Brentwood News / Century City - Westwood News: Jun 30 - Jul 28, 2023

The Suit Alleges That They Did Not Receive Gratuities Due To Them

By Dolores Quintana

A class action lawsuit has been filed in the Superior Court of Los Angeles against the Joint Venture Restaurant Group, which owns restaurants Jon & Vinny’s, Animal, Son of a Gun, Petit Trois, Helen’s, and Cookbook, alleging that servers were not remitted the proper gratuities in their paychecks by the restaurants and restaurant group.

The two servers named in the suit as the plaintiffs are Jordan Slaffey and Karla Jobe. Slaffley worked as a server at Jon & Vinny’s Beverly Hills, Slauson, Fairfax, and Brentwood locations. Jobe worked as a server at Jon & Vinny’s Beverly Hills location. The suit states that these plaintiffs have filed the

suit on behalf of themselves and any other non-managerial food and beverage employees who worked at any of the restaurant group’s restaurants during the time period when the allegations took place.

The allegations state that the restaurant group failed to remit gratuities under Labor Code Section 351, which prohibits employers and their agents from sharing in or keeping any portion of a gratuity left for or given to one or more employees by a patron.

In Joint Venture Restaurant Group’s restaurants, an automatic service fee of 18% is charged to each customer’s bill. According to the lawsuit, they believe it is a reasonable assumption for customers to assume that this service fee is a tip for the servers, and normally, servers get tips that range from 15% to 20%. The lawsuit states, “When customers have paid these 18 percent service charges on Defendant’s bills, it is reasonable for them to have believed they were gratuities to be paid to the service staff, as that is customarily the percentage added as gratuity or tip in the hospitality industry.”

The suit adds, “Customers have paid these

18 percent charges reasonably believing they were to be remitted to the service staff. However, Defendant has not remitted the total proceeds of these gratuities to the nonmanagerial employees who serve the food and beverages at its restaurants. Instead, Defendant has had a policy and practice of retaining for itself a portion of these gratuities and/or using a portion of these gratuities to pay managers or other non-service employees.”

Joint Venture Restaurant Group responded via a statement as quoted by The Los Angeles Times, which said, “Ten years ago, we recognized that the traditional tip model rewarded some employees, but left many employees behind – creating a huge disparity where some employees did very well, and others did not.” The statement adds, “not only unquestionably benefits hourly employees, but it is unquestionably legal, having been vetted by independent leading professionals in the hospitality industry.”

It is the servers’ belief that, therefore, they have not been remitted the full amount of gratuities that they are entitled to by law. Such charges have become customary practices in

The Motion Would Put Further Safeguards In Place To Ensure Proper Relocation

By Dolores Quintana

The Los Angeles City Council will be considering the motion that has come out of the Housing and Homelessness Committee. The report is in regard to the status of the Ellis Act process and relocation of the tenants of the Barrington Plaza Apartments at 11740 Wilshire Boulevard in Council District 11.

The motion was initiated by CD 11 City Councilmember Traci Park and City Council President and CD 2 City Councilmember Paul

Krekorian, and the report from the committee recommends four actions.

The first is that the Los Angeles Housing Department (LAHD) should report to the City Council every thirty days regarding the status of the Ellis Act process and relocation of the tenants of the Barrington Plaza Apartments to safeguard an equitable distribution of relocation benefits and services, and the right to return process, if applicable, to ensure that all tenants are afforded the benefits and rights entitled under the Los Angeles Municipal Code.

The second is that the LAHD report to the Council on what actions could be taken by the City Council potentially take to intervene in this process to ensure that tenants are not permanently displaced with the assistance of the City Attorney or any other departments in the city government.

The third is to instruct the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS), with the assistance of the LAHD, and any

other relevant departments, as needed, to report to Council within 30 days on the feasibility of establishing a “bad actor” policy, whereby owners are unable to pull permits for new projects if there is a record of unresolved citations, orders to comply and/or violations at an existing property.

Finally, it would require the LAHD, with

Southern California, but this is not the first time that the distribution of such service fees has been questioned. As we reported, Ten Five Hospitality which owns Mother Wolf, Ka’teen, Mes Amis, Bar Lis, and the Terrace at the Maybourne Beverly Hills Hotel, is under investigation by the Los Angeles City Attorney over a five percent “wellness” fee that employees claim was not distributed to them in violation of a city ordinance.

Servers File A Class Action Lawsuit Against Joint Venture Restaurant Group Motion Regulating Ellis Act Evictions At Barrington Plaza Apartments To Go Before City Council

the assistance of the LADBS, and any other relevant departments, to report to Council within thirty days with a comprehensive list of any code violations at the Barrington Plaza Apartments over the last ten years. The report should include what happened after the previous code violations and the fires that took place at the Barrington Plaza Apartments.

California’s Income Limits and Median Household Incomes Update for 2023

These Updates Determine Eligibility For State and Local Assistance Programs.

By Dolores Quintana

The yearly update of California’s Income limits has been officially released as reported by Urbanize Los Angeles. California’s 58 counties see updates to income limits and median household income figures. These

figures play a crucial role in determining eligibility for various programs based on household income, particularly in the affordable housing sector.

