This survey is only for Villa Marina Condominium owners as they are the ones responsible for paying monthly condominium dues. Owners, please fill this out and send it in promptly (see below) so that we can discuss the results at the VMC meeting on the evening of Feb. 21st.

SURVEY SURVEY SURVEY

PLEASE CHOOSE FROM THE ALTERNATIVES BELOW AND RETURN TO: RICHARD REESE: [email protected], 13245-G (Beaulieu) OR BOB HERRERA: [email protected], 13216-A Admiral (Antibes) Are you in favor of patrolled security for the neighborhood? Yes□ No□ If yes, do you prefer 8 hrs every night □ 10 hrs every night □ 24 hrs./day□ Are you willing to pay $10/mo. (8 hrs a night 7 days a week) □ $13/mo. (10 hrs/day) □ $30/mo.(24 hrs/day) □ through your HOA Dues for this Service? I/we are not willing to pay anything additional for a security service. □ I/we would be willing to pay $______/mo. extra for additional security. □ Our villa ______Our unit ______

Disclosure and Publication of results will not include unit numbers. Questions to: Richard Reese (821-0628), Bob Herrera (985-5427) or Jim Moore (821-1519).

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Jann Brauer (310) 823-7449

NOTICE!!!

Jim Moore, Editor and Publisher

Contact the Villa Views at: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

February, 2013

“to serve the 18 autonomous Villas as a resource of information: to create programs and committees that sponsor, support, benefit and enrich the Villa community; to advocate with civic entities and with other communities those issues which directly affect or impact the 18 Villas in some way. " President’s Corner --Richard Reece [email protected]

Villa Marina Council Meeting ANNENBERG FOUNDATION Thursday February 21, 2013 RELEASES PLANS FOR BALONA WETLANDS INTERPRETIVE Burton Chace Park 13650 CENTER Mindanao Way

Community Bldg. at Chace Park Hope to see you – All Villa Marina residents are Welcome 7:00pm to 8:45pm – Among the issues: California Fish and Game controls Area Security Patrol results + questionnaire to A and Area C – known as Ballona see if Villa owners are willing to pay $10 Wetlands. It’s our back yard per month for 12 hour 365 days security ee at the end of the big arrow (above) the patrol words “Area C”. This is the location of the • Reports from Committees Scurrent Culver Little League Park and the • Dog signage distributed to location of the proposed Interpretive Center. Note that Culver Blvd. provide notice 2010-2011 VMC BOARD (area 310) runs right Pres. Richard Reece 821.0628 through the Sec.. Celinda Jungheim 306.6766 Treas. Stan Bacon 823.7227 middle of “Area VP Stan Epstein 301.6622 VP Jim Moore 821.1519

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Located 5 minutes away in 211 Culver Blvd., Suite T OFFICE HOURS: downtown Playa Del Rey, MON-THURS 9am to 6pm above Mo's Bar and Grill. Playa Del Rey, CA 90293 EVERY OTHER SAT 8am to 1pm Convenient free parking. 310.827.5094 BRING THIS AD TO RECEIVE A FREE BLEACHING WITH YOUR EXAM, X-RAYS, AND CLEANING! Offer limited to new patients www.DentalChickens.com For reviews, check us out on yelp.com C” and bisects the land with The following has excerpts from Hometown News, a.) the proposed development of the Little League a community newspaper for Westchester, Playa del side of Culver Boulevard and Rey, Marina del Rey and Playa Vista. b.) the vacant area side of area C which is the land that abuts our Villas (San Remo, Sicilia, San Annenberg also included a plan to provide financial Michelle and Spezia). support for ongoing day to day operations of the Interpretive Center. The budget will include habitat There is no plan by Annenberg to develop and species management and protection, biological anything on the vacant area C land that and public use monitoring and oversight, and immediately abuts our Villas. The portion of land enforcement of ecological reserve rules and that abuts our Villas’ property is subject to plans by regulations for illegal dumping and homeless The California Department of Fish and Game. encampments. The grant from Annenberg would also cover the cost to hire a staff person by the There exists one obscure map (perhaps by the department to oversee the area. Department of Fish and Game -not by Annenberg) that proposes a nature trail that would exit at our The foundation hopes to be able to work with end of La Villa Marina. However, there is already existing groups operating tours, as well as education an active Villa Marina Council Committee formed and volunteer opportunities in the wetlands. to strenuously object to any such exit. We have asked our Councilman to assist us and it appears One such group is Friends of Ballona Wetlands, that such a trail will now exit on Culver Blvd. which had 9,000 visitors last year come through the However, a word to the wise is that we must be very Ballona Wetlands to participate in tours or vigilant regarding the plans for this project. It is an restoration of Ballona Freshwater Marsh, the Salt- ever changing and evolving process – especially as water Marsh or Discovery Park. 7,000 visitors went various interest groups begin to attack or support through the group’s education program and 2,000 the plans. were from two local Audubon chapters. On average, the Friends of Ballona Wetlands had 20 President of the Villa Marina Council, Richard groups come out each month from pre-kindergarten Reece and our Ballona Creek partners met with the to post-graduate students and more than forty Annenberg Foundation approximately 4 months percent are from underserved communities. ago where we first learned about the possibility of this project. We were able to offer ideas and input The Annenberg Foundation hopes to commence from the viewpoint of our 18 Villas. Apparently construction on the project by 2014. The California Annenberg and the Department of Fish and Game Department of Fish and Wildlife has issued a have a preliminary agreement and thus the revised Notice of Preparation for an environmental announcement has been made. impact report (EIR) to inform the public about refinements to the planned restoration of Ballona Nothing is a done deal yet. The plans that have Wetlands, which now includes the construction and been announced are all subject to public comment operation of an interpretive center within a portion and revisions. So, it behooves the Villa Marina of the wetlands. Council and all our owners who have a passion for this project to be vigilant. For example, our Villa Comments are due by March 1, 2013 and can be Green Partners Committee is not too keen on submitted to the Ballona Wetlands Restoration several components of the plans announced by Fish Project C/O Donna McCormick 1 Ada, Suite 100, and Game. Our Villa Green Partners Committee Irvine, CA. 92816. would welcome volunteer members. Just send a note to [email protected] and let Comments can also be e-mailed to us know of your interest. You may play a very [email protected] important role in protecting this 600 acre piece of land to make it into a true, pristine nature center.

