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.
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Mailing Address: 8939 S. Sepulveda Blvd., Ste. 110 #745
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Front page: Members of the newly formed Volunteer Community Patrol get ready to make their rounds in Westchester. Photo by Zsuzsi Steiner
The Westchester Town Center BID is home to great businesses, restaurants, retail and service providers! Check them out for all your shopping needs!
Please make “Shop Local” your mantra for 2026– it’s not just a slogan, it helps keep the businesses we love thriving!
Neighbors on Patrol: How Westchester residents are stepping up for community safety
By Shanee Edwards
On any given morning in the Westchester area, you might spot a small black-and-white BMW i3 cruising the streets. It’s not quite a police car, but official enough to turn heads. Inside, you’ll find two volunteers in uniform, LAPD radio in hand, serving as an extra set of eyes and ears for the community.
They’re part of the Volunteer Community Patrol (VCP), a growing initiative within LAPD’s Pacific Division that’s turning everyday residents into an organized, trained force for neighborhood safety. But for many involved, this effort didn’t begin with official badges or marked vehicles, it started with neighbors simply looking out for one another.
Just a note: The people interviewed and discussed in this article prefer to use just their first names for privacy reasons.
“I would say that we’ve unofficially been doing this for several years now,” says Alison, one of the most active members. “Some neighbors started a WhatsApp group a couple of years ago for Westchester and Playa del Rey as a neighborhood watch. It grew to about 950 members.”
That group quickly became more than just a message thread. When incidents popped up like suspicious activity, thefts, or disturbances, some members didn’t just post about it. They responded.
“Several of us would jump in cars and if something came up, we’d kind of do community policing ourselves,” Alison says.
The transition from informal vigilance to an official LAPD-supported program came when Captain Eric Eppolito
arrived at Pacific Division last summer, bringing with him a model that had already succeeded elsewhere.
“Several of us jumped at the opportunity to make it official,” says Alison.
From Neighbors to Trained Volunteers
Today, the program is still small but highly active.
“There’s about ten people that are signed up, and there’s about six that are very active,” says Susan. “You’ll always see two of us in full uniform. We go in pairs.”
Those uniforms are no joke.
“It’s an LAPD volunteer uniform, so navy blue-ish dark pants, white shirt with patches sewn on, down to the black boots and the black Sam Brown belt. So, we are official,” says Susan.
But before they ever hit the streets, volunteers go through a surprisingly rigorous training process.
“We did slow driver training, literally the course that the officers do as well,” Susan says.
That includes navigating a serpentine driving course, forward and backward maneuvers, and parallel parking–on both sides of the street.
“We had to do it at night, forwards and backwards. It was terrible,” Alison adds with a laugh.
Beyond driving, volunteers study LAPD protocols, learn radio communication, and train with official equipment.
“We got a bunch of LAPD manuals so we could learn the phonetic alphabet and the lingo,” Alison says.
If you’re not familiar, the phonetic alphabet uses common words for letters, like Adam for A or Zebra for Z, so they
can be clearly understood over a crackly radio.
When on duty, they operate within the system, checking out their vehicle and radio from Pacific Station and reporting to the watch commander.
“The equipment is on loan. We go out, and then put ourselves on patrol through the radio,” Susan says.
What They Actually Do
The role of the Volunteer Community Patrol is not enforcement, it’s presence, observation, and communication.
“This group is really the group that goes out and tries to help by just being seen in the community,” Susan says.
That visibility matters. In neighborhoods where police resources are stretched, VCP helps fill the gaps.
“The police can’t be everywhere,” Susan says. “We can do our part.”
Their work ranges from checking on incidents to relaying real-time information to officers en route.
“We were able to check in with a traffic collision, advise them that there’s no injuries, and that way the unit’s aware of what they’re responding to,” Stephan says.
They also have the advantage of time.
“The police are pulled in so many directions,” Alison says. “We can say, let’s go see if we can find that missing person, and if it’s all we do for two hours, it’s all we do for two hours.”
That focus allows them to follow through in ways traditional response units often can’t, like canvassing neighborhoods, talking to residents, and staying on a scene long after officers are dispatched elsewhere.
A Life-Saving First Day
Sometimes that persistence pays off in extraordinary ways.
by Zsuzsi Steiner
On their very first day of official patrol, Alison and her partner made a discovery that underscored exactly why the program matters.
“There was a silver alert for a missing elderly woman who was diabetic,” Alison recalls.
Police had been searching overnight, even deploying a helicopter, but without success.
While responding to another call near Costco, Alison had a thought.
“We said, hey, wasn’t this near where that critical missing person was last seen?” she says.
Moments later, they spotted a woman sitting at a bus stop near Mindanao and Glencoe.
“We said, no way, that can’t possibly be her,” says Alison. “We looked back at the description of her clothing and said, that’s got to be her.”
They turned the car around, approached carefully, and radioed it in.
“Within 15 minutes, there was her daughter running across the parking lot to her, and there was a crying reunion, and we had done it, we found her!” she says.
For Alison, the moment wasn’t about heroics, it was about just being present.
“A lot of it’s just luck. We just happened to be in the right place at the right time,” she says.
Why They Do It
Despite the uniforms and patrol cars, none of the volunteers see themselves as specially equipped to do this kind of work. They’re just regular people.
“We’re definitely not superheroes,” Susan says.
For her, the motivation is deeply personal.
(Continued on page 8)
Since launching, the Volunteer Community Patrol has already helped locate a missing person and reunited her with her family.
Photo
Business & Nonpro t News
Calling all moms! You’re invited to the Westchester Saturday Stroll for an afternoon celebration! The first stroll of the 2026 season is dedicated to Mother’s Day and springtime, and everyone can join in on the festivities on Saturday, May 9 from 4 to 7 p.m. in the Westchester Triangle (6200 block of 87th Street). While the street is closed off, guests can arrange a bouquet at the flower bar sponsored by CD11, take a mom and me portrait, and shop with local stores and vendors for gifts. There will also be sponsors hosting booths, crafts, and activities. While you enjoy soft pretzel bites, Starcuterie’s assortment of dips and crudité, and the Playa Venice Sunrise Rotary-hosted sundae bar, listen to the music stylings of Mark Kopitzke, a classic crooner with a modern touch. And of course, Triangle businesses will be ready to welcome guests with specials and promotions.
Westchester Rotary postpones 2026 book sale.
The Westchester Rotary Club is known for its Memorial Day Book Sale, which has become part of the fabric of the community over the last seven decades. Books are donated by local residents and friends of the club who are ready to clean off their shelves, which are then meticulously sorted for the sale! Over the course of a few days, thousands of books are perused and purchased by shoppers (at the low price of $1 and up), so the club can help promote reading, and raise funds for its projects.
