West Valley News

BOYS & GIRLS CLUB HOSTSFIFTH MILE OF QUARTERSThe Boys & Girls Club of the West Valley will

hold its fifth annual Mile of Quarters onSaturday, Sept. 24, 2011, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.at Westfield Topanga Shopping Center, accord-ing to Gary Thomas, chairman of the non-profityouth services organization. Last year the freeevent attracted thousands of youngsters, parents,and grandparents who helped lay out more than60,000 quarters across the mall.

The Mile of Quarters, which features music andentertainment throughout the day, is built aroundcommunity members contributing—and layingdown—quarters to cover one mile (5,280 feet)stretching through the mall. One foot of quartersequals $3.25. If the entire mile is filled, the Clubwill raise $17,160 to support its programs foryoung people.

PRESENTERS INCLUDE WESTFIELD TOPANGA,WELLS FARGO BANK, KEYES MOTORS

Key corporate Mile Marker Sponsors are:Blue Shield; Keyes Motors; State FarmInsurance; Pavilions Market; Wells Fargo Bank;Arthur Murray Woodland Hills; Los AngelesDaily News; and Trammell Crow. Additionalsponsors include Cooper Communications, Inc.;Neiman Marcus; Aaron, Thomas & Associates;

Hard economic times call for differentmeasures to keep the economic enginefrom stalling and coming to a halt

Whether you are a creative quilter designingand sewing colorful art pieces and displaying atthe local community theatre for extra income.Or a college student supplementing your incomeby selling hot dogs at the local art walk. Or ayoung entrepreneur baking organic cupcakesdreaming of becoming the next Mrs. Fields withmultiple franchise stores nationwide. Or a largemanufacturer finding innovative new applicationsfor heritage-style trolley streetcars. Or a marketingprofessional creating a new way of generating newbusiness opportunities for a large base of smallbusiness owners. Creativity and innovationprovide the motivational fuel to keep the economicengine from stalling and coming to a halt.

Non-profits have to be creative and innovativeas well to attract sponsors and raise neededfunds. A good example is the Boys & Girls ofthe West Valley Mile of Quarters fundraiser. Itprovides opportunities for both communitymembers and business owners to participate.

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

www.westvalleynews-sfv.com

Creativity and Innovation Keep Economy Moving

Serving:CalabasasCanoga ParkChatsworthResedaTarzanaWest HillsWinnetkaWoodland Hills

FREE

Quilts & Things artist Sharon Mountford displays one of her intricate and creative colorful quilts, at the foyerof the Clyde Porter’s West Valley Playhouse during the ARTrageous Art Walk in Old Town Center Canoga Park.

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VONS FOUNDATION AWARDS $10,000 GRANT TO BOYS & GIRLS CLUB

Ed Crowe / West Valley News

The Vons Foundation has awarded a $10,000 grant to support the Boys & Girls Club of theWest Valley’s Healthy Habits – Eat SMART Program. The objectives of the Eat SMART programare to reduce obesity among school-aged youth, build awareness of eating a variety of healthy andnutritious foods, increase belief in the importance of maintaining health and wellness, increaseoverall feelings of well-being among Club members, and ultimately, increase the likelihood ofparticipants making smart and healthy food choices throughout their lives.


INSIDE

Soteras Mortgage 2Commercial / Residential

Shaping your business to be sold 6

Braces for $99/mo. Corbin Dental 9

A.S.K. me about the law! 10

$ave BIG with Business Servicesand Classified 15

Fashion’s Night Out at Westfield 16

New ER at West Hills Hospital 16

Members of the Boys & Girls Club of the West Valley display a “Thank You VONS” banner after the presentation of a $10,000grant check by Vons representatives. (L-R back row) Canoga Park Vons Store Manager Leo Demsey, Vons Vice President ofRetail Operations Andy Barker, Vons District Manager Tim Saller, Corbin Village Pavilions Store Manager Jorge Salgero, andCanoga Park Vons Assistant Manager Carl Liscoumb.

See Mile of Quarters on Page 8

See Creativity and Innovation on Page 2

Natalie T. Terceman

This hot dog vendor was dressed for the ARTrageousArt Walk in Old Town Center Canoga Park but he wasalso wearing his entrepreneurial hat to do business.

See Vons Foundation $10,000 Grant on Page 6

Marla Vasquez (Center), Wells Fargo San Fernando ValleyCommunity Bank regional president with Jan Sobel, CEOand president of the Boys & Girls Club of the West Valley.

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From the Publisher’s DeskIf we, as small business owners leave our future in the hands of politicians,

we can be waiting for a long, long time. Businesses need to review, evaluate,plan, and take action. Hopefully being proactive rather than reactive.

Waiting for the market to improve or for politicians to unlock the gridlockand reach consensus, can be detrimental to one’s health and bottom line.We need to forge ahead with innovative and creative solutions, now not later.

My vision for a business exchange platform and value card program forchambers of commerce, that has been in the incubator since 2007, is gettingcloser to becoming a reality in 2011.

The San Fernando Valley with a diverse population of nearly 2 million and acommunity of more than 70,000 registered businesses, represents a significant

marketing base that offers many opportunities for business growth.

The Valley has a few organizations and business leaders who are doing a great job in the areas of politicaladvocacy, land use development, business attraction, job creation, job training, and other employment relatedactivities.

Local chambers of commerce do a good job—with limited resources—to provide opportunities for local busi-ness members to network and develop strategic partnerships to increase sales. However, the number of operatingbusinesses, in a particular community, that are members of their local chamber of commerce is relativelysmall—less than 10 percent. More opportunities for business to business exchange are needed. Chambers ofcommerce need more value-added benefits to retain and increase their membership rosters.

The vBizEx™ Program will create added value to chamber of commerce membership. It will help generate sav-ings for participating business members and their employees. It will provide a largemarketing base for national and local retailers and service providers. Local participating chambersof commerce will have the opportunity to generate an additional revenue stream from vBizEx low annual mem-bership fees. Selected community-building events will also receive support as well as some local non-profits.

Stay tuned for additional information and news about the launch date for vBizEx.™ My vision for ValleyBusiness Exchange, Inc. dba vBizEx is about to become reality.

As we turn the page from August to September, we have to prepare for the tenth anniversary of 9/11. We haveto remember those who were victims of the attack and be thankful to the men and women in the military,y wholost their lives and are currently in harm’s way as a consequence of the terrorist act. We must remain vigilant onthe day of the anniversary in case dormant cells decide to act. Los Angeles is a city that is near the top of the listfor terrorist attacks. Be aware of your surroundings at all times. Report any unusual activities.

I hope you and your family are having a great summer so far, and are getting ready for all the many upcomingcommunity events happening in the West Valley—through the end of the year.

And if you’re in business and need to get the word out about your product or service, think WVN.

PAGE 2 West Valley News Volume 7 Number 8 2011

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) 883-3374Fax: (818) 883-9678advertising@westvalleynews-sfv.comwww.westvalleynews-sfv.com

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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.

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CalabasasCanoga ParkChatsworthResedaTarzanaWest HillsWinnetkaWoodland Hills

GARAGE SALE • SATURDAY, SEPT. 3 10AM-3PM6243 Fallbrook Ave. (Between Victory and Erwin near Pep Boys)

Sept. 11 Memorial Event at Northridge Fashion CenterOn Sunday, September 11, Northridge Fashion

Center will be holding “A Day of Service andRememberance” community memorial event tomark the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 terroristattacks and remember the victims lost on that day.

Sunday, Sept. 11 from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pmNorthridge Fashion Center MallCenter Court (inside)9301 Tampa Ave., Northridge

There will be interactive stations in the CenterCourt inside the mall. There will be a postingboard to post tribute messages and a boothwhere visitors can write support letters to UStroops serving overseas. Devonshire PoliceActivity League Supporters (PALS), NorthridgeHospital Medical Center & Foundation, WaldenFamily Services for at-risk children, LAPDDevonshire Division and the L.A. FireDepartment will have display tables.

Corporate donors showcased in this issue ofthe West Valley News are to be commended fortheir generous contributions to local non-profits.Wells Fargo Bank, Westfield Topanga, VonsFoundation and Ralphs. A tradition of givingback to the community is a common thread thatthese great business organizations share.

Creativity and InnovationContinued from Page 1

Remember to shop local and hire professionalservices locally. Call the advertisers in thispublication who with their support, local newsand valuable information can be delivered onthese pages every month.

Besides creativity and innovation, cooperationand mutual support is needed among Valleybusiness owners. This keeps small businessesgrowing and the community prospering.

Keep the economic engine moving.

(Shared by a Cyber Friend of the West Valley News)

You may think differently about that penny the nexttime you see one on the street, on the parking lot,on the sidewalk.

Penny on the SidewalkYou always hear the usual stories of pennies onthe sidewalk being good luck, gifts from angels,etc. This is the first time I've ever heard this twiston the story. Gives you something to think about.

Several years ago, a friend of mine and her hus-band were invited to spend the weekend at thehusband's employer's home. My friend, Arlene,was nervous about the weekend. The boss wasvery wealthy, with a fine home on the waterway,and cars costing more than her house.

The first day and evening went well, and Arlenewas delighted to have this rare glimpse into howthe very wealthy live... The husband's employerwas quite generous as a host, and took them tothe finest restaurants. Arlene knew she wouldnever have the opportunity to indulge in this kindof extravagance again, so was enjoying herselfimmensely!

As the three of them were about to enter anexclusive restaurant that evening, the boss waswalking slightly ahead of Arlene and her husband;He stopped suddenly, looking down on thepavement for a long, silent moment..

Arlene wondered if she was supposed to pass him.There was nothing on the ground except a singledarkened penny that someone had dropped, anda few cigarette butts Still silent, the man reacheddown and picked up the penny.

He held it up and smiled, then put it in his pocketas if he had found a great treasure. How absurd!What need did this man have for a single penny?Why would he even take the time to stop andpick it up?

Throughout dinner, the entire scene nagged at her.Finally, she could stand it no longer. She casuallymentioned that her daughter once had a coincollection, and asked if the penny he had foundhad been of some value..

A smile crept across the man's face as he reachedinto his pocket for the penny and held it out for herto see. She had seen many pennies before! Whatwas the point of this?

“Look at it.” He said. “Read what it says.”She read the words “United States of America .”

“No, not that; read further.”

“One cent?” “No, keep reading...”

“In God we Trust?” “Yes!” “And?”

“And if I trust in God, the nameof God is holy, even on a coin.Whenever I find a coin I seethat inscription. It is writtenon every single United Statescoin, but we never seem to

notice it! God drops a messageright in front of me telling me to trust Him? Whoam I to pass it by? When I see a coin, I pray, I stopto see if my trust IS in God at that moment... I pickthe coin up as a response to God; that I do trust inHim. For a short time, at least, I cherish it as if itwere gold. I think it is God's way of starting a con-versation with me. Fortunate for me, God is patientand pennies are plentiful!

When I was out shopping today, I found a pennyon the sidewalk. I stopped and picked it up, andrealized that I had been worrying and fretting in mymind about things I cannot change. I read thewords, “In God We Trust,” and had to laugh. Yes,God, I get the message.

It seems that I have been finding an inordinatenumber of pennies in the last few months, but then,pennies are plentiful! And, God is patient.

West Valley News Volume 7 Number 8 2011 PAGE 3

LETTERS

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

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

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

Motivation and inspirationcome in different forms

Early on, Anthony Khoury knew he wanted tobe involved in the criminal justice system. Afterhe graduated from UCLA with honors in 2001with a self-designed major in Social Deviance andCriminal Justice, he went on to attend WashingtonUniversity in St. Louis School of Law, where hefounded the “Criminal Law Society.” Khouryreceived his Juris Doctor degree from WashingtonUniversity Law in 2004.

