Westchester/Playa Hometown News April 2025 edition

THIS MONTH BRINGS YOU

A LOOK INSIDE THIS MONTH'S HTN HOMETOWN STAFF/CONTRIBUTORS

ABOUT THE HOMETOWN NEWS THIS MONTH BRINGS YOU

A LOOK INSIDE

Stephanie Davis, Publisher

Shanee Edwards, Contributing Writer

HOMETOWN STAFF/CONTRIBUTORS

Sylvia Wilson, Contributing Writer Jeff Blair, Contributing Writer Zsuzsi Steiner, Photos Robert Higgins, Photos

ABOUT THE HOMETOWN NEWS

THIS MONTH'S HTN HOMETOWN STAFF/CONTRIBUTORS

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.

ABOUT

THE HOMETOWN NEWS

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: Super Volunteers (from left to right) Mariana Salas, Tina Vanderjagt, Vickie Farmer and Gregg Deluga pose for a group photo on the bluff at LMU. Photo by Zsuzsi Steiner

Shop Local in 2025!

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 2025– it’s not just a slogan, it helps keep the businesses we love thriving!

Super volunteers give back and help community organizations thrive

By Shanee Edwards

Volunteering isn’t just about donating time, it’s about building stronger, more connected neighborhoods. Luckily, in Westchester/Playa, there are many community super volunteers who make service not only a priority, but a North Star that guides their daily lives. Whether it’s volunteering as president of a beloved little league, guiding others through the mindfulness of gardening at a local green space, or helping people while volunteering with neighborhood institutions, here are four service superheroes dedicated to fostering a sense of belonging and unity in their organizations.

Tina Vanderjagt: Gardening Until She Can’t Stand Up

From humble Quaker beginnings to a career as a nurse, Tina Vanderjagt has dedicated her life to serving others. These days, she spends most of her time outdoors at the Emerson Avenue Community Garden where she stays active volunteering and fundraising to ensure that everyone can enjoy the space.

Tina moved to Westchester with her “Brady Bunch-style family” (her second husband Jon has three boys, and she has three girls) in 2004. Soon, the kids were out of the nest, and she retired from nursing after 25 years at Torrance Memorial Medical Center. Tina found herself spending most of her time in her garden—a joy she thinks she inherited from her Quaker father, who had the biggest garden in town.

“I’m trying to grow big pumpkins like he did. I can’t do it yet,” she says warmly.

But it was her neighbor, Karen Schaffer, who became a mentor for Tina, and introduced her to new ways to give back to her community.

“Karen worked as a volunteer at the Emerson Avenue Community Garden since 2008. She was a worker bee, and

that’s my kind of person. I’m a worker bee, too. I work until I can’t stand up!” she says.

Karen convinced Tina that the Emerson Avenue Community Garden would be a great fit for Tina’s passion and energy. Tina was thrilled to have this new adventure.

“My husband and I became plot holders and members. Then I started volunteering there,” she says.

Members of the garden are required to volunteer a couple hours a month, but she quickly found herself volunteering up to 10 hours a day! She then joined the Emerson Avenue Community Garden Board of Directors and has now been the garden manager for four years, which is keeping her as busy as ever.

“We’ve got all these volunteers: we have kids, parents, grandparents, and students needing service hours. We’ve got alumni clubs, and recently we had a group of 17, from Yeshiva, a Jewish school in New York state. They came out to visit Disneyland, and ended up volunteering at the garden and doing heavy labor. It’s so amazing, all this connection from around the city and the country,” she says.

One connection that’s really important to Tina is incorporating the garden into fundraising opportunities for local mental health organizations, like the Westchester Mental Health Guild and the Airport Marina Counseling Service, where she also volunteers. Growing up, Tina’s mother suffered with mental illness, so combining her love for horticulture with this deeply personal cause has been incredibly rewarding.

As much as Tina gives to the garden, it gives back to her, too. She remembers the two times she did meditation in the garden and it affected her in a profound way.

“I was just mindful of being in the garden with the group of people and just

realizing how we’re all connected,” she says, tearing up. “We just have to stay still to feel the connection. I felt at one with the universe.”

It was a beautiful moment for a beautiful person.

The garden offers a variety of volunteer opportunities each month for people to get their hands dirty and contribute to this important community space.

To learn more about the Emerson Avenue Community Garden, please visit EACGC.org.

Vickie Farmer: Building Character Through Little League

For Vickie Farmer, Del Rey American Little League (DRALL) isn’t just a place where her three boys play baseball, it’s a community that brings families together and helps young athletes develop life skills. As the newly appointed president of the league, Vickie works tirelessly to create a supportive environment where kids can not only learn the fundamentals of baseball but also grow into confident, compassionate individuals.

Vickie’s journey to Westchester began when she attended Loyola Marymount University (LMU), where she met her husband, Tim, a volleyball player she instantly knew she would marry. After college, Vickie pursued a successful career in marketing and communications, including a seven-year stint at Activision. But after having her second child, she decided to take a step back from the corporate world to focus on her family and give back to her neighborhood.