This year, the club has decided to postpone its sale to Labor Day to have more time to secure a location in Westchester and sort more books! With construction staging ongoing in the sale’s usual location in the Ralphs’ parking lot on Sepulveda, the club is working on finalizing the details for a new location nearby and exact dates for this year’s sale.
Stay tuned for more details at rotarywestchester.com.
Support the Woman’s Club Field of Remembrance.
The Woman’s Club of Playa del Rey will host its annual Memorial Day dedication on Monday, May 25 at 10 a.m. in front of its clubhouse, and they’re asking the neighborhood to participate.
Organizers are selling flags for a $10 donation, which can be purchased to honor fallen heroes or dedicated
Relive the 80s at Hollywood Park. Are you all about the 80s? Check out CineVita’s latest immersive concert experience, Teen Beat Live! The show runs through the end of May, and is a celebration of the iconic music of beloved 80s movies. To add to the fun, the show takes place in a 15,000-square-foot Spiegeltent. Some of the songs that the talented cast of performers will showcase are from 80s favorites like “Dirty Dancing,” “Top Gun,” “Footloose,” and “Say Anything.” Learn more and get tickets at teenbeatlive.com.
to a loved one who served. All of the flags will then be placed in the median in front of their location at 8039 W. Manchester Ave. in Playa del Rey.
The display will be a moving tribute that anyone who drives or walks by will be able to see on May 22 through May 25. Proceeds from the sale of the flags will benefit the Foundation for Women Warriors (foundationforwomenwarriors.org).
To purchase a flag and support the club’s efforts, email them at wcpdrfieldofremembrance@gmail.com.
Jazz Festival heads to Dockweiler Beach.
The inaugural Los Angeles Jazz Festival recently announced the first set of artists that will play at its closing weekend on Playa del Rey’s Dockweiler Beach. The festival, which will take place over 17 days at various locations around Los Angeles, will culminate with “Jazz on the Beach,” on August 22 and 23. The lineup so far includes John Legend, Janelle Monae, Parliament Funkadelic, Joey Alexander and more, with additional performers being announced soon.
Organizers hope to attract more than 250,000 attendees during the course of the 17-day festival with events like Jazz in the Park, Jazz after Dark, a State of Jazz conference in Marina del Rey and more. Tickets start at $70. For more info and to purchase tickets, visit LAJazzFestival.com.
Fourth of July Parade readies to celebrate ‘250 years of American Dreams.’
The LAX Coastal Chamber and its Fourth of July Parade planning committee have recently announced that their 26th annual event will celebrate “250 years of American Dreams.” Participants are encouraged to create entries that capture the enduring spirit of hope, ambition and opportunity that has shaped the nation since its founding. The event also plans to incorporate elements from the upcoming World Cup into the festivities.
Local groups, organizations, and businesses are encouraged to sign up to participate in the community’s largest event! Applications are due by May 20, and can be accessed at laxcoastal.com/ fourthofjulyparade. Sponsors are also being sought to make sure the parade is a success. Email info@laxcoastal.com to receive the sponsorship packet. Have info to share about your business or nonprofit? Email us at westchesterhometown@yahoo.com for a chance to be featured.
Photo by Ellie Taylor
Photo by Zac Cassar
LMU commencement ceremonies will celebrate the significant milestone of our students’ achievements. LMU commencement ceremonies will be held on: Friday, May 15 CoMMenCeMent Mass 5:30 p.M. saturday, May 16 undergraduate CereMony 10 a.M. sunday, May 17 graduate CereMony 9:30 a.M. LMu LoyoLa Law sChooL 2:30 p.M.
There will be increased pedestrian and vehicle traffic in the neighborhood, particularly on May 16.
SATURDAY MAY 9TH 4 PM
On patrol (cont’d)
(Continued from page 4)
“I’ve always cared about where I live. In my perfect world, I’m going to do anything I can to protect my neighbors, myself, my home,” says Susan.
For Alison, it’s frustration turned into action.
“I get very angry when I hear stories of people coming into our neighborhood and burglarizing homes and stealing from hardworking people,” she says.
The theft of tools from work trucks, in particular, hits close to home.
“That is a trigger for me. There are hardworking people, and they’re getting things stolen right out of their trucks while they are working,” she says. “I want to do what I can to make sure that this does not happen on my watch.”
For Stephan, the path began with a long-standing interest in public safety and listening to police scanners, but also personal experience.
“My neighbors got broken into on both sides of my property,” he says adding that the experience was too close for comfort.
Now, through VCP, he’s able to turn that interest into action.
“We’re able to actually get out there and make a larger difference than what we were able to do, just unofficially,” he says.
Their work has even started to attract attention beyond the neighborhood. Alison says the group was recently approached about the possibility of turning their patrols into a reality show.
“Somebody reached out last week asking if we’d have any interest, because they heard about our escapades,” she says. “One of the community members said, ‘Oh my god, the stuff you guys do is heroic, and would make a great show.’”
While nothing is in motion yet, Alison says the idea speaks to just how compelling their real-life work has already become.
A Community Effort
One of the most powerful aspects
of the program is the relationship between the patrol and the community it serves.
“We make sure to let the group know when we’re out patrolling,” Alison says. “It’s a really wonderful relationship. They can be our additional eyes and ears.”
That collaboration creates faster response times and a stronger sense of collective responsibility.
“When they need us, we can get the police there very quickly, so it’s mutually beneficial,” she says.
Susan says the program has also strengthened ties with the LAPD itself.
“It has completely opened up the lines of communication with Pacific Division and our community,” she says.
The department’s support has been crucial.
“They’ve embraced it! And you know what? I think it’s amazing. I’m so proud,” says Susan.
Looking Ahead
For now, the Volunteer Community Patrol remains a small but committed group. The goal, however, is expansion.
“We want to get more cars, more radios, more people, more patrol,” Susan says.
The plan is to bring in volunteers from across Pacific Division, people who know their neighborhoods as intimately as these early members know Westchester.
“The goal is really to get more people involved in other parts so that they can also go out and patrol comfortably, and protect their little part of our enclave,” Susan says.
Because at its core, the program isn’t about policing, it’s about ownership. Neighbors protecting neighbors. And in Westchester, that mindset is already making a difference.
Anyone interested in joining the Volunteer Community Patrol can contact Sgt. Brian Cook at 36258@LAPD.ONLINE.
Springtime & Mother’s Day at the Market — join us Sunday, May 10th! Celebrate the season with peak spring produce, gorgeous blooms, and a vibrant mornings at your farmers’ market—and save the date for Mother’s Day!
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SPRING CROPS
The VCP team is currently 10 members strong, and they’re looking to add to their team.
The Westside’s Favorite Real Estate Team
More than a senior center: Westchester’s hub for connection, joy and a 100-year celebration
By Shanee Edwards
When Patrick Zilliacus turns 100 this month, he won’t be celebrating at a fancy ballroom or a private club. Instead, he’s chosen a place that feels far more meaningful: the Westchester Senior Center, where he has built friendships, shared stories, and found a true sense of community.
