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Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista

October

your community newspaper • your community • WESTCHESTER • PLAYA DEL REY • MARINA DEL REY • PLAYA VISTA • your community newspaper • your community

Community braces for Endeavour’s travel through Westchester Westchester welcomes the Endeavour: Since landing at LAX on September 21, the shuttle seems to be on everyone’s mind. Westchester will play a vital role on the shuttle’s journey to downtown. When the Space Shuttle Endeavour landed at LAX on Friday, September 21 at 12:45 p.m., the area surrounding the airport seemingly shut down. Traffic stopped on major thoroughfares, including the 105 freeway off-ramp, and parking lots and office building rooftops were crowded with workers eager to snap photos and to be a part of a historic moment in Los Angeles history.

Excitement and anticipation for Endeavour’s 2-mile-per-hour 12-mile trek through the streets of Los Angeles, however, could be even higher. As of press time, the shuttle is expected to leave LAX at 2 a.m. on October 12. The route through Westchester to the Science Center is expected to be as follows: • LAX United Hanger to Northside access road to security gate. • Exit security gate and travel east on Northside Parkway to Lincoln Boulevard. • Cross Lincoln Boulevard bearing left onto McConnell Ave. (continued on page 4)

The shuttle, seen here doing a ﬂy over at LAX, is expected to draw hundreds, if not thousands of people to the Westchester Town Center. PHOTO BY KEVORK DJANSEZIAN-POOL/GETTY IMAGES.

LAX Expansion town hall draws hundreds of concerned residents Hundreds of concerned community members turned out for the Thursday, September 27 town hall meeting held by the Neighborhood Council of Westchester/Playa (NCWP) at Westchester Enriched Sciences Magnets School to discuss the LAX Draft EIR for the Specific Plan Amendment Study (SPAS). Attendees heard presentations from Los Angeles World Airports SPAS Project Manager, Diego Alvarez, and representatives from a variety of community groups including ARSAC (Alliance for a Regional Solution to Airport Congestion), Westchester Neighbors Association and the NCWP, who all spoke out against any proposal that would push the airport’s boundary north. Congresswoman Maxine Waters told attendees that she “stands in opposition” to the proposals to move the runway, which received a rousing round of applause from the audience. Said NCWP representative Terry Marcellus, “There is a feeling out there that we are opposed to airport activity; we are opposed to airport building, none of which is true. Many have said until we are blue in the

face, Westchester is not an anti-airport community, we are an airport adjacent community who wants the airport to run as well as it possible can for our benefit and the entire city.” Out of the nine alternatives presented by LAWA, the NCWP has come out in favor of Alternatives 2 and 9, which are the only alternatives that do not call for moving the runway north into Westchester and Playa del Rey. LAWA has not stated which proposal they prefer. Said Marcellus, “The position of the Neighborhood Council of Westchester/Playa is that by combining alternatives 2 and 9 the SPAS goal will be fulfilled. These alternatives are the most affordable design options that will ensure LAX passengers needs are met and that we protect the economy and tourism.” The public comment period for the LAX SPAS Draft EIR ends on October 10. Those interested can submit their comments via laxspas.org, via email at spaseircomments@lawa.org or by writing Mr. Diego Alvarez; Los Angeles World Airports; 1 World Way, Room 218; Los Angeles, CA 90045.

At left: Town hall presenters discuss the airport with Congresswoman Maxine Waters. From left to right: David Voss, LAX Coastal Area Chamber of Commerce, Public Policy Chair; Craig Eggers, NCWP Airport Relations Chair; Congresswoman Maxine Waters and ARSAC President Denny Schneider.

A look inside your

HomeTown

6 WESM Inducts Community Leaders into Hall of Fame 8 Halloween Town Fair Program

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Flightpath celebrates ten years with Gala benefit Los Angeles International Airport’s Flight Path Learning Center and Museum will begin its tenth year with a festive gala benefit “open house” on October 26. Themed “Friday Night at the Museum,” the gala will showcase Flight Path’s progress since first opening in October 2003. The gala, scheduled from 4:30 to 9 p.m., will feature an international buffet, a wide selection of beverages, musical interludes and airport tours. Emphasizing Flight Path’s educational mission, each gala features presentation of the Clay Lacy and Charles “Pete” Conrad scholarships to students planning careers in aviation. Competitive selections are made by

aviation professionals. Also featured will be a presentation of the museum’s second annual Guiding Light Award. This year’s recipient is Morrey Plotkin, Flight Path chairman emeritus, recognizing his longtime support of the scholarship program and his encouragement of youth in pursuit of aviation careers. “The scholarships are a reminder that Flight Path’s primary mission is education,” said Rowena Ake, Flight Path President. “Each year we help make it possible for future pilots, air traffic controllers and others aspiring to aviation careers to continue their preparation at the college level.” Entertainment will feature The

Hurricanes blues and jazz band and magician Fantastic Fig and Newton. Guests will have an opportunity to view aviation memorabilia and flight simulators in the museum and vintage and contemporary aircraft on the tarmac. On public display at the gala for the first time will be six new bronze plaques saluting aviation luminaries, to be added to Flight Path’s aviation “walk of fame” located along Sepulveda Boulevard in Westchester. New honorees include Gen. Kevin Chilton, astronaut; Iris Cummings Critchell, World War II Woman Air Force Service Pilot; Robert Prescott, Flying Tiger Line founder; Frank Robinson, helicopter

designer and manufacturer; Burt Rutan, aircraft and spacecraft designer; and Robert Six, airline innovator and visionary. The museum is operated by the nonprofit Flight Path Learning Center of Southern California, a community group organized in 1995 to develop and promote the museum and Los Angeles World Airports. Flight Path is situated in the LAX Imperial Terminal at 6661 W. Imperial Highway. For more information or to reserve a ticket to the event, please call (424) 646-7284 or visit the museum website www.flightpath.us.

Mental Health Guild gears up for annual Holiday Home Tour The Westchester Mental Health Guild will host its 30th Annual Holiday Home Tour on Sunday, November 4, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Ticketed guests can visit six homes all meticulously decorated for various holidays in Westchester and Playa del Rey. This is a record number of houses on the tour, in honor of its 30th anniversary. Three homes in Playa del Rey and three in Westchester that will be shown. The homes include a new custom-built two-story Spanish-style view home and a renovated bungalow, both decorated for Christmas; a renovated two-story Mediterranean

view home decorated for Thanksgiving; a two-story house remodeled for a growing family and decorated for Halloween; a contemporary four-story home of a world traveler decorated for New Years’ festivities around the world; and a spectacular three-story modern ocean-view home decorated for a Moroccan holiday. A reception will also be held at the Guilded Cage, from noon to 5 p.m., where attendees can do some early holiday shopping. The Holiday Home Tour is the Guild’s largest fundraiser of the year. Net proceeds from the event support

the Airport Marina Counseling Service. Home Tour tickets cost $30 and are available at the Guilded Cage in Westchester, located at 8917-B South Sepulveda Boulevard or online at http://wmhgholiday hometour2012.eventbrite. com. Tickets will also be available the day of the This home will be decorated for Christmas at the home tour. PHOTO BY LINDA PETERSON. event at the Westchester YMCA Annex, located at Children under 12 are free when 8020 Alverstone Ave. in Westchester. accompanied by an adult.

CARNIVAL TIME !!! OCTOBER 19TH, 20TH & 21ST * RIDES * GAMES * PRIZE ROOM* * GREAT FOOD * LIVE ENTERTAINMENT* * BINGO * HANNON HAWAII RAFFLE*

SATURDAY Wagon Train BBQ Tri Tip Dinner

Friday: 5pm to 10pm

Saturday: 11am to 10pm Sunday: 12pm to 5pm

Visitation Catholic Community 8740 S. Emerson Avenue, Westchester, CA 90045

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITES www.visitationschool.org * www.churchofthevisitation.net October 2012

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

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T h i s M o n t h B r i n g s Yo u October Features Community embraces for Endeavour’s trip Rotary to honor Playa Vista executives WESM to induct alumni into Hall of Fame Halloween Town Fair Program Community Calendar/To Do NCWP Election/Candidate Information

4 4 6 11-14 16-17 20-23

Monthly Features Community Random Notes/Opinion Looking Back... To Do

Calendar Happenings Pictures Business and Professional

Submit Submit articles, pictures and letters to the editor at westchesterhometown@yahoo.com. Be sure to include your name and contact information (phone number, address and e-mail) and correctly spell names of all those involved. All materials must be submitted no later than 12 noon on the 22nd of each month. The HomeTown News reserves the right to edit all submissions for content and length.

HOMETOWN STAFF/CONTRIBUTORS

t a t i d n u o f I ! r e t n e C n w o T r e t s e h Westc – DRACULA

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

Nora Lee Owens, Humor Mishele Viera, Contributing Writer Jack Younger, Contributing Cartoonist

Advertisers’ Directory

Business & Professional 15 Ballerini Cooley Studios 07 Circus Vargas 08 Covenant Presbyterian Church 09 Drollinger Properties 06 Food Pantry, LAX 09 Jane St. John 18 Halloween Town Fair 11-14 Kevin and Kaz Gallaher 19 LA Fitness 5 Nora Lee Owens 18 Pat Davis 05 Matilla Realty 07

Mina Bharadwa 18 Neighborhood Council 21-23 South Bay Brokers 18 Vergari & Associates 08 Visitation School 02 Westchester Christian Church 08 Westchester First Friday 24 Westchester Lutheran 06 Westchester Town Center BID 3 Westchester/Playa Village 24 Westside Neighborhood School 4 Zacha Homes 19

“Going all over town to get things done can be a pain in the neck. That’s why I spend my time in Westchester Town Center. Today, I stopped by the orthodontist so he could check out my bite, grabbed a few neck-tarines at Ralphs and picked up some cold medicine at CVS to ��

About The HomeTown News The HomeTown News is a monthly 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.

