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Volume 5, Number 9
September, 2010
Assessments Drop
Homeowners May See
$1,800 Less in Taxes
T
he assessed valuation of homes in Los Angeles
County dropped significantly over the past
year, driving an $18.5 billion decrease in the
county’s tax roll, according to a report released by the
county assessor.
For the fourth year in a row, the total assessed value
of property in the county topped $1 trillion dollars - $1.089
trillion, to be exact.
But that number is down 1.67 percent from last year.
“This reduction was primarily caused by the ongoing
decline in residential real estate values and a first-ever
decrease in the inflation factor, which will reduce assessed
values on properties with a Proposition 13 base,” said Los
Angeles County Assessor Robert Quon.
Typically that inflation factor, the California Consumer
Price Index, bumps values by about 2 percent, but this year
it was a negative 0.237 percent.
The decrease translated into less tax revenue for the
county and fewer county services, but a drop in taxes for
many homeowners.
“Although the roll indicates a strong property tax
base, this definitely means a loss of revenue for public
services and schools,” Quon said. “The responsibility of the
assessor, however, is to accurately reflect values and make
sure no one is paying more than their fair share of property
taxes.”
The value of more than 580,000 residential properties
purchased between July 1, 2003, and June 30, 2009, were
reviewed by the county. Of those, about 400,000 received
lower assessments - dropping an average of $162,000 for
a single-family home and $133,000 for a condominium.
Those homeowners will pay about $1,800 less in property
taxes, while condo owners will pay about $1,500 less.
Declines in value and other adjustments decreased the
tax roll by $24.3 billion.
There was some good news for the county, as property
sales pushed some assessments up and new construction
generated additions to the tax roll, helping to offset some of
the drop in valuations.
Physical Therapist to Olympians
Free Clinic on Avoiding
Volleyball Injuries
F
or Chris Karas, his love for the game of Volleyball was
not only left on the sand and the courts but lead him
to pursue a career that could benefit athletes and their
well being. “As a kid I played a lot of sports but volleyball
was my main thing,” Karas said “and there is nothing more
disappointing than not being able to play because of an
injury.” His experience steered him towards earning his
Masters Degree in Physical Therapy from the University
of Miami.
Karas love for the game has garnered him a Physical
Therapist position for the USA Beach Volleyball team and
traveling with the Olympic Volleyball team for events
around the world. In addition he also worked as a medical
correspondent for the Junior Olympic High Performance
Volleyball Camps in Southern California. “Working for
the Olympic Beach Volleyball team, I saw a lot of shoulder
injuries from serving and hitting which are repetitive,
overhead motion and back injuries from jumping and
landing,” said Karas. “Strengthening and Precautionary
measures are important to stay in the game.”
Currently, Chris Karas is working as the Clinical
Director for Sterling Physical Therapy & Aquatics in
Simi Valley, and is inviting SoCal volleyball fans (setters,
blockers, hitters and liberos) for a free Volleyball Injury
Prevention Clinic September 18th . “This clinic is to educate
volleyball players with proper training guidelines and
specific stretching and strengthening to help them preserve
and improve their game.” This Clinic is a way for Karas to
give back to the sport that inspired him the most. For inquiries and RSVP please contact Sterling
Physical Therapy & Aquatics at (805) 823-8201.
Mortgage Rates Hit 40-Year Lows
See Ad, Page 7
3-Day Watering Schedule in Effect
T
he city’s new water rationing schedule is in effect,
giving Department of Water and Power customers
a third day each week to turn on their sprinklers.
Previously, DWP customers could irrigate their
lawns for only up to 15 minutes every Monday and
Thursday, before 9 a.m. or after 4 p.m.
When a team of experts blamed that twice-aweek routine for a series of water main “blow outs”
last summer - including one that almost swallowed a
fire truck - DWP and the City Council amended the
Emergency Water Conservation Ordinance to ease
pressure on the aging pipe system.
Under the new water rationing schedule,
originally proposed by Councilman Greig Smith,
residents in odd-numbered addresses will irrigate
on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and
those in even-numbered addresses on Tuesdays,
Thursdays and Sundays, before 9 a.m. and after
4 p.m., to minimize evaporation.
Residents whose address ends in 1/2 or any
fraction will follow the schedule for the last whole
number in the address.
“Non-conserving nozzles,” such as spray head
sprinklers and bubblers, may be turned on for only up
to eight minutes a day, or 24 minutes a week.
On the other hand, “conserving nozzles,” such as
standard rotors and multi-stream rotary heads, may be
turned on twice a day for up to 15 minutes each time,
for a total of 90 minutes a week.
DWP customers interested in buying such nozzles
can get a rebate at www.LADWP.com/rwr.
C
Watering with garden hoses fitted with shut-off
nozzles is allowed any day of the week - but only
before 9 a.m. and after 4 p.m.
DWP’s “Water Conservation Team” will patrol
neighborhoods across the city to enforce the new water
rationing schedule.
First offenses will lead to a warning, but
subsequent violations can result in fines ranging from
$100 to $600. Tipsters wanting to report violations can
call a hotline - 1-800-DIAL-DWP.
Eligible customers, including those living in
High Fire Severity Zones, may apply for exceptions
at www.ladwp.com/waterconservation, and at all
DWP Service Center locations. More information is
available at (213) 367-0771.
The Emergency Water Conservation Ordinance
also bans DWP customers from hosing down their
sidewalks, driveways, walkways and parking areas.
It also requires them to use a hose with a shut-off
nozzle to wash their vehicles, and not allow plumbing
leaks to go unrepaired. Restaurants are banned from
serving water to their customers unless the customers
request them to do so.
Since the DWP imposed mandatory water
conservation requirements in June 2009, customers
have reduced their water use by 20 percent.
To date, the amount of water saved in Los
Angeles - more than 42 billion gallons - is enough to
serve the cities of Burbank, Santa Monica, Long Beach
and Beverly Hills combined, according to the DWP.
DWP Reform
ouncilman Greig Smith recently introduced a motion that clarifies and codifies his proposed
DWP Inspector General as complementary to the DWP Rate Payer Advocate, both of which will
serve distinct and equally important roles.
Smith first proposed an Inspector General last year. The Inspector General would be
responsible for investigating and monitoring the DWP’s operational, administrative and managerial
actions. The Inspector General would have complete and unfettered access to all records, personnel
meetings, key documents and contracts at all times.
The Inspector General would be empowered to report findings directly to the public without
interference from the DWP Board of Commissioners, the Mayor’s Office, the City Council or special
interest groups. The Ratepayer Advocate, proposed by Council President Eric Garcetti, would review and
assess DWP rate actions and would assist ratepayers with their billing issues.
September, 2010
For Advertising Rates, Visit www.evalleyvoice.com
Page 2
The People Behind the Mosque
A ‘moderate Muslim’ exposed
By Steven Emerson
T
he United States has more Muslim blood on its hands than al-Qaida has
of non-Muslims, Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf, the leader of the effort to
build a mosque near the site of the 9/11 terror attacks in New York, told
an Australian audience in July 2005.
In a taped speech, Rauf made a number of comments that would
make anyone who is not concerned about the mosque at the Ground Zero site
rethink their support for the man tasked with heading the “bridge-building”
center. Among them:
“We tend to forget, in the West, that the United States has more Muslim
blood on its hands than al Qaida has on its hands of innocent non Muslims.
You may remember that the US-led sanctions against Iraq led to the death of
over half a million Iraqi children. This has been documented by the United
Nations. And when Madeleine Albright, who has become a friend of mine
over the last couple of years, when she was Secretary of State and was asked
whether this was worth it, said it was worth it.”
(Fact check: A report by the British government said at most only
50,000 deaths could be attributed to the sanctions, which were brought on by
the actions by former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein.)
*
*
*
Asked why Muslims commit suicide bombings, Rauf belittled the
fanatical religious motivation of such attacks and said: “But what makes
people, in my opinion, commit suicide for political reasons have their origins
in politics and political objectives and worldly objectives rather than other
worldly objectives. But the psychology of human beings and the brittleness of
the human condition and how many of us have thought about taking our own
lives, we may be jilted, had a bad relationship, you know, didn’t get tenure at
the university, failed an important course, there’s a host of reason why people
feel so depressed with themselves that they are willing to contemplate ending
their own lives. And if you can access those individuals and deploy them for
your own worldly objectives, this is exactly what has happened in much of
the Muslim world. “
(Fact check: Here Rauf tries to negate that suicide bombings are driven
by Islamic religious beliefs and trying to equate terrorist activity to someone
who doesn’t get tenure.)
