Westchester/Playa Hometown News June 2024 edition

STAFF/CONTRIBUTORS

THIS MONTH'S HTN

HOMETOWN STAFF/CONTRIBUTORS

Stephanie Davis, Publisher

Shanee Edwards, Contributing Writer

ABOUT THE HOMETOWN NEWS

Jeff Blair, Contributing Writer Fay Craton, Contributing Writer Zsuzsi Steiner, Photos Robert Higgins, Photos

ABOUT THE HOMETOWN NEWS

ABOUT THE HOMETOWN NEWS

HOMETOWN STAFF/CONTRIBUTORS

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, including The Book Jewel, Westchester Family YMCA, Playa Pharmacy, Loyola Village Library, Playa Vista Library, Truxton’s American Bistro and Cantalini’s Salerno Beach.

ABOUT THE HOMETOWN NEWS

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

Story ideas & Advertising: westchesterhometown@yahoo.com

Front page: Westchester fourth grader and DRALL All Star Jack Steiner carries on our June ice cream cover tradition with a couple of scoops from little Vons. Photo by Zsuzsi Steiner | zsuzsiphotography.com

The Westchester Town Center BID creates a vibrant, clean, and safe business area, delivering services and improvements above and beyond the baseline services provided by the City of Los Angeles. From security ambassadors and twinkle lights during the holidays to sidewalk maintenance and more, the BID is working to make Westchester the best it can be.

Hello, summer! Looking to fill your social calendar with fun and free local events? Well, you’re in luck because the next few months are crammed with weekend festivities!

Whether you’re looking for movies at the beach, Shakespeare under the stars, great live music, car shows or neighborhood celebrations, you won’t have to travel far to partake in all the best summer activities that Westchester and beyond have to offer!

Below is our list of the top local happenings to keep you busy through the summer season! We’ll add more events (and details) as they’re announced at thehtn.com/ events.

Get Summer at the YMCA

June 1 through August 16

The Westchester Family YMCA is inviting all teens ages 12 to 18 to become a member for free this summer! Now through August 16, parents can register their teens at the Y, who can then start enjoying all the center has to offer, from swimming and workouts to special events and more! The “Get Summer” schedule also includes yoga on “Mindful Mondays,” a teen improv class on Thursdays and game-focused “Fun Fridays” in the teen center. Register at ymcala.org/getsummer to enjoy all the programming at the Y, and don’t forget to check out the Y’s camp schedule for a chance to explore the great outdoors and add some adventure to your vacation

plans!

The Westchester Family YMCA is located at 8015 S. Sepulveda Blvd. in Westchester.

Juneteenth Celebration at Runway Playa Vista

Saturday, June 15 | 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Join Runway Playa Vista for its annual Juneteenth Celebration this month. The event will celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Juneteenth with entertainment, an artisan marketplace and special performances.

Runway Playa Vista is located at 12775 Millennium Drive in Playa Vista. Visit runwayplayavista.com for a full lineup of vendors and to RSVP.

AMCS Pride Fest 2024

Saturday, June 15 | 2 to 4 p.m.

Airport Marina Counseling Service (AMCS) will host its annual Pride Fest on June 15. Pride Fest came out of the nonprofit’s LGBTQIA+ Affirmative Therapy Center and aims to provide an educational community event focused on health and wellness.

The outdoor celebration will feature multiple “Pride stations” with fun activities and games facilitated by therapists, plus guest speakers, music, food and more.

For more info and to RSVP, please visit amcshelps.com/pride-fest-24.

The event will take place at the clinic’s parking lot, located at 7891 La Tijera Blvd. in Westchester. (continued on page 14)

Clockwise from left: 1. A group performs at last year’s Juneteenth Celebration at Runway Playa Vista. 2. The Westchester Arts & Music Block Party will take place on September 21 and feature live music and entertainment from noon to 8 p.m. 3. AMCS will host its annual Pride Fest on Saturday, June 15.

