Westchester/Playa HomeTown News October 2019 edition

Photo by Scott Cunningham.

Katherine Johnson STEM Academy students show off their VEX IQ robots in the middle school’s science lab.

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Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News

This Month Brings You

help you prom help you prom nization or even nization or even A look inside your HTN

Visit beautiful homes on the Holiday Home Tour New eatery, The Manchester, set to open this fall Spotlight on Local Schools Neighborhood Council of Westchester/Playa update Westchester Arts & Music Block Party photo recap

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HOMETOWN STAFF/CONTRIBUTORS Stephanie Davis, Publisher

Jeff Blair, Contributing Writer Fay Craton, Contributing Writer

Kirby Israelson, Graphic Design Consuelo Israelson, Contributing Writer

About The HomeTown News (HTN)

The HomeTown News is a monthly community 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.

Connect with the HTN:

Mailing Address: 8939 S. Sepulveda Blvd., Ste. 110 #745 Westchester, CA 90045 • Email: westchesterhometown@yahoo.com • Website: thehtn.com • Facebook: facebook.com/thehtn The deadline for submissions is the 22nd of each month.

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Community Spotlight: Visit some of the neighborhood’s most beautiful homes at the annual Holiday Home Tour For 37 years, the Westchester Mental Health Guild has sponsored a Holiday Home Tour as a fun neighborhood event to bring the community together and help neighbors get to know neighbors, all while raising money for Westchester’s Airport Marina Counseling Service (AMCS).

This year’s tour will feature five distinctive houses in Westchester and Playa del Rey and is set for Sunday, November 3 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Each of the homes will be decorated for a holiday. A four-story bluff home in Playa del Rey with marina and city views will be ready for Christmas, while a two-story Playa del Rey home with expansive ocean views will display Halloween decor.

The three Westchester homes include a two-story Kentwood house celebrating New Year’s Eve, a twostory Mediterranean home decked out for Christmas and an amazing one-story bungalow with guest house both prepared for a Thanksgiving Day pool party.

“The Home Tour is a great way to kick off the holiday season. Folks can view the homes at their leisure while hearing about the inspiration behind the design,” said AMCS President/

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Five homes in Westchester/Playa will be highlighted during the November 3 tour.

CEO Eden Garcia-Balis. “It is an affordable fundraiser and an easy way to support the Guild while having fun at the same time.”

After the tour, visitors are invited to the Westchester Elks Lodge for a reception where there will be a one-day holiday marketplace with a variety of vendors selling everything from jewelry to dishtowels to holiday decor. Tickets will also be sold to win a chance for a dream Hawaiian vacation or spectacular gift baskets.

The reception and marketplace will be open from noon until 5:30 p.m.

Since 1982, the Holiday Home Tour has been the Guild’s largest fundraising event of the year. Net proceeds from the tour support AMCS, which provides thousands of hours of child, adult and family mental health counseling services annually to people in the community at their Westchester office. They have also established outreach programs at local schools to provide child therapy

and preventive intervention. As part of its mission, AMCS trains mental health therapists as well.

Tickets for the home tour are $35 and can be purchased online at wmhgtour2019.eventbrite.com or on the Guild’s website at westchestermhg.org. Guild members will also be selling tickets at the Sunday Westchester Farmers’ Market on October 20 and 27. Tickets are available on the day of the tour for $40 at the Westchester Elks Lodge, located at 8025 Manchester Ave. in Playa del Rey. Children under 12 will not need tickets if they are accompanied by an adult.

“Being at the Holiday Home Tour allows people to meet new neighbors and old friends to reconnect either while touring the houses or at the reception. It gives you permission to be nosy and see how some of your neighbors decorate,” said Guild President Linda Peterson. “You also get the satisfaction that comes from knowing you are supporting good mental health in our community!”

Want to attend? We’re giving away two tickets to the Home Tour. Visit us on facebook.com/thehtn for more details!

Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News

Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News

October 2019 • Page 5

Business & Nonprofit News

Photo courtesy LMU.

TheHTN.com

LMU seeks changes to Master Plan.

This August, Loyola Marymount University filed an application with the city to make changes to its 20year Master Plan. The plan, which was approved in 2011, allowed for 3,411,000 square feet of total building space on campus, with a maximum total of new construction at 1,779,000 square feet.

The square footage was specifically allocated to three categories: academic/ administrative buildings (921,000 new square footage), residential (761,000 new square footage) and indoor athletics (97,000 new square footage). The proposed amendment seeks to “reallocate square footage from academic, administrative and residential uses to athletic use within existing square footage caps.” The university is requesting this change to improve its athletic facilities, which are outdated and not adequate for the school’s athletes, says Mason Stockstill LMU’s Assistant Director of Communications and Media Relations. According to Stockstill, when the Master Plan was approved, the university intended to eventually tear down its sports facility, Gersten Pavilion, and build a new arena.

Instead, they’d now like to renovate Gersten for use as a practice facility (with bleachers removed) for its sports teams and build a new competition venue in the Hannon Parking lot, which could seat up to 6,000 attendees.

Stockstill says that while no blueprints or timelines for the venue have been made, requirements in the Master Plan say the entrance must face the campus and that amplified sound is limited to Page 6 • October 2019

Photo courtesy The Manchester.

LMU is seeking changes to its Master Plan to reallocate square footage from academic, administrative and residential uses to athletic use. The university will hold a community forum on campus on Thursday, October 24 to discuss the proposed change, which must be approved by the city, and answer questions from residents.

A sneak peak of the interior of The Manchester. The restaurant is set to open this fall.

the interior of the building.

The university’s next public presentations on the plan are scheduled for Tuesday, October 15 at 6:30 p.m. at the NCWP Planning and Land Use Committee; an LMU Community Forum scheduled for Thursday, October 24 at 7 p.m. at LMU’s McIntosh Center and the Neighborhood Advisory Committee meeting held on Wednesday, November 6 at 6:30 p.m. at the Westchester Senior Center.

For more information on the plan and a FAQ, visit community.lmu.edu/ amendment, email community@lmu. edu or call (310) 338-2759.

The Manchester set to open this fall.

The team that brought you Cinco, will be opening up their latest venture this fall with The Manchester. Located at the former site of Tompkins Bar &

Grill, the restaurant will feature an eclectic Americana menu with fresh cocktails, according to co-owner Blake Landis. He calls the restaurant their take on a mid-century supper club, thanks to its small, intimate and timeless feel. The eatery will seat about 60 with both booths and tables for two, that can also be combined.

“The restaurant has completely changed inside,” Landis says, while noting the bar has been moved from where it was at Tompkins. “People won’t be able to recognize it.”

Look for dishes like the Six Dollar Burger, meatballs and polenta and a Delmonico steak on the menu created by chef Drew Jackson. The bar menu will feature spirits from around the world, but will focus heavily on California wines and local beers available on tap.

“We want the neighborhood to come in for happy hour, get a drink and something to eat, and not break the bank,” said Landis. “But we also want to be a place where you can celebrate an anniversary or a birthday. We want to bring something different and special that you don’t have to leave town for.”

The Manchester will be open daily from 5 p.m to 2 a.m. After 9 p.m., the location will be 21 and older. The Manchester is located at 8522 Lincoln Blvd. in Westchester.

Community members to be honored at Moonlight on the Marsh.

The Friends of Ballona Wetlands will recognize four community members for their work in supporting the wetland eco-system and contributing to the neighborhood at their annual Moonlight on the Marsh Gala on Saturday, October 5. Playa del Rey residents John and Nancy Edwards will receive the Ruth Lansford Legacy Award; Dr. David Kay will be given the Wetland Warrior Award and Lisa Schwab, owner of Playa del Rey’s Cantalini restaurant, will receive the Community Champion Award.

