9 minute read
COMMUNITY
Preparing for Emergencies and Natural Disasters
By Sebastian Lipstein
Ashattering 8.0-magnitude earthquake struck Mexico City in 1985, killing 10,000 people and destroying thousands of buildings and homes. An investigation team from the Los Angeles City Fire Department conducted research and found out that amid the chaos, citizens acted as first responders and saved 800 lives over a 15-day period. A year later, impressed by the effort of the Mexican people yet concerned about the lack of preparation and coordination, now-late assistant fire chief Frank Borden spearheaded a program that would teach community members how to act and organize themselves in case of an earthquake, evacuation or fires. The program eventually became CERT (Community Emergency Response Team), and in 1993, it became a nationwide program recognized by the federal government. Beyond the United States, official CERT training is also offered in at least six other countries. Prior to COVID-19, the LAFD offered in-person classes for CERT certification. However, since the pandemic, the LAFD has halted that. CERT has brought back the Neighborhood Team Program, which was created in CERT Battalion 18 about 10 years ago. The program is for CERT-trained and non-CERT-trained members, and is designed to get to the block level, forming teams that are emergency prepared. The training is done via Zoom and online manuals. “What we have come up with is an online course for the people who are interested in emergency preparedness and not necessarily CERT, called the Neighborhood Team Program,” said Jose Morataya, CERT coordinator for Battalion 4, a region that CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) has brought back the Neighborhood Team Program, which was created in CERT Battalion 18 about 10 years ago, and is designed to get to the block level, forming teams that are emergency prepared.
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encompasses Westchester, Playa/ LAX, Mar Vista, Venice and Del Rey. The program consists of six lecture modules consisting of the following: Neighborhood Preparedness & Organization; Personal and Family Preparedness; Disaster First Aid; Light Search & Rescue; Two-Way Radio Operations; and Neighborhood Security & Situational Awareness. They work with neighborhood councils, business groups and homeowners associations to create neighborhood teams. They host in-person pop-up trainings and group activities to teach people how to respond and act in case of an emergency Scientists are expecting a high-magnitude earthquake along the San Andreas Fault known as “The Big One” that is decades overdue. Additionally, Southern California is prone to earthquakes, fires and heat waves. In case of a major emergency, the community needs to be self-reliant. The NTP website is also a useful resource with information about radio skills, fire suppression, how to organize in case of an emergency, and other things that may come in handy when “The Big One” hits. “In a time of emergency, LAFD, LAPD, or any emergency services are going to be unavailable for some time, so any neighborhood is going to be on their own for a period of time,” Morataya said. “If a power outage happens, communication goes down. In a major earthquake you’re going to lose a lot more than just power, like collapsed buildings and homes. You have to be prepared to be on your own.”
Neighborhood Team Program
ntp-la.org A local Neighborhood Team Program training was recently held at Penmar Park in Venice.
Concert in the Park
The community enjoyed a music-filled afternoon in Santa Monica’s Tongva Park
By Kamala Kirk
On Dec. 5, audience members of all ages enjoyed a free Concert in the Park, at Tongva Park in Santa Monica. The family-friendly event was the second in a series of three events being held at parks within Santa Monica during the 2021-22 season. The concert featured a brass quintet from the American Youth Symphony performing lively music and festive holiday selections. There was also an instrument petting zoo — where children could explore violins, cellos, percussion instruments and others — before and after the performance presented by Elemental Music. Musical goody bags were also provided for the first 75 households in attendance. Elemental Music celebrates musicmaking and builds community through exceptional youth programs in Santa Monica and surrounding Westside communities. The American Youth Symphony’s mission is to inspire the future of classical music. The final concert of the series will be held on Sunday, March 20, at Clover Park with performances by string players from both organizations. Reservations are not required.
American Youth Symphony
aysymphony.org
Elemental Music
elementalmusic.org/outreach
PHOTOS BY CHRIS MORTENSON
Gabriel Slider plays with instruments at the musical petting zoo. Rachel O’Connor from American Youth Symphony speaks to the crowd.
