Home Care In Lomita, CA

Lomita has thwarted any would-be Ebeneezer Scrooges.

The City Council on Monday, Dec. 23, adopted an urgency ordinance at a special meeting, two days before Christmas, banning no-fault evictions through year’s end until a new statewide rent control law takes effect.

The council’s unanimous action came a week after several residents who had received eviction notices in October pleaded with the panel for help.

The speakers included retiree Bill Johnson, 64, and his neighbor Tricia Santos, who spoke on behalf of more than a dozen households that received the notices from the same landlord.

Johnson, who said he has health issues, noted his rent was raised $500 to $2,000 a month — an amount in excess of what the new state law will allow — last summer, with residents being evicted from their longtime homes during the holidays.

“I have no income except Social Security/disability, I have no money in the bank, no credit; I can’t even rent a doghouse,” he said at the meeting, visibly emotional. “I will be on the street in the back of an open truck with my cats in carriers if I am evicted.

“Please give all of us evicted people a merry Christmas and a happy new year,” Johnson added. “I would like to have a merry Christmas and stay in my house.”

Santos echoed Johnson’s plea.

“This is a serious situation,” she said. “This would help so many people who don’t know their rights.”

Many California cities, including Redondo Beach, El Segundo and Torrance — which also declared a “housing affordability crisis” — have enacted similar urgency ordinances in recent weeks as landlords have sought to beat restrictions on no-fault evictions — and increase rents — before the state law goes into effect Jan. 1.

The new law will require “just cause” for a tenant to be evicted and limit annual rent increases to 5 % plus the rate of inflation.

Renters handed large increases in recent months will also be able to claw a portion of them back as permitted under the new state law.

Lomita Mayor Jim Gazeley was incredulous at what he heard from residents.

“They raised the rent and they’re still going to evict you?” he said.

A handful of tenants burst into applause after the council approved the moratorium, although the stress and uncertainty surrounding the rent increases and eviction notices hasn’t helped many plan for Christmas.

“It has been a difficult couple of months,” said resident Nerika Leon. “We don’t know where we’re going to be on Jan. 2, so we don’t have anything for Christmas.”

LOMITA, Calif. - Recently, some Lomita residents have been thinking twice about the water they drink and the air they breathe. Seth Brownlie is one of them.

“I grew up in Michigan around Flint. So, it definitely gets me thinking of that. I don’t want Lomita to become the situation they are dealing with,” Brownlie said.

That’s probably why he also sticks to bottled water.

Brownlie’s home is near the source of a groundwater and soil vapor contamination site in Torrance that spread east to the City of Lomita. The groundwater that’s contaminated isn’t the same source that the city uses for drinking water. But the odorless soil vapors could impact the air residents breathe in the vicinity of 245th Street to 250th Street, extending to Pennsylvania Avenue.

This area is just a short drive from Brownlie’s home.

“You have to breathe air and if there’s problems with the ground contamination or the vapors and things like that, then it’s definitely concerning,” Brownlie said.“You have to breathe air and if there’s problems with the ground contamination or the vapors and things like that, then it’s definitely concerning,” Brownlie said.

The Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board required the industrial Hi-Shear Corporation to collect more samples and data to understand how far these contaminants have spread.

Here’s what the water board knows so far.

The contamination stems from high levels of TCE and PCE — two compounds that were used by the Hi-Shear Corporation in the past to degrease metal. Stephen Van Der Hoven is a hydrogeologist consultant for Hi-Shear, he said the contaminants haven’t been used by the corporation in decades.

However, the compounds have contaminated the groundwater flowing toward the City of Lomita, but it’s not the same source as the city’s drinking water. Plus, the water is currently being imported from another area. Officials with the water board said the water is safe to drink.

Officials are also investigating six other industrial sites along Skypark Drive that might have used the same chemicals as a contributing factor. Renee Purdy is an executive officer on the water board. As she described a map of the contamination areas, she explained how there are many unknowns regarding how far the contaminants have spread.

“It’s fairly well known in the area of the site itself but what these dotted lines mean is that we don’t yet know the extent of the contamination laterally into the City of Lomita,” Purdy said.

Officials believe the source of the contamination is coming from the Hi-Shear site. Hoven said Hi-Shear has removed over 100,000 pounds of contamination from the Torrance site so far and they continue do so.

But the cleanup on-site and in the communities will be ongoing as they continue to negotiate a permit with the City of Lomita to install soil probes and groundwater well monitoring sites throughout the city to understand the depth and distance the contaminants have reached.

“We’re moving forward as quickly as we can. The investigative phase that we are just about to conduct will take about three to four months to complete and then from that, we will then take appropriate actions, in terms of, do we need to do additional investigation? Do we have enough information to now start cleaning up the site? But it’s going to be on the order of years,” Hoven said.

According to the Centers For Disease Control, moderate to large amounts of exposure from TCE could result in dizziness, headaches, coma, and more severely, death. Since these chemicals are travelling as a gas, water board officials said residents in these areas could ventilate their homes as they gather more information on the contamination and assess cleanup sites.

For residents like Brownlie, that could be another three to four months before samples are fully analyzed.

“I think we’ll wait and see how this plays out. I’ll definitely be following it closely. We’ll see what happens,” Brownlie said.

The Hi-Shear corporation and the L.A.Water Board are currently creating a mailing list and fact sheet which will detail the events of the contamination and known impacts to residents living within 500 ft. of the contamination area.

That fact sheet will be made available to residents within the next month.

Brauns Motorsports / Lomita, CA

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Sometimes we run across a cool shop located practically in your backyard that's been doing high-performance automotive work for more than 30 years, and we never knew they were there. Chris Braun started his drag-racing career in AHRA Hot Rod class with a big-block, four-speed 1966 Chevelle. From there, he decided to make money instead of just spending it, so he opened a shop to do high-performance work. We were invited to take in his latest adventure, which is the 1966 Chevelle in the photo, but along the way, we learned Chris likes the older hot rods, too. At one point in our tour, he opened a wooden box full of odd-shaped carburetors. "Do you know what these are," he asked. We discovered that Brauns is also a nationally recognized Winfield carburetor expert rebuilder. If you know your early rodding history, Ed Winfield is considered to be one of the sharpest hot rodders from the 1930s and 1940s. He created camshafts and carburetors that won the Indianapolis 500 and designed the legendary Novi V8 Indy engine. Chris is an interesting guy because his shop can handle everything from a 1920s flathead all the way up through current electronically controlled, supercharged cars. Where else will you find a near-100-year spread in cars in one shop with antique carburetors sprinkled in for flavor?

A. This is a customer's 1966 Chevy II stuffed with an iron-headed, big-block Chevy and a Muncie four-speed. It rides on a Heidt's Pro G front clip, while a Jones Racing serpentine beltdrive system is squeezed in behind where the aluminum radiator will fit. You can just see the top of the electric high-power master cylinder that uses a separate electric motor to generate additional force on the master cylinder's piston. With a Rat-motored Chevy II, it's important the brakes work to the best of their ability!

B. The 2014 Cadillac CTS-V sits on top of Brauns' chassis dyno, where power tuning is a popular attraction. The supercharged Caddy LSA is getting a Lingenfelter 630hp upgrade with a smaller pulley, upgrades to the induction systems, and a tune.

C. You can just see the top of the radiator shell on Brauns' personal 1932 Model A five-window coupe. The car will be powered by a rare Hal overhead-cam conversion on a Donovan aluminum four-cylinder block using a forged crank, BME forged pistons, and a Jones 8mm beltdrive for the overhead cams. The induction part is played by an original SCoT supercharger and, of course, a pair of Winfield side-draft carburetors. In a blend of old and new, the engine will drive through a Compu-Shifted 4L60E automatic and ride on Kugel suspension.