SUMMER CROPS

Photos

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Business & Nonpro t News

Lulu’s Place breaks ground in Playa del Rey.

Lulu’s Place, a $150-million stateof-the-art athletic and educational complex, moved one step closer to reality with a May 8 groundbreaking.

Representing one of the largest-ever philanthropic investments for youth sports in Los Angeles, and entirely funded by donations, Lulu’s Place will be built on 31 acres of land leased by Los Angeles World Airports, along Westchester Parkway near St. Bernard High School. Once completed, the recreational facilities will include tennis courts, soccer fields, walking paths, a dog park and a playground area. The project will also include a TGR Learning Lab on the St. Bernard High School campus next door, which will provide innovative STEAM education enrichment, health and well-being programs, and career and college readiness opportunities. The TGR Foundation, one of the project’s nonprofit partners, was founded by Tiger Woods.

Lulu’s Place honors the legacy of the late Carol “Lulu” Kimmelman, who was an advocate for equity in youth sports, as well as an LAUSD teacher and a champion tennis player.

“My four children and I are deeply committed to honoring Lulu’s legacy and her passionate belief in the power of tennis and other sports to impart

valuable life skills that are essential for personal growth and academic success,” said Lulu’s husband and lead donor Doug Kimmelman who is spearheading the project. “Thanks to the support of Mayor Bass, city, county and community leaders, as well as our many philanthropic partners, this ambitious vision that our family dreamed up years ago is now becoming a reality.”

Construction on the project is expected to begin in August and last two years.

“All young people deserve access to enriching sports programs and educational opportunities,’’ said Mayor Karen Bass. “The city is proud to be a partner in supporting the development of Lulu’s Place. Our collaboration is breathing new life into a site adjacent to LAX that will serve Angelenos for decades to come. We remain a committed partner in helping honor Lulu Kimmelman’s memory by increasing recreational opportunities for young people.”

Visit lulusplace.org for updates.

RAMs get ready to head to LMU for training camp.

This summer, LMU will be transformed into the “Ram’s house” for nearly three weeks when the campus plays host to the football team’s training camp.

Kicking off the week of July 22, coaches and players will be staying in residence halls, using the university’s athletic facilities for practice and holding meetings.

In the coming weeks, more information will be made available about open practice days with live entertainment, photo opportunities with Rams’ cheerleaders and mascot Rampage, as well as family-friendly activities, giveaways and more.

“I am grateful to the dedicated and spirited LMU and Los Angeles Rams colleagues who view our partnership as a gateway for collaboration,” said LMU President Timothy Law Snyder. “Together, we do more than elevate our students. We are setting a precedent for igniting a brighter world by transforming challenges into opportunities and inspiring a next generation of leaders and innovators.”

Last September, LMU and the Rams launched a partnership to make the university the team’s exclusive higher education partner, which has (continued on next page)

Coming soon to Playa del Rey. Community and city leaders gathered at the future site of Lulu’s Place on May 8 for a groundbreaking ceremony. The project, which is being led by the Kimmelman Family Foundation, is being funded entirely by philanthropic donations. Pictured: Public officials including Mayor Karen Bass, Councilmember Traci Park, County Supervisor Holly Mitchell, LAUSD Board Member Nick Melvoin and John Ackerman, CEO of Los Angeles World Airports, as well as the Kimmelman family, pose for a photo to celebrate the project.

For three weeks in July and August, LMU will be home to the Los Angeles Ram’s Training Camp, with opportunities for the community to attend open practice days with photo ops and family-friendly activities. Here LMU mascot, Iggy, and the Rams’ Rampage pose on campus to announce their partnership during a press conference last September.

