Brentwood News February 26, 2021

February 26 – March 26, 2021

Brentwood Pharmacy Owner Pleads Guilty to Health Care Fraud and Kickback Scheme Compounding pharmacy and owner plead guilty to health care fraud and kickback Scheme that led to $14 million in payments

By C had W inthrop A West Los Angeles pharmacy and its Brentwood owner pleaded guilty this month to federal criminal charges stemming from a scheme in which millions of dollars in reimbursements for compounded drugs were generated through the payment of illegal kickbacks for patient referrals and by fraudulently paying patients’ copayments.

On February 5, the Department of Justice U.S. Attorney’s Office Central District of California announced that Navid Vahedi, 41, of Brentwood, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and payment of illegal remunerations. Vahedi last week also entered a guilty plea to the felony offense on behalf of his business, Fusion Rx Compounding Pharmacy.

According to prosecutors, Fusion Rx was a provider of compounded drugs, which are tailor-made products doctors may prescribe when the FDA-approved alternative does not meet the health needs of a patient. In their plea agreements, Vahedi and Fusion Rx admitted routing millions of dollars in kickback payments through the businesses of two marketers to steer prescriptions for compounded drugs to Fusion Rx. As part of the scheme, Vahedi and the two marketers provided physicians with preprinted prescription script pads that

Kickback, see page 8

Fusion Rx Compounding Pharmacy at 2001 Westwood Blvd.

Photo: Google

LA Marathon With More Brentwood Action Moved Back Again Race organizers push the race that runs through Brentwood to the fall

By C had W inthrop The Los Angeles marathon, which this year will finish in Century City, has been pushed back again due to COVID-19.

Recently The McCourt Foundation, organizers of the Los Angeles Marathon, the Rose Bowl Half Marathon & 5K, the LABig5K and the Los Angeles Marathon, announced that all these races will be pushed

back to the fall. The group cited “the current state of the pandemic in the Los Angeles area and the pace of vaccine roll-out,” in the announcement, which comes weeks after race organizers pushed the race back to May. The 2020 race took place just after both the County of Los Angeles and the City of Los Angeles declared states of local emergencies in response to the first cases of COVID-19 being confirmed in the region.

The exact date of the 2021 races has not yet been determined.

“We are currently exploring available dates with our host cities and venues. This process will take some weeks and a decision regarding new dates will be announced as soon as

Marathon, see page 6

YOUR AD HERE!

Contact Judy Swartz judy@smmirror.com 310.204.4255

Racers run through Brentwood in a previous LA Marathon.

Photo: Facebook

REDEFINING LUXURY REAL ESTATE ON THE WESTSIDE GARY GLASS | 310.820.9343 Lic# 00933169 Gary@GaryGlassEstates.com GaryGlassEstates.com

©2019 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties is a member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates LLC

2 | February 26 – March 26, 2021

Brentwood News

IF YOU’VE GOT

CANCER,

WE CAN HELP LET US HELP YOU IN YOUR FIGHT AGAINST CANCER

2001 Santa Monica Blvd., Suite 1190W Santa Monica, CA 90404

(888) 580-5900 P

www.HCIoncology.com

BRENTWOODNEWSLA.COM

Brentwood Homelessness Update From the Brentwood Community Council

San Vicente – After a significant number of complaints of near miss car accidents on San Vicente adjacent to the homeless encampment, the BCC reached out to the encampment leaders after conferring with AmVets, the national organization that is sponsoring the encampment with County permits for additional refuse bins. AmVets indicated they would immediately reach out to the encampment and ask them to remove debris from the San Vicente roadway, including unpermitted and haphazardly placed lane markers and a “Detour Sign” (see photo), as well as bikes and other items that have been stored in the parking lane and then falling into traffic lanes, creating road hazards; additionally, there are repeated reports of near miss auto vs. pedestrian accidents due to encampment residents congregating in the right hand traffic lane, including a wheelchair bound Veteran, as there is no ADA walkway space on the sidewalk. The encampment leaders did not offer to move items out of the roadway.

VA Programs – As of January 6, 2021, VA programs were running at about 55% capacity. Veterans who are having trouble accessing the VA may contact Janet Turner in Congressman Lieu’s office for immediate assistance at janet.turner@mail.house.gov or call Matt McGahran, Director of the VA CTRA “Safe Camping Program” on his cell phone at: 267-815-1341.

Judge Carter – Frustration is boiling over in the current Federal litigation between the Judge and City/County leaders, with the Judge threatening an enhanced Federal response to homelessness if there is not more immediate and significant progress.

