBER 1:

Hollywood Bowl Hall of Famer John Williams returns for his annual weekend at the Bowl. He will share some of his biggest and most beloved hits with acclaimed violinist Gil Shaham as his special guest.• SEPTEMBER 7-8: Conductor Bramwell Tovey returns to lead the annual “Tchaikovsky Spectacular.” The evening’s program will include feature dancers from the American Ballet Theatre in the famous pas de deux from “Swan Lake” and their new production of “The Nutcracker” as well as the “1812 Overture” (complete with cannons and pyrotechnics). • SEPTEMBER 14-15: “The Fireworks Finale” featuring Brian Setzer Orchestra, known for its innovative and daring musical styles, as well as resurrecting two forgotten genres -- rockabilly and swing. He and his big band will be joined by The Hollywood Bowl Orchestra with Thomas Wilkins conducting for an memorable evening which will conclude with the Bowl’s legendary

fireworks.“The Four Sunday Sunset Concerts” are a series of concerts across the musical spectrum. The programs range from opera to Broadway to the movies.This year the four concerts are:• SUNDAY, JULY 29 at 7:30 p.m.: “The Producers” with an all-star cast to be announced.• SUNDAY, AUGUST 5 at 8:00 p.m.: “Pixar In Concert.”• SUNDAY, AUGUST 12 at 7:30 p.m.: Dudamel conducts Verdi’s “Rigoletto” in a concert performance. The opera will feature baritone Zeljko Lucic, in his signature role as Rigoletto; tenor David Lomeli as the Duke of Mantua; soprano Olga Peretyatko as Gilda; bass Alexander Tsymbalyuk as Sparafucile; bass-baritone Ryan McKinny as Monterone; and baritone Craig Verm as Marullo. • SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 at 7:30 p.m.: It’s “The Fireworks Finale” featuring Brian Setzer Orchestra as well as the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, conducted by Thomas Wilkins. And, as usual, the Bowl’s legendary fireworks will complete the show. For a season subscription please call (323) 850-2000. Tickets for individual performances will be available beginning May 8th. Visit www.hollywoodbowl.com for information.

page 4 Monday, February 6th - sunday, February 12th, 2012www.vannuysnewspress.com

police news &Information

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laPd to ComBat traffiC deaths and injuries With sPeCial Program

LOS ANGELES -- The Los Angeles Police Department has been awarded a new traffic safety grant for a year-long program aimed at preventing unnecessary deaths and injuries on our roadways. The $2,000,000 grant awarded by the Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) will aid in the City’s ongoing effort to improve traffic safety and the quality of life. Sobriety checkpoint trailers, speed enforcement traffic laser devices and special traffic enforcement measures will be instituted by the LAPD as part of an on-going commitment to keep our roadways safe through both enforcement and education.“The LAPD is very fortunate to be the recipient of a grant that will undoubtedly save lives by reducing fatal and injury traffic collisions,” said Lieutenant Ron Katona, Traffic Coordination Section. “Every time we arrest a driver who is under the influence, we are taking a potential killer off of the street.”The grant will complement existing Department strategies to improve traffic safety and reduce the number of community members killed and/or injured in traffic collisions. Traffic deaths from all causes declined in California by 11.9 percent, from 3,081 killed in 2009 to

2,715 in 2010. While alcohol impaired deaths saw a sharp decline last year, DUI deaths remain the largest factor accounting for more than 30 percent of all traffic fatalities.The grant will allow increased enforcement for motorcycle safety, DUI offenders, drivers with suspended or revoked licenses, red light running and speeding. The enforcement activities will be achieved through the use of sobriety/driver’s license checkpoints, DUI saturation patrols, court stings where DUI offenders with suspended or revoked driver licenses get behind the wheel after leaving court, motorcycle safety details, red-light and speed enforcement details.“Thanks to the dedicated hard work of agencies like the LAPD, California has the fewest traffic fatalities since 1944,” said OTS Director Christopher J. Murphy. “While this is good news, we know that only by keeping the pressure on through enforcement and public awareness can we hope to sustain these declines and save lives.”Sobriety/Driver’s License Checkpoints are a key component of the grant. These highly visible, widely publicized events are meant to deter impaired driving, not to increase arrests. Research