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February 2013

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nnenberg has set some goals and offers a Setting the Record Straight: vision statement. A • The primary objective is to create a world- class community resource by improving the habitat, expanding educational opportunities and increasing public access (today, access is virtually nonexistent and by permit only).

• Great care will be given to minimize the

“footprint” of any built structure using state-of- Among other goals, the Ballona project will provide opportunities to educate visitors on the ecological the-art materials and sustainable practices. importance of wetlands, native habitat and how the community can interact with it in a responsible, • Hardscape will be kept to a minimum, but respectful way. Encompassing about one acre, the interpretive center is only one small part of the sufficient to support public safety access and effort. Americans with Disabilities Act requirements.

Also under consideration is restoring native habitat on a portion of the wetlands that is • The existing environmentally-degrading currently neglected, overgrown with non-native parking will be greatly improved; however, the vegetation and plagued with debris. Moreover, there are baseball fields, make-shift parking, number of parking spaces is intended to match shipping containers, and a building used for game what’s already there. concessions that currently exist on the site and accepted as the “status quo”. “Working together, we are confident we can improve them”. • The portion of site currently used only by Little League is being considered The placement of an interpretive center in a state preserve is not uncommon. Developing interpretive for improvements to include wider elements on public land is common practice by the multipurpose community use. There are no State (State Parks and CDFW). Many have been created throughout California. According to State current plans for a “restaurant” or a “store.” law, CDFW can ‘construct facilities and conduct We do, however, look forward to hearing from programs in ecological reserves it selects to provide natural history education and recreation.’ (Fish and the community about what visitor amenities Game Code section 1585). might be welcomed additions.

Examples of educational experiences connected to public land are the Back Bay Science Center and • Notwithstanding the Annenberg Foundation’s Orange County’s visitor center in Newport Beach, investment in the interpretive center, the State CA which are in partnership with the County of Orange, City of Newport Beach, UC Irvine and maintains the ownership of the land. We are CDFW. Other examples are Elkhorn Slough working in partnership to develop an National Estuarine Research Reserve and Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area. educational experience that was not possible with the State’s budget alone.

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1% TO 4% COMMISSION - FULL SERVICE COMPANY \y çÉâÜ {ÉÅx |á vâÜÜxÇàÄç Ä|áàxw ãBt uÜÉ~xÜ à{|á |á ÇÉà |xÇwxw tá t áÉÄ|v|àtà|ÉÇA ;ftä|Çzá utáxw ÉÇ CEBECDF It turns out that one of the most important things *** Notice *** for us to do is to provide notice to those few dog walkers who do not pick up after their dog….or if Annenberg Foundation they do pick up, some will toss the plastic bag in places other than their own garbage container Will make a presentation (supplied to each unit by the City of Los Angeles about the plans for area “C” Sanitation Department).

at the Villa Marina Council We do not know what percentage of neighborhood dog poop violators are our owners/renters, or what meeting: percentage are out-of-area residents. We will soon find out. Thursday April 18, 2013 The Committee did a lot of research (on laws, Promptly at 7:00 pm regulations, ordinances) and found various at the Burton Chace Park punishments for owners who fail to pick up and properly dispose. The Committee found the chapter Meeting Center. There are and verse for each level of violation. It turns out that fines of $25 to $1,000 exists. Certainly the some free parking spaces later fine would grab the attention of violators. The $1,000 fine exists when rain or sprinkler water can nearest the Meeting Center wash particles of the poop into the drains which lead to rivers or the ocean. So our violators could and there are some fee (not be facing big money fines….mostly because where free) parking spaces in a they violate the dog owner standards happens to be very close to Ballona Creek and to the ocean. large lot adjacent. It might So, how are violations detected? There are two be a good idea to just walk methods. The committee members are on a mission to clear the neighborhood of this problem and are over from your condo – good perfectly willing to take cell phone photos of exercise. violators. Also, we have residents who are willing to fund the purchase and installation of random small 24 hour recording cameras. So, step 1 is providing notice, which we all hope will cause all In collaboration with the California Department of violators to say “OK, I will pick up and dispose of Fish & Wildlife, partnering agencies and with input the bags in my own garbage container just like the from the community, we are confident Ballona can 90% of responsible dog owners”. For those who emerge as one of the most compelling community still opt not to be a responsible dog walker, I guess resources in the region and beyond. we will be referring them to the $1,000 fine enforcement people.