Photo by Robert Higgins

Photo by Robert Higgins

Westchester nonprofit Youth Tennis Los Angeles (YTLA) celebrated National Tennis Month by hosting a free Community Play Day at Westchester Enriched Sciences Magnets on May 19. The event featured more than 150 students and their families, who had the chance to practice tennis drills and play games. Sponsor K-Swiss also provided performance tennis shoes to some of the attendees. YTLA was founded in 2022 by Yugina and Rob Gurden after recognizing the need for free and low-cost tennis opportunities in the community. They also own Hot Shots Tennis, which offers lessons, after-school enrichment and camps. This summer, YTLA will be hosting a Pickleball Play Day for adults on August 17 and a U.S. Openthemed Community Play Day on August 24 to kick off the school year. Learn more at ytla.org or on Instagram @youth.tennis.los.angeles.

(continued from previous page) provided opportunities for students to receive internships, and provided the Rams’ organization the opportunity to further their education at LMU, among other things.

Get more info and sign up for updates on open practice days at therams.com/trainingcamp and lmu. edu/rams.

WISH senior wins national award.

Westchester’s Aidan Goldstein was recently named the National Jersey Mike’s Naismith Courage Award winner! This recognition is awarded to one male and one female high school athlete in the country each year for showing exceptional courage, determination and leadership both on and off the basketball court. Goldstein, who has overcome

a 4.44 high school GPA and scored in the 99th percentile on his SAT.

Aidan has attended WISH since he was in TK, and has been a part of many teams across various sports, including flag football, soccer, cross country and track. However, basketball is the sport where Aidan truly excels and where he has found his passion.

In honor of the recognition, Jersey Mike’s awarded $2,000 to support

your Grad! Our Award-winning Catering Team is here to help!

Photo by Zsuzsi Steiner

Aiden’s basketball skills and determination earned him the 2024 Naismith Courage Award.

Business spotlight: Creative Joy Studio encourages community members to unleash their inner artist

Everywhere she goes, Angelique Talbert is spreading creative joy and inspiring people of all ages to show their artistic side! As a long-time art teacher at Westchester Lutheran, she loves encouraging her students to find their unique style and build confidence. As an entrepreneur and owner of Creative Joy Studio, she’s passionate about curating her 2,500 square-foot studio at the Del Amo Mall into a sanctuary where people can shed their daily stress and reconnect with their inner spark.

Starting next month, Angelique will be hosting summer camps in Westchester with fun themes like “Taylor Swifties’ Soiree” and “Slime and Potions.”

Read this month’s business spotlight to learn more about Angelique and her philosophy on art, her studio and her summer camp offerings!

Q. Please tell us a little bit about yourself.

A. I was born and raised in Los Angeles and attended school right here in Westchester at Cowan Avenue Elementary! I have been married for 23 years and am the mother of three adult children–one is a senior graduating from high school, and two girls who are studying Fine Arts at UC Berkeley and the University of Michigan. I am a selfproclaimed “joy-o-logist, love-a-tarian, creative guru and blessed boss chick.” My hobbies include learning about new crafts, traveling and all things self-care. I had an event studio in Westchester for more than 25 years until our building was torn down to make condos, and now I have a fabulous and fun art studio in the Del Amo Mall in Torrance called Creative Joy. I come from a long line of artists and makers and have always done arts and crafts since I was a little girl. I started my first business painting on the windows of businesses on Slauson at the age of 10 and selling crafts to friends and family in elementary school. I studied Fine Art with a full art scholarship to Long Beach State University and transferred to the University of Southern California where I earned a B.S. Degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing and Entrepreneurship.

In addition to being an art educator, entrepreneur and artist, I am a motivational speaker, business coach and event planner who coordinates

transformational conferences and empowerment summits for women business owners, youth organizations, schools and churches. I believe that we are all born creative beings and that exploring art should focus on enjoying the process of expanding your imagination through innovative thinking and intuitive expression.

