Brentwood News 10.28.22

Mountain Lion Captured After Running Around Brentwood

Brentwood Science Magnet put on lockdown during Thursday incident

By Sam Catanzaro

A mountain lion has been captured after running around Brentwood Thursday, prompting a lockdown of an elementary school.

According to the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), the mountain lion was spotted in the area of San Vicente Boulevard and Gretna Green Way around 10 a.m.

The cat initially was hiding amid some trees

in an alley near the Brentwood Country Club. The location is near Brentwood Science Magnet Elementary School. The campus was placed on precautionary lockdown due to the mountain lion.

State Department of Fish and Wildlife officials responded to the scene and attempted to tranquilize the mountain lion. The cat initially bolted when officials tried to approach it. After multiple attempts, the cat was finally tranquilized and captured around 4 p.m. in a backyard in the area of San Vicente Boulevard and Carmelina Avenue.

The cat was carried to a truck and taken away to be released in Angeles National Forest.

Antisemitic Flyers Distributed in Brentwood Amid String of Antisemitism on Westside

Several antisemitic incidents this past weekend following Kanye West’s repeated antisemitic statements

By Sam Catanzaro and Dolores Quintana

There has been a sudden and alarming uptick of racist and antisemitic activity on the Westside after Kanye West’s repeated antisemitic statements and actions this month.

This past weekend, an antisemitic group called the Goyim Defense League or GDL – a mockery of the ADL or Anti Defamation League – hung antisemitic banners over an overpass of the 405 Freeway close to Howard Hughes Parkway. A Twitter user posted a photo of the sign simply titled, Nazis on the 405 in Los Angeles. Oren Segal, Vice President, of The ADL Center on Extremism, posted a similar photo that was captioned Hate In America. One of the antisemitic signs said, “Kanye Is Right About The Jews”. In the photos, the members of the group are seen giving a Nazi salute. According to ADL.org, the leader of the group is Jon Minadeo II of Petaluma, California. Goyim is a derogatory Hebrew and Yiddish word for non-Jewish people.

In the tweet thread, Segal said, “This action is the latest example of how extremists across the ideological spectrum have embraced Ye’s recent comments.”

Also over the weekend in Westwood, City Council candidate for District 5, Sam Yebri, an Iranian Jewish man, tweeted that antisemitic

flyers had been dropped off at his house and those of his neighbors. Yebri also included a photo of a flyer from the previous week that spewed virulent antisemitic rhetoric that had been found at The Grove and in the Pico-Robertson district.

Similar flyers were also found in Brentwood and Bel Air. According to the Brentwood Community Council (BCC), these flyers were thrown from a vehicle traveling along many streets throughout Brentwood, including in the Brentwood Glen, as well as along North Barrington, North Saltair, North Bowling Green Way, South Woodburn, South Gunston and South Kenter. Each homeowners association representing these areas has been collecting information from their residents and relaying this information to LAPD and the ADL, the BCC noted.

“We understand that these flyers were distributed between 1:00 am and 2:30 am, as one resident captured video footage of a car distributing the anti-Semitic flyers. If you live on one [of] the streets that was targeted, and have security cameras that capture street activity, it would be very helpful if you could check your video footage to determine if you captured anything useful for law enforcement,” the BCC wrote in an email newsletter.

These antisemitic incidents have drawn condemnation from both local and federal officials. Councilmember Paul Koretz represents District 5, which includes Bel Air and Westwood. Koretz himself is the son of a Holocaust survivor.

“Disgusted and disheartened are just two words that describe my feelings about the latest acts of antisemitism in Council District Five,” Koretz said. “Unfortunately, these types of

incidents have become all too common in Los Angeles and nationwide. As a son of a Holocaust survivor who has made ‘never forget’ central to my personal mission to lead with compassion and treat all others with dignity, I am incredibly dismayed that this kind of discrimination and hateful propaganda continues to grow in today’s day and age.”

In a press release, Koretz pointed out that the ADL’s Anti-Semitic Incident Audit has shown a startling rise in antisemitic hate incidents and crimes in the Los Angeles area. According to the ADLL, antisemitic incidents rose 29 percent in 2021 and 217 percent from 2017 to 2021.

This is the second time in recent months that these types of antisemitic acts have taken place on the Westside. In late August, hateful flyers were distributed to homes in Brentwood and Pacific Palisades. According to the BCC, flyers in August were distributed on Kiel Street, Church Lane and Beloit Avenue.

In the wake of the August incident, Congressman Ted W. Lieu (D-Los Angeles County), Co-Chair of the Bipartisan AntiSemitism Task Force, called on the FBI to launch a formal investigation. Following the antisemitic events this past weekend, Lieu voiced dismay at the lack of response by the FBI.

