Notable Achievers in Your Communtiy : Officer Gives Kids Benefit of His Experience

Los Angeles Police Officer Tony Newsom, who talks to teen-agers about gangs, was named outstanding young public safety officer of 1993 by the North Hills Jaycees recently.

Newsom knows whereof he speaks. He grew up in South-Central Los Angeles and was once recruited by gangs himself. Now, he works for a gang-intervention program through the Los Angeles Police Department and says his youthful experiences help him “meet kids on their ground.”

Newsom, who says he had to resist the recruiting efforts of the newly formed Crips when he was in elementary school, was selected for the award from among all firefighters and police officers in the west San Fernando Valley.

Newsom works with a group of about 53 troubled kids from the West Valley, many of whom have been tempted by gang life or have even dabbled in crime. Newsom teaches weightlifting and athletics classes for them and tries to act as a role model, taking their calls and discussing their problems even when they phone him from jail.

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Former Burbank Mayor Thomas Flavin, who left city government in May as a councilman, has received a distinguished leadership award from the Los Angeles chapter of the American Planning Assn. for helping guide the city through one of its most difficult times.

The only politician to get the award in Los Angeles County this year, Flavin was confronted with the announced pullout of Lockheed Corp. only days after he took office in 1990. He was credited with getting developers and planners to work together to foster economic growth after the loss of 15,000 Lockheed jobs.

The pro-business policy has been criticized by some resident groups, who complain that it has put the city in the tight grip of developers. But Flavin, who is currently president of the economic development firm Business-Government Partnership Inc., said that he took only one four-year term on the City Council so he could be free to make unpopular decisions.

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Glendale Police Explorer Scouts Alen Avanossoan, 16, and Alex Parajon, 17, have won top honors in a safe-driving competition sponsored by Southern California law enforcement agencies. The pair drove 900 miles from Lynwood to Yosemite and back, enduring 100-degree heat without using air conditioning and kept their speed at 55 m.p.h. the entire trip. They had competed against 28 other police agency volunteer teams during the 40th annual Youth Safety Run from June 21 to June 24. Sponsored by the Police Advisory Council for Car Clubs, the event is designed to test youths on their ability to drive a vehicle safely through a 900-mile course and get the best gas mileage.

Alen and Alex drove a 1993 Chevrolet Lumina--made available through sponsor Gay’s Automotive & Towing Service--and had no violations. They were among two teams that finished with the top mileage rate of 31 miles per gallon, which they were aided in achieving by doing without air conditioning.

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Nearly 40 members of the Braille Institute Auxiliary-San Fernando Valley and about 200 invited guests turned out for the group’s recent installation of officers at the Magic Castle in Toluca Lake. Former President Grace Karazissis, who will now serve as treasurer, introduced new president Helen Mollet of Toluca Lake. Mollet presides over a board of directors that includes Janie Paxman of Sherman Oaks, Jean Cosby of Northridge, Carol Boyd of Westlake Village, Karen Jeramaz of Sherman Oaks, Geri Crystal of Hidden Hills, Dicki Hofflund of Tarzana, Jan Alcorn of Studio City and Caroline Holmes of Toluca Lake.

Personal Best recognizes noteworthy accomplishments. Please address candidates to Personal Best, Los Angeles Times, 20000 Prairie St., Chatsworth 91311. Or fax them to (818) 772-3338.