January edition of the Westchester/Playa del Rey HomeTown News by Westchester/Playa del Rey HomeTown News

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HOMETOWN

NEWS

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

January

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Community encouraged to attend planning hearing to discuss north runway movement On Tuesday, January 8 the city’s Planning Department will conduct an open house and public hearing regarding the proposed amendments to the LAX Plan, LAX Specific Plan and related elements due to Los Angeles World Airports Specific Plan Amendment Study (SPAS). The open house portion of the meeting will take place from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., and the public hearing will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the Proud Bird Restaurant, located at 11022 Aviation Blvd. in Westchester. Community leaders including

Alliance for a Regional Solution to Airport Congestion (ARSAC) president and longtime proponent against expansion at LAX, Denny Schneider, and NCWP Airport Relations Committee Chair Craig Eggers, are encouraging the community to attend the meeting to let the city know their thoughts on the SPAS project. Out of the nine alternatives that are being considered under SPAS, community groups like the Neighborhood Council of Westchester/ Playa have urged airport officials to support Alternatives 2 and 9, which

would modernize the airport and address transportation issues at LAX, but would not move the runways. At the December Board of Airport Commissioners (BOAC) hearing, LAWA staff recommended a combination of Alternatives 1 and 9 to be adopted by the board. The major element of this plan includes shifting the northernmost runway 260 feet north. BOAC did not vote on a preferred Alternative at their December meeting, but is expected to take up the issue at their January meeting. At the Planning Department public

hearing on January 8, attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions of city staff. A public hearing officer will then consider all public testimony and submitted comments before making a recommendation report, which will go to the City Planning Commission and then the City Council and mayor. Comments can be directed to: Shawn Kuk, Dept.of City Planning 200 N. Spring Street, Room 667 Los Angeles, CA 90012 Comments can also be submitted to shawn.kuk@lacity.org. For more info, visit laxspas.org.

“My 30” seeks to get the community moving For many, the start of the New Year marks saying goodbye to cookies, cakes and all the holiday excess and welcoming a regimen of healthier eating, exercise and losing weight. This annual quest for health is serious business at the Westchester Family YMCA and with the help of the newly formed “Healthy Living Council,” the organization is looking to cast its net even wider than just its membership, which includes more than 3,000 local families and translates to 14,000 adults and children who use the “Y” annually. The Healthy Living Council is one of three newly formed committees that were created to help promote the organization’s mission of healthy living, social responsibility and youth development. Ever trying to engage its members and the community, Executive Director Karen Bradley-Follette created the committees with the help of her board, with each one focusing on an aspect of the non-profit’s mission. The Healthy Living Council counts among its primary goals to create healthy initiatives in which the entire community can participate. Each month

the group seeks to focus on a particular theme that they hope will engage the community and its members to make healthier choices. So far, The Y has already had a successsful “Soda-free Summer” movement aimed towards its camp participants. YMCA Operations Director, Chad Maender, who heads the committee alongside board member and LAX Coastal Area President/CEO Christina Davis, explains that the committee is just another example of how the Y is more than just a place to stop in for an hour to exercise or a “swim and gym;” instead, the Y should be seen as a community hub focused on the whole person–spirit, mind and body. For January, the Healthy Living Councils’ focus is simple: get people moving. After all, according to recent University of Scranton statistics, two of the top resolutions Americans start the year with are the goals to lose weight and to stay fit and healthy. Perhaps not surprisingly, however, only 8% are successful in achieving their goals. (continued on page 4)

The pledge to commit to 30 minutes of exercise for 30 days can include anything from stretching, yoga, weightlifting or biking.

A look inside your

HomeTown

6 Gallery exhibits Homeboy Industry artwork 11

Endeavour astronaut makes a stop at his alma mater

Page 2

Visitation School

A Catholic School For All Children Full Day Junior Kindergarten & Kindergarten Through 8th Grade

Open House

Thursday, January 31st, 2013 • 7-8:30 8740 So. Emerson Ave. Los Angeles (Westchester), CA 90045 • 310-645-6620

Experience all that VISITATION CATHOLIC SCHOOL has to offer...You will have the opportunity to meet our teachers, our students and our school parents. We invite you to visit our Classrooms and learn more about the curriculum and our many unique and progressive programs. Come join us for an informative and enjoyable evening for the whole family. See ﬁrst hand the many ways that VISITATION CATHOLIC SCHOOL will beneﬁt your children, now and in the future.

• WASC Accredited – WCEA Certified • A Catholic Tradition of Excellence in Education Since 1947.

If you are unable to attend, please call for information or to schedule a tour/preview day. Christopher Watson, Principal (310) 645-6620 • principal@visitationschool.org

visitationschool.org

Your Neighborhood. Your News. In Your Hand and Now on Facebook. HomeTown News (310) 641-1016 westchesterhometown@yahoo.com thehtn.com

Start the New Year by staying up-to-date with your community’s news and events! “Like” us on Facebook by January 31st to be entered to win a $50 gift card to Truxton’s American Bistro!*

Visit Facebook.com/thehtn and click “Like!” *One Facebook fan will be chosen at random on January 31st.

Email us at westchesterhometown@yahoo.com January 2013

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T h i s M o n t h B r i n g s Yo u January Features My 30 seeks to get the community moving 4 8 Op-Ed Shopping local strengthens community 11 Shuttle fever continues with astronauts visit Westchester Playa Village helps senior live healthy 12 Community Calendar/To Do 16-17 In Pictures 22

Monthly Features Community Random Notes/Opinion Looking Back... To Do

Calendar Happenings Pictures Business and Professional

Submit Submit articles, pictures and letters to the editor at westchesterhometown@yahoo.com. Be sure to include your name and contact information (phone number, address and e-mail) and correctly spell names of all those involved. All materials must be submitted no later than 12 noon on the 22nd of each month. The HomeTown News reserves the right to edit all submissions for content and length.

HOMETOWN STAFF/CONTRIBUTORS

t a t i d n u o f I ! r e t n e C n w o T r e t s e h Westc – JEFF BLAIR

Stephanie Davis, Publisher, Editor Fay Craton, Contributing Writer David “Duke” Dukesherer Sr., Looking Back

Nora Lee Owens, Humor Jeff Blair, Contributing Writer Jack Younger, Contributing Cartoonist

Advertisers’ Directory

Business & Professional Ballerini Cooley Studios California Mentor Covenant Presbyterian Church Drollinger Properties Food Pantry, LAX Gateway to Go Girls Lacrosse Jane St. John Kevin and Kaz Gallaher Nora Lee Owens Neighborhood Council Pat Davis

21 06 12 09 13 09 08 09 19 18 19 24 11

Rainbow Acres 13 South Bay Brokers 18 St. Anastasia School 23 Urbansitter.com 08 Vergari & Associates 11 Visitation School 02 Westchester First Friday 15 Westchester Little League 06 Westchester Lutheran 05, 22 Westchester Town Center BID 03 Westchester/Playa Village 12 Westside Neighborhood School 04 Zacha Homes 19

“Before I start training clients at 5:30 a.m. at my personal training studio, I like to stop at Starbucks for a (very) early morning cup of coffee. During the mid-day, I usually do my banking/investments with Lisa at Chase Bank. On Wednesdays, I like to stop into the Farmers’ Market to grab some fresh fruits and vegetables.”

About The HomeTown News 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 Phone: (310) 641-1016 Email: westchesterhometown@yahoo.com or htn@thehtn.com Website: http://www.thehtn.com Facebook: facebook.com/thehtn

The deadline for submissions is the 22nd of the month.

If you normally receive the HTN at your home, and for whatever reasons your paper is missing or damaged, please call (310) 641-1016 or westchesterhometown@yahoo.com.

January 2013

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Community

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My 30 seeks to get the community moving (continued) (continued from page 1) The committee aims for people to create a small attainable goal in their quest for health and fitness. “My 30” invites community members to make a personal pledge to spend 30 minutes a day for 30 straight days being active. The group hopes this will help further its and the Y’s mission to push health awareness in the New Year, encourage families and adults to work out together and create awareness that the Y is interested in promoting healthy lifestyles to the entire community. Says Maender, “My 30 is asking yourself ‘how will you spend your 30 minutes a day?’ and then committing to 30 minutes of exercise. The idea is to get people moving, whatever that is... be it stretching, yoga or working out.” The initiative launched January 1 with a New Year’s Day kick-off walk that started at the YMCA. The program runs from January 1 through January 30, but individuals are encrouraged to sign up past that date to start the “My 30” Fitness Challenge and then work past the 30th of the month and into February. “We are making a huge push towards group exercise,” said Maender. “This will push people to try new things. It’s not as intimidating to ‘newbies’ to

The YMCA ‘s lobby is currently undergoing a renovation and when it is complete will be more spacious and will feature a cafe. RENDERING COURTESY PETER M. MITSAKOS AND ASSOCIATES ARCHITECTS.

exercise [in a group setting]. We look to keep on the forefront of everyone’s health.” The committee, which is now around 20 people strong, is also looking to create strategic community partnerships with like-minded non-profits. The group recently collaborated with EmpowerTech, Airport Marina Counseling and Westchester Playa Village on how to better serve the community’s large senior population.

seize the future hool is a leader Westside Neighborhood School in preparing students for the 21st century. c allenging ch Visit to learn more about our challenging orming academics, outstanding performing and visual arts classes, and s. exceptional athletic programs. Come see what WNS can offer your family.