More details here.

St. Joseph Center – The County Department of Health Services has provided

more than $20M in contracts to St. Joseph Center since 2017 to provide street outreach homeless services to the entire Westside of Los Angeles, spanning all of CD11 and other areas; however, the Chief Operating Officer of St. Joseph Center informed the BCC that it did not provide outreach services to a 9 square mile area of our community area for 3 years, including the Sepulveda Pass – site of the Skirball Fire, caused by a homeless encampment cookfire that scorched 400+ acres and damaged 12 homes. Councilman Bonin was made aware of the findings and asked if he would intervene to split the current funding to St. Joseph Center into 2 equal portions in order to allow another provider to serve half the service area; he declined. Subsequently, members of the community have filed complaints with the Department of Health Services, the Prop H Oversight Board, Supervisor Kuehl and copied those complaints to impacted Skirball fire residents.

Voluntary Homeless Encampment Clean Ups – A current City motion presented by several Councilmembers, including Councilman Bonin, seeks to create a pathway for LA Sanitation to create outreach teams to request homeless encampment residents to voluntarily agree to clean ups. The Motion indicates there are successful pilot programs in CD11 and we truly hoped to visit one in order to support this process. Unfortunately, the only site we could identify was located in Venice near the new Bridge homeless shelter and it has not been a success – . Further, the Motion does not call for LASAN to be granted any further budget to enable this program, therefore, the Motion appears to be a good effort on paper that will not likely effectuate meaningful change.

BRENTWOODNEWSLA.COM

Brentwood News

February 26 – March 26, 2021 | 3

Eat Healthy, Stay Healthy …with Woodstock Organics!

20% OFF Sale On All Woodstock Frozen Fruits And Veggies...

• Wild Blueberries • Dark Sweet Cherries • Diced Mangoes

• Mixed Berries • Whole Strawberries

• Sliced Bananas • Whole Blackberries

• Green Peas • Cut Spinach • Shiitake Mushrooms • Petite Brussels Sprouts

• Shelled Edamame • Chopped Kale • Sliced Okra • Whole Pod Edamame

• Diced Butternut Squash • French Beans • Sugar Snap Peas

Offer Valid May 29 - June 30, 2020

Offer Valid 2/26/21 - 3/26/21

4 | February 26 – March 26, 2021

Brentwood News

BRENTWOODNEWSLA.COM

Brentwood Beat: Something to Think About – and Act On Founding Publisher I got my first COVID shot the other night – one of the advantages of getting old. I went to UCLA Hospital in Santa Monica to get my shot, and it turned into quite an adventure.

First, I drove over there from midBrentwood. It was close to 7 p.m. on a Friday night, and there was no traffic. It was kind of fun to drive; my car doesn’t get much exercise these days.

Then, when I parked, I realized I had forgotten to take a mask with me. I didn’t want to miss my appointment, which was coming up in 10 minutes. I called my wife and asked if she would be so kind as to to immediately drive over, mask in hand.

She was cool about it. Stuff happens.

So then I checked in, got in line, everything went very smoothly. Hats off to UCLA Santa Monica Hospital! Everyone seemed happy to be there, the staff was exceedingly welcoming, we were all getting our shots! Lots of smiles all around.

But my Friday night adventure was just beginning.

I walked back to my car, and it wouldn’t start. It made some horrible grinding noise, but it wouldn’t start. I pulled out my phone in the hope of calling my wife to come bail me out – again. But I was down to 1% cell phone battery!

With visions of having no car and no driver came right phone – and walking away and arrived at back to Brentwood “Our country always the very same time in the dark – how long would it take? seems caught short when the my wife did.

It was good I – I quickly dialed my wife again, unexpected happens – Pearl called my wife; I hoping there would Harbor, 9/11, Katrina, big was informed that had to tow be enough battery fires, earthquakes, floods, ifmyAAA car, I couldn’t left to blurt out that she should call AAA COVID, the storming of the ride in the cab with driver, even and come back and U.S. Capitol on January 6, the rescue me – again. with my recentlyIt wasn’t so ha- the Texas snowstorm – it’s delivered mask, ha the second time always the same old story. because of COVID. around, but she said If he did have to OK. She suggested I Everyone is shocked, lots of tow me, the Honda call AAA if I could, fingers get pointed – then it’s place was only a so as to save time. few blocks away. back to business as usual.”

