Westchester/Playa Hometown News July 2026

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

Stephanie Davis, Publisher

Cory Birkett, Contributing Writer

ABOUT THE HOMETOWN NEWS THIS MONTH BRINGS YOU

Shanee Edwards, Contributing Writer

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

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

ABOUT THE HOMETOWN NEWS

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

CONNECT WITH THE HTN:

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

Westchester, CA 90045

Email: westchesterhometown@yahoo.com

Website: thehtn.com

Facebook: facebook.com/thehtn

Instagram: instagram.com/thehometownnews

Story ideas & Advertising: westchesterhometown@yahoo.com

Front page: A collage of some of our favorite parade moments from last year’s event.

| zsuzsiphotography.com

Happy Fourth of July!

From the Westchester Town Center Business Improvement District and all of our members, we wish you and yours a happy and safe Fourth of July!

We hope you enjoy the annual Westchester Fourth of July Parade – one of the greatest hometown events in Los Angeles because it brings our entire community together to celebrate.

More than a team: LA Waves build friendship, community and a path to Nationals

By Shanee Edwards

When the LA Waves take the field this month at the 2026 US Youth Soccer National Championships in Smyrna, Tennessee, they’ll be competing against some of the best youth soccer teams in the country. But for this group of girls, many of whom have been playing together since they were eight years old, the journey to Nationals is about much more than winning.

It’s about friendship. Trust. Community. And proving that elite youth sports don’t have to come with elite price tags.

The LA Waves, part of the AYSO Section 1 Alliance Club, recently earned the honor of representing the California State Soccer Association–South (Cal South) at Nationals, becoming the first AYSO Alliance team to reach this level, a milestone that is turning heads in Southern California youth soccer. Their accomplishment marks not only a major achievement for the players, but also a validation of a different kind of soccer philosophy, one centered on player development, equal opportunity, and long-term relationships.

For coach Nick Pisca, who has been with the team since its earliest days, that philosophy has always come first.

“The team’s been together since U9, and I took over coaching at U10,” Pisca says. “What makes them special isn’t that they win. Winning has never been my priority. With the help of my assistant

coach Marshall LeMoine, my priority has always been keeping the relationships together, helping them enjoy the sport, and challenging them to grow.”

That mindset, he says, is what built a winning team.

Unlike many club programs where players compete for limited playing time and families often pay thousands of dollars a year, the Waves operate under a nonprofit, volunteer-driven model. Pisca, who serves as both coach and club president, says that affordability is central to what they do.

“I really dislike the pay-to-play system,” he says. “If you have the talent and the drive, you should be able to play at a high level without paying five, six, or 10 thousand dollars.”

That approach has resonated with families across the Westside, drawing players from Westchester, Playa del Rey, Marina del Rey, El Segundo, and Inglewood. And for many parents, it’s the community that keeps them coming back.

For Tina Howell, whose daughter Heather has been with the team for seven years, the LA Waves became something much bigger than an extracurricular activity.

“Our families are overseas, so building community here has been really important for us,” Howell says. “Sports, especially soccer, became a way for us to connect with other families and kind of raise our kids together.”

(continued on page 40

Business & Nonpro t News

custom sand sculptures celebrating L.A. and coastal culture including surf, sailboats, sea life, classic cars, and a tribute to America’s 250th anniversary.

Beach House Comedy Club heads to Playa del Rey.

On Saturday, July 18, the Beach House Comedy Club will host its next one-of-a-kind comedy show right on the sand. Presented by Local Market & Deli, the event offers an intimate outdoor show with entertainment by comedians seen on Comedy Central, Netflix, HBO, and more, as the sun starts to set at 8 p.m.

The July lineup includes comedians Jared Goldstein, Gary Michael Anderson and Diana Hong. Tickets are $25 (plus taxes and fees) and can be purchased by searching “Beach House Comedy” on Eventbrite.com. Local Market will also be selling food and beverages for purchase.

New Sepulveda pedestrian bridge to bring intermittent road closures in mid-July.

Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) announced in late June that construction work to build a new pedestrian bridge across Sepulveda would lead to lane restrictions and closures in two phases starting July 13. Once completed, the bridge will span Sepulveda Blvd. at Century with the goal of improving pedestrian safety.

The work is part of the airport’s Airfield and Terminal Modernization Program (ATMP) Roadway Improvement Project.

The first major work period will take place Monday, July 13 through

Bravo to an excellent Rotary year. The Westchester Rotary Club (WRC) feted its outgoing president, Nicole King, at its June 20 demotion party at LMU’S Playa Vista campus. The event had “A Night at the Opera,” theme and featured an opera medley, dinner and awards. Westchester Rotarians were also recognized for their volunteer efforts. The night’s honorees included: Rookie of the Year Honoree, Peggy Leggett; Rising Star Honorees Zach Klippel and Dana Fleur; Service Above Self Honoree, JoAnn Staten; Rotarian of the Year Honoree, Diana Sanchez; and Lifetime Achievement Honoree, Renate Hild. WRC was also honored as one of only three clubs in the district to receive a Polio Plus designation. The club’s incoming president, Cindy Williams, will lead the club for the 2026-2027 year. Learn more about the 75 year-old club and its upcoming Labor Day weekend book sale at rotary-westchester.com.

Friday, July 17, from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. During this phase, there will be intermittent nightly traffic breaks for vehicles traveling southbound on Sepulveda Boulevard. Up to all four southbound lanes may be closed

completely between 12 a.m. and 4 a.m. for approximately 20 minutes at a time. While traffic is closed, beams will be installed for the falsework of the new bridge. Please anticipate delays and allow for additional travel time.

The second work period will start on Saturday, July 18 at 1 a.m., and will consist of a full directional closure of northbound Sepulveda between Century Boulevard and 98th Street. Work is scheduled to conclude by Sunday, July 19 at 4:30 a.m.

“These temporary road closures on Sepulveda Boulevard will help us deliver a new pedestrian bridge that provides access to LAX while reducing vehicle traffic congestion and increasing pedestrian safety,” said Mike Christensen, Chief Airport Development Officer, LAWA. “The ATMP Roadway Improvements project is one of the most ambitious transportation projects in our city, and we are committed to keeping the public updated with advance notice, regular communication and new resources ahead of major construction work to help motorists plan their journeys to, from, around, and through LAX.”

During the northbound closure, LADOT traffic officers will be deployed at key intersections along the detour routes. Detours are planned to be directed to Imperial Highway, Pershing Drive, Aviation Blvd. and Manchester Ave. Thirty-one more periods of intermittent closures as part of the ATMP Roadway Improvements project are planned between this year and the project’s conclusion in 2030.

Learn more at lawa.org/ transforminglax/projects.

Music West readies for next musical.

Music West will be performing “Matilda The Musical” with live music on July 9 through 11 at the El Segundo Performing Arts Center. The talented cast of 35 consists of community locals, ranging in age from 8 to 67.

Tickets are $20 for general admission and $25 for VIP seating, and can be purchased on their website at www.musicwest.org/events. Producers say they look forward to sharing the beloved story that celebrates courage, imagination, and the power of standing up for what is right.

Music West was formed in 2004, and has proudly called Westchester and El Segundo home for the last 22 years.

Marina del Rey hosts July 4th fireworks.

Celebrate America’s 250th birthday by watching the stunning 20-minute annual Fourth of July fireworks from Marina del Rey! Prime viewing spots are available at Burton Chace Park and Fisherman’s Village, with synchronized music during the show, which starts at 9 p.m. The fireworks will be launched from a barge in the Marina’s main channel.

Expect added traffic in the area on July 4th. For more details, a list of street closures and holiday parking rates, please visit beaches.lacounty. gov/4thofjuly.

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

15, 4 - 7 PM

A Surf’s Up Summer Stroll!

Join us for a tropical summer celebration filled with island vibes, live music, refreshing treats, tropical drinks, and fun for the whole community. Enjoy Polynesian dance instruction, lei making, summer-inspired activities, and a night of creativity and aloha spirit.

BECOMING THE HERO OF YOUR OWN STORY

Shay Fan is writing her own life’s story and making sure it’s filled with heart, hope and joy

By Sylvia Wilson

Shay Fan grew up believing in heroes, the kind found in 90s cartoons, chapter books, and the everyday resilience of her own family. Her childhood in a small Dallas suburb was a patchwork quilt of bike rides, tadpole rescues, video game afternoons, and the steady presence of her mother and grandmother.

By any measure, Shay Fan’s story begins in a place both ordinary and quietly extraordinary: Family was never more than a bike ride away. She remembers it as a golden era, the kind of childhood that feels almost cinematic in hindsight.

But woven into that warm, familiar backdrop were threads of challenge and resilience. Shay’s father passed away when she was young, and her mother, an immigrant learning English by watching episodes of 20/20 with Barbara Walters, became the anchor of the family. Her brother, who is on the autism spectrum, shaped her understanding of patience, compassion, and what it means to show up for someone. These early experiences didn’t just form her; they gave her a lens through which she still sees the world.

A Childhood Fueled by Imagination

Shay was the kind of kid who devoured stories: “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,” “The Babysitters Club,” fantasy role playing games. If it involved adventure, she was in.

“I wanted to be the next Kristi Yamaguchi in first grade,” she says with a laugh. “But I also wanted to be an author.”

Books weren’t just entertainment; they were portals, teachers, companions. It’s no surprise she now nudges her daughter to read the same books that shaped her.

And then there was the moment, sitting beside her mom watching Barbara Walters when she realized people could ask questions for a living. “Wait…you can ask questions? And get paid for it?” she says she remembers thinking.

For a brief time, journalism seemed like destiny.

But like many first generation kids, she was encouraged toward stability. Journalism felt risky. Law felt safe. So, she chose a major that blended her interests: public relations. And yes, she

admits it proudly, she wanted to be C.J. Cregg from “The West Wing.”

A Career Built Like a Patchwork Quilt

Shay describes her career path as a “patchwork quilt” and a “jungle gym”: nonlinear, exploratory, and ultimately richer because of it.

“When the law thing didn’t pan out, I thought...OK. Maybe I could fall back on what I actually majored in,” she says.

Shay leaned on the people she’d met along the way: college friends, coworkers, mentors, and especially peer mentors, the ones who hold up mirrors, offer accountability, and help you grow.

That network, she says, has been the single most consistent force in her professional life.

Today, Shay is the editorial lead for the Instagram for Business channel at Meta, where she helps millions of small business owners understand how Instagram can help them grow. She grew up admiring fictional heroes. Today she spotlights real ones–the entrepreneurs, creators, and community builders who power Instagram for Business.

“I joke that I put pretty pictures on the Internet,” she says. “But really, it’s about empowering small businesses.”

She collaborates with creatives, product managers, and cross functional teams to educate, inspire, and translate complex tools into accessible stories.

She also serves as Head of Meta Prosper, a program dedicated to amplifying and supporting Asian Pacific Islander communities. What began four years ago as an initiative to uplift AAPI small businesses has evolved into a storytelling platform celebrating Asia and its diaspora.

“That work is truly close to my heart,” she says.

Finding Home in Playa Vista

Outside of work, Shay found another community that shaped her life just as deeply.

