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

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playa del rey

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

March 2021

WESTCHESTER’S CITIZEN OF THE YEAR ...PAGE 4 CALLING ALL CANDIDATES FOR NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL...PAGE 10 Westchester resident Carol Kitabayashi will be honored this month by the Westchester Rotary Club as Citizen of the Year for her work with WPV to support seniors.

Brand new, custom-built farmhouse! Formal entry to an open floor plan with high ceilings and large windows, creating a bright and spacious feel throughout. High-end kitchen with white cabinets, carrara marble countertops, Bertazzoni appliances, large pantry and island with built-ins. The dining room is across from the living room and fireplace, creating a cozy and intimate scene. Pamper yourself with heated flooring in the bathrooms, double vanities and beautiful white carrara marble. Retreat to the luxurious master en-suite with walkin closet, double rain shower with steamer and freestanding soak tub. The house has 3 bed/3bath in the house, with additional bed and bath in ADU. Tastefully converted ADU with hardwood floors, beautiful bathroom with white carrera marble and subway tile, and full kitchen. Fully landscaped with open patio and grassy backyard. And an amazing bonus rooftop deck with breathtaking views of the city and mountains! Stay at home in style in this must see house!

Page 2 • March 2021

5823 W. 78th Place SOLD: $1,200,000 Charming house in Westport Heights! Three bedrooms, 2 bath. Open floor plan with easy flow between kitchen, dining area and family room. Open patio and spacious grassy backyard off the family room, perfect for family fun and entertaining. Lots of outdoor space!

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

This Month Brings You

help you prom help you prom nization or even l a c o L p o h nization orSin 2even 021! A look inside your HTN

Rotary honors Citizen of the Year Westchester Pioneer Series Interested in running for Neighborhood Council? Business Spotlight: Card My Yard West L.A. In Pictures: Poetry reading at The Book Jewel

04 06 10 12 26

HOMETOWN STAFF/CONTRIBUTORS Stephanie Davis, Publisher

Jeff Blair, Contributing Writer Fay Craton, Contributing Writer

Lydia Smith, Contributing Writer Consuelo Israelson, Contributing Writer

Front page photo by Zsuzsi Steiner for the HomeTown News.

About The HomeTown News (HTN)

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

Connect with the HTN:

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

act us for rates and THANK YOU act us for rates and hesterhometo Now, more than ever, Westchester retailers and service

to our advertisers and community partners for supporting this publication!

providers need your help. Slammed by the pandemic

and stay-at-home orders, our small businesses need your help to survive. Please make “Shop Local” your

hesterhometo Robin Zacha, Zacha Homes Drollinger Properties Cedars-Sinai Marina del Rey Hospital Stephanie Younger Group | Compass Jane St. John | RE/MAX Neighborhood Council Westchester/Playa Loyola Marymount University Westchester Lutheran School Westchester Town Center BID Erika Puzik & Associates-Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC Airport Marina Counseling Service St. Anastasia School RE/MAX Estate Properties Visitation School Amy Nelson Frelinger Douglas Elliman Properties Westside Pacific Villages SoCalSport & Fitness Loyola Marina Auto Care

mantra for 2021– it’s not just a slogan, it helps keep the businesses we love and the families they support alive!

us on Faceboo to-date with news and us on Faceboo Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News

March 2021 • Page 3

By Grace Fetterman

organizations scrambled to know what to do or where to focus, with Kitabayashi at the helm, WPV kicked Anyone who knows Carol into overdrive. In the early days Kitabayashi and her work with Westside Pacific Villages (WPV) will of the pandemic, brave volunteers masked up to shop for seniors, pick not find it surprising that she has up medications and rallied to provide been named the 2021 Citizen of the Year by the Westchester Rotary Club. check-in calls and help setting up Zoom so people could see their loved The club selects an annual honoree ones. To provide connection in a time to celebrate at their spring event when many felt isolated, the delivery for their outstanding work in the of weekly care packages to spread community. cheer quickly became a centerpiece of As WPV’s Executive Director the program. for the last nine years, Kitabayashi “Each act of kindness has meant has made it her mission to support so much to an older adult stuck at seniors who wish to “age in place,” home, giving them something to look allowing them to remain active forward to and feel good about,” said and independent at home. Prior to Kitabayashi. WPV, Kitabayashi worked in human With requests for WPV’s services resources, but always felt she would growing, Kitabayashi and her team end up in the nonprofit world. started to run out of space to organize Through her work with the Meals their deliveries and caught the on Wheels program, she happened attention of Legado owners Edward to meet someone who was on the and Elissa Czuker who were moved board of WPV. Already interested by the organization’s mission. The in issues impacting seniors and with experience taking care of her parents Czukers offered the nonprofit free space at 200 Culver Blvd. in Playa del and older relatives, she thought the Rey, which not only gave Kitabayashi organization was a great fit. A few months later, she was hired to lead the a headquarters for WPV CARES, but also access to a large parking nonprofit. lot–a perfect location for volunteers “The older population, I think, is really overlooked and neglected,” says to easily socially distance while Kitabayashi. “People kind of turn away assembling and picking up the care packages that go out weekly to up to from wanting to help older adults. I don’t know if it’s because they sort of 250 local seniors. Being located at see their own mortality in there, but I one of Playa del Rey’s most popular just feel like this is a group that really intersections—Culver Blvd. and Vista del Mar—also created a buzz as people deserves our respect and support.” walked by and inquired about the While pre-pandemic WPV offered volunteers’ activities. much-needed resources for its As word spread about WPV’s members, which range in age from 70 efforts, volunteering and donating to 104, when COVID hit, its services like running errands, rides to doctors’ became contagious with numerous local groups, community members appointments, tech assistance and and businesses contacting Kitabayashi phone calls, became even more with offers to help. WPV CARES critical. regularly receives support from Knowing seniors would be among an anonymous family foundation the most vulnerable groups impacted by the pandemic, not only health-wise that donates meals from Cantalini’s but socially as well, Kitabayashi urged Salerno Beach; local families drop off handmade cards of encouragement her board to offer their services for weekly; The Book Jewel has donated free for those that could not afford bookmarks; Super Pop Snacks has sent membership. Getting the green light, over protein bars; the Westchester she quickly assembled a group of Pharmacy has provided PPE and the community partners, including the list goes on and on. Cedars-Sinai has Westchester Rotary, Westchester also awarded the group two large Family YMCA and others, to launch grants to ensure their work can WPV CARES within weeks of the continue. Safer at Home order being issued. Despite the challenges of the last “Carol’s efforts have been 12 months, Kitabayashi says it was nothing less than phenomenal,” said uplifting how fast WPV received an Westchester Rotary Club President “outpouring of support.” Tom Johnstone. “It has been a (continued on next page) tremendous honor for the members From top: 1. Kitabayashi poses with her dog, of our club to support WPV and Nyx, at her Westchester home. our precious seniors, keeping them 2. Rotary volunteers get ready for their healthy and connected during these weekly deliveries. challenging times.” 3. Beautiful flower arrangements are ready In March 2020, when many for pick-up by WPV CARES volunteers. Page 4 • March 2021

Photos by Zsuzsi Steiner and courtesy WPV.

