July issue of the Westchester/Playa HomeTown News

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T h e H T N .c o m Photos by Glenn Marzano.

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Community groups make their way down Loyola Boulevard in last year’s parade. The 17th Annual Fourth of July Parade will take place on Monday, July 4 at 11 a.m.

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

This Month Brings You A look inside your HTN Community invited to celebrate Fourth of July Business and Nonprofit News Let’s celebrate Westchester!

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HOMETOWN STAFF/CONTRIBUTORS Stephanie Davis, Publisher, Editor Jeff Blair, Contributing Writer Fay Craton, Contributing Writer

David “Duke” Dukesherer Sr., Looking Back Rebecca Hill, Secret Recipes of the Inn

Advertisers’ Directory

Airport Marina Counseling 30, 35 AYSO 14 Cantalini’s Salerno Beach 22 CarenetLA 31 Covenant Presbyterian Church 31 Custom Design & Construction 09 Decron Properties 17 Drollinger Properties 28 El Segundo 5-Minute Carwash 07 Food Pantry, LAX 31 Found Animals 21 Gateway to GO! 34 Jane St. John 33 Kevin and Kaz Gallaher 32 Laura and Jack Davis 25 LA Arts Collective 32 Loyola Marymount 04

Marina del Rey Hospital 36 Music West 28 Neighborhood Council 27 Playa Venice Sunrise Rotary 22 Playa Vista/Brookfield 24 Rainbow Acres 19 Socal Sports and Fitness 32 St. Anastasia School 23 Stephanie Younger 13 The Real Estate Consultants 16 Vergari and Napolitano 07 Visitation School 29 Westside/Pacific Village 34 Westchester Farmers’ Market 20 Westchester Lutheran 10, 15, 30 Westchester Town Center BID 03 Zacha Homes 26

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.

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Mailing Address: 8939 S. Sepulveda Blvd., Ste. 110 #745 Westchester, CA 90045 Email: westchesterhometown@yahoo.com • Phone: (310) 641-1016 Website: thehtn.com Facebook: facebook.com/thehtn

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

July 2016 • Page 3

Community invited to celebrate Independence Day at 17th annual Fourth of July Parade

Page 4 • July 2016

Photo by Glenn Marzano.

Grab your red, white and blue and head down to Loyola Boulevard to celebrate America’s birthday at the 17th Annual Fourth of July Parade presented by the LAX Coastal Chamber.

The parade will take place on Monday, July 4 starting at 11 a.m. Fifty community groups, floats, bands and entries will travel down Loyola Blvd. from Manchester Ave. to LMU to complete the .75 mile route.

Sidewalk seating along Loyola Blvd. is available on a first come, first served basis, and parade-goers can also bring blankets or beach chairs to sit on.

People generally start reserving their spots around 10 a.m. The most popular seating areas are near any of the three announcer booths along the parade route, located at the beginning of the parade at Manchester and Loyola, center stage near 83rd Street and Loyola and at the end of the parade near 80th Street and Loyola. Joining the parade as announcers are Larry Israelson and Lisa Schwab.

This year’s parade theme is “Our Little Piece of Paradise: Celebrating 75 Years of Westchester,” and is a tribute to the community of Westchester, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year. The parade is the kick-off event for a year of anniversary festivities.

Put on your patriotic garb, sunscreen and a hat, and grab your place along Loyola Boulevard for the 17th Annual Fourth of July Parade.

Many of the floats along the parade route have a Westchester theme, including Visitation Catholic School’s model of the Loyola Theater, LMU’s tribute to the university’s iconic bluff and Westchester Lutheran’s replica of the Spruce Goose that will feature the plane “flying” over Westchester.

Parade entries will be judged before the parade in the categories of Best Overall, Best in Relation to Theme, Chairman’s Choice, and for the first time this year, the Mayor’s Choice

award. The winning floats will be announced as they make their way down the parade route.

“The floats are getting so creative, that we wanted to add another award category to recognize the outstanding work of our community groups,” said parade chair Gwen Vuchsas. “As a committee we appreciate all of the hard work that goes into creating the floats, and so do parade-goers. We are just as excited as the crowd is to see what everyone will come up with.”

While the parade will feature perennial favorites like the Great Pyrenees dogs, local schools and marching bands, newcomers include the Westchester Farmers’ Market, Los Angeles Carnival and the Andreini & Rosal Real Estate Group.

T-shirts featuring the parade logo and Westchester tote bags will be available for purchase on the east side of Loyola at 83rd St. on the day of the parade. T-shirts are $24.99 and tote bags are $13-$15. Cash and credit cards will be accepted. The shirts can also be purchased online at westchester75. com.

“We are honored to be able to put on this event for the community to celebrate the Fourth of July, and we hope everyone will come out and support our hometown parade,” said Vuchsas. “This parade would not be possible without our generous sponsors, our volunteers and the community who supports us year after year.”

Look for sponsors Zacha Homes passing out balloons on Loyola at 80th and 83rd Street and for Stephanie Younger Properties passing out water and sunglasses along the route.

For more information on the parade, please call the LAX Coastal Chamber at (310) 645-5151, and view our parade program on page 11.

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

Photo Courtesy Playa Vista.

Photo Courtesy Department of Beaches and Harbors.

It’s summertime and the living is easy, thanks to all of the great events and activities going on in the community. Whether it’s a family-friendly movie at LMU, a cruise around the Marina featuring the top beer vendors or a concert in the park in Playa Vista, there’s no excuse to be bored this summer.

Below are some of our top picks for upcoming local summer events:

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Monday, July 4: Fireworks in the Marina. After you enjoy the family-friendly Fourth of July Parade in Westchester and enjoy your backyard BBQ, head down to the Marina for the annual fireworks show starting at 9 p.m. The twenty-minute display will be shot from a barge across the Marina’s Main channel, making Burton Chace Park (13650 Mindanao Way) or Fisherman’s Village (12755 Fiji Way) ideal locations to watch the festivities.

As a bonus, those locations will also have synchronized music.

Parking lots in the Marina range from $7 to $14 and fill up quickly, so it’s best to arrive early.

For more info, visit marinadelrey.lacounty.gov.

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Multiple dates: Movies in the Park. What would summer be without catching a movie in the park? Thanks to the great weather and an abundance of local parks, there are a ton of movie offerings this season. Make sure

Counterclockwise from top: 1. Movies and concerts in the park draw hundreds of people to Playa Vista. 2. Marina del Rey will light off fireworks to celebrate the Fourth of July starting at 9 p.m. 3. Playa Venice Sunrise Rotary will hold its annual pancake breakfast at Fire Station No. 5 on Saturday, July 23.

to show up to these events early to snag your spot and lay down a beach blanket, set up a chair and grab some snacks before the feature film starts!

First up is Outdoor Movie Night at LMU, starting Friday, July 1.

The university will play a familyfriendly edited version of Ant Man. On Friday, July 22 The Jungle Book (2016) will be screened. Movies start at 8:15 p.m. in Lawton Plaza (across from the university’s library). Parking is free on the campus after 8 p.m. and free popcorn will be served.

LMU is located at 1 LMU Drive in Westchester. For more info, please call (310) 338-2759.

In Playa Vista, movies will be shown at either Concert Park,

located at the corner of Concert Park Drive and Runway Road or the Central Park Bandshell, located at Waterfront Drive and Lake Center Drive. For movies at the Central Park Bandshell, moviegoers can park for free in “The Shops” parking lot on Seabluff Dr. and Discovery Creek to take advantage of the free Playa Vista shuttle. A location of shuttle pick-up and drop-off locations is available at playavista.com. The shuttles run continuously from 4:45 through 11:45 p.m. on movie nights. Guests can also park at the Hercules Campus Lot off of Bluff Creek Drive for $12.50. All events run from 8 to 10 p.m., with food trucks ready to serve at 5 p.m.

Below are the Playa Vista movies

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

in the park for July and August: • Friday, July 8, My Big Fat Greek Wedding at Concert Park • Friday, July 29, Inside Out at Central Park Bandshell • Friday, August 5, Aladdin at Concert Park • Friday, August 12, The Intern at Central Park Bandshell For more information, please visit playavista.com.

The Department of Beaches and Harbors will be showing outdoor movies on Friday nights at the Dockweiler Youth Center and Burton Chase Park on Saturday nights. Movies at both locations start at 8 p.m. The Dockweiler Youth Center is located at 12505 Vista del Mar in Playa del Rey and Burton Chace Park is located at

(continued on page 35)

July 2016 • Page 5

Business & Nonprofit News

TheHTN.com

Neighborhood leaders view a model of the Northside Plan on the day the 340-acre project was approved by the Los Angeles City Council. From left to right: Westchester/Playa Neighborhood Council President Cyndi Hench, Airport Commissioner Val Valasco, ARSAC President Denny Schneider, Councilman Mike Bonin, LAWA Executive Director Deborah Flint and Northside Project Manager Lisa Trifiletti.

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Photo by Geoff Maleman.

L.A. City Council Approves LAX Northside Plan Update. Westchester Parkway is going to look a lot different in the future now that the LAX Northside Plan Update has been approved by the L.A. City Council.

The plan creates an updated planning blueprint for the 340-acres of vacant property located along Westchester Parkway in Westchester and Playa del Rey, and includes 175,000-square-feet of space for community and civic uses and nearly 50 acres of open space. A previous plan, created in the 1980s, called for a higher density design that could have brought big-box retailers and a traffic nightmare to the area.

At a press conference held on June 14 at Fire Station No. 5, neighborhood leaders praised the collaborative spirit of the plan, which had input from a variety of community groups.

“The Northside Plan was a model of collaborative planning. We brought the spectrum of diverse interests together- community stakeholders, LAWA, City departments, Councilmember Bonin, and the Mayor’s office- to create a plan that works for everyone,” said LAWA’s Deputy Executive Director for Environmental and Land Use Planning Lisa Trifiletti. “This project is a good example of what can be accomplished when everyone is willing to listen, learn, compromise, and work together to achieve a great result.”

Highlights of the project include a

Photo by Angela Clouse.

Above: Market Manager Cynthia Rogers, Westchester Vitalization President Les Watt and Westchester Town Center BID President Karen Dial are excited for the new market to open on Sundays. Below: LAX Coastal Chamber board members are installed by Los Angeles World Airports Executive Director Deborah Flint (far left) at the June 10 Installation Gala.

three-mile long pedestrian paseo that will connect Westchester Parkway to the beach, a ban on big-box retailers and auto dealerships, and open space that could be used to create soccer fields and dog parks.