“Every day it feels like there is a worsening pattern of anti-Semitism in our country. We’re seeing national figures spew hurtful and problematic statements, which has given cover to others who want to act on their own bigotry and terrorize our communities. My heart breaks for my Jewish constituents who are once again on the receiving end of this kind of vitriol,” Lieu said in a statement. “In August,

Photo: Twitter (@orensegal) Antisemitic group called the Goyim Defense League seen hanging antisemitic banners over an overpass of the 405 Freeway close to Howard Hughes Parkway on October 22.

following another instance of antisemitic flyer distribution in my West Los Angeles district, I called on FBI Director [Christopher] Wray to open an investigation into these targeted acts of extremism and asked for an update on the latest developments. I have not heard back from the FBI in a substantive way and am disturbed that, this weekend, our neighbors are once again being terrorized by similar acts of hatred. I am dismayed by the lack of progress on curbing these anti-Semitic acts, or at least the failure by the FBI to publicly reassure our community that it is taking this matter seriously.”

Kanye West, now known as Ye, has been known for some time for his erratic and volatile behavior as well as his mental issues, but his actions have taken a turn into virulent hate speech of late. Starting on October 3, Ye, Candace Owens and an unidentified model wore White Lives Matter t-shirts at the Yeezy Fashion Show in Paris, France.

On October 6, Ye went on Tucker Carlson’s

Photo: LAPD

Officials with a captured mountain lion in Brentwood Thursday afternoon.

LAFD Stresses Importance of Smoke Detectors Following Brentwood Fire That Killed 92-Year-Old Woman October 20 incident remains under investigation

The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) is stressing the importance of smoke detectors following a Brentwood fire last week that killed a 92-year-old woman in a house with no detectors installed.

According to the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD), the incident was reported around 5:45 a.m at 405 Cliffwood Dive. LAFD crews arrived on the scene to find a large two-story craftsman-style house with “lazy smoke” showing.

“As firefighters made their way to the rear of the home, a significant yellow glow was apparent and we called for additional firefighters. We were told there’s possibly an elderly person inside, so with a heightened sense of urgency we commenced an aggressive interior attack and truck companies simultaneously cut holes on the roof to release the toxic smoke and gases,” said LAFD public information officer David Ortiz. “Firefighters inside rapidly made their way through heavy smoke conditions and quickly found the body of a 92-yearold female that was tragically determined dead in a

rear bedroom on the first floor.”

The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner has not released the identity of the victim.

It took a total of 26 firefighters, under the command of battalion chief Joseph Everett, 33 minutes to fully extinguished the flames.

Per protocol for fatal fires, the cause is under active investigation by the LAFD Arson section. According to the LAFD, there were no functional smoke alarms found inside the home.

“Smoke alarms save lives. Smoke alarms that are properly installed and maintained play a vital role in reducing fire deaths and injuries. If there is a fire in your home, smoke spreads fast and you need smoke alarms to give you time to get out,” Ortiz said.

Santa Monica Auctions Announces Return of Longtime Annual Fall Auction

Robert Berman’s beloved event returns to Bergamot Station on November 6

By Susan Payne

Santa Monica Auctions, an independently owned and operated gallery since 1984, announced its upcoming fall lively auction to be held Sunday, November 6, 2022 at 1 pm with works by Carlos Almaraz, Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol, Ansel Adams and more.

Located at Bergamot Station in Santa Monica, the auction highlights more than 233 lots of more than 25 artists, including a rare 1987 signed and dated work by Ramond Pettibon titled Untitled (My Purpose in Life).

Santa Monica Auctions acquired three estate deaccessions, one of which had a

collection of rare and beautiful Latino works including powerful pastels by Carlos Almaraz and other works by Gronk, Ruffino Tamayo and Francisco Toledo.

“We have a big collection of Latino art including four unique originals by LA’s favorite Chicano artist Carlos Almaraz,” said auction owner Robert Berman, who has held galleries since 1979 in Santa Monica.

Another estate acquisition revealed two important original gouaches by Sonia Delaunay and an original drawing by Richard Prince. These estates also brought in a 1949 Pablo Picasso ceramic plate, glazed and engraved entitled Colombe sur lit de paille, and works by Andy Warhol, Robert Motherwell and Bruce Connor.

“This particular auction, we were lucky to get huge estates of really great art at all different prices starting off as little as $300 all the way to two-piece works that should sell for $200,000, if not more,” said Berman. “We’re having a huge comeback after being a little down before the pandemic, now it’s 100% full.”

