THE FOOTHILLS PAPER - MAY 11, 2018 by David DeMulle'

We’re All We’ve Got - Because of Them! (See “View from the Rock” on page 3)

FRIDAY •MAY APRIL 2018 FRIDAY, 25,27, 2018

TELLING TRUTH OVER 13 YEARS! TELLING THETHE TRUTH FORFOR OVER 13 YEARS

VOLUME1414• NUMBER • NUMBER107 VOLUME

Fireworks Over Fireworks, PT 2 by David DeMulle’ oard Members of the S-T Chamber of Commerce met once again with the Sunland-Tujunga Neighborhood Council (STNC) members to request city funds for the 2018 July 4th Fireworks event. This years event will be the first fireworks show in Sunland-Tujunga ever promoted by the chamber. In years past, the fireworks were produced by the Sunland-Tujunga,

so mismanaged as to draw suspicion from state and city agencies, it was disbanded by it’s only officer Sonia Tatulian in its third year of operation before charges could be filed. Past STNC president Dan McManus was brought back from political retirement to straighten out the paperwork, file the proper documents with the state and city entities, and to regain its non-profit status to qualify

SMART member comforts the pony “Misty” while awaiting the helicopter rescue.

Photo by David DeMulle’

Chamber of Commerce 4th of July Fireworks Committee members Kelly Jaffrey Hurst, Sonia Tatulian and Monique Reneaux defend their request for STNC funding. Shadow Hills Community Fund (STSHCF) which ran it into bankruptcy and filings of complaints to the city attorney. The STSH Community Fund was originally founded by Ms. Sonia Tatulian to collect funds from the city and community to deliver them to local community organizations, and in particular, the Verdugo Hills High School Booster Club. Unfortunately for the fund, that was

it to receive City of Los Angeles funds. The purpose of the reconstructed community fund was to continue the annual (almost) 4th of July Fireworks Show that had such a high admission fee that a lot of the local community were unable to gain admittance for their families, and thus left the fireworks site unhappily and with a bad taste of what our local politicians thought of them. (Continued on Page 5)

Photo by David DeMulle

Photo by David Crane, SCNG

Horse Rescue in Shadow Hills

he Los Angeles Fire Department received a call on May 8 about 11:30 AM, about a horse being trapped in a construction site in Shadow Hills. Upon arriving, it was determined that a helicopter lift operation was in order but the LAFD did not have a helicopter available. A call for L.A. County Mutual Aid was initiated and they sent out a heavy lift helicopter. A call was also placed to Officer Armando Navarrete of the L.A. City “Specialized Mobile Animal Rescue Team” (SMART) that a pony named “Misty” had fallen into the retaining wall trench on the abandoned Clybourn Ave. ranch. When asked if digging a ramp so the pony could walk out was an option, Officer Navarette said, “We’ve talked about digging a trench to walk the horse out, but she isn’t doing very well with people, so to make all that noise would probably be more detrimental for the horse than the personnel on the rescue operation.” The L.A. County helicopter arrived at around 2:00 p.m. The horse was sedated, blindfolded, strapped into an

Anderson Sling, then lifted into the air. The helicopter crew brought the animal about 300 yards onto an empty space and lowered her to waiting animal control personnel and firefighters. Once on the ground, a veterinarian made sure the pony was OK and massaged her legs to reduce the effects of the sedative. The pony revived and began moving around with human assistance to walk off the effects of the drugs. The rescue finished about 2:50 pm and the county helicopter left the scene. Misty was then trailered home after the rescue. (she only lives a block away from the location) No one knows for sure, except for Misty, how she ended up in the trench. By the looks of the disturbed dirt on the hillside, it appears that she wandered up to the top of the hill and slid down, feet first, and landed in the unfinished retaining wall trench. She was lucky that she didn’t fall head first. She managed to miss impaling herself on all the re-bar sticking up from the trench frame. Misty’s owner wasn’t in town at the time of the

rescue, but her sister was on scene. She took Misty back home after the rescue. The rescue was a combined effort that included our Departments (Los Angeles Animal Services) Specialized Mobile Animal Rescue Team (SMART) LAFD and LA County Fire (they provided the helicopter). SMART has two custom harnesses for large animal rescues. The one used in Misty’s air lift rescue was the Anderson Sling. SMART trains for these types of rescue operations and consults with Fire Departments across the Nation on how to apply the Anderson Sling for large animal rescues. SMART also trains with both LAFD and LAFD for Aerial and Crane Rescue operations. The rescuers from LA Animal Services SMART at Misty’s rescue were Armando Navarrete (Team Leader), Lois Westphal, Jennielee Gresslie, Hugh Briefman, Felix Lopez and Tami Shepphird. LA Animal Services SMART conducts 170 to 200 animal rescues a year. SMART rescues large and small animals, domestic or wildlife, stray or owned.