“Westchester and Playa del Rey deserve a vibrant, thriving community and the Northside Plan will offer neighbors open space and recreation facilities to play in, restaurants and retail space to dine and shop in and a campus-like office space to work in,” said Councilman Mike Bonin. “This plan puts neighborhoods first and is a shining example of our worldclass airport acting like a first-class neighbor. I cannot think of a better gift as Westchester gets ready to celebrate the past 75 years and looks forward to the next 75.”

Now the plan will move to other federal agencies for approval, which could happen in 2017.

Chamber Welcomes New Leadership. The LAX Coastal Chamber welcomed its new board of directors at its annual Installation Gala, held on June 10 at the Marina del Rey Marriott.

LAWA Executive Director Deborah Flint was on hand to install the officers, which include Chairman Charles Bassett, of the L & R Group and Honorary Mayor Ryan Gales, of Jenkins Gales & Martinez. (continued on next page)

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

5 Minutes 5 bucks exterior car wash Ayara Thai owner, Vanda Asapahu, serves popsicles outside of her restaurant to raise money to benefit the Emerson Avenue Community Garden.

New Westchester Farmers’ Market Sets Grand Opening for July 17.

Community members will have another shopping option when it comes to purchasing fruits and veggies now that a new Farmers’ Market is opening in the Westchester Triangle.

The new market is a collaboration between Westchester Vitalization and the Westchester Town Center BID organizations. Vitalization is also the sponsor for the Westchester Farmers’ Market that takes place every Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Westchester Park.

The market’s grand opening will take place on Sunday, July 17.

Westchester Farmers’ Market manager, Cynthia Rogers, says there will be a lot of family fun in store at the grand opening including a petting zoo, live band, kids train, cooking demo, raffle prizes and more. Councilman Mike Bonin will also be there to help celebrate.

The market will run every Sunday in the Westchester Triangle and will offer a mix of farmers, ranchers and specialty growers, along with food purveyors and artisans.

The Westchester Triangle refers to the 6200 block of 87th Street between La Tijera Blvd. and Manchester.

Ayara Thai Partners with Emerson Avenue Community Garden. When neighborhood organizations work together for the common good, great things can happen...like watermelonmint Thai popsicles! Emerson Avenue Community Garden (EACG) and Westchester’s Ayara Thai restaurant recently partnered to help the garden create a stronger compost bin and to help the restaurant grow organic herbs.

“Emerson Avenue Community Garden Club welcomes Ayara Thai Cuisine and staff as volunteers, and we look forward to an ongoing collaboration. We appreciate owner Vanda Asapahu’s commitment to the Westchester community and to the garden; she attended Orville Wright M.S., the site of our garden. A local favorite of many garden members, Ayara is appreciated for its quality food and the friendly service of this

family owned business,” said EACG President John Sharpe.

The Ayara team is helping keep the garden thriving by volunteering hours every week to work on composting.

They are now setting aside peels, vegetable waste and egg shells from the kitchen to bring to the garden.

Thanks to their partnership, Ayara is now going to be able to source cilantro, mint, lemongrass and kaffir leaves to use in its signature dishes.

“I grew up in Westchester, it is where my family lives and works,” said Ayara Thai restaurant owner Vanda Asapahu. “I’m thrilled with the opportunity to work with our local community garden in efforts to reduce carbon footprint and grow organic herbs for our dishes.”

To help celebrate the partnership and the first day of summer, Ayara recently served up complimentary popsicles made with ingredients from the garden and encouraged guests to leave a donation for the nonprofit.

(Mondays 7:30-10:30Am & Wednesdays 7:30AM-1PM)

FREe Vacuums free air guns free towel x change Program BEST CAR wash in town 125 N. Sepulveda blvd., El segundo | 310.535.5555

57th Annual Westchester Begonia Society Sale. The Westchester Branch of the American Begonia Society will present its 57th Annual Begonia Show and Sale on Saturday, July 16, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Covenant Presbyterian Church. This is the only judged begonia show in Southern California and a variety of shade loving flowers and plants from orchids, bromeliads and ferns will be showcased.

Admission and parking are free.

Covenant Presbyterian Church is located at 6323 W. 80th Street in Westchester.

Last Chance to Take Advantage of Y’s Get Summer Teen Initiative. July is the last month that teens– ages 12 to 17– can sign-up to use the Westchester Y for free this summer.

Teens that register will have access to all the Y’s amenities for the month of July including swimming pools and basketball courts, as well as special programming. Registration forms and information about the program can be found at ymcala.org/westchester.

We want to hear about your business or nonprofit! Email us at westchesterhometown@yahoo.com.

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

July 2016 • Page 7

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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

July 2016 • Page 9

Longtime resident recalls Westchester as a “little piece of paradise” Photo by Sarah Ahern.

By Sarah Ahern

Dorothy Rose remembers a Westchester where the local Goodwill was a Hillmart Market, the 405 freeway was pervaded by bean fields and farmland, and the Loyola and Paradise Buildings were the town’s local movie theaters.

Earlier this year, Rose entered a contest to help select the theme for this year’s Fourth of July Parade and her entry, “Our Little Piece of Paradise,” was selected. With Westchester celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, the parade committee thought the tie-in was a no-brainer.

Westchester has been Rose’s home for over 60 years, the place she moved to in 1954 with her family, for a down payment of $300 and a handshake.

Rose was born in Brooklyn, New York and moved with her family to Newark, New Jersey where she lived from the time she was 12 to age 20.

It was in downtown Newark in 1947 where she met her husband, Bill Rose, a Navy seaman home for the holidays who was close friends with ex-boyfriend Morty, a soldier in the army. The two men were outside of the department store she was browsing in during her lunch break from work, and they got to talking.

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Dorothy Rose wrote to the parade committee to let them know how she felt about the community she’s lived in for more than 60 years.

“Later on, Bill told me that moment was the time he knew I was the one he was going to marry,” she said.

When Dorothy Rose was 20, she and Bill married. Rose recalls a night that she, Bill and a group of friends sat around talking, discussing Bill’s plans after his graduation from engineering school. He responded he wanted to move to California, to get out of New Jersey and escape its extreme weather conditions. Eventually, he was able to find a job at Douglas Aircraft company in Santa Monica, and so the Rose family

headed west to California.

Dorothy, Bill, and his mother moved to a one-bedroom apartment in the Baldwin Village area of Los Angeles, but quickly had to upgrade their living situation once Dorothy got pregnant with her first son in 1953. When Bill got hired at Hughes Aircraft, now the site of Playa Vista, the family had to find a home that was a reasonable distance from Hughes. The family searched places such as the Valley, Studio City and Ladera Heights, but ultimately decided they wanted a home, and Westchester seemed the perfect location to settle down.

“We saw this house in the LA Times, and the couple living here was moving out to the Valley. We just talked, and the couple really liked us. We told them we didn’t have the down payment that day, but that we would have it the following day,” Rose said. “Afterwards I learned that another couple came and had cash ready to put down for the house, but they said ‘no.’ They already promised the house to us.”

Rose remembers her early days in Westchester taking her son to pony rides at the current location of the Howard Hughes Center, which was at the time still open farmland. She recalls being able to walk to the supermarket on the corner of Sepulveda and 77th St.

and going with her family to the Bob’s Big Boy on Manchester.

She says one of the most drastic changes she has seen in Westchester is all of the development, such as the addition of condos in the residential areas and near the 405 by the Howard Hughes Center.

“All the construction going on is the biggest difference,” Rose said. “It’s progress, what can you do.”

Rose is very active in the Westchester community, working as a volunteer driver for Westside Pacific Villages, going to regular meetings at Tikvat Jacob and attending plays at the Westchester Playhouse.

Rose said she wanted to participate in the parade theme contest because she always tells people how happy she is to live in Westchester and figured it would be a good opportunity to express her feelings about the community. Since her theme was selected, Rose will have the honor of riding in this year’s event.

Her daughters who live in Arizona and Woodland Hills are coming down to see her ride in the parade, and she says she is excited for the Fourth of July.

“I just love this place,” Rose said. “I love Westchester. It’s my home, I would never want to move from here, and I want to stay in this house as long as I can.”

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

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

4th of July Parade Program

July 2016 • Page 11

WE LOVE THE FOURTH OF JULY! Chamber welcomes new leadership to promote local business The LAX Coastal Chamber may be a business organization, but that doesn’t mean that it doesn’t know how to throw a good party, especially one that includes a few thousand spectators and celebrates America’s birthday!

While the Chamber’s mission is promoting a strong business climate for its members, being a good community partner is equally important. The Chamber is honored to be able to present the Fourth of July Parade year after year, as a celebration of community and our country.

As is now Chamber tradition, the parade is the first public event for the newly installed Board Chair, Charles Bassett and Honorary Mayor, Ryan Gales, who will both be riding in cars in this year’s event.

Bassett has been part of the Westchester and LAX business community for more than 25 years and currently serves as the Chief Strategic Development Officer for the L&R Group of Companies, one of the largest parking property owners in the nation.

Chamber Chairman Charles Bassett and Honorary Mayor Ryan Gales.

“This is an exciting time for our LAX Coastal Chamber, and I am proud to be leading this organization in the upcoming year,” said Bassett.

In his year as chair, Bassett’s goals are to expand the organization’s corporate membership base and partnerships, build branding alliances with neighboring chambers, strengthen the relationship with member educational institutions and to work closely with LAWA and

The Chamber and the Community Most people recognize chambers of commerce as business organizations that advocate on behalf of their members.

While working to promote business is a major part of the mission of the LAX Coastal Chamber of Commerce, one of its mottos is “the perfect blend of business and community.” The majority of its board of directors live and work in the community and are also committed to a number of other nonprofit boards that promote making our community a strong place to live, work and raise a family.

Putting on the parade every year is a labor of love for the Chamber, its staff and committee volunteers who work for months to put together the two hour event.

While the parade is the Chamber’s largest community event, the Chamber also hosts the ChamberFest LAeXpo, Protectors’ Luncheon and the Teacher Eddy Awards. The organization is also proud to have started its newest program, LAX Coworking, to support small and startup businesses by creating a collaborative community to foster innovation and spur economic growth.

Page 12 • July 2016

member businesses to promote great communication during the transformation of LAX into a “world-class airport.”

In addition to his work with the Chamber, Bassett has been a member of the LAX Kiwanis Club for 18 years and serves on the Board of Visitors for Pepperdine’s George L. Graziadio School of Business and is the Vice President of the Gateway to Los Angeles BID. The Chamber’s Honorary Mayor Ryan Gales is the CEO

of Jenkins Gales and Martinez, a premier architectural, design and construction firm that specializes in transportation projects.

Gales is a longtime Playa del Rey resident and is a St. Bernard High School graduate.

