American Red Cross

The final junior lifeguard sessions of the summer start Monday, teaching children the basics at water safety and rescue. The Junior Lifeguard Program also includes experience in many of the daily duties of a lifeguard. Upon successful completion of all course requirements, participants will be certificated in American Red Cross Community Water Safety. The classes are from 4:15 to 5:15 p.m. starting Monday through Aug. 12 at Verdugo Park pool, 3201 W. Verdugo Ave. Students must be between 11 and 14, and have the American Red Cross Level III card.

Burbank Police arrested three people Thursday for allegedly impersonating members of the American Red Cross soliciting for donations for victims of Hurricane Katrina. Federal charges were also expected to be filed Monday against Tino Lee, of Burbank, and Liz Nicholas, of Glendale. Lee, Nicholas and a 14-year-old Pico Rivera girl were picked up at about 8 p.m. outside the Best Buy at the Empire Center, Burbank Police said. "They were falsely representing themselves as with the American Red Cross to solicit donations," Burbank Police spokesman Sgt. Jay Jette said.

Jackson Bell The Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks motivated people across the country to help victims' families. Local businesses were no exception, including restaurant owners Greg and Steve Ghermezian, photographer Harvey Branman and Gary Canfield, owner of the companies J.D.C. Security Systems and Surety Lock Co. Branman, who owns Photography as an Art, was especially inspired to do something because he and his wife visited New York a few weeks before the attack.

Erin Park MAGNOLIA PARK -- The American Red Cross of Greater Los Angeles will offer free workshops in Burbank -- including one today -- for those interested in becoming volunteers in times of disaster. Held at the Burbank Service Center, 1001 W. Magnolia Blvd., the Introduction to Disaster Services workshops will meet 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. today, Sept. 6, Oct. 4, Nov. 1 and Dec. 6. At the workshops, participants will learn fundamental information about disasters and the role they can play as volunteers in disaster service.

Laura Sturza BURBANK -- Charities will benefit from the citywide sale of car flags, with profits going to six relief groups. People buying the flags can specify the charity of their choice. The groups include the American Red Cross, the ASPCA Animal Fund, the NY State World Trade Center Relief Fund, the Salvation Army, the Sept. 11 Fund or the Survivors Fund of National Capital Region. The $10 flags can be purchased at city locations including: City Clerk's office, 275 E. Olive Ave. Public Works Department, 124 S. Lake St. Creative Arts Center, 1100 W. Clark Ave. Joslyn Adult Center, 1301 W. Olive Ave. McCambridge Recreation Center, 1515 N. Glenoaks Blvd.

Robert Chacon A critical shortage of universal-type blood supply is leading to concern and causing the postponement of certain procedures at local hospitals as the Fourth of July weekend approaches. The American Red Cross -- a major source of blood for some hospitals -- issued an alert this week, citing the critical shortage of blood, especially type O negative, the universal blood type, which is often used in emergencies. Blood donations decreased by 15% between the first and second weeks of June, but dropped an additional 6% last week and are expected to drop by another 25% this week, according to the American Red Cross.

RUTH ARLENE WHITNEY JACQUES Ruth Arlene Whitney Jacques, 80, died June 17, 2002 in Durango, Colo. Ms. Jacques was born in New Haven, Conn. She lived in Burbank for 35 years before moving to Monterey in 1991 and Durango in 2000. When her family moved to Hollywood in 1922, Ms. Jacques became a child actor and performed opposite Jackie Cooper in the "Our Gang" comedy series. She later worked in casting for the vice president of Universal Studios before meeting and marrying Fredrick Scott Jacques in 1943.

IKEA hosts event to benefit charity MEDIA CITY CENTER -- IKEA will raise money for a local charity and sponsor several activities today through Monday during a bedroom- themed celebration throughout the store. The Sweden-based furniture retailer at 600 N. San Fernando Blvd. will donate $10 from every bed frame sold during the three-day event to the American Red Cross Greater Los Angeles Chapter's disaster relief fund. Activities include: An essay contest through Monday to win a complete bedroom set. A bedroom-furnishing workshop from 1 to 4 p.m. today.

Woman in fraud case to undergo evaluation A woman who admitted to posing as an American Red Cross volunteer to collect fraudulent donations will undergo a psychological examination before she is sentenced, the U.S. Attorney's Office reported. Gina Nicholas was arrested on Sept. 15 in front of the Best Buy on Victory Boulevard in Burbank for soliciting customers for donations she claimed would provide relief to victims of Hurricane Katrina. Nicholas and her accomplice, Tino Lee, admitted to the court that they were not affiliated with the Red Cross and had no plans to give the money to charity.

Joyce Rudolph BURBANK -- Organizers of the Woman of the Year project have made a few changes this year to selecting the winner. Zonta Club of Burbank Area has discontinued the categorical awards, which the group thought were too limiting, said Marilyn Mauzey, chairwoman. A Woman of the Year will be chosen from all the women nominated, and qualifications will expand. "We didn't want to limit the competition to straight volunteerism," she said.