Brentwood Beat: Before the Next Fire, Let’s Build a Water Pipeline from the Ocean
By Jeff Hall
In a 2022 Brentwood News column, I proposed building a seawater pipeline from the Pacific Ocean just off the Palisades that would run across Mulholland, heading toward Brentwood. Here’s that column:
https://brentwoodnewsla.com/ fire-suppression-in-the-hills-abovebrentwood/
The seawater would be available for firefighting purposes. In addition to the pipeline, I proposed a big seawater storage tank above Brentwood, available to fight fires on a moment’s notice.
Think about it: We have an endless supply of seawater right in our backyard.
A pipeline with storage tanks can’t be that expensive to build. William Mulholland figured out how to do this over a century ago. In my column, I suggested Berggruen Institute build a 21st-century firefighting station up in the hills above Brentwood in exchange for approval for its new institute.
Wouldn’t that offer some peace of mind next time there’s a fire? We could fight fires from higher ground, with rapid access to all of Brentwood’s canyons, below. The proposal drew some chuckles at the time, but obviously this is no laughing matter in light of the Palisades tragedy.
In recent days I’ve heard from people saying it’s a really good idea, especially if we want to rebuild the Palisades. If anything, the original idea was way too puny. So let me amend it.
We need to include the Palisades, Santa
Monica, and Malibu in this proposal.
In fact, we should include all of Southern California. Seawater pipelines could run east, west, north, and south.
Pipelines could run along our major thoroughfares and our Metro lines.
If we had seawater available to combat big fires everywhere, that would take a lot of pressure off our freshwater supplies. In addition to several seawater pipes and tanks – and new fire hoses and equipment that wouldn’t corrode if we use seawater – we need new, fireproof building
materials for replacement housing.
We could make Palisades and future developments in the area the most fireproof on the planet.
Let’s not stop there: It’s time to build some desalinization plants along the coast. Lack of drinking water is a neverending threat in Southern California.
We have an opportunity to create some long-lasting good out of today’s tragedy. Think of all the jobs we could create. Maybe members of our unhoused communities could be put to work
building our new pipeline system. We need to think big. Survival is at stake.
If there are still skeptics, let’s have Palisades and Brentwood lead the way with a pilot project. Let’s see how the system works next time there’s a fire. We all know there will be a next time.
Got other ideas you’d like to contribute? I’d love to hear from you: jeffhall@mirrormediagroupla.com.
Metro Bus Line 602 Rerouted in Brentwood
Due to Palisades Fire Road Closures
Coast Highway, has been adjusted. Westbound buses are now turning south at Allenford Avenue, traveling east along San Vicente Boulevard, and then heading north on Bundy Drive and Kenter Avenue before rejoining Sunset Boulevard in the eastbound direction.
The Metro Bus Line 602 has been temporarily detoured due to road closures caused by the Palisades Fire, according to Metro Los Angeles.
The affected route, which typically runs along Sunset Boulevard to Pacific
While this might be out of the ordinary for the Brentwood area, be assured that nothing is awry.
Metro officials emphasized that the detour is temporary and that service will return to its normal route along Sunset Boulevard as soon as conditions allow.
LA County Free Debris Removal Program for Fire-Affected Residents Sign Up Ends Soon
Homeowners
Impacted by the Palisades Fire Can Apply for No-Cost Cleanup Services
Los Angeles County has launched the Right of Entry form for its free debris removal program, designed to assist residents affected by the Palisades fires.
Residents who wish to participate must complete the Right of Entry form, available for download or submission online at recovery.lacounty.gov/debrisremoval. The form is also accessible at Disaster Recovery Centers, where in-person assistance is available daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. The local Disaster Recovery Center on the Westside is located at UCLA Research Park West at 10850 West Pico Bloulevard. Those with questions or needing help filling out the form can call the Fire Debris Hotline at 844-347-3332.
The Right of Entry form is part of Phase 2 of the debris removal program, which allows residents to opt into free
nonhazardous debris removal conducted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers or opt out. Phase 1, currently underway, involves the removal of hazardous debris.
To take advantage of the free debris removal service, residents must submit a completed Right of Entry form by March 31, 2025. Without this form, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and its contractors cannot access properties for cleanup.
The program includes property assessment, asbestos removal, tree removal, ash and soil removal, burned debris removal, structural demolition, vehicle removal, erosion control, environmental monitoring, and potential foundation removal.
