"Kenny Atkins Retires; *** Pedro on Lock-On; *** Taverna Declared A Crime Scene!"

*** New Content Alert ! *** Be sure to check out the new photos taken by Marla Liberty and uploaded to this Blog on 07.22.09 and which appear below under the heading,
Epilogue II". Enjoy !




(Photo above by Nick Steers. Scraped from the pages of the Facebook Group, "L.A. County Lifeguards And Alumni" without permission. Woo Hoo!)


Dateline: Thursday, June 11, 2009
San Pedro, Calif.

Re: *** "Kenny Atkins Retires; Pedro on Lock-On; Taverna Declared A Crime Scene !"

Reports and photos continue to trickle in of the ridiculously successful retirement send off for Kenny Atkins this past thursday nite at a certain Greek Taverna in San Pedro. This blog post will most likely continue to be updated with new content as it is forwarded to "County Recurrent." To date, we've only heard from Randy Steigley, who in an email this afternoon professed, "The belly dancer will be my wife, I'm in love ! oxomoxo Steigley". Another witness says he saw Steigley with a dollar bill in his mouth which leads to all sorts of speculation. To which we at "County Recurrent" demand to know why there was no mention of a belly dancer in the flyer ?! Those of us caught up at the annual Johnny Joseph Scholarship Dinner would have bolted that event for sure had we known of the "entertainment" at Kenny's retirement !!!

"County Recurrent" was able to secure a couple of Classic Shots taken by Joel Gitelson at Kenny's Retirement Party and here they are:


(Photo by and courtesy of Joel Gitelson. Kenny with John Burich.)


(Photo by and courtesy of Joel Gitelson. Kenny with Chris.)
note: Jury is still out on the explanation of this award.

In addition, "County Recurrent" has rifled through its vast library of photos and located some photos featuring Capt. Kenny Atkins, which we will narrate as part of this retrospective celebration and inquisition.

We begin with the photo below which is where this odyssey began in 1971 with that year's L.A. City Beach Lifeguard Rookie Group Shot. How is it that Kenny has not aged?

(Photo above courtesy of Kenny Atkins and Richard Mark).


(Photo above is from Jimmy Makuta's Retirement Party in June 2008. L2R: Mark Newman, M.D., Dave Estey, S.O.L., Ret.; and Kenny Atkins holding what is almost certainly 'not' a glass of Martinelli's cider).


(Photo above is from earlier this month at Scott Davey's Retirement Party; Shown here, L2R, retired LACo S.O.L., Donny Souther with Kenny).


(Photo above shows the Infamous Atkins Brothers, Dan and Kenny. Brothers from a different mother, that is. Never before seen together until this very day!)


(Another photo from Scott Davey's retirement party shows Kenny, at left, with LACo Recurrents, Jamie Orr, and Will Maguire, at right).


(Arthur Verge, at left, with Kenny and Jamie Orr).

Congratulations to Kenny ! Your retirement, while certainly not welcomed by your colleagues, is a just reward for your many years of outstanding service to the public. Your many, many friends are as well a testament to your personal charm, warmth, integrity, and then, of course, there is your Outstanding Sense of Humor ! It has already been calculated that "practical jokes" within the Lifeguard Dept. have already precipitously dropped since your last day. :-) If anyone can enjoy retirement with a smile, we know it will be you ! Kenny Atkins is now officially 10-7. And so we wave goodbye with this Sept. '07 photo from CSHQ showing Kenny with Jimmy Makuta.


(Photo above: Kenny Atkins, at right, with Jimmy Makuta, at CSHQ, Sept. 2007. Photo courtesy of Will Maguire).


Until next time.....


"County Recurrent" News
http://CountyRecurrent.blogspot.com

Legend:

*** = Ridiculous Parody Only.

Epilogue: Just in from Kenny himself, 06.15.09:

"Wow, what a party! Thanks to EVERYONE! As is usual at these things, when you want to say stuff you never can say all the things that you wish or considered saying before the event. I DO wish to thank everyone for a fantastic career...it wouldn't have been the same without every one of you! I've said this many times before, but every time I got on the freeway towards LA and looked at the people in the cars around me imagining they were heading to their regular nightmare of traffic, parking search / expense, and their individually decorated cubicle, I am ever thankful that I found this and was able to continue in it for all these years! There was no better choice for someone like me, to be at the beach, workout, play (Imean train!) but also to do something as rewarding as this!

And Randy, as for the belly dancer, I heard she was looking for your cell number...was that your phone or residence?"