Connect with the HTN:

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

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Community

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Endeavour comes to Westchester (continued) (continued from page 1) • Turn right onto Westchester Parkway to La Tijera Blvd. • Turn left onto LA Tijera Blvd. to Manchester Ave. • Turn right onto Manchester to Crenshaw Drive At 7 a.m. the shuttle is expected to have made it to the heart of the Westchester shopping district where it will stop in order for the city to have the opportunity to take down power lines and street signs so the shuttle will be able to navigate the rest of its journey to the California Science Center. A small private event will be held for community volunteers from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. and then the public is expected to be able to access the general vicinity of the shuttle by foot. At La Tijera Blvd., just east of Sepulveda Blvd., the space shuttle will be stationed for hours behind the Drollinger Properties owned Citibank Building, which also houses Quiznos. The shuttle is expected to be stationed there until 2:30 p.m. Said Drollinger Properties President Karen Dial, “We are thrilled to be able to house the Endeavour on our property as it makes its way down to the California Science Center. Westchester has a long history in aviation and we are proud to continue that legacy as

the Endeavour makes its first stop here. Residents will have a once in a lifetime opportunity to see this national treasure in their own backyard.” In order to brace for the thousands of “shuttle watchers” expected to flock to the area, LAPD will be closing surrounding streets during the shuttle’s stay in Westchester. The following streets are expected to be closed: • Sepulveda Eastway between Westchester Parkway and 87th Street • H.B. Drollinger Way at Sepulveda (eastside only) • La Tijera east of Sepulveda (from Sepulveda to Manchester) • 87th Street between Sepulveda Eastway and Truxton Ave. • Truxton Ave. between Manchester and La Tijera Sepulveda is expected to remain open during the shuttle’s stay in Westchester. Parking for businesses and customers is expected to be significantly impacted because of street and parking closures, as well as the crowds. Due to the number of people expected to see the shuttle, finding access to parking will be extremely difficult, if not impossible. LAPD will be in the area to enforce the public street closures and to direct traffic, but property and business owners will be responsible for enforcing parking lots.

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October 2012

The Endeavour is welcomed at LAX. PHOTO BY KEVORK DJANSEZIAN-POOL/GETTY IMAGES.

Those interested in seeing the shuttle in Westchester are advised to plan ahead and consider walking to the site or taking public transportation. There may also be a line that forms for people interested in having their picture taken with the shuttle. As of press time, it is not known how close the public will be able to get to the shuttle. Although no public event is planned for the Endeavour’s stop in Westchester, events have been scheduled for Inglewood City Hall and

at the intersection of Crenshaw Blvd. and Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. on October 13. It is stressed by officials, however, that at any time plans for the shuttle’s stop in Wetschester could change due to the shuttle’s or the crowds safety or other concerns. As the plans for the space shuttle traveling through Westchester could change, please stay-up-date on Endeavour news by liking us Facebook at facebook.com/thehtn.

Rotary to honor Playa Vista executives at annual dinner Playa Vista’s Randy Johnson and Patti Sinclair will be honored with the Playa Venice Sunrise Rotary Club’s Sunrise Community Service Award at the club’s sixth annual Cultural Dinner on Thursday, October 18. This year’s event will be a Brazilian themed evening complete with special entertainment and “Rio-style” food. The dinner event is the club’s largest fundraiser of the year, which helps fund projects like the Playa Vista’s Randy Johnson and Patti Sinclair will be this Teacher Mini-Grants, Teacher Eddy year’s recipients of the Sunrise Community Service Award. Awards, Holiday Adopt-A-Family shown over the years in the areas of program, the Santa Tour, Airport education and to the non-profits in Marina Counseling Service, feeding the the community. Previous recipients homeless, 4th of July Parade, Christmas of the award, which is the club’s party and toy giveaway for the McBride highest honor, include Beverly Moore, School for handicapped children, high Executive Director of the Marina del school scholarships, St. Jude Children’s Rey Convention and Visitors Bureau; Research Hospital, support of local John Theuer, CFO of Coffee Bean & area firefighters, wheel chairs in Puerto Tea Leaf; David Herbst, Executive Vice Rico and clean water projects in third President of Mercury Air Group, Karen world countries. Dial, President of Drollinger Properties; Each year at the cultural dinner the and Javier Cano, General Manager of club presents the Sunrise Community the Ritz Carlton and JW Marriott Hotels Service Award to a person or persons at LA Live. who have made a difference in the lives The event will held at the Playa Vista of others, gives back to the community CenterPointe Club and will include and lives their life by the Rotary 4-Way dinner, entertaintment and a hosted test. Johnson and Sinclair were chosen bar. For more info or to purchase by the club for the generosity tickets for this event, call (310) 306that they and Playa Vista have 8525.

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

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October 2012

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

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Community

• your community newspaper • your community • your community newspaper • your community •

WESM to induct community leaders into hall of fame Westchester Enriched Sciences Magnets (WESM) will be honoring Westchester alumni who have made a mark in the areas of sciences, athletics, entertainment and community service at its Inaugural Westchester Comets Hall of Fame Gala. Said WESM Principal, Robert Canosa-Carr, “As we move forward with our school’s new configuration as a magnet, this event will help us to reconnect with our history. Through the Westchester Comets Hall of Fame, our alumni can serve as a source of motivation and inspiration for our current and future students.” The event is being organized by WESM Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) and will be held at Loyola Marymount University on Sunday, October 21 at 5 p.m. The event will include a dinner, silent auction and performance by honoree Eric Reed. Said PTO President and WESM business manager Oswaldo Bonilla, “With all of the changes the school has gone through, it’s important to highlight Westchester’s legacy. We’ve changed the name, but we need the students to feel a connection to the past history. For too long we have gone without highlighting individuals who have gone to the school and we

want them to know that this is still their high school even though the name has changed; this is where you graduated from and we are still proud you are a Westchester comet.” The group is hoping to have at least a hundred attendees and wants to grow the event in coming years. This year’s recipients include: • Christina Davis, president of the LAX Coastal Area Chamber of Commerce • Darin Early, director of LMU Family of Schools • Karen Long, principal at Westport Heights Elementary School • Eric Reed, jazz pianist • Tim Story, film director • Jennifer Sullivan, principal at Paseo del Rey Natural Science Magnet • Sam Williams, the first Westchester High School basketball player to play in the NBA Honorees will receive plaques and are being asked to donate an artifact that will be displayed in the school’s library to help inspire students. Said honoree and local principal Jennifer Sullivan, “For me Westchester High was a wonderful foundation, both academically and socially. I’ve created such a network of friends and we’ve all gone on to be successful in

Although the name of the school has changed, organizers of the Hall of Fame event want Westchester High alumni to feel like it is still their school. PHOTO COURTESY WESM.

what we do. I’m honored to be inducted into the Hall of Fame and I look forward to representing the school. I have faith in our pubic education system and feel our kids are getting a great education.” Tickets to the event are $75 each and sponsorships are available. Tickets can be purchased by visiting wesmpto.org. All of the money raised will go towards

such activities as field trips, instruction and the behavior incentive program. Said Bonilla, “This event is open to anyone who would like to join us. We would love any individual with connections to the school or the community to come out to support the alumni.”

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Drollinger Properties is proud to sponsor this great community event. – Dracula

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“

Join us in the Paradise Building parking lot from 10:30 am to 4:30 pm on October 27 for the Westchester Halloween Town Fair. There will be rides, fun, food and more! Stop by after 6 p.m. for after-dark rides, food trucks and dancing!

� � � �� You can find that feeling all year long at Westchester Lutheran Church. Visit our community of faith; you’ll find peace in the Lord and renewal in friends who share your desire to live a life of joy and service.

Looking for an event to sink your teeth into?

Come worship, learn, and rejoice with us. You’ll be blessed and refreshed. All are welcome. Even in flip-flops. �� Come find your place.

Weekly Worship Sunday School (ages 3 to adult) Midweek Bible Study

Sundays at 10 a.m. Sundays at 8:45 a.m. Wednesdays at 7 p.m.

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We want to hear from you! Contact us at (310) 641-1016 or westchesterhometown@yahoo.com.

w w w. d ro l l i n g e r p ro p e r t i e s. c o m October 2012

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

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Fall is Time for Families... Let our Family Capture Yours!

• Holiday Photos • Valentine’s Day • Anniversaries • Newborns, Kids & Grandkids • Hair, Makeup & Styling Included • Individualized Image Consultation Included with Shoot From left to right: Girl Scouts Vaughan Hooper, Analisa Davis, Caitlyn Manahan, Michelle Stone, Shana Hadi and Hannah Vaughn. pose in front of a “ki.” PHOTO BY NANCY STONE.