As her children grew, Vickie became deeply involved in their school, St. Anastasia, taking on fundraising roles and eventually joining the Little League Board of Directors. Her experience made her the perfect fit to step into the role of president when it became available, and she is loving the opportunity.

One of Vickie’s proudest contributions has been revitalizing the Junior Umpire Program, which invites kids who have aged out of Little League to come back and learn how to umpire games. Her oldest son, Henry, now 13, is a junior umpire, and watching him grow into a confident young leader has been one of Vickie’s most rewarding experiences.

“It’s amazing to see these kids come back and take on this responsibility,” she says. “At first, they’re a little hesitant, but by the end of the season, they’re confidently making calls and explaining their decisions to the head umpires. It’s a real transformation.”

This program not only keeps kids connected to the league after they’ve reached the end, but it also inspires younger players to aspire to the same role. Vickie’s middle son, Saxton, is

by Zsuzsi Steiner

already talking about becoming a junior umpire, eager to follow in his older brother’s footsteps.

For Vickie, Little League not only gets the kids excited about being part of a team, it helps them learn to support each other. One of Vickie’s favorite memories is from the league’s annual Home Run Derby, their biggest fundraiser of the year. She recalled how her son Henry’s friend, who had already been eliminated, stood on the sidelines cheering for him.

“It was the cutest thing. Even though he was out, he was so invested in his friend’s success. That’s the kind of camaraderie and sportsmanship that makes our league so special,” she says.

With two younger sons still playing in the league, Vickie expects to be involved for several more years. As Vickie puts it, “It’s about more than baseball. It’s about giving these kids a place where they feel they belong and teaching them life lessons that will stay with them long after they’ve left the field.”

Vickie’s dedication to youth sports and education is ensuring that the community’s new generation of leaders are set up for success.

For more info about DRALL, visit drall.org.

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Business & Nonpro t News

Marina del Rey turns 60.

Happy Birthday, Marina del Rey! This month, the Marina is turning 60, and local businesses and organizations are helping the community celebrate with a variety of festivities at Fisherman’s Village.

On Saturday, April 12 and Sunday, April 13, the community is invited to board the Marina Waterbus from 10 am. to 5 p.m. for a 45-minute historic harbor tour. Guests visiting the center can also enjoy a DJ spinning hits from the 1960s, a photo booth to commemorate the day, and complimentary cupcakes at 2 p.m. (while supplies last). As a special treat, the MDR Historical Society will also be displaying an anniversary exhibit featuring photos and information that highlight the area’s history. Businesses will be offering a variety of specials and promotions to celebrate, as well.

Fisherman’s Village is located at 13755 Fiji Way in Marina del Rey. Learn more at visitmdr.com.

Community leaders recognized for dedication to L.A.

On Friday March 14, two community members Sue Kohl and Ruth Lansford, were honored by the City of Los Angeles with a Women of Impact Award! The awards are given to women across the city who have demonstrated their commitment to advancing the well-being of Angelenos.

Sue was selected for the honor by Mayor Karen Bass. She is currently the President of the Pacific Palisades Community Council, and has spent years volunteering with the community’s task force on homelessness. As one of the many

Palisadians who lost their home during the fires, Sue has been a tireless advocate to help inform residents and make sure they get accurate and timely information from government agencies. Ruth was chosen for the honor by City Councilwoman Traci Park for her instrumental work with the Friends of Ballona Wetland, which she founded in 1978. Her work has led to the preservation of the 600 acres of remaining wetland habitat we have today.

Clean UP Westchester celebrates four years of service to 90045.

When Clean UP Westchester started in March of 2021, they had five people show up. But in the four years since their launch, they have grown into a mighty volunteer crew of people

showing up twice a month in their bright yellow T-shirts to beautify the neighborhood. Truly showcasing the positive character of Westchester, this past year the group has logged more than 500 hours and collected 600-plus bags of trash, which equals about 24,000 pounds of debris removed from local streets. If you crunch the numbers, that is nearly 98,400 pounds of trash removed from sidewalks and gutters, which would have eventually made its way to the ocean.

Spearheaded by longtime Westchester resident Grant Francis, the Clean UP Westchester campaign has given volunteers who dedicate their Saturday mornings to sprucing up the area a strong sense of community and inspired them to

make a difference.

Says Grant, “We are a symbol that we care about how our community looks and feels for our families, friends and neighbors.”

A true grassroots effort, volunteers are encouraged by honks from passersby as well as supporters like Councilmember Traci Park, who provides supplies and T-shirts for the crew. Other supporters include the Drollinger Family Charitable Foundation, which provides a dumpster, and Randy’s Donuts, IHOP Westchester and Trader Joe’s, which all donate refreshments for a job well done.

Interested in pitching in to help? Visit cleanupwestchester.com for upcoming dates and location or email Grant at granttfrancis@gmail.com.

Mental Health Guild hosts spring fundraisers.

The community is invited to join the Westchester Mental Health Guild for two fundraising events this spring to raise money for Airport Marina Counseling Service (AMCS).

First up is a four-course winepairing dinner at Playa del Rey’s Cantalini’s Salerno Beach restaurant on Tuesday, April 22. Tickets are $130 per person and are available at westchestermhg.org.

