Westchester/Playa HomeTown News December 2020 edition

westchester

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playa del rey

p l a y a v i s t a • m a r i n a d e l re y

December 2020

HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES AND WAYS TO GIVE BACK ...page 5 Sara Lashkari, owner of Playa del Rey’s Lily Love Boutique, poses on Manchester Avenue to support shopping local.

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

This Month Brings You

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

Shop local! Small businesses to support this holiday Holiday happenings and ways to give back this month In your hometown with the Lai Family Business Spotlight: Ayara Thai In Pictures: A look back at 2020

04 05 16 26 30

HOMETOWN STAFF/CONTRIBUTORS Stephanie Davis, Publisher

Jeff Blair, Contributing Writer Fay Craton, Contributing Writer

Lydia Smith, Contributing Writer Consuelo Israelson, Contributing Writer

Front page photo by Zsuzsi Steiner for the HomeTown News.

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 • Instagram: instagram.com/thehometownnews The deadline for submissions is the 22nd of each month.

act us for rates and THANK YOU act us for rates and hesterhometo to our advertisers and community partners for supporting this publication!

hesterhometo Robin Zacha, Zacha Homes Drollinger Properties Cedars-Sinai Marina del Rey Hospital Stephanie Younger Group | Compass Jane St. John | RE/MAX Neighborhood Council Westchester/Playa Loyola Marymount University Westchester Lutheran School Westchester Town Center BID Erika Puzik & Associates-Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC Airport Marina Counseling Service St. Anastasia School RE/MAX Estate Properties Visitation School Amy Nelson Frelinger Douglas Elliman Properties Westside Pacific Villages SoCalSport & Fitness Loyola Marina Auto Care

us on Faceboo to-date with news and us on Faceboo Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News

December 2020 • Page 3

local While it may be easy to order online from a national chain and have a box appear on your doorstep in two days, this holiday season we’re all about shopping small and shopping local when it comes to buying gifts. It’s been a hard year for most business owners, who have worked through closures, ever-changing regulations and helping customers during a pandemic, so if you’re able to, please consider shopping local this month. Small businesses are the backbone of the community and the ones we can count on when it comes to donating gift cards for school fundraisers, supporting community events and sponsoring the Little Leagues.

Looking for other ways you can support your favorite community businesses? Follow your go-to restaurants, retailers and neighborhood entrepreneurs on social media, comment and like their posts, buy gift cards if you’re not ready to shop in person, share a review online and give them a shout out! Knowing that customers and the community are rallying behind them means a lot to small business owners.

Below is our list of some of our favorite local shops and retailers.

When you’re looking for cute, comfortable and on-trend women’s clothing and jewelry, head to Playa del Rey’s Lily Love Boutique. Since opening in October, Sara Lashkari has been helping customers find the perfect outfit thanks to her background as a stylist. Peruse the shop’s racks and expect to find pieces that are easy to mix and match–from loungewear to dresses––and tons of “buttery soft fabrics.”

“It is so important to shop local because you can find items and gifts that you will not find in big box and on e-commerce giant websites,” said Lashkari. “They are curated personally by us–the business owner–and reflect our unique personalities. I believe that we are truly the backbone of the economy, and the relationships formed with clients and customers sets us apart from the big names! Plus, when you support a local business, you are supporting someone’s dream.”

What we love about Lily Love Boutique: Lashkari has curated a collection of stylish, yet easily wearable pieces and her expertise as a stylist definitely comes in handy when assisting customers. You can also browse the shop online and pick-up in store. Lashkari offers local delivery to Westchester/Playa.

Lily Love Boutique is located at 8125 W. Manchester Ave. in Playa del Rey. You can also visit their website at lilyloveboutique.com.

The Book Jewel If you haven’t had a chance to visit The Book Jewel in the Westchester Triangle yet, holiday shopping is a great reason!

With thousands of new and used books on the shelves, as well as Westchester-made candles, book-themed clothing and games, you’re sure to find the perfect gift for everyone on your list. Plus, there’s a great kid’s book section.

The helpful and knowledgeable team love books (staff member Thera Pitts recently debuted her novel South at the store) and are readily available to answer any questions and make suggestions. And if the book you’re looking for isn’t in stock, they will happily place a special order and give you a call when the book is ready for pick up.

What we love about The Book Jewel: We love having a friendly, neighborhood bookstore in Westchester and enjoy stopping in to find Westchester-themed merchandise. While looking for your next favorite author, make sure to be on the lookout for the shop cat, Paiges!

The Book Jewel is located at 6259 W. 87th St. in Westchester.

You can also visit their website at thebookjewel.com. (continued on page 6)

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

Photos by Zsuzsi Steiner.

Lily Love Boutique

The Westchester Mental Health Guild is raising money for AMCS by hosting a Holiday Decorating Contest and Light Tour, featuring homes like the one pictured above.

Holiday happenings and ways to give back this month There may not be a lot of Santathemed events happening this month, but that doesn’t mean the community is lacking in holiday spirit! While December traditionally has some of our favorite events–we will miss the LMU Tree Lighting, Santa Tour and Marina del Rey Boat Parade, to name a few–we’re thankful to still see so many opportunities to donate and support those in need.

Here is our roundup of holiday happenings and ways to give back this month.

1. Holiday Light Tour and Contest.

The Westchester Mental Health Guild is helping spread cheer throughout the neighborhood with their first Holiday Lights Tour and Contest on December 13th through the 19th!

Load the family in the car, pack some sugar cookies, blast holiday tunes and enjoy driving through Westchester and Playa del Rey to view 20-plus highly decorated homes that are sure to dazzle and bring smiles with their lights, inflatables and decor.

With the Guild’s largest fundraiser of the year, the Holiday Home Tour canceled, they’ve pivoted to create this new event for the community to enjoy. A $10 donation to support Airport Marina Counseling Service (AMCS) gets you a map of the locations, a chance to vote for your favorite home and an invite to a drivethrough cookies and hot chocolate pick-up on December 20 from 2 to 4 p.m. at AMCS’ parking lot.

For more info and to make a donation to receive the map, visit holiday-lights-tour.eventbrite.com.

2. Playa del Rey Toy & Animal Shelter Supply Drive. On Saturday, December 5 from 9 a.m. to noon, Jane St. John, RE/MAX and Felicia St. Denis, Flowers by Felicia, will hold their annual toy drive benefiting Children’s Hospital L.A. and an animal shelter drive. Load your car with new toys and pet supplies and volunteers will be stationed at

Triangle Park (Waterview and Trask Ave. in Playa del Rey) and the Flowers

by Felicia parking lot (200 Culver Blvd.) to collect them. Grocery gift cards or checks to Children’s Hospital L.A. are welcome. Volunteers are also available to pick up donations.

For more info, please call Jane St. John at (310) 567-5971.

3. Home for the Holidays Photo Contest with the HomeTown News and Zacha Homes. The HTN and Zacha Homes have partnered this month to help make spirits bright with a Home for the Holidays Photo Contest! By participating in the fun, not only will you have the chance to win a prize, you’ll also have the chance to support your favorite local nonprofit!

What do you love the most about the holidays? Baking cookies? Putting decorations on your Christmas tree?

Spending time with your family?

Take a photo of whatever your favorite holiday pastime is and upload it to Instagram. Follow and tag @ zachahomes and @thehometownnews

by December 18 to share your photos with us and be automatically entered for a chance to win a $100 gift card to your favorite local business! You can also email your photos to westchesterhometown@yahoo. com. Three lucky winners will be announced on December 20, and in the spirit of giving, we’ll also make a $100 donation to our winners’ local charity of choice (must be located in Westchester, Playa del Rey, Playa Vista or Marina del Rey).

For more details, please visit thehtn.com and zachahomes.com.

4. Holiday Food Drive at The Book Jewel. Through December 6, stop by The Book Jewel to drop off donations of nonperishable canned and boxed items for Food Pantry, LAX. The pantry is especially in need of box cakes, frosting, pancake mix and boxed potatoes. (continued on page 15)

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

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VAVERA Boutique Playa del Rey’s VAVERA Boutique is the place to go when you’re looking for unique and hip gifts for yourself and your loved ones. Owner Jim Iacono describes the shop as a colorful and inviting place with an eclectic array of luxury goods, candles, vintage finds and consignments in all price ranges.

