Westchester/Playa HomeTown News February 2019

Februar y 2019

Mini-murals pop up in Westchester/Playa . . . page 14 Westchester artist, Steve O’Loughlin, poses in front of his utility box painting located on Sepulveda Blvd.

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

This Month Brings You

help you prom nization even help youorprom nization or even act us for rates and A look inside your HTN

Community Spotlight: Candidates sought for upcoming neighborhood council election 04 Celebrating 20 years of parades and community 10 In your hometown with...

12 Bringing art to Westchester/Playa 14 Kids’ March for Equality

23

HOMETOWN STAFF/CONTRIBUTORS Stephanie Davis, Publisher, Editor

Jeff Blair, Contributing Writer Fay Craton, Contributing Writer

Kirby Israelson, Graphic Design Consuelo Israelson, Contributing Writer

Advertisers’ Directory

Airport Marina Counseling 16 Cantalini’s Salerno Beach 07 Cedars-Sinai 02 Drollinger Properties 17, 21 Food Pantry, LAX 17 Jane St. John 18 Loyola Marymount 04 Marina del Rey Hospital 24 Neighborhood Council 19 Playa Venice Sunrise Rotary Club 20 Rock Roll & Run for Education 22

Sarlo Income Tax SoCal Sports and Fitness St. Anastasia School Visitation School Wallis Annenberg PetSpace Westchester Farmers’ Market Westchester Lutheran School Westchester Town Center BID Westside Pacific Village Zacha Homes

21 16 07 08 15 11 05 03 17 11

act us for rates and hesterhometo hesterhometo 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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Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News

February 2019 • Page 3

Community Spotlight: Candidates sought for upcoming neighborhood council election with 14 seats up for grabs If you’ve ever thought about running for the Neighborhood Council of Westchester/Playa (NCWP), you’ll have the chance this spring when 14 of the board’s 31 seats are up for election.

The NCWP is an advisory board made up of volunteers who either live, work or own property in Westchester, Playa del Rey or Playa Vista. The board votes on issues that impact the community and acts as a liaison between the community and the city council.

Westchester resident Cyndi Hench has been the NCWP president for the past decade and is encouraging those that have an interest in serving their community to find out more and fill out a candidate application.

“I love being on neighborhood council, and I think the more that the community is involved with it, the better our community is,” said Hench, who has lived in Westchester for 32 years. “The more involved people are, the better educated they become about local issues and then the neighborhood council becomes better educated about things that impact the community.”

A wide range of issues come before the NCWP’s eight regular committees, who then make a recommendation to the full board, which meets the first Tuesday of every month in the Westchester Community Center Room

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Community members pack the Westchester Senior Center during the Neighborhood Council of Westchester/Playa’s annual Community Dinner held in January.

at Westchester Park. Hench says the monthly meetings provide important information about topics that directly impact the community–think electric scooters, construction plans at LAX, and proposed new developments–so they are an invaluable resource for NCWP stakeholders.

“Bringing more local information to our community has been the most rewarding thing about being on the neighborhood council,” says Hench.

“Every month we present a variety of

information that is applicable to life in our zip codes. I think that people that don’t come to the meetings miss out on some really good local information.”

While being on the board is rewarding, it is also a commitment.

For starters, elected members serve four-year terms, can expect to spend a minimum of 10 hours a month on NCWP business and are required to serve on at least one committee.

“If you’re thinking about running,

do it!,” says five-year NCWP member Grace Yao, who represents LMU on the board and is the election chair.

“There’s a lot we can affect, especially at the local level, and that’s why we need more people involved. You grow an appreciation for what is happening in our neighborhood and how people are serving and giving back, as well as the diversity of opinions that make up our community.”

Candidate applications can be submitted to the L.A. City Clerk starting February 17 through March 19, 2019. Elections for the board will be held on Sunday, June 2.

Seats up for election include: eight Residential Directors, two At Large Directors and a variety of seats representing neighborhood interests.

“Our community needs people who are willing to do the work. I would encourage people to run and get your friends out to vote,” said Hench.

“You can also talk with a council member to find out what’s involved.

It’s an important organization with an important advisory role. The neighborhood council is the voice of the community.”

For more information on running for neighborhood council or the election, please visit ncwpdr.org.

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

With applications for candidates interested in running for neighborhood council opening this month, we wanted to hear from current members about their experience serving on the board. Below is a short Q&A with three NCWP members.

you can do; there are so many opportunities to make a difference!

so much about the community. Everyone in Playa is so down to earth; they remind me of the kindhearted people I grew up with in eastern Iowa. The community is very tight-knit and they really care about the community they call home.

thelp us help you p Letyou us help promy organization or organizatio nization or even Dr. Michele Cooley-Strickland

Dr. Michele Cooley-Strickland is a Playa del Rey resident and has been on the NCWP for 5 years. For nearly a year, Cooley-Strickland, a project scientist at UCLA, has also served as the board’s Vice President.

Q. What is the most rewarding thing about being on the neighborhood council? A. We are truly making a difference in people’s lives locally. The issues that are brought up before the board need attention and are directly relevant to people’s lives. It’s most rewarding when you work on an issue and it impacts your neighbors, the businesses you frequent and the neighborhood at large.

Q. What do you say to people who are interested in running? A. Just go and do it! If nothing else, you learn about the workings of local government and meet dynamic, capable and dedicated people. It gets you out of your comfort zone. If you care, there’s a lot

Matt Rheault

Matt Rheault is one of the NCWP’s newest members and was appointed to the board nine months ago. Rheault, co-owner of art, skate shop, Clean Aesthetic on Culver Blvd., holds the council’s business seat for Playa del Rey. Q. What made you want to join the NCWP? A. Having owned a small business in Playa del Rey for the past six years, I have seen how what could be looked at as small decisions by our elected officials can truly affect the business community in lower Playa. By joining the neighborhood council, I plan to look out for the business community to help steer away potential bad decisions before they happen. I also care strongly about our environment and don’t want to see anything happen with the local wildlife that is so prominent in lower Playa del Rey. Q. What do you like best about being on the NCWP? A. What I like best about the NCWP so far is the people. They all have been very patient and helpful with the learning curve that comes with this position.

Also, all the new people I get to meet that also care

Garrett Smith

Longtime Westchester resident, Garrett Smith, has been on the NCWP for five years and also serves on the Outreach and Planning & Land Use committees.

