November - Studio City
Transcription
November - Studio City
& the Neighboring Communities of N. Hollywood, Valley Village November 2012 Vol. V No.2 Sherman Oaks Friends Of The Library Used Book Sale. Sherman Oaks Library, 14245 Moorpark St., 818. 205. 9716 Monday November 12 Sherman Oaks Neighborhood Council. Meets second Monday of each month. 6:30pm. Sherman Oaks Elementary School Auditorium. 14755 Greenleaf St. 818-503-2399. Wednesday November 14 Sherman Oaks Homeowners Association. Meeting begins at 7:15 p.m. Social Hour at 6:15 p.m. Notre Dame High School, 13645 Riverside Dr., Sherman Oaks. This month, Carmen Trutanich, current City Attorney and Assemblymember Mike By Gerald Silver Our Story So Far: Once upon a time ... there was a beautiful tree-lined community of a dozen single family homes, and several dozen comfortable apartments nestled between the 405/101 freeway interchange and Sepulveda Blvd. These lovely, affordable residences were located on Peach St. and La Maida St. in Sherman Oaks. The streets were lined with mature elms, pecans, jacarandas, ficus, cypress, wiIIows, sycamore, and avocado trees. The residents enjoyed evening walks to Ventura Blvd., shopping at nearby stores and dining at the local restaurants. All was well — until “progress” raised its ugly head.. A developer bought up the homes and apartments, bull-dozed the land and looked to build expensive, high-rise apartments on the site. When the project was conceived it was during the age of excess and excess was tolerated.. He sought City entitlements to jam 399 apartments, and 55,000 sq. ft. of commercial into the space previously occupied by a few dozen residences. The new development would be given the idyllic Italian name, “Il Villaggio Toscano”, or just IVT for short . Gone would be the affordable residences, front lawns and tree lined streets — replaced by a huge eight-story, high-density, crowded apartment building — all in the name of this game of “progress!” The days of excess are gone, and residents of the area must make intelligent and informed decision about their quality of life. Cont. Pg. 18 What’s Inside Shuman at Large..................... 4 Dr Abaian.................................. 2 Paul Krekorian........................ 4 Scoops....................................... 10 Tamar Galatzan....................... 1 Paul Koretz.............................. 6 Tom LaBonge............................ 5 Bentley’s Beat.......................... 10 Real Estate................................ 6 Gerald Silver............................ 1 Varsity Sports Report............. 15 Restaurant Review................... 8 Anna Terra .............................. 8 Talk DVD................................... 17 Grigware’s Curtain Call........ 13 I Teen......................................... 16 White Sofas................................. 16 Photos courtesy of Gerald Silver Greater San Fernando Valley Chamber presents the 29th Annual Clean-up Day. 8am – 12pm. Meet at Lake Balboa. 6300 Balboa Blvd. Volunteers Needed. 818-989-0300 for info. THE SAGA OF IL VILLA CONTINUES Progress? Home before Now: During the August meeting before the Encino Neighborhood Council (NC), the Il Villaggio Toscano (IVT) developer announced that he was planning on taking the next step in securing the entitlements for the 399 unit apartment complex at Sepulveda Blvd. and Camarillo. He plans on seeking his entitlements in the “next week or two,” and seeking his first hearing before the City “within the next three months.” Over-shadowing this process are the political considerations, and they play a big part. Much of the final outcome rests on the acceptance or denial of the project by Councilmember Tom LaBonge. The entire process hinges on the wishes of the affected Councilmember. Rarely does the City Council cross the Councilmember who has jurisdiction. The fact remains however, that there is solid community opposition against this massive project. The Sherman Oaks Homeowners Assn., Encino Property Owners Assn. and the Homeowners of The stark aftermath Encino all vigorously and vocally oppose IVT. The Sherman Oaks NC failed to reach a consensus in support of the project. The Encino NC failed to oppose or support the project, underscoring the community’s opposition, especially since the Encino NC went on record on two previous occasions, both opposing IVT. With their new Boards both the Sherman Oaks and Encino NCs should rethink their position and side with the residents who Cont. pg 14 The fate of the entire IVT project may rest in the capable hands of CD4 Councilmember Tom LaBonge Photo courtesy of CD4 Saturday November 10 Community Sustainability Workshops presented by Tree People include Rainwater Harvesting, Native Plants and Turf Reduction, Citizen Forestry and Outreach leader training. Sign-in 8:45am workshops 9am – 1pm. For registration contact Linda Eremita 818623-4878. Where Did All That Lottery Money Go? By Tamar Galatzan Since two measures on the November 6 ballot ask voters to approve taxing themselves to raise money for public education, the one question people most ask me is: “What happened to all that the lottery money?” They ask because Californians hoped the lottery money would help solve the Golden State’s public education problems. With billions of dollars of lottery tickets sold annually, why does the Los Angeles Unified School District and the state of California keep asking for more money for schools? Where does all that money go? Good question. So on October 2, in the Finance, Audit and Budget Committee which I chair, we invited Russ Lopez, Deputy Director of Corporate Communications for the California Lottery, to come to LAUSD and explain how the lottery system works and where the money goes. Lopez gave a short history of the California lottery. Founded in 1984, he said, the lottery had one mandate: to supplement public education budgets. While the lottery contributes millions to education, Lopez said lottery money only accounts for 1.5% of the state’s overall education budget. The lottery hands the money to County Superintendents, who then inform local educational agencies how much they will receive. But the lottery does not track where and how the money is spent. The Lottery Commission is projecting a 10% increase in sales this year, to a total of $4.8 billion for next year. That would make the lottery’s contribution to education the largest in its history. Lottery funding for the 2012-13 fiscal year is estimated to be $155 per annual ADA. For Los Angeles Unified, the total contributions for 2011-12—the most recent figures available—were $105,777,545. Since 1985, the California Lottery has contributed close to $2.5 billion to Los Angeles public schools. Some school districts give lottery money out to individual schools to spend as they wish. LAUSD uses lottery money to help schools pay for teachers and instructional materials. In the past, the district pulled out the lottery money at individual schools as a line item in school budgets. Now the money goes into helping to pay those costs for schools. The truth is that education budgets have shrunk so much that the lottery money just goes into the pot to help pay for what is needed—as permitted by law. But that was never its purpose. The lottery was created to supplement education budgets and give Cont. Pg. 14 Councilmembers Differ on Digital Billboards Pg 4 and Pg 6. Implant Specialist Dr. Delaram Hanookai Dr. Michael Abaian, Top LA Dentist Answers Questions about Gum Disease & Teeth Answers Questions about Cosmetic Implants and gum disease around the teeth with great By the SO SC ENC News Staff Dentistry precision and accuracy. is because many of the symptoms are not Dr. Delaram Hanookai, Dr. Michael Abaian of Southland Dental Care in Sherman Oaks is the leading Valley cosmetic dentist and the “Engineer of the Smile.” He has done smile makeovers on the television series, “Extreme Makeovers.” As a former engineering graduate Dr. Abaian brings engineering standards into the comprehensive planning and design of one’s smile as it is very personal and befitting to that particular individual. Tooth color as well as the length and width of the teeth are all taken into artistic consideration. “When you are an engineer and you are building, you want to make sure that the structure is balanced, and the same principles go into the mathematical proportions that we find in a perfectly balanced, aesthetic smile.,” Dr. Abaian points out. He provides his patients with high-quality restorative and cosmetic dentistry and continues to actively seek the latest in technology, materials, and techniques that will improve his patient’s dental care. He is licensed to administer Oral Conscious Sedation for a peaceful and painless dental appointment. Additionally, he also provides all the conveniences of a CAT 3D x-ray machine for accurate diagnosis and excellent implant placement as well as the Sirona Cerec3, a machine that sculpts a crown, in-house, in one hour ’s time, all under one roof for the convenience of his patients. He recently took time out of his busy schedule to answer a few questions about Dentistry: Q: WHY IS PREVENTIVE DENTAL CARE AND MAINTENANCE ON TEETH AND GUMS SO IMPORTANT? Dr. Abaian: There are several reasons. Devoting small amounts of attention to your teeth and gums will help you keep your smile and allow you to eat whatever you want for your entire life. Daily maintenance through proper brushing (for at least 2 minutes) and flossing techniques using a mouth wash will help dramatically to reduce your risk of gum disease, which recent studies have shown can lead to heart disease. Studies continue to link your oral health to your overall health, making a visit to dentist is just as important as visiting your family doctor. Diseases associated with our mouths like oral cancer and gum disease are familiar terms to most people, but few people realize that other health issues can manifest themselves initially in the mouth as well. Visiting our practice can help catch potentially larger problems before they get out of hand—problems you may not even realize exist. WHY DOES ORAL CANCER GO SO OFTEN UNDETECTED? Dr. Abaian: One of the reasons Valuable Coupon for Southland Dental Care painful. Sadly, detecting oral cancer in its later stages significantly lowers survival rates. If you experience any of the following symptoms, you should go to your dentist immediately: a sore inside your mouth that doesn’t heal within two weeks, a lump or thickening of your cheek, a