*
*
*
On Israel, Rauf said he does not favor the plan to establish a Palestinian
state along with Israel. Instead, “The differences, perhaps, may lie on whether
the solution lies in the two-state solution or in a one-state solution. I believe
that you had someone here recently who spoke about having a one land and
two people’s solution to Israel. And I personally - my own personal analysis
tells me that a one-state solution is a more coherent one than a two-state
solution. So if we address the underlying issue, if we figure out a way to
create condominiums, to condominiamise Israel and Palestine so you have
two peoples co-existing on one state, then we have a different paradigm which
will allow us to move forward.”
(Fact check: A one-state solution is a euphemism for the destruction
of Israel, because Palestinian Muslims will quickly outnumber the Jewish
resident of Israel. Such a position is advocated by radical groups, such as the
Palestinian Islamic Jihad.)
“And when we observe terrorism,” he said, “whether it was done by the
Tamil Tigers in Sri Lanka or by al Qaida or whoever is behind the bombings in
London or those in Madrid, we
can see that they were target
political objectives.
- Jewish World Review
From the Left
The Convent at Auschwitz
By Susan Estrich
R
ecently, I found myself on Fox News defending the “Ground Zero mosque”
before I’d fully thought it through. Truth be told, when someone called to set
up the “hit,” I thought they were talking about another mosque project I’d heard
about on the radio. So there I was, invoking the First Amendment, arguing that our
enemy is terrorism, and that the only way we would ever win that fight is by gaining the
support of the overwhelming majority of Muslims who are not our enemies and who
we need to respect as friends. All true.
Then the mail started coming in. I don’t need the latest Time poll to tell me that
60-plus percent of Americans are against the project. My e-mail told me that.
When I discussed it with my son later, he asked me whether I actually agreed with
what I’d said on television, and the fact is that I do. We can’t make Islam our enemy,
or we will find ourselves in a war that, frankly, terrifies me. So what’s wrong with
my position, and that of the president of the United States, who waded into the fight
entirely of his own accord?
Just this: the convent at Auschwitz.
Some years ago, an order of nuns announced plans to build a convent at the
infamous death camp, and a community I am very close to — the community of
survivors and their children — strongly protested the plan. How could they? It wasn’t
a matter of “right.” Presumably, the nuns had as much right as anyone else to build
a convent wherever they wanted. But for those who survived the Holocaust, and for
those of us who are committed to preserving the memory of the millions who were lost,
building a convent on the site was just not appropriate.
It wasn’t about being anti-Catholic. I’m not anti-Catholic. It wasn’t because
I’m still smarting from what Pope Pius XII might have done but didn’t. I don’t want
to rehearse the history of anti-Semitism, play blame games or fan flames of mutual
distrust. It just seemed very clear that of all the places on the planet to build a convent,
Auschwitz shouldn’t be one.
*
*
*
The Nazis who chose to march in Skokie, Ill., some years ago precisely because
so many survivors lived there assuredly had the First Amendment right to do so.
But what a hostile, negative and cruel thing to do, reinforcing yet again — as if any
reinforcement were needed — just what kind of people they are.
The presence of a mosque two blocks from Ground Zero, in the home of a former
Burlington Coat factory, clearly strikes many of those who lost loved ones on that
horrible day in the same way that the convent at Auschwitz struck me. It doesn’t mean
that Islam is our enemy. It’s not a matter of right.
Tolerance is a two-way street.
The Time poll also found that one in four Americans thinks Barack Obama is a
Muslim, slightly less than the percentage of people who think a Muslim should not be
allowed to be president.
Clearly, we have a long way to go on both sides of the street.
COPYRIGHT 2010 CREATORS.COM
College Rankings
C
altech was ranked seventh among national universities by U.S. News and World
Report, which released its annual list of “Best Colleges.”
Caltech tied at seventh with traditional rival Massachusetts Institute of
Technology.
USC tied for 23rd place with Carnegie Mellon University. UCLA tied for 25th
with University of Virginia and Wake Forest University.
Topping the list were Ivy Leaguers Harvard, Princeton and Yale.
The rankings appear in U.S. News and World Report’s “Best Colleges 2011”
issue.
The magazine rated universities based in part on the range of available majors
and degrees, and their commitment “to producing groundbreaking research.”
“Hang-Up” in Bell
A citizens group in the
scandal-torn city of Bell applauded
the state controller’s moves to
end apparent tax overcharges,
and renewed calls for more city
administrators to resign.
Members of BASTA, a
reform group backed by city police
officers, said they welcomed news
that state Controller John Chiang
directed tax collectors to lower
the city’s tax rate. Chiang said
residents have overpaid about
$3 million in property taxes over
the past three years, with the city
charging a higher tax rate for
pension costs than allowed by
state law.
BASTA - the Bell Association
to Stop The Abuse - asked state
legislators to change laws to allow
the overcharges to be immediately
refunded to taxpayers, instead of
being transferred to local schools.
September, 2010
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Page 3
MASON RECREATION CENTER
10500 Mason Ave., Chatsworth
818-998-6377
The Big One is Here –
Girls’ Volleyball
The Fall volleyball season for girls at Mason Park kicks off in September, but
there is still time to register, based on a first come, first serve basis, until the league is
full. A birth certificate is required upon registration and is kept on file. Division may be
combined to run the league. One game will be played during the week, another on the
weekend, for a 8 to 10 game schedule.
Traveling to other sites for practice and games may be needed. Everyone plays!
Fees to cover everything except insurance are $120.
Age divisions: Elementary, ages 8-10; Majors, 11-13; and Juniors, 13-15.
Volunteer coaches are needed!
Mandatory evaluations will be held on Saturday, Sept. 11, so the time to register
for this early starting program is now!
Youth Basketball
Winter 2011 Youth Basketball registration is getting underway – and applicants
are warned to act early for placement, according to director Juan P. Soto, Park
Director.
Mail in for a priority number must be postmarked between Sept. 7 and Sept.
30, after which all mail will be returned. You may, however, walk in for a number
Oct. 1 through Oct. 8, pending availability, although a priority number does not
guarantee space in the league, and you must appear in person to register.
Priority number registration will be held Saturday, Oct. 9, but only for number
holders.
Open registration is scheduled for Oct. 13 at 3 p.m., and continues until the
league is full, with registration taken on a first come, first serve basis, Leagues,
however, may fill on priority number registration day.
Payment of $140 per player is due at registration, with no exceptions. Also,
proof of age is required at time of registration. No refunds will be made after Nov.
1, again with no exceptions. A 15% administration fee will be deducted.
Fees include jersey, shorts, official’s fees, individual awards, administrative
costs, and facility fees, but does not cover insurance or team and individual
photos.
Co-Ed divisions will be rookies 5-6; Pee Wees 7-8; Minors 9-10; Majors 1112; and Juniors 13-15. Girls, minors 8-10; majors 11-12; and Juniors 13-15.
Practices start in late November or early December, with games getting
underway in January, with one game played during the week, and one on the
weekend. It may be necessary to travel to other sites for games and practices.
Evaluations, which are mandatory, will be held Nov. 13-14, with make-ups
on the 15th.
Volunteer coaches are needed – sign-up is Oct.9, fingerprints required.
YOU MAY PICK UP APPLICATIONS FOR REGISTRATION AND
PRIORITY NUMBERS NOW AT THE PARK. No fees are required until
registration.
Welcome Little Dribblers
Mason Recreation Center’ first “Little Dribblers” instructional basketball is
now also open for registration (Aug. 31 at 2 p.m.), and will be taken on a first come,
first serve basis until the league if full – space will be very limited.
Children will learn to develop balance, coordination, and flexibility. They
will learn the basic fundamentals of basketball and good sportsmanship, in a noncompetitive environment.
Boys and girls, ages 3 and 4, must provide proof of age. Fees are $100. Practices
and games begin in September for an eight-game season. Everyone plays!