Residents who choose to opt out must hire a specialized, approved contractor to complete debris removal in compliance with all relevant regulations. Those opting out will not be eligible for reimbursement from federal or state disaster funding. Additionally, they must adhere to the “Management of Los Angeles County Wildfire Debris” guidelines and specifications for private debris removal.
Applications to opt in or out are available online and in person at Disaster Recovery Centers.
Brentwood Weekly Crime Report: January 19, 2025 –January 26, 2025
By Senior Lead Officer Matthew Kirk
In his latest report, SLO Kirk reports the crimes reported in the last week in the Brentwood area, including three reports of Grand Theft Auto.
Burglary:
01-21-25 23:10 Hours, 11700 San Vicente Boulevard, Suspect smashed a glass door to the business, removed a wine bottle, and fled the location.
Robbery:
01-24-25 10:20 Hours, Bundy/ Wilshire, Suspect, and the victim were both riding the metro bus West on Wilshire Boulevard. The suspect came from behind, held a knife at the victim, and then grabbed the victim’s phone. The suspect then jumped out of the window of the bus and fled with the victim’s property. The suspect was described as a male 6’0, approximately 165 pounds wearing a black face mask and a black hooded sweatshirt.
ADW (Assault With Deadly Weapon):
None reported
BFMV (Burglary from motor vehicle)
None reported
TFMV (Theft from Motor Vehicle)
None reported
GTA (Grand Theft Auto)
01-21-25 06:05 Hours, 11800 Block of Kiowa Ave, a 2013 Hyundai Sonata was taken from the rear alley’s carport.
01-22-25 01:20 Hours, 200 Block of N. Layton Drive, a 2014 Tesla Model S was taken from the driveway.
01-25-25 23:30 Hours, 1400 Block of S. Bundy Drive, a 2016 Chevy Camaro was taken from the driveway.
Theft:
None Reported
1173 Norwich Lane, Ventura
• Custom Comfort at the Beach $3,750,000
• Beautifully designed, 4 Br + 5 Bth, incl. 2 Bedroom guest suite.
• One block to ocean at 1173 Norwich Lane, Ventura.
• Built in 2022. Move-in Ready with Designer Furnishings.
• Gorgeous kitchen, top-of-the-line appliances: LaCornuFe, Fisher and Paykel, and True. Master suite with fireplace and soaking tub; 2 Bedroom guest suite; 3rd floor bonus room with ocean view.
• Elevator, off-street parking, multiple decks and private yard.
Santa Monica Hotel Event Space Offers
Affordability, Accessibility
Elevate Your Events with Versatile Venues and Exceptional Service
Coastal stays and eclectic event spaces don’t have to be expensive.
Last April, Santa Monica Hotel transformed Lincoln Boulevard with its new look and enhanced amenities. The hotel’s beachside charm, value and commitment to sustainability renders dear to the neighborhood and offers a cozy retreat for guests.
Not only is Santa Monica Hotel an amazing, eco-friendly lodging option, it’s also an eye-catching venue for art exhibits, a perfect location to host special occasions and celebrations, and a unique backdrop for film and photography projects.
With its new transformation, the hotel’s novel outdoor event space promises versatility and charm at an affordable rate. For filming and production, photography, art or music events that echo the creative spirit of Santa Monica and beyond, the parking lot is dynamic and changeable, affordable and accessible.
Looking toward the upcoming year,
Abel Harris, the hotel’s director of sales and marketing, said companies that have rented out the space for film production or product launches have loved the space, its versatility and the endless possibilities for creative visionaries.
“Santa Monica Hotel gives off an eclectic feel, it stands out in many ways since the refresher we made last spring. Clients really love the vibe of the hotel while also being able to transform the parking lot for their desired sets,” Harris said. “We love being able to provide a space for ideas to come to life and flourish. It’s not your traditional meeting space.”
Santa Monica Hotel and its dynamic parking lot space is available for a number of events and filming opportunities such as TV shows, movies, documentaries, fashion shoots, commercials, music videos, advertising, podcasts and social media influencers. The cost of renting the space for the day, or longer, is also accessible and affordable. Full buyouts are optional, as well.
“Renting out our space and hotel is about getting more involved with the community as an affordable, flexible and functional option for event planning or production. Our parking lot can be retrofitted and completely done up to fit your desired scenery. Whether that’s a shotgun wedding,
or product launch, or photoshoot or film, the Santa Monica Hotel is the perfect space for executing your ideas. We are eager to connect with organizers and producers for the upcoming year!” Harris said.