white or red patch on any part of your inner mouth or throat, chronic difficulty swallowing or chewing, difficulty moving your tongue or jaw, numbness inside your mouth, and jaw swelling. I like to remind all of our patients that early oral cancer detection saves lives. That is why we offer oral cancer screening at no charge. Q: WE HAVE HEARD THAT MANY OF YOUR PATIENTS HAVE NICKNAMED YOU “THE SMILE DESIGNER.” WHY? Dr. Abaian: Smile design has many factors that must be taken into account including the patient’s age, life-style, and physical characteristics. Our teeth tend to get shorter with age. Much like a fine oil painter working on a canvas, I take artistic inspiration and experience and transform smiles. In some cases, procedural and design techniques include tooth lengthening or shortening. Veneers may be considered to widen your teeth or broaden a smile. Crowns can bring subtle, yet totally different dimensions to a patient’s facial proportions. Most people are surprised with the difference even the smallest of adjustments can make. It’s a fusion of science and art. dentist periodontist and her team at Southland Dental Care in Sherman Oaks can give you the smile you have always wanted. Not only will they listen to exactly what you want, but they will deliver that perfect smile you’ve always dreamt of having- a smile that fits perfectly with your face and elevates your self-esteem. She is a former Clinical Instructor of Periodontics at USC and says this about the experience, “I’m honored to have had the opportunity to be a clinical instructor at USC School of Dentistry in the Graduate Periodontics Department. This opportunity has allowed me to share my experience and knowledge with residents and also through publications in peer journals.” Dr. Hanookai has 15 years of professional experience with grafting bone and gum tissue and the replacement of missing teeth. She specializes in patients who were rejected by other Los Angeles cosmetic dentists and periodontists as unsuitable candidates for dental implants. These patients were told by other doctors that bone or tissue regeneration would be unsuccessful. She has had over 98% success with her implants, higher than the national average. Numerous patient video testimonials are on-line at website, “www.SouthlandDentalCare.com.” She was kind enough to answer some questions about gum disease and implants: Q: DO YOU BELIEVE COSMETIC DENTISTRY IS LIFE ALTERING? Dr. Abaian: I do believe nice smiles make a difference and has a big impact on how others perceive your personality and your attractiveness. Cosmetic dental procedures are absolutely worth the investment in altering or restoring the ideal proportions for your own physical characteristics. There’s nothing more fulfilling for our team than witnessing the often life-changing transformation that takes place for many of our patients through smile makeovers. DR. HANOOKAI. HOW DO YOU TREAT PERIODONTAL DISEASE? Dr. Hanookai: We determine the treatment you will need based on the progression of your periodontal disease condition. 1. Consultation: Once your dentist has recommended you see a periodontist, the first step is a consultation from this specialist to see how bad the damage is. Typically, in this first visit, the periodontist will teach you how to properly brush, floss, and scrape plaque in order Q: WHAT EFFECT DOES COFFEE HAVE to avoid gum disease, while also scaling your ON MY TEETH? Dr. Abaian: Coffee will stain gums-which is deep cleaning to remove bacteria your teeth. Sipping coffee with sugar will stain and plaque buildup, below the gum line. your teeth and create cavities, drinking coffee 2. Follow Up Scaling Appointments: Based on with cream and sugar will also stain and give the advancement of the gum disease the your cavities. The best way to enjoy coffee is periodontist may schedule follow-up visits to to gulp it down quickly for the taste and caffeine conduct more deep cleaning and then right afterwards rinse your mouth with 3. Laser Treatment : Laser Dentistry uses a beam water and you will get hardly any stain. of light to bring energy into your mouth through a tiny fiber optic to remove areas of infection Advertorial SOUTHLAND DENTAL CARE Drs. Michael Abaian D.D.S., Delaram Hanookai D.D.S., M.S. 4312 Woodman #100 Sherman Oaks 91423 “Free Parking” 818.788.8787 310. 553 8875 On the Web @ southlanddentalcare.com Valuable Coupon for Southland Dental Care Valuable Coupon for Southland Dental Care $899 FREE FREE Dental Implants X-Ray & CT Scan With Consultation Smile Evaluation 15% off Veneers Studio City Sherman Oaks Encino News November 2012 2 4. Surgery: If none of these initial and alternative treatments for periodontal disease work, surgery will be needed to root out the infection settled in the bone and regenerate lost bone. Q: IS GUM DISEASE CONTAGIOUS? Dr. Hanookai: Periodontal disease may be passed from parents to children and between couples. Current research seems to indicate that bacteria causing periodontal disease is passed though saliva. This means that when a family or couple comes into contact with infected saliva, they are at risk for contracting the periodontal disease of that family member. Based on this research, the American Academy of Periodontology recognizes that treatment of gum disease may involve entire families. If one family member has periodontal disease, it is recommended all family members see a dental professional for a periodontal disease screening. Q: COULD YOU PLEASE EXPLAIN WHAT IS A DENTAL IMPLANT AND WHY IT IS A BETTER OPTION THAN BRIDGES AND DENTURES? Dr. Hanookai: Today’s dental implants are changing the way people live! With implants, people are rediscovering the confidence to smile, eat, speak, laugh and enjoy life in comfort. Dental implants are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel and function like natural teeth. A person with dental implants regains the ability to eat virtually anything and can smile with confidence, knowing that their teeth appear natural and that facial contours have been preserved. Dental implants consist of small titanium posts which are placed into the jawbone where teeth are missing or need to be replaced. The bone in the jaw bonds with titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. In addition to restoring a natural appearance in your mouth, dental implants help preserve facial structure, and prevent bone deterioration, which typically occurs when teeth are missing. IS IT PAINFUL TO HAVE IMPLANT SURGERY? Dr .Hanookai: Not at all in our office we do offer sedation dentistry and our patients don’t feel anything . WHY ARE THE PRICES OF IMPLANTS ARE SO VARIED? Dr. Hanookai: The material of the implant is one of the factors. For example at Southland Dental Care we only use 3i implants, the most advanced quality implant. The other factor is by whom this implant gets placed. There are general dentists that take crash courses during one weekend and there are specialist that continue dental implant specialty another 3 Valuable Coupon for Southland Dental Care Complimentary Periodontal Screening For the Whole Family FOR SCSOE NEWS Readers Not applicable with insurance Studio City Sherman Oaks Encino News November 2012 3 From the Publisher It seems like only yesterday we were in the dog days of summer and suddenly it’s November. We are sad to lose Wendy Greuel as a regular contributor for the next five months. Shannon Murphy, Deputy Controller, Communications in the office of the City Controller told us that due to the upcoming Mayoral election, city ethics rules prohibit Greuel from writing a column for our newspaper as City Controller because she is running for Mayor and her writing a column for us would be giving unfair advantage to her over the other mayoral candidates. Murphy told us the blackout period starts in November and continues through the election, when Greuel looks forward to reconnecting with our readers. We have reviewed this confusing ordinance and don’t believe it should keep Greuel from reporting to her constituents as City Controller, but we certainly don’t want her to run afoul of any city ethics laws. Those of us who have known her from the days when she was the Councilmember from CD2 who was affectionately nicknamed “The Pothole Queen” look forward to reconnecting with Greuel after “The Blackout Period” is over. The councilmember from CD2 and the councilmember CD5 have different opinions about the place of digital billboards in our city landscape, and we asked them both to write about this hot button issue in the light of a recent court ruling. Don’t forget to get out and vote on Tuesday, November 6. LLC ADDRESS: 11333 Moorpark Street. #139 Studio City, CA 91602 www.shermanoaksstudiocitynews.com PHONE: 818.982.5002 (advertising) E-MAIL: [email protected] Staff Publisher / Editor : M. L. Marks Associate Publisher: Jim Kaplan [email protected] Associate Editor / Graphics / most Photos: Stephen Phenow [email protected] Website Manager: Brandan Scott [email protected] Contributors: Paul Krekorian Wendy Greuel Tom LaBonge Brad Sherman Paul Koretz Gerald A. Silver Tamar Galatzan Phil Shuman Don Grigware Bill Bentley Anna Terra Vicki Stern Michael Mann Jon Epstein Zoe Shpiner Sam Kaplan Stephen Phenow The SC SO ENC NEWS is published monthly, and delivered to 30,000 homes in Sherman Oaks, Studio City, & Encino areas. Delivered by Great Western Adv. Dist. INC. Delivery problems? Call (213) 627-0539 All Contents Copyright 2012 BVP llc All Rights Reserved. Shuman At Large The Council member By Paul Speaks... Krekorian By Phil Shuman Factually Correct, Maybe Recently, a judge on California’s 2nd District Court of Appeal signaled the court’s tentative intention to revoke permits for about 100 existing digital signs throughout Los Angeles. That is great news for many L.A. communities that have been severely impacted by digital signs. If this ruling is finalized by the Court, it will be a big step toward the City’s goal of reducing the number of billboards citywide. It will not, however, be the end of the L.A. billboard wars. In light of this tentative ruling, now is exactly the time to press forward and adopt a comprehensive legislative solution to control and reduce all outdoor advertising. The motion that Councilmember Ed Reyes and I introduced in late October begins the analysis and public dialogue necessary to achieve three important policy goals that I believe the City must pursue: A significant reduction in the number of billboards of all kinds, revenues to mitigate