For Westchester’s Citizen of the Year, it’s all about coming together to support seniors

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

Citizen of the Year (continued)

(continued from previous page) “WPV had the foresight to realize what we were doing was exactly what the community needed to help get folks through the pandemic situation,” said Kitabayashi. “I have never worked with such a wonderful group of giving, caring people. It’s exposed me to that very positive aspect of our community and human nature.” By the end of last year, the organization celebrated not only its 10th anniversary, but also the fact that they had provided an average of 1,000 services per month and completed more than 10,500 requests since starting the WPV CARES program. Kitabayashi hopes this support from volunteers and donors will last beyond Safer at Home orders. “There’s so much to learn and benefit from those that were here before us,” she says. “WPV is a great example of our community supporting all its members.” The WPV CARES program will remain active for the duration of the pandemic and will continue to pivot as needed. A new service they

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receive this prestigious award. When the pandemic hit, the Westchester Rotary Club was one of the first to reach out to us to ask how they could help the senior population, who were most vulnerable to the COVID-19 virus. Darlene Fukuji, the Rotary President at the time, rallied the club to get involved with WPV and to this day, Westchester Rotarians remain engaged and involved on a regular basis, in many ways,” said Kitabayashi. Kitabayashi will receive her award at the Rotary Club’s “Magic to Do” virtual celebration on March 19 at 6 p.m. In addition to the Citizen of the Year presentation, the program will include a silent auction and culminate with a magic show that all attendees can participate in. Tickets are $50 and will benefit the Westchester Rotary Foundation’s annual giving budget to support projects like the makeover Volunteers socially distance in the WPV CARE’s parking lot. at the Emerson Avenue Community recently added was helping members they’ve been a supporter from the Garden, scholarships and more. sign up for COVID vaccines and beginning. In the early days of the For more information, to purchase transportation to appointments. organization, they acted as the group’s a ticket or sponsor the event, please For Kitabayashi, the honor of being fiscal sponsor until WPV received visit WRCSpring.Givesmart.com. recognized by the Westchester Rotary their nonprofit status. To learn more about WPV, please “I’m really flattered and honored to visit thewpv.org. Club is especially meaningful because

There’s no denying that it can take some work to create good habits. Becoming more disciplined about your finances is no different. Yet smart money habits can pay off over time, helping you increase your bank account and help you create a more stable financial life. Consider these five tips to help you improve your financial acumen. 1. Practice the principal of mindfulness. It’s as simple as paying attention to your spending habits and putting the brakes on impulsive purchases. When you’re intentional with your money, you make rational decisions based on what you can afford and what you need. Strategies to help you be more mindful include creating a monthly budget, making lists before going to the grocery store and holding off on large purchases until you can really afford them. 2. Keep tabs on your financial transactions. Be vigilant about every financial transaction, no matter how small. Even though checkout clerks use computerized registers, they can still make mistakes when entering items or making change. Whether you’re at the grocery store or the department store, watch as items are rung up to ensure you’re being charged appropriately. Check your receipts. Count your change. In the case of banking errors, what you don’t know can hurt your bottom line. Check your online bank statements daily to monitor charges and also watch for fraud, which is on the rise.

Yet many cards come with an annual fee and hefty interest rates when you carry a balance. To limit credit card spending, consider keeping your credit card at home and carry only your debit card in your wallet. 5. Look within and remove barriers to financial freedom. If you’ve had a hard time making wise financial decisions in the past, you may be unconsciously sabotaging yourself. For the most part, money attitudes arise from a complex mix of upbringing, culture and self-control. To help overcome this, focus on the things you consistently spend too much on. Is it dining out? Shopping for clothes? Taking vacations? Hone in on whatever your “weakness” is and try to change your spending habits in a particular area. While each of these five tips can help you build your financial muscle, one of the best things you can do for your financial life is to meet regularly with a financial professional. An experienced financial advisor can provide financial coaching, helping you identify specific strategies for saving and investing for your future. Find a qualified professional whom you can trust to discuss all aspects of your financial life. Meet annually or as often as you require to discuss your financial goals and adjust your spending and saving habits to stay on track.

3. Show respect for currency. When you mistreat money, you diminish its value and give yourself permission to abuse it. Don’t wad up your bills or allow change to accumulate on the bottom of your purse. Instead, store it carefully and keep track of what you have. 4. Play your cards right. It used to be that a major credit card was absolutely required for online purchases and travel reservations such as airline tickets, hotel rooms and car rentals. In today’s economy, it’s possible to manage many, if not all of these transactions with a debit card. Credit cards can provide advantages through their reward programs, and disciplined use can help build creditworthiness.

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

March 2021 • Page 5

more than bean fields and some rough-and-tumble roads stretching up and down the coast and toward Downtown L.A., but Ella could see the vision. The United States was in the midst of World War II, and airports were a critical cog in the war machine. Aircraft manufacturing companies all wanted to be close to airports and with those companies came thousands of employees. While other developers such as Fritz B. Burns and William H. Hannon focused on creating housing for all of those workers, it was Ella Drollinger who envisioned a Westchester filled with stores, restaurants and offices to serve the bedroom community that was growing up around the airport. When a nearby Jim Dandy Market burned to the ground, Ella lobbied long and hard for the company to rebuild its new store in Westchester. She received low-ball offers, and many men in the company dismissed her because she was a woman, but Ella persisted. Eventually, her determination and charm won out, and the Jim Dandy Market, Westchester’s first commercial building, opened its doors in 1947. By the mid-1950s, the Westchester area was featured in Life Magazine as a flourishing commercial zone that helped the surrounding residential area take hold after WWII. Ella Drollinger pioneered commercial development and helped lead the sleepy postwar town into a thriving community with a bustling shopping district full of retail stores. These buildings still stand today. As you look east from the westside of Sepulveda, between La Tijera and H.B. Drollinger Way, you see all three. As you stand at the southeast corner of Sepulveda and La Tijera, you’ll see the building now occupied by Citibank displaying a bronze plaque dedication to Ella just to the right of the front entrance. While a bank now, it was first leased as a Thrifty Drug Store. Going south toward LAX, the next original building you’d pass was a Quigley’s Department Store. Where Bed Bath & Beyond stands today was the location of the Jim Dandy Market. Ella’s legacy lives on through Drollinger Properties. You will hear more ahead in the Westchester Pioneer Series about the generations of family members who have not only carried on her legacy, but have exponentially improved upon her courage and vision over the last many years of dedication to the Westchester and Playa del Rey communities.

