Westchester/Playa Hometown News October 2024 Edition
BRINGS
HOMETOWN STAFF/CONTRIBUTORS
Stephanie Davis, Publisher
HOMETOWN STAFF/CONTRIBUTORS
Shanee Edwards, Contributing Writer
Jeff Blair, Contributing Writer
Zsuzsi Steiner, Photos
Robert Higgins, Photos
ABOUT THE HOMETOWN NEWS
ABOUT THE HOMETOWN NEWS
The HomeTown News is a monthly community newspaper dedicated to providing information about the people, events and happenings of Westchester, Playa del Rey, Marina del Rey and Playa Vista. Look for the HomeTown News the first Thursday of the month at your home or at one of our drop-off locations, including The Book Jewel, Westchester Family YMCA, Playa Pharmacy, Loyola Village Library, Playa Vista Library, Truxton’s American Bistro and Cantalini’s Salerno Beach.
CONNECT WITH THE HTN:
Mailing Address: 8939 S. Sepulveda Blvd., Ste. 110 #745
Westchester, CA 90045
Email: westchesterhometown@yahoo.com
Website: thehtn.com
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Story ideas & Advertising: westchesterhometown@yahoo.com
Front page: Local pets show off their best costumes at last year’s Howl’oween Pawrade hosted by RUNWAY Playa Vista. This year’s event, which also features a costume contest, takes place on October 20 at noon. Learn more at runwayplayavista.com. Photos by Venice Paparazzi and courtesy RUNWAY Playa Vista.
TOM KORANDA
• 18 years as Homeowner & Volunteer: in 2 active HOAS
• 4 years as KHG ARC Volunteer: Reviewer/Coordinator
• 2 years as KHG Co-Founder: DPR/Operations Committees
I was so inspired to contribute to KHG that I volunteered for the ARC as a architectural plans reviewer. Then co-founded the DPR-OR Committee to study updating operating rules for our KHG Members. KHG is our forever home for my wife and me and hope to be able to bring real change to the KHG Board and its governance.
YANA KOMSITSKY
• Practicing Compliance Attorney
• Current KHG Board Director, Secretary, Co-Chair of ARC
• Founder of new KHG Safety & Security Committee
Improving security and limiting crime is my #1 priority. I have recently formed the KHG Safety & Security Committee, and work on other security efforts, security patrol, signage and engaging with neighborhood stakeholders. I am actively working to improve Board transparency and welcome all ideas from KHG Members - see my new KHG Newsletter!
The Westchester Town Center BID is home to great businesses, restaurants, retail and services providers!
Check them out for all your shopping needs!
Please make “Shop Local” your mantra for 2024 – it’s not just a slogan, it helps keep the businesses we love thriving!
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Westchester Park: come for the athletics, stay for the community
By Shanee Edwards
Westchester Park and Recreation Center serves as a community hub for people of all ages looking to enjoy green space, exercise, participate in sports and connect with others. From the program-packed Senior Center, to the busy links on the 18-hole golf course, to the library, the swimming pool, skate plaza, and the frolicsome pickleball courts, this 22-acre property buzzes with activity.
Over the last six decades, Westchester Park has seen many changes. The golf course went from 18 holes to 15, then back to 18 again as redesigns were planned, then scrapped. Two months ago, the tennis courts were completely renovated. And, like many public parks in Los Angeles, it has also been the site of challenges, including crime and homelessness.
With a Westchester Park Advisory Board (PAB) meeting this month, members of the group are encouraging community members to get involved with their local park and check out all it has to offer.
Being a good listener
Dan Mohler has been president of the Westchester PAB for the past two years. While there are currently six members on the board, it can have up to 13 volunteers, if others are interested in joining. Mohler describes his main role on the board as being a good listener.
“It’s our job to listen to our neighbors in the community and then broker those ideas and pass them on to the leadership at the park directly. We also need to be tuned into what the leadership in the park wants to do as
well, so it’s not really one way,” says Mohler.
It’s that back-and-forth communication that has the park currently thriving, despite the challenges faced during the pandemic.
“The park is very vibrant. I’ve lived in Playa del Rey for 35 years, and I’ve been involved in the park in different ways, so it’s been great to see everyone coming back and enjoying it,” he says.
While the park is functioning well and programs and activities are at a high, there’s always room for improvement. PAB is eager to take on initiatives, and right now they’re working on more benches around the Senior Center.
“We’ve gotten one bench already, but the seniors didn’t have any place to even sit to wait for somebody to come and pick them up, but we think there should be more benches for seating all around,” he says.
Another objective is to get more security cameras. Many people in the community are aware of a gunfire incident that took place at the park on June 17. Luckily, no one was injured, and the suspect was quickly apprehended.
“Parks all over the world have that delicate dance with it being a public place and welcome to anyone. There will always be some individuals who are not being careful, being vandals, or something more extreme that’s going on there,” he says, adding that more cameras will help bolster park safety.
Another potential goal is installing workout stations around the park, along with more trees.
“We have been talking about having a
walking course all around the perimeter of the park that might also include workout centers as well. Trees are another thing that we’ve looked into. There’s a whole arborist division for the parks, so we’re talking to them about getting involved,” he says.
When you support your local park, you support your community and help foster an environment of inclusivity and positivity. “
These initiatives and others are listed on the Westchester Park Friends website that was launched earlier this year at westchesterpab.org.
Mohler is also looking to connect with nearby institutions like Otis and LMU to help enhance the recreation area.
“Otis is right across the street, so they have a vested interest in the park and its aesthetic look, its safety and all those things. We had a wonderful conference call with them recently and what kind of caught me off guard is, they were actually interested in using the park for some athletics!” he says.
Turns out artists need exercise and fresh air, too. Mohler says having Otis participate in helping to beautify the park or even teach community art
classes in the future would be a win for all.
Westchester Senior Center
Kirstin Zullo Aceves is the Recreation Facility Director for the Westchester Senior Center, and she says that membership is booming.
“Just like our little garden is growing, so is our senior family! We just hit a record of 300 members this year. We have new classes this fall, including bachata, MMA Fundamentals, Intro to Improv, music lessons and creative writing. We are also exploring our city with field trips like “LAX Behind the Scenes,” Cirque du Soleil in Santa Monica and the Banning Museum Victorian Christmas event. The energy at the senior center is alive, and the staff and I am so excited and thankful to be a part of it,” she said.
While it’s easy to see how the offerings at Westchester Park are important to local older adults, Aceves hopes people of all ages will support it.
“It’s a gathering place for families, students, friends and our elders. It provides much needed green space in our giant city. We go to the park for mental and physical health, our social welfare and to indulge in nature. Many days I have been standing in front of the Senior Center only to witness egrets and herons landing on the lawn, as well as families of ducks with passersby supporting their travel. I enjoy the flowers blooming in the trees, and the families laying out on the lawn. When you support your local park, you support your community and help foster an environment of inclusivity and positivity,” she says. (continued on page 7)
1. PAB members pose for a photo in front of the skatepark. From left to right: Kathy Davison, Beth O’Rourke, Linda Absher, Beth Rubenstein and Kathy Saenz. Not pictured: Dan Mohler.
2. Westchester Park advocates enjoy the Aloha Summer event earlier this year. Left to right: Davison, Absher, Councilwoman Traci Park, Senior Director Kirstin Zullo Aceves and Mohler.
Community members are readying to welcome Westchester’s newest restaurant, Tomat, to the neighborhood! The farm-to-table Californian restaurant, located next to The Book Jewel (6261 W. 87th St.), is scheduled to open on Wednesday, October 30. Reservations are available on resy.com.
Owned by Playa del Rey residents and married duo chef Harry Posner and Natalie Dial, Tomat will be open for coffee and pastries daily at 8 a.m. and dinner Wednesday to Sunday, starting at 5 p.m. The rooftop terrace will also be open during that time.
Visit tomat.la to sign up for their newsletter.
UCLA Health opens same-day orthopedic clinic.
To help meet the needs of the community, UCLA Health opened a new dedicated walk-in orthopedic clinic in September. The clinic, located at 1225 15th St., Suite 2100, in the main UCLA Health Santa Monica Medical Center, serves adults and children (ages five and up) with unexpected, acute orthopedic injuries, including fractures, pulled muscles and sprains. The clinic will be able to offer specialized care without the long wait times often associated with emergency room or urgent care visits.
The clinic is open weekdays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and is staffed by orthopedic and sports medicine physicians. Imaging, diagnostic tests and treatment including casting and splinting are performed onsite,
as well as any needed follow-up appointments.
“The clinic is a great resource for Santa Monica and surrounding communities including Venice, Pacific Palisades, Beverly Hills, West L.A. and Marina del Rey,” said Nicholas Bernthal, MD, chair and executive medical director of orthopedic surgery at UCLA Health. “When you come in with a twisted ankle or for your child’s afterschool sports injury, you will see an orthopedic specialist right away–it’s a much easier way to receive expert care.”
The clinic does not treat severe orthopedic injuries like visible fractures or injuries to the head or chest.
To see an orthopedic specialist at the clinic, patients can walk in or call (310) 319-1234 to make a sameday appointment. Learn more at uclahealth.org/locations/orthopedicwalk-clinic.
Understanding Medicare for seniors workshop.