Girl Scouts help restore Tongva exhibit Members of Girl Scout troop 4625 have given back to their community by choosing to help restore the Ballona Wetlands as one of their service projects. Girl Scouts Caitlyn Manahan, Michelle Stone, Vaughan Hooper, Hannah Vaughan, Analisa Davis and Shana Hadi, chose the wetlands as their community service project to complete their Silver Award. A Silver Award in Girl Scouts requires a minimum of 50 hours of community service and must include an educational component that enables others to learn about the importance of the environment. The award can be earned by Girl Scouts in grades six through eight. The girls choose to specifically target the area of the wetlands containing the Tongva Native American exhibit. The scouts received help from the Friends of Ballona and their troop leader, Sue Skaggs, to narrow their project to focus on the Tongva Native American exhibit located in Discovery Park. The Tongva exhibit, which contains a hut, or ki, made out of tule reeds, and a grain table made of willow branches, needed some repairs, so with the permission of the Friends of Ballona representatives, the scouts

It’s a Girl! Caroline Natalie Herbst September 19, 2012 7.85 Pounds & 19 inches NATHALIE, DAVID KATHERINE, MARGARET & ELIZABETH HERBST October 2012

cut willow branches needed to fix the grain table. Using their lashing skills, they created a reproduction of what the Tongva natives’ table may have looked like during their time in the Ballona Wetlands area. The hut, made with tule reeds, was cleared of dead plant material until only the frame remained. Scouts gathered tule reeds from the marsh, which had been blocking water flow, to cover the ki. These reeds were then soaked in water to soften them and make them easier to tie. When the reeds were pliable enough to bend, the girls knotted new reeds onto the frame by hand. Longer, thicker reeds were then piled over those to keep away wind and other elements that the Tongva natives might have encountered while living in the area. To fulfill the educational requirement of their project, the scouts created a kid-friendly pamphlet consisting of a maze, word search, a connect-the-dots picture, and a brief historical article about the Tongva and their culture. With money they raised from recycling collected bottles and cans, they donated a large amount of pamphlets to several organizations around the area interested in learning about the history of the area.

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Is it time for a change? Property Management Solutions Offered by: The Matilla Group

Dear Property Owner, You may have seen our real estate signs around the community– ERA Matilla Realty. Our family has been doing business in this area since 1959. One segment of our business is property management. You may have seen our signs as well– Matilla Group Property Management. Management. We want to offer you our property management solutions... solutions...If If...you ...you are tired of the day to day management of your building(s)...If building(s)... If...you ...you are tired of phone calls from tenants.... tenants....If If...you ...you just want less disturbances and more free time for yourself. If this is you – please – think about us! We can professionally handle the stresses that go with ownership and management. We manage 28 properties in this local area. Our occupancy ratios are near 100%. Most of our units are rented in less than 2 weeks. Our landlords are very pleased with our performance. Is the time right for you to make a change? Would you like more information? Then, please, go to our website’s home page at www.matillarealty.com and click on the property management tab. If you prefer to speak with me directly, directly please call (310) 306-9005 or (310) 748-0574. I hope we can be of service. Sincerly, Steven Matilla Broker/Owner DRE Lic#: 00398688 225 Culver Blvd. • Playa del Rey, CA 90293 • Ofﬁce (310) 305-8000 • www.MatillaRealty.com

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

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Friends of Ballona receive grant to aid in education, restoration Edison International symbolically presented a $35,000 check to the Friends of Ballona Wetlands, just before the Friends’ regularly scheduled open house on Saturday, September 8. The grant will continue to provide bus transportation scholarships for schools that cannot afford field trips to the Ballona Wetlands, as well as field tools and intern oversight of school children visiting the wetlands, participating in habitat restoration and other community science educational activities. Each month, the Friends lead groups of volunteers in restoring native dune habitat at the western border of the 600-acre Ballona Wetlands State Ecological Reserve. The Friends perform this work as stewards under special permits granted by the California Department of Fish and Game. This is the fifth year in a row that Edison International has awarded the non-profit a grant. “Last year Edison International’s generous gift was used to purchase much-needed binoculars for our outreach and education programs,” said Lisa Fimiani, executive director of the Friends. “This year we will further expand our K-12 outdoor educational programs into our new Ballona Discovery Park, a 1.7-acre open air public park with science and cultural interpretive displays and a representational model of an interactive watershed exhibit, located

in the community of Playa Vista surrounded by the Southern California Edison service territories of Marina Del Rey, Culver City, Inglewood and El Segundo.” Friends of Ballona Wetlands was formed in 1978 to save and protect the Ballona Wetlands and has a dual mission of educating the public and representing the community during the upcoming state-sponsored restoration of the entire reserve. The reserve provides crucial habitat for hundreds of species of birds and other wildlife, as well as open space recreational opportunity for the public. “Edison International is committed to improving the environment in the communities we serve by supporting organizations like the Friends, which engage the public in preserving our natural resources, and educating our youth,” said Caroline Choi, vice president of Regulatory & Environmental Policy for Southern California Edison. “We’ve been impressed for some time with the depth and breadth of the Friends’ education efforts, which encompass all ages, from kindergarten to senior citizens – and over 75,000 restoration volunteers since 1994.” Corporate contributions are paid for by Edison International shareholders, and not by utility customers. “Friends is once again very excited to have the support of Edison International. This past year we

Socal Edison presents the check to Friends of Ballona Wetlands. From left to right: David Kay, Board President, Friends of Ballona Wetlands; Christian Alvez, Friends’ Staff; Lisa Fimiani, Friends’ Executive Director; Marina DeBris, California Trash Artist and David Ford, Regional Manager, Southern California Edison. PHOTO PROVIDED BY LISA FIMIANI.

were able to multiply the effect of the Edison International grant with a matching grant from REI to purchase field backpacks and another grant from Loyola Marymount University’s Center For Urban Resilience (CURes) to acquire easy to carry bird ID cards,” said Fimiani. “Edison International understands the impact businesses have on the community and how ‘giving back’ helps improve the quality of life of its customers. We are so grateful for their continued support.”

Friends of Ballona Wetlands works in partnership with the California Coastal Conservancy and the California Department of Fish and Game, which have authority over the state-owned Ballona Wetlands Ecological Reserve, and other organizations tasked with protecting and monitoring the wetlands, such as Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority and Santa Monica Bay Restoration Commission to fulfill its mission.

VERGARI & ASSOCIATES attorneys & counselors at law

Our staff strives to build long term relationships with our clients We are committed to providing professional services with integrity

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Saturday Night Alive! Westchester Christian Community Church family invites you to “Saturday Night Alive” hosted by Minister Daniel E. Mackey. The evening will include praise dancing, singing, poetry, comedy, a live band, and refreshments. Please come out and join in the celebration. When: Saturday, October 27 @ 7 pm This event is designed for all Where: Westchester Christian Church, ages to attend and it is free to the 8740 La Tijera Blvd., Westchester community. No RSVPs required! More Info: (310) 645-4344 Please Join Pastor Crissina Johnson and the Congregation at: Sunday Worship Service at 10:30 a.m. • Sunday School 9 a.m. • Tuesday Prayer at 12 p.m. noon Family Fun Friday Nights at 6:30 p.m. • Youth Bible Study Thursday Nights at 7 p.m.

October 2012

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

Page 9

Looking Back...

• your community newspaper • your community newspaper • your community

By David J. “Duke” Dukesherer

History of Movie Theaters in Westchester and Playa del Rey 1949 Westchester began to develop at leaps and bounds as new homes sprung up and young families flocked to the area to snatch them up. As the population grew, so did the need to entertain the townsfolk, and Westchester boasted not one, but four movie theatres. The La Tierja Theatre opened that year, and just a few months later, so did the Paradise Theatre in 1950, and with the Loyola Theatre, locals had a great many choices for seeing movies. There were two or three theaters in nearby Inglewood as well. Moviegoers were thrilled that year to see movies such as; Twelve O’clock High, All The Kings Men, She Wore a Yellow Ribbon, and I Was a Male War Bride. Every theatre showed double features, so a night at the movies was a five or six hour event. It was common to see gentlemen in suits and ties and the ladies dressed to the nines. But if dressing up for a night on the town didn’t suit you or your family, or junior was teething and you didn’t want to leave him with the sitter, you could throw the kids in the station wagon, pajamas and slippers optional, and head to the Centinela Drive-In. Located at 5700 Centinela in Westchester. The drive-in was a favorite with generations of locals, both young and old. When the kids were too wound up to sit in the car, they could go play in the sand box and swing on the swings. And who can forget the wonderful hot buttered popcorn and ice cold Cokes. The drive-in’s peak popularity

The Centinela Drive-In was opened in the early 1950s when it was operated by Aladdin Theatres and the Berman Brothers. Later taken over by Paciﬁc Theatres, it closed in 1993 and was demolished a few years later. It is now an apartment complex. It had a functional steel-girder screen with lots of metal work done in the Art Moderne style. The Centinela glowed in vivid electric blue neon across the back of the theater screen after dark. PHOTO COURTESY DRIVE-INS.COM.

came in the late 1950s and early 1960s, particularly in rural areas, with some 4,000 drive-ins spreading across the United States. Among its advantages was the fact that a family with a baby could take care of their child while watching a movie, while teenagers with access to autos found drive-ins ideal for dates. Revenue is more limited than regular theaters since showings can only begin at twilight. There were abortive attempts to create suitable conditions for daylight viewing such as large tent structures, but nothing viable was developed.

They eventually lapsed into a quasinovelty status with the remaining handful catering to a generally nostalgic audience, though a few drive-ins continue to successfully operate in Southern California. Today, a multi-screen theatre complex Rave-18, is operated at the Howard Hughes Center, and it was announced in July that a Cinemark NextGen 9-screen theater has plans to open in Playa Vista’s Runway shopping center sometime in 2014.

