July edition of the Westchester/Playa HomeTown News by Westchester/Playa del Rey HomeTown News

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15th Annual Fourth of July Parade...page 11

PHOTO BY GLENN MARZANO.

#LoveMyAmerica

Children wave their flags along Loyola Blvd. at last year’s Fourth of July Parade. This year’s parade will take place on Friday, July 4th at 11 a.m. down Loyola Blvd. from Westchester Park to LMU.

Parents express frustration over move to co-locate charter to two elementary school campuses More than 100 parents and community members filled the Kentwood Elementary School auditorium on Monday, June 23 for an emergency meeting to discuss the Los Angeles Unified School District’s (LAUSD) recent decision to co-locate Citizens of the World Charter School

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on the school’s campus. LAUSD’s Lorena Padilla was on hand to discuss how the co-location would work and to inform the community about the district’s decision. While community input is generally sought before a co-location occurs, Padilla explained that the superintendent of

LAUSD made the decision to offer space to the charter on both the campuses of Kentwood and Loyola Village after CWC missed a paperwork filing deadline. Missing the deadline made the charter’s previous location at the campus of Stoner Elementary School no longer an option for the

2014-2015 school year. Although parents in attendance demanded answers, Padilla explained that due to Prop 39, which was passed by voters in 2000, school districts must provide facilities to accommodate charters. Padilla could (continued on page 4)

Emerson Avenue Garden works to grows vegetables and community During the summer, the garden is full of lettuce, kale, tomatoes and summer squash.

“Have you seen how well my squash are doing?,” asks a gardener on a recent summer day at the Emerson Avenue Community Garden (EACG). It’s not a hard question to answer as the garden is currently in full bloom with its 38 community plots teeming with fruits and vegetables including tomatoes, different varieties of kale and lettuce, beets and strawberries. “I have been here since the very beginning and it’s so nice to see things growing in the garden,” said current EACG president Cindy Nelson. “There use to be so much to do that we thought we would never have enough time, but now we have enough volunteers to do all the work that needs to be done.” Since breaking ground on the garden located on the campus at Wright STEAM Magnet (WSM) in January 2011, hundreds of volunteers and dedicated community members have spent thousands of hours transforming a once unused plot of land overrun with weeds and used as storage, into a thriving community garden that is feeding its gardeners and the needy through donations sent to the food pantry. “Community is one of the most important things going on here. The special thing about the garden is it really brings all types of people here,” said Nelson. “As soon as people step in the door, they can find their niche… from heavy work to simply sitting and enjoying the garden.” Community is definitely the overriding theme at the garden. Growers are eager to share best practices and their harvests and on any given weekend, volunteers can be seen tending their plots, working on projects to help beautify the garden and checking on the open compost system. First Saturday of the month workdays have brought dozens of volunteers to the roughly 1-acre lot and have led to the creation of Page 2 • July 2014

an outdoor classroom space and a pollinator garden. “It’s really enjoyable to be here,” said Eric Dahlstrom, who has a garden plot with his wife and daughter. “It’s a lovely place to be. My wife has made a lot of strawberry jam this year from our garden. It’s so nice to get to know your neighbors better. There’s also a little bit of friendly competition and seeing what other people do with their plot.” Being on the campus of a middle school, it’s not surprising how important education is to the EACG’s mission. Nelson, who is also the Education Committee chair for the non-profit, hopes to reengage WSM in participating in the garden. The committee is currently working on creating curriculum that incorporates gardening with the school’s STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art

Community is one of the most important things going on here. The special thing about the garden is it really brings all types of people here. and math) focus. The garden has 34 small plots that are allocated for WSM and WISH Charter, which is co-located on the campus. The garden also keeps five plots for community education. EACG regularly holds workshops led by master gardeners who use the plots for demonstration purposes. Groups like the YMCA and local churches have used the community plots to help promote healthy eating and to show how successful a backyard garden can

Members of the wheelbarrow drill team, led by John Sharpe, practice their routine for the Fourth of July Parade. Look for the EACG’s entry in this year’s parade. PHOTO BY MICHAEL KITAYAMA

be. When school is not in session, the garden is open from sunrise to sunset and the community is invited to explore the area and take advantage of its outdoor classroom. Since the land is being used by the EACG through an agreement with LAUSD, all visitors are asked to sign a liability waiver when visiting. During the summer months, the garden is open for a variety of free activities geared towards children including “Story Time in the Garden” every Tuesday at 10 a.m. Thursdays at 10 a.m. volunteers from LA Arts Collective and Musical Beginnings help lead a music and movement class. “We always incorporate a trip through the garden with story time,” said EACG volunteer and treasurer Dorothy Stone. “It’s getting kids paying attention to the outdoors. They love running up and down our mulch pile. Several moms have said they really enjoy giving kids that exposure.” While visitors are always welcome to the garden, EACG members are currently inviting the community to their biggest fundraising event of the

year, their second annual Midsummer Night’s Dinner. This year’s event will be held Saturday, July 12 from 6 to 9 p.m. The event will be held al fresco in the garden located on Emerson Ave. in Westchester between 80th Place and 80th Street. Tickets are $65 and include dinner, live music and camaraderie. The appetizers and salad course will be made with the garden’s produce. “It’s a beautiful evening and a great intro to the garden,” said Nelson. “It’s a great way for people to enjoy their community and the people in it. It’s kind of fun to remove yourself from the big city and enjoy our small town feel. It’s a night to reconnect with your neighbors.” Interested in learning more or purchasing tickets to the Midsummer Night’s Dinner? Please visit eacgc.org. Volunteers also have a booth at the Westchester Farmers’ Market the third Wednesday of the month and a master gardener is on hand to answer gardening questions. The fourth Saturday of the month the group is at the Playa Vista’s Farmers’ Market.

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

July 2014 • Page 3

Parents share frustration over co-location (continue)

(continued from page 1) not elaborate on how LAUSD Superintendent John Deasy made his decision to offer the charter space at the two Westchester elementary schools, a move that dumbfounded those in attendance. “I am a parent here at Kentwood and for the last two years LAUSD has interrupted my family was this business of co-location. I am disheartened, because yes, there are empty classes throughout the city. There are empty school buses,” said one parent at the meeting. “There are a lot of problems, but when you find a school that you love and that is working for your child and then you come in with this information, or this misinformation, or no information, it just creates turmoil where there doesn’t need to be any turmoil.” Parents were upset that the district waited until June 9 and after school was let out to inform the school’s principal, Jean Pennicooke, that CWC had been offered space on the campus, leaving her and her team scrambling to get the information out to parents and to make decisions on how the campus would be reconfigured to make room for the 40-50 CWC second graders that will be located on the campus. The rest of the school’s 200 plus children in kindergarten, first grade and third grade are expected to attend school on the campus of Loyola Village. At the meeting, Pennicooke stated that three classrooms would be dedicated to CWC. In order to accommodate the charter, she announced she would be moving one of her teachers to another classroom and that the S.T.A.R. afterschool program would be moved to the science lab, which would be shared with Antioch Counseling, Bookworm LMU and still used for fifth grade science. Six instructors, including the school’s speech therapist,

physical therapist and resource teacher, will also have to share a classroom in the fall. Perhaps most distressing for parents in attendance was the decision to terminate the agreement with the afterschool College Bound 4 Kids program due to lack of space. “This is an amazing place and you are disrupting that in a very major way,” said Karen Follette a Kentwood parent and Executive Director of the YMCA, which provides programs like yoga at the school. “We don’t want that to happen. This is what you should be looking at as an example of excellence and, instead, we are getting disciplined.” Citing concerns over the amount of traffic created on Emerson Ave. with so many schools located in such a short distance, Pennicooke stated that CWC will have different start and end times than Kentwood and will have the exclusive use of the Dunbarton back gate that Kentwood parents have used in the past. According to CWC principal Alison Kerr, although parents have mixed-feelings about the charter being moved from Stoner Elementary to Westchester and being broken up onto two campuses, they are largely unhappy with the district’s decision. Kerr acknowledges that the executive director of CWC, who has since resigned, missed a deadline to submit a piece of paperwork, but noted that the charter’s other campuses in Silverlake and Hollywood turned in their paperwork on the same day, but got to stay on their campuses. Kerr says that having her students split between two campuses will cause problems in creating a unified school culture. It will also create a logistic problem for parents who have children on both campuses. “It’s going to have a big impact. One

rymount University, 1 LMU Drive, Los Angeles CA 90045

of our fundamentals is community and that definitely pertains to the student community,” said Kerr. “The kids are going to feel the loss of not being together. We will definitely have to work a lot harder given that our school community is split.” While Kerr feels that Loyola Village has enough space for CWC students, she feels Kentwood does not but is eager to move forward and make the best of the situation. She says she is working with the two schools’ principals to ensure that the impact is as minimal as possible. Although the school has looked at leasing costly private space for the fall semester, this late in the game Kerr states that it is “unlikely that private space will be found.” For some parents, the real issue is much bigger than a missed paperwork deadline. Some have accused the school district of making their children political pawns in a game of pitting parents of traditional school students against charter parents in the hopes of weakening support for charter schools. “It seems to me that they are purposely creating a difficult situation for CWC coming onto the campuses by giving us classes that were formerly utilized when we could have stayed at Stoner,” said CWC parent and Westchester resident Stacie Ottoson. “We did not ask to be placed at either of these schools. We do not want to take any services away from their children. We are doing everything possible to keep the status quo at their campuses.” LAUSD Board member Steve Zimmer, who oversees the Westchester/Playa area, did not return calls seeking comment. In the meantime, Kentwood parents have organized a petition asking the school district to “stop the co-location of CWC at Kentwood” and identify other campuses that have the space to house the school. The petition also asks the district

to look into providing CWC space at the Kentwood Early Education Center located on the school’s campus, which, although renovated in recent years, has sat empty according to Kentwood PTO President Doug Lee. While parents who have signed the petition are hoping that they can persuade the district to reevaluate its decision, Lee is confident that if CWC does end up co-locating on the Kentwood campus, the two schools will work together to create a harmonious learning environment for students. “This disruption is not on the charter system. It’s not about Prop 39. It’s really about ‘Is this the best choice out there?’ ‘Is this the only option that you have?’” said Lee. “If you can come back and say with a straight face that it is, that Kentwood is the only place that this school can go to do what it needs to do, then we’ll have to receive them and we will because that’s the strength of our neighborhood and our community. We will do it and we’ll do it to the best of our ability. I’m pretty confident we will make it work because that’s how we roll around here.” Foreseeing that the issue of schools colocating is here to stay, the LMU Family of Schools will be holding a workshop later this month to help principals navigate the issue. “Proposition 39 ensures that school colocations will be a part of the conversation surrounding public education for years to come,” said LMU’s Family of School’s Darin Earley. “With 6 schools in the LMU Family of Schools sharing campus space, we recognize the importance of supporting our schools and principals as they work to foster healthy collegial relationships between the co-located schools that promote student success and academic achievement.”

downtown

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80th Street

Loyola Boulevard

an bridge

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

This Month Brings You A look inside your HTN Emerson Avenue Garden grows community Bacari PDR readies to open July movies and music in the park 15th Annual Fourth of July Parade Program Business Shout-out School Notes In pictures

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HOMETOWN STAFF/CONTRIBUTORS Stephanie Davis, Publisher, Editor Fay Craton, Contributing Writer David “Duke” Dukesherer Sr., Looking Back

Nora Lee Owens, Humor Jeff Blair, Contributing Writer Jack Younger, Contributing Cartoonist

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Deadline for comments on LAX Northside Plan Update due Monday, July 21 Comments are currently being accepted for the Draft EIR for the LAX Northside Plan Update through Monday, July 21 at 5 p.m. The LAX Northside Plan Update would provide new regulations for future developments along the 340 acres of land stretching from Sepulveda Westway and Sepulveda Boulevard in the east to Pershing Drive in the west. The plan would bring existing design guidelines approved by the City of Los Angeles in 1984 for the project up-to-date. According to project manager Lisa Trifilleti, the new plan reflects current market needs, enforces best-practices with sustainability and perhaps most importantly, “down zones” the 4.5 million square feet of commercial space currently approved for the site. While the plan is merely a guideline on how the land could be developed, the update calls for no more than 2.3 million square feet of development with a maximum building height of 60 feet. The plan outlines potential uses for the property including: 470,000 square feet of mixed-use commercial that could include retail, restaurants,

hotel and office space; 215,000 square feet for community/civic use; 1,025,000 square feet of office, research and development space; 10,000 square feet of recreation support and 600,000 square feet of airport support to be located on the south side of Westchester Parkway. The plan also permits development of areas like the LAX Northside Paseo, a pedestrian accessible promenade that would run along Westchester Parkway from the Sepulveda Business District to Pershing Drive, as well as open space that could potentially include soccer fields and a dog park. The Draft EIR for the project is available to view online at ourlax.org and at Westchester Loyola Village Library, located at 7114 Manchester Ave. Library and Playa Vista Library, located at 6400 Playa Vista Drive. Interested community members are invited to submit their comments on the Draft EIR to laxnorthside@ lawa.org. Letters can also be mailed to LAWA; Capital Programming and Planning, Environmental & Land Use Planning-Attention Lisa Trifilleti, 1 World Way; Los Angeles, CA 90045.