shows that crashes involving alcohol drop by an average of 20 percent when well-publicized checkpoints are conducted often enough. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), checkpoints have provided the most effective documented results of any of the DUI enforcement strategies, while yielding considerable cost savings of $6 for every $1 spent.This grant also provides drug impairment training provided by the California Highway Patrol to help combat the increasing problem of drivers under the influence of legal and illegal substances. The training will fund 100 officers to receive specialized training to detect impaired drivers under the influence of legal and illegal drugs. This training will enable on-the-spot assessment of drivers suspected of drug impairment.For a third year in a row, 12 special motorcycle safety enforcement operations will be conducted with the overall goal of reducing motorcycle-related traffic collisions. Motorcycle fatalities have finally dropped in California, following a decade long rise in deaths. (Continued on page 5...)

-- Business of the Week --“Criollo Restaurant, New Orleans, LA”

Under the direction of Executive Chef Randolph Buck and Chef de Cuisine Joseph Maynard, Criollo Restaurant and Lounge will make its debut in the New Orleans restaurant scene in March 2012 offering a fine dining experience that features a menu of Contemporary Louisiana cuisine and an atmosphere of approachable elegance. Criollo (kree-oh-loh) is the Spanish form of the French word, “Creole.” The name was chosen for the new restaurant representative of the amalgam of cultures that present themselves in our cooking and provide the unique taste that makes up Louisiana cuisine. Tapping into Chef Maynard’s ethnic cooking style, Criollo Restaurant and Lounge infuses traditional Creole flavors of French, Spanish, Italian, and African with new spices to create dishes in the style it calls Louisiana Fusion. “The dishes on the Criollo Restaurant and Lounge menu present a balance between rich foods and lighter options to cater to a variety of diners,” said Maynard. “We are working closely with local farmers for a farm-to-table approach using all fresh ingredients. Additionally, all food items purchased for the restaurant will be from the Gulf Coast region.”In addition to fine cuisine, Criollo Restaurant and Lounge will offer a grand assortment of wines and spirits. José Montalvo, General Manager and experienced sommelier, is working hand-in-hand with the culinary team to assemble a wine selection that complements the flavors found in each dish. “It is with great pride that we dedicate our new restaurant, Criollo Restaurant and Lounge, to our city’s unique, home-grown cuisine,” said Montalvo. “From the moment people walk in the door to the time they depart, we look forward to providing customers with a fine dining experience through exquisite, innovative cuisine and the restaurant’s elegant, stylish design.”The architectural design of Criollo Restaurant and Lounge presents an atmosphere of approachable elegance as warm golden colors; French limestone floors; and rich, dark wood mix with the soothing palette of deep purples and light grayish blues. Large circular glass chandeliers and coffered ceiling designs with customized crown molding open up the room. Smaller booths and table seating options offer a trendy, yet comfortable setting for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The open kitchen area creates an air of excitement as patrons can watch the chefs creating culinary masterpieces while the availability of two private dining areas provides a more intimate experience. Located next to the famous Carousel Bar and Lounge, the restaurant resides inside the Hotel Monteleone. For more information and regular updates about Criollo Restaurant and Lounge, please visit http://hotelmonteleone.com/criollo.

Monday, February 6th - sunday, February 12th, 2012 page 5www.vannuysnewspress.com

Community News & Events

meet high Quality PeoPle While serVing your Community With the Coast guard auxiliary

Submitted by M Dunn PA Off.2012 is already here, January’s come and gone, and spring and summer will be here before you know it. Before time flies any further, this year, why not consider becoming a member of an innovative and well established organization that enhances the lives of it’s members and those it serves? The Coast Guard Auxiliary is the civilian and volunteer component of the U.S. Coast Guard. Its functions are designed to support it in

its many missions: public education, search and rescue, and vessel safety checks are but a few. And you do not have to be a boat owner in order to join.