Ten years ago, Shay moved from the Bay Area to Playa Vista with a fourmonth-old baby in tow, reluctantly at first.

“I had that Bay Area bias,” she admits.

But the moment she arrived and saw babies, kids, and dogs everywhere, she knew she’d found her place.

Playa Vista surprised her. It was walkable. It was warm. It was safe.

And it was a community where people actually knew each other.

“It’s like being a regular at a bar,” she jokes. “But much healthier!”

Her daughter, Sydney, now in a Mandarin immersion program at Braddock Elementary, has grown up surrounded by a village of parents who share rides, jokes, advice, and the occasional low ABV drink.

“I could gush for pages,” Shay says. “We’ve navigated some difficult transitions, and there have been countless amazing humans who’ve been there for us.”

Life Beyond Work

Shay once loved snowboarding, and while life is busier now, she stays active through running and boxing at Turbo Fitness. She’s also tried voice lessons, journaling, drawing, and most recently, pickleball.

“I am terrible at it, but I have ambitions to get better,” she confesses. “If there are any other beginners, please come be my peer mentor.”

A Dream Finally in Print

For all her career twists, one dream never faded: writing a book. Not just any book, one with an ISBN number and her name on the cover. Writing a children’s book became another piece of her patchwork, a return to the creative spark that shaped her childhood.

Her picture book, “What in the World Is Ezra’s Art?,” published by Third State Books, tells the story of a boy who loves creating art even when others don’t understand it. He

by Ellie Taylor

questions himself, wonders whether he should continue, and ultimately learns that joy, not external validation, is what matters.

It’s a message Shay believes in deeply, especially after reading research showing that children as young as seven begin labeling themselves as “good” or “bad” at things.

One of her favorite moments came when her daughter Sydney overheard a friend say, “I’m not good at art.” Without missing a beat, Sydney replied, “That’s not true! There’s no such thing as good or bad in art.”

Shay’s heart “swells up” when she tells the story.

Her hope is simple: that kids and adults remember the joy of creating for its own sake.

A Life Pieced Together With Heart, Hope and Joy

Shay Fan’s story is not one of straight lines or perfect plans. It’s a life woven from imagination, hard won strength, and the quiet bravery of reinvention. It’s about honoring where you come from, embracing where you are, and staying open to what’s next. What drives her is the belief that visibility and access can change the trajectory of a small business or a community.

It’s also a reminder, the kind she gives her daughter, her readers, and herself, that joy is worth pursuing, even when the world doesn’t quite understand the quilt you’re stitching together. People say don’t meet your heroes, but they never mentioned the exception: becoming your own.

to check out this

SUM MER funevents 4

1

Westchester Saturday Stroll

August 15 | 4 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Fun, families, friends and community are always on full display at the Westchester Saturday Stroll!

The next event is Saturday, August 15, so mark your calendar for a tropical summer-themed celebration filled with live music, yummy drinks, and treats that everyone can enjoy! There will also be lei making and a chance to learn some new dance moves. The HTN will host a claw machine with prizes during the festivities!

The Westchester Saturday Stroll takes place in the Westchester Triangle, and everyone is welcome!

Shakespeare On the Bluff at LMU

July 9-11 | 8 pm

LMU’s popular Shakespeare on the Bluff series is back this month on July 9, 10, and 11 with performances of, “Hamlet,” directed by Kevin Wetmore.

The plays run 90-minutes and are held at LMU’s Drollinger Family Stage. Doors open at 6 p.m. and picnics are welcome.

If films are more your thing, the university will host a summer movie night featuring “F1: The Movie” on July 10. Movies are shown on O’Malley Lawn at sunset.

RSVP to secure your spot and to receive free swag! RSVP for both events and learn more at lmu.edu/summer.

Westchester Arts & Music Block Party

Saturday, September 19 | 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The community’s favorite block party is back this summer on September 19! For the 11th Annual edition of the Westchester Arts & Music Block Party (WAM), expect live music, a packed beer & wine garden, vendors, food trucks and tons of family-friendly activities hosted by local businesses and organizations!

Stay tuned for more details on this year’s celebration, and learn about opportunities to get involved at wamblockparty.org!

Beach Movie Nights in PdR

Various Friday dates | 8 p.m.

Enjoy movies under the stars–and right on the sand–at this year’s Beach Movie Nights! Hosted by the Department of Beaches & Harbors, attendees are invited to bring low-back lawn chairs and blankets and enjoy the shows, which start at 8 p.m.!

This month’s schedule of family favorites include:

• July 10: “Elio”

• July 17: “Goat”

• July 24: “Anaconda”

• July 31: “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie”

Movies are played at the Dockweiler Youth Center, located at 12505 Vista Del Mar in Playa del Rey.

Visit beaches.lacounty.gov for more info and to see the full summer lineup.

The LAX Coastal Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to host the 26th Annual Fourth of July Parade! This year’s theme, “250 Years of American Dreams,” celebrates the enduring spirit of hope, ambition, and opportunity that has shaped our nation since its founding. Through creative floats, performances, and community participation, we invited all our entries to bring this theme to life by sharing stories that reflect both the American experience and the unique character of our local communities.

This parade would not be possible without the incredible generosity of our business community, whose unwavering support continues to make this cherished tradition a reality. We extend our sincere gratitude to the more than 35 sponsors whose financial contributions have helped make this year’s parade possible. We also thank the many volunteers who have dedicated countless hours to planning and organizing the event, ensuring that this year’s parade is one of our very best.

For 73 years, the LAX Coastal Chamber of Commerce has proudly served as the leading voice of business in our region. Representing more than 725 businesses throughout our local communities and greater Los Angeles, the Chamber is committed to connecting businesses, building strategic partnerships, and creating opportunities that foster economic prosperity and community success. This past year, under the leadership of outgoing Board Chair Stephanie Sampson of Accenture, the Chamber continued to strengthen important relationships with LA28, LA Metro, the Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Commission, and the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board. As we look ahead, we are excited to welcome Jerry Jen, Founder of Jen Law Firm, APC, as our incoming Board Chair. Jerry is no stranger to the LAX Coastal community. A dedicated civic leader and engaged business professional, he has served in numerous leadership roles throughout the region, including with Rotary District 5280 and the Mar Vista Family Center. For the past decade, Jerry has also been deeply involved with the LAX Coastal Chamber, serving as an Ambassador, Chair of the Chamber’s Network for Change Program, Honorary Mayor, and in various board leadership positions.

“I am excited about the year ahead as we continue to strengthen and advocate for our LAX Coastal business community,” said Jerry. “We have a vibrant region that serves as the gateway for so many who visit Los Angeles, while also being home to thousands of residents and businesses. Together with our dedicated staff and volunteers, I look forward to rolling up our sleeves and helping build an even stronger business community.”

The Chamber also extends its heartfelt appreciation to outgoing Honorary Mayor Kristin Hynes of the LAX Marriott and Renaissance Los Angeles Airport Hotel for her outstanding service this past year. Through her leadership and enthusiasm, she helped welcome and connect a diverse group of businesses throughout our community. Beginning this July, another accomplished local business leader will assume the role of Honorary Mayor. Lauren Weinbaum, President of Weinbaum Management Group (WMG), will join Jerry Jen in helping champion the business community. Lauren has built her company from the ground up in the LAX area and supported transformational aviation infrastructure projects across the country. For the past decade, Weinbaum Management Group has provided construction management, project management, construction scheduling, and quality control services for major aviation capital improvement projects, including at Los Angeles International Airport.

Be sure to look for both Jerry and Lauren in this year’s 26th Annual Fourth of July Parade!

On behalf of the LAX Coastal Chamber of Commerce, thank you for joining us in celebrating our nation’s independence, our community’s spirit, and the promise of the American dream.

We hope you enjoy this year’s parade and encourage you to visit laxcoastal.com to learn more about Chamber membership and the many programs and initiatives that support our business community throughout the year.

Dear Community

Happy Birthday, U.S.A! The LAX Coastal Chamber of Commerce and its many community partners work hard every year to put on the Fourth Of July Parade, and they’re thrilled that this event is part of so many people’s holiday festivities! Thank you for kicking off your Fourth of July festivities with this beloved Westchester tradition!

The chamber is honored to present the 26th annual event on Saturday, July 4 with the theme, “250 Years of American Dreams!” to reflect the nation’s monumental anniversary year. We tasked our participants with creating floats and entries that spotlighted the enduring spirit of hope, ambition, creativity, perseverance and opportunity that has shaped the country since its founding.

This year, we’re excited to welcome two rising stars to center stage to lead the entertainment: WISH 12th Grade Judah Mayfield who will be singing “God Bless America,” and St. Anastasia 7th grader Jack Steiner,

who will be performing a rocking instrumental of the National Anthem on his guitar.

We look forward to seeing you all along Loyola Blvd., hearing your collective cheers and feeling the energy you all bring on parade day.

-The Fourth of July Parade Committee

Never been to the parade? Here is the scoop on this year’s event:

• The parade runs from 11 a.m. to approximately 12:30 p.m. and takes place along Loyola Blvd. in Westchester, from Westchester Park to LMU.

• Seating is available along the parade route on a first-come, first-served basis. Bring your blankets and chairs, and plan to get there early if you have a particular area where you’d like to sit. The route is especially crowded near the announcers’ booths at Loyola at Manchester Ave.; Loyola at 83rd St. and Loyola at 80th St.

• Limited bleacher sitting is available at center

line

stage (Loyola at 83rd St.). Please give priority to seniors and folks with limited mobility.

• Parking for spectators is available at Loyola Marymount University, but cars must enter the university via Lincoln Blvd.

• An EMT will be stationed on Loyola at 83rd Street for any emergencies.

• For our parade pups, water bowls are available at announcers’ booths.

Visit our parade sponsor’s booths:

Our sponsors are excited to celebrate with attendees and will have booths set up along the parade route with giveaways (while supplies last). At Westchester Park, Decron Properties will be passing out beverages and snacks. The Stephanie Younger Group and LAWA will also be passing out goodies and swag.

Thank you to all our sponsors for supporting the LAX Coastal Fourth of July Parade!

Questions along the parade route? Ask a volunteer in an official pink parade shirt!

march

32. Ladies of the Westchester Elks

Westchester Del Rey Little League (WDRLL)

18. National Charity League Beachside Chapter

19. Mrs. Classic USA

20. Immortal Lion Dancers

21. Loyola Marymount University

22. LAPD Leaders with Booster Club Representatives

23. Woman’s Club of Playa del Rey

24. Visitation Catholic School

25. Kentwood Players

26. Los Angeles World Airports

27. AYSO Region 7

28. Westchester Farmers’ Market

29. Paseo Elementary School

30. Rotary Club of Marina del Rey

31. LA Waves

33. The Trash Can Band

34. Westchester/Playa Historical Society

35. WISH Community & Academy High School

36. Westchester Lariats

37. St. Monica Preparatory

38. Clean Up Westchester

39. St. Anastasia Catholic School

40. Salute to Veterans with WWII Vehicle

41. Warren High School Band

42. Westchester Family YMCA

43. Westchester Little League

44. Scouting America

45. WAM Block Party with Goodnight Irene

46. Westchester Park and Recreation

47. Westchester Lutheran Church & School

48. Chamber Staff & Parade Committee

Congrats to the Stars of the Neighborhood

Congratulations to the members of Westchester’s Volunteer Community Patrol (VCP) team that have been named the 2026 NCWP Stars of the Neighborhood and will be honored during the annual Westchester Fourth of July Parade.

