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Multi-Car Accident Claims the Life of Postal Carrier Miguel Hernandez Jr. in Brentwood Support Fund Launched, Hernandez’s Kindness, Love For Family Remembered By Dolores Quintana The Brentwood Community Council’s newsletter announced the tragic death of Pacific Palisades U.S. Postal worker Miguel Hernandez Jr. in Brentwood, CA. The email noted, “On Friday, October 28th, a multi-car accident on Sunset Boulevard near Gretna Green tragically
resulted in a fatality. It has been reported that a postal carrier who worked at the Pacific Palisades Post Office branch, Miguel Hernandez, Jr., perished in the accident. A memorial has been set up near the scene of the tragedy, a sad reminder of a life taken far too soon.” A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to defray the cost of his funeral arrangements and to help his wife, Aracely, who is studying for her Master’s degree, and his three-year-old daughter. When the accident occurred, he reportedly was on his way home from work to join his family at a pumpkin patch. Members of the Pacific Palisades Facebook group said they were devastated by the news as Miguel Hernandez was known to be kind, loved his family greatly, and was a hard worker and known and liked among the community.
Memorial Fund Established for Fallen LAPD Officer Darrell Cunningham West LA Officer Cunningham Lost His Life in an Off-Duty Traffic Accident By Dolores Quintana Police Officer II Darrell Cunningham, Serial No. 43884, of the West Los Angeles Area, tragically lost his life in a traffic collision while off-duty. The incident occurred at the intersection of Roscoe Boulevard and Lindley Avenue around 1:15 a.m. on November 4. In response to inquiries on how to support Officer Cunningham’s family, Sergeant Scott Alpert from WLAPD has issued the following message: “The loss of Officer Darrell Cunningham
is deeply felt within our Division, the Department, and among his family. Darrell embodied the qualities LAPD values in an officer—hardworking, consistently professional, and remarkably humble. He was not only a dedicated officer but also an outstanding father. Unfortunately, his kids and fiancé are now without him, as his life was tragically cut short. For those who wish to contribute, please consider the following: Donations to support Darrell Cunningham, Cynthia Lopez, and their children can be made to the Darrell Cunningham Blue Ribbon Trust Account, account number 5830995843. Please mail checks payable to “Blue Ribbon Trust for Darrell Cunningham” to Attn: Blue Ribbon Darrel Cunningham, P.O. Box 10188 Van Nuys, CA 91410. Alternatively, contributions can be made online via the following link: Blue Ribbon Trust Donation.
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Protesters Target AIPAC President’s Home in Brentwood - LAPD Investigates Possible Hate Crime On Thanksgiving Morning, Two Dozen Demonstrators Caught on Camera By Dolores Quintana On Thanksgiving morning, a group of Pro-Palestinian demonstrators targeted the home of Michael Tuchin, a Los Angeles attorney and the president of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC). The incident, captured on camera, showed protesters setting off smoke devices and splattering what appeared to be red paint on Tuchin’s driveway. The demonstration, which included the pounding of pots, occurred on Thursday afternoon in front of Tuchin’s residence in the 11900 block of Foxboro Drive, and videos of the incident gained traction on social media. A neighbor, who did not want to be identified, said, as quoted by NBC Los Angeles, “They put red paint on the
car, on the driveway, on the windows. They were terrorizing our neighbor.” Mayor Karen Bass said in a statement released on social media, “I’ve spoken with Chief Moore and those impacted by yesterday’s disturbing incident. Hate and violence will not be tolerated in our City. LAPD will continue to work with city and business leaders to keep Angelenos safe. The Los Angeles Police Department responded to the home around 10:45 a.m., as approximately two dozen protesters gathered outside. The demonstration began with the group banging on a dumpster and chanting in the street. Chief of the Los Angeles Police Department, Michel Moore, stated via social media, “The Department’s Major Crimes Division is investigating this incident as a hate crime. Video evidence and other information is being collected to identify those responsible for the vandalism and assault on a neighbor.” LAPD officers took reports for vandalism, hate crimes, and assault with a deadly weapon. Despite the nature of the incident, no citations were issued, and no arrests were made during the protest. The LAPD continues to investigate the matter.
