Serving Van Nuys, Sherman Oaks, Encino,

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Muppet Party, Page 5

Dec 19th - 25th, 2011 (Ter’t #248) “Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!” VOl #5 ISSUE #40

Weekly Every Monday

Christmas Crossword, Page 2

The Government Center Gazette& Van Nuys News Press

Clouds and Sun are expected all week. Mon -- Tue -- Wed -- Thu -- Fri -- Sat -- Sun H: 66 63 62 61 62 65 64 L: 40 41 39 40 40 39 40

The rest of the week will be cool and mostly sunny.

--Weather Corner --What is absolute humidity? A type of humidity that considers the mass of water vapor present per unit volume of space. Also considered as the density of the water vapor. It is usually expressed in grams per cubic meter.

Houses Wanted for Cash Buyer!!!!! Any Condition !!No Repairs Needed !!! No Commissions to Pay!!

Call Direct (818) 510-2365 or call for our Free 24 hr Recorded Message (800) 337-9461 ext. 1001

Construction Loans Available!!!Call David Gutierrez (818) 922-5997

Old Mission Financial, Inc. 16461 Sherman Way #105 Van Nuys, CA 91406 NMLS# 354547 DRE# 01482419

Call our Free 24hr Recorded Message onConstruction Loans (800) 337-9461 ext. 1025

Houses Wanted for Cash Buyer!!!!! Any Condition !!No Repairs Needed !!! No Commissions to Pay!!

Call Direct (818) 922-5997 or call for our Free 24 hr Recorded Message (800) 337-9461 ext. 1001

WE LEGALIZEADDITIONS DONE

WITHOUT A PERMIT.WE REPRESENT PROPERTY OWNERS AS “AUTHORIZED AGENTS”

HANDLE “ORDERS TO COMPLY” SENT TO YOU BY THE CITY.WORK WITH CODE ENFORCEMENT INSPECTORS.HANDLE YOUR CASE AT THE DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING.

SPEAK ON YOUR BEHALF AT THE CITY ATTORNEY’S HEARINGS.NEGOTIATE WITH THE PROSECUTOR IN COURT

For Information (818) 516-59266262 Van Nuys Blvd, Van Nuys, CA 91401

(GARAGE CONVERSIONS, PATIO ENCLOSURES, ETC)

-- PhotograPh of the Week --

Pictured above: The Eiffel Tower in Paris, France. Definitely worth checking out, have lunch at Le Dali and then walk over. Check out http://www.lemeurice.com/restaurant-le-dali for more information on fine dining in Paris. Merci.

tierra rejada golf Club Puts the fun baCk in golf, introduCes “the Players Course”

New Layout Answers Need for More Playable Golf Courses; Reflects “Tee it Forward” Initiative Championed by Barney Adams

VENTURA COUNTY, CA -- In response to the need for more playable golf courses and to keep recreational golfers in the game, Tierra Rejada Golf Club in Ventura County, California has introduced The Players Course. Tierra Rejada is located in the Tierra Rejada Valley, at the mid-point between three cities, Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley and Moorpark, at the Tierra Rejada exit of the 23 Freeway, just a 10-minute drive from Westlake Village. Tierra Rejada is the first golf club in a major golf market (Continued on page 4...)

north korean leader kim jong-il has diedThe Supreme Leader of North Korea, Kim Jong-il, has died according to the Korean

Central News Agency (KCNA). The cause of death was “advanced acute myocardial infarction, complicated by serious heart shock,” commonly known as a heart attack. Kim had appearently died two days earlier on December 17 aboard a train. According to North Korean media, Kim was 69. However, other records from the former Soviet Union place his age at 70.At the same time, Kim’s son, Kim Jong-un has been named as the “Great Successor” by North Korean state media. Citizens are being told they “must faithfully revere respectable comrade Kim Jong-un. At the leadership of comrade Kim Jong-un, we have to change sadness to strength and courage and overcome today’s difficulties,” according to KCNA.According to Yonhap News Agency, South Korea’s military is on “emergency alert” following a meeting

by South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS). According to a JCS official, “We’re keeping close tabs on the demilitarized zone (DMZ), Joint Security Area (JSA) and Northern Limit Line (NLL) for possibilities of North Korean provocations.”South Korean President Lee Myung-bak also presided over a meeting. A statement from Lee’s office said, “The government will remain thoroughly prepared while keeping a close watch over the situation in North Korea. The government will also cooperate closely with the international community to maintain peace and safety on the Korean Peninsula.”

former frenCh President jaCques ChiraC found guilty of CorruPtion

The former French president Jacques Chirac has been found guilty of corruption and sentenced to a two year suspended prison sentence after a long-running criminal trial concluded this past week. The events which led to the trial predate Chirac’s time as president but center around Chirac’s prior role as mayor of Paris from 1977 to 1995. The court agreed with prosecutors who alleged that Chirac created fake government jobs in order to funnel an estimated €1 million of public money to his political allies in the Rally for the Republic organization. Benoît Hamon from the Socialist Party said he was glad that “justice has been done” and said it was “a good sign for French democracy that an independent judiciary could pronounce such a verdict on a former president of the republic”. He previously served as Prime Minister of France from 1974 to 1976 and from 1986 to 1988.

opinions & Editorial

page 2 Monday, december 19th - sunday, december 25th, 2011 www.vannuysnewspress.com

The Government Center Gazette & Van Nuys News Press

The Government Center Gazette & Van Nuys News Press is published weekly on Mondays by George Christopher Thomas, Publisher.

Advertising and Editorial offices are based out of Agoura Hills, CA. telePhone: 818-605-8940 • 818-707-2507 fax: 818-286-9579

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P.o. box 2444, Van nuys, Ca 91404Opinions and positions taken in articles and op-ed submissions are those of the author and do not reflect the opinions of the Publisher or this newspaper’s advertisers. Please submit letters to the editor and story ideas to Editor@VanNuysNewsPress.com or P.O. Box 2444, Van Nuys, CA 91404. Your first copy of this newspaper is free; additional copies are $50 each. For an annual subscription please mail a check for $33 payable to “Van Nuys News Press” to P.O. Box 2444, Van Nuys, CA 91404. Please write “subscription” in the memo and include your name and mailing address. If you subscribe, it will come (in the mail).

PUBLISHER: George Christopher ThomasEDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Joanne Lewis

CIRCULaTION MaNaGER: Elias PazaSSISTaNT CIRCULaTION MaNaGER: Jonathan King, Sr.

