Westchester/Playa HomeTown News June edition

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Vote for your Best Of favorites...page 2 The cast of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” will perform at Loyola Marymount University and in Playa Vista this summer.

Page 2 • June 2018

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

This Month Brings You A look inside your HTN Our pick for summer events and activities Sun care is key for a sunburn-free summer Nominate a Star of the Neighborhood In Pictures

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

Rebecca Hill, Secret Recipes of the Inn Kirby Israelson, Graphic Design

Advertisers’ Directory

Airport Marina Counseling 21 Body & Brain Yoga 06 California Yacht Club 08 ChamberFest 07 Drollinger Properties 06, 18, 20 Five Minute Car Wash 11 Food Pantry, LAX 21 Jane St. John 15 Kevin and Kaz 19 LAX Coastal on Parade 05 Loyola Marymount 09

Marina del Rey Hospital Neighborhood Council RPM Mortgage SoCal Sports and Fitness St. Anastasia School Visitation School Westchester Farmers’ Market Westchester Lutheran School Westchester Town Center BID Westside Pacific Village Zacha Homes

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About The HomeTown News (HTN) The HomeTown News is a monthly community newspaper dedicated to providing information about the people, events and happenings of Westchester, Playa del Rey, Marina del Rey and Playa Vista. Look for the HomeTown News the first Thursday of the month at your home or at one of our drop-off locations.

Connect with the HTN:

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

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

June 2018 • Page 3

Photo courtesy visitmarinadelrey.com.

Photo courtesy Playa Vista/Brookfield.

Clockwise from top: 1. Spectators enjoy a summer concert at Burton Chace Park. 2. Playa Vista’s Bandshell Park makes the perfect backdrop for an outdoor movie with your family.

3. The ChamberFest LAeXpo features community booths, family-friendly activities and a food court featuring 10 local restaurants, including Benny’s Tacos pictured here.

Summer is just a few short weeks away, and community organizations are busy planning a plethora of free (or low cost) events and family-friendly activities that will keep your schedule packed for the next three months!

Below are our picks for the best local summer events, so make sure to mark your calendars!

Fun-A-Palooza

Saturday, June 9 • 11 am to 4 pm 12505 Vista Del Mar, Playa del Rey FREE Head to the Dockweiler Youth Center for Fun-A-Palooza, a free family fun event featuring a petting zoo, bounce houses, rides, face painters, balloon artists, live entertainment and more.

At the event, attendees will also have the opportunity to learn about the recreation programs offered at the center this summer. All guests will be asked to sign a liability waiver before enjoying the rides and attractions, so save time by visiting beaches.lacounty.gov and clicking on the Fun-A-Palooza flyer.

For more info, call (310) 726-4128.

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Playa Vista Summer Events

Various dates • Various times Various Playa Vista parks FREE Playa Vista has once again packed its summer schedule with free movies, concerts and events everyone can get excited about. Budding thespians can also rejoice because, for the first time this year, Playa Vista and LMU will be hosting the community’s first Shakespeare in the Park events. As an added bonus, food trucks will have items available for purchase at the concerts, movies and Shakespeare events.

Playa Vista’s Concerts in the Park run on select Sundays from 5 to 6:30 pm and this year’s lineup includes: • Sunday, June 17– Pine Mountain Logs at Concert Park • Sunday, July 22– Steely Jam (Steely Dan tribute band) at Central Park Bandshell • Sunday, August 12– Fleetwood Mac vs. Heart (classic rock tribute band) at Central Park Bandshell Playa Vista Movies in the Park are shown from 8 to 10 pm, and this year’s

featured films include: • Friday, June 22– “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” at Central Park Bandshell • Friday, July 13– “Coco” at Concert Park • Friday, August 10–”Grease” at Concert Park Shakespeare in the Park performances start at 7 pm and will include: • Sunday, July 1–”A Midsummer Night’s Dream” at Concert Park • Sunday, July 29–”Othello” at Central Park Bandshell Yoga For a Cause will also be popping up all summer long (June through August) on Saturdays from 9 to 10 am at Concert Park. Attendees are invited to bring their yoga mats and participate in the free classes that accept donations for local nonprofits. June events will benefit HomeAid LA; July events will support the Wounded Warrior Support Network and August class donations will go to A Place Called Home.

Concert Park is located at Concert Park Drive and Runway Road; and the Central Park Bandshell is located at Waterfront Drive between Artisans Way and Campus Center Drive.

For info on parking or using Playa Vista’s shuttle service, please visit playavista.com/events.

ChamberFest LAeXpo

Thursday, June 28 • 4 to 7 pm 6200 Playa Vista Dr., Playa Vista FREE, $10 for “Taste Of” Playa Vista’s CenterPointe Club will be transformed into a table top expo, “Taste Of” event and networking mixer at the annual ChamberFest LAeXpo. The community is invited to check out local businesses, try food from some of the area’s most popular restaurants, enter into raffles and take home giveaways at this family-friendly gathering.

While the event is free to attend, tickets to the “Taste Of” event are $10, and this year’s restaurant lineup includes: Melody Bar & Grill, the Warehouse Restaurant, Benny’s Tacos, Tony P’s Dockside Grill and more. Raffle tickets are also available for purchase, with the grand prize being a ticket on Southwest Airlines.

For more info, visit laxcoastal.com.

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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

June 2018 • Page 5

Photo by Jon Rou.

Photo by Glenn Marzano.