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VP Kamala Harris Faces Pro-Palestinian Protest During Biden Fundraiser in Brentwood Demonstrators Rally Outside Brentwood Event, and Cause Internal Disruption By Dolores Quintana Vice President Kamala Harris returned to Los Angeles on Monday to support President Joe Biden’s reelection campaign. Harris was the guest of honor who was speaking at a private fundraising event in Brentwood. That evening was marked by pro-Palestinian protesters outside the home where the fundraiser took place. The event inside the house saw a protest as well since one of the invited guests interrupted the Vice President’s speech and was escorted out. Seizing the moment, Harris addressed the current conflict, highlighting the rise in antisemitism and Islamophobia. Her husband, Doug Emhoff also spoke about addressing hate and antisemitism, emphasizing the responsibility to combat
these issues. As the first Jewish spouse of an American president or vice president, Emhoff has actively engaged in combating antisemitism and promoting strategies to address this “epidemic of hate” in the United States. The event, held at the residence of Leslie and Cliff Gilbert-Lurie, raised nearly
$500,000 for the Biden Victory Fund from approximately 140 guests. Pro-ceasefire demonstrators gathered outside the house, expressing their opposition with chants and slogans. LAPD arrived on the scene around 4:45 p.m., and the protest concluded peacefully around 5:30 p.m.
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This was the second time a proPalestinian protest had been held outside of a home that was intended to criticize the Vice President. The Jewish Group If Not Now held a protest outside of Vice President Harris’ Brentwood home on October 19.
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VA’s Mission to Build Supportive Housing Units at West LA VA Medical Center Master Plan 2022 Initiative to Transform The VA Into Supportive Community The VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System (VAGLAHS) remains steadfast in its commitment to eradicating Veteran homelessness. At the core of this mission is Master Plan 2022, an initiative outlining the transformation of the 388-acre West LA VA Medical Center into a comprehensive and supportive community, featuring a minimum of 1,200 units of permanent supportive housing. Facilitating this transition is VAGLAHS’ Community Engagement and Reintegration Service (CERS), linking Veterans to permanent supportive housing within the West LA VA and extending throughout the broader Greater Los Angeles area. CERS offers a spectrum of services, including emergency and transitional shelter, employment opportunities, health
care, and justice and reentry-related support, benefiting approximately 16,000 Veterans annually. You can view the VA’s latest drone video on YouTube that showcases the
ongoing efforts of the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System to establish affordable, permanent-supportive housing for chronically homeless Veterans and those vulnerable to homelessness.
Focusing on two developments at the West LA VA Medical Center’s north campus, slated for completion in 2024, these projects will contribute 192 units of housing for Veterans in need.
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Brentwood Guest House “Tenant from Hell” Exits Home After 575-Day ‘Rent-Free’ Stay
Unusual TenantLandlord Feud Continues as Renter Vacates Property By Dolores Quintana In one of Los Angeles’ most unusual tenant-landlord disputes, Elizabeth Hirschhorn, who had earned the dubious title of a “tenant from hell,” seemingly vacated the Los Angeles guesthouse she had reportedly occupied for 575 days without paying rent. According to reports by The Los Angeles Times, Sascha Jovanovic, the landlord, came into contact with Hirschhorn in September 2021. Hirschhorn wanted to rent the guest house that she found on Airbnb for six months initially. The property, situated in Brentwood, boasts luxurious amenities, including a pool, rooftop tennis court, and a fully equipped fitness center, with private patios in each of the suites. However, a complaint filed by Jovanovic alleges that Hirschhorn’s initially planned six-month stay stretched to an astounding 575 days,
during which she resided in the $3.5 million home without paying any rent. Photographs published by the Daily Mail on Monday depict Los Angeles Police Department officers inside the guest house, located in the Crestwood Hills neighborhood of Brentwood. Other images show movers transporting Hirschhorn’s belongings. On Monday, Jovanovic’s attorney, Sebastian Rucci, who had previously labeled Hirschhorn as “the tenant from hell” to the Los Angeles Times, filed a notice of voluntary dismissal without prejudice in Los Angeles County Superior Court. While a judge approved the dismissal of the eviction case, the lawsuit for damages against Hirschhorn remains active, as confirmed by Rucci according to People Magazine. Both sides disagree if Hirschorn was evicted or if she left voluntarily. One side claims that she was escorted from the premises by the police and the owner changed the locks and Hirschhorn’s attorney claims that her client left due to harassment. Amanda Seward, Hirschhorn’s attorney said that “Hirschhorn continues to pursue her claims for damages and affirmative claims arising out of the harassment, property damage, doxing, and other actions taken by Jovanovic.” according to the Los Angeles Times.
