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| | Andres & Maria Cardenas Park Opening | March 9, 2009, The Department of Recreation and Parks dedicated the Andres and Maria
Cardenas Recreation Center at Blythe Street
Park.
The 2,850-square-foot building features two
multipurpose rooms, office space, a kitchen
and storage areas. The $2.7 million project also
includes a childrens play area, public restroom
facility, parking, landscaping and a family
picnic area. Local residents now have over
30,000-square-feet of parkland to enjoy.
Immaculate Heart Community, a non-profit organization, and Casa
Esperanza, a community-based organization, requested to re-name Blythe
Street Park the Andres and Mara Cardenas Recreation Center. The idea was
supported by community members who agreed that the Cardenas family
story is representative of the neighborhood and its values of hard work and
commitment.
Anders and Mara Cardenas came to California over 50 years ago from
Mexico. Andres worked in the fields and as a laborer. Through hard work
and perseverance he later established his own business. They proudly raised
eleven children in a modest home in Pacoima, California and continuously
supported and encouraged them to succeed. Their children went on to earn
degrees in fields, such as education, psychology and engineering.
Believing that no student should ever be denied the opportunity to pursue
their dreams, the Andres y Mara Cardenas Family Foundation was
established in 1997.
The Andres and Mara Cardenas Recreation Center was designed by the
Architectural Division of the Bureau of Engineering in the Citys
Department of Public Works. Project funding came from Propositions K, 12
and 40. The facility was built by Tobo Construction, Inc., of Los Angeles.
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 | Annual Self Defense WorkShop | Councilman Tony Cardenas held his 5th Annual Fight Fear, Take Control
Self Defense Workshop on Saturday, March 22nd. Celebrity Trainer Billy Blanks, creator of the Tae
Bo work-out, joined Cardenas in teaching both men and women on how to defend
themselves against an attacker.
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 | Annual Van Nuys Holiday Festival | Councilman Tony
Cardenas welcomed the
community this holiday
season with the traditional
Christmas Tree and
Menorah Lighting Festival
at the Marvin Braude Constituent
Service Center in
Van Nuys. This annual
celebration brought out
families for an evening of
fun and entertainment,under the stars, culminating
with a special appearance by
Mr. and Mrs. Santa Clause.
The yearly celebration was
highlighted by the music of
the Leslie Baker Quintet and
the Harold Alcy Band, which
delighted the audience with
holiday songs. The Van Nuys
Christmas Tree and Menorah
Lighting Festival is an annual
celebration sponsored by the
Office of Councilman Tony
Crdenas, the City of Los Angeles,
and local community
organizations.
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 | Arleta Environmental Community Clean Up | Councilman Tony Cardenas in conjunction with the Department of
Public Works held its 7th Annual Clean Community Celebration and
Environmental Service Fair. About 1,500 volunteers
contributed to the event themed this year as Arleta Environmental
Awareness Day.
The event included trash and bulky item pickup, street
lighting, tree trimming, graffiti removal, tree planting, weed and dirt removal and
sweeping. A used oil collection site was also available from 9
a.m.- 3 p.m.
Food, entertainment, giveaways, tree adoptions, free mulch and
information booths featuring services from city agencies and non-profit groups were
also available at Branford Park following the clean up.
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 | New East Valley Animal Care Center | Councilman Tony Cardenas joined the Department of Animal Services
and the Bureau of Engineering in hosting a sneak preview tour of the citys latest, stateof-
the-art East Valley Animal Care Center.
The 49,000 square-foot facility, built to replace the old shelter on Sherman Way in North
Hollywood, was open for a sneak preview. Community members and press
representatives were given a tour highlighting the shelters unique architecture, including
the renowned yin-yang gardens where future pet owners can get acquainted with their
furry friends.
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 | Sun Valley's New Stone House | Councilman Tony Cardenas joined the Department of Cultural Affairs for the grand opening of the new Sun Valley Youth Art Center. The old dilapidated house built in 1925 and designated a City Cultural Historical monument has been transformed into a first-of-its-kind art education center in the East San Fernando Valley. Once a haven for drug dealers and prostitutes, the new facility is alleviating blight and giving kids of the community a place of hope and inspiration. Classes will include painting, dancing, music, theatre, and sculpting. A digital arts Mac lab has also been added for future filmmaking classes. The activities will be offered to kids of all ages.
In addition to the old house, a new annex has been builtthis is where arts instruction and additional gallery space will be housed. The art center will provide low-cost art instruction to area youth. Focuses mainly on visual arts (ceramics, painting, and drawing) and also on media arts and music.
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 | Senior Health & Safety Fair | The beautiful Japanese Garden at Woodley Park was the scene of Councilman Tony Cardenas' Annual Senior Health and Safety Fair. The fair was hosted in association with San Miguel Clinic, the Department of Public Works and the Japanese Garden.
The fair offered seniors important information on health and safety related issues, and provided screenings on bone density, cholesterol, and blood pressure. Seminars on Medicare services, as well as other important programs from state, county, and city agencies were also given.
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 | Annual DEAFestival Los Angeles | Councilman Tony Cardenas brought back Deafestival this year with more family fun and
entertainment than ever before. September is Deaf Awareness Month in Los Angeles and the
DEAFfestival is an opportunity for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community to display its talents.
DEAFestival 2007 highlighted musicians, artists, and stars catering to everyone, including the
hearing community.
This years festival theme was Deaf Economics Action for
Freedom: Making Our Dreams a Reality. Information on the latest in deaf and hard-of-hearing
technology was also be available.
There was even more for the kids this year. Rock climbing, face-painting, moonbouncing, and a
petting zoo throughout the day. Free raffles were also given away.
Entertainers included the interpretive dance group Majestic Element, actress Jody Ann Stevenson
from the television show Grounded for Life , actor Bob Hiltermann from All My Children ,
storyteller CJ Jones, and Pinky the Juggler.
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