His law enforcement experience began while inlaw school when he interned as a law clerk at theVentura County District Attorney's Office, as wellas the St. Louis Circuit Attorney's Office. He gainedfour years of valuable hands-on experience behindthe scenes and in the courtroom.

After graduating from law school and servingas a graduate law clerk at the Sacramento CountyDistrict Attorney’s Office in 2004, and later, servingas a Deputy District Attorney at the Solano CountyDistrict Attorney’s Office in 2005-2006, Khoury learned the ‘ins and outs’ of the criminal justicesystem. During these years, he also built a sterling reputation for his work among prosecutingattorneys, defense attorneys, court staff, law enforcement personnel, and judges. Now he hassuccessfully been able to put this valuable experience and esteemed reputation to use for thebenefit of his clients.

As a young attorney wanting to have exposure to other areas of the law, he took time away fromcriminal law to work in civil practice. Khoury was employed at four different law firms—one as smallas having only 3-4 attorneys, and one as big as having over 1,000 worldwide. He went up againstsome of the biggest and best law firms in Southern California. In 2008, he was admitted to practicelaw before the United States District Court, Central District of California, and has handled a numberof matters before that court.

In late 2009, Khoury returned to the practice of criminal law by becoming a criminal defenseattorney. He has handled hundreds of cases, including cases involving: DUI, drug possessionand possession for sales, weapons possession, domestic violence, assault and battery, and trafficviolations. He has also handled dozens of Administrative Per Se (APS) hearings before theDepartment of Motor Vehicles (DMV). During the past year, he has made appearances in 14 differentcourthouses in various counties. He has achieved good results for his clients, ranging from outrightdismissals to reduced charges. He has also established a reputation for 'going the extra mile' for hisclients by walking them through every step of the criminal process, including any issue that mayarise after a case is resolved.

The name Khoury is synonymous with quality and service in the west valley. Anthony Khoury isthe son of François Khoury, general manager of the Hilton Woodland Hills and a prominent memberof the community. Anthony opened his law practice in Westlake in January of this year.

Whether you or your company need criminal defense or business litigation representation, the LawOffice of Anthony S. Khoury, can handle cases in Los Angeles, Ventura, and Santa Barbara counties.The law office is located at 2625 Townsgate Road, Suite 330, Westlake Village, CA 91361. You cancontact Anthony Khoury by phone at (805) 267-1115, via email at [email protected] orvisit his Web site at www.ASKmeaboutthelaw.com for a free consultation.

Anthony S. Khoury opens law practicein Westlake Village to serve 3 counties

The West Hills OptimistsHelp Battered SpiritsRise at Haven HillsBy Ed Young, West Hills Optimist

Haven Hills is a crisis short term housingshelter for victims of domestic violence. Thereis a 30 day maximum stay for each family, It isnetworked within the Southern California region,and is the only area shelter that will accept malechildren up to age 17. There are six individualapartments, with kitchens, so each family unithas privacy. All the children attend an ongrounds school. Various forms of counselingtake place, including, crisis and psychologicalcounseling, employment counseling, financialmanagement advice, as well as individual andgroup sessions. Since the program is brief,crisis based operation, the focus is to assist thewomen to be more self-aware and to deal withthe relationship with the batterer. Some returnto the relationship and many decide to make abreak with their past. For those women, HavenHills also operates a Transitional Program,where the families can live up to 18 months.Moving from the Crisis Shelter to the

Transitional Program is not automatic, as thereis always a waiting list.The West Hills Optimists started its relation-

ship with the Haven Hills in February, 1991 andevery second Friday since, members have puton the ‘Spirits Rise’ Party. A member contactsthe shelter on a Wednesday to get a preliminarycount on the ages and genders of the kids andhow many women are in residence. The countcan change by Friday, so a second call confirmsthe population. At the party, each child receivesan age and gender-appropriate wrapped gift, asdo the women. The Optimist have learned not todecorate the cake with designs that may beinterpreted as “Romantic,” as this may cause thewomen to become unnecessarily depressed.The Optimist are always in need of non-

violent gifts for kids from infancy to 18. Theaverage party has 10-12 kids and up to sixwomen. It is not unusual to have one or twowomen, with no kids, and a family of severalkids, including infants. It gets expensive for theOptimist Club to purchase the gifts each month.This is why any help is appreciated. In 2010, theOptimists served 83 women and 134 children.Of course monetary donations also help.If you would like to contribute, please contact

Ed Young at 818-704-1505 or Katy Willets at818-881-0521 to donate gifts.The Committee Co-Chairs are Kathy Willets

and Alma Zatarain, assisted by BobbieTrantafello, Jacquie Young, Marla Gray, MarshBeach, and Bill Hadala as “Santa Claus.”In 2007, the West Hills Optimist Club was

honored as the Outstanding VolunteerOrganization by the San Fernando ValleyChapter of the Association of Fund RaisingProfessionals for its Haven Hills Project.

West Hills enterprising young musician makescustom jewelry to pay for Euphonium lessons

If you stop by Fields Market in West Hills on a weekday afternoon or Saturday, you may hearCanoga Park High junior Stephen Jones playing his Euphonium to attract attention to his jewelrystand. A resident of West Hills, he started making custom jewelry from scratch three years ago to getenough money to pay for professional music lessons and purchase a silver-plated Euphonium. Hisdream is to become a professional musician and play someday as a classical Euphonium soloist.

Stephen can be contacted at [email protected].

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West Valley News Volume 7 Number 8 2011

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Regional Black Chamber818.464.3484 | Fax [email protected]

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

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

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

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

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

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Marketing Brochure for Spine Care SolutionBack in 1922 when the west end of the Valley was “a parched, treeless grassland, with nothing to

shield them from the hot summer sun or blowing dust,” the visionary ideas of an ambitious 18 yearold real estate developer, Victor Girard Kleinberger, who came to Los Angeles from Louisvillewith big dreams, transformed barren land into what is today a thriving community.

What we know today as Woodland Hills and Warner Center would not exist if it wasn’t for the workof Girard and his big ideas. He purchased 2,886 acres and planted 120,000 trees to attract prospects.The stock market crash in 1929 halted Girard's Boulevard Land Co. speculation in its tracks. As theGreat Depression rolled in, hundreds of lot owners failed to make payments or walked away. By1931, lawsuits had bankrupted the Boulevard Land Co. Girard died in 1954 at 74, but he had seenhis dream become a reality. By 1950, Woodland Hills had nearly 4,500 residents.

Today, Woodland Hills including Warner Center, has a population of more than 70,000 residentsand over 16 million square feet of developed commercial space.

According to the Woodland Hills Chamber of Commerce, Warner Center is still at the core of thebusiness district, Woodland Hills enjoys a strong financial establishment, an upscale residentialbase, the finest health care, outstanding retail and restaurant facilities, excellent schools, and manyrecreational opportunities without equal—all in beautiful Southern California.

This is what attracted the interest of Los Angeles-based Westfield, the US arm of Australia’spublicly held Westfield Group, to acquire in 1998 the properties that operate under the names ofWestfield Topanga and Promenade. The Westfield Group currently has interests in total assets worth$58 billion, owning 119 shopping malls in four countries—Australia, New Zealand, the UnitedKingdom and the United States—with over 10 million square meters of retail space. It is the world'slargest retail property group by equity market capitalization. This can only represent having a solidinvestment partner for the west valley community.

The only similarities between Girard and Westfield are the big visionary ideas to improve theappearance of undeveloped land and existing properties. Girard was a big spender and a risk takerwhich parallels in some way what Westfield has done since acquiring the Warner Center properties.

In 2004, the more than $300 million expansion of Westfield Topanga was called “one of the largestdevelopment projects in the Valley’s history” by Bruce Ackerman, then president of the EconomicAlliance of the San Fernando Valley. “It’ll generate more jobs, increase the attractiveness of the areaas a retail center and complement what they’ve done with The Promenade. That area was just beggingfor more work.” Ackerman said in an article published by the Daily News. That comment is a realityand a tangible proof today of Westfield’s positive contribution to the west valley.

What was said in 2004 about an area that is begging for more work, applies to the 31 acres ofunderutilized prime commercial real estate south of Victory and west of Owensmouth. Like the stockmarket crash in 1929 halted Girard’s development dream, the current economic downturn of recentyears halted the original plans and scaled back the proposed development of The Village at WestfieldTopanga. As bad as the economy is, it creates many opportunities for a a project of the large scalethat The Village represents, to create thousands of needed temporary and permanent jobs, over $600million of economic output for the community, and millions in tax base revenue for the city.

More than two thirds of the over 400 stakeholders who attended the Public Hearing on August 3,were in favor of the project moving forward. Westfield has responded to community concerns withimproved design features for the Costco building and the preservation of the creek bed.

There is no doubt that visionary ideas like The Village at Westfield Topanga will contributeeven further to making Warner Center and Woodland Hills a thriving community.

Fernando Award Finalist DinnerThe 53rd Fernando Award Foundation’s FinalistDinner, to be held on Friday, September 16,2011 will honor the five Finalists for the 2011Fernando Award — the highest honor forvolunteerism and civic accomplishment in theSan Fernando Valley. From the five finalistsbeing honored, one person will be chosen asthe 2011 Recipient of the prestigiousFernando Award.

Date: Friday, September 16, 2011

Time: Cocktails at 6:30 p.m.Dinner at 7:00 p.m.

Place: Woodland Hills Marriott21850 Oxnard AvenueWoodland Hills

Cost: $125.00; Open to the public

The finalists and the organizations thatnominated them, are:

• Greg Baker, LAPD Devonshire PoliceActivities League Supporters

• Nancy Cartwright, North Valley RegionalChamber of Commerce and Richard Leyden

• Lois Curran-Klein, Woodland Hills-TarzanaChamber of Commerce

• Joel Simon, Encino Chamber of Commerce,Fernando Recipient 2000, Rickey Gelb

• Gary M. Thomas, Chatsworth Chamberof Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubof the West Valley

For more information about the Fernando AwardFoundation, Inc., visit www.fernandoawards.org

For reservations or other information, please callDaniale Perry at (818) 980-7867.

Visionary ideas create thriving communities

The City of Los Angeles Planning Department Public Hearing for The Village at Westfield Topanga attracted alarge number of stakeholders with standing room only at the Warner Center Marriott, on August 3, 2011.


Aerial view of the town of Girard in 1923 / Topanga and Ventural Blvd.

“Recapturing the old daysof newspapers is impossible.But it is possible to emulatethe spirit of those hard-diggingjournalists who were dedicatedto covering their cities and towns.If today’s publishers had thatdedication and a sense of civicresponsibility, they would figureout how to get a real bangfor the buck and democracywould be better served.”It has been many years since news was deliveredin that fashion. The Internet, with its multitude ofinformers, and television are now America’s mainsources of news. Yet the obligations that faced ustypewriter-era scribes remain. In fact, they exceedin complexity anything we could have imagined.

