Westchester/Playa HomeTown News November 2020 edition

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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

November 2020

Making a difference!

Westchester Rotary starts community garden makeover & other nonprofit volunteer opportunities...page 8

LIGHT UP WESTCHESTER/PLAYA FOR HOLIDAY HOME DECORATING CONTEST...PAGE 4 Westchester Rotarians get ready for some hard work in the Emerson Avenue Community Garden for their Makeover Project.

Photo by Lek Pollard.

westchester

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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

Guild hosts Holiday Home Decorating Contest Westchester Rotary starts garden Makeover Project NCWP monthly update Business Spotlight: Katies Kreations Events Halloween in your Hometown Photo Recap

04 08 14 24 30

HOMETOWN STAFF/CONTRIBUTORS Stephanie Davis, Publisher

Jeff Blair, Contributing Writer Fay Craton, Contributing Writer

Sheri Weitz, Contributing Writer Consuelo Israelson, Contributing Writer

About The HomeTown News (HTN)

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

Connect with the HTN:

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

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November 2020 • Page 3

Break out the holiday decorations early to enter the Westchester Mental Health Guild’s Holiday Lights Tour Contest to support mental health and make the neighborhood look festive.

Community members are encouraged to light up Westchester/Playa for Holiday Home Decorating Contest to raise funds for mental health services Are your holiday decorations usually the best on your block? Are you already planning on putting up a “Christmas Vacation” level display to wow your neighbors?

If you routinely go all out to decorate your home and yard for the most wonderful time of the year, you might want to consider participating in the first Holiday Lights Tour sponsored by the Westchester Mental Health Guild!

The Westchester Mental Guild is a local nonprofit that supports the Airport Marina Counseling Service (AMCS) and is known for their fall Holiday Home Tour. The annual event, which would have celebrated its 38th anniversary this month, sees hundreds of community members visiting homes in Westchester and Playa del Rey decked out for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Eve. It’s no surprise that during a pandemic, however, the event had to be canceled, leaving volunteers like Guild President Linda Peterson and Fundraising Committee Chair Janie Guthrie pivoting to find a way to provide some much-needed holiday magic for the community.

“Given that we cannot do our usual Holiday Home Tour, and we want to do something fun for the community Page 4 • November 2020

and at the same time support our great local businesses, a drive-by tour of decorated houses seemed like a good alternative,” said Peterson.

The Home Tour generally raises tens of thousands of dollars to support AMCS, a community-based mental health clinic that also trains mental health professionals. Since the Guild was established in 1962, the nonprofit has donated more than an estimated million dollars to aid AMCS’ efforts, which over the years have grown to include an immediate intervention program, an at-risk kids program, expanded group offerings and an LGBTQIA+ Center. Since March, the clinic has moved all of its counseling online and is seeing an influx of patients.

“Mental health services are needed more than ever right now,” said AMCS CEO Eden Garcia-Balis.

“Over the last few months, we have seen a steady uptick in intakes for new patients, and last week we had our highest number of new patients processed since the pandemic. This has been a very stressful year for so many people, and we encourage anyone who is struggling to reach out to us. We want everyone to know they are not alone. With increased patients, also comes increased costs,

so we are thankful for the Guild for their support in raising money for us, and all of our donors who know the importance of mental health services.”

To make the Holiday Light Tour Contest a success, the Guild is encouraging members of the community to go big this year with lights, inflatables, elaborate holiday scenes and more. To enter your home in the contest, you will need to complete an application on the Guild’s website at westchestermhg. org by Tuesday, December 1st and are asked to make a donation of at least $25 to support AMCS. All decorations should be up and ready for judging by December 12.

Homes that are entered into the contest will then be included on a Light Tour map for community members and kids of all ages to enjoy as they drive from location to location. Maps will be made available with a $10 donation to support AMCS and will also give community members the chance to vote for their favorite displays from December 13 to the 19. Longtime Guild supporters including Jane St. John, RE/MAX; Nancy Edwards and the HomeTown News will also serve as judges. Voting will culminate on Sunday, December

20, with complimentary cookies and a hot chocolate pick-up for participants.

Besides the bragging rights that will go to this year’s decorating winners, there will also be prizes including a $200 gift card for Cantalini’s Salerno Beach Restaurant for first place; a holiday centerpiece from Flowers

by Felicia valued at $100 for second place and a $50 Book Jewel gift card for third place.

“We’re looking forward to spreading some joy in the neighborhood and inviting new participants and families with children to learn more about our organization and what we do in the community,” said Guthrie. “We hope that all the homeowners get involved to decorate and that people will vote for their favorite decorations. The best part is that all the proceeds go to AMCS, which needs our support. Not to mention, you’ll have the chance to brag all year that you have the best decorated home in Westchester/ Playa!”

For more information on participating in the contest, please visit westchestermhg.org.

Questions can also be emailed to info@westchestermhg.org. Learn more about AMCS at amcshelps.com.

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

Investing used to be easier for retirees. Many sought to generate enough income from the yield created by bonds or short-term investments like money market funds to meet their living expenses.

This was easier in 1981, when yields, another term for interest, on the benchmark 10-year U.S. Treasury note reached 15.8 percent. In early 1990, the yield was still impressive, at 9.0 percent. But that’s a far cry from today’s market.

Interest rates on the 10-year Treasury now are less than one percent.

That doesn’t even keep up with the past year’s inflation rate of 1.3 percent. In today’s historically low rate environment, you may want to venture into the bond market with caution.

Looking for alternatives. Given the record low interest rates, you might want to consider other strategies to generate retirement income that is sufficient to meet your ongoing needs. Here are five strategies to consider that may help you more effectively manage your retirement income stream. #1 – Maximize Social Security. The later in life you begin collecting Social Security (you can start between the ages of 62 and 70) the higher your monthly benefit.

retirement through regular contributions and by converting traditional IRA assets to Roth IRAs. #4 – Consider a “bucket” strategy for your investments. Segment your retirement portfolio into three “buckets” that represent different time periods when you’ll need to tap those dollars. Money needed in the short-term (the next two-to-three years) should be held in fairly liquid vehicles that aren’t subject to fluctuation in value. A second “bucket” is targeted for money needed three-to-six years in the future. It can be invested in vehicles that generate a higher yield, but with limited fluctuation in value. The remaining funds, (held seven years or more), can be invested in a mix of stocks, bonds and other investments as you accept more risk in search of higher returns. #5 – Add stability with annuities. Annuities can generate a consistent stream of income for a set period of years, over the course of your lifetime, or the lifetime of you and another person, typically your spouse. Many people use annuity income to supplement funds needed to cover essential expenses they face in retirement since it is a reliable cash flow source. Be sure you understand all applicable costs and fees of annuities before making a purchase. Work with a financial advisor to make sure your investments align with your situation and long-term goals.

