COMMUNITY NEWS\Eagle-eyed watchers spot 150 bird species in Valley.

Byline: Virginia Gonzalez Daily News Staff Writer

Volunteers in the Audubon Society's 96th Annual Christmas bird count reported observing more than 20,000 birds representing 150 species at the Sepulveda Basin, Van Norman Bird Sanctuary, Pierce College, Encino Reservoir, Chatsworth Reservoir, Bee Canyon, Hansen Dam Recreation Area and numerous other locations around the San Fernando Valley.

At Pierce College a female vermillion flycatcher returned for the fourth year in a row, and birds found at Chatsworth Reservoir included two golden eagles and a prairie falcon, officials said.

Arthur Langton, former president of the Audubon Society's Valley chapter, coordinates the yearly effort.

A variety of outdoor activities, including guided walking tours for bird enthusiasts, are available by calling the Valley chapter at [phone].

Leaders in Granada Hills have been working to build an image as "the Valley's Most Neighborly Town" with a campaign that rewards dedicated residents and business owners by bestowing recognition and honorary titles.

Ronald Ford, president of the Granada Hills Chamber of Commerce, said the campaign to annually induct an honorary mayor, sheriff and fire chief instills community pride and spirit besides giving home- and business owners the chance to network and make new friends.

"Business is part of the community and the community is part of the businesses (and) the more we bring the two together, the better it is," said Ford, who owns an auto air conditioning shop in Granada Hills.

This year's honorary trio include mayor Mike Casey, sheriff John Rennie and fire chief Roy Paul.

Fifteen women from each of the Los Angeles City Council districts are being honored during Women's History Month for making outstanding contributions to the strength, vitality and enrichment of Los Angeles.

Started in 1989 by the Los Angeles Commission on the Status of Women with the support of the City Council, the Women Pioneer Award spotlights women who are role models for the community, said Veronica Hendrix with the Los Angeles Commission on the Status of Women.

Nominees must fulfill at least one of several criteria: to improve the community within the council district and/or the city in the areas of education, business, sports, arts, science, community health or government; participate in nontraditional fields; perform acts of courage; and contribute to improving the status of women within the city.

San Fernando Valley nominees are: Cynthia Caughey, executive director of the Women's Care Cottage from council District 2; Linda Gray, president of James R. Gary and Co. from District 3; Jackey Puumala, junior class president at Hollywood High School from District 4; Carol Plotkin, executive director of the American Jewish Congress, Pacific Southwest region from District 5; Dominica Hilario, a public health nursing supervisor at the San Fernando Health Center from District 7; Muriel Bodeck, a multiorganization philanthropist from District 11; and Yolanda Petroski, vice president of the Granada Hills Women's Club and multiorganization philanthropist from District 12.

Nominees, who are chosen by their district representatives, can be women in the community from high school through retirement age, Hendrix said.

American Mothers Inc. is scheduled to announce this year's California Mother of the Year at an annual luncheon to be held Feb. 17 at the Warner Center Marriott Hotel in Woodland Hills.

A fashion boutique and reception will precede the luncheon and announcement, said Elayne Blythe who represents the organization.

Reservations must be made by Saturday by calling American Mothers board member Gloria McCord at [phone].