Also, and very importantly, social activities receive high priority as well. For more information, check out www.cgaux.org and www.d11s.org.

residents urged to attend lausd redistriCting hearings

PACOIMA, CA -- Pacoima-based ICON Community Development Corporation, an organization contracted to assist with community outreach and input, is urging Los Angeles residents to attend the upcoming LAUSD redistricting hearings. Every 10 years, LAUSD must redraw it’s district boundaries to reflect new population data. A commission has been established to provide recommendations on new district boundaries. Public hearings are critical in the redistricting process in order to ensure the residents comments, opinions, and suggestions are heard. ICON strongly encourages residents to attend these public meetings to deliver testimonies and provide feedback directly to the Commissioners within their respective districts. A meeting concerning District 3 will be held on Monday, February 6, 2012 at 6:00 p.m. at Rededa High School, 18230 Kittridge Street, Reseda, CA 91335. Translators, interpreters & other assisted listening devices may be provided upon request. A meeting concerning District 6 will be held at 6:00 p.m. at Panorama High School, 8015 Van Nuys Blvd, Panorama City.

(...Continued from page 4)In 2010, 353 motorcyclists were killed, a 37 percent drop from the all-time high for California in 2008. LA police officers will be conducting specialized enforcement efforts throughout the next 12 months. Extra officers will be on duty patrolling areas and events where motorcycle crashes and incidents have occurred. Officers will crack down on traffic violations made by drivers and motorcyclists that result in far too many motorcycle collisions, injuries and deaths. “We are on the right path with declining fatalities,” said Murphy. “We have to stick to that path so that someday we can reach the vision we all share – Toward zero deaths, every 1 counts.”

Members of the Coast Guard Auxiliary

page 6 Monday, February 6th - sunday, February 12th, 2012www.vannuysnewspress.com

Travel tips of the week

-- an exCiting VaCation --By Jean Strauber, Travel EditorWant an Exciting Vacation? Then, become a Tornado Storm Chaser.As soon as I spied the Extreme Tornado Tours booth at the Los Angeles Times Travel Show this past weekend, I knew I had to get more information to share with the readers of my weekly Travel Tips of the Week Column and my blog, Jeanne’s Entertainment & Travel Tips.If you enjoyed the Helen Hunt movie “Twister” and yen to emulate her and Bill Paxton, here’s a chance to experience that kind of thrill.

Meet Extrme Tornado Tours, which since 1998 have intercepted over 400 tornadoes; in 2010 it was over 40 tornadoes. Their tour guides, Reed Timmer, Chris Chittick and Dave Holder have been featured on the Discovery Channel’s “Storm Chasers.” In fact Extreme Tornado Tours guests will have a front row seat as the TornadoVideos.net team penetrates tornado core flows with the Dominator 2 to record valuable data and high definition videos. All storm chasing guides have a meteorology degree or are working towards one, with Reed Timmer

working on his Ph.D at the University of Oklahoma. The Extreme Tornado guest will ride in SUVs and spacious vans fully equipped with state-of-the-art tornado tracking technology, including mobile satellite radar, GPS and mobile Internet. Guests can looks directly up at the storm, even as huge hail is pounding the van, because of the huge, bulletproof Lexan sunroofs. The guides will stream live video from their tour vans to their sister site, Tornado Videos.net where your storm chasing adventures can be viewed in real time. In order to provide

the most comfortable ride only six guests will be accommodated in a 15-seat van.The tours are conducted from April through June, which corresponds to the peak storm season in Tornado Alley. In the early part of the season the severe weather is focused in the Southern Plains (Texas to Oklahoma) and then shifts northward to the Central (Kansas and Nebraska) and Northern Plains (the Dakotas). During June, they might venture into the Canadian Prairies.In 2012, guests will arrive at the base city, either Oklahoma City or Denver, where a pre-tour orientation will take place. The following morning, guests and guides will reconvene to begin the storm chase of a lifetime. After experiencing storm chasing action and visiting local tourist attractions, you’ll return to the original base city hotel to spend the evening of the last day. The chase will begin while on your way to the target area. The tour guides will continually analyze and discuss the ever-changing weather conditions using their state-of-their-art mobile t e c h n o l o g i e s . Once the storms develop, the chase begins and the guides will select