The purpose of the award is to identify and honor those unsung heroes of our community who quietly, persistently, and without fanfare, voluntarily perform good deeds that serve the needs of their neighbors and/ or the community. This group certainly fits the bill!

VCP members Alison White, Cyndi Hench, Susan Buss Stephan Baum-Harvey and others work with Los Angeles Police Department Sgt. Brian Cook to patrol local neighborhoods and serving as the eyes and ears of the community.

Driving a small black-and-white BMW i3, uniformed volunteers communicate with LAPD via radio and report everything from noise complaints to suspicious vehicles.

Born out of the community policiing model that includes Neighborhood Watch, VCP became a reality when Captain Eric Eppolito arrived at Pacific Division last summer, bringing with him a model that had already succeeded elsewhere.

But before they hit the streets, volunteers go through a surprisingly rigorous training process that includes navigating a serpentine driving course, forward and backward maneuvers, and parallel parking–on both sides of the street.

They also study LAPD protocols, learn radio communication, and train with official equipment.

The role of the Volunteer Community Patrol is not enforcement, it’s presence, observation, and

communication. Their work ranges from checking on incidents to relaying real-time information to officers en route so that officers know what to expect once they arrive at the scene.

At a time when LAPD is stretched as thin as every, VCP allows volunteers to canvas neighborhoods, talk to residents, and stay at a scene long after officers are dispatched elsewhere.

The group ws unanimously selected by the Neighborhood Council of Westchester Playa as this year’s NCWP Stars of the Neighborhood Congratulations to all of them, and thank you for making out community safer every day!!

Anyone interested in joining the Volunteer Community Patrol can contact Sgt. Brian Cook at 36258@LAPD. ONLINE.

Saturday Strolls Return to Westchester Triangle

This year’s Saturday Stroll series kicked off May 9 with a Mother’s Day themed day filled with music, dining, shopping and fun!

But if you missed it, don’t worry, there are still three more Saturday Strolls scheduled for 2026:

August 15

October 10

December 5

Each Stroll runs from 4 to 7 p.m. as neighbors, families, local businesses, and community groups gather in the Triangle for this free community event series celebrateing everything that makes Westchester such a special place to call home.

Each Saturday Stroll includes live music, local dining, shopping, art, games, crafts, treats, and connection for all ages as well as specially themed performers and activities to celebrate each season.

Browse local shops and vendors for thoughtful gifts, enjoy wine and dinner in the Triangle, and spend the evening surrounded by great entertainment and even better company.

With a mix of free activities, tasty treats, local flavor, and community spirit, the Stroll is all about supporting local and bringing people together. The Westchester Business Improvement District is proud to partner with Drollinger Properties and the Westchester Streetscape Improvement Association to present each Saturday Stroll.

this year’s parade participants

LAPD Pacific Area Cadets & Civil Air Squadron

Continuing our annual tradition, the LAPD Pacific Area Cadets lead off our parade and proudly carry the American flag. The LAPD Cadet Youth Program is designed to help instill discipline, leadership, academic excellence and life skills in all youth participants. It also seeks to empower students to maximize their personal, scholastic and their potential. They will be marching all the way to 80th Street to give everyone in attendance the chance to salute our nation’s flag.

The program is supported by the LAPD Pacific Area Boosters Association, an organization of business professionals and community members who support the LAPD Pacific Area. Incorporated in 1973 as a nonprofit organization, the Boosters raise funds to support the LAPD Pacific Area Cadet Youth Programs, police officers and the police station. They are joined by the Civil Air Patrol Squadron 51, who will march for the fifth consecutive year in the LAX Coastal Fourth of July Parade led by its Color Guard. Civil Air Patrol is the official U.S. Air Force auxiliary and is a nonprofit organization with nearly 70,000 members. Civil Air Patrol is tasked by the Air Force to perform 90% of the U.S. inland search and rescue missions. Adult volunteers also perform homeland security, disaster relief and counterdrug missions at the request of government agencies. You’ll find cadet life exciting if you enjoy flying, learning about aerospace, leadership training, exploring aviation careers, and so much more. Cadets learn, lead, and serve in the Civil Air Patrol. Cadets must be at least 12-years-old to join. The Civil Air Patrol Clover Field Composite Squadron 51 meets every Thursday from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at 2800 Airport Ave. #7 in Santa Monica.

For more information, email info@sq51.org.

“250 Years of American Dreams” Salute to our Sponsors

This parade would not be possible without

Thank you to our sponsors and friends for carrying the flag down the parade route!

the generosity of our sponsors. Carrying our great flag are representatives of the organizations that have stepped up to the plate to ensure the success of this event. Let’s make sure to give them a big round of applause!

Admiral Sponsors:

LAWA, Stephanie Younger Group, Decron Properties and Hometown News

Celebration Sponsors: Drollinger Family Charitable Foundation, Cedars-Sinai, ASUR Airports, Brand Enhance and Fryman

Star Sponsors:

Patriot Sponsors:

Jerry Jen Law Firm, SoCalGas, Rexford Industrial, Marina del Rey Rotary, Westside Neighborhood School, WPR, Neighborhood Council Westchester/Playa

Friends of the Parade:

are marching the flag down the parade! While it may look easy, the flag is actually quite heavy, and requires dedication and teamwork to make it to center stage!

L.A.#1 HOG Chapter

The first Harley Owners Group chapter in Los Angeles, L.A.#1 HOG is sponsored by Bartels’ Harley-Davidson of Marina del Rey. The Chapter is led by director Doug Hanson, and officers and members, all of whom wish our country a very happy 250th birthday!

They are a “good” motorcycle club, that organizes and puts on events centering around riding their Harleys together, as well as hosting numerous other types of social events. Visit their website at la1hog.com to learn about them and the exciting rewards of Harley ownership. Live to ride!

Payroll Centric, Councilwoman Traci Park, Jane St. John, Estate Properties, Make Good Company, Marriott Los Angeles Airport, Loyola Marymount University,

St. Anastasia, Westchester Woman’s Club, Rob Bird & Gail Goldstein with Iris Monreal, Kiwanis LAX, DRALL, Westchester Living, Express Employment Professionals, Rotary Westchester, Archer, Carousel, Cantalini’s, Westchester Elks/ Ladies of the Westchester Elks and Cityview

Today, our sponsors, community representatives, chamber members and friends

this year’s parade participants

Venice High School Mighty Gondolier Marching Band

Please welcome the Venice High School Mighty Gondolier Marching Band! With students hailing from all areas across Los Angeles, the Venice High School Mighty Gondolier Marching Band represents Venice High School with pride, passion and powerful sound. Known for their spirited performances, dynamic formations, and rich tradition, this talented group of student musicians brings the rhythm of Venice to every parade and competition.

Let’s give it up for the Mighty Gondoliers— making waves and music wherever they go! For contact information and ways to support the band, please follow them on Instagram at @venicehsband.

Del Rey American Little League

Since 1954, Del Rey American Little League (DRALL) has proudly delivered the very best in youth baseball to boys and girls in Westchester and Playa del Rey. This season, nearly 340 players took the field for another exciting year of community, competition, and sportsmanship. Congratulations to the 2026 regular season champions—the Majors Dodgers, Minors Twins, and Farm Mud Hens! And another round of congratulations goes to the Majors Dodgers and Minors Twins, who won the District 37 Tournament of Champions! DRALL is so proud of their 2026 All-Star teams and Rising Stars, who represent the best of what DRALL has to offer year after year!

Each year, DRALL welcomes players ages 4 to 12 to join in the fun and tradition of Little League baseball. Fall Ball registration opens later this summer, with Spring 2027 registration coming around Thanksgiving.

Stay in the loop with All-Star updates and more by following us on Instagram @del_rey_ american and visiting DRALL.org. Del Rey, All the Way!

Friends of the Great Pyrenees

Back for their 25th appearance in the parade, these Great Pyrenees dogs aren’t just famous and beloved in the Westchester/Playa community! You may have seen them on TV, winning at the Westminster Dog Show. Or perhaps you’ve seen them in the movies “Santa Paws,” “Finding Neverland” or “The Biggest Little Farm,” guarding the livestock of Apricot Lane Farms.

Great Pyrenees also make great therapy and service dogs, not to mention wonderful family pets. After the parade, you’ll find them on the grass just east of the LMU gates. The big white dogs are easy to spot, and they‘re always looking for more fluffy friends to join their group!

Chamber Board Chair and Honorary Mayor

Please give a warm welcome to the chamber’s new board chair, Jerry Jen! Jerry is riding in the parade today with the chamber’s 2026-2027 Honorary Mayor, Lauren Weinbaum! Lauren is joined in her vehicle by her family.

Read more about these dynamic leaders on page 12. From the chamber to you, have a happy and safe Fourth of July!

Kentwood Elementary School

The Kentwood Koalas are marching with pride, joy, and community spirit as they celebrate this special day together. This year they’re honoring America’s 250th birthday and celebrating the iconic American women who have helped shape our nation over the past two and a half centuries. Their giant birthday cake float serves as a festive tribute to our country’s history and the remarkable women whose courage, leadership, innovation, and perseverance have inspired generations. Their incredible students, families, teachers, staff, and mascot Kenny the Koala are bringing energy, music, smiles, and school spirit to the parade route. They’re proud to celebrate the traditions, achievements, and shared experiences that make Kentwood and the Westchester community such special places to learn and grow.

A special thank you to the Drollinger Family Charitable Foundation for supporting Kentwood Elementary and helping make this creative celebration of community, learning, and togetherness possible.

Kentwood Elementary is Kindness Certified and has been voted Best Traditional Public Elementary School in the Hometown News for the past four consecutive years. Kentwood is also a proud recipient of the California Distinguished School Award. Serving students in transitional kindergarten through 5th Grade, Kentwood offers an outstanding educational experience enriched by programs in music, choir, Innovation Lab, art, gardening, physical education, yoga, dance, theater, and more.

Los Angeles Ghostbusters

If there’s something strange–who you gonna call? The Los Angeles Ghostbusters of course! Celebrating more than four years of service and over $100,000 raised for local charities, the Los Angeles Ghostbusters with their fleet of Ecto-themed vehicles and fully equipped Ghostbusters will be in attendance to keep the parade route free of any supernatural baddies!

The L.A. Ghostbusters are a fan-led organization providing an authentic Ghostbusters experience to the public while fundraising for family and children’s charities like the Los Angeles-based Starlight Children’s Foundation. Since its founding in 2021, L.A. Ghostbusters has partnered with small L.A. businesses and Sony Pictures Studios to raise more than $100,000 for Starlight to create Ghostbusters-themed hospital gowns for children in hospitals across the country.

