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HOMETOWN
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Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista
April
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Police to start crackdown on overnight parking at Westchester Park “No overnight parking” signs have been put up in the parking lot behind the Westchester-Loyola Village Library and Councilman Bill Rosendahl’s office at Westchester Park. The move comes after the increase in recent months in the number of homeless living at the park and the increase in the number of police calls to the area as well. The Neighborhood Council of Westchester/Playa’s (NCWP) Homelessness and Vehicular Living Committee held two meetings in March, which brought together
representatives from PATH (People Assisting the Homeless), the Park Advisory Board, Councilman Bill Rosendahl’s office, and the community to discuss solutions for the homeless currently living the park. According to Pacific Division Senior Lead Officer Tony Ramos, during the period between January 2011 to February 28, 2012 police were called to the park 117 times with more than 70 calls described as being for “disturbing the peace,” which can include drunkenness and fighting.
“As we know, there has been an increase in activity at the park. I’ve got up to a hundred complaints from various people...This is not all the homeless. I am talking about the ones that cause problems with the alcohol, the drugs and the fights,” said Officer Ramos. In the past, Ramos claims there has been a “hands-off policy with the park, especially the parking lot behind the councilman’s office.” However, in recent months with the increase in calls to the police department and
community members voicing their concerns to the Councilman’s office and to Park Advisory board members, the department had to come up with a plan to take action. Said Councilman Rosendahl’s Westchester/Playa Deputy, Nate Kaplan, “It [problems] seems to have escalated since the winter shelters opened. Hearsay is that there are a lot of non-usual Westchester residents. People from Venice are coming in and other people who usually aren’t at that (continued on page 4)
Westchester Y honors local heroes at event Choosing this year’s honorees for the Westchester YMCA’s Kids Need Heroes event was an easy decision. The Friday, March 30 event held at Westchester’s Crowne Plaza LAX Hotel, saluted longtime Westchester residents and YMCA supporters Mary Ellen and Alan Cassman with the Heroes of the Year Award and Gateway to L.A.’s Laurie Hughes with the Community Pillar Award. Said Y Board of Managers Chair Jack Davis at the event, “They [kids] need heroes like the Cassmans whose strong commitment, financial aid and earned sweat equity over the decade serves as a great example. And they need a pillar like Laurie Hughes, who knows that it is essential that kids learn leadership skills, as they are the leaders of tomorrow.” The Cassmans have a long history with the Westchester Family YMCA going all the way back to its inception. After moving to Westchester in the early 1950s, the Cassmans became involved in numerous community groups and activities. When fundraising for the Westchester Swim Club proved insufficient, the money that had been raised became the start-up funds to help
the building campaign for the YMCA. The Cassmans continued to raise money for the at the time state-of-theart building and first “family” YMCA. The Westchester Family YMCA quickly became the example for other Y’s in Los Angeles. The Cassmans have dedicated their time in numerous capacities to the Y over the years, including serving as group leaders, committee chairs and Chairs of the Board of Managers. They have also participated in camping trips, Indian Guides and swimming. “There are few people I know who better exemplify the virtues of kindness, compassion and generosity than Mary Ellen and Alan Cassman,” said the event’s Master of ceremonies David Herbst. Gateway to L.A. Executive Director, Laurie Hughes was honored with the Community Pillar Award for “strengthening the foundation of the community” through her commitment to cultivating new leaders through her and her organization’s support of the chamber’s Leadership Academy and the Westchester Rotary Club’s Progressive Dinner. The event, which takes place in (continued on page 5)
At left: Longtime Y supporters, Mary Ellen and Alan Cassman were honored at this year’s Kids Need Heroes event. PHOTO BY GLENN MARZANO.
A look inside your
HomeTown
7 Volunteers help transform community garden 13 Chamber celebrates honorees at City of Angels Awards
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HOMETOWN
NEWS
Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista
April 2012
Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey• Playa Vista HomeTown News
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T h i s M o n t h B r i n g s Yo u April Features Police crack down on overnight parking in park Last call for Friends of Education nominations Docent program looks for volunteers Volunteers help turn garden into community oasis Community Calendar NCWP Community Update
4 5 6 9 11 24
Monthly Features Community Random Notes/Opinion Looking Back... To Do
Calendar Happenings Pictures Business and Professional
Submit Submit articles, pictures and letters to the editor at westchesterhometown@yahoo.com. Be sure to include your name and contact information (phone number, address and e-mail) and correctly spell names of all those involved. All materials must be submitted no later than 12 noon on the 22nd of each month. The HomeTown News reserves the right to edit all submissions for content and length.
t a t i d n u o If ! r e t n e C n w o T r e t s e Westch – KAREN FOLLETTE
HOMETOWN STAFF/CONTRIBUTORS Stephanie Davis, Publisher, Editor Fay Craton, Contributing Writer David “Duke” Dukesherer Sr., Looking Back
Nora Lee Owens, Humor Mishele Viera, Contributing Writer Jack Younger, Contributing Cartoonist
Advertisers’ Directory Business and Professional Congregational Church of the Messiah Covenant Presbyterian Church El Segundo 5-Minute Car Wash Father Daughter Prom Food Pantry, LAX H.B. Drollinger Co. Holy Nativity Kevin & Kaz Los Angeles World Airports Loyola Marymount University Nora Lee Owens Northside Project
15 8 9 5 5 9 6 8 21 7 10 21 17
Neighborhood Council Pat Davis, CLU Playa West Automotive Race for Success South Bay Brokers Jane St. John Dianne Stevenson Vergari & Associates Visitation School Westchester Family YMCA Westchester First Friday Westchester Lutheran Westchester Town Center BID Zacha Homes
“If I’m not at the YMCA, I’m at Westchester Town Center. Whether it’s a cup of Starbucks before my morning yoga class, a quick trip to the market
24 17 18 4 20 20 7 5 13 14 12 6, 8 4 22
after work or lunch at Wacky Wok (with leftovers), Westchester Town Center is super convenient.”
The HomeTown News, Your Friendly Local Newspaper The HomeTown News is a monthly newspaper, dedicated to providing information about the people, events, and happenings of Westchester, Playa del Rey, Marina del Rey and Playa Vista. Look for the HomeTown News the first Thursday of the month at your home or at one of our drop-off locations. If you are interested in submitting an article or information for review, please email us at westchesterhometown@yahoo.com. Please submit the information as a Microsoft Word attachment. Mailing Address: 8939 S. Sepulveda Blvd., Ste. 110 #745 Westchester, CA 90045 (310) 641-1016 • westchesterhometown@yahoo.com • www.thehtn.com
The deadline for submissions is the 22nd of the month.
April 2012
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Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey• Playa Vista HomeTown News
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Community Overnight parking in Westchester Park (cont’d)
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(continued from page 1) park have been using it. That is why we seen this influx in violent crimes and drunkenness and other calls you have been getting. The crux of this is that everybody really deserves to use the park and feel safe there, welcome. It doesn’t matter if you are homeless or a billionaire, everyone deserves to feel welcome and safe there. It’s gotten to a point now that the captain and the councilman feel steps need to be taken to ensure everybody’s safety and wellbeing at the park.” It was made clear at the meeting that not all of the homeless people living at the park were posing a problem, but the police had no choice but to enforce the law of no overnight parking to everyone. Said Park Advisory Board President Scott Carni, “Really we are talking about two different issues here... We have people who want help and need help and that is one of the issues we need to work on. But really the problem over there is not that group. The problem over there is the drunken, belligerent folks who have been banned from all of the shelters and not allowed on the shuttle buses because of their past behavior. I can tell you this, we are at 80% capacity on a daily basis at the park, 100% capacity on the
athletic fields, the playground, both gymnasiums, the tennis courts. We are having encroachment with this type of behavior into those areas at this point, where I’m having high school softball teams run to their car to hide from these guys who are fighting in the middle of the field.” Although the no overnight parking signs have been put up, the police, as well as PATH and park volunteers have been working overtime reaching out to those living in the park to let them know that the ordinance will be enforced and offering assistance in trying to get housing and social services to those that want it. As far as those that are committing crimes at the park, enforcement will be stepped up to give these people tickets, which will then lead to stay-away orders for the park. Said Officer Ramos, “It will be tough. However, the more pressure we put on them hopefully they are going to end up in jail and when they get out of jail, they will go somewhere else. That is what we are looking for.” With the progress and improvements made at the park in recent years, Carni is working to make sure that the park continues to be the community hub
that it has become. He is currently working on raising $86,000 to install 19 high definition security cameras that will cover almost every inch of the park and can be accessed by the police 24-hours a day. Said Carni, “I’m a civilian and I work at the park quite a bit. We have spent 5 million dollars over the past 4 or 5 years getting the park’s attendance from 100 a day to 1,500 a day. I’m going to lean on the side of the families and the kids and the safety of that whole end of the park. Let’s do the proper thing with folks who need help and want help. Like I said earlier, there are some really good folks in there and I want to make sure they are taken care of.”
At right: No overnight parking signs have now been posted in the Westchester-Loyola Village Library parking lot.
