Samantha Martinez Takes The Gavel At The Century City Chamber

(This article originally appeared in the Feb 8th, 2011 print edition of the Century City News)

Samantha Martinez takes over the heavy gavel at the Century City Chamber of Commerce. Heavy because of the legacy of those that preceded her but in her hands the gavel appears to move effortlessly.

There is something happening over at the Century City Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber is rising to new heights. I credit the staff, Starlyn and Amber that are dedicated to their jobs. I also credit Chamber President and CEO, Susan Bursk. The Executive Committee and the Board, too, have been proactive through a tough economy. The many council chairs and committee members have also done their part to put on interesting events and attract new membership. Samantha picks up the gavel at a time when the Chamber is firing on all cylinders. But the spirit of complacency has no place here and Samantha isn’t about to rest on Chamber Laurels.

I recently attended a retreat for the board of directors put on by the Chamber. The day began early and breakfast was provided along with really strong coffee (a must for early mornings). The discussion centered on building value for members and our role as directors of the board. County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky opened the meeting calling on all of us to stay involved in Government at this critical time in the history of Los Angeles. Zev knows that Century City by definition means involvement.

I was reminded about a recent board meeting where there was a spirited discussion about endorsing a measure that was on the California ballot. Some were for the measure and some against… but more than the discussion was the process that was at play here. The myth of a rubberstamp board was dispelled, as was the myth that the chamber is the puppet of a few of the building managers. Samantha led the discussion. Samantha allowed all of the stakeholders with a dog in this fight adequate time.

Opinions from all sides of the issue were heard and the vote was taken. The result was a function of the votes: No back room deals… no coercion! This is a functional Chamber in a functional part of the city amidst so many dysfunctional companies, clubs and organizations that are in Los Angeles. The members that get so much from their Chamber Membership are those that work their membership by participating. Those that choose not to participate my not get as much out of their memberships but the opportunity to capitalize on membership’s value is available for everybody that sits at the table and the Chamber invites more to join and avail themselves of the value that is offered.

Mike Holwick is the immediate past Chairman of the Board and comes with a pedigree of three generations of involvement in Century City. Samantha is the previous Chair of the Government Affairs Council and sits at the intersection of Chamber Activities and access to Government Officials. Samantha is well versed on all of the issues that government struggles to solve and as Chairperson of the Chamber sits ready to give her opinion to officials when she is asked. They would do well to listen to the answers as they might find their struggle to overcome challenges less entangled when listening to Samantha’s voice of reason. Samantha waits patiently to allow all points of view to be heard before summing up all of those opinions into an intelligent platform that everyone somehow agrees with.

Just when you thought the Chamber had peaked and risen to the heights that limit it… you find that there is a plan in play to reach new heights never before thought to be attainable. Those who looked at Chamber Membership in the past and failed to hear the call need to revisit the value of Chamber Membership and get involved in shaping a new, more vibrant, and more important, Century City. Samantha is sure to be an important part of ushering in this new era.

Michael Douglas Carlin is the director of the movies Luvicide and American Federale. Recently he completed a ten-year stint as the Publisher and Editor of the Century City News. Here his articles turned into three books: Rise a Knight, A Prescription for Peace, and Peaceful Protests.

Love Buzz - Why Do We Hurt The One We Love

(This originally appeared in the July 26th, 2011 edition of the Century City News)

By Anita De Francesco, MA
Relationship Specialist
I generally don’t hurt anyone I love or anyone I don’t love. I don’t hurt human beings but rather I honor them, love them, show compassion and empathy as often as I can. This tells me my heart is working and is being exercised in the most stimulating way I know. I am writing this because I have been hurt so much with love and I often wonder why they love me and then they don’t. I feel that we are put into relationships to learn how to love ourselves even more and so the hate weighs out the love of the person we channeled it to and possibly this is why we go on to hate a former lover just so to get the love back to ourselves. It does make sense to me because to love someone deeply we must first love ourselves and take the love from the heart source and share it with another. We begin to be mean and hateful when it comes to breaking up in an effort to get the love of the self back. Why does it have to be this way? We lend out our love to mates and sometimes we don’t get back what we put out. We need to be more objective with romance because relationships these days are all about sharing the love with everybody and women have yet to learn to come to this maturity in accepting a man in this way.