Gales currently serves as the board president of Westchester Secondary Charter School, and has been active with the Westchester YMCA’s Youth and Government Program, the St. Bernard High School alumni board and the LAX Coastal Young Professionals.

“The Chamber is always working to create new partnerships and opportunities for its members, and I’m thrilled to be the Honorary Mayor,” said Gales. “I look forward to celebrating new businesses opening with ribbon cuttings and working as an LAX Coastal ambassador to share what our organization is all about.”

For more information on the LAX Coastal Chamber, its members, its programs and events, please visit laxcoastal.com.

History of the Fourth of July Parade For the last 17 years, the Chamber has been proud to host the community’s Fourth of July Parade.

The first parade was meant to be the culmination of a series of events held by the Westchester/Playa del Rey Historical Society to help celebrate the millennium.

Realtor and Westchester resident, Mary Lou Crockett, spearheaded the idea for the Fourth of July Parade and knew that in order for a parade to be feasible, the Historical Society would need to form a partnership with another community group. With its strong community ties, and an eager Chamber president, Gwen Vuchsas, it appeared that teaming up with the Chamber created an ideal alliance.

Although the first year of the parade

committee members were nervous that no one would show up at the event, now thousands of community members and visitors flock to Loyola Boulevard to see this true hometown celebration.

The parade committee, still spearheaded

by Gwen Vuchsas is honored that so many people turn up year after year, to not only view the parade, but also to show their support for their community and their country. The parade would not be possible without the dedication of local groups who work to create entertaining floats; the parade committee who works tirelessly volunteering their time; the residents of Loyola Boulevard who allow us take over their street and all of the families that line the parade route on our Independence Day.

FOR YOUR SAFETY AND CONVENIENCE While we hope you are having fun and enjoying the parade with all of its music, floats and marching groups, safety is our number one priority!

A FIRST-AID STATION is located at the westside corner of 83rd and Loyola. PORT-APOTTIES are located at 85th & Loyola, 83rd & Loyola, and 80th & Loyola.

Please walk your bike or scooter if you need to cross the parade route. Riders that are not with an entry in the parade will be asked to walk their bikes/scooters to ensure the safety of parade entries and to keep the parade running smoothly.

4th of July Parade Program

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

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

4th of July Parade Program

July 2016 • Page 13

14. Councilman Mike Bonin & Star of the 25. Rotary Clubs on the LAFD Firetrucks Neighborhood John Ruhlen 2. Salute to Our Sponsors 26. Southern CA Masonic Lodge #529 15. Los Angeles World Airports 3. LA#1 HOG Chapter 27. Loyola Marymount University 16. Westchester Elks Lodge 2050 & 4. AYSO Region 7 28. Thaine Morris and the Calliope Westchester Lady Elks 5. Senator Ben Allen 29. Westchester Family YMCA 17. Redondo Union High School 6. Lynwood High School Royal Knights 30. OULA Fitness 18. Westchester Lutheran Church & Regiment 31. St. Anastasia Catholic School School 7. The Real Estate Consultants 19. LAX Coastal Chamber Chair Charles 32. Dorothy Rose 8. Rainbow Acres Washington Blvd.

Bassett & Honorary Mayor Ryan 33. Otis College of Art & Design 9. Great Pyrenees Alliance of the West Gales 34. Westchester Little League 10. LAPD Captain Nicole Alberca, 20. Airport Marina Counseling Service Booster President Diane Barretti, & 35. Trash 21. Visitation Catholic School LAPD West Traffic Division 36. Westchester-Playa Democratic Club 22. Boy Scouts of America 11. WISH Charter School 37. Wright Middle School STEAM Magnet 23. Inglewood High School Marching 12. Seaside Shotokan Karate Band 38. Del Rey American Little League 13. 62nd A.D. Republician Central 1. LAPD Pacific Divison Cadets

Committee

24. Emerson Avenue Community Garden 39. St. Monica High School

40. Westchester Farmers’ Market & Mom's Club of Westchester/Playa 41. St. Bernard High School 42. Knights of Columbus 43. Kentwood Players 44. Venice High School Marching Band 45. Los Angeles Carnival 46. Andreini & Rosal Real Estate Group, Gibson International 47. Mariachi Malibu on 1932 Bandwagon 48. Charro Horses 49. The Game Sports Bar & Grill 50. LAX Coastal Chamber Staff & Volunteer Committee *Final line of march as of press time

PLAY SOCCER! The AYSO Philosophies:

Everyone Plays • Balanced Teams • Open Registration Positive Coaching • Good Sportsmanship Player Development With almost 1,600 players registered, AYSO is the largest sporting youth organization in the Westside. Run by a squad of over 300 volunteers, AYSO invites you to be a part of the preeminent youth sports experience in our community. We even offer free clinics with professional coaches throughout the season!

Season starts in September, with games in Nielsen Park, Playa Vista, and St. Bernard High School.

Register for Region 7 at www.eayso.org • More information at www.ayso7.org Ian McCullen, ayso7rc@gmail.com • Wendy Lane, wlane723@gmail.com Page 14 • July 2016

4th of July Parade Program

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

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

4th of July Parade Program

July 2016 • Page 15

LAPD Pacific Area Cadets

L.A. #1 Hog Chapter

The LAPD Pacific Area Cadets are once again leading off the parade and proudly carrying the American flag. It has become a tradition for this group to open this event. The Cadets range in age from 14 to 20 and work in close partnership with the LAPD Community Relations.

As they march, Paul Bost, Westchester resident will be singing “America the Beautiful.”

The Harley Owners Group, Los Angeles Area #1 Chapter sponsored by Bartels’ Harley-Davidson, has been a member of the community since 1992. An organization of over 130 men and women who have a passion for riding the open road and a love for all things Harley-Davidson, they ride every week from Southern to Northern California and even out of state. L.A. #1 HOG has traveled many miles of roads taking time out to give back to the community. Some of the charity rides they’re involved in include The B.A.D. Ride (Bikers Against Diabetes), West Valley Fallen Officers Ride, The Guide Dogs of America Ride and many more. They are a fun loving group who are always willing to help those who wish to fulfill their dreams of getting on a Harley and taking to the open road.

L.A. #1 HOG has been a proud participant in the Westchester 4th of July Parade since the beginning and is glad to be here in the 17th year of the celebration!

For more information and how to join, contact membership@la1hog.com.

Our Little Piece of Paradise Salute to our Sponsors This event would not be possible without the generosity of our sponsors. To help us kick off the event, we have many individuals carrying our great flag that are representing the companies that have stepped up to the plate to ensure the success of this event. Let’s make sure to give them a big round of applause!

Admiral Sponsor: Decron Properties Saluting Sponsors: Drollinger Family Charitable Foundation, HomeTown News, Westfield, Zacha Homes, Jane St. John and Wells Fargo Freedom Sponsor: Neighborhood Council of Westchester/Playa, Loyola Marymount University and Star Waggons Patriot Sponsors: Westchester Lutheran Church, Stephanie Younger | Teles Properties, Fineman Suarez Group, Brookfield Residential Playa Vista

AYSO Region 7 With over 1,500 players and countless volunteers, AYSO Region 7 is the largest sporting organization in Westchester. Come join the fun and excitement and play soccer this fall.

Thank you Westchester for your support and Happy 4th of July!

Senator Ben Allen

Friends of the Parade: Cantalini’s Salerno Beach, Carousel School, Jose Marrero Family, Ladies of the Westchester Elks, Los Angeles Football League, Playa Venice Sunrise Rotary Club, SoCal Gas, St. Anastasia School, Westchester Elks Lodge #2050, Thaine Morris, Los Angeles Airport Marriott and Corte Wright

Since 2012, California State Senator Ben Allen has represented the 26th Senate District, which consists of the Westside and coastal South Bay communities of Los Angeles County, stretching from Santa Monica to the Palos Verdes Peninsula.

Senator Allen looks forward to continuing to serve you in following years and invites you to reach out to him or his staff at their Redondo Beach office.

Firecracker Sponsor: Garrett, Trish and Analise Smith

Lynwood High School Royal Knights Regiment The Lynwood High School Royal Knights Regiment is under the direction of Charlan Jackson and was revived in 2010 after a threeyear hiatus. It serves as the only music program in the Lynwood Unified District.

The Lynwood High School Royal Knights Regiment competes in numerous tournaments and wind band festivals. The group has also formed an indoor drum line that has participated in various competitions along with the color guard and the drill team, which are three-time Sharp National Champions. The Lynwood Performing Arts Program participates in community events for organizations including Habitat for Humanity, Relay 4 Life and the Lynwood Christmas Parade.

information!

Happy Birthday America from Rainbow Acres Natural Foods Washington Blvd.

Great Pyrenees Alliance of the West Great Pyrenees dogs originated in the Pyrenees mountains of France, where they guarded sheep flocks. They were the court dog of Louis XIV and George Washington received two Pyrs from General Lafayette.

They are still livestock guardians and they compete in agility, obedience, rally and carting.

“Pyrs” are also good Pet Assisted Therapy dogs.

Several of our dogs are Certified Therapy Dogs.

GPAW has a rescue program placing Pyrs in “forever” homes. These beautiful, loving dogs make great family pets. If interested in a Pyr rescue, talk to one of our group members. Just look for the big white dogs!

The Real Estate Consultants The Real Estate Consultants reflects with our community during this year’s Fourth of July Parade, “Our Little Piece of Paradise: Celebrating 75 Years of Westchester.”

The Real Estate Consultants are proud participants in their 16th consecutive year in the LAX Coastal Chamber’s 4th of July parade!

Serving the area’s community in real estate sales, leases and investment properties, The Real Estate Consultants are your neighborhood realtors! Happy 4th of July!

Rainbow Acres Natural Foods Washington Blvd.

Rainbow Acres Natural Foods joins the parade for the second year in a row! The locally-owned business is celebrating its 35th anniversary this year, and they know great quality.

Since 1981, they have concentrated on great customer service where education, health and wellness prevail. Their unique, one-of-a-kind store offers plant-based, ready-made nutritious food, including fresh breakfasts, lunches and light dinner entrees as well as cold-pressed juices that make healthy eating easily accessible and delicious.

Visit rainbowacresca.com for more

Happy Independence Day From Your Neighborhood Realtors!

Proud supporters of the LAX Coastal Chamber of Commerce.

Happy 75th Birthday, Westchester!

We celebrate with our community in our 16th year at the LAX Coastal Fourth of July Parade, celebrating “Our Little Piece of Paradise!”

310.642.SOLD (7653) • therealestateconsultants.com Page 16 • July 2016

4th of July Parade Program

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

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

4th of July Parade Program

July 2016 • Page 17

LAPD Captain Nicole Alberca and LAPD Booster President Diane Barretti with LAPD West Traffic Division Nicole Alberca is the Captain at the LAPD Pacific Area Community Police Station located at Culver Boulevard and Centinela. Capt.

