Westchester/Playa HomeTown News October 2021 edition

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playa del rey

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C O M M U N I T Y

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N E W S PA P E R

October 2021

Halloween events and fall fun in Westchester/ Playa page page 4

Second Annual Pet Photo Contest winners revealed

page 30

Page 2 • October 2021

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

This Month Brings You

help you prom help you prom nization or even nization or even A look inside your HTN

Halloween events and fall fun in Westchester/Playa Picturli brings families’ history to life through photos In Pictures: Westchester Arts & Music Block Party Special Section: 2021 Spotlight on Schools Second Annual Pet Photo Contest

04 08 12 19 30

HOMETOWN STAFF/CONTRIBUTORS Stephanie Davis, Publisher

Jeff Blair, Contributing Writer Fay Craton, Contributing Writer

Lydia Smith, Contributing Writer Consuelo Israelson, Contributing Writer

Front page: A collection of some of our favorite Halloween photos from last year’s events at the Westchester Family YMCA, Runway, Visitation and The Book Jewel.

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.

o t e m o h e b o t d u o r p e r ’ e W . . . s r e n n i w ” f o these “Best

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.

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

October 2021 • Page 3

Halloween and fun fall activities in Westchester/Playa this month

The spooky season is upon us and local organizations and community groups are making sure they make up for last year’s semi-canceled Halloween with event and activities that the whole family can enjoy!

Whether you’re into thrills and chills or something a little less scary, below are our top picks to get you into the Halloween spirit this month!

Monster Dash 5K Sunday, October 31st 9 a.m.

Kick-off your Halloween festivities and prepare for all the candy you’re going to eat by signing up for the second annual Monster Dash in Playa Vista! Hosted by Elevation Health, Playa Vista and RUNWAY, this Halloween-themed fun run/walk will take place along Millennium Drive.

The cost to register is $45 for adults and $30 for children 15 and under (plus fees). Participants will receive a custom finisher medal and access to sponsor booths and giveaways.

Costumes are encouraged!

For more info and to RSVP, visit tinyurl.com/monsterdash2021.

Halloween Scary Story Contest at The Book Jewel Friday, October 22nd 8 p.m.

Calling all writers and aspiring R.L. Stines and Stephen Kings!

Westchester’s independent bookstore, The Book Jewel, is calling on the community to get creative and is hosting multiple Halloween-themed contests this month!

First up is a Halloween Picture Contest for ages 4 to 6. Kids are invited to draw an original piece of art and submit it to the shop by Friday, October 22nd at 8 p.m. Three winning artists will be selected to receive a $25 gift card.

For those 7- to 12-years-old, The Book Jewel wants to read your original scary story! Stories must be submitted to the shop on paper and include the writer’s name, age and contact information. Winners must be available to read their tales of terror at The Book Jewel’s Halloween Party on October 30th. Stories should be five minutes or less.

Three writers will receive a $25 gift card and one grand prize story winner will receive a $50 gift card to The Book Jewel.

Teens and adults are also invited to get in on the fun and express their inner Edgar Allan Poes. Those interested in entering the Scary Story Contest are asked to submit their original story on paper to the store by Friday, October 22 at 8 p.m.

Stories should be scary, yet familyappropriate, and be 5 minutes or less when read aloud. The winners must be available to share their creative fiction at The Book Jewel on October 29th.

The contest will be broken up into two categories: ages 13 to 18 and adults. The grand prize is a $50 gift card. Three runners-up will also

Page 4 • October 2021

Take a picture-perfect selfie at Runway Playa Vista’s pumpkin patch backdrop through the end of the month.

receive a $25 gift card.

Costumes are welcome at The Book Jewel’s Halloween parties! The Book Jewel is located at 6259 W. 87th Street in Westchester.

For more information, please visit thebookjewel.com.

Halloween Spooktacular with the Westchester Family YMCA at HHLA Saturday, October 30th 4 to 7 p.m.

The Westchester Family YMCA and HHLA have teamed up this month for a fun Halloween experience that is sure to send chills down your spine!

Bring the kids to HHLA’s Center Court for a chance to play games, win prizes, enjoy spooky photo ops and participate in a costume parade!

Dancing, a sing-a-long with DJ Casper, trick-or-treating and a chance to meet Jack and Sally round out the event.

Tickets for the Halloween Spooktacular are $10 per child.

The first 200 families to sign-up will receive a goodie bag filled with HHLA retailer coupons, gift cards and giveaways. The first 200 kids ages 12 and under will also receive a pumpkin craft and sweet treats.

For more info and to RSVP, visit apm.activecommunities.com/ymcala/ Activity_Search/223622.

HHLA is located at 6081 Center Dr. in Westchester.

Howl-o-ween at PetSpace Saturday, October 30th 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Celebrate Halloween with activities that both kids and pets will love at PetSpace’s annual Howl-o-ween event.

Activities include a pup-kin patch activities for dogs, an interactive trickor-treat trail for kids, photo ops, treats for dogs, crafts and a scavenger hunt!

Candy and refreshments will also be provided, and children are invited to dress up in family-friendly costumes.

For more info and to RSVP, please visit annenbergpetspace.org.

Halloween at the Westchester Farmers’ Market Sunday, October 31st 9 to 1 p.m.

Halloween falls on a Sunday this year, so that means it’s time to celebrate at the Westchester Farmers’ Market! Stop by the market on October 31st for special activities including pumpkin painting, Halloween story time with The Book Jewel and treats for costumed kids!

The farmers’ market is located in the 6200 block of 87th Street (between Coffee Co. and Truxton’s).

Visit their website at westchesterfarmersmkt.com for details on this month’s festivities!

Halloween Bash at Runway Sunday, October 31st 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Visit RUNWAY Playa Vista for a family-friendly outdoor experience that is sure to scare up some fun!

The shopping center will be turned into a creepy, crawly celebration featuring candy from the Candy Coach, spooky crafts, a photo booth, special entertainment, a live DJ and more!

Don’t forget your costumes! RSVP at runwayplayavista.com/events.

Runway is located at 12775 W. Millennium Drive in Playa Vista.

Hometown Pumpkin Decorating Contest

The HomeTown News is getting in on the Halloween spirit and is hosting a Hometown Halloween Pumpkin Decorating Contest!

Those interested in participating are encouraged to use their creativity to create a scary, funny or silly entry by either decorating or carving a pumpkin. Community members can enter the contest by emailing a photo of their spooktacular creation to westchesterhometown@yahoo.com for a chance to win some treats!

For more details, visit thehtn.com or facebook.com/thehtn.com.

Is your group or organization holding a Halloween event this month? Email us at westchesterhometown@yahoo. com to be added to our list!

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

The Westchester/Playa community is mourning the passing of longtime resident Tony Ciancimino, who passed away September 29 of a heart attack at his home in Westchester. He was 74.

Many may recall Tony as an LAX Coastal Chamber of Commerce staff member from 2000-2007, where he helped the organization navigate the difficult post-9/11 period and enhanced the chamber’s standing throughout the community. He was also a founding member of the community’s Fourth of July Parade and a proud member of the Playa Venice Sunrise Rotary, where he served as president.

He had a tremendous love of community and was a dedicated volunteer. But what he was most proud of was his beautiful daughter Lauren and fiery, redheaded wife of 36 years, Judith.

Tony grew up in New York and attended Nyack High School before earning his degree in Political Science and Fine Art from Gettysburg College in 1969, where he was a member of Sigma

Chi fraternity.

He began his career in sales and had several positions with Burlington Industries, DHJ and the Crompton Company before becoming a merchandise manager for Hoechst Celanese, a chemical company that produced man-made fibers. After 17 years working for Hoechst, he struck out on his own, founding Creative Horizons Marketing before joining the chamber in 2000.

The chamber’s current CEO, Christina Davis, recalled him as an incredible boss, friend and mentor.

“In 2004, Tony Ciancimino went out of his way to hunt me down and hire me. I thought it would be a fun job and that I would get to meet lots of amazing business connections, and he was relentless,” she said. “You will often hear me say, that working for the chamber is the job that I never knew I wanted.

Even after Tony retired from the organization, he always made a point of telling me how proud he was of me and how hiring me

was the greatest thing he had ever done during his time there.

He was always my cheerleader, mentor and friend.”

Following his time with the chamber, Tony worked as the regional manager for the National Safety Council, a leading nonprofit safety advocate, before retiring to spend more time with his family and volunteering his time in the community.

His heart was always in community service, and he took his role as a Rotarian seriously, working tirelessly to promote his club and its goal of supporting the community. When he took over the position of club president in 2015, he said, “It is truly an honor to be chosen to lead Playa Venice this year. Our members represent the best in our community, and our events like Adopt a Family, where we provide a joyful holiday where there wouldn’t have been one; Teacher Mini Grants; and youth scholarships, which enhance educational opportunities, all help those in need. We proudly

(continued on page 14)

SATURDAY 20th NOVEMBER

Ciancimino will be remembered for his dedication to the community, his love of Rotary and his role as a founding member of the Fourth of July Parade.

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October 2021 • Page 5

Photo by Glenn Marzano.

Community mourns the passing of longtime resident Tony Ciancimino

Business & Nonprofit News

TheHTN.com

The Westchester Elks celebrated the return of their Chili Cook Off and Car Show on September 11 with a packed crowd and community members eager to participate in the festivities.

Pictured clockwise from left: 1. Attendees check out the classic cars in the Elk’s parking lot on Manchester Ave. 2. Westchester Elks Patty Crockett and Chad Cole enjoy the event. 3. Car Show organizers Lisa Levine, Deven Parmar and Willie Phillips pose for a photo during the fundraiser, which supports the group’s causes.

emergency department will also feature expanded diagnostic and treatment facilities. The number of private patient rooms will increase from 68 to 160 and the number of operating rooms will increase from six to 10. Learn more at marinahospital.com.

