Stories
Enjoy stories about the themes, guests and activities that make the Screenland 5K the premier event in the Heart of Screenland:0
STRUMMERS--The senior ukulele players of Cali Rose and the CC Strummers will return to the western end of the course turnaround, guaranteed to stop walkers and runners in their tracks as they sing and strum their favorite movie tunes while dressed in screen star outfits.
BUDDIES--Local tennis player Mike Monagan will team with Centaur alumnus Kenji Haroutunian and other Culver City all-stars in the Screenland 5K to re-enact the Buddy Holly Story near where the movie was produced.
Runners Might Fox-Trot
to Screenland 5K Finish
Screenland 5K guests may prefer to fox-trot, rumba, or waltz to the finish line and onto the red carpet to accept their finisher’s medals after tapping to movie and TV melodies played by local bands, musicians, and DJs along their journey through motion picture magic.
Families will enjoy movie and TV-themed experiences across 100 points of motion picture lore on Oscar Sunday, Mar. 10, by local visual and performing artists with drawings, paintings, props, actors, and lively music honoring a century of Culver City moviemaking.
Algorithm & Blues will perform a rousing “Somewhere over the Rainbow,” and "What a Wonderful World," performed in several Culver City movies.
“We have songs from other movies filmed along the racecourse, but everyone will be passing us before we get a chance,” said Windsor Fountains resident Leemon McHenry with a smile. He accompanies his condo neighbor, Cerves McNeill.
The Fallen Arches band will play “running and walking songs to make those miles…or kilometers…fly by,” said lead guitarist and baritone Frank Giffen.
Their repertoire will include “Running Down a Dream” by Tom Petty, “Run Through Jungle” by Creedence Clearwater Revival, “Walk Don’t Run” by The Ventures, and other popular songs on the go. The band must make room when it performs “Walk Right in and Sit Right Down” by the Tree Tops.
“I’m always happy to represent the city where I've lived for 40 years,” said Giffen, whose band will perform near the location of one of their favorite Culver City films, “It’s A Wonderful Life,” “The Matrix,” or “Viva Las Vegas.”
The senior ukulele players of Cali Rose and the CC Strummers will return to the western end of the course turnaround, guaranteed to stop walkers and runners in their tracks as they sing and strum their favorite movie tunes while dressed in screen star outfits.
They performed on a drizzly morning at the inaugural event in 2017.
“Let’s keep our fingers crossed that the weather is ready-made for the movies!” said Rose.
The pulsating El Marino Rainbow Taiko drummers will awaken all drowsy guests on Oscar Sunday, the first day of daylight savings time. Team coordinators are Ritsuko Fong and Miki Fischer. The student performance of syncopated sounds will highlight several Asian-themed films shot in Culver City and commemorate the city’s sister city relationship with Kaizuka, Japan. Both communities exchange runners in February and March to participate in marathon events in each country.
Culver City musician Martin Bennett of “Sonny B and US 99” plays often at venues across the southland and looks forward to staying home for the Screenland 5K to perform popular movie and TV songs from Culver City shows.
"Many locals don’t have the opportunity to see us play other venues, so it’s great to connect and entertain at the Screenland 5K. We have a lot of fun performing for the city and our friends,” said Bennett, who plays paddle tennis at the local courts.
“The entertainment industry began here, not in Hollywood. It’s a nice opportunity for Culver City to showcase its talent,” said Bennett, who will perform songs from La Bamba, Wizard of Oz, Pulp Fiction, and Great Balls of Fire.
Singer, piano player, songwriter, playwright, and “lady in red” Ronnie Jayne will reimagine Jean Harlow, the “RED HEADED” woman, at spot 20 near the corner of Madison Ave. and Culver Bl. The former Fiesta La Ballona Chairperson has a large repertoire of movie tunes.
Tennis player Mike Monagan will team with Centaur alumnus Kenji Haroutunian and other Culver City all-stars to re-enact the Buddy Holly Story near where the movie was produced.
“We’ll get all slicked up and put on a show for our friends who pass by. We love the many movie themes depicted in this event,” said Monagan.
