West Valley News

Small businesses are the foundationof our economy across the nation andacross the San Fernando Valley. Weneed to focus on turning red into green.

To environment conscious business owners“green” can mean a number of things. But for thepurposes of this article, it means operating in thegreen (in the black for bean counters), making abottom line profit, and creating more businessopportunities for local businesses. We know thata business without a profit has a limited life span.

According to the U.S. State Department, smallbusinesses generated 65 percent of net new jobsover the past 17 years; pay 44 percent of total U.S.private payroll; are 52 percent home-based and2 percent franchises; and made up 97.5 percentof all identified exporters and produced 31 percentof export value in FY 2008.

More than 134,309 of those small businessesare located in the San Fernando Valley. If youinclude Burbank, Calabasas and Glendale, thetotal number grows exponentially.

United Chambers of Commerce represents agood number of those small businesses througha coalition of 32 business organizations, including20 member chambers of commerce.

Shop Local Campaign GainingMomentum in ResedaIt started with a handful of local Reseda

businesses offering special incentives for‘Carmageddon Weekend’ back in July 2011,but over the last 6 months, ShopRESEDA hasgrown to over 100 businesses strong. Itsmessage is simple—support local businessesby shifting a small amount of your typicalspending to a Reseda businesses. But thatsimple message has started waves of changesin the Reseda community. Though the “Spend$25 every 25th in Reseda” campaign, the ResedaNeighborhood Council encourages everyone thatlives, works, or visits Reseda to spend at least$25 every 25th of each month at a Resedabusiness. Beyond the catchy phrase, over 100

CONNECTING BUSINESS AND COMMUNITY SINCE 2004. CELEBRATING 9 YEARS OF SERVICE TO THE WEST VALLEY COMMUNITY. Volume 8 Number 2 2012

www.westvalleynews-sfv.com

Let’s Make 2012 a Green Year for Small Business

Serving:CalabasasCanoga ParkChatsworthResedaTarzanaWest HillsWinnetkaWoodland Hills

FREE

Councilman Dennis P. Zine presents Nancy Bergquist of Green Thumb Nursery, the 2011 Oustanding Medium Business ofthe Year Award from United Chambers of Commerce, at the Business Recognition Luncheon on January 26, 2012.

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The Village gets Green Light by PLUM

Harvey Branman / Photography As An Art

On February 7, 2012, Los Angeles City Planning Commission presented their recommendationfor approval of a Development Agreement by and among the City of Los Angeles and Westfield, LLCfor a maximum term of 15 years, for the demolition of six existing buildings, approximately 62,628square feet, for the development of a 1,027,994 square foot, two phased, mixed use project [TheVillage at Westfield Topanga] consisting of 444,744 square feet of shopping center uses, includingan approximately 165,759 square foot anchor retailer, and approximately 278,985 square feet ofshopping center retail space, and in addition, the project would include a 193,000 square foot hotel,285,000 square feet of office, 53,635 square feet of restaurant uses, a 36,765 square foot grocerystore, and 14,250 square feet of community/cultural center. The project will go before the full CityCouncil on Friday, February 24. If approved, ground breaking is expected to begin in early March.

Ed Crowe / West Valley News

INSIDE

Living Trusts in corformity 2with Medi-Cal rules

Make MONEY Helping People 3

People Management 4

Business Education / Workshops 9

$ave BIG with Business Servicesand Classified 11

New ER at West Hills Hospital 12

Gordon Murley, who filed appeals on behalf of the Woodland Hills Homeowners Organization and Jeff Bornstein, stands beforethe Los Angeles City Council Planning & Land Use Management Committee, on January 24, 2012 to present his argument.

See UCC Business Recognition on Page 6

Mark Levinson, United Chambers of Commerce2011 Outstanding Board Member of the Year.

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See Shop Local Campaign on Page 5

... were the words that decorated the frontcover of the color service folder for legendarybusiness and community leader, 1979 FernandoAward Recipient Howard Erle Shirley, whopassed away on January 22, 2012. He was 92.

A Celebration of Life service was held at theCanoga Park Presbyterian Church, January 28.

See In Memory of Howard Erle Shirley on Page 7

From the Publisher’s DeskThis issue is all about helping small businesses get more business and

supporting the local economy. The West Valley News is helping promotethe ShopLOCAL. HireLOCAL. ad campaign in all its areas of coverage.

The concept is simple. Spend $25 on the 25th or last Friday of themonth. Eat at your local community restaurant, get your dry cleaningdone, get your shoes repaired, attend a live performance show atyour community theatre, get a haircut at the neighborhood barber-shop, buy a photo from your local photographer, attend a Zumbaclass or Yoga session at your favorite sports club or dance studio,buy a frame or a print from your local art gallery, buy a ticket for alocal non-profit event, have you car washed and waxed, and anything

else that will help support local small businesses and non-profits that bring benefits to your localcommunity. Reseda is having great success and other west valley communities should follow.

If you are a business owner, advertise your products or services through the West Valley News.It will increase exposure of your business and the possibility of additional customers. Your salesmessage is delivered thousands of times at affordable rates of a few cents per impression.

As Henry Ford said, “Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; workingtogether is success.” So leave the political campaigns to the politicians, and let’s work on our ownShopLOCAL. HireLOCAL. campaign to support our local community’s economy. If local businessesturn red into green, they can hire more people, create more business opportunities, buy equipmentthey need, and contribute to their favorite non-profits.

At the end of February, we will find out for sure, that the long five year wait for Westfield to buildThe Village is finally over. The Los Angeles City Council will vote on the recommendation of PLUMto approve the proposed two-phase development. The Village at Westfield Topanga will createthousands of needed jobs, tax revenue for the city, and millions in economic output for the localSan Fernando Valley economy.

Stay tuned for news about the ground breaking ceremony sometime in March.

Meanwhile, grab your other half, your honey, your loved one, your partner, your main squeeze,and take some quality time to celebrate San Valentine’s Day on Tuesday, the 14th. Special momentsmake for a lifetime of memories.

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!

PAGE 2 West Valley News Volume 8 Number 2 2012

Crowe Marketing Design PublisherEd Crowe Managing Editor/Creative DirectorJonathan Goldhill Contributing WriterAl Martinez Contributing WriterLance Miller Contributing Writer

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

WEST VALLEY NEWSCrowe Marketing Design8378 Sale AvenueWest Hills, CA 91304Tel: (818) 883-3374advertising@westvalleynews-sfv.comwww.westvalleynews-sfv.com

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Editorial Contributors

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

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

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

©2011 Crowe Marketing CommunicationsImage copyrights held by the artists.

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

The West Valley News is distributed by regular mailto active subscribers, via email to an electronicmailing list, and to the general public throughmore than 65 strategic, high-traffic businesslocations throughout the West Valley.