Reservations required. Please RSVP to the admission ofﬁce at 310.574.8650 or admissions@wnsk8.com. (Parents only, please.)

January 2013

Wed. Jan. 9 9:30am-12pm

anyone who wants to attend and open to new ideas as long as we can make a difference.” Interested in participating in the “My 30” initiative? Visit page 7 of the January edition to sign your personal accountability pledge. For more on “My 30” or about joining the Healthy Living Council, please contact the Westchester Family YMCA at (310) 670-4316.

Applicants sought for Rotary art contest

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Final Admission Presentation & Tour:

The group is hoping to gain new volunteers to help fulfill its mission and enable it to create smaller working groups. With a different theme planned each month, the Healthy Living Council already has plans to focus on nutrition and emergency preparedness in the upcoming months. “We want to engage more members and listen to the community to make initiatives and then put them into place,” said Maender. “We are open to

5401 Beethoven St., Los Angeles, CA 90066 310.574.8650

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The Playa Venice Sunrise Rotary Club is looking for student to enter its high school arts contest. Applicants must be currently enrolled in high school or be home schooled and of high school age. The club is looking for candidates talented in the fine or performing arts to submit applications to compete for a local and district level prize. Applications will be broken up into three different categories: Dance: • Dancers can be solo or in a group limited to 8. • Style is limited to classic ballet, contemporary jazz, hip-hop, ballroom or cultural. • Performance should be 1.5 to 2 minutes in length. • Performance space is limited to 25’w by 30’d. • Contestant may bring pre-recorded accompaniment. Music Entry: • Contestant may be a vocalist or instrumentalist. • Vocal groups are limited to 12 plus piano or guitar. • Musical performance should be 4to 6 minutes in length. • Vocal soloists may be accompanied by piano or guitar. • Students may bring a cd accompaniment suitable for play on a

cd player or computer. Art and speech entries are asked to centered around the theme of Rotary’s Four-Way Test, which is: it the truth?; is it fair to all concerned; will it build goodwill and better friendships; will it be beneficial to all concerned? Art: • Entries must be original work, created by the individual contestant. • Art entries must fall into one of the following categories of painting, drawing, photography, ceramic, sculpture or video. • Art entries may not exceed 50 inches in any one direction. The deadline for applications is Monday, January 14. Candidates must be available to perform or display their artistic entry on the afternoon of January 20 and/or 27 at LA Arts Collective located at 8939 S. Sepulveda Suite 105 in Westchester. A cash prize of $125 will be awarded to the club winner and finalists will compete in March at Loyola Marymount University for a $1,000 first place prize. For more information on the competition or to obtain an application, please contact Katie Litsey at (858) 3374711 or visit playasunrise.org.

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

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January 2013

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Community

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Ben Maltz Gallery opens “Bridging Homeboy Industries” The Ben Maltz Gallery continues to present new work by artists in Southern California with the threeperson exhibition “Bridging Homeboy Industries” featuring Fabian Debora, Alex Kizu and Juan Carlos Munoz Hernandez on view now through March 23, 2013. The guest curator of this exhibit is Annie Buckley (MFA). The gallery will hold an opening reception on Saturday, January 26, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Bridging Homeboy Industries features the work of Fabian Debora, Alex Kizu, and Juan Carlos Munoz Hernandez, three working artists who share roots in the East L.A. neighborhood of Boyle Heights, a close-knit community beset by poverty and violence. Though their paths and practices are unique, each has benefited from the services of Homeboy Industries, the largest gang intervention program in the nation. Founded as a jobs program by Father Gregory Boyle in 1992, Homeboy Industries continues to thrive as a network of successful businesses supported and run by former gang members. Two decades on, Debora, Kizu and Munoz Hernandez all count Father Boyle—or “G,” as he is fondly referred to by many—as a mentor, supporter and friend. He is the person who saw in them the artists they would become and who fostered a sense of

“Transformation of Spirits Exposed,” 2012, collaboration of artists Fabian Debora, Alex Kizu, and Juan Carlos Munoz Hernandez PHOTO COURTESY OF OTIS COLLEGE OF ART AND DESIGN, BEN MALTZ GALLERY.

hope and possibility for them during times when these were scarce. This

encouragement, combined with their own relentless passion for art, fed their

development as artists. “During what G [Father Greg Boyle] calls the ‘decade of death,’ I got into a lot of trouble, but Father Greg, no matter what I did, was always encouraging me to do my art.I felt hopeless, but G would hire us to do murals and artwork and now I realize that those acts of faith helped me to overcome many of the obstacles that I faced as a youth,” said Kizu. Fabian Debora, who is now a staff-member at Homeboy Industries, makes compellingly honest paintings influenced by Chicano and contemporary representational art. Alex Kizu’s color-infused canvases feature variations on the highly complex and ornate graffiti lettering he learned as a boy from local street artists and knowledge gained as a recent graduate of the Art Department of California State University, Northridge (CSUN). Juan Carlos Munoz Hernandez’s bronze sculptures and spray paint and marker paintings fuse graffiti with diagrammatic architectural drawings and grow out of an 18-year apprenticeship with the sculptor Robert Graham and a background in street art. This exhibition includes several works by each artist and a new, large-scale collaborative mural. (continued on page 15)

Westchester Little League 2013 Season Sign-ups Last Chance to Sign-Up for the 2013 Season! Registration will be conducted at Nielsen Field located at 6000 Will Rogers St. on the following days: Saturday, January 12th from 10 am to 1 pm Sunday, January 13th from 1 pm to 3 pm

–NEW REFERRAL PROGRAM–

Refer a new player to WLL and receive $20 in snack stand credit. Refer 10 new players, your 2013 registration is waived and receive $200 in snack stand credit (a $380 value)!!

Don’t miss out on the BEST DEAL IN TOWN!!!

WLL is open to all boys and girls age 6 through 12. Please visit www.WestchesterLL.org for the registration form to ﬁll out, required deposits, and information you’ll need to bring to the sign-ups. If you have any questions, contact us at playball90045@yahoo.com or contact Jennifer Mulligan at (310) 606-1467. westchesterlittleleague.com • facebook.com/WestchesterLL

January 2013

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

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Westchester Family YMCA “My 30” Challenge Campaign 2013 Can you move for 30 minutes? Can you do it every day? Can you do it for 5 days, 10 days… how about 30 days? How about all of January 2013? That’s the challenge! Are you up to the challenge? Think how a challenge like this can start you on a regular healthy exercise routine in 2013? Getting started in any project can be hard. That’s why this idea was created. The Y wants to help you make a promise to yourself; that you will move for 30 minutes every day from January 1 through January 30th. You can congratulate yourself and take a rest day on January 31st! Here’s how it will work: you sign up by making the pledge below and signing it. You make this pledge to yourself and you keep track of your daily efforts on your personal journal. You can choose any activity at all. Just do it for 30 minutes every day for the month of January. Do you swim? Swim 30 minutes. Do you run? Run 30 minutes. Do you like walking? Walk 30 minutes. The point is you can do whatever you like; just do it for 30 minutes. Also it can and should be a different activity each day. Your body will appreciate the variety. Mix it up. Monday, swim, Tuesday run, Wednesday, walk… you get the idea. On January 31st you will turn in your fitness log (make a copy for yourself). We will celebrate your accomplishment with a special gift (TBD). That’s it! Can you do it? Can you take the challenge? The “My 30” Challenge pledge: I, _______________, hereby pledge that I will accept the Westchester YMCA Challenge 2013 by promising to do 30 minutes of exercise each day in the month of January 2013, starting on January 1 and through January 30. On January 31 I will celebrate by taking a day off for rest and recovery. I will pat myself on the back for fulfilling this promise to myself. I will appreciate the challenge that I just completed and I will plan a healthy exercise routine that I can maintain for the rest of 2013 and beyond! I make this pledge willingly and of my own accord for my own benefit.

Name (Print)___________________________ Date________________________ Name (Signature)___________________________________________________ January 2013

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

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Op-Ed: Shopping local helps strengthen the community By Donald Duckworth As we begin 2013, challenge your friends, family and yourself to help preserve the unique character of Westchester and help our community – the place we live, work and play– prosper by showing your support to our local businesses. As local consumers in the community, our choices have an impact on our economic health, the environment and the variety of our retail areas. As we strive to sustain and grow a city in which businesses can create jobs and operate successfully, remember that more locally owned businesses lead to more choices, more diversity and a truly distinctive community. Along with keeping money in the community and local job creation, shopping locally helps fuel entrepreneurship, which inspires and ensures our community remains unique. As Executive Director of the Westchester Town Center BID, I have seen time and again that local purchases have a tremendous economic benefit in the community. Local businesses bank locally, hire local accountants, attorneys and designers, and advertise in local media. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. The owners of local businesses and their employees often live in the community where they do business.