The mission of the Friends of Ballona Wetlands is to champion the restoration and protection of the Ballona Wetlands and involve and educate the public as advocates and stewards. The group regularly holds clean-up and restoration days.

They also host a variety of familyfriendly events at Playa Vista’s Ballona Discovery Park throughout the year.

For more information, please visit ballonafriends.org.

Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News

Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News

October 2019 • Page 7

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Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News

Photo by Zsuzsi Steiner.

The LAX Coastal Education Foundation has a lot to celebrate these days. In our third year of existence, we’re proud of the support we’ve been able to lend to local schools in the foundation’s footprint, which includes Westchester, Playa del Rey, Playa Vista and Marina del Rey, as well as Venice High School.

Last month, we distributed more than $57,000 in STEM grants to 16 schools thanks to a partnership with SoCalGas. These grants will fund new programs, classroom supplies and learning opportunities for students in our K-12 schools.

It’s great to hear from teachers what an impact 3D printers, robotic packages and lab kits can have in a classroom to get students excited about science.

We were also able to sponsor our second teacher development grant of the year. Teachers, counselors and administrators from 11 schools recently participated in a training at Paseo del Rey led by the Edge Foundation.

During the two-day workshop, attendees were trained to provide specialized one-onone coaching to students facing executive functioning challenges like difficulty planning, focusing attention, remembering instructions and juggling multiple tasks.

Educators will bring the tools they gained back to their schools to help students reach their full academic potential.

Our other successes this year include partnering with Loyola Marymount University for our second annual Rock Roll & Run for Education, distributing arts & beautification grants with the LAX Kiwanis Club and sponsoring the inaugural Westchester Spelling Bee, the Teacher Mini Grant program and the Teacher Eddy Awards.

The foundation was also honored by St. Bernard High School in May for its work supporting education, which to date has meant more than

Kentwood Koalas get ready to march in the Fourth of July Parade.

$200,000 donated to local classrooms.

How can we help support your school? As the foundation continues to grow, we hope to offer new grant opportunities, additional teacher development workshops and build new strategic partnerships to help us create the best possible learning environment for students.

Interested in joining our mission to help local schools thrive? Contact us for partnership opportunities.

We’ll also be launching our sponsorship packages for the third annual Rock Roll & Run next month. Save the date for March 14, 2020, and if you’re interested in being part of our largest fundraiser, please email us so we can add you to our interest list.

Next up, we hope you’ll join us at our Neighborhood School Expo on Thursday, October 24 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Westchester YMCA Annex (8020 Alverstone Ave. in Westchester). This free event will feature representatives from numerous local K-12 schools ready to share information about their programs and curriculum, as well as answer any questions.

If you’re ready to start thinking about what school would be a good fit for your family, this is a great one-stop-shop to get started.

Connect with us at info@ laxcoastaledfoundation.com and laxcef.org for more info.

* All pictures courtesy the schools unless otherwise noted.

Kentwood Elementary is a special place. With everything it has to offer, it’s not hard to see that it’s a great school! Every day brings an opportunity to learn and grow. Enriching and rigorous curriculum with practical applications help prepare students for the real and ever-changing world. When students aren’t in the classroom honing the academic skills they must master, they can be found in yoga class practicing mindfulness or channeling their energy and movements through the routines they learn in dance. Other times, they may be showing off their athletic skills during P.E. or learning the foundations of music.

Our newly opened Innovation Lab has been great for students to develop engineering skills by building

and programming robots.

Our students are also in the computer lab each week practicing their coding skills. Whether it’s related to academics, exercise, STEM, or the arts, the emphasis on teaching and developing the whole child is what sustains the energy of everyone on campus. The life of a Kentwood Koala is filled with countless opportunities for personal growth, as well as chances to build and strengthen the larger community.

While the school certainly has a lot to offer in terms of academic preparedness, student programming and enrichment opportunities, the people are at the heart of what makes it special. The positive energy on campus is palpable and can be felt by anyone who gets a chance to visit. The Kentwood family thrives on

the active participation of its lively student body, supportive families and caring staff and provides an environment that fosters a true sense of community. The connections between these various groups are what make it a fun and positive place. Kentwood is a gem—a unique neighborhood school that must be experienced to believe.

We invite you to be a part of the dynamic Kentwood family and experience our outstanding school for yourself. We have three upcoming tours on Thursday, November 7 at 9 a.m. and Thursday, December 5 at 9 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. We offer permits for families not zoned to attend Kentwood and enrollment for the 2020-21 school year will open on Thursday, March 5 at 9 a.m.

For more information, visit kentwoodes.org.

Welcome to our seventh annual Spotlight on Schools edition!

The HomeTown News is proud to support local education, and every year we invite our Westchester/ Playa schools to share with us what’s going on at their campuses.

The following articles are submitted by parents,

teachers, principals and community members who are passionate about letting the community know what makes their schools special.

Every year we learn that all our schools are full of success stories–new STEM curriculum is being added, eco-friendly initiatives are being introduced and social-emotional skills are

being taught–so we hope the information provided helps give our readers a sneak peak on what’s going right on local campuses and a new prospective on local education. We often are asked, “Is that a good school?” and our answer is always, “Yes,” because every school has something magical to offer its students.

Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News

October 2019 • Page 9

Since 1950, Westchester Lutheran School (WLS) has had an excellent tradition of preparing and educating students in preschool through 8th grade. Students are taught to “believe, achieve and lead” to reach their full academic and leadership potential in a caring, nurturing Christian environment. Westchester Lutheran School welcomes students of all faith and ethnic backgrounds and is a microcosm of the diversity of the beautiful city of Los Angeles in which it resides. Diversity is valued and celebrated at Westchester Lutheran School! Westchester Lutheran School is well-known for its spirit as a family community where all members come together and support one another in the spirit of Christ.

Walk into any classroom at WLS and one will see evidence of learning where teachers use differentiation of instruction and various teaching modalities to reach all learners and learning styles. Last year, we began our partnership with Lutheran Special Education Ministries to meet the learning needs of exceptional learners and now have two resource specialists on staff. Each classroom is equipped with technology, including smart boards, computers, laptops, iPads, document cameras and more. Westchester Lutheran is also proud to offer a STEAM program which integrates science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics across the curriculum.

The school founded the Gateway to Art program, which is now available

Like an oasis away from the busy city, Open students, parents and staff come together to build a true community of respect where students learn through meaningful experiences.

Open is one of the most unique schools in the district, being both a magnet and an affiliated charter elementary school serving LAUSD students from kindergarten through 5th grade. Our school is the best of both worlds—with our magnet program allowing us to have a diverse student body by offering transportation to students who reside in the city of Los Angeles, while our charter provides curricular autonomy to our highly-skilled teachers. Founded back in 1977 by innovative, likeminded parents and teachers who envisioned a school that would provide a nurturing and stimulating learning environment, Open Magnet Charter continues to strive toward excellence.

As you walk onto our beautiful campus, nestled in the quiet community of Westchester, at first, you will encounter our students, happy and full of joy. Then you will see our green landscape with mature trees throughout the corridors that were thoughtfully planted by TreePeople. Then you might see our Page 10 • October 2019

Last year, WLS graduates had a 100 percent admission rate to the high school of their choice.

Students believe, achieve & lead at Westchester Lutheran at many local schools in the area and also founded a Portals to Science program that teaches children various scientific principles and concepts in a fun, meaningful way through hands-on activities. Students partake in various classes, such as performing arts, music, PE, health, Spanish and computers in addition to the standards-based core subject curriculum.