Tucked along the Lincoln Boulevard side of Westchester Park, the center has quietly become one of the neighborhood’s most vibrant gathering spaces with lots of joyful activities happening inside.
For Patrick and other seniors, that sense of connection didn’t happen by accident. In recent years, the center itself has undergone a transformation. What was once a smaller, more traditional daytime program has evolved into something far more dynamic: a welcoming, intergenerational space designed for adults 50 and up, but open to anyone curious enough to walk through the doors.
Membership has grown significantly, now nearing 500, reflecting a shift in both programming and perception. The center isn’t just a place to pass time; it’s a place to build community. Regulars don’t just attend classes, they form friendships, organize activities, and shape what the center becomes.
That sense of ownership is intentional. Rather than relying on a fixed slate of offerings, the Recreation Facility Director, Kirstin Zullo Aceves, actively responds to what members want through monthly meetings called Donuts with the Director. New classes and activities often begin with a simple suggestion, sometimes even led by the members themselves. The result is a calendar that feels both organic and surprisingly varied.
On any given week, you might find Pilates, step aerobics, line dancing, art classes, sewing, ping pong, or even pom-pom fitness–a high-energy class led by a former professional cheerleader. There’s also a growing interest in games like mahjong, along with more relaxed options like painting sessions and social events, including the Senior Prom, which
this year featured a garden party masquerade theme.
What makes the center stand out isn’t just the variety, but the atmosphere. The environment leans toward inclusive and upbeat, with participants ranging widely in age and background. It’s not uncommon to see someone in their early 50s taking a class alongside someone decades older, each bringing their own energy to the room.
That wide age range is part of a broader shift in how we think about “senior” spaces. Extended evening hours now make it easier for those with daytime commitments to participate, turning the center into more of a lifestyle destination than a traditional daytime facility.
The pricing structure also reflects that accessibility. A low annual
membership fee of just $15 makes it an affordable option for people looking to stay active, try something new, or simply connect with others. And while the center is geared toward seniors, many activities are open to younger participants as well, encouraging families to share experiences across generations.
Beyond weekly classes, the center offers programming that leans into fun and learning. One standout example is its “Senior Summer Camp,” a playful reimagining of childhood camp, complete with themed days, group activities, and optional field trips. From arts and crafts to outdoor games and excursions around Los Angeles, it’s designed as an easy, low-pressure way for newcomers to meet people and get involved.
Discovering Something New
For Yetive Lowery, a retired preschool special education teacher for LAUSD, the Senior Center has become a place of self-discovery.
“I’ve been trying to define and understand what retirement is and how to go through that journey,” says Lowery.
She’s been learning to journal and even experimenting with music.
“Someone came in with a ukulele, and I thought, I want to learn to play that. But it’s not easy. They keep telling me you have to play until you get calluses on your fingers. At 68, I don’t want calluses!” she says with a laugh.
Still, she’s embracing the process.
“Like I said, I’m discovering myself,” says Yetive.
Finding Balance
For Linda Absher, a retired nurse whose career spanned five decades, being part of the Senior Center has played a key role in her personal growth.
“As a nurse, I want to live a long, healthy life, so I have to balance my mind, body and spirit,” she says.
She enjoys the center’s wide range of exercise classes, but she’s especially proud of helping bring Zumba to the community. After connecting with instructor Gene Wong, she encouraged him to volunteer at the center.
Three years later, his classes have grown from just four participants to as many as 40 or 50 per class, now meeting three times a week. Gene credits the growth in part to his musical playlist, which features familiar hits from the ’40s through the ’80s.
“They love my music. I can hear them singing while they’re working out,” he says.
Linda agrees.
“It’s the music of my generation, I love hearing songs from the Beach Boys,” she says.
She also appreciates the relaxed environment.
“It’s not like LA Fitness where you have mirrors all around you. I do my own thing. I stay in the back. I even go outside on the patio to feel the breeze. I love it,” she says.
(Continued on page 28)
Photos
Patrick enjoys participating in the mixed media class, and will be celebrating his 100th birthday with a party at the senior center on May 16. Below: Artists have fun painting during a recent activity at the Westchester Park Senior Center.
THE WESTCHESTER SATURDAY STROLL
MAY 9, 4 - 7 PM | WESTCHESTER TRIANGLE
A Mother’s Day & Springtime Celebration!
Join us for this free event series celebrating everything that makes Westchester shine! Local music, dining, shopping, art, games, crafts, treats, and more. Fun for all ages!
Arrange a beautiful bouquet for Mom at our Flower Bar. Take a Mom & Me Portrait Shop local stores and vendors for gifts. Wine and dine her in the Triangle.
WEDNESDAY TO
Hear from your co unity
Take advantage of the benefits of group therapy
By Stefani Roscoe
May is National Mental Health Awareness Month, so let’s talk about group therapy! When people hear the term “group therapy,” it often conjures up a pretty undesirable picture: maybe a room of sad people sitting in a circle? Maybe you’re imagining people sitting in folding chairs and taking turns sharing their problems? A meeting of misery?
This inaccurate perception can keep people from engaging in some of the most healing and uplifting therapeutic work there is! I have been involved in group therapy for more than 10 years. In addition to leading groups in my own practice, I continue to engage in my own training. I am also gifted with the privilege of teaching this important skill to up-and-coming therapists at Airport Marina Counseling Services (AMCS). There are innumerable advantages to participating in group therapy. Part of my mission has been to widen the awareness of such benefits and increase involvement.
Below are the top three benefits every person can gain by participating in group therapy.
1. Connection. People are starved for it. The loneliness epidemic is real. Whether it was born out of the pandemic, the dependence on phones or the addictive quality of social media, everyone is experiencing it. As humans, we are biologically wired for connecting in groups. Being in a group allows the opportunity for belonging, which is a basic need and is an infallible way to improve mood and decrease anxiety. Meeting in the same place, at the same time, and with the same people for the purpose of connecting is a way of
intentionally committing to this important need. It also provides a comfortable structure in which to do so.
2. Give and Take. Part of what feels good in relationships is reciprocation. Group therapy creates a space to not only gain support from others, but also provide feedback. Upon gaining support and validation, there is a sense of being seen and understood. When offering feedback, there is the fulfillment of helping others. The benefits of being with equals who provide give and take and who offer positive regard can carry more weight than if it comes only from the
therapist.
3. Managing Emotions. We are in a time when many people are experiencing anxiety in one form or another and this affects people’s behaviors and habits in different ways. Some overeat, some lose sleep, some isolate themselves from others. The best way to “feel in control” of your emotions (which is actually regulating your nervous system), is to talk about them in a safe setting with others. The truth about uncomfortable feelings (worries, stress, sadness, grief) is that we all experience them, and all of them gradually pass. By expressing them
out loud with others, it becomes possible to move through these feelings with more grace and selfcompassion.