After School Care
Mason Recreation Center also announces its After School Care program,
currently picking up from Germain and Superior Elementary Schools. The hours
are 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., and is open year-around, with the exceptions of winter,
spring, summer holiday breaks, and city holidays.
Registration started Aug. 26, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays. Spaces are also
on a first come, first serve basis, and enrollment is limited. You can call 818-9986377 or 818-341-9439.
There is a $40 annual registration fee, $65 weekly (5 days, 15.5 hours
maximum), or $45 for any three days (also 15.5 maximum per week).
The program is designed for school-age children, ages 5-12, and is located in
a recreational setting that includes a variety of activities, including school pick-up,
either walking, or in a city van, driven by certified staff. Low ratios are offered,
daily snacks, homework help, academic enrichment, arts and crafts, music, cooking,
sports, special guests, special events, games, drama, field trips, and more.
Pre-Kinder Program
The Mason Pre-Kinder Program registration is currently underway, having
started Aug. 24, with program hours Monday to Thursday from 9 a.m. to noon,
serving children between the ages of 3 to 5 only (and potty trained).
Space is currently being filled on a first come, first serve basis with limited
enrollment. The program is open year round, except for Winter, Spring, and Summer
holiday breaks, and city holidays. Proof of age is required.
Rates and fees are $40 for annual registration, $65 for Monday through
Thursday, and a $1 late pick-up babysitting fee for every minute late after 12
noon.
A sample daily schedule includes songs, snacks, story time, learning time,
discovery centers, special activities, playground play, in addition to the special
activities consisting of arts & crafts, sports, games, science cooking, drama, puppet
shows, special events, guests, and more.
Their philosophy in working with early childhood is to provide a caring and
loving environment as well as an atmosphere conducive to learning.
For information, call 818-998-6377.
September, 2010
Mason Girls’ Champs
Mason Recreation Major Girls’ Basketball Team defended the 2010 Valley
Championship in the Basketball All Star Tournament hosted by L.A. City Parks and
Recreation last March. Eight players (Delaney Thomas, Sukari Richardson, Gabi
Nevill, Imani Elston, Karla Aguirre, Jessica Cuadra, Shivon Ganther & Nia Britt)
were selected as All Star players from the winter league to represent Mason Park
in this division at the annual valley competition. The victory as the 2010 Valley
Champions earned another new banner which now hangs proudly at Mason
Recreation Center in Chatsworth--joining other championship banners from the
past 2 decades—and earning Mason Recreation Center back-to back championships
in this division (2009 & 2010).
Mason Recreation Center is located in Chatsworth, headed by Director Juan
P. Soto.
Co-Eds Win Division
Mason Recreation Center’s Minor Coed Basketball Team went undefeated to
win the 2010 Valley Championship in the Basketball All Star Tournament hosted
by L.A. City Parks and Recreation last March. Eight players (Grant Bierling,
Daniel Boatwright, Joey Epstein, Anthony Goring, Andres Landeros, Cristopher
Landeros, Russell Stong IV, & Eric Yenney) were selected as All Star players from
the winter league to represent Mason Park in the annual valley competition that
began with 22 All Star teams from recreation centers throughout the San Fernando
Valley.
SoCal Bombers
In August, the SoCal Bombers ‘99 from Northridge/Granada Hills competed
in the Triple Crown World Series in Park City, Utah. This local travel ball team
consists of 13 girls from Northridge and Granada Hills. The girls represented their
cities well, and finished in second place in the A level 10U division. The girls went
undefeated straight into the finals, finishing the week with a record of seven wins
and two losses. Congratulations to the team - Alyssa, Arianna, Bianca, Brianna,
Caitlyn, Dani, Danina, Janessa, Kalei, Kennedi, Katina, Trinity, and Valerie. The
SoCal Bombers ‘99 finished their 2009/2010 10u season with an overall record of
70 wins, 28 losses and 3 ties.
Girl Soccer Champs
Scoring 12 goals in 4 games last month allowed the local Granada United
girls U11 team to win the prestigious Slammers Futbol Classic tournament in San
Juan Capistrano. The team won all four of its games in the tournament.
This was a great team effort by allof the girls including: Addie Puskar, Arianna
Paz, Brianna Davis, Briana Ruelas, Chloe Kouyoumdjian, Christine Lopez, Corina
Sagato, Geovanna Pereira, Lizzie Bloch, Mayte Lopez, Meagan Kaufman, Priscilla
Torres, Samantha Reynosa & Yesenia Olmos.
For more information on the Granada United Club or the girls U11 team,
please contact Greg Kaufman @ 818-357-7286 or [email protected].
Local Girls Star
Scoring 12 goals in 4 games allowed the local Granada United girls U11 team
to win the prestigious Slammers Futbol Classic tournament in San Juan Capistrano
this past weekend. The team won all four of its games in the tournament including
wins over Slammers Maroon (6-2), ISC Strikers (3-2), Vikings (4-3 PK’s) in the
semi-final and LAFC Chelsea Black in overtime (1-0) for the Championship.
This was a great team effort by allof the girls including: Addie Puskar, Arianna
Paz, Brianna Davis, Briana Ruelas, Chloe Kouyoumdjian, Christine Lopez, Corina
Sagato, Geovanna Pereira, Lizzie Bloch, Mayte Lopez, Meagan Kaufman, Priscilla
Torres, Samantha Reynosa & Yesenia Olmos.
According to coach Jose Vasquez, “This was a great team effort and each of
the girls contributed to this exciting victory.”
For more information on the Granada United Club or the girls U11 team,
please contact Greg Kaufman @ 818-357-7286 or [email protected].
Softball “Queen”
The MLB All-Star game is over, but for a 14 year old athlete it’s still a dream to
have won three championships through Aquafina’s Pitch, Hit and Run competition
during the All Star Week at Angels Stadium. Madison Collins from Granada Hills
outscored over 600,000 youngster’s nationwide (local in the city of Chatsworth,
sectional at Jethawks Stadium in Lancaster and the Team championship at Angels
Stadium) in the 3 level competition. Madison ranked 3rd in the nation among her
age division during the finals at Angels Stadium.
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Page 4
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Introducing the Providence Holy Cross Health Center in Porter Ranch
A place for feeling better and staying better is right around the corner. Now open, the new
Providence Holy Cross Health Center is located in the heart of Porter Ranch in the Porter Ranch
Medical Plaza, on Porter Ranch Drive and Rinaldi Street. And now, you’ll be closer to the health care
services you need, including:
• Imaging Services for all your diagnostic needs, including digital mammography and digital x-ray
• Women’s Wellness Center with childbirth education, diabetes education, diet and nutrition
counseling, on-site nurse navigator to help women access programs and services
• Community Education including free and low-cost screenings and seminars, yoga and CPR classes
• Laboratory Services with a comprehensive draw station, convenient hours and walk-in appointments
The Porter Ranch Medical Plaza is also home to:
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September, 2010
For Advertising Rates, Visit www.evalleyvoice.com
Page 5
“People who say it can’t be done should never
interrupt those who are doing it.”
Students learn classroom skills
while serving the community
Dear
Teacher
A Listening Ear;
A Listening Heart
By Sandy Ojeda, Valley Voice Education Editor
Editor’s Note:
“Dear Teacher” is finally a way for students,
parents, and teachers to express their concerns, ask
questions, and seek problem resolution regarding
issues facing us in the educational arena.
“Dear Teacher is looking forward to hearing from you.
[email protected] or
Dear Teacher - P.O. Box 7011
Mission Hills, CA 91346
Dear Teacher,
My daughter is in 4th grade, and her teacher gives a
homework packet due on Friday. My child likes to leave it all
until Thursday night. Help! Mrs. K
Dear Mrs. K.,
The best strategy is to set goals for the different
assignments such as certain assignments must be done by
Monday p.m, others due Tuesday p.m., etc. She will learn to
organize and manage her time and tasks.
Dear Teacher,
Now that school’s here, I want lots of new stuff like
clothes, etc. My parents tell me I have to help buy it with my
allowance. Not fair!! R.R.C., age 15
Dear R.R.C.,
Yes, Fair!! Someday you’ll understand that parents
can’t always buy you everything you want, but you should
also have learned by now that you need to know the value of
a dollar and the act of parting with it. Your allowance comes
from your parents, so the fairness is pretty obvious.
