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Century City/ Westwood APRIL 23 – MAY 21, 2021

NEWS CenturyCity-WestwoodNews.com

Efforts to Curtail Street Racing ‘Epidemic’ in Rancho Park Area After Fatal Collision

Photo: Councilmember Paul Koretz (Facebook)

Councilmember Paul Koretz updates on safety measures coming to neighborhood By Sam Catanzaro A handful of efforts are underway to present street racing in the Rancho Park area following the death of Monique Munoz, a young woman who was killed while driving home from work, allegedly by a 17-year-old traveling at approximately 120 miles per hour in his Lamborghini. According to the Los Angeles Police Department, on February 17 around 5:10

p.m., a black Lamborghini SUV was traveling eastbound on Olympic Boulevard when it collided with a silver, four-door, Lexus traveling westbound on Olympic Boulevard in Rancho Park, negotiating a left turn to proceed southbound on Overland Avenue. The Los Angeles Fire Department responded to the scene and immediately rendered aid to the driver of the Lexus. Unfortunately, the driver, 32-year-old Monique Munoz, succumbed to her injuries and died at the scene. The male, juvenile driver of the Lamborghini was transported to a local hospital where he was admitted for medical attention. On February 23, he was booked for vehicular manslaughter. The case will proceed through the judicial process. The family of Muñoz has been demanding that the 17-year-old be charged as an adult. In the wake of the incident, Los Angeles City

Councilmember Paul Koretz has announced that safety improvements are to prevent such crashes in the future. On April 12, a protected-left-turn signal was unveiled at Olympic at Overland, the first of many safety measures, according to Koretz. “Today’s protected-left-turn signal unveiling at Olympic at Overland represents one of many important steps we are taking to combat the dangerous and deadly activity of speeding and street racing. My office has worked with our community members, various City departments and LAPD to address and mitigate the speeding and street racing epidemic terrorizing our city so that we can avoid another senseless loss of life like we did with Monique Muñoz,” Korerz said in a social media post following the event. According to Koretz, LADOT will also be installing what is known by traffic engineers

as “Rest In Red” for traffic signals during off peak hours at several key intersections. “This will force drivers speeding ahead of other vehicles to come to a complete stop at an intersection before the signal turns green,” Koretz said. In addition, LADOT will also be installing several electronic speed feedback signs that tell drivers how fast they’re going, which instinctively makes drivers assess your speed and slow down, Koretz said. LADOT has also already completed a new re-striping plan for Beverly Glen Boulevard. south of Olympic Boulevard to address speeding on that street, Koretz added, saying his office was able to temporarily secure one of the city’s electronic “slow down” signs. In addition, Koretz said his office is working at the State level on legislative changes that will enable the city to further reduce street racing and speeding.

CENTURY CITY-WESTWOOD NEWS

APRIL 23 – MAY 21, 2021

Homeless Man Arrested for Police Seek Suspect in Murder at Encampment Next UCLA Lewd Conduct, Indecent Exposure Incident to West Los Angeles VA Man sought in connect to April 12 incident By Sam Catanzaro Police are searching for a suspect wanted for lewd conduct and exposing himself to a female UCLA student. According to the UCLA Police Department, on April 12 around 4:10 p.m., the suspect approached the victim under the guise of having her do exercises near Kaufman Hall.

UCLA Kaufman Hall, daytime exterior, south side.

“While the victim was distracted with exercises, the suspect touched her bare foot with his exposed genitals,” UCLA Police said. Police say the suspect is a 25-30 years old white man, with short blonde hair, 5’11”, wearing a blue t-shirt, gray sweat shorts, green camouflage “US Army” backpack and a skateboard. This incident is currently under investigation. Anybody with information to report is encouraged to contact the UCLA Police Department at 310-825-1491.

Photo: UCLA official

51-year-old man dead following April incident By Sam Catanzaro

A man has been arrested for murder following an altercation at the homeless encampment next to the West Los Angeles VA in April that left one dead and another injured. According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Homicide division, the incident occurred Sunday, April 4 around 12:05 a.m., on the 11600 block of San Vicente Boulevard, at the encampment occupying federal land adjacent to Brentwood. The suspect, 34-year-old Pedro Flores, and the victims were involved in a verbal argument prior to the incident, according to the LASD. “The suspect then got into his vehicle and deliberately used his vehicle to assault both victims, leaving one of them dead,” LASD said. “During the course of the incident, one of the victims was dragged for over 200 yards and sustained fatal injuries.” The deceased victim was a 51-year-old white man. The other victim, a 36-year-old

Photo: Citizen App

A police officer at the scene of a murder scene April 4.

