February edition Westchester/Playa HomeTown News

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Otis report outlines importance of creative industry to economy By Meg Linton Otis College of Art and Design is releasing the 2013 Creative Economy Report on Thursday, February 6 at the Broad Stage Theater in Santa Monica and is making it available online for free at www.otis.edu/econreport. Otis’ President Samuel Hoi launched this annual report in 2007 when he realized there was a narrow understanding of this segment of the economy given its tremendous impact in the Southern California region. From the first report, Hoi explains, “[It] offers a new, more accurate, and useful economic analysis of creative industries to help policymakers and business

leaders understand the significance of this segment of our economy. The data herein prove once and for all that creativity is the number one industry in Los Angeles and Orange Counties, which combine to comprise the 17th largest economy in the world. The Los Angeles region has more creative establishments and workers than the New York Primary Metropolitan area. It is time to herald the fact that artists and designers and other creative minds drive the largest segment of jobs and sales revenues in our region.” (continued on page 6) At right: Otis is launching its Creative Economy Report to include all of California this year for the first time.

Pilot yoga program launches at Kentwood On a recent Tuesday morning second and third grade students at Kentwood Elementary School used their imaginations to be transported to Hawaii to swim, surf and look for sea creatures in the school’s auditorium thanks to a pilot yoga program that began in late January. The pilot yoga program is run through a partnership with the Westchester Family YMCA, Kentwood Elementary School and the Drollinger Family Charitable Foundation (DFCF), which is providing the funding. Karen Dial, the chair of the DFCF, and an active yogi, approached the YMCA about bringing yoga to local schools after reading research suggesting the benefits of yoga for children. The research suggests that yoga can be beneficial to enhance physical flexibility; refining balance and coordination; boosting self-esteem and strengthening the mind-body connection. The YMCA, which already provides supplement physical education classes

at Kentwood and other elementary schools, jumped on the chance to partner with the school and the nonprofit to bring a non-traditional, but increasingly popular physical education class to the campus. After a grant proposal submitted to the DFCF was approved, the YMCA agreed to structure the classes and have their instructors teach the 30-minute yoga classes once a week in the auditorium. Instructors Marvin Boyce and Sharon Holly lead the classes. They each have more than five years of experience and have special training teaching yoga to children. “It has been my goal for a couple of years to start a pilot yoga program in a local elementary school. I am grateful to the YMCA and Kentwood Elementary for using funds provided by DFCF and implementing the first DFCF Yoga classes at Kentwood Elementary,” said Dial. “I also appreciate the partnership (continued on page 4)

At left: Instructors Melvin Boyce and Sharon Holly demonstrate a yoga pose with second grade students.

A look inside your

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07 New Yogurtland hopes to make Westchester sweeter 11 Harvest Westchester looks for fruit donations

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T h i s M o n t h B r i n g s Yo u February Features New frozen yogurt shop hopes to make Westchester sweeter 07 Community Profile: Meet Grace Yao 08 Harvest Westchester looks for fruit donations 11 WSIA partners with Eagle Scout for project 12 Your attitude makes a difference 15 To Do/Calendar 16-17 In Pictures

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Yoga at Kentwood(continued) (continued from page 1) with Manduka Yoga Products that donated the 30 mats. Yoga will bring physical and behavioral benefits to these young people as well as a physical practice they can use for a lifetime.” YMCA Healthy Lifestyles Director Dawn Everard stressed that there is no type of religious symbology used in the classes and generic names are used for each pose like “cat,” “bridge,” “table” or ”tree.” The classes are also specifically tailored towards children with the instructors giving each lesson a theme like going on a safari or a trip to Hawaii. The exercise poses then reflect the theme for the day and children get to use their imagination. For the trip to Hawaii-themed class, students were taught the “surfer pose” and the “starfish pose.” Students are taught proper breathing techniques to help relax and to help concentrate. Teachers are also taking advantage of the classes and are often seen sideby-side with their students working on their flexibility and balance. Said Everard, “This is a great opportunity to introduce youth to yoga and help them understand how their bodies move and to use their breathing. It helps them settle down and focus

February 2014

and learn it is okay to be quiet and introspective.” The classes will run through the end of May and both the YMCA and the DFCF are hoping the program will continue and potentially expand to other local schools. To see if there is a correlation between the yoga classes and improved student achievement in either academics or behavior, the school will be looking at data at the end of the year to see if any improvements have been made. According to Kentwood Principal Jean Pennicooke, although the classes just recently started, teachers are already seeing improvements in classroom behaviors and attitudes. Said Pennicooke, “We are grateful for the generous offer from Karen Dial and the Drollinger Charitable Foundation and partnering with the YMCA to offer yoga to second and third graders. The students are loving it and getting to know all the poses. They are looking forward to the class and practicing their breathing. The instructors are very good and relate to the children and keep their focus.” Students work on their poses at the Tuesday morning yoga class.

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Otis’ Creative Economy Report (continued) (continued from page 1) With lead support from the California Arts Council, the 2013 edition of the Otis Report has expanded to include research on the entire state of California and shares the economic impact of jobs in the areas of art and design as well as education, entertainment, nonprofit and independent creative professions. It also includes a five-year forecast. California State Senator Ted Lieu, who serves as the Chair of the Joint Committee on the Arts and Chair of the Business, Professions and Economic Development Committee, will speak at the Otis event and is also hosting a hearing on the creative economy on February 12 in Sacramento. “This inaugural statewide Otis Report conclusively establishes the critical role that creative industries have in sustaining and growing California’s economy,” says Senator Lieu. “The jobs are here, they attract dynamic and creative personalities, and they pay well. The creative economy is vital to California’s future.” Chief Economist at the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation Robert Kleinhenz, Director of the Actors Funds Western Region Keith McNutt, Arts for LA Executive Director Danielle Brazell, and California Arts Council Director Craig Watson were also speakers at the event. “Creativity is one of California’s greatest economic assets,” says Kleinhenz. “Knowing the composition of the creative economy in California

as well as its contribution to the overall economy enables stakeholders to make more informed decisions about supporting the arts and other creative industries.” Artists and designers create the world we live in from the eyeglasses we wear on our heads, to the clothes on our back, to the treads on our shoes, to the cars we drive, and the houses we live in, and the list goes on. It requires people with a wide range of skill sets and the process usually involves a combination of curiosity, imagination, design, engineering and communication. In last year’s Otis Report, approximately “664,000 employees work directly or indirectly in the creative economy of Los Angeles and Orange counties. Los Angeles County based firms in the creative economy earned an estimated $120.9 billion in direct revenues during 2011, while Orange County accounted for an estimated $14.5 billion. California and local governments received an estimated $3.3 billion in taxes tied to these activities.” It goes on to say, “When indirect revenues were added, the total economic output of the regional creative economy reached an estimate of $230.7 billion.” More than ever before, the market value of products and services derives from their uniqueness and aesthetic appeal, as well as their functionality and performance. More Otis alumn Jewon Lee is Global Senior Designer for Mens, Style and Capsules for the Levi Strauss Company in San Francisco, just one of the many companies adding to the creative economy of California. PHOTO BY SKYE MOOREHEAD.

companies are seeking employees with creativity, as well as problem solving and communications skills. Business location decisions are increasingly influenced by factors such as the availability of a creative workforce and the quality of life available to employees. The talent that drives the creative economy provides a competitive advantage that reaches across almost every industry in the state. Supporting education, in particular the STEAM framework, which is defined as science and

technology, interpreted through engineering and the arts, all based in mathematical elements, will create curious, innovative, creative thinkers and citizens who can design and build new and sustainable industries we can’t even image yet and could significantly contribute to what Governor Jerry Brown terms the “California Comeback.” Meg Linton is the Director of Galleries and Exhibitions at Otis College of Art and Design and is a contributing columnist on the arts in the community.

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Sharon and Ann Lee get ready to treat themselves to some self-serve frozen yogurt at Westchester’s new Yogurtland location.