Significant variations in income limits can be observed on a county-by-county basis, even within Southern California. Here are some of the local figures for 2023, reflecting a notable increase since last year. In Los Angeles County, the median income for a four-person household rose from $80,000 in 2021 to $91,000 in 2022 and further climbed to $98,200 in the current year. Similarly, Orange County saw an increase from $106,700 to $119,000 over the same period. The upward trend in figures continues,

with gradual increases observed year after year.

L.A. County’s median income rose from $91,000 in 2022 to $98,200 in 2023, surpassing the $80,000 mark from 2021. The “Acutely Low Income” category, unique to California through the adoption of AB 1043 in 2021, corresponds to 15 percent of the county’s median income level and is determined by the HCD (California Department of Housing and Community Development).

The “Moderate Income” category, encompassing households earning up to 120 percent of the area median income level, is also set by the HCD. On the other hand,

the remaining categories, including low, very low, and extremely low-income levels, are established using the methodology developed by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

The methodology employed for L.A. County can yield interesting results, as the low-income limit continues to slightly exceed the area median income level, maintaining a unique dynamic in the region.

As these income limits and median household income figures evolve, they will continue to shape the eligibility criteria for various programs and initiatives aimed at addressing housing affordability in California.

Brentwood Weekly Crime Report June 5 – June 13, 2023

Report Comes Courtesy of Senior Lead Officer

Matthew Kirk, LAPD

Burglary:

06-09-23 0200 Hrs, 11900 Montana Ave, Suspects entered the front door of the apartment lobby and removed mail from mailboxes. The suspects then entered the parking garage and checked the door handles of parked vehicles. The suspects pried open numerous storage units in the garage and removed the property. It is unknown what kind of property was taken from the storage units.

06-12-23 2215 Hrs, 900 Block of Bundy Dr, Suspects smashed a rear glass door and made entry into the property. The suspects removed the safe from the bedroom and fled the location in a black Chevy Suburban. The safe contained a handgun.

06-12-23 2120 Hrs, 100 Block of Homewood Rd, Suspects entered the side gate and gained entry into the house through the rear bedroom glass door by unknown means. Suspects ransacked numerous rooms in the house and fled the location. At the time of the report unknown if any items were taken.

*If you have any ladders on your property, please secure them in a locked garage or storage shed, or secure them with a chain to prevent suspects from gaining access to the second story. Most suspects expect the second story of a home to not be alarmed like the first floor*

Remember always lock your doors and windows when you leave your home. If you have an alarm, please use it, and if you have security cameras, make sure they are working and the footage can be accessed. If possible, lock access to the electrical panel to prevent power from being shut off without your knowledge.

Robbery:

None Reported ADW (Assault With Deadly Weapon):

None reported BFMV (Burglary from motor vehicle)/ TFMV (Theft from motor Vehicle)

06-08-23 1800 Hrs / 06-09-23 2000 Hrs, 11800 Kiowa Ave, Suspect(s) entered UNSECURED car and removed property. The property taken was key fobs and DMV paperwork.

06-11-23 1000 Hrs, 12200 Block of Montana Ave, Suspect(s) removed the rear license plate from a 2020 Chevy Suburban parked on the street.

Remember, DO NOT leave key fobs in your vehicle. Most new cars will not allow you to lock your car with the key fob inside. Also, please don’t leave valuables inside your vehicle, especially if they are visible from outside the vehicle. A car parked in a secure parking garage does not make it immune to being broken into.

GTA (Grand Theft Auto

06-10-23 0630 Hrs, 13500 Block of Bayliss Rd, a 2021 Porsche Cayenne was taken from a garage. The vehicle was not locked, and the keys were left inside the vehicle. The vehicle was recovered on 06-12 -23 in LAPD 77th division.

06-12-23 0240 Hrs – 0250 Hrs, 11700 Block of Kiowa Ave, a 2023 Land Rover Defender was taken from a parking garage.

Please don’t leave your car unlocked, and most importantly, NEVER leave your keys in the car. This makes it way too easy for thieves, and they will continue to target the area if the opportunities a readily available. If you own a 2010-2021 Kia or Hyundai, be aware that the ignition can be easily defeated, and the method has been posted on social media, which has made the rate of these vehicles being stolen skyrocket. If you own one of these vehicles, I would recommend a steering wheel lock and/ or an ignition immobilizer to make it more difficult to steal.

Theft:

None reported

I just want to remind everyone that if someone calls or e-mails you stating that you need to send money or gift cards, it is most likely a scam. If they say they are from a reputable company, contact the company with a phone number that you acquire and check that way. Sometimes these suspects can be very convincing but never just hand over money, gift cards, or any personal information.

If you are going to sell an item on the internet and meet in person, make sure you have someone else with you and make the transaction in a public location. Many people meet in front of the police station to make the transaction and advise the buyer of the location prior to the meeting. Also, when you are shopping, please keep your purse on your person and not left in the shopping cart. Thieves will many times work in pairs to distract the victim while the other suspect takes the purse. If you feel it is necessary to keep your purse in the shopping cart, have it zipped up and place it in the bottom.