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

CalabasasCanoga ParkChatsworthResedaTarzanaWest HillsWinnetkaWoodland Hills

FREE Business CounselingSBA SCORE Program

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

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

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

the number of customers needed to be successful in business.• Promote benefits rather than features. A benefit is the emotional satisfaction your product or service provides,

or a tangible performance characteristic.• Know your competitors. Knowing everything about your competitors is just as important as knowing everything

about your own business.

Counselors to America’s Small Business

SHOP LOCAL. CONTRACT LOCAL PROFESSIONAL SERVICES.CHECK OUT BUSINESS BY REFERRAL AT WWW.WESTVALLEYNEWS-SFV.COM


West Valley News Volume 8 Number 2 2012 PAGE 3

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Regional Black Chamber818.464.3484 | Fax [email protected]

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

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

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

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

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

Subscribe to the West Valley News

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Galpin Motors Hosts Councilman Zine And B’nai B’rithOn the evening of Tuesday, January 26th, the perfect storm of San Fernando Valley and Los

Angeles heavy hitters all converged on the 2nd floor conference room at Galpin Ford on RoscoeBoulevard to take part in what can best be described as the "mother of all town halls". For thoseamong us who like a little historical context in their diet, Galpin Motors, who hosted the event, wasfounded in 1946 by Frank Galpin and is one of the preeminent auto groups in the world creditedwith numerous innovations that impact our lives to this very day, the specifics of which will beshared toward the latter part of this piece.

The participants included: the host, Galpin Motors, owned by Southern California icon BertBoeckman; the sponsors, Knesset B’nai B’rith ("sons of the covenant" in Hebrew), a Jewish serviceorganization whose roots lie firmly in the battles against anti-Semitism at the turn of the century; andspeaker of note, Council District 3 Councilman and West Hills resident, Dennis P. Zine. Standingfront and center, the Councilman fielded inquiries like a British Prime Minister at Parliament as theroom full of West Valley constituents passionately interacted with him regarding pressing issues ofthe day.

The overall purpose of the town hall, as identified by B’nai B’rith spokesperson Marsha Cohen, wasto give the 80+ mostly senior participants the opportunity to spend some "quality time" withCouncilman Zine and hear as much information possible from the source himself, a sitting council-man who has a reputation for caring and working for his constituents well beyond normal workinghours. Some of the key concerns raised by those present were:

1. The 30-Day impound procedure/policy proposed by LAPD Chief Beck

2. Traffic issues like the West-bound Canoga off ramp that backs up in the morning

3. DWP sewer and sanitation costs

4. Street services challenges like resurfacing and tree trimming

Councilman Zine stayed long after the scheduled time and as the guests filtered out into the show-room it was clear that the time was well spent. As promised, some of the more notable contributionsthat Galpin Motors made to the automotive industry are:

* Introducing the individual leasing plan for customers in 1960

* Bringing the sunroof to American cars in the 1960’s

* Making the 4x4 off-road truck a mainstream purchase choice

* Bringing the Mustang Convertible off life support in the 1980’s

* Becoming the #1 Ford dealership on the planet in 1990

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West Valley News Volume 8 Number 2 2012

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

Points to Ponder

• Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.Henry Ford

• It doesn’t make much difference how much other knowledge or experience an executive possesses;if he is unable to achieve results through people, he is worthless as an executive.J. Paul Getty

• There is no such thing as a self-made man. You will reach your goals only with the help of others.George Shinn

• If you don’t know where you are going, how can you expect to get there?Basil S. Walsh

• People with goals succeed because they know where they’re going.Earl Nightingale

Many relevant people management topics were already addressed in the chapters on leadership and businessplanning. As you will recall, we covered such relevant people management topics as:

• Leadership basics• Being 100% responsible as the owner• Creating and articulating a vision• Focusing your team on customers, results, innovation, profits, a long-term horizon and having fun• Avoiding micro-management• Delegating• Being bold and decisive• Facing reality• Sharing knowledge• Keeping business simple• Creating a simple business plan• Setting and achieving 90-day goals

In this chapter, we will focus on the critical importance of getting the right people on the ship, how to keepthem accountable, how to establish trust with your team, and how everything you do contributes to the cultureof your company.

Your Greatest Asset

You cannot reach your vision and goals without the help of others. Your greatest asset is people—the “right”people. People that share your company’s values, ethics, personality, culture and vision. Your primary objectiveis to get the right people on your ship, the wrong people off, and then direct the course of the ship yourself.Therefore, recruiting, training/coaching, developing and retaining your competent employees are critical successfactors for your company, and some of your top responsibilities as a leader. Your focus should be to developothers and create the right conditions for their success. In short, unleash the full human potential of yourorganization.

What Employees Want

Here is an unscientific crash course in what employees want:

• To know where the company is headed and why• To know their roles, responsibilities and what is expected of them• To know how they will be evaluated and rewarded• To utilize their talents in the best way possible• To feel appreciated and valued—that their work and ideas matter• To be coached—challenged, motivated and held accountable• To have the right tools, training and authority to do their jobs• To contribute in a meaningful way to the company and its mission• To grow and develop—to reach their potential

• To have an emotionally connected, competent leader of character support their success

Hiring/Firing Basics

Hire for talent, not just resume data. Be sure to hire emotionally engaged people, people with passion in theireyes and fire in the belly. Match their talent to the position—again, help them to be successful. Don’t hesitateto use personal assessment tests to better understand the aptitudes, attitudes and talents of potential employees.

While you should hire people slowly, fire them quickly if they do not fit your culture and can’t operate withinyour system. Do not let emotionally disengaged people or negative people infect your company. Do not wastetime and energy trying to rehabilitate poor performers (the lower 20% that cause 80% of your headaches).Spend your time and effort with your top performers, the top 20%. This top 20% will produce 80% of yourcompany’s results. Therefore, put tremendous effort into developing and retaining the right people. For yourbusiness to grow, you must find and develop the right people.

Because you cannot control everything, the development of your system and your people is paramount.Spend time and effort hiring the right people to manage your system. Hire excellent leaders and managers.Then let your managers hire competent employees (not necessarily brilliant ones) to work the system. Theyshould hire hard working and loyal people who will follow the system and execute their duties according todocumented practices. Again, hire emotionally engaged people with passion in their souls. Their focus shouldbe on working the system and improving the operations manual, as necessary. They should not be free-lancing,improvising or winging it.

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

See Strategic Business Owners on Page 9

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

__________

CHAPTER 7. PEOPLE MANAGEMENT

WORK. SHOP. DINE. PLAY

THE BOULEVARDShopVENTURA BOULEVARD $25The community of Reseda borrowed a great idea from New York to help their local economy and support local merchants.The $25/25th. Other communities should follow the lead. Every 25th or last Friday of the month, join your neighbors insupporting local business, with “Spend $25 every month in Woodland Hills.” By spending your money locally, statisticsindicate that approximately $.45 of each dollar spent remains in Woodland Hills via businesses improvement and tax revenuereturning to the local community. The more of our spending we shift to inside Woodland Hills, the more tax revenue returnsfor street repairs, park improvements, and infrastructure improvements! SHOP LOCAL. SHOP VENTURA BOULEVARD.