Romantic relationships continually harness the sense of our self, propelling us to grow. Within every relationship there is growth that we must see. The big question today is why is it so difficult to stay together for a period of time and give each other the fulfillment that we deserve in the relationship. I think we have lost value of what a relationship means. These short half on end relationships are not even worthy anymore. Why get into them for six months to just get out of them which can take longer. It can get so tiring. It’s a wonder our world is so dysfunctional. Then there are those who get married and have that containment and have side affairs which end as well and promises, promises are made and people get hurt. Humans are hurting each other every day in many ways not only in relationships. But relationships are where it all begins and are suppose to teach us.
So just how can we heal the hurt pain? Relationships teach growth and each and every one is a stepping stone to improving yourself. But some stay victim and build defenses and just can’t seem to find the love of life after a bad romance. A study revealed that the mental health of men is more affected by the strains of romance than women. It also revealed that men benefit from support more than women. I believe this is true because men need the attention; they have baby needs that always need fulfillment and women go overboard in being the mommy the nurturer and so on. For women just simply having the relationship matters most whether it provides stress or support. Professor Robin W. Simon quoted in the New York Times; “even though there’s been so much social change in this area, women’s self-worth is still so much tied up with having a boyfriend. My feeling on that is in this day and age yes we should be because men have so many women on strings that just having a boyfriend is the American dream anymore and holding onto him. Look at the stars, Aniston, Madonna and Cher all have a challenge holding onto the relationship.
It seems as though women know how to do relationships and men still need to learn and this could explain the strains of hurt. Although it always looks and feels as though women hurt more and they probably do. I think that women show more emotion and manifest expressive behaviors a lot more than a man simply because they just wanted the relationship. We know it comes with strain and pain. Men learned to stay composed and in control but they have feelings to and they do hurt. They teach themselves to close off the heart because their sexual side comes first whereas women’s hearts are first. We need a little more harmony in these areas. Women tend to find creative outlets for emotional channeling than men and is probably why they look more emotionally stimulated. We want to see the feminine vulnerable spiritual side of a man. Men rely solely on a girlfriend for all the emotional needs. It’s a wonder us women are strong yet some becoming needy that really aren’t. Men actually put the pressure on a woman with their undiffused emotional self. Of course men are more in the moment when it comes to romance where women always look long term and probably so because of the reproductive clock thing. I will leave you with one thought here as Oscar Wilde said: “ each man kills the thing he loves”; however hurting one’s beloved is frequent. Since the beloved is a major source of happiness, this person is also a major threat to our happiness; more than anyone else, the beloved can ruin it. To me this says that on some level we are not deserving of the fulfillment that love brings.
Do you feel stuck and in a rut, depressed or anxious or overall sluggish? I practice Reichian, Gestalt, somatic movement, and counseling/bodywork integrative therapies which involves focused breathing to help stimulate the emotions thus re-patterning the nervous system. I help you to focus on the negative voices and thoughts that create the stress and to resolve those unwanted interruptions that get in the way of your life process. Those stiff armored muscles that block sensation and energy flow will eventually soften.
The rage sitting in the muscles will unfold allowing more feelings of pleasure, more creativeness, freeing blocked energies and sexual dysfunction. Modern society has forced the human character to live in unnatural ways holding back basic needs and instincts. This process of breathing deeply sends messages to the brain which is an effective way to release anger, to let go of baggage, and to feel more alive and trusting thus living in a higher self esteem.

Anita De Francesco, M.A.
www.tantrawisdom.com
info@tantrawisdom.com
310-210-1464

Michael Douglas Carlin is the director of the movies Luvicide and American Federale. Recently he completed a ten-year stint as the Publisher and Editor of the Century City News. Here his articles turned into three books: Rise a Knight, A Prescription for Peace, and Peaceful Protests.