New this school year is the incorporation of the “Seven Habits of Happy Kids” into our school culture

to teach children to be leaders and to develop a well-rounded, strong character. “The Seven Habits” stem from Stephen Covey’s work and book The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People and include the following habits: be proactive; begin with the end in mind; put first things first; think win-win; seek first to understand and then to be understood; synergize and sharpen the saw.

In addition to a strong, engaging traditional program rooted in

Open is one of the community’s most unique schools because it’s both a magnet and a charter.

large playground with a soccer field and learn that there is a cistern built under it to capture rainwater. After that, you may find your way to our award-winning garden and sit under the gazebo or get to know one of our animal friends (chickens, guinea pigs, rabbits, tortoise or the fish in the pond). People who come to our

campus can feel the heart of our school.

But when you make your way into our constructivist classrooms, you will see where the magic really is: the magic of learning, the buzz of children constructing their own learning.

Collaboration is at the heart of our school where teams made up of two

California standards and academic achievement, Westchester Lutheran is proud of its athletic program led by Athletic Director, Ryan James. Students are taught strength training, nutrition and athletic skills to help them succeed in sports and competitions in volleyball, basketball, cross country, track & field, flag football, soccer and cheer within the Pacific Basin League.

After attending WLS, students enter the high school of their first choice. Upon entrance, students are fully prepared to advance in the high school curriculum often placing into honors and AP level courses above their peers. WLS students enter the world fully prepared to be contributing members of society through sharing their gifts and talents with others and communicating their knowledge to make a difference in the lives of others. High school principals and teachers often express how prepared our students are for the academic rigors of high school.

We welcome you to visit WLS, meet our Head of School Emily Ingistov and faculty, and see all the wonderful things happening on our campus! We provide individualized tours by appointment only on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10 a.m.

Preschool tours are also available by appointment.

Visit our website at wlcs.org for more information or to schedule a tour. Our school office staff can be reached at (310) 670-5422.

teachers share the same “cluster” of multi-age students. Two brains are definitely better than one, as our teachers design their lessons to tailor their class. As they bounce ideas off of each other, the teachers also bring their passions and personal interests to their students and the energy reverberates. Each cluster has its own theme that connects subject areas and concepts throughout the year. This thematic approach is not textbookbased, but instead allows the teachers to be the architects of the curriculum and to put students’ interests and needs above a prescribed pacing plan. The focus is not simply on learning about something, but instead also questioning it, thinking about it and using what has been learned in a meaningful way.

We invite you to come see and feel what we’re about during one of our school tours this fall. Please check opencharter.org for dates in early October. Before you come to see our unique school, we hope that this information gave you a sneak peak!

Open School has been recognized as a National Magnet School of Merit and three-time California Distinguished School. To apply through LAUSD, please visit lausdmagnets.com.

Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News

Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News

October 2019 • Page 11

These words sound like the countdown on a racecourse: see, do, know, go! And where are we racing? To the future, of course. What may sound like a cliché is really a fact: our children are the future. They will become the world’s next scientists, doctors, researchers, engineers, urban planners, chemists–you name it, they will become it. PS Science is a program offered at St. Anastasia Catholic School that launches elementary students onto the track of inquiry-based science learning.

St. A’s has provided excellence in elementary and junior high education to families in the Westchester community for more than 65 years. The school is dedicated to enhancing the learning of all students in all subjects, including the recent adoption of the PS Science program.

The mission of PS Science is to prepare students for stewarding the world they will inherit. With multiple environmental, climate and global challenges to tackle, students need a solid foundation in science and prob-

This fall, Playa del Rey’s St. Bernard High School (SBHS) will be wrapping up its highly successful D.R.E.A.M.S. Initiative with a series of celebration dinners hosted by the school’s executive director, Carter Paysinger. D.R.E.A.M.S. stands for “Determined, Resilient, Engaged, Academic, Motivated and Spiritual”– attributes that make St. Bernard a benefit to students and community.

Here are some examples of how the community’s only Catholic high school is using this initiative: Determined…St. Bernard’s head basketball coach, Mitch Runco, tells the story of the school’s 2014-15 boys varsity basketball team: “The goal was to win a CIF Championship, and we did. In order to fulfill that dream it took leadership and sacrifice. These young men took on the challenge, knowing that their efforts were about something bigger than any individual. It was about the team, the team, the team.”

Resilient…Rosie Roberts, St. Bernard’s vice principal, explains that she sees resilience in the student body: “They never let their school spirit wane, they continue to work hard and get into good colleges and are dedicated

lem-solving to thrive. As children in today’s world, they also need to cultivate wonder, confidence and hope. PS Science is designed to empower them to achieve these goals.

PS Science launched in 2006 as a

project of the Crossroads Community Outreach Foundation, an initiative of Crossroads School in Santa Monica. PS Science provides hands-on training for teachers and implementation of “Next Generation Science Standards,” which

St. Bernard’s head basketball coach, Mitch Runco, coaches a student during a game.

to seeing the Viking traditions carry on. I have been at SBHS for 23 years, and I am so grateful for what they have shown me.”

Engaged…The school’s principal, Richard Billups ’94, relates that he is inspired by the continuing involvement of St. Bernard alumni: “No high school can be great without their alumni being engaged. Some of our former students return to speak at our annual career day. Others offer financial support in the form of scholarships and lead the

charge in improving our facilities.”

Academic...Jennifer Altergott has taught Biology and Environmental Science at St. Bernard for a decade.

The LAX Coastal Chamber’s Education Committee recognized her with their prestigious Teacher of the Year Award in 2016. In her class, students are encouraged never to accept simply being “bad” at math or science. She explains, “Hard work pays off. You get better at academic skills through practice.”

gives students a chance to see the world around them with curious eyes, participate in collaborative exploration/ experiments with real materials and to know the joy of discovery and the power of knowledge.

At St. Anastasia, students in grades K-4 receive weekly interactive STEM lessons through PS Science. Some examples of the lessons include building solar cars, designing new inventions through upcycling and examining and constructing different biomes.

St. Anastasia Catholic School is proud to partner with SoCalGas and the Risso Foundation who have provided much needed funding to bring this incredible program to children at the school.

Through their efforts, students are very fortunate to receive weekly hands-on science instruction that would not be possible with the support of these benefactors who understand that our future depends upon sparking the creativity and wonder of our children.

With their help, PS Science will flourish at the school for many years to come.

Motivated…Ashley Napper, St. Bernard’s director of performing arts, speaks glowingly about her students’ remarkable motivation: “I have had a singular goal to revive the performing arts at St. Bernard. It’s the motivation of our students that will create a lasting performing arts legacy here. Without their hard work, none of the progress that we have made would have been possible.”

Spiritual…Monique Rigard came to St. Bernard five years ago as the Director of Campus Ministry. She says she felt a calling. Monique sees spirituality every day on campus, in every student. She believes God has placed both her, and her young charges together at the school for a purpose to: “nurture, develop and inspire, leaders of the future. Leaders not just in government, business, entertainment, and the like: but leaders of humankind.”

Dreams are coming true at St. Bernard. If you would like to see for yourself, consider attending the school’s Fall Festival on October 25 or Open House on November 2.

For more information, please visit stbernardhs.org.

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

Page 12 • October 2019

Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News

STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) is omnipresent in our 21st century lives. There’s rarely a chance to avoid it, from crossing an earthquake-safe bridge (engineering), to calculating our retirement plans (math), to confronting global warming (science), and using the latest smart phones (technology), which brings both benefits and challenges to our world.

