west valley news

Greater San Fernando ValleyChamber Celebrates 100 Yearsof LeadershipParty with the Chamber to CelebrateIt’s Centennial BirthdayThe San Fernando Valley’s rich business

heritage will be celebrated on Saturday, May 14,as the Greater San Fernando Valley Chamber ofCommerce honors a century of leadership.

“It’s the Chamber’s 100th birthday and about300 guests are expected to attend what we’recalling “The Party” — our annual dinner galaand Inaugural Ball,” said 2009 Board ChairmanMichael Fiore and chair of the event.

The Party will be held at The Ronald ReaganPresidential Library in Simi Valley. Guests willbegin the evening with a cocktail reception andsilent auction at 6 p.m., which will also feature“100 Years of Valley Business,” a display ofartifacts, photographs and documents fromcommunity members’ personal collectionsand the Chamber archives.

Another highlight of the evening will be“100 Years of Leadership,” a retrospective videofeaturing historical pictures and information.

Five awards will be presented at The Party:Chamber Award of Excellence, CommunityAward of Excellence, Chairman’s Award ofDistinction, Committee Chairperson of the Year,and the Mendenhall Memorial Award. Theseawards recognize member businesses for their

St. Patrick’s Day a time to celebratecommunity progress and recognizelocal business longevityWhen the clock strikes the noon hour, every

March 17th in All-America City Canoga Park,people in the community prepare to participatein the traditional St. Patrick’s Day CommunityMarch and Celebration along Sherman Way.

Folks of all ages start to gather in front of theMadrid Theatre—many dressed in Irish green.You find Merrymakers who cheer people up withtheir comedic style, dressed in traditional Irishtheatrical garb. The little ones in particular takespecial notice and smile with approval andcurious eyes. True Thomas the Story Teller isalways present with his captivating tales aboutIrish history and tradition.

Bagpipers and Mariachis make for an unusualmusical pairing but this is what makes thiscelebration more special—it reflects the diversityof cultural traditions in the community.

The arrival of popular Councilman Dennis Zinealerts event organizers and community leaders

CONNECTING BUSINESS AND COMMUNITY SINCE 2004. CELEBRATING 8 YEARS OF SERVICE TO THE WEST VALLEY COMMUNITY. Volume 7 Number 3 2011

www.westvalleynews-sfv.com

Zine Paints the Town Green, Recognizes Crowe’s 25th

Serving:CalabasasCanoga ParkChatsworthResedaTarzanaWest HillsWinnetkaWoodland Hills

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Councilman Dennis Zine presented a Certificate of Recognition to Ed Crowe, owner of Crowe Marketing Design,who is celebrating 25 years of operating as a creative services agency in the San Fernando Valley.

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DAY.Canoga Park Kicks Off its 100th

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Canoga Park/West Hills Chamber of Commerce Town Hall & 100th Anniversary Kick-Off

On Tuesday, March 15th, Councilman Zine joined Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa at Clyde Porter’sWest Valley Playhouse in Canoga Park for a community town hall and celebration. The meeting wasorganized by the Canoga Park/West Hills Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with the Mayor’soffice and other community groups. Not only did the meeting serve as a forum for stakeholders toask the Mayor questions about the City, but it also marked the beginning of the 100th Anniversaryof Canoga Park celebration. The meeting ended with a ribbon-cutting for the official kick-off and achampagne toast. It was a successful town hall!Contributed by Weekly Update from Councilman Zine.

Ed Crowe / Crowe Marketing Design

INSIDESoteras Mortgage 2Commercial / Residential

Save $100 on Quality DentistryDr. Sheldon Springer 2

Your Health 5

The Growth Coach 6

7

Community News/Calendar 14

Valley Arts & Culture 14

$ave BIG with Business Servicesand Classified 15

Your heart is in good hands 16

(L-R) John Parker, Gloria Pollack, Nancy Bergquist, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Councilman Dennis Zine,Jack Dawson, Jean Jauck, Gerardo Palos, celebrate the official kick-off of Canoga Park’s Centennial Celebration.

See A Century of Leadership on Page 5

See Recognizing Business Longevity on Page 8

Ed Crowe / West Valley News

Nicole Ingstad and Bradford Straih dressed the part tobecome Irish for the day on March 17th, during the St. Pat’sDay Celebration in OLd Town Center Canoga Park.

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From the Publisher’s DeskWith Spring comes a time of renewal and looking forward to seeing all

the hard work of planting seeds come to fruition. Literally, if you are a greenthumb and planted something in your garden. Figuratively, if you have beenworking on a project large or small, hoping to begin to see those germinatingbuddings that tell you something is growing and it’s looking healthy andpromising.

This issue is about celebration of entrepreneurship, risk-taking, investmentin new ideas, and hard work. I’m personally celebrating my 25th year inbusiness as a creative shop in the San Fernando Valley. A big thank youto Councilman Zine for the presentation of the Certificate of Recognition,to Crowe Marketing Design, after the St. Patrick’s Day Celebration.

Now I must forge ahead with my new vision for a benefits program tocapitalize on the value represented by the more than 70,000 operating businesses in the San Fernando Valley.Even Westfield Topanga & Promenade will have the opportunity to attract more business for all the retailersunder their wings.

The Village at Topanga development is back on the drawing board and is at the grounds preparation stages.The DEIR is under review by city agencies and community activists. There are still remaining questions that begfor acceptable answers. Fear of the unknown is still a barrier of communication between the developer and thecommunity groups. One side eager to move the project forward as fast as possible. The other side looking tofind ways to slow the process down until all the issues have been resolved to their satisfaction.

The planting of the trees along Ventura Blvd. is a simple analogy. Everyone involved agreed that the plantingof the trees was a good idea and good for the community. The working bees received instructions in how toplant a tree. The various teams went to their tasks at full speed. Once the digging started the real work began.How wide, how deep, measure here and there, massage the roots before filling the hole.

Some teams encountered rocks, pipes, heavy roots. Extra work was required. Ultimately, the volunteers willprobably never see the tree again and may not care whether it lives or dies.

And that seems to be among some of the issues with The Village project. Some activists feel that Westfielddoesn’t know how to plant a big tree. They are afraid of what they are going to find once they start digging.Others feel that Westfield is going to plant such a big tree that it will overshadow everything and will remainthere for the next 50 years. I suppose the community needs reassurance that Westfield knows how to plant bigtrees; the right kind of trees; and they know how to do it well. Spring is here. Let’s plant more trees.

PAGE 2 West Valley News Volume 7 Number 3 2011

Crowe Marketing PublisherEd Crowe Managing Editor/Creative DirectorIan Crowe Copy EditorSandra Gonzalez Editor CRA/LAJonathan Goldhill Contributing WriterAl Martinez Contributing WriterLance Miller Contributing Writer

The West Valley News is published monthly asan information and educational resource for smallbusinesses and community-based organizations.

WEST VALLEY NEWSc/o Crowe Marketing Design8378 Sale Avenue, West Hills, CA 91304Tel: (818) 883-3374Fax: (818) 883-9678advertising@westvalleynews-sfv.comwww.westvalleynews-sfv.com

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Editorial Contributors

The deadline for articles, letters and photos isthe third week of the month for consideration inthe upcoming month’s issue. E-mail (preferred)submissions to: [email protected].

The Editor reserves the right to reject or edit allsubmissions. Opinions expressed by contributorsare not necessarily those of the West Valley News.

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To advertise, call 818-883-3374. The deadlinefor ads for each issue is the end of the third weekof the month prior to the month of publication.

©2011 Crowe Marketing CommunicationsImage copyrights held by the artists.

The West Valley News is open to the entirebusiness community of the San Fernando Valley.

The West Valley News is distributed by regular mailto active subscribers, via email to an electronicmailing list, and to the general public throughmore than 60 strategic, high-traffic businesslocations throughout the West Valley.

Now online 24/7-365 www.westvalleynews-sfv.com

CalabasasCanoga ParkChatsworthResedaTarzanaWest HillsWinnetkaWoodland Hills

Mortgage RatesAre Lowest Ever!

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FREE Business CounselingSBA SCORE Program

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

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

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

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

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

Counselors to America’s Small Business

A little yard work to connect with the community

Greg Coulas and John Alderson along with other Westfield execs get a taste of community volunteering byhelping plant several trees along Ventura Blvd. They put the shovel to the dirt and contributed to the project.

West Valley News Volume 7 Number 3 2011 PAGE 3

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And a Time to RememberNight quickened into a golden morning on the day Cindy died.

It glowed over the still dampened leaves of the oak trees in our yard and reflected offthe windows of the house.

Days of rain had ceased but the world continued to glisten with an afterthought of the stormsthat had shrouded us for what seemed an eternity.

Our extended family of 12 took turns standing around our Cindy’s bedside and watching herstruggle for life with short, shallow breaths and then at last sigh and settle gracefully into herdreams.

For days she had been in a semi-conscious state, awakening long enough to whisper herpleasures and annoyances in words we had to lean closer to hear, but the disease that wastaking her life would not even allow her that, and she drifted into a coma.

Her full name was Cinthia Louise. She was 59, born in May, 1951, just two months afterI had been shipped out by the Marines to fight in the Korean War. When I came home on arainy night in San Francisco she was handed to me by my wife Joanne who said simply,“Meet your daughter.”

She was our first born, to be followed by another daughter, Linda, and a son, Allen. Like herfather, she was often defiant and willful but also possessed a wicked sense of humor and couldlaugh out loud even when the joke was on her.

Two and a half years ago after a routine colonoscopy she was told by an oncologist atSacramento’s Kaiser Hospital that she had inoperable cancer of the liver and her days werelimited. It stunned us all. We began asking why her?

Cindy had never smoked and only drank alcoholic beverages in moderation. She lived alonein her roomy apartment with three cats she dearly loved, not far from her boyfriend’s home.While she didn’t exactly live on a diet of spinach and carrots, neither did she limit herself toFatburgers and candy bars. Her culinary choices lay somewhere in between.

A polished photographer, she was creative in many ways, working with colorful tiles tofashion designs and scenes on table tops and walls, and crocheting wall hangings for specialdays. On one of them was written her version of a Biblical passage: “There is a time to be bornand a time to die and a season for every activity under the heavens.”

Cindy loved “fun times” as she called them and managed to work them in between a full timejob with Sacramento County and reading half the night. Books became her real world as she

unraveled the mysteries of her life. All the rest was fantasy.

We are planning a memorial service in April to say the formal kinds ofgoodbye to a child-woman who lived and died as time determined, but shewill exist until the end of my days at a place in memory where there are notears and where one never has to say goodbye.