HOMETOWN HOMET HOME TO W N
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April 2012
Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey• Playa Vista HomeTown News
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Laurie Hughes received the Community Pillar award for her work with the Westchester Rotary and the Progressive Dinner, which benefits the Y’s Youth and Government Program. FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Y CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD, JACK DAVIS, Y EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR KAREN BRADLEY FOLLETTE, MIKE ARIAS, LAURIE HUGHES, FORMER L.A. MAYOR RICHARD RIORDAN AND THE MASTER OF CEREMONIES DAVID HERBST. PHOTO BY GLENN MARZANO.
Kids Need Heroes (cont’d) (continued from page 1) the summer, involves attendees traveling to different hotels along Century Boulevard for appetizers, dinner and dessert. Over the last nine years, the event has raised more than $100,000 which is used for scholarships and to fund the Westchester Family Y’s Youth and Government Program. Said Laurie Hughes, “It is an honor to be given this award. The Y is a
great place to cultivate new leaders and they are doing impressive work with their Youth and Government Program. It’s important to be a leader in one’s life, work and community. That is why I support these leadership programs.” Former Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riordan gave the keynote address at the event and stressed that everyone needs to work together to make (continued on page 8)
Friend of Education Award nominees due April 30 Every May, the LAX Coastal Area Chamber of Commerce honors local educators at the Teacher Eddy Awards. This year, the 29th annual event will be held May 15 at the Hilton Los Angeles Airport Hotel. In addition to honoring local teachers and one “Outstanding Teacher of the Year” at this event, a “Friends of Education” award will be presented. This award is intended to honor a person, company or organization that
has made a significant contribution to the areas of Westchester, Playa del Rey, Playa Vista and Marina del Rey in the education community through their time, talents and/or treasures. The community is invited to nominate someone for this award. The nomination form can be found on the HomeTown News’ website at www.thehtn.com. Nominations are due by April 30th.
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April 2012
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Community Playa del Rey Docent programs looks for volunteers
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nest.” Strauss hopes to increase the population of local tree swallows, who typically live in dead trees or their branches, by creating specialized birdhouses. To create the birdhouses, Strauss enlisted the help of the Westchester Enriched Sciences Magnet’s wood shop class and its teacher, Joseph Starks. The Friends of Playa Vista Elementary group helped pay for the creation of the boxes and the school’s future students will be decorating the birdhouses as a fundraising project in the coming weeks. Strauss states that they hope to put around 300 boxes throughout the community in the next few years. Twenty or so will be put up in the Playa del Rey Lagoon area. Said Strauss, “If you pick the right habitat, and you build these boxes, these birds will come. They will occupy these boxes and they will do the job of insect removal for us. They provide an incredibly beautiful display of animal behavior and ecological beauty as they go through their activities. They provide an opportunity for our young people, and in fact, inquisitive minds of all ages to do some very interesting ecological research.” Volunteers are needed to check on
The true gift of Easter is a new life...Start it here. ������������������������������������������������������� By celebrating the Resurrection, you embrace the promise that the old life is forgotten and a new life awaits. By worshiping with us on Easter, you’ll be welcomed into a vibrant family of faith eager to support you in that new life– support that will be there for you all year long. Come for the celebration and stay for the community!
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Volunteers help create birdhouses at Playa Vista’s Discovery Park during LMU’s Centennial Day of Service.
these boxes every few days to report on the bird’s activities, and to report any problems with the boxes. Said Friends of Ballona Wetlands Executive Director and CURes Fellow, Lisa Fimiani, at the meeting, “We would ask you if you are interested, is to go out on a regular basis and monitor these boxes. I can guarantee you, you are going to have a lot of fun. These birds are like eye candy. They
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are so beautiful and their behavior is so adorable to watch; when the babies fledge it is a riot. It isn’t much work, it’s just going for a walk and looking at the boxes and making sure they are okay.” For more information on the Playa del Rey Lagoon Docent program or CURes, please visit lmu.edu/cures or email april.sandifer@lmu.edu.
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Loyola Marymount University’s residential Professor of Urban Ecology and the Founding Director of the new Center for Urban Resilience (CURes), Dr. Eric Strauss, is looking for “citizen scientist” volunteers for the Playa del Rey Lagoon Docent program. Said Strauss at a recent meeting on the program at the Westchester Seniors’ Center, “Part of our mission is to reach out into the community and engage stakeholders in the act of doing urban ecology and management of our urban green spaces. We have a whole variety of projects we are doing.” Strauss and his team are interested in observing a very prevalent Southern California bird, the tree swallow, which provides an important service to humans by eating large amounts of insects. This in turn decreases the amount of pesticides that are needed. Said Strauss, “They do the work of insect removal for us without the negative side effects of polluting the water, which is what traditional pesticides do. The problem with most insectivorous birds species from the standpoint of managing their populations, is that they have no place to live. So the wetlands here in the Los Angeles area have plenty of food, plenty of open space, but they lack the places where the birds would typically
Wherever you are in life, wherever you are in your spiritual journey, you are welcome at Westchester Lutheran Church. Start fresh with us.
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10 a.m. Traditional 10 a.m., Sundays 8:45 a.m., Sundays 7 p.m., Wednesdays
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Have an idea for a story? Curious about your community? Know an unsung hero? Contact us at westchesterhometown@yahoo.com April 2012
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8929 S. Sepulveda Boulevard, #130 Westchester, CA 90045
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Orville Wright students and community volunteers tend to the EACG on the Mayor’s Day of Service.
Volunteers help transform land into community oasis Dozens of volunteers including community members, Orville Wright students and UCLA students made their way to the Emerson Avenue Community Garden (EACG) located on the campus of Orville Wright Middle School to help plant, dig and harvest on Saturday, May 31. Volunteers worked from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., helping transform the nearly acre of land into a community oasis. The garden was chosen as a Mayor’s Day of Service site and was one of roughly 30 community
service projects with the designation throughout the city. This year’s theme was “Good Food Day LA,” and the EACG was chosen because of the abundance of fruits and vegetables that are grown on site. Volunteers were treated with samples of fresh produce, including some vegetables that were pulled that morning from the garden including radishes and daikon. When volunteers left for the day, they were given baggies of vegetables to take home and cook with. (continued on page 12)
Spotlight on...Volunteer Information Professionals
VIP Program Offers Volunteers a Chance to Gain Customer Service and Help Travelers
People from all walks of life volunteer in the VIP Program to help make a difference BY VIP Staff For those looking for volunteer opportunities, Los Angeles World Airport’s (LAWA) Volunteer Information Professionals (VIP) program provides a fun, fast-paced experience. LAWA is currently recruiting new volunteers to its dynamic program. The VIP mission is to assist passengers to ensure a friendly and positive experience at LAX. The only requirement for volunteers is that they are at least 18 years old and are available for one four-hour shift per week. Said VIP Volunteer Program Manager Gail Gaddi, “We are always pleased with the great volunteers we have participating in our program. What may be surprising, is that we have volunteers that encompass a wide variety of ages, professions and hometowns. We even have a married retired couple who volunteer once a week in assisting passengers at the arrivals level at one of the LAX Terminals.”
April 2012
That couple is Louis and Natalie Mendoza, Westchester residents who have been married 57 years. Said the Mendozas, “We try to do whatever we can to ensure the visitors to Los Angeles have a good experience. It’s good for the city, good for the airlines and good for all of us. We enjoy helping people. The majority of passengers are pleasant and appreciative. It’s makes your job fun.” For 20-year-old volunteer Nichelle Pauly, it’s all about customer service. Said Pauly, “Volunteering has taught me how to handle a variety of different personalities. At the airport anything goes. There’s never a boring moment. You could get a nice person or an irate person and you could turn the whole thing around.” After being trained in customer service techniques, the VIP program and airline/ airport policies and procedures, volunteers assist travels which such things as: providing directions to various airport and community facilities; assisting passengers with finding transportation; providing suggestions for sightseeing attractions; and meeting and greeting passengers. All volunteers are provided with complimentary parking while on duty; exclusive invitations to LAWA events and activities; invitation to an annual recognition event and a signature red blazer. For more information about the VIP Program, please contact Heidi Huebner, Director of Volunteers at (424) 646-VIP1 or email vip@lawa.org.
Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey• Playa Vista HomeTown News
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You are cordially invited to attend Easter Services at the Congregational Church of the Messiah Dr. David L. Gray, Minister Maundy Thursday
7:00 pm
Easter Sunday 10:00 am Messiah Choir Handbell Choir Messiah Community Children’s Chorus Potluck and Easter Egg hunt following Congregational Church of the Messiah 7300 West Manchester (One block west of Lincoln) 310-670-2242
Holy Nativity Holy Week and Easter Celebration Celebrationss April 5: Maundy Thursday 7:00 p.m. April 6: Good Friday 7:00 p.m. April 7: The Great Vigil 8:00 p.m. April 8: Easter Services 8:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.