Comments: dukepdr@gmail.com

Come Join Your Friends At

FOOD PANTRY, LAX

COVENANT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Emergency Food Distribution to those in need Sponsored by Westchester Clergy Association

Worship Service 10:30 am Canines@Covenant 5:00 pm Sunday Covenant on the Corner 80th and Sepulveda Blvd.

Open Tuesdayand andFriday Friday •• 11:00 a.m.toto12 12:30 Open Tuesday 10 a.m. p.m.p.m. (noon) 355 Beach Street, Inglewood

If you have Food to donate, take to Covenant Presbyterian Church or bring to location from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Volunteers and money donations also welcomed and encouraged. For further information, please call (310) 677-5597

Over time, the economics of real estate made the large property areas increasingly expensive for drive-ins to operate successfully. Land became far too valuable for businesses like driveins, especially in areas that experienced winter snows and were open summer only. Widespread adoption of daylight saving time subtracted an hour from outdoor evening viewing time. These changes and the advent of color televisions, VCRs and video rentals led to a sharp decline in the drive-in popularity. Drive-ins were also subject to the whim of nature as inclement weather often caused cancellations.

Ad donated by Covenant Presbyterian Church

Church School for Young People during Service

Pastor: Rev. Cathy Chisholm

We have an Orchestra and Adult, Youth and Children’s Choirs E-mail: cpofﬁs@pacbell.net Childcare is provided- For more information, Call (310) 670-5750

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October 2012

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

Page 10

Random Notes/Opinion

• your community newspaper •

Hoping for quiet neighbors By Nora Lee Owens I think all of us in Westchester are very proud of our local university, Loyola Marymount, aren’t we? It is very well thought of in the annals of advanced learning, the campus is absolutely lovely, many of our residents are graduates of the university, and overall the school is a lovely neighbor to us. Or are we lovely neighbors to it? That’s another “chicken or the egg” question, isn’t it? It does disappoint me, though, when I hear from friends throughout Westchester – not just in North Kentwood or Loyola Village – that their quiet home life is often disrupted by the house full of LMU students who live near to them in a rental. They complain of noisy parties or just noisy tenants,

beer bottles found on their lawns and in the street and absentee owners who apparently don’t care what discomforts their renters cause, just as long as they get that great rent. LMU is aware of the problem, I’m told, but it is apparently a problem it can’t, or won’t solve. The police are often called to break up a noisy party, but what of the litter and disrespect not caused by parties, but just by happy kids away from home for the first time in their lives with money to spend and friends to share memories with on a full-time basis. I think we all remember those days, except I lived in a dorm with a housemother who would gleefully lock me out if I was a second after 2 a.m. checking in and parents who would have pulled my plug if I had been caught doing anything mildly

involving the police. The problem, I’m told, is that there isn’t enough student housing directly on campus for the juniors and seniors, and they must live somewhere (some of my friends would prefer they live in Ohio, but that’s another fantasy that can’t be achieved). So what is the answer? More available student housing would be a start. Landlords who imposed rules on their student tenants would be another possibility. And certainly parents who, when advised that their children were living a decadent life, cut off their monthly stipends or took away their BMWs would be another possibility. Failing all of the above, which we know will fail, perhaps a class in “love thy neighbor” could be a requirement for out-going Sophomores

who would be tenants for the first time the following fall term. They could be given some basic tips on how to shut windows when playing music, staying out of the yards when drinking alcohol, and using trash cans for disposing of used paraphernalia of whatever variety. Otherwise, many of our residents will continue to dread going to bed at night– and not because they aren’t sleepy– but because their sleep is continuously interrupted. Oh, and by the way, I don’t think the old adage “you knew the university was here when you moved here” has any credibility. That fact was supposed to be a plus, not a minus. Maybe that can still be the case if all the parties work toward peaceful solutions.

Aunt Mabel and the garage, the trickle-down effect By Mishele Vieira, Certified Professional Organizer® An organizational challenge faced by many at one time or other is the inability to eat dinner at the dining room table. The cause: the table is filled with paper, bills, books, etc. and it is acting as a desk. On more than one occasion, I have given people permission to re-name the dining room and call it the office. Now of course, you know they did not need my permission. However, for whatever reason, usually guilt, they were unable to give themselves permission to make this change even though it was a good decision for their family, and lifestyle. Today I would like to focus on the people who really would like to regain the use of their dining room table for eating. In many cases, the dining room has turned in to the office because the office has turned into the garage. Why? Because Aunt Mabel died and left the family all of her furniture and they loved Aunt Mabel. So even though

the antique furniture does not go with the modern home, they can’t get rid of it, because she was the favorite aunt. I call this “Aunt Mabel Syndrome.” It can happen anywhere, and it is when items that are seldom or never used are taking up valuable space and preventing something regularly used from having a place to live. For example, the hall closet often contains items like ski equipment even though the residents haven’t skied in years, and therefore, the regularly used coats end up on the back of a chair. In the case of the garage, the things that would normally be stored in the garage now have nowhere to go, so they are placed in the office. This of course prohibits the office from being a comfortable place to work, so the next logical place to work is the dining room table. What started in the garage has now trickled down to the dining room table, and will require some work in order to regain the use of the dining room table. As we’ve done with previous organizing projects, it’s a good idea to schedule some uninterrupted

time to complete this project, and achieve success. For an immediate result, we could clear the dining room table in order to eat there, and then return it to a work zone after the meal. But we must beware of that dangerous phrase, “I’m just going to put this here, for right now.” The better solution is probably to regain use of the garage in order to regain use of the office. This will necessitate removing the furniture. We can determine if there is anyone else in the family who would like to have the furniture. If no takers, perhaps we can consign the furniture at a furniture consignment shop, sell it on craigslist or donate it to a charity. In the last case, we will be doing something good and may even get a tax deduction, a nice bonus for something we didn’t buy and aren’t using. People often feel guilty when they let go of something that was given to them by or once belonged to someone they love. It is important to remember that our love for that person does not change when we let go of the item. Besides, Aunt Mabel

would really want the family to be eating together at the dining room table as opposed to on TV trays. After the furniture is removed, the office can be cleared of the items that really should be in the garage. Before just moving things to the garage, we make an honest assessment of whether or not we will use them again, or are just keeping them for old time’s sake, or because there’s room in the garage. Perhaps there are some additional give aways lurking in the office. The next step of course is to move the paperwork and items back to the office so that we can enjoy meals again at the dining room table. At the next meal we will be sure to give a toast of thanks and reminisce about dear Aunt Mabel. Mishele Vieira, CPO®, owner of Away With Chaos helps overwhelmed, overscheduled and under-organized people make room for what matters most in their home, work and life. Contact her at mishele@awaywithchaos.com.

Endeavour soars in our imagination By Fay Craton Where were you when the Endeavour flew over us in her final flight? All around me people are buzzing about their experience of its final flight into Los Angeles. Endeavour heading to the California Space Center marks the end of an era. It is a poignant reminder of another change happening in the world around us. As part of humankind’s exploration into space, Endeavour captures our imaginations and dreams. It opened possibilities within our minds of places in the universe people could someday travel. We were further

October 2012

enriched through science experiments conducted aboard the shuttle. Many new possibilities were explored through our quest into space. Step-by-step, space exploration proved what we imagined could come into existence. Possibility created by imagination is important whether we are envisioning space travel or our everyday lives. The role of imagination in obtaining desires also appears when we are learning new social skills. Think about learning to dance. A few steps are learned and you have a body awareness of what doing the steps feels like. The next time you wish to dance, you can imagine what it feels like and

it become much easier to perform. With each new step the possibility of dancing well increases. The same is true when learning any new social skill. Imagination is important whether we are talking about space travel, dancing, or anything else we desire in life. Too many people have lost the ability to dream big. When this nation decided to send a man to the moon, it was merely a huge dream. It was achieved by breaking the dream down into small steps. The success of each step made the next step possible. It is important to be able to dream. It is envisioning possibility for yourself that your soul’s desire can happen.