Al Martinez is a Pulitzer Prize winning essayist, author of a dozen books,an Emmy-nominated creator of prime time television shows, a travelwriter, humorist and general hell-raiser. Try him. He’s addictive.almartinez.org/wordpress

AL MARTINEZ

Councilman Dennis P. Zine joined volunteers from his communities to help plant trees on VenturaBlvd. early on Saturday morning, March 19th. Over 200 people from all ages joined him! “It’s noteveryday that the public gets to plant a beautiful young tree in such an iconic business district asVentura Blvd. and play with dirt with your Los Angeles City Councilman at the same time!” SaidMike Quiñonez, Ralphs district manager. With the generous financial support of Councilman Zine,Million Trees Los Angeles, and Ralphs, 30 trees were planted on Ventura Blvd. between TopangaCyn. Blvd. and Canoga Ave. to help improve this very important commercial corridor. This projectis a win-win for those involved including Councilman Zine and the community who want to see theboulevard beautified, MTLA who is aiming to add a total of one million trees in L.A., and Ralphswho has a large presence on that section of the boulevard.Contributed by Weekly Update from Councilman Zine.

L.A. County Assessor John R. Noguez AttendsCanoga Park Improvement Association (CPIA)10th Anniversary Celebration

On February 28, 2011, a large group ofCanoga Park property owners, tenants andinvited guests attended a social gathering atthe Clyde Porter’s West Valley Playhouse tocelebrate the 10th anniversary of CPIA.

L.A. County Assessor, John R. Noguez wasamong the guestspeakers. Noguez highlightedthe resources available to commercial propertyowners in the community.

Folders with valuable information aboutproperty taxes and related issues were handedout. Noguez urged property owners to reviewthe information and contact his Sssessor officefor assistance if necessary.

Councilman Zine was also in attendance.

Over 30 trees planted on Ventura Blvd. with alittle help of over 200 community volunteers

No age limit on Saturday morning, March 19th for community volunteers helping beautify Ventura Boulevardbetween Topanga Canyon Boulevard and Canoga Avenue by planting more than 30 trees.

John Strand Photography

Way to go Woodland Hills!

West Valley News Volume 7 Number 3 2011

United Chambers of CommerceA Coalition of 32 Business Organizations, including 22 Chambersof Commerce representing over 21,000 businesses.

5121 Van Nuys Boulevard, Suite 208Sherman Oaks, CA 91403T 818-981-4491 F 818-981-4256

Build your business while building your community.Join a Chamber of Commerce today.

How does your business benefit by being a memberof your local chamber?

• Opportunities to market your business.• Great networking opportunities and events.• Get involved with local legislative issues.• Meet local business and political activists.• Be involved in a variety of community events.

For a complete list of member chambers,visit www.unitedchambers.org

Agoura/Oak Park/Conejo Valley Chamber(818) 889-3150 | Fax (818) [email protected]

Calabasas Chamber(818) 222-5680 | Fax (818) [email protected]

Canoga Park/West Hills Chamber(818) 884-4222 | Fax (818) [email protected]

Chatsworth/Porter Ranch Chamber(818) 341-2428 | Fax (818) [email protected]

Encino Chamber(818) 789-4711 | Fax (818) [email protected]

Granada Hills Chamber(818) 368-3235 | Fax (818) [email protected]

Greater San Fernando Valley Chamber(818) 989-0300 | Fax (818) [email protected]

Regional Black Chamber818.464.3484 | Fax [email protected]

Reseda ChamberContact Nancy at (818) 989-0300 for [email protected]

SFV Filipino-American Chamber(818) 780-9197 | (818) [email protected]

Sherman Oaks Chamber(818) 906-1951 | Fax (818) [email protected]

Winnetka Chamber(818) 340-2282 | Fax (818 [email protected]

Woodland Hills/Tarzana Chamber(818) 347-4737 | Fax (818) [email protected]

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Greater San Fernando Valley Chamber of Commerceannounces 2011 Excellence Award WinnersThe Greater San Fernando Valley Chamber of Commerce announced its award winners for 2011

on Tuesday, March 29. The recipients will receive their awards at the Chamber’s 100th BirthdayCelebration & Inaugural Ball on May 14 at The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library.

“This year’s slate is particularly impressive,” says Heidi Lennartz, Chairwoman of the Boardof the Chamber. “Nominations included both new and long-term members, and we had a recordnumber of nominations for members involved in community activities.”

Anush Sumian, Development Coordinator for Valley Village, is slated to receive the Chamber’sCommittee Chairperson of the Year Award. She is being recognized for BASH, which had greatsuccess with over 350 attendees and 50 exhibitors in its first year. Under Sumian’s leadership, theChamber rolled out a new event that connected businesses to potential customers, created a brandfor the event, and launched the Chamber’s 100th birthday. Additionally she encouraged her commit-tee members to participate through her own active involvement.

Dr. Michael Olenick, President and CEO of Child Care Resource Center, is this year’s recipientof the Community Award of Excellence. Dr. Olenick dedication to ending illiteracy and ensuring ourcommunity’s children have a better future by creating “What a Difference A Book Makes” Campaignis truly commendable.

Curves Lake Balboa/Reseda Fitness Center will receive the Chamber Award of Excellence.The Chamber Award of Excellence is selected by the Chamber’s Executive Committee and recognizesthe one Member that has been “extra involved” in supporting the Chamber's programs and projectsin areas such as most volunteer hours, best support for different activities, etc. Mary and BrianHelwig, along with their staff and volunteers have given their time, energy, and talent to Clean UpDay, BASH, and Operation Thank You.

Braemar Country Club has been selected to by Chairwoman of the Board Heidi Lennartz for theChairman’s Award of Excellence. Braemar Country Club and its staff helped the Chamber launch twovery successful events in 2010 that connected members with potential customers. Both BASH and9@Night are now part of the Chamber’s continued program of work as we continue to foster the localeconomy, provide networking opportunities, and promote community involvement.

The Daily News will be honored with the Chamber's Founders’ Award. Joining the Chamber backin 1911 as the Van Nuys Call, the Daily News is the Chamber's longest standing member. Throughthe ever-changing needs of business and community, both the Daily News and the Chamber havestood the test of time and have continuously worked together for the past century.

Heidi Lennartz, the Chamber’s retiring past board chair, will be presented with the MendenhallMemorial Award. The Mendenhall Memorial Award is named after two of the Valley’s PioneerBusinesses and Civic Leaders — Walter and Ferdinand Mendenhall and is presented to the retiringboard chair for outstanding leadership qualities in directing the Chamber and its business andcommunity activities during the year.

The 100th Birthday Celebration & Inaugural Ball will begin with a cocktail reception at 6:00 p.m.and the program at 7:00 p.m., followed by dinner. An optional tour of The Ronald ReaganPresidential Library & Museum will start at 5:00 p.m. Tickets are $100 per person and can beobtained by calling (818) 989-0300 or online at www.sanfernandovalleychamber.com

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• There are almost 21.5 million (90%) smallbusinesses in the United States

• Small businesses are responsible for39 percent of GNP (Gross National Product).

• Small businesses are responsible for 52 per-cent of the all U.S. sales and contribute about21 percent of all manufactured U.S. exports.

• Small businesses contribute 44 percentof all sales in the country.

• Small businesses employ 54.4 millionpeople, about 57.3 percent of the privateworkforce.

• Between December 1992 and December 1993,small-business-dominated industries (thosein which at least 60 percent of the work forceis employed in firms with fewer than 500employees) increased employment by13 million workers (3.2 percent).

• During 1990, employment in small businessesgrew by 1.1 percent, while employment inlarge businesses fell by 0.6 percent.

• From 1982 to 1987, the number of women-owned businesses increased by nearly 58percent, from 2.6 million to about 4.1 million.

• From 1982 to 1987, the number of black-owned businesses increased by 38 percent,from 308,000 to 424,000.

• From 1982 to 1987, the number of hispanic-

owned businesses increased by 81 percent,from 233,975 to 422,373.

• From 1982 to 1987, the number of asian-owned businesses increased by 89 percent187,691 to 355,331.

• Small businesses are responsible for morethan half of innovations developed duringthe 20th Century, including the zipper, thehelicopter, the personal computer andimportant advances in the medical worldsuch as insulin, the artificial heart valveand the pacemaker.

• The number of small businesses in theUnited States has increased 54 percent since1980. These include corporations, partner-ships, and sole proprietorships. About half ofthe 20 million businesses operate full-time,the rest part-time.

• Small firms have also led employment gainsand expansion. Between September 1989and September 1990, employment in smallbusiness-dominated industries has increased2.1 percent, generating 1.1 million new jobs.

• Studies show that small firms produce twiceas many innovations as large firms relativeto the number of persons employed, for the“most significant” as well as the “lesssignificant" innovations, and including theemployment of firms that do not innovate.

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VICA leads advocacytrip to SacramentoBusiness community expresses concernsabout state budget

Ten VICA leaders traveled to the State Capitolthis week to ensure the business voice washeard in the discussion of several importantpolicy issues. The group met with AssemblySpeaker John Perez, Senate President Pro TemDarrell Steinberg, Senators Alex Padillaand Ron Calderon, and AssemblymembersBob Blumenfield, Betsy Butler, TimDonnelly, Mike Feuer and Fiona Ma.The state budget dominated the conversation,including budget reform and cuts to enterprisezones and redevelopment. The E-fairness Actwas discussed, with VICA noting that collectionof online sales taxes would help close asignificant portion of the budget gap. Regulatorychanges, CEQA reform and film credits werealso important topics of the trip. Additionally,the group met with representatives from theoffices of Gov. Jerry Brown, Lieutenant Gov.Gavin Newsom and Senator TonyStrickland. The next Sacramento AdvocacyTrip is slated for Wed., Apr. 6. RSVP [email protected].


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YOUR HEALTH

You may have heard the saying: “today you are either the one who makes a living out of cancer,or the one who dies from it”.

But fortunately there is a third category which would be the one who prevents; or reverses/winscancer.

Cancer incidence rate has increased from 1 in 500 in 1900 to 1 in 3 today. As much as thepharmaceutical industry wants people to believe that cancer is inevitable and unpreventable, butthere are cancer-free communities where people have a balance human diet with less stress andless toxic environment.

Here is some less heard information about cancer from nutritional point of view that you may beinterested to know:

Cancer occurs when cells start to behave differently, growing, multiplying, and spreading. It is likea revolution in body, where a group of cells stop working for the good of the whole and run riot.This is a common occurrence and the body’s immune system isolates and destroys such offenders.However, in cancer the attack is so intense that the immune system is overcome and the damagespreads.

Yet it may surprise you that cancer is, a twentieth-century invention. The top five cancers—lung,breast, stomach, colorectal, and prostate—were basically unheard of before the beginning of the20th century. The growth in the incidence of cancer parallels the industrialization and chemicaliza-tion of our world.

Conventional treatments see cancer very much as the enemy and cut it out, burn it out throughradiation, or drug it out with chemotherapy, all of which weaken the body instead of removing theunderlying cause of the cancer development.

Most cancers are primarily the result of changes that humans have made to the chemicalenvironment — what we eat, drink, and breathe, and lifestyle factors, from oxidants in cigarettesto the tumor-promoter IGF-1 in cow’s milk—many of which are easily avoidable. In the space of twogenerations, we have invented ten million new chemicals and released thousands of them into theenvironment unwittingly.

