Westchester/Playa HomeTown News December 2021 edition by Westchester/Playa del Rey HomeTown News

westchester

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playa del rey

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

December 2021

Sharing holiday magic in Westchester page 4

Santa Sightings, Boat Parade and Toy Drives...page 12

18th Annual

Saturday, December 4th, 2021 9am to Noon

CURBSIDE DROP OFF ONLY: 1) Triangle Park (Waterview & Trask Area) 2) Flowers by Felicia, 200 Culver Blvd. (Legado Parking Lot) Unwrapped new toys, gift cards for Ralph’s or Target or Checks payable to Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. New animal beds/blankets, treats, food, leashes and collars for the Animal Shelter. If you need your donation picked up: 310-567-5971

LIC #00998927

Page 2 • December 2021

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

This Month Brings You

help you prom help you prom nization or even l a c o L p o Sh ! n nization or even o s a e S y this Holida A look inside your HTN

Sharing holiday magic in Westchester PV Scene Page Westchester/Playa holiday events this month NCWP Community Update In Pictures: Kindness Day in the Westchester Triangle

04 08 12 16 26

HOMETOWN STAFF/CONTRIBUTORS Stephanie Davis, Publisher

Jeff Blair, Contributing Writer Fay Craton, Contributing Writer

Lydia Smith, Contributing Writer Consuelo Israelson, Contributing Writer

Front page: Jon and Tina Vanderjagt pose in front of their Westchester home with holiday decorations, including neon art pieces he created. Photo by Zsuzsi Steiner.

About The HomeTown News (HTN)

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

Connect with the HTN:

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

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

December 2021 • Page 3

Westchester home shares magic of the holidays with dazzling decorations What exemplifies the joy of the holiday season more than seeing all the twinkling lights? How about a magical light display made of handmade neon animated figures? This is what you will see when you visit the home of Jon and Tina Vanderjagt on 78th Street in Westport Heights. What began 13 years ago with an animated neon “Ho Ho Ho Merry Christmas” sign has evolved into a beautiful celebration of the most wonderful time of the year, all designed, built and displayed by Jon. Jon Vanderjagt grew up in Westchester, in the home that he lives in today. His parents bought the house in 1950 when his Navy dad returned from the war and bought a tract home in this new suburb of Los Angeles: Westchester! Needless to say, a lot has changed since then. “Before the 405 freeway was built, down by Hughes Aircraft was bean fields and canals,” said Jon. “It was a regular Tom Sawyer paradise!” His father became a teacher with LAUSD and Jon attended all the local Westchester schools–Westport Heights, Airport Junior High (no longer in existence) and then Westchester High School. When he moved away to start his family and career, his parents continued to live in the house on 78th St. In 2005, when his mother became ill, he moved home with his wife, Tina, to help care for his mother. After she passed, they inherited the house and Jon’s Westchester life came full circle. They both speak with great reverence for their Westport Heights neighborhood. ”We have 35 neighbors on our street, and we are friendly with every one of them,” said Tina. “We have neighborhood parties, progressive dinners, and we really take care of each other. We are a close-knit group. We love our neighborhood!” When Jon and Tina married, it was a second marriage for both, and their blended family became a real-life Brady Bunch; Tina has three daughters and Jon has three sons. They now have four grandchildren and are living a happy retired life that allows the dynamic duo to pursue their passions and volunteer opportunities. Since retiring from nursing two years ago, Tina has enjoyed being active with the Emerson Avenue Community Garden and supporting the Westchester Mental Health Guild. Jon retired years ago from his job as a quality manager for a company that manufactures photodiodes—a semiconductor device that converts light into an electrical current. Retirement has not slowed him down: he has his contractor’s license Page 4 • December 2021

Photo by Zsuzsi Steiner.

By Lydia Smith

The Vanderjagts pose in front of their magnificent light display at their Westport Heights home.

in electrical science, he does solar power sales and even some property management. He also enjoys car shows with his restored 1923 Model-T Bucket Roadster, and he is a neon artist! Working with neon is, as Jon puts it, “A hobby that got out of control.” When he displayed his first neon Christmas sign, he received such a warm response from the neighborhood, that he continued to build a new neon figure every year for display in his yard. His garage has become his neon workshop, and it is there that his figures come to life. Building a new neon piece is an involved process, and Jon is in charge of creating every aspect. The first steps involve deciding what he wants to build, drawing it out and fabricating the neon. Then he must bend the glass, mount the neon, put in the transformer, build the electronics for the animation and mount it. He must also make sure it’s not only weatherproof but plug-and-play as well. Lastly, there’s the tricky job to decide where to add the new piece, which may include mounting it on the roof. The whole process takes about 40 hours, and then the neon masterpiece is ready for its debut! This year’s creation is a five-foot-tall angel blowing a golden trumpet with animated blue notes flowing out of the instrument. Making their home sparkle for a full month could be a costly endeavor, but thankfully, their house is run on solar energy. During the year, their solar panels make more electricity than they can use so they save their solar credit and use it all in December to run the light display—giving them an end of the year zero-dollar balance on their electrical bill. The feeling of holiday magic that the light display brings to

the neighborhood is clear to the Vanderjagts. Year after year, families stop by and admire the lights and sometimes leave thank you notes in their mailbox. It’s not uncommon to hear “oohs” and “awws” from not only children, but adults as well, who are wowed by the decorations; the Grinch is always a standout favorite with kids of all ages. “He enjoys the process of making things,” said Tina. “He is living in the dream of how it makes people feel. It gives a lot of joy to the neighborhood.” Jon says that they also have made the intentional decision to maintain a secular display with a mixture of holiday favorites that include a juggling elf, candy canes and Rudolph, so that they can “let everybody in.” They want their display to be universal and inclusive. “We want bright lights and fun, in a world of discord,” said Tina. They liken their display to the old department store windows that were always transformed for the holiday season. A type of magic and wonder that you can stop, view and appreciate. Last year, their display reached an even wider audience when they participated in the Westchester Mental Health Guild’s Holiday Light Tour & Contest. Unable to hold their traditional Holiday Home Tour fundraiser, which raises money for AMCS by selling tickets to view the inside of highly decorated homes, the Guild pivoted to a COVID-friendly version of the event where participants can view the outside of fantastically lit up homes from the comfort of their own vehicles. The Vanderjagt’s dazzling display earned them one of the top three prizes in the inaugural event and furthered their reputation

as having one of the most wondrously decorated homes in Westchester. Their home is back on the tour this year, and Tina has even been recruited to find other area residents that are interested in signing up to show their holiday spirit. “The fact that our lights can do some good for the community through the donations to the Mental Health Guild brings us so much happiness,” said Tina. In addition to being one of the winners in the Holiday Light Tour & Contest last year, the Vanderjagts have also been featured on Channel 11’s 10 o’clock news for the past three years. The nightly news features one decorated home per night throughout December. But for the Vanderjagts, the display is not about the well-deserved accolades. For the Westchester couple, it’s all about the love of the holiday season, their neighborhood and bringing joy to others.