I still had a tiny So that was good. bit of battery left Maybe I’d be home and called AAA. Thank goodness, the lady at a semi-decent hour. on the phone was willing to talk quickly The AAA guy looked beneath the hood and put in the rescue order. The tow truck and said my battery had died – possibly

because of the little or no driving I’d been doing for months. Thank goodness, he had a replacement battery in his truck.

Within 20 minutes I was on my way, with my wife following in the car behind.

Whew! We even had time to watch a movie.

So where am I going with all this?

As humans, we tend to respond – quickly – to a crisis. But we do a very crummy job preparing to avoid the crisis in the first place.

I could have checked to make sure I had a mask before leaving home that night; I could have started my car more often in the weeks prior, so as to keep my battery charged; I surely should have made sure I had a fully charged phone before leaving the house.

When you think about it, our country always seems caught short when the unexpected happens – Pearl Harbor, 9/11, Katrina, big fires, earthquakes, floods, COVID, the storming of the U.S. Capitol

on January 6, the Texas snowstorm – it’s always the same old story. Everyone is shocked, lots of fingers get pointed – then it’s back to business as usual.

Earthquakes and fires are the most likely events we need to worry about in LA. How many of us really have enough water, food and batteries stored away? How many have a “grab bag” ready to go? How many have a knapsack with the basics – including walking shoes – in the trunk of their cars?

Where would you meet up with others if it came to that?

Something to think about; something to act on. I should start thinking about this – my second shot is coming up soon! I’ll go start my car right now and let it run for a while. The other day I stuffed a mask in the glove compartment.

Progress.

Got News? Got a Photo? Send them to us!

Email editor@smmirror.com or give us a call at (310) 310-2637

BRENTWOODNEWSLA.COM

Brentwood News

February 26 – March 26, 2021 | 5

Catherine O’Hara Named Comedian Trevor Noah Buys Honorary Mayor of Brentwood $27.5-Million Bel-Air Mansion 11,000 square foot home now residence of Daily Show host

Emmy-wining actress and Longtime Brentwood resident assumes post

From the Brentwood Community Council Brentwood resident and comedic legend, Catherine O’Hara, the 2020 Emmy winner for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for ‘Schitts Creek’, has been named the Honorary Mayor of Brentwood for 2021.

Ms. O’Hara, her husband, Bo, and their two boys, are long time Brentwood residents and known for their kindness, humility and neighborliness, and, while the Mayor title is honorific, the role of Honorary Mayor has been deeply rooted in Brentwood for 53 years.

The Brentwood Honorary Mayor shares their ideas, inspiration and support on community projects and strengthens our sense of neighborhood. Whether it’s planting trees or firing the starting gun at the Brentwood 5K, Brentwood Honorary Mayors are influential, fun-loving residents who are part of a special group including Mark Harmon, Sandy Duncan, Phyllis DIller, Marcus Allen and many, many others. The tradition started with the Brentwood Chamber of Commerce in 1967. Over time, the Chamber’s duties,

By T oi C reel

such as the Memorial Parade and Centennial Dinners, eventually became part of Friends of Brentwood, which facilitates the Brentwood 5K run, provides extra care for the San Vicente Business District, helps local retailers and businesses with commercial issues and underwrites community programming.

In a lovely twist of fate, Ms. O’Hara’s long time friend and acting peer, Eugene Levy, has been selected as the 2021 Honorary Mayor of our neighboring community, Pacific Palisades. Mr. Levy was the 2020 Emmy winner for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series, also for ‘Schitt’s Creek”.

As luck would have it, these new honorary Mayors are looking to collaborate on ideas and we look forward to supporting their efforts.

A $27.5 Bel-Air mansion is now the home of “The Daily Show” host and comedian Trevor Noah.

The home was designed by Mark Rios.

Rios is an L.A. architect who originally built the home for himself. The 11,000-squarefoot home is contemporary and is inspired by

Japanese influences with dark wood and superthick walls to help keep out noise, similar to a room Rios saw in Kyoto Japan.

Architecturally the home has a cube design, from the outside street appearing to look like a stack of cubes. It also has a lawn with infinity edge pool and a series of open spaces.

Inside, the home consists of 11 bathrooms, 6 bedrooms, an office, gym, steam room, spa, movie and game room.

The home as a combination of mediums including stone, wood, bronze and glass. This isn’t Noah’s first time living in the Bel-air area.

He formerly owned a $20.5 million mansion hat he sold in 2020 for $21.7 million.

6 | February 26 – March 26, 2021

Brentwood News

BRENTWOODNEWSLA.COM

Opinion: Five Reasons Why Brentwood Needs More Housing, Less Hyperbole

By T oby M uresianu California’s housing crisis affects us all.

