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BOARD MEMBER SCOTT M. SCHMERELSON

Board District 3 Newsletter March 2017

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Welcome to the March Edition of our BD 3 Newsletter, Spring is in the air and in March we celebrate Women's History Month! Recent Schools Visited 1 The Library of Congress, National Archives and Records Administration, National School Highlights 1 Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution and the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum will News 2-4 commemorate and encourage the study, observance and celebration of the vital role of women in American History. Please visit http://womenshistorymonth.gov/. Board Meeting Recap 4 Another great resource is The National Women’s History Project whose 2017 theme is “Honoring Trailblazing Women in Labor and Business.” To learn more see Committee Recap 5 www.nwhp.org. BD 3 Community Spotlights 6-7 As we approach the home stretch of the school year, I want to thank the families of LAUSD students for their continued involvement at school sites and for all you do BD 3 Student Council 8 to support our students. Your participation is a critical component of student achievement. Announcements / Call Outs 8-9

Upcoming District Events 10 Scott M. Schmerelson

Spring has returned. The Earth is like a child that knows poems. - Rainer Maria Rilke

Recent Schools Visited   Lokrantz Special Education Center   London Continuation High School  Coldwater Canyon Elementary School  Madison Middle School  Colfax Elementary School  Melvin Elementary School  Danube Avenue Elementary School  Miller CTC  Frost Middle School  Napa Street Elementary School  Grant High School  Nevada Elementary School  Hale Charter Middle School  Shirley Elementary School  Lankershim Elementary School  SOCES  Lawrence Middle School School Highlights Rio Vista Elementary “Read Across America”

On March 2nd, Board Member Schmerelson joined Superintendent King, City Councilman Krekorian, and the Rio Vista Elementary School Community to kick off a month-long celebration of literacy at their annual Read Across America event. The festivities included a birthday tribute to Theodor Seuss Geisel (a.k.a. Dr. Seuss), and an introduction of school activities for the month to promote an appreciation for reading. Students delivered a touching performance of the song, “Stand by Me,” and the invited guests relished the opportunity to read with students in various outdoor corners of Rio Vista's Hidden Garden. Thanks to Principal Sadaqatmal and the Rio Vista family for hosting this very special recognition of the importance of early literacy.

Lokrantz Special Education Center Board Member Schmereslon recently visited Lokrantz Special Education Center to see firsthand the range of services that LAUSD offers students with special needs. The Board Member was able to observe Adaptive Physical Education in the pool, students working together to prepare for an arts program in the classroom, and a whole host of other specially designed activities. Board Member Schmerelson is a strong advocate for students who require Special Education programs and services. He is the Chair of the LAUSD Ad Hoc Committee on Special Education.

Hart Street Elementary School

At Hart St Elementary School, Board Member Schmerelson was inspired by a visit to the school's Parent Center where community members were participating in an ESL Class. Board Member Schmerelson encouraged parents and responded to questions in Spanish as he reminded them they set the example for their children and are their first teachers. Page 1

News

MILLIKAN MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS GET LESSON IN CITIZENSHIP FROM MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENT The first Vietnam War veteran to earn the Medal of Honor for heroic action spoke recently to students at Millikan Middle School, bringing a message about the selflessness of service and the importance of gratitude. Retired Army Col. Roger Donlon, 83, said his life was shaped by his family, with his mother providing spiritual guidance and his father and brother teaching him about citizenship and duty through their military service during the nation’s two world wars. Students listened attentively to Donlon as he answered questions about his upbringing, how it shaped his character, his military experience and philosophy of life. Rounding out the discussion were the colonel’s comments about what students could do to be good citizens. Donlon received the Medal of Honor for his actions defending a Special Forces camp in Nam Dong, which was attacked by two Viet Cong battalions. During the five-hour battle, Donlon marshaled forces to thwart a breach at the main gate, saved valuable ammunition and attended to wounded soldiers while repelling the attack. Read more: https://lausddaily.net/2017/02/milikan-middle-school-students-get-lesson-in-citizenship-from-medal-of-honor- recipient/