OVER 200 AREA Over 200DISTRIBUTION distributionSITES sitesINinTHE theFOOTHILLS foothills area

2 – FRIDAY, MAY 25, 2018 • THE FOOTHILLS PAPER www.thefoothillspaper.com • VOLUME 14 • NUMBER 10 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Time to Fire Up Your Grill by Ed Castellanos

t’s National Barbecue Month, the time to celebrate flame-grilled foods and the great outdoors. Whether you enjoy backyard burgers with family

For the vegetarian: Meatfree barbecues are more common than you might think. Aside from tofu dogs and black bean burgers, your guests can also enjoy portabella burgers, stuffed chilis rellenos, baked potatoes or veggie skewers from the grill. Peaches and pineapples also make for great grilled desserts. For the family: Plan a nice home-cooked outing just for the family. Have everyone pick their favorite

Students Graduate from Azusa Pacific University

AZUSA, CA (05/09/2018)-- The following students graduated from Azusa Pacific University on Sat., May 5, 2018, and joined approximately 1,702 graduates at the Spring commencement ceremonies. Robert Bieti of Tujunga (91042) Courtney Bitz of Sunland (91040) Abigail Golliher of Tujunga (91042) Patrick Kim of Sunland (91040) Luke Rawlings of Shadow Hills (91040) Azusa Pacific University is an evangelical Christian university committed to God First and excellence in higher education. With 61 bachelor’s degrees, 40 master’s degrees, 17 certificates, 11 credentials, 8 doctoral programs, and 4 associate degrees, the university offers its more than 10,000 students a quality education on campus, online, and at seven regional centers throughout Southern California.

A Poppy by Any Other Name...!

Poppy Flower Sales kick-off was held at the S-T American Legion hall honoring the past “Queen of Poppy’s” Evie Calvin two weeks ago. Evie was the American Legion poppy representative and ramrod behind crepe paper poppy sales

in the North East Valley for over 20 years. Her last year of sales netted over $14,000 for the disabled American veterans health services. With over 75 people attending the kick-off chicken dinner with all the fix’ns and mix’n with

American Legion auxiliary member Wendy Freeman, her daughter Bonnie Freeman, and Jennifer Crabtree and friends or you’re a vegetarian with a penchant for travel, there are so many ways to celebrate this month that fit your unique culinary style and tastes. Here’s some grilling inspiration for your family meals, social gatherings and adventures with nature. For the entertainer: Throw a backyard barbecue bash with friends and neighbors and prepare all the favorites: burgers, ribs, corn on the cob, watermelon and more. You can even ramp it up with a smoker or pizza grill. Just make sure you test your new tools out before the big day, and be sure to have enough charcoal or propane on hand.

main course, and get all the kiddos involved in the prep work and cooking. You can even invest in some monogrammed branding irons to make family grilling even more special. For the nature lover: Take your celebration on the road, and head to the beach or a campsite to enjoy your meals with nature. Bring along a portable grill, ingredients for s’mores, comfy chairs and your favorite sleeping bag to celebrate under the stars. As long as you’ve got great food and great company, you can’t go wrong celebrating May with meals prepared on a grill.

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Edgar Castellanos BRE# 01855534

friends and neighbors, everyone had a great time. With a band playing pop tunes in the background, members of the American Legion Auxiliary were selling raffle tickets for large baskets of prizes. It was a fun fundraiser and everyone had a great time.

More than 75 hungry people arrived for the all you could eat Poppy Flower Kick-off dinner!