Westchester’s business district is home to the ever popular In-N-Out, as well a slew of chain stores and mom and pop shops.

That helps maintain local assets, including the tax base, to foster a sustainable future for the community. Local businesses provide an anchor for neighborhoods and their infrastructure by paying city, county, and state taxes. Those taxes help pay for local schools, public safety services, road maintenance, libraries, parks and recreation programs, and more. And because Westchester businesses provide jobs for people who live in the community — members of your

family, your friends, and neighbors — shopping local supports your fellow citizens and their families. In addition, unique local businesses make a critical contribution to a diverse local character. Local business owners will identify the community’s needs and meet them. Their product selection is based on what those in our community want to buy. In doing so, they offer customers a more compelling selection and satisfy unique community needs. And customers can expect superior

customer service when patronizing a local store owned by a member of the community. For example, LL Designs & Boutique on La Tijera Boulevard offers a wide array of women’s fashions along with fashion jewelry, accessories and even some children’s items. Founded by local residents Leslie Laneuville and Keith Adams, the goal is to make sure that the shop always stocks new, interesting and unique items. “You can’t just go anywhere and find what we have here,” Adams said. “The vendors we use are not in the malls. We have lots of exclusives, and things that Leslie makes herself. Our whole idea is that we want to create a personal shopping experience that you can’t get anywhere else,. Our customers get candy. We have a rewards program for our VIPs. We give personal attention to everyone who walks in the door. We will even open up by appointment for a customer who can’t get here during our regular hours ... whatever it takes to make our customers happy.” Much of the money you spend in a neighborhood business is in turn spent at other local businesses or used to pay wages, which initiates a domino effect that bolsters the whole community. Shop owners like David and Patricia Lyon at Westchester Watchworks (continued on page 15)

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January 2013

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Looking Back... Editor’s Note: As mentioned in Dukesherer’s article last month, writing has become difficult due to an eye condition that is on the mend. Therefore, please enjoy this article from our January 2011 archives. We look forward to Dukesherer’s article in our next edition and wish him a speedy recovery! By David J. “Duke” Dukesherer, Sr.

The Graf Zeppelin Lands at Mines Field, (LAX)-1929 Of all the world’s airships, arguably the most famous (until the Hindenburg disaster) was the Graf Zeppelin. Built in 1927-28 in large part from private subscription, the Graf Zeppelin proved to the entire world that airships as both a safe and economically sound means of travel could be a reality. Under the guiding hand of Dr. Hugo Eckener, Germany’s leading airship expert and outspoken proponent of lighter-thanair travel, the Graf Zeppelin became a goodwill symbol to millions around the world during her nine year career. The LZ-129 was a remarkable technological achievement, besides being the largest and most modern airship in the world. Her duralumin girders surrounded enormous gas bags

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made of goldbeaters skin (the stomach lining of sheep) with a total capacity or more than seven million cubic feet of “blaugas” (a mixture of propylene, methane and hydrogen). The entire structure was then covered in fine cloth painted with layers of “aluminized” dope. In the summer of 1929, newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst agreed to sponsor Dr. Eckener’s plans to fly the airship around the world as a means of demonstrating airship travel as safe and reliable. Eckener hoped that the flight would show how routine such a journey would be. Hearst’s money, as well that of stamp collectors around the world (quite a sizeable number of postage collectibles were carried aboard the famous airship) provided necessary funds for the journey with the stipulation that the flight must begin and end at Lakehurst Naval Air Station, New Jersey. After traveling around the world, at 5 a.m. on August 26, the Graf Zeppelin touched down at Mines Field, (today called LAX) 79 hours, 3 minutes after departing Tokyo. A very tense moment occurred later that evening as the giant airship attempted to depart. Owing to an atmospheric inversion, the ship failed to rise on takeoff and it looked like she would not clear a high-tension power line at the end of the airfield at present

The Graf Zeppelin, 1929, Mines Field, Westchester, 1929. COURTESY LOS ANGELES PUBLIC LIBRARY.

day Aviation Boulevard near Imperial Highway. Only after a dramatic maneuver by a skilled elevator man in which the ship was “vaulted” over the obstacle using her elevators with engines at high speed was a potential disaster averted! The Graf then proceeded across the United States to arrive in Lakehurst on August 29. She had completed the transcontinental flight of 3,015 miles in just over 52 hours. Thus the round-theworld flight officially ended.

The entire journey had taken 12 days (flight time) and covered 20,500 miles. Eckener and his crew received a ticker-tape parade up Broadway in New York City, and a visit to the White House where Dr. Eckener met President Herbert Hoover.

Please email comments to: dukepdr@gmail.com

Come Join Your Friends At

COVENANT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Worship Service 10:30 am Canines@Covenant 5:00 pm Sunday Covenant on the Corner 80th and Sepulveda Blvd.

Church School for Young People during Service

Pastor: Rev. Cathy Chisholm

Girls K-8th Sign-Up Today to Play Lacrosse at Westchester Park!

We have an Orchestra and Adult, Youth and Children’s Choirs E-mail: cpofﬁs@pacbell.net Childcare is provided- For more information, Call (310) 670-5750

FOOD PANTRY, LAX

3 teams: • K - 2nd Grade • 3rd - 5th Grade • 6th- 8th Grade

Emergency Food Distribution to those in need Sponsored by Westchester Clergy Association

Open Tuesdayand andFriday Friday •• 11:00 a.m.toto12 12:30 Open Tuesday 10 a.m. p.m.p.m. (noon) 355 Beach Street, Inglewood

If you have Food to donate, take to Covenant Presbyterian Church or bring to location from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Volunteers and money donations also welcomed and encouraged. For further information, please call (310) 677-5597

Ad donated by Covenant Presbyterian Church

January 2013

Westchester

Come See the Game and Experience the Fun and Excitement! Contact Westchester Park @ (310) 670-7473 westchesterlacrosse.org • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey• Playa Vista HomeTown News

Page 10

Site proposed for Metro light rail connection to LAX

Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) staff recently announced its “strong commitment and desire” for the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) to locate a Metro light rail station directly at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). To support this proposal, LAWA has committed to provide airport property located west of Sepulveda Boulevard on the east end of the Central Terminal Area (CTA) to create the opportunity for an on-airport Metro light rail station. During a regularly scheduled meeting of the Los Angeles Board of Airport Commissioners, LAWA staff reported that it has “substantially accelerated planning work and coordination with Metro staff to evaluate the best interface of our (airport) facilities with transit.” LAWA and Metro have jointly identified the following site options on LAWA property where a Metro light rail interface could be designed that result in a direct connection to a future automated people mover system and that airport officials believe would bring a “high level of service and connectivity” for passengers: • An area west of Sepulveda Boulevard on the east end of the CTA • A proposed intermodal transportation facility in the vicinity of Economy Parking Lot C • Manchester Square LAWA staff is also currently coordinating with Metro on the Crenshaw/LAX Line Project in order

to ensure the design of the Century/ Aviation Station is aligned with and will better integrate with any potential LAWA infrastructure at Manchester Square. On a parallel but separate effort, LAWA is moving forward with the LAX Master Plan Specific Plan Amendment Study (SPAS), which evaluates options at a programmatic level for configuring the LAX north airfield and a long-range plan for ground transportation access to the Central Terminal Area. SPAS is part of a multi-billion-dollar, multi-year modernization program at LAX. Earlier this month, LAWA announced a staff-recommended alternative for the LAX Master Plan SPAS, which proposes new ground transportation facilities east of Sepulveda Boulevard, including: an intermodal transportation facility in the vicinity of Lot C; a consolidated rental car facility at Manchester Square on airport property located about one mile east of the airline terminals; and an automated people mover to connect the terminals and off-airport facilities when forecast demand levels materialize and can justify these investments. According to airport officials, the next steps will be to continue close coordination with Metro to identify opportunities to link transit with airport facilities, and develop project level concepts and related technical and environmental analyses.