We see it in omnipresent homelessness, in COVID outbreaks in overcrowded housing, in freeways choked with super-commuters and the smog in our air. Or in our own crushing rent or mortgage payments.

LA is America’s least affordable housing market. California ranks 49th in housing per capita.

It’s no mystery why. Cheap housing used to be seen as a problem. LA effectively banned it by downzoning for decades so 60% fewer homes could be built, and adding expensive requirements to new construction.

It worked. Housing costs skyrocketed; problems followed.

The solution is simple: undo the bans.

However, many people fear change in their neighborhoods–often to the point of hyperbole. Bills to permit duplexes are painted as “skyscrapers in your backyard” or an “end to our way of life.” HOAs launch campaigns to pressure politicians; since these voters dominate local elections, politicians cave.

It’s worth a reality check.

1. More housing isn’t “an attack on single family homes.”

There’s nothing wrong with single family homes, or the people who live in them. There’s also nothing wrong with the multifamily housing, or the people who live in it. (In fact, studies find it’s the single best way for cities to reduce emissions).

But while single-family homes are allowed everywhere, multifamily homes are banned on 75% of the residential land in LA. State reforms to “single family homeonly zoning” propose allowing less expensive forms of housing, like duplexes or small apartments, in some of those areas– gradually, when homeowners decide to sell at a premium and builders want to pay it.

2. New housing does not mean “absolutely anyone will get to live in Brentwood.”

Brentwood will remain a fundamentally upscale neighborhood under any proposed zoning reforms. Neither Brentwood nor any neighborhood can alone provide housing for every rent-burdened citizen in LA. The regional nature of our housing shortage just means we all must do our part to address it.

3. We don’t “only need Affordable Housing.”

Marathon, from page 1 possible. All decisions will be made with the health and safety of all athletes, volunteers, and city officials as our top priority,” The McCourt Foundation said.

Registered participants unable to attend the

“New housing does not mean ‘absolutely anyone will get to live in Brentwood.’ Brentwood will remain a fundamentally upscale neighborhood under any proposed zoning reforms.

Photo: Sam Catanzaro

“Affordable Housing” is a confusing term with a specific legal meaning: subsidized housing for people at particular low income levels. While necessary, it’s only a partial solution. Most rent-burdened people don’t qualify, and most who qualify don’t get it.

Building it costs nonprofit developers $500,000 per unit, and an estimated 500,000 units are needed – meaning $250 billion, roughly 40x LA’s current tax revenue, would be required for government funding. This would also still require upzoning.

Changing expensive restrictions offers a twofold benefit: allowing subsidies to help more people and allowing new, inexpensive supply to keep rents down.

4. Reducing zoning restrictions doesn’t mean “government seizure.”

Zoning restrictions are, by definition, restrictions on the rights of property owners.

They bar them from building more housing on their land, or selling at a premium to people who will.

5. Single family home-only zoning was created to segregate neighborhoods, but that doesn’t mean individual homeowners are “being called racist.”

Brentwood, like many neighborhoods, maintained segregation by using zoning to restrict residence to a 100% white wealth bracket as courts struck down widespread racial deed restrictions.

Happily, views have changed since then.

However, these laws weren’t repealed, so they’re often still working as designed: restricting residents to a wealth bracket that’s overwhelmingly white. As such, they’re cited as examples of “systemic racism” and help explain why Brentwood remains 85% white in a 30% white city. However, this is a critique of laws, not physical homes or their owners.

I hope this answers some concerns, and that together we can meet the crises of today and welcome a more economically and environmentally sustainable tomorrow for LA.

new 2021 event dates can choose from the following options listed HERE. Pushing back the race gives runners more time to prepare for a new course. The 2021 course will follow its traditional route starting at Dodger Stadium until Brentwood. Then runners will double back on San Vicente,

Sepulveda and Santa Monica boulevards before finishing at Avenue of the Stars in Century City.

“This exciting change allows for a more vibrant and interactive finish experience than previously possible. It will provide the opportunity for much greater spectator

participation for family and friends with enhanced post-race activities including the Finish Festival with concerts and sponsor activations and puts runners close to hotels, transportation, and nightlife in West Hollywood, Beverly Hills and the best of LA,” the McCourt Foundation said in July.

BRENTWOODNEWSLA.COM

Brentwood News

February 26 – March 26, 2021 | 7

We make stunning backyard homes without the hassle.

310-882-7991

Create space for what makes you happy.