JOHN R. WOODEN AND OWENSMOUTH CONTINUATION HIGH SCHOOLS EARN STATE RECOGNITION AS MODEL CONTINUATION HIGH SCHOOLS Honored as model campuses by State Superintendent Tom

Torlakson, the two LAUSD high schools have been recognized for their innovative strategies of getting and keeping at-risk students on track to graduation. At Wooden, Principal Laura Novak transformed a campus farm and garden into an outdoor classroom where students are learning vocational skills they can rely on after they earn their diploma. “We have a lot of school spirit, and a lot of pride in what we do,” Novak said. “Our students are developing responsibility, they know what to expect and what we expect of them. And they know that their teachers are willing to go above and beyond and they do it because they love it. A lot of our students wouldn’t graduate if not for these teachers.” Owensmouth is implementing RIG – Recovery + Intervention = Graduation – in which students attend a traditional high school, then go after school to make up failed courses at a continuation campus. Owensmouth Principal Jason Camp previously piloted RIG at nearby Independence Continuation High and said the program helps students develop self-confidence and learn resilience as they recover lost credits. Wooden and Owensmouth are among approximately 70 continuation schools operated by L.A. Unified. They will retain their designation as Model Continuation Schools for three years, and they will be recognized during a ceremony in April. Read more: https://lausddaily.net/2017/02/wooden-owensmouth-earn-state-honors-as-model-continuation-high-schools/

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News (continued)

NORTH HOLLYWOOD HIGH WHIZ KIDS CAPTURE 18TH SCIENCE BOWL At the Regional Science Bowl, for the 18th time in two decades, the North Hollywood High team successfully defended their Science Bowl title and qualified for the national championship in April. The competition featured a game show-style format with the winner representing L.A. Unified in the National Science Bowl, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy. North Hollywood’s “A” team defeated the schools “B” team in the finals to become the ultimate winner. Senior Victor Qin, juniors Alexander Ke, Dominick Joo, Richard Shuai and sophomore Albert Liu – each won a $1,000 scholarship and an expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C., for the national championships. They’ll be one of nine teams from California that will compete against nearly 60 others from 40 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Read more: https://lausddaily.net/2017/02/north-hollywood-high-whiz-kids-capture- 18th-science-bowl-title/ CLEVELAND CHARTER HIGH SCHOOL'S GIRLS VARSITY BASKETBALL CAPTURES CITY DIVISION II CHAMPIONSHIP Congratulations to Cleveland Charter High School's Girls Varsity Basketball team for their City Division II Championship win against King Drew Magnet High School on Friday, March 3rd!

REED MIDDLE SCHOOL AMONG PRIZE WINNERS ANNOUNCED IN ‘SAVE THE DROP’ WATER-CONSERVATION CONTEST Three L.A. Unified schools each received $50,000 each to launch a water-conservation project on their campus as the grand-prize winners of the District’s Save the Drop contest, which encouraged students to devise strategies for alleviating California’s historic drought.

Sixth-graders from Reed Middle School in North Hollywood won the middle school category by growing radishes in water- conserving clay pots rather than a traditional vegetable garden.

The competition was sponsored in partnership with Mayor Eric Garcetti and the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power to promote awareness of the need to conserve water. Winners received their prizes at the Board of Education’s Budget, Audit and Facilities Committee meeting on Tuesday, March 7th.

To read more: https://lausddaily.net/2017/03/prize-winners-announced-in-save-the-drop-water-conservation- contest/

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Patrick Henry Middle School Parent Center Grand Opening On February 24th, Patrick Henry Middle School officially opened a brand new Parent Center on campus. Two rooms previously used for instructional support were transformed into a beautiful Center. The space now is perfect for hosting Parents and Principal Sandra Cruz cut the workshops, classes, and supporting the parents and families of ribbon in unison Patrick Henry Middle School students. Principal, Sandra Cruz, and her team of professionals welcome all to become involved as part of the Patriot family.

