Westchester/Playa HomeTown News March edition by Westchester/Playa del Rey HomeTown News

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Runway Playa Vista, which already counts Whole Foods, Hopdoddy Burger Bar and Cinemark as tenants, will eventually be home to a Fred Segal location and Hal’s Bar & Grill.

It’s about getting involved, staying involved for Rotary’s Citizen of the Year Chances are if you’ve ever been involved in a project, an activity or a group with the goal of bettering the Westchester and Playa del Rey community, you’ve met Garrett Smith. His love for the community and contagious can-do attitude is exactly why the Rotary Club of Westchester is honoring him this month as their

Citizen of the Year at their annual Night of Comedy fundraiser. While typically a committee chooses the honoree, this year’s selection process was much easier according to event chair and Rotarian Cindy Williams; before a committee was even formed, she had received numerous nominations for Smith citing his

AMCS works to improve mental health

A Look Inside Your

HomeTown

exemplary involvement and service to the community. “Everyone who knows Garrett just loves him. He is one of the most deserving people in our community and there are so many things he does behind the scenes that people don’t even know about,” said Williams. “He is always there when someone needs

him. You don’t even need to ask him. His desire to help just comes out of his heart.” But just because Smith is deserving of the Citizen of the Year title doesn’t mean it was easy to get the longtime Westchester resident, who shies away from accolades and recognition, to (continued on page 2)

Secret recipes from the Inn

Race for Success heads to LMU

Photo by Greg Melton.

Longtime Westchester resident, Garrett Smith, will receive the Rotary Club of Westchester’s Citizen of the Year award at the club’s March 18 fundraiser at the Comedy & Magic Club.

It’s about getting involved, staying involved for Rotary’s Citizen of the Year (continued from page 1) agree to be honored. In fact, Williams even considered keeping it a secret from him until the day of the event. For Smith it seems almost silly to be honored for something that comes as second nature to him, especially when he thinks about all of the people who have come before him who have set the bar so high for community service. “I got to thinking about people before me like Howard Drollinger and all he did for the community, and people like Earl Smith, a Rotarian and Westchester pioneer who started the Westchester Townhouse,” said Smith. “I think about all the people that do so much for so many, but for me, I’m always involved in a lot of small things. If anyone ever asks for my help, I try not to say no.” Smith’s first brush with community service was the result of a tragedy. As an elementary school student, a friend he was riding his bike with was struck by a car and died. Smith, not wanting anyone else to get hurt on that corner, showed up at the next Bellflower City Council meeting requesting a light be installed. Due to the fact that he was not on the agenda no action could be taken for his request that day; however, a councilman pulled him aside and told him to come back to the next meeting. Thanks to Smith’s effort a light was later put up. Smith credits his desire to give back as something that was “handed down” Page 2 • March 2016

from his father and grandfather. Both men were active in their communities, with his grandfather serving as a volunteer firefighter and his dad raising funds to build a fire station for the small town of Graeagle, California. Even further back on the family tree, Smith’s namesake Gerrit Smith, was an

area, you will see Garrett Smith there,” says MacLellan, who nominated Smith for this year’s honor. “He has participated every year in the homeless count. He is there beside the Rotarians and community members whenever there is a makeover project. After it rains, he is down on the beach picking up trash and always has extra bags because by picking up trash he motivates others to join him. Garrett is actively engaged with the Neighborhood Council and is consistently informed about every issue that goes on in the committee he is on. When I grow up I want to be like Garrett Smith. He has my great respect and I am proud to call him my friend.” Over the years, Smith has worked tirelessly on big issues, such as keeping Westchester and Playa del Rey together during redistricting and fighting LAX from moving the runway, but it’s the smaller acts of anonymous kindness that give Smith the most joy. He lights up when talking about abolitionist who fought for universal placing flags up and down Sepulveda suffrage in the 1800s. Boulevard during the Gulf War and Since he attended his first local the time he and his daughter got up meeting fighting airport expansion early to paint over graffiti that had after moving to Westchester almost vandalized Westchester Parkway the forty years ago, Smith has not slowed day the street opened. It may come his involvement in community issues as no surprise that he starts every and projects, a fact that inspires year with the same resolution: do Rotarian Nora MacLellan. something nice for someone every “Garrett exemplifies Rotary’s motto day. If they find out, however, it of ‘Service Above Self.’ Whenever doesn’t count and he has to start again. there is a community project in the Reflecting on being named Citizen Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del

Any achievement I have is because I worked with other people. It just demonstrates how good our community really is.

of the Year, Smith is quick to point out that making the Westchester and Playa del Rey community a better place to live takes the effort of a lot of people all working towards the same goal. “Any achievement I have is because I worked with other people,” says Smith. “It just demonstrates how good our community really is. I just love the people of Westchester and Playa del Rey.” While Smith is happy to continue working, mostly behind the scenes, on projects that in small ways enhance the quality of life for Westchester and Playa del Rey, he hopes that others will take a cue from neighborhood leaders and pick up a garbage bag, a paintbrush or a clipboard in the name of community. “If there is anything that I wish, it is that more people would get involved with something,” said Smith. “It’s about getting involved and staying involved. When it comes to the community, people need to get busy and stay busy.” The Rotary Club of Westchester will honor Smith on Friday, March 18 starting at 6 p.m. at the Comedy & Magic Club in Hermosa Beach. Tickets are $100 and proceeds will benefit the club’s service projects. For more information and to buy tickets, please contact Cindy Williams at cw@cwbusinesscenter.com or (310) 568-1024 by Wednesday, March 9. Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News

This Month Brings You A look inside your HTN Rotary honors Citizen of the Year AMCS works to improve mental health Secret recipes from the Inn What’s new at Runway Playa Vista

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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

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Airport Marina Counseling CarenetLA Covenant Presbyterian Church Custom Design & Construction Drollinger Properties Food Pantry, LAX Kevin and Kaz Gallaher Gateway to GO! Jane St. John LA Arts Collective Loyola Marymount Marina del Rey Hospital Melody Bar & Grill Neighborhood Council

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Playa Venice Sunrise Rotary 20 Playa Vista Medical Plaza 23 Sarlo Income Tax 07 Socal Sports and Fitness 22 Spring Event 21 Vergari & Napolitano 11 Visitation School 15 Voss, Silverman & Braybrooke 07 Westside Neighborhood School 14 Westchester/Pacific Village 08 Westchester Lutheran 3, 13 Westchester Town Center BID 03 Zacha Homes 18

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 • Phone: (310) 641-1016 Website: thehtn.com Facebook: facebook.com/thehtn

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

Come Claim Your Prize Jesus has won eternal life for you: Come claim it. Freedom from doubt. Freedom from fear. Journey with us, through Lent to the joy and glory Stay to celebrate with us, in Join of usEaster. at Westchester Lutheran Church, worship, fellowship, classes, and activities and embrace the freedom found in afor all ages. loving, forgiving relationship with the Lord. Join new friends in a celebration of everything that is possible when you– live Everyone is welcome in our congregation and in His harmony in Grace. with the Word.