blight and otherwise assist communities that have suffered impacts, and a final resolution, once and for all, of this seemingly endless battle over past failures in policymaking and bad deals. These three goals are the entire purpose of our motion, and they are expressly stated in it. I invite everybody to read the actual motion, which is available online [ http:// clkrep.lacity.org/onlinedocs/2012/121611_ca_10-16-12.pdf]. In it, you can see that the motion calls for the beginning of a discussion about the options available to the Council and that any legislative solutions must be considered in public by the Budget and Finance Committee, the Planning and Land Use Management Committee and the Neighborhood Councils before the City Council acts. The motion will not result in an agreement to allow billboard companies to “expand their inventory of digital billboards,” and in fact it expressly states an intention to do the opposite. Finally, I want to let everyone know that regardless of whatever early input or suggestions on this subject some stakeholders may have offered to other people, I am the person responsible for the actual motion that was in fact introduced and passed by the Council. Period. Implications to the contrary are simply false. The status of the ongoing litigation over digital billboards offers the city a tremendous opportunity to take control of this issue and determine our own destiny in the best interests of all Angelenos. If we can stop demonizing and start thinking, we can substantially reduce billboard blight in all parts of the City. We can determine whether any digital billboards are appropriate anywhere, and if so, we can regulate them and reduce their impact on communities. We can identify and secure funding to address the urgent needs of neighborhoods across Los Angeles. But we can’t achieve any of this if our city has so succumbed to extremism that even discussing ideas becomes a basis for contempt. If you haven’t heard by now, we’re electing a President on Tuesday. The amount of money spent on this race is obscene. There’s no other way to describe it. More than two billion dollars in total, most of it on TV commercials and online postings and consultants and mailers that do as much to confuse us as to educate us, which makes the expenditure even more wasteful and distasteful. We haven’t seen a lot of these ads on the air here in California, since we’re firmly a “blue” state in the Obama camp, so the money’s being spent elsewhere, but if you follow the campaigns you can see all of this online. Let’s take the recent Mitt Romney ad attacking President Obama in the crucial swing state of Ohio. The stakes are high there. 18 electoral votes. One out of every eight jobs in that state is auto-related. One of the central campaign themes of the Obama push is how he “saved” the auto industry and how Mitt Romney wanted to “let Detroit go bankrupt.” Well, the controversial new Romney ad says “Obama took GM and Chrysler into bankruptcy, and sold Chrysler to Italians who are going to build Jeeps in China.” Apparently this hurt the feelings of the Obama campaign, which sent supposedly non partisan fact checkers into overdrive. One, from the Washington Post, had a gem, and this could sum up the whole campaign. The new ad, the Post says, is “factually defensible” and “technically correct.” Technically, GM and Chrysler went into bankruptcy protection while Obama was President and were rescued with the help of Government (taxpayer) money. Fiat, the Italian car company did buy Chrysler but they were the only ones who stepped up with a real offer and Chrysler was looking for a partner. Jeeps will be made in China, but not ALL Jeeps are being made in China, which is what the ad implied and what Romney himself said, incorrectly, in stump Cont. on Pg. 10 Studio City Sherman Oaks Encino News November 2012 4 speeches. Just to make matters more confusing, after Romney’s ad came out, the Obama campaign came out with its own commercial countering Romney’s and essentially calling Romney a liar. The Obama campaign pointed out that rather than “outsourcing” jobs, Jeep production will be expanded in this country and jobs will be added. So is it a debate of semantics? If some jobs are sent overseas isn’t that “technically” outsourcing and “factually defensible?” Sure, but do we want to be forced to make monumentally important decisions based on technicalities? So, who to believe? Both candidates are guilty of shading the truth and interpreting facts that show them in the best possible light. That doesn’t really help the five percent or so of undecided voters nationally, many in the swing states such as Ohio, Florida, Nevada, Colorado, Pennsylvania, and so on, who will undoubtedly determine which of the two men get the required 270 electoral votes needed to win. Whether it’s TV commercials, radio ads, campaign spin, or face to face debates, we’ve seen example after example of candidates taking the same set of “facts” and interpreting them differently. It’s been difficult to keep track of who is more truthful, and I deal with this every day at work at Fox 11 News. How does the voter, who’s not really paying close attention, sort it out? Maybe they don’t. Maybe swing voters finally make up their minds based on what their parents think, or their barber, or the way a candidate wears his hair or what he thinks about abortion or what their wives look like or what kind of gun or boat or car or vacation home they have or don’t have. That sounds bad but is it worse than making up your mind based on facts in commercials that may or may not be true? [email protected] Notes From CD4 It has only been a few months since Sherman Oaks became a part of the Fourth District, but already I can share some positive announcements with you. I think improvements to our city, whether big or small, can have a powerful impact, and I’m excited to try to make change with the time I have been given in office. First, improvements are coming to Van Nuys-Sherman Oaks Park, which is a terrific, dynamic center of local recreation. At my direction, artificial turf soccer fields are set to be installed at the park. Funding for this effort will be provided by Quimby dollars, which is money recouped from local development projects. In other words, when developers build new projects in an area, they also pay to ensure that open space will be improved. Additionally, an anonymous donor is providing Van Nuys-Sherman Oaks Park with fitness equipment that will be installed by the end of the year. This will be a nice amenity to keep us moving and healthy. Some improvements in Sherman Oaks are more immediate. If you pass Cedros Avenue along Ventura Boulevard, you will see a newly weeded and cleaned median in front of La Reina Theatre. This was one of the many improvements completed by PROTECT YOUR SAFETY NET By Nan Bresmer A Retiree Looks at Prop 30 By Tom LaBonge my beautification team, which I deploy to do spot work throughout the Fourth District. Please say hello when you see them in their brightly colored truck, no matter whether they are picking up bulky items, trimming trees, or cleaning up the neighborhoods we treasure. There are even more improvements coming to our roads. I am pleased to announce that the Los Angeles Department of Transportation is adding two part-time positions to its team dedicated to Sherman Oaks issues, in part to deal with a backlog of projects that has built up. By Thanksgiving, the Department of Transportation expects to have processed a backlog of about 20 to 30 projects within Sherman Oaks. I know that there will be many more great announcements to come, especially when it comes to caring for and protecting our Valley neighborhoods. I am excited to work with my new constituents to make our dreams for the future move a bit closer to reality. In the meantime, you can do your part by enjoying our local parks and walking our local streets. Councilmember Tom LaBonge represents LA’s CD4 Nothing less than the quality of life in California is on the ballot this upcoming election, with the contest of Proposition 30. The senior community has a big stake in the success of Prop 30--for ourselves, as well as our children and grandchildren. While much has been written about how Prop 30 would prevent devastating cuts to schools and public safety, Prop 30 would also implicitly protect health and human services that seniors and all Californians depend on. The proposal is so extensive, and helpful, that I believe every member of the retired community should have a vested interest in seeing Prop 30 pass. Some background: Over the last few years, the state of California has cut $15 billion in funding to essential health and human service programs to help deal with the state budget crisis. What this means for the retired community is that we have been receiving less access to shrinking programs including: day health programs, case management services, Alzheimer’s support, and in-home support. While I surround myself with a safety net of close friends and family, it is equally important that I know I have the support and option of key public services, from Medicaid to in-home support services. These services are an affirmation of the state’s commitment to protecting their citizens in need. This is why it is so difficult to watch as they are cut into and dissolved by the very institution we look to for security. Though these cuts were harsh, more may be coming. In January, services will be facing new round of deep cuts to the tune of $6 billion. This is why I have chosen to speak out, and express my support of Proposition 30. It is high time that we balance the severe cuts made with revenues, as opposed to short-minded budget cuts that only serve to harm the people most in need. Prop 30 invests in the future of our families and grandchildren, while also protecting services used by retirees. It protects funding for K-12 and community college and in the process frees up $5.6 billion in our general fund dollars to restore cuts to critical services like healthcare, childcare, and other safety net services so that future generations may benefit from them as mine has. By protecting funding, and generating revenue from those who can afford it, Prop 30 puts California’s budget priorities back where they should be protecting safety net programs that help our families, providing ladders of economic opportunity, and growing our economy. These state services work together to cohesively help our children become educated and stay