Q. What is your favorite Neighborhood Council experience? A. The one I like the most is the community dinner. It’s well attended, and it gives us an opportunity to talk to people that we normally wouldn’t get the chance to. When I first came on the neighborhood council, there was a real division between Playa del Rey and Westchester as far as Legado and other developments. Together, we have overcome all of that.

The people who I ran against [in the last election] are now some of my closest allies, which I’m proud of.

Q. What do you say to people who are interested in running? A. It’s a great opportunity for service to your community. Even if you don’t win, I encourage you to get on a committee and get involved. Your voice is important, and it deserves to be heard.

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stchesterhom westchester hesterhometo Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News

February 2019 • Page 5

TheHTN.com Photo by Joerg Rose.

Business & Nonprofit News

Rotarians love to volunteer, and they are looking for like-minded individuals to help paint, clean, decorate and assist with a variety of projects during the makeover of the Westchester Townhouse. Pictured: Rotarians from the Westchester and Playa Venice Sunrise Rotary clubs, including Westchester Rotary President Tori Hettinger (third from left) pose with tools during a Habitat for Humanity volunteer day.

Westchester Rotary calls on volunteers to help with Makeover Project.

Roll up your sleeves, grab a paintbrush and head to the Westchester Townhouse! The Westchester Rotary Club is looking for volunteers to help with their 2019 Makeover Project, which will help upgrade and enhance the Westchester Townhouse. The building, which has been used as a meeting place for youth organizations and events since the 1940s, will receive new paint, landscaping, customized doors, an upgraded bathroom and more, courtesy of the Westchester club with major financial backing from the Drollinger Family Charitable Foundation, the Hannon Foundation and the Westchester Woman’s Club.

The nonprofit organization has numerous volunteer opportunities this month for community members looking to lend a hand, starting the weekend of February 9-10 for demolition, clean up and prep. The majority of the work—painting, prepping, staining wood, building– will take place on Thursday, February

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This is the club’s seventh Makeover Project, and previous makeover recipients include the Westchester Senior Center, Venice’s Safe Place for Youth and several homes in Westchester.

For more information about the Makeover Project and to sign-up for a volunteer opportunity, please visit rotary-westchester.com.

Jane St. John poses in one of her favorite local spots, Playa del Rey’s Flowers by Felicia. St. John will receive the Champion of Mental Health Award during Airport Marina Counseling Service’s Spring Gala in April.

28 through March 3. Some weekday volunteer opportunities are also available.

The revamped townhouse will be revealed to the groups it serves and the community on Sunday, March 3.

Playa del Rey’s Jane St. John to be honored at AMCS’ Spring Gala.

Playa del Rey resident and local real estate agent, Jane St. John, will be honored at the Airport Marina Counseling Service’s (AMCS) 2019 Spring Gala with the Champion of Mental Health Award. St. John is known throughout the community for her giving spirit and organizing the annual Playa del Rey Toy Drive that takes place in December. She also supports numerous community events and nonprofits, including the Rock Roll & Run and the Fourth of July Parade.

St. John has been a longtime supporter of AMCS and its fundraising group, the Westchester Mental Health Guild, as a regular sponsor of the Holiday Home

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

The former Burger King at 96th St. and Airport Blvd. was demolished in just six hours and is the first building to go to make way for LAX’s Automated People Mover.

Tour and other events.

“Jane has supported the clinic since the 1990s. Her philanthropic efforts are evident throughout the community,” said AMCS’ CEO Eden Garcia-Balis. “She puts community first and defines selflessness. We are thrilled she accepted our invitation to be AMCS’ 2019 Champion of Mental Health.”

The Spring Gala will take place on Thursday, April 11 at the LAX Marriott Hotel. Tickets to the event are $150, and sponsorships are available. The money raised helps support AMCS’ mission to provide affordable mental health care, group therapy and train therapists.

For more info, please visit amcshelps.com.

Automated People Mover construction kicks off with demolished structure.

The late January demolition of a Burger King located on 96th St. and Airport Ave. in Westchester has kicked off a new phase of construction at LAX. The building is the first to go to make way for the airport’s Automated People Mover (APM) system as part of their Landside Access Modernization Program (LAMP). Several more structures along the APM’s route are slated for demolition, and construction on the project is scheduled to begin this spring.

When completed, the Automated

People Mover, an autonomous electric train, will provide travelers access to and from LAX via a 2.25mile elevated guideway. It will also connect travelers to the regional rail system and new rental car facilities.

LAX Integrated Express Solution (LINXS) is the developer of the APM and has committed to keeping at least 75 percent of all non-hazardous construction and demolition waste from going into landfills.

“Transformative projects are accomplished through a series of smaller steps, and we are starting 2019 with substantive work towards the reimagining of LAX,” said LAWA CEO Deborah Flint. “One of our strategic goals at Los Angeles World Airports is to operate sustainably, and we are pleased that LINXS ensured that the demolition surpassed our high environmental standards, setting the tone for the many milestones that lay ahead of us throughout the life of the project.”

For all construction and demolition impacts, renderings of the project and more information on the LAMP project, please visit FlyLAX.com/ConnectingLAX. Individuals can also subscribe to receive email updates on the project’s progress.

We want to hear about your business or nonprofit! Email us at westchesterhometown@yahoo.com for a chance to be featured.

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

February 2019 • Page 7

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

School News

TheHTN.com

Runners sprint from the 1K starting line at last year’s Rock Roll & Run for Education at Loyola Marymount University. Sign-ups are now open for runners at laxcoastaledfoundation.com.

Sign-ups now open to participate in the Rock Roll & Run for Education!

Twenty-one local schools are participating in this year’s Rock Roll & Run, and organizers are inviting the community to sign-up to support local education.

The 5K and 1K race is hosted by the LAX Coastal Education Foundation in partnership with Loyola Marymount University and takes place on Saturday, March 9 starting at 8 a.m. on the university’s campus.

The cost to participate is $30 for adults and kids under 12 interested in running in the 5K. The 1K race for kids is $20. The rates will increase by $5 after February 20. In addition to the timed fun run, the event will feature an expo with live music, community booths, free food, giveaways, a costume contest and more.