Left to right: 1. St. Anastasia’s mascot, Peppy, rides in last year’s Fourth of July parade. 2. The tragedy “Othello,” featuring Lynn Favin as Desdemona, pictured here, will be performed at LMU and in Playa Vista.

LAX Coastal on Parade “Cities Across America”

FREE The Fourth of July wouldn’t be complete without fireworks, and Marina del Rey is hosting the biggest show on the Westside. The 20-minute fireworks show kicks off at 9 pm. Fisherman’s Village and Burton Chace Park are the recommended viewing locations, and both spots will feature music synchronized to the fireworks. Thousands of people head to the Marina for this yearly event, so it’s recommended that you plan ahead to get there early (paid parking lots around the Marina tend to fill up early in the day and street closures generally start at 7 pm) or consider taking the WaterBus, The Beach Shuttle or use your favorite rideshare app.

For more info and viewing locations, please visit visitmarinadelrey.com/ events/july-4-marina-del-rey.

Wednesday, July 4 • 11 am Loyola Blvd. at Westchester Park FREE You’re invited to the 19th Annual LAX Coastal Fourth Of July Parade, celebrating “Cities Across America.” Community groups, marching bands, floats and classic cars will make their way down Loyola Blvd. from Westchester Park to LMU to celebrate America’s birthday with a hometown feel.

Spectators are encouraged to get to the parade by 10:30 am to reserve their spots along the street, especially if you’re looking for a coveted place at center stage, located at 83rd St. and Loyola. Limited bleacher seating is also available on a first come, first served basis. Biking or walking to the event is encouraged.

For more info, visit laxcoastal.com/ parade and check out our July Parade edition, out Thursday, June 28.

Marina del Rey Summer Concert Series

Various dates • 7 pm 13650 Mindanao Way, MDR FREE Music lovers rejoice! Burton Chace Park will host some spectacular summer concerts starting in July featuring

4th of July Fireworks Celebration

Wednesday, July 4 • 9 pm Marina del Rey

opera, classical, punk and pop. Whatever your musical preference, however, you’ll have a chance to groove on Symphonic Thursdays or rock out on Pop Saturdays.

This year’s series includes: • Thursday, July 12– Opera at the Shore • Saturday, July 21– Lalah Hathaway (R&B) • Thursday, July 26– Leonard Bernstein at 100 • Saturday, August 4– Cat Power (indie) • Thursday, August 9–Katharine McPhee (pop) • Saturday, August 18–X (punk) • Thursday, August 23– Rodgers & Hammerstein’s “South Pacific” • Saturday, August 25–encore presentation of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s “South Pacific” • Saturday, September 1– La Santa Cecilia (Latin) Attendees are encouraged to get to the park early, so grab your low-back chairs or blankets and your picnic basket. There’s no doubt you’ll enjoy the music while catching the sunset over the marina.

For more info, please visit beaches.lacounty.gov/concerts.

LMU Movie Nights and Shakespeare on the Bluff

Various dates • Various times 1 LMU Dr., Westchester (in the campus’ Lawton Plaza) FREE LMU Outdoor Movie Nights will screen sci-fi adventure, “Ready Player One,” at Lawton Plaza (next to the Hannon Library) on Friday, July 20 at 8:15 pm. Bring your blankets and chairs and LMU will provide the popcorn. Parking is free on the campus on the weekends.

LMU is proud to present its inaugural season of Shakespeare on the Bluff with 90-minute outdoor performances of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and “Othello.” Presented by the College of Communication and the Fine Arts’ Theatre Arts Program, the plays feature professional actors, LMU alumni, faculty members and current students.

“A Midsummer Night’s Dream” will be performed at 8 pm on Friday, June 29 and Saturday, June 30. “Othello” will be performed at 8 pm on Friday, July 27 and Saturday, July 28.

For more info, visit cfa.lmu.edu/ shakespeare.

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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

June 2018 • Page 7

Photos by Greg Dina-Pham.

The 3rd annual Westchester Arts & Music Block Party (WAM) will take place on Saturday, September 15 and will feature live music, art and activities for the whole family.

20th Annual Pancake Breakfast at Fire Station 5

Volunteers are still needed to walk in the fashion show. Please email info@ siliconbeachparents.com for details.

Concert Park is located at Concert Park Drive and Runway Road in Playa Vista. For more info and to RSVP, please visit siliconbeachparents.com.

Saturday, July 28 • 8 to 11 am 8900 Emerson Ave., Westchester $5, Kids under 2 free Stop by Westchester’s Fire Station 5 for a good old-fashioned pancake breakfast hosted by the Playa Venice Sunrise Rotary Club. Volunteers from the Marriott LAX will be serving up delicious pancakes (blueberry and chocolate chip varieties are also available), sausage, juice, coffee and fruit. Invite your friends and neighbors to join you for breakfast to discuss what’s going on in the neighborhood. Meanwhile, the kids can enjoy a bounce house, face painting, balloon animals, meet local fire fighters and tour the station. For more info, visit playavenice.org.

Westchester Arts & Music Block Party

Saturday, September 15 • 10 am to 8 pm Emerson Ave. between 80th Pl. and 80th St., Westchester FREE Mark your calendars for an endof-summer extravaganza at the Westchester Arts & Music Block Party (WAM) hosted by the Emerson Avenue Community Garden. This third annual event brings together live music, art, dance, community booths, kids’ activities, tours of the garden and more, all with a block party atmosphere. The event is free to attend, but food, beer and wine will be available for purchase.

Emerson Ave. between 80th Pl. and 80th St. will be closed to street traffic during the event, allowing attendees to celebrate the last days of the season rocking out to music and enjoying art with hundreds of their friends and neighbors.