#2 – Give dividend-paying stocks a closer look. Since most of us can expect to spend 15-20 years or more in retirement, the growth potential of stocks is still important in a retirement portfolio. Stocks that pay a competitive dividend (at a level that exceeds what you can earn from most bonds) can help generate income and a reliable form of “built-in” return in your equity portfolio. #3 – Try to boost Roth IRAs. Distributions from Roth IRAs have the potential to be free of taxes. On an after-tax income basis, you won’t need to draw as much from Roth IRAs as would be required from traditional IRAs or workplace retirement plans, which are taxable.

Try to boost the value of your Roth accounts prior to

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

November 2020 • Page 5

Business & Nonprofit News

TheHTN.com

Cantalini’s creates new outdoor seating area for guests.

Playa del Rey’s Cantalini’s Salerno Beach recently increased their outdoor seating space, thanks to a new industrial-style patio created from a shipping container. The new area has allowed the restaurant to increase their table count from nine to 19, a huge help for the restaurant which, like many local eateries, has been hit hard by the pandemic. For owner Lisa Schwab, the key word for 2020 has been adaptability, as restaurateurs have had to be creative and flexible to be able to navigate the ever-changing service rules and health protocols.

“The pandemic has been very challenging for everyone and has certainly been devastating to the entire small business community. We have worked really hard to ensure safety for our guests and staff members and are so grateful to our loyal customers for supporting us by ordering takeout and delivery,” said Schwab. “Our al fresco permit was a welcome addition and a much-needed increase in revenues.

The program allowed us to serve guests on our surrounding sidewalks, but the space was very limited. Thanks to the efforts of Councilmember Mike Bonin’s office and Tim Conger from the Department of Transportation, we recently received approval to install a temporary patio by utilizing two on street parking spaces and are absolutely thrilled to be able to expand our service area.”

Cantalini’s, which is known for its welcoming atmosphere and mouthwatering Italian dishes, will be rolling

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never have to see each other again.

Shot in and around Westchester, the show just recently released its third and final season. All 18 five-minute episodes are now streaming online at CrazyinLoveWebSeries.com/episodes.

Already viewed more than 2.3 million times, Weldon is hoping to turn the web series into a traditional 30-minute TV series if he can attract the attention of Hollywood streaming and production studios.

Silicon Beach Social headed to Toes Beach on Halloween for a Trick or Trash beach cleanup.

More than 25 people participated while dressed in costumes and were able to collect 17 bags of garbage! Afterward the group, which blends philanthropy with fun, headed to The Shack to celebrate.

out fall specials this month, including seasonal favorite pumpkin ravioli.

Schwab is also excited to bring back Live Music Sundays, which recently started again.

Visit salernobeach.com for more info.

Erika Puzik receives top honors from Working Mother Magazine.

Westchester’s Erika Puzik, a Wealth Advisor with Ameriprise Financial, was recently named to the list of “Working Mother Top Wealth Advisor Moms” published by Working Mother Magazine. The list recognizes women financial advisors with children in the home under the age of 21 who represent high levels of ethical standards, professionalism and success in the business.

The rankings are based on data provided by more than 9,000 of the

nation’s most productive advisors.

Puzik was chosen based on assets under management, industry experience, regulatory and compliance record and revenue produced for her firm.

Puzik graduated from Loyola Marymount University with a degree in Business Administration, and she lives and works in Westchester.

Westchester resident creates popular web series.

Created, written and directed by longtime Westchester resident Lyle Weldon, “Crazy in Love” is a dark romantic comedy about two people who fall in love who both suffer from split personalities. When their recessive selves emerge and hate each other, they work together to break up their dominant personalities so they’ll

Photo courtesy Silicon Beach Social.

Cantalini’s Salerno Beach owner, Lisa Schwab, poses in her Playa del Rey restaurant’s new outdoor seating area. The enclosure, made out of a recycled shipping container, has increased the restaurant’s seating to 19 tables.

Chamber hosts State of LAX. Join the LAX Coastal Chamber for the State of LAX on November 10, featuring LAWA CEO, Justin Erbacci.

During this virtual networking event, Erbacci will share his vision for the future of the airport. He will also offer updates on new developments and share insights regarding the airport’s recovery efforts as they continue to transform LAX into a world-class travel destination.

The aviation and hospitality industries have been hit hard by the pandemic as most travel came to a screeching halt in March. Despite the challenges, Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) is moving forward at a swift pace with its Landside Access Modernization Program, which aims to relieve congestion by building an automated people mover and other projects. The State of LAX will offer important updates detailing LAX’s advancements in construction, technology, safety, security, economic impact and more.

For more info or to RSVP, please visit business.laxcoastal.com/events.

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

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

November 2020 • Page 7

Photos by Lek Pollard.

Westchester Rotarians work in the Emerson Avenue Community Garden to get the area ready for its Makeover Project transformation.

Westchester Rotary starts Makeover Project to help Emerson Avenue Community Garden thrive

By Lydia Smith The Rotary Club of Westchester is known for its commitment to the community through their service projects and support of local nonprofits, but perhaps nothing exemplifies this commitment more than the group’s signature event, the bi-annual “extreme” Makeover Project. Over the years, the Rotary Club has remodeled four homes, the Westchester Senior Center, Safe Place for Youth and the Westchester Townhouse. Now, the Emerson Avenue Community Garden (EACG) is the lucky recipient of an extensive revamp courtesy of the 60-member strong club. With the help of Rotary volunteers and community partners, improvements to the approximately one-acre space will include improving accessibility by using decomposed granite instead of mulch for pathways. Other projects planned include improving the drainage and irrigation systems and some general beautification efforts to help create a more parklike atmosphere that the whole neighborhood can enjoy.