Culver City Centennial year sponsor, Turning Point School, led by administrator Will Segar, will showcase its award-winning band and cheerleaders playing and dancing to movie and TV show favorites.
International marathon runner Dylan Bourne, a Centaur cross country team alumnus, will sing during Olympic Saturday at Ivy Station, Mar. 9, 1:00-2:00 p.m., then run in the Olympic Torch Relay alongside local heroes.
DJ Mel will keep the party hopping with Barbie Macarena at the main stage, Mar. 10, on race morning.
WHO YOU GONNA CALL--Ghostbusters save Denise (at left) and Joy Yogi from peril at the Screenland 5K.
HEARTLAND OF OZ--Wizard of Oz characters (from left) Mike King, Alicia Martin, Leslie Gardner and Marin Neufeld delight Screenland 5K guests.
ZOOMIN' ZUMBA--Julie Schatz (third from left) performs alongside the zany zumba zoomers at the Screenland 5K. Schatz and her Zumba mates will engage guests this year in the theme of “Barbie” and other popular movies.
Local Stars
Get in the Act
at Screenland 5K
Visual and performing artists will transform portions of Culver and Washington Blvds. on Oscar Sunday, Mar. 10, into motion picture magic commemorating a century of iconic local movies and TV shows.
Walkers and runners in the Screenland 5K will retrace the steps of Hollywood's greatest stars in 100 points of motion picture lore, celebrating the centennials of MGM, Culver Hotel, and other local cinematic landmarks.
“We hope you will be inspired and immersed in this grand artistic experience as we acknowledge significant cinematic contributions to our cultural diversity. Your morning of health and fitness will be filled with color, sound, sights, learning, fellowship, and fun,” said Lori Escalera, Screenland 5K Creative Director.
“Council PTA Honorary Service Award” actors, admired for hilarious local satire at the annual volunteer recognition banquets, will perform in the opening act before being transported to movie and TV scene locations along the course. Written and directed by Leslie Gardner, several performers will represent overlooked artists who contributed significantly to Culver City cinema over the past century.
Held on the cusp of National Women’s and Black History months, the Screenland 5K celebrates the first female of color to be elected to the City Council, Mayor Yasmine-Imani McMorrin, who plays Glinda the Good Witch of the North. Glinda will vex the Wicked Witch of the West and sprinkle pixie dust on the yellow brick road to ensure every guest, including Dorothy and Toto, has a majestic race start.
City Commissioner and Rotary and Exchange Club member Jane Leonard portrays the Land of Oz witch in a tribute to late actress, friend, and former Culver City Mayor Jozelle Smith, who played the coveted role in the inaugural Screenland 5K during the Culver City Centennial.
Zumba instructor Julie Schatz and her troupe will dance with walkers and runners to Culver City movie melodies.
Jeff Avrech and his ensemble will reenact a scene from Alfred Hitchcock’s 1949 movie Tension near the Culver Theater, where it debuted.
Marina Martial Arts students will kick and shout in a scene from Bruce Lee’s Green Hornet series.
The Todd Elliot duet will swing and tango alongside guests, inspired by Les Hite and June Richmond’s Murder in Swingtime and Rudolph Valentino’s The Four Horsemen.
Elliot will return to the red carpet to mimic Culver City filmmaker Tom McLoughlin (Friday the 13th), who studied mime with the legendary Marcel Marceau.
A juggling stilt walker will parody characters in City Slickers and Wizard of Oz.
Star Wars Storm Troopers, Rebel Legion and Mandalorian Mercs will battle to save the Heart of Screenland. Guests will see Culver City resident Karina Kharchenco’s “Stormtroopers" artwork along the course.
The Ghostbusters return to the Screenland 5K in time to perform scenes from Sony Pictures’ Ghostbusters, Frozen Empire, on March 21.
To the delight of fans of the madcap and diabolical antics of Culver City’s The Marx Brothers, Bob Wayne will encore his role of the often slapstick Three Stooges. Wayne said he may double the craziness with images of the six original stooges.
