White House

Adam B. Schiff very well represents Glendale and its surrounding communities of the 29th Congressional District in Congress. I know him well, and I am honored and pleased to tell you about him and his representation of our community in Congress. He is a young, vigorous and energetic person of impeccable honesty and integrity, a bright mind, an approachable personality, a beautiful family, a responsive advocate for excellence in health care, a strong supporter of public education and a loyal, deeply committed representative to his constituents.

GLENDALE CITY COUNCIL Mayor Dave Weaver dweaver@ci.glendale.ca.us Councilman Rafi Manoukian rmanoukian@ci.glendale.ca.us Councilman Frank Quintero fquintero@ci.glendale.ca.us Councilman Ara Najarian anajarian@ci.glendale.ca.us Councilman Bob Yousefian byousefian@ci.glendale.ca.us CRESCENTA VALLEY TOWN COUNCIL webmaster@ yourtowncouncil.org President Sharon Hales Vice President Sharon Raghavachary Recording Secretary Brian Ostler Treasurer Robert Thomas Corresponding Secretary Danette Erickson Councilwoman Grace Andrus Councilman Charles Beatty Councilwoman Clair Rawlins Councilman Krista Smiley Alternate Councilman Steve Pierce Alternate Councilman William Bodell Alternate Councilwoman Jaleen Lunt UNITED STATES President George W. Bush president@whitehouse.

?Ollie Johnston of La Cañada Flintridge, the last remaining "nine old men" from Disney's golden age, receives National Medal of Arts.BURBANK -- La Cañada-Flintridge resident Ollie Johnston -- the last of the elite animators from the golden age of the Walt Disney Co. -- was awarded the National Medal of Arts Thursday morning in a ceremony with President Bush at the White House. Johnston, 93, was recognized for his contributions to animation through his work on such classic Disney films as "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs," "Pinocchio" and "Bambi."

City must salvage condo project The editorial "Investigation into condo mess needed" (Community Forum, Oct. 1-2) provided some interesting scenarios of how Glendale city government is operating these days. While accountability is an important aspect of this development plan that seemingly has gone awry, it is understandable why our city officials are concerned about the possible demise of this noteworthy project. Having recently spent a couple of days in downtown San Diego, where Bosa Development projects are thriving and making a significant impact on the skyline, it's not surprising that our City Council is up in arms.

Comments about victims way out there After reading Ray Shelton's letter, "Their fate is in their own hands," on Monday, I have always thought this guy was way out there and now I know for sure. What he writes today is the candles on the cake! Concerning the flood victims in New Orleans, he wants to know, why didn't these people get out when ordered to evacuate? Why didn't they have the money to do so? Why didn't they have a savings account to fall back on?

Ani Amirkhanian From riding a camel in Egypt to hosting a dinner for a foreign dignitary, Gladys Devaney has lived a life of service and adventure. The 90-year-old Glendale resident is proud of her accomplishments and credits her ancestors with giving her the health and longevity genes to make it all possible. Devaney was able to pursue a college degree before the Great Depression. She entered the workforce during the Depression era. After graduating from UCLA with degrees in economics and psychology, Devaney got a job with the Los Angeles Civil Service Commission and then moved to Washington, D.C., where she worked for the State Department for 10 years.

Edgar Melik-Stepanyan Mark Loretta (St. Francis, 1989), second baseman, San Diego Padres -- Loretta has quickly developed a reputation as being one of the best contact hitters in the game after a stellar season last year in which he was a National League All-Star. He had an outstanding 2004 season, registering 65 extra-base hits, including 47 doubles and 16 home runs. He also drove in 76 runs and scored 108 runs, both career highs. Loretta also set career highs for average, hits, homers and runs batted in. The two-time team most valuable player has been solid on defense, and is primed to lead the Padres after an eventful offseason.

Very few first ladies have stood so close to the center of power in American government and have understood so well the hopes and dreams of the American people as Rosalynn Carter. Carter will make a rare public speaking appearance in Pasadena as part of the Distinguished Speaker Series at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium on Jan. 12 at 8 p.m. This small-town girl inspired the nation with her independence and commanded the world's attention when she traveled the globe as a special presidential envoy.

Dan Kimber's agenda hidden in column subtext Dan Kimber's front page article, titled "Making history matter to kids" (Dec. 10), was quite a revelation from a 30-year history teacher. This is his direct quote to his students: "If we are to continue implanting democracy across the globe, our troop strength will undoubtedly require more than a volunteer force." He then says he is not trying to be "partisan or political." I don't think you need a PhD to see where Kimber is coming from.

I would like to share a special memory of President Reagan. More than 40 years ago, my friend and neighbor, Dorothy West, was a secretary at the Hollywood Screen Actors' Guild when Reagan was president of the guild. It was at the time of the big strike, and there was to be a meeting of both factions. Dorothy had to stay and take notes, so I took care of her two children. When she returned, she said, "Ronald Reagan should be president of the United States!