Chris Rougier, the new STEM Curriculum Developer at Katherine Johnson STEM Academy (KJSA) is helping prepare students for this STEM world. KJSA is the LAUSD residential middle school for Westchester, Playa del Rey and Playa Vista and is co-located on the campus of Westchester Enriched Sciences Magnets.

All of KJSA students receive an integrated STEM education that diminishes the impact of subject silos present in traditional education. KJSA graduates who become journalists will know the basics of coding to publish their articles online, just as our future KJSA graduates who become lawyers will have the creative engineeringdesign thinking mindset to tackle the injustices of our society.

Driven by problem-based thematic instruction, Rougier and the KJSA faculty have developed annual themes that are present in all subjects. At the

KJSA middle school students are ready to learn about STEM in their science lab.

sixth grade level, students are asked the same questions in science class as they are in English class: “How does where you live impact how you live?”

In science class, they can examine the difference between living in a desert versus a tropical ecosystem, while in English class they can read a novel about environmental biomes.

In seventh grade, all subjects are centered around asking, “How are communities created and sustained?”

And, finally, in eighth grade students are challenged to personally answer, “How will you take action to improve society?”

While KJSA is working to build the great minds of our next generation, we can’t do that without also developing their hearts. Socialemotional skills, with specific emphasis on empathy, are explicitly taught daily during the students’ advisory period, but are also part of the micro-moments that occur throughout the day. Understanding and regulating one’s own emotions is just as important as understanding the emotions and perspectives of our neighbors.

The school’s vision isn’t just to deliver STEM-based curriculum

Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News

for current KJSA students, but also to help train the next generation of great teachers through LMU’s School of Education. Ultimately, the KJSA curriculum reaches beyond the borders of our neighborhood, as newly trained LMU teachers will go on to teach throughout California and the U.S., taking with them the integrated STEM curriculum they learned at KJSA. You’re invited to come check out our curriculum first-hand at any of our future tours.

Visit kjstemacademy.org to learn more!

October 2019 • Page 13

At Back to School Night, our school families greeted each other with warm familiar smiles and hugs, filed into our beautifully renovated Parish Hall, and sat before our pastor and principal, ready to learn about the upcoming school year. Our pastor welcomed families of all cultures and religions to our Catholic School. He told of an experience he had while studying in Mexico, a life changing experience that led him to realize the importance of accepting each other’s faith for what it is–a beautiful, unique and powerful thing.

Through our pastor and principal, to the faculty and staff, Visitation values and thrives on diversity. Diversity of peoples, cultures, religions, ideas and curriculum. We are preparing our students to be citizens of a multicultural world–not just to embrace the differences in each other, but to recognize that these differences make us stronger individually.

Over the next few months, we will share the experiences of a few different Visitation families. This month, we begin with the Arichea-Brown family: Stephen, a dedicated member of the PTO, as well as a past Chair of the PTO, and a Room Parent, his husband Randy, and their children Sofia and Alexander.

Here Stephen tells about his experience at Visitation through his own words: “First off, our family is not the traditional family by societal norms.

We are a same sex couple who have been blessed with a daughter Sofia and a son Alexander. When we were in the

Greetings, I’m Heather Tuttle, a long-time resident and admirer of Westchester/Playa del Rey. Originally from the Twin Cities, I love the small town, Midwest vibe of our neighborhood. As an educator and mom of three boys, education is a passion I live and enjoy daily.

In 2016, I learned about the Neighborhood Council, a localized government promoting citizen participation. I decided it was my civic duty to represent my unrepresented district on the board. I quickly learned the Council consists of a variety of committees for stakeholder involvement. When I found the Education Committee that focuses on strengthening, empowering and advancing the success of our local elementary, middle and high schools, I knew it was the place for me. Nearly six months ago, I became the chair of the

Page 14 • October 2019

The Arichea-Brown family poses in Visitation’s newly renovated outdoor space on campus.

process of selecting a school for our children, many questions came to our mind. Our main priority is the safety of our children and the acceptance they would receive being that they are from a ‘non-traditional family.’ We interviewed 14 different schools and sadly to say, some schools would not meet with us. When we interviewed with Chris Watson, the principal at Visitation, we knew from the first minute, we found our home. We were accepted with open arms, caring and understanding. We sent our children to Catholic school because of the quality of the institution and the students who go there. I am also pleased to see that the students embody so much diversity and multiculturalism. Most of all, I appreciate that the educators are united in teaching from a moral compass,

which includes a routine of praying and respect for God and the church.

Beyond the exceptional educators and leaders at the school, we have had the opportunity to make friends whom we can call family. While at Visitation, the education and the support has far exceeded our expectations in terms of academic and moral performance.

These expectations become internalized by the children, enhancing their self-esteem.

Children growing up with awareness of diverse family structures are provided rich opportunities to help them celebrate family diversity and engage in conversation about who is in their family—who lives in their house and more importantly, who takes care of them. Children tend to thrive when they come to understand there are

committee, and now I would like to invite you to participate!

The committee meets the fourth Wednesday of every month at 6:30 p.m. at the Westchester Municipal Building Community Room. These meetings are open to the public and

attendance is encouraged for local administrators, teachers, parents and even students. Please join us! The more participation we have, the more energy, wisdom, talent and support we can give back to our schools.

Due to the Neighborhood School Expo (October 24) and the Thanksgiving holiday, the committee’s next meeting does not follow typical protocol and will be held Tuesday, November 19 in the Westchester Community Room (7166 W. Manchester Ave. in Westchester).

Please visit the NCWP Education Committee page at ncwpdr.org/ education to learn more about our local schools and how you can get involved. You can also contact me at hmh_hogan@yahoo.com. I look forward to meeting many of you soon! Thank you for supporting our local schools and tomorrow’s leaders.

varying family structures and that all families are wonderful, so long as the people in them love and care about each other. This repeated message helps children feel secure, even if their family configuration changes through death, separation or other life events.

Any combination of families works.

It’s love that makes a family—just like in our family. And we have found this love and acceptance in the ‘Visitation Family.’

The teachers and staff at Visitation show diversity and inclusion in their everyday class assignments and school projects. As an example, for the Father’s Day gifts we have received two craft projects–one for each of us.

This was a great surprise and truly a gift from our kids, as well as from Visitation that would probably not have happened at any other school.

The teachers also make a diligent effort within class events, such as Mother’s Day, by inviting Sofia and Alexander’s aunt to attend any special events and making sure that gifts are made for their aunt and grandmother. Through field trips, teachers also inspire and educate their students to experience and embrace different cultures such as the trip to Olvera Street. They provide experiences and open our children’s minds to embrace the diversity and cultures that make up the fabric of the Los Angeles community, but also make up our Visitation community.”

Learn more about the Jr. Kindergarten through 8th grade school at visitationschool.org.

Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News

Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News

October 2019 • Page 15

What makes the human mind so special or unique is its capacity to create, innovate and transform. Ultimately, an education, and, therefore, a school, should be judged on its capacity to empower students with confidence and the tools students require to be agents of positive change.

“Social Entrepreneurship,” as a guiding principle, embraces the full range of skills and tools, along with the mindset and moral maturity to become an agent of positive change in our world— a fundamental strategy of learning at Westside Neighborhood School (WNS), a private independent preschool–8th grade school in Silicon Beach.

Whether we talk of a play-based curriculum in our early childhood program, explorations and “maker” activities in kindergarten and throughout the elementary years, or project-based learning in the middle school, we describe the steps on the journey to unleash a child’s natural sense of wonder, creativity and innovation. Our strong academic curriculum cultivates tools needed for research, calculation, communication and negotiation, fostering successful facilitation of meaningful outcomes. Both our visual and performing arts programs are integral components in further engaging our students’ imagination and discovering ways to communicate beyond the written and spoken word. Our social-emotional learning strategies integrated

Page 16 • October 2019

into daily curriculum add yet another vital dimension by giving students the social skills and tools to build a learning community based on civility, kindness, empathy and ethical decision making.