Alberca is an active community leader and a great friend to our community!

Make sure you lock up your belongings and report suspicious activity. If we all work together, we can help make our area safer.

Riding with the Captain is Diane Barretti, President of the Pacific Area Boosters Association. Happy 4th of July from the LAPD to you!

WISH Charter School WISH Charter School celebrates Westchester, a Little Town in the Big City.

Nestled between Los Angeles and LAX, the WISH float presents an idyllic family friendly neighborhood that values education, local commerce and a strong, supportive community.

We cherish this Little Town in the Big City, and appreciate our neighbors. This is what Westchester means to WISH families and we are proud to be active and inclusive members of the Westchester community.

WISH is a free public independent charter school with small class sizes, differentiated instruction, strong family partnerships and an affiliation with LMU’s School of Education.

WISH Elementary TK–5 co-locates on the Orville Wright campus and WISH Middle 6-8 co-locates with Cowan Elementary. WISH Academy High School will open with 9th grade in the fall of 2017.

Seaside Shotokan Karate Seaside Shotokan Karate in Playa del Rey was founded by international champion, the late Sensei Penny Ringwood. Seaside Shotokan has provided the community with Traditional Japanese Karate, Yoga and other fitness programs since 1996. Shotokan Karate is a weaponless martial art that is founded on the basic development of techniques, character, physical and mental capabilities. Our Karate training is accessible to everyone, ages 6 to 96, while providing students with a supportive and non-competitive environment.

Our instructors, Jim Oates, JoeJohn McVey and Tatiana Lesnansky have combined over 50 years of experience in the traditional art, whose goal is to pass on what they have been given to the next generation of students.

62nd Assembly District Republican Central Committee The mission of the 62nd A.D. Republican Central Committee is to increase Republican voter registration and turnout. As a tribute to Westchester’s 75 years and our very own Mines Field—known today as the Los Angeles Airport—their music today is the 1942 version of the “Army Air Corps Song.”

This year, your elected committee members include: Maureen Johnson, Carl Davis, Ted Grose, Gary Aminoff, Julius Wilson, & Marc Rener.

Please follow them online at larepublicans. org and on Facebook as “Westchester-Del Rey Republicans.”

Star of the Neighborhood John Ruhlen & Councilmember Bonin Congratulations to this year’s Star of the Neighborhood John Ruhlen! You may want to call him Mr. Sepulveda because thanks to his work with groups like the Westchester Streetscape Association and the Westchester

Page 18 • July 2016

Town Center BID, he has helped beautify and transform Sepulveda into a street the community can be proud of. Read more about Ruhlen on page 27 of the HTN. This is Los Angeles City Councilmember Mike Bonin’s fourth year riding in the Westchester Fourth of July Parade. Mike, who was elected with a staggering 62% of the vote in 2013, has made “putting neighborhoods first” his priority as a Councilmember and has championed common sense solutions to make life better in Westchester. Mike authored the legislation to stop the city from giving tickets at broken parking meters, he has championed water conservation and planting droughttolerant landscaping in the city, and he has pushed the city and Metro to finally connect light rail trains with LAX. You might have already met Mike at one of the “Pop Up Office Hours” session he hosts around Westchester, but if you haven’t met Mike yet, be sure to stop by and say hello the next time you see him at a booth hosting office hours in Westchester!

Los Angeles World Airports Let’s fly back in time with the Los Angeles International Airport! Known as Mines Field in the 1930s, we officially became Los Angeles Airport in 1941 and, since then, have been proud to be Westchester’s neighbor. Back in the day, airlines like TWA and PanAm ruled the skies; today, nearly 70 airlines fly in and out of LAX. You’ll see many of those airlines represented on the signs our volunteers are carrying today. Walking in the parade are staff members from the LAX Community Relations Division, which focuses on establishing and maintaining strong partnerships and relationships with our communities.

Also walking are members of the LAX Police bicycle unit and police cadets, LAX VIPs, who help provide information to travelers in the terminals, and the adorable LAX PUPs, led

by Heidi Huebner, which help ease traveler anxiety with their wagging tails and puppy kisses! Check us out on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to see all of the great ways we partner with our community.

Westchester Elks Lodge #2050 and the Lady Elks The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks is an American fraternity that donates approximately $200 million every year in cash, gifts and time to make our communities better places to live. The programs involve assistance to children with disabilities as well as support Scouting, grant college scholarships, administer the National “Hoop Shoot,” a dictionary program and the Elks Drug Awareness Education Program. A friend of our veterans, hundreds of thousands of Elks and their families have given generously of their time, energy and resources so that the lives of our ill and aging veterans will be enhanced.

The Elks have numerous events open to the public, such as their annual 4th of July barbecue following the parade, as well as their annual Classic Car Show and Chili Cook Off on Saturday, September 10. The Lodge is located at 8025 W. Manchester Ave. in Playa del Rey.

Redondo Union High School Sea Hawk Marching Band Guard

Under direction of Band Director Raymundo Vizcarra and Guard Advisor Sara Bottalico, the Redondo Union High School Marching Band and Guard is so pleased to participate in the LAX Coastal 4th of July Parade. The marching band and guard program continues to grow

4th of July Parade Program

based on the dedication of the students. Last season the student’s hard work garnered them several sweepstakes awards. We want to thank the RBUSD administration, the booster parents and volunteers and the community on helping this program succeed. Happy Fourth of July from RUHS Marching Band and Guard!

Westchester Lutheran Church and School When it comes to celebrating “Our Little Piece of Paradise” in this corner of the United States, Westchester stands up strong.

Westchester Lutheran Church and School, serving the community for 66 years, would like to present this float to our great Neighborhood and say Happy 75th anniversary, Westchester. This float depicts the image on that little sign that resides just east of the corner of Manchester and Lincoln that says “Westchester–Home of LAX.” However, in this case, we are using the Spruce Goose (built by engineers that lived in our neighborhood), to represent the history of Westchester for the past 75 years. On the float you can see the Spruce Goose flying over Westchester homes and icons.

For 75 years, Westchester has continued to maintain that amazing “We can do it!” attitude that was seeded so long ago. This float is about you as a part of our great neighborhood–you are the families at the heart of this neighborhood, and days like today build the foundation for your children that will stay with them forever.

So Happy 75th, Westchester! And congratulations to all the graduating classes of 2016. As you take flight, remember where you came from and bring that Westchester spirit with you. Happy 4th of July, everyone!

Chamber Chair Charles Bassett and Honorary Mayor Ryan Gales Please give a warm welcome to Chamber Chair Charles Bassett and Honorary Mayor Ryan Gales. Joining Charles is Lucy Hernandez, and Ryan is riding in the car today with his sister, Kaiya, and his nieces Sung Hee and MinJee. Read more about Bassett and Gales on page 12!

Airport Marina Counseling Service Airport Marina Counseling Service (AMCS) has been creating a safe place for help and healing for more than 50 years! AMCS provides affordable mental health services to those in need, and continues to be an indispensable part of the county’s mental healthcare safety net.

Today, AMCS is celebrating with their magnificent parade entry: “Race to Paradise.”

It features seagulls, palm trees and many Community and Board volunteers. Please cheer for Mary Ellen Cassman, AMCS founder, who is riding in a 1947 Woodie owned by Dan and Judy Dews. Look closely at the cleverly crafted seagulls flying overhead; they are actually AMCS’ wonderful logo! Everyone please wave to Eden Garcia-Balis, AMCS Executive Director, who is here with her husband, Ted, and two sons, Dylen and Tanner.

Don’t forget to join the fun with your friends and family at AMCS’ 32nd Jet to Jetty Run for Mental Health! This amazing event will be held Sunday, August 28 at Dockweiler Beach! Learn more on the event website at jet2jetty.com.

Visitation Catholic School Visitation School is the premier private Catholic school right here in Westchester and has been an honoree in the Hometown News’ “Best Of” poll in Education since 2012.

This year, Visitation’s entry begins with honoring our Teacher of the Year (and new Vice Principal), Ms. Stephanie Toledo, riding in a classic convertible along with her family and Visitation teachers. Congratulations, Ms. Toledo! Following Ms. Toledo is Visitation’s float, a throwback to the old Westchester skyline when the Loyola Theatre on Sepulveda Blvd. was actually a movie theater! One of the most iconic buildings in Westchester, Visitation is celebrating our hometown with a tribute to its 75th anniversary and “the way things used to be” with its Loyola Theater float! Of course, nothing says hometown better than to have some “homegrown” hometown country music by the Zac Brown Band to accompany the float.

Go Visitation Bulldogs!

Boy Scouts of America Scouting began in 1907 and has grown into an international movement, providing young men and women the opportunity to serve their communities. Westchester’s scouting community, consisting of hundreds of scouts, carries on the tradition of service above self that characterizes the organization’s purpose.

The objectives of Boy, Venture, and Cub Scouting are to develop character through outdoor experiences, leadership opportunities, and service to one’s community. The highest award in Boy Scouts is the Eagle Award, a prestigious service award directed at community betterment. One of the many requirements for the award is to complete an Eagle Scout Project, led and designed by the scout. Westchester has seen many scouts obtain the Eagle rank and realize their potential as skilled and responsible citizens.

The multiple parts of the Westchester scouting community make up a network of responsible, hard-working, dedicated and strong youth who put service first. Their combined efforts have helped to give back to Westchester as a whole.

Inglewood High Marching Band The Inglewood High School Marching Band is making its second appearance in the Fourth of July Parade, so let’s give them a warm welcome!

The Inglewood High Marching Band has been featured on CBS and Cartoon Network and has also performed at the Forum, The Home Depot Center and the Nokia Theater.

Emerson Avenue Community Garden We found our own little piece of paradise in our garden at the corner of Emerson Avenue and 80th Place, right here in Westchester.

From potluck dinners featuring locally grown organic produce, to music with friends, there’s no better place to enjoy the simple pleasures of life than at the Emerson Avenue Community Garden. Featuring a lush garden with colorful flowers and butterflies, our float highlights the beauty and joy of time spent in nature.

A collaborative project of the local community, Wright STEAM Magnet Middle School and WISH Charter, Emerson Avenue Community Garden celebrates the abundance of life in our sustainable organic community and school gardens where we offer a place for people to enjoy nature’s bounty. We welcome you to join us in the garden for music, movie night, story time for toddlers or meditation in the garden. We offer urban farming classes: from beginning organic gardening to beekeeping and raising your own chickens.

Your own piece of paradise awaits you at Emerson Avenue Community Garden.

