THINGS ARE LOOKING UP FOR SUNLAND-TUJUNGA
See page 3: View From the Rock
FRIDAY • MARCH 2, 2018
TELLING THE TRUTH FOR 13 YEARS!
Hi-Speed Rail Meeting Draws 1,000 People
Dave DePinto, coordinator of the SAFE group explains what has been happening since 2015. by
Carol Hutch
I went to the SAFE meeting at the All Nations Church last Thursday and here is a synop-
VOLUME 14 • NUMBER 4
Kelly Decker makes an audio-video presentation of what has happened to affected home owners.
sis (as much as possible) of what I saw and heard. Almost 1,000 showed up to hear what was happening with the High Speed Rail. David De-
Pinto and Kelly Decker made presentations that had the group standing and cheering for what they had accomplished. see SAFE, page 12
INSIDE: S-T Fighting Club Kicks! ............
11
Goodyear Blimp in S-T ............
12
VHWC: “Sing, Sing, Sing!” ............
12
DEPARTMENTS Community Help ................... 2 Happenings in The Hills ......... 2 Letters................................. 3 View from the Rock.............. 3 Social Security Matters ......... 4 Keller WIlliams Home Help.... 4 Chef Randy........................... 5 Crime Stats........................... 9 Take My Card..................... 11
Will There be an...
Annual 4th of July Parade ...This Year? The Sunland-Tujunga Rotary club is in danger of losing its charter from Rotary Club International. With dwin-
dling membership and loss of control of how the 4th of July parade should be run, the parade is in jeopardy of
being cancelled this year. Rotary president Roger Klemm attempted to deny residents a place in the parade and
violated their 1st Amendment rights of freedom of expression last year, and enlisted see Parade, page 2
OVER 200 DISTRIBUTION SITES IN THE FOOTHILLS AREA
2 — FRIDAY, MARCH 2, 2018 • THE FOOTHILLS PAPER
www.thefoothillspaper.com • VOLUME 14 • NUMBER 4
Community Help by Amelia
Let It Flow, Let It Flow! by
Amelia Anderson
Energy, flowing unimpeded throughout our bodies, comprise our physical and mental state. “Our bodies are nothing but an energy sending machine,” the voice said Friday afternoon on radio 89.3. He was both a medical doctor and a pastor. When the nerve channel opens, it is young and vibrantly alive filled with the righteous idea of happiness and joyousness, and has the warmth and capacity to accomplish great things. But, if that psychic energy becomes knotted by hurt, followed by another hurt, then more hurts that accumulate to five, then fifty, perhaps even to five hundred and more, they accumulate in the muscle tissue lodging themselves into the body, strangling the nerve circuits and constricting the flow of energy throughout. If left unchecked, these knots will prevail, closing the window of consciousness and forming a hardened case around the heart which will shut off the ability of the person to feel patience, compassion, happiness, joy and love, instead leaving him to wallow in the depths of hurt, pain, impatience, sorrow and hate. And, in turn, this mindset will spread pain to others, and could inflict malice like the recent high school shooter down in Florida. Or the Charles Manson or Zodiac killer scenarios. So, it is incumbent upon us to try to undo these knots of hurt, to resolve and rescue our own body on the road to life before it takes control of us and we crash. Auto driving
has rules like adhering to lanes, safety of speed, and no alcohol. Yes we are a free society but there are road maps to be obeyed. “Thou shalt not steal, thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s wife, thou shalt not kill,” are starters in any language, religion or country. As children, we learn through the exterior world of family, society, education, the arts, sports, media and politics searching for shared popular values. But the elusive search for truth stems from the interior spiritual quest of transformation by the individual and most often witnessed by religion to guide in the vanquishment of vanity, pride, egotism, jealousy, gossip, avarice and evil which create the crashes. This information was central to the sermon of Pastor Scott LeLaCheur of Summit Church on Sunday, February 25, and derived from Ephesians, the New Testament. The rules of life have been with us for hundreds and thousands of years, but are now not taught in the schools because of legal threat of warring religions. But flouting wisdom from rock of the ages has consequence as great for the individual as ignoring the physics of gravity. It cannot be denied. We have students and folks today armed with fancy GPS instruments who don’t really have any idea where they are. They speed in killing cars, and unload rifles in cold blood. So, let’s sit down and take a look. As a nation, we have been struggling with the homeless issue, a see Opioid, page 10
Amelia Anderson is a Homeless Advocate elected to both the SunlandTujunga Neighborhood Council and also to Mayor Garcetti’s Homeless Committee.
Crescenta Valley Sierra Club Group
Bruce will show slides and provide the commentary from his month-long trip to Spain last fall. Highlights of the program include Bilbao and the Basque Region: the Camino de Santiago the famous pilgrimage route; Madrid, Seville and Granada. During this armchair tour, enjoy Spain’s distinctive culture on the Iiberian Peninsula.
Bruce is a long-time Sierra Club member and frequent program presenter with our group. Our program begins following news of Conservation and Outings. This is a free event and everyone is welcome. Refreshments will be served. Please contact Wayne Fisher at 818 3534181, for further information. •••
behind the scenes. Parade entrants were down the help of Kurt Koesler 50% from the previous year and hooligans were who drove his golf cart throwing water balloons like a maniac up and at everything that moved. down Foothill Blvd. while “Flipping the bone” All major past participants such as the VHHS at onlookers and parade Marching Band, the Blue participants. Shadows Equestrian Not a good showing team and other equestrifor Michelle Ramage who ran the parade from an groups have refused
to be in the parade this year including Rotary member Bren Boo who claimed sexual harassment. With a lack of funding and a lack of responsible Rotary members, the parade should be shut down. What is your opinion? Please inform Eve Sinclaire at the North Valley City Hall.
