Sunday, May 20, 2012
A brief look into astronomical eclipses’ and their impact in ancient history
The west coast will be the best coast in America to view the solar eclipse this Sunday, and one of the few places on Earth where it can be seen. See tips for viewing the solar annular eclipse safely and where to watch in and around Los Angeles here. The astronomical phenomenon that we call an “eclipse” has been viewed by many throughout history and has played a critical role in both mankind’s spiritual evolution and its scientific understanding of the natural world. For the Navajo, the word for eclipse means “eating the sun.” Considered an auspicious event, many tribe members would not only avoid catching a glimpse of the ring of fire, but would fast and cease activities altogether. Ancient China: Hsi and Ho, 2137 B.C. The earliest …
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Food and Water Watch holds a press conference in Culver City to protest fracking.
Flanked by signs that read “Protect our Water” and “Ban Fracking Now,” a host of speakers spoke out Tuesday at a press conference in opposition to oil and gas drilling practices known as hydraulic fracking. The event, which took place at the Kenneth Hahn Soccer Fields overlooking the Inglewood Oil Field in Baldwin Hills, was hosted by Food and Water Watch, a national consumer organization that aims to keep food, fish and water supplies safe. Members of the group said enough is enough. “It’s largely an uncontrolled public health experiment,” said Kristin Lynch, the Pacific Region Director for Food and Water Watch. “Fracking throughout the country has caused surface and groundwater contamination, air pollution and is ultimately contributing …
Friday, May 11, 2012
Do you know the origins of Mother's Day?
I'm looking forward to sleeping in and waking up to a delicious home-cooked breakfast on Sunday, but Mother's Day was not always about breakfast in bed, or even the second-most expensive day to buy flowers. The first American Mother's Day was in 1870, created by suffragist and abolishionist Julia Ward Howe. Howe is most remembered for writing the Battle Hymn of the Republic, but after witnessing the continuing horrors of the Civil War, she called on women to work toward peace: As men have often forsaken the plough and the anvil at the summons of war, Let women now leave all that may be left of home for a great and earnest day of counsel. Let them meet first, as women, to bewail and commemorate the dead. Let them solemnly take counsel with…
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Save some money and make your mom a personalized gift.
Instead of splurging on an expensive gift this Mother’s Day, why not simply make one yourself? It’s a lot easier than you may think and the gift’s handmade quality and love will give it a more sentimental meaning. With that said, here are some fabulous and simple gifts for your mother to enjoy this year: Homemade Gel Candles: Gel candles can be used in the office or at home since they are useful, decorative and smell great. You can easily personalize them as well by using your mom’s favorite scents, colors and flowers. Here is what you will need: (All materials can be found at your local crafts store) Step 1: Fill the bottom of your glass container with some rock salts or small stones as a base. Then, place your candle wick in the center…
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Gridlock traffic on the Westside has some residents ready to move.
This was written and submitted by Lisë Davis. Patch accepts opinion pieces on any relevant local topic. Your submission may be edited for length and clarity. To submit a piece to Patch, email it to the site editor. My husband and I moved from two miles east of the 405 Freeway to two miles west of the 405 Freeway nearly four years ago. In the past three years, the traffic situation in our new neighborhood has only steadily gotten worse, and to the point where we are thinking of leaving Los Angeles. I was born here. My husband has lived here for over 40 years. I cannot imagine leaving, but I cannot imagine staying here if something does not change for the better. To travel east from our home in Brentwood after 2:30 p.m. is beyond painful and…
Thursday, April 19, 2012
April 19 marks Holocaust Remembrance Day. As we remember those who perished, the president of Jewish World Watch notes that despite the adage “Never Again,” there have been 46 genocides since the Holocaust.
A few years ago, my father-in-law, David, stood on a corner in the small Ukrainian village of Tuchin and pointed to the spot where he last saw his mother, Chaya, his sister, Rachel, and her three small children in November 1941. The Nazis had invaded the Ukraine in June and by November it was clear that they were advancing on Tuchin. Chaya sent David off by foot to outrun the Nazis; as bad luck would have it, her daughters' children were suffering from the measles and had high fevers. The plan was for Chaya, Rachel and the children to join David on the eastward trek a few days later. Chaya waved goodbye to David, knowing that they would only be separated for a few days. Within hours of David's departure, the Nazis invaded. David's family…
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
No dog beach? No problem. Two Hands Four Paws in West L.A. and Doggie Central in Culver City invited Bronte, the Culver City Patch pup to visit their new swim facilities and test out her dog paddle stylings.
Despite concerted efforts by local dog lovers, there's still absolutely no place in Los Angeles County to take your dog to swim in the sea. The nearest legal dog beaches are in Long Beach or Huntington Beach. So, it was with great excitement that I signed up after being asked if I'd like to bring my 16-month-old Golden Retriever, Bronte, to check out indoor swimming pools at both Doggie Central in Culver City, and Two Hands Four Paws in West L.A. Doggie Central just installed a brand new indoor pool called Splash Central and had a big opening day last month. Two Hands Four Paws' indoor pool has been around for a while, but the facility is first and foremost a physical therapy and rehab place for dogs. However, they have just launched free …
Monday, April 9, 2012
Meghan Sahli-Wells responds to Eriksson’s open letter.
Mr. Goran Eriksson, In this letter I will address your concerns (An Open Letter to Meghan Sahli-Wells, April 5) point by point: Concern #1: Yard signs I was given permission to place signs in front of the property you mentioned by the landlord, who is a supporter of mine. Concern #2: Negative campaigning I run a positive, issues-based campaign, just like I did in 2010. I have not and will not engage in or condone negative campaigning. ‘The constant barrage of vicious attack articles and blogs aimed at Scott Malsin" were not sanctioned or orchestrated by my campaign. I do not control what people write on blogs, but I do believe everyone has the right to express their opinions. Concern #3: Mailings I am not aware of the "illegal postcard …
I did not agree with Scott Malsin’s decision to step down in December but I have seen his hard work, concern and commitment and will vote for him April 10.
I have known Scott Malsin for over five years. He always makes himself available for discussions and listens closely to all viewpoints. Time and again I have seen him incorporate those views when crafting win-win solutions to Culver City’s challenges. Scott is a creative problem solver, carefully vetting ideas and doing plenty of research prior to making a final decision. He is a well-rounded individual, engaged with the City on many levels. I have enjoyed working with the other City Council members who are running for re-election, too. While I haven’t always agreed with how they voted, I’ve made a point of looking at their overall records. Deciding that you will only support someone who votes your way 100 percent of the time is not a …
Sunday, April 8, 2012
Meghan looks out for everyone in Culver City, not just the more fortunate.
Meghan Sahli-Wells is the only candidate who has inspired my active support this election. Why? I'm in Meghan's corner this election. Sincerely, James Province Editor’s note: Letters may be edited for brevity and clarity Be sure to like Culver City Patch on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
Mary McGrath
11:15 am on Thursday, May 17, 2012
I thought I read that fracking also contributes to the instability of the earth and can cause minor earthquakes? Anyone else remember reading about this? more ›