west valley news

7th ANNUAL CLUB DE CUBA EVENTRAISES $91,000 FOR THE BOYS &GIRLS CLUB OF THE WEST VALLEYThe Boys & Girls Club of the West Valley

raised a net of $91,000 at its annual Club deCuba event to support its after school programsfor local children, many from disadvantagedcircumstances.

“We had an unprecedented level of supportfrom the community at this year’s event,” saidBoard Chairman Gary Thomas. “The fundsraised go directly to the Club to supportprograms that help keep local youth off thestreet and safe during after school hours.”

Guests enjoyed casino games, music, dancingand bid on live and silent auction items. Thisyear, for the first time ever, a rousing Texas Hold'em Tournament was featured at the Caribbean-themed event.

The Club’s 2011 Youth of the Year, MichaelAlmodovar, from Canoga Park High School,inspired the guests with a heartfelt speech abouthow the Club helped him in changing his life forthe better when he found himself heading downthe wrong path several years ago.

The new Valley Performing Arts Center.A public/private partnership that madea 30 year dream a reality at CSUN.Congressman Brad Sherman had a great idea

by inviting the entire west valley community tohis Town Hall Meeting on Sunday, May 15, 2011,at the new CSUN Valley Performing Arts Center.

“This may be the only time you will see theinside of this world class center without havingto pay,” Sherman would say with a friendly smileduring local public appearances, as he extendedan invitation to attend his town hall meeting.

The Valley Performing Arts Center offers avibrant and diverse performance program to theuniversity community every season, as well asserving as the intellectual and cultural heart ofthe San Fernando Valley.

Powered by a commitment to educate, enlightenand entertain, the Valley Performing Arts Centeris inspired by the shared belief that art is commu-nication, that communication is an art, and thatart and communication are essential pillars forbuilding and maintaining community. The ValleyPerforming Arts Center establishes CaliforniaState University, Northridge as a hub for cultureand performing arts in the region.

CONNECTING BUSINESS AND COMMUNITY SINCE 2004. CELEBRATING 8 YEARS OF SERVICE TO THE WEST VALLEY COMMUNITY. Volume 7 Number 5 2011

www.westvalleynews-sfv.com

The Arts: A Wise Investment in the Community

Serving:CalabasasCanoga ParkChatsworthResedaTarzanaWest HillsWinnetkaWoodland Hills

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Approximately 1,200 people attended Congressman Brad Sherman Town Hall Meeting on May 15, 2011 at thenew Valley Performing Arts Center, California State University Northridge.

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HAPPYFATHER’S

DAY!Nutrition Education at MSCP Farmers’ Market

Ed Crowe / West Valley News

The Main Street Canoga Park Farmers’ Market is held every Saturday from 9AM-1PM onOwesmouth Avenue between Sherman Way and Wyandotte. All produce is California grown.

The Ask the Dietitian program is a project of the LA County Dept. of Public Health which providesfor Registered Dietitians (RDs) to staff a table at local markets to provide sound nutrition educationand provide samples of freshly prepared salads using market produce. The Public Health Dept.provides recipes, nutrition handouts and food demo/sample supplies. The market itself donatesthe produce to be prepared into the monthly recipe.

Ed Crowe / Crowe Marketing Design

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Ritamarie Little, MS, RD, Associate Director, CSUN Marilyn Magaram Center for Food Science, Nutrition and Dietetics,brought four students and her little personal assistant to impart nutrition education at the Canoga Park Farmers’ Market.

See Club de Cuba on Page 9

See Valley Performing Arts Center on Page 4


Congressman Brad Sherman answers questions fromconstituents after the May 15 Town Hall Meeting at CSUN.

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From the Publisher’s DeskThe month of May went by so fast to make way for June which will open

the door for summer. We hardly had time to fully enjoy spring with all thedistractions of a slow economy and overseas news about revolutions andcovert activities. Enough convoluted man-made disasters on top of naturaldisasters that even the strongest optimist would wonder what’s going on.

Earthquakes, tsunamis, radiation, contamination, floods, tornados,explosions, wars, high prices, high unemployment, add up to a total messthat is bound to have some psychological impact on some or many.

But resiliency is what we must practice and bounce back with equal positiveforce to confront all the present negative challenges. We need to come togetheras a community and help each other until things turn around.

Luckily we have many things to be thankful for. Our families, our friends, our health, our homes, our jobs,our businesses, our freedom, our minds, our sight, our hearing, and anything else that is still working. Let’sfocus on what we have and not on what we don’t have or is not working. If you need to find a job, considerupgrading your skills or retraining for a new career. If you need more business for your business, reassesswhat you are not doing right and find other creative alternatives to generate more sales. Keep trying and nevergive up. Perseverance and hard work have a way of producing results.

At the community level, there were a number of special events that attracted record number of guests—witha positive outcome for all the hosting non-profit organizations. The Boys & Girls of the West Valley annualfundraiser event Club de Cuba, raised a net $91,000 thanks to a generous contribution of $30,000 by WellsFargo Bank. Attending guests, title sponsors, silent auction and live auction bidders were generous as well.The Party 100th Anniversary Gala of the Greater San Fernando Valley Chamber of Commerce was well attendedwith at least 300 guests. I’m sure their bank account balance is a little higher this year.

The Canoga Park/West Hills Chamber of Commerce brought back the Memorial Day Parade with renewedenergy and organization in front of large crowds of people lining up the one mile parade route along theSherman Way corridor and DeSoto. The parade culminated at Quimby Park where the celebration continued.

On the personal side, my family celebrated Mother’s Day at the home of my brother in West Hills. There werethree generations of Moms and four generations of family members. The family is growing. Next, Father’s Day.

PAGE 2 West Valley News Volume 7 Number 5 2011

Crowe Marketing PublisherEd Crowe Managing Editor/Creative DirectorSandra Gonzalez Editor CRA/LAJonathan 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.

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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.

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CalabasasCanoga ParkChatsworthResedaTarzanaWest HillsWinnetkaWoodland Hills

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Call the Chamber Office to schedule an appointment withDon Doner/Senior SCORE Counselor

818.884.42225 Tips on Advertising Basics• Be consistent in your ad message and style including business cards, letterhead, envelopes, invoices,signs and banners.

• Newspapers, radio and TV stations are helpful in producing the advertising that you will be running with them.• While word-of-mouth advertising has been around a long time, it usually falls short of being able to attractthe number of customers needed to be successful in business.

• Promote benefits rather than features. A benefit is the emotional satisfaction your product or service provides,or a tangible performance characteristic.

• Know your competitors. Knowing everything about your competitors is just as important as knowing everythingabout your own business.

Counselors to America’s Small Business

Celebrating Mother’s Day: Great Grandma Marina, “Merma” Sonya, and new addition to the Levy-Crowe family,one-year-old Lucas Alexander. Mom Ingrid was taking a well deserved short break nearby.

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West Valley News Volume 7 Number 5 2011 PAGE 3

JUNE 25 VALLEY VILLAGE SHOWTIME!Sheraton Universal Hotel from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PMEmcee extraordinaire Bob Saget returns as host, with Los Angeles City Councilmember Dennis

Zine again serving as auctioneer. More celebrity performers are expected.

Luncheon tickets are $85, with proceeds going toward programs and services for clients. Last year’sShowtime! raised more than $90,000 for Valley Village programs.

Individuals and businesses interested in sponsorship for the event or in advertising in the special 40thAnniversary Program Book can contact the Development and Marketing Department at (818) 587-9450.

You can purchase tickets online at www.ValleyVillage.com. R.S.V.P. by Friday, June 17, 2011.

(L-R) Bill Allen, Board Member of The Valley Economic Alliance, Ira Harrison, PTA President, Jerilyn Schubert,Principal, Teresa Ibarra, Teacher, Harvey Berg, Board Member of The Valley Economic Alliance.

Fourteen truly remarkable Californians from our San Fernando Valley, who have received nationaleducation recognition this year were honored at the 11th annual Steve Allen “Excellence inEducation” Awards on Wednesday, May 25, 2011 at the Warner Center Marriot. The awards, namedfor long-time Valley resident and legendary entertainer Steve Allen, salute nationally recognizedachievements in the education field, and are presented annually by The Valley Economic Alliance.Recipients of the 2011 Steve Allen “Excellence in Education” National Recognition Awards are:• LAUSD, Superior Street Elementary School - Blue Ribbon School• Cheryl Gaul & Philip Chang – LVUSD, Agoura High School - Perfect ACT Scores• Granada Hills Charter High School – Academic Decathlon Recipients’• LAUSD, Sherman Oaks Center for Enriched Studies –National Magnet School of Distinction

by the National Organization Magnet Schools of America.• Los Angeles Valley College Speech Team – Won first place in the individual events and Team

category at the Phi Rho Pi Tournament. Team members include: TJ Rosas: Gold Medal: DuoInterpretation of Literature, LD Green: Gold Medal: Duo Interpretation of Literature, Karen Yelverton:Gold Medal: Poetry, Cristina Leiva: Gold Medal: Readers Theater, Rick Magana: Gold Medal:Readers Theater, Daniel Caceres: Gold Medal: Readers Theater, Karine Bagoumian: Gold Medal:Drama Katheryne Martinez: Gold Medal: Readers TheaterThe “Steve Allen Excellence in Education” Award is named for Steve Allen, who is best known as

the creator of the original “Tonight Show” and composed more than 9,000 songs, valued learning,and spent much of his later years focused on and writing about the importance of education.Also being honored is the 2011 Valley of the Stars Business & Education Partnership award

recipients. These awards are presented to an outstanding business in the community that havepartnered with a Valley School. The award was presented to Citi Bank and North HollywoodHigh School.The “Champion of Education” Award recognizes individuals and organizations who have

dedicated their lives to improving public education. These creative and passionate leaders andorganizations have influenced positive change in the academic community to improve the livesof tens of thousands of children and their families. The three recipients of this award areDr. Ken Nielsen, President of Woodbury University, Van Nuys and Los Angeles World Airportsand Diana Sanchez, Public & Community Relations Director, Van Nuys AirportThe Valley Economic Alliance is a strategic private-public collaborative made up of businesses,

government, education and community organizations with the dynamic mission to grow andstrengthen the economy of the region to improve the quality of life in all our communities. This 5city region includes Burbank, Calabasas, Glendale, Los Angeles, and San Fernando that representsover 70,000 businesses and more than 2.1 million residents.For information visit www.economicalliance.org or call 818.379.7000 x106

“STEVE ALLEN EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION” AWARDSHONOR VALLEY SCHOOLS, EDUCATORS, AND STUDENTS

California Green Designs Completes LargestCommercial Solar Installation in Los AngelesTARZANA — California Green Designs, a solar photovoltaic systems design and installation company, has

completed the largest commercial solar installation in Los Angeles at Konoike-Pacific (KPAC), a cold-storagewarehouse in Wilmington.

The installation, located on more than 140,000 square feet of KPAC's warehouse rooftop, uses more than7,500 Mitsubishi 185-watt solar panels. The entire system size is 1.49 megawatts and is expected to produceenough power to cover 75 percent of KPAC's electricity costs. Energy savings have averaged between $40,000and $42,000 a month since the system power-up in March.

“KPAC's solar electric system will have recovered its installation costs by early 2012,” says SevanVarteressian, California Green Designs President. “The system greatly reduces KPAC's operating costs andthe savings will grow as utility rates climb. For large facilities such as KPAC that have low temperaturerequirements, solar energy has tremendous cost saving advantages.”

The project benefited from government and utility incentives including a new 30 percent federal grant programthat runs through 2011, a one-year accelerated bonus depreciation offer and a rebate from the Los AngelesDepartment of Water & Power. “The LADWP rebate should be the largest to date for a commercial installation,”notes Varteressian.

California Green Designs, based in Tarzana, has been designing and installing commercial and residentialsolar electric systems since 1985. It has installed hundreds of systems throughout Southern California. Formore information, go to http://www.ca-green.com

It’s Not Too Late to Walk on the HorizonJoin New Horizons on Sunday, June 5, 2011 at California State University Northridge as

they walk to fulfill the dreams of adults with developmental disabilities The Walk providesmuch-needed support for the lives of the 850 clients they serve. Join New Horizons for a dayof FUN, FRIENDS, FOOD and MORE! To register or donate, visit www.newhorizons-sfv.org

First 5 Funds “The Village” Ready for School Family Resource CenterBy Corinne Ho

I know I speak for thousands of families in Canoga Park the West San Fernando Valley in express-ing my gratitude to the First 5 Commission for funding “The Village” Ready for School FamilyResource Center. The center offers FREE services for families with children 0-5, parent education,parent/child classes, connecting to resources and more. In these economic times of struggle, thisis a Godsend.

Unfortunately, First 5 L.A is planning to divert funds away from the west valley in order to start upbrand new programs in other communities. Our families will no longer have access to services as ofJune 2011. It is truly wasteful and a great shame to dismantle a successful program in a communitythat needs and deserves support.

