OFTEN WE GET TO WONDERING

Seems that the fire that raged so strongly

during the Powerhouse fires, has become

history thankfully, but in their wake, the

Painted Turtle located by Lake Hughes

was spared although damages to their ventilating

system took place. Summer camp fun was cancelled.

This is the camp I have talked about before

that allows children with life threatening

diseases to get in on some camp life fun along with

their families at no cost what so ever for them.

They have medical personal on hand for any

types of needs that come up. Our Lakers

NBA team were instrumental for funding

some of the camp's interior. It was originally

founded by the (now late) Paul Newman.

This is just one of the camps he started called:

"Serious Fun Children's Network".

This particular camp opened up in 2004 and

already hundreds of children have enjoyed

a carefree week at the camp.

There is a fundraising effort. The camp's North

Los Angeles County Regional Advisory Board's

annual Turtle BBQ fundraiser benefit is being held. 

The Party will kick off at 5:00 PM this coming Saturday. 

There will be a tour, a social hour with wine and beer tastings,

hors d'oeuvres plus the mouth watering BBQ meal.

This is courtesy of Calabasas Custom Catering.

They intend having entertainment with Kenny Herrera's

Hit Machine along with a live & silent Auction and a raffle.

Today air quality is not a factor and so they are asking

for people to donate $100 per plate to come in and partake

of this invitation for their BBQ. You must be 21 years

of age however for this event. Proceeds from the fund

raiser will help to defray some of the expenses  for

repairs to the camp that was scorched. There is a 

special magic at this camp adventure that's difficult describing.

Former Lakers NBA assistant coach, John Elway, spending

most of his career on the coaching staff when Phil Jackson

was head coach, has now decided to join the Milwaukee Staff.

Lamar Odom used to play with our Lakers team but has lately

had other exposure. Namely, detox for use of drugs and a 

pull-over for DUI. It is uncertain what all of these involvements

might mean in his basket ball playing future. As it is standing

right now, his days up ahead could very likely be in jeopardy.

He is scheduled to be in court September 27th. He may be

subject to a mandatory evaluation by the medical director of the

NBA's anti-drug program. The NBA immediately disqualifies

any player who tests positive for any drug except marijuana.

It is pretty clear Odom's transgressions in this past week concern

those beyond the paparazzi. Former Lakers, ranging from

Magic Johnson, Phil Jackson and our Pau Gasol, have offered

helpful messages. Pau even wrote "All these rumors are really

bothering me as Lamar is one of the best guys I have ever played 

basketball with". Having said that, we echo our hopes that Lamar 

will get the help and aid that he needs to continue on in his basketball

career. Please look into all of the programs out there for help, Lamar.

Babs Wells