Westchester/Playa Hometown News June 2023

ULTIMATE SUMMER

...pg 16

June 2023

Vote for your favorite local businesses

...page 9

•

About The HomeTown News (HTN)

Front page: Two scoops of ice cream from Playa Vista’s Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams and a colorful backdrop at the Runway by The Shift Creative make for a fun summer photo.

Photo by Robert Higgins for the Hometown News. Roberthigginsphotography.com

LMU Coach shares passion for the pool with others to create a special community for swimmers

By Shanee Edwards

Up on the bluffs, on the campus of Loyola Marymount University, is a gorgeous, Olympic-sized pool that’s a swimmer’s dream. Once the marine layer has lifted, the pool gets full California sun and even has a grassy area nearby with picnic tables. This pool is the shining star at the Burns Recreation Center and is available to students, faculty and the community alike, for a very reasonable fee.

Home to the LMU Lions Water Polo Team and the L.A. SeaStars, the synchronized swimming club, it’s the Masters Swim Program under the guidance of head coach Bonnie Adair that Westchester/Playa residents of all ages are crazy about. For some members it’s about fitness or getting mentored by Adair; for others it’s about keeping that competitive edge. But for everyone involved, there’s an undeniable social aspect to swimming that’s unique to this community both in and out of the pool.

For two decades now, LMU Masters Swim Program Director and Women’s Swimming Head Coach Bonnie Adair has brought her expertise and passion to both university students and the local aquatic community. Something about Westchester has always had a hold on her. In fact, the first home her parents ever bought was on Denrock, just south of little Vons.

“We moved to the San Fernando Valley when I was only six-months old so I have no actual memory of this home, but I feel like there was a boomerang aspect to my life to be where I am today at LMU,” says Adair. “I just wish they had held on to the property and passed it down to me as it is probably valued in the $1.5 million range in today’s market!”

At just 5-years-old, Adair began to explore her natural aquatic abilities in the pool and on the edge of the diving board, sending her on a 13-year career of competitive swimming. After attending UCLA as an undergraduate and then getting a law degree at LMU, she stepped away from the pool to pursue a lucrative law career. Though she found great success as a legal eagle, she missed her amphibious life and sharing her passion for the pool with others.

“I couldn’t let go of the swimming stuff,” says Adair. “And then at some point, I just felt like it was my calling and gave up law. I was in my own firm at the time and I wasn’t enjoying myself. I thought, ‘You know what? I want to get back on the deck!’ And so here I am now, 20 years later, with kind of a second career with the Women’s Swim Team at LMU and the Masters.”

Adair thoroughly enjoys coaching the LMU students, but she’s also invigorated by the swimmers in the Masters Program who come from all different backgrounds and ages–from some high school kids to adults in their 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s, and even a few in their 80s.

“It’s a social outlet for me to coach

adults of all levels that want to stay healthy,” says Adair. “It’s more of a fitness program than it is anything competitive. We do get ex-college swimmers, but we also get a lot of new people that have never swam in an organized kind of environment. It’s fun to get them started and then they get hooked.”

is Pam Bearly, who calls swimming her “soul.”

She retired from a job as a Billing Specialist in healthcare in February 2020 with big plans to travel. But everything, including the pool, shut down in March.

“All the things that would have augmented the travel just never materialized. It was really hard. I felt like I lost a part of who I am,” she says.

Coming from a swimming background, Bearly loves many things about the Masters Program. Though she doesn’t consider herself competitive like some of the other swimmers with Olympic dreams or who compete as triathletes, she says the program has something for everyone.

“You have the physical aspect and the endorphins from that. But the Masters is made up of just some really nice, good people. And the coaching is great–Bonnie is a master at managing a pool full of people while making you feel like you’re her only lane. It’s just inherent in who and what she is in terms of making sure everybody has a great workout. And if you just want to have a social swim and chat in one of the lanes, you can have that, too!” says Bearly.

The COVID-19 pandemic was hard on everyone and to keep students safe, the university shut down the pool for two whole years. Finally, last May, it reopened.

“They said, ‘OK, you can bring your Masters Swimmers back, and we’re going to open the pool back up.’ Now we’re at full steam and this summer we’re doing our swim camps again,” Adair says.

One person thrilled to be at the pool

For Adrienne Durand, swimming in the LMU pool is a family affair. Durand swam competitively as an undergrad at Pepperdine University where she first crossed paths with Bonnie Adair.

“We swam against her!” says Durand. These days, Durand is focused on her career as an instructional coach for LAUSD and her family. Adrienne and her husband James compete in the annual two-mile Dwight Crum Pier-toPier Swim from Hermosa Beach Pier to Manhattan Beach Pier.

“We do that for fun,” she says.

(continued on page 18)

Photos by Zsuzsi Steiner

Swimmers get a workout, and have fun, while participating in the LMU Masters Program. The program is for all levels from beginners to competitive swimmers.

It’s not just coming and swimming on your own and being isolated. It’s the community that makes it special.

“

Ayara reopens for indoor dining.

