How many times have you seen tennis shoes or other footwear hanging from a phone line? "How did 'they' get that up there?" "When did that take place?" While speculations abound as to why, when and how pairs of shoes end up hanging on power lines, the fact is that these ornaments bring down the neighborhood. Police have considered this phenomena among the long list of aspects of a neighborhood that contribute to the "broken window syndrome". This syndrome is what brings crime rates up because when broken windows are not repaired, lawns are not maintained, graffiti stays on walls and fences, shoes are hanging on power lines, and streets are not clean, the image is that of a neighborhood that is downtrodden. People are vulnerable in neighborhoods that exhibit such decline. Let's not let that happen to Beachwood Canyon! If you ever see shoes hanging from power lines, be proactive! Call the DWP at 800-342-5397. Be prepared with an address or intersection.

You can always call 3-1-1 within the City of Los Angeles to report any graffiti, potholes, traffic lights, or trees down.

Emmy Lou was recently sprung from the North Central Animal Shelter at the last possible second. She is spayed, vaccinated and micro-chipped. Sadly, she was not treated well in her first home, is timid and has separation issues, which I'm working  on with crate training. But she's very gentle, cuddly, affectionate and eager to please. She loves to curl up like a cat beside you on the sofa, burrow behind pillows, and sleeps with us like a teddy bear. She adores our other dog, and follows him everywhere. I have no doubt that she'll overcome any damage done by her first owners.  

She walks well on a leash, gets along well with all other dogs, cats, even hens! I'm not sure about kids, but my gut tells me that she'll do best in an adult-only household.  

Contact: Sally Nemeth at salgal99@sbcglobal.net or call 323-666-6330 to meet Miss Emmy Lou.

Thank you SO much for the help.  

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If you can't make it to Glen Green or haven't had enough holiday trombone music,
come to the concert on December 16th!

Coming soon to Beachwood Market!

A recent article in 'The Friends of Griffith Park' newsletter reports that we are poisoning the wild animals in this area (bobcats, mountain lions, raccoons, possums, hawks, owls, etc) by the use of rodenticides. (Rat poison)

These poisons are anti-coagulants that cause animals to bleed to death internally. These products are so deadly they were supposed to have been taken off the market in June of last year, but instead of complying, the 'industry' has chosen to pursue a lengthy legal challenge and these toxic products remain on our store shelves even today!

There are several alternatives to poison that are more humane and much safer for use around pets, children and the wild critters that live in our neighborhood.

I have been using the Tomcat rat snap traps for several years now. It's a black plastic trap with a removable bait tray. Put some chunky peanut butter in the tray, pinch the back of the trap (which sets it) and place the trap alongside a wall (mice and rats usually travel next to walls). Since we have an ongoing rat problem at my house (every time the meter reader doesn't replace the gas meter cover correctly), I always leave traps set in the basement. Sometimes it will be 6 months before I catch a rat, but these traps never miss and they don't need any maintenance.  

Last month I noticed a rats nest in the loft of our garage, set a trap nearby and caught 5 rats in 5 days, never having to refresh the bait!

The traps are much easier to handle than the old fashioned wooden ones (which are a bit frightening) and much more humane than glue traps or poison.

I spoke to Alex at The Beachwood Market about this story and asked him if his market could be a local source for Tomcats. He checked into it and was able to order some traps today (12/5) and should have them on the shelves soon!

If you want to read more about 'Friends of Griffith Park' and the eye-opening article I'm referencing as well as other interesting articles about our wonderful park, it's at; www.friendsofgriffithpark.org.

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By Fran Reichenbach

Way back when, the rodent population was controlled naturally. Cats. Yes, cats allowed to go in and out of the house in this canyon are at risk of becoming dinner for coyotes. But, I personally know of one cat, Puffy, who has lived to a ripe old age and has presented his human family with countless rats and ground squirrels. This black fluffy sweetheart has had a job all his life and is only now retiring to spend most of his nights inside.

Recently, we found that rats had gotten very comfortable with our downstairs room while our fat house cat stood passively watching. We were at our wit's end until we adopted a young companion for our rodent-watching rotund feline friend. Overnight, literally, the rats were gone. We haven't seen or heard anything for months. No rat could ever survive this cat!

I suggest a black or dark brown hunter cat AKA "Mouser".

Here's my suggestion: Go to the nearest animal shelter. Adopt a cat that is feral or has a feral background. Not only will you be taking care of your rat problem, you will be giving a cat a home that is usually the last to be adopted! After about a month of being kept inside to learn where "home" is, allow your new adoptee to have in and out privileges . With a feral background, this cat will have some skills that will help protect it from coyotes and also allow it to hunt in and outside your home, clearing the area of rodents.

If you have no cats now and are having rodent problems, please consider the above natural remedy. It's time-tested!

If you already have a house-cat, make sure that only your new hunter or huntress is allowed outdoor privileges. Our house-cats are not set up for hunting or protecting itself in the outdoors. If it was so skilled, you wouldn't be having a rodent problem.

North Central Care & Control: (More Information) 

3201 Lacy Street, Los Angeles, CA 90031
888-4LAPET1 or 888-452-7381

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