any rules and regulations are typically aimed at few folks

Mthat find it inconvenient Sign up now for the Villa Marina Council Yahoo to abide. Because a handful of Group – be in the know, help your neighbor who dog walkers do not pick up after posts a question, introduces an issue, or makes a their dog, the VMC, through a comment. The VMC Yahoo Group is restricted only committee of very concerned for La Villa Marina residents. neighbors, explored ways to try to solve the problem.

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The messages are edited so you do not get any junk We have a web site person who can build the site – what mail or any outside mail. we need are those of you who know what a web site should look like. We know the list of content. The One of the popular uses is where an owner asks a question is: what should the site look like and what question about finding a housekeeper, or a plumber, features will make it really user friendly and really easy to navigate. or an electrician, or a handy man etc. When one

asks, they get a lot of good referrals. Please contact: [email protected]

Another reason for joining is that periodically there are messages that are very time-sensitive (e.g., “My dog just ran away …”, “There is a large water leak …”,”There is police/fire activity …”), and this is a very effective way to get out these important messages.

How do you sign up? Very easy. 1.) From your personal computer, go to www.villamarinacouncil.com 2.) on the left column select YahooGroup e-mail A test – 4 Saturday evenings to signup. Click on the message that says “Click here”. Sunday mornings provided results. 3.) You will see an e-mail which says, click send In response to a number of comments from Villa Marina (you do not have to write a message or anything – residents about neighborhood security, the Villa Marina just click send) Council determined it would interview security and that is it……… you are a member. companies; pay for a trial period of actual patrol; test what is happening in our neighborhood in the wee hours You will start receiving messages but don’t hold of the night and morning; and determine the feasibility your breath. A week can go by without receiving a and costs involved in having a full time security patrol for our Villa Marina neighborhood. message and then maybe you will receive one or

two messages. What did we find out? 6 incidents where the patrol found itinerant individuals rummaging through garbage This is not a social network and does not have cans late Saturday night and early Sunday morning. A security problems. You can respond to any photo was taken of each. Each was escorted out of the message by clicking respond to all or respond to the property and advised that if they returned, the police individual who wrote the original question or would be called. There were a lot of photographs (over comment. 20 each night) of illegally parked vehicles (almost all homeowners or renters). These are vehicles parked in no parking zones and/or in the fire lanes. There were a Villa Marina Web site is out of date number of photos provided by the patrol of maintenance and needs your help. items – nonfunctioning lights, broken locks on villa gates, etc.

We have no way of calculating how many incidents would be found if the patrol were at our Villas 7 days per week. The above information was based on reports for 1 day each week.

At the front of this Villa Views you will find a Questionnaire for you to fill out. Would you be willing to pay $10 per month for a security patrol 7 days a week, 12 hours per day?

If you know about web sites, we need your help. Our Villa Marina Council web site is way out of date.

6 Villa Angels

Update Happy New Year to Everyone!

It’s been some time since I’ve shared any news or updates relating to the Villa Angels, the Neighbors Helping Neighbors Program created and supported by the VMC members…

Well, I haven’t reported anything because the program is running like perfection….we have kept it so simple, that it is actually flawless. Here’s how it works: anyone in need of anything that falls under the category “ I need help with…….’ Simply has to call the Villa Angels and we will send out e-mails to the approximate 15 angels that are out there, waiting to be of assistance…of course, if it is an emergency CALL 911…

Examples of what we have assisted with: Walked dogs, changed light bulbs, driven kids to school, picked up items at the pharmacy, Costco, stores etc., driven folks to Dr. appointments, helped neighbors out of their car into their unit, helped take neighbors up into their rooms after a fall, moved things from the unit into the garage, taken things from the garage to the unit, helped place bulky items into the alley for pick up, corralled snakes back into their natural habitat, taken apart things that need to be moved….so you can see, we’re pretty much a very versatile group of angels. There is only one thing that we ask, please don’t call and expect immediate responses….every one of the angels is a busy person, willing to be of assistance, but cannot just drop all for the call that comes in….sometimes we can, but we really prefer some time to get things organized…..when someone calls, I take that request and e-mail all angels, when they get to their e-mails they respond, usually within a day for sure….we do not provide baby sitting or care giving.

Need an Angel? Call 310-306-5427 ould you like to have a map of our Villas, their proposed to be spent on a security patrol and could names, their location, their address? Each be located in the areas that offend the author of the villa is color coded and the Villa name Dog Poop Problem article. W prominently displayed. The map also shows each of the alleys. All three streets (La Villa Marina, Admiral [Ed: The practical reality is that every piece of Avenue and Fiji Way) are clearly marked. We can e- grass is someone’s front yard. If we had 18 mail your map to you at no charge. Just send an e-mail people willing to have this collection site in front stating “I want a map!” Send the request to: of their own front door, and also willing to collect [email protected] and resupply the plastic bags (Speak up if you’re out there!), I’m pretty sure the VMC could find the Don’t forget to provide your e-mail address. funds to set them up. This would help a lot, but, it would not do any good for those few inconsiderate folks who would choose not to use this facility.]