Matthew Kirk Senior Lead Officer Basic Car 8A13 Brentwood Area

Wildlife District Ordinance Meant To Protect Wildlife Areas In Los Angeles Will Go Up For City Council Vote

The Ordinance Passed A City Planning and Land Use Management Committee Vote

The Los Angeles City Council is to vote on a somewhat controversial ordinance that would require developers and homeowners to follow zoning regulations meant to preserve the habitat of wilderness areas and the wildlife that lives within them. While there are many homeowners who seem to be concerned about keeping the untouched

beauty of their neighborhoods intact, some may not be happy with some of these restrictions and regulations. However, this ordinance would regulate all future development and construction and would not affect already-built homes and other structures. You can view the latest draft of the ordinance here.

The pilot program area would stretch over the Santa Monica Mountains from the Cahuenga Pass to the 405/ Sepulveda Pass, which you can see on this interactive map. Eventually, the plan is to expand the wildlife district area to other parts of the city. According to the ordinance, the provisions would “apply to all properties identified within the Wildlife Ordinance District. The Wildlife Ordinance District shall apply to all zones, including publicly and privately zoned land. A Wildlife Ordinance District may encompass an area that is designated, in whole or in part, as a Historic Preservation Overlay Zone (HPOZ), Specific Plan, Supplemental Use District, and/or other overlay or zoned district.”

The ordinance would regulate lot coverage and residential floor areas, vegetation and landscaping, fencing and walls, lighting, windows and trash enclosures, slope, and grading, resource buffers, and the height of structures within the protected areas.

As stated on the ordinance’s website, “The overall goal of the proposed regulations is

to balance wildlife habitat and connectivity with private property development, thereby achieving more sustainable outcomes in the hillsides and habitats of Los Angeles.

By ensuring that such development takes place in a more sustainable manner, the City can help to address and support other essential goals such as biodiversity, climate resilience, fire safety, and watershed health.”

A major part of this plan is to prevent the deaths of wildlife and preserve the corridors and paths that animals use. According to the ordinance, “The Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy (SMMC) has studied wildlife habitats and corridors within its territories with the goal of preventing further injuries and deaths to wildlife and protecting the remaining open spaces and wildlife linkages that exist.” If these protections are put in place, perhaps tragedies like the death of P-22, the mountain lion who was euthanized after being hit by a car. Big cats and other animals need space to roam that is safe to stay healthy and continue to live in the wilderness areas.

BrentwoodMeet Hosts Trivia Event

Founding Publisher

BrentwoodMeet.com continues to work its magic. The group, started by Simone Joseph, recently held a trivia event at the Barrington Recreation Center.

I stopped by and played. Each table formed a team, and getting to know locals for the first time was fun. Though our team didn’t fare well, we had fun trying.

The next trivia event is September 9, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. BrentwoodMeet does more than trivia; to learn more about future BrentwoodMeet events, go to BrentwoodMeet.com.

Simone Joseph and her husband, Steve Joseph, ask trivia questions. Maybe 50 players were in attendance.

Simone Joseph answers a player’s question.

Our team did well on some questions but not so well on others. What word, if you add two letters to it, becomes shorter?

santa monica venice century city westwood pacific palisades

AS LOW AS FOR 36 MONTHS 1

Specifications subject to change. Professional riders depicted on a closed course. ATV Riders: ATV models shown are recommended for use by riders 16 years and older. Yamaha recommends an approved training course. See your dealer or call 1-800-887-2887. ATVs can be hazardous to operate. For your safety: Always avoid paved surfaces. Never ride on public roads. Always wear a helmet, eye protection and protective clothing; never carry passengers; never engage in stunt riding; riding and alcohol/drugs don’t mix; avoid excessive speed; and be particularly careful on difficult terrain. Side-by-Side Riders: Always wear your seat belt, helmet, eye protection and protective clothing. Yamaha recommends that all Side-by-Side riders take an approved training course. For training information, see your dealer or call the ROHVA at 1-866-267-2751. ©2023 Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. All rights reserved. • YamahaMotorsports.com

Proposed Amendment to the California Constitution Passes Housing Committee

ACA 10 Would Enshrine The Fundamental Right To Housing In The State

By Dolores Quintana

California Assemblymember Matt Haney of District 17 in San Francisco has introduced ACA 10, which is a Constitutional amendment for the state of California that would enshrine the fundamental right to housing in the state’s constitution. According to The Sacramento Bee, ACA 10 passed a vote in the Assembly Committee on Housing and Community Development with a 6 to 2 vote. The no votes were from Republican members of the committee on June 7, 2023.

Assemblymember Haney reminded everyone, while making a speech and as quoted by reporter Eytan Wallace, that the situation in the state is that while many California residents realize that there is a problem with homelessness, no one is quite sure what to do about it. On the Westside of Los Angeles, people see unhoused people and encampments, but for so long, there hasn’t been an overall plan to house people and keep others from falling into homelessness. Haney said, “This is about accountability. Otherwise, we have the status quo. We have more homeless people than anywhere in the country. We have more rent-burdened people...We have a lack of follow-through at every level of govt.”