Dear Teacher,
My students need tips on healthy but appetizing
snacks. I teach 5th grade. Mrs. D.
Dear Mrs. D.,
Try suggesting yogurt sundaes. You’d be surprised how
enticing yogurt becomes by adding sprinkles (or jimmies
where I come from), nuts, oreo crumbles, etc.
Dear Teacher,
I’m at a new school, and it’s hard to join new groups.
Any suggestions? J. age 13
Dear J.,
A great idea is to simply observe and then sort of slide
in already having knowledge of some of the inner workings
of the group dynamics. You’d be surprised at what you
can learn about people and their interactions by simple
observation and not trying to dive head first into totally
unknown territory.
Worthwhile Web - www.dosomething.org
UTLA Opposes
New “Ratings”
L
os Angeles public school officials hope to
persuade the teachers union to adopt evaluations
based on the teacher’s ability to improve student
scores on standardized tests.
Though the data have been available for producing
“value-added” teacher evaluations, United Teacher Los
Angeles, which represents teachers, has vehemently
resisted using the increasingly popular method of
objectively identifying effective teachers, the Los
Angeles Times reported.
John Deasy, the Los Angeles Unified School
District’s recently appointed deputy superintendent,
sent a memo to the Board of Education, spelling out the
plans. He said he hopes negotiations with the union can
be completed before The Times publishes a database
containing the names and value-added rankings of more
than 6,000 elementary school teachers.
In the meantime, the district plans to use that
data internally to help identify teachers who need extra
training. The Times plans to publish the database and
has given teachers a chance to see their scores and
comment on them. More than 1,200 teachers have
received their scores so far.
In California, officials have pledged to make
value-added analysis at least 30 percent of teacher
evaluations by 2013 in response to the requirements
of the Obama administration’s competitive Race to the
Top grant program. Union leadership declined to sign
an agreement to abide by that plan.
UTLA President A.J. Duffy criticized valueadded analysis, because it depends on standardized test
scores that he considers flawed. He said that he wasn’t
opposed to principals using it confidentially to give
teachers feedback, but that it had no place in a formal
evaluation.
Value-added will “lead us down a road to destroy
public education,” he said.
September, 2010
By Ron Rauschenberger, State Farm® agent
Service-learning is a teaching and learning method that combines service to the
community with classroom curriculum. The academic skills taught in the classroom are
used to create a community service project to impact real community issues, such as safety,
hunger or diversity. It’s a hands-on approach to mastering subject material while fostering civic
responsibility.
Service-learning provides a context for talking about learning in terms of not only what
students know but also what they are able to do. Critical to this type of learning is building in
the time for students to reflect on their service experience. Reflection time helps the students make the connection between
classroom and community learning to ensure they understand the extent to which they can impact positive change.
Service-learning builds stronger academic skills. First, students take an active role in determining how the projects are
identified and accomplished, creating interest and excitement for learning. Second, service-learning accommodates many
different learning styles. By teaching students early about the role they can play in their community, service-learning also
encourages lifelong civic participation. By relating academic activities to real-life experiences, service-learning improves
workplace skills and enhances personal development among youth. Finally, service-learning gives students a sense of
competency. They see themselves as active contributors to their community and learning experiences rather than passive
recipients of adult decisions.
State Farm believes that strong communities begin with strong schools and a community investment in the lives and
futures of our young people. Therefore, our involvement in the communities where we live and work makes service-learning
a perfect extension of those beliefs.
For more information about State Farm’s involvement in service-learning and our other Education Excellence
initiatives, stop by my office or visit statefarm.com ® .
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Adam Dietz, M.D.
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Page 6
“UFC”: Ultimate Faith
Championship
By
Pastor Dudley C. Rutherford - Shepherd of the Hills
Many of you have heard of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, or “UFC,”
a mixed martial arts competition that has surged in popularity in the United States
in the last few years. But today I’d like to share with you a different kind of UFC:
the Ultimate Faith Championship. I know, I know; it sounds much milder than the
former, but I guarantee it is just as exciting—with blood, sweat, tears, a fight to the
finish, and paying bigger dividends than a shiny belt and a pile of cash.
I believe the Apostle Paul is one of the greatest “fighters” the world has ever
seen. He fought hard to live the life to which God had called him and he challenged
other believers to do the same. His is a true riches to rags story, for Paul was wellrespected and of high stature within Judaism’s Temple leadership—he was “of the
tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; as for
zeal, persecuting the church; as for legalistic righteousness, faultless” (Philippians
3:5-6)—until he came to believe in Jesus Christ. After Paul encountered the
resurrected Jesus on the road to Damascus (Acts 22:3-9), his life would never be
the same. He stopped persecuting Christians and, in fact, became a persecuted
Christian, as he believed in Jesus as Lord and the long-awaited Messiah.
*
*
*
Paul gave up prestige, power, popularity, respect from his peers, and the
laws and traditions of Judaism in which he was thoroughly trained, for the sake
of his belief in Jesus Christ and his desire to lead others to a saving relationship
with the Lord. A true warrior in the Ultimate Faith Championship must be
willing to sacrifice, but as you can see from his writings in Philippians 3:7-8,
Paul felt the sacrifice was nothing compared to the gain: “But whatever was to
my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider
everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus
my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things.”
You see, once Paul met the risen Lord, his values became completely
reprioritized. He experienced a love for God in whole new way that incorporated
mercy and compassion toward others, not persecution; grace rather than laws
or tradition; and a genuine understanding of and passion for God’s plan for
salvation instead of mere zeal. No longer caring about his physical well-being
or safety, Paul traveled long distances to share with others the Good News
that “God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever
believes in Him would not perish but have
eternal life.” (John 3:16) Take a look at how
often Paul faced tough opponents:
“Three times I was beaten with rods, once
I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the
open sea, I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers,
in danger from bandits, in danger from my own countrymen, in danger from
Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and
in danger from false brothers. I have labored and toiled and have often gone
without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food;
I have been cold and naked. Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of
my concern for all the churches.” (2 Corinthians 11:24-28)
Despite everything, Paul remained faithful to the end, and like a true
Ultimate Faith Champion, he desired victory for others and passed along tools
for success, writing 13 of the 27 books of the New Testament. He urged believers
to fight the good fight, finish the race, and keep the faith. (2 Timothy 4:7) He
warned them to watch for deceivers and those who tried to cause division or
put obstacles in their way. (Romans 16:17-18) He assured that, through their
common faith in Jesus Christ, the unified Church would experience peace
and ultimate victory against Satan. (Romans 16:20) Thus, there is nothing to
fear—even what is done against us to harm us, God can use for good. (Romans
8:28) Sound unbelievable? Join us at Shepherd of the Hills Church for our
current series called “Greatest Stories of Faith in the Bible” and learn more
about this empowering faith and how you, like Paul, can become an Ultimate
Faith Champion.
Thank you, Coach, for showing us how to live, and thank you for showing
us how to live again.
Edited by Rhona Cue
Weekend Service Times
Saturday 5:00 pm, 6:30 pm
Sunday 8:30 am, 10:00 am, 11:30 am
CHAMINADE C
OLLEGE
P REPARATORY
A Catholic School in the Marianist Tradition for Grades 6 - 12
Open House
Yo u ’r e I n v i t e d
November 21, 2010
Middle School: 11:00 A.M. - 2:00 P.M.
High School: 1:00 - 3:00 P.M.
If you would like to get to know us better, and
learn about the lifelong benefits of a cutting-edge,
21st Century Chaminade Education, please join us at
our Open House to:
•
•
•
•
Take a campus tour and see our amazing facilities.
Meet our teachers and students.
Learn about our new 1:1 Tablet PC Program
Visit Academic Departments and learn about our
curriculum
• Explore our arts and athletics programs
• Talk to Admissions and Financial aid
representatives.
Middle School:
High School:
19800 Devonshire St.,
Chatsworth, CA 91311
818.363.8127
7500 Chaminade Ave.,
West Hills, CA 91304
818.347.8300
grades 6 - 8
grades 9 - 12
www.chaminade .org
September, 2010
For Advertising Rates, Visit www.evalleyvoice.com
Page 7
“Grab a Partner,
Swing Her Around”
L
ike our American Heritage, a melting pot of the many cultures from
around the world, Square Dance, our American National Folk Dance,
is a conglomerate of many dance styles the early settlers brought with
them. It was a good way to meet the neighbors at a Barn Raising, County Fairs
and in breaks while traversing the country in Wagon Trains.