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

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

4th of July Parade Program

July 2016 • Page 19

Rotary Clubs on the LAFD Firetrucks Give a warm welcome to the Playa Venice Sunrise Rotarians, LAX Coastal Chamber Leaders and the Los Angeles City Fire Department!

Riding on the trucks are members of the Rotary clubs, leaders of the LAX Coastal Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and their families.

Members of these service groups are dedicated volunteers who use their time, talent and donations to give back with such projects as the teacher mini-grants, Teacher Eddy Awards and today’s Fourth of July Parade.

Thank you to these great volunteers who love to give back to our community!

Southern California #529 Masonic Lodge Southern California Lodge is commemorating the many trains and vehicles that carried people to our little piece of paradise in the 40s and early 50s, as well as the new Metro train being built in our community. They are riding on a replica locomotive with their masonic brothers of both the Shriners and neighboring Lodges.

Southern California Masonic Lodge has been a part of this community for over sixty years, beginning as Westchester Lodge here, and being joined by Westgate, Menorah, Loyalty and several other lodges over the years. Their core mission remains the same, a place for men to meet and do their best to become better men.

They have many events in and out of the lodge every year and are always looking for men

to join them. If you are interested in joining, just ask! (And don’t believe all the conspiracy theories…)

They meet the first Thursday of every month and can be reached at (310)354-4064.

Loyola Marymount University

LMU is proud to once again be a part of Westchester’s 4th of July Parade. This year’s float represents our own piece of paradise—the iconic LMU Bluffs. Go Lions!

Thaine Morris and his Calliope We are proud to have the Calliope Car in our parade this year. A calliope is a musical instrument that produces sound by sending gas, steam or compressed air through large whistles—originally locomotive whistles. The calliope is owned and driven by Westchester resident, Thaine Morris.

Thank you Thaine for celebrating our nation’s birthday with us!

Westchester Family YMCA When families engage in activities together, they experience deepened emotional ties, increased resilience and trust of others.

One way the Westchester Family YMCA creates those opportunities to ensure strong families is through the Indian Guides and Indian Princesses. This program is a father/ son and father/daughter program designed to build strong lifelong relationships between parents and their children. The Indian Guides program is open to all parents with children

St. Anastasia Catholic School

in kindergarten through third grade. Family friendly monthly events include camping trips, ice skating, bike riding, packing food for the less fortunate during the holidays and planting trees in the community. The Native American theme is used respectfully to bring traditional, naturethemed values and an organizational structure into the program. Our “Anopi Nation” is led by Chief Chad Gordon.

For more information, please call our Westchester Family YMCA and ask for Chris Aurelio, Director of Outdoor Adventures & Family Time, at 310.670.4316. Please welcome the Braves and Princesses of the Anopi Nation!

OULA With OULA, it’s not how it looks, it’s how it feels. OULA is a high cardio, super fun, follow-along dance fitness class for people of all abilities. OULA is a motivating hour of high-energy exercise to great music where participants are free to let it all out and dance free of judgment, just like a living room dance party. They’re not just an exercise class, they’re an experience within a welcoming community where you enter looking to burn calories and leave feeling better about yourself and your day.

Their formats include OULA POWER, a strength and conditioning class, and Junior OULA, for kids ages 5-13. OULA is dancemania for your soul!

St. Anastasia Catholic School and Parish was founded in 1953 to serve the fast-growing Westchester/Playa del Rey area, and remains a vital and thriving spiritual community.

As a Junior-K to 8th grade school, St. Anastasia stands out through academic excellence, teaching with technology and expanded math and science curricula. At St. Anastasia, they help to create future leaders with strong character and Catholic Christian values.

St. Anastasia Catholic School is committed to teaching according to the Common Core as well as keeping its curriculum well-rounded, challenging, enriched and up-to-date. With subjects in religion, English language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, physical education, Spanish, music and our 1-to-1 iPad/ ChromeBook program, St. Anastasia provides a balanced and stimulating learning environment that enables children to grow spiritually, thrive academically and flourish socially.

Under the leadership of Principal Mike Muir and its new administrator, Father Leszek Semik, St. Anastasia gives back to the neighborhood through the involvement of students and parishioners in the physical and spiritual life of Westchester and neighboring communities through a multitude of Christian service projects within the local area.

St. Anastasia is happy to celebrate Westchester—Our Little Piece of Paradise—and participate in this year’s 4th of July Parade! And what parade could be complete without our ever-present mascot, Peppy the Panther? Hey there, Peppy!

All parade photos by Glenn Marzano.

A SECOND CERTIFIED FARMERS MARKET IS COMING TO WESTCHESTER

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LIVE MUSIC ALL DAY

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THIS COUPON IS WORTH $5 (WHEN YOU SPEND $10 OR MORE) Good for any farm fresh produce, fresh cut flowers, and lunch/brunch items

WEDNESDAYS IN THE PARK SUNDAYS IN THE TRIANGLE - A Non-Profit Certified Farmer’s Market -

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Page 20 • July 2016

4th of July Parade Program

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

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

4th of July Parade Program

July 2016 • Page 21

Parade Contest Winner, Dorothy Rose

Earlier in the year, the parade committee put an ask out to the community to help pick this year’s theme and was excited when longtime Westchester resident, Dorothy Rose’s submission popped-up in our email box.

Dorothy feels like Westchester is a “little piece of paradise,” and we do too!

Read more about Dorothy on page 10 of the HomeTown News.

Otis College of Art & Design

Otis College of Art and Design pays homage to the land, the people, the rich culture and the paradise that all enjoyed long before it was Westchester. Before Missionaries or farmers, before Howard Hughes, before affordable homes and the aerospace industry, there was land, animals, ocean and Native People: “The People of Earth.” The Tongva.

The Tongva tell a story of how this land came to be: Great Spirit saw a giant sea turtle and asked him to gather his brothers and sisters.

They were to hold onto one another, tight.

Great Spirit then piled fertile soil atop their turtle shells. This formed the land that we call California. But, as siblings will, the turtles tease and play and do not stay still, and that is why we have earthquakes here in California.

Similar to Tongva construction, Otis’ entry is made of reeds and is 99% biodegradable and sustainable.

Westchester Little League

Westchester Little League provides a youth baseball program for children ages 5-12. This year there were 220 boys and girls playing baseball at the Carl E. Nielsen Youth Park located on Will Rogers St. 2016 is the 61st year of operation for Westchester Little League; the league’s inaugural season was in 1955. WLL is part of Little League Southern California District 37, which has 11 member leagues. Over it’s long history, WLL has had many individual teams bring home a championship flag in the district 37 all-star tournament.

Page 22 • July 2016

Last year WLL won the tournament in two of the three age divisions, and in 2014 WLL won the District 37 all-star tournament in all three age divisions. It was a huge accomplishment to sweep the district tournament and bring home all three flags. This year, Westchester Little League entered 4 teams in the District 37 All Star tournament and those players and coaches are representing the league in the parade today.

TRASH

Our next participant is a trash-can band called Trash with Director John Melville. Trash uses trash-can-like drums to create beautiful and unique music. How can you tell their one-of-a-kind style works? Why, just have a listen and see! Trash would like everyone to know they are proud to be a part of this year’s celebration, and wish everyone a happy Fourth of July.

Westchester-Playa Democratic Club The Westchester-Playa Democratic Club float remembers the Welcome Wagon of days gone by. Back in the day here in Westchester, neighbors who were friendly and knowledgeable about their neighborhood personally delivered baskets of gifts supplied by local businesses to new homeowners. Over a cup of coffee, these neighbors would share with new home owners about local civic and cultural activities in the community.

In the spirit of our welcoming community, the Westchester-Playa Democratic Club says “Welcome to all!” In the spirit of the 4th of July, they say “Let’s celebrate all that we have to be thankful for here in Westchester!”

Founded in 2007, The Westchester-Playa Democratic Club is recognized as a beacon for Democratic politics and political action in Southern California. Officially chartered by the Los Angeles County Democratic Party, The Westchester-Playa Democratic Club serves the Westchester, Playa del Rey, Playa Vista communities and beyond. More information about our club can be found at westchesterplayademclub.org.

4th of July Parade Program

Wright Middle School STEAM Magnet

Wright Middle School STEAM Magnet opened in 2013 as a full magnet school offering 6-8th grade students opportunities to explore the arts, engineering and design. This is their second year participating in the Fourth of July Parade and their float was designed by Anna Malaysz and built by a group of student volunteers. The float is one example of the hands-on engineering opportunities that Wright students participate in. All students learn 21st century skills through Project Based Learning.

The “Wright Sailboat: STEAM Ahead,” is a representation of the school communities unwavering belief in their “Be R.E.A.L” values of Respect, Empathy, Ambition and Leadership.

They invite you to design, build and learn at Wright where STEAM fuels futures!

Del Rey American Little League Del Rey American Little League (also known as “DRALL”) was established in 1954. DRALL is Little League baseball for boys and girls ages 5 to 12 years old, serving the Westchester, Playa del Rey and Playa Vista areas, with facilities in Playa del Rey and Kentwood. DRALL proudly serves more than 250 children, offering a positive, fun environment for all participants to develop both on and off the field during spring and fall seasons.

For more information about DRALL and the upcoming Fall Ball season, visit drall.org and follow us on Facebook.

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

Welcome our National Anthem singer The parade committee welcomes this year’s National Anthem Singer, Kelly Carignan!

Carignan was selected to sing at this year’s event after answering an audition call held in April at the chamber office.

Thirteen-year-old Kelly is a Westchester resident and attends El Segundo Middle School.

Kelly has a passion for singing, which was inspired by the Young American Tour.

Her comfortable confidence on stage is natural for Kelly. She enjoys singing and harmonizing with her fellow friends in her school choir. Kelly and her friends recently performed in a choir competition at Disneyland, and they received first place!

Kelly also loves working and inspiring little kids to be active, healthy, and creative.

She is a consistent honor roll student and an All Star softball player. In her free time, she

enjoys running and competing in mud run races. She has won her race division two years in a row. One of her favorite side jobs is being a mother’s helper.

Kelly’s giving heart and love of life shows directly through her smile and ability to inspire others to be happy!

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

4th of July Parade Program

July 2016 • Page 23

St. Monica High School Here come the Mariners of St. Monica Catholic High School. St. Monica Catholic High School has a strong 78-year history serving the Westside in Santa Monica – just 7 blocks from the beach. St. Monica offers rigorous college preparatory curriculum, innovative technology programs and a consistent 99% college matriculation to some of the best and most selective universities in the country. SMCHS students exemplify the wide variety of ethnic, economic and cultural backgrounds that are characteristic of the Los Angeles area.

