The results of our Second Annual Best Of Poll are in! Check out the results on page, 11
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Temporary permit parking district on the agenda for next LMU NAC meeting With Loyola Marymount University’s (LMU) fall semester set to begin on August 26, community members, LMU and Councilman Mike Bonin’s office have made it a priority to help find a solution to the LMU parking problem that will hopefully lead to more students and faculty parking on campus and not on residential, neighborhood streets. The next quarterly LMU Neighborhood Advisory Committee (NAC), made up of neighborhood stakeholders appointed by the council office, as well as LMU representatives,
will meet on Thursday, August 22 to discuss solutions to the parking issue that has plagued the streets surrounding the university. While neighbors have been complaining for years about residential parking being used by students, the situation has been exacerbated by the university’s decision to charge its students, staff and visitors for parking. Parking fees for students, faculty and staff are currently almost $700. At the August meeting, LMU’s Senior Vice President for Administration, Lynne Scarboro will be replacing the university’s Director of
Community Relations, Clarence Griffin, as the NAC liaison. According to Scarboro, who reports directly to the school’s provost, Joseph Hellige, the shift in the department overseeing the committee is meant to show the community that the university is taking the parking situation seriously and setting the “reset button” on the tense relationship that has been created between the school and neighbors. The issue came to a head when community members protested the university’s graduation this spring and signs reading, “Shame on LMU” and
“LMU is a bad neighbor” were placed in residents’ yards. Scarboro says she and her team have been meeting with neighbors, community leaders and the council office to help find a reasonable solution to the parking problem that all sides can agree on. For Playa del Rey resident and NAC member Pat Lyon, Scarboro’s department taking over the leadership role for the NAC meetings is a good sign the university is starting to listen to neighbors. (continued on page 4)
Sepulveda sidewalks still in need of repair after trees are cut down In January of this year, the Westchester Streetscape Improvement Association (WSIA) completed the removal of trees along the west side of Sepulveda as part of its Westchester Landscape Entry project. The 50-plusyear-old Ficus trees and their massive roots, many of which were diseased or structurally unstable, had made sidewalk repair impossible and impractical. While pedestrians walking the stretch of Sepulveda between Manchester and 80th street were fully aware of the extent of the crumbling sidewalks, with the massive trees now gone, the sidewalks are painfully visible to anyone traveling down Sepulveda creating a massive eyesore. Said one Westchester resident, “We are saddened by how our neighborhood looks and how it’s perceived. It’s so embarrassing picking up a friend from out of town at LAX and driving them down Sepulveda, or La Tijera for that matter, with how unkempt they are.” While the project was slated to begin in March or April of this year, eight months after the trees were taken
down, however, the project remains on hold. According to WSIA president John Ruhlen, the city’s Bureau of Engineering, which is overseeing the project, has now rescheduled two or three times and the project is now tentatively scheduled to begin this fall. The Westchester Landscape Entry project is a $2.85-million project that will be funded through a $1 million federal grant secured by Congresswoman Maxine Waters and a $1.85 million contribution from Equity Office Partners, owners of the Howard Hughes Center, to handle improvements on the east side of Sepulveda. Equity Office has also pledged $850,000 to create an ongoing endowment to maintain the improvements. When the project is completed the updates to Sepulveda will include the planting of approximately 100 new trees and vegetation, including New Zealand Flax, Fountain Grass and Pink Trumpet Trees. These trees and plants will not cause the same issues created (continued on page 5)
At left: The buckling and uneven sidewalks are more evident with the lack of trees along Sepulveda.
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07 Family prepares for trip around the world 38 2013 Parade Photos
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INVITED TRUCKS INCLUDE
Friday, August 16, 2013 5:00pm – 10:00pm VISITATION SCHOOL GROUNDS Take-Out Available at All Trucks
Music by L.A.’s FINEST Rock Band HONORING THE 387th QM Co. -Unit Motto"SERVING THE FALLEN"
ADMISSION AMPLE STREET PARKING ENTERTAINMENT MOVIES
• O’Malley’s Pub (beer, wine, margaritas) • Dessert Stop Café (bakery and ice cream treats) • Fantastic Fig & Newton (Magician) • Hoop Dancing with Josie • Melissa’s Airbrush Tattoos • Euro Soccer by Coach Denver • Movies for the Kids
Thanks The Community For Awarding Us TWO “BEST OF THE BEST” FAVORITE WINS FOR TWO YEARS 2012 & 2013
Visitation, our Food Truck Partners and our Event Dinner Sponsorship will be providing complimentary dinners to the soldiers of the 387th. Information on the 387th and the Event Dinner Sponsorship Form may be viewed online at www.visitationschool.org Special Recognition Event at 8pm in the Band Area to honor the 387th, all of our Armed Forces, and all Veterans, including the fallen.
6:00pm The Great Mouse Detective (74min.)-G 7:30pm The Pink Panther w/Steve Martin (93min.)-PG
A FAVORITE Private (Religious) School And
AN EVENT
The entire community will enjoy! www.visitationschool.org FOOD TRUCK Menus/Updates online Contact Terry for more information terry_oconnor2012@yahoo.com / 310.994.9904
PLANNING TO PERFORM At our Sept. Event To be confirmed on our website
A FAVORITE Community Event: FOOD TRUCK FRIDAY NIGHTS
Every Day is Open House... WELCOME TO Full Day Junior Kindergarten & Kindergarten Through 8th Grade
Strong Home-School Partnership “A Catholic Education Is An Advantage for Life”
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ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR ENROLLMENT A Vistitation School Graduate is Well Prepared and READY for High School of Choice
• WASC Accredited – WCEA Certified • A Catholic Tradition of Eaxcellence in Education Since 1947
Educating the WHOLE CHILD in a CHRIST Centered Environment • Challenging Curriculum • State of the Art Computer Lab • Spanish • Guidance Counseling • Visitation Voices Choir • Science Lab
• Music and Art Programs • After School Day Care • Algebra I • Gateway to Art • Choice Lunch Program • CYO Sports
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• After School Enrichment Program: Drama, Cheer, Karate, Playball, Guitar, Piano, JK/Kinder Acting, Golf, Drums, Voice and Euro Soccer.
SPECIAL RECOGNITION AT 8PM Join us at the August 16th Food Truck Friday Night when Visitation, our Food Truck Partners and the Community Host the 387th QM Co. for Dinner.
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August 2013
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T h i s M o n t h B r i n g s Yo u August Features 4 Permit parking to be discussed at NAC meeting 7 Family prepares for trip around the world Putting neighborhood firsts 8 11-30 Best Of Section To Do 31 Jet to Jetty set for August 24 35
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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 Mailing Address: 8939 S. Sepulveda Blvd., Ste. 110 #745 Westchester, CA 90045 (310) 641-1016 • westchesterhometown@yahoo.com or htn@thehtn. com Website: http://www.thehtn.com Facebook: facebook.com/thehtn
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August 2013
t a t i d n u o f I ! r e t n e C n w o T r e t s e h Westc “As someone who has been involved with Westchester Vitalization and the Westchester Farmers Market for many years, I know the value of great local businesses. That’s why I can take of everything right here in Westchester Town Center. Whether it’s training at Tenshin-Kai karate studio, getting food for my dogs at PETCO or having a meeting at The Coffee Company, WTC has it all!”
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Loyola Marymount neighborhood advisory meeting (cont’d) (continued from page 1) “The relationship between the neighbors and the university has become adversarial,” said Lyon. “My experience has been very positive working with Lynne. The university needs to listen, repair and give back.” Lyon would like to have the university give “good solid explanations” for why parking fees cannot be rolled into tuition and would like to see the university resort give back some of the old perks it previously offered the community, including using its facilities and providing free parking on days where the campus is a polling location. For Westchester resident Cyndi Hench who is a member of the advisory committee, however, the university is moving too slow when it comes to finding a reasonable solution to students and faculty parking in the neighborhood. “I have seen no evidence that that they are doing anything. It looks like the university is putting the issue to the community rather than doing something on their own to fix the problem,” said Hench. “The burden is on the residents and LMU is benefiting. I know they won’t take away parking
fees, but nothing says $700 is the magic number.” She says that even though school is not in session, she is still hearing complaints from neighbors about a lack of parking on residentail streets and that students are parking as far away as Playa Vista to avoid having to pay to park their car on campus. Hench would like to see the university reduce the fee for parking across the board and make students have to “opt out” of a parking fee on their tuition statements. Students currently have to add parking to their school fees. While Councilman Mike Bonin’s district office has said that there currently “has not yet been much support voiced to establish a parking district,” when the NAC committee meets later this month, Councilman Bonin’s Deputy District Director, Nate Kaplan, will be on hand to discuss how permit parking could work if neighbors are interested in creating a parking district. According to the council office, while previous reports have stated that creating a parking district could take a few years to implement, a “temporary parking district [could] be established
Help Put A New Face on Our LAPD Pacific Station From now through August 31, 2013 the Drollinger Family Charitable Foundation will match donations to the LAPD Pacific Area Boosters Association (up to $35,000) to renovate the entry to LAPD’s Pacific Station. It is the station’s 40th anniversary, and this effort is a fitting way to show the men and women of Pacific Division how much we appreciate what they do for our community every day. So, from $1 to $1,000 or more, your contributions will make a real difference. Donors who contribute $500 or more will be recognized with a permanent marker outside the station. To donate, please make payments payable to Pacific Area Boosters (memo line: Drollinger Foundation Renovation) and mail to: Pacific Area Station 12312 Culver Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90066 c/o Ofcr. Castaneda –CRO Office
the document and parking fees. Scarboro says that while creating a permit parking district is completely up to the neighbors that live surrounding the university, and could be implemented with a two-thirds vote of any given block, the university is willing to pay more than the $24,000 for permits that it is required by in the Master Plan. She stated the university is ready to do the “leg work and foot the bill” if a parking district is to be adopted by the neighborhood. “With restrictions on parking, neighbors have more control over who parks there,” said Scarboro. “But no one is going to force anything on anyone. If [neighbors] want it, we are here to help.” Want to get involved? The next LMU NAC meeting is scheduled for Thursday, August 22 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Westchester Senior Center, located at 8740 Lincoln Blvd. in Westchester. Free parking is available in the lot adjacent to the Senior Center. For more information, please email nac@lmu. edu.
Is it time for a change? Property Management Solutions Offered by: The Matilla Group
Dear Property Owner, You may have seen our real estate signs around the community– ERA Matilla Realty. Our family has been doing business in this area since 1959. One segment of our business is property management. You may have seen our signs as well– Matilla Group Property Management. Management We want to offer you our property management solutions...If solutions...If...you ...you are tired of the day to day management of your building(s)...If building(s)... If...you ...you are tired of phone calls from tenants....If tenants....If...you ...you just want less disturbances and more free time for yourself. If this is you – please – think about us! We can professionally handle the stresses that go with ownership and management. We manage 28 31 properties in this local area. Our occupancy ratios are near 100%. Most of our units are rented in less than 2 weeks. Our landlords are very pleased with our performance. Is the time right for you to make a change? Would you like more information? Then, please, go to our website’s home page at www.matillarealty.com and click on the property management tab. If you prefer to speak with me directly, directly please call (310) 306-9005 or (310) 748-0574. I hope we can be of service.
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within 4-6 weeks, as opposed to the year, which would be necessary to establish a permanent district.” If permit parking is adopted the temporary district would be in place for a year, and then could be altered or gotten rid of entirely. A possible parking district option could be two-hour parking from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday with permit-holders exempt. In an email sent out to neighbors, Bonin reiterated that he supports the “effort to get students and employees of the university to park on campus, and not on residential, neighborhood streets” and that he has repeated the “request to the university that it add parking charges to student term bills.” He also started that a plan to implement permit parking will remain up to the residents and that no one will “force it upon…or mandate it.” If neighbors want permit parking, however, he will “expedite it and make it flexible.” Starting August 1, Bonin will have two land use attorneys on staff, which he has asked to analyze the university’s Master Plan and look into the neighbor’s legal arguments surrounding
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Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News
Sepulveda sidewalks (continued) (continued from page 1) by the Ficus trees. In addition, the project will reconstruct the pedestrian areas, including creation of meandering sidewalks, lushly landscaped pocket parks, hard-packed red sand and benches. Recently, notices were posted on the trees on the east side of Sepulveda informing the community that those trees are slated to come down as well. The project on the east side of the street, however, is being handled by Caltrans through the “Safe Routes for Schools” program. The concept behind the program is to increase the number of children who walk or bicycle to school by funding projects that remove the barriers that currently prevent them from doing so. Those barriers include lack of infrastructure, unsafe infrastructure and lack of programs that promote walking and bicycling. According to Ruhland, that project is also set to begin in the fall of this year and he would not be surprised if that side of the street is completed first.