Hispanic man, was transported to a local hospital and treated for non-life-threatening injuries. Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) officers located the suspect Flores in his vehicle a few blocks away, initiated a pursuit and a short time later took him into custody. He was booked for murder and assault with a deadly weapon. Flores is being held on a $2 million bail and will appear in court Tuesday. The LASD said in a press release that “the suspect and victims are all transients that live at the Federal Enclave adjacent to the Veterans Administration at the location.”

Arrest, see page 7

APRIL 23 – MAY 21, 2021

CENTURY CITY-WESTWOOD NEWS

Lawsuit Filed in Westﬁeld Century City Mall in Wrongful Death Shooting Lawsuit ﬁled on behalf of children of 2020 shooting victim A lawsuit has been filed against Westfield Century City on behalf of the three children of a 2020 wrongful death shooting victim. On March 30, M.R. Parker Law, a Los Angeles firm specializing in wrongful death and personal injury cases, filed a lawsuit in the case of Ryan Givens, a 29-year-old Los Angeles resident killed at the Century City Mall after an altercation at Javier’s restaurant. The firm brought the lawsuit on behalf of Given’s three children. The lawsuit alleges all of the following: On January 20th, 2020, Givens attended a social gathering at the restaurant Javier’s in Century City. After an altercation ensued within Javier’s between members of Given’s party and the suspected shooter, Brandon Hinton, and his party, a further melee spilled outside the restaurant. At some point during the on-going fights, Hinton brandished a firearm and began to chase Givens around the Century City Mall, firing recklessly until he struck Givens multiple times. Givens was taken to a local hospital where he passed from his injuries. The case alleges that the defendants, Century City Mall, LLC, Marcos and Javiers LLC, provided substandard safe

access to their property and services to the decedent. The allegation continues that the defendants were negligent in their handling of the situation by not calling the police during the initial altercation, nor separating the parties and escorting them to separate locations off the premises. The lawsuit further alleges that given the severity of the initial altercation and the reasonable belief that high levels of alcohol were involved, the defendants had a reasonable assumption that a further altercation and potential escalation would occur had the two parties not been separated. Michael Parker, managing attorney at M.R. Parker commented, “Had the defendants established precautionary measures for such events, Ryan Givens may be alive today.” Michael continued, “Police should have been called while the two parties were still inside Javier’s and onsite security should have immediately separated the two groups and ensured they both left the premise independent of each other.” M.R. Parker’s lead trial attorney, Kenneth Shy added, “The defendants owe a duty to secure common areas against foreseeable criminal acts, and that did not happen here. Our firm is committed to holding them accountable to the fullest extent of the law and getting justice for the children of Mr. Givens.” Westfield Century City and Javier’s did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

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CENTURY CITY-WESTWOOD NEWS

APRIL 23 – MAY 21, 2021

First Curry Ramen Canter’s Deli Opens in Restaurant in LA Opens West LA Iconic LA restaurant on Sawtelle comes to Santa Monica and Bundy

Menya Tigre takes over former Menya Musashi space

By Kerry Slater

By Kerry Slater Los Angeles’ first curry ramen restaurant has come to Sawtelle Japantown. As reported by Eater Los Angeles, Menya Tigre is up and running at the former Menya Musashi space at 2021 Sawtelle Boulevard, a restaurant that closed in the beginning of the pandemic. According to Eater, this is LA’s first curry ramen restaurant. The noodle menu at Menya Tigre is pretty straight ahead: curry ramen made with chicken broth with house blend curry topped with chasu pork, bean sprouts, cabbage and green onion ($11.99); curry tsukemen with the same broth, bonito flavor, chasu pork, nori and lime ($10.99); and keema noodle “dry” curry ramen with pico de gallo, green onion, corn and shredded chilli peppers ($13.50). A soft-

Photo: Menya Tigre (Facebook)

boiled egg, wild ear mushrooms, fried onion, fried garlic and corn can be added to any noodle dish for between 50 cents and $1.50 extra.