TRaVEL & ENTERTaINMENT EDITOR: Jean StrauberHOME DECORaTING EDITOR: Sandra Holstein

aDOPTED GOLF RaDIO FaMILY: The Gottfried Family, aM 570COPYWRITER & RaDIO PRODUCER: alex “Foghorn” Fish

PRaCTICaL LEGaL POINTERS COLUMNIST: Joann Deutch, attorneyDEPUTY aSSISTaNT SUGGESTION EDITOR: Julie CastroCONTRIBUTING OPINION COLUMNIST: Irving Leemon

CONTRIBUTING “MISS-LaNE-IOUS” COLUMNIST: Lane M. ShermanAll pictures and materials sent to The Government Center Gazette are considered

property of the publisher, and will not be returned. Thanks! Have a nice day and be good!

-- Word of the Week --Christmas (pronounced “Chris-miss”) -- noun1. the annual festival of the Christian church commemorating the birth of Jesus: celebrated on December 25 and now generally observed as a legal holiday and an occasion for exchanging gifts. (Source: Dictionary.com Unabridged. Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2011.)

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-- from the sidelines --By Irving Leemon, Contributing ColumnistI’m sick and tired of Christians claiming that their traditions and holiday, Christmas, are under attack. The only thing that is under attack is their attempt to exclude any other religions from publicly celebrating their holidays at the same time of year. This country was founded on, and is under constitutional mandate, to allow each person to celebrate his or her religious holidays in public. The present interpretation of the constitution is that no religious symbols can be placed on public property, unless all other religions are also displayed on that property, with no preference given to any of them.Yes, this is a primarily Christian country. But, one of the things that makes this country great is the tolerance and appreciation of other people’s beliefs. What a lot of vocal “Christians” forget is the commandment to be tolerant of others and their beliefs.I was brought up to believe that each one of us should respect each religion and other people’s right to celebrate their holidays in public. The only exceptions are if a religion preaches or attempts to eliminate another person’s belief, and if that religion tramples on another’s human and constitutional rights.I don’t understand “Christian” commentators who are offended by “happy holidays” and “season’s greetings”. This in no way denies that person’s right to enjoy Christmas. Nor does it take away that person’s right to enjoy Christmas. Are commentators such as Bill O’Reilly so insecure in their “Christian beliefs” that they are offended by such greetings? I also see nothing wrong with calling a non-religious symbol a decorated tree. The greetings that include the words “holidays” and “seasons” are only meant to include people other then Christians in the wish for happiness. Do people who are “offended” trying to exclude none Christians?And, O’Reilly and Fox “news” executives, are you so nuts that you expected the big retailers to answer your query into their policies of telling their employees not to exclude potential customers in their wishes for a happy season?The December celebrations are supposed to bring joy and light into the dead of winter to all people. People like the afore mentioned person are trying to destroy that.

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Make your own crossword puzzles! Try a free demo at www.CrosswordWeaver.com

ACROSS

1 Christmas colors (3 wds.) 6 Present topper

10 Encourages a kiss 11 Tree decorations 15 Frosty is one of these 16 Warm chocolatey drink (2 wds.) 18 Roast them on an open fire 19 Santa's sleigh pullers 20 The people you spend the holidays with 21 Ornament covered evergreen (2 wds.)

DOWN

2 Ties up a present 3 How Santa gets inside your home 4 What Santa brings 5 Pointy green leaf 7 It's white and it falls 8 What bad kids get 9 Shimmering tree decoration

12 Footwear by the fire 13 They jingle all the way (2 wds.) 14 The biggest elf (2 wds.) 17 Happy

entertainment tips of the week

Monday, december 19th - sunday, december 25th, 2011 PAGE 3www.vannuysnewspress.com

By Jean Strauber, Entertainment Editor

hollyWood boWl: summer 2012

Well, it’s December and my Hollywood Bowl renewal has arrived. Here’s some of the programming that you might enjoy during the Bowl’s Summer 2012 season. The Hollywood Bowl’s Summer 2012 Season opens with its annual Hall of Fame concert and gala on Friday, June 22, 2012. Famed singer and composer Barry Manilow will be hosting the annual Fourth of July concert on July 2, 3, and 4. As usual the Bowl’s spectacular fireworks will light up the sky. A special concert on Friday, July 13 will bring famed American humorist Garrison Keillor to the Bowl stage. Keillor will host his much-loved radio show “A Prairie Home Companion” which will include the show’s favorite skits and bits. The following night, Saturday, July 14 will see the return of the fun-filled “Grease Sing-A-Long” There will be fun pre-show festivities and the audience is expected to sing-a-long while the film is shown on the Bowl’s big screen. On Sunday, August 26th the Bowl guest will be treated to the sounds of really

smooth jazz. And for the fans of the “Sing-A-Long Sound of Music” night, that will be held on Saturday, September 22nd.On Tuesday July 10, the regular concert season will be launched with Leonard Slatkin conducting the LA Philharmonic in performing Beethoven’s epic Ninth Symphony. Other Tuesday night concerts will include Gustavo Dudamel joining Yo-Yo Ma for Schumann’s Cello Concerto; Baroque/Classical specialist Nicholas McGegan returning with an all-Haydn program featuring the glorious Alison Balsom on trumpet; and the series ends with a program of Russian masterworks. On July 17 you’ll find Joshua Bell opening the Tuesday Night Series 2 concerts with Mendelssohn’s Violin Concert. Other nights will feature Resident Conductor Lionel Bringuier joining Yefim Bronfam for an evening of Brahmns and Beethoven. Gustavo Dudamel will lead the festive music of North and South America. Bramwell Tovey, Sarah Chang and Rafael Fruhbeck de Burgos will also be returning. The Classical Thursday Night concerts, Series 1 (July 12, 26, Aug 9,

23 and Sept 6), will include Gustavo Dudamel returning with Yuja Wang for Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1; pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet appearing with conductor Stephane Deneve; and Nicholas McGegan leading an all-Mozart evening. And, Bramwell Tovey will return on a Thursday night. Series (July 19, Aug 2, 16, 30 and September 13) will find Josh Bell repeating his Tuesday night concert performing Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto. Other programs include Gustavo Dudamel leading music by Ginastera and Copland. Resident Conductor Lionel Bringuier returns with Renaud Capucon to perform Beethoven’s Violin Concerto and Rafel Fruhbeck de Burgos will conclude the series with his leading a performance of Carmina Burana.You also have the opportunity to once again enjoy KCRW’s World Festival on Sunday nights at the Hollywood Bowl. And, legendary pianist Herbie Hancock will once again oversee Wednesday night’s Jazz at the Bowl series.