In this auction, you can expect amazing contemporary galleries and a large emphasis on photography from artists such as Ansel Adams, Ruth Bernhard, Manuel and Lola

Alvarez Bravo, Charles Brittin, William Eggleston, Elger Esser, Paul McCarthy, Alex Prager and Cindy Sherman.

“This is the biggest culmination of photography galleries west of New York City, with some of the best photography galleries in the world,” Berman said. “It’s a fun afternoon of schmoozing and bidding and walking around.”

Limited edition notable print works by Mike Bidlo, Sam Francis, David Hockney, Roy Lichtenstein, Man Ray, Claes Oldenburg, Judy Chicago, Robert Rauschenberg, Ed Ruscha and Frank Stella will be auctioned, as well.

“We have a very high percentage of buyers because many things in the auction have no reserves, and when we do have reserves, they are low compared to what these pieces would cost at a regular gallery, so it really is a great opportunity to come in knowing the price ahead of time and not raise your paddle for more than what you want to spend,” Berman said.

Previews are available at smauctions. com or in person. Online bidding, absentee or telephone bidding is also available.

Santa Monica Auctions is having an

opening party Saturday, Oct. 29 from 5 to 8 p.m.

After Tuesday, Nov. 1, the auction will be open every day from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. for viewing.

On Saturday, Nov. 5, the auction house is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The auction preview is also open by appointment. Call 310-315-1937 to arrange appointments.

The next auction will most likely be in mid May, 2023.

During the Nov. 6 live auction, refreshments and a food truck will be available in a tented, outdoor seating area toward the rear courtyard of Bergamot Station in Santa Monica. For all photo artwork image requests, email info. santamonicaauctions@gmail.com.

P E R I E N C E N D A

SKINTIGHT AESTHETICS

Antisemitic Flyers, From page 1

Fox News program and footage from the interview was released by Vice’s Motherboard. During the interview, West stated the belief that Black people are the real Jewish people saying, “the 12 lost tribes of Judah, the blood of Christ, who the people known as the race Black really are [sic],” repeated a conspiracy theory that Planned Parenthood is a collaboration between the KKK and Margaret Sanger to “to control the Jew (i.e. Black) population.” In addition, Ye said it was impossible to call him antisemitic because since he is Black, he is really Jewish.

West’s accounts on Twitter and Instagram have been suspended and the tweets and shared posts have since been removed by the social media platforms Twitter and Instagram for violating their terms of service policies. The tweets in question are the ones where West implied that Jewish people were controlling other music artists in an attempt to intimidate him and that he could not be intimidated in that way. The tweet stated that he intended to “…go death con 3 ON JEWISH PEOPLE” and repeated his belief that he cannot be called antisemitic since he believes that he is Jewish.

The chorus of voices calling for businesses and brands with partnerships with West to drop him grows louder with each day. Fashion house Balenciaga, Vogue Magazine, West’s new legal counsel and his agency CAA have dropped him and a documentary about West has been shelved by MRC. This week, after three weeks of review, and pressure on social media, Adidas “terminated” their partnership with West.

BEST DESSERT

WINNER SUSIECAKES

Phone Number: 310-442-2253

Address: 11708 San Vicente Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90049 Website: N/A

2ND PLACE SWEET ROSE CREAMERY

Phone Number: 310-260-2663 ext. 1 Address: 225 26th St #51, Santa Monica, CA 90402 Website: www.sweetrosecreamery.com

3RD PLACE

AMANDINE PATISSERIE CAFE

Phone Number: 310-979-3211

Address: 12225 Wilshire Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90025 Website: www.amandinepatisseriecafe.com

BEST PHARMACY

WINNER BRENT-AIR PHARMACY

Phone Number: 310-476-2211

Address: 134 S Barrington Av, Los Angeles, CA 90049 Website: www.brentairpharmacy.com

2ND PLACE ALLURE PHARMACY & COMPOUNDING

Phone Number: 310-826-1111 Address: 11670 San Vicente Blvd #A, Los Angeles, CA 90049 Website: www.allurepharmacy.com

3RD PLACE BARRINGTON WILSHIRE PHARMACY

Phone Number: 310-473-3323

Address: 11701 Wilshire Blvd STE 3, Los Angeles, CA 90025

Website: www.mygnp.com/pharmacies/ barrington-wilshire-pharmacy-losangeles-ca-90025

BEST HAPPY HOUR

WINNER THUNDERBIRD

Phone Number: 424-293-8830

Address: 12217 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90025 Website: www.thunderbirdbarla.com

2ND PLACE KATSUYA BRENTWOOD

Phone Number: 310-237-6174

Address: 11777 San Vicente Blvd, Brentwood, CA 90049 Website: www.katsuyarestaurant.com/brentwood