For those that can’t make it on race day, you can sign-up as a virtual runner for $10 and select the school you’d like to support. There is a small fee from the race company when you register online.

To sign-up for this year’s run or for more information, please visit laxcoastaledfoundation.com.

Questions can also be directed to info@laxcoastaledfoundation.com or (310) 645-5151. Sponsorship and booth opportunities are still available.

St. Bernard High School makes changes on campus with new leadership. Carter Paysinger and Richard Billups (Class of ‘94) arrived last summer as the new leadership at Playa del Rey’s St. Bernard High

to work with to provide feedback and suggestions on lesson planning, instructional methodologies, assessments and classroom management. They also meet regularly with the administration to make sure goals are being met in the classrooms and the students of SBHS are receiving the best education and academic preparations possible.

For more information about St. Bernard, please visit stbernardhs.org.

New leadership at St. Bernard High School has updated the school’s mission and is working to enhance the learning experience for students.

School (SBHS) and immediately got to work transforming the culture at the school. Step one was to adopt a new mission statement that supports their personal educational philosophies: “St. Bernard High School is dedicated to assisting students in finding their passion and developing that passion through curricular, co-curricular and Christian service opportunities as we prepare them for heaven, college and career.”

Step two was to enhance the learning experience for students to ensure their academic success and preparation for college. Paysinger and Billups turned to their past to help cultivate the future of SBHS by bringing in three academic

consultants to help support the faculty and staff.

Their team includes: Dawna Countryman, 2007 California State Teacher of the Year; Chuck Kloes, a former Assistant Principal at Beverly Hills High School with experience at the UCLA Teacher Training Program for a number of years; and Frank Noyes, longtime principal at Jane Adams Middle School, who is active with the UCLA Teacher Training Program and the L.A. County of Education. These three consultants bring their invaluable experience and support to the faculty of St. Bernard’s every week, says Billups.

Countryman, Kloes and Noyes were each assigned a third of the staff

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

Westchester Rotary offers community service scholarships.

Each year, the Rotary Club of Westchester, through the Westchester Rotary Foundation, offers a $1,000 scholarship in memory and honor of Jim Hill, a former member who was exemplary in his service to the youth of our community. The scholarship will be awarded to a graduating high school senior demonstrating outstanding leadership in community service, who either resides in Westchester, Playa del Rey or Playa Vista and/ or attends Westchester Enriched Sciences Magnets or St. Bernard High School.

The scholarship application is due

by April 15th and may be obtained by emailing cozette@laxlawyers. com. The applicant will be asked to write an essay limited to one page, single spaced, regarding the student’s history of community service.

Have something to share about your school? We want to hear from you!

Email us at westchesterhometown@ yahoo.com to be featured.

February 2019 • Page 9

CELEBRATING 20 YEARS OF CELEBRATING 20 YEARS OF

Photo by Glenn Marzano.

PARADES AND COMMUNITY COMMUNITY PARADES AND One thing we can all agree on is that One thing can all agree is One thing wewe can agree on on is that our community, andallour country, is that our community, and our country, our community, andwork our together! country, isThis better when we all is better when we all work together! better when the we all work together!

This year marks twentieth anniversary This year marks the 20th anniversary year marks twentieth anniversary of the LAXthe Coastal Fourth of July of LAX Coastal Fourth of July of thethe LAX Fourth ofselected, July Parade, andCoastal organizers have Parade, and organizers have selected, Parade, and organizers have selected, “America…Better Together” as the 2019 “America…Better Together” as “America…Better Together” as thethe 2019 theme. With the goal of celebrating 2019With theme.

With thecelebrating goal of celetheme. theus goal what connects andofpromoting unity, brating whatus connects us and promotwhat connects and that promoting unity, the theme represents working ing unity, the theme represents that the theme represents that working together makes us stronger, more working together makes us a stronger, together makes us stronger, more diverse and prosperous nation. moreand diverse and prosperous diverse prosperous nation. nation.

“The parade is such a positive “The parade is such a positive “The parade is such a positive community event, and with ourour community event, and with community event, we and with ourwanted 20th anniversary, really wanted 20th anniversary, we really 20th anniversary, we really wanted totohighlight that great things can highlight that great things can to highlight that great things can bebe accomplished when everyone accomplished when everyone be accomplished when everyone comes together for common goals comes together for common comes together for common goals and collaboration,” said LAX Coastal goals and collaboration,” said and collaboration,” said LAX Coastal Chamber President/CEO Christina LAX Coastal Chamber President/ Chamber President/CEO Christina Davis. parade wouldn’t be possible CEO “Our Christina Davis.

“Our parade Davis.

“Our parade wouldn’t be sponsors possible without volunteers, neighbors, wouldn’t be possible without without neighbors, and ourvolunteers, participants, andsponsors we’responsors excited volunteers, neighbors, and and our participants, and we’re excited participants, and we’re excited toour celebrate what unites us all as to celebrate unites us all to celebrate what unites usas all as members ofwhat our community, our city members of our community, ourour citycity members of our community, and our country.” and our country.” and our country.”

Applications for participating in this Applications forfor participating in this Applications participating year’s event are available at laxcoastal. year’s event are available laxcoastal. in this year’s areat available com/parade andevent are due by May 17.at com/parade and are due byand May 17.due by laxcoastal.com/parade Entries that include building aare float Entries thatEntries includethat building a float May 17. include building and a musical component are especially and a musical are especially a float and acomponent musical component are appreciated. appreciated. especially appreciated.

Looking back at some of our favorite floats!

“Since it’s an anniversary year for Organizers are also looking for “Since it’s an anniversary year forthe the parade, we’re working on a few National Anthem singer for this the parade, we’re working on a fewyear’s special surprises for our community event.

Auditions will be held in April, special surprises including for our community and spectators, a post-parade and spectators, those interested in a tryout are and including post-parade event,” said Davis.

“We’rea also looking asked to email info@laxcoastal.com event,” said Davis.

