Brentwood News September 25, 2020

September 25 – October 30, 2020

COVID-19 Could Have Been in LA as Early as December UCLA study reports Curtain & Upholstery significant increase in coughs and acute respiratory failure prior to first official cases of COVID-19

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By Sam Catanzaro A study suggests that COVID-19 may have been in the Los Angeles-area as early as December.

UCLA researchers recently analyzed electronic health records between December 2019 to February 2020 and discovered that there was a greater than 50 percent increase in coughs and acute respiratory failure at UCLA Health hospitals and clinics beginning in late December 2019.

According to the researchers, this suggests COVID-19 may have been circulating in the area months before the first definitive cases in the U.S. were identified.

Curtain According to the analysis the spike& represents around a 50 percent increase in such cases when compared with the same period in each of the previous five years.

Researchers behind the study, which appears in the peer-reviewed Journal of Medical Internet Research, say the findings , could help health authorities more effectively identify and control outbreaks like the current pandemic.

“For many diseases, data from the outpatient setting can provide an early warning to emergency departments and hospital intensive care units of what is to

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come,” said Dr. Joann Elmore, the study’s lead author and a professor of medicine in the division of general internal medicine and health services research at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. “The

majority of COVID-19 studies evaluate hospitalization data, but we also looked at the larger outpatient clinic setting, where most patients turn first for medical care when illness and symptoms arise.”

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The researchers evaluated more than 10 million records for UCLA Health outpatient, emergency department and hospital facilities, comparing data from the

COVID-19, see page 8

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Brentwood Restaurants Vie for Michelin Stars Despite ongoing pandemic, a 2020 Michelin Guide will still be released

By Toi Creel and Kerry Slater

The prestigious California Michelin Guide– which included a handful of Brentwood restaurants in its previous edition–will still continue in 2020 despite the COVID-19 pandemic.

Before the pandemic began, inspectors had already put together the information they needed. Michelin reps told the San Francisco Chronicle that despite the fact inspectors are currently visiting New York restaurants, they will not be making a return to California. This means many of the rated restaurants will be given acclaim based on indoor dining services that for the majority of eateries have not been offered since March.

The guide functions off a rating system of one, two or three stars, with only the most prestigious of restaurants achieving

the coveted three-star rating. The Michelin guide was first published in 1900 by the tire company as a way to get European travelers to drive and visit their local restaurants. It has turned into a well-known guide book with even a one-star rating being considered a huge accomplishment. “restaurants may receive zero to 3 stars for the quality of their food based on five criteria: quality of the ingredients used, mastery of flavor and cooking techniques, the personality of the chef in his cuisine, value for money and consistency between visits,” Michelin said.

While no Brentwood restaurant earned a star, Pizzana located on San Vicente earned a prestigious recommendation.

“Every pizza at this area darling begins with a nod to Neapolitan tradition: start with the perfect dough and bake it into a crust that remains crisp and light right through the middle. This careful process and that almighty oven shipped from Italy can be observed with longing through the glass-walled kitchen,” reads the review by the French tire company.

In addition, two nearby restaurants earned Michelin stars: Mori Sushi located

Photo: Facebook

Pizza action at Pizzana in Brentwood.

on 11500 West Pico Boulevard and Shunji

Japanese Cuisine located on 12244 West Pico Boulevard.

Last year’s guide was released in June

2019, but a release date for the 2020 guide has not been announced.

Sur La Table Closing Santa Monica Location Culinary store now gone from Westside

By Sam Catanzaro

Sur La Table, the popular kitchenware retail chain, is closing its downtown Santa Monica location across from the Third Street Promenade.

In addition to the ample signage announcing the forthcoming closure and associated clearance sale, MEI Real Estate Services has listed the building housing the culinary store at 301 Wilshire Boulevard as available for

lease.

“First time available in decades. Sur La Table retail end cap space is for lease,” reads a LoopNet listing.

The suite is 6,585 square feet, however, can be demised to 1,870 square feet, according to the listing.

In June, Sur La Table was served a five-day notice to pay rent or quit the premise. The notice listed the total amount due as $201,060.01 and listed the base rent for the property as $59,618.68 per month. It appears the store paid its dues as it has continued to operate in the months since.

