Locals of all ages get to inspect facilities and fire trucks as a good time was had by all
By Nick Antonicello
LAFD Station #63 hosted yet another successful Pancake Breakfast in cooperation with the local Rotary Club as hundreds turned out for some hearty grub as the LAFD did the cooking of pancakes, sausage and eggs to the delight of those in attendance.
With an estimated 500 or so checking out things on this Saturday morning, about half were school-age children curious to inspect the station’s equipment and vehicles while tours were available of the firehouse and many purchased t-shirts supporting these dedicated first responders who warmly opened their doors to the general public at 8AM and capped the event with a dramatic LAFD helicopter flyover at 10!
Several community organizations had booths including the Venice Neighborhood Council’s Outreach Committee headed by Chairperson Erica Moore and members of her team including yours truly. Longtime local Venice activist Dr. Naomi Nightingale helped manned the booth along with Robin Rudisill and Outreach Member Sergio Perez. Vice-President Jim Robb was in attendance as well as Community Officer Yolanda Gonzalez, a longtime Venetian.
Popular Councilwoman Traci Park (CD-11), was also in attendance and made some opening remarks thanking the LAFD for their service to the community and was accompanied by her able Venice Deputy Sean Silva, who has worked hard to address many of the constituent concerns here in the neighborhood, especially when it comes to the issue of encampments and RV’s.
Park was elected in 2022 and is a Venice resident and attorney.
Los Angeles CERT hosted a booth as well as Venice Paparazzi, who snapped photos of children with their parents with fire gear and helmets which made for a neat souvenir of this festive community event.
Face-painting was also offered as the lines were long as children anxiously sought super hero images that were offered.
A good number of strollers and carriages populated the firehouse grounds as many children under the age of 5 were in awe of the equipment and the firefighters who protect and serve the residents of Venice as many showed up in their own hats and gear.
Firehouse #63 is located at the corner of Shell and Venice Boulevard and about two dozen firefighters greeted those in attendance and made all feel welcomed on this special day of community outreach and engagement.
Nick Antonicello is a thirty-one year resident of Venice who covers the happenings and events of the neighborhood. Have a take or tip all things Venice? Contact Antonicello via e-mail at nantoni@mindspring.com