“Social entrepreneurship,” along with all of its complementary components thus defines a preschool through 8th grade WNS education. Our graduates are confident and competent in their capacity to create the world they want with both the tools and a growth mindset poised to imagine solutions to problems they may not even yet know exist. We invite you to evaluate education by its highest standards, through the lens of social entrepreneurship and the capacity to innovate for the benefit of others. This is a WNS education.

To learn more about WNS, we invite you to register for one of our upcoming admission presentation tours on October 3, 16 or 29; November 8 or 20 and December 5, January 9 and February 6.

Our next Speaker Series event is open to the public on October 14 at 6:30 p.m., and we will host Nefertiti Austin, author of Motherhood So White: A Memoir of Race, Gender, and Parenting in America. Austin will share her perspectives on adoption in America, particularly the lack of resources for single women of color. She’ll speak to her experience as a single black mother adopting out of the foster care system and how it has impacted her life.

For more information about WNS, please visit wns-la.org.

Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News

Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News

October 2019 • Page 17

Carousel supports every student so they can maximize their learning Carousel School offers a comprehensive educational program and provides services for children and their families challenged by a wide range of learning, developmental and emotional disabilities. The students range from preschool through high school. An innovative and integrated curriculum and high staff-to-student ratio supports students so they can achieve success. Based on each student’s IEP (Individualized Education Program), an individual instructional plan is designed to maximize his or her learning. Our teachers recognize and appreciate the individual needs of each student and encourage them to develop their interests and talents. Through small group interaction and individual attention, each student’s day is filled with learning opportunities that are interactive and stimulating. Children’s self-esteem flourishes and creativity blossoms when they feel that intellectual and emotional experiences are valuable.

Our transdisciplinary curriculum is enhanced by our special facilities and diverse teaching methods to ensure continuity in all subject areas. Along with a student’s IEP, Carousel’s teachers utilize the California Content Standards and the Curriculum Guide for Students with Moderate to Severe Disabilities

Carousel School has an individual instructional plan for each student so they can develop their interests and talents.

as tools to develop the curriculum and lessons each year that include, language arts, math, science, social science, health and specially designed PE. Teachers also make modifications and adaptations to lessons and their teaching to accommodate each student’s needs.

The use of manipulatives and hands-on experiences are integrated into lessons

WISH Academy students excel in 4 unique pathways

Now in its third successful year, WISH Academy High School has enjoyed observing the deep friendships, school spirit, new traditions, competitive sports teams, and rigorous academic experiences of our amazing students! In order to do well in all of these areas, we always implement our mission to maximize every scholar’s learning potential within an atmosphere of caring and belonging.

WISH Academy has four unique pathways in which students can further develop a foundation in the areas they love! Students passionate about STEM can embark on the Project Lead the Way pathways of Engineering or Biomedical Science where they work with experts in the field to solve real world problems using project-based learning curriculum. Those enamored with the arts can join the Performing Arts or Liberal Arts/Civics Studies pathways.

“It is WISH Academy’s goal to educate all of our students in an environment that is founded in progress, academic excellence, emotional intelligence and the ability to understand change in our constantly changing world,” said principal Kellie Mowll.

Industries such as higher academia, technology, entertainment, engineering and arts organizations have joined WISH Academy to take the school on this next leg of its journey with Page 18 • October 2019

student internships, experts supporting exhibition projects and opportunities to be involved in solving real challenges for the broader community.

WISH Academy also has small class sizes, which promotes higher teacher to student ratio and allows for more attention to the depth and breadth of learning.

Parents and families are witness to their children’s academic success and have championed the development at each grade level.

“WISH welcomes and nurtures all students,” comments Ramona Sims, mother to one of WISH Academy’s highest performing 11th graders.

“WISH also promotes a rigorous program that demands that each student display excellence, both academically and socially. Our son is finally being challenged in ways that will assure that he is prepared for success in higher education.”

“The energy and enthusiasm of our students has motivated us even more,” concluded Principal Mowll. “The result is we have a high school that not only focuses on college and university entry, but one that will continue to support our vision and our mission for the highest quality education for all students–each and every one.”

Sign up for the next informational tour on October 17 at 9 a.m. by visiting wishcharter.org/apply.

whenever possible to make learning more exciting and interactive.

Our school is certified by the California State Department of Education and meets or exceeds all state program requirements. Carousel is open year-round, offering an AfterSchool Socialization Program during the summer, winter and spring breaks.

Our Early Intervention Program is a bilingual full-inclusion therapeutic infant development program. The staff-to-client ratio of 1:3 incorporates direct services from occupational and physical therapists, speech/ language pathologists and behavioral specialists in the classroom. Through the transdisciplinary team approach, the clinicians provide comprehensive assessments and develop treatment plans for each child. Children may receive any separately authorized individual treatments in addition to the standard Early Intervention Program time. Round-trip transportation is available.

Carousel’s Early Intervention Program provides opportunities for children to improve developmental skills while providing support and education for the family. Children are grouped according to their age and developmental abilities with typical role models in a therapeutic

IT’S TIME TO PUT TOGETHER YOUR WILL & TRUST REASON #4

classroom setting with clinical support for students, both ambulatory and nonambulatory.

Once a child has been evaluated by the regional center and deemed eligible for services, we schedule a visit to our facility and services can start with their authorization. Please call Ms. Marie at (310) 266-8768 for more information.

We also have a Non-Public School Program, which provides speech & language therapy, occupational and physical therapy, specially designed physical education, behavior intervention and counseling to students with special needs.

Our therapy services offer individualized programs tailored to meet each child’s needs as authorized on their IEP. The students have access to augmentative alternative communications learning tools to assist them in accessing their educational curriculum. All classes participate in the annual Winter Program performance for their friends and families.

Transportation is available to and from the program.

Please contact Ms. Ann for more information and to schedule a tour at (310) 645-9222.

For more info on Carousel’s programs, please visit carouselschool.com.

Avoid the family fight.

LAW OFFICE OF

C H R I S T O P H E R B L AT T E R B L AT T E R L A W. C O M 424.832.1141

Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News

Westport Heights Principal Jacqueline Hughes poses with her students on the playground.

An environment that nurtures the whole child can be found at Westport Heights Elementary School. The future is ever-evolving, and Westport Heights is keeping pace by offering children tools for adapting to the many possibilities that may unfold.

Our Westport Heights STEAM focus ensures that our students are receiving hands-on opportunities to prepare for the future, and we have a new STEAM Makerspace and instruction in coding and robotics for all grade levels. Because exposure to the arts is essential, dance and orchestra have been integrated into the curriculum, and Westport Heights participates in STEAM stage design and theater arts with the LA Opera.

At Westport Heights Elementary, we focus on working with families to provide students with skills to foster resilience. Teachers facilitate lessons on a daily basis around the Character Counts pillars of trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, caring, citizenship, and fairness. We also create a common language to instill a growth mindset, a concept by Stanford University Psychologist, Carol Dweck, which refers to how we face challenges and setbacks.

With a growth mindset, students at Westport gain real benefits, such as a love of learning and a resilience that is essential for great accomplishment.