About The HomeTown News (HTN)

The HomeTown News is a monthly community newspaper dedicated to providing information about the people, events and happenings of Westchester, Playa del Rey, Marina del Rey and Playa Vista. Look for the HomeTown News the first Thursday of the month at your home or at one of our drop-off locations.

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Mailing Address: 8939 S. Sepulveda Blvd., Ste. 110 #745 Westchester, CA 90045 Phone: (310) 641-1016 Email: westchesterhometown@yahoo.com or htn@thehtn.com Website: http://www.thehtn.com Facebook: facebook.com/thehtn

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Councilman Mike Bonin and new Westchester/Playa Field Deputy Fred Sutton are encouraging the community to reach out to the council office with their issues.

New Westchester/Playa Field Deputy works to increase accessibility of council office Fred Sutton has been named the new Field Deputy for the Westchester, Playa del Rey and Playa Vista area after being appointed by Councilman Mike Bonin on June 10. Sutton replaces Nate Kaplan who served as Field Deputy under both Bonin and former councilman Bill Rosendahl. “I’m thrilled and excited to move into this new role,” said Sutton. “It has been a pleasure working with Mike and the rest of the great CD11 staff in the past year and I’m grateful to now have even more of an opportunity to serve the neighborhoods of Westchester, Playa del Rey and Playa Vista.” As Field Deputy, Sutton, who previously served as a Constituent Advocate for the Council District 11 (CD11) office, will work on helping fulfill Bonin’s vision for the community, increasing services and making sure the office is responsive to the community’s needs. Sutton grew up in the CD11 area and studied Political Science at the University of Arizona and Foreign Policy at American University. He previously served as a member of the West LA Neighborhood Council and has been active in local politics for years. Outside of public service, Sutton has worked in commercial office leasing, sales and marketing. “It has been an amazing three weeks,” said Sutton, who now calls the councilman’s Westchester office his home base. “In a city as huge as L.A., [this community] has a Page 6 • July 2014

from concerned residents looking for answers, help and advice. In his first weeks on the job, issues including public safety, the parking situation in the area around Loyola Marymount, the Century Boulevard bridge at Aviation coming down and a disturbing billboard that was located on Sepulveda at Westchester Parkway have all recently crossed his desk. The first temporary parking district around Loyola Marymount was recently approved and added to the city’s work schedule “Fred has been a valuable member of our team from day one and has helped me with one of the most important tasks I have: to get out of the city hall bubble and meet with people,” said Councilman Bonin. “Being a Field Rep in a council office, you have to do three jobs at once all rolled into one. Some [participate] in public service because it is cool and some because they have a big heart and that’s what Fred has.” Sutton plans on continuing Bonin’s and the council office’s work on promoting public safety and encouraging people to start Neighborhood Watch Programs. Also on his “to do” list are projects that would help beautify the community. The council office hopes to be able to form a public-private partnership “There’s no excuse to not be in to help renovate the aging senior touch with constituents,” said Sutton. center at Westchester Park. The east “We want to increase our customer part of Westchester is also high on service and make sure we are their priority list for beautification accessible to everyone.” efforts. They both hope to organize Sutton says he receives hundreds a community clean-up for the area in of phone calls and emails per week Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del hometown feel like in the movies.” In his previous role, Sutton was critical in helping coordinate Bonin’s “Access 11” program, which seeks to engage the councilman with community members in informal settings like farmers’ markets, hikes and community clean-up events. In his new role, Sutton wants to continue to make sure that the councilman’s office is a valuable community resource and the first place people turn to when they need help.

There’s no excuse to not be in touch with constituents. We want to increase our customer service and make sure we are accessible to everyone.

Fred Sutton.

the near future. “It has been a blast getting to know the communities better and more in depth,” said Sutton. “I’m excited to be here, so please reach out with any issue and I’ll be here ready to help you.” Sutton can be reached at fred. sutton@lacity.org or at (310) 568-8772. This month, Councilman Bonin and Sutton will be at Westchester Park for Movies with Mike (more info page 10) and are planning an upcoming community service day for downtown Playa del Rey. For more info about Bonin and the CD11 staff, visit 11thdistrict.com.

Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News

Bacari PDR readies to open with simple, uncomplicated food with fresh ingredients Bacari PDR, a new restaurant from Los Angeles restaurateurs Robert Kronfli, Daniel Kronfli and Chef Lior Hillel, is set to open in Playa Del Rey in August at the former site of Bistro Du Soleil. Poised to be a local gathering spot, Bacari PDR will feature a selection of international, esoteric wines and craft beers, full-bar program with handcrafted cocktails, and a gourmet menu of Mediterranean-inspired “cicchetti–” Italian small plates for dinner and weekend brunch. The restaurant is the first Westside venture for the Kronfli brothers and Hillel, adding to the culinary trio’s current concepts, Bacaro LA, a popular wine bar, and Nature’s Brew, a local coffee shop and kitchen, both located in Downtown Los Angeles close to the University of Southern California. They also boast a retail food products line, Kronfli Brothers Inc., offering natural sauces and dressings that are sold at more than 150 retail locations throughout the country. The Kronflis, both USC alums, opened Bacaro LA in 2008 while in their 20s. It quickly gained notoriety as one of the city’s premier wine bars, and has since developed a fan base

The open-face burger with poached egg (at left) is a popular menu item at Bacaro LA. PHOTO COURTESY BACARI PDR.

spanning the greater Los Angeles area and into Orange County. The entrepreneurs, along with Hillel, then went on to launch Kronfli Brothers Inc. and Nature’s Brew in 2013. Robert is also the founder of Paladar, an “underground” supper club conceived out of his apartment as a USC undergrad, which rapidly built a cult following among students and

local food enthusiasts. “Bacaro LA became so successful in the Downtown LA neighborhood as a result of our dedication to creating a casual, genuine place with great food and unique wines and beers,” says Robert Kronfli. “We hope to do the same with Bacari PDR as the restaurant joins Playa del Rey’s developing culinary scene, and we

look forward to being a part of the local community.” As with the beverage program at Bacaro LA, the Bacari PDR team’s carefully curated wine and beer list focuses on lesser-known varietals with unique flavors from all over the world. The restaurant’s rotating selection of small production wines will feature six to seven varietals on the red, white, and sparkling wine lists respectively, and beer aficionados can enjoy a changing assortment of 12-15 draft and bottled international craft brews. A first for the Bacari PDR team will be a full-bar program with specialty cocktails created by Adam Sandroni of The Virgil, offering libations such as the “Peruvian Chocolate” with pisco, crème de cacao, and bianco vermouth, and “Ensenada Sunset” with blanco tequila, lime juice, grapefruit juice, and St. Germain. Chef Lior Hillel, an Israeli-born Le Cordon Blue alum who previously worked at New York’s Jean-Georges Restaurant, created the menu at Bacari PDR to reflect his approach of simple, uncomplicated food with fresh ingredients and bright flavors. “We take as much pride in our food (continued on page 8)

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

July 2014 • Page 7

Bacari PDR (cont’d) (continued from page 7 ) as we do our beverage program, and strive to create dishes that are creative yet still approachable at the same time,” says Hillel. “We feel that the caliber of Bacari PDR’s cuisine paired with our inviting atmosphere will complement the Playa del Rey community, which has become one of the city’s newest dining destinations in its own right.” The restaurant’s menu features Hillel’s signature “cicchetti” Italian small plates, including cold dishes such as cabecou, marinated goat cheese with fresh ground black pepper, cranberry compote, and baked baguette, and hot dishes like lamb stuffed eggplant with lemon garlic emulsion, lemon chip and scallions; oven roasted bone marrow with caper panko and sea salt; grilled chicken breast with risotto cake and lemon jalapeño caper sauce; and glazed pork belly skewers. Diners can also enjoy cheese and salumi plates, grilled pizzas and larger format seasonal specials like seared scallops with carrot purée and crispy capers. For a sweet finish, desserts include Malabi, a Mediterranean rosewater custard with shaved coconut, hibiscus flower and ground pistachio. In addition to the dinner menu,

Bacari PDR will host a daily happy hour from 5 to 7 p.m. with $6 cicchetti plates, and cocktail and sangria specials, as well as half off all wines by the glass every Monday. Bacari PDR will serve brunch on Saturdays and Sundays. Designed by the Bacari PDR team, the rustic décor of the restaurant is reminiscent of their first concept, with floor-to-ceiling chalkboard walls adorned with the food and drink menus, polished concrete floors, dark wood furniture, and intimate lighting to create a warm, inviting atmosphere. The 1,100 sq. ft. space will also feature a full wine bottle ceiling, for which guests are invited to sign their own finished bottles of wine to help complete the collection. Unique to Bacari PDR will be a half-circle cocktail bar located in the middle of the space, and an outdoor patio with seating, providing guests the opportunity to enjoy the restaurant’s close proximity to the beach. Bacari PDR is located at 6805 Vista Del Mar Lane in Playa del Rey. Dinner will be served seven days a week from 5 p.m. to 12 a.m.; brunch on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; and happy hour daily from 5-7 p.m.

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 – UNCLE SAM

“There’s no better place to come when preparing to celebrate the birth of our nation. Every Fourth of July, I make a beeline for Ralphs and Trader Joe’s to pick up everything I need for my afternoon barbecue. Then, it’s off to pick up swim trunks and a new beach towel at Kohl’s; and I wrap up my day with a cool, refreshing smoothie at Robek’s Juice!”

Yoga & Adult Fitness classes now available!

shop dine enjoy www.westchestertowncenter.com

Page 8 • July 2014

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

July 2014 • Page 9

Summer is officially here, so grab your family and friends and enjoy a movie or concert in the park at one of the following July events!

Movies in the Park at Playa Vista.

Playa Vista is sponsoring a variety of Movies in the Park events during the summer months that are perfect for the entire family. The movie events rotate between Concert Park, located at the corner of Seabluff Drive and Discovery Creek and the Central Park Bandshell, located at 12045 Waterfront Drive. For events at the Central Park Bandshell, shuttles are available at retailer Yummy.com, located at Pacific Promenade and Seabluff Drive in Playa Vista and run from 4:45 through 11 p.m. Guests can also park at the Hercules Campus Lot off of Bluff Creek Drive for $9. All events run from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. • July 11- Despicable Me 2 in Concert Park • July 25- The Breakfast Club in Central Park Bandshell For more information, visit playavista.com.

Movies with Mike at Westchester Park.

Councilman Mike Bonin will be holding “Movies with Mike” in collaboration with the Department of Rec and Parks. First up will be a showing of the smash hit “Frozen,” on Saturday, July 12 at 8 p.m. at Westchester Park, located at 7000 Manchester Ave. in Westchester. The movie will start at 8 p.m. and attendees are invited to bring their chairs, blankets and snacks! RSVP at 11thdistrict.com/ movienightwestchester.

Marina Movie Nights.

The Department of Beaches and Harbors presents its annual Free Marina Movie Nights starting in July. Annie will be screened on Thursday, July 31 at Burton Chase Park, located at 13650 Mindanao Way in Marina del Rey. Movies start at 8 p.m. For more information, call (310) 305-9596.

Marina del Rey Concerts.