FELa!The mesmerizing FELA! is now at the Center Theatre Group’s Ahmanson Theatre

until January 22, 2012. This musical, based on the authorized biography “FELA: This Bitch of a life” by Carlos Moore was directed and choreographed by Bill T. Jones with the music and lyrics of Fela Anikulapo-Kuyti. Fela followed in the footsteps of his parents. He used his music as his weapon to fight the military regimes in his country, Nigeria. As a political activist he was arrested and harassed and, frequently, beaten. FELA!, takes place during a stadium-style concert in which Fela (Sahr Ngaujan) will share his thoughts and feelings about his life, work and the government’s corruption and greed. There is some wit and yet some somber pronouncements also. I was accompanied by my friend and fellow teacher, Donna Sweet, who noted one comment “When young and you really want something you lie.” During the evening he solicits audience participation in clapping their hands or, singing out in response to his demand, “Yeah! Yeah! Yeah!” With the on-stage band beating out the rhythms it would be very easy to begin dancing in the aisles. After all, Fela (Sahr) tells us to “leave the shy outside.”The musical is really a “dancical,” a nearly non-stop spectacle of movement, set to Afrobeat music and featuring

traditional tribal dance, jazz and stylized dance as well as improvisational free-form hybrids. The play is set in 1976 during a stadium-style concert in which Fela (who died of AIDS in 1997) speaks to his audience between sets. With humor and eloquence, Fela tells us about his country’s troubles, the government’s corruption and greed, and he talks about his life and work. As Donna noted that Fela comments, “whites-new guests-looking funny then things begin to be missing. Ashtrays, petroleum” and what do we get in return? Gonorrhea and Jesus.”Throughout the play you are aware of the influence of Fela’s mother, also an activist. Her notable line: “It’s our country - the British get out.” You’ll notice that many of the song titles are not meant to entertain but to educate, “Pipeline”/”I.T.T. (International Thief Thief),” “Sorrow Tears and Blood” and “Coffin for Head of State.” The Storming of Kalakuta (“Sorrow Tears and Blood”) was very disturbing and, as Donna and I discussed, very much in today’s news with the Arab Spring, Sudan, Libya and Syria. In the final song, “Coffin for Head of State,” we find child-sized coffins following the coffin of Fela’s mother who had just been killed. These coffins are inscribed with a name, an injustice or even a slogan. Fela asks, “Whose

coffin are you willing to carry?”The only problem I had (as did my seat partner, Donna) was understanding Fela’s thick West African accent. I found myself not understanding much of what was said. However, I was mesmerized by the music and dancing, as you will be. The cast is headed by Sahr Ngaujah as Fela with Adesola Osakalumi as the activist/performer in some of the performances. Featured are Paulette Ivory (Sandra), Rassan-Elijah “Talu” Green (Dejember-Mustafa), Ismael Kouyate (Ismael), Gelan Lambert (J.K. Braimah/Tap Dancer/Egungun). Performance Schedule: Tuesday through Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., Sunday at 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Added performances are Monday, December 19 at 8 pm and Thursdays January 5 and 19 at 2 pm. No 8 pm performance on Saturday December 24 nor any performances on Sunday, December 25th. On Sundays January 8 and 22 there won’t be any 6:30 pm performances. Tickets: $20-$120 and can be purchased by going online to CenterTheatreGroup.org, calling (213) 972-4400 or in person at the CTG Box Office located at the Ahmanson Theatre at the Music Center, 135 North Grand Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90012.

page 4 Monday, december 19th - sunday, december 25th, 2011 www.vannuysnewspress.com

police news &Information

business &commerce

(Continued from page 1...) -- to launch an initiative like “The Players Course.” It is, however, a trend that has received attention from golf industry experts. Recent reports in the media and from researchers validate what will now happen at Tierra Rejada.The 5,600-yard layout is now open at the highly regarded and picturesque daily-fee golf club and features a combination of completely new and strategically placed tee boxes to shorten the course and make landing areas more accessible, thus reducing the intimidation of long shots over ravines and lakes.Designed by nationally renowned architect Bob Cupp (designer of Pumpkin Ridge, Crosswater and Liberty National among other modern classics), Tierra Rejada Golf Club opened in December, 1999. The course is well-known for its natural beauty with stunning views of the Reagan Presidential Library, and also for the challenge it presents to low-handicap golfers.With the introduction of “The Players Course” and its new Green Tees, Tierra Rejada officials aim to provide the average golfer with an experience that is more fun and definitely memorable. The result is a “course within a course,” measuring approximately 500 yards less than the shortest championship tees.Tierra Rejada Golf Club is targeting the following golfer segments with “The Players Course:”~Older golfers who now find the game increasingly difficult.~Mid- to high-handicap golfers.~Infrequent golfers who play a limited number of times and then give it up.~Players just entering the game who need a course that meets their ability.

-- business of the Week --“Air Canada”

Air Canada is Canada’s largest full-service airline and the largest provider of scheduled passenger services in the Canadian market, the Canada-U.S. transborder market and in the international market to and from Canada. Together with our regional partner Air Canada Ex-press (operated by Jazz only), Air Canada serves over 32 million customers annually and provides direct passenger service to over 170 destinations on five continents. Air Canada is a founding member of Star Alliance™, the world’s most comprehen-sive air transportation network. In addi-tion to the 2011 Business Traveler awards, Air Canada was ranked Best International Airline in North America in a worldwide survey of more than 18 million airline passengers conducted by independent research firm Skytrax for its 2011 World Airline Awards. Also in 2011, Air Canada was named Best Airline in North America by readers of Global Traveler magazine. For the fourth consecutive year, Air Canada has received top honours for Best Flight Experience to Canada in Executive Travel magazine’s 2011 Leading Edge Awards readers’ survey. Air Canada provides scheduled passenger service directly to 60 Canadian cities, 57 destinations in the United States and 63 cities in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Australia, the Caribbean, Mexico and South America. Air Canada is a founding member of Star Alliance, the world’s most comprehensive air transportation network serving 1,160 destinations in 181 countries. Air Canada customers can collect Aeroplan miles for future rewards through Canada’s lead-ing loyalty program, and Top Tier members enjoy reciprocal frequent flyer benefits including lounge and priority services. For more information visit aircanada.com, follow @AirCanada

on Twitter and join Air Canada on Facebook.