Westport works with community partners to support student mental and physical health. Westport has partnered with Ready Set Gold, a nonprofit community health and fitness program, to increase students’ awareness of their own potential through mentorship visits from a US Olympian volunteer. Alongside the AC Green Youth Foundation Leadership Program and Brotherhood Crusade, these mentorship programs expand our students’ awareness

of their roles in the community as future leaders. Also, students have an opportunity to participate in yoga, sponsored by the Drollinger Family Charitable Foundation and provided by the Westchester YMCA, linking physical well-being with expanded mindfulness.

The backbone of our “whole child” approach of our school program is our school faculty. Teaching with an eye toward the future already requires a deep level of commitment. Teachers at Westport Heights support students beyond the classroom by leading after school enrichment such as art club, science club, Spanish club and two drama clubs. During instructional time, as well as after, our teachers are applying creative methods to connect with their students and provide an enriching and memorable elementary school experience.

The parent volunteers are committed and caring moms, dad, grandparents and family members who have taken initiative and used their skills to implement new programs on campus. Our school is like a beehive: alive and buzzing with everyone’s contribution for the well-being of the community.

Just as bees work in harmony with each other and the environment to create and maintain a healthy hive, every member of the Westport Heights community is working to create and maintain a healthy student body who will be ready for the next level of education and life. Our core values can be summed up with two sentences: WHES is a caring and collaborative community that nurtures creativity and inspires critical thinking for all learners. WHES cares.

For more information, please visit westportheightses-lausd-ca. schoolloop.com

Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News

October 2019 • Page 19

St. Jerome students help with composting and recycling at the eco-friendly school.

St. Jerome is a private, Catholic elementary school founded by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondolet. We utilize faith, tradition and a focus on excellence to prepare our students for “college, career and heaven.”

We have been blessed to receive two grants recently from SoCalGas and the LAX Coastal Education Foundation.

These grants will help continue our compost and recycling initiative and help our teachers better serve our children. The St. Jerome School community is eliminating the use of plastic and styrofoam on campus. All students carry reusable water bottles and utilize our new state-of-the-art alkaline water dispenser. As a green parish, St. Jerome School is committed to encouraging all students and families to be conscious of our environment and the impact of certain material on the planet.

Our vision for St. Jerome remains steadfast. Our dedicated parents and faculty will ensure the success of our future leaders and citizens of tomorrow.

We are vested in enabling all students an opportunity to learn and become successful. By incorporating our ecofriendly STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) program, students will continue to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, as well as increase their creativity and collaboration abilities. An example of this in action is the student-designed and built planter boxes that will ultimately serve as homes to shareable

Page 20 • October 2019

vegetables and herbs. Thanks to our ongoing commitment to faith-filled and academic endeavors, enrollment has increased by 15 percent and students are focused on being good stewards of the planet.

The St. Jerome community hosts several events throughout the school year. Next up, we will host a familyfriendly Trunk or Treat event on Friday, October 25. On November 2, we will be raffling a trip to Hawaii during the yearly Hawaiian Raffle Gala.

We will also start taking orders for premium Christmas trees, wreaths and garlands to be delivered in time for the holidays.

St. Jerome School is leading the way with blended learning opportunities that explore the idea of growth mindset and meeting the educational interests of students. Some of the new programs we are excited to offer are coding, a Readers and Writers Workshop, Impact self defense, Story Art, Plaza Dance and Microbits.

We also continue to offer sports and fitness teams that include boys basketball, girls basketball, girls volleyball, boys futsal (Division 2 Westside League 2019 Champions), girls soccer and flag football.

Come find out what makes St. Jerome a community that enables students to flourish and grow as learners and faith-filled citizens of tomorrow!

For more info, please visit st-jeromeschool.org.

Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News

It’s that time of year when parents of 4th and 5th grade students feel their stress levels rise as they try to select a middle school for their children. Make sure to visit Wright Middle School STEAM Magnet at one of our upcoming tours and see why the best choice for your family might be right here in the neighborhood! Here are the top 10 things that are right at Wright: 10. It’s project based. Students create autobiographical avatars, cell models, roller coasters, social justice innovations and much more. Their project based learning activities are displayed at STEAM in Action Night, which will be held November 21 from 4 to 6 p.m.

The entire community is invited to visit the campus and view the projects during the event!

9. Wright was selected to be the site for a brand-new gifted magnet on campus this year! The original STEAM Magnet also has an established and successful honors program.

8. There is a new principal this year!

Akilah Calhoun is a Spelman graduate, part of the Women in Science and Engineering program and a graduate of LAUSD schools from elementary through high school. She believes in collaboration and views families and communities as partners.

7. The teachers are highly qualified,

WISH Community School is proud to kick off the 2019-2020 school year as a TK-8 educational program! WISH Charter Schools are in their 10th year of operation, and we are thrilled to extend each child’s educational journey and help support the transitional period between elementary and secondary years through a whole scholar approach to teaching and learning.

All students in grades TK-8 receive Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) instructional supports and highly engaging STEM classes through the Launch and Gateway programs of Project Lead the Way! Along with core subjects, all students experience art, music, movement, gardening, library and integrated technology, which includes digital citizenship, coding and game design!

In grades 6th to 8th, students are

dedicated and engaging. They have STEAM specialties like robotics (seven robotics teams currently competing); theater (two big shows coming up this year, including Scrooge in December and Little Mermaid in the spring); and flight simulation (on-campus lab houses several simulators) just to name a few. Every child can find an elective or advisory course that matches their interests.

6. They articulate their core values.

A year-long emphasis on being REAL, which at Wright means showing “Re-

able to select how they would like to experience these classes through a variety of electives, including theater, strings, digital composition, survival arts, sports conditioning and much more! Our math circles and our SMART Team (science, math, art and robotics team) are in full swing.

High quality GATE strategies are used throughout all classes and personalized instructional experiences help students shine.

When a student reaches 6th grade, they have the opportunity to experience math and English through honors and highly accelerated pathways that extend through 8th grade. In addition to rigorous academics, we are committed to supporting our scholar’s social-emotional learning and development. We are in our third year of implementing the R.U.L.E.R. program

spect, Empathy, Ambition and Leadership,” guides student work and interaction. At the beginning of the year, each child chooses five or so values to focus on like integrity and creativity.

5. Each year begins with WOW Week, providing five days of welcome.

This week involves no homework, no changing classes and a focus on getting to know your classmates, making friends, feeling comfortable and getting adjusted to a new year.

4. An active PTO welcomes all interested parents. This month, the

PTO is sponsoring a “Challenge 2 Change” event, which combines fitness with fundraising and culminates in a fantastically fun and messy Color Run on October 16. To donate, or for more info, visit wrightmiddle.causevox.com.

3. Wright STEAM Magnet has been accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), which is a rare honor for middle schools. Wright was also chosen as a Model STEAM Magnet by the National Magnet Schools of America.

2. Community 5th graders from local schools get to experience middle school during “A Day in the Life of Seahawk.” During this fun day of learning, student visitors get to build paper rockets, design costumes and launch catapults, as well as watch performances by the drum-line, dance team and band.

1. It’s right here in your neighborhood! The location makes it easy to get to campus to volunteer or drop off a forgotten iPad. And don’t you secretly wish you could stop playing the school application game and just send your kids to a fantastic local school? You can! Take advantage of a performance, STEAM in Action Night or a tour (October 17 and November 7 at 9 a.m) to see why Wright is so right!

Learn more at wrightms.org.

from Yale’s Center for Emotional Intelligence, and we are experiencing a lot of success with identifying our feelings, values and the kind of community members we want to be at school! We also love supporting our WISH clubs and sports teams. This fall we have girls volleyball, flag football, cheerleading and cross country. Athletics are just one way for our students to get connected. Additional leadership opportunities include Student Council, Student Leadership, Where Everybody Belongs (WEB), Student Ambassadors, Humans United, Kindness Club and Model United Nations.