Ayara Thai is kicking off the month of June by celebrating the return of indoor dining starting June 1st. The beloved Thai restaurant’s indoor space has been closed since the start of the pandemic, but they have continued to serve their guests and thrive, thanks to a bustling takeout business, outdoor events and numerous collaborations with chefs and partners. While the eatery initially paused indoor seating due to COVID, owners kept the doors closed in anticipation of breaking ground on renovations—something they had been planning for years. However, permitting red tape has so far undermined these plans. While the restaurant works through the bureaucracy to realize their expansion and renovations for the space, they’re excited to welcome back guests

com.

incoming Rotary Club President, Eric Medrano at eric_medrano@lennoxk12. org. The applicant will be asked to

of flight. Visitors can learn about the founding of LAX in 1928 viewed through the lens of airlines that have served the region from 1946 to the present. They also have an extensive collection of more than 700 uniforms, representing the clothing worn by the flight deck, cabin crew, airport security and ground support employees.

For more info about exhibits, tours, the Flight Path Flyers program and volunteering, visit flightpathlax.com. The museum is located at 6661 Imperial Hwy. in Westchester.

Emerson Ave. Garden to host summer workshops.

The Emerson Avenue Community Garden has a plethora of upcoming events this summer, and they’re inviting the community to check them out and get involved!

On Saturday, June 17, the nonprofit will host a free “Container Gardening Workshop.” Attendees will get the chance to learn how to successfully start and maintain a garden in containers. This is the perfect workshop for those wanting to add to a backyard garden or folks that have

The class is led by certified master gardeners Beth Cross and Joy Tucker who are teaming up to share their knowledge and the do’s and don’ts of having a successful garden. The workshop will run 10 a.m. to noon.

On Monday, July 3, the garden will be putting the finishing touches on its (continued on next page)

6245 W. 87th Street in Westchester. Check out their menu at ayarathai.

Memorial Day Tribute. The Women’s Club of Playa del Rey held its second annual Memorial Day Tribute on Monday, May 29. Members of the club and their guests, many of them veterans, honored those that gave their lives to protect their country with a special ceremony in front of the group’s clubhouse. The club also decorated the median along Manchester Ave. with dozens of flags that were purchased by community members as part of a fundraiser benefiting two veteran’s charities (pictured below). The club hopes to gain additional support and contributions for next year’s event to be able to cover a larger area.

Photos by Robert Higgins

(continued from previous page)

Fourth of July Parade float. They’re looking for volunteers to help get their entry decorated and ready for the big event. Decorating starts at 8 a.m.

The Emerson Avenue Community Garden is located on the campus of Wright STEAM Magnet at 8050 Emerson Ave. in Westchester. The nonprofit is entirely run by volunteers who oversee the oneacre green space, which contains community garden plots and is a location for workshops and educational opportunities.

Join the Centinela Adobe for a fundraiser BBQ.

The Centinela Adobe, the first home in the Westchester/Playa area, is opening its doors for a BBQ fundraiser on Sunday, June 11 from 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. This is the first time the Historical Society of Centinela Valley has been able to hold its summer fundraiser in three years. Tickets to the BBQ are $25 per person and include a lunch with BBQ chicken or beef and all the fixings. Guided tours will also be available for attendees. The Centinela Adobe

is located at 7634 Midfield Ave. in Westchester. The historical home is also open for tours on Sundays from 2 to 4 p.m.

WDRLL celebrates end of season with closing ceremony.

On Sunday, June 4 join the Westchester Del Rey Little League (WDRLL) as they celebrate the close of the 2023 softball and tee ball season with food, fun, championships, and the much anticipated opening of the Westchester Rotary Family Picnic Area!

Face painting starts at 10:30 a.m., just before the 11 a.m. “Mix & Match Tee Ball Game,” with food and slushies available for purchase. The presentation of awards and the official closing ceremonies take place at 12:30 p.m. followed by the Minor Division Championship at 1:30 p.m., and the Major Division Championship at 3:30 p.m.

The festivities take place at Nielsen Youth Park located at 6000 Will Rogers St. in Westchester.

Have info to share about your business or nonprofit? Email us at westchesterhometown@yahoo.com.

Phone: 310-955-8800

Email: RedOpusMusicLessons@gmail.com

Elks support local nonprofit. The Westchester Elks Lodge recently presented Playa del Rey nonprofit, Grass Roots Neighbors (GRN), with a check for $1,500 that was raised at the lodge’s Charity Ball. Exalted Ruler Diane Phillips was on hand to present the check to GRN leaders who will use the funds to carry out their mission of meeting the immediate needs of their neighbors experiencing food insecurities.

Pictured left to right: Westchester Elks member and GRN volunteer Taylor Whitley, Westchester Elks Lodge #2050 Exalted Ruler Diane Phillips and Stephanie Tatro Popescu, founder of Grass Roots Neighbors.

on Playa Vista

Spotlight on Playa Vista

Playa Vista Farmers’ Market

One of the best farmers’ markets in all of LA, the Farmer Mark Playa Vista Farmers’ Market is located at RUNWAY each Saturday, rain or shine, from 9-2pm. You will find the freshest organic fruits, seasonal vegetables, fresh flowers, baked breads, fresh pastries, handmade jewelry, and so much more! The market hosts live music each week, and provides and interactive KidZone for the community to enjoy! Parking is easy throughout the neighborhood or at the RUNWAY Mall parking garage.

See you next Saturday!

DRE 01972897

DRE 01972897

5 QUESTIONS WITH... ROBIN ZACHA

Grant Francis

Few people know, or love, Westchester better than Grant Francis, who moved to the neighborhood in 1942.