Notices to remove the trees on the eastside of Sepulveda were recently attached to the trees.
The hope is that the Westchester Landscape Entry project and other tree plantings and beautification efforts in the surrounding area will not only increase property values and improve the local business environment, but will also create an appealing gateway for visitors from across the globe who see Westchester as their first glimpse of Los Angeles. While the sidewalks and tree stumps may be an eyesore now, he asks the community to remain patient with the process because once the projected is completed the results should be something to make the whole community proud.
Eagle scout works to improve look of local fences, streets The hodgepodge of backyard fences that face the major boulevards of Westchester has always been somewhat unappealing, but Eagle Scout candidate David Lewis stepped forward to create a pilot project that holds the promise of beautifying entire stretches of Sepulveda Boulevard and Manchester Avenue. Armed with youthful enthusiasm and plenty of hard-working volunteers from Troop 927, Lewis set about improving the area on the north side of Manchester Avenue, stretching from Truxton to the medical office building on the corner of Manchester and Sepulveda. Under Lewis’ direction, sidewalks were repaired, weeds and debris were removed and trees were trimmed. In addition, Lewis and his fellow Boy Scouts pressure washed, primed and painted the fence before adding landscaping throughout the area. “This is a case of a young man seeing an opportunity to make things better for the entire community and really taking the bull by the horns to make it happen,” said John
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The scouts of Troop 927 recently helped improve the look of local fences.
Ruhlen, president of the Westchester Streetscape Improvement Association. “David organized the project, secured the volunteer labor, raised funds and simply made it happen. We are hopeful that his Eagle Scout project can serve as the model for similar projects by Scouts, service clubs, school groups, and more who want to help improve the look of Westchester.” The project was also made possible by a donation from Drollinger Properties.
Spotlight on: Silver Seminar Series
Non-Profits collaborate to bring seniors informative seminars Four Local Non-Profits have joined forces to provide seniors with information that will keep them healthy in mind, body and spirit By Silver Seminar Series Committee
Four local non-profits are embarking on a collaboration that hopes to see local seniors living happier, healthier and more active lives by providing free seminars on a variety of relevant topics. The free “Silver Seminar Series,” began in January of this year as an offshoot of the Westchester Family YMCA’s Healthy Living Council (HLC). Looking for a way to create a separate council that focused solely on the needs of seniors in Westchester/Playa and the surrounding areas, YMCA Board Member, Morrey Plotkin, spearheaded the idea for a non-profit led seminar series. Quickly realizing the project could benefit from the help of other likeminded non-profits, soon a partnership was struck between Airport Marina Counseling Service, EmpowerTech, the Westchester Family YMCA and
Westchester Playa Village and the “Silver Seminar Series” was created. “All of our non-profits work with seniors and each group brings something different to the table. Working together we can bring our expertise on senior issues, health, technology and mental health to bring the most comprehensive and meaningful seminars to our aging community,” said YMCA Executive Director, Karen Follette. Now, each month, a free informative seminar is held at the Westchester YMCA Annex, located at 8020 Alverstone St. in Westchester. This month’s topic is “Being an Active Volunteer,” and the seminar will take place Tuesday, August 27 from 2 to 3 p.m. Upcoming topics include Preventing falls; Driving safety; and Dealing with the holiday blues. Said Westchester Playa Village Executive Director, Carol Kitabayashi, “This is a unique and unprecedented collaboration bringing together the knowledge of local non-profits in order to provide seniors with information about topics they care about. We look forward to meeting community members at these events and learning about the issues that are important to our seniors population.” The seminar series will culminate with an end of the year Holiday Dance Gala tentatively scheduled for December 12 and sponsored by Morrey Plotkin and Drollinger Properties. “We hope that seniors will attend these seminars and learn something new that enhances their lives, relationships or health,” said EmpowerTech Executive Director Joan Anderson. “With a variety of topics, there is sure to be something of interest to everyone.”
August 2013
Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News
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Westchester United Methodist Church welcomes new pastor Westchester United Methodist Church welcomed its new pastor, Rev. Keith Uesugi-Hwang to the congregation last month. In The United Methodist Church, pastors are appointed to serve at local churches by the resident bishop. Keith has previously served at the Fullerton First United Methodist Church but has been a resident in Westchester for the last four years. His background includes working as a computer engineer for 10 years and as a judicatory leader of the United Methodist Church for 9 years. As the Executive Director of Connectional Ministries of the California-Pacific Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church, Pastor Keith traveled extensively both here in the U.S. as well as abroad and felt like LAX was his second home away from home. He also has fond memories of the area since his work as an engineer included a two year assignment at the Hughes Aircraft Company in El Segundo. Serving a church in Westchester after commuting to and from Fullerton for the last four years is something he calls a “special blessing” to him. He has been using his bicycle to get around the town. He is enthusiastic about using bicycle and public transportation. “When you ride a bicycle or use
District Champions. Westchester’s10/11 year-old All Stars team took home the district championship on in July 6 after beating Lennox 13-3. The team is managed by Chris Richardson and coached by Dave Korey and Ira Smith. Plays include: Colin Dionne, Sean Korey, Joe Kulberg, Ramzy Latif, Adrian Martin, Scott Melton, Hunter Richardson, Mathew Rittner, James Roque, Miles Smith, Sam Stanford, Vincent Temesvary and Adrian Weinberg.
Pastor Keith Uesugi-Hwang.
public transportation, you notice things you miss when you drive and also it is a good exercise. Besides, a bonus is that I am making a small contribution to keep our environment clean.” Besides bicycling, his other hobbies include shodo (Japanese calligraphy), working on his website/blog, listening to classical music and playing with his pet parrot, Virgil. He is married to Rev. Yuko Uesugi who is the Associate Director of Spiritual Care at the UCLA Health System. He plans to visit community organizations in Westchester in the near future and introduce himself.
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Westchester family prepares for trip around the world Starting this October, Westchester’s Rigney family will embark on the trip of a lifetime as they leave their home, their friends and most of their possessions behind to spend the next three to five years traveling the world and its most exotic locations on a sailboat. For Eric Rigney, the trip is the culmination of a lifelong dream that started when he was just a teenager, when he and his uncle, Bill Kohut, sailed to Hawaii on a cement sailboat they built together. Later they would travel to French Polynesia and spend 18 months living on the island like locals. The experience left Eric with the dream of working hard and one day recreating a similar experience with his own family. Now Eric and his wife, Leslie, and their two children Bryce, 12 and Trent, 10, are renting out their home, tying up loose ends and getting their 42-foot sailboat named “Kandu” ready for the trip that will bring them to 70 different countries if everything goes according to plan. While the snug living quarters or the danger of sailing in the open sea may scare most families from making a similar trip, the Rigney’s see this as an experience to grow as a family and take a break from the instant gratification, video games and fast food culture that is prevalent with a lot of teens these days. “We are trying to pull them [the kids]
The Rigney family will embark on a trip around the world on a sailboat starting this October.
out of the commercialism a little bit and pull them out of the Internet and the texting world. Life seems so fast right now, that we are going to slow things down. It’s also an opportunity as a family to grow,” said Eric. “I think it’s rare that parents get the opportunity to live with their kids, shoulder to shoulder, almost like back in the day when people were farmers. We have that opportunity where we can work along side each other and then have a unified goal take care of the boat, maintain the boat and get to where we need to get. We need to rely on them and they have to rely on us, so it makes
us a stronger family unit.” While the chances of encountering a pirate ship, a whale bumping into their sailboat, or a direct lightening strike are rare, the Rigney’s are confident they can handle any situation that comes their way. They have carefully calculated their route to avoid storms and they will stay away from areas where pirates are known to congregate. They have been studying navigation, practicing first aid and will have shipwright, “Uncle Bill,” on board for the first seven month. He brings decades of ship maintenance and sailing to the team.
When the group sets off this October, their first stop will be Cabo San Lucas for the Baja Haha, a sailboat cruisers’ rally. There they hope to meet up with other like-minded families before heading off to such exotic locales as the Easter and Pitcairn Islands. For the Rigney family, the more far-off and usual destination, the better. While their days will be filled with cruising the oceans of the world, learning about the cultures they are visiting and all of the chores that accompany life at sea (laundry, fishing, taking care of the boat), a few creature comforts will be smuggled on board, including the Xbox that the boys will be allowed to play every once and a while. Leslie and Eric hope that once the trip gets started the experience and the hands-on learning will far outshine the lure of electronics. While their friends and their family’s reactions to their trip range from excitement to concern, the Rigney’s hope their trip will motivate people to go back to basics and spend more time with their families. “For a lot of people what [this trip seems] to do is inspire them to want to do something with their family and do something as a group for an extended period of time,” said Eric. Interested in learning more? The Rigney’s will be detailing their travels through their website at rigneyskandu. com. They are also looking for schools or organizations to team up with to
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Random Notes/Opinion
Thriving in relationships By Fay Craton Opinion: Since childhood, we have all heard the story of The Tortoise and the Hare. The fable has been around in different variations for hundreds of years. In the basic story, a race between a turtle and a rabbit is planned. The rabbit, believing he can easily best the turtle takes a nap. The turtle starts immediately since he has the goal of reaching the finish line and perhaps winning the contest. By the time the rabbit wakes up, the turtle has the lead and reaches the final point long before the rabbit. There are many interpretations of what this tale means. To me it is part of what makes this tale special. I always loved the idea that when someone puts his mind to achieving something, it is possible– even when others may be laughing about the audacity of the attempt. But another important point is here. The rabbit and the hare had an agreement to race. This was the public purpose of the activity. Now, we all know from hearing the tale many times over the years that perhaps the hare had another purpose– a secret agenda to embarrass the turtle for being so slow. For couples, families, or groups of people to succeed there needs to be agreements. What is the purpose of
being together? Jointly, what are the goals and dreams the couple, family or group wants to achieve? This sets each person’s expectations about what is intended. It can be highly satisfying when everyone is honestly working together to reach a dream. To be healthy, we need authentic connection with other people. We need to be able to trust and feel secure in relationships. As the fable about The Tortoise and the Hare demonstrates, not all people who enter into agreements do so honestly. Some people have private agendas, which are not about what the public agreement is about. I have witnessed how private agendas can slow down or even destroy obtaining the desired outcome. Sometimes people even experience his or her private agenda backfiring. For example, in the fable, it was the hare, not the tortoise who ultimately was embarrassed. Conflict in relationships frequently is the result of people saying one thing and doing another. Anger easily flashes when expectations are not met. Sometimes the breaks in expectations are misunderstandings. At other times, a person in the agreement had conflicting goals and never was fully onboard with the agreement. Are you in any situations where you are not committed to a commonly agreed upon outcome? How important to you is
the relationship? Is it more important to you than whatever else you are planning to accomplish? Sometimes people enter relationships because they like the perks of being with another person or group. As a result of the perks, there can be interest in the relationship, but not commitment to success. For relationships to thrive they take commitment. If you want the relationship, commit to it! Are you in a situation where there is constant conflict? Ask yourself, are you more like the rabbit or the turtle? Do you have another objective or are you committed to reaching the finish line? If you are like the turtle, it can be confusing as to why the other person keeps acting or speaking in a way that is contrary to what you believe is the joint dream. If this is you, you may have the faulty thinking that the problem is about you. You might be wondering what else you need to say or do to change the other person. You might be hurting over the disruption to reaching the goal, not understanding what happened, or feeling inadequate and unloved. When another person does not have the same goal as you, it does not make you a bad person. Your ability to change a situation only includes your own behaviors. People like to have stability and to control the world around them. You do not have the
power to control what another person does. Trying to control another person will only escalate a conflict. When caught in a dilemma about what to do when another person has a different agenda, it is time to look within to your own strengths and capabilities. My wish for you is for you to know your own strengths. Sometimes strength can be hard to recognize because another person in your life has disparaged you. In the story, The Tortoise and the Hare, the rabbit ridiculed how slow the turtle ran. The strength was in the turtle’s determination and consistency. It was a value the rabbit did not see or appreciate. However, the turtle ultimately succeeded in spite of the rabbit. It did not need the rabbit’s participation. The turtle thrived based on his own strengths. You may wish to seek out the help of a therapist to understand your own strengths or how committed you are to a relationship. If you are in a committed relationship, take a few minutes to acknowledge the other person’s strengths, which may not be the same as yours. Fay Craton, M.A. is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (mfc40011), which is the psychology license specializing in relationships (with ourselves or with others) and she has an office in Westchester. Contact her at (310) 645-6762.