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Wednesday Worship Easter Egg Hunt– Weekly Worship and Show–March 9 and March 26 at 2:00 PM Sunday School– 16 at 6:30 PMlook Sundays at 10 AM Come look up up with with us. us. Come Easter Sunday MaundyWeekly Thursday 27 atConfirmation Worship Services–March Sundays 10 a.m. Summer Choir Rehearsal Sundays atand 9 a.m. Communion and at 8:30 AM and 10 Adult Sunday Vacation Bible July 29-August 2 Tennebrae–March 24 School AM School– Sundays at at 6:30 PM 8:45 AM

7831 S. Sepulveda Blvd. Westchester, CA 90045 310.670.5422 www.wlcs.org

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March 2016 • Page 3

AMCS works to improve mental health for its clients and the community

For 55 years, the Airport Marina Counseling Service (AMCS) has served as a haven for both people seeking help during life’s most difficult times and those struggling with mental illness. With a milestone anniversary this year, the Westchester-based nonprofit has a lot to celebrate: they help an average of 1,300 clients per year, they have trained thousands of therapists and they’ve recently expanded their group class offerings and psychiatry program, all with the goal of aiding their clients to find new, healthy ways to cope with life’s challenges. Next month, AMCS will hold the “Spring into Well-Being” fundraiser, its largest of the year, to raise money to fulfill its mission to provide affordable, community-based mental health services and to train mental health therapists. The event will take place on Saturday, April 2 at LMU (more info on page 21). The HomeTown News recently spoke with AMCS’ Executive Director Eden Garcia-Balis to learn more about the organization and how it is helping improve mental health in the community. Below is the Q&A. Q. AMCS is celebrating its 55th anniversary this year. What are some of the things your organization has to celebrate? A. We have many things to celebrate including our wonderful, caring therapists and staff, our newly

renovated space and our community of friends. However, chief among the reasons to celebrate is the fact that AMCS has been able to keep its doors open during the difficult financial times that we have experienced during some of those years. And, in all that time, we have never cut programming because of economic reasons. In fact, AMCS has increased its programming throughout the years, doubling the size of the intern program, expanding services to local schools and increasing the psychiatry program to serve more clients in need. Q. If you wanted to make an appointment to seek services at AMCS, what is the procedure? A. The first step is to contact us at (310) 670-1410 and tell the front office receptionist that you are interested in services. If a therapist is available when you call, you will be transferred and asked some initial questions to determine if AMCS can meet your needs and assist with your presenting problem. If a therapist is not available, you will receive a call later that day or the next day at the latest. An appointment for an “initial consultation” is then scheduled. After your initial consultation, the turnaround time to therapist assignment is about two weeks. Q. Does AMCS offer services for both people with mental illnesses and for people who are going through stressful

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life situations that are looking to talk to someone? A. Absolutely! We not only treat serious mental disorders, but also treat people with varying degrees of depression, anxiety and stress. We also see clients who are going through particularly difficult periods in their lives, as well as clients who feel that they don’t have a particular problem, but want to enhance their mental health and emotional well-being. Q. AMCS is now offering a lot of group classes. How do those differ from individual therapy? What are some of the most popular groups? A. Individual therapy is one-on-one where a treatment plan is tailored for a specific individual. Group therapy helps clients see that they share similar experiences and feelings with others and that they are not alone. Research shows that group therapy can be just as effective as individual therapy and is usually more economical. AMCS often develops groups according to the community’s needs. Currently, the most popular groups running at AMCS include the “Women’s Support Group” and “The Reclaim Yourself in Times of Change Group,” which is based on Julia Cameron’s book, The Artist’s Way. Q. What is some of the work that AMCS does in the local schools? A. AMCS provides free services at Wright STEAM Middle School and Westchester Enriched Sciences

Magnets. The services we offer include individual, family and group therapy. We provide treatment during school hours and afterschool. Parents and school personnel alike are thrilled to have us on site. Q. Although mental health has come a long way, there still is a stigma attached to mental illness. How are organizations like AMCS helping combat this? A. We are asked to speak at many community groups about our organization and that gives us the opportunity to positively reinforce the benefits of therapy as a treatment for mental illness. We also provide psychoeducation, in any venue where we are invited, to help people understand that therapy is not just for those with serious mental illness. The fact that we have community partnerships such as those with local schools, the Boys and Girls Club of Venice and the YMCA shows that our services are easily accessible and part of everyday life. All of this helps combat this stigma. Q. Are there any common misconceptions about AMCS? A. There are, and they include the perception that we only serve the seriously mentally ill, which is not the case. Another misconception is that our therapists, because they are in training, may not be as effective. Airport Marina (continued on page 11)

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

March 2016 • Page 5

TheHTN.com Photo by Glenn Marzano.

Business & Nonprofit News

The LAX Coastal Chamber celebrated business leaders that are making a difference in Los Angeles at its annual City of Angels Awards Gala. From left to right: L.A. City Attorney Mike Feuer, actor and Alert Drops founder Anson Williams, Chamber Chair Kristen Lonner, Head of Google Los Angeles & VP of Engineering Thomas Williams, L.A. County Supervisor Don Knabe and Chamber Honorary Mayor Keith Greville pose for a photo at the event.

Chamber honors anniversaries and business leaders at City of Angels Gala. On February 10, the LAX Coastal Chamber held its annual City of Angels Awards ceremony, which recognizes individuals and companies that are making a difference to enhance business in Los Angeles. This year’s honorees included L.A. City Attorney Mike Feuer, the founder of Alert Drops and Happy Days actor Anson Williams, Google Inc. and L.A. County Supervisor Don Knabe. Local businesses and organizations that are celebrating milestone anniversaries this year were also honored at the event. Businesses including Cafe del Rey, Vergari & Napolitano, ARUP, EmpowerTech, Loyola Marymount University, LA Arts Collective, Westside Neighborhood School and Ballerini Cooley Studios were on hand to receive commemorative certificates acknowledging their success and longevity in business.

