CANOGA PARK ST. PAT'S PARADE SET.

Byline: Daily News

Southern Californians can expect springlike weather today for a St. Patrick's Day parade in downtown Los Angeles and a march through old town Canoga Park.

``I'm the kind of person who loves a parade,'' said Los Angeles City Councilman Dennis Zine, who plans to join both processions.

``We're getting out of the council meeting early so we can participate in the parade downtown. Then my plan is to jam back to the Valley and go to the Canoga Park parade. I'll be attending both in jolly green.''

Zine said he believes both parades are growing in popularity.

``St. Patrick's Day is becoming more popular in Los Angeles; it's gaining momentum. It brings people together from all ethnicities,'' he said.

The second annual Historic Old Town Canoga Park St. Patrick's Day Celebration and March will start at 1 p.m. in front of the Madrid Theatre, 21622 Sherman Way. It will feature bagpipes, a Celtic band, mariachis, a storyteller and Irish antiques.

``It was great last year, and we're hoping for more people this year,'' said Mary Paterson, director of the Canoga Park Improvement Association, which is sponsoring the San Fernando Valley event.

``It's a parade that anybody can join. Everyone should be wearing green.''

The National Weather Service predicted fog in the morning, but it is expected to burn off by the afternoon in Valley areas, with temperatures rising to about 80 degrees.

Information on the parade is available at canogaparkcal.com or from Paterson at the Improvement Association, [phone].

The fifth annual Los Angeles City St. Patrick's Day Parade will start at 11:30 a.m. at Fourth and Flower streets and will end at Fifth and Olive streets, in front of the Biltmore Hotel.

LAPD Assistant Chief Jim McDonnell is the honorary grand marshal of the parade.