The Makeover Project’s manager, Warren Bobrow explains, “We want to bring attention to the garden and shine a good, bright light on it!”

Fortunately, since the project is entirely outdoors, the timeline for work can still proceed as planned— with proper safeguards in place.

After months of planning and working with EACG board members, Rotarians had their first volunteer Page 8 • November 2020

day in the garden in October, which involved a lot of pre-work for the makeover including heavy lifting, landscaping and removing the garden’s cement seating area. Once additional permits from LAUSD come in, the project is expected to be in full swing around March or April of 2021.

When the Westchester Rotary was approached by the EACG as a potential recipient of this project, the club’s president, Tom Johnstone, says the decision was an easy one.

Thanks to the Westchester Arts and Music (WAM) Block Party, a popular community event that raises money for the garden, the Rotary Club was already aware of the amazing work that goes on there to “build a garden and grow a community.”

Since 2011, the Emerson Avenue Community Garden has been a beacon of neighborhood spirit. With 38 well-cared for plots, as well as a student garden managed by WISH Charter School, the EACG is now a thriving, bountiful green space in the center of Westchester. PreCOVID, the EACG regularly hosted events from pancake breakfasts and outdoor movie nights to plant workshops and story time sessions for kids. According to board member Michael Calzada, the nonprofit’s goal is to continue to be a neighborhood hub that not only has a sustainable, organic garden area, but also has educational and community uses as well. (continued on page 26)

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

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November 2020 • Page 9

Photo by Zsuzsi Steiner.

The holidays are here and as our thoughts turn to how our celebrations are going to look this year, they also turn to how we can support those in need and give back. Learn more about two of our favorite local nonprofits that are offering volunteer opportunities for the whole family and are looking for the community’s help this holiday season and all year round!

From left: The entire Zar family helps make deliveries for Grass Roots Neighbors. 2. The Morgan family enjoys volunteering with WPV and making friends on their visits.

Grass Roots Neighbors Since May, Playa del Rey’s Grass Roots Neighbors (GRN) has acted as a lifeline for the 55 households their volunteers visit every twoweeks with deliveries of food, fresh produce and household essentials.

Most of the households they serve are single-parent families or seniors who have either lost their jobs due to the pandemic or are unable to work, says volunteer and board member Stephanie Popescu.

With a variety of ways for families to get involved including making deliveries, collecting donations or adding extra items to their shopping lists, the nonprofit is inspiring volunteers of all ages to help.

For volunteer Andrea Smoot, who has been helping the nonprofit since August by stocking shelves, packing food and making deliveries, spending time with GRN has been a great way to give back during this difficult time.

“For me, volunteering has helped me get through the pandemic,” said Smoot. “The community has really come together with donations, and it’s really amazing what Grass Roots Neighbors does. It has been food for my soul and my heart. It’s been something I’ve personally just really needed.”

She says volunteering has connected her with like-minded volunteers that are generous and supportive.

“The community is the best part,” she says. “I’m really grateful to have them in my life and looking forward

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to helping even more. It’s an easy, awesome opportunity to do something that can help the community.”

For volunteer Karis Campbell, who has been helping GRN since the summer, it feels good to be of service.

“I love getting to feel useful, especially through all this COVID stuff.

There’s a lot that feels out of control right now, but to have this small piece of our lives that we can control and do something positive with is great,” said Campbell who volunteers with her children. “It’s helping nourish us physically and emotionally, and it feels like there’s a direct line to humanity here that fills me and my kids up. We are really proud to be part of this.”

This month, GRN is holding a drive-through food collection on Saturday, November 14 from 10 a.m. to noon at 200 Culver Blvd. in Playa del Rey. Community members are invited to pack up their vehicles with shelfstable groceries (Thanksgiving fixings are encouraged), cleaning supplies and toiletries. Pop your trunk and volunteers will remove the items for you.

While every food and monetary donation is appreciated, the nonprofit is especially grateful for recurring monthly donations, which help them anticipate month-to-month how many families they can serve.

For more information on Grass Roots Neighbors, how to donate and volunteer opportunities, please visit grassrootsneighbors.org.

Westside Pacific Villages On December 1, Westside Pacific Villages (WPV) will celebrate its 10-year anniversary of helping local seniors stay healthy, active and age in place. Since launching in 2010, WPV has filled more than 50,000 service requests to help seniors and had more than 1,500 volunteers donate approximately 75,000 hours of service.

Since launching their WPV Cares Program in late March in response to COVID-19, the organization has been an invaluable resource for seniors that are sheltering in place. With a large coalition of local nonprofits, including the Westchester Rotary Club, a team of approximately 300 volunteers is currently providing more than 200 seniors with weekly care packages, virtual activities/workshops, frequent phone calls, contact-less delivery of essential items and socially distanced friend visits.

For Playa del Rey resident Ahmanise Morgan, who started volunteering at the start of the pandemic, being able to volunteer with her kids to support WPV and its senior clients has been amazing. What started as making cards to include in lunch deliveries, quickly turned into wanting to help with the Friday meal delivery program.

The family has made quick friends

with the people they visit with weekly, creating an enriching experience for all involved.

“My favorite part is not only that we can do this together as a family, but watching my kids racing to the steps of their friends, ready to make a delivery as ‘Westside Pacific Villages workers’ and then fully immersed into conversation with a population they don’t usually get the opportunity to communicate with is truly a gift,” said Morgan. “I often let them do everything, and it’s the most heartwarming experience to watch them build the courage to greet people, have the confidence to maintain a conversation with someone and learn the ability to build on that relationship week after week. In our world today, we need more of this.

And as a result, I’m so grateful that my children take such joy in doing little things to make this world a better place.”

WPV is celebrating their anniversary on “Giving Tuesday,” which falls on December 1, with a virtual event featuring Dr. Raj Dasgupta.

For more information on getting involved with WPV, supporting their efforts to help seniors in the community and to RSVP for the event, please visit thewpv.org.

What’s your favorite nonprofit volunteer opportunity?

Share with us at westchesterhometown@yahoo.com!

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

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

November 2020 • Page 11

Photo by Zsuzsi Steiner.

WISH teachers show off their costumes at the school’s Storybook Parade on Friday, October 30th. The event featured WISH families driving by the school to show off their costumes.

