Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News
4th of July Parade Program
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Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News
Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News
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LINE OF MARCH 28. Mar Vista Family Center Forklorico Group with 1932 Bandwagon and Mariachi
1. LAPD Pacific Area Junior Cadets
15. Senator Ben Allen
2. Salute to Our Sponsors
16. Immortals Lion Dance
3. LA #1 Hog
17. LAX Coastal Education Foundation
4. Congresswoman Maxine Waters
18. Knights of Columbus
5. Inglewood HS Marching Band
19. Thaine Morris and the Calliope 20. Ladies of the Elks Lodge 2050 21. Grand Marshal Jory Rand 22. Los Angeles World Airports with Flight Path
34. St. Bernard High School
6. Honor Flight Southland 7. Great Pyrenees Alliance of the West 8. AYSO 7 Westchester Blue Jets State Champions 9. Visitation Catholic School 10. LAPD leaders with LAPD West Traffic Division and Booster Club 11. Westchester Parents Nursery School 12. Redondo Union High School Band and Guard 13. Westchester del Rey Little League 14. Dance It Out
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29. St. Monica Catholic High School
41. Southern California Masonic Lodge #529, F & AM
30. LAUSD Vice President Nick Melvoin
42. Otis College of Art and Design
31. St. Anastasia Catholic School
43. Maywood High School Band
32. Eisenhower High School
44. Emerson Ave. Community Garden
33. Westchester Little League
45. Uncle Sam
23. DRALL - Del Rey American Little League
35. LAX Coastal Chamber Chair Michael D'Amodio & Honorary Mayor Kelly King
24. Rotary Clubs on LAFD Firetrucks
36. Westchester Scouts BSA
25. 501st Legion
37. Westchester Farmers’ Market
26. Loyola Marymount University
38. WISH Community and WISH Academy
27. Mighty Gondolier Marching Band Venice High
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40. Wright Middle School STEAM Magnet
39. Star of the Neighborhood
46. Kentwood Elementary School 47. Westchester Lutheran Church & School 48. Charro Horses 49. Westchester Playa Historical Society with Kentwood Players
*Final line of march as of press time
Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News
WE WANT TO SEE YOUR PARADE PHOTOS! With everyone out in full patriotic force on the Fourth of July, it’s a great place to take photos of your family, friends, the community and the parade entries! This year, we have created the #LAXCoastalParade hashtag in the hopes that you’ll share all of these great photos with us. There are three ways to participate:
1. Like the HomeTown News on Facebook at facebook.com/thehtn and post your photo on our wall 2. Follow the Chamber on Instagram at @laxcoastal. Take a photo and tag it with @laxcoastal and #LAXCoastalParade 3. Email your photo to westchesterhometown@yahoo.com Our favorite photos will also have the opportunity to be featured on our social media sites and in the parade recap of the August Edition of the HTN. Photos must be submitted no later than Monday, July 15. Email westchesterhometown@yahoo.com.
Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News
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This year’s parade participants LAPD Pacific Division Junior Cadets
The Sentinel Marching Band’s reputation for being a great musical force is growing. They have been featured in Teachers Rock on CBS, Cartoon Network’s Hall of Game Show and on a commercial for Beats by Dre called No Strings Attached. They were also featured in the half-time shows of the NFLPA Bowl Games at the Stub Hub Center in Carson and have won countless first place awards in parades and marching competitions.
Continuing our annual tradition, the LAPD Pacific Area Junior Cadets lead off our parade and proudly carry the American flag. The Cadets range from ages 14 to 20 and work in close partnership with LAPD Community Relations. They will be marching all the way to 80th Street to give everyone in attendance the chance to salute our nation’s flag.
Honor Flight Southland: Salute to our WWII Veterans
“America, Better Together” Salute to our Sponsors This parade would not be possible without the generosity of our sponsors. Carrying our great flag, here are representatives of the organizations that have stepped up to the plate to ensure the success of this event. Let’s make sure to give them a big round of applause! Admiral Sponsor: Decron Properties, the HomeTown News and Robin Zacha/Zacha Homes. Celebration Sponsor: Jane St. John, RE/MAX Estate Properties. Flagship Sponsors: Drollinger Family Charitable Foundation, HHLA and Stephanie Younger Group | Compass. Freedom Sponsors: Cedars-Sinai Marina del Rey and The Neighborhood Council of Westchester/Playa. Patriot Sponsors: Loyola Marymount University, Otis College, Playa Venice Sunrise Rotary Club, St. Anastasia, United Airlines and Westchester Rotary. Friends of the Parade: The Calliope Man, Carousel School, Ladies of the Westchester Elks, Los Angeles Airport Marriott, SoCalGas, Southbay Custom Integration, Westchester Lutheran Church & School and the Westchester Elks Lodge #2050. Firecracker Sponsors: Cantalini’s, Gail Goldstein & Rob Bird and the Smith family: Garrett, Trish and Analise.