Growing up, he loved playing in the open space surrounding his home with friends, watching the airplanes take off and land at LAX and heading to the Loyola and Paradise theaters.

As a teacher at Venice High School for 35 years, Grant impacted countless students’ lives as the school’s stage crew, wood shop, leadership and life skills’ teacher. There is even a scholarship named in his honor.

Grant has been deeply involved with his community for a long time, and can always be counted on to lend a hand. If you have a Neighborhood Watch sign on your block, chances are that Grant was the one that installed it! He has been a longtime block captain and helped start many new groups.

In 2019, Grant, along with Amy Frelinger, founded the Westchester California Team Challenge. The day of field games is held at LMU and creates friendly competition between neighbors, businesses and local groups to promote community and fundraise for a worthy cause. The event is back this year on August 5, and the money raised will benefit the Westchester

2 3 4 5

Streetscape Improvement Association. Always inventing ways to support his hometown, Grant started Clean UP Westchester in 2021 to help beautify the area. The grassroots cleaning crew recently celebrated its two-year anniversary, and twice a month, Grant and his group of dedicated volunteers spend a Saturday morning picking up trash and debris along local streets. Due to the efforts of Grant and his crew, hundreds of bags of litter have been collected and countless items have been sent to the landfill instead of toward the ocean.

Grant is the newest board member of the Westchester/Playa Historical Society, and last year, he combined his expert craftmanship and teaching skills to lead numerous workshops to help community members build holiday candles.

In his free time, Grant loves traveling with his wife, Judy. Some of their trips have included visiting Africa, Alaska, Australia, Canada, the Caribbean, and earlier this year, Cambodia. They have four children, four grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

We recently sat down with Grant and asked him to share his thoughts, so here is “5 Questions With...Grant!!”

What are some of the biggest changes you’ve seen over the years?

I moved to Westchester in 1942, and lived at 9163 Ingleport Ave., which is now a parking lot. As kids, we used to love going to the Paradise or Loyola Theater on Saturday mornings to watch the cartoons. If we had some change, we would walk across the street to the music store and buy the latest 45 record. That is now The Parking Spot. I also loved playing miniature golf across the street from the Loyola Theater, now CVS. At night we would skateboard down the ramp in the back of Broadway, which is now Kohl’s.

Once I got my driver’s license, I remember hanging out at Tiny Naylors, the drive-in where the medical building on Sepulveda is now. The coolest thing to order was French fries with gravy and a cherry Coke. Needless to say, a lot has changed in the 80-plus years I’ve been in the community.

What is the most rewarding thing about volunteering with community groups?

As a youngster, I spent a lot of summers at the YMCA camps Round Meadow and Little Green Valley. This planted the volunteer seed.

I am still involved with my community as the Neighborhood Watch Block Captain, with the highlight of our year being a “Night with Santa.” Other things I enjoy leading as a volunteer are offering a series of candle-making workshops with the Westchester/Playa Historical Society and leading a group of about 30 helpers twice a month Cleaning UP Westchester.

What is your favorite community event or activity?

I have two favorite community activities: the Fourth of July Parade, and the Westchester Arts & Music Block Party. I love the parade because it showcases all the wonderful clubs, teams and groups that are offered to the folks in our village. I love WAM because of the work that John Sharpe has done since the start of this event. He has formed an amazing committee to put on this most spectacular happening. Perhaps the best part, though, is the check that was written to the YMCA for more than $30,000 last year.

What’s your perfect evening out look like?

My perfect evening out would be with my wife, Judy. It would start with me joining her on her regular walk with our dog, Coco. Since we have made plans for the night already, we allow about two hours for this walk around the neighborhood. Then we’d get ready to go out to dinner at one of our favorite local restaurants: Truxton’s, Alejo’s or Panini. This, of course, is my list, but Judy makes the final decision.

What’s a regular day look like for you?

Since I have been retired, my days no longer have the same schedule or patterns. Lately, since the weather has been so cold, I have not been able to bring out my lathe and work on my favorite hobby, making wooden bowls. It must be at least 70 degrees so that I can wear shorts and sandals!

Cool Fact Cool Fact

As a master woodworker, Grant loves making things in his garage and recently was hired to make gearshift knobs for Singer cars.

Grant is an integral part of the Westchester Arts & Music Block Party committee and helps lead logistics for the event.

THERE’S A LOT MORE COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION NOW. THAT’S A WONDERFUL ATTRIBUTE THAT OUR VILLAGE HAS–PEOPLE WANT TO CONTRIBUTE AND MAKE IT BETTER. “

WPHS readies for local history pictorial to go on display

By Cozette Vergari

The Westchester/Playa Historical Society (WPHS) loves highlighting local history, whether it’s at the Discovery Center or another location in the community. So when we were recently contacted by an architectural firm and property management company that wanted to incorporate a little bit of Westchester/Playa history into their design and decor, we jumped at the chance to partner with them to showcase some of our favorite photos from our collection. A pictorial history of the area, along with interesting facts, will be displayed in the hall of this newly renovated location in the downtown Westchester business district, and once it’s up, we’ll share more details about where to view this snapshot of our community’s story. Here’s a behind the scenes look at some of the photos and narratives that will be featured:

1. A Shoreline Economy

The evidence of a shoreline economy in the Westchester/Playa area dates back to 7500 BCE. This painting, by local artist Mary Leighton Thomson (1923-2004), depicts the indigenous Tongva population in the wetlands of what is now Playa del Rey. As hunters of “land, sea and air,” they actively traded for other items of necessity with those that would travel to their coastal community. In addition to the painting, the plaque also includes a photo of Narcisa Higuera who was one of the last fluent Tongvan speakers in our region.

