Membership Roundup page 3 Rosendahl page 4 In Search of Health page 5 WWN Sponsors page 6-7 Identity Theft page 10 Getaways page 12 New Members page 13 First Wednesday Breakfast pages 8 Community Events page 14 Chamber Events pages 15 So, here we are, 20 months later, and the Wilshire Rapid Bus Lane to nowhere is still here. What was to be a 6 month test project, has turned out to be an us against them situation with the City Council, the MTA, and the merchants on Wilshire. The true sign of the times are the signs on the buildings stating "For Lease." The corridor between Barrington and Centinela have sprung up an unusual number of for lease signs, more then five times as many as in the Santa Monica stretch of Wilshire Boulevard, where the City of Santa Monica has not allowed the bus lane to occupy a lane and take away the parking from the local businesses. As a chamber of commerce, we know the political realities of council members bending over backwards to gain favor with the new mayor, and we also know the reality of the new mayor wanting to move traffic, something we all advocate. BUT, enough is enough. The lies from the MTA, the stalling, the bully tactics all must stop. The damage to the Westside City economy continues to grow. Sales taxes are lost. Business license taxes are lost. Consumer confidence is lost. What will it take for the powers that be to realize that we all want the same end result, but not with the interim negative impacts we are all feeling? We applaud Councilman Rosendahl for having the guts to put forth a motion to suspend the bus lane, even if the transportation committee did not have the backbone to do the right thing. What is the right thing? Simple: suspend the bus lane now. Have the MTA do all of the improvements to the county and city areas, then bring back a lane that will transport Angelenos all the way to downtown and back. And, on another note of transportation, this chamber has called on the City to do a feasibility study to make Olympic Boulevard one-way east, and Pico Boulevard one-way west, with reversible bus lanes on both boulevards. To date, nobody has done anything... So why all the lip service. The bus riders really are not going anywhere any faster than before, and the cars and surrounding neighborhoods continue to be impacted by failed test projects. I again call on the mayor to create an urban transportation committee of local leaders of the communities to come together and bring bright, creative ideas to the table in an effort to break the gridlock. January 2006 For more than a decade, Westwood Village has deteriorated on the street level. The business improvement district was disbanded, and the merchants have had to suffer having no organization to pull together to make the Village a better place to own a business. Parking continues to be a major issue, and the local councilperson has been non receptive to intervening to help bring a parking program to the Village, to re-light the trees, and to revive the programs that kept the village clean and walkable. It is time for the landlords to step up to the plate, and organize an effort to clean up the village and re-light the trees, and to bring a comprehensive parking program to the consumers. While the landlords continue to command top rate rents, the village continues to suffer with high turnover of businesses, and a lack of a marketing program to entice consumers to the Village. The Village should be the premier shopping area on the Westside, but it is stifled by the businesses vs. the landlords, and the City being uncooperative as well. Let's begin the new year with an agreement to join forces and set goals, and together get the job done. WESTWOOD- IT'S TIME TO REVIVE IT... by Jay Handal The Wilshire Bus Lane- A Continued Failure Merchants lack of Confidence in City Officials at an all time high... By Jay Handal, Chamber President Outraged with repeated blackouts in the 11th Council District, City Councilman Bill Rosendahl is calling for an investigation into a series of power outages on the Westside. Rosendahl submitted a motion calling on the Department of Water and Power to address power reliability in affected neighborhoods and establish ways to reduce future blackouts. The motion also directed the Department of Water and Power to better inform the public about power outages and the status and schedule of repairs. Brentwood, Venice, Mar Vista, Del Rey, Playa Del Rey, and Westchester continue to suffer from an unusually high volume of power outages” Rosendahl said. “These constant outages are unacceptable and demand attention.” Westside residents have been overwhelmingly impacted by the city’s loss of power. Many communities, some of which lacked power for more than 24 hours, received little or no communication in regards to power restoration. The series of outages preceded the recent rash of wind-related power failures. Last month, the Brentwood community suffered through four different power outages in one week, with one outage lasting thirty-five hours. On January 6, frustrated residents of Venice and Mar Vista spent eleven hours without power. Over the past weekend, the communities of Westchester, Playa Del Rey, and Del Rey experienced several power failures lasting from three to eight hours. “These power outages diminish our quality of life,” Rosendahl said. “Our businesses, schools and churches are forced to close without any knowledge about when they can reopen.” Rosendahl said the power outages have also contributed to his district’s traffic congestion by disabling traffic signals. He plans on working with the Department of Transportation to explore a power outage contingency plan for traffic lights. “The Westside is burdened by traffic gridlock on a daily basis,” Rosendahl said. “These outages not only further the gridlock, but also make our streets unsafe.” Rosendahl said he will also work with various neighborhoods and community organizations to monitor new response methods developed by the Department of Water and Power. The motion was referred to the Commerce, Energy, and Natural Resources Committee. Rosendahl said he expects to receive a report from the Department of Water and Power by early February 2006. ROSENDAHL “OUTRAGED” AT OUTAGES Westside Councilman Calls for Investigation of Blackouts Westside Mass Transit— Creating a True Ocean-Downtown Link By Kenneth S. Alpern, M.D. and Bart Reed The Metro Board of Directors recently approved the Final EIR of the Mid-City Segment of the Exposition Light Rail Line (Expo Line). This event was history-making not only because of the decades-overdue rail connection of the congested Westside to Downtown, but that the advocacy for this line was initiated not by politicians but by grassroots efforts (such as Friends4Expo Transit and The Transit Coalition) led by ordinary citizens who demanded a first-rate transit line created to their own specifications. Continued on page 12
Transcript
MembershipRoundup
page 3
Rosendahl
page 4
In Search ofHealth
page 5
WWNSponsors
page 6-7
Identity Theft
page 10
Getaways
page 12
NewMembers
page 13
FirstWednesdayBreakfast
pages 8
CommunityEvents
page 14
ChamberEvents
pages 15
So, here we are, 20months later, and theWilshire Rapid Bus Laneto nowhere is still here.What was to be a 6month test project, hasturned out to be an usagainst them situationwith the City Council,the MTA, and themerchants on Wilshire.
The true sign of thetimes are the signs on thebuildings stating "ForLease." The corridorbetween Barrington and Centinelahave sprung up an unusual number offor lease signs, more then five times asmany as in the Santa Monica stretch ofWilshire Boulevard, where the City ofSanta Monica has not allowed the buslane to occupy a lane and take awaythe parking from the local businesses.
As a chamber of commerce, weknow the political realities of councilmembers bending over backwards togain favor with the new mayor, and wealso know the reality of the new mayorwanting to move traffic, something weall advocate. BUT, enough is enough.
The lies from the MTA, the stalling, thebully tactics all must stop.
The damage to the Westside Cityeconomy continues to grow. Salestaxes are lost. Business license taxesare lost. Consumer confidence is lost.What will it take for the powers that beto realize that we all want the sameend result, but not with the interimnegative impacts we are all feeling?We applaud Councilman Rosendahl forhaving the guts to put forth a motion tosuspend the bus lane, even if thetransportation committee did not havethe backbone to do the right thing.
What is theright thing?S i m p l e :suspend thebus lane now.Have the MTAdo all of theimprovementsto the countyand city areas,then bringback a lanethat willt r a n s p o r tAngelenos all
the way to downtown and back.And, on another note of
transportation, this chamber has called
on the City to do afeasibility study tomake OlympicBoulevard one-wayeast, and PicoBoulevard one-waywest, with reversiblebus lanes on bothboulevards. To date,nobody has doneanything...