The LAX Coastal Chamber held its Installation Gala on Friday, September 24 at the Marina del Rey Marriott. The event was an opportunity to welcome incoming Chair Rae Lamothe of Golding + Lamothe, the chamber’s Honorary Mayor Marsha Wietecha and the 20212022 board of directors. Pictured: The chamber’s newly installed board, which includes local business leaders Stephanie Younger, Stephanie Younger Group; Tony Palermo, Tony P’s; Fred Puza, LMU; John Loussararian, YMCA; and Inez Bush, Otis College of Art and Design.

Photo by Lek Pollard.

Marina del Rey Hospital moves main entrance and gets ready for build of new hospital.

The construction of a new CedarsSinai Marina del Rey Hospital is scheduled to begin this month.

“After years of community outreach efforts–gaining support from key community leaders, organizations and the city of Los Angeles–we’re excited to begin building a new hospital that will allow those who live and work in the Marina del Rey area to receive the highest-quality healthcare without having to leave their neighborhoods,” said Joanne Laguna-Kennedy, MSN, RN, vice president and chief operating officer of Cedars-Sinai Marina del Rey Hospital.

To accommodate the construction, a new lobby and main entrance is now open on the north side of the hospital. Patients and visitors can access the new North Lobby Entrance by entering the hospital campus from Mindanao Way. The South Lobby Entrance, which is accessed off Lincoln Blvd. will close later this year.

The new nine-story hospital is slated to be completed in 2026, which will allow the existing hospital to remain fully operational during construction. Once the new hospital is completed, the old building will be demolished.

Once opened, the replacement hospital will feature enhanced services and programs including state-of-the-art operating rooms, cardiac catheterization and gastroenterology labs, as well as interventional procedure suites to handle complex cases. The Page 6 • October 2021

The Westchester Rotary Club celebrated the completion of its 2021 Makeover Project on September 18 at WAM. The club spent months and dozens of volunteer weekends revamping the Emerson Avenue Community Garden for the service project. Thanks to their efforts, the garden received nearly $100,000 in upgrades including an accessible walkway, new gardening equipment, the removal of debris, updated garden plots, hand-painted benches and more.

The club is now looking for their next project. From left to right: Makeover Chair Warren Bobrow; volunteer Edgar Saenz; Rotary President Erin Cueto and Rotary Immediate Past President Tom Johnstone pose in front of the garden. Learn more at rotary-westchester.com.

Taste of Runway scheduled for October 14.

Playa Vista has some of the area’s best restaurants, and now community members have the chance to sample tastes from a variety of eateries at the inaugural Taste of Runway event.

Tickets are $29 and include 10 vouchers to receive savory bites from participating restaurants including Bull & Butterfly, Hopdoddy, Urban Plates, Joliet Café, Neighbors, LOQUI, Sol Cocina and N’ice Cream. Drinks and alcohol are sold separately, and Joliet will be serving up specialty drinks for the occasion.

The Taste of Runway takes place on Thursday, October 14 from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Runway Playa Vista, located at 12775 Millennium Drive.

Parking is available in the garage off Jefferson Blvd. and Village Drive.

Learn more and purchase tickets at runwayplayavista.com.

Mental Health Guild hosts Taco Tuesday fundraiser & looks for participants for its Second Annual Holiday Light Tour.

The Westchester Mental Health Guild is hosting its third Taco Tuesday Takeout night on Tuesday, October 12.

Delicious taco dinners for $25 will be available for curbside pickup (continued on next page)

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

Rendering courtesy HD.

ON OCTOBER 20, 2021 @ 5:30 PM

THE PLAYA VENICE SUNRISE ROTARY CLUB invites you to

Construction on a new Cedars-Sinai Marina del Rey Hospital, with enhanced facilities and an increased number of private rooms, will start this month. The current hospital will remain fully operational until the new hospital is completed in 2026.

(continued from previous page) at 6569 West 82nd Street in Westchester between 5 and 7 p.m.

Dinners include steak or chicken tacos, rice, beans, chips, salsa, and, for those over 21, a complimentary margarita. Family dinners, supplemented with quesadillas, are available for $60. To reserve your dinner, please RSVP to judy@ westchestermhg.org.

Through the pandemic, the Guild, which supports Airport Marina Counseling Service, has come up with creative ways to raise money for mental health including takeout nights, Zoom events and its Holiday Light Tour. Unable to hold their popular Holiday Home Tour again this year, the group has pivoted

to a COVID-friendly alternative (scheduled for December 12 through 26) that provides attendees with a map of highly decorated homes to visit by car. As part of the fun, the community can vote for their favorite displays and the top homeowners win prizes courtesy of the Guild and its sponsors. Event organizers are currently looking for participants for this year’s Holiday Light Tour.

For more information and to sign-up your home, please email info@westchestermhg.org or visit westchestermhg.org!

Have info to share about your business or nonprofit? Email us at westchesterhometown@yahoo.com for a chance to be featured.

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

October 2021 • Page 7

Picturli helps preserve family memories and stories through photo organization

By Lydia Smith Haleh Shoa came to this country from Iran during the revolution in 1979. She and her family left Iran with only the clothes on their backs and a suitcase full of memories: photos and heirlooms. The reverence for family history that was handed down to her from her parents has continued through Shoa’s life and is now her calling. Shoa is the founder and chief curator for Picturli, a photo organization, restoration and design boutique, located in Westchester. What began as a photo scanning and digital preservation company has morphed into so much more during COVID. Living through a pandemic helped reinforce the importance of family memories and gave people the time to organize their photo collections. Shoa heeded the call from her clients for more services and invested in additional technology to be able to scan and digitize these captured memories in any form—whether photos, VHS tapes or other media, as well as offer a full range of creative services. For example, during COVID when people were unable to visit their grandparents, Picturli began a service where family members could send in celebratory video messages.

Shoa would then combine them to make a beautiful video that could be shared online with the whole family.

After emigrating from Iran, Shoa’s family first moved to Detroit for a short time before planting roots in Manhattan Beach, where she lived for 17 years. She knew that when she opened her business, she wanted to serve a tight-knit community and loved Westchester’s small-town feel.

Although Picturli serves clients globally, Westchester and her office in the Triangle have proven to be the perfect home base.

When Shoa started Picturli, she quickly knew she had found what she calls her “heart business” when she met with one of her first clients, an AfricanAmerican gentleman with a powerful story to tell. The man’s relatives were from a prominent family that lived in the North during the Civil War, and felt it was important to preserve their family history. Over the years, more than 80 photos and more than 900 letters from the 19th century were handed down through family members before he became their steward. Fortunately, he kept the historical treasures in archival boxes, so they were fairly well preserved. With Shoa’s help, his library of memories was digitally preserved, color corrected, captioned and dated using Library of Congress Standards.

Once they were restored, her client donated his family’s collection to The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture in Harlem, one of The New York Public Library’s renowned research libraries. It is a world-leading cultural institution devoted to the research, preservation and exhibition of materials focused on AfricanPage 8 • October 2021

Picturli also organizes digital libraries.

In fact, Shoa says that digital assets are at a much higher risk of being lost or deleted, so they first concentrate on them to make sure they’re consolidated, backed-up and preserved, before adding them to a photo hub.

Through her work, Shoa has discovered that many of her clients want to know “the importance of where they come from and heal the wounds of the past, but they must accept the past in order to move forward.” Going through a family’s albums and boxes of photos often bring up negative memories, as well as the happy ones, leading to a range of emotions as clients are reminded of divorce and death, birthday celebrations and weddings.

Haleh Shoa poses in the Westchester Triangle with a photo she is in the process of archiving.

Walking her clients through this process has inspired Shoa to become a certified American, African Diaspora and small and blurry. She can color correct life coach. She feels that going through African experiences. Photos of African- them and restore them so that the pictures with a client can wake up the Americans during the 1800s are few and images are clear. Oftentimes, Shoa and “energy” within the photos and often far between due to slavery, so to have her staff have to put on their detective her clients have family members visit such a vast collection is truly amazing. hats and identify who is who and date After donating the photos to The the images. She has found over the years them in their dreams after the photos are restored. Through her skills as a Schomburg Center, he received a phone that photos from the 1980s and 1990s life coach, she can help clients work call from them that was astounding. The are some of the most difficult to date through the feelings that arise as their center had received another donation and caption because there are so many ancestors emerge from the photos. of photos and letters from a family photos! During these decades, it was What Picturli has to offer is way beyond from about the same time period. very popular to order multiples of one a scanning service, it is paying homage Researchers noticed that the man in the image when film was being developed. photos looked similar to Shoa’s client’s Shoa’s clients will often have boxes and to the past while looking towards the future. family photos. As it turns out, his boxes of similar photos from this time Learn more at picturli.com. grandfather, the patriarch of the family, period. In addition to physical photos, had another family who also donated their collection to The Schomburg Center! The person who donated them was a new family member he didn’t know he had. For Shoa, it was amazing that both families had not only painstakingly preserved their photos and letters, but had also donated them to the same library! It is this type of “magic” that keeps her motivated to help all her clients.