Mount Gleason Middle School Hello everyone, I am Marina Hatfield, the Title 1 Coordinator and College & Career-Readiness Coach at Mount Gleason Middle School. Just wanted to share this very recent great news about our local middle school! As of this month, Mount Gleason Middle School is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Schools, Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ACS WASC) thanks to our faculty, staff, students, families, and community members working together toward achieving our vision, mission, and schoolwide learner outcomes! The WASC Visiting

committee read our report, visited our campus, observed instruction in classrooms, met with focus groups of all stakeholders, and validated the effective strategies we utilize in the areas of organization, curriculum, instruction, assessment, accountability, and school culture & support. Please share this fantastic news with the community at large! And let me know if you need any further details. Our new school website: https://www.mtgleasonms.org/ Our Accreditation Status can be confirmed in the ACS WASC Directory of Schools located here: http://directory. acswasc.org/

Gleason Middle School Grades 6-8 19 64733 168 Public School 10965 Mount Gleason Avenue Sunland, CA 91040 USA 818-951-2580 http://www.mtgleasonms.org/ Accredited

THE FOOTHILLS PAPER • FRIDAY, APRIL 14 27,• NUMBER 2018 —103 – 3 FRIDAY, MAY 25, 2018 • THE FOOTHILLS PAPER www.thefoothillspaper.com • VOLUME ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Very Rev. John da own littlehecommunity. Costa said: “I have a concentration campat nothing but amazement the silence of so many of n making surrounded bythe political leaders of the world. elicts and druggers who I have nothing but sadness that our churches have failed he fillings out of your so badly to practice what we u give them a chance. preach. May God forgive e homeless problem us all, and may he bring all those But who died so suddenly t science. it is POLand unprepared into the light th involve local of His our glorious presence… The Silence is Deafening.” ood council members And I look at what we are cal service organizadoing, anywhere and now.

mitment to the worsening government has taken contention as to who will be al- this situation in Afghanistan, solemn day and made it into lowed in their parade. year, Syria and Iraq. a threeLast day holiday when For all of you out there that all that was necessary they even went so far as to ban was a have forgotten, WE are the moment of silence. entries from The Foothills last bastion of the free world. I am not an Paper “anti-war” Growing our parents,Nest. advocate or a “peacenik.” I and theup,Crow’s our churches and our govam one who has been there No big deal, but when Lions ernment, taught us that the and done that. Without quesClub “Boo” Dougstrong helpmember the weak. ButBren it tion. This Memorial Day, I appears to me that if that there she would all of you to think las claimed hadlikebeen isn’t something in it for our about what death and dying who died, and those who It wasn’t our great lands, you’re not a Scientologist a to return. sexually assaulted and was not elected leaders, we don’t are about. Not just for our were luckyor enough our abundance of foods or help anyone. but parade, for those caught woman member with This an Memorial axe to Day, as our industrial might, it was going toAnd beit doesn’t in this heroes, year’s matter who is the current the quagmire of warfare. those warriors who respond- you surround yourselves grind, you fail at thatwith one too. you could hear theinlaughter all Supreme Commander when Those who were caught up friends, food and ed to our government’s call Our political leaders for the you’re dead or to wounded. in Vietnam, Bosnia, Somalia, that made us free. Those parties, give a moment of the way Mt. Gleason. There past 50 years have slowly Three days from now is Me- Darfur, Iraq, Afghanistan silence for those who can’t souls without So that what is question left? How about the remember ever being in used to be something called the let us down. From President morial Day, a day of reflect- and those countries that most did our country’s bidding. be with us. Remember for of Commerce just th so many self-righ4-Way Test that real RotariKennedy denying air support ing on those who gave their the of you have never heard of. Chamber just a that moment that “All Right or wrong, they did to the Cuban “Returnadato defend the policies gaveFireworks some – Some gave their duty and died4th to keep the of July mpous people who would allans believed in.of It is time for us all to look rescued dos” to Trump down-playing the U.S. back at what made our coun- us free. Twice a year, we all!” And it has nothing to event from the Machine-driven irst-born for a certificate 1. IS IT THE TRUTH? Well they and understating our comOver the past years, our try great. do with... The Water! honor those warriors, those

ation. Not good. t themselves, they have petuating circle-jerk y tell themselves how and tight-knit our THE FOOTHILLS PAPERthe is y is. Yup, we have published bi-weekly. All content is copyrighted not ss Rotary Club and inmay exisbe reproduced without written y can’tconsent even afford of the publisher. All submissions to this newspay dues.perAnd become when property ofit THE FOOTHILLS PAPER and may holdingnotthe annual 4th be republished in whole or in part. The opinions expressed rade, they become a not by contributing writers do necessarily express the views ous chamber pot of of of the publisher nor staff