Mother and daughter team hope to make Westchester sweeter with frozen yogurt shop opening Whether you’re a red velvet cupcake batter with chocolate sprinkles kind of guy or an apricot tart with fresh strawberries kind of woman, Westchester’s Yogurtland has enough flavors and toppings to satisfy the most discriminating of palettes. Since opening on January 22, Yogurtland has been popular with community members, students and people on their way to and from LAX, surpassing expectations for Sharon Lee who owns the Westchester Yogurtland location with her mother, Ann Lee. “It’s been amazing so far,� said Sharon.“It’s busier than we both expected. One of the best things about owning a business like this is that no one is in a bad mood here. People usually aren’t in a rush and they’re excited to be here.� The two women, who also own a Yogurtland in Artesia, “fell in love with the space� on the corner of Sepulveda and La Tijera, which had previously been part of One West Bank and signed a lease last August. The location’s large windows that make the shop visible from the street and the fact that there are no other frozen yogurt stores in the downtown Westchester shopping district made the corner location extremely desirable according to Sharon. “We’re thrilled to introduce Yogurtland to the wonderful community of Westchester,� said Lee, 30, who will handle the location’s day-to-day operations. “Yogurtland has built a loyal following throughout the greater L.A. area and we know the people of Westchester will fall in love with the variety of flavors and fun, colorful concept.� Sharon, who is currently pursuing an MBA from UCLA, has always

February 2014

had an entrepreneurial spirit, a trait passed down from her parents who have owned several businesses over the years after emigrating from South Korea in 1979. “As I was growing up, I watched my parents run many businesses and I’ve always been interested in one day owning my own,� said Sharon. I now have the chance to really take the reins on this new store in Westchester.� Frozen yogurt is serious business for the women who make sure the 16 self-serve frozen yogurt flavors and more than 40 topping choices cover a wide range of tastes and combinations from traditional to exotic. They use tracking sheets to find out what their most popular flavors are and make sure to add in new flavors a few times a month based on what they think their customers will like. While there will always be a chocolate, vanilla and a sorbet option, some of the more adventurous flavors can include Cactus Berry Tart, Taro and Decadent Dark Chocolate Orange. According to Ann, the most popular combination so far at the Westchester location has been Chocolate Milkshake with chocolate sauce and Plain Tart. As far as toppings, the location offers choices ranging from fresh fruit and berries, tapioca pearls, chocolate candy, nuts, gummy bears, cookies and granola. Sharon also makes fresh whipped cream twice a day. While in recent years frozen yogurt locations have been popping up everywhere, Sharon is quick to point out that what sets Yogurtland apart from other shops is that all of their yogurt flavors are proprietary and only found in Yogurtland locations. (continued on page 11)

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Community Profile: Meet LMU’s Grace Yao Loyola Marymount has a new community liaison with the recent hiring of Grace Yao who will serve as the university’s Director of Community Relations. Yao is no stranger to the Westchester/Playa community as she grew up in Westchester and attended Loyola Village Elementary, Orville Wright and Westchester High. Yao’s background is in community relations and communications and she previously worked on political campaigns and for Southern California Edison in its public affairs department. When the opportunity presented itself to take a job back in her childhood community, however, Yao was ready for the move. “I grew up here, so a huge draw for me was the opportunity to come back home so to speak…and work for a community that I’m familiar with in a position that I have a lot of experience in. It was a perfect nexus and I saw it as a chance for me to give back to Westchester,” said Yao. According to Yao, she’s always been interested in public service and has found her niche in community relations. “What I found is that throughout my career what I always come back to and what I enjoy the most is working in communities. Whether it’s outreach, education or collaboration, I enjoy the dynamic of working with a variety of different stakeholders to either reach

Grace Yao is LMU’s new Director of Community Relations.

consensus on an issue or to resolve an issue. Your end goal when you’re working with a variety of stakeholders, whether it’s a major developer, homeowners association, city council office [or] business organizations is to improve the overall vibrancy of the community,” said Yao. “No one ever comes into the community wanting to bring it down or to do anything negative to it. At the end of the day, everybody at the table wants to see something that will benefit the community. There might be differences of opinion in terms of what path to

take, but you share that common goal. I enjoy working with people to help realize whatever that vision is for a community. “ Yao describes her position as serving as the university’s ambassador to the neighborhood, the public and local organizations. As the university’s liaison, she was recently appointed to the boards of the Neighborhood Council of Westchester/Playa, the LAX Coastal Area Chamber and the Westchester Vitalization Corporation. She will also serve as the chair of the quarterly LMU Neighborhood Advisory

Committee (NAC) meetings. She admits that there will be challenges to her new position, specifically working with neighbors’ concerns with parking, party houses and off-campus student behavior, but she sees her recent hiring as a kind of reset button for the university’s relationship with the community. “When they brought me on, one of the big changes they made was moving this position out of university relations and putting it in administration. This move demonstrates that President Burcham does take seriously the concerns and issues of our neighbors. Being housed in administration, I have direct access to a lot of departments, like facilities and parking, whose operations have direct impacts on local residents,” said Yao. “Though it seems minor, this reorganization empowers me to implement changes and address issues more quickly.” Yao points to the university adding parking to its tuition bill where students have to actively opt-out to not pay the fee, its exploration into the feasibility of closing the school’s gate at Loyola Blvd. and its work to encourage faculty and staff to use alternative modes of transportation to get to campus as ways LMU is listening to its neighbors and working towards solutions. (continued on page 21)

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Looking Back...

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By David J. “Duke” Dukesherer, Sr.

C.M. Pierce and Playa del Rey After the plans to develop a deepwater seaport at Port Ballona were abandoned, the Santa Fe Railroad pulled up the tracks that were to service the anticipated commerce. By the late 1800’s, Port Ballona was not much more than a refuge for duck hunters and land squatters and a dot on the map located near the prosperous town of Inglewood. The brains behind the development of the harbor, the Father of Port Ballona, and a new town that would be built surrounding it was a man named Moses Langley “M.L.” Wicks. Listed among Wick’s many real estate achievements were the development or co-development of places such as Glendale, San Dimas and Temecula, as well as the land where the City Hall of Los Angeles is located. His mansion at 1101 Douglas Street in Angelino Heights is still standing today. Unfortunately, his bad luck at Port Ballona didn’t end there and in 1919 he conked his head on a street car rail after being hit by a car at Hollywood and Vine, and he soon expired. Meanwhile, back at Port Ballona, at one time the jewel in the Rancho La Ballona crown, a group of wellheeled developers saw an opportunity in investing in the area and in 1902 renamed it Playa del Rey, California.

CHARLES MERRITT “C.M.” PIERCE. Pierce was the operator of the Los Angeles Pacific Ballona Route Excursion trolley cars and the Amusements at Playa Del Rey. From a 1955 interview of Pierce:“I leased this pavilion from LAP and paid the company 10% of what I took in. I put in a good cook and fixed up the dining room and did a good business. We also gave them boat rides in the lagoon and made our larger skating rink available at a small fee.” PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY THE UPCOMING “THE DAY THE CIRCUS CAME TO TOWN: PLAYA DEL REY-1925.” COURTESY THE AUTHOR.

