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Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista
May
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Applications now being accepted for Fourth of July Parade Applications to participate in the annual Fourth of July Parade are now being accepted. The thirteenth annual parade will take place on Wednesday, July 4, at 11 a.m. starting at Loyola Boulevard and Manchester and ending at LMU in Westchester. This year’s theme is “A Tribute to America’s Pastimes.” Each year, thousands of individuals line up and down Loyola Blvd. with their flags waving to catch a glimpse of the parade and its entries. More than 1,000 local participants of all ages march in the parade with various
groups and organizations to celebrate the nation’s birthday and to show their community spirit. Although there are many parade favorites who have participated in the event for years, the parade committee is always looking for new entries and community groups interested in becoming part of this neighborhood tradition. Potential entries are asked to fill out an application that highlights their ideas for a float, sign a liability waiver and agree to provide a banner for their group. For the second year in a row, to
help offset city closure fees, there is a $25 entry fee required for participants. A limited number of scholarships may be available to those in need. The parade committee will only accept up to 55 entries in this year’s parade, and they are encouraging entries to set the bar high for their floats. Floats will be judged in the Best Overall and Best Theme categories on (continued on page 9) WISH Charter students wish America Happy Birthday at last year’s parade. PHOTO BY GLENN MARZANO.
Concert by the Canyon highlights music and nature For years, Cowan Avenue Elementary School parents and volunteers have worked to transform the canyon located on the school’s property into the Cowan Nature Center, which will be used to teach its students and the community about nature and the environment. Although the project has encountered setbacks over the years, thanks to the help of LMU Family of Schools, Friends of Ballona Wetlands, LAUSD and community members, the project’s first phase will be completed by the end of May and the project is expected to be completed sometime this year. The school’s grounds, which overlook the canyon, as well as the Santa Monica Mountains, will be the site for the seventh annual Concert by the Canyon, taking place on Sunday, May 20 from 12 to 5 p.m. Concert by the Canyon is the premier fundraising event for the Cowan Avenue Parent Teacher Organization and proceeds from the event will benefit student enrichment at the school for programs such as music, art, P.E. and computers. The theme for this year’s event is “Student’s, Families, Neighbors...Together.” The event will combine live music, a
“foodie” experience and a kids’ world activity area to create an afternoon of family fun. There will also be a silent auction and a drawing for a trip to Hawaii. Live music will be provided by Los Angeles area bands that represent a variety of musical styles. Acts include Wylde Bunch, a high-energy fusion of hip-hop, rap and rock; Westside Crew, a Latin and pop band; and Culver City’s own, Stereo Union, a group of middle school musicians who play classic and indie rock tunes. To help raise money for the school, Cowan principal Richard Da Sylveria, has agreed to stand on a small platform at the event and have attendees attempt to soak him with water. Tickets for the event are $10 in advance and $15 the day of the event at the gate. Children under 12 are free, but they must be accompanied by an adult. Cowan Avenue Elementary School is located at 7615 Cowan Avenue in Westchester. For more information, please visit www.cowantigers.org. Tickets can be purchase at www. Concertbythecanyon.eventbrite.com.
At left: A natural river flows through the “canyon” located behind Cowan Avenue Elementary School. PHOTO BY MARGARET BOVE-LAMONICA.
A look inside your
HomeTown
4 Funds being raised to fix Welcome to Westchester sign 12 Salute to 2012 Teacher Eddy Award Recipients
Page 2
WESTCHESTER LUTHERAN SCHOOL
Preschool – 8th Grade
�
�
ENROLLING NOW FOR SEPTEMBER 2012 We invite you to visit our campus and learn more about our Jr. Kindergarten through 8th grade programs. � � � � � � � � � � � � �
Small Class Sizes Reasonable Tuition Academic Excellence Spanish State of the Art Computer Lab Music Programs Performing Arts Interactive Boards Portals to Science Gateway to Art After School Enrichment Programs Before and After School Care Available WASC Accredited (Western Association of Schools and Colleges)
Tours are available for all grades. To make an appointment for a tour, please call our office at 310.670.5422. For more information you can visit our website at www.wlcs.org� �
For over sixty years Westchester Lutheran School has taught students from preschool through 8th grade to believe in themselves, in each other, and their ability to make a difference in the world. Our dedicated faculty and staff reach not just their minds, but their hearts and souls. WLS offers a classical education in a contemporary setting with Christian values. Laying the foundation for a high level of excellence begins in the earliest years of a child’s education and continues throughout their educational journey. At Westchester Lutheran School, all are welcome, all are valued, and all are enabled to excel. We invite you to attend our worship services on Sundays at 10:00 am
May 2012
7831�S.�Sepulveda,�Los�Angeles,�CA�90045�•�310.670.5422 •�www.wls.org Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey• Playa Vista HomeTown News
Page 3
T h i s M o n t h B r i n g s Yo u May Features Funds being sought to fix welcome sign 4 5 Runway Retail Center set for June groundbreaking 6 Rotary holds 58th Annual Book Sale 11 Community Calendar/To Do Salute to Teacher Eddy Award Honorees 12-13 NCWP Community Update 24
Monthly Features Community Random Notes/Opinion Looking Back... To Do
Calendar Happenings Pictures Business and Professional
Submit Submit articles, pictures and letters to the editor at westchesterhometown@yahoo.com. Be sure to include your name and contact information (phone number, address and e-mail) and correctly spell names of all those involved. All materials must be submitted no later than 12 noon on the 22nd of each month. The HomeTown News reserves the right to edit all submissions for content and length.
HOMETOWN STAFF/CONTRIBUTORS Stephanie Davis, Publisher, Editor Fay Craton, Contributing Writer David “Duke” Dukesherer Sr., Looking Back
– MIKE ARIAS
“Whether it’s spring rolls at Ayara Thai Cuisine, a quick
Nora Lee Owens, Humor Mishele Viera, Contributing Writer Jack Younger, Contributing Cartoonist
sandwich at Togo’s or a business meeting at Truxton’s, I try to encourage everyone in our law office to
Advertisers’ Directory 15 Business and Professional 5 Cantalini’s Salerno Beach 7 Concert by the Canyon 9 Covenant Presbyterian Church 6 El Segundo 5-Minute Car Wash 5 Father Daughter Prom 9 Food Pantry, LAX 6 H.B. Drollinger Co. 17 Hornblower Cruises Jane St. John 20 19,21 Kevin & Kaz 7 Los Angeles World Airports VIP 21 Mina Bharadwa 21 Nora Lee Owens
t a t i d n u o f I ! r e t n e C n w o T r e t s e h Westc
patronize the businesses in Westchester Town Center.
24 Neighborhood Council 17 Pat Davis, CLU 5 Playa West Automotive 8 Race for Success South Bay Brokers 20 18 Dianne Stevenson 23 Urbansitter.com 9 Vergari & Associates 14 Visitation School Westchester First Friday 18 2,5 Westchester Lutheran 3 Westchester Town Center BID 7 Westside Neighborhood School 22 Zacha Homes
“Shop local” isn’t just a slogan for us. We shop local every day because it’s important to our community!”
The HomeTown News, Your Friendly Local Newspaper The HomeTown News is a monthly 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. If you are interested in submitting an article or information for review, please email us at westchesterhometown@yahoo.com. Please submit the information as a Microsoft Word attachment. Mailing Address: 8939 S. Sepulveda Blvd., Ste. 110 #745 Westchester, CA 90045 (310) 641-1016 • westchesterhometown@yahoo.com • www.thehtn.com
The deadline for submissions is the 22nd of the month.