People who are functioning well in this world are able to hold in their minds a positive possibility for tomorrow. For someone without a job, the dream could be work, which pays well and is satisfying. For another person, the dream could be a certificate for a specific skill or a college education – or maybe a graduate degree. The dream could be to have a stable and happy family life. Perhaps what you desire is a satisfying relationship with a spouse. As the next era of space exploration opens up, maybe your dream will be to take a trip on a commercial space vehicle, or perhaps you would like to (continued on page 24)

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

Page 11

SPECIAL SECTION

Rides, fun, food & more

Food Trucks & Fun

When the sun goes down, the party rocks on with the best gourmet food trucks in L.A.! page 2

Entertainment

In the tradition of the Backstreet Boys and ‘N Sync, IM5 Band will deliver sensational vocal harmonies and dance routines.

he Westchester HALLOWEEN TOWN FAIR promises to deliver �� page 3 beginning at 10:30 a.m., on Saturday, October 27 in the parking lot behind the Costume Contest �� Paradise Building (9100 S. Sepulveda Boulevard at Westchester Parkway in Westchester). With free admission for everyone, the Fair will offer something for young and old alike: exciting carnival rides and games, live entertainment, a petting zoo, face-painting, a costume contest and lots of great food. New this year, STAR WARS Characters will battle the forces of good and evil on the Fairgrounds, and pose for photos with devoted fans. Again this year, the WTC BID Sponsor Booth will be offering free keepsake Enter our Scream Queen and photos, set in the Fair’s signature magnetic Costume Contests! frames, as a keepsake memory for your page 4 continued enjoyment. The Fair will also include a “Battle of the Presented by Badges” - LAFD - LAPD Chili Cook-Off, featuring original chili recipes from our local protectors. “This is a great opportunity for us to showcase to the community the great shops and restaurants in Westchester

In Partnership with

Drollinger P R O P E R T I E S

Town Center,” said Don Duckworth, Executive Director of the Westchester Town Center BID, which is presenting the event. “The Halloween Town Fair will be a true community event, and we expect that thousands of people will turn out to celebrate Halloween and enjoy the unique sense of community we have here in Westchester.” The event will also include a beer, wine and margarita garden by Melody Bar & Grill as well as bounce houses. Fantastic Fig & Newton, the psychic magician, will roam the crowd entertaining kids and adults alike. On stage, the Couchois Brothers Band will entertain fair-goers with its unique brand of rock, funk and R&B. At 2:45pm, the LAX Coastal Area Chamber of Commerce and Otis College of Art and Design will announce the winners of their annual Halloween Window Painting Contest. Kentwood Players raises the bar introducing a “new to the Fair” Scream Queen Contest at 3 pm. At 3:30 pm, the popular new group, GIRL SQUAD will open for the HOT new boy band, IM5. This “All Star” Show, the Fair’s Grand Finale, will WOW the crowd until 4:30pm. IM5 and GIRL SQUAD will be available in

a designated “Meet & Greet” area to sign autographs and pose for photo-ops directly following the Show. Along with the IM5 and Girl Squad “Meet & Greet”, Rides and Games, Music and the Melody Bar continue from 4:30pm - 6:00pm. At 6 p.m. the site will transform into an After-Fair Food Truck & Fun event, featuring some of L.A.’s best gourmet food trucks and entertainment by Pure Play Band. This year, the After-Fair event introduces LIMO TOURS (20-25 minute Tours - dropoffs and pick-ups) at the WP&R Haunted House, OTIS and LMU from 6:00pm 10:00pm. Tours will depart from Westchester Parkway, just outside of the Fair’s Main entrance gate, and will make continuous runs throughout the evening. Free parking for the Fair will be available in the Drollinger parking structure at Westchester Parkway and Sepulveda Westway. For more information on the Fair or the Food Trucks, please visit www. westchestertowncenter.com, or contact Terry O’Connor at (310) 994-9904 or via email at terry.oconnor2012@gmail.com.

OCTOBER 27

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Paradise Building Parking Lot 9100 Sepulveda Blvd (at Westchester Pkwy)

October 2012 ––––-Halloween Town Fair Special Section–––– Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey• Playa Vista HomeTown News

Page 12

AFTER 6PM FUN

Food trucks roll in when sun goes down When the sun goes down, the Halloween Town Fair will just be heating up. New this year, from 6 to 10 p.m., continuous limo tours from the fair to the Westchester Parks and Recreation Center Haunted House, OTIS, LMU and returning to the fair, to drop off costumed characters and pick up the next group of adventurous brave souls. At 6 p.m., the site will transform into an After-Fair Food Truck and Fun event, featuring some of L.A.’s best gourmet food trucks and entertainment by Pure Play Band. The Grilled Cheese Truck, the “Cadillac of the industry,” will be serving all of your favorite things! If you prefer something from the sea, then Lobsta Truck is your truck. Grab a Lobsta Roll, fresh lobsta meat on a toasted split-top roll with mayo or butter ... tasty! Aloha! Joining the After-Fair event this year, famous Hawaiian Islands restaurateur and chef, Sam Choy, brings his fabulous new food truck, Pineapple Express, to wow fair guests! Of course, the event will include a wide array of gourmet food trucks serving cuisines of all kinds. Invited trucks scheduled to participate include Baby’s Burgers (American/Burgers); Bacon Mania (All Things Bacon); Border Grill (Mexican); Crepes Bonaparte (Crepes); Fishlips (Japanese,/Sushi); the Greasy Wiener (Hot Dogs); Grilled Cheese Truck (Sandwiches); Komodo (Asian Fusion); Lobsta Truck (Seafood); Me So Hungry (Asian Fusion); Pineapple Express (Hawaiian); Ragin’ Cajun (Cajun); the Slummin’ Gourmet (Modern Bistro Fare); Trailer Park Truck (American Comfort Food); and VCHOS (Central American Tapas). Thank you to L.A.’s Gourmet Food Trucks for participating in this event.

WESTCHESTER’S HALLOWEEN TOWN

AFTER FAIR

FOOD TRUCKS & FUN

SATURDAY OCTOBER 27, 2012 6:00-10:00pm+ PARADISE BUILDING PARKING LOT

9100 S. Sepulveda Blvd. Los Angeles, 90045 (at Westchester Parkway)

FREE Parking - AMPLE ON STREET & IN PARKING GARAGE LOCATED BEHIND BUILDINGS AT 8929 & 8939 S. SEPULVEDA BLVD.

• MUSIC & DANCING TO pureplayband.com

• CARNIVAL RIDES & GAMES • LIMO RIDES TO AND FROM THE WP&R HAUNTED HOUSE, OTIS & LMU ($1 EACH WAY - NO CHARGE TO OTIS OR LMU STUDENTS)

• MELODY BAR - BEER, WINE & MARGARITAS

12+ GOURMET FOOD TRUCKS INVITED TRUCKS

Presented by the Westchester Town Center BID / www.westchestertowncenter.com Contact Terry for more information / terry_oconnor2012@yahoo.com / 310.994.9904 see menu directory on reverse side

Beer garden adds to celebration Presented by the Melody Bar and Grill, the Halloween Town Fair will include a special beer, wine and margarita garden for adults only. Located adjacent to the performance stage, the beer garden will serve a wide variety of drinks with a great view of the bands and everything happening on stage. Stop by, enjoy a beer and listen to the rockin’ sounds of The Couchois Brothers and the Pure Play Band!

Westchester Town Center BID 2012

A Year of Accomplishments

For more information ... please contact Terry O’Connor (310) 994-9904

terry.oconnor2012@gmail.com Like HalloweenTown Fair on Facebook!

Ambassador Bicycle Patrol “The WTC has never been more ‘people friendly’ because of the BID’s new Ambassador Patrol.” ��

October 2012 ––––Halloween Town Fair Special Section–––– Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey• Playa Vista HomeTown News

Page 13

Protectors square off in Battle of the Badges Four-alarm, extra beans, mild, spicy or knock-yoursocks-off hot ... whatever kind of chili you like, our protectors will be cooking it up! Join us for the Fifth Annual Battle of the Badges Chili �� for the best chili in Westchester. Come vote for your favorites. The 2008 Honorary Fire Chief Heather Lemmon will present the �� People’s Choice Award. �� Division. Try some of the best chili around and support a great cause – the men and women who put themselves in harm’s way to protect us every day.

Restaurants “bring it” to the fair ... Among the great food available for sale at the Halloween Town Fair will be offerings from Truxton’s American Bistro and Chalet Edelweiss Restaurant & Bar. Returning to the Fair this year, Truxton’s, located at 8611 Truxton Avenue in Westchester, joins the party and will be serving up sliders, Mac n’ Cheese, and Bistro Salad as well as cookies and brownies. When we hear the word “Edelweiss,” we immediately think The Sound of Music. Let your mouth water, because the hills are alive with the taste of Bratwurst and Sauerkraut served at the Fair by Chalet Edelweiss, located at 8740 Sepulveda Boulevard in Westchester. Get ready to feel like you’ve stepped into a Swiss chalet right here in Westchester (there’s even a mountainside mural). Patrons rave about the pork, chicken, lamb, or veal Swiss Bratwurst, and call the Homemade Applestrudel a “go-to.” �� fondue, and fresh salads. And there’s a patio, great for celebrating OktoberFest. So get ready to add Chalet Edelweiss to your list of “favorite things.” Of course, once the Fair is over, be sure to visit the restaurants for a great sit-down meal with your family.

D LAF

Come vote for your favorite chili!

Enter Our Costume, Scream Queen Contests

Tree Maintenance/New Trees “Pleasant landscaping and the more than 100 beautiful street trees planted this year enhance the shopping experience and attract customers to the Westchester Town Center.” – Don Duckworth, Executive Director, WTC BID

Be sure join attend the Halloween Town Fair in costume, it is Halloween after all. Who knows? You �� 1. Most creative costume 2. Best male character 3. Best female character 4. Best traditional Halloween costume 5. Best parent and child costume This year, to promote Kentwood Players’ presentation of “Scream Queens – The Musical,” there will �� under “Entertainment” at www.westchestertowncenter.com.Contest winners will be announced from the stage at 2:45 p.m. Scream Queen Contest and judging at 3 p.m.