The Crescenta Valley Sierra Club will present Bruce Hale’s, “Spain from Bilbao to Gibraltar,” on March 13, Tuesday at 7:30 pm, at the Los Angeles County Public Library, 2809 Foothill Boulevard, La Crescenta, CA.
Parade, from pg. 1
FPAC Presents a Heart-warming Musical, “The Spitfire Grill” The Foothill Performing Arts Council (FPAC) celebrates the end of its 19th year of bringing Musical Theatre to the Foothills with its presentation of the critically-acclaimed musical, “The Spitfire Grill” for 4 Weekends Only; Friday, March 2nd thru Sunday, March 25th. Friday & Saturday performances will be at 8:00 pm and Sunday performances at 7:30 pm. This rarely produced musical adaptation of the 1996 highly regarded dramatic film, starring Ellen Burstyn and Marcia Gay Harden, received critical praise upon its New York premiere. “This is a drama first,” explains Producer / Director Tim Borquez. “that uses a folk-roots-driven score and songwriting to bring the audience deeper into this touching story’s rich characters. The story surrounds a young lady named Percy Talbott. Recently paroled, she arrives in the small Wisconsin timber-town of
Gilead; a place she was inspired to travel to from picture postcards she collected in prison and where she imagined she could start her life over. Upon arriving, she is reluctantly taken on by Hannah Ferguson to help out at the Spitfire Grill, which she owns and has been trying to sell for years since her husband passed away. We quickly discover that this town has lost all sense of hope and many of the long buried wounds of this story’s characters are revealed, and through an idea to raffle the Spitfire off in an Essay contest and through the perseverance of Percy’s injured but still-caring heart, all are healed and hope is restored to the town of Gilead. I’ve been itching to direct and produce this touching piece for many years, but the timing just wasn’t working out for the talented actors I wanted involved. It all came together pretty quickly this past December, when all were available for this
limited 4-week performance window. This will be one of the most intensely dramatic productions that the FPAC has undertaken and along with a gorgeous set that has transformed the FPAC Creative Space at New Hope Church into the Spitfire Grill, we feel our foothill community will appreciate this tale of hurt, healing and hope, backed by a very talented cast and a beautiful musical score.” The Spitfire Grill, a musical, is based on the film by Lee David Zlotoff. It will be presented at New Hope Community Church, 10438 Oro Vista Ave, Sunland, CA 91040 Premium Seating (first 2 Rows) is $25 for Adults 20 & over; $15 Seniors & Students (ages 13-19) General Seating (3rd Row and back) $20 for Adults 20 & over $10 Seniors & Students (ages 13-19) This show is not recommended for children under 13 yrs. of age
THE FOOTHILLS PAPER • FRIDAY, MARCH 2, 2018 — 3
VOLUME 14 • NUMBER 4 • www.thefoothillspaper.com
It’s only two months into the year and the future looks depressing already. I’ve never really taken the time to look three months ahead, but with everyone already talking about the 4th of July, I guess I should do it now. For as long as I can remember, we’ve had community activities that brought the community together. Where did they go? There are so many people who are trying to make light of what our community is all about, and worse yet, lying about what happened to it. Did you ever see a movie called “King of Hearts?” It was about a community (like ours) that was in danger of being overrun by the advancing enemy. When they fled, they opened the gates of the insane asylum letting the inmates free to run the town. And that is almost like what
we have done here. Our great community builders, the service clubs, fell prey to greed. Greed that was fired up by a loss of club members and a desperate hope to regain what they used to be. Sunland-Tujunga succumbed to the lowest common denominator. Those who saw the opportunity to become something worthwhile without having to go through hoops of actually doing something of merit. The Lion’s Club (and Sunland-Tujunga) lost the Watermelon Festival because they got greedy. The Rotary Club lost their backbone members through age and people moving out of the area. The Chamber of Commerce got overpopulated by people who saw the chamber as being their own sandbox and looted it out of existence. The Rotary Club is history.
They can’t even pay their national dues. They have no intelligent leaders and have become a haven for the communities neo-Nazis. On the other side of the coin is the Chamber of Commerce that has literally done everything they could to bring itself back into the mainstream. They have done that by bringing in new business members and getting rid of Nina Royal and Cindy Cleghorn who ran it into the ground. Yes, new members and a strong board of directors are making a difference here. The Chamber is running the 4th of July Fireworks this year and getting everything done “correctly.” They are actually making sure that the money from the city is being used as it should. No mis-spent funds for bogus advertising and banners. Ms. Tatulian is not allowed to be
V IEW
ROCK near the funds, and a new team has been assembled to make sure that the community is involved in what is happening. Everything from getting new sponsors to permits to bringing in great music, it looks like it’s going to be great this year. Sunland-Tujunga has lost its old time feeling. But maybe this is the start of our getting it back. And no, you can’t say, “It’s the water!”
The Foothills Letters & Perspectives THE FOOTHILLS PAPER
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More Fires Mean Fewer Funds For Local USDA Forest Service Projects Randy Moore, Regional Forester, Pacific Southwest Region, U.S. Dept. of Agriculture Forest Service by
Last year, more than 1,500 wildfires burned over 640,000 acres on National Forest System lands in California, including the Thomas Fire, the largest fire in California’s recorded history. The surrounding communities are still dealing with damage from debris flows caused by a charred and barren landscape that no longer has the protection of trees, grass and other vegetation. We see and empathize with those affected, and are working to reduce the potential for future loss by performing hazardous fuel reduction treatments which include thinning overstocked forests and prescribed burning.