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Look out for this year’s award-winning floats and entries that are bringing home special honors for excellence in the following categories: Best Overall Spirit of the Parade Chairmans Award Mayors Award Thank you to the local Girl Scouts for being the parade’s official banner carriers!
L.A. #1 HOG Chapter Let’s hear it for the Harley Owners Group (or “HOG” for short), the Los Angeles Area’s #1 Chapter is sponsored by Bartel’s HarleyDavidson in Marina del Rey. With more than 150 members, these riders are active contributors to our community, serving various charities and giving back to our veterans. L.A. #1 HOG has been a proud participant in the Westchester 4th of July Parade since the beginning and is glad to be here in the 20th year of the celebration!
Congresswoman Maxine Waters Proudly representing Westchester, Playa del Rey, Playa Vista, Gardena, Hawthorne, Inglewood, Lawndale, Lennox, Lomita, Torrance and parts of South Los Angeles in the United States Congress, Congresswoman Maxine Waters is a
4th of July Parade Program
strong advocate for all of her constituents. She continues to fight against LAX expansion into our neighborhoods; for preservation of the Ballona Wetlands; for the growth of new technology-based industry; and for other issues of importance to Los Angeles. She is the first woman to be elected by her peers in Congress to serve as the Ranking Member of the House Financial Services Committee, which works to rein in the fraudulent practices of banks and to ensure the fairness of our lending institutions.
The Parade Committee is honored to have WWII Veterans participate in our parade again this year! The Veterans riding with us today are from Honor Flight Southland, a 100 percent volunteer nonprofit organization created solely to honor America’s Veterans for all their sacrifices. They safely transport these heroes to Washington, D.C. to visit and reflect at their memorials, with top priority given to the senior Veterans of World War II. According to the US Department of Veterans Affairs statistics, only 496,777 of the 16 million Americans who served in World War II were alive in 2018, so our time to express our thanks to these brave men and women is running out. Let’s salute our World War II Veterans that are here with us today: Joe Hilario, US Navy; Russell Breeding, US Navy; Anthony Campos, US Navy; Ruth Huber, US Navy; Leonard Pace, US Army; John Vander Giessen, US Army; James Hocker, US Navy and Robert Sawyer, Army Air Corps. Thank you to our WWII Veterans riding in the parade today, and to all our veterans and troops for your service to our country!
Inglewood High School Sentinel Marching Band
The Inglewood High School Sentinel Marching Band is making its fifth appearance in the parade today!
Enjoy the photos in this program from past parades by Glenn Marzano!
Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News
Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News
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This year’s parade participants Great Pyrenees Alliance of the West (GPAW)
Please contact wdrllreg@gmail.com or (310) 645-0903 for more information. You can also view their website at wdrll.org
Great Pyrenees Alliance of the West is marching this year in honor of founder Donna Anderson. Great Pyrenees are livestock guardians, companion, therapy and service dogs. They’re also movie stars and show dogs! The white dogs in “Santa Paws” and “Finding Neverland” were Great Pyrenees, and the giant white “lapdog” in the Little Caesar’s TV ad was a GPAW dog. Today is their 19th year in this parade. GPAW Rescue places Great Pyrenees in “forever” homes. Ask us about a Pyr rescue. We’re the people with the big white dogs!
Dance It Out
Dance It Out celebrates being “Better Together” by dancing to “Raise You Up/Just Be” from the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical “Kinky Boots.” It’s the story of a struggling shoe factory owner who pairs up with an outrageous drag queen, and when they come together, they not only save the shoe business, but learn to appreciate the differences in one another. Dance It Out is cardio dance, which combines Latin music, current hits, disco and more in a fun, inclusive, amazing workout! Westchester resident Sheri Weitz teaches every Monday night, and you’re invited to join in the fun! Find her on Facebook at DIOsheri.
AYSO 7 Westchester Blue Jets Western States Champions 2019
The Westchester Blue Jets won the Western States AYSO Soccer Championship in the U11 Boys Extra division in Lake Forest, California this spring! The Western States Championship brings together the top AYSO teams from California, Nevada, Oregon and Washington. The team finished the season with a 40-7-3 record and captured tournament titles at the Costa Mesa McMillan Invitational and the Long Beach Classic. The Blue Jets formed in August 2018 with players from Westchester, Playa Vista, Playa del Rey, Inglewood, Ladera Heights and Mar Vista. The Blue Jets are made up of: Max Abroms, Jacob Burns, Brogan Comer, Matthew Dombrowski, Chris Donell, Dasian Galvan, Micah Matthews, Jack Milligan, Karlo Palos, Micah Smith, Devan Vadgama, and Cayden Washington. The team is coached by Harvey Galvan and Robert Milligan. Congratulations Blue Jets! To learn more about the local league, please visit ayso.bluesombrero.com/region7.