“Retail therapy has a new meaning when you shop local! It is quite literally personalized shopping when your local shop also knows your name and your dog’s name,” said Iacono.

Stop in Fridays through Sundays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. to shop the community’s best selection of candles, Zuca travel bags, jewelry and gifts you can’t find anywhere else.

What we love about VAVERA Boutique: Owners Iacona and Jennifer Biagiotti have created a fun and unexpected collection of items–from tiny teddy bears from Russia to winemaking kits–that scream, “you want me!” We also love the boutique’s collection of vintage pieces that Biagiotti finds from combing thrift stores and estate sales.

VAVERA Boutique is located at 318 Culver Blvd. in Playa del Rey. Visit their website at vaveraboutique.com.

Perfectly Polished by Emily If you have someone on your list that loves painting their nails, or maybe is in need of a manicure, check out Westchester resident Emily Ingistov’s Color Street website. Ingistov has been a rep for the company, which sells 100 percent nail polish strips that adhere instantly, for two years, and loves that she can have perfectly polished nails with little effort.

“I fell in love with Color Street because of how easy and fast they are to apply at home–there’s no dry time. This is a game changer for a busy mom with two young children on the move, they last for up to two weeks, and since it’s real polish, it’s super easy to remove,” said Ingistov.

What we love about Color Street: The Color Street sets come in a variety of fun colors and designs. There’s even a holiday line that features snowflakes and penguins! Putting on the polish is also a fun activity while catching up on your favorite Netflix shows!

Visit tinyurl.com/perfectlypolishedbyemilyHTN to shop.

Chapter 4 Wine almost always makes a great gift, and we love the selection and expertise offered at Chapter 4 | Fine + Rare Supply. The company is owned by Westchester residents Nicole and Scott Torrence and specializes in bespoke private collections of well cellared wines from California, France, Italy and Spain. They are known locally for their creative “wine kits” where they aim to provide high quality preselected gifts, for yourself or others, to fit budgets from $50 all the way up to $5,000!

“2020 has given us more reasons to appreciate the fabric of our local community. As your local wine merchant we have been able to tailor our selections to both reliable and familiar brands, as well as curate selections that foster discovery and exploration,” said Nicole.

What we love about Chapter 4: The kits, which include multiple bottles to try, are great for a night of at home wine tasting. Check out their website to view their selection, including the best selling “Rose Survival Kit” at chapfour.com.

Next time you’re on Culver Blvd., make sure to pop-in to Flowers by Felicia. Not only can you pick up a beautiful arrangement of flowers or plants for any occasion, owner Felicia St. Denis makes sure to stock the shop with unusual gifts for every budget. Bestsellers include whimsical kitchen towels, seasonal items like Santa lanterns, sage bundles, blankets and more. With new items always coming in, we like to visit every time we pick up a coffee at Tanner’s nextdoor.

What we love about Flowers by Felicia: St. Denis has a great eye when it comes to creating arrangements for all of life’s special occasions and curating the gifts in her shop. We love her “Real Housewives of Westchester and Playa del Rey” cups and the quirky gifts displayed on the large granite table in the middle of her shop.

Flowers by Felicia is located at 200 Culver Blvd. Suite A in Playa del Rey. Visit their website at flowersbyfeliciapdr.com.

Reindeer in Here If you’re looking to start a new holiday tradition for your family this year, try Reindeer in Here. Created by Playa del Rey’s Adam Reed, the Reindeer in Here book and plush features a cuddly reindeer with unique antlers that shares the message that being different is normal. Of course, the reindeer also has magical powers and is sent by Santa to be a friend and learn what your child wants for the holidays.

What we love about Reindeer in Here: This cute, cuddly reindeer has a great message and is a stress-free Christmas tradition. This year the company has expanded to sell the product at Target and QVC and a Christmas special is in the works for next year!

Visit their website at reindeerinhere.com.

Page 6 • December 2020

Courtesy Reindeer in Here.

Flowers by Felicia

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

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

December 2020 • Page 7

Adriana Jakobsen and her daughter, Klarity, show off therapy goats Lucky and Totoro.

Westchester resident hopes to put goats on therapy animal map

By Lydia Smith

She went on to spend 10 years working and studying a monkey colony at UCLA. Her focus was studying male Who would have thought that in dominance by looking at the monkey’s 2020 goats would be trending? Well, brain chemistry and behavior. they are! Goats became social media She put that training to use when sweethearts back in 2018-2019 with she moved to Westchester, began a the emergence of goat yoga and the endless videos of goats on trampolines, family and rescued two Nigerian Dwarf Goats that were bound for the meat goats in pajamas and many more goat market, Lucky and Totoro. The pair’s related viral sensations. It is true sweet disposition and ability to bring that goats are cute and cuddly and smiles to everyone they encountered highly entertaining, but they also are becoming a new type of therapy animal were the inspiration for Jakobsen to set out to get them recognized as therapy that can enhance the human-animal animals. bond while transforming lives and But with no organization to train, promoting healing. test and certify the goats, Jakobsen According to PetPartners.com, the partnered with a woman who raises leading organization in certifying and certifies mini horses as therapy therapy animals, “Therapy animals animals to develop their own program. can provide physical, psychological Part of the training, among many and emotional benefits to those they other things, for all therapy animals interact with, typically in facility is they must be evaluated on their settings such as healthcare, assisted ability to safely interact with different living and schools.” But Pet Partners populations, and their handlers must and other certifying organizations do be trained in best practices to make not yet recognize goats as suitable for sure that all interactions support animal certification as therapy animals. One welfare. As a result of her hard work Westchester resident is working to and training, one year ago, Lucky and change that. After seeing the benefits Totoro completed their training and that goats can provide, especially in passed the program they put in place. school settings working with children “Now that I have been through the with special needs, Adriana Jakobsen process, I feel confident in my abilities has set out to put goats on the as an animal behaviorist to train future therapeutic map. animals for therapy work regardless of Jakobsen is an animal behaviorist and received her degree from UCLA in the species,” said Jakobsen.

One important thing to note, therapy animal behavior. animals are not service animals. Service Said Jakobsen, “UCLA did not offer animals perform tasks for people with any animal-related majors [when I disabilities and are legally protected studied there], so I started as preby the Americans With Disabilities med with intentions of continuing on Act, whereas therapy animals are to veterinary school. Two years in, not. Service animals are trained and I realized my passion was behavior rather than medicine. I was then able to assigned to work with a specific take advantage of UCLA’s independent individual, while therapy animals generally visit hospitals, schools, major program and put together a assisted living facilities and attend curriculum with courses offered special events; they do not work onethrough various departments.”

Page 8 • December 2020

on-one.

You may be asking, but why goats?

Therapy animals have been around for decades and most people think of dogs, cats or maybe mini horses. It has been shown that exposure to animals affects our bodies by increasing oxytocin levels (the “bonding hormone”), increasing dopamine levels (a neurotransmitter associated with rewards), decreasing cortisol levels (the “stress hormone”), decreasing blood pressure and can improve PTSD/depression/anxiety treatment regimens. In addition to all these physiological changes in the body, animals also provide non-judgmental affection and attention. This is where goats really shine. Properly trained goats do not need to be rewarded with food–they can be rewarded with affection. They also don’t necessarily need a human bond to interact like some dogs do; goats will freely give their love and affection to anyone.

They also are docile and calm and as Jakobsen points out, they are hearty and tolerant. Perhaps most importantly, goats are entertaining, which can help provide happiness and laughter, a helpful tool when interacting with someone who needs some comfort.

With close community ties with WISH Charter Schools, Jakobsen had hoped to incorporate Lucky and Totoro into programs at or around the school.

While the pandemic has put a hold on some of those ideas, she has opened her yard for students to receive community service hours by helping to care for the goats, learn about farm animals and general animal education. Special needs students are also welcome to spend time with the goats to experience the calm, therapeutic energy that Lucky and Totoro exude.