Q. What’s the best part about being an art teacher?

A. My students call me their “Fairy Art Mother,” because I love sprinkling my fairy dust of belief and encouragement into their hearts. The best part about being an art teacher is witnessing the transformative power of fearless creativity unfold in my students. I have been an art educator for adults for more than 30 years and more than 20 for kids, and I love empowering students to explore their imagination and design with their hearts to help them trust their intuitive expression. I love to stretch people out of their comfort zones, inspire them to open up to seeing with a new lens, and allow them the space to play and explore. I aim to champion bravery, encouraging artists to embrace the journey of play and possibilities using different techniques, methods and media. Through positive instruction, “I can’t” becomes “I got this.”

I love seeing the inner glow of an artist who has completed their project and is proud of what they made!

Q. Tell us about Creative Joy Studio.

A. Creative Joy is a whimsical, bright, Willy Wonka-inspired art oasis designed to inspire people to imagine, explore and unleash their inner artist! I started the studio because I wanted makers of all ages to be able to have an inspiring space to let their imaginations soar and their hearts come back to the center for creative expression.

During these times, people more than ever need joy, peace, connection–with themselves and each other–and creativity in their lives.

Everyone needs to get off their screens! Imagine a world where worries melt away as brushes dance across canvases, laughter fills the air during collaborative projects, and friendships blossom over shared artistic journeys.

(continued on page 21)

Head to the Del Amo Mall if you want to check out Angelique’s “artistic wonderland” and the largest slime bar in Southern California.

CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF 2024

Learn more about Visitation School and how 100% of our graduates get accepted to their first choice high school!

Connect with us! visitationschool.org @visitation_school @VisitationSchoolLA

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Westport Heights Gem on L arge L ot

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Boeing Place, Westchester | List Price: $1,400,000

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Living room with fireplace and open kitchen to dining room. With its substantial lot size and flexible living spaces, the opportunities

to create a tailor-made home are truly limitless. Seize the chance to turn this house into a home that reflects your style and meets your needs.

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guests are greeted by an impressive amount of floor-to-ceiling Fleetwood stacking doors, seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor living spaces. The modern aesthetic is accentuated by sleek concrete polished floors throughout, creating an ambiance of contemporary elegance. Call for lease details.

YOUR 2024 SUMMER

Fourth of July Parade “Sounds of Summer” Thursday, July 4 | 11 a.m.

by

AGES 8-16

JUNE 10 - AUGUST 16

Photo

Zsuzsi Steiner

FUN & EVENT GUIDE

Elks Lodge Car Show & Chili Cook-Off

Saturday, September 14 | 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Westchester Elks know how to bring the fun, and every September they welcome the community to their lodge for a day of checking out some cherry vintage cars, BBQ, drinks and a little friendly competition with a chili cook-off featuring local chefs’ best recipes.

The event is free to attend and food and raffle tickets are available for purchase. Proceeds benefit the Elks’ charities.

The lodge is located at 8025 W. Manchester Ave in Playa del Rey.

the Emerson Avenue Community Garden, community building and more!

Expect 50-plus booths with giveaways, games and activities hosted by local businesses and organizations, as well as vendors selling art, one-of-a-kind items and artisan food products.

The event has updated hours this year with musical performances from noon to 8 p.m. As twilight approaches and booths wrap up their festivities at 6 p.m., head to the beer & wine garden for a prime viewing location for the Francois Dean Band and Dr. Wu, a Steely Dan tribute band.

Stay tuned for more details on this year’s celebration, and learn about vending and sponsoring opportunities at wamblockparty.org!

Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista

Photo courtesy visitmdr.com

• Our curriculum blends classic and contemporary learning with Christian values.

• Our students are educated from preschool through eighth grade and graduate with outstanding results.

• Our extra-curricular programs encourage exploration and self-expression, from sports teams, special clubs, bands and musical presentations

• Our students discover their strengths and talents in a nurturing environment where their individual achievements are celebrated.