Enjoy a concert in the park with the annual Marina del Rey Summer Concert Series. Take your pick of Symphonic Thursdays or Pop Saturdays, pack a blanket and a

Locals enjoy a movie in the park at Playa Vista. PHOTO PROVIDED BY BROOKFIELD RESIDENTIAL/PLAYA VISTA.

picnic and head on down to Burton Chase Park in Marina del Rey for the weekly events starting this month. • July 10- Opera at the Shore • July 19- Yuna (R&B, Electronic, Folk, Pop) • July 24- Symphonic Celebration with William Hagen on violin For more info, visit marinadelrey. lacounty.gov.

Concert in the Park at Playa Vista. Playa Vista has some of the best

summer concerts in the city. The community’s July and August live music events will give music lovers a chance to hear their favorite songs from surf classics from the 60s to modern day pop hits. Concerts take place on Sundays from 5 to 6:30 p.m. and food trucks will be parked at each event for attendees to buy food. • July 13- Surf City All Stars in Central Park Bandshell • July 20- DSB, a Journey cover band, in Concert Park

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Tony P’s Dockside Grill • 4445 Admiralty Way, in the heart of Marina del Rey (310) 823-4534 • www.tonyps.com Page 14 • July 2014

4th of July Parade Program

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

4th of July Parade Program

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LAPD Pacific Division Cadets The LAPD Pacific Area Cadets are once again leading off the parade and proudly carrying the American flag. It has become a tradition for this group to open this event. The Cadets range in age from 14 to 20 and work in close partnership with the LAPD Community Relations.

Love My America Salute to our Sponsors This event WOULD NOT be possible without the generosity of our sponsors. To help us kick off the event, we have many individuals carrying our great flag that are representing the companies that have stepped up to the plate to ensure the success of this event. Let’s make sure to give them a BIG ROUND OF APPLAUSE! Admiral Sponsors: Otis College, Budget Southern California, Decron, Drollinger Family Charitable Foundation, HomeTown News and Star-Waggons Saluting Sponsors: Loyola Marymount University, Neighborhood Council of Westchester/Playa and Wells Fargo Patriot Sponsors: Playa Vista/Brookfield Residential, Clement Partners, Westchester Lutheran Church and School, Marina del Rey Hospital, Rainbow Acres Washington Blvd. and Southern California Gas Company Friends of the Parade: Zacha Homes, Gibson Realty International, Mason Shayan, Bob Waldron Your Real Estate Resource at Coldwell Banker, Playa Venice Sunrise Rotary, Stephanie Younger | Teles Properties, The Jose Marrero Family, The Millennium Del Rey, Marriott Los Angeles Airport, Carousel School, Dreyfuss Construction, Westchester Elks Lodge and Cantalini’s Salerno Beach

Firecracker Sponsors: Flowers by Felicia, Jane St John Re/Max Estate Properties, Cyndi Hench, J. Rosen Group, Marina Marketplace, Thaine Morris Family, Hornblower Cruises and Events, Visitation Catholic School and Warehouse Restaurant

L.A. #1 Hog Chapter The Harley Owners Group, Los Angeles Area #1 Chapter sponsored by Bartels’ Harley-Davidson, has been a member of the community since 1992. An organization of over 130 men and women, who have a passion for riding the open road and a love for all things Harley-Davidson, they ride every week from Southern to Northern California and even out of state. L.A. #1 HOG has traveled many miles of roads taking time out to give back to the community. Some of the charity rides they’re involved in include The B.A.D. Ride (Bikers Against Diabetes), West Valley Fallen Officers Ride, The Guide Dogs of America Ride and many more. They are a fun loving group who are always willing to help those who wish to fulfill their dreams of getting on a Harley and taking to the open road. L.A. #1 HOG has been a proud participant in the Westchester 4th of July Parade since the beginning and is glad to be here in the 15th year of the celebration! For more information and how to join, contact membership@la1hog.com.

Wells Fargo Buffalo Bill Stagecoach Now, ladies and gentlemen, here comes a living symbol of the American Spirit, the Wells Fargo Buffalo Bill Stagecoach. Wells Fargo opened for business in Los Angeles in 1854. Wells Fargo messengers met steamers at the San Pedro dock and then raced into Los Angeles bringing the latest news. Stagecoaches brought passengers and Wells Fargo’s express shipments to inland towns and ranches.

Now, the Wells Fargo Buffalo Stagecoach patriotically parades through cities all across the country at parades and events. Thank you to Wells Fargo for not only supporting our Westchester parade, but for helping us celebrate the birth of this grand nation and honoring those Patriots of 1776!

have served our country in various foreign wars including Vincent A. Migliazzo PGK (WWIIArmy); Joe Vezzetti (Korea-Navy/Air Force); Earl Ricks (Korea-Marines); Joe Sakamaki (Korea–Airforce) and Tom Zvanovec (Vietnam –Air Force).

Visitation Catholic School

Boy Scouts of America Westchester’s Troop 716 is open to all young men ages 11 to 18 years of age. This year, they have many outings planned including camping, backpacking at Mt. Whitney Summit, summer camp in the Sierras and their annual beach bonfire. The Boy Scouts focus on preparing the young men of our society for life including... citizenship, outdoor skills and leadership. Come join the Boy Scouts on their continuing adventure!

Knights of Columbus The Knights of Columbus is a Catholic Men’s Organization, officially chartered as a fraternal benefit society in 1882. The Knights of Columbus has over 13,000 Councils and 1.7 million Members worldwide. The Order is still true to its founding principles of charity, unity, fraternity and patriotism. The Westchester/Playa del Rey council, Father Emil Kapaun, Council 3744, named after an Army Chaplin, was established in 1953. From their initial membership of 100, the current membership stands strong at 420 and is the fourth largest in California. Through its fundraisers and community famous Fish Fries, the council is able to turn back to the local community $10,000 annually in scholarships and access to its facilities for special events associated to the local Boy/Girl Scout Troops, community voting and alike. The Color Corp are led by Tom Ullman and Mike Rachford. On the float is the Past Grand Knight Chris Lopez and council members that

Visitation School takes great pride in our July 4th “TRIBUTE TO OUR TROOPS” parade entry. Voted a “Best of the Best” and “Favorite” private, religious school for the past 2 years, Visitation is a premier JK - 8 Elementary School in Westchester. Visitation is renowned for its “Catholic Tradition of Excellence in Education” and for “Educating the Whole Child in a Christ Centered Environment since 1947.” Leading off the Visitation entry are the student banner carriers, flanked by our signature July 4th firecrackers. Student flag bearers precede Visitation’s Teacher of the Year, 2nd grade teacher, Ms. Gamboa. Ms. Gamboa is riding in a baby blue, classic Cadillac convertible driven by parade sponsor, Jose Marrero. Next up is our Visitation students carrying all of the flags of our US Military Services, followed by the highlight of our entry, soldiers from the US Army-387th QM Company and also the 340th Company. Lt. Deneen Ferris rides in the Marozik Family convertible, shared with recording artist, Joseph Henry (brother of a soldier in the 387th) and Joseph’s niece, who are performing a medley of patriotic songs. Bringing up the rear is the Visitation “Love my America” Express Train carrying our youngest students. LOVE MY AMERICA, LOVE HONORING OUR TROOPS, LOVE OUR PARADE, LOVE OUR CHAMBER! HAPPY 4th!

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LAPD West Traffic Division It is the mission of the Los Angeles Police Department to safeguard the lives and property of the people in the communities they serve, to reduce the incidence and fear of crime and to enhance public safety while working to improve area residents’ quality of life. Their mandate is to do so with honor and integrity, while at all times conducting themselves with the highest ethical standards to maintain public confidence. Please join us in thanking our area’s protectors for their service to our community.

local retirement community and a no-host baby shower for babies in need. There are over 200 members in the MOMS Club of Westchester and Playa del Rey who offer friendship and support to one another.

Assemblyman Steven Bradford

Brian Johnson is the captain at the Pacific Area Community Police Station located at Culver Boulevard and Centinela. Capt. Johnson is an active community leader, a Playa Venice Rotarian and a great friend to our community! Make sure you lock up your belongings and report suspicion activity. If we all work together, we can help make our area more safe! Riding with the Captain is Diane Barretti, President of the Pacific Area Boosters Association.

Steven Bradford was elected to represent the 51st District in the California Assembly in 2009. He was re-elected in 2010 and, with 75% of the vote, was elected once more to represent the brand new 62nd District, comprised of Gardena, Hawthorne, Inglewood, Lawndale, Lennox, El Segundo, Del Aire, Marina del Rey, West Athens and Westmont. Bradford’s priorities remain focused on: utility ratepayer protection; energy efficiency and alternative energy, including wind, solar, fuel cells, bio gas, and bio waste; securing access to contracts for women, minority, and disabled veteran-owned businesses; job growth; and quality education for K-12 and college students, with a special focus on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) training that will prepare our students for the high-tech, knowledge economy that awaits them.

Great Pyrenees Alliance of the West

Del Rey American Little League

LAPD Captain Brian Johnson and LAPD Booster President Diane Barretti

Great Pyrenees dogs originated in the Pyrenees mountains of France, where they guarded sheep flocks. They were the court dog of Louis XIV, and George Washington received two Pyrs from General Lafayette. They are still livestock guardians and they compete in agility, obedience, rally and carting. “Pyrs” are also good Pet Assisted Therapy dogs. Several of our dogs are Certified Therapy Dogs. GPAW has a rescue program placing Pyrs in “forever” homes. These beautiful, loving dogs make great family pets. If interested in a Pyr rescue, talk to one of our group members. Just look for the big white dogs!

Westchester Playa Village Centenarian Welcome Fred Wild who will be celebrating his 100th birthday on November 19 this year. Fred Wild has been an active member in the Westchester community since 1968 and is a proud member of the Rotary Club of Westchester. Fred and his wife have attended several Rotarian International Convention venues throughout the world. He has worked hard in helping contribute to a brighter future for the youth in his community, as well as the youth in neighboring communities. He continues to remain an active (almost) centenarian and took new found celebrity status when he recently debuted in the 2014 Dodge Challenger 100th Anniversary Edition TV commercial, which was voted one of the best commercials of 2014 by Valuetainment Weekly.

Thaine Morris and the Calliope We are proud to have the Calliope Car in our parade again this year. A calliope is a musical instrument that produces sound by sending gas, steam or compressed air through large whistles—originally locomotive whistles. The calliope is owned and driven by Westchester resident Thaine Morris. Thank you Thaine for celebrating our nation’s birthday with us!

MOMS Club of Westchester and Playa del Rey The MOMS Club of Westchester and Playa del Rey is an international club that supports mothers in our community. Moms Offering Moms Support (MOMS) aims at assisting stayat-home and work-at-home mothers, as well as local groups and charities. Service projects have included delivering May Day flowers to a

Del Rey American Little League (also known as “DRALL”) was established in 1954. DRALL is little league baseball for boys and girls 5 to 12 years old, serving the Westchester, Playa del Rey and Playa Vista areas. DRALL has over 200 players and has league and tournament play during the spring and fall season. DRALL is home to the 2012 11-year-old and 12-year-old Little League district champions. For more information about DRALL and the upcoming fall ball season, visit us at drall.org.

Westchester Elks Lodge #2050 The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks is an American fraternity that donates approximately $200 million every year in cash, gifts and time to make our communities better places to live. A friend of our veterans, hundreds of thousands of Elks and their families have given generously of their time, energy and resources so that the lives of our ill and aging veterans will be enhanced. This year, we honor four of our Ladies of the Elks who have given over 50 years of service to the Westchester Elks Lodge. They are Emmy Sachen, Phyllis Frye, Aleta Lee and Dot Smith. Hats off to you ladies! Please join the Elks for their annual 4th of July barbecue following the parade. It is a family oriented event. The Lodge is located at 8025 W. Manchester Avenue in Playa del Rey.

Councilman Mike Bonin In March 2013, Mike Bonin was elected by a resounding 62 percent to serve as the representative for the 11th District on the Los Angeles City Council. Mike is a community leader and grassroots activist with a track record of fighting for Westside neighborhoods for nearly two decades. He has worked tirelessly to promote public safety, relieve traffic congestion, protect the environment and make government more efficient and accountable to local residents. Mike understands the importance of making our government work, promising to keep our neighborhoods safe, get our city moving, grow our economy, protect our environment, balance our budget, modernize our airport and fight for social justice and equality.