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BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF THE WEST VALLEYRECEIVES $7,500 GRANT FROM JCPENNEYWest Valley Youth Provided Opportunity to Join Positive Afterschool ProgramsThanks to the supportive partnership with jcpenney and Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA),

more West Valley youth will be able to attend an afterschool program offered by the Boys & GirlsClub of the West Valley. The Club will receive a $7,500 grant to provide parents with the opportunityto engage their children with caring, adult professionals in a safe place providing life-enhancingprograms. Studies show that one out of every four children in America is left unattended between3 and 6 p.m. each school day.

According to the America After 3PM report released by the Afterschool Alliance in conjunctionwith jcpenney, a vast majority of parents seek the resources to engage their kids with adult rolemodels who help foster their social, physical and academic development. By providing grants toorganizations such as Boys & Girls Club of the West Valley, jcpenney is assisting families withchildren who are currently not enrolled in afterschool services or are on the verge of withdrawingdue to financial hardship.

This grant is part of a larger multi-million-dollar distribution from jcpenney benefitting BGCAand other youth organizations.

“The availability of affordable afterschool programs continues to be an important communityobjective in order to assist working parents and provide endless opportunities to our local youth,”said Club Chairman Gary Thomas. “Participating in an afterschool program not only keeps kidssafe, it engages them in a positive learning environment that helps them reach their full potentialin life.”

Since 1999, jcpenney has worked with BGCA to provide young people, especially those fromdisadvantaged circumstances, with access to safe, positive afterschool environments and provenprograms. jcpenney has donated more than $30 million to help bring high-quality afterschoolprograms to those youth who need it most.

Together, jcpenney and BGCA are having a significant and positive impact on young people andfamilies across the nation.The nonprofit Boys & Girls Club of the West Valley was founded in 1992 as a response to the need for safe,healthy, productive activities for local youth during non-school hours. Eighty-one percent of the Club’s 3,400members come from families below the poverty line. Approximately 125 youth visit the Main Clubhouse inCanoga Park each day, in addition to more than 500 children provided after-school activities at Blythe, Reseda,and Topeka Drive Elementary Schools; Tierra del Sol; Canoga Park High School; and Hale Charter Academy.

The Boys & Girls Club of the West Valley is located at 7245 Remmet Ave., Canoga Park, CA 91304.Telephone: 818-610-1054. Website: www.wvbgc.org.



LETTERS

Write, Email, Fax, Call

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

Email [email protected]

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

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

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Shop Local CampaignContinued from Page 1

Reseda businesses are offering special incentives to consumers. From discounts on flowers to giftcards on gas to savings on groceries, clothing, business services, and restaurants, the Spend $25every 25th in Reseda campaign has brought new customers to local businesses.

Since economic studies show that 45 cents of every dollar spent at local businesses returnsto the local community, the Reseda Neighborhood Council partnered with ShopLA to launch theShopRESEDA Discount Card in November. Consumers can get a daily discount at over 40 Resedabusinesses, just by showing their free ShopRESEDA Discount Card. So the next time you aretraveling through the “Hub of the Valley”, stop by a participating Reseda business and grab yourcard! Residents are marking their calendars to save money on the 25th in Reseda. This is a realopportunity for people to have their own direct impact on their own neighborhood and set off achain reaction. Visit www.shopresedacity.com for participant lists or www.facebook.com/shopreseda

This year marks the 100-year anniversary of Reseda, originally known as Marian before takingon its identity of Reseda in 1920, as a destination on the Pacific Electric railway. A recent flux ofcommunity led initiatives, new business grand openings, multi-million dollar housing develop-ments, and well-funded public and private works projects has the prideful region feeling optimisticand activated.

The Neighborhood Council system in Los Angeles is less than a decade old and still manyresidents don’t even know the resource exists. Councils are comprised of an all-volunteer boardof citizens from all walks of life, representing various types of community stakeholders. The oftenlamented budget crisis and economic downturn has chipped away at funds year by year, althoughNeighborhood Councils, and Reseda in particular, have proven to be effective with the over $40,000annually allocated to each of the 95 separate groups. Tasked with the L.A. City Charter mandateddirective to monitor the delivery of city services, advise the city government on the priorities ofthe particular community and to engage the public in the process, neighborhood councils are oftencreative and particularly resourceful in outreach methods and tend to inspire a sometimes forgottensense of community spirit and can-do attitudes. Regular meeting notices, events and generalinformation are regularly updated at www.ResedaCouncil.org

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(L-R) LAPD Officers Jamie Reyes and Michael Noji, with West Valley Jeopardy Board members Joyce Pearson,Michael Sirota, and Rabbi Cohen, after the Holiday Party at the Venetian Palace in Reseda.

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The Jeopardy Program is a gang prevention/intervention program for boys and girls ages 8 through 17and their parents. Jeopardy combines the strength of the community, neighborhood schools and the policedepartment to effect positive, lifelong attitudinal changes in the young people so as to have a positive impacton the community.

Jeopardy targets “at risk” children, offering a variety of educational and physical projects, from tutoring tomartial arts. Contact Officer Noji or Officer Rios, Juvenile Coordinator at 818-374-7684 to learn more.

Heart DiseaseSeveral theories exist to explain the link betweenperiodontal disease and heart disease. One theory isthat oral bacteria can affect the heart when they enterthe blood stream, attaching to fatty plaquesin the coronary arteries (heart blood vessels) andcontributing to clot formation. Coronary arterydisease is characterized by a thickening of the wallsof the coronary arteries due to the buildup of fattyproteins. Blood clots can obstruct normal bloodflow, restricting the amount of nutrients and oxygenrequired for the heart to function properly. This maylead to heart attacks.

Another possibility is that the inflammation causedby periodontal disease increases plaque build up,which may contribute to swelling of the arteries.

Researchers have found that people with periodontaldisease are almost twice as likely to suffer fromcoronary artery disease as those without periodontaldisease.

Periodontal disease can also exacerbate existingheart conditions. Patients at risk for infectiveendocarditis may require antibiotics prior to dentalprocedures. Your periodontist and cardiologist willbe able to determine if your heart condition requiresuse of antibiotics prior to dental procedures.


ShopLOCAL $25/25th CampaignThe community of Reseda borrowed a great idea from New York to help their local economy and support local merchants.The $25/25th. Other communities should follow the lead. Every 25th or last Friday of the month, join your neighbors insupporting local business, with “Spend $25 every month in your community.” By spending your money locally, statisticsindicate that approximately $.45 of each dollar spent remains in that community via businesses improvement and taxrevenue returning to the local community. The more of our spending we shift to ShopLOCAL, the more tax revenue returnsfor street repairs, park improvements, and infrastructure improvements! SHOP LOCAL. SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES.

UCC 36th Annual Business Recognition & Installation LuncheonContinued from Page 1

United Chambers of Commerce (UCC) deals with Valley-wide, County-wide and Regional issuesand promotes the San Fernando Valley's overall welfare, progress and economic prosperity. It alsoadvocates on businesses behalf on a State and Federal level for the good of all business. UnitedChambers encourages the development of new business ventures in the community, and supportsthe existing commercial base. Additionally, United Chambers provides a network of communicationamong chambers, businesses and government to amplify local concerns.

A variety of predecessor alliances came together in 1977 to form the current United Chambers. Thisunity provides a combined source of strength to each Chamber, while preserving each community'sautonomy and sense of locality.

Honoring businesses and individuals for their exceptional commitment and service to the SanFernando Valley and region is a signature annual event for United Chambers of Commerce.

On January 26, 2012, the United Chambers 36th Annual Business Recognition and InstallationLuncheon, was held at the Hilton Woodland Hills. The keynote speaker was California StateController John Chiang.

Congratulations to the 2011 United Chambers Award Recipients

2011 Chairman’s AwardAlperstein, Simon, Farkas, Gillin & Scott, LLP

2011 Outstanding Board Member of the YearMark Levinson

2011 Outstanding Small Business of the YearC&M Printing

2011 Outstanding Medium Business of the YearGreen Thumb Nursery

2011 Outstanding Large Business of the YearNBC Universal

(L-R) Bobbie Stahoski, Nora Ross, Nancy Bergquist of Green Thumb Nursery, Joanne Littman, and Don Rubin,representing the Canoga Park/West Hills Chamber, at the United Chamber Business Recognition Luncheon.

Installation of the 2012 United Chambers of Commerce Board of Directors. Visit www.unitedchambers.org formore information and the complete list of Board members. Chairman John Parker was elected for a second term.



Recognition of small business contributions to the community is very important since as a groupthey represent the economic engine of the San Fernando Valley. However, for community chambersof commerce to survive, they need to find ways to reach out to existing operating businesses andcommunicate the benefits of belonging to a local family of small business owners, the Chamber.

A relatively small number of businesses in the San Fernando Valley belong to their local chamberof commerce. Less than 3 percent in one chamber with 254 members out of 8,624 registered localbusinesses in the communities they represent. About 6 percent at another chamber with a rosterof 865 members out of 14,368 registered businesses. Even if you eliminate half of the registeredbusinesses, there is a big discrepancy between the number of chamber members and operatingbusinesses. The number one reason local businesses consider chamber membership is to get morebusiness. The challenge for local chambers is going to be communicating the value of membershipand creating more business opportunities for local business owners. A slow economy is toughenough. Budgets are tight and businesses are cutting back unnecessary expenses and donations.If chamber membership is considered a donation to a non-profit, it can have a negative impact oncurrent membership renewals.

Turning red into green should be a benefit of joining a local chamber of commerce, where themembership fee is considered a necessary marketing expense and not another charity contribution.

Newly elected chairpersons, presidents, Board of Directors, and staff of Valley chambers, have tobe creative and resourceful in offering value, reaching out to local business, and helping turn redinto green. A business operating in the “green” is most likely to consider membership with a grin.



High up on the hills of Box Canyon sits thehome of Howard and Beth Shirley. Built on aprime choice of real estate with a million dollarpanoramic view of the San Fernando Valley.Designed to take advantage of the natural beautyof the hillside, a fitting reward for a couple that

spent most of their productive years helpingbuild Canoga Park into a thriving community.

Howard Erle Shirley is a third generationAngeleno, whose family moved to the West Valleyafter his father—who worked for the L.A. FireDepartment—purchased 10 acres of land at thecorner of Shoup and Vanowen. The propertybelonged to Catherine Mulholland’s grandmotherMrs. Haaz. An interesting historical fact. In 1927,Howard’s father also purchased a weekend cabinup in the hills of Box Canyon, next to whereHoward and Beth, built their new custom homethat has been their residence for several years.

Long commutes to Los Angeles were an everyday journey for young Howard, who attended ArtCenter for 3-4 years to study Architecture. Soonafter leaving school, he started a constructionbusiness and was doing very well. This was wartime and in February of 1942, he was draftedinto the Army and spent the next five years asa commissioned officer, reaching the rank ofcaptain during his years of service.

His tour of duty took him to Central or SouthAmerica and Cuba as a training officer for blacktroops. He was eventually transferred to Europeand was stationed in a small town near Kassel,Germany. His destiny brought him to an USOclub, where he met a beautiful young womanfrom Montana. Her name was Beth. “We hardlysaw any women in those days,” said Howard witha humorous smirk, “who spoke English” addedBeth correcting Howard’s assertion.

In 1945, Beth at the urging of a friend hadsigned up with the Red Cross to help with thewar effort. “We thought we would be sent to the

Pacific” said Beth “because the war in Europewas winding down. The Red Cross sent us toGermany and we were helping at the USO clubwhere I met Howard.” A love connection ensuedand the couple decided to get married at FortWayne, Indiana the following year. Beth’s familylived in Indiana at the time.

The newlyweds moved to Southern Californiaa short time after and their productive life as afamily began in the San Fernando Valley.

Howard went back to construction and foundedwith some friends California Structures, Inc.,working as industrial contractors. Many of theexisting commercial structures along theSherman Way corridor in downtown CanogaPark and adjacent areas were built by Howard’scompany in the 1950s and beyond. The list islong including Green Thumb, Guadalupe Center,California Bank, Canoga Park Health Center,several churches, bank buildings—and manyother commercial structures—in addition tooffice space remodeling and some privateresidence construction.

One particular structure stands out in thiswriter’s mind—built and currently co-owned byHoward Shirley—The Airtel Hotel by the VanNuys Airport, built in time for the 1984 Olympics.Its new restaurant was a welcoming destinationfor lunch meetings with important clients.

Both Howard and Beth were very active in thecommunity, “I must have belonged to at least 20chambers of commerce at one time,” exclaimsHoward. While Howard was busy buildingcommercial structures around the Valley andserving in positions of leadership on Boards ofseveral organizations including the Canoga ParkKiwanis Club (he recently received his 50-yearpin), the Valley Presbyterian Hospital, and theCanoga Park Chamber of Commerce—he waspresident of this chamber during Mayor SamYorty’s term—Beth was busy raising three chil-dren and volunteering as a charter member of theJunior Women’s Club of Canoga Park. She alsodabbled as a journalist and worked part-time forthe local newspaper the Canoga Park Tribune.

In the mid 1980’s, Beth Shirley came across atin with photos and other memorabilia in a closetat the Canoga Park Women’s Club, while helpingclean up and organize things. She thought theseobjects, landmarks and photographs were of

Anecdotes, Interviews,Bits & Pieces aboutWest Valley History.

In Loving Memory of Howard Erle ShirleyBy Ed Crowe West Valley News

Howard and Beth Shirley at their home in Box Canyon.

Sponsored by Crowe Marketing Design

See Legends of the Valley on Page 10

This article was first published in the September 2007 issue of the West Valley News, as part of a series of interviews of theearly families of Canoga Park. It was a priviledge for this writer to visit the Shirleys at their dream home up in Box Canyon.

To be part of the ShopLOCAL business promotion campaigncall Ed Crowe at 818.231.4454 for details.

FROM COUNCILMEMBER ENGLANDER'S E-NEWS

ONEgeneration’s 8th Annual Hearts Across the Valley Gala...As Honorary Chair of the ONEgeneration 8th Annual Hearts Across the

Valley Gala, I encourage you to attend, and enjoy a fun evening of elegantdining and entertainment for a great cause.

ONEgeneration is a San Fernando Valley-based non-profit organizationthat offers multi-generational daycare for low-income, special needs,and disabled adults and children. Proceeds go to helping ONEgenerationprovide items, from can openers to wheelchairs, to go to homeboundseniors.

Saturday, Feb. 25, Warner Center Marriott, Woodland Hills

This year’s gala will honor LAPD Assistant Chief Michel Moore and hiswife Cindy Moore, Assemblymember Bob Blumenfield and Carol Zimring, founder ofONEgeneration's SHARE (Sending Help And Real Essentials) program. The evening will also featuresilent and live auctions, award presentation, dancing, dining and entertainment.

To RSVP or for information on sponsorship opportunities, call (818) 708-6626 or email [email protected]. To learn more about ONEgeneration, visit www.ONEgeneration.org.

MESSAGE FROM WASHINGTON

New Threats to Social Security & MedicareThis past year, new threats arose to the existence of Medicare and

Social Security as we know it. In April of 2011, the Republican Majorityin the House of Representatives passed a radical plan to eliminateMedicare and replace it with a voucher program. Seniors would have touse their own money, along with a government voucher, to purchaseinsurance from private insurance companies. While this Republican plan

has not passed the Senate, I strongly opposed any efforts in the House to create a “voucher” systemthat effectively wipes out Medicare’s guaranteed health care benefits. According to the Joint EconomicCommittee, the Republican Medicare plan would increase the average senior citizen’s out-of-pocketmedical costs by $6,300 per year.

There are also new proposals in Congress to privatize Social Security. These plans would cut futureSocial Security benefits and divert these savings to fund new private accounts. Because these planswould divert massive sums from the Social Security Trust Fund, it would leave the program in a deepfinancial hole, and likely lead to cuts in benefits. I have consistently opposed any and all efforts toprivatize Social Security. I believe Social Security belongs to the people who contribute, not thegovernment—it must not be hijacked to pay the federal debt. The money put in should be protectedand used only for Social Security.

All Americans should seek a comfortable retirement including IRA’s, 401(k)’s and similar accounts.However, any sound retirement plan starts with an inflation-adjusted lifetime annuity—a monthlycheck for life that you cannot lose, and you cannot outlive. This is what Social Security provides.We should not replace a guarantee with a gamble.

Previously, Medicare did not provide any coverage for prescription drug costs between $2,840and $6,447 per year—causing a “donut hole” or coverage gap for prescription drugs. Now, thanksto legislation that I supported, recipients whose drug costs fall within the donut hole are receivinga 50% discount on brand-name prescription drugs. The out-of-pocket costs for seniors’ drug costsfalling in the donut hole will be further reduced incrementally until it is completely eliminated in2020. But some in Congress would reinstate the donut hole, placing additional burdens on seniorsin need of prescription drugs. No American should have to choose between paying for groceries,and paying for vital prescription drugs. I also oppose any proposal to repeal the new provision thatprovides seniors with free annual checkups without co-pays.

The good news is that, so far, we have been able to prevent these sweeping changes from takingplace. I will continue to fight plans to privatize Social Security or turn Medicare into a voucherprogram.

If you would like to tell me how I can better serve the community, please attend my next Town Hallmeeting on Sunday, February 26 from 3:00-4:30 pm PST at Reseda High School located at 18230Kittridge Street. Listening to Valley residents is one of the most important parts of my job. Town HallMeetings are an opportunity to discuss issues facing Congress, including health care, the economy,taxes and education. The meetings also are a chance for you to meet my constituent service staffand get help dealing with federal agencies.

FROM COUNCILMEMBER ZINE'S WEEKLY UPDATE

Water Rate Increase Given Preliminary ApprovalA proposed water rate increase by the LADWP received preliminary

approval by the City Council to meet State and Federal water improve-ment mandates of the Department's reservoirs. Because the measurefailed to receive the necessary 12 votes (approved 9-4), it will beconsidered again next week for final approval. The proposed increaseis 3% or $1.71/month ($3.42 every billing cycle).

Councilman Zine was one of the four members who voted “No” onthe proposed increase calling into question the timeliness of the requestgiven that the Council earlier this week confirmed the new RatepayerAdvocate, who has not opined on the proposed increase by the LADWP.

The purpose of the Ratepayer Advocate is to review and analyze LADWP rate increases such as theone being requested by LADWP.

Ratepayer Advocate Confirmed by CouncilEarlier this week, Dr. Frederick H. Pickel, was confirmed as the new Ratepayer Advocate. After

close to a year since City voters approved an Office of Public Accountability to oversee LADWP rateproposals, Dr. Pickel was selected through an extensive candidate search process as the bestcandidate to serve as the City's Ratepayer Advocate.

Volunteerism is Alive and Well at Creb’s Memorial WalkJust when you thought it was safe to get cynical and jaded regarding the state of humanity and

all things benevolent in the world, along came the third Creb’s Memorial Walk Clean-Up day onSaturday, January 28th, that gave even the most skeptical among us cause for optimism. When youfactor in the big picture goal of the Memorial Walk, which is to honor public servants such as lawenforcement and the fire department who have fallen in the line of duty, you have an undeniablyrare partnership opportunity that serves everyone’s needs.

For information regarding future volunteer days at Creb’s Memorial Walk, feel free to call RonRubine at (818) 756-8848, or Juan Guzman, Reseda Neighborhood Council, at (818) 335-4339.

PAGE 8 West Valley News Volume 8 Number 2 2012

A WORD FROM OUR ELECTED OFFICIALS

Children’s Car Seat Check-Up Event...Be sure to sign up for the free Children's Car Check-Up at Northridge Hospital on February 25,

2012.