She continues to have the duo participate in socially distant events as well, like the Halloween Scavenger

Hunt, and sometimes just has them in her front yard for the neighborhood to enjoy. Anytime the goats are in town working as therapy animals, Jakobsen’s ninth grade daughter, Klarity, who is a huge animal lover just like her mom, helps as her assistant.

“I really want to be a resource for community events,” said Jakobsen.

“Using Lucky and Totoro, I want to help as many people as possible.”

The future is bright for Lucky, Totoro and the whole Jakobsen family (including their three chickens, a dog, two cats, a rabbit, a guinea pig, two hamsters and they soon will have a mini horse too!) because the family is working to build a nine-acre animal sanctuary in San Diego. While Jakobsen has been busy with all aspects of animal rescue here in Westchester, through fostering animals, helping to re-home animals and being a resource for animal issues in the community, with her sanctuary in San Diego, she will be able to continue her efforts on a much larger scale and grow her nonprofit, Future for Animals. She is looking forward to helping more animals find homes, providing more opportunities for animal education and continuing training therapy animals, including goats!

Jakobsen sums up her hopes and dreams for her animal sanctuary in this way, “I have been benefiting from the company of animals to calm my anxiety since I was a child and have had a lifelong desire to learn how I can meet their needs in the best way possible.

They bring my family and me so much joy and I want to share that with others who may not be able to adopt their own.”

Want to learn more about Lucky and Totoro and their therapy animal work?

Email futureforanimals@gmail.com for more info.

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

At this time of year, you often hear advice to take steps before year-end to limit your tax liability. Yet 2020 is a unique year in a variety of ways – while many of the normal rules regarding managing income and timing deductions still apply, new provisions for 2020 have been implemented by The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act that may impact your year-end tax planning. Consider if any of these actions make sense for you.

Reconsider required distributions.

Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) from workplace retirement plans or IRAs are optional due to The CARES Act in 2020. If you haven’t yet taken your RMD for this year, you can let your money continue to grow. If you have taken your RMD, there is a 60-day window where you can redeposit those funds in your IRA and eliminate the claim to an RMD. As another option, if you have earned income from work you may want to take all or part of your RMD for this year and invest some or all of the proceeds in a Roth IRA. This allows you to build up your Roth savings, which ultimately can qualify for tax-free distributions later in retirement and aren’t subject to RMD rules.

can tap your retirement savings. If you have not yet reached age 59-1/2, you can do so without penalty if you qualify, but the early distribution must occur before the end of the year. The tax burden associated with these early distributions can be spread out over three years.

Harvest investment gains or losses.

Given the market’s volatility this year, you may want to consider “harvesting” capital losses. This is accomplished by selling investments in a loss position and using those losses to offset gains you realized. Capital losses can also be used to reduce up to $3,000 of earned income in a given year.

Be prepared for changes.

With an election upon us, there could be changes in tax laws that might impact everything from tax brackets to estate tax laws starting next year. This may be an additional consideration as you make your year-end plans. Be sure to consult with your financial advisor and tax advisor before finalizing your decisions.

Capitalize on deductions.

The standard deduction for 2020 is $12,400 for a single person and $24,800 for married couples filing a joint return. At that level, most people claim a standard deduction rather than itemizing deductions. In 2020, you can claim an additional $300 for cash contributions to qualified charities. Be sure to take advantage of that opportunity before the end of the year. This is a one-time deduction for those who don’t itemize.

Take early withdrawals if needed.

If your financial circumstances have been directly affected

by COVID-19 (such as a job loss), or you or others in your household have been diagnosed with the virus, you

BULLDO GS

Spread Joy

Despite a challenging year, Visitation has so much to be thankful for.

We are thankful for our dedicated teachers, parents, and students as well as our community. This December, we plan to focus on our gratitude and we are committed to sharing kindness and joy with others.

Coming up we have our “Spread Joy” Campaign, our Christmas Program, a holiday house decorating contest for families, and a gingerbread decorating contest for students.

Learn more about our academically challenging school and our spirited community at visitationschool.org or follow us on social media. FB/VisitationSchoolLA | IG@visitation_school We invite you to take a virtual tour of our classes from JK to 8th grade, technology and arts and music. The tour is lead by our student ambassadors and is located on our website along with information about admissions.

We wish you a very Merry Christmas and a joyful holiday season!!!

visitation CATHOLIC SCHOOL

www.visitationschool.org | 8740 Emerson Avenue, Westchester | 310.645.6620

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

December 2020 • Page 9

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

Our schools need our help more than ever.

JOIN US IN HELPING MAKE LOCAL SCHOOLS THRIVE! ION WILL F YEAR DONAT YOUR END O OASTAL AREA RT OUR LAX C O PP SU S U P HEL UR AS WELL AS O D TEACHERS, N A TS EN D U ST , S IN THE ARTS AL PROGRAM SCHOOLS' VIT AR, WE HAVE ORE. THIS YE STEM AND M $45,000 TO MORE THAN E DISTRIBUTED GH DISTANC OOLS THROU H SC R U O T ASSIS ARNING. AND STEM LE

UPCOMING EVEN

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• STUDENT ART CO

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• STEM ESSAY SCH O

LARSHIP • 4TH ANNUAL RO CK ROLL & RUN

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH SOCALGAS, CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2020 STEM GRANT RECIPIENTS! Katherine Johnson STEM Academy Kentwood Elementary Open Magnet Charter Elementary Paseo Elementary Playa del Rey Elementary

Playa Vista Elementary St. Anastasia St. Jerome Venice High School

Visitation Westchester Lutheran Westport Heights WISH Community School

SINCE 2017, WE’VE GIVEN BACK MORE THAN $300,000 TO LOCAL SCHOOLS!

LEARN MORE AND DONATE AT LAXCEF.ORG. Please email us for partnership opportunities at info@laxcoastaledfoundation.com.

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

December 2020 • Page 11

Business & Nonprofit News

TheHTN.com

Volunteers with Playa del Rey’s Grass Roots Neighbors sort and pack donations from a food drive held on Saturday, November 14. The food was delivered to more than 50 families for Thanksgiving. The nonprofit provides food and household items to the families it serves through twice-monthly deliveries. Visit grassrootsneighbors.org for more info.

NCWP looks for photos that capture community spirit.

Have beautiful photos of the community you’d like to share?

The Neighborhood Council of Westchester/Playa (NCWP) is calling on community members to submit images that represent what their neighborhood means to them.

The NCWP is a quasi-governmental agency made up of board members that live, work or own property in the areas of Westchester, Playa del Rey, Playa Vista and Ladera. The NCWP hears from a variety of presenters on topics that impact the community– including proposed developments, LAX updates and more–at its monthly board and committee meetings. The board then votes on the issues to make a recommendation to the City Council and Councilmember Bonin’s office.

The photos will be used by the NCWP for its website and other promotional materials to help engage stakeholders. Suggested photos could include images of local events, youth sports, the beach, LAX, public art or landscapes. Photos should be taken within the last year. To submit photos, please upload to social media and use the hashtag #WestchesterPlayaToMe. To learn more about the NCWP, visit ncwpdr.org.

St. Anastasia helps feed the needy for Thanksgiving.

For Thanksgiving, St. Anastasia Catholic School and Parish partnered with St. Margaret’s Center in Lennox to raise funds for local families in need.

Thanks to the generosity of the school community, school principal Angelica Izquierdo was able to present the Page 12 • December 2020

Pictured at left: St. Anastasia Principal, Angelica Izquierdo, delivers gift cards donated by school families to St. Margaret’s Mary Agnes Erlandson.

Pictured at right: Food Pantry, LAX Volunteer of the Year, Mary Thompson, helps prepare bread for pantry clients.

nonprofit with more than $5,000 worth of Ralphs gift cards in late November.

The donation was used to provide 250 families with a Thanksgiving meal.

Since 1987, St. Margaret’s Center has helped families living at or below the poverty level by providing food bank services and referrals for counseling, shelter, education and other social services. The organization is currently accepting donations for their Christmas program with the goal to collect more than 1,000 $25 gift cards to Target and Ralphs to distribute to the families they serve this holiday season.