Interested in purchasing a ticket for the Holiday Light Tour & Contest?

The event takes place Dec. 12 through 26 from 5 to 9 p.m. For a minimum donation of $10 per car, participants will receive a map of the homes on the tour, a voting ballot to show support for who should be the 2021 Community Fan Favorite and a chance to win a New Year’s Eve Celebration gift basket. This year, there are more than 20 decorated homes participating. Visit 2021guildholidaylights. eventbrite.com for more info!

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

December 2021 • Page 5

Business & Nonprofit News

TheHTN.com

Donation of toys and pet supplies sought for annual Playa del Rey Toy Drive. For nearly two decades, neighbors have joined together at Triangle Park to collect new toys for Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and pet supplies for local animal shelters. With the need for donations even greater this year, hosts Jane St. John and Felicia St. Denis, are hoping to have their best collection yet and appreciate the generosity of the community for supporting this event for the last 18 years. New, unwrapped toys can be dropped off at Triangle Park (Waterview and Trask in Playa del Rey) or at Flowers by Felicia, located at 200 Culver Blvd. in Playa del Rey on Saturday, December 4 from 9 a.m. to noon. Organizers and volunteers will be on hand to unload your vehicle. Gift cards to Ralphs and Target, as well as monetary donations for Children Hospital Los Angeles are also appreciated. For those that can’t make the dropoff time, but would still like to support the Toy Drive, a pick-up can be arranged by calling (310) 567-5971. Shopping centers host holiday pop-up markets. Interested in shopping small and local this holiday season? HHLA is hosting the Merry Mija Market on December 3, 4, 17 and 18 at its Center Court. More than a dozen vendors will be selling their unique, handmade and creative gifts at this multicultural shopping experience created by husband-and-wife duo, the Reeds. Live music, raffles and Santa photoops round out the event. The first 100 guests will also receive a free goodie Page 6 • December 2021

Photo by Todd Lechtick.

Stop by Triangle Park or Flowers by Felicia on Saturday, December 4 from 9 a.m. to noon to drop of toys, gift cards and pet supplies for the 18th Annual Playa del Rey Toy Drive. Pictured: Community members pose for a group photo with some of the toy drive donations before they head to Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. FILE PHOTO.

Westchester residents Kalea and Jasmine Harrison will be sharing one of the starring roles in the Westside Ballet of Santa Monica’s performance of The Nutcracker. The sisters, who are juniors at Notre Dame Academy High School and are two of three fraternal triplets with their brother Derek, will be performing as the effervescent Snow Queen at performances held at the Broad Stage on December 4 and 5. The teens have danced with the Westside Ballet for 10 years and have performed in a variety of increasingly demanding roles at the school’s biannual performances.

bag when they RSVP at the link via linktr.ee/mijamarketla. The market will be held from 4 to 9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays from noon to 5 p.m. HHLA is located at 6081 Center Dr. in Westchester. Runway Playa Vista is hosting a Holiday Makers Market on Saturday, December 18 from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Get all your last minute shopping

in as you peruse local makers selling items like jewelry, paper crafts, gifts, clothing and other items. The event will also feature kids’ activities, live music and is pet friendly. The Holiday Makers Market will be held in the Runway Shopping Center, located at 12775 Millennium Drive in Playa Vista. Learn more at runwayplayavista.com.

Clean UP Westchester readies for next volunteer opportunity. Volunteers with Clean UP Westchester will be sprucing up Manchester Ave. around IHOP on December 18 and the community is invited to help! Since April, a group of dedicated community members led by Grant Francis have met up at different locations in Westchester for a monthly clean-up event that keeps growing. Since its formation, volunteers of all ages have collected hundreds of bags of trash and debris around major streets and have taken pride in giving back to the neighborhood. In addition to the satisfaction of helping Westchester look its best, volunteers also receive a special T-shirt for their efforts. Volunteer by emailing granttfrancis@gmail.com. Westchester Elks support Vets with local outings. The Westchester Elks Lodge recently received a $10,000 grant to create a project to help serve local homeless Veterans. The lodge decided to expand their partnership with U.S. Vets-Inglewood, which they work with throughout the year hosting dinners and making Welcome Home baskets, to provide events that will bring Veterans into the community and increase their social interaction and support. As part of the project, the Elks have already taken the Vets on a trip to Catalina Island, arranged a whale watching tour and scheduled a fishing trip out of the Marina. The Elks are also running a drive for toiletry items, which will be used by U.S. Vets-Inglewood’s outreach team as they work to get homeless Veterans the services they need and into transitional housing. Learn about the Elks at facebook.com/westchester.elks.

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

The LAX Coastal Chamber celebrated the grand opening of State Farm Agent Tatiana Ruiz More’s office in the Westchester Triangle on November 21. Ruiz More is a second generation State Farm agent and has a passion for helping others prepare for the unexpected events in life. Pictured from left to right: LAX Coastal Chamber Director of Business Relations Kelli Trombley, Tatiana Ruiz More and her husband Andrew More.

(continued from previous page) Chamber welcomes Covered with More at ribbon cutting. The LAX Coastal Chamber celebrated the grand opening of one of its newest members—Tatiana Ruiz More’s new State Farm office—on November 21 with a ribbon cutting ceremony. Community members and Ruiz More’s family and friends were on hand to welcome the new business to the Westchester Triangle and enjoyed lunch, a variety of desserts, prizes and a pie raffle. Last year, Ruiz More, a Southern California native, was working for the Santa Monica Police department when she started to feel drawn to the insurance business. With a desire to help protect families on a personal level, she decided to follow in her mother’s footsteps and become a State Farm agent in mid-2020. Opening her business in Westchester was an easy choice as she already had roots to the area. Her grandfather once owned a barber shop on Lincoln Blvd., and she has many fond memories of visiting Westchester and his business as a child. “I am loving the closeness of the community. It truly is a pocket of Los Angeles that makes you feel right at home,” said Ruiz More. “So many

neighbors, business owners and visitors have stopped in to introduce themselves and I think that is the best part about being in the Triangle and so visible. We are proud to be here and to be of service to this beautiful neighborhood!” Covered with More is located at 8705 Truxton Ave. in Westchester. For more information, visit coveredwithmore.com.