May 2012
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Community Funds being raised to help refurbish iconic Westchester sign on Manchester Boulevard
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The iconic “Westchester, Home of LAX” sign located on Manchester Boulevard near the Westchester/Loyola Village Library, has seen better days. Although once a proud landmark welcoming visitors and community members to the neighborhood, the sign is broken and shattered and in need of desperate repair. The sign, which presumably has been the victim of harsh weather conditions, as well as vandals who have thrown rocks at it, has been gaining attention from community groups looking to bring the blighted landmark back to life. Councilman Bill Rosendahl’s Westchester/Playa Field Deputy Nate Kaplan has been looking to community groups to help raise funds to repair the sign after being visited by a former Westchester resident, who now resides in Minnesota. Stephanie Smith had paid a visit to Kaplan after her mother, Mercedes Bishop, had passed away and was looking to make a donation in her name to help fix the sign, which looked increasingly dilapidated every time she visited her hometown. According to Smith, the sign came into existance because of an art contest
held in 1979 by the Los Angeles City Council. Westchester High seniors in teacher Sam Uskovich’s art class were invited to create a design for a sign welcoming people to Westchester. Smith, however, cannot recall the name of the student whose art was ultimately chosen by the City Council. A similar sign was also erected on Sepulveda Blvd. (near where the current “Welcome to Westchester” sign is located), which said “You are entering Westchester’s Business District.” In the two years since Smith originally met with Kaplan, the condition of the sign has worsened and numerous community groups have independently started taking up the cause to refurbish the sign, and are now hoping to work together to accomplish the goal. Neighborhood groups like the Westchester Rotary Club and the Westchester Streetscape Association are eager to help once a firm estimate to fix the sign has been obtained. The cost to fix the sign two years ago was estimated at $3,500. Westchester Playa Historical Society
President and Westchester Elks Lodge member, Patty Crockett, is hoping to get an Elks grant to help fix the sign and pay for its yearly maintenance. Said Crockett, “The welcome to Westchester sign has been in our community for years and years. In order to keep up the morale of the community, it is important to keep our landmarks in place, visible and clean. I am working to help bring this sign back to life and keep it maintained for the years to come.” If you are interested in donating money to help restore the sign, please call Field Deputy Nate Kaplan at (310) 568-8772.
At right: “The Westchester, Home of LAX” sign is cracked and badly damaged.
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Page 5
A rendering of the Runway at Playa Vista. The project will include a mixed-use commercial and social center. COURTESY JOHNSON FAIN.
Construction of Runway at Playa Vista set to begin in June A recent California Supreme Court action has cleared the way for the development of the 111-acre Village at Playa Vista -- the second and final phase of the Playa Vista community. Playa Capital Company recently announced the first major transaction in the Village, the sale of 14 acres to a development group led by Lincoln Property Company, with its partners Phoenix Property Company and Paragon Commercial Group. In June of this year, the partnership will begin construction of Runway at Playa Vista, a mixed-use commercial and social center that includes a 200,000-square-foot shopping center, 420 apartments and 25,000 square feet of office space, on the site of the former runway of Howard Hughes’ aerospace empire. Including Runway, The Village at Playa Vista will contain a total of 2,600 residential units, 200 units of senior/assisted living, 50,000 square feet of office space, 40,000 square feet of community-serving space, 11.5 acres of parks and another 12 acres of
open space. All of the 200,000 square feet of retail space in the Village will be contained in Runway. “The Village completes the vision of Playa Vista as one of the nation’s most innovative, smart growth communities,” said Playa Capital Company Co-President Patti Sinclair. “We are following through on our commitment to move forward with the retail center first, and we couldn’t be more pleased to work with the outstanding Runway team,” she added. The development partnership behind Runway is a compilation of experience in architecture, landscape design, real estate development and management. Lincoln has been an active builder and office owner in the commercial campus of Playa Vista since 2006. Its partners in the Runway project are Phoenix Property Company, nationally known for its urban in-fill multi-family and mixed use projects and Paragon Commercial Group, which focuses (continued on page 7)
A place has been saved for you. ������������������������������������������������������� Are you looking for friendship? Community? Strength? A place where you can connect and contribute to the Lord and to your neighbors?
� � � �� � � � � � � � � � � � � You have a place with us, the place He has saved for you. We are a vibrant family of faith, eager to have you join us in worship, fellowship, and service. Wherever you are in life, wherever you are in your spiritual journey, you are welcome at Westchester Lutheran Church. Come find your place. ���������������������
Weekly Worship Sunday School (Ages 3 to adult) Midweek Bible Study
Sundays at 10 a.m. Sundays at 8:45 a.m. Wednesdays at 7 p.m.
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Have an idea for a story? Curious about your community? Know an unsung hero? Contact us at westchesterhometown@yahoo.com May 2012
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Community
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LAX Kiwanis Club raises over $25,000 for scholarships funds raised directly benefit the local community.” According to DeLarme, the LAX Kiwanis Club is a 501(c)(3) charitable foundation, has zero paid staff and very low administrative costs, which means that over 98% of the dollars raised go right back into the community via scholarships, holiday gift baskets for low-income families and other needs-based programs in the community. The club, which puts an emphasis on projects benefitting children, is comprised of approximately forty business professionals from various industries and backgrounds. The mission of the club is to support children residing in the local communities by fundraising and volunteering throughout the year to provide tuition assistance, clothing, household necessities and warm meals. Other causes the LAX Kiwanis support include a Carnival at Jefferson Elementary School in Lennox and quarterly visits to prepare meals at the Ronald McDonald House. For information regarding the Kiwanis Club, please contact Chad Maender at (612) 747-1341.
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The Rotary Club will sell hundreds of books at its yearly sale and the proceeds will be used to fund its community service projects. PHOTO BY CINDY WILLIAMS.
Book sale set to begin May 25
The Westchester Rotary Club will hold its 58th Annual Used Book Sale starting on Friday, May 25. The book sale will run until Saturday, June 2 and will be held in the Ralph’s parking lot at the corner of Sepulveda and 89th Street in Westchester. The book sale is one of the club’s largest fundraisers and the money raised goes back into the community via community grants, which are used for the many diverse projects of the club including teacher mini-grants, youth grants, YMCA Youth in Government programs, scholarships for local schools and the Extreme Home Makeover. Each year, the club starts with zero inventory and it relies on donations from the HomeTown News area to sell at the event. The collection of books begins almost immediately after the book sale ends each year.
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I am so grateful to my mom, Jewel, and my grandmothers, Ella and Esther. The art of mothering is carefully handed down through the generations, and I had some great teachers.
