Westcheser/Playa Hometown News May 2024 edition

Stephanie Davis, Publisher

HOMETOWN STAFF/CONTRIBUTORS

Shanee Edwards, Contributing Writer

Jeff Blair, Contributing Writer Fay Craton, Contributing Writer Zsuzsi Steiner, Photos Robert Higgins, Photos

ABOUT THE HOMETOWN NEWS

ABOUT THE HOMETOWN NEWS

The HomeTown News is a monthly community newspaper dedicated to providing information about the people, events and happenings of Westchester, Playa del Rey, Marina del Rey and Playa Vista. Look for the HomeTown News the first Thursday of the month at your home or at one of our drop-off locations, including The Book Jewel, Westchester Family YMCA, Playa Pharmacy, Loyola Village Library, Playa Vista Library, Truxton’s American Bistro and Cantalini’s Salerno Beach.

CONNECT WITH THE HTN:

Mailing Address: 8939 S. Sepulveda Blvd., Ste. 110 #745

Westchester, CA 90045

Email: westchesterhometown@yahoo.com

Website: thehtn.com

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Story ideas & Advertising: westchesterhometown@yahoo.com

Front page: The Belotto family–Alex, Christine and Andre–pose in front of their new business, Triangle Wines. The shop opened in the Westchester Triangle on April 17. Photo by Zsuzsi Steiner | zsuzsiphotography.com

The Westchester Town Center BID creates a vibrant, clean, and safe business area, delivering services and improvements above and beyond the baseline services provided by the City of Los Angeles. From security ambassadors and twinkle lights during the holidays to sidewalk maintenance and more, the BID is working to make Westchester the best it can be.

Triangle Wines takes flight in Westchester

After four years of planning, and anticipation from the neighborhood, a family’s love for vino has finally been realized with the opening of a new boutique wine shop and tasting room in the Westchester Triangle. Aptly named Triangle Wines, it joins other bustling businesses on 87th Street, including The Book Jewel, Ayara Thai, Soundsations, The Ramen Joint and Olive It. Owned and operated by longtime Westchester residents the Belotto family, this new addition to the neighborhood is sure to help fulfill the community’s need for more fun and relaxing social spaces.

Deep Roots in Westchester.

Triangle Wines is the brainchild of husband and wife team Christine and Andre Belotto, and their adult son Alex. They all say it was a no-brainer when it came to choosing the location to open their family business.

“My folks moved to Westchester from Torrance in the mid-60s. I was five,” says Christine.

Her parents saw the community, with its close access to the airport and the beach, not only as the perfect location

to raise a family, but also as a great place to make a living.

“My dad was Danny the barber who had the barbershop next door. Everybody knew him. For 40 years he was the barber to generations of Westchester men and boys,” she says wistfully.

The fact that Triangle Wines shares a wall with what was once her dad’s shop is not lost on Christine. Today, Danny’s is Jag’s Barbershop, owned by George Garcia, which caters to the next generation of local families.

Like Christine, Andre’s roots go deep when it comes to Westchester. Originally from Brazil, he came to Los Angeles with his family when he was 12.

“My dad and I ran a family business in Westchester back in the 1980s. Down at the bottom of the hill, across the street from Dinah’s, there’s now a high rise. Before that, it used to be a Chevron station. That was our business and we specialized in foreign car repair because my dad worked at a Volkswagen dealer when he arrived here in 1969,” he says.

He recalls that the auto repair shop’s clientele was very loyal and there was never a need to advertise because of the power of word of mouth.

“I knew that doing business in Westchester was always communitybased, always. That’s what I like about it. We really had no desire to go anywhere else,” he says.

Andre’s son Alex agrees that his hometown was the only place he considered opening the wine shop. Add in his grandfather’s connection to the Triangle and being able to follow in his entrepreneurial footsteps makes the experience of starting a business even more special.

“I’ve never lived more than a mile away from this building in my life,” Alex says. “I live in the house that my mom’s parents lived in, and that she grew up in. They’re always in our minds and having a small neighborhood-type business right next door to where my grandpa used to have one sounded awesome.”

A Love Affair with Wine.

Christine and Andre say they became enamored with wine shortly after they became smitten with each other. After getting married in the 1980s, they frequently traveled to Europe and South America where they would always visit wineries. They loved discovering new varieties–reds, whites and everything in between–to bring home, where they enjoyed them on the weekends. Soon, uncorking bottles from around the world and “swirl, sip and savor” became part of their lifestyle.

“You know, the kids would come over, we’d have dinner with wine, then sit on the couches and spend the evening talking,” says Christine.

For Alex, it was a wine-tasting trip to the central California coast about 15 years ago that opened his eyes–and palate–to the wonders of Pinot Noir, Syrah and Sauvignon Blanc.

Like most young men in their early 20s, beer was Alex’s drink of choice, with a shot of Jägermeister added in when he wanted to turn things up a notch. But all that changed when his parents took him and his girlfriend on a life-changing winetasting trip to the Los Olivos area, just north of Santa Barbara.

“We went to three or four different places, drank wine and sat in the tasting rooms–some of them have these great outdoor spaces. It was just like, ‘Man, that was really fun!’ and a month later we did it again, and then it sort of snowballed,” Alex says.

One thing Alex loves about wine is that there’s no time limit to drink it, allowing the drinker to savor their glass and have plenty of time for great conversations to unfold over the evening.

“If you’re drinking a beer and it gets warm, or if you’re drinking whiskey on the rocks and the ice melts, it’s not the same,” he says. “But with wine, you can sit there for as long as you need to, and you don’t have to rush. I like the pace of it.”

A Family Business is Born.

In 2020, Alex became interested in starting the next chapter of his career in the beverage industry. With more than 18 years of experience working at Islands Fine Burgers and Drinks in Manhattan Beach, a busy, trendy spot where he served as the lead bartender for the last decade, he was ready to use his knowledge and pouring skills

on a new venture. Combining his bar experience and Christine and Andre’s ability to curate wines from all over the world, they decided opening a local wine shop with a tasting room would be a great way to turn something they all loved into a business.

The front half of Triangle Wines is a classic wine shop, with artfully selected bottles from California and beyond. Wine regions in Italy, Portugal, Spain, France, Brazil, Mexico and more are all represented, and the trio is happy to help you discover just the right bottle, no matter the occasion.

Everyone has been so infectiously excited and positive, that we can’t help but feel the same way. “

After you peruse the shelves, visitors can head to the back half of the space to visit the tasting room, where the real fun happens. There you can order by the glass or bottle. To enjoy the full experience, the Belottos recommend ordering a wine flight. For just $15, you can try a one-ounce pour of four varieties. Thirsty? A flight with 2.5-ounce pours is also available for $25. It’s all about the experience of discovery, with the wine connoisseurs ready to answer any questions.

“We write down which wines you’re having in your flight so that you can check the notes and sort of compare and contrast. We let you keep the list and it’s up to you to decide what you want to pour next,” says Andre.

If you’re not in the mood for the house specialty, an international selection of bottled beers is available, as well as hard cider and hard seltzer.

A Community of Kitchens.

While the cozy space at Triangle Wines doesn’t have room for a kitchen, there are many top-rated eateries nearby willing to offer you nibbles or full meals to accompany your adult beverages. If there’s a long wait at Ayara to enjoy some of the best Thai food in Los Angeles or the bar is full at Truxton’s, instead of waiting outside, customers have started coming in for a glass of wine to sip until the restaurant pages them to say their table is ready.

“We’re also telling people, ‘Go next door to Leslie [Augusto, owner of Olive It] and get your sandwiches. If you want to have a glass of wine with it, bring your food here,’” says Andre.

The family says Olive It, which is just two doors down, intends to create a customized charcuterie board with olives, cheese and meat. The plan is to create a special QR code for Triangle Wines customers, to facilitate the process and build synergy between the businesses.

“We’re not the middleman,” says

Andre. “You’re dealing directly with them, so everybody wins.”

The Moms are so Excited!

When I chatted with the Belottos, Triangle Wines had only been open for a few days (their soft opening was Wednesday, April 17), but the interest from local residents and groups was already soaring. People were popping in to check out the space, try a new wine, and then sharing about the shop online and in reviews.

Christine says friend groups and local organizations, including a women’s club have already started making reservations to be among the first in town to try out their location, and check out 90045’s newest place to socialize.

“One lady said to me, ‘I’m just tired of hosting all the time because it’s always at my house. We’re going to start coming here,’” said Christine.

And then there are the wineenthusiast moms who have been carefully monitoring the shop’s progress, and have waited patiently for the grand opening.

“The moms in this town are so excited,” she says. “Two moms’ groups have already approached us for

Photos by Zsuzsi Steiner

reservations.”

Proud to live in Westchester. The Belotto family are humbled by the attention the Westchester/Playa community has already shown their new business.

“We are so happy and thankful for the support we’ve gotten. In person and on social media, everyone has been so infectiously excited and positive, that we can’t help but feel the same way,” says Alex. “I’ve always been happy to live in Westchester, but this last week has made me proud to live here, too,” says Alex.

But perhaps the initial buzz around town should not come as a surprise, since it’s the same experience that both Andre’s and Christine’s fathers felt from the community decades before.

“I’m sure my dad is smiling down,” says Christine.

Triangle Wines is located at 6235 W. 87th St. in Westchester. Call (424) 227-6176 for more info.

Follow Triangle Wines on Instagram by scanning the QR code!

Business & Nonpro t News

Otis celebrates end of year with art exhibition and fashion show.

Otis College of Art and Design is opening its campus the weekend of May 10 to showcase the outstanding work produced by its senior class. The community is invited to attend the O-launch Annual Exhibition weekend, starting on Friday, May 10 from 5 to 10 p.m. Student work across the college’s BFA and MFA programs, including fine art, toy design and digital media, will be on display. A fashion show will take place on campus the same night from 8 to 9 p.m. The theme of this year’s show is “The Art of Duality,” with guests able to view the show in the Campus Commons (limited standing space is available). The annual exhibition continues on Saturday, May 11 from noon to 6 p.m. A ceramic sale and book sale are also part of the O-launch festivities. Otis is located at 9045 Lincoln Blvd. in Westchester.

Get the full event schedule and RSVP at otis.edu/olaunch.

Support the PdR Woman’s Club Memorial Day Fundraiser.

The Woman’s Club of Playa del Rey will pay tribute to fallen soldiers during their third annual Field of Flags Memorial Day fundraiser. For

a $10 donation, community members can purchase a flag to commemorate those that have given their lives for their country and acknowledge the holiday. Flags can also be dedicated in memory of someone. The flags will be displayed in front of the Woman’s Club headquarters, located at 8039 W. Manchester Ave. in Playa del Rey from May 24 through May 27

On Memorial Day, the club will host a special dedication ceremony open to the public featuring a parade of colors, bugle performance and speakers. Light refreshments will be served. Proceeds will benefit the Foundation for Women Warriors.

Flags can be purchased by emailing wcpdrfieldofremembrance@gmail. com.

RSVP for “Once On This Island” at Westchester Playhouse.

The Tony award-winning musical “Once On This Island” opens at the Westchester Playhouse on Friday, May 10. Performances will run through Saturday, June 8 with showings on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. Matinees will be shown on Sundays at 2 p.m. and select Saturdays. There will be no performances during Memorial Day weekend.

The Kentwood Players share this about the plot, “‘Once On This Island’ tells the tale of Ti Moune, a fearless peasant girl who falls in love with a wealthy boy from the other side of the island. When their divided cultures keep them apart, Ti Moune is guided by the powerful island gods, on a remarkable quest to reunite with the man who has captured her heart.”

Other upcoming plays in the 2024 season include “Fools,” “Misery,” and “The Producers.”

Tickets are $30 and are available at kentwoodplayers.org. Season subscriptions, which feature tickets to six plays for $95, are also available for purchase.

The playhouse is located at 8301 Hindry Ave. in Westchester. (continued on next page)

The solar eclipse on April 8 was a memorable experience for everyone that had the opportunity to look up, with special glasses of course, and see this cosmic phenomenon. Here, Westchester residents Catherine Lacey Dodd and son Reuben, have fun experimenting with the sun’s shadow with the help of a colander. The next total solar eclipse that can be seen in the United States will occur on August 23, 2044 and will be visible from Montana and North and South Dakota, according to NASA.

(continued from previous page)

Support your fave local businesses on our 2024 Best Of List!

The Hometown News will launch voting for its 13th Annual Best Of List in June!

When the polls open, community members will have the opportunity to vote for their top picks in more than 90 categories and show their support for their most cherished local spots and the people they do business with! Readers are invited to send in their recommendations for new categories to be featured at htn@thehtn.com.

Voting details will be shared in our June 6 summer edition and on our social media at facebook.com/thehtn. The results of the poll will be revealed in our August 10 Best Of edition!

Team Challenge goes on hiatus for 2024.

Every summer, local groups battle it out during a day of field games and friendly competition to build community spirit and raise money for beautification efforts, led by the Westchester Streetscape Improvement Association (WSIA). But last month, organizers shared that this year’s festivities would be put on hold to give them a chance to reimagine the event for 2025.

“In anticipation of relaunching

the Westchester CA Team Challenge event in early August 2025, we are looking for a few additional volunteers to help us coordinate, plan and run the event next year,” says co-organizer Amy Frelinger. “With sincerest thanks to our generous sponsors and teams, we invite you to make a donation this year directly to WSIA if you so desire. Kindly include “WCTC” in the footnote of your donation. We look forward to our next chance to connect with you!”

WSIA is the nonprofit responsible for the landscaping and trees along Sepulveda Blvd. Donations can be made at westchesterstreetscape.org.

Public speaking workshop for middle schoolers.

Westchester/Playa middle schoolers are invited to a free Public Speaking Workshop, led by local high school student Sara Sussman. Sara is hosting the workshop as part of her Girl Scout Gold Award project. The workshops will be held May 5, 11, 18 and 19 from 1 to 5 p.m. at Westchester Lutheran, located at 7831 S. Sepulveda Blvd. in Westchester.

Parents can register their student by emailing sarasyellow@gmail.com. Have info to share about your business or nonprofit? Email us at westchesterhometown@yahoo.com for a chance to be featured.

Latest exhibit explo res the histo ry o f lo cal schoo ls

The Westchester/Playa Historical Society’s (WPHS) new exhibit, “Saluting Our Schools” is now open! The exhibit is on display at the WPHS’ Discovery Center, located in the Westchester Triangle, and captures the history and evolution of our neighborhood K-12 campuses over the last 80 years. The show is generously sponsored by The Book Jewel.

In the early 1940s, housing developments started to grow in Westchester to support the aerospace defense workers during World War II. What had been primarily wheat fields in the area, were now neighborhoods beginning to house new families with children who needed schools. Then, postWorld War II brought an explosion of housing, exponentially increasing the need for more campuses to accommodate schooling for the generation that would be known as baby boomers.

Touching upon just a few of the many highlights of the exhibit and the story of our local schools, the campus with the most intriguing and complex history is the one located at the southeast corner of 80th Street and Emerson Avenue because when the campus opened in 1948, it housed two separate schools! From 8 a.m. to noon, it was Westchester High School, and from noon to 4 p.m. it quickly transitioned to Westchester Junior High School. This was how the campus operated for eight years until Westchester High School, and its students, moved to its newly constructed spectacular split-level campus at 7400 W. Manchester Avenue in 1956. The 80th Street campus was later renamed Orville Wright Middle

School, and is now Wright Middle School STEAM Magnet. Today, the campus is again shared, but this time between Wright Middle School STEAM Magnet and WISH.

Between 1945 and 1950, six public elementary schools opened with each corresponding to the six geographic neighborhoods in Westchester being developed: Emerson Manor Elementary School, Kentwood Avenue Elementary School, Cowan Avenue Elementary School, Loyola Village Elementary School, Westport Heights Elementary School and Osage Elementary School. Other K-5 locations opened soon thereafter, as Westchester and Playa del Rey further developed.

Westchester’s oldest Catholic school, Visitation, opened in 1947, followed by St. Jerome in 1952. St. Anastasia began to welcome students in 1955, and served elementary and junior high schoolers within their parish campuses. St. Bernard was a part of the St. Anastasia parish campus until it opened its own

campus circa 1962. Westchester Lutheran held its first semester in September 1950 with one teacher and 10 pupils!

The “Saluting Our Schools” exhibit also captures the relocation and expansion of three college campuses to the Westchester/ Playa community. We are proud of the prestigious presence of Loyola Marymount University, Otis College of Art and Design and Pepperdine, whose original campuses relocated from the downtown Los Angeles region. Most notable is the relocation of Loyola College in 1930 to Westchester, amidst the fields of wheat. It was renamed at that time Loyola University, and later, Loyola Marymount University, after it merged in 1973 with Marymount College.

These are just some of the things highlighted at the Discovery Center, and there is so much history and information to share about our local schools! To learn more, we invite you to visit the WPHS’ Discovery Center on a Sunday

morning between 9:30 and noon, during the Farmers’ Market in the Westchester Triangle. The WPHS truly salutes and honors all of our schools which have contributed to the growth and development of the talents and dreams of our youth and young adults for decades, while also providing countless opportunities to the entire community!

The Discovery Center is located at 6207 W. 87th St. in the Westchester Triangle. Visit our website at wphistoricalsociety.org/discoverycenter to learn more about our nonprofit, led by our volunteer Board of Directors. The board thanks our donors, and welcomes community support through donations and volunteers.

Cozette is an attorney and lifelong resident of Westchester. She is the President of the Westchester/Playa Historical Society. Together with a group of dedicated board of directors (Cozette Vergari, Mike Heffernan, Marcelo Cruz, Art Wexler, David Russell and Grant Francis), the organization is working on creating new programming and events to celebrate the history of the area and engage the community in preserving it for future generations.

Save months of waiting and thousands of dollars for ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) permits by taking advantage of LA City’s Pre-Approved Standard Plans. Our team of expert designers and engineers has thoughtfully developed plans that fit most lots and have already been accepted by the Department of Building and Safety.

We have multiple ADU layouts, sizes, and architectural styles to choose from that are all guaranteed to be approved. We streamline the process so you can get straight to building.

SPRING Events & Activities

RSVP for a Mother’s Day Tea Party

Dress up in your most elegant attire and head to Westchester Park for a memorable afternoon celebrating Mother’s Day on Saturday, May 11 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event is hosted by the Rec Center in collaboration with the Senior Center.

RSVP for the French-themed tea party for moms and their kids ages 4 and up. Expect delicious pastries, a selection of teas and activities. The cost to attend is $5 per person, and registrations are required at laparks.org/reccenter/ Westchester. The festivities take place at the Westchester Senior Center, located at 8740 Lincoln Blvd. in Westchester.

Shop at the 69th Annual Booksale

For nearly seven decades, the Westchester Rotary Club has hosted a sale to give book-lovers of all ages the chance to stock up on new reading material, while sharing their mission to make a positive impact on the Westchester community and beyond.

The sale, which features thousands of books in all genres, takes place during Memorial Day weekend in the Ralphs Westchester parking lot (8824 S. Sepulveda Blvd.). Opening day is Thursday, May 23 from 1 to 7 p.m., and continues May 24-27 from 9 am to 7 p.m. Learn more about the club at rotary-westchester.com.

Check out Playa Vista’s Fit Expo

Attend a Concert in the Park(ing) Lot

The whole community is invited to an evening of entertainment under the stars at Visitation on Friday, May 31 from 6-10 p.m.

Head to the Westchester campus for the school’s annual Concert in the Park(ing) Lot featuring live music, food from Windsor Pizza and fun! Bring your low-back chairs, blankets and all your friends to help kick off the summer season. Beer, wine and margaritas will also be available for purchase.

Visitation is located at 8740 Emerson Ave. in Westchester.

Get ready for Playa Vista’s 7th Annual Fit Expo taking place at the community’s Concert Park (Pacific Promenade and Seabluff Drive in Playa Vista).

Mark your calendars for Saturday, May 11 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for a family-friendly day of group exercise classes, demos, games, giveaways and more. As part of the festivities, there will also be a contest to determine the winner of the “Fittest of Playa Vista Challenge.”

Visit facebook.com/PVResort for more info, a list of participating vendors and to RSVP!

Have fun at Aloha Summer

The Westchester Family YMCA and the Westchester Recreation Center are teaming up to host an “Aloha Summer” celebration on Sunday, June 2 from noon to 3 p.m.

Mark your calendars to participate in this second annual event, meant to bring the community together to soak up some sun! Attendees will enjoy a picnic with food, games and activities!

RSVP for the event by visiting laparks.org/scc/ westchester.

The event will be held at Westchester Park, located at 8740 Lincoln Blvd. in Westchester.

Airport Marina Counseling Service is hosting their third annual Pridefest on Saturday, June 15 from 2 to 4 p.m.

Visit AMCS at 7891 La Tijera Blvd. in Westchester for an afternoon of celebration, music, wellness activities, speakers, food, giveaways and more!

Tickets are a must and can be reserved at bit.ly/amcspride.

Check out AMCS and learn more about their mental health services at amcshelps.com.

Congratulations Class of 2024!

LMU commencement ceremonies will be held on: Fri., May 3 CoMMenCeMent Mass 5:30 p.M. sat., May 4 UndergradUate CereMony 10 a.M. sUn., May 5 gradUate CereMony 10 a.M. Loyola Law School’s Commencement Ceremony will be held on May 19 at L.A. Live, Peacock Theater.

Next LMU Neighborhood Advisory Committee Meeting May 29 | 6:30 p.m. on Zoom

Register for the meeting and view the agenda at: https://community.lmu.edu/NACmeeting

If you do not have access to a computer or Zoom, you can call into the meeting at 669.900.6833. Meeting ID: 831 0844 7372

There will be increased pedestrian and vehicle traffic in the neighborhood, particularly on May 4. community.lmu.edu 310.338.2759 community@lmu.edu

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5 QUESTIONS WITH... ROBIN ZACHA

A month into his new role as Executive Director of the Westchester Family YMCA, Gary Ocampo is loving the community that has embraced him with open arms.

Gary started his career at the YMCA 14 years ago, as a college student looking for ways to fill up some free time. When a friend recommended volunteering at the Y, Gary thought he’d give it a try, but little did he know that one day he’d be leading his own branch! What started off as teaching guitar, art and sports classes, eventually led to a fulltime membership position.

Gary’s enthusiasm, strong admin skills and creativity quickly propelled him up the Y career ladder, landing him the Executive Director position for the West Valley Branch in Reseda, before he was hired to lead our neighborhood Y. A South Bay resident, Gary is grateful for his now much shorter commute!

After working at four different branches, Gary says that each location has its own strengths, but there’s one glaring fact he’s already noticed about the Westchester/Playa community that sets it apart.

“I feel like everyone that comes here is involved in some way in the neighborhood, whether it’s people that have been here for years or people that are part of local clubs,” said Gary.

1“It’s really refreshing to see the amount of effort people put into giving back to their community whether it’s with us or other organizations.”

In the short-term, Gary’s goals for the neighborhood hub are to take everything in, evaluating what’s working and what needs improvement, ramping up services and expanding outreach to nearby communities that are part of the Y’s footprint.

While Ys across the country are still recovering from a loss of membership due to the pandemic, Gary is hopeful that his team’s commitment to adding programming will make membership increasingly worthwhile for local families. He also hopes more people will be introduced to the Y and be inspired to join, by attending one of the nonprofit’s free community events, that are made possible through the support of partnerships with the Drollinger Family Charitable Foundation, LAWA and the Westchester Rotary, to name a few.

“I’m very excited to be part of the community,” said Gary. “I’m ready to grow everything we do and expand beyond our four walls.”

We recently sat down with Gary and asked him to share his thoughts, so here is “5 Questions With...Gary!”

Can you share about memberships?

Family Memberships cover two adults and kids under the age of 18 for $95 a month. Members have access to everything we offer, plus you are able to go to other YMCAs. With membership, you get free access to sports, all the youth programs, group exercise classes, use of the swimming pool and basketball, when it’s free play. You get a lot of amenities for what you pay for! Membership really is our main source of income, which allows us to not only keep the lights on, but also bring in outside partners to help us provide different services.

2 3 4 5

Can you provide an update on the pool?

Renovations started late last year, and after a few hiccups, we were finally able to reopen in March. A lot of things were redone and renovated, including replastering and new tiles. Stairs were also installed to make the pool more accessible. The easiest way to use the pool is to reserve a time to go swimming through our app.

Currently, what are the top 3 most popular programs at the Y? For sure, basketball is number one. In our Jr. Clippers program, we have more than 415 kids. That is our most successful program here, and it will keep growing. Sports are now free for members, so they are more accessible to folks, which has contributed to the growth. Swim lessons are another program that is doing really well. Our teen initiatives continue to be a huge part of our branch, and we are expecting 350 teens to sign-up this summer.

What are some of your upcoming summer programs?

Our “Get Summer” program gives teens free membership during the summer months and access to all the Y has to offer. Our “Aloha Summer” event is coming up at Westchester Park on June 2 from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. It’s a free event for the community to kick off summer, and we’ll have a lot of games and activities for kids, free food, and hopefully, a performance from our hula instructor. They’ll also teach hula dance for those that want to learn.

What would you say to people that are considering joining?

It’s such a different feel at the Y compared to other gyms. Most are transactional: you go in, you work out and leave. At the Y, most of our front desk staff knows everyone by name, and they get to know people on a personal level. We are a gym and swim, but membership really opens up the doors for everything and allows us to do all the great work we do in the community. These include hosting free events and offering programs like youth yoga at 10 local schools, which are such a benefit. This is all made possible because of our partnerships and our members!

THING FOR ME IS HOW INVOLVED PEOPLE ARE WITH EVERYTHING WITHIN WESTCHESTER.” “

One of Gary’s favorite hobbies is playing music, especially when it comes to metalcore songs on the guitar and drums.

and Bailey.

The Draft Community Plan Update is Just One Part of the City’s Density Plan For Us

For almost a year we’ve been in an uproar in our community over our Community Plan Update (“CPU”).

The update process started out normal enough in 2019, with lots of community engagement opportunities and a first draft that raised eyebrows with what felt at the time like extensive upzoning along Manchester. Those were the “good ole days.”

Fast forward to today, and the third draft of our CPU was recently released. We all breathed a sigh of relief because we had to fight hard, but most of what our community asked for was reflected in the new draft.

But the CPU is just the zoning aspect of the bigger density plan. The builder incentives to exploit that zoning is part of another program called the Citywide Housing Incentive Program (“CHIP”), an 85-page document outlining loads of density incentives for builders.

CHIP consists of three programs: (1) the State Density Bonus Law, (2) the Mixed Income Incentive Program (“MIIP”) and (3) the Affordable Housing Incentive Program (“AHIP”). The CPUs, CHIP and three other ordinances constitute LA’s Housing Element.

The city provides a visual of the potential CHIP impacts in a series of maps (link at the bottom). In our plan area, the Density Bonus Map and the AHIP Map are something to be watched, debated and likely pushed back on. These projects are coming to any lot near you that isn’t zoned R-1.

The State Density Bonus Program is for projects with 5+ residential units and offers developers a density increase of 35% and a reduction in parking requirements, as well as a menu of other options including increased height, increased floor area, increased lot coverage and reductions to setbacks, yard size, open space and lot width requirements. Off-menu requests will be entertained as well. The program is complicated and subject to extra incentives with bonus transit incentives, but the percentage of affordable units required to qualify can be as low as 15-20%. These projects are the most troublesome because they represent a lot of burden to neighbors and infrastructure in exchange for not so many affordable units.

The AHIP Program is easier to support in principle for its affordable units, but is still a program to be scrutinized. Specifically, churches and parking lots have special incentive programs that can lead to high rise density projects in the heart of our neighborhoods. These projects get extra density, floor area ratio increases, reduced parking and increased height, and only have to deliver 80% affordable units. And let’s not forget that schools, with their declining enrollment, could be put up for development, according to the map.

CHIP was initially proposed by the Planning Department for single family neighborhoods, but community

backlash caused Planning to pull the plug in October on pushing these programs for R-1 lots. The maps are eye opening because it’s easy to assume all the lots around you are zoned just like yours. So take a look to see what is proposed near your home on a lot you never thought could be a high rise apartment building (like the R-2 duplex that backs up to my own lot).

CHIP is not a done deal yet. We still have time to push back. It was supposed to be in Environmental Review in Winter 2024, but I haven’t seen any indication of that yet. After the review, a revised draft will be issued and then there will be a public hearing, followed by Planning Commission, Land Use Committee and City Council hearings, culminating in a City Council vote for approval.

Find the interactive maps and share your feedback (bottom of the page) at https://planning.lacity.gov/planspolicies/housing-element-rezoning-program#conceptexplorer.

The interactive map can be hard to navigate. Find screenshots of the maps for our plan area at www. concernedforwestchesterplaya.com/housing-element.

To keep abreast of changes to our CPU and the Housing Element, join the Neighborhood Council’s Community Plan Update Ad Hoc Committee for monthly meetings on the fourth Monday of each month. Find meeting details at www.ncwpdr.org.

Tracy Thrower Conyers is a member of the Neighborhood Council of Westchester/Playa’s Community Plan Update Ad Hoc Committee and a resident of the Kentwood neighborhood in Westchester.

Random Notes/Opinion

Five tips to make exercise work in midlife

Opinion: Many people in midlife feel less energetic and are dealing with various physical challenges such as shoulder, back and knee issues. Negative thoughts like “I’m just too old” or “my best days are behind me” may take hold. People in this age range are often working and taking care of kids or parents. In some cases, they are taking care of both. This situation has been called “The Big Squeeze” and it can take a toll on mental and physical health. Given these and other challenges, exercising often gets put on the back burner and pushed out of mind.

While exercise has incredible health benefits, many people between 40 to 65 do not exercise at all. Lower physical activity can have negative physical and psychological consequences (Robinson 2019), and yet only 20 percent of adults meet current physical activity recommendations. This month’s article will explore proven strategies to increase exercise consistency during this stage of life.

1. Exercise with Other People. Exercising with others adds sociability and this can make exercise more fun or at least less torturous. Working out

with friends or peers increases the likelihood that people will continue being active. Exercising with others can also motivate people to work out longer than they might otherwise on their own. Even if you do not initially know the group you are lifting weights with or know the name of the person with a yoga mat next to yours, you can develop camaraderie with them and even friendship over time.

2. Find a Supportive Group. We are all impacted by the company we keep, for better or for worse. Try to connect with those who are trying to find a way to make it work. Join a sports club like pickleball, find walking buddies or hire a personal trainer. The more support you have for your healthy activities, the better. If there are people in your life who may not support your efforts, explain what you are trying to do and why you are trying to do it.

3. Educate Yourself. As you age, health becomes less abstract and takes on more urgency. Most doctors tell their patients to exercise more. Every major medical organization in the world recommends both consistent cardiovascular activity and strength training. Let us count the ways why that is the case. Research overwhelmingly shows consistent exercise increases both quality of life

and longevity. The American Medical Association touts the mental health benefits of exercise for issues like anxiety and depression. It can also improve brain health and may help memory and concentration. Every time we turn on the news there seems to be a new study telling us (again) why exercise is so good for our health. The more you learn about the benefits of exercise, the more likely you are to understand the importance of committing to a program that you can stick to.

4. Just Because You Can’t Do Everything Doesn’t Mean You Can’t Do Something. Lack of time is the most cited reason for not exercising. While few people have the time or desire to work out two hours per day, 30 minutes of near-daily moderate movement can change your life. Small exercise actions throughout the day can add up over time. Try to replace some driving with walking. Incorporate walking meetings into your work day. Get in some steps during your lunch break. Increasing physical activity does not mean completely rearranging your life and giving up all your free time.

5. Give Yourself Enough Time to Progress. Many people exercise for a few days or weeks and then stop when

they do not see immediate results. I encourage people to start small, but commit to a longer time frame. Most people will see great progress over a year simply by walking just a few hours per week. Strength training usually produces noticeable increases in energy and strength within a month. By incorporating these five tips, you can revitalize yourself in midlife. While you may have to adjust aspects of your routine compared to your earlier years, you can greatly improve your health and quality of life with moderate and consistent exercise. As “health is a crown only the unhealthy can see,” do everything you can to preserve yours!

Jeff Blair (MS, CSCS) is a Certified Personal Trainer, fitness author and founder of the SoCalSport Personal Training Studio. The studio has provided over 50,000 personal training experiences since opening in 2012. Reach him at jeff@socalsport.com for questions or comments.

Check out SocalSport on IG @socalsport to get more exercising tips and other fitness issues!

L etting go for a more satisfying life

Opinion: As the rainy season ends, flowers bloom and crisp breezes emerge. We are in the middle of spring! By tuning into the rhythm of life, I am reminded of growth and renewal. It is time to clean out what no longer fits in my life. Spring cleaning is a time to release, so new life can emerge. This includes letting go of material “stuff,” as well as outgrown patterns of thinking and behaviors keeping me from a more satisfying life.

I am discovering that letting go of stuff and changing thinking habits both demand identifying:

• What is most important to me?

• Is the item or pattern increasing my happiness?

• Am I hanging onto something based on a belief or perception that no longer supports the person I want to be?

As I fill bags of stuff to be discarded and bags of things to be donated, I am aware that what was once important to my sense of self and identity no longer means the same to me. A small example is a book I planned to keep because several years ago I taught a class using it as the course text. My sister said she wanted it, but initially, I told her, “No.” I listened to my heart and looked at my sister–who looked sad–and said, “You really want it?” She said, “Yes,” and I handed it to her. She hugged the book, pleased to be its new owner. The book represented the past, not my future. By listening to her and my heart, I strengthened my relationship with her. Hanging onto the book was not the most important to me. Keeping the book would not increase my happiness. I know the information in the book and owning it did not support who I strive to be.

Reflecting on this small moment with my sibling, I wonder how many times I responded to family based on habit, or a perception of my needs being more important than another person’s. It is time to discard this type of thinking. With the death of my mother last year, my brother, sister, and I realized that to have a good relationship between the

three of us takes effort and the effort is worth it. It requires paying attention to each other’s needs and responding with love. Sometimes, my own needs might be most important, but often by stopping, taking time to pay attention to my loved ones and listening to my heart, I realize the connection, love, and quality of relationships I have will make me happier in the long run.

Happiness in life is not a competition about how many times I win against significant others. It is not about proving how I am better or more knowledgeable. It is not about being more valuable than another family member. Happiness comes from recognizing that each family member has their own purpose in life and is valuable. Meaning and happiness come from experiencing quality relationships in a trusting community. Family can be by blood or by choice. Releasing old material stuff and outdated thinking is self-care. Clinging to the past does not serve anyone. Hanging on to what I have grown past simply clutters my ability to think clearly, saps my energy and increases stress. However, letting go is change. Change is frequently not easy. I find it helpful knowing that through letting go I am creating a place in my life for something new to grow.

My wish is for you to look at what you might be ready to release, whether it be an object or a behavior. Are your words and behaviors serving you? Will continuing established patterns lead you to clutter or to an increased sense of aliveness? Are you feeling stagnant and ready for growth and renewal? Is it time to let go for your relationships to improve? You are valuable! However, by making a few changes, you may find you experience your value in a new way. You are worth it!

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MAY 28, 2024 2:00 PM - 4:30 PM

Fay Craton, M.A. is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (mfc40011), which is the psychology license specializing in relationships (with ourselves or with others). She has an office located in Westchester. If you have any questions, please contact Fay at (310) 645-6762.

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Spring Fling Luncheon at the Westchester Senior Center

On April 24, the Westchester Rotary Club and the Westchester Senior Center (WSC) joined forces to host a Spring Fling luncheon, to promote friendship, collaboration and fun.

Nearly 100 guests participated in the festivities, which included a lunch catered by Benny’s Tacos, a celebratory cake, door prizes and musical entertainment courtesy of a jazz duo.

The Rotary Club also gave a presentation and shared about their recent community projects, like a humanitarian trip to Ecuador and their upcoming

69th Annual Memorial Day Booksale.

The luncheon is one of the many activities and events the WSC hosts throughout the year for adults 50 and older to enjoy. Membership to the center, located at Westchester Park, is only $12 a year and includes perks like opportunities to participate in free (or low cost) art classes, trips to cultural events like the opera, a book club, bingo, gardening, tech help and more.

Learn more about upcoming events and becoming a member at laparks.org/scc/westchester.

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