The YPs were guided by Friends of Ballona Wetlands Executive Director, Scott Culbertson, through the saltwater wetlands in Playa del Rey for a tour of the grounds. Through Culbertson’s trained eyes and on-hand binoculars, the group was able to spot ducks, coots, egrets, herons, and more throughout the reserve—only a few of the 200 species that travel through the wetlands each year.
LAX Coastal YPs pose on the wetlands viewing platform
After birdwatching, the group headed to Ballona Creek where they were armed with rubber gloves and trash bags to help clean up our community. Even a moderate amount of rain can unfortunately bring tons of trash into our waters, but through the constant efforts of the Friends of Ballona Wetlands and the gracious volunteerism of our community—and LAX Coastal Young Professionals—we are helping to keep our environment clean.
Keep an eye on the LAX Coastal Chamber of Commerce calendar at www.laxcoastal.com for future LAX Coastal YP events.
Learn more about the local efforts of the Friends of Ballona Wetlands at www.ballonafriends.org
It’s not easy for the LAX Coastal Fourth of July Parade committee to come up with a new parade theme, year after year, to help celebrate Independence Day. In the last eighteen years there have been tributes to America’s pastimes, songs, icons, heroes, patriotism and adventures, often leaving the volunteer-based committee scratching their heads when it comes to picking a new theme that will encourage participants to come up with creative, inspiring entries and floats. To help solve this issue, the parade committee is reaching out to the community to ask for their suggestions for the 2018 event.
“This is the third year we’ve reached out to the community for help to choose the theme, and we think it’s a fun way to encourage participation and get new, fresh perspectives,” said LAX Coastal Chamber President/CEO, Christina Davis. “We’ve received some great suggestions over the last few years and we appreciate the feedback on what people want to see at the parade.”
2017 LAX Coastal Fourth of July Parade: An American Adventure
The Fourth of July Parade is hosted by the LAX Coastal Chamber and participants rely on the theme to help shape their ideas and the direction of their entries, which range from floats, marching bands and walking groups.
When participants really like a theme, it shows on parade day, according to event chair, Gwen Vuchsas.
“We never know ahead of time what theme will resonate with our entries, but it’s evident on the Fourth of July which groups really loved the theme,” said Vuchsas, who has chaired the event since its inception. “A good theme helps create a great parade. The committee loves to see how the entries interpret it, and we know the parade attendees do too.”
Those interested in participating in this year’s parade theme contest, are asked to email the parade committee at laxcoastalonparade@gmail.com by Friday, February 23 with contact info, a parade theme and a short paragraph explaining their suggestion.
All submissions will be reviewed by the committee, and the winner will receive a gift bag with parade swag and the opportunity for a family of four to ride in the 2018 LAX Coastal Fourth of July Parade (conditions apply), taking place on Wednesday, July 4.
The committee is also accepting audition videos for those interested in singing the National Anthem at the event. It is a tradition to select a local singer to help kick-off the parade. Audition videos can be posted to the Chamber’s Facebook page at facebook.com/laxcoastal or emailed to laxcoastalonparade@gmail.com by Friday, April 6.
While everyone is encouraged to submit audition videos, preference is given to students who live or attend school in the LAX Coastal area, which includes Westchester, Playa del Rey, Playa Vista, Marina del Rey and Del Rey.
For more info on the parade or sponsorship opportunities, please call the Chamber office at (310) 645-5151, email laxcoastalonparade@gmail.com or visit laxcoastal.com/parade.
For those interested in receiving information about participating in the 2018 Fourth of July Parade, applications will be available in March.
On Wednesday, March 29, the LAX Coastal Young Professionals visited St. Bernard High School in Playa del Rey to share their knowledge and experiences in the areas of interviewing and resume writing. Led by the LAX Coastal Chamber’s Vice President of Membership, Chamberlain Duru, the YPs stressed the importance of presenting yourself professionally, both in person and on paper, to a classroom of graduating seniors.
LAX Coastal Young Professionals at St. Bernard High School
“We felt these kids could use some pointers since they are about to graduate and start building their futures in college and at work,” said Chamberlain.
The graduating seniors participated in small workshops to work on their resumes and interview skills. They learned the importance of having a well-structured resume which clearly highlights their skills. They also received advice on how to prepare for an interview and succeed through the hiring process. The YP team made sure to emphasize the importance of coming across with confidence and articulating their skills and strengths clearly.
Gina Trechter Reed of the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board(and proud LAX Coastal Young Professional!) was one of the afternoon’s mentors, and left the students with such tips as: “Be enthusiastic! Have a positive attitude and exude energy. If you are excited about the opportunity, they’ll see it!”
The LAX Coastal Young Professionals are a program of the LAX Coastal Chamber of Commerce. The group supports a “young-at-heart” attitude and are focused on empowering future leaders through networking, community involvement, and the advancement of professionalism. For those looking to get involved, the YPs meet every first Monday of the month at the LAX Coastal Chamber office from 5:30-7pm. Contact Chamberlain for more information at chamberlain@laxcoastal.com or 310.645.5151.
Maneeza Hasan is a member of the LAX Coastal Young Professionals & Marketing Manager for Elite Interactive Solutions, which provides Remote Guarding & Monitoring security solutions to school campuses, apartment buildings, auto dealerships, and beyond. To learn more about Elite Interactive Solutions, please contact Maneeza at mhasan@eliteisi.com or visit www.eliteisi.com.
Your LAX Coastal Young Professionals are dedicated to developing their leadership skills, networking with fellow young or young-at-heart professionals, and bettering our LAX Coastal community. Always looking for a new community service project, the YPs have started a Beach Clean-Up + Brunch series to help clean up our local beaches and have a little fun in the process.
Looking to help? Come out and join the LAX Coastal Young Professionals as they partner with First Citizens Bank for a Saturday morning beach clean up at Playa del Rey’s Dockweiler Beach! Morning networking on the sand + a good deed for our community + brunch = one great LAX Coastal morning.