In addition to noodle dishes, various

curry rices and rices bowls are available.

For appetizers, the restaurant offers fried

chicken ($5.75), fried shrimp ($6.25), pork cutlet ($5.75), Takoyaki ($5.50), shishito peppers ($4.50), edamame ($3) and green salad ($3). For

information

https://www.tigre-la.com/.

visit

Landmark restaurant and bakery Canter’s Deli has opened a location in West Los Angeles. As reported by Toddickallen, Canter’s Deli is open at 2109 Santa Monica Boulevard (near Bundy) on the second story of the strip mall. According to their online order portal, the restaurant is up and running from 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. Since 1931, Canter’s has been serving up some of LA’s finest deli cuisine. Voted in the past as the best pastrami by the LA Times and LA Weekly, Canter’s is a culinary landmark is lovingly managed by the thirdand fourth-generations of the Canter family. The restaurant first opened in Boyle Heights, and later moved to the Fairfax District where it has become a landmark. “Whether it’s the freshly-baked breads, or the famous house-made pickles, Canter’s always goes the extra mile to provide the

Canter’s Deli on Fairfax.

Photo: Facebook

authentic, traditional Jewish deli experience, which helped grow the restaurant from a small storefront to the massive operation that it is today. As inviting as its food, Canter’s is also known for its welcoming ambiance, a perfect blend of contemporary comfort with the nostalgic charm of its stylish 1950’s decor. Canter’s continues to stand out as a unique dining experience that transports patrons back to the golden age of delis,” reads their website. According to the restaurant, over the years Canter’s has sold over: 2 Million Pounds of Lox, 10 Million Pounds of Corned Beef, 7 Million Pounds of Pastrami, 10 Million Matzo Balls and 24 Million Bowls of Chicken Soup.

Food Review: Griddle Cake Perfection Arrives in Santa Monica Breakfast by Salt’s Cure lands on Montana Avenue in Santa Monica By Kerry Slater

A new breakfast spot on Montana Avenue in Santa Monica serves up griddle cakes that even a self-professed pancake-hater can’t help but love. Popular West Hollywood restaurant Breakfast by Salt’s Cure opened at 714 Montana Avenue last month, the small space on the south side of the street was formerly home to Italian restaurant Osteria Bigoli that closed at the beginning of the pandemic. In a bold move, the restaurant has opened up just feet away from Marmalade, another breakfast spot. Breakfast by Salt’s Cure was born 2017 when Chef Chris Phelps opened meat-centric West restaurant Salt’s Cure in WeHo before relocating to Hollywood on Highland Avenue in 2015. He says early on the restaurant’s griddle cakes on the brunch menu had become

one of the most popular items which led to the opening of Breakfast by Salt’s Cure. The menu is straightforward at Breakfast by Salt’s Cure: a handful of griddle cake varieties, eggs, breakfast meats, some greenery, a sandwich and beverages. For a brunch this week, I ordered the OG griddle cakes (served with cinnamon butter) and a side of softscrambled eggs and waited outside at a table for my food. Five-minutes later, breakfast had been served and darn it looked good, and I soon found out it tasted just as good. I started with the soft-scrambled eggs, since cold eggs are an abomination. While the restaurant specializes in griddle cakes, these soft-scrambled eggs were a work of culinary art. Rich, warm, creamy yet not runny, I ate the eggs in under a minute and got to dig into the stack of griddle cakes while they were still piping hot. Here is where I should probably announce that I normally do not like pancakes, griddle cakes or waffles. In most cases I find without heaps up butter and syrup they taste like nothing. Breakfast by Salt’s Cure, however, serves up griddle cakes that had me wanting more. The outside is crispy and caramelized. The inside is moist and flavorful. Each

griddle cake is pretty thin but these, in my opinion, are meant to be eaten as a stack as opposed to individually. The taste itself is balanced between sweet (thanks to the batter and powdered sugar), savory (thanks to the cinnamon butter) and slightly bitter (thanks to the use of oatmeal in the mix). One thing missing from this description is syrup. As the restaurant writes on its website, however, these griddle cakes do not need it, a sentiment I wholeheartedly agree with. “Sorry not sorry, but at Breakfast by Salt’s Cure we do not offer syrup with our Griddle Cakes. Why? You don’t need it. The batter itself has the perfect amount of sweetness you seek, and when topped with our Sea Salt Butter and a padding of powdered sugar, you are good to go. Next question,” they write. The total cost of my breakfast with tip and tax with $14, which may seem steep for just pancakes and eggs. Given that Breakfast by Salt’s Cure is on the posh Montana Avenue and also serves up some elite griddle cakes, however, this is a justifiable price in my opinion. So how do I rate the meal? Earlier this year, when reviewing the The OMG sandwich from Heroic Italian in Santa Monica, I wrote “When gauging a restaurant’s rating, I like to tend to