Philippine President Benigno Aquino III receives an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from LMU President Timothy Law Snyder. Image Courtesy Loyola Marymount University.

LMU honors President of the Philippines. Philippine President Benigno S. Aquino III recently received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from Loyola Marymount University at an invitation-only ceremony. Aquino, who is the 15th president of the Republic of the Philippines, was

recognized “for his dedication to his country, his integrity and his embodiment of a Jesuit education.” At the event, Aquino spoke about his own school days, remembering how the ethos of service to others was ingrained in his educational experiences. “President Aquino represents precisely what we as educators mean about helping our students become women and men for and with others,” said LMU President Timothy Law Snyder. “His deep commitment to the Philippine people is a model from

Page 6 • March 2016

which each of us can learn.” Aquino is a fourth-generation politician and was elected in 2010 to a six-year term as president. Students of all ages sought for Flight Path Flyers Program. The Flight Path Museum is beginning another series of its popular flight simulator training classes. Known as the Flight Path Flyers program, students meet at the museum on Saturday mornings under the guidance of experienced aviation professionals. Sitting at computer

screens programmed to simulate the view from an aircraft cockpit, youngsters and adults in the class gain basic knowledge of the skills required of a pilot to fly under all types of conditions. Doug Happ, former pilot with Federal Express and chief pilot with The Flying Tiger Line, is lead instructor, and is assisted by Gregg Low and Rory Pendley. Flight Path conducts these classes with the support of Los Angeles World Airports, the City agency which operates LAX and several community organizations, including the Westchester Woman’s Club and American Legion Posts 177 and 283. The classes are open to students ages 12 and older, as well as adults. Flight Path requests a $20 donation at registration. Although the Flight Path Flyers program does not include actual flying, several graduates of the program have taken flying lessons elsewhere and qualified for their pilot’s license, according to Flight Path President Lynne Adelman. “Our primary aim is to motivate and prepare students to pursue further education and careers in aviation,” said Adelman. “The classes are enjoyable, but they are not simply for entertainment. Today’s aviation industry is in serious need of more (continued on next page)

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

WE SPECIALIZE IN TAX RETURN PREPARATION The Flight Path Museum has a monument on Howard Drollinger Way honoring flight pioneers and is also responsible for the Aviation Walk of Fame that runs along Sepulveda Blvd.

pilots, air traffic controllers and other qualified professionals.” More information on the Flight Path Flyers Program is available by emailing flightpathguides@lawa.org or calling (424) 646-7284. NCWP elections. The Neighborhood Council of Westchester/Playa is looking for candidates to run for seats in this year’s election taking place on Sunday, June 5 in the Westchester Community Room. The candidate filing period is open now through April 6 and those interested in running can apply online for a seat they are eligible for at empowerla.org/nccr. The NCWP represents the

Westchester, Playa del Rey and Playa Vista communities and is made up of a 31 seat board of directors. Of those seats, sixteen are up for election this year, which include even numbered residential seats, business seats in Westchester and Playa del Rey, the Community Organization seat, the Education Seat, the Service Club and Fraternal Organizations seat, the Youth Organization seat, an At-Large seat, an At-Large Affirmation seat and the LMU seat. Once elected, board members serve 4 year terms and elections are held every two years for half of the seats on the council. We want to hear about your business or nonprofit! Email us at westchesterhometown@yahoo.com for a chance to be featured.

• Personal Tax Returns • Partnerships • Self Employed • LLC • Real Estate Transactions • S Corporations • 1031 Exchanges • C Corporations

CALL LORY SARLO FOR AN APPOINTMENT

310.823.6363 1843 Washington Way, Venice, CA 90291 in Venice on Abbott Kinney

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

March 2016 • Page 7

Random Notes/Opinion

TheHTN.com

Five workout tips for busy professionals By Jeff Blair Opinion: Between long hours and the constant barrage of sweets, lunch meetings and other temptations, work can be hard on your fitness. While I will not say I have easy solutions to all these challenges, I can give you a strategy for steady and noticeable improvement. We all want to experience change immediately, and that is a good instinct. I want immediate change when I start a new program, and I think it shows ambition and desire to improve. Sometimes, however, success requires a change in strategy. By starting a little smaller, we can lay the foundation for lasting success. I would also offer this: if you are reading this article, congratulate yourself. You have taken time out of your busy day to improve yourself. Whenever you read a health article or watch a health program, congratulate yourself. That shows initiative and you should be proud of that. My approach always focuses on looking for the best strategies. Consider whether the following strategies might help you as you

strive to live a better and happier life. 1. Start Small. A 20 minute walk is a great start. That is how I started almost 20 years ago...in a business suit...at lunch. Not only is “hardcore” not necessary, I find it is often counter-productive. By focusing on sustainable strategies, you can see real progress that lasts. We see “extreme” workouts in the media and maybe think that is the only way to get results. Trust me, you can see results with modest amounts of exercise. I have seen it many times. Walking in the morning is a good way to start a fitness routine. Walk 10 minutes out your front door and then turn around and head home. Congratulations...you have just completed a 20 minute workout! 2. Five days per week. If you are starting with 20 minutes of exercise, do that 5 days per week. Track your efforts. If you make 4 sessions or even 3 one week, congratulate yourself. You are doing better than you were before. Just stick with it, do your best and don’t beat yourself up. If you can’t do 5 days per week, do what you can do to start and increase

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from there. 3. Focus on the next nine. If weight loss is your goal, don’t spend a lot of time focusing on losing 20, 50 or 100 pounds. This amount of weight can seem too far off for many and so it can discourage rather than encourage you. Rather, focus on getting to the next 9 (199, 189, etc.). Focus is the key with weight loss, and I believe people can more easily focus on the next 9. Getting there slow is great, but make sure you are making progress to create momentum and traction. Weight slowly lost is slowly regained. Again, do your best. 4. Substitute winning foods for land mine foods. Certain foods can cause a trigger effect of overeating for some people. These foods usually are some combination of sugar, sodium and fat. If that applies to you, replace them with vegetables and other winning choices. Be honest with yourself: can you eat the doughnut, chips or pizza in moderation? How does it make you feel after you eat it? Does it enhance or hurt your life? If your answer is “it enhances my life,” go for it. If it

does not enhance your life, consider maybe an alternative food that will make you feel better. 5. Be flexible, but not too flexible. Life happens, so have some flexibility in your exercise and nutrition schedule. It’s important to find a way to create accountability, however, whether that is a support group, personal trainer or a fitness buddy that will help you achieve your goals. If you follow these five baby steps, you can overcome the challenges of any office and create permanent fitness habits. Go ahead and start today and give me a call if I can help you. You can do it! 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.