the cell with the highest tornado potential. Their GPS tracking software will be used to put the storm chasers in the best possible position to observe the tornadoes and awesome supercell structure. The tour includes gas and lodging for the entire seven- or 10-day tour, including the night before and after the tour at the base city hotel, as well as a customized photo book documenting your adventure, and an Extreme Tornado Tours t-shirt. Guest expenses include your own meals and snacks, any additional souvenirs, memory cards or film for your cameras, and any other incidental personal expenses. During 2012, tours 1-4 will meet at Oklahoma City with the first tour arriving on April 9 and departing on April 20; Tour 2 arriving April 20 and departing May 1; Tour 3 arriving May 1 and departing May 12 and Tour 4 arriving on May 12 and departing on May 20, 2012.

Tours 5-8 will meet in Denver with Tour 1 arriving on May 22 and departing June 2; Tour 6 arrives on June 2 and departs on June 13; Tour 7 arrives on June 13 and departs on June 24 with the final tour arriving June 24 and departing July 2. You’ll note that Tours 4 and 8 include only seven chase days. All other tours have 10 chase days.Cost for seven-day tours is $2,600 per person with a discount of $150 per person for two guests who share a room; 10-day tours are $3,500 per person with a discount of $150 per person for two guests who share a room. If you would like to witness the beauty and power of a tornado from close range with the most experienced storm chasers then an Extreme Tornado Tours is for you. For further information go to www.extremetornadotours.com, email Chad Cowan at chad@extremetorndaotours.com or call (913) 221-8878.

Monday, February 6th - sunday, February 12th, 2012 page 7www.vannuysnewspress.com

Hotels, Resorts & Spas

-- ProPerty of the Week --“Hotel Monteleone, New Orleans, LA”

It’s been said that the French Quarter begins in the lobby of the Hotel Monteleone. In fact, this venerable establishment sits majestically at the foot of Royal Street giving guests the best point of departure for all things New Orleans. Visitors need only step outside this French Quarter hotel to discover shop after shop of fabulous European antiques, estate jewelry, Oriental rugs, and art and antiquities from around the world. Quaint restaurants and specialty shops line the cobblestone French Quarter streets that lead to Jackson Square, the Old French Market and the River Walk where tourists and native New Orleanians stroll the levee and watch the steamboats and barges along the Mississippi River. At this New Orleans hotel you’ll find history around every corner. This historic landmark is a member of Historic Hotels of America. The hotel boasts 25 meeting and reception rooms, 600 newly renovated rooms and suites, two award-winning restaurants, the famous Carousel Bar, Logo Shop, heated rooftop pool, Spa Aria, state-of-the-art exercise facility, business center, and valet parking. No doubt the hotel’s prime location has made it a favorite with meeting and convention planners. It is the closest French Quarter hotel to the Morial Convention Center, but it is the impeccable service, modern amenities and attention to detail that keep guests returning

year after year to this New Orleans hotel. (www.hotelmonteleone.com)

-- destination of the Week --

“New Orleans, LA”New Orleans is a major United States port and the largest city and metropoli-tan area in the state of Loui-siana. The New Orleans metropolitan area (New Orleans–Metairie–Ken-ner) has a population of 1,235,650 as of 2009, the 46th largest in the USA. The New Orleans – Metai-rie – Bogalusa combined statistical area has a popu-lation of 1,360,436 as of 2000. The city/parish alone has a population of 343,829 as of 2010.The city is named after Philippe d’Orléans, Duke of Orléans, Regent of France, and is well known for its distinct French Cre-ole architecture, as well as its cross cultural and multi-lingual heritage. New Or-leans is also famous for its cuisine, music (particularly as the birthplace of jazz), and its annual celebrations and festivals, most notably Mardi Gras. The city is of-ten referred to as the “most

unique” in America.