The Santa Monica Mirror has reached out to Sur La Table for more information regarding the closure, but the company could not immediately be reached.

In 1997 Union Bank retained MEI to manage and lease property. According to MEI, directly across from the Third Street Promenade the property was well below market rate. At the time, LensCrafters occupied the corner suite.

“While they were interested in a 5 year lease extension, they would only pay $1.70/SF NNN. MEI persuaded Union Bank that the rate was too low and proposed that they give us two weeks to find a replacement tenant at rates closer to the market which were slightly over $3.00/SF,” reads an MEI description of the property. “We were able to place Sur La [Table’s] flagship store at this location at a rate of more

Sur La Table on Wilshire in Santa Monica, September 16.

than double what LensCrafters was initially offering. At the same time, we knew of an upcoming vacancy in a neighboring center and facilitated LensCrafters leasing of that space at a rate closer to their desires amount. This transaction served as the catalyst for MEI to more than double the rents for the remaining 5 tenants at the property thereby increasing ownership cashflow by over 100%.”

The building, constructed in 1936 as a bank, is described by the Los Angeles

Photo: Sam Catanzaro

Conservancy as a “resilient holdout from an earlier era of one-story commercial developments of the 1920s and early 1930s.” “the restored Art Deco facades at 301 and 309 Wilshire are quite ornate, containing a series of narrow panels separated by mullions and each containing a relief of zigzags and stylized plant forms,” the Conservancy noted.

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Second Local Victim Identified in Fatal Plane Crash Los Angeles coroner identifies Jill Young as second victim in September 11 Van Nuys plane crash

By Sam Catanzaro The Los Angeles coroner has identified a second Pacific Palisades victim in a fatal plane crash that occurred earlier this month.

According to the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD), the crash happened on Friday, September 11 at 3:04 p.m. on the 6900 block of Hayvenhurst Avenue, just west of Van Nuys Airport.

As reported by the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner, the pilot was 62-year-old Jim De Varennes of Pacific Palisades, owner of Palisades Roofing and Construction The second victim was later identified as Jill Young, also of Pacific Palisades.

An eyewitness says the aircraft made a steep climb, stalled, before crashing into the ground. De Varennes and a female passenger–whose identity authorities have

Photos: Citizen App

The scene of a fatal plane crash in Van Nuys September 11.

not yet released–were both pronounced dead on the scene.

According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the plane–a Ryan Navion B–was traveling to Santa Ynez Airport in Santa Barbara County after taking off from Van Nuys Airport when the crash occurred.

The crash resulted in a fire which the LAFD extinguished. According to the LAFD, the crash did not cause any additional injuries or building damage.

The incident is currently under investigation by the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board.

Man Charged for Sexually Assaulting Elderly People, Additional Victims May Remain Juan Victor Mendoza faces four felony charges Prosecutors have filed charges against a man for sexually assaulting elderly victims at care facilities in Santa Monica.

On September 15, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office Airport Branch filed charges against Juan Victor Mendoza, a 55-year-old male, for his involvement in multiple sexual assaults against elderly patients at care facilities.

According to the Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD), these assaults occurred between 2012 and 2018.

In 2019, Mendoza was arrested for one sexual assault allegation on an elderly victim in Santa Monica but was shortly out on bail.

While awaiting court proceedings, SMPD Detectives received additional information regarding three other elderly victims who had all claimed Mendoza had conducted similar sexual acts with them. On September 9, 2020, SMPD Detectives re-arrested Mendoza for the

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The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office has filed four felony counts against Mendoza.

Mendoza is currently in custody with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department with a bail of $250,000.

Police believe Mendoza may be responsible for additional crimes in the Los Angeles area. Anyone with information related to this investigation is encouraged to call Detective Nicole Murphy at (310) 458-8941 or Nicole.

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Failure to Follow UCLA COVID-19 Requirements Could Result in Expulsion UCLA releases health mitigation rules

By Sam Catanzaro Failure to follow COVID-19 requirements could result in expulsion for UCLA students this fall under health mitigation rules recently implemented by the University.

While UCLA is conducting online learning this semester, about 700 students are expected to live on campus this fall as reported by the Daily Bruin, expected to move in starting September 25.