healthy, for our families to live safely and securely, and for seniors and adults with disabilities to live independent lives with dignity. Furthermore, Prop 30 is a way for us to break the cycle of debt and cuts we have become accustomed to and try to get our state budget back on track. This November, Californians will be faced with very serious decisions about how they want to proceed in handling the state budget crisis, and I Cont. pg. 14 Studio City Sherman Oaks Encino News November 2012 5 The View from CD5 If – like me – you’re a foe of billboard blight, then October 30th 2012 was a great day! That’s when California’s 2nd District Court of Appeal announced a tentative ruling, proclaiming that permits for 100 digital displays in the city should be invalidated, and also that an agreement allowing for more than 700 additional digital signs should be void. The Court’s final ruling will likely be delivered within the next three months, and legal experts expect it to echo October 30th’s tentative ruling and repudiate an agreement made in closed session by the City Council, City Attorney and billboard companies Clear Channel Outdoor and CBS Outdoor back in 2006, several years before I took office on the Los Angeles City Council. Even before October 30th, a Court ruling had already specified that City could choose to allow or not allow digital billboards – but that any such decision had to be made in the open and through an ordinance, rather than in a closeddoor settlement negotiation. In effect, the October 30th tentative ruling affirms the standing of ordinances passed by the City in 2000 and 2002, banning new öff-site” signs and billboards. For those of us seeking to end billboard blight, and we have many tremendous activists and concerned residents involved in that cause, a loss by the City at the Court of Appeals is therefore a win. The 2006 agreement that the Court of Appeals is invalidating allowed Clear Channel Outdoor and CBS Outdoor to “modernize” a certain number of off-site signs, to be replaced with digital billboards. This led to complaints by residents about light, noise and safety Real Estate Corner Look Before You Flip I have received a handful of inquires from readers asking if this is the right time to get into the “Flip” or “Spec” market of buying a home, fixing it up and then putting it back on the market, hopefully for a profit. The current inventory of homes for sale is very low and a lot of the homes that are on the market right now have not been upgraded. The homes on the market now that have been updated are selling very fast and they usually are selling for a premium. If you have no experience with construction, do not get into this business. There are so many contractors and investors out there who have their own crews that are looking for the same type of “fixer upper.” The experts can do the remodel for a lot less money than an amateur. Therefore when it comes to selling the property for a profit, what you pay for the property and how much you spend to fix it up are the only two factors that are involved when it comes to making a profit or losing money on the project. Remember when you go to sell the property, the value of the property has nothing to do with how much you have spent, the value of the property is worth what a buyer will pay you for the property. I have too many times seen people lose a lot of money because they cannot sell the property for what they thought they could sell it for. This is not a business for part timers. If you do have experience with construction, make sure that you don’t cheapen out when it comes to the quality Studio City Sherman Oaks Encino News November 2012 6 By Paul Koretz distractions stemming from those digital signs, and also led to unfair competition complaints from competing outdoor companies, including Summit Media, whose suit targeting the City helped trigger the appellate court’s October 30th tentative ruling. The issue is especially important to many of my 5th Council District constituents, because some of our district’s neighborhoods are particularly beset by invasive digital billboards. In some cases, the recent fate of such billboards has been decided on a caseby-case basis – for example, in Westwood, where we were successful in calling on the Area Planning Commission to order three such billboards taken down. Meanwhile, on October 16 – two weeks before the Court’s October 30 th ruling, and obviously in anticipation of an adverse ruling by the appellate court – the majority of the City Council requested a staff investigation and consideration of new billboard regulations, including both new signs and new revenue to the City. Councilmembers Tom LaBonge, Eric Garcetti and I all voted NO: we want to preserve the prevailing sign rules dating back to 2000 and 2002 (including the ban on digital billboards). Eventually, any new staff deliberations and recommendations will be presented to the Council’s Planning & Land Use and Budget Committees. I promise to do everything I can, working with other antibillboard blight activists, to ensure that the staff review includes neighborhood concerns – and that I will vote against and actively seek to defeat any ordinance that ultimately results in more digital signs for my 5th Council District. by Matt Epstein of materials and the quality of the construction. Buyers today are not stupid. Most buyers will hire a professional home inspector to go through the entire house once they have put the home in escrow. If the home is done on the cheap then it will be discovered and the buyer will usually either cancel the escrow or ask for a credit to fix the problem. Spec houses with the cheapest materials and appliances sit and sit on the market. When you purchase the property consult with a professional realtor that works in the area and ask for a detailed comparative market analysis of what the property will sell for when you are finished. Do not get their opinions, get the comps. Have the real estate professional put their price in writing. Go out with your realtor and see what is on the market in the area and check out the competition. The bottom line is: if flipping homes is not your business you can get burned and lose a lot of time and money. If flipping is your business then do your homework, provide a great product and you should be able to turn a nice profit in today’s market. Happy hunting. The expert for real estate sales in the South/ East San Fernando Valley, Matt can be contacted at [email protected] or (818) 7897408. Studio City Sherman Oaks Encino News November 2012 7 Pizza, Pizza I have faced many challenges as a working model/actor by moving to the Valley. The routines to which I was accustomed were stripped from existence and a fresh groove had to be developed. Along the way I have discovered many uncertainties - in particular - where is the best pizza here in the Valley? Pizza is my favorite food. Perhaps it’s the versatility of this dish that makes it so lovable; New York pizza, Chicago pizza, Italian pizza, thick crust, thin crust, red sauce, white sauce. . . pizza in all its forms warms my heart. Nevertheless, I want the best that is obtainable. So after nearly three years in the quest for the best, here are the contenders. You must drop in on Chef Tonino at Vitello’s Italian Restaurant - 4349 Tujunga Ave in Tujunga Village. They import their wheat flower from Italy, making their Neapolitan creations exactly that, authentic Neapolitan creations. The Pizza alla Salsiccia has a complex crust and the sausage has just the right bite, with caramelized onions, peppers, red onion and pecorino in a perfect melding. The ultrathin crust Al Caprino Pizzeta with prosciutta di parma, goat cheese and arugula is light as air. For New York pizza, I like Rocco’s Tavern on Ventura Boulevard and Whitsett, Angelino’s Pizzeria in N. Hollywood, or Caioti Pizza Café in Tujunga Village in Studio City. Rocco’s owners grew up on authentic New York Pizza and their crust has the perfect consistency, from the traditional NY pie with pepperoni, sausage and mushrooms to the specialty White Pie with cream sauce, spinach, garlic, mozzarella and ricotta cheese. They even have a salad pie for the best of all possible worlds. Angelino’s New York style Italian style pies have a thinner crust and are more delicate than most. The shitake mushroom pizza with shaved parmesan, parsley and truffle oil does the job indeed. Angelino’s Cucina - 4386 Lankershim Blvd. I first dined at Caioti 4346 Tujunga Ave, after hearing of them on The Food Network Channel. Their New York pizza with Mushroom, Onion, Bell Pepper, Pepperoni, Tomato, Olives, Sausage is a universe of delight. Along with their NY pizzas are two other interpretations; Old World that embodies a very thin crust and light sauce, and New World inspired by contemporary influences offering eclectic combinations such as lamb sausage and a buffalo pizza with bison. Sometimes we crave a really nice handcrafted Chicago pizza, and then we go to BJ’s Restaurant and Brewery at 107 South 1st Street in Burbank. I’ll take a moment to justify our inclusion of a chain, HOT Recipes with Anna Terra Cranberry Sauce Thanksgiving is right around the corner. I love this simple, easy, delicious cranberry recipe! Less time in the kitchen, more time with family! The tart flavor of cranberries makes a nice compliment to any holiday feast. It’s distinctive yummy, tangy taste, pairs deliciously with your holiday turkey. CRANBERRY SAUCE Total Time: 30 min Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 Yield:4 to 5 cups Ingredients · · · · · · · · · · · 1 cup sugar 1 cup water 1 (16-ounce) bag fresh cranberries 1 cup chopped apple 1 cup chopped walnuts 1/2 cup raisins 1/4 cup Grand Marnier 1/2 orange, juiced 1/2 lemon, juiced 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1 teaspoon nutmeg, freshly grated www.annaterra.com Directions: Combine the sugar and water in a large saucepan and bring to a boil. Add the cranberries and return to a boil, then lower the heat so that the liquid simmers. Add the apples, walnuts, raisins, Grand Marnier, orange and lemon juices, cinnamon, and nutmeg, and cook for 10 to 15 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and let the sauce cool. Serve in a side bowl with turkey or any preferred holiday dish. SERVES: 16 See more HOT (Firehouse) Recipes in Anna’s book. Available at https://www.channelphotographics.com hot.php Studio City Sherman Oaks Encino News November 2012 8 By Jimmy Brighton but BJ’s deep dish is the real