For more information, visit sites. google.com/site/smcxmas/home/ smc-christmas-program.

Food Pantry, LAX honors volunteer of the year.

Since 1985, Food Pantry, LAX has

provided groceries to those in need in the local area and beyond, but the all-volunteer organization has had its share of difficulties this year—from having to reconfigure its procedures to keep volunteers safe to feeding more people while wholesale costs have continued to rise and supply chain issues have left some of their pantry staples hard to find. Thankfully, dedicated volunteers have rolled with any changes and donations have continued to stream in enabling the pantry to continue to provide food pick ups for more than 600 clients who visit the location on any given week.

One of these special volunteers is Mary Thompson who has been with Food Pantry, LAX since the beginning and was recently honored with the Wilma Matz Volunteer of the Year Award. In her 35 years of service, Thompson has done it all from serving

on the board, organizing volunteers, managing the pantry and shopping.

Thompson continues her service with the pantry by picking up bread from Togo’s each week and preparing it for distribution. Without volunteers like her, the nonprofit’s work would not be possible said Food Pantry, LAX director Scott Tanner.

“Like Mary, we are all volunteers at the food pantry, and that reflects one of the best things about our community,” said Tanner.

The pantry has also been aided in recent months by food drives held by groups like Silicon Beach Social and the Westchester Farmers’ Market.

The partnership with the farmers’ market has also allowed shoppers to contribute to a fund to purchase fruits and vegetables from vendors which are then donated to the food bank. Market sponsor, the Stephanie Younger Group, recently donated 1,000 pounds of produce to support the program.

While the pantry appreciates donations of food and monetary contributions all year long, this month people can give back through the Christmas Bag-It-Up drive through December 6. Those interested in participating are asked to fill a bag with food items for a complete holiday meal. The bags can then be delivered to the Westchester Family YMCA for pick-up.

You can view the suggested list of food items for the drive and more info about supporting the local food bank at foodpantrylax.org.

Have information to share about your business or nonprofit? Email us at westchesterhometown@yahoo.com for a chance to be featured.

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

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

December 2020 • Page 13

Richard Billups and Carter Paysinger pose in front of the school’s sport fields that are in the midst of a revamping to better serve students and the community.

School Spotlight: Vision for St. Bernard starts to come into focus with help from new programs and teachers Just a stone’s throw from the beach in Playa del Rey, St. Bernard High School is witnessing a shifting of the sands.

It wasn’t long ago that some wondered if the school, suffering from declining enrollment and a carousel of leaders who each pulled the school in different directions, was even going to survive. It seemed like nothing was working, and the school was in jeopardy of going under.

But three years ago, two men arrived with a plan to make St. Bernard one of the best high schools in the area.

“Not, ‘one of...’ the best school in the area,” said Carter Paysinger, who was hired as the school’s Executive Director of Institutional Advancement.

“We have a lot of motivation to be the best. That’s where we’re coming from.”

Paysinger knows plenty about being the best. He spent 36 years at Beverly Hills High School as a coach, teacher, department chairperson, athletic director, assistant principal and, ultimately, the first African-American principal in the school’s 80-year history.

With him at the helm, the school produced the highest test scores it had ever seen and developed a reputation as the finest public high school around.

He instituted peer tutoring, created a Medical Science Academy and watched as the school’s Academic Decathlon team ranked in the top five in the Page 14 • December 2020

began to put a greater emphasis on the country twice. There was a journalism whole child, ramping up co-curricular program, robotics team and even activities and providing the kinds of culinary arts. unique programs that Now, Paysinger is bringing those knowledge-hungry students craved. same blueprints to St. Bernard.

“We need to meet the needs of all of Teamed with Principal Richard our kids, Billups said. “And that means Billups, a Westchester native who providing more than just mainstream previously served as principal of highperforming St. Paul the Apostle School programs.”

So they created a marine biology in West Los Angeles, the pair is in year program that provides hands-on three of a turn-around program that learning for students who can smell is beginning to open eyes and change opinions about what St. Bernard is and the ocean air from their classrooms.

They created a Film and Television what it can become.

Academy taught by Emmy-Award “When you look at enhancing the winning writers that teach students campus and building programs, you about how to succeed in front of and have to do it with a plan,” Billups behind the camera. They hired a said. “You have to look at costs over football coach with eight city titles and time. You have to look at professional two state titles to his name. development. You have to have parent “It’s important for kids to find their and teacher feedback. You talk to passions in high school, keep them enpeople, do lots of research, see the gaged and make sure they are successtechnology and programs that are out ful after they graduate,” said Paysinger. there and tap into that vision.”

“I had no idea we would get to where Paysinger and Billups’ vision is we are today as quickly as we have.” starting to come in to focus.

And there is more on the horizon.

The school, which counts among Billups said the school is in the midst its alumni the likes of space shuttle of a multi-million-dollar revamping pilot and astronaut Kevin Chilton and of its football and soccer fields and Gerard Robinson, Virginia’s Secretary stadium, has installed new floors and of Education, began with academics.

A full complement of AP and honors lighting throughout the school and even added a fresh coat of paint to the classes were instituted beginning in exterior. ninth grade. New and better technol“It just shows the commitment we ogy was brought in to enable students have from our donors and the Archdiand teachers to access a world of new ocese to be competitive,” said Billups, educational tools. And the school

Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del

who added that much more is in store.

There are plans to add programs in sports medicine and sports marketing.

“We want to show kids that there are sports opportunities not just on the court or on the field,” Paysinger said.

“There are lots of careers in sports where you don’t wear a uniform.”

There are plans to enhance the school’s performing arts program.

St. Bernard has already hired Chavonne and Nisan Stewart– Chavonne is an instrumental vocalist who has recorded vocals for everyone from Jackson Browne and Al Jarreau to John Fogerty and Beyonce; and Nisan is a noted drummer, record producer and songwriter who has worked with Missy Elliott and Timbaland.

“Who we hire is important, and what they bring to the table is important,” said Paysinger, who said finding experienced professionals who can both teach and connect with students is critical.

And while providing innovative programs and outstanding teachers is important, that is only part of the blueprint at St. Bernard.

Paysinger and Billups agree that competition is stiff and finding success beyond high school is as hard as it has ever been. That is why their plan includes a significant focus on college counseling and preparing students for life after graduation. (continued on page 22) Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News

Ways to give (continued) (continued from page 5) Anyone who donates will be entered into a raffle to win one of four $25 gift cards to the store. The Book Jewel is located at 6259 W. 87th Street and is open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

5. Adopt-A-Family with the LAX Kiwanis. The LAX Kiwanis, Westchester Family YMCA and the LAPD have teamed up for their annual Holiday Adopt-a-Family Program and they’re inviting the community to help support families in need this holiday season.

Items requested include bath towels, bed sheet sets, toiletries, socks, beanies, pillows, grocery gift cards and toys.

Items can be dropped off at the Westchester Family YMCA, located at 8015 S. Sepulveda Blvd. through December 15. For more info, email johnloussararian@ymcala.org.

6. Food Pantry, LAX and Toiletries & Winter Clothing Drive.

The Westchester Rotary and their Young Professionals Group are holding two charity drives this month. First up, they are partnering with the Food Pantry, LAX for their Christmas Bag-It-Up program. People are invited to fill up bags with holiday food items, which will be distributed to pantry clients. The bags are asked to be filled with the following: a large can of ham, one package of potatoes, two cans of vegetables, one can of fruit, one can of soup, one jar of peanut butter, one package of cake and

frosting, one box of cereal, one package of pancake mix and one box of macaroni and cheese.

Bags can be dropped off to the Westchester Family YMCA between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. through December 6.

The Y is located at 8015 S. Sepulveda Blvd. in Westchester.

The club is also collecting items to support Playa del Rey’s Power of a Shower, a nonprofit which provides houseless individuals access to showers and a place to put on clean clothes. Items requested include deodorant, underwear, socks and beanies. Donate through the Power of a Shower Amazon Wish List, which can be viewed at powerofashower.org.