The Farmers and Charmers is starting a class on Sundays, 6:45 to 9 PM.
with open enrollment on Sept. 19 and 26 and Oct. 3 at The Wilkinson Center
8956 Vanalden Ave. in Northridge. The first class is free then a $6 donation per
person per class thereafter to cover the Hall, the live caller and insurance. Ask
about our family discount for three or more at the door.
After the three introductory classes we can’t accept any new students
as we will be adding a few new steps each week and it becomes difficult to
keep up. Wilkinson Center has a wood floor so it is easy on the feet. Just wear
sensible shoes that don’t stick as the steps are basically shuffles and we don’t
want you to stick in the middle of a shuffle. Sandals don’t work well. Feel
free to wear Western flavor clothing and boots but you can wear anything you
want.
We provide light refreshments to help keep your energy up. Under 16
you’ll need a responsible adult in attendance (could be your partner). One of
our goals is to have a big turnout at the next Valley Fair at Birmingham High
School in June 2011. You’ll be able to show all your relatives how good you
are, that is if you’re not dancing with them. For further information call (818)
886-3995 or (818) 349-2242 or (818) 996-0974 or e-mail farmers-charmers@
flash.net.
MWD Taxes Lower
For the ninth time in 10 years, the Metropolitan Water District board voted to lower its property tax rate
for the district’s six-county Southern California service area.
The board set its 2010-11 property tax rate at 0.0037 percent of a property’s assessed valuation, down
from 0.0043 percent in 2009-10.
The newly adopted rate means the owner of a property assessed at $100,000 would pay $3.70 a year,
down from $4.30, according to the district.
Revenue from the tax assessment is used to pay off voter-approved bonds used to finance construction of
water-delivery projects, including the Colorado River Aqueduct and the State Water Project. According to the
MWD, property taxes account for about 5 percent of the district’s roughly $1.5 billion in revenue.
Meanwhile, the board also approved a set of power-management policies aimed at offsetting anticipated
five-fold increases in electricity costs incurred by the district to operate its water-delivery system.
City to Lease 10 Parking Garages
The Los Angeles City Council voted 9-3 Aug. 18 to solicit bids for a 50-year lease on 10 city-owned parking
garages, and use the revenue to ease its budget crisis.
City Administrative Officer Miguel Santana said he is hoping for a deal that would deposit hundreds of
millions of dollars into the city’s depleted coffers by spring.
A portion of that lump sum - $53.2 million - would be used to pay for employee salaries and other expenses
in the current fiscal year.
The rest of the money will be used to replenish the emergency reserve fund; pay off debts related to the
parking garages; and help reduce the estimated $320 million deficit projected for the next fiscal year.
On top of the lump sum, the city would also receive a portion of the private operator’s income from the
parking garages in future years.
Some critics, however, expressed concern that the deal would force the public to pay more for parking.
The proposal includes parking garages at Pershing Square in downtown Los Angeles and Hollywood &
Highland and the Cinerama Dome in Hollywood, along with structures in Westwood, Sherman Oaks, Van Nuys,
Hancock Park, West Los Angeles and Studio City.
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Tel: (213) 484-5397 Fax: (213) 484-9584
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September, 2010
For Advertising Rates, Visit www.evalleyvoice.com
Page 8
Same-Sex Marriages
Valley Locals Split On Prop. 8 Issues
By Austin Kang, Valley Voice Reporter
(Editor’s Note: On Aug. 16, a federal appeals court panel ruled same-sex couples in California will have to wait until at
least December before they can get married).
On August 4, Chief Judge Vaughn Walker ruled in Perry v. Schwarzenegger that Proposition 8 was unconstitutional by
violating several clauses of the Fourteenth Amendment including due process and equal protection. This landmark case effectively
overturned the ban on same-sex marriages in California and permitted them to be held once again starting from August 18.
“Moral disapproval alone is an improper basis on which to deny rights to gay men and lesbians. The evidence shows
conclusively that Proposition 8 enacts, without reason, a private moral view that same-sex couples are inferior to oppositesex couples,” Walker wrote in his ruling.
The ruling of Perry v. Schwarzenegger has raised a huge controversy similar to the one raised by Proposition 8 in
2008 and has not only divided public officials, but valley locals as well. Although there isn’t a clear consensus over the
issue, both sides are highly passionate about the case and the impact it will have upon society.
“I believe that all people are equal, no matter your race, religion or sexuality, so it doesn’t give our government the
right to take away our civil rights on those grounds,” Sogol Ashrafian of Chatsworth said.
“As far as society goes, I think [the case] is going to contribute to making us more open-minded as a whole [and]
more open to diversity among people!” she continued.
Paul Kim, a resident of Reseda, however disagrees and quoted Brian Brown, the president of the National Organization
for Marriage to explain his discontent: “With a stroke of his pen, Judge Walker has overruled the votes and values of 7
million Californians who voted for marriage as one man and one woman.”
“I’m against gay marriage. I believe marriage should stay within the church,” Kim said.
*
*
*
The issue of religion affecting the legality of same-sex marriages has been addressed by both sides of the landmark
case with proponents primarily attributing religion, particularly Christianity, as the basis of their opponents’ stance.
“While I respect people’s arguments that the Bible forbids gay marriage, our government is not a theocracy. So as far
as I’m concerned, it’s none of mine or any other heterosexual person’s business who should or shouldn’t be able to marry,”
Steven Smallberg of Northridge said.
Kaitlin Pollard of Northridge adopted a similar position remarking “I think blocking same-sex marriages for the most
part stems from religious values, when the government and religion are not supposed to mix.”
But even as Perry v. Schwarzenegger raises a huge debate about same-sex marriages and at its core the issue of
homosexuality in general, terminology is also a factor that goes into peoples’ arguments.
“I’m not against civil unions. Let civil unions have the exact same benefits as marriage and I’ll be happy, but don’t
go about having gay people using the term ‘marriage,’” Kim said.
“Love is love, whether it’s between a man and a woman, or a man and a man. I think they shouldn’t call it marriage
though, call it something else,” Jose Juarez of Van Nuys said.
This landmark case will most likely reach the Supreme Court, and in all likelihood start the controversy all over
again. This issue is far from settled.
Jay Kim
Da Som Seo
Hyeon Yun
Austin Kang
 The Asian Doctor 
Q: Doctor, I’ve heard that cardiovascular exercise can
prolong life. Is this true? A: Your heart only good for so many beats, and that
it... Don’t waste on exercise Everything wear out
eventually. Speeding up heart not make you live longer; it
like saying you extend life of car by driving faster. Want to
live longer? Take nap. Q: Should I reduce my alcohol intake? A: No, not at all. Wine made from fruit. Brandy is distilled
wine, that mean they take water out of fruity bit so you
get even more of goodness that way. Beer also made of
grain. Bottom up!
Q: How can I calculate my body/fat ratio? A: Well, if you have body and you have fat, your ratio one to
one. If you have two bodies, your ratio two to one, etc.
Q: What are some of the advantages of participating in
a regular exercise program? A: Can’t think of single one, sorry. My philosophy is: No
pain...good! Q: Aren’t fried foods bad for you? A: YOU NOT LISTENING! Food are fried these day in
vegetable oil. In fact, they permeated by it. How could
getting more vegetable be bad for you?!? Q: Will sit-ups help prevent me from getting a little soft
around the middle? A: Definitely not! When you exercise muscle, it get
bigger. You should only be doing sit-up if you want bigger
stomach. Q: Is chocolate bad for me? A: Are you crazy?!? HEL-LO-O!! Cocoa bean! Another
vegetable! It best feel-good food around!
Q: Is swimming good for your figure? A: If swimming good for your figure, explain whale to
me..
Q: Is getting in shape important for my lifestyle? A: Hey! ‘Round’ is shape! Well... I hope this has cleared up any
misconceptions you may have had about food and diets.
And remember: Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the
intention of arriving safely in an attractive and wellpreserved body, but rather to skid in sideways - totally
worn out and screaming “WOO-HOO, what a ride!!” AND.....