Letters to the Editor Another opportunity for the VMC to show some To the Editor, initiative would be to organize a Christmas tree --Ric Birch pick-up instead of just snidely saying that people Re: the most recent edition of Villa Views, I am put out their trees expecting them to be collected. bemused by the evident priorities of the VMC. Why not pay a truck and crew to arrive on a particular day about two weeks after Christmas and It seems that "dumpster divers", dog-poop and pickup the trees? Then if anyone misses the uncollected Christmas trees are the outstanding collection or decides not to use it, they can be issues of the community, but proposing to spend responsible for their own tree disposal, but from $46,000 to $72,000 on security seems like a Christmas tree collection is a service that residents preposterous waste of resources. I've run across the can legitimately expect of the Homeowners homeless guys scavenging for plastic bottles and Associations and again it would cost a tiny fraction aluminum cans in the trash, and frankly I applaud of the amount set aside for security patrols. their efforts. The MdR waste collection service is very inefficient because there is no separation of [Ed: Actually, there is a practical way to utilize the glass, plastic, metal and paper waste as there is in city’s own pickup facilities. We will detail them in almost all European cities. Here at Villa Marina I next September’s VV.] have often seen contractors putting scrap drywall, paint tins, timber scraps and insulation waste into Something not mentioned in your magazine is the the blue containers - which means the recycling amount of water being wasted. Today around effort is totally defeated. 3.00pm I was walking around the corner of The "dumpster divers" are inoffensive and are Mindanao and La Villa Marina. The sidewalks actually performing a service, yet the VMC seems were flowing with water running off the grass to think that security is required at very frontage of the Villas, creating a slippage danger on considerable expense to solve a non-existent the sidewalks and also being an obvious waste of a problem. If there are any reports of assault or precious resource. The alley running from robbery (and you have not mentioned any) by Mindanao next to the 90 ramp is another waste "dumpster divers" it would be a police matter, not water site - 24 hours a day there's water flowing or something that a solitary security car would be able gathering in the central gutter and that represents a to handle or anticipate. We should put plastic PET huge volume of water on an annual basis. If bottles and aluminum cans out separately to the blue landscaping watering could be made more efficient, bins, so the recyclers could collect the waste far the savings could be spent on all the services currently not provided by the VMC. more quickly and efficiently than having to go through recycling bins. [Ed: Right on! There is also a huge waste from broken pipes/valves, faucets left running, etc. Regarding the dog poop problem, why not be For those unaware, this is one of the things that the proactive? There are bins with a plastic glove proposed security services would alert us to.] dispenser and poop plastic bags available on the market. They would cost a fraction of the money

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VILLA MARINA SENIORS CLUB (50+ Club) PLEASE JOIN US FOR OUR 4th TGIF PARTY! When: Friday, March 1, 5 - 7 pm Where: 4764-B La Villa Marina (Villa Toulon) What to Bring: Your favorite "Finger Food" and "Beverage" (if other than Coffee and Soda, which will be supplied).

Hello Fellow VMS (50+ Club) and Villa Neighbors.

I was proud to host our 3rd TGIF party and pleased to say it was a smash once again! Our TGIF parties are gaining momentum with each month. December's party had approximately 45 guests, sharing hearty laughter & idle conversations. (Please be sure to see photos of the party on the reverse side of this page.)

This is what it is all about! to get together on the first Friday of every month from 5-7 pm to unwind and start the month off right and it is all within walking distance! TGIF's are a time to meet new neighbors, catch up with ones you know, to talk about and arrange fun activities amongst each other like book reading groups or someone to go to the movies or a walk with,whatever it is that you would like, to have join you. This is the time to talk about it and exchange phone numbers. Share in a glass of wine or cup of coffee or a soda, it's fun, just try it and you won't want to miss another TGIF night!

If you are not already a VMSC (50+ Club) Member, join today! By becoming a member you will automatically get sent notifications on all upcoming events. Don't miss out!!! You will also be able to chat with other 50+ neighbors.

To join & get started, Visit VM_Seniors_Club now at the link below and follow the prompts.

http://us.rd.yahoo.com/evt=42879/*http://groups.yahoo.com/group/VM_Seniors_Club

Yahoo Group will send you a reply Email to join (If you do not see an Email from Yahoo group in your Inbox, be sure to look in your SPAM or JUNK mail folders. This can take an hour or two to receive.). After receiving the Yahoo group Email follow the steps to join.

Once you are a VMSC Yahoo group member, you can immediately start sending suggestions for services, game dates, movie dates, you would like company, anything you want. Just reach out and you will be pleasantly surprised at the positive feedback. (VERY IMPORTANT! After joining the VM_Seniors_Club Yahoo group, copy the Email address and add it to your Email safe list for all incoming and outgoing Emails or they will most likely go to your SPAM folder.

See you March 1st! Wishing you and your families a very safe and Happy New Year!