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Street Light Pole Banners “I want to tell everyone how vibrant, clean, and ready for business the WTC is because of the BID.” – Christina Davis, President, LAX Coastal Area Chamber of Commerce

New Trees & Tree Lighting WTC now has landscaped medians and street trees that adorn the area. Accent lighting has also been added. “I just love to drive home at night and see those lights! They make me feel at home.” – Councilman Bill Rosendahl

October 2012 ––––Halloween Town Fair Special Section–––– Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey• Playa Vista HomeTown News

Page 14 ��

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Fair Program & Entertainment

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Our Sponsors PRESENTING SPONSOR Westchester Town Center BID

10:30 am

LAPD CADETS –COLOR GUARD PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

10:35 AM

STAR-SPANGLED OPENING ST. BERNARD HIGH SCHOOL CHOIR

10:40 am – 4:30 pm

STAR WARS CHARACTERS WILL POSE FOR PHOTOS

10:40 am

THE COUCHOIS BROTHERS BAND www.couchoisband.com

11:30 am

WESTCHESTER LUTHERAN SCHOOL CHEER SQUAD

11:50 am

THE COUCHOIS BROTHERS BAND

12:30 pm

“SURPRISE GUEST”

1 – 10 pm

FANTASTIC FIG & NEWTON PSYCHIC MAGICIAN

12:50 pm

THE COUCHOIS BROTHERS BAND

1:30 pm

LOS ANGELES ARTS COLLECTIVE – DANCE

2 pm

THE COUCHOIS BROTHERS BAND

2:45 pm

AWARDS PRESENTATIONS: KENTWOOD PLAYERS – HALLOWEEN COSTUME CONTEST LAX COASTAL AREA CHAMBER AND OTIS COLLEGE OF ART & DESIGN WINDOW-PAINTING COMPETITION BATTLE OF THE BADGES CHILI COOK-OFF

3 pm

KENTWOOD PLAYERS – SCREAM QUEEN CONTEST

3:30 pm

IM5 BAND & GIRL SQUAD HALLOWEEN TOWN FAIR –GRAND FINALE FOLLOWED BY AUTOGRAPH SIGNING AND PHOTO OPS

4:30 – 6 pm

RIDES, GAMES, ENTERTAINMENT & MELODY BAR CONTINUE

After-Fair Food Trucks & Fun FEATURING 12+ GOURMET FOOD TRUCKS RIDES, GAMES AND MUSIC 6 – 10 pm

PURE PLAY BAND www.pureplayband.com

6 – 10 pm

LIMO TOURS (TO WESTCHESTER PARK HAUNTED HOUSE, OTIS & LMU)

10 pm

ELVIS LEAVES THE PARADISE BUILDING

PRESENTED BY: Drollinger Properties Loyola Marymount University OTIS College of Art and Design DOUBLE PLATINUM DiDi Hirsch Mental Health Services Platinum �� Gold City National Security Services �� LAX Coastal Area Chamber of Commerce Maleman Ink Public Relations �� Silver �� Star Wars Characters (Rebel Legion/501st Legion) Bronze �� Friends of the Fair �� Westchester Landscape �� Westchester Streetscape Improvement Association School Participants �� Community Contributors ��

October 2012 ––––Halloween Town Fair Special Section–––– Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey• Playa Vista HomeTown News

Page 15

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HOMETOWN

NEWS

Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista

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

Page 16

To Do Rotary Club of Westchester The Rotary Club of Westchester meets every Wednesday at 12 noon for lunch at the Crowne Plaza LAX Hotel, 5985 W. Century Blvd. in Westchester. The cost of lunch is $20 and validated self parking is free. Guests are most welcome! Reservations are not required. For information regarding the upcoming luncheon programs, visit www.rotary-westchester.org/ or become our friend (Westchester Rotary) on Facebook. Playa Vista Farmers’ Market Come out to the Playa Vista Farmers’ Market, located in the heart of Playa Vista. Open every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and showcasing the freshest fruits, vegetables and flowers direct from the best local farmers’ California has to offer as well as other traditional market fare. This is a Certified Farmers’ Market sponsored by Sprouts of Promise Foundation, a 501(c) 3 non-profit focused on the education of healthy eating habits. Playa Venice Sunrise Rotary Club Join the Rotary club of Playa Venice Sunrise Rotary Club at its Wednesday morning meeting at 7:15 a.m. at the Courtyard Marriott Hotel, located at 13480 Maxella Avenue in Marina del Rey. The cost of the meeting is $25, which includes breakfast and a guest speaker. Guests are welcome and reservations are not required. For more information, www. playasunrise.org or call (310) 4293808. Speakers by the Sea Toastmaster’s Group Improve your public speaking skills every Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. by joining the Speakers by the Sea Toastmaster’s Group. Visitors are always welcome - just drop in. The meeting takes place at 12000 Vista del Mar in Conf. Room 230A in Playa del Rey (One traffic light South of Imperial Highway on Vista del Mar) For more info, please call (310) 5592834. League of Woman Voters Speaker Election day is November 6, 2012. Are you ready? Please join Delta Kappa Gamma and Covenant Presbyterian Church for a meeting to learn about the fall ballot measures. The speaker will be Renee Chanon from the League of Women Voters. The event will take place Saturday, October 6, at 2:30 p.m. at Covenant Presbyterian Church, located at 6323 West 80th Street in Westchester. Elks Lodge October Events On, Friday, October 12 at 7 p.m. celebrate Oktoberfest and help the Elks National Foundation fundraiser with beer, brats, music and fun. Proceeds support several programs for the youth

October 2012

• your community newspaper • your community newspaper • your community newspaper • and veterans in our community. The event is kid-friendly. For more info, please call (310) 8213005. Retro Prom 2012 Saturday, October 6 join the Kentwood PTA for its Second Annual Retro Prom. The event will be held at the Elks Lodge, located at 8025 W. Manchester Ave. in Playa del Rey from 7 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. Tickets to the event are $50 and all proceeds will go to benefit the Kentwood Education Fund. Legendary DJ Richard Blade will be spinning music from the 70s, 80s and 90s. There will be dancing, a raffle, silent auction, costume contest and a full bar. More information and tickets can be purchased at retroprom2012.com. YMCA Pancake Breakfast Bring your family and friends and join the YMCA for a delicious pancake breakfast hosted by the Westchester Y Service Club. Join the Westchester Family YMCA on Saturday, October 13 from 8 to 11 a.m. for a pancake breakfast. The event will take place in the Westchester YMCA parking lot, located at 8015 South Sepulveda Blvd. in Westchester. All proceeds help raise funds for YMCA youth programs and the event is hosted by the Westchester Y Service Club. For more information, call (310) 6704316 or visit www.ymcala.org. Kentwood Players Present “Rockin’ Robin Hood” Kentwood Players presents its next Kentwood Kids Production, “Rockin’ Robin Hood,” a musical

written by Scott Martin, directed by Samantha Barrios, produced by Drew Fitzsimmons and Melodie S. Rivers with Martin Feldman as musical director. Performances take place on Saturdays, October 6, 13 and 20 at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. at the Westchester Playhouse, located at 8301 Hindry Avenue in Westchester. Sideburns and ducktails invade Sherwood Forest as Robin Hood, his Merry Men and the Sheriff of Nottingham, along with lots of assorted peasants and courtiers, meet the music of Elvis Presley. This musical melodrama promises to keep you cheering for the heroes and booing the villains as they sing song parodies from the 1950s in their own “Rockin’ Robin Hood” style. Tickets are $10 with a special family four-pack of seats for $35. Please call (310) 645-5156 for reservations Tuesday through Saturday from 4 to 7 p.m. Otis College of Art and Design’s Ben Maltz Gallery Presents Alison Saar’s “STILL...” The Ben Maltz Gallery continues to present and document new work by artists in the “SoCal” region with the solo exhibition “STILL...” by Otis alumna Alison Saar (MFA 1981). Informed by artistic traditions from the Americas to Africa and beyond, and by her mixed racial upbringing, Saar fuses her paradoxical responses to the black-and-white delineations of political and social forces into a powerful, visual and kinesthetic tension. She uses the history and associations of her materials, everyday experience, African art

and ritual, Greek mythology and the stark sculptural tradition of German Expressionism to infuse her work with a primal intensity that challenges cultural and historic references and stereotypes. STILL . . . gathers together for the first time four never-exhibited works made during a residency at Pilchuck Glass School in Seattle with six new bronze and mixed-media sculptures. The show runs through November 17 and the Ben Maltz gallery is open Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and closed Sundays and Monday. The gallery is located on the Otis campus at 9045 Lincoln Blvd. in Westchester and is free and open to the public. Discover Marina del Rey On Sunday, October 7 starting at 11 a.m. head on down to the Marina for a free community and family-oriented event. Discover Marina del Rey will feature information booths on health, safety and the environment. There will also be live music, rides, games, marionette shows and arts and crafts. Admission to the park is free and the purchase of a $5 wristband gives access to attendees to attractions in the park. This event is sponsored by LA County Department of Beaches & Harbors. The event will take place in Burton Chace Park, located at 13650 Mindanao Way in Marina del Rey. Parking is $8. For more info, please call (310) 3059545.

Halloween Events

Spooky Stories to Tell in the Park The Parks and Rec Department at Westchester Park is holding a “Spooky Stories to Tell in the Dark, Bonfire at Westchester Park” event on Tuesday, October 23 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. The event will be held in the park directly across from Otis College, where the weekly farmers’ market is held. Ghost stories and games will be played while attendees sit around a bonfire. Refreshments like hot cocoa and smores will be served and food trucks will be on site for food purchases. For more information, please call Heather Lemmon at (310) 216-7653.

Halloween Town Fair The 4th Annual Halloween Town Fair, will be held on Saturday, October 27 from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with an After Fair Food Truck and Fun Festival after the event from 6 to 10 p.m. The event will feature live entertainment from the Couchois

Brothers, boy band sensation IM5 and others. Carnival rides and games, face painting, arts and crafts, a pumpkin patch and more will entertain guests. Attendees will also have the opportunity to ride a limo to the Haunted House at Westchester Park to and from the fair. For more information, please call Terry O’Connor at (310) 994-9904.

