Westchester/Playa Hometown News November 2023 edition by Westchester/Playa del Rey HomeTown News

westchester

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playa del rey

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

November 2023

FUN & PHILANTHROPY with the PDR Woman's Club ...page 4

Ways to give back this holiday season ...page 10

Annual Children's Hospital Save Toy20th Drive & Animal Shelter Collection The Date Saturday, December 2nd, 9am - 12 Noon Curb-side Drop Off-Triangle Park, Trask & Waterview Ave., Playa del Rey

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Page 2 • November 2023

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

THIS MONTH BRINGS YOU THIS MONTH BRINGS YOU THIS MONTH BRINGS YOU THIS MONTH BRINGS YOU

A LOOK INSIDE THIS MONTH'S HTN AA LOOK INSIDE THIS MONTH'S HTN Woman’s Club brings together fun, philanthropy 04 LOOK INSIDE THIS MONTH'S HTN THIS MONTH BRINGS YOU Ways to give back this holiday season A LOOK INSIDE THIS MONTH'S HTN 10 In you hometown with...the Delja family Nonprofit Spotlight: Westside Pacific Villages In Pictures: YMCA Halloween Spooktacular

STAFF/CONTRIBUTORS AHOMETOWN LOOK INSIDE THIS MONTH'S HTN HOMETOWN STAFF/CONTRIBUTORS HOMETOWN STAFF/CONTRIBUTORS Stephanie Davis, Publisher HOMETOWN STAFF/CONTRIBUTORS Shanee Edwards, Contributing Fay Craton, Contributing Writer Writer Zsuzsi Steiner, Photos ABOUT THE HOMETOWN NEWS Jeff Blair, Contributing Writer Robert Higgins, Photos ABOUT THE HOMETOWN NEWS ABOUT THE HOMETOWN NEWS HOMETOWN STAFF/CONTRIBUTORS ABOUT THE HOMETOWN NEWS

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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, including The Book Jewel, Westchester Family YMCA, Playa Pharmacy, Loyola Village Library, Playa Vista Library, Truxton’s American Bistro and Cantalini’s Salerno Beach.

ABOUT THE HOMETOWN NEWS 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 Story ideas & Advertising: westchesterhometown@yahoo.com Front page: Members of the Woman’s Club of Playa del Rey, including president Julie Lansing (center), pose for a photo in front of the Del Rey Lagoon. Photo by Zsuzsi Steiner for the HTN. Zsuzsiphotography.com

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Photo 1&2 by Zsuzsi Steiner. Photo 3 by Robert Higgins Clockwise from left to right: 1. Woman’s Club members have fun posing in front of the Del Rey Lagoon. 2. The group has fun participating in this year’s Fourth of July Parade with a Baywatch-themed entry. 3. Scholarship Chair Hilda Almada-Higgins and Club President Julie Lansing celebrate a student receiving a college scholarship earlier this year.

PdR Woman’s Club brings together fun, philanthropy and socializing By Shanee Edwards The third annual Woman’s Club of Playa del Rey’s (WCPDR) Makers’ Market and collection drive for Food Pantry LAX is set to take place on Saturday, November 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with dozens of vendors ready to show off their creations for sale, live music and food. For a flourishing membership organization of more than 100 women that’s constantly growing, this is just one of the many creative and big-hearted ways the club serves the local community, continuing an 85year tradition of sisterhood. Not Your Mom’s Woman’s Club.

Julie Lansing joined the WCPDR in 2016 and now proudly serves as its president. Julie is a first-generation American whose parents came from Mexico for their shot at the American Dream. Witnessing her parents’ hard work and dedication to family and community, she tries to replicate those strong values in her work with the club. After retiring from her career as Director of the Section Eight Housing Program in Santa Monica, it was her hairdresser who invited her to a luncheon. “I fell in love with that first meeting, and I joined on the spot. I came from a very regulated, structured industry, but I’d always wanted to be an event planner. Joining the Woman’s Club gave me an opportunity to explore my skills in that area. I jumped on the board, and I was one of the first that came up with the concept of having a makers’ market,” says Julie, who’s seen membership at the club nearly double Page 4 • November 2023

in the last few years–and that’s no accident. “We’re not your mom’s Woman’s Club! We’re not all blue-haired women who get together just to socialize. We offer so much more now because women want sisterhood, and they want a group that is diverse–diverse in backgrounds, race and our professional careers. When you come to our meetings, you’re going to see that diversity, and you’re going to feel it,” she says.

“

We offer so much more now because women want sisterhood, and they want a group that is diverse. At any given meeting, members will be sitting at a table with women who are retired, have high-powered careers, are entrepreneurs or work from home. “You don’t have to be 50, 60 or 70 to join our club or be retired. We’re seeing the influx of younger women,” said Julie. “In fact, we just hosted the baby shower for one of our members. We were so excited! She’s definitely our youngest member and our oldest is 95.” The group meets monthly (September through June) for a festive luncheon at their clubhouse, which features meeting announcements, a

catered lunch, a speaker and a chance to socialize. After the meeting, the women have even been known to stick around for coffee and show off their singing skills with a little karaoke. In between meetings, the club likes to keep a busy social calendar with a walking group that meets at the beach, coffee dates, sunset picnics in the park and more. Julie and fellow members love a chance to dress up, especially if a theme is involved, and they’ve had fun being an entry in the Fourth of July Parade. So far, the women have participated as suffragettes, Rosie the Riveter and members of the cast of Baywatch. A Bit of History.

According to the WCPDR’s historian and Membership Chair Vicki Ohlinger, Woman’s Clubs in the United States date back to the 19th century, when women were starting to organize social groups and fight for causes like the right to vote. As part of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs that was founded in 1890, the Playa del Rey chapter started in 1938, making it one of the community’s longest-running organizations. Part of their success is thanks to a local dentist, Dr. Richard Mazurek, who donated the building, located at 8039 W. Manchester Ave., to the club in exchange for a 50-year ground lease. Making the most of goodwill and responsible management, the Woman’s Club of Playa del Rey has their clubhouse on the second floor of the building and collects rent from the three businesses on the first floor. “Everything is all ours!” says Vicki,

proudly. A retired teacher, Vicki says her work with the group has had many positive impacts on her life, from keeping her busy to making connections. “It’s helped me gain an incredible network of friends. I know so many women, and we connect in various different ways, either by doing things with the club or socially. If I ever need assistance with anything, I can call on them,” she says. Helping students go to college.

Hilda Almada-Higgins has been a member of the club for three years and is currently the First Vice President and the Scholarship Committee Chair. A former LAUSD school principal, she now oversees the WCPDR’s mission to help high school students achieve their dream of going to college. Starting with a plan to give out one $1,000 scholarship to a female student at Westchester High School, Hilda has happily expanded the program–and the scholarship amount–to other schools. Now students from St. Bernard, Saint Mary’s Academy, Notre Dame and Venice High School are also eligible. The money comes from local donors in the community and proceeds from events like their upcoming holiday boutique. This spring, they gave out a whopping $30,000 in scholarships to local girls in need who had at least a 3.0 GPA. They plan to give out at least that much, if not more, this year. “Giving scholarships to these girls, it just brings so much joy to my heart. We read the stories that they tell us and hear what they’ve been through. (continued on page 22)

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

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November 2023 • Page 5

TheHTN.com

Local real estate agent, Jane St. John, and Flowers by Felicia owner, Felicia St. Denis, are readying for their 20th annual Playa del Rey Toy and Animal Shelter Drive scheduled for Saturday, December 2 from 9 a.m. to noon at Triangle Park. For those that can’t make it to the event, which benefits Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, a drop-off box for donations is located at Flowers by Felicia (200 Culver Blvd. in Playa del Rey) all November long.