Imagine please, stepping back in time, 80 years to the early 1940s during WWII. And imagine, then, just 20 years after women had received the national right to vote, business woman Ella Drollinger went out for a drive to explore a budding new neighborhood close to Mines Field, a dirt landing strip surrounded by bean fields that Frank H. Ayres told her would someday become one of the world’s largest airports. At a time when being a real estate developer was not a usual vocation for a woman, pioneering Ella Drollinger took a chance, purchased the land, and in 1944 funded construction of the first three commercial buildings in Westchester. Ella was born in 1891, the only daughter of Robert and Alice Lewin, who immigrated to the United States from the Isle of Man in England. Robert arrived in 1856 with just a third-grade education and a deep admiration for statesman Abraham Lincoln, who would soon become president. He eventually found his way to the Land of Lincoln, Illinois, where he worked as a farmhand and eventually saved enough money to purchase his own farm. Robert had two children, Fenton and Ella, with his second wife, Alice, and the family worked hard raising soy beans, corn and even pigs. As the successful farm began to grow, Robert passed away and Alice became sick. Ella, now in her early 20s, accompanied her mother to Southern California–a spot where the mild winters would be easier on her failing health. Settling in the Pasadena area, Ella saw to it that her mother regularly visited her doctor, and it didn’t hurt that the doctor’s son was a handsome, young eligible bachelor. Ella soon struck up a romance with and married Howard Drollinger Sr., who provided a nice life for his wife and two sons–Howard Jr., and Robert–as a real estate investor. But while the boys were still in school, Howard Sr. passed away suddenly, and Ella found herself in the unenviable situation of being a single mother scrambling to make ends meet. Using some money her husband left behind, Ella contacted a real estate advisor who had previously helped her and her husband purchase property near Pico and Robertson. He told her about a burgeoning area near the coast that was just starting to take shape. At the time, there was not much Page 6 • March 2021

This is the third article in a series about Westchester Pioneers. 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. Geoff Maleman also contributed to this article.

Photos courtesy the historical society.

By Cozette Vergari

From top: 1. A photo of Ella Drollinger. 2. The Jim Dandy market was located where Bed Bath & Beyond stands today. 3. A view of Thrifty’s and Sepulveda looking north.

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

March 2021 • Page 7

Business & Nonprofit News

TheHTN.com

Painted Pantry Project opens at the Westchester Family YMCA. On Monday, February 8th, the Westchester Family YMCA launched the Painted Pantry Project to address the growing needs of those facing food insecurities in the community. YMCA volunteers, representatives from the neighborhood council, donors and Councilmember Bonin were on hand to celebrate, and instead of a traditional ribbon cutting, guests were invited to write positive messages on pieces of ribbon which were then tied to the Y’s fence. The brainchild of Westchester resident, John Sharpe, the pantry is located in the Y’s parking lot and will be regularly filled with food items supplied by community members. Donations of canned goods with pop-tops, healthy snacks and other shelf stable food items can be dropped off at the Y Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Canned meats and beverages like juice, water and Gatorade are some of the pantry’s most popular items and are especially requested to be donated. Follow the Painted Pantry Project on Facebook.com and Instagram @paintedpantryproject. Last month, the YMCA also began its partnership with FeedLA to provide produce distribution every Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Those in need or interested in picking up produce can drive through the YMCA Annex’s parking lot and receive bags of veggies like broccoli, zucchini, cucumbers and more. The Westchester YMCA is located at 8015 S. Sepulveda Blvd. in Page 8 • March 2021

Photo By Zsuzsi Steiner.

Westchester YMCA Executive Director, John Loussararian, Councilmember Bonin and YMCA supporters celebrate the opening of the Painted Pantry Project.

Flowers by Felicia’s owner, Felicia St. Denis, will teach the art of flower arranging at a fundraiser this month for the Westchester Mental Health Guild.

Westchester. The Y’s Annex is located at 8020 Alverstone Ave. RSVP for a flower arrangement demonstration and fundraiser. Try your hand at flower arranging at the Westchester Mental Health Guild’s next virtual fundraiser! During the event, Playa del Rey florist Felicia St. Denis of Flowers by Felicia will teach attendees how to create a beautiful bouquet for your home. The event will take place on March 11 at 7 p.m. via Zoom. For a $20 ticket, attendees can watch and learn during the demonstration. A $70 ticket includes a flower arranging kit that can be picked up at the store the day before or day of the event. Arrangements can also be made to have the kit delivered to your home. This event is another in a series hosted by the Guild to raise funds for Airport Marina Counseling Service. In lieu of the Guild’s major fundraiser, the Holiday Home Tour, the nonprofit has pivoted to hosting fun, interactive experiences online including virtual wine tasting and trivia nights, as well as cooking and baking demonstrations. For more info and to purchase a ticket, visit westchestermhg.org.

Protectors’ Appreciation Week. The LAX Coastal Chamber held its second annual Protectors’ Appreciation Week from February 22 to the 26. Local business owners and ambassadors from the chamber visited 20 sites, including Playa Vista’s Fire Station #67, Fire Station #5, LAPD Firefighters from Playa Vista’s Station 67 receive a basket of healthy snacks and goodies to celebrate Protectors’ Appreciation Week. (continued on next page) Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News

Work is currently underway at the Del Rey Lagoon to revamp the playground space thanks to Measure A funds. Updates will include a new play area, concrete pathway, water fountain and picnic table. The work is anticipated to be completed in May.

(continued from previous page) Pacific Division and the Marina del Rey Sheriff’s Station, to drop off food prep items, breakfast courtesy of Rainbow Acres Washington Blvd., lunch courtesy of Benny’s Tacos and Cantalini’s, and baskets of goodies. “Another successful Protector Appreciation Week in the books! It was wonderful to visit 20 local stations to say thank you to more than 500 firefighters, police officers, lifeguards, coast guards and sheriffs,” said chamber President/ CEO Christina Davis. “It’s amazing how the smallest acts of kindness go a long way to show gratitude. Through the donations by our business community, we were able to provide food, snacks, coffee and treats to show our appreciation for the selfless efforts that our firstresponders make every day on the job.” The event was sponsored by Cedars-Sinai, Drollinger Properties, Kaiser Permanente West L.A. Medical Center, Decron Properties, SoCalGas, HHLA, Rainbow Acres Washington Blvd., LAWA and Gateway Los Angeles.

Kentwood Players looks for artists. Kentwood Players is continuing its virtual theater series into 2021 and looking for plays and a new logo to represent the 70-year-old playhouse. While the theater takes an intermission for in-person events, much needed work is being done to the location. The call is out for new, short (30 minutes or less) virtual theater plays in the Zoom format. For more information and guidelines, please email plays@kentwoodplayers.org. Submissions are due by April 15. The nonprofit group is also looking to redo its logo and is encouraging local artists to come up with designs that showcase the theater. The winning logo will be used to update the theater’s website, social media, publicity and eventually the new marquee. Logo submissions can be emailed to marketing@ kentwoodplayers.org by March 17. The winning submission will receive two season subscriptions that can be used once the playhouse is able to open again. Have info to share about your business or nonprofit? Email us at westchesterhometown@yahoo.com. for a chance to be featured.

March 15-20

Donate canned goods in store

March 20

Shop in store and 10% of sales will be donated Spend $75+ to receive a gift bag, mystery discount for your next purchase and entry to win a gift basket worth over $150!

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

March 2021 • Page 9

If you’ve ever wanted to run for the Neighborhood Council of Westchester/Playa (NCWP) and make your voice heard when it comes to issues that impact Westchester, Playa del Rey and Playa Vista, now is your chance! Elections happen every two years, and the candidate filing period is now open through March 23. The 15 positions up for election this go-round include the following seats: Education, Community Organization, Service, Youth, seven based on residence, two based on business location and two At-Large. Read below to hear from three passionate volunteers who currently serve on the NCWP to learn about their experiences being neighborhood representatives and visit ncwpdr.org/run2021 for more details on how to apply.

From left to right: NCWP board members Naomi Waka, Cord Thomas and Sylvia Wilson enjoy their work on the NCWP because they can make a difference in Westchester/Playa.