For those of you who watch what you eat, here’s
the final word on nutrition and health. It’s a relief to
know the truth after all those conflicting nutritional
studies. 1. The Japanese eat very little fat and suffer fewer
heart attacks than Americans.
2. The Mexicans eat a lot of fat and suffer fewer heart
attacks than Americans.
3. The Chinese drink very little red wine and suffer
fewer heart attacks than Americans.
4. The Italians drink a lot of red wine and suffer fewer
heart attacks than Americans.. 5. The Germans drink a lot of beer and eat lots of
sausages and fats and suffer fewer heart attacks than
Americans.
CONCLUSION: Eat and drink what you like. Speaking English is apparently what kills you.
(Blogged by cousin Sonny)
The Valley Voice is
published every last
Wednesday of the Month.
Deadline for
submission is the
15th of the month.
Corporate Rotten Eggs
By Robert Reich
T
here are rotten apples in every industry. Or perhaps I should say rotten eggs.
One especially rotten egg is Jack DeCoster, whose commercial egg
agribusiness, which goes under the homey title “Wright County Egg,”
headquartered in Galt, Iowa, sends eggs all over the country under many different
brands. Those eggs have now laid low thousands of Americans with salmonella
poisoning, and may well infect thousands more.
DeCoster is recalling 380 million eggs sold since mid-May. Another commercial
egg company, also headquartered in Iowa, and in which DeCoster is a major investor,
is recalling hundreds millions more.
It’s not clear how recall rotten eggs are recalled. They’re not like Toyotas.
They’re already in our food supply.
But this is only the beginning of the story. Thirteen years ago when I was Secretary of Labor, DeCoster agreed to pay a
$2 million penalty (the most we could throw at him) for some of the most heinous
workplace violations I’d seen. His workers had been forced to live in trailers infested
with rats and handle manure and dead chickens with their bare hands. It was an
agricultural sweatshop.
In 2003, DeCoster pleaded guilty to knowingly hiring undocumented immigrants
(who don’t complain about unsafe working conditions, below-minimum-wage pay,
September, 2010
and unsanitary facilities). DeCoster paid a record $2.1 million penalty for that one.
In the 1990s he was charged by Iowa authorities for violating state
environmental laws governing the runoff of manure into rivers. He continued to
violate environmental laws so often that the Iowa Supreme Court approved an order
barring him from building more hog structures.
In 2002 the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission fined DeCoster’s
operation $1.5 million for mistreating female workers. The charges included rape,
sexual harassment, and other abuses.
Earlier this year, DeCoster paid another fine to settle state animal cruelty
charges against his egg operations in Maine.
In other words, the current national salmonella outbreak is just the latest in
a long series of DeCoster corporate crimes. He’s fostered a culture that disregards
any law standing in the way of profits. Along the way, DeCoster has abused the
environment, animals, his employees, and his customers.
Some CEOs are just bad citizens, and the corporations they head get the
message that the public be damned.
Before we can get rid of corporate rotten eggs we need to know about them.
- CityWatch
For Advertising Rates, Visit www.evalleyvoice.com
Page 9
LOCAL Events
Beach Bus
Sept. 29, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
For just 50 cents you can take the Beach Bus
from the San Fernando Valley over Topanga Canyon to
Topanga State, Will Rogers and Santa Monica beaches.
This special bus service runs through September
6, Monday through Saturday. The stops in the San
Fernando Valley are at Owensmouth Ave. and Oxnard
St., and at Ventura Blvd. and Topanga Cyn. For more
info, call (888) 769 1122 or visit www.LAGoBus.info.
Meeting on Metro
The Metro Orange Line Extension Project is
holding a community meeting on Thursday, Sept. 2,
from 6 pm to 7:30 pm at LAPD Topanga Community
Police Station Community Room, 21501 Schoenborn
St. in Canoga Park to give a construction update and
take questions on the Extension of the dedicated bus
way up Canoga Ave. For questions or to learn more,
email [email protected] or visit www.metro.
net/molextension or call (213) 922-3668.
Free Movie
Don’t miss ‘Rudy’, scheduled for Sept 3 at
7 PM in the air-conditioned Moran Center at Our
Lady of Lourdes, 18400 Kinzie Street in Northridge.
Theater-quality sound, free popcorn, lemonade, and
take-aways. Contact Lali Revetto at 818-360-5213 or
[email protected] for more info, or visit www.
ollevangelization.webs.com
YMCA Parent-Child Program
Y-Guides and Y-Princess, a long-established
YMCA, K-3rd grade, parent-child program, gets
underway in September. Registration is open now
at North Valley Family YMCA (www.ymcala.org/
nv), 11336 Corbin Ave. in Northridge. Designed to
strengthen the relationship between children and
parents, the program is open to the community.
Participants meet as “tribes” to organize group
activities, including camping, roller skating, Granada
Hills Holiday Parade, bowling and more. Cost is $140
per child & parent. Contact: Josie Rea, 818-368-3231.
YMCA Indoor Sports
Sign up for Indoor Youth Volleyball and Youth
Soccer at North Valley Family YMCA (www.ymcala.
org/nv), 11336 Corbin Ave. in Northridge. The soccer
league for kids 3 to 10yrs and the volleyball league for
kids 8 to 11yrs focus on building children’s confidence
and build athletic and social skills. Cost is $130 per
child and includes uniform and league fees. Late
registration to Sept 27th at North Valley’s Welcome
Center, both leagues are open to the public. Contact:
Mike Greco, 818-368-3231.
High Holiday Tix
High Holy Days tickets are available for nonmembers at Temple Beth Torah, 16651 Rinaldi Street
in Granada Hills, 818-831-0835. $150 per adult - $100
for Seniors (age 62+) and students (over age 10 through
college). Services will be conducted by Rabbi Michael
Mayersohn, Cantor Sharone Rosen, and the Koleynu
Choir.
The Village at Northridge
The Village at Northridge, the brand new luxury
retirement community, invites seniors and their families
to join a free Summer Concert series on Wednesdays at 4
PM. Concert preceded by a reception and the opportunity
to tour the community at 3 PM. Classically trained pianist
Hugo Pazmino on 9/8; Marv Robinson singing the
standards on 9/15 and Guitarist/Vocalist David Kaufman
on 9/22. The Village is located at 9222 Corbin Avenue.
Free parking underground. Entrance on Prairie. Please
RSVP to all concerts by calling 818-812-4617.
Providence Seminars
Providence Holy Cross Health Center of Porter
Ranch has announced three free, education seminars
for September, 19950 Rinaldi Street, at Porter Ranch
Drive. Free parking and light refreshments will be
provided. RSVP 1-888-HEALING (1-888-432-5464).
Lymphedema: Questions Answered: Friday, Sept.
10, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Earthquake Preparedness: Wednesday, Sept. 15,
6:30 – 7:30 p.m., or Friday, Sept. 24, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Women’s Urinary Incontinence, Wednesday,
Crafter’s Boutique
Our Redeemer Lutheran Church at 8520 Winnetka
Ave. in Winnetka will hold their Annual Crafter’s
Boutique on Saturday, September 11th from 9 am to 3
pm. Twenty crafters will be there selling their unique
items - homemade purses, totes, scrap booking, jewelry
and more. If you would like to share your craft, the
ample spaces inside the Parish Hall are $25 (funds to go
support our Food Pantry). Call (818) 341-1629 for more
information.
Corporate, government, and community members have
committed to sponsor the Fourth Annual Mile of Quarters,
Saturday, Sept. 11, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Westfield
Topanga Mall, with the proceeds benefiting the Boys
& Girls Club of the West Valley. The Mile of Quarters
event is built around community members contributing
quarters to be laid out for one mile (5,280 feet) stretching
through the mall. One foot of quarters equals $3.25.
If the entire mile is filled, the Club will raise $17,160
to support the Club’s programs for young people. For
further information regarding sponsorship opportunities,
please contact Jan Sobel at 818-610-1054.
Music Society
The California Traditional Music Society, in
collaboration with FolkWORKS, is excited to announce
its Fall Equinox Folk Music, Dance and Storytelling
Festival, taking place Sunday, September 12th at the
Rancho Cordillera del Norte in Northridge. This event
will feature over 50 world-class traditional performers
- from African drumming and dance to jug band music,
Irish super sessions to Mexican-American norteño - plus
outdoor and indoor stages, a participatory dance tent,
dozens of music, dance and storytelling workshops, jam
sessions, a large family area and craft and food vendors.
