ARE YOU READY FOR EL NIÑO? See page 12
FREE
FRIDAY • JANUARY 15, 2016
TELLING THE TRUTH FOR OVER 11 YEARS!
Is “Bandito Park” on Death Row? by
VOLUME 12 • NUMBER 2
Even The Mighty Fall
David DeMullé
Los Angeles City Planning last week released a third extension of time for community comments. The new deadline of February 3 was requested by CD-7 Councilman Felipe Fuentes and others to give the community and neighbors a chance to review and comment on two additional Is this the last stand for the golf course? proposed amendments (numbers 5 and 6), to the original Draft Environmental Impact to be built in the 58.3 acre Golf Course in 2002 and Report (DEIR). The new parcel, down to 18 multi-acre began the steps necessary to amendments now include the “Equestrian Estates” and the create a gated community building of 18 homes where option of which would “poswhere the golf course now “Bandito Park” is situated sibly” dedicate 28.4 acres of sits. The project was supadjacent to Tujunga Canyon undeveloped land to the city. posedly named “Snowball” Boulevard and a reduction of The HWS Investment Group in honor of a Maltese dog see Bandito Park, page 9 total houses from 229 houses purchased the Verdugo Hills
INSIDE: Wrecks of The Week is back! ................
3
Suzanne DeLaurentiis: A Real Patriot! ................
4
Hateful Eight movie review ............
10
DEPARTMENTS
News from Your Clinic........... 2 My Two Cents....................... 2 View from the Rock.............. 3 Chef Randy........................... 5 Pets Page............................. 7 Jim Laris............................... 8 S-T Crime Stats................... 10 Take My Card..................... 11
What a way to wake up in the morning! by
David DeMullé
Even with the rains subsiding, there is still danger of trees falling. In the picture above, a tree has fallen, leaving a mess to clean up and damaging two roofs and a parked car. The homeowner considered his options in getting the tree removed safely
and decided to call Aper’s Tree Service, to remove the fallen tree. We documented the process and posted it on our Facebook site, facebook.com/ thefoothillspaper. The average cost of clearing a fallen tree between $275 and $1,150 depending on the size and location, although there see Fallen, page 9
More Free Dance Electric Sparks Classes in Sunland Light Up The Night! The whirlwind success of last season’s hip hop for kids, culminating in a stellar performance of the newly formed Kidz Dance Team at the Sunland Rec Center Holiday Party, has created a rush of enthusiasm for more of the same. And what’s not to like? Exciting music, much needed exercise and a warm, supportive, fun environment combined to enrich our daily lives and connect us with the world of Dancing With The Stars. So if you choose to dive into the world of music, movement and friendship, know this: you could end up loving it for a lifetime. And the social aspects could change your life – especially for men. In
Hannah Murray, Joan Robinson and Rachel Seward are the dance leaders and instructors. the world of dance, you are heroes in short supply. Thanks to the support of the L.A.’s Department of Parks and Recreation, the excitement continues into the see Dance, page 9
Heavy rains caused some 220-volt wires to rub together at a residence on Apperson — causing sparks that could have set the tree on fire. LAFD responded and clipped the wires while waiting for the DWP to fix the problem. Make sure you have flashlights and lanterns to light the way. You could be without electricity for days.
All these stories and more can be seen at:
http://facebook.com/thefoothillspaper
OVER 200 DISTRIBUTION SITES IN THE FOOTHILLS AREA
2 — FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2016 • THE FOOTHILLS PAPER
www.thefoothillspaper.com • VOLUME 12 • NUMBER 2
News From Your Clinic by
Sam Samalin, PA-C
Children With Fevers: A 2-year-old came in with a 104.7-degree fever. We had to get her fever down fast. We gave her a full dose of Tylenol and moistened her chest with towels and fanned her dry over and over. Her fever came down to 102 degrees after a few minutes. I didn’t find any signs when I looked at her throat and ears, but when I looked at her chest I saw a telltale rash, she had Fifths Disease, a virus which goes away by itself. I told her dad to keep her on ibuprofen every six hours while she had a fever, check that the fever was less than a 102.5 degrees or take her to the ER, give her plenty of extra liquids and follow up tomorrow. Fever can be dangerous, but if you know the cause and can keep it down with ibuprofen and fluids, you can safely comfort your child. Some
Dr. Sam. children have bacterial ear, throat or urinary infections so we give them antibiotics also. Others have coughs, which usually are from cold viruses but we may give them steroids, albuterol or antibiotics, or have vomiting from stomach viruses and we give them antacids and nausea medicine so they can drink fluids. As long as their fever is under 102.5 degrees and they are drinking fluids, we can send them home with you to watch over.