D. The main focus of our trip was to see the shop's big project: a 1966 Chevelle in name only. It's sitting on a custom rectangular-tube chassis with a complete C6 Corvette drivetrain and front/rear suspension with IRS. The torque tube has been lengthened to accommodate the Chevelle's longer wheelbase, while the track was narrowed slightly to stuff that wide Corvette rubber under the stock sheetmetal. The engine will be a twin-turbocharged RHS block 427 with RHS heads—because they can. The car is perhaps a year or two out, but has all the makings of an awesome machine.

E. This is one of Brauns' stash of Winfield carburetors that has a 90-degree adapter to convert it from an up- or down-draft to side-draft configuration for hood clearance. Brauns told us these carburetors allow simple adjustment with a screwdriver to idle, low-speed, and high-speed tuning. Those are some impressive tuning capabilities with a carburetor that began life in 1924. Ed Winfield started working in legendary engine-builder Harry Miller's shop at the age of 14. Do yourself a favor and read up on Ed Winfieldâhe's an amazing part of hot rodding history.

F. There are several other projects at Brauns currently in process, including a nicely detailed black 1966 big-block automatic Chevelle and a customer's 1962 Impala that will soon get an LS3 and a 4L880E so he can keep up with his buddy's 0.060-over 455ci 1965 Le Mans that's pretty quick.

Thirty years ago, the San Luis Obispo ranch owned by Alan and Rebecca Vander Horst was home to prized Arabian horses. Now it’s brides, not bridles, that grace its guest quarters.

The couple purchased La Lomita Ranch in 2011 and moved into a home located on the property the following year.

They owned 160 acres at the time which, with an additional land purchase, is now 240 acres. On it sit multiple structures, a large pond, 5.4 acres of grape vines and Islay Hill in its entirety.

The show barn and horse stalls had been used for storage for many years and were in disrepair. Unlike the main house, which was Scandinavian in style, the equestrian structures had white stucco and red tile roofs — features that Rebecca Vander Horst found inspiring.

“I looked past its disrepair and saw it had potential,” she said. “You stand out in the courtyard where it’s so beautiful and quiet — it seemed like California romantica epitomized.”

California romantica, as explained in a book of the same name written by film star Diane Keaton, is a style that combines California mission and Spanish colonial architecture. Its hallmarks are traditional Spanish materials, minimal color and contrasting dark and light materials.

Vander Horst formulated a plan to transform the barn and horse stalls into a Spanish-style bed and breakfast with space for weddings and special events.

She used architect Warren Hamrick of Pismo Beach, builder The Main Company of San Luis Obispo and San Luis Obispo landscape architect Terry Lee to execute her vision. Karen Armitage of San Luis Obispo created concept drawings.

The team reworked the barn and stalls, both inside and out. They installed completely new landscaping and hardscape, including a courtyard fountain.

The horse stalls were modified to create a bridal suite, six guest suites and a lounge with kitchen. The barn became a three-bedroom vacation rental.

The dark-and-light contrast that is key to California romantica comes from white walls set against red tile roofs, Saltillo tile floors, dark woods and wrought iron.

Vander Horst commissioned custom wrought iron railings and had furniture in dark-stained mesquite custom built in Mexico.

The guest suites are not conventionally romantic; there is no lace or fluff.

Window coverings are simple wood blinds with sheer curtains from Anthropologie. Accessories are minimal and artwork understated.

Vander Horst relied on subtle color and texture to make the space restful and “romantic but not busy,” she said.

Furniture has a European influence with elegant lines and hand-carved details.

Handpainted Talavera tiles grace the backsplashes, bathrooms, stairs and courtyard fountain. Wool rugs warm the tile floors.

The high-end Italian bed linens are simple but luxurious. Cedar tongue and groove planks, scorched with a blow torch then whitewashed, add rustic texture to accent walls.

A dim barn isn’t exactly welcoming, so the inn has plenty of bright, modern touches.

Windows were enlarged to let in more light and ceilings were raised in several rooms, including the luxurious bridal suite.

Countertops are made of sleek and durable manufactured quartz – black in the kitchen and white in the bathrooms.

