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L.A. Announces Cooling Centers, but -- Psych! -- Libraries Aren't Open Due to Budget Cuts

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Photo by Xanetia via Flickr
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Photo by Xanetia via Flickr
Triple digit temperatures are, unfortunately, nothing unusual across the Southland today. In fact, many areas are experiencing 110 or higher. As usual when weather gets this intense, Los Angeles encourages people to use cooling centers if they need to. In an e-mail to the public, the Emergency Management Department lists a number of options, including Senior Centers, Recreation and Parks facilities and libraries.

Wait. Libraries? Those buildings that are closed on Mondays because of budget cuts? Why are the people in charge of emergency operations sending residents, who may be in need of help, to places that are shut down? When one hand doesn't talk to the other...

In any case, a number of Valley facilities will see extended hours through 9 p.m. They are:

  • North Hollywood Senior Citizen Center, 11430 Chandler Boulevard, North Hollywood
  • Sepulveda Rec Center/Mid-Valley Senior Citizen Center, 880 Kester Avenue, Panorama City
  • Sunland Park Senior Citizen Center, 8640 Fenwick Street, Sunland
  • Sylmar Recreation Center, 13109 Borden Avenue, Sylmar
  • Van Nuys-Sherman Oaks Senior Citizen Center, 5040 Van Nuys Boulevard, Sherman Oaks
  • Wilkinson Senior Citizen Center, 8956 Vanalden Avenue, Northridge

Other city facilities that can be used as a cooling center can be found by calling 3-1-1.

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