YMCA readies to host red carpet premier and Quake Heroes Expo. Are you ready for the big one? The Westchester Family YMCA is taking a unique approach to getting the community thinking about disaster preparedness with a Hollywood-style premier and “Quake Heroes Expo” on Friday, December 1 from 6 to 9 p.m. The Y is partnering with the Southern California Earthquake Center at USC and Romascope for a free, familyfriendly, community-wide event to educate attendees on the seven steps to earthquake preparedness, with the goal to inspire neighbors to take action to secure their households and businesses in case of an emergency. The event will kick off with the Westchester premier of “Quake Heroes,” a one-hour documentary focused on survivor stories from the 1994 6.7 Northridge quake and what people can do now to prepare themselves for when the next big earthquake, or other natural disaster, strikes. After the film concludes, guests will be able to interact with experts in disaster preparedness and earthquake safety at booths. Supplies to help ready people’s households and workplaces will be available for purchase, as well. There will also be an earthquake simulator on site, a variety of activities for kids of all ages and food trucks. The event is free to attend and will be held at the YMCA’s annex at 8020 Alverstone Ave. in Westchester. Scan the QR code on the YMCA’s ad on page 24 to RSVP. New musical opens at Westchester Playhouse. The Kentwood Players will present the Tony award-winning musical, “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder” as its fall production starting November 10. The musical will run Page 6 • November 2023

celebrations the whole neighborhood can enjoy! Mark your calendars for these upcoming events that are sure to make you feel merry and bright: • LMU Tree Lighting. Join the LMU community for their annual Christmas Tree Lighting on Friday, December 1 from 5 to 8 p.m. Guests will enjoy music, crafts for kids, food trucks and photo ops with guests from the North Pole. The event is free to attend and held in the university’s Alumni Mall. • 61st Annual Holiday Boat Parade. Get ready to be dazzled by the lights and decorations at the annual Marina del Rey Boat Parade! This year’s event will be held on Saturday, December 9 with the theme “Holiday Spirit Around the World.” Spectators can watch the event from Burton Chace Park and Fisherman’s Village and cheer on the 50-plus boats that circle the channel. Learn more at mdrboatparade.org. Artist Lesley Perdomo created a beautiful chalk ofrenda for the Visitation community to honor Día de los Muertos and to help students, faculty and friends, remember and celebrate the lives of those they have lost. Students and staff took turns writing the names of their deceased loved ones along the border of the mural on October 30. Perdomo is an Inglewood resident who loves sharing her creative talents through chalk art and tattooing. For nearly 20 years, she has been transforming sidewalks, streets and communities throughout the world with colorful creations and awe-inspiring pieces that light up any path.

through December 9 with performances on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Saturday matinees at 2 p.m. will be added starting November 18. “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder” is an uproarious hit that was the most nominated show of the 2014 season. When the low-born Monty Navarro finds out that he’s eighth in line for an earldom in the lofty D’Ysquith family, he figures his chances of outliving his predecessors are slight and sets off down a far more ghoulish path. But can he knock off his unsuspecting rela-

tives without being caught and become the ninth Earl of Highhurst? And what about love? Because murder isn’t the only thing on Monty’s mind… Reserved seat tickets are $30 and can be purchased at kentwoodplayers.org or by calling (310) 645-5156. Performances take place at the Westchester Playhouse, located at 8301 Hindry Ave. in Westchester. Save the date for these magical holiday events. The holidays are here and December is just around the corner with festive

Ed Foundation hosts Art Show + Competition. The LAX Coastal Education Foundation is gearing up to host its third annual Art Show + Competition with the theme “What brings you joy.” More than a dozen K-12 schools are participating and will hold individual contests at the school-level. The winning pieces from each campus will then be displayed in the Westchester Triangle for the community to enjoy for two weeks in December. Students attending foundation schools that are not participating in the contest will have a chance to submit artwork this year through an open call. All of the artwork will be judged by artists and community members, with the top students receiving prizes. For more details and sponsorship opportunities, please visit laxcef.org. (continued on next page)

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

Photo by Zsuzsi Steiner

Business & Nonprofit News

Photo provided by GRN

WOMAN’S CLUB OF PLAYA DEL REY PRESENTS

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support GRN, an area nonprofit which delivers groceries to local families experiencing food and housing insecurity. By providing complete grocery deliveries, they are able to meaningfully offset costs to help keep people housed and nourished. Organizers are currently seeking sponsors for this event. Email Stephanie Popescu for more details at grassrootsneighbors@gmail.com or visit grassrootsneighbors.org. Have info to share about your business or nonprofit? Email us at westchesterhometown@yahoo.com.

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Santa heads to Playa del Rey for fundraiser. Santa is coming to Grassroots Neighbors (GRN)! On Sunday, December 3 from 3 to 6 p.m., the community is invited to visit the GRN headquarters for a chance to meet old St. Nick and have professional photographs taken for a suggested donation of $30. The event will be hosted at the Legado building, located at 200 Culver Blvd. in Playa del Rey. There will also be treats and activities for kids! All proceeds will

GRN’s headquarters will be transformed into a winter wonderland for a fundraiser for the nonprofit on Sunday, December 3.

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Two hometown heroes celebrate milestone birthdays

By Cozette Vergari

As we head into the tail end of 2023, and we can see 2024 just over the horizon, it is time to look back and celebrate the milestone birthdays of two of our hometown heroes who have given so much to the history and growth of the Westchester/Playa community: Mary Ellen Cassman, who celebrated her 100th birthday in April, and John Ruhlen who turned 90 just last month! Civic Trailblazer Mary Ellen Cassman grew up in Atlantic City, New Jersey with her lawyer father, her Latin teacher mother and her older brother. She graduated from Wellesley College in 1944 and worked in New York City for IBM and the Red Cross. Venturing west, she served as a resident assistant at Stanford University, and fell in love with the west coast. Eventually, Mary Ellen returned to the east coast to marry her sweetheart, Alan Cassman, whom she had known since the third grade. Alan had just graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Law. In 1951, the newlyweds drove cross country and ultimately settled in the burgeoning community of Westchester, where the Cassmans raised their three children. With Westchester having only been established a few years at that point, Mary Ellen (with the help of like-minded individuals) was on the forefront of helping build the community and organizations that make for a strong neighborhood. Her civic-minded and can-do attitude helped lay the groundwork for the volunteerism and strong community spirit that is still a hallmark of Westchester residents today. One of her early passions was bringing mental health services to the local community at a time when such needs were commonly viewed with skepticism. She was undeterred, however, as she developed community support to establish the Westchester Mental Health Guild, which, in turn, led to the opening of the Airport Marina Counseling Service. A nonprofit spotlight on AMCS that ran in the Hometown News in 2012 had former Executive Director, Kathleen O’Leary Lefferman, share the following: “In the mid-1950s there were no mental health services available in the Westchester

Pictured: Mary Ellen takes the stage at an event honoring her and her husband, Alan, for their dedication to the YMCA in 2012. John Ruhlen walks along Sepulveda to check on the efforts of the beautification project he helped oversee, which transformed the boulevard.

area. This lack concerned community leaders who were members of the “Westchester Coordinating Council” consisting of police and fire department representatives, school officials, business leaders and residents, who met monthly to review and seek solutions to community problems. They realized that we needed comprehensive health care, including mental health services. This occurred at a time when mental health issues and emotional problems were even more stigmatized than today. In fact, there was a widespread fear of psychiatry and a fear that the mental health system would invite communists to take over the country! In 1961, the original founders of Airport Marina Counseling Service appealed to the Los Angeles City Council for permission to house the clinic for a few hours a day in an unoccupied health center in Westchester…community members lobbied aggressively against the clinic and, at the time, the City Council voted 11-1 to reject the request for space. However, they did not win the day as the equally vocal band of advocates opened the clinic anyway.” Mary Ellen was a woman ahead of her time. She served as the Executive Director of AMCS for 19 years, and since her retirement, has stayed involved with the Guild and AMCS as a board member emeritus. Over her 70 years as a Westchester resident, Mary Ellen has always been the consummate volunteer and held

leadership positions with numerous organizations. At one point, she was even the photographer for the local newspaper and became active in political campaigns. She is proud of her work managing the successful campaign for Pat Russell for Los Angeles City Council, the first woman to be elected to that position. Wanting to make an impact on education and the youth of the community, Mary Ellen went back to college to earn her Secondary Teaching Credential, and became part of the English faculty at Orville Wright Junior High School. Along with her husband Alan, she also spent decades supporting the Westchester Family YMCA, dating all the way back to its inception. When fundraising for the Westchester Swim Club proved insufficient, the money that had been raised by community members including the Cassmans, became the start up funds for what was at the time a state-of-the-art building and first “family” YMCA. She held numerous roles with the organization over the years, including as a longtime board member. The community has long saluted her accomplishments—she has been awarded the Howard Drollinger Achievement Award, the Kids Need Heroes honor, Citizen of the Year and more–which has left a truly historical path in the evolution of the Westchester/Playa community.

