20 minute read
ARTS & EVENTS
Flying High
Society tells the tales of aviation in Westchester/Playa del Rey
By Bridgette M. Redman
The Westchester/Playa Historical Society has taken to the skies with its first themed exhibition at its Discovery Center. In an exhibit called “AVIATION” that opened in January and runs through March 6, the society is celebrating the area’s rich history of flight, dating back 110 years to 1912. Marcelo Cruz, the exhibition’s curator and vice chair of the Westchester/Playa Historical Society, said it touches upon the many historical events and people that contributed to the historic growth of the industry. “We’ve had a lot of famous aviators at the air races here since 1928,” Cruz said, citing Howard Hughes as one and the aircraft he kept in the community for many years. As a historical society that relies on donations, they were able to create this exhibition because of the financial support of a local IHOP owner, who is a longtime supporter of the society. It is, Cruz said, the only way they were able to move forward with everything they are doing. The exhibition is open every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Pictures from the exhibition are available on their website. “Aviation has really shaped this particular community,” Cruz said. “When World War II broke out, the defense workers were given their housing in Westchester so some of them could walk to work. That is how this community really grew. Since then, of course, with the Los Angeles airport becoming an international airport, it grew through that. This exhibition will take everybody through the history from the beginning.” One of the things Cruz finds interesting is how many street names in the community are aviation related. They have a full list of all the streets and their connections to aviation. “I think people who may live on these streets and don’t know the history will enjoy learning how these street names came about,” Cruz said. The exhibition surrounds visitors from top to bottom. They are flying handmade airplane models from the ceiling. Models include ones of The Spirit of Saint Louis, the Lockheed 5B Vega airplane that Amelia Earhart flew, the Graf Zeppelin that stopped over on its 1929 flight around the world, and many others. “We’re flying these and people can see the handmade models,” Cruz said. “They’re made out of balsa wood and painted and carefully crafted to be a replica of the planes.” The Discovery Center also has two mannequins. One displays an American Airlines stewardess outfit from 1969 and the other a United Airlines pilot uniform from 1972. The exhibit shares who designed them and the factors that went into it—such as the stewardess uniform needing to match the colors of the airline itself. The Historical Society pulls photos from its archives along with art deco-style posters that were designed for the air races from 1928, 1933 and 1936. “Those were all art deco style and really cool-looking,” Cruz said. “We have a historical timeline series with photos of LA Airport to LAX.” Another part of the exhibition focuses on people who passed through the region. There is a biographical series on Wiley Post, the first person to fly around the world solo. He helped develop early pressure suits and discovered the jet stream. In August of 1935, he died taking off from a lagoon in Alaska. The humorist Will Rogers, who was an avid aviation supporter, was on board with him and also died.
The exhibit touches upon the many historical events and people that contributed to the historic growth of the aviation industry and includes archival photos, uniforms, historical clips and family-friendly activities. The Westchester/Playa Historical Society’s current exhibition “AVIATION” runs through March 6 and celebrates the area’s rich history of flight dating back 110 years. Another movie is a 13-minute historical clip on Bessie Colman, an African-American aviatrix. She was the first African-American and first Native American to hold a pilot’s license and the first Black person to hold an international pilot’s license. However, she to go to France to learn how to fly because pilots in America refused to teach her due to her race and gender. Coleman flew in some of the most dangerous air shows in the United States, a daredevil pilot who always sought out increasingly difficult tricks, earning her the nickname Queen Bess and Brave Bessie. While she hoped to start a school for AfricanAmerican fliers, she died at age 34 in 1926 when she was thrown out of a plane researching a landing spot for her parachute jump. The pilot crashed into a tree and died. William J. Powell established the Bessie Coleman Aero Club and the Bessie Coleman Flying School in Los Angeles, both of which were focused on giving more flight opportunities to African Americans. On Labor Day in 1931, he would host the first ever all-Black air show in U.S. history in the city. The Discovery Center is open every Sunday in conjunction with the Farmer’s Market and they have several activities designed to attract children and families. One of the society’s board members teaches at the Otis College of Art and Design. She has created a large cut-out of parts of a plane—one that takes up a 10-foot by 10-foot footprint. Kids are invited to come and paint the different parts. There will also be a spot for kids to make and color their own paper airplanes. “We’ll be addressing the subject of aviation from both an educational standpoint and a fun standpoint,” Cruz said. “With the California mandate that fourth graders and ninth graters all have to study local history, we are providing activities to do that.” Finally, there are laptops in the exhibition area where people can log in and take a look at the Society’s collection of more than 12,000 images. “Our goal is to provide a place where (guests) are comfortable to look at history but also to have fun,” Cruz said. “As we know, history can be extremely boring—I say that as a graduate with a degree in history. But if you make it fun, you make it interesting, I think people can learn that way.”