Wishing you light, bright, jubilant holidays and a 2022 year to excite! If real estate is on your wish list, don’t hesitate to call me directly.

Amy Nelson Frelinger Realtor® | DRE# 01484711 M 310.951.0416 O 424.281.7603 amy.frelinger@elliman.com

Sign-up season for little league. Registration is now open for the community’s little league teams! Westchester Del Rey Little League (WDRLL) is open for girls softball ages 6 to 14 and boys’ and girls’ tee ball for ages 4 to 6. WDRLL is open to children who live or go to school in Westchester, Playa Vista and Playa del Rey. Visit wdrll.org to sign up. The Westchester Little League is open to boys and girls interested in playing baseball and that live or go to school in the league’s boundary that includes the area of Westchester, east of Sepulveda. Register by December 31 to receive a discount before fees go up on January 1. Learn more at westchesterll.org. Have info to share about your business or nonprofit? Email us at westchesterhometown@yahoo.com for a chance to be featured.

Robert Milligan, Partner Business, Intellectual Property and Employment Counseling & Litigation (310) 201-1579 rmilligan@seyfarth.com

PLAYA VISTA’S CONCERT PARK - CONCERT PARK DRIVE AT RUNWAY ROAD

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

December 2021 • Page 7

SCENE DECEMBER IN PLAYA VISTA Our 3 Must Visit Events this December in PV The holidays are officially upon us, and Playa Vista is ready for you! Come visit this holiday season for Runway’s fun pop up events, or stop by the event that never ends: Free Market! We love celebrating the holidays in Playa Vista for its festive, low key and fun environment for all ages!

Holiday Makers MarketCreative Communal

The last market of the year is bringing family fun to Runway Playa Vista! There will be local makers, face painting, kids activities, live music and photo ops! There will be plenty of fun for everyone, and it’s kid and pet friendly. Admission is free, and after shopping for all your last minute gifts for your loved ones, make sure to check out the food for purchase or visit one of Runway’s awesome restaurants. See you there! Saturday, December 18 from 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Runway Wonderland Toy Drive

Where to Drop Off:

Join the LAPD Pacific Division and Runway as they collect toys for those in need. All toys collected during the drive will be distributed by the LAPD Pacific Division to families on the Westside of Los Angeles. Please bring your unwrapped, packaged toy to one of the drop off containers located outside of Huzzah Toys and Micro Kickboard during business hours. The drive runs through December 12.

What to Donate:

November 27 - December 12th

Free Market

Free Market is an amazing addition to Runway, a game changer both in experience and offerings. The architecture and design draw you in, and the brands and experiences don’t disappoint. Runway is already remarkably unique for the Westside, and Free Market adds a dimension that will continue to grow its reputation as a destination location. In a word, the community has been obsessed, and once you visit, it’s easy to see why! Stop by this holiday season to check out what this amazing new space has to offer!

All events & places are located at RUNWAY Playa Vista at 12746 W. Jefferson Blvd. in Playa Vista.

DRE# 01972897 Page 8 • December 2021

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

Watch the 59th Annual Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade. This year’s theme is “Joy on the Water.” Catch a brief fireworks display at 5:55 p.m. before the parade begins. Enjoy musical entertainment from carolers, food truck fare, and photo opportunities, 4-8 p.m. at Burton Chace Park. For details, visit mdrboatparade.org.

Celebrate the New Year with fireworks in Marina del Rey! Enjoy a ten-minute fireworks show following the countdown at 8:59:50 p.m. and at 11:59:50 p.m. The shows will be shot from the Marina’s south jetty and can be viewed from virtually anywhere in Marina del Rey, Venice Pier, Playa Vista and Dockweiler Beach.

Burton Chace Park, 13650 Mindanao Way

Holiday shopping can easily be done in L.A.’s Marina with outdoor plazas such as Waterside Shops, Villa Marina Marketplace, Fisherman’s Village or the Saturday Farmers’ Market at parking lot #11 near Marina “Mother’s” Beach.

Burton Chace Park will be aglow in holiday lights every night from December 11 through New Year’s Eve. Stroll through with family and friends to enjoy the spectacular display of sparkling lights and décor.

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

December 2021 • Page 9

Candles from the past are still burning bright in Westchester By Cozette Vergari As we move into the holiday season, we cherish many memories from the past, memories shared with family and friends that remain in our hearts and in our minds. They are a part of our family and community histories and traditions. One such memory and Westchester tradition, which included both family and friends within the community, is that of the giant red candles that decorated the front yards of neighborhoods throughout Westchester. The giant red candles, for the most part, stood approximately six feet tall, lit as if their candle wicks were burning, with white wax flowing over the edge. Displayed next to the bottom of the candle was the name of the family who resided in the home, with a spotlight illuminating the giant red candle well into the holiday nights. Some shorter candles were displayed, as though they had burned down over time. There were blocks and blocks, where nearly every home displayed a giant red candle during the holiday season. Legend holds that in the 1950s two men who lived on Chase Avenue, inspired by the idea of a young paper delivery boy, created the giant red candles for their neighbors, early on known as Candle Lane. The candles became so popular, they spread east, west, north and south, creating a holiday wonderland of giant red candles throughout Westchester and parts of Playa del Rey. It grew to be such an attraction that buses brought “tourists” from outlying communities to share in the holiday spirit and wonder. It was truly a winter wonderland. I am proud to say that

At top: A Westchester home displays candles in the front yard in this photo courtesy of the Westchester/Playa Historical Society. At bottom: Lisa Hamor was born and raised in Westchester, and loved seeing the giant red candles displayed throughout the community when she was growing up. Always wanting a candle of her own to put in her yard, she got lucky while driving through the neighborhood sometime in the 90s and found one in a trash can! It needed a little TLC, so her husband spruced it up, created a sign to display their family name, and some 30 years later, the candle is still an important part of their Christmas celebration. Hamor proudly displays the candle in her yard every December, showcasing her Westchester pride and the nostalgia for the neighborhood tradition.

my family joined in this wonderful holiday tradition for years. The Westchester/Playa Historical Society now has plans to recreate and bring back the opportunity to join in a community tradition from the past. There are still some remaining candles displayed throughout our neighborhood that continue the tradition during the holidays, but many new families are interested in joining in the fun. We hope to have holiday candle kits available in the early fall of 2022, for the December 2022 holiday season. In the meantime, please save the date for the first major exhibit at the Westchester/Playa Historical Society Discovery Center, located 6207 W. 87th Street in Westchester, which opens in January. “Aviation” will open to the public on Sundays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., starting Sunday, January 9 and will run through Sunday, March 6. There will be several interactive opportunities, including a group art project. Stay tuned for details in next month’s article. In February, we will continue our time machine travels! *A version of this article was originally run in our December 2020 issue, and we’re rerunning it here for the holidays. Cozette is an attorney and lifelong resident of Westchester. She is the President of the Westchester/Playa Historical Society. Together with a group of dedicated volunteers, the organization is working on creating new programming and events to celebrate the history of the area and engage the community in preserving it for future generations.

