Best of Century City-Westwood 2021

Century City/ Westwood October 22 – November 25, 2021

NEWS CenturyCity-WestwoodNews.com

Best of Century City 2021

2

Century City-Westwood News

October 22 – November 25, 2021

BEST JEWELER/JEWELRY We want to thank the community for voting in this year’s Best Of Century City/Westwood 2021! We had well over 30,000 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!

WINNER – KIDS ARTISTIC SENSE Address: 2127 Westwood Blvd.

Phone Number: (310) 474-7888 • Website: kidsartisticsense.org Kids Artistic Sense, Inc is an art-focused educational company established in 2010. We are dedicated to enriching the lives of children ages 2-10. We support their growth and development through ageappropriate, intentional learning experiences that strengthen self-confidence and enhance artistic creativity. We offer private art classes, camps for all seasons and art birthday parties. Our young artists can now learn visual arts and design outside of the art studio in the comfort of their own home, creating their own art masterpiece with our 1 Month Art Class in A Box—our signature visual arts and design monthly art program transformed into a class in a box.

2ND PLACE RUNNER UP – THE PLAYGROUND Address: 10390 Santa Monica Blvd. #100 Phone Number: (310) 286-6770 • Website: theplayground.com The Playground is a young actors’ conservatory: a place where actors, of all ages, are immersed in the craft of in person Film & Television Acting. Gary Spatz is one of the top child acting coaches in the world and has over 30 years of experience working with children in the entertainment industry.

3RD PLACE RUNNER UP – PAMPER AND PLAY Address: 2279 Westwood Blvd.

Phone Number: (310) 441-0797 • Website: pamperplay.com

ceNtury city-WestWOOd NeWs

OctOber 22 – NOvember 25, 2021

3

Best RestauRant

Best Happy Hour

Best Real estate Company/agent

Best Pet store/ service/ vet

Winner – Mary and robbs WestWood Cafe

Winner – The Tuck room Tavern

Winner – Cory Holtzman

Winner – Tender Loving Care PeT SPa

Address: 1071 Glendon Ave Phone Number: (310) 208-1071 Website: maryandrobbs.com/

Address: 10840 Wilshire Blvd.

Phone Number: (310) 307-7004 Website: thetuckroom.com

Address: 10600 W. Pico Blvd. fl 2 Phone Number: (310) 299-1900 Website: coryholtzman.com

Address: 10948 Santa Monica Blvd.

Phone Number: (310) 479-4319 Website: tenderlovingcarepetspa.com

2nd PlaCe runner uP – felloW

2nd Place runner uP – Javier’s canTina

2nd PlaCe runner uP – tamkin GrouP

2nd PLaCe runner uP – CiTydog! CLub

Address: 1071 Glendon Ave. Phone Number: (310) 314-7700 Website: www.fellow.la

3rd PlaCe runner uP – Hinoki and tHe bird Address: 10 W Century Dr Phone Number: (310) 552-1200 Website: hinokiandthebird.com

Address: 10250 Santa Monica Blvd.

Phone Number: (424) 313-8143 Website: javiers-cantina.com

3rd Place runner uP – Barney’s Beanery Address: 1037 Broxton Ave. Phone Number: (310) 443-7777 Website: barneysbeanery.com/location/ westwood

Address: 9454 Wilshire Blvd.

Phone Number: (310) 493-4141 Website: nestrealtors.com

Address: 1815 Pontius Ave. Phone Number: (310) 477-0364 Website: citydogclub.com

3rd PlaCe runner uP – Heyler realty

3rd PLaCe runner uP – HeaLTHy SPoT

Address: 10659 W. Pico Blvd.

Phone Number: (310) 470-2030 Website: https://www.heylerrealty.com

Address: 10250 Santa Monica Blvd.

Phone Number: (424) 317-6900 Website: healthyspot.com

OPEN NOW FOR TOURS

Avenir

MEMORY CARE Westside

• Unique Cognitive Placement • Fully Furnished Suites • Licensed Nurses with 24/7 Oversight • Private & Semi-Private Suites with Personal Bathrooms • Resident-Centered Activity Programs • Secured Patios and Courtyards • Luxury Living 7501 Osage Ave • Los Angeles, CA 90045 www.AvenirSeniorLiving.com

Call Today for Your Personalized Tour

License Pending

(424) 903-1047

4

Century City-Westwood News

October 22 – November 25, 2021

Lawmaker Calls for Enforcement of Anti-Camping Laws in Westwood Los Angeles City Councilmember Paul Koretz files motion

By Dolores Quintana A Los Angeles lawmaker representing Century City and Westwood is calling for enforcement of anti-camping laws in Westwood.

