Television news icon Tom Brokaw and award-winning radio journalist Warren Olney will receive top honors at the 62nd annual Golden Mike Awards gala in Universal City, the Radio and Television News Association announced.

Brokaw will receive the RTNA’s 2012 Broadcast Legend Award and Olney will be honored for his broad achievements in television news as well as his storied career over 20 years on public radio stations, both locally and nationally. Warren Olney is the host of two acclaimed radio news interview programs, Which Way LA, now in its 20th year in the Los Angeles area, and To the Point, syndicated by Public Radio International to major-market stations nationwide since 2000. Both programs originate from KCRW-FM in Santa Monica, Calif.

Warren Olney and Tom Brokaw to be honored

Prior to his radio career, Olney worked for 35 years as a television reporter and anchor in Washington D.C., Sacramento, and Los Angeles, including stints with the ABC-, NBC- and CBS-owned television stations in LA. The award-winning journalist was also an anchor at public television station KCET in Los Angeles. Olney will receive the RTNA’s 2012 Lifetime Achievement Award.

Tom Brokaw remains one of the most familiar faces in broadcast news, serving as the managing editor and anchor of the NBC Nightly News for more than two decades. He is the only person to have regularly anchored NBC’s three major news programs: The Today Show, NBC Nightly News and Meet The Press. He is
now a special correspondent for NBC News and a documentary producer and anchor.

Brokaw is also the author of the best seller The Greatest Generation and is currently climbing best-seller charts with his latest book, The Time of Our Lives.

The awards will be presented on Saturday, Jan. 21st at the Universal Hilton Hotel in Universal City as part of a show honoring the best in radio, television, and internet broadcast journalism in Southern California.

The Golden Mikes are presented annually by the Radio & Television News Assn. of Southern California, the non-profit group representing broadcast newsrooms in Los Angeles, San Diego, and all of the other markets from Bakersfield south to the Mexican border.

Note: edited photo of Olney from his website, Brokaw from a photo on Wikipedia by David Shankbone.

The Association of Orange County Deputy Sheriffs has hired Kimberly Edds, from the Orange County Register. Edds is now the Association’s Director of Communications & Public Relations. It is a new position.

The Deputy Sheriffs Association wants to increase their internal communication effort within the membership, and provide accurate information on law enforcement issues important to the community.

Tom Dominguez, the Deputy Sheriffs Association President says they recognize that communication is everything in today’s world. The Association hired Ms. Edds to take this important facet of the organization to the next level.

Kimberly Edds is a well-regarded and experienced journalist who most recently served as an investigative reporter for the Orange County Register, covering county government and public safety. She previously reported on nine Western states for The Washington Post.

In response to the strong wind event forecast for California, CAL FIRE increased its staffing and fire equipment throughout the state. High winds and low humidity expected over much of the state may continue for the next few days.

In some areas wind gusts are expected exceed 60 mph. The wildfire threat is especially severe in wind prone areas including the Sierras, the East Bay Hills, the Central Coast, and throughout Southern California, including Orange County.

“The recent devastating wildland fire in Reno, Nevada is a reminder that fires can burn during the winter months even when temperatures are low,” said Chief Ken Pimlott, CAL FIRE director. “With the strong winds forecast, the fire danger will increase in many areas and we will have extra firefighters on duty so that we can respond to any new wildfires that may ignite.”

CAL FIRE increased their preparedness by staffing additional state wildland fire engines, dozers, fire crews, and aircraft. Other fire agencies also are on alert. State resources are positioned throughout the state to allow for rapid response into communities and watershed areas affected by a fast moving wildfire. The increased staffing includes the county fire departments of Ventura, Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, Kern and Orange, who CAL FIRE contracts with for fire protection of State Responsibility Areas.

All residents are encouraged to exercise extreme caution when in or near the wildland or open areas to prevent a fire.

In addition, everyone should monitor the weather and be on the lookout for fires. If fires occur in your area, be prepared to follow all instructions of fire and law enforcement officials if an evacuation is ordered.

Winds of the high forecast velocity can cause conditions to change rapidly and the you and your family are encouraged to review “Ready, Set, Go” procedures at www.ReadyForWildfire.org. Each person and family should insure that they are “Set” for a potential emergency situation and prepared to activate the “Go” (evacuation) portion in a calm and safe manner.

If you carry a credit card or a debit card, or even a government or military ID, you could be at risk of losing your information.

That means almost everyone is at risk!

