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West Los Angeles Police Department Town Halls: Arrests and Action Against Westside Burglaries in stolen property and is actively working to lit at night. Have some interior lighting on Collaborative return the items to their rightful owners. They timers so that lights go on and off at different also shared photos of unreclaimed stolen goods, times indoors. Consider leaving a television on Efforts Lead to urging potential owners to contact Senior Lead while you are out so that the residence sounds Officer Matthew Kirk at 34713@lapd.online. occupied. 12 Arrests and While optimistic about a decrease in • Cameras help “harden the target,” the Westside burglaries due to the arrests, WLAPD target being your home. Video surveillance $1 Million in cautioned residents to remain vigilant. The helps with arrests and gives the neighborhood shared tips on how to keep your home a bad reputation with would-be thieves. Use Recovered Property officers and belongings safer, which included: a wired camera when possible; burglars are The Brentwood Community Council shared information about the two Town Halls held by the West Los Angeles Police Department in a recent email. The purpose of these events was to address the rising trend of residential burglaries in the Westside, encompassing areas like Brentwood, Pacific Palisades, and Bel Air. There was a surprise during the second town hall as the West Los Angeles Police (WLAPD) revealed the arrest of 12 suspects, involving collaboration with LAPD, Beverly Hills Police Department, and Glendale Police Department. Of the arrested suspects, 11 are believed to be part of the same burglary ring from South America, while one is linked to a local gang engaged in residential burglaries. WLAPD announced the recovery of over $1 million
• If you have an alarm system, be sure to set it up whenever you go out, even if for a short period of time. Have glass breakers as part of your alarm system. Also, be sure that all windows and doors are alarmed; several burglary rings operating on the Westside enter the premises from a second-story window or balcony door. Breaking the glass to gain entry is common. • Consider having a protective coating installed on your glass windows and doors. This protective coating makes it more difficult - and time-consuming - to break through the glass and gain access. • Have a dog, and make it known you have a dog with signs on your gates. • Lighting - keep your outdoor areas well-
jamming wireless cameras. • Secure your valuables. Thieves are targeting cash, jewelry, watches, expensive handbags and weapons. If you have a home safe, be sure it is bolted down; consider multiple safes and locations other than bedrooms. • If someone breaks into your home, make noise. We were told during the town hall that, typically, the burglars do not want confrontation and will run if someone is in the home. • Stay in touch with your neighbors. Watching out for each other is vital to making our neighborhood safe. • Keep a list, with serial numbers, along with photos, of all watches and jewelry pieces so that when stolen property is recovered, it can be matched back to its owner.
• Some of the burglaries involve the suspects entering from someone else’s yard through a backyard or side yard. Use environmental barriers, such as thorny plants, that make entering the backyard or side yard more difficult. • Some burglars are watching neighborhoods via drones. If you see a drone looking at your and your neighbor’s properties, let LAPD know through the non-emergency line: 1-800-ASK-LAPD, and also email Senior Lead OfficeMatthew Kirk,at 34713@lapd. online • Place tracking devices, such as Apple Air Tags, in your safe and in any expensive handbags. Some stolen property has been able to be tracked and recovered from the use of these devices.
Rescued and Ready: LA County Department of Animal Care Releases 80 Cats for Adoption
Unsocialized Feline Friends Seek Unique Homes After Shelter Rescue Operation By Dolores Quintana
In October 2022, the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control (DACC) executed a search warrant at an animal rescue facility in Littlerock, CA, resulting in the rescue of over 200 cats and dogs. The warrant was issued due to the rescue organization’s non-compliance with State and County animal care laws, surpassing the allowable number of animals, and neglecting proper medical care. All seized animals were allocated among DACC’s seven animal care centers for evaluation, treatment, and evidential custody during legal proceedings. Over time, the court gradually permitted the release of some animals.
This month, 80 cats are ready for adoption after their release. Some of these cats may be unsocialized and require special homes. Having spent a substantial amount of time awaiting this day, the Department is optimistic about finding them placements that cater to their unique needs. Twenty of these cats, not fully domesticated, are unsuitable for indoor living but are full of character and prepared for barn/warehouse/ outdoor environments. They will undergo spaying, neutering, vaccination, microchipping, and medical clearance for adoption. “Finding placement for unsocialized cats is particularly challenging,” said Marcia Mayeda, Director. “We are compelled to ask for the public’s help for these cats, who have endured long confinements and neglect and deserve a second chance at a fulfilling life.”