While the 2018 lineup is still being finalized, you can sign-up for updates at wamblockparty.org.

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

Silicon Beach Parents Group Fashion Show

Saturday, August 4 • 3 to 6 pm Concert Park, Playa Vista FREE RSVP for the second annual Silicon Beach Fashion Show hosted by the Silicon Beach Parents Group and Playa Vista Community Services and presented by Kris Zacuto of Hilton & Hyland. Held at the newlyrenovated Concert Park, guests will enjoy a fashion show featuring the debut of Lorna Jane’s maternity line, Fi & Me, Dot Dot Smile and more.

Pre-registered guests will receive a limited edition gift bag and a raffle ticket to win items including scooters, clothing and accessories.

Page 8 • June 2018

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

Sun care is key for a sunburn-free summer Nothing can ruin your summer plans faster than a trip to the doctor or ER for common ailments that can often be avoided with a little planning and prevention. We recently spoke with Dr. Cara Stalzer, a Playa del Rey resident and Primary Care Physician specializing in Internal Medicine at Cedars-Sinai Playa Vista, for a few tips on how to (hopefully) avoid one of summer’s most common health issues.

Summer often means more outdoor activities, which can lead to sunburns, even when you take precautions. While it’s not always possible to avoid being outside when the sun is the strongest, typically from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Dr. Stalzer recommends applying a broad spectrum sunscreen at SPF 30 or higher at least a half hour before you start your activities for the day. She points out that about a shot glass size of SPF is needed to do the job, and you’ll need to reapply every 80 minutes or so, especially if you’re doing activities on the water, like boating, surfing or swimming.

Staying hydrated is also key. She reminds us that once you’re thirsty, you’re already dehydrated, so keep your water bottle handy. She also suggests trying Pedialyte and Gatorade when you feel dehydrated.

If you do get sunburned, Dr. Stalzer recommends aloe vera, cold compresses and over the counter

Dr. Cara Stalzer specializes in internal medicine at Cedars-Sinai Playa Vista.

pain relievers. Of course, if you’re experiencing blistering, nausea or dizziness, contact your doctor right away because you might be experiencing heat exhaustion. If you think you’re experiencing heat stroke, call 911.

Following these simple tips can help protect you against sunburns, leaving you with more time to enjoy your favorite summertime activities!

Cedars-Sinai Playa Vista is located at 12746 Jefferson Blvd. in Playa Vista. The offices include care for the whole family with an urgent care, adult primary care, pediatric care and a newly opened OB/GYN office. For more info, please visit cedars-sinai.edu/ About-Us/Playa-Vista.aspx.

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

June 2018 • Page 9

Business & Nonprofit News

TheHTN.com

Visit Marina del Rey’s Burton Chace Park now through July 1 to view the hypnotic public art installation, “Sunset Vestige,” by Patrick Shearn of Poetic Kinetics.

“Sunset Vestige” debuts at Burton Chace Park.

Now through July 1, visitors to Marina del Rey’s Burton Chace Park can view “Sunset Vestige,” a temporary public art piece reminiscent of the glow of a California sunset. Created by local artist Patrick Shearn of Poetic Kinetics and funded by the Los Angeles County Department of Beaches and Harbors and the Los Angeles County Arts Commission, the piece consists of more than 40,000 suspended red, orange, black, silver and purple streamers that sway with the wind.

Covering a 5,000-square-foot site next to the water, Shearn’s artwork is meant to evoke the phenomenon of “flocking,” where schools of fish or insects swarm or move together in the same direction. The use of transparent netting to hang the streamers creates the illusion that they are floating on their own.

To engage the public, organizers are asking visitors to answer the question, “If this artwork could dance, what song would it dance to?” and create videos of “Sunset Vestige” with music. The videos can be posted on social media with #sunsetvestige. The most creative videos each week will be shared on Poetic Kinetics’ social media pages.

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

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business community and the amount of good it can do for the local area,” said Greville. “During the luncheon, the Limerick Chamber got to understand a little about how the LAX Coastal Chamber operates and both chambers can dig a little deeper to see if there are practices that could benefit how each work. I look forward to both chambers staying in contact, and it would be great if this became a regular event.”

The LAX Coastal Chamber delegation included Tony Palermo of Tony P’s Dockside Grill, Kelly King, General Manager/Dock Master for Villa del Mar Apartments and LAX Coastal President/CEO Christina Davis.

Members of the LAX Coastal Chamber meet with board members of the Limerick Chamber of Commerce at a luncheon held at the Hunt Museum in Ireland.

LAX Coastal Chamber partners with Limerick Chamber of Commerce.

The Limerick, Ireland Chamber of Commerce welcomed a delegation from the LAX Coastal Chamber on Friday, May 18 with a luncheon held at the Hunt Museum. The LAX Coastal Chamber was invited to attend the luncheon by its former honorary mayor, Keith Greville, an engineer and project manager for design and engineering firm Arup, to create a “sister-city” relationship between the two chambers. Greville, who led the

Crenshaw LAX Light Rail Transit Project during his time working in Los Angeles, is now stationed in his hometown of Limerick and hoped to bring the chambers together for cultural exchange and to discuss best practices.

“There always has and always will be a very special relationship between Ireland and the U.S., and I was very lucky to have the opportunity to work in L.A., and even luckier to become part of the chamber during my time there. I was able to see first-hand the influence a chamber can have on the

Annenberg PetSpace invites community to its Anni“fur”sary celebration.