RO CK

Sunland-Tujunga, Shadow Hills sure failed on that one. Community Fund? That same 2. IS IT FAIR TO ALL fund that Sonia Tatulian set up as THE FOOTHILLS LETTERS CONCERNED? Not since past her own money laundering fund? president Mike Lucas drove all AND PERSPECTIVES The one that the Cleghorn mathe real people out of the club. time saying “don’t Approximately half the Curious chine runs? Yup, that’s the 3. WILL IT BUILDposts GOODWILL? follow still the herd”. I postulate that FaceComments wonder if there book followers You have to ask yourself, Not one single equestrian or are idiots. one. should be some The other half postulate about your marching band group scientificcan studyso few ruin so much that will maybeset onlyfoot the peo- “How to determine the “observed” Newspaper so many?” on the parade routeple foronfear of be- are for why Sunidiots, as when you look Website This is Sunland-Tujunga and ing attacked with water land-Tuat who balloons. the posters are, ’m enjoying your site junga discounting the myriad it’s really easy when people you can say: 4. WILLButITgoing BE BENEFICIAL immensely. with absolutely no has all the sock-puppets, they are through the archives it It’s Thein Water! scruples and creating lies, wackos the N.E. Valley. slightly insane. TO ALL CONCERNED? If

suddenly hit me that this site suffers from a bipolar disorder, or perhaps better said: a multiple personality disorder.

Nevertheless, it might be amusing to address this head-on, to avoid confusion in the future. WHO EXACTLY are those

trying to impress? I guess it’s this fundamental internal battle that gives your site that extra sizzle. Daniel Powell

cious item. He noticed me his way up the hill. Being oday, I met Prince watching him, and sweetly the pitiful judge I must reHarry, a young, strong, www.superliked.com/profile/ed-castellanos EXECUTIVE told me hello, once again, mind myself I am, I pulled handsome, curly red-haired EDITOR/PUBLISHER promising to clean up. in my driveway and studgent. He was riding his Dr. David DeMullé This is so not about me. ied him a bit, wondering if carriage up my street, which editor@ However, my throat hurt he was truly down on his consisted of a 3 wheel thefoothillspaper.com with deep sorrow and shame luck, or securing his next bicycle, towing (with a long STAFF ASSISTANT for losing sight of the needs hit of crack. dog leash) a small flatbed Dyan McManus of others. I grabbed all Observing me pull in trailer loaded with bags of WITH THANKS TO the cash in my purse and my drive, he rode past my recycling. all our volunteers that approached him. Like a barrels straight to the next When a neighbor caught make The Paper happen! scared dog afraid of getting door neighbor’s. Ahhh, him digging through the THE FOOTHILLS PAPER whacked, he nervously said the gems and jewels he trash, he politely said helTheFoothillsPaper.COM hello again. I asked him if unearthed....a treasure chest lo, then promised to clean P.O. Box 444 he needed some help and overflowing with more plasup any mess he made and Tujunga CA 91043 handed him the cash. The tic, glass and metal than one be on his way. His motor818-951-0943 exhausted yet genuine smile Prince alone could carry! cade escorts were the cars, he bestowed upon me in He dug through the gunk including mine, backed up Associated Press return spiritually mirrored and bagged up each prebehind him as he muscled

the look of joy captured in Prince Harry’s face as he gazed upon his soon-to-be princess. With a humbled tone of relief, Prince Harry thanked me for showing kindness. Together, we cleaned up the minimal mess made, and then he departed up the hill, muscling his way to the next collection of barrels. Prince Harry is not a crack addict at all. He’s a beautiful gift from God, willing to do what it takes to secure his next feast. Blessings. Debbie Ethridge

this newspaper. TFP is available free of charge. No person may, without prior written permission from TFP, take more than one copy of each edition (stated value: $1). Only authorized TFP distributors may distribute THE FOOTHILLS PAPER. THE FOOTHILLS PAPER is a non-profit newspaper produced by the OSS-Spectrum group.