Another memorable client gave Shoa a collection of photos dating from 1839-1980. Since the photos spanned more than a century, the collection was basically a history of photography. The collection included the earliest type of photography, daguerreotype, which was invented in Paris and is distinctive by its silver-coated plate and mirrorERRANDS SOCIAL TECH like surface. Then there was cabinet SUPPORT SUPPORT We are seeking card photography from the turn of the century, which used a negative volunteers of all ages and provided images that were clearer HOUSE YARD WORK CHORES DRIVING and talents. WPV will and had brighter colors. With photos AS NEEDED capturing a family over a 140-year work with you to And Other Contactless and Safe Ways to Volunteer! period, Picturli was able to use the create a flexible power of AI to identify family members and archive the entire collection. schedule that fits with Volunteer drivers get reimbursed “My client was astounded that the for most miles driven! your lifestyle. Call us stories that had been told to her about her family members in the photos were today and join our so inaccurate,” said Shoa. “The photos Whether you are employed, retired, large group of were so faded, but through Picturli’s or a student, less than 30 minutes a week can make a big difference technology, her family was brought to volunteers! in the life of an older person in life!” your community.

She is also able to harness the power of AI when restoring school photos from the turn of the century. These photos usually have a whole classroom of children in them, so the images are

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October 2021 • Page 9

By Cozette Vergari For those of you who joined my time-machine travel back to 65,000 BC in my last column, we are continuing the journey this month. Standing in the midst of today’s Westchester/ Playa community, our last travels took us back to the evidence of human settlement on the islands off the coast of Southern California circa 12,000 BC and sped us forward with various time stops in the same area all the way to California’s statehood in 1850.

Over a span of the 300 years leading up to statehood, our Westchester/ Playa community stood under the flags of three different countries, the flag of Spain, then Mexico and finally the United States.

In 1850, our community’s land belonged to two brothers. While still a part of Mexico circa 1830s, 2,200 acres of land, which would become known as Rancho del Aguaje del Centinela, was granted to Bruno Avila. Another 40,000 acres, which would become known as Rancho Sausal Redondo, from what is now the Venice and Marina communities south to Redondo Beach, was granted to Antonia Avila. Over time through various transactions and circa 1872, Scotsman Robert Burnett acquired both Ranchos and in 1873 leased his land to Alice and Daniel Freeman.

The Freemans moved from Canada to America due to Alice’s medical

Wheat fields in Westchester circa 1880. Photo courtesy WPHS.

condition that required a mild dry climate. They moved to the coastal area just southwest of El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora la Reina de los Angeles de Porciuncula, which in English translates to “The Town of Our Lady, the Queen of the Angels of Porciuncula (small area).” Today, the pueblo is commemorated in the historic district of Los Angeles’ Pueblo Plaza and Olvera Street, the oldest part of Los Angeles.

The Freemans settled into the Centinela Adobe, the first ranch house adobe built on all of the then 42,200 acre parcel, which sits on the easternmost edge of Westchester. The home had previously been built by Ignacio Machado circa 1830. By 1885, Daniel Freeman had purchased the land and formed the Centinela Land Company. He built his land office in what is now Inglewood and planned to sub-divide the area, while planting fruit trees and raising sheep to provide

income in the meantime. The area suffered from a severe drought, and the Freemans gambled on dry farming, and won with acres of wheat fields.

From 1886-1890, Daniel Freeman waged a battle for Port Ballona to become the official Port of Los Angeles. His competition was William Banning, who was pushing for the site of Port Wilmington. During the same time, Henry Huntington began the Pacific Electric Trolley Service, which laid tracks from downtown to Port Ballona. To Freeman’s disappointment, Port Wilmington was eventually chosen as the official port of Los Angeles, and today supports 20 percent of all cargo coming into the United States and covers 7,500 acres of land. Had Freeman won, imagine what the time machine would be showing us now! Daniel Freeman eventually would become the second president of the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce from 1893-1894 and founded the City

of Inglewood in 1908.

After losing the bid for the Port of Los Angeles in 1890, Freeman felt the area had no other value. So he donated our now treasured Westchester/ Playa communities to the City of Los Angeles.

Circa 1900 the Venice Midway Park Amusement Pier is built. The Pacific Electric Trolley Service built tracks through the wetlands from downtown and south along the coast to what is now Playa del Rey to Redondo Beach.

The Los Angeles Motordrome opened in the wetlands of now Playa del Rey. The first of its kind, the Los Angeles Motordrome was a highly successful venue for motorcar, motorcycle and aviation events and competitions.

It attracted large crowds of paying spectators, but lasted just three years due to a fire that destroyed the wooden track.

Once again, stay tuned for our continuing time machine travel! In the meantime, visit the Westchester/Playa Historical Society (WPHS) Discovery Center in the Westchester Triangle, open on Sundays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. or by appointment. Learn more at wphistoricalsociety.org.

Cozette is an attorney and lifelong resident of Westchester. She is the President of the WPHS. The nonprofit 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.

visitation SCHOOL By the numbers

244 TOTAL STUDENTS 14:1 STUDENT/TEACHER RATIO TEST SCORES Top 30% MEDIAN MATHEMATICS & READING ACTIVITIES 28+ STUDENT (clubs, organizations, sports)

575

TOTAL YEARS OF TEACHING EXPERIENCE ON FACULTY

100%

GRADUATES ACCEPTED TO HIGH SCHOOL OF FIRST CHOICE

UPDATED WITH ADVANCED 100% CLASSROOMS PPE AND AIR FILTRATION SYSTEMS

visitation CATHOLIC SCHOOL Page 10 • October 2021

Join the Visitation family and give your child the gift of academic excellence in a supportive community! Schedule a tour today! JK - 8th Grade www.visitationschool.org | 8740 Emerson Avenue, Westchester | 310.645.6620 Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News

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

October 2021 • Page 11

There was no better place to be in Westchester on September 18th than the Westchester Arts & Music Block Party! The sixth annual event, which is held on Emerson Avenue, brought out the crowds for a day of community-building, live music, family activities, food trucks and the ultra-popular beer & wine garden.

Organizer John Sharpe estimates that more than 5,000 people attended WAM to join in on the festivities and enjoy entertainment from bands like Sanford Street and Omar Torrez.

Community group-hosted booths were also a hit with guests of all ages who got the chance to participate Page 12 • October 2021

in activities like succulent planting, ornament-making and contests.

“I’m extremely pleased and proud that we were able to pull off a fantastic event under some very challenging circumstances this year,” said Sharpe. “By all measures, it was a huge success, and shows how much people need the fun, connection and community WAM brings. I think we hit a tipping point this year, and WAM will continue to grow as more people in the community have had a chance to experience it.”

Thanks to sponsors and the success of the Stephanie Younger Group hosted beer & wine garden,

approximately $10,000 was raised for the Emerson Avenue Community Garden. The garden and community green space, which is located on the campus of Wright Middle School, recently received a makeover courtesy of the Westchester Rotary Club and is open to the public during the school year from 3:15 p.m. to sunset and on the weekends from sunrise to sunset.

Interested in supporting, volunteering or sponsoring WAM 2022? Email wamblockparty@gmail. com for more info!

Thank you to this year’s sponsors: Platinum: The Drollinger Family

Charitable Foundation and Stephanie Younger Group. Gold Sponsor: Gerber Kawasaki. Premium sponsors: Decron Properties, Los Angeles World Airports, Loyola Marymount University, Playa Venice Sunrise Rotary Club, RE/MAX Estate Properties, Westchester Rotary Club and Zacha Homes. Basic Sponsors: Neighborhood Council of Westchester Playa, Playa Vista Orthodontics, SoCalGas and the Westchester Family YMCA. In-kind sponsors include Bughouse Art, KXLU and the LAX Coastal Chamber.

The HomeTown News is a proud sponsor of WAM.

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

Photos by Zsuzsi Steiner.

Sixth Annual Westchester Arts & Music Block Party September 1818th Emerson Avenue, Westchester September | Emerson Avenue in Westchester

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

October 2021 • Page 13

Tony (continued) (continued from page 5) live the Rotary motto, ‘Service Above Self.’”

And no one did so more than Tony, himself.

“Tony was a Rotarian through and through and taught me a great deal about selflessness, embodying a giving spirit, passion for your craft and empowering those around you,” said fellow Rotarian Rob DeCou. “My thoughts are with his wife Judith, his daughter Lauren, and all of us that had the privilege to know and be known by Tony.”

“Many folks may not know, but Tony was instrumental in showing me what Rotary is, not only through his selfless and giving spirit, but also through his kindness, advice, actions, support and his sense of humor,” said Jerry Jen, immediate past president of the Playa Venice Sunrise Rotary Club. “Tony was a person who was never shy to tell it like it is, but always had your best interest at heart. I will always cherish and honor my memories with him, and all the advice he has given me.”

Los Angeles City Councilman Mike Bonin echoed those thoughts.

“For decades, from parades to pancake breakfasts to Rotary galas to chamber mixers, Tony was always there for his community,” Bonin said.

“It is painful to think of having to celebrate big moments in Westchester and Playa without him. He was so central to everything that makes the community so special.”

Tony was an accomplished artist who often shared his artwork with friends and loved ones and even created calendars that included his favorite pieces. Expressing himself using mainly acrylics, his landscape, still life and abstract paintings evoked the warmth and positive vibes he, himself, exuded.

He would often donate his art to raise funds for the club’s projects, and took joy in gifting his colorful canvases to his wife, daughter and friends, much to their delight.

And as much as he enjoyed sharing his artistic gift with those around him, that’s nothing compared to the love Tony had for Judith and Lauren.

Tony met Judith in 1984 on a blind date arranged by his roommate Joe Boray and Judith’s friend, Sally. After that first date, they were hooked. They were married on September 28, 1985 at the lagoon in Playa del Rey and spent the next 36 years together in their home in Westchester.

They welcomed their only child, Lauren Elizabeth, in 1986, and instilled in her the importance of being part of the community. They supported Lauren as she made her way through Girl Scouts and performed with the Westchester Lariats, a non-profit youth dance troupe that performed all over the world. Lauren attended Santa Monica College and majored in journalism. She now works at the Century City law firm of TroyGould PC and was always the apple of Tony’s eye.