***** ***** *****

Epilogue II: All Photos below by Marla Liberty. Courtesy of the Digital Photo Retrieval Skills of Karena Liberty Gurr. Thanks Karena ! Uploaded, 07.22.09.
Enjoy !













--- --- ---
That's All Folks !

***** ***** ***** ***** *****

"It's On !" "Oh Yeah, It's On All Right !"

Head's Up !

Saturday, June 20, 2009
The First Annual Malibu Surf and Sport Festival.

"The Zuma Beach Half Mile Ocean Swim":
9 a.m. at Tower #4.

But leave your wetsuits and bodysuits at home. Same goes for your fins because this race is "old school". Break out the lycra and nylon. Blood testing for PED's may follow so all you juicers, stay home. Can't swim without your fins on, bring an umbrella ! Woo Hoo !

Click on the poster above for further details.

And just in from Baywatch Rescue Boat Capt., Jay Butki, the following comprehensive order of events for the Malibu Surf and Sport Festival's weekend events of June 20 - 21, 2009:

Mark your race calendar for June 20, 2009 when the 2009 Malibu Surf & Sport Festival presented by Bud Light will hit the water at Zuma Beach and Malibu Surfrider Beach.



The Malibu Surf and Sports Festival is a great two event day filled with action, food, and creative expressions. Over 2,000 participants from around the country will converge to take part in celebrating the majestic beauty of the Malibu.

Our main staging area will feature a Summer Solstice Chumash blessing honoring the many world class athletes.

Activities include a myriad of surf events including paddleboard and surfcraft racing, lifeguard competitions, a California Beach Volleyball Association (CBVA) tournament, a bicycle race, the Call to the Wall surf contest, art show, Surfboard Water Polo, and a Film Presentation on the World Famous Malibu Pier.

Paddleboarders and Stand Up Paddlers from up and down the coast of California and all points on the watery globe will converge on Zuma Beach in Malibu, to compete for the coveted Tom Zahn Memorial Waterman’s Race title, and the inaugural Malibu Stand Up Surf Slalom at famed Surfrider at the Malibu Pier.

Winners of several of the Ocean events get their names on the new Malibu Perpetual Trophy hot curl redwood board.

The best paddlers in the country come here to brave the waters of the Malibu Coastline and test their paddling skills against a field of top competitors and to enjoy the unique setting that only the famous Malibu Coast can provide. They also come to pay their respects to surfing star, Paddleboard icon, and Lifeguard legend Rescue Boat Captain Tom Zahn. "THE ROLEX OF LIFEGUARDS AND WATERMAN".



(Photos above (x 2), Courtesy of LACo Rescue Boat Captain Jay Butki.)

The level of competition for the 8.5 nautical mile Tom Zahn race seems to increase year after year. The new 3 mile Stand Up Surf Slalom race is a great opportunity for beginning paddlers who aren’t quite ready to spend two hours giving it all they’ve got on the 8.5 mile course. Advanced Stand Up paddlers will also enjoy the 3 downwind surfing laps of the Surf Slalom course as well as the top finishers earn an invite to the Elite race at the 2009 Battle of the Paddle.

The Tom Zahn Memorial Waterman's Race is an open-ocean, near-shore race. Baywatch Rescue boats and lifeguard jet skis will be in the water for your safety. All Zahn Race competitors will be fed at the finish line. First 100 registered competitors will receive a Malibu Surf & Sport Festival Patagonia Race jersey. All registered competitors receive an event T-shirts. Oakley sunglasses for the top OVERALL finishers in the Tom Zahn Memorial Waterman's Race and the Malibu Stand Up Surf Slalom.


Visit www.ussupa.com for course maps and detailed registration information.

2009 Malibu Surf & Sport Festival Schedule:
Approximate event times:
Zuma Beach Tower 4
8:00 AM "THE JAKE" National Doryman’s Association SURFBOAT RACE
9:00 AM ZUMA 1/2 MILE ROUGH WATER SWIM
9:30 AM SURFSKI RACE-Men
9:40 AM SURFSKI RACE-Women
9:50 AM RUN-SWIM-RUN-Men
10:00 AM RUN-SWIM-RUN -Women
10:10 AM 10'6" PADDLEBOARD RACE-Men
10:20 AM 10'6" PADDLEBOARD RACE-Women
10:30 AM Kids BEACH FLAGS
10:45 AM BOARD RESCUE-Men
11:00 AM BOARD RESCUE -Women
11:15 AM NDA 3 LAP SURFBOAT RACE
11:30 AM 10' 6" PADDLEBOARD RELAY-3 Males
11:45 AM 10' 6" PADDLEBOARD RELAY-3 Females

12:30 PM Tom Zahn Memorial Waterman's Race-(8.5 nautical miles Zuma to Malibu Pier)

4:00 PM Malibu Stand Up Surf Slalom-(3 x 1 mile laps at Malibu Surfider )

5:00 PM Surfboard Water Polo (Malibu Pier)

5:00 PM Malibu Surf and Sport Summer Solstice Hookilau Party on Malibu Pier-Music, Food, Drink and performance art by Norton Wisdom

Pier Party ends 10 p.m.

