By Neil Rubenstein

Observer Columnist

As my brothers, sister and I were growing up in the southwest part of Los Angeles, Papa, like most parents, gave us good advice and taught his kids strong family values.

I remember one of dad’s favorite sayings: “If you take the high road nobody can spit in your face.” Unfortunately, not everybody heard the word.

Case in point. For Seat No. 1 for Los Angeles Community College Trustees, Francesca Vega falsely claims she was endorsed by the Los Angeles County Democratic Party. Actually, her opponent, Andra Hoffman, received more votes for the endorsement than did Ms. Vega.

Hoffman has filed a protest with Eric Bauman, L.A. County Democratic Party chair for the fraudulent mailer being sent to registered voters. Don’t be fooled and don’t be misled by this blatant and willful act of fraud. Vote no on Francesca Vega and vote for Andra Hoffman.

I recently read the January 2015 issue of “The American Legion Magazine” and enjoyed Congresswoman Bass’s rebuttal to Congressman Sessions take on whether the House of Representatives should “sue the President over Executive Orders.” Bass was so right when she said, “My time serving in Congress is limited, and I would like to be remembered by what we accomplished – not how many lawsuits we filed.”

According to “Pharmacy Times,” the following are pharmacists’ top choices in over-the-counter headache relief medicines: Advil 25%, Tylenol 25%, Excedrin 20%, Motrin 16% and Aleve 13 %.

Now that January is just a memory, Theo and I have been trying to decide where to go this summer after we visit the family in Georgia.

Perhaps it will be Boston with stops along the way in New York, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. Frankly, I’m leaning to Boston with its museums, colleges and historical libraries that leave me breathless.

Former Culver City Mayor Edward Wolkowitz’s name once again appeared in the February 2015 issue of “Los Angeles Magazine” as one of the “Super Lawyers.” Ed, who served two terms on the City Council, was known as a deep thinker who used novel ways to cure many of the city’s problems.

A new kind of blood test may help doctors determine whether an elevated PSA indicates prostate cancer or benign conditions such as an infection or enlarged prostate. The new test, called the Prostate Health Index (PHI), has been available in Europe since 2010. It was approved for use in the United States and has been available here since 2012. Check with your urologist, but I won’t get a biopsy until I first get a PHI.

U.S. Navy Cruisers Sailor Association will have their reunion in Washington, D.C. May 11-17. Contact Jim Chryst, (973) 222-5499.

The World Alzheimer Report published in 2014 concluded diabetes can increase the risk of dementia by 50% according to Health Day. Managing diabetes, quitting smoking, controlling high blood pressure, exercising and maintaining a healthy weight can reduce the risk for dementia even late in life.

Although we haven’t heard much about ISIS lately, the U.S. has been busy getting contributions from our allies.

Albania is sending 22 million rounds of ammunition, 15,000 hand grenades and 32,000 artillery shells. Australia, Bahrain, Belgium, Great Britain, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Denmark, France and Holland have all conducted air strikes.

People are telling me the new Chevrolet Volt will go 1,000 or more miles between stops at the gas station. Also, the engine runs on regular rather than premium.

The government of Iran is revising a draft budget that will lower the assumed price of oil to $40 a barrel. Our President is using his power to create chaos in our political enemies – Russia, Venezuela, Libya, and Iran – a stroke of genius.

In the February 9, 2015 issue of “Time”, I read on Page 5 something our Culver City Unified School District would find very interesting, i.e., a 15 percent improvement in fourth and fifth graders’ math scores after they participated in a meditation-mindfulness program vs. those who didn’t, according to a study.

For those watching their weight there are 40 calories per tablespoon in maple syrup compared to 55 in sugar.

How many know Saturday, February 21st is the 88th birthday of Hubert de Givenchy, one of the very last living 20th century French couturiers?

My March 2015 issue of “This Old House” just arrived a while back and my eyes nearly fell out of my head. On Page 102 I read that a 7,000 square foot house with seven bedrooms and 5 ½ baths was for sale in Galion, Ohio for $34,900. To be sure, the plumbing and heating systems need a complete overhaul but after the spit and polish it could sell for a nice profit. Contact Mike Morse at (567) 455-4205.

For those who missed an article, all my commentaries can be found at http://www.culvercityobserver.com by placing Rubenstein in that website’s search box.