Koshin Taiko Drummers

Koshin Taiko is honored to be a third-time participant in this year’s LAX Coastal Fourth of July Parade! Koshin practices nearby at its home at the Venice Japanese Community Center. Koshin traces its lineage back to the first professional taiko group in Japan, Oedo Sukeroku Taiko, which made history with its blend of classical Japanese music, martial arts and dance. The late Sensei Etsuo Hongo brought the Oedo Sukeroku style to his own energetic compositions when he founded Koshin Taiko in 1992. In Koshin’s unique form, powerful and beautiful taiko sounds are created through carefully choreographed movements. The synthesis of powerful sound and

graceful movement, along with their visually distinctive Okedou (rope tightened drums), makes Koshin Taiko one of the most dynamic taiko groups in Los Angeles. By incorporating aspects of other styles of drumming while still exploring the rich traditions of Japanese taiko, Koshin continues to live up to their name it was given more 30 years ago which means, “bright heart or spirit.”

For more information about Koshin Taiko, please visit koshintaiko.org or check them out on Instagram @koshintaiko or facebook.com/ venicekoshintaiko.

L.A. City Councilwoman Traci Park

Councilwoman Traci Park and her team are proud to be in today’s parade alongside the community that makes the Westchester-Playa area such a special place. Over the past four years, they’ve worked side by side with residents to clean up our neighborhoods, restore our parks, and make our streets safer—and they’re just getting started. Good news, CD11— you’re stuck with them for four more years!

Happy Fourth of July from your friends in Council District 11!

NCWP Star of the Neighborhood

A Star of the Neighborhood is someone who quietly makes a difference in our community. They are unsung heroes, but are well known by the lives they touch. Each Star of the Neigh-

borhood, proudly picked by the Neighborhood Council of Westchester/Playa (NCWP) every year, helps to better the lives of so many in our neighborhood.

This year, the NCWP is proud to recognize the Volunteer Community Patrol (VCP) as the Star of the Neighborhood! This group of dedicated volunteers is being recognized for their work patroling the neighborhood and serving as the eyes and ears of the community.

Read more about the VCP and your local NCWP on page 16 of the Hometown News.

Rotary Clubs on Firetrucks

Please welcome Playa Venice Sunrise and Westchester Rotarians, friends of the LAX Coastal Chamber, and the Los Angeles Fire Department.

Rotary is a service group made up of dedicated people who use their “time, talent and treasure” to give back to our community, supporting such projects as scholarships, service projects and today’s parade. Playa Venice Sunrise is in its 22nd year and membership is 49 strong! The club was recently selected as the Club of Impact for Rotary District 5280. July 1st marks the start of a new Rotary year and new Presidents. Riding on the truck today are Gail Goldstein, President of Playa Venice Sunrise and Cindy Williams, President of Westchester Rotary. Happy 4th of July from your community Rotary Clubs and the LAFD!

welcome to our national anthem singer

Jack Steiner will be playing the National Anthem this July 4th to start off Westchester’s parade and celebrate our nation’s 250 anniversary!

Jack will be entering 7th grade at St. Anastasia School this fall. He is a dedicated student known for his strong work ethic both in the classroom and on the field!

He has been playing guitar for a year and a half and enjoys it so much that he never needs to be reminded to practice.

Jack is an active member of Boy Scout Troop 915 and enjoys playing both lacrosse and baseball. He is playing baseball in his last year in the Del Rey Little League and he earned a spot on the 12U All-Star baseball team! The highlights of this season have been hitting homeruns over the fence during the Homerun Derby and receiving the honorable “Bob Spicuzza Sportsmanship Award,” a recognition that reflects his character, teamwork, and positive attitude.

When he’s not busy with school or sports, Jack loves spending time with his friends, older brother Evan, and his beloved Vizsla, Samantha—better known as “Sam.” Whether he’s practicing guitar, competing on the field, or enjoying time with family

and friends, Jack approaches everything with enthusiasm.

He truly embodies the idea of working hard, playing hard, and being a kind, wellrounded young man.

this year’s parade participants

Design Street Studio’s & Uncle Sam

Linda Soto’s Design Street Studios Balloons brings the party as America celebrates its 250th birthday! Westchester resident Linda Soto is riding in the parade today, ready to show off her balloon creations and ready to serve up a big cake for the U.S.A.’s party! Linda is also celebrating an impressive milestone of her own—29 years of creating award-winning balloon designs that have added color, joy, and unforgettable memories to celebrations throughout the community and beyond!

From birthdays, graduations, corporate events, and patriotic festivities, Linda’s creative artistry has helped make every occasion truly special. Her dedication to innovative design, exceptional service, and attention to detail has earned her recognition as a trusted and beloved local business, continuing to transform ordinary events into extraordinary celebrations. Learn more about her artistry at designstreetstudiosballoons.com or by emailing designstreetstudios@gmail.com.

Linda is joined by Uncle Sam played today by Craig Krapf.

501st Legion, Rebel Legion and the Mandalorian Mercs with Road Squadron

The 501st Legion, Rebel Legion and the Mandalorian Mercs are volunteer groups comprised of members that build screen-accurate and meticulously crafted Star Wars universe costumes and wear them while supporting local community and charity events such as Relay for Life, Alzheimer’s Walks, library literacy events and more. The local chapters appearing today are Sunrider Base of the Rebel Legion, Southern California Garrison of the 501st Legion and Manda’galaar Clan of the Mandalorian Mercs. These out-of-this-world groups have now become parade favorites!

Joining the 501st today is Road Squadron.

Founded by Shawn “Obi-Shawn” Crosby in 1999, this group began as a small handful of rag-tag Star Wars tribute cars. Today, Road Squadron has grown to 300 builders around the United States and features creations inspired by many sciencefiction film franchises. Road Squadron has used its vehicles to bring awareness and assistance to more

than 200 charity organizations through thousands of visits over their 24 years.

“May the Fourth be with you!”

BLOW Brass Band

Marching in the parade for the second time this year is BLOW Brass! BLOW Brass is an 8-person ensemble that has performed for Sony, the Super Bowl, and Disneyland, and is so happy to be joining today’s program!

Together since 2020, BLOW is comprised of members that met through playing at USC, Long Beach State, and Disneyland. Combining modern and retro sensibilities with jazz and pop, BLOW transforms well-loved classics into something new and exciting.

Check them out at blowbrass.com!

Westchester Del Rey Little

League

Westchester Del Rey Little League Softball (WDRLL) and Tee Ball proudly celebrates 52 years of Little League Softball and 23 years of co-ed Tee Ball in the Westchester community!

Founded in 1974 by Mary Ann and Kent Mace with just 50 girls playing at Westchester Park, WDRLL has grown into one of Southern California’s premier softball programs, serving hundreds of players ages 4 to 14 from Westchester, Playa del Rey, and the surrounding communities.

At the heart of their league are three simple priorities: kids first, build community, help kids learn to play and enjoy softball and tee ball.

This season, the league’s players and families brought those values to life through community events, skills clinics, Little League and USA Softball competition, and countless volunteer hours dedicated to creating a positive experience

for every child.

WDRLL proudly celebrates the accomplishments of its 2025 Major Division AllStars, who captured the Little League Softball West Region Championship and represented our community on ESPN at the Little League Softball World Series in Greenville, North Carolina last summer.

This year, WDRLL hosted the 12th Annual Border War Softball Tournament, welcomed all-school Tee Ball teams from Kentwood Elementary, partnered with local schools throughout the community, and was selected by Little League West Region to host the 2026 Southern California 8–10-Year-Old State Tournament at Kent Mace Field.

Today, WDRLL is proud to march with players, coaches, families, and supporters from across the league. Please join in celebrating Westchester Del Rey Little League—where kids come first, community matters, and every child has a place to play!

Happy Fourth of July!

National Charity League, Beachside Chapter

The National Charity League’s Beachside Chapter is back at it for their second year in a row! NCL is committed to championing the bond between mothers and daughters, through consistent community service, intentional leadership development, and meaningful cultural experiences. They believe in dreaming big and small. And they have used the dreams of the women before them as a motivating lifeforce. You may have seen some of their members volunteering at local organizations including, The Friends of The Ballona Wetlands, the LAX Coastal Education Foundation, The Westchester Rotary Club, and The El Segundo Blue Butterfly Conservancy.

Each year, nationwide, NCL teams of mothers and daughters donate close to 3 million volunteer hours to support more than 6,000 charities throughout the country. If you’d like to learn more about the opportunities available at NCL Beachside, please visit their website: nationalcharityleague.org/chapter/beachside. They are also planning days to answer any questions at the Westchester Farmer’s Market, so be sure to look out for them!

Happy Birthday, U.S.A.!

this year’s parade participants

Mrs. Classic USA

Let’s welcome Lesley Nardini to the parade! She is the current reigning Mrs. Classic USA. She won this title last November in New Orleans, Louisiana at the USA World Pageant, an organization that celebrates the accomplishments of women at every age and stage of life. She is a native Californian and moved to Playa Vista early last year. She gives her time to several charity and non-profit organizations, including as a member of the Woman’s Club of Playa del Rey.

As Mrs. Classic USA, Lesley will travel to Malaysia this October to compete for the title of Classic Mrs. International Global. An important part of the competition is the national costume contest and Lesley is excited to wear her costume depicting America’s 250th birthday celebration during the parade. Besides participating in pageants Lesley works as a professional speaker and author.

Immortal Lion Dancers

Based in Los Angeles, The Immortals Awaken Lion Dance is one of the region’s most renowned and historic cultural ensembles. Its roots trace back to the early 1960s, when founder Jeff Chan informally brought together a group of neighborhood youth in L.A.’s Chinatown to train in martial arts and lion dancing. In doing so, Chan broke traditional

molds, establishing the first independent group entirely unaffiliated with a family association or formal Gung Fu school.

Today, that community spirit burns as brightly as ever. Multiple generations of the original 1960s members continue to perform alongside their children and grandchildren. With deep roots in the community, The Immortals are a fixture of Southern California’s cultural landscape, bringing vibrant energy to countless parades, festivals, grand openings, and high-profile film and television productions.

More info regarding the Immortals can be found on their social media: Facebook/IG/ YouTube: @immortalsliondance

They would like to extend a heartfelt “Thank You” to the Westchester community for having them in the parade once again.

Happy Fourth of July to all!

Loyola Marymount University

Brighten Your Summer with Loyola Marymount University! Join the community for free events, including LMU’s Shakespeare on the Bluff’s performance of “Hamlet” on July 9 and July 11 and for Summer Movie Night on July 10 for a screening of “F1: The Movie.”

LMU is also proud to host the L.A. Rams training camp again this summer. Joining the LMU float today are the LMU men’s and women’s

Go Lions!

LAPD Leaders and Booster Club

It is the mission of the Los Angeles Police Department to safeguard lives and property in the communities it serves; to reduce the incidence and fear of crime and to enhance public safety. The mandate of the men and women of the LAPD is to perform these services with honor, integrity and the highest ethical standards.

Riding in the parade today from the Pacific Division is Senior lead Officer Luis Pinell with 8-year-old Westchester resident Kennedy White. They are joined by Captains Eric Eppolito and Brian Churchill, who are walking down the route. From the LAPD to you, have a safe and Happy Fourth of July!