3RD PLACE

Q’S BILLIARD CLUB

Phone Number: 310-477-7550

Address: 11835 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, Ca. 90024 Website: www.qsbilliardclub.com

BEST HOSPITAL/ URGENT CARE

BRENTWOOD URGENT CARE

Phone Number: 310-829-4505

Address: 1156 26th St, Santa Monica, CA 90403 Website: www.urgentmednetwork.com/ brentwoodurgentcare

2ND PLACE WESTSIDE PEDIATRICS

Phone Number: 310-979-7337

Address: 12301 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 120 Brentwood, CA 90025 Website: www.wspeds.net

3RD PLACE

URGENTMED - BRENTWOOD

Phone Number: 747-326-0002

Address: 11860 Wilshire Blvd, Suite #100, Los Angeles, CA 90025 Website: www.urgentmednetwork.com/ brentwood

BEST REAL ESTATE AGENT/BROKER

WINNER - ELYSE ARBOUR

Phone Number: 310-893-9388

Address: 11940 San Vicente Blvd. #100, Brentwood, CA 90049 Website: www.elysearbour.rodeore.com

Thank you, Brentwood community, for voting me Winner of Best Real Estate Agent in Brentwood, again! I truly appreciate the trust and confidence you place in me to guide you through the buying and selling process of residential real estate. Now more than ever Experience Matters as we navigate through a shifting market. Celebrating 25 years of selling and marketing single-family homes and condominiums on the Westside, with a particular emphasis in Brentwood. I pride myself on getting the best deals for my client’s while making the process as smooth as possible. As a consistent Top Producer, I have been awarded the Founder’s Circle, International President’s Elite and Platinum Circle designations placing me in the top 1% of all agents. In addition, I am a Real Estate All Star for Los Angeles Magazine and America’s Best Realtors nationwide for Wall Street Journal Real Trends. You can depend on me to be extremely diligent, ethical, and trustworthy. I am committed to providing outstanding service, attention to detail and unparalleled personal attention. I put my client’s satisfaction above all else.

I look forward to being of service to you for all your real estate needs.

Your Trusted Neighborhood Realtor, Elyse Arbour Elyse@ElyseArbour.com 310.893.9388 cell DRE# 01227787

Rodeo Realty 11940 San Vicente Blvd. #100 Los Angeles, CA 90049

2ND PLACE - MASER CONDO SALES

Phone Number: 310-795-8010

Address: 2525 Main Street #106 Santa Monica, CA 90405 Website: www.masercondosales.com

3RD PLACE - MARK HANDLER

Phone Number: 310-922-0817

Address: 11661 San Vicente Blvd Fl 10, Los Angeles, CA 90049

Website:https: www.coldwellbankerhomes.com/ ca/los-angeles/agent/mark-handler/aid_243728

BEST PET STORE/ SERVICE

WINNER

ALLAN’S PET CENTER

Phone Number: 424-832-3009

Address: 12003 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90064 Website: www.allanspetcenter.com/ allans-pet-center-west-los-angeles

2ND PLACE PETSTAURANT

Phone Number: 424-256-2444

Address: 12036 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025 Website: www.thepetstaurant.com

3RD PLACE

DOG GONE FITNESS

Phone Number: 310-905-2298

Address: 625 S. Barrington Ave. #205, Los Angeles, CA 90049 Website: www.doggonefitness.com

BEST MEDICAL/DAY SPA AND MASSAGE

KALOLOGIE MEDSPA BRENTWOOD

Phone Number: 310-442-9588

Address: 11924 San

Los

CA

Website: www.kalologie-brentwood.com

2ND PLACE

DALIA’S SKINCARE AT BRENTWOOD

Phone Number:

Address: 11980 San Vicente Blvd #120, Los Angeles, CA 90049 Website: www.daliasskincareca.com

3RD PLACE

REJUVA MEDICAL AESTHETICS

Phone Number: 424-644-2400

Address: 11645 Wilshire Blvd Suite #605, Los Angeles, CA 90025

Website: www.rejuvamedical.org

BEST PET STORE/ SERVICE

BEST COFFEE SHOP

WINNER CORAL TREE CAFE

Phone Number: 310-979-8733

Address: 11645 San Vicente Blvd., Brentwood, CA 90049 Website: www.coraltreecafe.com

2ND PLACE

LITERATI CAFE

Phone Number: 310-231-7484

Address: 12081 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90025 Website: www.literaticafe.com