So why all the lipservice. The busriders really are notgoing anywhere anyfaster than before,and the cars and surroundingneighborhoods continue to be
impacted by failed testprojects.
I again call on the mayorto create an urbantransportation committee oflocal leaders of thecommunities to cometogether and bring bright,creative ideas to the table inan effort to break thegridlock.
January 2006
For more than a decade,Westwood Village has deteriorated onthe street level. The business
improvement district was disbanded,and the merchants have had to sufferhaving no organization to pull togetherto make the Village a better place toown a business.
Parking continues to be a majorissue, and the local councilperson hasbeen non receptive to intervening to
help bring a parking program to theVillage, to re-light the trees, and torevive the programs that kept thevillage clean and walkable.
It is time for the landlords to stepup to the plate, and organize an effortto clean up the village and re-light thetrees, and to bring a comprehensiveparking program to the consumers.While the landlords continue tocommand top rate rents, the villagecontinues to suffer with high turnoverof businesses, and a lack of amarketing program to enticeconsumers to the Village.
The Village should be the premiershopping area on the Westside, but itis stifled by the businesses vs. thelandlords, and the City beinguncooperative as well.
Let's begin the new year with anagreement to join forces and set goals,and together get the job done.
WESTWOOD- IT'S TIME TO REVIVE IT...by Jay Handal
The Wilshire Bus Lane- A Continued FailureMerchants lack of Confidence in City Officials at an all time high...
By Jay Handal, Chamber President
Outraged with repeatedblackouts in the 11th CouncilDistrict, City Councilman BillRosendahl is calling for aninvestigation into a series of poweroutages on the Westside. Rosendahlsubmitted a motion calling on theDepartment of Water and Power toaddress power reliability in affectedneighborhoods and establish ways toreduce future blackouts. The motionalso directed the Department ofWater and Power to better inform thepublic about power outages and thestatus and schedule of repairs.
Brentwood, Venice, Mar Vista,Del Rey, Playa Del Rey, andWestchester continue to suffer froman unusually high volume of poweroutages” Rosendahl said. “Theseconstant outages are unacceptableand demand attention.” Westsideresidents have been overwhelminglyimpacted by the city’s loss of power.Many communities, some of whichlacked power for more than 24 hours,received little or no communicationin regards to power restoration. Theseries of outages preceded the recentrash of wind-related power failures.
Last month, the Brentwoodcommunity suffered through fourdifferent power outages in one week,with one outage lasting thirty-fivehours. On January 6, frustrated
residents of Venice and Mar Vistaspent eleven hours without power.Over the past weekend, thecommunities of Westchester, PlayaDel Rey, and Del Rey experiencedseveral power failures lasting fromthree to eight hours. “These poweroutages diminish our quality of life,”Rosendahl said. “Our businesses,schools and churches are forced toclose without any knowledge aboutwhen they can reopen.”
Rosendahl said the poweroutages have also contributed to hisdistrict’s traffic congestion bydisabling traffic signals. He plans onworking with the Department ofTransportation to explore a poweroutage contingency plan for trafficlights. “The Westside is burdened bytraffic gridlock on a daily basis,”Rosendahl said. “These outages notonly further the gridlock, but alsomake our streets unsafe.”
Rosendahl said he will also workwith various neighborhoods andcommunity organizations to monitornew response methods developed bythe Department of Water and Power.The motion was referred to theCommerce, Energy, and NaturalResources Committee. Rosendahlsaid he expects to receive a reportfrom the Department of Water andPower by early February 2006.
ROSENDAHL “OUTRAGED” AT OUTAGESWestside Councilman Calls for Investigation of Blackouts
Westside Mass Transit—Creating a True
Ocean-Downtown LinkBy Kenneth S. Alpern, M.D.
and Bart Reed
The Metro Board of Directors recentlyapproved the Final EIR of the Mid-CitySegment of the Exposition Light RailLine (Expo Line). This event was
history-making not only because of thedecades-overdue rail connection of thecongested Westside to Downtown, butthat the advocacy for this line wasinitiated not by politicians but bygrassroots efforts (such as Friends4ExpoTransit and The Transit Coalition) led byordinary citizens who demanded afirst-rate transit line created to theirown specifications.
Continued on page 12
2 West L.A. Business Monthly February 06
BOARD OF DIRECTORSBoard members are elected in May of each year, and serve two-year terms commencing in June. Halfof the Board is elected each year. The current directors of The Greater West Los Angeles Chamber ofCommerce are:
President Jay Handal - San Gennaro Cafe (310) 836-0400; Fax (310) 388-3025e-mail: [email protected]
Vice President - Membership Barry Gordon - Keller Williams Realty(310) 301-2375; Fax (310) 305-8433e-mail: [email protected]
Vice President - Government Affairs Tom McCullough - First Regional Bank(310) 552-1776; Fax (310) 826-8541e-mail: [email protected]
West Los Angeles Business MonthlyPublished by The Greater West Los Angeles Chamber Of Commerce2990 S. Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 300ALos Angeles, CA 90064Phone: 310-481-0600; Fax: 310-478-2068Email: [email protected] Site: www.westlachamber.org
For advertising information,please call the ChamberOffice at 310-481-0600
MARK J. LOWENTAX & BOOKKEEPING SERVICES
- Over 10 Years Experience -- Specializing in Tax Deductions -
- And Stress Reduction -- Current and Prior Years Returns -
- Computerized and Manual -- Bookkeeping and Reconciliations -
Serving You, Your Business & YourCommunity For Over 60 Years
About The Chamber
The Greater West Los Angeles Chamber of Commerceis a nonprofit member organization. The purpose of
the Greater West Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce is to promote the commercial,civic, cultural, educational, and industrial interests of the West Los Angeles area sothat its businesses, neighborhoods, and citizens shall prosper. It is the primaryresource for small and medium-sized firms doing business in West Los Angeles,helping 1,250 members and associates deal with the ever-changing businessclimate in the city, state, nation and the world. The Chamber offers a wide range ofprograms, including seminars, events, networking and referrals.
The Chamber began in 1945 as the "Businessmen's Association of RanchoPark". By 1989, it had grown to serve not only Rancho Park, but also the nearbycommunities of West Los Angeles, Westwood, Mar Vista and Palms. To reflect thislarger geographic area, the Chamber changed its name to the Westside Chamber ofCommerce. In 1993, a group of dedicated business leaders formed a neworganization, the West L.A. Chamber of Commerce, to serve the specific interests ofWest Los Angeles, including the Civic Center area and the Sawtelle District. In1996, the 2 groups merged under the West L.A. Chamber of Commerce name tobetter promote local business growth and development. In November 2000,Brentwood Area Chamber of commerce merged with the West L.A. Chamber,further increasing our Chamber's size and strength. The Chamber continued itsgrowth surpassing 1,250 members from all around West Los Angeles and adjoiningareas. In September 2005, the Chamber once again changed its name to the GreaterWest Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce to better reflect its size, area of serviceand continued growth. At that time we upgraded our website with new features tobetter service our members and the Community and moved our office to largerquarters.