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 10 • December 2021

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

December 2021 • Page 11

Photo courtesy Pro SUP Shop.

Our picks for the best family-friendly holiday events Marina del Rey’s Pro SUP Shop will host its inaugural Marina Holiday Paddle Parade on December 11, and participants are encouraged to wear their favorite ugly sweater and holiday gear! Photo courtesy MDR Boat Parade.

‘Tis the season to be merry and bright! If you’re looking for fun, holiday experiences, there is a plethora of local events and activities happening this month that are sure to help bring the magic of the season to the community! Read below to check out our list of the area’s best and most festive holiday happenings!

Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade “On the Water” Saturday, December 11

The 59th Annual Marina del Rey Boat Parade is back this year, and the event is ready to sparkle and delight spectators! The two-hour parade kicks-off at 5:55 p.m. on Saturday, December 11 with a five-minute firework display before the boats circle the channel with their colorful arrangements of lights, decorations, music and even a choreographed performance or two! The parade is one of the Marina’s most popular events with an estimated 25,000 people gathering to view the creative displays. Popular viewing spots include Burton Chace Park (13650 Mindanao Way) and Fisherman’s Village (13755 Fiji Way). This year’s theme is “On the Water” and doctors and nurses from throughout the community will act as the 2021 grand marshals. Event parking is available in county lots

Page 12 • December 2021

The Marina del Rey Boat Parade is back this year on Saturday, December 11 with the theme “On the Water.” Cedars-Sinai Marina del Rey Hospital is the presenting sponsor.

around the Marina for $5 to $15. Visit mdrboatparade.org for more information.

Playa Venice Sunrise Rotary Club’s Santa Tour Monday, December 13

Santa Claus is coming to town on the LAPD sleigh thanks to the Playa Venice Sunrise Rotary Club! Santa and his elves, with the help of Fire Station #5, will be making stops at 5 locations in Westchester and Playa del Rey to pose for pictures, collect Christmas lists and pass out candy canes. Different locations will also

host goodies and other surprises. While the volunteers try to keep old St. Nick on a schedule, make sure to look for the Santa sighting signs and listen for the sirens to not miss the sleigh! In case of rain, Santa will be at Fire Station #5 from 5 to 7 p.m. This year’s scheduled stops include: • 5:15 p.m. 5801 W. 77th Place in East Westport Heights • 5:45 p.m. at 8327 Truxton Ave. in Westport Heights • 6:15 p.m. at 7901 Chase Ave. in Kentwood • 6:45 p.m. 7583 Shore Cliff Drive in West Bluffs

• 7:15 p.m. 7530 W. 81st Street in Playa del Rey For more information, please call (310) 963-9494.

Photos with Santa and Pet Photos with the Grinch Various Dates

Playa Vista is bringing the holiday fun with a full calendar of weekend events for the whole family. Santa will be making a special appearance in Playa Vista’s Runway Shopping Center on December 4, 11, 12, 19, 20 and 21 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. and will be posing for photos. RSVP to reserve your 5-minute slot at runwayplayavista.com/events before spaces fill up! Looking for a holiday photo for your four-legged family member? Pawestruck! and Healthy Spot are hosting pet photos with the Grinch on December 5 from 1 to 4 p.m. RSVPs are a must, so reserve your spot on runwayplayavista.com/ events. Mr. and Mrs. Claus will also be at Runway on December 8 and December 22 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. to read some of their favorite stories as part of the Runway Kids Club. Runway Playa Vista is located at 12775 Millennium Dr. in Playa Vista. For more information, visit runwayplayavista.com. (continued on page 18)

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

M E R R Y

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

December 2021 • Page 13

Paseo del Rey’s kindergarten class has fun posing for a picture with teacher, Kelly Morisaki (left) and principal Dr. Colette Boston. Paseo is inviting the community to learn more about the elementary school, which is making changes to its offerings in the 2022-2023 school year.

School Spotlight: Playa del Rey’s Paseo readies to become residential school with dual language program Exciting changes are coming to Paseo del Rey Natural Science Magnet, Playa del Rey’s only public elementary school. The school recently welcomed new principal Dr. Colette Boston, and starting in the 2022-2023 school year, Paseo will not only transition to being a residential, community school, but it will also offer a Spanish Dual Language Program! The three instructional programs the school will offer include: • Residential Spanish Dual Language Program: This Spanish language residential program will begin with transitional kindergarten and kindergarten students. Parents may complete an application at apply.lausd. net. • Residential Program: This program is designed for residents in Playa del Rey and the surrounding communities. Parents may complete an application in the main office for students who will be in grades TK, kindergarten and first grade in the 2022-2023 school year. This program does not offer transportation. • Residential Magnet Program: Paseo’s residential natural science magnet will be open to students in grades 2-5. Transportation will be offered, if needed, and parents may apply at: echoices.lausd.net. Paseo del Rey Natural Science Magnet, home of Stingrays, first opened its doors in 1962 as a small, Page 14 • December 2021

neighborhood school. During its nearly 60 years of serving the community, the school has gained a reputation for promoting a strong learning community and family atmosphere. Paseo is a campus rich with a diverse student body, highly committed and skilled teachers and a rigorous curriculum. The relationship among teachers, families, students and their community partners allows them to attend to each student’s academic and social needs, says Boston. Paseo prides itself on its deep commitment to natural science, its Writer’s Workshop, and Cognitively Guided Instruction (CGI) in mathematics. Instruction is tailored to the student’s level, and teachers regularly conference with students during reading, writing and math to determine what their next steps are and how to appropriately challenge students. Paseo teachers are highly trained and committed to cuttingedge curriculum and pedagogy. Many have earned advanced degrees and are Costen Fellows and National Board Certified. The school’s partnership with Loyola Marymount University (LMU) allows their student teachers to learn from Paseo’s highly effective teachers. Paseo del Rey also offers a variety of enrichment programs to ensure their students are prepared for the 21st century. Some of their programs include:

• Planet Bravo: Students receive weekly instruction in technology, based on the National Educational Technology Standards, which they incorporate into classroom projects. • Writers Workshop: Teachers engage in classroom lab demonstration days, debrief by looking at student work, plan and set a professional goal for the week. Students learn how to become better writers, choosing their own topics within a genre. • CGI Mathematics Instruction: Students are presented with different types of story math problems to solve and justify their reasoning. The role of the teacher is to observe students’ strategies in deriving an answer and posing questions to guide their mathematical thinking. • Dedicated Science Lab: Paseo has a dedicated science lab for all students with a lab assistant that supports the teachers’ hand-on science instruction based on the Next Generation Science Standards. • Musical Instruments and Orchestra: The school currently offers instruction on a variety of musical instruments, including the violin, flute and saxophone. • Dance: The school’s talented dance teacher provides instruction in techniques and traditional dances from the cultures of our diverse student population. • Garden: Students have access to an

Paseo principal, Dr. Colette Boston, is inviting the community to attend one of the school’s upcoming virtual tours.

extensive garden where they engage in science experiments, learn about the environment and observe nature. Interested in learning more about Paseo? Dr. Boston adds that the school community is always enthusiastic about sharing information about Paseo del Rey! To learn more and explore the school’s upcoming new offerings, the community is invited to attend any of the 2022 virtual school tours: • January 11 at 6:30 p.m. • February 11 at 6:30 p.m. • March 15 at 6:30 p.m. • April 12 at 6:30 p.m. • May 10 at 6:30 p.m. RSVP at paseomagnet-lausd-ca. schoolloop.com or contact Dr. Boston at (310) 823-2356.

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

SERVICE IS OUR PASSION The Rotary Club of Westchester makes a difference in our community! We come together to support our students, clean our streets, makeover our community, promote literacy, support communities abroad and so much more. Join us!

WHAT WE DO: Emerson Avenue Community Garden We made the garden more easily accessible, more attractive, and more functional.

Westside Pacif ic Villages Delivering meals and reaching out to our homebound seniors.

Annual Book Sale We promote literacy and raise funds for community projects through our annual Book Sale.

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

December 2021 • Page 15

NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL OF WESTCHESTER / PLAYA Working together to improve our communities!

“If you do not take an interest in the affairs of your government, then you are doomed to live under the rule of fools.” CWP~ Plato

Supporter of Initiative to Fight State Housing Regulations to Speak at NCWP Meeting At its December 7 meeting, the Neighborhood Council of Westchester/ Playa will hear from John Heath, who will speak about the Brand-Huang-Mendoza Tripartisan Land Use Initiative, an initiative that would amend the California state constitution to restore local control over community development.

2022 Greater LA Homeless Count Preparations Begin Preparations for the 2022 Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count are officially underway! Recently, there was a virtual launch with over 200 stakeholders from across the Greater Los Angeles area where the latest developments for the upcoming count were shared. You can watch the launch video at bit.ly/3xHVJ9L The 2022 Greater LA Homeless Count will be held between Tuesday, January 25 to Thursday, January 27. Register for the Count by going to www.theycountwillyou.org. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requires each Continuum of Care (CoC) to hold a biennial Point-InTime (PIT) Count during odd-number years. Beginning in 2016, the Los Angeles CoC started holding the Homeless Count annually to analyze the trends of people experiencing homelessness. The annual Homeless Count is an essential component in getting vital information that helps us provide an accurate picture of the state of homelessness in Los Angeles and deliver services where they are most needed. It also increases general homelessness awareness with the public and increases engagement with leaders,

residents, and stakeholders. This year, Homeless Count volunteers will be able to download Akido Connect “LA Homeless Count App” from their Apple or Android App Stores. Akido Connect, the App developed by Akido Labs, will replace the pen and paper tally system, and volunteers will mark their tallies directly in the mobile app. Deployment Site Coordinators will have access to a dashboard where they can view the tallies for specific Census Tracts. LAHSA will be able to securely access the data in real-time for data analysis. The results will be released to the public in Summer 2022, at which time the presentation and data summaries will be published at www.lahsa.org/homeless-count/

According to Heath, the initiative came about as a result of a series of recent state laws adopting state-level, one-sizefits-all development rules that promote density without affordability or infrastructure contributions. This initiative recently moved into the signature-gathering process. If organizers can collect 1 million valid voter signatures by the end of April, the initiative will qualify for the November 8, 2022 ballot.

community empowerment. He is also a nearby neighbor and President of United Homeowners Association, an advocate for the unincorporated communities of Windsor Hills/View Park/View Heights. According to the group’s website, ourneighborhoodvoices.com, “instead of actually working to create new housing without traffic gridlock, sprawl and environmental damage — Sacramento politicians handed a blank check to

Our Neighborhood Voices

The initiative is supported by a statewide grassroots coalition of Californians that includes Democrats, Republicans, Independents and voters from every part of the political spectrum. There are five initiative proponents: three are local elected officials, one is an affordable housing advocate, and one is a former city planning commissioner. Heath is a member of the proponent group and is a real estate professional focused on affordable housing and

developers to build what they want, where they want, without contributing to new transit, schools, or roads — and without our ability to speak out.” “After accepting tens of millions of dollars in contributions from for-profit developers, this year the Sacramento politicians passed SB 9 and SB 10 — two damaging laws that essentially tell us to ‘sit down and shut up’ about what is happening right next door to our homes while developers demolish single-family homes and build multistory, multi-unit projects.”

Next Neighborhood Council of Westchester/Playa Monthly Board Meeting:

6:30 p.m., Tuesday, December 7, 2021 via Zoom

www.ncwpdr.org • 213.473.7023 Page 16 • December 2021

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

visitation SCHOOL By the numbers

244 TOTAL STUDENTS 14:1 STUDENT/TEACHER RATIO TEST SCORES Top 30% MEDIAN MATHEMATICS & READING ACTIVITIES 28+ STUDENT (clubs, organizations, sports)

575

TOTAL YEARS OF TEACHING EXPERIENCE ON FACULTY

100%

GRADUATES ACCEPTED TO HIGH SCHOOL OF FIRST CHOICE

UPDATED WITH ADVANCED 100% CLASSROOMS PPE AND AIR FILTRATION SYSTEMS

visitation CATHOLIC SCHOOL

Join the Visitation family and give your child the gift of academic excellence in a supportive community! Schedule a tour today! JK - 8th Grade www.visitationschool.org | 8740 Emerson Avenue, Westchester | 310.645.6620

WISH continues to thrive due to the incredible support of the Westchester community, strong parent partnerships, and a commitment to high-quality meaningful and engaging public education for all students by our amazing team of educators! be valued and understood be held to high expectations experience exciting & engaging curriculum receive a chromebook have the opportunity to join a sports team participate in exceptional art, music, technology & PE instructional experiences have high quality SEL, STEM, & GATE instruction receive hands-on project based learning benefit from university & business partnerships take rigorous High School pathway courses in Engineering, BioMedical Science, Social Justice & Performing Arts Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News

December 2021 • Page 17

Holiday events and activities (continued)

Pictured: 1. Visit some of Westchester and Playa del Rey’s most beautifully decorated homes during the Holiday Light Tour & Contest. The money raised will go towards supporting mental health services at AMCS. Photo courtesy WMHG. 2. Take a stroll through Burton Chace Park to take in the sights at Marina Lights through December 31. Photo courtesy visitmarinadelrey.com.