Streetcar tracks were laid to the new town, and the defunct harbor was transformed into a tourist lagoon, complete with boat races and a huge pavilion, which hosted everything from silent films to bowling and roller-skating. Eager Angelinos who were looking to build vacation homes at the seashore purchased almost 100 residential lots. Along with the other new development at nearby Venice, the area became known as a world famous vacation spot

and was visited by thousands of people a week. It was said that an almost circus atmosphere existed in the region. Camel and elephant rides were a feature on the sands. Managing the streetcar loads of tourists, as well as the Amusements at Playa del Rey, a great promoter by the name of C.M. Pierce kept the folks coming in droves. Two hotels were erected and with the advent of the new modern invention, the automobile,

and a new road, Speedway Boulevard (Culver Blvd.) erected by the Automobile Club and traversing the distance from Downtown Los Angeles to the sea, the new town of Playa del Rey appeared to be well established. Pierce served the hungry crowds fried chicken or fish dinners and steak barbecues. Fishing tournaments were held on the new Playa del Rey fishing pier, which also served as the streetcar gateway for trains heading south to Redondo Beach and north to Santa Monica. In 1906, the pavilion held a classroom for the first school in the area. The Playa del Rey School boasted 26 students and a library, with Mr. H. S. Davis as custodian. In 1905, Pierce invited over 300 orphan children, residents at the Guardian Angel and Boyle Heights orphanages, both Catholic organizations, for trolley rides to the beach. He also operated a steamer trip to San Diego, charging five dollars round trip including berth and meals, and ran many other similar operations all over California and even into Mexico. Unfortunately, the tourist developments were not to last long. By 1916, most of the buildings, hotels and pier, burned down and were washed into the sea, although “the residents of Santa Monica were grateful for the firewood.”

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February 2014

Representatives from Chick-fil-A were back at the Neighborhood Council of Westchester/Playa’s Tuesday, January 21 Planning and Land Use meeting to discuss updates to the project that is proposed for the site of the old Grinder’s Restaurant location at Sepulveda Boulevard and Manchester Avenue. “We have been working for the last few months diligently on a variety of studies, analysis, redesigns and reconfigurations really ultimately to address some of the concerns that were voiced,” said Chickfil-A representative Tina Choi at the meeting. “One of the things that I heard and the team heard loud and clear were concerns about actual analysis and study of the traffic flow and the parking.” Taking recommendations from the PLUC committee and neighbors, Choi updated attendees on changes that had been made to the project’s plans. Choi explained that the company had studied peak times and drive-through numbers at three “similar locations” that were close to secondary highways like the proposed Westchester Chick-fil-A and found that drive-through traffic peaked from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. The study also found that the most vehicles in the drive-through at any one time were 15. With the study completed, Choi announced the fast food restaurant had been redesigned from 3,857 square feet, which would have accommodated 12 cars in the drivethrough to 2,876 square feet, which could allow for 15 cars. The redesign would also decrease the seating in the fast-food restaurant from 122 seats to 82. In response to issues about noise from the speaker box affecting neighbors who live in apartments and condos adjacent to the project, Choi stated that they had shifted the speaker box towards Sepulveda and would be employing the latest speaker technology, which automatically adjusts volume to account for ambient noise. Choi also told the committee that at high volume times, staff would be available in the parking lot to take orders via iPad. Employees would be trained to help mitigate traffic issues in the lot and would assist patrons with getting in and out of parking spots. She stressed that while the proposed Chick-fil-A has a drive-through, the concept is to create a restaurant that has a strong dine-in component. Said Choi, “I know when people think of drive-through people imagine the speed through drive-through where nobody

wants to stay there, nobody wants to eat there. They just want to get their stuff and get out. That is really not this concept. Does it have a drive-through? Yes, but that is only a part of the business concept and the experience that they are looking to provide.” In the end, however, the committee voted to table the vote on the project due to concerns about parking and traffic. With only one way in and out of the “L” shaped parcel that hugs the Jiffy Lube, the committee expressed concerns about patrons trying to turn left (heading eastbound) down Manchester when exiting the parking lot or trying to turn left into the drive-through from Manchester (when heading eastbound) potentially causing back-ups along the street and traffic hazards. “There is a fundamental problem with this parcel that is basically almost insurmountable,” said committee member David Voss. “I have tremendous concern about having a 25-foot wide space for cars to go both in and out and that there is no consideration for how to deal with eastbound Manchester ingress and egress to the parcel, which has been voiced continuously by the community.” Before coming back to present their project again to the PLUC committee, chair Pat Lyon asked Chick-fil-A representatives to research how to deal with the traffic issue to ensure that traffic is only entering by turning right from Manchester into the lot and exiting the property by turning right onto Manchester (heading west); to provide a letter of agreement from a parking garage to ensure employees have a place to park at off-site; and a guarantee that an enforceable document will be signed by the franchise owner to ensure the maintenance of landscaping around the property. Although Choi felt that the presentation did address traffic concerns, she shared the company’s willingness to look into additional measures, including signs and median barricades to prohibit cars from holding up traffic trying to get in or out of the parking lot. “I think what I said is that we are happy to look at the no left turn restriction additives where it may be an orange baller, plastic baller or some kind of raised bump that prohibit cars,” said Choi. “We are indeed very open to look at that.” The PLUC committee meets the third Tuesday of every month at 6:30 p.m. in the Westchester Community Room.

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

Page 11

The self-serve shop features 16 rotating flavors, which can showcase flavors from French Vanilla to Blue Lychee Bliss Tart.

Frozen yogurt (continued) (continued from page 7) She also explained that the company has an in-house “flavorologist” that is responsible for finding the best ingredients and flavor combinations to ensure that what customers are eating at Yogurtland is unique to the brand and can’t be found anywhere else. While frozen yogurt can’t be called a health food, Sharon says it’s a better alternative to ice cream because a majority of what’s offered is non-fat and yogurt contains probiotics and live active cultures that can aid in digestion. The calories per ounce are also listed right on the flavor signs. Being new to the community,

Sharon says it’s a priority for her to get out and meet with the neighbors and be involved. She will be serving yogurt as a sponsor at the Race for Success in March and schools and nonprofits can set up fundraisers at the location where 15% of the proceeds go back to the organization. “It’s a joy to be able to serve the local residents. Westchester feels like a small town in a big city. It’s like a hometown and it’s very charming. The people here have been very friendly and community-orientated and we are genuinely happy to be here.” Yogurtland is located at 8752 S. Sepulveda Boulevard in Westchester. Grilled Shrimp Pomodoro

Harvest Westchester looks for donations Holy Nativity, in partnership with Food Forward, is re-energizing and revitalizing its Harvest Westchester program and is looking for local residents interested in donating to the program. Harvest Westchester is designed to help ensure the extra fruit on your backyard trees does not go to waste while donating to a good cause. While many with fruit trees or that grow vegetables often have a surplus that is given to family and friends or left unpicked and eventually rots, Harvest Westchester will help pick your excess fruit and deliver it to local food pantries to help feed those who do not have enough to eat.

February 2014

Harvest Westchester will send a team of volunteer pickers to your yard to harvest your fruit trees, and 100% of the fruit will be delivered to the local Food Pantry LAX or, if there is more fruit than they can use, it will be delivered to other food distribution centers nearby. If you have fruit trees and want to donate the excess, please call the church office at (310) 670-4777 or visit holynativityparish.org and leave your name and a call-back number. A volunteer will contact you and set up a picking date. Please allow two to three weeks to set up and schedule a pick-up with Harvest Westchester volunteers.

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

Page 12

WSIA partners with Eagle Scout for beautification project Another beautification project has been completed on Sepulveda Boulevard, this time at Covenant Presbyterian Church thanks to the work of community groups. Westchester Streetscape Improvement Association partnered with Eagle Scout Julian Marks from Troop 927 to landscape a section of land adjacent to the exit on Sepulveda from the church’s parking lot. Bob Brown, President of the Brown Landscape Company, had landscaped the area north of the exit driveway earlier this year, and Julian landscaped the area south of the driveway, duplicating the design that was done on the north side. Julian obtained the funding for his project on his own, securing donations from friends, family and the community. His project was to remove the lawn in the area of the project, upgrade the irrigation system, bring in new soil, obtain the planting materials and supervise other Boy Scouts in installing

Eagle Scout Julian Marks poses with WSIA leaders and representatives from Covenant Presbyterian Church. Pictured from left to right: Julian Marks; Jim Raack, Chairman of the Facilities and Stewardship Committee of Covenant Presbyterian Church; Pastor Cathy Chisholm; WSIA board members Jack Davis and Sue Piervin; and WSIA President John Ruhlen.

the plants. Jim Raack, Chairman of the

Facilities and Stewardship Committee of Covenant Presbyterian Church,

expressed his appreciation to Julian for a job well done on the church’s property. Julian’s project also called for installing directional signage for parking including a new “exit only” paint job on the pavement of the parking lot. “It is encouraging to work with the Boy Scouts to perform projects that improve our community,” said John Ruhlen, president of the Westchester Streetscape Improvement Association. “It fosters respect and ownership for the community these young men are a part of. The best part, of course, is that we all share in the benefits from their efforts.” This is just one of many planned projects that will help make an improvement to the area WSIA is calling the “Westchester Landscape Entry Project,” which extends from Howard Hughes Parkway to Manchester Avenue.