For more information, please visit www.ctmsfolkmusic.
org/equinox or call (818) 817-7756.
Free Sports Clinic
for more information.
Taize Service
A Taize Service will be held at Northridge United
Methodist Church on Sunday, September 26 at 6.30
p.m. in the Sanctuary. Childcare is provided. NUMC
is located at 9650 Reseda Blvd. at Superior Street in
Northridge. For more information, call: 818-886-1555.
Monte Carlo Night
Monte Carlo Night benefitting Devonshire PALS
(Police Activity League Supporters) and Boys & Girls
Club of the West Valley and hosted by Nancy Cartwright
(Bart Simpson) with poker pro co-hosts Jerry Yang
(2007 WSOP Main Event Winner) and Mary Jones
(2006 WSOP Ladies Event Champion), will be on
Saturday, October 2, 4:30 PM Poker Check-In, 6 PM
Poker & Party.
Nancy Cartwright opens her Northridge home to
the public (address to be provided with a reservation),
$300 no limit Texas Hold ‘Em buy-in includes
dinner, open bar, and party; $150 for non-players. For
reservations/information: (818) 882-7336 or www.
montecarlofundraiser.org.
Rotary Blood Drive
The Granada Hills Rotary Club aims to collect 400
pints of blood for local hospitals at their 2nd Annual
Blood Drive and Health Expo, Saturday, Oct. 2, from 8
am to 4 pm at Granada Hills Recreation Center (corner
of Petit & Chatsworth) and North Valley Youth Sports
Complex (corner of Woodley Ave. & Balboa Blvd.),
both in Granada Hills. All blood donors will receive
a free t-shirt, a free pancake breakfast or lunch, a gift
certificate for Baskin-Robbins ice cream and a free raffle
ticket. Blood donors may pre-register online at www.
Rotarygivesblood.org to obtain a priority appointment
time, but walk-ins are also welcome. For more
information, please call Jim Feffer at (818) 802-8452
or email [email protected].
Valley Artists Studio Tour
Physical Therapist to Olympians, Chris Karas,
invites athletes for a free Volleyball Injury Prevention
Clinic this coming September 18th, 10 AM to 12 noon
at Sterling Physical Therapy & Aquatics, 2315 Kuehner
Drive, Suite 114-117 in Simi Valley. For inquiries and
to RSVP, please contact Debra Lafreniere at (805)
823-8201.
The 6th annual Valley Artists Studio Tour –
VAST sponsored by the San Fernando Valley Arts
Council, will be on October 2 and 3, from 10AM – 5
PM. For more information, call (818) 469-3380 or
access www.sfvartscouncil.com Square Dancing
Sponsored by the North Valley Jewish
Community Center, a lecture, discussion and book
signing by Viki Kind, author of “The Caregiver’s Path
to Compassionate Decision Making,” will be held Oct.
6 at 8:30 p.m., and Nov. 8, at the same time, at Temple
Ramat Zion, 17655 Devonshire St., Northridge. For
fees and other information, call 818-360-2211, or
e-mail them at [email protected].
A Square Dance Class is starting Sunday, Sept.
19 at 6:45 to 9 PM. Open enrollment Sept. 19 and 26,
and Oct. 3 at The Wilkinson Center, 8956 Vanalden
Ave. in Northridge. The first class is free. Ask about our
family discount for three or more at the door. For further
information, call (818) 886-3995 or (818) 349-2242 or
(818) 996-0974, or e-mail [email protected].
Kindergarten Faire
This exciting, informative evening will introduce
families to more than 45 different independent
elementary schools in and around Los Angeles.
Sponsored by the L.A. Area Independent Schools
(LAAIS), the forum will be held Tuesday, Sept. 21
from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Oakwood Elementary School,
11230 Moorpark St., N. Hollywood, (818) 752-4444.
Check out the launch of its website, www.laais.org.
Free Homeowners Workshop
Kahn Air Conditioning will be hosting a free heating
and air conditioning workshop on Saturday, September
25, from 10 A.M. until noon. There is no cost to attend
but reservations are required. Homeowners will learn
all aspects of residential heating and air conditioning
including: filters, thermostats, ducts, efficiency ratings,
proper installation techniques, rebates and Tax Credits
and a variety of related subjects. Call (818) 886-2600
to reserve your seat(s). Send questions or comments to
[email protected]
Jewish Center Reunion
The North Valley Jewish Community Center
will be having a reunion picnic on September 26 at
11 a.m. in Northridge Park. If you were involved with
NVJCC in any way since its beginning, bring a picnic
lunch and get together with old friends. Bring your
memories and pictures to share. Call 818-360-2211
Empowering Caregivers
Yard Sale
All-Church Indoor Yard Sale & Antique Car Show
will be on Saturday, October 9 at 8 am – rain or shine
at Northridge United Methodist Church, 9650 Reseda
Blvd. in Northridge (818-886-1555).
Chatsworth Hills Academy
Begin your memories with the school recognized
by L.A. Parent Magazine as the “Best Early Childhood
Program” and “Best Private School” by readers of the
L.A. Daily News. Chatsworth Hills Academy, preschool
through 8th grade, invites you to their next open house,
Saturday, Oct. 16, from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Visit www.
chaschool.org or call (818) 998-4037.
Holiday Boutique
Come get your Holiday Gifts early at
Northridge United Methodist Church’s Holiday
Boutique on Saturday, October 30 from 9 am to
2 pm. NUMC is located at 9650 Reseda Blvd. in
Northridge (818-886-1555).
Chaminade Open House
Chaminade College Preparatory, will hold an
open house Nov. 21, at both campuses. Middle School,
grades 6 – 8, is scheduled for 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 19800
Devonshire St, Chatsworth, 818-363-8127. The high
school open house will be held from 1 – 3 p.m. at 7500
Chaminade Ave., West Hills, 818-347-8300.
Get to know Chaminade better, learn about the
Professional Mgmt.
Professional Entertainment Manager
of 20 plus years will tell you everything you always wanted to know
about the entertainment industry,
for both adult and child actors.
Go to www.actorconsulting.com
September, 2010
For Advertising Rates, Visit www.evalleyvoice.com
Page 10
LOCAL Events
Sierra Canyon School
Sierra Canyon School is still accepting applications
for Fall for early kindergarten through 12th grade,
818-882-8121 (take a tour!) The lower campus (up
to 6th grade), is located at 11052 Independence Ave.,
Chatsworth, with the upper campus, 7th through 12th
grades, at 20801 Rinaldi St., Chatsworth.
Sierra Canyon is an academically excellent,
college preparatory school committed to an empowering
environment in which students realize their greatest
intellectual, creative, ethical and physical promise. Visit
www.sierra canyonschool.org.
Sportclips for Kids
Sportclips Haircuts for Men is announcing the first
“Sportclips For Kids” fundraiser supporting the San
Fernando Valley’s Boys and Girls Clubs. This drive,
sponsored by Marina and her father Roman Waisberg
owners of Sportclips Haircuts for Men in Encino and
Northridge, runs through September. For additional
information please contact Marina Waisberg (818) 6529883 or [email protected]
Home Schooling
Hillcrest Christian High School located at 17531
Rinaldi Street in Granada Hills launches a dynamic
C
independent study program designed to meet the needs
of the growing home schooling community in the San
Fernando Valley. Hillcrest is now accepting enrollment
applications for the 2010/2011 school years. For
more information, contact Program Advisor, Cynthia
Peterson at [email protected].
For general enrollment information, visit the school
website at www.hillcrestchristianschool.org or call
(818) 368 7071.
Lanza Fitness Training
Lanza Fitness Personal Training announces their
grand opening of their Yoga and Group Fitness Studio
offering classes in Yoga, Zumba Dance, Hot Salsa
Fitness and Yoga Gold/Cardio Gold for older adults and
special populations. Located at 19524 Nordhoff Street,
Suite 5 in the Northridge Promenade, next to Bev-Mo.
Call 818-718-1937 or visit us at www.Lanzafitness.
com for class schedules and pricing.
Blueprint Basketball
In your home or my studio by
Pro drummer and valley resident.