-- golf Course of the Week --“Santa Barbara Golf Club”

Santa Barbara Golf Club is a well-manicured, impeccably maintained 18-hole regulation par-70 golf course. With sweeping views of the Santa Ynez foothills, Channel Islands and the Pacific Ocean this challenging course is 6,037 yards from the back tees. Step in to the award winning golf shop where PGA professionals are ready to assist you with all aspects of your game:* Getting fit for new equipment* Golf lessons* Latest in golf attire Don’t forget to stop into Mulligan’s Café for a cold beverage or a bite to eat. Mulligan’s Café is Santa Barbara Golf Club’s full bar and restaurant with banquet facilities for up to 375. Enjoy beautiful views and great food while you recall all the great shots with your playing partners. Gift Cards Available! -- Need a great gift for birthdays, anniversaries or other special occasion? Why not buy the golfer in your life a gift card at the Pro Shop? Gift cards may be purchased for any amount and used for greens fees, carts, range, rentals and merchandise only. Lesson certificates are also available. From Hwy 101 - Exit Las Positas, take Las Positas North towards mountains. 1/4 mile on the left you will see the club, turn left on McCaw and follow to the golf club.

-- Chef of the Week --“Joseph Maynard”

The historic Hotel Monteleone announced the appointment of Joseph Maynard as chef de cui-sine for Criollo Restaurant and Lounge. The appointment is effective immediately. Maynard is in charge of setting the culinary direction and creating the menu for the Criollo Res-taurant and Lounge, which is set to open in March 2012. He will work hand-in-hand under the direction of Executive Chef Randolph Buck. “Maynard was the perfect choice for the chef de cuisine at the Hotel’s new restaurant, Criollo,” said Ronald Pincus, vice president and chief operating officer for the Hotel Monteleone. “His cooking style is a mixture of many different ethnic backgrounds, which fits in well with the culture of New Orleans. He is creating a menu that is influenced by the tradi-tional Creole flavors of French, Spanish, Italian and African.”A Miami native and former New Orleans resident, Maynard began cooking at a young age. After earning his culinary de-gree from the Southeast Institute of Culinary Arts in St. Au-gustine, Florida, he has worked his way up in the culinary industry from an executive sous chef at several different res-taurants, including the Windsor Court in New Orleans and the Delano Hotel in Miami, to the executive chef at Asia de Cuba in the Mondrian Hotel, one of Mi-ami’s newest luxury hotels. For more information about Criollo Restaurant and Lounge, please visit http://hotelmonteleone.com/criollo for regular updates. For more information on the Hotel Monteleone or to make reservations to stay at the hotel, please visit www.hotelmonteleone.com or call (504) 523-3341. Become a fan on Facebook and follow the Hotel Monteleone on Twit-ter @hotelmonteleone and @carouselbar. Established in 2012, Criollo Restaurant and Lounge combines the traditional Creole flavors of French, Spanish, Italian, and African influences with new spices to create a Contemporary Louisiana cuisine. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and is located in the heart of the New Orleans French Quarter inside the historic Hotel Monteleone. For more information, please visit http://hotelmonteleone.com/criollo.

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page 8 Monday, February 6th - sunday, February 12th, 2012www.vannuysnewspress.com

politics & government

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~ When glass breaks, the cracks move faster than 3,000 miles per hour.~ In one day an average person will take about 18,000 steps.~ You share your birthday with at least 9 million other people in the world.