Westside Pacific Villages (WPV) is hosting a free workshop on understanding Medicare on Thursday, October 15 from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the Westchester Elks Lodge. Westchester resident Karla Garcia, a benefits advisor and insurance broker with KVG Insurance, will explain Medicare
and its parts, how and when to enroll, health plan coverage choices, prescription drug plans and qualifying for help with premiums. Attendees are invited to bring their own lunch, and drinks will be provided.
The Elks Lodge is located at 8025 W. Manchester Ave. in Westchester, and for those who can’t attend in person, there will also be a Zoom session at 5 p.m. on October 22.
RSVPs are required for both sessions at RSVP@thewpv.org or by calling the WPV office at (310) 625-7030.
Enter the HTN’s Fifth Annual Pet Photo Contest.
It’s your last chance to send in photos for the Hometown News’ 5th Annual Pet Photo Contest and share your adorable fur baby with the community!
All of the photos received will be uploaded to Facebook.com/ thehtn to create the cutest gallery of Westchester/Playa pets. Viewers will be able to give all their favorite dogs, cats, guinea pigs and more, a thumbs up, and the top two pets will be named our community’s “Cutest Pets” for 2024.
Email us your snapshots through Friday, October 4 for a chance to be featured in our November edition and to win some prizes for your pet. Get all the details at thehtn.com/ fifth-annual-pet-photo-contest and email us at htn@thehtn.com!
Have info to share about your business or nonprofit? Email us at westchesterhometown@yahoo.com for a chance to be featured.
Laband highlights faculty art at latest show. Visit LMU’s Laband Art Gallery for its fall show, “Survival Strategies: Teaching Artists at LMU.” The show runs through December 7 and features work by 24 Studio Arts faculty members who are also visual artists. Art on display includes ceramics, video, sculpture, photography and water and oil paintings. Through this show, the Laband hopes to shine a light on the talent and influence the faculty members offer the university. From left to right: Luciano Pimienta, A System of Resilience, 2024; Fr. Michael R. Tang, Schwinn, 2021; and Paloma Barhaugh-Bordas, Four Corners, 2023. All images courtesy of the artists and the Laband Gallery.
Tomat owner, Natalie Dial, poses for a photo in the restaurant’s main dining area earlier this year.
Photo by Zsuzsi Steiner
Park ( continued)
(continued from page 4)
Finding a community through tennis
PAB Treasurer Kathleen Saenz moved to Westchester in 2002. It was her love of tennis that first brought her to the park. After joining a tennis league that played there once a week, she quickly met other tennis enthusiasts and started taking classes. She now plays on the courts three times a week and values the community she’s been able to build around her.
“When you go back 20 years, I’m still playing with some of those same folks. Tennis is one of those great sports that you can play into later adulthood, and we’re still playing–it’s really exciting,” she says.
But she’s seen some changes, too.
“Now, pickleball has come along and taken some of that space, which we’re mostly glad to share. There aren’t enough pickleball courts in the city, so it’s a very popular spot,” she says.
Saenz is also particularly excited about how well the senior center is doing.
“They’ve really increased the programming. So, we’re very happy about what’s going on now,” she says, adding that she will be joining the center’s members for numerous upcoming field trips.
“The senior center has so many classes now, they have to keep changing the setup. Ping pong can only be up for an hour because the Zumba people are going to come in,”
she says with a smile.
She also wants to reiterate that you don’t need to be an actual senior (65plus) to participate in the fun.
“Activities are open to younger people also. There are lunches that are provided there, and those for sure have age requirements. But for many of the other events, most of the folks there are 50-plus,” she says.
With room for more members on the PAB, Saenz says she really hopes more people get involved.
“We’d like to see more families or parents on the PAB board, and also maybe a local business owner, so we have more representation and community involvement at our meetings. It would be great if more Westchester folks or people who use the park are able to come out and voice their opinions,” she says.
Want to get involved?
The community is invited to the next PAB meeting on Wednesday, October 23 at 6:30 p.m. The meeting will be held at the Westchester Senior Center, located at 8740 Lincoln Blvd. Learn more about supporting park improvements and beautification at westchesterpab.org.
Check out the rec center’s offering, including Halloween events, at laparks.org/ reccenter/westchester.
Playa del Rey’s Lory Sarlo will be honored this month with the Sunrise Service Award by the Playa Venice Sunrise Rotary (PVSR) Club at its Oktoberfest-themed Cultural Dinner on October 23. The award is the club’s highest honor and is given out annually to a community member that has made a positive impact on the area.
Lory’s longtime dedication to supporting education in Westchester/ Playa, made her an easy choice to honor at this year’s fundraising event held at the Elks Lodge, said PVSR Co-President Lisa Schwab.
For the last decade, Lory has co-chaired the LAX Coastal Chamber’s monthly Education Committee, which brings together business leaders, school administrators and education advocates to share resources and information in a supportive environment. The committee also hosts the annual Teacher Eddy Awards to celebrate outstanding teachers of the year from local schools.
For the last three years, Lory has also served as the President of the Lax Coastal Education Foundation, which uniquely supports all public, private, charter and parochial schools in the Westchester/Playa area. As president, she launched a spelling bee for second and fifth graders, as
1 2 3 5 4
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lOry sarlO
well as an Art Show + Competition, which will be held in December and features artwork created by K-12 students with the theme, “I love L.A.” Last month, Lory was thrilled to distribute $40,000 in STEM grants to principals through the foundation’s partnership with SoCalGas, and more than $3,000 in gift cards for teachers to purchase supplies to add “fun” to their classrooms.
“When it comes to supporting education, Lory is one of the most generous people in our community,” says Lisa. “On top of everything she does with the foundation and the ed committee, she has been a longtime donor to our Teacher Mini Grant program, which has such a meaningful impact to our teachers. We are excited to celebrate her at our Cultural Dinner and raise money for programs that support education and more!”
When Lory isn’t volunteering her time to better local schools or helping people with their taxes at her firm, Sarlo Income Tax, she loves spending time with her high schooler, Caroline, and husband, Mike, especially if that means sharing a delicious meal or traveling the world!
We recently sat down with Lory and asked her to share her thoughts, so here is “5 Questions With...Lory!”
If you’re looking for the perfect local day or evening out, where are you going?
I’d get off work before 4 p.m. and head to The Manchester with my husband and daughter for either oysters on the half shell or their happy hour burger with a nice glass of wine. The Manchester is one of our favorites and has a speakeasy feel where the staff knows your name. We generally see someone we know while eating there
What do you tell people who are new to the area about Westchester/Playa?
Two things: one, shop local. There are so many locally owned stores, and it is nice to get to know the owners. It is always great to help support a local family in their business. Two: take advantage of the vast array of school options available in our neighborhood! We have everything–magnet, charter, private, dual language, religious and neighborhood schools all right here. If you want to learn more about your options, WPNS is hosting a Kinderforum on October 15 from 7 to 9 p.m. at Three Weavers. The foundation will have a booth there to share about our grants and upcoming events. Another good resource for learning about our local schools is our website: laxcoastaledfoundation.com.
Is there any business or organization you’d like to give a shout-out to?
Playa Pharmacy! Joe Chehade, the owner, is always so helpful and has made house calls when we really needed it. It is always nice to walk into his pharmacy, and have him know our names.
What’s something the neighborhood needs more of?
I love to shop at locally owned boutiques and stores. You can always find wonderful gifts at Flowers by Felicia, great books at The Book Jewel and a nice bottle of wine at Triangle Wines. I would love to see more small boutiques instead of box stores. However, I really do miss Bed Bath & Beyond, so I would like a store to replace all the household items I could buy in one place.
What’s your favorite community event or activity and why?
Selfishly, I would have to pick the Rock Roll & Run for Education! Not only because I help organize it, but it also is a fun family event–for all ages and abilities–that helps raise money for all of our local schools. It is a morning of getting in some exercise with the whole family on the beautiful LMU campus and then enjoying breakfast and a fair with activities after the race. The Fifth Annual Rock Roll & Run will be held on Saturday, March 8, 2025. If you are interested in being a sponsor or having a booth at the event, email us at info@laxcoastaledfoundation.com!
Lory loves to travel and has visited more than 60 countries, including China, Samoa, South Korea and Russia. She is always planning her next trip and where to explore next.
Lory likes to be organized, and can’t live without her “Mom Agenda” calendar. She loves the satisfaction of crossing off things with a pencil on her to-do list!
Cool Fact Cool Fact
Photo
Zsuzsi Steiner
Halloween with a local twist
By Cozette Vergari
Halloween, oddly, is my favorite holiday, stemming from my maternal grandmother and her bedtime stories. I never would share this back then, well over half a century ago, because I was afraid my parents would object and make her cease the bedtime stories. In the early 1900s, my grandmother was employed as a nurse in an insane asylum in Los Angeles. Her stories were vivid, but told with compassion. I was never afraid, even though what she shared with me was frightful and often similar to images that over time have been associated with this holiday. My grandmother was caring with concern for her patients, but was also witness to a different time in the mental health “care” environment. Thankfully, much has been done to improve the care and treatment of those with mental illness over the past one hundred years.