The ACLU has expressed support for ACA 10 and said, via Twitter, “A right to housing is the tool we need to end barriers and ensure that everyone has a stable & permanent home in CA. Thank you to Asm. Housing Committee members for voting to pass #ACA10 by @MattHaneySF.”

One thing to remember is that the amendment doesn’t mean that everyone in the state will be given housing for free. Assemblymember Haney said, via his Twitter page on June 8, “Nothing in this amendment gives everyone free housing from the government--it simply recognizes housing as a fundamental human right, which is common sense for most people, deeply interconnected to every other right we are afforded as citizens, and that

government has to plan within available resources to meet that right and be held accountable, and when it is violated there should be scrutiny similar to the many other rights we are afforded as citizens.”

The text of the amendment says, “ACA 10, as introduced, Haney. The fundamental human right to housing. The California Constitution enumerates various personal rights, including the right to enjoy and defend life and liberty, acquiring, possessing, and protecting property, and pursuing and obtaining safety, happiness, and privacy.

This measure would declare that the state recognizes the fundamental human right to adequate housing for everyone in California. The measure would make it the shared obligation of state and local jurisdictions to respect, protect, and fulfill this right by all appropriate means, as specified.”

Additionally, there was an article that was added to the amendment, which states, “Section 1. The state hereby recognizes the fundamental human right to adequate housing for everyone in California. It is the shared obligation of state and local jurisdictions to respect, protect, and fulfill this right, on a non-discriminatory and equitable basis, with a view to progressively achieve the full realization of the right, by all appropriate means, including the adoption and amendment of legislative measures, to the maximum of available resources.”

Assemblymember Haney jointly created ACA 10 with principal coauthors, Assembly Members Bryan and Kalra, Senator Waha, and co-authors Assembly Members McKinnor and Quirk-Silva and Senators Blakespear, Gonzalez, and SmallwoodCuevas.

Skin Laundry Laser Focuses On Rejuvenating Skin

Facials don’t have to be invasive.

That’s why Skin Laundry has taken a revolutionary approach to skincare technology, making the practice more accessible and less invasive.

Skin Laundry facials rejuvenate skin cells, boost collagen production and improve clarity for transformative results through the use of advanced medical-grade laser and energybased devices.

“Skincare is healthcare, it shouldn’t cost a lot or hurt to get a facial. The skin is the biggest organ on your body and it’s what you face the world in,” said Mina Chun, Director of Clinical Innovation and Education, BSN, RN. “Much like health and working out, skincare requires a routine in order to maintain clean, bright, and healthy skin.”

Over the last 10 years, Skin Laundry has evolved and expanded to 35 clinics in the United States and nearly 50 worldwide, founded on a mission to make advanced skincare technology accessible, efficacious and less invasive with little to no downtime.

Skin Laundry experts are made up of Registered Nurses, Nurse Practitioners,

Physician Associates overseen by boardcertified dermatologists, to create custom treatment plans that determine what types and how often you should have facials done to achieve your personal skin goals, which can be executed through Skin Laundry memberships. Skin Laundry facials treat most common skin concerns, including acne, Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation(PIH), acne scarring, texture, hyperpigmentation, melasma, sun spots, fine lines and wrinkles, rosacea, and more.

“We are laser-focused on facials — we don’t do anything else. “We are committed to bringing you the best results in improving your skin quality and health,” Chun said. “Our treatments are designed to restructure the skin from within. Not only do our treatments target what you want to correct, but they also prevent and improve the quality of your skin over time.” We’re treating and rejuvenating your skin to get rid of damaged cells,” Venturi said. “Damaged cells are what produce hyperpigmentation or clogged or enlarged pores. We strive to balance the production of collagen and elastin so you can see the strongest results. Our protocols and procedures are dictated by our team of medical doctors and skin lasercare experts so that you get the results you want and that process is

safe for all skin tones.

“We designed our clinics to resemble a California beach bungalow, a vast departure from a regular dermatologists’ office. Although the vibes are relaxed and friendly, the service is medical grade,” said Mina Chun, Director of Clinical Innovation and Education, BSN, RN. Three membership levels are available, designed to help you reach your skin goals. During your first visit, Skin Laundry medical professionals will create a customized treatment plan with recommendations of which membership would best suit you.

“All of our treatments are performed by Registered Nurses and Nurse practitioners. During your consultation, we work to understand the current state of your skin and come up with treatment recommendations tailored to your skin goal. a plan based on technology and what your skin can withstand,” Chun said.

For $150 a month, members can receive one Signature Laser facial. The next level is $250 a month, and members receive one Power Signature or Power Signature+ facial or two Signature Laser or two Thermo Fractional facials. The third level, called Rejuvenate, is the most powerful treatment with one Power Duo facial or three Signature Laser or three

Thermo Fractional facials.