Visitation Catholic School
California State Senator Ben Allen
LAPD Leadership and Pacific Area Booster Association Board Member Diane Barretti with LAPD West Traffic Division
Coming down the street next is another outstanding float by Visitation School! What better way to show that this country is better together than to build a replica of the train that helped connect and bring this country together 150 years ago…the Transcontinental Railroad! That’s right, we bet no one even knew that this is the 150-year anniversary of the Transcontinental Railroad! Visitation families have 100 percent built and decorated the three-part train float, complete with locomotive, passenger car and caboose. Riding on it are all their wonderful and spirited families, and as you can see, they are all brimming with pride in their school and in this great nation! Go Bulldogs!
It is the mission of the Los Angeles Police Department to safeguard lives and property in the communities it serves; to reduce the incidence and fear of crime and to enhance public safety. The mandate of the men and women of the LAPD is to perform these services with honor, integrity and the highest ethical standards. Joining the LAPD West Traffic Division is Diane Barretti, Board Member of the Pacific Area Boosters Association. Happy Fourth of July from the LAPD to you!
Westchester Parents’ Nursery School Proudly serving Westchester and surrounding communities since 1952, here is Westchester Parents’ Nursery School! WPNS, led by Director Joyce Woodruff, offers play-based early education in a magical new school. They are currently enrolling and invite you to stop by and play! For more information about their exciting programs, please visit wpns.org or call the office at (310) 670-5522.
Redondo Union High School Marching Band and Guard Let’s welcome the Redondo Union Band! The Redondo Union Band and Guard is under the direction of Ray Vizcarra, the Dance Guard is led by Sammie Dobson and the percussion is led by Alan Han. The band and guard have been finalists for three years in a row in the California State Grand Championships, where only 12 of the top schools, out of all entries, are chosen. In 2015, they won the division 4A state championships, and in 2016, they were crowned the bronze state champion in the grand championship final! The students in this organization also branch off into other performing ensembles, which earn high accolades throughout the state. They have even performed on stage at Carnegie Hall in New York.
Westchester Del Rey Little League
California State Senator Ben Allen proudly represents the 26th State Senate District, which consists of the Westside and coastal South Bay communities of Los Angeles County stretching from Pacific Palisades to the Palos Verdes Peninsula. Senator Allen serves as chair of the Senate Environmental Quality Committee, as well as the Legislature’s Joint Committee on the Arts. He and his wife, Melanie, recently welcomed a baby boy, Ezra into their family. This is his fifth year appearing in the parade! Senator Allen is committed to the protection of our environment, educational opportunities for our children and reforming our election system to increase transparency. He looks forward to continuing to serve you in following years and invites you to reach out to him or his staff at their Redondo Beach office.
Immortals Lion Dance Troupe
Joining us for the first time this year is the Immortals Lion Dance Troupe from Los Angeles! Enjoy the brightly colored costumes of the playful lions and the sounds of drums, gongs and cymbals as these skilled performers make their way down Loyola Blvd.! Happy Fourth of July!
Westchester Del Rey Little League was founded by Mary Ann and Kent Mace in 1974 and had approximately 50 girls playing the first season. Today, the league celebrates its 45th year in the community and has grown to more than 300 players playing on 25 teams with ages ranging from 4 to 14. They have players from a variety of divisions participating in the parade today. Their spring season runs from the beginning of March through July. Fall season runs September through December.
for your safety and convenience While we hope you are having fun and enjoying the parade with all of its music, floats and marching groups, safety is our number one priority! A FIRST-AID STATION is located at the eastside corner of 83rd and Loyola. Need a band aid? We have basic first-aid kits at each announcer booth, on our golf carts, and at the VIP tent at the starting line. Just ask a volunteer in a green parade shirt for assistance. PORT-A-POTTIES are located at 85th & Loyola, 83rd & Loyola, and 80th & Loyola. Please walk your bike or scooter if you need to cross the parade route. Riders that are not with an entry in the parade will be asked to walk their bikes/scooters to ensure the safety of parade entries and to keep the parade running smoothly.
YOU CAN HELP! FOOD PANTRY, LAX
Emergency Food Distribution to those in need. Sponsored by the Westchester Clergy Association
Open Tuesday & Friday, 10am-12pm 355 Beach St., Inglewood
Bring donations of non-perishable food to Covenant Presbyterian Chuch. Volunteers and money donations also welcomed and encouraged!