His Facebook page was filled with proud posts and comments about Lauren and Judith’s successes and photos of the three of them with captions like, “My wonderful family.”

He often posted inspirational messages about the importance of friendship and living every day to its fullest. He always wore a smile and had a positive attitude regardless of the challenges he may have been facing at the time. His dry sense of humor and wicked wit will be long remembered.

Tony supported veterans, worked to bring awareness to the victims of human trafficking and helped the less fortunate at every turn. He was a fiercely loyal and caring man who loved his family above everything else. He will be sorely missed.

In addition to his wife, Judith, and their daughter, Lauren, Tony leaves behind his brother Jim Ciancimino and nephew Scott Ciancimino.

Tony donated his body to science, but the family will hold a memorial in his memory at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Playa Venice Sunrise Rotary Foundation’s Tony C. Art Scholarship, P.O. Box 10883, Marina del Rey, CA 90295.

This annual scholarship will benefit a high school senior from one of the community’s local schools.

HALLOWEEN SCARY STORY & ART CONTEST

Deadline for submissions is Friday, October 22nd, 8 p.m.

Rules • Submit your ORIGINAL story/picture ON PAPER to The Book Jewel. Include your Name, Age, & Contact Information on your story.

• Winners must read their story aloud at our • 3 Picture Winners-$25 Gift Card Halloween Party on 10/30.

• 3 Story Winners-$25 Gift Card • Length: 5 MINUTES or less • 1 Grand Prize Story Winner-$50

Prizes

Book Jewel Gift Card

Age Groups • 4-6- Halloween Picture Contest • 7-12- Scary Story

YOU CAN HELP! FOOD PANTRY, LAX

Emergency Food Distribution to those in need.

Sponsored by the Westchester Clergy Association

Open Tuesday & Friday, 10am-12pm 355 Beach St., Inglewood

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

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

Page 14 • October 2021

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

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

October 2021 • Page 15

Random Notes/Opinion

TheHTN.com

Five benefits of strength training

By Jeff Blair

improve surgical outcomes. Please note any questions about injuries or other Opinion: While most months I theme medical conditions should be evaluated my article around a timely event or sea- by a medical professional. son, this month I am serving you straight 2. It helps maintain overall activity meat and potatoes. Strength training levels. Humans usually start to lose musproduces a combination of unique health cle and strength around 30 and progresbenefits that nothing else can duplicate. sively lose muscle throughout a lifetime.

Other forms of exercise are also highly When our muscles weaken, movement recommended, but here are five unique becomes more difficult. When movebenefits of strength training. ment is difficult, people simply do less 1. It improves shoulder and knee of it. This part is not rocket science. We health. When joint issues arise, it will do less of something that is unseems completely intuitive to try and comfortable or painful. When exercise directly “fix” the specific joint. While becomes painful because strength has there are cases where surgery or other dropped, the great majority of people medical treatments will work directly will simply stop doing it. By maintainon the joint, knee and shoulder health ing strength with two hours of strength are usually most improved when we training per week, you can minimize increase the strength of the muscles this decline and reverse it in many cases. around the joint. In the case of the knee, You might not love to exercise, but increasing leg and hip strength through maintaining enough strength where daiexercises like deadlifts and hip band ly activities and moderate exercise are exercises can improve health. Increasing not painful is important to maintaining mid-back strength through exercises overall health. like rows will often improve shoulder 3. It helps maintain brain health. A health more than anything else. Even if recent study of twins found those with surgery is utilized, nearly every doctor the strongest and most powerful legs will recommend strength training maintained the highest levels of brain after the surgery to improve overall health. I first thought this was a strange results and make things “stick.” Further, study. Why would leg strength correlate having a higher strength and fitness to brain health? While more research level heading into surgery may also will help us answer the question in

more detail, one theory is that people with stronger legs are simply more likely to exercise consistently whether that exercise is hiking, dancing or doing squats. As previously mentioned, humans generally will not do things that are painful and weaker legs can make even moderate forms of exercise painful.

Regular exercise might also send signals to the brain and this might stimulate and improve brain health. Whatever the specific mechanism might be, there are a number of studies showing stronger legs are connected to better brain health, increased physical functionality and can even predict longevity.

4. It helps strengthen bones. While a Halloween skeleton might first come to mind when the word “bone” is mentioned, bone tissue is dynamic and responds to changing stresses.

When people become more physically inactive as careers and kids dominate their lifestyles, bone tissue can weaken.

Bone loss can be one percent per year after age 40. This loss over time may eventually lead to osteopenia and osteoporosis. As bones become more fragile, risk of fracture increases.

Strength training may slow the rate of loss and may even increase bone mass.

Strength training often targets areas (hips, spine and wrists) most susceptible

to bone loss and fracture. Always consult with your doctor before starting any exercise or strength program if you have been diagnosed with osteopenia and/or osteoporosis as certain exercises should be avoided.

5. It helps improve balance. Kids ride bikes, walk across beams and perform other balance stimulating activities.

Once we become adults, nearly all of that activity stops. Even when people maintain physical activity levels, they might climb a stair machine in a gym or lift weights on machines. These are a great start, but adding in balance challenges like standing on one leg while doing bicep curls can create even better results.

Strength training just two hours per week can produce these five benefits and many more. Develop a consistent exercise plan. Schedule your workouts.

Do not compare yourself to others and simply do what you can. Your quality of life is certain to improve, and your health will benefit in countless ways.

Jeff Blair (MS, CSCS) has been a certified personal trainer in Westchester since 2002. He founded the SoCalSport Personal Training Studio in 2011 and has been featured in national and international fitness publications. Reach out at jeff@socalsport.com.

Caring & Comfortable Dentistry

Dr. Michael Parsons

- In Westchester Since 1981 -

(310) 670-0902 Welcome to our beautiful new state of the art office near LAX 8930 S. Sepulveda Blvd., #210 Los Angeles, 90045 Free Parking Page 16 • October 2021

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

Are your complaints harming you?

By Fay Craton

Opinion: An old fable tells of a student complaining about life. In response, the teacher tells the student to place a spoonful of salt in a glass of water and drink it. The student does so and states, “The water tastes salty.”

The teacher proceeds to tell the student to place a spoonful of salt in the lake and taste that water. The student does so and states, “The water tastes good.”

The teacher proceeds to explain to the student, “When life is unhappy, enlarge the container.”

What does enlarge the container mean? Consider it as what you are looking at, your point of view, your understanding of who you are and how you relate to the world around you.

Unhappiness can come from a range of life experiences. Sometimes it can be a clash between the wishes of loved ones, or a disagreement with people in your community. Frequently, unhappiness is not the result of one specific clash or disagreement and is more about a dispirited ongoing daily feeling of being stagnant or uninspired. Until you address the conditions making you unhappy, you are never going to fully live.

In the fable, the student was complaining. Sometimes an infrequent, carefully crafted complaint can be helpful when you are in the process of making changes in your life. How often do you complain? Do you find it difficult to speak about what you want and need? Do you often think something could be improved in your home, but do not express your thoughts because you consider your needs to be unimportant? If so, learning how to express your needs and thoughts will be valuable to both you and others close to you.

Complaining can be like a pendulum.

Some people never speak up and others constantly share about what is wrong. Never expressing yourself is at one end of the pendulum’s swing.

At the other end is the person who is constantly criticizing and talking about how unhappy they are. The complaints could be expressed verbally, through body language, through passive-aggressive behavior or through attempts at manipulation. They can be cruel and dispirit most everyone who comes within the individual’s presence. They are toxic and can be even dangerous to be around. If you are in danger from a toxic person who is a spouse, a partner, or a family member, I encourage you to contact either the Los Angeles County Domestic Violence Hotline at (800) 978-3600 or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at (800) 978-3600. Both are open 24-hours a day, 365 days a year. If you are in immediate danger, call 911.

On the toxic side of the pendulum’s swing, the person is fully conditioned to be dissatisfied and unhappy. They have filled up their mind with negative thoughts and their actions reflect it.

Where are you on the continuum?

Do you never complain, or do you complain a lot? Most people do not hit either extreme of the pendulum.

When considering your interactions with others, consider how often you complain versus saying something positive. Most people have what is called a negative bias which means when a criticism or complaint is made, the negative statement holds more weight than a compliment or an uplifting thought. The Gottman Institute researched bias and found it takes five positive statements to offset one negative statement to reach a simple break even point. For healthy living, a good goal is to strive toward at least 10 positives for every negative.

To create a healthy relationship, it is necessary to overcome the negative bias by creating a positive setting. One negative can rapidly disrupt a relationship or environment. At the break even point you could still easily feel stagnant or uninspired. If when you look at your life and think I am unhappy, but there is no real reason for it, look at your negativity bias. Are you doing a lot of complaining? Is it time to enlarge the container–or the frame of reference–in which you hold your perceptions? It might be time to look for what is working well in your life and be grateful for all you have. Here are some considerations to transform your bias away from being negative into being positive.

• Take time throughout the day to acknowledge when life is working.

• Before complaining, ask yourself if the existing situation actually does any harm, or is it just something you prefer.

If it does no harm, consider letting it go.

• Keep a daily journal about what you can be grateful for.

• Strive to become more mindful about how much you complain. Put a rubber band on your wrist. Each time you catch yourself complaining, change the band to your other wrist.

• Be willing to obtain help from a trained licensed therapist, a minister, a certified peer or a trusted friend.

My wish is for you to experience a satisfying life. Actively expressing gratitude for what is good around you, in your relationships or within your home will change your life for the better.