Child molest susPeCt arrested inVestigators seeking Possible additional ViCtims

LOS ANGELES, CA -- LAPD detectives arrested a child molest suspect and are asking for public’s help in locating additional children who may have been victims of Peter McNeal. On December 13th, 2011, Investigators from The LAPD’s Operations West Bureau Sexual Assault Detail arrested 45-year-old Peter Ivan McNeal, a resident of Los Angeles, for Lewd Acts Upon a Child Under 10. Charges were filed against McNeal by the Los Angeles Dis-trict Attorney’s Office and McNeal was released upon posting $250,000 bail. McNeal is a musi-cian in various bands, which perform at various local venues as well as nationally and interna-tionally. McNeal was previously arrested by the Sexual Assault Detail in 2009 on a separate case involving the attempted molestation of a young girl. The Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office prosecuted McNeal in that case. Anyone

with information regarding these crimes is encouraged to contact Officer Justin Malcuit at Operations-West Bureau, Sexual Assault Detail 213-473-0417 or email 36275@lapd.lacity.org. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477). Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on “webtips” and follow the prompts.

suPer boWl ring returned to nfl legendLOS ANGELES, CA -- Former Chicago Bear and Los Angeles Raider NFL receiver Willie Gault had his 1985 Super Bowl Ring stolen in a residential burglary on November 8, 2011. On December 15, 2011, LAPD West Valley Burglary and Property Crimes Unit recovered the ring at a jewelry store in the 700 block of South Broadway within the Jewelry Mart District of Central Division. Also recovered were five stolen watches and a wedding ring. A 1983 Super Bowl ring was also taken into custody. The LAPD is investigating to locate the rightful owner of that item. Detectives said that a source that deals in sports memorabilia contacted West Valley Burglary Detectives and advised that the ring had been seen at the store. The store owner, 46-year-old Ramin Cohan of Beverly Hills was arrested and booked at Valley Jail Section for Receiving Stolen Property (496 PC) with a bail amount of 20,000 dollars. Anyone with information about this case is urged to call LAPD West Valley Detective William Dunn at 818-374-7730. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (1-877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (1-800-222-8477). Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on “webtips” and follow the prompts.

Monday, december 19th - sunday, december 25th, 2011 page 5www.vannuysnewspress.com

Community News & Eventsfor holiday fun haVe a muPPet Party at the el CaPitan theatre

By Theda K. Reichman, Contributing Columnist Want to do something out of the ordinary this holiday season? Of course you do--so here is a suggestion for young and ‘older’ alike--be part of a “Muppet Party!” at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood at 6838 Hollywood Blvd. Seating for parties is limited so tickets must be purchased in advance.The party is held at the Disney Soda Fountain and Studio Store which is a part of the El Capitan Theatre. If you get a Muppet Party Package you can see the movie and stage show before or after you dine. We opted to eat first, then see the film which comes with a live show on stage as Kermit and Miss Piggy lead the audience in a holiday sing-a-long of Christmas music. After the live stage show comes the movie “The Muppets,“ which is a big holiday hit. As we entered the Soda Fountain area we had our photo taken with a Muppet doll of our choice. I chose Miss Piggy while Rich picked Kermit. After the party we were presented with a lovely Kodak print which featured us in the center holding Piggy & Kermit, surrounded by all our Muppet friends. It’s really a nice keepsake. After our photo op we were seated in a very festive and Muppet like area. To my surprise all the guests at our table were grown up Muppet fans except for one little girl who came with her mom and dad. The party was an early holiday gift from her Aunt.The meal was very nice, also quite healthful. There were glasses at each end filled with colorful gumballs (just help yourself) as part of the table décor. We had a choice of beverage--iced tea, coffee, hot chocolate with whipped cream (my choice, followed by coffee later) or sodas of all kinds. And you can have as many refills as you like. There are all kinds of finger sandwiches/ The little girl especially liked the peanut butter and jelly ones but I liked the variety of wrapped sandwiches as well as the roast beef on a bun. You begin with a colorful fresh fruit salad, followed by a nice mixed green salad. Next there is a cupcake which you get to decorate for yourself. Because it was my husband’s birthday he was also given a birthday pin and a dish of delicious ice cream from the soda fountain. Along with the commemorative photo for each person we were also given a Muppet Party cup to take home.Our servers and host gave us a Muppet Trivia Quiz after the meal with a grand prize for the winner. A party highlight for me was a real puppeteer who showed us how Muppet puppetry is done. He also answered all of our questions. When the party was over we were given a bell bracelet to slip on before we entered the movie theatre to see the film and stage show, By the time our Muppet Adventure was over, we were in a true Muppet and Holiday frame of mind. For information on tickets for the movie and stage show or a Muppet Party call 1-800-DISNEY6. You can save up to 35% if you come with a group of 20 or more to see the film. Happy Holidays!

-- destination of the Week --“Mill Rose Inn, Half Moon Bay, CA ”

From the moment you enter the Mill Rose Inn you’ll recognize this is a place like no other. If the gardens are luxuriant, the Inn is no less so. Valuable antiques and watercolors, opulent decor and period furnishings create an ambi-ance of relaxed elegance.This unique environment is the cre-ation of Eve and Terry Baldwin. Eve’s background in interior and flo-ral design and wedding coordination combine with Terry’s in landscape contracting in 1980 to convert an old 1900’s cottage into the finest Bed and Breakfast Inn on the Coastside.Half Moon Bay retains the flavor of its farming origins amid the sophis-tication of a blossoming resort. At the Inn ‘s doorstep hiking and biking trails in redwood forests, chain of se-cluded beaches, unique shops wine tasting and extraordinary art galleries. (615 Mill Street, Half Moon Bay, CA, 94019-1726, USA -- Tel: 650-726-8750 / Fax: 650-726-3031 -- info@millroseinn.com)

page 6 Monday, december 19th - sunday, december 25th, 2011 www.vannuysnewspress.com

Travel tips of the week

-- faCts of the Week --

Interesting Facts about Christmas:~ In the early Church, Christmas was not celebrated as a major feast. The first evidence of the Church attempting to put a date on the day of Christ’s birth comes from 200 AD, when theologians in Alexandria decided it was the 20th of May. By the 380s, the Church in Rome was attempting to unite the various regions in using December 25th as the universal feast day, and eventually that is the day that stuck. As so often was the case in the early Church, the influence of the pagan feasts of Rome is seen, because December 25 was the festival for the birth of the sun. St Cyprian makes mention of this: “O, how wonderfully acted Providence that on that day on which that Sun was born . . . Christ should be born.”~ Jesus Christ is Jewish.

-- Vegas for neW year’s eVe? --By Jean Strauber, Travel EditorCaesars Palace: Celine Dion at The Colosseum Celine Dion’s show at The Colosseum, directed by long time GRAMMY’s producer Ken Ehrlich, features 31 musicians in a full orchestra and band and includes Celine’s biggest hits mixed with timeless classics. The new show, a visually stunning presentation, pays tribute to some of the most celebrated songs and artists of all time. December 28 to December 31 at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $55 to $250. To purchase tickets, call (702) 866-1410 or go to www.caesarspalace.com.

The MGM Grand Hotel and Casino: David Copperfield at the Hollywood TheatreConsidered one of the greatest illusionists of all time, David Copperfield (pictured, left) has been seen by audiences worldwide on television and in his critically acclaimed Broadway show, “Dreams and Nightmares.” He will present two shows at 7:30 p.m. 10:00 p.m., and on Saturday, December 31 there will be an additional show at 4:30 pm.

Tickets range from $83.40 to $226.40. To purchase tickets call (702) 891-1111 or go to www.mgmgrandhotel.com.

-- Cruisin’ doWn the riVer --The Great American Steamboating Company has offered the chance to relive the era of steam boating by taking one of their Delta Queen Steamboat cruises on the Mississippi River or Ohio rivers since the 1990s. Today, the company has expanded upon these adventures to include shore excursions, with the chance to explore ports of call like New Orleans, Natchez, Hannibal, Chattanooga and Pittsburgh, to name just a few. Once on board you’ll step back in time to an era of grace and civility, luxury and elegance, with the warm inviting atmosphere of antebellum charm. Accommodations vary from a suite with beautiful windowed French doors that open onto the deck or veranda for a commanding view of the river; a Superior Outside Stateroom with windowed French doors opening onto the deck or veranda; Outside Deluxde Outside Staterooms with a view of the river from a bay window or from French doors that open onto the deck; Outside Deluxe Windows with a floor to ceiling bay window; or an Inside Stateroom. You’ll find ample storage space, in-room Starbucks coffee along with complimentary bottled water and fresh fruit, and a private bathroom with shower.Other highlights on the three- to 10-night voyages include shore excursions, complimentary soft drinks, wines and beers with dinners, a champagne welcome reception and gala dinner, and even hot and cold canapes at cocktail hour every evening.The American Steamboating Company is offering special theme voyages. Among them are:- A Kentucky Derby voyage, which offers the experience of watching the Derby parades and festivities in Louisville. The American Queen departs Cincinnati on May 4 and calls at Louisville and Madison before returning Cincinnati on May 8th. Included in the price of the voyage are tickets to the Kentucky Derby or the special Derby Day party. To help

you get into the spirit, you’ll find plenty of mint juleps to help you get into the spirit for the “Run of the Roses,” the first leg of a horse’s climb for the Triple Crown.- An Old-Fashioned Fourth of July can be yours on the Independence Day-themed cruise. Departing from Memphis, Tennessee on June 28th, this voyage includes visits to New Madrid (MO), Paducah (KY) and Cape Girardeau (MO), and arrives in St. Louis in time to view the fireworks display over the famed St. Louis Arch.- Civil War Vacations during which renowned historians will share their expertise. Shore excursions include guided tours of the battlefields where so many in blue or gray gave their lives. On these 10-night adventures you’ll find reenactments, balladeers and field trips while you travel between two major Civil War sites -- Vicksburg and Chattanooga.- Big Band Vacations with special orchestras getting you “in the mood” by playing all the tunes so many of older folk know so well, and in the original arrangements that are today’s classics. The music of Ellington, Miller, Shaw, Basie and Goodman will be featured throughout the two voyages, July 27 to August 3 and August 3 to 10. The July 27 voyage departs from Pittsburgh with ports of call in Wheeling (WV), Marietta (OH), Point Pleasant (WV), Maysville (OH), Cincinnati (OH) and Madison (IND) before you disembark in Louisville (KY). If selecting the August 3 voyage on the Mississippi River, you embark in Louisville (KY) and will disembark in Vicksburg (MI) after visiting Henderson (KY), Paducah (KY), New Madrid (MO) and Memphi (TN).- Fall Colors Vacations allow you to enjoy nature’s reds, oranges and golds as the steamboat traverses the Upper Mississippi, Ohio and Tennessee rivers in the autumn. Guest naturalists on shore excursions will add to your enjoyment of the colors. The Fall Color Vacations even include traditional fall foods such as pumpkin pie and hot spiced cider. Some of these voyages originate from St. Paul (MN) with ports of call including Hannibal (MO), the home of Mark Twain, on the way to your disembarking port, St. Louis (MO). Be sure to visit the Mark Twain boyhood home and museum while in Hannibal. Other cities may include (depending on the length of the voyage) Red Wing (MN), Dubuque (IA), Davenport (IA), Burlington (IA) , Lake Pepin (MN), and La Crosse (MN). - Southern Culture cruises include visits to the towns that inspired the literary giants William Faulkner, Flannery O’Conner, Tennessee Williams, and Harper Lee. The cruises range from 5 to 8 days and, depending on the length of the cruise, will visit the cities of Oak Valley (LA), St. Francisville (LA), Natchez (MI), Vicksburg (MI), Houmas House (LA), and Baton Rouge (LA.)- While on the Holiday Vacations, passengers view southern plantation homes in their traditional holiday dress. In the time-honored Cajun tradition, there will be spectacular bonfires along the levees to light the way for Papa Noel. While singing Christmas carols you’ll raise your glasses of eggnog in celebration of Christmas on the river. Fares run from $995 (3-day; Inside Stateroom) to $8,495 (10-Day Luxurious Suite) per person, double occupancy.For more information you can contact me at vannuysnewspress@aol.com/trvlwritr2@aol.com or consult your travel professional.

Monday, december 19th - sunday, december 25th, 2011 page 7www.vannuysnewspress.com

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Welcome to the Kona Coast on the Big Island of HawaiiTravel & Leisure Magazine names The BIG ISLAND one of the TOP TEN

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Hotels, Resorts & Spas

-- ProPerty of the Week --“Kona Surf & Racquet Club, #5301”

This is a lovely oceanfront top floor condo with a huge wrap around lanai to give you the most expansive views. And they are expansive. All the way down the Kona Coast with the waves crashing right in front of you. Watch the whales in winter and the dolphins year round from the lanai. Let the ocean lull you to sleep each night. The kitchen is fully equipped so you can enjoy your morning Kona coffee sitting on your lanai listening to the lovely bird sounds. In the evening perhaps a MaiTai as you watch the famous Kona sunsets. This is a non-smoking only condo. Mahalo This is a very special condo because of the views and you will want to stay here again and again. It is here right now just waiting for you so hurry and book your reservation online right now! (Check out www.konarentals.com or email: makereservations@konarentals.com for more information) Aloha and welcome to the Island of Hawai’i; the newest of the Hawaiian Islands. The Big Island, our nickname, is indeed big enough to fit all seven of the other islands in it. And not only is the island big, it’s still growing, thanks to the active volcanoes. The Big Island offers eleven different climate zones and an array of landscapes to please and accommodate every visitor. We have lush rainforest, deserts, black sand beaches and amazing waterfalls. We even have snowcapped mountains! The world’s most active volcano, Kilauea, is here. The lava flow has added hundreds of acres to the island. A visit to Hawai’i Volcano National Park allows you to experience this awesome force of nature and should not be missed. The Big Island of Hawai’i has played a major role in the history of the state. King Kamehameha the Great, credited with uniting the Hawaiian Islands into one kingdom, hails from the Big Island. You can visit the statue commemorating his birth on the beautiful Kohala Coast. Then take a trip to Parker Ranch to learn about the paniolo (Hawaiian cowboys). Make a visit to Kealakekua Bay where the memorial has been placed for Captain James Cook at the place where he died after his incredible discovery. There are countless ways to explore the Big Island; stargaze atop Mauna Kea (when it is snow covered). Visit one of the beautiful white sand beaches, or an incredible black sand beach. Tour one of Kona’s fabulous coffee plantations, the island’s cash crop. Swim and snorkel with gentle manta rays, giant sea turtles and amazing sea life. Visit the Merrie Monarch Festival, the world’s largest hula celebration. Visit Ka Lae, the southernmost tip of the United States, or just watch a beautiful waterfall and relax. The discovery and adventure available on the Big Island is endless. Tee off at an award winning golf course, go horseback riding, explore the beautiful valleys on an ATV, go deep sea fishing, snorkeling and so much more. Maybe just sit on your lanai and watch the dolphins and whales play right in front of you. We know you will grow to love the Big Island as much as we do! We look forward to your visit and know you will come back over and over. (Check out www.konarentals.com)

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Portola hotel & sPa earns Waste reduCtion aWard for eighteenth ConseCutiVe year

MONTEREY, CA -- Portola Hotel & Spa has had a consistent history of commitment to being as environmentally friendly as possible while still providing stunning accommodations for guests. Earlier this week, Portola Ho-tel won a 2011 Governor’s Environmental and Economic Leadership Award (GEELA), one of California’s highest awards for strides in envi-ronmental consciousness. On Tuesday, December 13, Por-tola Hotel & Spa was again rewarded, for the eighteenth consecutive year, with the prestigious Waste Reduction Awards Program (WRAP) Award from the California Department of Resource Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) for the hotel’s environmentally friendly business strategies and commitment to waste reduction.Fom the décor to the electricity that is produced and used, Portola Hotel & Spa is designed to mind the environment first and foremost, while being stylistically and aesthetically pleasing to hotel guests. The hotel regularly participates in environmental conservation programs, holds a silver LEED® certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, and is the first completely green hotel in Central California.Janine Chicourrat, General Manager of Portola Hotel & Spa, said, “We are so proud of this achieve-ment. We are committed to continuing our efforts in making a positive impact on the planet.”About WRAP Awards: Recipients of the WRAP Award are given to businesses and organizations for their environmentally friendly business strategies, and for actively making efforts to reduce waste reduction and reach recycling goals. Taking extra measures in preserving the environment to ultimately reduce greenhouse emissions also helps reduce waste mass at landfills and promote a waste free environment. In 2010, California threw away more than thirty million tons of mu-nicipal solid waste, and nearly sixty-seven percent of this waste came from the commercial sector. CalRecycle evaluated each entry individually by analyzing reports on waste prevention, recycling, composting, procurement, and educational activitiesAbout Portola Hotel & Spa: Portola Hotel & Spa is Monterey’s first and only Silver LEED® EB certified hotel and recently earned AAA Four Diamond Rating. The full-service hotel offers guests a rich, historical ambiance, with residential style and a dedicated staff to ensure an unparalleled guest experience. The hotel features 379 newly renovated guest rooms, including 10 suites, rang-ing from 400 to 1,000 square feet. Inspired by the Monterey Peninsula’s surrounding landscape and nautical heritage, all guest rooms feature elegant wood furnishings, large bathrooms with separate vanity areas, white shuttered windows. Many guest rooms offer private balconies with ocean, garden terrace or pool views. In compliance with LEED requirements, all guest rooms are non-smoking.Portola Hotel & Spa is home to Jacks Restaurant and Lounge and Peter B’s BrewPub, the Mon-terey Peninsula’s only craft brewery. In addition, overnight guests have access to the hotel’s spa and fitness facilities, complete with steam room, sauna, outdoor pool and Jacuzzi. The newly renovated 6,000-square-foot Spa on the Plaza offers 10 treatment rooms and an extensive spa menu of signature treatments. Portola Hotel & Spa offers 25 separate conference/banquet rooms, full-service event technology, catering and outdoor function space. With 50,000 square feet of flexible indoor and 60,000 square feet of outside meeting space, the Monterey Conference Center is the largest conference center on the central coast of California. (For more information, please visit: http://www.portolahotel.com)

page 8 Monday, december 19th - sunday, december 25th, 2011 www.vannuysnewspress.com

politics & government

Plus tax. One coupon per table. Must present coupon.Not valid with any other offers or discounts. Expires 12/15/11

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Welcome to the Kona Coast on the Big Island of HawaiiTravel & Leisure Magazine names The BIG ISLAND one of the TOP TEN

ISLANDS OF THE WORLD for 2011BOOK NOW!