Craig Schoenbaum will play a clogging James Kirk of the original Star Trek series, initially filmed across the street. Howard Behnken will also engage guests in William Shatner’s role.
Gianna Bommarito will arrive from the Midwest to perform as comedienne Lucille Ball, former owner of Desilu Studios. Gianna is the daughter of Mara and Jack Bommarito of the Culver City Historical and Sister City organizations.
Santa will dispense gifts and good cheer from an It’s a Wonderful Life scene.
Acrobats will rock and roll to a scene from Matrix filmed nearby.
Sprinkled along the course at or near the locations where the actual movie and TV stars performed will be London McBride as Les Hite, Anne Allaire as Anna May Wong, Rob Cox as Barney Fife, Kelly McNair as Lucy, Gardner as Ethel, Mike King as Fred, Summer McBride as June Richmond, Kim Griffin as Hattie McDaniel, Maya Chasen as Lieutenant Uhura, and Yun Wu as Lt. Sulu. Vice Mayor Dan O’Brien as Andy Griffith will run the race, attempting to capture a divisional gold medal. Leonard, as the Wicked Witch, will haunt runners on her menacing trike.
Ten musical performances of movie and TV-themed songs will keep Screenland 5K guests humming along their journey.
Some 60 works of art by local artists and 70 standees of motion picture fame will line the course. Artists include Screenland 5K’s creative director Lori Escalera, Roslyn Wilkins, Karina Kharchenko, and Serena Potter, Teresa Bernadette, Cynda Valle, Lori Antoinette, Marilyn Burns, Bradford Soloman and Nathaniel Chadwick
Culver City Firefighters on the department’s 5-seater are (from left) Cameron Soden, Matt McCormick, Doug Furano, Brett Nagel, and Joe LaRiccia.
It’s Pedal to the Metal
In Race to Hold Up
Last Conveyance Standing Wins Challenge
Can a renovated five-seat Culver City Fire Dept. bicycle pedal past a restored antique Culver City Police Dept. car in a charity race from Ivy Station to the downtown Culver City fire station?
Screenland 5K guests lined up to watch the challenge may never know. Race starts at 9:20 am on March 10 at Ivy Station, 8840 National Bl.
The owner of the vintage cop car doesn’t know how far or how long it will operate, and a firefighter said the 5-seater is having “serious problems” and might only travel a few feet before it conks out.
The friendly competition to raise funds for the local firefighter and police officer association in the "Jesse Luna and Mike Nagy Memorial Mile" was inspired by the fundraising efforts of retired fire officer Mike McCormick on behalf of his late colleagues. McCormick's son, Matt, is a Culver City fireman. Many police officers and firefighters will run the 3.1-mile course.
"We never know what the bike will do. It’s dangerous. It has a mind of its own," said CCFD Battalion Chief Rob Kohlhepp. “I’d love to witness the effort, but it’s a longshot,” said Fire Marshal David Rindels.
Retired Culver City Building Maintenance Supervisor Steve Newton, who owns and rebuilt the 1930s-era antique police vehicle 15 years ago, said it’s a crapshoot whether the car will sustain the full mile to the fire station. He converted his Model A into a vintage crime fighter by installing parts from his collection and a friend's police car.
"I keep it looking original by not cleaning or shining it, and it drives that way," said Newton jokingly.
He also built a replica Culver City mail truck for his father, a retired longstanding local mailman.
In disrepair, the 5-person bicycle was overhauled in 1986, noted Newton.
"I was afraid to touch the bike, much less ride it. It was unwieldy, just impossible to ride, and it still is," said Newton.
“I’ve seen two guys ride the bike, but five is next to impossible,” said firefighter Noah Piechowski.
Retired Culver City Building Engineer Jeff Wolf said the last time officers seriously rode the bike was before Covid.
"They were able to maneuver the bike with three riders, but they were fighting each other to stay upright with five on top," said Wolf, who helped rebuild the bike by adding new spokes.
Newton said his Model A was in terrible condition before its conversion.
"We took it down to everything, put it in the shop, and day by day, got it into shape," he said.
For parity, Kohlhepp said the race director should flatten the tires of the police vehicle.
He guarantees his firefighters would win the bucket brigade if instituted in the Screenland 5K. To extinguish a fire, contestants race to shuttle water into a large bucket via plastic fire helmets.
"When our families get involved, we always win," said Kohlhepp with a smile.
The final free Screenland 5K training workshop will be held on Sunday, Feb. 25, 3 p.m. at the Culver City High School track.
Police officers (from left) Lt. Chris Caraballo, Asst. Chief Troy Dunlap, Lt. Ryan Thompson, and officers Kywan Owens and Kevin Ramirez wear custom Baker to Vegas marathon relay bib numbers emblazoned with the Screenland 5K logo. Ramirez and Owens ran for the divisional gold medalist relay team last year.
Culver City Police Chief Jason Sims and Councilmember Albert Vera are attired as screen stars for the Screenland 5K costume contest, March 10, at Ivy Station. Best costumed walkers and runners win awards and adulation.
Athletic Police Chief
Embraces a Good Fight
Culver City Police Department Police Chief Jason Sims relishes a good fight.
For Sims, a multi-sport athlete, the Screenland 5K on March 10 is "right up his alley because he enjoys physical fitness and competition," said CCPD Community Engagement Manager Jennifer Atenza.
A recipient of the department’s Special Recognition Award and the Distinguished Service Medal, Sims has won several gold medals in submission wrestling and played on ranked softball teams in the California and Nevada Police Olympics.
Hired to the department in 2000, Sims has run on the city's Baker to Vegas Marathon Relay Team for 16 years.
The local team won a divisional gold medal last year and finished 16th nationally. The squad defends its crown on March 23-24.
"To take first is amazing, and 16th in the nation is incredible," said police officer David Cardona.
"It was a huge win. They're dedicated runners," said Atenza.
"Chief Sims has a competitive edge, and he is proud of the dedicated men and women who work hard to provide safety services and take pride in keeping fit for their duties," Atenza said.
"He's excited to see our department participate in the race," said Atenza.
"It’s a priority and a great opportunity for us to support a health, fitness, and wellness event for this community. A strong group of runners have signed up to run. We have an awesome group of professionals dedicated to staying fit for their careers," said Atenza.
In January, two Culver City police officers finished first and second overall in a San Dimas race.
CCPD Officer Ruben Silvan wore a full tactical uniform in the inaugural Screenland 5K in 2017 in memory of a slain Whittier Police Officer. Several officers and Culver City firefighters may wear full rescue gear in the spirit of screen star costumes worn by walkers and runners, competing in individual and team costume contests judged by CC Council PTA and CC Rotary Club.
Police officers and staff will also work the Oscar Sunday event at Ivy Station and along the course, which extends west down Washington and Culver Blvd to Overland Ave. The race starts at 9:20 a.m.
"We expect a significant influx of people. Safety plans are in place so attendees can enjoy the experience safely, with nothing hazardous preventing that. We will work with traffic control, security, coordinators, and other stakeholders to determine capacity and need," Atenza said.
A team of seven CCPD cyclists will participate in the Unity Tour from May 12 to 18. This grueling bike ride through several states to Washington, D.C., commemorates National Police Memorial Week.
Teacher Will Carry
Baby, Again, in Race
If the Screenland 5K presented "Lifetime Achievement" Oscars, the Academy Awards Day event on March 10 at Ivy Station would honor its "Legacy Runners" for their "exceptional contributions." Some 35 guests, about half from Culver City, have run the race each year.
Legacy runner Chloe Flores will have a baby in tow this year after running six months pregnant in last year's event.
"I love Culver City and plan to participate in the Screenland 5K as long as I can," said the Linwood Howe teacher, a Culver City native who attended the elementary school. Flores will co-captain the Sea Dragons to vie for school team awards and raise funds for the Culver City Council PTA, which supports Backpacks for Kids.