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). She provides video-based counseling and 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

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October 2021 • Page 17

SCENE PLAYA VISTA IS THE PLACE TO BE THIS FALL

Our 3 Must Visit Events this October in Playa Vista Playa Vista is known for pop-up events, and this fall will not disappoint! From Halloween-themed festivities to an amazing outdoor food tasting event, Playa Vista is the place to be this October! Come see why so many people are drawn to Runway where the open air, walkable shopping and dining attractions create endless opportunities for fun and entertainment.

1

Taste of Runway

The Taste of Runway is a first of its kind event that highlights all of the amazing dining options at Playa Vista’s most popular shopping destination. Whether you’re new to the local restaurant scene, or just wanting to visit your favorite spots, this event is your chance to get a taste of hotspots Bull & Butterfly, Hopdoddy, Urban Plates, Joliet Café, Neighbors (coming soon to Runway), LOQUI and Sol Cocina. We’ll see you there!

Tickets are $29 and the event will be held on Thursday, October 14 from 5:30 to 9 p.m.

2

Goat Yoga

Looking for a unique workout? Maverick Community, a new fitness space on Runway is hosting outdoor Goat Yoga! Guests (ages 5+) are invited to bring their yoga mats and participate in this interactive yoga experience, sponsored

by Runway and Kris Zacuto | Compass. Registration is complimentary with a donations to benefit the Friends of Ballona Wetlands. RSVP at BeMav.Co/Book.

This event is Sunday, October 17 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

3

Halloween Bash

Halloween is almost here! The 2021 spooktacular Halloween Bash at Runway is a can’t miss for those families looking for a fun, outdoor experience. Stop by this event for an all-ages open air experience featuring a candy coach, crafts, performances, a photo booth and so much more! You definitely don’t want to miss seeing Playa Vista’s town center turn into a creepy, crawly celebration!

This event is Sunday, Oct 31 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

All events are located at RUNWAY at 12746 W. Jefferson Blvd. in Playa Vista.

DRE# 01972897 Page 18 • October 2021

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

SPOTLIGHT ON OUR LOCAL SCHOOLS Highlighting the great things going on in the education community!

Open Magnet builds true community

We hope all our students, parents, teachers and administrators are settling into this new school year, despite its unique challenges, extra precautions and protocols.

Many of our schools are also starting the year with new leaders, and we would like to give a warm welcome to the new principals in the foundation’s footprint: • Cynthia Headrick, Venice High School • Mary Jane Collier (interim), Kentwood Elementary • Terri Grinner, Westchester Enriched Sciences Magnets • Christopher Heim, Windsor Hills Magnet • Lakisha Clark, Wright STEAM Magnet • Julio Hanson, Loyola Village Elementary School • Jill Deranian, Westchester Lutheran School • Rosie Roberts (interim), St. Bernard High School As a foundation, we are always searching for new opportunities and ways to support all our schools. One of the ways we do this is through grants. In September, to kick off the fall semester, our foundation distributed more than $50,000 in STEM and art grants! Our STEM grants are made possible through a partnership with SoCalGas and enabled us to fund 100 percent of the grant requests submitted! These funds will allow schools to host STEM fairs, enhance their gardening programs, teach about sustainable energy, purchase supplies for their science labs and so much more. Our art grants were funded through the generosity of the sponsors of our Art Show & Competition, which was held in the spring.

So far, five schools have received $2,500 for their programs, and we’re hoping to be able to fund a few additional projects.

If you’re not familiar with

Photo by Zsuzsi Steiner.

A message from Andrew Chereck, LAX Coastal Ed Foundation President

the LAX Coastal Education Foundation, our mission is to support and enhance the highest quality educational environment for students, educators and parents in the LAX Coastal area, which includes 26 K-12 schools in Westchester, Playa del Rey and Playa Vista. Our board of directors is comprised of local parents, business leaders and educators. Since our formation in 2017, our foundation has distributed more than $350,000 to our local schools through the Rock Roll & Run, and in grants for arts and beautification, professional development, classroom supplies and STEM. This month, we invite you to join us for a virtual School Expo where school leaders will share about their campuses and enrollment. Save the date for October 21 at 5:30 p.m. and visit laxcef.org to RSVP and receive the Zoom link.

Next up for the foundation is our second Art Show & Competition this fall; a Spelling Bee in January 2022 and the return of the Rock Roll & Run at LMU scheduled for March 5, 2022.

Want to join us in strengthening local education?

Please email us at info@ laxcoastaledfoundation.com with ideas and partnership opportunities. The foundation is also interested in growing its board and is looking for dedicated volunteers.

Learn more at laxcef.org.

Like an oasis away from the busy city, Open students, parents, and staff come together to build a true community of respect where students learn through meaningful experiences. Open is one of the most unique schools in the district, being both a magnet and an affiliated charter elementary school serving LAUSD students from kindergarten through fifth grade. Our school is the best of both worlds—with our magnet program allowing us to have a diverse student body by offering transportation to students who reside all over Los Angeles, while our charter provides curricular autonomy to our highly skilled teachers. Founded in 1977 by innovative, like-minded parents and teachers who envisioned a school that would provide a nurturing and stimulating learning environment, Open Magnet Charter continues to strive toward excellence.

During these unprecedented times, we have adjusted and shifted gears toward virtual learning. Our team was up to the challenge in March and still rises to the occasion daily to face these ever-changing situations. We continue to evaluate and prioritize—all the while keeping to our core beliefs and our guiding principles to stay true to who we are as a school.

When we can safely reopen our doors to the public, people will once again be able to walk through our beautiful campus. Nestled in the quiet community of Westchester, our school maintains a green landscape with many trees thoughtfully planted by TreePeople. Visitors will see

our large playground with a grassy field and discover that there is a cistern built under it to capture rainwater.

They may find their way to our award-winning garden, sit under the gazebo or get to know one of our animal friends. When you come to our campus, you will feel the love at our school.

The magic really happens in our classrooms, with the buzz of children constructing their own learning. Collaboration is at the heart of our school, where teams made up of two teachers share the same “cluster” of multi-age students.

Two brains are definitely better than one as our teachers design their lessons to tailor them for their students. Each cluster has its own theme that connects subject areas and concepts throughout the year. This thematic approach

is not textbook-based, but instead allows the teachers to be the architects of the curriculum and put students’ interests and needs first. The focus is not simply on learning about something, but also questioning it, thinking about it and using what has been learned in a meaningful way.

We invite you to come hear more at one of our upcoming informational meetings, “Zoom into Open.” Please check opencharter.org for registration regarding these meetings, which will be held on October 19 and November 9 at 5 p.m. Open School has been recognized as a National Magnet School of Merit and a three-time California Distinguished School. To apply through LAUSD, please visit lausdmagnets.com.

Contributed by Open Magnet School.

A message from the HomeTown News Welcome to our ninth annual Spotlight on Schools special section! The HomeTown News is proud to support our local schools, and every year we invite them to share with us what’s going on at their campuses.

The articles in this section are contributed by parents,

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

teachers and principals who are passionate about letting the community know about their school successes and programs, and we love being able to highlight all the good stories coming from our K-12 schools. This section is meant to give a small snapshot into what makes each school Spotlight on Schools

unique as we head into tour season. We believe all our schools have something special to offer their students, so we encourage you to check out every school that interests your family!

For a comprehensive list of local schools and info on their programs, visit laxcef.org.

October 2021 • Page 19

KJSA students find success with STEM Katherine Johnson STEM Academy (KJSA) is the LAUSD residential middle school (grades 6-8) for Westchester, Playa Vista and Playa del Rey. Our integrated STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) curriculum and small school size are intentionally designed to develop our students into 21st century problem-solvers with great hearts and great minds. A unique partnership with Loyola Marymount University continues to develop this integrated STEM model of instruction as we become a demonstration school that furthers researched-based teaching practices at the secondary level.

As one of a limited number of STEM-certified schools within LAUSD, our handson, problem-based learning approach allows students to experience education and learning through authentic, real-life situations for which they must define problems, design solutions and iterate designs. In addition to the core academic classes, each student progresses through a sixth through eighth grade pathway of elective courses specifically focusing on computer coding, robotics and engineering.

Our approach toward social and emotional learning values the whole child. At Katherine Johnson STEM Academy, students learn to navigate the complex world of adolescent emotions through a socialemotional framework that emphasizes awareness of the emotions that are experienced each and every day. Through community circles, mindfulness and restorative justice

Wright students participate in a STEAM Project.

WNS students enjoy story time in their unique classroom space.

Katherine Johnson STEM Academy students work on a STEM project.

practices, students learn the values and skills of empathy and inclusion.

Local support for KJSA has swelled in our first several years. A generous partnership with Google has funded a $50,000 STEM-lab, and support from surrounding businesses and organizations such as the LAX Coastal Education Foundation, SoCalGas and Alpha Kappa Alpha have allowed students to attend STEM camps on scholarships, fund 3D-printers and robotics technology, as well as support social and emotional development initiatives.

This year, we were excited to start the school year with in-person learning once again for our scholars, as they progress toward their eventual culmination at the end of their eighth-grade year. Students culminating from Katherine Johnson STEM Academy are well-prepared for advancing into higher level, college preparatory academic programs

and have been accepted into a variety of high schools, including DaVinci Schools, Fairfax High School, GALA, St. Bernard High School, Venice High School, Westchester Enriched Sciences Magnets and WISH Academy.

As a resident neighborhood school, our enrollment is limited to the surrounding areas of Westchester, Playa Vista and Playa del Rey. However, if seats are available, they may be subsequently offered to interested families from other areas of Los Angeles and the greater L.A. area.

School tours are conducted several times during the academic year, and families must sign up in advance on our website to attend a tour.

Enrollment applications for the 2022-2023 school year will be made available in January.

For more info or to signup for a tour, please visit kjstemacademy.org or engage with us on social media.

Contributed by KJSA.