3RD PLACE

BLUESTONE LANE

BRENTWOOD COFFEE SHOP

Phone Number: 718-374-6858

Address: 11601 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025

Website: www.bluestonelane.com/ coffee-shops/west-los-angeles-11601wilshire-blvd

BEST RESTAURANT

WINNER - BALTAIRE

Phone Number: 424-273-1660

Address: 11647 San Vicente Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90049 Website: www.baltaire.com

Since it opened its doors in 2014, Baltaire has brought Brentwood an elegant yet inviting restaurant & lounge for lunches in the sun and dinners under the stars. It’s the perfect spot for cocktails and conversation or an intimate dinner any night of the week. With Chef Travis Strickland leading the restaurant; the executive chef leading the kitchen; and its certified sommelier curating their prodigious wine list, Baltaire brings the highest grade steaks, the most exceptional seafood, and resplendent drinks along with plenty of healthy, light fare options.

Its bright and airy dining room gives way to a gorgeous outdoor terrace through floor-to-ceiling glass doors, providing spacious seating for sun-soaked lunches and lavish nighttime wining and dining, all with a mid-century modern design. Adjacent to the main dining room, its inviting lounge is the ideal place to meet and enjoy a cocktail or glass of wine or catch live bands every Thursday and Friday night with a wide array of rotating talent.

Baltaire’s upscale yet approachable menu spotlights premium meats, complemented by various dishes celebrating the sea’s bounty and the local markets. Some guest favorites include Spicy Salmon Crispy Rice, Seafood Tower selections, Lollipop Lamb Chops, a massive 44oz Tomahawk Steak made for sharing, or Lobster Mac & Cheese. Be sure to save room for dessert, like their famous Bourbon Croissant Bread Pudding or Butterscotch Pot de Crème. An eclectic and well-balanced wine list from top global producers, signature cocktails, and an extensive rare spirits selection enhance Baltaire’s menu, service, and ambiance to expand the vernacular of the steakhouse.

BEST PRIVATE SCHOOL

WINNER FUSION ACADEMY LOS ANGELES

Phone Number: 310-445-2516

Address: 1640 S. Sepulveda Blvd. Suite 160 Los Angeles, CA 90025 Website: www.fusionacademy.com/ campuses/los-angeles-west/ ?crnt=los-angeles-west

2ND PLACE STRATFORD SCHOOL

Phone Number: 424-371-7452

Address: 2000 Stoner Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90025 Website: www.stratfordschools.com/ schools/southern-california/los-angeles/ west-los-angeles

3RD PLACE BRENTWOOD SCHOOL

Phone Number: 310-476-9633

Address: 100 South Barrington Place, Los Angeles, CA 90049 Website: www.bwscampus.com

In addition to nightly dining and lunch Monday through Friday, it serves as a beautiful event space; from corporate meetings to rehearsal dinners and award ceremonies to high-profile functions, the restaurant accommodates intimate gatherings and large groups. You can also enjoy an array of holiday celebrations throughout the year, including a New Year’s Eve party, Easter & Mother’s Day Bruch, and their Annual Derby Day Viewing Party. If you’re looking to host an extra special Thanksgiving dinner at home without the prep work, you’ll want to head to their website to check out their delicious annual Thanksgiving Carry Out options. For reservations, visit baltaire.com or call the restaurant at 424.273.1660. Bar & lounge seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

2ND PLACE - AMICI BRENTWOOD

Phone Number: 310-260-4900

Address: 2538 San Vincente Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90402

Website: www.amicibrentwood.com

3RD PLACE - TAIKO RESTAURANT

Phone Number: 310-207-7782

Address: 11677 San Vicente Blvd Ste 302, Los Angeles, CA 90049 Website: www.taikobrentwood.com

BEST CHILDREN’S PROGRAM/SERVICE

WINNER

TUMBLEWEED CAMP

Phone Number: 310-472-7474

Address: 1024 Hanley Ave, Los Angeles CA 90049 Website: www.tumbleweedcamp.com

BEST GYM/WORKOUT FACILITY

WINNER BARRY’S BOOTCAMP

Phone Number: 213-799-8896

Address: 11677 San Vicente Boulevard, Suite 105, 107 & 108, Los Angeles, CA 90049 Website: www.barrys.com/studio/ brentwood

2ND PLACE

MINI YOGIS YOGA FOR KIDS

Phone Number: 310-471-9644

Address: 11639 Chenault St, Los Angeles, CA 90049 Website: www.miniyogis.com

3RD PLACE

TOY CRAZY

Phone Number: 310-899-5696

Address: 225 26th Street, Santa Monica, CA 90402

Website: www.gotoycrazy.com

2ND PLACE

LIFE GYM BRENTWOOD

Phone Number: 310-207-4700

Address: 12424 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 101, Los Angeles, CA 90025 Website: www.lifegymusa.net