Putting neighborhoods first By Councilman Mike Bonin, contributing columnist Opinion: I grew up in a small town. A town where kids played in the local park. Where families gathered together to watch the Fourth of July parade. Where parents volunteered at the local school or coached youth sports teams. It was a place where neighbors mattered, and where neighborhoods came first. Putting neighborhoods first is what I intend to do as your new councilperson. I took office July 1, and
while my job is to govern Los Angeles, my goal is to give voice and priority to our neighborhoods. Los Angeles is a huge and wonderful metropolis, blessed by natural beauty, great weather, and a diverse, creative population. But our greatest strength is our neighborhoods. Whether it is Kentwood in Westchester, the Jungle in Playa del Rey, or Fountain Park in Playa Vista, the concerns and needs of our neighborhoods must come first at City Hall. “Putting neighborhoods first” is more than just a slogan– it is a
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principle that will drive my work as a councilmember. That’s why I didn’t go to City Hall on my first day as a councilmember. I got to work in the district, delivering services in our neighborhoods. I filled potholes with street maintenance crews, emptied trashcans with sanitation workers, served meals at a local senior center, met with our local first responders, and visited with some of the small neighborhood business owners who create jobs. This is how I intend to do things as your Councilmember. Hands–on– and in the neighborhood. That’s where I find the fresh ideas and the new energy to strengthen our neighborhoods and make our city work better. I want to take those ideas and run with them. For too long, City Hall has been too far away from our neighborhoods– and I intend to bring it closer. I’ve developed a plan I call “Access 11” (because I represent the 11th District). It’s my blueprint for bridging the gap between residents and their government. As part of Access 11, I am going to be holding regular, open community office hours in our neighborhoods at Farmers Markets, libraries, supermarkets and coffee shops. I want anyone who lives in the district to have direct access to me and my staff. Just a few days ago, I held open office
hours at the IHOP on Sepulveda and Manchester. I’ll be holding office hours soon at the Westchester Trader Joes, outside Tanner’s Coffee in Playa del Rey and at the monthly Bagels & Brew event at Playa Vista. I hope to see you there. In addition to open office hours, I intend to go door-to-door to talk with neighbors and hear what’s on their minds. I am going to lead “Hikes with Mike” through the wetlands, in the mountains, and on our beaches to spend time with neighbors and appreciate the beauty of this district. And I am going to try to use technology – like Skype or Facetime – to make it easier for people to weigh in on city decisions. We in City government need to bend over backwards to make sure we connect, share ideas and spend some time together. Please let me and my staff know how we can be of service. You can reach me by email at mike.bonin@ lacity.org, at my office at (213) 4737011, or on social media on Facebook (www.facebook.com/MikeBoninCd11), twitter (@mikebonin), or the web (www.11thDistrict.com). Thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve you, represent this district and help lead the city. Together, we can move Los Angeles forward, do good,and get things done.
Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey• Playa Vista HomeTown News
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It’s time to be happy, fans! By Nora Lee Owens Opinion: We’re well into Arab Spring II in Egypt, the Zimmerman disgrace is over and the will of the people has spoken through six women, my body has recently discovered the joy of giving me a pain in my leg and Edward Snowden is trying to get asylum in Russia – now there’s a switch. I could easily just crawl into good fiction or see The Lone Ranger on end, because what fun is reality? Ah, but a guy with the unlikely name of Yasiel Puig came up to bat for the Dodgers one evening late in June, joining a newly put-together and renovated Hanley Ramirez, who together have rejuvenated my L.A.
Dodgers to the point where they are currently in first place in the West. I’m betting they will still be there come the beginning of October, and if I’m wrong, I owe you a Starbucks. So forget about who is or isn’t ruling in a country in the Middle East I have never visited, never plan to visit and wouldn’t visit if you paid my way. And never mind that Florida is a dangerous place to be, what with all those people standing their ground with guns in their possession. And whether or not Snowden talks Putin into keeping him around or not starts to seem like an old, stale story. Absolutely nothing is as exciting during the summer as the Boys in Blue working their way toward the World Series. Last year, we fans were
appalled at the their behavior. They came on strong and started to lose it sometime in July. This year is different. I’m wondering if the American obsession with sports is a healthy thing. Certainly, lots of money is lost in gambling halls and through bookies over who wins a game or makes the spread– and gambling is a terrible addiction, leaving many families penniless and on the street. Sports teams are huge businesses here, with high payrolls, expenses and higher expectations from their fans. Our national heroes are not medical doctors and scientists. They are folks who can run, catch, throw or sink a putt. We are truly shallow, aren’t we? Well, my answer to that is “So what?”
If sitting in a ballpark or in front of a TV is a stupid way to spend an afternoon, then I think we are a very lucky people to be able to be that dumb. One thing I’ll say for sure is that sports are a leveling vehicle. Rich guys, poor slobs and working stiffs can have meaningful (or perhaps meaningless) conversations with each other about who will be a Laker next year, whether the NFL will ever come to L.A., and, yes, whether Yasiel Puig will hit in his next at bat. Sports in America make it a fun place to live. Edward Snowden will miss it here.
Seven ways to get fitter, faster By Jeff Blair Opinion: Having trouble seeing results from your workouts? Consider trying these seven tips to help you get fit faster. 7. Workout at the time of day that suits you. We are all different physically and mentally and all have different ideal workout times. Morning is probably the best time for consistency, while early afternoon is when most are strongest. Early mornings can be an adjustment, but once the early bird habit is developed you many find it to be the best time of day to work out. Find the best workout time for you. 6. Make sure to include challenging weight-lifting in your workout. This does not mean you have to lift hundreds of pounds during one lift. It does mean weight-lifting exercises should be challenging to provide the most benefit. If you feel like you can lift the weight ten more times at the end of the exercise, you are not getting the most from your workout. Mom would say, “you are only cheating yourself.” Ideally, you should only have about two reps “left in the tank” when you finish a resistance exercise. 5. Do not rely solely on cardiovascular exercises for fitness. This might be the most common mistake for active people, and it can be a tough habit for people to shake. Cardiovascular exercise can provide many benefits, but in my humble opinion, weight-lifting exercises provide even greater return on investment. Weight-lifting benefits not provided by cardiovascular exercise include maintaining lean muscle and increasing strength. Continue with your cardio program but add 2-3 days of weight training per week to maximize gains. 4. Mobility exercises are a must. We sit in chairs, we sit in cars, we sit in front of computers, we sit in planes, we just sit! Through most of human history, people have walked, or farmed,
or performed some form of active labor rather than sitting 8-10 hours per day as we currently do. Sitting causes many postural challenges (especially to the upper back and hip areas) that add up over time. By doing 10 minutes of mobility exercises several times per week, you can limit the negative impact of sitting on your body. Ask a fitness professional for some mobility suggestions or email me at the email address below. 3. Use a Foam Roller. You will need to be properly instructed in the use of a roller, but our personal training clients love the foam roller. The roller works like a massage except it is dramatically cheaper and only takes a few minutes per day. Along with mobility exercises, it can help you feel better and relieve much tightness brought on by sitting and stress. A quality roller is usually available for $50. 2. Forget the 2 Hour Workout. People frequently ask me: “Are your workouts always 2 hours or are shorter workouts okay?” I tell them I cannot remember the last time I had a two-hour workout. My workouts are usually 45 minutes to an hour and sometimes shorter. I will frequently do 20 minute cardiovascular workouts. It is not necessary to have multiple hour workouts to see great benefit, and few people have two hours consistently available any way. Give yourself about an hour 3-4 times per week and you will reap great benefits. 1. Consistency is the greatest habit. How many of your friends would love to be in better shape but just cannot stay committed? There are many factors that contribute to consistency but be aware that success requires a consistent commitment to your goals. Fitness success is not an accident, and there is no magic wand. It requires a bit of planning, but it is worth it. I do not know anyone who ever regrets committing to a consistent workout schedule. There are very few things that can improve ALL areas of your life
August 2013
as much as exercise can. How you look, how you feel, your health, your self-esteem and self-confidence are all improved by committing to a consistent workout program. What else provides all those benefits? What are you waiting for? Take a baby step today and feel better tomorrow. You can do it! Before starting this or any fitness program, consult with your doctor.
JEFF BLAIR (M.S.) owns a personal training studio located in Westchester. He was voted “Best Of” Personal Trainer in the Hometown News 2013 Readers’ Poll. Jeff has been featured in “Men’s Fitness” magazine and as a “Fitness Expert” on ABC’s “Everyday Health” TV show. Email jeffblair@ jeffblairfitness.com for fitness story ideas or comments.
WESTCHESTER
FIRST
F R I D A Y S
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Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News
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Looking Back...
Trees hold history and hazards By David J. “Duke” Dukesherer What would one day become Westchester, California, was not much more than farmland in 1929. The area surrounding what would become Loyola Marymount University produced just a few dozen homes, and only one improved road, Lincoln Boulevard, allowed access to the region. Just below The Bluffs, the Los Angeles “Red Cars” serviced the area with stations at Playa del Rey and a trolley car stop at Lincoln and Jefferson Boulevards, just a short automobile or wagon ride away. Local developers Fitz Burns and his partners at Dickinson and Gillespie Real Estate, joined forces with neighbor Harry Culver, and donated two large tracts of land to the Society of Jesus, and the new Loyola University Los Angeles was developed. Long before the area was referred to as the Westchester Bluffs, the land was known as the Del Rey Hills.
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Burns and his partners had formed something called the Blankenthorn Syndicate to help develop the idea of a new “college town,” recognizing the successes of places such as Menlo Park, California, home to Stanford University. Essentially they believed that by building a college in the area, real estate demand would rise. Unfortunately for Burns and his partners, the development of Westchester would not become a reality for eight or ten years. The stock market crash of 1929 and The Great Depression suppressed real estate growth for many years, but eventually the economy rebounded and the town would indeed be born. Burns had developed Palisades Del Rey and Surfridge, California, known today as Playa del Rey, and used many new innovations to support that enterprise. These included a weekly newspaper, lighted outdoor billboards, bi-plane rides, and the liberal planting of non-native palm trees. The palm trees not only gave the beachside community a tropical feel, but also could be seen from long distances and led buyers to the otherwise nearly treeless new neighborhood. Recognizing the even more stark and barren landscape surrounding the new Loyola University, legend says that palm trees were planted up Lincoln Boulevard and up and
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local residents. Recently at the intersection of 85th and Loyola, two of these original 1929 behemoths had to be cut down, and if you look carefully, many other trees along the route have met with the same fate. Pruning palm trees is an important part of the care of palm trees. It is as atypical as palm trees themselves. Palms are monocots, which means palm trees do not have a continued outward growth in their trunks like a typical tree where new wood is being created. A palm’s trunk may appear to grow like a tree but in reality it is an expansion of the tissue first formed. If palm fronds are yellow, brown or broken, they must be pruned. The next time you are in the area, look up into the trees and you will see the dangerously high amount of dead fronds; dangerous to the health of the tree, and also dangerous to pedestrians. Also due to lack of care, evasive plants and shrubs are growing from the palm tree crowns. It seems to me that this bit of local history is worth preserving, and the City of Los Angeles should get the job done. Comments: dukepdr@gmail.com
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along 85th Street; then the only street leading easterly to campus, where it met at Loyola Boulevard. There was not yet an 83rd Street, and Fordham Road (Fordham Walk), was a footpath. Manchester Blvd. was still unimproved in those days, and was also a dirt road. The line of trees led the way to the new campus and fledgling town. Another line of trees then led travelers back north to the new campus, and even more palm trees were randomly planted all over the new campus. The trees also led travelers to and through the new development of “University Studio Center/Loyola,” where new homes were being built on newly laid out streets, named for Jesuit Colleges, such as Regis, Holy Cross, Creighton and Georgetown. Fittingly, early Christians used the palm branch to symbolize the victory of the faithful over enemies of the soul, as in the Palm Sunday festival celebrating the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. Most of these trees continue to flourish on campus and are very well maintained by the campus gardeners. Unfortunately, this cannot be said for the trees that continue to line the streets outside of campus. Many of the trees have gone untrimmed for many years due to City budget cuts, and they create havoc and a mess during windstorms, much to the displeasure of
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Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News
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• WE Y E ST R L C E
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Dear HomeTown News Readers, The HomeTown News is proud to present its Second Annual Best Of Readers’ poll! Community newspaper across the nation conduct these polls to let their readers choose some of the best their areas have to offer, and we are honored to help highlight and congratulate just some of the
outstanding local businesses, places, attractions and people in our hometown. From June 6 to July 6, we asked our readers to vote for their favorites in categories that included food/drink, services, businesses and health and wellness, via a survey link accessed through our website at thehtn.com. Votes were limited to one vote
August 2013 • Best Of
per IP address. The following pages list the “Best Of” and runner-up “Favorites” as recognized by the poll. If you don’t see your favorites on this list, please make sure to make your voice heard in next year’s poll! While these are just a few of the outstanding businesses in our area, this serves as a reminder that our community is thriving. It also
highlights the importance of shopping local and supporting local businesses whenever possible. These local businesses are the ones that support the community by offering fundraisers, donating to non-profits and sponsoring local events, all while providing exceptional food, services and products. Thank you to all of our
readers who voted and made our 2013 Best Of Readers’ Poll possible. The HomeTown News would not be possible without the support of our readers and the community. Congratulations to all of our reader voted “Best Ofs” and “Favorites!” –The Westchester/Playa HomeTown News
Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News
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Congratulations to our 2013 Reader Voted “Best Of ” honorees!