“
The LAX Kiwanis Club recently held its 21st Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament and Dinner. The event was held at Mountain Gate Country Club in Bel Air for the third consecutive year. The flagship event for the LAX Kiwanis Club was able to raise more than $25,000 this year, which it uses to provide scholarships to local area high school seniors. In the club’s 60 years existence, the LAX Kiwanis has awarded more than $600,000 dollars in scholarship funds to deserving students. Unique to the golf event is the recent introduction of a golf ball drop, where in partnership with a local police department and the Westchester branch of City National Bank, hundreds of numbered golf balls were dropped via helicopter on a pin at the event. The person who had purchased the golf ball which landed closest to the pin, took home a $1,000 prize. Said Jeff DeLarme, LAX Kiwanis board member and tournament chair,“We are so proud of our partnership with the local business community and the success we’ve had for years with this event. The
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Runway at Playa Vista(cont’d) (continued from page 5) on West Coast retail projects. The architecture team is led by Scott Johnson of Johnson Fain. Rios Clemente Hale is leading the landscape design for the project. CBRE is leading efforts to secure retail and office tenants. “We assembled a dream team for Runway and won a very competitive design competition to get selected by Playa Capital for this important project,” said David Binswanger, Executive Vice President of Lincoln. “Runway will be the heart of Playa Vista, a completely unique destination that celebrates the California way of life. We can’t wait to get started.” Runway is expected to offer a tenant mix including independent restaurants and cafes, fashion merchants and an innovative, hightech movie theater. The center, designed to reflect the Southern California coastal culture, also will include a gourmet grocer, pharmacy and other neighborhood-serving retailers. The mixed-use design, featuring open public spaces, landscaped walkways and a built-in technology infrastructure providing universal wi-fi, will make Runway a natural gathering place. “We designed Runway to be relevant for how people will live a decade from now,” said project architect Scott Johnson of Johnson
May 2012
Fain. “What we have created is a Main Street that is intimate, walkable and substantially landscaped. The modern setting will brim with authenticity and a range of spaces that are creative, relaxed and comfortable. Communal seating, native plants and outdoor fire pits will support a place for visitors to relax and come together,” he said. Playa Vista and nearby areas are home to growing technology, internet and entertainment companies, including Facebook, YouTube, Electronic Arts, Sony, Fox Sports and Belkin, as well as leading ad agencies Chiat/Day and Deutsch, socially conscious manufacturers like Tom’s Shoes, and legendary Hercules Studio—the film stage for Avatar and Iron Man 3. “Runway couldn’t be located in a better, more vibrant area that is teeming with creative talent,” said Blake Pogue, President of Phoenix Property Company. “We are delighted to partner with Lincoln on a mixed-use center that will bring 420 new apartment homes to a popular in-fill environment that is surrounded by terrific companies with expanding workforces.” “We fully expect Runway to meet the needs of the growing Playa Vista neighborhood and become the center for our community,” said Playa Capital’s Sinclair.
Page 7
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HOMETOWN
NEWS
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Page 9
Looking Back... By David J. “Duke” Dukesherer, Sr.
Who Killed the Masked Marvel?
(This column is filed from Boston, Massachusetts)
In 1943, unincorporated Marina del Rey was still considered part of Venice or Playa del Rey. The area bordered the vast Westchester land holdings of industrialist and entrepreneur Howard Hughes in what today is called Playa Vista. In those days, Hughes was juggling his very important support of the war effort on the one hand and producing and directing feature films on the other. In fact, that same year, what is arguably his greatest film premiered, The Outlaw, starring Jane Russell, which would go on to become a box office hit. On the entertainment front, Hughes had discovered a talented young actor by the name of David Bacon. Twentyeight years before, Gaspar “David” Bacon was born in the Cape Cod town of Barnstable, Massachusetts. His parents named him after his father, Gaspar G. Bacon. The Bacons were one of the most prominent Brahmin families in all of Massachusetts. Gaspar Bacon the senior was a member of the board of Harvard University and would eventually be elected lieutenant governor of the state. His father had
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been a close associate of J.P. Morgan, and later served as Secretary of State under Theodore Roosevelt and Ambassador to France under William Howard Taft. Hughes signed Bacon to a three-year contract. Hughes liked Bacon’s good looks and 6-foot height and wanted the young man to play Billy the Kid in The Outlaw. After a screen test, however, it became clear that a pampered Brahmin from New England was completely inappropriate to play the merciless William Bonney, even though it was a small part compared to the role given to Jane Russell. Bacon’s movie career was temporarily put on hold, and he grew increasingly upset at Hughes. After several mediocre acting jobs, Bacon was cast in the Republic Pictures serial, The Masked Marvel. The film was a 1943, 12 chapter serial from Republic, who produced the best known of the serials. In it, the Marvel, a hero dressed in a business suit and a facemask, fights the Japanese saboteur Sakima. The hook of the story is that the audience doesn’t know who the hero is until the final reel. The Masked Marvel was a “jinx” role. Bacon got the role because four previous actors had injured themselves and were unable to work. No one could have guessed the end of the story. It was in the early evening hours of Sunday, September 12, 1943 when a car swerved in and out of its lane
Fourth of July Parade (continued)
before heading over the curb. The small maroon vehicle, which was heading down Washington Blvd. near Lincoln Blvd., ended up crashing into a bean field. When the car stopped, a man covered in blood and only wearing swim trunks made his way out of the car before collapsing. Several people saw the accident before a man by the name of Wayne Powell ran to get help. David Bacon, the star of Republic’s 1943 serial The Masked Marvel was dead, killed by a single knife wound that pierced his lower heart and lung. According to an autopsy report, a person could have lived for 20 minutes with such a wound. The interior of Bacon’s car was soaked with blood. It was never clear whether Bacon was stabbed inside or outside the car. The knife was never found, even though the field was thoroughly searched. So many questions remain unanswered. One of the witnesses claimed to have seen a passenger in the car. Lorraine Smith had claimed to see a man and woman. Donald Roberts of 15 Clubhouse St., while at a gas station on Washington Blvd., claimed to have seen a man and woman with Bacon: “I saw them pass at 4:30 p.m. Sunday driving toward the beach and return about 35 minutes later. The man was about five feet four inches and dark complexion.” A heavy blue wool sweater was found in the back of Bacon’s car and later identified as a type given to Venice High School
athletes about 6 years previously. It might have been the passenger’s. The blade of the knife that killed Bacon was about 6 inches and with a handle that would make it a foot long. Medical experts doubted that such a knife could have been used so lethally in the small car. Had Bacon driven his assailants around for as much as twenty minutes while he bled to death? A camera was found in the backseat. The developed film showed Bacon cavorting nude on the beach. Rumors spread that he had a lover. Was it a lover’s quarrel? There were some who believed he was going to publish a book in an effort to blackmail Howard Hughes. This theory had it that a warning–gone wrong– was meant to scare Bacon. The case was never solved. Unlike the old serials, in life, sometimes the good guy fails. Sometimes the curtain closes on a chapter much too soon and while the marquis lights are still glowing bright. And that’s how the story will probably end. Wealthy playboy David Bacon, who as the Masked Marvel saved America’s war industries from the sabotage of the insidious Dr. Sakima, was killed by a mysterious stranger who committed the perfect murder. Recent requests to the Los Angeles Police Department and the FBI have revealed that all files pertaining to this case have been destroyed. Comments: dukepdr@gmail.com
VERGARI & ASSOCIATES attorneys & counselors at law
(continued from page 1) the day of the event. The committee encourages all participants to work with the “Tribute to America’s Pastimes” theme and develop interesting and interactive floats/entries that include musical entertainment, moving parts and an increased number of participants. Once an entry has been submitted, it will be reviewed by the parade committee and if your entry is selected, you will be contacted. All selected participants are required to attend a mandatory parade
meeting, which will be held Thursday, June 14 at 6 p.m. at the LAX Coastal Area Chamber office, located at 9100 S. Sepulveda Blvd., Ste. 210 in Westchester. The chamber is the organization that puts on the parade every year. Fourth of July Parade entry forms can be obtained by calling the chamber office at (310) 645-5151 or by visiting the HomeTown News’ website at www.thehtn.com. The HomeTown News is a proud sponsor of the annual Fourth of July Parade.
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Worship Service 10:30 am Canines@Covenant 5:00 pm Sunday Covenant on the Corner 80th and Sepulveda Blvd.