To advocate for our community, thousands of families wrote letters to Supervisors includingZev Yaroslavky and Mike Antonovich, and some of us even traveled downtown to attend First 5Commission meetings. So far, the commission does not seem responsive to our input.

If you would like to help advocate for resources in the west valley, please contact me [email protected] or call or write to Zev Yaroslavsky asking to keep SRI resources in theWest Valley [email protected] or (213) 974-3333 Time is of the essence!

Help our community be a thriving one, through resources that empower us to be a better person,a better parent and a better community member.

The Marilyn Magaram Center for Food Science, Nutrition and Dietetics (MMC) at California StateUniversity at Northridge (CSUN) participates in this project by having students from the Nutrition,Dietetics and Food Science program staff the booth under the supervision of a Dietitian. In this way,students get a unique opportunity to interact with the public and provide nutrition education. Thepublic has the opportunity to obtain free, scientifically sound information and the market produceis promoted through the recipe samples provided.

For information about the Ask the Dietitian program, call Ritamarie Little, MS, RD at 818-677-3124or email to [email protected].

Nutrition EducationContinued from Page 1

CSUN students Marina Tumas, Michele Christopher-Ipaktchian, Francesca Campisi, and Sarahr Lippman.

West Valley News Volume 7 Number 5 2011

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]

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Chatsworth’s AnnualDEPOT ART SHOW

Sunday, June 12, 201110AM to 5PM

Chatsworth Metrolink Depot10040 Old Depot Plaza Road

Presented outdoors at the charmingChatsworth Depot there will be a largevariety of original art works, created byValley artists, on display at the June 12th

show, including: paintings, prints,watercolors, collage, sculpture, fused glass,photography, and jewelry. Inside the Depotthere will be a special themed art exhibit

competition, “Structures.” There will also belive music and A Free Children’s Art Projectbooth. The Depot’s Whistle Stop Café willbe open, and there is a People’s ChoiceFavorite Artist Award — You judge the artshow! The Depot is located midway betweenLassen & Devonshire, West of CanogaAvenue, East of Topanga Canyon.

(818) 772-1639

Free Admission and Free parking

Presented byThe Chatsworth Fine Arts Council

United Chambers helps bridge community beautificationDozens of volunteers came out Saturday morning to help United Chambers of Commerce, to clean up a

number of bridges over the LA River located in the west San Fernando Valley. Event organizer Sean McCarthysaid the idea for the project came from the unique nature of bridges. “The bridges are functional civic monu-ments. They allow people and goods to move freely and bring diverse communities together,” said McCarthy.

This cleanup day is the culmination of weeks of effort to beautify the community and bring greater awarenessof United Chambers of Commerce and its member chambers: Woodland Hills/Tarzana Chamber, Canoga Park/West Hills Chamber and Encino Chamber. In addition to cleaning the bridges, United Chambers plans to paintthe fire hydrants and red curbs as well as trim vegetation around the bridges to complete their makeover. Westarted with 8 bridges and we plan to expand our effort to at least 4 more in the west Valley bridges before theend of the year.

Thanks to Mayor Villiragosa and staffers Jessica Yaz,Gerry Valido for believing in this project. A very specialthanks to all the volunteers from Pierce College, theelders of the LDS Church, the Chambers and membersof the public who came out to make this projecta success.

Supporting your local chamber of commerce showsthat community is important to you and to your busi-ness. Join your local chamber today. There are severallocal chambers that are participating members of the United Chambers. Your membership with a participatingchamber gives you a stronger voice on legislative matters as they are a part of the United Chambers.

To find out more about United Chambers of Commerce and why we are “The Voice of Valley Business”become a member of a participating local chamber. Call: 818-981-4491 or visit us at: www.unitedchambers.org

• 15- Feet the orchestra platform can travel to threepre-set levels depending on performance/seatingarrangement. It can be set at the stage level to forma protruding portion of the stage into the audiencechamber, at the audience level to provide additionalseating capacity, and at below audience level formusical ensemble.

• 173- New trees C.W. Driver planted at the VPACsite (added to 14 existing trees)

• 568- Miles of wire in the building. Stretched outfrom VPAC’s main lobby, it would come prettyclose to the New Mexico border.

• 622- Floor diffusers used for motionless/sound-less air conditioning

• 1,700- Seats in the Valley Performing Arts Center

• 4,000- Tons of steel. The weight of about 866 adultAfrican elephants.

• 11,000- Cubic yards of concrete used

• 27,000- Volume of earth moved in cubic yards.That’s about 1/10th of what’s needed to build an18-hole golf course.

• 30,000- Square feet of glass

• 34,000- Square feet of panels used for variableacoustic purposes. This would cover more thanone half of a football field.

• 166,000- Total square feet of the Valley PerformingArts Center

• 6,000,000- Individual stone tiles on the building’sexterior and interior. If laid side-by-side, Dorothywould skip down this “yellow brick” road for abouttwo weeks.

Valley Performing Arts Center Construction Fun Facts

Inside the Valley Performing Arts Center, Congressman Brad Sherman asked the question if the attendingpublic, at the May 15 event, preferred a face-to-face or a remote telephone town hall meeting. The resoundinganswer by a show of hands was for face-to-face meetings. Newspaper ads were most effective in reaching out.



YOUR HEALTH

Alcohol is a saboteur because it hinders your body’s ability to absorb, process, use andstore the nutrients found in food – plus it tends to edge out food in your diet.

Alcohol irritates the digestive tract in every one, making it more permeable to undigestedfood proteins, increasing the chances of an allergic reaction to anything.

Alcoholic beverages are essentially made of water, pure alcohol and sugar—no nutritionalvalues, empty calories—so if you drink more than 1-2 drinks every day, those empty caloriesreplace other nutrients in the diet. In addition alcohol has a direct toxic effect on the gastro-intestinal tract and pancreas. The result is that many of the vitamins, minerals and othernutrients extracted from food during digestion cannot be absorbed through the gastro-intestinal tract and into the bloodstream.

Alcohol is toxic to the liver as well. Once the liver is damaged, the body’s ability to properlyuse many vitamins and minerals is significantly reduced, and since damaged liver producesless bile, causes impaired absorption of fat-soluble vitamins — A, D, and E .

Research shows that alcohol affects the body’s natural anti-oxidant defense against free-radicals. It depletes the stores of anti-oxidants like vitamin C and E and increases theproduction of free-radicals as well.

Alcohol also impairs the body’s ability to convert beta-carotene to vitamin A. Vitamin Ais needed to help you to reproduce, to grow new cells to fight infection, and to see at night.Taking vitamin A supplement has a very small therapeutic window and may also enhance thetoxic effect s of alcohol.

Excess alcohol consumption damages the nervous system and shrinks the brain becauseof its direct and indirect effects on the brain. The part of the brain responsible for coordinationand learning—cerebellum—seems to be especially vulnerable to alcohol through vitamin B1deficiency. Unfortunately brain damage caused by thiamin B1 deficiency cannot be reversed.

Alcohol drinking causes both zinc and magnesium deficiencies that can be replaced byeating a well balanced diet and supplements—if you have kidney problem talk to your doctorbefore taking magnesium supplements.

Long-term alcohol consumption can decrease the density of bones by causing calciumand vitamin D deficiencies.

Since nutrient deficiencies in people who drink alcohol regularly can vary wildly fromperson to person, you need to have your nutrient status evaluated by your doctor ornutritional consultant.

Also remember the only comprehensive cure for alcohol deficiencies is abstinence. Thereis no point in popping vitamin pills or eating a balanced diet while you are still drinking everyday. If you have been drinking regularly in excess of 5-10 years, you can consider yourselfas a person at health risk. However if you stop drinking before the problems progressed toofar, the liver damage maybe reversible once you are on a regular balanced diet and supple-mentation, which play an important role in cancer prevention.

CALL ME. I’LL HELP YOU.

ALCOHOL IS A SABOTEURBy Lalai Saebi, Certified Nutritional Consultant

Main Street Canoga Park

Farmers’ MarketMAKE IT A HABIT

Every Saturday 9AM-1PMOwensmouth north of Sherman Way

Lalai Saebi is a certified nutritional consultant and managing director of Innate Healing Support.Her office is located at 16944 Ventura Blvd., Suite 4, Encino, CA 91316.Contact her by phone at 818-510-1086 or via email at [email protected].

The Topanga Police Youth Board invites youto a Tropical Paradise Evening Getawayat the Valley’s Elegant Urban Oasis

FIRST ANNUALEVENING IN PARADISEThursday, June 16, 2011

Warner Center Marriott

21850 Oxnard StreetWoodland Hills, CA 91367

For Tickets/Sponsorship info call 818-377-2277

www.topangapoliceyouthboard.org

WEB LINGOWhat you were curious about

but were afraid to ask

Bandwidth - The transmission capacity of the lines thatcarry the Internet's electronic traffic. The more bandwidth aline has, the faster the download and the more people canbe connected at any given moment. Technologies such asDSL, Broadband/Cable and ISDN allow for much cleanerand faster transfer of information. Below are some of thecommon Internet connection speeds in Domestic and busi-ness use.

Broadband - The ability to send multiple streams (signals)be it voice, video or data down the same line. Often used todescribe the speed of an Internet connection and commonlyrefers to high speed Internet access. See also Bandwidth,Cable, DSL and ADSL.

Browser - A program that allows you to see, read, andhear information on the World Wide Web. The two mostpopular browsers are Microsoft Internet Explorer, MozillaFirefox, Google Chrome, Apple Safari and Opera.

CSS - Cascading Style Sheet. A set of instructions thatwhen attached to a web page defines the appearance (styleand layout) of text and other elements. The term cascadingderives from the fact that multiple style sheets can beapplied to the same Web page(s). CSS was developed bythe W3C.

Cyber - A prefix added to an increasing number of wordswhich usually relate to computers.

Cyberspace - Used to describe the non-physical terraincreated by computer systems and was coined by authorWilliam Gibson in his novel Neuromancer.

Cyberphobia - The irrational fear of computers.

Domain Name - This is a unique name that is assignedto a specific machine or IP address. The domain pointsto the IP address of a computer on the Internet (see DNSbelow). No two domains can be the same. A Domain nameusually consists of three levels: Third Level, Second Level,Top Level.

The Third Level usually defines the type of Internet trafficsuch as World Wide Web pages (www.) or emails (mail.).The Second Level is the company/organization/person’sname and the Top Level defines the type of organizationand/or geographical location.

FTP - File Transfer Protocol. This is a method by whichfiles are moved/exchanged from one computer to anotherover a network. FTP was in use long before the Web.

Results Ranking - The order in which search engineresults appear. When you search on a term (keyword) thesearch engine tries to decide which results are more rele-vant and display them in an appropriate order. Each searchengine uses its own unique algorithm to determine thisorder. Most are based on the location and frequency of thekeywords on a web page with more prominence or weightgiven to certain areas such as the page title. Whilst others,like Google, combine this with a popularity ranking system.

Search Engine - A program which indexes and retrievesweb sites based on keywords input by a user. Using SearchEngines is a convenient way to look for web sites relatingto a topic of interest. Some use an index built up by itsspiders while others use a directory of sites that have beencategorized, sorted and added by a human operator.

Server - A host computer used to transfer (serve) filesto you via a network or Internet connection.

URL - Uniform Resource Locator pronounced YU-AHR-EHL. An address for a file (or resource) on the Internet.The URL is broken down into three main parts. The firsttells you what Internet Application Protocol is being used,i.e. http:// for web pages (hyper-text files) or ftp:// forstandard files. The second part is the address of thecomputer or the domain name. And finally the pathnameof where the file is stored on the host computer (server).

Web Site - A collection of web pages or WWW filesstarting with an index page or home page. The larger website are often hosted on multiple servers in variousgeographic locations.

What to do - If you need a Web Site for your businessand don’t want to deal with either the Web lingo or themechanics of building one, call (818) 883-3374 and askEd Crowe about the various options available. Or visitwww.crowemarketingdesign.com.

An explanation of the common terms and acronymsused on the Internet. Web lingo and computer jargonexplained in simple terms.

Editors Note: In the next few issues of the West Valley News, Fern Saitowitz will be sharing her personaljourney as a cancer survivor. She will write about the emotions, the challenges, the available treatments, thehopes, the importance of proper nutrition, the support from family and friends, and very importantly, facingthis sickness with the right attitude.

Discovering the lump and its implications.I will never forget the moment I discovered the lump in my breast. It is such a searing memory, that I

remember it, as though it were yesterday. At the time, I had no idea that this little lump would forever changethe course of my life.

I was sitting at the kitchen counter with my daughter, who was at the time, five years old. We were occupiedwith some work, she had to do for her online Kindergarten class. We had ended up homeschooling her, afterseveral failed attempts at getting her to settle happily into a classroom environment.

My son, who was now two, was still breastfeeding, and seemed to spend most of his time attached to mybreast, especially if I happened to be giving his sibling, my undivided attention.