The Forest Service is increasingly challenged to provide the personnel and management needed to maintain these services; infrastructure, such as roads, trails and campgrounds; and the health and resiliency of our public forests. The Pacific Southwest Region spent in excess of $500 million preventing or suppressing wildfires over the past year. While nationally, Forest Service suppression costs exceeded $2.4 billion last year, more than ever before. Fire alone accounted for 57 percent of the agency’s budget in 2017, up from just 16 percent in 1995. At this rate, suppression costs will take up 67 percent of the Forest Service’s budget by 2021. Currently, 10 million acres of National Forest System lands in California are at moderate to high risk from insects,
disease or fire. The science, data and monitoring shows that hazardous fuel treatments positively affect fire behavior and lowers the catastrophic risk of fire damage. Essentially, the more acres we treat, the healthier our forests become, contributing to safer and more resilient communities. In 2017 alone, we performed fuels reduction treatments on over 310,000 acres of Forest Service lands across the state, but there is more to be done. Funding for suppression efforts performed by the Forest Service on National Forest System lands as well as those under other ownerships, comes from the agency’s overall budget which means less money for other Forest Service programs and services. The Forest Service is the only federal agency that is
required to fund its entire emergency management program through its regular appropriations. About a third of the Forest Service’s total spending on fire goes toward 1 to 2 percent of the fires it fights. Megafires, like the Thomas Fire, are national disasters. It would make sense to deal with them as such: through a separate national emergency fund to stop the drain on the funding for the work we care most about. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue and the Forest Service deeply appreciate the ongoing work of Congress to pass new legislation to reform the way wildfire suppression is funded, supporting our efforts to meet the many different needs of the communities we serve, for the benefit of generations to come.
Only Successful Businesses advertise in The Foothills Paper!
4 — FRIDAY, MARCH 2, 2018 • THE FOOTHILLS PAPER
Social Security Matters
Ask Rusty:
Working Internationally
and Social Security
poses: First, it eliminates dual Social Security taxation; Dear Rusty: a situation which occurs For a number of years I when a worker from one lived and worked in Gercountry works in the othmany. I paid into their ver- er country and would sion of social security. As otherwise be required to far as I know I will be eli- pay Social Security taxes gible to receive German to both countries on the benefits either in a lump same earnings. sum or monthly amount Second, the agreement when I reach the age of 65. helps fill gaps in benefit If that happens can you tell protection for workers me how this will affect my who have divided their social security benefits? careers between the U.S. Signed, and Germany (or any of International worker the other countries with which there is an agreeDear International ment). worker: When a worker has Germany is one of the some U.S. coverage but 24 countries with which not enough to qualify for the U.S. has a bilateral benefits, the Social Secuagreement, also known rity Administration will as a “totalization agreecount periods of coverment.” This means that age that the worker has your contributions to the earned under the German German retirement sysSocial Security program. tem can be coordinated Germany will also take with your U.S. Social Se- into account a worker’s curity contributions to coverage under the U.S. help you qualify for U.S. program if it is needed to Social Security benefits. qualify for that country’s What happens is that you Social Security benefits. receive U.S. Social Secu- If the combined credits in rity credit for your conthe two countries enable tributions to the German the worker to meet the elequivalent program, to igibility requirements, a help you gain enough partial benefit can then credits to receive U.S. be paid. The agreement Social Security benefits. allows the Social SecuriThe US/Germany agree- ty Administration to “toment has two main pursee Int’l Worker, page 10 AMAC-Certified Social Security Advisor Russell Gloor by
www.thefoothillspaper.com • VOLUME 14 • NUMBER 4
Do Tiny Homes Live Up To The Hype? by Ed Castellanos www.superliked.com/profile/ed-castellanos
The tiny house trend is a big movement. Everyone from millennials to retirees is opting to live small, but that doesn’t mean the lifestyle is right for you. Consider these pros and cons before you downsize. What constitutes a tiny house? Generally, tiny homes measure between 100
and 500 square feet. Many are portable, but some city ordinances and housing divisions require homes to be set on a foundation.