Playa Vista’s Wallis Annenberg PetSpace is celebrating its one year anniversary with a free event on Sunday, June 24 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Since opening last June, PetSpace has fulfilled its mission of strengthening the human animal bond by holding workshops and information sessions, and finding “furever” homes for dogs, cats and bunnies. At the anniversary celebration, visitors to the center can meet adoptable pets, take behind-thescene tours, enjoy free food trucks and

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

“ Top 50 In America” FEATURING OUR FAMOUS

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The community is invited to attend a celebration for Playa Vista’s Annenberg PetSpace on Sunday, June 24.

other family-friendly activities.

The Wallis Annenberg PetSpace is located at 12005 Bluff Creek Dr. in Playa Vista.

For more info or to RSVP, please visit annenbergpetspace.org.

PUPs celebrate five years bringing joy at LAX. LAX celebrated the fifth anniversary of the Pets Unstressing Passengers (PUPs) Program at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) in the courtyard of the Theme Building on May 23.

The PUPs program started with just 20 therapy dogs, but now almost 90 dogs are enrolled in the popular program. The therapy dogs and their handlers spread goodwill and tail wags through the departure terminals, greeting and comforting guests as they await their flights.

The teams also help guests navigate LAX. “PUPs is an extraordinary program that makes LAX stand out among other international and domestic airports,” said Val Velasco, Commission Vice President, Los Angeles Board of Airport Commissioners. “It adds a friendly touch to the airport and lets our guests know that we care about their comfort levels and wellbeing when they walk through the terminals.”

On average, each team of PUPs volunteers can interact with between 3,500 and 7,000 guests at LAX each year. Last year alone, the PUPs volunteers logged more than 4,000 hours of service at the airport, and over the last five years, the LAX PUPs team has helped 56 airports nationwide start their own programs.

“We don’t ever know why someone is traveling,” said PUPs Program Director Heidi Huebner.

“It could be for a happy reason or for sad reasons, but to be there to

comfort them with the therapy dogs is life-changing.”

The PUPs program is part of a team of airport volunteers that include 225 Volunteer Information Professionals (VIPs), the newly formed LAXceeders Student Volunteer Program and 150 guest experience members.

To learn more information about the PUPs program or to download an application to participate, please visit lawa.org/en/volunteeropportunities/pup-program.

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Calling all parade sponsors and volunteers!

On Wednesday, July 4, Westchester’s Loyola Blvd. will be transformed into a sea of red, white and blue to help celebrate our nation’s birthday at the LAX Coastal Fourth of July Parade.

Celebrating its 19th year, the parade theme is “Cities Across America,” and entries are set to wow the crowd with their tributes to some of the USA’s most iconic and beloved locations including New York City, Las Vegas, New Orleans, Honolulu and more.

The parade committee is still accepting sponsors and volunteers to help support the event. This year’s major sponsors include the Stephanie Younger Group, Jane St. John, Drollinger Properties, Robin Zacha/Zacha Homes, HomeTown News and HHLA. Volunteers are also being sought to help along the parade route and clean-up after the event.

For more information or to learn about sponsorship opportunities, please contact the chamber office at (310) 645-5151.

Opened a business? Celebrating an anniversary? 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

June 2018 • Page 11

School News

Photo by Angela Clouse.

TheHTN.com

Teacher Eddy honorees, representing 21 local schools, pose for a photo in the Hilton Los Angeles Airport lobby.

Outstanding Teachers honored at Teacher Eddy Awards.

On May 9, more than 350 educators, administrators, business leaders and community members came together at the Hilton Los Angeles Airport Hotel to celebrate education at the annual Teacher Eddy Awards. During the Dr. Seuss-themed evening, the LAX Coastal Chamber’s Education Committee recognized 21 outstanding Teachers of the Year from local K-12 schools, as well as Otis College and Loyola Marymount.

Each outstanding teacher was presented with a crystal Eddy award, inscribed with the words “For Excellence in Education” and a star representing that local teachers are some of our community’s brightest lights.

At this event, the recipients of the Friends of Education award were also announced. This award is given to community members and business leaders who have made a positive impact on local education. This year’s honorees included LMU’s Director of Community Relations, Andy O’Reilly; SoCalGas’ Public Affairs Manager, Mike Harriel and LAX Coastal Chamber President/CEO, Christina Davis. A special “Lifetime Achievement in Education” award was also announced for Sandra Masted of Westchester Lutheran Church & School for her decades of dedication to the K-8 school and local education.

theme “Rock Stars” scheduled for Friday, June 15 from 5 to 10 p.m. The event is free to attend, and a variety of food trucks will have food available for purchase. A bake sale, music and kids’ activities round out the event.

The summer schedule for Food Truck Friday Nights is: July 20, “Super Heroes;” August 17, “Thank You First Responders;” and September 21, “Visitation Pride.”

Visitation is located at 8740 Emerson Ave. in Westchester. For more info, please visit visitationschool.org.

PVSR scholarship recipient, Kaila Lewis, shows off her Rotary backpack.

$1,000 scholarships to local high school students. The scholarships were awarded for excellence in a variety of categories including STEM, art, leadership and service. The awards were distributed by PVSR Scholarship Chair, Gail Goldstein, at the club’s May 16 meeting at Whiskey Red’s.

Congratulations to this year’s recipients: • Maria Adriana Diego Garcia, Animo Venice Charter High School • Melissa Gutierrez Martinez, Culver City High School • Kiev Morales, Venice High School • Griffin Wells, Venice High School • Christian Matamoros, Animo

Rotary Club awards scholarships to high school students.