Santa Monica Hotel is a 30-room gem that fosters a cozy, personalized atmosphere, complete with exceptional services, amenities and staff that make every moment count. The hotel embraces eco-friendly hospitality, dedicated to creating a sustainable future by minimizing its environmental footprint. Located near
the famous Third Street Promenade, the hotel offers guests immediate access to this renowned outdoor shopping and dining esplanade, enhancing their stay with convenience and local culture.
For a glimpse into the transformed Santa Monica Hotel, updated amenities, and booking information, please visit SantaMonicaHotel.com. Start planning your event today online by submitting a request for proposal. Create memorable experiences and enjoy seamless planning with Santa Monica Hotel.
Quiet Luxury: What’s Inside the New Regent Boutique
and Sweet July
The Regent Santa Monica Beach, known for its perfect Santa Monica getaways, or local dining at its Mediterranean-based restaurant Orla by Michael Mina, is home to two of the resort’s luxurious gems: The Regent Boutique and Sweet July.
Heading the boutique is highly experienced curator Regina Cherepinsky, a former brand manager and vice president of marketing for the Kardashian Kollection, who has specialized in luxury retail management for beauty, lifestyle and fashion brands for nearly two decades.
“Those experiences along with my love for travel and understanding the shopping experience while traveling helped me mindfully curate the Regent Boutique
and its focus on female-owned designers, minority-owned brands and local brands that give back or have done good work within the fashion industry,” Cherepinsky said. “Our boutique is specific to Regent and the hotel, but the wonders inside could standalone.”
From jewelry to clothing and keepsakes, Regent Boutique offers a unique, approachable and shoppable experience comprising a number of beloved brands and stories behind each one.
“We carry jewelry from beautiful designers that use raw materials and diamonds to craft the most excellent pieces, and another brand we adore is Love is Project that creates beaded bracelets that in turn, empower women in developing countries to get fair wages,” Cherepinsky said. “Every item and story behind the brands we carry struck a chord with us in some way.”
Regent Boutique is open to the public and resort guests.
“I’ve curated this for the traveler who wants to shop for cozy cashmere or swimwear on her travels, or for locals who’d like to dine at Orla and take a peek at what’s inside the boutique, or the other beautiful outlets within the resort, we have something special for everyone,” Cherepinsky added.
A LOCAL FAVORITE, SWEET JULY
Another Regent Santa Monica Beach outlet that hosts a number of surprises is Sweet July, a grab-and-go cafe brand founded by Ayesha Curry, an entrepreneur, chef and wife of Golden State Warrior Stephen Curry.
The café offers a full espresso menu, coffee bar, pastries, wine, kombuchas, fresh-pressed juice, snacks and more. Ayesha’s hope for the brand Sweet July is to encourage everyone to find their own version of it — whether it’s a feeling, a thought, or phrase, she hopes it will become a movement. Sweet July at Regent Santa Monica Beach is the first cafe location outside of Oakland, California, where the brand’s flagship store is located.
In partnership with renowned Chef Michael Mina, whose newest culinary venture is Orla, also located at Regent Santa Monica Beach, the two have created restaurant concepts in several locations in California and Nevada.
Regent Santa Monica Beach is proud to offer an extension of Curry’s Sweet July brand, which leans into the coffee perspective with crafty syrup, different than traditional syrups. The brand integrates her background into the menu with Jamaican beef patties and Jerk chicken, some of the local favorites.
To experience Santa Monica from a beachfront oasis, visit SantaMonica. RegentHotels.com.
Save $50 when you book any 60 minute or more
the QR code or call to book
through March 31,
Pacific Park Joins Effort to Support Wildfire Relief
Although the devastating Pacific Palisades and Eaton fires that took lives and scorched over 40,000 acres didn’t touch Pacific Park at the Santa Monica Pier, the impact was close to home for the amusement park.
Nearly two miles from the Pacific Palisades, evacuations were close to the world-famous Santa Monica Pier.
Although still open, Pacific Park has turned its focus on helping wildfire victims and spreading the word on how to donate to the American Red Cross, The California Community Foundation and Santa MoniCARES — three organizations that are helping Southern California wildfire victims find relief.
In addition, they are assisting Palisades Charter High School to raise funds for building replacement and repairs.
Immediate needs include restoring the tech infrastructure, finding temporary space for in-person instruction, funding additional buses for sports and team competitions (none can happen on campus), and replacing lost equipment. To donate directly to Pali High, please go to go.PaliHigh.org/RaisePali.