Naomi Waka

Cord Thomas

Cord Thomas was elected to hold the District 9 seat representing Westport Heights during the 2019 elections. He currently serves as the chair of the Outreach Committee and serves on the Governmental Affairs and Public Safety Committees. He also represents the Neighborhood Council on the L.A. Neighborhood Council Coalition and on the Neighborhood Council Sustainability Alliance Advocacy and Energy Committees. Q. What made you want to run for NCWP? A. As a recent resident of Westchester, I quickly became concerned about the development activities along Sepulveda and La Tijera Boulevards, especially the large developments that were beginning and some that were planned, but were not designed to serve the community’s desperate demand for affordable housing. In addition to this, my Q. How are you positively impacting the immediate neighborhood was experiencing a community by volunteering to serve on the board? A. I serve the NCWP in a few capacities, but growth in burglaries and vehicle-related burglaries and thefts. Because of my concerns with the if I had to choose one, it would be my work with Community Services as it affords an opportunity to development atmosphere to the detriment of those with the greatest housing needs, I started to attend tackle issues of concern to our community. I also Planning and Land Use Committee meetings. There, enjoy the work with Budget & Finance, reviewing I developed an appreciation for the hard work the and evaluating Neighborhood Purposes Grants committee members put into working to secure requests. I must say, the community inspired me during COVID with organizations pivoting to meet concessions from the developers for the benefit of new needs and people coming together to help one the community. I was convinced that I had to do my part to help my community and all its stakeholders. another. Naomi Waka has been a member of the Neighborhood Council for more than two years. She currently serves as the group’s Treasurer and as the Chair of the Budget & Finance and Community Services Committees. She holds the Senior Citizens’ Director seat. Q. What made you want to run for NCWP? A. Without knowing I’d ever run, community interest and concern motivated me to regularly attend NCWP committees like Planning and Land Use, Airport Relations and Ad Hoc Homelessness, as well as board meetings. I became very interested in the work, finding a way to participate, contribute and engage for better outcomes on behalf of our neighborhoods.

Q. What would you tell someone interested in running for neighborhood council? A. If you are new to the neighborhood council system, there is a learning curve. Take advantage of all the training and opportunities provided by Empower LA and DONE (Department of Neighborhood Empowerment). As a board member, you’ll learn much about civic engagement, the role of NCs as detailed in “A Plan for a Citywide System of (continued on page 24) Page 10 • March 2021

Sylvia Wilson Sylvia Wilson has served on the NCWP since August 2019. She is the Residential Director for District 7, representing North Kentwood and serving the entire footprint of the Neighborhood Council of Westchester/Playa. She is on the Education and the Outreach Committees. Q. What made you want to run for NCWP? A. I ran for neighborhood council to be a voice for my neighbors and a voice for families in the neighborhood, as well as to help bridge the gap between the City Council’s agenda and our community’s needs. We have so many issues that need our support and require our help with solutions for our unhoused community, public safety, continued vigilance with LAWA in terms of noise abatement and their future plans for the airport, our neighborhood schools and so much more.

Q. How are you positively impacting the community by volunteering to serve on the board? A. I am positively impacting the community through my position on the board by listening to the people in the community and bringing their concerns to our representative on the City Council, Mike Bonin, through his field deputies. I am also using the knowledge that I have learned volunteering on the board by putting concerns into action. Based on ongoing concerns about Westchester Park, I organized families and friends to do a “Love Your Q. How are you positively impacting the Park Clean Up Day.” We plan to keep this going and community by volunteering to serve on the board? doing at least one per month, giving our community A. In my brief tenure on the neighborhood council, I members, including our kids, the chance to have a have had the opportunity to support local nonprofits positive impact on helping put words into action. through the Outreach Committee such as the Also, I have been able to share with the neighborhood Emerson Avenue Community Garden and have lent council and people within our community many my voice to community service concerns like the opportunities and resources for those suffering during unhoused populations forced to live on the streets. I the pandemic to get help through organizations like hope to continue my positive contributions to the Grass Roots Neighbors, Nourish LA and now the (continued on page 24) (continued on page 24) Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News

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

March 2021 • Page 11

Julie Michals sets up a birthday greeting to help Sam celebrate their special day.

Business spotlight: When it’s time to celebrate, Card My Yard West L.A. brings the joy with colorful displays

Q. Please tell us a little bit about yourself. A. I’ve lived in Westchester for more than 10 years. My husband Tim and I moved here from Marina del Rey after we had our first daughter. We now have two daughters ages 11 and 9, as well as a cat named Miss P who has been a part of our family for almost 13 years now. I’ve lived in the West L.A. area since 1997. I worked in entertainment marketing and sales for more than 20 years for companies such as Sony and the NFL. My job provided amazing experiences and growth, but as the industry evolved with the many different platforms to watch content, it dramatically changed the needs in the industry. In early 2020, prior to the pandemic, I knew I was going to be impacted by a reorganization. My last day was March 10, 2020, so I had made plans to take a few months off to spend more time with my family, bake bread (which I never did!),

catch up with friends and network before pounding the pavement to look for a new job. Then the pandemic happened and those plans changed. During this time, a friend of mine who used to be in the entertainment industry reached out to me to catch up and asked me if I would ever consider having my own business. I never really thought of it, so I was intrigued. He recommended an audio book called “The E-Myth Revisited,” and I listened to it diligently. The book is about why some small businesses don’t work and what to do about it. It provided a solid foundation about why franchises exist and what makes a franchise successful. I then reached out to a franchise broker and vetted a few high-risk franchises and fortunately, I chose not to pursue them. The businesses that I looked into didn’t fulfill me personally; either I didn’t love the brand, it wasn’t an industry that I was passionate about or it was financially risky, especially during a pandemic. By summer, my sister, who was looking into doing something on her own as well, had mentioned the lawn rental sign business. I started to look into it as well and discovered “Card My Yard,” which happened to also be a franchise. Having knowledge about how to navigate the franchise world, I was able to pull up their disclosure document on my own to see that it was a business that was very doable. What intrigued me about Card My Yard was its brand, the community tie-in, the quality of their product and the two women that created it and their story. The company was started by two stay-at-home moms in Austin, Texas who value family and the spirit of bringing joy to their community. Card My Yard is in the happy business. When I had my informational meeting

Page 12 • March 2021

Everyone’s business could use a little help these days, so every month we’re featuring a different small business to help promote shopping locally and to support community members. Westchester mom Julie Michals never thought about being an entrepreneur and owning her own business, but after looking for her next career move, she decided to take the leap to become her own boss. Since October, Michals has operated Card My Yard West L.A. and is bringing smiles to people across the community by staking their front lawns with colorful signs to help celebrate all of life’s happy moments from birthdays, anniversaries, holidays and everything in between. Get the scoop on this month’s business spotlight by reading below!