from $10,000 to $60,000, What are the pros? depending on the manPeople are drawn to tiufacturer. Even a topny houses for a numof-the-line custom unit ber of reasons. Owners typically costs less than of tiny homes often cite $100,000. price as the deciding fac- Other perks include the tor. Tiny homes range see Tiny Homes, page 8 Edgar Castellanos BRE# 01855534
LAHOMES247.com
661-510-5762
Movie Review: Black Panther Bob Garver
lies a bustling metropolis more technologically ad We were first introduced vanced than any country to T’challa aka Black on Earth. It is home to Panther (Chadwick Bose- a literal mountain of an man) two years ago in element called Vibranium, “Captain America: Civil which is extremely valuWar.” A prince from the able and has tons of fictional African country scientific applications of Wakanda, T’challa (read: superhero gadgets). ascended to the throne Some Wakandans believe when father the king was that the Vibranium should killed during a peace be shared with the rest conference. His thirst of the world to make it a for revenge led to the better place, while others apparent creation of the believe that revealing Black Panther persona, the Vibranium to the rest and though he was cerof the world will make tainly gifted athletically, Wakanda vulnerable to it looked as though his conquest and enslave“powers” were mostly ment. It’s a thorny issue, royalty-based, similar to and T’challa himself how his MCU colleague doesn’t know exactly how Reaching Retirement Age? Tony Stark’s “powers” are to feel about it. mostly money-based. Less conflicted are You Need to Know This It turns out there’s much bad guys Ulysses Klaue more to Black Panther’s (Andy Serkis) and Erik Every birthday Today, however, the arsenal than money Killmonger (Michael B. deserves celebration, full retirement age is and power. For starters, Jordan). Klaue is a but some seem a little now 66 or 67, dependT’challa is not the first rare non-Wakandan more special than others. ing on when you were who knows about the Think of a baby’s first born. In 1983, Congress Black Panther. Whoever is king of Wakanda wears Vibranium and wants to birthday. Sweet 16. The changed the law to a ring that gives them use it to get rich. He stole Big 4-0. Then, before increase the retirement enhanced athletic abilia half-ton of the element you know it, along comes age gradually over a ties, and kings have used thirty years ago in a dead65. This last milestone 22-year period, citing these abilities throughout ly heist orchestrated by is important to retirees. improvements in the history to defend the king’s turncoat brother For nearly half a health of older people (Sterling K. Brown), but century, American work- and increases in average Wakanda. It’s just that Wakanda hasn’t needed now wants control of the ers looked to 65 as the life expectancy. To find much defending because mother lode. Killmonger age at which they could out your full retirement it keeps itself hidden from is a little less selfish, as stop working and finally age, visit www.socialsethe rest of the world. Behe wants to use the Vireap their full retirement curity.gov/planners/ hind the smokescreen of a branium to help the entire benefits under the Social retire/ageincrease.html. see SS Age, page 8 third-world African nation Wakandan culture take Security Act of 1935. by
over the world. Okay, he’s actually really selfish, because he has a claim to the Wakandan throne and he wants Wakanda to take over the world with him at its head, but he mentions briefly that he’s doing it on behalf of oppressed people, so he has delusions of selflessness. More than anything that actually happens in the story, I just liked spending time in Wakanda. The “Thor” movies kept pushing Asgard as a sort of utopia, but I never saw the general population as more than servants and soldiers who didn’t seem particularly happy with their lot in life. Here, the community is thriving. Scientific advancements are being made, people see Black Panther, page 9
THE FOOTHILLS PAPER • FRIDAY, MARCH 2, 2018 — 5
VOLUME 14 • NUMBER 4 • www.thefoothillspaper.com
Fresh Ojai Burritos Chef Randy
I think we can all agree that a good burrito is made with fresh ingredients. The right combination of ingredients, however, is what distinguishes a good burrito from a great one. Here are my recommendations for what a great burrito must include at a minimum: • Fresh flour tortillas. Handmade tortillas are preferable to store-bought ones. • A variety of colors, textures and fresh flavors. Mono-filling burritos are boring. • Beans. I love rice but not in my burrito. Rice tends to make a burrito mushy and doesn’t add all that much flavor. • Pico de Gallo made with farm-fresh ingredients. This provides texture and flavor. • Creamy guacamole. This is an additional flavor layer. • Tangy Monterey Jack cheese. Nuff’ said. • Grilling. This provides a crispy outside texture – but not too crispy. The burrito must still be chewy. I don’t agree that burritos should include a mound of fancy fried
potatoes, or worse yet, French fries. Too trendy for me. I like my burritos to be uncomplicated yet tasty; familiar yet unique. Take that San Diego! What makes them unique to Ojai is my use of local, farm-fresh tomatoes, onions, cilantro, chilies, garlic, avocados, kale and limes. Fresh cactus leaves with which to make nopalitos are available at local farmers’ markets or you can find them already processed and pickled at one of your local markets. Ingredients: 5 medium and firm tomatoes (¼-inch dice) 1 medium white onion (peeled and diced) ¼ cup fresh cilantro (chopped fine) 2 jalapeño chilies (seeded
and chopped fine) 1 medium clove garlic (peeled and minced) 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice Salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste 4 ripe avocados (peeled and pits removed) 3 tablespoons red onion (chopped fine) ¼ cup fresh cilantro (chopped) 1 large clove garlic (peeled and minced) 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice 2 tablespoons Mexican Crema ½ teaspoon salt 2 serrano chilies (retain seeds and chop fine) ½ cup pickled nopalitos (drained - Doña María is a good brand) ½ teaspoon extra virgin olive oil 1 teaspoon lime juice
★★★ STARS ★★★
The paperback version is now available on Amazon NOW. Just think: seven years of crime and corruption by people we know and love(?) in our little town. People that have torn our community apart for their own personal gain.
see Burritos, page 9
For additional recipes, see Chef Randy’s website at
valley-vegetarian.com
Check out where the bodies were found, where the bodies were moved to, where the bodies that weren’t even reported ended up. Police coverups (awaiting confirmation by our legal advisers on how much we can show and say.) Did you know that there were TVR gangland hit squads attacking the homeless here? Do you know how many homeless were killed and then are set afire to cover it up? Corruption is Sunland-Tujunga’s middle name. Read about how our council-members raped the system for their own personal gain and destroyed peoples lives for fun and cheap paper certificates of appreciation. Yes, boys and girls “You can’t tell the players without the S.TA.R.S.” **Note, this is the larger version than the Kindle. Rave reviews are flowing in from the local hate sites as the Facebook Nazis follow the big lie and demand that the video treatment be stopped. Not since the Pentagon papers has there been a book like this. Follow Kurt Koesler and Sonia Tatulian as they steal the local newspapers and get certificates of appreciation from the neighborhood council. It’s corruption at its best. Available at Amazon Books. Search for “David DeMulle” or “Sunland Tujunga” on the Amazon Books site.