Community Resource Numbers Office of Councilman Bill Rosendahl (Council District No. 11) • Westchester Office: (310) 568-8772 • LA City Hall Office: (213) 473-7011 Los Angeles World Airports • General Information: (310) 646-5252 • LAX Noise Complaints: (424) 64-Noise (646–6473) City Council • Metro: (213) 621-CITY (2489) • Westside: (310) 471-CITY (2489) Los Angeles Police Department • Life Threatening Emergencies: 911 • Non-Emergency Police Response: (877) 275-5273 • 24-Hour Anonymous Tip Line: (877) 529-3855 • Noise Enforcement: (213) 473-7840 • Report Terrorist Threat: (877) 284-7328 • LAPD Senior Lead Officers: West of Sepulveda, Tony Ramos: (310) 622-3978 East of Sepulveda, Ruben Garcia: (310) 622-3976 Playa Vista, Greg Jacobus: (310) 622-3971 Libraries • Playa Vista Library Branch: (310) 437-6680 • Westchester-Loyola Village Library: (310) 348-1096 Fire Department • Reporting Emergences: 911 • Fire Station 5 (Westchester): (213) 485-6205 • Fire Station 67 (Playa Vista): (310) 862-2844

January 2013

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

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Shuttle fever continues with Endeavour astronaut and hometown hero’s visit to alma mater The students of Visitation School received an early Christmas present, and a surprise history lesson in December. Astronaut and pilot on Shuttle Endeavour’s maiden voyage, and a retired United States Air Force Four Star General and Visitation School alumnus, Kevin Chilton made a special visit to Visitation for an all school assembly, where he presented and narrated a video from one of his Shuttle Missions. The event opened with a welcome from Visitation Principal, Chris Watson, followed by Fr. Brelsford, Visitation Church Pastor, and Dick Laner, eighth grade teacher leading the pledge of allegiance to the flag and Visitation students in the Visitation Voices Choir singing “America the Beautiful” for General Chilton. Chilton commented that the prayer and the pledge brought back fond memories of this tradition at the beginning of each school day when he attended Visitation. Kevin Chilton was raised in Westchester and attended Visitation School from first grade through eighth grade and graduated from the school in 1968. Chilton then attended St. Bernard High School, graduating in 1972. He recently celebrated with former

Kevin Chilton takes questions about his time on the Endeavour from eager students. PHOTO BY ANNA CODY.

classmates at the St. Bernard, Class of ‘72 40-year reunion. Chilton became an astronaut in 1988 and is a veteran of three space flights. As an astronaut, Chilton logged more than 704 hours in space and was the pilot for the maiden voyage of the Endeavour in 1992. Chilton was inducted into the United States Astronaut Hall of Fame in 2012 in a ceremony that took place at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor

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January 2013

Complex. Chilton’s numerous awards during his career include the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Force Commendation Medal, NASA Exceptional Service Medal, NASA Outstanding Leadership Medal, and the NASA Space Flight Medal. Next on the program was history lesson, delivered by Fr. Brelsford, who met Kevin Chilton when he was the Principal of St. Bernard High School in 1992. When Chilton was piloting Endeavour’s maiden voyage, Fr. Brelsford, a team of St. Bernard educators and the students from St. Bernard’s senior class Students were all involved with Chilton, NASA and the Shuttle Endeavour’s first mission. Fr. Brelsford and a group of St. Bernard teachers had the opportunity to witness the Endeavour launch at Cape Canaveral in Florida. Fr. Brelsford shared this experience with all of the students who were all wide eyed hearing the story. He told of watching the launch from 3 miles away, and that the lift-off was so powerful, that he could actually feel

the ground shaking. When Principal Watson announced Chilton, the students were mesmerized by the story of his shuttle journey and the NASA Crew he served with. Narrating along with a dvd of his experiences, Chilton told the crowd many stories, some very humorous, of his experience in space: seeing the Aurora Borialis, M&Ms candy tasting different in space, learning to speak Russian for the mission, what was on the shuttle daily food menu, the purpose of the mission, and all about the Space Shuttle. Following his presentation, Chilton did an extensive question and answer with the students. Said Visitation representatives, “It was truly a gift to have both Kevin Chilton and Fr. Brelsford at this Visitaiton School Assembly. The students learned a lot of our local Westchester, Visitation and St. Bernard history, and about Kevin’s and Fr. Brelsford shared connective history with Kevin, St. Bernard High School and NASA in the past 2 decades.” After the question and answer session, Leslie del Prado, Visitation’s Vice Principal was called to the podium to invite outstanding students to the stage area, where Chilton presented signed Shuttle Endeavour photos to Visitation School’s top math and science 8th Grade Students, Victoria Bachawati and Ricky Alvarez. He also presented a signed photo to Fr. Brelsford and one to all of the students in attendance. Bachawati then presented Visitation’s thank you gift to Kevin a dvd of Westchester’s “Mission 26, Shuttle Endeavour,” which included Endeavour’s trip through his hometown and the VIP event that took place on October 12, while the shuttle was stationed in the Citibank parking lot. To view all of the photos from Kevin Chilton’s visit to Visitation School, please visit to www.visitationschool. org.

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Is your New Year’s Resolution to volunteer your time or give back to your community? Let us help! Join us today.

We help older adults remain active and independent in the comfort and security of their own homes and neighborhoods for as long as possible.

Become a Member

You will receive help from wonderful volunteers who try to meet your needs.

Become a Volunteer Get to know and help your neighbors in the community.

Call WPV Today!

Westchester Playa Village volunteers and members display their paintings created during an art class.

Westchester Playa Village helps seniors live healthy

Do you live at home but need assistance with everyday tasks like transportation or household chores? Contact us to become a member!

By Carol Kitabayashi, Guest Writer

Carol Oike Kitabayashi Executive Director

(310) 695-7030 info@thewpv.org / www.thewpv.org 8939 S. Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 326, Los Angeles 90045

January 2013

Please contact Erica Ryan for more info at (310) 640-0041

Happy New Year, and thank you, for letting Westchester Playa Village share the many ways we help older residents in our community maintain an active, healthy lifestyle. Here is a snap shot of what we do and the opportunities we offer seniors in our community. Westchester Playa Village (WPV) is a non-profit, 501(c)(3), volunteer driven, membership organization. Our mission is to help older adults remain as active and independent as possible in the comfort and security of their own homes and neighborhoods, for as long as possible. We do this by providing services and programs that promote healthy and engaged living, done with compassion, dignity and respect. Our efforts provide enrichment to, and help improve, the health and well-being of those we serve, and by extension improve our community. As part of our mission, WPV will be offering a number of health and wellness programs in the next few months. We will be collaborating with several other local organizations and professionals who have offered their time and expertise. First, WVP will be partnering with the Westchester Family YMCA, Airport Marina Counseling Center, and EmpowerTech, to offer a series of “Healthy Lifestyles” programs specifically designed for our older adult population. WPV will host the first in this series and has enlisted the expertise of Carol Hahn, MSN, RN and Director of Elder Care Education with Adia. She will be doing a presentation on the importance of healthy eating, “How Colorful is Your Plate?” Please check our website at thewpv.org for more information on this event. Next, WPV will join with Adia’s Carol Hahn, and the Arthritis

Foundation to offer their certified, evidence based program, “Walking With Ease.” This six-week class will be held Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, starting January 21 at the Westfield Mall in Culver City and is designed to help reduce pain and improve overall health. Finally, WPV is pleased to be collaborating with Loyola Marymount University and Professor Silvie Grote from the Department of Health and Human Sciences. We have arranged for students from Professor Grote’s Exercise for Special Populations course to receive handson learning by assisting with a special exercise class for seniors and a balance and mobility assessment class. These classes will be conducted during the Spring Semester, starting in late February through April. These are just a few of the programs WPV will be offering in early 2013. In addition, we will be offering other special events that meet our goal of bringing our older adult population, and their families, together for continued learning, development and enrichment. Our program offerings throughout the year will be on a variety of educational/informational and health/ wellness topics, as well as providing opportunities for seniors to enjoy social and cultural events/outings. Some programs will be for WPV members and volunteers only, while others will be offered to the community. Another very significant way in which WPV supports healthy living for our older adult population is to provide a wide array of direct services aimed at helping our members with routine daily activities so that they may remain active and independent at home. These (continued on next page)

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

Steps to making your new years resolution stick By Jeff Blair

1. Find Your “Why?” 14 years ago I was 30 pounds heavier. I felt discouraged by the extra weight and did not have energy to work out. I was not confident in my appearance, and I felt old before my time. I wanted to make a change, but I had to first find my “why?” I had to dig a little deeper than a resolution and find my true motivation. What was the real reason I wanted to get in shape?

Jeff Blair is a personal trainer with an ofﬁce in Westchester.

My “why” turned out to be simple: I did not want to feel old and tired. When I was younger, I was an athlete and I loved the feeling of being in good physical condition. As I gained weight, I did not feel like I was really living; I was just existing. By finding my “why,” I was able to focus on the payoff of better choices (continued on page 14)

January 2013

PRACTICE INFECTION PROTECTION By Artista Marchioni, RN, BSN, LE, LNC Since the holidays are over and we shared lots of laughter and tears; we also shared every pathogen, (viruses and bacteria) known to man! Colds and flu should cause fewer infections if we are vigilant with our actions. Prevention is more important than the cure, of which there is usually little to none in conventional medicine. However, the good news is that the same things preventing us from getting sick are also the things that help with the cure. The immune system is enhanced with good hygiene and diet, rest, and laughter. It is said that more than 70% of the immune system is in our gut. I suspect it is even higher. Eating well without sugar is of prime importance. We ingest fifty five (55) pounds of sugar per year, per person; twenty years ago it was seventeen (17) pounds. Yikes! Your diet effects your immune system and poor food choices lower the immune system. The old saying "you are what you eat" is true! The following is a laundry list of things to do or take for infection protection.