Woman’s Club of Playa del Rey

The Women’s Club of Playa del Rey (WCPDR) is proud to honor our nation’s 250th anniversary by helping to make the dream of a college education accessible to local young women.

WCPDR is the longest-standing nonprofit club in Playa del Rey, going on 88 years strong with more than 140 members. The club’s main philanthropic project has been awarding $40,000 each year in scholarships to 20 female

students living or attending schools in the area. Marching with the club are some of this year’s recipients. In addition to scholarships, the club raises funds for numerous other charities throughout the year, primarily at its main events: a fall Makers’ Market and a spring rummage sale.

In addition to their fundraising endeavors, the women enjoy sharing varied activities together such as walking, knitting, movies, mahjong, book and game clubs.

Come visit them on the second Tuesday of the month at their clubhouse or check them out at.wcpdr.org or facebook.com/ gfwcplayadelrey.

Soccer-themed

Match

Family-friendly,

Giveaways + raffle

this year’s parade participants

Visitation Catholic School

Celebrating “250 Years of American Dreams,” Visitation Catholic School is proud to be part of this year’s Fourth of July parade celebration, honoring the belief that dreams really can come true!

The Visitation float showcases the dreams and possibilities that live within every child. Students bring those dreams to life as they imagine the people they hope to become, from astronauts and poets, to professional athletes, doctors, scientists, teachers, judges, artists, entrepreneurs, and community leaders, each one making a difference in this world!

At Visitation, they believe every child’s dream matters and every student has a unique path and purpose. As a welcoming and inclusive community, Visitation is dedicated to nurturing the whole child academically, spiritually, and socially while encouraging creativity, confidence, compassion, and a lifelong love of learning.

Rooted in faith, learning, and service, Visitation helps students grow into thoughtful leaders who are prepared to contribute positively to their families and the broader community.

They’re a non-profit membership organization of approximately 150 volunteers, dedicated to giving audiences a great theatrical experience! Learn more at kentwoodplayers.org or facebook.com/KentwoodPlayers.org, and get tickets for their next show, “Significant Other,” opening on July 10.

Los Angeles World Airports

For those who have driven by our campus, you may have noticed the message on the sign out front: “In a world where you can be anything, be kind.” That message is at the heart of what Visitation is. They encourage their students to dream big, pursue their passions, and believe in what they can achieve, while always remembering that kindness, compassion, and how we treat others are what truly make a difference. The dreams children carry today have the power to shape tomorrow. Whether they dream of discovering something new, caring for others, creating something meaningful, or leading their communities, Visitation champions the ambition, creativity, and determination that help those dreams become reality. As we celebrate 250 years of American dreams, Visitation is proud to celebrate a future filled with possibility, purpose, and kindness. Learn more at Visitationschool.org.

Kentwood Players

Within the walls of the 112-seat Westchester Playhouse on Hindry Ave., Kentwood Players has presented tons of professional and awardwinning plays and musical over its 76 years!

Los Angeles World Airports celebrates America’s 250th anniversary by showcasing LAX’s ongoing transformation. Two major projects are in the spotlight this year: SkyLink, a zero-emissions electric train linking passengers to the LAX/Metro Transit Center, economy parking, and Rental Car Center; and the ATMP Roadway Improvements Project, adding four miles of reconfigured roadways to ease traffic in to and out of LAX.

LAWA’s Airport Affairs team, Airport Police, and the beloved pet therapy PUPs are representing the airport this year. Learn more about LAX’s transformation at LAWA.org/ TransformingLAX.

AYSO Region 7

Marching today are the incredible youth soccer players from AYSO Region 7, located right here in Westchester! These players play and practice at local Nielsen Field.

The girls represent the incredible 12U Chester FC tournament team, and the boys are part of the 14U team that recently won the Aviation Cup without giving up a single goal!

Get involved by signing up to play for AYSO Region 7 this fall!

Competitive divisions practice twice a week with another day often devoted to skills clinics with their pro trainers; Region 7 offers a player development curriculum that is comparable to club at a fraction of the cost. That’s because we want everyone to play! Register by August 1st at ayso7.org.

grown produce, fresh cut flowers, farm fresh eggs, locally pollinated honey, sustainably sourced fish and seafood (over twenty market options each week!), with a wealth of artisanal foods, freshly baked breads and pastries, options for quick bite, a rotating mix of community booths, kids activities, and live music!

The market wants to thank the community and its sponsors, the Westchester Town Center BID and the Drollinger Family Charitable Foundation, for the support! Visit their website at westchesterfarmersmkt.com or check them out on social media!

Paseo del Rey Elementary School

Westchester Farmers’ Market

The Westchester Farmers’ Market brings together farmers, neighbors, and community each and every week in the Westchester Triangle on 87th Street on Sundays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Now in its 9th year, they have more than 40 vendors offering seasonal locally

Paseo del Rey is a TK-5th grade community school that also offers a Spanish Dual Language program in the heart of Playa del Rey. In addition to their academic programs, Paseo offers a variety of extracurricular activities including computer lab, yoga, the arts, and robotics for GATE students. At Paseo, they believe that elementary school is the foundation for lifelong learning. Paseo is a community where curiosity is encouraged, creativity is celebrated, and every child’s unique potential is supported. What better way to live the American Dream than to go to a great school by the beach!

Paseo del Rey Elementary first opened its doors in 1962 and started as a small, neighborhood school close to LAX and local beaches. Over the years, Paseo continued to develop its programs, most recently adding Spanish Dual Language. Teachers, parents, students and alumni, as well as the local residents and business community, have enthusiastically supported Paseo. This support has provided our children with opportunities for greater academic excellence and cultural diversity, without losing the personal caring, nurturing, safety, and intimacy of a neighborhood school. Come check out this hidden gem. Call (310) 823-2356 for more info or go to paseodelreyes.lausd.org. Go Stingrays!

Rotary Club of Marina del Rey

The Rotary Club of Marina Del Rey is proud to be a part of the Westchester’s Fourth of July parade, celebrating 250 Years of American

Dreams by sailing into the future with youth on the water. Their float honors the American belief that every young person deserves the wind in their sails. By partnering with the Boys and Girls Club of West San Gabriel Valley & Eastside, their mission is to expand youth sailing programs to children all over Los Angeles.

Joining the float are young sailors from the program, as well as members of the Marina Del Rey Rotary Club, proving that the American Dream is alive, well, and being passed to the next generation, one tide at a time.

The Rotary Club of Marina Del Rey is a dedicated group of business leaders, professionals, and community members committed to making a positive difference through service, fellowship, and leadership. They embrace the motto “Service Above Self” by supporting projects that strengthen our local community and create lasting impact around the world. Their club actively supports youth and senior programs, vocational services, environmental actions, international missions, and community improvement projects. Visit mdrrotary.org to learn more!

A special thank you to

for

parade! She recently won the Rotary District Pageant of the Arts and received a $1,000 scholarship!

While we hope you are having fun and enjoying the parade with all the music, floats and marching groups, SAFETY IS OUR NUMBER ONE PRIORITY! A FIRST-AID STATION is located at the northeast corner of 83rd and Loyola. Need a band aid? We have basic first-aid kits at each announcer’s booth, on our golf carts and at the VIP tent at the starting line. Just ask a volunteer in a pink parade shirt for assistance. PORT-A-POTTIES are located at 85th & Loyola, 83rd & Loyola and 80th & Loyola. Bathrooms are also available at LMU and Westchester Park.

Please walk your bike or scooter if you need to cross the parade route. Riders that are not with any entry in the parade will be asked to walk their bikes/ scooters to ensure the safety of the parade entries and to keep the parade running smoothly. NEED WATER? Water is available for free at each announcer booth, at the VIP tent and will be passed out along the route by the Stephanie Younger Group. Dog bowls will also be available at the announcer’s booths.

this year’s parade participants

Enjoy the photos in this program from last year’s parade by Zsuzsi Steiner Photography! Share your 2026 parade photos using #laxcoastalonparade!

LA Waves

Please welcome the LA Waves, a girls U16 soccer team! The LA Waves are headed to Nashville in a few weeks after becoming the first Alliance club team to ever qualify for the U.S. Youth Soccer National Championships. What began as an AYSO Extra U9 team has grown into one of Southern California’s top youth soccer programs, earning the opportunity to compete against the nation’s best. As they prepare for Nationals, the team is fundraising to help ensure every player who worked so hard to earn this historic invitation can make the trip.

The LA Waves’ success extends far beyond the soccer field. These young athletes mentor younger girls teams, volunteer in their community by cleaning parks and serving at local food kitchens, and dedicate themselves to continuous improvement through strength training, injury prevention with a physical therapist, and video analysis. Their commitment to excellence is matched by their commitment to giving back.

The team’s journey also reflects the mission of S1Alliance soccer, a fully volunteer-led club that believes every child who wants to play high-level soccer should have the opportunity to do so. By keeping costs low while providing elite training and competition, Alliance makes competitive soccer more accessible, proving that with hard work, community support, and opportunity, extraordinary achievements are possible. Read more about the team on page 4 of the Hometown News.

Ladies of the Westchester Elks

Participating in the parade for more than two decades, please welcome the Ladies of the Westchester Elks and Westchester Elks Lodge 2050, riding in classic 1960s automobiles! Their theme is “Daydream Believers.” The Ladies of the Westchester Elks are a nonprofit charitable and social organization dedicated to supporting the Elks and the community through a variety of events and charitable programs throughout the year.

has done!

Led by John Melville, here’s the one and only band that makes great music with the help of a trash can! Sit back and cover your ears, because it’s going to get loud!

Westchester/Playa Historical Society

Greetings from your Westchester/Playa Historical Society! Riding today in a vintage Ford Thunderbird are representatives from the nonprofit, including President Cozette Vergari!

Ever wonder just how Westchester and the surrounding communities of Playa del Rey and Playa Vista came to be? They can show you!

Visit their Discovery Center during the Westchester Farmers’ Market every Sunday morning and experience the visual history of our area through the many vintage photographs and pictures the center holds. You can also visit their website at wphistoricalsociety.org, and peruse their collection of thousands of vintage digitalized photos!

Their activities include an annual Fashion Show, scholarship programs, and the everpopular Elks Car Show & Chili Cook-Off. Leading the group today is President Sherry Lambie, riding in last year’s Car Show “Best in Show” winner, a beautiful 1968 Mustang GT. The Ladies would also like to invite everyone to join them for a Fourth of July BBQ at the Elks Lodge, immediately following the parade.

The Ladies of the Westchester Elks meet on the first Monday of each month at the Elks Lodge from 6:30 to 8 p.m. For more information, please contact, Ms. Lambie at ladiesofthewestchesterelks@gmail.com.

The Trash Can Band

Did you know you could turn a regular household garbage can into a musical instrument? Well, that’s exactly what The Trash Can Band

They wish everyone a “Happy Fourth” on this profoundly historical day!

WISH Community & Academy High School

WISH Community School and WISH Academy High School are thrilled to celebrate America’s 250th birthday with the Westchester community!