There is widespread and often illegal use of RFID technology. Tthe easy ability of electronic eavesdroppers to read magnetic strips and computer chips which are embedded in the cards are a growing problem.

Protecting personal information can be done inexpensively, now, with anti-RFID Credit/Debit Card Sleeves.

These new sleeves have anti-RFID technology to protect cards, including your Driver’s license, greencard, passport card, military ID, government ID, credit and debit cards, bank cards, and medical and other insurance cards.

You are vulnerable to having your identity stolen, no matter whether you keep your cards in your pocket, wallet, or briefcase. The worst thing is that you won’t even know it has happened. Hand-held RFID scanners are very small now. Thieves only need to be near to you and they can collect your information.

The nonprofit Institute of Consumer Financial Education, based in San Diego, California, has created specially laminated plastic card sleeves designed to keep personal information safe from prying electronic eavesdroppers. Electronic pickpockets are expected to be on the prowl, throughout the upcoming shopping season, especially at the mall.

The certified lamination consists of a poly film and RFID shielding substrate. The new technology prevents the magnetic strip being read by RFID scanners.

This will make a lot of people happy today!

More than 250 Soldiers of the California National Guard’s (CNG) 640th Aviation Support Battalion (ASB) will land at Los Alamitos Army Airfield, Joint Forces Training Base, Los Alamitos in two flights at 6 a.m. and 6:20 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 17. During their yearlong deployment in support of Operation New Dawn in Taji, Iraq, the 640th ASB was the only unit of its kind, a vital role in the maintenance, fueling and logistical requirements for more than 250 helicopters in the theater of operations.

The 640th also trained the Iraqi Army, helping to build and reinforce their aviation logistical capabilities to ensure their success as a nation. In total, nearly 500 troops of the 640th ASB are flying home to various locations across the state to reunite with their families Thursday.

This will mark the single largest return home of CNG troops since President Obama announced on Oct. 21, 2011, the complete withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq before the year’s end. Since the war began, the CNG has been at the forefront in responding to our nation’s call.

More than 15,000 California National Guardsmen have deployed in support of operations there.

Sadly, 27 CNG Soldiers have made the ultimate sacrifice by giving their lives in combat.

The JFTB is located at 11200 Lexington Drive, Los Alamitos,CA 90720.

See Also:
640th ASB Wraps up Its Mission for Operation New Dawn

Sgt 1st Class Kristoffer Domeij

Kristoffer Domeij grew up in in Orange County and in the Rancho Bernardo community.

A star football player at Rancho Bernardo High School, Kristoffer Domeij graduated in 2001. His father, Bob Domeij was Minister of Music for Rancho Bernardo Baptist Church, now known as Lightbridge Church.

Kris became one of the Army’s most decorated soldiers, earning three Bronze Stars. He had multiple tours of combat duty with the Army Rangers in Afghanistan and Iraq, and he was on his 14th tour when he was killed by a roadside bomb.

His relatives, friends and comrades are to meet at Maranatha Chapel in San Diego this Sunday, to honor the his life.

“Then I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here am I. Send me!” – Isaiah 6:8;.”

The gathering at Maranatha Chapel is Sunday, November 13, at 2:30pm

Sunday, November 13
2:30 pm(1430hrs)
Maranatha Chapel
10752 Coastwood Road,
San Diego, CA 92127
(858)-613-7800

20 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ANIMAL SHELTERS COME TOGETHER FOR

THE FALL 5000 SUPER ADOPTION

Weekend Adoption Event Starts the Race to 5000 Adoptions in November

WHAT: The Los Angeles Animal Alliance presents an unprecedented adoption campaign spanning 5 counties with a goal of finding forever homes for 5000 shelter animals in the month of November. The campaign kicks off November 4-6 with a weekend Super Adoption at all participating shelters featuring discounted adoption fees and giveaways to adopters, personal matchmakers and professional behavior trainers. To honor our nation’s heroes, The Fall 5000 also launches the Pets to Patriots program, sponsored by The Jason Debus Heigl Foundation, which offers free adoptions for veterans throughout November at participating shelters.

WHEN: November 4-6, 11:00 am – 4:00 pm

WHERE: 20 animal shelters throughout Southern California including Los Angeles Animal Services, Los Angeles County Animal Care and Control, Riverside County Department of Animal Services, San Bernardino City Animal Shelter, Camarillo Animal Shelter, Irvine Animal Care Center and Orange County Animal Care.