Rotary offers high school seniors scholarship opportunity Each year, the Rotary Club of Westchester, through the Westchester Rotary Foundation, offers a $500 scholarship in memory and honor of Jim Hill, a former member who was exemplary in his service to the youth of

the community. The scholarship will be awarded to a graduating high school senior demonstrating outstanding leadership in community service, who either resides in Westchester or Playa del Rey

and/or attends one of the Westchester Enriched Sciences Magnets or St. Bernard High School. The application is due by April 30th and may be obtained by emailing Cozette@laxlawyers.com.

The applicant will be asked to write an essay limited to one page, single spaced, regarding the applicant’s history of community service.

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

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Flight Path elects new board members Nancy Niles was elected president and board chair of Flight Path during a recent meeting of the nonprofit organization’s board of directors. Flight Path operates an aviation museum and learning center in the Imperial Terminal at Los Angeles International Airport. Niles, a resident of Pacific Palisades, previously served as Flight Path’s corporate secretary and is a longtime member of the board. She is the former director of the airport community relations division and has been active in local area community organizations. Niles succeeds Rowena Ake of Westchester, who chaired the Flight Path board for 13 years. Ake will continue on the board as immediate past president and will serve as liaison to the museum’s advisory board. Other new officers are Lynne Adelman of Westchester, vice president; Robert Smith of Hawthorne, chief financial officer and treasurer; and Lori Keir of Westchester, corporate secretary. Smith, the board’s former corporate secretary, succeeds CFO John Garstka of Westchester, who recently passed away. Named to chair standing committees are Ethel L. Pattison of Manhattan Beach, museum

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Nancy Niles is the new president of Flight Path. PHOTO BY JAY BERKOWITZ, LOS ANGELES WORLD AIRPORTS.

operations; Vincent Migliazzo of Westchester, flight simulator training programs; and Robert Acherman of Torrance, electronic communications. Continuing in office are Lee Nichols, executive director and Beverly Migliazzo, recording secretary. Bill Miller of Virgin Australia Airlines was approved as a new member of the board. Appointed to the Flight Path Advisory Board were Gen. Kevin Chilton (USAF-ret.), former astronaut and head of the U.S. Strategic Command and Alan Wayne, a retiring member of the museum’s board. For more information, visit flightpathmuseum.com.

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Random Notes/Opinion Pick up the HTN at any of the following locations:* Drollinger Building Lobby (8929 and 8939 Sepulveda building) Westchester Family YMCA Covenant Presbyterian Church The Guilded Cage Airport Office Center Chase Bank The Coffee Co. Lucky Cleaner Ayara Thai Cuisine Ted’s Hair Design Truxton’s American Bistro Soundsations Needlepoints West Councilman Mike Bonin’s Office Loyola Village Library Senior Center Loyola Village Library Elks Lodge Westchester Lutheran Kentwood Elementary School Orville Wright Middle School Visitation School The Real Estate Consultants Office Dario’s Carpet Tower Pizza Chase Bank Paradise Building LAX Coastal Area Chamber of Commerce Wells Fargo Westchester CenterPointe Club Playa Vista Library Picnik Dinah’s Restaurant Playa Vista Urgent Care Coffee Bean Cantalini’s Howe’s Liquor Ace Cleaners Coin Laundry Felicia’s Coffee Garden Outlaws The Shack Prince of Wales Tanner’s Coffee Holy Nativity Westchester United Methodist Westchester Christian Church Zacha Homes Airport Marina Counseling Service Burton Chace Park Wagz’ Custom Hotel Playa del Rey Florist El Dorado Bowl Westchester Playhouse La Tijera Church Matilla Village Center * partial list of drop-offs

To make your business a drop-off location, please email us at westchesterhometown @ yahoo.com February 2014

Where did all the manners go? By Nora Lee Owens Opinion: What is considered “good manners” probably differs from country to country, but what I recently learned is that the whole concept originated in the French Royal Court during the 1600-1700’s. Bored nobles it seems designed an elaborate system of how to treat each other and called it, wait for it, “etiquette.” Eventually, the French system was adopted by the upper classes throughout Europe. No doubt the nuances of manners warped a bit from the original system, and who knows from where and how our American niceties actually came about. The point is: there are ways to eat, set the table, greet people and behave that for many years have been considered proper and acceptable in “good” company. My mother did her best to teach me ways that wouldn’t get me kicked out of the country club, assuming I ever was a member of one – in and of itself a scary thought. Alas, I think good manners are becoming a thing of the past. Young people who should have been taught better use fingers to help scoop food onto their forks and asking someone to set the table is risking having to reset it or drink from your glass

with your left hand. And what about sending a “thank you” note to your great aunt when she sends you a gift? I understand that nobody writes cursive anymore, not to mention uses a stamp. But maybe an email or a voice message? Do children just expect that they are owed presents and money by their relatives or friends? Talk about entitlements! Should we mention driving etiquette, or is there such a thing? Maybe there are only driving laws – like if two people come to a four-way stop at the same time, the car on the right can pass through the intersection first. Does that ever happen any more? I see a lot of young’uns from LMU make their stop and then just proceed no matter what is on their right. Then there are other people, usually not students, who will waive at you to cross, whether or not they have the right-of-way. Can’t we just use the rule that exists? Then there are the situations our forefathers and foremothers (heck, even our own mothers and fathers) were unprepared for and did not teach us how to be polite when using. For instance, there are usually signs in doctor’s offices or other reception areas where things are normally quiet

that tell people to please turn off their cell phones. Does everyone do that? Oh, no. Private conversations are no longer private. They are shared with you, me and everybody else who is in the room. If you have a book you were looking forward to reading for a few minutes in quiet, you can forget it. Instead, you will hear about someone’s day, where they would like to go for dinner, where they are going next and how much they hated that dress Susie wore to the party last night. I’m serious. I guess I could lecture that hacking into computers is rude and saying something on Facebook that you would never say to someone’s face is horrible, but that one is illegal and participating in Facebook invites having the world scrutinize your life in ways that I won’t even consider. Ben Franklin wrote Poor Richard’s Almanac many years ago, but lots of his advice then either applies today or is at least very amusing to read. Here’s my favorite: “Fish and visitors stink after three days.” Don’t overstay your welcome, don’t put your hands in your plate and please don’t talk on your cell when I am trying to read an important mystery novel.

