COMMUNITY NEWS PARK DIRECTOR WINS HONOR.

The National Park Service gave Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area Superintendent Woody Smeck the Director's Award for Superintendent of the Year for Natural Resource Stewardship, the NPS announced last week. Smeck was one of six NPS employees and leaders nationwide to win one of the Stewardship Awards.

Among Smeck's accomplishments in fiscal year 2005, according to the NPS, were the completion of the park's fire management plan and a trail management plan, support for regional conservation efforts and network leadership in implementing a signs-monitoring program and research learning center.

``The success of these and many other programs have been due to the steady leadership, continual support and encouragement and effective interagency communication and partnerships fostered by Woody's role as superintendent,'' the NPS statement said.

Though the award is for fiscal 2005, Smeck's contributions have gone on for years. ``The foundation developed by Woody, through continual encouragement, support and leadership provided to ... staff and partners, has instilled an attitude of success and enthusiasm in support of natural resource science and stewardship,'' the statement continued. ``This culture and attitude has had immeasurable positive effects on the long-term stewardship of natural resources at SAMO, network parks and surrounding areas.''

The Democratic Party of Ventura County will host its annual Labor Day Picnic at Freedom Park in Camarillo, adjacent to the Camarillo Airport. The picnic will last from noon to 3:30 p.m. Monday, and the theme is ``Bye-bye Arnold.'' Hannah Beth Jackson, former assembly member and current president of the organization Speak Out California, will act as master of ceremonies.

All state Democratic candidates have been invited to attend. The cost is $20 per person or $35 for two, $15 or $25 for two for seniors 62 or older, $10 for students and children 7 to 12 and free for children younger than 7.