Food & Beverage Best Restaurant Best: Tony P’s Dockside Grill 4445 Admiralty Way Marina Del Rey, 90292 310.823.4534 tonyps.com Favorites: Cantalini’s Salerno Beach Restaurant 193 Culver Boulevard Playa del Rey, 90293 310.821.0018 salernobeach.com Truxton’s American Bistro 8611 Truxton Avenue Westchester, 90045 310.417.8789 truxtonsamericanbistro.com Best Family Restaurant Best: Tony P’s Dockside Grill 4445 Admiralty Way Marina Del Rey, 90292 310.823.4534 tonyps.com Favorites: Pacos 6212 W. Manchester Ave. Westchester, 90045 (310) 645-8692 pacoscantina.com
Truxton’s American Bistro 8611 Truxton Avenue Westchester, 90045 310.417.8789 truxtonsamericanbistro.com Best Burger Best: The Shack 185 Culver Blvd. Playa del Rey, 90293 310.823.6222 the-shacks.com Favorite: Tompkins Square Bar & Grill 8522 Lincoln Blvd. Westchester, 90045 310.670.1212 t2barandgrill.com
The Del Rey Deli staff with their signature sandwich “The Don.”
Tony P’s Dockside Grill 4445 Admiralty Way Marina Del Rey, 90292 310.823.4534 tonyps.com Best Sandwich Shop Best: Del Rey Deli 8501 Pershing Dr. Ste 3 Los Angeles, 90293 310.439.2256 delreydeli.com Favorites: Olive It 6231 W. 87th Street Los Angeles, 90045 310.242.2092
August 2013 • Best Of
Good Pizza owners hold up their “Pizza Bianca” available for delivery and by the slice.
oliveit.com Mendocino Farms 4724 Admiralty Way Marina del Rey, 90292 310.822.2300 mendocinofarms.com
Best Pizza Best: The Good Pizza 7929 Emerson Ave. Westchester, 90045 310.215.1883 & 8115 W. Manchester Ave. Playa del Rey, 90293 310.827.0500 thegoodpizza.com
Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News
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Favorites: Beach Pizza 8601 Lincoln Blvd Westchester, CA 90045 310.827.2000 eatbeachpizza.com Vinny’s Pizza 8412 Lincoln Blvd Westchester, 90045 310.641.8666 vinnyspizza.com
Open Everyday
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Above: The Shack staff proclaim their burger “number one.” Below: The Shack Burger: all the fixin’s, a half pound burger and a spicy Portugese Sausage.
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Best Mexican Best: Paco’s Tacos 6212 Manchester Blvd. Westchester, 90045 310.645.8692 pacoscantina.com
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HOMETOWN
NEWS
Voted #1 Burger!
310.823.6222 185 Culver Boulevard Playa del Rey, CA 90293
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El Tarasco 8620 S Sepulveda Blvd. Westchester, CA 90045
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Favorites: Hacienda Del Rey 8347 Lincoln Blvd, Westchester, 90045 (310) 670-8588
Dine in only. Valid at the Playa del Rey location through 9/30/13.
Westchester’s Paco’s Tacos mouthwatering appetizers.
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August 2013 • Best Of
Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News
Best Breakfast
Best: Coffee Co 8751 La Tijera Blvd., Westchester, CA 90045 310.645.7315 laxcoffeeco.com Favorites: Dinah’s 6521 Sepulveda Blvd Westchester, 90045 310.645.0456 dinahsrestaurant.com Tony P’s Dockside Grill 4445 Admiralty Way Marina Del Rey, 90292 310.823.4534 tonyps.com Best Brunch Best: Truxton’s American Bistro 8611 Truxton Avenue Westchester, 90045 310.417.8789 truxtonsamericanbistro.com Favorites: Tony P’s Dockside Grill 4445 Admiralty Way Marina Del Rey, 90292 310.823.4534 tonyps.com Shanghai Red’s 13813 Fiji Way Marina Del Rey, 90292 310.823.4522 shanghairedsrestaurant.com Best Date Night Restaurant Best: Tony P’s Dockside Grill
4445 Admiralty Way Marina Del Rey, 90292 310.823.4534 tonyps.com Favorites: Café del Rey 4451 Admiralty Way Marina del Rey, 90292 310.823.6395 cafedelreymarina.com Caffé Pinguini 6935 Pacific Av. Playa del Rey, 90293 310.306.0117 caffepinguini.com Best American Restaurant Best: Truxton’s American Bistro 8611 Truxton Avenue Westchester, 90045 310.417.8789 truxtonsamericanbistro.com Favorites: Tony P’s Dockside Grill 4445 Admiralty Way Marina Del Rey, 90292 310.823.4534 tonyps.com Yard House 13455 Maxella Avenue Marina del Rey, 90292 310.822.7690 yardhouse.com Best Chinese Best: Szechwan Palace 431 Culver Blvd Playa del Rey, CA 90293 310.827.2066
Tompkins Square Bar & Grill.
Favorite: Wacky Wok 8919 S Sepulveda Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90045 310.670.0071 wacky-wok.com Panda Express 4325 Glencoe Ave. Marina del Rey, 90292 (310) 577-9818 pandaexpress.com Best Italian Restaurant Best: Cantalini’s Salerno Beach Restaurant 193 Culver Boulevard Playa del Rey, 90293 310.821.0018 salernobeach.com Favorites: Alejos Restaurant 8343 Lincoln Blvd. Westchester, CA 90045 310.670.6677 alejosrestaurant.com
Italy’s Little Kitchen 8516 Lincoln Blvd. Westchester, 90245 310.645.1220 italyslittlekitchen.com Best Bar: Best: Tompkins Square Bar & Grill 8522 Lincoln Blvd. Westchester, 90045 310.670.1212 t2barandgrill.com Favorite: Tony P’s Dockside Grill 4445 Admiralty Way Marina Del Rey, 90292 310.823.4534 tonyps.com Melody Bar & Grill 9132 Sepulveda Blvd. Westchester, 90045 310.670.1994 www.barmelodylax.com
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Thank You for Voting Melody Bar & Grill for Best Nightlife & Best Happy Hour!
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Melody Says Thank You! 9132 Sepulveda Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90045 310.670.1994 www.MelodyLAX.com Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/Melody.Grill
August 2013 • Best Of
$6 ANY burger w/ fries or salad Expires 9/15/2013 Follow us on Twitter www.twitter.com/MelodyLAX
Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News
Best Lunch Spot Best: Del Rey Deli 8501 Pershing Dr. Ste 3 Playa del Rey, 90293 310.439.2256 delreydeli.com
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Favorites: Buggy Whip 7420 La Tijera Boulevard Westchester, 90045 310.645.7131 buggywhipsteakhouse.com Best Happy Hour
Favorites: Mendocino Farms 4724 Admiralty Way Marina del Rey, 90292 310.822.2300 mendocinofarms.com
Best: Melody Bar & Grill 9132 Sepulveda Blvd. Westchester, 90045 310.670.1994 www.barmelodylax.com
Olive It 6231 W. 87th Street Westchester, 90045 310.242.2092 oliveit.com
Favorites: Cinco 7241 West Manchester Ave Los Angeles, 90045 310.910.0895 cincola.com
Sandwich shops were a hit for our “Best Lunch Spot” category, and includ newcomer Del Rey Deli, which took home the top spot.
Best Steak Best: Tony P’s Dockside Grill 4445 Admiralty Way Marina Del Rey, 90292 310.823.4534 tonyps.com
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Thirsty? Westchester’s Melody Bar and Grill took him this year’s title for “Best Happy Hour” and “Best Nightlife.” Co-owner Christian Warren whips up a cocktail behind the bar.
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ER • PLAYA ST HE BEST OF
Tony P’s Dockside Grill 4445 Admiralty Way Marina Del Rey, 90292 310.823.4534 tonyps.com
Voted Best Auto Mechanic Two Years in a Row! Thank You for your Support!
A • MARINA ST D VI
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Factory approved/state of the art Diagnostic Equipment Our experienced technicians are all ASE Board Certified
Please Call or Visit to Schedule an Appointment and/or Estimate • Andy Marozik, Owner/Operator 8415 W. Manchester Avenue, Playa del Rey, CA 90293 • 310.822.9115 • playawestautomotive.com August 2013 • Best Of
Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News
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Best Restaurant Atmosphere
Best: Tony P’s Dockside Grill 4445 Admiralty Way Marina Del Rey, 90292 310.823.4534 Favorites: Truxton’s American Bistro 8611 Truxton Avenue Westchester, 90045 310.417.8789 truxtonsamericanbistro.com Cantalini’s Salerno Beach Restaurant 193 Culver Boulevard Playa del Rey, 90293 310.821.0018 salernobeach.com Best Seafood Best: Tony P’s Dockside Grill 4445 Admiralty Way Marina Del Rey, 90292 310.823.4534 tonyps.com
Favorites: Killer Shrimp 4211 Admiralty Way Marina del Rey, 90292 310.578.2293 killershrimp.com Kanpai 8325 Lincoln Blvd. Westchester, 90045 310.338.7223 kanpai-sushi.net Best Neighborhood Bar Best: Tompkin’s Square Bar & Grill 8522 Lincoln Blvd. Westchester, 90045 310.670.1212 t2barandgrill.com Favorites: Melody Bar & Grill 9132 Sepulveda Blvd. Westchester, 90045 310.670.1994 barmelodylax.com
Tony P’s Dockside Grill 4445 Admiralty Way Marina Del Rey, 90292 310.823.4534 tonyps.com
The Grilled Cheese Truck thegrilledcheesetruck.com Favorites: Kogi kogibbq.com
Best Caterer Best (Tied): Olive It 6231 W. 87th Street Westchester, 90045 310.242.2092 oliveit.com
Lobsta Truck lobstatruck.com Best Desserts
Rise and Shine 6511 S, Sepulveda Blvd. Westchester, 90045 310.649.0906 riseandshinecatering.com Favorite: El Segundo Catering Company 310.283.0071 elsegundocateringcompany. com Best Food Truck Best:
RISE AND SHINE CATE RI NG
Best: Truxton’s American Bistro 8611 Truxton Avenue Westchester, 90045 310.417.8789 truxtonsamericanbistro.com Favorites: Tony P’s Dockside Grill 4445 Admiralty Way Marina Del Rey, 90292 310.823.4534 tonyps.com Westchester Bakery 6216 West 87th Street Westchester, 90045 310.215.9606 westchesterbakery.com
I’M CELEBRATING
date night.
riseandshinecatering.com - info@riseandshinecatering.com - (310) 649-0906
Rise and Shine Catering is a full service catering & event planning company with over 20 years experience creating delicious meals in Southern California. No event is too big or too small. We promote quality and healthy food. Anytime. Anywhere. Our focus is always on detail, quality and friendly helpful customer service. We are here to ensure your event is a success.
Whether it’s your first date or your monthly “date night” after 15 years of marriage, Hornblower Cruises is the
“BEST PLACE TO GO ON A DATE” • WE ST REY C EL
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as voted by the Hometown News Readers.
Voted Best Caterer!
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August 2013 • Best Of
What will You Celebrate?