TEN STEPS FOR INFECTION PROTECTION 1. Get Probiotics for the whole family, yogurt is not enough or if sugar laden is inappropriate. 2. Immediately wash your hands and face every time you come home after exposure to a crowd or plane travel. 3. Eat fresh fruits and vegetables daily and stay hydrated. 4. Get enough sleep. Take Mag-Relax (magnesium) at bedtime. 5. Say a prayer of gratefulness and meditate or have quiet time daily. 6. Have two close friends to talk to, in case one is mad at you! 7. Love and laugh as if you have never been hurt. 8. Use a plant derived anti-microbial. Smog Check® Spray is effective and safe for the whole family. 9. Get on a basic nutraceutical program. Multi-Vitamin, Omega-3, Multi-Mineral, Probiotic. 10. See one of our Professional Consultants (in white coats) for your personal program.

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healthy living (continued) (continued from previous page) services include transportation to and from medical and other appointments, grocery shopping, running errands, computer training, minor home repairs, and pet care, just to name a few. As an example, WPV currently provides transportation for several of our members to/from life-saving dialysis and chemotherapy treatment on a weekly basis. WPV members also receive rides to doctors’ appointments for routine and follow-up/preventative care visits. WPV volunteers not only provide rides to/from these appointments, but will escort members to the car, help them get in/out of the vehicle, and escort our members to/from the doctors’ waiting rooms. We can also provide assistance with grocery shopping, banking, dropping off/ picking up prescriptions, arrange for friendly visits, walking buddies and even help members learn to use the computer and iPad. These services are provided by a wonderful group of pre-screened volunteers, and we try to tailor our service to meet the special needs of our members and their families. As we age, some of us start to need a little extra help, but that does not mean we need to move out of our homes, or hire an expensive part-time caregiver. In fact, research shows that when asked, most older adults prefer to stay in their homes and “age in place.” This is how and why the “village concept” got started and today, WPV is just one of over 100 “villages” across the country helping older adults

IF YOU KNOW WHAT’S GOOD FOR YOU...

remain active and independent in their own homes. Dr. Freddi Segal-Gidan, Gerontologist at USC and a Playa del Rey resident has this to say about WPV, “The support offered by WPV, access to medical care on a regular basis and other services in a timely manner when needed is critical to preventing more serious problems and life-threatening issues. WPV serves as a vital link, enabling older adults to remain in their homes. I’m a huge proponent of the ‘village concept’ and the many benefits it offers. We are so fortunate to have a village right here in our community.” As part of this growing, national, “Village Movement,” we invite you to contact us or visit our website to learn more about Westchester Playa Village and the valuable services we offer. Remember, we are not a separate building or facility where seniors go to live. “Village” is just a term used to describe a special community of “neighbors helping neighbors” so that older adults can age in their own homes for as long as possible. If you are interested in these services for yourself, a family member, friend or neighbor, please give us a call. We are happy to tell you about the value of becoming part of this growing movement as a member, and/or by volunteering to give back to a senior in our neighborhood who needs a little extra help. For more information about the programs described above, or future WPV programs, please contact us at (310) 695-7030 or at www.thewpv.org. Registration for all programs is required in advance, as space will be limited.

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

Page 14

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 Medical Office Building Chase Bank The Coffee Co. Lucky Cleaner Ayara Thai Cuisine Ted’s Hair Design Truxton’s American Bistro Soundsations Needlepoints West Westchester Watch Works Bill Rosendahl’s Office Loyola Village Library Senior Center Loyola Village Library Elks Lodge Westchester Watch Works Kentwood Playhouse 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 Emerson Pharmacy 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 Buggy Whip *partial list of drop-offs

To make your business a drop-off location, please email westchesterhometown @ yahoo.com January 2013

• your community newspaper •

Another wake-up call By Nora Lee Owens I had planned to write this month about sports, but all of that changed on Friday morning, December 14. I was glancing occasionally at one of the TV sets in the YMCA weight machine room, which was broadcasting news events with subtitles, when to my horror I read about the shooting deaths at an elementary school in Newtown, Connecticut. Something inside me simply broke when I read the words on that screen. All I could think about was innocent babies being shot down in cold blood and how their parents would have to endure not only the loss of their children, but the loss of their hopes and dreams for those children. I was reminded of the deaths of the pre-school children who were in the Murrah Building in Oklahoma City in 1995. One photograph, of a fireman carrying the limp body of a tiny child, broke my heart at that time, and although I think it was a prize-winning photograph, every time I saw it the pain got worse. Timothy McVeigh was making a political statement for which he was executed, but I believe he should have spent the rest of his natural life in a small room lined with photographs of

the babies that he killed. We have endured too many mass killings over the past two decades, including the Twin Towers terrorist act and the Murrah Building political bombing. Except for the imported terrorists, most of those events were committed by young men who were either thought to be quiet, brilliant, odd, or a combination of all three. So should we lock up every young male between the ages of 10 and 30 who appears to be more withdrawn than others his age? Or should we be looking to get everyone who is “different” into counseling? Is every child who plays alone a potential executioner? I don’t think we’ll get very far trying to profile the next mass murderer – but I’m hoping someone has a bead on it, because I’m tired of reading about these smart, weird guys gone awry. What we also need to think about is beginning to limit the number of guns available to not only would-be mass murderers, but also to kids just playing detective, gang members and love-sick teenagers. I believe we now have laws allowing concealed weapons in every state of the union. It begins to sound like we could have a shoot-out at the OK Corral on any street corner, in any shopping mall, at any sporting event

and any movie theater on any day of the week. An editorial I recently read reminded us that it is harder in some places in America to adopt a pet than it is to purchase a gun. At least when you adopt a pet you are asked tough questions about where your dog will sleep and how your last cat died. I personally applaud the adoption agencies for their diligence in finding good homes for abandoned animals, but wouldn’t it be nice if as much care were taken to insure that the buyer of a handgun would be locking it up when not in use, training their children in the safe handling of guns and providing some reason for the purchase of a weapon other than to protect oneself against the government when it comes to call? I’m not finished with this subject. I’m just getting started. There have to be answers to the questions we asked ourselves all weekend in midDecember. Some Americans prefer to blame movies, music and video games for the violence here, and maybe they are partially correct. But the instrument of choice for mass murder, at least in the U.S., is guns. Guns.

Making resolutions stick (continued) (continued from page 13) even when I did not feel like working out or making healthy food decisions. I slowly changed my lifestyle, made better eating choices and lost 30 pounds. Finding my “why” was a huge part of that process. Finding your “why” can provide you extra motivation to make positive choices after most resolutions are long gone. 2. Find a Supportive and Accountable Environment A little positive peer pressure can help create a permanent fitness solution. If you have ever been on a team or been involved with an organization, you know how this works. No one wants to be the weakest link. Try to find at least one friend committed to healthy exercise and eating choices and lean on that person for support and accountability. The more people in your network who support your positive choices, the better your chances for success. When I made my fitness transformation, I began working out with 2 friends. Working out with others added fun to the workouts. I did not want to disappoint them by not showing up for a scheduled workout so

an element of accountability was also involved.

and take positive actions rather than compare yourself to others.

3. Dump the Junk If the pantry is full of chips, cookies and other high-calorie snacks, you will most likely eat them. Replace these snacks with fruit, vegetables and healthier choices. If there is one “must” to turn your New Year’s resolution into a New Year’s solution, this is it. By making this one change, you greatly increase your chances of reaching your fitness goals.

5. Remember: Slower Solutions Can Sometimes Be the Best Solutions Most people do not allow enough time to see weight loss results. People do not gain the weight overnight, and it is not going to disappear in two weeks. Small, incremental changes can create permanent habits and permanent solutions. In 90 days, you can make significant and sustainable changes. Incorporate these five tips into your fitness routine in 2013 and you can finally turn your resolution into a permanent solution. You can do it!

4. Don’t Compare Yourself to your Brother, Sister, Husband, Wife, etc. I hear it all the time: “Bill eats cookies every day and never gains a pound.” The sentiment seems to be: “Since Bill can eat those foods and not gain weight, I should be able to do the same.” For a variety of genetic and other reasons, people may respond differently to certain foods. Some people may be able to eat certain high calorie foods with no negative consequences (at least in the short-term). Focus on your own experience and make choices that help you feel better and forget about “Bill.” Be honest with yourself, remember your “why”

Before starting this or any other exercise program, be sure to check with 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 2012 Readers’ Poll. Jeff has been featured in “Men’s Fitness” magazine and as a “Fitness Expert” on ABC’s “Everyday Health” TV show. Email jeffblair@jeffblairfitness.com for fitness story ideas or comments.