Senior Health: February is the perfect time to focus on heart health By Freddi Segal-Gidan Opinion: A broken heart, whether caused by physical or psychological damage, can limit the ability to function and enjoy life. In this season of love, as Valentine’s Day approaches, it is a good time to pay attention to one’s heart health. Heart disease increases with age and is the leading cause of death among older Americans. Men begin having heart problems in middle age, but by age 65 and above men and women experience similar rates of heart problems due to a combination of age changes and disease. Heart disease is a broad term than includes a range of conditions that affect the heart including heart attacks, coronary artery disease (CAD), heart failure, heart valve problems, and disturbances of rhythm (beat) of the heart. In older adults, many of these conditions present with symptoms that differ from those seen in younger people, so heart disease often goes unrecognized and undetected in the elderly until it is severe. Rather than the classic picture of crushing chest pain with sweating and shortness of breath that we all know (thanks to

Hollywood) occurs with a heart attack –and requires immediate attention, in older individuals there may be little or no chest pain with a heart attack, but instead the person may experience shortness of breath, nausea, confusion or a fall. When one suspects heart problems there are a variety of tests that can be done, depending on the type of problem one suspects: • An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) measure the electrical activity of the heart, including the rate and regularity of the heart beat. • A chest x-ray provides a picture of the structure (size, shape) of the heart, lungs, ribs and other organs in the chest. • An echocardiogram uses ultrasound to make a picture of the heart as it is beating, allowing examination of the valves and the blood flow through the heart. • An exercise stress test measures the heart rate while walking on a treadmill to see how well the heart works when it has to pump more blood. • A coronary angiogram uses x-ray and dye injected into the arteries to look for blockages and blood flow

through the heart. • Cardiac catheterization uses a thin, flexible tube inserted through an artery in the groin, arm or neck that is threaded up to the arteries of the heart. It is used to check for blockages and to measure blood pressure and flow in the heart chambers. If you have heart disease, make sure you understand what type of problem you have and what the current recommendations are for further evaluation. When a test is ordered there should be a clear explanation about what is going to be done, why it is being done, what the risks and harms are, and if there are any alternatives. When treatment is started, whether it is a prescription medication, lifestyle change (diet, exercise), or therapy, the reason for the treatment recommendation, the expected goal and duration should be clearly understood. Before starting this or any new routine, consult your doctor. Freddi Segal-Gidan, PA, PhD is a Physician Associate and Gerontologist. She is also a member of the board of directors for Westchester-Playa Village.

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After the resolutions, keep working to achieve fitness goals By Jeff Blair Opinion: I know that by February many New Year’s fitness resolutions have come and gone, so maybe it is time to take a different approach to achieving your goals this year. Try these three tips to achieve longterm fitness success: 1. Make long-term nutritional changes rather than quick fix changes. An old joke says after 7 days on the “Grapefruit Diet” you never want to eat grapefruit again. After 14 days, you do not want to ever see a grapefruit again. And after 21 days, you want to cause physical harm to a grapefruit farmer. This is obviously a joke, but it illustrates how unsustainable extremely restrictive diets are. Our bodies are just not programmed to work that way. Many repeat “all or nothing” eating patterns: extreme diets followed by overindulgence. Many people get into the diet trap in an understandable way. Some deadline looms (beach vacation, special event, etc.) and you MUST lose weight quickly. Slow and steady is just not going to work so you resort to the latest diet fad. The diet “works;”you lose the weight before the deadline, but you quickly return to old eating habits and the

weight and more comes back. The result is frustration and discouragement and I have learned many people eventually give up. I have been there and done that many times, but I know now there is a better way. If you have a history of going on (and off) extremely restrictive diets, add a little wiggle room into your nutrition plan to increase your chances of success. Watch your nutrition closely most of the time. Rather than being 100% restrictive for a very short time, allow yourself a “cheat” meal (or maybe two) on the weekend and make this a permanent lifestyle approach. Will you lose some short-term pleasure by not eating everything you crave every day? Definitely. Is giving up that short-term pleasure worth it to reap the benefits of heightened confidence, greater self-esteem, improved appearance, increased energy and better health 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, 365 days per year? Absolutely. Structure is the key to making a nutritional lifestyle change work. Allow yourself Saturday nights to have a cheat meal but making every weekend a complete “cheat weekend” is usually counter-productive. Long-term nutritional improvements are not made by following the latest

14-day diet fad. Steady nutritional improvements and progress are sustainable if you include some flexibility for being human. 2. Start Small. In most areas of our lives, we understand success starts with a small accomplishment. Very few of us walked into school the first day and understood everything. We studied a little each day and slowly increased our knowledge. Over the weeks and months, the knowledge increased. Yet in fitness and health, many of us become discouraged and quit if we do not reach our goals in 14 days! Try to take the approach that improving your fitness level is a life-long process rather than an immediate one. By starting with small, realistic goals you can gain some confidence and build to bigger goals. Your goal cannot be too small. If you make your goal a 10 minute daily walk, that might not seem like much, but once you achieve it, you can shoot for 20 minutes. Then you can aim for 30 minutes. Step-by-step, you can build a great fitness foundation. I started my fitness transformation 15 years ago taking 10 minute daily walks. Over time, those 10 minutes built into longer walks, jogs and eventually 10ks and half-marathons. I know first-hand that achieving very small goals can

lead to bigger and better things. 3. Fun is Mandatory! Although every workout might not be like a trip to Disneyland, it is important to incorporate some fun into your workouts. Sometimes just adding a friend to the workout or changing scenery makes the workout more fun. Sometimes changing the exercise choice makes it fun. If you like to dance, then by all means dance. If you enjoy running by the beach, make sure you run by the beach. Try to create mini-challenges with your friends or family members with some type of reward going to the winner. A slight amount of competition can spice up your fitness routine and keep you coming back for more. By incorporating these three tips into your fitness routine, you can enjoy lasting fitness success. You can do it! Before starting this or any fitness routine, consult your doctor. JEFF BLAIR (M.S.) owns a personal training studio located in Westchester. He was voted “Best Of” Personal Trainer in the Hometown News 2013 Readers’ Poll. Jeff has been featured in “Men’s Fitness” and as a “Fitness Expert” on ABC’s “Everyday Health.” Email jeffblair@jeffblairfitness.com for fitness story ideas or comments.

Your attitude makes a difference By Fay Craton Opinion: Have you ever gone into a grocery store and smiled at people you pass in the aisle? This is something I like doing and it always lifts my spirits when the other person smiles back at me. A smile is something that connects people. When you smile and it comes from deep inside of you, you share joy with others. However, even when the smile does not bubble up from inside and you consciously choose to place it on your face, you are making a positive difference in your mood and in the environment you create around you. Your mood, thoughts, and body language – such as a smile – create an environment within you and around you. Others perceive that environment as your attitude. Your attitude plays a strong role in how successful you are in having good relationships with significant people in your life. It also plays a role in how successful you are in your career. In fact a few years ago, Leadership IQ made a survey to determine the leading cause for people to be fired during the first year of employment. The survey found the greatest cause to be a bad attitude (not job skills). Away from your job, being “fired” may look like a lost friendship or a divorce, or possibly the experience of ongoing anger either within your family or perhaps outside in the

community. A bad attitude can create a lot of damage in your life. A good attitude can create a contented experience of life. What do you want in your life? Your attitude is your choice. What is happening around you does not cause your attitude; it is a decision you make about how you wish to think and behave right now. Viktor Frankl, a holocaust survivor, and author of Man’s Search for Meaning, wrote,“Everything can be taken from a man or a woman but one thing: the last of human freedoms to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.” While he was experiencing the most degrading circumstances possible, he survived. He chose his attitude and made a positive impact on those with him in the concentration camp. Some people falsely think that if he or she can make another person feel bad or hurt, that it will take away one’s own pain. If this is your pattern, has it worked for you over the long term? Chances are, the words and actions designed to harm another person has created distance between you and others. Friendship and good relationships are not based on an experience of a bad attitude. Creating a good attitude may require changing your perspective on life. In

every circumstance, you can look at what is happening around you and filter what you are seeing based upon a thinking bias. The filter can be positive or negative. A negative filter is seeing what is wrong. It is critical of the world around you. It sees life from what others are doing to you. It gives away your personal power and worth to circumstances outside of you. The body feeling of a negative filter is heaviness. The feelings you may experience from a negative filter could be anxiousness, stress, depression, anger, or a sense that life is “blah.” A positive filter is seeing life around you from what is right. It is looking for ways to be grateful for what you have. It sees life from a place of selfesteem and claiming your own value. Your body feels energetic and light. The feelings you may experience from a positive filter could be happiness, contentment, peacefulness, calmness, or a sense of connection with others. Changing your perspective on life requires you making a conscious decision to do so. Once the decision is made, it requires changing habits in the way you think. A good starting point is to rationally look at your life right now. Select a situation and write it down. Read what you wrote. Does what you wrote sound as if you are critical of what is happening? Or, does, what you

wrote make you feel unhappy? If so, you may be looking at the situation through a negative filter. Now, look at the same situation. Write down what else might also be true about it. Simply expand what you are seeing in the situation to include what you might not have thought about before. Expanding what you are seeing in the situation begins the process of changing a thought habit to a new possibility. Now, go back to the same situation. This time write down anything about the situation for which you can be grateful. While doing this step, you may not have a lot to write. This is okay. You are in the process of changing a habit. By intentionally thinking about what you can be grateful for, you are shifting your thinking from being critical to being life enhancing. I encourage you to take the effort. Life is about how you relate to yourself, with others, and to the world around you. My wish for you is for you to experience rich and positive relationships. 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. Contact her at (310) 645-6762.