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If this was a movie set, the director would be shouting... quiet on the set... cameras... action! However, inmany communities around the west valley, the actors [gang members] are running loose, during quiet times,defacing private property with graffiti, without cameras on sight, to catch them in the act. Some local directorsare mad. They want cameras. And they want action now!Property owner and Canoga Park BID (Business Improvement District) director Ray Holm sent out an email

message to local community leaders and this publication. His words are charged with anger and rightly so.“The gang graffiti in Canoga Park continues to cost merchants and businesses plenty of money and grief everyweek and we shouldn’t have to take it anymore!!!“I drove down Topanga last week and a block south of Sherman Way saw billboards with graffiti. Then I got

into downtown Canoga where small merchants have graffiti on their signs, storefronts or the back or side oftheir buildings. It seems to me that the Police are really unable to stop these maniacs and we the businessowners are afraid to report it anymore. As a result nothing is done. Does this bother anyone else or am I theonly one who is infuriated how these weasels can prowl around our town of Canoga Park at night and vandalizeproperty and put fear into customers and owners? Why can't the Police Department with their massive head-quarters just down the street, catch these dirt bags red handed or perhaps trap them like the wild animals thatthey are.”“The answers to those questions are not simple.” Holm says. “However, we pay taxes for police protection,

and Canoga business owners separately pay for their own security force yet the criminals intimidate us andwe still can't stop these vandals. It reminds me of a third world country.” He adds.“We really are not interested in how many graffiti were painted over!” Holm writes at the end of his email mes-

sage. He wants a lasting solution to the graffiti problem not just a temporary patch or paint over. He wantsaction now!West Valley B.O.O.S.T.E.R.S. director Dr. Kevin McNamee, is another community activist who is frustrated

and angry after waiting for 6 years for a surveillance camera system to be installed in the communities servedby the West Valley Police Station and the Topanga Police Station.The idea of using technology to fight crime, originated in Reseda in 2005 when Councilman Dennis Zine met

with neighborhood council members and discussed the idea of using discretionary street furniture funding forpublic safety issues. Because the proposed surveillance system was to benefit all the communities served bythe Third District and the West Valley Police Station, other stakeholders and BID representatives got involved.In July 2005, Canoga Park Improvement Association executive director Mary Paterson attended a BID

(Business Improvement District) Consortium Meeting. She brought back information about the impressiveresults attained by the Hollywood BID’s camera system that was then in operation. The results as a crimedeterrent showcased at a subsequent presentation, triggered the support for a similar system that uses newtechnology as a force multiplier to fight crime in the West Valley.Community leaders along with West Valley Station Command Officers and volunteer stakeholders, participated

in the initial research, planning, and outlining of the criteria for the selection of the most appropriate hardwareand software that would make up the proposed crime-fighting surveillance camera system.Eight vendors were contacted to find the best solution and determine the initial amount of investment needed.

A budget of $350,000 was required to install 17 mobile cameras. Funding was to come from a contribution of$25,000 from each of the neighborhood councils in the District. A shortfall of $150,000 sent camera committeemembers searching for other sources of funding.Several sources were identified, according to McNamee’s presentation about the proposed system, including:

Street Furniture Fund, Advertisement from Bus Stop Seats, and Funds given to the LA City Councilman. Fastforward to the last few months and emotions are running high about the delays.Cost estimates have doubled for less number of cameras and the whole proposed system is in question.

McNamee blames the Council Office for not releasing the funds and wanting to have control and micromanagethe entire process. He recently made a PowerPoint presentation at a meeting of the Reseda NeighborhoodCouncil, outlining the entire history of the proposed west valley surveillance camera system and highlightingthe reasons, in his opinion, why it has taken the city six years and they are still not ready to release the fundsto get the system installed. He urged the stakeholders attending to get involved and help it move forward.Following are excerpts from a letter Councilman Dennis Zine wrote to Cary Iaccino, Chairman of the Reseda

Neighborhood Council in response to McNamees inferences.“When the Surveillance Camera Project was first pitched to me, I was told that the cameras would be mobile

and that there would be a plan in place to monitor the footage. I was also under the impression that the ongoingmaintenance costs of the cameras would be covered through the agreement with the vendor. None of this is trueat this point.”“I’m not going to squander nearly $700,000 in public funding on a camera system that may soon become

obsolete, that is not mobile, that does not come with a guaranteed maintenance plan, and where there is not amonitoring plan in place.I have 23 months left in office as the councilman representing the West San Fernando Valley. I am committed

to using this discretionary street furniture money that I saved for public safety purposes before I leave office.I will move forward with a version of the surveillance camera project if I am 100% sure that it is the best use offunds to support public safety in both the short and long term. Until that point, I will continue to work with keystakeholders and research my options for the use of this critical source of funding.”There is no question that having the right surveillance camera system installed, will be a force multiplier and

a good deterrent to criminal activities in problem areas. However, having the best equipment without the rightinfrastructure, manpower, technical support or monitoring plan in place, it can become a white elephant that willonly serve as an attraction during tours of the Station’s facilities.Like any great production, the devil is in the details. So when the director shouts... quiet on the set... camera...

action! If all the performers do a good job the first time around, everybody involved will come together to say...it’s a print! Of course, the prints will be used to put a few graffiti vandals and criminals in jail.

Quiet on the set! [No cameras]... [no action]...

The monument sign at the recently inaugurated Child Development Institute in Canoga Park, was defaced by local gangs.The graffiti was removed but local property owners are clamoring for erradication of the problem not just a paint over.


CROWE MARKETING DESIGN


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

TAKE THIS AND RUN WITH ITSummer months can bring on the doldrums of

exercise routines done to death. Change leads togrowth; not only of the body but also of the spirit,in the form of new challenges leading to renewedmotivation.

In attempting to spike motivation we must findgoals to shoot for; it is through achieving short-term goals and then connecting incremental goalsthat we eventually achieve our long term goals.However, finding different ways of doing the sametype of work can move the process forward byleaps and bounds.

When we “up” the intensity and thus physicallychallenge our body, we force it to change. If weaccept the notion that quality work lives outsideour comfort zone, we must then strive to workuncomfortably in order to achieve quality results.

Here’s an example; you like to run or do theelliptical machine for your aerobic workout, andwhen you want to increase the challenge you trythe interval program. Take that idea on the trailsand experiment with “Fartlek” training (no, really,that’s what it’s called…blame the Swedes).It means “speed play.”

Here’s what you do; instead of a three mile evenly-paced run, jog the first half mile as a warm-up.

Then divide the next two miles into quarter mileincrements, running every other quarter mile at justabove comfort level, but below a sprint. Return toyour normal (not BELOW normal) pace for everyother quarter mile. When you’ve completed yourtwo miles doing this, jog the last half-mile asa cool down.

If you’ve done this correctly, it should have takenyou out of your comfort zone and been challengingto stay on top of (no matter your level). In the future,break the two miles into half-mile increments, ortry it with timed increments of mileage (say, thirtyseconds up-tempo, thirty seconds regular…or aminute, or four minutes). Try to maintain your pacefor each segment without dropping off during theelevated portions.

The point is; CHALLENGE YOURSELF! Workcreatively, differently and uncomfortably. Thisexample will elevate your normal running paceover time and burn more calories. Hopefully thiscan open new doors for you, making yourworkouts more interesting, more exciting,and more fulfilling on all levels.Take this and run with it! Feel pride in what you

do and ‘til next time…be good to yourself andbelieve, for if you do, you have No Limits….

No Limits Fitnesswith Jon Geiger


Vons Foundation $10,000 GrantContinued from Page 1

A 2010 survey conducted by the American Academy of Pediatrics among 8.3 million fifth-,seventh- and ninth-grade California public school students found that 38 percent were overweight,19.8 percent were obese, and 3.6 percent were severely obese. The Club’s Eat SMART program isdesigned to incorporate healthy living, active learning, good nutrition, and regular physical activityto improve youths’ overall well-being.

“Vons has a long-standing commitment to give back to the communities we serve,” said DaymondRice, director of government relations and public affairs for Vons. “This grant was funded andinitiated by one of our employees who understands the value the Boys & Girls Club of the WestValley provides to the neighborhood.”

According to Gary Thomas, Chairman of the Board of the West Valley Club, “The Vons Foundationhas graciously donated to the Boys & Girls Club for the last four years and we are very grateful tothe members of the Vons organization for their continuing generosity and spirit of benevolence.”

The Boys & Girls Club of the West Valley was founded in 1992 to meet the local need for safe,healthy, and productive activities for children during non-school hours.

There are more than 3,100 members of the Club. Approximately 150 youngsters visit the MainClubhouse in Canoga Park each day in addition to more than 550 children engaged in after-schoolactivities at the Club’s five school sites: Blythe, Reseda, and Topeka Drive Elementary Schools;Canoga Park High School; and the affordable housing community of Tierra del Sol.

The Club is located at 7245 Remmet Ave., Canoga Park, CA, 91303. Telephone: (818) 610-1054.Website: www.wvbgc.org; Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/wvbgc.

FREE Business CounselingSBA SCORE Program

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

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

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

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

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

Counselors to America’s Small Business

The Boys & Girls Club of the West Valley received a $10,000 grant check by Vons representatives. (L-R back row) CanogaPark Vons Store Manager Leo Demsey, CEO/President of BGCWV Jan Sobel, Vons Vice President of Retail OperationsAndy Barker, Vons District Manager Tim Saller, Corbin Village Pavilions Store Manager Jorge Salgero, and Canoga Park VonsAssistant Manager Carl Liscoumb.

Natalie T. Terceman

Henry’s and Sprouts Farmers Markets MergeOn Wednesday afternoon, Councilman Zine’s representative Octaviano Rios (photo below right)

and the Woodland Hills-Tarzana Chamber of Commerce joined Store Director Phil Peneyra andstaff in celebrationof their conversion from Henry’s to SproutsFarmers Market. For the next couple of weeks,Henry’s Farmers Market in Woodland Hills willbe officially transitioning into becoming SproutsFarmers Market where products, employeeuniforms, and signs will be changing to reflectthe new Sprouts brand. Henry’s started out asa fruit stand in 1943 and over the years hasprovided a unique shopping experience witha farmers market feel. Sprouts is aiming tomaintain a similar experience and product to itsloyal customers as Henry’s has done since itfirst opened in May of 2009. Councilman Zinecongratulates Sprouts Farmers Market on yourribbon cutting and welcomes them to thecommunity of Woodland Hills!

NEED A LAWYER FOR CRIMINAL DEFENSEOR BUSINESS LITIGATION

CALL ANTHONY S. KHOURY AT 805.267.1115Tell him you saw his name in the West Valley News

http://westvalleynews-sfv.com/Business_by_Referral.html

Young Athlete Achieves Personal Goal with No Limits TrainingBy Jon Geiger

I’ve been working with Stevie, this wonderful and hard-working kid for close to 4 years now, and he isleaving in a week for his dream which has come true—to play division one college hockey. His dad is alsoquite thrilled because he’s going to a good school and is motivated.

Stevie and his dad turned down offers and opportunities to work with the strength and conditioning coachesof both the Anaheim Ducks and Anaheim Angels for the last two years to continue working with me instead

because of the results shown, rapport built and trustearned. I am very proud of my, and our, work andtoday he hit a personal best of 185.2 lbs. Solid as arock—came to me as a skinny 140 lb. “Skills” highschool defenseman. Additionally, he has had noinjuries over the course of his two years startingEVERY single game plus COMPLETE postseasonplay in Canadian Juniors League (92 games eachseason!). They won the RBC cup for all of Canada’sJuniors two years in a row.

This is due to our No Limits Fitness preventiveconditioning, core stabilization and flexibility work.

As a resident of West Hills, I wanted to share thismoment with West Valley News readers because I know they will understand the “proud papa” feeling of suchcoach-athlete partnering, and the honoring of trust given thru personal results achieved.