Mary Ellen will continue to inspire and be known for her dedication to important social causes and devoting her talent and gifts to uplifting the lives of others. A Designer’s Retrospective John Ruhlen was born in Cushing, Oklahoma. In 1939, at the age six, his family moved to Southern California, just as WWII broke out. His father took a job at the Cal Shipyard Company, building ships for the war. John graduated from Gardena High School, followed by two years at El Camino Junior College, where he earned an AA degree, majoring in commercial art. While at El Camino, John was offered a position as an office assistant at Welton Becket and Associates architectural firm in the drafting department, which ultimately launched his professional career in commercial interior design. John joined and spent time in the Navy. After being discharged from the military, he returned to the Becket organization for a time, and after a few years moved to other opportunities, from observing the development of the design for the children’s science exhibit for the 1962 Seattle World’s Fair to overseeing numerous creative projects throughout the world. In 1963, he married Gail Illingworth and eventually settled in Westchester. With his wife and two sons, he became active with numerous community (continued on page 18)

Thanks, Westchester/Playa. I love being here to help in a community where people are making a difference every day. Thank you for all you do. Tatiana Ruiz More, Agent 8705 Truxton Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90045 310-450-8833 tatiana@coveredwithmore.com 2007005

Page 8 • November 2023

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

Join the Holiday Spirit at LMU Christmas Tree Lighting Friday, Dec. 1, 5 – 8 p.m. Program starts at 7 p.m. Alumni Mall

LMU is excited to bring back this annual holiday tradition for the whole family. There will be music, crafts for kids, food trucks, and photos with a special guest from the North Pole. This event is free and open to the public. Next LMU Neighborhood Advisory Committee Meeting

Nov. 29 | 6:30 p.m. Register for the meeting and view the agenda at: https://community.lmu.edu/NACmeeting If you do not have access to a computer or Zoom, you can call into the meeting at 669.900.6833. Meeting ID: 842 0371 7097.

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

November 2023 • Page 9

Giving Back

Check out these ways to spread kindness in time for Thanksgiving! Photo by Robert Higgins

Join the Clean Up Westchester crew November 4 & November 18 at 9 a.m.

Helping beautify your community is a great way to show your neighborhood pride and give back! Since 2021, a group of passionate volunteers, led by Westchester resident, Grant Francis, have donned yellow T-shirts and gone to work picking up trash along local streets. In just over two years, the Clean Up Westchester crew has grown into a mighty and dedicated team with the vision to make 90045 cleaner and more visually appealing; and engage neighbors to connect and collaborate on projects that better the community.

Photos by Zsuzsi Steiner

The group meets twice a month at a Westchester locale that needs some TLC, and volunteers are collecting an average of 25 bags of debris per outing! The group welcomes everyone to join in on the efforts, including families, community groups and students looking for service hours. On November 4, volunteers are needed to beautify Manchester and Ramsgate, and on November 18, the neighborhood is coming together to make a positive impact on Sepulveda and Manchester. Get involved at CleanUpWestchester.com.

Love decorating your home for the holidays? The Westchester Mental Health Guild is looking for local residents interested in participating in their Fourth Annual Holiday Lights Tour & Contest! Get your bulbs, bows and inflatable Santas ready and help raise money for mental health at the same time! Homes that participate in the festivities will have their location shared on a map and voting ballot. Registered tour-goers will then have the chance to go on a self-guided tour of the neighborhood and vote for their favorite homes! Prizes worth hundreds of dollars, not to mention bragging rights, will be awarded to the community’s top choices. Learn more and register at westchestermhg.org.

Donate to the PdR Toy & Animal Shelter Drive

December 2 from 9 a.m. to noon | Early drop-offs through November

Playa del Rey business owners, Jane St. John and Felicia St. Denis, are teaming up this month for their 20th Annual Toy & Animal Shelter Drive! Donations of toys (new, unwrapped) for Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and animal shelter supplies (treats, toys, beds, etc.) can be dropped-off at Triangle Park (Waterview and Trask) in PdR on December 2 from 9 a.m. to noon. After you deliver the gifts, stick around to enjoy a cup of coffee and chat with your neighbors! Those that can’t make it to the event are welcome to drop-off their donations at Flowers by Felicia during regular business hours through the end of the month. The shop is located at 200 Culver Blvd. in Playa del Rey.

Contribute to a local donation drive for the holidays

Westchester/Playa residents are busy hosting a variety of clothing, food and donation drives this month to help ensure those in need have a cheerful holiday season.

Visit our website at thehtn.com to get the details on drives that benefit: • youths in the L.A. foster care system and the Shelter Care Program. Volunteers are collecting new clothing, shoes, outer wear, toiletries and hair care items. • survivors of human trafficking. Rotarians are collecting gifts for their “Adopt a Survivor” program. • the St. Margaret’s Christmas Program. Organizers are looking for donations to fund entertainment, meals, grocery gift cards and toys for approximately 1,000 children from low-income families.

Find a cause you love and support your local nonprofits!

Westchester/Playa is home to many nonprofits that will be participating in Giving Tuesday campaigns on November 28. Find a local cause that’s near to your heart and consider donating your time, talent or treasure this month! Following your fave nonprofits on Facebook is a great way to stay up-to-date with their philanthropic endeavors and to learn about upcoming service opportunities. Some of our favorite local nonprofits include: Airport Marina Counseling Service (mental health), LAX Coastal Education Foundation (education); Grassroots Neighbors (food insecurity); Westchester Family YMCA (community services and healthy lifestyles); Westside Pacific Villages (seniors); Westchester Mental Health Guild (mental health), Friends of the Ballona Wetlands (environment) and local Rotary Clubs (community programs).

Page 10 • November 2023

Give to the Bag-It-Up Campaign Donations due by December 3

Food Pantry LAX, which was founded by the Westchester/Ladera Clergy Association in 1985, is hosting its annual Christmas Bag-ItUp campaign. Organizers are asking for the community’s support to make it a success. The goal of the donation drive is to provide pantry clients with extra large bags of groceries to make their holidays a little sweeter. Those interested in contributing can visit foodpantrylax.org and view a menu of recommended items. Food donations should be put in a sturdy bag and dropped at a local participating church or delivered to the pantry when it’s open on Tuesdays and Fridays between 8 a.m. and noon. Food Pantry LAX is located at 355 East Beach Ave. in Inglewood.

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

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A DAY O F

REMEMBR A NCE

Page 12 • November 2023

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

IN LOVING MEMORY

Helen Anne Bader Frick January 31, 1934 – October 27, 2023

Helen Anne Bader Frick “Breezy” passed away on October 27, 2023 in Westchester at 89 years young. Helen was preceded in death by her parents, Helen and Henry Bader, brother William Bader, and sister Carol Bader Brett; and is survived by her children, David Frick, Lynne Frick Lee (Ki Bum Lee), Shelly Frick Brunnenkant (Scott Brunnenkant); and grandchildren Dylan Brunnenkant (Hallie Brunnenkant), Noah Sawyers Frick (Mia Sawyers), Autumn Lee and Elan Lee. Helen grew up in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, and graduated in 1951 from John W. Hallahan Catholic Girls High School in Philadelphia. She

continued on to Chester State Teachers College, graduating as the only student at the time with a Health and Physical Education Teaching major and English Literature minor. Helen married Gene Frick in 1956 and had 3 children. After moving around the country for various jobs, Gene’s work took the family to Israel in 1968 for 3 years, and they eventually returned to the U.S. They lived back in Phoenixville for a short period of time before settling in Westchester in 1971. In California, Helen attended Cal State Dominguez Hills and received a degree in Behavioral Sciences and Sociology. She spent some time teaching Sociology, but

found that the real estate profession was a better fit while raising three children. In 1975, she went out and got her real estate license. She worked at Kent Realty for the majority of her career where she was one of the top agents in the area for many years. She both loved and was loved by her colleagues and continued to enjoy going out to open houses until her physical condition limited her mobility. She loved Westchester and its residents, and she was always very involved in local activities. Her favorite local event was the annual July 4th parade. She attended her last July 4th parade in 2022. Though Helen and Gene split in 1984, they remained good friends throughout

her life sharing family birthday celebrations and holidays together. When she wasn’t working hard, she learned to fly and accumulated many hours in single engine aircraft. She loved to travel, taking special trips with her grandchildren. You could often find her square dancing, and helping her PEO International QB Chapter. Helen will be missed greatly by her family, who were all blessed to live close by, and by her many friends, colleagues, and clients. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to PEO International, Westchester Mental Health Guild or The Alzheimer's Association.