I have loved and embraced the spookiness of Halloween and spent many years producing a cast of ghosts and goblins in my front yard, that brought not only locals, but buses with tourists, passing by to observe the Halloween characters playing cards on my front porch and hanging out over the graves in my yard. As the trick or treaters cautiously passed by the ghosts and goblins, they would ultimately reach me at my door. There, they would find me dressed as the Wicked Witch, passing out candies through the spider webs covering my front door. We even had music coming out of the house, with the impersonated voice of Boris Karloff set against the movie soundtrack from “Poltergeist.” It was frighteningly fun.
The celebration of Halloween is, in some ways, also an odd event, perhaps very odd, as its origins did not start spooky or scary. As many of you know, “Halloween” is a play on
All Hallows Eve. All Hallows Eve, less commonly known as Allhalloween or Allhallowtide, takes place the evening preceding All Hallows’ Day or All Saints Day in Western Christianity. Originally, All Saints Day (November 1st) was the day when all the saints were honored, as well as those who had departed this world, having lived exemplary lives.
However, October 31st, among non-Christian Celts, was a different holiday altogether. It was the festival of Samhain. It was also New Year’s Eve in Celtic and Anglo-Saxon England, marking the end of the old year and the beginning of the new. It was a time for fire festivals, and large bonfires were built at the top of hills to frighten off the evil spirits. In the Celtic religions, it was believed that
the dead visited their homes on this night. Gradually, the Celtic and Roman church traditions and celebrations melded over time, creating what we now embrace as Halloween. Today, it’s just a night of spooky fun, with hopefully more treats than tricks! Happy Halloween from the Westchester/Playa Historical Society!
The Discovery Center is open to the public Sunday mornings from 9:30 a.m. to noon and, otherwise, by appointment. It has hosted class reunions, presentations of scholarships to students by local organizations, as well as memorial and social gatherings. The WPHS’s signature project has become the resurrection of a Westchester holiday tradition—the creation of six-foot candles. Started in the 1950s on Chase Avenue or
“Candle Lane,” the red holiday candles were displayed in front yards drawing Christmas-decoration enthusiasts to the neighborhood. This year’s holiday candle-making workshop and fundraiser is sold out, but email wphistorical@gmail.com to inquire about next year.
The Discovery Center is located at 6207 W. 87th Street in Westchester. Visit wphistoricalsociety.org for more information.
Cozette is an attorney and lifelong resident of Westchester. She is the President of the Westchester/Playa Historical Society. Together with a group of dedicated volunteers, the organization is working on creating new programming and events to celebrate the history of the area and engage the community in preserving it for future generations.
A Halloween celebration in the Westchester Triangle sponsored by the Westchester Triangle Merchants Association circa the 1990s.
Get your costumes ready! Autumn is here, and Westchester/Playa is full of frightening fun events and activities that the whole family can enjoy this month. Mark your calendars for weekends filled with spine-tingling mazes, carnivals with rides and scary delicious treats, creepy ghost stories and more!
Here are our top 10 picks for Halloween happenings and fall fun!
Carnival in the NINE double oh FOUR FIVE
Friday, October 18th through Sunday, October 20th
Various times
For more than 50 years, Visitation has been hosting its every-other-year carnival and the beloved community tradition is back this month for the whole neighborhood to enjoy. Visit this three-day carnival for classic rides, games, music, a beer garden, bingo, face painting, raffles, a prize room and more!
The event will run Friday from 5 to 10 p.m.; Saturday from noon to 10 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.
Visitation is located at 8740 Emerson Ave. in Westchester. Discounted presale tickets are available through October 11 at VizCarnival.givesmart.com.
Haunting of Hannon XII
Friday, October 18th & Saturday, October 19th
8 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Ghosts, witches and other mysterious creatures will be lurking in the stacks at LMU’s 12th Annual Haunting of Hannon Library! Attendees are guaranteed to have a wickedly fun time at this literary fright fest, courtesy of LMU’s Theater Arts program, and written and directed by Kevin Wetmore.
This year’s theme is “Secret, Dark, and Midnight Things,” and will take attendees through a labyrinth of books, while they explore the haunted plays of Shakespeare.
An adult version of the event will take place on October 18 and 19 from 8 to 11 p.m. A family-friendly version, featuring notable characters from children’s literature, will take place on October 19 from 2 to 3:30 p.m.
For more info and to RSVP, visit cal.lmu.edu.
Trunk or Treat with the LAX Airport Police
Friday, October 18th
5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Join the LAX Airport Police for a Trunk or Treat Celebration!
Stop by during the event for a nailbiting good time, featuring games, treats, a DJ and of course, a chance to
fill up on candy! The event will also feature an appearance by Star Wars characters from the 501st Legion!
The Trunk or Treat will be held at the Airport Police Facility parking lot at 9160 Loyola Blvd. in Westchester.
Halloween Scary Story Contest at The Book Jewel Dates TBD
Ready to write the next great horror story that would make R.L. Stine and Mary Shelley shiver? Westchester’s favorite independent bookstore, The Book Jewel, is inviting the community to participate in its annual Halloweenthemed Scary Story Contest.
Aspiring writers are asked to submit their best original weird tales to the shop. Stories should be scary, yet family-appropriate, and be five minutes or less when read aloud. Participants must be available to share their creative fiction at The Book Jewel during its authors’ reading night!
Prizes will be awarded in every age group.
The shop is located at 6259 W. 87th St. in Westchester. More details will be available at thebookjewel.com.
Howl’oween Costume Contest and Pawrade
Sunday, October 20th
noon to 3 p.m.
It’s time for your pooch to get creative and strut down the runway at the 5th Annual Howl’oween Costume Contest and Pawrade!
The event is free to attend, and tickets to enter the contest are $15, with a percentage of proceeds going to a local dog rescue.
Pups will be judged in categories like “spookiest,” “funniest,” and “most creative DIY,” as well as best overall.
Prizes will be awarded to the winners! RSVP at runwayplayavista.com/ events. RUNWAY is located at 12775 W. Millennium Drive in Playa Vista.
Halloween Spooktacular at the Westchester Family Y Friday, October 25th 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
The Westchester Family YMCA is ready to thrill and chill attendees at its annual Halloween Spooktacular! RSVP before space runs out for this can’tmiss family-friendly event featuring a haunted maze, food trucks, games, activities, a monster parade, lots of candy and more!
Feeling ghoulishly generous? The Y is asking the community for donations of candy and Halloween decorations, which can be dropped off at their front desk through October 25.
For more info and to RSVP, scan the QR code on the Y’s ad, located on page 13. The Westchester Family YMCA is located at 8015 S. Sepulveda Blvd. in Westchester.
Annual Monster Dash 5K Sunday, October 27th
9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Celebrate the spooky season–and prepare for all the Halloween treats you’ll be eating–by signing up for the Sixth Annual Monster Dash in Playa Vista. Grab your friends and your best costumes to participate in this bewitching fun run/walk that takes place along the neighborhood’s Bluff Creek Drive.
The cost to register is $50 for adults and $20 for children 18 and under (plus fees). A family bundle of four tickets is also available!
A costume contest, live DJ, giveaways and custom finisher medals for runners,
round out the event.
For more info and to RSVP, visit eventbrite.com and search “Playa Vista Monster Dash.”
Halloween fun at the Farmers’ Market Sunday, October 27th 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Celebrate Halloween with festivities at the Westchester Farmers’ Market! Stop by the market on October 27th for tricks and treats, including community booths, Halloween story time with The Book Jewel, and other fall fun! The farmers’ market is located in the 6200 block of 87th St. (between Coffee Co. and Truxton’s).
Follow them on social media @westchesterfarmersmarket for more details as they get announced.
Halloween Bash at RUNWAY
Sunday, October 27th
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Visit RUNWAY Playa Vista for a family-friendly day that is sure to scare up some fun!
The shopping center will be transformed into a spooktacular party, featuring crafts, photo booths, petting zoo, creepy characters, games and more! Local businesses will also be handing out candy from 2:30 to 3 p.m. For an extra special treat, buy a ticket for a visit to the Candy Coach, for a five-minute dash to fill up your bag with chocolate and more!
RSVP at runwayplayavista.com/ events. RUNWAY is located at 12775 W. Millennium Drive in Playa Vista.
Westchester Recreation Center’s Halloween Zone
October 31st
5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Stop by Westchester Park for a wicked good time on Halloween!
Attendees will enjoy lots of candy, a moon bounce, costume contest, games, face painting and more. The event is free to attend, but RSVPs are required to participate.
The park is also celebrating 41 years of striking fear in the hearts of anyone who dares to enter its haunted maze! This year’s event is the Zombie-themed “The Final Phase.” Tickets are $10. The haunted house will run October 25, 26, 29, 30 and 31 from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
For more info on both events and to RSVP, visit laparks.org/reccenter/ Westchester.
Is your organization or business holding a Halloween event this month? Email us at westchesterhometown@ yahoo.com to be added to our online event calendar!
A little trick-or-treater enjoys a trip to the Candy Coach at RUNWAY Playa Vista’s Halloween Bash. This year’s event is set for Sunday, October 27.
Photo by Venice Paparazzi. Courtesy RUNWAY Playa Vista
Decron is honored to be recognized for Best Places to Work in Los Angeles.
Thank you to all our employees for making Decron a great place to work! Together we are Decron Strong!
Michael Tipton is the committed Realtor you’ve been looking for. We promise to listen to your concerns and keep you informed of the nuances in our local market so you can reach all of your real estate goals. Reach out today for help with your home buying, selling, or investing needs!