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By Dolores Quintana In August, Beverly Hills resident Shannon Sokolow experienced a tragic event that prompted her to file a lawsuit against her property manager, Shiva Mehrdad, Mehrdad’s employer, and the landlord as reported by Eyewitness News. Sokolow recounts receiving a call at the gym from her property manager seeking to show her apartment while she was away. Despite expressing concern about her dog being at home, Sokolow claims her landlord insisted on a quick visit. Later, Sokolow received a notification from her “doggy camera,” revealing that her dog, Roxy, was distressed when the stranger entered. Subsequently, Roxy reportedly escaped the apartment and was hit by a car at Olympic and Rexford. The dog Roxy was killed. Sokolow, who had Roxy for three years, filed a lawsuit seeking damages, holding the defendants responsible for entering the apartment without permission and the dog’s death. Sokolow’s attorney, Camron Dowlatshahi, stated, “We’re seeking to hold all the defendants accountable for breaching the lease agreement. There are clear terms. There’s city code that they breached and human decency that seems to be violated here.” Sokolow expressed the profound impact of Roxy’s death on her life, describing Roxy as her “entire world.” The incident has led her to seek therapy three times a week and take medication to cope with the emotional toll. The lawsuit underscores the emotional and legal ramifications of the incident, emphasizing the bond between pet owners and their animals.
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November 29 - December 30, 2023 | 9
Iconic Toy Company Faces Lawsuit for Allegedly Reneging on Commitment to UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital UCLA Takes Legal Action Against Mattel Over Unfulfilled Children’s Hospital Pledge By Dolores Quintana In an escalating legal dispute, UCLA and its health system have initiated a lawsuit against Mattel, the renowned toy company responsible for iconic franchises like Barbie, Hot Wheels, and American Girl. The lawsuit alleges that Mattel failed to fulfill its commitment to donate $49 million to the UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital. According to the lawsuit, Mattel pledged the multimillion-dollar donation in installments over 12 years, starting in 2017. The collaboration between the two entities dates back to 1998 when Mattel contributed $25 million to the
UCLA Foundation, facilitating the construction of the Children’s Hospital Westwood campus. The Children’s Hospital was named UCLA Mattel Hospital in honor of that pledge. Initially, the partnership progressed smoothly, with Mattel delivering the initial funds by 2004 and agreeing to host an annual fundraising event at the Santa Monica Pier. Thousands of children have benefited from the hospital’s services since then.
However, tensions arose when, after the 2017 agreement, Mattel allegedly attempted to renege on the pledged amount. The lawsuit claims that instead of the promised $49 million, Mattel proposed a much smaller sum along with in-kind donations such as Barbie dolls and Hot Wheels cars. UCLA’s lawsuit, filed on behalf of the regents of the University of California and the UCLA Foundation, accuses Mattel of breaching the contract. UCLA is seeking the
full pledged amount and damages for financial hardship resulting from Mattel’s deviation from the original commitment. UCLA, expressing disappointment in Mattel’s actions, clarified that legal action was a last resort after unsuccessful attempts at resolving the matter through dialogue. Mattel, however, disputes UCLA’s allegations, asserting that the company has not breached its contractual obligations. “While Mattel deeply values its longstanding relationship with UCLA Health, including the naming of UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital (UMCH), we dispute UCLA’s claims that Mattel breached its contractual obligations,” said a Mattel spokesperson in a statement to KTLA. The spokesperson added, “In 2017, Mattel and UCLA Health entered into a separate pledge agreement specifically for the construction of a new hospital tower. Our agreement expressly allocates funds for the new tower and provides that funding cannot be allocated for any other purpose by either party alone. UCLA Health has unilaterally abandoned its plans for the construction of its new hospital tower. As a result, the conditions for the pledge under the 2017 Agreement have not been met.”
