What’s Old is New

Every October, the members of the Brentwood Park Property Owners gather for what they call “October Fiesta.†Each year a different homeowner hosts the party; this year’s fiesta took place in the backyard of Phyllis Diller, who is now 94.
Phyllis was in great form that evening, with her signature laugh rising above the sound of everyone else’s chitter-chatter. The walls inside her house are covered with photos, memorabilia and personal paintings Phyllis still creates.
An entire room is dedicated to the memory of her close friend, Bob Hope. It was all a great trip down memory lane. See some photos we took on page 31.
The Brentwood News did a cover story on Phyllis a few years back; I’m hoping we can do another again soon.
Betty White, 89, gave a warm and rousing speech September 24 at the Brentwood Gardens when she called on fellow Brentwoodians to contribute to the effort to save our Coral Trees.
The goal is to create an endowment that would underwrite the ongoing care and maintenance of the trees, which, as we all know, are quite fragile. See page 30 to learn more.
All around us, seniors seem to be leading the way: Charlie Munger, 87, keeps nudging his “Green Hollow Square†project along.
And on Sunday, Nov. 13, at University Synagogue, Alvin Mills, 89, will begin another season of concerts for the Brentwood-Westwood Symphony (free admission; concert starts at 3 p.m.).
Alvin is a little wobbly on his feet these days, but I think he’s still 17 at heart. Alvin will introduce Associate Conductor Diego Miralles, who represents the next generation of musicians. I met him recently and it appears the symphony is in good hands.
Alvin has always been forward looking; for years the symphony has sponsored the “Artists of Tomorrow†program. Many of the country’s great concert performers got their start right here.
Another generational shift was on display recently in Tom Safran’s backyard. Tom hosted a brunch with Gavin Newsom, our lieutenant governor.
Newsom, 43, laid out a vision for a new kind of politics, one based on practical problem-solving and far less partisanship.
I will confess, I expected to not like him much, but I came away impressed. At a time when we are all so concerned about the future of our country, state and city, Newsom’s approach offered glimmers of hope.
When you think about it, more problem solving and less partisanship is a very old-fashioned idea. What’s old is new.
Fall marks the time when the Brentwood Art Fair returns to San Vicente. This year’s event takes place Sunday, October 23. Organizer Ray Leier might not yet qualify for senior citizen status – although I’ll bet he’s receiving those mailers from AARP — but he’s not quite as young as he was 20 years ago when we started the Brentwood News and began covering this twice-a-year event.
I would be remiss if I didn’t say something nice about Suzanne Black, who is ageless. Suzanne has been with the Brentwood News for years and years and does whatever is required – and she does it well. We love you, Suzanne!
Here’s to all seniors who remain young at heart – and to the younger set who appreciate timeless values.