3RD PLACE

ULTIMATE PERFORMANCE PERSONAL TRAINERS LOS ANGELES

Phone Number: 424-293-0180

Address: 11925 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 102, Los Angeles, CA 90025 Website: www.ultimateperformance.com/ us/personal-trainer/los-angeles/ brentwood

BEST NAIL/HAIR SALON

WINNER MINILUXE BRENTWOOD

Phone Number: 424-442-1630

Address: 11961 San Vicente Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90049 Website: www.miniluxe.com

2ND PLACE INSTABEAUTY

Phone Number: 424-500-7005

Address: 13028 San Vicente Blvd. Ste. 101, Los Angeles, CA, 90049 Website: www.myinstabeauty.com

3RD PLACE

ROSEROOM SALON

Phone Number: 424-293-2644

Address: 142 S Barrington Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90049 Website: www.roseroomsalon.com

DENTIST

DENTAL GROUP

Phone Number: 310-979-8345

Address: 11980 San Vicente Blvd #660, Los Angeles, CA 90049 Website: www.brentwooddental.com

BEST DRY CLEANERS/ TAILORS

WINNER

FIRST CLASS TAILORS

Phone Number: 310-207-0080

Address: 11701 Wilshire Blvd # 2, Los Angeles, CA 90025 Website: N/A

2ND PLACE

MONTALVO MENSWEAR & CUSTOM CLOTHING

Phone Number: 310-828-7748

Phone Number: 310-820-5703

Address: 11645 Wilshire

Address: 11777 San Vicente Boulevard #140, Los Angeles CA 90049 Website: www.montalvotailor.com

3RD PLACE FITTING ROOM

Phone Number: 310-826-6664

Address: 11740 San Vicente Blvd Ste 112 Los Angeles, CA 90049 Website: N/A

Dirty Campaigning: Not Welcome in CD11

I know I said a while back I wouldn’t comment on the Traci Park/Erin Darling race. But once again, we’ve hit a new low, and residents of CD11 deserve to be informed. Some who know better are trying to pull the wool over our eyes. It’s impossible to not say anything.

I’m not a lawyer – thank goodness – but I happen to know lots of lawyers. I have come to learn, there are many aspects of lawyering many don’t understand. Though I’ve learned a lot from my lawyer friends, there are still many things about the legal profession I don’t understand.

One of these sometimes-misunderstood items is a person’s right to a defense.

If someone is completely despicable – Charlie Manson comes to mind – why should we waste time and money finding

the guy a lawyer, paid for by the taxpayers?

Why not just fry the guy or lock him up forever, avoiding the predictable and expensive circus?

Our system – embodied by our Founding Fathers in the U.S. Constitution – doesn’t work that way, that’s why.

The right to an attorney is considered one of our most sacred rights. It’s right there in the Bill of Rights, the Sixth Amendment to the Constitution.

We hear it all the time on television: When the cops arrest someone, one of the first things they say to the person being arrested is that he or she has the right to an attorney.

In a court proceeding, plaintiffs and prosecutors make their charges or file their complaints. Defendants get to defend themselves. Judges try and keep it all fair. Impartial juries (in a jury trial) decide.

If only the prosecutors and plaintiffs had representation, and the defendant did not, the prosecutors and plaintiffs would win nearly every case. Our system is complex; if you are on the receiving end of a criminal charge or civil complaint, you’d be wise to hire an attorney – or take the one the court is willing to assign to you, for free.

One of the reasons this right is so sacred

is that poor people – often people of color – can’t afford an attorney. Many think our judicial system is prejudiced against the poor and people of color, so if these individuals couldn’t get a free attorney, they’d really be in trouble.

Our legal system is messy, timeconsuming and expensive. Surely there are ways to streamline all this. But the way the system works, everyone is entitled to a lawyer. Nobody in the legal system questions this. It’s built into their code of ethics. Lawyers take the cases that are assigned to them – whether by the courts, the D.A., the public defender’s office or by the private law firm they work fo. You don’t always get to represent the good guys; you take the good with the bad.

Ask any lawyer, and almost every one of them will tell you they had to represent an unsavory character now and then. Some – especially public defenders -- do it all the time. But the right to an attorney is as sacred to our system as freedom of speech – or the right to vote.

