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14 SIgnAL TrIBUne
JULy 15, 2011
Wheely Willy
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opposed to a solemn memorial. Deborah Turner, Willy’s owner for 19 years, took photos with the plaque and took the time to personally thank the many individuals who attended the ceremony. “One thing about Willy is that he made me understand that there are good people all over the place,” Turner said. “Every one of you sitting here today is an example of that.” Attendees were treated to light refreshments and snacks courtesy of FOLBA. A memorial book was available for guests to sign in addition to photos of Willy and his owner personally signed by Turner. The ceremony, conducted at the memorial garden in the Long Beach Animal Care Center’s PD Pitchford Village, served as a secondary service to the memorial held a year and half ago, which was rained out. Willy had died in his sleep at the age of 22. Willy entered into Turner’s life after she discovered him at an animal hospi-
Knabe
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ished. Work will start Friday, July 15 at 10pm, and it will continue until Monday, July 18 at 5am. Detour maps are available on Los Angeles County’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (METRO) website, metro.net/around. As chair of METRO, Knabe has made sure to spread awareness of the upcoming delays. “For the last year, I have had the honor of serving as the chair of the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority,” said Knabe in the newsletter. “I came into this role focused on safety and customer service and the pursuit of a balanced transportation plan for the entire Los Angeles County region.” The planned improvements for one of the nation’s busiest freeways are expected to improve the flow of traffic from the San Fernando Val-
tal. He was abandoned in a cardboard box, paralyzed, with his vocal cords severed. Turner used a K-9 cart to bring back his mobility and joyful nature, which was chronicled in the book, How Willy Got His Wheels. Turner and Willy also visited hospitals, schools and convalescent homes for many years to share his story of determination and hope. “Willy was not a mascot, but he was an ambassador for shelter animals for many, many years,” said Shirley Vaughan, FOLBA vice president. “He believed, he conquered, and he might not have known he was doing all those things, but he was an inspiration.” Many people know Turner through her dog-grooming business, Doggie in the Window, which operated for 17 years. She currently serves as a FOLBA humane educator. “He had that ‘I can’ spirit. None of us are really all that confident, even if we seem to be,” Turner said. “He was kind of a symbol of, ‘It’s a short life and basically you can do just about anything you set your mind to.’” ß ley to the Los Angeles Basin. In other business, the federal Department of Labor has provided more funding to help unemployed youths find a job through the County’s Youth Summer Jobs Program. According to the newsletter, nearly 27 percent of youths in the county are unemployed. The additional federal funds are expected to create an additional 3,000 jobs. In a trilateral effort, multiple levels of government are banding together in order to offer young people food and snacks in local parks. The County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation, the United States Department of Agriculture and the California Department of Education are supplying 220,000 lunches in 47 parks starting last week. Those interested may sign up to receive Knabe’s newsletter at knabe.com. ß
Winners of tickets for Rock for Vets: Diane Golden Ted Kissling Jon Gay Watkins
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