★★★ STARS ★★★
by
6 — FRIDAY, MARCH 2, 2018 • THE FOOTHILLS PAPER
www.thefoothillspaper.com • VOLUME 14 • NUMBER 4
Verdugo Hills Liquor Store 7119 Foothill Boulevard
First Snowfall Of The Year!
To a town with no future comes a girl with no past
New Hope Community Church
104380 Oro Vista Ave • Sunland CA The first snow of the year happened Tuesday afternoon.
VOLUME 14 • NUMBER 4 • www.thefoothillspaper.com
THE FOOTHILLS PAPER • FRIDAY, MARCH 2, 2018 — 7
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Vandals and graffiti taggers have been a constant nuisance to the donations truck of Hope for Homeless Youth Christian Outreach Ministry. Break-ins force the charity to move the truck from their South Los Angeles building to Tujunga where volunteers live and drive the truck. Pastor Clayton Golliher founder and director of Hope for Homeless Youth says “it’s unfortunate that these individuals are the persons we seek out and try to lend a helping hand to.” ABM Enterprise, Inc. supporters of the ministry gave permission to park the truck at the empty lot they own on Foothill Bl. and Haines Canyon. Taggers have targeted the truck and have
made it their background for graffiti, it has been vandalized and broken into a number of times at this location. Pastor Clayton seeks the generosity of another business owner with a secure fence in property to permit overnight parking of the truck. The Pastor mentions that they do not use the truck every day. “We pick up donations a few times a week like food and clothing to give to homeless persons, we also pick up donated computer equipment to refurbish, youth training, give away and fundraising proposes. Pastor Clayton asks to contact one of the volunteer drivers, Martin Lozano at 818-441-3303 to arrange parking space.
8 — FRIDAY, MARCH 2, 2018 • THE FOOTHILLS PAPER
www.thefoothillspaper.com • VOLUME 14 • NUMBER 4
Jan Tucker It is with a heavy heart that I must announce the passing of Jan Tucker yesterday morning. Jan has been a long term CALI member and served on the Government Affairs Committee as well as Chairman of the Board for many years. Services are pending. The following is an article that was written about Jan Tucker in the Los Angeles Times on 7/7/1996. Jan Tucker Was a Rebel With Disparate Causes Jan Tucker is not a woman. Nor is he of Armenian descent. He’s not a professional politician, not a full-time journalist and not a pimp. But what Jan Tucker isn’t makes what he is all the more intriguing. For the 62-year-old San Fernando Valley man has aligned himself with causes and groups that seem incongruous on their own and positively implausible put together. And not just as a rank-and-file member: Tucker-part activist, part gadfly, part idealist--takes positions of leadership in the crusades he champions. Though male, he is a board member and publicity director for the Valley/Northeast Los Angeles chapter of the National Organization for Women (more than once have newspaper editors changed references to Tucker from he to she). Though of Russian extraction, he serves as vice president of the Armenian American Action Committee, Western Region. And though a full-time private detective, Tucker still finds time to serve as vice chairman of a newspaper union group and
SS Age, from pg. 4 If you’ve contributed enough to the Social Security system through payroll taxes, you still can claim your retirement benefits at 65 — or 62, 63, or 64, for that matter — but your monthly payments will be permanently reduced. For help deciding which age is right for you to start receiving Social Security retirement benefits, read “When to Start Receiving Retirement Benefits” at
PR guru for an organization advocating legalized prostitution. To top it all off, he is now seeking the U.S. presidential nomination of the California Peace and Freedom Party, a political throwback to the rebellious ‘60s that espouses a “feministsocialist” platform. “I don’t give a s--- how many people think I’m a nut,” Tucker said, salting a recent interview with the unvarnished language of a hard-bitten private eye. “I’m a nut in high demand.” That he is, living the driven life of a self-professed “intensity junkie” with a finger in a bakery’s worth of pies. Both supporters and opponents agree that Tucker pours true passion into his causes, coupled with either a large dollop of media savvy or a talent for self-aggrandizement and trouble making, depending on the point of view. Certainly, the red-haired, mustachioed East Valley resident is a confident, sometimes combative man, whose strong opinions and insistence on being right have led to disputes with political and business associates. He is not afraid to broadcast his views, or even to march into court when he believes himself wronged, as a number of lawsuits
www.socialsecurity.gov/ pubs/EN-05-10147.pdf. We have also made applying for benefits easier than ever. You can do it online! To apply for benefits, please go to www.socialsecurity. gov/applyforbenefits. That said, age 65 should still factor in prominently as you prepare for retirement and a stable financial future, because that’s when most American workers first become eligible for Medicare health insurance coverage.