20% OFF
hornblower.com • 855-594-7224
20% off Marina del Rey Brunch, Dinner or Sight & Sips Cruise. Valid up to 6 guests. Not valid in conjunction with any other offer or discount. Not valid on speciality cruises. New bookings only. Code: HTOWN20 Exp: 11/30/13
Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News
Best Thai Best: Ayara Thai Cuisine 6245 West 87th Street Westchester, 90045 310.410.8848 ayarathaicuisine.com Favorites: Thai Dishes 6234 W. Manchester Ave Westchester, 90045 310.342.0046 thaidishes-la.com Thai Talay 8411 Lincoln Blvd. Westchester, 90045 310.670.3055 thethaitalay.com Best Coffee Shop Best: Coffee Co 8751 La Tijera Blvd., Westchester, 90045 310.645.7315
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Favorites: Tanner’s Coffee Co 200 Culver Blvd. Playa del Rey, CA 90293 310.574.2739 Flowers by Felicia 8428 Pershing Dr. Playa del Rey, CA 90293 310.305.1200 flowersbyfeliciapdr.com Best Nightlife Best (Tied): Cinco 7241 West Manchester Ave. Westchester, 90045 310.910.0895 cincola.com Melody Bar & Grill 9132 Sepulveda Blvd. Los Angeles, 90045 310.670.1994 barmelodylax.com
Playa Pharmacy’s customer service and knowledgeable staff helped earn them the title of “Best Pharmacy” and “Best Mom & Pop” in the 2013 Readers’ Poll.
Marina Del Rey, 90292 310.823.4534 tonyps.com
Business and Retailers Best Pharmacy
Favorites: Tony P’s Dockside Grill 4445 Admiralty Way
Best: Playa Pharmacy 8131 W. Manchester Ave Playa del Rey, 90293 310.823.4500 playapharmacy.com
Favorites: Westchester Pharmacy 8930 S. Sepulveda Blvd. # 103 Westchester, 90045 (310) 670-3463 westchesterpharmacy.com Loyola Pharmacy 8400 Lincoln Blvd. Westchester, 90045 866.678.2871 www.prescriptionla.com
Setting the Standard in Property Management
for voting us BEST Property Management Company. We are honored by your continued support! Let Us Rent Your Home Our expertise can eliminate the hassles of property management. Let us take care of renting your home, from marketing and tenant screening to lease negotiation and rent collection.
We’re Property Management Experts.
Beach Cities Property Management
8929 S. Sepulveda Blvd. Suite 206, Los Angeles, CA 90045 Phone 310-216-4400 fax 310-216-4500 www.allcountybeachcities.com • contact@allcountybeachcities.com DRE# 01882903, Each Location Independently Owned and Operated
August 2013 • Best Of
Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News
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Best Shopping Center Best: Waterside, Marina del Rey 4700 Admiralty Way Marina del Rey, 90292 818.637.8921 shopwaterside.com Favorites: Westchester Town Center Downtown Westchester shopping district Westchester, 90045 310.417.9030 westchestertowncenter.com Marina Marketplace 13450 Maxella Avenue Marina del Rey, 90292 310.827.1740 villamarinamarketplace. com Best Retailer Best: Westchester Watch Works 6207 West 87th Street Westchester, 90045 310.641.1074
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westchesterwatchworks. com Favorites: Rainbow Acres Natural Foods 13208 W. Washington Blvd. Los Angeles, 90066 310.306.8330 rainbowacresca.com Playa Pharmacy 8131 W. Manchester Ave Playa del Rey, 90293 310.823.4500 playapharmacy.com Best Mom & Pop Shop Best: Playa Pharmacy 8131 W. Manchester Ave Playa Del Rey, CA 90293 310.823.4500 playapharmacy.com Favorites: Westchester Watch Works 6207 West 87th Street Westchester, CA 90045
Stop by reader voted “Best Gift Shop,” the Guilded Cage, for cards and gifts.
310.641.1074 westchesterwatchworks. com Flowers by Felicia 8428 Pershing Dr. Playa del Rey, 90293 310.305.1200 flowersbyfeliciapdr.com Best Gift Shop Best: The Guilded Cage 8917-B S. Sepulveda Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90045
310.641.7850 Favorites: Westchester Watch Works 6207 West 87th Street Westchester, CA 90045 310.641.1074 westchesterwatchworks. com Flowers by Felicia 8428 Pershing Dr. Playa Del Rey, 90293 310.305.1200 flowersbyfeliciapdr.com
Thank You HomeTown News Readers for Voting Westchester Watch Works Best Retailer!
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is operated entirely by volunteers to support the Airport Marina Counseling Center, which provides low-cost mental health counseling to our community. • WE ST REY C EL
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Westchester Watch Works
6207 W. 87th Street, Westchester CA 90045 • (310) 641-1074 WestchesterWatchWorks.com
Bring in this ad for a 20% discount off any one item in August! August 2013 • Best Of
Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News
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is proud to be named a “ Favorite Property Management Company!”
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Decron Properties is a family owned and operated property owner of these communities in Westchester and Playa del Rey:
Playa Del Oro, Playa Pacifica, Playa Marina, and coming Fall 2014, Playa Del Oro West.
Decron Properties, our team members, and our residents are proud to be active participants in the community. We support the annual Westchester 4th of July Parade, Halloween Town Fair, Food Pantry LAX, and the Westchester Streetscape Improvement Association.
Thank you for voting Decron Properties your Best in 2013! Please visit us at DecronProperties.com August 2013 • Best Of
Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News
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Best Place to Pamper Your Pet
Barks & Bubbles 8320 Lincoln Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90045 310.649.1585
Favorites: PDR Paws and Pads (424) 228-5100 pdrpawsandpads.com
Seaside Grooming 318 Culver Blvd Playa del Rey, CA 90293 310.823.7798
Favorites: Avenue Hair Company 4220 Lincoln Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90292 310.822.0700
Best Hair Salon Best: Head To Toe Salon 6310 W 89th St. Ste. A Los Angeles, CA 90045 310.670.5853
John Peri Salon 13175 Mindanao Way Marina del Rey, CA 90292 310.821.8012 johnperisalon.com
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Best Veterinary Center Best: Marina Veterinary Center Dr. Jones 8421 Lincoln Blvd. Westchester, CA 90045 310.642.8080 marinavet.com
Best: Wagz 8125 W. Manchester Ave. Playa del Rey, CA 90293 310.306.1090 wagzinc.com
The staff at Marina Veterinary Center doesn’t just help pets feel better, it also rescues them! The Chihuahua mix (pictured) was found in a Costco parking lot and is being pampered at the clinic until she can find her forever home.
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Favorites: Seaside Grooming 318 Culver Blvd Playa del Rey, CA 90293 310.823.7798
Dr. Shane’s Veterinary Medical Center - Dr. Shane 4816 Lincoln Blvd. Marina del Rey, CA 90292 310.305.PAWS (7297) shanevet.com
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Best: Wagz 8125 W. Manchester Ave. Playa del Rey, CA 90293 310.306.1090 wagzinc.com
ST
Best Grooming
Favorites: Bay Cities Veterinary Hospital 13476 Washington Blvd Marina del Rey, CA 90292 888.204.2933 baycitiesvet.com
VI
Services
We Pride Ourselves on our Multi-Modality Holistic Care State-of-the-Art Care
• • • •
Medicine & Surgery Surgical Laser Digital X-Rays Digital Dental X-Rays
Dr. Jones is a Certified Veterinary Chiropractitioner.
Anti-Aging For Pets
• • • • •
310.642.8080
•
We have the ONLY veterinary BiCOM machine in Southern California Cold Laser Applied Kinesiology Nutritional Medicine Energy Medicine BiCOM -
www.IntegratedVeterinaryTechnologies.com
Ozone and UVB Therapy
8421 Lincoln Blvd., Westchester, CA 90045
August 2013 • Best Of
•
www.MarinaVet.com
Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News
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From blow-outs, highlights, manicures and hair cuts, Westchester’s Head to Toe Salon, leaves their clients looking fabulous.
Suite 202 Playa Vista, CA 90094 800.834.2310 playavistains.com
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Best Financial Services Provider Best: Jeff DeLarme, Edward Jones 8939 S Sepulveda Blvd Ste 103 Westchester, CA 90045 310.670.2822
8131 W. Manchester Ave, Playa del Rey 310-823-4500 playapharmacy.com
Wells Fargo wellsfargo.com
Thank you for voting us Best Pharmacy!
Looking for a new home for your prescriptions? Switch to us and you will be treated like family.
Chase chase.com
Favorites (tied): Playa Vista Insurance Services 8055 W. Manchester Ave.
• FREE local delivery • We do COMPOUNDING, including bio-identical hormones
Flowers by Felicia
• Large selection of homeopathic remedies, herbs, healthy snacks and beverages
Specializing in:
• Vaccines: Including shingles, whooping cough, flu, and more
Custom Floral Arrangements Gifts Custom Gift Baskets Weddings Large Inventory of Fresh Flowers European/Dish Gardens High-Style Floral Arrangements Funeral Designs Candles • WE ST REY C EL
Voted Best Florist!
HOMETOWN
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8428 Pershing Drive, Playa del Rey (310) 305-1200 flowersbyfeliciapdr.com August 2013 • Best Of
• We match mail-order prices on most generic medications
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• We accept all Medicare plans and most insurances, including CVS/Caremark
Get a
$20 FREE In-store gift card when you transfer your prescriptions to us.
Not valid for gift cards and prescriptions billed to insurance. Void when prohibited by law. One per customer. Valid until 9/30/2013.
Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News
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Best Auto Repair Shop Best: Playa West Automotive 8145 West Manchester Playa del Rey, 90293 310.822.9115 playawestautomotive.com
Favorites: Playa Flowers 307 Culver Blvd. Playa del Rey, 90293 800.327.0772 playaflowers.com LA International Floral 8635 Truxton Ave. Westchester, 90045 310.641.1003 lainternationalflorist.com
Favorites: Loyola Automotive 8314 Lincoln Blvd. Westchester, 90045 310.670.0822 loyolaautomotive.com
Best Attorney
Frio Automotive 6575 W Manchester Ave Westchester, 90045 310.568.8930 Best Florist Best: Flowers by Felicia 8428 Pershing Dr. Playa Del Rey, 90293 310.305.1200 flowersbyfeliciapdr.com
Best: David Voss, Voss, Silverman & Braybrooke, LLP 4640 Admiralty Way Marina Del Rey, 90292 (310)306-0515 www.vsbllp.com
The Inn at Playa del Rey overlooks the Ballona Wetlands giving its guests great views of nature and the city.
laxlawyers.com
Los Angeles, 90045 310.670.4233
Chris Ritter Best Cleaners Best: Spring Cleaners 8636-D S Sepulveda Blvd. Westchester, 90045 310.670.8867
Favorites: Cozette Vergari, Vergari & Associates 5777 W. Century Blvd. Suite Favorites: 1580 Kentwood Cleaners & Westhester, 90045 Laundry (tied) 310.410.4014 7921 Emerson Ave.
Rowena’s Cleaners (tied) 8430 Lincoln Blvd Westchester, 90045 310.670.0156 Triangle Cleaners 6242 W 87th St Westchester, 90045 310.670.9351
Marina Towers ay, Suite 800 4640 Admiralty W 90292-6602 Marina del Rey, CA
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r u o y r o f y t i n u m m o c e h t n i e n o y r e v e ’ s w e N Thank you to n w o T e m o H e h t n i e t o v r u o y d support an t r o p p u s r u o Y . e u s s .” i .. f O t s e B “ l a u n n A ! s u o t g n i h t y r e means ev Attorneys
usiness Property B aw L y il am F .com Litigation .com • www.vsbllp
vsbllp 6.5368 fax • law@ 30 0. 31 • e ic vo 310.306.0515
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Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News
Best Hotel/Inn Best: Inn at Playa del Rey 435 Culver Blvd. Playa del Rey, 90293 310.574.1920 innatplayadelrey.com Favorites: Custom Hotel 8639 Lincoln Blvd Westchester, 90045 310.645.0400 customhotel.com Jamaica Bay Inn 4175 Admiralty Way Marina del Rey, 90292 (310) 823-5333 jamaicabayinn.com Best Property Management Firm Best: All County Beach Cities Property Management 8929 S. Sepulveda Blvd. Suite 206 Westchester, 90045
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310.216.4400 allcountybeachcities.com Favorites: Decron Properties 6222 Wilshire Blvd., #400 Los Angeles, 90048 323.556.6600 decronproperties.com Drollinger Properties 8929 S Sepulveda Blvd, Ste 130 Westchester, 90045 310.417.8048 drollingerproperties.com
Education Best Private Religious School Best: St. Anastasia Catholic School 8631 S. Stanmoor Drive Los Angeles, 90045 310.645.8816 school.st-anastasia.org
All Counties Beach Cities Property Management Firm helps their clients rent out their properties with ease.