For more information, please call (310) 677-5597 Ad donated by the Covenant Presbyterian Church
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Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News
Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News
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Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News
Madison Fujioka is a born entertainer and loves making people smile. The 12-year-old Westchester resident attends Palms Middle School, where she is an honor role student. A true triple-threat, she loves singing, acting and ballroom dancing. She also plays piano and has taken voice lessons at Musical Beginnings since the age of 6. She currently is taking acting classes and has done musical theater in Santa Monica and Culver City, playing the roles of Annie, Tinkerbell in Peter Pan, Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz and Alice in Alice in Wonderland. Besides entertaining, Madison is a Girl Scout and enjoys playing sports. She has played basketball with the Venice Panthers since the age of 5 and plays for her middle school team.
This year’s parade participants
LAX Coastal Education Foundation
This year’s parade theme, “Better Together,” truly embodies the spirit of The LAX Coastal Education Foundation! The organization supports all our local schools, whether they’re public, private, parochial or charter from kindergarten through 12th grade. The float, titled, “Together through education, we uplift the world,” is a testament to how all the children of the world can support our planet and each other by joining hands and working together. The volunteers who built this float, led by LAX Coastal Education Foundation board member, Kelly Kane, have dedicated hundreds of hours to improving local education and many are riding or walking with the entry today. They’d like to give a special thanks to the float’s generous sponsor, Nanci Edwards, your neighborhood realtor, who once again made this entry possible! The LAX Coastal Education Foundation raises funds and awareness for all our local schools, and they welcome your support and donations. Save the date for the 2020 Rock Roll & Run for Education 5K/1K on Saturday, March 14. For more information, please visit laxcef.com and nanciedwards.com.
Knights of Columbus
The Knights of Columbus is a Catholic men’s organization, officially chartered as a fraternal benefit society in 1882. The Knights of Columbus has more than 13,000 Councils and 1.7 million members worldwide. The Order is still true to its founding principles of “charity, unity, fraternity and patriotism.” This is their 10th year in the parade! The Westchester/Playa del Rey Council, Father Emil Kapaun, Council 3744, is named after an Army Chaplin and was established in 1953. Father Emil Kapaun was awarded (posthumously), the Medal of Honor, by President Obama. From their initial membership of 100, the current membership stands strong at 300 and is the eighth largest in California. Through their fundraisers and community famous fish fries, the council is able to turn back to the local community $10,000 annually in scholarships and access to its facilities for special events. Leading the group is Grand Knight, Merv Hughes (Vietnam, Army), who is being driven
by Alex Padilla, a retired police captain with the Santa Monica Police Department and current councilman for the city of Inglewood. On the float are Knights that have served our country in various foreign wars: Vincent A. Migliazzo, (WWII, Army); Al Ward (WWII, Army); Earl Ricks (Korea, Marines) and Tom Zvanovec (Vietnam, Air Force). Representing the 20-plus Peace Officers of the Council 3744 Knights is Craig Miller (LA County Sheriff).
Thaine Morris and the Calliope
Here comes the Calliope Car! A calliope is a musical instrument that produces sound by sending gas, steam or compressed air through large whistles—originally, locomotive whistles. The calliope is owned and driven by Westchester resident Thaine Morris. Thank you, Thaine, for celebrating our nation’s birthday with us!
Ladies of the Westchester Elks #2050
The Ladies of the Westchester Elks Lodge are representing their fellow Elks in this year’s parade. The Westchester Lodge is one of nearly 2,000 lodges nationwide that make up the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, a non-profit fraternal organization that donates approximately $200 million every year to support youth, Veteran and community programs. With more than 60 years serving the community, this summer the Westchester Lodge will be celebrating the 20th year of their annual Car Show & Chili Cook-Off! Mark your calendars for September 7! Following the parade, please join the Elks at their family-friendly 4th of July barbecue for only $5 per person. The Elks Lodge is located at 8025 W. Manchester Ave. in Westchester.
Grand Marshal: Jory Rand
Jory Rand is the weekend anchor and an Emmy and Murrow Award winning reporter for ABC7 Eyewitness News. Raised in Columbia, Maryland, Jory studied broadcast journalism at the University of Maryland, where he was also a two-time All-Conference hockey player, winning two ACC Championships. Prior to coming to Los Angeles, Jory worked in Pittsburgh, Richmond, Virginia and Hagerstown, Maryland. Welcome Jory! Thank you for joining us in today’s parade!