Thirteen local schools receive STEM grants.

The LAX Coastal Education Foundation (LAXCEF) recently announced that 13 local schools were awarded $2,500 each for their STEM programs. The grants are funded through a partnership with SoCalGas, which through the foundation has provided approximately $40,000 to local schools in 2020.

This year’s grant recipients are Katherine Johnson STEM Academy, Kentwood, Open Magnet Charter, Paseo del Rey, Playa del Rey Elementary, Playa Vista Elementary, St. Anastasia, St. Jerome, Venice High School, Visitation, Westchester Lutheran, Westport Heights and WISH Community School.

Next up for the foundation is an art contest in lieu of the 3rd Annual Spelling Bee, a STEM essay

Page 12 • November 2020

scholarship and the 4th annual Rock Roll & Run, which will take place in the spring as a virtual event.

The foundation is also holding an end-of-year giving campaign to help support local schools.

For more information on the LAX Coastal Education Foundation, please visit laxcef.org.

November town hall meeting with Nick Melvoin.

Join LAUSD Board Member Nick Melvoin for a virtual town hall meeting on school re-opening.

Participants will learn about LAUSD’s planning efforts for schedules, safety and testing, as well as have the opportunity to ask questions.

The town hall will feature LAUSD Superintendent Austin Beutner.

The event will be held on Monday, November 9 from 4 to 5 p.m. over

Zoom.

To register and submit your questions, please visit bit.ly/3mqTp04. The town hall will also be available for later viewing at Facebook.com/nick.melvoin.

Department of Beaches and Harbors hosts “Can the Trash!” poster contest.

Calling all third, fourth and fifth grade artists! The L.A. County Department of Beaches and Harbors is encouraging kids to learn about ocean pollution and is inviting students to create environmentallythemed drawings that have the chance to appear on trash barrels across the county’s beaches.

Five winners from each grade will have their artwork selected for the contest. The deadline for entries is January 10.

For more information, visit beaches.lacounty.gov/postercontest.

LAUSD Choices deadline extended.

The LAUSD Choices deadline has been extended until November 20.

LAUSD is now accepting applications for the 2021-2022 academic year for the following programs: Magnets; Permits with Transportation; Dual Language Education; Schools for Advanced Studies; Admission Criteria Schools; Affiliated Charter Schools and Zones of Choice. The application to Highly Gifted schools will not be open until spring 2021.

For more information, please visit apply.lausd.net.

Have news to share about your school? 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

November 2020 • Page 13

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

11.21.20

Community

It’s what we do best. And no global pandemic is going to get in the way of that. While our students continue to get a top level education, it is important that they also continue to feel surrounded in support. Visitation is finding creative ways to keep everyone together during distance learning.

This past month our PTO and student council created Halloween photo backdrops for Visitation and neighborhood families. Throughout the week leading up to Halloween, hundreds of children in costume stopped by the #VIZPhotoBOOOOOOths for pictures in our harvest, dungeon, Day of the Dead, and cemetery booths.

Visitation staff and students also came together (virtually) for a very fun film project titled “#VIZTogether”. We enourage everyone to go to our website to check it out. It’s impossible not to smile while watching it.

Up next we have our first Bulldog Turkey Trot on November 21st. Join our families in a 1 mile tot trot, 2 mile walk/run, or a 3 mile bike ride. Wear your mask and your VIZ gear and spread some school spirit around town.

Learn more about our school and community at visitationschool.org or follow us on social media. FB/VisitationSchoolLA | IG@visitation_school

visitation CATHOLIC SCHOOL

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

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

November 2020 • Page 15

Photos courtesy St. Anastasia.

Campus may be closed, but that didn’t stop more than 250 St. Anastasia students from masking up and taking to the streets of Westchester, Playa del Rey and beyond to show their school spirit during the annual Jog-AThon!

Students walked, ran, biked and rollerbladed to raise money for the Pre-K through eighth grade school, and the money raised will go toward COVID safety updates, supplies, student activities, the Spanish program and more. As a bonus, participating joggers also received free dress day coupons.

One student, 7-year-old Kiran, even rode his bike 25 miles to Torrance Beach to show his “Panther Pride” and was able to raise more than $1,100 in the process!

“While the campus has been very quiet, you could feel the community spirit throughout the neighborhood. Our Panthers and their families wore their Jog-A-Thon shirts and were cheered on by neighbors, family and friends.

Some of our students even joined us from other states,” said Principal Angelica Izquierdo. “It was so wonderful to see so many students and receive pictures and videos of this event. The St. A’s spirit is stronger than ever! Thank you to all our supporters.”

Major sponsors of the Jog-A-Thon included Tower Pizza, Randall/McAnany Company, Max’s Custom Cabinets, The Drollinger Family Charitable Foundation, the Suarez Team and Amratec Engineering.

For more information on St. Anastasia School, please visit school.st-anastasia.org.

Go Panthers!

Page 16 • November 2020

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

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

November 2020 • Page 17

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, STUDENTS AN , 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.

Page 18 • November 2020

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

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

November 2020 • Page 19

Random Notes/Opinion

TheHTN.com

Willpower is overrated when it comes to success

By Jeff Blair Opinion: Willpower has been defined as a strong determination to achieve something. When people start a fitness program, the general thought often goes something like, “I must find enough willpower to push through physical pain to achieve results.”

You might be surprised to hear that willpower can be highly overrated when it comes to achieving success.

You might not be surprised to hear it exhausts very quickly in most people.

When people cannot muster the willpower to exercise or make healthy eating choices after a long, challenging day at work, most become highly self-critical, but willpower depletion is almost universal when someone is under high stress. While willing yourself to success makes a good story, it is rarely an effective strategy by itself.

A better strategy than willpower is self-control. In a sense, it is the opposite of willpower. Self-control means arranging your life in a way that achieving the desired behavior becomes easier rather than harder. Self-control might start with a burst of emotion, but also includes strategy, planning and thought. Over time, self-control can also build habits. Establishing habits

makes achieving your goals even easier since a habit is a behavior that happens without much effort.

If you want to eat healthier, place fruits and vegetables where you can easily reach them. If you want to drink more water, purchase a water dispenser and place it in your kitchen where you pass it many times daily.