March 2017 Board Meeting Recap

The Regular LAUSD Board Meeting on March 14 began with Superintendent King and Board Members enthusiastically recognizing Megan Reilly, Chief Financial Officer, who recently ended her distinguished 9 year tenure with LAUSD. The Superintendent and Board President Zimmer presented Ms. Reilly with a plaque, a Certificate of Appreciation and expressed their gratitude for our departing CFO's integrity, dedication and friendship. As part of the Superintendent's report, Dr. Derrick Chau, Director of Secondary Instruction introduced Arleta High School Principal, Casey Brown, and his leadership team to share information regarding much heralded Mathematics teaching practices at Arleta. They provided an overview of the instructional model that is used which specifically focuses on students' understanding of Algebra I, teachers' use of mastery based learning and reliance on a 4x4 class scheduling model in order to increase student achievement and attendance. The Board also heard from labor partners UTLA, SEIU and AALA before approving the consent calendar. Most agenda items remained on the consent calendar. For discussion, Board President Zimmer offered an amendment to a contract item, carried over from the month before, to provide antibiotic and hormone free chicken for student meal programs, costing $50 million over the next five years. The amendment removed consideration of one vendor's bid to supply chicken biscuits and chicken patties and directed the Superintendent to rebid these items and return to the Board with new recommendations before June 30, 2017. The amendment also changed contract approval to include a yearly audit of the remaining three contractors and subcontractors to monitor progress and improvement on all aspects of the Good Food Purchasing Policy. Addressing the Board for the last time, Ms. Megan Reilly presented highlights of the Second Interim Fiscal Report that will be submitted to the Los Angeles County Office of Education and the Fiscal Stabilization Plan designed to address the deficit projected for the 2018-19 School year. Speaking of the multiyear projections, Ms. Reilly reminded the Board that District expenditures continue to grow as revenue continues to drop in large part due to a 3% annual decline in enrollment based on the number of students transferring to charter schools, demographic changes and the number of live births being projected over the next 7 years. A copy of the powerpoint presented can be accessed at http://achieve.lausd.net/cms/lib08/CA01000043/Centricity/Domain/578/2016-17%20Second% 20Interim%202017%200320%20v2.pdf Twelve Board Member initiated resolutions were approved, including: (1) Increasing Communication and Strengthening Relationships Between Schools and Parents, (2) Celebrating Women's History Month and International Women's Day, (3) Recognizing March as Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month, (4) Recognizing Financial Literacy Month 2017, (5) Recognizing and Celebrating April as National Bilingual/Multilingual Learner Advocacy Month and (6) Autism Awareness Month Resolution. (To review the stamped Order of Business, visit: https://boe.lausd.net/03-14-17RegBd) Items postponed for the next meeting included adoption of a revised Memorandum of Understanding with the School Construction Bond Citizens Oversight Committee. The next Regular Board Meeting will be on April 18, 2017. Please visit: https://boe.lausd.net/ to review the agenda and materials when posted. Page 4