I guess I’m not quite “there” yet, but it does seem like quite the puzzle to advocate following the herd while at the same

Saving for a down payment

al costs f stu-time ise al buysave yment. ourdon’t he help d a litcan n pay-

by Ed C astellanos The Tujunga Royals

ment -- and probably sooner than you think. Here’s how:

your deposits, set a reminder to transfer money every two weeks.

Set up automatic deposits. Enable automatic deposits into your savings account. Schedule them right after paydays, when know you’ll L.A. Pressyou Club have the cash available. Press Photographers If you can’t automate Association

Try a round-off app. What if you could round off every purchase you make to the nearest dollar and then put that extra cash to good use? Apps like Acorns and Clarity Money round off your trans-

of Greater Los Angeles

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actions and either invest your money or add it to a savings account. Cut down on spending. Find an area of spending that you can afford to cut back on -- maybe eating out or grabbing to-go coffees. Each month, tal-

see Saving, page ?

Edgar Castellanos BRE# 01855534

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4 – FRIDAY, MAY 25, 2018 • THE FOOTHILLS PAPER www.thefoothillspaper.com • VOLUME 14 • NUMBER 10 www.thefoothillspaper.com • VOLUME 14 • NUMBER 8 4 — FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 2018 • THE FOOTHILLS PAPER ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Memorial Day will be observed at Sunland Park on Monday, May 28 at 11 a.m. 2824 FOOTHILL BLVD. LA CRESCENTA, CA 91214

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A time honored tradition of the American Legion Post 377. The service will be held at the recently restored Veterans Memorial. Paul Pangburn, the post commander, will officiate the ceremony and patriotic songs will be playing over the loud speaker. The Memorial Day service is Post 377’s largest annual gathering of residents and veterans in Sunland-Tujunga. There are usually more than 150 people in attendance. The names of service personnel who gave their lives for our country are called out and a bell rung. When the bugler sounds taps, the ceremony closes and everyone is invited to the Legion Hall for hot dogs and hamburgers. The event is hosted by the Sons and Daughters of the American Legion auxiliary. Everyone is welcome and the Legion Hall is located at 10039 Pinewood Ave. Tujunga. For more information, please call the Legion Hall at (818) 353-9856.

If You Love Your Freedom… Thank a Vet!

MEMORIAL DAY OBSERVANCE Monday - May 28th 8:00am* Two Strike War Memorial 5107 Rosemont Avenue. La Crescenta, CA

Attention All Veterans, Sons, Daughters and Wives of Veterans

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~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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(818) 353-9856 Events open to the public

Canteen Hours - 7 days a week, 2- 10 p.m.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

For Hall Rental, call Commander Dan at (818) 521-1137

4 — FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 2018 • THE FOOTHILLS PAPER

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www.thefoothillspaper.com • VOLUME 14 • NUMBER 8

FRIDAY, 25, 82018 • THE FOOTHILLS PAPER www.thefoothillspaper.com • VOLUME • NUMBER 10 –—55 VOLUME 14MAY • NUMBER • www.thefoothillspaper.com THE FOOTHILLS PAPER • 14 FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 2018 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

VOLUME 14 • NUMBER 8 • www.thefoothillspaper.com

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(Continued from Page 1) This year will be different, even though Tatulian is still involved, this years fireworksW showatercolor will be a Classes by FREE event for the comSharon Miller munity. The neighborhood Fridays from 12:30 - 2:30 pm at the Center for Spiritual Living council members had a 4845 Dunsmore Ave. La Crescenta, Please call for information at “Chinese Fire Drill” at the 818-293-1009 meeting with almost 1/4 of the members recusing or abstaining from voting. The “Holy Trinity” of Kelly Jaffre-Hurst, Monique showed that Bradley was they started in January, he Reneaux and Sonia Tatulian mistaken. Things quieted went off on them again by made a great presentation down then and the STNC saying “It’s like this every but were blindsided by voted to give the chamber year - you wait until the last Vice-President Charley $7,900 of the requested minute to get your funds and Bradley making unfounded $9,700. for the fireworks, then you expect us to bail and erroneous statements but that the funds would you out!” about last years funding reonly be given directly to the Unfortunately for evquest. “Just because I’m not fireworks company, a slap eryone present, he had in favor of going along with in the face of the chamber forgotten that for the your total request” he said, showing that they were not previous five years, Fridays from it12:30 - 2:30 pm at the “does not make me un-patrito be trusted. Center for Spiritual Living was the community fund otic!” (referring to negative 4845 Crescenta, years fireworks look that had runDunsmore the fireworksAve. LaThis comments made by last years Please call for information at are going to be like they and screwed it up, not the community fund members). 818-293-1009 really great and the vendors chamber of commerce. It And then Bradley continued booths will be manned by was only when finance his comments by asking the the Verdugo Hills High committee member Sandy chamber members “When $15.00 per class School Booster Clubs with Capps raised a handful of did you start your fund-raisALL the receipts going to documents and by reading ing for the fireworks?” And the school programs. off the facts and figures, when he was informed that $15.00 per class