These resilient feline friends are ready to join farms, rural spaces, or warehouses, offering companionship and assistance with rodent control. They deserve an opportunity to find places where they can live out their lives with care and perhaps provide some service in return. If you believe you can provide a suitable environment for these cats and offer them a purposeful life, please email your nearest animal care center. Care Center Emails:
• agoura@animalcare.lacounty.gov • baldwinpark@animalcare.lacounty.gov • carson@animalcare.lacounty.gov • castaic@animalcare.lacounty.gov • downeyctaip@animalcare.lacounty.gov • acclancaster@animalcare.lacounty.gov • palmdale@animalcare.lacounty.gov For more information and to view our adoptable pets, please visit www.animalcare. lacounty.gov.
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Marcy Carsey’s Latest Power Move: A $5 Million Purchase Adds to TV Producer’s Lavish Real Estate Empire
In a career spanning over 50 years, Engelbert has generated sales in excess of 140 million records, including 64 gold albums and 35 platinum, four Grammy nominations, a Golden Globe, and stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Las Vegas Walk of Fame, and Leicester Walk of Fame. He has performed for the Queen four times, several presidents and many heads of state. He has recorded everything from the most romantic ballads to movie theme songs, disco, rock, and even gospel. His unique voice has charmed millions of fans around the globe. Engelbert’s music has transcended time and his voice continues to reach out to people now – serving to transport and inspire, to embrace and to provoke feelings and emotions…ingredients that are no doubt the essence of his long-lasting success.
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TV Producer Marcy Carsey Expands Brentwood Holdings with a Stealthy $5 Million Acquisition Renowned television producer Marcy Carsey, known for such hit shows like “That ’70s Show,” “Roseanne,” “The Cosby Show,” and “3rd Rock From the Sun,” recently invested $5 million in a Brentwood property adjacent to one she already possesses, as reported by The Robb Report. Despite her extensive real estate portfolio, which includes a dozen multimillion-dollar homes in Southern California, Carsey’s acquisition reflects her continued financial success. The recently acquired Brentwood residence, not publicly listed, offers limited information and visuals. According to tax records, the modern-style dwelling changed hands in 1987 for approximately $1.4 million, purchased by a doctor. Situated a
few blocks south of Sunset Boulevard and originally constructed in the 1950s, the property spans 0.32 acres and features a four-bedroom, three-bathroom main house spanning 2,100 square feet. The property’s privacy is notable, positioned at the end of a cul-de-sac. Carsey has owned the adjacent property since 2007 and acquired it for $4.4 million. It remains uncertain if the TV producer, aged 79, has ever resided in the 1930s Tudor-style dwelling, reportedly occupied by her adult daughter Rebecca. Carsey’s primary residence has long been an expansive estate in the nearby Brentwood Park neighborhood. The recent $5 million purchase adds to Carsey’s impressive real estate holdings, creating a $10 million compound spanning about two-thirds of an acre on an upscale Brentwood cul-de-sac. The compound comprises two residences with a total of 5,600 square feet of living space and two swimming pools. Conveniently located near the popular Brentwood Country Mart, the property is close to Marilyn Monroe’s final residence, the home that was saved from the wrecking ball this year. With a personal net worth widely estimated to exceed $500 million, Carsey’s property portfolio extends beyond Malibu and Brentwood.
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January 2024 | 5
Two Men Indicted for $8.5M Airbnb Scam: Online Rental Fraud Exposed Bait-And-Switch Scheme on Popular Rental Platforms Revealed By Dolores Quintana Two men have been indicted on federal fraud charges, accused of running a doublebooking, bait-and-switch scam through popular online property rental platforms, primarily Airbnb. The Justice Department revealed today that the scam, which involved misleading listings and fraudulently canceling reservations, brought in more than $8.5 million, including instances of discrimination against Black individuals. Shray Goel, 35, of Miami, and Shaunik Raheja, 34, of Denver, face charges related to fraud in connection with over 10,000 reservations tied to nearly 100 properties across 10 states. The superseding indictment accuses them of owning and operating a short-term property rental business, defrauding Airbnb, Vrbo, and guests renting properties through these platforms. Goel, initially charged on December 13, was arrested in Florida on December 27 and
released on bond the next day. Raheja was added as a defendant in the superseding indictment, and both are expected to be arraigned in the United States District Court in Los Angeles in the coming weeks. The indictment alleges that the defendants used various names, including Abbot Pacific LLC, to carry out the fraudulent scheme. They owned and leased properties across the United States, managing nearly 100 properties by 2019. To execute the scheme, Goel and Raheja allegedly double-booked properties through multiple listings on Airbnb and Vrbo, creating last-minute excuses, such as plumbing problems, to cancel overbooked guests or deceive them into moving to inferior accommodations. The indictment also claims they profited from a secret bidding war for properties, posting multiple listings at different prices and canceling or switching lower-paying guests to different properties. The superseding indictment further alleges racial prejudices and discrimination in deciding which guests to keep or cancel. The defendants purportedly avoided renting to guests they perceived as Black. “This deplorable scheme victimized thousands of consumers and families across the country, some of whom allegedly were discriminated against because of racial bias,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada.