On September 15, UCLA announced several requirements for individuals present on the campus, including faculty, staff, students, third-party contract workers and invited essential visitors.

Under the requirements, individuals must: • Wear a face covering on campus.

• Honestly complete symptom monitoring and screening.

• When in isolation or quarantine, follow all restrictions and instructions • Show certificate of clearance.

• Comply with on-site temperature checks (where applicable).

• Maintain physical distancing.

• Disinfect work or classroom/study spaces • Follow restrictions on events and gatherings “All events and gatherings are currently prohibited by local health order,” the University said. “When permitted by modified public health order, follow all requirements forevents and gatherings, including holding any for events gathering outdoors where feasible, and adhering to physical distancing and occupancy limitations.”

• Visitors: “Visitors to any building on

campus, including on-campus housing, are limited to those who are essential for operations. Visitors to campus buildings should be by appointment only and preregistered in a visitor log maintained by the building or office scheduling the essential visit that includes a visitor’s name, phone number and email address for possible future case investigations,” the University said.

For the complete list of rules, visit https://ucla.app.box.com/s/ qmayvpk8uw0l8iff4okzgz5rndionbck.

For students living in campus housing, the University has implemented a three-strike system for violation of these rules if the offense is deemed to be a first-level offense.

For first-level offenses–defined as a violation of public health requirements that are not willful and do not constitute an immediate serious threat to the health of others–an initial incident results in a letter setting forth the requirements. A second incident results in a referral to the On-Campus Housing Conduct Process with the potential of probation and a COVID-19 quiz if the resident acknowledges responsibility and agrees to comply with public health mitigation measures. If the resident does not agree to comply, greater sanctions may be imposed a third incident referral to On Campus Housing Conduct Process with the potential sanction of exclusion from Housing and referral to the Office of Student Conduct for continued failure to comply will be enforced.

For second-level offenses–defined as violations that are reasonably believed to be a willful disregard of the requirements or to constitute an immediate serious threat to the health of others–the incident will be referred to the Office of Student Conduct, which will consider sanctions including interim suspensions or expulsion.

For the complete enforcement guidelines, visit https://ucla.app.box.com/s/9a5oymr70pm xkethmfd1nxrv9zp8d4cf.

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Several Hikers Rescued Purple Line Extension in Brentwood Brush Fire Requesting More Funding

LAFD extinguishes “stubborn” brush fire over the weekend

By Sam Catanzaro

LAFD crews rescued several hikers after a “stubborn” brush fire broke out in Brentwood last weekend.

According to the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD), the fire–dubbed the Capri Fire–broke out around 6:38 p.m. on Saturday, September 19.

LAFD air and ground response to a one-

quarter acre medium-to-heavy brush burning near the Sullivan Fire Road in Rustic Canyon in the vicinity of Murphy Ranch.

81 LAFD personnel aided by five helicopters extinguished the fire–described by the LAFD as “stubborn”–by 9:33 p.m.

Several uninjured hikers stranded by the fire were shepherded to safety by LAFD ground crews, the Department said.

According to the LAFD, crews contained the fire to a little more than one-half acre.

The LAFD reported no injuries, no structure threat or damage and no need for evacuation as a result of the blaze.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Section 1 budget may be increased by $200M

By Sam Catanzaro

The Metro Purple Line Extension–which will connect Downtown Los Angeles to Westwood and Brentwood–may be getting an additional $200 million in funding.

On August 26, Metro announced it is requesting approval to amend the Purple Line Extension Section 1 project budget from $2.77 billion to $2.97 billion, an overall seven percent increase to the budget. According to Metro, the extra $200 million is needed to fund mitigations taken since construction began in 2015.

Section 1of the project–now nearly twothirds complete–will run for nearly four miles between Wilshire/Western and the new Wilshire/ La Cienega Station. According to Metro, this is an area with some of the most complex underground conditions. These include issues with water containment and gas and tar sands — particularly in the areas surrounding the La Brea Tar Pits.

Overall Purple Line extension will cost around $10 billion. The project aims to connect commuters from the Westside to Downtown LA by 2027- just in time for the 2028 Summer Olympics hosted by Los Angeles. Following the completion of the Purple Line, residents are expected to be able to travel from Century City to Downtown Los Angeles in only 25 minutes.