Vi si t u s online at thehtn. com and l i ke us on Fa c e b o o k . c o m/ t h eh t n February 2014

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

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To Do Ongoing monthly events: Rotary Club of Westchester The Rotary Club of Westchester meets every Wednesday at 12 noon for lunch at the Crowne Plaza LAX Hotel, 5985 W. Century Blvd. in Westchester. The cost of lunch is $20 and validated self parking is free. Guests are most welcome! Reservations are not required. For information regarding the upcoming luncheon programs, visit www.rotary-westchester.org. Playa Venice Sunrise Rotary Club Join the Playa Venice Sunrise Rotary Club at its Wednesday morning meeting at 7:15 a.m. at the Marina Club Restaurant, located at 4333 Admiralty Way, Center Tower, 3rd Floor in Marina del Rey. The cost of the meeting is $25, which includes breakfast and a guest speaker. Guests are welcome and reservations are not required. For more information, visit www. playasunrise.org or call (310) 4293808. Community Garden Days Volunteers are welcome at Community Days at the Emerson Ave. Community Garden! Join the garden the first Saturday of every month from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Orville Wright Middle School, located at 6550 W. Emerson Ave. in Westchester. Join the group for exercise, camaraderie and helping make a positive impact in Westchester. Life-story Writing Class Thinking about writing your life story? Learn a simple method to recall and then write your memories. You are invited to our next meeting. Since its inception, group members have published numerous books and are now working on a group collaboration for a seventh book. Meetings are held every Wednesday morning from 10:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. in the YMCA Annex, located at 8020 Alverstone Ave. in Westchester. The donation to the YMCA is $12 a year. For information, please call Mary

February 2014

• your community newspaper • your community newspaper • your community newspaper • Sage at (310) 397-3967. Speakers by the Sea Toastmaster’s Group Improve your public speaking skills every Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. by joining the Speakers by the Sea Toastmaster’s Group. Visitors are always welcome- just drop in. The meeting takes place at 12000 Vista del Mar in Conf. Room 230A in Playa del Rey (one traffic light South of Imperial Highway on Vista del Mar). For more info, please call (310) 5592834. February events: Elks Lodge Events The Westchester Elks Lodge will be holding its annual golf tournament for charity on Monday, February 10 at 8 a.m. at the Rio Hondo Golf Club in Downey. The cost is $100 to play and prizes will be determined by random draws. Proceeds benefit disabled children through the California-Hawaii Elks “Purple Piggy Bank” charitable foundation. Sponsorships are available. To play or become a sponsor, please contact Nancy at NancyB@ jacobsenpilot.com. There’s also a Wine and Dine charity event being held on Saturday, February 22 to raise money for the CaliforniaHawaii Elks Major Project, Inc. There will be a blind wine tasting from 6 to 7:30 p.m. and a classic Italian dinner will be served. The cost for the wine tasting and dinner is $20. You help choose the winner of the blind tasting! Contact the lodge to RSVP or with questions. The Westchester Elks Lodge is located at 8025 W. Manchester Avenue in Playa del Rey. For more information about these events, please call the lodge at (310) 821-3005. Community Open House to View Proposed Vision for a Future Marina del Rey The County of Los Angeles Department of Regional Planning is inviting the community to attend an open house to view the proposed vision for a future Marina del Rey. The

open houses will take place Saturday, February 15 from 10 a.m. to noon or Tuesday, February 18 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Burton W. Chace Park Community Room, located at 13650 Mindanao Way in Marina del Rey. The purpose of this meeting is to showcase the proposed vision for a future Marina del Rey. Please come by anytime during the times noted and tell planners what you think. Those that are unable to attend these events can view the visioning documents online the week of February 10 at http://planning.lacounty.gov/ marina. For more information, contact Gina Natoli or Kevin Finkel of the Community Studies West Section at (213) 974-6422 or commstudieswest@ planning.lacounty.gov. Babysitter Meet and Greet Join UrbanSitter for a babysitter meet and greet at the Los Angeles Arts Collective. You’ll have the opportunity to interview a few local babysitters and build your network of go-to sitters. Many are current students at LMU, UCLA, Otis and more. This will also be a chance to meet members of the Moms of Westchester and Playa del Rey Facebook group in person! Kids are welcome to attend and organizers will have a craft for them to do, closely monitored by UrbanSitter babysitters. Nibbles and kid-friendly snacks and beverages will be served. The event will take place on Sunday, February 16 from 2 to 4 p.m. at Los Angeles Arts Collective, located at 8939 S Sepulveda Blvd #105 in Westchester. Questions? Email UrbanSitter LA Community Manager, Kate at kate. spitser@urbansitter.com. Republican Woman’s Club Meeting Join the Westchester-Del Rey Republican Women on Tuesday, February 18 at 11 a.m. for their luncheon meeting at KJ’s Diner and Restaurant. The cost of the luncheon is $17.50.

Reservations are not required. Plenty of parking is available. For more information, contact Carol McMillan at (310) 641-9726. February Silver Seminar Series Join community members for a free Silver Seminar Series talk on Tuesday, February 18. The Silver Seminar Series is for community members ages 50 and above and is free for attendees. At the February meeting, YMCA Healthy Lifestyle Counselors and Pharmacist and Diabetes Educator, Joe Chehade, RPH, CDE will discuss ways to keep your heart healthy. Free blood pressure readings will be provided upon request. The event will take place from 2 to 3 p.m. at the YMCA Annex, located at 8020 Alverstone Ave. in Westchester. For more information, please contact (310) 670-4316. Girl Scout Tasting Bee Westchester Del Rey Girl Scouts will present their annual International Tasting Bee on Saturday, February 22 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Girl Scout troops prepare food from around the world and sell tastes for 50 cents per taste or 3 tastes for one dollar. The Tasting Bee will be held at the Church of Latter Day Saints, located at 7515 Sepulveda Blvd. in Westchester (enter on Arizona Ave). Join the Girl Scouts in celebrating girl scouting throughout the world and enjoy some great food. For more information, please call (310) 749-9300. Fall Risk Reduction Classes Westchester Playa Village (WPV), together with LMU’s Department of Health and Human Sciences will be offering free senior fitness and mobility assessments, followed by a series of fall risk reduction exercise sessions. The series will kick-off on Thursday, February 27, from 11 a.m. to 12 noon, at Covenant Presbyterian Church, located at 6323 W. 80th St. in Westchester. Additional dates will be held through May. For more information, please contact WPV at (310) 695-7030.