The defendants face charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft. Each wire fraud charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison, with an additional two-year mandatory sentence for the aggravated identity theft counts.
The FBI and FDIC-OIG are leading the investigation, with assistance from the Federal Housing Finance Agency – Office of Inspector General. Airbnb and Vrbo are cooperating with the government in the ongoing investigation.
6 | January 2024
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Spicy Stats: Los Angeles Reigns Supreme with the Most Mexican Restaurants in the U.S.
Pew Research Center Study Reveals LA’s Dominance in the Mexican Culinary Landscape By Keemia Zhang Los Angeles - whose Mexican cuisine is an essential staple of its dining scene holds the most Mexican restaurants in the country, according to a study conducted by the Pew Research Center. While 11% of restaurants across the United States serve Mexican food, they were found to be “especially common” in California. 85% of U.S Counties have at least one Mexican restaurant - counties that don’t are often found to have smaller populations, with 15% of them having 4
million people or less. Both California and Texas, with concentrated Mexican-American populations, possess 40% of all Mexican restaurants in the country - California has 22%. 30% of the state’s Mexican restaurants operate in Los Angeles County alone, amounting to 5,000 places to dine. Additionally, a quarter of Mexican restaurants with higher price points are located in LA County as well. Pew Researchers remarked that the study reflected the growing Mexican-American population - an estimated 37.2 million people - which consists of 11% of the total U.S. population. If you’re on the Westside and feeling particularly hungry after reading, try Frida Mexican Cuisine in Westwood, Sonoritas Prime Tacos in Sawtelle, Madre, Oaxacan Restaurant and Mezcaleria in Palms, or Cerveteca in Culver City or Venice. If you’re on the Eastside of LA and looking for non-traditional and delicious authentic Mexican food, try Evil Cooks.
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Brentwood Community Council Responds to Metro’s Congestion Pricing Plan Concerns Raised Over Impact on Local Streets and Lack of Transit Alternatives In a recent presentation to the Brentwood Community Council (BCC) on December 13, Metro unveiled its Traffic Reduction Study (TRS) and Congestion Pricing Proposal to the members of BCC. The organization has responded to Metro’s presentation via a letter to Metro. The Brentwood Community Council’s letter to the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transit Authority on January 10 states that Brentwood, notorious for its extreme traffic congestion during peak hours, has long grappled with the influx of commuters navigating through the area to reach Westside cities like Santa Monica. A notable concern arises from commuters using Brentwood as a diagonal shortcut to access the I-405 freeway at the Sunset Blvd. and Wilshire Blvd. on-ramps, particularly
those driving from Santa Monica to the Valley. This practice aims to bypass congestion on the I-10 and I-405, utilizing east-west streets such as Sunset Blvd., San Vicente Blvd., Montana Ave., and Wilshire Blvd., along with north-south streets like Bundy Drive and Barrington Ave. Metro’s proposed study on congestion pricing in Brentwood has sparked significant interest within the Brentwood community. The BCC stated via the letter that it strongly opposes the implementation of congestion pricing on the I-10 west of the 405 and in the Santa Monica mountains on the Westside, encompassing areas such as Sepulveda Blvd., Benedict Canyon, Roscomare Road, and Coldwater Canyon. The council requests that no recommendation be made to the Metro Board for further study until after the completion of the Sepulveda Transit Corridor (STC) and D/Purple Line (Wilshire Blvd.) projects. This delay aims to assess the impact of these projects before considering congestion pricing. In the letter, the BCC contends that implementing congestion pricing in these areas could potentially shift the traffic burden from freeways to local streets, exacerbating existing gridlock without achieving the TRS’s goal of reducing
vehicle trips. The community council voices objection to any further consideration of congestion pricing until the completion of the STC’s implementation. It also cites one key reason for their objection to the proposed plan is the lack of public transit
alternatives for drivers passing through Brentwood and other points west of the I-405. Unlike other parts of the city, these drivers face extremely limited public transportation options and lack viable routes to reach the Valley.
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8 | January 2024
Vegetarian Restaurant Planta’s New Happy Hour: Exciting Discounts on Drinks and Appetizers Indulge in Happy Hour Bliss at Planta Brentwood and Marina Del Rey Locations By Dolores Quintana Planta Restaurant, the 100% plant-based restaurant with locations in Brentwood and Marina Del Rey, now has Happy Hour on weekdays, Monday through Friday, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. During those hours, select beers and wines are available at a discount, as are two special cocktails, ‘Tinis including espresso: vodka, espresso, vanilla, cinnamon, dirty: vodka, castelvetrano olive brine, lychee: gin, lychee, lemon and Herb Your Enthusiasm, a thai chili-
infused tequila, lime, pineapple, mint, Thai basil concoction. Appetizers that are available are the Croquetas made with mushroom bacon, cashew mozzarella, cilantro, garlic aioli, Pumpkin Seed Guacamole made with pico de gallo, cilantro, lime, tajin tortilla chips, and the Potato Chorizo Quesadilla made with cashew mozzarella, tomatillo salsa, which does contain nuts. Planta Brentwood is located at 11754 San Vicente Blvd, and Planta Cocina in Marina Del Rey is located at 4625 Admiralty Way Ste.104.
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Sweet Lady Jane Faces Legal Battle Over Alleged Wage Theft Amid Closure Announcement Beloved LA Bakery Hit With ClassAction Lawsuit for Mismanagement and Wage Abuses By Keemia Zhang Sweet Lady Jane, famous for their elaborately decorated cakes and baked goods, shocked the community when they announced their closure at the beginning of the year after thirty years of operation - citing a sales downturn that left them unable to “pay [their] treasured employees a living wage” without raising retail prices. However, earlier this week, news broke that the bakery has been the subject of a class-action lawsuit filed in the Los Angeles Superior Court for almost seven months, alleging that the company engaged in mismanagement and wage theft, according to the Los Angeles Times. Blanca Juarez, who spent two months in 2022 working for Sweet Lady Jane, accused the corporation of not compensating her for working hours, overtime, and missed breaks for rest and meals.
The lawsuit also accuses Sweet Lady Jane of engaging in a “pattern and practice of wage abuse” through inaccurate payroll records and failing to reimburse employees for business-related expenses. The company denied all allegations, calling them “unverified” in court filings. Prior to closure, Sweet Lady Jane built a loyal customer base across locations in Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Encino, Calabasas, and San Fernando. The closure also canceled plans to open new shops in Larchmont and Marina del Rey. The bakery chain reportedly offered select former employees severance packages with an agreement to not participate in class action or individual lawsuits seeking further compensation. Sweet Lady Jane is slated to declare for a state alternative to filing bankruptcy, permitting creditors and former employees to “recover what they are owed.” In their website’s closing statement, Sweet Lady Jane - which branded itself as ‘L.A’s Most Popular Bakery’ - stated that: “For more than three decades, we didn’t just build a loyal customer base, we created a real community. It has been a privilege to be included in your sweetest moments. Big and small. LA’s most beloved Triple Berry Cake will live on in your memories and in ours.”
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WS Communities Faces Major Setback, Loses Half of Portfolio to Lenders
lieu of foreclosure. The company sought relief Property Firm, for $1.1 billion in debt, as reported by The Real Deal. As of this writing, WS Communities’ Founded by Neil website has gone down. The company, which owns luxury and Shekhter, Grapples affordable residential units, retail, and office with $1.1 Billion Debt spaces across the Westside, lost assets of
By Keemia Zhang WS Communities, a property firm founded in 2017 by local landlord-magnate Neil Shekhter, lost half its portfolio to lender companies in
28 multifamily buildings and sites of future development. The lenders that acquired the properties include the New York-based groups Lightstone Capital and Madison Realty Capital, as well as the local lending company Hankey Capital.