7831 S. Sepulveda Blvd. Westchester, CA 90045

By Shanee Edwards

Playa del Rey residents Diego Romero and Maria Suarez, both grew up in Venezuela on the edge of the dazzling, blue-green Caribbean Sea. As children, their parents ran in the same social circles and Diego and Maria often ended up at the same birthday parties though they weren’t quite friends–yet.

Fast forward to college and both had become politically and socially active–not surprising considering the turmoil the country has been going through for the past few decades. Both active with the Model United Nations, they applied to participate in a competition held at Harvard University. Diego recalls hanging out in the

waiting room with other students before the Model UN interview.

“I was reading the newspaper to have the most updated news about what was happening and there Maria was just doing cartwheels in front of me. And I was like, ‘Who is this nutcase?’ So that was my first impression,” he says with a laugh.

Maria tries to explain her gymnastics, “That was me being nervous and blowing off steam!” she says.

Apparently, the cartwheels did the trick because Maria was chosen to be a member of their college delegation that competed at Harvard, and she did extremely well. Unfortunately, Diego missed out on a spot for that team but ended up going to another

competition held in Mexico. Fate would give them another chance.

The next time they saw each other was at a meeting where a group of students, who were all involved in various Model UN competitions, decided to organize an NGO to help kids from impoverished areas also participate in the program at the high school level. At the NGO’s first meeting, Diego and Maria had a chance to chat and had a great time. He offered to drive her home afterward and the rest is history.

“Yeah, we hit it off,” says Diego with a smile.

“It’s funny,” says Maria, who said she knew Diego was different from the beginning. “With all the guys I had dated prior to him, I always took my

time, and made them wait [to make it official]. After two weeks, I asked him, ‘What are we?’ And he was like, ‘You’re my girlfriend.’ I’m like, ‘Oh, I’m your girlfriend. Yeah. Okay!”

Over the next four years, Diego and Maria grew closer and began discussing marriage and starting a family. At the same time, life in Venezuela was becoming more difficult.

“It’s not an exaggeration to call the government a dictatorship because it is. There’s no freedom of speech. Our currency was totally devalued, the economy collapsed. It got so unsafe. When your actual life is on the line, that’s when you say, ‘OK, it may be time to look for other alternatives,’” says Maria.

How long has Playa del Rey been your hometown?

What does the perfect day in Playa del Rey look like to you?

Since you’ve made Playa del Rey your home, what is the biggest change you have seen in the community?

There are so many great people and businesses in this community; is there anyone you would like to give a special shout-out to?

Creative Joy ( continued)

(continued from page 8)

At the studio, whether you are a beginner, an expert or a “noncreative,” we provide a wide variety of super cool projects to engage in. We host drop-in “DIY Make & Takes,” public classes, private parties, camps, team-building events, Parents’ Night Out events, retreats and mobile classes. We also offer memberships and fabulous merchandise.

Q. What are some of your favorite and some of your most challenging aspects of being an entrepreneur?

A. I love the freedom of being your own boss and bringing your vision to life, as well as designing your own path and creating each day like a painting on canvas. I have built four businesses over the last 30-plus years, including being a top Pink Cadillac Sales Director with Mary Kay Cosmetics and leading/coaching a team of more than 1,500 women. Some of the most challenging aspects are trying to balance all of your roles, delegating and managing your time and keeping in mind the bottom line to make a profit. One of the biggest challenges in being in a mall is having to be flexible with their rules and regulations. I

really want to find a new location in Westchester since we had to move in 2018 due to construction. Our goal is to have multiple locations and maybe even a franchise to spread the creative love!

Q. What do you have planned for your summer camps?

A. Some of this year’s summer camps include weeks dedicated to 2D and 3D Art; Fashion; DIY Spa Treatments; Slime and Potions; Dollhouse and Castles; CEOs and entrepreneurs; Taylor Swift and more! We hope every camper leaves with a sense of accomplishment, new friendships and memories that will last a lifetime. Camps will be held at Westchester Lutheran School and at the Creative Joy Studio.