Photo: LA Metro

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1 in 5 Tenants in LA Have Struggled to Pay Rent During Pandemic

UCLA and USC release joint report on impact of COVID-19 pandemic on renters

By StaFF Writer

Over 20 percent of Los Angeles County tenants paid rent late at least once from April to July, while between May and July, about 7 percent did not pay any rent at least once, according to a recent study.

A joint UCLA–USC report released August 31 reports among households in the county that did not pay rent, either in full or partially, about 98,000 tenants have been threatened with an eviction, while an additional 40,000 report that their landlord has already begun eviction proceedings against them.

The report analyzed data from the U.S. Census, as well as data from an original survey conducted in July 2020 of 1,000 Los Angeles County renter households. The survey, in particular, gave the researchers new insights into the circumstances facing renters.

“I think everyone understood, early on, that renters might be in trouble as a result of COVID-19 and its economic fallout, but conventional sources of data don’t give us a good window into whether renters are paying or not, and into how they are paying if they do pay,” said lead author Michael Manville, an associate professor of urban planning at UCLA. “We were able, by using data from a special census survey, and especially our own original survey of renters, to get a direct sense of these questions.”

The study found that tenants have been facing unprecedented hardships during the COVID-19 crisis, substantially more so than homeowners.

Overall, the study also found that most tenants are still paying their rent during the pandemic but are often doing so by relying on unconventional funding sources. The majority who pay late or not at all have either lost their work, gotten sick with COVID-19 or both, according to the study.

Among the findings, about 16% of tenants report paying rent late each month from April through July, About 10% did not pay rent in full for at least one month between May and July and About 2% of renters are three full months behind on rent. This translates to almost 40,000 households in a deep financial hole.

Late payment and nonpayment are strongly associated with very low incomes (households earning less than $25,000 annually) and being Black or Hispanic, the study noted.

“Even before the pandemic, L.A. renters, especially low-income renters, were struggling,” said Michael Lens, associate faculty director of the UCLA Lewis Center. “Nonpayment occurs disproportionately among the lowest-income renter households, so repaying back rent could be a tremendous burden for them.”

The study also found that renters were suffering disproportionately from anxiety, depression and food scarcity, and they are relying much more than in the past on credit cards, family and friends, and payday loans to cover their expenses. One-third of households with problems paying rent relied on credit card debt and about 40 percent used emergency payday loans.

The prevalence of these nonconventional forms of payment, along with the incidence of job loss among tenants, suggests the importance of direct income assistance to renter households.

Tenants collecting unemployment insurance were 39% less likely to miss rent payments. Just 5% of households that hadn’t lost a job or fallen sick reported not paying the rent.

Co-author Green, director of the USC Lusk Center for Real Estate, said that although data show that most renters have been paying their rent, government policies can help strengthen the ability to do so.

“One of the main concerns among landlords at the beginning of the pandemic was that tenants weren’t going to pay their rent if they knew they weren’t going to be evicted,” Green said. “Not only have we not seen any evidence of this, but getting money in renters’ hands through unemployment insurance or rental assistance helps a lot.”

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Ted Lieu Talks Voter Suppression, Homeless Veteran Housing Congressman Lieu answers question in virtual event

and pay close attention to attempts of voter suppression and fraud.

He also touched on the importance of social media, noting how Russia was able to influence the past election through internet and social media posts.

“Two things have gotten better since the

By Toi Creel last election. One is that people trust social Recently the Pacific Palisades Democratic media less. People now look at a post and are Club (PPDC) hosted Congressman Ted Lieu much more skeptical. The second thing that in a virtual conversation that touched on has happened is if you look at what happened topics ranging from Westside homelessness in 2016 the Trump campaign really used to voter suppression. social media effectively and Democrats in The occasion was the PPDC’s Virtual 2018 as campaigns learned. We also started Garden Party on August 23, emceed Paula to invest heavily in digital and social media Poundstone and SNL alumna (and PPDC as we flipped [the House],” Lieu said. board member) Gail Matthius. In addition He told attendees about his expectations to Lieu, political analyst Bob Shrum also for the 2020 election and the anticipation that spoke about Joe Biden’s campaign, touching candidates from both sides would be more on why even with all the support Biden is prepared to use social media to reach voters getting, November might and get across still be a nail-biter. message.