Westchester/Playa Historical Society
6207 W. 87th Street, Westchester wphistoricalsociety.org
Ballet for Boys
New lineup of classes announced
By Jenn McKee
Santa Monica’s Westside School of Ballet – which has kept young dancers on their toes since 1967 – recently relaunched a program of boys-only classes, hoping to encourage more young men to give dancing a whirl. Often, though, the thing that first sparks interest in kids involves watching a sibling dance. Santa Monica High School freshman Dylan Weinstein, for example, initially tried dancing while watching his sister (then a toddler) take a ballet class in a park. “For the next year or so, on our way to school, we’d drive by (Westside) and I asked my dad [to stop in] a bunch of times, and he always said, ‘Oh, yeah, we can try,’ but we never really followed through,” Weinstein said. “Eventually, one day we just came in and said, ‘Can we try a class?’ and they said, ‘Sure, you just need tights and a white shirt and shoes.’ And I finally got to try my first class.” Weinstein’s ballet journey began at age eight with all-boy classes, similar to the ones being offered again now. But Zane Tahvildaran-Jesswein – a Westside alumnus who, as a very young child, watched his sister dance at home – was initially the lone boy in his ballet classes. “Initially, they were going to turn me away,” said Tahvildaran-Jesswein, who is now studying dance at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts. “They said I was too young. I was 4 years old at the time. But (Westside School founder) Yvonne Mounsey must have overheard something, because she came running out of the back. I was super young, but I remember it vividly. She said, ‘We have a boy who wants to dance? Let him in!’ … She just grabbed me and pulled me straight into a class.” Though all-boy classes weren’t an option for Tahvildaran-Jesswein when he started at Westside, after years of training he has come to appreciate the value of having boys-only classes. “It’s good to have that healthy competition and role models around you, and have that atmosphere of multiple men,” Tahvildaran-Jesswein said. “Especially when you’re doing different things just on a fundamental level.” Plus, according to Weinstein, boys find it easier to let go of feelings of awkwardness in boys-only classes. “It puts you in a safe environment, where you feel like you actually have someone who can relate to you,” Weinstein said. “If you’re in a co-ed class, it might make you feel more nervous. I really find that still, today, there’s just more pressure to act a certain way. But when you’re in a boys-only class … you can feel more free.” This divergence between points of emphasis for young girl and boy dancers is inevitable, as the gendered needs and roles of the discipline grow far more complementary than aligned. “The men have to do a lot more heavy stuff in the thighs and legs,” Tahvildaran-Jess-
Westside School of Ballet recently announced a new lineup of three divisions of boys-only ballet classes to promote the knowledge and practice of ballet with an emphasis on alignment, coordination and athleticism.
wein said. “… Big jumps and steps and tricks. We need to get our calves and quads superripped in relation to the rest of the body, especially since most ballet dancers are skinny and lean.” But long before this becomes a priority, ballet provides young boys who are just getting started with a physical outlet. “It just helped me forget about other things I was doing,” Weinstein said. “So basically, I just needed to get rid of energy and it really helped because it was mentally and physically tiring, and it required a lot of attention to detail.” Westside is now offering three divisions of boys-only classes: introductory lessons on Sundays for ages 5 to 7 (Boys A, from 12:30-1:30 pm), ages 8 to 10 (Boys B, from 1:302:30), and Boys C for intermediate/advanced male dancers with four years of previous ballet training (ages 12 to 18) on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. (The advanced classes focuses on Allegro, Pirouettes, variations and pas de deux, and is intended to be taken in addition to co-ed classes.) The boys’ classes generally tend to focus on posture, alignment, proper execution, fundamentals, port de bras, strength and classroom etiquette. “The Boys A and B program is designed to educate a strong foundation in the ballet technique and give these young men the freedom and opportunity to explore their interest and passion in dance,” said Evan Swenson, who teaches Westside’s boys’ classes. “This openness and encouragement mixed with a sharp focus on technique, etiquette and performance, allows each young male dancer to find the joy of dance in and for themselves while building camaraderie and boosting self-confidence.” Weinstein noted another benefit of studying ballet: resilience. “When people at your school … hear that you do ballet, you might get teased, and you just have to learn to deal with it and show them that you don’t really care,” Weinstein said, explaining that in this way, the skills needed in ballet and daily life often inform each other. “ … And perseverance as well, because sometimes I’ll be stuck on a certain move for a long time, but you just have to keep trying until you finally get it.” Both Weinstein and Tahvildaran-Jesswein plan to pursue dance professionally, but they also both believe that there are worthwhile takeaways for even the most casual ballet student. “Just respect the artform, … and something will come up for you,” Tahvildaran-Jesswein said. “Different people have taken away different things from their time in ballet … just because the discipline and culture of it is so old and well refined. It’s definitely going to leave some kind of impact on everybody.”