See you on the Beach!


Race Sponsors:
Bud Light, Ford, Patagonia, Michelob Ultra, Anheuser Busch, Oakley, Spalding, 180 Energy Drink,
Becker, US Stand Up Association, California Beach Volleyball Association, Malibu Boardriders Club

About US Stand Up Paddleboard Association:
US SUPA s a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting stand up paddleboard racing and training and putting on quality events that benefit the sport, fostering stewardship of the local environment, and to share the stoke by providing an energetic vehicle to mesh the Stand Up Surf culture with other community groups.

About Beachsport.org:
Beachsport.org is your company's one stop access to the West Coast's most popular and heavily attended beaches. Beachsport was created as an Event Marketing arm for Scott Hubbell Productions. Incorporated in 1985, SHP inc. has an extensive experience in the fields of beach marketing, event promotions, and ocean sport competitions, with a diversified track record of providing production services for the film and television industry



Malibu Surf & Sport Festival-
Tom Zahn Memorial Waterman's Race

12:30 p.m. Saturday, June 20, 2009

Zuma Beach
30050 Pacific Coast Highway Malibu, CA

Entry Fees:
$30 (or $50 for both the Tom Zahn Race and the Malibu Stand Up Surf Slalom)

Entry Forms: http://ussupa.com/Events%20_files/Stand%20up%20full%20info%20.pdf

The Tom Zahn Waterman's Race is 8.5 nautical miles long from Zuma Beach Lifeguard Tower #4 to Malibu Pier


12:30 p.m. Start offshore at the Zuma Lifeguard Tower 4 buoy
Paddle around Pt Dume & around Malibu Pier;
Finish on the beach below the Beachcomber Restaurant.

Refreshments for all participants at the finish line.

Divisions:
Unlimited Paddleboard,
14' Paddleboard,
12' Paddleboard,
Open Stand Up Paddleboard,
14' Stand Up Paddleboard,
12' 6 Stand Up Paddleboard
*1st - 3rd in the Men's and Women's 12' 6 class earns an invite to the Battle of the Paddle Elite Race

Unlimited Surfski,
Lifeguard Spec. surfski,
Dory

Malibu Surf & Sport Festival-
Malibu Stand Up Surf Slalom
4 p.m. Saturday, June 20, 2009

Malibu Pier
23000 Pacific Coast Highway Malibu, CA

Entry Fees: $30
(or $50 for both the Tom Zahn Waterman's Race and the Malibu Stand Up Surf Slalom)
Registration form:
http://ussupa.com/Events%20_files/Stand%20up%20full%20info%20_1.pdf

4:00 p.m. MALIBU STAND UP PADDLEBOARD SURF SLALOM - 3 miles total distance.

Three 1 nautical mile laps of Stand Up Paddleboard racing at Malibu Pier

Lap 1-
Beach Start, Paddle to buoys offshore from Malibu Pier, right turn and paddle up to the Buoy off of Malibu Third Point, right turn and paddle downwind back towards the base of Malibu Pier along the First Point surf, right turn around the West Pier buoy

Lap 2-
after rounding the West Pier buoy, Paddle through the Pier and right turn around the East Pier buoy and right turn around the end of the Pier and back up to the Third Point buoy, right turn and paddle downwind back towards the base of Malibu Pier along the First Point surf, right turn around the West Pier buoy

Lap 3-
after rounding the West Pier buoy, Paddle through the Pier and right turn around the East Pier buoy and right turn around the end of the Pier and back up to the Third Point buoy, right turn round the Third Point buoy and paddle downwind along the First Point surf back towards Malibu Lifeguard Tower #1 for a beach funnel finish

Divisions:
14’ SUP fixed fin,
12’6” SUP fixed fin
* Battle of the Paddle Elite invite qualifiers for 1st-3rd Men & Women in the 12'6" class

*No Open class SUPs in the Malibu Stand Up Surf Slalom

For More info:

http://ussupa.com

http://beachsport.org/2009/malibu_surf_sports_festival.html

http://www.facebook.com/inbox/readmessage.php?t87082639859&f=1&e=0#/event.php?eid6487840260&ref=mf


Until next time...