My Two Cents Commercials and Other Annoyances on Television Isn’t it annoying when watching TV and a commercial comes on that blasts you from your chair and has you clinging to the ceiling? Television ads are enough to frazzle one’s nerves and accelerate hearing loss. The first loud ad I remember was as a child, and it was Crazy Eddie screaming, “Prices so low, it’s insane!” Well, the insanity continues as advertisers continue to yell. But I have to admit since I record most of the shows I watch I’m not subjected to commercials on a regular basis. For me, what is as annoying as loud commercials is the background music on some shows. On certain shows the music practically drowns out the dialogue. It’s hard to relax when you’re straining to hear the conversation. I know people who hit the “mute” button in order to silence the noise and read the subtitles.
It’s the equivalent to a foreign film with subtitles. It makes one wonder if loud music compensates for weak writing. Another major distraction is the pop-ups and scrolls which fight for your attention displayed on the TV screen. There are pop-ups telling you what show you’re watching. Well, I know what I’m watching because I put it on. Certain scrolls instill panic announcing special alerts: “Blizzard expected to dump two feet of snow and knock out power to thousands.” After reading that, I quickly set out snow boots and stockpiled candles only to realize it was July and I was watching a show recorded six months earlier. I find it difficult to read scrolls and watch TV. I could do one or the other. I could watch TV or I could read scrolls. I can’t do both simultaneously. I know my limitations and I accept them. see TV, page 9
Cindy Argiento is a freelance columnist. She may be contacted via cargiento@aol.com.
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THE FOOTHILLS PAPER • FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2016 — 3
VOLUME 12 • NUMBER 2 • www.thefoothillspaper.com
I’d never have thunk it. With the beginning of the new year, we’ve begun to see some real changes — and some were really unthinkable. Last week, our councilman Felipe Fuentes announced that he would not run for council office again next year. WOW! That sure sets a precedent for an office that people usually win and stay in until they term out or die. Let me get this straight in my mind: Fuentes served as chief of staff to City Councilman Alex Padilla, then became a state assemblyman and then became our city councilman. That’s not bad for someone as young as Fuentes. One thing for sure is that he didn’t care if his actions were controversial. He did what he thought had to be done, and for those inbreds in the neighborhood council who thought that THEY controlled city hall, he kicked them out. Now that was exciting.
In the backwash, two local residents, Nancy Woodruff and Bonnie Corwin, have already filed the paperwork to run for Fuentes’ seat in 2017. I wish them well; they are following in the footsteps of Patty Lopez, who upset the applecart by doing some old-fashioned door-knocking, and she won. But back to the neighborhood council: the inbreds are just moving to another location. The Cleghorn Machine, which has controlled the community with its backdoor dealings and hired hit man, have now slithered into the S-T Chamber of Commerce. I guess their new mantra is, “If you can’t beat them, destroy them!” By unlawfully using $2,000 in community funds to bail out the bankrupt chamber and agreeing to pay $600 a month for the use of a small part of the chamber office, the STNC has committed themselves to paying for the entire cost of the chamber office so that the Cindy and Mark can still
VIE W
ROCK have an office. And they don’t even bat an eye at the concept, “conflict of interest.” Yes, boys and girls, corruption and lies just never stop in Sunland-Tujunga. There’s going to be a ghost neighborhood council election in April that almost nobody knows about. It’s hard to apply to run for office if no one announces it. Once again, the Cleghorn Machine has reared its fat head. Oh,
well. On the brighter side, we have four new businesses to fill in for those that just shut their doors. That’s life. But someone, someday, will actually wonder why we don’t have any of the fun things that we used to have. If you’re one of them, just ask me. Its interesting reading. And while you’re at it, have another glass of our water!
B e s t o f W r e c k S O Ff T H E W E E K Slow down and live...
THE FOOTHILLS PAPER
is published bi-weekly. All contents are copyrighted and may not be reproduced without written consent of the publisher. All submissions to this newspaper become property of THE FOOTHILLS PAPER and may not be republished in whole or in part. The opinions expressed by contributing writers do not necessarily express the views of the publisher nor staff of 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.
EXECUTIVE EDITOR/PUBLISHER Dr. David DeMullé
Every one of these wrecks is an example of bad judgement.
editor@thefoothillspaper.com
Fortunately, no one died in these collisions.
TECHNICAL EDITOR Randall Fleming ftp@thepaper.ws
There were way too many accidents to cover here; visit Facebook.com/StopTheCarnage
STAFF ASSISTANT Dyan McManus WITH THANKS TO The ILS Foundation for Their Support
THE FOOTHILLS PAPER TheFoothillsPaper.COM P.O. Box 444, Tujunga CA 91043 818-951-0943
L.A. Press Club Press Photographers Association of Greater Los Angeles International Combat Camera Association
Artisyn Gallery Closes
It is with regret that we learned that the Artisyn Gallery closed last Thursday. There were two things wrong with the enterprise: first, there was no advertising to let people know what they offered; second, they didn’t get the community backing. Just down the street, the Pampered Pets shop closed their doors for the same reason. A few more pharmacies are expected to close down this year for these same reasons.