Today’s diet is devoid of nutrients as a result of depleted soil, food refining and processing, whichis now thought to be the greatest single contributor to cancer risk. By eating the right diet you cancut your risk of cancer by 40% says the World Cancer Research Fund. According to the BritishCancer Research Campaign, “At least three out of four of all cancers are potentially preventable,but will only be avoided if the measures get through at a young age.” In the USA, according to astatement issued by sixty nine highly respected and scientific experts, “Over the last decade somefive million Americans died of cancer and there is growing evidence that a substantial proportionof these deaths were avoidable.

At least 85% of cancers are associated with lifestyle factors, including diet, smoking, and drinkingalcohol, drugs and stress. However of all risk factors diet is the greatest. The underlying cause inmany types of cancer seems to be one of the three things:

• the free radical damage to the DNA of cells, triggering their altered behavior in smoking andradiation, while a good intake of antioxidant nutrients from fruit, vegetables, and also antioxidantsupplements provides a measure of protection.

• Overexposure to hormone-disturbing chemicals in food and water. Eating a diet low inhormone-disturbing chemicals and high in phytoestrogens—in legume, citrus fruits, wheat, licorice,alfalfa, fennel, celery—is another important factor, especially for hormonal cancers such as breastand prostate.

• Poor methylation — Methylation is a chemical reaction in body that controls both the synthesisand the repair of DNA. Our body can suffer from poor methylation due to B vitamins deficiencies.

In addition to the damage trigger, cancer is a chronic, metabolic deficiency disease that is exacer-bated by poor immunity, general mineral depletion and lack of dietary elements. We must consumeeach day of organic raw fruits, deep green leafy vegetables and nuts that come with vital traceminerals, if we are to make our body a place where cancer cannot thrive.

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key roles in the Greater San Fernando ValleyChamber of Commerce, as well as theircommunity involvement.

“The Chamber currently has 450 membersand has relied heavily on its volunteers, whohave been vital to the organization’s longevity,”said Heidi Lennartz, current Chairwoman ofthe Board. “The Chamber has ebbed and flowedthrough the years, but one thing has alwaysbeen constant: board members and volunteerswho have made it thrive.”

One vital reason for the chamber’s successover almost the past two decades has been CEONancy Hoffman Vanyek. “Nancy has beenwith the Chamber for 24 years,” Lennartz said.“The vitality of our business community andthe Greater San Fernando Valley Chamber wouldnot be where it is today without her leadershipand influence.”

Lennartz said while many chambers acrossthe nation have experienced a decrease inmembership over the past several years dueto a down economy, the Greater San FernandoValley Chamber of Commerce has sustainedits membership.

“I believe that it’s an indication that we’regiving value back to our members,” Lennartzsaid. ”As one of the first chambers to befounded in the United States, we’ve alwaysbeen cutting-edge.”

For more information on our honorees or the100th Celebration & Inaugural Ball, please callthe Chamber at (818) 989-0300 or visit:www.sanfernandovalleychamber.com.

A Century of LeadershipContinued from Page 1

More time needed to review DEIR for The Village

Woodland Hills Warner Center Neighborhood Council called a community meeting to get inputabout The Village at Topanga development. The DEIR is several thousand pages long with a execu-tive summary of over 200 pages. The PLUM committee has requested an extension to respond.

New Book, North of Mulholland, ExposesSecrets, Shares Stories and Reveals Little-Known Facts of the San Fernando ValleyThere is something unique about SouthernCalifornia’s San Fernando Valley.

Whether it’s the Valley Girl cliché, the hosts ofmovie and television stars and studios that call“The Valley” home, or the laid back sun-kissedlifestyle, there is no doubt that nearly everyone isfascinated by this area of almost two million people.

North of Mulholland: Essays from the San FernandoValley Business Journal, the new book by Martin M.Cooper, focuses on many aspects of life in thisworld-famous region.

Los Angeles City Councilmember Dennis P. Zinesaid of the book: “North of Mulholland is clearlywritten by someone who truly understands the SanFernando Valley. This collection of essays by myfriend and civic leader Marty Cooper is entertaining,informative, and insightful.”

According to the publisher: “Mr. Cooper takes oneverything from strip malls to Countrywide HomeLoans; from the Los Angeles Times to technology;and from Los Angeles’ City Council to living up thestreet from Michael Jackson’s family compound,”

The book is available in hardcover and softcoverversions, as well as electronically, from Amazon.com($28.95 hardcover; $18.95 softcover; $9.95 Kindle)and BarnesandNoble.com. North of Mulholland isalso available from the author ([email protected] or 818-789-5454) for $25 hardcoverand $15 softcover.

Cooper is donating all profits from his sales of thebook to two non-profit organizations, the Boys & GirlsClub of the West Valley and New Horizons, a SanFernando Valley-based organization that providesservices to adults with developmental disabilities.Cooper is a long-time commentator and speaker on SanFernando Valley affairs and society, and has been recognizedfor his civic and community involvements many times.

He has authored a book on the Academy Awards; chapters inseveral books on marketing and management; and more than50 articles for various publications. He teaches at UCLA, hisalma mater, and has been named the 2010 recipient of UCLAExtension’s Distinguished Instructor Award.


SUPPORTING THE BRAVE OFFICERS THAT PROTECT AND SERVE OUR COMMUNITY.

www.topangaboosters.org

PLEASE JOIN US AS A MEMBER

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

TAKE AN ACTIVE ROLE

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

LAPD Good Neighbor Any Amount

LAPD Residential Supporter $60.00 per year

LAPD Business Supporter $120.00 per year

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

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

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

Editor’s note: Beginning with Volume 7 Number 1 of the West Valley News, we started publishing monthlyinstallments of the content of a book by Daniel M. Murphy, CEO & Founder of The Growth Coach. The book istitled “Becoming a Strategic Business Owner. A Proven Process to Enhance Your Strategic Mindset.”

__________

CHAPTER 1 (Continued)Admit to the Problem

If you answered “yes” to most of these questions, don’t feel guilty, ashamed or embarrassed. You are not alone.Most owners have never learned to be strategic. Role models are scarce. As such, dysfunctional businesses andowners are the rule, not the exception.

Like you, most owners feel that they have been sentenced to a life of servitude and some even suffer fromthe blues. Unfortunately, because of pride, shame or ignorance, this sad condition has been kept hidden inthe corner office for too long. Through this book, it is time to unveil this entrepreneurial, dirty secret.

Starting now, you should not have to endure this much discomfort and frustration associated with your busi-ness. You do not have to live this way! You should not be consumed by your business and frustrated with yourlife. Stop and think, why in the world, as the owner, should you have to touch every transaction, be involved withevery decision, help solve every problem, or handle everybody’s job in some fashion? You shouldn’t! It doesn’tmake sense. Something is broken! You cannot succeed alone. You don’t have enough hours in a day or enoughenergy or bandwidth to go it alone. Pain is a good indication that something is damaged and needs to be healed!

Let this book serve as your shock therapy. Realize that you aren’t the only one suffering. Think about howyour stress and blues are negatively impacting your employees, customers, vendors/suppliers, friends and ifapplicable, your spouse and kids. Hear this wake-up call! It is time to radically shift your business beliefsand behavior.

It is time to expand your view of new possibilities for managing your business and life. The better yourbusiness functions, the better your life will function.

You deserve to be free from the daily grind; after all, you own a business, not a job. You should actually enjoythe journey of developing and running a business and not defer your personal life and happiness until you retireor sell. Live life now! Do not get so caught up in making a living that you forget to make a life. If your personallife is suffering because of your company, either your leadership approach is misguided or your business designis broken, maybe both!

At this point, simply admit that your business centers on you and is totally dependent upon you. Admit thatyou are buried up to your eyeballs in the details of the business. Admit that you are a prisoner to your business.Admit that instead of your business giving you greater life, it continues to drain more of your personal time andpeace-of-mind. Admit that while your headaches and hassles grow, your freedom shrinks.

As you will see, most, if not all of these problems center on your being a day-to-day focused owner insteadof a strategic business owner. To get free, you will have to get strategic. You need to adopt a strategic mindset,focus and approach to running your business and your life.

Get a Coach

The famous psychologist, Abraham Maslow, has stated, “What is necessary to change a person is to changehis awareness of himself.” After serving entrepreneurs over many years, I have learned that you will not make thechanges necessary to improve your life and business without someone holding your feet to the fire. You couldbenefit from a business coach or better yet, a year-round coaching and accountability process. You need some-one observing the truth, that is, your outward and repeated behavior. Human nature doesn’t allow for suchobjective self-evaluation and feedback. Humans are too subjective. We judge our surroundings and ourselvesby our inward perceptions of reality, which very often are mild distortions if not complete illusions.

Even with this guidebook, you will not be able to achieve such a strategic transformation on your own. Nosignificant and sustainable changes will occur without a real-world evaluation and accountability process. Youwill need additional coaching to achieve real and lasting breakthroughs. Even great athletes (i.e. Tiger Woods)need coaches to help elevate their thinking, talents and results.

You will need an objective, caring coach who will challenge you and hold you accountable for growing andchanging. Someone who helps burn off the mental fog that is clouding your objectivity.

Someone to challenge your old, limiting assumptions. Someone who monitors your progress. Someone whoholds you to a higher standard of success and excellence. Someone to ask you the tough questions. Someoneto get you to slow down and do deep reflection and analysis. Someone who helps you define and achieve bothyour personal and business goals.

You will need an objective coach that can help you re-think and recalibrate your assumptions and approaches.A professional business coach will help you achieve this critical renewal of the mind. You must move away fromtypical business owner practices and beliefs.

Conformity is your jailer. For maximum results, engage a dedicated business coach — someone who has aproven process to help you get more of what you want and less of what you don’t.

To work with someone who knows the philosophy and methodology of this book inside and out, search out asmall business coach affiliated with The Growth Coach. They are professionally trained and certified in TheStrategic Mindset™ Process, our year-round coaching and accountability process. The quarterly strategicfocusing process is affordable, guaranteed, and will help you make the necessary transformations of mindset,habits and business strategies.

Regardless of the help you choose, be open and be coachable. Meet regularly with your coach. For some,quarterly is enough. For others, monthly coaching is necessary. Ask him or her to monitor your adopting andimplementing the philosophies, strategies and habits as suggested in this book. The value of receiving candid,objective feedback on your progress during these accountability sessions cannot be overstated.

Jonathan Goldhill, The Growth Coach, coaches leaders of private companies to grow their business. To learn more abouthis unique group and individual coaching programs visit www.TheGrowthCoachLA.com. Jonathan can be reached at(818) 716-8826 or [email protected]. Daniel M. Murphy is CEO & Founder of The Growth Coach FranchiseSystem, www.TheGrowthCoach.com.

See Strategic Business Owners on Page 11

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

GEIGER’SNOLIMITS Training

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

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

START YOUR TOMORROW—TODAY!

Sport-Specific and Individual Conditioning

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

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

His approach consists of but is not limited to:

• Cardio Intensive–Heart Healthy

• Injury Prevention-Joint Strengthening

• Muscle Tone & Building-Body-Fat Loss

• Weight Loss-Core Stabilization

• Flexibility-Range of Motion

All workouts incorporate injury preventiontechniques and peak performance methods.

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

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

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

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

• Extended sessions also available.

• Explosive Plyometrics and Core Strength Principles

• Sports-Specific Muscle Building and Injury Prevention

• Range of Motion and Fast and Slow TwitchMuscle Activation

• Hybrid Yoga for Strength and Stability

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

� Entertainment Today

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

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

[email protected]

www.geigersnolimits.com

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

— Justin Resnik, International Champion Equestrian Show Jumper, Eurosporthorses

To learn more about how you can benefit, visit

Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa poses with Marla Miller from the Clyde Porter’s West Valley Playhouse duringkick-off reception for Canoga Park 100th anniversary.

818.883.3374 www.crowemarketingdesign.comHelping Small Valley Businesses Increase Sales and Prosper

ADVERTISING DESIGN / MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS / NEW MEDIA


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

SAVE CRA/LALocal Community Investment. Economic Development. Community-Building Support.If you are a small business owner, a community leader, a member of a non-profit organization, an activist in your community, a local property owner, a volunteer, or an individual who directly or indirectly

has benefitted from the investments made in your community—over the past several years—by the Community Redevelopment Agency of Los Angeles, now is the time to help SAVE CRA/LA.

Reach out to your State Senators and Assemblymember in your district and urge them to Mend it-Don’t End It!

State Senator Alex Padilla

District 206150 Van Nuys Blvd., Van Nuys, CA 91401(818) 901-5588

State Capitol, Sacramento, CA 94248-000(916) 651-4020

State Senator Fran Pavley

District 232716 Ocean Park Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90405(310) 314-5214 (818) 831-6082

State Capitol, Sacramento, CA 94248-0001(916) 651-4023

Assemblymember Bob Blumenfield

District 406150 Van Nuys Blvd., Suite 305, Van Nuys, CA 91401(818) 904-3840

State Capitol, Room 6026Sacramento, CA 94249-0040(916) 319-2040

Sherman Village GroundbreakingOn Tuesday, March 15th, Councilman Zine joined representatives from the CRA/LA, Meta Housing

Corporation, and other community members for the groundbreaking of the new Sherman Villageaffordable housing complex on the corner of Wilbur Avenue and Sherman Way in Reseda.Councilman Zine was the keynote speaker and gave the audience background information on theproject and explained how it will improve the community. The location of the new complex oncebelonged to various used car lots for many years. Now, it will be transformed into a 73-unitaffordable housing complex that will enhance the aesthetic appeal of the area.

This new project is one of the many upcoming projects in Reseda and it will serve as a catalystfor improvements throughout the entire area. Councilman Zine also stressed the importance of theCRA/LA’s role in Reseda’s revitalization and expressed his gratitude for all of the organizations,businesses, and stakeholders involved in the projectContributed by Weekly Update from Councilman Zine.

Contributed by VICA WEEKLY

Redevelopment braces for budget axeCRA/LA CEO tells VICA that the agency’sfuture is uncertain

Los Angeles’ Community RedevelopmentAgency (CRA/LA) faces a great deal of uncer-tainty as lawmakers consider eliminating thejob-creating groups across the state. CRA/LACEO Christine Essel discussed the situationwith VICA members this week at a NewsmakerConnection breakfast. The current state budgetproposal would obliterate the revenue-generat-ing agencies, leaving the fate of several ongoingprojects in question. Many cities, including L.A.,have scrambled to set aside funds for futureprojects. Essel told attendees that she and othercity leaders are working hard to save CRA/LAand thanked VICA for its advocacy efforts onbehalf of the agency. If the plan is passed bylawmakers, the CRAs will be able to fight thecuts in court.The event was presented by State Farm Insuranceand co-sponsored by Los Angeles Valley College.

VICA Chair Daymond Rice (Vons), CRA/LA CEO ChristineEssel and VICA Board Member Sue Carleo (Valley College)

count on as a friend and client.

Also coincidental is the fact that Ed Crowe firstbecame a chamber of commerce member in1986. The same year he established his currentcreative services agency—now celebrating its25th anniversary. Even more amazing is thatthe then called Greater Van Nuys Area

Chamber of Commerce, renamed GreaterSan Fernando Valley Chamber of Commerce,operates out of the same Hathaway Building—in Van Nuys—where Ed Crowe had his firstbusiness 25 years ago.

Like the chamber, Ed Crowe’s dba has beenmodified over the years. He started as FreelanceCreative Support Services, changed to Crowe& Associates which became Crowe MarketingDesign. Most likely, in the near future, it willbecome Crowe Marketing Communications,to be more reflective of all the services offered.

In the marketing communications businesslike any other business, after 25 years ofoperation, one has seen many changes. Cyclesof sales go up and down as clients come andgo as they are impacted by economic or market-place conditions. A business must adjust tosurvive; always looking for new opportunitiesto grow and prosper.

In 2004, the opportunity presented itself forEd Crowe to take over the publication of a localchamber’s newsletter. That small, run-of-the-millnewsprint has become theWest Valley News,an independent, west valley-wide, community-based publication, covering eight communities;this year starting its eight year of publication.“It has been a challenge but a rewardingchallenge.” Crowe says. The monthly publicationis now recognized and valued as a quality andaffordable community outreach marketing toolthat connects business and community.

After 25 years in business, Crowe has a newvision to capitalize on the marketing value that apool of more than 70,000 registered businessesin the SFV represent. “Chambers of commercewill benefit. Community-building events willbenefit. Chamber members and their employeeswill benefit. Participating merchants and serviceprofessionals will benefit. The San FernandoValley communities will benefit. Arts and cultureorganizations will benefit. The SFV-BusinessExchange (BizEx™) Program will benefit. This isabout creating more business opportunities foreveryone.” Crowe adds.

A solid business plan is in the works.If you’re in business—you want to participate.If you run a chamber—you want to be part of it.


The GREENING of Old TownCenter Canoga Park duringthe St. Patrick’s DayCommunity March andCelebration on March 17th.

Ed Crowe / West Valley News

Recognizing Business LongevityContinued from Page 1

to start lining up behind True Thomas The StoryTeller, the bagpipers and St. Patrick (Don Sanelli),who generally march in front, followed byCouncilman Dennis Zine and an entourageof participating community members.

This year both St. Patrick and the Z-Man“dressed to the nines” with plenty of green,rode—in majestical fashion—on a convertibletricycle carriage powered by a personal pedaler,waiving to the greeting merchants standingoutside their shops.

The St. Patrick’s Day Community March andCelebration, presented by the Canoga ParkImprovement Association, began a few yearsago with the purpose of increasing visibility ofthe business improvement district in downtownCanoga Park. For the past 12 years, over $20million have been invested by CRA/LA in partner-ship with property owners and tenants to makemajor improvements to the infrastructure andattract more business.

The March starts in front of the Madrid Theatre,continues along the sidewalk on Sherman Wayto Canoga Avenue and ends at Follow Your Heart,on the north side. A tent is set up on the parkinglot to entertain the public with live music andfree raffles.

During his remarks, Councilman Dennis Zinepresented Ed Crowe, owner of Crowe MarketingDesign, a Certificate of Recognition that read:“Congratulations on celebrating 25 years ofCrowe Marketing operating as a creative agency!Crowe Marketing Design in conjunction with theWest Valley News is a perfect example of howlocal business can foster relationships thatstrengthen the communities in which they operateand serve. Your efforts are to be commended.Best wishes for continued growth and success.”

January 2011Dennis P. ZineCouncilmember 3rd District

Many thanks to Councilman Dennis Zine forhis traditional support of local business and hisdedication to the communities his office serves.

Longevity in business is a challenge for anybusiness or entrepreneur. One must constantlyadjust to changes in the marketplace, technology,and other factors that affect every business largeor small. Like other entrepreneurs, Ed Crowe isno exception. He has been self-employed formore than 30 years and had to reinvent himselfa few times along the way.

He started his creative agency in 1986 afterselling his interest in Charbonneau, Crowe &Agel, an international marketing communicationsservices agency. He was a managing partnerand helped build the agency from zero to nearlya million dollars in a period of six years. Theagency operated out of the Hathaway Building,overlooking the Van Nuys Airport runway—coincidentally the building is now owned byRickey Gelb, a prominent business andcommunity leader who Ed Crowe is proud to

ZINE HELPS CANOGA PARK PAINT THE TOWN GREEN ON ST. PATRICK’S DAY


Anecdotes, Interviews,Bits & Pieces aboutWest Valley History.

Spanish Garden at Rancho Sombra del Roble (Orcutt Ranch), circa 1932

Musical group playing in the courtyard at the Rancho. The 200 acre Orcutt ranch was owned byWilliam Orcutt and his wife Mary. The ranch was also known as Rancho Sombra del Roble, whichmeans “ranch shaded by the oak.” The ranch house was built for them in 1920 by C. G. Knipe.Originally the house had 3,060 sq feet and the adobe walls were 16 inches thick. There were a largenumber of oak trees planted on the property, with the oldest judged to be 700 years old. On October2, 1948, the oaks were dedicated with a plaque by the San Fernando Valley Historical Society. In1966, the Los Angeles City Department of Recreation and Parks purchased the estate and gardens.It has since been designated Los Angeles Cultural Heritage Monument Number 31 and is anhorticultural facility. The ranch is located at 23600 Roscoe Blvd., West Hills (formerly Canoga Park).

From Owensmouth to Canoga Park in 100 Years

Independent Grocery Marketin Canoga Park (Now Henri’s)

Independent Grocery in Canoga Park ownedby R. William Bird, on Sherman Way, lookingnorth on Remmet, ca. 1929. The town firestation(with spanish tiled roof) can be seen on theright. The building next to the firestation, whichadvertises “PRINTING” was the headquarters forthe town newspaper, the Owensmouth Gazette.

Girard News, 1925

Girard News Newspaper serving Girard(now called Woodland Hills), San Fernando,Van Nuys, Lankershim, Reseda, Owensmouth(now called Canoga Park), Chatsworth,Rio Vista, Pacoima, Zelzah, Weeks Colony(now called Winnetka) and other cities.Local News and advertisements.

Vintage images courtesy of the Canoga-Owensmouth Historical Museum. Color photos by Ed Crowe.

________

The Canoga-Owensmouth Historical Museum is located at 7248 Owenmouth Avenue (the former Los AngelesFire Station #72 and a 1930’s community landmark). It’s open to the public the second and fourth Sundays ofeach month from 2:00-4:00 PM and by special request. Call (818) 346-4892 for information.

Find the West Valley Newsat the

CHATSWORTH TRAIN DEPOT


L E T T ERS

Write, Email, Fax, Call

Write Managing Editor, West Valley News8378 Sale Avenue, West Hills, CA 91304

Email [email protected]

Tel / Fax 818-883-3374 / 818-883-9678

Include name, address, and daytime telephone.Letters may be edited for clarity and length.