“We’re also looking to book more musical entries and forbook more info.musical entries and to more entertainment to make this our best “Since it’s antoanniversary year for entertainment make this our best year yet.” the parade, year yet.” we’re working on a few To help commemorate the parade’s special surprises for our community To help commemorate the anniversary, the said HomeTown News and spectators,” Davis. parade’s “We’re anniversary, the HomeTown News is holding antoessay Those also looking bookcontest. more musical is holding an essay contest. Those interested inentertainment participating are asked entries and to make interested in participating are asked to submit a 500-word this our best year yet.”or less essay toanswering submit 500-word or Fourth less essay “How is the of To helpacommemorate the parade’s answering “How is the Fourth ofof the July Parade an partNews anniversary, theimportant HomeTown is July Parade an important part of the fabric of the community?”; “How does holding an essay contest. Those fabric of theinof community?”; “How does the Fourth July Parade bring the interested participating are asked the Fourth of July Parade bring the community together?”or orless “Why and to submit a 500-word essay community together?”

“Why andJuly what do you love is about the Fourth answering “How theorFourth of what doParade?” youimportant love about the Fourth of July Essays areof due Parade an part thebyfabric of July are due by in Thursday, May Essays 30 and“How two—one of the Parade?” community?”; does Thursday, May 30 and two—one in the Fourth K-12 student and one the of Julycategory Parade bring thein the K-12 student category and one in the 18+ category, will beorselected for community together?”

“Why and the 18+ category, will be selected for what do youin love the Fourth of publication theabout July Parade edition publication in the July Parade July Parade?” of the HomeTown News.

Theedition writers of ofthe thewinning HomeTown News.

The writers Essays are due by Thursday, May of essays will also receive a the winning essays will also receive a 30, berestaurant. selected for giftand cardtwo to awill local For more gift card to a local restaurant.

For more publication thethehtn.com.

July Parade edition info, please in visit info, please visit thehtn.com. of the HomeTown News. The writers of the winning essays will also receive a gift card to a local restaurant.

For more information, please visit thehtn.com.

Photo by Glenn Marzano.

Photo courtesy EACG.

Westchester Lutheran’s 2012 float paid tribute to one of America’s favorite pastimes: baseball.

Clockwise from top left: 1. The Historical Society created a 1950s inspired float in 2000.

2. The Emerson Ave. Community Garden’s quirky 2015 float featured a surfing ear of corn.

3. Westchester’s The Game Sports Bar & Grill’s 2016 patriotic float won the Mayor’s Award.

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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

February 2019 • Page 11

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

How longlong hashas Westchester How Westchester been youryour hometown? been hometown?

Stephanie is a second-generation Stephanie is a second-generation Westchester resident.

She She waswas Westchester resident.

By Consuelo Israelson

By Consuelo Israelson

to the Besides shopping the Youngers alsoalso enjoy going to the to community. the community.

Besides shopping the Youngers enjoy going to the locally, Stephanie is on the Board of of Petersen Automotive Museum and the locally, Stephanie is on the Board Petersen Automotive Museum and the for LMU and and the Bellarmine Villa, as well as performances at at Regents Regents for LMU the Bellarmine Getty Villa, as well as performances KellyKelly and and Stephanie Younger don’tdon’t do do Getty Stephanie Younger College of Liberal Arts Advisory the The Pantages.

College of Liberal Arts Advisory the The Pantages. anything halfway.

ThatThat goesgoes for their anything halfway. for their Board.

In 2018, the Del Rey American Board.

In 2018, the Del Rey American KellyKelly and and Stephanie met met moremore thanthan Stephanie professional lives,lives, raising a family, as as professional raising a family, Little League (DRALL) had a record Little League (DRALL) had a record 25 years ago ago as undergrads at LMU. 25 years as undergrads at LMU. wellwell as having fun.fun. as having fundraising yearyear during Stephanie’s fundraising during Stephanie’s Stephanie was studying classical history Stephanie was studying classical history Their personal recipe for success Their personal recipe for success tenure as Vice President of Fundraising. tenure as Vice President of Fundraising. and and ancient civilization, while KellyKelly was was ancient civilization, while seems to betoworking.

KellyKelly is a tenured seems be working. is a tenured EverEver the dedicated professor, KellyKelly an English major. the dedicated professor, an English major.

English professor at Loyola Marymount English professor at Loyola Marymount enjoys including his students as much enjoys including his students as much “We“We met met in the In Antiquity in Women the Women In Antiquity University (LMU) and and a screenwriter.

University (LMU) a screenwriter. as possible, so you’ll often find them at at as possible, so you’ll often find them classclass and and we realized we shared a real we realized we shared a real He’sHe’s worked on scripts for Disney worked on scripts for Disney house having dinner, dog-dogthe Younger house having dinner, of history, language, art, art, travel and and the Younger of history, language, travel Animation, Illumination and and just just soldsold lovelove Animation, Illumination sitting or house-sitting. sitting or house-sitting.

KellyKelly noted. ouzo!” noted. a livea live action movie script to Sony.

He isHe is ouzo!” action movie script to Sony.

“We“We like like having themthem around, not not having around, alsoalso editing a book and is involved in editing a book and is involved in just because they’re great, but because just because they’re great, but because adapting books to screen.

Stephanie is is adapting books to screen.

Stephanie they’re very good role models for our they’re very good role models for our a premier real real estate agent at Compass. a premier estate agent at Compass. children,” KellyKelly said.said. children,” Her Her team, The The Stephanie Younger team, Stephanie Younger Group, operates throughout Silicon Group, operates throughout Silicon Aidan and and Clare participate in allin all Aidan Clare participate Beach.

Beach. aspects of their parents’ lives,lives, so the aspects of their parents’ so the kids are fixtures at LMU events and kids are fixtures at LMU events and The The rest rest of the includes theirtheir of family the family includes open houses. open houses. two two children, Aidan, 13, Clare, 10, and children, Aidan, 13, Clare, 10, and SeanSean Solo,Solo, a seven-year-old Yorkshire a seven-year-old Yorkshire “We’re lucky thatthat we both havehave “We’re lucky we both Since then,then, they’ve traveled all over Since they’ve traveled all over Terrier and and Bichon FriseFrise mix.mix.

Aidan Terrier Bichon Aidan careers thatthat allow us tousspend lots lots of of careers allow to spend the world and and make frequent tripstrips the world make frequent playsplays Little League baseball, is building Little League baseball, is building timetime withwith our our family,” Stephanie said.said. family,” Stephanie to Ireland, bothboth as a as family and and as as to Ireland, a family a computer and and serves as the for for a computer serves as bat the boy bat boy “It’s “It’s not anot chore to betowith our our children. a chore be with children. chaperones to college students studying chaperones to college students studying the LMU baseball team. the LMU baseball team.