We are so proud of our scholars and grateful for our school community! We would love for you to come visit and see for yourself!

Here is a list of our upcoming Open House Dates for both campuses:

TK-5th Grade (located at 6550 W. 80th St. in Westchester): • October 16 @ 9 a.m.

• November 13 @ 6 p.m.

• December 11 @ 9 a.m.

• January 22, 2020 @ 6 p.m.

• February 19, 2020 @ 9 a.m.

• March 04, 2020 @ 9 a.m. (Spanish) • March 04, 2020 @ 6 p.m.

6th-8th Grade (located at 7400 Manchester Ave., Westchester) • October 15 @ 9 a.m.

• November 12 @ 6 p.m.

• December 10 @ 9 a.m.

• January 21, 2020 @ 6 p.m.

• February 18, 2020 @ 9 a.m.

• March 03, 2020 @ 9:30 (Spanish) • March 03, 2020 @ 6 p.m.

Please visit wishcharter.org for more information and to sign up for a tour and/or apply to our school for the 2020-2021 school year!

Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News

October 2019 • Page 21

Loyola Vi l l a g e F i n e & Performing Arts Mag n e t L o V E s t he arts The students attending Loyola Village Fine & Performing Arts Magnet Elementary School (LoVE) are receiving not only a quality TK through 5th grade education by highly qualified teachers, but are also receiving an extensive arts education from working professional fine and performing artists. The fine arts teacher provides an extensive curriculum instructing students how to work with clay, paint with pastels and how to use everyday recyclable items to create projects that are displayed in our “LoVE Arts” Gallery.

In our music program, students in all grade levels take vocal lessons and perform during our vocal concerts.

Our “LoVE Choir” performs throughout the Los Angeles area at various concerts and events.

Interested in dance? We teach a variety of dance forms such as jazz, ballet, modern, hip hop, rhythmic step, tap and African dance. We have two performance groups “LoVE Dance

Page 22 • October 2019

Ensemble” and “LADDE” (Loyola African Drum and Dance Ensemble).

Our theater program provides students with an opportunity to learn the art of acting by engaging in voice and movement for the stage, learning stage directions, stage management and stage production. The “LoVE Theatrical Artists” produce two to three productions per year, which include both full-length plays and dramatic stage readings.

Loyola Village Fine & Performing Arts Magnet is a school that focuses on developing the whole child, and preparing every child to be college and career ready. We do this while also instituting growth mindset practices and “mindfulness moments” throughout the day, allowing students to develop academically and artistically.

Please call us at (310) 670-0480 to make an appointment to take a tour of our awesome school! You may also visit loyolavillageartsmagnet.org.

Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News

Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News

October 2019 • Page 23

Calendar 1. Blessing of the Animals at Holy Nativity Sunday, October 6 @ 1:30 p.m.

Bring your favorite family pet– whether it’s a dog, cat, bird, rat or lizard–to Holy Nativity for their Blessing of the Animals.

This annual event occurs on the Sunday closest to the Feast Day of St. Francis, who was deeply committed and concerned about the well-being of the environment and all creatures.

Holy Nativity Episcopal Church is located at 6700 W. 83rd Street in Westchester. For more information, visit holynativityparish.org.

2. Coffee with a Cop Tuesday, October 15 @ 10 a.m.

The Woman’s Club of Playa del Rey is sponsoring Coffee with a Cop this month. Join the club for coffee, treats and conversation with the people who help protect the community.

The event will be held at the Women’s Club, located at 8039 W. Manchester Ave. in Playa del Rey. Free parking is located in the back of the building.

3. Kentwood Players’ Dial M For Murder Through October 19

Dial M for Murder runs through October 19 at the Westchester Playhouse.

Best known as the classic suspense thriller film by Alfred Hitchock, the play centers around ex-tennis pro Tony Wendice. A gentleman on the surface, he plots to murder his wife, Margot,

Page 24 • October 2019

TheHTN.com because of an affair and blackmails an acquaintance. Will he succeed in his sinister plot or will his plans be foiled?

Tickets are $22 and can be purchased by calling (310) 645-5156 or online at kentwoodplayers.org. Performances run Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m.

The Westchester Playhouse is located at 8301 Hindry Ave. in Westchester.

4. Harvest Festival at Westchester Farmers’ Market Sunday, October 20 @ 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Join the fun at the Westchester Farmers’ Market for a super-sized event filled with fall fruits and veggies, additional vendors, community booths and activities for the kids that include pumpkin painting, a photo booth and a petting zoo. The farmers’ market is held every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on 87th St. (Westchester Triangle) in Westchester.

5. Welsh Choir Concert Sunday, October 20 @ 2 p.m.

The Welsh Choir of Southern California will give a Concert of Appreciation at Holy Nativity followed by a festive reception. The concert is to thank Holy Nativity for its support of the choir and its involvement in the Westchester community, including encouraging food programs and music development. The concert will include both the performance of musical pieces by the choir, as well as a sing-along in which

all can participate.

The Welsh Choir of Southern California is a nonprofit multi-ethnic choir, dedicated to sharing the glories of Welsh music. Holy Nativity Episcopal Church is located at 6700 W. 83rd St. in Westchester. For more information, visit holynativityparish.org.

6. Pancake Breakfast at Emerson Ave. Community Garden Saturday, October 26 @ 8:30 to 11 a.m.

The community is invited to the Emerson Avenue Community Garden’s 7th annual Pancake Breakfast this month.

Both traditional and gluten-free/ vegan pancakes topped with fruit, real maple syrup and butter will be served.

Breakfast also includes sausage and choice of beverages.

Breakfast will be held at the United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall, located at 8065 Emerson Ave. in Westchester just across the garden.

Breakfast is $8 or $5 for a small.

For more info, please visit eacgc.org.

7. Marina Spooktacular October 26 & 27 @ 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Head to Burton Chace Park for the Marina Spooktacular featuring a blackout maze, graveyard treasure hunt, haunted pirate ships, DIY costumes, arts & crafts, music and more!

Food is available for purchase at food trucks. During the day, the event is family-friendly and then the scare level intensifies at night.

Admission is free. Find more info at beaches.lacounty.gov/halloween.

Burton Chace Park is located at 13650 Mindanao Way in Marina del Rey.

8. Kids Fall Fest at COOS Saturday, Oct. 26 @ 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Join Children Of Our Savior Church and Preschool for its annual Kids Fall Fest for a day of fun for the whole family. Attendees can enjoy a pumpkin patch, beer garden, bouncers, activities and more. Game and food tickets are available for 20 for $25.

The fest will be held at the church, located at 6705 W. 77th St. in Westchester.

9. Open Fall Family Festival Saturday, October 26 @ 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Bring the whole family to Open Magnet Charter School for their annual Fall Family Festival this month. Unique to this school event are two interactive experiences guests can enjoy: a heart-stopping haunted house for older kids and the heartwarming Fairy Land, brought to life by creative parents and students. Other activities include games, bouncers, arts & crafts, photo booth, silent auction, raffle and more.

Open Magnet is located at 5540 W. 77th St. in Westchester. The event is free to attend and rides, games, food and activity tickets are available for purchase.

Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News

Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News

October 2019 • Page 25

Random Notes/Opinion

TheHTN.com

Just working out can be a big achievement

By Jeff Blair Opinion: Have you ever had “one of those days?” You know, those days when nothing goes right. You have a hard time getting out of the house on time. Your kid has an issue at school.

You might make a couple mistakes at work. Maybe you weren’t your best self in a personal relationship. Then you get an unexpected bill out of nowhere.