SPOTLIGHT ON LOCAL SCHOOLS
SCHOOLS SHARE THE GREAT THINGS GOING ON AT THEIR CAMPUSES!
St. Jerome: A hidden gem in Westchester thrives with new facilities, programs and partnerships
Nestled in the heart of Westchester, St. Jerome School is experiencing a transformative period, thanks to the incredible generosity of the Shea Family Charity and the ongoing support from the Drollinger Family Charitable Foundation. With these partnerships, the school has blossomed into a hub of educational innovation, athletic growth, and community involvement, making it a true hidden gem in the area.
One of the most remarkable developments at St. Jerome is the significant increase in enrollment, now reaching 190 students. This
growth is a testament to the school’s ability to offer a rich and well-rounded educational experience that appeals to families from diverse backgrounds. Coupled with a commitment to nurturing the mind, body and spirit, St. Jerome is positioned as one of the most promising educational institutions in the region.
A boost in athletic and after school programs.
Athletics has always been a central part of student life at St. Jerome, and the school’s sports teams are thriving like never before. Thanks to recent investments in the school’s back
campus, students now have access to top-notch facilities, including a brandnew turf field for soccer and volleyball, and two state-of-the-art basketball courts with adjustable hoops. These upgrades have reinvigorated the school’s sports program, allowing students to hone their skills and enjoy the benefits of physical activity in a modern, safe environment.
After-school programs have also flourished, offering students the opportunity to engage in enriching activities that broaden their horizons.
In collaboration with Yummy Future, Chess Wizards, FIYA (Foundation
for Interscholastic Youth Athletics) and a burgeoning Robotics program, St. Jerome is committed to providing students with diverse learning experiences outside of the traditional classroom setting. These partnerships not only enhance students’ academic skills but also foster creativity, critical thinking and teamwork—skills that will benefit them throughout their lives.
Campus renovations: A state-of-theart learning environment.
The physical transformation of St. Jerome’s campus has been nothing short of extraordinary.
(continued on page 25)
Kentwood community shares its Koala pride
Located in the heart of Westchester, Kentwood Elementary School is a small, local neighborhood school for kids in TK to 5th grade. We offer an excellent education with a diverse range of enrichment for our students, from gardening and coding to P.E., yoga, dance, theater, library, STEAM Innovation Lab, and more. Our exemplary teachers and staff believe all children can learn and grow to succeed as safe, responsible, and respectful members of our diverse and inclusive community.
Please read on for caregiver and student perspectives about our wonderful school and Koala pride!
“We couldn’t be happier at Kentwood Elementary! Our son started in kindergarten, and we excitedly await for our daughter to become part of the Koala family, too. It’s a special neighborhood gem with the most wonderful and engaged community of families, teachers and staff. I’ve been extremely impressed with the open lines of communication directly with teachers, our wonderful
principal, and the PTO. We feel very fortunate to be a part of this community and look forward to many years to come!”-The Read Family
“Kentwood is the best school! I’ve made great friends and learned from the best teachers who make learning fun! I always feel safe at school and have fun talking about sports with our Plant Managers. I’m going to miss Kentwood!”-Noah, 5th Grade
“At Kentwood, our close-knit community of engaged families helps create a place where kids love to learn and grow. It’s a safe space for our Koalas to build lasting friendships, while getting the strong academic foundation they need for middle school and beyond. With a focus on inclusion, respect, responsibility, and fun, Kentwood does an incredible job setting our kids up for success.”-The Velez Family
“Kentwood is a great school! The teachers make learning fun, and I have lots of friends. My favorite part of school is class time, but I also love the library and computer lab. Kentwood
also has lots of fun events for us like Family Fun Day and Koalaween.”-Davin, 2nd Grade
“Kentwood Elementary School is an exceptional find in our community. Our family cherishes this neighborhood, and we feel incredibly fortunate that our kids are part of such a nurturing and vibrant educational environment. The dedicated teachers and staff go above and beyond to inspire and support the students, fostering a love of learning that makes a lasting impact. We couldn’t be happier with our experience here!”The Singletary Family
Principal von Schreiber is pretty great. She listens to me when I tell her things and need help.”-John, 1st Grade
“My favorite things about Kentwood are my friends and learning math. I like how my teacher explains things in class so I really understand them.
For additional school and tour information, please visit kentwoodes. lausd.org or call us at (310) 670-8977. Also, check out our community on Instagram: @kentwood_elementary! We are #KoalaStrong! Contributed by Kentwood.
Kentwood students have fun on the playground.
St. Jerome students enjoy the upgraded amenities on the school’s campus. The school recently celebrated a significant increase in enrollment.
St. Anastasia Catholic School and Parish: Building our tomorrow together
St. Anastasia Parish and School have been working on an ambitious master plan for our campus to meet the needs of our growing community. We are excited to share that our plan is coming to fruition! The master plan aims to significantly enhance the safety, infrastructure and community engagement of our campus.
A key addition to the campus will be the construction of a brand-new Catholic preschool. Dedicated to early childhood education for children ages 2.5 to 4, the new facility will offer a secure, nurturing space that fosters growth in the formative years in our Catholic school environment. With secure access points, dedicated outdoor play areas, and support spaces, the preschool is designed to be a vibrant environment where young learners can develop socially, emotionally and spiritually. We are thrilled to announce that we have partnered with the Shea Family Charities and have started the process to begin building our new preschool! If you are interested in learning more about our future preschool plans, do not hesitate to reach out!
Another goal of the master plan is
to improve safety across the entire campus. By reconfiguring traffic patterns and redesigning parking areas, the project will ensure smoother traffic flow and minimize congestion during peak hours. The new layout will provide better accessibility for parents, students and visitors, reducing risks and enhancing the overall experience of moving around the campus.
Our third highlight of the master plan is the development of a new Parish Life Center. This multi-purpose facility will serve as a central hub for both school and parish activities. The new gymnasium and auditorium will feature a full-sized competition court, a stage for performances and a commercial kitchen, making it a versatile space for sporting
events, community gatherings and celebrations. With access from both the schoolyard and parking lot, the Parish Life Center will become a true focal point for the St. Anastasia community, supporting a diverse range of activities and fostering stronger community connections.
Additionally, the master plan includes the installation of a fullsize turf field on campus. This will provide students and the broader community with a dedicated space for outdoor sports and athletic events. The new turf field will accommodate everything from school sports to community leagues, creating a safe and professional-quality venue for athletic activities.
Together, these projects reflect St. Anastasia’s dedication to creating a welcoming, secure, and vibrant environment that meets the needs of our community and the greater Westchester community. We are truly building our tomorrow together!
Please visit our website to learn more about our school and parish: school.st-anastasia.org.
Contributed by St. Anastasia Catholic School.
WISH Community and Academy Schools: Celebrating 15 years of innovation and excellence in Westchester!
In the 15 years since its founding, WISH Community School (TK-8) and WISH Academy (9-12) have grown from a small TK-3 school with just 133 students into two thriving programs serving nearly 1,200 public school students.
As a long-time member of the Westchester community, WISH is deeply committed to supporting our neighborhoods, and we continually strive to be a positive and engaged partner. We actively participate in local events such as the Westchester July Fourth Parade, WAM Festival, Farmers’ Markets, and the Rock, Roll & Run, fostering connections that enhance our school and the wider community.
At the heart of WISH’s success is a culture built on core values of excellence, innovation, compassion, inclusivity and civic engagement. These tenets are ingrained in our school’s ethos, shaping our students into leaders dedicated to making a difference locally and globally.
A legacy of excellence.
WISH Academy High School has proudly graduated four classes of seniors who have continued to champion social justice and inclusivity far beyond the borders of our community. With a remarkable 100 percent college acceptance rate, our graduates are achieving academic excellence and attending universities across the United States and around the
world, emerging as leaders in their new communities while promoting diversity, understanding and compassion.
At WISH, leadership development starts early. Our middle school proudly hosts the Westchester chapter of Model United Nations, guided by the inspiring leadership of history teacher Kathleen Norsworthy. In addition, WISH Academy is honored to be home to Ava Castro DeVarona, the 75th Youth Governor of California—Westchester’s
first Youth Governor in over 50 years. Our connection to the local YMCA further amplifies our spirit of community engagement. WISH students and staff actively contribute through clubs and camps, and this year, we are excited to host the YMCA Spooktacular Maze on October 25th. This strong partnership with the YMCA aligns seamlessly with our academic philosophy, fostering civic-minded students passionate about addressing
global issues and making a difference in their communities.
Strong Community Connections. From the Emerson Community Garden, where students grow vegetables and learn about sustainable food systems, beach and neighborhood clean-ups where our community unites to care for our local resources and neighborhoods, to the initiatives spearheaded by our Kindness Club, WISH students are passionate about giving back and making a positive impact. The garden project teaches valuable lessons in nutrition and sustainability, while the Kindness Club, led by second-grade teacher Adrien Murphy, fosters a culture of compassion throughout the school. Adrien was recently featured on Hallmark’s show Celebrations with Lacey Chabert, where her work with the Kindness Club was highlighted for inspiring students— past and present—to lead with empathy. Whether through classroom projects, local activism, or leadership roles, WISH students consistently demonstrate a deep commitment to enriching the lives of others and creating a more inclusive world. We are incredibly proud of their accomplishments and look forward to continuing our shared journey of growth, learning and community impact.