It’s fun.

We really like like eacheach other, It’s fun.

We really other, abroad. abroad. in addition to loving eacheach other.

We We in addition to loving other.

“That has been suchsuch a great “That has been a great “I’m“I’m really drawn to Ireland,” really drawn to Ireland,” don’tdon’t think whatwhat we’rewe’re doing is ‘raising think doing is ‘raising experience for him.

He’sHe’s like like theirtheir littlelittle experience for him.

KellyKelly said.said.

“Not“Not just just because of my because of my kids.’

We’re raising adults: the kind of of kids.’

We’re raising adults: the kind brother.

TheyThey just just lovelove him,” KellyKelly said.said. brother. him,” background as anasIrish-American, but but people background an Irish-American, we’d want to spend time with people we’d want to spend time with Aidan eveneven has his WestWest Coast Aidan hasown his own Coast because the country has such a rich because the country has such a rich in the We’re in this family for for in future. the future.

We’re in this family Conference championship ringring fromfrom Conference championship culture for storytelling.” culture for storytelling.” life!

And we make sure that the outside life!

And we make sure that the outside when the Lions shared the regular when the Lions shared the regular Stephanie added, “Ireland doesn’t feel feel friendships Stephanie added, “Ireland doesn’t we have are supportive of friendships we have are supportive of season title title in 2017.

Clare is onisaon swim season in 2017.

Clare a swim like like travel.

We know so many people travel.

We know so many people our family relationships.” our family relationships.” teamteam through Alpha Aquatics and and is is through Alpha Aquatics therethere and and havehave made suchsuch goodgood friends made friends Other locallocal events the Youngers are are Other events the Youngers alsoalso a member of the company a member of drama the drama company thatthat it feels like visiting family.” it feels like visiting family.” involved in and sponsor include the the involved in and sponsor include TADA Stages (The(The Academy of of TADA Stages Academy When it came timetime to focus on their When it came to focus on their RockRock RollRoll & Run for Education 5k/1k, & Run for Education 5k/1k, Dramatic Arts)Arts) in Manhattan Beach.

Dramatic in Manhattan Beach. careers and raise their family, the careers and raise their family, the the Westchester Arts & Music Block the Westchester Arts & Music Block Her Her life goal is toisbetoabe “triple threat”: life goal a “triple threat”: Youngers knew therethere was was no better Youngers knew no better Party (WAM), the Westchester Farmers’ Party (WAM), the Westchester Farmers’ singer, dancer and and musician. singer, dancer musician. placeplace thanthan the Westchester/Playa area.area. Market the Westchester/Playa and and the Emerson Avenue Market the Emerson Avenue the impetus behind one one po ht oo st Clare obsyClare bisyalso is also the impetus behind Community Garden.

For the past 15 15 Community Garden.

For the past “You don’t have to go very far to “You don’t have to go very far to of the favorite traditions, of Youngers’ the Youngers’ favorite traditions, Steiner zsi Steiner years, they’ve also been donating cold years, they’ve also been donating cold find a friendly face in Westchester,” find a friendly face in Westchester,” family jam jam sessions theythey call call “Jamily family sessions “Jamily water to spectators at the LAX Coastal water to spectators at the LAX Coastal Stephanie said.said.

Stephanie Time.”

Clare playsplays piano, guitar and and Time.”

Clare piano, guitar of July Parade.

TheyThey started withwith Fourth of July Parade. started Stephanie is a third-generation Silicon Stephanie is a third-generation Silicon Fourth ukulele, while Aidan playsplays bassbass guitar, ukulele, while Aidan guitar, just just a fewa few hundred and and last year theythey hundred last year Beach resident, while KellyKelly moved to to Beach resident, while moved and and KellyKelly singssings and and playsplays piano. piano. gave away 5,000 bottles! gave away 5,000 bottles! the area at 17,atas17,anasLMU undergrad. the area an LMU undergrad.

Another family tradition is Friday Another family tradition is Friday “In your with...” will feature a newafamily for for Both feel it is important to give backback “Inhometown your hometown with...” will feature new family Both feel it is important to give night dinner at Hacienda Del Del Rey,Rey, and and night dinner at Hacienda you toyou meet in the in pages of yourofHTN. to each meet month each month the pages your HTN.

bornborn and and raised here.here.

KellyKelly moved raised moved into into the area at 17atwhen he first the area 17 when he first attended Loyola Marymount attended Loyola Marymount University.

University.

What does the the perfect dayday in in What does perfect Westchester looklook likelike to you?

Westchester to you?

We would ride ride our bikes to to We would our bikes breakfast at Dinah’s.

On our breakfast at Dinah’s.

On way our way back, we would stopstop in atina at few back, we would a few openopen houses and and VonsVons Market, houses Market, thenthen relaxrelax at home by the at home by pool. the pool.

Dinner would be either friends Dinner would be either friends overover for afor barbecue or we a barbecue orwould we would go out at the go to outdinner to dinner at Hacienda. the Hacienda.

ThenThen definitely end end our day withwith ice ice definitely our day cream! cream!

Since you’ve made Since you’ve made Westchester youryour home, what Westchester home, what is the biggest change youyou is the biggest change have seen in the community? have seen in the community?

OverOver the last 20 years, we’ve the last 20 years, we’ve noticed many young families noticed many young families moving into into the neighborhood.

So So moving the neighborhood. because of that, we’ve seenseen a huge because of that, we’ve a huge increase in kids riding bikes, babies increase in kids riding bikes, babies in strollers, neighbors walking dogs, in strollers, neighbors walking dogs, and and people just just engaging more withwith people engaging more the neighborhood. the neighborhood.

There are are so many great There so many great people and businesses in this people and businesses in this community; is there anyone community; is there anyone in particular youyou would likelike to to in particular would givegive a special shout-out to? to? a special shout-out It’s hard to single out any one one It’s hard to single out any business, but we’ll go with Hacienda business, but we’ll go with Hacienda Del Rey and and Musical Beginnings Del Rey Musical Beginnings Music School.

Music School.

Capturing those special family moments Capturing those special family moments thatthat youyou livelive everyday everyday Specializing in photographing families, portraits, children & events.