Chatsworth/Porter Ranch Chamber of Commerce Hosts its11th Annual Unforgettable Educator Awards CeremonyEvent Honors Local Teachers and SchoolsThe Chatsworth/Porter Ranch Chamber of Commerce, a non-profit organization dedicated to serving the local

business and professional community, as well as the community-at-large, is proud to announce that it will behosting its 11th Annual Unforgettable Educator Awards Ceremony this year. The recognition dinner, sponsoredby Facey Medical Group and Northridge/ Chatsworth Rotary Club, will be held on April 28th, 2011 at TheOdyssey Restaurant in Granada Hills, CA. Preceding this event is a children’s book drive, supported by the localschools our honorees serve. The Unforgettable Educator event honors local teachers and school administratorswhose unparalleled dedication and active role in the community inspires and motivates their students to grow,learn, achieve and give back.

Five awards will be given that evening: the Unforgettable Educator award, the Principal of the Year award, thePTA President of the Year award, the Science & Technology Teacher Award and the Creative Arts Teacher Award.Awardees will be selected among nominations received from K-12 schools in the Chatsworth and Porter Ranchareas. Students, parents and school administrators have the opportunity to submit their nomination online atwww.chatsworthchamber.com.

Last year, the awards were given to the following five honorees: Colin Martin, the history teacher and principalof Chatsworth Hills Academy Middle School (Unforgettable Educator Award); Jennifer Richard from ChatsworthHigh School (Science & Technology Teacher Award); Shelley Bloom from Chatsworth Hills Academy (CreativeArts Teacher Award); Barbara Friedrich from Beckford Elementary School (Principal of the Year Award); and IraHarrison from Superior Elementary School (PTA President of the Year Award).

“The Unforgettable Educator is an opportunity for the Chatsworth/Porter Ranch Chamber of Commerce toacknowledge and honor those educators who, through their special skills, heart and dedication, make a lastingimpression on our community, our children,” says Darcy Newman, a Chamber board member and theUnforgettable Educator Committee Chair. “They truly are community leaders, and yet, they are still notrecognized often enough, so hosting this Unforgettable Educator event is the least we can do.”

Participating schools will collect new and used children’s books. The top three schools with the most bookswill receive cash prizes, while all other participating schools will still receive school supplies in return for theirinvolvement.

“Our schools are struggling because of budget cuts,” adds Newman. “There is not enough money for fieldtrips, and teachers are limited on the supplies they can use and the number of photocopies they can make. Wewanted our Unforgettable Educator event to benefit our community in more ways than one. By incorporating abook drive into the event, we are not only recognizing teachers for their amazing work, but we are also helpingeducate the children in our community, and giving money and supplies back to the schools. It is all aboutgiving back.”

The books collected during the Unforgettable Educator Book Drive will go towards the Child Care ResourceCenter’s “What a Difference a Book Makes” campaign, which aims to collect and give 100,000 books this year tochildren of low income families. The Child Care Resource Center is a private non-profit agency dedicated to thepromotion of higher standards in child care and early education.

Books will be collected at the main offices of all participating schools and at several businesses throughoutthe Chatsworth/Porter Ranch area, including the Chamber of Commerce office located at 10038 Old Depot PlazaRoad in Chatsworth, CA.

For more information about the Unforgettable Educator awards, book drive and a list of participating schools,please visit www.chatsworthchamber.com or call 818-341-2428.

CITY OFFICIALS MARK START OFLA RIVER GREENWAY PROJECTProject Provides a Two-Mile Bike Path and StreetResurfacing of Tampa Boulevard and WinnetkaAvenue in West Valley

Councilmember Dennis P. Zine (CD-3) and PublicWorks officials marked the start of construction ofthe LA River Greenway Project at a groundbreakingceremony held Thursday, March 10.

The project, a two-mile bikeway and parkway alongthe River’s south bank between Vanalden Avenue andMason Avenue, runs through the communities ofWinnetka and Reseda. The project includes habitat-friendly landscaping, stormwater quality improve-ments, solar LED lighting, decorative retaining walls,resting areas with benches, drinking fountains andpar-course fitness equipment. The bikeway is animplementation project of the Los Angeles RiverRevitalization Master Plan designed to maintain andenhance recreational opportunities and overall qualityof life along the LA River.

“I'm excited to see that the revitalization of theLos Angeles River will include a 2-mile bikewaywithin the Third Council District that will featurefitness stations and community art and will restorenatural habitats. Aside from promoting a healthylifestyle, this project will offer local residents theopportunity to enjoy recreational activities in anopen space along the river,” said CouncilmanDennis P. Zine, Third District.

Other project components include resurfacingand street improvements of Tampa Avenue andWinnetka Avenue between Victory Boulevard andVanowen Street.

“We are very proud of our Bureau of Engineeringstaff for implementing these public improvementsalong the Los Angeles River as part of the TampaAvenue and Winnetka Avenue over the LA RiverBridge Widening Project. We are pleased to augmentMETRO bikeway funds with Federal stimulus dollarsand State funding for River revitalization,” saidDeborah Weintraub, Chief Deputy City Engineer.

2-2-2 LA RIVER GREENWAYConstruction will be done in three phases with

phases one and two occurring simultaneously thisspring, and completing summer of 2012. Schedulingfor phase three has not been finalized.

Funding for the bikeway/greenway and street resur-facing project includes approximately $5.7 million ingrants from the American Recovery and ReinvestmentAct (ARRA) of 2009. The grant will enable the City tocomplete the long-awaited project and add jobs tothe local economy. An additional $2 million inProposition 50 grant funding will be tapped forgreening enhancements. Other funding sourcesare a combination of Los Angeles County METRO,Caltrans Bicycle Transportation Account funds,and the City’s Proposition C.About City of Los Angeles Department of Public Works

Since 1906, the Department of Public Works has led theway to advance and establish a vitalfoundation of infrastruc-ture facilities, resources and services that enable the City ofLos Angeles to be an international economic engine thatenables access to world markets and serve more than four-million residents in a 468 square mile geographic area.

For more than 100 years, as the city has grown to be thesecond largest in the nation, the Department of PublicWorks has met federal, state and local regulations, andfocused on resolving the infrastructure issues and chal-lenges that invisibly but critically manifest themselves asuninterrupted everyday conveniences. The results have beensafety and security, economic growth, enhanced quality oflife and environmental protection.

Habitat for Humanity San Fernando/Santa ClaritaValleys presented the 2011 Hammer of Hope Award atthe annual Builders Ball on Friday, March 11. This yearthe award was presented to Greg Lippe, San FernandoValley business leader, a Valley Business Leader,certified public accountant, and past Chairman of theValley Industry and Commerce Association, and AntonioVillaraigosa, 41st Mayor of the City of Los Angeles.Holly Robinson Peete, actress and co-host of TheTalk on CBS, and funnyman actor Gary AnthonyWilliams hosted the night’s event.

The Hammer of Hope award is presented to communityleaders who have helped forward the organization'smission to lift working families out of an endless cycleof poverty housing so they can build brighter economicfutures. Those who received the award have had anextraordinary impact on improving access to qualityaffordable housing in the San Fernando and Santa ClaritaValleys.

Lippe has served on numerous boards including theCommunity Redevelopment Agency/Los Angeles andworks tirelessly to improve lives across socio-economicboundaries throughout our San Fernando/Santa ClaritaValleys community. He served on the Habitat affiliate’sboard as CFO for four consecutive two-year terms andhelped it grow to the top 5% of Habitat producersworldwide. “Having the opportunity to help make positivechanges in peoples' lives has provided me with a sense

HABITAT EVENT HONORS COMMUNITY LEADERS FOR HELPINGBUILD AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

of major accomplishment. Seeing the pride and growthin self-esteem that home ownership creates in ourHabitat families, many of whom haven't previously hada room of their own or a backyard, is truly the icing onthe cake."

Mayor Villaraigosa showed unwavering commitmentto improving quality of life in every sector of LosAngeles, beginning with a steadfast dedication toensure every Angeleno has safe and decent housing.In 2008, Mayor Villaraigosa unveiled the five-yearHousing that Works plan. He and his staff have helpedthe Valley affiliate navigate the complex City approvalprocess while the City of Los Angeles has contributedgenerously to helping Habitat serve Los Angelesfamilies through Housing Department and CommunityRedevelopment Agency grants.

The affiliate’s annual Builder’s Ball celebratesimproving the lives of those in our community. Ofthe funds raised from this event and other donations,95 percent goes toward construction contracts,building homes, and enrichment programs.

The event was held at the Universal Sheraton inUniversal City. The evening featured a reception andsilent auction, entertainment, dancing, dinner andawards. The night’s theme, Salute to La Chanteuse atChez Habitat was brought to life with Broadway singer,Marion Ramsey, best known for her work in the PoliceAcademy Movies. Ramsey paid tribute to the greatsingers who migrated to Paris in the 50’s and 60’s,Josephine Baker, Dinah Washington, Billie Holidayand Sarah Vaughan.

Gasoline prices areg going up everywhere notonly in the west valley.

Taff High School teachers and students are nothappy about the prospect of becoming privatized.

The road work continues near the train depot inChatsworth. This is one positive project.

Great walkways and beautiful landscaping arefound within Corporate Pointe in West Hills.More of it to come in the near future.


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

No Limits Fitnesswith Jon Geiger

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

AeroboCardiographication:The act of convoluting conditioningterminology for marketing purposes.Hey guys, spring is here and it’s time to get

our “lean” on. Perfect moment to get someterms clarified and take a straight line toresults! So here it goes: Aerobic: aero whichequals breath and lungs, Cardio: …well, er,cardio…which equals heart—higher intensity,shorter duration. The idea is this. We werebuilt for running a long time at a sane tempo(read: aerobic), occasionally a lion wouldattack and we’d need to use our turbo (read:cardio) to avoid being put on the disabledlist—this was interval training.We build our high intensity abilities

(cardio/anaerobic capacity) ON TOP of ouraerobic system. So build your aerobic strongTHEN add work to grow your high intensity.The greatest immediate value of cardio workfor the non-professional athlete is that itimproves the quality of one’s everyday work-outs. This occurs because you are pushing theenvelope of your stamina. In other words,when returning to normal demands you are

now IN the pocket rather than being at yourends because your ends have now beenstretched. This allows you to do moresustained effective work than you could ata prior state of conditioning, leading togreater results.So what to do? Start here: jog, bike or play

tiddlywinks 4-5 times a week. Every thirdworkout substitute: 5-10 minutes normaltempo warm-up, then 10-20 minutes alternate30-45 seconds of a pace SLIGHTLY out ofyour zone—like running with someone who isinconsiderate and has longer legs—then backto normal pace (not below) for one to twominutes, and repeat. Do this ten times the firstouting and add one interval couplet every twoweeks up to twenty. Always take ten minutes ofyour normal pace at the end and lemme knowhow it goes for you. This will increase yourresults with all of your other work and THAT’Swhere you will find the most immediateadvantage in adding this mad world of intervaltraining to your workout Goulash.Til next time…be good to yourself and

believe, for if you do, you have No Limits....