These points merely scratch the surface of the benefits of group therapy. Improving communication skills, building a healthier understanding of yourself, increasing your confidence, improving relationships and a greater overall life satisfaction are also discovered with time and dedication to a regular group. The number one thing I hear from my own clients who have committed to this type of work is, “Why didn’t I do this sooner?” Hopefully, this information provides an invitation to the amazing personal growth opportunities that await upon taking a dive into group therapy. If your interest has been piqued, please reach out to AMCS to learn about the groups we have to offer. Don’t see a group that works for you? Let us know what you’re looking for–we are always open to new ideas. Visit amcshelps. com/groups or scan the QR code to learn more!
Stefani Roscoe, LCSW, CGP, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, specializing in assisting people with their emotional well-being by improving awareness and acceptance of themselves. She is also the group track supervisor at Westchester’s Airport Marina Counseling Services (AMCS). Learn more at Stefaniroscoetherapy. com.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Stefani is on a mission to bring awareness to the benefits of group therapy.
ST. ANASTAS i A CATHOL i C SCHOOL presents
WESTCHESTER FAMiLY YMCA ANNEX
Saturday, May 16, 2026 at 2pm
Sunday, May 17, 2026 at 12pm
Music & Lyrics by Mel Leven, Randy Rogel, Richard Gibbs, Brian Smith, Martin Lee Fuller, Dan Root
Book Adapted & Additional Lyrics by Marcy Heisler Music Adapted & Arranged by Bryan Louiselle Based on the novel by Dodie Smith & the Disney films
SHAPED BY WATER
Carolyn Coyne has built a life carried by water, community, and connection
By Sylvia Wilson
In the leafy neighborhoods of Westchester, where thick magnolia trees sway like slow dancers in the spring air and neighbors lift a hand in greeting before they even register who they’re waving to, it’s not unusual to spot a friendly face. Westchester is a place where roots grow quietly but deeply.
But few are as woven into the currents of this community as Carolyn Coyne, who is a swimmer, entrepreneur, mother, coach, and the kind of person who seems to collect friendships the way others collect seashells from a favorite shoreline.
There is a softness to the way she moves through the world, but also a steady undertow, a sense of purpose shaped by water, by family, and by the belief that connection is something you build stroke by stroke.
A Childhood in Motion
Carolyn grew up in Birmingham, Michigan, the youngest of 10 children in a bustling Polish-American household where noise was a constant companion and tradition was a second language. With eight brothers and one sister, life was a swirl of movement, footsteps pounding down hallways, piano notes drifting through the house, and the rhythmic in-and-out of siblings heading to swim practice.
Swimming wasn’t just a sport in the Coyne family; it was the family’s shared tide. Carolyn was in the water by age three, tiny legs kicking, determined to follow the wakes carved by her older siblings. The pool became her first classroom, her first sanctuary, her first sense of self.
By high school, she was an AllAmerican swimmer and team captain, eventually earning a Division I scholarship to Northwestern University. But even outside the pool, she was never still. She played piano, performed in theater, championed sustainability, and launched her high school’s recycling program long before “eco-conscious” became a buzzword. At 16, she began lifeguarding and coaching, creating early ripples of the teacher, leader, and community-builder she would become.
“I’ve always been shaped by the things around me,” she says. “Family, swimming, the outdoors, music, teamwork, and friendships…those have always been the heart of everything.”
Many of her closest friends today are the same ones she swam beside at age four, their bond as enduring as water itself.
A Career Built on Drive
In high school, a friend once told
Carolyn she’d own an events company someday. It was said casually, but it landed with the clarity of truth. She was always planning something: parties, outings, school events, anything that brought people together in the same way water gathers everything it touches.
After graduating from Northwestern with a communications degree, she eventually landed in Los Angeles, joining Red Bull when it was still a scrappy, little-known brand. She rose quickly, managing major events nationwide and sharpening the instincts that would later define her entrepreneurial life.
Five years later, she launched Tadpole Event Marketing in Venice, helping major brands build event strategies and sponsorship programs. Then came a decade at Meta, where she led teams of creatives, marketers, and project managers supporting businesses of all sizes.
Today, Carolyn runs two small businesses: Besties Marketing & Consulting, offering fractional CMO/ COO support to small brands and agencies, and CC Swim Academy, her passion project in Marina del Rey.
Teaching swim lessons brought her back to her roots and back to the joy that first pulled her into the water as a child.
“It’s incredible to watch a kid make it across the pool for the first time,” she says. “Or to see an adult who’s been afraid of water for decades finally feel safe. Teaching swimming is one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done.”
Many of her clients from Westchester greet her around town like an old friend, grateful for the lifesaving skills she brings to so many. In a community near the ocean, her work feels both practical and poetic: she is teaching people how to trust the water, and in turn, how to trust themselves.
Finding Home in Westchester
After 15 years in Venice, Carolyn and her family moved to Westchester in 2016. The neighborhood’s charm was immediate, a quiet inlet tucked inside the vastness of Los Angeles.
“I love the trees, the familiar faces, the way people are concerned about each other,” she says. “I love the little Vons, the community garden, the jasmine in spring.”
Most mornings, she hikes the Dunbarton trail, watching the flowers bloom along the path and the Hollywood sign appear like a mirage on clear days. The trail, like water spraying from the sprinklers at dusk, offers her a rhythm, a place to breathe, to reset, to feel grounded.
She rides her bike to the beach,
watches planes lift off from LAX, and knows half the people she passes on her morning walks.
A Partner Who Grounds the Current
Carolyn met her husband, Colin Coyne, through a mutual friend in San Diego. They stayed long-distance, Los Angeles to Minnesota, until he moved west in 2004. Where Carolyn is movement, Colin is steadiness; where she is flow, he is the anchor.
He has worked in the financial industry since graduating from Georgetown, bringing the same discipline and focus to his career that he once brought to the soccer field, where he played through high school.
Colin is a lifelong Minnesota Vikings fan, the kind who feels every win and loss in his bones. He loves to golf, fish, be outdoors, anything that lets him breathe fresh air and reset.
But above all, he loves his family.
Colin is the super-dedicated father who shows up, the steady hand when things get chaotic, the quiet strength that keeps the household balanced. On Saturday mornings, he tends to the garden, a ritual that mirrors Carolyn’s own relationship with water. Where she teaches others to move with the waves, he cultivates stillness, growth, and patience in the soil.
Together, they are a partnership built on motion and grounding, on flow and foundation.
A Family Rooted in Creativity and Play
Today, they’re raising two kids who are as expressive and as energetic as their mom.
Stellan, 15, is a musician and budding filmmaker. He plays guitar and keyboards in his band, Nova, performing across Los Angeles.
by Ellie Taylor
He’s also launching a photography business focused on high school sports, capturing movement, emotion, and the fleeting moments that define youth.