(continued from page 12)

Holiday Movie Nights Various Dates

Catch your favorite holiday movies at Runway Wonderland’s Holiday Movie Nights. Bring your blankets, lawn chairs, friends and family to enjoy the following classics: • “The Grinch” on December 2 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. • “Elf” on Thursday, December 9 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. • “Home Alone” on Thursday, December 16 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. While supplies last, guests will also receive complimentary popcorn. Runway Playa Vista is located at 12775 Millennium Dr. in Playa Vista. For more information, visit runwayplayavista.com.

Marina Lights Various Dates

Make sure to take a stroll through Marina del Rey’s Burton Chace Park this month for a variety of festive displays and entertainment. Starting December 11, the park will be transformed with thousands of light strands glowing for the holidays from 4 to 10 p.m. Marina Lights will conclude on Friday, December 31 with a New Year’s Eve Celebration with two firework displays. Enjoy the tenminute shows at 9 p.m. and midnight. Burton Chace Park is located at 13650 Mindanao Way in Marina del Rey. For more information, please visit visitmarinadelrey.com

Page 18 • December 2021

Holiday Light Tour & Contest December 12 through Dec. 26

Looking for the best lights in Westchester and Playa del Rey? The Westchester Mental Health Guild has you covered! This nonprofit group, which raises money to support mental health services at AMCS, is hosting their 2nd Annual Holiday Light Tour & Contest and is looking for the community’s support! For a donation of $10, guests will receive a map of some of the neighborhood’s best decorated homes. Pack up the family in the car, crank holiday tunes and cruise through the neighborhood enjoying the dazzling lights, inflatables and more. And don’t forget to vote for your favorite location for the Fan Favorite Award! The event runs December 12 through December 26 from 5 to 9 p.m. RSVP and buy your ticket at 2021guildholidaylights.eventbrite.com.

18th Annual Toy & Animal Shelter Drive December 4

Join Jane St. John, RE/MAX and Felicia St. Denis, Flowers by Felicia, for their annual toy drive benefiting Children’s Hospital L.A. Items to donate to the animal shelter are also being collected. Load your car with new toys and pet supplies and volunteers will be stationed at Triangle Park (Waterview and Trask Ave. in Playa del Rey) and the Flowers by Felicia parking lot (200 Culver Blvd.) on Saturday, December 4 from 9 a.m. to noon. Grocery gift cards or checks to Children’s Hospital L.A. are appreciated as well. Volunteers are also

available to pick up donations. For more info, please call Jane St. John at (310) 567-5971.

COVID safety policy and visitor requirements, please visit annenbergpetspace.com.

Holiday Paddle Parade with Pro SUP Shop December 11

Home for the Holidays Photo Contest with HomeTown News and Zacha Homes Through December 30

Participate in the fun at Pro SUP Shop’s inaugural Holiday Paddle Parade and Toy Drive! Dress in your best holiday gear and your ugly holiday sweaters to paddle around the Marina in style and for a chance to win prizes. During the event, paddle board instructors will give lessons and then take attendees on a guided tour of the beautiful Marina. Attendees who bring a new, unwrapped toy will receive a free Pro SUP Shop hat. Some experience is required and the parade will start at 10 a.m. Paddle board rentals start at $30. To RSVP for a spot in the parade and for more info, visit prosupshop.com.

Pawliday Market at Annenberg PetSpace December 11

If you’re looking for the purr-fect gift for your family and friends this month, Annenberg PetSpace is holding a Pawliday Market on Saturday, December 11 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. In addition to finding great items for your pets, there will also be plenty of gifts for sale for everyone on your list. Besides shopping, guests can enjoy crafts, kid-friendly activities and photo ops! PetSpace is located at 12005 Bluff Creek Dr. in Playa Vista. To RSVP and to read PetSpace’s

The HTN and Zacha Homes have teamed up again this year to help make spirits bright with a Home for the Holidays Photo Contest! By participating in the fun, not only will you have the chance to win a prize, you’ll also have the chance to support your favorite local nonprofit! What do you love the most about the holidays? Baking cookies? Putting decorations on your Christmas tree? Spending time with your family? Take a photo of whatever your favorite holiday pastime is and upload it to Instagram. Follow and tag @thehometownnews and @zachahomes by December 30 to share your photos with us and be automatically entered for a chance to win a $100 gift card to your favorite local business! You can also email your photos to westchesterhometown@ yahoo.com. A lucky winner will be announced on December 31, and in the spirit of giving, we’ll also make a $100 donation to the winners’ local charity of choice (must be located in Westchester, Playa del Rey, Playa Vista or Marina del Rey). For more details, please visit thehtn.com and zachahomes.com. Hosting a holiday event or donation drive this month? Let us know by emailing us at westchesterhometown@yahoo.com.