bearing his name attest. But no one denies that Tucker knows of what he speaks, whether on feminism, “Theory Z” management, Swedish socialism or modern American political history, which he discusses with a dash of conspiracy-theory ominousness. “Jan is a bright, educated, energetic guy,” said Israel Feuer, one of the founding members of the Peace and Freedom Party. “He’s very dedicated to the agenda that he’s bringing to a given situation,” added Casey Peters, another longtime party member who has seen Tucker operate over the years. “He certainly has his cynical side, but obviously he has an idealistic side, or he wouldn’t be doing what he’s doing.” But how does an Arleta-born and -raised guy come by the eclectic, semi-radical views and values that lead some to label him a maverick among mavericks? To Tucker himself, the answer lies in biology. “It’s genetic. I’m a fourthgeneration red-diaper baby,” he said, referring to the communist sympathies of his parents and other ancestors. In junior high school in the ‘60s, while his peers studied their
To see if you’ve earned insurance) effective the enough credits through first day of the month work to qualify for you turn 65. Watch your Medicare at age 65, view mailbox a few months your Social Security before your birthday for Statement online using your Medicare card. your personal my Social Otherwise, three Security account. Create months before your or log on to your account 65th birthday, you can at www.socialsecurity. apply for Medicare gov/myaccount. Parts A and B online If you’re already at www.socialsecurity. receiving Social Security gov/applyforbenefits. benefits before age 65, Your Initial Enrollment we’ll automatically Period for Medicare enroll you in Medicare starts three months bePart A (hospital insurfore your 65th birthday ance) and Medicare Part month and continues B (supplemental medical for three months after.
What’s more, unless you have enough liquid funds to make a cash purchase, financfreedom of mobility and the ing for tiny homes can be difability to live more sustainficult, and there are also obviably. There’s also the added flexibility to use the structure ous drawbacks such as space as a rental unit, add-on expan- restrictions that complicate hosting guests and storing sion or mother-in-law suite. nonessentials. What are the cons? No doubt our collective deOf course, not everyone is willing to contend with the re- sire for simplification and fialities of owning a tiny home. nancial freedom has birthed For instance, despite their low the tiny home movement. However, before you commit sales price, there are hidden costs that can sneak up on po- to one, it’s important to edutential buyers. From construc- cate yourself about the complicated regulations and overtion crew markups and shiplooked nuances of owning a ping fees to property taxes tiny home. and plot purchases, the final figure can add up quickly.
Tiny Homes, from pg. 4
textbooks, Tucker spent his spare time fiddling with a shortwave radio, listening to the crackle of Radio Japan and stations out of war-torn Vietnam. Those broadcasts exposed the teenage Tucker, the youngest of three children, to other cultures and outlooks. “That’s what turned me into a relatively independent thinker,” he said. “That was a revelation.” By high school, where he says a teacher pronounced him “clinically insane” for his political views, Tucker began his involvement with the Peace and Freedom Party. His unconventional ways continued at Cal State Northridge with a double major in political science and Chicano studies as well as some dabbling in women’s studies courses, presaging his current activities with NOW and other women’s groups. “I was a tried-and-true, dyedin-the-wool feminist by the time I left college,” he said. And it’s not just the idle boast of a sensitive male who thinks he understands women better than the average Joe. “He’s a totally dedicated feminist. He’s been around almost longer than anyone” in the group, said Jean Morrison, president of
the Valley/Northeast L.A. chapter of NOW. There are still people who assume “Jan” must be a woman, people who assume he must be gay and women who assume his NOW membership is little more than a novel way to score a date. But his long-standing work for NOW, firing off press releases and marching in rallies, has won over the most suspicious of women activists, even if some split with Tucker over his call for legalized prostitution--”another oppressed group that needs help,” as Tucker puts it. His resume lists him as the PR hound for COYOTE, or Call Off Your Old Tired Ethics, a hookers’ rights group.
To learn more about Medicare enrollment and coverage, please visit www.socialsecurity.gov/ medicare. To learn more about Medicare coverage, visit www.medicare.gov. Social Security is with you through life’s journey, on your first birthday and the many more that follow. Learn more at www. socialsecurity.gov. Essie L. Landry is a Social Security Public Affairs Specialist in Sierra West Area
THE FOOTHILLS PAPER • FRIDAY, MARCH 2, 2018 — 9
VOLUME 14 • NUMBER 4 • www.thefoothillspaper.com
and set aside. This is the guacamole. ⅛ teaspoon cumin powder Combine the next 5 ingredients (olive oil thPinch of salt ru kale) in a large bowl 3 large fresh kale leaves (ribs removed and leaves and toss to mix well. Set aside. This provides color, cut into ribbons) 2 cups cooked or canned flavor and crunchiness. black beans (rinsed and Assembly: drained) Gently heat one of the tor2 cups Sonoma Jack tillas on a grill over medicheese (grated fine) um heat for about a min4 thin flour tortillas ute. Place the tortilla on (12-inches in diameter) a clean work surface and add a base of beans down Directions: Combine the first 7 ingre- the middle of the tortilla dients (tomatoes thru salt (about ½ cup beans per burrito). Layer two heapand pepper) in a bowl, ing tablespoons of Picover and set aside. This co de Gallo on top of the is the Pico de Gallo. beans. Layer 2 to 3 table Add the next 9 ingredispoons guacamole on top ents (avocados thru noof the Pico de Gallo. Laypalitos) to a blender and er ¼ of the kale mixture blend until just smooth. on top of that. Finish with Pour into a bowl, cover
Burritos, from pg. 5
Attention All Veterans, Sons, Daughters and Wives of Veterans
Come and Enjoy your local American Legion Post Help support Veterans and Veterans’ Causes
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AMERICAN LEGION 2018 CASINO NIGHT EVENT!
A really great time was had at the Casino Night with a Louisiana Shrimp Boil by Tommy. People from the neighborhood showed up and had the time of their lives and some of the best food in town. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
American Legion Post 377
10039 Pinewood Ave., Tujunga
( 81 8 ) 3 5 3 - 9 8 5 6 Events open to the public
Canteen Hours - 7 days a week, 2- 10 p.m.