Cleo, 11, is a whirlwind of gymnastics, dance, singing, and neighborhood adventures. She bikes to the local convenience store for treats, walks the family dog, and spends hours on the trampoline, her laughter floating through the air like bubbles rising to the surface.
And then there’s Louie, the family’s devoted labradoodle. Behind the fence, he is the vigilant guardian of the block. Outside the fence, he is pure sweetness, a reminder that even protectors can be gentle.
A Life of Connection
Water, not just the literal kind, but the metaphorical currents that shape a life, is the thread running through Carolyn’s story.
Water teaches discipline. It teaches resilience. It teaches that progress is made by propelling oneself through the flow one wave at a time.
Carolyn didn’t have a single mentor, she says. Instead, she had autonomy, opportunity, and the work ethic forged in a big family and a lifetime of swimming. She built her life the way she learned to swim: with discipline, joy, and a deep appreciation for the people around her.
In Westchester, Carolyn has found a place that mirrors her own spirit, warm, engaged, full of movement and heart. It is an oasis.
Because that’s the thing about water: it carries you, it shapes you, and if you’re lucky, you learn to shape it right back. And perhaps the greatest gift Carolyn Coyne gives is teaching others to move with the water, too: to float, have faith, and find their own rhythm.
Priced to sell! Stunning new construction in Westchester, where refined elegance meets everyday comfort.
Located in the highly desirable North Kentwood enclave, this beautifully designed two-story residence offers a rare blend of luxury, functionality, and timeless appeal. Designed for today’s discerning buyer, the home features 5 bedrooms, one staged as a sitting room, four spacious en suite bedrooms and five impeccably appointed bathrooms, providing comfort and privacy for family and guests alike.
A welcoming foyer. An expansive dining space creates an ideal setting for refined entertaining. The open-concept floor plan is filled with natural light, enhancing the home’s bright and airy ambience. At the center of the home, a gourmet chef’s kitchen showcases top-of-the-line appliances, custom cabinetry, and a striking center island. Flowing seamlessly into the family
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room, this space is perfect for everyday living and memorable gatherings.
Sliding glass doors lead to a generously sized 25’ x 50’ backyard ideal for outdoor dining, weekend barbecues, or peaceful mornings under the open sky. Upstairs, the luxurious primary suite serves as a private retreat, featuring dual walk-in closets and a spa-inspired en suite bath with a steam shower and separate soaking tub. Three en suite bedrooms offer exceptional comfort, while a spacious laundry room adds everyday convenience.
Ideally situated near scenic bluffs and walking trails, this home embodies the essence of Kentwood living: elegant, welcoming, and effortlessly connected to nature. Whether hosting guests or enjoying quiet moments at home, this exceptional property delivers a lifestyle of elevated ease and sophistication.
Westchester/Playa breakfast gems to put on your radar
By Cory Birkett
If you live on the Westside, you know the best spots aren’t always the ones getting all the attention and hype— they’re the ones your neighbors quietly recommend, and that have built a loyal following. Two of those places, right here in our back yard, are T.C. Organic and KC’s Crepes Cafe.
Tucked into Playa del Rey on Culver Blvd., T.C. Organic has built a dedicated fanbase since opening in 2022. The focus here is simple: organic ingredients wherever possible, consistently delicious food, and a relaxed, welcoming vibe that feels very much part of the neighborhood. T.C. Organic has a varied menu to accommodate meat-eaters and vegans alike, as well as those craving comfort food or something more on the healthy side; you can bring your whole crew without worrying if there’s something they’ll like.
I ordered the huevos rancheros with carnitas, which were flavorful, satisfying, and made with fresh ingredients you can taste. The carnitas are tender and well-seasoned, and the whole dish feels hearty without being over the top. My friend went with the traditional breakfast burrito, a classic done right. Packed generously with cheese, eggs, avocado, black beans and pico de gallo, she said it was one of the best breakfast burritos she’s had in recent
memory. Everything was savory and well-seasoned, with the egg-to-cheese ratio bordering on perfection. While she went for a veggie version, you also have your pick of protein with chorizo, bacon, sausage, chicken or asada.
The menu offers a variety of breakfast options, whether you’re in the mood for something savory like tacos dorados, chilaquiles or avocado toast; or have a sweet tooth and are ready to order up one of their five types of pancakes or a waffle. Locals swear by the cinnamon roll pancakes—a decadent, hearty way to start any morning, especially after a long night out. Drinks here are not an afterthought. I ordered the cafe mocha, which was smooth, strong, and delicious—not overly sweet, just a well-crafted coffee made with quality ingredients. My friend’s horchata was equally memorable: refreshing with an expert blend of cinnamon and vanilla and clearly housemade with care. Beyond that, T.C. Organics is known for its lineup of organic fresh smoothies and juices, offering plenty of choices for anyone looking to keep things light and energizing.
A short drive up the road, KC’s Crepes Cafe serves the community from its spot right along Lincoln Boulevard in Westchester. They also have a location in Marina del Rey at Fisherman’s Village. The Westchester location
is easy to overlook, but it’s one of those places that once you stumble upon it, you add it to your regular rotation.
It’s a straightforward, no-frills takeout spot, but the food speaks for itself. I enjoyed the breakfast crepe—with eggs, cheese, and bacon—it was simple and really well executed. The crepe is thin and light, letting the ingredients shine without feeling heavy.
You can order a breakfast or a lunchstyle crepe any time of the day. My daughter went with the chicken pizza crepe (yes, even in the morning), a thin crepe filled with pizza sauce, cheese and grilled chicken. She said it has all the flavors of pizza without the heaviness of the traditional crust. We also ordered a Nutella crepe, one of their most popular items, and it was everything you want in a treat-yourself-type sweet treat: a delicate and slightly crispy shell filled with the melty, heavenly hazelnut spread and topped with housemade whipped cream.
In a community like Westchester/ Playa, it’s places like these that help define the neighborhood—reliable, unpretentious, and rooted in quality. If you haven’t been in a while, or haven’t stopped in yet, T.C. Organic and KC’s Crepes Cafe are both well worth a visit. Don’t just drive by a local spot you’ve never tried before; stop in, order a new dish, and become a regular customer to keep our small businesses thriving.
T.C. Organic is located at 333 Culver Blvd. in Playa del Rey. Check out their menu at tcorganic.com. KC’s Crepes is located at 8320 Lincoln Blvd. #101B in Westchester.
Join the Conversation I want to hear from you! What is your go-to local dish—the one you’d tell a new neighbor they have to try? Drop a comment, send me a message, or say hi if you see me at the market. Let’s keep swapping favorites! Email me at birkettcory@gmail.com.
Cory Birkett is a foodie, and admin for the “Quarantine Cooking-Westchester & Silicon Beach” Facebook Group. When she’s not trying new recipes or checking out local restaurants, she spends her days as a real estate agent and long-time community volunteer, which includes serving on committees for the Westchester/Playa Neighborhood Council.