mayor Villaraigosa releases statement on the 2012 Community Budget surVey

LOS ANGELES, CA - Mayor Villaraigosa issued a statement about the ongoing collection of the annual community budget survey.“As the City of Los Angeles continues on the path towards fiscal sustainability, it is important to receive the input and participation of Neighborhood Councils and their constituents. This year we gained valuable insight from community stakeholders by partnering with the Neighborhood Council Budget Advocates to design the community budget survey.The community budget survey was released January 15, 2012 and distributed to all 95 Neighborhood Councils around the City. It is available for public access at budgetsurveyla.com. The survey includes questions focused on the City’s major budget concerns for the upcoming fiscal year, and will be available until February 22, 2012. Upon the deadline, my office will collect the information and release the findings to the public. We hope that Angelenos will take full advantage of this opportunity. This is your chance to help make the City work for you; your views are a vital aspect in creating a spending plan that truly reflects the needs of our city.”The link to the Mayor’s 2012 Community Budget Survey is: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/2012LABudgetSurveyA hard copy of the survey can be found at www.lacity.org. Once on the City’s website, under the Mayor’s name, click on “City Budget” and follow the prompt.

moVeon memBers Protest at Van nuys state BuildingBy Bridget Duncan (.....Continued from page 1)attorney general, Lanny Breuer, the leader of the Justice Department’s criminal division and four other officials from the Justice Department, the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Internal Revenue Service. The group known as the Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities Working Group is part of the Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force, an interagency outfit created by President Obama in 2009 to prosecute financial crimes, according to The New York Times. As The Times reported, Schneiderman has refused to support a foreclosure settlement of $20 billion with big banks, federal agencies and some state attorneys general even though it would reduce the principal on homeowner’s loans but would release legal claims not yet investigated fully including those related to potential tax, trust and securities violations in mortgage loans.As of Friday, the group had issued 11 civil subpoenas to financial companies for information related to their actions in the market for residential mortgage-backed securities, Attorney General Holder said. Back on the street corner, across from the smoky smell of the Ranch House B.B.Q. Grill and the out of business High Noon Foods marred with graffiti, protester Sharon Washington worries about her granddaughter’s future. “I’m saving my retirement to send my granddaughter away,” and adds “seriously” if it gets that bad. “We want the banks to be fair and you (the passerby) call us “A**holes.”

laWsuit filed against northern trust for $95 million in losses to City’s Pension fund

LOS ANGELES, CA -- City Attorney Carmen A. Trutanich last week announced that his Office has filed a civil lawsuit against Northern Trust Corporation as a result of the company’s practice of investing City pension assets in high-risk consumer debt bond products, including failing home mortgage-backed securities, resulting in the loss of more than $95 million. The civil enforcement lawsuit alleges unlawful business practices and violations of the False Claims Act. Specifically, the complaint alleges that Northern Trust made false claims and statements regarding the investment of funds held by the Los Angeles City Employees’ Retirement System (LACERS). The civil lawsuit also names Pension Consulting Alliance, Inc. (PCA), a company contracted by LACERS to act as its watchdog on investments, for knowingly or recklessly failing to warn LACERS that Northern Trust was engaging in inappropriate, high risk investments in consumer debt and long-term mortgage securities.LACERS manages the retirement benefits for more than 43,000 active public employees and their families. Since 1991, Northern Trust has acted as the primary custodian, investment manager and custodian of LACERS’ assets, including acting as an independent manager of the LACERS’ securities lending program. As alleged in the complaint, Northern Trust claimed that investments made by the company on behalf of LACERS were “low risk” or “minimized risk,” including conservative, short-term, highly-liquid investments. However, from June 2006 until June 2008, Northern Trust failed to inform LACERS that it had changed its investment

strategy in violation of common law fiduciary standards. The company allegedly provided no details of each specific investment in the City’s portfolio, including the current market value of each investment.Northern Trust also allegedly engaged in highly-risky investments in companies dealing in consumer debt and mortgaged-backed securities, including Washington Mutual Bank, CIT Group, Lehman Brothers, Greenpoint Mortgage and Bear Stearns. Northern Trust shared with LACERS in profits from these investments during the housing boom from 2006 through 2008, but did not share with LACERS in the downside risk and losses after the collapse of the housing bubble and the subprime mortgage market. Specifically, Northern Trust took up to 15 percent of the earnings generated from its investment of cash collateral in securities, despite the risk inherent in those investments and despite the fact they were inappropriate for the pension fund.As the financial meltdown continued, Northern Trust allegedly sought to prevent a stampede of pension funds, such as LACERS, seeking to liquidate the investments Northern Trust had made in securities. A collapse in certain investment pools managed by Northern Trust would have caused a significant loss to

