Giving the Gift of Mobility
October 2014
Mobility — The ability to move or be moved freely and easily. It’s something most of us take for granted. But for thousands of physically disabled poor living in developing countries, the chance to move around or be easily moved by others is tragically not a reality.
This is why the nonprofit group Free Wheelchair Mission sends volunteers to developing nations every year to literally help others get off the ground for good.
Riviera resident Sandy Spallino is one of those volunteers. This year, Sandy helped raise thousands of dollars for Free Wheelchair Mission and traveled with them in
September to Vietnam. Once there, she and the six other volunteers in her group built and distributed 320 wheelchairs to those in need. The group started in Saigon and then drove to small towns in Southern Vietnam where eager recipients of the wheelchairs awaited them. A local pastor prepared for their visit by working with the Red Cross to identify those in need in each community, and then coordinated a gathering place such as a church or city hall.
Among the recipients, some had lost limbs to diabetes and car accidents. Others had congenital defects. Many were injured during the war.
“We met everyone from young children to elderly people who had been struggling to get around paralyzed or without limbs for years,” said Sandy. “It was incredibly heartwarming to see their faces light up as they were given their own wheelchair.”
Sandy and the rest of the group were warmly greeted at each stop with homemade delicacies, including noodle soups, papaya salads, and various meats. Because most residents in the area drive motorcycles, special instructions were given on how to transport the wheelchairs home for their recipients.
This wasn’t the first time Sandy has traveled to distant lands with Free Wheelchair Mission. In 2013, Sandy and her daughter, Ana, went with the group to El Salvador to build and deliver wheelchairs there.
“I’m so grateful for everything I have, I want to give back,” said Sandy. It’s easy to send a check, but to actually witness the difference we’re making is priceless.”
You can learn more about Free Wheelchair Mission by visiting www.freewheelchairmission.org or calling 1-800-733-0858.
Castellana Senior Ladies’ Club Brings Neighbors Together
September 2014
They are the ladies who lunch. But these are no ordinary ladies, and their regular get-togethers provide more than just an afternoon meal.
Every other month, a very special group of women – all of whom live in the Riviera on Calle De Castellana – meet for the Senior Ladies of Castellana Club. Created by long-time resident Johnette Colman, the purpose of the club is to provide friendship, companionship, and a sense of community among the senior ladies who call this unique street home.
“There are about a dozen senior women on our block and some of them are widows or in poor health,” says Johnette. “The Senior Ladies’ Club is a way to support each other with everything from social interaction to running errands and other assistance.”
The Senior Ladies’ Club meets at Johnette’s home for their potluck luncheon. Special holidays might find them at a nearby restaurant. Ranging in age from 60 to the mid-90s, almost all the ladies in the Club have lived on Calle De Castellana’s one-block street for decades. After eating, the group usually takes turns sharing on that month’s theme, such as memories of school days for the month of September or reflections on their moms for Mother’s Day.
Johnette also provides folders containing information from Torrance Memorial Hospital Health Links dealing with aging problems such as memory loss, hospice care, strokes, and other subjects. Birthdays are always celebrated with a cake, card, and “Aged to Perfection” sign posted in their front yard. Younger women on the block are often invited as guests.
The club’s co-chairwomen, Virginia Hilker and Judy Myhren have lived on Calle De Castellana for 45-50 years, both having been very active in various Riviera organizations. “Katy Geissert (a former mayor of Torrance, now deceased) used to live here, and she started the activities this street is known for, such as our annual 4th of July party,” says Virginia. “Katy and we older ladies were the first wave of women who got our neighborhood events started. Now the younger women on the street are the second wave keeping the momentum going.”
One of those younger women is Cathy Hachigian, an honorary member of the Senior Ladies’ Club and the woman the senior ladies call their “guardian angel.” Cathy makes the luncheon fliers that Virginia then distributes. Virginia also provides transportation to the luncheons for those ladies who have trouble walking.
“These women have a wealth of knowledge and history and I learn so much from them,” says Cathy. “It’s an honor to be part of their group.”
The Senior Ladies’ Club is just one of the happenings that make Calle De Castellana so unique. The first Friday of each month, the streets’ neighbors gather outside to mingle while their children play together. And twice a week, several ladies on the street meet on one of their front yards for an invigorating work out.
Starting the Senior Ladies’ Club was a natural for Johnette because giving back to others is in her blood. Her parents were missionaries in Honduras, so she learned from a very early age the importance of doing for others. Prior to starting the club, she was a volunteer at Torrance Memorial Hospital for many years.
“We have a lot of fun together,” says Johnette about her group of Castellana friends. “We’re more than just neighbors. We’re here to help each other.”