At T.C. Organic standout breakfast dishes include their classic breakfast burrito and saucy chilaquiles. Bottom right: KC’s Crepes is open 9 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. seven days a week, so you can get your crepe fix any time of day.
“If you do not take an interest in the affairs of your government, then you are doomed to live under the rule of fools.” ~ Plato
Nominate A Star of the Neighborhood
The Stars of the Neighborhood Award is sponsored by the Neighborhood Council of Westchester/Playa, and its purpose 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. You are invited to nominate a person whose efforts fit this criteria. The nominee must live in Westchester, Playa del Rey or Playa Vista. Nominations will be evaluated by an ad hoc committee of the Neighborhood Council, and the winning honoree(s) will be honored at Westchester’s Annual Fourth of July Parade.
Elected officials including City Council and Neighborhood Council members are ineligible for nomination. The selected honoree must be available on July 4th for the 4th of July Parade.
Please provide the following information to nominate a Star of the Neighborhood (PLEASE PRINT NEATLY)
Nominee’s Name _________________________________________________________________________________________
Nominee’s Phone Number _______________________________________________________________________________
A brief description of what makes this person a Star of the Neighborhood:
Nominations must be received by no later than May 26, 2026
Form available here: or email the information above to: star@ncwpdr.org
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• ADVOCATE FOR PUBLIC SAFETY
• MENTAL HEALTH & HOMELESS
• AFFORDABILITY, DENSITY, MOBILITY & ENVIRONMENT
NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL BOARD MEMBER (Westchester/Playa)
PUBLIC SAFETY CHAIR (NC)/LAPD BOARD MEMBER (CPAB)
BUSINESS OWNER in the ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY
PRODUCER & DIRECTOR of OVER 1000 PROJECTS
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Random Notes/Opinion
Sleep tips for a better night’s rest
By Jeff Blair
Opinion:
In 1964, Paul McCartney woke from a dream and immediately composed the melody to “Yesterday.” The melody was so clear in his mind that he figured he must have heard it from another artist and simply remembered it in his dream. After searching for several weeks, he realized no one else had previously composed it and his mind had created it while asleep. Years later, Rolling Stone magazine ranked “Yesterday” as the greatest song of all time. While I cannot guarantee following this month’s sleep tips will make you a rock legend, they might improve your quality of life and even your health.
1. Think of sleep suggestions as practice rather than things to obsess about. Few people get perfect sleep and most of us (including me) have room for improvement. We all have to live our lives rather than become sleep robots. One of our clients recently said, “I can tell you how to not improve your sleep: get a puppy!” We both laughed, but it occurred to me that just living life tends to interfere with your sleep.
Whether kids, work or simply enjoying a Dodgers’ game is the reason, we all have times when our sleep is thrown off schedule. Look for practical and simple steps for improvement rather than becoming obsessed with perfection.
2. Embrace the “dark side.” Melatonin has been called the “hormone of darkness” because our body releases it in response to greater darkness. More natural melatonin usually means better sleep. Lowering household lights after dinner, blocking outside light from coming through your windows and limiting lights from screens before bed can all align your environment with greater natural melatonin release. Check with your doctor before using a melatonin supplement as many dosages can be more than what people need and any supplement can interfere with medications.
3. Develop a bedtime ritual. Reading, light stretching or a warm bath can all be used to relax us as we approach bedtime. Creating a consistent ritual can prepare us for the sleep process. While we might think of sleep as flipping an on-off switch, a plane’s descent to land is a better comparison.
4. Keep it cool. While our instincts may tell us warmer is better, a cooler environment is better for sleep. As we enter into the initial stages of sleep, our blood pressure, breathing and heart rate lower. Our body temperature also drops as part of our natural body clock functions. The ideal temperature for most people tends to be in the 63 to 67-degree range. Temperatures above 70 degrees may cause sleep interruption and reduce sleep quality. Some consider temperature adjustment as the most effective sleep improvement strategy.
5. Be aware of social jet lag. When our sleep schedule differs dramatically between the work week and the weekend, this can confuse our body clock and disrupt sleep. How much is too much is subject to debate, but I recently watched an interview with a Mayo Clinic sleep expert doctor, and he said to try and keep wake and sleep times within two hours of each other during the week and on the weekend. If you get up at 7 a.m. during the week and go to bed at 11 p.m. and get up at 8 a.m. and go to bed at midnight on the weekend, that should not be a big problem. However, if you are on that
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schedule during the week, but have a 10 a.m. wake up time and a 2 a.m. sleep schedule on the weekend, your body may become confused, which can create sleep challenges.
6. Journaling before bed may improve sleep. Writing down things you may be concerned about before you go to bed can help improve sleep. This process has been dubbed “worry journaling.” Emptying daily concerns on to paper helps us transition from looping, negative thoughts to a calmer perspective.
7. Caffeine and alcohol may impact your sleep. Individual sensitivity to caffeine varies wildly but most sleep experts recommend not ingesting caffeine after noon. While alcohol may help you fall asleep, it can negatively impact sleep quality.
Jeff Blair (M.S., CSCS) is the founder of the SoCalSport Personal Training Studio in Westchester. The studio has won 10 “Best Of” awards in the Hometown News’ annual poll. Jeff is a certified personal trainer and book author. Contact him at jeff@ socalsport.com for article comments or suggestions.
Therapy Corner with Ann O’Brien
By Ann O’Brien
Opinion:
Hello, community.
Nice to be with you again. A reader posed a question that may resonate with many of us: “How do you actually put the past behind you and not keep revisiting the same issues or traumas? Once you’ve done the work, how can you actually let go?”
Thank you, reader, for sharing this common experience. Many people gain insight into how an experience has affected them. Yet, that insight alone has not translated into living a better life. Feeling “stuck” is common, both in therapy and in life.
Here are a few thoughts to consider, offered with the understanding that, knowing little about the specifics, I’m painting with a broad brush.
• What type of “work” have you done?
Some people think “doing the work” means reflecting on an experience and gaining new perspective. While that is helpful, it’s often only a small part of real transformation.
Consider the dimensions of being: intellect, emotion, soma and spirit. If you went through life embracing only one dimension, your life would be limited. Same with healing. Thinking or feeling one’s way through an issue can be helpful. But, our experiences leave a mark on our whole being, including our body and our sense of meaning and connection, too. Tending to the body and spirit, through approaches like EMDR, somatic work or reflective and transcendent practices, may allow for fuller change.
• How do you relate to your past?
We often speak about trauma as something to “get over” or “be free from.” That language denotes a desire for distance, as though it’s a siloed part of one’s life story. Instead, think about how the past can be folded into the present in a way that serves and expands you.
When someone experiences trauma, their response is often the best available attempt at protection in that moment. Yes, the response can become maladaptive or limiting, but it was initially there to protect.