Thank you for allowing me to share these positive and reaffirming moments of professional achievement.

Soon you will be able to FLASH your vBizEx™ and SAVE!


SUPPORTING THE BRAVE OFFICERS THAT PROTECT AND SERVE OUR COMMUNITY.

www.topangaboosters.org

PLEASE JOIN US AS A MEMBER

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

TAKE AN ACTIVE ROLE

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

LAPD Good Neighbor Any Amount

LAPD Residential Supporter $60.00 per year

LAPD Business Supporter $120.00 per year

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

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

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

The name of the system game is documentation and continual improvement. After the initial documentationblitz, you should spend one hour a week with your team conducting workshops on process improvement. Reviewthe documented processes, practices and policies and look for ways to repair, improve and optimize. By continu-ally improving your processes, your business gets better and your customers get better service and value.

And finally, an operations manual creates other benefits for your company as well:

• The company is not dependent on any one employee possessing knowledge about certain processes,policies or practices. No single employee can hold the company hostage by what she knows.

• If an employee is out sick or leaves, he will not take all the knowledge out the door with him.

• As you grow and add more people, your operations manual will serve as an efficient and effective trainingand development tool.

• Employees will not need to come to you with unending questions, problems, and issues. You do not needto be the all-knowing, all-seeing oracle. They have the answer book and can seek out solutions on their own.

• Your business will not be owner-dependent, peopledependent or expert-dependent (most expensive, mostexperienced talent) to achieve consistent results.

• Imagine the day when a potential buyer holds this operations manual in their hands and can see first-handan overview of every key process in your company and a detailed description of “this is how we do it here”.They will see a unique, proprietary business model that really works. You will see a big fat juicy check withyour name on it!

• With proper business documentation in place, you will not need to hire the most experienced, most expensivemanagers or key employees. Since the operations of the business are captured, you can focus on hiringpeople that will be hard working, loyal, and follow the game plan you have in place.

The Franchise Model for Validation

Need more convincing to start with the end in mind? Need more motivation to properly shape your businessnow to be successfully sold down the road? Let’s look at the probability of success for most businesses.

Think about this. Why do such a large percentage (some say as much as 90%) of franchise businessessurvive? It’s because they come with a turnkey, fully documented operations manual and proven systemthat works regardless of the location and people involved. Successful franchise models are finely tunedsystemsdependent businesses. They are the epitome of a strategic business.

They have perfected the way to do every key process (hiring people, selling, marketing, advertising, inventorymanagement, facilities design, customer service, real estate selection and development, product fulfillment, etc.)and they have put it down on paper. A franchise is an entire business-system-in-a-box. You get a success recipefrom the very start—a blueprint of a proven business model. That’s why most franchise businesses succeed!Why not borrow the success strategies of this industry?

A franchise provides a buyer (franchisee) with an entire integrated operating system of doing business—aproprietary and documented model of “how everything works here”. It’s entrepreneurship with a built-in safetynet. The business owner gets an invaluable advantage—she gets an owner’s manual, an operations manualand an employee manual from day one. Everyone, including the owner, knows her role, responsibilities andperformance expectations—they are clear and written down! That’s why most franchise businesses thrive.

Without a proven business model or formula, most businesses fail. According to the Department of Commerce,more than 80% of U.S. businesses fail in the first five years. Another 80% of those survivors fail or decide toshut down in years 6-10. Why do 96 out of 100 businesses fail to see their 11th anniversary? It’s simple; theyhave a technician’s mindset and inadequate business systems, leadership, planning and marketing. In a nutshell,they are not strategic business owners.

By default, without a business system, companies and employees simply wing it – very little is planned andorganized. There is minimal orchestration. Actions are arbitrary and random. The business depends on peopleinstead of systems. There is no “this is how we do it” manual. Everyone is busy being busy. Everyone is caughtin a purely reactive and fatiguing 911 emergency-response cycle. Owners and employees alike drain theirprecious energy improvising most tasks and get burned out recreating the wheel every day.

With everyone scrambling and “doing their own thing”, no one is leading and directing—the business justdrifts. Most owners experience persistent exhaustion and blues and eventually close the doors. I’m convincedthat most businesses don’t fail because of bad concepts. Based on my experiences, most owners simply getrun down and then give up. They decide the price to pay is too high.

Want to ensure your company’s success and your sanity? If so, start designing or re-designing your businessto be systems-oriented and self-managing. Why not borrow and adapt the success strategies of the franchisemodel? You do not want a business that is ownerdependent or people-dependent to achieve consistent results.You want a systems-dependent business that runs on autopilot. Life will be much easier while you are the ownerand life will be much richer when you sell your business.

With a CEO mindset and an integrated business system in place, you will now have time and energy to focuson leadership, business planning, marketing, and people management.

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 10

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

GEIGER’SNOLIMITS Training

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

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

START YOUR TOMORROW—TODAY!

Sport-Specific and Individual Conditioning

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

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

His approach consists of but is not limited to:

• Cardio Intensive–Heart Healthy

• Injury Prevention-Joint Strengthening

• Muscle Tone & Building-Body-Fat Loss

• Weight Loss-Core Stabilization

• Flexibility-Range of Motion

All workouts incorporate injury preventiontechniques and peak performance methods.

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

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

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

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

• Extended sessions also available.

• Explosive Plyometrics and Core Strength Principles

• Sports-Specific Muscle Building and Injury Prevention

• Range of Motion and Fast and Slow TwitchMuscle Activation

• Hybrid Yoga for Strength and Stability

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

� Entertainment Today

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

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

[email protected]

www.geigersnolimits.com

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

— Justin Resnik, International Champion Equestrian Show Jumper, Eurosporthorses

To learn more about how you can benefit, visit

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 4. SHAPING YOUR BUSINESS NOW TO BE SOLD LATER (CONT.)

Find copies of the West Valley News atSPECTRUM CANOGA PARK

22235 Sherman WayCanoga Park, CA 91303

P 818-884-5034Holiday Hours

Labor Day, Monday, September 5, 2011Club Hours: 7:00 AM - 4:00 PMKids Club: 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Club HoursMonday: 5:00 AM - 11:00 PMTuesday: 5:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Wednesday: 5:00 AM - 11:00 PMThursday: 5:00 AM - 11:00 PMFriday: 5:00 AM - 10:00 PMSaturday: 7:00 AM - 10:00 PMSunday: 7:00 AM - 10:00 PM

or online at www.westvalleynews-sfv.com

Don Jose de Ortega Chapter National Society“Facets of the Constitution” will be the topic of speaker, Angela Berry-Jacoby at the Don Jose de OrtegaChapter National Society, Daughters of the American Revolution at the September 15, 2011 luncheonmeeting at 10:30 am at the Braemar Country Club, 4001 Reseda Blvd., Tarzana, CA, 91356.

Angela Berry-Jacobi is a Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney. She will speak on the Constitution andhow we are governed by it.

Please join us for a very informative talk. For reservations, call Bee Jay Farmer by September 16-19, 2011 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.

NEED A PLUMBER AT YOUR HOME OR BUSINESSCALL H.W. ALLEN AT 818.340.2791


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PROMOTE YOUR BIZ 24/7

Southern California Gas Co; Kim & Scott Krivis;Weissman Law Group; and Willdan Group ofCompanies.

Additional sponsorships by the foot andEntertainment Sponsor opportunities are stillavailable for organizations or individuals wishingto support this event. Each sponsorship includesspecial acknowledgements and announcementsat the event as well as in available media.

According to Erick Klafter, General Manager,Westfield Topanga and Promenade, “Westfieldis proud to continue our support of the Boys &Girls Club of the West Valley. This unique andinteractive free event has proven to be anexciting attraction that provides the opportunity

for a fun and meaningful family activity whiledirectly supporting the Club’s mission to providea safe and caring after-school environment forlocal children.”

The event also will include music, an emcee, adeejay, dignitaries, and children’s entertainmentthroughout the day.

For further information regarding sponsoringa portion of the Mile, please contact Jan Sobelat the Boys & Girls Club at 818-610-1054.The Boys & Girls Club of the West Valley was founded in1992 to meet the local need for safe, healthy, and productiveactivities for children during non-school hours.

There are more than 3,100 members of the Club.Approximately 150 youngsters visit the Main Clubhouse inCanoga Park each day in addition to more than 550 childrenengaged in after-school activities at the Club’s five schoolsites: Blythe, Reseda, and Topeka Drive Elementary Schools;Canoga Park High School; and the affordable housing com-munity of Tierra del Sol.

Mile of QuartersContinued from Page 1

The Vertitude is the only studio in Los Angeles, California to offer unlimited classes in the latestand most popular forms of dance, fitness and self defense all under the same monthly membership.Drop in classes and 10 Class Packages are also available. Classes include: Krav Maga self defense,Salsa, Pole Fitness, Pilates Mat and Zumba.

Contact Sergia Anderson (hanging ten above on the pole) at 818-384-1344, The Vertitude,8511 Canoga Ave. Unit C, Canoga Park CA 91304 or visit www.TheVertitude.com.

To learn about the many benefits of joining the Woodland Hills-Tarzana Chamber of Commerce,contact Jen Svejda at 818-347-4737 or visit www.woodlandhillscc.net.

And if you want to get your sales message about your business delivered on print and online 24/7,contact Ed Crowe at 818-883-3374 or visit www.westvalleynews-sfv.com.

If you like to stay in shape doing Pilates, Zumba, Salsa,Pole Fitness, and Krav Maga, check out The Vertitude.

Photography by Alloy Images

First Class FREE

Just became a member ofthe Woodland Hills-TarzanaChamber of Commerce

WHTCC champs CEO Diana Williams and BDD Jen Svejda, show off their Krav Maga skills in front of other champs and VIPs.

I’m Diana I’m Jen

THE VISION OF 11:11 i OF THE ARTS TO CREATE A COHESIVEART CULTURE IN THE VALLEY HAS A HOME IN CANOGA PARK

Wherever the inspiration for an art walk came from downtown or the creative minds of local artists,the arts district of Old Town Center Canoga Park fits just right for the vision of 11:11 i of the Arts.

11:11 i of the Arts is a San Fernando Valley based art organization with the mission of creating,establishing, and promoting a cohesive art culture in the valley. 11:11, has gathered and organizedthe artists and craftsmen around the Valley to join together with the community of Canoga Park increating a Valley Art Walk. 11:11 i of the Arts is the newest and largest art based movement inthe San Fernando Valley. The Art Walk has a good future based on the positive response this year.

Earlier this year, 11:11 i of the Arts partnered with the Canoga Park Improvement Association(CPIA) that in cooperation with the Canoga Park-West Hills Chamber of Commerce helped open upthe streets and were instrumental in getting the City and local business owners involved.

The Canoga Park ARTrageous Art Walk has been a collaboration between two organizations.One, 11:11 i of the Arts, who manages the art and promotion of valley talent and curates thegalleries and vendors, and two, CPIA, who manages the city logistics and local promotion.



Anecdotes, Interviews,Bits & Pieces aboutWest Valley History.

By Ed Crowe, West Valley News

There couldn’t have been a better backdrop for the staging of the initial phase of Narrating Lives:Oral Histories of the San Fernando Valley—presented by the Museum of the San Fernando Valley—than Rancho Cordillera del Norte, the original home of a valley pioneer family. Elizabeth Waldo, acomposer, violinist, producer, whose late husband Carl Dentzel developed and named Northridge(Northridge is English translation of Cordillera del Norte), still lives within the expansive ranch.She has her own New Mission Theatre where she holds plays that reflect the valley’s history.