He had just finished breastfeeding and I was placing him onto the ground, when my hand brushed againsta hard object in an otherwise soft breast. My heart immediately leapt to my throat, and for a split moment mybrain registered the fear of the implication of this. I immediately, began to rationalize, that it wasn’t cancer,that breastfeeding moms, were protected against cancer. I was soon to learn otherwise.

I was so convinced that the lump was an infected duct or other medical problem, that can sometimes arise inbreast tissue, that it took me over a month, before I went to see my gynecologist. My doctor had felt the lump,and remained silent. She did however, order an immediate ultra sound, and sent me downstairs to get it done.

The Imaging center was busy and I had to wait until the next morning, to get the scan performed. I soonlearned from the results of this scan that I indeed did have cancer. I can remember coming home to my

I’M a Cancer SurvivorToday, I am a cancer survivor. The cancer that had spread from my breasts to my lungs and bones is now inremission, and I look back and realize that having a positive attitude, some very special friends, belonging to anamazing community and having a dedicated team of doctors is what has made it all possible. Fern Saitowitz

See I’M A CANCER SURVIVOR on Page 10


SUPPORTING THE BRAVE OFFICERS THAT PROTECT AND SERVE OUR COMMUNITY.

www.topangaboosters.org

PLEASE JOIN US AS A MEMBER

The Topanga Boosters is a volunteer support organization made up of business and community leaders. Its primarymission is to increase the effectiveness and morale of the officers and staff of the Topanga Police Station by raisingmoney for community services, materials, and equipment not generally supplied by the City of Los Angeles.

TAKE AN ACTIVE ROLE

There are many ways how you as a stakeholder in the community can be part of the Topanga Boosters.

LAPD Good Neighbor Any Amount

LAPD Residential Supporter $60.00 per year

LAPD Business Supporter $120.00 per year

The Topanga BOOSTERS is a 501(c)(3) Tax Exempt Organization. Tax ID# 36-4622976

For more information about becoming a member of the Topanga Boosters as a resident or business owner, contactEd Crowe, Vice President of Community Relations at (818) 231-4454 or at [email protected].

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

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 3

SHIFTING FROM AN EMPLOYEE TO A CEO MINDSETPoints to Ponder

• The significant problems we face cannot be solved at the level of thinking that created them.—Albert Einstein

• If everything is important, then nothing is.—Unknown

• The difficulty lies not so much in developing new ideas as in escaping from old ones.—John Maynard Keynes

• You are searching for the magic key that will unlock the door to the source of power;and yet you have the key in your own hands, and you may use it the moment you learnto control your thoughts.—Napoleon Hill

• It’s what you learn after you know it all that counts.—John Wooden

• Wealth is the product of man’s capacity to think.—Ayn Rand

It’s All in Your Mind

Through this book, I will hold up a merciless mirror to your face that will force you to examine cause-and-effect relationships—how your current beliefs, strategies and actions are causing your frustrations and lossof freedom. Please slow down, reflect deeply and adopt a new way of seeing your business and yourself asits leader. Hopefully, you will come to the conclusion that you must change your mindset, leadership approachand business strategies as suggested in this book to achieve a more fulfilling and financially rewarding life.

Education literally means, “to change within”. Please be open to let this book educate you and change you,especially some of your business assumptions and beliefs. All meaningful progress is the result of change.By changing your mindset and habits (repeated behavior), you change your life.

Since 1985, much of my mission has centered on healing the hearts, minds, and souls of beleagueredbusiness owners. These entrepreneurs needed rescuing, not from their competition, but from their own limitingmindsets, flawed assumptions, and self-sabotaging habits. More important than helping to re-engineer theirbusinesses, I help owners to re-engineer their minds and attitudes.

Put simply, I coach entrepreneurs to conquer themselves first, the marketplace second. I get owners tore-think and re-focus their approaches. I help them to work more on themselves and on their businesses andless in their businesses. By working less in the daily details, these owners are freed up to transform their livesand businesses for the better.

Be a CEO, not an Employee

Worth repeating, before you can fully re-engineer your business, you must first re-engineer your mindset.You need to tame and calm your mind to free it from reactive, counterproductive habits. You must adopt astrategic mindset and focus.

Please adopt this simple change management formula — BE-DO-HAVE. In order to have, you must do, andin order to do effectively, you must truly be. For example, want to have a better golf handicap? Then you mustdo certain things: take lessons, practice and play more, get better clubs, etc. However, all this doing won’t beoptimally effective unless you first change your mindset – you must be a better golfer on the inside. You muststart to see, feel, think and behave like a better golfer in order to be a better golfer.

Similarly, in order to have more freedom, joy and financial success as an owner, you must do new strategies(i.e. systematize your business, utilize marketing, etc.). In order to optimally do these strategies, you must firstbe a more effective business owner – mind, body and soul. Like an award-winning actor, do not just play thepart, become the part. You must change on the inside before your external realities change.

How do you escape the nauseating details and headaches of your business? How do you gain greater freedom?You must make the great mental leap from that of employee to that of a business leader. First, you must acknowl-edge your technical bias, your addiction to being busy, and your uneasiness with delegation. Next you mustadopt the “big picture” mindset of a Chief Executive Officer (CEO). You must be a CEO in mind and spirit to getthe results you seek. You must think, feel, see, taste, smell and hear like a CEO. This chapter will help you out.

If you don’t start thinking like a CEO, it will be nearly impossible for you to start behaving like a strategicbusiness owner and truly working on your business in a proactive, purposeful manner. For many owners,jumping this wide chasm from employee to owner is tough and terrifying. However, you will never escape aworkaholic existence unless you stop being a detailed-oriented technician masquerading as an owner. Stopfocusing on the technical work of the business; focus on the entire business. The choice is yours. Step upand be a leader, not a micro-manager!

The Technician’s Addiction

Instead of working on their businesses, most owners are trapped working in their businesses, slavingaway and grinding it out. Instead of working on tomorrow, they are preoccupied with working in today. Theyend up majoring in minor things. They worry about office supplies instead of office processes. They focuson accounting details instead of holding their employees accountable. They worry about the company’s visionplan instead of planning the company’s vision. They react with short-term, short-lived fixes instead of proactivelycreating long-term solutions. They fixate on their mail, email, or cell phone calls instead of communicating theirexpectations to their key managers or employees. They obsess with doing things right instead of doing the rightthings. They do the wrong type of work really well. They are chasing their tails!

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.

See Strategic Business Owners on Page 10

Jon’s Fitness Background and CredentialsNike Award Winner for Creativity in Personal Training / Awarded“Master Trainer” Status by the National Gym Association / ReebokSpin Certified Instructor / USA Fit Marathon Trainer / Russian Commando(Spetsnetz) Fitness Techniques / Golden Gloves Boxer and Coach /Jiu-Jitsu Brown Belt (Japanese style) / Weight Management andNutritional Expertise / Post Natal and Pregnancy Trained / American RedCross Certified / Cancer Survivor Rehabilitation Techniques Certification /Flexibility & Range of Motion Studies Certification (Esquerre).

GEIGER’SNOLIMITS Training

Jon Geiger is an Athletic Conditioning Specialist with over 20 years of experience guiding athletes, performers andmany others to achievements in performance, rehabilitation and the growth of will and self-belief while manifestingchange. He is the founder of Geiger’s No Limits Training and The Academy at Geiger’s No Limits (A Training Academydevoted to Sport-Specific Conditioning for the Young Athlete).

If you, or your group, are ready to exceed all previous goals and redefine achievement,GEIGER’S NO LIMITS is committed to taking you there and beyond.

START YOUR TOMORROW—TODAY!

Sport-Specific and Individual Conditioning

Jon designs and manages athletic achievementprograms for Grand Prix Equestrian Riders,

Professional Hockey Players aswell as regular folks with equallyimpressive life-goals. His systemof training and teaching isindividualized and based uponthe goals and physical abilitiesof each client; customizedroutines to ensure success.

His approach consists of but is not limited to:

• Cardio Intensive–Heart Healthy

• Injury Prevention-Joint Strengthening

• Muscle Tone & Building-Body-Fat Loss

• Weight Loss-Core Stabilization

• Flexibility-Range of Motion

All workouts incorporate injury preventiontechniques and peak performance methods.

“The Academy” at Geiger’s No Limitsis available to individuals and groups

High School, College and Professional Athletesand teams share a common thread and that is to stayahead of their competition, compete at the highestlevel with limited to no injuries and to train smarternot longer. Jon offers focused sport-specific athleticconditioning to the young athlete in both individualand group formats.

Jon is available as an ad hoc consultant for thedevelopment and implementation of conditioningprograms for teams as well as organizations.

The Academy also offers a series of year-roundinteractive one and two day workshops that willpropel your team or individual athletes to thehighest level of conditioning and focus.

• Extended sessions also available.

• Explosive Plyometrics and Core Strength Principles

• Sports-Specific Muscle Building and Injury Prevention

• Range of Motion and Fast and Slow TwitchMuscle Activation

• Hybrid Yoga for Strength and Stability

“Congratulations to personal trainer Jon Geiger,the winner of Nike's "Shape up for Summer"personal training competitions. Bottom line,he’s the best in L.A.”

� Entertainment Today

Geiger’s No Limits Training is now proudly basedin the West Valley, and additionally offers mobileservices to accommodate both your personal andorganization’s needs.

For inquiries and to schedule a consultation,please contact Jon by phone or email

[email protected]

www.geigersnolimits.com

INDIVIDUALIZED FOR MAXIMUM RESULTS“What sets Jon apart is his ability to intelligently diagnose athletic limitations, both physical and mental,and engineer creative solutions that draw from his expertise across multiple disciplines.”

— Justin Resnik, International Champion Equestrian Show Jumper, Eurosporthorses

To learn more about how you can benefit, visit

818.883.3374 www.crowemarketingdesign.com

Helping Small Valley Businesses Increase Sales and ProsperADVERTISING DESIGN / MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS / NEW MEDIA (WEB DESIGN)

Soon you will be able to FLEX yourBizEx™ and SAVE!

8th Annual Still Saving Lives Car ShowAs a former LAPD Officer with over 26 years on the force, CD12 Field Deputy Jim Dellinger brings

word of a great LAPD community event coming up in the Valley.

Don't miss the 8th Annual Still Saving Lives Car Show and Traffic Safety Fair, a great summertradition, on Saturday June 4 in Warner Center Park in Woodland Hills. There will be exhibits fromLAPD's SWAT, K-9, Bicycle Unit, SCUBA Unit, Mounted Unit, Bomb Squad, as well as raffles andgiveaways, over 25 gourmet food trucks, photo booth, games bus, and more.

Come learn about traffic safety and enjoy this great, family-friendly event hosted by the LAPDValley Traffic Division.

Saturday, June 4 from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm

5800 Topanga Canyon Blvd. Woodland Hills


CRA/LA West Valley Regional Office18107 Sherman Way, Suite 100Reseda, CA 91335T 818.708.5844 F 818.344.2425www.crala.org

SAVE CRA/LA Local Community Investment.Economic Development.Community-Building Support.

Ceramicist Juliana Martinez has launched a blog detailing her work creatingan elaborate ceramic mosaic wall and bench for a South Los Angeles affordablehousing project built with support from the Community Redevelopment Agencyof the City of Los Angeles.

“I wanted to document all the work going into creating this really wonderfuland involved project, and to share the complex process of creation with the restof the world,” said Martinez, a Canoga Park resident.

Martinez’ husband, artist and architect Nagy Girgis, is helping her in the processof cutting, glazing, kiln-firing and assembling over three thousand clay cutoutpieces into a coherent mosaic mural covering the bench and 40 ft wall of achildren’s garden and play area in the 29th Street Crossings project in SouthLos Angeles. The mural depicts a wonderland of bejeweled sunlight, calla lilies,hummingbirds and butterflies. Each tile is completely handmade, with the artistinspired by the Arts and Crafts architec-tural features and color palette of thehousing development. Communityparticipation is an important componentin Juliana’s work, and over 200 studentsat the adjacent 28th Street ElementarySchool have been involved in the fabri-cation of the central magnolia treemotif.

The housing project is primarily locatedat 814 E. 29th St., between San Pedroand Griffth avenues in South LosAngeles. The three-phase project byHeritage Housing Partners began construction earlier this year, and will include138 two- and three-bedroom apartments set aside for people of low or moderateincome. The CRA/LA contributed about $7.9 million of the project’s $57 milliontotal cost.

“The CRA/LA has pioneered the use of Cultural Trust Funds to finance manykinds of public art throughout our Project Areas,” said Susan Gray, the Agency’sCultural Planner. “We’re particularly proud to spotlight Juliana’s remarkable andcomplex creation as an example of what so many great artists are doing every yearas part of CRA/LA projects.”

Under CRA/LA Art Policy, developers must set aside funds equaling 1 percentof the project’s hard and soft construction costs to finance an art project eitherat the site or within the Project Area.