Have a point of view you’d like to share with the community? The HTN is looking for a new columnist! Have an interesting take on the area? Passionate about Playa del Rey? Email us your proposal at westchesterhometown@yahoo.com. Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey• Playa Vista HomeTown News

Let go of worn out thoughts and behaviors is great potential in the moment in which you truly let go. In the “now” moment, anything is possible. It is the For several years on either New moment when you have power and Years Eve or in the first couple of control over your own life. The more weeks of January, I have participated conscious you are in your decision to in a “Burning Bowl” ritual at my change, the greater the opportunity is church. We write onto small strips of to use it to move into what you desire. paper experiences that we no longer Instead of your life being controlled by wish to have in our lives. We set an old habit, you are now at choice. flame to what we wrote, dropping What do you chose to allow into it into a large ceramic bowl. Some your life? Yes, you can choose. people walk quickly away from Many people do not realize it is the bowl. Others linger, carefully okay to make choices about his or watching the flame burn every speck her own life. Some people think of the paper. Some people seem life happens to him or her. Each regretful and others seem to be very person can very consciously choose satisfied. Of course, this process does thoughts, words and not need to be done in a “As you form actions which have group of people. It could new patterns, it a direct bearing on also be done privately each situation being with only one or two is important to be experienced. You may people. kind to yourself not have control of all Are you experiencing in life what you desire? when old patterns circumstances, but you always have control If not, it is necessary to unconsciously over how you react to let go of habits (ways show up.” each circumstance. of speaking, ways of In the “Burning behaving, as well as ways Bowl” ritual, each person writes a of perceiving) which do not support letter clearly stating what he or she the kind of life you wish to live. is ready to accept into his or her life. Sometimes understanding what habits The letter is a way to make full use you are holding onto which do not of the moment of new possibility. support you are hard to identify. If you The letters are not resolutions, but are able to recognize them, it may a private written communication be still hard to let go of behaviors, reflecting on what new beliefs and attitudes and words with which you behaviors the letter writer is ready to are comfortable and familiar– even if embrace. The written communication what you are familiar with no longer is a process of “making conscious” supports your desired life. your new decisions. Writing down It can be like cleaning out a the new decision helps fix the new closet. You may go through your decision in your mind. After the closet; reluctantly looking at a choice is made, a challenge is to stay sweater reminding you of some great conscious of your decisions. experience, yet the sweater no longer Another variation could be to fits or may simply be worn out. write the letter to yourself. If you Letting go of the sweater may make decide to do this ritual alone, you you sad because it can seem like you could perhaps set a reminder in your are letting go of the memory. If you calendar to read what you wrote at imagine the closet as a metaphor intervals through the year. In the ritual for your mind, the worn out sweater in which I participate, the letters are becomes like a worn out pattern placed into self-addressed sealed of thinking. Once upon a time, the envelopes, collected and mailed to thinking may have served you well each participating person half way however it no longer fits. through the year. I invite you to tailor When patterns of thinking are the process to fit your life and your worn out, they become bad habits. belief system. Similar to the sad feelings when you My wish is for you to have many let go of the sweater, you may feel opportunities to let go of worn out sad when you let go of bad thinking thoughts and behaviors no longer habits. The change may leave a hole serving you and for you to experience within your life routine that may feel the personal power you have over different or possibly uncomfortable. your own life through the choices you This is because there has been a life make. As you form new patterns, it is experience change. Letting go of a important to be kind to yourself when bad habit may result in the sensation of not feeling as if you know what you old patterns unconsciously show up. With each moment, there is a new should be doing. Even though there opportunity for release and choice. may be discomfort with being in a Most of all, my wish for you is to have new experience, feeling different does a New Year in which you thrive. not have to translate to a return to old Fay Craton, M.A. is a Licensed worn out habits. As you form good Marriage and Family Therapist habits, a feeling of comfort will return. (mfc40011), which is the psychology For some people letting go needs to license specializing in relationships be carefully thought about in advance (with ourselves or with others) and she of the change. Other people see the has an office in Westchester. Contact need to release the worn out belief her at (310) 645-6762. and easily step away from it. There By Fay Craton

January 2013

Page 15

Homeboy Industries (cont’d) (continued from page 6) This exhibition is organized by the Ben Maltz Gallery at Otis. Guest curator Annie Buckley is a 2003 MFA graduate and is an interdisciplinary artist, author, art critic and Assistant Professor of Visual Studies at California State University, San Bernardino. Otis College of Art and Design is located at 9045 Lincoln Blvd, in Westchester,

Parking and admission are free and visitor parking in available on the street or on the structure to the south of the building on La Tijera. The gallery is opened Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Thursday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The gallery is closed Sundays and Mondays. For more info, please call (310) 665-6905 or visit www.otis.edu.

Shopping local (continued) (continued from page 8) donate time and money to community organizations. Restaurants like Truxton’s and Melody Bar & Grill do the same. Small business owners throughout the Westchester Town Center BID area do great things every day to support our community. Shopping locally and supporting these businesses is easy. Not only is it convenient to shop close to where you live and work, but our community is full of virtually every kind of business imaginable – spas and restaurants, frame stores and gift shops, bookstores and dance studios and much, much more. Many local businesses are showing their support for smallbusiness shopping by holding special

events such as the monthly First Friday event in the Westchester Triangle. Not only does this event help make the community more aware of the businesses on 89th Street and the surrounding area, but it provides a great opportunity to mix and mingle with your neighbors and taste food from some of Los Angeles’ best food trucks. Where we eat, shop and invest makes our community home. Westchester’s small businesses are a central part of the distinctive character of our home. With the new year upon us, shopping locally is a great idea to help keep Westchester’s favorite shops in business.

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

Page 16

To Do 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/ or become our friend (Westchester Rotary) on Facebook. Playa Vista Farmers’ Market Come out to the Playa Vista Farmers’ Market, located in the heart of Playa Vista. Open every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and showcasing the freshest fruits, vegetables and flowers direct from the best local farmers’ California has to offer as well as other traditional market fare. This is a Certified Farmers’ Market sponsored by Sprouts of Promise Foundation, a 501(c) 3 non-profit focused on the education of healthy eating habits. Playa Venice Sunrise Rotary Club Join the Rotary club of Playa Venice Sunrise Rotary Club at its Wednesday morning meeting at 7:15 a.m. at the Courtyard Marriott Hotel, located at 13480 Maxella Avenue 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, www. playasunrise.org or call (310) 4293808. 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.

Westchester Little League Sign-Ups The Westchester Little League (WLL) is holding sign-ups for its 2013 season on Saturday and Sunday, January 12 and 13. Sign-ups will take place on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Nielsen Field, located at 6000 Will Rodgers Street in Westchester. Please visit www. westchesterlittleleague.com for additional information regarding the registration process (fees, required deposits, necessary documents to provide and downloading the 2013 registration form). WLL is open to boys and girls who will be ages 6-12 as of April 30, 2013 and live within our league’s

January 2013

• your community newspaper • your community newspaper • your community newspaper • boundaries. A map of these boundaries can be found at: westchesterll.org. If you have any questions or are interested in volunteering as a coach or umpire, please email playball90045@yahoo.com or contact the League Registrar, Jen Mulligan, at (310) 606-1467. Life-story Writing Class The Westchester Life-Story Writing Class is looking for people interested in putting their life story to paper. The group is led by Bernie Horst and welcomes and encourages seniors and adults interested in writing their life stories. Class members have published numerous books since the class’ inception. Meetings are held every Wednesday at 10 a.m. in the YMCA Annex. The entry gate is on Alverstone Avenue around the corner from the Westchester YMCA and is located at 8015 80th Street in Westchester. Greyhound Show and Tell January 6 and every first Sunday of the month, greyhounds and volunteers from Fastfriends.org (nonprofit rescue group), will have a Greyhound Show and Tell from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Petco, located at 8801 S. Sepulveda in Westchester. Bring in the New Year with a visit with Duncan, Sheba, Dharma and Carson and learn about rescued greyhounds and how to adopt one. The calm and gentle manners of greyhounds help them be great family pets for apartments, families and even the elderly. They have minimum requirement for exercise, just like other dogs – a 15 minute daily walk is ideal. They sleep about 20 hours a day. We call them “45 MPH Couch Potatoes” for a reason. Greyhounds MUST be kept on a leash in any unfenced or partially fenced areas as you won’t catch them if they decide to chase something. To see available adoptable dogs, go to Fastfriends.org and for more information contact Jim/ Sharon Higgins at (310) 645-8143. Kentwood Players present “39 Steps” Kentwood Players presents the Tony Award winning comedy thriller “The 39 Steps” from Friday, January 11 to Saturday, February 16, 2013 on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. at the Westchester Playhouse, located at 8301 Hindry Avenue in Westchester. The production is directed by Ben Lupejkis, and produced by Lori A. Marple-Pereslete and Tony Pereslete by special arrangement with Samuel French. Adapted by Patrick Barlow from the novel by John Buchan and the movie by Alfred Hitchcock, “The 39 Steps” is a hilarious, comedic, and faithful rendering of Hitchcock’s classic. Barlow based his adaptation on the original concept by Simon Corble and Nobby Dimon of a two-actor version of the play, but Barlow’s version calls