Westside School of Ballet
1709 Stewart Street, Santa Monica westsideballet.com
THE ARGONAUT’S REAL ESTATE SECTION
MUST SEE DREAM HOME
“5900 Village is one of two Jewel Model homes unparalleled in Silicon Beach.” says agent Kris Zacuto. “Guests are initially greeted by an open floor plan that allows a perfect flow between the great room, the fully appointed kitchen and the tranquil outdoor space. Continue on the first floor to the entertainer’s wine room showcasing backlit quartz along with 4 Miele Wine Coolers. Venture up to the second floor where the three bedrooms are situated around an open lounge area. The Master Suite impresses with two walk in closets, a walk out deck, and Master Bath escape with dual sinks, walk in shower, and freestanding tub. The third floor inspires with an open and airy loft space leading to an expansive covered deck. A stunning office rounds out the floor with glass style barn doors, and Lux-Guyana gloss wall paneling. With an elevator, 2 car garage, private guest space, and all the amenities Playa Vista has to offer.” Offered at $4,650,000
INFORMATION:
KRIS ZACUTO
Compass
(310) 702-6299
kris.zacuto@compass.com
SILICON BEACH EXPERTISE | DISTINCTIVE LUXURY SERVICE
13041 S Icon Circle
Our clients fell in love with the Icon neighborhood in Playa Vista, and we couldn’t be more excited for them to secure this beautiful, highly sought after Icon home in an amazing location. We found this home off market, and sold it privately. Connect with us for more details.
13045 Pacific Promenade, #312
2 Bed | 2 Bath | 1,188 SqFt Sold | $975,000
We took the same approach in preparing and presenting 13045 Pacific Promenade #312, as we do with our $4M listings in Playa Vista. The results were multiple offers and an over asking sale after one weekend of Open Houses.
No matter what size or price, we take the same high level approach. Contact us to see what we can do for your property.
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STAY UP-TO-DATE WITH WHAT'S ON MARKET IN PLAYA VISTA
Compass is a real estate broker licensed by the state of California and abides by equal housing opportunity laws. License number 01527365. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. No statement is made as to accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footages are approximate. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Nothing herein shall be construed as legal, accounting or other professional advice outside the realm of real estate brokerage.
THE ARGONAUT PRESS RELEASES
MARINA POINTE MARVEL
“Enjoy city, mountain, ocean & marina views from the 8th floor of the Azzura,” says agent Jesse Weinberg. “This spacious and bright 1 bdrm/1 bath unit has brand new wood floors throughout. Kitchen has white cabinets with new hardware, new fixtures and smart thermostat, a great open floor plan, large balcony, stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, large custom built walk-in closet, very rare side by side parking for 2 cars and indoor washer/dryer. HOA fees include cable, internet and an abundance of resort-style amenities. Just minutes from the beach, marina access, trendy shops/restaurants and LAX.”
Offered at $774,995 Jesse Weinberg Jesse Weinberg and Associates 800-804-9132
NOHO LIVING WITH CITY VIEWS
“Dive into the heart of SoCal living in this two-story, twobedroom NoHo condominium with views of the Hills,” says agent Stephanie Younger. “The bright and airy open floor plan includes a formal dining room, living room, kitchen, and bath on the lower level, and two spacious bedrooms and a bathroom upstairs. Other features include laminated bamboo floors accented by Spanish tile throughout, large windows and a terrace with colorful L.A. sunsets. Amenities include two-car tandem parking and pool & spa. Located near studios, entertainment, shops and restaurants, this property offers endless opportunities.”
Offered at $449,000 Stephanie Younger Compass 310-499-2020
MAR VISTA GEM
“This charming 1928 Country English-style cottage has inviting curb appeal and welcomes you in with beautiful hardwood floors”. says agent Jane St. John. “It also offers a cozy fireplace, a formal dining room--plus all the special conveniences of an updated bathroom and kitchen. The open living room/dining rooms flow into a bright white kitchen with stainless appliances, a sunny breakfast room (or a perfect work-from-home space), and a laundry room with newer stacked appliances. Both bedrooms provide morning sunlight and convenience to an airy full bathroom. Enjoy outdoor dining/relaxing on the rear deck that leads to a very private gated/fenced and tree-lined backyard. Situated just north of Washington Place off Grandview Blvd, this central location is freeway close and convenient to all Westside employment communities.”