Local Residents Help Others See the World
June 2014
Saint Augustine once said, “The world is a book and those who do not travel read only a page.” If that’s true, Jane and Jerry Kreutz are voracious readers. As the owners of AB Travel, the Kreutz’s know first-hand the joys of exploring lands near and far. Jane started her career in the business back in 1972 when she became a travel agent and eventually executive vice president for Alpha Beta (for those too young to remember, Alpha Beta groceries – now Albertson’s – once had travel agencies in many of their grocery stores).
Prior to that Jane was a stewardess with Continental Airlines, so she already knew a thing or two about travel. In 1982 Jane bought AB Travel, which has been located in the shopping center at Vista Montana and Pacific Coast Highway (behind the Mongolian Barbeque restaurant) since 1976.
Jerry, her husband of 49 years, joined her in the business when he retired from Hughes Aircraft 25 years ago. “We love our job because we love to travel,” said Jane. “We’ve been all over the world and have a lot of experience in knowing where to go, where to stay, what to do, and how to get there.”
Among Jane’s favorite travel destinations are Canada, New Zealand, and Kenya. While cruises are still a very popular way to travel according to Jane, riverboats are becoming one of the most requested travel vacations.
“We regularly arrange riverboat cruises for clients on such rivers as the Rhine, where they might see Germany, Switzerland, and Amsterdam, or the Danube, where they can see Germany, Austria, and Hungary,” said Jane. “It’s a great way to visit several countries while enjoying a relaxed and pampered mode of travel.”
In addition to cruises and riverboat trips, the Kreutz’s arrange independent land-based trips all over the world.
“Sometimes clients don’t want to travel with a group that goes on scheduled tours,” said Jane. “We can certainly arrange those packages, but if they want to explore the area on their own instead, we can do all the pre-trip leg work so that they can enjoy every moment of their trip without having to worry about the logistics.”
After so many years in the business, the Kreutz’s have seen a lot of changes in the travel industry, especially with the widespread use of the internet to research vacation options.
“You can spend hours on the computer but you still probably won’t get an accurate picture of what a hotel or resort is like,” said Jane. “That’s where our first-hand expertise really is valuable to our clients.”
Many of the Kreutz’s clients are the children or grandchildren of their original customers. “The best part of the job is hearing how the trip went when our clients get home,” said Jane. “Knowing that we helped them make life-long memories is a great feeling.”
Jane and Jerry have lived in the same house in the Hollywood Riviera since 1965, and have two grown children and 4 grandchildren. And though they’re sure to hit the road for more travel adventures, they plan to stay rooted in the Riviera permanently.
You can visit AB Travel at 24022 Vista Montana, Suite B, Torrance or call them at 310-373-8631.
12th Annual Torrance Relay for Life April 26 at South High
April 2014
Lace-up your walking shoes for the annual Torrance Relay for Life, the day our community pulls together for 24 hours to raise funds for cancer research. According to the American Cancer Society, “About 1,665,540 new cancer cases are expected to be diagnosed in 2014. This estimate does not include carcinoma in situ (noninvasive cancer) of any site except urinary bladder, nor does it include basal cell or squamous cell skin cancers, which are not required to be reported to cancer registries. In 2014, about 585,720 Americans are expected to die of cancer, almost 1,600 people per day. Cancer is the second most common cause of death in the US, exceeded only by heart disease, accounting for nearly 1 of every 4 deaths.”
Relay for Life raises funds for the American Cancer Society with the help of teams of volunteers who commit to having at least one team member walking on a track at all times over a 24 hour period because cancer never sleeps.
The event honors cancer survivors, pays tribute to those who have lost their lives to the disease, and raises money to fight cancer. This year’s theme is “California Dreamin’ for a Cure,” and the goal is to raise $275,000 for the American Cancer Society.
The Hollywood Riviera Sportsman’s Club is fielding a team again this year, with Igor serving as team captain for the 9th year in a row. Please consider joining the Riviera Sportsman’s Club’s Relay team if you’d like to get involved (women and men are welcome). The team raised $12,000 for the American Cancer Society last year and hopes to exceed that amount this year.
Relay for Life began in 1985 with the vision of Dr. Gordy Klatt, a colorectal surgeon in Tacoma, Washington. In an effort to raise funds for his local American Cancer Society, Dr. Klatt spent a grueling 24 hours circling the track at the University of Puget Sound, logging in more than 83 miles. Nearly 300 of Dr. Klatt’s friends, family, and patients cheered him on as he walked, while others donated $25 to walk 30 minutes with him. Ultimately, he raised $27,000 to fight cancer. The following year, Dr. Klatt organized 19 teams to take part in the first team relay event, and a total of $33,000 was raised for the American Cancer Society. Today, Dr. Klatt’s vision is a fundraising phenomenon.