deal. We emigrated from the Midwest and have experienced a vast assortment of Chicago’s great pizzas. In that regard, BJ’s is no Gino’s East, but we believe you will be thoroughly satisfied with their interpretation. Or you can shake up your pizza preconceptions at Pizza Rev 12103 Ventura Blvd in Studio City. Their fast casual pizza concept encourages everyone to craft a personalized pizza, down to the last ingredient – nearly every conceivable option awaits. Further west on 12920 1/2 Riverside Drive in Sherman Oaks is Mazzarino’s Italian Restaurant, with a traditional atmosphere. A standout is the Sweet and Pepperoni pizza. Take some pineapple, some pepperoni, some basil and bell pepper, throw it on Mazzarino’s thin crust and you have yourself a perfect pizza for a summer day. Don’t fret if you are not a thin crust person, their trademark is a handtossed crust that you can choose to twist up with a garlic, herb and olive oil finish. Jimmy Brighton is originally from Indiana, where he attended Indiana University before moving to Los Angeles. He has lived in Toluca Lake for three years and enjoys the quest for the perfect pizza. “The Best Sandwich In the Biz” Serving subs, salads, soups, & paninis * Boar’s Head Meat & Cheese * Fresh Breads from the bakery * Local grown Romaine lettuce 4389 Tujunga Ave, Studio City (across from Aroma Cafe) Free Parking Open 11 am-5 pm Tues-Sun Catering Available Call in for quick pick-up (818)487-2564 www.studiosub.com BANQ UETS CA TERING WE DELIVER BANQUETS CATERING www.VitellosRestaurant.com Studio City Sherman Oaks Encino News November 2012 9 On Saturday October 13, the Eddy James Salon in Studio City hosted an art opening for an exhibit of paintings by Cammeron Alekzandra Batanides. Titled “A World of the Creative,” the body of work is based upon music, art and the creative soul, says Batanides, who knew she wanted to be an artist at the age of two. She works predominantly in watercolors, acrylics and charcoal and she sold several pieces on opening night. Each piece is an exclusive original as she Two Studio City residents, vocalist Denise Donatelli and guitarist John Pisano were honored at the L.A. Jazz Society’s 29th Annual Jazz Tribute Awards & Concert on Sunday, October 21 at the Universal City Hilton. Pisano, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award, has recorded and played with such jazz legends as Benny Goodman, but he is best known for his many years with the Herb Alpert Band, when he recorded and published some of his own compositions. Pisano has left an indelible mark on the history of jazz guitar and continues to influence the jazz guitar Batanides’ “ The Scholar” does not make reproductions or prints. She is also a published children’s book author and illustrator. “Meet Panda”, loosely based on a real story of a rescue American pit bull named Panda, was released last June and it is the first in a series, with “Panda’s First Christmas,” the second in the series, just out. The author/ artist has been busy attending book signings as well as art exhibits. A true Renaissance woman, Batanides is also an art and music writer with articles printed in The Beat, The Starving Artist and ArtSync Magazines. Salon owner Eddy James obviously has a good eye and he is also an artist of sorts, creating some of the most natural looking blondes and highlights for a very artistic clientele. Till Next Time. Donatelli and Pisano Photo Credit: William Kidston community with his weekly guitar night that he hosts with some of the best guitarists in the world. The virtuoso currently holds court at Lucy’s 51, which Batanides (Center) with James (Right) Bentley’s Beat Gary Clark Jr. Blak and Blu (Warner Bros. Records) There are some musicians who are invaded by the blues at an early age. It’s a sound that gets inside their soul and refuses to let go. It comes upon them at the end of a lonely afternoon, in the middle of the night and sometimes the moment they open their eyes from sleep. It is usually a feeling that lands without choice, and no matter whether it’s wanted or not, the blues will have its way. Gary Clark Jr. got that visitation when he was young, and quickly got a guitar to help him find a way through it. That guitar became his life in his teenaged bedroom, and before long the use to be the jazz club The Money Tree, in Toluca Lake, on Tuesday nights. Donatelli, known as a “musician’s singer,” received the Jazz Vocalist Award. Her 2010 release When Lights are Low, garnered her critical acclaim as one of the most interesting and important jazz singers on the scene today and received a Grammy Nomination for Best Jazz Vocal Album. Both winners performed with their trios at the gala event that also featured Wayne Shorter performing with the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz Performance Ensemble. On Thursday October 25th there was a send off party at Rocco’s Tavern for Joey Sorice and The Meatballs of Comedy. The guys are headed to Las Vegas for a six month engagement at the Royal House Casino. Thursday night comedy at Rocco’s may continue with a new host till The Meatballs come home, we’ll keep you posted. Joey Sorice (Right) By Bill Bentley songs he wrote were his new best friends. Flash forward a decade or so and Clark’s discovery by other musicians became a secret that spread like wildfire among music lovers of all ages and persuasions. The man had taken his blues and twisted them into a new and explosive knot, adding rock, hip-hop and even shades of doo wop to an expanding style which knows no bounds. Gary Clark Jr. had found his freedom and, thankfully, flies his freak flag high. On this new album, producers Mike Elizondo and Rob Cavallo have opened the door to the music cabinet and encouraged the musician to have his way with whatever he found inside. From raving guitar explosions on “When My Train Pulls In” to rock-fueled ravers like “Travis County,” Clark floors it every chance he gets. Even when he turns inward on “The Life” and “Blak and Blu,” there is a smoldering essence which always threatens to break out. The only question is how some will try to describe him. The new Jimi Hendrix? Nope. The next Stevie Ray Vaughan? Never. How about the first Gary Clark Jr.? That is more than enough to be known as, and if his new album is any indication, the rainbow in the sky is the limit for this incredibly talented young Texan. His approach to music, whether inspired by the blues of Austin’s alleys or the breathtaking rolling hills of Hunt, is a wonder to behold. As Clark steps on the stage of the world, watch his eyes and hands. He is giving us gifts that don’t come very often. And remember this: there is nothing junior about Gary Clark. He’s all grown up and has many, many places to go. Tanita Tikaram Can’t Go Back (Eagle Rock Entertainment) The present is a beautiful place. Ask Tanita Tikaram. When still a teenager she had a huge hit single, “Twist in My Sobriety” and a debut album that sold over five million copies. That was in 1988. The world beckoned, and the young woman became a major star. But time went by, the albums sold less and one day it was hard to learn what Tikaram was doing. Well, good for music lovers everywhere she was continuing to sing and now has made good on all her early promise. One key to songs like “All Things to You,” “Dust on My Shoes” and “If the World Should Want for Love” is how Tanita Tikaram has found her center. Working with producer Paul Bryan and a simpatico room full of great musicians, this music could Studio City Sherman Oaks Encino News November 2012 10 almost have been recorded 50 years ago in the heyday of Los Angeles studio sessions. There is no pretense or overextension of ideas, but rather a desire to serve the songs completely and go immediately to the heart of the matter. The natural spirit everyone is shooting for comes across loud and clear. On two songs Grant Lee Phillips sings with Tanita Tikaram and it feels like they’ve been working together forever. Rarely do duet partners fit so seamlessly, but it’s like they’re warming up for a full album together. There is also a bonus CD of songs from Tikaram’s past done mostly with just guitar and piano. They are gorgeous and somewhat haunting, a peek inside how she must feel about the past 25 years after she conquered the music charts on her very first attempt. Remaining a survivor takes strength and courage no matter what you do, and to hear someone still continue to soar is like discovering an inner strength all over again. Krekorian Cont. from pg. 4 I was not elected to do only what was popular, nor to by swayed by the loudest screeching voice. I was elected to help steer our city through a time of great crisis and challenge and to build a foundation for a much better future. Developing straightforward solutions to the billboard problems that have vexed us for years is a part of that mission, and I will continue to work hard to achieve them in the most inclusive and open manner possible. Councilmember Paul Krekorian represents L.A.’s CD2 . His website iscd2.lacity.org and you can find him on Facebook and Twitter (@PaulKrekorian). Studio City Sherman Oaks Encino News November 2012 11 Neighbor s Bond a vana Ter kP ar ty Neighbors att Da Dav errrace Bloc Block Par arty by Zoe Shpiner About 150 people turned out for the 12th annual Davana Terrace Autumn Block Party in Sherman Oaks on Sunday, October 7. Neighbors shared their favorite food dishes and local restaurants such as Bamboo, Poquito Mas and Santino’s donated food as well. There were games for all ages including pie-eating, egg and balloon toss, bicycle decorating, hula hoop, bingo, an inflatable bouncy, and a DJ. The road closures and fire engine and police car displays added to the small town atmosphere. “The annual gathering is aimed at bringing neighbors closer together while enjoying food, beverage, friendly competition and the pleasure of each other’s company,” said co-founder/organizer Paul Napier. He gave kudos to the organizing committee of Steve Gagnon, Jackie Diamond, Sidonia Lax, Gem Mimms, Carole Bonds, Mark Cohen, Evan Greenspan, John Ermer, Tom Grant, Steve Shrager, Craig Stevens, and Scott Hampton. Visit Us @ southlanddentalcare.com 4312 Woodman #100 Sherman Oaks 91423 *Free Parking* Cosmetic Dentistry & Dental Implants Full Mouth Reconstruction In-House CTScan Intraoral Camera “Patient sees what we see” Get the Quality of Dental Care that You and Your Family Deserve Laser & GumTherapy by experienced specialist Invisalign Cerec Technology One Visit