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

December 2021 • Page 19

Random Notes/Opinion

TheHTN.com

Embrace a “new way” of thinking about exercise in 2022 By Jeff Blair

news. Primarily due to its proven health benefits, exercise has become completely mainstream. Where Opinion: When I was a kid, gyms bodybuilder Arnold was once the most and other physical fitness facilities prominent voice encouraging fitness, existed for adults. The jogging craze also started during my lifetime. In spite now it is probably the president of the American Medical Association. of these opportunities, fitness was in The best thing about being in the its infancy and was seen differently. fitness industry now is everyone In some ways, gym-goers and knows they should exercise. We runners were out of the mainstream. no longer need to convince people; I remember Jack LaLanne, but it doctors do it for us every day. seemed many people viewed him comically. The internet was not around Making exercise fit in a busy lifestyle poses challenges, but everyone now so information was often delivered understands exercise is a necessity if through bodybuilding magazines and other niche media that was not in you want to maximize your chances of every American household. I consider staying healthy and avoiding disease. Although the public has been this the “old era.” widely educated about the benefits Then things started to change. of exercise, I feel the “old way” of Over my lifetime, an incredible thinking about exercise lingers and amount of research has proven holds many people back. Some still exercise is maybe the single best think of fitness as something mostly thing you can do for your health and for bodybuilders or professional wellbeing. Consistent exercise can athletes. Some still think you need improve heart health, strengthen to work out two hours per day, six bones and muscles and even enhance days per week to see progress. Some brain function. It can help weight think only those with perfect bodies management and improve mood. go to gyms. Some think of exercise as An “exercise is good for you” story seems to run each time I turn on the primarily an experience in vanity. I see

each of these beliefs as the old way of thinking. For the New Year, I am encouraging you to move past that old way of thinking about exercise and embrace the new way of thinking. Exercise was dominated by extremes in the old way. The new way encourages everyone to exercise rather than just the physically elite few. Walkers are just as welcome as bodybuilders. The old way meant working yourself into a diseased state in middle age. That’s just the way it was. In the new way, regular exercise is just as important to health as regular medical checkups. Ask your doctor, and I am sure they will agree. In the past, being too busy was an acceptable reason not to exercise. Today, research shows just a few hours of exercise per week can put more years in your life and more life in your years. Time management should be considered a challenge to be overcome rather than a justification to not exercise. Maintaining a flexible approach is key. The new way focuses on making consistent exercise fit into your

lifestyle rather than having it dominate it. The new way allows people to onboard in a way that fits their preferences and their personal schedule. The new way gives exercise the attention it deserves, given its undeniable health benefits. The new way recognizes exercise becomes more important as we age, not less important. In 2022, let’s leave the old “fat shaker belt” way of thinking about fitness in the past. Embrace starting where you are and finding an approach that works for you. Commit to a consistent and sustainable workout schedule. Recognizing exercise’s ability to enhance quality of life is the new way. The new way is the better way. Have a joyous holiday season and a Happy New Year! Jeff Blair (M.S.) founded the SoCalSport & Fitness Personal Training Studio in 2011. He is a certified personal trainer, author and fitness expert. He is in the process of publishing his second fitness book. Reach out for story comments or suggestions at jeff@socalsport.com.

AIRPORT MARINA COUNSELING SERVICE MEN’S SUPPORT GROUP

Wednesdays | 6:30 - 8pm | Mark at 246 ext. 246 Wednesdays | 6:30 - 8pm | Mark at ext. via Zoom •• $15/session $15/session via Zoom

WOMEN’S PROCESS GROUP

To join us for one of these educational therapy groups please call 310.670.1410

Wednesdays | |5:30 atat ext. 216 Wednesdays 5:30--7pm 7pm| |Morgan Morganatatext. ext.179 179&&Stephanie Stephanie ext. 216 via Zoom via Zoom •• $15/session $15/session

PARENTING CLASS (COURT-APPROVED)

Tuesdays | 7:00 8:30pm | Maya at ext. Tuesdays | 7:00- 8:30 pm | Maya at 150 ext. 150 via Zoom $95 for via Zoom •• $95 for 10 10 sessions sessions

EMERGING ADULTS: NAVIGATING YOUR 20s

Thursdays | |5:00 atat ext. 246 & Stephanie at ext. 216 216 Thursdays 5:00--6:30pm 6:30pm| Mark | Mark ext. 246 & Stephanie at ext. via Zoom via Zoom •• $15/session $15/session

This Holiday Season

COED PROCESS GROUP Mondays | 2:00 3:30pm | Mark at ext. 246246 & Morgan at ext.at 179 Mondays | 2:00- 3:30pm | Mark at ext. & Morgan ext. 179 via Zoom Via Zoom • • $15/session $15/session

Shop Local

LGBTQIA PROCESS GROUP

Thursdays || 55 -- 6:30p m || Morgan Lexi atat ext. 237 Thursday 6:30pm Morganatatext. ext.179 179& & LexiBerard Berard ext. 237 via Zoom via Zoom •• $15/session $15/session

Westchester Triangle GROUP FACILITATORS SUPERVISED BY

Robert Nortthcutt, Robert Nortthcutt,LMFT LMFT Lic.#51430 Lic.#51430 Stefani Roscoe, CGP #60100 Stefani Roscoe,LCSW, LCSW, CGP #60100

310.417.8048 www.drollingerproperties.com

Page 20 • December 2021

7891 La Tijera Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90045 310.670.1410 www.AMCShelps.com

8929 S. Sepulveda Boulevard, #130 Westchester, CA 90045

WWW.AMCSHELPS.COM

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

The gift you can uniquely give By Fay Craton Opinion: Festivities for Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, New Year’s and more are underway. Gift exchanges are in full bloom. Children are writing their letters to Santa Claus. Hints are being dropped to significant others about what you want to find under the Christmas tree this year. The glitter of the holiday season is now here. What do you want for Christmas this year? Will it bring you happiness? Contentment? A sense of being of worth? Some people think value is bestowed upon them upon receipt of gifts of high monetary value. Do you determine your value by a dollar figure? If so, do you find the shine of a costly gift is lost as soon as you see someone else with something you perceive as valuable, that you want? While short term satisfaction might be gained, there are many studies indicating that lots of money and expensive gifts do not translate into feelings of being valued, respected or appreciated. When your sense of worth is externally tied to someone or something, you are missing the most valuable gift of all: the gift of valuing yourself. You have strengths and skills to use to create a meaningful and contented life. What is a strength? It is something uniquely yours. It does not take energy because you just do it naturally. When you use your strength, it is life-enhancing. Let’s have fun imagining a strength… Can you imagine Santa Claus without Rudolf? Rudolf has a natural red nose which is so bright it can guide Santa’s sleigh. His bright nose is a strength. He might learn other knowledge–such as how to read a map, but that would be through education–not because it inherently belonged to Rudolf. When Rudolf understood and accepted his strength, it brought him and others joy. Rudolf uses his nose to contribute to the world around him. Rudolf has a gift he shares with himself and with others. It translates into respect and appreciation. The best gifts are discovering, using and sharing our own strengths. When using our strengths, our value and meaning become apparent. Life becomes better for you and for others and at the same time, the strength does not take away from the strength of someone else. When you value yourself, it becomes easier to understand what is appropriate. A client of mine, with a strength of caring about how