(continued from page 5) changes to our country’s education system so that students can compete on an international level, especially in technology. He also discussed the importance of pension reform. Said Riordan, “Our state is in terrible, terrible shape right now. I don’t know how many tens or hundreds of millions or billions or trillions we have in unfunded mandates but CalSTRS, which handles the pensions for teachers and others, is going broke rapidly.” As far the Y, under the leadership of Executive Director Karen Bradley Follette, who has been with the branch for just under a year, there are some exciting developments in the works. The front of the building is scheduled for cosmetic improvements, and construction is tentatively scheduled for the fall. The Y is currently raising money to take down the front slate wall and create a larger gathering area in the lobby. Said Bradley Follette, “Y’s are doing a great job of fulfilling a great
need in the community. People are really seeing the Y as a good value. It’s exciting to see so many kids and families choosing the Y.” Currently, there are 3,000 local households, which translates to 14,000 adults and children using the Westchester Y annually. Twenty percent of these members receive financial assistance. Bradley Follette is also eager to talk to community members to find out exactly what the community wants and needs out of their local Y. She states that the Y is looking to do more programs off-site like the after school care program that will begin this fall at Playa Vista Elementary School. “There is a lot we do at the Y that is not just about being fit and trim... It’s about being healthy. The Y is about community and I feel so lucky to be here,” said Bradley Follette. ”Sometimes it’s does the Y make the community or does the community make the Y? In Westchester, it all comes together.”
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We welcome people of all faiths – or no faith. 6700 West 83rd Street, Westchester holynativity@sbcglobal.net
Kids Need Heroes (cont’d)
310.670.4777 holynativityparish.org
Contact us at westchesterhometown@yahoo.com
Westchester Lutheran Church Easter Celebrations
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All are welcome. ������������������������������������������������������������ April 2012
Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey• Playa Vista HomeTown News
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Looking Back... By David J. “Duke” Dukesherer, Sr.
The Playa del Rey and Hawaii Connection (This column is filed from Honolulu, Hawaii)
It is one thing to write about the famous Hilton Hawaiian Village in Honolulu, Hawaii: the creation of Fritz Burns and his partner Henry Kaiser. It is quite a different thing to actually write from the Hawaiian Village. Here today, gone to Maui. Aloha from our fiftieth State! The Kalia beach front was the boyhood home to legendary surfer and Olympic champion Duke Kahanamoku, and the Waikiki property is the jewel in the crown of the Hilton Hotel family. Staying here you learn quickly why: location, location, location. The resort offers everything. It is the fifth or sixth largest hotel in the world (when you remove from the list the gargantuan Las Vegas properties that exist today), and yet it maintains a very strong local presence and “Aloha Spirit.” General Manager Michael Wilding (no relation to Liz Taylor’s second hubbie), will insure that your stay is unlike any vacation you have ever had, or as was the case with me, create an efficient environment for a local base of operations and business discussions. For instance, the property has so many restaurant options, in an entire work week, I never had to leave the resort for business dinners. The Hilton Hawaiian Village has got you covered, “brah.” There is even an ABC Store on the premises, so you can get your Spam Musubi fix. Speaking about location, Playa del Rey, formerly known as Port Ballona,
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played a significant role in what is now the critical West Coast to Honolulu shipping route. The port project began in 1886, with plans to turn present day Playa del Rey, a deserted tidal marsh, into a major port enterprise by a man named M. L. “Moses” Wickes. It may seem hard to believe, but the next time you venture down to Del Rey Lagoon, you are essentially seeing the southern remains of that enterprise. The lagoon once served as the entrance to the Port. That same year, the Santa Fe Railroad won a major court battle, and it broke Port Ballona, California, 1886. This is an artist’s rendition of the failed project. Present day Culver Boulevard is shown in the center the Union Pacific’s of the photograph, separating the port from the Palisades. COURTESY “BEACH OF THE KING,” DAVID J. DUKESHERER. railroad monopoly in Southern California by exhausted and the harbor wasn’t would be built in its place. building a line north from San Diego. completed. Wicked tides and winter Years later, beginning with the efforts They were searching for a major ocean rains swept the sand back into the of the Henry Barbour and the Beach terminal near Los Angeles to serve channel almost as fast as the dredger Land Company, and later with Fritz Asian markets. scooped it out. Worse, the dredge Burns and Dickenson and Gillespie, Rancho Ballona, at latitude 34 and encountered a hard layer of nearly Inc., the towns of Playa del Rey and longitude 118 and 30 minutes, was 800 impenetrable blue clay along the Westchester would slowly spring up in miles closer to Honolulu, Hawaii than channel bottom. Finally, when a the area. San Francisco: a key trade lane. When major storm in 1889 carried away And the balance of the Port Ballona the railroad agreed to extend tracks to most of Wick’s wharf, the project was enterprise, the part to the north and the port, Wicks’ company began round- abandoned, although, according to a across Ballona Creek, would become the-clock dredging operations. The first contemporary account, the residents the largest man made pleasure craft passenger train, carrying 800 prominent of Santa Monica “appreciated the fire harbor in the world: Marina Del Rey. and well-fed Angelenos, arrived at wood.” The land was again considered Mahalo! “Port Ballona” on August 24, 1887. useless. Eventually, the efforts to build However, after three years of a port would be abandoned, and the dredging, the company’s funds were Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach Comments: dukepdr@gmail.com
Rotary accepting applications for $500 scholarship Each year, the Rotary Club of Westchester, through the Westchester Rotary Foundation, offers a $500 scholarship in memory and honor of Jim Hill, a former Rotarian who was exemplary in his service to the youth of the community. The scholarship will be awarded to a graduating high school senior for demonstrating outstanding leadership in community service, who either resides in Westchester or Playa del Rey and/or who attends one of the Westchester Enriched
Come Join Your Friends At
COVENANT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Worship Service 10:30 am Canines@Covenant 5:00 pm Sunday Covenant on the Corner 80th and Sepulveda Blvd.
Church School for Young People during Service
Pastor: Rev. Cathy Chisholm
We have an Orchestra and Adult, Youth and Children’s Choirs E-mail: cpoffis@pacbell.net Childcare is provided- For more information, Call (310) 670-5750
April 2012
Sciences Magnets or Saint Bernard High School. The application is due by Monday, April 30 and may be obtained by emailing Cozette Vergari at Cozette@LAXLawyers.com. The applicant will be asked to write an essay limited to one page single-spaced regarding the applicant’s history of community service.
FOOD PANTRY, LAX Emergency Food Distribution to those in need Sponsored by Westchester Clergy Association
Open Tuesdayand andFriday Friday •• 11:00 a.m.toto12 12:30 Open Tuesday 10 a.m. p.m.p.m. (noon) 355 Beach Street, Inglewood
If you have Food to donate, take to Covenant Presbyterian Church or bring to location from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Volunteers and money donations also welcomed and encouraged. For further information, please call (310) 677-5597
Ad donated by Covenant Presbyterian Church
Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey• Playa Vista HomeTown News
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To Do Rotary Club of Westchester The Rotary Club of Westchester meets every Wednesday at 12 noon for lunch at the Crowne Plaza LAX Hotel, 5985 W. Century Blvd. in Westchester. The cost of lunch is $20 and validated self parking is free. Guests are most welcome! Reservations are not required. For information regarding the upcoming luncheon programs, visit www.rotary-westchester.org/ or become our friend (Westchester Rotary) on Facebook. Playa Vista Farmers’ Market Come out to the Playa Vista Farmers’ Market. Open every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and showcasing the freshest fruits, vegetables and flowers direct from the best local farmers’ California has to offer as well as other traditional market fare. This is a Certified Farmers’ Market sponsored by Sprouts of Promise Foundation, a 501(c) 3 non-profit focused on the education of healthy eating habits. The Playa Vista Farmers’ Market will host a number of Earth Day inspired activities on April 28, including a guided nature walk through the Ballona Wetlands, painting of Tree Swallow birdhouses in benefit of Playa Vista Elementary School and an interactive wildlife showcase for kid’s from Star’s Eco Station. Bikerowave will also be on-site offering FREE bike tune-ups. For more info on any of the activities, email us playavistaFM@gmail.com. Playa Venice Sunrise Rotary Club Join the Rotary club of Playa Venice Sunrise Rotary Club at its Wednesday morning meeting at 7:15 a.m. at the Courtyard Marriott Hotel, located at 13480 Maxella Avenue in Marina del Rey. The cost of the meeting is $25, which includes breakfast and a guest speaker. Guests are welcome and reservations are not required. For more information, www. playasunrise.org or call (310) 4293808. Westchester First Fridays Head on down to the 6200 Block of 87th Street for Westchester First Fridays on April 6 from 4 to 9 p.m. Every first Friday of the month, the best gourmet food trucks from around Los Angeles line the streets of 87th Street. Businesses along the street also stay open late, encouraging the community to check out their wares. The March lineup includes Sugar Babies, the Grilled Cheese Truck, LudoTruck, Rajun Cajun on Wheels, Border Grill and the Mighty Boba. Otis’ Ben Maltz Gallery Exhibit Otis College of Art and Design is pleased to present the exhibition “Globalize THIS! International Graphics of Resistance and Purely Observational/ Everyday Political: Artwork of and inspired by Corita Kent” to be held through April 14 at Ben Maltz Gallery. The images in Globalize THIS! range
April 2012
• your community newspaper • your community newspaper • your community newspaper • from haunting to humorous. Posters on racism, AIDS, nuclear proliferation, child labor, genetically modified food, environmental degradation and the increasing indebtedness of developing nations offer sobering messages. These posters are meant to remind viewers of the “passions and commitment of the protesters and demand our involvement to make a difference. They are reclaiming the power of art to inspire people to action.” The gallery is located on the campus of Otis College of Art and Design at 9045 Lincoln Blvd. in Westchester. Parking and admission are free. For more info, please call (310) 665-6905, email galleryinfo@otis.edu or visit otis. edu/benmaltzgallery. Aerospace Heritage Speaker’s Series Southern California’s unique aerospace heritage will be spotlighted when the LAX Flight Path Museum continues its speaker series on Saturday, April 14 at 10 a.m. Jared Head, activities specialist at the Columbia Memorial Space Center, will be the speaker. The program is open to the public with free admission and parking, Head is actively involved in the Columbia Memorial Space Center’s educational programs and community outreach, based in Downey. He has been honored as the center’s Volunteer of the Year. Flight Path features an array of aviation memorabilia, including airline pilot and flight attendant uniforms, aircraft models and photos. A historic DC-3 aircraft, manufactured at the former Douglas Aircraft plant in Santa Monica, also is featured. The museum is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. For more info, please call (424) 6467284 or visit www.flightpath.us. Non-profit looks for survivors of Domestic Abuse for Fashion Show Westchester’s Wings of Love International, Inc. is seeking volunteer models for its Spring Fashion Show. The fashions modeled will be designer items donated to WINGS. The featured models will be survivors of domestic abuse who are willing to share their story, while helping to raise funds. WINGS mission is to provide a pathway from abuse to emotional health, wholeness and abundance. Fashions will be fitted and altered by Luda at Nate The Tailor; makeup will be provided by beauty consultants and Sales Directors from Mary Kay Inc. For more info on volunteering, donating clothing or attending the Spring Volunteer Potluck Dinner, please contact WINGS CEO Denise O’Brien at (310) 754=9321 or by email at Denise@WingsOfLoveIntl.org. Common Sense Media Presentation Westside Neighborhood School is inviting the public to an evening of parent education with Yalda T. Uhls,
Regional Director of the Los Angeles office of Common Sense Media. Uhls will provide parents with expert advice and practical guidance to help guide their children’s digital lives. This presentation provides an overview of today’s digital media landscape. Topics to be covered will include social networking sites, cyber bullying, digital footprints, privacy and more. This free event is open to the public. The event is located at 5401 Beethoven Street, 90066 and will take place on Wednesday, April 18, from 7 to 9 p.m. Messiah Spring Music Series The second in the Messiah 2012 Spring Music Series is a concert by Susan Thampi, Mezzo-soprano, on Sunday, April 22 at 4 p.m. She will present a program of opera and world music, much of it from her debut album, “Chanson Boheme,” produced under her stage name, Susan John. Thampi is a former alto soloist at Messiah. A donation of $15 will benefit the music program of the church. There is no charge for children under 12. Congregational Church of the Messiah is located at 7300 West Manchester Avenue in Westchester. Kentwood Family Fun Day Come join the celebration! On Saturday, April 28 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Kentwood Elementary will be hosting its second annual “Family Fun Day” event. The event will feature games, activities, fabulous food, music and more. There’s plenty of entertainment for all ages. Shop at the silent auction and witness future stars-in-the-making at the student talent show. For music and dance buffs, the Kentwood 80s’ Prom team will be DJing a variety of music from retro classics to the top hits of today. It’s great fun for the entire family! Kentwood Elementary is located at 8401 Emerson Avenue. Admission is free and proceeds from the event will be used to support Kentwood’s education and arts programs. For more info, please call (310) 6708977 or e-mail May Chao at may_d_ chao@yahoo.com.
United Methodist Church, located at 8065 Emerson Ave. in Westchester. There is a suggested donation of $10. Desserts will follow the concert. Pacific Area Boosters Golf Tournament The Pacific Area Boosters Association invites you to participate in the 33rd Annual Golf Tournament, taking place Friday, May 4 at the Balboa Municipal Golf Course. The cost is $135, which includes golf, a cart, continental breakfast, luncheon, raffle and awards ceremony following the tournament. There are also sponsorship/donation opportunities. All proceeds will benefit the Pacific Division Youth Programs, as well as the Pacific Area’s police officers and station needs that are not met by the City. The Pacific Area Boosters Association was incorporated in 1973 as a 501 (c) nonprofit organization. Any donation is tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. For additional info, please call Jann Brauer at (310) 823-7449 or email jann717@ca.rr.com. You can also email Officer Kristan Delatori at 32914@lapd.lacity.org. Visit pacificbooster.org for more details.
How to submit a listing for the To Do/Calendar section 1. Write-up your event in paragraph format (no abbreviations please!) 2. Submissions must be received by the 22nd of the month to be considered 3. Please include contact information and the cost for your event, if there is one 4. Email us the event * Due to the volume of submissions received, we can not include all events or respond to requests of event inclusion. Events must be $25 or under to be considered for inclusion.
Westside Voices The Westside Voices will present a “Lullaby of Broadway” tunes on Sunday, April 29 at 3:30 p.m. The event will take place at the Westchester LMU Neighborhood Advisory Committee Community Announcement Loyola Marymount University will host its Neighborhood Advisory Committee meeting Thursday April 19, 2012, to discuss parking, student behavior and other issues of concern in the community. The committee is comprised of LMU officials and students, community members, neighborhood council appointees and a LAPD officer. This advisory committee meets quarterly to take up issues related to the university’s implementation of its 20-year Master Plan.
Date: Thursday April 19, 2012 Time: 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
Location: Roski Dining Hall, in University Hall, 1 LMU drive, Los Angeles CA 90045 Parking: Park in P2; Take elevator to the ground floor; Turn to your right and walk to the end of the building
Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey• Playa Vista HomeTown News
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COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS
April Monday
Sunday
Tuesday Tuesday
Wednesday Wednesday
NCWP Meeting @ Westchester Municipal Building
Thursday Thursday
Friday Friday
Saturday Saturday
Westchester Farmers’ Market @ Westchester Park
Good Friday
Speakers by the Sea @ Playa del Rey
First Friday @ 87th Street & Truxton Ave.
Playa Vista Farmers’ Market @ Playa Vista
Passover
“Oliver!” @ Kentwood Playhouse
“Oliver!” @ Kentwood Playhouse
1
2
Easter
3 Gateway to Go @ Crowne Plaza LAX
“Oliver!” @ Kentwood Playhouse
4
5
6
7
Westchester Farmers’ Market @ Westchester Park
Food Truck Friday Nights @ Visitation School
Playa Vista Farmers’ Market @ Playa Vista
Speakers by the Sea @ Playa del Rey
“Oliver!” @ Kentwood Playhouse
“Oliver!” @ Kentwood Playhouse Speaker’s Series @ Flight Path
8
9
10 Gateway to Go @ Crowne Plaza LAX
“Oliver!” @ Kentwood Playhouse
11 Northside Plan Scoping Meeting @ St. Bernard High School Gym
12 LMU Neighborhood Advisory Committee @ LMU
13
“Oliver!” @ Northside Plan Scoping Kentwood Playhouse Meeting @ St. Bernard High School Gym
Speakers by the Sea @ Playa del Rey
Playa Vista Farmers’ Market @ Playa Vista
Common Sense Media Presentation @ WNS
15
16
Gateway to Go @ Crowne Plaza LAX
Messiah Spring Music Series @ Congregational Church of the Messiah
22
23 Deadline for Rotary Scholarship
Westside Voices @ Westchester United Methodist Church
Deadline for Friend of Education Nominations
April 2012
18
“Oliver!” @ Kentwood Playhouse
19
20
Westchester Farmers’ Market @ Westchester Park
24
25
21 Health Kids Day @ Westfield Family Fun Day @ Kentwood Elementary
Speakers by the Sea @ Playa del Rey
Healthy Kids @ Westfield
29
17
14
Playa Vista Farmers’ Market @ Playa Vista
26
27
28
30
Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey• Playa Vista HomeTown News
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Meals on Wheels. Councilman Bill Rosendahl recently joined Culver Palms Meals on Wheels volunteers who deliver affordable, nutritionistsupervised meals from Monday through Friday to persons confined to their homes due to illness, accident,
convalescence or age. The meals are distributed to clients residing in Marina del Rey, Playa del Rey, Westchester and Playa Vista. Pictured left to right: Frances Stronks, Councilman Rosendahl and volunteer Dagmar Buck. Volunteers hold up daikons or “white radishes” that they harvested from the garden.
Community garden (cont’d)
GRADUATION ANNOUNCEMENTS
Have someone graduating from kindergarten, elementary school, middle school, high school or college? Celebrate your child’s or loved one’s graduation in the HomeTown News! For as low as $35, announcements include a photo and a two sentence description. Email westchesterhometown@yahoo.com. April 2012
(continued from page 7) Although the garden already has edible plants, fruits and vegetables growing, the garden still has a way to go before is it completed. Student volunteers from UCLA worked tirelessly digging and weeding to create the path for the 1/5 mile walkway, which will surround the garden. Other volunteers worked moving rocks to create the outdoor circular seating area. When the garden is complete, 38 plots will be up for raffle for use by community members. Said event organizer Christine Tope, “This garden is truly a community project that would exist without our volunteers. With the help of our many dedicated volunteers, the site is really starting to blossom into a community space that will be enjoyed by students and community members alike for years to come. We were delighted with the enthusiasm and the sheer number of the volunteers we had at the Mayor’s Day of Service, even with the rainy weather, and are very excited by the progress that was made. Now when you walk along Emerson Avenue, you can see how this once abandoned corner of the campus is really starting to come alive. We’ve planted some tomatoes in the new community beds, and will continue the planting of rest of the three new beds at our next community day on April 15th. We’re delighted with the new garden sign created by local artist Steve O’Loughlin, the student designed metal trellises fabricated by local artist Tom Walker, and the artistry of Dave Segenreich and Robert Reddeker who are leading our team in creating a beautiful outdoor seating area in the garden.” Artwork designed by Orville students and created by local artist Tom Walker, specifically for the garden, was installed at the event. Through a series of workshops, Walker, a local artist and gardener, and his apprentice Julia Montgomery,
met with students to create unique, functional garden enhancements in the form of trellises. Orville Students participated in two workshops, which began with an introduction to the artists, the “Garden Enhancement” concept and an explanation of a variety of drawing concepts and how they work in the translation-to-metal process. Walker and Montgomery then developed and combined these student drawings into blueprints that they fabricated into six metal-framed trellises. In addition to being works of art themselves, the trellises will provide a structure for growing plants in the garden. Future plans for art in the garden include creating fencing, bike racks and signage–all created from student designs. “The students really let their imagination go wild. I was interested to see how the process would work, and we are thrilled with what they came up with,” said Walker. “The thing that most excites me about this project is it engages the students creativity and gives them a sense of stewardship for the garden. It lets them see that they have an impact, a real effect on how the world looks and how they can help shape It.” Orville Wright Middle School teacher Paula Cohen spearheaded the project, which was funded by the Emerson Avenue Community Garden Club via a grassroots communitybacked initiative by a group promoting art in the garden. Tom Walker has taught metal sculpture at Otis College of Art and Design for nine years. “I have a great interest in creating eco-gentle work. Sustainability in the design and creation of work is vital. My ideal situation is to be able to grow this pilot program into a workshop that I take to other schools, community gardens and even parents’ private gardens,” said Walker. For more information, please email emersonavenuegardenclub@gmail. com or visit emersonavecg.org.
Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey• Playa Vista HomeTown News
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City of Angel Awards Gala honors leaders in business The LAX Coastal Area Chamber of Commerce celebrated four Los Angeles area “Angels” at its 2012 City of Angels Awards Gala, held March 29 at the Westin Los Angeles Airport Hotel. With just under two-hundred event attendees, audience members celebrated this year’s honorees Loyola Marymount University, the X PRIZE Foundation, Hensel Phelps Construction and the Howard B. Drollinger Achievement Award winner, Geoff Maleman. The honorees were awarded for being outstanding leaders in the Los Angeles areas in the area’s of business, philanthropy and/or innovation. The mission of this event, which is the chamber’s largest fundraiser of the year and its business recognition dinner, is to honor those who have truly made an impact on the greater Los Angeles economic scene. The 2012 City of Angels Gala celebrated LMU for its service and outreach to the community, with LMU President David Burcham accepting the award on behalf of the university. His daughter, Stacy Burcham, was on hand to sing the National Anthem at the event. Playa Vista’s X PRIZE, a non-profit organization whose mission is to “bring about radical breakthroughs for the benefit of humanity” was honored for its bravery to explore and invest in new, unexplored economic sectors. Hensel Phelps was honored for its successful local and “at-risk” hire program. The construction
company was recently awarded a $165 million contract by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisers for the design and construction of a new hospital for the Martin Luther King Jr. Medical Center. That project is currently about 70% local hires and 50% “disadvantaged“ workers. When Paul Santangelo, Outreach Manger for Hensel Phelps Construction Co., went to the stage to claim his award, he reminded attendees that this award did not belong to just him, but rather to the entire company and its employees, past and present. “This award is a team effort,” proclaimed Santangelo. In fact, each and every award handed out March 29 was a symbol of the way in which our Los Angeles business City of Angels awardees and chamber representatives pose for a photo at the event. and local communities can FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Event co-chair Mary Taylor, PV Jobs; LMU President David Burcham; Hansel Phelp’s Outconverge as a team to create a reach Manager Paul Santangelo; Chamber Chairman and event co-chair Sibyl Buchanan, Playa Vista; Chamber Honorary Mayor, David Voss, Voss, Silverman & Braybrooke, LLP; X Prize’s Vice President of Prize Development Eileen true “City of Angels” Bartholomew and H.B. Drollinger Award recipient Geoff Maleman, Maleman Ink. PHOTO BY GLENN MARZANO. The evening concluded with the presentation of the H.B. Drollinger Award. This award is to a community member who has made Area Chamber. He is also an elected named after Westchester businessman a meaningful commitment of time, member of the Neighborhood Council and philanthropist, Howard B. talent or money to the Westchester, of Westchester/Playa, where he Drollinger, who passed away in Playa del Rey, Playa Vista or Marina currently serves as Vice President. Over 2006. Chamber members have the del Rey area. the years, he has been involved with opportunity to nominate someone for This year’s recipient, Geoff Maleman, and served on a number of non-profit the award, who is then selected by the is past-president of the Rotary Club (continued on page 18) Drollinger Family Charitable Trust. The of Westchester and the LAX Coastal award named in his honor is presented
Visitation School’s Food Truck Friday Nights Resume in April and will continue through September 2012. SAVE THE DATES: April 13, May 25, July 20, August 17 and September 21
Every Day Is Open House... WELCOME TO
Accepting A pplications For Enr ollment
Visitation School A Catholic Tradition of Excellence in Education Since 1947
Jr. Kindergarten through Grade 8 A SCHOOL FOR ALL CHILDREN FULL DAY Jr. K and Kindergarten
School tours and Jr. K, Kindergarten and All-Grade preview days may be scheduled year-round. We invite you to call and schedule your VIP visit (310) 645-6620.
Educating the WHOLE CHILD in a CHRIST Centered Environment WASC/WCEA Accredited* • Challenging Curriculum • State of the Art Computer Lab • Spanish • Guidance Counseling • Church Youth Choir
• Music Program • After School Day Care • Algebra I • Gateway to Art • CYO Sports
• Hot Lunch Program • After School Enrichment Program: Drama, Karate, Playball, Guitar, Photography and Golf • Science Lab
Strong Home-School Partnership “A Catholic Education Is An Advantage for Life” A VISITATION GRADUATE IS: Clear on Life Priorities–Faith, Family, Friends and Future Well Trained in Valuable Life Lessons A Confident, Lifelong Learner An Involved Member of the Community A Well Rounded and Well Informed Global Citizen Well Prepared and READY for High School of Choice
April 2012
VISITATION SCHOOL
8740 So. Emerson Avenue, Westchester, CA 90045 Phone: 310-645-6620 • 24/7 Phone: 310-994-9904 Fax: 310-645-4460 Visit Us At: www.visitationschool.org joannes@mail.visitationschool.org
Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey• Playa Vista HomeTown News
Page 14
SoCalGas announces $30 million in rebates and incentives to businesses Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas) recently announced that more than $30 million in rebates and incentives are available this year to business customers for qualifying energy-efficiency projects. Six L.A. area businesses were recognized by SoCalGas at their recent business expo for their outstanding efforts in energy efficiency and conservation. Because of their efforts, these businesses have reduced emissions and saved more than 2,531,588 therms of natural gas, the equivalent of taking 3,500 cars off the road. SoCalGas’ incentives cover many types of natural gas equipment, as well as energy saving projects. The incentive payouts are based on the amount of natural gas saved, and they often reach several thousands of dollars per project. In addition to the announcement of Energy-Efficiency Excellence Award recipients, the Expo featured workshops for local business owners who want to save money by using green technologies and strategies. Participants learned how to identify, evaluate and select the technologies that best fit their financial goals while reducing waste and improving energy
efficiency. Case studies and details were provided on: photovoltaic systems, energy efficiency, water conservation and waste reduction/ recycling. There were also exhibitors and vendors showcasing the latest energy-saving tools for those in attendance. Business owners and representatives had an opportunity to learn about SoCalGas’ On-Bill Financing program, which provides qualified energyefficiency projects with interest-free loans for up to $100,000. They also learned how the utility can identify process improvements that can help save energy, lower operating costs, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In addition to the variety of assessment tools to help business customers identify convenient energy efficiency improvements, rebates are available for more than 100 pieces of qualifying energy-efficient equipment, such as steam traps, insulation, boilers, water heaters, and a variety of foodservice equipment. For more information, business owners and representatives can visit SoCalGas’ website at socalgas.com/ energyefficiency.
From left to right: 2012 Pack 824 Pinewood Derby Champions Cole Paquin, Webelos II; Nathan Wetmore, Webelos I; Luke Park, Wolf; Joseph Mikhail, Bear; and Fischer Doan, Tiger. PHOTO PROVIDED BY AUDREY MORRIS.