Contributed by WISH Community Schools.
WISH students tend to their school garden, while learning about nutrition and sustainability.
The St. Anastasia’s third grade volleyball team poses for a group photo.
Early Education is our passion: Visitation readies to launch Bilingual Preschool
At Visitation Preschool, we believe that the early years are important for building lifetime skills that will develop a love of learning, curiosity and personal growth. This is why we have developed a Bilingual Preschool Program at Visitation for children ages three to four, opening in the 2025-26 school year.
Our Preschool Program is designed to nurture young learners’ minds, while at the same time developing creativity in a developmentally appropriate environment. We are guided by six core values for our Preschool Program.
1. A curriculum that focuses on the children’s needs and interests. Our bilingual English/Spanish curriculum is designed to enhance our learners’ abilities to be critical thinkers, problem solvers, and culturally informed young individuals in a combined curriculum that also integrates academics to prepare them for the next steps. We help children to discover the world around us by using their senses to explore, create and discover.
2. Professional caring and experienced educators. Our teachers are more than just educators—“early education is our passion”—and we transmit that passion into classroom activities that enhance little learners’ experiences.
3. A safe and spiritual space. As a part of the Visitation Catholic community, our preschool program
implements faith-based values into daily activities. We teach kindness and respect by creating an environment where spiritual growth is nurtured alongside academic and personal development.
4. Social and emotional growth. We understand how crucial it is for our little learners to develop social and
emotional skills during these early years. Our program includes activities that promote the idea of cooperation and communication, helping kids build strong interpersonal skills and a positive sense of self.
6. Strong partnerships with families. We believe that education is a partnership, and we value families’ role
in their children’s learning journey. Through regular communication, family events and opportunities for involvement, we work closely with parents to support and celebrate each child’s progress.
The Program will be led by Ms. Minerva Rubio. Ms. Rubio’s path in Early Childhood Education began over 20 years ago, working at Loyola Marymount University’s Children’s Center. She graduated from LMU School of Education with an M.A. in Urban Education with a concentration in Language and Diversity and, before joining the Visitation faculty, she served as Preschool Director at another local school. Currently, Ms. Rubio is our lead teacher in the Junior Kindergarten class. Upon walking into Ms. Rubio’s classroom, her love and care for her students are evident at a glance. She is eager to offer this bilingual Preschool Program to our community!
For more information about the Visitation Preschool, or to schedule a tour of grades JK-8, please contact Office Administrator, Joann Hughes, at jhughes@visitationschool.org.
Whether you choose to join Visitation in preschool, early elementary, or middle school, your child will receive a stellar education inside a welcoming and nurturing community. Join the Visitation family today!
Contributed by Visitation.
Ms. Rubio will lead the school’s Bilingual Preschool Program launching in fall 2025.
Elementary School
6550 W. 80th St., Westchester, CA 90045
Entrance on Emerson Ave. phone (310) 642-9474
Oct. 23, 2024 @ 9:00am
Nov. 20, 2024 @ 5:00pm
Dec. 4, 2024 @ 9:00am
Jan. 22, 2025 @ 5:00pm (Spanish/English Tour)
Middle School
7400 W. Manchester Ave., Westchester, CA 90045
Entrance on Park Hill Dr. phone (310) 410-9940
Oct. 23, 2024 @ 5:00pm
Nov. 18, 2024 @ 9:00am
Dec. 4, 2024 @ 5:00pm
Jan. 27, 2025 @ 9:00am (Spanish/English Tour)
Best High School Best Charter School
WISH continues to thrive due to the incredible support of the Westchester community, strong family partnerships, and a commitment to high-quality meaningful and engaging public education for all students by our amazing team of educators!
WISH continues to thrive due to the incredible support of the Westchester community, strong family partnerships, and a commitment to high-quality meaningful and engaging public education for all students by our amazing team of educators!
A place where your child will:
• be valued & understood
& understood
• be held to high expectations
• experience exciting & engaging curriculum
• have the opportunity to join a sports team
• participate in exceptional art, music, technology & PE instructional experiences
• have high quality SEL, STEM, & gifted instruction
• be able to take high school courses in middle school
be held to high expectations experience exciting & engaging curriculum have the opportunity to join a sports team participate in exceptional art, music, technology & PE instructional experiences have SEL, STEM, & gifted instruction be able high school
• receive hands-on project based learning
• benefit from university & business partnerships
receive hands-on project based learning benefit from university & business partnerships
• take rigorous High School pathway courses in Engineering, BioMedical Science, Social Justice & Performing Arts
• have the opportunity to take AP & honors classes, & dual enrollment courses for college credit
take rigorous High School pathway courses in Engineering, BioMedical Science, Social Justice & Performing Arts to take AP & honors classes, & dual enrollment courses for college credit
Academy High School
7400 W. Manchester Ave., Westchester, CA 90045
Entrance on Park Hill Dr. phone (310) 743-6990
Oct. 23, 2024 @ 5:30pm
Nov. 18, 2024 @ 9:30am
Dec. 4, 2024 @ 5:30pm
Jan. 27, 2025 @ 9:30am (Spanish/English Tour)
Join SMPREP for its TK-12 Open House on October 13
Saint Monica Preparatory (SMPREP), the HomeTown News’ Best Private High School four years running, welcomes potential students and families to tour its Santa Monica campus, classrooms and facilities and meet faculty, coaches and current families at its All School Open House on Sunday, October 13 from 1 to 4 p.m. Tours will be led by SMPREP student presidential ambassadors, sharing their experiences with the school’s impressive STEM, arts and humanities programs, including American Sign Language, Japanese and Spanish languages; counseling services and experiential learning opportunities.
Learn more about SMPREP’s strong TK-12 academic programs, league champion athletic programs and close-knit community–where students are challenged to seek new opportunities, take risks and develop critical thinking skills to discover their voice, build character and act with integrity.
Over its almost 100-year history, SMPREP has remained a place where students are known, seen, challenged and nurtured. At whatever grade students enter SMPREP, they can continue until high school graduation, making it a cohesive, comprehensive TK-12 experience. Featuring the
Mariner Ocean Research Institute, where students carry out collaborative research projects, SMPREP focuses on project-based learning in grades 9 through 12. Impressive Class of 2024 college acceptances included top schools Berkeley, Dartmouth College, University of Notre Dame, UCLA and USC.
SMPREP recently announced a new Korean exchange program, in addition to the program with Koyasan High School in Mount Koya, Japan, and other experiential learning opportunities. It will welcome 10 students from Cheonan Jungang High
School, just outside of Seoul, Korea, and SMPREP students in turn will travel to Korea in January. Last year, SMPREP Lower School also hosted French exchange students from SaintDenis International School in Loches, France, for a month of immersive learning. A group of SMPREP eighth graders participated in the Festival of Arts & Sciences the school hosted in France.
During Wintersession, where students in grades 6 through 12 experience a week out of the classroom immersed in activities around Los Angeles, the U.S. and the
world, new opportunities for Upper School students will include a literary tour of Ireland and a STEM tour of Germany. The focus of Wintersession is on cultural and service learning and self-discovery, and last year, SMPREP students toured Costa Rica, Japan, Washington, D.C., New York City, Kern and San Bernardino Counties, and more.
Last year was a banner year in athletics as Mariner Football captured the Division 13 CIF Championship title with Coach Thomas Barnes named Coach of the Year.
Congratulations also go out to girls’ and boys’ basketball for their league champion seasons, with the girls’ team advancing to CIF Division III State playoffs. Girls’ soccer wowed with an undefeated regular season on their way to the league title, while track & field and boys’ golf broke longstanding records. SMPREP head coaches lead a series of Mariner Summer Sports Camps for students in grades 3 through 8. At the middle school level, SMPREP offers the Core Prep program for student athletes to train in their specific sport–baseball, basketball, soccer, tennis and volleyball–during their elective period!
RSVP for the All School Open House at saintmonicaprep.org.
Contributed by SMPREP.
SMPREP offers a cohesive, comprehensive TK-12 experience for its students.
Notre Dame Academy offers transformative education experience
At Notre Dame Academy (NDA), we are committed to providing an education that combines timeless Catholic values with modern, well-researched methods, tailored specifically to the developmental needs of girls in grades 6 through 12. With our recent expansion to include middle school, we emphasize the importance of girls-only spaces, particularly during adolescence, as a means to foster confidence, leadership and personal growth.
NDA believes in the relevance of an all-girls education, ensuring that every student is equipped with the skills to thrive academically and personally. Through rigorous academics and intentional leadership training, our students are prepared to make a lasting impact in their future workplaces, industries and communities. The strength of the sisterhood at NDA creates a nurturing environment, where girls support one another, both in and out of the classroom. This sense of belonging helps them build teamwork skills, weather challenges, and grow not just as students, but as individuals.
Academically, NDA is a leader. Last year, we were the only Catholic school in West Los Angeles to earn the prestigious Advanced Placement Platinum with Access Award, recognizing our commitment to AP
excellence across all socioeconomic levels. Every NDA graduate–100 percent–is accepted to multiple four-year institutions, but we believe college is just one step in preparing our students for lives of purpose. Beyond academics, NDA girls develop strong leadership skills and emotional intelligence, which they hone by applying classroom learning to realworld situations.