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Brentwood Beat: From Brentwood News to OUR NATIONAL CONVERSATION By Jeff Hall
Back in 1991, when I started the Brentwood News, I wrote that Brentwood’s new community newspaper would remain politically neutral forever. I figured, if we endorsed a candidate in one election, we’d anger half our audience. In the next election, maybe we’d anger the other half. If readers think a newspaper has a political agenda, then that can make that paper’s news coverage suspect. And who cares what the local newspaper editor thinks? I believe, over the years, we’ve done a pretty darned good job of keeping our pages open to all sides, giving everyone a chance to weigh in. I surely have stated my fair share of opinions over the years, but if someone disagreed, we gave that person plenty of space in which to state their views. That policy just felt right to me. Community publishing is still relatively tame, relatively speaking, but political conversations about national politics – on cable TV and in podcasts especially – have turned into blood sport in recent years. I think most would agree, things are bad. But nobody seems to know what to do about it. For the last three years, I’ve been working on something called OUR NATIONAL CONVERSATION, or ONC for short. ONC is an attempt to create a news, opinion, and public policy gathering place where all sides are welcome. It’s like a community newspaper, only in this case, the community is our entire country. Over 650 student interns have participated in
this endeavor so far, guided by 175 experienced professionals. Our goal is to get America talking again, with a focus on problem-solving, not finger-pointing. In Brentwood News fashion, we are neutral. Republicans, Democrats, Independents – all are welcome at OUR NATIONAL CONVERSATION. Notice the sources across the top of the story. At OurNationalConversation.org, site visitors can see the same story as told by multiple media outlets, in real time. Together we wrote a book, “Let’s Fix America,” available on Amazon. This book is filled with 34 nonpartisan policy proposals intended to make America a better country. The book is a little dry, but filled with good information and balanced, thoughtful, well-researched proposals. “Let’s Fix America” is filled with balanced ideas polls say most Americans would agree on. We also built a website, OurNationalConversation.org. We’re also producing podcasts and a weekly e-newsletter. At first, many seemed very skeptical about what we were setting out to do. America was too divided, I was told. People are so polarized they only want to hear “their” side, said others. Why would anyone want to go to a site where all sides are welcome? Besides: How boring is that? Media outlets have surely catered to this division, picking sides, and adding to the polarization. Watch Fox News for a week and then, the next week, switch over to MSNBC. It’s true: the two sides of our political divide are receiving very different versions of reality.
All this division is good for ratings and campaign contributions. But it’s not good for America. Things have gone from really, really bad maybe 10 years ago to perfectly hideous today. Interestingly, in recent months, the response to OUR NATIONAL CONVERSATION has started to warm up. “It’s about time,” I’m hearing. “We need to at least try,” say others. People are tired of the food fight. I know I am – and I’m guessing you are, too. America’s young people are inheriting a very troubled world, and we need to do what we can to give them a boost. There is a “passing of the baton” aspect to what we do at ONC. If anyone is interested in possibly mentoring our students 1-2 hours a week, please get in touch.
It’s time for us to raise funding so we can graduate from an “interesting student project” to a “real organization with a real future.” We just launched a Kickstarter campaign and will be reaching out to foundations and people of means who might support the idea of a kinder, gentler – and smarter – America. The Kickstarter campaign will run through December 30, 2023. Any support in any form from members of the Brentwood community would be greatly appreciated. I’m not as young as I was when I started the Brentwood News but as my older colleagues and I like to say to each other, “We’re not done yet.” I hope you aren’t, either. If you’d like to learn more about OUR NATIONAL CONVERSATION, please email me at jeff.hall@ournationalconversation.org.