Favorite: Visitation Catholic Elementary School 8740 South Emerson Ave. Westchester, 90045 310.645.6620 visitationschool.org Westchester Lutheran Church & School 7831 S. Sepulveda Blvd. Los Angeles, 90045 310.670.5422 wlcs.org
Best Private School Best: Westside Neighborhood School (WNS) 5401 Beethoven Street Los Angeles, 90066 310.574.8650 wnsk8.com Favorite: St. Anastasia Catholic School 8631 S. Stanmoor Drive Los Angeles, 90045 310.645.8816 school.st-anastasia.org
THANKS ONCE AGAIN TO HOMETOWN NEWS READERS:
WNS: BEST PRIVATE SCHOOL! Visit and see what makes Westside Neighborhood School the top choice of families looking for excellence.
Upcoming Admissions Presentations & Tours Presentations 9:30am-12pm. Reservations required. Please RSVP to the admissions office at 310.574.8650 or admissions@wnsk8.com. (Parents only, please.)
Tuesday, Thursday, Tuesday, Tuesday, October 8 October 24 October 29 November 5 DK-8 Independent Day School 5401 Beethoven St., Los Angeles, CA 90066 CAIS and WASC Accredited
August 2013 • Best Of
310.574.8650 www.wnsk8.com
Member of NAIS
Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News
Best Charter School Best: WISH Charter 6550 West 80th Street Westchester, 90045 310.642.9474 wishcharter.org Favorites: Open Magnet Charter School 5540 West 77th St Westchester, 90045 310.568.0735 opencharter.org
Favorites: Paseo del Rey Magnet School 7751 Paseo del Rey Playa del Rey, 90293 310.823.2356
Westchester Secondary Charter School 8820 Sepulveda Eastway Westchester, 90045 310.712.5764 westchestercharter.org
Community
Playa Vista Elementary School 13150 W Bluff Creek Drive Playa Vista, 90094 424.228.1800 pves.net
Best Community Event Best: Fourth of July Parade laxcoastal.com
Westchester First Fridays at the Triangle 6200 Block of West 87th St. Westchester, CA 90045
Best Family Activity Best: Playa Vista Movies and Concerts in the Park playavista.com Favorites: Bowling Riding bikes at the Beach
Best Weekend Hangout Best: The Beach Favorites: Playa Vista Farmers’ Market 6400 S Seabluff Dr Playa Vista, 90094 www.playavistafm.com Burton W. Chace Park 13650 Mindanao Way Marina del Rey, 90292 310.305.9595 bh.lacounty.gov
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Best Public School Best: Kentwood Elementary School 8401 Emerson Avenue Westchester, 90045 310.670.8977 kentwoodes.org
Favorites: Visitation Food Truck Friday Nights 8740 South Emerson Ave. Westchester, 90045 www.visitationschool.org
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Westchester Lutheran Church & School 7831 S. Sepulveda Blvd. Los Angeles CA 90045 310.670.5422 wlcs@wlcs.org
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Look for our “Best Of” Logos in our 2013 honorees places of business!
Bay Cities Veterinary Hospital
13476 Washington Blvd Marina del Rey, CA 90292 Call Today: 888-204-2933 • WE ST REY C EL
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To show our appreciation, Please bring Fido or Fluffy in for a Scrub-a-Dub-Dub, an Overnight Slumber Party, or Both and
Save up to 50% through August 31st!
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Special Rate of $25 per Bath Special Rate of $25 per day for Boarding Discounts may be combined for multiple services and multiple pets. Some restrictions apply.
August 2013 • Best Of
Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News
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Best Place to go on a Date Best: Hornblower Cruises & Events 13755 Fiji Way Marina del Rey, 90292 1.310.301.6000 hornblower.com Favorites: Tony P’s Dockside Grill 4445 Admiralty Way Marina Del Rey, 90292 310.823.4534 tonyps.com Melody Bar & Grill 9132 Sepulveda Blvd. Westchester, 90045 310.670.1994 barmelodylax.com Best Place to Take your Family Best: The Beach
St. Anastasia CATHOLIC SCHOOL
Ballona Discovery Park is located in Playa Vista next to the elementary school.
Limited space available in 1st and 3rd grades! Call today for a tour.
Favorites: Del Rey Lagoon 6660 Esplanade Place Playa del Rey, 90293 310.396.1615 Playa Vista and Westchester Parks Best Nature Spot Best: Ballona Wetlands Lincoln & Jefferson Blvd. Favorites: Ballona Discovery Park 13110 Bluff Creek Drive Playa Vista, 90094
SETTING THE STANDARD FOR
The Bluffs
Academic Excellence
Playa Vista Movies and Concerts in the Park “Best Family Activity”
Playa Vista Parks “Best Hidden Gem”
THANKS TO THE BEST READERS EVER! We areAWARD proud to be amongRECIPIENTS the Hometown News’ “Best Of ...” Honorees We proudly support & congratulate
St. Anastasia Catholic School offers students a well-rounded and challenging curriculum in a balanced and stimulating learning environment that enables children to grow spiritually, thrive academically and flourish socially. St. Anastasia students graduate to the top high schools— then onto the colleges of their choice. For admissions information or to find out more, visit our website at school.st-anastasia.org. St. Anastasia Catholic School 8631 S. Stanmoor Drive Los Angeles, CA 90045 310.645.8816 school.st-anastasia.org
Thank you for your tremendous leadership.
layaVista.com PlayaVistaP.com August 2013 • Best Of
Academics
Enrichment
Technology
Community
Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News
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Best Hidden Gem
Best: Playa Vista Parks playavista.com Favorites: Flight Path Learning Center 6661 W Imperial Hwy Los Angeles, 90009 424.646.7284 www.flightpath.us Del Rey Lagoon 6660 Esplanade Place Playa del Rey, 90293 310.396.1615 Best Place to Volunteer Best: Westchester Playa Village 8939 S. Sepulveda Blvd. Ste 326 Westchester, 90045 310.695.7030 thewpv.org Favorites: The Rotary Clubs: Westchester Rotary
clubrunner.ca/portal/home. aspx?cid=2550 Playa Venice Sunrise Rotary playasunrise.org Local Schools Best Non-Profit Best: Playa Venice Sunrise Rotary Club Meets: 13480 Maxella Ave Marina del Rey, 90292 playasunrise.org Favorites: Westchester Playa Village 8939 S. Sepulveda Blvd. Ste 326 Westchester, CA 90045 310.695.7030 Airport Marina Counseling Service 7891 La Tijera Boulevard Los Angeles, 90045 310.670.1410 airportmarina.org
Playa Vista’s concerts and movies in the Park were named “Best Family Activity” in this year’s poll. PHOTO COURTESY PLAYA VISTA.
Best Place for a Child’s Birthday Best: AMF El Dorado Lanes 8731 Lincoln Blvd. Westchester, 90045 310.670.0688 amf.com/eldoradolanes
Favorites Playa Vista Parks playavista.com Scooter’s Jungle 606 Hawaii St. El Segundo, 90245 888.516.1983 scootersjungle.com
CONSIDERING
SELLING? WHY WAIT?
Premier Agent
Richard Otterstrom August 2013 • Best Of
310.546.7611
WWW. SOUTHBAYBROKERS. COM
SELLS PROPERTY FASTER AND AT A HIGHER PRICE*
(310) 528 7187
richard.otterstrom@southbaybrokers.com Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey• Playa Vista HomeTown News
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Best View Best: Loyola Marymount University 1 LMU Drive Westchester, 90045 310.338.2700 lmu.edu Favorites: The Bluffs Encounter Restaurant at LAX 209 World Way Westchester, 90045 310.215.5151 encounterlax.com
Best Place to View Airplanes Best: In-N-Out 9149 S Sepulveda Blvd Westchester, CA 90045 www.in-n-out.com Favorites: Westchester Parkway Sepulveda to Vista del Mar Westchester and Playa del Rey Ralphs’ Parking Deck 8824 S. Sepulveda Blvd Westchester, CA 90045 310.645.2035
Playa Venice Sunrise Rotary Club Thanks You!
“Service Above Above Self” “Service Self” Programs of Playa Venice Sunrise: Programs of Playa Venice Sunrise Rotary: • Over $20,000 awarded to local teachers for classroom grants
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• Over $20,000 awarded to local teachers for classroom grants • Support of McBride School for Disabled Children • Holiday Family • Holiday party for McBride School for Disabled Children Adoption • Music, Art Dance and Speech scholarships for high school • Art, Speech, Music and Scholarships for high school students students • Leadership training weekend for high school students • Fire Station Pancake Breakfasts in Westchester and Venice • Fire Station Pancake Breakfasts Thanksgiving for the • Sponsorship of 4th of •July Parade, Jeton to Saturday Jetty, homeless • Santa Tour • Cultural Dinner • Sponsorship of Fourth of July Teacher Eddy Awards & Venice Boys & Girls Club Parade and Jet to Jetty • Bingofest • LACRA Bowling Fundraiser • Support of our Troops and St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital ...and • Charity Build A Bear formore! USC Children’s Hospital • Holiday Family Adoptions...and More! Wemeet meetWednesday Wednesdays atAM 7:15 AM We at 7:15 Courtyard by Marriott Hotel MdR, a Doubletree by Hilton 13480Maxella Maxella Ave., Marina CA 90292 13480 Ave., Marina del del Rey,Rey, CA 90292 Thank youyou forfor Voting Thank VotingUs Us For visit playasunrise.org Formore moreinfo, info, visit: playasunrise.org Non-Profit! BestBest Non-Profi t! A • MARINA ST D VI
August 2013
Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News
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Health & Wellness Best Dentist Best: Westchester Pediatric Dentistry 8540 S Sepulveda Blvd. #710 Westchester, 90045 (310) 216-5754 smilewestchester.com Favorites: Del Rey Dental 8410 Pershing Dr. Playa del Rey, 90293 310.822.2011 www.delreydental.net Kazuo Tomimatsu, DDS 8930 S. Sepulveda Blvd. Ste 211 Westchester, CA 90045 310.641.4074 Best Pediatrician
8725 La Tijera Blvd. Westchester, 90045 310.670.1455 www.westchesterpeds.com
2121 Santa Monica Blvd Santa Monica, CA 90404 310.829.5511 www.newstjohns.org
Favorites: Westchester Pediatrics - Dr. Shapiro 8725 La Tijera Blvd. Westchester, 90045 310.670.1455 www.westchesterpeds.com
Little Company of Mary Medical Center 4101 Torrance Blvd. Torrance, 90503 310.540.7676 california.providence.org/ torrance
Westchester Pediatrics 8725 La Tijera Blvd. Westchester, CA 90045 310.670.1455 www.westchesterpeds.com Best Hospital Best: Marina del Rey Hospital 4650 Lincoln Blvd. Marina Del Rey, CA 90292 310.823.8911 www.marinahospital.com
Best: Favorites: Westchester Pediatrics - Dr. Saint John’s Health Center Fisher
August 2013 • Best Of
Best Urgent Care Best: Playa Vista Urgent Care 6020 South Seabluff Drive Playa Vista, 90094 310.862.0400 www.pvmedcenter.com Favorites: Marina del Rey Hospital 4650 Lincoln Blvd. Marina del Rey, 90292 310.823.8911 www.marinahospital.com
Reliant 9601 S. Sepulveda Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90045 310.215.6020 reliantimmediatecare.com Best Massage Best (tie): Forty Winks 8632 S Sepulveda Blvd Ste. 105 Westchester, 90045 310.740.4041 fortywinksla.com Just Massage Studio 8329 Lincoln Blvd Westchester, 90045 310.568.0941 justmassagestudio.com/ westchester Favorites: Massages for your Health 8416 Pershing Drive Playa del Rey, 90293 310.822.3668 massagesforyourhealth.com
Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey• Playa Vista HomeTown News
Best Spa Best: Blue Diamond Spa & Skin Care 8622 S Sepulveda Blvd. Westchester, 90045 310.577.2211 bluediamondspa.com Favorites: Christine Valmy 4722 Lincoln Blvd Marina del Rey, 90292 310.821.8892 cvalmymdr.com Leelavadee 8732 S Sepulveda Blvd Westchester, 90045 310.216.7999 laxdayspa.com Best Neighborhood Gym Best: Westchester Family YMCA 8015 South Sepulveda Blvd. Westchester, 90045 310.670.4316 ymcala.org/westchester
Favorites: LA Fitness-Westchester 8601 Lincoln Blvd Westchester, 90045 310.846.0070 lafitness.com SoCal Sports and Fitness 8939 S. Sepulveda #111 Westchester, 90045 310.497.0863 jeffblairfitness.com Best Personal Trainer Best: Jeff Blair, SoCal Sports and Fitness 8939 S. Sepulveda #111 Westchester, 90045 310.497.0863 jeffblairfitness.com Favorites: Heidi Carignan Granzow’s World Karate 8707 Truxton Ave Los Angeles, CA 90045 310.645.2858
Thank you for voting us Best Massage!