Your friend, Robin Zacha

OWNER/REALTOR® | BRE#01263946 310.293.3043 RZacha@aol.com www.zachahomes.com Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News

6605 W. 80th Street, Westchester, CA 90045

November 2023 • Page 13

By Shanee Edwards The Delja family of five are thriving in Westchester. Though a couple setbacks, like a pandemic and a mysterious illness have tested the family’s mettle, these challenges have only brought the family closer and made their bonds even stronger. As their eldest child begins to consider leaving the nest to go to college, it’s good to know that the family has created a strong foundation that will uplift the entire flock of Deljas in both good and hard times. The tale of Jolie and Chris Delja meeting is not only romantic, but also homegrown. They met as students at Loyola Marymount University when Page 14 • November 2023

they worked as summer orientation leaders in the year 2000. Absorbing the endless sunshine and fresh sea breeze that blows onto the bluffs, Jolie says she was smitten with handsome Chris from the beginning. “Chris would ride around on his bike with his guitar. He’d write songs for me,” says Jolie. Chris chimes in, adding, “She laughed at all my corny jokes.” With love in the air, Chris saw beyond Jolie’s beautiful exterior and says, “She was smart and she didn’t take crap from anybody!” Together, the couple could easily access their playful sides. Jolie says Chris really knew how to make even the most mundane situations

enjoyable. “One time, the sprinklers were going on in a big grassy area between two dorms. He held my hand and we raced into the middle of the sprinklers, and he kissed me! It was so fun,” said Jolie. “I didn’t know that I could have so much fun with someone. We became best friends, and it was just so natural and wonderful.” After studying computer science as an undergrad, Chris got his MBA at LMU (he now works for Salesforce as a data scientist). The academically minded couple then headed for Harvard, where Jolie earned her master’s degree in maternal and child health. She’s now a researcher at UCLA, working with young children

who have histories of trauma and doing preventive work with their adult caregivers. Chris and Jolie were married in 2005 and Serra was born in 2006. Charlie followed in 2008, and the family returned to their beloved Westchester in 2009, when they bought a home. But the Delja family wouldn’t be complete without Teddy, who arrived in 2011. Both Chris and Jolie love raising their family in Westchester. Serra is now a junior at Notre Dame High School in Sherman Oaks, and younger brother Charlie is a freshman at Loyola High School. Teddy is a sixth grader at St. Anastasia, the Catholic grade school all three kids attended.

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

“Westchester is such a joy in our lives,” says Jolie. “And when times have been hard, like last year when I was sick and in and out of the hospital unexpectedly, the community rallied around us in a way that I never knew I would need and certainly didn’t expect.” Jolie was hospitalized three separate times over the course of one year with pancreatitis, but the cause remains a mystery. “The doctors never have been able to figure it out, so we don’t know if it will come back,” she says. Jolie says Chris was really supportive during her illness, and they both were impressed at how the kids took it all in stride. The first time she had to go to the hospital, they had to fend for themselves. “The house was empty,” recalls Charlie. “We were kind of on our own, so we went to Vons and that was fun.” The siblings banded together and bought raspberries and frozen pizza with their own money--not a bad menu for three unsupervised kids. To Jolie and Chris’s relief, the community stepped up. “Pretty quickly, we had activated our network and people were rallying around them and us–people from St. Anastasia, the Del Rey American Little League and Babe Ruth communities and their high schools. It was so amazing the way that everybody became our safety net. And we are very, very grateful for that,” says Jolie. Jolie has now reached the six-month mark without another episode and the entire family is feeling optimistic, allowing them to focus on happier memories like baseball. Chris has been a manager at Del Rey American Little League for 10 seasons where Teddy just aged out this year. He

has a lot of great stories. “Of all the countless baseball games I’ve coached, the one that stands out is one where we were short players,” said Chris. “It was Serra and Charlie’s baseball team, and Teddy was only six. He’s quite a few years younger than them, but we pulled him out of the stands and he was able to play in a little league game. So out of the nine players that we had on the field, three of them were my kids!” The team even won the game that day. Way to go, Teddy! Serra also had the exciting opportunity to go to Japan to represent the United States as a baseball player when she was 12. “They had a delegation of five kids that went on this goodwill trip. She played baseball with kids from 17 other countries,” says Chris. When the family isn’t focused on baseball, or musical theater (Teddy is performing in “The Addams Family” next year, with the entire family volunteering to help backstage), the Deljas love to visit National Parks. “I think we’ve been to over 20 National Parks so far and there are 60, so we have a long way to go. But over Thanksgiving we’re going to do our next four: three in New Mexico and the one in Texas that touches New Mexico. We have the passport book, and we collect the stamps everywhere we go,” says Jolie. Each one of the kids has their own favorite park. For Serra, it was Yellowstone. “We went during the pandemic so there weren’t as many people there, and it was pretty cool to see the geysers,” she says. Charlie had the most fun navigating the high waters of the Narrows in Zion. “We were in full dry suits where

you have to put the suit on over your clothes, and it was kind of hard to move,” says Charlie. “But you have a walking stick to help walking in water.” Jolie recalls that Teddy was so little on that trip, he kept floating away. “We had to hold onto him and just drag him along in the water,” she says with a laugh. But Teddy’s favorite adventure was at the Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. “I like how it was a beach, a jungle, and it had a volcano at the same time,” he says. But for the Deljas, life isn’t all about traveling the 50 states and having fun adventures. Getting support from the Westchester community means they want to give back, too. “We’re starting to get involved with Clean Up Westchester, which is a group that’s doing the hyperlocal cleanups all over the place. Teddy and I did that last weekend and liked it a lot,” says Jolie. The family is also involved in a grassroots neighborhood group called One Voice Westchester that’s looking at the City of L.A.’s plans to upzone parts of 90045. “We’re working hard to figure out how to work with the city to get affordable housing to happen without disturbing the neighborhoods and the homes that exist. And the kids have been really wonderful because they show up to the rallies with me, and they do all the things that we need to do,” says Jolie. It’s easy to see how close-knit the Delja family is based on the wide range of activities they enjoy doing together. As much as they give to Westchester, they continue to get back even more. With the strong community supporting all five of them, it will be exciting to see where the next adventure takes them, locally and beyond!

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

How long has Westchester been your hometown?

We moved to Westchester to attend LMU in 1998 and 1999, and have lived here most of the last 25 years. We became homeowners in Westchester in 2009.

What does the perfect day in Westchester look like to you?

Taking a morning yoga class at Sunstone Yoga or a walk on the Fire trail, grabbing sandwiches for lunch from Olive It, then enjoying a baseball game at DRALL or Babe Ruth, watching the sunset at the beach with friends, and catching an LMU basketball game! After such a busy and joyful day, we’d order Ayara Thai or Truxton’s for a delicious take-out dinner!

Since you’ve made Westchester your home, what is the biggest change you have seen in the community?

We remember when the Fourth of July Parade was just getting started—Chris was a student at LMU and helped set up the bleachers for the first parade in 2000. People didn’t realize then that it would become a part of the rhythm of our Westchester lives! Now we can’t imagine a summer without it! Similarly, we’ve been watching the Westchester Arts & Music (WAM) Block Party grow into an annual tradition that the whole community looks forward to.

We are so grateful for the rhythms and routines of Westchester that have enriched our family life beyond anything we could have dreamed.

There are so many great people and businesses in this community; is there anyone you would like to give a special shout-out to? We want to give a big shout-out to Todd the Volunteer, who is always working hard on Manchester and other spots to beautify our community. If you’d like to support his important work, visit gofundme. com/f/volunteer-worker/share.