4 — FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2016 • THE FOOTHILLS PAPER
www.thefoothillspaper.com • VOLUME 12 • NUMBER 2
Suzanne DeLaurentiis — A Real Patriot!
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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Dinner by Tom Smoker and Doug Slater/ Papa Stew Band ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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Fun time with Geno Ferone & Suzy Mullin ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Monday Night Football
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Are you man enough for this “Fru-Fru” drink?
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Independent producer Suzanne DeLaurentiis shows her support by taking a special interest in the Womens Veterans Community support group. She stated, “It has always been my passion to support our veterans community, I consider it an honor to be in their company”. DeLaurentiis recently made a special appearance and was a key speaker for a women’s veteran’s luncheon hosted by Veteran Lynette Jones, who is a major in the Army Reserves. Suzanne was so moved by difficulties that some female veterans endure when they come back from active duty, that she felt compelled to show her support. She also hosted a luncheon and tour for them at her office at Paramount Studios. This past December, she was as a distinguished judge at the first annual Female Veterans Talent Show sponsored and hosted by Major Lynette Jones of New Day Talk Radio. This event was held at The Liberty Theater on the Los Alamitos Joint Forces Base in Gardena, CA which was used for USO shows and movie screenings during WWII. Female service member contestants had a platform to perform a variety of singing and dancing talents. Lynette stated that Suzanne’s support and participation was invaluable because, “people don’t know of how women who serve can be so broken.” Suzanne hopes that more people will show their support in 2016 for her Operation Hollywood Foundation that trains and employs veter-
Suzanne Di Laurentiis explains her desire to help American veterans. ans to have careers in the enand Buried Lies. tertainment industry. She is currently producing In addition to her numerous Pet Doctors of Atlanta, airing awards and productions, she on Discovery Family Chanhas also taken part in histornel in 2016. Her television ical litigation in cases relatcredits also include Wraning to both union issues and gling Reptiles, Hound Hero, distribution. She has fought Soul Fire Rising, The Great successfully, protecting the American Sports Challenge, rights of independent filmand Stone Markers. She is makers. In 2006, Suzanne currently in pre-production DeLaurentiis Productions in- for Vendetta, a historical madependently produced the fia-based television series award winning 10th & Wolf, created by John Gotti Jr., and a $15 million mafia drama written by Mark Bacci. The based on the investigations of series will be produced with mob informant Joe Pistone, Don Carmody Television, Soaka Donnie Brasco. Filmed ny Pictures and Triplicity Enin Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, tertainment. the film starred James Mars DeLaurentiis devotes much den, Giovanni Ribisi, Briof her spare time to veteran an Dennehy, Val Kilmer, Les- charities raising money and ley Ann Warren, Tommy Lee, awareness. She founded the Piper Perabo, Dash Mihok, Operation Hollywood proand the late Brad Renfro, and gram that trains and employs Dennis Hopper. Some of her returning veterans for careers other independent film titles in the entertainment busiinclude A Month of Sundays, ness. In 2010, she received a Shut Up and Kiss Me, Lost Commendation Metal from Revolution, The Dark Tourist, the United States military in Black Gold, Area 407, Stone recognition of her services to Markers, How Sweet It Is, veterans.
7222 Foothill Blvd. Tujunga, CA 91042 IN THE COMMERCE CENTER
(818) 353-7676
Frootopia is now serving fresh-brewed coffee! Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
WINTER SPECIAL: get a free 12-oz. hot coffee with your frozen yogurt purchase!
THE FOOTHILLS PAPER • FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2016 — 5
VOLUME 12 • NUMBER 2 • www.thefoothillspaper.com
Potato Frittata
Artfully
SPEAKING
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A Charmed Life
by
Chef Randy
A frittata is an unfolded, open-faced omelet with other ingredients, such as cheese or vegetables, mixed into the eggs rather than used as a filling. It is believed to predate the traditional omelet in origin. Some bake the frittata in the oven. I like to cook it on top of the range in a frying pan and a tight fitting lid. This is a wonderfully solid and tasty frittata recipe. I had planned to make it for our friends who stayed with us over the weekend. As it turned out, we all ended up having a wonderful breakfast with seven other close friends at the Ojai Café Emporium. That breakfast was amazingly good. If they had offered this frittata, however, the breakfast would have been outstanding. It’s that good. Give
it a try and let me know what you think.