Watercolor Classes by Sharon Miller

6 – FRIDAY, MAY 25, 2018 • THE FOOTHILLS PAPER www.thefoothillspaper.com • VOLUME 14 • NUMBER 10 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

ASK RUSTY SSA Misinformation leads to Lost benefits Social Security Matters by AMAC Certified Social Security Advisor Russell Gloor – Association of Mature American Citizens

Dear Rusty: I am 64, a

widow and I’m hopping mad! I lost my husband a while ago and went to Social Security to apply for widow’s benefits. That all went okay and I’m getting my benefit, but I just found out that I could have avoided a cut to my widow’s benefit and maybe applied only for my own retirement benefit and let the widow’s benefit grow until I reached 66 when it wouldn’t be cut. To make matters worse, they never explained that I’d be applying for both my own Social Security and my widow’s benefit, so my Social Security payment now is made up of both and they’re both reduced because I took them early. If I had waited until I was 70 to take my own benefit, it would have been more than my widow’s benefit. I feel that because they never told me my options, especially when I was grieving the loss of my husband, that it’s their fault that I’m losing money. What can I do? Signed: Hopping Mad Dear Hopping Mad: It looks as though you were caught in the same mis-

communication web that Social Security’s Office of the Inspector General (OIG) recently investigated and found that Social Security Administration (SSA) staff had often misinformed or failed to explain all available options to those applying for survivor’s benefits. That, in turn, has been responsible for a lot of “dually-entitled” people getting less than they’re truly entitled to. Thanks to a savvy SSA whistleblower, the OIG investigated the allegations and found that those who were entitled to both Social Security retirement benefits and survivor’s benefits were often not told that they could apply for either benefit and allow the other to grow to its maximum amount. In your case, you could have simply waited to apply for your widow’s benefit until it reached maximum at your full retirement age (FRA); or, if you needed the money, applied for your own reduced retirement benefit first and allowed your survivor’s

benefit to grow to its maximum at your FRA and get that for the rest of your life; or you could have taken the reduced survivor’s benefit only and allowed your own retirement benefit to grow until it reached its max-

imum at age 70. In other words, you could have restricted your application to either one of those benefits and allowed the other to grow to its maximum amount (Social Security’s “deemed filing” rule doesn’t apply to survivor’s). That you are now receiving reduced benefits with no option to delay either one is, it would seem, a result of a failure by the SSA to inform you of your options, exactly as the OIG found in its investigation. I believe you have a strong case to challenge the

SSA on your application choice due to them not informing you of the alternatives available to you. You can initiate this challenge by writing them a letter explaining that you would have made a different choice had you been told the alternatives available to you and request a hearing to resolve this issue. You will need to be specific about the who/ when/where aspects of your original application, and you should be very clear about which other option you would have selected had you known – to either defer your widow’s benefit until it grew to maximum at your FRA, or to take your widow’s benefit and defer your Social Security retirement benefit until you are 70. In any case, you should not have to suffer the financial consequences of the SSA’s failure to let you know that you had alternatives as a survivor. For more on how to file a claim in writing due to

the SSA’s failure to advise you of your options, go to: https://www.ssa.gov/OP_ Home/cfr20/416/416-0351. htm and review Section (f) Claim for benefits based on misinformation. The information presented in this article is intended for general information purposes only. The opinions and interpretations expressed are the viewpoints of the AMAC Foundation’s Social Security Advisory staff, trained and accredited under the National Social Security Advisors program of the National Social Security Association, LLC (NSSA). NSSA, the AMAC Foundation, and the Foundation’s Social Security Advisors are not affiliated with or endorsed by the United States Government, the Social Security Administration, or any other state government. Furthermore, the AMAC Foundation and its staff do not provide legal or accounting services. The Foundation welcomes questions from readers regarding Social Security issues. To submit a request, contact the Foundation at ssadvisor@ amacfoundation.org, or visit the Foundation’s website at www.amacfoundation.org.