and interview I thought to myself, “Wow, I would be like Santa Claus, but all year round! This is awesome. I’m in!” My sister agreed, and so a few months later, I signed on and officially opened Card My Yard West L.A. in October 2020. My sister signed on as well and owns Card My Yard Torrance. Since then, it’s been really fun. Recently, I had orders celebrating a Bar Mitzvah and a 98th birthday. To be a part of making a celebrant’s day a little extra special makes me feel great about what I do. The gratitude flows both ways in this business. It’s a unique business where the customers are excited from the beginning to the end of the ordering process. Another great thing about Card My Yard are the fellow owners and corporate team. We have a private Facebook Group, and there’s so many creative ideas on different ways to wordsmith an order, best practices, stories of inspiration, as well as funny staking stories out in the field. Last but not least, the overall 100 percent peer-to-peer support in our group is important to show that as owners we are in this positive movement together. Ninety four percent of the owners are women, which I value personally and professionally. Q. What makes your business unique? A. What makes Card My Yard unique is the nature of the business: bringing joy! Customers are excited to go to our site, see all the options, and choose what they want. It’s fun and it’s also easy. They don’t need to lift a finger. We set up and pick up. I usually send a text with a photo of the sign to the client once it’s complete, and the reactions are always, “OMG,

it looks amazing!” or “I love it! Thank you!” It’s all about spreading happiness, and I’m blessed to be a part of it. Q. What do you like about running your business and being an entrepreneur? A. What I love about running my own business is the personal flexibility and the positivity it brings to others. Having flexibility, especially right now, allows me to play a major role in supporting my family’s day-to-day needs. I have the ability to set aside time to do things with my kids on a weekday afternoon like take them to the beach, bake a crazy cake, or seek out the best Boba place in L.A. with them. As an entrepreneur, it’s amazing to see the natural growth of my business just four months in; organic search and word of mouth has played a big role in my increased business flow. Q. What else would you like the community to know about your business? A. Card My Yard has a fully integrated e-commerce website and it’s very easy for customers to place an order. Also, my business is contactless, which allows me to continue to operate. And of course, “Skip the Card, Stake the Yard!” Q. What are some of your favorite local businesses? A.This is a tough one! I’m a foodie, so my favorite businesses tend to be restaurants such as KC’s Crepes, Ayara Thai and The Good Pizza. I also love Yoga Bliss and The Mane on Lincoln; it’s great supporting fellow female owners like Lara, Brittany and Ashley. Visit cardmyyard.com/west-la to learn more and check out available designs.

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

March 2021 • Page 13

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

March 2021 • Page 15

Westchester Enriched Sciences Magnets Academic Decathlon students celebrate their recent district competition success on Zoom.

Westchester Enriched Sciences Magnets’ Academic Decathlon students head to state. Congratulations to Westchester Enriched Sciences Magnets’ (WESM) Academic Decathletes Patrick Jovel, Cheyenne Arnold, Sofiya Yergasheva, Boris Curiel Molina, Jacob Henry, Daniel Cruz, Anthony Velazquez, Mariah Bennett, Hassan Wright and Sami Shume for placing fourth out of 45 competing LAUSD schools! The students will now compete at the California state competition for the third year in a row. The competition will be held via Zoom. While the high school’s campus has been closed, the school has been able to complete some important renovations including a new gym floor, new lunch tables for the covered eating area, resurfaced tennis courts and new sod on the athletic field. Learn more about WESM at westchesterhs-lausd-ca.schoolloop. com.

St. Monica High School students help at the Coral Restoration Center.

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

Scholarship opportunities for high school students. Applications are now available for $1,000 scholarships from the Westchester Rotary Foundation. The scholarships are in memory and honor of Jim Hill, a former member who was exemplary in his service to the youth of the community. High school seniors demonstrating outstanding leadership in community service who either reside in Westchester, Playa del Rey or Playa Vista and/or attend Westchester Enriched Sciences Magnets or St. Bernard High School are eligible to apply. Applications are due by April 27th and may be obtained by emailing cozetterotary5280@gmail.com. The

Calling all high school students interested in the arts! Applicants are now being sought for the annual Pageant of the Arts competition hosted by the Playa Venice Sunrise and Westchester Rotary Clubs. High School students talented in the arts–instrumental music, singing, dance, speech and the fine arts–are invited to fill out an application by Saturday, March 6. A local competition over Zoom will be held on Saturday, March 13. Ten students will be selected as winners to head to the district competition where they can win cash prizes of up to $1,000. For more information, please visit rotary-westchester.com or playavenice.org.

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St. Monica Catholic High School students launch Coral Restoration Center. While slowing and reversing ocean warming could take decades to implement, St. Monica Catholic High School Students are researching methods to expedite the protection and restoration of coral reefs. Within the newly remodeled on-campus marine laboratory, the student-run “Coral Restoration Center” (CRC) runs in tandem with the school’s popular oceanography and marine biology courses. The CRC has forged an interschool research collaboration with the Wildwood Institute for STEM Research and Development. Students are currently investigating micro-fragmentation as a method to propagate and restore corals. Students carrying out scientific research on corals leverage a wide variety of resources on the St. Monica campus. In the 750-square-foot maker space,

which is just a few steps away from the marine laboratory, students fabricate many of the components needed for their research. Sophomore Luca G. enjoys the practical aspect of applying his passion for engineering toward addressing the global crisis of coral bleaching. “I love using the CAD skills I’m learning in engineering class to design platforms to grow corals on,” said Luca. “Right now, I’m remotely sending PLA prototypes to be 3D printed at school, and soon I’ll be sending designs to our collaborators to utilize their 3D ceramic printer.” The Coral Restoration Center highlights St. Monica Catholic High School’s new approach to STEM education by: • Taking students’ extracurricular learning to a new level by incorporating inquiry-based learning for physics, biology and chemistry courses. • Allowing students to incorporate art into their learning by working closely with the school’s Art Department and collaborating with Wildwood Institute for STEM Research and Development to utilize ceramic 3D printing technology. • Incorporating an interdisciplinary approach to STEM, which is a crucial aspect of the kinds of problem-solving required by modern methods of scientific research. For more information, please visit stmonicachs.org. Have news to share about your school? Email us at westchesterhometown@yahoo.com for a chance to be featured!

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

March 2021 • Page 17

From left to right: 1. A little library shaped like a school bus created by Alonso Corral. 2. The Lander family poses in front of their library, which features a geocache.

Little Libraries continue to bring book-lovers together all around Westchester By Lydia Smith

“caches,” at specific locations marked by coordinates all over the world. A Back in September, the HomeTown typical cache is a small waterproof News celebrated Westchester’s Little container with a logbook, a pen or Free Libraries with an article featuring pencil and sometimes small tradeable some of the community’s book-loving items (if you take one, you should folks who are also enthusiastic stewards replace it with an item of equal or lesser of their collections. This is part two value). Some little library stewards of the series about little libraries and have joined in on the trend by hiding a the benefits that they bring to the geocache with their books. There are community. many fun and interesting ways that As a reminder, Little Free Libraries caches can be hidden there, but the are essentially public bookshelves, most popular one is to create a “book which homeowners can display in safe” by cutting out a section of pages their front yard to share a book, within a hardback novel and placing encourage reading and connect with the logbook and info within it. More their neighbors. The concept is for information about how to join the game “stewards” to create a curated collection can be found at Geocaching.com. of reading material for their library and This month’s spotlight on stewards visitors can browse, take a book and/ includes one family who has a geocache or leave a book. Little Free Libraries hidden in their library and others who encourage literacy and neighborhood are thrilled to share the joy that their bonding. public bookshelves have brought to Although the nonprofit, Little Free their families. Libraries, has been around since 2009, Gregg and Cindy Lander opened their new technology has added to the fun of Little Free Library (charter #8056) in these hidden gems in our community. October of 2013. They are fortunate to Geocaching is the new wave in little have a neighbor who is well-versed in libraries. Geocaching is an outdoor geocaching and installed a hidden cache recreational activity where participants in the bottom of their little library. use a Global Positioning System (GPS) Their cache is named “The Library has receiver, mobile device and other No Power” on the geocaching website; navigational techniques to hide and you will have to investigate it for seek containers, called “geocaches” or yourself to find out why! The Landers