30 minutes. Set aside to cool. The potatoes may be made up to a day ahead of time and Ingredients: stored, covered, in the refrig2 medium-large potatoes erator to save prep time. (scrubbed and cut into ¾-inch In a large bowl, whisk in dice) eggs and salt to taste. Add on2 tablespoons olive oil ion, jalapeno, chives, and 1 Salt and pepper to taste cup of the cheese. Set aside. 10 eggs Heat 1 tablespoon of the ol1 medium onion (diced) ive oil in a large pan over me1 small jalapeno pepper (seed- dium heat. Add potatoes to ed and diced fine) pan and pour in egg mixture. 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar Reduce heat to medium-low. cheese Cover and cook for 5 min¼ cup fresh chives (finely utes. Then, uncover pan and chopped) lift edges to allow uncooked ½ cup sour cream eggs to flow underneath. CovAdditional chives for garnish er and cook on low until eggs are set – about 10 minutes. Directions: Uncover frittata and sprin Preheat oven to 400 degrees. kle with balance of cheese. Combine potatoes in a meCover and allow to cook for dium bowl with 1 tablespoon another 3 -5 minutes on low. of the oil and the salt and pep- To serve, cut into wedges and per. Transfer to a baking sheet garnish each wedge with sour and bake until tender – about cream and chives.
For additional recipes, see Chef Randy’s website at
valley-vegetarian.com
When artists are successful and do well in life, people tend to think they live a charmed life. They somehow believe we were born with this gift. Being an artist, I’ve been told this countless times. From where I am standing, I don’t see my life as being charmed. I work very hard at what I do and try to overcome obstacles either self-made or made by others. With every life there come’s heartache, disappointment and problems as well as happiness and successes. Even for those viewed with charmed lives, it’s all a matter of degree, don’t you think? I see it as envy/desire of those who have vs. others who don’t have. A charmed life could mean having money or fame or beauty and yes even artistic inclinations. Many have these same attributes but have never acted on them. Some tried and didn’t have what it takes to stick with it. A charmed life doesn’t mean having all the answers to all problems. Being beautiful doesn’t make’s one’s life easier. These attributes all come with pitfalls. Those who put their talents on the chopping block and take risks, benefit from the results more than those who suffer in silent anonymity regardless of the outcome. That could be regarded as a charmed life. The way I choose to look at it is that the biggest travesty in life would be to say to oneself – What if, and do nothing. Artists don’t say what if,
n
t
e
they do it. They try it. Sometime they fail. That is also a part of having a charmed life. Without failure, successes aren’t as sweet. To those who have tried and quit, their life seems less than charmed. Or so they think. Those who look as though they live a charmed life, take advantage of opportunity, take risk and are willing to fail and still go on. They fall and continue to get up. This to me has more to do what making a charmed life. Having a charmed life isn’t something we are born into; it’s a life we create for ourselves. It’s a life where we take control of the uncontrollable. Overcome when we lose. Take a bad situation and make it better. I know this is sounding like pie in the sky. It’s easy to become overwhelmed by your situation and not see the light hidden in the clouds. I have found that if you think it, you can make it happen. Conversely, if you think you can’t, you won’t. Art is a process that needs to be accomplished. In every endeavor, one has to learn the methods and techniques which increase the charmed effect. When you keep moving forward and use your failures to increase your successes, then you elevate into the category of having a charmed life. Creating art in your life has its ups and downs and that’s how it should be. What would life be if everything we did came easy, with little or no effort?
6 — FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2016 • THE FOOTHILLS PAPER
www.thefoothillspaper.com • VOLUME 12 • NUMBER 2
Meet Sam, your family care specialist Shawarma House is now serving Burgers, Fries & Pizza!
THE FOOTHILLS PAPER • FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2016 — 7
VOLUME 12 • NUMBER 2 • www.thefoothillspaper.com
Foothills Pet Page Does Your Cat Toss Food on The Floor?