the company. The complaint alleges that Northern Trust therefore allegedly embarked on a strategy to save the investment pools by convincing the various pension funds not to pull their money, effectively putting the interest of Northern Trust in saving the collateral pools above the interest of individual pension funds, including LACERS.As alleged, Northern Trust repeatedly kept LACERS in the dark about the true nature of the investments that Northern Trust had made until mounting and staggering losses forced the company in October 2010 to provide LACERS with a statement of the investments, which noted substantial losses. Northern Trust thereafter demanded that LACERS make a payment for those losses prior to July 8, 2011. Under protest, LACERS made the payment on July 7, 2011 in the amount of $95,662,812. The lawsuit seeks full restitution for losses, as well as damages that LACERS sustained as a result of Northern Trust’s false claims, civil penalties up to $10,000 for each false claim, and $2,500 for each violation of the Business and Professions Code, and all fees and costs associated with the lawsuit.A copy of the complaint can be found on the City Attorney’s website:http://atty.lacity.org/OUR_O F F I C E/O p in io n s _ an d _Recent_Filings/index.htm

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Monday, February 6th - sunday, February 12th, 2012 page 9www.vannuysnewspress.com

family & food

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-- restaurant of the Week --“Criollo Restaurant and Lounge”

Under the direction of Executive Chef Randolph Buck and Chef de Cuisine Joseph Maynard, Criollo Restaurant and Lounge will make its debut in the New Orleans restaurant scene in March 2012 offering a fine dining experience that features a menu of Contemporary Louisiana cuisine and an atmosphere of approachable elegance. Criollo (kree-oh-loh) is the Spanish form of the French word, “Creole.” The name was chosen for the new restaurant representative of the amalgam of cultures that present themselves in our cooking and provide the unique taste that makes up Louisiana cuisine. Tapping into Chef Maynard’s ethnic cooking style, Criollo Restaurant and Lounge infuses traditional Creole flavors of French, Spanish, Italian, and African with new spices to create dishes in the style it calls Louisiana Fusion. “The dishes on the Criollo Restaurant and Lounge menu present a balance between rich foods and lighter options to cater to a variety of diners,” said Maynard. “We are working closely with local farmers for a farm-to-table approach using all fresh ingredients. Additionally, all food items purchased for the restaurant will be from the Gulf Coast region.”In addition to fine cuisine, Criollo Restaurant and Lounge will offer a grand assortment of wines and spirits. José Montalvo, General Manager and experienced sommelier, is working hand-in-hand with the culinary team to assemble a wine selection that complements the flavors found in each dish. “It is with great pride that we dedicate our new restaurant, Criollo Restaurant and Lounge, to our city’s unique, home-grown cuisine,” said Montalvo. “From the moment people walk in the door to the time they depart, we look forward to providing customers with a fine dining experience through exquisite, innovative cuisine and the restaurant’s elegant, stylish design.”The architectural design of Criollo Restaurant and Lounge presents an atmosphere of approachable elegance as warm golden colors; French limestone floors; and rich, dark wood mix with the soothing palette of deep purples and light grayish blues. Large circular glass chandeliers and coffered ceiling designs with customized crown molding open up the room. Smaller booths and table seating options offer a trendy, yet comfortable setting for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The open kitchen area creates an air of excitement as patrons can watch the chefs creating culinary masterpieces while the availability of two private dining areas provides a more intimate experience.

kids Who are shunned may haVe higher risk of oBesity

A new study shows peer adversity causes a reduction in physical activity among children, which may increase the risk they will become overweight and experience other adverse health effects.The social and emotional burdens of ostracism – particularly among children – are well known, but few studies have tested the impact of social exclusion on physical activity behaviors that may result in childhood obesity. A new study from Dr. Jacob Barkley, an Assistant Professor of Exercise Science at Kent State University, demonstrates an immediate causal relationship between social exclusion and decreased physical activity among children.