The Real Estate Consultants Welcome the Real Estate Consultants to this year’s parade. The Real Estate Consultant’s Phil

Gilboy outdoes himself every year with his and his team’s float design and the 2012 float was named “Best in Relation to Theme.” The Real Estate Consultants was founded in 2000 on the principles of customization and personal service. They focus their attention on intimately knowing our community rather than spending their energy having the world know who they are, we feel it is more important that we know who you are. The Real Estate agents have serviced and or lived in the Westchester, Playa del Rey and Marina del Rey communities for more than 40 years combined. The Real Estate Consultants realize that it goes beyond the buying or selling of a house– they are helping establish the American Dream.

Kentwood Players Kentwood Players has been participating in this parade since it inception. This year the Kentwood Players celebrate their 65th year as Westchester’s oldest live theatre group. Participating in this year’s parade are some of the talented artists that have been Kentwood members for over 50 years. These individuals include actors, singers, dancers, directors, producers, stage managers and designers; literally every job at the playhouse is eagerly performed by their enthusiastic volunteers. Let’s give them all a big round of applause!

Los Angeles World Airports Volunteering is a wonderful past time that gives back to the community. These folks from the LAX Volunteer Information Professionals (VIPs) and Pets Unstressing Passengers Programs (PUPs) donate their valuable time to help make a lasting first impression of LAX and the City of Los Angeles. VIPs staff the information booths at each terminal seven days a week, assisting more than 1.4 million last year. PUPs are found at the boarding gate areas where they calm passengers prior to their flights. We thank our volunteers for their dedication to LAX! Rounding out this entry is the Airport Police Division, which is responsible for the safety, security, and protection of the traveling public, visitors, employees and property in and around Los Angeles International Airport. The Airport Police is the largest airport police agency in the United States and the fourth largest law enforcement agency in Los Angeles County, with over 1,000 personnel, including over 500 sworn officers.

Honorary Mayor Rikki Barker Joining us today as the 2014 Honorary Mayor is Rikki Barker owner of Wrapt in Wire Jewelry. Rikki is a well-known community leader and an active volunteer with the Marina del Rey Historical Society. Joining Rikki today are Greg and Mimi Wenger. Greg is the founder of the Marina del Rey Historical Society and an amazing photographer whose pictures have been enjoyed for more than 40 years.

St. Anastasia Catholic School St. Anastasia Catholic School and Parish was founded in 1953 to serve the fast-growing Westchester/Playa del Rey area and remains a vital and thriving spiritual community. As a Junior-K to 8th grade school, St. Anastasia stands out through academic excellence, teaching with technology and expanded math and science curricula. At St. Anastasia, they help to create future leaders with strong character and Catholic Christian values. St. Anastasia Catholic School is committed to teaching

according to the Common Core as well as keeping its curriculum well-rounded, challenging, enriched and up-to-date. With subjects in religion, English Language Arts, mathematics, science, social studies, physical education, Spanish, music and our 1-to-1 iPad program, St. Anastasia provides a balanced and stimulating learning environment that enables children to grow spiritually, thrive academically and flourish socially. St. Anastasia gives back to the neighborhood through the involvement of students and parishioners in the physical and spiritual life of Westchester and neighboring communities through a multitude of Christian service projects within the local area. Today, Principal Mike Muir rides with PTO co-Presidents Shawna Wiseman and Denise Gustafson. And what parade could be complete without our ever-present mascot, Peppy the Panther...Hey there, Peppy!

City Sound Drum and Bugle Corp. Welcome again to Nathaniel Lewis Jr. and his City Sound Drum and Bugle Corps. The goal of City Sound was to give teens and young adults, in “diverse cultures” true life experiences and belief in oneself by creating an opportunities to develop musically. Over the years, many young adults who performed in City Sound have gone on to perform with some of the best college and performing arts groups in the United States. Many more have grown to be productive members of their communities and have attributed much of their success to the work ethics and morals they learned while in City Sound.

LA Arts Collective Los Angeles Arts Collective, formerly known as Vergari Dance Center– a Westchester institution for over 30 years, is located at Westchester Parkway and Sepulveda. They bring a full curriculum of dance and performing arts to the community. Their summer session will begin on July 8 and includes summer camps and intensives for dance and musical theater. They offer classes in Tap, Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop and more, as well as theater classes and adult fitness classes. They have something for everyone, including boys, as their classes are for all ages and levels. Dance, act, create, perform. You can do it at Los Angeles Arts Collective!

Rotary Clubs on the LAFD Firetrucks Did you know our community has two active Rotary Clubs? Give a warm welcome to the Rotarians of the Westchester Rotary Club and the Playa Venice Sunrise Rotary! Riding on the trucks are members of the Rotary clubs, leaders of the LAX Coastal Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and their families. Members of these service groups are dedicated volunteers who use their time, talent and donations to give back with such projects as the Home Makeover Project, teacher minigrants, scholarships, the adopt-a-family program and today’s Fourth of July Parade. Thank you to these great volunteers who give back to our community!

Grand Marshal Jovana Lara Welcome to this year’s parade weekend anchor of ABC7 Eyewitness News, reporter and co-host of Vista L.A., Jovana Lara. Jovana has been with ABC7 for 15 years, covering local and national breaking news daily, from fires and mudslides to crime and politics. Read our spotlight on Jovana Lara on page 21. Thank you Jovana for being the parade’s 2014 Grand Marshal!

PHOTOS BY GLENN MARZANO.

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

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY WE LOVE OUR AMERICA! proudly supportthis & year’s congratulate We We are proud to support Fourth of July Parade.

AWARD RECIPIENTS Thank you for your tremendous leadership.

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Decron Properties is a Proud Sponsor of the Fourth of July Parade

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July 2014 • Page 19

Westchester Lutheran Church and School Serving the community as a church and school since 1943, Westchester Lutheran Church and School (WLCS) is proud to present this year’s float based on the theme “Love My America.” Freedom to “Dream” and to bring “Dreams” into reality is one of the greatest gifts that we have in America, and we work hard, study hard, and fight hard to make them come true. Westchester Lutheran is especially proud of their Westchester neighborhood for being strong believers in their dreams and working hard to make them come true. This is why Westchester is such a strong neighborhood! The WLCS float shows this “Dream” in progress. Letting imagination run free to create and believe that anything is possible is a true gift. When these dreams start to take root in our lives, they begin to become reality. This year’s float depicts a young boy playing with his toys in a “Radio Flyer” wagon, with his faithful puppy pulling him along. He is dreaming of flying into space. This dream could belong to Neil Armstrong, Amelia Earhart, or even Elon Musk, who we see here believing that he will fly into space and reach Mars. This represents all of our children and all of their dreams. We all work so hard to allow these moments to happen, and when they do, believe that something will come of them. Capture and treasure these moments when you can. They should put a smile on your face, and make you proud. This is why we love our children. This is why we love our neighborhood. And this is why we love our America!

Westchester Family YMCA The Westchester Family YMCA Indian Guides and Indian Princesses is a father/son and father/daughter program designed to build strong lifelong relationships between parents

and their children. The Indian Guides program is open to all parents with children in kindergarten through third grade. Family friendly monthly events include camping trips, ice skating, bike riding, packing food for the less fortunate during the holidays and planting trees in the community. The Native American theme is used respectfully to bring traditional, nature-themed values and an organizational structure into the program. Our “Anopi Nation” is led by Chief Chad Gordon.

Chairman Kelly King Kelly King was just installed as the 2014-2015 Chairman of the Board for the LAX Coastal Chamber of Commerce. With a last name like King, the Chamber celebrated his chairmanship on June 20 while Supervisor Don Knabe crowned Kelly as the “King of the LAX Coastal Community!” Kelly serves on the board of the Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade. which will take place on Saturday, December 13 in the main channel of Marina del Rey. The theme for this year’s boat parade is “Happy Birthday Marina del Rey” to kick off the 50th birthday of our great Marina! Happy Fourth of July from the “King” of the LAX Coastal Chamber of Commerce!

Lynwood High School Royal Knights Regiment Joining us for the first time is the Lynwood High School Royal Knights Regiment. This all-star band has been preforming in events for over four decades. They have traveled all over California and out of state. The marching band has performed at pre-game events for the Los Angeles Dodgers and even helped at the opening of the I-105/I-710 freeway. They have won numerous awards and we are very lucky to have them joining us here today to celebrate our wonderful country!

Emerson Avenue Community Garden Club We love our American garden… Freedom to grow our own organic food is vital to the happiness and health of Americans. Today, the Emerson Avenue Community Garden at the Wright STEAM Middle School celebrates that tradition, creating a sustainable organic community and school garden space. They are honored to have the involvement of the middle school students, the WISH charter folks, and the Westchester High School Knights and Ladies helping them broaden communication and contact between the schools and the local community. This summer join them for a Midsummer Night’s Dinner in the Garden. Information on all these events can be found on their website, eacgc.org (You can also read our feature on the garden on page 2). Emerson Avenue Community Garden celebrates freedom in their garden every day and are honored to share with the greater Westchester community. Please join them in celebrating one of America’s great pleasures, gardening!

Westchester Del Rey Little League Westchester Del Rey Little League was founded by Mary Ann and Kent Mace in 1974 and had approximately 50 girls playing. Today, the league has grown to over 400 players playing on over thirty-seven teams. In 2010, the girls won the Southern California State Championship and wound up at the Junior Softball World Series in Kirkland, Washington, winning first place in the United States and second place in the world. Go girls go!

Westchester/Playa Education Foundation & REAL Creative Space REAL Creative Space and the Westchester Playa Education Foundation are excited to join the 15th Annual LAX Coastal Fourth of July Parade.

This year’s theme, Love My America has inspired them with their entry “Freedom to Create!” The Westchester/Playa Education Foundation or WPEF has continued to strengthen our local public schools k-12 for the past 10 years. Our schools are the heartbeat of our community. Please come to a WPEF meeting on July 14 at 7 p.m. in the community room and show your support. I heart public schools! Visit WPEF.org for more info. Joining WPEF is REAL Creative Space. They offer creative workshops for adults, art camps for kids, weekly figure drawing, and special events like their recent Hollywood Storyteller’s Night, Date Night Paint-a-Long and wine tasting classes. REAL donates a portion of their proceeds to rejuvenate arts in local schools. So far, REAL’s events have netted donations to OPEN, Westchester Secondary Charter, Westport Heights, Cowan, WNPS, WNS and Pacifica schools. Camps include Wizard Week, iPhotography, Amazing Race: French and the Summer Painting Spectacular. These weekly camps run from July 11 through August 18 and are for kids ages 5 to 18.

Star of the Neighborhood: Margie Hanson This year’s Neighborhood Council of Westchester/Playa Star of the Neighborhood is Margie Hanson. Margie was selected by the NCWP because of her tireless efforts on behalf of education and her volunteer efforts with the Airport Marina Counseling Service and the Vitalization Corporation. Read more about Margie on page 39 of the HTN. Congratulations Margie on being named this year’s Star of the Neighborhood!

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Page 20 • July 2014

| bre no. 01509908 | bre no. 01413294

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We welcome this year’s Grand Marshal, Jovana Lara! Jovana Lara is the weekend anchor of ABC7 Eyewitness News and a reporter and co-host of Vista L.A. Jovana was raised in Glendale after her family emigrated from Cuba when she was a small child. She grew up watching ABC7 and, at the age of 12, knew she wanted to become a broadcast journalist. After graduating from LMU, Jovana took positions as a reporter in Palm Springs, Orange County and San Diego, before joining ABC7 Eyewitness News in 2000. At ABC7, Jovana has covered local and national breaking news daily, from fires and mudslides to crime and politics, as well as special reports including assignments in Mexico covering earthquakes and the Pope’s visit. Jovana is the recipient of four Emmys and two Imagen awards. She is also active on behalf of the station at many community events. Jovana is a Playa del Rey resident and enjoys spending time with her husband, Dr. Warren Brooks, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon in Westchester. She is the proud mom of a 13-year old daughter, Alexandra; a 7-year-

St. Anastasia CATHOLIC SCHOOL

old son, Hunter and her stepsons Brandon, 28 and Cameron, 26. Dr. Brooks, Alexandra and Hunter are joining her today at the parade. In her free time, Jovana enjoys being a soccer, baseball, basketball and volleyball mom; volunteering at her kids’ schools serving hot lunch and sitting on various parent committees; and “spinning” (indoor cycling), hiking and taking pilates classes. She is also a member of Loyola Marymount’s Board of Regents, and has served on the LMU Alumni Board. Thank you for joining us today Jovana Lara and family!