You work out simply to clear your head of this mess of a day. As you look back, the day feels like a total failure. You try to think of one thing you were able to accomplish, and you can’t come up with a single thing. The workout gave you some perspective, but you don’t really consider that an accomplishment.

You might want to reconsider that.

Here are seven reasons why getting your workout in is a big achievement: 1. You reduced your disease risk.

Physical inactivity is a primary cause of almost every chronic disease. The CDC says, “Chronic diseases–such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes

Page 26 • October 2019

and arthritis– are among the most common, costly, and preventable of all health problems in the U.S.” Exercise can reduce your risk of all these diseases, yet fewer than 25 percent of Americans get the recommended amount of cardio and strength training.

2. You improved your mental health. Exercise can help you manage stress, decrease anxiety and depression symptoms and improve self-confidence. Many people also feel a sense of empowerment and control simply knowing they can better manage these issues by sweating it out.

3. You will feel happier. Exercise releases a variety of chemicals in the body (such as endorphins) and these can simply make us feel happier, improve mood and put a smile on your face. Even if you feel mentally fit as a fiddle, there isn’t much doubt our emotions respond positively to exercise.

4. You probably get along better with others. For the various psychological and emotional reasons listed above, you will probably be a

little more fun to be around when you exercise. This might help you work well with others and better enjoy human interaction. This can improve your work relationships and advance your career. If your relationships with family and friends improve, this can be a true foundation for happiness. Even just saying hello to a casual friend at the gym can make us feel a little more connected to humanity.

5. You are more productive at work. Studies show employees are more productive and manage their time better on days they exercise.

Exercise can also increase energy levels, which can come in handy during a long day at the office or when dealing with family dynamics.

6. You are smarter. Exercise can increase focus for several hours and improve memory. Cardiovascular exercise may lead to neurogenesis, which is the growth of new brain cells in an already mature brain.

7. You will be an example for a young person in your life. We know young people often emulate the behavior of the adults in their lives

more so than listen to our advice.

By demonstrating a commitment to a reasonable amount of exercise, we can help shape their future behavior without saying a word.

When you think “the only thing I did right today was workout,” realize you did something significant. Every one has days when things don’t go perfectly. These days are rarely success or happiness deal killers.

But when you think about the big picture, exercise checks many of life’s most important boxes and can create a foundation for long-term health and happiness. It’s nice to know there is one thing we can do to salvage almost any day.

Jeff Blair (MS, CSCS) is a fitness author and has been a certified personal trainer in Westchester for 17 years. He has been featured in numerous national and international fitness publications. Contact him at jeff@socalsport.com for story comments. *Before you start any fitness routine, please consult your doctor.

Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News

Are you letting fear, hurt and loss stalk you?

By Fay Craton Opinion: How is your day going?

Are you spending a lot of time upset over an event which happened earlier today, or yesterday or maybe several years ago? Or, are you thinking about something which might happen tonight, tomorrow or possibly next week? Does thinking about an event which has not yet happened bring you joy or does it bring worry?

Many people lose part of their life by being angry about a situation experienced in the past or anxious about something in the future. Life is something occurring right now.

When your mind wanders away from the present moment, you are missing out on life! Plus, according to research, when you consistently allow your mind to wander into thoughts which create a feeling of

being separate from other people, your stress increases and your health and sense of well-being decreases.

Wow! Allowing your thoughts to drift into painful memories or scary “what if” scenarios hurt you and nobody else. Yet many people hold on to anger, fear, mistrust, a sense of being negatively judged, shamed or being devalued because of misunderstandings. You have within you the ability to change how you experience life. It is normal and natural to have fear, hurt and loss, as well as contentment, peace and harmony show up in your life. What is important is to let the painful situations be expressed, be released and not let them stalk you.

How do you learn to let go of anger, pain, mistrust and fear? The first step is to be willing to let it go.

I find it beneficial to intentionally

refocus my thoughts on what I can be grateful for in the moment. I actively connect to a spiritual presence to guide me to a sense of harmony. If my stress involves a situation which is currently unfolding, I seek to claim my own worth and value, to see past the difficulty and mentally acknowledge the good in another person.

Learning how to let go and shift to a place of harmony takes time and practice. There are many methods.

You can develop skills through things like therapy, mindfulness, journaling, meditation and/or prayer.

I learned through multiple methods.

Pretending the pain is not there just buries it. Eventually it will come back when it is triggered. When I am working on letting go, the goal is to be authentic, real and to allow myself to evolve.

Along the way to growing, there

Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News

are always messages which appear to help me remember to strive for harmony. Recently, I saw one such message on a piece of art in a doctor’s office. The art said, “The way to happiness is to keep your heart free from hate, your mind from worry. Live simply, give much. Fill your life with love. Do as you would be done by.”

I want you to experience harmony within you, for you to let go of personal pain seemingly imposed upon you by another and to live a full life fully present in the now moment.

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.

For more info, please visit communicationtriangle.com or contact her at (310) 645-6762.

October 2019 • Page 27

2019 Holiday Home Tour www.westchestermhg.org

37TH ANNUAL HOLIDAY HOME TOUR

The William H. Hannon Foundation has generously donated a fabulous Pleasant Hawaiian Holidays Vacation for two to breathtaking Maui, which includes:

Sunday, November 3 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

The 37th Annual Holiday Home Tour, sponsored by the Westchester Mental Health Guild, a fundraising organization for Airport Marina Counseling Service (AMCS), will be held throughout Westchester and the surrounding area with a reception and marketplace at the Westchester Elks Lodge from 12 pm to 5:30 pm.

• • • •

Round trip airfare for two from LAX 8 days, 7 nights at the Royal Lahaina Resort 2 VIP luau tickets ($288 value) $300 credit at selected resort restaurants

You could be the winner of this marvelous trip and you will know that your contribution is helping AMCS continue providing affordable mental health services in our community. This exciting drawing will take place November 3, 2019 at 4:30 p.m. at the Elks Lodge and you need not be present to win! All you have to do is buy a ticket. Each ticket is only $10, six tickets for $50 or 12 tickets for $100! Tickets can be purchased by calling (310) 670-1410 or emailing ebalis@airportmarina.org.

GOLD SPONSORS

PLATINUM SPONSORS

Tickets may be purchased online at www.westchestermhg.org $35/person

Page 28 • October 2019

WIN A TRIP TO HAWAII!

Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News

Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News

October 2019 • Page 29

Photos by Glenn Marzano.

The Fourth Annual Westchester Arts & Music Block Party (WAM) was the place to be on Saturday, September 21. An estimated 5,000 attendees headed to Emerson Ave. for a day of celebrating community, music and art, while also raising money for the garden located on the campus of Wright STEAM Magnet and WISH Charter.

Attendees enjoyed two stages of entertainment this year, which featured performances from local groups including the Westchester Lariats and musical acts like country rock band Rose’s Pawn Shop. Community groups hosted activities at their booths for kids to explore their creative sides with festival-goers tie-dyeing T-shirts with the LAX Coastal Ed Foundation and upcyling bottles into vases with the Westchester Rotary Club. In the garden, crafts, games, giant bubble makers, musical instruments and coloring were a huge hit with the 10 and under crowd.

“We’re thrilled with the community’s support for WAM,” said event producer John Sharpe. “It was our biggest and best yet, and I think it’s safe to say we’re now on the map as a neighborhood event that can’t be missed.”

Page 30 • October 2019

Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News

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Marisa Cardena

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310.338.8689

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310.338.8689 Cut. Color. Styling.

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Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News

Making your hair beautiful!

October 2019 • Page 31

Page 32 • October 2019

Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News