7. Winter Clothing Drive. Have some warm clothing in your closet you’re looking to donate? Stop by Westchester Lutheran on Saturday, December 5 between 9 and 11 a.m. for a drive-through drop-off of your hoodies, sweatshirts, jackets and other winter clothing to benefit Hoodies for Hope, a pending nonprofit started by WLS students.

Westchester Lutheran is located at 7831 S. Sepulveda Blvd. in Westchester.

Due to the changing nature of COVID restrictions, activities may be canceled or modified. We’ll make updates on our facebook.com/thehtn page.

Hosting a holiday donation drive this month? Let us know by emailing us at westchesterhometown@yahoo.com.

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December 2020 • Page 15

Page 16 • December 2020

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

By Consuelo Israelson

teacher shortage and I knew nothing about L.A., but I was ready for the For most families, the pandemic has challenge. After I graduated, I moved here. I didn’t know anyone so I stayed been a time for challenges, changes at a youth hostel in Santa Monica for a and adjustments. So it’s been for the week,” Kelly said.

Lai family, but they’ve also received She discovered she loved Los a special gift that most parents don’t Angeles and met some very good get until their children are grown: friends and future husband Hyrum, validation that their parenting so she ditched her initial plans of messages to their kids actually work! moving to San Diego, where she was “We’re resilient, and we teach our born, after getting her California children to roll with the punches teaching credential. and have a strong work ethic. Life “One year turned into 20!” she said. isn’t always rainbows and unicorns.

Hyrum grew up in Rowland Heights We spend a lot of time talking about and attended USC as a business major. character and grit,” said Kelly Lai. He spent two years in the Philippines “We did this before COVID, but the on a church mission before returning pandemic has really emphasized that to finish his education. He now things are hard, but we can make it works at an ad agency, Full Hearts, OK.” which specializes in marketing and Husband Hyrum added, “I think the stars of all this have been the kids. advertising for nonprofits. Two of their biggest clients are Operation They’ve just rolled with the punches Smile and Mercy Ships. and adjusted. They’ve been real rock “I enjoy working from home stars!” because I get to see my kids more A typical pandemic workday finds often. It’s been nice to slow down a Kelly, a teacher at five schools in little bit. Life doesn’t feel like such a the West Hollywood area, bouncing rat race right now, but I’m ready for between the living room and the quarantine to be over,” he said. garage while teaching her students Kelly’s job is a little more online; 10-year-old Griffin attending challenging to do online because she online school in his room; Hyrum teaches adapted physical education working remotely in the shed; for students with special needs. and 5-year-old Vivienne going to “I try to make it as fun as possible. kindergarten at the dining room table.

We use exercise videos and live “Vivienne is doing great with stuff with scarves and balls, things school. Alexa is the third parent,” that most people have at home. And Kelly laughs. “We set alerts to tell I use a lot of music,” she said. “It’s Vivienne when to log in.” a wonderful job and so rewarding.

Both of the kids are still doing Getting to do P.E. with kids who have fun activities during Safer at special needs is the best job in the Home. Vivienne is taking rhythmic world. I’ve been in education in a lot gymnastics through the Artistico of different settings, but this is the School of Dance and AYSO soccer. best job ever!”

She played T-ball “for a hot second” Kelly began her career teaching right before the quarantine hit. physical education at Berendo Middle Griffin, a fifth-grader at Kentwood School and then got her special plays first base and outfield for his education credential. She has been DRALL team, water polo with the working with students with special South Bay United Club Team and attends socially distanced Cub Scouts needs for 12 years. She also was with Hyrum as his den leader. Griffin recently certified in Adapted Physical was also recently elected president of Education. She taught at Kentwood Elementary for eight years after they the Kentwood student council. bought their house in Westchester Kelly returned to teaching this because Kelly wanted a job closer to fall after taking a leave of absence home. after having Vivienne. She has been “After we got married and wanted a teacher with LAUSD since 2001, to buy a house, we looked all over when she was recruited at a job West L.A. and didn’t find anything we fair while attending Southern Utah liked in our price range. Then Hyrum University in Cedar City. suggested this wonderful, cool little “They were going through a

pocket neighborhood he knew about near the airport called Westchester.

At first I wasn’t too sure about living near the airport, but as soon as I saw it, I fell immediately in love with the neighborhood,” said Kelly.

But getting a house in Westchester wasn’t as easy as they hoped and their bids were rejected over and over again.

“We finally found our house, but there were 11 offers on it. So the owners asked all of us to write a letter as to why we wanted it,” Hyrum said.

He felt the picture he included of Kelly, pregnant with Griffin, really won the sellers over.

“We were very excited to get the house and have loved every minute since. I grew up in a very small town so I would often get homesick for that small hometown feeling. But honestly, Westchester has that same feeling I experienced growing up.

Everyone is so friendly and the fun little local traditions make it more special. We love being close to the beach and close to LMU. It’s such a fun university to have within walking distance. It’s just a real special place.

Westchester pride runs deep,” Kelly said.

Hyrum added, “We are so blessed to be in this neighborhood.”

As a way to show gratitude, the family likes to give back. The Scout troop and Vivienne make cards for seniors to lift their spirits and assemble hygiene kits for the homeless. They also enjoy volunteering with their church.

“The pandemic has reminded us not to take relationships for granted.

Whenever I see friends outside these days, it’s great. Even though you’re wearing masks and can’t get close, it’s great to be reminded that we’re not alone,” Hyrum said.

“Sometimes it gets hard and we want to be with our friends and go back to baseball and everything else.

Then we remember how lucky we are that we have such a beautiful community. We can go on walks and bike rides and see our friends and neighbors from afar. We always see people we know and that peps you up and gives you energy to keep you going,” Kelly said. “We’re surrounded by so many good friends and neighbors in this community that we never feel alone.”

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

Since November 2009.

It would have to be pre-COVID. Our day would start with an early-morning surf session for Hyrum, then the whole family would go on a walk with our Beagles, Maggie and Ranger, and hit up Vons for donuts on the way back. We’d go to the DRALL American Field to watch Griffin play baseball and possibly a bike ride on the LMU trail.

Dinner would have to be at Alejo’s or The Good Pizza (please come back to Westchester!). Then we’d end the day with a movie on our backyard screen with lots of friends, laying on blankets and roasting marshmallows.

More and more people are finding out about our neighborhood and how fantastic it is. There are a lot more young professionals. When we first moved in, there was more of a senior population.

Now that the secret is out, there are lots of new owners. Westchester used to be a hidden gem, but it’s not so secret anymore. Everybody knows how wonderful it is. Everybody realizes how special this area is.

Truxton’s and Artistico School of Dance. Kentwood Elementary has been a magical place for our family: the parents, office staff and all of the teachers. It’s a special little school.

Del Rey American Little League is full of good families. We love the YMCA staff and the classes. The Good Pizza (please come back!). Alejo’s. We’re also so grateful for our Kentwood Cleaners, Covenant Presbyterian Preschool and Adams Family Daycare.

We could go on and on.

December 2020 • Page 17

Westchester/Playa Historical Society: Candles from the past

By Cozette Vergari As we move into the holiday season, we cherish many memories from the past, memories shared with family and friends that remain in our hearts and in our minds. They are a part of our family and community histories and traditions. One such memory and Westchester tradition, which included both family and friends within the community, is that of the giant red candles that decorated the front yards of neighborhoods throughout Westchester.

The giant red candles, for the most part, stood approximately six feet tall, lit as if their candle wicks were burning, with white wax flowing over the edge. Displayed next to the bottom of the candle was the name of the family who resided in the home, with a spotlight illuminating the giant red candle well into the holiday nights.

Some shorter candles were displayed, as though they had burned down over time. There were blocks and blocks, where nearly every home displayed a giant red candle during the holiday season.