Q. What are some of your favorite local small businesses that you like to support?

A. I love Picnics and Sunshine, owned by my dear friend and fellow teacher, Shannon Macedo.

Kentwood’s Sunstone Yoga, owned by Kim Ohno, is also a great local business. My favorite place for creative self-care is “Meet Me in the Dirt” in the South Bay Galleria. Check out Angelique’s summer camps and more by visiting creativejoy.studio.

IGNITE YOUR SUMMER

Random Notes/Opinion

Vary y o ur exercise strategy f or heart health

By Jeff Blair

Opinion: Due to her family’s medical history, Jamie called her doctor to schedule an appointment to discuss exercise strategies to proactively address heart health. The doctor said she was excited to discuss strength training and cardio exercises to maximize Jamie’s health. Jamie initially thought the doctor had misspoken; only cardio improves heart health, right? While her doctor strongly encouraged Jamie to consistently perform cardio exercise, the doctor told her she could also improve her cardiovascular health by strength training. Jamie knew strength training could improve muscle strength, bone density and joint health, but she had never heard it could be beneficial for her heart. Jamie decided to seek out further information before the appointment.

One study from 2019 (Schroeder) jumped out at Jamie. This study put midlife adults into either a noexercise group, a resistance (strength) training-only group, a cardiovascular exercise-only group or a combination (cardio and strength training) group. Each exercise group worked out three times per week for eight weeks. Cardiovascular risk factors were assessed at the beginning and

end of the study. Jamie assumed the cardio group would show the greatest heart health improvement, but the combination group showed the best results.

As Jamie read further, she discovered that performing aerobic exercise is important, but not the only way to improve heart health. Increasing muscle and decreasing body fat levels are also proven ways to make improvements. Strength training can be very helpful in those areas. Strength training can also improve blood pressure, help control blood sugar and improve lipid profiles. Jamie searched through various medical organization websites and was surprised to find they nearly all recommended strength training for cardiovascular health. She learned strength training comes in many forms: machines, exercise bands, free weights and even body weight can be used. She was also relieved to learn she could start with moderate intensity as she was pretty intimidated by gyms. The intimidation factor was probably the top reason she had avoided strength training up to that point.

Jamie stumbled across another article that made a lot of sense to her. This article explained that by keeping our joints healthy, strength training improves heart health in another subtle

way. When movement is very painful, people tend to cut back or stop exercise altogether. Since stronger muscles tend to take stress off joints, increased strength can make movement less painful. By committing to a strength training program, Jamie will be more likely to be able to hike, bike and walk with less pain.

Jamie next found an even stronger confirmation for the idea that strength training can improve cardiovascular health from the American Heart Association (AHA). According to a 2023 AHA scientific statement, resistance training can lower cardiovascular disease risk by 17 percent, compared to those who do not exercise. The AHA recommends at least two days per week of full-body strength training.

Jamie noticed the AHA scientific statement supported combination training–strength and cardio–over either one of those alone. In addition to improving traditional risk factors like blood pressure, lipid profile and body fat percentage, strength training can improve nontraditional risk factors like sleep quality, anxiety and depression levels. These nontraditional factors can impact heart health in many ways.

Jamie’s eyes were truly opened by this information. She had always assumed cardio workouts were the best

and only exercise strategy to improve her cardiovascular health. She was very surprised to learn there seemed to be a broad medical consensus from groups like Harvard Health, the Cleveland Clinic and Johns Hopkins Medicine that using both forms are the best way to maximize cardiovascular health. With all the knowledge she gained through her research, she looked forward to her appointment with her doctor so they could approve her to begin strength training and advise her on how to make those workouts fit into her life.

Note to readers: There are a variety of heart-related conditions (e.g., pacemakers) that dictate physician approval before commencing any exercise strategy. While strength training is generally safe for apparently healthy people if done with correct form, anyone with cardiovascular health issues or other disease history should seek specific approval before beginning a program.

