(Mar 15, 2007) -- Kudos to L.A. County Supervisor Don Knabe for showing his respect for the internet by using his office website www.knabe.com to provide what laobserved.com aptly describes as a "new kind of public service."

"County Supervisor Don Knabe blew out his usual politician's website and turned it into a running news blog on the Catalina fire after finding that no government agency was gathering good, timely information for parents, visitors and island residents. Knabe staffers in the field have been posting updates since Thursday night, ending last nght with the news that normal ferry service would resume today [May 14]," writes laobserved.com.

www.knabe.com

Meanwhile, kudos to LB photojournalist Diana Lejins for (again) turning her compassionate eye on what is ultimately a people story. She captured the photo below of three local refugees -- Catalina residents and their three pets -- preparing to board the Catalina Express to return home. Left to right: Chris Blair, 18, with Chihuahua Matilda, Nick Bogard, 18, with Bearded Dragon lizard Spikey, and Felicia Bogard, 14, with pregnant Bearded Dragon lizard Paula.

Mr. Blair voiced his concerns, "We left the oldest historical house in Avalon and three dogs that we weren't allowed to bring with us on the boat. We were so scared that they would all perish in the fire."

Photo and text credit: Diana Lejins