Legend holds that in the 1950s two men who lived on Chase Avenue, inspired by the idea of a young paper delivery boy, created the giant red

candles for their neighbors, early on known as Candle Lane. The candles became so popular, they spread east, west, north and south, creating a holiday wonderland of giant red candles throughout Westchester and parts of Playa del Rey. It grew to be such an attraction that buses brought “tourists” from outlying communities to share in the holiday spirit and wonder. It was truly a winter wonderland. I am proud to say that my family joined in this wonderful holiday tradition for years.

Even though we face a very different holiday season this year, we will be creating new memories, reflecting on those from the past and sharing in continuing wishes to all for a wonderful and safe holiday season.

Do you display one of these candles in your yard? Does your block have a holiday tradition? Please share with us at westchesterhometown@yahoo.com.

Cozette is an attorney and lifelong resident of Westchester. She is the President of the Westchester/Playa Historical Society. Together with a group of dedicated volunteers, the organization is working on creating new programming and events to celebrate the history of the area and engage the community in preserving it for future generations.

At top: Lisa Hamor was born and raised in Westchester, and loved seeing the giant red candles displayed throughout the community when she was growing up. Always wanting a candle of her own to put in her yard, she got lucky while driving through the neighborhood sometime in the 90s and found one in a trash can! It needed a little TLC, so her husband spruced it up, created a sign to display their family name, and some thirty years later, the candle is still an important part of their Christmas celebration. Hamor proudly displays the candle in her yard every December, showcasing her Westchester pride and the nostalgia for the neighborhood tradition.

At bottom: A Westchester home displays candles in the front yard in this photo courtesy of the Westchester/Playa Historical Society.

There’s nothing Playa Venice Sunrise Rotarians love more than serving our community! This holiday season, we’ll be adopting 10 families from the Mar Vista Family Center and the Boys & Girls Club of Venice to make sure they have a magical holiday and will continue our efforts to support food distribution programs, seniors and the youth in our community!

We invite you to join us in making a difference and giving back.

Page 18 • December 2020

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

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

December 2020 • Page 19

Random Notes/Opinion

TheHTN.com

Find a solution that works for your fitness challenges

By Jeff Blair Opinion: Let’s get real: 2020 has been brutal for many. We are experiencing an unprecedented combination of challenges. In addition to the intensity of living through a pandemic, 40 percent of people have reported struggling with emotional health issues. Physical activity is down 34 percent. Snacking is up 35 percent.

Alcohol sales are up 24 percent. The average person has gained more than six pounds, according to one study. If left unaddressed, these issues can lead to long-term health issues such as heart disease.

While these statistics are concerning, some are following a different path. I know several people who have made fitness work during the pandemic.

Some were physically active pre-pandemic and were forced to adjust their strategies after March. Some have even improved fitness during the pandemic because 2020 events caused them to reevaluate and then prioritize their health. Each person’s situation is different and some face bigger challenges than others. It is important not to minimize or compare individual challenges and instead look for ways to support, encourage and help each other.

If you are looking for possible solutions, read on for specific ideas.

If you are not, maybe read this some other time. I hope each person finds a path that works for them.

1. Replace processed snacks with fruits and vegetables. During stressful times, many turn to comfort foods.

That appears true in 2020 as 70 percent of people blame their quarantine weight gain on stress eating. It has been said that “what’s in the house gets eaten” and that is accurate in my experience. If the house is full of high calorie, low nutrient chips, cookies and candies, those foods will probably get eaten. Consider replacing this snack supply with foods like apples, pears and bananas. While raw vegetables might not be quite as tasty as fresh fruit, roasted vegetables or other vegetable-centered dishes can be delicious. Place your favorites in easy view or within easy reach. You will be more likely to make a healthy choice.

2. Consider reducing alcohol.

Drinking has increased during the pandemic, especially among women.

One study found heavy drinking has increased 41 percent among females.

Excessive alcohol intake can lead to a variety of health and fitness issues.

While many use alcohol to fall asleep,

it can actually increase insomnia and other sleep disruptions. In some cases, alcohol may increase anxiety and depression. Since a typical drink has 100-150 calories, excessive drinking also contributes to weight gain. If alcohol has become a problem, please consult a healthcare professional.

Otherwise, look for ways to steadily reduce alcohol intake such as reducing drinks or limiting drinking to the weekend.

3. When it comes to exercise, adaptability is key. Indoor gyms are closed and only a few offer outdoor exercise. Home exercise has increased, but declining physical activity statistics show that this route is not working for everyone. Since traditional options seem limited, what is the answer?

The answer is anything that works for you: some people find a good rhythm between outdoor exercise and weight training; others use online workouts and workout in their living room; some people are working out in the garage or backyard; and some are taking long walks or bike rides. Even if the current options are not ideal, some exercise is better than no exercise. Given the negative impact of physical inactivity and the limited options, maintaining a flexible approach is probably the most

important thing right now.

My final suggestion is to find some form of human support. In all areas of life, people seem to do better when someone else is involved. We are wired for community. While accountability might evoke images of a drill sergeant barking orders, a helpful and honest coach is probably better for most. Physically distanced cardio partners, personal trainers and even knowledgeable friends can provide words of encouragement, which can make a world of difference.

Do what you can today and this week.

Increase as you feel able. Remember, a little exercise can produce surprising health benefits. Best wishes for a happy and healthy holiday season to everyone in the Hometown News community!

Jeff Blair (M.S., CSCS) is a nationally and internationally recognized fitness expert. He has been seen in numerous fitness magazines and other media, is a book author and has taught exercise science at the graduate level. He has been a Certified Personal Trainer in Westchester since 2002. Reach out and say hi at jeff@socalsport.com. *Always observe all health orders while exercising around others. Before you start any fitness routine, please consult your doctor.

YOU CAN HELP! FOOD PANTRY, LAX

Emergency Food Distribution to those in need.

Sponsored by the Westchester Clergy Association

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

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

For more information, please call (310) 677-5597 Ad donated by the Covenant Presbyterian Church

Page 20 • December 2020

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

Creating a new tradition this holiday season

By Fay Craton Opinion: Whew! December–the last month of 2020–is finally here.

Many of us will be glad to see the year gone. The pandemic, social unrest and political polarity has made this year very stressful. The ongoing, almost year-long, safety practices to limit the spread of COVID-19 continues to change how we live our lives and will change how we celebrate the holidays.

Since this year’s festivities will already be different, it might be a good opportunity to take charge of your life and create a new tradition. It is empowering to take intentional steps to create a positive experience as this year closes.

However, before leaping to the positive, it is important to acknowledge for some of us, the events of the year have created depression deep within our bodies. It could be you experienced the loss of a loved one, or isolation, or job loss, or are struggling to hold onto your home or feed your family. It could be that you or a loved one is currently battling the coronavirus. Before you can successfully change your outlook, you must first acknowledge your current situation. The tricky part is acknowledging and internally sorting experiences and feelings, without becoming stuck in them forever. The sorting can take some time. You may need to shift the experience within your body or come to new understanding about what you experienced. Therapy may be beneficial to help you honor what has happened while moving through it.

Acknowledging your pain does not need to be a barrier to letting something happy occasionally slip into your awareness. In fact, pleasant thoughts and feelings can give a boost to your ability to cope with life’s difficulties. Most people can effectively respect the experience which created grief or depression while at the same time remember pleasant events.

The change to your holiday traditions I suggest you include this year is to celebrate the good which happened during 2020. Everything that happened during the year has not been horrible.

Here are some examples of good stuff I heard about: • Quality family time.

• Learning to bake.

• Taking walks.

• Gaining an understanding of what is important.

• Having fun camping.

• Developing skills with a musical instrument.

• Wearing comfortable clothing.

• Having time to read, paint or garden.

A good gift to yourself and family is to affirm what worked well. Lock in the good memories.

A way to do this is to either individually, or as a family, create a visual representation about the good experiences during the past year.

Examples of a good experience might be more quality family time, or time available for a hobby. If you have magazines around your home, you could possibly cut out representative pictures to make a collage. Or if you are artistic, sketch some experiences.

Another method could be using a large sheet of paper to list the good you experienced during 2020. Be sure to especially include the good experiences directly resulting from requirements imposed on you to stay safe from COVID. Do not rush what you create. Take the entire month of December to create your collage, drawings or list.