Affordable rates.
Steve Roth
818-631-4777
[email protected]
www.drumset4u.wordpress.com
Local Dodgers’ Dreamfield
New Playground
onstruction began on a universal access playground at Dearborn Park in Northridge. The existing
playground will be removed. The new one will be accessible to all children, including children with
disabilities.
The new playground includes new rubberized resilient surfaces, benches, drinking fountains, landscaping
and irrigation, and will be within the existing playground footprint.
This new playground is funded in part through Proposition 40, a voter approved bond for acquiring and
improving parks and historical resources.
- Councilman Greig Smith
September, 2010
Cello Lessons
in North Hills
by USC Graduate
and Valley Native.
Daniel Grab
818-970-1949
[email protected]
Rico Marshall and Steve Smith (New York Giants/
Taft High School) have started Blueprint Basketball,
to help kids become productive members in the
community. The focus is on player development through
fundamentals, with current high school coaches and
former college players helping out. They also provide
two personal trainers and two highly educated teachers
who can help players with homework before and after
practice. The monthly fee is $65.00. Evaluations and
sign-ups begin the first week of September. Contact Rico
Marshall at (818) 518-0700, visit blueprintbasketball.org.
ouncilman Greig Smith’s Chief of Staff Mitch Englander reports on the Dodgers Dreamfield, a terrific new
sports and recreation asset coming to our community at Northridge Park. Construction is now underway on the new improved baseball facilities as part of a partnership with
Dodgers Dream Foundation, LA84 Foundation and the Department of Recreation and Parks. The project is one of
nine new Dodgers Dreamfields in the Los Angeles area, a doubling the current number of Dreamfields to 18. Their
goal is 50 fields in Los Angeles. Nine of them are in L.A. public parks.
The Dodgers Dream Foundation was founded in 1998 to provide educational, athletic and recreational
opportunities for the youth of Los Angeles. The Foundation emphasizes helping under-served youth. The LA84
Foundation, established to manage Southern California’s share of the funds from the highly successful 1984
Olympic Games, supports programs serving millions of youth in Southern California.
The field improvements will include upgrades to the backstops, the addition of roofs over the dugouts,
bleacher and bench upgrades, irrigation improvements, re-grading for smooth playing surfaces, new solarpowered electronic scoreboards, and renovation or replacement of field turf.
To learn more about the Dream Foundation, visit www.mlb.mlb.com/la/community/dream_foundation.jsp.
For information about the LA84 Foundation visit http://www.LA84Foundation.org.
C
Cello Lessons
Piano Lessons with Efrem Bergman
“From Bach to Rock, I make lessons enjoyable & fun.”
• Lessons given in your own Home
• Beginning to Advanced
• All Music Styles • All Ages
©LC0910
lifelong benefits of a cutting-edge education, take a
campus tour, meet teachers and students, learn about
the new 1:1 Tablet PC Program, talk to admissions and
financial aid reps, and much more. www.chaminade.
org.
(818) 348-4154 • Cell: (818) 481-4722
[email protected]
• www.EfremBergman.com
LEARN TO SQUARE DANCE
(our American Heritage Folk Dance)
with the non-profit
Farmers & Charmers Square Dance Club
Open enrollment for our Sunday beginners class is Sept. 19th
& 26th and Oct. 3rd 2010. The first class is free, then a $6
donation per person per class. This donation covers the hall,
the live caller (to keep you on your toes by changing the calls
at will) and insurance.
Sundays 6:45 - 9:00 P.M. The Wilkinson Center
8956 Vanalden Ave., Northridge
818-996-0974 * 818-886-3995 * 818-349-2242 E-mail: [email protected]
For Advertising Rates, Visit www.evalleyvoice.com
Page 11
Power Up or Power
Down in Porter Ranch?
A
t the September 7, Porter Ranch Neighborhood Council
meeting we will have a presentation by the DWP about
the Sylmar Ground Return Replacement Project, which
is intended to increase the reliability of the existing electric
grid. This project includes replacement of overhead lines and
underground electric cables that run from the Sylmar Converter
Station in Sylmar to the Pacific Ocean. The lines run parallel to
and just south of the 118 freeway and then head south across the
valley at about Chimineas. They run along the east side of the
Northridge Park and Recreation Center.
Because the project is replacing existing lines, the visual
impact should be minimal. There could be some lane closures as
work is done where the lines cross streets. Juan Diaz-Carreras,
the Lead Environmental Scientist and consultant to the DWP for
this project, will present the details on the project purpose, timing
and impacts to Porter Ranch. The project is in the planning stages
and at the beginning of the Environmental Review process, so
public comments and suggestions made at the meeting would be
in time to have an impact on the project.
Come and learn how you can Help Make Porter Ranch
a Better Place to Live, Work and Grow. Join us for our next
meetings which are scheduled for September 7, October 5, and
November 9, 6pm at Shepherd of the Hills Church. Find out
more at www.PRNC.org.
F
Child
Development
Institute
or the past 15 years, the Child
Development Institute (CDI) has
served as a vital community resource
to children and their families by providing
innovative childhood development services. Our shared purpose is helping kids achieve
optimal growth and development through
early intervention in order to mitigate the
risks for developmental delays that can
critically handicap a child’s chances for a
positive life outcome.
As a key part of CDI’s evolution, we’re
in the process of renovating the former
Canoga Park Library to house an Early
Learning Center called, “TOGETHER WE
GROW”. Opening in January 2011, the new
Center will be a national model for inclusive
services offered free of charge to children
of all abilities under age five. From
stimulating play and learning opportunities,
to screening and therapeutic intervention
services, “Together We Grow” will be a key
education and treatment asset in a part of our
community that is both underserved and in
desperate need of this kind of service.
As part of our community education
campaign, I would like to personally invite
Canoga Park Chamber to the Center for a
more in-depth and hands-on look at the
facility and programs planned. Your tour
host will be Dr. Joan Maltese, founder and
President of the Child Development Institute
and the person behind the vision of what this
Center truly represents to our community.
For more information, or to arrange
a tour, call Ron Rauschenberger, CDI
Committee Chairman at (818) 360-3534.
s part of the City’s efforts to
make L.A. more bike friendly
and improve safety, courtesy
and cooperation between cyclists and
motorists, the Department of Transportation
(DOT) continues its work installing a bike
lane on Reseda Blvd. from Devonshire St. to
Nordhoff Street.
The Reseda bike lane was envisioned
in the current Bicycle Master Plan, and a
segment was installed previously on Reseda
between the 118 Freeway and Devonshire.
This improvement will extend the bicycle
lane through a busy traffic corridor that is
heavily used by cyclists, especially around
the CSUN campus, making it safer for
cyclists and drivers alike.
To see the L.A. Bicycle Master Plan,
visit http://www.labikeplan.org.
Please be safe, wear a helmet and share
the road!
- Councilman Greig Smith
Our #1 Poet
V
alley Voice Poet Laureate, Norman
Molesko, is the eighty year old author of
a book for seniors. In this, his first book,
he writes about issues regarding the experiences
of retirees, seniors and the elderly. His book
will also be of interest to those who care for and
about them. In poetical form, his messages are
simple yet important. Many insights are offered
on dealing with and navigating retirement
and growing older. Threads of optimism and
reality shine through, organized in a flowing
and meaningful conversation. The book is a
collection writings about retiree and senior
issues: yearnings, concerns, health, thoughts
and challenges.
Titled “Retiring and Senior Living,
Experiencing Second Half of Life” the eight
major sections included are: Being Newly
Retired, Choosing What To Do With Time,
Attitudes and Feelings, Knowing Oneself,
Relating to Others, Taking Care of Oneself,
Aging Concerns, and Elderly Seniors.
The book is available from Amazon.com,
Lulu.com, Barnes & Noble and many of your
local bookstores. (ISBN 987-0-557-41811-4)
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-RHITIRHIRX7GLSSPW
Free at Last
By Norman Molesko
Valley Voice Resident Poet
I’m free at last.
Ready to have a blast.
I’ve worked half my life.
No more work and strife.
No more sweating for “Big Boss,”
around my neck like an albatross,
to boost his profit and cut his loss.
No need to call in when feeling sick
or conjure up a survival trick.
A retirement party and a parting gift.
I’m out of here.
Free at last, free at last!