"CountyRecurrent" News
http://CountyRecurrent.blogspot.com

Service • Training • Commitment

*** Keeping the County Recurrent "in the loop"..... whether he/she likes it or NOT ! ***

DISCLAIMER: County Recurrent is not affiliated with nor sponsored by LACOLA or LACoFD.

Chief Scott Davey Retires; ***Curfew Imposed in Southbay !

Dateline: Monday, June 1, 2009

A large crowd of family and friends, lifeguards and the Scott Davey fanbase congregated at the Kiwanis Youth Club in Hermosa Beach, Calif. to celebrate Scott's 38 year career as an LACo Ocean Lifeguard. Shortly after this event, a curfew was imposed by public safety officials in the southbay beach communities until Scott's replacement is named.

"County Recurrent" was able to snap some photos of this illustrious event and we hope you will enjoy them.


Some Old Timers observed on the sidewalk at 1830 hrs, just south of Gould Ave. on Valley Drive in Hermosa Beach.... as the event was just starting.


The Tiki Torches are Lit, The Barbecue is Smokin' and the Front Doors are open...


A couple of early imbibing guests, L2R: Donny Souther and Kenny Atkins.


Apologies to Scott Linkletter who looks like he wants to kick my ass for startling him, at left, with Mark Lozano, at right, the latter of which is a famed veteran of all three sections including several tours of duty in Central Section where he battled the raging surf and rips and currents...


The Master of Ceremonies, Steve Moseley, doing what he does so well


The Guest of Honor, upon his arrival, at 1850 hrs, with his wife and son, followed by a couple more Group Shots upon their entry.





Some guests at the other door... leading to the FOOD, which was Awesome!, including Chief Mike Frazer, at center


A Very Rare Photo of the Infamous "Atkins Brothers", L2R: Kenny and Dan.


L2R: Scott, donning a plastic ring buoy, which is a well known forbidden floating device prohibited on LACo beaches and perhaps the unlikeliest or ironic of props to mark Scott's retirement. Scott refused to have the photo taken without Lee in the photo, thus cementing the rumor that Scott is destined for Politics (see additional photo to follow later in this presentation on this rumor...)





LACo Recurrent, Surfer, Beatnik, Poet, Entrepreneur, Kip Jerger, who also won the evening's accolade, "Best Aloha Shirt", as designated and voted by the "County Recurrent" editorial staff.


The support staff, aka, "The Bartenders", L2R: Jay Hopkins and Ivan Wilkins.


The Moseley Boys, L2R: Steve and Max !


*** JJ *** *** Johnny Joseph Sticker Sighting *** Ivan Wilkins, Bartender, S.O.L., JJ - SMC Swim Team Alum, JJ Protege, proudly wearing his "JJ ISWAMFORJJ.COM" sticker !


LACo Supervisor, Don Knabe, at center, with Mr. and Mrs. Scott Davey on either side of him, celebrating Scott's 38 year career !


The Supervisor whispering and reminding Scott that starting tomorrow at 0800 hrs he is to report to the Supervisor's office to begin his grooming for replacing Don upon his retirement...


Harold Dunnigan, center, listening intently to a real rescue story without embellishments by his colleague and comrade in arms, Wayne.


Two Chiefs ! L2R, Don Rohrer and Randy DeGregori.


Two Chiefs and a Captain ! L2R: Tom Viren, Gary Crum, and Capt. Steve Moseley.


LACo Recurrent and LACOLA Rep. and College Professor, Arthur Verge, Ph.d, at left, with Kenny Atkins (center) and Jamie Orr.


LACo Capt. Kenny Atkins, at left, with Jamie Orr, at center; and Will Maguire, at right.


Jimmy Makuta, at left, with Ted Clair.


Capt. Angus Alexander filling out the Retirement Event Log Book and smiling for the camera, which he guessed correctly upon hearing me shout out his name.


The Two Chiefs Bookmarking Charlotte Graham, S.O.L. They look so much better now with Charlotte in between them.



Capt. Tracy Lizotte, at left; with his son, Dillon, at center; with Dave Story, at right.


LACo Chick Magnet, Assnt. Chief Phil Topar, at center, with his ladyfriend, at left; and, LACo Capt. Chris Linkletter, at right.