Some would like to overturn all these rights, to be sure – but then we’d be living in a dictatorship, not a democracy. Too often,

Phone Number:

Address:

www.havenandcompany.com

Phone Number: 310-576-9960 Address: 225

Website: www.dieselbookstore.com

Phone Number: 310-476-7176

Address: 11632 Barrington

Phone Number: 310-208-8500

Address: 11630 Barrington Court, Los

CA

Website: www.permanentvacationshop.com

Phone Number:

Phone

Address:

Address: 11677

www.madisonlosangeles.com

Lynne Cohen Foundation Celebrates 20 Years of Kickin’ Cancer with Brentwood 5K

The event returns November 13 to San Vicente Boulevard

By Susan Payne

Next month, the Lynne Cohen Foundation celebrates 20 years of Kickin’ Cancer, a 5K Run, Walk, and Stroll that raises funds and awareness for women facing ovarian and breast cancers.

The Annual Kickin’ Cancer 5K and Women’s Wellness Expo will take place on Nov. 13 with the 5K starting at 9 a.m. sharp on San Vicente Boulevard in Brentwood, LA. Community members interested in taking part can register, fundraise, and boost awareness by visiting www.kickincancer.com.

Amy Cohen Epstein, the President and Executive Director of the Foundation, was only 21 when her mom, Lynne Cohen, passed away from a five-year battle with ovarian cancer. Epstein started the Foundation five years later and has dedicated her life to providing atrisk women with the knowledge and clinical support needed to take action proactively, catch cancer early, prevent it altogether, and fight it hard.

“This is the 25th year anniversary of my

mom’s passing and people still look at me with wet eyes and say, ‘I miss your mom, I think about her every day,’” Epstein said. “We had to do something to honor her legacy of giving back. She was a doer. She thought about others way more than herself even in her last days.”

Every dollar raised at the Kickin’ Cancer Run, Walk, and Stroll funds a national network of Lynne Cohen Preventative Care Clinics serving women and families at increased risk for ovarian and breast cancers. These clinics are highly specialized, innovative women’s care facilities that unite research, screening and clinical care for women who are at high risk for cancer. Through the Lynne Cohen Foundation, patients receive comprehensive cross-disciplinary care and have access to the latest clinical trials, genetic testing and psychosocial counseling.

Two-time Emmy winner and Fox 11 News Anchor Marla Tellez will co-host the event with Epstein, bringing her passion for strengthening the community, promoting health, and empowering women.

Kickin’ Cancer is a non-competitive 5K Walk or Run and Women’s Wellness Expo complete with giveaways, fitness activities and entertainment, and a kids’ corner featuring a bounce house and prizes. This year, a Kickin’ Cancer Tribute Wall will honor and remember all those touched by cancer.

“During the pandemic, many at-risk women put off their regular screenings out of fear or financial hardship. We stand in solidarity with our community – especially those who are vulnerable and underserved,” said Epstein.

Runners and walkers from 60 different counties have bonded together against cancer during the 20 years Kickin’ Cancer has been held.

“I challenge someone to tell me they have not been affected by cancer and they don’t know a woman in their life who has been affected,” Epstein said. “This event is incredibly bonding and inspiring. It’s vivacious and in Brentwood, where my mom lived so much of her life.”

During the walk’s first year, Epstein said she knew everyone there, but as the years passed

and the event became more widely known, Kickin’ Cancer grew.

“It’s people from greater Los Angeles and beyond who are there because of the mission, the work we do with our preventative care clinics, and their families. Our work in preventing cancer is what’s made the Foundation successful and allowed us to stick around,” Epstein said.

The run, beginning at 11620 San Vicente Blvd., starts at 9 a.m. and the festivities conclude around 11 a.m. on Nov. 13. Onsite registration starts at 7:30 a.m. Individual and team fundraising awards will be given out to top finishers.

Learn more and register at www. kickincancer.com.

doctors at the West Los Angeles Veterans Affairs Medical Center, and two other female doctors working at the VA’s Loma Linda facility in San Bernardino County, was sentenced this week to 216 months in federal prison.

Gueorgui Hristov Pantchev, 51, was sentenced by United States District Judge John F. Walter, who said Pantchev “is a menace to society – a description that I don’t think I have ever used in describing a criminal defendant.”

A federal jury on July 18 found Pantchev guilty of four counts of stalking. According to evidence presented at his five-day trial, Pantchev’s conduct with respect to two of the doctors began in 2011 with numerous threatening communications sent to West L.A. VA doctors identified in court documents as Victim C and Victim D. As a result of this harassment, Pantchev was charged by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office and was convicted in 2014 of seven counts of stalking and witness intimidation.

After serving a state prison sentence, Pantchev was paroled in 2017, and he was barred from the West L.A. VA Medical Center. Pantchev then began seeking medical services at the VA’s Loma Linda facility, where he started stalking, harassing, and intimidating Victims A and B.

Notwithstanding the parole conditions that prohibited him from going to the West L.A. facility, Pantchev sought care there in 2020 and began sending harassing and intimidating communications to colleagues of Victims C and D.