Social City News by Marci Weiner - SPAGO GOES ROYAL, LITERARY LUNCH & THE A GALA

(This article originally appeared in the July 26, 2011 edition of the Century City News)

SPAGO GOES ROYAL, LITERARY LUNCH & THE A GALA
The Legendary Spago Restaurant prepared a Royal Luncheon in Honor of Prince Wiliam andKate’s arrival in Los Angeles. Along with prima ballerina, Dame Nayda Koscuik of the Masterpiece Dance Theatre, renowned realtor, Rachel Shabti, and TV Reporter, Tamara Henry, we were invited to sample the Royal Menu with co-owner Barbara Lazaroff and Chef Tetsu. Some of the tasty items included: Sweet English Pea Soup, “Toad in Hole” with summer truffle, and Devon Crab Cakes.
We were photographed and interviewed by news outlets, worldwide, including Channel 7, 11, 13 and Fox News, and are seen pictured here with Anchor Rick Lozano. A tasty intro to the whirlwind tour of the Royal Couple!
Master Chef Wolfgang Puck, the aforementioned Barbara Lazaroff and Sherry Lansing will gather LA’s top restaurateurs and vintners for California Spirit XXVII on August 7th at the Pacific Design Center to benefit American Cancer Society. Tickets are $350 and can be purchased at the event website www.calspirit.org. You are invited to partake in this gourmet food experience, with live entertainment and a humongous silent auction – and help fight this dread disease at the same time.
At another fundraiser, the “A Gala” benefiting the Aviva Family and Children’s Services, we were treated to a fabulous fashion show to preview
Monique Lhuiller’s Fall Ready to Wear Collection, and an exclusive viewing of prominent jewel Martin Katz’s private collection. This gala evening at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel was reminiscent of a chic supper club, complete with martini bars, fab hors d’ oeuvres, gourmet menu and dancing.
Among those honored for the support of the Aviva were Kelly Fisher Katz, whose philanthropic efforts include the Rape Treatment Center, and the United Friends of the Children; and Lhuiller, one of the most revered designers of our time, who is very active in a variety of philanthropic endeavors. Beautiful Susan Casden and Nancy Jane Goldstone chaired the elegant evening, which supports at-risk children. Also honored was retiring President, Andrew R. Diamond, who in his 23 years of service, helped Aviva become one of the most respected programs of its kind in the nation.

Michael Douglas Carlin is the director of the movies Luvicide and American Federale. Recently he completed a ten-year stint as the Publisher and Editor of the Century City News. Here his articles turned into three books: Rise a Knight, A Prescription for Peace, and Peaceful Protests.

The Six Pillars of Health Management Residential Indoor Air Quality Part 3: Methods of Conditioning the Air

(This article originally appeared in the July 26th, 2011 edition of the Century City News)

By Herman Kelting PhD
rciaq@verizon.net


Scope of three-part series about residential indoor air quality

In Part One of the series on residential indoor air quality (RIAQ), we discussed the effect of climate on indoor air quality and found that both outdoor temperature and humidity influence RIAQ, Part Two described source contaminants from the building structure, fixtures, and personal property, and the importance of air flow within and between the home, attached garage, and attic on RIAQ. We provided 14 guidelines for the management of personal property to improve RIAQ, described the effect of water damage to mold, and noted that mold must be eliminated, not killed, to improve RIAQ.

Now, in Part Three, I’d like to discuss the importance of conditioning the air and maintenance of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system (“HVAC system”) on RIAQ,

“Conditioning the air” defined

In order to improve residential air quality after particles and VOCs from the source contaminants listed in Part Two of this series have been minimized, it is necessary to condition the air. “Conditioning the air” or “conditioned air” refers to any air movement, air exchange, or air processing that improves indoor air quality and energizes the occupants. “Improves air quality” refers to reducing particles and volatile organic chemicals (VOCs). Energizing the occupants is important as an RIAQ standard because I have witnessed conditioned air that leaves a residual fragrance from filters that reduce occupant energy. And it is crucial for commercial establishments that conditioned air contributes to maximum work output,