Specializing in photographing families, portraits, children & events.

zsuzsiphotography.com zsuzsiphotography.com Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News

February 2019 • Page 13

Bringing more public art to Westchester/Playa

Steve O’Loughlin

Jawsh Smyth

Valerie Gresham

(left to right) Marion Wong, Gloria D. Lee, Karen Taka & Leslie Lauerbach-Davis

We’ll complete the map next month when the next boxes are finished!

Page 14 • February 2019

Colorful Colorfulmini-murals mini muralson onutility utilityboxes are popping up all over theover neighborhood, boxes are popping up all the thanks to talented artists who are helping neighborhood with the goal of bringing bring public the community moremore public art toart thetocommunity and helping beautifysome someofofthe thearea’s area’sbusiest and beautifying busiest thoroughfares. thoroughfares.

Noticing other areas in L.A. Noticingthat other areas in L.A. thathad had artwork artworkon ontheir theirutility utilityboxes, boxes,NCWP NCWPPresident Cyndi Cyndi HenchHench, thoughtthought bringing the President, program to Westchester/Playa would help bringing the program to Westchester/ transform the drab, gray boxes Playa would help beautify the into cool, colorful additions to athe neighborhood’s community and be cool addition to streetscapes.

She She connected withwith the the newly the streetscape. connected formed Westchester/Playa Arts Committee newly formed Westchester/Playa Arts for support on projectonand call for Committee forthe support theaproject artists out early The comand awas call put for artists waslast putyear. out early mittee, which madewhich up of is local residents, last year.

Theisgroup, made business leaders, community repreup of local residents, businessgroup leaders, community representatives, sentatives andgroup artists, was delighted by the artists and artreceived. enthusiasts, was proposals they delighted the artwork “We werebyamazed at thethey levelreceived. of artwork that“We was were submitted, ” said committee amazed at the level of member and LMU Senior Director of Auxiliary artwork submitted,” said committee and Business Andy O’Reilly. member andServices, LMU Senior Director of “The selection ofand the Business mural artists was tough!

Auxiliary Services, Andy There were“The so many incredibly unique O’Reilly. selection of the mural interpretations of what this community artists was tough! There were so many represents. utility box mural project, incrediblyThe unique interpretations of and thethis factcommunity that this volunteer public what represents.

The art committee thethe communiutility boxexists, muralspeaks project,toand fact ty’s commitment to public public art art committee and to our that this volunteer talented neighborhood artists.” exists, speaks to the community’s commitment public artNeighborhood and to our With fundingtofrom the talentedofneighborhood artists.”

Council Westchester/Playa (NCWP), Councilmember Mike Bonin’s office and the With funding from the Westchester/ Drollinger Family Charitable Foundation Playa Neighborhood Council (NCWP), (DFCF), with support the office Playa VenCouncilmember Mikefrom Bonin’s ice Sunrise Rotary Club, 11 Charitable designs were seand the Drollinger Family lected and approved thesupport committee, Foundation (DFCF)by with fromthe NCWP and the city.

Artists began painting the Playa Venice Sunrise Rotary Club, in11mid-January, and all selected of the boxes of the designs were and are anticipated to the be completed approved by committee,by theMarch.

NCWP “We’re great feedback and the already city, andhearing artists began painting from the community the boxes in mid-January.

Withabout delayshow in the are resonating with people, making painting due to rain, all of the boxesthem are proud of theirtocommunity and anticipated be completed byinterested March. in seeing increased “We’re alreadybeautification hearing greatefforts,” said O’Reilly.

“It’s great hear that people feedback from thetocommunity about are excited to boxes see theareart, and we’d with like to thank how the resonating the artistsmaking who have given their time and people, them proud of their talent to help beautify our community. community and interested in seeing ” The Westchester/Playa Arts Committee increased beautification efforts,” said isO’Reilly. looking to secure additional “It’s great to hear thatfunding people and hopes to announce theart, next call for utility are excited to see the and we’d box in the likeartists to thank thespring. talented artists who If you’re being ontothe have giveninterested their timeon and talent help email list for upcoming utility box beautify our community.” mural please email Theopportunities, committee hopes to secure westchesterplayaart@gmail.com. additional funding soon and announce the next call for utility box artists in the spring. If you’re interested on being on the email list for upcoming utility box mural opportunities, please email westchesterplayaarts@gmail.com.

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

Meet the Artists Jawsh Smyth

Steve O’Loughlin

Playa Vista artist, artist, Jawsh JawshSmyth, Smyth,works Playa Vista works as a graphic designer but inyears as a graphic designer, but in recent recent years hasoftaken more of has taken more an interest in an the fine interest arts. in the fine arts.

His surrealand andplayful playful His colorful, colorful, surreal design depicts his alter-ego, Melting design depicts his alter-ego, Melting Man. Man. “Melting Man is a character that “Melting man is a character I started developing to addressthat a I started developing to address a couple couple of things on a global level—like of thingschange on a global level—like climate climate and global warming, ” change and global warming,” said said Smyth, who got some help Smyth, who gothis some help painting painting from children.

“But from his children.

“But Man Melting Man has sort ofMelting became a has sort of became a representation of representation of myself and dealing myself with the ups It’s andsort with theand upsdealing and downs of life. downs of life.

It’s sort of this multiof this multi-meaning character.” meaning character.”

Smyth is also the artist behind the Smythmural, is also“Oaxacan the artist behind 16-foot Dancer,the ” 16foot mural, “Oaxacan Dancer,” located located at Westchester’s Cinco. at Check Westchester’s Cinco.utility box out Smyth’s located on La Tijera at Sepulveda Check out Smyth’s Blvd. box located on Westway in Westchester.

La Tijera Blvd. at Sepulveda Eastway in Westchester.

Steve has been beenaa Steve O’Loughlin O’Loughlin has professional artist for more than2525 professional artist for more than years been creating public art years,and andhas been creating public art for for more than 15. utility box mural is more than 15. His A Westchester resident the located on Sepulveda Blvd.since at Sepulveda early 90s, O’Loughlin’s goal is to use Eastway in Westchester. hisAartistic skills to translate Westchester resident sinceand the express the spirit of the community. early 90s, O’Loughlin’s goal is to use His which his utility artisticbox skillspainting, to translate anduses his signature knotwork patterns, is an express the spirit of the community. homage to traffic as uses it flows smoothly His painting, which his signature and gets us safely to our destination. knotwork pattern, is an homage to “It’s aascelebration of cooperation traffic it flows smoothly and gets us and watching out for your safely to our destination. fellow man and following the rules,” said “It’s a celebration of cooperation O’Loughlin.

