RUNNERS PLEDGE HELP FOR VETS.

Byline: BETTIE RENCORET Senior columnist

LANCASTER - Assemblywoman Sharon Runner pledged her support and that of her husband, state Sen. George Runner, to beginning construction on the long-delayed Lancaster state veterans home.

Runner spoke last week to the home's citizens committee, which is raising money to furnish the home with extras for the veterans that are not included in state and federal funding.

``Both George and I are committed to getting this done as soon as possible,'' Runner said. ``We need to get it built before we lose even more veterans who might be able to spend time in it. Soon the newer ones, those fighting now, will need a chance to benefit from it, too.''

Under the latest schedule, the Lancaster home is expected to start construction in 2007 and open in late 2008, more than 17 years after the city first bid for a home.

In 2000, California voters approved a bond measure to pay the state's share for the Lancaster home and another new home in Ventura County.

But Gov. Gray Davis twice vetoed bills authorizing the Lancaster home's construction, which because of the bond measure must be the next one built in California. In 2002, Davis signed bills that authorized a new 500-bed home in West Los Angeles as well as homes in Lancaster and Ventura County, plus two in Northern California.

The Lancaster and Ventura County homes will be much smaller than the 400-bed institutions originally planned, with 60 beds in homelike two- and three-bed suites plus space for 50 more veterans during the day.

Runner noted Gov. Arnold Schwarzeneggar, as well as his wife, have been supportive of veterans issues.

Runner added that she and her husband are each buying four tickets to the home's current fund-raiser - a raffle of a custom motorcycle owned by a member of the Doobie Brothers rock band. They don't intend to ride it if they win.

``If we win it, we'll just donate it back so you can have another fund- raiser with it,'' she said.

The drawing will be 7 p.m. Dec. 18 at Schooner's restaurant, 43807 15th St. W., Lancaster.

Tickets at $25 each can be purchased at Lancaster and Palmdale city halls, High Desert Broadcasting, most local automobile dealerships or the Lancaster Harley-Davidson store, 1759 E. Ave. J-12, where the motorcycle is now on display.

The committee is hoping to raise $100,000 by the time the home is built to purchase such things as television sets, pool and other game tables, a van and other items not supplied by government funds.

Treasurer Ruth Marr reported the current balance in the account is $60,605.

Menus for the week at the senior life nutrition sites in Lancaster and Palmdale have been announced. All meals include bread, margarine and coffee, tea or milk, for a suggested donation of $2.

Monday: Hearty beef stew, corn bread, corn nibblets, fiesta coleslaw, pears.

Tuesday: Barbecued pork or fish fillet, au gratin potatoes, green beans, soup, marinated salad, Jell-O w/fruit.

Wednesday: Mandarin chicken salad, carrot salad, cranberry juice, chocolate cake.

Thursday: Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes, mixed vegetables, tossed salad, apple juice, ice cream.

Friday: Orange glazed chicken, baked potato, mixed vegetables, lettuce salad, banana.