This year, join their TK–12th grade students as they launch “To Infinity and Beyond–” an ode to 250 years of American flight and space exploration! From the wonder of the first hot air balloon drifting across a summer sky, to the Wright Brothers’ daring leap at Kitty Hawk, to Neil Armstrong’s giant leap for mankind–America has always had its eyes on the stars.

This year’s float celebrates that unbreakable spirit of exploration and discovery, tracing our journey from the clouds all the way to the cosmos. Keep your eyes peeled for a very special guest hidden aboard the float–Rocky, the beloved space alien from Project Hail Mary–because some adventures are out of this world!

Westchester Lariats

The Westchester Lariats have been dancing in Westchester since 1950! For the last 76 years, children and teens have been learning folk dances from around the world, gaining deep appreciation of the many cultures through music and dance, and building lifelong friendships. The Westchester Lariats meet on most Mondays during the school year to rehearse and have multiple performances.

Last year, the Lariats celebrated their 75th Anniversary with a display at the Westchester/ Playa Historical Society and a reunion at Otis College with more than 100 alumni flying in from all over the country. The Lariats look forward to many more years of building community and appreciation of cultures around the world through dance!

To find out more, visit Facebook.com/ thewestchesterlariats or westchesterlariats.org.

Saint Monica Preparatory

Saint Monica Preparatory TK-12 students, families, faculty and staff are proud to join today’s parade for the 10th year.

And as NASA’s Artemis II mission carries humanity back toward the moon, we are reminded that the American dream doesn’t stop at the horizon. It never has. So look up, dream big, and blast off with WISH because the sky is not the limit–it’s just the beginning!

Established in 2010, WISH Community School and WISH Academy High School are free public schools serving all students in an inclusive and supportive environment. The WISH mission is to maximize every scholar’s learning potential within an atmosphere of caring and belonging. WISH is grateful to be part of this extraordinary Westchester community, and they look forward to many more years of growing, achieving, and celebrating together!

For more info, please visit wishcharter.org or info@wishcharter.org.

As they celebrate 250 years of American dreams and opportunity, SMPREP continues to empower students to discover their passions and pursue futures filled with purpose and possibility. This year, Mariners celebrated multiple league championship titles and school records across athletics, as well as the opening of the beautiful new Dorene C. Dominguez Center for the Arts.

Congratulations to the SMPREP Class of 2026 on an outstanding year and an impressive list of college acceptances, including UC Berkeley, Notre Dame, NYU, UCLA, Emory, USC and Vanderbilt. Learn more about SMPREP’s transformative education at saintmonicaprep.org or contact Admissions at admissions@smprep.org.

Wishing everyone a happy and safe Fourth of July from SMPREP!

Clean Up Westchester

Let’s hear it for Clean Up Westchester! This amazing group of volunteers has been doing their part in cleaning up Westchester for five years, and has picked up nearly 100,000 pounds of trash from neighborhood streets since they started!

These energetic people all show up twice a month on a popular street like Sepulveda, Manchester, La Tijera or Lincoln, in their bright yellow T-shirts to keep our community clean, which truly shows the positive character of our village!

They are a symbol that we care about how our community looks and feels for our families, friends and neighbors.

This Clean Up Westchester campaign has given all of us new inspiration to give back to our community! Learn more and view their calendar at cleanupwestchester.com.

St.

Anastasia

Catholic School

This year’s Saint Anastasia Fourth of July Parade Float celebrates 250 Years of American

Dreams by honoring one of the most iconic achievements in American history—the 1969 moon landing! Inspired by the courage, innovation, and unity that carried astronauts to the moon, their float reflects the enduring spirit of the American dream: believing that no goal is beyond reach. As America prepares for its next chapter of lunar exploration through the Artemis program, they are reminded that bold dreams, hard work, and determination continue to propel us forward!

At the center of the float stands a giant astronaut constructed from recycled materials, symbolizing the limitless potential within every student. The astronaut rises above a staircase built from recycled student workbooks, representing the wealth of knowledge gained through education. The astronaut carries an American flag created from recycled school uniforms, while the Saint Anastasia Space Explorers ride alongside, celebrating imagination, faith, and the pursuit of excellence. With this float, they honor the achievements of the past, while inspiring the dreamers, innovators, and explorers of the future!

Founded in 1950, Saint Anastasia School has proudly served Westchester families for more than 75 years. Rooted in faith, academic excellence, and service to others, the school inspires students to discover their talents, pursue their dreams, and make a positive impact on the world around them. This year’s float also reflects their commitment to creativity and environmental stewardship, with approximately 85% of the float constructed from used and recycled materials.

St. A’s would like to extend its sincere gratitude to The Home Depot (Jefferson Blvd. location), ACE Hardware (Bundy Dr. location), and One Way Heating & Air for their generous donations of new and recycled materials that helped bring their vision to life. They also offer a heartfelt thanks to St. Anastasia families— parents and students alike—for contributing their time, food, creativity, and imaginative ideas throughout the planning and construction process. Their dedication and teamwork made this project possible!

this year’s parade participants

Salute to Veterans with WWII Vehicle

Riding in a 1943 WWII Jeep is John Lehne, a U.S. Navy veteran who served during the Korean War. John was a cryptographer/radio operator stationed in the Philippines and on board the aircraft carrier USS Wasp (CVA18) from 1951 to 1955.

He grew up in Santa Monica, and now lives in Playa del Rey near his son and his family, who are long-time Westchester residents. Today, his son John is driving his dad in a 1943 Willys MB that was used in Europe and is now in a private collection.

Thank you to all our veterans and service members!

Warren High School Band

Please welcome the Warren High School Band and Color Guard from Downey who are participating in our parade for the first time!

Under the direction of Ray Vizcarra, The Warren Band has a proud tradition of excellence, earning two Southern California School Band and Orchestra Association (SCSBOA) Championships throughout its history. Last season, the program continued its success by capturing Tournament Sweepstakes, while the Warren Drumline and Warren Color Guard each earned Silver Medals at the WGASC Circuit Championships.

Please give a warm round of applause to the talented students of the Warren High School Band and Color Guard!

Westchester Family YMCA

As we celebrate 250 Years of American Dreams, the Westchester Family Y proudly celebrates 75 years of helping those dreams grow right here in our community!

cover what’s possible. This year’s entry celebrates the belief that the American Dream begins close to home, where a strong community gives every generation the chance to dream a little bigger. They’re also proud to honor the memory of longtime Y volunteer Jeannie Cheng, whose kindness and generosity continue to inspire all of us.

To join the Westchester YMCA Family, stop by the Y to learn more about membership and programs happening throughout the year!

Westchester Little League

What better way to celebrate 250 years of American Dreams than little league baseball? Westchester Little League is taking us out to the ball game this summer with all their red, white, and blue drip in this year’s parade!

Established in 1954, WLL is more than just a baseball league—it’s where 320 amazing players come together to build character, courage, and loyalty! Whether gearing up for a classic fall ball experience or the big spring season at Nielsen Field, this is where athletes create their very own WLL field of dreams! They offer age-appropriate baseball experience for players 4-12 that is all about heart and hustle. Reach out to info@westchesterll.org or follow them on Instagram @westchester_littleleague for more info.

organizations come together to celebrate everything that makes Westchester special. Bringing WAM’s musical spirit to the parade today is Goodnight Irene, a band of local music veterans performing rock favorites from the ‘80s and ‘90s, along with a few original songs. Westchester sounds better together!

The WAM Block Party will take place from 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Emerson Avenue in the heart of Westchester. This free community event features live music, local artists, food trucks, vendor booths, family-friendly activities, and more. Admission is free and everyone is invited! For more information, visit wamblockparty.org or email wamblockparty@gmail.com. Vendors and sponsors are also welcome!

Westchester Park

they symbolize the school’s mission of believing, achieving, and leading. The float also pays tribute to America’s freedom and opportunity, recognizing that this great country is built by dreamers who take action, and these actions inspire friends, teachers, mentors, and entire countries. Together, these two milestones celebrate a legacy of learning, faith, and the promise of future generations.

The Westchester Lutheran Wolfpack extends its heartfelt gratitude to the many volunteers, parents, staff members, students, alumni, and community supporters whose creativity, hard work, and generosity brought this special float to life. A special thank you goes to the float designer and construction manager, Dan Garr and assistant Josh Shoemaker, as well as engineer and fabricator, Art Wang, and finally Dan Engler for making this dream a reality!

As L.A.’s center for community well-being, the Y brings people together through opportunities to grow and belong. Today’s entry features dancers from the Y’s new Teen Theater program performing “You Can’t Stop the Beat,” choreographed by Y staff and volunteers Sheri Weitz, Derrick Spiva and Rickey Soto. They are joined by Y teens, volunteers and community members celebrating all that makes our neighborhood special

For 75 years, the Westchester Family Y has been creating experiences that become lifelong memories. From a child’s first day at camp to discovering a passion for the arts, the Y has helped people build confidence, find connection and dis-

Scouting America

Westchester Scouting America builds confidence through thrilling outdoor experiences, character-building leadership opportunities, and meaningful service to the community. Their most recognizable contributions to Westchester are the many Eagle Scout Projects found throughout the community. Programs are designed to give young people the skills they need to unlock their full potential. Join and be prepared to develop new skills, find new friends, and become future leaders!

Membership is open to boys and girls from kindergarten through the age of 17, with Explorers continuing through the age of 20. Find local Scouting programs by visiting beascout. scouting.org.

Happy Fourth of July!

WAM Block Party

Celebrating its 11th year, here comes WAM, the nonprofit organization behind the Westchester Arts & Music Block Party! Join them on Saturday, September 19, as neighbors, artists, musicians, businesses, and community

Our country is celebrating 250 years, and city parks are celebrating more than 390 years.

Boston Common, for example, was established in 1634. Great parks make our country better and Westchester Park makes Westchester better!

Westchester Park has amazing facilities: a recreation center with two gyms, a senior center, tennis courts, pickleball courts, a skateboard park, three ball diamonds, athletic fields, an outdoor basketball court, an indoor event venue, outdoor picnic event space, public library, swimming pool, library and golf course.

And the park is hosting all kinds of activities, including art classes, baseball, mahjong, drama club, gardening, musical lessons, summer camp self-defense, tech help, yoga, Zumba and more!

As they like to say, “Westchester Park, making Westchester better, one smile at a time!” A special thank you to Paul Romeo for providing the Red Corvette used in the parade.

Support your local park through the Westchester Park Friends! Learn more at westchesterpab.org. Check out the full list of what the park has to offer at laparks.org/reccenter/ westchester.

Westchester Lutheran School

Westchester Lutheran School is proud to celebrate its 75th anniversary, while also honoring the 250th anniversary of the United States with a special commemorative parade float!

Their float features three children fearlessly flying out of their school and toward their dreams, representing the hopes, talents, and opportunities that have inspired generations of students throughout WLS’s history!

As the children look toward their futures,

For more info about Westchester Lutheran Church or School, visit us at WLCS.org.

Chamber Staff & the Fourth of July Parade Committee

Closing down the parade is the chamber staff riding with the Fourth of July Parade Committee and friends!