“Conditioning the air” includes two types of processing, One of these is natural ventilation from open windows and doors, infiltration from leakage within the building structure, and makeup air taken in through the HVAC system in the absence of air conditioning (A/C) or other filtration, But open-window natural ventilation is distinguishable from infiltration or makeup air in the HVAC system because natural air exchange from open windows will duplicate outdoor air indoors, while infiltration or makeup air induced through the HVAC system may add contaminants from the building structure or from within the HVAC system; thus, it is crucial, for example, to assure the evaporator coils and HVAC filters are clean and are free of fragrances,

The second type of “conditioning the air” is physical air processing intended to reduce contaminants, This includes air conditioning in which contaminants are dissolved in the moisture on the evaporator coils or other types of filters such as electronic air cleaners, High Energy Particulate Arrest (HEPA) filters, impregnated carbon, etc. that remove particulates or VOCs.

Air conditioning to reduce temperature and humidity

Air conditioning (A/C) to reduce temperature and humidity during warm weather is one of the best types of conditioned air because the moisture on the evaporator coils absorbs many contaminants, It is helpful to utilize UVC lights (254 nm wave length) in the air flow system a few inches from the A/C evaporator coils to remove bacteria which collect on the A/C coils, and to clean the coils periodically to eliminate contaminate buildup.

Dehumidification

Dehumidification is useful to reduce humidity when the relative humidity (RH) is greater than about 50 percent (e.g., along the coast) and it is too cool to use air conditioning. Like air conditioning, it conditions the air by absorbing contaminants as air passes over moist coils; these coils must be cleaned with the same periodicity as A/C evaporator coils assuming no UVC lights in the HVAC system,

If you purchase a portable dehumidifier, be sure the coils are accessible for cleaning before you purchase; measure the electromagnetic field (EMF) with a three-axis EMF detector because some dehumidifiers create very strong EMFs. To avoid contact with the EMF, place the dehumidifier in a place that is outside the normal walking area. Portable dehumidifiers may also be used to provide heat in the winter because the output air temperature is about 84 degrees F, I provide about 95 percent of the heat in my housing unit with a dehumidifier.

Make-up air in the HVAC system

As a general rule, home HVAC systems do not have make-up air capability (i.e., fresh air drawn in from outdoors). Thus, engaging the HVAC system with only the fan on will not condition the air unless there are filters in the HVAC system (e.g., electronic air cleaners), If there is make-up air provision in the HVAC system, “fan-on” becomes an additional method of conditioning the air subject to our comments in the opening paragraphs,

Air filtering systems

There is a vast array of different air filters that are either portable or an integral part of the HVAC system. These systems are designed to capture particles and VOCs each of which requires separate systems to operate efficiently. Particle capture systems include HEPA filters, electronic air cleaners that operate at high voltages (e.g., 10,000 DC volts), ion generators which attract particles to surfaces, etc. VOC capture systems include impregnated carbon, potassium permanganate, zeolite, etc. to absorb VOCs. UVC lights in the air flow preceding the A/C coils also reduce bacteria on the A/C coils, Ozone oxidizes contaminants, but the oxides may be harmful and ozone should not be used with occupants present or with wood fragrances because ozone may combine with the latter to create harmful oxides.

Because there is such an array of these systems and because each manufacturer has product differentiation, it is impossible to discuss these in this article.

Open windows

Open windows are an excellent way of conditioning the air particularly if the HVAC system does not provide for make-up air and the outside air is of good quality. One measure of good outside air is the absence of sources of pollution and the density of trees, which capture pollution and add oxygen to the air. I suggest open windows for at least two periods of 15 minutes each every six hours during day-time hours with box fans in windows that draw outside air along a diagonal through the home; sleeping with an open window is also helpful, if the outside air is of good quality irrespective of make-up air in the HVAC system. Higher humidity air (e.g., 60% to 70%) contributes to better sleep; higher morning humidity over 50 percent in the home suggests dehumidification during the day.