If you want to stop eating something, make it more difficult to access by not bringing it into the house. Keeping it out of the house makes it easier to not eat the thing you are trying to avoid.

These suggestions might all seem small, but little things add up when designing a healthier lifestyle. Remove obstacles between you and the behavior you want to promote and increase barriers between you and things you want to stop.

Say you wanted to stop eating so many Cheetos. The self-control strategy would be to keep them out of the house. Even if you want to eat them one night, you have placed barriers between you and the Cheetos since you must drive to the store, go into the store, buy them and then drive home.

Compare that with the willpower approach, which might have you “will your way” past them every night. This usually only works for people who

do not really like Cheetos very much.

Since I am firmly in the “likes Cheetos” camp, I just keep them out of the house.

How about exercise? People might see someone who exercises consistently and comment about how strong that person’s willpower is and how weak their own is. More self-shaming can occur. The reality is often that the other person enjoys exercise or the habit was firmly established long ago. The person often used self-control to create the habit that makes the behavior so automatic today. It takes very little willpower for them to exercise.

Another self-control strategy to make exercise easier is temptation bundling. Temptation bundling means you pair something you enjoy doing with something you would like to do more consistently. If you do not love exercising, pair it with something you really enjoy and your mind connects the two. A common example would be creating an amazing playlist for your workouts. When I was in school, I would not let myself watch a football game (something I enjoyed doing) unless I was on my stair climber, something I wanted to do more consistently. Temptation bundling has

been shown to help people maintain desired behaviors.

A final idea that helps improve selfcontrol is learning to think differently about the desired behavior. Rather than thinking about exercise as being a form of torture to be avoided, try to think of it as something that allows you to be healthy enough to enjoy your favorite things in life.

Exercise became an important part of my life after seeing my dad suffer through a variety of illnesses.

It changed my perspective on the importance of health and exercise.

I started by making small lifestyle changes to make it easier to exercise.

I simply added more nutrition and exercise habits over time until I built a fitness lifestyle.

By spending a little time planning your strategy and asserting self-control, you can decrease the frustration and disappointment that usually follows relying on willpower alone. Start with small, achievable goals, stay flexible and slowly build from there.

Jeff Blair (MS, CSCS) is a certified personal trainer, fitness author and long-time Westchester resident. Reach out at jeff@socalsport.com . *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 • November 2020

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

Gaining control in your life in time for Thanksgiving Day

By Fay Craton

Opinion: We are now entering the holiday season. Halloween and the time change are behind us. Thanksgiving will soon be here. Are you struggling with pandemic-related changes to your Thanksgiving celebration this year? Is your resilience depletion resulting in difficulty accepting modifications necessary for a safe holiday celebration? As with everything during 2020, the way we are doing holidays has changed due to the pandemic. It may seem as if numerous shifts in your world are never ending. It is hard to have traditions altered. Lots of changes can easily lead to stress and depression, especially during the holidays when stress can build even during the best of years when your resiliency is not already worn down.

When situations you are experiencing are difficult, one thing you can always do is to take control of your life. It may seem as if you have no control, but how you respond within each moment of every day is always something within your power to manage. The first thing to do is to breathe into the moment to clear your thinking. Filling your abdomen with air will place oxygen rapidly into your arteries flowing to your brain.

The oxygen will help you to focus. A very slow exhale will help generate within you natural substances to help you be calm.

After you breathe, make sure you are fully present in the current moment.

If your mind is wandering away, try rubbing your hand over the material of your clothing. Do you feel the texture of the cloth? Stamp your feet. Do you feel the floor? There are numerous small, simple actions you can do to shift your mind from ruminating over changes and what you do not have this year.

Once you are fully present in the moment, you have achieved your first goal.

Being completely aware of this moment in time allows you to make decisions based on facts instead of past-history or fears about the future.

If you are experiencing mind chatter and cannot bring your mind to the present moment, simply know that your process of gaining control of your life will begin with the chatter. Thank

the chatter for being in your life. It is a part of you. Welcome it as a friend. Ask it what you can learn about yourself from this gift of chatter within you?

Since the answer can be easy to forget, I find it beneficial to write down what I learn when doing this type of process.

Once you are able to focus on the mind chatter as a part of you, ask the chatter to help you be present in the current moment.

When your thoughts are clear it is easier to make healthy decisions about what actions you wish to take. Healthy actions (behaviors and words) flow from a healthy value system. If you value empathetic relationships with significant people in your life, your actions will reflect it. You can take control over your life by understanding your values and aligning your actions. If you do not know what your values are, you can obtain guidance through self-help books, websites or a therapist. Thanksgiving is a good time to examine your values by reflecting on and giving thanks for what is important to you.

Your value system can be leaned on to help bolster your resiliency.

Instead of going through the motions of Thanksgiving Day traditions, which happen habitually each year, consider what the holiday means to you. How can you experience the day in alignment with your values? How can the end result be a meaningful day even if some of the tradition is modified? You regain control by consciously deciding how you will celebrate this year.

My wish is for you to have an enjoyable Thanksgiving holiday. I encourage you to find ways to express gratitude to those in your life who contribute to making your life have meaning. I hope you are able to fill the day with love and connection to significant people. I am thankful you are in the world.

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

November 2020 • Page 21

FEELING GRATEFUL!

FEELING GRA FEELING GRATEFUL!

On personal level, I am most thankful that Lauren, my wife of 30 years just celebrated her 5-year anniversary of her heart transplant! It’s great to live in America.

This Thanksgiving season 2020, I am especially grateful for quality time with the ones I treasure; the energy to help others; the health and vitality to do my work and the home that protects me and hasI am keptespecially me safe. grateful This Thanksgiving season 2020,

On businesslevel, level Iitam hasmost beenthankful the year of pivot.

After my being Ona personal that Lauren, wife closed 85 days, then opening, then anniversary closing, thenof opening of 30for years just celebrated her 5-year her heart a patio under our patio,It’s wegreat are still alive! am happy that transplant! to live in IAmerica.

This Thanksgiving season I am especially grateful myself, our 99 co-workers and2020, their families still have work On a business level hasones been year ofthe pivot.

After for quality time with the I the treasure; energy to being help and we areitgoing to get through this! closed for 85 days, then opening, then closing, then opening others; the health and vitality to do my work and the a patio under our patio, we are still alive! I am happy that home that protects me and has kept me safe. myself, our 99 co-workers and their families still have work and we are going to get through this!

for quality time with the ones I treasure; the energy to help others; the health and vitality to do my work and the home that protects me and has kept me safe.