The loss was described as a “massive blow” to Shekhter and his company, which was co-founded by three of his sons and CEO Scott Walter. In 2020, the firm owned 2,200 units across the county. Following the lender acquisitions of 870 units, WS Communities also sold 200 units, cutting the assets in half at 1,100 units. Deeds-in-lieu were described as both a last resort for property owners and a “faster alternative” to foreclosure processes. According to a source quoted by The Real Deal, Shekhter’s assets were at floating-rate loans rather than cash-flowing, following an increase in his monthly debt bills after the Federal government increased rates in 2022. Lenders, which have recently veered away from refinancing loans due to LA’s increased transfer taxes, are hesitant to quickly sell off the properties, given that interest rates have slowed the buying market. The scale of portfolio decrease is comparable to Veritas Investments’ loss last year, which forced it to “lose control” of 20 apartment buildings in San Francisco following a default on almost $1 billion in loans. The company has avoided the same fate as WS Communities for its Los Angeles properties by extending the loans.
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Music Manager’s Spanish-style Estate, Previously Owned by John Travolta, Listed for $17.995 Million Executive Known for “Bad Blood” with Taylor Swift Offers Mansion Again at a Discounted Price
An extravagant Brentwood residence, once owned by music manager Scott “Scooter” Braun and previously owned by actor John Travolta, is back on the market with a reduced price tag of $17.995 million. Originally listed for $23.95 million in November 2021, the property has undergone price cuts, with its most recent reduction from $19.95 million, according to listing records. Braun, known for his high-profile clientele and his public dispute with Taylor Swift, acquired the property in 2020 for $18 million, slightly more than its current asking price, as indicated by records from
PropertyShark. Situated in the affluent Brentwood neighborhood and constructed in 1949, the residence is being positioned as a renovation opportunity, as stated in the
listing managed by Alexis Perry and James Harris of the Agency. The 2.3-acre property is described as “an unrivaled canvas for both developers and owner-users alike,” with the potential
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Join LAHSA in Combating Homelessness: Volunteer for the 2024 Greater LA Homeless Count Community Engagement Needed to Accurately Document Homelessness in Los Angeles
The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) has initiated registration for the 2024 Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count, scheduled for January 23, 24, and 25. Those interested in volunteering for the Homeless Count can sign up at TheyCountWillYou.org. Dr. Va Lecia Adams Kellum, CEO of LAHSA, emphasized the count’s significance in understanding the distribution of homelessness and identifying areas requiring targeted services. She urged community participation, stating, “We need thousands of people to come out and count as many census tracts as possible.”
During the Unsheltered Count, taking place across Los Angeles County’s 4,000 square miles, volunteers will document unsheltered individuals, tents, vehicles, and makeshift shelters in their assigned census tracts. The count will unfold on January 23 in the San Fernando and San Gabriel valleys, January 24 in East and West Los Angeles, and conclude on January 25 in the Antelope Valley, Metro, and South Los Angeles. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development mandates a biennial point-in-time count of people experiencing homelessness. LAHSA has conducted the Homeless Count annually since 2016, offering improved insights into homelessness trends. Government agencies, including LAHSA, leverage the data to devise strategies, allocate funding, and allocate resources effectively. To execute the Homeless Count, LAHSA seeks 8,000 volunteers, covering the entire Continuum of Care. In a technological advancement, volunteers will use Esri’s Homeless Point in Time App for the second year, streamlining data collection. This year, LAHSA is piloting geofencing within the app to alert volunteers if they stray beyond
assigned census tract boundaries. The annual Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count includes the Youth Count, scheduled from January 22 through 31, and the Housing
Inventory Count on January 24. The initiative relies on community engagement to drive accurate results and inform strategies for combating homelessness.
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Larry Thompson’s Groundbreaking Bitcoin Move Shakes Up CA 32 Congressional Race Los Angeles, CA - In a bold move that could redefine campaign financing, Larry Thompson, a U.S. Congressional candidate running against incumbent Rep. Brad Sherman (D) in California’s 32nd district, proudly announced that his campaign is among the first to accept donations in bitcoin. Thompson’s embrace of cryptocurrency comes in the wake of the Securities Exchange Commission’s (SEC) recent approval of a “spot bitcoin ETF” for 11 Financial Institutions, marking a significant milestone in the history of Bitcoin. On January 10, 2024, the SEC’s approval allowed these institutions to create an Exchange-Traded Fund, making it easier for the public to buy bitcoin as if it were a traditional stock. This move has not only legitimized Bitcoin as an asset class but has also attracted a wave of new investors, causing the prices of bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies to surge. The approval has broader implications for the U.S. Congressional Race in CA 32, shining a spotlight on Rep. Brad Sherman, a longstanding critic of Bitcoin
and cryptocurrencies. Sherman, who has been vocal in opposing these digital assets for over 15 years, continues to advocate for their outlawing. Thompson, a veteran entertainment attorney, talent manager, and film producer, is challenging Sherman with the unanimous endorsement of the California Republican Party. Thompson’s campaign gained additional momentum with endorsements from prominent figures in the cryptocurrency space, including Brock Pierce, Chairman of The Bitcoin Foundation, and Perianne Boring, Founder and CEO of the Chamber of Digital Commerce. Both Pierce and Boring praised Thompson for his longstanding support for the crypto community and his potential to bring regulatory clarity to the industry. Thompson’s candidacy is rooted in a vision for a future where technology, cryptocurrencies, and Bitcoin play a pivotal role in advancing financial systems. He argues that traditional banking institutions are flawed, and embracing technology can lead to a more prosperous financial future.
