The Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care & Control reminds everyone that Halloween can be a fun holiday, but also it can be potentially dangerous and frightening for pets. Here are some tips to keep your pets safe during Halloween:

– Keep pets indoors in a secure comfortable area with a radio or television playing in the background. Many pets fear of the noise from trick-or-treaters.

– Always keep current license and ID tags securely affixed to pet’s collar. A license tag is the only voice a pet has if he or she becomes lost.

– Do not leave pets outside unattended. Loud noises frighten pets and they may panic, become confused, and can go through great lengths to escape their enclosures. This can include chewing leashes or breaking fences.

– Keep pets away from all candy. Chocolate, which contains theobromine, can be poisonous to pets causing nerve damage and even death.

– Properly dispose of all candy wrappers. Tinfoil and cellophane candy wrappers are tempting treats for pets and can cause pets to choke or to have intestinal blocks.

– Keep pumpkins or jack-o-lanterns away from pets. Pets can knock them over which could result in a burn.

– Halloween pet costumes can pose safety hazards for pets. Do not dress them up unless they are used to it and enjoy it. Make sure the costume does not restrict their movement, vision, hearing or the ability to breathe or bark. Halloween pet costumes should not have small or dangling accessories that can be swallowed by your pet.

– Post the numbers of emergency clinics and the animal control agency that services your area on your refrigerator or another location where you can find them in case of an emergency.

If your pet does become lost, it is critical that you visit the animal shelters surrounding your area in person. Shelter staff and volunteers will also provide suggestions for finding lost pets. Be sure to bring a photograph of any missing pets to post at animal shelters.

According to the South Coast Air Quality Management District, much of Los Angeles County will begin experiencing better air quality today. At this time, the County Health Officer is advising sensitive individuals to continue to monitor their conditions and limit outdoor activity.

Schools outside the Santa Clarita Valley and away from areas of visible wildfire smoke can resume outdoor sports and physical activity programs, said Jonathan E. Fielding, MD, MPH, County Health Officer and Public Health Director. The air quality will continue to be monitored and updates will be issued as conditions improve.

Sensitive individuals including the elderly and those with heart disease or lung disease, including emphysema and asthma, should stay indoors as much as possible. These individuals should monitor their conditions and be vigilant about taking their medicines as prescribed by their healthcare providers. Individuals with asthma and related conditions should keep their as needed medications with them at all times. If symptoms develop, sensitive individuals should contact their healthcare providers. In addition, because the elderly are more susceptible to the effects of smoke, they should be contacted to be sure they are not feeling any ill effects.

Staying indoors can somewhat reduce exposure to smoke, and keeping doors and windows closed while running the air conditioner is a good idea. Residents should check the filters on their air conditioners and replace them regularly. Indoor air filtration devices with HEPA filters can reduce the level of particles that circulate indoors.

For more detailed information about air quality related to the wildfires, visit the South Coast Air Quality Management District’s website at www.aqmd.gov or call 1-800-CUT-SMOG (288-7664).

Supervisor Don Knabe is pleased to announce that Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has recently signed Assembly Bill 800 (AB 800), authored by Torrance Assemblymember Ted Lieu, which will dramatically improve the sewage spill reporting process across California.

AB 800, sponsored by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, requires that any entity responsible for a sewage spill now has the duty to report it to the local public health officer and the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services. In addition, fines will be imposed to any sewage treatment official who fails to promptly report a spill.

The bill is based on an investigation called for by Supervisor Knabe earlier this year. The resulting report released by the Los Angeles County Department of Auditor-Controller revealed numerous failed communication protocols between local wastewater operators and public health crews within the County. As a result of the investigation, Supervisor Knabe unveiled a number of reforms including working with Assemblyman Lieu to amend state law to resolve issues that went beyond the County’s legal authority to correct.

This is great news for beachgoers Statewide, and I would like to thank the Governor for signing the bill and Assemblymember Lieu for taking the lead on critical issue, said Supervisor Knabe. This bill ensures that those who are responsible for a sewage spill now have the duty to immediately notify those responsible for closing the beaches.