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During this season, I am thankful and blessed to have my family, friends, good health, and my English Bulldog, Bruno as the pandemic has brought everyone closer together. I am also thankful to have grown up in this season, I am thankful and to have theDuring Westchester community, been given theblessed opportunity my family, friends,principals, good health, and my to support our dedicated teachers andEnglish staff at Bulldog, Bruno as the pandemic has brought everyone our schools and collaborate with our local organizations closer together. I am thankful to have grown up in andalso businesses. the Westchester community, been given the opportunity As the of the Westchester to support ouradministrator dedicated principals, teachers and staff at Community Schools, I’m thankful focus on our schools andofcollaborate with our localtoorganizations building partnershipsand within our area to build relationbusinesses. ships and opportunities to support our local schools.

As the administrator of the Westchester Community of Schools, I’m thankful to focus on building partnerships within our area to build relationships and opportunities to support our local schools.

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Page 22 • November 2020

On pe of 30

This year has really allowed us the opportunity to appreciate what we have, and more importantly who we have in our lives.this I'm season, so grateful my family, friends,to have During I amfor thankful and blessed community and my dog, LuLu. I'm also thankful for wine, my family, friends, good health, and my English This year has really allowed us the opportunity toplace. appreciate for drinking and to help make the world a better Bulldog, Bruno as the pandemic has brought everyone what we have, and more importantly who we have in our Through I'm able helpthankful multiple to nonprofits including closerwine, together.

I amtoalso have grown up in lives.

I'mshelters, so grateful for my family, friends, localthe schools and who need thegiven Fundraising and for Westchester community, been the opportunity community and my dog, LuLu. I'm also thankful for wine, that I'm grateful. to support our dedicated principals, teachers and staff at for drinking and to help make the world a better place. our schools and collaborate with our local organizations Through wine,toI'm able to your help multiple Cheers finding gratitudenonprofits and for a including and businesses. local schools and shelters, holiday who needseason! the Fundraising and for wonderful that I'm grateful.

As the administrator of the Westchester Community of Schools, I’m thankful to focus on Cheers to finding yourour gratitude a building partnerships within area to and buildforrelationwonderful holiday season! ships and opportunities our local schools. to support

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

This wh

comm fo Throu local

With extreme gratitude...

We thank all of you! 2020 has not been an easy year for any of us, but we’re extremely grateful for our community, our readers and advertisers that have supported us this year.

This publication would not be possible without your support!

A special thank you to...

Geoff Maleman • Christina Davis & The LAX Coastal Chamber • Karen Dial, Miki Payne and the Drollinger Properties Team • Amy Servidea • Consuelo Israelson • Lydia Smith • Fay Craton • Sheri Weitz • Zsuzsi Steiner • Robin Zacha • Jeff Blair, Rob Savory & Carisa Skretch • Rhodes Family • Visitation School • Jane St. John • Louise Lance • Westchester Rotary Club • Stephanie Younger & the SYG Team • Fred Puza & Loyola Marymount University • Neighborhood Council of Westchester/Playa • St. Anastasia School • Felicia St. Denis • Smith Family • The Book Jewel • Ayara Thai • Tim Foley and Truxton’s American Bistro • LMU Athletics • Sylvia Wilson • Carol Kitabayashi & Westside Pacific Villages • Tuttle Family • Mike Harriel • Chereck Family • Becky Cunningham • E & R Co. • Lory Sarlo • Tower Pizza • Marisa Cardenas • Andy O’Reilly • Terry O’Connor • Stacy Winget-Cochrane • Westchester Farmers’ Market • Laurie Hughes • Amy Nelson Frelinger • Erika Puzik • Eden Garcia-Balis & AMCS • Westchester Mental Health Guild • John Sharpe & the WAM Team • Tracy Thrower Conyers • Westchester Lutheran • LaPonza & Doby Family • Palermo Family • Westchester Town Center BID • Jerry Jen & the Playa Venice Sunrise Rotary Club • Lisa Schwab & Cantalini’s • Cedars-Sinai Marina del Rey Hospital • RE/MAX Estate Properties Westchester • The Good Pizza • Mininsky Family • Nanci Edwards • Westerfield Family • LAX Kiwanis • Annenberg PetSpace • Chouinard Family • Loyola Marina Auto Care • Edgar Saenz • Dr. Parsons • First Responders • All Essential Workers and our HomeTown News’ community!

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

November 2020 • Page 23

Business spotlight: Katie’s Kreations Events helps clients celebrate at home with balloons and decor homes, cater their meals and decorate their tablescape. During that era, it was big for people to have dinner parties. I knew when my grandmother told me this story, I had to name my business after her, especially since I was also named after her.

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.

Here’s the scoop on Katie’s Kreations Events. Owned by Aisha Harris, the event company loves to make clients’ dreams come true when it comes to weddings and big life events. With COVID putting a pause on most inperson events, Harris has pivoted to bringing joy through porch decor and balloon creations that make the perfect backdrop for drive-by event celebrations.

This month, Harris has teamed up with a local photographer to provide a festive holiday set up for mini porch photo sessions in Westchester.

Q. Please tell us a little bit about yourself. A. One thing about me is that I try to give people my best and I’m honest about who I am. If my journey through life–the good and the bad–can help someone then I’m going to share my story.

I’m a California girl. I was born in Orange, and we moved around for most of my elementary school years. My fondest place to live was San Mateo, a city about 16 miles outside of San Francisco. It had more of a smaller city feel. I went to an elementary school in a nearby city and remember the love and care I received there. My teachers were so invested in every student. I also fell in love with the food in San Francisco.

They have some of the best mom and pop businesses, with food made with love.

We came back to L.A. after my thirdgrade year and stayed. I sometimes wonder what kind of girl I would have been if I would have grown up in San Mateo, instead of being pushed into the busyness of L.A. I know one thing, I would never have met my amazing husband Bobby. We have been married for 16 years and have a caring son, Joseph who is 11.