The resulting funds have financed over 250 public artworks and cultural facilitiesacross the city since the late 1960s, while generating employment opportunitiesnot just for artists but also for fabrication and installation specialists in buildingtrades, manufacturing, construction and related industries. Thus as a result the

Agency’s continued and growing sup-port of the Agency’s Art Policy andProgram, the City’s most challengedneighborhoods are being transformedintopopular destinations to experiencecontemporary theater, art galleries,museums, and celebrate cultural tradi-tions in enhanced urban settings, whichhelp establish a sense of place, prideand community character. In return,communities that invest in the artsand culture reap the benefits of jobs,

economic growth and a qualitity of life that positions those communities tosuccessfully manage, sustain and grow their resources.

The blog, called “Mosaic Treasure for a Children’s Garden,” can be found athttp://cralamosaicbench.tumblr.com/

This January, when announcing his budget proposalfor fiscal year 2012, Governor Jerry Brown includeda plan to eliminate California’s 400 redevelopmentagencies and use the agency’s funds to close the statebudget gap. Should the governor’s budget pass withthis provision, many issues will need to be clarified,including how quickly agencies will be shut down,how existing debt obligations will be paid and howcommunities will manage catalytic projects alreadyunderway.

However, the proposed elimination of redevelopmenthas made one thing clear—redevelopment is widelymisunderstood. Due to a fundamental lack of under-standing of how redevelopment works, Californiamay see the end of local programs that have helpedspur the revitalization of small businesses and itscommercial corridors in traditionally underservedareas for more than 60 years.

Two primary things make redevelopment hard tounderstand. First, redevelopment cannot be definedby a single act or project. Instead, redevelopment isa series of projects and programs that work togetherto bring private investment to an area. The second isthe way redevelopment is financed. A little known termcalled tax increment is its main source of funding.

Redevelopment is a package of complimentaryimprovements and projects utilized by local govern-ments to improve neighborhoods. These improvementscan be different depending on the needs of each one ofthe communities. They come in all forms, shapes andsizes. Improvements can include the creation of afford-able housing, improving public infrastructure, cleaningup toxic sites (brownfields) and investing in programsto help small businesses. To accomplish its goals,redevelopment agencies depend on a network of publicand private agencies, departments and organizations.

Redevelopment projects are financed using whatis called tax increment. Tax increment is the moneygenerated from the increase in property values after aredevelopment project area is established. By law, taxincrement must be utilized in the project area whereit is generated. The money generated from the baseassessed values (prior to redevelopment) continuesto flow to the original entities.

That said, perhaps, the best way to truly capturewhat redevelopment is, is to simply assess what ithas accomplished. CRA/LA operates in seven regionsthroughout the City of Los Angeles. From the Harborto the Valley its impact is evident along commercialcorridors as well as residential communities. Indowntown, projects like the Staples Center and LA LIVEwere all made possible because of redevelopment.Redevelopment projects like the W Hotel and theKodak Theater helped bring back the glitz and glamourto Hollywood in addition to much needed tourism.

Yet not all redevelopment projects are large-scaleactivities concentrated in metropolitan areas. As aneconomic development tool, redevelopment can betailored to the specific needs of the community itserves, whether large or small. Clear examples of itsversatility can be seen right in our own backyard. TheReseda/Canoga Park Earthquake Disaster AssistanceProject is located in the West Valley region and servesportions of the communities of Canoga Park, Resedaand Winnetka. Redevelopment projects in thesecommunities, especially those completed in CanogaPark, have transformed portions of our neighborhoodsand commercial corridors. Below is an inventory ofsome of these accomplishments, as well as some ofthe projects currently underway.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

The Canoga Park Streetscape Project. Thestreetscape project has revitalized Canoga Park’scommercial corridor by installing street furniture suchas benches and trash receptacles, entry markers andmedallions. One hundred light poles were painted andone hundred and twenty trees were planted to providea friendlier pedestrian oriented environment. Sidewalk,curbs and gutters were reconstructed for more efficientwater run-off and two crosswalks were installeddisplaying the All-America City logo.

The Madrid Theater. The Madrid Theater is a440-seat theater that showcases productions by profes-sional, community, and student performing arts groupsas well as art exhibitions. CRA/LA acted as the City’sagent to acquire the site in downtown Canoga Park.

Hart Village Apartments. Completed in 2007,this affordable housing development consists of fortyseven two- and three-bedroom apartments. Hart Villagefeatures a 3,800-square-foot child care center, and acommunity center. It was designed with sustainablefeatures, including a solar energy system that generatesfifty percent of the energy needs for all communityareas. Hart Village replaced seven dilapidated single-family homes that suffered asbestos and leadcontamination.

Tierra del Sol Community. Completed in 2005,this Canoga Park development features 119 one- to-

five-bedroom apartments for low- and moderate-income families. The complex also includes a charterelementary school and a 3,500-square-foot familyresource center with parenting programs and otherservices. Tierra del Sol was built on an abandonedfive-acre site that was once a city-owned maintenancefacility.

Dennis P. Zine Community Center. The12,000 square foot Community Center is the third andfinal phase of the Tierra del Sol Community. Varioussocial services are available at the Community Centerincluding child development classes, youth counsel-ing, ESL classes, tax preparation and computer rooms.

Main Street Canoga Park. Canoga Park wascertified as a California Main Street Community, aState program that recognizes the revitalization ofhistoric commercial districts. CRA/LA providestechnical and funding assistance to the Main StreetCanoga Park non-profit corporation, which sponsorsa Landscape & Maintenance Program, the AnnualDia de los Muertos Festival and the Canoga ParkFarmers’ Market. Main Street Canoga Park togetherwith CRA/LA and other community groups such asthe Canoga Park Improvement Association and theCanoga Park/West Hills Chamber of Commercecompeted for and won the national recognition forAll-America City in 2005.

West Valley Façade Improvement GrantProgram. This business friendly program providesgrants to small businesses and property owners toimprove the appearance of their storefront. Theprogram has facilitated the improvement of over100 storefronts along the Sherman Way commercialcorridor in Canoga Park, Winnetka and Reseda.

Guadalupe Center Rehabilitation Project.Guadalupe Center in Canoga Park offers a multitudeof social services to community youth, families, andseniors. These services include after-school programs,a computer center, and emergency food and clothing.CRA/LA provided financial assistance for a rehabilita-tion project which enabled the construction of a newFamily Services building that includes offices for casemanagement, counseling, meeting space and youthrooms. Landscaping and maintenance, paved andlighted parking was also made possible.

Reseda Park Pool. A successful cooperationagreement between CRA/LA and the City of LosAngeles’ Recreation and Parks has made funds avail-able for the construction of a new pool at the ResedaPark Recreation Center. Construction of the pool hascommenced with a grand opening date in 2012.

First Time Homebuyers Program. The FirstTime Homebuyers Program offered eligible low andmoderate-income households the opportunity topurchase a single family home or condominium inReseda, Canoga Park and Winnetka. Approximatelytwenty five families were able to purchase their firsthome through this program.

Neighborhood Pride Days. CRA/LA along withLos Angeles Neighborhood Housing Services andmany community volunteers beautified a total of thir-teen homes in Canoga Park, Reseda and Winnetka.CRA/LA worked with Neighborhood Councils andthe Council Office to identify homes in each of thesecommunities that had fallen into disrepair and werein need of TLC. The homes received a new coat ofpaint and landscaping while their surrounding neigh-borhoods were cleared from debris and bulky items.

Adaptive Reuse of the Old Canoga ParkLibrary. CRA/LA has provided financial and technicalassistance to the Child Development Institute (CDI)to revamp the historic 6,500 square foot facility intoan Early Learning Center. Utilizing a holistic approach,CDI staff will work with parents to identify risk factorsfor developmental disabilities in their children. TheEarly Learning Center expects to serve 1,000 childrenannually in the children’s play area, head start andlearning and sensory stations.

Sherman Village. A groundbreaking ceremonyin March commenced the construction of what willbe a seventy two unit affordable housing developmenton the corner of Sherman Way and Wilbur Avenuein Reseda. The development will replace a used carlot with a planned community that will boast severalsmall and medium-sized courtyards with a largecommunity room, computer and multi-media room,communal kitchen, library, full landscaping and playarea. By incorporating innovative sustainable features,Sherman Village anticipates to achieve LEED Goldcertification.

Reseda Theater Lofts. On January 20, 2011 theCRA/LA Board of Commissioners approved a requestto execute an Exclusive Negotiation Agreementbetween CRA/LA and Thomas Safran & Associatesfor the development of the Reseda Theater Lofts. Anapproval of a formal development Agreement is antici-pated by the City Council this summer. The proposedproject will be a mixed-use “by right” development

consistent with existing zoning that incorporates ArtDeco design elements including a Reseda blade signas a tribute to the original theater. The Reseda TheaterLofts will include 16,200 square feet of housing locatedon Sherman Way and Canby Avenue and 1,200 squarefeet of community serving retail on Sherman Way.

Reseda Town Center. CRA/LA acquired twoparcels along Sherman Way in Reseda for a potentialtown center-type development with commercial andmixed uses. A community workshop was held earlierthis year where the potential development scenarioswere displayed to community members.

Canby Woods. The proposed ninety eight unitaffordable senior housing development will replace ablighted and abandoned building in Reseda. The seniorhousing development will include a variety of tenant

amenities, extensive landscaping and a pedestrianfriendly environment.

Current and pipe-line projects and programs indanger of elimination/termination

1. West Valley Façade ImprovementGrant Program

2. Main Street Canoga Park

3. Canby Woods

4. Reseda Theater Lofts

5. Winnetka Streetscape Project

6. Reseda Streetscape & Median ImprovementProject

7. Reseda Town Center

ARTIST, JULIANA MARTINEZ,LAUNCHES DIARY ON CRA/LA PROJECT

Find the West Valley Newsat the

CHATSWORTH TRAIN DEPOT

Getting up at the break of dawn is what over 260 people were willing to do on Saturday, May 7th,to join Team Taras to participate in the 18th annual EIF Revlon Run Walk for breast and ovariancancer research. Dr. Ian Taras, a second generation Ob/Gyn with a practice in Woodland Hills, hascontinued a tradition started by his mother, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1990. “Therewas no test then but my Mom is alive and well today. For my grandmother there was no test andshe had no chance against ovarian cancer.” Dr. Taras explained.

Motivation is strong in the “Taras Tribe” and 2006 was a particularly difficult year in the “cancer”department. Dr. Taras sister, Lorelle was tested and found out that she carries the BrCa GENE. At 36,she underwent a prophylactic double mastectomyand reconstructive surgeries. At 39 she had herovaries out. Her chance of getting breast {85%}or ovarian {55%} cancer is now reduced toalmost nil; this because of research dollars. “I toofound out in 2006 I have the gene and walkedselfishly for myself and my daughter! The sameyear, my Dad diagnosed with colo-rectal cancer:chemotherapy, radiation and 4 surgeries later heis on the mend!” Dr. Taras says.

Last year Team Taras had 250 people and theevent recorded 50,000 participants. This past May,over 260 people joined and helped the Team Taras add to the aggregate money raised since 2001 toover $350,000. “More importantly,” said Dr. Taras, “we are raising awareness so team members don’thave to raise a penny. We provide cool t-shirts, transportation and a big dose of F-U-N! 100% of themoney goes to research and none to operating expenses.”

Strong motivation can be contagious, especially when it comes to raising awareness about cancer.Everyone knows a family member or a friend who is fighting or has lost the battle against Cancer.West Valley News publisher Ed Crowe, his wife Sonya, and daughters Ingrid and Taryn, joinedTeam Taras five years ago. Grandson Lucas joined the team this year and strolled along (photo abovewith Dr. Taras). The Crowes have started their own tradition of participation every year as membersof Team Taras. Research dollars can make a difference. Raising awareness is one way to help.

After nearly 35 years of protecting and servingas an LAPD officer, Sergeant Marty Fentressofficially retired from the force. Now he can workfull time on his tan and deciding what brightcolor shirt he is going to wear to attend his nextfavorite community event or go to the ballparkwith his buddies.

Marty joined the LAPD in 1976 and has hada long and distinguished career as a lawenforcement Police Officer. The last few yearsworking closely with the community as part ofWest Valley and Topanga Stations’ communityoutreach efforts.

On April 29, 2011, family, friends, co-workersand people who have touched Marty's life,

attended his retirement party at the Woodland Hills Country Club. A large number of guests weremembers of the community; a testament to Marty’s friendly demeanor and personality.

He would do very well in public relations. Congratulations Marty on your promotion. And goodluck in your next career as a civilian.


Marty Fentress promoted to the rank of civilian

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Team Taras has raised $350,000 to fight Cancer

MAYOR VILLARAIGOSA JOINS THOUSANDS OF VOLUNTEERS FORLARGEST RIVER CLEAN UP IN CITY OF LOS ANGELES’ HISTORY

Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, the Friends of the Los Angeles River (FoLAR), and more than 5,000 volunteersled the Los Angeles River Day of Service. The Mayor began the Day of Service along the Los Angeles River atCanoga Park High School where he joined students and community volunteers by working on Canoga ParkHigh’s Green Learning Garden and planting a tree. The Mayor then joined volunteers cleaning the river at theSepulveda Basin Recreation Center, before continuing to Sunnynook Footbridge to join the Atwater VillageNeighborhood Council and other community volunteers in cleaning up the river and repairing the footbridge.