Photo: Kerry Slater

OG griddle cakes and soft-scrambled eggs from Breakfast by Salt’s Cure.

reserve ratings of 8 and above for places that I would take a friend from out of town to.” The griddle cakes from Breakfast by Salt’s Cure, perfectly-cooked eggs, combined with the fact that it’s within walking distance of my home makes this restaurant definitely worth taking a visiting friend to. Or just myself, as I will surely be returning again. Taste: 8.6/10 Quality: 8/10 Value: 7.5/10 Overall: 8/10

APRIL 23 – MAY 21, 2021

CENTURY CITY-WESTWOOD NEWS 4.917x11.7_HCI_ad.pdf

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Limiting Use of WoodBased Construction in Century City? Hyperthermia cancer therapy. FDA approved, targeted, non-invasive.

By Toi Creel Los Angeles City Council voted recently to take a look at a proposal to lessen the use of wood-frame construction for projects in certain neighborhoods, including Century City. As reported by UrbanizeLA, recommendations for the report came from the Council’s Public Safety Committee. The goal of the ordinance is to lessen the City’s wildfires, taking away a highly flammable element of construction. The proposal suggests expanding the area known as Fire District 1 as defined by the California Department of Forestry’s Very High Severity Zone and the City’s High Wind Velocity Zone. Fire District 1 is made up of commercial hubs and neighborhoods with predominantly older buildings in areas like Century City and Downtown. This would also include hilly neighborhoods like the Pacific Palisades and Echo Park. The proposed ordinance would impact construction projects with 100,000 square feet of floor area for a building over 30 feet in height or populated neighborhoods with a minimum of 5,000 residents per square mile. These numbers would be adjusted every decade reflecting U.S. Census data. The proposal was initiated by Councilmembers Bob Blumenfield and Monica Rodriguez, with backing by organization Build with Strength. The group is made up of a mix of

housing advocates, including architects and labor unions, working to limit the usage of combustible construction materials in Los Angeles and across the state. “We fully support the City Council’s efforts to strengthen building practices in our city,” wrote Ron Miller, Executive Secretary of the Los Angeles/Orange Counties Building and Construction Trades Council in a March press release. “We represent the skilled men and women who build LA. We see firsthand how important safety is. This ordinance will have a huge impact on many communities across the city, and I encourage the City Council to act swiftly and give all residents access to safer and more resilient housing.” Despite the support from council members and others in the community, the report does have critics. According to UrbanizeLA, architect Simon Ha with Steinberg Hart wrote a letter to the city citing a list of reasons against the project. Ha claims it goes against increasing affordable housing in the city and adds unnecessary costs. “The incremental cost increase is about 5 to 10 percent from Type V to Type III, so if you were building on Sunset Boulevard at the border of West Hollywood and the City of L.A., it would cost 5 to 10 percent more to build in L.A. than in West Hollywood.” Council will not yet put an ordinance into writing, but instead will ask Staff to conduct more research and develop an additional report.

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CENTURY CITY-WESTWOOD NEWS

APRIL 23 – MAY 21, 2021

Work Wraps up on Motor Avenue 300-Seat Performing Arts Center Construction is wrapping up on news performing on center on Motor Avenue near Century City