Give us a call. 310-340-7577 | UnitedDwelling.com/WestLA

Brentwood News

8 | February 26 – March 26, 2021

BRENTWOODNEWSLA.COM

33-year-old Sawtelle Restaurant to Close Hurry Curry of Tokyo to serve last meal end of month

By K erry slater A longtime Sawtelle restaurant is closing after 33 years of serving authentic Japanese curry and Yoshoku cuisine.

Hurry Curry of Tokyo, located at 2131 Sawtelle Blvd, has announced via a note on its website that the restaurant is closing at the end of the month.

“It is with great sadness that we announce the closing of Hurry Curry of Tokyo after 33 years in business. We have lost our lease and will serve our last meal at the end of February,” the note reads. “We are especially proud of our many excellent employees over the years who represented us so well and prepared and served what we felt was the best curry in Los Angeles.”

The restaurant first opened its doors on Sawtelle in 1989. After spending time researching Japanese curry houses in Tokyo in the 1980s, their goal was to bring the wonderful flavors and value of these popular restaurants to Los Angeles. Working with

Japanese chefs from Tokyo, the restaurant developed its original blend of 21 spices for its signature curry sauce.

Sawtelle is now one of Los Angeles’ most bustling dining destinations, but when Hurry Curry opened 33 years ago, this was not the case, and the restaurant has played a crucial role in the evolution of the neighborhood.

“We are also proud to have been a significant part of the development of Sawtelle Blvd from a sleepy street near the 405 to a powerhouse of dining. It is the street L.A. goes for Asian food,” the restaurant wrote. “Thank you to our customers who have supported us through the years and we certainly hope to see you all, and serve you a last few plates of curry, throughout February.”

In addition, the restaurant is hoping to raise $15,000 via a GoFundME to provide assistance for its employees.

“The upcoming closure of our Sawtelle restaurant at the end of February will put over 15 dedicated employees out of work which will [be] devastating,” the restaurant writes. “We are in the business of creating community through food and never has there been a time where that is needed more. It’s been our privilege to serve the Sawtelle and West LA community for the last 33 years and we are grateful for the continued support

An Old Mountain Lion Going Strong After a Decade P-22 fitted with new GPS radio collar

By C had W inthrop Biologists have put a new GPS radio collar on P-22, one of the oldest cats to be born in the Santa Monica Mountains with a fascinating story.

According to the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, on February 12, 2021, National Park Service (NPS) biologists captured P-22 to change out his GPS radio collar, which had a battery that was due to fail soon.

“To continue tracking his movements daily, he needed a new collar,” the NPS said.

The NPS now reports he now weighs 123 lbs., which is similar to past capture weights, and he appears to be in good condition.

P-22 was first documented in early 2012 by a camera trap set as part of the Griffith Park Connectivity Study. Shortly after that, NPS biologists captured and outfitted him with a GPS radio collar in March of 2012. According to the NPS, P-22 has been living in Griffith Park since at least February 2012 “Back in the day, genetic testing revealed that P-22 was likely born in the Santa Monica Mountains. That means he would have had to cross both the 405 AND the 101 Freeways to reach Griffith Park! That’s an amazing feat

P-22.

Photo: NPS/Jeff Sikich

unmatched by any other mountain lion (as far as we know),” the NPS said. “Our biologists say this cat is an especially fascinating animal to study. His safe passage into and life in the park is a testament to the wild spaces remaining in LA.” According to the NPS, most adult male mountain lions require ranges of 150 square miles, but P-22’s habitat is akin to a tiny home: just nine square miles.

“P-22 is now more than 11 years old, which in the wild, is a very old cat! The oldest mountain lion that we have documented during our study was approximately 12 years old (that was P-1, his father). Interesting factoid: The oldest female mountain lion in our study is P-19, who is 10 years old. We are currently following her and her litter of kittens,” the NPS said.

Photo: Hurry Curry of Tokyo (Facebook)

of our loyal guests. We humbly make this request to those who are looking for a way to help our community members get through this crisis.”

More info: https://www.gofundme.com/f/

assistance-for-hurry-curry-of-tokyo-employ ees?member=8439360&rcid=b32ddccc40e 8425ba350c48b331d9e11&sharetype=team s&utm_campaign=p_na+share-sheet&utm_ medium=copy_link&utm_source=customer

Kickback, from page 1

a sentencing hearing on June 28, at which time Vahedi will face a statutory maximum sentence of five years in federal prison. Both defendants have agreed to pay restitution related to the copayment reimbursement part of the scheme, which is estimated to be $4,405,926. In addition to his obligation under the plea agreement to pay restitution, Vahedi also agreed to forfeit $1,338,511.