“We are delighted to partner with Mayor Villaraigosa on this worthwhile event,” said Steve Donly, Presidentof TruGreen, a ServiceMaster company and title sponsor of the Day of Service. “ServiceMaster and TruGreen arededicated to being good stewards of the environment. We recognize the value of healthy green spaces and thebenefit turf grass provides in preventing runoff and keeping our rivers healthy.”

Dr. Ian Taras with three generations of Team Taras members who participated in the May 7th Revlon Walk.


Anecdotes, Interviews,Bits & Pieces aboutWest Valley History.

It was war time and after losing her husband, a recipient of the Medal of Honor U.S. Army soldier who servedunder General Douglas MacArthur during the Pacific War, Marta Spooner enlisted in the Navy. She served inthe Medical Corps for three years. It was her way of dealing with the heartache of her personal lost as a youngmilitary widow. She chose the Navy because “It was the safest and best thing for a woman at that time.”She commented.

After her discharge from the Navy, she didn’t know what to do and decided to study photography. “I went toschool five days a week for two years. I studied under a well known photographer in Los Angeles.” She recalled.Spooner opened a photography studio on Sherman Way near Topanga Canyon Blvd., where she did all types ofphotography including architectural, children portraits, and anything else that came her way, except “womenportraits” she said. “I refused to photograph women because they were never satisfied.” She remarked.

Spooner used a 4x5 Crown Graphic camera becauseof its shorter lens focal lengths that allowed a widerfield of view. To photograph the now rare wide angleshot of Sherman Way in downtown Canoga Park(shown above), Spooner had to climb a safety ladderin the rear of a building—that offered the bestangle—to get to theroof top. This wasnot an easy task atthat time since theequipment was heavyand not very portable.Quite a daring feat fora female photographerin the late 1940’s.

Marta Spooner has been a member of the Canoga-Owensmouth Historical Society (COHS) for manyyears. On May 11, 2011, she was invited to make aspecial presentation about her photography during theregular COHS General Meeting, at the Canoga ParkCommunity Center on Owensmouth Avenue.

Canoga Park will be celebrating its 100th anniversary and COHS in cooperation with the Canoga Park/WestHills Chamber of Commerce are planning a series of events. Contact the CPWH Chamber at (818) 884-4222to get some of the details about how the Canoga Park community is preparing to celebrate its 100th year.

Making a contribution to early days of Canoga Park is not easy to do. Hear how the Giacopuzzi Familydid just that over many decades. Continuing with Canoga-Owensmouth Historical Society’s First FamiliesRemembrances, Lindo Giacopuzzi and other members of his family will discuss how their Dairy Farm andreal-estate holdings helped shape the San Fernando Valley. Come and hear their amazing stories at the nextgeneral meeting onWednesday, June 8, 2011. Find out more about one of our Founding Families.

In celebrating the conclusion of the 2010-2011 Season, the Canoga-Owenmouth Historical Society will beholding an “Ice Cream Social” at the conclusion of the General Meeting. Please join us as we celebrate ourseason highlighting our First Families and Our Speaker Program. Celebrating with ice cream seems appropriatesince the Giacopuzzi family operated our community’s first dairy farm. This was a significant contribution to ourcommunity back in the day.

Marta Spooner displays rare Canoga Park photos


Marta Spooner holds a copy of the Canoga-Owensmouth Historical Society newsletter where her original shotoverlooking Sherman Way in Canoga Park was printed in the late 1940’s.

The Boys & Girls Club of the West Valley wasfounded in 1992 as a response to the local needfor safe, healthy, productive activities for youthduring non-school hours.

There are more than 3,100 members of theClub. Approximately 150 youngsters visit theMain Clubhouse in Canoga Park each day inaddition to more than 550 children engaged inafter-school activities at the Club’s five schoolsites: Blythe, Reseda, and Topeka DriveElementary Schools; Canoga Park High School;and the housing community of Tierra del Sol.Boys & Girls Club of the West Valley7245 Remmet Ave., Canoga Park, CA, 91303Tel: (818) 610-1054. Website: www.wvbgc.org.Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/wvbgc.

Well Fargo contributes $30,000 to benefitBoys & Girls Club after school programs

(L-R) Ricardo Villareal, Bon-Bon Girl, Saeed Hesami, Shant Chahinian, Tony Bekyan. Group of Wells Fargo(Sherman Oaks) high achievers who attended Club de Cuba on Friday, May 6th and had a great time. Bigthanks to Wells Fargo's San Fernando Valley Regional President Marla Vasquez for the generous donation of$30,000 to the Boys & Girls Club of the West Valley.


Texas Hold ‘em Poker champion and raffle winner.


No Limits Fitnesswith Jon Geiger

Jon Geiger is an Athletic Conditioning Specialist with over 20 years of experience. He has guided countlessathletes of all ages and levels, performers and regular folks of all shapes and sizes to achievements in performance,and rehabilitation of chronic physical issues while growing their will and self-belief towards manifesting change.Jon utilizes the application of elite techniques creatively integrating multiple disciplines.He is the founder of Geiger’s No Limits Training and The Academy at Geiger’s No Limits (A Training Academydevoted to Sport-Specific Conditioning for the Young Athlete). To learn more visit www.geigersnolimits.com.Jon is now based in the West Valley and proudly calls it both his home and community. He would love to hearfrom you, and can be reached at [email protected]

MULTI-TASKING…C’MON, YOU CAN DO ITSo you want results but you don’t have much

time. So you are feeling the pressure, MemorialDay has come and gone and …it’s gettingwarmer…less clothing…more beach…howmuch less can I eat to fit into that? Well let meshare the good news; help has arrived, andhere’s the thing—you do it every day! You areALREADY an expert, I guarantee it! Just bringyour work life, and your home life into yourworkout life, here’s how…

Multi-Tasking. Thank you and good night.

A fancier conditioning term for this is“Compound Work,” and what this means is thatyou are working more than one muscle groupin an intense fashion simultaneously. What thisdoes is create multiple gains: more work getsdone in the same amount of time (eliminatingthe favorite excuse to avoid exercise). Two, thiswill build your ability to be in touch with musclegroups to a much greater degree because itrequires you to focus intensely to do this, andthree—more muscle groups working at the samemoment in time drives more blood to thosemuscles, blood in turn carries oxygen…more

oxygen equals aerobic work (see previouscolumn on “AeroboCardiogaphication”)and this becomes your bathing suit.

What follows is an example of this technique,through which many of my clients haveachieved great results. I have utilized this inmany different facets, and with clients rangingfrom both professional and adolescent athletesto injury rehabilitations, as well as folks tryingto get into that “magic” suit—start here:

Take an “Athletic Stance,” essentially a lowand butt-dropped squat position, hold. Next,add a “crunch” in your abdominals withoutbending over—SQUEEZE that stomach hard,as if you’ve just gotten to the top of yoursitups—hold that ALSO. Now, take REASON-ABLY weighted dumbbells in your hands,relaxed hands, (this is not where you put youreffort, more in an upcoming column) and beginyour bicep curls while holding both yourstance, ab crunch and breathing steadilythroughout. This should be killin’ ya..smile,you’re on your way to the beach.

Until next time…be good to yourself andbelieve, for if you do, you have No Limits....

Editor’s Note: Chapter 3 will continue on the next issue of the West Valley News.

Strategic Business OwnersContinued from Page 6

The Technician’s Addiction

Instead of working on their businesses, most owners are trapped working in their businesses, slaving awayand grinding it out. Instead of working on tomorrow, they are preoccupied with working in today. They endup majoring in minor things. They worry about office supplies instead of office processes. They focus onaccounting details instead of holding their employees accountable. They worry about the company’s vision planinstead of planning the company’s vision. They react with short-term, short-lived fixes instead of proactivelycreating long-term solutions. They fixate on their mail, email, or cell phone calls instead of communicating theirexpectations to their key managers or employees. They obsess with doing things right instead of doing the rightthings. They do the wrong type of work really well. They are chasing their tails!

Are you trapped in the body and mind of a doer instead of a leader? Be honest, do you fall into the routineof doing the work of an employee or technician instead of the work of an owner or leader? Do you neglect suchareas as vision creation, strategic planning, establishing priorities and goals, organizational design, businesssystem development, profit improvement, team development, employee accountability, etc?

As previously discussed, you were probably a successful technician that caught the entrepreneurial bug severalyears ago and bought, inherited or started a business related to your technical skills. You are too comfortablewith and good at handling such details. Such expertise, unfortunately, has a strong tendency to suck you intothe nooks and crannies of the business. For you, the technical day-today guts of the business are addictive andtough to escape. Sadly, a technician’s mindset and mode of operation are insufficient for running a business.These technical assets can be real liabilities and traps for an owner trying to be more proactive and strategic.

For example, maybe you were a gifted house painter who thought, “I can start a painting business on my own.”From the get go, you probably functioned in a technical capacity and never grew your leadership capacity or thebusiness systems. You worried about selling and performing painting jobs. You probably didn’t worry about howto design and build a painting business with you as CEO. Rather, you dove in, got busy-being-busy, and startedfunctioning as a painter, chief salesperson, estimator, bookkeeper, materials supplier, quality control supervisor.

Consequently, you function as a jack-of-all-trades painter that also happens to own a house painting company.You are more technician than leader. Instead of focusing on the business of painting, you focus on the technicalwork of painting. You probably spend far too much time painting or micro-managing your other painters and notenough time painting your company’s future. Because of your technical comfort zone, you are trapped doing thework of a painter, not the strategic work of a leader.

Here are a few more examples to drive home the point. Being a good computer programmer and running asuccessful programming business are two different roles and worlds. Writing code is technical and tactical work.Just because you know how to do the daily technical work of programming, for example, doesn’t mean you knowhow to design, build and manage a business that does the work of programming. Programming code has notprepared you for the key functions of a business -- selling, marketing, client service, finance, leadership, busi-ness systems, people management, etc. Technical experience is insufficient background for running a business.

Similarly, if your background is selling, finance or production, your bias will get you buried in the selling,financial and production details of the business. You must escape your technical conditioning! Hire others tohandle such matters, if necessary.

Business ownership is all about strategic leadership, not technical doer-ship. Few owners understandand appreciate such critical distinctions. Tragically, owners mistake a technician’s orientation for that of anentrepreneur’s. They mistake busy-being-busy activity for accomplishment. They confuse hard work forintelligent work. They have a technician’s addiction to detail work. Sadly, they work and think like employeesinstead of owners. They do the wrong type of work. They fail to grasp that running a business is strategic,entrepreneurial, visionary, and requires strong leadership.

Contributing Factors

If the technical background or DNA weren’t enough of a challenge, lack of role models and faulty educationscompound the problem of being addicted to technical busyness.

Let’s face facts; there are too many technicians, workaholics, micromanagers and dictators in the smallbusiness world and not enough CEOs. Because of poor role models and faulty business educations, ownersdo not get to see fresh, successful alternatives.

Unfortunately, our business education system focuses too much on technical knowledge and not nearlyenough on leadership development and organizational design. Instead of teaching an opportunity mindset,our education system focuses on everything that can go wrong. As such, we scare owners into the deadlymistake of thinking that “they must do everything themselves” to get it right.

As a result, owners fail to put proper systems and processes into place to help guide other employeesand the business. Without systems to help them lead, owners end up micro-managing. They can’t delegateeffectively. Soon, the business outgrows their personal capabilities and time constraints. The dreaded growingpains follow because they failed to grow their leadership capabilities, business systems, and employees. Theyare trapped on the business owner treadmill, tackling non-strategic work, expending more and more energy,and going nowhere. No wonder they have the blues and no free time. Now, the owner is at risk of burning outand the business of crashing in.

Practical Strategies

Allow me to get in your face for a moment. You own a business, not a job! Wake up; you are the owner, notanother employee! Most companies are over-managed and grossly under-led. Start leading! Start thinking andplanning more and sweating less. Use more mind power, less muscle power. Every group craves an engagedand energetic leader to direct them toward a common cause and challenge them to greater heights. Be thatperson for your employees. While there can be many employees, there can be only one leader. You are it!Start filling the role.

Even if you are a solo practitioner, thinking like a CEO is a critical step as you grow and replace yourself invarious technical roles with new employees. Even if you decide to go it alone, you will see that the CEO mindsetwill pay you great dividends as you better manage your time, resources and clients/customers.

As CEO, you need to work on the business: its purpose, direction, strategy, structure, systems, people, goals,and accountability processes. Again, see the whole business, not just its parts. Have an aerial view to knowwhere you want to go and how you want to shape your business. Instead of shuffling papers or doing the book-keeping, decide how to make your company different, better, more profitable and more systems-oriented. Thinkand act like a business architect. Again, your goal is to design and shape a business that serves you and worksindependently from you—a business that is systems-dependent and not owner-dependent. You want a businessthat runs nearly on autopilot and spits out cash.