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Black Panther, from pg. 4 look happy in their daily lives, and demeanors are friendly. I got more laughs out of the mere banter among T’challa, his sister (Letitia Wright), his girlfriend (Lupita Nyong’o), his bodyguard (Danai Gurina), his best friend (Daniel Kaluuya), a guest from America (Martin Freeman), and even an enemy (Winston Duke) than I did from the many forced gags in
“Thor: Ragnarok.” But speaking of “Thor: Ragnarok,” did “Black Panther” have to follow its story so closely? The hero learns that his father wasn’t the flawless figure he idolized, and a longlost relative shows up to usurp the throne, forcing him to spend the rest of the movie getting it back. Fortunately, it makes up for its faults in other areas, like a strong, likeable ensemble, a compelling central debate, and a
½ cup grated cheese. Once you have all the fillings in place, pull the bottom half of the tortilla over to meet the top half. Then, pull the tortilla back. This will form the filling into a nice roll. Folds both ends of the tortilla over and tightly roll your burrito. Set the completed burrito aside (with the seam side down) and repeat this process 3 more times Place the burritos on a grill pre-heated to medium-high heat. Grill each burrito for 1 minute on one side, then turn over and grill for another 30 to 45 seconds on the other. Put the leftover Pico de Gallo and guacamole in dishes and serve as sides to the burritos. better arc for its villain. I don’t see “Black Panther” as the game-changer that some critics are proclaiming it to be, but it’s a fine, serviceable MCU entry. Grade: B“Black Panther” is rated PG-13 for prolonged sequences of action violence, and a brief rude gesture. Its running time is 134 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu.
10 — FRIDAY, MARCH 2, 2018 • THE FOOTHILLS PAPER
Opioid, from pg. 2 product they say, of the success of our capitalism. But the bigger threat now is our burgeoning Opioid epidemic that took 65,000 lives nationwide last year, with no reliable statistics on how many more souls are hooked daily on this life destroyer. That’s also due, in part, to the success of our capitalism. Companies and corporations are pushing drugs, hoodwinking our doctors into prescribing them by vouching falsely for their safety. The entire issue of the current March 5 TIME Magazine is devoted to the photos and diaries of these victims. “I got in a car accident and was in the hospital for three or four months. At first, I took Percoset, OxyCon-
Int’l Worker, from pg. 4 talize” U.S. and German coverage credits only if the worker has at least 6 quarters of U.S. coverage. Similarly, a person
www.thefoothillspaper.com • VOLUME 14 • NUMBER 4
tin for the pain as prescribed, as needed. I started to like the buzz so I began taking more than I was supposed to. Then a family member introduced me to heroin, and I actually cried at first because I didn’t feel any pain. All it takes is one time.” Caussaundra Blasingame, from New London, Ohio. The Opioid crisis is the worst addiction epidemic in U.S. history. The nation’s life expectancy has fallen for two years in a row. Users, families and first responders live at the center of a national emergency -- and it demands our urgent attention. “Heroin grabs ahold of you, and it won’t let go. It turned me into somebody I never thought I would be.” Chad Colwell, 32,
Miamisburg, Ohio. His fourth overdose led him to seek treatment. It’s not just the guy who’s never worked a day in his life. It’s airline pilots. It’s teachers. It’s law enforcement kids, firemen out there hooked on it. It’s Joe Citizen that is dying.” Gust Andrew Teague II, a deputy sheriff in Montgomery County, Ohio. Cheryl Schmidtchen, at the funeral of her 24 year old grandaughter says, “After Michaela died, I saw it clear as day. They’re not only destroying themselves, they’re destroying us.” In Manchester, New Hampshire on September 17, 1017. “If there was a terrorist that showed up in Montgomery County today and shot 50 people, or 25
or 10 for that matter, this community would be in an uproar. There would be an army here trying to stop it. That’s exactly where we would be with opioids. But who’s showing up to stop it?” Bruce Langos, executive director of the Criminal Intelligence Center at the Montgomery County sheriff’s office, in Dayton, Ohio. “I am a drug addict. I let it take my kids from me, my home, my husband, everything that I love.” Kayla Rauck, 29, Covington, KY. “If your family member is struggling with addiction, love them. Don’t fight them. And for the love of everything holy, pray for them.” Angela Davis, a social worker with Lily’s Place, a facility that cares
for opioid-exposed babies in Huntington, W.Va. So, what am I going to do about all of this? I’ve only got one vote, so I’ll pray. For myself, to stay strong so I can help deal with this erosion of our society. I’ve already spent years unraveling the knots in my muscles with doctors and chiropractors, colleges, gyms and massage. When all else fails, I pray. But first I pen my ideas on paper. And that’s how my husband came into my life. And my property. And I’ve had marvelous results. And for larger world problems, I join my Pastor and the Church for group prayer. You’re welcome to join us. For substance abuse call 1-800-662-HELP; FIND TREATMENT. SAMHSA.GOV.
may need a minimum amount of coverage under Germany’s system in order to have U.S. coverage counted toward meeting the German benefit eligibility require-
ments. Click on this link to learn about the US/ Germany totalization agreement: www.ssa.gov/ international/Agreement_ Pamphlets/germany.html.
The information presented in this article is intended for general information purposes only. The opinions and interpretations expressed are not affiliated with or en-
dorsed by the U.S. gov’t, the SSA, or any state government. To submit a request, contact the Foundation at info@amacfoundation.org.