Why it happens: Kitty might be implying she doesn’t like her bowl. “If it’s made of plastic, she’s right,” says Julia Szabo, author of Animal House Style. “Plastic harbors bacteria and imparts an off-putting taste to food and water.” Or she may just be playing with her food ― it’s a game. What to do: “Upgrade to a stainless-steel or china bowl,” says Szabo. If that doesn’t work, try different food or a deeper bowl. Or have a play session before mealtime. Problem: Your Cat Scratches Everything Why it happens: “Cats scratch
Top 5 Pet New Year’s Resolutions for 2016
The new year is upon us. It’s time to take a look back on the past year and determine what we might to mark territory and to want to change, do better or shed the outer layer of their accomplish in 2016. For pet claws,” says Stephanie Shain, parents, much of this reflecpet-adoption director for the tion applies to the lives they Humane Society of the United share with their pets. States, in Washington, D.C. TripsWithPets.com surWhat to do: Temporarily limit veyed pet parents and asked his access to furniture and find them what resolutions they’ve him the scratching post of his made for 2016 relating to dreams, suggests Shain. “Some their pets. cats like sisal or carpeted Here are the top five 2016 posts―even cheap cardboard Pet New Year’s Resolutions. posts work for many,” she says. 1. Healthier Diet: Feeding “Also, different cats scratch diftheir pets better quality food ferently. Some want something is at the top of pet parents flat on the ground. Others like list this year! They’ve been to stretch up.” The key is to put doing their research and are the post right next to the piece wanting to do all they can to of furniture he’s ruining until ensure their little ones live a he learns what is OK to scratch long, happy and healthy life. and what isn’t. Whether it’s gluten-free, grainfree, dairy-free, soy-free, cornfree, raw food, unprocessed food, or probiotics, pet parents are coming for you in 2016! 2. Daily Walks: Whether it’s a walk through the park, a stroll around the neighborhood or a jog along hiking trails, 26% of pet parents surveyed plan to get outside each day and move with their pets this year. They sited exercise,
maintaining their pack leader status, and bonding as their motivation for walking their pooch more often. 3. More Outings: More car rides, doggie bakery visits, beach outings, and family vacations, are among the activities that respondents said they are resolved to doing more of with their four-legged family members. Getting out and spending some quality time with their pets to make that bond even stronger is at the top of many pet parents minds this year! 4. Socialization: As more pet parents opt to take their pets on more outings, there comes the need to better social them. Fifteen percent of pet parents
polled are committed to helping their shy, skittish, or fearful pet become more comfortable around people, other pets, and in public places. 5. Training: A close cousin of socialization, training, comes in as the fifth most popular pet resolution of 2016. We all can’t have the perfectly mannered pet but a good number of pet parents plan to devote the time to curb some not-so-favorable behavior. From teaching Rover not to bark at house guests and drag you while on walks to practicing better recall (getting your dog to come when called) and training your cat to stay off kitchen counters...pet parents are ready to put on their pet whisperer hat!
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8 — FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2016 • THE FOOTHILLS PAPER
Not Stacking Up by Jim
Laris
I noticed something about my behavior the other day that I thought I would share with you. I still buy a lot of books. Yep, even with the Internet and e-books and the Kindle and the iPad and the Nook and the Cranny, I have ignored these pissy little fake books and I continue to buy real books. Why? Because I am a good American and I want to help out the economy and actually hold a big, heavy hardbound book bought from Vroman’s in my hairy-knuckled hands and just lean back and smell the new-book ink. (I’ll wait for the applause to die down.) And even though my pinko wife, Marge the Commie, has drifted over to the other side and now reads almost all her books on the Kindle, I still hold out for decency and apple pie and wrongheaded stubbornness. Sometimes when she’s not paying attention, I try to jam her Wi-Fi connection to our home network by running around the living room in my boxers waving an old antenna and tying aluminum foil to Archie’s collar. So far it hasn’t worked very well,
except we have noticed a drop Animals Make Us Human, by in Jehovah’s Witnesses in the Temple Grandin neighborhood. The Wagon, by Martin Preib OK, I know you’ve been Perfectly Reasonable Deviadying to ask me just what tions, by Richard P. Feynman books I have been reading. iPhone: The Missing Manual, Well, I am going to tell you by David Pogue that, but first, I have to make The Quants, by Scott Patterson a little confession. Although I The Last Empty Places, by continue to buy a lot of books, Peter Stark I have noticed that I am not Going Rogue, by Sarah Palin reading a lot of books. What (I bought this to just piss off I am doing is stacking a lot people) of books. I am a really good Open, by Andre Agassi stacker of books. I love to The Poker Bride, by Christostack books. It’s just so cool. pher Corbett It makes you look really intel- Hollywood Moon, by Joseph lectual and the chicks love the Wambaugh long stack. Mao: The Unknown Story, by And the art of stacking is Jung Chang and Jon Halliday pretty easy. I learned it in only The Book of Genesis Illusa few days. Once I caught trated, by R. Crumb (By the on to the trick of putting one way, did you know that when book on top of the other and you spell check R. Crumb, continuing that, I pretty much the spellchecker gives you knew how to stack. “rectum?” Try it yourself.) So what books do I have in my stack? What books Now, if I had actually read am I not reading but have those books, I may have had purchased to help me give an outside chance of being a the impression to houseguests somewhat interesting person. that I read a lot? Is that what But, as you now know, I have you want to know? OK, only stacked these books. But here’s the list of my perfectly I think I have stacked them stacked, and as of now, unvery well. I put the large, R. read or just barely partially Crumb oversized coffee table read, books: book on the bottom and then
