Emily Carranza (second from right) and her husband Alex Lerma (third from left) are pictured in court with Judge Donald A. Buddle, Jr. shortly after finalizing the adoption of their three grandchildren. (Photo courtesy of Emily Carranza)

For Emily Carranza and her husband Alex Lerma of Sylmar, this Thanksgiving is especially meaningful. After being foster parents for three of their grandchildren for nearly three years, the couple officially adopted the trio of adorable toddlers on Nov. 14.

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Holiday in the Park

Join La County Parks this holiday season for a night of Festivities and Family Fun!

Saturday, December 16th, 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Dexter Park - 11053 N. Trail RD. SYLMAR, CA 91342 

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For Immediate Release:

November 21, 2023

Public Health Investigating Respiratory Disease in

LA County Dogs

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health’s Veterinary Public Health Program has received multiple reports of dogs experiencing a sudden respiratory illness of unknown origin, similar to case reports in other states. Symptoms include cough, nasal discharge, sneezing and lethargy in dogs. Currently, Public Health is in case-finding mode to determine if and to what extent there is a new respiratory illness impacting dogs in Los Angeles County. As additional information becomes available, we will update the public. 

Since Thursday, November 16, 2023, we have received ten case reports from veterinarians of dogs that have respiratory illness but tested negative on the respiratory panel that tests for common viruses and bacteria seen in dogs with similar symptoms. Owners are being contacted to determine where the dogs may have become infected. We are communicating with federal and state entities to ensure coordinated efforts as we learn more from our ongoing investigations.

This respiratory illness is currently known as Atypical Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease (aCIRD). Cases are currently defined as having a negative canine respiratory PCR test panel, which tests for common viruses and bacteria identified in dogs with similar symptoms, PLUS one of the following clinical scenarios:

• Chronic mild-moderate respiratory infection that lasts more than six weeks that is minimally or not responsive to antibiotics;
• Chronic pneumonia that is minimally or not responsive to antibiotics; or
• Acute pneumonia that rapidly becomes severe and often leads to poor outcomes in as little as 24-36 hours.

Given the lack of knowledge about the cause of this disease, veterinarians and dog owners are advised to be on the lookout for symptoms such as cough, sneezing, nasal discharge, and lethargy (lack of energy) in their dogs.

If a dog is experiencing these symptoms, owners should take the following steps:       

1. Contact their pet’s veterinarian so the pet may be evaluated, and, if indicated, the appropriate tests and medications may be provided.
2. Isolate sick dogs at home for a minimum of 28 days past the first day of the onset of illness. Dogs exposed to the sick dog should quarantine at home and away from other dogs for 14 days to monitor them for signs and symptoms of illness.
3. Clean regularly and disinfect surfaces, doorknobs, keyboards, and animal equipment. To disinfect, use an EPA-registered disinfecting product or a stronger bleach solution.
4. Keep the dog home and away from day care, boarding kennels, grooming facilities, and dog parks.
5. If a dog becomes ill after being boarded or being in a facility, owners should take it to a veterinarian for evaluation and they should also notify the facility about the illness.

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This past Sunday, 11/19/24, Sylmar Stakeholders, members of the LAPD, and Sylmar Neighborhood Council members came together.

In turn helped our community to be even more beautiful and unified.

A huge thank you to all of the incredible Volunteers, LAPD Senior Lead Officer Crawford, Sylmar Graffiti Busters, and the members of the Sylmar Neighborhood Council.

Sylmar Rocks!

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Happy Holidays!

Snow Day at El Cariso Park is back!

Saturday, December 16th, 4pm - 8pm

El Cariso Park - 13100 Hubbard St. Sylmar, CA 91342

80 TONS of Snow for sledding, and playing around in.

• Family Holiday Photo

• Hot Coco and Snacks

• Stocking Decorations

• Edible Holiday crafts

• Crafty Village

• TEEN ZONE (DJ, Holiday t-shirt silk screening, and Santa hat)

• Festive Holiday Music

• Carnival Games

• TOY GIVEAWAYS

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SATURDAY, JANUARY 6th from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM

READY FOR ANYTHING: SD3 EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS FAIR

Presentations and resources to be prepared for earthquakes, flooding, wildfires, etc. Food will be provided! Free flu and COVID-19 shots!

VAUGHN NEXT CENTURY LEARNING CENTER (G3 Theater),

11200 Herrick Ave, Pacoima, CA 91331

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Have a safe and happy holiday. Please see the flyer for important emergency and non-emergency numbers.

Be well!

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Olive View - UCLA Medical Center will be hosting a Fire Safety and Hands-on Fire Extinguisher Training on Tuesday, December 5^th, from 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm in their Conference Center.

This training is FREE and open to anyone who is interested. (MUST RSVP)

14445 Olive View Dr. Sylmar, CA 91342 / Conference Center

Join us for a practical ONE-HOUR safety training, including a hands-on session with Fire Extinguishers

No Walk-Ins. To RSVP please email [email protected]

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Our California State Senator for the 20th District Caroline Menjivar invites you to the Senator’s Inaugural Holiday Open House on Dec 9^th from 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm at their District office, which is located at 6150 Van Nuys Blvd, Suite 400 Van Nuys. Parking is free and located in their building. Please join us for a winter wonderland and enjoy warm food, and hot cocoa, get to meet other community members, and hear a legislative update from the Senator.

Please RSVP here or by clicking the link on the flyer. We hope you can join us. 

Here is the link as well in case there is trouble accessing the link, https://bit.ly/SD20HolidayOpenHouse.

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