Offered at $1,475,000 Jane St. John RE/MAX Estate Properties 310-567-5971
THE ARGONAUT REAL ESTATE Q&A
Instead of selling my home when I move on to my next chapter, should I keep it and rent it out?
Many homeowners ask me this question, especially when they don’t need to sell their existing property in order to buy their next. While the increases in both real estate values and rents cause many to dream of becoming real estate moguls, my long-term experience representing landlords as both a broker and an attorney, brings significant lessons. First and foremost, never forget that being a landlord is just like entering into any other business. You need a business plan and you need to consider all of the risks and expenses involved in running this rental business. You need to evaluate what reserves are necessary, both for routine repairs and maintenance, as well as unexpected large repairs, vacancies, and delinquent tenants. Unfortunately for landlords, just as the memories of the 2008 market crash were fading, so many received a brutal reminder of risk in the past two years, due to the covid pandemic and its many impacts. Both in law and in a real estate transaction, I pride myself in guiding my clients through consideration of at least the foreseeable worst-case scenarios, in order to properly protect against them. I always note that it’s the scenarios we don’t know to consider that are the scary ones. Could or should we have anticipated for the possibility of a pandemic? Sure, that would conceivably be on the list of global variables that can upend any investment, along with natural disasters, terrorist attacks, and war. Just as we weigh the likelihood of risks in daily life, such as the possibility of a piano falling on our head, people, depending on world events, put various weights on the likelihood of something catastrophic occurring and generally proceed with their lives. What no one could have predicted was that a) there would be a worldwide pandemic that would shut down parts of our economy and continue to be a factor for 2 years and that b) landlords would be forced into carrying a disproportionate financial burden as a result thereof. While my usual discussion when educating prospective landlords always includes budgeting for a non-paying tenant, even the longest eviction holds nothing to what landlords have had to suffer in these unprecedented times. When California went into lockdown, preventing so many people from earning their living, the statutes protecting those people from eviction were life-saving for so many. That protection, as the pandemic itself, extended far longer than most anticipated. While there were also some protections against foreclosure put in place, the most protection against foreclosure was for individual homeowners, not owners of rental properties. For the most part, these landlords continued to be required to pay the mortgage for their rental property, often along with their own mortgage, but with significantly less, if any, rental income. I have clients whose tenants have clearly taken advantage- they claim inability to pay rent due to covid, yet their social media posts show them traveling the world in luxury, all while the landlord remained powerless to evict them. While this particular crisis may not have been predicted, many others are. No amount of vetting potential tenants can guarantee against job loss, illness, or any other personal issue that causes your tenant to default on rent. If you are dependent on that rental income, you must have backup funds sufficient to anticipate loss of rent, potential eviction, or even just time between tenants. Include a cushion to cover expenses for at least six months worth of property tax payments, cost of insurance, and if landlord pays for them, utilities. Don’t forget to include a budget for repairs and related issues. If your property’s heater breaks down mid-winter, not only will you need to pay to replace it, but you may have to pay for the tenants to stay somewhere else until it’s in working order. The unanticipated plumbing backups that cause the unit to be uninhatibable for a week while remedied; leaks of any kind are any property owner’s nightmare. Whether it’s from rain or plumbing, not only must you repair the problem, but often the leak can cause mold that you must incur the cost of mold remediation, again, often while putting the tenants up at a hotel on your dime. There should be a budget for routine repairs and maintenance, but there also must be an ability to financially handle emergency, larger repairs. Once you have taken all that into account and have a realistic business plan, you will be in a better position to judge whether you should or even want to get into this business. There you have it- being a landlord can certainly be profitable, but there are risks and limitations that any potential landlord must take into consideration before making the decision. I’m always willing to answer questions about these issues and to help with a personal analysis, but I hope I’ve given you some information to consider. Disclaimer: This article is intended to be primarily for entertainment purposes and is not to be considered legal advice.
THIS WEEK’S QUESTION WAS ANSWERED BY LISA PHILLIPS, ESQ Lotus Estate Properties
Lisa Phillips is an active Realtor in the Los Angeles area, with more than twenty years as a practicing real estate broker and attorney. Lisa is also a member of the National Association of Realtors “Green Resource Council”, and achieved its “GREEN” Designation. www.LisaPhillipsRealEstate.com.
A Younger home gets noticed.
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Stephanie Younger Group
Compass is a licensed real estate broker (01991628) in the State of California and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdraw without notice. To reach the Compass main office call 310.230.5478.