On Sunday, August 14, 2011, nearly 140 guests answered the call to attend a special reception tohighlight and showcase the first phase of video vignettes from interviews of pioneering San FernandoValley residents. It was a beautiful summer afternoon, hot and humid, typical of an August day in theValley. The lush beautiful gardens welcomed the guests who gathered around to meet and greet whilea Spanish trobador walked around playing his guitar and quietly singing. Some guests chatted under

the Spanish tile patio cover of the New MissionTheatre, others sat around tables arranged nearthe Spanish Rancho style outdoor Cantina a fewyards away. In the spirit of historic diversity of theValley, a multi-cultural buffet and refreshments,catered by Sabroso Mexican Restaurant ofWinnetka, was served.

Even organizers patiently waited until all guestshad enough to eat to start the afternoon program.Museum of the SFV Board member RichardHilton was the MC for the event. Among thespecial guests were former Councilman GreigSmith, Porky Johnson and Montie Montana Jr.

“It was very exciting having the two architects,Eric Lloyd Wright and Dion Neutra, with theimpeccable bloodlines there, lots of people weretalking about that afterwards.” CommentedWillard Simms, who appears in the photo above.

The Museum has some fascinating architecturalevents planned for the Fall. Contact Gerald Fecht,President for more information at 818-347-9665or visit www.theMuseumSFV.org.

Oral Histories of the SFV at Rancho Cordillera del Norte

SAVE THE DATE. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 201153TH ANNUAL FERNANDO AWARD FINALIST DINNER

Warner Center Marriott

Notable American architects Dion Neutra (standing) and Eric Lloyd Wright (sitting), who isthe grandson of the famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright, with Willard Simms, Board memberand director of education of the Museum of the San Fernando Valley.


Nearly 140 guests gathered inside the New Mission Theatreto watch and listen to the video vignettes of interviews.


Editor’s Note: Chapter 5 will continue on the next issue of the West Valley News.

Strategic Business OwnersContinued from Page 6

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SAVE THE DATE for 91311The Day to Celebrate Chatsworth!Mark your calendar for this fun, family-friendly community event that celebrates the 91311 Zip Code on

9/13/11. The event will celebrate all of the unique aspects of Chatsworth, from the rocky hillsides and theequestrian community, to the film-making history and great down-home restaurants.

Tuesday, Sept. 13 at 4:30 pm at St. Stephen Presbyterian Church, 20121 Devonshire St.

The event will feature a display of an aerial community photo of Chatsworth, “A Taste of Chatsworth,”a 50-year time capsule, drawings for prizes, children’s activities, music and more!

Event proceeds will be donated to Young Masters Performing Arts Academy, a program offering freemusic lessons for youth. For more information, call (818) 341-2428 or visit www.Think91311.com.

Suggested Action Items:

• Understand and adopt the metaphor that you are a business sculptor or architect. Your job as CEO is todesign and shape your business to be systems-dependent, not ownerdependent, not people-dependent, andnot expert-dependent. You are to sculpt a business system that works without you at the center of its veryheart and soul. You must design for and build in your freedom.

• Agree that franchises are successful in large part because they are a complete business-system-in-a-box.Pledge to borrow the success strategies of this industry.

• Fully embrace the following statements as a personal pledge: The ultimate goal of creating a business is tosell it one day to your employees, family members, or an outside buyer. To maximize your selling price,remember that no one wants to buy a job. They want to buy a smoothly running, effective, money-generatingmachine. They want to buy a successful, well-documented, organized business system that gets consistentresults. Commit to yourself and your coach that you will shape your business now to be sold later!

• Have you designed your business to operate consistently and smoothly without your being at the heart ofevery decision and transaction? If not, admit the need to re-shape your business to be more systems-dependent and less ownerdependent. Share this revelation with your coach.

• Ask your coach to hold you accountable for starting the reshaping, systematization and documentationprocess.

• Follow the six-step process on pages 42 and 43 to shape your business system and create your operationsmanual.

• If necessary, hire experts to assist with optimizing, documenting and/or continually improving your businessprocesses.

• The name of the system game is documentation and continual improvement. After the initial documentationblitz, you should spend one hour a week with your team conducting workshops on process improvement.Review the documented processes, practices and policies and look for ways to repair, improve and optimize.

• Once you have created your operations manual, trust the business system you put in place and let go. This“business blueprint” should liberate you by being used to:

– Train and develop new hires

– Greatly minimize employee interruptions and questions -- re-direct them to the operations manual

– Cover the gaps when employees are out sick or leave the company

– Prevent employees from re-creating the wheel – most recurring issues, problems, and crises shouldhave been appropriately anticipated and handled within the routine processes you created in thisoperations manual

ShopRESEDA – $25 every 25thEvery 25th of the month, join your neighbors in supporting local business, with “Spend $25 every 25thin Reseda.” By spending your money in Reseda, statistics indicate that approximately $.45 of each dollarspent remains in Reseda via businesses improvement and tax revenue returning to our community.The more of our spending we shift to inside Reseda, the more tax revenue returns for street repairs,park improvements, and infrastructure improvements!

Over 30 businesses are offering special Discount Coupons. Go to www.resedacouncil.org orwww.facebook.com/RNC.FB for more information.

Preserving Our Living Legends Through Fine Art to Honor Muhammad AliOctober 20, 2011 at the “Paley Center for Media” in Beverly HillsPreserving Our Living Legends Through Fine Art honors “The Greatest.” This years’ honoree, the

world’s greatest boxing legend of all time Muhammad Ali. Ali, born in Louisville, Kentucky in1942, first introduced to the world as Cassius Clay, is said to be one of, if not, the most notable facethroughout the world. In 1960, at the tender age of eighteen, Clay fought and won the U.S. GoldMedal, Light Heavyweight Championship in Rome. Ring Magazine, widely known in the world ofboxing, dubbed Ali number one of greatest heavyweights from all eras in 1998. Ali, a three timeWorld Heavyweight Champion, humanitarian, philanthropist, social activist has been crowned bySports Illustrated, “Sportsman of the Century” in 1999 and reigned “Sports Personality of theCentury” by the BBC.

Ali has been selected this year’s Preserving Our Living Legend Through Fine Art’s honoree for allof his valiant, historic bouts that did not win him gold medals, or a championship title belt. We honorAli for his humanitarian efforts that often cost him his popularity and fame. Ali, well known for hisunorthodox style boxing, outspoken, fearless personality, quips and idioms, fought his toughest andmost courageous and controversial matches outside of the boxing ring. This well-spoken world Iconfought his way into the hearts of men, women and children throughout the world and reshaped theimage of boxing. Muhammad Ali remains to date the most memorable, controversial, undefeated,and beloved champion in the history of boxing and the world.

On October 20, 2011 at the “Paley Center for Media” in Beverly Hills, CA. Muhammad Ali will behonored by the unveiling of his portrait, “Never To Walk In Anyone’s Shadow” by InternationallyAcclaimed Fine Artist, Jameel Rasheed. This limited edition collectors’ piece is autographed byAli and signed by the artist is one of the historical masterpieces to be featured throughout theevening. A limited edition print will be presented to the daughter of Muhammad Ali attending on hisbehalf. The evening will benefit Preserving Our Living Legends Through Fine Art which aspires touplift, encourage and foster the development of young artist, in association with The MulticulturalMotion Picture Association Educational Scholarship Fund for young and upcoming film-makers and Totally Artistic Television Inc. dedicated to promoting visual arts and culture forfuture generations “One Episode At A Time.” Proceeds will also benefit Team Parkinson, a non-profitorganization dedicated to Parkinson’s Disease research.

*There will be a live filming of a documentary by Totally Artistic Television, Inc. during this historic event.

Find copies of the West Valley Newsat the West Hills Hospital & Medical Centeror online at www.westvalleynews-sfv.com

Ralphs’ Generous DonationLast Friday, Ralphs grocery store, along with the community, store staff, and regional directors,

celebrated the completion of the remodeling of their store located across the street from Taft HighSchool in Woodland Hills. Realizing the needs of the community, Ralphs generously decided todonate over $17,000 to two San Fernando Valley organizations, St. Mel’s Elementary School and theWest Valley Food Pantry (WVFP). The WVFP will use the funds to help replenish their pantries withfood for those in need. According to Principal Mary Beth Lutz, St. Mel’s will aim to provide childrenwith better computer and technology programs to help them maintain skills needed as they movethrough their academic careers. Councilman Zine's Field Deputy Octaviano Rios, Ralphs DistrictDirector Mike Quinones, Store Director Bobby Saengtong were on hand to help hand over the verylarge checks to both organizations who received them with great appreciation and excitement. Also,as a reminder, earlier this year Ralphs sponsored the planting of many trees on Ventura Blvd.between Topanga Cyn. Blvd. and Canoga Ave. Thank you to Ralphs for your generosity andcontinued support this year!



Woodland Hills, CA — With gourmet foodtrucks making their mark in 2010 and the burgerhaving it’s boom in 2009, 2011 continues thetrend as it reinvents the flavors of the hot dog.Nowhere is this seen more distinctly than in thenew Woodland Hills location of The Slaw Dogs,Restaurant™.

Featured in local and national publicationssuch as TRAVEL+LEISURE, SUNSET, HUFFING-TON POST, ZAGAT and on THE FOOD NET-WORK. The Slaw Dogs™ is the creation of life-long restaurant entrepreneur Raymond Byrne,previously the managing partner of the SunsetRestaurant, Malibu and general manager of IlFornaio, Cucina Italiana. Ray brings with himan expertise in customer service, a genuine lovefor cuisine and entertaining and a natural talentfor paring flavors. His prior experience devel-oping and running the beverage programs atboth restaurants in conjunction with his love forboutique wineries and micro breweries sets thestage for a unique beverage list to pair with hisculinary fare. The Slaw Dogs™, WoodlandHills, (Ray’s third store) is located on a charm-ing corner pocket of the always bustling VenturaBlvd.. Complimenting its surroundings, TheSlaw Dogs™ intermingles ethnic ingredientswith the favorite American classic, creating fla-vors that all at once conjure a sense of comfortand familiarity while leaving you with a sense ofsurprise and whimsy.

The Slaw Dogs™ Menu features a design-your-own component: choose your gourmet linkor handmade burger and create your culinarymasterpiece from the diverse list of standard orcustom toppings, some of which include:

jalapeno-bacon, truffle oil, roasted garlic, sauer-kraut, all beef beer chili, and kimchi. Nextchoose from house made sauces such as horse-radish mustard, curry ketchup or spicy sesamemayo. Of course, you can always top your dogwith the delectable homemade “traditional”coleslaw or their exemplary Thai-slaw. If creat-ing your own design isn’t your forte you canorder one of their artfully crafted Slaw Dogs™such as The Green Monster™ which includesroasted pasilla peppers, house made chipotle-mayo, grilled onions, pepper jack cheese andspicy garlic salsa verde. For non-meat eatersthere are several tasty options, including theoriginal (and delicious) Soy Bomb™, whichbegins with a veggie dog and roasted garlicmayo, and is then topped with a tofu mint gin-ger-ponzu slaw. Even a devout carnivore willlove this dog.

More than a restaurant, The Slaw Dogs™ is agathering place. Featured on The Food NetworkShow, Outrageous Food and designed withwarm colors and an updated rustic appeal, thisspace invites passersby to poke their head in,take a load off and enjoy the company of friendsand family or strike up a conversation withsomeone new. You’ll find The Slaw Dogs™ at19801 Ventura Blvd in Woodland Hills, betweenCorbin Ave and Winnetka Ave. They’re openbetween 11:00am and 9:00pm Sunday toWednesday and 11:00am to 10:00pm Thursdayto Saturday. Full service, onsite catering for anysize event is available. Contact by phone at(818) 887-8882 and online at http://www.thes-lawdogs.com or visit on twitter.com/theslawdogsand become a fan on Facebook/ the slaw dogs.