November 2023 • Page 15

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CEDARS-SINAI MARINA DEL REY HOSPITAL

By Lisa Gaines, By By LisaLisa Gaines, Gaines, By Lisa Gaines, Gaines, What to Expect By Lisa Gaines, ByLisa Lisa Gaines, By Lisa Gaines, By Lisa By Gaines, NCWP Board Member/Outreach Committee Chair NCWP NCWP Board Board Member/Outreach Member/Outreach Committee Committee Chair Chair NCWP Board Member/Outreach Committee Chair NCWP Board Member/Outreach Committee Chair NCWP Board Member/Outreach Committee Chair NCWP Board Committee Chair started By Lisa Gaines, By LisaByGaines, NCWP Board Member/Outreach Committee Chair NCWP Board Member/Outreach Committee Chair Lisa Gaines, Construction Member/Outreach will continue to progress in the previously NCWP ember/Outreach ommittee Board Chair Member/Outreach Committee NCWPNCWP Board Chair Member/Outreach Committee Chair Committee Chair areas around the hospital as highlighted below. 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A copy of this letter is available oat ncwpdr.org/ncwpspeaks-out-on-community-plan-update/ ommunity-plan-update/ date/ speaks-out-on-community-plan-update/ speaks-out-on-community-plan-update/ Community Services Committee: Community Community Services Services Committee: Committee: Community Services Committee: Community Services Committee: Community Services Committee: Community Services Committee: Community Services Committee: Community Services Committee: Community vices : Committee: Services Community Committee: Services Committee: Community Services Committee: TBD. Debra Huston, chair, plans to address needs of ofof Date TBD. TBD. Debra Debra Huston, Huston, chair, plans to address to of Date of Date TBD. Debra Huston, chair, plans address needs TBD. Debra Huston, chair, toto Date TBD. Debra Huston, chair, plans to address address needs of Date Date TBD. Debra Huston, chair, plans toaddress address needs of Date Date TBD. Debra Huston, chair,chair, plans toplans address needsneeds ofneeds Date TBD. Debra Huston, chair, plans toplans address needs ofneeds the community and issues impacting the quality of life of the the the community community and and issues issues impacting impacting the the quality quality of life of life of the of the the community and issues impacting the quality of life of the the community and issues impacting the quality of life of the the community and issues impacting the quality of life of the the community and issues impacting the quality of life of the Date aans Huston, toTBD. address chair, Debra needs plans Date Huston, TBD. to ofDate address chair, Debra plans needs Huston, to of address chair, plans needs to of address needs of the community and issues impacting the quality of life of the the community and issues impacting the quality of life of the TBD. Debra Huston, chair, plans to address needs of community. Th first meeting will be held in November and will community. community. Th Th first first meeting meeting will will be be held held in November in November and and will will community. Th first meeting will be held in November and will community. Th first meeting will be held in November and will community. Th first meeting will be held in November and will community. Th first meeting will be held in November and will ng he ndthe community issues quality impacting ofand life theissues ofcommunity the the quality impacting of and life issues the of the quality impacting of life of the the quality of life of the community. Th first meeting will be held in November and will community. 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Park. people who are homeless living in and around Westchester Park. people who are homeless living in and around Westchester Park. people who are homeless living in and around Westchester Park. people who are homeless living in and around Westchester Park. discuss ecle of homeless dwellers the issue and vehicle discuss the of homeless issue dwellers the of issue vehicle and of the homeless dwellers issue of and vehicle the issue dwellers of and the issue of people who are homeless living in and around Westchester Park. people who are homeless living in and around Westchester Park. discuss the issue of homeless vehicle dwellers and the issue of Complete installation of We want people to feel safe andand to be safe when using the park, WeWe want want people people tosafe feel to feel safe safe and tosafe be to be safe safe when when using using thewant the park, park, We want people feel safe be safe when using park, first floor and start We want people toto toto when using We want people toPark. feel safe and to Park. be safe when using the park, We want people tofeel feelsafe safe and tobe besafe safe when using thepark, park, people homeless and around wholiving are Westchester homeless inpeople and around who Park. living are Westchester inhomeless and around living Park. 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We want people to feel safe and to be safe when using the park, steel at the new hospital he he senior library,center. and the thesenior library, and theand senior center.center. thecenter. library, the senior Public Safety Committee: Public Public Safety Safety Committee: Committee: Public Safety Committee: Public Safety Committee: Public Safety Committee: Public Safety Committee: Public Safety Committee: Public Safety Committee: Public ommittee: Safety Committee: PublicPublic SafetySafety Committee: Committee: The next meeting willwill be held at 7atp.m. on on November 14. We will TheThe next next meeting meeting will be be held at 7at 77 p.m. on on November November 14. We We will will The next meeting will held at p.m. on November 14. We The next meeting 7 77p.m. The next meeting will be held atp.m. p.m. on November 14. We will The next meeting willbe be7held held at p.m. onNovember November 14.We Wewillwill will The next meeting will bewillheld at 7held p.m. on November 14. We will The14. next meeting will be held atbe p.m. on November 14. We 14. will have special guests: the Senior Lead Officers of the LAPD, as have have special special guests: guests: the the Senior Senior Lead Lead Officers Officers of the of the LAPD, LAPD, as as have special guests: the Senior Lead Officers of the LAPD, as have special guests: the Senior Lead Officers of the LAPD, as have special guests: the Senior Lead Officers of the LAPD, as have special guests: the Senior Lead Officers of the LAPD, as The gp.m. willnext on be November held meeting at 7The will p.m. 14.next beThe on We held meeting November will at 7 p.m. will 14. be on We held November will at 7 p.m. 14. on We November will 14. We will have special guests: the Senior Lead Officers of the LAPD, as have special guests: the Senior Lead Officers of the LAPD, as next meeting will be held at 7 p.m. on November 14. We will CONSTRUCTION HOTLINE: 800-225-8420 wellwell as a as representative from Council District 11. These meetings wellawell as as a representative aa representative from from Council Council District District 11.11. These These meetings meetings representative from Council District 11. These meetings as a aarepresentative from Council District 11. These meetings well as representative from Council District These meetings well as representative from Council District 11. These meetings ests: have ad Officers the special Senior ofguests: the Lead have LAPD, the Officers special Senior as special of guests: Lead the LAPD, Officers the Senior as of the Lead LAPD, Officers asOfficers of the LAPD, as 11. well as representative from Council District These well as a well representative from Council District 11. These meetings have guests: the Senior Lead of the LAPD, as 11.meetings are very informative and you will walk away with a wealth of are are very very informative informative and and you you will will walk walk away away with with a wealth a wealth of of are very informative and you will walk away with a wealth are very informative and you will walk away with a wealth ofof are very informative and you will walk away with a wealth of are very informative and you will walk away with a wealth of ncil entative wellDistrict as afrom representative 11.Council These well as District meetings from a representative 11. Council These District meetings from 11. Council These District meetings 11. These meetings are very informative and you will walk away with a wealth of are very informative and you will walk away with a wealth of well as a representative from Council District 11. These meetings knowledge. knowledge. knowledge. knowledge. knowledge. knowledge. knowledge. are tive alk very away and informative you withwill a wealth walk areand very away of you informative with will a walk wealth and away of you with will a walk wealth away of with a wealth of knowledge. knowledge. are very informative and you will walk away with a wealth of knowledge. knowledge. knowledge. 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A special Met on October 27 and discussed the airport’s 120-million LAX Sound Insulation Program of sound-rated energy efficient LAX LAX Sound Sound Insulation Insulation Program Program of sound-rated of sound-rated energy energy efficient efficient LAX Sound Insulation Program of sound-rated energy efficient LAX Sound Insulation Program of sound-rated energy efficient LAX Sound Insulation Program of sound-rated energy efficient LAX Sound Insulation Program of sound-rated energy efficient passenger cth and projections. street growth impact A special passenger and projections. street growth impact A special and projections. street impact A special projections. A special LAX Sound Insulation Program of sound-rated energy efficient LAX Sound Insulation Program of sound-rated energy efficient passenger growth and street impact projections. 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Associated noise: • Safety backup alarms of trucks/equipment • Rattling and grinding • Motors/generators • Humming/drilling

Continue installation of concrete walls at the energy center

Continue installation of storm drain piping along Lincoln Blvd.

Download the MyLA311 app! Available for iOS and Android devices.