This is a big win for the coastline throughout California, said Assemblymember Lieu. Our beaches are one of our greatest natural wonders, and we nee to make sure they’re protected. If beaches are closed right away, then the cleanup can begin immediately.

The American Humane Association and Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care & Control are working to help find homes for homeless dogs during Adopt-a-Dog Month this October. The public is encouraged to visit one of the County’s six animal shelters this month to meet some great dogs and puppies of all breeds and sizes that are waiting for a loving family.

The County of Los Angeles Department of Animal Care & Control has a lot of great dogs just waiting to find permanent and loving homes, said Deputy Director Michelle Roache. When you adopt a dog from an animal shelter, you are not only saving a life – you are also getting a wonderful companion.

If you love dogs, but are presently unable to adopt one, please consider making a tax-deductible donation or becoming a volunteer instead. As a volunteer, you can spend your free time helping homeless dogs find new loving homes. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please call the Director of Volunteer Services at (562) 256-1367 or visit the Department’s website at http://animalcare.lacounty.gov

County Animal Shelter Locations:

Downey Animal Shelter – 11258 South Garfield Avenue, Downey

Carson Animal Shelter – 216 West Victoria Street, Gardena

Baldwin Park Animal Shelter – 4275 North Elton Street, Baldwin Park

Lancaster Animal Shelter – 5210 West Avenue I, Lancaster

Castaic Animal Shelter – 31044 North Charlie Canyon Road, Castaic

Agoura Animal Shelter – 29525 Agoura Road, Agoura Hills

The Fourth Annual Los Angeles National Association for Mental Illness NAMIWALKS for the Minds of America 5K event is taking place at the Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica on Saturday, October 6.

Scheduled to participate will be more than 5,000 walkers and supporters from Los Angeles County who are expected to raise more than $500,000 to support programs of education, research and advocacy for those who suffer from mental illness including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression, obsessive compulsive disorder and severe anxiety disorders.

In 2006, NAMIWALKS for the Minds of America was held in 59 cities nationwide, attracted over 55,000 walkers/supporters who raised more than $5.5 million. Since its inception in 2003, a total of 150 NAMIWALKS for the Minds of America events have been held, engaged more than 133,000 walkers/supporters, and raised over $13 million.

On-site registration for the Los Angeles NAMIWALKS for the Minds of America 5K walk begins at 8:00 a.m., pre-walk activities commence at 9:30 a.m., and the actual walk starts at 10:00 a.m. For more information, contact Los Angeles NAMIWALKS for the Minds of America’s office at (213) 251-6557 or go to www.namiwalkslac.org

Discover Marina del Rey Day 2007, an annual day of family fun and activities, will take place Sunday, October 7, 11 am to 4 pm in Burton Chace Park, 13650 Mindanao Way, Marina del Rey.

The popular event is presented by Arrowhead Mountain Spring Water and sponsored by Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe and the Department of Beaches and Harbors.

Events this year include some of the most popular offerings of past years, such as the air-sea rescue demonstration in the Marina’s main channel by the United States Coast Guard and the Los Angeles County Fire Department, and the inflatable games for children. Though the event is presented free to the public, those who want to use the inflatable games pay $5 for a wristband, which also includes access to snack carts and a pumpkin from the pumpkin patch. Food and beverages are also available for sale in Burton Chace Park.

Among other exciting events this year are a screening at 12 noon, presented by the Los Angeles County Public Library and Sony Pictures, of the animated film Surf’s Up. From 1:00 to 3:00 pm, the Los Angeles County Arts Commission and the recording industries’ Music Performance Fund, through the assistance of Professional Musicians Union Local 47, will present a concert in the park with the Susie Hansen Latin Band, preceded from 12:30 to 1 pm by the Venice High School choral group, the Allegros.

The Bob Baker Marionettes will present performances throughout the day, preceded by Children’s Storytime given by the Lloyd Taber-Marina del Rey Library Children’s Librarian Kyla Kothman.

The Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation will offer unique arts and crafts workshops and Beaches and Harbors’ W.A.T.E.R. Youth Program will offer leisure kayaking from noon to 3 pm in the main channel for visitors ages 6 and up.

Throughout the day, a variety of exhibitor booths will offer vital information on health, safety and the environment. A tour of the Marina del Rey Anglers/Ocean Resources Enhancement Program White Bass Grow Out Pen will allow visitors to watch the counting and releasing of the sea bass.

The group will also sponsor youth fishing off the Marina pier for visitors ages 7 to 15.

Parking for the day is available at $5 in Los Angeles County Lot 4, near the park, at 13500 Mindanao Way. For event information,
marinadelrey.lacounty.gov

The Los Angeles County Child Support Services Department has received two national awards recognizing its community outreach efforts to educate the public about child support services in L.A. County. The recognition came from the National Child Support Enforcement Association (NCSEA) and the National Association of Counties (NACO).

L.A.County CSSD received NCSEA’s ’07 Program Awareness award for the department’s community outreach in L.A. County during August 2006 for Child Support Awareness Month. The award was accepted by Steven Golightly, CSSD Director, at the 2007 NCSEA national convention in Orlando, Florida. NCSEA is the nation’s largest professional organization of child support professionals.

We are pleased to receive this national recognition because we are committed to making a difference for families and children in our County, said Director Golightly. We appreciate the recognition of our efforts to reach out to all communities.

L.A. County’s award-winning outreach in 2006 was organized by the CSSD Communications and Marketing Division and involved CSSD staff volunteers from all the Department’s divisions. It featured 40 outreach events and media appearances with a variety of community organizations, agencies and media outlets. It was part of the statewide observance of Child Support Awareness Month (CSAM) which highlights the importance of child support to families and recognizes the child support professionals dedicated to collecting support.

CSSD’s outreach program included child support workshops for community organizations, churches, the legal community and escrow professionals. The Department’s Torrance division staged a Saturday family fun fair to educate the South Bay community about child support issues. L.A. County’s effort also included appearances on English, Spanish, Cambodian and Chinese language media programs including City News Service, La Opinion, KMEX-TV, KSCI-TV and KTLA-TV.

Meanwhile, NACO honored L.A. County CSSD for its Employer Workshop, a free workshop for employers and payroll professionals that provides information on child support wage withholding and health insurance requirements. Since 2002, the Employer Workshop has reached 2,000 participants representing 1,700 companies with a workforce of over two million employees.

L.A. County Child Support Services collected $494 million in child support last year for families and children. The department provides free child support services to L.A. County residents including opening child support cases, establishing paternity, collecting child support, locating parents and modifying child support orders. For more information call 323-890-9800 or go to http:///www.cssd.lacounty.gov

Just in time for summer, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) is turning up the heat with the second season of the popular Latin Sounds series. These concerts showcase some of the finest Latin musicians and spice up Saturday evenings for the Los Angeles community with an eclectic mix of performers from Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, and Cuba as well as some of Southern California’s most prominent Latin artists. Concerts are free every Saturday at 5 pm beginning May 5-September 1, 2007.

Latin Sounds features music legends, including Son Mayor, voted Best Salsa Band by the LA Weekly, playing a mixture of vintage Latin and contemporary Cuban styles, as well as a multitude of Grammy-nominated artists like dynamic trumpeter Bobby Rodriguez, world renowned Dori Caymmi, and award-winning musical duo Anthony Wilson and Chico Pinheiro. Latin Sounds continues the tradition of hosting the greatest artists from across Latin America in the unique park setting of the museum’s outdoor amphitheater. So bring your blanket, picnic basket, and enjoy the music with friends and family, says Mitch Glickman, LACMA Music Director.