This year, the Screenland 5K celebrates the centennials of MGM, Culver Hotel, and other motion picture landmarks. Legacy walker Jeannie Ingeneri is planning another milestone: the Culver City High School 50th class reunion in July. Ingeneri will lead the Centaur Class of '74 team down the yellow brick road and into motion picture magic on race day.
Legacy runner Paul Jacobs has participated in over 1000 races and helped Culver City Parks and Recreation director Syd Kronenthal produce Culver City's Western Hemisphere Marathon, formerly the second oldest annual U.S. marathon.
The Culver City Centennial Celebration Committee President is this year's Screenland 5K Grand Marshall. Taking the microphone moments before the race, the former four-term CC mayor admonishes runners not to pass him; otherwise, "your trash will not be picked up for two weeks," he says with a smile.
"I love the shirt designs and the camaraderie. Everyone sees how special Culver City is," said Jacobs.
Legacy competitor David Winslow and a team of coaches have conducted the past five Screenland 5K training sessions over the past two months.
"Come to this Sunday's workout, and you'll feel energized when you return home to watch the Super Bowl," Winslow said. The free one-hour session is held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 11, at Culver High.
Often running in tandem, legacy runners Joanna Brody, Board member, Friends of the Sandy Segal Youth Health Center, and Kelly Kent Marin, President, Culver City Board of Education, happen upon citizens from across the community during the event.
"We look forward to this race every year," said Brody.
Among the original LA Marathon Leggers, legacy runner Gary Pealer and Legger Mentor Coordinator John Lynch of Culver City have motivated a new generation to compete as a community and dress in "screen star" costumes for the annual event.
Legacy walker Beverly Peterson knows all about legacies. Some 40 years ago, she was among the first members of the revitalized Fiesta La Ballona festival committee.
Legacy runner Marc Bauer, executive vice president of Temple Akiba Board of Trustees, will pace the El Marino Dolphins school team.
Other Culver City Legacy runners include Harry Chang, Alma Cordero, Corey Kawamoto, Kelly Kawamoto, Michael Krupat, Ruben Krupat, Melissa Louie, Kristine Mulleneaux, Nadia Mulleneaux, Catherine Silman and Carol Tang.
Legacy walker Jeannie Ingeneri will lead the Centaur Class of '74 team down the yellow brick road and into motion picture magic at the Screenland 5K.
Legacy runner Marc Bauer, executive VP of Temple Akiba Board of Trustees, will pace the El Marino Dolphins school team to raise funds for Culver City Council PTA.
Legacy runner David Winslow and a team of coaches lead Screenland 5K training sessions at Culver City High School. Next one is Sunday, 2:00 p.m.
Among the original LA Marathon Leggers, legacy runner Gary Pealer has motivated a new generation to compete and dress in "screen star" costumes for the Screenland 5K.
Student Artists Paint
Canvas of Color on Course
Creating original artwork inspired by iconic Culver City movies and TV shows filmed by the 5K route, Culver City High School art students will soon view their achievements on downtown Culver City banners and elsewhere along the course.
Selecting from a list of 100 Culver City-related films curated by Screenland 5K Creative Director Lori Escalera, many students developed art that acknowledges often-overlooked contributors to cinematic storytelling in the Heart of Screenland.
"When our students celebrate under-represented and marginalized talent in the Culver City film industry, they give them a voice. They develop an understanding and empathy," said Culver City High School art instructor Susana Fattorini. 
An advocate for arts and equity in all its forms, Fattorini emphasizes the importance of individual artistic expression and encourages the exploration of identity and culture.
The Centaur art and yearbook class teacher brings a personal connection to Culver City film history, having worked in art direction and accounting at Sony Pictures and Culver Studios for 16 years.
Guests will follow the yellow brick road into TV and movie-themed visual arts and performances along 100 points of motion picture magic. The Screenland 5K, held on Oscar Sunday, March 10, at Ivy Station, celebrates the centennials of MGM, Culver Hotel, and other film landmarks.
Rotary Spins Screenland 5K
into Fun Family Experience
Exemplifying the creativity and community spirit in the Heart of Screenland, guests on teams from schools, neighborhoods, companies, clubs, and agencies, many dressed as their favorite screen stars, will compete for prizes, laughs, and adulation in the Screenland 5K on March 10 at Ivy Station.