“I’ve used this designand watching out for your fellow man and before, but never in such close following the rules,” said O’Loughlin. proximity to actual traffic. It gave me “I’ve used this design before, but never a deeper appreciation of what the in such close proximity to actual traffic. piece is about. I’ve worked with this It gave me a deeper appreciation of what pattern since I moved to L.A., and I the piece is about. I’ve worked with this think this is a great application for it.” pattern since I moved to L.A., and I O’Loughlin has murals and artwork think this is a great application for it.” all over Westchester, including at O’Loughlin has murals artwork Covenant Preschool, Holyand Nativity all over Westchester, including Church, Wright Middle Schoolatand at Covenant Preschool, Nativity numerous elementaryHoly schools.

Church, Wright Middle School and on Check out O’Loughlin’s artwork numerous elementary schools. Blvd. at the box located on Sepulveda Sepulveda Eastway in Westchester.

Check out O’Loughlin’s mural on Sepulveda Blvd. at Sepulveda Eastway.

Valerie Gresham AAtoy by day, day,artist artistValerie Valerie toy designer designer by Gresham drawand andpaint paintininher Gresham loves loves to draw her spare time, especially it to spare time, especially whenwhen it comes comes to sketching her dog, Sparky. sketching her dog, Sparky.

Gresham Sparky, aaMiniature Miniature Gresham used used Sparky, Pinscher friend,Luna, Luna,asas Pinscher and and his his friend, inspiration for her playful designthat that inspiration for her playful design depicts the two playing in a local park depicts the two playing in a local park while in the thebackground. background. whileplanes planes soar soar in Check out Gresham’s design on the Check out Gresham’s design on box located on Westchester Pkwy. at Westchester Pkwy. at Pershing Dr. in Pershing Dr. in Playa del Rey. Playa del Rey.

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

Gloria D. Lee, Leslie Lauerbach-Davis, Karen Taka & Marion Wong

Four Fourlocal localartists artistsshowed showedoff offtheir their skills to complete a box in Playa skills to complete a box in Playa del del Rey Reyshowcasing showcasingthe theBallona Ballona Wetlands.

Wetlands.

Artists ArtistsGloria GloriaD. D.Lee, Lee,Leslie LeslieLauerbachLauerbachDavis, Karen Taka and Davis, Karen Taka andMarion MarionWong Wong are areall allmembers membersof ofthe theWestchester Westchester Senior SeniorCenter Center Art ArtClass Classand andwere were the the only group submission for this first only group submission for this first round roundof ofutility utilitybox boxmurals. murals. Lee has Lee has been teaching artart classes been teaching the center’s class in in Westchester for more than 20 years, Westchester for more than 20 years, and andthe thepainters painterswho whosubmitted submittedthe the design thought participating design thought participatingin inthe the utility utilitybox boxmural muralproject projectwould wouldbe beaa great opportunity to give back to great opportunity to give back tothe the community through art. community through art.

Check out the box, located on Check out the box for scenes of the Pershing Dr. at Manchester Ave. in Playa flora and fauna that help make up the del Rey, for scenes of the flora and fauna Ballona Wetlands and the bike bath that help make up the Ballona Wetlands on Pershing Dr. at Manchester Ave. in and the bike path.

Playa del Rey.

February 2019 • Page 15

Random Notes/Opinion

TheHTN.com

Small changes can lead to big results

By Jeff Blair Opinion: I recently had the pleasure of reading the book Atomic Habits

by James Clear. The basic idea of the book is that small behavioral changes can produce huge results when done consistently over a period of time. Since I preach this idea in pretty much everything I write or say, I took a liking to Mr. Clear immediately! I also thought the book’s lessons could help many people make progress with their fitness programs.

In order to make a habit stick, the initial behavior needs to be: 1. obvious; 2. attractive; 3. easy; and 4. satisfying.

Let’s consider someone who made a New Year’s resolution to “get more exercise” in 2019 in order to get healthier.

How could this person make that desired behavior (“get more exercise”) obvious, attractive, easy and satisfying? One common way to make the behavior more obvious is to lay out your workout clothes the night before your morning workout.

Page 16 • February 2019

If you lay your clothes out, they are more obvious than if they are hidden away in a drawer somewhere. This makes it “just a little easier” to work out the next morning. Sometimes the “just a little easier” aspect is the difference between working out and not working out.

Note how this would also apply to developing better eating habits. If you want to eat more fruit, you can place apples in a fruit bowl in the middle of your kitchen table. You are more likely to eat them when you can’t avoid seeing them. Apples placed in a crisper are less likely to get eaten than apples placed in the middle of your table because they are less obvious.

In order for you to “get more exercise” you should start with a form of exercise you find attractive.

If you like walking, start with walking. If you like tennis, start with tennis. If you like weight-lifting, start with weight-lifting. “Like” and “attractive” are relative terms in this situation. You don’t have to love the form of exercise, but you shouldn’t hate it either. If you hate it, you should look for a form of exercise you find more attractive.

In order for your choice to be “easy,” you should start with a small commitment. Maybe your commitment is twenty minutes of walking to start. If this is easy for you, you are more likely to continue to do it rather than choosing something that feels highly painful. For many (not all), running is painful. If you feel that way, I wouldn’t recommend starting with running. The mental discomfort is probably too high for you to continue long enough to develop a habit. Look for something easier to start.

How can you make your workouts more immediately satisfying? To conceptualize this, I encourage you to think of a typical military boot camp environment and do the exact opposite of that. Try to find a supportive friend to workout with, perform the workout in a pleasant environment and listen to music you like. Even give yourself a pat on the back for showing up. Look for supportive, nonjudgmental people who make you feel better about yourself rather than worse about yourself. Focus on the positive health benefits of your workout rather than the fact that you don’t look like a

movie star quite yet. Once you have developed your exercise habit, you can ramp things up, but “no pain, no gain” is extraordinarily bad advice when trying to create a habit. You need to find some enjoyment in your workout to sustain it long-term.