Thompson aims to bring a sense of “sanity” to Washington, urging for a bipartisan conversation to address common issues and bridge the gap between polarized political positions. In addition to his crypto-friendly stance, Thompson seeks to unite conservative Republicans and dissatisfied Democrats, offering them a platform to regain courage and stand up for their values. Thompson’s optimistic and forward-thinking approach contrasts sharply with Sherman’s long-held position against cryptocurrencies, backed by support from big banks and financial institutions. Thompson faces a challenging race against Sherman, a 14-term incumbent who has been in office due to redistricting. CA 32 encompasses a diverse range of areas in Los Angeles, including Bel-Air, Brentwood, Encino, Malibu, Sherman Oaks, and more. Despite Sherman’s tenure, Thompson remains confident in his ability to secure victory, asserting that he will defeat the incumbent known for being “Sleeping-At-The-Wheel.”
Beyond the cryptocurrency debate, Thompson addresses broader issues affecting CA 32, including open borders, high taxes, and infrastructure challenges. Drawing on his experience as a Hollywood talent manager for over 50 years, Thompson aims to represent the people and bring a fresh perspective to the district. Thompson’s extensive background includes being a Republican Eagle, receiving the Medal of Merit from President Ronald Reagan, and serving as the California Campaign Co-Chairman for Senator Bob Dole’s Presidential Campaign in 1996. Despite running as an Independent in 2020, Thompson’s determination to represent the people remains unwavering. As the campaign unfolds, Thompson’s embrace of bitcoin and cryptocurrency may signal a shift in political fundraising strategies, challenging traditional norms and resonating with a new generation of voters. Whether Thompson’s vision for a tech-driven financial future aligns with the voters of CA 32 will become clear as the election progresses.
Century City/ Westwood
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Urgent Tree Trimming Day in Brentwood: Community Cleanup with Councilmember Traci Park Be a Part of the Community Effort to Keep Brentwood Clean and Meet CD11’s Representative
A series of trees along a specific stretch of Montana Avenue in Brentwood has seen an urgent need for tree trimming, prompting action from the City’s Department of Urban Forestry. Recent incidents, including a tree emergency over the year-end holidays with a fallen eucalyptus tree on Montana Avenue, have accelerated the tree-trimming schedule. According to information shared during the latest Brentwood Community Council
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WATER CONSERVATION REBATES Save money now and later with water-efficient devices.
(BCC) meeting, the Department of Urban Forestry typically follows a 15-year cycle for trimming City trees. However, due to budget constraints and unforeseen tree emergencies, this schedule can face disruptions. In response to the recent tree emergency, Brentwood’s Councilmember’s office has allocated funds to address the pressing need for tree trimming along the affected stretch of Montana Avenue. The scheduled treetrimming operation is set to take place on Saturday, January 27th. Councilwoman Traci Park will be actively involved in the community initiative, leading a cleanup effort in the nearby area on the same day. Residents are encouraged to participate, providing an opportunity to meet their Councilwoman and engage with fellow neighbors. The collaborative effort aims to enhance safety and beautify the Brentwood neighborhood, fostering community spirit and proactive involvement.
ladwp.com/save
16 | January 2024
Brentwood News
SANTA MO NI C A CO L L E G E
Spring Forward to Success Classes start February 12 On-campus and online smc.edu/spring ONLY
46
$
PER UNIT
SANTA MONICA COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT BOARD OF TRUSTEES Dr. Margaret Quiñones-Perez, Chair; Dr. Nancy Greenstein, Vice Chair; Dr. Susan Aminoff; Dr. Tom Peters; Rob Rader; Dr. Sion Roy; Barry Snell; Alyssa Arreola, Student Trustee; Kathryn E. Jeffery, Ph.D., Superintendent/President Santa Monica College 1900 Pico Blvd. Santa Monica, CA 90405
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