WNS: An education embracing discovery, inspiration and innovation

Westside Neighborhood School is a leading independent school for PS-8th grade students in the heart of Silicon Beach. WNS believes community is the foundation for nurturing innovative and creative thinking. Every day, we create meaningful opportunities for students of diverse backgrounds to collaborate and learn from each other. Our shared future benefits from their informed compassion. The school’s program is built on four pillars: Academic Excellence; Character; Diversity, Equity and Inclusion; and Community. Faculty members model what they teach: respect and responsibility, love of teaching and joy of learning, sense of humor, open communication and teamwork. Students are encouraged to be creative, independent and self-disciplined. We believe in the importance of fostering resilience in our students and value perseverance, effort and learning from our mistakes.

WNS students understand the importance of community while respecting individual differences.

Our goal is to instill in our students a love of learning, cultural sensitivity and a deep understanding of our world both in and outside the classroom.

WNS has safely welcomed all students back to in-person instruction for the 2021-22 school year in accordance with local guidelines. For more information regarding our Return to School Plan, we invite you to visit our website.

To learn more about WNS and the admission process, visit wns-la.org.

Contributed by WNS.

Get involved in the Education Committee for ways to support schools The Neighborhood Council of Westchester/Playa’s Education Committee will continue meeting virtually the fourth Wednesday of every month at 6:30 p.m.

The council’s new Education Director, Faneeza Mohamed, who is also a coordinator at Wright STEAM Magnet, joins Youth Director, Heather Tuttle, as co-chair of the committee.

This year, the Education Committee is focusing on strengthening relationships and pathways between local schools, revitalizing partnerships with community organizations, engaging our youth stakeholders to get involved and encouraging parent leaders to have Page 20 • October 2021

Heather Tuttle and Faneeza Mohamed are the co-chairs of the Neighborhood Council of Westchester/Playa’s Education Committee.

Spotlight on Schools

their voices be heard.

The Committee is hopeful that together we can continue to strengthen, empower and advance our local schools.

Please visit the NCWP Education Committee’s website to learn more about opportunities for you to get involved at ncwpdr.org/education.

It truly takes a village and the Education Committee thanks you for supporting our local schools and tomorrow’s leaders!

We look forward to you joining us at our next meeting on Wednesday, October 27 at 6:30 p.m.

Contributed by Heather Tuttle and Faneeza Mohamed, NCWP Education Committee Chairs.

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

St. Anastasia Catholic School 8631 Stanmoor Drive Los Angeles, CA 90045 school.st-anastasia.org

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

Spotlight on Schools

October 2021 • Page 21

Westchester Lutheran celebrates opening of new Early Learning Center Westchester Lutheran Preschool first opened in 1965 and welcomed up to 27 children from ages three to four each day. Fifty-six years later, Westchester Lutheran Preschool is opening again, but this time as an Early Learning Center, serving children ages six weeks to 5 years!

When the COVID-19 pandemic arrived, like many centers, WLS’ preschool had to close. However, instead of opening up a few months later, the congregation’s leaders decided this was an opportune time to freshen up the facility and bring it up to current standards and best practices.

The classrooms were emptied and everything was sorted. Walls were painted, infant and toddler rooms were created and countertops and sinks were installed in each room, making it easier to maintain important cleaning protocols.

Outside, was a similar situation; older equipment was removed and new more natural climbing structures and play platforms were installed. Mud kitchens, sensory tables and sand areas were set up in each yard.

Importantly, now each classroom has its own play yard and restroom, which is very helpful for keeping cohorts

At left: A look inside a classroom in Westchester Lutheran’s Early Learning Center. Right: Shirley Becker brings more than 25 years of experience to her new role as the center’s director.

separated during this unique time.

When it comes to staffing, we have been very careful and thorough in the search process, searching for qualified, experienced, creative and loving teachers.

In our new Early Learning Center, our philosophy is a playbased program, with a focus on helping children learn and grow socially and emotionally, in addition to strengthening muscles and coordination, and getting children ready for kindergarten. Many opportunities for exploration and

discovery are set up each day both inside and out. We want the children to learn self-regulation skills, how to be a good friend and how to cooperate with others. Children learn letters and numbers through the activities planned to help children learn those concepts. Because we are a ministry of Westchester Lutheran Church, a faith curriculum is a part of each day and includes simple Bible stories and songs to introduce children to the love of God. The new director of the early learning center is Shirley Becker.

Shirley has many years of experience in developing early childhood programs where children can thrive.

She comes to WLS from First Lutheran Early Education Center in Torrance, where she led and grew their Early Education Centers for 25 years.

Creating art experiences for the children is one of Shirley’s passions.

She loves to sit down with the children, providing art materials and giving them the opportunities to discover and stretch their creativity as they learn to handle the materials.

Another of her passions is creating environments that are beautiful and peaceful, where children feel safe, and where there are many open-ended activities that catch the children’s interest and invite them to experiment and explore.

Shirley feels that the outside environment is just as important as inside and encourages her teachers to set up their play yards daily with interesting materials and activities. A focus on nature and natural materials is emphasized, and planter boxes in each yard give children the chance to observe life cycles of plants.

Learn more at wlcs.org.

Contributed by Westchester Lutheran.

WISH Academy maximizes every scholar’s learning potential

We are incredibly proud of our first class of graduates from WISH Academy High School. This fall, one of the highlights has been seeing pictures and hearing updates of their first days from colleges across the United States and abroad. This year, the faculty and staff were thrilled to welcome students back onto campus to engage in exciting academic programs, CIF sports teams, leadership opportunities, and really awesome clubs created through student and faculty partnerships!

WISH Academy continues its mission to maximize every scholar’s learning potential within an atmosphere of caring and belonging that’s grounded in collaboration, a meaningful and engaging curriculum and a commitment to excellence for all the young people we serve.

WISH Academy has four unique pathways for students to further develop a foundation in the areas they love. Students can step into the role of a medical investigator, surgeon, and biomedical engineer through our exciting and challenging Project Lead the Way Biomedical curriculum or they can design a home, program electronic devices, or explore algae as a biofuel source in our Engineering pathway courses. Alternatively,

Page 22 • October 2021

WISH Academy’s first senior class celebrates their graduation.

students can participate in the amazing experience of performing in live theater, dance, and musical productions with the Visual and Performing Arts pathway, or if they have strong feelings about justice, current affairs, political science, and the world, they can choose to dive into the Liberal Arts and Civic pathway.

“We are passionate about excellence in education and the WISH Academy faculty is impressive,” declares Ms. Mowll, WISH Academy High School principal. “From the diverse and challenging courses and programs we offer, to the small class sizes, to the

Spotlight on Schools

personalized attention and support each student receives, we ensure each child’s achievement is maximized.”

While students are also excited about the pathway courses and academic opportunities such as astronomy class, everyone is talking about the upcoming Homecoming dance and our undefeated Varsity Volleyball team!

Parents and families recognize the importance of selecting a quality high school where their child can meet their goals and step into the colleges and universities of their choice.

WISH schools pride themselves

on our family partnerships and open communication. We work together to ensure quality, access, commitment, encouragement, engagement, and much more, so our students thrive individually and collectively.

“I love that my teachers know me and give me direct feedback to improve my writing–they are always pushing me to the next level.”–WISH 10th-grade student “My favorite thing about working at WISH Academy is the students! They are kind, funny, respectful, and most of all, interested in learning.” –WISH Academy faculty member “My 12th grader was thrilled with her college options thanks to her hard work and the incredible rigor, guidance, and support from the WISH Academy faculty.” –WISH 12th-grade parent, Class of 2021 For families and students looking for a personalized and enriching high school experience that prioritizes college and career readiness, lifelong friendships, extra-curricular experiences, and meaningful and engaging learning experiences, join us on a tour! Learn more at wishcharter. org/apps/pages/visit.

Contributed by WISH Academy High School.

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

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

Spotlight on Schools

October 2021 • Page 23

For Visitation, a year of distance learning was not disrupted learning

For more than a year, the pandemic forced schools across the country into distance learning. And now, we’re all hearing about the pandemic’s toll on education. Nationally, test scores show progress slowed during this disrupted year. However, bucking the national trend, Visitation’s students are continuing to test either on or above grade level.

While we are beyond thrilled to be back in the classroom, we are also immensely proud of our families, students and faculty for their efforts throughout the past year. Our in-class indicators are showing our students continued to progress on or above grade level in reading and math.

In fact, throughout the entirety of distance learning, we even managed to continue offering our physical education, music, arts and foreign language programs.

Teaching and learning ukulele

Visitation students enjoy the first few weeks back on campus.

and flute over Zoom is no easy feat.

But, our Bulldogs did it. Maintaining a reading buddy program through breakout rooms is no easy feat. But, our Bulldogs did it. Conducting STEM lab experiments over Flipgrid is no

easy feat. But our Bulldogs did it.

Faced with challenge after challenge that threatened to disrupt every facet of their education, our Bulldog community used its ingenuity and resourcefulness to continue to provide

for our students. We adapted quickly, throwing ourselves full throttle into uncharted territory. We applied for and received generous grants. Our educators doubled as editors and onscreen personalities, and our parents became IT specialists. As a result, our students continued to achieve.

As we enter back into classrooms, thrilled to be back together in person, we are continuing our longstanding tradition of striving towards academic excellence. Our enrollment has stayed consistent and our extra-curricular activities and sports programs are off and running. Despite a year and a half long global pandemic, Visitation has taken the learning of the recent past, and come out on the other end stronger, stable and more resilient than ever.

Go Bulldogs!

Contributed by Visitation School.

Vistamar School opens new Viking Commons

The COVID-19 pandemic heightened many issues of inequity and food insecurity across our region.