“Two things have gotten their “This year we had to “What you’re go virtual. Instead of our better since the last election. going to see usual 100 or 120, we had One is that people trust this November 140 in attendance, which is instead of was very gratifying — social media less. People now just one side these Zoom gatherings look at a post and are much b o m b a r d i n g are our best way to more skeptical. The second voters, you’re get people fired up to going to see help Get Out The Vote thing that has happened is if both sides in November, both by you look at what happened b o m b a r d i n g collecting donations voters,” Lieu and inspiring people to in 2016 the Trump campaign said. volunteer, as many did on really used social media Lieu also Sunday,” the PPDC said talked about effectively and Democrats in in a press release. “Sure, ways to keep we’re disappointed not to 2018 as campaigns learned.” the government be able to safely gather safe, - Ted Lieu more in person in a beautiful citing cyber indoor/outdoor setting security and the the way we usually do. But we were thrilled launch of nuclear weapons as major threats to see so many supporters joining in and against security. stepping up best we all could. People are “I believe we should continue to invest fired up this year, motivated by an intense in that type of technology [cyber security] desire to change the political direction in and also look at other ways to try and shoot Washington, and to build on successes right nuclear missiles, like laser technology,” Lieu here in California.” said.

Lieu answered questions in a Zoom call, The representative also got touched on the starting with the topic of potential voter Trump Administration’s neglect of some law suppression in the upcoming election. and ignoring of subpoenas.

“There is the actual hacking and infiltration “They’ve been able to litigate all the of voting machines and let’s say voting subpoenas but the good news is we’ve won databases,” Lieu said, mentioning how most of the cases. The bad news is they take important it was to keep this election safe

time and so the administration has been able to run out the clock on some of the cases,” Lieu said.

Lieu proposed introducing new legislation to help give Congress more power by inheriting contempt powers and speeding up the litigation of Congressional subpoenas.

“It would authorize essentially the House of Representatives to vote to find the witness contempt of up to a maximum of $100,000,” Lieu said. “That would give us a lot more leverage because let’s say a Trump official or a private witness decides to not show up to a Congressional court hearing, they could be on the hook for a significant monetary fine and it can’t be paid from an agency account.”

The topic of housing homeless veterans at the West Los Angeles VA was also brought up.

Lieu placed part of the blame for the delay in waiting for environmental impact reports, but he did mention three new buildings opening to help with homelessness at the VA campus. “[Building] 205 and 208 will break ground

any day,” Lieu said.

Lieu did not say how many occupants each building is supposed to house.

Lieu also touched on homelessness in general in the West LA area and the dire need for more housing as well as the increase of encampments since the global pandemic, saying much of the federal government’s role is limited when it comes to these issues.

“We have perpetually underfunded mental health. Much of that is at the state level,” Lieu said.

In addition to Lieu’s appearance, the event also featured a silent auction. Notable auction highlights were the 60-second ad spot on the Spike’s Car Radio podcast which ended up going for $3,450 in the final moments; several Simpsons collectibles signed by Dan Castellaneta, the voice of Homer Simpson; both surfing and SAT/college prep lessons with respective PPDC board members; Joe Biden swag; and historical political collectibles.

exceeded the average number of visits for the same complaint over the prior five years by more than 1,000.

In addition, the study found a significant excess in the number of patients seen in emergency departments for reports of coughs and of patients hospitalized with acute respiratory failure during this time period.

The researchers noted that other factors

could be responsible for some of this unexpected increase, including the possibility that respiratory illnesses could have been due to vaping, but authors noted this explanation is “doubtful” because the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported a continued decline in vaping after September 2019. In addition, researchers say that could not rule out that the excess cases were due to flu.

“We may never truly know if these excess patients represented early and undetected COVID-19 cases in our area,” Elmore said.

“But the lessons learned from this pandemic, paired with health care analytics that enable real-time surveillance of disease and symptoms, can potentially help us identify and track emerging outbreaks and future epidemics.”

COVID-19, from page 1 period between Dec. 1, 2019, and Feb. 29, 2020 with data from the same period over the previous five years.