Cheryl Herrera - Founder/Chair

8

Here are some images from our latest VILLA MARINA SENIORS CLUB (50+ Club) TGIF event. Come join your neighbors every month, on the first Friday of the month.

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Restaurant Review (that may have been the “flatbread” on the menu, but I'm --by George Hobdell not sure), and had sauce which may have been hoisin- inspired. It was outstanding. The Chicken had a very Beverly Hills Without Breaking the Bank interesting blend of flavors and the skin was perfectly crisp. Special mention about those Momo chips: they were a sort of potato chip, but soft and incredibly Momed Café flavored. There were plenty on the plate, and they soon 233 S. Beverly Dr. (between Charleville Blvd. and disappeared as everyone at the table dove in. I’d go back Gregory Way), Beverly Hills, CA 90212; just for the Momos alone, although other choices will 310-270-4444 MAP www.atmomed.com easily bring me back.

This Mediterranean café is light and airy, with very Desserts looked interesting and were nicely displayed in reasonable prices for Beverly Hills; it’s right across the cases. They all seemed to be Mediterranean-inspired street from the high end Ruth’s Chris Steak House. And (examples: Baklava bread pudding, Pistachio don’t forget free 2 hour parking in one of the Beverly cheesecake, Cardamom carrot cake). They were Hills public parking garages located just north and probably good, but on this particular evening we were across the street from Momed on Beverly Drive. just in the mood for something less exotic, so we decided to walk down the street to follow the irresistible The ambiance is clean, modern and very inviting, with call of the pastries at Urth Café. indoor and outdoor seating. The menu focuses on Mediterranean cuisine from Lebanon to Greece to As an extra promotion, I noticed on their web site that Morocco. their Monday Night Supper features all Pita Flatbreads at $10 and 50% off all bottles of wine. This is one little Service is very friendly and servers knowledgeable; café where I will definitely return. regular water is nicely presented in a recycled wine bottle on the table. I thought the delivery of menus took a bit longer than expected, especially given the few customers and early hour when we visited on a Sunday Records And Other Antiques evening. But in retrospect, it did not detract from the --Judy Crane excellent food with its blending of outstanding flavors. “Do you know this music?” asks David, my 10- year old grandson. He then hums, “Da da da---da da da The reasonably priced wine/beer menu is limited, with daah—da,” the opening notes from Bach’s Toccata and heavy emphasis on selections from Greece, Lebanon and Fugue in D Minor. “I really like it.” Israel. None of the beers was familiar, so we tried a “Oh, I love that one too,” I say. “It’s one of my Mythos Lager from Greece (it was too much like a lite favorite pieces.” beer for my taste). “Yes,” his mother, Shawn, joins in. “Is that Beethoven?” A plate of delicious round breads (a sort of puffy pita “I think it’s Bach,” David answers. “I think it’s type) was quickly delivered, and the accompanying olive a toccata.” oil was particularly good. Elie and I are visiting our grandchildren and their parents, Andy and Shawn, on a Sunday afternoon At the server’s recommendation, we began with a in April. David and 7-year old Jonathan have been selection of 3 cold dips (called mezze, as in sharing). entertaining us with the latest pieces they are learning on This was a great recommendation and we chose 3 from the piano. Three-year old Emily is sitting next to among the many available: Hummus (terrific), Beet and Grandpa Elie, trying to distract his attention away from butterball potato salad with fennel, dill, lemon the piano players. (excellent), Muhammara with roasted red pepper, “Boppa, Boppa, ‘ook at dis,” she insists, pulling eggplant, walnuts, pomegranate (excellent). his arm. “Do you want to hear it?” asks David. “We For main courses, we chose: Wood roasted salmon with have a CD.” seasonal vegetables and cashew salsa verde; Duck “Oh yes, let’s do,” I respond. "shawarma" with oven-dried tomatoes, fig, garlic spread David puts the CD on and we sit on the sofa and and Momo chips; Pan-roasted lemon chicken with enjoy the recording. The music is played on a large za'atar, sautéed spinach and tahini. Wow! The flavors organ, and it seems to fill the room. were wonderful. The Duck and the Chicken had been It’s several weeks later and Shawn and Andy highly touted by the server and he was right on. The and the kids are at our house for Emily’s and Shawn’s Duck shawarma was wrapped in a sort of large tortilla