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Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey• Playa Vista HomeTown News
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To Do Rotary Club of Westchester The Rotary Club of Westchester meets every Wednesday at 12 noon for lunch at the Crowne Plaza LAX Hotel, 5985 W. Century Blvd. in Westchester. The cost of lunch is $20 and validated self parking is free. Guests are most welcome! Reservations are not required. For information regarding the upcoming luncheon programs, visit www.rotary-westchester.org/ or become our friend (Westchester Rotary) on Facebook. Playa Vista Farmers’ Market Come out to the Playa Vista Farmers’ Market, located in the heart of Playa Vista. Open every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and showcasing the freshest fruits, vegetables and flowers direct from the best local farmers’ California has to offer as well as other traditional market fare. This is a Certified Farmers’ Market sponsored by Sprouts of Promise Foundation, a 501(c) 3 nonprofit focused on the education of healthy eating habits. Playa Venice Sunrise Rotary Club Join the Rotary club of Playa Venice Sunrise Rotary Club at its Wednesday morning meeting at 7:15 a.m. at the Courtyard Marriott Hotel, located at 13480 Maxella Avenue in Marina del Rey. The cost of the meeting is $25, which includes breakfast and a guest speaker. Guests are welcome and reservations are not required. For more information, www. playasunrise.org or call (310) 4293808. Non-profit looks for survivors of domestic abuse for Fashion Show Westchester’s Wings of Love International, Inc. is seeking volunteer models for its spring fashion show. The fashions modeled will be designer items donated to WINGS. The featured models will be survivors of domestic abuse who are willing to share their story, while helping to raise funds. WINGS mission is to provide a pathway from abuse to emotional health, wholeness and abundance. Fashions will be fitted and altered by Luda at Nate The Tailor; makeup will be provided by beauty consultants and Sales Directors from Mary Kay Inc. For more info on volunteering, donating clothing or attending, please contact WINGS CEO Denise O’Brien at (310) 754-9321 or by email at Denise@WingsOfLoveIntl.org. Elks Lodge Events The Westchester Elks Lodge will be holding the following events in May: On Friday, May 4 from 8:30 p.m. to midnight don’t miss Rusty’s Rhythm Club Swing Dance night with music by Stompy Jones and delicious treats from the ice cream man! Admission is $15 and includes a free 30 minute lesson at 8 p.m. On Saturday, May 5 catch the Elks’ “Cinco de Derby” party to celebrate
May 2012
• your community newspaper • your community newspaper • your community newspaper • Cinco de Mayo, as well as the Kentucky Derby with hat making, a kids’ corner, great food and more! The fun begins at 12 p.m. On Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 13 we will honor our mothers with a 10:30 a.m. presentation followed by brunch at 11 a.m. A delicious menu will include items such as quiche, scrambled eggs and much, much more. Please call the Lodge to make a reservation at (310) 821-3005. And as always, every Sunday is Bingo! Doors open at 1 p.m., early bird games start at 1:30 p.m. with regular Bingo beginning at 2 p.m. In June, the Elks will hold a Flea Market in the back parking lot. Vendor spaces are available for non-members for $15 and 8 foot tables are for rent at $15. Please contact the Lodge to reserve your spot. All events will be held at the Westchester Elks Lodge, located at 8025 W. Manchester Avenue in Playa Del Rey. For more information, please call (310) 821-3005. Pacific Area Boosters Golf Tournament The Pacific Area Boosters Association invites you to participate in the 33rd Annual Golf Tournament, taking place Friday, May 4 at the Balboa Municipal Golf Course. The cost is $135, which includes golf, a cart, continental breakfast, luncheon, raffle and awards ceremony following the tournament. There are also sponsorship/donation opportunities. All proceeds will benefit the Pacific Division Youth Programs, as well as the Pacific Area’s police officers and station needs that are not met by the City. The Pacific Area Boosters Association was incorporated in 1973 as a 501 (c) nonprofit organization. Any donation is tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. For additional info, please call Jann Brauer at (310) 823-7449 or email jann717@ca.rr.com. You can also email Officer Kristan Delatori at 32914@lapd.lacity.org. Visit pacificbooster.org for more details. YMCA Pancake Breakfast The Westchester Y Service Club is continuing its tradition of flipping pancakes to raise funds to benefit the Westchester Family YMCA. From 8 to 11 a.m. Saturday, May 5, in the parking lot of the YMCA, located at 8015 S. Sepulveda Blvd., the Y Club volunteers will be serving pancakes, sausages and beverages. Tickets are available from members of the Y Service Club, the YMCA front desk and at the door for $5 per person. E-Waste Recycling Event The Real Estate Consultants (TREC) are sponsoring a recycling drive of all things electronic and the proceeds are going to benefit the Westchester/Playa Education Foundation.
Please bring all of your old computers, monitors, tvs cabling, cellphones, fax machines, etc. No batteries or flourescent lights will be collected. The e-waste event will take place on Saturday, May 5, between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. The company that is doing the recycling is called Green House. The event will take place in the parking lot of the Real Estate Consultants, located at 7151 W. Manchester in Westchester.
grape and orange orchards; the selloff of the land over the years and the “how and whys” behind the selling; the emergence of a railroad, cities, aerospace and all that has turned us into what we are today! The event will take place from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at Covenant Presbyterian Church, located at 6323 West 80th St. in Westchester. This event is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served.
Silent Auction to Benefit Breast Cancer Research LiveYoga Wellness is holding a silent auction benefitting Expedition Inspiration Fund for Breast Cancer Research. The event will take place on Sunday, May 6 from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. and will feature auction items from a variety of Yoga companies, as well as local businesses. LiveYoga Wellness is located at 6700 W. 83rd Street in Westchester. For more information, please visit liveyogawellness.com.
Messiah Music Series The third and final concert in the 2012 Messiah Music Series will be held Sunday, June 3, at 4 p.m. Mary Au, pianist, and Tony Grosso, double bass, will present a program of classical music. Selections will include works by Chopin, Koussevitzky, Paganini and He Lu-Ting. There will also be a demonstration of Tai Chi by Grosso. He will demonstrate and talk about the benefits of incorporating traditional Chinese exercises and breathing techniques to help prevent injuries and improve the general well being of our bodies. Au is a graduate of the Royal Academy of Music and the University of Southern California. Her dedication to guiding and nurturing developing musicians earned her the inaugural “Mellon Excellence in Mentoring Award.” Grosso is a member of the New York Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Hudson Valley. He is a Zen and Tai Chi Master and offers seminars and a master class for musicians. A donation of $15 will benefit the music program of the church. There is no charge for children under 12. The Congregational Church of the Messiah is located at 7300 West Manchester Avenue in Westchester.
Indian Food Cooking Class If you love Indian food, you do not want to miss this cooking class! Learn how to make Indian recipes at home at Holy Nativity’s “Foods of India” cooking class on Wednesday, May 9, from 6 to 9 p.m. Guest Chef Zenith Gebhardt, a member of the Holy Nativity community, is a natural at combining spices and creating delicious food from her homeland in India. Come learn about the foods of India from her and Patricia K. Rose, of Fresh Food in a Flash, who will lead this hands-on cooking class. Father Peter Rood will also be on hand to share food stories and wisdom from his recent sabbatical in India. Once the food is made, sit down and enjoy a meal you and your new friends made together. On the menu are: Mango Lassi; Raita; Baingan Ka Bharta; Chicken Curry; Saag Paneer; Tarka Dhal and Vegetable Pilau. The cooking class fee is $40 when you reserve by May 7. To RSVP and for more information, please email Patricia@FreshFoodinaFlash.com. Holy Nativity Episcopal Church is located at 6700 West 83rd Street in Westchester.
History of Westchester Presentation On Wednesday, May 23 learn about the history of Westchester with a presenation by Diane Sambrono, President of the Historical Society of the Centinela Valley. Sambrono will be enlightening attendees with the stories of the early days in Westchester and the surrounding communities. Hear about: The first land grant of 2,200 acres on which all our surrounding communities evolved; stories of cattle, sheep, corn crops,
How to submit a listing for the To Do/Calendar section 1. Write-up your event in paragraph format (no abbreviations please!) 2. Submissions must be received by the 22nd of the month to be considered 3. Please include contact information and the cost for your event, if there is one 4. Email us the event * Due to the volume of submissions received, we can not include all events or respond to requests of event inclusion. Events should be $25 or under to be considered for inclusion.
Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey• Playa Vista HomeTown News
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COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS
May Sunday
Monday
Tuesday Tuesday
Wednesday Wednesday
NCWP Meeting @ Westchester Municipal Building
Thursday Thursday
Friday Friday
Westchester Farmers’ Market @ Westchester Park
First Friday @ 87th Street & Truxton Ave. Pacific Area Boosters Golf Tournament @ Balboa Municipal Golf Course
Speakers by the Sea @ Playa del Rey
1 Gateway to Go @ Crowne Plaza LAX
Bingo @ Elks Lodge Silent Auction Benefiting Breast Cancer Research @ LiveYoga Wellness
2
Saturday Saturday
3
School Tour @ WNS
Rusty’s Rhythm Club Swing Dance @ Elk’s Lodge 4 Opening night of “The Miracle Worker” @ Kentwood Playhouse
Westchester Farmers’ Market @ Westchester Park
WPEF E-Waste Fundraiser @ TREC offices Pancake Breakfast @ Westchester YMCA Cinco de Derby @ Elks Lodge
5 Playa Vista Farmers’ Market @ Playa Vista “The Miracle Worker” @ Kentwood Playhouse
Indian Cooking Class @ Holy Nativity
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8 Gateway to Go @ Crowne Plaza LAX
Mother’s Day
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11 “The Miracle Worker” @ Kentwood Playhouse
Speakers by the Sea @ Playa del Rey
Bingo @ Elks Lodge
“The Miracle Worker” @ Kentwood Playhouse
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15 Gateway to Go @ Crowne Plaza LAX
Concert by the Canyon @ Cowan Elementary Bingo @ Elks Lodge
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Westchester Farmers’ Market @ Westchester Park Speakers by the Sea @ Playa del Rey History of Westchester Presentation @ Covenant Presbyterian
20 Rotary Book Sale @ Ralph’s Parking Lot
Race for Success @ LMU Father Daughter Prom @ St. Bernard
“The Miracle Worker” @ Kentwood Playhouse
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21 Rotary Book Sale @ Ralph’s Parking Lot
Bingo @ Elks Lodge
18 Food Truck Friday Nights @ Visitation School
Playa Vista Farmers’ Market @ Playa Vista
Rotary Book Sale @ Ralph’s Parking Lot
“The Miracle Worker” @ Kentwood Playhouse
“The Miracle Worker” @ Kentwood Playhouse
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Rotary Book Sale @ Ralph’s Parking Lot
Rotary Book Sale @ Ralph’s Parking Lot
Rotary Book Sale @ Ralph’s Parking Lot
Gateway to Go @ Crowne Plaza LAX
Speakers by the Sea @ Playa del Rey
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Rotary Book Sale @ Ralph’s Parking Lot
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“The Miracle Worker” @ Kentwood Playhouse
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May 2012
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Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey• Playa Vista HomeTown News
Congratulations to the
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2012 Teacher Eddy Award Honorees
Tanish Kohn Carousel School
James Tatosian Cowan Elementary School
Gemma Bueno-Breese Emerson Adult Learning Center
Kathleen Hulit Kentwood Elementary School
Cydne Pollard Lou Dantzler Preparatory Charter High School
Brian Treanor Loyola Marymount University
Michelle Ereckson Loyola Village Elementary School
Jeffrey Nielsen Orville Wright Middle School
Gary Geraths Otis College of Art and Design
May 2012
Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey• Playa Vista HomeTown News
Page 13 On Tuesday, May 15, the LAX Coastal Area Chamber of Commerce will honor the outstanding educators of the year from 17 local public and private schools at the 29th Annual Teacher Eddy Awards. The Teacher Eddy Awards, often referred to as the “Academy Awards” of local education, is an opportunity for the business community to thank the men and women who commit their lives to educating, nurturing and developing our community’s future workforce. Each chamber school is encouraged to nominate and submit an “Outstanding Teacher of the Year,” each of which is honored at the awards gala. The majority of award recipients are overwhelmingly nominated by parents, peers, students and administrators.
This year’s event will be held at the Hilton LAX Hotel. Each nominated teacher will be honored with a crystal “Eddy” Award statue and one teacher will be awarded “Top Teacher,” and their school will be given $1,000, donated by Playa Vista. Additionally, the “Friends of Education Award” will be announced and given to a community member who has truly made a difference in education. Thank you to the 2012 Teach Eddy Awards supporters and sponsors Playa Vista, Loyola Marymount University, The William H. Hannon Foundation, Drollinger Family Charitable Foundation and Playa Venice Sunrise Rotary Club. The HomeTown News congratulates and salutes this year’s Teacher Eddy honorees!
Sharon Miyamoto Paseo del Rey Natural Sciences Magnet School
Caroline Klein St. Anastasia Catholic School
Sean Griffin St. Bernard High School
Claire Bush Visitation School
David Fulkerson Westchester Enriched Sciences Magnets
Tanya Squier Westchester Lutheran School
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Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista
We Salute the 2012
Linda Recendez Westport Heights Elementary School
May 2012
Ashley Redanz WISH Charter School
Teacher Eddy Honorees!
Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey• Playa Vista HomeTown News
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Announcements
• your community
K
Cadena-Kalma J A
After four long years of dating and much pressure, Justin Kalma and Allison Cadena are engaged to be married on May 27, 2012.
Allison is the daughter of John and Rocio Cadena of Culver City, who cannot wait for the couple to be married and start having kids. Justin is the son of Jesse and Tracie Kalma of Holly, Colorado, who also cannot wait for grandchildren. In 2010, the couple purchased their first home in Westchester, and that is when the pressure to get married from family and friends began. Justin and Allison will be escaping, maybe forever, to Italy for their honeymoon, and cannot wait for the wedding to be over!
Graduation Announcements Celebrate your child’s or loved one’s graduation in The HomeTown News with a Graduation Announcement! Graduation announcements include a photo and two lines of text and prices start at $35. Email us at westchesterhometown@yahoo.com to RSVP! Join us for Visitation School’s Food Truck Friday Nights through September, 2012. SAVE THE DATES: May 25, July 20, August 17 and September 21
Visitation School
Angelenos optimistic about race and crime according to LMU survey Twenty years after Los Angeles burned in riots stoked by ethnic tensions and animosity between the police and many residents, Angelenos show signs of optimism about race relations and crime in their city, according to a recent poll. But the survey, conducted by Loyola Marymount University’s (LMU) Thomas and Dorothy Leavey Center for the Study of Los Angeles, also revealed pessimism about the city’s future, as well as a small but lingering ethnic divide over how well the diverse population of Los Angeles gets along. “We see a lot of positive signs in the results of this survey,” said Fernando Guerra, director of the center and professor of political science and Chicana/o studies at LMU. “Angelenos are getting along better with each other, expressing confidence in their police department and feeling safer in their neighborhoods. There are some negative results, but much of that can be attributed to the overall direction of the national economy.” The center has conducted surveys about race relations, crime and the city’s outlook every five years since
1997, the fifth anniversary of the unrest. The most recent snapshot comes from a telephone survey of 1,605 residents conducted from February 1 to March 2. The margin of error is +/-2.45 percent. Among the survey’s findings: • 68 percent of respondents said Angelenos of different races and ethnicities get along very well or somewhat well. But there was a difference in perception: 76 percent of white respondents say race relations are good, compared to 65 percent of minorities. • Respondents gave high marks to the LAPD: seven in 10 say the department is doing “good” or “excellent” work and more support reappointing Chief Charlie Beck than oppose. • Though reported criminal activity is down in nearly all categories, 34 percent of respondents said crime has worsened over the last twenty years. • Los Angeles is headed in the wrong direction, according to 44 percent of respondents- the highest number since 1997. Those surveyed singled out jobs, housing costs, (continued on page 18)
HOT TIMES AWAIT AT THE…
A Catholic School For All Children
INVITED FOOD TRUCK AMIGOS:
Full Day Junior Kindergarten & Kindergarten Through 8th Grade
ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR ENROLLMENT
School tours and Junior Kindergarten and All-Grade preview days may be scheduled year-round. We invite you to call and schedule your VIP visit (310) 645-6620.