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This year’s parade participants
Los Angeles World Airports with Flight Path L.A. is a destination and LAX is improving its terminals, roads and service to welcome the world! Here comes LAX featuring its greatest strength—its employees and volunteers—who represent the warm, friendly faces at the airport starting with LAX’s police officers who specialize in protecting and serving the aviation community and cadets–LAX’s future law enforcement! Next up is the Flight Path Museum & Learning Center models, the External Affairs family, the famous PUPS from the airport’s pet therapy program and wonderful volunteers who make up the “team” in Team LAWA! Let’s also acknowledge the valuable contributions made by the airlines, terminal restaurants, retail stores and sister federal agencies such as the TSA, U.S. Customs and the FAA. Together, they provide exceptional guest experiences! Let’s give a big cheer to the Flight Path Museum models who are wearing vintage flight attendant and pilot uniforms representing various airlines from the golden age of flying: the 60s and 70s. Also joining the “blast from the past” models is LAWA’s Chief of External Affairs, Michelle Schwartz, along with four vintage vehicles: a 1976 Alpha Romeo; 1963 Studebaker Hawk; 1961 Studebaker Wagon and 1952 Packard. Thank you, LAX, for supporting local communities and this parade year after year!
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Del Rey American Little League
When we think about America coming together, we also think about America’s favorite past time, baseball! Marching today is Del Rey American Little League, known as DRALL. DRALL has been serving Westchester and Playa Del Rey for more than 65 years and many coaches played in DRALL as kids and are now back to serve their community! Congratulations to the DRALL teams who recently brought back the hardware from the recent Tournament of Champions! Majors Red Sox won first in the Gold Division; Minor Mariners won first in the Gold Division; Minor Twins won second in the Gold Division and Minor Angels won 3rd in the Silver Division. DRALL is proud of all of you!
Rotary Clubs on the LAFD Firetrucks Give a warm welcome to the Playa Venice Sunrise and Westchester Rotarians, LAX Coastal Chamber representatives, Councilmember Mike Bonin and the Los Angeles City Fire Department! Rotary is a service group made up of dedicated men and women who use their “time, talent and treasure” to give back to our community, supporting such projects as the teacher mini-grants, the Teacher Eddy Awards and today’s parade. The Playa Venice Sunrise Rotary hopes to see you at their Saturday, July 13 pancake breakfast at Fire Station 5. Visit playavenice.org for more info! Let’s show our appreciation for these great volunteers!
4th of July Parade Program
501st Legion
From a galaxy far far away, welcome 501st Legion Southern California Garrison and the Rebel Legion Sunrider Base. This world-wide organization is back for the second time this year. More than 10,000 members are dedicated to doing charity events with organizations, including Make a Wish, Children’s Hospital, American Cancer Association and Ronald McDonald House. Costumes are screen accurate and made by the members. For more info, visit 501st.com
Loyola Marymount University For the past 20 years, LMU has been a proud participant in Westchester’s 4th of July Parade! In this year’s float, each of the puzzle pieces represents a unique, but vital, part of the Westchester/Playa community. Together, all the pieces fit to create a collaborative, safe and healthy neighborhood. Joining Iggy today along the parade route are members of the LMU Men’s and Women’s Basketball teams. Go Lions! LMU is a private Catholic university with 6,000 undergraduates, 2,200 graduate students and 1,100 law students from diverse backgrounds and many perspectives. The seven colleges and schools boast best-in-the-nation programs in film and television, business, education and more. Their mission is grounded in a centuries-old Jesuit educational tradition that produces extraordinary men and women dedicated to service and social justice. They’re proud of the more than 85,000 LMU alumni whose professional achievements are matched
by a deep commitment to improving the lives of others. Visit lmu.edu for more information.
Venice High’s Mighty Gondolier Marching Band Next up is the Mighty Gondolier Marching Band! Marching for the fourth consecutive summer, the band is under the direction of David W. Lee, Director of Instrumental Studies at Venice High School. Venice High School cheer and dance teams are joining the Mighty Gondoliers. The cheer team is under the direction of Ms. Joanna Trocan-Garrett and the dance team is under the direction of Valeria Rivera. Tag and follow the band on Instagram @ venicehsband. For more info about the Venice High School Music Department, please visit venicehsmusic.org.
Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News
Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News
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Photos by Glenn Marzano.
This year’s parade participants
Mar Vista Family Center Folklorico Group with the 1932 Bandwagon
Marching in our parade for the first time is Mar Vista Family Center’s Folklorico Group led by dancers from Culver City Middle School, ICEF Mar Vista, Animo Venice and more, who are showcasing various outfits and regions of Mexico. Join them in celebrating the richness of culture and dance of Mexico! The group is taught by instructor Victor Herrera.