We all have different personalities and everyone is not going to respond exactly the same, but by focusing on making your desired healthier behavior more obvious, easy, attractive and satisfying, you can greatly increase the odds that you will create a habit.

Once a habit is created, the cognitive load necessary to maintain the behavior is dramatically less and we can even default to this healthy behavior. Once you have done this, you will have the power of habit and human behavior working for you, rather than against you. You will then be well on the road to success.

Jeff Blair (MS) is a certified personal trainer, fitness author and fitness expert. He has worked as a personal trainer in Westchester since 2002. Email 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 seeing events in your life from a healthy perspective?

By Fay Craton Opinion: Did you see the blood moon and the lunar eclipse in January? The rains stopped and the clouds cleared just in time to see this event. We were even treated to seeing a meteor hit the moon while the eclipse unfolded. It was a crisp night requiring taking the effort to bundle up to go outside to see the full moon passing through the shadow of the Earth. Eclipses have fascinated humans since before recorded history. Events like these were confusing and unusual, which caused people to think they were omens foretelling the end of the world or that danger was imminent.

When people do not understand what is happening around them, it is easy to be led astray and to think the worst. However, education and communication can help shift our thinking to help us better understand what is happening around us.

Perceptions are based on what you have experienced throughout your lifetime. As a child, did you always feel safe? Did the adults around you teach you about healthy feelings?

Did you learn the value of who you are and to respect the value of others? For many people the answer is “no.” When your experiences of today are filtered through a lens of pain and/or a lack of healthy selfesteem, it is very difficult to have healthy relationships with significant others, family members, friends and co-workers. The more hurt you felt in the past can result in the lens that you use to view your life and interactions with others to filter out a large amount of important information. Healthy relationships require shifting your lens to a more compassionate perspective.

Sometimes, the need for change might take a phenomenal event on the magnitude of an eclipse or perhaps a personal crisis.

Sometimes something important brings into focus the need to change your experiences and sparks your

willingness to choose to change your outlook. Living life from past hurt just keeps you in pain and leading an unsatisfying life. Shifting your perspective today can brighten your life and help build memories for a better tomorrow.

How do you make the change?

Someone else cannot change your life for you. This is not something forced upon you. It is something you choose to embrace. Making significant life changes does not happen with a momentous “aha.” Your negative experiences may be history, but they can still be a major factor in habits ruling your life today, and these habits take time to change. Be patient with yourself and with other people attempting to make similar changes.

To make a change, it is important to understand what you are changing.

Pay close attention to how your words and actions make your life better or worse. Do you say mean spirited things to a person you love?

Proving another person wrong or creating pain for that person destroys trust. Nurturing relationships must have trust and mutual respect.

Healthy communication between loved ones builds up the other person. It is always a two-way process.

My wish is for you to experience loving relationships with significant people. Phenomenal events or a life crisis can create confusion, but they don’t have to; through healthy communication, they can also bring people together. I wish for you to understand the impact of your words and actions in order to build a quality life in which you and the people you care about thrive.

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.

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

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

February 2019 • Page 17

Pictured: The Westchester Youth Band sponsored by the Westchester Music Center, circa early 1960s.

This picture is part of the Westchester/Playa Historical Society’s collection, which gives a glimpse back into the history of Westchester and Playa del Rey. Community members are invited to view the Historical Society’s pictures, memorabilia, yearbooks and other items that are on display at Westchester’s Jewel and Playa’s Treasure. The storefront, located at 6205 W. 87th St. in the Westchester Triangle, is open Fridays and Saturdays from 4 to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. during the Farmers’ Market for people to visit.

Page 18 • February 2019

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

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

February 2019 • Page 19

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

help izati I love my hometown...record shop

Soundsations co-owner, Lee Wilson, and Steve Rhodes (right) show off some of their favorite albums.

As the Westchester Town Center BID Ambassador, it’s Steve Rhodes job to know all the businesses in the Westchester business district, and there’s one that he knows particularly well: Soundsations. The music enthusiast says he stops in three to four times a month to check out the local record store’s inventory, which includes vinyl, DVDs, CDs and T-shirts.

“I don’t know what I’d do if this place didn’t exist,” said Steve who has lived in Playa del Rey since 1990. “I think music should be available to everyone and having a record store close by is awesome. I always find records here that I haven’t seen in ages, or forgot existed, and albums that are hard to find.”

As the dad of two sons, Jaren, 17,

and Jacob, 12, stopping into the shop with his kids has been a great way to share his passion for music and find new bands that they can all enjoy listening to.

“I could come in here all the time,” said Steve as he reminisces about some of his favorite albums. “I can get lost in here. You end up getting into random conversations with people about music and that’s half the fun.”

Steve loves Soundsations and thinks you will, too. Check out Soundsations for all your music needs at 8701 La Tijera Blvd. in Westchester.

Does your favorite local business deserve a shout out? Send us an email at westchesterhometown@yahoo.com for a chance to share your favorite hometown spots with our readers.

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

February 2019 • Page 21

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

More than 150 kids, parents and community members celebrated Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, January 21, with a Kids’ March for Equality along Sepulveda Boulevard in Westchester.

The event was organized by local moms who wanted to create a safe, positive, nonpartisan opportunity for families to voice their support for kindness, equality and diversity.

Kids of all ages waved signs and chanted positive slogans while drivers passing by honked their horns in support.

“I think it was just the right little event for Westchester. It was

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

refreshing for a lot of people to get out there to support equality and the core values of inclusiveness–treating people with respect and kindness,” said organizer and Westchester mom, Haan-Fawn Chau. “It felt like our community was really united on that day for these really core values.”

Sign slogans included “Choose love,” “All colors are beautiful,” “In a world where you can be anything, be kind” and “Humans United!”

Westchester mom, Shana Aelony, who attended the event with her two children, said she was excited to be able to celebrate Martin Luther

King Jr. Day so close to home.

“It was a really positive event and with the contentious atmosphere of last year, it was refreshing and fun to be out there walking and carrying signs that said ‘be kind,’” said Aelony.

“It was great to focus on our common humanity, embrace diversity and what a wonderful place we live in.”

Chau says she hopes to plan another Kids’ Equality March next year, and the Declaration of Equality that participants signed during the event will be on display at Councilmember Mike Bonin’s Westchester office this month.

February 2019 • Page 23

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