Strong Home-School Partnership “A Catholic Education Is An Advantage for Life” Educating the WHOLE CHILD in a CHRIST Centered Environment • Challenging Curriculum • State of the Art Computer Lab • Spanish • Guidance Counseling • Visitation Voices Choir
• Music and Art Programs • After School Day Care • Algebra I • Gateway to Art • Choice Hot Lunch Program • CYO Sports
• After School Enrichment Program: Drama, Cheer, Karate, Playball, Guitar, Piano and Golf • Science Lab
FRIDAY, MAY 25th, 2012 5:00pm – 10:00pm VISITATION SCHOOL GROUNDS
8740 S. Emerson Ave., L.A. (Westchester), 90045 Take Out Available at All Trucks
15+ Gourmet Food Trucks and Music by South Bay’s No.1 Rock Band
COUCHOIS BROTHERS BAND www.myspace.com/couchoisband
FREE
ADMISSION AMPLE STREET PARKING MOVIES FOR THE KIDS ENTERTAINMENT
• Juan O’Malley’s Pub (beer, wine, margaritas) • Face Painting by Ella • Dessert Stop Café (bakery and ice cream treats) • Movies for the Kids: 6:00pm Scooby Doo & The Monster of Mexico-G 7:30pm Three Amigos-PG
HOME OF THE 2012 CYO GIRLS SOCCER
CHAMPIONSHIP WINNING TEAM
AN EVENT
Special Recognition Event to be held at 8:00 pm on May 25th on the school grounds at Visitation’s Food Truck Friday Night
the entire community will enjoy!
A Vistitation School Graduate is Well Prepared and READY for High School of Choice
• WASC Accredited – WCEA Certified •
BIENVENIDOS
FOOD TRUCK Menus/Updates online at www.visitationschool.org Contact Terry for more information terry_oconnor2004@yahoo.com / 310.994.9904
A Catholic Tradition of Eaxcellence in Education Since 1947 8740 So. Emerson Avenue, Westchester, CA 90045
Phone: 310-645-6620 • 24/7 Phone: 310-994-9904 • Fax: 310-645-4460 • jsmitley@visitationschool.org
Visit Us At: www.visitationschool.org
May 2012
Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey• Playa Vista HomeTown News
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Business and Professional Painting
Carpet Services
Fitness
Ready to Get in Shape for Summer?
Train with Jeff Blair Fitness and you get: • A Personalized • Motivated trainers Workout Program • Semi-private trainingdesigned to burn fat 3-4 people per group as fast as possible • Very reasonable rates • Free consultation and at our convenient assessment Westchester location Contact Jeff Blair at jeffblair@jeffblairfitness.com or 310-497-0863 to start your 2 week trial for only $79. Located at 8632 S. Sepulveda Blvd. #101 in Westchester
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WANTED: Ad sales professional wanted for community newspaper. Should have sales experience and be an outgoing, self-assured individual who is selfmotivated and can work independently.
Email resume and inquiries to htn@thehtn.com
Plumber? Doctor? Landscaper? Interested in advertising your business to 15,000 local residents? Advertise your business with us! Rates as low as $35/month.
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Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista
May 2012
Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey• Playa Vista HomeTown News
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Random Notes/Opinion Pick up the HTN at any of the following locations: Drollinger Building Lobby (8929 and 8939 Sepulveda building) Westchester Family YMCA Covenant Presbyterian Church The Guilded Cage Airport Office Center Medical Office Building Chase Bank The Coffee Co. Paradise Building Lucky Cleaner Ayara Thai Cuisine Ted’s Hair Design Truxton’s American Bistro Soundsations Needlepoints West Westchester Watch Works Bill Rosendahl’s Office Loyola Village Library Senior Center Loyola Village Library Elks Lodge Ralph’s Westchester Watch Works Kentwood Playhouse The Real Estate Consultants Office Dario’s Carpet Tower Pizza Chase Bank Paradise Building LAX Coastal Area Chamber of Commerce Wells Fargo Westchester CenterPointe Club Playa Vista Library Dinah’s Restaurant Lucky Cleaners Family First Playa Vista Urgent Care Coffee Bean Cantalini’s Emerson Pharmacy Howe Liquor Del Rey Liquor Ace Cleaners Coin Laundry Felicia’s Coffee Garden Outlaws The Shack Prince of Wales Tanner’s Coffee Holy Nativity Westchester United Methodist Westchester Christian Church Zacha Homes Airport Marina Counseling Service Lloyd Taber Library *partial list of drop-offs
To make your business a drop-off location, please email westchesterhometown @ yahoo.com May 2012
• your community newspaper •
The Boys in Blue are back! By Nora Lee Owens As I write this, the L.A. Dodgers are 13-5 (wins and losses) and playing like they mean to make not only the playoffs, but the World Series. Most recently, the team was the cash cow of Frank and Jamie McCourt, fodder for the late-night comedians and the pity of the baseball world. Amazing, isn’t it, what a few months off to recuperate and do whatever professional athletes do in the off season, plus new ownership of the team, has done so far for the L.A. baseball psyche (even though the ownership hasn’t really happened yet)? Since the Dodgers moved here from New York and broke the hearts of everyone in the borough of Brooklyn, they have provided us with good times, bad times, good years, not-sogood years and everything in between. They built a stadium, which created homelessness on an unusual level for a lot of people, but they provided jobs and entertainment for a fast expanding city, which was in need of something to love about itself other than its weather and the movie industry. Enjoying a wonderful, sunny day is a beautiful experience and going to a great movie provides a couple of hours
of fun, but having your own baseball franchise provides almost endless hours of good, clean (unless you lip-read), American fun and conversation. The bad thing about the beginning of this season has been the absence for a few days of that presence many of us have grown up listening to and loving as though he were family. I speak of Vin Scully. Down with a cold for a few days, he showed us what we are in for after he retires (if he ever does) and we are left with commentators who only dream of quoting Shakespeare and speaking first-hand about a play made in 1959 when the team played in the Coliseum. Without a doubt, Vin is the most brilliant and colorful sports announcer of all time. He is a poet, a historian, a humanitarian, a family man and a great lover of the sport of baseball. I know that not every American thinks baseball is still the national pastime, but I think it is. Golf and tennis, and to some extent basketball, provide you with up close and personal shots of the athletes, but when there is a man at bat, whether you are watching in person or paying attention to the game on TV or radio, the interaction and history between a batter and a pitcher provides a mini-war that is like
no other. Sure, baseball players tend to scratch and spit and occasionally they still put way too much chewing tobacco or bubble gum in their jaws, but isn’t that part of the charm of the game? What they don’t do is go from whistle to whistle trying to knock the other guy down or rip his face off. High school and college football are creating a whole sub-class of young men just a slight bump of the head away from a coma. Football ought to be banned, but that would make it more popular than it already is with the violence-prone. I come from a family of mostly football aficionados, who truly don’t understand the beauty of a baseball park on a sunny afternoon. So I know of what I speak. Blood is everything. So I’m glad it’s the spring again and that I can waste my evenings in front of the TV watching Clayton Kershaw beat up on the other team by precision pitching and Matt Kemp perform his extraordinary swing at home plate that often makes the ball soar to new heights while we watch him stride around the diamond. I make no excuses. I’m hooked and I don’t ever plan to do rehab.