“We do this through membership because taking care of one’s skin health is a commitment and journey, and being able to adjust what technology and skincare products we use is important in the process. We want our technology to be accessible,” said Chun. “Through membership we are reinforcing that consistency.”

In addition to facial treatments, Skin Laundry sells offers a medical-grade skincare line that addresses a comprehensive array of skincare needs, balancing the benefits of potent active ingredients and ultimate hydration to support radiant, healthy skin.

“We want to see results and be with you in that journey,” said Chun. “We want to make sure the skin you’re seeing in the mirror is the healthiest.”

Skin Laundry has 18 locations in California including Brentwood and Santa Monica. For more information or to find a location near you visit https://www.skinlaundry.com.

Toxic Algae In Coastal Waters Is Causing Marine Mammal Beachings and Deaths

The Marine Mammal Care Center Has Issued a Hospital Alert For This “Extreme Event”

By Dolores Quintana

The Marine Mammal Care Center in Los Angeles has issued a hospital alert following a significant increase in the number of patients affected by domoic acid (DA), a harmful algal toxin. The public is urged to exercise caution and stay away from marine mammals they encounter on the beach during this event. This event is more commonly known as a “red tide.”

One witness to a sea lion in distress today, Liam O’Donnell, writer, and director of Beyond Skyline, noticed that something was off right away when he saw a sea lion having trouble on the beach but wasn’t sure what to do. He posted on Twitter about the encounter with a sea lion and noted with sadness that he found another dead sea lion close by.

Councilmember Traci Park sent out an urgent message this afternoon asking for volunteers to spot sea lions or dolphins who

might need assistance, and her office has joined with the Aquarium of the Pacific to form a “Pinniped Patrol” of spotters to keep an eye out for animals on local beaches, you can sign up here.

Sea Lion In Distress - Marine Mammal Care Center

According to the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), domoic acid poses a serious threat to marine animals, including birds, pinnipeds (seals, sea lions), and cetaceans (whales, dolphins). The toxin has been detected in marine animals along the U.S. coastal waters, with a growing frequency observed along the west coast. It is produced by the cosmopolitan diatom Pseudo-nitzschia spp., and when consumed by planktivorous fish, it enters higher levels of the food web. California sea lions and dolphins are particularly vulnerable during domoic acid events.

Patients affected by domoic acids exhibit various symptoms, including seizures, dehydration, severe vomiting, aggressive behavior, lethargy, miscarriages, and even death. The treatment for patients with DA involves providing fluids subcutaneously or orally to maintain hydration, administering anti-seizure medication, and providing

nutritional support. While there is no cure or standard treatment for domoic acid, symptomatic treatments can be effective, especially when administered early, giving patients a chance at full recovery.

Treating animals affected by domoic acid presents additional challenges. Mature animals in recovery require a significantly higher amount of food, consuming approximately 18-21 pounds per day. This is considerably more than the pups and yearlings that the Marine Mammal Care Center routinely treats. Moreover, the cost of providing the necessary food, medications, and medical samples for

DA patients is higher than for typical cases. Despite these challenges, many marine mammals can be saved with the proper care if they are found in time.

The Marine Mammal Care Center encourages the public to report injured or ill marine mammals by contacting the Rescue Hotline at 1-800-39-WHALE. They also emphasize the importance of staying vigilant and avoiding close contact with marine mammals on the beach during this domoic acid event.

How To Avoid Catalytic Converter Theft and the Link To Smog Check Compliance

Essential Tips to Protect Your Catalytic Converter and Avoid Costly Replacements

By Dolores Quintana

Because of the rise in catalytic converter theft in California, the California Bureau of Automotive Repair has some guidelines about how to prevent catalytic converter theft and what to do if the catalytic converter in your car is stolen.

A catalytic converter holds a crucial role in emissions control and undergoes thorough inspection during a Smog Check. It contains rare metals responsible for converting smog-causing pollutants into less harmful compounds as they pass through a vehicle’s exhaust system.

However, the rising value of these metals has led to a surge in catalytic converter theft.

1. Install a theft prevention device: Visit a licensed auto shop to have a protective plate,

shield, clamp, cage, strap, or similar device installed on your catalytic converter. Ensure the device is correctly fitted to prevent damage and allow all identifying information to remain visible. It should not be directly attached or welded to the catalytic converter.

2. Mark your catalytic converter: Engrave or etch your vehicle identification number (VIN) or license plate number onto the converter. This can act as a deterrent to theft and potentially aid in identifying the owner if the device is stolen. If you choose to paint your catalytic converter with bright, fluorescent paint, make sure it doesn’t cover any identifying information. Check with your local law enforcement agency for information on no-cost engraving/etching events.

3. Adjust your vehicle’s alarm: Ensure that your vehicle’s alarm system is calibrated to detect vibrations. This way, it can alert you or deter thieves when tampering is detected.

4. Park in safe locations: Utilize your garage if available. If parking in your driveway, consider installing motion-sensitive lights. When using public lots, try to park close to building entrances in well-lit areas with high traffic.