As you add items to your creation, stop and consider the good feelings the activity generated within you. Allow your imagination to guide you in what you make.

At the end of the month, on New Year’s Eve, discuss with your family or a close friend all you included in your visual representation. Consider what you want to continue doing in 2021.

My wish is for you to remember times of happiness. Where you place your focus is where your memories are formed. You can create a gift for yourself this year by reinforcing what you enjoyed.

Fay Craton, M.A. is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (mfc40011), which is the psychology license specializing in relationships (with ourselves or with others), and she has an office in Westchester.

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

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

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December 2020 • Page 21

Vision for St. Bernard (continued)

(continued from page 14) “It’s not good enough to be just a four-point-whatever-GPA student,�

Paysinger said. “You need to have substance, too, because today, you are competing with students from all over the world. That is why we have clubs, activities, internships–some kids are starting their own businesses while still in high school. We spend a lot of time talking to admissions officers about what they are looking for. We want to get a bead on kids’ passions as early as possible and help them develop those

over time.�

Paysinger said college counseling is a key component of the school’s work with students and their families.

Once the COVID-19 situation eases, he plans to create an annual college fair, bringing in college representatives from around the country to talk about their schools and what they are looking for in freshman students. “That is the biggest difference between a good high school and a great high school,� he said. “We are putting in place the path and the

procedures for kids to realize that college opportunity, and we’re doing it early on.�

That part of the plan is working extraordinarily well.

St. Bernard students have a 100 percent college acceptance rate and move on to some of the most highly competitive universities in the nation, including UCLA, UC Berkeley, Cornell, Brown, Yale, USC and more.

Today, in the midst of a global pandemic, with the nation struggling both economically and politically, St.

Bernard is starting to gain momentum.

Enrollment is up for the first time in years and students are doing bigger and better things. “I think that’s because of the work we’ve done,� said Billups, who added that there are still a lot more items on his to-do list. “There will continue to be revisions and enhancements as we move forward.�

But for Billups, Paysinger and the entire St. Bernard team, that is the constant goal–moving forward.

For more info, visit stbernardhs.org.

LOOKING BACK BACK AT AT 2020 2020 LOOKING

2020 has been a year of losses for all of us.

2020 a year ofto losses forbeginning: all of us. like a seed that I practiced seeing loss has as abeen springboard a new has to be buried underground, make roots and then grow andlike make flowers, I practiced seeing loss as a springboard to a new beginning: a seed that I understood to never lose hope and believe in a better tomorrow. has to be buried underground, make roots and then grow and make flowers, I lostI understood the ability to friends, to slow down tomeet neverwith lose many hope and believebut in Ialearned better tomorrow. and deeper in every new encounter, even onbut Zoom!

I reconnected with I lostgothe ability to meet with many friends, I learned to slow down and go deeper in every new childhood encounter,friends. even on Zoom! I reconnected with childhood At work, more important than sellingfriends. a product, I offered a listening ear and opened my heart to every customer coworker.

2020 robbed many At work, more important than selling aand product, I offered a listening ear aspects of my daily routine, except my ability to love.

When doing I felt and opened my heart to every customer and coworker. 2020 robbed so, many joy that no one andmy nothing can me! aspectsan ofinner my daily routine, except ability to take love. away Whenfrom doing so, I felt an inner joy that no one and nothing can take away from me!

Page 22 • December 2020

In 2020, I am so very thankful that my family and I were able to spend some much needed time together,that to have the opportunity to re-kindle In 2020, I am so very thankful my had family and I were able to spend friendships with neighbors, and that suddenly office hastonever been some much needed time together, to have had themy opportunity re-kindle more organized.

Being home more has helped me to realize my pup is even friendships with neighbors, and that suddenly my office has never been sillier than I previously assumed, take my me baking skillsmy to apup whole new more organized.

Being home moreto has helped to realize is even level, and to dig in even more with my wonderful clients. sillier than I previously assumed, to take my baking skills to a whole new level, and to dig in even more with my wonderful clients.

Though this year has had its challenges, because of it all, I am even more in tune with how special andits precious each connection build--with Though this year has had challenges, because of itweall, I am evenfamily, more in clients, and my really is. tune with howfriends, special and precious eachhairdresser-connection we build--with family, friends, clients, and my hairdresser-- really is.

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

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

December 2020 • Page 23

Community members had the chance to get an extra workout just in time for their Thanksgiving feasts with an inaugural Turkey Trot hosted by Visitation School.

More than 150 people participated in either a one-mile or two-mile stroll through Westchester, which was mapped out in three different routes. The event was a chance to promote school spirit, encourage some fresh air and an opportunity for students to see other school families, even if it was at a distance.

Said Visitation School Principal Chris Watson, “It was heartwarming to see so many families out in the neighborhood supporting the school and the sense of community that we work so hard to maintain during these very difficult and isolating times. We are using creativity and imagination to keep the community feeling, while showing responsibility and concern for one another by following all social distancing rules to ensure the safety of our community members.”

Page 24 • December 2020

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

Photos courtesy Visitation.

November 23 - Around Westchester

Visitation’s

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

December 2020 • Page 25

see this pandemic as a challenge, to push our restaurant’s boundaries, and, of course, to keep our team employed.

Everyone’s business could use a little help these days, so every month we’re featuring a different small business to help promote shopping locally and to support community members.

Since 2004, Ayara Thai has been delighting customers with their delicious, fresh and home-cooked dishes leading to a dedicated following of foodies throughout the community and beyond. Owned by the Asapahu family and led by Vanda Asapahu, the restaurant continues to innovate when it comes to offering new dining experiences for its customers.

Get the scoop on one of our favorite local restaurants by reading below!

Q. Please tell us a little bit about yourself. A. I am a Thai-American Angeleno. I was born in Thailand and my family and I moved to Los Angeles when I was 5-years-old. We moved to Westchester when I was in eighth grade, so I attended Orville Wright Middle and graduated from Westchester High School (class of 2000) before doing my undergrad at UCLA and graduate degree at Yale. I am the oldest of three siblings. My brother, Peter, is a year younger and my sister, Cathy, is 12 years younger. All three of us run Ayara in some capacity. While I am full-time dedicated to our family’s restaurant, Peter and Cathy contribute and help make all major decisions. My mom is in the kitchen almost every day. She’s the hardest working human I know and inspires me to work harder and smarter. If growing up in Westchester and living and running a restaurant in Westchester does not say how much this town means to me, I am married to my high school friend whose family also lives in Westchester.

This town and its people raised and groomed me and continue to support my family and I during all the highs and lows of our family’s business.

Q. Please tell us a little bit about your business? A. Ayara Thai was born out of my parents’ American dream of being their own bosses, and doing what they love most—nourishing people with their food. Before Ayara, my parents opened and closed many restaurants, and operated a catering business out of our home kitchen. My siblings and I are the true definition of restaurant kids: doing homework in the storage room and putting ourselves to sleep because our parents worked late into the night.

We saw and witnessed all the struggles and the sacrifices they made for us.

Ayara Thai was my parents last attempt at the restaurant business, and in 2004 it was formed out of all the lessons learned and savings they had. While I helped start the business with menu design, plating and marketing, I stepped Page 26 • December 2020

Photos by Zsuzsi Steiner.

Business spotlight: Ayara Thai lets creativity and passion flow to offer new dining experiences and delicious food Q. What else would you like the community to know about your business?

A. Thanks to our patrons making our last few Moo Krata dining experiences so successful, we’ve decided to offer a pre-Christmas dinner on Tuesday, December 15. Under the new L.A. County COVID guidelines, this will be takeout only. We’ll let you borrow our special grill with charcoal to create the experience at home—don’t bother with the cleanup, we’ll do it for you! Take some downtime for yourself before the Christmas hustle and bustle.

Coming up in the new year and back by popular demand, Chef Vanda will be leading two new virtual cooking classes and registration is now open on our website.