Today, the Greater West Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce has membersranging from local "mom and pop" businesses to some of the nations' largestcorporate entities, and is growing in both membership and influence. We are menand women that join with other community organizations to roll up our sleeves anddo the work of making our area a better place to visit, work, and to live. We do thehard work of community service while our members provide jobs to thousands ofemployees.
The Greater West Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce provides service to adiverse residential population that exceeds 275,000 people. Throughout the day,the business and residential population swells to approximately a half millionpeople. The increase is due to those who either pursue knowledge and skills trainingat educational and professional institutes, including the University of California atLos Angeles (UCLA), and those who work or visit the neighborhoods of West LosAngeles. The Greater West Los Angeles Chamber is bordered by the cities of BeverlyHills, Culver City, and Santa Monica, Los Angeles County and the Pacific Ocean.We are excited about the future of our organization and West Los Angeles. We aregrowing to meet the needs of our area by creating new committees to foster growthand development. These new committees include networking, tech, marketing,government, and transportation groups, as well as a women's business council.
If you would like to be a part of this dynamic organization, please get in touchwith me. You can reach me by phone at 310-481-0600 or by email [email protected]. I look forward to hearing from you.
See Ya Next Month
MEMBERSHIP ROUNDUPBy John J. SlowickDirector of Membership
310 Area Code Overlay InformationThe California Public Utilities Commission has approved an area code overlay
for the 310 region to accommodate the growing need for telephone numbers. Thiswill be the first area code overlay for California. The new 424 area code will servecustomers in the same geographic region as the current 310 area code, whichincludes the Westside and South Bay area of Los Angeles County and a small portionof Ventura County. With the area code overlay, people with a 310 or 424 area codemust dial 1 + area code + seven-digit number when making calls.
Effective December 31, 2005, you should have begun dialing 1 + area code +seven-digit number whenever you place a call from the 310 area code. BeginningJuly 26, 2006, you must use the new dialing procedure for all calls.
New telephone lines or services may be assigned numbers with the 424 areacode starting August 26, 2006. Your local calling area or the cost of long distancecalls will not change. Also, you can still dial just three digits to reach 911, as well as211, 311, 411, 511, 611, and 711. For more information on the 310 overlay, you cancall your telephone service provider, visit the California Public Utilities Commissionweb site at www.cpuc.ca.gov/310overlay or call (866) 849-8391.
4 West L.A. Business Monthly February 06
ROSENDAHL “DISAPPOINTED” IN LACK OF ENVIRONMENTAL
REVIEW FOR PART OF PLAYA VISTA METHANE PROGRAM
Court Says Key Issues Goes Unexamined; Council Rejects SEIR
City Councilman Bill Rosendahl today said he was “disappointed” the CityCouncil failed to require thorough environmental review of a controversial elementof Playa Vista’s methane mitigation program.
The council voted 7-3 today to reject a Rosendahl motion requiring aSupplemental Environmental Impact Report (SEIR) to review an issue a state appealscourt said the city and the developer failed to address previously. “I am saddenedand very disappointed that the Council did not support a thorough, transparentpublic process to examine this crucial public safety issue,” Rosendahl said. “Mymotion was the right thing to do, and the right way to go.”
The Council instead backed a proposal from the City Attorney and Playa CapitalInc. calling for a quicker, more narrow study with much less opportunity for publicparticipation. “When there are questions of public safety, we should always err onthe side of more, not less study,” Rosendahl said. “When there is a question ofprocess, we should always insist on more, not less public participation.”
At issue was an appeals court decision last year saying Playa Vista’s Phase Oneapprovals lacked any study of how dewatering would impact the development’smethane mitigation program. The court ruled against Playa Vista and the City of LosAngeles, ordering the city to vacate its methane mitigation program, and telling it todo additional environmental review of dewatering at the site.
Dewatering can result in groundwater contamination, threatening the BallonaWetlands. It can also cause subsidence and soil erosion, jeopardizing the structuralintegrity of some buildings. The unanimous opinion from the three-person courtsaid the effects of dewatering could result in “new or substantially more severesignificant impacts.” “This is a question of public health and safety, plain andsimple,” Rosendahl said.
Rosendahl said he would be “an aggressive watchdog” of the council approvedprocess. “I will continue to fight to expand public participation and ensure thehealth and safety issues are not ignored. If this study turns up anything, I will revivemy call for an SEIR.”
The issue is likely to resurface. The appeals court remanded the case to thesuperior court, which will have the opportunity to determine whether the City hasadequately examined the potentially significant impacts of dewatering.
PATENTABILITY OF BUSINESS METHODS UPDATED
By Michael N. Cohen, Esq.
More frequently, many of my clients have been approaching me regarding thetopic of patenting their unique business model, i.e. methods of doing business. Socan a method of doing business be patentable? Yes. In 1998, the United States Courtof Appeals for the Federal Circuit ruled that the patent laws did extend to protect anymethod so long as it produced a "useful, concrete and tangible result." The casespawned a slew of "business method patents" and "Internet patents." The most citedexample of business method patents has been Amazon's "One-Click" system, whichallows a prior customer to place a new order without having to reenter thecustomer’s address and credit card data when placing an order online (U.S. Pat. No.5,960,411). Some other examples of business method patents are: an internetauction system in which a user names the highest price they are willing to pay andthe first seller gets the purchase (U.S. Pat. No. 5,794,207); a method that gives amonetary incentive to citizens to view political messages on the Internet (U.S. Pat.No. 5,855,008).
Business method patents have raised quite a controversy over the years,primarily because many felt that the United States Patent and Trademark Office("USPTO") had issued many undeserving business method patents. What may havebeen a response to the criticism, in 2001 the USTPO required that business methodinventions must apply, involve, use or advance the "technological arts." Therequirement essentially meant that it could be met by requiring that the invention becarried out by a computer.
However, in October 2005, the USPTO held that there is no requirement of the"technological arts." The USPTO reached that conclusion in Ex parte Lundgren,Appeal No. 2003-2088 (BPAI 2005) which focused on a patent application thatclaimed a "method of compensating a manager."
So what does all this mean to prospective inventors? The Lundgren case hasessentially expanded the scope of business methods patents by giving inventors theopportunity to pursue patent protection for inventions that do not have atechnological aspect. Therefore, business method patent applications such as theone in Lundgren, (which claimed a method of steps for determining the salary of anexecutive so as to foster competition among other executives) which were initiallyrejected by the USPTO, are now getting allowed and ultimately issued. Now beforeeveryone starts getting trigger happy for business method patents, the USPTO didprovide guidelines that should be met. The patent should either transform an articleor physical object to a different state or thing, or, the claim method should producea useful, concrete and tangible result. For now, it appears that the Lundgren case hasrekindled some of the optimism of business method patents that has beenextinguished for quite some time.
Michael N. Cohen, Esq. is a licensed patent attorney and is the principal of the LawOffice of Michael N. Cohen, P.C., located in Beverly Hills, California. Mr. Cohen canbe contacted at [email protected] or 323-556-0648.
I left my readers last month at the TorontoInternational Airport where I was being shuffled lastAugust from one counter terminal to another on my
return to Los Angeles, California.Prior to loading luggage at the international airport, you schlep through half a
dozen customs officials. All customs officials appear most “official” looking. My firstexperience with the customs officer is when I walked up to a particularly handsometall Italian, customs officer who took one of my filled in customs cards that listed,nothing new, “What are you bringing into the United States?” Like I am going todeclare contraband. “Myself”, I declared to the handsome Italian.