Neighborhood Council ofof Westchester/Playa Board M Next Neighborhood Neighborhood Council Council ofof Westchester/Playa Westchester/Playa Board Board Meeting: Meeting: Next Neighborhood Council of Westchester/Playa Boar Next Neighborhood Council Board Next Neighborhood Council of Westchester/Playa Board Meeting: Next Neighborhood Council ofWestchester/Playa Westchester/Playa Boar NextNext Neighborhood Council of Westchester/Playa Board Meeting: NextNext Neighborhood Council of Westchester/Playa Board Meet Next Neighborhood Next Neighborhood Council NextofNeighborhood Westchester/Playa Council NextNext of Neighborhood Westchester/Playa Council Board of Westchester/Playa Council Meeting: Board of Westchester/Playa Meeting: Board Meeting: Board Meeting: Neighborhood Council of Westchester/Playa Board Meeting:

p.m., Tuesday, November 7,7,2023 6:30 6:30 p.m., p.m., Tuesday, Tuesday, November November 7,6:30 7, 2023 2023 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, November 7, 20 p.m., Tuesday, November 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, November 7,p.m., 2023 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, November 7,202 20 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, November 7, 6:30 2023 6:30 Tuesday, November 7, 2023 6:30 p.m.,6:30 Tuesday, p.m., 6:30 Tuesday, November p.m.,6:30 Tuesday, November 7, p.m., 2023 Tuesday, November 7, 2023 November 7, 2023 7, 2023 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, November 7,Loyola @2023 LAX Police | 9160 South Loyola Blvd., in in We @@ LAX LAX Police Police Headquarters Headquarters | 9160 || 9160 South South Loyola Blvd., Blvd., inHeadquarters in Westchester Westchester @ LAX Police Headquarters || 9160 South Loyola Blvd., in @ Police Headquarters | 9160 South Loyola Blvd., @ LAX Police Headquarters 9160 South Loyola Blvd., in Westchester @LAX LAX Police Headquarters 9160 South Loyola Blvd., inW

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www.ncwpdr.org • 213.4 www.ncwpdr.org www.ncwpdr.org • • 213.473.7023 213.473.7023 www.ncwpdr.org • 213. www.ncwpdr.org • 213.4 www.ncwpdr.org • 213.473.7023 www.ncwpdr.org • 213.47 w.ncwpdr.org www.ncwpdr.org www.ncwpdr.org www.ncwpdr.org • 213.473.7023 • 213.473.7023 • 213.473.7023 • •213.473.7023 www.ncwpdr.org 213.473.7023 Page 16 • November 2023

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

November 2023 • Page 17

Hometown heroes (cont’d) (continued from page 8) groups like the YMCA, the chamber, the Neighborhood Council of Westchester/Playa and the University Christian Church, to name a few. In 1978, John launched John Ruhlen and Associates, which led to work designing all of the executive offices at LAX, as well as lounges at several airports. He was integral in designing what at the time was the new police headquarters building at LAX and served as a Commissioner on the Los Angeles Human Relations Commission, as well. Like Mary Ellen, John also has a connection to past Councilwoman Pat Russell because he designed her office at Los Angeles City Hall. Over the years, John received a variety of appointments from city leaders that would give him a voice to help shape the future of the neighborhood when it came to things like mobility, art and beautification. Perhaps John’s greatest legacy to the community is his work as Chair of the Westchester Streetscape Improvement Association (WSIA) and overseeing the Westchester Landscape Entry Project. John was instrumental in obtaining assistance from Congresswoman Maxine Waters, who provided a one million dollar grant for the project to create new sidewalks, landscaping and adding left hand turning lanes to Sepulveda Boulevard. Approximately 100 new trees and vegetation, including New Zealand

Flax, Fountain Grass and Pink Trumpet Trees, were planted during the project. When you drive or walk down Sepulveda and enjoy the beauty of the blooming trees, decorative landscape and sidewalks that are no longer broken and hazardous, that was accomplished through John’s volunteer work! As he enjoys retirement and celebrating his birthday at Dinah’s for lunch with his wife Gail, he expresses his satisfaction in being able to beautify the world, serve others, enjoy his family, and having had the privilege of traveling to 36 countries. Thanks to their decades of contributions, Mary Ellen and John both have their portraits painted as part of the “You are Beautiful” mural located in the Ralphs shopping center off of Sepulveda. These two serve as great examples of the impact that volunteerism and giving back to your community can have. Their ripples of kindness and philanthropy will forever live on by inspiring other community leaders to get involved and make a positive impact wherever you can! Cozette is an attorney and lifelong resident of Westchester. She is the President of the Westchester/Playa Historical Society. Together with a group of dedicated volunteers, the organization is working on creating new programming and events to celebrate the history of the area and engage the community in preserving it for future generations.

Give the gift of community, purpose, and connectedness to seniors. When deciding how to give back this holiday season, please consider supporting Westside Pacific

Villages (WPV)–a 2023 top-rated non-profit.

WHETHER YOUR GIFT IS or donating money

volunteering time

you can help make a big difference in the life of an older person in your community.

DRIVING TO & FROM

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You can volunteer directly with older adults, at our office, or find ways to volunteer tailored to your specific interests.

Give to Westside Pacific Villages–a gift that will keep on giving.

theWPV.org | (310) 695-7030 | info@thewpv.org

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

Small Business Saturday November 25th, 2023

SoCal Science Writers November 11th | 3 PM | The Book Jewel Mona Gable’s Searching for Savanna

THE BOOK JEWEL CELEBRATES A true story of perseverance, unity, and hope, The Kindness of Color follows two immigrant families facing separate battles with racism in WWII-era Southern California. Unexpectedly, their paths intertwine, ultimately paving the way for the landmark court case Mendez, et. al v. Westminster and the desegregation of California public schools seven years before Brown V. Board of Education.

The Kindness of Color by Janice Munemitsu

The disappearance of 8 month pregnant Savanna La Fontaine-Greywind, spreads awareness of the violence against Native American women.

Sunday Nov. 12th 3PM

Kenneth Miller’s Mapping The Darkness From award-winning journalist Kenneth Miller comes the definitive story of the scientists who set out to answer two questions: “Why do we sleep?” and “How can we sleep better?”

“The Story of Two Families and Mendez, et al. v. Westminster, the 1947

desegregation of California Public Schools”

Pulitzer Prize Winner Edward Humes’ The Forever Witness A relentless detective and a civilian genealogist solve a haunting cold case–and launch a crime-fighting revolution that tests the fragile line between justice and privacy.

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

November 2023 • Page 19

For more than a decade, Westside Pacific Villages (WPV) has made it their mission to help older adults feel connected, engaged and living active lives. The membership organization thrives on connecting its members with volunteers who provide a variety of services to ensure that older adults can remain independent in the comfort of their homes and neighborhood. Some of these benefits include transportation, tech support, household chores, yard work, pet care and more. Need a walking buddy? WPV can help with that, too! Now, under the direction of longtime volunteer turned Managing Director, Ben Nguyen, WPV is doubling down on its efforts to support older adults with programs and services, ensuring the Westchester nonprofit remains a meaningful place for people to volunteer and make a difference, so everyone, no matter what their age, can have an enriching life with purpose. This month, WPV will launch a holiday donation campaign on Giving Tuesday and is preparing for their annual holiday party on December 6. Read below to learn more about Nguyen and WPV in this month’s nonprofit spotlight! Q. Please tell us a little bit about yourself. A. My name is Benjamin Nguyen, but you can call me Ben! I’ve lived on the Westside for about the same time Westside Pacific Villages was founded, but have been part of the Westchester community for five years. I am a social gerontologist, public health social worker and psychotherapist passionate about cultivating community and creating connections. Initially, I began studying Gerontology (the field of aging) at UCLA to address underlying fears and worries about disease, chronic illness and death from family experiences. I quickly became passionate about alleviating isolation among older adults, the disconnection from family and marginalization from the broader community which impacts overall quality of life and longevity. In retrospect, I realized that the issues of isolation, disconnection, and marginalization were so alluring to me because of my own sensitivities toward loneliness and feelings of being an outsider as a queer Asian-American who moved around frequently growing up. While I didn’t have this deeper insight at the time, this social issue still served as the north star that shaped my adult life and professional work. I deepened my social gerontology training to better understand the psychosocial factors that influence our adult development and ability to develop resilience across the life course in response to adverse events and stress. I was fortunate to work at the California Geriatric Education Center and to help start an Page 20 • November 2023