Vistamar School, an independent college preparatory day school serving grades nine through 12 recently announced the official opening of the Viking Commons, a new gathering space and commercial kitchen providing a nutritious lunch to the entire school community every day, at no daily charge.

“Our school is built on community and equity. The Viking Commons provides an important way for everyone in our school community to come together over a great equalizer, food,” stated Chris Bright, Vistamar Head of School. “We’ve removed the stress of having to figure out what to do about lunch every day and instead, provide an array of healthful food options at no added daily charge in a beautiful space to meet.”

Page 24 • October 2021

Living a healthy and balanced life is one of Vistamar’s core values, and the Viking Commons supports this value.

Healthful, nutritious and delicious lunches are prepared from scratch daily onsite. Our food service partner takes a “wellness” first approach, providing custom menus that are flavorful, provide variety and also support local

Spotlight on Schools

and sustainable agricultural practices.

Designing the Viking Commons was a collaborative effort. The design, fundraising and building process incorporated the work of Vistamar’s trustees, staff, parents and the architect, ODAA Architecture. Care was taken to echo the innovative, open space design of the school and reinforce the school’s

commitment to best practices in education. The Viking Commons is one of the most dramatic building upgrades since the school was founded in 2005.

Vistamar is an independent college preparatory day school located in El Segundo. The founders’ vision was to tap into the diversity of Los Angeles to bring together students who could learn from each other the skills and attitudes necessary for global citizenship. The Vistamar mission rests on three pillars: challenging academics that engage and inspire students; an intimate atmosphere that supports students with caring relationships; and a diverse community that encourages the authentic exchange of perspectives and leads students to be comfortable crossing cultural boundaries.

Vistamar believes there’s a better way to do high school.

Learn more at vistamarschool.org.

Contributed by Vistamar.

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

PROUD MEMBER:

Thank You for Voting us One of Your Favorite Child Care Providers!

Infant-ToddlersPreschool-Kindergarten

Carousel Preschool and Infant Center serves children birth through 6 years old in a nurturing, stimulating environment where the cultures and families are embraced and supported.

Non-Public Elementary & High School (NPS)

Serving students with special needs 3-22 years.

We offer Designated Instructional Services (DIS) which includes: • Speech & Language Therapy • Occupational Therapy • Physical Therapy • Counseling

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

We offer Designated Instructional Services (DIS).

Adult Day Program (ADP)

Carousel is currently serving adults 18-55. Some of the program highlights are: • Opportunities to enhance and maintain levels of independence • Daily community integrated programs

Early Intervention (EI) Program

Infants and Toddlers at Risk For Development Delay 18 month - 3 years

After School Program

The After-School Program offers a balanced curriculum in which social and recreational activities are designed to promote the physical, social, emotional, and creative development of each child. The After-School Program serves children ages 5-18.

7899 La Tijera Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90045 Ph. (310) 645-9222 | carouselschool.com Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News

Spotlight on Schools

October 2021 • Page 25

Goethe Charter School offers international focus Since 2009, Goethe International Charter School (GICS) has been offering a unique learning program with an international focus for students and families. Located on the campus of Marina del Rey Middle School, GICS is a tuition-free independent charter school that provides a rigorous curriculum for all students that challenges the mind and nourishes the heart. Named after scientist and philosopher Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (pronounced “Gurta”), GICS is an authorized International Baccalaureate World School for the Primary Years Programme and a Candidate School for the Middle Years Programme.

The International Baccalaureate (IB) program is central to Goethe. IB is a worldwide association of schools that develop a specific written, taught and assessed curriculum. The GICS program is based on the acquisition of

significant and relevant knowledge and skills, the development of conceptual understanding, the formation of personal, positive attitudes and the capacity for students to take responsible actions. Our approach to learning is based on inquiry and encourages critical thinking and real-world application for all students.

A key aspect of the IB program is the focus on language. Goethe offers a German Language Immersion program that is structured as 50 percent English and 50 percent German. About 20 percent of our students come into the program with prior German language experience while 80 percent are new to the language. In third through fifth grades, students have an option of enrolling in the German Language Acquisition program which delivers core content in English while acquiring German language as a specific subject.

multiple languages is essential to understanding cultures and effective communication.

Goethe also values Social Emotional Learning (SEL) as a major emphasis for students. The SEL Team trains student SEL Ambassadors and structures specific positive activities that provide opportunities for students to exercise and model kind behavior.

An important part of what makes our school special is parental and community support. We encourage active participation in our many family activities, student-led conferences, Starting in third grade, Spanish language Goethe Parent Association, School Site Council, various committee work is also introduced in a twice-weekly and fundraising activities throughout acquisition format. In middle school, the year. Come for a visit and consider students have a choice of Spanish or joining our very special community! advanced German as their language Learn more at goethecharterschool.org. class. The strong focus on language Contributed by Goethe. underscores our belief in a world perspective in which understanding

St. Mark provides opportunities for philanthropy and art St. Mark School in Venice is a Catholic school that fosters the development and education of the whole child while also providing opportunities to practice the faith through community service, philanthropy and artistic creativity.

St. Mark first opened its doors to students in 1949 and continues to serve the Westside of Los Angeles as

Page 26 • October 2021

an elementary school with classes from TK through eighth grade. St. Mark is a fully accredited school with an average class size of 20 and a student to teacher ratio of 14 to 1. Our education program includes religion, Lucy Calkins Readers & Writers Workshop, Cognitively Guided Instruction (CGI) math, responsive classroom pedagogy, Spanish, music, art, science and

Spotlight on Schools

physical education.

Graduates from St. Mark continuously get accepted into the high school of their choice. St. Mark School is blessed to have the support of the parish community, the amazing school staff and teachers, as well as the parents and students who call St. Mark School home.

For more on St. Mark School, join

our upcoming Admissions Information Session on November 16 at 8 a.m.

Attendees will meet with principal Dr. Tricia Holmquist, see our students and teachers in action, as well as participate in a Q&A session with our students and parents to experience what makes St. Mark School special. For more details and dates, visit the stmarkschool.com.

Contributed by St. Mark School.

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

St. Anastasia focuses on academics, faith and activities St. Anastasia Catholic School has kicked off an exciting new school year! While continuing to work to keep all our faculty and students safe, the administration, faculty, PTO and students are working diligently to focus on academics, faith and extracurricular activities for the 2021-2022 school year.

Last year, the COVID-19 pandemic put many of our traditions on pause.

We safely and successfully held outdoor movie nights, online cooking classes, a family move-a-thon, an online Christmas program, our musical, our Parish Ball, and most importantly, we brought back our students to campus.

This year, we added a second Junior Kindergarten classroom, expanding our Panther family. We now have two classes of our littlest Panthers enjoying learning! We are excited to welcome new faculty to our school as well: Señora Hennig (JK through 8th grade Spanish), Coach Matthew McFarline (Athletic Director, Physical Education Teacher), Mr. Julian Quinones (Jr. High Social Studies), Ms. Juliana Farello (Junior Kinder Teacher), Ms. Stephanie Gonzalez, Ms. Francisca Robledo and Mrs. Veronica Avery (Instructional Assistants).

We have introduced the Thinking Maps program in JK through 8th

Grade. Thinking Maps are a visual language used to represent the eight different thought processes that we use on a regular basis. Visualizing our thinking allows us to have a concrete image of our abstract thoughts. We are also creating a common language on campus that benefits all our learners. As we started the school year, we introduced a map to our students weekly. Soon, the students will know how to build all eight maps in any of their classes.

Due to the generous donations of our community during our Parish Ball, we were able to update our classroom and hallway floors. Not only does this update the look of

our school, but it creates a safer environment for all our students.

Our floors can be easily cleaned daily.

We are also thrilled to announce that our athletics program is back up and running! This fall, we are competing in golf, cross country, volleyball, and flag football through both FIYA and CYO leagues. Coach McFarline has been working closely with our coaches and teams to make sure our athletes are safe and successful! Go Panthers!

The St. Anastasia musical is also back! We look forward to having our Panthers shine in 2022 as they bring the musical Matilda Jr. to life

on stage. While we had a successful rendition of Schoolhouse Rock Jr. on the big screen last year, we can’t wait to be back in a theater safely. Keep an eye on our school website and social media for more information!

St. Anastasia is a Catholic school and ensuring our relationship with our parish is strong and a priority.

We have started family masses at our 9 a.m. mass. If you join us, you will either see a Panther reading at mass or a Confirmation student. You are always welcome to worship with us on Sunday and get a glimpse of our community!

We are currently engaging in a strategic planning process with Catholic School Management. We have many strengths on our campus, but we want to plan for a successful and brighter future so we can serve many Panthers and provide a quality Catholic education to our neighborhood. If you are interested in learning more about our school, please do not hesitate to reach out to us!

You may email the principal, Mrs. Angelica Krestin, directly at akrestin@st-anastasia.org. Please save the date of January 30, 2022 for our Open House if you are interested in joining our family!

Go Panthers!

Contributed by St. Anastasia School.

• STEAM on Fridays • One-to-One Technology (Chromebooks & iPads) • Instrumental Music Class • Spanish Classes • After School Sports Programs • Choir • Art and Library Classes • Expanded Pre-K Classroom • Extended Care Program

@portal_schools | portalschools.org Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News

Spotlight on Schools

October 2021 • Page 27

PVES students apply learning in outdoor classrooms

St. Jerome celebrates increased enrollment

St. Jerome School is a Catholic school nestled in the heart of the Westchester neighborhood. We are often referred to as the hidden gem of Catholic schools in Westchester.