He looked at the name on my card, “And what kind of name is “Gittle?”I looked at his nametag, and my eyes went to his, “And what kind of name is
ALBINO? Years ago people would Anglosaxsonize their minority name. I became,Gertrude. Everybody in those days felt they had to blend in. And, in those days youwould be Albert. Today, everybody keeps their ethnic name. Right?”
Albino responded, “You’re right.”I then added, “My name in Yiddish or German means, “Good.” Do you know
what Albino means?”As usual it was a fun experience prior to boarding my plane. I needed a
boarding pass prior to being allowed on the plane and the electronic machines weregiving me a rough time in retrieving my ticket.
To the rescue came Mike, a handsome Air Canada employee. Mike referred meback to the female employee who had sent me packing for a boarding pass.However, when Mike approached her it was like sugar could melt in her mouth. Sheeyed my total luggage, grabbed her back and squeezed hard and indicated verypolitely that she has a bad back and would not be in condition to lift my suitcases.The lovely lady behind the Air Canada counter and Mike both lookedsympathetically at me as I gave them a wide sooth smile as they both turned theirhands towards “John” the clerk at the next Air Canada counter. I must confess Johnwas most helpful. In the twinkle of an eye, my to bags of concrete (joking) landedon the conveyor belt.
While waiting to board I spotted the Ladies’ room, then I spotted the Men’sroom and yes, a third bathroom for Gays and Children! It’s the first time I ever sawanything like that in my whole life!
You may not know it but in Canada public rest rooms do not have toilet seatcovers. American toilets also have the distinction of a fast acting toilet paper thatautomatically flushes the toilet. Ingenious, the weight of the paper causes the toiletto flush automatically. It took a brain to think of that one. Many is the time I haveplaced one of those paper covers on an American public toilet, only to race my buttbefore the sucking flush grabbed down the center piece of the toilet seat cover…Youdon’t have to worry about that in Canada or on a Canadian plane. In this case thenew roll of toilet paper was stuck inside its plastic container, and impossible toretrieve. Finally, a ? piece of tissue dropped down from the container. After tossingit into the toilet I was very much aware that the ? piece of paper did not weighenough to make the toilet flush. “Who cares?”
My journey was great. Every stewardess, three of them never quit smiling andserving something. Something must have happened. Maybe they want me on boardagain? I rarely watch the movie on the plane, however, the stewardesses gave meearphones and they announced we could hear the news. So, I plugged in and turnedthe volume all the way um. Maximum.. No sound. Then, when the smiling serviceoriented stewardesses went by I solicited their help… “You’re in the old holes,” onestewardess remarked while pulling the double prongs out of the old holes. Gofigure, the tree stewardesses “Lina, Marina and Sachi, were great. They scratchedtheir heads, “The old holes don’t work, she needs a “New Hole.”
6 versus…verse 2STRANGERS AT THE MISSISSIPPI
RUNNING CLOSE BESIDE THE RIVERTHERE’S A FREEWAY FULL OF CARSAND, THE HAUNTING LAZY RIVER
REFLECTS THE FREEWAY LIGHTS AND STARS
Dr. Gittle Langner saks suggests that anyone who consults only with a traditionalmedical doctor is a fool. And, anyone who consults only with an alternative doctoris an even bigger fool. Be good to your body, it’s the only one you have. Dr. GittleLangner saks is a Dr. of Oriental Medicine and Q.M.E. Qualified Medical Evaluatorin California. She helped bring about licensing of Acupuncturists and can bereached by calling 310)271-8851.
Advertise in theGREATER WEST LOS ANGELES AREA
BUSINESS MONTHLY
Call John at (310) 481-0600
6 West L.A. Business Monthly February 06
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February 06 West L.A. Business Monthly 7
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8 West L.A. Business Monthly February 06
First Wednesday Breakfast
New Chamber Members receive their plaques at the First Wednesday Breakfast held on January 4, 2006 at the Olympic Collection. Pictured (left to right) FRONT: VP ofMembership Barry Gordon, Keller Williams Realty; Nicholas Toghia, Opus Group LLC; Christopher Neil Montone, World Financial Group; Leslie Joyce, SnapShotPublishing, Inc.; Mike Karpel, Karpel Insurance Services; Matt Keister, Milestone Mortgage; Chamber Special Projects Coordinator & Membership Sales Molly Smulian;Abel Balderas DDS, My Dental Options; Catherine Seward, Carnegie Park Advisory Group; Mark Levy, The Mold Guy. BACK: Jennifer Clark, World Financial Group;Natalie De Anda, UBS Financial Services Inc; Ricki Lewis, Special Event Genie; Kenneth McPeek, American Premium Products Co.; Damone Gray, Jobing.com; DarrylAmour, Amour Way Limousine and Travel Service; John Mitiguy, BIS Computer Solutions, Inc. (Photographer Stephen Koeppe, Dada Advanced Design Associates)
Breakfast attendees get to know each other as the michrophone is passes around (Photographer Stephen Koeppe, Dada Advanced Design Associates)
February 06 West L.A. Business Monthly 9
Mixer
Pictured are Chamber Ambassador Gary Loeb of Chezgal Merchandising Solutions, ChamberVP of Events MaryAnn Roca from Best Western Gateway Hotel and New Member JoeWiederhold CPA of Fineman West LLP enjoying some good conversation at the mixer.(Photographer Don Miller, Our Computer Tech).
Chamber President Jay Handal addresses the crowd at the January Mixer. (Photographer DonMiller, Our Computer Tech)
Chamber Members mix and mingle at the January mixer. (Photographer Don Miller, OurComputer Tech)
New Members William Bergman Ph.D and Frank Kaden DC bothfrom Structural Wellness Center at the January mixer.(Photographer Don Miller, Our Computer Tech).
The Chamber held its first mixer of 2006 at Cuchina Paradisolocated at 3387 Motor Avenue, on January 19, 2006. Pictured areRosemarie Essl, Rosemarie International and Ronny Benor,Autotech International (Photographer Don Miller, Our ComputerTech).
10 West L.A. Business Monthly February 06
Exploring Your Retirement Plan Distribution Alternatives
By: Danae A. Thomas Account Vice President - Investments
UBS Financial Services Inc
You may not have to retire to be entitled to receive a distribution from anemployer-sponsored retirement plan, such as a 401(k), profit sharing, moneypurchase pension, defined benefit or employee stock ownership (ESOP) plan. Youmay, for example, be entitled to a distribution if you are leaving your company, ifyour company is terminating its retirement plan, or if you are the beneficiary of adeceased plan participant.
Regardless of when and why you become eligible for a distribution from anemployer-sponsored retirement plan, what you decide to do next may well be oneof the most important financial decisions you will make.
Since your qualified retirement plan (QRP) distribution could represent thelargest sum of money you'll ever receive at one time, it is important to do yourhomework and evaluate your options before you receive your distribution. It alsomakes sense to consult with a financial advisor and/or tax attorney who can provideexpert advice and help you select the best distribution alternative to fit yourindividual circumstances. Although the number of distribution alternativesavailable to you will vary depending on the terms of your specific QRP, there arethree common distribution alternatives:
Annuitized PaymentsGenerally, when you elect an annuity form of payment from a QRP, you will receivea set monthly benefit amount either for your life (or the joint life expectancy of youand your spouse) or for a predetermined number of years. Most annuity options arestructured to guarantee you (and your spouse, if you are married) will not outliveyour retirement savings. The annuity form of distribution has several distinctdisadvantages to be aware of.