New Hope Community Church Rummage Sale

There really was “Something for everyone!” at the NHCC rummage sale.

ast Saturday was the highlight of the year at the New Hope Community Church’s annual rummage sale. With rows and rows and tables full of everything that you could think

of, people walked in empty handed and left with bags and baskets of fun things. Even I had so much stuff to carry out that I had to load 3 baskets. One older woman who was tying

down a freezer in her son’s pickup truck said, “I sure didn’t think I was going to buy a freezer - but it was so good looking and so cheap, I couldn’t resist it!” Last weeks sale had

such a great turnout and success, that the church will be carrying it over to this coming Saturday. So if you need camping gear, vintage clothing, garage tools or just fun things

to wear, don’t miss this Saturday’s sale (May 26) at the New Hope Community Church, 10438 Oro Vista Ave., Sunland. From 8:00am - 4:00pm.

FRIDAY, MAY 25, 2018 • THE FOOTHILLS PAPER

www.thefoothillspaper.com • VOLUME 14 • NUMBER 10 – 7

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– VOLUME 14 • NUMBER 8 • www.thefoothillspaper.com THE FOOTHILLS PAPER • FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 2018 — 7

Lentil Stew with Sausage Hertzberg Presents Plan to Provide Trump Tax Relief at First Hearing Sen. Hertzberg’s Latest Tax Reform Measure

tee and stakeholders to listen to concerns and continue to crunch the numbers.” The next hearing on SB 993 will take place on Wednesday, June 13. For more information, visit Senator Hertzberg’s website and follow @SenateHertzberg on Twitter. Bob Hertzberg, chair of the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Water, represents nearly 1 million San Fernando Valley residents of Senate District 18, which includes part of Burbank and the following communities in Los Angeles: Arleta, Granada Hills, by Chef ranDy 1½ cups lentils (black 1 Hansen tablespoon Dam, BetLake View lentils are good but ter Than Bouillon Terrace, Mission Hills, Lentils arereform low in calany lentilsWhat’s will do) (vegetable North Hills,base) North Hollyvolatility. more, our his latest tax measure. ories, high in fiber, high 1 package Light4 cups vegetable broth wood, part of Northridge, current sales tax on goods The hearing, which in protein and Smart SausagPacoima, Panorama City, doesn’t account for the lasted nearly twohave hourszeand life Sherman Oaks, Studio City, growing intangiincluded robustThis discussion ro trans fats. baes Italianvolume Style of (cut inInstructions: part of in Sun Valley, Sylmar, ble goods and services being on all sides of the issue, sic lentil recipe is simple to ½-inch pieces) Plug your slow cookLake, Glen, our 21st-century was easy the first a series Just of and to in prepare. 2traded cups in sweet erToluca and set theValley heat to high. Valley Village, Van Nuys, economy. Simply put, we hearings intended to hear put all the ingredients in- corn kernels Rinse the lentils and the San Fernando are taxing the wrong stuff. feedback and build consento a slow cooker and the 3 stalks celery (thincull City out of small stones and Universal City. See a sus around a plan to incor SB 993 is a modest and chow down 4 hours latly sliced) and debris. Add the lenporate service taxes into phased-in approach that bedistrict map at http://sd18. er. The vegetarian sau3 carrots (cut intils and all other in- After California’s economy. SB gins to shift and expand our senate.ca.gov/district. sage adds provide depth and tex- totaxone-inch gredients to Assembly the crock993 would relief base, and pieces) it gives relief serving in the from ture for a hearty stew. 1 medium onpot. Cook for 4 hours. to Californians hit by the to middle and low-income 1996-2002, including two It’s especially good on ion (chopped) Thisasmakes a meal all Trump Tax by creating a taxpayers hurt most by the years Speaker, Hertzberg amodest cold winter night. 15-ounce can diced toby itself but is even better 3% tax on a number federal tax law. This bill is invested in solar, wind and of professional services in the framework that Goverelectric-car projects; andwhen matoes (including liquid) and more nutritious exchange for a 2% reducnor Brown is asking for, and worked for structural changes Ingredients: 2 cloves garlic (minced) accompanied by rice. tion in the statewide sales will set the stage for the next in government through the Fortax.additional recipes, Chef Randy’s website atof and use Governor.see Over the next few Think Long Committee weeks, I look forward to California. Learn more at Upon the conclusion of working with this commitwww.senate.ca.gov/hertzberg. the hearing, Senator Hertzenate Committee on Governance and Finance Holds First in Series of Hearings on SB 993, Sen. Hertzberg’s Latest Tax Reform Measure SACRAMENTO – Senator Bob Hertzberg, D-Van Nuys, today testified before the Senate Committee on Governance and Finance to make the case for SB 993,