www.thefoothillspaper.com • VOLUME 12 • NUMBER 2
put the giant-ass 800 page Mao monster on top of that one, and so on, up to the shortest one — The Wagon, only 167 pages. Pretty damn good stacking, huh? What if I had put The Wagon on the bottom of the stack and created an unwieldy stack? Would you have still respected me? Would you have let me stack around your children? I doubt it. Although I am a damn good stacker, and I think my stacking would stack up to any book stack I know of, I have felt a little guilty about not actually reading the books. At first, I didn’t quite know how to remedy the situation. Oh sure, I could have actually read the books. But that’s pretty time-consuming. So I decided to buy an iPhone app to help me read more. I hit up iTunes and clicked on the Apple App Store and damned if I didn’t find an app to help me read more. It was called “Read More.” (That Steve Jobs is something, huh?) So, even though I couldn’t stack it, I bought the Read More app to help me read more. (They didn’t have a Stack More app.) And, get this: You enter all
Jim Laris is Jim Laris. the books you are reading in this Read More app, and then when you actually start reading a book, you start a timer! Then, when you finish a reading session, you stop the timer. That way you can go from book to book and keep track of exactly how many pages you have read and you’ll know your official pages per-hour reading rate. But, hell, I already knew how many pages of each book I had read. Zero. And I knew my official reading rate. Zero. And I already knew what people thought of me. A number less than one. So I wasted my money on this damn Read More app. But at least I could stack my iPhone, which had my Read More app in it, up on my stack of books. It’s the perfect size to be on top of a stack. Jim can be contacted at jimlaris@mac.com
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VOLUME 12 • NUMBER 2 • www.thefoothillspaper.com
Bandito Park, from pg. 1 owned by one of the investors who had passed away. Since its inception, the Snowball Project has been in contention, but representative of the project Michael Hoberman was always able to project an upbeat air to the community presentations and later before the Los Angeles Historical Commission. At one time, the investors even stated, “If you want to keep your golf course (VHGC) just re-pay us our investment with a small profit and you can have it!” It was a very good offer knowing that it was a win-win situation for everybody. Then-councilwoman Wendy Greuel contacted all her city resources to obtain the needed funds, but was unable to secure them. “The Proposed Project would still require approval of discretionary actions by the City of Los Angeles, which may include the following: • Approval of Vesting Tentative Tract Map No. 69976, which will subdivide the project site into 229 singlefamily lots (in accordance with Small Lot Subdivision Ordinance No. 176,354), plus open space.
results in an increase of 50 or more dwelling units.
Fallen, from pg. 1
may be additional fees for hauling or chipping services. It • Project Compliance Review, can be tempting for residents pursuant to Section 11.5.7 C, who own chain saws to try and for a development within the save a few dollars by doing the San Gabriel/Verdugo Mountains Scenic Preservation Plan work on their own. Proper and safe tree removal, however, is Area. not as easy as one might think. In 2012, the Washington Post If you wish to review a reported that tree removal is copy of the RP-DEIR or the one of the most dangerous documents referenced in the occupations in terms of fatality RP-DEIR, you may do so at rates, double that of police the City of Los Angeles, Deofficers and detectives. partment of City Planning, at 200 N. Spring Street, City Hall, Aper’s Tree personnel took the necessary steps to safely Los Angeles, CA, Room 750. clear the fallen tree: they wear Digital versions of the RPthe special safety equipment, DEIR are also available at the and begin by removing the following Library Branches: smaller branches from the main trunk. Then they went 1. Sunland – Tujunga Branch Library – 7771 Foothill Blvd., to work on the trunk making sure that the fallen tree didn’t Tujunga, CA 91042 do any more damage to the 2. Los Angeles Central Library, 630 W. 5th Street, TV, from pg. 2 Los Angeles, CA 90071 I ignore pop-ups telling me what’s on “tonight at 11” as The RP-DEIR is also available online at the Department that’s when I shut off the TV and go to bed. Tonight, before of City Planning’s Web site, going to bed, I prepared for http://cityplanning.lacity.org. the rain tomorrow (as forecast (Click on “Environmental” on the TV scroll) and put out and then “Draft Environmental Impact Reports”.) The RP-DEIRs can be purchased on CD-ROM for $7.50 per copy. Contact Erin Strelich of the City of Los Angeles at • A Vesting Zone Change, (213) 978-1351 to purchase pursuant to Section 12.32 of one. If you wish to submit the Municipal Code, a Zone comments following review Change from RA-1 (Residen- of the RP-DEIR, please refertial Agricultural Zone) and ence the file number above, A1-1 (Agricultural Zone) to and submit them in writing by RD5-1 (Restricted Density Wednesday, February 3, 2016, Multiple Family Zone) no later than 4 p.m.” The community now has • Site Plan Review findings, the opportunity to once again pursuant to Section 16.05 of rally to save the golf course. the LAMC, for a development February is going to be an project which creates, or interesting month.