for the entirety of the 1935 mysterythriller movie to be performed with a cast of only four playing all 30 characters. Thus the film’s serious spy story is played with tongue firmly in cheek, and the script is full of allusions to (and puns on the titles of) other Alfred Hitchcock films, including Rear Window, Psycho, Vertigo, and North by Northwest. One actor plays the hero, Richard Hannay, an actress plays the three women with whom he has romantic entanglements, and two other actors play every other character in the show including heroes, villains, men, women and even the occasional inanimate object. It is this dexterity that fuels the action for this highly theatrical comedy thriller that includes an escape from a moving train, a leap from a bridge into frigid waters, and a narrow miss with a malevolent airplane bent on destruction. Featured in the cast are Patricia Butler, Shaina Zalma Ostroff, Karl Schott, and Frank Weidner. Tickets are $18 and can be purchased by calling (310) 645-5156 during box office hours, Wednesday through Saturday from 4 to 7 p.m. or by visiting www.kentwoodplayers.org. California Democrats Invited to Help Select Delegates to State Convention at Meeting The California Democratic Party’s Assembly District Meetings (ADEM) for the 62nd Assembly District will be held on Saturday, January 12, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Westchester Fire Station #5, 8900 South Emerson Avenue in Westchester. The 62nd Assembly District is represented by Assemblymember Steve Bradford and includes the communities of Westchester, Marina del Rey, Playa Vista, Playa del Rey, as well as El Segundo, Inglewood, Hawthorne, Lawndale, Lennox, Morningside Park and Westmont. Registered Democratic Party attendees can cast their vote for delegates to the California Democratic Party Convention 2013 and 2014 at the meeting. For more information, please call (916) 503-7302 or email emma@cadem.org.

Marathon through Playa del Rey Runners can still register for the Allstate Life Insurance Los Angeles 13.1 Marathon set for Sunday, January 13, 2013. Runners can go to www.131LosAngeles.com to register. The marathon will begin at 7:00 a.m and the 5K starts at 7:15 a.m. Over 4,200 runners are expected to participate in the race starting at Rose Avenue on the Venice Boardwalk and ending on the shores of the Pacific at the end of Culver in Playa del Rey. Runners will enjoy a scenic course with beautiful views and the ocean as a backdrop. The race begins on

the Venice boardwalk, then winds past Mother’s Beach and the marina in Marina del Rey, Playa del Rey, El Segundo, and back to Playa Del Rey for an epic post race party. World Vision, a Christian humanitarian organization that tackles poverty by providing clean drinking water, safe food, and educational opportunities for youth, has come aboard as an official race charity. Allstate Life Insurance and Give Your Sole have partnered to collect slightly used athletic shoes from participants and spectators. Shoe donations can be made at the Allstate Life Insurance zone at the Finish Line Festival. Free flipflops will be distributed to those who donate their shoes. The 5K will start and finish in Dockweiler Beach, Playa del Rey. The 5K race is walker friendly and the course and finish line will be open for 3 hours and 30 minutes (16 minute/mile pace). For more info, please visit www.131LosAngeles.com. Westchester-Del Rey Republican Women’s Meeting Join the Westchester-Del Rey Republican Women on Tuesday, January 15, at 11 a.m. for their “PreElection” meeting at KJ’s Diner and Restaurant, located at 8731 Lincoln Blvd. in Westchester. The West Los Angeles Coordinator for “The Kevin James for Mayor” campaign, Maureen Johnson, will speak. Cost for the luncheon is $17.50. Reservations not required. Parking available. For more info, please contact Carol at (310) 641-9726. AMCS Annual Spring Event Airport Marina Counseling Service invites you to its annual spring event to celebrate the season and its 2013 Community Builders award winners Kathleen Hannon Aikenhead, President of the William H. Hannon Foundation. The event will feature entertainment from one of L.A. ‘s top meteorologist Fritz Coleman and will take place on Saturday, March 9 at 6 p.m. on the campus of Loyola Marymount University. For more info, please call (310) 6701410 or visit airportmarina.org.

How to submit a listing for the To Do/Calendar section 1. Write-up your event in paragraph format (no abbreviations please!) 2. Submissions must be received by the 22nd of the month to be considered 3. Please include contact information and the cost for your event, if there is one 4. Email us the event * Due to the volume of submissions received, we can not include all events.

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

Page 17

COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS

January Sunday

Monday

Tuesday Tuesday

Wednesday Wednesday

Thursday Thursday

Friday Friday

Bridging Homeboy Industries Exhibit @ Otis

1 Planning hearing @ Proud Bird

Greyhound Show and ell

Gateway to Go @ Crowne Plaza LAX

Saturday Saturday

First Friday @ 87th Street & Truxton Ave.

Open House @ Westside Neighborhood School

4 Opening Night “The 39 Steps” @ Westchester Playhouse

Open House @ Westchester Lutheran School

Gateway to Go @ Crowne Plaza LAX

Speakers by the Sea @ Playa del Rey

WLL Sign-ups @ Nielsen Field

Westchester-Del Rey Republican Women’s Meeting @ KJ’s Diner

Westchester Farmers’ Market @ Westchester Park

“The 39 Steps” @ Westchester Playhouse

Westchester Farmers’ Market @ Westchester Park

5 WLL Sign-ups @ Nielsen Field

Speakers by the Sea @ Playa del Rey

Farmers’ Market @ Playa Vista

11 “The 39 Steps” @ Westchester Playhouse

Democratic Assembly meeting @ Fire Station 5

“The 39 Steps” @ Westchester Playhouse Farmers’ Market @ Playa Vista

Marathon ending in Playa del Rey

“The 39 Steps” @ Westchester Playhouse

Gateway to Go @ Crowne Plaza LAX

Speakers by the Sea @ Playa del Rey

18 “The 39 Steps” @ Westchester Playhouse

“The 39 Steps” @ Westchester Playhouse

Westchester Farmers’ Market @ Westchester Park

Open House @ St. Anastasia

22 Gateway to Go @ Crowne Plaza LAX

“The 39 Steps” @ Westchester Playhouse

January 2013

Farmers’ Market @ Playa Vista

23 Speakers by the Sea @ Playa del Rey

Open House @ Visitation

Westchester Farmers’ Market @ Westchester Park

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

Page 18

JANUARY Best Buys

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HAPPY NEW YEAR! May this New Year bring Health, Happiness and Peace to you and your family.

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Page 19

�� Getting your Property Sold is as Easy as Listing with Robin Zacha There are many realtors or With Robin Zacha of Zacha agents to choose from, but Homes, You get all of that when choosing to buy or sell, knowledge and expertise why not choose a realtor and more... that knows not only sales, Welcome to Westchester, If you are thinking of contracts and negotiating Call for a free evaluation and a wonderful your home, call for a BUT EVERY aspect of a neighborhood. see how this can save selling you home from building and hundreds and thousands of free home evaluation. plumbingHomes to electrical, dollars before you sell or buy are selling and foundation, structure and with just anyone... families are moving here and Find out how to keep more more...

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Advertise Your Listing with Us!

It’s important to get in front of both potential home buyers and sellers. The Westchester/Playa del Rey HomeTown News is here to help you reach out to local residents, while promoting your listings, as well as you and your business and/or company.

Referrals upon request.

Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year To You and Your Family! The real estate market will be hot. Be a part of it. !

• Introductory rates for new Real Estate Advertisers • Affordable color rates • Website advertising available

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Nora Lee Owens at the Real Estate Consultants For real estate answers,

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

Page 20

Happy New Year! Wishing our hometown a happy and prosperous 2013! HOMETOWN

NEWS

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

January 2013

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

Page 21

Business and Professional Painting

Help Wanted

Laundry

WANTED: Part-time ad sales professional wanted for community newspaper. Should have sales experience and be an outgoing, self-assured individual who is selfmotivated and can work independently.

Email resume and inquiries to htn@thehtn.com

Try our FREE pick-up and delivery service! Visit us online to sign-up at www.valetcleaners.biz or call (323) 294-7181

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Plumber? Doctor? Landscaper? Interested in advertising your business? Advertise your business with us! Rates as low as $35/month. Email us at westchesterhometown@yahoo.com or call (310) 641-1016.

Chester West

By Jack Younger

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 January 2013

HOMETOWN

NEWS

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

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 • LAX in the Rose Parade. More than 7,000 fragrant roses and nearly 5,000 carnations adorned a float created by the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board and LAWA to replicate the $1.5-billion New Tom Bradley International Terminal opening in 2013. Entitled, “Making Connections,” the floral extravaganza was based on the tournament’s Dr. Seuss theme, “Oh, The Places You’ll Go.” The float is the 115th consecutive annual entry for the City of Los Angeles, making the city the longest running parade float participant. No taxpayer funds are used for the float. The float took home the “Mayor’s Award” for most outstanding cityeither national or international– entry at the January 1 parade. The float depicts the prominent multi-colored LAX Pylons, the iconic Theme Building and a street sign that contains all 25 of L.A.’s Sister Cities. RENDERING PROVIDED BY LAWA.