Sponsors’ teams, including the Culver City Rotary Foundation, are helping the all-volunteer committee develop community pride in providing extraordinary experiences and supporting local non-profits.
"We look forward to continuing our commitment to this city, raising money for local and international philanthropic projects," said local Rotary Foundation President Keith Jones, whose group has been "spinning its wheel" for the past 80 years to support education and community programs.
"Screenland 5K will be awesome. We can't wait to participate," said Jones.
Rotary has been encouraging people of all ages and abilities to follow the Yellow Brick Road into motion picture magic. This year's eighth annual event offers movie and TV experiences with character performances and community art at the Health and Fitness Expo and along the course.
The club will be as active as the walkers and runners, participating in many race weekend activities, including the Olympic Torch Relay, Celebrity Trike Race, contests, registration, and performances.
"We love the event. Everyone comes out, and it's great to see friends supporting each other," said Rotary Club Past President Carmela Raack, who volunteered in the inaugural race during the city's centennial celebration in 2017.
Demonstrating its mantra of "Service above Self," it will be a team effort for Rotary and its families.
Club Treasurer Jane Leonard will assume the late Jozelle Smith’s role as the famous “Wicked Witch of the West,” reprimanding all "Dorothys" on the course. Leonard will also perform in the opening act with Mayor Yasmine-Imani McMorrin, Glinda the Good Witch of the North, and the PTA Honorary Service Awards all-stars.
Rotary Club President Heather Witt, a professional voice-over artist, will lead the movie-themed Rotary team along the yellow brick road and onto the red carpet. Jones' Marina Martial Arts students will perform a scene from Bruce Lee's Green Hornet on the course. Raack, Youth Service Co-Chair Lori Siegal, Directors Griselda Espinoza and Brent Weeth, and other club members will judge the Screenland 5K Costume Contest in various categories with the help of Culver City Council PTA. Linda and Joel Forman and other Rotarians will volunteer at the Health and Fitness Expo desk and Rotary Club service booth. Member Jim Shanman of Walk 'n Rollers will lead the Munchkin Dash and Celebrity Trike Race. Longstanding Rotary member and event sponsor Dannie Cavanaugh will run in the Torch Relay at Ivy Station with other local heroes, promoting peace and goodwill during the Olympic year.
"The club loves getting involved in the race, as it includes many of our goals for the community," said Witt.
"We're all in. This event showcases local visual and performing arts talent, honors unsung heroes, and performs a role in maintaining the physical and mental health of the city’s residents," said Jones.
According to Jones, the local Rotary Club established and built Culver City's only affordable senior citizen apartment in the mid-70s in partnership with the City. Rotary Plaza continues to serve many low-income residents from the area.
"This project hasn't been replicated anywhere in Southern California," Jones said.
Culver City Rotary Foundation also funds Backpacks for kids, and free dictionaries for every Culver City public school third grader.
Other Screenland 5K sponsors include Culver City Toyota, City of Culver City, Ting, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Ivy Station, Design Etcetera, Midwest Roofing, WorldCAST, West Basin Municipal Water District, Cavanaugh Realtors, The Shay Hotel, Alliance CrossFit, Sorrento Italian Market, Jackson Market, and Marina Martial Arts.
Sign-up at www.screenland5K.com. Enjoy a 20% discount by entering coupon code ROTARY until Feb. 9.
"I enjoy taking in the Culver City community experience at the race," said Diaz Villanueva, who says he encourages others to be fit for their well-being. The Palms area resident urged his mom, Mia Villanueva-Kohatsu, to run with him last year, and she will return to follow the yellow brick road into motion picture magic in the eighth annual race.
"My mom would support me at my races, and I asked her, 'Why not try this one,’ because the event is fun, welcoming, and all-inclusive with all ages," he said. "Mom did great. She ran almost all the way."