Our graduates attend a wide variety of colleges and universities, including Ivy League schools, UC campuses and vocational institutions. Over the
The LAX Coastal Education Foundation is proud to partner with our local schools and we're celebrating reaching more than $550,000 in funding that has gone back to our K-12 campuses since we've launched!
Recent Successes:
• Distributing $40,000 in STEM grants with SoCalGas, principal gift baskets and gift cards to promote fun for all our foundation schools
• WAM Booth to answer questions about local education
Coming Soon:
• 5th Annual Art Show + Competition Winter 2024 with an "I love LA" theme & 5th Annual Spelling Bee in Spring 2025
• Save the date for the 5th Annual Rock Roll & Run in partnership with LMU on March 8, 2025
in sports like volleyball, basketball and swimming. Many of our scholarathletes are recruited to play at prestigious universities including Yale, UCLA, UC Berkeley and Cornell, with some earning NCAA scholarships.
Creativity thrives at NDA, where our dynamic arts program features dance, drama and visual arts, providing students with frequent performance opportunities. Our student life program encourages leadership and real-world skills, with over 50 percent of students holding leadership positions in clubs and organizations. Unique traditions like Notre Dame Day, Mary’s Day and our Entrepreneurial Artisan Market foster a vibrant sense of community.
past five years, students have been accepted to Princeton, Columbia, Brown, University of Pennsylvania and Cornell. Many of our graduates go on to major in fields such as artificial intelligence, biochemistry, cybersecurity, engineering, neuroscience, sports journalism, and much more.
NDA’s commitment to holistic development extends to our athletics program, which emphasizes teamwork, resilience and physical skill. Our Regals consistently earn league and conference championships
NDA also excels in co-curricular activities, with award-winning programs such as our nationally ranked Rocketry Team, competitive Robotics Team and accomplished Model UN group. Our Visual and Performing Arts Department shines with annual productions like the winter Fine Arts Night and spring musical.
Notre Dame Academy offers more than an education; we provide a transformative experience where girls grow into confident, capable young women ready to lead and succeed in a changing world.
Contributed by Notre Dame Academy.
Partner with us to support our local schools, students & teachers!
info@laxcoastaledfoundation.com
PROUDLY SUPPORTING
NDA excels in co-curricular activities, including rocketry and robotics teams.
St. Jerome: A Westchester hidden gem (continued)
(continued from page 16)
The school recently completed a series of major renovations, creating a more conducive learning environment for students and staff alike. At the heart of these improvements is the newly renovated back campus, which now boasts an impressive turf field and fully equipped basketball courts, as well as newly installed pickleball courts in the front area of the school, adding a modern twist to St. Jerome’s athletic offerings.
The upgrades didn’t stop at the sports fields. Inside the school, the hallways are now illuminated with new lighting, giving the school a bright and welcoming atmosphere. A brand-new PA and emergency response system has been installed, to ensure the safety and security of students and staff, while the electrical system has been upgraded to support the school’s growing technological needs. The entire campus has also been freshly painted, and a striking new school logo proudly adorns the front of the building, reinforcing the sense of unity and pride that defines
the St. Jerome community.
The school’s gymnasium has also undergone a transformation, with a fresh coat of paint and a resurfaced parking area adding to the list of improvements. These renovations reflect St. Jerome’s commitment to providing its students with a safe, comfortable and inspiring place to learn and grow.
Looking ahead, St. Jerome is preparing for the next phase of campus upgrades. Plans are already in motion to install new windows throughout the entire campus and upgrade classroom lighting to create an even more energy-efficient learning environment. Perhaps most exciting is the potential installation of solar panels, which would help the school reduce its rising electricity costs and promote sustainability. Academic innovation through the Catholic School Collaborative.
Beyond the impressive campus renovations, St. Jerome has also made great strides in enhancing its academic programs, thanks to a partnership with the Catholic School Collaborative
(CSC). This collaboration has bolstered the school’s curriculum design and implementation, particularly in the areas of math and English language arts (ELA).
Through this partnership, St. Jerome has adopted a blended learning strategy, which integrates technology with traditional classroom instruction, to provide students with a more personalized and engaging learning experience. The CSC also provides the school with expert coaches in Math and ELA instruction, offering weekly professional development sessions for teachers and on-site behavioral support to ensure that all students receive the individual attention and resources they need to succeed.
The results have been transformative. Students at St. Jerome are gaining the skills necessary for future academic success, while teachers are empowered with cutting-edge strategies and resources to enhance their instruction. The school’s commitment to academic excellence, combined with its strong faith-based values, positions it as a
leading educational institution in the Westchester area.
A bright future for St. Jerome School.
As St. Jerome School continues to grow and evolve, it remains deeply rooted in its mission to educate Christian leaders who are prepared to think critically, act compassionately and engage globally. The generous support from the Shea Family Charity, the Drollinger Family Charitable Foundation and other community partners has made it possible for the school to offer an unparalleled educational experience that meets the needs of today’s students.
For more information about St. Jerome School, or to schedule a tour and become part of the Spartan Family, please do not hesitate to call the school office at (310) 6701678 or visit the website at stjeromeschool.org. St. Jerome looks forward to welcoming new families and continuing to serve as a beacon of faith and learning in the Westchester community!
Contributed by St. Jerome.
Our strong Pre School, TK, and Kindergarten program sets a solid foundation for students’ future educational success while nurturing their spiritual and ethical development. We intertwine academic excellence with faith-based values.
Your student could be eligible for a tuition award up to 50% of your tuition. Apply for NEI today. Contact us for more details on how to apply.
• STEAM / PS Science
• 1 to 1 Technology
• Music & Spanish Class
• Dance & Yoga Class
• Sports Programs
• Choir & Chess
• Art & Library Class
• Cooking Class
• Coding & Robotics
The SJS curriculum is thoughtfully designed to nurture children’s cognitive, social, emotional, and spiritual development, equipping them with the necessary skills for a successful academic journey and a strong moral compass.
Sheriff Luna Speaks About Public Safety
The Neighborhood Council of Westchester / Playa was honored to have Sheriff Robert Luna speak at the Public Safety Committee meeting on Tuesday, September 24. Our area is a culmination of different jurisdictions and the meeting also included LAX PD Chief Cecil Rhambo, LAPD Pacific Division Captain Michael Applegate, Councilwoman Traci Park and a large contingent of officers and deputies.
The idea behind the Sheriff’s visit was to learn more about his department’s role in overseeing the most populous county in the nation with almost 10,000 sworn deputies. His visit was a success!
The Sheriff spoke for almost an hour and had an engaging conversation with the Public Safety Committee as well as the general public. We learned that the Sheriff is passionate about reducing overall crime in LA County, keeping the public safe and letting the various law enforcement entities, such as the LAPD police their own area. He discussed homelessness within our area and our unique geographic footprint that includes LAX, Loyola Marymount, the beach, wetlands and our unique community.
With more than 50% of the incarcerated within the county jails being mentally ill, the Sheriff spoke about the possibility of building “Care Centers” that could
alleviate the jail population and give those in need services that are not available. This, he said, would be a unique approach and possibly the first such program in the country.
Sheriff Luna is a strong advocate for making your voice heard and recommends engaging your civic leaders to let them know where you stand on issues that are important to you.
The Neighborhood Council of Westchester Playa is passionate about being involved.
Check out our mission and upcoming meetings at www.ncwpdr.org.
NCWP Moves to Protect Single-Family Neighborhoods, Address Homeless Issue on the Beach
At its September 3 meeting, the Neighborhood Council of Westchester / Playa voted to send a Community Impact Statement (CIS) to the Los Angeles City Council and authorized two letters aimed at addressing the homeless issue on our local beaches.
In issuing the CIS, the NCWP said it “supports excluding single-family zoned properties from the Citywide Housing Incentive Program (CHIP) ordinance. We are not opposed to communities taking on their fair share of density. We are opposed to random density littered throughout our mature single family neighborhoods (1) when there are other viable options; and (2) when other non-CHIP density is already mandated in the single-family zones via state law.”
The statement went on to say, “Mature single-family zoned neighborhoods are decades in the making and should be protected as a viable housing alternative until such time as there is nowhere else to
build.”
The CHIP ordinanace includes amendments to the city’s density bonus program to account for recent changes to state law, as well as two new programs intended to promote housing production along commercial corridors, high opportunity neighborhoods, and in areas in close proximity to transit.
The CHIP ordinance also includes a new affordable housing incentive program, which offers unique incentives for fully income-restricted housing projects. The program also expands the type of sites eligible for affordable housing developments to include properties zoned for public facilities and parking, as well as those owned by public agencies and religious institutions.
The NCWP also encouraged the City Council to remove the growing homeless encampments on Dockweiler State Beach and focus more attention and resources
on providing mental health services to the unhoused.
In its letter to Councilmember Traci Park, the NCWP wrote, “As a community, we are concerned the Governor’s Executive Order directing state agencies and departments to address encampments on state property is being ignored here locally. In furtherance of this directive, we look forward to your prompt collaboration and assistance in providing resources to resolve encampments on state property, Dockweiler State Beach, between Culver Blvd to Imperial Highway located in your Council district, which pose a substantial risk to public health, safety, welfare and a general quality of life for all.”