What memories do you store? By Fay Craton, MA, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist The other day, friends and I were sitting at a restaurant table overlooking part of the Los Angeles harbor. While enjoying the view of the sailboats, excursion yachts and sea otters, we became curious about a huge container ship entering the harbor. The small group of us was intrigued about the height of the cargo, the speed of the ship, its tugboat and how deep the channel must be in order for the ship to travel the channel and where it was headed to dock. Our minds engaged in speculation and were open to observe the tableau in front of us. On the ship, there were many, many containers each with its cargo. The contents of each box held its own story about what it is, where it had journeyed from and where it is going. The stuff inside each container was a part of somebody’s memory. As it heads to its destination, the stuff making up the cargo would become the possession of someone new and a part of new memories. Watching the ship was fun as we connected with each other in a shared experience. Collectively we formed a memory. Life is full of a multitude of consecutive encounters and retained impressions. With each encounter, each person gets to choose what part
of the experience he or she will most value in his or her own experience of the memory. Just like a ship carrying cargo, each memory is stored within us. The storage could be in vivid detail, or perhaps just as an impression or a sensation. What memories do you have stored away inside of you? Do you have memories you cherish? When thinking about something from your personal history you may smile and have a sense of contentment. You may also have sad, angry or painful memories. Stored impressions influence the decisions we make today as to how we act and behave. The cargo we carry can act as a filter through which we view the world. How much joy we experience must often find its way through the filter of stored memories from the past. Would you like to have a greater sense of contentment? A way to increase happiness is to change the filters stored within you. To make this happen you must be willing to look within and do the work necessary to make a change. You may have experiences in your past in which you felt shame, helpless or possibly threatened. Changing the filter means learning new ways to view your memories. Often, this type of work takes obtaining the help of a psychology professional. However, even without the help of
a professional, there are things you can do to change your filters. Filters are often simply habitual patterns of thinking. Habits can be very hard to change. Even if you know the habit hurts you, it is what you know and understand; therefore, it is comfortable. Sometimes, like a worn out pair of shoes, which no longer support your feet, you may keep reaching for the known–yet destructive–behavior of wearing the worn out shoes. The first step to changing a habit is to recognize the pattern. One way to recognize patterns is to keep a journal. Once a week, look over what you wrote. Do you see where you participated in the same experiences multiple times? When looking at your responses to situations, is it similar each time? What do you see in your experiences that brings you happiness? What do you see in your experiences that makes you sad? If what you are doing is working well in your life, keep doing it. If what you are doing results in unhappiness, recognize there is a pattern no longer supporting you. Write down what you know about the pattern. In addition, write down how your life would change if the pattern was not present in your life. What steps do you see you need to make in order to change the pattern? Make a plan to take the steps. (continued on next page)
Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey• Playa Vista HomeTown News
Getting set for summer in five easy steps By Mishele Vieira, Certified Professional Organizer® As summer rapidly approaches we begin to think about a more relaxed schedule including long days at the beach, eating outside and hopefully taking some time off for a vacation. Here are five easy suggestions to help prepare for this delightful time in sunny Southern California. Prepare Your Barbecue. This backyard appliance is about to enter its busy season when it will be performing regularly for your family and friends. To be certain your barbecue is in tip top shape, spend some time preparing it. Perform a safety check. Deep clean the grill with a metal brush. If your barbecue uses lava rocks, it may be time to replace them since greasy rocks can burn the food. Speaking of grease,
empty or replace the grease catching container below the grill. Clean Off the Patio Furniture. If your furniture has been covered, this task should be easy and fast with the help of a wet rag. However, if it has been exposed all winter, you may need a scrub brush, a hose and some elbow grease on a warm afternoon. Get the Car Summer Ready. Confirm your car is up to date with its scheduled services to verify all tires, belts and hoses are in good condition and fluids are at the proper levels. It is also a good idea to have the air conditioning checked and a safety inspection performed. Get the car cleaned and remove any unnecessary items so you’ll have plenty of room for your beach chairs and umbrella. Replenish your Sunscreen. Check to make sure you have a good supply
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that includes a high SPF and a medications. waterproof version. As always, check Now that you’ve tackled these easy the expiration dates to see if it’s time tasks you can relax as you prepare for to replace anything you already have. your next pre-summer task...shopping Checking your supply early will allow for a swimsuit. you to take advantage of the many Mishele Vieira, CPO®, owner drugstore sales and avoid having to pay of Away With Chaos helps a premium in a gift shop. overwhelmed, overscheduled and Arrange for Pet Sitters. Don’t under-organized people make forget the pets as you get busy room for what matters most in their making summer plans. Make sure home, work and life. Contact her at your extended family members are mishele@awaywithchaos.com. well cared for by planning ahead and scheduling pet sitters early. If you are working with someone new, have them over to Have a question about organizing or meet your pet a couple of want tips on how to get your garage in weeks before you leave so they can get acquainted order? Send your questions or requests to and you’ll have plenty of westchesterhometown@yahoo.com. time to explain the routine and any special food or
Memories (continued) (Continued from previous page) Another way we can change the experience of painful memories is to do work in the present moment of time. When something happens that is upsetting or frightening, as soon as possible, look at the troubling experience. Is there anything about the experience in which you can find something that can make you smile? If there is nothing you can smile about, is there anything you can see as positive for your life? The goal is not to ignore the difficult situation or to deny its existence. The goal is to try to add to the memory
something positive. What neuroscience has found is if you have a highly stressful situation, the sooner you are able to pair the memory with something positive, the lasting impact the memory will have on your life is reduced. The ship carrying cargo containers is not my only memory from watching the harbor while at the restaurant. There were many more images I took away from the day such as sailboats, sea otters and the companionship of friends. My memories include a connection with other people who each made
a private choice to be present for each other. My wish for you is for your memories to provide healthy support for you on your journey. Fay Craton, M.A. is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (mfc40011), which is the psychology license specializing in relationships (with ourselves or with others) and she has an office in Westchester. If you have any questions, please visit Fay’s website at: www.communicationtriangle.com or contact her at (310) 645-6762.
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Annie (Faith Streng) has a teaching breakthrough with Helen (Francesca Farina) at the water pump. PHOTO BY LIZ REINHARDT.
Kentwood Players present “The Miracle Worker” “The Miracle Worker” presented by the Kentwood Players and written by William Gibson will be performed at the Kentwood Playhouse from May 11 to June 16 on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. The Westchester Playhouse is located at 8301 Hindry Avenue in Westchester. Adapted from William Gibson’s 1957 Playhouse 90 teleplay of the same name, ”The Miracle Worker” is based on Helen Keller’s autobiography “The Story of My Life” and won several Tony Awards including Best Play. The production is directed by Shawn K. Summerer and produced by Alison Mattiza and Elizabeth Summerer by special arrangement
with Samuel French, Inc., New York City. Set in Alabama in the 1880s, this classic tells the inspiring true story of Annie Sullivan and her student, the blind and mute Helen Keller. Trapped in a secret, silent world, unable to communicate, Helen is violent and spoiled. Only Sullivan realizes that there is a mind and spirit waiting to be rescued from the dark, tortured silence. Tickets are $18 with a $2 discount for seniors, students and servicemen. To purchase tickets, please call (310) 645-5156 or visit online at www.kentwoodplayers.org.