Register now to win a Sony Pictures Studio tour for four guests valued at $220! Walk through the famed gates, and you’re behind the scenes at one of the most famous studio lots in the world. Get a sneak peek at current movie and TV making in action! New and prior registrants are eligible to win. Enter code SONY for a 15% discount until Jan. 19.
Dolphins Swim to Early Race Lead
Defending Culver City Centennial champion El Marino Dolphins leads the La Ballona Lions, followed by the Culver City Middle School Panthers and El Rincon Rockets in Screenland 5K registration.
Several Lion teammates pose, as seen in photo, before strutting their spirit in the family-fun event.
Schools will win movie-themed prizes for team size, spirit, and costumes in the Oscar Sunday race on March 10 at Ivy Station.
"Our school shows fantastic spirit, and the families come together for fun civic events like this one," said El Marino School teacher Monica Bell, a longtime runner.
"Don't count us out," said Farragut School PTA President Robert Noriega. "The Foxes have a powerful kick and will be in the running to challenge all schools." Noriega also helms Scout Pack 461, which will volunteer at the annual event.
Funds from each entry benefit the Culver City Council PTA, which supports the Backpacks for Kids program. Students and their families can enter coupon code STUDENT for 30% off entries until Jan. 31.
"Go Easy, Listen to Your Body," say Running Coaches
Thanking their guests for taking an important first step toward finishing the Screenland 5K, Olympic Gold Medalist LaShinda Demus, lead trainer David Winslow, and a team of accomplished athletes and coaches encouraged participants to "be careful, go easy, listen to your body and don't hurt yourself" in a recent free workout at Culver City High School track.
Winslow said "doing the steps" to prepare for the Screenland 5K is good for mind and body no matter your fitness level.
Demus advised the participants to stay active. "It's good for your mental health. You are training that muscle daily, telling yourself, ‘I can do it,’ and developing that go-getter mindset," said Demus.
"As a flat, fun, and family-oriented hometown event around the studios, the Screenland 5K is an easy entry to an active lifestyle,” said Winslow.
Demus counseled the runners to walk or run the Screenland 5k as they choose. "There's no rule book and no pressure. You can create a plan to fit your fitness level. You take your paths of being active," she said.
"Our sessions promote fun, family, and fitness, which develops camaraderie and great health," said Winslow. "We're not here to set world records."
As a former high school, college, and Olympic champion hurdler, Demus knows what it takes to excel.
"Preparation is the predecessor to success. You prepare to succeed."
"We prepare to fly, travel, and go to bed. How you do one thing you should do for others. It would be best if you prepared to take your body through strenuous effort occasionally. The Screenland 5K is a great place to start.
Screenland 5k in a Nutshell
The Screenland 5K celebrates local centennials, 100 years of motion picture magic, Black and Women's History months, the Olympics and its charities.
Culver City Centennials
- MGM Studios
- Culver Hotel
- Meralta Theater
- Municipal Water System, symbolized by MGM water tower
- Century of Motion Picture Magic!
Academy Award Attractions
- 100 points of motion picture lore along the route
- Screen Star Costume Contest
- Munchkin Dash to Emerald City
- Celebrity Charity Trike Race
- "Play Streets" on car-free lanes
- Vintage Cop Car & Fireman 5-seat bike pacers
- Centennial Trail walking tour
- Oscar Party Munchies and photo opps
- Epic shirts, bibs and medals!
Women’s History
- City's First Female Councilmember of Color Vice Mayor Yasmine-Imani McMorrin plays "Glinda the Good Witch"
- National Women's History Month
- National Black History Month
- Olympic Gold Medalist Lashinda Demus largest-ever birthday cake
- Remembrance of three remarkable Heart of Screenland 5K ladies
- Recognition of under-represented cinematic contributors on the course
Olympic Year Salutes
- Olympic Torch Relay with Local Heroes and Champions
- Remembrance of Syd Kronenthal, Father of Modern Olympic Movement and Western Hemisphere Marathon
- Free Training Sessions by Olympic Gold Medalist
- CCPD Olympians and defending gold medalist marathon relay team
- Health and Fitness Expo
Screenland 5K Charities
- Culver City Council of PTAs
- Backpacks for Kids
- FeedCulver
- Jazz Hands for Autism
- Culver City Police Officer Olympians
- Culver City Firefighters Assoc. non-profits
- Bike Culver City
- Connecting to Cure
Best Actresses Remembered for their Centennial Roles
The Screenland 5K will be dedicated to the memory of two women who personified the spirit of providing extraordinary experiences for guests of the annual event.