It’s essential to be aware of how theft prevention devices can affect Smog Check results:

1. Failure due to modifications or damage: If a theft prevention device alters or damages the catalytic converter, your vehicle will fail the Smog Check.

2. Visibility of identifying information: All required identifying information on the catalytic converter must remain visible; otherwise, your vehicle will not pass the Smog Check.

To ensure proper installation, always visit a licensed auto shop when installing a theftprevention device on your vehicle. If your vehicle’s catalytic converter has been stolen or requires replacement, follow these steps:

1. Visit a licensed Smog Check station: Take your vehicle to a licensed Smog Check station to have a replacement converter installed. The replacement must be an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) part or a California Air Resources Board-approved aftermarket converter with an assigned Executive Order (EO) number, meeting your vehicle’s specific requirements. The station will ensure correct

installation.

2. Use BAR’s Auto Shop Locator: To find a suitable Smog Check station for installation, use BAR’s Auto Shop Locator tool. If you encounter difficulties locating a replacement converter, reach out to the vehicle manufacturer or Smog Check Referee for assistance.

It is very important to note that the car’s catalytic converter must be replaced as quickly as possible and that not replacing it can cause damage to the vehicle, and your vehicle will not pass a smog check. You can check with your insurance company to verify if your policy covers the replacement of stolen car parts.

New York Man Found Guilty of Abducting Elderly Woman at West LA Veterans Affairs Medical Center

Judge Convicts Bronx Resident on Federal Charges, Faces Potential Life Sentence

A New York man, Johnny Ray Gasca, was pronounced guilty today by United States District Judge André Birotte Jr. on federal criminal charges related to the abduction of a 68-year-old woman with dementia from the West Los Angeles Veterans Affairs Medical Center in July 2021. Gasca, aged 53, was convicted on counts of kidnapping, attempted obstruction of justice, and attempted witness tampering.

The verdict was delivered by Judge Birotte Jr. at the conclusion of a six-day bench trial. Evidence presented during the trial revealed that Gasca forcibly kidnapped the victim at approximately 8:30 a.m. on July 19, 2021, following his unsuccessful attempt to secure a medical appointment at the VA facility.

According to court documents, Gasca approached the victim and her long-time friend near their car. Gasca suddenly appeared and forcibly grabbed the victim, pushing her into a gold-colored pickup truck parked nearby. He then threw her into the rear portion of the truck’s passenger

compartment.

The FBI became involved in the case after the Department of Veteran Affairs Police Department contacted them later that morning. The victim’s friend informed the agents that she recognized Gasca, believing he had a prior relationship with the victim. The friend also suspected Gasca of accessing the victim’s bank and retirement accounts.

The witness further revealed that the victim had reported missing credit cards, and a bank investigation unveiled a $35,000 withdrawal from her retirement account, followed by suspicious Venmo, MoneyGram, and PayPal transactions. The friend believed the victim lacked the capability to conduct such transactions independently.

The FBI swiftly launched an investigation, leading them to locate the victim’s phone at The Dixie Hollywood Hotel on Hollywood Boulevard. Agents converged on the hotel and subsequently arrested Gasca when he exited the premises with the victim.

During an interview, Gasca claimed the victim was his girlfriend and stated that they had stopped at a bank after leaving the VA facility, where the victim made a $15,000 withdrawal.

While in pre-trial custody, Gasca made several jail calls to a friend in New York, urging him to destroy evidence related to his wrongdoing with the victim. He specifically instructed his friend to

delete all Facebook Messenger messages, including those describing the victim as a “Golden goose.”

Although Gasca was found not guilty of one count of interference with commerce by extortion, Judge Birotte scheduled a sentencing hearing for September 29. Gasca faces a statutory maximum sentence

of life in federal prison.

The investigation into this case was carried out by the FBI, with significant assistance from the VA Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Kevin B. Reidy of the Major Frauds Section and Kathy Yu of the Violent and Organized Crime Section are prosecuting the case.

Beverly Hills Restaurants Hit By Purse Thieves

Two Suspects Are In Custody

By Dolores Quintana

Two individuals have been apprehended by authorities after targeting unsuspecting customers and stealing purses from upscale restaurants in Beverly Hills over the weekend, as reported by KTLA 5.

Two alleged thieves were seen on security camera standing behind patrons at Wally’s Beverly Hills, a popular restaurant and wine and cheese shop. The male suspect seemed to be making a phone call, and the female suspect carefully and quietly removed the purse from the back of the patron’s chair and nonchalantly put the purse into her own bag.

The duo then casually walks out of the restaurant while cooly acknowledging an

employee. Beverly Hills police, in a statement to KTLA, revealed that after leaving Wally’s, the suspects proceeded down Canon Drive and struck again at another restaurant.

Another recent purse snatching that also happened at a restaurant occurred in Culver City at Akasha Restaurant, which we previously reported on June 1st. That theft was more of a snatch-and-grab while a female patron was seated at an outside table on the sidewalk, and her dinner partner gave chase to the suspect. During that incident, two accomplices were waiting in the car, and one brandished and fired a gun. One suspect from that incident is in custody.