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

Do you sometimes feel a little bit broken?

By Fay Craton

Opinion: There is a frequently told story about a woman who daily totes two pots filled with water from the village well to her home. One pot is perfect: the water carried in it always arrives home intact. The other pot, however, is cracked and half of the water dribbles out before reaching home. As often occurs in fables, objects start to engage in the tale as if they are people. In keeping with this tradition, in the story the pots begin to talk. The perfect pot, proud of how it is always flawless, sneers at the broken container. The cracked pot reveals that it experiences great shame and misery because it only accomplishes half of what it is supposed to be doing. People often judge themselves and others by accomplishments. Do you measure your success by what other people say or do? If you only take a very quick look at achievements, it is possible you could feel like you have failed. A problem with this is very often the goal, which you think needs to be achieved, is determined by only a partial or even distorted understanding about what is important. It is easy to fall into a habit of thinking you are not worth much if you frequently compare yourself to others instead of first stopping to reflect upon what else may be true. Your value is discovered when you learn to understand your own strengths and purpose. This discovery happens within you and is not something someone else can impose on you. Changing how you grasp your own value and contributions is a process. You may need assistance to bring into focus what is right for you. Returning to our fable… for years the two pots were carried balanced on a pole upon the woman’s shoulders. Day after day, the cracked pot suffered with the belief of being a bitter failure. One day, the pot exclaims to the water bearer, “I am such a failure and so embarrassed. I need to apologize for doing only half my job. The flaw in me keeps me from holding water until we get home.” The water bearer takes a deep breath before saying “look at the gorgeous flowers along the path during the walk from the well to our home.” Looking at the lovely flowers somewhat cheered up the pot, but he told the woman that he still felt like a failure because only half the water he carried reached their home. The water bearer then says to the pot, “did you notice the flowers were only on your side of the path? That is because I know you have a crack and took advantage of it. Every day, during our walk, you watered the flowers we pick to bring home.” Life is not a fable. Real people are not water pots. Yet, it may sometimes feel as if something within you

is “cracked.” A great aspect of a fable is that it can create an image you may possibly use to expand how you perceive yourself. Perceptions are deeper than your surface thoughts. They are part of the fabric of how you view the world around you. Most people habitually see only part of what is happening. Embracing the idea that there are more possibilities involves imagining or considering a new way of thinking and seeing. Healing a sense of being broken requires broadening how you view and make meaning of what is within and around you. If you keep perceiving events in the same way, you may be keeping yourself from healing from feeling broken. Albert Einstein is credited with saying, “Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” You will not achieve a different outcome if you keep perceiving and behaving in the same way. I know each person is unique and valuable with individual skills and aptitudes. I also know many people believe that they are worthless. If you believe yourself to be worthless, it is time to find ways to expand how you view yourself and the world around you. The first step is being willing to imagine that something may be present which you have not yet considered, or considered and rejected as being “unrealistic.” The capability to imagine varies from person to person. For some people it takes more effort to explore what is outside of familiar patterns of thinking. If this is difficult for you, it is okay to use small steps to build the skill. A good exercise to start with is to look around you and very consciously look at objects or situations that you are frequently around but you don’t pay attention to. Try to look around without criticism and just pay attention to what you might not have seen before. Write down your reflections. Next, mentally explore options about the meaning of what you newly observed. In the fable, a new observation is that without being watered by the cracked pot, the flowers might not exist. Expanding your awareness is a process with many unfolding steps. My wish is for you to have a sense of wholeness that comes from understanding who you are. This comes from appreciating the unique strengths you bring into this world. Using your inner wisdom, you have the capability of moving beyond beliefs that limit you and beyond the mistaken perception that you are broken or damaged. 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.

Come Join your Friends at

COVENANT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Worship Service 10:30 am Canines@Covenant 5:00 pm Sunday Covenant is on the corner of 80th and Sepulveda Blvd. Church School for Young People during Service. We have an Orchestra and Adult, Youth and Children’s Choirs. Email: cpoffis@pacbell.net Childcare is provided-For more information, Call (310) 670-5750.

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

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Ad donated by the Covenant Presbyterian Church

March 2016 • Page 9

Cheese Soufflé

By Rebecca Hill

Greetings Hometown News readers! My name is Rebecca Hill and I’m an innkeeper at the Inn at Playa del Rey–a boutique bed and breakfast on Culver Boulevard that overlooks the Ballona Wetlands. I’m excited to have this opportunity to share some of the Inn’s best kept, most loved recipes with you and it’s my hope that if you like them, you will share them with your friends and family! When we all move our clocks forward for Daylight Saving Time on Sunday, March 13 we’ll be losing an hour, so I want to show you how to make that time up with the Inn’s super fast, super simple and totally delicious homemade Cheese Soufflé recipe. It’s nice and easy! No previous cooking or baking skills required. I’ll walk you through this step-by-step and prep time is only 20 minutes! This recipe is very convenient because you prep it the night before. The next morning you simply pop the soufflé into the oven and let it bake, leaving you time to gather the little ones for soccer practice, get ready for your golf game or set the table for a big Easter brunch. Let us know how it goes–we’d be delighted if you’d photograph your soufflé and post it on the Hometown News’ Facebook page at facebook.com/thehtn. I’ll be back next month with the Inn’s amazing homemade chocolate chip cookie recipe. Happy baking!