Carpet cleaning

Carpets should be cleaned every four to six months to assure the best in RIAQ. It’s best to perform a manual cleaning with a carpet cleaner that has a dirty water return tank so that one can be assured of effective cleaning; be sure to purchase the extended warrantee. I have also found that using a good quality dish soap in the carpet cleaner assures that any residual soap is safe, particularly if children play on the carpet, If one uses a highly mechanized carpet cleaning system, it is a good idea to test clean with a manual, dirty-water return tank carpet cleaner to assure effectiveness.

Carpet cleanliness is very elusive in the sense carpets may appear to be clean when, in fact, they are quite soiled, If you haven’t cleaned your carpets for a year or two and you use a manual carpet cleaner with a dirty water return tank, the return water may be unimaginably filthy with an oil-like viscosity; several successive cleanings may be necessary before the viscosity and color of the water is normal,

Passive and active ventilation of attics

Attics may be sources of poor air quality because of construction materials or because outside humidity reacts with attic materials. The result is poor attic air quality that may enter the home from infiltration in the HVAC system or from cracks in the walls, Some combination of passive and active attic ventilation is desirable and it is important to consult with a design professional familiar with the home and the local climate. An active attic ventilation system is particularly important for a new home.

Maintenance of the HVAC System

Maintenance of the HVAC system includes cleaning the indoor evaporator coils, cleaning or replacing filters, and cleaning the ducts. The indoor evaporator coils consist of one or more flat plates about 14 inches square and three inches thick with parallel aluminum plates about 1/16” apart and copper tubes with Freon connecting the plates that act as heat exchangers. It is possible to reduce the frequency of coil cleaning by installing UVC lights in the air flow several inches in front of the A/C evaporator coils,

Air conditioning results in the accumulation of bacteria on the flat-plate A/C coils where water condenses. I suggest cleaning coils with a coil cleaner about every 60 days during A/C season in the absence of UVC lights; if the unit has UVC lights, I suggest 90-day periodicity of cleaning, Always clean the coils at the end of the A/C season because bacteria may continue to build up even with the end of seasonal use, Rinse the coil cleaner from the coils preferably with steam, otherwise with a spray bottle of water, even if the coil cleaner states “No rinse;” heat from the steam provides additional cleaning power against bacteria and also reduces the amount of coil cleaner required, Be sure to follow safety instruction on the coil cleaner because it’s toxic, Electronic air cleaners should be cleaned in the same manner and frequency as the A/C coils, Dust filters should be replaced every 30 days,

Frequency of conditioning of air

“Frequency of conditioning the air” refers to the number of hours in a 24-hour day that the air in a home is subject to the “Methods of conditioning of air” described elsewhere in this article, Notably, a recent article in Indoor Air, Volume 21, Number 3, June 2011, p. 191-204 entitled “Ventilation Rates and Health: Multidisciplinary Review of the Scientific Literature” indicated that a number of studies found that higher ventilation rates improved health and reduced Sick Building Syndrome.

The suggestions I offer in this section are only the most general guidelines subject to many variables such as climate, age, design, and materials used in the home, age of furniture, attic and attached-garage ventilation, etc. Older homes may require minimum conditioning of the air, Newer homes require minimizing source contaminants or any normal conditioning of the air may not be effective, Thus, the general suggestions in this section assume (1) that all material source contaminants have minimum off gassing based upon sound commercial and human standards, and (2) mold is not present in the home.

For an older home near the ocean, no new furniture, and full-day occupancy, I suggest about 14 hours of conditioned air per day consisting of eight sleeping hours with an open bedroom window and about six hours of dehumidification to about 45-50 percent RH in cooler weather. Use of A/C in warmer weather may reduce total conditioning to 11 hours including three hours of air conditioning. For any other home category, it may be necessary to provide considerably more conditioned air including the use of a variety of filters.


Michael Douglas Carlin is the director of the movies Luvicide and American Federale. Recently he completed a ten-year stint as the Publisher and Editor of the Century City News. Here his articles turned into three books: Rise a Knight, A Prescription for Peace, and Peaceful Protests.