The chamber team–Chad Maender, Judith Ciancimino, Sheryl Jones, Teyah Romero and Mary-Catherine Micka–thank you for joining them again this year and supporting this neighborhood tradition!

The LAX Coastal Chamber and Parade Committee would like to say a special thank you to today’s participants, volunteers, sponsors, residents of Loyola Blvd. and elected officials that make this event possible!

We’ll see you next year! Happy Fourth of July!

WPHS invites community to screening

By Cozette Vergari

The Westchester/Playa Historical Society is excited to host a screening of the film “The Price of Progress, LAX and Its Neighbors” at the Cinemark Theaters in Playa Vista on August 15th at 6 p.m.

“The Price of Progress, LAX and Its Neighbors” is a fabulous film, written, produced, and directed by Kevin K. Williamson, who has longtime ties with the Westchester/Playa community. The film not only delves deeply into the history of the community’s geographic footprint, but also focuses on the expansion of the original Los Angeles City Airport, evolving out of Mines Field in Westchester.

In 1926, the Los Angeles City Council and the Chamber of Commerce recognized the need for the city to have its own airport to tap into the fledgling, but quickly growing, aviation industry. Mines Field, farmland located within the boundaries of what is now Manchester and Imperial to the north and south and Aviation and Sepulveda Boulevards to the east and west, had supported many air shows in the early 1900s when aviation was born. In 1928, the City of Los Angeles’ newly formed Department of Airports leased 640 acres of this farmland to create an airport for the city, bringing about the construction of the original Air Terminal, now known as Hangar 1. The building, with its Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Mines Field, promoted by and named after local real estate agent William W. Mines, replaced earlier local airfields to cement Los Angeles’ place in the booming aviation industry. At the time, Mines Field had already been selected to host the 1928 National Air Races. Despite the city’s support and investments, Mines Field, which featured a 2,000-foot runway and hangar space for 40 planes, would

not become the region’s principal aviation terminal until the 1940s. That distinction was held for nearly two decades by Burbank Union Air Terminal (now Hollywood Burbank Airport) and Glendale Grand Central Air Terminal, through which most airlines routed their planes.

“The Price of Progress, LAX and Its Neighbors” follows the history of ongoing expansion of the airport property, from the original Los Angeles Municipal Airport to being named Los Angeles International Airport, better known as LAX. It is a must-see for any history buff, aviation fan, or community member who is curious about their neighborhood!

After the documentary film is shown on August 15th from 6 to 8 p.m., there

will be a Q&A with filmmaker Kevin K. Williamson to learn more, share your thoughts and delve into the history of this exciting topic.

We do expect the event to sell out, so please save the date and secure your $10 ticket. Questions? Connect with us at fromthewphs@gmail.com.

In the meantime, the Discovery Center is open to the public on Sundays, between 9:30 a.m. and noon during the Westchester Farmers’ Market, or by appointment. The WPHS Discovery Center is located at 6207 W. 87th St. in the Triangle in Westchester.

Tickets for the documentary can be purchased at support.6207wphs.net or by scanning the QR code (right top).

To learn more about the film and watch the trailer, please visit the-price-

of-progress.com (lower right). Cozette is an attorney and lifelong resident of Westchester. She is the President of the Westchester/ Playa Historical Society. Together, with a group of dedicated volunteers, the organization is working on creating new programming and events to celebrate the history of the area and engage the community in preserving it for future generations.

A 2,500-mile journey of healing: local dad walks to raise awareness for men’s mental health

By Shanee Edwards

When Robb Pollard stood at the Playa del Rey breakwater before sunrise on April 27, the Pacific Ocean behind him and 2,500 miles of road ahead, he wasn’t thinking about publicity or raising money.

He was thinking about survival.

The Playa del Rey resident had just taken the first step of what would become a 56-day journey across America, ending at Jacksonville Beach, Florida, where he reached the Atlantic Ocean on Father’s Day, reuniting with his wife and two young children.

For Robb, the walk, called Walk With Me, Brother, was about confronting the silence surrounding male suicide and mental health.

“This was never about cameras or clicks,” Robb says. “It was about letting men know they’re not alone.”

Robb, who lives near 83rd Street in Playa del Rey and owns a custom men’s suit business in the neighborhood, chose to begin his journey close to home for a reason.

At first, he considered launching from the Santa Monica Pier, but the decision didn’t feel right.

“I thought, why am I starting there?” he says. “Why not start where I actually live?”

Playa del Rey has become Robb’s home since moving there in 2015. Originally from northwest England near Manchester, he first came to Los Angeles in 2010 on vacation, fell in

love with the city, and later met his wife.

Now, with a slower-paced beachside life, local coffee spots, familiar faces, and his business nearby, Playa feels like a place of community and the perfect starting point for a mission rooted in connection.

But the road ahead was anything but easy.

What many people didn’t know when Robb took that first step was that the journey had begun long before the breakwater.

I got to rewrite my future. And hopefully help someone else do the same.” “

It started in a bathroom.

Robb has battled depression, bipolar disorder, addiction, and suicidal thoughts for much of his life. He says he attempted to take his own life twice. For years, he masked his pain with alcohol.

“Nobody ever told me I drank too much,” he says. “I was very good at hiding it.”

Even after becoming a husband and father, the drinking continued. But

on New Year’s Eve 2024, something changed.

His infant daughter became violently ill late that night, and Robb realized he’d been drinking whiskey. If he needed to drive her to the hospital, he couldn’t.

“That hit me hard,” he says. “I knew right then it would be my last drink.”

He poured everything out the next day and committed to sobriety. But getting sober, he says, forced him to confront everything he had been numbing. Without alcohol, his depression deepened.

By spring 2025, he says he had reached a breaking point.

“I didn’t want to wake up feeling like that anymore,” he says.

His wife had become increasingly concerned. A year earlier, she had found him walking through their home, looking for places to end it all.

Robb says he had seen therapists before, but admits he wasn’t honest with them.

“I lied every time,” he says.

Then came what he describes as a moment of surrender. Alone in his bathroom, he dropped to his knees and prayed.

“I made a deal with God. I said, ‘If you help me, I’ll help somebody else.’”

That promise would ultimately become Walk With Me, Brother.

Part of Robb’s healing came through ketamine infusion therapy, which he began in Marina del Rey after researching treatment options. While

he acknowledges it may not work for everyone, he credits it with helping save his life.

By his fifth session, he says the noise in his mind around addiction cravings, trauma, depression, and crippling anxiety had begun to quiet.

“For the first time, I felt lighter,” he says.

And during one of those treatments, Robb says he had a vivid vision of himself running across America.

At first, it felt strange and unrelated to his healing. Later, it became a plan. By August 2025, he had formed his own nonprofit and began

(continued on page 37)

by Zsuzsi Steiner

Healing journey ( cont’d)

(continued from page 36) preparing for a cross-country mission.

Originally, Robb intended to raise money for larger mental health organizations, but after researching how little of each dollar sometimes goes directly to services, he decided to create his own 501(c)(3).

The journey itself cost about $44,000, with Robb personally covering $24,000. But for him, the return wasn’t financial.

“My goal was to help one person,” he says.

Along the route, traveling through Texas, Louisiana, and the Southeast, often living out of a 24-foot camper van, Robb found himself doing exactly that.

Sometimes in planned community meetups. Sometimes in unexpected places. He made a meaningful connection in a laundromat in an RV park.

He says men opened up to him in ways they never had before. Some were veterans, delivery drivers, or construction workers.

“One big guy in a laundromat told me his brother died by suicide in 2008, and he’d never talked about it,” Robb says. “We ended up hugging in the middle of that laundromat.”

The most powerful encounters came in Sugar Land, Texas, where Robb met two 17-year-olds through a nonprofit. One was newly sober. The other, a refugee named AK, had previously attempted to take his own life.

Robb spent an hour walking and talking with them. It changed him.

“That was the first time in my life I felt high without alcohol or drugs,” he says. “That’s when I realized my ‘why.’”

The timing was crucial.

Just days earlier, Robb says he had nearly quit.

His father-in-law was in intensive care. His sister-in-law had been diagnosed with breast cancer. His wife was home alone with their two children.

He called her and said he couldn’t keep going.

“She told me, ‘No. Finish it,’” he says.

Meeting those teenagers gave him the strength to continue. They were what the walk was all about.

Robb ultimately finished the walk earlier than expected, arriving in Jacksonville Beach on Father’s Day, which also happened to be his wedding anniversary.

His wife and children flew out to meet him.

Standing at the Atlantic Ocean, holding his son and daughter in his arms, the moment felt like something much more than the

end of a journey. It felt like the beginning of a new chapter.

Now back home in Playa del Rey, Robb says the real work is just beginning.

He plans to launch “Walk With Me, Brother,” chapters starting in Los Angeles, with twice-weekly morning walks, and runs open to anyone.

The idea is simple: create spaces where men can move, connect, and talk without judgment.

“Not everyone wants therapy. Maybe they just want to walk for an hour and be around people,” he says.

He hopes those gatherings will expand into other cities, creating community-based support systems rooted in movement, conversation, and accountability.

For Robb, the mission has become bigger than him. But it’s also deeply personal. He often thinks about his two children, his son, 5, and daughter, 2, and what they will someday understand about their father.

“They won’t remember this right now,” he says. “But one day, when they hear the words mental health, I want them to know asking for help is okay.”

More than anything, Robb says this journey allowed him to rewrite his story. Not as the man who almost lost his life. But as the man who chose to fight for it and for others.

“I got to rewrite my future,” he says. “And hopefully, help someone else do the same.”

Visit walkwithmebrother.com to learn more about Robb’s mission. If you or anyone you know is struggling, please contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988.

A bone density study with surprising results

By Jeff Blair

Opinion: Imagine you are a 60-yearold woman who has been diagnosed with osteoporosis. You even experienced a fracture from a fall four years ago. Then you see a poster at your local gym asking if you would be interested in participating in a study about strength training and bone density. The twist with this study is that it will only include women who have actually been diagnosed with either osteoporosis or osteopenia.

One other twist: the study will use heavy weights and traditional exercises such as deadlifts and squats rather than lighter options. Your only experience with weights is using hand weights in some group exercise classes. Now someone is asking you if you want to perform strength-training exercises you thought were reserved for other people. Would you be open to exercising in this way or would it make you nervous? This is the exact scenario women involved in the famous LIFTMOR (Lifting Intervention for Training Muscle and Osteoporosis Rehabilitation) study in Australia faced a few years ago.

The researchers behind the study were determined to find out whether

traditional strength-training exercises could improve bone health for people with very low bone mass. Forty-four of the participants had osteoporosis and 57 had osteopenia. Twentyseven of the participants had even previously suffered an osteoporotic fracture! The researchers believed traditional strength exercises like squats or deadlifts with heavy weights might improve bone health for the participants by placing more stimulus on the spine and hips.

The study lasted eight months. The participants lifted weights two times per week for 30 minutes. Unlike many other aspects of fitness such as strength, which can increase quickly, improving bone health requires a longer commitment to see results.

The general rule is that bone density requires at least four months to see measurable progress. Due to some technical challenges with how bone health is measured, it may take six to eight months for the improvement to accurately register on assessments.

