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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.
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4 Funds being raised to fix Welcome to Westchester sign 12 Salute to 2012 Teacher Eddy Award Recipients