Under the terms of the plea agreements, Fusion Rx has also agreed to pay a fine sufficient to divest itself of all its remaining assets, Vahedi has agreed to have his pharmacist license revoked, and both Vahedi and Fusion Rx will be excluded from federal health care programs such as Medicare and Medicaid going forward.

The two marketers involved in the scheme – Joshua Pearson, 41, of St. George, Utah, and Joseph Kieffer, 40, of West Los Angeles – previously pleaded guilty in this case and are scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Snyder, respectively, on May 24 and June 28.

This matter was investigated by the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, the FBI, the Amtrak Office of Inspector General, the Office of Personnel Management’s Office of Inspector General, and the Office of Inspector General for the United States Department of Health and Human Services.

offered “check-the-box” options on the form to maximize the amount of insurance reimbursement for the compounded drugs.

From May 2014 to at least February 2016, Fusion Rx received approximately $14 million in reimbursements on its claims for compounded drug prescriptions.

As part of its contracts with various insurance networks, Fusion Rx was obligated to collect copayments from patients. Because the copayments might discourage patients from requesting expensive and potentially unnecessary compounded drug prescriptions, Fusion Rx did not collect copayments with any regularity and, in other instances, it provided gift cards to patients to offset the amount of the copayments, according to court documents. After an audit raised concerns that Fusion Rx’s failure to collect copayments would be discovered, Vahedi directed Fusion Rx funds to be used to purchase American Express gift cards, which were then used to make copayments for certain prescriptions without the patients’ knowledge. Fusion Rx then submitted claims on these prescriptions to various insurance providers, falsely representing that patients had paid the required copayments.

Vahedi and Fusion Rx pleaded guilty before United States District Judge Christina A. Snyder, who scheduled

Brentwood News

BRENTWOODNEWSLA.COM

February 26 – March 26, 2021 | 9

Popular Brentwood Pie Shop Opening New Westside Location Ocean Avenue storefront coming for popular Brentwoodbased Winston Pies

By K erry slater One of Los Angeles’s best pie shops based out of Brentwood is opening a new Westside location soon.

Winston Pies will open at 1705 Ocean Avenue in Santa Monica in the coming months, though there is not a firm opening date. The location, just south of the Santa Monica Pier, will help the bakery “expand its customer base and delivery range, and to greatly grow its production volume and nationwide shipping,” Eater LA reported.

Founded in 2017 by Brianna Abrams, Winston Pies began as a single storefront in Brentwood, has expanded to West Hollywood and now nationwide via national shipping.

“Winston Pies™ grew out of Brianna’s family tradition of baking and her love of sharing delicious baked goods with friends and family,” reads the bakery’s website.

“Baking desserts for fun became a passion for pie-making once she moved to Los Angeles after law school. She fell in love with the fresh fruit at the local farmer’s markets and soon her weekends were filled with beach air and fresh pies.”

“Baking out of her home kitchen, she started ButterCrust Pies™ and made pies to order for customers throughout Los Angeles.

This little kitchen bakery took off! Not being able to keep up with demand, Brianna opened Winston Pies.”

The bakery, which has been featured on many “best-of” Los Angeles lists, offers a wide assortment of pies from classics like apple, berry and key lime to unique monthly specials which have included creations such as a S’Mores Pie and Strawberry Lemonade Pie. “Each Winston Pie is handmade from

scratch using only all-natural ingredients. We are a local Los Angeles bakery and source locally and feature organic produce whenever possible,” the bakery said.

One of Los Angeles’s best pie shops based out of Brentwood is opening a new Westside location soon.

Winston Pies will open at 1705 Ocean Avenue in Santa Monica in the coming months, though there is not a firm opening date. The location, just south of the Santa Monica Pier, will help the bakery “expand its customer base and delivery range, and to greatly grow its production volume and nationwide shipping,” Eater LA reported.

Founded in 2017 by Brianna Abrams, Winston Pies began as a single storefront in Brentwood, has expanded to West Hollywood and now nationwide via national shipping.

“Winston Pies™ grew out of Brianna’s family tradition of baking and her love of sharing delicious baked goods with friends and family,” reads the bakery’s website.

“Baking desserts for fun became a passion for pie-making once she moved to Los Angeles after law school. She fell in love with the fresh fruit at the local farmer’s markets and soon her weekends were filled with beach air and fresh pies.”

“Baking out of her home kitchen, she started ButterCrust Pies™ and made pies to order for customers throughout Los Angeles.