Low bone mass participants who participated in the LIFTMOR study were able to increase their bone mass by 4% at the lumbar spine and 2% at the femoral neck (neck of the femur). Many people do not realize that bones

are dynamic tissue. Adequate stress on the bones can contribute to greater bone mass, and this is where strengthtraining can shine the brightest. Participants also increased strength by 25 to 35% and improved their ability to physically perform functional activities like the sit-to-stand test.

Over the eight-month period with 101 people working out twice per week, only one person experienced any type of strain that caused them to miss any workouts. This strain produced a short absence (one week), and the person later completed the study. No serious injuries were experienced by anyone participating in the study.

A separate group of women with osteoporosis and osteopenia was also studied over the same eight-month period. Instead of using heavier weights, they used light hand weights. Their bone mass did not increase, although they also worked out twice per week. Their bone mass actually decreased. This was due to inadequate bone stress from the lighter weights. They likely benefited in other ways, but did not increase bone density.

NOTE: The study noted that some people with other orthopedic challenges (such as shoulder or knee issues) were excluded from the study

for safety reasons. If someone has serious knee challenges, it is often necessary to address those issues before progressing into a LIFTMOR approach. Individualization is also an important consideration in any strength-training program, and designing around these challenges is not always simple.

The study also stated it is not possible for most people to safely assess their own technique. Knowledgeable supervision is necessary to safely perform the LIFTMOR protocol. The person conducting the exercise sessions was trained in exercise science and understood proper exercise instruction and form. Always be assessed individually and instructed properly before attempting to lift heavier weights to order to improve bone density.

Since osteopenia and osteoporosis are both medical diagnoses, always get doctor approval before beginning or increasing intensity of any exercise program if you have either condition.

Therapy Corner with Ann O’Brien

By Ann O’Brien

Opinion:

Lovely Readers,

I’m tasked with writing a mental health column at a time when anxiety and depression are at historic highs.

I’ve also noticed something a little harder to define: a growing sense of angst—a lingering unease, emotional restlessness, and dissatisfaction with ourselves and the world around us.

There are many reasons for this and just as many remedies. Here, though, I want to focus on one that often gets overlooked: the role our communities play in protecting or amplifying our well-being.

If you’re reading the Hometown News, I imagine you appreciate local life and, for the purpose of my column, are psychologically curious. So, let’s explore the intersection of community and psyche and how a return to a neighborhood focus might counter some of our angst.

I’ll begin with a story: a few weeks ago, while waiting for my car to be serviced, I took a moment to observe the world around me. It was one of those beautiful Southern California days where the blue of the sky seemed to roll infinitely into itself.

A woman, about 80, struck up a conversation. She told me about the economics of cars–a topic that never would have reached my digital algorithm. Then, she shared stories of her career in aerospace with mostly male engineers. My father also worked for a stint in aerospace and died last year. It was an unexpected, meaningful connection.

As we said goodbye, she smiled and said, “It was so nice to put down our phones and have a conversation.” I couldn’t have agreed more.

Technology has transformed the way we build relationships and communities. There is much to appreciate about it, but when digital interactions replace face-to-face ones, they can erode experiences essential to the human spirit.

They can keep us from spontaneous conversations. They can encourage us to interact through carefully curated versions of ourselves. They can funnel us into increasingly narrow perspectives instead of exposing us to the richness and complexity of real people.

Over time, it’s easy to become more cynical, more isolated, and less likely to see the basic decency in those around us, and then our emotional well-being suffers.

So how do we interrupt that cycle? Counter loneliness with connection. Counter worry with presence. Counter angst by looking for goodness in people outside your usual circles. In many ways, a neighborhood focus does just that.

Try it. Put down your phone. Speak

to your Barista or the person waiting for their coffee. Take out your AirPods at the gym and say hello. Go to a local community event. Volunteer. Bring your neighbors a home-grown treat.

More than a century ago, French sociologist Emile Durkheim observed that suicide rates were impacted not just by individual traits, but by community forces. His work suggested that higher levels of social integration and shared moral clarity protected against suicide. Since then, decades of research have continued to link community connection with better physical and mental health.

As we navigate life in the digital age, it’s worth asking what our local neighborhoods mean to us.

We are relational beings. We feed off of one another’s presence, whether it’s kindness, generosity, distance, impatience or hostility. Neighborhoods invite us to practice the care, curiosity, and respect that foster belonging and the sense that we matter to each other.

So, let’s take a moment to acknowledge the ripple that your positive presence in neighborhood life has not just on your own well-being, but also on your neighbors’.

I’ll leave you with lyrics from Ani DiFranco:

“I search your profile for a translation, I study the conversation like a map ‘cause I know there is strength in the differences between us And I know there is comfort where we overlap.”

As always, thanks for reading. Please continue sending your comments and questions! I welcome the community conversation.

Ann O’Brien, LCSW, MSc, is a Playa del Rey resident and therapist, specializing in relationships. Contact her with questions or comments at ann@annobrientherapy.com or visit annobrientherapy.com. You can also visit her Substack, Relational Insights: at annobrientherapy.substack.com.

We are a family-owned restaurant serving homestyle Cuban and Spanish favorites like our delicious Pollo Asado, Spanish Paella, Lechon de Puerco, and Cuban-style hotpressed sandwiches.

Open Tuesday-Sunday 11 AM to 9 PM. Dine-in or Takeout

LA Waves (c ont’d)

(continued from page 4)

“We’ve watched these kids grow up together,” Howell says. “It’s not just about games anymore. It’s friendships, trust and helping each other.”

That family atmosphere is something other parents say makes the Waves stand out.

Liisa Bishop, whose daughter Kira rejoined the team after COVID, has another child in high-level club soccer and says the difference is striking.

“It’s not a machine to make money,” Bishop says. “It’s not a business. There’s so much more here.”

She points to the team’s holistic training methods as an example. One assistant coach is a physical therapist, and injury prevention is built into the team culture, which is something she says she’s never seen prioritized at this level.

“They do weight training, stretching, recovery work,” she says. “And they also do game film review. They’ll watch old games, break down plays, and talk about what they could have done differently. It’s mental as much as physical.”

Pisca’s background may help explain some of that unusual attention to detail.

An architect by training who worked for legendary architect Frank Gehry for 10 years, Pisca approaches soccer with a designer’s eye by building systems, tracking patterns, and paying attention to the small things others might miss. He tracks player statistics meticulously, like defensive saves, steals, assists, and connected passes. He uses the numbers to motivate players in ways that go beyond the scoreboard.

“When kids are young, they might think only the goal scorers matter,” Pisca says. “But if a defender made three critical stops, I want them to know I saw that. It matters.”

That system, he says, gives every player ownership of their growth.

Parents say it works.

At the end of each season, Pisca presents players with detailed breakdowns of their performance, often surprising them with just how much they contributed.

“It makes them realize how good they really are,” Bishop says.

But the Waves’ development extends beyond the field.

The team regularly participates in community service, from park cleanups to food kitchen volunteer work, reinforcing the idea that being part of a team also means being part of something bigger.

“We want them to be healthy, strong, contributing members of the community,” Bishop says. “Not just soccer players.”

That bigger-picture mindset has also translated into stronger bonds between teammates.

For players like Valerie Pisca and Kira Bishop, Nationals is as much about spending time together as it is about the competition itself.

Valerie, who has been with the team since U9, says one of the best parts of being on the Waves is that her teammates have become lifelong friends.

“A lot of my friends have been with me this whole time,” she says. “It’s nice because on some teams people are competing against each other. Here it feels like a support group.”

Kira agrees.

“I feel like we’ve really come together as a team over a long time,” she says.

She points to last year’s regional tournament in Idaho as a favorite memory because of the time spent together afterward, playing games, hanging out in shared rental homes, and building trust off the field.

That trust shows up in competition.

Parents describe a team culture where players cheer for each other after mistakes instead of tearing each other down.

“They’re really supportive,” Bishop says. “If someone misses a shot or messes up, you hear the girls building each other up immediately.”

That resilience has shaped the girls beyond soccer.

Valerie says the sport has taught her how to recover from setbacks.

“I used to stress a lot after missing penalty kicks,” she says. “But now, I’ve learned to move on and focus on the next one. That helps me in regular life, too.”

For Kira, the lesson has been about effort.

“It’s helped me push myself to work harder for the good of the team,” she says.

Now, as the Waves prepare for Tennessee, the team faces another challenge: funding the trip.

The cost is estimated at about $1,000 per player, with additional expenses for family members traveling to support them. The team has been fundraising through community events, including bake sales, watch parties, and ice skating nights, while also applying for grants to help offset costs.

For Pisca, keeping the trip accessible is non-negotiable.

“We put every penny back into the team,” he says. “There’s no profit. We’re doing everything we can to make sure every player can go.”

That mission feels bigger now.

By making it to Nationals, the Waves have become proof that affordable, community-based club soccer can compete at the highest level.

“They’re blazing a trail,” Pisca says. “And hopefully it creates a path for other teams to follow.”

No matter what happens in Tennessee, the LA Waves have already accomplished something rare in youth sports: they’ve built a team that stayed together, grew together, and made each other better along the way.

For this group of girls and the families behind them, that may be the biggest win of all.

If you’d like to support the team and donate to their tournament, visit gofund.me/ 2d38d9bf4 or scan the QR code to learn more.

By Shanee Edwards

At the O’Brien family dining room table in Westchester, words have always mattered.

There were Scrabble games, “word of the day” challenges, and the kind of dinner table conversations where vocabulary became part of everyday life. This spring, all that wordplay paid off in a major way when 14-year-old Olive O’Brien competed at the Scripps National Spelling Bee, placing 10th place in the nation and becoming the first female speller from Los Angeles,

as well as the first from an LAUSD charter school, to make the top 10.

For Olive, a student at WISH Community School from kindergarten through eighth grade, the achievement felt both surreal and exciting. After years of preparation and multiple regional competitions, she had reached the biggest stage in spelling.

Her journey began in fifth grade after she scored the highest on a classroom spelling test. That earned her a packet of advanced words and the start of a family ritual.

“I studied them every night with my

dad,” Olive says. “And then I won the local spelling bee.”

That bee was sponsored by the LAX Coastal Education Foundation in 2023 with LAUSD Board Member Nick Melvoin as moderator.

That early success sparked something bigger.

Olive advanced this year to the national competition after placing second at the Los Angeles County Regional Spelling Bee. Teri Applebaum and Leslie Zoroya, Bee coordinators for the Los Angeles County of Education, were able to sponsor Olive through a

grant so she could attend the National Bee in Washington, D.C. Westchester Roots

Pearl and Stephen O’Brien moved to Westchester 13 years ago, the same day Olive turned one.

“We got the keys to our house on her first birthday,” Pearl says. “We sat her on the kitchen counter with her cake and the house keys. That was the beginning of our life here.”

The family had looked all over Los Angeles before finding Westchester.

“We didn’t know much about it at first,” Stephen says. “It was always just

How long has Westchester been your hometown?

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

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

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

Have a family you’d like to see featured? Email us your ideas at htn@thehtn.com.