THE SLAW DOGS HAVE ARRIVED AND THEY ARE ALL DRESSEDUP WITH FLAVORS FROM AROUND THE WORLD

The United States public debt is the money borrowed by the federal government of the United States at anyone time through the issue of securities by the Treasury and other federal government agencies. The US nationalpublic debt consists of two components:

• Debt held by the public comprises securities held by investors outside the federal government, including thatheld by investors, the Federal Reserve System and foreign, state and local governments.

• Intragovernment debt comprises Treasury securities held in accounts administered by the federal government,such as the Social Security Trust Fund.

The public debt increases or decreases as a result of the annual unified budget deficit or surplus. The federalgovernment budget deficit or surplus is the cash difference between government receipts and spending, ignoringintra-governmental transfers. However, there is certain spending (supplemental appropriations) that add to thedebt but are excluded from the deficit.

The public debt has increased by over $500 billion each year since fiscal year (FY) 2003, with increases of$1 trillion in FY2008, $1.9 trillion in FY2009, and $1.7 trillion in FY2010. As of August 3, 2011, the grossdebt was $14.34 trillion dollars, of which $9.78 trillion was held by the public and $4.56 trillion was intra-governmental holdings. The annual gross domestic product (GDP) to the end of June 2011 was $15.003 trillion(July 29, 2011 estimate), with gross debt at a ratio of 96% of GDP, and debt held by the public at 65% of GDP.

In the United States, there continues to be disagreement between Democrats and Republicans regarding theUnited States debt, with Republicans typically advocating a smaller federal government role and lower taxes,while Democrats advocate a larger federal government role and higher taxes. On August 2, 2011, PresidentBarack Obama signed into law the Budget Control Act of 2011, averting a possible financial default. DuringJune 2011, the Congressional Budget Office called for "...large and rapid policy changes to put the nationon a sustainable fiscal course."

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_public_debt

What Is GDP?By Kimberly Amadeo, About.com Guide

The U.S. Economy Is Measured by G.D.P.:

The best way to understand the U.S. economy is by looking at Gross Domestic Product (GDP),which is the statistic used to measure the economy. In other words, the U.S. economy, as measuredby GDP, is everything produced by all the people and all the companies in the U.S. In 2010, it was$14.7 trillion.

To make sure that GDP can be most accurately compared year-to-year, the Bureau of EconomicAnalysis (BEA) usually reports real GDP.

Nominal GDP is the measurement that leaves inflation in the estimate. It is, therefore, much higherthan real GDP.

How GDP Is Calculated:

To calculate real GDP, the BEA makes three important distinctions:

1. Imports and income from U.S. companies and people from outside the country are not included,so the impact of exchange rates and trade policies don't muddy up the number.

2. The effects of inflation are taken out.

3. Only the final product is counted, so that if someone in the U.S. makes shoelaces, and it is used tomake shoes in the U.S. (there are a few companies left!) only the value of the shoe gets counted.

GDP Growth Rate:

GDP is measured by the BEA quarterly. The BEA revises estimates as it receives better datathroughout the next quarter. To compute economic growth, it compares each quarter to the previousone. For a summary of all GDP growth reports since Q4 2006, see GDP Current Statistics

How GDP Affects the US Economy:

GDP is important for three reasons:

1. Most importantly, it is used to determine if the U.S. economy is growing more quickly or moreslowly than the quarter before, or the same quarter the year before.

2. It is also used to compare the size of economies throughout the world.

3. It is to compare the relative growth rate of economies throughout the world.

Investors look at GDP growth to see if the economy is changing rapidly so they can adjust theirasset allocation. In addition, investors compare country GDP growth rates to decide where the bestopportunities are. Most investors like to purchase shares of companies that are in rapidly growingcompanies.

The Federal Reserve (Fed) uses the GDP growth rate as one of the indications of whether theeconomy needs to be restrained or stimulated.

INFORMATION EVERY CITIZEN SHOULD KNOW

Reseda originated as a farm town named “Marian” (or “Rancho Marian”) that appeared in 1912.Its namesake, Marian Otis Chandler, was the daughter of Los Angeles Times publisher HarrisonGray Otis, a director of the Los Angeles Suburban Homes Company. H J Whitley was the manag-er of the Los Angeles Suburban Home Company. The Western Division of the Pacific ElectricRailway ‘Red Cars Line’ expedited development after the Los Angeles Aqueduct brought water toCity of L.A. annexed Marion.

About 1920, Reseda—named after a fragrant North African yellow-dye plant, Reseda odorata,whose English name is mignonette and which grows in hot, dry climates—replaced Marian asa designation for a stop on the Pacific Electric interurban railway running along Sherman Way.The name “Reseda” was given first to a siding on a branch of the Southern Pacific Railroad inthe south San Fernando Valley.

Northridge earthquake

It is not widely known that the epicenter of the 1994 Northridge earthquake was actually inReseda. The epicenter at first was reported as being in San Fernando, then a few hours later"somewhere near Northridge", and was pinpointed in Reseda (near the intersection of WilburAvenue and Saticoy Street) about a week later. By this point, however, the media had dubbed itthe "Northridge" earthquake and the name stuck.

Sherman Way

Named for Moses H. Sherman, a major land developer in the southern half of the Valley.Opened for traffic in 1912, it originally included segments of the thoroughfares known today asChandler and Van Nuys boulevards, and it was the major east-west highway across the Valley.The name is never shortened on second reference; it is always spoken as Sherman Way.

CURIOUS ABOUT RESEDA TRIVIA

Council District 12 Welcomes Captain Kris Pitcher asNew Commanding Officer of LAPD Devonshire DivisionAs Chair of the Public Safety Committee

and an LAPD Reserve Officer, it is my distinctpleasure to welcome Capt. Kris Pitcher as thenew commanding officer of LAPD’s DevonshireDivision.” Said Councilman Mitchell Englander.

Captain Pitcher has been a member of theLos Angeles Police Department for 24 years andhas worked a variety of assignments includinguniformed patrol, training, vice enforcement andvarious investigative entities. He was appointedto the rank of Captain in December of 2000 andserved as the Commanding Officer of Foothilland North Hollywood Patrol Divisions, ViceDivision and Force Investigation Division beforebeing appointed the Commanding Officer ofDevonshire Area in August of 2011.

Additionally, Captain Pitcher is a memberof the faculty of Americans for Effective LawEnforcement (AELE) where he speaks on thetopic of OIS investigations at their annual seminar, and has authored numerous articles on OISinvestigations, credibility and protocols for law enforcement and legal journals.

He earned a Bachelor’s in Political Science and a Master’s in Public Administration from CSUN.He is a Certified Litigation Specialist (CLS) from AELE, is certified by the Force Science ResearchCenter in use of force analysis, graduated from Police Executive Research Forum’s (PERF) SeniorManagement Institute for Police (SMIP) Executive strategic management program and has attendedHarvard’s Kennedy School of Government executive education program,

MESSAGE FROM WASHINGTON

Sherman Receives Friend of the National ParksAward for Protecting America’s ParksCongressman Sherman received the Friend of the National Parks Award from the National Parks

Conservation Association (NPCA) for his commitment to preserving America’s national parks forfuture generations.

“I am honored by the National Parks Conservation Association’s award, and I thank them,” saidSherman. “I will continue to work hard to protect our treasured national parks and natural space.”

The National Parks Award is for Members ofCongress who lead efforts to protect and enhancethe National Park System. The NPCA, which has600,000 members and supporters, works toprotect the park system to preserve the nation’snatural, historical, and cultural heritage.

One of Sherman’s major accomplishmentsin helping the National Park System is theprotection of the Santa Monica MountainsNational Recreation Area. The area is the mostvisited unit of the National Park System, withover 33 million annual visitors.

Sherman spoke on the importance of the SantaMonica Mountains for residents of the Valley.“Protecting our environment—especially our

pristine national parks—is one of my top legislative priorities,” said Sherman. “The Santa MonicaMountains National Recreation Area is the nation’s largest urban national park, providing a varietyof outdoor activities for Valley families.”

Earlier this year, Sherman worked to persuade the Obama administration to include funding in itsFiscal Year 2012 Budget for land acquisitions in the Santa Monica Mountains. The President’s budgetincluded $3 million to acquire and protect up to 350 acres of land in Zuma and Trancas Canyonsnear Malibu in the Santa Monica Mountains. Over the years, Sherman has helped to secure nearly$20 million to acquire and preserve critical open space and complete the 65-mile Backbone Trail.

The National Park Service completed an acquisition of 160 acres of pristine habitat in the SantaMonica Mountains National Recreation Area in April of this year. The three parcels, located betweenPeter Strauss Ranch and Malibu Creek State Park, were identified as high priority land acquisitionsdue to the undisturbed condition of the property and the richness of the natural habitat.

Congressman Sherman worked with Senator Feinstein to secure the federal funding to preservethis area near the north face of Castro Creek from future development.

L.A. City Council Votes to Convene Risk ManagementTask Force and Dedicate Risk Manager to LAPDTask Force to improve risk management policy and prevent high risk liabilityLOS ANGELES – Under Councilman Dennis P. Zine’s leadership, the Los Angeles City Council

approved the creation of a task force to review and explore more creative ways on how to reduce theCity’s liability costs from its two highest risk factors: the Los Angeles Police and Fire Departments.The Council also approved a new Risk Manager to oversee the LAPD’s Risk Management Division.

The City is currently paying an average of $23 million dollars annuallyfrom claims arising from workplace transgressions and Fair LaborStandards Act violations. During the past 5 years the City has paid outover $90 million in claims from the LAPD and over $20 million forclaims from the LAFD. These outrageous amounts have a devastatingimpact on the City’s ability to fund critical services in communitiesthroughout Los Angeles.

The task force consists of the CAO, CLA, Personnel Department,City Attorney, Los Angeles Police Department, and the Los Angeles FireDepartment. This group will look at several areas such as departmental

risk management policies and procedures, prevention of liability claims, departmental compliancewith existing policies including the Mayor’s Executive Directive Number 9 (Litigation RiskManagement), and improvement of citywide departmental claims processing and data systems.

The Risk Manager will be responsible for LAPD’s comprehensive risk management program whichincludes identifying and measuring risk exposures and developing and implementing methods forrisk control and loss prevention. This new role is the start of a complete reform package within theLAPD and citywide risk management. The LAPD will work closely with the task force and share itsprogress on the implementation of this new position.

“The risk management task force will hold departments accountable, bring transparency to theprocess, and commit to real change,” said Councilman Dennis P. Zine, Chair of the Audits andGovernmental Efficiency Committee. “I am confident that the Risk Manager will make a significantimpact to reduce the amount that the taxpayers are shelling out for liability claims. Both of theseactions are a proactive approach to saving taxpayer dollars that could be better spent on providingCity services.”

“The creation of a risk management task force and LAPD risk manager will not only help reducecostly lawsuits against the Police and Fire Departments, it will also save the City millions of dollarsthat can be used for core city services including public safety," Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa said."The new Risk Manager will strengthen department accountability and help prevent liability claims byensuring that proper workplace practices are in place and that the LAPD and other agencies complywith all applicable laws.”