Vander Horst said she didn’t want the bed and breakfast to be too “western,” but she included a few elements that are a nod to its equestrian past.

Light fixtures in the lounge area are refurbished iron barn fixtures. Old iron hay racks, original to the ranch, serve as wall decorations in each room.

The team even rebuilt the original sliding stall doors to bring them up to code for use on guest room entrances.

The bed and breakfast, which began construction in January 2018, was completed in April 2019.

A new structure, a pavilion for receptions and other events, will be open next month. The couple also has plans to open a winery.

So far, the ranch has hosted numerous guests and several weddings.

The Vander Horsts, who also own the town of Harmony, know a thing or two about what makes a place romantic.

It’s not just roses and fountains, Rebecca Vander Horst said.

“It’s how quiet and private the space is, how beautiful and peaceful,” she explained, noting that the most romantic sound may not be violins, but rather the “chorus of frogs, owls and hawks” that nightly serenade the guests of La Lomita Ranch.

Appeal to the senses. You don’t need frills to create a romantic space. Keep it simple and layer in texture, including luxurious bedding, warm wood furniture, and natural fiber rugs and throws.

Contrast is the key to California romantica style. Keep walls white and add in dark woods, dark tile and wrought iron.

Splurge on sheets. Every night can be like staying at a fancy bed and breakfast when you sleep in luxurious bed linens. La Lomita Ranch’s splurge-worthy sheets are 100% Egyptian cotton from Italian company Rivolta Carmignani.

This story was originally published February 13, 2020, 5:00 AM.

Donna Hargis organizes many Southern California bluegrass events and is the MVP of the Southern California Bluegrass Association scene. A recent convert to the bluegrass fold, Donna exudes enthusiasm and energy that inspires both young and old to play, learn about, and get involved in bluegrass music. We need more of her ilk for sure.

Tell us about your role in the California Bluegrass Association.

I’m one of the regional directors for Southern California, and I promote bluegrass in any way I can. I just got back from a new jam that was started by someone who attended South State 48 and got inspired. He couldn’t find a bluegrass jam in his area, so he started one. This kind of stuff makes me so happy. I also host a monthly jam and hire a band for that. I generally just try to connect people.

That’s great. Tell us more about that jam.

It’s called the Southbay Bluegrass Jam and is the first Tuesday of the month at Project Barley in Lomita, California. We have a jam (all are welcome) and a band plays for an hour, then we jam some more. Dennis Fetchet of the Bluegrass Cardinal is there regularly. He’s a “So CA bluegrass treasure.”

That South State 48 Event was really cookin’. How long have you been involved with that?

From the beginning. I was on a team during COVID with the purpose of creating something in Southern California. It was decided to try and model it after the Great 48—a hotel jamming event—but also with outdoor jamming. I scoured the internet for local hotels that had a nice outdoor space, then called a bunch and asked about 24-hour jamming if we sold enough rooms. This was kind of scary because it was during COVID and we really didn’t know what would happen or if people would come. I found a few hotels that were willing to work with us, so I drove out and met with the management. Carlsbad-by-the-Sea really stood out as having everything we hoped for. Plenty of outdoor space, a nice conference room, and a cool bar with lots of food choices. It just had a really nice vibe and they were very accommodating. And of course, we sold out quickly both years!

Southern Cal CBA has grown a lot in the last couple of years. Who are the movers and shakers down there, besides of course yourself?

We have a few SoCal women on the board now, and that’s fantastic! Also, Mark Shutts, whose steadfast commitment to opening up his machine shop to traveling bluegrass bands has been paramount. Bands would otherwise skip Southern California, but Mark gives them a gig, an audience, and every cent that’s collected. Jeff Fleck is doing something similar with his Crazy J Ranch in Topanga. Both of these men do this simply because they love bluegrass.

Wow. What else are you working on?

I just started a bluegrass club at my school, where I’m a science teacher. I also hired a band to play an assembly. Any efforts to grow bluegrass should include a concerted effort to attract young people to our genre, as well as people from other types of music.