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

Page 17

COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS

February Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday Community Garden Days @ Emerson Ave. Community Garden Farmers’ Market @ Playa Vista “Becky’s New Car” @ Westchester Playhouse (through February 15)

1

NCWP Meeting @ Westchester Community Center

Westchester Farmers’ Market @ Westchester Park

First Friday @ 87th Street

“Becky’s New Car” @ Westchester Playhouse

“Becky’s New Car” @ Westchester Playhouse

Speakers by the Sea @ Playa del Rey Life story writing class @ YMCA Annex

2 “Becky’s New Car” @ Westchester Playhouse

3

4

Elks Lodge Golf Tournament

5 Westchester Farmers’ Market @ Westchester Park

6 LMU NAC Meeting @ Westchester Senior Center

7

Babysitter meet and greet @ LA Arts Collective

16

10 President’s Day

17

11

12

Republican Woman’s Club @ KJ’s Diner

Westchester Farmers’ Market @ Westchester Park

Silver Seminar Series @ Elks Lodge

Speakers by the Sea @ Playa del Rey

Community Open House @ Burton Chase Park

18

19 Westchester Farmers’ Market @ Westchester Park Speakers by the Sea @ Playa del Rey

8

Yard Sale @ Westchester Lutheran Community Open House @ Burton Chase Park

Open House @ WISH Charter School

9

Aladdin Jr. @ El Segundo High School

“Becky’s New Car”@ Westchester Playhouse

Valentine’s Day

Speakers by the Sea @ Playa del Rey

Aladdin Jr. @ El Segundo High School

Farmers’ Market @ Playa Vista

13

14

Meet the Artist @ LA Arts Collective

15

Farmers’ Market @ Playa Vista Girl Scout Tasting Bee @ Church of Latter Day Saints

20

21

Wine and Dine Charity event @ Elks Lodge

22

Fall Risk Reduction Classes @ Covenant Presbyterian Church

Life story writing class @ YMCA Annex

February

23 2014

24

25

26 27 28 Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey• Playa Vista HomeTown News

Page 18

February 2014

Real Estate Section

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

Page g 19

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Real Estate Section

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

Page 20

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February 2014

Real Estate Section

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

Page 21

Community Profile: Meet Grace Yao (continued) (continued from page 8) Said Yao “There are issues that we encounter with the local community. However, it’s important to maintain an open dialogue so we can hear each other and hopefully come to a place, with any issue or matter on the table, that we feel good about, and that we feel is good for the greater Westchester community.” In her first year on the job, Yao aims to be a presence at local meetings and be available for meet-and-greets to hear

from the community and to find ways to build partnerships. “My primary goal is to get out and get involved in Westchester. I want to get engaged and help the university continue to be engaged in a positive way as an active partner in the local community.” Although Yao knows that building relationships between neighbors and the community can be difficult at times, she is optimistic that the university and stakeholders will continue to work

towards finding solutions. “I know that there have been some things that have happened in the past that haven’t been so smooth and I hope that is not an obstacle to us continuing to work together and move forward in a positive way. At the end of the day, I can talk the talk, but people want to see that we walk the walk. I hope that over time my actions reflect the university’s commitment and desire to support and be involved in Westchester,” said Yao. “The university is an invaluable

asset to the community. I really hope to get to a point where we are having really good dialogue and working collaboratively with residents and community organizations. I hope the community sees us as a valued member of the community and that we can get to a place where we are all working together for the betterment of Westchester overall.” To contact Grace Yao with issues regarding LMU and the university, please call (310) 338-2759.

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Idea for a story? Curious about your Community? We want to hear from you! Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/thehtn • Email us at: westchesterhometown@yahoo.com Visit us at: thehtn.com • Call us at: (310) 641-1016

February

2014

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

Page 22

In Pictur es

• your community newspaper • your community • your community newspaper • your community •

Find True Love. Look past the cupids and the candy. Find love that will change your life.

Freedom reedom from doubt. Freedom from fear fear.

The love of the Lord, Jesus Christ.

Join oin us at Westchester Lutheran Church Church,

anditembrace the freedom found in apray Find here, surrounded by friends who will lo oving, relationship the with you, forgiving laugh with you, and learn with with you.

Lord. ord. Join new friends in a celebration of

everything verything when with you us. live Come worshipthat with is us.possible Come celebrate in n harmony Come love withwith us. the Word.

Weekly Worship and Sunday School, Sundays at 10 a.m. Confirmation, High School & Adult Sunday School, Sundays at 8:45 a.m. Midweek Bible Study, Wednesdays at 7 p.m. On This Rock/Friday Night Youth Fellowship, Fridays at 7 p.m.

All are welcome. Come celebrate with us!

All are welcome.

at 10 a.m. Join Weekly us forWorship a Yard Sale at Sundays Westchester Lutheran! Summer Choir Rehearsal Sundays at 9 a.m. Vacation Bible School July 29-August Saturday, February 15 2 8:30 AM – 12:30PM

#' ( ( %& %& $ www wlcs org www.wlcs.org

Part of the NaĆ&#x;onal

Movement

MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES OF OLDER ADULTS Village members enjoy being part of a special, growing community, and can receive assistance from wonderful volunteers. x Programs and social events x TransportaĆ&#x;on x Help with grocery shopping/errands x Trash bins put out/in x Help around the home x Friendly visits/walking buddies

Call Today!

Our senior populaĆ&#x;on deserves to stay in their homes and engaged in the neighborhoods they love.

JOIN THE VILLAGE MOVEMENT ENJOY FLEXIBILITY AS YOU HELP SENIORS Less than an hour means a lot. We work with you; volunteer as much or as liĆŠle as your schedule permits Call us: 310-695-7030

Voted Best Place to Volunteer!

Website: www.thewpv.org “Like� us on facebook: .com/WestchesterPlayaVillage

WPV would like to thank Starbucks Coffee Store #8608 (corner of Jefferson & Centinela), and Randy’s Donuts for their donations at our members’ “Coffee and Conversations� event. February

2014

St. Anastasia presents “Aladdin Jr.� The students of St. Anastasia Catholic School will perform a musical version of “Aladdin Jr.� on Saturday, February 8 and Sunday, February 9 at the El Segundo High School Performing Arts Center. The show will feature all of the characters from the hit film, which is a musical adventure filled with magic, mayhem and flying carpet rides. All of the original music will come alive through the talents of the St. Anastasia students. The performance on Saturday, February 8, will begin at 7 p.m. while the Sunday, February 9 performance is a matinee at 2 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at the door or from the St. Anastasia school office. Children under 15 are $5 and general admission is $10. The El Segundo High School Performing Arts Center is located at 640 Main Street in El Segundo. For more information, please contact St. Anastasia Catholic School at (310) 6458816 or at school@st-anastasia.org.

Meet the artist. On Saturday, February 15 celebrate the launch of the new children’s book A Word to Rhyme with Orange! Meet the artist, Jessica Chrysler, and see all of the original oil painted illustrations used in the book on display. Copies of the book and other fun goodies will be available, and Jessica will sign and sketch in your copy for you! The show will run from 3 to 6 p.m. Coffee and cookies will be served. Jessica Chrysler, a Westchester native, has been illustrating for children for more than 6 years. Along with three published titles, including her own story “Cody the Coyote,� she has designed products for various clients in the gift and home markets. Her work has also been shown at Artlife Gallery, Studio 5216, the El Segundo Library and the Downtown LA Artwalk. The event will take place at LA Arts Collective, located at 8939 S. Sepulveda Blvd, Suite 105 in Westchester. ILLUSTRATION BY JESSICA CHRYSLER.

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

Page 23

In Loving Memory... John Garstka

John Garstka, husband of the late Polly Garstka, and proud father and grandfather, passed away on 12 January 2014. John lived his life upon the foundation of a strong Catholic faith, commitment to family, and a firm sense of duty to country and service to his community. Innkeeper shares heartwarming story. The Inn at Playa del Rey’s innkeeper, Rebecca Hill, was recently published in Chicken Soup for the Soul’s new book, Just Us Girls. Her story, “The Inncrowd,” chronicles the touching, and often hilarious way she and her colleagues work together to ensure each of the Inn’s guests has a memorable experience. The Inn at Playa del Rey encourages HomeTown News readers to stop by the inn to see why the hotel was named “One of the World’s Best Places To Stay” by Condé Nast Traveler Magazine’s Gold List and why the LA Times says, “Couples should keep the Inn at Playa del Rey on their speed dial.” Pictured: Inn at Playa del Rey employees pose with the new book and the signature desserts they offer to guests. Clockwise from left to right: Liz Hall, Melissa Maddox, Rebecca Hill, Eryn Ramirez, Nicole Damato, Maggie Mansfield and Susan Zolla.