The California Highway Patrol in coordination with Northridge Hospital Medical Center are hostinga Car Seat Check Up Day.

Saturday, Feb. 25, 9:00 am to 1:00 pm

By appointment only. To make an appointment, call (818) 885-8500 ext. 3437.

Car seat check-ups teach parents and caregivers, hands-on in your own car how to correctly use achild’s car seat or seat belt. Trained and certified child passenger safety technicians work with par-ents to ensure car seats: have not been recalled; do meet federal safety standards; are installed cor-rectly; are appropriate for the child's age, weight and height.

Studies show 72% of children's car seats are not properly installed or used. California has newbooster seat laws in effect as of January 1, 2012. Come learn about the new laws and the best waysto keep your children safe in the car.

Council Committee Assignments...Our Chief of Staff John Lee reports this week on the new Council Committee Assignments. We

have a new Council President, Councilman Herb J. Wesson Jr. of the 10th District. Whenever anew Council President is elected, he or she may re-assign Council Committees. CouncilmemberMitchell Englander's Council Committee assignments are:

Public Safety - Chair

Budget & Finance - Vice Chair

Planning & Land Use Management - Member

We are pleased to be working on the three most influential Committees on the Council. This willhelp us advance our work on behalf of our community. The only new assignment is Planning &Land Use Management (PLUM). This Committee is extremely important in protecting our neighbor-hoods and quality of life because it oversees land-use decisions and development policy in the City.


Blumenfield Joins Salvation Army at Grand Openingof Disaster Readiness Center

“When disaster strikes, the burning question is who’s coming to help,” said AssemblymemberBob Blumenfield (D-San Fernando Valley). “More and more we’re seeing that it’s the members of thiscommunity leading the charge. And, the reopening of the Salvation Army makes us stronger thanever right here in Canoga Park. This facility will help ensure that people are equipped and trained tohelp their neighbors and reduce the power of the next disaster to befall us.”

The event occurs after The Salvation Army’s Family Thrift Store, in Canoga Park, was closed for10 months. The Army’s services are offered at no cost to those in need. The reopening of the storeis significant because the Army keeps its doors open only through the generosity of individuals,organizations and businesses that donate goods which are sold in Family Thrift Stores.

Blumenfield has long been an advocate for disaster readiness in the Valley. After the NorthridgeEarthquake of 1994, as a staff member for Congressman Howard Berman, he helped get $14 billionin federal disaster relief and recovery funds for the Valley. More recently, he convened a the ValleyPublic Response for Emergency Preparedness (Valley PREP) Task Force to identify community-based, disaster preparedness solutions. Last year, it launched the Get PREPped campaign whichhas gotten hundreds of Valley residents trained through the LA Fire Department’s CERT Program.CERT courses teach disaster preparedness, emergency medical operations, and light search andseizure procedures.

Assemblymember Bob Blumenfield presents a Certificate of Recognition to Captain Timothy Rockey,Administrator of The Salvation Army Center in Canoga Park.


Business Education/Workshops

SAN FERNANDO VALLEY SMALL BUSINESS WORKSHOPSPre-registration is required because space is limited.

For information about more classes or to RSVP, call (661) 362-5900 or email [email protected] to register.To register online visit www.cocsbdc.org.

HELPING ENTREPRENEURS SUCCESSFULLY START, BUILD AND GROW THEIR BUSINESS

Editor’s Note: Chapter 7 will continue with Trust or Bust on the next issue of the West Valley News.

Strategic Business OwnersContinued from Page 4

LinkedIn for BeginnersDo you have a LinkedIn account but don’t know what to do? Have you wanted to set up a LinkedIn account butdon’t know how to set one up? In this two-hour hands-on workshop in a computer lab, you’ll learn how to set upyour LinkedIn Profile Account, and how it will help you grow your business. Limited seating.

Date: Monday, February 13 Time: 9 am – 11 am Cost: $30Location: ITT Technical Institute, 12669 Encinitas Ave., Sylmar 91342 - 5 Fwy at Roxford

Engagement Marketing: Email + Social = SuccessBuilding lasting relationships with your existing customers and members drives business success, and usingsocial media to complement these efforts is the cornerstone of any Engagement Marketing strategy. Now thatyou’re using social media to engage a broader audience, how can you combine all efforts, in order to drive mea-sureable business results, in a way that increases your overall productivity? This seminar will teach you howsmall organizations can grow and engage their network of Fans, Followers, and email subscribers by:

• Integrating your current email marketing efforts and key social networks to drive awareness and promotionalcampaigns;

• Sharing engaging content and other promotions that amplify your word of mouth, keeping you top of mindand making it simple for customers to share your message;

• Effectively measure network growth, engagement, and impact in a way that meets—and exceeds—yourorganization’s success formula.

Date: Wednesday, February 15 Time: 10 am – 12 pmCost: FREE - Register online at: http://tinyurl.com/6rdm4vdLocation: ITT Technical Institute, 12669 Encinitas Ave., Sylmar 91342 - 5 Fwy at Roxford

Supercharging Your Facebook MarketingIt’s no secret that Facebook has become a huge part of how people interact with each other, share ideas and rec-ommendations, and interact with the brands they like. Too many businesses aren’t seeing results from theirFacebook marketing efforts because they are posting content without a plan for turning “fans” into customersand advocates.

In this seminar, you’ll learn:

• Why Facebook is important to your business• The difference between posting and marketing on Facebook• Drive more “likes,” more “shares,” and more business• Plan: driving repeat business and amplifying word of mouth with a great offer!• Publish: sharing your message easily to stay top-of-mind with others (engage!)• Promote: growing your business and measuring results.

You’ll also learn 10 best practices that you can do today to supercharge your Facebook marketing and take thatword-of-mouth marketing to the next level.

Date: Wednesday, February 15 Time: 1:30 pm – 3:30 pmCost: FREE - Register online at: http://tinyurl.com/7lx9a7uLocation: ITT Technical Institute, 12669 Encinitas Ave., Sylmar 91342 - 5 Fwy at Roxford

How to Successfully Start Your New BusinessThis hands-on workshop will help you get started quickly as you learn the steps necessary to successfullylaunch your new business. Learn to prepare a written plan you can use to build and grow a profitable business.Learn the best way to structure your business as you identify and focus on the key marketing, sales and financialissues of your business and how to bring it all together. This powerful event has helped many entrepreneurs justlike you achieve success.