As you know, CBA has a wonderful Youth Program. Is this part of that?

Hope so? I have 7 kids after our first meeting and two teachers. I suspect after we have our assembly with Water Tower Band, there will be more kids. So far our PTA and Booster club paid for the assembly, but I got loaner instruments from CBA.

Southern California is so spread out. It must be difficult but it sounds like you’re all doing some great work.

Thanks. Southern California really took a loss when Danny Hootenanny Clark moved up north. Danny has a lifetime of expertise in promoting bluegrass, and he’s sorely missed. I hope that we can get more people willing to step up and try to fill the void, but it would probably take a whole team to match the efforts of the CBA ‘Volunteer of the Year,’ Danny Clark!

Who are some of the up-and-coming bands?

The Honey Buckets and Water Tower Band are two bands I’m really proud of, and see any chance I get. Both are so high energy and fun, as well as being fantastic musicians. I’m also really curious to see what Matt Michienzie does in the future.

What was your favorite festival of 2022?

The Father’s Day Festival in Grass Valley. It’s everything I imagined a bluegrass festival to be.

You were late to the bluegrass scene. How did you come into it?

In 2015 I left my marriage, and two months later I found myself with a guitar in my hand. I didn’t plan to get so into it, but I fell deeply in love with playing, singing, and jamming. I’m very fortunate that I already loved bluegrass, an inviting genre that makes it easy for a beginner to join in and learn. Since then, I’ve been very dedicated to trying to improve my playing. I’m a very social creature, and the bluegrass community provides ample opportunities for me to meet all kinds of people, and also to be of service, which is important to me.

Who are some of your favorites?

Flatt and Scruggs, the Stanley Brothers, Red Allen, and Sierra Ferrell.

What instrument do you play?

I play guitar and sing. I’ve learned just enough bass and mandolin to teach the kids. I love traditional bluegrass and I love singing tenor, or high baritone if someone already has the tenor part covered.

How much do you play a week?

I practice a lot and go to a few jams. Jamming is sporadic, but my practice is not. I rarely miss a day of practice.

What do you think attracts you so the bluegrass fold?

I love the diversity. I might be in a big crazy testosterone-filled jam where guys are playing at breakneck speed and I’m on the outside just trying to keep up. The next day I might be barefoot in the park singing harmonies with one of my girlfriends. Teaching the kids to play is also satisfying and rewarding. Being at a festival, making new friends, and seeing old ones—I love it all. I even love to practice. I’m really lucky to have found this lifestyle.

Are you in any bands?

Currently, no, but I have something brewing.

What do you do when you’re not playing or promoting bluegrass?

For a job? I teach science and it suits me. Also art. I love to make things, all kinds of things. Clothes, candles, pottery. . . I love to write, but I do that sporadically; I don’t chase the muse on that one. And I get outside in nature as much as I can.

What do you think the bluegrass world could be better at?

I don’t know about the world of bluegrass, but in California, we need to get better at taking out our wallets. We spend a fortune on our instruments, but as a community, we need to do better at tipping bands, donating to organizations, buying merchandise, and patronizing places that host jams. It is a little embarrassing to me that I host a jam at a local brewery that loses money on bluegrass night but makes up for it on trivia night. We all need to support live music. We need to expose more folks to bluegrass.

That’s an interesting observation. What else?

We also need more educational efforts. We tend to think that everyone already knows about bluegrass, but they sure don’t. When I pitched hiring a bluegrass band at my school to the PTSA, a few moms didn’t even know what that meant! I tell all my students, “You may not like bluegrass, that’s fine, but you’re going to know what it is so you can articulate why you do or don’t like it.” And no one gets to leave 7th grade thinking a mandolin is a tiny guitar.

Hah, beautiful. Thanks for your time, Donna, and I’m looking forward to pickin’ with you soon.

Thanks, Dave! Always a pleasure talking about bluegrass.

Copy editing by Jeanie Poling