This little kitchen bakery took off! Not being able to keep up with demand, Brianna opened Winston Pies.”

The bakery, which has been featured on

Photos: Facebook

many “best-of” Los Angeles lists, offers a wide assortment of pies from classics like apple, berry and key lime to unique monthly specials which have included creations such as a S’Mores Pie and Strawberry Lemonade Pie.

“Each Winston Pie is handmade from scratch using only all-natural ingredients. We are a local Los Angeles bakery and source locally and feature organic produce whenever possible,” the bakery said.

DIGITAL ARCHIVING • VIDEO • PHOTO • SLIDE • FILM

the nest school is an intimate montessori preschool located in brentwood

non-discrimination policy: the nest school admits students of any race, color, and national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, and other school-administered programs.

424-255-8994 BUSINESS

website: thenestschool.org email: hello@thenestschool.org phone: (424) 256-2731

LOCAL

contact us to learn more our program

WESTSIDE

VIDEO SERVICE.COM

10 | February 26 – March 26, 2021

Brentwood News

BRENTWOODNEWSLA.COM

Local Teen Dies From Fentanyl Overdose After Contacted by Dealer on Snapchat Mother says to “please watch your kids” after tragic incident By saM C atanzaro

Commercial and Residential Servicing Southern California since 1996

NEW CONSTRUCTION AND REPAIRS WATERPROOFING GUTTERS

Over 20 years of Experience!

Factory Certified Installers All work is done safely and under state COVID 19 Regulations 5843 Fallbrook Ave. Woodland Hills, CA. 91367

818-835-9337

“Please watch your kids,” says the local mother of a 16-year-old who recently died from a fentanyl overdose after a drug dealer contacted her son–a straight-A student getting ready for college–via Snapchat.

On Sunday, February 7, a 16-year-old boy died from a fentanyl overdose in his Santa Monica home. According to the Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD), around 4:24 p.m. officers and paramedics responded to the house on the 1700 block of Yale Street to find the teenager unconscious and not breathing.

“Despite paramedic’s efforts, the minor was pronounced a short time after,” said SMPD Lieutenant Rudy Flores.

Flores noted”a preliminary investigation leads us to believe prescription drug use may have been involved,” a statement confirmed by the boy’s mother.

“My beautiful boy is gone. 16 years old.

Sheltering at home. A drug dealer connected with him on Snapchat and gave him fentanyl laced Xanax or Percocet (toxicology will tell) and he overdosed in his room,” said Dr. Laura Berman, mother of 16-year-old Samuel Berman Chapman. “We watched him so closely. Straight A student. Getting ready for college. Experimentation gone bad. He got the drugs delivered to the house.”

Dr. Berman, a leading relationship expert and sex therapist, is advising parents to monitor their childrens’ social media activity to prevent such tragedies.

“They do this because it hooks people even more and is good for business but it causes overdose and the kids don’t know what they are taking. My heart is completely shattered and I am not sure how to keep breathing. I post this now only so that not one more kid dies,” Dr. Berman said. “Please watch your kids and WATCH SNAPCHAT especially. That’s how they get them.”

A Snap Spokesperson, when reached for comment, said the company was “heartbroken” by the passing of the boy and is working with law enforcement.

“Our deepest sympathies are with the family and friends of Samuel Berman Chapman and we are heartbroken by his passing,” the spokesperson said. “We are committed to working together with law enforcement in this

Photo: Courtesy Dr. Laura Berman

Dr. Laura Berman and her son Samuel Berman Chapman who recently died from an overdose.

case and in all instances where Snapchat is used for illegal purposes. We have zero-tolerance for using Snapchat to buy or sell illegal drugs. Using Snapchat for illegal purposes is firmly against our community guidelines and we enforce against these violations. We are constantly improving our technological capabilities to detect drug-related activity so that we can intervene proactively.”

When asked if the company, which is based on Ocean Park Boulevard in Santa Monica, is providing the SMPD with the info surrounding the suspect, the spokesperson said on background that Snap is actively assisting the Santa Monica police department with their investigation to help them track down the perpetrator.

SMPD Lt. Flores, when asked if the department is working with Snap as part of its investigation, said “detectives are in the process of reviewing all the evidence and will obtain the required records by way of a Search Warrant when necessary.”

In the wake of Sam’s death, Dr. Berman has created a Facebook group for any parent who has lost a child to drug addiction or overdose “I have been inundated with stories heartbreakingly similar to mine and felt this a time we need to come together to support one another,” Dr. Berman said. “Together, we can find the strength and answer to make a change.