Imani Duhe, Nathan Culcasi, Errol Rhoden, Rachel O’Connor and Luis Cardenas Casillas are part of the American Youth Symphony Brass Quintet.
Adelaide Ged plays the violin at the instrument petting zoo.
NYE Celebrations
From fireworks to champagne dinners, ring in the New Year at one of these fun Westside events
By Kamala Kirk
2022 is right around the corner, and whether you’re planning to stay cozy at home or looking to enjoy a night out on the town, there are a variety of ways to celebrate New Year’s on the Westside. Various restaurants and hotels are hosting special NYE parties that include bites and cocktails, while free fireworks shows can be enjoyed across town. Read on to discover what’s going on around town to help you finalize your NYE plans.
Fireworks in Marina del Rey. On New Year’s Eve, Burton Chace Park will be closed to the public. In celebration of the New Year, the Department of Beaches and Harbors will host two 10-minute fireworks shows on Friday, Dec. 31 at 8:59:50 p.m. and at 11:59:50 p.m. The shows will be shot from the marina’s south jetty and can be viewed from nearly anywhere in Marina del Rey, Venice and Dockweiler beaches, and surrounding areas. Parking will be available in 12 public lots throughout the Marina. Starting at 4 p.m., these lots will implement an event rate of $20 per vehicle.
NYE at Joliet. Celebrate at Joliet inside of Free Market Playa Vista to toast to 2012 and step into 2022. Tickets include champagne and live jazz, a variety of bites, including oysters and artisan cheese, as well as Disco in the Jungle Room, open bar all evening, champagne toast and a DJ set by Miramar. Tickets are $200. 12751 Millennium Drive, Suite 5-165, Playa Vista, bit.ly/3pA9IMy
Moonlight New Year’s Cruise. Party your way into the New Year about a four-hour luxury cruise on the Entertainer Yacht featuring live entertainment from LA DJs, 4.5 hours of premium open bar service, two giant indoor areas to mingle plus a sky deck with views of Marina del Rey. Tickets from $219 to $249 for hors d’oeuvres and open bar, $349 for VIP premium open bar and buffet dinner. Register online in advance. 13755 Fiji Way, Marina del Rey, bit.ly/3sFXILt
Pacific Park Presents NYE Countdown.
This New Year’s Eve watch the West Coast’s countdown to 2022 in person, online or streaming from Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier, one of the most iconic sites in Los Angeles. The countdown streams live on Dec. 31 beginning at 11:30 p.m. and will feature fun designs, colorful displays and a 60-second countdown in huge animated numbers on the Pacific Wheel. Using a variety of colors and patterns from its 174,000 LED lights, the Ferris wheel will present a numerical 60-second countdown, a “Happy New Year!” horizontal crawl, an oversized “2022,” and display “Happy New Year” in more than 16 different languages following the countdown. View the livestream at pacpark.com/countdown2022 or Pacific Park’s YouTube channel at youtube.com/pacpark
Midnight on the Marina. Guests are invited to join the Marina del Rey Hotel for its annual NYE celebration, Midnight on the Marina. Start the night with a red carpet photo, grab party favors and dance on the pool deck. Enjoy fireworks over the marina at 9 p.m. and midnight. Once the clock strikes midnight, ring in 2022 with a complimentary champagne toast and light bites. $55 to $2,000. 21 and older. Cocktail attire. 13534 Bali Way, Marina del Rey, bit.ly/3qzZTO9
NYE at Loews Santa Monica Beach
Hotel. Count down to 2022 in grand style at Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel’s annual NYE Celebration. Come for big band-style entertainment with live performances from jazz vocalists, The Satin Dollz and tap dancers, and stay for specialty cocktails, festive cuisine, and a midnight countdown. Additional package options include a Remy 1738 Cognac and a Satin Dollz VIP Experience, in addition to standard reservations, which include a champagne toast at midnight. 1700 Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica, bit.ly/3z3Nu8I
“I HAVE A DREAM” (12/23/21) By DARRYL GONZALEZ
The Westside is a top destination for people who love great food.
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