Elks Lodge’s Halloween Bash On Saturday, October 27 at 8 p.m. the Elks club will be throwing a Halloween Bash with DJ’s, specialty drinks and fun. There is free parking and no cover charge. The Westchester Elks Lodge is located at 8025 W. Manchester Ave. in Playa Del Rey. Free parking is located in the back. For more info, please call (310) 8213005. Open Charter Fall Festival Open Charter School will hold its Fall Family Festival on October 27

from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The school is located at 5540 W. 77th Street (corner of West 77th Street and Osage Avenue) in Westchester. The festival features carnival games, food, petting zoo, several bouncyhouses, a Haunted House and a pumpkin patch. Admission is free. All proceeds benefit the school’s enrichment programs. .For further information, please call (310) 665-9877. Westchester Parks and Recs Haunted House Prepare to be scared at the Westchester Rec Department’s annual Haunted House! This year, the haunted house will be open on October 26, 27, 28 and 31. The cost to enter is $5 and the haunted house is open from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. The Rec Center is located at 7000 W. Manchester Ave. in Westchester. For more info, please call (310) 6707473.

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

Page 17

COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS

October Sunday

Monday

Tuesday Tuesday

Still...@ Ben Maltz Gallery (through November 17)

Wednesday Wednesday

Thursday Thursday

NCWP Meeting @ Westchester Municipal Building

Friday Friday

Saturday Saturday

First Friday @ 87th Street & Truxton Ave.

Fall Ballot Measure Review @ Covenant Presbyterian Church

“Scream Queens” @ Westchester Playhouse

“Rockin Robin’ Hood” @ Westchester Playhouse Retro Prom @ Elks Lodge

2 Gateway to Go @ Crowne Plaza LAX

“Scream Queens” @ Westchester Playhouse Discover Marina del Rey @ Burton Chace Park

9 Gateway to Go @ Crowne Plaza LAX

“Scream Queens” @ Westchester Playhouse

Deadline for SPAS DRAFT EIR Comments

Space Shuttle Moves thorugh Westchester

Westchester Farmers’ Market @ Westchester Park

Oktoberfest @ Elks Lodge

“Rockin Robin’ Hood” @ Westchester Playhouse

“Scream Queens” @ Westchester Playhouse

Speakers by the Sea @ Playa del Rey

10 Speakers by the Sea @ Playa del Rey

11 Rotary Dinner @ CenterPointe Club

Westchester Farmers’ Market @ Westchester Park

Pancake breakfast @ YMCA

Visitation Carnival @ Visitation

“Scream Queens” @ Westchester Playhouse

“Rockin Robin’ Hood” @ Westchester Playhouse “Scream Queens” @ Westchester Playhouse

Visitation Carnival @ Visitation

Gateway to Go @ Crowne Plaza LAX

Speakers by the Sea @ Playa del Rey

Spooky Story Time @ Westchester Park

Westchester Farmers’ Market @ Westchester Park

19 Haunted House @ Westchester Park

20 Halloween Town Fair @ Paradise Building Fall Festival @ Open Charter School Haunted House @ Westchester Park

NCWP Election @ Community Room

23 Gateway to Go @ Crowne Plaza LAX

Haunted House @ Westchester Park

October 2012

Halloween Haunted House @ Westchester Park

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

Page 18

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Page 19

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

Page 20

NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL OF WESTCHESTER / PLAYA

2012 ELECTION INFORMATION On Sunday, October 28, 2012, the Neighborhood Council of Westchester/Playa will hold its board elections along with a number of other Neighborhood Councils on the Westside. This is your opportunity to get involved, select those candidates who will serve on your Neighborhood Council and make a difference in your community. Think of your Neighborhood Council as a group of local residents and representatives of local businesses, churches and schools, etc., working together to address important issues in our neighborhood. As part of the city’s Charter, Neighborhood Councils are an integral part of how local government operates, providing elected �� how it stands on all issues. The election for the Neighborhood Council of Westchester/Playa board of directors will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Westchester Municipal Building Community Room at 7166 West Manchester Avenue in Westchester. The election is open to any member of the community who is at least 18 years of age on the date of the election and lives, works or owns property in Zip Codes 90293, 90045 or 90094. According to the election procedures approved by the City of Los Angeles, voters must verify their stakeholder status by providing acceptable documentation. Stakeholder status may also be established by means of declaring a stake (or interest) in the neighborhood and providing acceptable documentation. Factual Basis Stakeholders will also be required to provide a form of documentation to substantiate their factual �� Seat – the only seat for which Factual Basis Stakeholders may vote. Every voter planning to vote in the election must bring with them to the polling location proof of stakeholder status, including driver’s license, utility bill, property tax statement, pay �� other documentation that proves they live, work or own property in Zip Codes 90293, 90045 or 90094. Thoae who do not provide this proof will be given a provisional ballot, which will not be counted until stakeholder ��

October 2012

ON THE BALLOT ...

About half of the seats on the Neighborhood Council’s board of directors will be up for election. The following candidates will appear on the October 28 ballot:

At-Large Director Seat 1 Nora MacLellan Robert Neiwirth �� Mark Redick Residential District 2 Gregg Aniolek Gregory Heffernan Residential District 4 Alexandra Bissonnette Residential District 6 Christopher Baker John Loizeaux

Residential District 8 Thomas Flintoft

Education Director Seat Andrew Kamm

Residential District 10 Matthew Parrish

LMU Representative ��

Residential District 12 Denny Schneider Jennifer Stonerock

Business Seat 90045 Geoff Maleman Business Seat 90293 Lance Williams

Residential District 14 Alex Eychis Karen Stone Community Organizations Sharma Henderson Mason Shayan David Voss

Service Clubs and Fraternal Organizations Seat Jack Topal Youth Organizations Scott Carni

Volunteers Needed to Serve as NCWP Poll Workers NCWP is looking for neighborhood partners who are interested in volunteeering as poll workers for the 2012 Neighborhood Council Elections. Volunteers will support the local electoral process and contribute to the Culture of Empowerment.

REQUIREMENTS: To be a volunteer poll worker, you must be at least 16 years of age by Election Day able to speak, read, and write English able to provide your own transportation.

POLL WORKER INFORMATION: On Election Day, poll workers will work shifts to assist in the administration of the Neighborhood Council Elections. As a volunteer poll worker, you will not receive any compensation for your service.

If you would like to participate in the poll worker volunteer program �� Poll Worker Application at www.EmpowerLA.org. If you have any questions or comments for the EmpowerLA Elections Team, send an email to Elections@EmpowerLA.org or call 818-293-VOTE.

Election Day 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, October 28, 2010 at Westchester Municipal Building Community Room 7166 W. Manchester Ave., in Westchester

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

Page 21

October 2012

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

Page 22

NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL OF WESTCHESTER / PLAYA

2012 ELECTION INFORMATION

meet the candidates ... Residential District 10 (Vote for 1)

MATTHEW PARRISH

As a life long resident of Westcher. I want to be representative of residential District #10. My platforms are two fold. Senior Citizens need better representation.The people of Westchester need a public facility, where they can engage in activities. I am 19 yeras old, attending a local college, but still have time to address the needs of the community. Currently, I volunteer for, Heal the Bay, Upward Bound and tutoring students at local schools. Thank You very much for your time. I am asking you for your vote on October 28th. Residential District 12 (Vote for 1)

DENNY SCHNEIDER

Denny Schneider is dedicated to making Southern California a better place to live by actively participating in numerous local and regional causes involving the environment, transportation, housing, and improving the California business climate. As a 14 year Board member of the Neighborhood Council Westchester-Playa, he is active in Neighborhood Council activities addressing numerous issues throughout Los Angeles. Other volunteer positions include: President of the Alliance for a Regional Solution to Airport Congestion (ARSAC), �� Amendment Master Plan Review Committee working to improve LAX, founder and Past President of the Westchester Neighbors Association, Chair of the LAX-Community Noise Roundtable, MTA’s Crenshaw-LAX Leadership Council Board member, member LADWP Integrated Resource Planning and Storm Water Advisory Group, and Exec Board Member of Valley VOTE. Denny holds technical and business

October 2012

degrees. He worked as staff scientist and avionics/aerospace Programs Manager overseeing multi-million dollar programs.

JENNIFER STONEROCK

I am a married mother of four who has raised my children in this school district, had them involved in the Westchester Park programs, and the YMCA. I have 20 years of Human Resources �� make a company successful and residents �� our cities diversity and embrace what it has to offer, while understanding the complexities of the many needs. Though I have never held a city council seat �� to communicate our community needs will be represented at the appropriate times. In doing so, I will need your participation, your voice, and together we will continue to build up and protect our community. Residential District 14 (Vote for 1)

ALEX EYCHIS

My name is Alex Eychis, I am a long-time resident of Playa Vista and am the incumbent board member for Residential District 14. I also serve as the Treasurer of the Neighborhood Council of Westchester/ Playa and am the Chairman of the Budget & Finance Committee. I am a graduate of the University of Southern California and also have a Master of Business Administration Degree. I dedicate my time and effort on this board to advocate on behalf of the Council and the residents of Playa Vista. I am a very active member of the community and am proud to represent the stakeholders of Playa Vista and the entire NCWP.