This summer, LACMA will provide visitors with a unique opportunity to become completely immersed in the rich cultural heritage of Latin America by combining free Saturday evening access to both Grammy award winning Latin music and vibrant Latin art. The Arts in Latin America, 1492-1829 opens on August 5, 2007 and includes more than 200 works of colonial Latin American art. Latin Sounds audiences are invited to explore this exhibition for free after each concert, as it will be open to the public from 5-8 pm.

In addition to The Arts in Latin America, 1492-1829 special exhibition, all Latin Sounds concert-goers can also visit LACMA’s galleries for free after 5 pm. This season features a variety of shows, including: The Modern West: American Landscapes, 1890-1950 (on view now), Dan Flavin: A Retrospective (May 13-August 12, 2007), SoCal: Southern California Arts of the 1960s and 70s from LACMA’s Collection (August 19, 2007-March 30, 2008).

The Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation will be sponsoring a new study to develop siting criteria for a system of Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Parks in Los Angeles County. Environmentalists, OHV representatives, resource agencies, trails and open space advocates, and other stakeholder groups will come together through a number of public workshops to help formulate a set of guidelines as to the types of places where OHV facilities might be appropriate. The study will use the siting criteria as a framework to identify and evaluate possible OHV Park sites in the future.

We are committed to serving the recreational needs of the County’s population, said Russ Guiney, Director of Parks and Recreation for the County of Los Angeles. Because OHV facilities involve a number of complex issues, we will look to the recommendations from this study before we begin planning for specific facilities.

Between 14 to 15 percent of the statewide population are OHV enthusiasts who enjoy off-road motorcycling, all-terrain vehicles, dune buggies, and 4×4 activity. While a large concentration is located here in Los Angeles County, local riding options are reduced every year as development continues, open space declines, and conservation management intensifies.

The purpose of the County’s project is to build consensus on a series of siting criteria for a system of OHV parks in Los Angeles County. The consensus-building process will involve an advisory committee comprised of the full spectrum of stakeholder interests. Input from the general public will be collected during two series of public workshops (to be conducted in four different County locations per series). This process will be supported by a website and fact sheets. Scheduling of these events is currently underway.

Funding for OHV recreational opportunities is generated by the State of California mandatory OHV green sticker registration program. Among other activities, the State Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division administers grants for OHV recreation opportunities throughout California, much of which are distributed to local counties and cities.

For more information about the Off-Highway Vehicle Park Study contact Robert Ettleman, Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation, at (213) 351-5134 or
rettleman@parks.lacounty.gov

California’s child care programs, which issue over $1.2 billion in taxpayer dollars each year, have been increasingly vulnerable to fraudulent activity and improper payments, due to a gap in appropriate oversight at the State level. Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe is pleased that the State Legislature has taken action to require the State to examine this problem and develop ways to prevent it.

A 2005 report to the Legislature indicated that fraud could exist in up to 7 percent of all child care payments statewide. The report also estimated that 6.2 percent of all child care payments are erroneously issued, as a result of inconsistent practices and policies.

Supervisor Knabe has continually advocated in Sacramento for decisive action on this issue. In 2006, he sponsored Senate Bill 1421 (Margett) to address fraudulent activity in child care programs. This spurred a bipartisan dialogue, which led to the passage of Senate Bill 84 (Ducheny) by the Legislature last week, and signed into law by Governor Schwarzenegger as part of the new State budget.

The Legislature’s action calls for a best-practices study, which is due back by September 2008. It will report on the best practices for the prevention, detection, and investigation of improper payments and fraud in all subsidized child care programs. Local efforts across California, such as the highly-effective fraud mitigation and prevention activities in Los Angeles County, which last year prevented over $50 million in erroneous child care payments from occurring, will be reviewed as part of the study.

"This is a great beginning of what will be a very productive collaborative process, said Supervisor Knabe. Over the next twelve months, I will be watching this closely to ensure that the momentum continues and a strong plan of action to mitigate child care fraud emerges from the study. I want to thank Senator Bob Margett, Senate President Pro Tem Don Perata, and Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez for their leadership on this important issue, as well as Governor Schwarzenegger for his continued support."