some resources for transportation and healthcare with a local new prosthodontist (Varisha Parikh at Parikh Prosthodontics) in the area that I was connected with via the HomeTown News! I also had the pleasure of meeting and learning more about the practice and technologies, which were conducive to specific care and sensitivities for teeth in late life. It was a perfect fit, and all local! This moment was very energizing and represented the spirit of the village to come together, connect, and share resources, support and information. Q. WPV relies heavily on volunteers. Can you share about the volunteer experience? A. Volunteers can help with activities such as driving to and from places, tech support, shopping/errands, chores around the house, yard work, being a walking buddy, pet care, friendly visits, or broad office support at the Village. We also welcome other ideas, skills and interests! Q. Since becoming Managing Director, what are some of your goals or your vision for the upcoming year? A. For this upcoming year, I would like to build and sustain more intergenerational involvement and engagement with the Village, and interest in healthy aging overall. Recently, I learned about the Village in Chicago and its “Bridging The Westside Pacific Villages team–Elvy Crane, Kathy Kyger and Ben Nguyen–pose near their Generations Board,” which involved office on Westchester Parkway. 80 young adults organizing and leading brought neighbors together to combine events within the community. There intergenerational respite care program resources, skills and support to help the is a book called “How to Live Forever: called TimeOut@UCLA. Furthering oldest members in their community, my training as a public health social The Enduring Power of Connecting the while also empowering them with the worker, I focused my efforts on Generations” by Marc Freedman, and I knowledge needed for healthy aging navigating the fragmented U.S. health would love to operationalize the various and community health. WPV’s vision care system, while also examining the themes in the book, including a Village is to create a world where all people loneliness epidemic and various social for All Ages (something for everyone). flourish and grow as they age, staying determinants of health that shape our If you’ve seen the Netflix docuseries connected with care and support within wellbeing. “Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones,” their community. In addition to the outer social I also want to get people excited Q. What is the most rewarding environment, I also wanted to about healthy aging, and the various part of working with WPV? What understand the feelings of loneliness social determinants of health that can is a recent success story for your internally, which could manifest improve our quality and experience of members? emotionally as depression or anxiety life. As a social gerontologist, I always A. The most rewarding part is symptoms. I completed clinical social say that the public health advances connecting with engaged volunteers work and psychotherapy training at in the 20th century have helped add and older adults who have lived in UCLA and Airport Marina Counseling years to life, but we haven’t paid much Westchester for years, and learning Service, centering my practice around attention to the quality of those extra about someone’s life, experience and depth, insight and relationships for years, so now it is time to add life to history in this neighborhood. This is addressing the sense of disconnection years. very grounding for me. Los Angeles that we might feel to ourselves, others, Q. How can the Westchester/ can be an isolating place because and/or family members that may stem Playa community support your there are so many people spread apart from a variety of unreconciled life efforts? a wide geographic distance–L.A. experiences, wounds and shame. A. We are always looking for more County’s population is bigger than 40 Q. Can you share about WPV’s volunteers to support us, and/or bring individual U.S. states. It is rare to find history and its mission? new ideas to the Village. Perhaps you people who live and work in the same A. WPV is a nonprofit organization are someone interested in being part dedicated to connecting neighbors with neighborhood. This can create a culture of the intergenerational efforts? If so, of loneliness which is exacerbated by neighbors to support one another and please reach out! Aside from volunteer urban sprawl and transiency. create a diverse and inclusive network support, we are a very small nonprofit Recently, I had a wonderful of services where people can age in organization, so we also always experience connecting with one of our welcome donations to keep the Village their communities, remaining active members who lives just a five-minute and engaged. running in the community for many walk from me. There was a sense It began in 2009, when Westchester more years to come! of connection and synergy as we resident Pat Brubaker wanted to Learn more about WPV, replicate the Village model from Beacon shared our experiences living in Los memberships for older adults and Angeles, and I spontaneously referred Hills, Massachusetts. This model volunteer opportunities at thewpv.org. Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News

Photo by Robert Higgins

Nonprofit spotlight: Westside Pacific Villages creates place where all people flourish and grow as they age

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November 2023 • Page 21

Woman’s Club (continued) (continued from page 4) It’s just incredible how much they put forth to continue to succeed and excel,” Hilda says. She recalls a story of one student whose mother unexpectedly passed away. “She had to go live with an aunt that she hadn’t seen in seven years,” says Hilda. “But she stayed focused and committed to doing well in school. They’re all wonderful girls and we are just so happy to be able to help them to continue their education.” Events help raise funds for a good cause.

Jan Yoss is the Club’s Philanthropy Chair and oversees the annual Makers’ Market. She says this year’s event is going to be the biggest one yet with lots of opportunities to find the perfect holiday gifts for your friends and family. “We have 40-plus wonderful, eclectic groups of vendors who will be there. We’ve got people who create everything from jewelry to ceramics; one wonderful woman brings potted succulents, another woman crochets beautiful clothing. And we do have some people who are doing mostly Christmas items,” she says. Paired with the day of shopping is a collection drive for Food Pantry LAX that helps hundreds of local families in need this holiday season. Last year, they were able to fill the beds of two pickup trucks with food. Their wish list

includes items like soup, canned ham, dry cereal, peanut butter, jelly and boxed macaroni and cheese. Typical Thanksgiving staples and monetary donations are also welcomed. The Field of Flags Memorial Day tribute that takes place in May is another event that the club invites the community to participate in. Flags are sold to raise money for veteran causes and are then displayed along the median in front of the group’s clubhouse on Manchester Ave. The number of flags and the visual impact on passersby continues to grow each year. The club hopes to one day in the near future cover the entire area in red, white and blue. The club’s goal is to donate at least 20 percent of their yearly revenue to local charities. An incredible network.

While raising money and giving back gives WCPDR members a sense of purpose, it also bonds the women together in unexpected ways. “Women want to form friendships with women with shared interests that have big hearts because that’s why they’re joining,” said Julie. “We have something really, really special. And that’s probably what I’m the most proud about. Our club is really a sisterhood.” Interesting in learning more about this nonprofit membership organization or its events? Visit wcpdr.org for more info.

Grand Prize Winner: Robin Cunningham (Middle School)

St. Jerome Church 310-348-8212 - St. Jerome School 310-670-1678 SSOCarnival@stjeromewestchester.org

Preschool Top Prize: Emilia Nguyen

Elementary Top Prize: Finley Keiper

More than 100 community youth participated in the "What I Love About Westchester" Youth Art Contest hosted by One Voice Westchester (linktr.ee/onevoicewestchester). Middle schooler Robin Cunningham was named the contest’s Grand Prize winner for a piece titled “The Diversity.” “I love the diversity in our community…in people and cultures,” Cunningham said about her work. Cunningham will be awarded $100 in cash and $100 in gift cards for local eateries. In total, 20 local youth were awarded prizes for their artistic interpretations about what they love about our beloved community. “We were thrilled to host this event so that our community’s youth could share their love for Westchester through art,” said One Voice Westchester's Jolie Delja. “Westchester Joy was on display big-time! Our community’s young people wrote about their love of their neighbors, parks, bike rides, gardens and a way of life that they are already wise enough to know is special. We believe Westchester Playa is worth protecting from the City’s upzoning plan.” Thank you to all “What I Love About Westchester” sponsors for their generous support: Benny's Tacos, Cafe Boheme, Compass-Sarah Howard, Flowers by Felicia, HomeTown News, Olive It, The Stephanie Younger Group and Tony P's.

Middle School Top Prize: Dylan Dinglasan

Page 22 • November 2023

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

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November 2023 • Page 23

Random Notes/Opinion

TheHTN.com

When it comes to steps, 10,000 may not be the magic number

By Jeff Blair

Opinion: We have all heard 10,000 steps per day is ideal for fitness. But is that an accurate number? This month, I am going to dig into the topic of how many steps you need per day to improve your health. Where did the 10,000 step number come from? You might think 10,000 steps per day started after many studies on walking, but it was more about marketing. A Japanese company selling a pedometer in the 1960s actually created it. The product was called “Manpo-kei” which translates to something like “10,000 step meter.” Research did not support the number, but “10,000 steps” had a good ring to it. How many steps does the average American get? The average American gets around 3,000 to 4,000 steps per day, which comes out to approximately 1.5 to 2 miles per day. How many steps should I get? One study of 17,000 women over 60 showed simply getting 4,400 steps per day lowered mortality rate by 41 percent compared to those who got 2,700 steps. Benefits continued to increase until they reached 7,500 steps per day, and at that point, benefits leveled off. Another study showed a 40

to 50 percent decrease in heart attacks and strokes for those over 60 who walked between 6,000 to 9,000 steps per day compared to those who only reached 2,000. If there is a consensus on how many steps you should get in daily, it falls closer to 7,500 rather than 10,000. This is especially true if you are over 60. Since the average American gets about half this amount, this should probably be our national target. If you are under 60, you might want to aim slightly higher to reach 8,000 to 9,000 steps. If you are already above those numbers, continue what you are doing. Most exercise experts would still say more steps are always better. If that number seems unattainable to you, almost any consistent step increase will help. Some people experience physical limitations which may hinder the number of steps they can take during a particular timeframe. In this case, the National Institute of Health recommends aiming for 5,500 steps per day. How much walking you can do depends on your personal situation, your age and what is realistic for you. Remember benefits accrue well before you hit the 10,000 daily step number. “It’s only walking.” If I had a dollar every time someone