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Portion: Makes one 9x13” baking dish (feeds approximately 10 people) Prep Time: 20 minutes Ingredients: • 2 cups shredded cheese of your choice • 6 or 7 slices of white bread, without the crust • 12 eggs • 2 cups milk • 2 Tbsp. melted butter (optional) • Salt & pepper to taste Directions: • Spray pan liberally with oil spray. • Sprinkle 1 cup of cheese evenly over the bottom of the baking dish. • Place the bread evenly over the cheese, covering as much of the bottom of the pan as possible. • In a separate bowl combine the eggs and milk until well-mixed. Pour egg mixture over the bread, making sure all the bread is saturated. • Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, season with salt and pepper, cover and refrigerate overnight. • Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 35-45 minutes or until eggs are firm and soufflé is puffy. Serve immediately. Feel free to spruce up the recipe by adding any variety of fresh vegetables, like mushrooms, spinach, broccoli, sun-dried tomatoes, onion or artichokes. Adventurous with spices? This recipe is easily spiced up with a dash of garlic powder, oregano, thyme or rosemary.

Photo by Liz Hall.

Secret recipes from the Inn at Playa del Rey: soufflé edition

Pair the soufflé with fruit and a muffin for the perfect brunch meal.

As innkeepers, we care for our guests in many ways. One of those ways is to nurture their bodies and souls through the celebration of good food. We believe food, compassion and inspired service are inextricably intertwined and are the key ingredients to making our Inn a sanctuary where guests can come to rest, rejuvenate, reconnect and revitalize their souls. It is my

hope that you will use our recipes to express your love for friends and family in the same way. Taking time to prepare food and eat together is a way to make sure the bonds of family and friendship stay strong. 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.

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

AMCS Q&A (continued) (continued from page 4) Counseling Service takes the training of mental health therapists very seriously because it is part of our mission. Our therapists are in school obtaining advanced degrees in psychology or have finished school and are accruing their hours toward licensure. AMCS provides each therapist with weekly supervision by a licensed clinician; that means that our clients actually get two therapists for the price of one! Our therapists must also complete a Step by Step Introduction to Therapeutic Techniques course, which is an experiential class designed to deepen the understanding and implementation of therapeutic techniques. And finally, our therapists are also required to attend twice-monthly trainings on a variety of mental health topics. Q. How is AMCS involved in the community? A. AMCS is part of several collaborations with different organizations in the community. AMCS is part of the Silver Seminar Series, which provides monthly seminars for seniors on a variety of topics. We also partner with local schools and the Boys and Girls Club of Venice providing free mental health services on site. When a need is identified, AMCS is willing to begin a group or do a seminar or training about a specific mental health issue affecting the community. For example,

AMCS provided a free group from November through January of this year titled “Happy Holidays: A Support Group for Stressful Times.” We provided this group as a community service, free of charge after the need was identified. AMCS is also part of the Neighborhood Council of Westchester/Playa’s Senior Committee where we recently put together a fair for the Sandwich Generation, the generation whose members are taking care of their own children, while also caring for their aging parents. Q. How can people get involved with AMCS? A. People can get involved in a variety of ways. We would be delighted to have more guests attend our fundraisers. AMCS does not receive any government funding and sustains itself through grants, donations, fundraisers and clients fees. Others may want to learn more about board member requirements and possibly join the AMCS Board of Directors. AMCS also has a sister organization, The Westchester Mental Health Guild. Volunteers are always needed to help at their events, where all proceeds go directly to AMCS. Attending Guild events and shopping at The Guilded Cage Gift Shop in Westchester are excellent ways to be involved without a big time commitment. To learn more about AMCS and its services, please visit their website at airportmarina.org.

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

March 2016 • Page 11

5 6 If you haven’t had a chance to head over to Runway Playa Vista lately, you might be shocked–and delighted–by what you find in this urban oasis. Although this last piece of Playa Vista’s live, work, play vision has long been anticipated, the lifestyle center has finally developed into a thriving destination where people can get a cup of coffee, admire the public art, shop and meet up with friends and business associates for a meal. Next time you’re driving down Jefferson Boulevard, consider turning on Village Drive and parking in the large (and currently free) parking structure to see what Runway is all about. We recently took a stroll through the area, which includes 217,000 square feet of retail space, 420 apartments and 33,000 square feet of office space, to explore the new offerings in this one-stop locale for dining, shopping, entertainment and beauty. Below are some of our favorite things we found: 1. Varnish Lab. Varnish Lab, which opened in February, is a new concept Page 12 • March 2016

and deep-fried duck. If you’re in the in nail salons that takes a serious and scientific approach to nail care with the mood for a margarita, you’ve come goal of offering customized service with to the right place. The menu includes more than 70 premium tequilas and an emphasis on cleanliness. mezcals, which we recommend you The salon, with its pop art displays enjoy on the beautiful outside patio. and receptionist area that can turn Sol Cocina is located at 12775 W. into a DJ booth for after hours parties Millennium Dr., Suite 160 in Runway. and events, offers a wide-range of 3. New Parks. Playa Vista is known nail polishes and products, including for its outdoor spaces and parks (19 the organic and vegan SpaRitual line. and counting), so wherever you are With cleanliness as a top priority, in the community, you’re bound to mobile pedicure bowls are cleaned and sanitized for each client and all metal come across a place to sit and get tools are sterilized in an hospital-grade some fresh air, while the kids get the autoclave. opportunity to play. This small pocket Varnish Lab is located at 12751 park (pictured above) is across the way Millennium Drive, Suite 5110 in from Sol Cocina, making it the perfect Runway. spot to enjoy the afternoon sun after a 2. Sol Cocina. Stop by Runway’s large lunch. newest restaurant, Sol Cocina, for a 4. Barnabus Clothing Co. Lifestyle culinary tour through Mexico, with a clothing brand, Barnabus Clothing heavy influence from the Baja region. Co., opened its Playa Vista location The large menu highlights fresh, on February 26, making it the first seasonal ingredients and standout clothing retail store to open in Runway. dishes include the ceviche and the Besides the cool t-shirts and hoodies, restaurant’s specialty tacos with fillings what makes this clothier special is that like grilled chicken, beer-battered 10% of all sales go to The Living Room shrimp, spice-roasted butternut squash International, a nonprofit dedicated to Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del

4 helping those with terminal illnesses in Kenya. Barnabus Clothing Co. is located at 12775 Millennium Drive, Suite 4135 in Runway. 5. N’Ice Cream. After a day exploring Runway, as you head back to the parking structure, drop into N’Ice Cream, a self-serve gelato and sorbet shop that features flavors that are handcrafted and made with organic milk and fresh fruit. One word of advice, however: since gelato is denser than frozen yogurt, you may want to serve yourself a little less than you normally would at your favorite yogurt shop. A medium-sized container like the one pictured above runs about $11. 6. Coming Soon. While the Runway already is home to Cinemark Theaters, a Whole Foods, Starbucks, Hopdoddy Burger Bar, Lyfe Kitchen, Urban Plates and CVS (just to name a few places), there’s more on the way! Look for openings soon of YogaWorks, Studio MDR and 18|8 Fine Men’s Salon. A Fred Segal location, Cedars-Sinai medical offices and Hal’s Bar & Grill will also eventually be calling this area home. Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News

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

March 2016 • Page 13

Photo Courtesy Race for Success.