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have enjoyed the extra visitors that the cache has brought to their library. They have had 132 logged visits since the first one on January 17, 2016 (23 of them marked it as a “favorite”). In the cache itself is a paper log, on which visitors write their handle and date, and the Landers have left world coins for visitors to take. They have also put in a few small trackable objects that when found, get reported on the website–one of theirs has made it to Georgia! Gregg and Cindy installed an adjacent bench which helps to promote neighborhood relations when people come by to browse the book collection and sit awhile on the bench. They have been able to get to know neighbors that they may not have had the opportunity to meet if they didn’t have their Little Free Library! The couple’s elementary school age children are active participants in the maintenance and upkeep of the library as well as the enjoyment of it. “For our kids it is a regular part of life, like taking care of the pets or yard,” said Gregg. “So they are familiar with library tasks such as carting donated books to the garage, making sure the library light is off, and, to a much lesser extent, de-webbing.” The Landers also wanted to dispel

some myths surrounding their Little Free Library. The first myth is that you must take only one book. They invite visitors to take as many books as they would like. They always have books on hand to replenish their supply. This leads to the second myth: visitors must leave a book if they take a book. This is the whole concept behind installing Little Free Libraries, so this seems counterintuitive, but the Landers have found that the readers who visit their library always leave more than enough books, so they have several boxes of books in their garage, ready for replenishing! Another local little library steward is Patrice Anita who installed her little library in 2015. Over the years she has seen a stable and constant flow of visitors to her library. She feels that the community is good at the “take a book, leave a book” adage of the little library community, just like the Landers family. But she is happy to supplement her library with books from her own extensive collection. When asked who her library’s typical visitor is, Patrice said, “From what I have seen and the books that are taken and replaced, it is a cross-section of people using the library...from kids to older folks like me.” (continued on next page)

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

Little libraries (continued) (continued from previous page) Patrice’s little library is unique in that she also has incorporated her love of gardening and cooking by offering garden seeds and recipes. She also provides scissors for visitors to take cuttings from potted herbs that she has below her library. Mark and Reeba Ruvelson are another family with a passion for books and community. They began their little library a little over a year ago. Mark installed it because he wanted to honor his wife and his two daughter’s love of reading (and Reeba really wanted one!). Rotating the inventory of their books has become a family affair with the whole family perusing the selection of books on the weekends. Often their two daughters will select books to read that others have left in the library and put them back when they are finished. The Ruvelson family loves to be connected to the community through their library. When they are out gardening, they often meet neighbors walking or biking to pick out books. Mark shared that there is a local “book man,” who drives around the neighborhood replenishing little libraries. He has a trunk full of books and very quickly fills up the library and then is on his way. Mark has tried to catch him to thank him, but he

believes that the “book man” wants to remain an anonymous book angel! Assembled little libraries as well as little library kits are available at littlefreelibrary.org, but creative Westchester residents Sandy and Alonso Corral have gotten involved in the little library movement by creating custom libraries. Alonso has had a passion for woodworking since taking wood shop in high school and has been creating beautiful custom birdhouses, cutting boards and wooden American flags while working as a law enforcement officer. With retirement on the horizon, Alonso has moved into building custom little libraries for anyone who wants their community bookshelf to be unique and reflect their personality. One such piece is a library shaped like a school bus, which they have displayed in their yard. “Wood working is personal to me,” said Alonso. “I work on projects that make people happy and I put my heart into everything I create.” For more information about having Alonso create a custom library for you, email them at adcorral@me.com. Learn more about how you can start your own little library, or the locations of these neighborhood book exchanges, including the ones featured here, at littlefreelibrary.org.

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

March 2021 • Page 19

TheHTN.com

Find a form of exercise and approach that works for you

By Jeff Blair

Opinion: At the outset of the pandemic, I said adaptability would be key to maintaining a reasonable level of fitness for the foreseeable future. That remains true one year later. Indoor gyms have been closed for most of the past 12 months. While a few fitness businesses like ours have operated outdoors, most have not had that option. This left many people searching for exercise alternatives. I recently asked some friends to share creative ways they have stayed active over the past year while gyms were not open. None of these friends are fitness professionals. They all worked from home throughout the pandemic and most spent their days sitting in Zoom meetings. Here are the creative ways they sought to remain physically active and mentally sharp during the pandemic: • Dee, a CPA, used a virtual reality (VR) workout called Supernatural. During the VR experience, graphics make it appear as if you are in Laos swinging something like a light saber at incoming targets. Depending on the approaching target, you either have to squat, lunge or swing. This entire experience is soundtracked to her favorite music. With another option, Holofit, she entered a virtual world

where it appeared she was rowing through snow. VR exercise options attempt to add entertainment and engagement to a workout. Dee felt both VR options gave a great workout and were engaging. Multiplayer VR options are also available where you exercise with others at the same time. • Jason, a contractor, does pushups and four to six weightlifting exercises every morning. He uses an exercise ball, a resistance band, a few dumbbells and a kettlebell. This small amount of equipment takes very little space. His workout only takes about 20 minutes. These workouts, along with changing his eating habits and walking, helped Jason to lose 30 pounds. • Daiva, who works in Production Operations and IT Management, boxes 10 rounds, five nights per week. She uses a punching bag she hung in her house. She was familiar with boxing combos and terminology from past training and that attracted her to this workout. She often spends eight to 10 hours a day sitting in Zoom meetings during her work day. She said the boxing was “interesting, tactical and turned off her brain” after a long day at the office. In addition to her selfdesigned workouts, she also used YouTube for some boxing bootcamps. • Matt, another CPA, filled a cooler

with flooring tile and used the loaded cooler as a weight. This allowed him to perform a variety of resistance exercises while his gym was closed. He worked out two or three times per week for up to an hour-and-a-half. He did squats, bicep curls, step-ups and a few other resistance exercises with the heavy cooler. He also performed mobility exercises and lunges using a stick comparable to a mop handle. • Katy, a creative designer for a large insurance company, used a rowing machine three times per week and followed some kickboxing cardio workouts. She also runs outdoors one or two times per week. She hopes to incorporate more resistance training in the future. • Pilar, a consultant, totaled 100 miles during January hiking and walking three to four days per week. Pilar is a big believer in getting outside and its positive impact on mental health. She said she always feels better after outdoor activity even if she was not feeling great that day before the exercise. Pilar said a good hike or walk gives her a sense of accomplishment. She has also been successful in getting some friends to become more active. Whether you use technology like virtual reality or simply walk around your neighborhood, exercise can improve mood, enhance brain function

and benefit health. Find a form of exercise you like, or at least do not hate. Find a supportive friend or partner, encourage each other and hold each other accountable. Be flexible but consistent. Most importantly, find an approach that works for you. Stay safe and healthy. Jeff Blair, MS CSCS, has been a Certified Personal Trainer for 18 years in Westchester. He founded the SoCalSport and Fitness Personal Training Studio in 2011. He is a fitness author and his second fitness book is currently in the editing stage. Say hi via his email: jeff@socalsport.com.