St. Monica Catholic High School
St. Monica Catholic High School is excited to be part of this parade for the fourth consecutive year! St. Monica is currently the high school of choice for more than 125 students from the Westchester area. The St. Monica family is proud to have so many valuable ties to this community and is happy to be part of this community tradition. St. Monica Catholic High School embraces the theme of this year’s parade. The school is proud of the communal spirit among its students, faculty and parents. From the incoming freshmen to the graduating seniors, they work together to provide the strongest academic, athletic and extracurricular experience for their students. Their seniors once again celebrated a 100-percent four-year college acceptance rate and will be attending some of the finest colleges and universities throughout the state and country. At St. Monica, they are thoroughly invested as educators and strive to give their students the confidence and skills to take their place in the modern and fast-moving world.
LAUSD Board Member Nick Melvoin Riding in our parade for the third year in a row is LAUSD School Board Vice President Nick Melvoin. Nick represents the dynamic communities of Board District 4, from West Los Angeles to the West San Fernando Valley, including all of our public Westchester/Playa schools. Nick’s election to the Board in May 2017 follows a career fighting for our city’s schoolchildren as a teacher, attorney and advocate. Nick believes that together, with the right leadership, we can ensure that every student in Los Angeles has the opportunity to succeed! Sign-up for his newsletter at boardmembermelvoin.com/signup-for-ournewsletter.
St. Anastasia Catholic School
St. Anastasia Catholic School has been a supporter of the LAX Coastal Chamber’s Fourth of July Parade for more than 10 years! Grounded in Catholic tradition, St. Anastasia
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School has been shaping young lives in the surrounding community for more than 60 years. This neighborhood school offers junior kindergarten through eighth grade education enhanced by a variety of extracurricular offerings that support the spiritual, physical and creative growth of each child. They proudly present this year’s float themed “UNITED!” St. Anastasia Catholic School strives to unite its diverse community through faith, citizenship and social responsibility. “One nation under God…united!”
Eisenhower High School
Joining in the parade for the first time this year is Eisenhower! The band, orchestra and color guard are the school’s musical organization, which continue to grow year after year. The band performs several concerts throughout the year, plays for many school and civic events and even serves as a pep band for athletic games. The band has also earned several honors during the last school year including a good rating at the SCSBOA concert festival, being invited to the Chinese New Year’s Parade in San Francisco and participating in the WCWG Championships in San Diego.
St. Bernard High School students have been accepted to highly competitive universities such as UCLA, UC Berkeley, USC, Howard University, LMU and George Washington University. St. Bernard High School is joined today by Transfiguration drum line, led by SBHS Alumnus, Chris Nuno. On the count of three, please join St. Bernard High School in their cheer and say “Hail all, hail! One…two…three….Hail all, hail!”
LAX Coastal Chamber Chair Michael D’Amodio & Honorary Mayor Kelly King Please give a warm welcome to LAX Coastal Chamber Chair, Michael D’Amodio. Michael is the Vice President, Operations at Interstate Hotels and oversees a portfolio of properties owned by Seaview Investors. Riding with Michael today is new chamber Honorary Mayor, Kelly King. On behalf of the leadership of the LAX Coastal Chamber, we wish everyone a safe and happy Fourth of July!
Westchester Scouts BSA
Westchester Little League (WLL) has provided youth baseball for children residing or attending school in our community since 1954. Carl E. Nielsen Youth Park is the home of the little league. Participants each season average more than 220 boys and girls from ages 5-12 years spread throughout four divisions. The 2016 10U All-Star team made it to the state subdivision, finishing third in California and last year, the 11U team won district 37 and moved on to the sectionals. Come support their four All-Star teams this summer! For more info visit westchesterll.org.
The Westchester Boy Scouts have participated in the parade since its beginning, and this year’s Boy Scout float celebrates the city of Irving, Texas, home to the headquarters of the Boy Scouts of America. Scouting develops character through outdoor experiences, leadership opportunities and service to one’s community. Scouting’s most recognizable contributions to Westchester are the numerous Eagle Scout Projects around the community demonstrating the leadership and service skills scouting promotes in each level of the program. Westchester Scouting represents a network of responsible, hard-working and dedicated youth who consider service to the community as their primary objective.
St. Bernard High School
Westchester Farmers’ Market
Westchester Little League
Celebrating 62 years of Catholic High School Education, here is St. Bernard High School, your local community high school serving Westchester, Playa del Rey and surrounding areas! St. Bernard High School helps students find and discover their passion while offering a rigorous curriculum with honors and AP classes available starting in the ninth grade. They’re also competitive in sports, provide a well-rounded and active campus ministry program and have an amazing performing arts department. St. Bernard has a Film and Television Academy and is in the early stages of beginning a Culinary Academy as well.