School News

Runners cross the finish line at LMU at last year’s Race for Success. To help raise even more money for local schools, this year the Race for Success has teamed up with Whole Foods Playa Vista for a Community Support Day on Thursday, March 10. Five-percent of purchases made on this day will be donated to the Race for Success Education Foundation.

Race for Success. Hundreds of runners and community members will convene on the campus at Loyola Marymount University on Saturday, March 5 starting at 8 a.m. for the annual Race for Success. The 5k run/walk is the largest local fundraiser for education and all of the proceeds from the event are divided between schools that participate in the race. The school with the most participants will take home the Hannon Spirit Award and an extra cash prize. After the run, participants and visitors are invited to attend the community expo, featuring booths from local businesses and nonprofits. Sponsors of this years event include the William H. Hannon Foundation, LMU, the Drollinger Family Charitable Foundation, Jane St. John, Planet Bravo, the HomeTown News and the Westchester Family YMCA. Scholarships for high school seniors. The Rotary Club of Westchester, through the Westchester Rotary Foundation, is offering a $750 scholarship in honor of Jim Hill, a former member who was exemplary in his service to the youth of the community. The scholarship will be awarded to a graduating high school senior demonstrating outstanding leadership in community service, who either resides in Westchester or Playa del Rey and/or attends Westchester or St. Bernard High School. The application is due by Monday, April 25 and may be obtained by emailing Cozette@ laxlawyers.com. The applicant will be asked to write a one-page essay about community service.

Page 14 • March 2016

On February 4, Westchester Secondary Charter School seventh grader Janae Burney took home first place in the school’s spelling bee for the second year in a row. More than 25 middle school students competed in the competition, and Burney won by correctly spelling “Allium” after 23 rounds, beating runner-up eighth grader Nathan Rowley. She will now move on to compete in the county spelling bee.

Instructional Pathways Collaborative Meeting. Community stakeholders interested in learning more about the educational pathway from elementary to middle school in the Westchester and Playa areas are invited to attend the LAUSD Westchester/Playa del Rey/ Playa Vista Instructional Pathways Group Meeting. The meeting will be held on Monday, March 7 at 5:30 p.m. at Wright Middle School, located at 6550 W. 80th Street in Westchester. While only appointed representatives from local schools–including teachers, parents and administrators–can participate in the meeting, interested parties are invited to attend and observe. Have something to share about your school? Please email us at westchesterhometown@yahoo.com. Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News

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

March 2016 • Page 15

Calendar Ongoing monthly events: Playa Venice Sunrise Rotary Club 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 playasunrise. org or call (310) 429-3808.

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 $20 and validated self parking is free. Guests are most welcome! Reservations are not required. For information regarding the upcoming luncheon programs, visit rotary-westchester.com.

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.

Playa Vista Optimist Club

TheHTN.com lives. The memoir-writing workshop meets at the YMCA Annex, located at 8020 Alverstone Ave. in Westchester. Attendees are asked to donate $10 to the YMCA per semester. For more information, please contact Mary Sage at (310) 3973967.

March events: Interested in Joining the Boy Scouts? Westchester Boy Scout Troop 716 is inviting boys ages 11 and up to come visit their troop and learn what scouting is all about. The troop holds weekly meetings every Tuesday evening at 7 p.m. in the scout room at Westchester United Methodist Church, located at 8065 Emerson Ave. in Westchester. At the March meetings, come meet the troop and find out about their upcoming trip to Go Kart World and a hike to the Hollywood sign. For more information, please email troop716bsa@gmail.com.

Westchester Neighborhood Association Meeting Join the Westchester Neighborhood Association for its annual public meeting on Monday, March 7 at 7 p.m. At the meeting, attendees will hear from local protective agencies and learn about crime trends, homeless issues and law enforcement in the community. Guests will also have the opportunity to speak with police officers from LAPD and the LAX police department. The meeting will take place in the Westchester Community Room, located at 7166 W. Manchester Ave. in Westchester.

Whole Foods Playa Vista Community Support Day

Join the Playa Vista Optimists the first and fourth Mondays of the month from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. in Concert Park, located at Pacific Promenade and Sea Bluff Drive in Playa Vista (opposite Coffee Bean). The Optimist Club is a worldwide volunteer organization that helps “make the future brighter by bringing out the best in children, in their communities and in themselves.” For more information, call (310) 415-0196.

Stop by Whole Foods Playa Vista on Thursday, March 10 for a Community Support Day benefiting the Race for Success. During the all-day fundraiser, 5% of purchases will benefit the Race for Success Education Foundation, which supports local schools. There is no need to mention the promotion or provide a coupon. Whole Foods Playa Vista is located at 12746 Jefferson Blvd. in Playa Vista.

Life Story Writing Class

Rotary and Lions Club Bingo Nights

Interested in writing your life story? The Westchester Life Story Writing Group meets every Wednesday at 10:30 am to 12:30 pm. The group teaches methods to recall and then write your memories. Since its inception, groups members have written numerous books on their Page 16 • March 2016

Join the Playa Venice Sunrise Rotary Club for their annual St. Patrick’s Day Luck O’ the Irish Bingofest! The proceeds from the event help fund the club’s projects, which include the holiday adopta-family program, the Santa Tour,

support of the Midnight Mission, Teacher Mini Grants and more. This year’s event will take place on Saturday, March 12 from 6 to 10 p.m. at Visitation School, located at 8740 Emerson Ave. in Westchester. The event will include 10 games of bingo, raffle prizes, silent auction items and a Pot of Gold Raffle. The cost to attend is $55 per person and admission includes dinner, entertainment and bingo. For more info and to buy a ticket, please call (310) 306-8525. The same night, the VeniceMarina-LAX Lions Club will hold their 11th annual Bingo Night and BBQ Dinner Fundraiser at the Westchester Elks Lodge. The event will take place on Saturday, March 12 at 6 p.m. The money raised will go to support Lions Club charities including the LAPD Pacific Area Youth Programs, the LAX USO and Venice’s A Safe Place for Youth (SPY). The cost to attend is $55. Tickets can be purchased at the door. The Westchester Elks Lodge is located at 8025 W. Manchester Ave. in Playa del Rey.