2. Early California

A 1510 Spanish novel speaks of Spain’s conquest of what is now Mexico as New Spain, and the island of California, now Baja California. In 1765, New Spain pushes for colonization of Alta California, finding 26 native

villages. Mission San Gabriel is built in 1771, followed by Mission San Fernando Rey de España, which was founded in 1797. In 1781, El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora la Reina de los Angeles was founded. California would become a state in 1850.

3. The Centinela

Adobe

The Centinela Adobe, posted to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974 and still standing at the eastern edge of Westchester, was the first home built within the open lands surrounding the Santa Monica Bay from what is now Malibu to Palos Verdes. Following the Mexican War of Independence, as Spanish rule ceded to Mexico in 1822, Ignacio Machado receives permission to build La Casa de la Centinela in 1829 and completes construction in 1834.

4. Early Playa del Rey

Circa 1920, Fritz B. Burns is sent to Los Angeles by a midwestern real estate development company to open the Palisades Del Rey Dickinson & Gillespie Co. office, leading a sales team of 100 men in the promotion of land sales on the cliffs of what is now Playa del Rey. The land office still stands today where Culver Boulevard ends and curves south down Vista del Mar. These lots were promoted to the rich and famous of Los Angeles to build their “Riviera” homes. Such celebrities as film director, producer and actor Cecil B. DeMille and actor Charles Bickford were among the first to buy and build.

Cozette is an attorney and lifelong resident of Westchester. She is the President of the Westchester/Playa Historical Society. Together with a group of dedicated volunteers, the organization is working on creating new programming and events to celebrate the history of the area and engage the community in preserving it for future generations.

1. A painting by Westchester/Playa artist Mary Leighton.

Thanks, Westchester/Playa.

I love being here to help in a community where people are making a difference every day. Thank you for all you do.

2. A map depicting the historic Ranchos of Los Angeles printed for the bicentennial in 1981.

3. A historic photo of the Centinela Adobe.

4. The land office of Dickinson & Gillespie Co.

The Westside’s Favorite Real Estate Team

Flowering gardens welcome you into this charming Emerson Manor home! Lovingly maintained by a longtime Westchester family, this three bedroom and one bath home offers beautiful hardwood floors, cozy fireplace and a convenient center hall floorplan, along with many system upgrades: Forced air heating and air conditioning , Recent fumigation/repairs completed, Updates to sewer/water lines and electrical, Paver driveway, and New rear fencing The completely fenced rear yard is a garden oasis with walkways, patio areas, beautiful fruit trees, and flowering plants on Rainbird sprinklers and soakers. Just a short distance to local favorite Schools, Grocery Stores, Coffee Houses and Restaurants and a quick trip to the airport/freeways. Don’t miss this one! List Price: $1,195,000. ACTIVE: June 20, 2023.

Summer Events & Activities Summer Events & Activities

Aloha Summer at the Westchester YMCA

Friday, June 2 | 6 to 9 p.m.

The Westchester Family YMCA is kicking off the season with “Aloha Summer,” so stop by to find out what’s new at the Y!

The event includes fun for the whole family, like games, crafts, lei-making and an instructor-led Hula dancing demonstration. There will also be a screening of Disney’s “Moana” and a variety of Hawaiian treats like Spam Musubi and shaved ice.

The event is sponsored by LAWA and will take place at the YMCA Annex, located at 8020 Alverstone Ave. in Westchester.

The YMCA will continue the fun June 15 through August 15 with its “Get Summer” initiative. The program offers teens 12-18 free memberships to enjoy all of the Y’s activities from swimming and fitness classes to access to the teen center and more. Learn more at ymcala.org/getsummer.

Juneteenth Celebration

Saturday, June 10 | 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Shakespeare on the Bluff-”Merry Wives of Windsor”

Thursday, June 22 through Saturday, June 24 | 8 p.m.

Join Runway Playa Vista for its second Annual Juneteenth Celebration.

The event will feature performances from The Furnace Band and traditional African dance. There will also be art demonstrations, delicious food for purchase and more than a dozen vendors showcasing their products.

Runway Playa Vista is located at 12775 Millennium Drive in Playa Vista. Learn more at runwayplayavista.com.

LMU’s popular Shakespeare on the Bluff series is back this month with three performances of “The Merry Wives of Windsor.” This classic Shakespeare comedy is about “love, marriage, jealousy, lies and pranking.”

All performances are 90-minutes long and are held at LMU’s Drollinger Family Stage. Doors open at 6 p.m. and picnics are welcome. The show is directed by Nenad “Neno” Pervan. Save the date for next month’s performance of “Macbeth” on July 20-22.

Learn more and RSVP at community.lmu.edu/summer.

AMCS Pride Fest

June 17 | noon to 2 p.m.

The Airport Marina Counseling Service (AMCS) will hold its second annual Pride Fest at LMU’s Drollinger Family Stage.

The free community event is aimed at reducing stigma around mental health and raising awareness of AMCS’ lowcost mental health services.