• You generally cannot elect to modify the payment terms should your financialcircumstances change.
• Depending on the terms of the annuity, distributions often may cease at yourdeath, meaning that no further benefits under the annuity contract would bepaid to your heirs.
• You bear the risk that the purchasing power of your annuity payments may notkeep up with inflation.
Lump Sum Distribution Many Raps permit the participant or beneficiary to elect to have the entire benefitamount paid in the form of a lump sum distribution. Under certain circumstances,taking a lump sum distribution may entitle you to special tax treatment. Forexample, when all or part of your lump sum distribution is comprised of employersecurities, you may be eligible to defer taxes on the portion or your distribution thatconstitutes "net unrealized appreciation" (NUA) until the stock is sold. If you elect totake a lump sum distribution from a QRP, you will generally have to decidebetween:
• Paying taxes on the entire lump sum distribution in the first year, or• Rolling over part or all of the distribution to a Rollover IRA. If you are not eligible for special tax treatment, your lump sum distribution
generally will be included with your other taxable income. That means it could besubject to a federal tax rate, which could be as high as 35%. State income taxes alsogenerally apply to lump sum distributions.
Rolling Over Distributions to an IRAThe third distribution option available in under many QRPs is to roll over the
amount of the retirement distribution to an individual retirement account (IRA). Byrolling over some or all of the distribution to an IRA, you can defer taxes on theamount rolled over and you will have the ability to decide how to invest yourmoney. There are significant benefits to rolling over your distribution to an IRA:
• The avoidance of what could be a hefty, immediate tax burden, allowing youto invest more money now;
• The opportunity for faster accumulation of your money over time through tax-deferred growth, and
• The ability to invest your retirement assets any way you would like.Understanding the Mandatory Federal Withholding Rules Any portion of an
eligible rollover distribution that is paid directly to you is subject to mandatory 20%federal income tax withholding.2 And if you are younger than 59? at the time ofdistribution, you may be subject to a 10% early distribution penalty tax in additionto ordinary income taxes. (If you separate from service during the year you becomeage 55, or later, however, and then receive a distribution from your formeremployer's QRP, the 10% penalty tax will not apply.)
Making the Choice that's Right for YouTo help you decide how to receive your distribution, your employer is required bylaw to give you written notice (at least 30 days but no more than 90 days before thedistribution) describing your options, including direct rollovers. At this point itwould be prudent to review the advantages and disadvantages of each distributionoption with your tax and/or financial advisor and determine which option best meetsyour personal needs and circumstances.
Danae Thomas is an Account Vice President - Investments with UBS FinancialServices in Beverly Hills. she has over 20 years experience working withindividuals and business owners in investment, financing, lending and financialplanning. Danae is actively involved in the community and was past Century CityChamber Women's Business Council - Chairperson and a boardmember of Starlight Children's Foundation. To schedule a free consultation pleasecontact Danae at 310-281-4650 directly or 800-545-8914 toll free,[email protected], www.ubs.com/fa/danae.thomas
Identity Theft and a New Law That Affects You At Home And At Work
By Carole Worley, John P. Gardner, Jr. & Ari Greenwald
The weekend edition of the USA Today recently ran a front-page article about anew law that makes identity theft a nightmare not only for the victim but alsopotentially for the business or individual the information was originally stolen from.Identity Theft, the fastest growing crime in America today, is about to get personal,whether you are the original victim or not. Every business or individual agent of acompany who collects medical information for insurance or other purposes andbusinesses, which collect financial information for payroll or other purposes, isalready subject to HIPPA and Gramm, Leach, Bliley and their strict privacyregulations. This summer every business and individual who has even oneemployee, down to a nanny, becomes subject to another Federal law.
FACTA, the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act, signed into law recentlyby President Bush requires you to destroy any personal information you have aboutanyone you employ, even at home, before you throw it away. That means you mustkeep it, shred it, burn it, or if it’s on a computer pulverize or “wipe it” before it leavesyour possession. If you don’t you could get sued or fined by the Federal Governmentor State Government or worse get caught in a class action law suit or charged witha Federal Crime depending on what law you are found in violation of.
The figures are not in for 2004 but the reported figures in 2003 say 7 millionAmericans were victims of ID Theft. Up to 70% of the victim’s identities are stolenat work. The Average Dollar Amount in theft is $92,893 and it took the averagevictim 600 hours to clear it! Understand that is almost four months at 40 hours aweek straight. This writer does not believe the reported figures are even the tip of theiceberg. What is even more troubling is the Banks and other financial institutionsthat traditionally have “held harmless” their customers are beginning to change thatpolicy. The losses are becoming very real to individuals and businesses.
What can a small business or individual do? First, before throwing away anypaper documents shred them! Second, get a bonded professional to “wipe clean”any computers before discarding or donating them to worthy causes or the trashheap or trading them in for an upgraded system. Third, in these writers opinions youneed an identity theft shield for yourself and you should urge your employees andclients to have one as well. A good identity theft shield, in addition to providing helpin all three areas of identity theft, will also act as an early warning detection systemin case your client or employee records have been stolen. Knowing that your recordshave been stolen early on can reduce your losses and liability!
It should be made clear, that one of the regulations stipulates jail time for theindividual(s) on your staff who are responsible for the data loss
For more information contact Ari Greenwald 213 804 0909.
February 06 West L.A. Business Monthly 11
By George E. Smull, CRPC
A nonqualified deferred compensation (NQDC) plan is an arrangement between anemployer and one or more employees to defer the receipt of currently earnedcompensation. You might want to establish a NQDC plan to provide youremployeeswith benefits in addition to those provided under your qualified retirement plan, orto provide benefits to particular employees without the expense of a qualified plan.
NQDC plans vs. qualified plansA qualified plan, such as a profit-sharing plan or a 401(k) plan, can be a valuableemployee benefit. A qualified plan provides you with an immediate income taxdeduction for the amount of money you contribute to the plan for a particular year.Your employees aren't required to pay income tax on your contributions until thoseamounts are actually distributed from the plan. However, in order to receive thisbeneficial tax treatment, a qualified plan must comply with strict and complexERISA and IRS rules, and the plan must generally cover a large percentage of youremployees.
In addition, qualified plans are subject to a number of limitations on contributionsand benefits. These limitations have a particularly harsh effect on your highly paidexecutives. In contrast, NQDC plans can be structured to provide the benefit of taxdeferral while avoiding almost all of ERISA's burdensome requirements.
Funded vs. unfunded NQDC plansNQDC plans fall into two broad categories--funded and unfunded. A NQDC plan isconsidered funded if you have irrevocably and unconditionally set aside assets witha third party (e.g., in a trust or escrow account) for the payment of NQDC planbenefits, and those assets are beyond the reach of both you and your creditors. Inother words, if participants are guaranteed to receive their benefits under the NQDCplan, the plan is considered funded. Funded plans are rare, though, because theyprovide only limited opportunity for tax deferral and may be subject to all of ERISA'srequirements. Unfunded plans are by far more common because they can providethe benefit of tax deferral while avoiding almost all of ERISA's requirements. Withan unfunded plan, you don't formally set aside assets to pay plan benefits. Instead,you either pay plan benefits out of current cash flow ("pay-as you- go") or youearmark property to pay plan benefits ("informal funding"), with the propertyremaining part of your general assets and subject to the claims of your generalcreditors.