Crown Dr. Delaram Hanookai Complimentary Dental Implant Consultation & Gum Consultation Dr. Michael Abaian DaVinci Veneers & Lumineers Complimentary Digital X-Ray 80% Less Patient Radiation Exposure Studio City Sherman Oaks Encino News November 2012 12 By Don Valley Curtain Call Grigware pay his taxes. “What has the Playwrights Kaufman and Hart saw the vitality and urgency of comedy within drama when they penned You Can’t Take It With You in 1936. It won a Pulitzer for Drama in 1937 and then a Best Picture Oscar for the film version in 1938. Their other big hit The Man Who Came to Dinner in 1939 has a similar theme and tone. In both plays it’s wild, zany over-the-top characters and off-kilter incidents that blow the lid off the humdrum existence of the well to do middle class, and to meaningful avail. In Y.C.T.I.W.Y., the wealthy Kirbys are about as unlike the crazy free-living Sycamores as black is to white. Yet, when meshed together, merriment and unexpected happiness abound. With a spectacular cast (double) and brightly paced direction from Gigi Birmingham, the Antaeus Company’s Y.C.T.I.W.Y. is a splendid tonic for our depressing economic times and simply a whole lot of fun through December 9. Set during the Depression, Y.C.T.I.W.Y. is appealing first and foremost to actors and other artists, for, represented within the eccentric family circle, is a whole mix of creativity with devotion to dancing, playwriting, painting and the bizarre world of invention. Papa (Paul Eiding) spends day and night down in the basement building explosives with his partner Mr. De Pinna (Jeremy Guskin), Mama (Eve Gordon), who never finished her experimental stage with painting has inexplicably switched to writing plays, married daughter Essie (Kellie Matteson) wants to be a ballerina despite her ineptness. Grandpa Martin (Lawrence Pressman) attends commencements, cares for pet snakes on display in the living room and refuses to government done for me?” he wisely declares. The entire cast are harmoniously in tune and make divine music throughout under the steady and inventive hand of director Gigi Bermingham who remains totally loyal to Kaufman and Hart’s brilliant script. Standouts in the cast are Pressman, so good-natured and defiantly self-confident as Grandpa; Gordon, delightfully ditzy as Penny; Maher, beautiful and bewildered about where her love should lie. Guskin as De Pinna and Sidney as Kolenkhov play the foreigners with meticulous panache. Praise as well to Rhonda Aldrich in a small role as an inebriated actress and to White who does double duty as Mrs. Kirby and a deliriously entertaining Russian Grand Duchess. The ensemble also includes Jeremy Shouldis, Caleb Chomer and as the G-Man, billed as guest star, on the night I attended, Philip Proctor. As it is double cast, be sure to check their website to attend the performance you desire. The intricately cluttered and striking set design is by Tom Buderwitz and lovely costumes by A. Jeffrey Schoenberg. Kaufman and Hart set high standards for intelligent comedy. In spite of the laughs, which are plentiful, the moral is crystal clear. And resplendently vibrant is Antaeus fine production which allows you to savor every nuance of every move each character makes. With the holidays approaching Y.C.T.I.W.Y is heaven sent. Happy Thanksgiving to one and all! See you in December! Aging P ar ents’ Issues Surf ace Par arents’ Surface During the Holidays Baby boomers visiting aging parents during the holidays may be in for a shocking surprise, warns Certified Senior Advisor and owner of Encino based Comfort Keepers, Sharon Sherbert. That pristine house and yard of the past now look shabby and neglected. Dirty dishes fill the sink and the kitchen table is covered in crumbs. Unopened bills are stacked haphazardly all over the countertops. Mom seems unfocused and Dad is having trouble getting around. It’s clear that help is needed but what should family members do? Sherbert encourages clients to take advantage of the time when everyone is gathered together to initiate a conversation with parents and family members about “what if” scenarios and health and financial concerns. The holidays are a good time for family members to be alert for signs that elderly relatives may need help. The most important thing is to look for signs of change in mood, health and living conditions. Checking in with people who visit the relative frequently can indicate whether there have been recent changes. Some signs to look for include: Personal hygiene problems, the home in disarray or needing to be clean Weight loss or weight gain – check for spoiled food or insufficient food at home Failure to manage medications or medical appointments Increased difficulty with mobility (such as climbing stairs or using a bathtub) Changes in judgment, mood or overall behaviorIncreased forgetfulness – check for unopened mail or unread newspapers Missed bill payments or other financial difficulties Unusual or extravagant purchases that are out of character Decreased social activities or failing to maintain friendships This is a good time to talk about concerns and ask parents what kind of help they would like. When family or friends aren’t available, a dependable Comfort Keeper is always nearby. Comfort Keepers provides in-home companion care for individuals needing assistance with activities of daily living. Services are tailored to the individual needs of each senior that allows them to continue living safely and in the privacy of their own home. Services include companionship, meal preparation, light housekeeping, grocery shopping, transportation, laundry, and recreational activities as well as personal care services including bathing/showering, incontinence care, medication reminders and so much more! For more information or to schedule a free in-home visit, call (818) 776-5060 or visit them on the web at www.comfortkeepers.com Advertorial Studio City Sherman Oaks Encino News November 2012 13 Silver On Ventura Place. Cont. from pg. 1 Feuer, who is the challenger for the next City Attorney. For info call 818377-4590. Thursday November 15 The Burbank African Violet Society club meeting at 10:00 am. Magnolia Park United Methodist Church, 2828 West Magnolia Blvd., in Burbank. Guests are always welcome. For more information please telephone (818) 951-3597. Sunday November 18 Encino Neighborhood Council Living History Day Los Encinos State Historic Park. The Park’s Living History Day will spirit visitors to the 19th Century for a costumed trek to the days when Valley girls sported bonnets and children passed the time with stilts and tug-ofwar instead of video games. Enjoy an afternoon of traditional children’s games, music, a blacksmith, docents in 1870s attire and tours of the historic building. FREE. 16756 Moorpark St., Encino. 1-3pm. strongly oppose the IVT project. For those interested, here is a brief outline of the public process by which the IVT developer will seek entitlements: 1. Final environmental documentation will be submitted to the Planning Dept. within weeks. 2. The Planning Dept. assigns the case to a Hearing Officer. The officer will hold a public hearing, likely in the Valley. After receiving testimony, the officer will prepare Staff Recommendations. The officer does not make a decision, but only makes recommendations. The officer is a City employee and will attempt to report the facts and testimony pertaining to the case. 3. Next the project goes before the City Planning Commission for a hearing and decision. The public hearing before the Commission will likely be in the Valley. The Commission is made up of political appointees of the Mayor. 4. The project then goes to the City Council’s Planning and Land Use Management (PLUM) Committee. The PLUM Committee is made up of three City Council members who can accept, reject or revise the decision of the Planning Commission. The PLUM hearing will be downtown, during business hours. Bad time, bad location! Expect the developer to bus in “supporters.” 5. The matter then goes before the full City Council for a vote. They can accept, reject or modify the project. If the project has negative impacts that cannot be mitigated, the City Council can still approve the project. The City Council simply issues a “Statement of Overriding Considerations.” In other words, it does not matter how environmentally destructive the project is, it can still go forward because the Council believes the jobs, and economic benefits justify its negative impacts. Last step is challenges and litigation. Once the administrative process is complete, residents and community groups can go to court challenging the EIR, findings, or the entitlements. It is this step that is the most troublesome to developers. Time is the developer’s worst enemy. Delays due to appeals, litigation or repeated hearings cost the develop money and stall a project. This last step sometimes forces a project to be abandoned or modified. Campaign contributions, union influence, and big money influence this process. But so does the peoples’ votes. The public voice can carry the day over big money and political influence, if the public acts. 1st Saturday of the Month Teen Knitting Program.Studio City Branch Library – Knitting For Others. Teens are welcome to come together and knit scarves for those in need. Last Saturday of the Month Friends of Studio City Branch Library book sale featuring paperbacks, hardcover’s, CD’s, videos, DVD’s etc. 12511 Moorpark St., Studio City. 10am-2pm. Tuesdays & Thursdays LIFE STORY WRITING CLASS Record your special memories and family history as a precious gift to yourself and future generations. No writing experience is necessary and you’ll learn step-by-step techniques for remembering, reflecting and writing about your life clearly and vividly. Tuesdays, 1:15—4:15 p.m. and Thursdays 1:15-3:15 at OneGeneration Senior Center, 18255 Victory Blvd., Reseda 91335. 3rd Tuesday of the Month Saturday November 24 The Sherman Oaks Friends Of The Library free movie “IDES OF MARCH” starring George Clooney, in the Library Meeting Room from 2:00pm-4:00pm, with free popcorn and water. 14245 Moorpark St. Sherman Oaks. Wedesday November 28 Friends of the Encino-Tarzana Library Annual Meeting with Guest Speaker John Szabo, LA City Librarian. 1pm. 18231 Ventura Blvd. Tarzana 91356. Sunday December 2 Ellis in Concert. A mix of folk artist, dharma teacher and comedienne. At The Unitarian Universalist Church. 2pm. Suggested donation $15 but no one will be turned away for lack of funds. 