Quick and Easy Dinners with an Irish Twist Cooking Class Join Fresh Food in A Flash for their next cooking class on Thursday, March 17 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Holy Nativity Community Hall, located at 6700 W. 83rd St. in Westchester. The March class will feature easy dinner recipes, with a few Irish themed dishes in honor of the St. Patrick’s Day holiday. This month’s menu includes sheet pan chicken with potatoes; asparagus, mint and ricotta tartlets; authentic sesame noodles; Indian red lentil and veggie stew and St. Paddy’s Day Kahlua chocolate mousse. The cooking class fee is $50 when you RSVP by March 14 and $55 thereafter if space is available. To reserve your spot, please email Patricia@FreshFoodinaFlash.com.

Silver Seminar Series St. Patrick’s Day Party Join the Silver Seminar Series in March for a party celebrating St. Patrick’s Day. The event will be held on Thursday, March 17 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at the Westchester Senior Center and attendees can enjoy a free afternoon of fun activities, entertainment, light refreshments, and a bit of the “luck of the Irish.” Guests are encouraged to wear green. The Westchester Senior Center is located at 8740 Lincoln Blvd. in Westchester. The Silver Seminar Series is a workshop presented by a

collaboration between the Westside Pacific Village, Airport Marina Counseling Service, EmpowerTech and the Westchester Family YMCA.

Beginner Birding & Creek Cleanup Interested in learning more about the Ballona Wetlands? The Friends of Ballona Wetlands is holding a new monthly program that combines community service and bird watching. Geared towards students, families and anyone who is interested in learning more about the birds located in this natural resource, the program will take place every third Saturday of the month with the next meet-up taking place on Saturday, March 19 from 9 to 11 a.m. Gloves, tools and binoculars will be provided, but please bring a reusable water bottle. Attendees are asked to meet at the Ballona Wetlands Ecological Reserve (the main parking lot is behind Alkali Water) at 303 Culver Blvd. in Playa del Rey.

Meditation in the Garden Join the Emerson Avenue Community Garden the third Saturday of the month through May for “Meditation in the Garden.” The next workshop is scheduled for Saturday, March 19 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Guests are invited to bring a mat or use the bench or chairs available in the garden for meditation led by Reiki healer, Margey. Meditation is believed to reduce stress, promote relaxation and help with mindfulness. No previous experience with meditation is necessary and all levels are welcome. There is no charge to attend the event, but space is limited. Please RSVP to gigglesloud@yahoo.com. The Emerson Avenue Community Garden is located on the campus of Wright STEAM Magnet on Emerson Avenue between 80th Place and 80th Street.

Special Games at LMU Loyola Marymount University will hold its Special Games this month with a practice day set for March 12 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and the Big Day happening on Saturday, March 19 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Celebrating its 39th anniversary this year, the Special Games’ mission is to engage with and serve individuals with specials needs. During the games, coaches and participants engage in noncompetitive activities like arts & crafts, dancing and athletics. Those interested in becoming a Special Games volunteer, participant or sponsor can contact the event director at sgdirectors@gmail.com or at (310) 338-2728.

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

COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS

Sunday Monday Tuesday

Wednesday

NCWP Board Meeting @ Westchester Community Center Gateway to Go! @ Crowne Plaza

Westchester Neighborhood Association Meeting @ Westchester Community Room

1 Gateway to Go! @ Crowne Plaza

8 Gateway to Go! @ Crowne Plaza

Daylight Saving Time

Thursday

Man of La Mancha @ Westchester Playhouse

Friday

Saturday

Westchester Farmers’ Market @ Westchester Park

Race for Success @ LMU Farmers’ Market @ Playa Vista

Life Story Writing Class @ YMCA Annex

2 Westchester Farmers’ Market @ Westchester Park Life Story Writing Class @ YMCA Annex

Instructional Pathways Meeting @ Wright Middle School

March

3 5% Community Support Day Benefiting the Race for Success @ Whole Foods Playa Vista

Life Story Writing Class @ YMCA Annex

Man of La Mancha @ Westchester Playhouse

10 St. Patrick’s Day Silver Seminar Series St. Patrick’s Party @ Westchester Senior Center

11 Man of La Mancha @ Westchester Playhouse

Fresh Food in a Flash Cooking Class @ Holy Nativity

Man of La Mancha @ Westchester Playhouse

15 Gateway to Go! @ Crowne Plaza

Westchester Farmers’ Market @ Westchester Park

Man of La Mancha @ Westchester Playhouse

12 Farmers’ Market @ Playa Vista Meditation in the Garden @ Emerson Ave. Community Garden

18 19 Farmers’ Market @ Playa Vista Man of La Mancha @ Westchester Playhouse Easter Egg Hunt @ Westchester Lutheran Church & School

23 Westchester Farmers’ Market @ Westchester Park

Happy Easter!

Luck O’ the Irish Bingofest @ Visitation

Special Games @ LMU

Man of La Mancha @ Westchester Playhouse

Life Story Writing Class @ YMCA Annex

Farmers’ Market @ Playa Vista

Beginner Birding & Creek Clean-Up

Memory & Menopause @ MDR Hospital

Bingo Night @ Westchester Elks Lodge

9 Westchester Farmers’ Market @ Westchester Park

25 26

Man of La Mancha @ Westchester Playhouse

Life Story Writing Class @ YMCA Annex

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

March 2016 • Page 17

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

March 2016 • Page 19

A Look Back at Westchester/Playa By David J. “Duke” Dukesherer, Sr.