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birthdays. Presents have been opened and Elie has gone “Yes, a little like that,” I answer, “only the out for the Chinese food that will be our dinner. music box has to be wound up, and the turntable is “David,” I say, “I have something for you to electric.” listen to.” I go over to our stereo set and pull the sliding I lower the arm. A soft whir comes from the turntable shelf out. speakers mounted at the four corners of the living room “What’s that?” asks David, staring at the ceiling, then the powerful organ music booms out. turntable. David’s eyes open very wide and his mouth I look at him in amazement. I can’t believe it. drops open. “Wow,” he says, “that’s really cool.” He’s never seen a turntable? Is it that much out of date? “I think so too,” I answer. “Really cool.” Am I that old? Doesn’t everyone have some kind of -- April 2001-- record player? “It’s a turntable, David, for playing records.” Bingo Fans He looks at me with a question in his eyes. I --Jann Brauer take a record out of its jacket. It’s Bach on the Biggest 310-823-7449 Villa Rapallo – some of Johann Bach’s most popular pieces played on th the world’s biggest organ. The money we raise from this 8 ANNUAL CHARITY David stares at it. BINGO NIGHT & BBQ is donated to: LAPD Youth “This is a record,” I say, restraining a giggle. I Programs the Jr. Cadets 9-13 & the Cadet 14- am explaining my world to a little alien from another 21. Through these programs, at-risk-youth from our generation. community gain a positive rapport, and respect for law “How does it work?” he asks. enforcement, as well as developing leadership & “Back in the olden days,” I begin, “we played discipline skills. music on a record player. When stereo systems came Additionally, proceeds are donated to a Lions Camp at along, the turntable was designed to play the music Teresita Pines for Deaf Children located in Wrightwood, through the stereo speakers.” I am beginning to feel like CA. Lions Eyemobile screening unit, which does free a relic myself. vision & hearing testing. Lions Canine Companion “Watch this,” I say, working my magic with the Program for the Sight impared, The LAX USO, LA speed control, passing up 45 rpm (now that’s old!), and Mission, Special Olympics, A safe Place Fpr Kids, as setting it on 33 rpm. “There is a needle under this end of well as other local charities. the arm,” I explain, “and it is going to set on the record while it goes around, and that makes the music.” The Venice - Marina - LAX Lions contribution to these “You mean like your music box?” he asks. worthy causes, depend upon the generous support of our I pause and look across the room at my antique sponsors as well as participation from our community music box which plays 15 inch disks and was made in members. the late 1800’s. It is truly a fun event!!!!

See the flyer, elsewhere in this iisue. Thanks for your consideration.

11 1. Serenity Massage Spa – 1 hour Signature Full Body, which includes Deep Tissue, Reflexology & Acupressure with a soothing

AN AWCC (AWARD WINNING COMMUNITY COMMITTEE) Herbal Tea Foot Bath ($45 value) - Congratulations Hope Chandler! Sincerely, 2. Wahoo’s Fish Taco & Grill – Two $20 gift Villa Marina Disaster Preparedness cards: Congratulations Diane Howard and Terry Rumin! Committee (DPC) 3. Panini’s Grill - $25 gift card - --Joe Campanella Past Chairman Congratulations June Eisenberg! Dear Villa Marina Neighbors, 4. Healthy Spot Deluxe Spa Package – Pamper your pooch with a shampoo and I want to thank you for your wonderful support of conditioning treatment. Complete with a the Villa Marina Disaster Preparedness Committee brush and blowout, a nail clipping and (DPC). As many of you may recall, last summer we grinding, full body massage and paw rub, ear wanted to figure out a way to increase disaster cleaning, blueberry facial, and a thorough awareness in our community, so starting September teeth brushing. All while providing your pup 1 through December 31, we put together an with private accommodations and "incentive" for you to learn more about being complimentary beverages. What more could "disaster prepared". As a result, we had several ways a dog ask for? Estimated value up to $100 - that you could learn and participate and earn tickets Congratulations Maggie Boulding! for learning about disaster preparedness. Some of the 5. Serenity Dental Care - A healthy mouth is a activities included: Enrolling and participating in a healthy body. Get a thorough cleaning, exam CERT class (we had about 5 people enroll and and x-rays ($200 value). (Located in in complete the fall class), participate in a Red Cross Culver City off of Washington Blvd. Dr. PrepareU event (we had over 55 people participate), Janet is wonderful and caring, extremely stop by our booth during September Block Party, knowledgeable and is very honest. After 3 participate in a disaster drill either in your other “not-so-good” Beverly Hills dentists, neighborhood and/or the California ShakeOut or she is the best dentist we have had in LA.) - simply demonstrate to one of your DPC Team Congratulations Celinda Jungheim! Captains that you are disaster ready in some way or 6. Dr. Shane’s Veterinary Clinic - $60 Pet another (we had several participate). This Incentive Exam - Congratulation Didi Brand! Program was open to all ages and the more activities 7. $25 Target Gift Certificate - you did, the more tickets (and greater the chances of Congratulations to the Goldenberg’s winning). child!

Well, we are very proud to announce that we Frankly, everyone who participated in this counted 161 tickets that the DPC Committee program is a winner. If you learned something that collected, which means the community increased you did not know or forgot about relative to disaster our awareness at least 161 times in the latter part readiness, than you are the real winner... Thank you of last year, which is fantastic!! The DPC's motto for taking the initiative to learn something new and has always been that if we simply teach one person making a difference to our wonderful community!! one small thing on how to be "disaster ready", then we have accomplished a lot. Think about it, if you Lastly, after 3 1/2 years, I am regretfully having to now know to have 1 gallon of water/person/day in resign as Chairman of the Villa Marina DPC. I need your home now or to keep your shoes and flash light to focus more on my family and my busy work life. I under your bed or to turn off your electric right after am very sad to leave this post as I am proud for what an earthquake, then we are all a little safer today. the DPC Committee has become in the community. Today, have over 100 people trained in CERT, 15 So, the 8 prizes and the respective winners are as CPR trained by the Red Cross and many others have follows: increased their disaster awareness by participating in