“Becky’s New Car.” Kentwood Player’s “Becky’s New Car,” an original and contemporary comedy about love, loss, choices and what makes life worth living, will run through Saturday, February 15 at the Westchester Playhouse, located at 8301 Hindry Ave. in Westchester. To purchase tickets by phone, please call (310) 645-5156 or visit kentwoodplayers.org. Pictured: The cast of “Becky’s New Car.” From left to right: Jacqueline Borowski, Jaymie Bellous, Dylan Brody, Cherry Norris, Bob Grochau, Maria Pavone and Craig Bruenell. PHOTO BY SHARI BARRETT.

310-838-3300 February

2014

John Anthony Garstka was born on 21 June 1931 in New York City, the eldest of two sons of Jan Josef Garstka and Rosalie Elizabeth Squires. He earned degrees from Syracuse and George Washington Universities. John met, wooed and married Pauline Ann LeClair of Southbridge, Massachusetts, while they were students at Syracuse. A defining period of John’s life was his 24 years of service as an officer in the United States Air Force (USAF). He entered the service in 1952, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel and Master Navigator in 1976. His military service spanned the height of the Cold War, with flight duty including airborne early warning missions off of the US East Coast, perilous airborne electronic reconnaissance missions on the Far East borders of the USSR, airlift resupply missions under-fire during the Siege of Khe Sanh in Vietnam, and multi-aircraft missions performing the airborne recovery of the atmospheric re-entry film capsules from photoreconnaissance satellites. For his heroism and extraordinary achievements as an airman he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal with six oak leaf clusters. John was proud of the service of his three sons, all of which were commissioned as officers in the USAF. As he retired from the USAF he trained and qualified as a Certified Public Accountant, established his own accounting practice, serving clients for over 33 years. In parallel he taught as an Associate Professor of Accounting at Loyola Marymount University (LMU) from 1980 to 1996. During this period he taught over 3,000 students, among whom he had a reputation of being “tough, but fair.” His 50 year relationship with the Society of Jesus and LMU began in 1962 when he had first taught there as an Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corp (AFROTC) instructor. John and Polly were active members of the Westchester community. John served on the boards of the LMU Heritage Association, the Bob Hope Hollywood USO and the Flight Path Learning Center & Museum at LAX. He supported Polly’s passion for the Airport Marina Counseling Service.

While John’s childhood during the Great Depression shaped a lifetime of hard work and personal frugality, he was a generous father, grandfather, friend and patron of many causes. The latter included an endowment for annual scholarships in the LMU Accounting Department and AFROTC program. The year he spent in a combat zone no doubt influenced his stoicism and emotional taciturnity. John was an ever ready story teller and had a quick and lovely smile. John enjoyed his evening scotch, and he was rarely without an unlit cigar in his mouth or pocket. John and Polly celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2009. John was a devoted, loving and supportive partner to Polly throughout their marriage and during her battle with an aggressive sarcoma last year. He was a tough fighter in the face of complications of his own advancing colon cancer. John’s positive attitude, understated confidence and physical and emotional resilience continued to inspire in the last few months and weeks of his life. John leaves behind a large and loving family, including a brother, five children– John of Springfield, VA; Michael of London, UK; Margaret Bailey of Danvers, MA; Stephen of Vienna, VA; and Mary Moran of Springfield, VA-- and 16 grandchildren. Further details about John Garstka’s life are available at www.johngarstka.com. John’s funeral service was held Saturday, 25 January at Visitation Catholic Church in Westchester, CA. He was interred with full military honors at Holy Cross Cemetery in Culver City, CA. In lieu of flowers, for those who would like to make a contribution his family suggests a donation to the Accounting/AFROTC scholarships he endowed at LMU (giving.lmu.edu designating “in memory of John A. Garstka”).

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

Page 24

NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL OF WESTCHESTER / PLAYA Neighborhood Council Election Set – May, 2014 On Sunday, May 18, 2014, the Neighborhood Council of Westchester/Playa will hold its board elections along with a number of other Neighborhood Councils on the Westside. This is your opportunity to get involved, select those candidates who will serve on your Neighborhood Council and make a difference in your community. Think of your Neighborhood Council as a group of local residents and representatives of local businesses, churches and schools, etc., working together to address important issues in our neighborhood. As part of the city’s Charter, Neighborhood Councils are an integral part of how local government operates, SURYLGLQJ HOHFWHG RI¿FLDOV ZLWK D GLUHFW OLQH WR WKH community and how it stands on all issues. The election for the Neighborhood Council of Westchester/Playa board of directors will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Westchester Municipal Building Community Room at 7166 West Manchester Avenue in Westchester. The election is open to any member of the community who is at least 18 years of age on the date of the election and lives, works or owns property in Zip Codes 90293, 90045 or 90094. The following seats will be on the ballot (incumbents in parentheses): Business 90094 (Sibyl Buchanan), Residential District 1 (Cheryl Burnett), Residential District 3 (Craig Eggers), Residential District 5 (Vacant), Residential District 7 (Alan Quon), Residential District 9 (John Casey), Residential District 11 (Paul Radke), Residential District 13 (Kathryn Evans), Residential District 15 (Ted Krober), At-Large Seat 2 (Vacant), At-Large Seat 3 (Cyndi Hench), Income Property Owner (Patricia Lyon), Senior Citizen (Booker Pearson), LAX (Sheryl Thomas-Perkins), and Religious (John-David Webster). Information about how to apply as a candidate for one of the seats above will be available on the Neighborhood Council of Westchester/Playa website at www.ncwpdr.org and at www.empowerla.com as soon as that information is available from the City.

Nextdoor.com Provides New Way to Communicate with Neighbors For local residents looking for a free way to connect with their neighbors, Nextdoor.com provides a whole new platform to discuss what’s happening in your own backyard and throughout the Westchester, Playa del Rey, Playa Vista area. Nextdoor is a free and private social network for neighborhoods. On Nextdoor, neighbors create private websites for their neighborhoods where they can ask questions, get to know one another, and exchange local advice and recommendations. Thousands of neighborhoods across the country are already using Nextdoor to: ‡ )LQG WUXVWZRUWK\ ORFDO UHVRXUFHV VXFK as babysitters, plumbers, and dentists ‡ 5HSRUW VXVSLFLRXV DFWLYLW\ DQG ORFDO crime ‡ 2UJDQL]H QHLJKERUKRRG HYHQWV VXFK as garage sales and block parties ‡ *HW DVVLVWDQFH LQ ¿QGLQJ ORVW SHWV and missing packages ‡ 6HOO RU JLYH DZD\ LWHPV OLNH DQ ROG kitchen table or bike Nextdoor’s mission is to use the power of technology to build stronger and safer neighborhoods. The inspiration behind Nextdoor was to give people a social network to connect them to one of the most important communities in their lives the neighborhood. Nextdoor believes that when neighbors start talking, good things happen. Nextdoor is headquartered in San Francisco and was founded by a group of entrepreneurs who have a passion for creating meaningful online communities. 1H[WGRRU LV IXQGHG E\ %HQFKPDUN *UH\ORFN 3DUWQHUV .OHLQHU 3HUNLQV &DX¿HOG %\HUV 7LJHU *OREDO 0DQDJHPHQW 6KDVWD 9HQWXUHV &RPFDVW 9HQWXUHV '$* 9HQWXUHV %H]RV ([SHGLWLRQV $ *UDGH ,QYHVWPHQWV *RRJOH 9HQWXUHV $OOHQ &RPSDQ\ DQG 3LQQDFOH 9HQWXUHV DV ZHOO DV RWKHU LQYHVWRUV DQG Silicon Valley angels. To sign up and begin using Nextdoor, please visit www.nextdoor.com/la, select your neighborhood from among the 11 neighborhoods in the NCWP footprint and start learning about what’s happening next door!

www.ncwpdr.org February

2014

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

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