The Playa Venice Sunrise Rotary (PVSR) recently distributed twelve

Page 12 • June 2018

Venice Charter High School • Kevin Eduardo Mateo, Culver City High School • Christal Bautista, St. Bernard • Alexandra Irwin, Inspire Charter School • Kaila Lewis, Arizona State University (2nd year awardee) • Robert Nwoye, Westchester High School • Maria Garcia, Venice High School • Kyana Morgan, St. Bernard Visitation hosts Food Truck Friday Nights.

All are welcome to Visitation’s next Food Truck Friday Night with the

Westside Neighborhood School students create nonprofit’s logo.

The Westchester Mental Health Guild recently announced the winners of a contest conducted among art students at Westside Neighborhood School (WNS).

Contestants, under the supervision of WNS art teachers Laurie Zachman and Erin Wolf, were tasked with creating a new logo for the Guild to use to advertise its annual Holiday Home Tour.

The Guild was so impressed with the entries in the logo contest that they awarded two first place winners and will be using one logo for the Guild and another to promote the Holiday Home Tour.

Eighth grader, Alex Tamura, submitted the winning new Guild logo, while sixth grader, Austen Connors, created the new Home Tour logo. The students each received a prize of $200.

Seventh grader, Hope Craig, was also recognized for her work as runner-up and was awarded a $100 cash prize.

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

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

June 2018 • Page 13

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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

June 2018 • Page 15

Calendar

TheHTN.com

Ongoing monthly events: Playa Venice Sunrise Rotary Club

interview him about his life as a dancer and choreographer, but it is soon evident that their agenda is as multilayered as the life story that Tobi begins to tell them. What happens next will either ruin or inspire them, and will definitely change their lives forever.

Reserved seat tickets are $22 with a $2 discount for seniors and students.

To purchase tickets, please call (310) 645-5156. You may also purchase tickets online at kentwoodplayers. org.

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

Join the Playa Venice Sunrise Rotary Club every Wednesday morning at 7:15 a.m. for its weekly meeting. The club meets at Whiskey Red’s, located at 13813 Fiji Way in Marina del Rey. The cost of the meeting is $25, which includes breakfast. Guests are welcome and reservations are not required.

For more info, visit playavenice. org.

Rotary Club of Westchester The Rotary Club of Westchester meets every Wednesday at 12 noon for lunch at the Crowne Plaza LAX Hotel, located at 5985 W. Century Blvd. in Westchester. The cost of lunch is $25 and validated self parking is free. Guests are most welcome! Reservations are not required.

For more information or to reserve a seat at the luncheon, please visit rotary-westchester.com.

Jazz Music Exhibition at William H. Hannon Library An exhibition of original sheet music from the early days of jazz and ragtime is on display in the William H. Hannon Library on the campus at Loyola Marymount University, now through July 27.

The exhibition, “American Popular Music in the Age of Ragtime and Jazz,” is student-curated and features items from the Clara Jane Nixon Sheet Music Collection, including sheet music dating chiefly from the last decade of the nineteenth century and the first three decades of the twentieth century. Most of the works hail from Tin Pan Alley and include works by Irving Berlin, Al Jolson, Clare Kummer, Ray Henderson and George M. Cohan. Works on display were previously in the personal collection of Clara Jane Nixon (19192013), sister-in-law of President Richard M. Nixon.

The gallery is open to the public Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is located on the third floor of the library. LMU is located at 1 LMU Drive in Westchester. Parking is free on the weekends.

For more info, please visit library.lmu.edu.

LAX Kiwanis Club The LAX Kiwanis Club is looking for new members. The club meets every Thursday at 12:30 p.m. at the Renaissance Hotel, located at 9620 Airport Blvd. in Westchester.

Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world, one child and one community at a time. The LAX Kiwanis raise money every year for such causes as providing scholarships, holiday baskets for needy families and back-to-school shopping sprees.

For more information about the club or to RSVP to attend one of their meetings, please email laxkiwanisclub@gmail.com.

June events: “Match” at Westchester Playhouse

Adopt-A-Cat Month at Annenberg PetSpace

Kentwood Players are now performing “Match,” by Stephen Belber through June 16 at the Westchester Playhouse. The comedic drama is performed Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m.

“Match” tells the story of Mike and Lisa Davis, who arrive at the apartment of Tobi Powell, who lives alone on the northern tip of Manhattan. They are there to

Page 16 • June 2018

June is all about cats at Playa Vista’s Wallis Annenberg PetSpace. This month, the organization has plenty of events, speakers and happenings to help you enrich your favorite feline’s life.

Wednesdays at noon and Saturdays at noon and 3 p.m. learn about “Cat Conduct.” The PetSpace team will talk about how to understand your cat’s behavior at this 15-minute

informal happening. RSVPs are not required.

UC Davis professor, veterinarian and cat guru, Dr. Tony Buffington, will be the center’s featured speaker on Saturday, June 9 at 3 p.m. and will discuss “Cat Mastery: Understanding our Feline Friends.” Dr. Buffington will discuss the historical journey of cats and what they need from their family to help them thrive.

Saturday, June 23 from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Jackson Galaxy, star of Animal Planet’s “My Cat from Hell” and bestselling author, will be giving a talk on how he found his “cat mojo” and how you can find yours. He will also discuss cat history, best diets and secrets he’s learned over the years working with cats. Cats are not permitted at this event. RSVPs can be made by visiting the PetSpace website.

