Canella honored

Vito Canella, a longtime Montrose community leader and county commissioner, was honored by the Los Angeles County board of supervisors Tuesday for his volunteer work in the county.

Canella, the former postmaster of Montrose, was saluted for his 24 years on the Sybil Brand Institute commission on inspections. The commission yearly inspects each county jail or lockup, probation facility and group home administered by the county.

Having served 28 years on the county human relations commission, Canella said he is retiring from the Sybil Brand commission to spend more time with his wife.

Before taking leave, he urged L.A. County residents to volunteer their time to contribute to their city, county, state and nation.

Canella is perhaps best known for his campaign for a Flag Week celebration each June. Flag Week has been officially celebrated since 1968 in the full week closest to June 4, Flag Day.