Special Education Ad Hoc Committee Overview: At the March meeting, Chaired by Board Member Schmerelson, Beth Kauffman, Interim Associate Superintendent from the Division of Special Education, provided a Department update and introduced the members of her team. Monique Arbuckle, Director of Psychological Services, presented an overview of the history and legal aspects of the Individualized Education Program (IEP) and explained the process used to determine eligibility for SPED services. She emphasized that, “There are many misinterpretations of Special Education laws and we hope this meeting will clarify the process.” Ms. Arbuckle explained that the Education of All Handicapped Children Act was established in 1975 to provide a free, appropriate public education (FAPE) for students with disabilities. It was reauthorized in 2004 with the goal of providing children with disabilities the same opportunity for education as children who do not have a disability. She reviewed the five basic steps for determining special education eligibility which are: 1) Referral for assessment; 2) Assessment; 3) Individualized Education Program (IEP) team meeting; 4) Determination and 5) IEP Review. She further explained that, once the District determines an assessment is appropriate, the parent must consent to the assessment/evaluation. An assessment will gather information about the child to determine whether the student has a disability and if he or she is eligible to receive services. The school has 60 days to complete the assessment and hold an IEP meeting. Mr. Arvin Garcia, Prevention and Intervention Coordinator, provided an overview of step four which discusses Determination in the IEP Process. During this process it is important to have collaboration between all the members present in the meeting in order to maximize student success. It was explained that the related services the students may qualify for include: audiology services, counseling services, health and nursing services, language and speech therapy, social work services and transportation. Other things to consider are curriculum-based assessments, social maladjustment, and temporary physical disability. Mr. Garcia also spoke to Step Five, the IEP Review. An annual IEP Review meeting is held every school year to evaluate the child’s progress. The main focus is to determine whether the recommendations reflect the student's current level of achievement and to curtail services that have proven to be non-beneficial. It was emphasized that, if at any point, the parent or guardian believes that the student’s needs are not being met, they may request a reassessment by sending a written request to the school site. The entire process is designed to best serve the student through the collaboration of all stakeholders. An exciting and inspiring feature of this meeting was "Voices from the Classroom" where committee members heard from Jonathan Aldana, a 12th grade student at Canoga Park High School in Board District 3. Jonathan shared his social and educational experiences as a special education student. He spoke of painful incidents that included bullying from other students and low academic expectations for him in some classes. Jonathan ended his presentation with glowing praise for the dedication of Mrs. Wai Mee O'Gorman, his Special Education Support Provider at Canoga Park HS. He stated that Mrs. O'Gorman challenged and encouraged him in ways that literally changed his life. Jonathan is now the Vice President of his leadership class, a Member of the BD 3 Student Advisory Council, has graduated from the LAPD Cadets Program and was recently admitted to two universities. Jonathan was enthusiastically congratulated by the members of the committee for all his accomplishments. His father and sister addressed the committee and expressed their appreciation to LAUSD for the services and support provided to Jonathan and for allowing him to present his student perspective at this meeting. Board Member Schmerelson emphasized that teachers, staff and parents all play an important role in making sure special education students succeed. To learn more about Special Education services and the IEP Process visit: the Division of Special Education: http://achieve.lausd.net/sped If you wish to review any of the presentations, visit: Jonathan is pictured above with his Sister and Father https://boe.lausd.net/03-21-17SPED The next meeting will be held on: May 23, 2017 at 1:30 p.m. Page 5

Valley Schools Celebrate Student Achievement! Northwest Steam Fest Dozens of robots, scores of exhibits and hundreds of bright and talented students were showcased on Saturday March 4th during STEAM Fest, where thousands of spectators flocked for a daylong celebration of the high-tech and high-energy programs offered at schools in Local District Northwest. With support from the Beyond the Bell Branch, four “lands” were created across the 34-acre campus at Cleveland Charter High School where students demonstrated the knowledge and skills they are learning to sustain, thrive, innovate and interact with the world.

To read more: https://lausddaily.net/2017/03/northwest- steamfest-wows-and-inspires-with-demonstrations-of-student- skills-and-talent/ Click here to watch KLCS-TV coverage of STEAM Fest: https://lausd.wistia.com/medias/oxymxxjfom

Northeast Arts & Lit Fest Hundreds of students from 75 Local District Northeast schools showcased their talents in visual and performing arts Saturday March 18th at the annual Local District “Arts & Lit Fest.” Visitors were treated to dance, music, and theater performances throughout the day, including mariachi groups, drum lines, marching bands, jazz, ballroom, Folklórico dances, choirs, plays, and musical theatre. A visual arts gallery featured students' sculptures, drawings, photography, and paintings.

To read more: https://lausddaily.net/2017/03/ creative-energies-flow-in-2017-northeast-arts-lit-fest/

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Spotlight Arts Premiere Screening at the Grammy Museum On March 6, the LA Unified Arts Education Branch premiered the second episode of Spotlight Arts, an original show for PBS created under the direction of executive director Rory Pullens. The District partnered with the Arts Community Network (ACN), Creative Industry Coalition for LAUSD (CIC), Arts for Incarcerated Youth Network (AIYN) and SPARC (Social and Public Art Resource Center) to make this possible. The co-hosts for the evening, Dr. Steven McCarthy and Christopher Rodriguez, introduced the episode which focuses on Arts Advocacy and shares the stories of organizations and individuals who advance the arts in their community and transform the lives of many of our students. Highlights of the episode include the choir who, under the Musical Direction of Iris Stevenson, showcased the talent of LAUSD students for the world when they sang for President Obama. Kaile Shilling, Executive Director for (AIYN) shared how Street Poets provide a platform for students to express themselves through literature and poetry. Judy Baca, world-renowned painter, muralist and founder of SPARC, shared how students’ lives have changed by painting murals. Some of the special guests included Superintendent King, Board Member Schmerelson, LAUSD Executive Staff, Chris Mack (Vice President of Warner Brothers Television Workshop), Tim Robbins (actor and founder of The Actor’s Gang), Ralph Johnson (musician/vocalist Earth, Wind and Fire), Brent Paschke (Pharrell’s guitarist), Matt Sorum (musician, Guns n’ Roses), Kerry Gordy (record industry executive), Wendy Raquel Robinson (the Steve Harvey Show) and Alyson Reed. Melvin Elementary School Celebrates the History of Jazz