Pack 824 holds Pinewood Derby Westchester Cub Scout Pack 824 held their annual Pinewood Derby on March 18 at the Westchester Townhouse. With five scout and one sibling division and a champion’s race, the scouts, parents, grandparents and siblings watched and cheered the races for hours. Pack 824 holds this event every March, and it is one of the most looked forward to events of the year for the group. The five scout divisions are based on the boys’ cub scout
rank/school grade. Multiple heats are held within each division to negate the effects of any lane that might be slower or faster than the others. Each division winner then qualifies for the Champions’ Division to determine the winners within the pack. Races in the sibling division are held at the end of the day. This year’s winner include Cole Paquin, Nathan Wetmore, Luke Park, Joseph Mikhail and Fischer Doan.
JUMP INTO SUMMER YMCA Healthy Kids Day
Sat–Sun, April 28–29, 1–4pm Center Court, Westfield Culver City Free Community Event
Rock Climbing Wall, Garden Pot Planting, Hand Print Mural Art in Praise of Healthy Food, Podiatry Clinic, Scavenger Hunt, Kids’ Zumba and Line Dance, Basketball Toss, and Lots More! Call Westchester Y at 310-670-4316. April 2012
Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey• Playa Vista HomeTown News
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Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista
April 2012
Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey• Playa Vista HomeTown News
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Random Notes/Opinion Pick up the HTN at any of the following locations: Drollinger Building Lobby (8929 and 8939 Sepulveda building) Westchester Family YMCA Covenant Presbyterian Church The Guilded Cage Airport Office Center Medical Office Building Chase Bank The Coffee Co. Paradise Building Lucky Cleaner Ayara Thai Cuisine Ted’s Hair Design Truxton’s American Bistro Soundsations Needlepoints West Westchester Watch Works Bill Rosendahl’s Office Loyola Village Library Senior Center Loyola Village Library Elks Lodge Ralph’s Westchester Watch Works Kentwood Playhouse The Real Estate Consultants Office Dario’s Carpet Tower Pizza Chase Bank Paradise Building LAX Coastal Area Chamber of Commerce Wells Fargo Westchester CenterPointe Club Playa Vista Library Dinah’s Restaurant Lucky Cleaners Family First Playa Vista Urgent Care Coffee Bean Cantalini’s Emerson Pharmacy Howe Liquor Del Rey Liquor Ace Cleaners Coin Laundry Felicia’s Coffee Garden Outlaws The Shack Prince of Wales Tanner’s Coffee Holy Nativity Westchester United Methodist Westchester Christian Church Zacha Homes Airport Marina Counseling Service Lloyd Taber Library *partial list of drop-offs
To make your business a drop-off location, please email westchesterhometown @ yahoo.com April 2012
• your community newspaper •
Exercise is good for the soul By Nora Lee Owens I joined our local YMCA (which I think used to mean, and maybe still does mean “Young Men’s Christian Association). I don’t fit in most of those categories, but I can tell you that, so far, it has been a wonderful “association,” so that part may fit. I began by taking it slowly at an arthritis stretch class, only to discover that I was more fit than that. Then I began regular stretch classes two mornings a week when I can make them. Boy, does my body feel better when I go home. It’s amazing how much more limber you can become by gentle breathing and asking your limbs kindly to relax a little bit. Then I began walking on the treadmill and following that with some work on the exercise bike. I haven’t worked up to my potential on either of those machines, but I have found that while most people listen to music or watch the TV monitors, I can
actually read a magazine and I have become current on all my subscriptions – a miracle! Just walking or riding, without something else to occupy your mind, can be tedious, which leads to shortened exercise sessions and earlier snacks and wine, which is counter productive. Very soon now, after I solve another personal body challenge, I am going to attack Pilates and after that Zumba. But the very best thing I have found at the “Y” is the line-dancing class, which doesn’t need my endorsement because it is a very full class, three times a week. Before you get out your 10-gallon hat and spurs, though, you must know that it isn’t country. There’s some disco music and some hip hop, the steps are easy and you don’t have to bend or lift or squat to get a really good aerobic workout. Throughout my life, dance has been my exercise of choice so I find this class just about more fun than ... well, more fun than most physical activities.
Of course, the benefit of exercise other than muscle tone, heart strengthening and flexibility is what it does for you mentally. Oh, it’s not because you’re doing something virtuous that your doctor thinks you should do or because you look better in that pink tutu (or tight work-out pants). No, it’s because you become instantly happier and grateful to be alive and be able to use your body again. Sometimes, I feel how a salmon must feel swimming upstream to do whatever it is they do there (I think it’s mate, but that isn’t my upstream goal). Just when you think one thing is solved in your life, up rears an ugly new obstacle to complete happiness. Exercise is the only thing I know that you can do by yourself, do at your pace and do when you have time that will help to get you through those bad times. I hate to be shrill about it, but if your exercise regimen is looking for the remote or drying dishes, you need more activity in your life. Get out there!
There is a raccoon in the garden! By Fay Craton, MA, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist A friend has a lovely flower garden in her backyard where I have spent many hours over several years. Gardens are a great place to rest and breathe in nature. While relaxing on garden benches we have looked at flowers and shared about life. My friend loves her garden. It is a place she finds peace. In many ways, it is an extension of who she is. Sometimes what appears in life is not what we think we should experience. One year, her garden was invaded by a raccoon and nature took a course not anticipated when bulbs and tender plants were placed into the ground. I remember my friend’s shock when the raccoon dug up her much-loved garden. She tried several natural remedies to deter the animal and yet the destruction continued. The garden was the critter’s private restaurant! Nature is relaxing when admiring flowers and difficult to cope with when there is a free roaming wild raccoon involved. Life can be very disappointing when we do not experience what we are expecting. Even when we try to fix the experience there can still be problems. The damage to her garden was out of her control and even though it felt personal, it was not about her. In this case, the challenge was between my friend, a wild animal, and protecting a place where she has invested much of her time, energy and passion. However sometimes, what is happening in life could be between you, another human, and a seemingly impossible situation. What can we do when life takes
a turn toward something we do not want? The first thing to do is simple: breathe. If emotions are intense and you are feeling fear, loss, or a threat, your brain is being flooded with “stress hormones,” which will make clear and reasoned thinking difficult. This is part of your body’s natural response to stress. If there is actually danger in the situation, it is important to remove yourself rapidly from a place where you can be physically harmed. Deep, slow breaths will help move oxygen to your brain, which will aide your ability to think. If there is no physical danger, take a few minutes to connect with an awareness of a spiritual “power greater than you.” You may wish to place a hand over your heart, and take a couple addition deep, slow breaths. Connecting to an awareness of a spiritual presence will also help clear your thinking. Some people may find it beneficial to remember a mantra or an affirmation when stressed. Many times, simply regaining your ability to think clearly is all that is needed in tough situations. However, sometimes the solution will take longer to resolve. If more is needed, once your emotions are no longer in control of your thinking, think about the situation. What are the facts? Write down the facts without making any assumptions. Look at the reality of the facts. Once you have the pure facts established, list possible courses of action. For each course of action, list the benefits and detriments of each action on your list. Another useful method to help solve the situation is to write down what part of what is happening is about you. In addition, list what part is not about you
and is about someone or something else. Sometimes, understanding the situation is not about you can help you cope. The raccoon challenge my friend experienced was not about her. Even though it may have felt personal, it was about the enjoyment the raccoon experienced in eating her tender plants and tasty bulbs. Write down what skills or knowledge you need to resolve your problem. What new patterns of behavior do you need to learn? What type of help may you need to resolve the problem? A therapist probably cannot help you solve your garden needs, but they may help you cope. One of the kinds of help you may need is a therapist to help you to gain perspective about the situation, your emotions and a path to resolve the problem. My friend was finally able to resolve the raccoon problem by trapping it and having it relocated to a new geography. Hopefully, in its new location it found the food it enjoyed without destroying someone’s garden. My wish for you is when unanticipated experiences happen, that you are kind to yourself. Take a breath and connect to a greater spiritual awareness. You are unique and precious. Fay Craton, M.A. is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (mfc40011), which is the psychology license specializing in relationships (with ourselves or with others) and she has an office in Westchester. If you have any questions, please visit Fay’s website at: www. communicationtriangle.com or contact her at (310) 645-6762.
Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey• Playa Vista HomeTown News
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Spring clean it! If the answer is “no,” let it go By Mishele Vieira, Certified Professional Organizer® Spring arrived on March 20. There are many celebrations during the spring including the Persian New Year, Easter and Passover. Another tradition observed in the spring is spring cleaning. Here are some ideas for cleaning out a clothes closet: Set the Stage: As with other organizing projects we’ve tackled, you want to set the stage to be successful. This means scheduling a time to clean out your closet. This will ideally be when you can work with minimal interruptions for a significant period of time. This project is likely to take at least two and perhaps four or more hours depending on how abundant your closet is. If you don’t have great lighting in the area where you are working, consider borrowing a lamp from another location to use during the clean out process. You will also want to have some large trash or shopping bags handy. If you have a portable clothing rack grab that too, as it is one of the handiest tools to have during a clean out. Note: if your rack is being used to store clothing that doesn’t fit in your closet, this may be an indicator that it’s time to let some things go. Start by Sorting: Sort the items in your closet: pants with pants, blouses with blouses etc. You get the idea. When clothes (and other items) are sorted by category it is easier to find things. It is also easy to see how much clothing you have in any category. Skip this step if your closet is already sorted. Step 1: Examine – Choose a category to start with and pull everything out of the closet from that category, placing it on the garment rack or the bed. Ruthlessly review each item and evaluate one by one. With each item ask yourself the following questions: Do I like it?; Do I wear it?; Is this item in good
condition?; Does this fit me?; Does this flatter me?; Do I feel good in this? The answer should be yes to all of the above questions. If the answer is “NO”...let it go! Step 2: Eliminate – Many people (especially women) have too many clothes in their closet. Recall, The Pareto Principle, also known as the 80/20 rule, which states that 80% of the effects come from 20% of the causes. Most of us wear 20% of our clothes 80% of the time. We are keeping many clothes that we don’t wear for all kinds of reasons. Commit to mend or clean clothes that need it and place in one of the bags. Let go of items that are stained or torn beyond repair. Also eliminate the items that for whatever reason you never wear. The latter can be donated. Someone else will appreciate the items you are done with. Also let go of clothes that do not fit. If they are too big, you are telling your subconscious that you intend to grow into them. If they are too small and you are actively working on losing weight, keep the things that you like and are in good condition and then ask the previous questions when you try them on when you lose the weight. But remember, you will probably want to reward yourself with a few new things when you reach your goal weight. Also, let go of clothes that no longer fit your current lifestyle. I.e. if you once wore suits to work, but now are a stay at home mom, those suits would probably better serve Dress for Success or another charitable organization. If you really aren’t ready to let go of some of the clothes in question, designate a place in the closet for them and then establish a deadline to re-evaluate and decide if they will stay or go. Step 3: Organize – Now that you have evaluated and eliminated, you are ready to make your closet work for you. This will help you to find things easier,
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get ready faster in the morning, pack for a trip with ease because your closet is stocked with only the items that you currently wear and that are clean, mended and ready to go. Hang the sorted items by category and facing the same direction. There are many variations for how to do this: lightest to darkest, by length, etc. Choose the one that works for you and your lifestyle. For example hang the suits together or separate depending on how you like to wear them. Work with what you have to maximize space incorporating rods, doublers, hooks, etc. and utilizing available space on the door, floor and walls. In summary, examining, eliminating and organizing your closet should actually provide you with more things to wear. Because: • You can now see what you have. • You can now find what you have. • You will see more options than you did before. Keeping your closet clean and lean will help you feel good and inspired because clearing out creates new energy in your closet and you’ll again be reminded that less is more! Mishele Vieira, CPO®, owner of Away With Chaos helps overwhelmed, overscheduled and under-organized people make room for what matters most in their home, work and life. Contact her at mishele@awaywithchaos.com.
Have a question about organizing or want tips on how to get your garage in order? Send your questions or requests to westchesterhometown@yahoo.com.
Dear Neighbors: We are pleased to invite you to a�end the Scoping Mee�ngs for the LAX Northside Plan Update Environmental Impact Report (EIR). This is your opportunity to learn about the EIR process for the approximately 340 acres of under-u�lized land just north of the airport adjacent to the Westchester community. The first LAX Northside Plan was proposed in the early 1980s and approved for more than 4.5 million square feet of development. For several months, we have met with many in the community to assist us in upda�ng and developing a modernized plan to be�er serve the Westchester and Playa del Rey communi�es, the people of Los Angeles, and LAX. The next part of this process is to share with you our plans for the area created taking into account your feedback. The Scoping Mee�ngs are also your opportunity to review project exhibits, ask ques�ons directly to airport staff and expert consultants and provide your input on the scope of the EIR. Please join us at one or both of these mee�ngs and let us know your opinion. We look forward to seeing you there. ���������� Sincerely,
Wednesday, April 18, 2012 6:00 to 8:00 PM and Saturday, April 21, 2012 10:00 AM to noon content of each mee�ng will be the same
St. Bernard High School Gym 9100 Falmouth Ave Playa del Rey free parking available
Lisa Trifiletti Lisa Trifile� ��������������
LAX Northside Project Manager
April 2012
LAX Northside Plan Update EIR Scoping Mee�ngs
Patrick C. Davis, CLU Life Insurance, Retirement Planning, Estate Planning One World Way, P.O. Box 92216 LAXNORTHSIDE.org Phone: (310) 937-1112 Los Angeles, CA 90009 LAXNORTHSIDE@LAWA.org | 424.646.5072 Email: patdav@verizon.net license #0646017 Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey• Playa Vista HomeTown News
Page 18
City of Angels (cont’d)
(continued from page 13) boards including Upward Bound House, the YMCA, Westchester Sweetscape Improvement and the Westchester Vitalization Corporation. Maleman was presented the award by Drollinger Properties President and Drollinger’s daughter, Karen Dial. The award comes with $5,000 to be donated to the charities of the recipients choosing. Maleman announced that the money would go towards the Rotary Club of Westchester for its Home Makeover Project, Upward Bound House, Rover Rescue and the World Wildlife Federation. Trying to encourage his children’s participation in community service, Maleman’s children Kaitlyn, Sydney and Ethan selected Rover Rescue and the World Wildlife Federation to receive a portion of the prize money. Emmy Award winning journalist and co-anchor of ABC7 Eyewitness News,
Jovana Lara, served as Mistress of Ceremonies for the evening. Former City of Angels honorees include Andy Roeser, Los Angeles Clippers; Bobbie and Bernard Parks, L.A. City Councilman; Ruth Landsford, Friends of Ballona Wetlands; Tommy Lasorda, Los Angeles Dodgers and Tim Leiweke, AEG Worldwide. The event also honored chamber business and organizations that celebrated an anniversary. Those businesses included the HomeTown News, the Marina del Rey Historical Society, Tony P’s Dockside Grill, Voss, Silverman & Braybrooke, LLP, RE/MAX St. John and Vandervort, Inc., Beach Pizza, Villa del Mar Apartments & Marina, the Westchester Family YMCA and Drollinger Properties. View additional pictures from the event on page 23.
Idea for a story? Honored by your organization? Let us know! Email us at: westchesterhometown@yahoo.com
Father Boyle to be guest speaker at Guild meeting The Westchester Mental Health Guild invites the community to attend its Annual Spring Meeting on Wednesday, May 2 at 9:30 a.m. at the Covenant Presbyterian Church located at 6323 West 80th Street in Westchester. The Guild’s special guest speaker will be Father Gregory J. Boyle, S.J., the founder of Father Boyle will be the guest speaker at the Guild’s annual meeting. Homeboy Industries. “Barking to the Choir: Gangs and He is a nationally known speaker Healthy Communities of Kinship,” and has received numerous awards which is a story on how one man’s and recognition for his outstanding conviction and compassion has leadership and work in helping helped so many gang members who thousands of troubled youths turn might otherwise have continued to their lives around so that they lead lead a life of crime. Boyle is also productive lives and contribute to the author of Tattoos on the Heart, society. which is a personal collection of The success of Homeboy Industries stories of people who have touched is credited to Father Boyle’s vision, his life. A short question-and-answer which focuses on the creation of period will follow after Father Boyle’s a positive role model supported talk. by unconditional love as a proven Light refreshments will be served in method of gang intervention and the the Fellowship Hall at the meeting’s key to keeping troubled youths from conclusion and the Guilded Cage will joining gangs. By teaching them present a Spring Boutique with items a trade and offering jobs so they for purchase. become gainfully employed, has been Please RSVP by April 30 to the a positive alternative to a life of crime Guilded Cage by calling (310) 641on the streets. 7850. Father Boyle’s talk is entitled
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April 2012
Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey• Playa Vista HomeTown News
Home Sweet Home
Page 19
Welcome to The Westchester/Playa del Rey HomeTown News’ Real Estate Section
Westchester Charmer This Gorgeous Stanmoor Estates home is a must see! Open floor plan with formal living and dining. Beautiful remodeled kitchen with granite counters opens to large family room with wood burning fireplace. Master suite has walk-in closet, high ceilings and fireplace with French doors that lead to a balcony over looking yard and tree top views. Master bath has separate shower and spa bath. Nicely landscaped on a quiet cul de sac. Located at 7508 W. 89th St. in Westchester, this could be the home of your dreams! Offered at $925,000
Robin Zacha ZACHA HOMES
You deserve great things...
Affiliated with Power Brokers International
Your Local Realtor
310.293.3043 • zachahomes.com • 6605 W. 80th Street, Westchester
April 2012
Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey• Playa Vista HomeTown News
Page 20
April 2012
Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey• Playa Vista HomeTown News
Page 21
Advertise your Listing with Us!
It’s important to get in front of both potential home buyers and sellers. The Westchester/Playa del Rey HomeTown News is here to help you reach out to local residents, while promoting your listings, as well as you and your business and/or company.
