Century City-Westwood News 10.28.22

Century City/ Westwood

Hammer Museum Gala Centers Power of Art, Activism

First gala since 2019 at museum

By Susan Payne

Hammer Museum held its first gala since 2019 with three new exhibitions dedicated to the power of activism and art.

The exhibitions “Picasso Cut Paper,” “Joan Didion: What She Means” and “Bob Thompson: This House is Mine” celebrated the core values of the museum.

“Embedded in the DNA of the Hammer are the twin engines of art and activism,” Hammer Director Ann Philbin told the Los Angeles Times.

Honoring Charles Gaines, artist and CalArts educator, and Chase Strangio, a transgender rights litigator and deputy director for transgender justice with the ACLU’s LGBTQ & HIV Project, the gala raised $2.2 million, according to the LA Times.

Will Ferrell, Mark Bradford, Hilton Als, Steven Spielberg, Laverne Cox, Colman Domingo, Andrea Bowers and Annabeth Gish were on the guest list gazing at the colorful, vibrant and uplifting exhibits, curated by Erin Christovale and Vanessa Arizmendi.

Thompson, who died at 28, had a brief, prolific career that examined themes of justice and bearing witness. “I like to think

about different ways that we can disrupt the violent systems of power and connect with people who care about telling artistic and creative stories,” Strangio said during the cocktail party.

Domingo, was moved by Didion’s “Goodbye to All That” on the wall.

“This one stopped me because this is one of my favorite quotes,” Domingo said, recalling his transition from New York to Los Angeles.

“All I mean is that I was very young in New York, and that at some point the golden rhythm was broken, and I am not that young anymore,” he said

Martin Creed attended the gala wearing a suit made by “adapting clothes” and said, “If you feel like a fool, you should dress like a fool.”

While curated Philbin opened the show on a personal note, she said she was expelled from the University of New Hampshire in the early 1970s for starting a gay student organization on campus. While they won the battle in the U.S. Supreme Court, that fight is still being fought today.

“The fight is long from done,” she said.

“But we are very fortunate to have warriors like Chase [Strangio] and the ACLU on the frontlines.”

Cox then took stage and introduced Strangio, praising his “unconditional love for trans and queer people.”

“This has been an unprecedented year for any trans legislation at the state level,”

Cox said. “Over 250 pieces of anti-trans legislation were introduced this year alone, and far too many bills signed into law, and Chase, the ACLU and others are challenging in our very conservative court.”

Closing the night was the band Gabriels that made the audience stand tall. Bowers then closed with a sentiment to Gaines for

going so long without being recognized.

“Nobody deserves it more than Charles [Gaines] and he has so long gone unrecognized,” Bowers said. “He was in his early 50s before he had a career, and he educated and changed the lives of so many of us, so to see him honored makes me think the world’s going to be OK.”

Biden Eats Lunch at Westwood Taco Shop

President stops at Tacos 1986 during October’s LA trip

By Dolores Quintana

During a short stop in Southern California this month, President Joe Biden stopped at a local taco shop in Westwood as reported by Eater Los Angeles.

This is the second time the President has stopped by a taco restaurant during a local trip. The first time was at King Taco number 10 with Mayor Eric Garcetti back when he was campaigning as reported by Eater Los Angeles. While last time Biden went to Pico

and Alvarado on the city’s eastside, this time Biden stopped by Tacos 1986 in Westwood.

The President himself picked the order up himself, made in the name of mayoral candidate Karen Bass and was given a 50 percent discount by the cashier, who was likely the manager or owner. Biden then insisted on leaving $60 to cover the order of the next person in line and to give a $20 tip to the staff on the order. It is notable that Biden chose to make the stop in the company of the Democratic candidate Bass and not her opponent, Rick Caruso.

Photo: Facebook

Photo: Facebook (@tacos1986).

Local Hollywood Executive Sentenced to Over 3 Years in Federal Prison for Fraudulently Obtaining $1.7 Million in COVID-Relief Loans

William Sadleir

sentenced to 41 months in federal prison last week

By Sam Catanzaro

The former chairman and CEO of Beverly Hills-based Aviron Pictures was sentenced last week to 41 months in federal prison for applying for and receiving $1.7 million in loans under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) for Aviron entities when the entire operation was being shuttered because of his embezzlement.

William Sadleir, 68, of Beverly Hills, was sentenced by United States District Judge Dolly M. Gee, who also ordered him to pay $282,566 in restitution.

Sadleir pleaded guilty on March 16 to one count of bank fraud and one count of money laundering.

In April 2020, Sadleir – who had been terminated from Aviron Pictures four months

earlier after a major company investor discovered he had embezzled company funds – filed bank loan applications that fraudulently sought more than $1.7 million dollars in forgivable PPP loans guaranteed by the Small Business Administration (SBA) under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Sadleir obtained the loans for three Aviron entities by falsely representing that the funds would be used to support payroll expenses for 33 employees at each company, when in fact the entities were no longer operational.

Within days of the loans being funded on May 1, 2020, Sadleir transferred nearly $1 million to his personal checking account.

Sadleir spent most of the fraudulently obtained loan proceeds on utility bills, mortgage expenses, and his personal lawyer. He did not use any of the fraudulent loan proceeds to pay employees of the Aviron companies.

Following the discovery of the fraudulent loan applications, federal agents seized $308,058 of fraudulent loan proceeds from an Aviron account, and Sadleir returned $1,122,090 to the bank that funded the loans.

As a result of the fraudulent PPP loan scheme, the SBA suffered losses of $282,566.

On September 9, Sadleir was sentenced in the Southern District of New York to 72 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to two wire fraud counts for misappropriating more than $25 million that had been invested in Aviron. Judge Gee today ordered that the sentence imposed in the Los Angeles will run concurrent to the six-year sentence in the New

York case.

The FBI, the SBA’s Office of Inspector General, and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation’s Office of Inspector General investigated the Los Angeles matter.

Assistant United States Attorney Gregory Bernstein of the Major Frauds Section prosecuted this case.

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.

Increased

We want to thank the community for voting in this year’s Best Of Century City/Westwood 2022! We had well over 27,000 votes from the community this year and many nominations – it is truly amazing to see the community come together for that!

This year, we encourage you to shop local for the holidays – whether they are the “Best” business in their category, a nominated business or a business that isn’t even listed in this publication – small businesses are what makes our communities thrive! So, as we start to hear more and more news about supply chain issues and big box stores not having gifts for the holidays, we encourage you to look local – shop small this holiday season and support all your community businesses!

From our family to yours, we wish you an amazing end of the year and a happy holiday season! As always, thank you for reading, following, watching and supporting!

CITY

Phone Number: 310-295-2075

2ND PLACE - ALKA-PI WATER - WESTWOOD

Phone Number: 310-475-6059

1252

- SAJE NATURAL WELLNESS

Phone Number: 310-843-9865

www.saje.com

WINNER – NEXT HEALTH CENTURY CITY

BEST RESTAURANT

WINNER

CLEMENTINE’S BAKERY & RESTAURANT

Phone Number: 310-552-1080

Address: 1751 Ensley Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90024 Website: www.clementineonline.com

2ND PLACE

MARY & ROBBS

WESTWOOD CAFE

Phone Number: 310-478-3822

Address: 1455 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90024 Website: www.maryandrobbs.com

3RD PLACE

TERRA - EATALY L.A.

Phone Number: 213-310-8008

Address: 10250 Santa Monica Boulevard, Roof, Los Angeles, CA 90067 Website: www.eataly.com/us_en/stores/ los-angeles/la-terra

BEST HAPPY HOUR

BEST HOSPITAL/ URGENT CARE

BEST REAL ESTATE AGENT/BROKER

WINNER HINOKI AND THE BIRD

Phone Number: 310-552-1200

Address: 10 W. Century Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90067 Website: www.hinokiandthebird.com

2ND PLACE

BROXTON BREWERY AND PUBLIC HOUSE

Phone Number: 310-933-9949

Address: 1099 Westwood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90024 Website: www.broxtonla.com

3RD PLACE

THE TUCK ROOM TAVERN

Phone Number: 310-307-7004

Address: 10840 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90024 Website: www.thetuckroom.com

WINNER

UCLA HEALTH - LOS ANGELES

Phone Number: 310-825-9111

Address: 757 Westwood Plaza Website: www.ucla.edu

2ND PLACE 24/7 ORTHOPEDIC URGENT CARE

Phone Number: 877-806-7846

Address: 2080 Century Park E, Ste 807, Los Angeles, CA 90067 Website: www.orthourgentcarela.com

3RD PLACE

ONE MEDICAL

Phone Number: 310-300-1059

Address: 10250 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90067 Website: www.onemedical.com