The new Glorya Kaufman Performing Arts Center at Vista Del Mar Child and Family Services is nearly complete after a major renovation and expansion of the non-profit’s beloved 56-year-old temple, AUX Architecture announced this week. In addition to being the future home to Vista Del Mar’s innovative therapeutic performing arts programs, the building will provide the city with a new 300-seat event venue. Construction is scheduled to be fully complete in mid-Spring 2021, with the center opening soon thereafter. As a multi-use performing arts center, the new building will accommodate dance, music, teaching, and theatrical productions. It is designed to draw neighbors to campus when hosting community events, showcasing the non-profit’s mission to empower regional youth and families. “This building is designed as a series of vignettes that express music and dance,” says Brian Wickersham, Founding Partner and Design Director at AUX Architecture. “The main goal was to preserve as much of the existing structure as possible, because of the value of the large space, while transforming it into something new, visually. By wrapping the building in translucent polycarbonate we were able to maintain the main gathering space while also completely transforming the look of the building. Our hope is for this building to function as the heart for both the campus and community, by enhancing not only the students’ learning experiences but Vista Del Mar’s visibility and relationship to its neighborhood.” In designing the building to be the “glowing” new center for the non-profit,

AUX Architecture used a façade material that performs at a high level of durability and sustainability. Recyclable polycarbonate wraps around the existing building as an illuminated skin, harnessing natural light and insulating the building. Directly behind the façade, a series of rhythmic columns create an interplay of light and shadow. The Martha Graham dance piece “Lamentation” was an inspiration for screens inside and outside to create the sense of compression and expansion. In addition to the kids and families who will benefit from the new center for years to come, some of the primary benefactors are children with autism and learning disabilities. The center will provide space for an innovative therapeutic arts program to use performing arts to teach kids a

variety of subjects. Spaces are designed to be both inspiring and comforting, with a color palette of light tones, high acoustical performance, and flexible rooms to inspire creative learning models. This project was made possible by a generous gift by Glorya Kaufman, whose contributions to the arts have benefited so many and will continue to do so for future generations. The Vista Del Mar Child and Family Services’ Premiere Philanthropy Initiative is under the leadership of Vista Del Mar Chief Development and Marketing Officer Craig Prizant. “As our community contends with the pandemic, we’re reminded of the enduring power of the arts to console, heal, create community and uplift lives,” states Prizant. “In our brand-new performing arts center, Vista children and families will

have every opportunity to make the journey from surviving to thriving as they participate in our cutting-edge therapeutic dance, music, theater and other programs. We’re so grateful to visionary philanthropist Glorya Kaufman for investing in our children’s futures. AUX has innovated the perfect space in which Vista families and the greater community will find joy as they root and rise by opening their minds and hearts.” The renovation adds more than 3,000 square feet for a total building area of just over 10,000 square feet. In December 2020 the Glorya Kaufman Performing Arts Center received a 2020 AIA Design Award, and was named People’s Choice winner during the virtual awards gala.

APRIL 23 – MAY 21, 2021

CENTURY CITY-WESTWOOD NEWS

Police Seek Two Men Wanted for String of Restaurant Burglaries LAPD put out crime bulletin regarding two suspects By Chad Winthrop Police are looking for two suspects wanted for a series of restaurant and coffee shop burglaries in the Westwood-area. According to the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), over the last several weeks, the West Los Angeles Division has identified a series of commercial burglaries occurring throughout the area. “The suspects target restaurants and coffee shops in the early morning hours while the businesses are closed. The suspects smash

Arrest, from page 2 There is no additional information available at this time, the LASD said. According to the Brentwood Community Council (BCC), if the death is determined to be a homicide it would be the first in Brentwood

the businesses glass front doors by either kicking the door or using a rock or similar object. The suspects then remove currency from the cash register, often prying it open using a yellow crowbar,” the LAPD said in a statement. The suspects then flee in a tan or beige 4-door sedan, possibly a Nissan Altima or Toyota Camry, according to the LAPD. Both suspects are described by the LAPD as middle-aged, bald, Black men between 5’10” and 6’2” tall. Suspect #1: was spotted at one point wearing a black hoodie, tan cargo pants, Adidas hat, white gloves. Anybody with any information regarding the suspects or believe may have been a victim, is encouraged to contact LAPD West LA burglary detective hall at (310) 444-1524.

in recent memory. “This episode crystalizes the BCC’s longstanding position that allowing the homeless encampment to remain in place is neither a safe nor humane solution to the problem of homelessness in our community. Over the next several weeks we will release

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additional information on BCC’s efforts to force our political leaders to resolve this crisis,” the BCC wrote in an email newsletter following the incident. Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s

Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500. If you prefer to provide information anonymously, you may call “Crime Stoppers” by dialing (800) 222-TIPS (8477), use your smartphone by downloading the “P3 Tips” Mobile APP on Google play or the Apple App Store or by using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org

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CENTURY CITY-WESTWOOD NEWS

APRIL 23 – MAY 21, 2021

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Home and Garden B1 - B4 / Summer Camp Guide B5 - B8

HOME and GARDEN Free and Sustainable Trees for Your Yard City Plants and California Native Plant Society making a greener Los Angeles BY C HAD W INTHROP Two programs are helping make Los Angeles greener, more sustainable and shadier by facilitating the planting of trees on private property. First up is City Plants, a non-profit organization running a public-private partnership between the City of Los Angeles and six other non-profit organizations. “Together, we work with community groups, residents, and businesses to coordinate tree planting and care throughout Los Angeles,” the organization writes on their website. City Plants is a continuation of LA’s former tree planting program, Million Trees LA. “Our current name reflects our changing priorities, which are to focus our efforts in low canopy areas and to plant in a way that maximizes the benefits trees provide rather than on reaching a specific number of trees,” City Plants said. Among other initiatives, the organization plants and distributes around 20,000 trees a year, including free shade trees to plant in yards on private property and in parkways. “If you live in the City of Los Angeles, you can receive free trees to plant in your yard! Planting trees in your yard is an easy way to save energy and cool your home. We’ll supply you with up to seven free, water-efficient shade trees and deliver them straight to your door, along with stakes, ties, and fertilizer pellets to get your trees started off right,” City Plants says. There are two ways to get trees through this program, the first is free shade trees delivered straight to your door. Choose from over 30 different water-efficient species, and City Trees will deliver 5-gallon sized trees to your home with stakes, ties and fertilizer pellets. All you have to do is plant and care for them. There is a 7 tree limit per household. All yard trees come in a 5-gallon container and are between 3 – 5 feet tall. Trees are delivered approximately in 8-10 weeks. In addition, for those who do not want to wait, City Plants Collaborative offers limited free fruit and shade tree “virtual adoptions” to bring trees straight to Angelenos. So who can take part? You must be a resident of the City of Los Angeles and present a photo ID or LADWP bill to prove eligibility. Visit

CityPlants.org for more information on the program. So why should LA Residents take part in this program? “We cannot take our trees for granted. We must plant now to ensure a green future for our kids and grandkids. We are losing trees at a time when we need them the most. We expect our City to get hotter in the coming decades, and trees are key to cooling our homes, streets, and schools. We must plant aggressively now to ensure that as temperatures rise, our City is equipped with a cooling canopy of healthy, mature trees,” City Plants says. People who do not live in the City of Los Angeles who can’t access the free trees that are part of City Plants can still feel good about planting trees in yards. The California Native Plant Society, a collaboration between UC Berkeley and the Jepson Flora Project offers a resource that displays nurseries in the state that specialize in native plants. “True native plants are the foundation for nature restoration. They attract butterflies, birds, reptiles, amphibians, small mammals,

City Plants, see page B-4

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How to Heal the Soil and Why. We all know how important the vital role the soil plays in your plants’ health, trees, and eventually the Earth’s health. We take for granted the soil that lies beneath our feet. For a while now, humankind has been dumping chemical fertilizers, pesticides, etc., into the soil, air, water, ocean. These all kill off the microbial life that lives within the soil. The microbial army whose home is the soil. A long time ago, when I first started gardening in my backyard, I realized right away how alive the soil was. Earthworms everywhere, and many things were moving around! Looking under a microscope, I discovered a fascinating hidden world. I call them Earth Warriors. They are the real Invisible Gardeners. It didn’t take me long to realize what my calling was! To help these tiny beings in their work of healing the soil! Why is healing the soil so important? All life depends on the Earth having living soil. The soil provides everyone else the minerals they need to be alive, stay alive, and be healthy. The soil microbes are grouped according to their functions. The ones I am talking about are the ones that take the minerals in the soil and convert it into a soluble nutritional form that the plants can use. This is one grouped of mycelium. These guys then pass this food along to another grouped of mycelium that