JENNIFER DIAMOND CANCER FOUNDATION CELEBRATES GRAND OPENINGOF NEW CHATSWORTH HEADQUARTERS WITH “FESTIVAL OF LIFE.”Festival Highlights The Facility’s New Cancer Information Library, Cancer Support Programs, Activities and

Educational Programs Which Are Free To The Public.

On Saturday, May 21, 2011, the Jennifer Diamond Cancer Foundation (“JDCF”) celebrated the grand openingof their new 30,000 square foot headquarters in Chatsworth, located at: 9410 Owensmouth Avenue, Chatsworth,

CA 91311. The event was called the “Festival of Life.”

The festival was an indoor/outdoor event locatedat their large new 30,000 square foot headquartersin Chatsworth. It was an open house to the generalpublic in the surrounding communities, making themaware of their new facility and the many cancer sup-port programs, activities and educational programsthat are offered at the facility and freely available tothe public, including a Latino outreach programwhich provides counseling.

The new headquarters also features a new cutting-edge Cancer Information Library, which was formallyopened during the event. There are now eight of theselibraries located throughout California. These librariesare the most comprehensive cancer information

resources available to the public. Although these libraries are regularly used by medical professionals, they arespecially designed for people with no medical background. A specially-trained librarian is available to help.

Both State Senator Alex Padilla and State Assemblyman Bob Blumenfield spoke about the new facility'simportance to the community, in light of the fact that over 50,000 people with cancer live in the San FernandoValley alone. The festival was hosted by Lee Marshall and showcased great live music and entertainment,featuring performances by Sharky & The Babes, The Enzymes, Wildwood, and Magic Castle magician SteveSilverman. The event was especially geared towards families. There was balloons, face painting, a bouncingmoonwalk, and a crafts table, with volunteers from the community helping out.

The event was free and open to the public. The objective of the festival was to let people in the communityknow about our new headquarters in Chatsworth, and the free programs and services we offer people withcancer and their families.

Jennifer Diamond’s uncle, singer songwriter Neil Diamond, is a strong public supporter of the work beingdone at the foundation. Olympic iceskating champion Scott Hamilton sits on our Board of Directors.

According to foundation President Harvey Diamond, “Our goal is to educate the general public as well aspeople with cancer and their families with the type of information that will empower them to make more informeddecisions about their healthcare and to become their own advocate throughout their battle with cancer.”

Event sponsors and supporters included: AMGEN, Natel Engineering, American Cancer Society, City NationalBank, Roy & Patricia Disney Cancer Center, The Wellness Community, Icelandic Water and City ConnectionProductions.

ABOUT THE FOUNDATION

Eight years ago, Jennifer Diamond lost her battle with cancer of the appendix, a rare form of cancer. At that time, Jennifer was30 and just beginning her life. Throughout their two-year struggle to save her, her parents found themselves lost without anyavailable information that could help her. This forced them to do their own research, with limited guidance and a scarcity ofpublicly available resources. A few days before she passed, her parents sat with Jennifer and discussed their frustrations. Sheasked her parents to try to help others with cancer using the knowledge that they had gained through their experience. Theypromised her that they would, and that promise is being kept.

For more information about the Jennifer Diamond Cancer Foundation, please call (818) 700-6900 or visit the foundationonline at www.jenniferdiamondfoundation.org

Jennifer Diamond Cancer Foundation is located at: 9410 Owensmouth Avenue, Chatsworth, CA 91311. Tel: (818) 700-6900Fax: (818) 700-6908. The Jennifer Diamond Cancer Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) Non-Profit Public Charity.

(L-R) State Senator Alex Padilla, State AssemblymanBob Blumenfied, JDCF Chief Financial Officer AliceDiamond, JDCF President Harvey Diamond.

See I’M A CANCER SURVIVOR on Page 11

husband after receiving the results, climbing into bed next to him and crying. I don’t think either of us believedthis was really happening, but it was.

Once, it has been determined that cancer is the probable culprit, a biopsy needs to be performed to confirmthis diagnosis. The results of the biopsy, are one of the most important pieces of information a woman withbreast cancer, needs to know. It will confirm whether the biopsied tissue is cancerous or not, and it will alsoindicate what type of breast cancer the woman has. Currently, the information that a woman will learn from herbiopsy, is that she is either ER+, PR+, Her2+ or that she is a combination of these. She may also discover, thatshe is a triple negative, meaning that she does not have any of these receptors over expressing. This informationis vital, as it is from this, that the course of treatment will be determined.

The biopsy itself was not a painless procedure, and took longer than usual, due to a complication, I have yetto understand. The tumor in my breast was by this time larger, so that when I lay on my back, with my breastexposed, the lump was clearly evident. A long needle was inserted into the lump and as the doctor took littlepieces of the sample a loud clicking sound could be heard. I had been really unsure, whether to go ahead with

I’M A CANCER SURVIVORContinued from Page 4


LETTERS

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.

A Cooler Warner Ranch ParkJust before the unofficial start of summer this Memorial Day weekend, Councilman Zine was joined by the

Department of Recreation and Parks, representatives from the Woodland Hills-Warner Center NeighborhoodCouncil, and neighborhood families last Thursday morning at Warner Ranch Park to celebrate the unveiling ofthe large structure that will permanently provide shade over a large portion of the playground area at the park.

The 50’ by 60’ shade structure towers over the playground with a contemporary design that includes largemulti-color, multi-level and multi-panel high density polyethylene mesh that can keep the playground equipmentup to 20-30 degrees cooler. The structure was financed using over $88K in Quimby funds and was constructedin response to the many parents that expressed their desire to have such a shade structure installed permanentlyso their children could play on the playground equipment longer without the risk of getting burned.

“As the San Fernando Valley heats up over the summer months, the new shade structure will offer muchneeded protection from the harmful rays of the sun,” said Councilman Zine. “This structure will be a welcomeaddition to Warner Ranch Park for families who come here to enjoy outdoor activities.”

Dear Mr. Crowe,

I have lived here in West Hills and Canoga Parkmy entire life and thoroughly enjoy reading theWest Valley News each time a new issue is out.I noticed you have put a couple recent issuesavailable to read online and was wondering if youmight have the rest of them available archived asfar back as possible in either printed paper orpreferably in pdf format online or on a CD to beable to read and relive so many of these greatmemories. Please let me know. Thank you againfor your interest and dedication in making sucha great local newspaper for this area!

Chris BerwagerCanoga Park

THIS IS THE ONLY TIME WE WILL SEEAND LIVE THIS EVENT

Money Bags

This year, July has 5 Fridays, 5 Saturdays and5 Sundays. This happens once every 823 years.This is called money bags. So, forward this toyour friends and money will arrive within 4 days.Based on Chinese Feng Shui.

Kinda interesting - read on!!!

This year we're going to experience four unusualdates.

1/1/11, 1/11/11, 11/1/11, 11/11/11and that's not all...

Take the last two digits of the year in which youwere born—now add the age you will be this year,the results will be 111 for everyone in the wholeworld. This is the year of the Money!!!

Its a mystery, but its worth a try. Good luck

Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones SpeaksAbout Premium Rate Increase IssuesBy Jessica Vernabe

California Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones told local insurance professionals he has been monitoringthe state’s largest health insurers and hopes to soon have the power to reject excessive rate hikes.

The commissioner said some of his actions have already led to delays and decreases by multiple insurancecarriers, including Woodland Hills-based Anthem Blue Cross of California.

“We’ve had increases annually here in California the last 10 years—at 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 percent—in theindividual small group and the large market, and I think it’s ultimately unsustainable,” Jones said, referring toinsurers statewide. “It explains why so many businesses have made the decision they can’t afford to buy healthinsurance.”

At the Valley Industry and Commerce Association’s Leaders Forum in North Hollywood, Joneslaid out the actions he has taken while assuming his post in January.

He issued an emergency regulation allowing him to enforce that at least 80 percent of premiums in theindividual health insurance market is spent on health care costs. He issued another regulation that allows himto prohibit carriers in California from denying coverage to children with pre-existing conditions.

Jones has also requested that some of California’s largest insurers hold off on rate increases, giving hima chance to review their proposals. The requests resulted in Blue Shield of California withdrawing 6 percentincrease, it’s third rate hike within the period of a year; Anthem cutting its increase by about 7 percent; andAetna cutting its increase by about 6 percent, he said.

Jones said what helped him in the review process was being able to not only look over insurers’ actuarialanalysis reports, but also their financial statements.

“It seems to me that if California businesses and California consumers are being asked to pay these rates,there ought to be some understanding of the rationale and justification for the rates,” he said.

He added that the five largest national insurers—including Blue Shield, Anthem and UnitedHealthcare, theparent company of Pacificare—reported record profits and shareholder dividends in 2010. He added thatAnthem made a 21 percent return on equity last year, which he called a “very, very healthy” return.

Assemblyman Mike Feuer introduced legislation late last year that would allow the commissioner and otherregulators to reject health insurance rate increases that are deemed excessive. Jones said having that authorityis crucial.

“It would allow me to look at the question of whether or not the rates are excessive from the standpoint ofadministrative costs and profitability,” he said. “And I think there’s a lot of public interest in giving the insurancecommissioner that authority.”

FIRST 5 LA ANNOUNCESSECOND ROUND OFBABY-FRIENDLYHOSPITAL GRANTS

First 5 LA has awarded nine additional Los AngelesCounty hospitals with Baby-Friendly Hospital Projectgrants to help them initiate and maintain breastfeed-ing policies and procedures as the hospitals worktoward earning “Baby-Friendly Hospital” recognition.

In March 2009, the First 5 LA Commissionapproved $10.5 million to support the Baby-FriendlyHospital Project in response to the county’s lowbreastfeeding rates, which is about 33 percent,according to a January 2011 report from CaliforniaWIC and the University of California, Davis HumanLactation Center. The report states that L.A. Countyranks 43rd in the state for exclusive breastfeeding.

Research shows breastfeeding benefits bothmothers and their babies and provides a significantcost savings for the health care system as well asfor employers. Studies indicate that breast-feedingimproves health outcomes by reducing children’srisks for acute infections and sudden infant deathsyndrome, as well as chronic diseases includingasthma, diabetes and obesity. Women who breastfeedmay also have lower rates of diabetes and breast orovarian cancers.

“For many women, the hospital is the only sourceof breastfeeding support and education, underscoringthe importance of improving the way hospitals andbirth centers provide assistance, encouragement andsupport for breastfeeding,” said Evelyn V. Martinez,chief executive officer for First 5 LA “Our goal is tohelp change the system so that hospitals and thegeneral public work together to empower mothersto achieve the best infant feeding practices.”

Under the leadership of First 5 LA, the Baby-Friendly Hospital grants will provide operationalsupport to hospitals that seek the Baby-FriendlyHospital designation and will implement a rangeof activities, including collaborative outreach efforts,to fully promote breastfeeding.

“Baby-Friendly Hospital” is a designation createdby the World Health Organization and the UnitedNations Children’s Fund and administered byBaby-Friendly USA. Hospitals that have earned thedesignation are recognized for their work providingnew mothers with the information, confidence andskills they need to successfully initiate and continuenursing their babies.

The hospitals selected for funding in the secondround of Baby-Friendly Hospital Project grants are:

• Valley Presbyterian Hospital — $472,996

• Providence Little Company of Mary MedicalCenter, San Pedro — $312,997

• Garfield Medical Center — $473,000

• Good Samaritan Hospital — $472,937

• Beverly Hospital — $472,977

• Greater El Monte Community Hospital —$417,685

• Pacific Alliance Medical Center — $471,595.01

• Memorial Hospital of Gardena — $472,416

• St. Francis Medical Center — $445,300

During the first round of Baby-Friendly Hospitalgrants in 2009, the eight hospitals selected were:St. Mary Medical Center in Long Beach, HollywoodPresbyterian, Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center,Monterey Park Hospital, White Memorial MedicalCenter near downtown, East Los Angeles DoctorsHospital and San Gabriel Valley Medical Center inSan Gabriel and California Hospital Medical Centerin downtown Los Angeles. A third and final fundingcycle is scheduled to begin in November.

the biopsy, as I had read conflicting results aboutproblems that could stem from doing a biopsy. I knowtoday, that if you want to know what the best treatmentfor your type of cancer is, a biopsy is necessary.

The results of my biopsy, showed that I was Her2+,this meant at the time, that any western path of medi-cine would involve the use of a drug called Herceptin.I had no idea, that this drug would have such anenormous impact on my life.

I had just embarked on the road to learning, abouta subject, which I had previously had no interest in.I had often wondered what all the fuss about breastcancer was. I was soon to discover, that all the “fuss”was indeed warranted. I am so grateful to all thepeople who continue to support this cause, withfunding and research, and the work which goes intofinding new treatment options. I was to learn in time,that without these fundraisers, the drug which hassaved my life, would not have been available. So,I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyoneinvolved in raising or donating funds to breast cancerresearch, for making a difference in my life, and thelife of my children, family and friends.

Next issue I will be discussing how I chose to dealwith my diagnosis.