Now accepƟng applicaƟons for Grades 2 and 4!

SETTING THE STANDARD FOR

Academic Excellence

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

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

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July 2014 • Page 21

Southern California Lodge #529, Masons

WISH Charter

WISH Charter School celebrates “What America Means to Me” by highlighting some American heroes, inventors and important figures in American history. WISH Charter students are dressed as their favorite American historical figure with poster boards they made for their Living Museum project. Some of our cheerleaders and members of our sports teams are dressed in their red, white and blue uniforms to show their patriotism and school pride. WISH is a free public independent charter school with small class sizes, differentiated instruction, strong family partnerships and an affiliation with LMU’s School of Education. In addition to the K-6 Elementary School, WISH is opening their Middle School for 7th-8th grade this fall, co-locating on the Wright MS campus.

Southern California Masonic Lodge #529 of the Free and Accepted Masons of California present a human powered Fourth of July presentation this year. This year, we brought our friends and family along to help. We have been a part of this community since 1950 and have been located in our current lodge in Playa del Rey since 1960. The masons have been committed to making the world a better place for the past three hundred years and plan to continue doing so, by making good men better. If you are interested, we meet the first and last Thursday of each month.

Loyola Marymount University

LMU is thrilled to once again be part of Westchester’s Fourth of July parade. For over 85 years, LMU has been proud to call Westchester home. From its humble beginnings as Los Angeles College in 1911 to its evolution into a world-class institution of higher education, LMU today is among the nation’s most beautiful and green campuses. Today LMU celebrates our nation’s competitive spirit and love of sports! We have Iggy the Lion coming down the parade route with LMU athletes. As a city, we celebrated the Kings victory over the Rangers. As a nation, we continue to watch the World Cup. Sports can build unity and bring us together in so many ways. Today, we celebrate all the players, coaches, parents and fans who support and nurture our children’s love of sports and help keep good ol’ American sportsmanship alive and well! Go Lions!

Champ Camp

Champ Camp is an activities-based youth beach camp located in Manhattan Beach. Days at Champ Camp are filled with relay races, sand sports, boogie boarding and much more. If you’re lucky, you might even get a visit from our very own Champ the Chimp. So check us out at ChampCampKids.com for more info and we hope to see you this summer!

Otis College of Art and Design

Love our America, love our planet and love our animals! From bees to butterflies, to condors, eagles, sharks and sea turtles, animals and their habitats are becoming increasingly endangered. Otis’ float created by students in the Creative Action Program, wants us to consider how important animals are to our lives and what we can do to help protect animals on the brink of extinction and their habitats. At home, dogs and cats also need our protection. As our local and world population grows, we must take care and take the lead to preserve our beautiful natural spaces: land, air and sea. Otis has made their float with 99% recycled and reclaimed materials and is marching today with Adopt & Shop, an adoption program that helps shelter pets find a home. Visit them at adoptandshop.com.

Sparkles Girls and Mary Kay

Let’s here it for the Glitzy and Glamorous Sparkle Girls and Mary Kay Cosmetics. Sparkle Girls is a new company here in Westchester that specializes in empowering girls through theme parties, camps, fundraisers and “Fun Friday” Workshops. Their mission is to support girls in developing healthy self-esteem, confidence, leadership and social responsibility, as well as, sparking their creativity and enhancing their talents to bring out their highest potential. For more info, visit sparklegirlparties.com.

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4th of July Parade Program

July 2014 • Page 23

Patriotic Brass Ensemble

Uncle Sam and Aunt Samantha

The Patriot Brass Ensemble is made up of professional brass and percussion musicians from all over the United States. They perform at concerts, parades, ceremonies, parties, holidays, fundraisers and more. The ensemble is also very popular as a marching band performing at a wide range of high profile events with all of the proceeds going to help our Veterans.

Ladies and gentlemen and families from Westchester and beyond...please join us in greeting for the 15th year the symbols of America and Westchester spirit! Our national anthem and Uncle Sam were both created during one of America’s darkest periods, the War of 1812! Again portraying Uncle Sam and Aunt Samantha are Kentwood Players Hal Fisher and Victoria Miller. They are proud to be joining their neighbors in making this celebration memorable. Founded by local parents of Kentwood Elementary School in 1950, the Players offer year-round entertainment.

AYSO Region 7 AYSO Region 7 is one of the oldest AYSO regions formed in America. Region 7 includes Westchester, Inglewood, Playa del Rey, Marina del Rey, Ladera Heights, Playa Vista and Mar Vista. They are located adjacent to LAX. Their premier facilities are the Carl Nielsen Youth Park in Westchester and the soccer fields at Playa Vista. AYSO Region 7 is the largest sporting organization in Westchester and the only one to offer a sporting program for special needs children. Today with AYSO Region 7 is “Cozmo,” the official mascot of the premier team in North America and four times MLS Champions: LA Galaxy!

Wright Middle School STEAM Magnet Wright Middle School STEAM Magnet opened in August of 2013 as a full magnet school within the Los Angeles Unified School District. The dedicated and innovative staff at Wright provides all students with the resources needed to design, build and learn through project-based learning as modeled by the BUCK Institute of Education. The exceptional students of Wright explore the industry of engineering and design through strategic partnerships with “Project Lead The Way” and participate in a variety of courses. Students are provided opportunities to develop their inner scientist, techie, engineer and mathematician, while integrating the creativity and individuality of the arts.

Page 24 • July 2014

62nd Assembly District Republican Central Committee LOVE MY REPUBLIC…Ben Franklin said, “Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch.” This is why our forefathers created a Republic and not a direct democracy. They wanted to make sure that one group of people, one government body, one state, and most certainly, one man, could not have all controlling power. When governing powers became one-sided, Abraham Lincoln became the first Republican President, ensuring a voice for political minorities. As one of California’s most active districts, the 62nd Assembly District Republican Central Committee has been bringing you voter outreach events featuring local candidates, without the help of the state or national party. Some of the candidates, participating with the parade entry include Ted Grose, John Wood, John Morris, Elan Carr, Suzanne Fuentes, Rick Marshall, and Pete Peterson. By donating and volunteering locally, you’re safeguarding a strong Republic by ensuring local needs are addressed. To find out more, log on to the website 62AD.LAGOP. ORG and call (310) 486-5735.

4th of July Parade Program

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

“

Best wishes to the men and women of our armed forces working to protect freedom around the world. May they all return home safely.

“

Happy Birthday America! While we love our loyal parade entries that have been with us since the beginning or have established themselves as parade staples like the Hogs, Kentwood Players and the Great Pyrenees, we are always excited to welcome new floats and organizations to our event! For the first time, Otis College of Art and Design will be represented with a float designed by students in the college’s Creative Action Program, which is the community outreach wing of the school. Students in the class chose to focus on endangered animals

for this year’s float and the importance of taking the lead in protecting the beautiful, iconic animals that you see in their entry today, including tigers, dolphins and sharks. Led by professor Robin Murez, students spent weeks creating paper mache animals, costumes and learning how to walk on stilts (pictured above). Other first time entries in this year’s parade include: the Patriotic Brass Ensemble, REAL Creative Space, Wright STEAM Magnet, Sparkle Girls with Mary Kay and Lynwood High School Royal Knights Regiment.

– Karen Dial, President, Drollinger Properties

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

4th of July Parade Program

July 2014 • Page 25

Westchester Secondary Charter Westchester Secondary Charter School is excited to be participating in the parade for the third year. Students, grades 6-10, have built and present George Washington, Abraham Lincoln and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. as the giants of our country who have inspired us to be of service and love America. Westchester Secondary opened its doors this year and is increasing our enrollment by 50% for the fall. WSCS is a comprehensive secondary program that provides a liberal arts college prep curriculum with demanding science, math and technology courses without sacrificing arts and sports programs. This community is proud to be the FIYA Basketball champions and the winner of numerous drama trophies all in our inaugural year. Our liberal arts program embraces all the arts to help us build a community that values everyone’s talents and gifts. We appreciate all the support the LAX Coastal Chamber has given to us this year and wish everyone a “Happy 4th of July!”

Mariachi Malibu on the LAFD 1932 Bandwagon Mariachi Malibu joins us riding atop of the Los Angeles City Fire Department’s 1932 Bandwagon. This premier Mariachi ensemble serves all of Southern California and has performed for Hollywood celebrities. The members of this group are professionally trained, experienced musicians and singers. They are true “caballeros!”

Charro Horses The Chamber is pleased to welcome the Charro International de Compton to today’s parade. A charro (pronounced Cha ‘ro) is a skilled Mexican horseman whose origins date back to the 17th century. The charros are seen today in traditional costume and riding their famous dancing horses. Please join me in cheering on these

beautiful dancing horses!

LAX Coastal Chamber, Staff and Leadership On behalf of the staff and leadership at the LAX Coastal Chamber of Commerce, thank you to everyone for coming out to support the 15th year of this amazing parade. Each year, the staff and volunteers spend hundreds of hours working and fundraising to make this parade happen. It is absolutely not possible without our sponsors and community supporter! For the first time, the Chamber reached out the community for help with sponsorship for the parade through an Indiegogo crowd funding campaign. The Chamber was blown away by support from this community. We thank our donors, our volunteers, Loyola Boulevard residents and the thousands of people who come out each and every year to celebrate our nation’s birthday and our great community! Riding today are the Chamber staff Christina Davis, Judith Ciancimino, Chamberlain Duru, Rachel Horning and Kirby Israelson, as well as key volunteers from our community including parade founder Gwen Vuchsas.

The Game Sports Bar & Grill Ending the parade this year is The Game Sports Bar & Grill. This great establishment is located at 5630 Manchester Ave. in Westchester. The Game Sports Restaurant Bar & Lounge is your one stop for an awesome atmosphere, great service and delicious food. The Game has over 20 big screens, so no matter where you sit, you’ll never miss a play! Dine-in, to-go and catering available! The Game Sports Bar & Grill, or G|S, offers the freshest homemade food made daily. Their quality ingredients ensure the best possible menu items available for your friends and family. They look forward to your visit!

COMING SOON!

Sending you love and wishes for a. . .

American Flags are Red White and Blue & Coming Soon are 2 New Listings to View!

The first can be found in North Kentwood on a great street. It is a 2 story executive 4 bedroom home that can’t be beat. Huge kitchen, private office, great master and more. Call Laura & Jack when ready for your tour.

The second sits on a large flat lot, and is home to 3 bedrooms, 2 baths and a bonus room with full bath (Permitted it is not). As always call us to tour. We promise to speak in rhyme no more.

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BRE #'s 01211435/01248332 Page 26 • July 2014

4th of July Parade Program

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

A Look Back at Westchester/Playa By David J. “Duke” Dukesherer, Sr.