LMU Study (continued) (continued from page 14) and the local economy as negative issues, and the environment as a bright spot. Intriguingly, respondents in neighborhoods that were hit by the riots were less likely to predict future rioting than those who live elsewhere in the city — 35 percent versus 44 percent. “One factor that could explain the response of those in riot areas is their awareness of the continued impact of the riots, in the physical, economic,
May 2012
and social sense,” Guerra said. “The people who lived through the riots and who live in those neighborhoods now have a much keener sense of the costs of such unrest.” The survey also asked respondents about several other subjects, such as the 2013 mayoral race. Additionally, nearly half of respondents favor building an NFL stadium downtown. Copies of the survey results are available at the center website, at www.lmu.edu/csla.
Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey• Playa Vista HomeTown News
Home Sweet Home
Page 19
Welcome to The Westchester/Playa del Rey HomeTown News’ Real Estate Section
Breathtaking Views
Exquisite Kentwood Collection Bluff Home. Spectacular, captivating and expansive views from city to mountains! Immaculate 5 bedrooms, 4.5 bath home, featuring maple hardwood floors throughout elegant dining, living room area full of natural light with cathedral ceilings. Open gourmet granite kitchen overlooking family room. Gorgeous granite counter tops, island and custom tiled flooring throughout kitchen and family room. Family room has built-in book shelves, slate faced gas fireplace and sliding doors to the backyard with panoramic views. Downstairs has a mini bedroom suite with 3⁄4 bath, butler’s pantry, laundry room & 1⁄2 bath powder room. Upstairs Master Suite is Deluxe! Surround sound, crown molding and hardwood flooring. Master bedroom bath has slate flooring, honed granite counter tops, custom cabinetry, his and hers sinks, spa tub and separate walk-in closets. Many Great amenities! Attached 3 car garage. This could be your dream home! Offered at $1,399,000
Kevin and Kaz Gallaher
May 2012
Direct (310) 410-9777 KevinAndKaz@gmail.com www.kevinandkaz.com DRE #00916311/01212762 Broker Associates Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey• Playa Vista HomeTown News
Page 20
May 2012 • Real Estate Advertising Section
Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey• Playa Vista HomeTown News
Page 21
It’s the Best Time of Year-The Boys of Summer are Back!
Want to Buy a New Home for Summer Entertaining and Sports Watching? In Real Estate, Experience Matters, So Call Me! call 310/846-0029
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Best Buys Helping People Move Ahead
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North Kentwood home featuring 3-bedrm, 2-bath, private master bedroom suite addition. Separate custom wine cellar, fully enclosed grassy backyard.
Prime Kentwood 4+3.5 pool home with Huge Lot size. Large open kitchen overlooking private bkyd! One of the best priced homes in Westchester.
Exquisite Kentwood Collection Bluff Home. Spectacular, captivating and expansive views. Immaculate, two-story, 5 + 4.5 custom home.
Located in the very desirable North Kentwood. Two-story open floor plan, Entertainer’s delight. Beautiful renovated home w/pool, 5-bds, 4-bath.
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Custom remodeled beauty, 4 bedrms, 2 bath. Beautiful granite kitchen overlooking mini-family room, Hdwd floors, forced heat and new windows.
Fabulous opportunity in Loyola Village 3-bedroom, 1-bathroom home in turn-key condition. Secluded, fully enclosed extra big backyard with 2-car garage.
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Thinking of Selling? Call us anytime for a FREE Market Evaluation! kevinandkaz@gmail.com Agents may have represented sellers, buyers or both. DRE 00916311 Gallaher 01212762
May 2012 • Real Estate Advertising Section
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Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey• Playa
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May 2012 • Real Estate Advertising Section
Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey• Playa Vista HomeTown News
In Pictures
Page 23 • your community • your community newspaper • your community • your community newspaper •
Soccer Stars. In an undefeated season, playing against an undefeated team, the Visitation School Girls’ Soccer Team won its first CYO Championship in 40 years with a final score of 1-0. Competing against 54 teams in their league, the Visitation girls met each game and each challenge with determination and perseverance, proving themselves both on the field and on the scoreboard. The girls gave up a total of four goals all season, only one of which was not a free kick or penalty kick. Said Visitation Girls Soccer Coach Jim Locke, “All the girls played amazing this season. It was a pleasure to coach such a talented, dedicated and hard working group of athletes. These girls are all heart; they played their best, they put the team first and it paid off to win them the CYO Championship for 2012.” Congratulations to Westchester’s Visitation School, to Coach Jim Locke and to the Visitation School Girls’ Soccer Team, CYO South Bay Conference 2012 Champions! PHOTO BY SUE MAROZIK.
Cheer Champs. Congratulations to Westchester Lutheran Cheer Squad, as they recently won back to back championships! The squad placed first in the Spirit International State Championship held at the Gibson Theatre in Universal Studios.One week later, they were victorious in taking first place at the NCA/ NDA Knott’s Classic Championship. The squad received extra points for Star Masterton’s excellent gymnastic ability and for the difficulty and choreography of their performance routine. Like most athletes, the cheer squad has worked hard this year on their gymnastics, strength training, stunting and competition routines. They have also spent the year cheering for the middle school volleyball and basketball team, and have performed at various school-wide events.
Have a photo you’d like to share with the community? We want to see you in “Pictures!” Email us at westchesterhometown@yahoo.com. The deadline for submissions is the 22nd of the month. May 2012
Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey• Playa Vista HomeTown News
Page 24
NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL OF WESTCHESTER / PLAYA Nominate A Star of the Neighborhood The Stars of the Neighborhood Award is sponsored by the Neighborhood Council of Westchester/Playa, and its purpose is to identify and honor those unsung heroes of our community who quietly, persistently and without fanfare voluntarily perform good deeds that serve the needs of their neighbors and/or the community. ����������������������������������������������������������� criteria. The nominee must live in Westchester, Playa del Rey or Playa Vista. Nominations will be evaluated by an ad hoc committee of the Neighborhood Council, and the winning honoree(s) will be honored at Westchester’s Annual Fourth of July Parade. Please provide the following informaton to nominate a Star of the Neighborhood: 1. Nominee’s Name 2. Nominee’s Address 3. Nominee’s Phone Number 4. A brief description of what makes this person a Star of the Neighborhood 5. Your Name 6. Your Address 7. Your Phone Number 8. Email Nominations must be received by no later than June 15, 2012
2012 Neighborhood Council Election ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� requirements, and this may be your opportunity to get involved and help your community. Neighborhood Councils were created in the City of Los Angeles Charter as a way to encourage more involvement in City government and to make Los Angeles City government more responsive to local needs. The �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� residents, businesses and property owners in Westchester, Playa del Rey and Playa Vista. ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ All board members are required to attend monthly NCWP board members and actively participate on at least one of the NCWP committees. The board seats that are open for the 2012 election are: �������������������������������������� numbered Residential seats 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14 �������������������� ������������������������������� ���������������������������������� 90045 and 90293 ������������������������������� representative seat ������������������������������������
Please mail / fax to: Stars of the Neighborhood 8726 S. Sepulveda Blvd PMB 191A Westchester, CA 90045 (310) 821-9429 (fax)
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Or email the information above to: starneighbors@aol.com
���������������������������������������������� ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������
Check Out Our Revamped Website
More information regarding the election itself will be made available on the website as it becomes available. You may also contact the Department of Neighborhood Empowerment at (213) 978-1551.
Be sure to visit the Neighborhood Council website at www.ncwpdr.org. It includes more interactivity than ever before and is the perfect place to sign up for NCWP emails, review �������������������������������������������������������� neighborhood happenings.
A stakeholder may run for any Board position for which they qualify. Candidates for Board positions will be asked �����������������������������������������������������������������������
www.ncwpdr.org May 2012
Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey• Playa Vista HomeTown News