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8632 S. Sepulveda Blvd. Ste 105 Los Angeles, CA 90045
Blue Diamond Spa is located at 8622 Sepulveda Blvd. in Westchester.
worldkarateandmixedmartial Favorites: Equinox-Marina del Rey arts.com 13455 Maxella Ave, Ste 204 Marina del Rey, CA 90292 Best Health Club 310.306.1000 Best: Spectrum-Howard Hughes equinox.com/clubs/marina 6833 Park Terrace Westchester Family YMCA Westchester, 90045 8015 South Sepulveda Blvd. 310.216.3060 Westchester, 90045 spectrumclubs.com/ 310.670.4316 howardhughes ymcala.org/westchester
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A new way to experience all the best aspects of massage.Come visit us today!
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Mention the HomeTown News this August and receive $10 off any relaxation session.
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Call Now: 310.740.4041 Visit us at FortyWinksLA.com & Facebook! August 2013 • Best Of
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18 5-Star Yelp Reviews! HomeTown News’ “Voted Best Of Personal Trainer Two Years in a Row!”
Owner, Jeff Blair (M.S., CSCS)
(310) 497-0863 • jeffblairfitness.com Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey• Playa Vista HomeTown News
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FOR YOUTH DEVELOPMENT ® FOR HEALTHY LIVING FOR SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
We’re Looking for the Best in our Community! Nominations Now Open for the 2014 Howard Drollinger Achievement Award Do you know a business leader whose commitment of time, talent and treasure have contributed to strengthening the Westchester/Playa del Rey Community? Download the forms and nominate someone today! • Forms can be found at: www.ymcala.org/wc
310-670-4316
August 2013 • Best Of
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Mon-Fri: 5am-10pm Saturday: 6am-8pm Sunday: 8am-6pm
Contact BlairMcBirney@ymcala.org or call 310-625-9156 for more information.
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8015 S Sepulveda Los Angeles, 90045
Don’t forget to save the date for the YMCA Kids Needs Heroes Awards Luncheon on September 26, where the Howard Drollinger Award will be awarded.
Thanks for Voting Us Best Neighborhood Gym!
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Westchester Family YMCA
• Or pick one up at the Westchester Family YMCA
Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey• Playa Vista HomeTown News
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To Do Rotary Club of Westchester The Rotary Club of Westchester meets every Wednesday at 12 noon for lunch at the Crowne Plaza LAX Hotel, 5985 W. Century Blvd. in Westchester. The cost of lunch is $20 and validated self parking is free. Guests are most welcome! Reservations are not required. For information regarding the upcoming luncheon programs, visit www.rotary-westchester.org/ or become our friend (Westchester Rotary) on Facebook. Playa Vista Farmers’ Market Come out to the Playa Vista Farmers’ Market, located in the heart of Playa Vista. Open every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and showcasing the freshest fruits, vegetables and flowers direct from the best local farmers’ California has to offer, as well as other traditional market fare. The farmers’ market also recently added another day to its schedule. The market will also be open on Wednesdays from 4 to 8 p.m. This is a Certified Farmers’ Market sponsored by Sprouts of Promise Foundation, a 501(c) 3 non-profit focused on the education of healthy eating habits. Playa Venice Sunrise Rotary Club Join the Playa Venice Sunrise Rotary Club at its Wednesday morning meeting at 7:15 a.m. at the Hotel MdR, a Doubletree by Hilton, located at 13480 Maxella Avenue in Marina del Rey. The cost of the meeting is $25, which includes breakfast and a guest speaker. Guests are welcome and reservations are not required. For more information, visit www. playasunrise.org or call (310) 4293808. Speakers by the Sea Toastmaster’s Group Improve your public speaking skills every Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. by joining the Speakers by the Sea Toastmaster’s Group. Visitors are always welcome– just drop in. The meeting takes place at 12000 Vista del Mar in Conf. Room 230A in
• your community newspaper • your community newspaper • your community newspaper • Playa del Rey (one traffic light South of Imperial Highway on Vista del Mar) For more info, please call (310) 559-2834. Life-Story Writing Class Thinking about writing your life story? Learn a simple method to recall and write your memories. You are invited to our next meeting. Since its inception, group members have published numerous books and are now working on a group collaboration for our seventh book. Meetings are held every Wednesday morning from 10:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. in the YMCA Annex, located at 8020 Alverstone Ave. in Westchester. The donation to the YMCA is $12 a year. For information, please call Mary Sage at (310) 397-3967. Greyhound Show and Tell August 4 and every first Sunday of the month, greyhounds and volunteers from Fastfriends.org (a non-profit rescue group), have a Greyhound Show and Tell from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Petco, located at 8801 S. Sepulveda in Westchester. The friendly and gentle manners of greyhounds help make them great family pets for apartments, families and even the elderly. Just look into a greyhound’s eyes– smart, sweet, calm, gentle and loving with children and adults. They’ve lived with other hounds all their lives, so they love to socialize with other four-legged friends. Greyhounds socialize well with other pets. For more information and to see available adoptable dogs, visit Fastfriends.org or contact Jim/Sharon Higgins at (310) 645-8143. “Lend Me a Tenor” at Westchester Playhouse Kentwood Players presents the 1989 Tony Award-winning comedy/farce “Lend Me a Tenor” by Ken Ludwig through Saturday, August 17 for a sixweek run, on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. with Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. Performances take place at the Westchester Playhouse, located at
LMU Neighborhood Advisory Committee Community Announcement
Dear Neighbors: You are invited to attend LMU’s quarterly Neighborhood Advisory Committee meeting. This committee meets quarterly to discuss matters of public safety and student behavior in the community, parking and other concerns related to the implementation of LMU’s 20-year Master Plan. This meeting is open to the public. No RSVP required. Thursday, August Date: Wednesday, August22 22, 2013 Time: 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. Location: Westchester Senior Center, 8740 Lincoln Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90045 Parking: Free parking is available in the parking lot adjacent to the Westchester Senior Center. Formore moreinformation informationcontact: contact:Clarence LMU Neighborhood Advisory Committee For Griffin, Director of Community and NAC@lmu.edu Government Relations at 310.338.7854 or cegriffin@lmu.edu
August 2013
8301 Hindry Ave. in Westchester. The production is directed by Gail Bernardi and produced by Susan Goldman Weisbarth by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc. “Lend Me a Tenor” is a hilarious comedy/farce taking place in a Cleveland, Ohio hotel suite in 1934. The Cleveland Opera Company has booked the renowned tenor Tito Merelli, known to his fans as “Il Stupendo,” to sing the lead in Otello at their gala fundraiser. Unfortunately, even before the star leaves his hotel room, everything begins to unravel. What follows is a chain-reaction of mistaken identity, plot twists, farcical double entendres, innuendos, and constant entrances and exits through many doors leading from one comical situation to another! Featured in the cast are Samantha Barrios, Rachel Boller, Harold Dershimer, Matt Landig, Maria Pavone, Scot Renfro, Susan Weisbarth and Michael Willens. Tickets are $18 with a $2 discount for seniors, students, servicemen, and Metro riders who present their same day ticket or monthly pass when purchasing full price tickets at the box office. To purchase tickets by phone, please call (310) 645-5156 or visit www.kentwoodplayers.org. Elks Lodge Events Join the Elks Lodge for the following August events. The Westchester Elks Lodge is having its monthly Tango lessons on Sunday, August 4. It starts with a free intro lesson from 6 to 7 p.m. followed by dancing until 12:30 a.m. Guest performances and light refreshments are provided. A full bar is available for drink purchases. August 1 and 15, the American Red Cross will be at the Lodge from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. for a blood drive. Food Truck Fridays and the Elks Membership Drive is every second Friday of the month. Friday, August 9 from 5 to 9 p.m., stop by the lodge for a variety of food trucks. The Lodge facilities will be open to the public. On Sunday, August 11, from 6:309:30 p.m. join the Lodge for Country Western Dance night. There is a free line dance lesson. The cost is $5 for adults and $3 for minors. Come support our local firefighters on Saturday, August 17 for a Firefighters Chili Cook Off. Cooking starts at 8 a.m. and tastings start at noon. Proceeds go to the Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation with a special raffle for the Granite Mountain Hot Shots Firefighters. The cost is $10 and includes the chili tastings and lunch. On Sunday, August 25, join the elks for bingo. Doors open at 1 p.m., early bird games start at 1:30 p.m. with regular bingo beginning at 2 p.m. Refreshments offered for purchase. Elks Lodge activities are open to the public and most are kid friendly. The Lodge is located at 8025 W. Manchester Avenue in Playa del Rey. Free parking is available in back of the lodge.
For more information please call (310) 821-3005. Movies and Music in the Park at Playa Vista Playa Vista is the place to be for movies and concerts in the park this summer. Pack some snacks, grab your beach towels or blanket and head on down to the park with your friends and family. No dogs please! For more info, please call (310) 448-4630. Movie Events in August: August 9: Skyfall (Central Park Bandshell) August 23: Clueless (Concert Park) Concerts will also take place twice a month during the summer season. Events take place on Sundays from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Music Events for August: August 4: Kelly Rae Band–experience chart topping tunes the likes of Taylor Swift and Kelly Clarkson (Concert Park) August 18: Sandbox–rock music cover band (Concert Park) Food Truck Friday Nights Visitation School is the place to be for families for its Food Truck Friday Nights. The event will have more than 15 food trucks, music, face painting, movies and fun. Live music will be provided by the Pure Play band. This month’s event will take place on Friday, August 16 from 5 to 10 p.m. The school is located at 8740 Emerson Ave. in Westchester. At the August event, complimentary dinners will be provided to the soldiers of the 387th QM Co. Special event recognition to the armed forces, veterans and the fallen will take place at 9 p.m. at the event. For more info, please visit visitationschool.org or call Terry O’Connor at (310) 994-9904. Westchester-Playa Democratic Club Meeting The Westchester-Playa Democratic Club will feature Marcia Hanscom, Director of the Ballona Institute and an advocate for Playa del Rey’s Ballona Wetlands, at its next meeting on Monday, August 26 from 7 to 9 p.m. The meeting will take place at the Bristol Hall Room, IHOP Restaurant, at 8600 S. Sepulveda Blvd. in Westchester. There is no charge to attend and parking is free. For more information about this event, please call contact the Westchester-Playa Democratic Club (424) 225-1504, or visit www. westchesterdemclub.org.
Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News
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Bill Ruane
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August 2013 • Real Estate Advertising Section
El Segundo Real Estate
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We currently have 13 Active Residential Homes! 5 New Listings Coming in August.
Featured Listing:
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615 Penn Street 3 Beds • 2 Baths Prime Location! Same owner for 50 years.
Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News
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Getting your Property Sold is as Easy as Listing with Robin Zacha Westchester - 6330 W. 80th Place
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Zacha Homes · 6605 W. 80th Street · 310.293.3043 · ZachaHomes.com August 2013 • Real Estate Advertising Section
Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News
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House for Lease SEEAdorable YOU AT JET TO JETTY AUGUST 24
Zacha Homes Welcomes Its Newest Agent
Danielle Seruto Gulalo DRE# 01931829
(Look for Me at the 3474 S. Bentley Ave., Los Angeles Water Station, Runners)
Born and raised in Westchester, Danielle knows the Westchester/Playa area inside and out and is excited to be working with Zacha Homes to share her knowledge of the community with her clients. She’s excited to begin her career as a Realtor with Zacha Homes. Whether it be to help you find your perfect home to call your own, or to help sell your property to begin a new chapter of your life, her goal is to help make your dreams come true. Let her help you achieve your dreams!
Let me Help You With Your Real Estate Needs In Real Estate, Experience Matters, So Call Me!