In therapy, I often see a shift when someone comes to value and appreciate how their younger self tried to cope. The way they relate to both the experience and themselves evolves. Heaviness and related self-loathing give way to an internal lightness and love. Laying down patterns that no longer serve you becomes much easier.
• What supports your growth now? It can feel frustrating, but growth often happens over time. It’s often a series of steps, best seen when
zooming out over time.
Rather than focusing only on solving or fixing, practice being. Be with the moment, and sit alongside yourself. Developing awareness, distress tolerance, and self-compassion creates the internal conditions for change.
Proactively choose “corrective experiences–” relationships and environments that differ from what hurt you. Refine your relational skills–self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, assertive and kind communication–so that, when paired with a relationally intelligent partner, you invite a corrective experience.
• Lastly, how motivated are you? Give it a number from 1 to 10. What is seeing the change in your life worth to you? Motivation alone may not get you there, so don’t be hard on yourself if you are motivated but have not yet seen change. But you will not get there without motivation.
Change entails discomfort. You might not always get it right, but each time you meet yourself or the world differently, you offer yourself the potential for expansion. It is the opposite of stuck. And it can feel good and be entirely worth it.
I’ll leave you with a passage from “Love After Love” by Derek Walcott in Sea Grapes (1976),
“The time will come when, with elation, you will greet yourself arriving at your own door, in your own mirror and each will smile at the other’s welcome”
As always, please feel free to write in with your thoughts or questions.
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.
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Historical Society readies for screening of ‘Price of Progress’
By Cozette Vergari
The Westchester/Playa Historical Society (WPHS) is excited to announce its upcoming plans to jointly sponsor the showing of the film, “Price of Progress” at the Cinemark Theaters in Playa Vista in early August of this year.
“Price of Progress” is a fabulous film, written, produced, and directed by Kevin Williamson, who has longtime ties with the Westchester/ Playa community. The film not only delves deeply into the history of the geographic footprint of the WPHS, but also focuses on the expansion of the original Los Angeles City Airport evolving out of Mines Field, including the building of the original terminal, now known as Terminal 1. The building still exists and can be seen while exiting the 105 Freeway near the intersection of Sepulveda Boulevard and Imperial Highway.
WPHS also has plans to collaborate with the Marina del Rey Historical Society, as well as local chambers of commerce surrounding LAX’s footprint, which include LAX Coastal, El Segundo, Culver City and Venice, to help showcase the film. More details will unfold in my upcoming Hometown News articles this summer.
In the meantime, stop by the WPHS
Discovery Center to view our latest exhibit, which pays tribute to the many celebrities who have resided in the Westchester/Playa community. You might be surprised to learn of the more than 70 famous residents who either grew up in the community or at some point joined the neighborhood! From sports and entertainment to politics and rock & roll, Westchester/ Playa’s history boasts many famous personalities, who were nurtured by and drawn into this community.
The long list includes two California Governors; aerospace magnate and film producer Howard Hughes; actress and author, Suzanne Somers; Astronaut Kevin Chilton who piloted the Endeavor into space, and attended Visitation and St. Bernard High School. Then there’s The Turtles, first meeting one another at Westchester High School; actress, comedian, writer and producer Roseanne Barr; actor and comedian Phil Hartman; Laker’s owner Jerry Buss; Academy Award Winner
Hilary Swank; Mouseketeer Sherry Alberoni; and seven-time NBA All-Star Laker, James Worthy, just to name a few!
Sadly, there are also a few infamous, including Lynette “Squeaky” Fromme, a member of the Manson Family who were involved in the Tate-LaBianca murders, and Phil Spector, a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, who was later convicted of the murder of actress Lana Clarkson.
Visit the WPHS Discovery Center, located at 6207 W. 87th St. in the Westchester Triangle on Sundays between 9:30 a.m. and noon, or by appointment. We can also assist in research, as our archives are codified and digitized. Learn more at wphistoricalsociety.org. The nonprofit’s board of directors are Cozette Vergari, Mike Heffernan, Art Wexler, David Russell, Chris Spry, Denny Lennon and Terry Marcellus. The board thanks its donors who support the WPHS!
Cozette is a lifelong resident of Westchester and 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.
Visit the Discovery Center during the Westchester Farmers’ Market on Sundays.
On May 2, we gathered at the Knights of Columbus Hall for an afternoon featuring music, friendship, and fundraising with a Kentucky Derby theme! In between music, the race, a delicious southern spread, a hat contest, auction and reverse drawing, we celebrated our recent projects and our 2026 Citizen of the Year, Jaymes Bellous!
The Westchester Rotary Club has been serving 90045 (and beyond) since 1950, and we couldn’t do what we do—provide scholarships & teacher grants, contribute to major community events, host our Book Sale, make a difference with our Makeover Project and much more— without the support of our community!
Interested in “Uniting for Good?” Email us to attend a meeting!
Thank you to our Major Sponsors:
Susan Zolla
Photos by Ellie Taylor
M o re than a seni or center (cont’d)
(Continued from page 10)
“Tell Me Your Story”
Beth Rubenstein, a semi-retired physical therapist trained in the Feldenkrais Method, says she always knew the Westchester Senior Center would one day become part of her daily life.
After moving to Osage in 1991 to raise her children, she would pass by the center often.
“I thought, well, I’m going to live here forever, and the Senior Center is where I’m going to hang out when my kids are grown. At the time, there wasn’t much happening. I thought, I have a stake in this place, so I want to make it better,” says Beth.
Now in her 70s and still highly active, she enjoys both the physical and creative offerings.
“I do improv, which they call drama, but I especially love the class called ‘Tell Me Your Story.’ It’s where they give us prompts, and we talk about ourselves,” she says. “It’s really nice and completely nonjudgmental.”
Westchester’s Centenarian
There’s also a quieter, more meaningful side to the center, one that becomes especially clear in moments of celebration and reflection.
On May 16, the community will come together to honor longtime
member Patrick Zilliacus as he turns 100. A World War II veteran and active participant at the center, Patrick represents both the history and heart of the community. His milestone birthday, which he has enthusiastically helped plan, is expected to draw a wide circle of friends, family, and fellow members–a testament to the connections formed within the center’s walls.
Patrick shared some of what guests can expect.
“At 1400 hours, a flag will be
a great place to work! Together we are Decron Strong!
America,” along with performances by other vocalists, including a former soprano with the L.A. Opera.
Patrick says he chose to celebrate at the place that matters most to him.
“I really wanted to have my party here because this is my home and these people are my family,” he says.
His wife Mercedes will be in attendance as will his three daughters, son and ex-wife, with whom he’s still friendly after all these years. He even has family coming in from Finland (Patrick’s native country) and Singapore.
