Voice of the Village 1 ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ the good news newspaper Volume I, Issue 9 online at voiceofthevillage.org July 1 2010 FEATURE: BUSINESS: What no business can SCHOOL NEWS: Local resident’s community survive without - Who’s doing the What VHHS students learned producing beautification effort – page 5 teaching – page 14 “Voice of the Village”- page 18 Happy Birthday America Thank you Sunland-Tujunga Richard Stewart For 27 years the Sunland-Tujunga Fourth of July Parade has celebrated our country’s birthday with participants ranging from Mayor Villaraigosa, Wendy Greuel and Congressman Brad Sherman to horses, pets and unicyclers. This year it looked like the Sunland-Tujunga parade was going to be another city budget casualty when the Sunland-Tujunga Rotary Club, which spon- sors the parade, was notified that the city costs of the parade had unexpectedly tripled. Many Southland communities were forced to cancel their parades, fireworks, and other events. But not Sunland-Tujun- ga; up here we will still celebrate the Fourth. So who saved the parade? Some say it is Other people say that the parade was saved by come together and donate the funds needed to put Marynance Schellenbach, matriarch of the local Li- Ellis Robertson, Past President of the Sunland-Tujun- the parade on - or lose it. End of story. ons Club and the force behind the ever-expanding ga Rotary, which puts on the annual event. As the Some say the parade was saved at a power annual Sunland-Tujunga Watermelon Festival. She parade chairman, Robertson phoned and visited the lunch at Al Read’s Restaurant involving some adult had her fill of the talk of canceling this year’s parade city offices regarding funding and permits so often beverages and three of our community’s finest: So- a few weeks ago. “Enough!” she cried at a commu- that they all know him by first name. After read- nia Tatulian, Anne-Marie Flaherty and Marynance nity leaders’ meeting at the Chamber of Commerce. ing the writing on the wall, Robertson asked Bob Schellenbach. We’re not sure what happened, what “Not celebrate this nation’s birthday? This parade Georgius, editor of “Voice of the Village,” to craft an was said at this meeting or how many adult bever- will happen if I have to underwrite it myself!” You article that calmly but firmly put the city and com- ages were involved, but the next day 30 “Save the Pa- could have heard a pin drop. munity on notice. He challenged the community to rade” donation jars were found in all the major retail continued on page 6 American Legion honors veterans at Memorial Day event Richard Stewart Flags were flying high on Memorial Day in Sunland Park. A respectful gath- ering gave tribute and honor for our veterans and service men. Jim Moore led us in a prayer and Commander of American Legion Post 377 Pat O’Brien gave a wonderful salute to our fallen heroes. O’Brien was proudly upstaged by his daughter Kelly, who sang “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Many thanks to the American Legion for its service to the community and its continuing camaraderie for our revered veterans. Pictured above is Legionnaire Richard Waldron in his original Vietnam uni- form. When asked if he had a statement for this Memorial Day 2010, he paused, bowed his head, and said “I hope that every veteran never forgets who they were, who they are, and who they will always be.” No one could say it better. Thank you, Mr. Waldron, for your continued ser- Vietnam veteran Richard Waldron vice, inspiration, and for never forgetting. attended Memorial Day events at Sunland Park. Index: Staff Acknowledgements: News ................................................... page 2 Editor in Chief Liaison/Journalism Advisor Section Editors Web Address Features ............................................. page 7 Bob Georgius David W. Riemer Isabella Carpio www.voiceofthevillage.org Business ............................................. page 13 (818)523-5494 Yu Rha Choi Layout Advisor Announcements ................................. page 16 Amy Hwang Jeannine Crowley P.O. Box 4323 Ad Sales – Contact Georgina Martinez Sunland, CA 91041 School News ...................................... page 18 Michael Lucas : Supervising Co-Editors Wyatt Pendleton Church News ..................................... page 20 (818)397-3835 Julia Ginter Samantha Wilson Service Clubs ..................................... page 21 [email protected] Katie Pelon Who We Are ....................................... page 22 The Arts ............................................. page 25 2 Voice of the Village Wildlife specialist educates on animal interactions Jackie Houchin In a special community presentation June 14, Bobcats are timid cats and rarely interact with Wildlife Specialist for Los Angeles Animal Services humans. Officer Greg Randall spoke to a group of about 50 To deter wildlife, “Don’t feed them!” is a com- people on how