Last month, Melvin Elementary School students enjoyed a special instructional presentation, hosted by Principal Danny Dixon, on Jazz music from the Los Angeles Jazz Society band in honor of Black History Month. The performance was a part of the Jazz in Schools Program of the Los Angeles Jazz Society, established in 1988, that provides free jazz education performances by professional musicians in elementary schools during the month of February. The purpose of the project is to introduce young students to jazz as a uniquely American art form and to recognize another important contribution made to American culture by African Americans. The concert at Melvin was led by Mr. Charles Owens, an accomplished musician who has worked with Gerald Wilson, Miles Davis, Duke Ellington and Buddy Rich, among others. Mr. Owens is well-known as a teacher who is busy as a faculty member of UC Irvine and says his greatest passion is teaching young people. During the presentation, different instruments and their capabilities were introduced to the students, including the clarinet, flute, drums, saxophone piano, and trumpet. The students learned how the musicians relate to each other in the improvisational style of jazz and also received an historical overview on the evolution of jazz. Page 7

BOARD DISTRICT 3 STUDENT ADVISORY COUNCIL

Thursday, March 17th, was the second meeting of the Board District 3 Student Advisory Council. Students met and interacted with Student John John Huddleston– a North Representative from Superintendent ’s Advisory Council. The meeting focused on a discussion of the Arts as Essential to a well-rounded education. Over 20 students from BD 3 Schools convened with Board Member Schmerelson, exploring the answers to questions such as, How does your campus involve the Arts into your educational experience? What programs does your school currently have? Which would you like to see? We thank our guest speaker LAUSD K-12 Arts Coordinator, Dr. Steven McCarthy, for presenting an engaging discussion with the students

regarding the expansive role Arts Education plays in multiple ways.

Announcements & Call-Outs:

Scholar Dollars Grant Program The ScholarShare Investment Board, which oversees California’s ScholarShare 529 College Savings Plan, is launching the Scholar Dollars Grant Program to provide K-8 public and charter schools statewide with $300,000 to support programs and services that foster a rich college-going culture on their campuses, innovatively prepare students for success in higher education, and enhance extracurricular and enrichment activities. The program will award 20 grants ranging from $5,000-$25,000 to those schools that participate. To participate, schools must register on the program website, clearly describe the new or existing program(s) or service(s) they would like funded and partner with ScholarShare to educate students and parents about the benefits of attending college and the importance of saving for future higher education expenses early. The schools that garner the greatest level of participation through online voting from their communities will be awarded a grant. The deadline to apply is March 24, 2017. For more information visit: http://www.myscholardollars.com/

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Sustainable Environment Enhancement Developments for Schools In an effort to support and expand the number of sustainable school greening projects throughout the District, LAUSD's Board of Education approved the Sustainable Environment Enhancement Developments for Schools (SEEDS) Program in June 2013. SEEDS is a bond funded program that helps create or improve existing school greening projects that directly support school curriculum. SEEDS funds can be used to pay for the District labor, material, project and program management costs to create "garden ready" projects. Applications will be accepted on a rolling application basis and can be accessed at: http://www.laschools.org/new-site/seeds/

Magnet Schools of America (MSA) National Conference More than a thousand magnet school principals, teachers, and administrators from across the country participate in the MSA’s annual conference. It features outstanding keynote speakers and sessions that focus on best practices in curriculum and instruction, technology integration, school leadership, and magnet school design. The 35th National Conference will be hosted by LAUSD from April 27-29, 2017. For more information visit: http://msalosangeles2017.org/ You can also contact Hector Verduzco, Specialist at (213) 241-2418 or via email: [email protected]