Dance, from pg. 1 New Year with not just follow-up classes, but expanded offerings for ADULTS!! Yeah, why should kids have all the fun? Sunland Rec Center is continuing the hip hop class and merging it into an expanded offering for new kids to join the established “stars” of last year AND also for adults. Here’s how it works: We start off with a fun hip hop zumba warm-up. It’s so easy because a voice-over tells you what to do as you do it. There is no prior knowledge or experience required. You start moving to music from the get-go; your heart rate picks up and you start getting fitter, shedding pounds without the grind of an exercise routine. Folks, if you want to
kick off the new year with an upbeat, fun and easy activity, this is IT! This January, we’re adding some swing dancing: you know, those cool moves with a partner that look more challenging than they really are. Our expert volunteers will make sure you get it; if you want to do it, you can do it, it’s easy. Stop by, try it out. IT’S FREE! All you have to lose is a few extra pounds. Joan Robinson, the program instigator, is waiting to welcome you. All you have to do is show up. Classes are Tuesdays, starting January 12 from 6:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. at the Sunland Rec Center on 8651 Foothill Boulevard. Come start a new adventure in your life by signing up at the Sunland Rec Center.
house or car. A heavy tree that unexpectedly shifts or moves can be very dangerous. In all instances it is recommended getting professional help such as Aper’s Tree Service, particularly for very large or partially fallen trees. But if you really want to do it your self, Rush the owner of Aper’s is happy to offer tips on how to do it safely. If you decide to do it yourself, and you get all the right tree-cutting equipment, one should cut away smaller branches and clear debris away from the work area so that you have a safe zone around the tree. When you’re ready to begin cutting away at the trunk, begin close to the base, moving toward the top of the tree. Though the heavy root mass may still fall back into its former place, it cannot
be saved. Once the root is broken, the tree will die. Of course, prevention is ideal. Tree specialists warn against allowing hazardous conditions to develop, such as top-heavy, lopsided and decaying trees, which can lead to property damage or injury should they fall. In order to prevent an expensive hazardous-tree removal, care should be taken early and regularly to maintain healthy growth. Aper’s recommends an annual inspection by a certified arborist along with seasonal inspections by the homeowner for major changes in shape or health. Trimming and pruning should be done regularly, and though some tree service companies may be willing to top trees, it is not a recommended course of action. Finally, be sure to water your trees during the drought.
my umbrella. Once I was in bed, I wondered if the scroll was from a current show or from a show recorded months earlier. Uncertain, I get out of bed and turn on the weather. Terror grips me when I read the scroll alerting viewers to a massive manhunt for a
convicted felon who escaped from prison. I shut off the TV, go back to bed and hang tight to my umbrella — which I’ll use to fight off the felon or keep the rain off my head. I just know either way the umbrella will be used for something.
10 — FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2016 • THE FOOTHILLS PAPER
Crime Stats
www.thefoothillspaper.com • VOLUME 12 • NUMBER 2
Movie Review: The Hateful Eight by
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Burglary 01/02/16 01:00 PM 10400 BLOCK OF PLAINVIEW AV
Assault 12/26/15 02:30 AM 8600 BLOCK OF FENWICK ST
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Theft 12/30/15 02:00 PM 6100 BLOCK OF SISTER ELSIE DR
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Theft 01/05/16 10:30 PM 8500 BLOCK OF FOOTHILL BL
Assault 12/31/15 08:20 PM 7700 BLOCK OF FOOTHILL BL
Theft 01/05/16 05:30 PM 8600 BLOCK OF HILLROSE ST
Theft 12/30/15 03:00 PM 9900 BLOCK OF WOODWARD AV
Theft 01/04/16 06:00 PM 00 BLOCK OF NEWHOME AND SUNLAND
Theft 12/30/15 05:00 PM 8000 BLOCK OF JAYSEEL ST
Assault 12/26/15 02:30 AM 8600 BLOCK OF FENWICK ST
Robbery 12/29/15 04:45 PM 8700 BLOCK OF FOOTHILL BL
Assault 12/25/15 10:00 AM 6900 BLOCK OF VALMONT ST
Theft 12/30/15 06:30 AM 9900 BLOCK OF FRANCE AV
Theft 01/03/16 07:00 PM 10000 BLOCK OF COMMERCE AV
Assault 12/25/15 10:00 AM 6900 BLOCK OF VALMONT ST
Theft 12/28/15 04:00 AM 8000 BLOCK OF YATES ST
Theft 12/28/15 11:00 PM 10900 BLOCK OF IRMA AV
Theft 01/03/16 09:20 AM 7500 BLOCK OF APPERSON ST
Assault 12/29/15 07:30 PM 00 BLOCK OF FOOTHILL BL AND SHERMAN GROVE
Bob Garver
The good news about The Hateful Eight is that I, a huge fan of director Quentin Tarantino, think he’s done it again. And everybody at my had-to-have-been-sold-out screening on Christmas Eve seemed to be in agreement. But many critics aren’t happy with the film and audiences overall aren’t responding as well as I’d like. It barely scraped together enough for a third place finish in its first weekend of nationwide release. People are missing out on this movie, and it’s a shame because it’s as good as any Tarantino project from the last decade and quite possibly the best film of 2015. The film takes place during a blizzard in post-Civil War Wyoming. The story opens with stranded bounty hunter Marquis Warren (Samuel L. Jackson) hitching a ride in the stagecoach of fellow bounty hunter John Ruth (Kurt Russell). Ruth is transporting gang member Daisy Domergue (Jennifer Jason Leigh) to be hanged, making him one of the few bounty hunters to opt for the “Alive” portion of “Dead or Alive.” Along the way they also pick up the stranded Chris Mannix (Walton Goggins), a Confederate holdout who doesn’t care much for Warren. The foursome and their hapless driver (James Parks) arrive at a lodge where they