12355 Moorpark St, Studio City. For further info call 818-769-2511 Ongoing Farmers Markets Every Saturday North Hollywood Arts District Farmers Market.Every Saturday from 8am-2pm. 5200 Bakman Ave Between Lankershim and Tujunga. Every Sunday Encino. ONEgeneration Encino Farmers Market.Every Sunday from 8am – 1pm. 17400 Victory Blvd. (between White Oak and Balboa) with plenty of convenient free parking. Studio City. Every Sunday from 8am to 1pm the Studio City Farmers Market. Sierra Club Monthly Meetings. Reseda Park Rec Hall, 18411 Victory Blvd. at Reseda. 7pm. If the Rec Hall Parking lot is full park at the One Generation lot at 17400 Victory Blvd. Ongoing Pet Adoptions Save-A-Life Dog and Cat Adoption event every 1st and 3rd Sunday.11am4pm at Moorpark Park 12061 Moorpark Avenue Studio City corner of Laurel Canyon and Moorpark. For info call the East Valley Animal Shelter at 213-485-8613 Chihuahuas and Other Dog Adoptions every Saturday noon to 6pm at Book Star 12136 Ventura Blvd. Studio City for info call 818-641-3345 Le’ Pet Adoption Event every 2nd Sunday 11am-4pm at Van NuysSherman Oaks Recreation Center Park 14201 Huston Street, Sherman Oaks. For info call 818-341-1000 JOIN US Studio City Sherman Oaks Encino News Fans We’re looking for ONE outside salesperson to represent the NEWS to all the merchants in the east valley. If you love the NEWS and think getting to know your local merchants could be fun, call us. Make your own hours.. Email resume to [email protected] Studio City Sherman Oaks Encino News November 2012 14 RIDING LESSONS Private - Group - Show Team Birthday Parties SATURDAY CAMP 9am - 3pm For More Information Call: 818.768.5470 [email protected] www.lachildrensridingcenter.com Los Angeles Children’s Riding Center 9211 Del Arroyo Drive, Sun Valley Lottery Cont. from pg. 1 teachers a chance to do something extra. As a School Board Member, I am grateful for every cent that goes into public education. But Lopez reminded us that while lottery money can help us by helping to fill in ever-growing gaps, on its own, it cannot save public education. And, to be fair, it was never meant to. To adequately fund public education we must, as a state and a society, decide that investing in education is a priority. On November 6, we have a chance to vote on two Propositions that will affect the future of public education in California. Educate yourself, and cast a vote. In the meantime, you can keep buying those lottery tickets. Tamar Galatzan represents more than 100 Valley schools on the Los Angeles Unified Board of Education. Prop 30 Cont. From Pg. 5 hope they join me and my fellow retirees in voting yes on Prop 30 to protect both ourselves, and the future. Nan Bresmer is the president of the California Alliance for Retired Americans Studio City Sherman Oaks Encino News November 2012 15 White Sofas and Other Stupid Parenting Mistakes Years ago, when my son was 5 or 6 and bored with his Legos and GI Joes, he did what every boy does at that age. He began begging to get a dog. He had his sales pitch down pat: He’d do everything to take care of the dog, walk it, feed it, brush it, and clean up after it, the usual empty promises from a determined 6-year old. I gave the same speech myself to my parents when I was that age, only they were much more hip to the patter and I ended up with a Chia Cow. Needless to say, we took our son shopping for a dog. We now have the sweetest, most loving, loyal pure-bred golden retriever my son's college fund could ever have bought. Nine years later, my son has yet to contribute anything to the care of this fine creature. Im not even sure he remembers we have a dog. When the dog barks, I see a quizzical look come over my kid's face like he's thinking, "Was that Dad barking?" But the dog absolutely LOVES my son. Adores him. He actually smiles when my son enters the room. I walk the dog, feed him, clean up after him, give him toys, play tug-of-war with him, pat him, take him to the dog park, and every night before we go to bed I Now Accepting Applications By Vicki Stern lay down on the floor with him, scratch his stomach, and tell him what a great dog he is. So, naturally, every night the dog slept right outside my son's door, guarding HIM. This unadulterated loyalty goes on all day long. When my kid leaves for the day, the dog curls up on his dog bed and sulks. I leave for the day, the dog celebrates by rooting through the trash. I am not even my dog's second favorite person. Here are the dog's favorite people, in order of preference: The kid, anyone walking by our front gate that has a dog, Cher, the cats, me, my husband. The dog is teaching my son a bad life lesson here. You can't ignore others and expect them to adore you. Not unless you're a high school cheerleader. Therefore, I've begun a program to woo the dog (okay, bribe him) away for the boy’s own good. So I’ve begun showering the dog with shœstring cheese, Steak Ums and let him do laps in the heated pool. So the dog is now sleeping on the bed with the kid! Vicki Stern used to be funny when she was a writer/producer of sitcoms for TV. Now she’s a Mom and she’s not funny anymore...just ask her kid. Letters To the Editor iTeen The Storm. Power outages, flooding, Dear Editor, In response to Jerry Trent’s letter about trash thieves, I am writing about the way I deal with these thieves. I do not put my cans and bottles into the blue container. I store them in bags in my garage. I have instructed my gardener to put out the black and blue barrels only when full which saves having to bring them in so often! But when the blue one does have to go out, I leave myself a reminder by my front door, and then first thing in the morning, I take the bags from the garage, smash down the papers in the blue bin, and dump the bags of cans, etc., on top. Fortunately, my recyclable pickup is usually early. This is an inconvenience to me, but at least I think that the city gets the benefit of my discards. Jan Kelley [email protected] cranes falling, and roads closed are all some of the difficulties that the east coast is facing right now. With hurricane Sandy’s arrival, people have been forced to evacuate and board up their homes. A storm like this is very unpredictable, and can only be seen a week at most in advance. This makes it hard to prepare for such a disaster accordingly. Millions of people become trapped, without power, without water, and without food at the end of this storm. Similar to the situation that the east coast is encountering, people of the west coast are unprepared to face an earthquake According to the forecasters this is our future. Like how the people on the east were unprepared for this storm to hit, LA is unprepared for an earthquake to Letters to the Editor The Studio City Sherman Oaks Encino News welcomes your letters. Letters to the Editor should be no more than 300 words, although the News reserves the right to make exceptions to this policy. Hand written letters are acceptable only if they are legible. Letters must contain the writer’s telephone number and address for verification purposes only.The Studio City Sherman Oaks Encino News reserves the right to accept, reject or edit letters and other editorial material. The News does not return letters, photos or other editorial submissions. Studio City Sherman Oaks Encino News November 2012 16 By Jon Epstein age 16 hit. Think for a minute… Do you have fresh water? Food supply? Batteries? Radio? Even preparations such as securing down bookshelves could prove to be helpful. Unlike our friends on the east coast, earthquakes give us little to no time and strike on a moments notice and that is why we need to be prepared. Experts say that you should be self sufficient for at least 72 hours after a major natural disaster because most things will not be available. When looking at this perfect storm, we also see how valuable life is and how fragile it is as well. The City of New York has been brought down to its knees and humbled by this storm that is closing everything in NYC. Something like this may happen in the near future in L.A, but when it comes, I will be ready for it, and I hope you listen and will be too. If you have any questions about how to prepare yourself, please email me at [email protected] Editorial Submissions The Studio City Sherman Oaks Encino News welcomes articles. Editorial material of 500 words or less may be mailed to Big Valley Publications, 11333 Moorpark St. #139 Studio City CA 91602 or emailed to [email protected]. Deadline is second week of the month. Stephen Phenow’s DVDs of November Lost Girl Season II Creator Michelle Lovretta Executive Producer Jay Firestone Cast Anna Silk Ksenia Solo Kris Holden-Ried Richard Howland K.C. Collins Zoie Palmer “Lost Girl” follows the adventures of Bo, an irresistible beauty, but a renegade against human society. That is because she is not human but a succubus. She is a member of the Fae, an ancient society of supernatural beings who exist outside the realm of the mortals yet fuel the human legends and myths. Their world consists of two sides: The Light and the Dark. Each member of the Fae choose who they will serve. But not Bo. In fact, Bo had no idea who she was or why every one of her lovers died while in the throes of passion. She fled one corpse after another, finally swearing off sex, until she was forced to kill to save a helpless girl “Kenzi” which in turn exposed Bo’s existence to the leadership of the Fae. Now driven to discover who she really is, Bo vows to live on her own terms even if it means existing in the middle between darkness and light. But the fact that she is unaligned makes both sides very nervous. With the help of the seriously bent but forever loyal Kenzi, Bo uses her powers of seduction to act in both sides best interests while trying to unravel the riddle of her mysterious past. In the second season Bo is back with her bestie, human Kenzi, eager to add a human touch to Bo’s supernatural existence. The Succubus finds herself navigating a web of seduction between her old love the werewolf Dyson, her human love interest Lauren, and a Dark fae she cannot resist. But the Light have their own agenda for Bo. A Fae-devouring beast, The Garuda, with fiery wings and a hatred for all Fae must be defeated. And Bo the Succubus, while juggling the romantic entanglements of a modern woman, must save the Fae’s world from fire and defeat . It’s what she does best. “Lost Girl” is the creation of Michelle Lovretta (Mutant X) It is a Canadian TV production that was aired