Let’s combine our voices to make a change.”

More information here: https:// www.facebook.com/groups/ parentsunitedagainstdrugadditctiondeath/

BRENTWOODNEWSLA.COM

Brentwood News

February 26 – March 26, 2021 | 11

Metro Purple Line Extension Facing Challenges Serving Area since 1996 Locally Owned Business

Wilshire/Rodeo Station excavation nearing completion.

LA Metro says COVID-19 delaying process

By Sam C atanzaro

LA Metro says construction on the Purple Line Extension, which will connect Brentwood to Downtown, is being hindered by COVID-19.

According to LA Metro, in September and October 2020, contractors overseeing projects reported a total of seven positive COVID-19 cases. In November, those projects had 35 cases, and in December there were 88 cases.

“Numbers for January are pending but we’re expecting more of the same,” LA Metro said.

According to LA Metro, capital construction is considered an essential activity under federal and state guidelines during the pandemic.

“Our contractors have been following a variety of safety guidelines since last March to keep workers safe, but the projects are challenged by the same issues facing many other employers.

Community transmission of COVID-19 is extremely widespread in L.A. County,” Metro added. “At this time, we have not determined how COVID-19 will impact our projects’ schedules, if at all. The bottom line is this: if the surge in COVID-19 cases continues for much longer, we may begin to see project impacts.”

One of Metro’s priority projects, the Purple Line Extension will provide a high-capacity, high-speed and,

Photo: LA Metro

dependable alternative for commuters to travel between downtown Los Angeles, the Miracle Mile, Beverly Hills and Westwood.

From the current terminus at Wilshire/ Western, the Purple Line Extension will extend westward for about nine miles and add seven new stations providing easy access to the Westside, the region’s second-largest job center. Travel time between downtown Los Angeles and Westwood is expected to be about 25 minutes.

The project is being built in three sections. The first section between Wilshire/Western and Wilshire/La Cienega is now under construction and is scheduled for completion in 2023.

Section 2 of the Purple Line Extension Project will extend the subway to downtown Beverly Hills and Century City. Section 2 is also currently under construction and is scheduled for completion in 2025. Sections 1 and 2 are funded primarily by Measure R — the sales tax Los Angeles County voters approved in 2008 — and with a pair of federal grants.

Section 3 will then extend the project to two stations in Westwood. The passage of the Measure M sales tax ballot measure by county voters in 2016 will allow this section to be accelerated. Construction began in 2019. Metro has secured federal funds for the last section of the Purple Line Extension Project.

SPECIALIZING IN:

• Garage Conversion/ADU • Bathroom Remodel • Kitchen Remodel • Interior and Exterior Design • With you from Concept to Completion, 100% of the way • All work is done safely and under state COVID 19 Regulations • Superior Quality and Craftsmanship, Attention to Detail, Integrity and Care

818-518-3131

12 | February 26 – March 26, 2021

Brentwood News

BRENTWOODNEWSLA.COM

S ANT A MONI CA COL L EG E

Free and low-cost classes for all at SMC Santa Monica College offers the community a variety of programs and services that support career preparation and lifelong learning.

FREE

FREE

CLASSES

CLASSES

NONCREDIT PROGRAM If you are planning to re-enter the workforce, prepare for college, or become fluent in English, SMC offers free, flexible, online noncredit certificate programs and supportive services to help you plan your next chapter.

• Short-term Vocational and

Workforce Preparation Classes

• English as a Second Language (ESL)

• Chromebook Loans Visit smc.edu/noncredit or call 310-434-3399 for details.

SMC EMERITUS / NONCREDIT OLDER ADULT PROGRAM Free noncredit adult education courses — in Health and Conditioning, Art, Music, Writing, Literature, Theater, Computers and Software, Current Events, and more — specifically oriented to the interests of older adults.

All currently offered online, along with free art and literary events and receptions.

To enroll, see smc.edu/emeritus.

For questions please call 310-434-4306.

SMC COMMUNITY EDUCATION (NOT-FOR-CREDIT)

• More than 450 low-cost classes, seminars, and workshops each semester.

• Classes in everything from

watercolor techniques to writing to piano.

• Professional certificate and

continuing education programs.

To enroll, visit commed.smc.edu.

For questions, please email us at commed@smc.edu or call 310-434-3400.

SANTA MONICA COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT BOARD OF TRUSTEES Rob Rader, Chair; Dr. Louise Jaffe, Vice Chair; Dr. Susan Aminoff; Dr. Nancy Greenstein; Dr. Margaret Quiñones-Perez; 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