I’M A CANCER SURVIVORContinued from Page 10

UNITED CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE

INVITES YOU TO JOIN US FOR OUR ANNUAL

SMALL BUSINESS BREAKFASTFRIDAY JUNE 10, 2011

WARNER CENTER MARRIOTT

21850 OXNARD STREET

WOODLAND HILLS, CA 91367

7:30 AM – 9:30 AM

MESSAGE FROM WASHINGTON FROM…

Congressman Brad Sherman Hosts Town Hall Meetingat CSUN Valley Performing Arts CenterOn Sunday, May 15th, Congressman Brad Sherman (D-Sherman Oaks)

hosted a Town Hall Meeting at the new Valley Performing Arts Center atCal State Northridge, fielding questions from some of the approximately1,200 constituents who attended—one of the most widely attended TownHall Meetings.

Sherman has held over 100 Town Hall Meetings since going to Congress. The Valley PerformingArts Center at Cal State Northridge, which features a 1,700-seat Great Hall where the Town HallMeeting took place, officially opened on January 29, 2011. Congressman Sherman helped securefederal funding for the Valley Performing Arts Center, which has hosted numerous performances fromworld-class performers, musicians and distinguished speakers in its first season.

On that day, Congressman Sherman honored two outstanding Valley veterans for their heroicservice in defense of our nation during World War II. Congressman Sherman presented the PurpleHeart to Corporal Russell H. Bauman and three Bronze Service Stars to Naval Corpsman First ClassDavid H. Swerdlow. With the assistance of Congressman Sherman’s constituent services staff, thesebrave heroes were able to receive these medals for the first time.

After the presentation, Congressman Sherman responded to questions about major federal issues,including the condition of the economy, health care, education, the war in Afghanistan and theU.S./NATO intervention in Libya.

“Town Hall Meetings are critical to the public policy process, providing an opportunity for me tohear about the most pressing concerns of people in the San Fernando Valley,” said CongressmanBrad Sherman. “The large attendance at our Town Hall Meetings proves that the residents of theSan Fernando Valley are actively engaged in their community and their government. I enjoy hearingtheir ideas.”

Congressman Sherman directed his constituents to his Sherman Oaks office, (818) 501-9200,for further assistance in solving problems with federal agencies, including the Social SecurityAdministration and the Department of Veterans Affairs. He encouraged constituents to visit hiswebsite (www.BradSherman.house.gov) for more helpful information.

L.A. City Council Passes Zine Motionto Revamp DWP Billing PracticesThe Los Angeles City Council approved the Audits & Governmental Efficiency Committee report,

chaired by Councilman Dennis P. Zine, to address DWP billing practices with a 13-0 vote.

The vote moves the following recommendations: Request the DWP to report on findings of internalaudits of their billing and collection process; Request the DWP to prepare and present an outreach

plan on how DWP will address this issue with their customers toinclude an appeal process and provide a contact that a consumer cancommunicate with; Request DWP to report on how this issue can bebetter addressed through the Office of Public Accountability to provideoversight for DWP; Request DWP to provide an overview of theircurrent digital meter program; and request and instruct as appropriateCity Attorney, DWP, LADBS, and other appropriate City departmentsto create an ordinance that would mandate single meters for water andpower meters at all new construction or major rehabilitation.

The final element calling for the Controller to conduct an audit ofDWP’s billing and collection practices was referred back to the Audits & Governmental EfficiencyCommittee pending the report back from the DWP in 120 days to Energy and EnvironmentCommittee to monitor the progress of the new bill format.

“We are addressing waste in this city one step at a time,” said Councilman Dennis P. Zine, Chairof the Audits & Governmental Efficiency Committee. “I look forward to hearing how the DWP plansto resolve these outstanding concerns to create a more efficient billing process and deliver moreeffective customer service. I am confident that we are moving in the right direction to make the utilitywork for the people of Los Angeles.”

P.O.S.S.E. (People Organizing Safe, Secure Environments)Is your alley being used as a dumping ground? Tired of signs littering your community? Is there graffiti in your neighborhood?Are you fed-up enough to do something about it?

Join Councilman Dennis P. Zine‘s Community POSSE. TAKE BACK YOUR COMMUNITY! Call my District Office at 818-756-8848


From Councilman Greig Smith’s WEEKLY BRIEFING

2011/2012 L.A. City Budget...

The City Council passed a nearly $7 billion City Budget for FiscalYear 2011-2012 on Wednesday. Council was able to close a $336million budget defiicit without resorting to borrowing money forworking capital, using “commercial paper,” as proposed by the Mayor.

The new budget keeps all City Fire Stations open utilizing scientificmodeling that modernizes deployment of resources based on actualneed. This is balanced by a compromise that retains 318 vacant LAFD

positions and commits to refilling them as additional resources become available. The Council alsorejected attempts to furlough Police Officers in order to balance the LAPD budget.

The budget increases employee contributions to pension and healthcare, reducing the generalfund impact of these obligations and freeing up tax dollars for essential City services.

I am extremely pleased to report that Libraries will go back to a six-day operating schedule.Additionally, street paving is continued at the same rate as the current year and some tree-trimmingservices have been restored.

As Vice Chair of the Budget Committee, I have examined every dollar of taxpayer money the Cityspends. My priority has been to ensure the City's financial survival while focusing on the mostessential City services, starting with public safety.

The Budget now goes back to the Mayor for his approval.

Information on the LAFD's Proposed New Deployment Plan

As you probably know, the Chief of the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) has come forwardwith a proposal to restructure deployment of people and vehicles. The plan is an effort to reducethe Fire Department's budget and modernize deployment to be in line with the changing nature ofemergency calls. It would save $200 million over three years without closing any Fire Stations orlaying off any Firefighters.

We know that community members are very concerned about the proposal's possible impact onpublic safety, as they should be. And like them, we will ask the Department very tough questions,and we will examine the proposal very carefully to ensure that it doesn't reduce the City's ability toprotect public safety. As Chairman of the Public Safety Committee, protecting public safety is my toppriority. The deployment can be adjusted to meet special seasonal fire needs, and it can be adjustedgoing forward as we continue to scrutinize its performance.

Job and Resource Fair for Veterans...

The San Fernando Valley Veterans Employment Committee is holding their 2nd AnnualEmployment and Resource Expo at the California National Guard Armory on June 9. This great eventhelps Veterans find work and helps local businesses find Veterans seeking jobs.

Thursday, June 9 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm

CA National Guard Armory, 17330 Victory Blvd., Van Nuys

If you are a local employer, we urge you to consider hiring Veterans! Unfortunately, large numbersof Veterans of all ages have difficulty finding jobs, especially during this economic recession. Theyhave served our country and need the help of our community.

If you are interested in donating money or sponsoring to support this job fair for Veterans, pleasecall E.J. at (323) 739-4649 or email [email protected]. For more information, contact the SFVVeterans Employment Committee at (818) 835-1229 or email [email protected].

A WORD FROM OUR ELECTED OFFICIALS


Blumenfield Moves Bills to Protect Seniorsfrom Financial Scams and TheftSACRAMENTO — The California State Assembly passed legislation authored by Assemblymember

Bob Blumenfield (D-San Fernando Valley) to establish consumer protections for seniors purchasingannuities and to strengthen the prosecution of elder financial abuse.

“Insurance companies sell annuities but are not required to ensure that they have anything to dowith an investor’s financial goals or needs,” said Blumenfield. “This is a breeding ground for abuse

where seniors pay the price for financial products they don’t need. Theprotections in this bill will help protect the hard-earned financial securityof Californians, especially seniors.”

Supported by the Congress of California Seniors and the ProfessionalFiduciary Association of California, AB 689:

• Requires insurers to establish that an annuity purchase, exchangeor replacement is reasonably “suitable” for the consumer based on anevaluation of a consumer’s age, income, financial objectives, liquidityneeds, use of the annuity, and other data; and

• Empowers the Insurance Commissioner to revoke an insuranceagent’s license, impose fines, and/or order the restoration of lost funds to the consumer.

A second measure authored by Blumenfield and supported by AARP and the California PoliceChiefs Association, AB 1293, authorizes a county district attorney or the State Attorney Generalof California to freeze stolen assets through the courts in conjunction with the prosecution ofcases involving the theft or embezzlement of an elder or dependent adult's property. While districtattorneys are spending scarce taxpayer dollars to prosecute these complex cases, defendants oftenuse stolen assets to pay for defense attorneys and expert witnesses.

“People who steal from seniors shouldn’t be allowed to mount an expensive defense with thestolen money,” said Blumenfield. “That adds shameless insult to injury for victims because itreduces the amount of funds that seniors can recover. We must protect vulnerable seniors frombeing victimized twice.”

AB 689 passed the State Assembly today with a 71-0 vote and AB 1293 passed with a 68-0 vote.Both move to the State Senate for further review. Additional information is available athttp://www.leginfo.ca.gov.

Congratulations CSUN on Receiving Presidential Award for Service to the Community!

We are proud to have California State University, Northridge (CSUN) in our District. This world-class university was named to the 2010 President’s Higher Education Community Service HonorRoll by the Corporation for National and Community Service.

The award recognizes colleges and universities for exemplary, innovative and effective communityservice programs, and are chosen based on scope and innovation of service projects, percentage ofstudents participating in service activities and the school's academic service-learning courses. Thisis the fourth year in a row that CSUN has received this honor.

West Valley News. We Deliver. Call 818.883.3374COMMUNITY ADVERTISING AT AFFORDABLE RATES.

CALABASAS / CANOGA PARK / CHATSWORTH / RESEDA TARZANA / WEST HILLS / WINNETKA / WOODLAND HILLS


Business Education/Workshops

SAN FERNANDO VALLEY SMALL BUSINESS WORKSHOPSReservations required: visit www.cocsbdc.org

and click on ‘Calendar.’Or call 661-362-5900 [email protected].

Please arrive 10 minutes early to check in.

Please call to verify workshop dates and times.

LOW COST OR FREE WORKSHOPS BY VEDC

All VEDC Van Nuys workshops at:

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

Contact Lucero Montañez818-907-9922

[email protected]

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

HELPING ENTREPRENEURS SUCCESSFULLY START, BUILD AND GROW THEIR BUSINESS

Thursdays, June 2 – July 21ETP Series6pm – 9pm Cost: FREE if you qualifyVEDC Van Nuys

Tuesday, June 7Start-up Do’s & Don’ts4pm – 6pmVEDC Van Nuys$10

Wednesday, June 8All About Business4pm – 5pm Cost: FREEVEDC’s Downtown LA Retail Project@ Latin Business Association (LBA)120 S. San Pedro St., Ste. 530, Los Angeles, CA90012Contact: 213-488-3599 or [email protected]

Wednesday, June 8Business Plan Basics4pm – 6pmVEDC Van Nuys$10

Wednesday, June 8All About Business Loans4pm – 5pm Cost: FREEVEDC Van Nuys

Wednesday, June 8Legal Issues for Small Businesses7pm – 9pmVEDC Van Nuys$10

Tuesday, June 14Sales & Marketing4pm – 6pmVEDC Van Nuys$10

Wednesday, June 15QuickBooks5pm – 7:30pmVEDC Van Nuys$10

Wednesday, June 1517 Principles of Success Master Mind7pm – 9pm Cost: FREEVEDC Van Nuys

Thursday, June 16Social Networking for Small Businesses6pm – 8pm Cost: FREEVEDC’s Downtown LA Retail Project@ Downtown Central Library, Meeting Rm. A630 W. 5th St., Los Angeles, CAContact: 213-488-3599 or [email protected]

Saturday, June 18Business Survival in a Bad Economy9am – 4pmVEDC Van NuysFREE if you qualify

Saturday, June 18Federal/State Basic Payroll Seminar9:30am – 3:30pm Cost: FREEVEDC’s Downtown LA Retail Project315 W. 9th St., Los, CA 90015Contact: 213-488-3599 or [email protected]

Tuesday, June 21All About Business4pm – 5pm Cost: FREEVEDC’s Downtown LA Retail Project@ USC Campus/MBE2801 S. Hoover St., Los Angeles, CA 90089Contact: 213-488-3599 or [email protected]

Tuesday, June 21Federal State Payroll Tax Seminar9am – 3pm Cost: FREEVEDC Van Nuys

Tuesday, June 21Customer Service4pm – 6pmVEDC Van Nuys$10

Wednesday, June 22All About Business Loans4pm – 5pm Cost: FREEVEDC Van Nuys

Wednesday, June 22Financial Empowerment forSmall Business Owners6pm – 8pm Cost: FREEVEDC’s Downtown LA Retail Project315 W. 9th St., Suite 600Los Angeles, CA 90015Contact: 213-488-3599 or [email protected]

Saturday, June 25Where’s the Money?Access to Capital Business Expo8am – 2:30pmSheraton Los Angeles Downtown711 S. Hope St.,Los Angeles, CA 90017$10Contact: 213-488-3599 or [email protected]

Tuesday, June 28Product Development4pm – 6pmVEDCCost: $10

Reseda Park Lake Grand Re-Opening & Pool GroundbreakingEarlier this week, Councilman Dennis Zine, Department of Recreation and Parks General Manager

Jon Mukri, and City Engineer Gary Moore, convened at Reseda Park to celebrate the grand re-open-ing of the lake and the groundbreaking of the pool. The Reseda Neighborhood Council, RevitalizeReseda, and Reseda Science Magnet High School students were on hand to join in the celebration.