Los Angeles Animal Services

South LA Animal Shelter, 3612 11th Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90018

North Central Animal Shelter, 3201 Lacy St., Los Angeles, CA 90031

East Valley Animal Shelter, 14409 Vanowen St., Van Nuys, CA 91405

West Valley Animal Shelter, 20655 Plummer St., Chatsworth, CA 91311

West LA Animal Shelter, 11361 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90064

Harbor Animal Shelter, 957 N. Gaffey St., San Pedro, CA 90731

Los Angeles County Animal Care and Control

Agoura Animal Care Center, 29525 Agoura Rd., Agoura, CA 91301

Baldwin Park Animal Care Center, 4275 N. Elton, Baldwin Park, CA 91706

Carson Animal Care Center, 216 W. Victoria St., Gardena, CA 90248

Castaic Animal Care Center, 31044 N. Charlie Canyon Rd., Castaic, CA 91384

Downey Animal Care Center, 11258 S. Garfield Ave., Downey, CA 90242

Lancaster Animal Care Center, 5210 W. Ave I, Lancaster, CA 93536

Antelope Valley Adoption Center, 42116 4^th St. East, Lancaster, CA 93535

Riverside County Department of Animal Services

Blythe Animal Shelter, 245 S. Carlton, Riverside, CA 92225 (closed Saturday and Sunday)

Coachella Valley Animal Shelter, 72-050 Pet Land Pl., Thousand Palms, CA 92276 (closed on Sunday)

Western Riverside Animal Shelter, 6851 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside, CA 92509(closed on Sunday)

San Bernardino City Animal Shelter

333 Chandler Place, San Bernardino, CA 92408 (closed on Sunday)

Camarillo Shelter

600 Aviation Dr., Camarillo, CA 93010

Irvine Animal Care Center

6443 Oak Canyon Rd., Irvine, CA 92618

Orange County Animal Care Center

561 The City Drive South, Orange, CA 92868

WHY: To find homes for all the great animals in our Southern California shelters.

FOR PRESS INQUIRIES: Weil Public Relations, 818-341-3646 / 818-378-8995,rachel@weilpr.com

The Los Angeles Animal Alliance is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation dedicated to creating high-impact programs that help humane organizations and local communities work together to increase adoptions, promote spay/neuter, maximize life-saving and end the euthanasia of healthy and treatable animals.

www.TheFall5000.org

FREEDOM FLIGHT TAKES 50 SHELTER DOGS TO SAFETY

The Orange Dog Transport, Sponsored by TD Bank,

Gives Dogs a Second Chance at Life

Long Beach, CA – Orange Dog’s sixth Freedom Flight will depart from Long Beach on October 27^th to transport 50 small dogs from the Mary S. RobertsPet Adoption Center to the Edmonton Humane Society in Canada, where they will have a better chance of finding a forever home. The flight, sponsored by TD Bank, is set to depart at 9:15 am.

In 2010, Jan Folk opened Orange Dog Bar and Grill (the “restaurant with a cause”) in Huntington Beach to give back to her community. All merchandise sales from the restaurant support her nonprofit, Orange Dog Inc., which saves dogs from shelters in Los Angeles and brings them to shelters and humane societies in Canada where the euthanasia rates are much lower. All online sales from the charity’s website support their life-saving flights toCanada where shelters have a wait list for small dogs to adopt!

Approximately one million dogs and cats enter California shelters each year and over half of them are euthanized because there are not enough people adopting them. “To me, success has always meant contributing to the community. It’s one way I live my values,” Folk states. “Animal shelters inCalifornia are overflowing with animals, many of whom will be euthanized. As an animal lover this breaks my heart. As an entrepreneur, this was a call to action!”

Wednesday the 26^th 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm, The Orange Dog Bar and Grill,18552 Beach Blvd., Huntington Beach, will be hosting an evening of entertainment to celebrate the Freedom Flight and to raise awareness for homeless animals. Pictures of all the dogs scheduled to be on the flight on the 27th will be displayed at the restaurant that evening!