The 39 Steps. “The 39 Steps” at the Kentwood Playhouse will have its opening night on January 11 and will run through February 16. Pictured: Patricia Butler, Karl Schott, Frank Weidner and Shaina Zalma Ostroff play all 30 characters in the play. PHOTO BY BEN LUPEJKIS.

HAVE A HAPPY NEW YEAR! START IT WITH US.

��

� � � �� Westchester Lutheran Church and School is a community of people who seek a deeper relationship with The Lord and with each other. We come together in praise, study, and service, working together to make our Community– and the world– a better place. There are many opportunities to connect, to get involved, and to celebrate.

Make 2013 your best year yet. Join us.

Our doors and hearts are open. �� All are welcome. Sunday School (ages 3 to adult) Sunday Worship Midweek Bible Study (for adults) Youth Fellowship (Gr. 1 and up)

Sundays at 8:45 a.m. Sundays at 10:00 a.m. Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. Fridays at 7:00 p.m.

��

January 2013

Pack 824. Westchester Cub Scout Pack 824 made ornaments, donated a tree and decorated the tree at the Bob Hope Hollywood USO at LAX. The boys, siblings and parents also wrote cards to the servicemen and women, and the boys handed them out at the USO on the evening of December 11. The kids then sang a song to a full house. This long-standing service project is a favorite of the cub scouts and the servicemen and women always enjoy seeing the scouts and helping decorate the tree. Pack 824 is chartered by Covenant Presbyterian Church. Please visit www.pack824.org for more information.

We want to see you “In Pictures!” Email us at westchesterhometown@yahoo.com

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

Page 23

St. Anastasia CATHOLIC SCHOOL

Open House & Science Fair– all are welcome! Sunday, January 27, 10:00 a.m.- Noon

Tyler (second from left) poses with representatives from the charities he donated his prize money to, as well as Rotarians Nora MacLellan and Cindy Williams (far right).

Drollinger award recipient donates money to two youth non-profits On Wednesday, December 12 at the Rotary Club of Westchester’s weekly meeting, the annual Howard B. Drollinger award was announced by Loyola Marymount Conrad N. Hilton Chair of Entrepreneurship, Fred Kiesner. This award is presented to a person that exemplifies the Rotary International motto of ‘Service Above Self’ in their entrepreneurial business practices. Past recipients of the award include Rowena Ake, Mason Shayan and Geoff Maleman, This year, Kiesner awarded the $2,000 prize to Rod Tyler of Armstrong Printing Co. The recipient of the award then gets to choose a non-profit organization or organizations to receive the prize. Tyler announced the beneficiaries of the prize money at the next meeting. He awarded his prize to two non-profit organizations dedicated to making a difference in young people’s lives. Safe Place for Youth and Vision To Learn. In addition to the $1,000 prize, Safe Place for Youth was presented with over $600 in gift cards that were purchased by Westchester Rotarians to be distributed to the youth that the group aids. The organization’s mission is to find,

stabilize and assist homeless youth under the age of 25 and improve their lives. Vision To Learn provides free eye exams and free eyeglasses to elementary school students in lowincome communities throughout the Los Angeles area To date, Vision To Learn has served more than 4,600 children and provided more than 3,500 eyeglasses. Safe Place for Youth was represented at the meeting by its executive director and founder, Alison Hurst, Said Hurst, ‘This gift and certificates go a long way in helping the homeless youth in our area and hopefully gets them on a path to a stable and safe living situation.” Vision To Learn was represented by executive director Amber Martinez and Nora MacLellan, Outreach Coordinator/Volunteer and Westchester Rotarian. Said MacLellan, ‘Vision to Learn is so touched by this gift. It will purchase 50 eyeglass frames allowing a child to have proper vision is a life changer!’ For more info on a Safe Place for Youth, please visit safeplaceforyouth. org. For more info on Vision to Learn, visit VisionToLearn.org.

We want to hear from you! Contact us at (310) 641-1016 or westchesterhometown@yahoo.com Like us at Facebook.com/thehtn to stay up-to-date on news and events January 2013

SETTING THE STANDARD FOR

Academic Excellence

St. Anastasia Catholic School offers students a well-rounded and challenging curriculum in a balanced and stimulating learning environment that enables children to grow spiritually, thrive academically and flourish socially. St. Anastasia students graduate to the top high schools— then onto the colleges of their choice. For admissions information or to find out more, visit our website at school.st-anastasia.org. St. Anastasia Catholic School 8631 S. Stanmoor Drive Los Angeles, CA 90045 310.645.8816 school.st-anastasia.org

Academics

Enrichment

Technology

Community

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

Page 24

NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL OF WESTCHESTER / PLAYA

NCWP Committees Ready for A Great 2013

Attend NCWP Committee Meetings The Neighborhood Council of Westchester/Playa has eight standing committees that discuss various topics of interest to our community. To learn about these issues in more depth, please take the time to attend our committee meetings and let your voice be heard. Airport Relations Third Thursday at 6:30 p.m. Del Rey Hills Church, 8505 Saran Dr., in Playa del Rey Budget and Finance First Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. Community Room @ Westchester Municipal Building 7166 W Manchester Ave. Community Services Meets as needed Please check website for time and location Education Fourth Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. Westchester Loyola Village Library Government Affairs Third Monday at 6:30 p.m. Del Rey Hills Church, 8505 Saran Dr., in Playa del Rey Outreach Meets as needed Please check website for time and location Planning & Land Use Third Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. Community Room @ Westchester Municipal Building 7166 W Manchester Ave. Public Safety Meets as needed Please check website for time and location BOARD MEETING First Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. Community Room @ Westchester Municipal Building 7166 W Manchester Ave.

Message from the President In 1999, the voters approved a new City Charter which declared, “We the people of the City of Los Angeles, in order to establish a responsive, effective and accountable government through which all voices in our diverse society can be heard; to provide fair representation and distribution of government resources and a safe, harmonious environment based on principles of liberty and equality, do enact this Charter.” The new City Charter’s Article IX provided for the creation of the Department of Neighborhood Empowerment and a citywide system of neighborhood councils in order to “promote more citizen participation in government and make government more responsive to local needs.” The purpose of the Citywide System of Neighborhood Councils in the City of Los Angeles is to promote more citizen participation in government and make government more responsive to local needs. Neighborhood Councils include and represent the many diverse interests of its community and shall have an advisory role on issues of concern to their neighborhood. The Neighborhood Council of Westchester/Playa is YOUR Neighborhood Council and your participation is important to make it as effective as it can be. Come join us at our monthly committee meetings and NCWP Board meetings. Neighborhood Council of Westchester Playa is the voice of the community. Let’s work together to improve our community. Happy New Year! ~~ Cyndi Hench, President Airport Relations On Tuesday, January 8, Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) will host an Open House from 4:30-6:30 p.m. �� Plan Ammendment Study (SPAS) at the Proud Bird Restaurant, 11022 Aviation Boulevard in Westchester. The NCWP position on this remains steadfast: the NCWP supports Alts 2 & 9. We want LAWA to focus on modernization and ground transportation infrastructure improvements. We want an airport we can be proud of calling our neighbor. Alas, as in many dealings with LAWA, we have short notice and a meeting scheduled that challenges public convenience. So once again, we need to mobilize our best effort to have a strong community �� ask you to reach every possible friend, relative, and neighbor calling for their attendance at this hearing too. We have other talking points that we will gladly send upon request. Please direct your interest to: integritysearch@ ca.rr.com ~~ Craig Eggers, Airport Relations Committee Chair Government Affairs Committee The Government Affairs Committee of the NCWP meets the third Monday of each month, with the exception of federal or state holidays. The meeting time and place is 6:30 p.m., at the Del Rey Hills Church, 8505 Saran Drive in Playa del Rey. The GAC’s mission is to serve as a practical and direct resource for stakeholders needing the services of local government and to work with city services to resolve quality of life issues. Additionally, the goals for this committee include identifying the issues of concern to the community and then developing, in a timely manner, information and guidelines that will provide our stakeholders the resources that are needed to resolve these matters. This committee’s stated goal is to be proactive in resolving the concerns brought before it. 2013 promises to be a busy year for the GAC, with several items already being proposed for upcoming meetings in the New Year. We encourage all stakeholders to take part in future upcoming meetings and events held by this very important committee. ~~ Mark Redick, Goverment Affairs Committee Chair Community Services Committee The Community Services Committee (CSC) is the Neighborhood Council’s newest committee. Its purpose is �� enthusiasm and sweat-equity to support their efforts. Westchester/Playa is a community of wonderful, giving people – but oftentimes, they do not know how or where they can help. The CSC will provide the link to volunteer opportunities in our local area, as well as ensure that region-wide events (e.g. Mayor’s Day of Service) have an active presence in Westchester/Playa. The CSC will support the invaluable work of local schools and organizations, which are making a difference in the quality-of-life in our community. Meeting schedule is being determined. Check www.ncwpdr.org for more information or contact Cheryl Burnett at cburnettNC1@gmail.com. ~~ Cheryl Burnett, Community Services Committee Chair

www.ncwpdr.org January 2013

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