She was the antithesis of the Wicked Witch of the West, but like a consummate actress, Jozelle Smith played the part to the hilt on Oscar Sunday 2017 at the inaugural Screenland 5K during the Culver City Centennial Celebration. Smith died, Aug. 17, 2023 of a lengthy illness. She was 84. Smith, the second female to serve as Culver City Mayor, and a long-standing volunteer in numerous civic groups, said she would reprise her role as the wicked witch in the 2024 Screenland 5K which celebrates the centennials of the Culver Hotel, MGM and Meralta Theater.
Born and raised in Culver City, Jozelle Smith served on the City Council from 1986 to 1994, including a year as Mayor in 1989. She was one of the very few women to run for municipal office, and combined a feminist sensibility with a conservative political outlook. She penned a column for the local newspapers called “In One Ear” and later “Local Motion,” celebrating the people and occasions of the Heart of Screenland
Smith served as a director for the Chamber of Commerce and Culver-Palms YMCA. She was also involved with the Culver City Historical Society, Culver City Woman’s Club and Sister City Committee. In recent years, she worked as a ‘background actor’ in commercials, films and television, a job she relished.
"Her warmth, her wit, and her enthusiastic persistence had a wide range and a deep impact on Culver City," said Judith Martin-Straw of Culver City Crossroads.
She is survived by her husband Ken, sons Paul and Gerry and many other family members.
Active on the Culver City Sister City Committee, Fiesta La Ballona Board, Screenland 5K and other groups, Colleen Jones was the perfect social director, dressing up the environment and herself for special events. The Culver City High School alumnus was the Heart of Screenland’s party queen. She was the Wizard of Oz’s Dorothy at the inaugural Screenland 5K in 2017 and motivated many citizens to participate. Jones posed with hundreds of guests at the race for photo opps. She was excited about coming up with another outfit for the 2024 version that would dazzle the guests. Jones died, Aug. 11, 2023, of cancer-related symptoms. She was 60.
MAYOR SPRINKLES PIXIE DUST DURING SIGNIFICANT MONTHS
The first female of color to serve on the Culver City Council will assume a leading role in the Screenland 5K as Glinda the Good Witch and her daughter will be Dorothy of the Academy Award winning Wizard of Oz, filmed in the Heart of Screenland. The formidable team of Mayor Yasmine-Imani McMorrin, Yvonne and other celebs will raise funds for their favorite Screenland 5K charities in race weekend events. The Screenland 5K happens on the cusp of National Black and Women’s History months. Several of the former set locations that guests will retrace in their journey through movie magic will recognize marginalized and under-represented actors and directors who made important contributions to cinematic storytelling and the film industry, but rarely were acknowledged. "We will shine a light on some of the movies that are on the wrong side of history and some that are on the right side of history," said Screenland 5K Creative Director and Cinematic Showrunner Lori Escalera. "It’s important to include the under-represented people, who made great contributions the past century in cinematic storytelling in Culver City, such as Arabians, Jews, Asians, African Americans, Hispanic and Culver City’s indigenous peoples,” said Escalera. “I also will include iconic Culver City-based films that designate an interesting chain of culture. For example, the Green Lantern is the one-thousand-year-old story of the Arabian Nights with spinoffs like Aladdin and Jeannie. A Star is Born with its many reiterations over the past 100 years recognizes a historic struggle for women to reconcile conflicts of career and spouse. Forty Acres celebrates Gone with the Wind, but instead of highlighting White actors we will cite Butterfly McQueen, a celebrated Black actress. And this will open the door to Black women identity recognition. And on it will go with our goal to equity, diversity and inclusion to the 100 scenes of Culver City filmdom,” Escalera said.