On Saturday, May 3, to coincide with the Kentucky Derby, the Guild will host a Derby Day tea fundraiser starting at 1 p.m. Tickets are $45, and the event includes tea, sandwiches, biscuits and dessert. Games of skill and chance, a hat contest, a boutique and a raffle round out the event.

(continued on next page)

TOMAT BRINGS FARM-TO-TABLE TO WESTCHESTER

It was recently announced that Westchester’s Tomat was one of seven restaurants in L.A. to make it onto the Michelin Guide California Selections. It’s now listed on the Michelin Guide as “new” and “recommended,” and could receive a coveted Michelin star later in the year. This month, the restaurant will launch a pub quiz night starting April 16. The trivia night will be held every Wednesday from 6 to 8 p.m. on their rooftop terrace. The rooftop’s cocktail, wine and small bites menu will also officially reopen the same day. The restaurant is located in the Westchester Triangle at 6261 W. 87th St. next to The Book Jewel and has received rave reviews for its California farm-to-table cuisine. Learn more at tomat.la.

Guild and becoming a member at westchestermhg.org.

WPV readies for spring soiree to support seniors.

Westchester’s Westside Pacific Villages (WPV) is excited to announce its inaugural fundraiser: A Spring Soiree to Support our Seniors, on Thursday, May 7.

WPV’s mission is to create an intentional community where neighbors help older neighbors sustain independence and remain in charge of their lives as they age in their own homes. They provide essential support to older adults,

as well as an opportunity drawing with some great prizes. Longtime volunteer Lee Gardner and the Rotary Club of Westchester will also be honored during the event for their role in WPV’s success over the years. Regular tickets are $50, and a “Friend of WPV” ticket is $150, which includes an annual membership and an opportunity drawing ticket.

For information or to purchase tickets, visit thewpv.org or call the office at (310) 695-7030.

Have info to share about your business or nonprofit? Email us at westchesterhometown@yahoo.com.

Spring Session Offerings: 1:1 OT & Tutoring

Specialty Friendship Groups

OT Groups for Writing and Regulation

Social Skills Groups

Temporary Location in El Segundo

Moving onto Pershing Drive in Playa May 2025 weinspiretoachieve.com (310)351-4877

Temporary Location in El Segundo

Moving onto Pershing Drive in Playa del Rey May 2025

AIRPORT MARINA COUNSELING SERVICES

GUIDING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION

With a creative spirit and passion for knowledge, Westchester’s Jamie Hazlitt has found her superpower helping students and researchers find what they need

By Sylvia Wilson

Librarians possess the capacity to alter not only individual lives but also entire communities. With two decades of service as a librarian at Loyola Marymount University (LMU) and currently serving as the Director of Arts, Music, and Powell Libraries at UCLA, Westchester’s Jamie Hazlitt stands out as a champion for providing access to information, reading and research.

Jamie grew up in Tustin, California, an ordinary middle-class town which she describes as “dull, but dull was good.”

Her exploration of imagination began early, influenced by her family’s artistic background.

“I was always an artist. My mom was an artist…both of my grandmothers were artists,” shares Jamie. “But, they were never given the permission to believe that art could be a career or a vocation.”

Both grandmothers were creators of fiber arts and paintings, fostering a family appreciation for the visual world.

From a young age, Jamie loved books and expressing herself through a variety of creative endeavors.

“I have always been a big reader. I have fond memories of public libraries and summer reading programs,” said Jamie. “I often created signs for events like my grandma’s church rummage sale, and enjoyed graphic design projects in middle school.”

When it came time for college, Jamie had one major criterion: distance from home. She decided to attend the University of Washington in Seattle with no set plans, viewing it as a period of discovery. She quit competitive swimming her first quarter in college, and filled her free time by joining a sorority, where she found lasting friendships. Her love of books led her to the Suzzallo Library, which provided a comforting and secure environment and what she calls her “most grounding experience” at the university.

With a passion for visual arts and organizing information, when it came time to select a major, graphic design seemed like a perfect choice.

“The education at the tiny Art School of Design combined with the larger research university was outstanding,” she says.

Post-college, Jamie briefly lived in London before securing an internship at the Smithsonian Institution’s Office of Exhibit Central in Washington, D.C., where she gained insight into cultural preservation and book conservation.

Returning to Los Angeles, Jamie joined an environmental graphic design firm and met her husband, Chria Hazlitt. They have two daughters, Clara, 18, and, Annika, 13. Her next role was at NBBJ, heading an exhibit design project for Dodger Stadium,

which introduced her to librarianship, and inspired her to pursue a Master of Library and Information Science degree at UCLA.

Her initial museum library roles included internships at the Fowler Museum and as a graduate student assistant at the Arts Library at UCLA. These roles confirmed she had found her calling and was on the right career path. In 2005, she started at LMU as a reference and instruction librarian, and just a few years later became the LMU Library’s first Outreach and Communications Librarian at the William H. Hannon Library. In that role, she was tasked with developing a program that established connections between various aspects of student life, student affairs, and community relations.

She’s proud of the significant work and strides the library made during that time by forming partnerships with the university’s Laband Art Gallery, Otis College of Art and Design, and Westchester’s Loyola Village Library.

“We engaged in cross-programming and creative programming to make connections between all these institutions in Westchester,” says Jamie, who was one of 25 librarians on a team of 44 employees that managed the library.

After 10 years at LMU, she became the Collection Development Librarian. For five years she was responsible for shaping the library’s collections to meet the diverse needs of the university’s departments, running the librarian liaison program and fostering relationships to understand their evolving requirements.

Fellow librarian Cielo Botello has known Jamie for a decade, and commends her dedication to supporting students beyond academics. Cielo also highlights that libraries play a crucial community role, serving as great equalizers, open and free for all.

“It was obvious [Jamie] was passionate about helping the whole student—beyond just their academic needs,” shares Cielo. “People outside of libraries probably don’t think about it, but libraries fill an important community need…While there are many types of libraries, they all serve the same purpose: to meet the current needs of their communities, providing access to intellectual curiosities, and a safe place to learn.”

Wanting to be closer to work, Jamie made Westchester her home in 2016, with the help of local realtor Jane St. John. She and her family were already longtime honorary community members, frequently visiting the area to celebrate holidays like Halloween and birthdays, so she decided to make it official.

She describes moving to Westchester and working at LMU as living the dream, with a six-minute bike commute to work.

Her roles at the William H. Hannon Library taught Jamie the importance of relationships and networking and allowed (continued on page 17)

by Zsuzsi Steiner

Volunteers help c o mmunity thrive (cont’d)

(continued from page 4)

Mariana Salas: A Life of Compassion and Community Service

From a young age, Mariana Salas felt a deep connection to her faith, which inspired her to treat people with kindness and work toward making the world a better place. Her commitment to service has left a lasting impact on families, animals and individuals in need.

Mariana’s journey to Westchester was serendipitous. Nearly eight years ago, after picking up her son from school in Culver City, she found herself stuck in traffic near Kentwood Elementary and the local YMCA. Charmed by the neighborhood, she went home and searched online for more information.

“I just knew I had to live here,” she says.

Since then, Westchester has been more than just her family’s home, it’s become the base for her volunteer work.

Passionate about education, one of Mariana’s most impactful volunteer experiences came about when she noticed a lack of parent participation in LAUSD schools and stepped in to help fill the gap. She took an active role in supporting families who often struggled to navigate the education system. She shares that many parents were hesitant to ask for services like tutoring or initiate Individualized Education Plans out of fear of being seen as a burden. Mariana worked tirelessly to break down those barriers, empowering families to advocate for their children.

With so many causes to support and people and organizations that need help, Mariana is ready to assist wherever there’s a need.

After moving to Westchester, Mariana’s focus shifted toward animal welfare. She began collecting donations for animals.

“Westchester loves animals more than they do humans,” she jokes, recalling the bags of donated pet food that would pile up on her porch.

Her interest in animal welfare also led her to take on a bigger role when the fires in the Palisades and Altadena

broke out in January.

She quickly mobilized to gather donations for displaced families and animals, but when local donation centers became overwhelmed, she turned to the Westchester Family YMCA. What began as a simple dropoff soon became a turning point. Inspired by how the community came together, she immediately signed up to volunteer.

“I knew I couldn’t just drop off the items and leave. I had to stay and help,” she says.

While volunteering at the YMCA, she met a 17-year-old girl who had been displaced by the fires and was considering placing her baby for adoption. Mariana and her team provided essential items like diapers, formula and maternity clothes.

“She came back and shared that she found hope and decided to keep her baby,” Mariana says with emotion. “As a mom myself, I needed her to feel supported. Seeing how a simple act of kindness could make such a profound difference in someone’s life reaffirmed why I do this work.”

Giving her all during the fire relief efforts did not go unnoticed at the Y, and the organization was thrilled when she recently accepted a role as a board member to help continue to strengthen the organization and its role in serving the community.

Whether Mariana is helping families access education, gathering supplies for displaced pets, or comforting others, her steadfast dedication to both humans and animals is making a lasting difference.

As she puts it, “Helping others has always felt like my purpose in life. It’s fulfilling, meaningful, and brings me immense joy.”

Gregg Deluga: A Life Dedicated to Being on the Field

No one works harder for local youth soccer in Westchester/Playa than Playa del Rey’s Gregg Deluga. As the Region 7 Commissioner, he’s responsible for making sure that everything runs smoothly for the league’s 1,400 players, who range in age from 3 to 19 years old. From overseeing coaches and referees, to creating schedules and managing finances, volunteering is

almost as time-consuming as a fulltime job.

Originally from Ohio, the chemical engineer moved to Los Angeles for work and fell in love with the weather and Playa del Rey’s laid-back atmosphere. A lifelong soccer fan, who played as a kid and in college on an intermural team, Gregg began volunteering with AYSO right before the pandemic. With two young daughters who played soccer, Gregg was inspired to get involved with AYSO after seeing how expensive it was for families to find quality sports programs. Believing that everyone should have access to youth sports at a reasonable cost, Gregg stepped up to be the league’s commissioner in 2020. However, things did not go as well as he had hoped that first season.

“My first official duty as commissioner was to cancel the season for the pandemic,” says Gregg. “We started playing at the beach, but then they closed that, too. We had to refund everyone’s money.”

Since that rocky start, however, the league has continued to flourish and Gregg has hit his stride. During soccer season, he jokes that he “lives at the field,” and a typical weekend includes making sure the fields are lined and ready for players, and coaching or refereeing six or seven games. Under his leadership, the league’s primary field at Nielsen Park, which was in

desperate need of new grass, was resodded, thanks to help from sponsors like the Westchester Rotary Club. They also funded a new picnic area. Gregg’s dedication to the league was never more evident than when the workday coincided with his 25th wedding anniversary.

“For my anniversary, instead of going out, I was laying sod and trying to get the field done. I thank Rotary for making it happen, but I have to thank my wife more for letting me do what I do, especially on our wedding anniversary,” says Gregg.

With that project behind him, Gregg now has his eyes set on getting new lights for the field.

Despite the long hours, the rewards that come along with volunteering make it all worth it. For Gregg, there’s nothing better than the memories of coaching his daughters, seeing a kid make a goal for the first time or just taking a moment to enjoy the glorious L.A. weather while out on the pitch.

“What I love the most is just being out on the field with different people and seeing everyone come back year after year,” says Gregg. “If you can’t appreciate all the differences we have, you can’t do what we do. Everyone comes together every season, and it’s heartening to see how wonderful people really are.”

Learn more about the league at ayso7.org.

by Zsuzsi Steiner

Realtor® | DRE# 01484711 M 310.951.0416 amy.frelinger@elliman.com amyfrelinger.com | @amyfrelingerrealestate

SPRING Events & Activities 2023

Third Annual Battle of the Bands

Calling all music fans! The Third Annual Battle of the Bands is ready to rock the Westchester Family YMCA on Saturday, April 5 from noon to 4 p.m.

Attendees of all ages will hear from 10 competing bands, made up of students in grades 6-12, who will play 10-minute sets of original songs and covers. This year’s acts include indie band Dull Moon, which will kick off the competition at 12:10, as well as Spectra, an all girl pop/rock trio, surf rock group Your Mom’s Best Friend, rock ensemble Orion’s Belt, alt/indie band Kim Theory, and more! A panel of musicians and music industry vets will judge the Battle of the Bands and award one group a $500 grand prize! Food trucks, raffle prizes and giveaways from local partners round out the fun.

The bands will perform at the Westchester Family YMCA Annex, located at 8020 Alverstone Ave. The event doubles as a fundraiser to support the Y’s teen programming. Sponsors include the Drollinger Family Charitable Foundation, Westchester Pharmacy, LMU, Gerber Kawasaki, Geslin Law and the

Spring Festival & Egg Hunt

The Westchester Recreation Center is hosting a Spring Festival and Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 19 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m!

Bring the family–ages 5-12–to the park for a day of games, music, egg hunts, a bounce house and more!

Space is limited and RSVPs are required at laparks.org/ reccenter/westchester. Check out the park’s website for a full list of spring classes for both kids and adults, including skateboarding, karate, yoga, dancing, art, and more. The park also offers a variety of spring and summer camp options.

Earth Day at Ballona

April is Earth Month and the Friends of Ballona Wetlands are offering plenty of opportunities for the community to get involved and support nature!

This month, when you donate $25 to the PdR nonprofit, a member of their team will pick out an item from their native plant nursery and plant it! They’ll also create a customized sign and snap a picture, so you can post on social media and inspire your friends and family to get involved in supporting L.A.’s last remaining coastal wetland! For those looking for hands-on opportunities, the Friends are also hosting an Earth Day Habitat Restoration on April 26 from 9:30 a.m. to noon. RSVPs required! Learn more at ballonafriends.org/earth-month.

O-Launch Student Exhibition at Otis

Explore the creativity and imagination of graduating Otis College of Art & Design students at the O-Launch Community Exhibition taking place on Saturday, May 10, from 5 to 11 p.m.

Guests will have a chance to visit the campus and view student artwork including fine art, graphic design, toy design, and fashion.

Visitors to the student exhibition will also have the opportunity to shop the ceramic sale and the Millard Sheets library sale.

The night ends with a standing-room-only fashion show showcasing the future of design, courtesy of the college’s junior and senior students.

A live DJ and food trucks round out the event. Otis is located at 9045 Lincoln Blvd. in Westchester. Learn more at otis.edu.

Playa Vista Fit Expo

Sweat it out at Playa Vista’s 8th Annual Fit Expo! Head to Playa Vista for a day of fitness demos, wellness, giveaways, prizes and the Fittest Team Obstacle Course!

The expo is hosted by Playa Vista Parks and Landscape and Elevation Health, and is presented by the Meredith Schlosser Team.

The event is family-friendly and will take place on Sunday, April 27 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Concert Park, located at Pacific Promenade and Seabluff Dr. in Playa Vista.

FIFTH ANNUAL ROCK

ROLL & RUN & COMMUNITY FAIR - MARCH 8

Loyola Marymount University’s Lawton Plaza was filled with families and community members ready to raise money for their school and local education at the March 8, Fifth Annual Rock Roll & Run hosted by the LAX Coastal Education Foundation in partnership with LMU!

Participants–many showing their campus pride with T-shirts with their school’s name emblazoned on the front–ran, walk and strolled through the university for the 5K starting at 8 a.m. After the race, attendees were

treated to a pancake breakfast hosted by the Playa Venice Sunrise Rotary Club, live music from Sooper Awesome, and a variety of activities provided by sponsors and vendor booths. While waiting for the Kids’ 1K to start, families also enjoyed face painting, arts & crafts by Creative Joy Studio, balloon animals and Bubblemania!

A special appearance was made by The Laker Girls, who cheered on the runners, signed autographs and participated in the warm-up led by SoCalSport’s Carisa Skretch.

More than 500 elementary school students participated in this year’s 1K, and as they made their way to the finish line, they were greeted by volunteers holding inspirational signs and waving noisemakers before being given a finisher medal, courtesy of the Stephanie Younger Group.

Thanks to the Rock Roll & Run sponsors and runners, more than $100,000 was raised to support the foundation’s 26 schools! Major donors include the Drollinger Family Charitable Foundation, LMU, LAWA, Stephanie Younger

Group, Decron Properties, Playa Venice Sunrise Rotary and the LAX Coastal Chamber. A special thank you to the chamber’s Network for Change and the NCL Beachside Chapter for providing volunteers; and Courtney O’Donoghue for leading the 1K!

Want to see more event photos and learn more about supporting the Ed Foundation? Please visit laxcef.org or scan the QR code!

by Zsuzsi Steiner

CENTURY STROLLFOR MENTAL HEALTH

HOSTED BY GATEWAY TO LA & BENEFITING MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES AT AMCS

Gateway LA was proud to once again team up with Airport Marina Counseling Service on March 16 for our second Century Stroll! Thank you to our wonderful partners at the Hilton Los Angeles Airport & Los Angeles Airport Marriott for creating magnificent feasts for this special one-night only event! With the support of our hotel partners and attendees, important funds were raised to support mental health services at AMCS!

FROM WORLD-CLASS CHEFS TO AMAZING POOLS, GATEWAY LA & CENTURY BOULEVARD HAS IT ALL! COME SEE FOR YOURSELF!

Guiding in the right direction (cont’d)

(continued from page 8) her to lean into her strength as a connector. As a reference and instruction librarian, she emphasizes that many librarians, as generalists, do not need to know everything—they just need to guide others in the right direction. Librarians’ understanding of the system helps people find what they need, which Jamie considers a superpower.

Her wealth of knowledge across different library areas led her to the role of Associate Dean of the library in 2021. In that role, she oversaw strategic planning, human resources support, budget management, and liaising with other library units. Post-pandemic challenges included reopening the library, rebuilding community trust, and revitalizing the space.

“It is an important resource for LMU and the public,” shares Jamie, who emphasizes the library’s important role in not only offering a quiet place to study, but also Wi-Fi, events, and research appointments for special collections.

Due to the unique environment at LMU and her exceptional colleagues, Jamie assumed she would conclude her career there. But all that changed when a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity presented itself.

Last summer, as her daughter Clara transitioned to college, she realized that change can be a positive thing. Despite many reasons to remain at LMU, a position at UCLA emerged that seemed

tailor-made for her, and she was ready for her next chapter. She says that when new opportunities arise that might cause some apprehension, they can often be worthwhile.

In November of last year, Jamie joined the UCLA Library as Director of Arts, Music and Powell Libraries. In her new role, she oversees a team of 14 librarians, staff, and instructional designers who support the university’s public services and user engagement functions. Jamie endeavors to maintain Powell Library at the core of undergraduate life through research support, programming, and events.

Having a position that integrates the arts and music into her everyday responsibilities resonates with Jamie, as she began her first library job at the Arts Library at UCLA, bringing her career full circle! Being a UCLA alumna and back on the campus makes it all the more special.

Throughout her career transition from graphic designer to librarian, Jamie faced challenges but remained committed to organizing and providing access to information, aligning her skills as a designer and creative thinker with every step. Her journey underscores diverse paths to librarianship and the value of taking time to discover your professional passion. Jamie is proud to play a role in illustrating the profound impact of librarianship on both personal and community levels.

JANE

PLATINUM SPONSOR:

Jim and Andi Drollinger

RUBY SPONSORS: DIAMOND SPONSORS:

David & Susan Knapp

Janie Guthrie Skjervem and Mark Skjervem

GOLD SPONSORS:

Diane Barretti & Larry Plotkin

Judy & Dan Dews

Inn at Playa del Rey

Paslay Management Group

Linda Peterson & Gene White

Premier Interior Development

Edgar & Kathy Saenz

SILVER SPONSORS:

Areas

AvAir Pros

Crews Hospitality

Hollywood Park Casino

The Hometown News

Hudson Group & HMS Host

Monica & Seymour Kahn

LAX Coastal Chamber of Commerce

Sandy Luboviski

Playa Venice Sunrise Rotary

Bill & Marta Priestley

PSM Squared, Inc.

Erika Puzik

Signature Aviation

Val & Frank Velasco

The Wealthgarden F.S – Wendy Wan Turk

Sylvia & Allen Wilson

BRONZE SPONSORS:

American Plus Bank

Suzette and Ed Barden

Birdi Systems

The Morris Braun Foundation - Barbara Chyette

Concourse Ventures

CW Business Center

Enjoy Repeat

LINXS Constructors

Loyola Marymount University

Make Good Company

Padcom

Parsons

Rotary Club of Westchester

RTI Consulting

Denny Schneider

SG Engineering

SoCalGas

John & Judy Theuer

Westchester Living & The Neighbors of Playa Vista

Westchester Pharmacy

WMG Construction

By Shanee Edwards

In the heart of Westchester, Jeannie and Neal Cheng have built a life filled with love, laughter, resilience and four amazing kids. Their journey from long-distance romance to becoming pillars of the Westchester community is an uplifting story that spans the globe and illustrates the power of connection.

From Houston to Japan and Back Again

Jeannie and Neal’s love story began thousands of miles apart. Jeannie, originally from Houston, had moved to Japan to pursue her career when mutual friends started posting photos

on social media. A particular face kept appearing in those pictures: Neal. Intrigued, Jeannie asked about him, and their friends were quick to introduce them when she eventually returned to Houston.

Their first meeting was anything but traditional.

“We met at a karaoke bar,” Jeannie says with a smile. “It was hard to talk because everyone was singing.”

But something clicked, and soon after, they had their first official date at a boba shop that quickly turned into a hilarious story. Normally, calm, cool and prepared for anything Neal found himself in a rush to meet Jeannie after a sporting event. He

forgot to bring cash and the boba shop didn’t accept his credit card. He tried to quietly leave his driver’s license as collateral while he ran to an ATM, but the well-intentioned cashier shouted after him, “Hey, you forgot your driver’s license! Sir!” loud enough for everyone to hear, outing his plan.

“I was like, ‘Why did you leave your driver’s license?’” says Jeannie.

“It was so embarrassing,” laughs Neal. “But I guess it worked out in the end.”

After just a few months of dating, they could feel a deep closeness starting to grow.

“You know, there was one night

where we just had this really long conversation about life, and we were opening up to each other about all these things like our family lives and stuff that we normally don’t share with anyone else. During that conversation, both of us were thinking, ‘Whoa! For us to be able to open up to somebody new and spill all the secrets, we knew that we had a connection,’” Jeannie says as Neal nods his head in agreement.

Jeannie then moved back to Japan for work, so the couple spent the next year navigating a long-distance relationship, with Neal making several trips to visit her.

“It was the experience of a lifetime

How long has Westchester been your hometown?

What does the perfect day in Westchester look like to you?

Since you’ve made Westchester your home, what is the biggest change you have seen in the community?

There are so many great people and businesses in this community; is there anyone you would like to give a special shout-out to?

6537 HEDDING ST, LOS

CA

5 BEDS | 4 BATHS | 3,663 SQFT | $3,795,000

This is a one of a kind home on a quiet cul de sac, with complete privacy. Experience the epitome of luxury living in this remarkable home that showcases breathtaking 180-degree views stretching from the sparkling ocean waters to the iconic Hollywood sign and beyond. A rare gem, this residence promises an unwavering sense of prestige and exclusivity that simply cannot be duplicated. Step inside the beautiful entrance and be greeted by a gourmet kitchen that effortlessly transitions into the dining and family areas, all offering a backdrop of unparalleled vistas that paint a picture of opulence and grandeur. The world unfolds before you as you explore the vast expanse of this amazing home. Venture upstairs to discover the lavish master suite complete with a spa-like bathroom and his and her closets, while two generously sized bedrooms share a tastefully appointed bath, and a private office. On the main level, an expansive extra room beckons, ready to be transformed into a playroom, a decadent movie theater, or any other lavish retreat your imagination can conjure. Thoughtful design touches abound with the inclusion of a powder room and a convenient laundry room for added ease and comfort. A secluded guest bedroom and bath offer privacy and comfort for visitors, ensuring that every guest feels welcomed and pampered. Outside, a well-appointed backyard provides ample space for sophisticated entertaining and al fresco dining, creating an ambiance of refined elegance and gracious living. Indulge in the opportunity to make this extraordinary residence your own a home that is not just a place, but an experience that transcends the ordinary and embraces the extraordinary.

This is a one of a kind home on a quiet cul de sac, with complete privacy. Experience the epitome of luxury living in this remarkable home that showcases breathtaking 180-degree views stretching from the sparkling ocean waters to the iconic Hollywood sign and beyond. A rare gem, this residence promises an unwavering sense of prestige and exclusivity that simply cannot be duplicated. Step inside the beautiful entrance and be greeted by a gourmet kitchen that effortlessly transitions into the dining and family areas, all offering a backdrop of unparalleled vistas that paint a picture of opulence and grandeur. The world unfolds before you as you explore the vast expanse of this amazing home. Venture upstairs to discover the lavish master suite complete with a spa-like bathroom and his and her closets, while two generously sized bedrooms share a tastefully appointed bath, and a private office. On the main level, an expansive extra room beckons, ready to be transformed into a playroom, a decadent movie theater, or any other lavish retreat your imagination can conjure. Thoughtful design touches abound with the inclusion of a powder room and a convenient laundry room for added ease and comfort. A secluded guest bedroom and bath offer privacy and comfort for visitors, ensuring that every guest feels welcomed and pampered. Outside, a well-appointed backyard provides ample space for sophisticated entertaining and al fresco dining, creating an ambiance of refined elegance and gracious living. Indulge in the opportunity to make this extraordinary residence your own a home that is not just a place, but an experience that transcends the ordinary and embraces the extraordinary.

ROBIN ZACHA REALTOR® | DRE # 01263946

Random Notes/Opinion

Health and fitness is more than a number on the scale

By Jeff Blair

Opinion: Many people spend weeks exercising, watching portions and generally focusing on losing weight only to step on a scale and see the same number. While I would never say weight has no importance, many other factors contribute to human fitness that are not as difficult, frustrating and loaded with emotional baggage. Strength, endurance, joint health, bone health and even mental health come immediately to mind. Health and fitness is more than simply a number on a scale. This month, I am going to discuss the importance of fitness outside of a weight loss context. The limitations of using the scale as a proxy for fitness are many. The scale does not tell you how much muscle you have or what your body fat percentage might be. When people focus primarily on the scale, this can lead to unhealthy behaviors like pursuing fad diets (anyone remember the Grapefruit Diet?) and other unsustainable nutrition practices. A fad diet has been defined as a trendy, but highly restrictive, eating pattern that promises quick weight-loss results. These approaches are often based on pseudo-science, make unrealistic claims and can even create nutritional deficiencies. They are frequently highly restrictive for specific

macronutrients, often carbohydrates. Fad diets do provide a hook. People often do lose weight while on the diet and they lose it quickly. The longterm outlook, however, is not so rosy. According to studies, about 95 percent of people who lose weight on a fad diet gain it all back within a two-year period. Not only do people not maintain weight loss from fad diets, but they often gain back more than where they started. Over the long-term, quickfix eating approaches can actually increase a person’s weight due to the unsustainable, yo-yo nature of the approach. Short-term diets often cause irritability, feelings of deprivation and can make people downright miserable. In some cases, eating disorders may even develop. Needless to say, none of these is good for the quality of your life and in some situations, the negative impact can be severe. Rather than obsessing over a number on a scale, increasing strength and improving cardiovascular health and mobility can enhance quality of life rather than detract. Consistent exercise can increase energy levels, improve mood and improve cognitive function. Exercise can also be a great stress reducer. These very real and sustainable benefits can begin with a couple of strength sessions per week.

Cardiovascular training can carry similar benefits. As strength and cardio health improve, a ripple effect can expand life options. Whether it is improving our ability to hike a Southern California trail or bike along a scenic body of water, adopting consistent exercise as a lifestyle choice can expand our horizons rather than limit them.

Non-scale victories can be a great strategy to maintain long-term motivation. Maybe you want to do five or 10 pushups, walk or run a 5K or cycle 20 or 30 miles. Whatever your personal preferences might be, setting and pursuing a goal can improve health, increase self-confidence and even enhance self-esteem. Being specific and setting a deadline can help, but be aware things don’t always go perfectly to plan. Life often interferes and that is OK. Focus on making progress. Try to find or create a social circle that supports positive and healthy choices. These days, I try to live by the mantra “enjoy the journey,” so stop and smell the roses as you improve your health and quality of life. Of course, nutrition is very important as well. Focus on sustainable and healthy changes rather than unsustainable, short-term weight loss.

By committing to a reasonable approach that aligns with your personal

values and goals, you can enhance and improve your life rather than detract from it. Moving beyond scale obsession and diet culture can be a good first step toward a healthier approach to making fitness work in your life. Time spent in the gym can be seen as an investment in your current well-being and in your future self.

Jeff Blair (M.S., C.S.C.S) has been a certified personal trainer for over 20 years. He has been featured in national and international fitness media and spent five years as an adjunct instructor in a graduate level exercise science program. He founded the SoCalSport Personal Training Studio in April 2011. Email jeff@socalsport.com for questions or comments.

DRALL 71ST SEASON OPENING DAY • MARCH 15 • AMERICAN FIELD

Families and baseball fans of all ages headed to American Field on Saturday, March 15 for Del Rey American Little League’s (DRALL) Opening Day!

The stands were packed as Councilmember Traci Park kicked off the festivities with the opening pitch for what is sure to be another remarkable season for the league!

Now in its 71st year, DRALL welcomes more than 330 players, ages 4-12, on 27 teams to its roster! In addition to games scheduled nearly every day at DRALL’s two fields–the Del Rey

Lagoon and American Field–the league is getting ready to host a Hit-A-Thon on May 10. Other upcoming special events include DRALL’s Fiesta Ball at Los Angeles Ale Works on May 2; DRALL’s Dodger Day at Dodger Stadium on May 18 and the annual end of the season picnic at American Field on June 8.

Stay up to date with DRALL on Instagram, Facebook or visit drall.org to check out a game, for sponsorship opportunities and to learn about the league!

Let’s play ball!

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