History of Westchester International Little League

In just a few weeks, one of the busiest intersections in Westchester, Century and Aviation Boulevards, will be shut down for three days. I can only imagine what it is going to be like trying to catch a flight out of LAX. Of course, Sepulveda Boulevard provides north/ south access to the airport and Airport Boulevard can get you in and out in one direction, but it is going to be a mess. A construction project will tear down an old Santa Fe Rail Road train trestle, which currently runs over Century Boulevard, which as I recall, was erected in about 1965. Prior to this time, and sadly for only about three or four years, the area near this intersection was known as McCulloch Field, and home to Westchester International Little League, owned by and named for McCulloch Motors Corporation. How this all came to be, I will relate to you, but you can take it or leave it; it is up to you. My Uncle, John Thompson, along with a partner, Jim Marin, opened The Bar of Melody on Sepulveda Boulevard in the early 1950’s. In those days, there were very few watering holes in the LAX area, and the Melody soon became a favorite of local businessmen, including Mr. Robert Paxton McCulloch, President of the McCulloch

Corporation, which was headquartered on Century Boulevard. One day, Bob McCulloch was speaking to my Uncle John, when a local man that they both knew, came into the bar and began to tell them how frustrated he was that he could not find a ball field for his new little league. Again, and so the story goes, my Uncle began a campaign to talk McCulloch into leasing a piece of land along the railroad tracks that he was only using for testing his new helicopters, and sure enough, a few cocktails later the deed was done, for a price of $1 per year. If you knew my Uncle John, then none of this would surprise you. He was a charismatic promoter, a strong supporter of early Westchester and LAX and genuinely a great guy. Mr. McCullough, incidentally, was an amazing man. McCulloch, along with his two siblings, inherited his grandfather’s fortune in 1925. Two years after he graduated from Stanford University, he married Barbara Ann Briggs, whose father was Stephen Foster Briggs of Briggs and Stratton. His first manufacturing endeavor was McCulloch Engineering Company, located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. There he built racing engines and superchargers. In his early 30s, he sold the company to BorgWarner Corporation. McCulloch then started McCulloch Aviation and, in 1946, he changed his company’s name to McCulloch Motors Corporation and moved to Westchester. Building small gasoline engines, his competitors included his in-laws and Ralph Evinrude. Evinrude led the

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market for boat motors, while Briggs and Stratton pulled ahead in the lawn mower and garden tractor market. Later they built helicopters, chainsaws, and finally, he purchased the London Bridge and had it moved to Lake Havasu, AZ. He owned most of it anyways and wanted a unique attraction to draw tourists and permanent residents. Anyhow, a few months later, many of the dads in the neighborhood cleared the vacant lot and built a first class ball field. It is really something to think about a group of young men, including my father and uncle, donating their time and energy (and probably supplies and materials) to unselfishly create a quality ball field for the youths of Westchester. They got it done and the following spring, Westchester International Little League was the envy of the Westside. It was not for nothing that the league would soon lock horns with the unstoppable forces of progress, and lose their lease. Aviation Boulevard. the Old Port Road, had been a major route to the Los Angeles Harbor since the Rancho day’s and the Santa Fe Railroad had laid tracks along that line. Back in the day, this was a very busy rail line, and traffic jams commonly occurred at that very busy intersection, as freight trains dropped their cargo at nearby LAX-based manufacturing and aerospace firms. Additionally, Century Boulevard, which once ran west all the way to the beach in Playa del Rey, was rerouted and finally closed off, which stopped

MCCULLOCH MC-4 HELICOPTER AT MCCULLOCH AVIATION, LAX, CALIFORNIA, 1951. A fifteen-acre piece of land was purchased opposite the airport and some old were barracks set up to serve as offices and plant buildings, while a 80,000 sq. ft. building was erected. Bob McCulloch and his family, as well as 33 families of McCulloch Aviation employees made the move to Westchester, and as a part of the relocation, Bob McCulloch bought 13 houses and 16 apartments to house these employees. He even built a bowling alley/ sports complex, later known as Carolina Lanes. Complements, Westchester, California-On A Wing And A Prayer, soon to be released by the author.

western access to LAX. In those days, the airport was 100% south of the boulevard. The solution was to build a trestle over the intersection of Aviation and Century and that spelled the end of the ball field. Westchester International Little League, now field-less, moved to Diamond-3 at Westchester Park and continues to this day as Westchester Little League, playing their games at Nielson Field.

Please email comments to: dukepdr@gmail.com

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

July 2014 • Page 27

Random Notes/Opinion Remember our veterans on Independence Day

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By Fay Craton Opinion: In 1776, the soldiers who fought so our nation could exist faced very different circumstances than today’s military who continue to fight so our nation can be secure. While it is a valuable debate as to the when, why and how of war versus peace, it is undeniable that the men and women fighting are valuable to this nation. Independence Day would not exist without the heroes who serve our country. In thinking about our service men and women, have you ever thought about the quality of life for them and their families? As we go about our busy lives, many people rarely discuss the quality of life for those involved in the defense of our country. When someone enters any branch of the armed forces, he or she leaves the civilian community– forever changing his or her life– as well as the lives of family members. Within military communities, loved ones risk lives. The very nature of shared life experiences shift. Unlike other “jobs,” the family, too, steps into the military culture.

Page 28 • July 2014

While serving there are experiences beyond that which most of us can imagine. Several years ago, I began my training for counseling men and women in the armed forces. To increase a perceptual understanding of the experience of being in a war zone, we viewed a video of what it is like to be in a convoy when an improvised explosive device goes off. It was only a video, but it was a starting point to understanding there are unimaginable daily experiences and split second decisions. Some of those decisions lead to moral injury, which happens when one’s consciousness is violated because of what he or she did or did not do. In order to accomplish tasks and missions, someone serving in a war zone is trained in ways of behaving differently from civilian life. One of the lessons learned is a very high level of trust with comrades. Another example of the training is limiting what is shared with people (including family) not actually employed in the service. A soldier, sailor, or marine learns to be strong, independent, and conditioned to solve problems without asking for help.

Homecoming can be hard with reintegration into civilian life often difficult and disorienting. A veteran needs to adjust to civilian norms. Communities outside of the military frequently do not have the same level of trust, resulting in a loss in the quality of connection with buddies. Conditioning acquired in order to be successful on a military mission may not be beneficial when living as a civilian. The battlefield strength to solve problems without asking for help can easily become a weakness. An example of this could be not asking (or asking too late) for help during the mortgage crisis. If there is injury, reentry is even more complicated. It is no wonder veterans comprise 25% of our homeless population. Shortly after arriving home, a veteran sometimes discovers family roles have shifted due to long absences or simply growing apart. Adding to family adjustment challenges are behavioral reactions to being on constant physical alert when in a battle zone. The resulting hyper-vigilance can create risky reactions when a child unexpectedly tackles and hugs a returning parent. Relationships within a family can easily be strained. You can help make the transition for returning military and their family members a little easier. Start with verbally acknowledging a veteran for the contribution made in service to our country. When you meet a vet, I encourage you to tell him or her thank you. Appreciation and acknowledgment is always in short supply in our everyday culture. Too often, our returning veterans do not hear positive affirmation about having served. Therapists and chaplains working intensively with returning military personnel say what is needed is for

many individuals to step forward to “walk alongside” the veteran for awhile. To do this means to really listen, non-judgmentally, to the returnee. This can be a very slow process, but the stories inside the vet need to be expressed in order for healing to happen. It can take a long time for the experience to be placed into spoken words. “Walking alongside” can also mean simply being present as he or she relearns how to navigate activities we may take for granted. At a recent workshop I attended, I was told how the experienced disorientation can make something we do automatically, such as ordering at a fast food restaurant, a relearning situation. If you would like to know more about the challenges for returning military and their families, there is an excellent video of a panel discussion taped at Loyola Marymount University titled: “Healing Moral Injury and PTSD: Ministry to Veterans, their Families and Communities.” I can send you a link to the video if you send your email address to me at flc@ communicationtriangle.com. What I wish is for many people to step forward to welcome our veterans back into civilian community. The journey for them has been long. I wish for you to have the experience of increased meaning in your life through reaching out a hand to the returnees with whom you come into contact. Your willingness to “walk alongside” a person while he or she heals and regains life navigation skills can make a real difference. Fay Craton, M.A. is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (mfc40011). She has an office in Westchester. Contact her at (310) 645-6762.

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

Remember safety when exercising outdoors during summer By Jeff Blair Opinion: I love the summer for long days and more chances to exercise at the beach and in the mountains. While summer offers more opportunities for outdoor exercise, the sun and heat require extra safety steps to make sure you remain healthy and safe. We all know to apply sunscreen, but there are many other steps needed to help you and your family remain safe. One of the biggest mistakes people make with summer exercise is the “It’s only...” mistake. It’s only walking, it’s only hiking, it’s only a short run, it’s only 80 degrees, etc. It is very easy to underestimate the power of the sun and the heat when exercising, especially when doing something we do not consider overly strenuous. While our area has pretty moderate summers compared to the rest of the country, the sun can be unrelenting. Remember also when you move into other areas where heat may be greater (the desert, for example) your body is probably not acclimated to the intensity of that climate so take special care in those areas. I recently had this experience: I scheduled an early-morning hike in a Hollywood canyon with a friend. The friend delayed the start time twice as some personal issues came up. This meant our hike would not finish until mid-day when it was much warmer than early in the morning.

The temperature was around 80 in Westchester, but in the mid-80’s in the Hollywood area by the time we finished. There was no cloud cover and little shade on this hike. Luckily, I was fully hydrated and physically prepared for the hike, but these unexpected changes can sneak up on you and dramatically increase the impact of the heat while exercising. The sun and heat are nothing to play with; they can be deadly if proper care is not taken. Here are six tips to enjoy great workouts in the sun and also stay healthy. 1. Hydrate. It seems like we hear “hydrate” so much that it has become cliché, and that makes it easy to overlook it. Our bodies need extra water when exercising in the heat, so make sure you hydrate all day every day, not just when actually exercising. If you plan on going on a long hike Sunday, you will want to hydrate throughout the week and pay special attention on Saturday. Spread your hydration throughout your day and your week. Remember some foods can also increase hydration as much as 20% through fruits and other foods that have a high water content. 2. Watch out for heat waves. When the temperature spikes suddenly, our bodies are not as prepared as when the temperature

gradually increases. If we have a sudden heat wave of 95 degree plus days, pay special attention to limiting time in the heat and acclimating yourself to the heat over time. As mentioned above, when you venture into the desert or other high temperature areas, your body is probably not prepared for that heat, so take care to not overdo it. 3. Consider exercising early in the morning (or in the evening) during the summer. Mornings are generally cooler than mid-day or afternoons so they can be a great alternative time for working out. The Hometown News area also has some degree of marine layer in the morning, keeping things cooler than mid-day when the marine layer may have burned off. Although these morning times are generally cooler than mid-days for working out, still take appropriate hydration and other heat safety precautions. The evening is also another option for cooler workouts if that works in your schedule. 4. Limit your exercise time. I am a big fan of long hikes in the summer, but it is much too easy to underestimate water needs and the impact of the sun during these hikes. As mentioned above, exercise in cooler parts of the day. If you do exercise in the heat, limit your time and make sure you have plenty of water.

5. Use the buddy plan. When exercising in the summer heat, always take a buddy with you. If you are hiking in the heat, you want someone able to help you in case of an emergency. While it is a great idea to carry a fully charged cell phone while exercising in the heat, coverage is not always available, especially when hiking in the mountains. Take a friend to make sure you have someone there to lend a hand if a problem develops. 6. Don’t be afraid to take it indoors. While I savor outdoor summer workouts, some days the heat can pose a threat, particularly in mid-day and especially when you are not acclimated to the heat. On these days, sometimes it is best to go to your gym or other location for indoor workouts. When the temperature subsides, return to the great outdoors. Take these six steps to have a great, fit summer and stay safe at the same time! Before you try this or any fitness routine, please consult 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. Email jeffblair@ jeffblairfitness.com for fitness story ideas or comments.