Our large campus boasts small class sizes that are capped at 24 students, one-to-one technology for students TK through eighth grade, updated technology systems like super-fast internet, competitive sports teams, strong ties to the St. Jerome Parish Community and an amazing Student Support Organization. Additionally, St. Jerome School has enjoyed a 40 percent increase to the student population and received parish support for tuition assistance programs and financial support for additional technology. The addition of smart televisions in all classrooms with Apple TVs have improved the blended learning strategies employed by all teachers. Fully remodeled bathrooms in the main building and new easy clean vinyl floors throughout all three buildings have improved the infrastructure for increased enrollment needs. In addition, we have expanded our pre-kindergarten facility to provide ample spacing for our mini-Spartans. Of course, our gym is the envy of Westchester schools and home to many FIYA leagues and community recreational events.

St. Jerome School has close access to the 405 freeway which makes our school a great place for families who

commute. The increase in our student population has enlarged our staff and administrative team with the addition of a Vice Principal, Dr. Hedako Brown. Together, with our principal, Tom MacDonald, the St. Jerome School staff is excited for continued growth to benefit our entire Spartan Family.

During the in-person student return to campus, the SJS Student Safety Taskforce has worked diligently as a team to keep all students and staff safe by exceeding the CDC protocols. Specifically, the class sizes are small, students are given frequent mask breaks and the blended learning programs that are offered provide an enriching online environment for the students who are attending school in-person or via distance learning.

Last but not least, St. Jerome School was recently awarded a STEM grant in the amount of $8,000 by the LAX Coastal Education Foundation and SoCalGas for the addition of a greenhouse for the SJS campus. The students will grow organic fruits and vegetables in the greenhouse, explore the benefits of composting, learn about nutrition and the importance of maintaining renewable resources.

Without question, St. Jerome School is on the rise and excited for you to schedule a tour today and become a Spartan! Learn more at st-jeromeschool.org.

Contributed by St. Jerome.

Playa Vista Elementary School (PVES) is a unique place to learn!

Our students and staff are back on campus all day, every day and ready to support every student. Here’s a bit about PVES. We are an LAUSD STEM Certified school and the STEM demonstration school for Loyola Marymount University’s School of Education. Our teachers have created and implemented an integrated STEM curriculum for TK through fifth grade students.

PVES’ students apply their learning in our outdoor classrooms, the Ballona Wetlands and our school garden. Our students begin their studies in the Discovery Park, located next to the school that contains a model of Playa Vista and the wetlands. They then venture a bit beyond Discovery Park to include the Riparian Corridor and the freshwater marsh. They complete their studies in the saltwater marsh. We work closely with the Friends of Ballona Wetlands and have created learning experiences that build over time and gives students the opportunity for more hands-on learning.

Technology is an important part of STEM and never was this truer than during distance learning.

Our students have always used applications to support their studies and when distance learning began, it became their primary way of learning. Now that we are back on campus, students continue to engage with technology through a variety of programs. We have a computer lab where students learn coding beginning in second grade. By the fourth and fifth grade, they apply those skills to robotics. Throughout the day, students use iPads and Chromebooks to support and enhance their education. This outstanding technology program is supported through donations from our parents and community partners.

Our arts program includes primary music classes led by Musikbox for our TK, kindergarten, first grade and second grade students, general music instruction for third grade students and vocal music in fourth

and fifth grades led by an LAUSD music instructor. Artsy Kids, a visual arts program, is enjoyed by all grade levels.

Our social/emotional curriculum begins on the first day of school!

Transitional kindergarten through second grade students participate in Second Step, a program that nurtures social-emotional competence and develops foundational learning skills. In third through fifth grade, students put their skills into practice and participate in our social justice program. Our goal is to have every student learn the skills needed to resolve conflicts in a positive way and deal with demands of school in a positive, productive way.

Playa Vista Elementary School is an LAUSD neighborhood school that serves the Playa Vista and One West Bluff communities. Any family living within these communities is invited to enroll their child/children. At the present time, we are unable to enroll students on permits.

Please visit our website at playavistaschool.com for more info or call us at (424) 228-1800.

Contributed by Playa Vista Elementary School.

Portal Schools offers high school degree and college credit Portal Schools delivers high school, college and career immersion all on one campus. Our intentionally diverse communities and personalized approach to learning empowers students to find their voice, blaze their own trail and thrive as engaged citizens. Portal Schools are designed with students at the center of an immersive, individualized, and flexible high Page 28 • October 2021

school experience. Through Portal Schools’ project-based curriculum, students explore their own strengths and interests through authentic and real world experiences.

The Portal advantage includes: • Personalized experience for each student, leveraging student voice and choice • Intentionally diverse community with small cohorts Spotlight on Schools

• Early college model, completing high school and college coursework simultaneously • Career-immersed learning • Flexible schedule designed to meet a family’s need Portal graduates are positioned to become game changers and innovators in an evolving world.

After Portal, students can choose to pursue any path of their dreams and

will have all the tools to thrive.

Portal Schools is now accepting applications for 9th graders for fall 2022. Our first site is embedded on the campus of Belkin International, a leading global technology company.

Schedule a virtual information session or school tour today!

Visit portalschools.org for more info.

Contributed by Portal Schools.

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

Carousel creates positive learning experience for students Carousel School and its programs have been serving the Westchester/ Playa community for 35 years. These programs include: high quality Early Childhood Education for infants and preschoolers; Early Intervention for children at risk for developmental delay; Non-Public School and After School Programs for students with special needs ages 3-22; and Adult Day Programs for adults with disabilities.

Our staff of qualified, certified and credentialed teachers, therapists and assistants provide a stimulating and nurturing environment while offering a comprehensive educational program within our school systems, and adaptive modifications when necessitated, to enable all students to successfully access the curriculum for a positive learning experience.

The preschool offers an academic, positive experiential curriculum complemented with lessons in Mandarin Chinese and Spanish, as well as academic thematic-based curriculum with learning scaffolding that aides children through proximal development. The children enjoy science, language arts and dramatic play, with daily opportunities for free play and PE. Our Early Intervention Program

Carousel School recently received a $2,500 art grant to purchase supplies for their students.

Pictured: LAXCEF Vice President, Lory Sarlo, (center) delivers the check to Carousel Executive Director, Maria Davis (right) and school staff.

is a full-inclusion integrated therapeutic classroom environment with typically developing peers that includes clinical support services for children 18 months to three-yearsold who are at risk for developmental delay. Round-trip transportation is available.

The Non-Public School Program at Carousel provides speech and

language therapy, occupational and physical therapy, specially designed physical education, behavior intervention and counseling. Our therapy services offer individualized programs tailored to meet each child’s needs as authorized on their Individual Education Plan. The students have access to augmentative alternative communications learning

tools to assist them in accessing their educational curriculum. All classes participate in an annual Winter Program performance for their friends and families.

The After School Program provides a balanced curriculum in which social and recreational activities are designed to promote the physical, social, emotional and creative development of each child. The After-School Program serves children ages 5-18.

Carousel’s Adult Day Program is a therapeutic and structured full-day program dedicated to enhancing the lives of adults ages 18 to 55 with developmental disabilities through strengthening their skills and creating ongoing learning opportunities with modifications when necessary. Some of the programs that our adults participate in are delivering Meals on Wheels to homebound individuals, gathering up the U.S. Flags at the Veterans Cemetery after Memorial Day, assembling care packs for the Midnight Mission and volunteering at Petco and the Auto Museum.

Families interested in enrollment or more information can call (310) 645-9222 or visit carouselschool. com.

Contributed by Carousel School.

The mission of the LAX Coastal Education Foundation is to support and enhance the highest quality educational environment for students, educators and parents in the LAX Coastal Area.

Since 2017, we've given back more than

$350,000

supporting all our local schools!

JOIN US IN MAKING OUR SCHOOLS THRIVE! We're looking for volunteers passionate about education in our community!

You're invited to our Virtual School Expo October 21st, 5:30-6:30 PM | RSVP at laxcef.org

THANK YOU TO SOCALGAS FOR FUNDING OUR STEM GRANTS! Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News

Spotlight on Schools

October 2021 • Page 29

Photos courtesy the pet owners.

PET

CONTEST! Maxwell

There’s no doubt our readers love their four-legged family members, and this year more than 200 photos were sent in for our Second Annual Pet Photo Contest with Wallis Annenberg PetSpace!

The photos of dogs, cats, guinea pigs, rabbits and even a gold fish that filled our inbox brought us smiles, laughs and even a few “awws,” but what we really enjoyed was reading all the pet adoption stories and how much people care about their pets! Whether recently adopted during the pandemic or part of the family for years, many pet parents shared that adopting their companion animal was one of the best things that’s happened to them and their families. We also loved hearing about your pets’ unique and playful personalities, like Pepper who turns into a puppy again when he visits Westchester Park to look for gophers or Jasper who likes being naughty and finding household items, even toilet brushes!

All the photos we received were uploaded to our Facebook.com/thehtn page to share with the community who were invited to give a “like” to their favorite pictures. While we think all our pet photo contestants are winners and worthy of this year’s Cutest Pet title, in the end a cuddly poodle mix named Horchata, a sassy gray cat named Maxwell and a funloving Jack Russell Chihuahua mix named Norman won the hearts of voters and received the most likes! These three adorable pets will receive gift baskets courtesy of Playa Vista’s Wallis Annenberg PetSpace! PetSpace is now open for in-person pet adoptions, so if these photos inspire you to want a dog or cat to add to your family, please visit them or go to their website at annenbergpetspace.org to see their adoptables!

A big thank you to everyone who shared their photos and stories to participate in this fun contest that highlights the human-animal bond. Check out some of our favorite contest photos here and view the full album on Facebook.com/thehtn. Happy scrolling!

Koufax

Page 30 • October 2021

Emma

Horchata

Norman

Mocha

Mishka

Chula Sumo

Jak

Kiley Roxy

Pepper

Popcorn

Rocket

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

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

October 2021 • Page 31

Page 32 • October 2021

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