Vanda and her mother, Anna, pose in front of Ayara Thai in the Westchester Triangle.

away for school and to pursue my own career. In 2010, I left my career to help grow our family’s business during its growing pains. Initially it was temporary, but I loved it and never looked back. Fast forward to 2020 and nine months into a pandemic, I am proud that we are able to continue to serve home-cooked Thai food I grew up eating and worthy of Michelin Bib Gourmand 2019 recognition. I am elated that we grew our business slowly together as a family with no investors and able to own property. I am most proud of the relationships we have made: guests who regularly support us, farmers who grow the freshest produce for us, and the many dedicated team members who have been with us for five-plus and 10plus years and call Ayara home.

Q. What do you like about running your business and being an entrepreneur? A. Running a business with my family and being an entrepreneur has its challenges, but I would never trade it for a comfortable desk job.

There is a thrill and adrenaline rush to being a business owner that gives me an edge and a high unlike anything else. Knowing that people depend on me motivates me to do my best. Being an entrepreneur is endlessly interesting. I am always learning, growing and improving. Creativity is rewarded. As I grow our business, steps to become more efficient, run more profitably, and improve the workplace through benefits and training can be quickly implemented. The best part of being a

boss is being able to change what I want to see!

Q. How has COVID impacted your business? A. While I have always considered our team to be an extended family, the pandemic has reminded me what is truly important: their health, wellbeing and success. Each member of our team represents a family, a roommate, and even possibly a pet, that depends on them to live. In knowing that my family’s responsibility extends beyond the walls of the restaurant, we took several measures to ensure a safe and healthy environment for our team. We have provided everyone with regular and steady PPE supplies to use at work and to take home, implemented a daily meal that goes beyond having something to eat just at work, and all the necessary physical barriers and structures to ensure both our team and guests are socially distanced. Thanks to L.A. County’s ability to provide free testing, our team has been able to get tested on a regular basis, and we’re extremely proud of them for maintaining an infection-free environment to date. I’ve also pivoted the business in different ways to make sure that we stay relevant and connected to our community. From setting up a weekly dinner subscription program (Thai Thursdays), to special events like our Drive-In Movie Weekend, Mooncake Festival and Thai Moo Krata dinners, the pandemic has given me the opportunity to let my creativity and passion flow in ways I wouldn’t have dreamed of before March 2020. I’ve chosen to

Q. What are some of your favorite local businesses? A. This is such a hard question to answer because there are so many to choose from! But I’ll do my best to narrow it down. First, I love having an actual bookstore next to us on 87th Street. The Book Jewel, which opened just this past August, has been a breath of fresh air for the community.

I truly admire Karen Dial’s can-do attitude in opening a new business during the pandemic and have heard so much positive feedback from their customers and visitors. I’ve actually already purchased a few gifts myself and will be back for more holiday shopping!

Sometimes I have to remember that the one thing harder than running a restaurant is working a shift in it, and sore muscles and bones can unfortunately happen. Dr. Dilo at Synergy Chiropractic has helped me, my family, and our team for years, working out countless kinks and crooked joints.

Team members have repeatedly told me how much better they feel after a visit to his office, which I’m glad is just around the corner from us!

Last, there are businesses in our area that also take care of some of the most important members of the family, our pets. Since he was born, I’ve always taken our dog Hac-Gow to Westchester Veterinary Center and Cat Clinic for all his checkups and treatments.

Hac-Gow used to see Dr. Yoo, and when Dr. Krieger took over, he made sure we felt just as welcome. Although Hac-Gow left us back in July of this year, I can’t imagine not having Dr. Krieger, Laura, and the rest of the team there to guide us and give us all the medical and emotional support we needed.

Visit ayarathai.com to order takeout, for info about their special events and cooking classes.

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

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

December 2020 • Page 27

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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

December 2020 • Page 29

Community members, including, Quantrell Wiley, shared their favorite neighborhood tips and spots that can’t be missed in our New Year’s edition.

Our January issue kicked off our “In your hometown with...” feature with the Farmers, who discussed their love of Westchester, sports, volunteering and family time.

westchester

More than 1,000 volunteers helped transform the campus of Wright STEAM Magnet Middle School on January 20th in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. More than 100 gallons of paint was used to create murals with inspirational phrases, enhance lockers and update the basketball courts.

Playa del Rey resident, Stacey Winget-Cochrane shared her experience of being diagnosed with and recovering from COVID-19 in April.

Page 30 • December 2020

Photos by Zsuzsi Steiner and the HTN.

A look back at 2020

As we head into the homestretch of 2020, here’s a look back at some of our favorite pictures and stories from an unprecedented year. Despite the challenges, masks, and all the social distance, we’re proud to have continued focusing on positive community news and shining a spotlight on the people and organizations that have helped bring the neighborhood together with their kindness and giving spirit.

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playa del rey

playa vis ta

Community members from organizations, including Councilmember Bonin’s Office, Girl Scouts, the LAX Coastal Chamber and Loyola Marymount University, showcased volunteer opportunities and ways to get involved at the March 1 Community Connections event at Covenant Presbyterian Church.

From mas help neig acts are in W Play

Del Rey American Little League celebrated their spring season with Opening Day Ceremonies on February 22 at American Field with more than 300 players on 25 teams before the season was cut short a month later.

With in-person dining closed, supporting your favorite local restaurant was a priority for many including Michael Calzada seen here picking up food from Ayara Thai.

With Safer at Home orders in place, community members like Suzy Smith rallied to help by sewing masks, making deliveries and donating to support nonprofits.

A HEARTFELT THANK YOU

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

to all frontline medical workers fighting COVID-19, first responders and all wo sectors including healthcare, grocery stores, restaurants & food delivery, ware

Local artists of all ages heeded the call to spread positivity on their block and got to work transforming their walkways, driveways and backyards into colorful The Serutos, the family behind one of Westchester’s most w e s t c h e schalk t e r art • contest p l a y a d ebeloved l r e y eateries, Tower p l aPizza, y a v i shared s t a • their m a r istory n a dand e l rhow e y they masterpieces for a neighborhood-wide hosted by the HTN, WAM, Living90045.com and Otis. pivoted their business to serve their dedicated costumers.

YO U R

C O M M U N I T Y,

YO U R

C O M M U N I T Y

More than 100 graduating seniors were featured in our June edition to help commemorate the class of 2020, including St. Bernard Valedictorian Rickey McGregor.

N E W S PA P E R

August 2020 BEST THAI RESTAURANT

BEST NONPROFIT EVENT

Cory Birkett created the Facebook Group “Quarantine Cooking–Westchester & Silicon Beach” to help neighbors swap recipes, get inspiration for meals and provide an encouraging environment for budding chefs to push their culinary skills.

Sophia Scott, a 16-year old senior at Marymount High School, created Quaranteens, a nonprofit that provides free tutoring to help address socioeconomic disparities in education.

THE BEST OF ISSUE

After running a business for more than 31 years in the same location, Felicia St. Denis relaunched Flowers by Felicia on Culver Blvd. to the delight of customers.

FAVORITE TREATS

With the 21st Annual Fourth of July Parade, canceled, the LAX Coastal Chamber hosted a “Community Spirit Week,” which included a home decorating contest, community decorations and delivering BEST FINANCIAL BEST BURGER goodies to protective agencies. PLANNER Businesses, neighborhood organizations and community members were spotlighted in our 9th Annual Best Of edition, includingPROVIDER Playa BEST CHILDCARE del Rey’s The Shack, which took home our Best Burger honor.

FAVORITE PLACE TO VOLUNTEER

Westchester welcomed the first new business opening in months when The Book Jewel opened in the Triangle on August 28th for Independent Bookstore Day.

BEST PERSONAL TRAINER

More than 140 photos of adorable dogs, With Halloween looking different this year, the including Dot the Boxer, cats, and even HTN and the Stephanie Younger Group partnered a chicken, were sent in for our first Pet for a Costume and Pumpkin Decorating Contest Photo Contest with Annenberg PetSpace. and were wowed by people’s creativity.

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

The Westchester Rotary Club started work in October on their next Makeover Project at the Emerson Avenue Community Garden to make it more accessible and enhance the area to be more park-like.

The project is expected to be completed in spring of next year.

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