"The Risk Management Task Force and new Risk Management manager for the Police Departmentwill help us identify and reduce City liability and prevent future losses," said LAPD Chief CharlieBeck. "I am looking forward to working with the Risk Management Task Force, and I pledge the fullsupport and cooperation of every member of the Police Department. My thanks to CouncilmemberDennis Zine and the City Council members for their leadership and vision in protecting the City andhelping reduce our liability in the future."

The Risk Management Task Force will report quarterly to the Audits & Governmental EfficiencyCommittee, chaired by Councilman Zine.

PAGE 12 West Valley News Volume 7 Number 8 2011

A WORD FROM OUR ELECTED OFFICIALS


Legislature Passes Sweeping AnnuityReforms to Protect Consumers(SACRAMENTO, CA) The California State Legislature unanimously passed legislation authored

by Assemblymember Bob Blumenfield (D-San Fernando Valley) that will enact sweeping consumerprotections in the annuities market.

“After years of work, we finally reached a breakthrough that will protectCalifornians from financial scams,” said Blumenfield. “By signing thisbill, the governor can help protect the hard-earned financial security ofCalifornians, especially seniors, and end an alarming breeding groundfor fraud in the annuities market.”

An annuity is the opposite of life insurance. The consumer pays alarge sum or premiums to an insurer and then a smaller sum is paid outto the insured over his or her lifetime—similar to a reverse mortgage.In 2010, Californians spent $20.7 billion on annuities—a third of allinsurance premiums that year. The problem is there is no legal require-

ment that insurers determine that an annuity purchase is financially suitable for the consumer priorto the sale or the issuance of an annuity. Consequently, annuities are frequently sold to the wrongpeople. Last year, our Insurance Commissioner received nearly 2,000 complaints from consumersrelating to annuities and life insurance, which are frequently sold together. But many cases of fraudgo unreported.

Assembly Bill 689 requires insurers to verify that an annuity purchase, exchange or replacementis reasonably “suitable” for the consumer based on an evaluation of a consumer’s age, income,financial objectives, liquidity needs, use of the annuity, and other data before recommending thepurchase of an annuity to a consumer. It also empowers the Insurance Commissioner to revoke aninsurance agent’s license, impose fines, and/or order the restoration of lost funds to the consumerwhen suitability standards are violated.

By signing this bill, the governor will preserve California’s exemption from annuity regulation bythe Securities and Exchange Commission under the federal Wall Street Reform and ConsumerProtection Act of 2010, which instructed states to develop annuity suitability standards by June 16,2013. And, Blumenfield’s AB 689 would provide a higher standard of consumer protection.

“Consumers are frequently sold annuities without understanding that their investment funds will beunavailable for years and prohibitively expensive to recover in the short term,” added Blumenfield.“It’s wrong that consumers pay the price for financial products they don’t need.”

AB 689 passed the State Assembly today with a 75-0 vote, following a Monday Senate vote of34-0. It now moves to Governor Jerry Brown for his signature or veto. He will have 12 days to acton this bill.

AB 689 is supported by AARP and Consumer Watchdog, which have been pursuing annuity reformfor a number of years. It is also supported by California’s Department of Insurance. Additional infor-mation is available at http://www.leginfo.ca.gov.

West Valley News. We Deliver. Call 818.883.3374COMMUNITY ADVERTISING AT AFFORDABLE RATES.

CALABASAS / CANOGA PARK / CHATSWORTH / RESEDA TARZANA / WEST HILLS / WINNETKA / WOODLAND HILLS

QuickBooks Boot Camp - $99Friday, August 26, 10:00 am to 4:30 pmAt Premier America Credit Union3rd Floor Computer Lab19867 Prairie St., Chatsworth

This one day workshop is ideal for business owners,office managers and bookkeepers who are new toQuickBooks or need a refresher. Learn how to createa company file, chart of accounts, new vendors,customers, pay bills, invoice customers, receive pay-ments, make deposits and reconcile bank accounts.

QuickBooks Level 1 - $65

Friday, September 9, 10:00 am to 1:00 pmAt City of Calabasas Library,200 Civic Center Way, Calabasas

Friday, September 23, 10:00 am to 1:00 pm

At Premier America Credit Union, 3rd FloorComputer Lab, 19867 Prairie St., Chatsworth

This hands-on “at a computer” 3-hour workshop willteach you how to use QuickBooks to profitably runyour business. Learn simple yet powerful techniquesto manage your finances including how to set up achart of accounts, pay bills, record a sale, invoice acustomer, receive payments and the affect of dailytransactions on your monthly and year-end profitand loss statement.


Business Education/Workshops

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

For information 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

All VEDC workshops at:

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

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

MEND’S STOP SUMMER HUNGER DRIVE ENTERS FINAL STAGEJUST SHY OF GOAL TO RECEIVE $80,000 IN FOOD AND FUNDS

Effective Selling - $30Thursday, September 2210 am – 1 pm

At Premier America Credit Union1st Floor Training Room19867 Prairie St., Chatsworth

This hands-on three-hour training workshop willhelp you learn effective ways to increase your salesand improve the results from your selling processes.The workshop is lead by a sales expert with 35 yearssuccessful business experience and will teach youhow to create and implement a powerful sellingprogram in today’s competitive and changing market.

Seminars in Chatsworth for Starting, Running, andGrowing Small Businesses.

The SBDC is an Small Business Administrationaffiliated consulting and training service for smallbusinesses in the San Fernando, Santa Clarita, andAntelope Valleys. The Center is part of College ofthe Canyons.

Please call to verify workshop dates and times.Please arrive 10 minutes early to check in.

Tuesday, September 6Start-Up Do’s and Don’ts4pm – 6pmVEDC$10Contact: 818-907-9977 or [email protected]

Wednesdays, September 7 – October 5Marketing Your Business Right Series7pm – 9pmVEDCFREEContact: 818-907-9977 or [email protected]

Thursday, September 8ETP Alumni Mentoring Group6pm – 8pmVEDCFREEContact: 818-907-9977 or [email protected]

Saturday, September 10Where’s the Money? Access to CapitalBusiness Expo8am - 2:30pmVEDCThe Odyssey Banquet Center15600 Odyssey Dr., Granada Hills, CA 91344$10Contact: 818-837-3990 or [email protected]

Tuesday, September 13Introduction to Financial Statements4pm – 6pmVEDC$10Contact: 818-907-9977 or [email protected]

Wednesday, September 14Business Plan Essentials4pm – 6pmVEDC$10Contact: 818-907-9977 or [email protected]

LOW COST OR FREE WORKSHOPS BY VEDC

Tuesday, September 20Sales and Negotiating for Non-Salespeople4pm – 6pmVEDC$10Contact: 818-907-9977 or [email protected]

Tuesday, September 20Effective Tools to Build & Market YourWebsite4pm – 6pmVEDC$10Contact: 818-907-9977 or [email protected]

Wednesday, September 2116 Principles of Success in Business7pm – 9pmVEDCFREEContact: 818-907-9977 or [email protected]

Wednesday, September 21All About Business Loans4pm – 5pmVEDCFREEContact: 818-907-9977 or [email protected]

Thursdays, September 27 – November 1522Entrepreneurial Training Program Series II6pm – 8:30pmVEDCFREE if you qualifyContact: 818-907-9977 or [email protected]

Tuesday, September 27Federal & State Payroll Tax Seminar9am – 3pmVEDCFREEContact: 818-907-9977 or [email protected]

INSTANT SAVINGS!vBizEx™ is a business exchange and value card program—with value-added benefits—for chambers of commerceand participating members.

Participating national and local retailers as well as serviceproviders and other merchants, will offer special groupdiscounts to vBizEx™ card holders.

Soon you will beable to FLASHyourvBizEx™and instantly SAVE!

MEND is entering the final weeks of its SummerHunger drive about $10,000 shy of its $80,000 goalto help families in need receive food on the tableduring a difficulty time of the year when school mealprograms are shut down and donations to local foodbanks are down as well.

MEND – Meet Each Need with Dignity, is seekingdonations of as little as $40 from small businessesor corporate departments or individuals to match a$40,000 donation to the campaign. Communityorganizations are also encouraged to collect non-perishable food items to donate to MEND.

“Summertime is especially difficult for our clientsto put enough food on the table to feed their families,”said Marianne Haver Hill, MEND’s President andChief Executive Officer. “We are urging individualsand groups to hold their own food drives or collect$40—or more—as we celebrate 40 years servingthe community.”

MEND provides nearly 250,000 pounds of donatedfood each month for many of its 32,000 clients.A recent survey of more than 700 MEND clientsindicates that three quarters of the families servedby MEND have a household income of less than$10,000 a year.

Hard economic times have hit many families whoare clients of MEND. For one Pacoima family, theclosure of a company where Marie (not her real name)worked two years ago suddenly changed them from atwo-income to a one-income household making$24,000 a year.

“I didn’t want to ask for help, but after a while,I realized I needed it. So I started coming to MEND,”Marie said. “MEND has helped us when times arehard. We’re very grateful. Since coming here life hasbeen a little easier.”

The box of food the family receives from MENDsupplements the groceries Marie buys on a $150monthly budget. This box especially proves usefulin the summertime, since her two children are notreceiving discounted breakfast and lunch meals attheir school.

For 40 years MEND has fed the hungry, and yetMEND is challenged each summer as donations slowdown and client applications go up. As state fundingto the poor is scaled back to help balance the budget,families in need turn to MEND for more help.

Groups and individuals interested in contributingto the MEND Summer Hunger campaign may contactTarry Kang in MEND’s Development Office at 818-6867320. Or donors can participate in MEND’s VirtualFood Drive by going to MEND’s secured website,www.mendpoverty.org.

ABOUT MEND

MEND serves as many as 32,000 poverty-level clientseach month while keeping operating costs at or under5 percent. MEND is the largest, most efficient andmost comprehensive poverty-relief organization in theSan Fernando Valley. MEND’s mission is to break thebonds of poverty by providing basic human needsand a pathway to self-reliance.

YOUR NAME HERE 08/31/11

THE vBizEx™ PERSONALIZED FLASH CARD

Chamber of commerce members who opt-in formembership in the vBizEx™ Value Card program,will receive a low-tech “show and receive” card ratherthan a card that accrues points for a future reward.It is called a “flash card” because the customer justneeds to flash the card to receive the discount orother incentive on their purchase. Carrying thevBizEx™ card reminds the chamber member of thevalue they can instantly receive by doing businesswith a particular merchant.

Valley Business Exchange to launch vBizEx™program to bring additional value and savingsto Valley chamber of commerce membersEd Crowe, owner of Crowe Marketing Design since 1986 and publisher of the West Valley News since 2004,

will soon launch vBizEx™ under the umbrella of Valley Business Exchange, Inc. Crowe's vision for a businessexchange and value card program for San Fernando Valley-based businesses—in the incubator since 2007—is getting closer to becoming a reality in 2011.

“The San Fernando Valley with a diverse population of nearly 2 million and a community of more than 70,000registered businesses, represents a significant marketing base for national and local merchants. It also offersmany opportunities for business growth and increased sales.” Crowe says.

“The Valley has a number of organizations and individuals who are doing a great job in the areas of politicaladvocacy, land use development, business attraction, job creation, job training, and other employment relatedactivities.” He adds.

Local chambers of commerce do a good job—with limited resources—to provide opportunities for localbusiness members to network and develop strategic partnerships to increase sales. However, the number ofoperating businesses, in a particular community, that are members of a local chamber of commerce is relativelysmall—less than 10 percent. More opportunities for local business to business exchange are needed.Chambers of commerce need more value-added benefits to retain and increase their membership rosters.