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Located at The Westin LAX 5410 W. Century Blvd., Los Angeles 2 Hour Complimentary Valet and Self Parking Available (310) 665-0149 DailyGrill.com Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News

July 2014 • Page 29

Calendar Ongoing monthly events: 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. Playa Venice Sunrise Rotary Club Join the Playa Venice Sunrise Rotary Club at its Wednesday morning meeting at 7:15 a.m. at the Marina Club Restaurant, located at 4333 Admiralty Way, Center Tower, 3rd Floor 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. Life story writing class Thinking about your life story? Learn a simple method to recall and then write your memories. The Life Story Writing Group meets every Wednesday 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. Speakers by the Sea Toastmasters Speakers By the Sea Toastmasters Club will help you improve your skills for public speaking. Meetings are held every Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at 12000 Vista del Mar; Conf. Room 230A in Playa del Rey. For more info, please call (310) 5592834 July events: Fireworks in Marina del Rey The annual Marina del Rey Fireworks Show will start at 9 p.m. on Friday, July 4. The twenty-minute display will be shot from a barge across the Marina’s main channel. Music from KXLU 89.9 will be synchronized with the show. For more info, please visit marinadelrey.lacounty.gov. Variations of a Whole Art Opening Otis College of Art and Design will present the exhibition “Variations of a Whole” through August 27 in its Bolsky Gallery. Variations of a Whole is curated by Otis alumna Jeseca Dawson and combines the work of thirteen artists

Page 30 • July 2014

TheHTN.com from both undergraduate and graduate programs in Fine Arts and Public Practice. The work allows the students to present their ideals and materials, as well as their desire to manifest meaningful forms of self-expression. The show is meant to exemplify artists in the process of finding their own voice as they investigate identity, experimentation, social responsibility, art theory and the tension between human and natural production. The gallery is located on the school’s campus at 9045 Lincoln Blvd. Parking is free and the hours of the studio are Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursdays 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday and Sundays from 12 to 4 p.m. For more info, please call (310) 6656905. Kentwood Players “Sordid Lives” Kentwood Players will present “Sordid Lives” by Del Shores from July 11 through August 16. Performances will take place on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. with Sunday matinées at 2 p.m. at the Westchester Playhouse, located at 8301 Hindry Ave. in Westchester. The production is directed by Kirk Larson and produced by Lori Marple-Pereslete and Virginia Mekkelson by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc. The dark comedy focuses on a colorful family from a small Texas town who must come to grips with the accidental death of the elderly family matriarch during her clandestine meeting in a seedy motel room with a much younger, married neighbor. The woman’s family must deal with their own demons while preparing for what could be an embarrassing funeral. This play is filled with adult situations and language. Featured in the cast are Greg Abbott, Samantha Barrios, Elizabeth A. Bouton, Harold Dershimer, Kip Hogan, Alison Mattiza, Eduardo Mora, Cherry Norris, Eddie “Ed” O’Brien, Dave Parke, Catherine Rahm, Michael Sandidge and Susan Stangl. Tickets are $20 with a $2 discount for seniors, students and servicemen. To purchase tickets by phone, please call (310) 645-5156 during box office hours and online at www. kentwoodplayers.org. Gallery Shows at REAL Friday, July 11 from 2 to 3 p.m visit REAL Creative Space to view the Wizard Week Summer Camp Gallery Show. Artwork created by kids aged 5-11 will be displayed. Friday, July 18 from 2 to 3 p.m. the iPhotography Summer Camp Gallery Show will be displayed. Attendees can view photography created by kids aged 11+ as they took their iPhones on

a tour of Westchester. REAL Creative Space is located at 6207 W. 87th St. in Westchester. For more info, please visit REALCreativeSpace.com. Ballona Wetlands events The Ballona Wetlands have a variety of events that the public is welcome to participate in for July. • July 13 take a tour of the Salt Marsh and Dunes from 1 to 3 p.m. • July 12 and 26 take an informative tour of the Freshwater Marsh and learn about native plants and birds that live in the area from 10 to 11 a.m. • July 12 from 9 a.m. from 2 to 4 p.m. join the Friends for an Open House at the Salt Marsh and Dunes. During the self-guided tours visitors are free to walk unescorted with docents at various stations to explain the sights and answer questions. • July 26 from 9:30 a.m. to noon help the Friends at one of the monthly habitat restoration volunteer days. Children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult. For the salt marsh/dunes tour, open house and restoration days, please meet in the parking lot behind Gordon’s Market at 303 Culver Blvd. For the Freshwater Marsh tour, park on the southwest side of Jefferson before Lincoln Blvd. For more information, visit ballonafriends.org. Music West Performs “The Sound of Music” Music West, Inc. will present its 10th anniversary production with the musical ‘The Sound of Music.’ The local non-profit will have six performances this month. Performances will begin at 7 p.m. on Friday, July 11; Saturday, July 12; Thursday, July 17; Friday, July 18; and Saturday, July 19. A matinée performance will be held on Sunday, July 13 at 4 p.m. Performances will be held at The Westchester Townhouse, located at 8501 Emerson Ave. in Westchester. Tickets are $15 per person and available online at musicwest.org or at the box office one hour prior to curtain (subject to availability). For more info, please call (310) 6920006 or email info@musicwest.org. 55th Annual Begonia Show and Sale The Westchester Branch of the American Begonia Society is proud to present its 55th Annual Begonia Show and Sale on Saturday, July 19. The event is the only judged begonia show in Southern California and will not only showcase begonias but ferns, orchids, bromeliads, aroids and other shade loving plants. An excellent selection of rare and begonias and other plants and gifts

will be available for purchase. Admission and parking is free. The event will take place 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Covenant Presbyterian Church, located at 6323 W. 80th Street in Westchester. For more information, please call Martin Delgado at (562) 310-8380. YMCA Open House The YMCA will be holding an open house on Saturday, July 19 and Sunday, July 20 all day. Guests are invited to check out the facilities and spend the weekend discovering the Y’s programs, events and community. Those that sign up for a membership that weekend will receive a y-gear workout towel. The Westchester Family YMCA is located at 8015 S. Sepulveda Blvd. in Westchester. For more info, please call (310) 6704316. Summer BBQ Cooking Class Patricia K. Rose of Fresh Food in a Flash will lead a hands-on cooking class on Thursday, July 24 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Holy Nativity Community Hall in Westchester. This month’s class will focus on creating the menu for the perfect garden party. Attendees can show up early to get a tour of the community garden on the church’s property to view the fruit and vegetables that volunteers grow to donate to the local food pantry. This month’s menu includes fresh made ricotta cheese, chicken satay burger, tomato tart, garden quinoa with pesto sauce, party fruit punch and strawberry rhubarb lattice pie. The class fee is $40 when you reserve by Monday, July 21 and $45 at the door. To reserve your spot, please email Patricia@FreshFoodinaFlash.com. Holy Nativity Episcopal Church is located at 6700 W. 83rd Street in Westchester. Silver Seminar Series Workshop Please join the Senior Seminar Series for its Men’s health at 50+ workshop. This free workshop will focus on how men over 50 can lead active, healthy lives through exercise, nutrition and fellowship. Learn how to build an active life, discover ways to improve balance and mobility and pick up tips on reducing stress and fueling your active life through nutrition. The workshop will be led by YMCA staff and trainers on Tuesday, July 29 from 10 to 11 a.m. at the YMCA Annex, located at 8020 Alverstone Ave. For more info, please call the Westchester YMCA (310) 670-4316.

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

COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS

Monday

Sunday

Tuesday

Wednesday

NCWP board meeting @ Westchester Community Room Gateway to Go! @ Crowne Plaza

Thursday

Westchester Farmers’ Market @ Westchester Park

July

Friday

Final Round of Voting for 2014 Best Of Poll

Speakers by the Sea @ Playa del Rey

Saturday

Fourth of July Parade @ 11 a.m. on Loyola Boulevard

Farmers Market @ Playa Vista

Fireworks in Marina del Rey @ 9 p.m.

Life story writing class @ YMCA Annex

1 2 3 4 5 LMU Walking Club @ Alumni Mall

Gateway to Go! @ Crowne Plaza Story time in the garden @ Emerson Ave. Community Garden

Westchester Farmers’ Market @ Westchester Park Speakers by the Sea @ Playa del Rey Life story writing class @ YMCA Annex

6 “Sordid Lives” @ Westchester Playhouse

7 WPEF Meeting @ Westchester Community Room

8 Gateway to Go! @ Crowne Plaza Story time in the garden @ Emerson Ave. Community Garden

Concert in the Park @ Playa Vista

9 Westchester Farmers’ Market @ Westchester Park Speakers by the Sea @ Playa del Rey

Beach Eats @ Mother’s Beach Cocktails and Conversation @ California Yacht Club Marina del Rey Concert Series @ Burton Chase Park

First Friday @ 6200 87th Street

Pancake breakfast @ Fire Station #5

“Sordid Lives” @ Westchester Playhouse

Midsummer Night Dinner @ Emerson Ave. Garden

Cocktails and Conversation @ California Yacht Club Sound of Music @ Westchester Townhouse

Movie with Mike @ Westchester Park Secrets to a Successful Remodel @ Custom Design & Construction

Despicable Me 2 @ Playa Vista

11 12

Beach Eats @ Mother’s Beach

Food Truck Friday Night @ Visitation

“Sordid Lives” @ Westchester Playhouse

Sound of Music @ Westchester Townhouse

“Sordid Lives” @ Westchester Playhouse

Sound of Music @ Westchester Townhouse Open House @ YMCA

Salt marsh and dunes tour @ Ballona Wetlands

Life story writing class @ YMCA Annex

Sound of Music @ Westchester Townhouse

Begonia Show @ Covenant Presbyterian

13 14 15 16 17 18 19 Deadline to vote in our Best of Poll at thehtn.com Concert in the Park @ Playa Vista Open House @ YMCA

20 “Sordid Lives” @ Westchester Playhouse

Deadline for comments on LAX Northside Plan Update Draft EIR LMU Walking Club @ Alumni Mall

Story time in the garden @ Emerson Ave. Community Garden

Westchester Farmers’ Market @ Westchester Park

Gateway to Go! @ Crowne Plaza

Speakers by the Sea @ Playa del Rey Life story writing class @ YMCA Annex

Story time in the garden Westchester Farmers’ @ Emerson Ave. Market @ Community Garden Westchester Park Silver Seminar Series @ YMCA Annex

Speakers by the Sea @ Playa del Rey

Beach Eats @ Mother’s Beach

The Breakfast Club @ Playa Vista

Summer BBQ class @ Holy Nativity

“Sordid Lives” @ Westchester Playhouse

Marina del Rey Concert Series @ Burton Chase Park

24 Beach Eats @ Mother’s Beach “Sordid Lives” @ Westchester Playhouse

“Sordid Lives” @ Westchester Playhouse Habitat volunteer day @ Ballona Wetlands

25 26 “Sordid Lives” @ Westchester Playhouse Marina Movie Nights @ Burton Chase Park

Life story writing class @ YMCA Annex

27 28 29 30 30 31

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

July 2014 • Page 31

TheHTN.com

Kelly King (back center) was installed as the LAX Coastal Chamber chairman of the board at its annual installation celebration on Friday, June 20 along with its board of directors. King will serve on the business organization’s board as chairman for the 2014-2015 year. PHOTO BY ANGELA CLOUSE.

Grand opening. Hotel MdR recently celebrated its newly designed hotel with a ribbon cutting and grand opening celebration (pictured bottom left). Guests were treated with food and drinks from the hotel’s Barbianca; music and tours of the hotel. Hotel MdR Doubletree by Hilton, is located at 13480 Maxella Ave. in Marina del Rey. For more info, visit hotelmdr.com.

Cafe del Rey offers special menu for dineLA week. Marina del Rey’s Cafe del Rey will be one of the hundreds of restaurants across L.A. participating in dineLA. Restaurants participating in dineLA offer patrons the option of dining in with a prix-fixe lunch or dinner menu with pricing starting at $15 for a three-course lunch and $25 for a three-course dinner, offering diners a great opportunity to try a new restaurant at greatly reduced prices. Cafe del Rey’s summer dineLA menu will highlight executive Chef Chuck Abair’s Mediterranean cuisine inspired by the California coast. Chef Abair’s three-course prix-fixe lunch ($25) and dinner menus ($45) will highlight the restaurant’s signature dishes such as the Truffle Pizza; the Seafood Paella with couscous, mussels, scallops, assorted fish and piquillo pepper; and salmon with yellow and green beans, potatoes and bacon lardons (pictured top right). Other local participating restaurants include Marina del Rey’s Whiskey Red’s; SUGARFISH by Sushi Nozawa Marina del Rey; Marina Grill & Bar and Barbianca Local Kitchen. Westchester’s Daily Grill, located in the Westin Hotel, is also participating. dineLA week runs Monday, July 14 through Sunday, July 27. Reservations to Cafe del Rey can be made by calling (310) 823-6395. For more information on dineLA and a complete list of participating restaurants, please visit discoverlosangeles.com/dineLA.

Page 32 • July 2014

Satisfy your sweet tooth. SusieCakes Marina del Rey is tentatively scheduled for a mid-July opening. The All-American bakery specializing in home-style cupcakes and cakes, as well as cookies and bars will be located in the Marina Square Shopping Center at 4714 Lincoln Blvd. in Marina del Rey. Summer dance classes. Westchester’s LA Arts Collective (LAAC) will kick-off the summer with a whole new lineup of morning and afternoon camps, workshops and dance classes for all ages. The Creative Kidz Dance and Musical Theatre Camp, designed specifically for ages five through twelve, will introduce students to the basic principles of performing. The program is offered through July. The class will be taught by Broadway alumni Michelle Loucadoux and LAAC Founder Lisa Hamor. LAAC is located 8939 S. Sepulveda Blvd. in Westchester. Have something to share about your business? Email us at westchesterhometown@yahoo.com.