Pantchev deluged Victims C and D and their colleagues with hundreds of lewd, sexually explicit and defamatory fliers bearing large

pictures of Victim C and Victim D. Pantchev repeatedly distributed these flyers around the West L.A. VA facility and numerous other locations in the Los Angeles area.

“This defendant earned a lengthy prison sentence by terrorizing his victims for years,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada. “The women subjected to his attacks suffered severe emotional distress, including constant fear for their physical safety and the safety of their families. Protecting victims is critical to the mission of our office, and I hope today’s sentencing brings them a sense of justice and security.”

On the morning of Pantchev’s arrest in January 2021, he drove to Victim D’s home and her child’s elementary school and distributed more sexually explicit flyers that included the victim’s home address and contact information. During a search of Pantchev’s residence, law enforcement found more copies of the same flyers, along with printed copies of some of the letters and emails Pantchev sent to victims.

Prosecutors wrote in court documents filed in relation to the sentencing that Pantchev’s “conduct was manifestly harmful and specifically designed to terrorize the victims and their families.”

Pantchev has been in federal custody since his arrest in January 2021.

During this week’s sentencing hearing, Judge Walter said Pantchev’s “extreme antisocial behavior puts him in the top five to 10 defendants among the thousands that I have seen in over 20 years on the bench.”

The FBI and the United States Department of Veterans Affairs investigated this matter.

Assistant United States Attorneys Khaldoun Shobaki and Lauren Restrepo of the Cyber and Intellectual Property Crimes Section prosecuted this case.

prosecutors and plaintiffs file bad cases. Or the defendants are proven innocent –sometimes after years unjustly spent in jail. The “right to an attorney” has been a lifesaver – literally – for many falsely charged.

So I found it very disturbing when I got a mailer at home from the Erin Darling people implying Traci Park is a racist because her law firm’s client, the City of Anaheim, represented one particular employee. This employee, white, was accused of using the N-word in front of a Black employee. The Black employee, not surprisingly, filed a complaint.

As awful as that sounds, isn’t the white guy entitled to a defense? Maybe he had a different view of events. Maybe the City of Anaheim wanted to come up with a settlement all could live with. Or maybe the guy was guilty as hell. But he still deserved a defense, right? That’s how our system works.

Traci Park was assigned, by her law firm (which specializes in municipal law), to represent the City of Anaheim in this matter. She did what attorneys in law firms are expected to do: She took the case. The City of Anaheim was her client, so of course she took the case.

Does it make her a racist because she defended someone who used the N-word?

Of course not. She was doing her job, following standard protocol.

Being branded as a racist in today’s touchy climate is about the worst thing that can happen to someone – especially someone running for office – and especially if the charge is completely false.

What is the proof behind this incendiary charge Erin Darling has made? That Traci Park defended her client?

That this “racist” complaint came from Erin Darling – also an attorney, a public defender – was particularly odd.

Didn’t he anticipate Traci Park would

immediately counter by pointing out Erin Darling had represented rapists, drugdealers, human traffickers, pedophiles and violent gang members?

If he represents such clients, does that mean he is sympathetic to these people –or that he thinks they are all innocent? No, that doesn’t necessarily follow. He was just doing his job. His clients – like Traci Park’s – are also entitled to a defense.

Just about every job has its nasty side. Doctors sew up the bleeding patient, even if that person is a criminal. Those who work in retail stores or restaurants have to endure the occasionally rude customer; the janitor who takes out the garbage has to deal with nastier-than-usual messes once in a while. Every so often, newspaper reporters have to listen to people they know aren’t telling the full truth, hoping they can spin a particular situation to their advantage.

We don’t always like our jobs. But we still do our jobs. That’s our responsibility. That’s why we call it work.

Here’s where my lawyer friends jump in, livid.

Erin Darling is an attorney – a public defender. So, according to my attorney friends, he knows – better than most – that people are entitled to a defense.

So does Mike Bonin, who is also promoting this “Traci Park is a racist” smear tactic.

If Erin Darling is saying the guy who used the N-word isn’t entitled to a defense -- and that lawyers should not represent people with whom they disagree – then what about all his clients? Does anyone else smell a boatload of hypocrisy here?

I think it’s fair to assess how a candidate will govern, once elected, by his or her behavior while on the campaign trail. This campaign isn’t over. I hope, in the remaining days of this campaign, Erin Darling and Mike Bonin will stop all this “Traci Park is a racist” nonsense and find it within themselves to apologize to Traci Park and the rest of CD11.

310-451-1900/

310-394-1800

Colorado

15th Street)

Monica, CA 90404

Brentwood Campaigning, From page 13

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