The suspects in the Beverly Hills purse theft are Edeson S. Ramirez and Jeeny C. Pineda. Security cameras filmed their license plate, and the pair were apprehended in Fontana, California. Ramirez and Pineda will be charged with conspiracy to commit burglary.

Judge Revokes Homeless Man’s Right to SelfRepresentation in UCLA Grad Student Murder Case

grad student inside a Hancock Park furniture store, can no longer act as his own attorney due to an outburst during court proceedings. Brianna Kupfer was stabbed 26 times in the store where she worked.

Superior Court Judge Mildred Escobedo revoked Smith’s right to self-representation after a heated hearing where he directed profanities at the judge and abruptly stood up from his seat in a downtown Los Angeles courtroom, as reported by ABC 7 News.

Judge Escobedo further stated that Smith had been removed from the courtroom and informed the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department that he would likely need to be brought to court in a security chair.

As a result, defense attorney Robert Haberer, who had previously been appointed as Smith’s stand-by counsel, will now represent him in the upcoming trial for the January 13, 2022, killing of Brianna Kupfer. The victim’s body was discovered in the store by a customer approximately 15 minutes after she sent a text to a friend that said she was unnerved by a customer, with authorities noting that the attack seemed to be entirely random and unprovoked.

Former USC Football Player Charged with Allegedly Raping Two Women

One of The Victims Attended USC, and The Other Attended UCLA

In an official statement, District Attorney George Gascón of Los Angeles County announced that charges had been filed against a former USC football player for the alleged rape of two women from the University of Southern California and the University of California, Los Angeles.

District Attorney Gascón said in the press release, “Sexual assault is a heinous crime that cannot be tolerated. These brave women made the difficult decision to come forward and report their assault. Now it’s our turn to ensure that justice is done. We will do everything we can to hold the person responsible accountable

for his actions.”

The arrested individual, Joshua Fred James Jackson Jr., has been charged with one count of forcible sexual penetration, a felony, and three counts of forcible rape, also felonies. His arraignment is expected to take place this week in Department 30 of the Foltz Criminal Justice Center. The case was filed for a warrant on June 6.

One of the alleged incidents occurred in March 2023 when Jackson Jr. reportedly raped a classmate at her USC apartment. He is also accused of raping a UCLA student at his apartment between June 1 and September 1, 2020.

The Los Angeles Police Department is currently conducting an investigation into this case. Any individuals who may have been victimized by Jackson Jr. are strongly encouraged to come forward and report their experiences to law enforcement at (323) 2902976 or 1-877-LAPD-24-7.

Beverly Hills Man Indicted for Alleged $9 Million Hemp Farm Investment Scam

Mark Roy Anderson Has Been Accused of Defrauding Investors

A federal grand jury has handed down a five-count indictment against Mark Roy Anderson, a 68-year-old Beverly Hills resident who had recently completed a prison sentence for a prior federal fraud case. The indictment accuses Anderson of soliciting over $9 million from investors through false claims of investing in a nonexistent hemp farm.

Anderson, who was on supervised release following a 135-month prison term, now faces five counts of wire fraud. The indictment alleges that he deceived investors into providing funds for his company, Harvest Farm Group, under the pretense of cultivating and processing hemp on his farm. The funds were purported to be used for the production of medical-grade CBD isolate, which would then be sold for significant profits.

Special agents from the FBI apprehended Anderson on May 9, subsequent to the filing of a criminal complaint by prosecutors. The complaint outlined a series of fraudulent actions and false statements made by Anderson during the scheme, which spanned from June 2020 to April 2021.

According to the indictment, Anderson falsely represented that Harvest Farm Group owned and operated a hemp farm in Kern County, California. He claimed to have successfully harvested hemp in profitable ventures. He used his own machinery and equipment to process it into CBD isolate and Delta 8, a psychoactive substance used in various consumer products. However, the indictment asserts that none of these claims were true.

In an attempt to appear trustworthy, Anderson allegedly took measures to conceal his prior convictions and portray Harvest Farm Group as a legitimate entity. He allegedly withheld information about his multiple federal and state felony convictions, including charges of mail fraud, wire fraud, grand theft, forgery,

preparing false evidence, and money laundering. Additionally, Anderson concealed the fact that he was still serving a criminal sentence and under supervised release while soliciting investments.

Investigation into the case revealed that Anderson misused investor funds for personal expenses. This included the purchase of luxury and vintage vehicles worth over $650,000, cash withdrawals exceeding $400,000, retail purchases amounting to more than $142,000, and various personal expenses. Notably, over $1.3 million was spent on the acquisition of a residence and adjacent citrus groves in Ojai. Anderson, who is currently being held without bond, is scheduled to be arraigned on the indictment in the United States District Court on May 30. Each count of wire fraud carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison.