Income tax considerations Generally you can't take a tax deduction for amounts you contribute to a NQDCplan until your participating employees are taxed on those contributions (which canbe years after your contributions have been made to the plan). Employees generallydon't include your contributions to an unfunded NQDC plan, or plan earnings, inincome until benefits payments are actually received from the NQDC plan. Thetaxation of funded NQDC plans is more complex. In general, your employees mustinclude your contributions in taxable income as soon as they become nonforfeitable(i.e., as soon as they vest). The taxation of plan earnings depends on the structure ofthe plan; in some cases employees must include earnings in taxable incomecurrently, and in some cases they aren't taxed until they're actually paid from theplan.
Who can adopt a NQDC plan?NQDC plans are suitable only for regular (C) corporations. In S corporations orunincorporated entities (partnerships or proprietorships), business owners generallycan't defer taxes on their shares of business income. However, S corporations andunincorporated businesses can adopt NQDC plans for regular employees who haveno ownership in the business. NQDC plans are most suitable for employers thatare financially sound and have a reasonable expectation of continuing profitablebusiness operations in the future. In addition, since NQDC plans are moreaffordable to implementthan qualified plans, they can be an attractive form of employee compensation fora growing business that has limited cash resources.
Advantages of NQDC plans• Easier and less expensive to implement and maintain than a qualified benefit
plan• Can be offered on a discriminatory basis• Can provide unlimited benefits• Allows you to control timing and receipt of benefits• Enables you to attract and retain key employees
Disadvantages of NQDC plans• Employee taxation controls timing of your tax deduction• Lack of security for employees in an unfunded plan• Generally, not appropriate for partnerships, sole proprietorships, and S
corporations• Generally, more costly to employer than paying compensation currently
George Smull is a Financial Advisor with Waddell & Reed. He is a CharteredRetirement Plan Counselor, CRPC, and as such, focuses on retirement plans forindividuals and small businesses. He received a BA degree in economics andaccounting from St. Ambrose University. George served on the Board of Directorsof the 1200 member Greater West LA Chamber of Commerce and currently serveson the ambassador committee. He is a retired Sergeant Major from the US ArmyReserves. George coached youth baseball for 18 years, 10 at the American Legionlevel.
His office is at 150 S. Los Robles, Suite 880, Pasadena, CA 91101. George may becontacted at (626) 568-2770 X 104 or via e-mail at: [email protected].
In your home or office appointments cheerfully accepted.
Nonqualified Deferred Compensation (NQDC) Plans
Are You a Member of theGreater West Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce?
Do You Have an Interesting Article?
Please email your submission to [email protected] with the word“Article” and the title of the article in the subject line. Articles meeting theChamber criterion are printed on a “space available” basis.
12 West L.A. Business Monthly February 06
GetawaysGetting The Most For
Your Nearly $3 A Gallon
If you like to drive on your business trips --perhaps to such destinations as San Diego, Irvine, ormaybe Las Vegas or even San Francisco -- here are
some fuel saving tips reported from the Travel Centers of America, one of the USA’slargest networks of full-service travel centers. As high gas prices fluctuate --thereare many easy and common sense ways to reduce fuel consumption when you areon the open road. First off, drive safely. Speeding, rapid acceleration and frequentbraking can lower gas mileage by as much as 33% at highway speeds. Gas mileagedrops quickly at speeds above 60 MPH. Excessive idling also wastes gasoline.
Follow these easy tips to save gas and money:• Make sure your vehicle is well maintained. Keeping it tuned can improve
gas mileage by 4% or more. Replace aged air filters and using the rightgrade of motor oil can improve your mileage as much 12%
• If you car has cruise control, use it. Most drivers will be able to save gas byusing cruise control at highway speeds.
• Keep tires properly inflated. Here you can save another 4% on mileage• Avoid rush hour driving. If you are on a long trip from Los Angeles to San
Francisco – try to schedule your rest stops and meals during rush hours ifyou’re traveling through heavily populated areas. Spending less time sittingin traffic will consume less fuel. Also it will reduce road stress.
Driving To Las VegasWhenever my schedule allows I like to drive from LA to Las Vegas to the annual TVconvention called NATPE (The National Association of Television ProgramExecutives). The 275 miles from West LA into downtown LV is very do-able in 4 to5 hours with my Lincoln Town Car. Unfortunately, that stretch of Highway 15 is notexactly choice for places to get a bite. If you want something quick it is hard to beatthe dependable In & Out Burger in Barstow, opposite the outlet mall there. But,about 35 miles south of Las Vegas, at State line, NV -- you will find The PrimmValley Resorts (www.primmvalleyresorts.com) where you can settle into the SilverSpur Steakhouse at their Whiskey Pete’s hotel and get a fine meal of prime rib or aporterhouse steak and one of their famous Caesar salads (a huge bargain at $4.95)at very fair prices. The Silver Spur has a clubby atmosphere and some of the bestservice you will find on that stretch of LA to Vegas road, which is peppered withburger joints and other assorted fast food emporiums. Their desserts include adeadly chocolate cake and deep-dish apple pie, more than enough for two persons.Stay a while at one of their hotels, where prices start in the $30.00 and up range.Play golf or shop at their outlet mall that boasts such stores as Ralph Lauren to Cole-Haan to even Neiman-Marcus.
— Charlie Barrett
Charlie Barrett hosts Travel Tuesdays; a weekly syndicated travel talk show heardover CABLE RADIO NETWORK in Los Angeles.
Westside Mass Transit Continued from page 1
Offers of a second-rate, low-capacity Expo Busway were repeatedly rejected bythese grassroots advocates, who established close cooperation with Metro plannersand local politicians to generate the funding and planning for a first-rate, high-capacity light rail line that had greater speed, safety and convenience for its riders.Such efforts, even after the Board approval of the Mid-City Segment, are ongoingand are vital for the Expo Line to reach its ultimate destination of the Beach nearDowntown Santa Monica.
The Westside Segment of the Expo Line will run from the Venice / Robertsonstation to a location adjacent to the Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica. Thecost of this segment, which will be largely grade-separated because of busyintersecting street cross-traffic, has been estimated at approximately $710 million.
The main obstacles are the public perception of safety, convenience and cost-effectiveness in construction, the same as those that challenged creation of the Mid-City Segment. To begin with, $30-40 million must be raised to elevate the Venice /Robertson station both to eliminate any traffic concerns in Culver City and allow theExpo Line to proceed over and beyond Venice Blvd.
Another issue is the routing of the line immediately west of Venice / Robertson.Should the line be routed down Venice Blvd. and then back north up alongSepulveda Blvd. to Exposition / Sepulveda, and then proceed westward? Should theline be routed directly across Venice Blvd. along the Exposition Right-of-Waythrough Palms and Rancho Park to reach Exposition / Sepulveda and continuewestward?
The Venice Blvd. / Sepulveda Blvd. routing has the benefits of reaching more ofthe Westside, such as Culver City, Westside Village and Mar Vista, but is longer,potentially more expensive and may encounter technical difficulties engaging thehills on Sepulveda Blvd. The Exposition Right-of-Way routing has the benefits ofbeing shorter and more direct, but has encountered past opposition from someresidents in the regions through which the line would traverse.