here in the US on the Sci-Fi Channel. However since it was purchased by the channel long after production was completed the episodes were aired out of order to the consernation of critics and viewers alike. With season two out on DVD, the episodes may finally be seen in their correct order and allow the audience to see the story arcs. “Lost Girl” is one of the third generation comic book TV series. This is TV’s attempt to get away from the cop and lawyer genres that fill the channels right now, alhough LG does not stray too far from the genres. Bo is a supernatural detective of sorts. She tracks down Fae for other Fae. Bo owes her existence to “Buffy the Vamp Slayer” or “Slayer” as it is called. “Slayer” was a second generation comic TV series. There are many similarities between “Slayer,” its spin off “Angel” and LG. Both heroines have super abilities, both have a female BFF, and both have a posse of minor characters (what we writers call the Scoobies “after the cartoon “Scoobie Doo Where are you.”) which aid the main characters in their quests. The difference is that in this show Anna Silk as Bo is a thirtysomething mommy figure to Kenzi (nimbly performed by Ksenia Solo) so the layer here is not a young girl confronting adolescence while dealing with being the chosen one like Buffy but mothering a young woman while still kicking ass and stealing life energy to heal. Silk has a huge following in Canada, apparently her witty airline attendant in nicotine patch TV commercials make her quite recognizable to her Canadian and Australian audiences. Here in America, we don’t know her but she is like Jeri Ryan’s “Voyager’s” Seven of Nine character , a curvy classical good looking woman who seems to “get” her role. In other words we will see more of Silk in other shows in the near future. Solo, ( Tasha in “Life Unexpected”), who as Kenzi is Bo’s best friend and sidekick, frequently supplies the comic relief to the show. Kenzi is a con artist, a klepto, speaks Russian fluently and possesses street-smarts. She and Bo are close, she supplies Bo’s humanity because Kenzi risked her life to save Bo during her “trial”, where the unhuman Fae were indifferent. Bo rewarded her by becoming her surrogate mother and room mate while Kenzi contributes human observation to the incomprehensible Fae and their various rivalries and politics. There is no “Lost Girl” without Kenzi. Several complaints about the show are that the show’s character development is rushed times, but this seems unavoidable since this show has a massive mythos. This means the plotting is going to be total immersion. However, Loveretta has cleverly used her mythos to supply numerous possibilities for future plot lines that are nearly endless. By utilizing the vast amount of human folk tales with the possibilities of political intrigue between the two major factions and minor struggles for leadership of the Fae, the show shows great promise. The other problem is the mythos itself. Creator Lovretta has ignored the known stereotypes of the various creatures of human folklore (succubus, werewolves, sirens, etc...). This adds a creative twist on the mythos. The creator did a great job thinking this up. However, every human as has their own idea of what these creatures should be. A good example is Bo’s succubus. Most followers of folklore know a succubus as a female demon used to provide human/demon hybrids. Bo feeds on life source. She is actually is a life energy vampire. She can survive by feeding on Fae. But if she feeds on humans, she kills them. In order to attract prey, she can manipulate feelings and desire. She also is fast, can fight with edged weapons, and understands martial arts. She is not a usual succubus. This non traditional approach has annoyed many potential fans. I was one of them. When I first saw the show I thought it missed the mark. I am a huge fan of Josh Whedon and his “Slayer” series. While there will never be another Buffy but this series now makes great second. I remind readers that “Supernatural“ didn't kick into high gear until its third season. If second season is any indication, then this series may be finding its voice. If “Lost Girl” can maintain the high it reached in this season the new season promises to be genuinely exciting. Full of fantastic characters and interesting story lines, “Lost Girl,” deserves a chance to grow on its audience. It's worth it. Long may it continue. Lost Girl Season II 12 episodes. Additional Features Uncut - featuring footage not seen on SYFY 60 minutes of extras featuring cast interviews, Making of Lost Girl featurettes, and bloopers Episodes may be watched in English subtitles for the hearing impaired Got comments about movies? What don’t you like? Don’t like? Opinions on TV? Let me know at [email protected] All in the Family The Complete Series Creator/Producer Norman Lear Cast Carroll O’Connor Jean Stapleton Rob Reiner Sally Struthers All 208 episodes covering the years 19681979 are now available. Archie Bunker, (O’Connor) was a church going working-class every man who held bigoted, conservative views of his world. His viewpoints clashed with nearly everyone he came into contact with especially his liberal son-in-law Mike Stivic (Director Rob Reiner) who is married to Bunker’s daughter (Sally Struthers) while Bunker’s wife (the amazing Jean Stapleton) attempts to cope. He wasn’t really as bigoted as he let on, rather he was scared that his place in the world was changing and he would have to change with it. His brusque attitude sprang from fear. Brilliantly realized by O’Conner’s Emmy award winning performances, the show changed the comedy landscape, and ushered in the edgy sitcom types that we see today. Any connoisseur of TV situation comedies needs this on their shelf. Special Features • New Interview With Norman Lear• Those Were The Days: The Birth Of “All In The Family” – Documentary • The Television Revolution Begins: “All In The Family” Is On The Air – Documentary • 704 Hauser Pilot Episode (1994 Spin-Off) • 40-Page Collectible Book With Essays By Television Critic Tom Shales And Media Professor Marty Kaplan Expires 11/14/12 Not to be combined with any other offer Studio City Sherman Oaks Encino News November 2012 17 Studio City Sherman Oaks Encino News November 2012 18 Studio City Sherman Oaks Encino News November 2012 19 4030 Longridge Ave SO $7,500,000 Stunning Sherman Oaks Italian Stone estate inspired by Tuscan & Country French compounds is surrounded by olive trees, courtyards, as well as a pool looks & seems like your own private lake Como. 5Br+8Ba in 8,427 SqFt, 38,330 Lot 3703 Alomar Drive SO $1,400,000 Vacant Land South of the boulevard flat lot with panoramic views. Attention builders and contractors here’s an incredible opportunity to be south of the boulevard and build your dream home on a 26,570 square foot flat lot w valley views 18120 Valley Vista Blvd TAR $949,000 New custom construction. Open & bright floor plan.Formal living room, cooks kitchen, family room, master suite w his/hers walk in closets & spa style bathroom. Landscaped back yard w spa tub. 5Br+4.5Ba in 3,295 SqFt 3512 Longridge Ave SO $749,000 SOB Traditional with Valley and Canyon views. Newer: Roof, Water Heater, Alarm System, Heating & AC. Large Living room w FP, Formal dining, Open kitchen with breakfast area & breakfast bar. 3Br+2Ba in 1,952 SqFt on a 20,000 SqFt lot 3610 Longridge Ave SO $2,200,000 6016 Corbin Ave TAR $1,750,000 Proposed new construction with approved plans for $2,200,000 for land and plans only. Or plans and finished construction on a 4Br+3Ba home in 4,860 SqFt. on a 38,330 SqFt lot for $3,800,000 Gated & set back from the street. Large ½ acre flag lot. 6 Brs including 3 Master suites. Gourmet kitchen, formal dining room, formal living room w 20’ceilings, guest unit, pool & spa. 6Br+6Ba 4,512 SqFt 20,000+ SqFt lot 4060 Kraft Ave SC $1,399,000 13395 Contour Drive SO $1,099,500 Colfax Meadows home located at the end of a cul-de-sac and situated behind gates for privacy. Stunning setting w/ open living room, formal dining, state of the art kitchen, 3 master suites including a 1000sqft Master with office and bath. 3Br+3.5Ba in 3,644 SqFt Gated SOB home w views. Recently redone & features newer ac/ heat, plus newer fixtures & wood flooring throughout. LR w FP formal dining room, gourmet kit w center island & skylight. 45Br+3.75Ba in 3,597 SqFt. 4024 Woodman Canyon Ave SO $849,000 13206 Morrison St SO $949,000 SOB Modernized Mid Century Modern. Living & family rooms w/ wood floors, galley kitchen w/ Granite & 6 burnerrange, 2 master suites. 2 level back yard w/ large pool and views. 2Br+2.25 Ba in 1,800 SqFt on 7,296 SqFt Lot Traditional Mellenthin in this much desired area of S.O. Many newer features. Master suite w private BA and walk-in closet. Updated kitchen w island. Large grassy front & back yards. 4Br+2Ba in 2,381 SqFt, 8,100 SqFt lot 14729 Huston St SO $580,000 3254 Oakdell Road SC $12,500/Month Charming Traditional pool home. Double door entry, wood floors, fireplace, galley kitchen, formal dining, large master w bath. Newer ac/heat, driveway, windows & garage door. 3Br+1.75Ba in 1,684 sqft on a 6,752 lot. Elegant East Coast Tudor on a tree lined street located on one of Studio City’s most desired streets in Fryman Estates. LR & FR w high ceilings. Huge Master Suite w bath and 2 walk-ins. Pool & Spa 6Br+5.5Ba in 6028 SqFt on a 25,315 Lot Studio City Sherman Oaks Encino News November 2012 20 14645 Round Valley Drive SO $1,495,000 Modern, sophisticated & sexy. Live & entertain in style. Stunning Contemporary w/ incredible views from almost every room! Gourmet kitchen, media room, gym & gorgeous master suite. 4 BR & 5 BA in 4684 sqft. 13481 Cheltenham Drive SO $999,900 Stunning Panoramic Views from almost every room. Living & Family rooms w/ wood floors. Chef’s Kitchen w/ stainless appliances & Granite counters. Gym/Game room & Indoor spa room. 4Br+4Ba in 3,974 SqFt on a 10,575 Lot 11250 Canton Dr. SC $749,000 South of the blvd traditional home located in a much desired area of Studio City in the area of more expensive homes. Fixer on a large street to street lot & easy Valley & West side access. 4Br+3Ba, 2215 SqFt, 13,177 SqFt Lot 10807 Alta View Dr SC $6500/Month South of the boulevard traditional at the end of a cul-de-sac w incredible canyon & valley views from almost every room. Open & Bright living room. Big Master Suite w walk-in & private Bath. Pool & Views. 3Br+2.5Ba in 2,641 SqFt on a 11,260 Lot
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