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Farewell to One of Century City’s Most Iconic Restaurants After 17 Years Renowned Chef Suddenly Announces the Closure of Culinary Haven
By Dolores Quintana Even though it isn’t official dining day, the news that Tom Colicchio’s The Craft LA Restaurant will be closing in three days qualifies as breaking news for any day. Chef Colicchio announced the closure via his Instagram and the restaurant’s Instagram on Friday. The Craft has been a staple of the
food renaissance at the Westfield Century City Mall that has grown recently. The restaurant technically will be open until December 16 because of already booked holiday events, but The Craft LA will close the last few days that you have to eat there one last time.
Par t y in Venice
Chef Colicchio said, via social media, “Extending our celebration of local &
December 10
seasonal to the West Coast has always felt like a natural fit, and I am incredibly proud
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While our doors will remain open through the 16th, for our holiday event clients, our last day of regular service is planned for Thanksgiving Day. Thank you for the wonderful run, and the opportunity to make so many people happy in Century City. With gratitude, Tom Colicchio”
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Ralph Primo, Founder of Primo’s Donuts and Family Patriarch, Dies at 93 Beloved Businessman Left Legacy of Service and Kindness
Primo’s Donuts, one of the oldest establishments on Sawtelle Blvd, was founded in the spring of 1956. An Air Force veteran of the Korean War, Primo
By Keemia Zhang Ralph Primo Sr., founder of West Los Angles beloved donut shop Primo’s Donuts, died peacefully last Thursday, at the age of 93. According to the business’ Instagram post, he is survived by his wife and co-founder of Primo’s Donuts, Celia, his three children, and his grandchildren. “It cannot be overstated how much of an impact the one and only Mr. Primo had during his long life, [...] even as a devoted and involved member of the Los Angeles community,” reads a statement posted by the shop’s social media. “Whether it was baking a beautifully made donut, performing a neat little magic trick, or telling a corny grandpa joke, Mr. Primo always had a smile on his face with customers.”
originally intended to take a second part-time job at a donut shop to support his family while attending night school.
He instead bought a donut shop from storekeeper Paul Hodge for $2,000. Primo suggested to his wife, Celia, that “we’ll run the business for a year - build it up - then sell it and we’ll get a better house.” Nearly seven decades later, Primo’s Donuts remains a familyrun business, owned and operated by his son, Ralph Jr. The shop continues to use Primo’s original recipes and icing decorations. Two years ago, Primo’s opened a second location in Westwood, replacing longtime stalwart Stan’s Donuts with another mom-and-pop pastry shop. In a 2021 interview, Primo Jr. emphasized the business’s community ties. “Being in the business for so long, it’s not unusual to have a grandfather bring in a grandkid and tell us his own grandfather used to bring him there. Making people happy is the best part of the job.” Longtime customers have expressed their condolences to Primo’s family on social media. “We grew up with the Primo’s, my entire gang of childhood friends are devastated […] I brought my kids there often and the Primos always treated them like family,” said
one commenter on the shop’s Instagram. “Never realized that I was a part of LA history every time I came in to get donuts,” said another. “That man is a legend. My heart goes out to the Primo family. Rest in peace.” One simply said, “Thank you for the best donuts in LA!!” Details for Primo’s memorial service are set to be announced. Customers can visit the shop’s locations at 2918 Sawtelle Blvd or 10948 Weyburn Ave. During the holiday season, donut shoppers will enjoy the store’s famous festive window art, a tradition continued by Primo’s grandson, Nick.