Fortunately, the Metro Board will help “fast-track” the Westside Expo LineSegment by budgeting and combining EIR and Preliminary Engineering work to thetune of $15 million over 2006-08. As with the Mid-City Segment, considerableoutreach and grassroots input will be garnered from the public, combined withthorough cost and engineering analyses to determine the locally preferred and mostcost-effective routing between Culver City and West Los Angeles.
Another political and funding problem exists at the Downtown terminus of thenewly approved Expo Line. The Expo Line terminates at the Metro Center 7th /Flower St. station, but doesn’t reach Bunker Hill, Disney Concert Hall or L.A. CityHall. Furthermore, an additional transfer using the Red Line is required to reachUnion Station. This incomplete Expo / Downtown connection will remain unless along-planned Downtown Regional Rail Connector is established that will allow theExpo and Blue Lines to proceed north up Flower St. to 1st street, then turn east tolink up with the Eastside and Pasadena Gold Lines at 1st and Alameda St., and thento Union Station.
With the Expo Line being the top rail priority in the Metro list of “New Starts”projects, it is not yet included in the recent transportation initiative proposed byGovernor Schwarzenneger. Funding efforts must be aimed at Sacramento andWashington as early as this year. Although the Westside Segment is scheduled toopen for service in 2013-14, only time will tell if the grassroots enthusiasm fromwhich the Expo Line concept began will translate into an expedited constructioneffort to provide an alternative to our ever-worsening Westside congestion problem.
Kenneth S. Alpern, M.D. is President and Bart Reed is Executive Director of TheTransit Coalition, a Southern California non-profit dealing with issues oftransportation mobility and land use. www.transitcoalition.org.
Alex Jewelry and GiftsMr. Alex Karibyan2079 Westwood Blvd.Los Angeles, CA 90025310-475-9414JEWELRY/GIFTS & REPAIR
All Nation Funding GroupMr. Edgar Dorsey8939 S. Sepulveda Blvd., #517Los Angeles, CA 90045310-339-6706MORTGAGEReferred by: Gene Fisher, Yorkie Specialties
Amour Way Limousine & Travel ServiceMr. Darryl AmourP.O. Box 661749Los Angeles, CA 90066310-591-8690LIMOUSINE SERVICE
B & W Health SpecialistsDr. David Wittenberg6221 Wilshire Blvd., Ste. 518Los Angeles, CA 90048323-549-0070CHIROPRACTIC
Bingham Legg Advisors LLCMr. Jeffrey Glassman300 South Grand Ave., Ste. 2675Los Angeles, CA 90071213-217-5070INVESTMENT MANAGEMENTReferred by: Eric Hatfield, MassMutualFinancial Group
Boardwalk RealtyMs. Jacqueline Brooks11940 San Vicente Blvd.Los Angeles, CA 90049310-903-4355REAL ESTATE-RESIDENTIAL
Captial Resource GroupMr. Joseph C. Tahan1546 Hi Point St., #105Los Angeles, CA 90035888-258-8246BUSINESS SERVICES
Coldwell Banker Brentwood EastMr. Randy Troup11538 San Vicente Blvd.Los Angeles, CA 90049310-571-1355REAL ESTATE-RESIDENTIALReferred by: Gene Fisher, Yorkie SpecialtiesComerica BankMs. Christine Loya12001 San Vicente Blvd., Ste. 100Los Angeles, CA 90049310-889-2900BANK
Galaxy Document ServicesMr. Kayvan Vojdani345 S. Figureroa St., Ste. M-14Los Angeles, CA 90071213-437-0777DOCUMENTS/COPYING/SCANNINGReferred by:Edward Yaghoubi, NathansFamous
GetConnected CommunicationsMr. Russell Grogan13400 Washington Blvd., Ste. 101-202Marina del Rey, CA 90292310-569-4840TELEPHONE SYSTEMS/DATA &COMMUNCATIONS CABLING
Inkling StudioMr. Mark Jordan2262 South Carmelina, #6Los Angeles, CA 90064805-405-4535GRAPHIC DESIGN/WEB DESIGN
Keller Williams RealtyMs. Nicole Raphael10880 Wilshire Blvd.Los Angeles, CA 90024310-415-4216REAL ESTATE-RESIDENTIALMilestone MortgageMr. Matt Keister111 North Sepulveda Blvd., #300Manhattan Beach, CA 90266310-529-8474MORTGAGEReferred by: Gene Fisher, Yorkie Specialties
My Dental OptionsDr. Abel A. Balderas DDS12131 National Blvd.Los Angeles, CA 90064310-312-5033DENTIST-GENERAL/COSMETIC/IMPLANT
Nathan's FamousMr. Edward Yaghoubi9216 W. Pico Blvd.Los Angeles, CA 90035310-273-0303RESTAURANTReferred by: Jay Handal, San Gennaro Cafe
Opus Group LLCMr. Nicholas ToghiaP.O. Box 1407Pacific Palisades, CA 90272310-309-2443HUMAN RESOURCES/MANAGEMENTCONSULTING
Pacific Coast Spine & RehabDr. Dana Clark11110 Ohio Ave., Ste108Los Angeles, CA 90025310-473-7130CHIROPRACTIC
Pacific Coast Spine & RehabDr. Richard Jay Lotto11110 W. Ohio Ave., Ste. 108Los Angeles, CA 90025310-473-7130CHIROPRACTICReferred by: Dr Dana Clark, Pacific CoastSpine & Rehab
Simpson, LeannMs. Leann Simpson238 South Rampart Blvd.Los Angeles, CA 90057562-810-9924ARTIST/MURALIST/TEACHERReferred by: Ali Dehsara, Calle Vista Coffee
Special Event GenieMs. Ricki Lewis4319 Redwood Ave., #7Marina del Rey, CA 90292310-268-0550EVENT PLANNERReferred by: Barry Gordon, Keller Williams
Tacomiendo Antojitos MexicanosMr. Ismael Diego11462 Gateway Blvd.Los Angeles, CA 90034310-481-0804RESTAURANT
UBS Financial ServicesMs. Natalie De Anda131 S. Rodeo Dr., #200Beverly Hills, CA 90212310-589-5091FINANCIAL SERVICES
Westside Dental Associates - Les Latner,DDSDr. Les Latner2990 S. Sepulveda Blvd., Ste. 204Los Angeles, CA 90064310-477-1081DENTIST-GENERAL/COSMETIC/ORTHO/PEDIATRICS
Willing & Moser Accountancy Corp.Mr. Barry Moser2476 Overland Ave., #205Los Angeles, CA 90064310-287-2640ACCOUNTINGReferred by:Gene Fisher, Yorkie Specialties
World Financial GroupMs. Jennifer Clark8939 S. Sepulveda Blvd., Ste. 110-156Los Angeles, CA 90045310-686-4105FINANCIAL SERVICES
World Financial GroupMr. Christopher Montone2432 Pacific Coast Hwy, #124Lomita, CA 90717310-902-9723FINANCIAL SERVICESReferred by:Jennifer Clark, World Financial
NEW MEMBERS DECEMBER 2005
14 West L.A. Business Monthly February 06
February 3, 2006LAUGHING MATTERS: AN EVENING OF SERIOUS SATIRE
Friday, February 3, 2006 Laughing Matters: An Evening of Serious Satirewith Marc Maron, Roy Zimmerman & Scout Carter will be held at Steinway Hallbeginning at 8:00 pm. Come see the brilliant, acerbic and exquisitely neuroticMaron, the lacerating wit and keen awareness of Zimmerman and the creativemind of Carter as they perform together. Steinway hall is located at 12121 W.Pico Blvd. (1 door West of Bundy under Fields Pianos, Level P2). Tickets are $25(cash/check only). Call (310) 471-3979 or email [email protected] for moreinformation.