The event, which is funded by the L.A. County Department of Mental Health, will feature fun and educational “wellness stations” facilitated by AMCS’ LGBTQIA’s Affirmative Therapy Center, guest speakers, free food trucks, music, a photo booth, gift bags and more. Register at amcspridefest.eventbrite.com.

KXLU’s Salsa

Fest VI

Saturday, June 24 | 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

After a four-year hiatus, KXLU’s Alma Del Barrio Salsa Festival is heading back to LMU. The popular college radio station has delighted listeners for 50 years with its Sunday afternoon (2 to 6 p.m.) show “Alma Del Barrio,” which showcases the best of Salsa and Latin music. The festival will be held at LMU’s Sunken Garden and is dedicated to LMU alumnus and longtime DJ Eddie Lopez, who passed away earlier this year.

Food trucks, dance and pop-up shops round out the event. Learn more at kxlu.com.

Photo by Venice Paparazzi

Photo courtesy LMU

Hello summer!

Activities Calendar ActivitiesActivitiesCalendarCalendar

23rd Annual Fourth of July Parade

Tuesday, July 4 | 11 a.m.

The LAX Coastal Chamber is inviting the community to celebrate an “Ultimate Summer!” with them at the 23rd Annual Fourth of July Parade.

The parade is Westchester’s largest event and brings together marching bands, floats, community groups and entertainment for a day celebrating our nation’s birthday. Expect about 50 entries, including returning favorites and a few new surprises.

The parade takes place along Loyola Blvd. from Westchester Park to LMU and lasts about an hour and a half. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis along the street or at bleacher seating near Loyola and 83rd Street. Check out next month’s edition of the Hometown News for more info and the parade program. More details on sponsorships and volunteering are available at laxcoastalonparade.com.

MdR Movies and Concerts in the Park

Various dates

It’s not summer without a trip to Burton Chace Park for a movie or concert in the park! The county has not yet released its full summer schedule, but save the date for the Symphonic Concerts series on July 15, July 27 and August 10; and Pop Concert Saturdays on July 22, August 5 and August 19. Marina Movie Nights will take place on various Saturdays starting on Saturday, July 8.

Check out the full schedule once it’s available at beaches. lacounty.gov and thehtn.com/events.

Forget “June Gloom,” we’re ready for the sunshine and all our favorite Westchester/Playa outdoor events! Check out this list of our top local happenings to add to your “ultimate summer” calendar. We’ll add more events (and details) as they’re announced at thehtn.com/ events. Stay tuned for more summer festivities in our July edition!

Westchester Team Challenge

Saturday, August 5 | 8 a.m. to noon

Get ready to show off your team working skills at the third Annual Westchester California Team Challenge at LMU! Put together a team of eight to 12 players and get ready for a morning filled with friendly competition and games between local community groups, businesses and neighbors. This year’s activities include bocce ball, football toss, hold the rope, kettleball relay and corn hole.

Proceeds raised from the event will go toward supporting the Westchester Streetscape Improvement Association, which helps beautify the community. Learn more and register your team at WestchesterCATeamChallenge.com.

8th

Annual Westchester Arts & Music Block Party

Saturday, September 23 | noon to 7 p.m.

Summer wouldn’t be complete without attending the Westchester Arts & Music Block Party (WAM)! This end of summer blast features a full day of entertainment from live bands and community dance groups. Get a prime viewing spot at the Stephanie Younger Group-sponsored beer & wine garden, and make sure to visit all the vendors selling their art and wares. In between the vendors, you’ll also find more than a dozen community groups hosting giveaways, photo booths, crafts and other activities. Food from a variety of trucks, including Cousin’s Maine Lobster, Hart House, Dulce Europa and more will be available for purchase.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the Westchester Family YMCA

WAM takes place on Emerson Ave. between 80th St. and 80th Pl. in Westchester. Stay tuned for more details and get info on sponsorships and being a vendor at wamblockparty.org.

Photo courtesy WTC

Photo by Zsuzsi Steiner

Photo by Marianne Pellin Photography

Photo courtesy visitmdr.com

The July edition of the Hometown News will be printed a week early to accommodate the Fourth of July Parade Program.

LMU swimming (cont’d)

(continued from page 4)

But on most free days, the entire family can be found at the LMU pool. She says it’s a way for them to bond.

“So, this sounds really nerdy, but every time I go home, I insist on telling my family exactly what times I went and what intervals I was making, and it’s kind of a fun thing because my daughter is now approaching my speed,” says Durand. Daughter Ashley, who swims in the Alpha Aquatics program, has also officially passed her dad James’ time in freestyle.

Like the Durands, Dr. Carl Feld grew up swimming with his entire family, so being in the pool as part of the Masters Program is a chance to reconnect with his younger self and the perfect break from the rigors of being an internist. Though he says he swims mostly to stay in shape, he loves the way the program and Coach Adair challenge him.

“It gets me up early and gets my workout in. Swimming with others pushes you. You have someone behind you, next to you, or in front of you. Since we leave every five seconds, you have to keep up,” he says.

He also likes that Adair gives

One thing all the swimmers I spoke to have in common is how much they love and appreciate their coach who always goes out of her way to make each swimmer’s experience special. They recently had a celebration for the one-year anniversary of the pool’s reopening that included a bit of sunshine, fun refreshments and plenty of socializing.

“It’s not just coming and swimming on your own and being isolated. It’s the community that makes it special,” Adair says.

To find out more about the LMU Masters Program, please visit lmumasters.com or email swim.masters@lmu.edu.