Students have 20 athletic teams in which to compete at the junior varsity and varsity level. The performing arts program has an acclaimed choir and full theatrical productions.

Nearly one quarter of St. Monica Catholic High School students are from the Westchester/Playa del Rey area. The St. Monica family is proud to have so many valuable ties to the Westchester community and is happy to be a part of this American tradition. Happy 75th Birthday, Westchester!

del Rey, an international club that supports mothers in our community. Moms Offering Moms Support (MOMS) aims at assisting stay-at-home and work-at-home mothers, as well as local groups and charities. Service projects have included delivering May Day flowers to a local retirement community, sending cards to our troops, collecting school supplies for kids in need and participating in the Adopt-A-Family Christmas program for families in need.

There are over 200 members in the MOMS Club of Westchester and Playa del Rey who offer friendship and support to one another.

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATING 75 YEARS OF WESTCHESTER! proudly supportthis & year’s congratulate We We are proud to support Fourth of July Parade.

Westchester Farmers’ Market and MOMS Club of Westchester/Playa

AWARD RECIPIENTS

Westchester Farmers’ Market is here to help you create your own “Little Piece of Paradise” by providing not one, but two local State Certified Farmers’ Markets, right here in Westchester! Farmers Market’s are held Wednesdays in the Park, and now Sundays in the heart of Westchester’s downtown, the Triangle. Shopping local makes a difference because it’s a small world after-all. Watch as we celebrate with an “It’s a Small World” themed float, and be sure to be on the lookout for your very own Westchester and Playa del Rey kids! These adorably dancing apples, oranges, carrots and pea pods, with little strawberries in tow, are celebrating the fun of healthy living, community, fresh fruits and veggies!

Joining the Westchester Farmers’ Market is The MOMS Club of Westchester and Playa

Thank you for your tremendous leadership.

layaVista.com PlayaVistaP.com

Wishing You a Happy and Safe Fourth of July!

From the HomeTown News

Page 24 • July 2016

4th of July Parade Program

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

St. Bernard High School

St. Bernard High School—Home of the Vikings! Founded in 1957 as your local neighborhood Catholic High School, 2017 marks St. Bernard’s 60th year serving the communities of Westchester and Playa del Rey as one of the finest Catholic institutions in Los Angeles.

St. Bernard boasts a 95% college acceptance rate. The Class of 2016 earned over 1.6 million dollars in scholarships to attend Purdue, UCLA, UC Berkeley, USC, Howard and LMU, just to name a few.

St. Bernard High School’s innovative singlegender STEM program was featured in the documentary “Balancing the Odds” by awardwinning filmmaker Varda Bar-Kar. St. Bernard boys’ basketball team is the 2015 and 2016 Southern Section CIF Champions!

At St. Bernard, we are proud of our continued growth and positive momentum. The school celebrates a tradition of academic excellence that continues with the addition of the class of 2020, as well as incoming transfer students from 33 different schools.

Knights of Columbus The Knights of Columbus is a Catholic Men’s Organization, officially chartered as a fraternal benefit society in 1882. The Knights of Columbus has over 13,000 Councils and 1.7 million Members worldwide. The Order is still true to its founding principles of charity, unity, fraternity and patriotism.

From their initial membership of 100, the current membership stands strong at 400, the 5th largest in California. Through its fundraisers and community famous Fish Fries, the council is able to give back to the local community $10,000 annually in scholarships and access to its facilities, for special events associated to the local Boy/Girl Scout troops, community voting and the like.

The Color Corp are led by Tom Ullman and Mike Rachford and followed by our Worthy Grand Knight, Alex Flores. On the float, is our Past Grand Knight, Chris Lopez, Membership Director and council members that have served our country in various foreign wars: Vincent A. Migliazzo PGK (WWII, Army), Earl Ricks

(Korea, Marines), Joe Sakamaki (Korea, Air Force), Tom Zvanovec (Vietnam, Air Force) and Merv Hughes (Vietnam, Army).

Kentwood Players For over 66 years, Kentwood Players has been performing plays and musicals right here in Westchester, at the conveniently located Westchester Playhouse. Opening next week is “Olive and the Bitter Herbs” by Charles Busch.

Following that is “Wait Until Dark,” opening September 9, and “Young Frankenstein,” opening on November 11.

Kentwood Players would like to thank the readers of the HomeTown News for voting our theater “Best Performance Space.” Come on down and see some really great live theatre, right here in Westchester, courtesy of the Kentwood Players.

Venice High School Marching Band

Let’s welcome the Mighty Gondolier Marching Band from Venice High School! This year’s group consists of current and incoming students, as well as alumni. Songs performed include: “America, The Beautiful,” “My Country Tis of Thee,” and “Battle Hymn of the Republic,” as well as some of their own school songs.

The Mighty Gondolier Marching Band is the premier instrumental ensemble at Venice High School under the direction of Mr. David W. Lee. They are very excited to participate in this year’s annual Fourth of July Parade and are already looking forward to performing again next year!

Los Angeles Carnival

Carnival is a worldwide tradition where communities ‘take over the streets’ to celebrate in preparation for abstinence during the Christian tradition of Lent. Often mistaken for a parade, a carnival is a joyful, exuberant street party celebrated worldwide throughout the year. L.A. Carnival is sponsored in part by L.A. Department of Cultural Affairs, and has called Westchester home since 1998.

Today’s costumes were designed by Marie Kellier, and danced by AnnMarie Cole and Bill Kennedy on frames of metal and fiberglass,

created by Whitfield Belasco. Each costume is carefully hand-crafted over many months, using various decorative materials, and can cost upwards of $10,000.

Sunburst in gold brocade represents the warmth and light given to us by the sun. Blue Mood represents the serene mood of the ocean at rest. Each is an elements of paradise, common to both Westchester and the Caribbean.

Andreini & Rosal Real Estate Group and the Westchester Lariats

Andreini & Rosal Real Estate Group is a division of Gibson International, whose roots go back to Kent Realty, founded in 1952. Agents Amy Andreini, Adam Rosal, and Michelle Mohlere are longtime residents of Westchester and love selling homes in this unique and special community. Learn more by giving them a call at (310) 481-4404.

Founded in 1950, The Westchester Lariats is a nonprofit international youth dance troupe.

The Lariats perform throughout the Los Angeles community and have also toured and performed internationally.

These two groups have joined forces on their entry, themed “Celebrating Diversity in Westchester.” Adorned in multi-cultural costumes, current and alumni Lariats will dance to the song “Love Train” by the O’Jays.

The song’s lyrics advocate multinational unity, acceptance and love.

75 years of open arms has made Westchester a shining example of what community really means.

Mariachi Malibu Here comes Mariachi Malibu! This premier Mariachi ensemble serves all of Southern California and has performed for Hollywood celebrities. The members of this group are professionally trained, experienced musicians and singers. They are true “caballeros!”

Charro Horses The Chamber is pleased to welcome the charro International de Compton to today’s parade. A charro (pronounced Cha ‘ro) is a skilled Mexican horseman whose origins date

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

back to the 17th century. The charros are seen today in traditional costume and riding their famous dancing horses.

Please join me in cheering on these beautiful dancing horses!

The Game Sports Bar & Grill It’s The Game Sports Bar & Grill! This great establishment is located just east of here, on Manchester Ave. in Westchester, and is celebrating their 5th year as a proud member of this community. The Game is your one-stop shop for awesome atmosphere, great service and delicious food.

The Game has over 20 big screens, so no matter where you sit you’ll never miss a play!

Their quality ingredients ensure the best possible menu items available for your friends and family.

They look forward to your visit and wish you a happy Fourth of July!

LAX Coastal Chamber On behalf of the LAX Coastal Chamber of Commerce, Chair Charles Bassett, Honorary Mayor Ryan Gales and the 2016 Parade Committee, have a happy and safe 4th of July!

The Chamber staff Judith Ciancimino, Christina Davis, Chamberlain Duru, Kirby Israelson, Sandra Saldaña, and Christine Sung want to thank you for coming out today to celebrate Our Little Piece of Paradise and honoring Westchester’s 75th Anniversary. We are planning a year’s worth of celebration for this landmark occasion, so be sure to check in with your local chamber or the HomeTown News to find out more!

The Fourth of July Parade can’t happen without the help of a lot of people. There are so many individuals, organizations, and sponsors to thank, so we want everyone who helped make today a special celebration to know that all of us in the LAX Coastal community say: “Thank you!”

To keep up-to-date on the latest community news, “like” the LAX Coastal Chamber on Facebook.

Thank you for coming and we’ll see you again next year!

4th of July Parade Program

July 2016 • Page 25

Page 26 • July 2016

4th of July Parade Program

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

NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL OF WESTCHESTER / PLAYA Working together to improve our communities!

Neighborhood Councils exist to: • give neighborhoods greater influence on decisions made by local government • make government more responsive to local communities • unite the local community to improve the quality of life in our neighborhoods

Honoring John Ruhlen – the Neighborhood Council of Westchester / Playa’s 2016 Star of the Neighborhood Congratulations to longtime Westchester resident John Ruhlen for being selected as the 2016 Star of the Neighborhood. The award is designed to honor those in our community who give back to their neighbors without fanfare and may otherwise go unnoticed.

John, and his wife Gail, will be recognized in the annual Fouth of July Parade and again at an upcoming Neighborhood Council board meeting.

John and Gail, moved to Westchester in 1967 and now have two grown sons and one grandson. In 1978, John Ruhlen & Associates, Inc., a space planning and commercial interior design firm was established in Westchester, and John’s clients included Western Airlines, AT&T Global Communication Centers, Korean Airlines, Delta Airlines, Los Angeles World Airports, banks and churches.

In 1983, John became involved in the community, volunteering his time and talents by serving on many organizations including the Board of Directors of the Westchester/LAX-Marina del Rey Chamber of Commerce, serving as Chairman of the Airport Relations Chamber Committee and as President of the Westchester Vitalization Corporation.

His additional community involvement includes serving on the Coastal Transportation Coalition; serving on the Westchester Mobility Action Committee; serving as a member of the Gateway to LA Century Corridor Business Improvement District; serving as an advisor to the City Council Office on the Los Angeles Human Relations Commission from 1991 to 2001 and being in charge of the commission’s city-wide art competition program for elementary schools.

John spearheaded the formation of the Westchester Town Center Business Improvement District along with property owner Howard Drollinger, serving as Secretary of the BID and is continuing to push for a new business improvement district along Lincoln Boulevard. As the President of Westchester Streetscape Improvement Association, John led the transformation and beautification of Sepulveda Boulevard, helping to secure more than $1 million to repair sidewalks and add new landscaping. In addition, he served on the Neighborhood Council of Westchester / Playa, representing Residential District 7 and most recently as the Seniors Director, where he created a committee designed to help seniors

learn about and access resources in our community.