Events are free at PetSpace. The Wallis Annenberg PetSpace is located at 12005 Bluff Creek Dr. in Playa Vista.

For more info and to RSVP, please visit annenbergpetspace.org.

Pizza Party Under the Stars Fresh Food in a Flash is hosting a pizza party under the stars on Thursday, June 14 from 6 to 9:30 p.m.

Pizza lovers are encouraged to RSVP for the cooking class, where they will learn how to: make pizza dough in one minute with a food processor; how to make delicious tasting pizza at home in a conventional oven; a traditional Caesar salad and a dessert pizza.

All of the pies made during class will be cooked in the outdoor 800-degree wood-fired oven at Holy Nativity, where pizza is ready in minutes.

The cost to attend is $55 when you RSVP by June 11 and $65 after if space is available. RSVP to Patricia@ FreshFoodinaFlash.com. Classes take place at Holy Nativity’s Community Hall, located at 6700 W. 83rd St. in Westchester.

Young Professionals Happy Hour Join the LAX Coastal Young Professionals (YPs) for an evening of networking, appetizers and cocktails during a social happy hour on Tuesday, June 19 from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

This month, the YPs will be visiting the Hilton Garden Inn’s Admiralty Terrace, where attendees will be

treated to appetizers, desserts and a cash bar--with the signature drink, Honey Crush, available for purchase.

There will also be an opportunity drawing with a chance to win a onenight stay at the Hilton Garden Inn plus dinner for 2!

The cost to attend is $5 per person.

The Hilton Garden Inn is located at 4200 Admiralty Way in Marina del Rey. RSVPs are requested, but not required by emailing info@laxcoastal. com.

NCWP Planning and Land Use Meeting Interested in learning more about development in the area? The community is encouraged to attend the monthly Neighborhood Council of Westchester/Playa’s (NCWP) Planning and Land Use Committee (PLUC) meetings.

The committee meets the third Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. in the Westchester Community Room, located at 7166 Manchester Ave. in Westchester. The June meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, June 19.

Every month, the committee hears a variety of presentations ranging from city employees informing PLUC on hot topic issues like the home-sharing ordinance, developers looking to build in Westchester/Playa or new businesses looking to open in the area. Agendas for upcoming meetings are available at ncwpdr.org/ pluc when ready. Those interested can also sign-up to receive the PLUC agendas automatically at ncwpdr. org/user/register by creating a user account and subscribing to email alerts from any NCWP committee.

Movie Night at the Elks Lodge You’re invited to a free movie matinee on Sunday, June 24 at the Westchester Elks Lodge.

With baseball season here, the Elks will be showing the 1993 coming-ofage baseball film, “The Sandlot,” at 2 p.m. Doors will open at 1 p.m.

Guests can also enjoy a concession stand with treats available for purchase, movie trivia, a kids’ corner and free popcorn.

The Elks Lodge is located at 8025 W. Manchester Ave. in Playa del Rey. Entrance and free parking are available in the back of the lodge.

Please call the lodge at (310) 8213005 with any questions.

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

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

June 2018 • Page 17

Recipes from the Inn: Father’s Day apple cake

By Rebecca Hill, Innkeeper

It seems every month there’s something fantastic to celebrate, and this month is no different–it’s Father’s Day on June 17! Special days like this bring different emotions to the forefront for many people. For our friends and neighbors who feel joy on Father’s Day, we join in your celebration! For those who find this day difficult, we understand that some situations are complex.

My co-worker, Kristin Guinn, has a wonderful relationship with her dad.

As Kristin reflects on Father’s Day, she says her dad gave her great advice with a quote from “Star Wars.” Mr. Guinn (and Yoda!) advise, “Do or do not, there is no try.”

In addition to being an innkeeper, Kristin is a successful entrepreneur and event coordinator. Her company, Madly Magic, is popular on Etsy, and I have personally witnessed her coordinate elaborate and unique celebrations.

Over the years, she’s helped guests orchestrate beautiful wedding proposals at the Inn, and I saw her creativity in full force when she arranged a surprise birthday party for one of our co-workers in the middle of Temescal Canyon. That’s right: a surprise birthday party in the MIDDLE of rustic Temescal Canyon…let that sink in for a minute. For the big surprise, Kristin hiked Temescal Canyon with balloons,

Page 18 • June 2018

Try garnishing the cake with a few apple slices for a festive presentation.

a helium tank, cupcakes, champagne, champagne flutes and a lace tablecloth to boot! It was the prettiest party I’ve ever seen and fully demonstrates how Kristin has taken her dad’s advice to heart.

Karen Dial of Westchester says, “Fathers and kids can share a deep bond.

This involves patience and understanding from the dad and some creativity in choosing ways to spend time together.

Simple is best. Taking a walk on the beach, gardening, cooking, touring museums, playing catch or shooting baskets. Whatever time is spent, it’s

important that the conversations include getting to know what each other loves doing.”

I agree with Karen. When my dad, Dr. Don, would visit me in Los Angeles, we’d always take a day trip to The Huntington Library in Pasadena. My dad loved nature so The Huntington’s 120 acres of botanical gardens brought him great joy. In particular, Dr. Don loved camellias so we’d wander through The Huntington’s camellia garden, and he’d point out the different specimens as he talked of his own camellias back home. Dr.

Don passed away about nine years ago.

I must admit, my first few Father’s Days without him were difficult. It was painful to see all of the Father’s Day cards in the store and to witness families celebrating with special time together. Thankfully, as the years passed, my heart healed. I still miss Dr. Don every day, but I have been able to re-join the world in celebrating Father’s Day. I like to celebrate with wonderful memories of my time spent with my dad and our special time at The Huntington.

If you’re looking for something special to do with your dad this Father’s Day, we encourage you to take Karen’s advice and spend quality time together doing something simple that allows for conversation. Maybe a beach walk? Maybe a home cooked meal? Or maybe you would like to bake this fresh apple cake together? It’s delicious!

Fresh Apple Cake Ingredients: • 2 eggs • 2 cups of sugar • 3 TSP. of cinnamon • ½ TSP. vanilla • ½ cup vegetable oil • 1 cup walnuts • 6 apples (we suggest Honey Crisps!)

• 2 cups of flour • 2 TSP. baking soda

(continued on page 21)

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

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

June 2018 • Page 19

Random Notes/Opinion

TheHTN.com

The problem your trainer doesn’t understand

By Jeff Blair

If the real problem is not knowledge, what is it? It might be best to explain through example.

Susan* is a busy accountant and works just over 50 hours per week.

She has a one hour commute each way. When she is off, she needs to be available via email and cell. She doesn’t really work 24/7, but it feels that way at times. She has a series of continuous deadlines that never seem to end.

At times when she is working a lot, she feels like she is not very efficient and that causes her to work even more. Many days her brain just feels fried. The constant low-level (and sometimes high-level) stress drains her energy. Sometimes she feels like she is slipping mentally. She knows she is slipping physically, but “Who isn’t?” she thinks to herself.

Once she fights her way home through her commute, her attention shifts to her two children. They really are good kids, but tracking homework, getting them to soccer or dance class and keeping them fed is a constant challenge. This stress is different from work stress, but not necessarily any easier to manage.

Sometimes Susan finds herself getting irritable and frustrated

Opinion: I have worked with hundreds and hundreds of clients as a personal trainer. Most of these clients faced challenges that were not apparent on the surface and which they weren’t usually real comfortable talking about.

They may have gained twenty pounds, but that is not the real problem.

The real problem is something different.

Many of our clients are busy professionals. They studied hard through school. Then they built their careers. They have usually achieved a good level of professional success.

They are often married, and their kids are doing well.

Like the rest of us, they see the news stories about exercise and nutrition. I don’t think I have ever met anyone who honestly questioned whether those two things are important. Although there are a variety of opinions and philosophies as to what might be the best approach, nearly everyone understands we need consistent exercise and healthy nutrition to thrive.

Page 20 • June 2018

without a good reason. Occasionally she finds herself just sad, and she doesn’t really understand why.

Her life is basically a good, successful career, good marriage and healthy and achieving kids. She is never really happy, but what is she to do? She has to work, and the kids are not going to take care of themselves.

So she keeps going day after day, week after week, month after month.

One day Susan looks in the mirror or stands on the scale (she has avoided pictures for a while), and she cannot believe what she sees.

She knew her clothes were getting tighter, but one day she catches a glimpse of herself in the mirror or sees a number on a scale and it seems like she is living someone else’s life.

She wonders how she got into this physical condition.

She wants to do something, but where can she find the time? And even if she had the time, she barely has enough energy to get through the day. Somehow, the math doesn’t add up.

And then the real problem becomes clear. Between work demands, family responsibilities, commuting stress and never-ending email and text availability, she can never fully

disengage or recharge.

The real problem is the demands of her modern life.

There is real hope, though.

My tens of thousands of hours dealing with this exact situation confirm you can lose weight, increase energy and get stronger in spite of your modern life.

Our bodies are designed to move.

Moving makes us feel better. It gives us energy and clarity.

As little as 2-3 hours per week can start to turn things around. You don’t have to quit your day job and run off with the circus. You can live better, leaner, stronger and happier in this crazy, modern world.

The formula is simple: start small, find a guide, don’t quit and keep trying. Stumble forward. You can do it. I have seen it more times than I can count. *Note all the above applies to men as well as women. I typically alternate genders monthly when using hypothetical examples.

Jeff Blair (M.S., C.S.C.S) is a fitness author, award-winning personal trainer and five time winner of Hometown News “Best Of” personal trainer. Contact him at jeff@ socalsport.com.

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

Change your thinking,

trust and thrive

By Fay Craton Opinion: A couple of years ago I challenged myself by doing a zip line ropes course consisting of multiple zip lines, rope bridges and repelling.

I thought I understood what zipping was since I had been on a makeshift line at a retreat center and thoroughly enjoyed gliding down a fairly short line. What I discovered, however, was sometimes what I think I know is very limited.

Growth happens by opening up and being willing to embrace a bigger understanding. Opening up is not always easy. For me, committing to this challenging adventure was physically demanding, so I was given the opportunity to look at my own limiting beliefs.

I often work with people who are afraid to take the next step in their growth. The fear of embracing actions required to move towards a more satisfying life can appear to be unsurmountable. Fear of pain, hurt, embarrassment or failing can easily lead people into either paralysis, avoidance or to deflecting attention from yourself. Too often, deflecting amounts to attempting to control another person by aggressively confronting them about something you may find irritating. A common unproductive behavior is to delay looking at one’s own role and to instead blame another person.

When zip lining, there were specific steps each person had to do in order to start a zip run and safely end at another platform. It terrified me that I could fail to do it correctly. Since there were multiple safety controls in place, it was unlikely I would be badly hurt, but failure would mean a very embarrassing need to be rescued.