THE GAME!

FALL REGISTRATION IS FILLING FAST! Avoid the waitlist and register today to join our community soccer league for ages 4 to 18.

The early bird special ($225) ends June 30. Don’t wait to register. Come out and play!

SUMMER CROPS

Happy Summer y'all! We have so much in season and to choose from, please follow us on social media for updates & be sure to sign up for our parade float (link through our website)!

Don’t let this year fly by without finding your dream home with Robin Zacha!

Nonprofit spotlight: Westchester’s SOFESA works to give families experiencing homelessness hope and services

Westchester resident Jess Echeverry is using her story and her deep compassion for people that are suffering to run her nonprofit SOFESA. For more than 20 years, Echeverry has helped people and families experiencing homelessness gain hope and services so they can begin making powerful choices about their future. As the homeless crisis has continued to grow in L.A., Echeverry has been hard at work researching, learning from other programs and visiting cities across the country to create a better model of care for the community she serves. She believes building relationships, education and empowering communities is key to creating change.

This month, SOFESA will launch its first major donor campaign and Echeverry is eager to connect with local groups to share her nonprofit’s mission via webinars and speaking engagements.

Read below to learn more about Echeverry and SOFESA in this month’s nonprofit Q&A!

Q. Please tell us a little bit about yourself.

A. I was born and raised in South Florida. I experienced seven years of homelessness, including being in group homes, shelters, other people’s houses and a drug/prostitution house. I had three children during that time, but only had custody of one of them. Dirt

poor and surviving as a single mom on welfare, I met my husband, and he became for me the healthy, stable relationship I needed to heal and make different decisions for myself.

My husband was offered a job transfer, and we moved to Los Angeles in 1999. We rented apartments in Santa Monica and West L.A., but we finally found our permanent home here in Westchester in 2002. My husband and I have five children total: two adults out in the world, two young adults still living at home and one beautiful soul in heaven. My husband began his sales and marketing career as a copier salesman. He has worked for AOL, Disney, Univision and others, but in 2014 he began his own strategic consulting firm (blackbrown.us) that helps businesses understand and value minority voices and interests in the consumer marketplace. I have been a stay-at-home wife and mother, who also home schools. I started a small group of volunteers going out and befriending the homeless almost as soon as we landed in California in 1999. Our group was originally called Sore Feet Saviors.

Q. Your organization is now called SOFESA. What can you share about your nonprofit and its mission?

A. Our small volunteer group grew and eventually, many people wanted to help us by donating items for us to

distribute to our friends on the streets. In 2006, we encountered a homeless mother and her 9-month-old baby living in the alley of a local hotel. When we heard her story, we felt so moved to help her and others like her that we decided to formalize and apply for nonprofit status. It was at that time that the board decided to take the first two letters of our original name and create a new name for this new mission: SoFeSa. We started by throwing a Christmas party for the handful of families we learned about through this mother’s story. Our goal has always been to provide moments for our families to escape “survival mode” and feel loved and cared for, even if just for a moment.

What differentiates SOFESA from other nonprofits is our foundational principles and model of care. SOFESA’s foundational principle is one: humans are sacred. At the center of homelessness is a person, not a house and people deserve dignity and healing. They are not problems to be solved. Everything we do and say is found within this principle–the person first. Two: relationships are vital. We encounter people where they are, and we journey in relationship with them. We are genuinely interested in who the person is and being a healthy relationship for them that they can trust and rely on. Three: you’re the answer. We believe that every single person is touched or impacted by

homelessness. We also believe that the two most important voices in homelessness are the housed and the unhoused–everyone living in the local community. But the voices we hear most are from the media and government. SOFESA believes that every voice in the local community is important and should be valued and heard. There is a huge disconnect between the housed and the unhoused. SOFESA helps to create what we call the “middle ground,” a safe place for everyone in the community to connect to help improve the community for all who live there.

Q. In your opinion, what is something most people would be surprised to learn about homelessness?

A. The lived experiences of those suffering. Learning about how the person got to where they are in order to help them and allow them to help you. Then there’s the numbers. The true numbers that reflect the experiences of homeless people. I know that when we give our webinar, people are shocked at the data and the truth about the homeless. No, they are not all mentally disordered, or drug addicted. No, they do not want to be where they are. As a local community, we need much better education on the lived experiences of those suffering homelessness, but also of those who have healed as well.

(continued on page 26)

SOFESA founder, Jess Echeverry, poses in Westchester Park.

Photo by Robert Higgins

Balance should be a lifelong project

By Jeff Blair

Opinion: What would you do if you were riding an escalator and your bag got caught and pulled you rapidly toward the ground? This happened to a personal training client of mine. She was in her 60s and had been working out with me for several years at that point. Just as she felt herself heading toward an impactful fall, she yanked the bag free and pulled upright to a safe position. She said if she had not been strength-training, she would not have been able to stabilize herself.

Balance is slowly declining for most adults. As kids, we walked on wooden beams, rode bikes and played hopscotch. All these activities improve balance in many ways. Those balanceimproving activities mostly cease once we become adults. We now spend lots of time sitting in front of screens, behind steering wheels and at desks. Even those who are highly active may lift weights on very stable machines, ride stationary bikes secured to the floor or run on a gym treadmill.

Research details the dramatic toll poor balance imposes on Americans. More than one out of four Americans over 65-years-old falls each year.