told me “I don’t really exercise; I only walk” I would have lots of money! I always try to explain that walking is awesome. Walking decreases the risk for almost every major disease, helps with weight management and can even have mental health benefits. When I am feeling stressed, walking is my go-to strategy. I always feel better when I am done, and the problem of the day seems much more manageable. It is no surprise to me that walking is scientifically connected to greater creativity and better moods. Walking has even been shown to help with memory. I believe everyone should also strength train, but walking carries incredible benefits. Realistic ways to get more steps. For people wanting to get more walking in, look for small ways to increase your count. Try walking when doing your chores or running errands when possible. Since I started tracking my steps, I have been very surprised how several small walks throughout the day can make a difference. Some days you might have more time than others, so when that happens, try to move more. Calendaring time on Saturday evenings or Sunday mornings could be a good strategy to get in a longer walk. A daily

walk of 30 minutes can add several thousand steps to your daily count. Other strategies which I find useful include walking in pleasant settings (parks are great), walking with a partner or buddy and setting weekly goals. Many people also use music as a motivator, although I do not usually do that when walking outside as I like to be aware of my surroundings. Like other fitness goals, steps can be increased in a slow, steady manner. If you increase your daily average by 500 steps per week, your muscles can adjust. Your endurance will also improve over time. Be somewhat flexible with your daily counts as life sometimes interferes with our fitness plans. Aim to increase consistency over time and look for ways to make it fun and enjoyable! As we head into the holiday season, every step we take will help us stay on track! Before you start your fitness routine, consult your doctor. Jeff Blair (M.S., CSCS) is a 50 and over fitness specialist, certified personal trainer and founded the SoCalSport Personal Training Studio in Westchester in 2011. Reach him at jeff@socalsport.com for comments or questions.

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

Cultivate more of who you are through stories

P A I N T I N G

By Fay Craton

“The primary cause of unhappiness is never the situation, but your thoughts about it.” Opinion: Pumpkins become pie inA way our thoughts can release stead of jack-o’-lanterns as the year rolls unhappiness is through self-reflection, into November. I knew a woman who which can sometimes be accomplished made the best pumpkin pie using fresh by the retelling of the story. Recently, pumpkin instead of canned. It inspired I attended a course, “Growing Older: A me to try to do the same, but my skills were just not the same. For me, Novem- Process of Deepening,” taught by author Thomas Moore where he spoke about ber is full of memories of preparing for • Residential & Multi-Unit life as a series of passages, big and small. the annual Thanksgiving gathering and Building Painting Some people pass through the passages feast. One memory is finding a couple • Interior & Exterior with ease, others get stuck, and they do of rattan turkeys while looking through Painting YOUR WESTCHESTER not progress. When people get stuck, a craft boutique. They added visual • Kitchen Cabinet they get older, but they stop becoming flavor to our holiday decor. Sharing my NEIGHBOR... Refinishing more of who they are meant to be. He November memories could include lots YOUR COMMUNITY • Deck Refinishing used cheese as a metaphor, describing of other stories, like the time I attended PAINT COMPANY! how aged cheese is desirable, but old a Veteran’s Day celebration at the West cheese is not. L.A. Veterans Affairs campus. Each one • We take pride in our Some people tell me they are too old of these memories can be expanded in Zuno Painting is work and working with to change, or they simply do not want my mind with more details and emoa family-owned and clients! to change. They say they do not have a tions flowing from each focal point. operated company located • We’re local and service Do you have stories you can tell about boundary issue; the other person has in Westchester. We proudly and build relationships the issue. The reason their relationship your past November experiences? Do serve the Westchester/Playa right here in our own is shaky is because of the other person, any images or sensations come to mind area and beyond! community. when you think about Thanksgiving and not them. They say people need to accept them as they are, but they are the start of the hectic days leading up • Our workmanship is We’re ready to update and transform the look of your home! stubborn and unhappy. In one sense to the end-of-year celebrations? With guaranteed with a Call for a FREE ESTIMATE. they are right: love accepts the other each story there are images, sensations 2-year warranty. person as they are without expectation and spin-off stories. Your history is full zunopainting.com of change. However, too often, the same of stories which create your memories, zunopainting@gmail.com person expects other people to change perceptions, values, life meaning, sense to be acceptable to them. They may be of connectedness with others and quick to criticize, be condescending or your internal organization of reality. insulting if displeased. Understanding and deeply knowing Examine your stories of challenging another person requires listening–and times. Find a safe person to work with taking into your awareness–the other to retell your story. It may be a very person’s stories. compassionate friend, or it may be a Think about a loved one. Consider the stories you know surrounding them. therapist. Every challenge has multiple What does the person like to eat? What sides. Tell your story from the vantage point of you fully accepting who you activities do they participate in? How are and not making the other person be do they dress? What are some of their attitudes on things? What have you done in the wrong. Listen to yourself as you together? The stories give a sense of how tell your story. You may need to tell it you are connected. They give definition periodically. How do you want to edit FALL CROPS the story as you retell it? In telling the to relationships. story, how can you express yourself Some of the stories I know about in words and actions to become more my mother are about her childlike stubbornness. My grandmother gave me of who you are and not in criticism of another? Upon reflection, you a torn photo of my mom when she was may find there are paradoxes, such as a young teen. When she gave it to me, I was instructed to keep it safe. Loving the stubbornness being both a strength and picture, she did not want it to be further a point of contention. My wish is for you to grow and learn destroyed knowing my mom, in her as you navigate challenges in life. If stubbornness, had already torn it. you stay stuck in past difficulties, I have another photo dated 1904 you become old and sad. If you allow of my grandparents while they were yourself to develop and grow, cultivating “courting.” As I look at it, I can see a From our farmers' market family to yours, wishing similar stubbornness, and love, in their yourself in an environment conducive everyone a beautiful Thanksgiving! Swing by for all your posture. Those qualities gave them to maturing, your aging will lead to fixings and we'll be OPEN Thanksgiving weekend! the strength to raise a family of four contentment. The stories we tell about boys and one girl through the Great who we are can evolve with the passage Depression years. Through stories, we of time if you are willing. gain a sense of family and a sense of self. Fay Craton, M.A. is a Licensed Sometimes stories are about life’s Marriage and Family Therapist challenges. In the telling and retelling (mfc40011), which is the psychology of the story, the troubling parts can be license specializing in relationships (with worked through. It is important that ourselves or with others). She has an stories evolve and with each retelling, office located in Westchester. the story changes a little bit. Author If you have any questions, please Eckhart Tolle, in “A New Earth,” wrote, contact Fay at (310) 645-6762. Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News November 2023 • Page 25

310.505.2167

Photos by Robert Higgins

Halloween Spooktacular at the Westchester Y

A Spooktacular Evening! More than 1,000 attendees were ready to do the “Monster Mash” at the Westchester Family YMCA’s Annual Halloween Spooktacular on Friday, October 27! With a line down the block to get in, families came out to participate in the chilling festivities, which included a haunted maze, face painting, carnival-style games, DJ, a magic show, lots of candy and more! The Spooktacular was co-chaired by Aisha Harris and Chrishawna Mitchell, the YMCA’s Senior Director of Youth Programs, as part of the Y’s Family Engagement Committee. The committee is led by Christy Skura, with members Jeannie Cheng, Dante Cruz, Aisha Harris, John Loussararian, John Sharpe and Sylvia Wilson, working to create quality programming for kids, teens and their families. Some of the successful events the group has hosted this year include the inaugural Battle of the Bands,

Page 26 • November 2023

Aloha Summer and parenting workshops. “It was so awesome to see families have a great time at the Spooktacular and have a chance to meet each other. The first hour, the line to get in was all the way down to Alverstone,” said YMCA Executive Director John Loussararian. “We are so grateful for the support of the community, volunteers and donors who make facilitating these types of events, which bring us all together, possible. It really is for the community, by the community.” Major sponsors included Lulu’s Place, LAWA, Westin Hotels & Resorts, SoCalGas, Drollinger Family Charitable Foundation and Councilwoman Traci Park. Next up for the YMCA is a holiday donation drive in partnership with LAX Kiwanis and an inaugural disaster preparedness fair, which will be held on Friday, December 1 at the Y’s Annex.

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

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Page 28 • November 2023

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