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Vacation Homes - Vacation Condos - Long-Term Rentals

-- golf Course of the Week --“Tierra Rejada Golf Club, Moorpark, CA ”

Tierra Rejada Golf Club is a Public Golf facility. Opened in December, 1999 and located in Moorpark, CA, it is nestled in the foothills of eastern Ventura County in Southern California. N a t i o n a l l y r e n o w n e d a r c h i t e c t Robert E. Cupp created this par 72 masterpiece of playability and scenic beauty. Tierra Rejada may be played from four(4) sets of tees, (5,148 yards from the forward tees to over 7,000 from the back tees), each catering to a golfer’s own ability. In preparation for your golf experience, you can hone your skills on our grass practice range, pitching green, surrounded by sand bunkers, chipping green and putting green. The Pro Shop at Tierra Rejada Golf Club is now stocking premium brand men’s and women’s golf apparel and accessories, at prices competitive with outlet stores. “We’ve been hearing from golfers that there aren’t stores open to the public in the greater Los Angeles region that carry a good range of in-fashion shirts, skirts, slacks and other golf-related clothing, or sell them at a reasonable price,” said Tierra Rejada Director of Golf Operations and Head Professional Mark Peifer. “After recognizing this void in the marketplace, we realized that we could do both.” Tierra Rejada’s Pro Shop features brands that have a strong presence on the PGA Tour, the LPGA Tour, or which are well established as the best in the golf industry. The lines include Bobby Jones Apparel, Puma Golf, Nike Golf, Travis Mathew Apparel, Fairway & Greene, E.P. Pro, Adidas Golf, Ashworth and Straight Down Clothing. Along with clothing and foul weather gear, the Pro Shop also carries premium brand shoes, hats, sunglasses and other golf accessories, all at a significantly discounted price. Tierra Rejada plans to order limited inventories of such in-demand items. However, once the goods are sold The Pro Shop will restock only with new and different pieces, ensuring a fresh, stylish and seasonally appropriate selection that rapidly turns over. Custom orders for individuals and groups will also be available. Some of the apparel will feature the Tierra Rejada logo, but many items will not. Adds Peifer: “We have loyal golfers who love the logo, but since quality golf apparel today is often worn as every-day casual, customers will have a choice they don’t always get at golf course retail shops.” With the Pro Shop’s leading-edge merchandising and pricing policies, Tierra Rejada has taken yet another step to differentiate itself as the most creative golf destination in the region, and one that’s in tune with the emerging needs of the sport and the surrounding community. Complementing The Pro Shop and its new line of premium apparel is TJ’s Grille, Tierra Rejada’s restaurant and sports bar, which presents first-class food and drink in a relaxed atmosphere where dining can be enjoyed inside by the warmth of a stone fireplace or on the outside patio, with a spectacular view of the Reagan Library. Featuring six large flat-screen televisions, patrons can always catch professional golf or the ballgame of the day with fellow fans at TJ’s Grille. (For more information and to reserve a tee time, call (805) 531-9300 or visit www.tierrarejadagolf.com.)

Who is riCk santorum?Former U.S. Senator Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1990 at the age of 32, and from 1995 to 2007, served in the US Sen-

ate. In 2000, he was elected by his peers to the position of Senate Republican Conference Chair-man. Senator Santorum became one of the most successful government reformers in our history, taking on Washington’s powerful special interests from the moment he arrived in our nation’s Capi-tol. Along with John Boehner and Jim Nussle, Senator Santorum was a member of the famous “Gang of Seven” that exposed the Congressional Banking and Congressional Post Office scan-dals. It was this record of reform that prompted a Washington Post reporter to write in a recent article that “Santorum was a tea party kind of guy before there was a tea party.”He was also an author and floor manager of the landmark Welfare Reform Act which passed in

1996 that has empowered millions of Americans to leave the welfare rolls and enter the workforce. Senator Santorum wrote and championed legislation that outlawed the hei-nous procedure known as Partial Birth Abortion as well as the “Born Alive Infants Pro-tection Act,” the “Unborn Victims of Violence Act,” and the “Combating Autism Act” because he believes each and every individual has value and the most vulnerable in our society need to be protected. Senator Santorum fought to maintain fiscal sanity in Wash-ington before it was in fashion, fighting for a balanced budget and a line item veto. He bravely proposed reforming entitlements, cutting spending and even developed a “spen-dometer” that added up the cost of Democrat amendments to spending bills. This record made him one of the most conservative senators in Pennsylvania’s history.

Monday, december 19th - sunday, december 25th, 2011 page 9www.vannuysnewspress.com

family & food

-- restaurant of the Week --“Prohibition Burgers -- Encino, CA”

Prohibition is a popular new hangout in the Los Angeles area. The establishment offers a mixture eclectic burgers and a craft beer selection fit for LA’s most discerning beer enthusiast. Burgers are made fresh daily from high quality, never frozen ingredients. Together with carefully selected beers from some of the most dedicated microbreweries, you’ll find a burger eating experience so good, that it probably would have been banned in the 1920’s. Prohibition is will soon be in effect on Ventura Blvd, in the heart of Encino, so get ready to come and try the best new burger in LA. Feel free to contact our gang as they’re also eager to help you plan your company or birthday event. (17620 Ventura Blvd. Encino, CA 91316)

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a short triP to italyBy K.D. WallisDo you ever wonder, as I do, how so many little independent restaurants manage to stay open in The San Fernando Valley, even in today’s economy? There is barely a block along Ventura Boulevard that doesn’t contain at least one - and often more than one - restaurant, some fairly new and many long-standing.This past weekend, however, I discovered four decades-old establishments, all in Studio City within a couple of blocks of each other, that had simply vanished: The Wine Bistro, Georgio’s, La Salsa and Fat Burger. Two were middle-of-the-road places, the first more upscale and expensive than the second. The Mexican fast-food place had once provided my boyfriend and me with a twofer to Cancun for the mere price of a burrito, so needless to say there was a soft spot in my heart for that one. The burger joint was just that: a joint, but a rather famous one, all things considered. It appears to have been replaced by an asian joint of some sort. Hmmm.Back to my original question, though. I discovered, quite by accident, how one small Italian restaurant has managed to stay on top of its game for eight years. Saturday afternoon, as my friend Louise and I were heading down Ventura Boulevard from Woodland Hills to Encino, we came to a rather long red light near Zelzah Avenue. Louise, who was in the passenger seat, suddenly said, “Hey! Look at that cute little place!”The “cute little place” was what appeared to be a tiny Italian restaurant, nestled between a sandwich shop and several other small establishments, including a Sushi bar and a pizza parlor further down the same block. We both stared at the pretty sign on the window, which proclaimed it to be “Cafe Carolina, Authentic Italian” - and in small letters on the bottom of the sign, “A la salvut”.“Salvut?” I said. “With a ‘v’? What language is that?”“I dunno,” Louise replied, “but it sure looks interesting. Maybe we could eat here tonight...?”I was less than enthusiastic about one more quasi-Italian place, knowing how many of them were run by people who had never set foot in Italy and whose ancestors came from...well, shall we say, elsewhere? I know, I know: That’s a little unfair of me. After all, I’m American through and through, yet I can cook anything I find in a cook book and do it well. So can other people, especially in good restaurants. But still, I do turn up my nose at Americanized ethnic foods of any kind, chief among them Italian. Between my uber-Italian pal, Louise, and my semi-Italian self, authentic old country-style Italian food is easily obtained at home.Our friend, Alexandra, met us in Encino, where we did a little bit of shopping. All the while, Louise continued to focus on Cafe Carolina (“I have a feeling about this”), so we backtracked and found a parking spot directly in front of the front door. It looked mighty dark inside from where we sat, debating if this were really such a good idea. Of course, it was very early on a Saturday evening, which we all agreed might explain the apparent lack of clientele. Finally, Louise, in exasperation at our indecisiveness, got out of the car, walked into the restaurant and came back with a menu for us to look over. Alexandra and I took one look at the items listed and without further ado, said “Let’s do it!”.The host greeted us in a warm and friendly manner, giving us a table in the front window, just beneath that mysterious sign.“What language is that ‘salvut’ expression in?” I asked him as he seated us.“It’s a Northern Italian dialect and means ‘to your health’,” he said without even having to think about it. “The owner comes from a small town called Crema. In fact,” he continued, pointing to an item on the menu, “you’ll see the name of the town used in some of the dishes.”Indeed, it was the Ravioli Cremaschi that caught my attention, even while we were still in the