Tuesdays | 5 - 6:30pm via Zoom • $15/session Payton Rund (she/her) Ext.255 & David Machado (he/him) ext. 184
hoisted at the Senior Center, and the Pledge of Allegiance will be led by Dwight Hanson, the leader of our group and Master of Ceremonies, wearing his USMC dress uniform,” he says.
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GROUP FACILITATORS SUPERVISED BY Mimi Hoang, Ph.D. (she/her) #PSY22006
Tuesdays | 5 - 6:30pm via Zoom • $15/session Payton Rund (she/her) Ext.255 & David Machado (he/him) ext. 184
The giant flag once flew over the USS Missouri Battleship, a ship that now resides in Pearl Harbor.
GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP
Thursdays | 10 - 11:30am in-person at AMCS • $15/session Devin at ext. 249 & David at ext. 140
GROUP FACILITATORS SUPERVISED BY Mimi Hoang, Ph.D. (she/her) #PSY22006
“The flag was given to me, and I’ve now given it to the seniors,” he adds.
WITH SELF AND OTHERS
GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP
GROUP FACILITATORS SUPERVISED BY Stefani Roscoe, LCSW, CGP #60100
Afterward, another veteran, Leon Silverman, will sing “You’re a Grand Old Flag,” followed by “God Bless
Tuesdays | 5 - 6:30pm via Zoom • $15/session Payton Rund (she/her) Ext.255 & David Machado (he/him) ext. 184
In many ways, the Westchester Senior Center is redefining what it means to age in a community. It’s not just about services or activities, it’s about belonging. Whether someone comes for a fitness class, a creative outlet, or simply a conversation, they’re stepping into a space that values participation, curiosity, and connection at every stage of life.
WOMEN’S PROCESS GROUP Wednesdays | 5:30 – 7pm via Zoom • $15/session Mikaela at ext. 161 & Chandra at ext. 225
In the sincere words of Patrick Zilliacus, “The Westchester Senior Center is a real community and I’m very happy to be part of it.”
And Westchester is better for it.
WOMEN’S PROCESS
GROUP FACILITATORS SUPERVISED BY Stefani Roscoe, LCSW, CGP #60100
recreation.parks.lacity.gov/scc/ westchester or call (310) 6493317.
MEN’S PROCESS GROUP Mondays | 6 - 7:30pm via Zoom • $15/session Devin at ext. 249 & David at ext. 140
SENIORS CONNECT GROUP
GROUP FACILITATORS SUPERVISED BY Mimi Hoang, Ph.D. (she/her) #PSY22006
Thursdays | 10 - 11:30am in-person at AMCS • $15/session Devin at ext. 249 & David at ext. 140 GROUP FACILITATORS SUPERVISED BY Stefani Roscoe, LCSW, CGP #60100
Tuesdays | 10 - 11:30am at Westchester Senior Center • FREE For more information, contact Kirstin Zullo Aceves at the Senior Center in-person or by calling (310) 649-3317
GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP
GROUP FACILITATORS SUPERVISED BY Stefani Roscoe,
Thursdays |
SENIORS CONNECT GROUP Tuesdays | 10 - 11:30am at Westchester Senior Center • FREE For more information, contact Kirstin Zullo Aceves at the Senior Center in-person or by calling (310) 649-3317
- 11:30am
GROUP FACILITATORS SUPERVISED BY Stefani Roscoe, LCSW, CGP #60100
LGBTQIA PROCESS GROUP: NAVIGATING HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS WITH SELF AND OTHERS
& David Machado (he/him) ext. 184
GROUP FACILITATORS SUPERVISED BY Stefani Roscoe, LCSW, CGP #60100
Tuesdays | 5 - 6:30pm via Zoom • $15/session Payton Rund (she/her) Ext.255 & David Machado (he/him) ext. 184
GROUP FACILITATORS SUPERVISED BY Stefani Roscoe, LCSW, CGP #60100
GROUP FACILITATORS SUPERVISED BY Mimi Hoang, Ph.D. (she/her) #PSY22006
SENIORS CONNECT GROUP
GROUP FACILITATORS SUPERVISED BY Mimi Hoang, Ph.D. (she/her) #PSY22006
Tuesdays | 10 - 11:30am at Westchester Senior Center • FREE For more information, contact Kirstin Zullo Aceves at the Senior Center in-person or by calling (310) 649-3317
GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP Thursdays | 10 - 11:30am in-person at AMCS
GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP
GROUP FACILITATORS SUPERVISED BY Stefani Roscoe, LCSW, CGP #60100
Thursdays | 10 - 11:30am in-person at AMCS • $15/session Devin at ext. 249 & David at ext. 140
SENIORS CONNECT GROUP Tuesdays |
- 11:30am
Center •
GROUP FACILITATORS SUPERVISED BY Stefani Roscoe, LCSW, CGP #60100
SENIORS CONNECT GROUP
Tuesdays | 10 - 11:30am at Westchester Senior Center • FREE For more information, contact Kirstin Zullo Aceves at the Senior Center in-person or by calling (310) 649-3317
GROUP FACILITATORS SUPERVISED BY Stefani Roscoe, LCSW, CGP #60100
WOMEN’S PROCESS GROUP Wednesdays | 5:30 – 7pm via Zoom • $15/session Mikaela at ext. 161 & Chandra at ext. 225
For more information, contact Kirstin Zullo Aceves at the Senior Center in-person or by calling (310) 649-3317 GROUP FACILITATORS SUPERVISED BY Stefani
The Senior Center is regularly packed during classes like Zumba and at special events like the recent Senior Prom and the Westchester Rotary-hosted annual luncheon (pictured).
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Willy Wonka, Jr. at Visitation School April 16 & 17
The students at Visitation Catholic School created a “world of pure imagination” during the production of their spring musical, “Willy Wonka, Jr.” on April 16 and 17.
The show was the first musical the school has put on in years, and was a labor of love for director Catherine Condit, and Producer and Music Director Andres Fierro.
“I am extremely proud of this production and all the hard work
that the students put in to make this happen,” said Catherine, who also teaches social studies and religion.
“Every aspect of this show had the creative influence of the students.
The actors poured their hearts into their performances and have pushed themselves out of their comfort zones.”
The sold out shows, based on Roald Dahl’s “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” tells the tale
of Charlie Bucket, who along with Augustus Gloop, Mike Teavee, Violet Beauregarde and Veruca Salt, find Golden Tickets, which give them a chance to visit the town’s chocolate factory run by the mysterious Willy Wonka. A visit to the factory goes from exciting to unexpected as the winners’ vices get them into trouble at every turn. In the end, it’s goodnatured Charlie who is the only one who passes Wonka’s enigmatic test,
and the one chosen to carry on the candy man’s legacy.
The cast, many whom never acted or been part of a play before, gave stellar performances with various musical numbers and excellent comedic timing, which led to lots of laughs from the audience.
Congratulations to the cast and crew on a fabulous production!
Learn more about the school at visitationschool.org.
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