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THE FOOTHILLS PAPER • FRIDAY, MARCH 2, 2018 — 11
VOLUME 14 • NUMBER 4 • www.thefoothillspaper.com
Times Are Tough — But The Sunland Fighting Club Will Make You Tougher Karen Perdue
As luck would have it, a class was beginning in The Sunland Fighting her age group and she Club has been a wonder- was invited to join the ful addition to our comclass. She loved it! munity. Do you wonder The class began with what is within the walls a rigorous warm up. of the Club? This is the Then came instruction building with the beauti- as to the best defensive ful, powerful mural of position to hold her arms MMA legends Ronda and the correct stance to Rousey and Floyd execute a powerful kick. Mayweather painted on She was encouraged to the side of 8461 Foothill stretch a bit further, kick Boulevard. Within its higher, hit her target, walls are classes in and to do her best. That boxing, cardio, kickbox- she did! ing, judo, and mixed The work-outs and martial arts. Under the training are energizing guidance and watchful and invigorating for eyes of Sensei Hovik children and adults alike. Tadevosyan and Karen The smile on the cute Nahapetyan, students face of the dainty girl are taught concentration, while delivering a series self defense, discipline, of perfectly delivered confidence and respect punches and kicks is for all people. the same smile of the After visiting Wag My middle-aged man as he Tail next door, my 11masters the same. year old granddaughter The Sunland Fighting and I decided to visit the Club is led by the highly SFC. renowned Docando by
Champion Hovik Tadevosyan. He leads by example and is very adamant in teaching the youth that although it’s essential to know how to defend yourself, the art of using words comes before using your fists. There is palpable strength and character in the senseis’ demeanors. As I observed them interacting with their students, their enthusiasm and energy was contagious. Tadevosyan and Nahapetyan have been friends since childhood and both are committed to teach respect and honor. Tadevosyan regularly encourages those who have lost their way to be good to themselves and get back on track. Sensei Tadevosyan began his training in Martial Arts with full contact karate in 1997. He has been honored as a world champion in
Instructor Hovic works one-on-one with his students.
martial arts three times. He received his highest achievement in Black Belt 4 DAN in 2005 and continues to strive to even higher skills to enhance the lives of others. He has now expanded to include a full gym, a dream that came to fruition. Classes are
offered to women, men and children beginning from three years old and up. SFC will be offering a summer camp July: a funfilled week including beach & pool parties. For more information, please call Hovic at (818) 966-1234.
12 — FRIDAY, MARCH 2, 2018 • THE FOOTHILLS PAPER
www.thefoothillspaper.com • VOLUME 14 • NUMBER 4
Verdugo Hills Women’s Chorus Prepares to “Sing, Sing, Sing”
photo: Verdugo Hills Women’s Chorus
Peggy Smith
ture such songs as “Edelweiss”, “How Can I The Verdugo Hills Keep from Singing?”, Women’s Chorus (VHand “It’s a Grand Night WC) will attend an area- for Singing.” wide rehearsal on March The California Wom24 in Riverside to preen’s Chorus is a not-forpare for the California profit organization comWomen’s Chorus 49th prised of ten choruses. annual public concert. Each chorus prepares The public concert, and performs a winter themed “Sing, Sing, holiday program and a Sing,” will take place at Spring program for resi2:00 P.M. on Sunday, dents of assisted living April 29 at the Hilton facilities, senior groups, Doubletree in Whittier. and others. Through the Tickets are $15. annual concert, a raffle, The local 35-member and local choruses’ perchorus will join members formances, CWC raises of seven other choruses funds for scholarships throughout Southern Cal- for vocal students at the ifornia for the March re- high school, college and hearsal. Besides the clas- graduate levels, and for sic Louis Prima tune those who are launching “Sing, Sing, Sing”, the their vocal careers. In April 29 concert will fea- 2017 CWC gave three by
Women’s chorus getting together for their 39th public concert.
$3,000 scholarships and a $500 honorable mention to four outstanding young singers who were the top performers at a
CWC audition. Any woman who enjoys singing and would like to be a part of the CWC is asked to go on-
line at www.cwchorus. com for further information. There’s always room for one more singer!
Goodyear Blimb Visits SunlandTujunga The Goodyear blimp made its yearly visit to Sunland-Tujunga Monday about 3:30 pm. It came across Foothill from Lowell, went down to Mt. Gleason and turned south over Haines canyon. It was impressive as it was only about 500 feet off the ground.
SAFE, from pg. 1 The whole deal is a nightmare for the people directly affected- the State is buying houses where they “think” the train is going throughthey don’t give you what your home and property are worth- they give you solely what THEY think the house is worth. If your property is worth considerable more, then you are out of luck. (They don’t take into consideration the amount of land you have, the type of animals you have or the type of crops you raise) ONLY WHAT THE HOUSE IS WORTH, nothing more. Then, while you wait for your money, which can take up to two years, you pay the state rent for
because you are still living in the house - of course, if you have a mortgage, you are still paying that also. They are probably not going to tunnel through neighborhoods - so if you live nearby, you will have a train going 200 mph beside your neighborhood every 5 minutes - so plan your day accordingly. They (The State) say that they will tunnel through the Angeles National Forest, but what they don’t mention are all the power stations, service roads (just in case) and rescue tunnels which will need to be built to service the train. Think of the electric lines- how many fires have we had due to downed power lines?
Just one view of the 4,000-seat auditorium with nearly 1,000 people attending the SAFE meeting.
Also, think of the huge swaths of land which will have to be cleared for staging grounds. The big talk is about the greenhouse gases -
the pollution from this project- just the cement alone - will take 70 years to offset the greenhouse gases created by this project, and of
course it will be outdated and useless by then. The state is estimating 11,000 people a day will use the train - REALLY? To go to Nor Cal?