Jeff Blair (MS, CSCS) is a certified personal trainer and founder of the SoCalSport & Fitness in Westchester. Jeff has been a personal trainer for 22 years. His initial motivation for becoming a personal trainer was witnessing his father’s struggles with lifestyle-related health issues. Contact Jeff at jeff@socalsport.com for questions or story comments.

PROPER TIE

Feelings from the past may impact your life today

By Fay Craton

Opinion: June is a natural time of transition. Summer is almost here, and schools are starting their summer breaks. Yet, along the coast, it is cloudy and cool. The cool air is an easy distraction from the imminent burst of blooms about to emerge. In gardens, flowers and fruit are on the verge of maturity. The first full moon of summer will usher in the season. The Algonquin people called this the Strawberry Moon, a fitting name to express the beckoning abundance and anticipated long days of sunlight.

We are about to head into a season where everything should be going great! Right? Hold on… for many–despite the days being warm and the sun shining late into the evening–there are thoughts and feelings of sadness, being overwhelmed, confusion and loss. There is dissonance between how we think we should be feeling and how we are actually feeling. What is going on?

Transitions are passages in which change occurs. Comfortable habits and routines are disrupted. People we are accustomed to seeing regularly may be unavailable. Possibly, sad or scary past events are consciously or unconsciously remembered, which can impact our responses to events. Instead of contentment, the long days of sun make us angry, anxious, sad or just feeling “off.” Even the new blooming flowers may leave us feeling empty.

What can be done to change this experience? What you experience belongs strictly to you, no one else. Friends might give you pep talks, but friends cannot change what you experience. Your experience is legitimate. Furthermore, what you experience does not make you wrong or bad. The question to ask yourself is: are my behaviors and feelings creating the life I wish to have? Are they life-enhancing or are they destructive? Are they making connections with others easier or harder? If you could change, what would you (not someone else) wish to change? How could life be better? If you decide you would like to experience life differently, take one experience you wish to change and write down all of the mindchatter you have surrounding the experience. Make this detailed. Describe your feelings. When

was the first time you remember having the feeling? Do you have information today you did not have the first time you had the feeling? Were several things happening when you first had the experience? Was something said to you that was not true or you misunderstood? Seek to understand your past experience better or even create new memories. By changing your understanding of the experience, are you willing to change your behaviors? You may need counseling to help you if the memories are deeply entrenched in your consciousness.

A very simple example of this is when I was in second grade, a group of students were singing at an event for our parents. One of the children was singing off-key and some of the adults watching laughed at the child after the event. My questions about why the adults were laughing were ignored. I assumed they were laughing at me. For much of my life, I felt bad when singing in a group.

creating hurt, shame or sadness can be released. With the moon shining bright, I will play music and sing in acknowledgment of the value of connection with others.

My wish is for you to know how valuable you are. You are worth more than destructive memories from the past. I hope you enjoy the long summer days and find time to celebrate yourself.

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). She has an office located in Westchester. If you have any questions, please contact Fay at (310) 645-6762.

REGISTER TODAY FOR REGION 7’s FALL SEASON! Join our community’s soccer league for ages 4 - 18. Register by June 28 to lock in our early bird rate ($220). Practices begin mid August. Games begin in early September. Have fun and develop your soccer skills!

Dr. Varisha Parikh

LMU to Host Shakespeare on the Bluff

Loyola Marymount University’s College of Communication and Fine Arts and Theatre Arts

Department will present free Shakespeare under the stars this summer with performances of Much Ado About Nothing in June and Troilus & Cressida in July!

All performances are 90 minutes long, family-friendly, as well as free and open to the public. All performances are staged at LMU’s new outdoor performance venue, the Drollinger Family Stage, on the school’s gorgeous campus in Westchester. Picnics are welcome, doors open at 6 p.m.