We settled in Ladera in the summer of 2012. Ladera is our community and our home, but so is Westchester. My son has been going to school in Westchester since he was 2. He completed fifth grade at Kentwood Elementary and had some of the most dedicated and dynamic teachers I could have ever asked for. Being at Kentwood was a blessing for our entire family. I wanted my son to receive the foundation I had in my early education. We made friends with families and staff that we will have for a long time.

Being with my friends and family is where I want to be in my down time.

Since I was little my mom would jingle her car keys and I would run to get my Page 24 • November 2020

Q. What do you like about running your business and being an entrepreneur? A. I love that having my own business has allowed me to see my son grow up. I remember working in the mortgage industry, where I would work two to three days straight at the end of the month with no sleep.

And this was every month. I could never take time off. Now I can plan my schedule around my family. I get to do what I love and so many people don’t.

I’m excited to go to work. I’m overjoyed when I get an email from a new client.

Aisha Harris helps set up a balloon arch for a drive-by birthday celebration in Westchester.

patent leather purse and meet her at the door. I have not changed. I’m always ready to go and up for an adventure.

You never have to tell me to go on vacation twice!

Q. Please tell us a little bit about your business? A. Katie’s Kreations Events is more than just a business–it’s a passion of love. I started working at the age of 14 to get some of the things I wanted in high school. I continued to work right out of high school and eventually got into the mortgage industry. I was a funder at Indy Mac Bank when the country was going through the refi boom and making good money, but was overworked, a newlywed and commuting to Irvine every day. Although that job afforded me monetary desires, it did not bring upon happiness.

After a horrible back injury put me out of work for a few years and I took time away to raise my son, I knew I wanted to have a job that brought joy to others and had purpose. I planned my

own wedding and got such a rush from it. I started planning other weddings and events after that. I loved talking with clients. I loved being honest with clients. I wanted people to have the wedding and event that they wanted, not what their family or best friend wanted. When you really take the time to talk to people you find out that they may want something different. For instance, how do you incorporate the vase that Grandma just has to use at your wedding? We discuss it, we come up with a plan and everyone walks away smiling. That’s why I do what I do. We have weddings and events to celebrate, not argue our way through the process.

Everyone always calls me Katie or wants to talk to the owner–you know, the owner “Katie.” Well, that’s me: Aisha Katie Harris. I was named after my maternal great-grandmother. She opened her own catering company in Florida. She loved to cook, and I’m told she was a great cook and a fantastic baker. She would go into people’s

Q. How has COVID impacted your business? A. COVID caused my business to stop. I was having one of my busiest years to date. All of my couples have postponed their weddings twice.

I feel so horrible for them. They are wonderful couples and had their heart set on the wedding of their dreams.

I didn’t penalize any of my couples. I helped all of them reschedule and will be ready when we can have gatherings again, but I won’t do anything until it’s safe.

I started providing decor and balloons for clients that want to celebrate at home. It started with my son’s birthday and a graduation. Then it just took off from there. I’m also trying to spread some joy during this time.

I’ve been delivering little goody bags with balloons to different people that are making a difference, just to let them know that they are appreciated.

Q. What else would you like the community to know about your business? A. Everything I do is a labor of love. Whether I’m helping a couple with their wedding, helping a wife surprise her husband for his 40th birthday or planning a kid’s fifth birthday party, I take my time with each detail. I think about ideas, scenarios and what can be done that suits you–not what’s trending.

Q. What are some of your favorite local businesses? A. There are so many favorites like Paco’s Tacos, Coffee Company, Cafe Solar, Roscoe’s, Ayara Thai, Harriet’s Cheesecakes, Family Fish, Humble Potato, Killer Shrimp, Maxwells, Scopa and Compari’s.

Visit katieskreationsevents.com or email katieskreationsevents@yahoo. com for more information.

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

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

November 2020 • Page 25

(continued from page 8) “We are proud to be in a position to operate a community garden, fulfilling sustainable objectives and providing healthy choices in a parklike setting for the entire community to enjoy,” said Calzada.

The Rotary Club of Westchester was founded in 1950, and thanks to their service projects and active, engaged members, the group was recently awarded the Large Rotary Club of Excellence honor for 20192020 for their district. For Rotary volunteers, one of the cornerstones of being a member of the club is the notion of “Service Above Self,” meaning Rotarians are always ready to volunteer and help strengthen their community. The Four Way Test, which asks Rotarians to examine things they think, say or do using the questions, “Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendship? Will it be beneficial to all concerned?” is also an important aspect of Rotary. Across the globe, there are more than 35,000 clubs and 1.2 million members focused on “do-goodery.”

From service projects across the globe in places like Thailand, Mexico and Costa Rica to volunteering right here in Westchester, Rotarians

Page 26 • November 2020

are working to make lives better everywhere they go.

When the world changed due to COVID in March, the club sprang into action and quickly partnered with Westside Pacific Villages to provide food, technology support and other supplies to more than 200 seniors who are the most vulnerable during this pandemic. Members of the club were also instrumental in recently chartering a new, cause-based Rotary Club that will focus their efforts strictly on fighting human trafficking.

As the Rotary Club and the EACG work together to improve the garden, stay tuned for more details and volunteer opportunities!

The Rotary Club of Westchester has a long list of activities and programs it supports. If you are interested in getting involved, volunteering, learning more or would like to donate to support their efforts, please visit their website at rotary-westchester.com.

Those interested can also send a message via social media to @westchester.rotary on Instagram or @WestchesterRotary90045 on Facebook.

At right: Rotarians work to remove mulch so an ADA accessible walkway can eventually be installed at the garden.

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

Photos by Lek Pollard.

Rotary makeover (continued)

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

November 2020 • Page 27

How to eat your way to happiness

chicken, fish, milk and turkey.

Mood and food, or nutrition and the role it plays in depression, can fill an entire library. This article is barely skimming the surface, but also be aware that if you are prone to bouts of low blood

By Sheri Weitz, RDN, CDE, The foundation to eating your way to sugar, known as hypoglycemia, this can Contributing Columnist happiness can be found on your plate. increase anxiety in susceptible people.