In a separate letter, the NCWP said it is “deeply concerned and saddened by the ongoing homeless crisis, recognizing that our County could, should and must serve the homeless better. This lack of an executive response is hurting the homeless who suffer from mental illness and
addiction. We are doing the homeless no favor by keeping them on the beaches and streets and we are doing them no favor by asking them if they would like help. We all know too well that when mental illness and/or drug addiction is in play, people are unable to make decisions that are in their own best interest.”
The NCWP urged the city to prioritize mental health and drug addition services.
“There is an urgent need for mental hospitals that offer long-term residential care of those who suffer from chronic mental illness who are not capable of caring for themselves,” the letter said, adding, “The City should prioritize the provision of sober living facilities where addiction treatment can be provided, rather than focusing on harm reduction strategies such as needle distribution, which enable continued substance abuse rather than guiding individuals towards sobriety.”
Wills Trusts Probate
Wills Trusts Probate
•
•
LGBTQIA PROCESS
GROUP: NAVIGATING HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS WITH SELF AND OTHERS
Thursdays | 5 - 6:30pm via Zoom • $15/session
Tyler (she/they) at ext. 140 & Adriana (she/her) at ext. 180
LGBTQIA PROCESS
GROUP FACILITATORS SUPERVISED BY Mimi Hoang, Ph.D. (she/her) #PSY22006
JOIN ONE OF OUR THERAPY GROUPS
JOIN ONE OF OUR THERAPY GROUPS
JOIN ONE OF OUR THERAPY GROUPS
GROUP: NAVIGATING HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS WITH SELF AND OTHERS
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Wednesdays | 5:30 – 7pm via Zoom •
LGBTQIA PROCESS GROUP: NAVIGATING HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS WITH SELF AND OTHERS
LGBTQIA PROCESS GROUP:
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LGBTQIA PROCESS
GROUP:
LGBTQIA PROCESS GROUP:
GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP
Wednesdays | 5:30 – 7pm
Thursdays | 10 - 11:30am in-person at AMCS • $15/session Kathy at ext. 146
Thursdays | 5 - 6:30pm via Zoom • $15/session Tyler (she/they) at ext. 140 & Adriana (she/her) at ext. 180
NAVIGATING HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS WITH SELF AND OTHERS
Thursdays | 5 - 6:30pm via Zoom • $15/session Tayler (she/they) at ext. 140 & Adriana (she/her) at ext. 180
Thursdays | 5 - 6:30pm via Zoom • $15/session Tyler (she/they) at ext. 140 & Adriana (she/her) at ext. 180
NAVIGATING HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS WITH SELF AND OTHERS
NAVIGATING HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS WITH SELF AND OTHERS
NAVIGATING HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS WITH SELF AND OTHERS
LGBTQIA PROCESS GROUP: NAVIGATING HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS WITH SELF AND OTHERS
NAVIGATING HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS WITH SELF AND OTHERS
Thursdays | 5 - 6:30pm via Zoom • $15/session
Thursdays | 5 - 6:30pm via Zoom • $15/session Tyler (she/they) at ext. 140 & Adriana (she/her) at ext. 180
Tayler (she/they) at ext. 140 & Adriana (she/her) at ext. 180
Thursdays | 5 - 6:30pm via Zoom • $15/session Tyler (she/they) at ext. 140 & Adriana (she/her) at ext. 180
Thursdays | 5 - 6:30pm via Zoom • $15/session Tyler (she/they) at ext. 140 & Adriana (she/her) at ext. 180
Thursdays | 5 - 6:30pm via Zoom • $15/session Tyler (she/they) at ext. 140 & Adriana (she/her) at ext. 180
Thursdays | 5 - 6:30pm via Zoom • $15/session Tyler (she/they) at ext. 140 & Adriana (she/her) at ext. 180
GROUP FACILITATORS SUPERVISED BY Mimi Hoang, Ph.D. (she/her) #PSY22006
WOMEN’S PROCESS GROUPS
GROUP FACILITATORS SUPERVISED BY Mimi Hoang, Ph.D. (she/her) #PSY22006
WOMEN’S PROCESS GROUPS
WOMEN’S PROCESS GROUPS
GROUP FACILITATORS SUPERVISED BY Mimi Hoang, Ph.D. (she/her) #PSY22006
GROUP FACILITATORS SUPERVISED BY Mimi Hoang, Ph.D. (she/her) #PSY22006
WOMEN’S PROCESS GROUPS
WOMEN’S PROCESS GROUPS
GROUP FACILITATORS SUPERVISED BY Stefani Roscoe, LCSW, CGP #60100 WOMEN’S PROCESS GROUPS
WOMEN’S PROCESS GROUPS
WOMEN’S PROCESS GROUPS
WOMEN’S PROCESS GROUPS
Wednesdays | 5:30 – 7pm via Zoom • $15/session Alexis at ext. 167 & Kathy at ext. 146
GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP
GROUP FACILITATORS SUPERVISED BY Mimi Hoang, Ph.D. (she/her) #PSY22006
GROUP FACILITATORS SUPERVISED BY Mimi Hoang, Ph.D. (she/her) #PSY22006
GROUP FACILITATORS SUPERVISED BY Mimi Hoang, Ph.D. (she/her) #PSY22006
GROUP FACILITATORS SUPERVISED BY Mimi Hoang, Ph.D. (she/her) #PSY22006
GROUP FACILITATORS SUPERVISED BY Mimi Hoang, Ph.D. (she/her) #PSY22006
GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP
Thursdays | 10 - 11:30am in-person at AMCS • $15/session Kathy at ext. 146
GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP
GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP
GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP
GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP
GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP
GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP
GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP
Thursdays | 10 - 11:30am
Thursdays | 10 - 11:30am
Thursdays | 10 - 11:30am in-person at AMCS • $15/session Kathy at ext. 146
in-person at AMCS • $15/session Kathy at ext. 146
Wednesdays | 5:30 – 7pm via Zoom • $15/session Alexis at ext. 167 & Kathy at ext. 146
Wednesdays | 5:30 – 7pm via Zoom • $15/session
Wednesdays | 5:30 – 7pm via Zoom • $15/session
Wednesdays | 5:30 – 7pm via Zoom • $15/session
Wednesdays | 5:30 – 7pm via Zoom • $15/session
Wednesdays | 5:30 – 7pm via Zoom • $15/session Alexis at ext. 167 & Kathy at ext. 146
Alexis at ext. 167 & Kathy at ext. 146
Wednesdays | 5:30 – 7pm via Zoom • $15/session Alexis at ext. 167
Alexis at ext. 167 & Kathy at ext. 146
Alexis at ext. 167 & Kathy at ext. 146
Alexis at ext. 167 & Kathy at ext. 146
Thursdays | 10 - 11:30am in-person at AMCS • $15/session Gabe at ext. 175
GROUP FACILITATORS SUPERVISED BY Stefani Roscoe, LCSW, CGP #60100
GROUP FACILITATORS SUPERVISED BY Stefani Roscoe, LCSW, CGP #60100
GROUP FACILITATORS SUPERVISED BY
GROUP FACILITATORS SUPERVISED BY
Stefani Roscoe, LCSW, CGP #60100
GROUP FACILITATORS SUPERVISED BY
in-person at AMCS • $15/session Kathy at ext. 146
Thursdays | 10 - 11:30am in-person at AMCS • $15/session Kathy at ext. 146
Thursdays | 10 - 11:30am in-person at AMCS • $15/session Gabe at ext. 175
Thursdays | 10 - 11:30am in-person at AMCS • $15/session Kathy at ext. 146
Thursdays | 10 - 11:30am in-person at AMCS • $15/session Kathy at ext. 146
GROUP FACILITATORS SUPERVISED BY Stefani Roscoe, LCSW, CGP #60100
GROUP FACILITATORS SUPERVISED BY
Zoom • $15/session Rebecca at ext. 170 & Gabe at ext. 175 GROUP
Stefani Roscoe, LCSW, CGP #60100
Stefani Roscoe, LCSW, CGP #60100
GROUP FACILITATORS SUPERVISED BY
GROUP FACILITATORS SUPERVISED BY
GROUP FACILITATORS SUPERVISED BY
GROUP FACILITATORS SUPERVISED BY
Stefani Roscoe, LCSW, CGP #60100
GROUP FACILITATORS SUPERVISED BY Stefani Roscoe, LCSW, CGP #60100
GROUP FACILITATORS SUPERVISED BY
Stefani Roscoe, LCSW, CGP #60100
Stefani Roscoe, LCSW, CGP #60100
Stefani Roscoe, LCSW, CGP #60100
Stefani Roscoe, LCSW, CGP #60100
Stefani Roscoe, LCSW, CGP #60100
please call
Stefani Roscoe, LCSW, CGP #60100
GROUP FACILITATORS SUPERVISED BY Stefani Roscoe, LCSW, CGP #60100
EMERGING ADULTS:
GROUP FACILITATORS SUPERVISED BY Stefani Roscoe, LCSW, CGP #60100
GROUP FACILITATORS SUPERVISED BY Stefani Roscoe, LCSW, CGP #60100
EMERGING ADULTS:
EMERGING ADULTS:
EMERGING ADULTS:
GROUP FACILITATORS SUPERVISED BY Stefani Roscoe, LCSW, CGP #60100 EMERGING ADULTS: NAVIGATING YOUR 20s
EMERGING ADULTS: NAVIGATING YOUR 20s Thursdays | 5:30 - 7pm via Zoom • $15/session
NAVIGATING YOUR 20s
NAVIGATING YOUR 20s
EMERGING ADULTS: NAVIGATING YOUR 20s
NAVIGATING YOUR 20s
NAVIGATING YOUR 20s
NAVIGATING YOUR 20s
Thursdays | 5:30 - 7pm via Zoom • $15/session Rebecca at ext. 170 & Gabe at ext. 175
Thursdays | 5:30 - 7pm via Zoom • $15/session
Thursdays | 5:30 - 7pm via Zoom • $15/session
Thursdays | 5:30 - 7pm via Zoom • $15/session
Thursdays | 5:30 - 7pm via Zoom • $15/session Rebecca at ext. 170 & Gabe at ext. 175
Rebecca at ext. 170 & Gabe at ext. 175
Rebecca at ext. 170 & Gabe at ext. 175
Rebecca at ext. 170 & Gabe at ext. 175
Rebecca at ext. 170 & Gabe at ext. 175
Thursdays | 5:30 - 7pm via Zoom • $15/session Rebecca at ext. 170 & Gabe at ext. 175
Thursdays | 5:30 - 7pm via Zoom • $15/session Rebecca at ext. 170 & Gabe at ext. 175
Happy Fall y'all!