berg released the following statement: “I’m trying to tackle the untouchable issue of taxes. Taxes, though unpopular, are so fundamentally important to our economy and to our way of life. Like the Governor has said, the time is now to create a framework to fix our tax structure. We all know about the

valley-vegetarian.com

8 – FRIDAY, MAY 25, 2018 • THE FOOTHILLS PAPER www.thefoothillspaper.com • VOLUME 14 • NUMBER 10 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– www.thefoothillspaper.com • VOLUME 14 • NUMBER 8 8 — FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 2018 • THE FOOTHILLS PAPER

Verdugo Hills Verdugo Hills Liquor Store Liquor Store 7119 Foothill Boulevard

7119 Foothill Boulevard

Tomato PieCountry with Toasted Quinoa One Crust Home Town Fair —Biggest Yet! By Chef Randy

The Crescenta Valley annual Country Fair came in with a bang that could be heard across the valley. With over 75 community booths and rides galore, more than 1,000 people packed Hindenburg Park with their dogs dressed up for the parade,

ave you ever considered food as art? I’m not talking food that’s styled for a photo shoot with unappetizing peas painted green or salad greens misted to make them “look” fresh. I’m talking

let me know how you like it. Better yet, make it and let me know if it reminds you of a work of art!

a children’s petting zoo Calif. Highway Patrol, and arts and crafts exhib- LACo Sheriffs and disits galore. And for those plays of old police cars. who were hungry, there There was something for were seven food trucks to everyone there. There satisfy your desires. were so many people The Montrose Search from Sunland-Tujunga & Rescue were there there that I thought there with a static display as should be an exhibit well as exhibits from the there just for them. about food you can eat. I’m talking about food that looks so good it is a work of art. Sometimes I imagine this recipe as the work of a minimalist artist expressing his art through cooking.

Other times I just look at it and drool thinking about how good it will taste once I cut it into wedges and wolf it down while savoring the super nutritious and crunchy crust. Give this recipe a try and

Ingredients: 1 cup uncooked quinoa ½ cup almond meal 1 tablespoon cornstarch ½ teaspoon salt (divided) 1 large egg (lightly beaten) 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided) Cooking spray 2 cups thinly sliced leeks 2 garlic cloves, minced 2 large heirloom tomatoes (sliced thin) 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (chopped) 2 large egg whites, lightly beaten ¼ to 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese (grated) 1 teaspoon Italian Herbs Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Place quinoa on parchment paper and bake on lowest rack in the oven for 10 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool.

Place quinoa in a food processor and pulse for 30 seconds. Transfer to a large bowl. Add almond meal, cornstarch, and ¼ teaspoon of the salt. Stir to combine. Add the egg and 1 tablespoon of the oil. Stir until mixture is crumbly. Press into the bottom (and ½ inch up the sides) of a 9-inch springform pan coated with cooking spray. Bake for 5 minutes. Remove from oven and set aside. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add remaining 1 tablespoon oil to pan. Add leeks and sauté for about 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more. Using a medium mixing bowl, combine leek mixture with the thyme and the remaining ¼ teaspoon salt. Add egg whites, stirring to combine. Spread this mixture on the crust and arrange tomato slices on top. Sprinkle with cheese and herbs. Bake for 15 minutes. Remove from oven and let it set up for about 5 minutes before cutting into slices for serving.