• Introductory rates for new Real Estate Advertisers • Affordable color rates • Website advertising available • Free Open House listings
Contact us for rates and to reserve space at: (310) 641-1016 or westchesterhometown@yahoo.com
It’s the Best Time of Year--
Coldwell Banker Westchester Grand Opening. Coldwell Banker celebrated the grand opening of its Westchester office on Saturday, March 24. Councilman Bill Rosendahl was on hand to cut the ribbon and to celebrate the opening of the new location. Coldwell Banker Westchester is located at 8840 Sepulveda Blvd. in Westchester.
The Boys of Summer are Back!
Want to Buy a New Home for Summer Entertaining and Sports Watching?
Pictured above: Councilman Bill Rosendahl (center) cuts the ceremonial ribbon at the open house with Coldwell Banker agents.
In Real Estate, Experience Matters, So Call Me!
Pictured at right: Branch Manager Steve Manavi is presented with a commendation from Rosendahl.
call 310/846-0029
APRIL
Best Buys Helping People Move Ahead
A Great Time To Sell ! Excellent Market Conditions!
7921 Kentwood Avenue
7523 Alverstone Avenue
6781 Altamor Drive
Prime Kentwood 4+3.5 pool home with Huge Lot size. Large open kitchen overlooking private bkyd! One of the best priced homes in Westchester.
Located in the very desirable North Kentwood. Two-story open floor plan, Entertainer’s delight. Beautiful renovated home w/pool, 5-bds, 4-bath.
Exquisite Kentwood Collection Bluff Home. Spectacular, captivating and expansive views. Immaculate, two-story, 5 + 4.5 custom home.
1014 Wilson Place
7806 Dunbarton Avenue
8324 Gonzaga Avenue
6153 West 76th Street
Sunset Park’s Best Buy! Newer 2004 construction 5-bedrm, 3-bath, kitchen overlooking family room. Grassy back yard. Top deck w ocean views.
Custom remodeled beauty, 4 bedrms, 2 bath. Beautiful granite kitchen overlooking mini-family room, Hdwd floors, forced heat and new windows.
Fabulous opportunity in Loyola Village 3-bedroom, 1-bathroom home in turn-key condition. Secluded, fully enclosed extra big backyard with 2-car garage.
Wonderful 3+1 home plus HUGE 1+1 guest house. Gorgeous hardwood floors in main house. Move-in condition, new roof, copper plumbing.
$699,000
$1,099,000
$879,000
$799,000
$1,399,000
$565,000
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$650,000
Thinking of Selling? Call us anytime for a FREE Market Evaluation! kevinandkaz@gmail.com Agents may have represented sellers, buyers or both. DRE 00916311 Gallaher 01212762
April 2012
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Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey• Playa Vista HomeTown News
Page 22
WELCOME TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD
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3612 Elm Street, Manhattan Beach 90266
The essence of elegance...Almost completely brand new located in the heart of the tree section! 3 bedrooms, plus family room and 2 1/2 baths. New Master Suite Retreat with spa-like bath and walk-in closets. Brand new hardwood flooring and stone throughout. Chef’s dream gourmet kitchen with all new appliances, new beechwood cabinets, new beautiful granite countertops. Sophisticated French doors open up to spacious, professionally landscaped backyard.
Asking Price: $1,250,000
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Your Local Realtor
310.293.3043 • zachahomes.com • 6605 W. 80th Street, Westchester Robin Zacha
ZACHA HOMES
You deserve great things...
Affiliated with Power Brokers International
April 2012
Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey• Playa Vista HomeTown News
In Pictures
Page 23 • your community • your community newspaper • your community • your community newspaper •
City of Angels 2012. Almost 200 attendees came out to celebrate and support City of Angels Awardees at the March 29 event at the Westin Los Angeles Airport Hotel. 1. LMU President David Burcham accepted the City of Angel Award on behalf of LMU. Pictured from left to right: Stacy Burcham, Jovana Laura, David Burcham and Chris Burcham. 2. RE/MAX St. John & Vandervort. Inc.’s Jane St. John received recognition for her 25th business anniversary at the event. From left to right: Julie Porter, Sandra Nonhof, Jane St. John and Karen Dial. 3. Geoff Maleman was the recipient of this year’s Howard B. Drollinger Achievement Award. From left to right: Chamber chairman and event co-chair Sibyl Buchanan, Playa Vista; Drollinger Properties President Karen Dial; Geoff Maleman, Maleman Ink; Mistress of Ceremonies Jovana Laura and Chamber President/CEO Christina Davis. PHOTOS BY GLENN MARZANO.
Bowling Night! Visitation students enjoyed bowling at AMF El Dorado Bowl in Westchester at a recent event. The event helped raise money for the school.
Centennial Day of Service. Hundreds of LMU students, alumni, staff and community members donated their time on Saturday, March 24 for the university’s “Centennial Day of Service.” Locally, volunteers donated their time at Cowan Ave. Elementary School and Discovery Park in Playa Vista.
It’s Time for Lime! The Lime Truck, winner of the Food Network’s “The Great Food Truck Race,” and the $100,000 prize award, will be one of the featured truck’s at Visitation’s first Food Truck Friday Night of 2012. The event will take place on Friday, April 13 beginning at 5 p.m. For more info, visit visitationschool.org.
Deluxe Doggie Day Care. Dogs of all shapes, sizes and breeds are sure to enjoy the new dog pool at Doggie Central. The business celebrated the opening of its “Splash Central” with an open house pool party on Saturday, March 24. The pool is solar-heated and will be used by dogs for both recreation and therapeutic reasons. The event included dogs swimming in the pool, demonstrations and a special appearance by Bardot the “diving dog,” who has been featured on Animal Planet. Above: Dogs, including Westchester resident “Cruiser,” try out Splash Central.
Have a photo you’d like to share with the community? We want to see you in “Pictures!” Email us at westchesterhometown@yahoo. com. The deadline for submissions is the 22nd of the month. April 2012
Little League Community Says “Thank you!” On Del Rey Little League (DRALL) opening day on March 3, Paul Dennis, President of Del Rey American Little League, and its board of directors recognized Tower Pizza, a local family run business that has supported the league since 1986 with the Golden Glove Sponsorship Award. Tony Seruto, owner of Tower Pizza, has supported the league with financial support, with smiles, by hosting team parties and providing a friendly atmosphere for several generations to hang up their cleats and call home. It’s a place that has become synonymous with Del Rey American Little League. Pictured from left to right: DRALL President Paul Dennis, little leaguer Jack Dennis, Tony Seruto of Tower Pizza and little leaguer Vance Watkins. PHOTO BY DREW CAROLAN.
Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey• Playa Vista HomeTown News
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������������������������������������������� ���������������������� ����������������������� The Neighborhood Council of Westchester/Playa provides YOU with access to Los Angeles City government. We meet on the first Tuesday of every month to consider items relevant to the Westchester, Playa del Rey and Playa Vista community. Board meetings are held in the Community Room of the Municipal Building at 7166 W. Manchester Avenue in Westchester. If you have an issue or concern that you think should be considered by the NCWP, you can bring it before the board in a number of ways: 1. Bring the issue to one of our committees – Just email us at under the “Contact Us” tab on our website (www.ncwpdr.org), and we will make the committee chair aware of your request. Most of the items discussed by the board are discussed at the committee level first, so that’s a great place to start! 2. Come to a board meeting – Attend our monthly board meeting, fill out a speaker’s card and make your concerns known during the time reserved for items not on the agenda. From there, your issue will be referred to the appropriate committee for further discussion and possible action at a future meeting. The Neighborhood Council of Westchester/Playa is a great tool to help you get more information or to help you bring your issue to the City of Los Angeles. Use it!
����������������������������������� The Stars of the Neighborhood Award is sponsored by the Neighborhood Council of Westchester/Playa, and its purpose is to identify and honor those unsung heroes of our community who quietly, persistently and without fanfare voluntarily perform good deeds that serve the needs of their neighbors and/or the community. You are invited to nominate a person whose efforts fit this criteria. The nominee must live in Westchester, Playa del Rey or Playa Vista. Nominations will be evaluated by an ad hoc committee of the Neighborhood Council, and the winning honoree(s) will be honored at Westchester’s Annual Fourth of July Parade.
Please provide the following informaton to nominate a Star of the Neighborhood (PLEASE PRINT NEATLY)
Nominee’s Name _____________________________________________________________________ Nominee’s Address ___________________________________________________________________ Nominee’s Phone Number _______________________________________________________________ A brief description of what makes this person a Star of the Neighborhood: ______________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________
������������������������ ����������������������������� The best, most common-sense solutions always come from those who have to solve complex problems day in and day out. That is why the Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation needs your help! Please consider participating in LAEDC’s brief online survey and help tell California’s leaders just how important real reforms are to Los Angeles County businesses and our community of innovators, workers, and students. To take the brief online survey, please visit caeconomy.org/regional-survey.
Your Name _________________________________________________________________________ Your Address _______________________________________________________________________ Your Phone Number __________________________ Email _____________________________________ Nominations must be received by no later than June 15, 2012 Please mail / fax to: Stars of the Neighborhood 8726 S. Sepulveda Blvd PMB 191A Westchester, CA 90045 (310) 821-9429 (fax) Or email the information above to: starneighbors@aol.com
www.ncwpdr.org April 2012
Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey• Playa Vista HomeTown News