Date: Wednesday, February 15 Time: 9 am – 11 amCost: $30Location: Build WorkSource Center, 9207 Eton Ave., Chatsworth 91311

LOW COST OR FREE WORKSHOPS BY VEDC

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

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

• Access to capital

• Basic legal structures of a business

• Marketing on limited budget

• Business record keeping

• QuickBooks

• Managing Employees

• Managing for profit and results

• E-Commerce

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

All VEDC workshops at:

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

Contact Lucero Montañez at 818-907-9922 or via email to [email protected]

For additional information about fees and locations, visit: www.vedc.org

Developing Your People

True leaders care about their people and their on-the-job education and development. Make sure you have afair, annual performance review process in place. Employees crave feedback on how they are performing. Whenit comes to your employees, view yourself as an educator and developer of people. Make sure they know yoursystem as well as your expectations for their roles and responsibilities within it. Continually share your visionwith them and your guiding principles. Clarity of purpose is critical to employees. Give them a defined struc-ture, order, sense of purpose and meaning. In short, take care of the team; the team will take care of your cus-tomers and business.

Also, make certain your employees understand bottom-line fundamentals and how they can contribute toimproved profits. They need to know how their daily thoughts, actions, and inactions impact profits and cus-tomer satisfaction. Let them feel a real sense of responsibility for profits and clients. Furthermore, let them knowyou expect them to continually share new ways to grow revenues, eliminate inefficiencies, and improve busi-ness practices. Most employees will try to live up to your expectations.

As leader, you should be developing future leaders in your organization. You gain tremendous leverage bydeveloping the leadership skills of your people. This leadership development effort also helps with crisis man-agement events, succession planning, and eventually selling the business. As such, focus more time, energy,and effort on taking care of your best performers and much less time on your trouble employees. The moreleaders you develop, the greater impact they will have throughout the organization. To stop working in yourbusiness, you need to hand over daily reins to competent leaders.

You can also leverage past employees. Keep track of where your prior employees have gone. They are youralumni. If they left on good terms, keep in touch and maintain some form of on-going communication. They canfeed you future employees, customers, and who knows, they may rejoin your organization themselves.

Keep Your People Accountable

Too many leaders do not hold their people accountable for reaching established goals or performance stan-dards. In my opinion, such lack of accountability is one of the deadly business mistakes.

What’s currently happening in most small businesses? Meetings are held, issues are discussed, solutions areproposed, and goals are set. Unfortunately, the story usually ends there. Implementation is weak at best.Follow-up is missing. Follow-through is missing. Accountability is missing. Ideas, strategies, and tactics neverget off the ground. Many promises fall through the cracks. What a waste of time and talent.

Why does this mistake happen? Owners are not functioning as leaders. They are not monitoring progress ongoals. They are too busy in the details of the business to focus on the performance of others or the overall per-formance of the company.

Moreover, too many business owners try to be liked instead of respected. Holding people accountable can beconfrontational at times. Many owners avoid tension, conflict, and on-going performance reviews. Such avoid-ance is dangerous to your business and the development of your people. Don’t be everyone’s buddy. Don’t try tobe popular. This isn’t high school. As a leader, you need to be respected, not necessarily liked. Above all else,you are their boss and a challenging coach that demands the best of each player.

Meet with your key employees or managers at least once a month for a one-to-one, good-old-fashionedaccountability session. Remind them of your expectations. Help them to grow and improve. Again, when youcreate clarity of expectations and standards, there is less confusion and more effective delegation and accounta-bility.

Be very careful about letting your employees become your social friends. You need to remain objective tomake decisions in the best interest of the company. If you want a friend, get a pet. If you want to be liked byeveryone, sell your business and get a job. Trying to please or be liked by everyone is a sure bet for disaster.

Give people the responsibility, freedom, resources, and support required to get important things done. Letthem know they will be held accountable for certain results. Continually remind them of your expectations.Monitor their progress and intervene only when necessary. Give them feedback. Praise an employee’s progresson goals in public and criticize their poor performance in private.

However, in public, feel free to express your disappointment and frustration to your entire team. Just save theharsh criticism for an individual for behind closed doors. Praise in public; criticize in private.

Here are some basic ground rules for effective accountability:

• Never let committees, groups or multiple persons be accountable for making things happen.

• Make sure one person/one champion is responsible and accountable for each key assignment.

• Establish goals and clarify due dates for results.

• Conduct regularly scheduled follow-up meetings to gauge progress on goals and hold people accountable.

• If they consistently fail to get important things done, give them different jobs or replace them with newpeople.

Do not allow poor implementation to infect your business. It’s a cancer, a death sentence. You have only twochoices; you can establish a culture that tolerates excuses or one that insists on performance. Do you wantmore excuses or execution of goals?

For improved results, you must start leading and holding your people accountable. People want to be heldaccountable and challenged. They also want constant feedback on their performance. They want to learn andto grow. They even desire a healthy environment of discipline. All this helps them develop and reach theirpotential. Accountability is beneficial feedback that shows you care. Make certain your employees feelappreciated and important—they crave it!

As CEO, who will hold you accountable? Again, get a coach or use a Board of Advisers. Such people willhelp you reach your greater potential.

Find copies of the West Valley News atCORBIN BOWL19616 Ventura Blvd.Tarzana, CA 91356

Managed by Gary Montgomery

P 818-996-2695WEDNESDAY SPECIAL

(Wednesday is dollar day for Seniors )$1.00 per game

HoursSunday-Thursday9:00 AM - MidnightFriday-Saturday

9:00 AM - 2:00 AM

or online at www.westvalleynews-sfv.com


Madrid Theatre

Clyde Porter West Valley Playhouse

www.ci.la.ca.us/cad/madridtheatre

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2012 SEASONPERFORMANCE SHOW CATEGORY DATES

Black Coffee Mystery Feb. 3 – Mar. 4Stage Door Drama Apr. 13 – May 6The Odd Couple Comedy June 1 – June 30Summer Musical Musical Comedy July 27 – Aug 26The Front Page Comedy/Drama Sept 21 – Oct 21Moon Over Buffalo Comedy Nov 16 – Dec 16

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

www.wvplayhouse.com

Box Office: (818) 884-1907

Community News / Calendar

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

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

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

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

Welcome to “Spirit Speaks” Toastmasters

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

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

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

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

Black Coffee by Agatha Christie. This little known mystery will surprise and delightChristie fans. The story concerns a physicist named Sir Claude Amory who has come upwith a formula for an atom bomb (Black Coffee was written in 1934!). In the first act,Sir Claude is poisoned (in his coffee, naturally) and Hercule Poirot is called in to solvethe case. He does so after many wonderful twists and turns in true Christie tradition.

Runs Feb. 3rd - Mar. 4, 2012 Thurs. Fri., Sat. 8:00 pm, Sun. 2:30 pm

Ticket Prices are $25.00 Reg. $23.00 Seniors and Students.

Group Discounts are available.