Janice M. Scott Memorial Scholarship Fund The Janice M. Scott Memorial Scholarship Fund was established by the family of the late Janice Marie Scott. Mrs. Scott was an advocate for youth and a supporter of community services within the Greater Metropolitan Area of Washington, D.C. Mrs. Scott was among the 125 individuals who perished on the morning of September 11, 2001 when terrorists crashed American Airlines Flight 77 into the Pentagon. High School Seniors who will matriculate full-time at a U.S accredited four-year college or university within the fifty states or District of Columbia are encouraged to apply. To apply, visit: https://jmscottmemorialfund.org/ Selection of recipients are based primarily on financial need. The application is due March 31, 2017. If you have any questions please contact: Cindy Lin, Specialist at (213) 241-7505.

3RD Annual LAUSD Film Festival Accepting Student Submissions The Arts Education Branch will hold the Third Annual LAUSD Film Festival at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences Samuel Goldwyn Theatre in Beverly Hills on Thursday, May 25, 2017 at 6:30 PM, with a red carpet from 5:30 to 6:30 PM. Deadline for submissions: Tuesday, April 18, 2017 by 5:00 PM. students may submit their work to http:// achieve.lausd.net/Page/11721 If you have any questions, please contact Matthew Kennedy K-12 Arts Adviser: Theatre & Film at [email protected]

CONTENT SUBMISSION/CALL-OUT Do you know a Staff Member, Student, or Community member deserving of recognition? If so, submit a brief e-mail to [email protected] and they may be chosen for a highlight in next month’s newsletter!

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UP-COMING DISTRICT EVENTS  The Community Advisory Committee (CAC) presents the 2nd Annual CAC Parent Summit Participants will have an opportunity to attend interactive workshops, to network, and to equip themselves with strategies needed to effectively advocate for the success of all students. Saturday March 25, 2017; 8:30 am — 2:00 pm Location: East Valley High School, 5525 Vineland Avenue, North Hollywood, CA 91601

 Local District South-Central Dance Festival Encourage your students to exhibit, perform, observe, and learn with students district-wide; as well as engage with industry professionals by attending the South- Central Dance Festival, presented by LAUSD Local District Central and Local District South. K-12 students will perform side by side in a unique community arts event! There will be industry led workshops by leading professional artists from the following dance companies: A Gaelic Gathering, Best Foot Forward, BODYTRAFFIC, CONTRA-TIEMPO, Diavolo, Everybody Dance, UniverSOUL Hip Hop and Versa-Style, and Viver Brasil. Saturday, April 1, 2017; 9:00 am - 2:00 pm Location: Maya Angelou CHS, 300 East 53rd Street, Los Angeles CA 90011 For more information, please visit www.southcentraldancefest.com

 Patrick Henry Middle School Open House Come join the Henry Middle School family as student demonstrations and hand-on activities welcome your entire family! Review the Microscope Investigations and Science Magic students are experiencing in the classroom, or witness the Paper Tower Construction Contest. The event will also boast ukulele, drumline, dance, and rocket launches student performances. Thursday April 6, 2017; 5:30p.m. – 7:15p.m. At 17340 San Jose street, Granada Hills, CA 91344

 Local District West’s West Side Serenade music festival In partnership with The Arts Education Branch and Beyond the Bell, this community event is central in creating a true sense of community! Local District West’s West Side Serenade will use that most universal medium, music, to bring groups together from all across our diverse region and create that community. Saturday, April 22, 2017; 10:00 am-3:00 pm Location: Venice High School,13000 Venice Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90066 Questions? Please contact: Jessica Williams, Arts Integration Specialist-Local District West Email: [email protected]

Contact Us:

Board District 3 Headquarters: Board District 3 Field Office: 333 S. Beaudry Avenue, 24th Floor 6651 Balboa Blvd, #A Los Angeles, CA 90017 Lake Balboa, CA 91406

Phone: (213) 241-8333 Phone: (818) 654-3785 Fax: (213) 241-8467 Fax: (818) 654-3788 Page 10