4th of July Parade Program
WISH Charter Schools
WISH Charter Schools are thrilled to participate in the Westchester Fourth of July Parade for the ninth consecutive year and be part of this amazing community event! This year, our student-driven design, “We Go Together,” was created under the guidance of WISH Academy High School art teachers Steve O’Loughlin and Lynda Modaff. Using inspiration from the classic summer film “Grease,” the float features a jukebox as its centerpiece, with WISH students representing time-tested classic combinations that are always “better together.” WISH Charter Schools will celebrate its 10th year as a Westchester public school with the 2019-2020 school year. WISH Community School spans grades TK through 8th and WISH Academy High School will expand to include 11th grade this coming year, reaching capacity with grades 9 – 12 in the 2020-2021 school year.
Star of the Neighborhood A Star of the Neighborhood is someone who quietly makes a difference in our community. They are the unsung heroes, but are wellknown by the lives they touch. Each Star of the Neighborhood, proudly picked by the Neighborhood Council of Westchester/Playa (NCWP) every year, helps to better the lives of so many in our neighborhood. This year, the NCWP is proud to recognize Steve and Dave Cressman as our Stars of the Neighborhood! The Cressmans are the founders of one of the communities longest and most defining events–The Gillis! The 49th annual weekend volleyball tournament will be held on July 27 and 28 at Toe’s Beach. Read more about the Cressmans on page 2 of the HomeTown News. Thank you, Steve and Dave!
Westchester Farmers’ Market brings together farmers, neighbors and community each and every week in the Westchester Triangle on 87th Street! The market runs Sundays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and you’re invited to join them for their third anniversary celebration on July 21! The celebration will include a vintage car show, pie contest, beer & mimosa garden, games and all your favorite vendors and farmers. They thank you all for your community support and their market sponsors: Westchester Town Center Business District, Westchester Vitalization, Drollinger Family Charitable Foundation and the Stephanie Younger Group. For more information, please visit westchesterfarmersmkt.com.
Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News
Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News
4th of July Parade Program
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This year’s parade participants Wright Middle School STEAM Magnet Wright Middle School STEAM Magnet opened in 2013 as a full magnet school offering sixth to eighth grade students the opportunity to explore the arts, engineering and design. This is their fifth year participating in the 4th of July Parade and the float was designed and constructed by Wright students. Wright is a successful nationally recognized magnet school. This year, Wright will be opening its inaugural Gifted and Talented Educational program. The float’s theme is “Diversity is the Wright Way,” and features a student-constructed Statue of Liberty and the “Hawky” mascot. Students Tylin Farthing, Nathaly Ramos and Jessica Clark designed the float, which is led by the Wright Middle School drumline under the direction of Eleni Maureas. The music you hear cascading from the stereo was originally composed, written and performed by Wright students. These are examples of the hands-on multi-engineering opportunities that Wright students participate in. In addition to these unique electives, all students learn 21st century skills through project-based learning and STEAM integrated lessons.
Southern California Masonic Lodge #529, F & AM
The Southern California Lodge is saluting “America, Better Together” by rowing a replica Viking ship down the parade route with members of their fellow organizations. Members of the youth orders De Molay, Rainbow Girls and the Shriners will join them to “row together” to help build a better community and nation! The Southern California Masonic Lodge has been a part of this community for more than sixty years, beginning as Westchester Lodge, and then being joined by Westgate, Menorah, Loyalty and several other lodges over the years. Their core mission remains the same: to create a place for men to meet and do their best to become better men. They have many events in and out of the lodge every year and are always looking for new members. If you are interested in joining, just ask.
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aim is to raise funds for the garden’s operations and long-planned capital improvements. EACGC is a collaborative project of the community, Wright STEAM Magnet and WISH Charter. EACGC celebrates its sustainable organic community and school gardens as it continues to grow for the enjoyment of neighbors, friends and family. EACGC is led by volunteers, all committed to sharing lessons from nature and working the ground together to improve our community. In addition to WAM, the all-volunteer organization offers many other things for all to enjoy, including gardening classes and workshops, story-time for toddlers, bi-monthly meditation, movie nights and field trips. At EACGC, they “Build a Garden, Grow a Community!” Get more information at eacgc.org
Uncle Sam
They meet the first Thursday of every month and can be reached at (310) 354-4064. They also have an open house the third Thursday of each month.
Otis College of Art & Design
Participating for its sixth year, here comes the award-winning “Moving Art” Creative Action class of Otis College of Art & Design. The group has created a May Pole, dance and sculptures to depict, “One World, One Love.” The class works collaboratively in interdisciplinary teams and the students’ majors this year include product design, toy design, fine art and architecture. Ninety-five percent of all materials they used for the parade are re-purposed, recycled or biodegradable. Appropriate to today’s parade, Otis College is ranked in the top one percent in “diversity.” They are also number four in Money Magazine’s “50 colleges that add the most value.” Please join us them in singing with Bob Marley, “One love, one heart. Let’s get together and feel all right.”