Other Tips & Suggestions

As you will discover, the success system in your hands is a practical and no-nonsense guidebook that comesfrom the collective success, pain and lessons of others. The wisdom captured here emanates from my ownbusiness successes and failures along with the struggles and triumphs of the many clients I have served overthe years.

Please realize, however, there are no shortcuts or tricks contained in this book. You, and you alone, are theagent of change. You must tame your mind so that it doesn’t automatically react in old, harmful, habitual ways.You must internalize and fully apply these ideas in a way that is unique to, and appropriate for, you and yourbusiness.

Adopt and adapt.

Guard against dismissing these ideas as simple and obvious. As most things in life, success is less aboutideas and more about aggressive implementation. Knowing what to do and doing what you know are verydifferent things. Your task is to consider carefully these ideas and then fully implement those that make sensefor your business. Again, use your accountability coach to get important things done!

For self-employed owners (soloists), you should begin to apply these strategies as you grow your businessand add employees. Your challenge will be to define and document the different job functions you currentlyperform and eventually hire people to replace you in those technical roles. Even if you decide to remain solo,you can still benefit greatly from the strategic discussions on a CEO mindset, business system creation anddocumentation, leadership, business planning, marketing, people management, and learning to let go.

As you will undoubtedly note, certain themes and ideas will repeat throughout the book. This is not a caseof redundancy but a belief in the power of repetition. Some new ideas need to be sown continually to take root.Studies show it takes three exposures to a new idea before it is learned, a fourth exposure to reinforce it, anda fifth to internalize it and own it. Embrace the repetition and don’t fight it.

Make this book your own. Highlight key ideas and jot down key thoughts. Only when an idea is written downdo you truly own it. Make good ideas your prisoners. Write down those philosophies and strategies that youwish to implement.

Finally, judge this book on its effectiveness of transforming your mind from doer to leader and from that ofan employee to that of a CEO. If this book helps transform you to be more strategic and proactive, you will bewell on your way to more profits, more joy, more freedom and more peace-of-mind.

However, don’t be unrealistic or impatient with your transformation. You won’t change your mindsetovernight. Stepping out of your comfort zone will take on-going courage. You may take a step back to advancetwo steps ahead. It will take some time and help from your coach or a coaching process; don’t get discouraged.The longterm joy will be worth the short-term discomfort and sacrifice.

The answers and wisdom you seek are already within you; this book will merely help release them if you areready. I pray that you have the humility to keep an open mind, the willingness to change your mindset, thecourage to unlearn some of your assumptions, and the resolve to take aggressive action on some new ideas,philosophies, and strategies.

Suggested Action Items:

• Admit to yourself that something is broken in the way you have designed and lead your business.Resolve to take corrective action with the help from this book.

• If you have not done so, mark the heck out of this book — write down notes, highlight key concepts, etc.Go back and underline key revelations. Make this book your own.

• After reading each chapter, take aggressive action on Suggested Action Items appropriate to your situation.Jot down your own to-do list as well.

• Commit to finishing this book within 30 days. Share this pledge with a key person in your life. Give thatperson a firm date 30 days out by which you will be finished. In 15 days, have him or her contact you inorder to gauge your progress. Encourage them to kick your butt if necessary.

• Insist that each of your key business advisers reads this book as well to foster a common understandingand vocabulary of the process needed to improve your business and your personal life. If they aren’t willingto partner with you in this important journey, consider getting new advisers!

• As most things in life, success is less about ideas and more about aggressive implementation. Knowingwhat to do and doing what you know are very different things. Select an accountability coach within thenext 21 days. Choose someone you trust to hold you accountable for objectively reviewing your businessand personal life and for making the changes necessary to improve your freedom, joy, and profits. Mostimportant, have them help you to adopt a strategic mindset. Ideally, you want a business coach with aproven, year-round coaching/accountability process.

• Accept fully that you, and you alone, are the agent of change. Take full responsibility foryour transformation.

• After you have thoroughly read this book, start meeting with your coach on a regular basis (quarterlyor monthly). In your one-on-one coaching sessions, you may wish to focus on each chapter of thisguidebook.

• Buy a copy of this book for your coach and insist that your coach thoroughly reads and understands thestrategies in this book. Your coach can’t help you if she or he does not know the process.

• Embrace the power and benefits of repetition. Also, make good ideas your prisoners — write them down.Take voluminous notes and capture ideas in writing.

Editor’s Note: Chapter 2 will continue on the next issue with Your Path to Greater Freedom and Fortune

Strategic Business OwnersContinued from Page 6

Experience the ultimate in dining indulgence atValley Cultural Center's 12th Annual Summer Food,Wine & Microbrew Festival. The event will be held onThursday, April 28, 2011, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.at Westfield Promenade, 6100 Topanga CanyonBoulevard, at the corner of Erwin Street and TopangaCanyon Boulevard in Woodland Hills. This year’sfestivities will take place in our new (20,000 square-foot) garden setting.

Guests will have the opportunity to sampledelectable and taste-tempting items from over 19food vendors, including: BJ’s Restaurant; Breeze–AnAmerican Grill at Warner Center; Cavaretta’s ItalianDeli; Flemings Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar; FollowYour Heart; Henry’s Farmers Markets; Holiday Inn,Woodland Hills; Kate Mantilini; Kravings WorldFusion Steakhouse & Lounge; Maggiano’s, “LittleItaly”; Morton’s, The Steakhouse; Nicola’s Kitchen;Poquito Mas; Zero Effort Nutrition (ZEN Foods); Roy’sHawaiian Fusion Restaurant; Ruby’s Diner; Ruth’sChris Steakhouse; The Rack, Woodland HillsPromenade; Whole Foods; Dandy Don’s HomemadeIce Cream; Nothing Bundt Cakes; Trader Joe’s, WestHills; and Hilton Hotel, Woodland Hills/Los Angeles.

For wine, microbrews and other beverages, therewill be over 24 vendors including: Anheuser Busch;Coca-Cola Company; Fireman’s Brew; Firestone-Walker Brewing Company; The Great Beer Company,Inc.; Sierra Nevada Brewing Company; DuckhornWine Company; Duke of Bourbon; Excalibur WineCompany; Giessinger Winery; Honig Vineyards &Winery; Jonata Wines; Jorge Ordonez Selections;Krupp Brothers Estates; La Marca Winery; LayerCake Wines; Louis M. Martini Winery; MaddelenaVineyards Brands; Schramsberg Vineyards; SilverOak Cellars; Silver Stag Winery; Stone Cap Wines;Trinitas Cellars; Twomey Cellars; and Winebow Wines.

“Come and enjoy what have become one theValley’s premiere events. Each year since 2000 ourFood, Wine & Microbrew Festival has continued toexpand and grow beyond expectations. There will belive and silent auctions boasting fantastic items suchas: cruises, spa packages, golf packages and plentyof themed baskets. We would like to thank Westfield,our sponsors, Board members, event committee, staffand volunteers for their support in making this eventa tremendous success,” said Les Sumpter, Chair ofthis year’s event.

Tammy Billings, Marketing Director of WestfieldTopanga and Promenade said, “Westfield is a proudsupporter of Valley Cultural Center and delightedto host VCC’s Food, Wine & Microbrew Festivalat Westfield Promenade each year. The strongpartnership between Westfield and Valley CulturalCenter has always been a natural fit as we are bothconstantly seeking to identify opportunities to enrichour local communities. The Food, Wine & MicrobrewFestival is a phenomenal event that gets better everyyear. It is an evening of food, drink, auctions, enter-tainment and networking that we look forward tosharing with VCC and our neighbors in the SanFernando Valley.”

Westfield returns as the event’s Presenting Sponsorin addition to Councilman Dennis P. Zine, Coca-ColaCompany, A-Rental Connection, Duke of Bourbon,Woodland Hills Warner Center NeighborhoodCouncil, Anheuser Busch, Hornstein Law Offices,Eagle Electric, Sodexo, Sturdy Built, UniversalProtection Services, Henry’s Farmers Market, ValleyNews Group and Merchants’ Building Maintenanceas sponsors of the event. Net proceeds directlybenefit Valley Cultural Center, which produces FREEcommunity programming such as Concerts on theGreen, Movies on the Green and Dennis P. Zine’sJuly 4th Extravaganza, just to name a few.

Tickets are $65 for individuals, $60 for two to ninetickets, and $55 for ten or more. Tickets can bepurchased at the Duke of Bourbon located at 20908Roscoe Boulevard, Canoga Park, and Valley CulturalCenter located at 21550 Oxnard Street, Suite #470,Woodland Hills. You may also order tickets with yourcredit card by calling (818) 704-1358 or securely online at www.valleycultural.org.

Founded in 1975, the Valley Cultural Center servesthe greater San Fernando Valley as the prominentresource in promoting the performing and visual arts.With the active support and participation of the com-munity, our mission is to entertain, enrich and edu-cate current and future generations. We offer diverseprograms and events as well as recognize outstand-ing achievements in the arts.

For more information, please call (818) 704-1358 orvisit our web site at www.valleycultural.org. If youenjoy our programs and special events, please checkout the perks of becoming a member.

Valley Cultural Center’s 12th Annual Food,Wine & Microbrew Festival set for April 28

BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF THE WEST VALLEY RECEIVES $7,500 DONATIONFROM VALLEY RECYCLING CENTER AND REXAM

Councilman Zine Cuts Per Diem Costs and FurtherRestricts City Taxpayer Funded Travel

Continuing efforts to cut unnecessary spending and save taxpayerdollars, Councilman Dennis P. Zine’s motion to place additionalrestrictions on authorized City travel and eliminate all per diem costsassociated with any travel passed with a 13-0 vote at today’s CityCouncil meeting. This call for a ban on per diem costs comes in thewake of news reports that commissioners from Los Angeles’ housingauthority board took per diems for travel expenses and also chargedmeals to their agency credit cards. CBS2 reported that the commission-ers spent more than $150,000 over the last two years on travel and food.

“Every dollar counts and it is outrageous for the City to continue tocover food costs and other incidental expenses in these dire times. Just

because somebody is traveling for City business, does not mean there should be an expectation forthe City to pay for that person’s lunch,” said Assistant President Pro Tempore Dennis P. Zine. “Wedon’t pay for their meals when they are working in Los Angeles, today we are saying there’s no freelunch when you’re traveling either.”

Councilman Zine has led the effort to restrict City travel; in December of 2009, he introduceda motion asking for a complete review of all travel expenses by City staff and commissioners.Through that motion, it was discovered that a total of $1.8M was being appropriated for travelduring the 09-10 fiscal year.

Councilman Zine’s action prompted the Mayor and Controller to issue a joint memo restrictingall travel to be limited to the following exceptions: (1) Travel to Sacramento and Washington, D.C.to participate in City advocacy (2) Travel by members of the Los Angeles Police Department forinvestigations, warrants, and extraditions and (3) Travel related to prevention of liabilities or fiscaldegradation. All other travel exemptions needed to be approved by the Deputy Mayor of Budgetand Finance.

Today’s action further restricts travel by eliminating Deputy Mayor-approved travel completelyand takes the next step to protect taxpayer dollars by banning all per diem associated costs.