Falls produce more than three million ER visits each year. Sixty percent of falls happen in people’s own homes. Falls are projected to cost more than $100 billion dollars by 2030. Fear of falling can also cause many people to cut back on social activities and this can produce a variety of negative psychological and emotional consequences.

Although improving balance is a common fitness goal, achieving that goal can be complex. Balance is one of the most complicated physical traits as it involves the interplay of multiple bodily systems. Eyesight plays a role. The inner ear (vestibular system) provides feedback to the brain. The somatosensory system provides more feedback via joints, muscles and skin. These systems all work together to make up the trait we call balance. When it comes to balance, there are many factors to consider, and it is best to address as many of them as possible. A discussion with your doctor should be your first step.

After checking with your doctor for medical issues and clearance, the next step is to increase strength. Basic strength-training is the foundational component of any balance program.

Most people slowly start losing muscle and strength after 30. As this happens, tasks that once were easy, such as climbing stairs, can become more challenging. If these once easy tasks are challenging, you can easily imagine the added difficulty if you add in a slick floor or an extremely windy or visibility-challenged environment. After establishing a basic strength level, more challenging tasks can be added. Single-leg physical exercises can be utilized as the next step. Balance challenges usually happen at unexpected times and the body must react quickly. When your balance is challenged in a real-world environment (like my client being pulled down by the escalator), you will almost always need a single leg to rapidly stabilize your body. We use single-leg stands and heel-to-toe walks to improve single-leg strength and coordination. We also use a variety of progressively challenging single-leg exercises such as bicep curls done on a single leg, single-leg deadlifts and step-ups. Get competent instruction from a trained exercise professional before attempting these exercises.

Adding a little speed to certain strength-training exercises is another

strategy. Doing this can improve power. Power combines strength with speed and is proven to improve balance. My client on the escalator needed some strength to pull free and some speed to come to an upright and safe position. She said it all happened so fast she didn’t have time to think. She simply reacted. Power can be the key to safety in those unpredictable situations.

At our studio, we often even add a little speed/power training into the warmup. We simply encourage people to move slightly faster on certain exercises. This can be a good introduction to power training. Combining these strategies can be a good start to improving balance. Changes may not happen overnight, but maintaining balance should be considered a lifelong project.

Jeff Blair (MS, CSCS) is a certified personal trainer, fitness author and has been featured on ABC and in several national fitness magazines. He founded the SoCalSport & Fitness Personal Training Studio in 2011. The studio is now in its 13th year and has provided approximately 50,000 personal training experiences for clients. Reach him at jeff@socalsport.com.

June 15 - August 15 | Ages 12-18* years old

June 15 - August 15 | Ages 12-18* years old

June 15 - August 15 | Ages 12-18* years old

June

engaged, and safe while school’s out for summer. Ys across Los Angeles County are o ering free memberships to all teens, ages 12-18 years old. Individual branches will provide youth with academic support, college and employment readiness, volunteer opportunities, social gatherings, and exclusive programming with local partners.

The LA Y “Get Summer” teen initiative is designed to keep teens active, engaged, and safe while school’s out for summer. Ys across Los Angeles County are o ering free memberships to all teens, ages 12-18 years old. Individual branches will provide youth with academic support, college and employment readiness, volunteer opportunities, social gatherings, and exclusive programming with local partners.

The LA Y “Get Summer” teen initiative is designed to keep teens active, engaged, and safe while school’s out for summer. Ys across Los Angeles County are o ering free memberships to all teens, ages 12-18 years old. Individual branches will provide youth with academic support, college and employment readiness, volunteer opportunities, social gatherings, and exclusive programming with local partners.

Scan QR code to learn more or go to: ymcaLA.org/getsummer

The LA Y “Get Summer” teen initiative is designed to keep teens active, engaged, and safe while school’s out for summer. Ys across Los Angeles County are o ering free memberships to all teens, ages 12-18 years old. Individual branches will provide youth with academic support, college and employment readiness, volunteer opportunities, social gatherings, and exclusive programming with local partners.

Scan QR code to learn more or go to: /getsummer

Scan QR code to learn more or go to: ymcaLA.org/getsummer

WESTCHESTER FAMILY YMCA 8015 S Sepulveda Boulevard

high school student through the Get Summer program. WESTCHESTER FAMILY YMCA 8015 S Sepulveda Boulevard

NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL OF WESTCHESTER / PLAYA

Working together to improve our communities!

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

New NCWP Board to Take Seats in July

Following the March 26, 2023 Neighborhood Council Westchester / Playa election, the newly elected board members will be officially installed at the July meeting. Below, please find the final and official electon results (candidates in bold will begin a four-year term in July):

CWP~ Plato Next

Need Help Paying Your Gas Bill?

WRIGHT’S MISSION

MIDDLE SCHOOL STEAM AND GIFTED MAGNETS SPANISH DUAL IMMERSION

Wright MS will be offering the Two Way Immersion Dual Language Education (DLE) Program in Spanish. Students will receive standards-based content and literacy instruction in two languages. Students will be enrolled in a Spanish class and core class which will be taught in Spanish. The goals of the program are bilingualism and biliteracy, academic achievement in both languages and sociocultural competence.

To request placement in Wright’s Dual Language Program in Spanish, first apply to one or both of Wright’s Magnets. After you receive your application confirmation in email, inform the school at 310-258-6600 or the Magnet Coordinator at roxanne.schultz@lausd.net with your Dual Language Program placement request.