to get along with the area’s furry – mand Officer Randall repeatedly emphasized. “It’s and sometimes ferocious – animal neighbors. The against the law and you can be fined or even do jail event was sponsored by Devil Dog Ranch Dog Train- time if caught,” he said. ing and the Sunland-Tujunga Alliance. When humans become the providers of food, Early attendees browsed the colorful, informa- water, and cover for wildlife, they encourage interac- tive displays that Officer Randall had set up on tion that often ends in serious harm to the animals, tables around the North Valley City Hall room and and sometimes to people. Some people mistakenly collected pamphlets on coyotes, bears, mountain li- think they are helping wildlife by feeding them; oth- ons, bobcats, opossums and raccoons. ers do it inadvertently. Officer Randall, employed by Animal Services Here are some of Officer Randall’s suggestions. for 20 years, is currently the only Wildlife Special- Keep garbage, ripe or rotting fruit from trees, pet ist in a program that began eight years ago. His goal foods (including birdseed), and small pets secured is to help neighborhoods better deal with wildlife Officer Greg Randall, Wildlife Specialist for Los Angeles Animal and out of reach. Clean your barbecue grill after each Services, presented tactics to minimize human interaction with use; don’t let young kids go outside in clothes they’ve conflicts – which he admits have increased in recent wildlife. months, due partially to the Station Fire, but also be- just eaten in. Keep plants and trees trimmed up from cause of residential encroachment. the ground and away from your house. Close off He made it clear that the LA Animal Services crawl spaces. Install motion-detecting lights, noise- Wildlife Division does not remove wildlife from resi- makers, or water sprayers. Add height and/or roller dential areas, but instead hopes to educate residents bars to your fences to deter coyotes. on how to lessen the probability of contact, and on It is illegal to trap any animal and relocate or what to do if a confrontation is inevitable. release it elsewhere; Officer Randall was adamant Mountain lions were first on his list due to an about this. Bears and mountain lions are the only actual sighting only days earlier near Apperson animals that have a chance at successful relocation. Street. His first warning is don’t run - it encourages Small animals and marsupials quickly die or become a chase. Instead, maintain eye contact (even show prey; they can also transmit domestic pet diseases your teeth) and make yourself appear large. Stand like distemper into the wild. If you call a licensed tall, wave your arms or a jacket above your head. pest company, their only option is to destroy the Make loud noises by shouting in a deep, command- trapped animal; better to deter them from coming in ing voice or by using a noisemaker such as a whistle, the first place. Bears have been sighted recently near Haines air horn, soda can with pebbles, or an umbrella that After the meeting Officer Randall demonstrated Canyon. These omnivores are usually non-aggres- is quickly opened/closed (sounds like bird’s wings) some of the commercial deterrents you can purchase sive, although some make false charges. Use the or waved about. These are things you can carry with to keep little and large creatures from your property. above scare tactics and give them a wide berth. you if you are hiking, as well as a few old golf balls Coyotes are numerous and have become un- Officer Randall can be contacted at or small rocks for throwing. Never stoop down, even naturally bold around humans, but they will rarely [email protected]. To report animal sightings to pick up a rock to throw; you will look like small attack anything other than a small animal (under 20 for the Animal Services database, call 888-452-7381. If a four-footed prey. Remember that a lion is an ambush large animal is threatening a person, it’s best to call 911. pounds). If you see a coyote, use the above scare tac- predator, attacking from behind; look around as you For further reading, check out tics. Never let a coyote go by without scaring it. walk and avoid overhanging rocks or trees. “Don’t Get Eaten!” by Dave Smith. LOW COST VACCINE CLINIC 1st Saturday Each Month 1:30–2:30 pm Jul 3 - Aug 7 - Sep 4 Cat/Kitten Packages Dog/Puppy Packages 8 WEEKS 8 WEEKS FVRCP, $ DHP Parvo, Dewormer 25 Corona, $ Dewormer 37 12 WEEKS Send FVRCP, 12 WEEKS Felv, $ DHP Parvo, Dewormer 43 Corona, $ Your Kids Bordatella 48 Older Than 16 WEEKS Dewormer FVRCP, Felv, $ Older Than 16 WEEKS Rabies 53 DHP Parvo, Dewormer On a High Seas Corona, Bordatella $ ADULT Rabies 59 FVRCP, Dewormer Felv, $ Rabies 41 Bible Adventure ADULT DHP Parvo, Corona, $ 5 Days Bordatella 39 INDIVIDUAL VACCINES Cost: FREE PLUS: HAZARDOUS WASTERABIES................................................... DISPOSAL FEE OF $1.00 PER $10 PET DHP PARVO, BORDATELLA, CORONA ..