Time to push on... On September 22, 1955, a Thursday, President Eisenhower was recovering from a recent heart attack, the New York Yankees nailed their 21st American League pennant by beating Boston 3-2, Rocky Marciano knocked-out Archie Moore in the ninth round at Yankee Stadium, The Trouble with Harry was playing at the Loyola Theatre in Westchester and I was born in a small house a few doors from the Rancho Centinela Adobe. Although now it’s a museum, the Adobe was once the home to generations of landowners when the area was called Rancho Sausal Redondo and included within its borders all of present day Westchester, Playa del Rey, El Segundo, Manhattan Beach, Lawndale, Hermosa Beach, Inglewood, Hawthorne and Redondo Beach. At one time, Westchester/Playa del Rey and El Segundo were a contiguous farm, controlled by the Bennet brothers. Eventually, Mines Field (now LAX) was erected, and the adobe brick runways split the towns down the middle. El Segundo predates Playa del Rey and Westchester, and it achieved cityhood on January 18, 1917.

Page 20 • March 2016

Next year the city will celebrate its centennial. In 1911, the Bennet brothers were operating an 800-acre lima bean and melon farm around the sand dunes of El Segundo. Farm manager Andrew Bennet, who was born and raised in Downtown Los Angeles, was also operating an additional 2,200-acres of land primarily dedicated to sheep, cattle, barley and wheat, just to the north of El Segundo at what is now LAX and Westchester. Employees of John D. Rockefeller’s Standard Oil Company from Franklin, Pennsylvania and Richmond, California arrived at the Rancho in search of economical beachfront land where they could build their second west coast refinery and shipping docks. Oil was being piped from the Whittier and Oil City, CA (Santa Fe Springs) oil fields, and they found the location ideal for processing the black gold. They purchased 840 acres in total, and within 5 months the refinery was operational. The wife of one of the Standard Oil employees, Virginia Hanna, named the area La Segunda, Spanish for “the second one.” The name was eventually changed to El Segundo. El Segundo became a boomtown and settlers flocked to the new area with the promise of good wages and free daily lunches at Standard Oil. Blocks of tents soon sprung up and

wooden framed homes followed shortly. Richmond Street became the first downtown El Segundo. In 1911, the first store Martin & Ellis, a grocer, was built. Soon after a post office and dozens of other establishments sprung up as fast as they could be built. A meat market, two cigar stores, two barber shops, a hotel, three rooming houses, a newspaper, two restaurants, a plumbing shop, two laundries, two lumber yards, a sign painter and a general merchandise store were built by the year’s end. Tragedy struck the town on May 10, 1917. A fire broke out and ignited those first wood frame business structures along Richmond Street. The fire department was not yet established and downtown El Segundo burned to the ground. When the downtown was later rebuilt, brick replaced wood, and many of these structures still remain intact on Richmond Street. Today, the city encompasses over five square miles, spanning from LAX on the north, to Rosecrans Ave. in the south, to the Pacific Ocean on the west and Aviation Boulevard on the east. The city’s population of just 16,500 residents are proud of their small town and safe environment. The Standard/Chevron refinery remains a good neighbor to the town, and many other major corporations

TheHTN.com also call El Segundo home, including Boeing, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon, Aerospace Corporation, the Los Angeles Air Force Base, Mattel, DirecTV, the Los Angeles Lakers and the Los Angeles Kings, just to name a few. And if you’re wondering why there is so much talk of El Segundo in this month’s column, for the record, future dispatches of this column (as long as my editor allows it) will no longer be written in Westchester. I have relocated to a “Grand” residence overlooking downtown El Segundo, indeed making it my “second” home as well. The history of Westchester and Playa del Rey, and without a doubt my history, have been a great thing for me to record and I am grateful to the HomeTown News for allowing me the opportunity to “write it down” for almost 15 years now. These stories have spawned nearly 10 books on the history of Rancho Sausal Redondo, and I have a few more in various stages and a few more I am aiming to get started on. After growing up and living in Westchester and Playa del Rey for most of my life, I cannot possibly recount here the numbers of things that I will miss about leaving my hometown, but it is time to push on.

Please email comments to dukepdr@gmail.com.

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

March 2016 • Page 21

In Pictures

TheHTN.com

New Eagle Scout. On Monday, February 8, Jacob O’Neill, a Boy Scout with Troop 927 in Westchester, presented five custom mobile book carts to Kentwood Elementary School. For his Eagle Scout service project, Jacob led dozens of his fellow scouts and community volunteers in the design, development and construction of the carts. More than 350 volunteer hours went into the project, which provided $2,500 in much needed resources to the school. Jacob is currently a senior at Westchester Enriched Sciences Gifted and High Honors Magnet where he is ranked in the top 5% of his class. He attributes his academic success and love of learning to the solid foundation he received at Kentwood. Jacob would like to thank the businesses and individuals who supported him with donations of materials, time and money. This project would not have been possible without their support. After 11 years of scouting, Jacob, who is a third generation Westchester resident, was officially named an Eagle Scout on February 25 by the Eagle Scout Character Board of Review. Pictured: Kentwood Principal Rasheed Kahn receives the new mobile book carts from Jacob O’Neill.

Page 22 • March 2016

Man of La Mancha. Opening night for the Kentwood Players’ latest production, Man of La Mancha, will take place on Friday, March 11. Inspired by Miguel de Cervantes and his seventeenth-century masterpiece Don Quixote, the 1966 multiple Tony Award winning musical Man of La Mancha tells the story of the “mad” knight Don Quixote as a play within a play, performed by Cervantes, his manservant and his fellow prisoners as he awaits a hearing with the Spanish Inquisition. The musical will run through Saturday, April 16, 2016 with performances on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Three Thursday night performances will take place on March 31, April 7 and April 14 at 8 p.m. The Westchester Playhouse is located at 8301 Hindry Ave. in Westchester. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at kentwoodplayers.org. Pictured: Sancho Panza and Don Quixote, played by Bradley Miller and Ben Lupejkis, get ready to start a new adventure. Photo by Shari Barrett.

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

• Sciatica • Spinal Stenosis • Facet Disease • Bulging Disc • Pinched nerve • Degenerative Disc Disease

• No hospital stay • No lengthy recovery • No surgery, screws, plates or hardware • Better patient satisfaction success rate than big surgeries

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

• Disc Disease • Herniated Disc • Scar Tissue • Arthritis of the Spine • Foraminal Stenosis

•No or minimal incision •No general anesthesia •State-of-the-art Laser Machine •Go back to work the same week

March 2016 • Page 23

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