WINNER TAMKIN GROUP REAL ESTATE TEAM

Phone Number: 310-493-4141

Address: 9454 Wilshire Blvd., 4th Fl Beverly Hills, CA 90212 Website: www.compass.com/agents/ tamkin-real-estate-group

2ND PLACE CORY HOLTZMAN

Phone Number: 310-299-1900

Address: 10600 W Pico Blvd fl 2, Los Angeles, CA 90064 Website: www.coryholtzman.com

PLACE

VANESSA MONTIELMONTIEL ESTATES

Phone Number: 424-335-5636

Address: 10960 Wilshire Blvd Suite 100, Los Angeles, CA 90024 Website: www.montielestates.com

Phone Number: 310-474-1588

Address: 1536 Selby Avenue,

CA 90024

LOVING

Phone Number: 310-479-4319

Phone Number: 310-208-3375 Address: 1129 Glendon Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90024 Website: www.espressoprofetalosangeles.com

Phone Number: 424-293-0335

Address: 11645 Wilshire Blvd Suite #605, Los Angeles, CA 90025 Website: www.rejuvamedical.org/https:// www.espressoprofetalosangeles.com

Phone Number: 310-836-3464

Address: 10361 W Pico Blvd,

Address: 10948 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025 Website: www.losangelespetspa.com

Phone Number: 424-245-4022

Address: 10203 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90067 Website: www.hankscafe.net

Phone Number: 424-245-4022

Address: 10929 Santa Monica Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90025 Website: www.mendmemassage.com

Phone Number: 310-441-2073

Phone

Address: 1873 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025 Website: www.justfoodfordogs.com/ store/?storeId=20537

Phone Number: 310-341-0996 Address: 10962 Le Conte Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90024 Website: www.upsidedown.com

Phone Number: 310-909-9747

Address: 1051 Glendon Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90024 Website: www.mirrormedspa.com

Phone

2ND PLACE

Phone

2000

3RD PLACE

MEDICAL PLAZA PHARMACY

Phone Number: 310-553-3434

Address: 2080 Century Park East, STE 102, Los Angeles, California 90067 Website: www.mygnp.com/pharmacies/ century-city-medical-plaza-pharmacylos-angeles-ca-90067

BEST FLORAL SHOP/ NURSERY

MYSTIC FLOWERS & GARDENS

Phone Number: 310-284-3417

Address: 1925 Century Park E STE M, Los Angeles, CA 90067 Website: www.mysticflowersandgardens.com

2ND PLACE PAPILLON FLOWERS

Phone Number: 310-475-7722

Address: 1748 1/2 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90024

Website: www.papillonflowers.com

3RD PLACE

CITY FLORIST

Phone Number: 310-287-1018

Address: 10570 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90064

COOKIES

Phone Number: 818-806-7303

Address: 945 Westwood Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA, 90024 Website: www.insomniacookies.com/locations

2ND PLACE

AND

Phone Number: 310-477-5533

Address: 1387 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90024 Website: www.saffronrosepersianicecream.com

3RD PLACE

MACARON

Phone Number: 323-336-7550

Address: 10250 Santa Monica Blvd STE 9200, Los Angeles, CA 90067 Website: www.lemacaron-us.com/ locations/los-angeles

MARYMOUNT

UCLA Engineering Launches Free, Immersive Math Program for High School Students

Program will servie underserved students

A new program at the UCLA Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science aims to provide a robust STEM curriculum for students from underserved Los Angeles Unified School District high schools.

The Mathematics Achievement Program, which is free of charge for admitted students, will bring high schoolers to UCLA’s campus for advanced math lessons and hands-on activities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The program, which runs three Saturdays per month from October through May, will also provide complimentary transportation, meals and school supplies.

This program was made possible by financial support from the Eugene and Marilyn Stein Family Foundation. Eugene Stein is a UCLA alumnus and a longtime member of the dean’s executive board at UCLA Engineering. It is also supported by a five-year commitment from Raytheon Intelligence & Space, and by Amazon and Northrop Grumman.

The program is spearheaded by the engineering school’s Center for Excellence in Engineering and Diversity as part of its commitment to build sustainable, quality STEM education for K–12 students.

Nearly 40 ninth and 10th grade students were chosen for the program’s first year. They will take part in hands-on projects led by UCLA Engineering students and faculty, in addition to lab tours, field trips and panel discussions featuring industry collaborators, many of whom are UCLA alumni.

more

program here.

Photo: UCLA Samueli School of Engineering. Forty Los Angeles high school students were chosen to participate in the program’s inaugural year.

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.

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