Highlights of the Relay for Life are the opening ceremony Saturday, April 26 at 9 am followed by a survivors’ lap at 9:30 am. At 8 pm Saturday, a Luminaria Ceremony will honor survivors as well as those who lost their battle with cancer. The luminarias burn through the night to light the path for those walking to fight back against cancer. You can purchase and decorate your luminaria at the event on Saturday. Entertainment is provided throughout the event, including headliner band Russell Somers & Friends and performances of Bollywood and traditional Filipino dances. The event concludes Sunday at 9:00 am with a closing ceremony.
To sign up for the Hollywood Riviera Sportsman’s Club team, or to donate funds, please contact Igor at 310-892- 6016 or [email protected]. You can also mail your donation, payable to the “American Cancer Society,” to Igor at 601 Calle de Arboles, Redondo Beach, CA 90277, and he will forward it to the American Cancer Society. Please mark on the memo line “Relay for Life of Torrance.” Or, you can donate to Relay for Life and/or join the Hollywood Riviera Sportsman’s Club team online at www.relayforlife.org/torranceca. Donations are accepted until August.
Riviera Resident Answers the Call of Duty
March 2014
It is not a job for everyone. The hours are long, the work is stressful and to top it off, it is one of the most dangerous of all occupations. But for those called to serve their community, working in law enforcement yields rewards beyond compare.
“Knowing I’m making a positive difference in the lives of others is the reason I do this,” said Al Ortiz, a Riviera resident who has worked in law enforcement for almost 30 years. “Protecting the lives of others and making sure criminals are brought to justice so they can’t cause more harm is extremely satisfying.”
Currently a lieutenant with the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department, Al began his career in law enforcement at the urging of his mother. “My mom knew this had been my interest for many years, so she encouraged me to reach for my goal.”
Al started his career in the Sheriff’s Department working in the jails, followed by patrol at the Lennox Sheriff’s Station, where he spent nine years as a patrol deputy and detective. He then worked Special Investigations and Metro Detail, where he dedicated his time to complex cases involving kidnapping for ransom, extortion and solicitation for murder, as well as prison escapes and high profile stalking cases. After being promoted to sergeant, Al supervised teams in the Major Crimes Bureau. Shortly after he was promoted to lieutenant, and began overseeing teams at Operation Safe Streets, which targets gang activity in and around Los Angeles and Compton.
Over the years, Al has seen his share of human tragedy, including murders. But then there are the moments of triumph, such as the time he helped rescue an elderly kidnap victim and bring his tormenters to justice.
Al and his wife, Tammy, have lived in the Hollywood Riviera since 1993 and raised two kids in the area.
His mother and aunt also live in the Riviera. Al first learned of our unique community from his sergeant, who is also a Riviera resident.
He’s an active member of the community, including the Hollywood Riviera Sportsman’s Club (where he served as president) and the Redondo Elks Club. He also coached youth sports and was involved in overseeing Boy Scouts activities. He is currently the president of the Hispanic American Police Command Officer’s Association, Los Angeles Chapter.
“We love living in the Riviera because it’s a great place to raise kids, the schools are excellent and we’re close to the beach,” said Al. “And just as important this is a very safe community. There are many law enforcement officers who live in the Riviera, and that’s partly because we know how safe this area is.”
Thank you Al, for your decades of service keeping our communities safe!
Local Resident’s Bakery Takes the Cake as South Bay Favorite
February 2014
Kirk Rossberg has a sweet tooth, and that’s a very good thing. After all, the Hollywood Riviera native has worked his entire life surrounded by sugary treats. His first job, at the age of 13, was at a confectionery shop in the Riviera Village called Edelweiss candies. When that business moved he took an after-school job at a nearby bakery and quickly realized cakes were his calling.
You can still find Kirk surrounded by delicious desserts, but today it’s at Torrance Bakery, the business his family has owned and operated since 1984. Located in downtown Torrance, the shop started with eight workers and today employs 89 people in its two locations (the second bakery is in Gardena).
It’s easy to see (and taste) why Torrance Bakery is such a success. Hundreds of customers visit the bakery every day for their scrumptious goods, including freshly baked donuts, cakes, brownies, cookies, cinnamon buns, muffins, and more. And those cream-filled fried croissants the nation has been clamoring for recently? Torrance Bakery has been making them for years. The bakery also serves lunch items such as soups, salads, and sandwiches made on freshly baked bread.
The cake artists at Torrance Bakery are like Da Vinci’s with pastry bags. They can create just about any cake décor their customers dream up, including replicating decades-old wedding cakes for 50th anniversaries.