“Today’s action represents another step toward creating a more responsible government,” saidCouncilman Zine. “Our financial situation is bleak and we are running out of options. We mustfocus on critical core services and prioritize our funds.”

Councilman Zine has also led the effort to reduce the number of city issued cell phones and hasintroduced a motion to ask for a review of Los Angeles City Department General Manager andAssistant General Manager salaries. Councilman Zine has taken a voluntary 10% pay cut and hisentire staff is currently taking unpaid furlough days.

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

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


MESSAGE FROM WASHINGTON FROM…

Let’s “Make It In America”Democrats and Republicans both share a responsibility to find

common ground on the problems that worry us most—problems likea lack of jobs and a struggling middle class. To tackle those problems,my colleagues and I have put forward a Make It In America agenda:an agenda to rebuild American manufacturing jobs and help moremiddle-class families “Make It In America”.

America built the world’s largest and most prosperous middle class in part because of the strongproduction capacity and capabilities of our factories, which were run by American workers who werepaid good wages. Our manufacturing sector, and the middle-class economy it creates, is a proud partof our national character.

Unfortunately, manufacturing jobs have, until recently, been in long-term decline. Starting fromits peak in 1979, the number of manufacturing employees has been cut nearly in half: from some20 million to fewer than 12 million today. The damage greatly accelerated from February 2001 toFebruary 2009, when nearly one-third of our country’s manufacturing jobs disappeared, and themiddle-class stagnated. From 2002 to 2008, the median household income fell by $2,000 — thefirst time that had ever happened during a period of economic expansion.

We are beginning to recover from manufacturing employment’s lost decade, and manufacturingactivity has now grown for 18 straight months. General Electric decided to move 400 jobs from Chinaback to the U.S., and Ford moved 2,000 jobs back to the U.S. from Japan, Mexico, and India. Fordis also planning on adding another 7,000 jobs here in the U.S. Obviously, we need more successstories like these.

The Make It In America agenda is about building on private-sector successes, and creating anenvironment in which American companies can innovate, build products here, create and keep jobshere, and compete in an open global market. It is an agenda that has won support from organizedlabor and business leaders alike because it promotes a more competitive America and more jobsfor the middle class.

President Obama signed six Make It In America bills into law—bills that speed up innovation,bolster our growing energy sector, create tax cuts and loans for small businesses, support science,technology, engineering, and math education, and more. Many of those bills passed with bipartisansupport, and for good reason: the need for stronger job-training partnerships, a fair playing field forAmerican exporters, and holding China accountable for its currency manipulation are common-senseproposals.

Making It In America also means investing in the innovation, infrastructure, and education thatour economy needs to grow. As both Tom Donohue of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and RichardTrumka of the AFL-CIO put it, “Whether it is building roads, bridges, high-speed broadband, energysystems and schools, these projects not only create jobs and demand for businesses, they are aninvestment in building the modern infrastructure our country needs to compete in a global economy.”

Strengthening our competitiveness, continuing the rebirth of America’s manufacturing sector, andcreating more well-paying jobs are defining challenges of this decade. We’ve always been proud tobe a country that makes quality products. With wise investments, we can be that country again.

Congressman Brad Sherman (D-Sherman Oaks) represents roughly half of the San Fernando Valley.He wrote this article in conjunction with other Members of Congress.

The Real Scoop on Sober-living OrdinanceBy Greig Smith and Mitchell Englander

Greig Smith represents the 12th District on the Los Angeles City Council. Mitchell Englander ischief of staff for the 12th District, as well as councilman-elect.

MOST people drive safely and don’t cause any problems on the roads.

But we still need stop signs and speed limits to protect the safetyof the public, and traffic laws to hold the few reckless drivers outthere accountable. The same goes for group homes in residentialneighborhoods.

On Tuesday, March 29, the City Council’s Planning & Land UseManagement Committee held a public hearing on the CommunityCare Facility Ordinance that we spearheaded to address nuisancegroup homes that have proliferated in residential neighborhoodsin the San Fernando Valley.

Contrary to the claims made by sober living home operator Paul Dumont in an opinion piece inthe Daily News on March 21, this ordinance will not ban group homes or sober living homes, ordiscriminate against or single out any particular groups.

The ordinance is a very carefully and specifically crafted so that it doesn’t single out any groups.It applies to all group homes. It creates reasonable rules meant to protect quiet residential neighbor-hoods from nuisance group homes by defining what their operations can be.

Mr. Dumont claims that the ordinance would “declare thousands of single-family homes in LosAngeles ‘boarding houses’ banned in single family neighborhoods.” That is factually and blatantlyincorrect. They must be licensed and meet the requirements laid out in the ordinance, which arebased on current zoning guidelines for single-family home neighborhoods: limits on excessivenoise, adequate parking, security and supervision on-site, and no overcrowding.

If a group home is licensed and meets those guidelines then they can continue to provide theirservices without a problem.

We agree with Mr. Dumont’s claims that there are sober living homes that are good operators, andthat don’t disturb their neighbors. We agree that there are many sober living and group homes thatprovide needed services, and are not nuisances. This ordinance will not prevent them from providingtheir services.

The ordinance is meant to address the numerous unlicensed, illegal and nuisance group homesthat have proliferated in quiet residential neighborhoods and have made life a living hell for theirneighbors. We don’t know even how many are there because they are not listed or registeredanywhere.

We are not acting out of fear of what might happen. It is in response to what has already beenhappening. In response to growing number of complaints from terrified residents, we began

A WORD FROM OUR ELECTED OFFICIALS

Ask Your Elected OfficialStarting with the January 2011 issue of the West Valley News, we will publish specific questions

directed to Federal, State, and City elected officials who represent your local districts in the WestSan Fernando Valley.

This publication will publish the answers to those specific questions in the following issue,provided the answers are submitted by the respective offices of the addressed elected officials.

Email questions to [email protected]. Comments of a partisan or derogatorynature will not be published.

Get you business in gear with maximum exposure throughprint advertising and First Page placement on Google Places.Let your prospect easily find you when they’re ready to buy.

Call Monika at 818.614.0362Tell her you want to get your business in gear.

See The Real Scoop on Page 13


Business Education/Workshops

SAN FERNANDO VALLEY SMALL BUSINESS WORKSHOPSAPRIL 2011

HOW TO WRITE A USEFUL BUSINESS PLAN

This hands-on, interactive workshop will help you write a short and long term written plan you canuse to build and grow a successful and profitable business. Learn the best structure for your busi-ness plan; the information you must include for your benefit and for potential lenders or creditors;identify and focus on the key issues of your business and how to bring it all together to identify yourmarket potential. Then join the discussion on how to put your plan into action for the best results.

• Tuesday, April 12, 2011 from 9:00 – 12:00 Cost $35

• Build WorkSource Center, 9207 Eton Ave., ChatsworthConnie Sparks is an author, business strategist, trainer and President of the WadeInstitute, a business and capital development consulting company. Her experience, skills,and training methods has been recognized by higher education institutions, corporateAmerica, and private organizations. Ms. Sparks has trained more than 4,000 businessowners and executives throughout California. She has helped start and grow more than100 small businesses in LA County alone.

SELL MORE with EFFECTIVE MARKETING

An energetic, interactive 3-hour workshop to help you learn effective ways to grow your businessand increase sales from your marketing program. Lead by a marketing expert with more than 35years successful business experience, the workshop begins with a presentation on how to create andexecute a marketing and selling program in today’s competitive and changing market. Then you askthe questions and get answers that will be personal and practical. Ideal for existing business ownersand start-ups. A great way to get started on your new year plans.

• Thursday, April 28, 2011 from 10:00 – 1:00 Cost $35

• Premier America Credit Union, 19867 Prairie St., ChatsworthBen Tenn has more than 35 years of business experience, with a focus onmarketing, sales and general management. He has been a corporate executiveat Disney and Activision and the co-owner of a $10 million small business. He hasbeen an independent business consultant since 1996 serving local and national smallbusinesses, a successful presenter of marketing and sales seminars, acolumnist for the SFV Business Journal. He earned his MBA from UCLA.

Reservations required: visit www.cocsbdc.organd click on ‘Calendar.’Or call 661-362-5900 [email protected] arrive 10 minutes early to check in.

Please call to verify workshop dates and times.

LOW COST OR FREE WORKSHOPS BY VEDC

VEDC also offers a comprehensive business training series for those ready to go to the next level of businesssuccess. VEDC offers comprehensive business workshops designed to transfer critical management skills tosmall business owners. These workshops are open and available to anyone seeking additional information onhow to start, operate and successfully grow a business.

Classes are reasonably priced or FREE. Workshops are offered in our different locations throughout theSan Fernando Valley and Downtown Los Angeles area. Core business workshop topics include

• Access to capital

• Basic legal structures of a business

• Marketing on limited budget

• Business record keeping

• QuickBooks

• Managing Employees

• Managing for profit and results

• E-Commerce

VEDC also offers a comprehensive business training series for those ready to goto the next level of business success.

All VEDC workshops at:

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

Contact Lucero Montañez818-907-9922

[email protected]

For additional information about fees and locations, visit:

www.vedc.org

• How to start a new business

• How to write a business plan

• How to do business with the government

• Import / export fundamentals

• Finance & accounting

• Customer service

• Human resources

• Procurement assistance

HELPING ENTREPRENEURS SUCCESSFULLY START, BUILD AND GROW THEIR BUSINESS

818.883.3374 www.crowemarketingdesign.comHelping Small Valley Businesses Increase Sales and Prosper

ADVERTISING DESIGN / MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS / NEW MEDIA

College of the Canyons University Center, 26455 Rockwell Canyon Road, Santa Clarita, CA 91355(661) 362 - 5900 www.cocsbdc.org

collaborating on a Group Home Task Force with the Volunteer Surveillance Team, Departmentof Building and Safety, the City Attorney's office, LAPD officers and local stakeholders.

During sting operations, they conducted surveillance and investigated problem group homes inour area. Although this gained valuable information that led to the shutdown of a notorious illegal,nuisance group home that had plagued neighbors for years, it is not sustainable to repeat this forevery nuisance group home. We need regulations.

In our district, people out to make a quick buck have exploited loopholes in the law, takenadvantage of the weak housing market, and bought up single-family homes in residential neighbor-hoods at rock-bottom prices. They then crammed 15, 20, 30 even 50 people into homes with fouror five bedrooms, with multiple bunkbeds in every single room and shared bathrooms.

These nuisance group homes have no supervision, social services, drug or alcohol treatmentprograms, security or rehabilitation or even adequate parking. The countless horror stories fromterrified and intimidated neighbors are bone chilling: three homes on a single block, 50 people livingin one single-family home, loud parties, trash, fights, public intoxication, intimidation and frequentpolice and ambulance visits. This destroys the quality of life in the neighborhood.

We receive complaints from families who have a nuisance group home on their block and will notallow their children to play outside on their own street because it is unsafe. The residents of somehomes include parolees, recovering drug addicts and alcoholics, and even registered sex offenders.