The FBI is leading the investigation into this case, while Assistant United States Attorney Kerry L. Quinn of the Major Frauds Section will be prosecuting the matter. An indictment contains allegations that a defendant committed a crime. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

CD 5 City Councilperson Katy Yaroslavsky Introduces Motion To Change Parking Replacement Policy

This Policy Made Building Housing For The Homeless On City Property More Expensive

By Dolores Quintana

CD 5 City Councilperson Katy Yaroslavsky and CD 4 City Councilperson Nithya Raman introduced a motion to change the five-year MOU or Memorandum of Understanding, which spelled out the parking replacement policy of LADOT Special Parking Revenue Fund Off-Street Parking Facilities when transferred to LAHD for the purpose of affordable housing development. This agreement sets requirements for the number of parking spaces that an affordable developer must replace depending on the size and utilization rates of the parking facility. This motion was passed by the City Council, and Yaroslavsky issued a statement via her Facebook page which said, “In the City of Los Angeles, there’s a requirement that if you want to build affordable or homeless housing on a city-owned parking lot, you have to pay

to replace each parking space. One space can cost as much as $70,000. We are in a severe housing and homelessness crisis. We should be focusing our resources on building housing for people, not for cars. Earlier today, the Council unanimously adopted my motion to eliminate that rule. I’m very grateful to my colleagues for their support.”

Many people have wondered why it has taken so long and why such housing for the unhoused is so expensive, this is one of the reasons why. The MOU, which has been in effect for 3.5 years, made it so several Cityowned parcels financially infeasible for affordable or supportive housing development. With parking structure replacement costs estimated at approximately $40,000 - $70,000 per space, these requirements can potentially increase costs for affordable housing developers by millions of dollars, leading to several projects languishing for years.

The motion stated, “With nearly 42,000 Angelenos lacking a home and hundreds of thousands more in dire need of affordable housing, the City should not be tying its own hands-on parcels under its control while driving up the already high cost of housing development, particularly when Mayor Bass has issued a State of Emergency on Homelessness and multiple Executive Directives meant to ease the construction of

housing on City-owned sites.”

The motion required that, as stated by Los Angeles Administrative Code Sections 22.482(a) and 22.602, the policy requiring parking space replacement for Department of Transportation (LADOT) parking facilities containing 25 spaces or more transferred to the Housing Department (LAHD) for utilization as affordable or supportive housing, as detailed on October 29, 2019, Memorandum of Understanding governing the parking replacement policy for LADOT Special Parking Revenue Fund OffStreet Parking Facilities be nullified effective immediately,

and that neither LADOT nor LAHD shall require the replacement of any parking spaces when an LADOT facility is utilized as interim, supportive, or affordable housing.

The motion further required that the Council instruct the City Administrative Officer to report within 60 days on all LADOT-owned facilities totaling 25 spaces or greater by Council District that will no longer be subject to the parking replacement requirements, along with the current status of any contemplated or in-process affordable or supportive housing developments.

The Art Of Elyse Dodge, Canadian Artist, On Display At Westfield Century City Mall

The Dynamic Installation Will Run Until December 31, 2023

By Dolores Quintana

Elyse Dodge, a modern artist hailing from Canada and based in Los Angeles, has garnered recognition for her captivating and boldly colored geometric landscapes. Her unique artistic style delves into the interplay between the abstract and the literal and the juxtaposition of soft and hard forms. You can find more information about the installation at the Westfield Century City Mall website and at Dodge’s personal website.

Having grown up in British Columbia, Dodge’s artist mother and builder father instilled in her a deep appreciation for craftsmanship and the ability to perceive her surroundings in terms of shape and color. Drawing inspiration from the scenic landscapes of the West Coast,

her deconstructed landscapes prominently feature fractal shapes and texture, seamlessly blending the freedom of impressionism with the precision of geometry. Through her work, Dodge reminds us that appearances can be deceiving and that the entirety of composition is comprised of its individual components, each contributing to the overall puzzle in a beautiful and essential way.

Elyse Dodge’s vibrant landscape paintings and illustrations have found homes in contemporary residences across the globe and have graced the walls of art galleries in Whistler, Canada, and Los Angeles.

Residing in Los Angeles with her husband and two young sons, Dodge shares her thoughts on the inspiration behind her artwork: “It is easy to lose sight of the incredible beauty that surrounds us when we spend most of our days staring at screens. These illustrations of Los Angeles remind us to look up and see the breathtaking views that radiate in every direction. If we make the time to rise above the noise, there is beauty waiting to be

discovered.”

Dodge’s latest series of illustrations, titled “City of Angles,” “Palisades Park Polygons,” and “La La Lights,” present Los Angeles landmarks and iconic vistas in vibrant and reimagined ways. From the majestic mountain peaks that frame the Downtown Los Angeles skyline to the winding Palisade Park steps along the Santa Monica Bluffs and the enchanting and historic Hollywood sign, these illustrations capture the awe-inspiring moments that make the city so remarkable.

Dodge invites viewers to reflect on their own favorite views of Los Angeles and the moments when they fell in love with the city. She hopes her illustrations will serve as a reminder to look up and appreciate the beauty surrounding us, not just in Los Angeles but in our everyday lives. Whether transforming cherished views into works of art or acquiring one of her Los Angeles prints, individuals can find these evocative illustrations near Gelson’s at Westfield Century City or visit elysedodge. com.