Looking toward the Ferris wheel, Pacific Park has activated a campaign to support wildfire relief in view of thousands of amusement park visitors. The nine-storytall Pacific Wheel illuminates with direct contact information on how to donate to relief organizations and find resources and information about the wildfires.
“That’s the most important thing for us right now, we want to help the community, that is so important to the Pier. These are people who grew up coming to the Pier and people who work here. The biggest thing we can do for them is raise money,” said Nathan Smithson, Director of Marketing and Business Development for Pacific Park.
Residents and guests are invited to a special “Locals' Night for Fire Relief” on Thursday, January 23 from 3:30-10 p.m.
The Santa Monica Pier, Pacific Park and KTLA will host a fundraiser for LA fire relief to support Palisades Charter High
School, Red Cross, Santa MoniCARES and other local efforts during the evening. In addition to much needed fundraising, it’s a night of music, connection, and care for the community. Guests will enjoy amazing entertainment including youth activities, a car show, local DJs and so much more.
“Non-profit organizations are on the front lines working directly with schools, businesses, and families who have lost so much”, Smithson said, “We hope to amplify the message that the most impactful way to help our neighbors is through monetary contributions to the organizations on the ground directly helping those affected by this disaster.”
Working over the weekend with Trumpia, an automated texting software company, messages were activated on the Ferris wheel this week to ensure maximum exposure.
“Trumpia’s sales manager was very helpful in making this happen, they offered tremendous support for us and this fundraising campaign,” Smithson said. “Usually, text codes take up to 14 weeks to create, but we had to expedite the process because of the fires and Trumpia was understanding of that.”
While setting up this campaign, Pacific Park is also working with Santa Monica Travel and Tourism on additional resources. Updating often, the organization compiles a
list of resources available to those in need, including special hotel rates for wildfire victims and first responders. The list can be found here.
“We’re going to try to make this campaign as citywide as possible.” Smithson said.
“There are incredible organizations in Los Angeles and Santa Monica doing food and clothing donations for victims and we’re thankful to see the community, nonprofits and businesses stepping up and supporting one another.”
Pacific Park recommends a few trusted resources for information including the City of Santa Monica and Los Angeles County, regularly updated with information on closures, impacts and resources, as well as critical updates and summaries of activity related to the fires.
“As this dynamic situation continues to unfold, there will be more opportunities to collect and distribute in-kind donations and services. At this time, the most impactful way to help those in need is through monetary contributions to organizations with the infrastructure to get those funds to those in need quickly and efficiently,” Smithson added.
What about are you protected from future wildfires?
Our hearts go out to all those impacted by the recent wildfires and Santa Ana windstorms in Southern California. We extend our deepest sympathy to everyone affected in these challenging and uncertain times.
While we are not equipped to fight wildfires, A Plus Tree’s dedicated team of certified tree care professionals is
here to assist you with post-fire tree emergencies. Whether it's hazardous trees, fallen branches, or fire-damaged trees, we're here day and night to help.
A Plus Tree is a certified professional tree care company. We have over 25 years of experience in fire cleanup, fuel mitigation and defensible space. If your property was not damaged in the fire, now is the time to create defensible space around your property. Defensible space is a buffer zone around your home that considers vegetation type and land layout. Vegetation buildup is a catalyst for wildfires and clearing away excessive, fire-prone vegetation significantly reduces risk of wildfire damage! There are several strategic approaches you can take related to trees, shrubs and plants that can materially mitigate fire hazards on your property.
• A complimentary Defensible Space assessment to determine your properties needs
• Remove small flammable vegetation.
• Remove DEAD TREES or limbs that are dangerous fuel suppliers to fires.
• Prune and trim trees to create vertical and horizontal distancing from
your structures.
• Document multi-year history of preventative action taken by you for your insurance. Use of our proprietary mobile app that records all history of care for each tree.
For a complimentary assessment for your property, simply contact us
at www.aplustree.com and fill out a request for proposal. You can also call 866-815-2525.
We are keeping you and your loved ones in our thoughts and prayers. May you all stay safe!
With love and respect, The A Plus Tree Team and Family
Open Arms Art Show Runs Through Feb. 21 in Burbank
More than an art show, the Open Arms Exhibition is an experience of Los Angeles’ cultural history of theater, performances, songs, art and more, that now runs through Feb. 21.
Held at Ambience Dor é , a modern furniture store with more than 25 years in business, Open Arms is a retrospective show featuring two artists whose lives have been dedicated to art and impact.