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Villa resident (male) available for occasional "fill-in" TV STAND/CORNER CABINET 1/13 caregiving shifts in Villa Marina or local area. Or perhaps Med. Cherry, 2 shelves, 2 cabinets, ~30” hi. X 40” wide you just need someone for a few hours from time to $90 OBO. time, maybe even some temporary assistance following 310.823.4607 surgery? Experienced (including Villa clients),

trustworthy, caring, and very reasonable rates. WANTED 3M THERMOFAX MACHINE 11/12 Noel: 818-645-6748 or [email protected] Any condition/model. Remember, (“The Secretary”) they are the old fashioned copy machine that came out DOG WALKING 2/13 in the early 60’s? I would love to get my hands on one so Let me help you take care of the 4 legged furry friend I can make original drawings/templates for my art. Will when you’re not able to. I’ve lived in the neighborhood pay CASH $$$$. Thanks for looking. for many years & have a medical background so dogs Alix Cunningham/Alixandra Pottery: 310-922-8184 with special needs are welcome. Day walks, feeding and overnights; affordable rates. 5 SHADES OF GREY–CARD TABLE SET 10/12 Bunny: 310 306-0198 Unique game table set. Hex top, removable, can be hung on wall as objet d’art; base is a pedestal, to hold BALLET CLASSES 1/13 vase, statuary, etc. Set includes six small hexagonal A newly remodeled dance studio in the Beverly Hills end tables which nest or scatter. Words inadequate; area offers Creative Movement, Pre-Ballet, and Russian must see. $500 obo. style ballet classes to children 2 & above. Adults Jim: 310-821-1519 welcome. Christine Yiu 310-858-8212 or [email protected] for DUTAILER GLIDER/ROCKER&OTTOMAN 9/12 more information. www.kovaballet.com White wood, neutral pattern for boy or girl. Like new. $400.00 Paulette: 310-963-4993 or [email protected] PET CARE 12/9 Love your pet AND your budget? I live in Villa Marina, WORKOUT CENTER 9/12 and I am providing loving care for family pets in our Compact, all-around workout center. Works all major community for years. Services include walks, playtime, muscle groups. Fits in your atrium. Paid $200 for it, but feeding & overnight sitting, among others. References, make me an offer. I'll help move it for you. affordable rates. McCall: 310-770-6678/Email: [email protected] Zhanna: 310-821-4033 or 310-266-5317

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VILLA MARINA COUNCIL January 17, 2013 Burton Chace Park Community Room

President Richard Reece (Beaulieu) called the meeting to order at 7:10 pm.

Roll Call: The roll call was made by Secretary, Celinda Jungheim (Le Trayas) Present: Antibes, Beaulieu, Cavalaire, Imperia, Le Trayas, Milano, Rapallo, Romano, San Michele, San Remo Sicilia, St. Tropez and Toulan. Absent: Napoli, Portofino, San Cipriano, Sestri and Spezia. A quorum was present.

• Approval of Minutes: Stanley Epstein (San Michele ) moved that the reading of the minutes of the November meeting be dispensed with and that they be approved. Stan Bacon (Le Trayas) asked for an amendment to delete the sentence “See complete report attached” relating to the financial report from the Block Party since it was not included in the Villa Views. Stanley Epstein then amended his motion to include “as amended”, Andy Ross (Sicilia) seconded and the motion passed.

OFFICER REPORTS: President Comments: Richard Reece made a presentation reviewing the purpose and mission of VMC. The VMC Purpose is to provide support and sharing of knowledge, among and between the Villas. To support ideas and programs that promote the beauty, safety, neighborhood interaction, welfare and maintenance of the Villa Marina Community. The Mission create an environment where volunteerism can thrive and where programs that enrich the community can germinate into benefits for our villa marina neighborhood and for our neighbors

Richard mentioned that Mike Bonin was very appreciative of the people who stopped by to sign his petition to run for Bill Rosendahl’s seat on the City Council. It helped him qualify.

Treasurer’s Report: • Treasurer Stan Bacon (Le Trayas) reported that the bank balance is $18,134.62, and $4,550 is earmarked for tree trimming which is still underway. • Stan has paid the room rental ($30/month) for January through June at Burton Chace Park for our monthly meetings and has received the insurance certificate for the same period. Meetings to continue on third Thursday. The insurance cost is $212. • The Annual Contribution of $100 to Heal The Bay has been paid. • Last year we came up with a budget for VMC. No Committee has used all their budgeted funds. Stan will come up with an annual report when we close our books at the end of February. He will present that in March or April.

Secretary’s Report: As mentioned above whenever Villas have new Board Members or a new Villa Rep please send that information to Celinda Jungheim at [email protected] or 310-306-6766.

COMMITTEE REPORTS Curb Your Dog Committee: Cheryl and Bob Herrera (Antibes) have headed up a group discussing ways to resolve the problems of people not picking up after their dogs or leaving it behind in the plastic bag in the gutter or sidewalk. A number of solutions were discussed. It seems that the most effective would be posting signs. They made a detailed presentation including mock-ups of signs showing the following wording.