The vBizEx™ Program will create added value to chamber of commerce membership. It will generate savingsfor participating business members and their employees. It will provide a large marketing base for national andlocal retailers and service providers. Local participating chambers of commerce will have the opportunity togenerate an additional revenue stream from vBizEx™ annual membership fees. Selected community-buildingevents will also receive support as well as some local non-profits. According to Crowe.

Stay tuned for additional information and news about the launch date for vBizEx.™ Ed Crowe's vision is aboutto become reality. If you are a merchant or service provider, interested in participating in the vBizEx™ program,please contact Ed Crowe at (818) 883-3374 direct or via email at [email protected].


Madrid Theatre

Clyde Porter West Valley Playhouse

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

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2011 SEASONPERFORMANCE SHOW CATEGORY DATES

Gaslight Mystery Feb. 4 – Mar. 6The Chantilly Sisters Show Musical Apr. 1 – May 1Arsenic and Old Lace Comedy May 27 – June 26The Pajama Game Musical Comedy July 29 – Aug 28Murder by Natural Causes Comedy/Drama Sept 23 – Oct 23Run For Your Wife Comedy Nov 18 – Dec 18

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

www.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

Leslie S. Bashaar, elected president of the ToastmastersSpirit Speaks Club of Calabasas.

Murder By Natural Causes. Adapted for the stage from the TV movie murder mysteryoriginally written by Richard Levinson and William Link.(The creators of “Murder SheWrote” and “Columbo.” Here’s a stylish and witty suspense play that originally starredHal Holbrook, Katherine Ross and Barry Bostwick. It combines laughter with thrills anddelivers what mystery fans love most—taut suspense with an ingenious plot. ArthurSinclair is a successful world-famous metalist in the tradition of Dunninger. His beautifulwife Allison plots his murder for the commonest of all motives—greed. She enlists theaid of a struggling young actor. Her foolproof murder plan cannot possibly misfire as it'stoo skillfully inventive—or is it? After all, Arthur (as everyone knows) has psychic gifts.But does he? Once the killing scheme is set in motion, the plot begins to twist and turn.Nothing is as it seems. Is mind reading possible? Can the future be foretold? Themystery builds to an exciting climax that you won't soon forget.

Runs Sept. 23 – Oct. 23, 2011 Directed by Jon Berry

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, SFVOngoing — Register for Summer/Fall Classes.Get your GED or HS diploma. Upgrade your jobskills. Learn a new trade. Computer tech, ESL,parenting, desktop publishing, GED, I.I Labs. Day,evening and Sat. classes. Visit our website at:http://elcamino-lausd.ca.schoolloop.com forregistration and class schedule info.

Canoga Park Bowland

the San Fernando ValleySymphony Orchestra

CONCERTS AT THE BOWLWednesday Evenings at 8:00pm

IN THE ROYAL ROOM

ADMISSION FREE

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

The Reseda Neighborhood Council needs tohave some additional volunteers to have the mostfunctional committees that the community canprovide. If you would like to join one of these com-mittees and put in a few of your spare hours eachmonth to make our community a better place, [email protected].

SEPTEMBER 2011

www.valleycultural.org

Our Redeemer Lutheran Church Yard Sale

Our Redeemer Lutheran Church at 8520 WinnetkaAve. in Winnetka will hold their Giant Yard Sale onSaturday, September 24th from 8am to 3pm.There will be a huge variety of items includingelectronics, appliances, furniture, books, jewelryand much, much more! All proceeds go to theOutreach Pantry who offer support and help to thehomeless and needy. Call 818-341-1629 or visitwww.our-redeemer.org.

West Valley Garden Club

“Color in Your Garden” is the West Valley GardenClub’s September 13th Program. Presented byNancy Harrington, instructor at SMCC, Venice AdultSchool and owner of Evergreen Garden Design andMaintenance. Presentation starts at 11:00 a.m.

Orcutt Horticultural Center23600 Roscoe Blvd., West Hills

Please call 818 703 8841 if you wish to attend.

California Writers Club— SFV BranchMotion Picture and Television Fund Home,Katzenberg Villa23388 Mulholland DriveWoodland Hills, CA 91364

The San Fernando Valley Branch of the CaliforniaWriters Club will meet on Saturday, September 3at 1:00 pm in the Katzenberg Villa of the MotionPicture and Television Fund Home, located at 23388Mulholland Drive in Woodland Hills. The Septemberprogram will feature Pepperdine University lecturerand author Nancy Ellen Dodd, who will discuss herapproach to writing and the creative process, asexplained in her new book The Writer's Compass:From Story Map to Finished Draft in 7 Stages. Themeeting will also recognize club member and authorRay Malus, a 2011 recipient of the Jack LondonAward, presented this summer by the Central Boardof the California Writers Club for dedication to theorganization. Malus currently volunteers as thewebmaster for the San Fernando Valley Branch. Formore information, please go to http://cwc-sfv.org

WOODLAND HILLS-TARZANA CHAMBER

Wednesday, September 7th7:00 AM to 9:00 AMBusiness Networking BreakfastWarner Center Marriott6360 Canoga Ave.

RSVP REQUIRED by noon on Tuesday.

Walk-Ins Welcome add $5No Jeans please at Breakfast Venue.(818) 347-4737Members $20, One Time Trial Guest $20.There will be assigned seating.

Special Event

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2011

5TH ANNUAL FINE WINE & FOOD FESTIVALThe Auto Gallery Porsche & Audi21301 Ventura Boulevard, Woodland Hills, CA 91364

Tickets: Buy one get one free before September 1stat $50. After September 1st $50 each ticket.For bulk tickets, please call us (818) 347-4737

Booth Sponsorships Available:

PAY BEFORE SEPTEMBER 1st Save $25$200 Bring Your Own Wine$300 Includes Wine To PourPrices After September 1st

$225 Bring Your Own Wine

$325 Includes Wine To Pour

A concert will be given on Sunday, September 11 at4 PM in remembrance of the tenth anniversary of thetragic events on 9/11/2001. The concert features theFaure Requiem with the Kirk O' the Valley CommunityChorale and String Orchestra conducted by ClaireRydell and will be held at Kirk O' the ValleyPresbyterian Church, 19620 Vanowen St. in Reseda.Music will include Mozart’s Ave Verum conducted byZeljko Marasovich and selections featuring the BellChoir. All donations will go to “Operation Gratitude.”For more information please call 818-345-2535 orvisit www.kirkval.org. Admission is free.


Canoga-Owensmouth Historical Society

Meeting Celebrating our First Firefighters as part ofthe Countdown to 100th Anniversary of Canoga Park

Wednesday, September 14, 2011 at 7:30 PM

7248 Owensmouth Avenue, Canoga Park, CA

Admission: Free

Contact: Bill Ratner, 818-414-2700

Email: [email protected]

Fires have shaped Canoga Park’s landscape. Itchanged how Canoga Park High School looks today.The Canoga Owensmouth Historical Society will bepresenting a look into some of the fires and firefight-ers that helped mark our 100 years at Septembermeeting. Retired Los Angeles Assistant Chief FrankBorden will present a unique perspective on someof these almost forgotten stories of our fires andfirefighters. In fact, the Canoga-OwensmouthHistorical Museum is a renovated Fire House thatserved our community for several decades. Comeand hear some of the amazing stories about those whosaved our community from fire at the next generalmeeting on Wednesday, September 14th.

Retired Assistant Chief Borden is a thirty-six yearveteran of the Los Angeles City Fire Department. As aDirector of Operations of the LAFD Historical Societyfor the past nine years, he has coordinated themanagement of the Hollywood Museum andMemorial, the Harbor Museum, and Restoration ofFire Boat #2 the “Ralph J. Scott.” Born in LosAngeles, Chief Borden was a beach lifeguard whograduated from the University of San Francisco with aBA in Human Relations and Organizational Behavior.We are honored to have him as our guest speaker aswe learn more about those who answered the “Bell.”


San Fernando Valley Genealogical Society

“Elusive Genealogy Resources” will be the topic ofspeaker, Gena Philibert- Ortega, at the San FernandoValley Genealogical Society September 16, 2011meeting at 7:30 p.m. at the Meeting Room at theChatsworth Train Station,10038

Old Depot Road, Chatsworth CA 91311.

Gena Philibert Ortega holds a Master’s degree inInterdisciplinary Studies (Psychology and Women’sStudies) and a Master’s degree in Religion.Presenting on various subjects involving genealogy,Gena has spoken to groups throughout Californiaand in Utah as well as virtually to audiences in theUnited States and Europe. Gena is the author of over100 articles published in genealogy newsletters andmagazines. Her writings can also be found on herblogs, Gena’s Genealogy and Food.Family.Ephemera.She is also the author of the books, “Putting thePieces Together” and the “Cemeteries of the EasternSierra” (Arcadia Publishing, 2007). Gena serves asVice-President for the Southern California Chapterof the Association of Professional Genealogists.

Join us for this interesting and educational presenta-tion. Visitors are welcome.

Our programs are free, but donations are appreciated.Visit www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~casfvgs/index.htmlfor more information or call John Lindsay at(818)349-0878.

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FAX YOUR AD TO WEST VALLEY NEWS 818.883.9678VISA & MASTERCARD ACCEPTED(6 Months Minimum Placement for Classified Ads)

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ADVERTISE IN THE WEST VALLEY NEWS. COMMUNITY ADVERTISING AT AFFORDABLE RATES. 818.883.3374C A L A B A S A S / C A N O G A PA R K / C H AT SW O R T H / R E S E D A / TA R Z A N A / W E S T H I L L S / W I N N E T K A / W O O D L A N D H I L L S

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Crowe Marketing DesignEd CroweT (818) 883-3374 M (818) 231-4454ecrowe@crowemarketingdesign.comwww.crowemarketingdesign.com

West Valley NewsCommunity AdvertisingEd Crowe (818) 231-4454advertising@westvalleynews-sfv.comwww.westvalleynews-sfv.com

Advertise for 6-12 issues and get your contact informationlisted online 24/7 in BUSINESS BY REFERRAL free of charge.

You also get a FREE business profile with photo. A value of $250.

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Do you need more customers?Local customers are searching the Internet right nowfor your products and services in your neighborhood!

Can they easily find you?We can make it easy for prospective clients to find you.

We’ll put you on the map with a professionaland optimized Google Places listing!

Take the first step now and call 818-883-3374and ask how we can get your business at the top of the list.

When You Advertise in the West Valley News You’re Online 24/7

MAXIMIZE VISIBILITY & EXPOSURE OF YOUR BUSINESSwith monthly print advertising and 24/7 Google Places local exposure

ONLY $157 per month with 6-month agreement

Your business promotion/advertising bundle includes:

– Business card size ad in the West Valley News (See sample above)– Print ad exposure in 8 communities in the west valley– 24/7 online listing of contact information www.westvalleynews-sfv.com– Optimized Google Places local mapping for top ten, first page placement– Monitoring of SEO keywords and period updates

Call Ed Crowe at (818) 231-4454 for details.

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YOUR NAME HERE 12/31/11

INSTANT SAVINGS! vBizEx™ is a business exchange and value card program—with value-added benefits—for chambers of commerceand participating members and their employees.

Participating national and local retailers, as well as serviceproviders and other merchants, will offer special groupdiscounts to vBizEx™ card holders.


Increase visibility of your business 24/7 on Ed’s List of Business by Referral. Visit www.westvalleynews-sfv.com to learn how.

West Valley News

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