“There is perhaps no one who has left a more indelible mark on our community than John Ruhlen,” said NCWP President Cyndi Hench. “He is an incredible person who simply goes about making our corner of the world a little better and never seeking attention for himself. I am honored to recognize him on behalf of the Neighborhood Council and the entire community. John, thank you for all you have done to make Westchester a better place!”

Next Neighborhood Council of Westchester/Playa Monthly Board Meeting:

6:30 p.m., Tuesday, August 2 in the Community Room at 7166 W. Manchester Ave. (at Lincoln Blvd.), in Westchester

www.ncwpdr.org • 213.473.7023 Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News

July 2016 • Page 27

Secret recipes from the Inn: Fourth of July edition Photo by Liz Hall.

The Inncrowd and I love everything about the Fourth of July...

We love outdoor BBQs! We love fireworks!

And I particularly love the Fourth of July Parade in Westchester! Last time I went to the parade, I started to choke up when a fire truck rolled down the street with a Dixieland band playing. There was a trombone player and everything! It was so sweet–so innocent–so small town.

It moved me to tears because it was incredibly wholesome and completely all American.

Here at the Inn we all love to work on the Fourth of July because the Inn’s back porch is the perfect place to see the spectacular Marina del Rey fireworks. It becomes a patriotic picnic. Fireworks start, our guests gather, and we innkeepers pop popcorn and put out freshly baked homemade chocolate chip cookies.

We are grateful for this declaration of independence that led to the freedom of so many others and for this we celebrate.

Of course, if you happen to have a British house guest this Fourth of July, we hope you’ll use the Inn’s scone recipe to make them feel at

Make sure to not over mix the scones so that they remain light and airy.

home and that all is forgiven from 1776.

Buttery Scones Ingredients: • 4 Cups all-purpose flour • 1 Tsp. salt • 1 Tbsp. & 1 Tsp. baking powder • 1 Tsp. baking soda • 1 Cup sugar • 1 Cup butter, cold and cut into chunks

• 2.5 Cups sour cream (or 1 cup buttermilk) • 1 Cup dried fruit, raisins, cranberries, cherries, etc.

Directions: 1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar and salt.

2. Add the butter chunks and rub into the flour mixture. An

electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment can also be used for this step. The end result should resemble coarse meal about the size of small peas.

3. Add the dried fruit and mix just to coat the fruit. Incorporate the sour cream and mix. Do not over mix or the scone will be tough instead of light and airy.

4. Shape dough into golf ball sized spheres and place on a cookie sheet.

Top with cinnamon sugar.

5. Bake in a 400 degree oven for about 15-18 minutes or until tops are lightly browned.

This recipe yields approximately 12 to 15 small scones.

The Inn’s recipes have been lovingly collected over the past 20 years. Some are original recipes, others are wellknown recipes that have been adapted, and some are recipes that have been handed down by our innkeeper’s mothers and grandmothers over the years.

Rebecca Hill is an innkeeper at the Inn at Playa del Rey and a published writer. Her stories have appeared in Redbook magazine and in over a dozen Chicken Soup for the Soul anthologies.

“

There is nothing better, or healthier, than fresh fruits and vegetables. So, this summer, we are proud to partner with the Westchester Town Center BID and Westchester Vitalization to welcome a second Westchester Farmers Market to the Westchester Triangle every Sunday from 9am to 2pm. beginning on July 17. See you there!

– Karen Dial, President

310.417.8048 www.hbdrollinger.com

Page 28 • July 2016

“

By Rebecca Hill

8929 S. Sepulveda Boulevard, #130 Westchester, CA 90045

w w w . h b d r o l l i n g e r. c o m

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

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

July 2016 • Page 29

Random Notes/Opinion

Is it even worth it?

By Jeff Blair

boys’ lives with soccer games and school events taking up a lot of time.

Mick has a busy and challenging career in advertising, so Mick is busy.

He doesn’t have two hours per day to go to the gym. He really has some realistic obstacles to make it to the gym, but he was willing to start back into a workout routine. He saw his wife was having success, and this “social proof” can be a good way to motivate us.

Mick had been active in the past when he started training at my studio in January. He was not where he wanted to be weight-wise, however, so he wanted to improve all aspects of his health and fitness.

After about six months of working out and making some nutritional changes, was it worth it?

Well, Mick is down 15 pounds and he has lost two inches from his waist.

This is a “slow and steady” approach to weight loss, but I always say “lose it slowly and it stays off. Lose it quickly and it almost always comes back with a vengeance.”

Mick now has the beginning of a “six pack” stomach with a “two pack” starting to show for him. He had a “party ball” stomach when he started (according to him).

Mick can keep up with his young

Opinion: When we think about starting to workout, obstacles jump out, some real and some imaginary.

Even if we are in a rut and unhappy with where we are, something inside says, “Stay where you are Cowboy or Cowgirl. Change is scary; there are monsters out there.” I think this is called inertia. It seems to be wired into our DNA. So we often just stay stuck. We might not be getting worse, but we are usually not getting better.

Oftentimes, it takes a pretty dramatic impact to get us headed in a new direction. Some people see a picture of themselves and are shocked at how much weight they have gained.

Some people get a serious warning from their doctor. Sometimes the end of a relationship sparks a change.

At some level, we are usually debating, “Is it really worth the time, energy and effort to get back into shape?” Some decide yes. Some decide no. This month’s article is a summary of what happens when someone decides “yes.”

Mick Dimaria is a Westchester guy in his forties. He is raising two boys with his wife Mary Ann. Mick and Mary Ann are very active in their

TheHTN.com

boys better than he could a few months ago. He finds it easier to lift the two young guys as well.

Mick has added muscle (he says his biceps are bigger), and his clothes fit better. His thighs don’t rub together when he walks like when he started.

In Mick’s own words, “I have gained muscle, improved my balance, increased flexibility, raised core strength, enhanced heart health and have developed better health habits. I am feeling healthier, stronger, a couple years younger, and I am more conscious of what I eat and drink. I am more confident, and I am ready for summer!

So Mick faced the same obstacles to exercise we all do: time, energy, doubts, etc., yet he started and developed some consistency. Perhaps most importantly, he has kept going.

Was it worth it? In the past six months, most of his friends have probably stayed the same physically or maybe gained a few pounds. He is 15 pounds lighter and his waist is two inches smaller.

But what does that mean for Mick on a day-to-day basis?

He says he is more confident.

Confidence impacts his work life, his family life and his social life. In other words, all relationships are improved.

Overall body and core strength and cardiovascular health are better. Maybe more importantly, his “functional strength” is better.

“Functional strength” is being strong enough to do the things that matter most to you. Sure, most of us would like to lift a few more pounds in the gym, but isn’t it more important to be able to keep up with your kids and live a full and active life (hike, ride a bike up a hill and travel, for example) without having to worry, “Will I be able to do this?”

Is Mick’s payoff worth the time and energy? I think so, but I would love to hear your thoughts. Send me your opinion, and I will post some of the best ones next month! Have a fit summer!

If I can provided any feedback, please email me.

Before you start this or any fitness routine, consult your doctor.

JEFF BLAIR (M.S.) owns a personal training studio located in Westchester.

He was voted “Best Of” Personal Trainer in the Hometown News’ 2015 Readers’ Poll. Jeff has been featured in “Men’s Fitness” magazine and as a “Fitness Expert” on ABC’s “Everyday Health” TV show. Email jeffblair@ jeffblairfitness.com for fitness story ideas or comments.

Start the theCelebrate New Year Year looking lookingFreedom! in the the right right direction...Up! direction...Up! Start New in

Welcome to our Community

Star theNewYearlo kingintherightdirection. Up!

C Start the N Start the N Whether you’re new to Westchester, or you’re a longtime Freedom from doubt.

Freedom from resident, we’d like you to be part of the community at fear.

Westchester Lutheran Church.

Join us at Westchester Lutheran Church,

and worship embrace the freedom in a who, Come with us.

Discover friendsfound and neighbors like you, areforgiving seeking a deeper relationship with God and with loving, relationship with the each other.

Be part of our vital community, which thrives on Lord.

Join new friends in a celebration of service and celebration. everything that is possible when you live in harmony with the Word.

Come learn with us. Our school helps parents raise the next generation of involved citizens and invested scholars. We are offering campus tours and accepting applications for Junior Kindergarten through 8th grade for enrollment this September. Look for our float in the neighborhood parade!

All are welcome. withare us!open.

Our Come doors arecelebrate open.Our hearts

Allwith are us. welcome.

Come look look up up with us.

Come

Weekly Worship, Sundays at 10 Weekly Worship a.m.

Summer Choir Rehearsal

Vacation Bible School, July 18-22, at 10 a.m.

9 Sundays am to 3 pm Sundays at 9 a.m.

Contact the Bible officeSchool about other summer camp opportunities Vacation July 29-August 2 through August. Sunday School, Confirmation, and Adult Bible Study resume in September.

7831 S. Sepulveda Blvd.

Westchester, CA 90045 310.670.5422 www.wlcs.org

Westchester Lutheran School Preschool – 8th Grade Now Enrolling for Fall!

Now Enrolling

Page 30 • July 2016

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

Music is a bridge to your freedom

By Fay Craton

wind instruments and voices chanted sacred words. By paying close attention to the effect of instruments and Opinion: At Fourth of July celesinging, very early in history people brations across the nation, music learned the value of the sounds of life. is loud and patriotic. Tunes set the You can do the same thing. By mood at picnics, fireworks are set off being mindful of what is happening in rhythm from familiar songs and around you and within you, it is very bands march at parades to the beat of possible to learn how the environtheir drums. Songs and rhythms are part of the fabric of not only Indepen- ment around you influences your dence Day celebrations, but are a part moods. What are you hearing, seeing, tasting and smelling? When you are of life. It is hard to imagine celebratsensing something, what is the feeling ing this holiday without music. being formed within you? Do you like There are many genres of music. the feeling? Do you want to change One of the fun parts is that we get to the feeling? What choices can you choose the music we are experiencimagine will change your life to someing. Sometimes we make the choice by deciding which event we attend. At thing you desire?