Foremost, this powerful exhibition showcases the life and fascinating career of Native American Latino SoCal playwright, producer, activist and artist Josef Rodriguez White Cloud Wolfhawk Eagles Xochipillicueponi Quetzalkanbalam “Doc” and contemporary visual artist Mar Dorè, known as M3.
Doc’s “When Quasars Suck and Black Holes Blow,” “Songs of the Singing Glyphs” and “Wormholes Rock in Dead Tattoos” depicts alternative realities of ethnic life: lucha libre figures, mythic cultural symbols, a mother earth figure and skulls moving through the multiple wormholes of alternate parallel worlds.
M3, a 1989 graduate of the San Francisco Art Institute, is premiering the never-seen original Metal Giest series of 3D paintings and contemporary explorations in all mediums that has been intentionally kept off the internet and out of public exposure. For M3, it represents a lifetime of development.
During the show, guests will take a step back in history to see grassroots theater and hear songs with lyrics and scripts still pertinent to today’s time. On the left side, you’ll find a fascinating story of the career of how Doc emerged from the farming community in Fresno. Doc’s opportunities throughout high school flourished when he won the National Forensics’ Original Oratory Championship in 1962.
More opportunities dawned, which led Doc to producing one of the first minority-written plays, “El Manco” produced in American Theater at the Los Angeles Inner City Cultural Center in 1968. From there, Doc worked with Luiz Valdez in the early ‘70s in San Juan
Bautista.
Doc carried on the tradition of the theater through his 1992 production of “The Get Lost Again Columbus Opera” premiering for the National Indigenous People’s Days Protest in Berkely. Written in history as the first native American Opera, you can discover the full history in person at the Open Arms Exhibit.
On the gallery’s right side is M3’s contemporary works from small, intricate “magic hands” art pieces to large, ten-foot wall pieces. Inspired by nature, energy from the sea, mountains from rock climbing in Yosemite in the ’80s, Mardi Gras Indians of Nola.
Open Arms Exhibition shares Doc’s songs and poems. As you step into the center of the room, experience the video performance of the 1992 Berkeley “Get Lost Again Columbus Opera” and read about the work Doc and M3 did with the Indigenous community of Nueva Catalina De Ixtahuacan, Guatemala. Recently, Doc has experienced some
medical issues that inspired M3 to celebrate his life through the Open Arms exhibit.
“I wanted Doc to feel honored for his creative life’s work and this art show was something we’ve wanted to do for a long time. Now is the time for him to shine while he is able to appreciate it. Doc has titled all our shows and my works of art, including this show,” M3 said. “We welcome all with open arms to see the work and be inspired to celebrate your own history, try new things and keep dreaming.”
Open Arms Exhibition is open for viewing Tuesday- Thursday from 3 to 6 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays until 8 or 9 p.m. until February 21, 2025, at Ambience Dore, 831 S. Main Street, Burbank, CA 91506.
To read Doc and M3’s full biography, visit AmbienceDore.com/open-armsart-show.
For appointments, call 818-478-1444 or email mar@ambiencedore.com
Kenneth Turan to Discuss and Sign New
Book on Hollywood Legends Mayer and Thalberg
Kenneth Turan, renowned film critic and author, will discuss and sign his latest book, “Louis B. Mayer and Irving Thalberg: The Whole Equation (Jewish Lives),” on Sunday, February 9, at 3 p.m. at DIESEL, A Bookstore in Brentwood.
The free event will take place in the bookstore’s courtyard, though seating is limited. To reserve a seat, attendees must purchase one copy of the book per reservation. You can make your reservation here.
Turan’s book delves into the extraordinary partnership of Louis B. Mayer and Irving Thalberg, two pivotal figures who helped shape the modern film industry. Mayer, a tough junkman’s son, and Thalberg, a sheltered mama’s boy, shared a vision that movies could both turn a profit and transform culture. As key players at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, their decade-long collaboration redefined Hollywood, with Mayer overseeing the business side of the studio and Thalberg focusing on creative efforts, particularly with writers. Their relationship evolved over the years, from one of deep friendship to
near enmity, culminating in Thalberg’s untimely death at the age of 37. Turan’s book, the first joint biography of the two men in five decades, explores their complex dynamic and examines Jewish identity in Hollywood’s history.
Turan, who served as the film critic for the Los Angeles Times for nearly 30 years and contributed to National Public Radio, is also the author of “Not to Be Missed: Fifty-Four Favorites from a Lifetime of Film” and other works.