a Basic ExperimentKent State researchers led by Dr. Barkley asked children between the ages of 8- and 12- years-old to play a virtual ball-toss computer game called Cyberball, telling each child he or she was playing the game over the Internet with two other children. In half of the sessions, the child was excluded from receiving the ball for the majority of the game. In the other half, the child received the ball

o n e - t h i r d of the time. Each child in the study played the game once under each c o n d i t i o n and was then immediately placed in a gymnasium where he or she could choose any sedentary or physical activity they liked while researchers observed and measured physical activity.

Powerful ResultsMeasurements of physical versus sedentary activity of the children immediately after playing Cyberball under each condition revealed ostracism elicits decreased physical activity participation in children – reducing accelerometer counts by 22 percent and increasing time allocated to sedentary behaviors by 41 percent.“Our findings demonstrate the direct negative impact of social exclusion on a child’s likelihood to be physically active - regardless of the reason for ostracism,” says Dr. Barkley. “Furthermore, even a brief experience of ostracism has an immediate impact on levels of physical activity, whether or not a

child is overweight.”Real-World application

According to Dr. Barkley, if children are ignored in social situations, often alone during free-time, picked last, often overlooked, not interested in group activities, short on friends and bullied, they are more likely to reduce physical activities behaviors. And that increases the risk for childhood obesity and other adverse health effects.“More research is needed to better understand what initiates the cyclical relationship – social exclusion leads to less interest in physical activity behaviors, decreased activity may lead to further ostracism, and so on,” Dr. Barkley says. “However, we now know sedentary activity in children can result from an instance of ostracism.”

page 10 Monday, February 6th - sunday, February 12th, 2012www.vannuysnewspress.com

Tyus’ Adopt a Pet

To adopt, please call 818-901-0190 or visit 7720 Gloria Ave. in Van Nuys,

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-- Quotes of the Week --audrey Hepburn quotations:~ “I have to be alone very often. I’d be quite happy if I spent from Saturday night until Monday morning alone in my apartment. That’s how I refuel.”~ “I heard a definition once: Happiness is health and a short memory! I wish I’d invented it, because it is very true.”~ “I decided, very early on, just to accept life unconditionally; I never expected it to do anything special for me, yet I seemed to accomplish far more than I had ever hoped. Most of the time it just happened to me without my ever seeking it.”~ “I was born with an enormous need for affection, and a terrible need to give it.”~ “I’m an introvert... I love being by myself, love being outdoors, love taking a long walk with my dogs and looking at the trees, flowers, the sky.”~ “You can tell more about a person by what he says about others than you can by what others say about him.”

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• HARRIER • HOKKAIDO

• JACK RUSSELL • MALTESE • MASTIFF• PAPILLON • PINSCHER • PIT BULL• POINTER • POODLE

• PUG• SHIHTZU

heCtor DOB: 01/01/2011 BREED: Male, Terrier blend WEIGHT: 10 lbs. I may look like a little puppy but I’m one whole year old and I’m not getting any bigger! I’m a terrier though, so even though I may be small I have a big personality and a big heart. And I’m an active little guy so even though I may look like you could carry me around in your purse, I want to be out playing with the big boys. One advantage of being small is that I’ll fit in anyone’s house... how about yours?

CaSEY DOB: 01/09/2010 BREED: Female, DSH, Brown/Tan WEIGHT: 8 lbs. Hi there, I’m Casey. It may not be obvious if you catch me napping in my favorite cubby, but I’m an extremely extroverted girl with lots to say and I absolutely LOVE people…I mean, I simply cannot get enough attention! I still have plenty of playful kitten energy to spare and enjoy having a feline rumble buddy, but I’m also happy as a “only child” since it means even more love for me.

See more cats and dogs in need of a loving home at www.petorphansfund.org.

Monday, February 6th - sunday, February 12th, 2012 page 11www.vannuysnewspress.com

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