GROUP FACILITATORS SUPERVISED BY
GROUP FACILITATORS SUPERVISED BY
GROUP FACILITATORS SUPERVISED BY
GROUP FACILITATORS SUPERVISED BY Stefani Roscoe, LCSW, CGP #60100
Save the date, October 27th for Halloween festivities, follow us on social media for updates!
Stefani Roscoe, LCSW, CGP #60100
GROUP FACILITATORS SUPERVISED BY
GROUP FACILITATORS SUPERVISED BY Stefani Roscoe, LCSW, CGP #60100
Stefani Roscoe, LCSW, CGP #60100
GROUP FACILITATORS SUPERVISED BY Stefani Roscoe, LCSW, CGP #60100
GROUP FACILITATORS SUPERVISED BY
Stefani Roscoe, LCSW, CGP #60100
Stefani Roscoe, LCSW, CGP #60100
Stefani Roscoe, LCSW, CGP #60100
| www.AMCShelps.com
Random Notes/Opinion
Strength training for pickleball performance
By Jeff Blair
Opinion: Pickleball has grown faster than any other sport in the United States over the past three years and is expected to grow about eight percent per year for the next four years. While some may think of pickleball as solely a post-retirement activity, the national average age of players is 35 years old. My 20-something niece convinced me to try it. Given the wide and growing popularity of the sport, I wanted to examine how the gym may improve people’s game and possibly reduce injury risk. This article summarizes some points from a recent workshop I presented on strength training for pickleball. Please note all sports carry injury risk. Consider all risk factors, prepare as much as you can and make decisions that are best for you!
Stronger muscles and tendons help us move better in pickleball and in any other sport. Performing full body strength training can better prepare your body for competition. Always seek instruction from an exercise professional before beginning a strength-training program.
Strengthening your hip abductors would be my first recommendation. These muscles help you move from side to side. Since the sport is reactive and dynamic, you do not know which direction you will be required to
move until the ball is hit. Stronger hip abductors may allow you to move quicker and safer in order to return more balls during game activity. Stronger hip abductors also produce more stable movement, which is important for staying healthy. If your movement is more stable, you are less likely to turn an ankle or even fall. Banded hip exercises such as band kickout, band kickback and monster walk can all improve hip abductor strength.
Strengthening your quadriceps (thighs) and gluteus maximus (butt) can also improve your game. These lower body muscles are large and help to move your body in a variety of ways. Stronger quads and glutes can also increase your power and may also improve your balance. Squats and step-ups can increase the strength of these muscles. For the back of the legs (hamstrings), dead lifts or hamstring ball roll-in can increase strength.
Exercises like abdominal curl-ups and planks can strengthen your abdominal muscles. These muscles are important for both keeping the lower back healthy and for stronger performance on the court. Stronger abs can increase your stability as well.
Strengthening your upper-mid back can improve shoulder health. A stronger back can take the load off your shoulders and this can improve shoulder
health. Lateral raises are a good exercise to strengthen shoulders. Low back exercises like bird dogs, cat-camels and side planks can make your back stronger and less likely to get tweaked on the court.
Calf raises can increase calf and Achilles Tendon strength. Start with bodyweight exercises and progressively increase weight over time. Tendons take longer to strengthen than muscles, so be patient with that process. Achilles tendon injuries often happen when someone is already experiencing difficulty in that area of the foot. If you feel any issues, please see your doctor and have a proper medical diagnosis. Sometimes, physical therapy can head off a serious injury before it happens.
To build upper body strength, traditional or kneeling pushups can help. Bicep curls are a good exercise to strengthen arms.
A full-body strength training program can also improve bone density in four critical areas: the femur, hips, lumbar spine and wrists. Stronger bones can be less likely to injure and may make you a stronger player. Finally, stretching can help improve your flexibility. Dynamic stretching combines stretching and movement and is ideal before you hit the courts.
In addition to these exercises, always wear proper footwear and warm up before you play. If you have not played
in a while, ease back into things. Playing too much after a layoff can increase the chance of tweaking something. Learning some fundamentals of the sport can also help, so consider taking a class with our outstanding local Westchester Pickleball Club (westchesterlapickleball.com). Say hi if we cross paths, but take it easy on me on the courts!
Jeff Blair (MS, CSCS) is a certified personal trainer, fitness book author and a mediocre pickleball player. He has taught graduate level exercise science courses and concepts to NBA, MLB and NFL strength coaches. He founded the SoCalSport&Fitness personal training studio in Westchester in 2012. Reach him at jeff@socalsport.com comments.
Haunting of Hannon XII: Secret,
Dark, and Midnight Things
Ghosts, witches, murderers, devils, and other dark creatures lurk in the stacks and study rooms of the William H. Hannon Library. This year, the tour focuses on the haunted plays of Shakespeare. Something wicked (and wicked fun) this way comes.
Oct. 18 and 19 at 8-11 p.m.: Adult version
Oct. 19 at 2-3:30 p.m.: Family-Friendly version (Kids ages 6-12)
This event is free and open to the public. Contact theatrearts@lmu.edu if you have questions and for more details.
community.lmu.edu 310.338.2759 community@lmu.edu
9th Annual Westchester Arts & Music Block Party September 21 | Emerson Ave. in Westchester
Emerson Avenue was packed from 80th Street to 80th Place on Saturday, September 21 as community members celebrated the last day of summer at the Ninth Annual Westchester Arts & Music (WAM) Block Party! The daylong festival had a rocky start when organizers discovered their van–full of supplies, signs and items for the beer and wine garden–had been stolen just hours before the start of the event. Fortunately, they quickly pivoted and the event did not skip a beat.
Music kicked off at noon with the impressive indie band M1-6, made up of local high school students who entertained the crowd with their covers of Fleetwood Mac and other rock hits. The Stephanie Younger Groupsponsored beer and wine garden, as
well as the dance floor, remained crowded all day as music fans enjoyed performances from six acts, including Steely Dan tribute band and headliner, Dr. Wu. In between sets, guests were treated to dance routines from The Lariats, Artistico and Loyola Village Elementary School’s African Drum & Dance Ensemble.
A record 90-plus sponsor, vendor and community booths lined the street, offering family-friendly activities, games and giveaways, as well as art, crafts, desserts, jewelry, handmade items and more for sale. The WPNShosted “kid zone” in the Emerson Avenue Community Garden was once again a hit with families who were able to take part in a drum circle with lots of instruments, bubblemania, crafts galore
and garden tours.
“WAM 2024 was an awesome day in Westchester,” said event producer Courtney O’Donoghue. “There are so many people to thank for making WAM a success, including our sponsors, attendees, volunteers and vendors.
A special shout out to Geoff Taylor, WAM’s nonprofit president for his leadership; to the amazing crew at Clean Up Westchester for all their hard work beautifying Emerson after the event; and the Emerson Ave. Garden for being incredible partners!”
In addition to the fun, WAM is also a fundraiser, and for the last three years, the event’s nonprofit partner has been the Westchester Family YMCA. Proceeds from the event will go toward the Y’s Teen Health & Wellness
programs.
The block party’s 10th anniversary event will take place on Saturday, September 20, 2025, so mark your calendars for this can’t miss community celebration!
Thank you to this year’s major sponsors: The Drollinger Family Charitable Foundation, Stephanie Younger Group, Thomas James Homes, Lulu’s Place, Emerson Avenue Community Garden, Los Angeles World Airports and Councilwoman Traci Park. The Hometown News is also a proud sponsor of WAM.
Interested in supporting, volunteering or sponsoring the event in 2025? Email wamblockparty@gmail. com for more information on how to get involved!
by Zsuzsi Steiner
Alicia Casilli, Jolene Doucette, Paul Davis, Stephanie Davis, Grant Francis, Aisha Harris, Julie Henriksen, Courtney O’Donoghue, John Sharpe, Geoff Taylor, Jennifer Van Hook and Russ Watson.