KAREN STONE

I have lived in Playa Vista for 6 years and have owned a successful business for the past 19 years. I have been active for years in helping people, children, and animals through Charity Work and I know I can be a tremendous asset on our Neighborhood Council in bringing the same business, sales, and people skills to our Community. My passion lies with helping Children, Animals, and to help increase revenue for the Businesses. I have many ideas to help bring our Community closer together, and to take our Neighborhood from Ordinary to ExtraOrdinary!! Community Organizations (Vote for 1)

SHARMA HENDERSON

I am the President/ CEO of CO-OP, �� serving the Westchester community since 2003. In addition to our Upward Bound program at WESM, we provide the community with free workshops, academic services, wellness programs, and more! Personally, I have a long-standing foundation in the Westchester/Playa community. I am a graduate of Loyola Village School and received my Doctorate at Pepperdine’s West LA Campus. I have worked in the �� various capacities. I would like to serve on the NCWP Board as a Community Organization Director to represent the �� that together we can strengthen the role that community-based agencies play in providing much needed services to the students, families, and workers in this great community! I aim to assist the NCWP in furthering its mission of promoting participation of the community in government.

MASON SHAYAN

My family and I have lived in Westchester/ Playa del Rey for the last 17 years. Our son attended Westchester High School. I live and work in Westchester as a small business owner. Since I moved to Westchester, I have served as a volunteer on the following community organization boards: Westchester Rotary Club(past president) Westchester Rotary Foundation(current board secretary) Westchester Vitalization Corporation(current president) Westchester Family YMCA Community Police Advisory Board Chamber of Commerce LAX Northside Panel(participated as president of Westchester Vitalization Corporation) I intend to encourage communitty members to stay involved and informed about the important issues in our community. This will provide us the opportunity to have positive impact in our community. My priorities are public safety issues, quality of life concerns and effective corporation among residents, �� City. I appreciate the opportunity to serve as Community Organization Director.

DAVID VOSS

�� remaining Charter members of the Neighborhood Council, I am proud to see how much we have accomplished over the last ten years – and equally concerned with how much remains to be done. We live in a very unique area with a very active and involved community committed to preserving the quality of life we enjoy in our corner of Los Angeles. I look forward to continuing to serve the community as its Community Organizations representative.

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

Page 23

NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL OF WESTCHESTER / PLAYA

2012 ELECTION INFORMATION ANDREW KAMM

I currently hold the educational seat on the Westchester/ Playa Vista Neighborhood Council, I grew up in Westchester, I attended Loyola Village Orville Wright and Westchester High. I am a teacher at Westchester High, I am committed to honesty, integrity, and ensuring our students have the best education possible. LMU Representative (Vote for 1)

CLARENCE GRIFFIN

I have the privilege to serve as community liaison for LMU, and I am running for this position to continue to represent the interests of LMU students, faculty and staff who play an active role in the Westchester /Playa Neighborhood Council District. I have served on the council for over four years and am eager to serve four more. Business Seat 90045 (Vote for 1)

GEOFF MALEMAN

Since 1996, I have had my business in Westchester and have been involved in a wide variety of community organizations. I am currently the Vice President of the Neighborhood Council of Westchester/ Playa and have served (or currently serve) on the boards of the following organizations: �� president) �� Commerce (past president) ��

October 2012

Association �� Managers �� Society �� Committee I SUPPORT: �� including more trees, better landscaping and improved pedestrian lighting �� AMENITIES at our local parks �� city and local residents and businesses �� Let’s make this a GREAT PLACE for everyone to live and work! Business Seat 90293 (Vote for 1)

LANCE WILLIAMS

I have worked in Playa del Rey for over Fifteen years and lived in the community for 12 years. I think this is a very important responsibility. I believe that I have a good feel for the community and I want to be a part of keeping our community great now and into the future. Service Clubs and Fraternal Organizations Seat (Vote for 1)

JACK TOPAL

Over the past four years I have proudly served as a member of the board of Directors on the Neighborhood Council of Westchester/Playa. I represent the Service Clubs and Fraternal Organizations in our area. Ihave been a member of the Masonic Lodge no.529 for over 20 years, located in Playa Del Rey. On the Neighborhood Council I serve on

three committees; 1. Planning and Land Use 2. Budget and Finance 3. Outreach I am running for the Neighborhood Council Westchester-Playa Board so that I may continue to be involved and act in the best interests of our community. I have always been a positive spokesman for the needs of the Neighborhood, including opposing LAX expansion. I am married with two children and have resided in Playa del Rey for more than 30 years. I would appreciate your vote and will continue to serve in the best interest of our community. Youth Organizations (Vote for 1)

SCOTT CARNI

I’m a native of WPDR, work in Real Estate; I’m a single father of two and currently serve as the President of the Westchester Rec. Center’s, Park Advisory Board. We oversee all 8 parks in the area. Yes, �� remodeled Westchester Park. Now it’s the Lagoon Park’s turn. I’m also working on the new 35 acre park designated for PDR. Additional community involvement for your perusal: �� Committee �� Committee �� Hopefully, you can see why I’m interested in the Youth Seat. Goal: “Pass-on a better place, than that which was given”.

for more info: www.ncwpdr.org

Education Director (Vote for 1)

vote october 28, 2012!

meet the candidates ...

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

Page 24

Westchester resident announces candidacy for City Council 11th district seat

WESTCHESTER

FIRST

F R I D A Y S

Eat Healthy. Get Fit. Food Trucks & Fun!!!

12+ of L.A.’s Best Gourmet Food Trucks Live music, featuring KJLH and Rhubarb Meringue Pie Grandpa Munster with treats for all Beer Garden with lots of tables and chairs Annual LA Regional FoodBank food drive Please help others. Bring canned or packaged foods and place them in our collection boxes.

R ��

@6200 Block of W. 87th Street, Westchester

Neighbors Helping Neighbors

We help older adults remain active and independent in the comfort and security of their own homes and neighborhoods for as long as possible.

Become a Member

You will receive help from wonderful volunteers who try to meet your needs.

Become a Volunteer

Get to know and help your neighbors in the community.

Call WPV Today!

Did you know?

Our #1 and #2 requests for services include Transportation and Walking Buddies! Carol Oike Kitabayashi Executive Director

(310) 695-7030 info@thewpv.org / www.thewpv.org 8939 S. Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 326, Los Angeles 90045

October 2012

Westchester resident Odysseus Bostick has recently announced that he is running for City Council in District 11, which includes the areas of Westchester, Playa del Rey and Playa Vista. The seat is currently held by Councilman Bill Rosendahl and the Primary Nominating election will take place on March 5, 2013. Said Bostick in a statement, “I hope for a government that serves its citizenry and this is the reason that I have chosen to pursue public office. I believe that public policy should be built from the ground up in as organic a manner that remains functional and every effort must be made by our representatives to seek out our hopes, our dreams, and our opinions– positive and negative– about the way government is currently working.“ Bostick has been a Westchester resident for nine years and is married with three children. Most recently, he was teaching 8th grade science and history to at-risk students in Echo Park. He currently serves on the Growth and Transition Team of Broadway Elementary’s Mandarin Immersion Pilot Program and is the co-chair of Multiple Helpings whose mission is to collect and distribute

Odysseus Bostick.

gently used baby clothes for families in need. Additionally, he is a board member of the Westchester Neighbors Association and a member of ARSAC. He will be speaking on October 13 at TedxSantaMonica on the future potential of elected officials building public policy with real people through social media. For more info, visit bostick4la.com.

Imagination (continued) (continued from page 10) walk on Mars or head a corporation conducting experiments about long distance space travel. Often times, it is your thoughts limiting your possibilities. What does your soul long for? Pull out a piece of paper and write it down. Or, get some colored pencils and draw it. Get a clear perception of your dream. This dream is the key to your passion and drive in life. Without the ability to dream, people become sad and depressed. Hope is lost when dreams are not present. Sometimes to regain hope it may be necessary to reach out for help. Next, write down the beliefs you hold saying you cannot have your dream. Look at the beliefs. Are they assumptions? Are they something someone may have told you? Are they true? If they are true, what are the facts that make them true? Examining your beliefs can be life changing. Once upon a time, most people believed the world was flat and space travel was not even a concept. Changing beliefs requires effort and a willingness to grow. Are you willing to transform your beliefs in order to live the life you are meant to have? A good plan of action may be necessary to reach your dream. Just as when the nation decided to send a man to the moon, the dream was broken down into small steps. The method to lift off into space had to be

developed. The experience of orbiting the planet was necessary. Step-bystep, the dream unfolded until Neil Armstrong walked on the moon. The dream was exceeded by involvement of space shuttles in missions to the international space station and in sending spacecrafts to Mars and other planets. Once you have the steps defined, establish a timeline to achieve each small step. It is okay if your timeline is years into the future. Reaching the moon took years and it was decades before space shuttles were taking missions to the international space station. On your schedule, set times when you will evaluate your progress. Do you need to make course adjustments? Sometimes plans need to change. What is most important is to check into your heart to make the target what your soul is seeking. My wish for you is to have dreams that make your heart soar. Endeavour was the result of many people reaching their dreams. Your dreams are possible to reach. What do you imagine? Can you imagine a life full of hope and joy? Fay Craton, M.A. is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (mfc40011), which is the psychology license specializing in relationships and she has an office in Westchester. Visit her website at communicationtriangle.com or (310) 645-6762.

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