ZUMA LEGENDS x 3 ! L2R: Jake, Greg Pfeifer and John Baker.


Harold Dunnigan, at left, with Wayne, hamming and yamming it up.




Congratulations to Scott and his family ! "County Recurrent" has no idea who can replace Scott's enthusiasm, expertise, work ethic and integrity, but we know that he has imparted his wisdom to many lucky and fortunate colleagues. In the words of Harold Dunnigan, "Scott's dedication and unique contributions to LACOLA are immeasurable. We owe him and his family many thanks."

Aloha and Mahalo, Scott !

Until next time...


"County Recurrent" News
http://CountyRecurrent.blogspot.com

Service • Training • Commitment

*** Keeping the County Recurrent "in the loop"..... whether he/she likes it or NOT ! ***

DISCLAIMER: County Recurrent is not affiliated with nor sponsored by LACOLA or LACoFD.

***LEGEND: *** = Parody Remark Only ! No actual curfew in effect.


***** ***** ***** ***** *****

Attn: LACo Recurrents; Action Steps to Counter Proposed State Park Closures

( Photo above shows Leo Carrillo State Park, which is among the State Parks proposed to be closed; Photo source: http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=616 )

Attn: LACo Recurrents

This is a two-part Informational and Action Communique to counter the proposed State of Calif. plans to close state parks, including state beach parks:

1. Courtesy of David Kupfer, May 29, 2009 7:47:33 PM PDT

Please take action now and click http://ga3.org/campaign/budget_may09 now to send letters to legislators and the Governor and http://www.calparks.org/takeaction/closurelist.html to see the full list of possible closures and legislators (see attachment).

The Governor's short-sighted proposal will impact every California resident. It is the very definition of "penny-wise, pound foolish". Consider the facts:

FACT: The General Fund budget that state parks receive accounts for less than 1/10 of one percent of the entire state budget.

FACT: Cutting the General Fund contribution to State Parks would reduce the $23.4 billion deficit by only .25 percent.

FACT: Last year alone, there were over 80 million visitors to state parks – and all indications are that this year was going to be even higher.

FACT: For every dollar that funds the parks, $2.35 is returned to the state's General Fund through economic activities in the communities surrounding the parks.

That means eliminating all funding for state parks could actually result in the state losing over $350 million dollars in revenue and untold number of jobs.

If you can attend Tuesday's Legislative Budget Conference Committee in Sacramento, it may be the only opportunity for public testimony in front of the Legislature on this issue.


2. Courtesy of LACo Recurrent, M. Spyder Thompson, Ph.d, May 29, 2009 5:01:45 PM PDT;
Re: "this is totally unacceptable..."

Complete List Of State Parks Slated For Closure

Posted: 7:52 pm PDT May 28, 2009Updated: 7:42 am PDT May 29, 2009
SACRAMENTO -- These are the 220 state parks, state beaches, state recreation areas, museums and state reserves that officials say would be closed under Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's proposed budget cuts:

http://www.ktvu.com/news/19596396/detail.html

Your attention and consideration and efforts will be greatly appreciated.

Until next time...

"County Recurrent" News
http://CountyRecurrent.blogspot.com

Service • Training • Commitment

*** Keeping the County Recurrent "in the loop"..... whether he/she likes it or NOT ! ***

DISCLAIMER: County Recurrent is not affiliated with nor sponsored by LACOLA or LACoFD.

LACo Recurrent, Lisa Dial-Timmerman Wins Prestigious Teaching Award !

Palisadian-Post
May 28, 2009, Page 3
"Timmerman's Teaching Passion"

Marquez first-grade teacher Lisa Timmerman has won a Lori Petrick Excellence in Education Award from the Palisades Charter Schools Foundation.


(Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer, Palisadian-Post)

Here is the link to the article online:

http://www.palisadespost.com/content/index.cfm?Story_ID=4885

Way to go Lisa !

Until next time.....

"County Recurrent" News
http://CountyRecurrent.blogspot.com

p.s. Blast from the past, Summer 1989 at SMHQ
(Photo courtesy of Will Maguire)


Third from left on hood of vehicle is Lisa Dial-Timmerman, with Jackie
Burke Carswell, second from left.

SMHQ, Santa Monica Crew Photo Session, Summer 1989.
In this photo, L2R: Dave Estey, Ralph Lee, Lisa Babcock, Dick Orr, Jackie Burke Carswell, Dan Atkins, Mike Frazer, Lisa Dial- Timmerman, Will Maguire, Yoko Shibata, Jeff Gains, Jay Hopkins, Garth Canning.