The study found that outpatient clinic visits by UCLA patients seeking care for coughs increased by over 50 percent and

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Santa Monica Police Consider Bringing Charges Against Local CEO Caught Beating Dog Jeffrey Previte, CEO of EBI Consulting, seen in security footage beating dog

By Timothy Michael and Sam Catanzaro

Jeffrey Previte, the CEO of EBI Consulting, an environmental consulting firm in Los Angeles, was captured on camera at the Seychelle Condominiums building in Santa Monica, aggressively beating his four-month-old dog, Bici.

Security footage outside of Previte’s apartment captured the heinous act after Previte found something on the ground near Bici and then angrily seized the animal by the right side of its head with his left fist. He yanks the dog off the ground, fist clenched around its skin, before slapping the dog while shaking it around.

Opening a door, he then yanks the animal some more as the door closes behind him. A minute later, Previte emerges from behind the door carrying Bici with his right hand clenched around the dog’s throat. Repositioning his hand to carry the dog by its collar, he then slaps the dog again before briefly setting it down and carrying it off-camera.

“There’s nothing illegal about what I did,” Previte claimed after his building’s concierge called him at 9 p.m. on August 22 and allegedly tried to escort money from Previte in return for not reporting the incident. “I said if you need to tell

the building, tell the building.” Previte continues “The building manager took it very seriously. I find it very unfortunate that we are even talking about this.”

According to the Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) on September 4, 2020, the Department received information regarding a potential animal cruelty incident in the 1700 block of Ocean Avenue, the location of the Seychelle Condominiums. When the Animal Control Officers arrived at the location, they were presented with a video of the incident and information pertaining to the involved individual, according to the SMPD. “The officers attempted to contact the individual involved in the incident and check on the well-being of the dog; however, they were unable to locate the individual or the dog,” the SMPD said.

“On September 5th officers conducted a follow-up investigation and were able to make contact with the involved individual via telephone. The officers were able to obtain images showing the dog was still in his care. Additional follow up on the case was conducted to check on the condition of the dog in the video.”

The Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) says its Animal Services Unit is investigating the incident for a possible violation of Penal Code 597(a).

Penal Code 597(a) is an animal abuse law citing anyone who “maliciously and intentionally maims, mutilates, tortures, or

September 25 – October 30, 2020 | 9

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September 25 – October 30, 2020 | 11

Brentwood’s Transition Continues Founding Publisher Diesel, the bookstore over at the Country Mart, is struggling. COVID is probably driving more people than usual to order books via Amazon, and Diesel can only let seven individuals into the store at one time (for no more than 15 minutes).

Diesel now has a GoFundMe page for those who want to help keep our local bookstore afloat. I went to the GoFundMe page to check it out: https://tinyurl.com/ y5xd7537 I’m happy to report Diesel is achieving strong support. Most contributions are in the $25 - $50 range, but I see one anonymous donor gave $5,000. Wow! Those of us who have been around long enough of course still miss Duttons, but having Diesel is surely a whole lot better than having no bookstore at all.

I was saddened to see that Harry’s Wine & Spirits on San Vicente just closed.

Harry’s used to be over near 26th and San Vicente. The Brentwood News had its offices in that area once upon a time. We were where Aristeia Needlepoint is now, just south of Amici (which arrived after a mattress store left).

Whenever we got done producing a paper, I would make a run over to Harry’s, and return to our office carrying a cardboard box filled with beer, wine, sodas and snacks – and then our team would celebrate another issue completed.

I’ve known Harry a long time. If you read this, Harry, please know you will be missed!

The Brentwood (which some of us remember as the Brentwood Inn) is transforming itself into a Mexican restaurant called Baja Norte. It remains under the same ownership. I liked The Brentwood as it was, but I look forward to trying Baja Norte.

There is something I find very peculiar.

There is a big parking lot on Barrington, just south of the Post Office, that used to be used by Brentwood Village shoppers, local residents, park visitors and dogwalkers alike.

You know the place; you probably used to park there – and often.

Several months ago, the VA set up a guard shack at this parking lot and started

CEO, from page 1 wounds a living animal.” Other subsections of the law mention the inflicting of “unnecessary cruelty”, “needless suffering” and abuse of any kind against animals.