Much Ado About Nothing

June 20, 21, and 22, 2024

LMU’s Drollinger Family Stage

Shakespeare’s beloved comedy involves misunderstandings, needlessly complex schemes, and things overheard. Free and open. Registration is requested but not required.

Troilus & Cressida

July 18, 19, and 20 2024

LMU’s Drollinger Family Stage

Troilus and Cressida is Shakespeare’s story of love and relationships during the Trojan War. Free and open. Registration requested but not required.

For more information, please visit: cfa.lmu.edu/ programs/theatrearts/shakespeareonthebluff/

Spend Your Fourth of July at the Parade

Join the Neighborhood Council of Westchester Playa as we recognize our 2024 NCWP Stars of the Neighborhood during Westchester’s annual Fourth of July Parade. The purpose of the award is to identify and honor those unsung heroes of our community who quietly, persistently and without fanfare voluntarily perform good deeds that serve the needs of their neighbors and/or the community. The parade will begin at 11 a.m. on July 4. The theme for the 24th Annual Parade is Sounds of Summer, which celebrates all of the great music and special things that make summer a special time of the year! Let’s come together to be grateful for living in LA and create unforgettable

memories. The parade will feature lively music and a variety of parade entries that showcase the spirit of our community. The parade route travels along Loyola Boulevard from Westchester Park to Loyola Marymount University.

Founded in 2000, the parade celebrates small town ambience and home town values in the Playa & Westchester areas of coastal Los Angeles. It is spearheaded by the LAX Coastal Chamber of Commerce, which was founded in 1953. The parade includes floats, kids groups, fancy cars with local dignitaries, bands and an abundance of red, white and blue decor.

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Hosted by Airport Marina Counseling Service

Mental health champions gathered at Loyola Marymount University on May 16 for Airport Marina Counseling Service’s (AMCS) 20th Annual Spring into Well-Being Celebration. Emceed by comedian Fritz Coleman, the night raised awareness about the Westchester nonprofit, which provides affordable mental health services for hundreds of families, individuals and youth each week at their clinic and trains more than 60 therapists every year. The night also featured the premiere of AMCS’ new video by Fiction Films, a live and silent auction and an award presentation.

Councilwoman Traci Park was on hand to present AMCS’s 2024 Community Builder Award to the LAX Coastal Chamber and its President/CEO Chad Maender.

“It was inspiring to see us all come together to honor the important contributions of Chad and the LAX Coastal Chamber,” said AMCS President/CEO Eden Garcia-Balis. “Their unwavering support of Airport Marina Counseling Service and our entire community has enabled us to continue our legacy of helping those in our community who need it most.”

Thanks to the generosity of sponsors, donors and supporters, more than $340,000 was raised.

Next up for AMCS is Pride Fest on Saturday, June 15 from 2 to 4 p.m. The event will feature speakers, food and activities, and will be held in the clinic’s parking lot, located at 7891 La Tijera Blvd. in Westchester. Learn more at amcshelps.com.

Pictured:

1. Honoree Chad Maender (third from left) celebrates with Councilwoman Traci Park, members of the CD11 team, and Chamber Board Chair Ravi Singh and LAWA’s Nicole Carcel.

2. Attendees mix and mingle at LMU. From left to right: Jim and Andi Drollinger; Tomat owners Harry Posner and Natalie Dial, and friends.

3. More than 300 people attend the sold-out fundraiser at LMU’s Drollinger Family Stage.

4. Westchester Mental Health Guild President Janie Guthrie and event sponsor Jane St. John enjoy the event.

5. Flowers by Felicia owner and event florist, Felicia St. Denis, shares a cheers with her son, Spencer.

6. Chamber board members and community leaders congratulate the 2024 Community Builder honoree.

7. NCWP board members Garrett Smith and Julie Ross pose for a photo with AMCS Board President, Nancy Edwards.

Photos by Venice Paparazzi,