4th of July Parade Program
Maywood Academy Marching Band
Joining us for the first time in the LAX Coastal Fourth of July Parade we have the Maywood Academy Night Hawk Marching Band! Maywood is a small gateway city in Los Angeles County. At 1.18 square miles, Maywood is the third-smallest incorporated city in the county. Maywood Academy is committed to facilitating a rigorous and personalized, student-centered learning experience.
Emerson Avenue Community Garden Emerson Avenue Community Garden Club (EACGC) is a proud participant of the 20th Anniversary Fourth of July Parade! They’re driven to be “Better Together,” and this is the eighth time they’ve marched in the parade. On display is the Wheelbarrow Drill Team and a live band performing “Come Together.” Join the club as they host the 4th annual Westchester Arts and Music (WAM) block party on Saturday, September 21 for a day of live performances, arts, crafts, food trucks, a beer and wine garden and activities for all. The EACGC’s
Here comes Uncle Sam wishing everyone in the audience a Happy Fourth of July! Uncle Sam is played here today by Playa del Rey resident and Hamilton High School Senior, Jaren Rhodes. Rhodes is an accomplished singer, dancer and actor, performing in numerous plays and musicals at his school and in community theater. Thanks, Uncle Sam!
Kentwood Elementary School Kentwood Elementary School is very excited to be marching in the LAX Coastal Fourth of July Parade once again this year! Kentwood is an award-winning, true community school in the heart of Westchester. The students who attend are challenged each day and exposed to many special programs including music, dance, theater, computer lab, yoga, the Innovation Lab and a Wonder of Reading Library. Kentwood has a robust robotics program, and the new team won awards in its first year! They invite you to be a part of the dynamic Kentwood family and experience the outstanding school for yourself. Tours are the first Thursday of each month starting at 9 a.m. For more info, please visit kentwoodes.org. Happy 4th of July!
Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News
Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News
4th of July Parade Program
July 2019 • Page 25
This year’s parade participants
Westchester Lutheran Church & School
Bringing school spirit to the parade, here is the Westchester Lutheran School (WLS) Cheer Team and Spirit Leaders! Led by Coach Marge Packman, the team proudly cheers on the WLS athletic teams and successfully competes in state and national cheer competitions. Most recently, they competed at Knott’s Berry Farm at the Sharp International State Championship and the Cheer Camps West Coast Championship where they earned 1st place in both competitions in the Junior High Novice Division. They also competed at the JAMZ Nfinity Champions League Nationals in Las Vegas placing second in the Jr. High Level 1 category without deductions. The WLS Spirit Leaders formed this year when a group of fifth grade girls came together to rally school spirit during athletic games and student events. They also help wherever needed on campus. Their moderator is WLS parent and church member Denise Sanchez. The Wolfpack pride is strong and mighty with these students! Westchester Lutheran School has proudly served students in our community from preschool through eighth grade since 1950. WLS welcomes students from all faiths, ethnicities and cultural backgrounds. For more information, to schedule a tour or enroll, please contact them at (310) 670-5422 or visit them at wlcs.org . Go Wolfpack! Believing and Achieving since 1950!
Charro Horses The Chamber is pleased to welcome the Charro
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Internacional de Compton to today’s parade. A charro is a skilled Mexican horseman, part of a tradition with origins in the 17th century. The charros are seen today in traditional costumes and riding their famous dancing horses.
Westchester/Playa Historical Society with the Kentwood Players Here comes the Westchester/Playa Historical Society double-decker bus celebrating parade founder, Mary Lou Crockett! Mary Lou had an innate quality for gathering small groups and getting them to perform amazing acts of selflessness. As president of the community’s historical society, she steered a small group toward the creation of the parade back in 1999, which has grown every year into the neighborhood tradition it is today! On the 20th anniversary of the parade, they celebrate her community spirit! Thank you, Mary Lou! Riding on the float today is Mary Lou’s daughter, Patty Crockett, who has ensured that her legacy lives on. Also riding on the original double-decker bus are the Kentwood Players. The Kentwood Players have been providing quality live entertainment to the community for more than 69 years! Their next production is “Blithe Spirit,” opening July 19! Kentwood Players perform at the Westchester Playhouse and is a completely volunteer, member-run organization. Producing six shows each year, the group is always looking for new members, technicians, designers and performers. Check them out at kentwoodplayers.org.
4th of July Parade Program
Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News
Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News
4th of July Parade Program
July 2019 • Page 27
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4th of July Parade Program
Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News