Once I was able to express my fear, the guides and I were able to discuss possible scenarios. I also discovered that asking for help, instead of pretending to be perfect, was completely acceptable. Another challenge I experienced was moving past my fear of heights in order to step off of a platform to repel to a lower level. There is no way to control what amounts to be a fall in your mind. To move through this fear required trusting the people who attached the safety harnesses and ropes guiding the path of my drop. Success is often found through trusting and taking the needed steps to accomplish what is desired.

What have you been afraid to do because anxiety stopped you? What actions have you not taken to obtain something you want in life? What is the worst outcome you can imagine by taking the action? Often, the worst outcome is not physical injury; some-

times moving forward does require the risk of embarrassment.

For example, sometimes you need to let go of your pride in order to improve the quality of your relationship. Having a better relationship may also require making a change in your life. What is the best outcome you can imagine by making some positive changes? It may require letting go of what you have perceived as a past hurt in order to live more fully.

Have you been in arguments with people because of an unwillingness to let a perception change? On one of the rope bridges, I was unhappy because I thought someone behind me was intentionally causing the bridge to bounce and rock. The bridge movement scared me, but what I discovered was that nobody was intentionally causing the bridge to move. It was a natural part of several people walking on the ropes. Changing my unhappiness was not something someone else needed to do; instead I needed to change my perception about what was happening.

Sometimes conflict happens because of differing points of view. If a person is not willing to change their thinking about a situation, an argument can unfold. The way perceptions are changed are by discussing an event from a perspective of being neither right or wrong. Calmly, with an open mind, collect information about what has happened. Be willing to change your belief. When a person you are in a disagreement with changes his or her understanding, it is important not to gloat; instead give that person positive acknowledgment. Supportive relationships empower each other.

My wish is for you to evolve from limiting your beliefs into experiencing healthy relationships with significant people in your life. By taking small steps, you can positively change your perception and support your ability to thrive.

One of the last activities on the ropes course was a repel from a very high platform down to the ground. By this time, I was ready for the challenge. Just as I was getting ready for the leap, I was gently pushed from the edge. Sometimes help comes in the form of gentle nudging. I was laughing as I left the platform and all the way to my landing. The fall felt like flying.

Thriving can feel very light and be fun.

Fay Craton, M.A. is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (mfc40011), which is the psychology license specializing in relationships (with ourselves or with others), and she has an office in Westchester. For more info, visit communicationtriangle.com or contact her at (310) 645-6762.

Father’s Day (cont’d) Prep: 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Slice the apples into small pieces about the size of a quarter.

3. Mix the cinnamon and sugar together in a bowl.

4. Mix the baking soda and flour together in a bowl.

Directions for cake: 1. Cream the eggs with the cinnamon/sugar mixture.

2. Add the vanilla and then the vegetable oil.

3. Add sliced apples and walnuts to the mix.

4. Add baking soda/ flour mixture.

5. Pour into greased pan.

6. Bake for 45 minutes or until done and fork comes out clean.

Enjoy!

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 innkeepers’ 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.

YOU CAN HELP! FOOD PANTRY, LAX

Emergency Food Distribution to those in need.

Sponsored by the Westchester Clergy Association

Open Tuesday & Friday, 10am-12pm 355 Beach St., Inglewood

Bring donations of non-perishable food to Covenant Presbyterian Chuch. Volunteers and money donations also welcomed and encouraged!

For more information, please call (310) 677-5597

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

Ad donated by the Covenant Presbyterian Church

June 2018 • Page 21

In Pictures

Photo courtesy Westchester Rotary.

T he HTN.co m

Andrew O’Reilly (second from left) received a Friend of Education plaque at the Teacher Eddy Awards dinner in May. O’Reilly, who is Director of Community Relations at Loyola Marymount University, was recognized for his support of local

education and for being integral in the success of the inaugural Rock Roll & Run for Education 5K event.

Pictured: O’Reilly poses with Teacher Eddy event organizers (from left to right) Lory Sarlo, Garrett Smith, Liz Hall and Gwen Vuchsas.

the campus and was painted and designed by the school community.

The mural not only represents the mission and values of the school’s culture, but also the individual identity of the student artists. The other mural, a movable art piece on six different panels, allowed younger students to participate in the project

and show their creativity, while learning the values of the school which include trustworthiness, caring, responsibility, respect, citizenship and fairness.

Pictured: Russell (left) poses with Rotarians and WHES principal, Jacqueline Hughes (third from left), in front of the new mural.

The Ben Maltz Gallery’s latest show, Joanne Greenbaum: Things We Said Today, is on view now through August 11. Greenbaum is a New York Citybased artist, and the show follows her “prodigious mark-making and uncanny color sensibility across media and sur-

face.” The show includes large canvases, pen drawings, watercolors and painted ceramics. The gallery is located on the campus of Otis College at 9045 Lincoln Blvd. in Westchester. Admission is free.

For gallery hours, please visit otis.edu.

Pictured: Untitled, 2017.

Photo courtesy Ben Maltz Gallery.

beautify the school by painting doors and columns, gardening and cleaning up the campus. Otis College of Art and Design instructor, David Russell, along with Westchester Rotarians, also facilitated two mural projects.

The “We are Westport” interactive permanent mural now welcomes students in the front entryway of Photo by Angela Clouse.

Westport Heights Elementary School (WHES) has a new mural thanks to the help of the Westchester Rotary. The service club partnered with the Westchester elementary school for its fifth annual Community and Beautification Day on Saturday, May 5. Parents, community members, students and Rotarians helped

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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

June 2018 • Page 23

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