Choices you make can be based other times, the choice becomes what upon a goal of creating a positive music we play from a cell phone or other device. Frequently, the choice is and meaningful life. Do you want made without giving what we listen to to have increased positive relations with other people? If so, pay attention a lot of pre-thought. to the environment in which good You can use music as a backdrop connection happens. What words, to what you wish to experience at music and other sensory information any given moment of time. There do you observe when you experience are many studies about how music positive or meaningful interaction impacts our brains and emotions. Exwith another person? The quality ploring what research indicates about of relationship you experience with music can be beneficial, however you another person is based upon what do not need the research. You can you choose. You have the freedom of learn a great deal if you simply pay choice. attention to your surroundings and Sometimes it may feel as if the to feelings within your body. Instead choice is lost when horrible events of someone else telling you how they created by others happen around you. think you feel or how they claim you No matter how horrendous the situaare feeling— stop and think about tion may be, you always have choices what it is you believe you are feeling. within a situation about how you feel Next, think about what you wish to feel. Are the feelings happening inside and interpret the experience. During World War II, renown psychologist you there by your choice? Freedom is Viktor Frankl was a prisoner in a when you are making choices approWorship Service 10:30 am concentration camp. Out of that expriate to what you desire to experiperience, he wrote, “Everything can ence in life.

Canines@Covenant 5:00 pm Sunday be taken from a man but one thing: If you are at a party and there are Covenant is on the corner of 80th and Sepulveda Blvd. activities happening which make you the last of the human freedoms—to uncomfortable, you have the choice choose one’s attitude in any given to say “no” and either stop what is set of circumstances, to choose one’s Church School for Young People during Service. unfolding or to leave the situation. own way.” Viktor Frankl survived We have an Orchestra and Adult, Youth and Children’s Choirs.

This could include listening to music by finding his own “music” inside of Email: cpoffis@pacbell.net you don’t want to hear. Or it can be himself.

Childcare is provided-For more information, Call (310) 670-5750. about playing a game, or maybe about My wish is for you to have skills watching a movie. Sometimes the to choose what you desire in life. No choice can be about more life changmatter what may be happening within ing matters such as using substances, our global community, you have freebullying or risky behavior. By redom to either accept the influence flecting on your “lived experiences” of others on your life experiences, involving something simple, such moods and emotions or you can elect as music, you can learn about how to make what you personally value to choice works. Once you successfully be the most influential factor. Music Emergency Food Distribution to those in need. experience living your life based on can easily be used as both a learning Sponsored by the Westchester Clergy Association your choices you can apply what you tool and as a resource to set the envilearned to more life changing situaronment for you to thrive.

Open Tuesday & Friday, 10am-12pm tions.

Fay Craton, M.A. is a Licensed 355 Beach St., Inglewood Music is a time honored resource Marriage and Family Therapist to learn about life, set a stage for (mfc40011), which is the psychology Bring donations of non-perishable food to Covenant what you feel, and to provide a bridge license specializing in relationships Presbyterian Chuch. Volunteers and money donations also to connect with others. Early on (with ourselves or with others) and welcomed and encouraged! in human history, music was used she has an office in Westchester. For as part of rituals and storytelling. more info, visit communicationtriFor more information, please call (310) 677-5597 Tension was increased by drumming, angle.com or contact her at (310) Ad donated by the Covenant Presbyterian Church relaxation was evoked by soothing 645-6762.

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

July 2016 • Page 31

Come Join your Friends at

COVENANT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

YOU CAN HELP! FOOD PANTRY, LAX

It's Summer Camp Sign-Up Time!

10% OFF when you mention this ad!

Hurry — Classes are filling up!

To register, visit us at la-arts-collective.com or call (310) 641-2575 8939 S Sepulveda Blvd #105, Westchester CA 90045 • 310.641.2575

la-arts-collective.com

Page 32 • July 2016

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

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

July 2016 • Page 33

In Pictures

TheHTN.com

Women’s Club of Playa del Rey Welcomes New Officers. On Tuesday, June 14, the Playa del Rey Women’s Club installed its new officers. The club will be led this year by President Pat Salcedo with Vice Presidents Amy Morland, Bea Via, Carol Bennington and Carol Weber. Other officers installed at the June meeting include Yvonne Dean, Darlene May, Joann Duray, Terri Eustace and Rosemary DePauw.

The club currently has 56 members and supports local organizations including LAX Food Pantry, Airport Marina Counseling Service, Search Dog Foundation and Bob Hope USO at LAX. In addition to the club’s philanthropic efforts, they also have social groups including a craft club and Zumba classes.

The Women’s Club of Playa del Rey meets regularly and welcomes guests and new members. For more information about joining or learning more about the organization, email membership chair Carol Bennington at cbennington@gmail. com.

Voted one of the best places to volunteer and one of the best non-profits!

Westside Pacific Villages Neighbors Helping Neighbors

GATEWAY TO GO!

July 5th Visit to the Skirball Cultural Center

Fred Wild, WPV Member

Get involved with

Westside Pacfic Villages and help older adults in our community. We assist with transportation, help around the house, run errands and provide social and wellness programs for our members.

Call us to find out how easy it is to work WPV into your schedule.

(310) 695-7030

website: www.thewpv.org email: info@thewpv.org facebook: Westchester Playa Village

Page 34 • July 2016

Every Tuesday

WPV Members, volunteers, friends and family are invited to join us for a complimentary lunch, special presentation on Identity Theft by Bet Tzedek, and the “Chasing Dreams and Becoming an American” Exhibition Transportation to and from the Skirball will be provided.

The motor coach will depart from the Westchester Senior Center at 9:00 a.m. and return approximately 5:00 p.m.

Please call the WPV office to reserve your space.

Carol Oike Kitabayashi Executive Director, WPV

11 am to 3 pm

@ Crowne Plaza Los Angeles International Airport 5985 W. Century Blvd. (access and street parking on 98th Street)

FABULOUS FOOD ON FOUR WHEELS.

JULY 12

JULY 19

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VCHOS RICE BALLS OF FIRE MEXICALBI TAINAMITE SUMO SALAD

ASIAN CRAVINGS B&R’S BURGERS THE DELI DOCTOR BBQ SMOKEHOUSE FUNKY CHEF CAFE

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PRESENTED BY

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Babe Ruth Celebrates Anniversary. Westchester’s Babe Ruth Baseball League celebrated its 60th Anniversary with exhibition games at Loyola Marymount University’s Page Stadium on Saturday, June 4. The community was invited to watch the double-header and help celebrate with the league, which included the 15U World Series Champions. Councilman Mike Bonin was also on hand at the event to honor the league for reaching a milestone anniversary and for creating an outstanding sports program for local youths.

The Westchester Babe Ruth Baseball league is open to 13-15 year olds who live in Westchester, Playa del Rey, Playa Vista and Culver City.

For more information about Babe Ruth Baseball, please visit westchesterbaseball.com.

* food truck participants subject to change

www.gatewayla.org

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK FOR WEEKLY UPDATES

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

Photo by VenicePaparazzi.com.

(continued from page 5) 13560 Mindanao Way in Marina del Rey. Below are the movies at the Dockweiler Youth Center: • Friday, July 1, Surf’s Up • Friday, July 8, Max • Friday, August 12, Inside Out • Friday, August 19, Finding Nemo For more information, call (310) 726-4128.

The schedule at Burton Chace Park is: • Friday, July 9, Pan • Friday, July 23, Earth to Echo • Friday, August 6, The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water • Friday, August 20, My Fair Lady For more information, please call (310) 305-9595.

3

Multiple dates, Concerts in the Park. Playa Vista and Marina del Rey like to celebrate the summer months with free concerts the entire family can enjoy. Whether you’re a fan of jazz, classic rock or top forty hits, there’s a concert to get you dancing.

Playa Vista’s concerts take place on Sundays from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at Concert Park or the Central Park Bandshell. Foods trucks will be at each event offering a variety of food items for purchase starting at 4 p.m.

This season’s concerts include: • Sunday, July 17, Space Oddity “the ultimate David Bowie experience” at Central Park Bandshell • Sunday, July 24, Impact “rock, soul and top 40 dance hits” at Concert Park • Sunday, August 7, Natural Wonder “the music of Stevie Wonder” at Central Park Bandshell • Sunday, August 14, Black Crystal Wolf Kids “indie-rock tribute band” at Concert Park Marina del Rey’s concert series starts in July and takes place at Burton Chace Park, located at 13650 Mindanao Way in Marina del Rey. Mark your calendars for Symphonic Thursdays, led by the Marina del

Guests enjoy a variety of beers, in mini cups, at last year’s Cruise N Brews.

Rey Symphony and Frank Fetta, and Pop Saturdays, for a memorable summer evening. All concerts are free and performances are from 7 to 9 p.m. Parking is available in county lots around the park or at Fisherman’s Village (then take the WaterBus) from $7 to $15.

Food trucks will start serving food for purchase starting at 5 p.m. on concert nights.

This year’s concerts include: • Thursday, July 7, Opera at the Shore • Saturday, July 16, Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr. • Thursday, July 21, Megan Hilty • Saturday, July 30, Brian McKnight • Thursday, August 4, Ballet Folklorico de Los Angeles • Saturday, August 13, Ra Ra Riot • Thursday, August 18, Puccini’s Madama Butterfly • Saturday, August 27, Eddie Palmieri Salsa Orchestra For more info, visit beaches. lacounty.gov.

4

Saturday, July 23: Playa Venice Sunrise Pancake Breakfast.

This will be the 14th year in a row Playa Venice Sunrise Rotarians have headed down to Westchester’s Fire Station No. 5 for a good oldfashioned pancake breakfast. What makes this breakfast particularly special, however, is that all the money raised goes to support the station. Rotarians will be serving up pancakes, sausages, orange juice and coffee for $5 per person, with children two and under free.

A bounce house, clown, balloon animals, face painting and a chance to interact with fire fighters and climb in their trucks round out this family-friendly event taking place on Saturday, July 23 from 8 to 11 a.m.

Fire Station No. 5 is located at 8900 Emerson Ave. in Westchester.

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Friday, August 5. Cruise N Brews in the Marina. Boarding a yacht in the Marina? Check.

Mini cups you can fill with beer from 40 of the best local craft

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

breweries? Check. Pretzel necklace?

Check! What’s not to love about the fourth annual Cruise N Brews presented by LAX Coworking, the LAX Young Professionals and Tony P’s Dockside Grill?

For $65, guests can hop aboard a beautiful Hornblower yacht and take a three-hour cruise around the Marina while sampling beer, listening to music, taking in the views of Marina and posing for pictures in the photo booth. The event is 21 and over and takes place on Friday, August 5 from 6 to 10 p.m.

Boarding for the yacht takes place in Fisherman’s Village, located at 13755 Fiji Way in Marina del Rey. Food will be available for purchase on the yacht.

To purchase tickets, please visit laxcoastal.com.

What’s on your must-do summer list? Let us know at westchesterhometown@yahoo.com or at facebook.com/thehtn.com!

July 2016 • Page 35

Page 36 • July 2016

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