Thursday the 27^th 8:00 am – 9:00 am, 50 small dogs will board a private Gulfstream lll jet at AirFlite, 3250 AirFlite Way in Long Beach. At 9:15 am theOrange Dog Freedom Flight departs for the Edmonton Humane Society inCanada, giving these dogs a second change at life!

www.orangedog.ca

WHETHER YOUR ZIP CODE CAN DETERMINE YOUR HEALTH

AND HOW WALMART IS MOVING IN

ALL NEW EPISODE AIRS OCTOBER 7 AT 8:30 PM

LOS ANGELES, October 4 – This week on SoCal Connected, correspondent Angie Crouch takes a look at fat and skinny ZIP codes and the correlation between park space and overall health in “Park Poor,” while correspondent Judy Muller investigates a new plan by Walmart, the nation’s largest retailer, to move into neighborhoods previously denied to them in “Big Box Invasion.” The all-new episode airs Friday, October 7 at 8:30 p.m.

“PARK POOR”

When it comes to green space, Los Angeles is one of the poorest major cities in the nation. Correspondent Angie Crouch delves into new research that shows a direct correlation between income, race, health, and the availability of community park space. Activists have taken the lead as the city and county lag, but they often face a multitude of political road blocks. Tune in to find out which LA County cities are living fit and which are living large. The producer is Karen Foshay.

“BIG BOX INVASION”

For years, Walmart has weathered protests, ballot measures, and resolutions designed specifically to keep big box chains out of LA County. With only a handful of stores spread throughout the densely populated area, the megastore may have found a way to open new stores in the wake of the recession and glut of commercial real estate on the market. Walmart’s new strategy is centered on purchasing space left vacant by defunct retailers like Mervyns without public hearings, zoning permits, and environmental impact studies that have prevented the retailer from opening shop in the past.

While protesters are making noise, other city officials are happy to have Walmart as their neighbor, including the jobs they create and their low cost products and groceries.   Correspondent Judy Muller reports. The producer is Karen Foshay.

“THE UNGER REPORT”

This week, satirist Brian Unger weighs in on the hysteria surrounding the upcoming release of the iPhone 5.

The all-new episode airs Friday, October 7 at 8:30 p.m.

The Executive Producer of SoCal Connected is Bret Marcus. Co-Executive Producer is Justine Schmidt. Anchor is Val Zavala.

About SoCal Connected

SoCal Connected, winner of the Peabody and duPont-Columbia awards, 14 Emmy® Awards, 15 Golden Mikes, 18 LA Press Club Awards, the Edward R. Murrow Award for Best News Documentary and Los Angeles Magazine’s “Best New Local TV Program” of 2009, airs Fridays (8:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.), with encores Saturdays (6 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.), Sundays (6:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.) and Mondays (10:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.) exclusively on KCET. For more information, to view episodes online or to post comments, please visitwww.kcet.org/socalconnected.

SoCal Connected is made possible through the generous support of The Ahmanson Foundation, serving the Los Angeles community since 1952; Jim and Anne Rothenberg; The Maddocks-Brown Foundation; The Elizabeth Hofert-Dailey Trust; The John Randolph Haynes & Dora Haynes Foundation; Akaloa Resource Foundation, The City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, UCLA and U.S. Bank.

Press Contacts

Nick Jones or Liza Nedelman, MPRM Communications

323-933-3399; socal@mprm.com

The Santa Monica Museum of Art (SMMOA) in California is currently organizing “Tantra Song: Contemporary Tantric Paintings from Rajasthan” till December 10.

This is a collection of 39 anonymous works from India; made in tempera, gouache, and watercolor on salvaged paper. “The process of painting these works is part of a spiritual practice” and they are “anointed for use as spiritual objects”, the Museum announcement says.

This rare lineage of Tantric art evolved from seventeenth-century, and these deeply symbolic paintings, used to awaken heightened states of consciousness, include a range of familiar geometric forms, each imbued with spiritual meaning, symbolically represent goddess Shakti, Lord Shiva, etc.

Applauding SMMOA for exhibiting Hinduism focused art, Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, said that art had a long and rich tradition in Hinduism and ancient Sanskrit literature talked about religious paintings of deities on wood or cloth.

Rajan Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, urged major art museums of the world, including Musee du Louvre and Musee d’Orsay of Paris, Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, Los Angeles Getty Center, Uffizi Gallery of Florence (Italy), Art Institute of Chicago, Tate Modern of London, Prado Museum of Madrid, National Gallery of Art in Washington DC, etc., to frequently organize Hindu art focused exhibitions, thus sharing the rich Hindu art heritage with the rest of the world.

SMMOA, founded in 1984, claims to foster “diversity, innovation, and discovery in contemporary art” and celebrate “expanding boundaries; exploring individual differences; enhancing public knowledge of art; and broadening the art experience”. Elsa Longhauser is the Executive Director while Peter A. Gelles is Board of Directors President.