Stop by Torrance Bakery around Valentine’s Day and you’re bound to see cute little Love Bugs (white cake covered in white chocolate ganache with a red tint) and Valentine Whoopie Pies (butter cream-filled chocolate cake). Closer to Saint Patrick’s Day, customers can pick up Blarney Bugs and Shamrock Whoopie Pies, including the ever-popular red velvet cake filled with cream cheese.
Cakes commemorating the Super Bowl, the Oscars, Mardi Gras, prom, graduation, and more are also popular.
“Some of our most in-demand pastries are our chocolate chew and maple pecan chew cookies,” says Kirk. “Not only are they delicious, they’re flour-free so they’re gluten friendly.”
Kirk does more than just oversee the family business. He also rolls up his sleeves and is a very talented cake decorator himself. In fact, he occasionally teaches a cake decorating class through El Camino Community college.
One of Kirk’s greatest pleasures as the owner of Torrance Bakery is his customers. “Over the years we’ve served generations of families,” says Kirk. “We had several couples actually meet here and then wind up getting married. We enjoy knowing our customers by name and knowing what they like to order with their morning coffee or to take home for later. We’re sort of like the Cheers of the bakery business.”
Kirk grew up in the Hollywood Riviera and lives on the same street as his childhood home, near his parents and other relatives.
Stop by Torrance Bakery at 1341 El Prado Avenue in Old Torrance and say hello to Kirk. And while you’re there, bring in this newsletter for a free chocolate chew cookie. Your taste buds will thank you.
Riviera Residents for 51 Years, the Sargents Live to Give
January 2014
“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”
When Winston Churchill spoke those words he may as well have been speaking about Dave and Toni Sargent.
These long-time Riviera residents are wonderful examples of the saying, “live to give,” and the result has been much joy in their own lives. The Sargents moved to the Riviera in 1962 to be close to Dave’s engineering work at Northrop Corporation and later TRW. The two met in England just the year before when Dave, who was temporarily working at the University of Manchester, looked across a crowded cafeteria and caught eyes with a gorgeous young woman. After a whirlwind romance, Dave and Toni married a few months later in a small chapel on the site of his alma mater, Cornell University, in New York.
In recognition of their extensive volunteer work, the Sargents were honored this past summer with the distinguished Jared Sidney Torrance Award, our community’s highest honor. Their list of volunteer achievements is so extensive there isn’t room to list them all here, but we’ve highlighted a few.
Dave’s volunteerism started more than 40 years ago when he served as Nation Chief on his son’s YMCA Indian Guides group and then as a local AYSO Division and Regional Commissioner. He joined the Hollywood Riviera Sportsman’s Club in 1977 where he has served in many capacities, including President, and is still an active member. He has also been very involved with the Torrance-South Bay YMCA.
A long-time education advocate, Dave was elected to the TUSD Board of Education in 1983 where he served in many leadership roles and has also been president of the Torrance Education Foundation board. He is an active member of his church, St. Luke’s Presbyterian, and joins his wife on the Miracle of Living Committee at Torrance Memorial. His most recent civic duties include serving on the Torrance Traffic Commission, including one year as Chair.
Dave and Toni often help each other in their respective volunteer capacities, which is a good thing because Toni is just as active in the community as Dave. With three children all attending our local schools, Toni was intensely involved with the PTA for more than 30 years.
She has been on the boards of numerous organizations, including the Salvation Army, The Torrance Historical Society, and Las Vecinas Women’s Club. She was also the first Chairman of the Torrance Branch of the American Heart Association. Three years ago she was appointed by the Torrance City Council to the Torrance Library Commission and is presently serving her second term as Chair. She is also actively involved with the Riviera Garden Club and volunteers with the Torrance Farmers Market, which she helped start 29 years ago.
Toni and Dave were faced with a devastating tragedy in 1985 when their 19-year-old son, Jonathan, committed suicide. Toni channeled her grief into organizing a fund through the Torrance School District for suicide prevention and has been very involved with suicide prevention presentations and grief counseling in the community. She has appeared on national television and radio speaking about suicide prevention and is still involved with the Los Angeles Suicide Prevention Center.
Three years after her suicide prevention work began, Toni was appointed by County Supervisor Deane Dana to the Los Angeles County Task Force to Promote Self-Esteem and Personal and Social Responsibility and was also appointed to the Drug, Alcohol and Tobacco Education Committee. Today, with two grown daughters and two young grandchildren, Dave and Toni are still not the type to sit on the couch and watch the world go by. They travel, exercise, go to the theater, and of course, volunteer.
“We are the main beneficiaries of all the volunteer work we’ve done over the years,” says Dave. “We’ve met amazing people and had wonderful experiences. It’s given us a richer, fuller life.”