car. When our charming, down-to-earth waitress arrived, I asked if we could order that and split it three ways as an appetizer. “Excellent idea!” she said and it certainly was. The single order was large enough for each of us to have three of the very large ravioli apiece and it was one of the most unusual dishes any of us had ever had: Each ravioli was about two inches in diameter, flat and round, with a generous “bump” of filling in the middle. Containing a mixture of raisins, citron, parmesan cheese and amaretti, in a sage butter sauce, they were addictively delicious - sweet enough to be a dessert, in fact, but not cloyingly so.While we waited for the second courses, Louise and Alexandra split an Italian beer and I had a glass of one of my favorite wines, Montepulciano d’Abruzzi. Louise wanted a simple pizza margherita, while Alexandra and I ordered the lamb shank. We intended to split it all and if we were still hungry, we’d order something else. That never became necessary. The orange and mint braised Garretto d’Agnello arrived with a generous helping of broccoli and roasted potatoes, and the creamy mozzarella-and-marinara pizza worked perfectly with all of it.Throughout the meal, our waitress, Shelby, kept tabs on how we were doing, providing a running commentary on our orders as well as life at the restaurant, where she has worked for seven years. At one point, a gentle young man came over to check on us, introducing himself as the son of the

owners. He, too, wished to assure us a good time. The couple at the table next to ours then spoke to him, remarking on how “grown up” he now seemed. They had known him since he was a teenager! By 7:30, when we were about to have dessert and coffee, the restaurant was nearly full. The clientele, running the gamut from early twenties to, well, let’s just say mature, seemed to lean to the upwardly mobile side of the economic scale. I should point out that the cafe isn’t as small a place as we had at first thought. Shelby explained that they had recently expanded into a second room, in order to qualify for a beer and wine license. The entire place actually looks very new, with simple lines and a pleasant yellowish glow throughout. My only little gripe is that the lighting is too bright. It ruins what could otherwise be a rather romantic atmosphere.For dessert, Louise wanted to try the Torta di Nonna, a lemon-based torte with almonds and a lighter-than-air crust. By this time, Shelby knew to provide three forks. Grandma’s Torte, along with our caffe lattes, was a perfect ending to an utterly delicious meal.Though Alexandra doesn’t really cook much, she is the only one of us who has actually lived in Italy for extended periods. Cafe Carolina delighted her and brought up memories of her oldest son’s home in Puglia, where he has resided for many years. We can’t wait to go back to Cafe Carolina and try some of the other unusual dishes that they offer. It’s truly enticing to see a menu that offers something other than spaghetti and meatballs. The prices are so reasonable, we’ll probably make a semi-habit of it - at least until one of us spies another long-standing restaurant that we never heard of on our

way to somewhere else. I think we all learned a little lesson Saturday night. It is entirely possible to discover wonderful restaurants in unexpected places (Cafe Carolina is on a very ordinary block in a less than glamorous stretch of Ventura Boulevard), especially if you let Louise lead the way.(Cafe Carolina, 17934 Ventura Bl., Encino, CA 91316 -- Phone: (818) 881-8600 -- http://www.organiccafecarolina.com/)

page 10 Monday, december 19th - sunday, december 25th, 2011 www.vannuysnewspress.com

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-- quotes of the Week --Quotations about Christmas:“Christmas makes me happy no matter what time of year it comes around.” -- Bryan White“The main reason Santa is so jolly is because he knows where all the bad girls live.” -- George Carlin“Once again, we come to the Holiday Season, a deeply religious time that each of us observes, in his own way, by going to the mall of his choice.” -- Dave Barry“Mail your packages early so the post office can lose them in time for Christmas.” -- Johnny Carson“Let’s be naughty and save Santa the trip.” -- Gary Allan“Nothing says holidays, like a cheese log.” -- Ellen DeGeneres“That’s the true spirit of Christmas; people being helped by people other than me.” -- Jerry Seinfeld“I once bought my kids a set of batteries for Christmas with a note on it saying, toys not included.” -- Bernard Manning“Handmade presents are scary because they reveal that you have too much free time.” -- Doug Coupland“There are some people who want to throw their arms round you simply because it is Christmas; there are other people who want to strangle you simply because it is Christmas.” -- Robert Lynd

hazel DOB: 11/02/2008BREED: Female, Terrier/Spaniel blendWEIGHT: 12 lbs.They’re calling me a terrier/spaniel blend, but who knows? We weren’t much for labels in my family. I just know that I’m a pretty, sweet little girl who has had a hard time recently. I really need a family who will love and take care of me and who I can love back! I’m a little shy at first, but you’ll see once I know you better what a wonderful little girl I am!

ViVian DOB: 03/08/2010BREED: Female, DSH, Brown TabbyWEIGHT: 7 lbs.I came from Orange County when the shel-ter was so crowded, I escaped in the nick of time…I lucked out with a few friends when people from Pet Orphans came to save us. This is what I need: LOVE and attention. This is what I offer: endless gazes in my beautiful blue eyes, 7 pounds of fluff for you to pet and burry your face in, purrs galore, and loyal quiet companionship forever. Now that’s a good deal, don’t you think?

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In 1982, Joe and Vinnie Fabrocini opened an Italian restaurant in Tarzana, California and named it FABS in honor of the family. The success of the business helped start a trend of popular casual Italian eateries in Los Angeles. Soon afterwards, the family expanded across the city as two brands: FABS and Fabrocini’s. In 1984, Joe Fabrocini found a great location in Sherman Oaks. With some dedicated work and that “magic” the Fabrocinis bring to their loyal customers, it became FABS.

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