Previte’s brother, who is co-CEO of EBI Consulting defended his brother stating his actions were a “zealous discipline of the dog for peeing on the rug.” Previte’s brother, Nolan insists his brother is kindhearted and deeply cares for the dog he was caught on video

Photo: Jeff Hall

The Veterans Barrington Park parking lot goes largely unused these days.

charging. The charges seem quite high: $200 a week for daytime parking; $200 a week for nighttime parking; and $300 a week if you want 24/7 parking.

If you just want in and out, it’s $1.25 for 15 minutes. If you want to stay all day, it’s $20.

But here’s the problem: Nobody seems to be parking there. Every time I drive by, the place is nearly completely empty. Brentwood Village is not Downtown Los Angeles or the Third Street Promenade; these are steep charges for this neck of the woods.

There is a sign at the entryway to the parking lot saying, “Your parking fees help assist programs that benefit U.S. veterans.

Thank you for your support.”

But if nobody wants to pay these high rates, it’s hard to imagine how veterans benefit from this new arrangement. Seems to me the VA should immediately slash prices.

The demand for parking is obviously there – this parking lot used to be packed – but certainly not at these prices.

I suggest a line of parking meters close to the Post Office charging 25 cents for 15 minutes (good for a quick run to the Post Office), 50 cents for a half hour and a dollar an hour.

For those who need longer parking, I suggest $7 all day, $7 all night, and $10 for 24/7.

With a lot more vehicles parked there, the VA would make more money, which can be used to assist veterans. Plus Brentwood Village, the Post Office and local residents will regain needed access to parking. This could be a big win-win; right now it looks like a big lose-lose.

I’ve once again had email issues and once again need to make a change.

If you want to reach me about Brentwood

beating.

After claiming being a victim of extortion Previte then issued an apology letter to his colleagues and friends.

“I want everyone to know that I truly regret my actions on August 22, 2020. Words can’t fully describe how sorry I am for what happened,” Previte wrote. I lost my temper and took unreasonable and unjustifiable action in attempting to discipline my dog Bici. As I have said, words are not enough here. Bici is no longer living with me and is with another loving family. I have also stepped away from

my job and am enrolling in anger management training.”

EBI Consulting has deactivated its Twitter and Facebook pages and has removed any mention of Jeffrey Previte from its website.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) condemned Previte in a statement, saying his apology is “too little, too late.”

“A dog only urinates indoors out of fear, neglect, or an infection—regardless, it’s just as abominable to beat animals for losing control of their bladders as it is children. Jeffrey Previte is a violent man who kills animals for

Photo: Facebook

Diesel at the Brentwood Country Mart.

News matters, please send me an email: jeffhall@smmirror.com.

fun,” said PETA Senior Vice President Daphna Nachminovitch, referencing photos of Previte posing with hunted animals. “His ‘apology’— which a traumatized Bici has no way of understanding—is too little, too late, and PETA is calling on him to hand her over to authorities now. Previte should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law and prohibited from ever owning an animal again.”

As reported by the Santa Monica Daily Press, Previte’s condo was listed for sale for $2.495 million following the incident and the listing remains active.

12 | September 25 – October 30, 2020

Brentwood News

BRENTWOODNEWSLA.COM

S ANT A MONI CA COL L EG E

Exciting events happening this fall!

Santa Monica College is offering a variety of events online. Most events are free. Come join us for: • Dance Performances & Master Classes • Theatre Arts Performances • Music Concerts • Business & Entrepreneurship Series • Santa Monica Review Issue Launch Party

• Planetarium Shows • Sustainability Week • Art Exhibition Receptions • Green Screen Series • and much more!

Visit smc.edu/calendar for more information.

SANTA MONICA COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT BOARD OF TRUSTEES Dr. Nancy Greenstein, Chair; Dr. Susan Aminoff, Vice Chair; Dr. Louise Jaffe; Dr. Margaret Quiñones-Perez; Rob Rader; Dr. Sion Roy; Barry A. Snell; Joshua Elizondo, Student Trustee; Kathryn E. Jeffery, Ph.D., Superintendent/President Santa Monica College | 1900 Pico Blvd. Santa Monica, CA 90405 | smc.edu