The Mediterranean diet which is high in In this case, be sure to include a source Opinion: Thanksgiving is coming… plant-based foods has been shown to en- of protein such as almonds, cheese or what a great time to express gratitude hance mood and decrease risk of stroke, lean chicken with every meal. Some for the abundance on our table and in diabetes, cancer, high blood pressure people need to eat every two to three our lives. But for some of us, between and more. Are you getting your “five hours in order to avoid low blood sugar. suffering from pandemic panic or seaa day,” meaning five servings of fresh Avoiding excessive hidden sugars (look sonal stress, this time of year can bring fruits and vegetables? Are you eating at the total grams of sugar on the label) about a lot of complex feelings. plenty of nuts, seeds and whole grains? can also help avoid those highs and lows.

But what if you can eat your way to One of the reasons our S.A.D. diet If you’ve already switched to a happiness? makes us sadder is because what we Mediterranean diet or have tried other You may have heard of “SAD,” Seaeat affects our gut microbiome, the nutritional strategies such as decreasing sonal Affective Disorder, a type of trillions of cells that make up our gut. your dietary sugar intake and still suffer depression related to seasons when We have more cells in our microbiome from the blues, you may want to considdays become shorter with fewer hours than our entire body. Research shows er nutritional supplements. Some people of sunshine. Interestingly enough, the that 95 percent of serotonin, a potent prone to anxiety and depression have acronym has another meaning. Many neurotransmitter which causes a sense a genetic defect related to folic acid. If nutritionists refer to S.A.D. as the “Stan- of wellbeing, is made by our gut micro- this is the case (you can order a simple dard American Diet.” S.A.D. contains biome, along with many other potent at-home gene kit to find out), be sure to about 63 percent processed foods such neurochemicals. take only multi-vitamins or B-complex as potato chips, packaged snacks and A healthy gut can mean a happy that has methylfolate, which is the active soda; nearly 25 percent of calories from mood. By eating a better diet, we inform of folate. This can decrease the animal foods; and only about 12 percent crease our intake of “prebiotics,” plant potential for anxiety and depression for of calories from plant-based foods such fibers that help “feed” the good bacteria people impacted by this, which is actualas fruits, vegetables and whole grains. in the gut. A healthy microbiome can ly quite common.

The S.A.D diet also tends to be low have a significant impact on our overall Two helpful supplements for imin Omega-3 fatty acids, e.g., raw nuts, health and mood. Prebiotics can natuproving your mood are probiotics and seeds, fish and olive oil. rally be found in apples, artichokes and high-potency fish oil. Probiotics can Research shows the S.A.D. diet can in- chicory root, and fermented foods such help those who suffer from an imbaldeed make us feel blue! Numerous stud- as tempeh, sauerkraut, yogurt and kefir. ance of unhealthy bacteria in the gut ies indicate that consuming the opposite Another technique for increasing caused by many factors including chloof the S.A.D. diet–a Mediterranean diet our serotonin levels and improving our rinated water, antibiotics, the S.A.D diet high in fresh fruits, vegetables, healthy mood is increasing our dietary intake of and even stress. If you’d like to try a profats and whole grains, fewer processed the amino acid tryptophan, the precurbiotic, go with a minimum of 10 billion foods, more fish and less meat–can im- sor to serotonin. Foods high in tryptoCFUs and a minimum of five different prove our mood. phan include egg whites, pumpkin seeds, strains (unless you are advised to take a

Weitz is a local dietitian and enjoys teaching Zumba at local spots.

stronger probiotic under the advice of a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist). For a potent fish oil, look for one with about 500 mg of DHA and 800 mg of EPA per serving. It’s hard to get enough DHA/ EPA in capsules, so a liquid supplement is best.

So if you want to improve your attitude–and feel more gratitude– consider eating your way to happiness in time for Thanksgiving.

Sheri Weitz, RDN, CDE is a Registered Dietitian with a private practice in Westchester, and she provides clinical nutrition services for Manchester Medical.

Sheri also teaches Zumba classes…her “happy pill.” To find out more about her services, visit MovetoWellness.net.

Pastor, Larry Becker

NOVEMBER 7, 14 & 21 - 5 PM (OUTDOOR/IN-PERSON)

NOVEMBER 22 AT 10 AM (LIVESTREAM) NOVEMBER 25 AT 7 PM (LIVESTREAM)

Westchester Lutheran Church & School 7831 S. Sepulveda Blvd. Westchester, CA 90045

310-670-5422 • www.wlcs.org Page 28 • November 2020

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

THANK YOU to our advertisers and

community partners for supporting this publication!

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

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

November 2020 • Page 29

HALLOWEEN IN YOUR HOMETOWN! LLOWEEN IN YOUR HOMETOWN!

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

COS TUME CO NT E S T & FE S T I V I TI ES A RO U N D W ES TC H ES TER/ P L AYA

U M E CO NTE S T & FES T IVIT IES AROUN D WES TC HES TER/PL AYA

Traditional trick-or-treating may have been discouraged on October 31, but that didn’t mean that community members couldn’t have fun and show their Halloween spirit!

The HomeTown News and the Stephanie Younger Group teamed up last month to offer two fun, family-friendly activities that everyone could enjoy from home.

First up was the Pumpkin Decorating Contest, and pictures of carved, sculpted and painted pumpkins wowed community members when they were posted on Facebook for everyone to vote for their favorites.

In the end, five winners were named this year’s Pumpkin Kings and Queens, including: Peyton R. in the Elementary Category with her unicorn pumpkin; Anya W. in the Middle School Category with a spooky pumpkin design; Lorelei and Jack S. in the Family Category with their baby Yoda entry; Kenji Kobayashi in the Adult Category with a sculpted face pumpkin and Jaime Cesaro in the New Entry Category with a pumpkin painted like a skeleton. The winners received $50 gift cards to The Book Jewel.

Whether people partied with their pods, participated in the Halloween Spooktacular Scavenger Hunt or just felt like getting frightfully festive, the photos sent in for the Costume Contest were amazing! From tributes to essential workers and creative DIY ensembles to dressing up as favorite literary characters and group costumes, the creativity this year was off the charts! Three winners will be announced on the @stephanieyoungergroup Instagram account on November 6. Follow and visit the account for updates!

The HTN and the Stephanie Younger Group were also proud to support the Halloween Spooktacular drive through event at the YMCA. The Stephanie Younger Group was the presenting sponsor for The Great Pumpkin Caravan.

Page 30 • November 2020

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

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

November 2020 • Page 31

Page 32 • November 2020

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