lives on the plants’ root hairs, trees, etc. These have evolved to attach themselves to the roots and then transfer directly into the trees. The plant then transfers the food to all its parts. Like when we eat, the body has a system of making sure all aspects of our body receive the proper nutrition. The central part of this food is minerals. But we cannot digest minerals straight, so the microbes and plants do that. I often tell folks that all diseases start in the soil. They are already there, waiting for the right time to emerge. When is it the right time? The higher the stress, the greater the pest. The stress can come about through many things indirectly, like overwatering. Too much water floods the soil and drowns the microbes. So the water is an indirect cause, but the real reason is that the soil no longer has these beneficial microbes to provide food to the plants. All diseases and pests attacks are directly related to a trace mineral deficiency. The health of the soil directly affects the plants’ health and their ability to absorb the minerals. We can help heal the soil by avoiding chemicals, especially chemical fertilizers. Use only organic fertilizers best if they carry their mycorrhiza. Learn to apply rock dust as a source of minerals. Find a source of living compost rich in microbes. For more information, please visit InvisibleGardener.com Any questions visit my website and use the contact form. Mention this paper and I will answer back in next column

Andy Lopez Heal the Earth, and you Heal Yourself

B -3

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B-4 City Plants, from B-1 bees and other pollinators that evolved with those plants, and over time create a working natural ecosystem, without pesticides, and without artificial fertilizers. The butterfly and bird life in particular in a true natural garden is often spectacular. With the right plants, it’s not hard for homeowners to create small patches of nature throughout even the developed part of the state,” California Native Plant Society writes on their website. California is an extremely environmentally diverse state. According to the California Native Plant Society, different California native plants evolved to grow in areas of the state with very different temperatures, rainfall levels, summer drought periods, air moisture levels, and marine influences, among other factors. “It’s always best to grow California native plants in the areas in which they evolved. They are easier to grow, healthier and require little or no artificial irrigation when they are planted in an area in which they evolved and naturally belong. Native California plants that aren’t really native to that location will often struggle or die no matter how much you water them,” California Native Plant Society writes. “For successful native plant landscaping and nature restoration, it’s important to grow plants that are native to your location AND placed in spots with the right soil, sun and water conditions. Before you finalize which native plants to grow and exactly where to place them, please review the Calscape plant descriptions to make you place them in spots with the conditions they require.” Visit calscape.org for more information.

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SUMMER CAMP GUIDE 2021

Get Away Without Going Away

5 family staycation ideas that won’t break your budget

Family vacations are a great way to bond and take a step back from the hectic schedules that accompany everyday life, but sometimes time or money (or both) make planning an elaborate trip a non-starter. However, a staycation - a vacation you take right in your hometown (or nearby) - can be much less expensive and fit into nearly any amount of available time with the added bonus of skipping out on potentially stressful travel. Consider these staycation ideas to take advantage of your local area’s attractions and prove you don’t have to go far to spend quality time together. Visit local landmarks. Just because it’s not a traditional vacation doesn’t mean you can’t pretend to be tourists. Start by visiting the places you recommend to friends and family from out of town or pick up a city guidebook to uncover hidden spots you may not even know exist. Make a plan to seek out historic

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Staycation, see page B-7

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Sunshine BEACH VOLLEYBALL CAMP

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B -7 Staycation, from B-5 sites, visit local landmarks like museums or try an out-of-the-way restaurant (or two) you’ve never eaten at before. Camp out in the backyard. Camping doesn’t have to be done far from home. In fact, it can be done right in your own backyard. Pitch a tent

to sleep under the stars and plan a night full of traditional camping activities like roasting s’mores, telling spooky stories by flashlight and trying to identify stars and constellations. Set up a picnic in the park. Pack a basket with sandwiches, fruit and other treats and head to the park. You can enjoy a casual meal then take advantage of the open space for a family walk or game of tag before retreating to

the playground to let the little ones expel any leftover energy. Have a home spa day. If you’re looking for some relaxation but don’t want to splurge on the full spa treatment, plan an at-home oasis instead. Light some candles, run a bubble bath and break out the facial masks and fingernail polish. Visit an amusement park. No matter where

you live, there’s probably an amusement or water park within driving distance. A quick online search before you arrive can help prepare a strategy for hitting the most popular thrill rides and waterslides while skipping those that may not provide quite the same entertainment value. Find more tips and tricks for enjoying family time together at eLivingtoday.com.

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