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

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Adult Education Classes, SFV Get your GED orHS diploma. Upgrade your job skills. Learn a newtrade. Computer Op/repair, parenting, culinary,ServSafe Cert. ESL, construction, healthcare.Evening & Sat. classes. For information or to enroll,call: Hughes Edu. & Career Ctr. at 818-587-4335, ElCamino Real Comm. Adult School at 818-610-5600,Canoga Park High School Campus at 818-673-1391,Reseda Adult School at 818-758-3700, or visit ourwebsite at: El Camino Real High School

FEBRUARY 2012

www.valleycultural.org

February 13Chatsworth / Porter Ranch ChamberEvening Business Mixer5:30 pm - 7:30 pmRamada21340 Devonshire Street(818) 341-2428

February 14Happy Valentine’s DayEncino ChamberMicro LunchNoon - 1:00 pmUncle Bernie's17615 Ventura Blvd.(818) 789-4711

February 15Woodland Hills / Tarzana ChamberBusiness Networking LuncheonNoon - 1:15 pmMaggiano's Little Italy6100 Topanga Cyn. Blvd.(818) 347-4737

Granada Hills ChamberValentine’s Day Mixer6:00 pm - 8:00 pmPreferred Compounding Pharmacy17547 Chatsworth Street(818) 368-3235

February 16Chatsworth / Porter Ranch ChamberNetworking Leads Lunch11:30 am - 1:00 pmThe Olive Garden Italian Restaurant19724 Nordhoff Place(818) 341-2428

Universal City / North Hollywood ChamberAfter Hours NOHO Mixer5:30 pm - 7:30 pmUS Bank6350 Laurel Canyon(818) 508-5155

Sun Valley ChamberInstallation Banquet6:00 pmAngeles National Golf Club9401 Foothill Blvd.(818) 768-2014

February 17Granada Hills ChamberNetworking Breakfast7:30 am - 9:00 amVFW Post 232317522 Chatsworth Street(818) 368-3235

Chatsworth / Porter Ranch ChamberInstallation Gala ~ Monte Carlo Night6:00 pmPorter Valley Country Club19216 Singing Hills Drive(818) 341-2428

March 3Encino ChamberAnnual Installation Dinner Gala5:30 pmSheraton Universal Hotel333 Universal Hollywood Drive(818) 789-4711

March 21United Chambers with Calabasas,Canoga Park / West Hills, Encinoand Woodland Hills/Tarzana ChambersLuncheon11:30 am - 1:00 pmWarner Center Marriott21850 Oxnard Street(818) 981-4491Details coming

historical interest and should be preserved. Hencethe idea of establishing the Canoga-OwensmouthHistorical Society. She became its founder andfirst president in 1987.

The Canoga-Owensmouth Historical Museumwas established soon after by the Canoga ParkWomen’s Club, under the leadership of BethShirley, to commemorate the 75th anniversaryof the founding of the town of Owensmouth—renamed Canoga Park in 1931— with theinfluence of Mary Logan Orcutt (1873-1972),prominent early civic leader of Owensmouthand some help from her friend PresidentHerbert Hoover.

The memories of the Shirleys sit atop the BoxCanyon hills in their beautiful custom-built home,proudly overlooking the Valley communities theyhelped build, and fondly remembering the earlyhistory of Canoga Park they helped preserve.

Now in the autumn of their lives, Howard andBeth would love to see a resurgence of the senseof close-knit community they enjoyed in thoseearly days of Canoga Park.

Meanwhile, the Shirleys invite everyone to learnmore about the rich history of the West Valley byjoining or visiting the Canoga-OwensmouthHistorical Society and Museum.

Meetings are held on the second Wednesdayof each month at 7:30 p.m. at the Canoga ParkCommunity Center, 7248 Owensmouth Avenue(one block north of Sherman Way) in Old TownCanoga Park. Guest speakers are invited, for eachmeeting, who generally discourse about historicaltopics pertaining to the West Valley area. Themeetings are free and everybody is welcome.

The museum is housed in the same buildingwhere meetings are held, and it’s open on the2nd and 4th Sundays of the month from 2-4 p.m.Special visits to the museum can be arrangedfor private or school groups. The museum alsohas a Historical Slide Presentation available formeetings and schools to learn about the WestValley area.

The Canoga-Owensmouth Historical Societywelcomes any support or help anyone can offer.You are invited to join as a member, and getinvolved in helping preserve the rich historyof the San Fernando Valley.

For further information please call COHSpresident Jean Jauck at 818-340-3696 or visittheir website at www.co-hs.org.

Editor’s note: The preceding article is publishedas it was written in 2007. It provides a glimse ofthe life of Howard and Beth at that time beforeHoward’s health was claimed by Alzheimer’s.He lived his final days in Simi Valley.

He is survived by Elizabeth “Beth” Ada Shirley,his wife of 65 years; by his children, James(Maureen) Shirley and Linda (John) Mattson;and four granddaughters and an additional fourgreat grandsons.

Legends of the ValleyContinued from Page 7

Beth and Howard Shirley at the 95th AnniversaryCelebration of Canoga Park in June of 2007


SFV Genealogical Society

“Researching Your Catholic Ancestors: The Evolutionof Church Records for the Sacraments IncludingCatholic, German Lutheran and Church of England”will be the topic of speaker, Pam Wiedenbeck, at theSan Fernando Valley Genealogical Society Feb. 17,2012 meeting at 7:30 p.m. at the Meeting Room atthe Chatsworth Train Station,10038 Old Depot Road,Chatsworth CA 91311. Ms. Wiedenbeck has workedin both consulting and management roles since1983. As a senior project manager she specializes inassisting clients to plan their genealogical projects.She has been a practicing genealogist since 1994.She is a Project Management Professional (PMP), ascertified by the Project Management Institute (PMI).She has degrees from the University of Michigan,California Institute of Technology, and ClaremontGraduate University.

Join us for this interesting and educational presenta-tion. Learn how your ancestors may have crossedthe continent in those early years.

Visitors are welcome. Our programs are free, butdonations are appreciated. Find us online at:www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~casfvgs/index.html

For information call John Lindsay at (818)349-0878.

“Esther Howland, Mother Of the American Valentine”will be the topic of speaker, Mary Alice Ambrose, atthe Don Jose de Ortega Chapter NationalSociety, Daughters of the American Revolution at theFebruary 16, 2012 luncheon meeting at 10:30 am atthe Braemar Country Club, 4001 Reseda Blvd.,Tarzana, CA, 91356. Mary Alice Ambrose will tell usfacts that we haven't heard before. She is a historianand a genealogist.

Mary Alice ambrose has served in many offices ofDaughters of the American Revolution. She is a mem-ber of the DAR as well as several lineage societies.

Please join us for a very informative program.For reservations, call Bee Jay Farmer by Feb. 10-13,2012 at (818) 702-9048 or Hazel Prize at (818)884-0224. The cost of the luncheon is $24.00.For more information, please contact Ellen Fisher,Regent, at (323) 255-9536.

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