other people feel, recently gained an understanding of the value of saying, “Stop!” In this case it took accepting their own strength of caring and combining it with learning how to use this strength. At a family gathering, one family member was browbeating different people around the dinner table. Instead of sitting at the table cringing about what was happening, he made a clear demand that the tormentor stop. From his natural resource of caring, my client was able to restore congeniality during the meal. Different strengths will manifest in different ways. When you pay attention to what is uniquely yours, you can be ready to share it when appropriate. Rudolf was initially rejected by the other reindeer because of his shiny nose. When there was acceptance, he was able to laugh and play games with the other reindeer. Valuing yourself in a way that is life-enhancing is not about making yourself the most important person. Your strengths are naturally present, just as everyone’s strength are naturally present. It is not about needing to create added value to your standing. There is no need to intimidate someone else to gain their strength. Each person has their own value and worth. How do you figure out your strengths? Think about your natural talents or traits which have existed throughout your lifetime. Some people use their strengths during times of stress, such as organizing cupboards to settle their minds. Since childhood, have you always enjoyed music by dancing or clapping your hands? Do you speak to plants and enjoy working with them in your garden? You are not looking for aspects of your personality or what you have learned and are good at. Instead, you are seeking the natural patterns you instinctively do. My wish is for you to understand the strengths which are naturally yours. You have unique gifts to share. My wish is for the glitter of the holidays to become a fun addition, but not take away from the true glow of who you are. I hope your holidays are merry and bright! 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 provides video-based counseling and is located in Westchester. If you have any questions, please contact Fay at (310) 645-6762.

Thank you to the community, all of our sponsors and, of course, the amazing voices of the Angel City Chorale for making our 17th Annual Holiday Luncheon a great success. Because of your generosity, we were able to provide meaningful donations to benefit Airport Marina Counseling Service, EmpowerTech, and Westchester Family YMCA. We also received hundreds of toys for the LAPD Toy Giveaway.

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

December 2021 • Page 21

LAUSD update: With improved health conditions, district readies for modified protocols in new year By Nick Melvoin, LAUSD Board Member As this unprecedented semester draws to a close in our Los Angeles Unified schools, I want to wish all of the families and school communities a joyful holiday season and happy, healthy new year from your LAUSD board member. Thank you for your continued partnership and support of your local public schools. This year’s return to school would not have been possible without the communitywide efforts we’ve seen. This semester, and the year that preceded it, demonstrated firsthand how valuable in-person learning truly is for our families. As I spent time visiting classrooms over the past few months, I’ve been reminded of the innovative lessons, engaging activities, and individual connections that help our kids learn and grow. While the end of this awful pandemic seems closer everyday, our work continues to navigate the path to recovery in our school communities. We are working to hire more teachers, support staff, nurses and counselors to help our kids heal and learn after the

Pictured from left to right: Allison Holdorff Polhill, Jennifer Sullivan, Nick Melvoin and Wright STEAM Magnet Principal Lakisha Clark pose in front of the middle school’s mural.

crisis they’ve endured. And after a districtwide engagement process to hear from students, parents, staff and community members, we have begun the interview process for our most important hiring position: LAUSD Superintendent. I will continue to advocate for an innovative leader who will make student-centered decisions to help our families and school communities emerge from this crisis better than the pre-

pandemic status quo. I have seen the great things this district is capable of, and look forward to building a future where those opportunities are afforded to every child. Our efforts also include safety measures to make sure that schools remain open for in-person learning, including continued testing and vaccine access. With 80 percent of our eligible students aged 12 and up receiving their shot, we have made

great strides toward the upcoming vaccine requirement, and expect that number to continue growing as the January deadline gets closer. We hope this helps prevent a renewed winter surge in L.A. County and keeps case rates under control over the holidays. Increasing vaccinations and improving health conditions will also allow us to implement modified safety protocols in the new semester. Vaccinated students and employees will no longer have to be tested weekly, asymptomatic cases will be able to stay on campus for an “in-school quarantine,” and outdoor masking requirements will be relaxed. I will continue to push for LAUSD to follow public health guidance as conditions evolve and we get closer to a sense of normalcy for our students. And, as always, I will continue pushing for students and families to be at the center of our decisions to meet their needs and get through the pandemic, together. Nick Melvoin is a former LAUSD teacher who has served on the Board of Education since July 2017. Follow him on social media at @nickmelvoin.

Santa and all the elves will be making a special visit to Westchester and Playa del Rey with the help of the Los Angeles Fire Department and the LAPD Sleigh. Santa will make his way through the streets of residential Westchester and Playa del Rey waving to children, handing out candy canes and posing for photographs. Listen for the music and look for the Santa stop signs!

Keep looking out the window ‘cause Santa Claus is comin’ to town!

Santa’s Route: (approximate times)

EAST WESTPORT HTS. 5:15 p.m. 5801 W. 77th Place

In case of rain, Santa will be at Fire Station No. 5, 8900 Emerson Avenue, Westchester between 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. to share some holiday cheer. Sponsored by:

WESTPORT HTS. 5:45 p.m. 8327 Truxton Avenue KENTWOOD 6:15 p.m. 7901 Chase Avenue

WEST BLUFFS 6:45 p.m. 7583 Shore Cliff Drive

PLAYA DEL REY 7:15 p.m. 7530 W. 81st Street

Page 22 • December 2021

For more information, please call 310.963.9494

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

VISITATION school

On November 20, Visitation School hosted their annual Turkey Trot. Teachers, students, parents, parishioners, and several of their furry friends all joined together for some exercise and fresh air before the big Thanksgiving feast. Two routes were marked around Westchester, a 1 mile route and a 3 mile route, for biking, walking, jogging, and scootering. This was a free event celebrating community and Visitation spirit. Anyone in the community is invited to join annually on the Saturday before Thanksgiving. Learn more at visitationschool.org

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

December 2021 • Page 23

Westchester Mental Health Guild FUNdraiser Second Annual Holiday Lights Tour & Contest December 12-26 5-9 p.m. Experience the joy of the Holidays with a self-driving tour of more than 20 decorated holiday homes in the Westchester and Playa del Rey community. Get your loved ones in the car, put on your holiday music, buckle up & enjoy the dazzling lights from the safety of your own vehicle. For a minimum donation of $10 per car, receive one voting ballot, a map of the homes on the tour, and a chance to win a New Year’s Celebration gift basket. Vote for your favorite by December 19, when a prize will be awarded to the Fan Favorite. Judges will also select the Best Theme, Best Lights, and Most Whimsical, which will receive prizes, too.

https://2021guildholidaylights.eventbrite.com For more information, contact info@westchestermhg.org All proceeds benefit: