west valley news

Valley’s Latino Expo receives“Program of the Year” AwardThe Latino Expo, an annual event produced

by the Greater San Fernando Valley Chamberof Commerce, brought home a national awardlast month.

In February, the Western Association ofChamber Executives (W.A.C.E.) honored theLatino Expo as “Program of the Year” under itsCore Competency awards for creating a stronglocal economy and promoting the community.

The Greater San Fernando Valley’s Latino Expowas one of two winners at the association’sannual conference in February in Las Vegas.Wilsonville (Oregon) Chamber also won theaward for their Oregon Horse Country program.

The Latino Expo was created over 15 years agoto help businesses market themselves to a newdemographic. Since then, the event has grownand continues to be the Southland’s only Latinoexpo of its kind connecting businesses withpotential customers.

Revamped in 2011 from its previous tradeshow style format, the event featured familyentertainment in addition to vendor booths,which increased traffic over previous yearsby 20 percent, making the Latino Expo a high

“It was part of my job when I first gotinvolved, it has now become my life,”said John Alderson...He was referring to The Village at Westfield

Topanga development which he has been spear-heading as Westfield’s Director of Development,for several years. His sentiments were expressedafter receiving the 2011 Joseph Staller MemorialAward, for Excellence in Service by the WoodlandHills-Tarzana Chamber of Commerce, during theirAnnual Member Recognition & Board InstallationGala on February 9, 2012. This annual award isgiven in recognition of an ongoing commitmentto the community.

Westfield submitted its application for TheVillage with the City of Los Angeles on July 17,2007, which commenced the environmentalreview and approval process. In addition to anextensive outreach program by Westfield toreceive community input, the plan was to besubject to several public hearings before theCity throughout the entitlement process. Littledid they know that the economy will tank andthe approval would take nearly five years.

But the wait is finally over and it’s time tocelebrate and get back to Leslie Katz and JenSvejda dressing up for Thursday Night Treasure

CONNECTING BUSINESS AND COMMUNITY SINCE 2004. CELEBRATING 9 YEARS OF SERVICE TO THE WEST VALLEY COMMUNITY. Volume 8 Number 3 2012

www.westvalleynews-sfv.com

The Village at Westfield Five Year Wait Finally Over

Serving:CalabasasCanoga ParkChatsworthResedaTarzanaWest HillsWinnetkaWoodland Hills

John Alderson, Development Director at Westfield, was honored with the 2011 Joseph Staller Memorial Awardat the Woodland Hills-Tarzana Chamber of Commerce 2012 Annual Member Recognition & Installation Gala.The event was held at the Warner Center Marriott

sfvThis

copyofthe

WestValley

Newsbelongs

to:

SUBSCRIBETO

THEWEST

VALLEYNEW

S.12MONTHLY

ISSUESFOR

ONLY$15

Unanimous Approval by City Council

Ed Crowe / West Valley News

Anxiously anticipated after nearly five years of waiting, the day finally arrived and a large group of supporterswere there to be part of this historical event for the west San Fernando Valley. Room 340 of the Council Chamberswas full to capacity with many people standing along the side aisles and in the rear of the chambers.

As the time clock advanced closer to 2:00 pm, way past the scheduled time for the Council to vote, CouncilPresident Herb J. Wesson, Jr., Tenth District, announced that he was limiting public comment to representativesof community organizations. Other speakers were advised that their Public Comment Cards will be filed as partof the record. At this time, Councilman Dennis P. Zine, who represents District Three where The Village will be


INSIDE

New ER at West Hills Hospital 2

Living Trusts in conformitywith Medi-Cal rules 3

SHOP. DINE. PLAY. RESEDA 4

People Management 5

Need Extra Cash? 7

$ave BIG with Business Servicesand Classified 15

Coming Soon! THE VILLAGE 16

Los Angeles City Council Final Hearing for The Village at Westfield Topanga, held on Wednesday, February 29,2012 in Downtown Los Angeles City Hall, Council Chambers Room 340.

See Thursday Night Treasure on 0

Leslie Katz and Jen Svejda all dressed up forThursday Night Treasure hunting and a good time.

NOW ONLINE 24/7


HAPPYST.PATRICK’S

DAY.

100CELEBRATION

CANOGA PARK

TH

ANNIVERSARY

1912-2012

��

�

FREE

Nancy Hoffman Vanyek, ACE, (right) CEO of theGreater San Fernando Valley Chamber of Commerce,and Fuyumi Hashimoto, (center) Communications &Special Events Director, receive the award.

See Latino Expo on Page 7

See Unanimous Approval by City Council on Page 3

West Valley News Volume 8 Number 3 2012

Increase visibility of your business 24/7 on Ed’s List of Business by Referral. Visit www.westvalleynews-sfv.com to learn how.

Unanimous Approval by City CouncilContinued from Page 1

built, addressed his Council colleagues urging them to vote to approve the project. He also asked Larry Green,head of West Coast Development for Westfield to step forward before the microphone and verbally assure theCouncil that the project will be done as approved. “Absolutely” he replied. The Council was called to order andagenda items relevant to the Westfield project were called out for votes. Quickly and efficiently vote count waselectronically tabulated for each of the items before the Council. As the approvals were reported outloud, audiblecheers could be heard from supporters of The Village in the audience. All agenda items were unanimouslyaproved by all Councilmembers present.

As slow as procedures seem to move when presented before the Council, as soon as the final tabulation wasannounced, everyone scrambled about. Partly because it was very late for lunch and everyone was probablystarving; but mainly because it was the long awaited positive results that brought the approval process journeyto a happy ending. Congratulatory hand shakes, wide smiles, cheery, chatty comments were the norm on the

way out of City Hall. There were only three people not smiling but they’re probably happy knowing they stoodtheir ground until the end. They’ll warm up to it when The Village is completed and their doubts are dissipated.

John Alderson invited his entire Westfield team and a group of community supporters of the project to Rock’nFish: La Live, immediately following the Final City Council Hearing. It was his way of “recognizing the fantasticeffort put forward by our entire team.”

Weary faces and tired smiles, after long hours and days of work, will soon be replaced by happy grins andrejuvenated faces with a little rest. Because this is just the beginning of a new journey until The Village projecttransitions from vision to reality. Looking forward to the upcoming ground breaking. Congratulations!

From the Publisher’s DeskIt is all good news this month. There is a wisper in the air that says

everything is moving in the right direction.

We hear good reports about employment figures and with the recentapproval of The Village at Westfield Topanga project, a few thousandjobs will be added in the west San Fernando Valley.

There is a strong movement of entreprenuership across the nationand we are doing our best to get on that wagon. The West Valley Newsis supporting ShopLOCAL. HireLOCAL Professional Services. to helppromote the idea of encouraging our local communities to spend a fewdollars every month to support small local businesses.

We want to turn Red into Green every way we can. Green meaningefficiency, productivity, and a bottom line profit. We want to create strategic partnerships for mutualbenefit. We want to create jobs and hire local workers. Small businesses generate 65 percent of allnew jobs and pay 44 percent of total private U.S. payroll.

Our elected officials have to get on the entrepreneurship wagon as well and help make it easy forlocal businesses to do business. Let them turn Red Tape into Green Tape.

If you see more ads and more pages in this publication, it is because we are working hard to makethis publication work for all our advertisers. Things are moving again and recovery is in the air.

West Valley News Volume 8 Number 3 2012 PAGE 3

Crowe Marketing Design PublisherEd Crowe Managing Editor/Creative DirectorJonathan Goldhill Contributing WriterAl Martinez Contributing WriterLance Miller Contributing Writer

The West Valley News is published monthly asan information and educational resource for smallbusinesses and community-based organizations.

WEST VALLEY NEWSCrowe Marketing Design8378 Sale AvenueWest Hills, CA 91304Tel: (818) 883-3374Fax: (818) 883-9678advertising@westvalleynews-sfv.comwww.westvalleynews-sfv.com

Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00 am to 6:00 pmAnnual subscription rate is $15.Single copies $1. Multiple copies $50/100 bundle

Flyer insertion and distribution is available.Cost is $75/1000. Minimum 1,000.

Editorial Contributors

The deadline for articles, letters and photos isthe third week of the month for consideration inthe upcoming month’s issue. E-mail (preferred)submissions to: [email protected].

The Editor reserves the right to reject or edit allsubmissions. Opinions expressed by contributorsare not necessarily those of the West Valley News.

Advertisers

To advertise, call 818-883-3374. The deadlinefor ads for each issue is the end of the third weekof the month prior to the month of publication.

©2011 Crowe Marketing CommunicationsImage copyrights held by the artists.

The West Valley News is open to the entirebusiness community of the San Fernando Valley.

The West Valley News is distributed by regular mailto active subscribers, via email to an electronicmailing list, and to the general public throughmore than 65 strategic, high-traffic businesslocations throughout the West Valley.

Now online 24/7-365 www.westvalleynews-sfv.com

CalabasasCanoga ParkChatsworthResedaTarzanaWest HillsWinnetkaWoodland Hills

Soon you will be able to FLASH your vBizEx™ and SAVE!

Van Nuys Airport to Begin Improvements to Public Observation AreaLimited Seating Available Week of March 12Van Nuys – Starting Monday, March 12, Van Nuys Airport (VNY) will begin making improvements to the

public observation area located off of Woodley Avenue at the end of Waterman Drive, adjacent to the east sideof the airfield. For the week of March 12, limited seating will be available, so visitors may want to bring theirown chairs to watch aircraft take off and land.

Initial improvements to the observation area will include repainting the area canopy, followed by repaintingthe kiosks.

Open daily from 8 a.m. to sunset, VNY’s public observation area features historical and informational exhibits,picnic benches and a children’s activity area. Besides watching aircraft take off and land, visitors can listen to alive broadcast of the air traffic control tower frequency.

Valley Middle School Teachers Invited to Apply for Educational Mini-Grantsand to Nominate Students for Young Achievers AwardsPrograms Sponsored by Van Nuys Airport and Rotary Club of Van Nuys

(Van Nuys, CA)- Los Angeles Unified School District middle school teachers (grades 6-8) in the SanFernando Valley are encouraged to apply for three mini-grants to use for employing aviation and communityservice in their curriculum. Valley educators are also asked to nominate middle school students for YoungAchievers awards recognizing leadership in academics, athletics, the arts and community service/leadership.

Sponsored by Van Nuys Airport (VNY) and the Rotary Club of Van Nuys, the programs reflect the organiza-tions’ commitment to initiatives that enhance the student learning environment and the development of an edu-cated, dedicated workforce for the future.

Teacher Mini-Grants

The Teacher Mini-Grant Program recognizes and encourages teachers who use creativity in the classroomand employ aviation and community service in their curriculum. This year, grants of $500, $300 and $200 willbe awarded. Applicants must submit a concise proposal including a program statement, goals, methodology,evaluation mechanism and budget.

Mini-grant applications are due by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, March 14.

2—VNY/Rotary Club Educational Awards

Young Achievers

The Young Achievers Program recognizes and rewards exceptional local area middle school students(from both public and private schools) who excel in academics, athletics, the arts and community service/leadership. Teachers and counselors must nominate students for consideration. The top student leader in eachcategory will receive a U.S. Savings Bond funded by the Rotary Club of Van Nuys.

Young Achievers award applications are due by 5 p.m. on Friday, March 30.

Both Teacher Mini-Grant and Young Achievers award recipients will be recognized at a ceremony on April 26.

“The Teacher Mini-Grant and Young Achievers sponsor s recognize the challenges teachers face due to budgetconstraints, and the value of aviation and community service to the San Fernando Valley,” said Van Nuys AirportManager Jess Romo. “We believe these programs help contribute to students realizing that their dreams cantake flight.”

To obtain Teacher Mini-Grant or Young Achievers Program applications, call VNY at (818) 442-6526.For more information on all of the airport’s education programs, visit www.lawa.aero/vny and click on the“Educational Programs” link under the “Information” tab.


United Chambers of CommerceA Coalition of 32 Business Organizations, including 22 Chambersof Commerce representing over 21,000 businesses.

5121 Van Nuys Boulevard, Suite 208Sherman Oaks, CA 91403T 818-981-4491 F 818-981-4256

Build your business while building your community.Join a Chamber of Commerce today.

How does your business benefit by being a memberof your local chamber?

• Opportunities to market your business.• Great networking opportunities and events.• Get involved with local legislative issues.• Meet local business and political activists.• Be involved in a variety of community events.

For a complete list of member chambers,visit www.unitedchambers.org

Agoura/Oak Park/Conejo Valley Chamber(818) 889-3150 | Fax (818) [email protected]

Calabasas Chamber(818) 222-5680 | Fax (818) [email protected]

Canoga Park/West Hills Chamber(818) 884-4222 | Fax (818) [email protected]

Chatsworth/Porter Ranch Chamber(818) 341-2428 | Fax (818) [email protected]

Encino Chamber(818) 789-4711 | Fax (818) [email protected]

Granada Hills Chamber(818) 368-3235 | Fax (818) [email protected]

Greater San Fernando Valley Chamber(818) 989-0300 | Fax (818) [email protected]

Regional Black Chamber818.464.3484 | Fax [email protected]

Reseda ChamberContact Nancy at (818) 989-0300 for [email protected]

SFV Filipino-American Chamber(818) 780-9197 | (818) [email protected]

Sherman Oaks Chamber(818) 906-1951 | Fax (818) [email protected]

Winnetka Chamber(818) 340-2282 | Fax (818 [email protected]

Woodland Hills/Tarzana Chamber(818) 347-4737 | Fax (818) [email protected]

Subscribe to the West Valley News

818.883.3374

FREE12 ELECTRONIC ISSUES

PER YEAR

CALABASAS

CANOGA PARK

CHATSWORTH

RESEDA

TARZANA

WEST HILLS

WINNETKA

WOODLAND HILLS

Get local business and community news at yourcomputer screen. Visit us online to sign-up todayat www.westvalleynews-sfv.com

CALL ED CROWE!

4Marketing Brochures

www.crowemarketingdesign.com

818.883.3374

Marketing Brochure for Spine Care Solution

CALL ED CROWE!

4Logo Design

www.crowemarketingdesign.com

818.883.3374

Corporate Logo for Ubiqueonline.com

818 .713 . 1234

(See services offered on Page 15)

NOW HIRINGDISPLAY AD SALESFLEXIBLE HOURS818.883.3374

WORK. SHOP. DINE. PLAY

RESEDAAccurate ZoneHeating and Air Conditioning7513 Topeka Dr., Reseda, CA 91335Visit www.accuratezonehvac.com

(818) 915-3427

15%DISCOUNT

SERVICES:Maintenance, Repairs,Installations, and Sales.Get 15% off any repair.FREE ESTIMATES.Open 7 days a week.

With coupon. WVN V8N2-N4

H&M Appliance ServiceAppliances Sales | Service | Parts | Buy | Trade18510 Sherman Way, Reseda, CA 91335

(818) 705-2240We Service All Makes & Models. Same Day Appointments. Nice Showroom.Buyer on Premises for trade-ins and to sell your old appliance.

• Freezers• Ranges , Stoves and Ovens• Convection Ovens• Microwaves• Dishwashers• Washers and Dryers• Icemakers• Antique Stoves Repair, Sales and Restoration• Air Conditioning Units and Heating Units

WVN V8N3-V9N1

18401 Sherman Way, Reseda, CA 91335www.aurasxquisitfoods.com

15%DISCOUNT

Serving breakfastMon-Fri 7:30-11AMSat-Sun from 7:30am-3pmDaily Operating HoursMon-Fri 7:30AM-10:00PMSat.-Sun. 7:30AM-8:00PM


CS Earth Origins HEALTH FOOD STORENutritional Products | Vitamins | Produce | Water18363 Sherman Way, Reseda, CA 91335

(818) 705-2695 OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

Natural Vitamin Store. Beauty Products. Some 100% Kosher Products.Vitaminas Naturales. Productos de Centroamerica, Mexico, Estados Unidos.

15%DISCOUNT


The Best Food in The San Fernando ValleyAura’s Xquisit Foods is the place to come and enjoy a healthy meal!


The Growth CoachBecoming a Strategic Business OwnerBy Jonathan Goldhill and Daniel M. Murphy

Trust or Bust

Trust is the fabric that holds a company together. If people do not trust you, they will not trust your vision orstrategies. You are doomed. If you lose your character and reputation, you will have lost everything. Here aresome suggestions:

• Do what you say you will do. Let them count on you. Keep your promises.

• In good times and bad, be ethical, moral, trustworthy, and possess unquestioned integrity.

• Your words and actions must be in alignment. Walk the talk.

Be a straight shooter.

• Honesty is paramount.

• You must lead by example.

• Be an authentic person – what people see is who you are.

• You must share the good, the bad, and the neutral news with your team. Open communication is a must.

• No employee will complain about being kept too informed, too involved, or too inspired.

• Be sincere and always speak from the heart -- phonies are easy to spot.

• Build trust with deep listening.

Trust must be earned over time. However, trust can be lost in no time and is very difficult to rebuild, if at all.As such, any untrustworthy behavior will cost you good employees. Good employees do not leave bad compa-nies; they leave bad leaders.

Culture Creation

As leader, know that you set the tone, pace, environment, and personality of your company. By your consistentactions, you establish what the company values and what gets rewarded. You lead by example and to a largeextent, shape the culture of your organization.

In large part, you maintain the culture by participating in the interviewing, hiring, reviewing and rewarding ofyour employees. Always make time for these critical activities.

Above all, try to create a culture where your people feel appreciated and important, and where they can fullyuse their talents and reach their potential. William James said that “the deepest principle in human nature is thecraving to be appreciated.” If you achieve such a supportive and fear-free culture, you will have created a suc-cessful company with solid retention of your employees.

Also, make coming to work enjoyable. Identify, celebrate, and remember your company’s victories. Capturethem in stories that you repeat, especially to new hires.

Suggested Action Items:

• Your greatest asset is finding, hiring, developing and retaining the “right” people for your company. Get theright people on the ship, the wrong people off the ship, and the ship heading in the right direction.

• Spend time taking care of your best performers, not your worst performers. Spend time developing futureleaders – you will gain tremendous leverage.

• Leverage past employees. Keep in touch with your alumni. They can feed you new customers and newemployees.

• Keep your people accountable. Do not try to be everyone’s buddy. You must insist on performance. Be sureto have a performance review process in place that evaluates the contribution of every team member once ortwice a year.

• Be sure you have an on-going accountability process in place for your key goals. Conduct weekly accounta-bility sessions to gauge progress on goals. Insist on performance; do not tolerate excuses.

• Trust is everything. If your employees don’t trust you, they will not follow you. Keep your promises and dowhat you say you will do. Walk the talk. Share good news, bad news and neutral news. Trust your employeesand they will trust you.

• You set the tone, pace and climate of your business. Create a culture where your employees feel appreciated,important and capable of reaching their full potential.

Jonathan Goldhill, The Growth Coach, coaches leaders of private companies to grow their business. To learn more abouthis unique group and individual coaching programs visit www.TheGrowthCoachLA.com. Jonathan can be reached at(818) 716-8826 or [email protected]. Daniel M. Murphy is CEO & Founder of The Growth Coach FranchiseSystem, www.TheGrowthCoach.com.

Editor’s note: Beginning with Volume 7 Number 1 of the West Valley News, we started publishing monthlyinstallments of the content of a book by Daniel M. Murphy, CEO & Founder of The Growth Coach. The book istitled “Becoming a Strategic Business Owner. A Proven Process to Enhance Your Strategic Mindset.”

__________

CHAPTER 7. PEOPLE MANAGEMENT

Find copies of the West Valley News atCORBIN BOWL19616 Ventura Blvd.Tarzana, CA 91356

Managed by Gary Montgomery

P 818-996-2695WEDNESDAY SPECIAL

(Wednesday is dollar day for Seniors )$1.00 per game

HoursSunday-Thursday9:00 AM - MidnightFriday-Saturday

9:00 AM - 2:00 AM

or online at www.westvalleynews-sfv.com

Editor’s Note: Chapter 8 will continue with Trust or Bust on the next issue of the West Valley News.

100 Ft. Sandwich Built to Celebrate Canoga Park’s 100thIt was a warm, sunny day, on Saturday, February 18, when folks of all ages came together as a

community to be part of a great event, in Old Town Center Canoga Park.

As part of the Canoga Park’s Centennial Celebration, Councilman Dennis P. Zine joined theCanoga Park/West Hills Chamber of Commerce and hundreds of volunteers to build a 100-foot-longsandwich. The event was held at Cavaretta’s Italian Deli, which has been in Canoga Park since 1959.Twelve local nonprofits recruited volunteers to assemble the sandwich and the proceeds from themoney raised at the event will help each nonprofits’ respective cause. Councilman Zine presenteda City Proclamation to Cavaretta’s Italian Deli for their amazing work in the community and fordonating the main ingredients to help the organizations. There will be numerous events as partof Canoga Park's Centennial Celebration. To learn more, visit www.canogapark100.com.

The LAPD West Valley PALS and the West Valley Eagles, were among the local non-profits thatearned the top rewards by selling 25 feet each of the 100-foot-long sandwich.

For those looking for larger meaning in the little things in life, there certainly was a certainsymmetry to the Winnetka Chamber of Commerce hosting their 2012 Installation dinner on President’sDay at the Winnetka Convention Center on Monday, February 20, 2012.

Hosting this prestigious event were Winnetka luminaries and longtime Chamber members GeneGeigoldt and Marilyn Robinson. Although President Obama himself was not in attendance at thehighly anticipated “baton-passing” event that included wall-to-wall West Valley dignitaries like 27thDistrict United States Congressman Brad Sherman and LAPD Deputy Chief of the Valley Bureau,Jorge A. Villegas, there was no shortage of presidential pomp and circumstance as the new Officersand Board Members for 2012 were respectfully ushered into their new positions as leaders of thecommunity of Winnetka by Master of Ceremonies and 3rd District Councilman, Dennis P. Zine.Providing the spiritual glue that held the event together, Councilman Zine guided the guests througha program that not only included the Installation process honoring the outgoing Winnetka Chamberleaders and welcoming the newly elected contingent, but also wowed the gathered throng with humorand panache reminiscent of the glory days in Vegas with the energy and humor of Shecky Green.

Adding a tone of seriousness to the festivities, the Councilman also respectfully acknowledged theChamber’s “Volunteer of the Year,” Marcia Laskey, whose family was in attendance and obviouslymoved by the accomplishments of their loved one. Adding a pronounced punctuation mark to theevening was a bountiful prime rib dinner and silent auction that raised much-appreciated monies forthe Winnetka Chamber. If you are interested in joining the Winnetka Chamber of Commerce, pleasefeel free to contact Marilyn Robinson at (818) 340-2282.

Betty Allen, Jean Jauck and other members of theCanoga-Owensmouth Historical Society were presentto lend a hand at making the 100-foot-long sandwich.

Young members of the West Valley Eagles work as ateam to help build the sandwich is less that 13 min.A record time for the Centennial Celebration books.

Winnetka Installation Dinner Welcomes New Leaders for 2012


FROM COUNCILMEMBER ZINE’S WEEKLY UPDATE



L E T T E R S

Write, Email, Fax, Call

Write Managing Editor, West Valley News8378 Sale Avenue, West Hills, CA 91304

Email [email protected]

Tel / Fax 818-883-3374 / 818-883-9678

Include name, address, and daytime telephone.Letters may be edited for clarity and length.

WHY IS IT?A man wakes up after sleeping

under an ADVERTISED blanket

on an ADVERTISED mattress

and pulls off ADVERTISED pajamas

bathes in an ADVERTISED shower

shaves with an ADVERTISED razor

brushes his teeth with ADVERTISED toothpaste

washes with ADVERTISED soap

puts on ADVERTISED clothes

drinks a cup of ADVERTISED coffee

drives to work in a ADVERTISED car

and then…

refuses to ADVERTISE

believing it doesn’t pay.

Later if business is poor

he ADVERTISES it for sale.

WHY IS IT?

Canoga Park Bowland

the San Fernando ValleySymphony Orchestra

CONCERTS AT THE BOWLWednesday Evenings at 8:00pm

IN THE ROYAL ROOM

ADMISSION FREE/ 1 DRINK MINIMUM

20122 Vanowen Street, Winnetka, CAPersons under 21 years of age not admitted.

Aura Estrada and her Visionof the American DreamMy passion for food began when I was very young.When my mother was in the kitchen cooking, I wouldalways pretend I was cooking, but soon she wouldkick me out of the kitchen. But, I still wanted to cook.

I came to this country at the age of 14, with manydreams.

I started working in restaurants. My last job was atConrod’s in Glendale; I then had a great opportunityto work in an office and left the restaurant industryfor awhile but my passion for cooking continued.Five years ago I wanted to open an Italian restaurant,even though I am not Italian. But I love to cookpastas, risotto etc.; that dream was on hold for a bit.

Three years ago, I told my husband that I would loveto open a restaurant. We talked about how the foodindustry is changing. Everyday people are becomingmore concerned about their health and looking forhealthier alternatives; I am one of them. Next I said,“how can we bring a healthy and organic food to TheValley?” Then we considered–where in The Valley?

We attend a church in Reseda and passed by theseempty store spaces all the time. One day I said to myhusband “what about that place?” He said, why there—the buildings are a little rough. I insisted andstarted to make phone calls. I contacted an architectand told him my idea. He said it would be almostimpossible and said the same thing my husbandtold me. I insisted, because I had this vision thatthey could not see. It was very difficult to completethis project, especially dealing with the city permitsand how expensive it was becoming because of allthe delays.

With the Mercy of God, we finished and here we are!I wanted to bring, not only healthier food but also adifferent feel from other places. I did not want to becalled another Mexican or Guatemalan or any otherrestaurant. I wanted to make dishes from differentnationalities and have customers from all over.

As a new restaurant, it is hard to have all the ethnicfoods but we create dishes that everyone can enjoy.These past months have been very challenging for us—especially with our customer service.

It is my goal to be the best, so we can serve our loyalcustomers again and again.

I wanted to have mostly organic products, but it isalmost impossible because of the food costs; mostpeople are looking for the best deals possible. Wecook all of our dishes with natural products, noMSG, no Lard, low sodium and zero trans fats.

We carry organic tea, coffee and an Acai smoothies.

I also had in my mind, a nice, clean and cozyenvironment for our customers and I’m proud to saythat we have accomplished that.

I am Guatemalan and love our typical dishes…what we call “antojitos” so I just recently addedsome, Corn tamalitos or known as: tamalitos deelote, Tamales with chicken, rellenitos de platanos,(stuffed plantains) and more.

Please come and visit us in Reseda and give us theopportunity to serve you again and again. We are afamily restaurant. I’d love for you to try our bestselling Panini sandwich, especially the newest one...our Smoked Salmon Panini.

This is my vision and my dream. Thank you forhelping to make it come true. My name is AuraEstrada and I want to offer you my best.

Aura’s Xquisit Food, Xotic Drinks & Coffee islocated at 18401 Sherman Way, Reseda, CA 91335.Call Aura at (818) 757-1400 or visit Aura’s onlineat www.aurasxquisitfoods.com.

Bring the coupon on Page 4 to get a 15% discount.

ATTENTION ALL WEST VALLEYCOMMUNITY GROUPSNon-profits, youth, church and communityorganizations, please join Reseda on the weekendof June 9 and 10 for the Reseda Relay for Lifeat Cleveland High School. This is 24 hours thatyou’ll never forget! Relay for Life raises awarenessof cancer in the community and raises money tosupport various programs and services of theAmerican Cancer Society. We are asking for youto give one day out of your life for those whomight not have another.

Sign up NOW to start a team, make a donation,or purchase a luminaria in honor of a friend orloved one.

For more information or contact Event ChairAngel Gonzalez at (818) 590-9043, orNancy Sweeney at (818) 832-2280 orvisit www.relayforlife/resedaca.

We’d love to have you join in with us for thisimportant cause.

NEED A FORKLIFT AND DELIVERY TRUCKA forklift and/or a 16'-22' delivery truck (with lift)is needed as a donation for Habitat for Humanity’sReStore project which is slated to open this yearin the Woodland Hills/ Canoga Park area.

Both are needed to take building materials andappliances that would otherwise wind up in land-fills and make them available for sale to the publicat about 40% of the normal cost. The proceedsfrom the ReStore will be used to fund Habitatprograms, including new and renovated housingfor veterans and low-income families. An additionalfeature of a ReStore is that it will be used as a jobtraining site for veterans. Beyond basic job skills,they will learn retail business management, whichwill allow them to gain future employment.

If you someone who can help, please send emailto Laura Levinsky at [email protected].

Pissed Off at the Pissing MarinesSomebody get the smelling salts. I have passed out on the floor from the shock of hearing

the news: war is cruel and inhuman and disgusting.

It came to me in the form of a video that revealed four United States Marines urinatingon the dead bodies of enemy soldiers in Afghanistan.

There was an immediate outcry against the desecration of our military adversaries evenafter we had shot the life out of them. It was OK to kill them but not to piss on themafterward.

As a result, we are demanding severe punishment for the warriors who for reasons oftheir own had no respect for those who had been trying to kill them and had chosen acrude but effective method of demonstrating their disrespect. But that’s not allowed anymorein the more genteel requirements of human conflict, and they must pay the price of theirindiscretion.

So what am I missing here?

As a former Marine during the Korean War, it was always my understanding that war wasdirty, and ugly and painful and essentially quite discourteous. We were not trained in bootcamp and at Camp Pendleton to be friends with our enemy but rather to blow them intoconfetti by whatever means available. Shoot them, bomb them or burn them, but by anymethod subdue them.

Pissing on them afterwards was never offered as an option but one understood that theywere bad guys out to kill you and well might manifest their antipathies in many differentways, including those utilized by the Marines in Afghanistan.

My best memory of war is of a fellow infantryman who, when there seemed an oddoccurrence in the heat of battle, would shake his head and says “This is unreal.” He wouldamplify the phrase by concluding later that what had happened must have occurred in somekind of parallel universe.

It could not have happened to him. Not really.

He had a point. Where life and death intersect, there is no reality. The very idea ofmembers of the same species confronting one another on a field of battle and killing eachother according to very specific rules is surreal. It flashes into the head with the peculiarityof a new idea: I could die here.

Try as we might, we cannot gentrify war. We do not have referees wandering the battle-grounds to make sure that everyone is performing his duties in the best interest of theGeneva Accord. Neither do those with guns and bombs have the inclination to carry acondensed version of the rules stuffed in a pocket of their ammo belts and little time toimplement those rules if they had them.

Complicating the problem of ungentlemanly conduct by our soldiers is that the newerwars are not “traditional.” We do not see great armies clashing head-on with tanks rollingand bayonets fixed. In Afghanistan and in Iraq before that, we are engaged in combat withshadows and whispers that dart in and out of reality like subliminal thoughts, targets thatmerge and melt before one’s very eyes.

The unreality of war has taken a quantum leap.

Does that justify desecrating the bodies of those we have killed? Never.But in their way, the Marines were playing by a set of rules that exposedwhat war is really all about. It is full of mindless rage, thoughtless actsof violence and a consuming desire for vengeance.

By its inherent disrespect for life, war pisses on the whole human race.

Al Martinez is a Pulitzer Prize winning essayist, author of a dozen books,an Emmy-nominated creator of prime time television shows, a travelwriter, humorist and general hell-raiser. Try him. He’s addictive.almartinez.org/wordpress

AL MARTINEZ

On February 23, 2012, The Valley EconomicAlliance’s Business Expo ‘12, provided San FernandoValley businesses the opportunity to connect andsecure new business contacts, at Los Angeles MarriottBurbank Airport Hotel.

“We had over 400 attendees and 100 exhibitors. Itwas a new location compared to the last three years,in which is was held at Pickwick Gardens. It wasmuch more well attended than previous years.” SaidDarcy Winters from The Valley Economic Alliance.

To learn more about The Valley Economic Alliancecall 818.379.7000 or visit www.the valley.net/expo

The Valley Business Expo ‘12 Gets Great Response

UltraGlas Jane Skeeter and Natalie Rubin


CALIFORNIA GROWN

Main Street Canoga Park

Farmers’ MarketMAKE IT A HABIT

Every Saturday 9AM-1PMOwensmouth north of Sherman Way

“Nancy, a resident of Valley Village House, enjoys anouting to the Griffith Observatory.”

Twenty-One Canoga Park High SchoolStudents Shadowed Aviation ProsVan Nuys, Calif. – On February 29, 2012, twenty-

one high school students learned about aviationcareers via mentoring and hands-on activities onGroundhog Job Shadow Day at Van Nuys Airport.

Students were first treated to an airport tour andthen shadowed various businesses on the airfieldincluding Castle and Cooke Aviation, Clay LacyAviation, North Valley Occupational Center, OrbicHelicopters, Pentastar Aviation, Signature FlightSupport, Skybird Aviation, Syncro Aviation andthe various airport departments such as Operationsand Police.

Three students with three different stories: AnthonyOjeda, sophomore, is an only child and will be thefirst in his family to graduate from high school. Hewants to be a pilot or an architect. As a child froma small town in Mexico, Ojeda remembers seeingairplanes flying over his home. “I’ve always beenamazed at how airplanes fly. If we can make airplanesfly we can do anything,” he said.

Senior, Santiago Chapa, plans to pursue a careerin aeronautics. This past summer he participated inan audit for the school and realized opportunities tominimize waste. “I came today to observe and learnmore about the airport so I can help airports savemoney by becoming greener,” said Chapa, the oldestof three children in his family.

“I dream of becoming an Air Force and later acommercial pilot,” said Luis Amarales, sophomore.He added, “I want to shadow today to observe andsee how the airport works, what happens. I’ve lovedairplanes for as long as I can remember.” Luis is oneof nine children.

About Van Nuys Airport:

One of the world’s busiest general aviation airports, VNYserves as a valued San Fernando Valley resource, providingongoing leadership in general aviation, business andcommunity service. Dedicated to noncommercial air travel,VNY had more than 310,000 operations in 2011. Morethan 100 businesses are located on the 730-acre airport,including five major fixed-base operators and numerousaviation service companies.

Annually, the airport contributes approximately $1.3 billionto the Southern California economy and supports over12,000 jobs. In addition, VNY provides programs to benefitlocal residents, along with educational initiatives andaviation-related career and training opportunities.

For more information, visit www.lawa.org/vny or follow uson Facebook at www.facebook.com/#!/vannuysairport.

GRIFFITH OBSERVATORY HOSTSDEVELOPMENTALLY CHALLENGEDMoon Rocks and Meteorites Are a HitNearly 250 developmentally challenged

people, along with staff and some 50 volunteers,visited the Griffith Observatory on March 3, fora Community-at-Large Day sponsored by ValleyVillage and partner agencies. After touring theworld-famous Observatory, touching a moonrock, holding a meteorite, and weighing them-selves on Jupiter and other planets, the largegroup gathered on the lawn in front of the obser-vatory for a relaxing picnic lunch that includedsocializing, laughter and lots of photo opps.

It was a remarkable day, made even more soby the accessibility and hospitality of theObservatory. “We appreciate everything theGriffith Observatory staff did to make our groupfeel welcome and be able to access the exhibits,”said Caitlind Alexander, who organized the eventfor Valley Village and its partner agencies in theSan Fernando Valley for Community-at-LargeDay—New Horizons, TLC and the ChildDevelopment Institute.

“We want to say a big thank you to all ourvolunteers, who gave one-on-one attention tomany of our clients, as well as helping withregistration, the picnic and the clean-up,” saidJo Ellen Krumm, volunteer coordinator at ValleyVillage. “Our clients can’t stop talking abouttheir wonderful ‘new friends.’ We were thrilledto have such a turnout from the community,including groups from Best Buy, the Youth OneSource, and the UCLA Indian Student Union.Many staff members also volunteered theirweekend time. Everyone was helpful and cheer-ful and made the day special for our clients.”

Some funding for transportation came froma New Freedom grant. Valley Village, a nonprofitorganization headquartered in Winnetka, providesresidences, day programs and therapeuticservices to some 400 adults with intellectualand developmental challenges. For information,visit the website, www.valleyvillage.org, orcall (818) 587-9450.

profile marketing opportunity that deliversone-on-one access to the diversity and buyingpower of nearly 25,000 consumers.

The Chamber’s Communications & SpecialEvents Director, Fuyumi Hashimoto, said thatthe Latino Expo has become an example forother chambers. “People are asking if they canlearn from us. They want to implement a similarprogram in their community.”W.A.C.E. is an association of chamber executivesand professionals with members in 14 Western statesdesigned to promote and enhance the professionaldevelopment of chamber of commerce executives.With approximately 800 members, W.A.C.E. is thelargest state or regional association of chamber ofcommerce executives in the United States.

For contact information about the Greater SanFernando Chamber of Commerce, see Page 4.

Latino ExpoContinued from Page 1

When you advertise in the West Valley Newsyou’re online 24/7

www.westvalleynews-sfv.com818.883.3374


Hoffman Vanyek Honored by Peers atAnnual Chamber Executives ConferenceNancy Hoffman Vanyek, ACE, CEO of the

Greater San Fernando Valley Chamber ofCommerce, was named the 2011 recipient of theprestigious Russell E. Pettit Memorial Award atthe Western Association of Chamber Executives(W.A.C.E.) annual conference in Las Vegas onFebruary 9, 2012.

Named in memory of Russell E. Pettit, aveteran of 40 years in chamber of commercemanagement, who unselfishly served hiscommunity and fellow executives in the highestprofessional standards, the award is givenannually to a chamber executive in the West inrecognition for a career of assisting those in thechamber business to attain higher professionalstandards and capabilities.

Hoffman Vanyek was particularly honored forher mentoring of peers and co-workers, as well as her leadership in raising funds for scholarshipsfor the W.A.C.E Foundation. She is the 41st recipient of the award.

W.A.C.E. is an association of chamber executives and professionals with members in 14 Westernstates designed to promote and enhance the professional development of chamber of commerceexecutives. With approximately 800 members, W.A.C.E. is the largest state or regional associationof chamber of commerce executives in the United States.

Thank you SoccerOne foryour Support of our LAPDOfficers at TopangaMark and Emilia Neudorff, owners of SoccerOne in

Canoga Park, joined a special list of local businesseswho have made generous contributions to supportour LAPD Officers—at the Topanga Police Station—who protect and serve our community.

The Neudorffs stopped by the Topanga PoliceStation to meet Topanga Area Commanding OfficerCaptain Tom Brascia; who treated them to a personalguided tour of the facilities and spent some timelistening to concerns they have about a marihuanadispensary, a couple of doors down from their store.Captain Brascia offered to look into it and have theofficer in charge of detectives visit SoccerOne.

Welcome to the Topanga Boosters Mark and Emilia.

The Topanga BOOSTERS is a volunteer support organizationmade up of business and community leaders. Its primarymission is to increase the effectiveness and morale of theofficers and staff of the Topanga Police Station by raisingmoney for community services, materials, and equipmentnot generally supplied by the City of Los Angeles.

To learn more, visit www.topangaboosters.org.

The photograph of the painting shown on the left is a copy of Irises, a painting by the Dutch artist Vincentvan Gogh. Irises was painted while Vincent van Gogh was living at the asylum at Saint Paul-de-Mausole inSaint-Rémy-de-Provence, France, in the last year before his death in 1890.

It was painted before his first attack at the asylum. There is a lack of the high tension which is seen in hislater works. He called the painting “the lightning conductor for my illness,” because he felt that he could keephimself from going insane by continuing to paint.

The painting was influenced by Japanese ukiyo-e woodblock prints, like many of his works and those byother artists of the time. The similarities occur with strong outlines, unusual angles, including close-up viewsand also flattish local colour (not modelled according to the fall of light).

He considered this painting a study, which is probably why there are no known drawings for it, althoughTheo, Van Gogh’s brother, thought better of it and quickly submitted it to the annualexhibition of the Société des Artistes Indépendants in September 1889, together with Starry Night Over theRhone. He wrote to Vincent of the exhibition: “strikes the eye from afar. The Irises area beautiful study full of air and life.”

Ownership history of the Original Painting

Its first owner was the French art critic and anarchist Octave Mirbeau, who was also one ofVan Gogh’s first supporters: he paid 300 francs for it.

In 1987, it became the most expensive painting ever sold, setting a record which stood for twoand a half years. Then it was sold for US$53.9 million to Alan Bond, but he did not have enough money topay for it. Irises was later re-sold in 1990 to the J. Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles. Irises is currently (as of2010) tenth on the inflation-adjusted list of most expensive paintings ever sold, and in 25th place if the effectsof inflation are ignored.

ORIGINAL PAINTING. Artist: Vincent van Gogh. Year: 1889 Type: Oil on canvas Dimensions: 71 cm × 93 cm(28 in × 36.625 in) Location: J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles, California.

COPY OF PAINTING (Left). Unknown L.A. artist. Oil on stretched canvas “Blue Irises.” 72 in x 60 in.

The sale price for the stretched canvas copy of Vincent van Goh’s Blue Irises is $800. Reduced to $600.

Reproduction Painting of “Irises” by Vincent van GohFOR SALE. A portion of proceeds to benefit BGCWV

FOR INFORMATION ABOUT PURCHASING THE COPY OFVINCENT VAN GOH’S BLUE IRISES (Below),

CONTACT ED CROWEAT 818.883.3374 OR 818.231.4454


Anecdotes, Interviews,Bits & Pieces aboutWest Valley History.

Heritage Days at Pierce College

Life Line & Miracle Ear Screenings at Fairwinds West HillsWednesday, March 21

Pre-registration is required: 1800 679-5192

Heritage Days come full circle to the west San Fernando Valley with the annual reenactment of the Civil Warat Pierce College. The great grandfather of this writer was the Captain Jim Crow, the author and 1930’s radiopersonality Mary Margaret McBride wrote about in her book How Dear to My Heart published in 1940. Hebecame Dr. James P. Crow after the War and went to South America (Perú first and then Ecuador).

The photograph above of the Glenn House is the “real thing” as it existed in 1861. It was found recentlyduring a search for family records in the Internet for Glenn House, Paris, Missouri. The town where CaptainJim Crow was born and where this war story took place that inscribed for posterity his name on the chroniclesof the Paris Monitor and some Missouri history books. Author Mary Margaret McBride was born there as well.

The outlined color photo of the Confederate Officer is part of the Pierce’s Civil War reenactment, that is asauthentic as one can imagine and replicate from actual records of battles that took place. The information thatfollows below, was taken from Pierce College’s Heritage Days Web page. The entire San Fernando Valley shouldattend. It is a must see event. You can purchase tickets online at http://piercefarmcenter.com/

The Civil War springs to life at Pierce Farm Center on April 28 and 29!Hundreds of re-enactors will recreate the epic conflict of the American Civil War on the broad fields of Pierce

College. Visitors will view exciting cavalry charges, artillery barrages, and infantry assaults that were partof America's watershed event, one that transformed a mere union of states into a nation!

Throughout each day, demonstrations and presentations will take place, including Victorian dancing, militarydrill, and skills and crafts from the era. Historical notables from the past will address all of those present, andPresident Lincoln will give his famous Gettysburg Address as part of a grand “Living History” program.

After seeing reenactors and historical personages who appear as if they have leaped from the pages of historybooks, visitors will leave the event with a far better appreciation of the political issues, the aspects of daily life,and the great sacrifices and hardships endured by both sides in this greatest of American conflicts, the conse-quences of which still affect our country today.

EVENT SCHEDULE-SATURDAY April 28 and SUNDAY, April 29

10:00 - Event officially begins10:00 - Evans & Rogers Perform (Town Square)10:30 - War on the Home Front (Throughout Civilian Camp)10:45 - Historical Clothing Presentation (Town Square)11:15 - Presidential Press Conference (Heritage Town Hall)12:00 - First Engagement12:45 The Gettysburg Address (Heritage Town Hall)1:00 - Infantry and Artillery Demonstration (Battlefield)1:30 - Military Band Concert—The Armory Band (Town Square)2:15 - Cavalry Demonstration (Battlefield)2:15 - Civil War Period Dancing—Open to the Public and Reenactors (Town Square Dance Floor)3:00 - Second Engagement (Followed by The Grand Review and the Gettysburg Address)3:45 - A meeting at Appomattox (Town Square)4:00 - The Presidents and their Generals (Town Square)5:00 - Event ends for the public

“Another famous family of adventurous physicians was the Crows.Dr. Samuel Crow, the pioneer, was a veteran of the War of 1812.One of his sons, Jim Crow, became a captain in the Confederate Army.When General Prentice rode into Paris [Missouri] on a Christmas night[December 1861] during the Civil War at the head of a regiment of Federalcavalry, a Confederate company of which Captain Crow was a memberwas holding a dance at the Glenn House. Prentice was especially anxiousto get Captain Crow but the agile young man escaped by jumping froma second-story back window. After the War, Jim Crow went to Ecuador.”McBride, Mary Margaret. “Forget-me-not-Album.” HOW DEAR TO MY HEARTThe MacMillan Company New York 1940, 119-120

By Ed Crowe

Dr. James P. Crow. Circa 1899


Send Your High Achievers to CUBA on March 30, 2012...for Only $100

� They can provide their own transportation because it’s within driving range� They don’t need money for food because dinner is included� They don’t need formal attire because the dress code is resort casual� They do need a few bucks for exotic drinks and raffle tickets to keep them in the spirit� They may need their dancing shoes and a partner if they’re into the swing of music� They can have fun and gamble the night away with the casino cash—part of the deal� They can have an expense account if you want them to win silent auction bargains, or� They can use their own bonus funds to bid on their own dream vacation to paradise

For a night of fun and games at the Valley’s hottest event of the year, Club de Cuba!Sign up your team of high achievers today.

CLUB DE CUBAA Night of FUNraising for a Great Cause.

TEXAS HOLD ‘EM POKER • BLACKJACK • CRAPS • ROULETTEAll proceeds to benefit after-school programs at the Boys & Girls Club of the West Valley.www.wvbgc.org

818.610.1054CALL FOR PARTICIPATION RESERVATIONS.

Club de CubaClub de CubaWARNER CENTER MARRIOTT

Casino, Live & Silent Auction, DinnerFriday, March 30, 2012

6:30 PM

Woodland Hills-Tarzana Chamber of CommerceMember Recognition, Awards & Installation of the 2012 Board

2012 Board of Directors

Diana Deats Lee Levy Mark Sterling

Another Successful BASH at the Braemar Country Club

(L-R) Mike Nix, Braemer General Manager, Joanne Rita, Braemer Private Events Director, and Nancy Hoffman Vanyek, ACE,CEO of the Greater San Fernando Valley Chamber of Commerce, cut the celebratory ribbon at the start of the BASH 2012 heldat the Braemar Country Club in Tarzana.

The BASH 2012, a valley-wide trade show and mixer, presented on February 22 by the GreaterSan Fernando Valley Chamber of Commerce, was once again very successful. It attracted a room full ofexhibitors and a steady flow of visitors throughout the evening.

The event was free to the attending public and went from 5:00-8:00 PM. To find out about next year’s BASH,call Nancy or Fuyumi at (818) 989-0300 or visit www.sanfernandovalleychamber.com.


A good reason to celebrate.Everyone is a Winner!The Village at Westfield Topanga getsunanimous approval by L.A. City Council.

John Alderson, Westfield Development Director,had a good reason to make a special celebratorytoast, immediately following the L.A. City CouncilHearing on Wednesday, February 29, 2012, at Rock’NFish: LA Live. The Red light turned Green with theunanimous approval of The Village development.

A little weary from the long journey of hundreds ofmeetings, and preparation of thousands of documentsin addition to architectural renderings, presentationsand years of hard work, the time came to simply sayCHEERS! in recognizing the ardous and fantasticeffort put forward by the entire Westfield team andthose who supported The Village project.

Ambassador of the YearLEE LEVY

Member of the YearMARK STERLING

Busines of the Year AwardMARLA VASQUEZWells Fargo Bank

2011 Joseph StallerMemorial Award

JOHN ALDERSON

Outgoing 2011 ChairmanDAVID ASPLUND

Incoming 2012 ChairmanDIANE DEATS

Thursday Night TreasureContinued from Page 1

hunting and making sure all guests at the2012 Gala were having a good time. DianaWilliams assisted by husband David weremonitoring the progress of the evening’sprogram, coordinating with event chair

David Asplund

François Khoury and his committeeof volunteers. After dinner was over, theTreasure Auctions were done and the Awardswere handed out, it was time for Mrs.Robinson to hit the stage and let the guestsshow their moves on the dancing floor.

The lights were dimmed, the fearless hit thedance floor and everyone had a good time.


SUCCESS CENTER

Self-hypnosis has proven to be an effective tool for resolving problems such as overeating, smoking,low self confidence, learning difficulties and poverty consciousness. For the last thirty five years, I’veused THE SEVEN KEYS TO SELF-ACTUALIZATION. While continuing the valid use of self-hypnosisin challenge resolution, this system also encourages self-discovery, expansion of personal boundariesand the learning of new skills through both the conscious and sub conscious minds. It is a systematicprogram of business and personal growth through hypnosis and life coaching, crafted to enable you toachieve your Highest potential in every area of your life. Below are the sort of exercises a coach mightgive you.

Brainstorm goal setting: SUCCESS COACHING

Think for a moment of some of your fondest dreams—becoming a real success in the career of yourchoice, perhaps modeling yourself on those who have created success in your field. If you are in yourown business, imagine making your business the kind of success you dreamed of when you firststarted or the kind of success you have seen in similar businesses. If you have not yet chosen a career,you might imagine finishing your degree, educational goals, owning a business, becoming presidentof a successful company, starting a program to have a positive impact on your community.

Leave nothing off this first list, no matter how improbable it seems at the moment. Whether your dreamis passing the million dollar point in gross sales this year or winning an Oscar, write it down. Thepossibilities are endless. Each of these goals can be accomplished directly or indirectly through thewill to learn. The author has created an audio CD titled The Will to Learn available at author’s web site.This, along with the determination to use your knowledge to make your goals a reality, is the greatestgift of all. It can be imbedded into your subconscious mind through self hypnosis.

Be specific: FOCUS

To be effective, this desire to learn must be channeled—geared towards your specific needs ratherthen the gluttonous devouring of a library. In order to channel your hunger for knowledge, make a listof everything you want. Be specific. Don’t write “lots of money,” write a dollar amount. Don’t write thatyou want to own a boat, write the kind of boat and how big you want it. You wouldn’t take a cruise witha captain who announced he was going... “Somewhere.” How much more important is your life thansome brief trip, and yet your destinations have probably been quite hazy most of the time.

Be thorough. Drawing a sketch or finding a picture of each goal would be helpful. If a goal is not some-thing you can picture, ask yourself “Is it abstract, or is it just too vague?” A goal must be concrete andspecify a date for accomplishment if it is to leave the dream category and move into reality. Write downdates for specific action-steps for each goal, by month and year.

Prioritize: IS IT WORTH THE EFFORT?

Decide first how time-consuming each goal will be. Is becoming a doctor worth eight years of graduateand medical school, and the accompanying huge debt? If not, cross it off. Be sure you have thought outwhat each goal will require of you before committing yourself to it. If you are not sure what is involvedin completing a goal on your list, research it. The action-steps for accomplishing each goal must bespecific enough to go in your appointment calendar—and if you don't have an appointment calendar,get one now.

Evidence Procedure: HOW DO YOU KNOW WHEN YOU’VE GOT IT?

You must have an evidence procedure for knowing when each action-step and the goal itself have beenaccomplished. Will you see a balance of $50,000 dollars in your savings account? Will you receive thekeys to your new home? Will you step on a ship for a cruise around the world with someone you love?Acknowledge and delight in the accomplished goal so you can build on that success to reach new goals.You want to own your own business. What kind of business? Will establishing it require book learning,experience, money—all three? How will you get these? Inquire into the steps used by somebody whoalready accomplished this particular goal. Get that information from biographies, autobiographies or,best yet, an interview with the person himself.

You can and will learn to do whatever is necessary to achieve your goals. Take as much time asnecessary for making the list, researching it, and modifying it. Include only those items you are positiveyou want and are willing to strive for.

Now put your goals into your subconscious mind: HOW TO ACHIEVE SUCCESS THROUGHSELF HYPNOSIS

It can be done through audio CDs such as my “ABUNDANCE YOUR MONEY AND MORE MAGNET”(which can be down loaded free of charge at www.acesuccess.com), by a hypnotist (live or by phone),or on your own. You can relax from head to toe while breathing deeply and regularly. Then give yourselfthe suggestions:

“I enjoy setting goals, creating action steps to accomplish those goals, reviewing and updating the goalsand action steps regularly, celebrating the accomplishment of my goals and setting new ones. I enjoylearning what I need to know to make my goals a reality. It feels good to learn, it feels good to use theknowledge to accomplish my goals. Inset goals for success and joy in every area of my life—physical,mental, emotional, and spiritual as well as material and financial. I make time for success and time torelax and enjoy that success. The word success refers to reaching the goals I have set in every area ofyour life as I build financial and material wealth, mental excellence and greater use of your whole brain...Emotional balance and joyous, fulfilling relationships...Physical health and fitness... Spiritual growth andan ever deeper consciousness of my oneness with the universal force as I conceive it to be. I draw fromthis force strength, wisdom, power, energy and abundance. I feel a profound sense of gratitude for theabundance flowing into your life and for the opportunity to serve others with the best that is in you.Learn now to live life to the fullest, enjoying and delighting in every part of it. My goals are in completealignment with my values and my highest vision of the person I am becoming. I move towards theaccomplishment of my goals with a feeling of rightness, meaning and purpose in my life.”

Here’s to your success!_____________________

Terry Brussel-Gibbons PhD, Cht. is a Clinical Hypnotherapist certified by the American Council of Hypnotists' Examiners.She created THE SEVEN KEYS TO SELF-ACTUALIZATION, which enables her students and clients to achieve their HIGHESTpotential physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. This system is available through books, recordings and throughprivate sessions (by phone or in person) with Terry and other Success Center associates she has trained.

CONTACT TERRY BRUSSEL-GIBBONS AT SUCCESS CENTER (800) GOAL NOW (462-5669) OR VISIT www.acesuccess.com

MAKE YOUR DREAMS A REALITYHOW TO ACHIEVE SUCCESS THROUGH SELF HYPNOSIS AND COACHING

By Terry Lee Brussel Ph.D., Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist Since 1969

SHOP LOCAL. CONTRACT LOCAL PROFESSIONAL SERVICES.CHECK OUT BUSINESS BY REFERRAL AT WWW.WESTVALLEYNEWS-SFV.COM

The Boys & Girls Club of the West Valley hasannounced the winner of its prestigious Youthof the Year Award, 16-year-old Jorden Sneed,who has been a Club member since she waseight years old.

Jorden is an honor roll student at SierraCanyon High School thanks to a scholarshipthough the school’s Rising Star Program thathelps disadvantaged students attend SierraCanyon. She serves as an active member ofboth the Black Student Union Club and theGay-Straight Alliance Club, which organizesassemblies and invites guest speakers to raiseawareness about African-American Culture andGay Rights. An active volunteer for causes shesupports, Jorden has given her time and energyto such non-profit organizations as: School onWheels, Union Rescue Mission, Greater WestHollywood Food Coalition (GWHFC), L.A. YouthNetwork (LAYN), Salvation Army, Goodwill, andMEND (Meet Each Need with Dignity).

Jorden struggled at a young age with adjustingto her parents’ divorce. She developed emotionalinsecurities and would exclude herself fromothers, not allowing anyone to see her vibrantpersonality, which had been muted by hersadness. Thankfully, her single mother turnedto the Club, which resulted in turning Jorden’slife around.

When she became a Club member, Jorden wassurrounded by encouraging and motivationalstaff, as well as Club members who were goingthrough similar situations in their personal lives.Soon the Club became her second home, andthe Staff and Club members like family. Shebegan to break out of her shell, make newfriends, and become involved with Clubactivities and sports. In addition to her honor

BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF THE WEST VALLEY AWARDS 2012YOUTH OF THE YEAR TO SIXTEEN-YEAR-OLD JORDEN SNEED

roll academic achievements and volunteerism,she is captain of her basketball team and hasaspiration of attending an Ivy League school tobecome an anesthesiologist.

Jorden was one of four candidates inthe HighSchool Division to be considered for the title ofYouth of the Year, along with Canoga Park HighSchool’s Ashley

Youngquist, age 17, Ulisez Diaz, age 17, andThalia Sanchez, age 17. All four nominees areoutstanding representatives of the Club, which,according to Club Chairman Gary Thomas,made the final decision extremely difficult forthe judges.

Jorden moved on to the Los Angeles competi-tion last month where she competed against theYouth of the Year winners from 27 Boys & GirlsClubs in Los Angeles County.

Two members from that group were selectedto represent Los Angeles in the California StateCompetition. The California State winner willthen move on to the Boys & Girls Club ofAmerica Regional Competition where winnersof each region will compete for the NationalYouth of the Year title.

The following Club members have beennamed Youth of the Year at our other Club sites:

Main site – Melissa Guardado, age 13Hale Charter Academy – Malika Steen, age 11Blythe Elementary – Amanda Farrias, age 7Reseda Elementary – Anny Lam, age 10Topeka Elementary – Adam DeCesare, age 9Tierra Del Sol – Anthony Madrigal, age 10

The Boys & Girls Club of the West Valley willbe honoring all of its members who have beennamed Youth of the Year at each of its sitesSaturday, April 14, at the Warner CenterMarriott Hotel at the annual Youth of the YearAwards Luncheon.

For more information or to purchase tickets,please contact Vice President Kelsy Maruyamaat 818-610-1054.

The nonprofit Boys & Girls Club of the West Valleywas founded in 1992 as a response to the need forsafe, healthy, productive activities for local youthduring non-school hours. Eighty-one percent of theClub’s 3,400 members come from families belowthe poverty line. Approximately 125 youngstersvisit the Main Clubhouse in Canoga Park each day,in addition to more than 500 children providedafter-school activities at Blythe, Reseda, and TopekaDrive Elementary Schools; Tierra del Sol; CanogaPark High School; and Hale Charter Academy.

The Boys & Girls Club of the West Valley is locatedat 7245 Remmet Ave., Canoga Park. To learn more,call 818-610-1054 or visit www.wvbgc.org.

Chamber Strengthened Through Staff EducationFuyumi Hashimoto, Communications & Special Events Director at the Greater San Fernando

Valley Chamber of Commerce, was among the 33 chamber executives to graduate last Friday fromAcademy, a professional development program presented by the Western Association of Chamber

Executives (W.A.C.E.).

Academy is an interactive 3-day (three year)training program on chamber managementessentials designed for today’s chamberexecutives and staff professionals.

“We congratulate all of the graduates andtheir chambers for having the vision to investin professional development,” said W.A.C.E.President Dave Kilby.

During the three-year Academy program,graduates participated in 18 three-hour classesand successfully completed additional inde-pendent study outside of the classroom.

W.A.C.E is an association of chamber ofcommerce executives and staff professionalsdesigned to promote and enhance professionaldevelopment. With approximately 800 members

from fourteen Western states, W.A.C.E. is the largest state or regional association of chamber ofcommerce executives in the United States.

INCREASE THE VISIBILITY OF YOUR BUSINESSADVERTISE IN THE WESTVALLEYNEWS


FROM COUNCILMEMBER ENGLANDER’S E-NEWS

Statement on the Change in LAPD's Impound Policy...I oppose and have always opposed the change to the LAPD's impound

policy regarding unlicensed drivers.

I believe it is a matter of public safety that unlicensed, untrainedand uninsured drivers should not be encouraged to break the law by less-ening the consequences for doing so. That said, the LAPD isgoverned by a Citizen's Commission, that voted 4-1 on Tuesday,Feb. 28, in favor of the change to the impound policy.

I still believe that there are questions as to the legality of these changes.I have raised those questions on the record with our City Attorney, basedon the State Office of Legislative Council's concerns

and others. Additionally, District Attorney, Steve Cooley issued a letter to Chief Charlie Beck aboutthe impound policy change stating: "...such policies are contrary to State law and likely would createrisks both to public safety and to public treasuries."

I agree and eagerly await the City Attorney’s response to more than 20 critical legal questions thatI addressed to him in the Public Safety Committee last week, in addition to the single question raisedby the Police Commission.

— Mitchell Englander, Councilmember, Twelfth District.

MESSAGE FROM WASHINGTON

Improving Transportation in the ValleySince going to Congress, I have helped lead the effort to reduce

congestion on our local roads and highways and improve transit servicethroughout the San Fernando Valley. In 1998, I secured federal funds toinitiate several improvements at the 101/405 interchange—one of thebusiest bottlenecks in the nation. Improvements include the extensionof the northbound 405 carpool lane between Burbank Boulevard and

Ventura Boulevard, widening the Van Nuys Boulevard off ramps and developing plans to improvethe southbound 405 connector to the 101 Freeway.

Federal funds are helping construct a new lane on the northbound 405 Freeway through the heavilycongested Sepulveda Pass. The I-405 Sepulveda Pass Improvement Project is slated to be completedin Spring 2013. Working with others, I was successful in my efforts to secure federal and state fund-ing for the largest transportation improvement project in our region.

Over the years, I have worked to secure funding for two additional lanes (one in each direction) onthe 5 Freeway in the San Fernando Valley. As a result of these efforts, the state is dedicating millionsin state bond funding and over $70 million in federal funds to accelerate construction of carpoollanes on the 5 Freeway from the 118 to the 134 Freeways with construction expected to be completedby 2015. The project will also include a major reconfiguration of the Empire Avenue/I-5 interchangeto ease congestion.

I am pleased to have secured federal funds for the Orange Line, which now carries a daily averageof 25,000 riders along a dedicated busway from Warner Center in Woodland Hills to the NorthHollywood Red Line Station. The Orange Line Extension, which will extend north to Chatsworth, isunder construction with plans for completion in Summer 2012. I fought to extend the Orange Linenorth along the Metro owned railroad right-of-way as soon as officials completed construction of theoriginal Orange Line in 2005. The four-mile route will extend north from the Canoga Station to theChatsworth Metrolink Station and improve connectivity for bus and rail passengers to key stops suchas Warner Center, Pierce College, Sepulveda Basin, Van Nuys Civic Center, Valley College and NorthHollywood, where it connects to the red line subway. The new extension will feature the same ameni-ties as the existing route, such as a bikeway and pedestrian path in addition to park and ride lots.

Although it is highly unusual for Congress to set aside funds for local street improvements, theCity of Los Angeles has resurfaced over 16 miles of roadway throughout the San Fernando Valley,using federal funds I secured for Valley transportation improvements. The funds will also providefor street lighting and intersection improvements.

I have also worked with local officials to secure transportation funds to improve safety and reducecongestion on the 118 Freeway westbound off ramp at Tampa Avenue, the Balboa Boulevard andRinaldi Street intersection, and San Fernando Road and Balboa Road intersection.

In order to do my job, I need to hear your views on both local issues and those affecting our entirenation. I continue to believe that there are more good ideas in the Valley than in Washington, whichis why I appreciate hearing from you. Do not hesitate to contact my San Fernando Valley office toshare yours, (818) 501-9200, or come to my next Town Hall Meeting on Sunday, April 1st from 3:00p.m. to 4:30pm at Birmingham High School.

FROM COUNCILMEMBER ZINE’S WEEKLY UPDATE

Westfield Village Project ApprovedOn February 29, the Village at Westfield Topanga was unanimously

approved by the Los Angeles City Council. This 450 million dollar,two-phased project will bring over a million square feet of commercialdevelopment to the West San Fernando Valley and an estimated 7,500jobs. The project will consist of a Costco, retail shops, a senior citizen/community center, restaurants, linear parks, community gathering space,and hotel and office space.

Transportation options will make visiting the site easy and convenientby bicycle, the Metro Orange Line, or by car. Jitney service will addfurther convenience, connecting the Westfield Promenade, Westfield

Topanga, and Westfield Village. Crosswalk enhancement, meandering multi-use trails, directionalsignage and a bicycle amenities plan will make this project one of the most pedestrian and bicyclefriendly developments in the Valley.

This project is the culmination of hundreds of community meetings, a day-long City PlanningCommission meeting (that resulted in unanimous support), and three Planning and Land UseManagement committee meetings prior to a hearing before the full City Council. The City Councilmeeting was filled with hundreds of supporters from community members, business organizations,construction trades, and labor representatives. There were only three people who spoke out againstthe project during the meeting.

While most city land development entitlements give the developer flexibility to build over anumber of years, Councilman Zine negotiated not only public benefits for the community duringthe first build out, but also a strict timeline that ensures the community center be completed beforethe Costco opens and requires the first wave of retail to open soon after. The additional retail,restaurants, and community space will be delivered in 2014.

Councilman Zine is thrilled to be bringing thousands of quality jobs to the region and millions ofdollars in sales tax revenue to the City.

A WORD FROM OUR ELECTED OFFICIALS

Moving to Our New District Office...We are consolidating our Northridge and Chatsworth offices into a single location in Chatsworth.

Our new office will be more centrally located in our District. In addition to housing our Districtoperations, staff offices, constituent services and meetings, the new office will also feature aConstituent Service Center, where residents can meet one-on-one with representatives from variousCity Departments to get assistance with certain City services. We will announce details on that serv-ice in coming weeks.

Our (818) 701-5253 phone number will be disconnected on March 5 and on March 12, it will con-nect to our new office. Our (818) 756-8501 phone number will be disconnected on March 12, but itwill have a recorded message giving our new phone number for one year.

The main phone number of our new District Office will be (818) 882-1212. It will be activated onMarch 12. Our new District Office address is 9207 Oakdale Ave., Chatsworth, CA 91311.

You can still reach our City Hall Office at (213) 473-7012 and email [email protected].


Welcome to CD 12’s Newest Staff Member...We are proud to welcome Melody Jaramillo, Council Aide/Case Worker, as the newest member

of the Council District 12 staff. Melody is working out of our District Office and handles constituentservice requests, administration, and works with Neighborhood Councils and community groups inour District.

Melody is from Simi Valley and graduated from CSUN with a Bachelor’s Degree in PoliticalScience, and an emphasis in local government.

Participate in SurveyLA and Help RecordL.A.’s Historic Resources...The City is conducting community outreach for SurveyLA, Los Angeles' first-ever comprehensive

effort to identify and record its diverse historic resources. This year, SurveyLA will be operating inthe Chatsworth/Porter Ranch, Northridge, Granada Hills/Knollwood and Reseda/West Van NuysCommunity Plan areas.

While many of Los Angeles’ historic places are well known, there are also many hidden gemsthat may not have gained the recognition they deserve. Documenting these resources is a hugeundertaking, so the project needs the input of the people who live, work and play in and aroundour historic resources in L.A.

How you can participate

Community workshops will be held in April and May in the Northwest San Fernando Valley.Details will be announced soon here.

Visit www.MyHistoricLA.org, a crowdsourcing website, which allows users to contributeinformation about important historic resources in their communities. The information is usedby SurveyLA’s professional survey teams.

Visit SurveyLA's blog, http://www.surveyla.wordpress.comsurveyla.wordpress.com.

Follow SurveyLA on Facebook www.facebook.com/surveyla and Twitterwww.twitter.com/SurveyLA.

Visit MyHistoricLA guide to public participation for research tips and community activities.

Request a free public speaker from the SurveyLA Volunteer Speakers Bureau to do a presentationat your Neighborhood Council or community-based organization meeting.

City of L.A. Business and City Improvement Survey...The City is seeking feedback from all residents of Los Angeles on the quality and efficiency of

City services and the quality of life in L.A. in order to find ways to improve. The survey responsescollected will not only help to make Los Angeles more business-friendly, but will also help assessand improve City services.

This survey is an opportunity for all community members and businesses to have their voicesheard. The Controller's office will be collecting survey data over the next several months and willuse it to compile ideas and make recommendations on making Los Angeles more efficient.

To take the online survey, visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/lacontrollersurvey

INCREASE THE VISIBILITY OF YOUR BUSINESSADVERTISE IN THE WESTVALLEYNEWS

AN IDEA WORTH TESTING?Jeebster! The Best Rewards

for the Best CustomersWhy should merchants offer big discounts to one time

customers? Shouldn’t the best deals go to the best customers,the ones that are the most loyal to an establishment?That’s the inspiration behind the whole new local discount shopping concept

being offered by Jeebster.com, based in Calabasas, California, which focuses oncustomer introduction, loyalty, retention and rewards strategies for small, locally ownedbusinesses. Jeebster caters exclusively to small proprietorships and family ownedbusinesses. You won’t find the names of franchises or big corporate stores among

the listings of Jeebster merchants.

Instead of offering big one-time discounts to customers who may or may not continue patronizing a businesslike daily deals sites do, Jeebster offers ongoing discounts and special incentives to consumers at the localbusinesses that they love the most. For merchants, this means building a strong, loyal customer base that willkeep coming back; the foundation that every small business needs to succeed.

Client retention is the missing component behind most popular daily deal sites, according to Jeebster.comCo-founder and CEO Eman Talei. He witnessed this first hand when his father’s deli used a Grouponpromotion to try and stimulate sales. The Groupon ad was extremely successful in bringing in new customers.So much so, that the deli hired two new employees to help meet the demand. Unfortunately, the swell ofcustomers dropped down to its normal flow after the initial flood from the discount coupons.

Word of mouth referrals have always been the most effective means of gaining new customers, and it is alsothe easiest on a business' marketing budget. The power of referrals comprise the base concept behind Jeebster'sunique marketing strategy for local businesses.

Local merchants can join the Jeebster network without investing any initial marketing dollars into the program.Merchants then refer their patrons to Jeebster.com to gain access to special rewards, ongoing discounts andother promotional news items through their free online subscription. As the network of Jeebster merchantsrefer their customers, each merchant also receives exposure to the customers of fellow merchant members.In addition, the word-of-mouth marketing kicks in as members tell their friends and family about the benefitsavailable through their free membership in the Jeebster network.

Monthly merchant fees for the service are based on their membership following, another innovative marketingapproach by Jeebster. Members are given the opportunity to select and follow their favorite merchants fromthe Jeebster merchant list, similar to 'Liking' a Facebook page. This provides merchants with a very affordablemarketing service with fees that truly reflect the effectiveness of the program. Subscriptions to favorite localbusinesses provides members with only one customized email each week that consolidates all their news andspecial offerings from only their list of favorites, eliminating a flood of offerings cluttering up their inbox.

Jeebster is all about networking and supporting the “Shop Small and Shop Local” movement. Local, highquality merchants assist one another in building a strong client base of loyal customers who strengthen thefoundations of the local business community.

About Jeebster

Jeebster was created to provide a better marketing alternative for small local businesses that want more than a temporarysurge in sales and prefer a long term solution with no up-front costs. Jeebster helps connect customers with neighborhoodbusinesses and service providers, while offering savings and rewards for the entire community. Jeebster is currently servicingthe communities of Woodland Hills, Studio City and Calabasas, CA, with plans of expanding to other neighboring cities byspring of 2012.

For more information about this innovative new company visit www.jeebster.com or call toll free 855-533-2783.Tell Eman Talei you saw this article in the West Valley News.


Business Education/Workshops

SAN FERNANDO VALLEY SMALL BUSINESS WORKSHOPSPre-registration is required because space is limited.

For information about more classes or to RSVP, call (661) 362-5900 or email [email protected] to register.To register online visit www.cocsbdc.org.

HELPING ENTREPRENEURS SUCCESSFULLY START, BUILD AND GROW THEIR BUSINESS

Essential Steps for Writing a Business Plan Part I

A business plan is a necessity for the success of your business! This workshop will cover all aspects of creatinga business plan, as well as emphasize the importance of goals and outline methods to achieve these goals.Critical topics such as business development, marketing plans, advertising strategies, financial analysis andbudgeting will be covered in Part I. Attendees may bring a laptop to work on their business plan during thetraining.

Wednesday, March 14 Time: 9 am – 12 pm Cost: $35

Location: Build WorkSource Center, 9207 Eton Ave., Chatsworth 91311

Effective Marketing

Come prepared to listen, learn and discuss how Marketing is like washing dishes! This energetic workshop willhelp you review what you have been doing; analyze what is working and what has not, and what to do about it.Learn proven ways to grow your business with low cost, targeted advertising and marketing that works from amarketing and sales expert with more than 35 years of successful business experience. We begin with apresentation of how to create and execute a marketing and selling program, and then it is your turn—you askthe questions about your business situation and get answers that are customized to your business situation.Ideal for both existing business owners and for those just getting started.

Thursday, March 22 Time: 10 am – 1 pm

Cost: FREE – Register online at: http://tinyurl.com/739ht7k

Location: Premier America Credit Union, 1st Floor Training Room, 19867 Prairie St., Chatsworth

Accessing Capital – Finding Funding for Your Business

If you want/need a loan to start or build your business, or if you need some financial help to survive thisrecession, this workshop is for you. Learn the 5 C's of credit so you will know what lenders are looking forwhen considering lending you money. You will receive information about available small business loan pro-grams designed to assist businesses during a recession. Lastly, you will learn about the importance of havinga well thought out business plan when asking for credit or loan consideration from a bank or other lenders.

Wednesday, March 28 Time: 9 am – 11 am Cost: $30

Location: Build WorkSource Center, 9207 Eton Ave., Chatsworth 91311

LOW COST OR FREE WORKSHOPS BY VEDC

VEDC also offers a comprehensive business training series for those ready to go to the next level of businesssuccess. VEDC offers comprehensive business workshops designed to transfer critical management skills tosmall business owners. These workshops are open and available to anyone seeking additional information onhow to start, operate and successfully grow a business.

Classes are reasonably priced or FREE. Workshops are offered in our different locations throughout theSan Fernando Valley and Downtown Los Angeles area. Core business workshop topics include

• Access to capital

• Basic legal structures of a business

• Marketing on limited budget

• Business record keeping

• QuickBooks

• Managing Employees

• Managing for profit and results

• E-Commerce

VEDC also offers a comprehensive business training series for those ready to goto the next level of business success.

All VEDC workshops at:

VEDC (Valley Economic Development Center)5121 Van Nuys Blvd. 3rd Floor, Van Nuys, CA

Contact Lucero Montañez at 818-907-9922 or via email to [email protected]

For additional information about fees and locations, visit: www.vedc.org

Find copies of the West Valley News atCORBIN BOWL19616 Ventura Blvd.Tarzana, CA 91356

Managed by Gary Montgomery

P 818-996-2695WEDNESDAY SPECIAL

(Wednesday is dollar day for Seniors )$1.00 per game

HoursSunday-Thursday9:00 AM - MidnightFriday-Saturday

9:00 AM - 2:00 AM

or online at www.westvalleynews-sfv.com

Valley slighted in city redistrictingCommission plans to split communities of interestThe Los Angeles Redistricting Commission voted decidedly against the San Fernando Valley during its

Wednesday, February 15 meeting, delaying the decision on the Valley maps until the wee hours of Thursdaymorning. The 15-6 vote against the Valley creates five Valley districts and two Valley-minority districts, whichsplit communities and disenfranchise Valley voters. VICA called the decision a travesty, especially since manycommissioners appointed by Valley elected officials did not vote in favor of Valley interests. The commissionvoted on the maps again, Wednesday, February 22.

VICA urges its members to contact the following leaders whose appointees voted to segment the Valley andtell them that their commissioner’s vote on February 15 shafted Valley residents and businesses; the Valley isa unique geographical area that cannot simply be incorporated into the Westside, and the sections of Valleycommunities cannot just be relegated to fill holes in the maps of southern districts; and to fix the so-called“final” maps so that Valley communities are kept whole and only one majority Valley district crossesMulholland Drive.

Mayor Villaraigosa—3 commissioners 213.978.0600

Controller Greuel (Mayoral Candidate) 213.978.7200

City Attorney Trutanich (District Attorney Candidate) 213.978.8100

Councilman Zine (City Controller Candidate) 818.756.8848

Councilman LaBonge 818.755.7630

Councilman Koretz 818.971.3088

Councilman Parks 213.473.7008

Councilwoman Perry (Mayoral Candidate) 213.473.7009

Council President Wesson 213.473.7010

Councilman Rosendahl 213.473.7011

Councilman Garcetti—2 commissioners

(Mayoral Candidate) 213.473.7013

Councilman Buscaino (commissioner appointed by former Councilwoman Hahn) 213.473.1471

VICA also encourages its members to thank the elected officials whose commission appointees respected theSan Fernando Valley and recognized that it should be kept together.

Councilman Alarcón 818.485.0600

Councilman Cardenas 818.778.4999

Councilman Englander 818.756.8501

More information about Los Angeles redistricting can be found at http://redistricting2011.lacity.org.

Councilman Huizar 213.473.7014

Councilman Krekorian 818.755.7676

Councilman Reyes 213.473.7001


Madrid Theatre

Clyde Porter West Valley Playhouse

www.ci.la.ca.us/cad/madridtheatre

__

2012 SEASONPERFORMANCE SHOW CATEGORY DATES

Black Coffee Mystery Feb. 3 – Mar. 4Stage Door Drama Apr. 13 – May 6The Odd Couple Comedy June 1 – June 30Summer Musical Musical Comedy July 27 – Aug 26The Front Page Comedy/Drama Sept 21 – Oct 21Moon Over Buffalo Comedy Nov 16 – Dec 16

Visit our website for abstracts about each show. Show titles subject to change.

www.wvplayhouse.com

Box Office: (818) 884-1907

Community News / Calendar

WE INVITE YOU TO MAKE EFFECTIVECOMMUNICATION A REALITYIf you ever had to stand up in front of a groupand make a presentation about your business—YOU NEED TOASTMASTERS!

If you ever had to introduce an important person ina public meeting and panic at the thought becauseyou don’t know how—YOU NEED TOASTMASTERS!

If you are involved in your community and need tospeak out about what you are passionate about—YOU NEED TOASTMASTERS!

If you are in a position of leadership and want toimprove your communication skills—YOU NEEDTOASTMASTERS!

Welcome to “Spirit Speaks” Toastmasters

We invite you to attend one of our meetings.No reservation is required, just show up. You won'tbe pressured to speak or join, and there is no cost.Come prepared to enjoy yourself!

Meetings: 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the monthTime: 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm

TV Motion Picture Fund CenterEducation RoomCalabasas Road at Mulholland Road(Right off the 101 Fwy at Valley Circle)Calabasas, CA 91302

For membership information contact:Ed Crowe VP Public Relations (818) 231-4454

Black Coffee by Agatha Christie. This little known mystery will surprise and delightChristie fans. The story concerns a physicist named Sir Claude Amory who has come upwith a formula for an atom bomb (Black Coffee was written in 1934!). In the first act,Sir Claude is poisoned (in his coffee, naturally) and Hercule Poirot is called in to solvethe case. He does so after many wonderful twists and turns in true Christie tradition.

Runs Feb. 3rd - Mar. 4, 2012 Thurs. Fri., Sat. 8:00 pm, Sun. 2:30 pm

Ticket Prices are $25.00 Reg. $23.00 Seniors and Students.

Group Discounts are available.

Clyde Porter’s West Valley Playhouse 7242 Owensmouth Ave., Canoga Park, CA 91303

__

Adult Education Classes, SFV Get your GED orHS diploma. Upgrade your job skills. Learn a newtrade. Computer Op/repair, parenting, culinary,ServSafe Cert. ESL, construction, healthcare.Evening & Sat. classes. For information or to enroll,call: Hughes Edu. & Career Ctr. at 818-587-4335, ElCamino Real Comm. Adult School at 818-610-5600,Canoga Park High School Campus at 818-673-1391,Reseda Adult School at 818-758-3700, or visit ourwebsite at: El Camino Real High School

MARCH 2012

www.valleycultural.org

Tuesday, March 209:30 AM-1 PMCareer Expo 2012Hosted By: The Woodland Hills~Tarzana Chamber ofCommerce and The Woodland HiIls Rotary Club

El Camino Real High School5440 Valley Circle Blvd., Woodland Hills, CA 91367

For More Information Contact:Elegance Hippolyte at (818) 887-3810Or Sharon Lenderman at 818-595-8002.

It’s FREE - just your time! We Need your Support!RSVP by February 24!

Wednesday, March 2111:30 AM – 1:15 PMMulti-Chamber Luncheon—Calabasas, CanogaPark/West Hills, Encino, United Chambers &Woodland Hills~Tarzana Chambers of CommerceSpeaker: Mimi DonaldsonTopic-Tactics for Tough Times—Building TrustWarner Center Marriott21850 Oxnard Street, Woodland Hills*Self Parking Complimentary

RSVP REQUIRED by noon on Tuesday.Walk-Ins Welcome, Add $5.(818) 347-4737Members $25, One Time Trial Guest $25

Wednesday, March 285:30 PM – 7:30 PMValleywide Networking MixerBraemar Country ClubAddress: 4001 Reseda Blvd.RSVP REQUIRED by noon on Tuesday(818) 347-4737Members $0, One Time Trial Guest $10

Thursday, March 295:30 PM– 7:30 PMTwo-Chamber MixerChatsworth/Porter Ranch & Woodland Hills~TarzanaChambers of CommerceStriving Artists/Custom Picture FramingAddress: 21723 Plummer Street

More Information Coming Soon...


Historic Restoration of Barbara Stanwyck'sNorthridge Property

The Park Advisory Board (PAB) is continuing workon the restoration of the Oakridge Estate inNorthridge. The next public meeting on the projectwill be on Thursday, March 22nd from 3-5pm atFire Station 87 located at 10124 Balboa Blvd. inGranada Hills.

Everyone interested is invited to attend and learnwhat progress has been made. Find out how you canget involved!

Contact the Oakridge Estate PAB atwww.theOakridgeEstate.org.For questions call Megan Cottier at CouncilmemberMitchell Englander's office at 818/756-8501.

FARMER’S MARKET CANOGA PARK

EVERY SATURDAY, 9AM—1PM

Owensmouth Ave., between Sherman Way &Wyandotte

FREE Healthy Recipes and Nutrition Education FactSheets

March 17

Live Music with Oak Street Blues!FREE Market Basket Raffle at Noon

March 24

Sign up for Good Cooking/Buena Cocina classesFREE Cooking Demo and Zumba Dancing!

March 31

Mayor’s Good Food Day of ServiceAsk the Dietitian, Zumba, & Chalk Art for Kids!

Sky's the Limit Aviation Career DayFriday, April 20 from 9:00 am to 2:00 pmSynchro Hangar, Van Nuys Airport

For more information, call (818) 901-9828 or [email protected].

ARTIST APPLICATION AND INSTRUCTIONS8th Annual Valley Artists Studio Tour

• OVERVIEW

The public will be invited to visit local artists’ studios and purchase art during the weekend of October 6 and 7,2012. This will be a ticketed event with proceeds going to local arts causes. Tour Hours will be from 10:00 a.m.to 5:00 p.m. on both days. An artists’ reception and sale will take place on Saturday, October 6 from 7:00 p.m.to 9:00 p.m. This event will allow the public to meet all of the artists while enjoying live music, refreshmentsand beverages. A group exhibition and sale will be open to the public the week prior to the tour.

All fine Artists are invited to submit their work for possible selection….

• GUIDELINES

• All Artists must be residents of the San Fernando Valley.

• Artists will be selected based on photos submitted and a studio visit.

• Artists retain all proceeds from studio sale.

• Artist is responsible for all liability insurance, business licensing and sales tax.

• All submitted images are eligible for selection for use in publicity, promotional materials and on our website.

• There will be various promotional and publicity related events, as well as organizational meetings whereArtist participation is expected. Artists will be asked to sell a minimum number of tour tickets, possibly 10.

• SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

• Properly completed application form (below).

• A non-returnable CD or DVD containing at least 3 (6 preferred) images of your current work which representwhat will be shown on the tour. Also include a photo of your studio and/or you at work.

• JPEG images preferred (300 dpi/1800×1200 pixels or greater).

• Your current resume or bio, with your exhibition history (both an electronic and printed version preferred).

• All entry fees paid by two checks or money orders, made payable to:

• San Fernando Valley Arts Council/VAST

• Check #1: Jury Fee — $25 (non-refundable)

• Check #2: Acceptance fee — $125 (refundable if artist is not selected. Include a self- addressed stampedenvelope).

NOTE: Application, CD/DVD, fees and resume/bio must be submitted by March 5, 2012 to:

San Fernando Valley Arts Council,

Post Office Box 571476

Tarzana, CA 91357

The selection committee will review all submissions, conduct studio visits, and make final decisions by March20, 2012. Selected artists will be notified immediately thereafter. Late registrations may be accepted based onspace availability, demand for specific mediums and price points.

For more information please contact:

San Fernando Valley Arts Council Phone: (818) 469-3380 or e-mail: [email protected]

Parents are a Priority at NewReseda ES Parent CenterAt the risk of sounding trite, when you throw aroundsayings like “It takes a village to raise a child” in2012, the most likely reaction you are going to get isthe jaded raised eyebrow. Rare is the individual inthis day and age that still gets moved by time-testedwords that have been used by everyone from presi-dents to preachers. But truth be told, when you lookat these words against the backdrop of the field ofeducation where creating a sense of communitythrough group participation is truly paramount to thesuccess of a campus, new life is breathed back intothe notion of the school as a village with parents atthe center. All one has to do is read the newspaper torealize that parents as viable and respected membersof the school family is definitely an idea whose timehas come.

So on March 1, 2012, with a gathered throng of“villagers” in attendance (students, staff, administra-tion, and local law enforcement), Principal Kubenacut the ribbon on a brand new parent center that willserve as the hub for all activity pertaining to parents.On the horizon are classes for parents that focus onacademics, addressing the social/emotional needsof children and preparing students for testing. Inaddition, the space will simply be a place for parentsto come and get their questions answered and feellike part of the school community. If you would liketo see the new space, feel free to contact the schooland request a tour. It really is an idea whose timehad come and in spades.


RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL STATE LICENSE # 433013

Backflow Testing. No job too big or too small.

7221-A Canoga Avenue, Canoga Park, CA 91303

(818) 340-2791 (805) 722-0750

PLUMBING

H.W. ALLEN PLUMBING CO., INC.

TUTOR

www.tutor-tutor.com $35/hr.

BUSINESS & OTHER SERVICESCLASSIFIED

CLASSIFIED RATES ARE $20 PER INCH6 MO. $108 – 12 MO. $189

FAX YOUR AD TO WEST VALLEY NEWS 818.883.9678VISA & MASTERCARD ACCEPTED(6 Months Minimum Placement for Classified Ads)

SHOP WITH CHAMBER MEMBERSFOR QUALITY AND SERVICE

AIR CONDITIONING

WEST VALLEY NEWS BUSINESS BY REFERRAL

ADVERTISE IN THE WEST VALLEY NEWS. COMMUNITY ADVERTISING AT AFFORDABLE RATES. 818.883.3374C A L A B A S A S / C A N O G A PA R K / C H AT SW O R T H / R E S E D A / TA R Z A N A / W E S T H I L L S / W I N N E T K A / W O O D L A N D H I L L S

SAMPLE ONLINE LISTING

ADVERTISING/GRAPHIC DESIGN

Crowe Marketing DesignEd CroweT (818) 883-3374 M (818) 231-4454ecrowe@crowemarketingdesign.comwww.crowemarketingdesign.com

West Valley NewsCommunity AdvertisingEd Crowe (818) 231-4454advertising@westvalleynews-sfv.comwww.westvalleynews-sfv.com

Advertise for 6-12 issues and get your contact informationlisted online 24/7 in BUSINESS BY REFERRAL free of charge.

You also get a FREE business profile with photo. A value of $250.

Classified ads not included in this offer.

PHOTO RESTORATION

BEFORE AFTER

Digital Photo RetouchingDigital Restoration of Old Photographs

Color and B&W

SEAN CROWE (818) 274-2890

When You Advertise in the West Valley News You’re Online 24/7

MAXIMIZE VISIBILITY & EXPOSURE OF YOUR BUSINESSwith monthly print advertising and 24/7 Google Places local exposure

ONLY $157 per month with 6-month agreement

Your business promotion/advertising bundle includes:

– Business card size ad in the West Valley News (See sample above)– Print ad exposure in 8 communities in the west valley– 24/7 online listing of contact information www.westvalleynews-sfv.com– Optimized Google Places local mapping for top ten, first page placement– Monitoring of SEO keywords and period updates

Call Ed Crowe at (818) 231-4454 for details.

Ask him about the West Valley News 24/7 Promotion Bundle

NEW

Basic Math – Algebra 1 & 2 – GeometryEssay Writing – SAT/ACT/CAHSEE Preparation

Call Derrick Deutsch 818.992.0625

TRADITIONAL CHINESEACUPUNCTURE CLINIC

Acupuncture | Chinese Herbs | Chinese Medical MassagePain Control | Weight Lost | Prostate Therapy | Stress Relief

Jenny Qiu L.ACLicensed AcupuncturistOver 20 Years Experience

818.888.6631

West Hills Plaza23723 Roscoe Blvd.West Hills, CA 91304

SAVE $20 WITH THIS COUPONFIRST TIME CUSTOMERS ONLY

Mon-Sat 10AM-8PM

www.allenplbg.com

Serving the San Fernando Valley Community Since 1916

VISIT US ONLINE

Soon you will beable to FLASHyourvBizEx™

and instantly SAVE!

YOUR NAME HERE 12/31/11

INSTANT SAVINGS! vBizEx™ is a business exchange and value card program—with value-added benefits—for chambers of commerceand participating members and their employees.

Participating national and local retailers, as well as serviceproviders and other merchants, will offer special groupdiscounts to vBizEx™ card holders.

In-Home Patient and Professional

Do you need more customers?If you are reading this adyour prospective customer

can do it also.Let this space deliver your message at an affordable rate

about your product or service.

Take the first step now and call 818-883-3374When you advertise in the West Valley News

you’re online 24/7.

NOW HIRINGDISPLAY AD SALESFLEXIBLE HOURS818.883.3374

WEST VALLEY CHRISTIAN CHURCH“An Oasis in the Wilderness” Jn. 7

22450 Sherman Way (west of Shoup), West Hills, CA 91307

Morning Worship / Sunday Life Groups / 9AM & 10:45AMEvening Worship / Journey at 5PM

Evening Worship / The Rock at 6PM on Saturday night

818.884.6480WWW.WVCCH.ORG

GLENN KIRBYSenior Minister

west valley news

Documents