News Briefs

Los Angeles Air Force Base -- Here's the latest news of interest to the LAAFB community.

Fourth Of July Activities to be Held on Fort Mac

While the annual Summer Bash has been scaled back this year, Services' is hosting the following activities on Fort Mac Arthur, July 4:

*Free swimming all day at the base pool in Fort MacArthur.
*From 6 - 7 p.m., free hot dogs/chips/drinks available at the Community Center.
*From 6 - 8 p.m., Bouncy Castles will be available at the Community Center for children's play.
*From 6 - 9 p.m., music will be played in the Harbor View Lounge in the Community Center.
*The San Pedro fireworks display over the harbor starts at 9 p.m. Blanket seating will be available on the Community Center lawn to see the fireworks.

Dodger Day Tickets Available

The annual City of El Segundo and LAAFB outing will be Friday, July 20, 7:30 at Dodger Stadium, between NL West-East Coast rivals, the LA Dodgers and New York Mets. Tickets are still available for $6 from SMC/PA. Call John Ryan for more information at (310) 653-2252.

Youth Programs' Summer Camp

Nine more weeks of Summer Camp remain. Each period is filled with age-appropriate activities and programs for children ages 4-1/2 to 12 (4-1/2 year olds are allowed if they are starting K-5 this year). Among planned activities are hiking, sports, boogie boarding, BBQs, swimming, arts & crafts, dancing, singing, dramatic performances, kayaking and other water fun and games. There will also be field trips, nature walks and team-building activities. In August, summer camp participants will join the Missoula Children's Theatre for the production of "Pied Piper". To find out more about Summer Camp or to sign up for one week or the entire remaining nine weeks, call the Youth Center at (310)653-8383.

Outdoor Adventures Planning Three July Trips

First trip is a one-day white water rafting experience on the Kern River, a river-rafter's jewel located in Southern California in the heart of the Sequoia National Forest near Bakersfield. Scheduled for Saturday, July 7, the trip will start at 5:30 a.m. with a pick-up of participants at Fort MacArthur. A second pick-up will be made around 6 a.m. at the main base in El Segundo. Rafters must weigh at least 90 pounds and be 14 years of age or older. The cost of $75 includes transportation, guided trip on the river, life jacket/helmet rentals and lunch with drinks. Reservation deadline is June 30. A second rafting trip is scheduled for July 21. Sign-up deadline for that trip is July 13.

A one-day hike up Mt. Baldy is scheduled for Saturday, July 14. This experience will offer breath-taking views as well as the opportunity to be at the highest point in Los Angeles area. This is a seven-hour strenuous 11.25 mile round trip hike with a 4300 ft. elevation gain. Transportation will leave Fort MacArthur at 5:30 a.m. and then the base at 6 a.m. The cost of $15 includes transportation and the services of a guide. Food and water are not included. Return will be around 7 p.m. Registration deadline is July 6.

Sign-ups for any of these adventures can be made by calling Outdoor Recreation at (310)653-6852 or 6853.

Registration for Next Swim Lesson Sessions Begin July 9

Registration for the next series of lessons will begin July 9. Group lessons are $20 per person for eight half-hour lessons. Private lessons can be obtained for $60 per person. Initial hours of operation for the pool are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on the weekends and 12 noon to 8 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. It is closed on Wednesdays for maintenance. Lap swimming is scheduled from 6 to 8 a.m. on Mondays and Fridays. Daily swim pass is $2.00. Season passes are available and determined by rank. All those with military identifications who have access to Fort MacArthur are permitted to use the pool. Active duty military have priority during swim times. More information can be obtained by calling the pool at (310)653-8260.

Idea Program

Put YOUR ideas to work!! The Innovative Development through Employee Awareness (IDEA) Program is one of the many ways the Air Force recognizes it civilian and military employees with cash awards for innovative ideas to improve processes and save the government money. To submit your ideas to the program, call Fernnelia Pay at (310) 653-5795.

July Clinic Closure

The LAAFB and Ft Mac Clinics, including the pharmacy, will be closed Wednesday, July 4 for the Federal Holiday and Thursday, July 5 for Training Day. In the event of an emergency (threat to life, limb or eye-sight), please dial 911. The on-call provider can be reached at (310) 653-CURE (2873)--option 7.

Fort Macarthur Clinic School/Sports Physical Day

School/Sport Physical Day will be held Friday, July 13 at Fort MacArthur Clinic. Please bring school registration forms and immunization records. The clinic will only see school/sport physical patients on this day. For information or scheduling, please call the clinic at (310) 653-2873.

Ticket Office Relocated

Effective June 11, the Ticket Office relocated to the cashier's office in The Club (Bldg. 270). Purpose of the move is to bring this important office closer to base traffic so as to be more convenient for its customers. Telephone number for tickets is (310) 653-1304. Tickets for various local attractions and movie theaters are for sale at discounted prices. Outdoor Recreation is still the place to go to rent equipment and sign up for adventure trips. 

Taste In San Pedro Volunteers Wanted 

Approximately 100 LAAFB volunteers are needed for the Annual Taste in San Pedro, Aug. 4 and 5 at Point Fermin Park in San Pedro. Family members can volunteer too.
Volunteers will be watching exits, delivering supplies, taking tickets, and serving food and beverages. Shifts are generally 3 to 4 hours long. All volunteers get free admission for the day they sign up to work and a free T-shirt. Organized groups earn a portion of the gate receipts for their group. Individuals or groups wanting to volunteer should call Tina Greer at 653-2376. Deadline to sign up is July 23.