Due to poor water quality and circulation, the lake needed to be completely rehabilitated andimproved. The scope of work included draining the lake and removing the bottom sediments;repairing, reinforcing and waterproofing the existing lake & island perimeter walls; installing sevennew floating islands within the lake; and constructing a new perimeter walking/jogging path. Thankyou Reseda Science Magnet High School students for planting the new floating islands, and formaking the lake a wonderful place for all to enjoy, including the ducks!

The new pool will be 75 ft x 120 ft and it will feature decorative pool decking, perimeter fencing,shade structures, shade towers, landscaping and irrigation, and a parking lot for 30 spaces. Thepool will offer youth and adult swimming classes as well as recreational swimming, and whencompleted, the facility will have the option to operate year-round. Lookout for the grand openingto take place sometime early summer 2012!

Thank you to all the City Departments for your tireless efforts to bring these much neededimprovements to the community of Reseda!

Elder Abuse Bill Sparked by L.A. Victim Passes SenateBill by Sen. Pavley would add protections and increase penaltiesLiz Sanders of Woodland Hills has never been someone to back down from a challenge. But when

she first discovered her mother had been fleeced by her in-home caregiver, Liz wasn’t sure what shecould do. “I knew I had to do something to prevent another family from this kind of heartbreak anddevastation, but I didn’t know where to begin,” said Sanders. “So I began calling lawmakers. AndSenator Pavley was the only one who listened to me and decided to take action.”

Now, due in large part to Liz’s passion and tenacity, Senator Pavley’s bill that aims to crack downon elder abuse is one step closer to becoming law. “The physical and financial abuse of elder anddependent adults is an insidious and growing problem in California,” said Senator Fran Pavley(D-Santa Monica). “When Ms. Sanders called my office and explained what happened to her mother,it just made sense to pursue legislation.”

Pavley’s SB 586 would double penalties for elder and dependent adult abuse and would imposenew regulations for the issuance of so called “signature stamps.”

“A $20 signature stamp cost my mother three-quarters of a million dollars and left her in financialruin,” said Sanders. “It simply shouldn’t be this easy.”

Banks issue signature stamps to elderly or disabled adults who are unable to physically get intoa banking branch. Senator Pavley’s SB 586 would create a new framework for the issuance of thesesignature stamps, including requiring that a bank employee witness and sign all requests for newsignature stamps. Banks would also be required to give customers information on the risks associatedwith the loss or misuse of the stamps. Pavley’s bill would also double the penalties for physical andfinancial elder abuse. The increase in fines would be allocated to Adult Protective Services in thecounty where the abuse occurred.

“The physical and financial abuse of elder and dependent adults is an insidious and growingproblem in California,” said Senator Pavley. “This bill establishes some basic and common senseprotections of one particular financial instrument that can be easily used to drain vast sums of moneyand assets.”

Sanders’ mother, Bette Isenberg of Westwood, died at the age of 82 last August. Prior to her deathshe was bedridden and needed constant care. Sanders said her mother’s caregiver used a signaturestamp to cash checks, drain her bank account, and access her life insurance fund. “She used thestamp to add herself to my mother’s Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue accounts by simplyfaxing over a letter that was signed with this stamp,” said Sanders. “She proceeded to charge over$80,000 on dormant accounts.”

Isenberg’s caregiver, Helen Wofford was convicted and sentenced to 32 months in prison in thecase, but Sanders said there are other predatory caregivers out there. “They gain someone like mymother’s trust, and then they ruin their lives,” said Sanders.

Sanders contacted Senator Pavley’s office following her mother’s death and asked the lawmaker toconsider authoring a bill. “I am so grateful to Senator Pavley and her staff for taking the time to listento my mother’s story and to do something to prevent this from happening again,” Sanders said.

According to the California Department of Finance’s Demographic Research Unit, California’ssenior population will grow by 43 percent to more than 6.35 million senior citizens by 2020.“We’re not doing enough to protect this vulnerable population,” said Senator Pavley. “This billis a good beginning.”

SB 586, which is sponsored by AARP and the California Senior Legislature, passed out of theSenate Wednesday on a 24-14 floor vote. The bill now heads to the Assembly. “I’m thrilled,”said Sanders. “I won’t stop pushing until the governor signs our bill.”



Madrid Theatre

Clyde Porter West Valley Playhouse

www.culturela.org/madridtheatre

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2011 SEASONPERFORMANCE SHOW CATEGORY DATES

Gaslight Mystery Feb. 4 – Mar. 6The Chantilly Sisters Show Musical Apr. 1 – May 1Arsenic and Old Lace Comedy May 27 – June 26Summer Musical (TBA) Musical July 29 – Aug 28Lily Dale Comedy/Drama Sept 23 – Oct 23Run For Your Wife Comedy Nov 18 – Dec 18

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

Leslie S. Bashaar, elected president of the ToastmastersSpirit Speaks Club of Calabasas.

Arsenic and Old Lace a Comedy by Joseph Kesselring. Opening May 27 playingthrough June 26, 2011 at the 167 seat Clyde Porter’s West Valley Playhouse in Old TownCenter Canoga Park.

We meet the charming and innocent ladies who populate their cellar with the remains ofsocially and religiously “acceptable” roomers; the antics of their brother who thinks he isTeddy Roosevelt; and the mysterious activities of the other brother—these require nofurther description or amplification here. The famous comedy success produced a smashhit in New York and on the road. One of the most popular plays of the modern theatre.

Runs May 27 – June 26, 2011

Fri., Sat. 8:00 pm, Sun. 2:30 pm

Ticket Prices are $28.00 Reg. $25.00 Seniors and Students.

Group Discounts are available.

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

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Adult Education Classes, SFVGet your GED or HS diploma. Upgrade your jobskills. Learn a new trade. New Culinary ServSafe Cert.classes, ESL, evening & Sat. classes.For information or to enroll, call: Hughes Edu. &Career Ctr. at 818-587-4335, El Camino Real Comm.Adult School at 818-595-8000, Canoga Park HighSchool Campus at 818-673-1391, Reseda AdultSchool at 818-758-3700, or visit our website at:www.elcamino-lausd.ca.schoolloop.com

Canoga Park Bowland

the San Fernando Valley Symphony Orchestra

PRESENT

CONCERTS AT THE BOWLWednesday Evenings at 8:00pm

IN THE ROYAL ROOM

June 1stThe Symphomaniax

FEATURINGRuth Bruegger, violin; James Domine, guitar; Glenn Grab, cello and Larry Muradian, bass

June 8thBliman and Bruegger Presentthe Broadway Burlesque Show

FEATURINGHit Tunes from Annie Get Your Gun, Fiddler on the Roof, Les Miserables, and many more!

Plus costume changes, dancing, acrobatics, trivia with prizes, and the most unique French Horn andViolin duo ever!

June 15thOtherwise Normal Rock ‘n Roll

FEATURINGRich Capparela, lead vocal, guitar and keyboards;

Rob Davis, lead guitar; Juse Woythaler, bass guitar and Barry Khan, drums

Friday, June 17thThe Screaming Clams

FEATURINGJimi Dee, lead guitar, Joel Domine, keys and guitar;

Larry Muradian, bass guitar; and Steve Hartman, drums

June 22ndThe Blues Bandits

FEATURING

David Reo, guitar and vocals; Jimi Dee, guitar and vocals; Larry Muradian, bass guitar and ChuckBurkinshaw, drums

June 29thSan Fernando Valley Jazz Band

FEATURING

Jimi Dee, guitar; Ron singer, flute;Adrian Miller, trumpet; Larry Muradian, bass

and Chuck Burkinshaw, drums

ADMISSION FREE

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

Welcome to the Sunday JAM!

Music, dancing, percussion, and cupcakes!Odyssey1 Productions featuring Dr. Paul and Reisapresent three hours of fantastic music, dancing,schmoozing, and fun at the Stovepiper Lounge,19563 Parthenia St, Northridge on Sunday, June 5thfrom 3-6pm. Bring your dancing shoes, percussionand friends. We are going to celebrate the upcomingNVJCC July Gala Live at the “J,” our great localbasketball teams, and everything else! This eventis free. 21+. Cash bar.For info, call Reisa at 818-590-3161. Join us!

LIVE PERFORMANCE THEATER

The Children’s Theatre at West Valley Playhousepresents “Red vs. The Wolf” written by Judy Wolfmanand directed by Debi Huber, Stage Managed by ZachDel Monte, and Sound and Lights by Jeffrey Garb.

Actors include: Skip Pipo (Wolf), Katie Elsaesser (Red),Grandma (Helen Richman), Renee Suran (Red’s Mom),Kimberly Kral (Deer), Sahar Yousefi (Rabbit), DonnaJean Siegel (Skunk), Kim Marie Farris (Butterfly), andRobert Trematerra (Woodsman).

“Red vs. The Wolf” re-tells the sotry of Little RedRiding Hood, but from the Wolf’s point of view.

The curtain will go up at 1pm on Saturday’s June 4, 11,18 and 24 at The Clyde Porter West Valley Playhouse.Ticket prices are $8.00 for children and $12 for adults,children under 2 are free.

For ticket information and reservations visitwww.wvplayhouse.com or cal (818) 884-1907.

West Valley Playhouse is located at 7242 OwensmouthAvenue, Canoga Park and is under the Artistic/Producing Direction of Jon Berry with the Children’sTheatre under the direction of Marq Del Monte.

Reseda Needs A Few Good StakeholdersThe Reseda Neighborhood Council needs to havesome additional volunteers to have the most function-al committees that the community can provide.Currently the following committees are in need ofmembers.

Council Liaison (interfacing with other neighborhoodcouncils and NC organizations), EconomicDevelopment (working with business and city depart-ments to improve Reseda), Outreach/Public Relations(utilizing many methods to reach out to the ResedaStakeholders and publicizing our efforts), and YouthAdvocacy (working with schools churches andvarious youth organizations to improve the qualityof life for our youngsters).

If you would like to join one of these committees andput in a few of your spare hours each month to makeour community a better place, [email protected].

JUNE 2011

The San Fernando Valley Iris Societyis happy to present Bob Sussman.

Bob will speak and lead a digital presentation aboutPacific Coast Native Irises, Thursday, July 7th, 2011,at the Canoga Park Women’s Club, 7401 Jordan Ave.corner of Valerio & Jordan, 2 blocks east of TopangaCanyon Blvd. between Sherman Way and Saticoy St.

Refreshments and Plant Table Sales are from 7:00 to7:30 pm. Programs starts at 7:30 pm.

Members and visitors are welcome

For information call 818-346-8679

How to Successfully Grow Pacific Coast Irisesin our So. Cal. Climate

Bob Sussman is the upcoming President of theSociety for Pacific Coast Native Irises, and will be thepresenter. He shares the following with us:

“I started my working career in banking and financeand working in downtown L. A. for several years.I finally got tired of both the extensive travel andwearing a tie as well as the famed L.A commute.None of the above were helpful in raising kids exceptmaybe the “wearing a tie”?

So, I opened Matilija Nursery which specializes innative plants. About 7 years ago we began expandingour offering of pacific coast irises. After several thou-sand dead irises we got the hang of it and a propersense of expectation. With the help, encouragement,and guidance from many we started hybridizing ourown PCI’s.” Come and listen to the full story.

July's meeting discussion will be on how tosuccessfully grow pacific coast irises in ourSo. Cal. Climate."

The Topanga Police Youth Board invites youto a Tropical Paradise Evening Getawayat the Valley’s Elegant Urban Oasis

FIRST ANNUALEVENING IN PARADISEThursday, June 16, 2011

Warner Center Marriott

21850 Oxnard StreetWoodland Hills, CA 91367

For Tickets/Sponsorship info call 818-377-2277

www.topangapoliceyouthboard.org

Save the date for a great equestrian event — theRide With Pride 2nd Annual Open House.

Saturday, June 18 from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm

Ride With Pride Ranch

12051 Browns Canyon Rd., Chatsworth

The open house features riding demonstrations andrefreshments. Get to know the Ride With Pride staff,learn about their therapeutic horsemanship programsand see their facility.

For more information, visit www.ridewithprideth.orgor call (818) 885-8138.

Shrek Forever After Saturday, June 11Movie starts at sundown (about 8:00 pm)Holleigh Bernson Park (Corner Sesnon Blvd. &Porter Ranch Dr.) Porter Ranch

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

• Personalized earthquake kits• Secure valuables, cabinets, furnishings• Customized emergency plans

Call Toll Free 877-34SHAKE (347-4253)

BE QUAKE READY

CUSTOM FRAMING

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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.

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