Nora Lee Owens at the Real Estate Consultants
6605 W. 80th Street Westchester, CA 90045
For real estate answers,
(310) 215-1981 zachahomes.com
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Household Help
Everybody Needs a Helping Hand Now and Then… Services provided: • Dog walking • Baby-sitting • Local Shopping and More! Contact Sue B., ready to assist M- F daytime only in Westchester, Playa or Marina del Rey & Playa Vista! $15 per hour • References available upon request 310.429.8208 or email suebee0313@gmail.com
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Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News
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Summer is here! Jet to Jetty race for mental health set to take place August 24 This year’s Jet to Jetty will mark the 29th year of the 5K/10K run/walk for mental health. The Drollinger Family Charitable Foundation (DFCF) is once again the name sponsor for the event that benefits Airport Marina Counseling Service (AMCS). The Jet to Jetty will take place on Dockweiler Beach in Playa del Rey on Saturday, August 24. Attendees can participate in a 5K walk/ run; a 10K run; a family bike ride and/ or the “Kid’s Fun Run.” This year, for the first time, there will be a USA Track and Field Road Mile challenge run. “This year’s edition of the Jet to Jetty has something for everyone and we encourage broad community participation,” said DFCF’s President Karen Dial. “It’s a great community event that supports a critical community service.” Before and after the event, there will be an expo featuring vendors offering healthy foods and drinks, chiropractic services and running gear, as well as free after-race snacks. Teams are encouraged to have fun and dress in costumes or themes. Prizes will be awarded for fastest team, team with the
August 2013
Jet to Jetty runners get ready for the big race. PHOTO BY DIANA HOFFMAN.
most participants and best individual costume. All participants receive a race t-shirt, and awards are given to the top three finishers in 15 age categories as well as to the overall first place male and female finisher in both the 5K and 10K. Entry fees for the 5K, 10K and bike ride events are $40 ($35 if registered by August 22nd) and the beach parking fee is included with the entry! The Kid’s
Fun Run entry fee is $10. Kids 12 and under are free in both the 10 and 20 mile bike ride. Attendees can register online or download an entry form at www. jetojetty.com or www.w2promotions. com. Registration and packet pick-up begin at 6:30 a.m. the day of the race. The 10 and 20 mile bike rides begin at 7:30 a.m. The 5K Run, 5K Walk and
Team competition begins at 8 a.m., the 10K race begins at 8:30 a.m. the Kid’s Fun Run takes off at 9:15 a.m. and the Road Mile competition begins at 9:30 a.m. Pre-race warm-ups will be conducted by staff at the Westchester Family YMCA. All race proceeds benefit AMCS, a non-profit, community-based mental health clinic based in Westchester that serves the surrounding communities. Open seven days a week, AMCS provides an array of effective mental health services, both at the clinic and off-site to meet the needs of people of all ages and means. All services are offered on a sliding fee scale and proceeds from the race help ensure that AMCS remains a safe place to come for help and healing. For more information, including early packet pick-up, please call (310) 6701410-x103 or email jill@airportmarina. org. With the race finishing steps from the Pacific Ocean, and activities that almost all ages can participate in, the Jet to Jetty has become a premier community summer event.
Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News
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Local little leagues score big in tournaments Westside Baseball’s Westchester Babe Ruth’s 15U and 14U teams won their respective State Championships in July, and each advanced to the Pacific Southwest Regional Championships in Arizona the weekend of July 19. Westchester Babe Ruth encompasses players from Westchester and Playa del Rey, as well as other communities in and around Los Angeles. The 15 and under team, managed again by John Lopatto, bested Torrance in a double header to win the State title. Last year, as the 14 and under representative, Westchester advanced to the World Series, finishing third overall. This season’s team has eleven returning players from that World Series team. Westchester won the District title with a win over El Segundo in the title game. The 15’s then traveled to Torrance to face off against teams from Heartwell, Simi Valley , Torrance and La Crescenta. After losing to La Crescenta in the opening round, Westchester fought its way through the loser’s bracket, winning three straight before matching up with Torrance in the finals. To advance, Westchester would have to beat Torrance twice in one night, at Torrance ’s Kendall field. Westchester jumped out to a 6-0 lead in the opening game behind the pitching and hitting of Jay Sterner. Sterner reached base three times in four plate appearances, scoring two runs. Catcher Anthony Chavez had a key three run double to give Westchester
The Westchester Babe Ruth 14U team .
the 6-0 lead. Torrance was not done, however, as it battled back for two runs off of Sterner in the sixth inning. Torrance then scored three times in the seventh, and had the bases loaded before Angel de la Torre came in and induced Torrance’s Casey Wissler to ground out to Westchester second baseman Christian Amador to end the game. Westchester breezed in the second game against an obviously discouraged Torrance team. Westchester scored a single run in the second inning as Carlos Jacobo plated L.J. Gilliam. Westchester broke the game open in the third scoring four, two on a home run by Sterner. Torrance couldn’t figure out Westchester pitchers del la Torre
and Jacobo, who combined on a four hit shutout. For the 14 and under team, after losing to Torrance in the District championship 12-0, the team charged back beating El Segundo 16-2, and Torrance twice (5-0 and 10-4) en route to winning the District 2 championship. Westchester then advanced to the State final hosted in La Crescenta and Glendale. After an easy victory of Simi Valley, Westchester faced off with host La Crescenta. Second baseman Justin Morris went four for four with three stolen bases and Nolan Martinez doubled twice to lead Westchester to an easy 8-0 victory. Saul Martinez, Kailin Woodard and Eli Saucedo
combined for seven shutout innings in the victory. Westchester then traveled to Glendale to face La Crescenta in the title game, with a berth in the Pacific Southwest championship at stake. Westchester struck early with two runs in the first inning as Kelvin Murillo and Aaron Greenfield scored following a Saul Martinez single. Westchester scored four more in the second, with Jonathan Phelps, Dailin Lee, Morris, and Murillo scoring. Five straight La Crescenta batters reached base, knocking out Marshall. Dominic Johnson came on for relief, and shut down the La Crescenta rally, keeping the score at 6-3. Westchester won the game with a 7-3 victory. The team, led by Manager Hector Zamora, then traveled to Surprise, Arizona, for the Pacific Southwest Regional Championship. On Monday, July 29, Westchester Babe Ruth 14U All Star team split its first two games in the championship. Westchester felt to the Hawaiian team 6-0 in the first game, before blowing out Nevada’s representative, Fallon, 22 to 3 in the nightcap. The team went on to play Arizona and Nevada, but results were not available as of press time.
Now open in Marina del Rey Come visit us at the new Dunn-Edwards store located in Marina del Rey and get a FREE in-store color consultation with a Professional Paint Advisor to help you choose from 1,696 designer-preferred colors in our Perfect Palette® collection. 4082 Lincoln Blvd. Marina del Rey, CA 90292 (310) 740-9147
FREE Color Sample! Bring this coupon into the Dunn-Edwards Marina del Rey store and get a FREE 8-oz. Perfect Palette® Sampler™ color sample.
*Limit one free Perfect Palette Sampler per person. Offer valid through 9/30/2013 at the Dunn-Edwards Marina del Rey store only and may not be combined with any other offers or discounts. ©2013 Dunn-Edwards Corporation. All rights reserved.
August 2013
5 OFF 1-Gallon, $20 OFF 5-Gallon $
Bring this coupon into the Dunn-Edwards Marina del Rey store and get $5 OFF 1-gallon and $20 OFF 5-gallons of Interior and Exterior Ultra Premium and Premium Paints.*
*Receive $5 off one 1-gallon can and $20 off one 5-gallon pail of Dunn-Edwards labeled Interior and Exterior Ultra Premium (ARISTOWALL, ENSO, SUPREMA, EVERSHIELD) and Premium (SPARTAWALL, SPARTASHIELD) Paints. Offer valid on store price only now through 9/30/2013 at the Dunn-Edwards Marina del Rey store only and may not be combined with any other offers or discounts. ©2013 Dunn-Edwards Corporation. All rights reserved.
Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News
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FREE CONCERTS AT CENTER COURT
Every Saturday through August 31, from 6pm – 8pm
Back by popular demand... the Westside JazzFest with KJAZZ 88.1 JazzFest represents the best in KJAZZ entertainment with free concerts every Saturday. Featured Artists:
The Gumbo Brothers on August 3 Elliott Caine on August 10 The North Hollywood Jazz Quintet on August 17 Western Standard Time on August 24 Jose Rizo’s Mongorama on August 31 Thank You and Have a Happy Summer at The Promenade.
6081 Center Drive Los Angeles, CA 90045 Phone: 310.641.8073 Hours: 10am-9pm. (Restaurants and Cinema have extended hours) Rave Cinemas 18 + IMAX, Nordstrom Rack and over 25 great shops and eateries hhpromenade.com
August 2013
Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News
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Four th of Jul y Par ade Photos Best in Relation to T heme F loat: Emer son Av e.Community Gar den
P HOTO S B Y G LENN MA R ZA NO
Best Ov er all F loat: Westchester Luther an
August 2013
Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News
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Start the theCelebrate New Year Year looking lookingFreedom! in the the right right direction...Up! direction...Up! Start New in
Star theNewYearlo kingintherightdirection. Up! Freedom from doubt. Freedom from fear. Join us at Westchester Lutheran Church, and embrace the freedom found in a loving, forgiving relationship with the Lord. Join new friends in a celebration of everything that is possible when you live in harmony with the Word.
All are welcome. Come celebrate with us!
Come look look up up with with us. us. Come
Annual Pancake Breakfast at Fire Station 5. Fire Station 5 in Westchester held its Thirteenth annual Open House and Playa Venice Sunrise Rotary hosted Pancake Breakfast on Saturday, July 13. The Los Angeles Airport Marriott Hotel donated pancakes, coffee and juice and families were treated to a bounce house, face painting, tours of the station and crafts provided by the Playa del Rey Moms’ Club. The club was able to raise more than $1,200 from the pancake breakfast, which goes back to the firefighters. This annual event is a great way for families to meet their local firefighters, as well as support the community. Pictured: A pancake breakfast attendee learns how to use a fire hose from a Westchester firefighter.
Mid-Summer Night’s Dinner. The Emerson Avenue Community held its first large fundraiser on July 20 with its Mid-Summer Night’s Dinner in the Garden. Attendees were treated to delicious appetizers and salads with organic ingredients straight from the garden. Dinner were donated by Bristol Farms and dessert was donated by Playa del Rey’s Cantalini’s. The night also included Spanish guitars, a silent auction and program. PHOTO BY ANNETTE BUHL.
Where have you seen this?
Weekly Worship Summer Choir Rehearsal Vacation Bible School
Sundays at 10 a.m. Sundays at 9 a.m. July 29-August 2
7831 S. Sepulveda Blvd. Westchester, CA 90045 310.670.5422 www.wlcs.org
W E D N E S DA YS 8:30 AM – 1:30 PM Westchester Park
(Intersection of Lincoln Blvd. & La Tijera across from Otis College)
www.westchesterfarmersmarket.com Follow us at Facebook.com/westchesterfarmersmarket Sponsored by the Westchester Vitalization Corporation
Do you know where these unique windows are located? Visit and like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/thehtn, find the “Where have you seen this?” post and let us know where this is located. One of the correct posters will be chosen at the end of August at random to win a $25 gift certificate to Cantalini’s Salerno Beach in Playa del Rey.
August 2013
Curious about your community? Idea for a story? Email us at westchesterhometown@yahoo.com
Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News
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NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL OF WESTCHESTER / PLAYA
Attend NCWP Committee Meetings
Neighborhood Coucil Elections Slated for Spring, 2014
The Neighborhood Council of Westchester/Playa has eight standing committees that discuss various topics of interest to our community. To learn about these issues in more depth, please take the time to attend our committee meetings and let your voice be heard. Airport Relations Third Thursday at 6:30 p.m. Del Rey Hills Church, 8505 Saran Dr., in Playa del Rey Budget and Finance First Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. Community Room @ Westchester Municipal Building 7166 W Manchester Ave. Community Services Meets as needed Please check website for time and location Education Fourth Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. Westchester Loyola Village Library Government Affairs Third Monday at 6:30 p.m. Del Rey Hills Church, 8505 Saran Dr., in Playa del Rey Outreach Meets as needed Please check website for time and location Planning & Land Use Third Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. Community Room @ Westchester Municipal Building 7166 W Manchester Ave. Public Safety Meets as needed Please check website for time and location BOARD MEETING First Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. Community Room @ Westchester Municipal Building 7166 W Manchester Ave.
While the City of Los Angeles has not selected a specific day for the next round of Neighborhood Council elections, those elections are slated to be held sometime next spring. It’s never too early to begin thinking about running for a seat on this board, which serves in an advisory capcity to city departments and Councilman Mike Bonin on a wide array of community issues. The following seats will be on the spring 2014 ballot (current seat holders are listed): Business 90094 Sibyl Buchanan Residential District 1 Cheryl Burnett Residential District 3 Craig Eggers Residential District 5 Vacant Residential District 7 Alan Quon Residential District 9 John Casey Residential District 11 Paul Radke Residential District 13 Kathryn Evans Residential District 15 Ted Krober At-Large Seat 2 Lori Kuhn At-Large Seat 3 Cyndi Hench Income Property Owner Patricia Lyon Senior Citizen Booker Pearson LAX Sheryl Thomas-Perkins Religious John-David Webster For more information about the Neighborhood Council of Westchester/Playa, please visit www. ncwpdr.org
www.ncwpdr.org August 2013
Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News