February 4, 2006ANNUAL AFRICAN AMERICAN ART FESTIVAL
Saturday, February 4, 2006, STAR ECO Station will present the AnnualAfrican American Artist’s Expo. This is a compelling, culturally rich, familyevent that has launched the careers of some of LA’s hottest emerging AfricanAmerican Artists, as well as provided a unique exhibition space for child artistsas young as 5 years old. Talented students from STAR Education programs willperform hip-hop dance, jazz, drill team and more. The event also featuresspoken word poetry, paintings, sculpture, pottery, African Folklore embroidery,world-class capoeira, jewelry, food, vendors, crafts, games and more. TheAfrican American Artist’s Expo is FREE and will run from 10:00 am to 4:00 pmat the STAR ECO Station located at 10101 W. Jefferson Blvd., Culver City90232. For more information call (310) 842-8040 x 116.
February 13, 2006PROPERTY TAX ASSESSMENT SEMINARS
Monday, February 13, 2006, the County of Los Angeles will be holding aProperty Tax Assessment Seminar at The Culver City Public Library, 4975Overland Ave. in Culver City at 10:00 am. The County of Los Angeles issponsoring a series of FREE seminars to assist property owners who feel theirtaxes should be lowered due to a decline in the value of their property. Themeetings are intended to help taxpayers better understand the assessmentappeals process. The seminar will be of value to homeowners who areinterested in learning about the assessment appeals process and those who havealready filed an appeal. The seminar will cover taxpayers appeal rights andwhen to file an application for reduction in assessment. The seminar will alsocover how to prepare for a hearing, what qualifies as admissible evidence, whatwill happen at the hearing and what to expect after the hearing. The 90-minuteseminar will also be offered January 25th through March 15th at locations in ElMonte, Glendale, Lancaster and Van Nuys. Additional meetings will bescheduled throughout the County on a year-round basis. Schedules for meetingsmay be obtained by calling (213) 974-4240 or by visitinghttp://bos.co.la.ca.us/SCRIPTS/publiced.htm.
February 16, 2006RABBI-COMEDIAN BOB ALPER AND COMEDIAN AHMED AHMED
Friday, February 16, 2006 Rabbi-Comedian Bob Alper and ComedianAhmed Ahmed will perform at Steinway Hall beginning at 8:00 pm. Alper, “theworld’s only practicing clergyman doing stand-up. Intentionally” and headlinerAhmed, “Egyptian-Born, California-raised” will perform “1 Jew. 1 Arab. 1 Stage.2 Very Funny Guys.” Steinway hall is located at 12121 W. Pico Blvd. (1 doorWest of Bundy under Fields Pianos, Level P2). Tickets are $25 (cash/checkonly). Early RSVP $20. Call (310) 471-3979 or email [email protected] formore information.
February 25, 2006KAREN BENJAMIN & ALAN CHAPMAN’S “SONGWRITERS & THEIR SONGS”
Saturday, February 25, 2006 Karen Benjamin & Alan Chapman will perform2 shows beginning at 6:00 & 8:00 pm at Steinway Hall. Benjamin & Chapmanwill explore the lives and work of legendary songwriting duo “Livingston &Evans.” You’ll hear tales from Tin Pan Alley and the stories behind Silver Bells,Mona Lisa, Que Sera Sera and more. Special guest Ray Evans will be there tohelp up celebrate his 91st. Steinway hall is located at 12121 W. Pico Blvd. (1door West of Bundy under Fields Pianos, Level P2). Tickets are $25 (cash/checkonly). Early RSVP $20. Call (310) 471-3979 or email [email protected] formore information.
COMMUNITY EVENTSRENEWALSDECEMBER 2005
AMERICAN MORTGAGE CAPITAL
ARCHER SCHOOL FOR GIRLS
BARRY'S TICKET SERVICE, INC.
BEACHLENDING
BUERGE FORD,BUERGE CHRYSLER JEEP,BUERGE BODY SHOP
CLAUDIO D'ITALIA
CORNERSTONE LENDING
CUONG LE, CPA
DR. VINYL
DREAM DINNERS
ELITE TUXEDO
FREMONT INVESTMENT & LOAN
FROMEX ONE HOUR PHOTO
GAINSBOROUGH FINANCIAL CONSULTANTS INC.
GOTTFURCHT, ZOREH
HELP-U-SELL WESTSIDE REALTY
HOLLYWOOD PARK OPERATING COMPANY
MURDOCK HUMAN RESOURCES CONSULTING GROUP
NATURAL MEDICINE CLINIC
NURSEFINDERS OF LOS ANGELES
NUZZO, MICHELE
OPTIMIST YOUTH HOMES & FAMILY SERVICES
OUR HOUSE
ROSMAN & GERMAIN LLP
SEE'S CANDIES
SUNSHINE PRE-SCHOOL
THOMAS, PH.D., YVONNE
WHOLE FOODS MARKET
LAW OFFICES OF MICHAEL N. COHENMichael N. Cohen is a licensed patent attorney who specializes in patents,
trademarks, copyrights, intellectual property licensing and litigation and businesscontracts and incorporations. He is also expert in domain name disputes, cybercrimes, and Internet law. Mr. Cohen has been admitted to the US Federal PatentBar and is registered to practice before the US Patent and Trademark Office. TheLaw Offices of Michael N. Cohen are located at 8350 Wilshire Blvd., Ste. 200 inBeverly Hills near La Cienega. Office hours are 9:00 am to 6:00 pm andvalidated parking is available. Call 323-556-0648 for more information.
GOLEM AWAKENINGA Golem is a super power that comes up from the earth, is made of mud and
clay, takes the form of a human being and makes a miracle. New Member PhyllisSiegel’s new business is Golem Awakening which offers information, referralsand resources for you and your business done the old fashioned way, bytelephone! Phyllis’ background as a marriage therapist (since 1980) and herexperience in social work have provided her with the people skills needed topersonally connect you with the services you need. She will help you find theright place to have a party, shop for that special item, and connect you withpeople for your special needs. Call her at (310) 838-1396 or (530) 320-4875 toget acquainted and see what she can do for you.
SPOTLIGHT ON NEW MEMBERS
February 06 West L.A. Business Monthly 15
Greater West L.A. Chamber of Commerce February 06 Chamber Events
First Wednesday BreakfastFeb 1 Wednesday 7:00 am
Olympic Collection11301 West Olympic BlvdSponsored by: Jason Chase
The Olympic Collection11301 W. Olympic Blvd., LA 90064Presenter: Wendell New, Cal-National Bank“How to Get a Small Business Loan”Sponsored by: Jocelyn Baker, Business Plan ExpertInfo/RSVP: 310-481-0600
First Wednesday BreakfastMar 1 Wednesday 7:00 am
Olympic Collection11301 West Olympic BlvdSponsored by: Josh CiszekInfo/RSVP: (310) 481-0600
SeminarMar 2 Thursday 6:00 pm
Chamber Office 2990 Sepulveda Blvd., Ste 300APresented by: Daniel BennettNew York Life Insurance CompanyInfo/RSVP: (310) 481-0600