Students will cultivate an understanding and appreciation of other cultures and develop positive attitudes toward fellow students, families, their communities and diverse world.

Are you interested in a more successful and marketable future for your child?

SOFESA (continued)

(continued from page 20)

Q. What are some of the challenges you face running a volunteer nonprofit?

A. For 24 years, we have been 100 percent volunteer-run. No one, not even I, has ever taken a salary. But the need for our model of care and what SOFESA has to offer is so great now, that we have hired people to help us grow and expand our services. We now have a Mission Coordinator, Property Manager and Family Advocates. Our Family Advocates are people who have experienced homelessness and are ready to give back to others. They engage and encounter other families in need.

Q. What is the most rewarding part of running SOFESA?

A. The most rewarding aspect for me personally with SOFESA is meeting the new families. Embracing them with unconditional love and support and watching, over time, their true healing. It is the relationship for me, always has been. Our success isn’t measured on paper. Our success is measured in the hearts of the people we encounter and walk with.

Q. What are some of your goals for this year?

A. We are kicking off our first major donor campaign this month. We run solely on grants and donations. We have one property so far housing families. We want to build out two more units for families in need of permanent housing.

We are also raising funds to keep our Emergency Outreach Program up and running for families in critical need that are literally on the street. We provide motel nights, food, clothing, bill payments and gas to help stabilize them so our relationship with them can begin. We then make sure they are fully connected and receiving all of the aid and resources they can get.

Q. How can the Westchester/ Playa community support your efforts?

A. There are many ways to support our efforts: join our webinars, learn about the lived experiences of the homeless. Donate funds so we can build more housing for our families. Donate land/property. We are looking for single-family residential lots to permanently house families. Volunteer at our events. Share our social channels with your following and friends.

Learn more at sofesa.org

Westchester Lutheran church

Pastor, Larry Becker

JOIN US FOR WORSHIP SERVICE

SUNDAY MORNINGS AT 10 AM (INDOORS & LIVESTREAM)

SUNDAY, JUNE 4

COMMUNION SERVICE WITH WLS YOUNG BELIEVERS CHOIR SINGING

SUNDAY, JUNE 11

8TH GRADE RECOGNITION SERVICE WITH TK/K CLASS & WLS KIDS OF THE KINGDOM CHOIR SINGING

SUNDAY, JUNE 18

FATHER’S DAY & COMMUNION SERVICE WITH WLS PRAISE LEADERS SINGING & A SPECIAL TREAT AFTER SERVICE

SUNDAY, JUNE 25 FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST SERVICE

WATCH THE SERVICE LIVE!

Tours Available by Appt. at WLCS.org

roxanne.schultz@lausd.net

ABOUT US

Wright Middle School STEAM Magnet and Gifted Magnets provides students with an inspiring, challenging and engaging environment that creates opportunities for research and exploration through project-based learning.

Say so long to parking hassles.

SPRING INTO WELL-BEING

SPRING INTO WELL-BEING

Hosted by Airport Marina Counseling Service

May 18

LMU Drollinger Family Stage

Airport Marina Counseling Service brought the community together to spotlight their mission and raise money to support their efforts in delivering low-cost mental health services to the community at their 18th Annual Spring into Well-Being Celebration. The event was held during Mental Health Awareness Month on May 18 at LMU’s Drollinger Family Stage and broke records, not only for attendance, but also money raised. Thanks to the efforts of major sponsors and close to 400 attendees, who pledged donations and participated in the silent and live auctions, the night raised more than $390,000.

“We’re so excited that the community recognizes the important role AMCS plays in making sure everyone has access to mental health services,” says AMCS CEO Eden Garcia-Balis.

The Spring into Well-Being Celebration was also a chance to recognize LAWA CEO Justin Erbacci as AMCS’ 2023 Community Builder honoree. For more than 60 years, AMCS has provided mental health services to clients on a sliding scale, while training new therapists. The organization now offers counseling seven days a week–in-person and virtually–to clients across the LAX area and throughout Los Angeles County. In addition to providing therapeutic

services to individuals, families, children and couples, AMCS also offers a variety of group counseling options on topics like “Woman’s Process Group,” “Navigating your 20s” and a “Men’s Support Group.”

Pictured:

1. AMCS’ Eden Garcia-Balis poses with honoree Justin Erbacci (center) and event attendees.

2. Members of the Playa Venice Sunrise Rotary Club have fun at the celebration.

3. Nearly 400 people attend the sold-out fundraiser at LMU.

4. Attendees Lori Peters, Kelli Trombley, Airport Commissioner Nick Roxborough and LAWA’s Nicole Carcel have a red carpet moment.

5. Event chair Janie Guthrie Skjervem addresses the crowd.

6. Westchester Mental Health Guild members support AMCS.

7. Incoming chamber board chair, Ravi Singh (second from left), poses for a group selfie with colleagues.

8. Mental health supporter Jane St. John toasts the crowd.

9. Community members enjoy networking at the event. From left to right: John Loussararian, Maria Canchola, Mary-Catherine Micka and Heather and Kevin Ivey.

10. Spring into Well-Being major sponsors Karen Dial (second from

and John and Nancy Edwards (right) get ready for the event to start.

Photos by Venice Paparazzi,

left)