Throughout the month of March, Airport Marina Counseling Service (AMCS) is offering FREE initial client consultations!

YOU CAN HELP!

Money should never be an issue when it comes to getting mental health services, and AMCS is proud to continue its legacy of making high quality counseling services available to everyone in our community, regardless of their socio-economic level.

FOOD PANTRY, LAX

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

Open Tuesday & Friday, 10am-12pm

AMCS offers individual, family and couples counseling and group therapy, treating everything from depression and anxiety to more severe disorders.

Bring donations of non-perishable food to Covenant Presbyterian Chuch. Volunteers and money donations also welcomed and encouraged!

If you or someone you know can use some support, please call the clinic at 310-670-1410. AMCS is here to help!

355 Beach St., Inglewood

For more information, please call (310) 677-5597 Ad donated by the Covenant Presbyterian Church

Page 20 • March 2021

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

Photo by Zsuzsi Steiner.

Random Notes/Opinion

Growing healthy relationships in your life By Fay Craton Opinion: Flower buds are emerging as winter comes to a close. COVID and societal unrest has made the past 12 months a very long year. Soon, another spring will be here. Gardens are being prepped for a new season of vegetables and flowers. There is extra excitement in the air recently as more people become vaccinated against COVID. A new phase of life is beginning. Are you ready for a new phase of growth within your relationships? Let’s pause to reflect on how your relationships have shifted over the past year. The pandemic has impacted everyone. Many changes have occurred due to loss of loved ones, financial and food insecurities, “stay home” restrictions, forced closeness of families and/or pods. How did your relationships change? Do you feel closer or more distant to your family members? Do you feel you have safe and trusting associations with people with whom you are closest? As our lives adjust one more time to the evolution of the pandemic, how would you like your relationships to grow? There are similarities between growing healthy relationships and growing healthy plants. Both plants and people need environments absent from disease. After 2020, we certainly have a lot of experience around the virus topic. Beyond disease, there are other parallels. For plants to thrive, the protective shell of its seed must open to allow the embryo plant to grow. For the embryo to become a healthy plant, the environment in which this happens must be conducive to healthy growth. People, like seeds, often have a protective shell around their core. To thrive, your authentic core must emerge past your shell into a healthy environment where it can grow into a healthy, trusting, safe and meaningful life. For this to happen you must have a willingness to let your shell crack sufficiently for you to share your skills, new behaviors and to allow your unique awareness to emerge. Does this sound scary? A lot of people are afraid to let down their guard to share their authentic awarenesses and perceptions. It takes a willingness to be vulnerable, which can be very difficult. Real connection with others happens at the place where there is exposure

for another person to see past a created image of who you are into who you really are. Quality relationships create an environment where you can safely experience vulnerability. Healthy connection is reaching across fear, pain, discomfort, as well as joy, and success to hold onto the other person. It is letting the other person know you “have them.” It is being fully present and supportive. What are some examples of behaviors when connection is made? For the supporting person: • Let go of judgments and the need to control. • Use supportive words and body language. • Stop talking about yourself and your needs. • Let go of assumptions about what your loved one is saying or doing. • Within your mind and heart, keep a loving image of your significant other. • Listen with both your mind and heart to what your loved one is saying. Some suggestions for the emerging person: • Explore who you are underneath the image you present to the community or workplace. • In your personal life, let go of the need to maintain an image of who you need to be in order to succeed in the workplace or community. • Breathe, let go of the mind chatter, and listen to your heart. • Take very small steps when expressing new information about yourself. Steady, slow growth is good, • Allow yourself to be vulnerable. My wish is for you to have opportunities to reflect on the quality of your connections with your loved ones. Right now, you can choose how you would like your relationships to develop. Just as seeds are nurtured into healthy plants, you can nurture positive growth in how you relate to others. I encourage you to create the environment for your loved ones to openly share and for you to learn to share from your authentic self. Fay Craton, M.A. is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (mfc40011), which is the psychology license specializing in relationships. She is located in Westchester. If you have any questions, please contact Fay at (310) 645-6762.

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

Pastor, Larry Becker

Saturday Outdoor Communion Service 5:00 p.m. (Wear a mask)

Sunday Worship Service 10:00 a.m. (Livestream)

Palm Sunday Service March 28 - 10:00 a.m.

(Outdoors/Wear a mask)

Maundy Thursday & Good Friday Service Friday, April 2nd 7:00 p.m. (Outdoor/Wear a mask)

7831 S. Sepulveda Blvd., Westchester, CA 90045

310.670.5422 • www.WLCS.org

• Quick-Service, Convenient Food • Sit-Down Dining Options • Numerous Banks/Credit Unions • Boutique Gyms & Wellness Centers • Medical and Dental Offices • Dance Studios • The Book Jewel Indie Bookstore • Grocery & Pharmacy • Award-Winning Farmers Market • Much, Much More... (424) 312-1513 Email: Rena@DrollingerProperties.com

310.417.8048 www.drollingerproperties.com

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

March 2021 • Page 21

Become a flexitarian by adding more plant-based meals to your diet By Sheri Weitz, RDN, Contributing Columnist

What is a vegan vs. a vegetarian? A vegan doesn’t eat anything that comes from an animal. This means no dairy, Opinion: Have you thought about eggs or flesh food like chicken, beef being a vegetarian or vegan, but or fish. Some follow a vegan diet for haven’t been able to commit to a life humanitarian or spiritual reasons, without meat? Perhaps you’ve read others for health or the environment. the mounting evidence about the Vegetarianism, in contrast, has several benefits of a plant-based diet (now sub-categories. Pescatarians let sometimes called “plant-forward”) themselves eat fish. Lacto-vegetarians and decided to take the plunge. Then exclude animal products except dairy. you think, “Wait…no more In-N-Out Lacto-ovo vegetarians eat dairy and burgers?” The next thing you know, eggs as their only animal products. you’re back eating animal protein and In terms of health, evidence perhaps even overindulging. continues to demonstrate that While many vegetarians are able plant-based foods decrease our risk to stick to a plant-based lifestyle, of cardiovascular disease, cancer, many of my nutrition clients are high blood pressure and overall “vegetarian wannabes.” It’s an all-orinflammation. And eating more nothing mentality. Unfortunately, this non-starchy vegetables in general thinking can get in the way of adding is great for our microbiome, which more plant-based eating, what some helps us lose weight and creates more nutritionists call being a “flexitarian.” serotonin in our brains. How can you eat more plantNo, this doesn’t mean you’re suddenly able to do the splits or turn your body forward without being “all or into a pretzel! But it does mean you’re nothing?” Check out these tips below: a semi-vegetarian planning most of • Consider having a meatless meal your meals around plants, with meat once or twice a week and decreasing as an accent–a sidekick, instead of the your red meat consumption to once star of the show. or twice a month. There are red meat Let’s start with “Plant-Based 101.” substitutes like Beyond Meat and

