Community News Brief:

Philanthropist and Human Rights Activists DiesWally Marks Jr., a major part of turning 3rd Street Promenade into the vibrant and bustling shopping mecca we all know passed away Monday April 20 due to complications with cancer. He was 78. As an owner of real estate in Santa Monica, he used his money and influence to keep certain stores like the Midnight Special Bookstore up and running for nearly 10 years, Marks was thought of as a man who always stood up for the people who were less fortunate. He served on the board of the Santa Monica-based Liberty Hill Foundation, which focused on creating community activism. Marks is survived by his wife Suzy, his son Walter, and his three daughters: Laurie, Wendy, and Amanda, his sister Marlene, and his 10 grandchildren.A service will be held Friday 10 a.m. at Hillside Memorial Park, 6001 W. Centinela Avenue, Culver City.* * * *Free Local Asthma Screenings in Santa Monica Local Los Angeles allergists will be coming to Santa Monica May 2 to give free asthma screenings to anybody of any age. These screenings are part of the 13th annual Nationwide Asthma Screening Program, sponsored by the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI). The program takes place in more than 200 communities. These free tests will include: -Fill out a questionnaire-Take a painless lung function test that involves blowing into a tube-Meet with an allergist to discuss their symptomsThe two nearest local asthma screenings will be held at: -May 2, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Santa Monica Cares Health and Wellness Festival, 1300 Third St. Promenade, Santa Monica-May 13, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Centinela Freeman Marina Hospital, 4644 Lincoln Blvd., Marina Del Rey* * * *National Psoriasis Walk For AwarenessThis Saturday there will be a walk for awareness to raise money for psoriasis research, at Ocean Park Beach. Currently 7.5 million Americans are estimated to have psoriasis: a genetic, autoimmune disease that can cause painful, red, scaly lesions that often crack and bleed. At this point of time there is no cure for this ailment. You can choose from a 1k or a 5k walk along the beach since the walk begins at Ocean View Park 2701 Barnard Way. The walk costs nothing to go to but donations are always welcome, registration starts at 8 a.m. and the walk begins at 9 a.m. To find out more information visit psoriasis.org/walk.