meet four more strangers. Bob (Demian Bichir) is a Mexican in temporary charge of the unflinchingly antiMexican establishment. Oswaldo Mobray (Tim Roth) is the dapper local hangman who will likely be performing his duties on Daisy. Joe Gage (Michael Madsen) is a cowboy and… that’s about all he’ll tell about himself. General Sanford Smithers (Bruce Dern) is a retired Confederate leader who doesn’t care much for Warren at first and cares for him even less after Warren tells
him about an icy encounter he had with his missing son. There’s a lot of tension in the room: racial, political, territorial, legal, moral, monetary, and personal. It’s only a matter of time before things turn violent. And then it turns out that some of the violence might be occurring for yet another reason: loyalty. The plot, admittedly, is the film’s weakest point. Tarantino has a tendency to sabotage his movies by filling them with complicated schemes that are not only unsee Hateful Eight, page 11
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Hateful Eight, from pg. 10 necessary, but foolish. A lot of blood could have gone unspilled in “Django Unchained” if Django and King Schultz had just offered to buy the slave they wanted instead of hatching a baffling plan to get her thrown in with a Mandingo fighter they weren’t serious about buying. And there’s no reason why the villain(s) in this movie couldn’t dispatch their enemies accurately and efficiently in under a minute, except that it wouldn’t allow time for mind games between the characters. But oh how those mind games more than redeem this movie. The best thing about The Hateful Eight, as with all Tarantino
movies, is the dialogue. Man’s inhumanity to Man has never been so savory, not even when it’s happening to a woman (and it does, a lot). Also worthy of praise is the acting, again done best when the characters are being inhumane or better yet, hateful. Even with the film attracting detractors, Jennifer Jason Leigh is high in the running for a Best Supporting Actress Oscar. I could also see Supporting Actor nominations for Samuel L. Jackson (which would be his first nomination since Tarantino’s “Pulp Fiction” over twenty years ago) and Walton Goggins (finally getting a decent movie role that complements his years of brilliant, unrecognized television work).
This is not a movie for everybody. Viewers who abhor gunplay, bloodshed, foul language, racial epithets, violence against women and many other types of meanness are going to hate this movie. But if you’ve enjoyed Quentin Tarantino movies in the past, or are truly ready to throw yourself into one now, this is an excellent way to spend three hours. I give it three-and-a-half stars out of five. The Hateful Eight is rated R for strong bloody violence, a scene of violent sexual content, language and some graphic nudity. Its running time is 187 minutes. Contact Robert Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu.
8456 Foothill Blvd. Sunland CA
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Be Prepared, Stay Informed 10 Ways to Weather El Niño
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1. Create an emergency kit, today! If you’ve already got an emergency kit prepared, check it regularly.
and the ocean, which can all rapidly swell and become extremely dangerous. NO PLACE outside is safe when lightning is in the area!
2. Check your car. Make sure your car’s tires have good tread and that your windshield wipers work well. Your headlights should always be on in the rain!
7. Have Emergency Alerts sent to your mobile phone and email. Register at lacounty.gov/emergency, or simply search “Alert LA County” on the web.
3. Check your house. Clear your outdoor drains and gutters of any leaves, dirt or debris. Secure trash, recycling bins and any other items that have the potential of blowing or floating away. Have weakened trees inspected by an arborist.
8. Download “The Works,” LA County’s FREE app for iPhone and Android, to report storm-related problems.
4. Got flood insurance? Consider purchasing flood insurance. Keep in mind, most flood policies have a 30-day waiting period. 5. Use sandbags. Sandbags can be utilized to help protect your home and property before a storm.
9. Prevent stormwater pollution. Rain washes everything into storm drains that lead to our rivers and ocean. Secure household hazardous waste with tight-fitting lids and store these items in covered areas. 10. Capture rainwater. Prepare your landscaped areas to capture and retain more water by using compost. Collect rain that falls on your roof by installing rain barrels.
6. Don’t risk your life. During significant storm events, avoid waterways, flood control channels
Create an emergency kit including the following items: • Food and water to last three days to a week. Don’t forget the pets. • First aid kit • Flashlights (and extra batteries) • Radio (and extra batteries) • Medications (over-the-counter and prescription)
• Cash and important documents • Clothing and sturdy shoes • Tools (wrench, duct tape, fire extinguisher, sturdy gloves, whistle) • Sanitation and hygiene supplies