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Impossible Burgers that will leave you asking, “Is this really not red meat? It has to be!” • With the Plate Method of eating, half of our plate should be nonstarchy vegetables. Consider choosing beans, lentils or tofu as the other half of your plate instead of animal products like chicken, fish or beef. • Why is eating plant-forward good for the planet? One pound of red meat produces 14.8 pounds of carbon dioxide, 36 times more than the C02 produced growing a green vegetable, and it takes more resources like feedstock and water to produce a pound of meat than it does to produce a pound of beans or greens. Humans’ current rate of fish consumption is steadily depleting our oceans. If each of us makes even a small change in our diets, it can have a huge collective impact. Being a flexitarian means we can still have animal foods, only smaller amounts and less often. Just choosing to start with “Meatless Mondays” is a step forward. And if you decide to go all-in as a vegetarian or vegan, it’s never been easier with vegetarian and vegan choices at restaurants and

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

grocery stores abounding. The more we embrace a plant-forward lifestyle, the more we can sustain our health and our planet. Sheri Weitz, RDN, CDE is a Registered Dietitian with a private practice in Westchester, and she provides clinical nutrition services for Manchester Medical. Sheri also teaches Zumba classes… her “happy pill.” To find out more about her services or for a free consultation, go to MovetoWellness.net.

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

March 2021 • Page 23

NCWP elections (continued) (continued from page 10) Naomi Waka...(continued) Neighborhood Councils,” our bylaws, standing rules and how to work within that space to serve stakeholders. Q. What’s something people might not know about the NCWP you’d like to share? A. We act in an advisory role to the City, City Council and City departments. Within that role, there is much opportunity to engage and advocate for stakeholders. The work of the NCWP generally begins at the committee level and then any motions are then brought to the board for their consideration. Cord Thomas...(continued) community in the future through efforts to improve the quality of life of our stakeholders through increasing access to outdoor recreational facilities, reducing air pollution sources and increasing the volume of air pollution sinks such as trees. Q. What would you tell someone interested in running for neighborhood council? A. If you are concerned with what you are seeing in your neighborhood, whether it’s deteriorating road conditions, increased traffic, inadequate housing opportunities for disadvantaged communities, sustainability in buildings and transportation, or access to recreation facilities in our neighborhoods, to name a few, getting involved with the neighborhood council is a great way to work toward making a difference. The NCWP is a strong voice for the community to the Los Angeles City Council, not just to Councilmember Mike Bonin, but all councilmembers. Q. What’s something people might not know about the NCWP you’d like to share? A. The neighborhood council has many ways it can improve our community from issuing Neighborhood Purpose Grants (NPG) that can support any registered nonprofit in the council’s region, to submitting community impact statements (CIS) to City Council motions. These become a matter of public record and can significantly influence the vote of the Council and the future of our city. Sylvia Wilson...(continued) YMCA. I have spent a lot of time,

especially working with Grass Roots Neighbors, to help our many local families whose lives have been impacted negatively by COVID this year. Many community members have used these resources to volunteer with these amazing organizations and to have had a small part in that makes my heart smile. Q. What would you tell someone interested in running for neighborhood council? A. I would ask them why they want to run to see if they understand that the job is really about serving their community, first and foremost. I would make sure that they know that even though they will be elected to serve as a Residential Director, or another elected position on the council based on where they live or based on where their business is located within our footprint, they will represent the entire community and they will vote on issues that impact the entire community, so they have to see the big picture of who they will be working for. And we do work for our neighbors who are our constituents. If they have the honor of serving on the neighborhood council, every time they vote, they need to keep this in mind because each time you vote on an issue, it’s about what is best for all of the people you serve. I think about that every time I am about to participate in a vote and I ask myself, ‘How would our community want me to vote on this?’

AMY FRELINGER TEAM

at Douglas Elliman Real Estate

Do you love where you live? If you need professional guidance with any of your real estate needs, call Amy today at 310.951.0416. AMY FRELINGER TEAM | 310.951.0416 | Amy.Frelinger@elliman.com | DRE# 01484711

Q. What’s something people might not know about the NCWP you’d like to share? A. One thing people might not know about the neighborhood council is that you don’t have to be elected to the board to be heard on important issues that impact our neighborhood. All of our meetings are public and people have the right to make public comment for two minutes on each agenda item before the board. Then after those items have been heard, you can make public comment on issues that you would like to be heard by the board that are not on our discussion calendar for the same amount of time. You also have the opportunity to serve on one of our committees. Check out our NCWP website for more information. Get involved, your voice is important.

Important 2021 NCWP Election Dates: March 23: Last Day to file to run April 9-June 1: Stakeholder vote-by-mail request period June 8: Election Day Page 24 • March 2021

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

Pastor Larry Becker is the recipient of the Evangelical Lutheran Education Association Distinguished Pastor of the Year award for 2020. This is an annual award established by ELEA as a way to honor pastors of congregations with schools or early childhood centers who have made outstanding contributions to the spiritual leadership of the program. Pastor Becker has served as the spiritual leader of Westchester Lutheran Church and School since July 2018. During the ongoing Covid-19 lockdown, Pastor Larry has encountered and dealt with continuous uncertainty, upheaval and changing mandates. He has served as Interim Principal and oversaw implementing classroom safety protocols, and cameras for synchronous learning. Our new audio-visual system was designed and installed by Pastor to accommodate live-streaming of both worship services and weekly Chapel services. Pastor Larry has exhibited outstanding leadership in guiding the church and school through this difficult period. He has kept us grounded in God’s Word and remained calm throughout all the challenges. Even though we have been unable to host an event in his honor, we celebrate this accomplishment and are so grateful for his dedication and hard work to see us through this time! We are thankful for you, Pastor Larry!

www.thewpv.org Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News

March 2021 • Page 25

POETRY READING CELEBRATING MAYA ANGELOU AT THE BOOK JEWEL

At the Book Jewel... The Book Jewel hosted its first Poetry Open Mic event on Saturday, February 27 to celebrate the writings of Maya Angelou and Black History Month. It was also an opportunity to highlight the bookstore’s recently unveiled mural of Angelou that is located nearby. At the event, five local poets, Thera Pitts, Aliyah Kadeem, Tymeka Coney, Féi Hernandez and Rondell Johnson, recited some of Angelou’s most famous works, including “Still I Rise” and “Phenomenal Woman.” They also had the chance to share their original works to a crowd of nearly 50 fans who assembled in the Westchester bookstore’s parking lot. Since opening in late August, The Book Jewel has become a neighborhood destination for books, gifts and community. Next up for the store is a Women’s History Month Poetry Open Mic event on Saturday, March 20 at 2 p.m. For those interested in joining the store’s book club, this month’s pick is Angelou’s “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.” The club’s next online meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 30 at 7 p.m. With programming a large part of the vision for the store, stay tuned for more details on upcoming socially distant events. The Book Jewel is located in the Westchester Triangle at 6259 W. 87th St. Pictured: 1. The Book Jewel’s owner, Karen Dial, welcomes the crowd to the store’s inaugural event. 2. Tymeka Coney reads Angelou’s “Phenomenal Woman.” 3. Rondell Johnson recites an original lyrical poem. 4. The newly unveiled Maya Angelou mural is located near Truxton’s in the parking lot behind the bookstore. 5. Thera Pitts, who recently published the novel, “South,” shares her work. 6. The crowd listens intently to the artists’ words. Page 26 • March 2021

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

March 2021 • Page 27

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