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Holocaust Museum LA Embarks on Transformational Jona Goldrich Campus Expansion Groundbreaking Ceremony is a Major Milestone for Oldest Holocaust Museum in the U.S. By Dolores Quintana November 21 marked a significant moment for Holocaust Museum LA, the first survivor-founded and oldest Holocaust Museum in the United States, as it initiated a groundbreaking ceremony for a major
expansion of its Pan Pacific Park campus as reported by Business Wire. Government officials, including Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath, Los Angeles City Councilmember from District 5, Katy Yaroslavsky, California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, California State Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel, and California State Senator Ben Allen, joined Holocaust Museum LA CEO Beth Kean and Holocaust survivors at the event. Designed by award-winning architect Hagy Belzberg, the Jona Goldrich Campus will include outdoor reflective spaces, expansive galleries, and classrooms, and a theater for survivor talks, film screenings, concerts, conferences, and public programs. It will also house a pavilion featuring a boxcar found at the Majdanek death camp
in Lublin, Poland, and a dedicated theater for a holographic exhibition featuring a virtual survivor conversation. The recently unveiled “Flame of Courage,” honoring Arnold Schwarzenegger for his stands against antisemitism and hate, will be located on this new campus. CEO Beth Kean emphasized the museum’s commitment to combating antisemitism and hate through education and enlightenment. She stated, “Holocaust Museum LA is digging in with its shovels and our hearts to continue building an institution dedicated to eradicating all forms of antisemitism and hate through education and enlightenment. We will continue to honor both the memories of those who perished and our beloved survivors.” The expansion, doubling the museum’s footprint, will increase visitor capacity,
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including additional student visitors. It will incorporate cutting-edge technology for preserving Holocaust survivor testimonies and spaces for temporary and traveling exhibits. The completion of the new campus is anticipated in 2025. Holocaust Museum LA received the lead gift from Andrea Goldrich Cayton and Melinda Goldrich, daughters of museum founder and survivor Jona Goldrich, to name the new campus. Other significant contributions include naming the pavilion by the Stanley and Joyce Black Family Foundation, and the theater by the S. Mark Taper Foundation. The Smidt Family Foundation also made a historic contribution, marking the largest-ever gift from a family or foundation not directly connected to Holocaust survivors or victims.
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Waymo Tour Comes To Century City: Free Autonomous Rides and Exclusive Merch Embark on Waymo’s LA Tour – Experience Waymo One for Free By Dolores Quintana Waymo is embarking on a tour across Los Angeles, which started in October. The autonomous car rideshare company is offering Angelenos a one-week early access opportunity, Waymo invites residents to experience their fully autonomous ridehailing service, Waymo One, free of charge in select neighborhoods. On November 20th, Waymo’s tour will be at Westfield Century City, you can find the pop-up located in the Atrium, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Each stop in this tour will include pop-up events at various local locations throughout LA to showcase the capabilities of Waymo. Attendees at these pop-ups will have the opportunity to receive early access tickets
for rides, subject to availability, along with exclusive tour merchandise. The events will also provide a platform to learn more about Waymo One. For those unable to attend a pop-up
event, individuals on the waitlist residing in Tour Stop neighborhoods will receive priority access to invite codes via email while supplies last. Additionally, waitlist participants will receive updates on the
tour schedule and future Waymo plans in Los Angeles to stay informed. The pop-up in Santa Monica continues until November 18. You can join the waitlist on the Waymo website.
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COLLEGE
20 E v e n t s 23/24
Campus
FA L L & W I N T E R
Photo by Ben Gibbs
Exciting events happening at SMC! Santa Monica College has a lively lineup of events scheduled, so mark your calendar!
SANTA MONICA COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT BOARD OF TRUSTEES Barry Snell, Chair; Dr. Margaret Quiñones-Perez, Vice Chair; Dr. Susan Aminoff; Dr. Nancy Greenstein; Dr. Tom Peters; Rob Rader; Dr. Sion Roy; Alyssa Arreola, Student Trustee; Kathryn E. Jeffery, Ph.D., Superintendent/President Santa Monica College | 1900 Pico Blvd. Santa Monica, CA 90405 | smc.edu
• Dance Performances & Master Classes • Theatre Arts Performances • Music Concerts • Santa Monica Review Issue Launch Party • Planetarium Shows • Literary Talks & Readings • and much more!
Visit smc.edu/events for more information.