These nuisance group homes are unlicensed businesses that open in a residential neighborhoodof single family homes, without registering, without notifying anyone, and without being requiredto have any treatment programs, accountability, supervision or security and are in violation of thezoning codes.

The Community Care Facility Ordinance doesn't change zoning laws, and is totally compatiblewith our current codes. It gives us the tools to protect neighborhoods from nuisance group homes,while allowing those that are legal, licensed and good neighbors, to continue to operate.

This is common sense legislation to address a real and growing problem.

Small Business Drives U.S. EconomyProvides jobs for over half of nation's private workforceBy Robert Longley, About.com Guide

What really drives the U.S. economy? No, it is not war. Small business — firms with fewerthan 500 employees — drives the U.S. economy by providing jobs for over half of the nation'sprivate workforce. The latest figures from the SBA show that small businesses with fewer than20 employees increased employment by 853,074 during 2001-2002.

These and other statistics outlining small business' contribution to the economy are contained inthe Small Business Profiles for the States and Territories, 2005 Edition from the Office of Advocacyof the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

“Small business drives the American economy,” said Dr. Chad Moutray, Chief Economist for theOffice of Advocacy in a press release. “Main Street provides the jobs and spurs our economicgrowth. American entrepreneurs are creative and productive, and these numbers prove it.”

Small businesses are job creators. Office of Advocacy funded data and research shows that smallbusinesses represent 99.7 percent of all firms, they create more than half of the private non-farmgross domestic product, and they create 60 to 80 percent of the net new jobs.

In 2004, there were an estimated 23,974,500 businesses in the U.S. Of the 5,683,700 firmswith employees, 5,666,600 were small firms.

The latest data also show that in 2002:

• women owned 6,492,795 firms;

• Blacks owned 1,197,988 firms;

• Hispanics owned 1,574,159 firms;

• Asians owned 1,105,329 firms; and

• American Indians and Alaskan Natives owned 206,125 firms.

In 2004, there was strong growth of 7.3 percent in proprietor's income — a partial measure ofsmall business income. Business bankruptcies decreased by 2.1 percent and self-employmentincreased by 2.2 percent. This and other data for each state and territory are available in individualeconomic profiles on the Office of Advocacy website at http://www.sba.gov/advo/research/profiles.

The Office of Advocacy, the “small business watchdog” of the government, examines the role andstatus of small business in the economy and independently represents the views of small businessto federal agencies, Congress, and the President. It is the source for small business statisticspresented in user-friendly formats and it funds research into small business issues.

http://usgovinfo.about.com/od/smallbusiness/a/sbadrives.htm

The Real ScoopContinued from Page 12


Madrid Theatre

Clyde Porter West Valley Playhouse

www.culturela.org/madridtheatre

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2011 SEASONPERFORMANCE SHOW CATEGORY DATES

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

Visit our website for abstracts about each show. Show titles subject to change.

www.whctheatre.com

Box Office: (818) 884-1907

Community News/Calendar

WE INVITE YOU TO MAKE EFFECTIVECOMMUNICATION A REALITYIf you ever had to stand up in front of a groupand make a presentation about your business—YOU NEED TOASTMASTERS!

If you ever had to introduce an important person ina public meeting and panic at the thought becauseyou don’t know how—YOU NEED TOASTMASTERS!

If you are involved in your community and need tospeak out about what you are passionate about—YOU NEED TOASTMASTERS!

If you are in a position of leadership and want toimprove your communication skills—YOU NEEDTOASTMASTERS!

Welcome to “Spirit Speaks” Toastmasters

We invite you to attend one of our meetings.No reservation is required, just show up. You won'tbe pressured to speak or join, and there is no cost.Come prepared to enjoy yourself!

Meetings: 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the monthTime: 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm

TV Motion Picture Fund CenterEducation RoomCalabasas Road at Mulholland Road(Right off the 101 Fwy at Valley Circle)Calabasas, CA 91302

For membership information contact:Ed Crowe (818) 231-4454

Judi Baumbach and Carolyn Cousin-Goldman are to becongratulated on achieving their DTM (DistinguishedToastmaster) designation. The highest recognition a memberof Toastmasters may receive.

The Chantilly Sisters Show Choreography by Noel Britton, Musical Direction PaulTaylor story by Jon Berry. Opening April 1 playing through May 1, 2011 at the 167 seatClyde Porter’s West Valley Playhouse in Old Town Center Canoga Park.

Three singing sisters from the mid-west came up with an original sound and won thenational competition to become Americas Greatest Sensation. After a world tour theygot their own cable TV show but it now appears without a sponsor they are going to becancelled. They decide to put on a special girl group tribute show which will includesongs and music from the 40’s, 50’s 60’s, 70’s, 80’s and 90’ to stay on the air.

Runs April 1 – May 1, 2011

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

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

Group Discounts are available.

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

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Adult Education Classes, SFVGet your GED or HS diploma. Upgrade your jobskills. Learn a new trade. New Culinary & ServeSafeCert. Classes, ESL, Sat. classes. For informationor to enroll, call Hughes Education & Career Center,818-587-4335, El Camino Real Comm. Adult School,818-595-8000, Canoga Park High School Campus,818-673-1391, Reseda High School Campus,818-758-3700.

Canoga Park Bowl and the San Fernando Valley Symphony Orchestra

PRESENT

CONCERTS AT THE BOWLWednesday Evenings at 8:00pm

IN THE ROYAL ROOM

April 6th

Jennifer Bliman on French Horn

FEATURINGSing along tunes from the ‘50s, ‘60s, ‘70s & ‘80s,

played in her inimitable style, complete with costume changes,back flips, handstands and candy giveaways

April 13th

San Fernando Valley Jazz Band

FEATURINGJames Domine, guitar; Matt Fleming, trombone;Adrian Miller, trumpet; Larry Muradian, bass

and John Harvey, drums

Friday, April 15th (added show)

The Screaming Clams

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

Larry Muradian, bass guitar and Steve Hartman, drums

April 20th

The Blues Bandits

FEATURINGDavid Reo, guitar and vocals; Jimi Dee, guitar and vocals;Gary Herbig, saxophone; Larry Muradian, bass guitar and

Scott Firestone, drums

April 27th

The Symphomaniax

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

ADMISSION FREE

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

NEW

Fundraiser for Relay for Life of Reseda

On May 4th, The Relay for Life will conduct afundraiser at Denny's Restaurant at the corner ofReseda and Saticoy. On that date take the flyer withyou and enjoy a meal (15% of all bills paid on thatdate will be donated to the Relay for Life of Reseda).

The flyer will be included in the April edition of theReseda Neighborhood Council Newsletter and willbe available to download from the RNC website atwww.resedacouncil.org as well as from Relay for Lifeof Reseda at www.relayforlife.org/resedaca.

The next Committee meeting to work on theplanning is on Monday April 11th at the Reseda NCOffice.

Contact Sonya Lopez to become involved or to havequestions answered. [email protected]

Reseda Needs A Few Good StakeholdersThe Reseda Neighborhood Council needs to havesome additional volunteers to have the mostfunctional committees that the community canprovide. Currently the following committees arein need of members.

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

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

The West Valley Garden Club's April 12thProgram is, "Garden Therapy – Herbs 101".Presented by club member, Karol Freudenberg, anherbal garden docent at the Huntington Library.

11:00 a.m., Orcutt Horticultural Center.23600 Roscoe Blvd., West Hills.

If you wish to attend, please call: 818 348 6677.

Canoga Park-West Hills Republican Women’sApril luncheon meeting will be held on Wednesday,April 20 from 10:30 AM-2 PM at the former RadissonHotel (now known as The Chatsworth Hotel) at 9777Topanga Canyon Blvd.

Guest speaker will be Adam Abrahms, a Director ofthe California Republican Lawyers Association. Hewill discuss that organization, Young Republicans,and labor unions. Lunch is $22. For a reservation,call 818-894-1091.

The Valley Watercolor Society meets the 2ndThursday of the month.

Join us on Thursday, April 14, 2011 - 7:30 p.m.at the Encino Community Center, 4935 Balboa Blvd.Encino, CA

Donation: $5.00 Refreshments served.

Joe Cibere’s painting style and art demonstrates hislove of nature and wilderness. His "abstract realism"paintings integrate strong design and balance with asense of illusion.

Workshop, Friday April 22 , 2011.

For further information call 818 407-0828 or818 882-4897

Sign Up for The Senior Symposium

On May 14, a Senior Symposium will be held at theONEGeneration Center. All Seniors and their care-givers are invited to come and get information onservices and programs that can make the journeythrough the Senior Years a better trip.

Sponsored by Councilman Dennis P. Zine, ONEGeneration, and Reseda NC, Tarzana, WinnetkaCanoga Park and Lake Balboa NeighborhoodCouncils.

Speakers will include brain fitness, health issues,financial experts, home safety, fall prevention, emer-gency preparedness, and crime issues that affectseniors. All of this and much more with informationtables from various agencies and businesses. Inaddition, there will be raffle prizes, continental break-fast and lunch.

This event is free to attendees and we encourage youto make your reservations as soon as possible. Toregister please give your name, telephone and oremail address to the operator at this registrationphone number: 213-252-3335.

The event will accommodate up to 300 Seniors andCare Givers, so register early. It is important that youleave your name and call back number so yourinformation can be verified.

8:30 AM to 4:00 PMONE Generation Center, 18255 Victory Blvd.

Woodland Hills-Tarzana Chamber

Wednesday, April 6, 7:00 AM to 9:00 AMBusiness Networking BreakfastSponsor: Bel Air Exteriors, Inc.Larry Cohen and Herman DanieleyWoodland Hills Country Club21150 Dumetz Rd.RSVP REQUIRED by noon on Tuesday, April 5.Walk-Ins add $5 No Jeans please at Breakfast Venue(818) 347-4737Members $20, One Time Trial Guest $20. There willbe assigned seating.

Saturday, April 9 ~ 9 AM-2 PMFree e-waste Drop Off20121 Ventura Boulevard (Back Parking Lot)

Thursday, April 21, 11:30 AM – 1:30 PMZ Awards Luncheon (In place of standard Luncheon)*(Notice Date Change)*Warner Center Marriott, 21850 Oxnard StreetSelf Parking Complimentary

RSVP REQUIRED~Contact Jose Martinez (818) 756-8848 [email protected] (Mention you are amember of the Woodland Hills~Tarzana Chamber)Members and Guests $40

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SPANISH CLASSES

• Tutoring studentsall levels

• ProfessionalsMrs. Cristina818-713-9238

“My goal is for students to enjoy learning”• Summer Classes

Wall to wall carpet, brand new kitchen cupboards,Central A/C. Good credit and background checkis a must. Sorry no pets.

Please call (818) 887-3386

APARTMENT FOR RENT

PHOTO RESTORATION

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SEAN CROWE (818) 274-2890

Canoga Park 2 Bed, 2 Bath Apartment for Rent $1,181

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The West Valley News is now online 24/7. Get your business on Ed’s List of Business by Referral. Call 818.883.3374

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