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“IT'S THE LAW! PICK UP AFTER YOUR DOG and dispose of it in your trash receptacle VIOLATORS ARE SUBJECT TO MAX FINE $1,000 and PENALTIES Report Violators to: Dept. of Animal Control (213) 485-0496 Section 53.49 L.A.M.C. (Title and Sec. Amended by Ord. No. , 707, Eff. 12/29/79) Surveillance Enforced”

There would be two versions. The complete wording above would be posted in front of each Villa and in the alleys and a shorter version would be posted in the grass. There was discussion and general questions and answers as well as discussion of cost. Cheryl estimates the larger signs would be about $45 and the smaller (10- 1/2 x 10-3/4) would be about $12 each. She feels a better price can be negotiated. Lenore Ritkes (Antibes) made a motion of up to $600 to be paid by VMC for 36 lawn signs. Patti Anches (Cavalaire) seconded but then rescinded. Motion dead. Then Andy Ross (Sicilia) made a motion for VMC to pay up to $600 to cover the appropriate number of 10-1/2 x 10-3/4 lawn signs. The appropriate number mentioned in the motion would be 44 Lawn Signs with metal stakes (2 per Villa except Antibes, Romano, Le Trayas & San Michele that would have 4 each because they are on a corner) with the correct legal verbiage, LAMC and Max Fine for not picking up after your dog and disposing of it in YOUR trash receptacle. Majority approved. Two Villas opposed. It was suggested that the large signs could be purchased by the individual Villas for the alleys. Orders could be taken so that the best price can be negotiated.

Neighborhood Watch: The security patrol trial has begun and will continue for four Sundays from 10 pm to 7:30 am. This week the patrol had 19 incident reports which included two transients, two garage doors open, a number of parking violations (parking in the red or at a hydrant) and the rest were maintenance issues (lights out, etc.). After the four week trial there will be a report and assessment if it is worth the additional funds each month (to be paid by the homeowners through VMC). Lenore Ritkes (Antibes) reminded everyone to lock your cars and not to leave valuable items in view.

Green Partners: No report this month

Block Party: No report this month

Villa Views: As always articles are welcome on any subjects of interest to our community. Submit them to Jim Moore ([email protected]). Anxious for material.

50+ Club – Cheryl Herrera (Antibes) started this group to promote more socialization within our community . TGI Friday night is the idea and open to anyone 50+ and is held the first Friday of each month. Hopes to have people connect. Feb. 1st at Herrera’s.

Disaster Preparedness Committee: Joe Campanella has resigned as Committee Chair due to his current rigorous schedule. We offer great thanks for all that Joe accomplished in getting our neighborhood started toward being disaster prepared. Each Villa is urged to continued their preparations. Anyone interested in helping to keep this Committee going should contact Richard Reece.

Garden/Artists Walk Committee: No report this month. 15

Parents Club: No report this month. OLD BUSINESS:

NEW BUSINESS: • Pat Allinson (Antibes) mentioned that reports should come back to them before things like signs and security contracts are approved and implemented . Concerns that VMC is approving things that affect the Villas without the individual Villas approval. It was agreed that in the future the VMC minutes will be sent to all Villa Reps before they appear in the Villa Views.

There being no further business Stanley Epstein (San Michele) moved that the meeting be adjourned which was seconded by Stan Bacon (Le Trayas) and the meeting was adjourned at 9:05 PM.

The next meeting will be February 21, 2013 starting promptly at 7:00 P.M. Minutes submitted by Celinda Jungheim, Secretary.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Reminder -- Villa Views 2013 Deadlines -- NOTE CHANGES -- PLEASE Scheduled event Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Ads & payment deadline 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 D Contributions 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 A deadline Delivery 10 14 14 11 9 13 11 8 12 10 14 R VMC Meeting 17 21 21 18 16 20 18 15 19 17 21 K

[continued from p.12] various Villa and community drills. The training to be ready with your friends and neighbors. If you many of you have learned is the beginning of your need more information, please reference disaster awareness education and readiness. I would http://www.cert-la.com/ or encourage you to continue on to participate in http://www.redcross.com/. activities that the LAFD and Red Cross have to offer so that your skills and knowledge are not forgotten. I will stay somewhat involved with the DPC, but If you want to learn more or get involved, I would mainly on an ad hoc basis. Thank you for all your encourage you to even just talk about what you need support and congratulations again to all who participated in our program!

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**PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDARS, THIS WILL BE THE ONLY PRINT REMINDER**

VILLA MARINA SENIORS CLUB

(50+ Club)

PLEASE JOIN US FOR OUR 4th VMSC / TGIF night!

When: Friday, March 1, 5 - 7 pm

Where: 4764-B La Villa Marina (Villa Toulon)

What to bring: Your favorite "Finger Food" and "Beverage" (if other than Coffee and Soda, which will be supplied).

Dear Villa Marina Neighbors,

I am pleased to announce our 4th Villa Marina Seniors (50+) TGIF night, hosted by Jim Moore and Verna Erez.

Please come & meet your neighbors and make new friends, you will be so glad you did! Each month gets bigger & better.

Look forward to seeing you Friday!

With Warmest Regards,

Cheryl Herrera - Founder/Chair