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

PHOTO BY ANGELA CLOUSE.

Business Shout-Out Playa del Rey’s Felicia St. Denis takes her business and her commitment to the community seriously. In addition to running a successful floral studio with an adjoining coffee shop, Flowers by Felicia and Coffee Garden, St. Denis finds the time to give back to the community. St. Denis is always willing to lend a hand whether it’s donating the coffee for volunteers at the Fourth of July Parade, creating flower arrangements for the Teacher Eddy Awards (pictured above) or sponsoring the animal shelter

portion of Playa del Rey’s annual Toy and Animal Shelter drive. Every year, dozens of bags of food, blankets and toys get donated to local shelters in part because of her efforts. Thank you Flowers by Felicia! The shop is located at 8428 Pershing Ave. in Playa del Rey. Have a local business that deserves to be recognized for outstanding customer service and going the extra mile? Email us at westchesterhometown@yahoo.com, ATTN: Business Shout-Out.

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July 2014 • Page 33

Schools

School Notes

Graduating Seniors. St. Bernard High School recently held its commencement ceremony on the school’s campus. Ninety-one percent of the graduating class has plans to attend college in the fall. Additionally, forty-one percent of the group received $1,400,000 in scholarship awards to 4-year colleges and universities. Said Principal Dr. Hoepner, “At St. Bernard,we always say that investing in an exceptional high school education can pay huge dividends. The returns on investment of a SBHS diploma speak for themselves. This is an indication of continued successful outcomes at St. Bernard!” This year’s class surpassed the class of 2013 who received nearly $1,000,000 in academic and athletic scholarships. Pictured (top right from left to right): Joan Park, Devinn Bradford, Beverly Perez and Mia Johnson, all graduates from Wright STEAM Magnet (formally Orville Wright Middle School), pose for a photo at their high school

Page 34 • July 2014

TheHTN.com graduation. Yogurtland Westchester. Visitation School’s Junior Kindergarten students were recently treated to a tour and lesson on making yogurt at Westchester’s Yogurtland. Owner Sharon Lee was on hand to teach the students how the shop prepares to open every day. Schools welcome new principals. Four local schools will welcome new principals to their campuses this fall including Loyola Village, Playa Vista Elementary, Westchester Enriched Sciences Magnets and St. Jerome. Westchester/Playa Education Foundation hosts meeting. WPEF will hold its first community meeting of the year on Monday, July 14 at 7 p.m. at the Westchester Community Room, located at 7166 Manchester Ave. in Westchester. The meeting will discuss the state of education in the community. Bioethics Conference. Loyola Marymount’s Bioethics Institute’s Director, Roberto Dell’Oro will be participating in a panel discussion at the City of the Angels Eugenics and Bioethics Conference held on

July 26. The conference, hosted by Archbishop Jose Gomez, Diocese of Los Angeles, and the National Catholic Bioethics Center (NCBC), will be held at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Los Angeles. The conference, titled, “Designer Babies, Whose Design?” was planned by Vincent Fortanasce MD, Professor of Neurology, USC and the conference will offer information on eugenics and bioethics, presented by a number of speakers. The conference is open to the public and tickets are $40. Admission includes breakfast and a box lunch. A recognition dinner will follow the event at the DoubleTree by Hilton,

Downtown. Visitation is offering complimentary bus service to anyone in the community who would like to attend the event. The bus will load from the Visitation parking lot (leave your car in the secured lot) at 7:30 a.m. and the bus will load at 5:15 p.m. at the Cathedral for return to the Visitation parking lot by approximately 6:15 p.m. For more info and to RSVP, please call Terry at (310) 994-9904. Event info and complete speaker bios are online at visitationschool.org. Have something to share about your school? Please email us at westchesterhometown@yahoo.com.

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

Congratulations Visitation Class of 2014!

Thank You PLAYA VISTA-BROOKFIELD, and Congratulations are in order... PLAYA VISTA-BROOKFIELD’S Sibyl Buchanan (right) and Visitation Principal, Chris Watson (left), with the Visitation School Class of 2014 Graduates and PV Education Trust Scholarship Recepients, (l-r) Ian Magdlen, Lydia Dawson, Devyn Itula and Jessica Stokx.

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Men’s health needs to be made a priority By Freddi Segal-Gidan

directly related to tobacco use. Older smokers are at greater risks from smoking because they have smoked longer (an average of 40 years), tend to be heavier smokers, and are more likely to suffer from smoking-related illnesses. They are also less likely than younger smokers to believe that smoking harms their health. Quitting smoking at any age reduces the risk for lung cancer. It can be challenging, but new tools are available that work to help men quit. Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men (skin cancer is number one). It is a slow growing cancer that can have few symptoms in the early stages. One in six men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in his lifetime, but only one in 35 will die from it. There is a lot of controversy about the benefits and risk of prostate

Opinion: Last month, we celebrated Father’s Day, a time to recognize and celebrate the men in our lives: fathers, grandfathers, husbands and brothers. Now is a good time to remind the men we cherish to pay attention to their health, which becomes increasingly important as they age. Men have a shorter life expectancy, five years on average, compared to women. They have fewer doctor visits than women and delay care so that when they are seen, they are more likely to have a serious condition. As men age, some health issues become more serious, but most of these are either preventable or more easily treated when recognized early. Lung cancer is the leading cancer killer of men, with the majority (90%)

cancer screening with the PSA (prostate specific antigen) blood test. Every male over age 50 should discuss this with their health care provider. Depression becomes more common with age. It’s not just feeling sad, but can include symptoms such as loss of interest in usual activities, changes in sleep and appetite, and lack of energy that may be attributed to other medical conditions. Men often don’t recognize that they are depressed or hide the symptoms and are less likely to seek help for depression. This can lead to tragic results with suicide the eighth leading cause of death among all men. Erectile dysfunction (ED) is not life threatening, but it’s an important health problem that may indicate more serious underlying disease, such as diabetes or atherosclerosis.

Two-thirds of men older than 70 and up to 39% of 40-year-old men have problems with erectile dysfunction. Men with ED report less enjoyment in life and are more likely to be depressed. Don’t wait to visit the doctor until something is seriously wrong. If you are an older male worried about any of these problems, the first step is to talk with your health care provider. You can also attend the free Silver Seminar Series workshop “Men Over 50” program on July 29 from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Westchester Family YMCA Annex. For info and to register, contact WPV at (310) 695-7030. Freddi Segal-Gidan, PA, PhD is a Physician Associate and Gerontologist. She is also a member of the board of directors for Westchester-Playa Village.

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Have a service you want to advertise to the community? Place a Business and Professional Ad in the HomeTown News! Rates as low as $45/month. Email us at westchesterhometown@yahoo.com or call (310) 641-1016.

Chester West

Page 36 • July 2014

By Jack Younger

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

July 2014 • Page 37

In Pictures

TheHTN.com

We celebrate freedom.

Start the theCelebrate New Year Year looking lookingFreedom! in the the right right direction...Up! direction...Up! Start New in

Start the theCelebra New Year Year lo lo Start New Freedom from fear. Freedom pain, doubt, and isolation. Freedomfrom from doubt. Freedom from fear.

Star theNewYearlo kingintherightdirection. Up! We celebrate the freedom that comesChurch, from Join us at Westchester Lutheran knowing Jesus Christ and giving yourinheart and embrace the freedom found a to loving, withbecome the Him. Joinforgiving us in thisrelationship celebration, and Lord. new friends in a celebration of part of aJoin community that strives daily to grow everything that is possible when you live closer to the Lord and to each other.

in harmony with the Word.

Lay down your burdens. Celebrate salvation. Be free.

Allare arewelcome. welcome. All

Come celebrate with us!

Weekly Worship, Sundays at 10 a.m. Vacation Biblelook School,up Julywith 21-25 us. Come look up with us. Come

Weekly Worshipthe community Sundayssince at 10 a.m. Serving 1943 Summer Choir Rehearsal Sundays at 9 a.m. Preschool to July 8th29-August Grade2 Vacation Bible School

Enroll now - Call for a Tour

7831 S. Sepulveda Blvd. Westchester, CA 90045 310.670.5422 www.wlcs.org

Phi Beta Kappa Scholars. Tatiana August-Schmidt and Marisa Mito, both 2010 graduates of Westchester High School, recently had their picture taken with 2013 Nobel Laureate in physiology, Randy Schekman, PhD. The photo was

taken following their initiation into the Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society, the oldest and most widely known academic honor society in the United States. August-Schmidt and Mito are recent graduates of UC Berkeley.

Free June “Summer of the Selfie” Winners and CYO Champs. Visitation School’s CYO conference championship winning and undefeated girls’ softball team took the winning photo for the June Food Truck Friday Nights (FTFN) “Summer of the Selfie” contest and were treated to complimentary dinners at Visitation’s June Food Truck Friday Night event. Pictured: The team poses with their coaches (back row left to right) Jose Marrero,

WPV would like to acknowledge the NCWP, Ghostlight and Mahalo Flowers for supporting WPV through grants and donations. Special thanks to ARUP for recruiting employee volunteers to help WPV members. Page 38 • July 2014

Join and lovin Lord ever in ha

Sue Calsbeek and Mike Watkins. To participate in the contest, visit the school’s website at visitationschool.org/food_truck_ menus.htm#selfie and upload a selfie taken at one of the FTFN events. If your photo is selected to be featured, you will receive 2 free dinners to an upcoming FTFN event provided by the school The next FTFN event is Friday, July 18 on the school’s campus.

We want to see you In Pictures! Email us your pictures for a chance to be featured in our photos section. Email us at westchesterhometown@yahoo.com.

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

NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL OF WESTCHESTER / PLAYA

Margie Hanson Named 2014 Star of the Neighborhood The Neighborhood Council of Westchester/Playa has selected education advocate Margie Hanson as the 2014 Star of the Neighborhood. The Star of the Neighborhood Award is sponsored by the Neighborhood Council of Westchester/Playa, and its purpose is to identify and honor those unsung heroes of our community who quietly, persistently and without fanfare voluntarily perform good deeds that serve the needs of their neighbors and/or the community. Community members were invited to nominate a resident of Playa del Rey, Playa Vista or Westchester whose efforts fit this criteria, and all the nominations were evaluated by an ad hoc committee of the Neighborhood Council. As the winning honoree, Hanson will be honored at Westchester’s Annual Fourth of July Parade. Hanson was selected because of her tireless efforts on behalf of various organizations in our community.

Movie Under the Stars –July 12 The Los Angeles City Department of Recreation and Parks will host a family-friendly movie under the stars beginning at 8 p.m. on Saturday, July 12. The free event, being held in conjunction with Councilmember Mike Bonin’s Office, will feature the Disney movie “Frozen.” The movie will screen at dusk at Westchester Recreation Center, 7000 W. Manchester Avenue in Westchester. Be sure to bring blankets, chairs and snacks to enjoy. RSVP at www.11thdistrict.com/movienightwestchester

She has been a board member of Airport Marina Counseling Service for the past four years and has helped raise funds for that organization, which supports mental heath in our community, through the annual Jet to Jetty event. She also serves as a member of the board of directors for the LAPD Pacific Area Boosters Association and Westchester Vitalization Corporation. She supports the Westchester Farmers Market, serves as Coordinator of Community Connections sponsored by Covenant Presbyterian Church and volunteers for the Westchester Mental Health Guild Holiday Home Tour. She has previously served on the board of directors for the LAX Coastal Area Chamber, where she chaired the Business Development Committee; and on the board of directors of the Westchester Streetscape Improvement Association Association. “Margie is a volunteer’s volunteer,” wrote Jill Marcellus in her nomination, one of several Hanson received. “She is on the boards of several local non-profit organizations and is always looking for positive ways to connect them and expand their spheres of community outreach.” “The committee’s decision was very difficult because we have so many people who do great things in our community,” said Sibyl Buchanan, who chaired the selection committee. “But Margie’s efforts set her apart. She has been incredibly giving of her time and energy to make our community even better.” Buchanan said that everyone who was nominated will be invited to a future Neighborhood Council meeting to be recognized.

www.ncwpdr.org Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News

July 2014 • Page 39

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