Los Angeles City Councilmember Paul Koretz filed a motion on October 5, 2021, with the City Council, calling for enforcement of the recent anti-camping ordinance in his district, specifically in the area of Westwood, as reported by the Daily Bruin.

The motion names six areas of concern: Westwood Park at 10999 Rochester Avenue, Military Avenue and the 10 Freeway – Underpass, 8580 Burton Way (Burton Way median from S. Clark Drive to S. San Vicente Boulevard), Holt Avenue – from Burton Way to 3rd Street, 8216 Beverly Blvd (Southeast corner of Beverly and Harper, adjacent to LADWP Facility), and 2247 Pontius (between Tennessee Avenue and Olympic Boulevard) and after outreach from city services, calls for notices to be posted and for enforcement and eviction to begin after the notice period expires if the unhoused people living in the area have not left.

The ordinance bans sitting, sleeping, lying, or storing personal property in public areas

which is a practice that many homeless people engage in at various sites around the city. The ordinance calls for city services to conduct outreach at the sites that are identified, but it is unknown what that outreach is actually composed of. If the unhoused don’t accept this outreach or don’t leave the area, they are subject to eviction from the space during a street sweep. In a report from the City Administration Officer, an engagement plan has been drawn up, but it is also unclear how many beds or other shelter options are available for the homeless people who will be displaced.

City Councilmember Koretz claims that he filed the motion to address emergency calls relating to fires, violence and drug use at the respective locations. He also claims that community members have been supportive of his outreach efforts, and his office will continue them prior to evicting individuals at Westwood Park as reported by the Daily Bruin.

“We are continuing to have the non-profits work with our unhoused offering services,” Koretz said in an emailed statement. “My office remains committed to serving our unhoused neighbors.” as quoted by the Daily Bruin.

However, the question remains where these people will go if they are not offered shelter and given help with the issues in their lives that lead to homelessness in the first place. Of note is the fact that this is not the first city ordinance to prohibit belongings of

the unhoused being stored in public spaces.

Section 56.11 of the Municipal Code states that storage of personal property in public spaces is prohibited, especially near or in parks, near driveways, on sidewalks, and near highways. The ordinance defines the objects as bulky, but that could easily be a description of some of the most common belongings of the unhoused like tents.

In a quote given to Daily Bruin, Jacob Wasserman said that Koretz’s motion was one of several similar motions filed to enforce the July City ordinance criminalizing homelessness. These previous motions used similar language to link enforcement of the ordinance to public health and safety.

Street sweeps are often done by crews that have police officers embedded in them.

In a quote given to the Daily Bruin Gabriel Durkin-White, who is a UCLA law student and volunteer for Street Watch LA, said he believes this motion aims to criminalize homelessness in Westwood and around LA and that he believes the motion will pass at the city council but will not result in permanent housing solutions for Westwood Park’s residents experiencing homelessness.

According to Durkin-White he regularly visited Westwood Park for years but failed to see the needs of individuals experiencing homelessness met, including showers and working restrooms.

“We just don’t support sweeps,” DurkinWhite said. “There’s no amount of services that would make it OK to send cops to throw people’s stuff away.”

October 22 – November 25, 2021

Century City-Westwood News

Not eligible for all property types. Eligible for fixed rate, jumbo loans on primary or second homes only. Applicant subject to credit and underwriting approval. Not all applicants will be approved for financing. Receipt of application does not represent an approval for financing or interest rate guarantee. Restrictions may apply, contact Guaranteed Rate Affinity, LLC for current rates and for more information.

Find your forever home faster. Call today to learn more about your options.

Ryan Woodward

Vice President, Mortgage Lending

O: (310) 791-6077 grarate.com/ryanwoodward Ryan.Woodward@grarate.com 130 North Brand Blvd, Suite 207 Glendale, CA 91203 NMLS ID: 700492, LO#: CA CA - CA-DFPI700492 Guaranteed Rate Affinity, LLC is a registered trademark of Guaranteed Rate, Inc., used under license. Guaranteed Rate Affinity, LLC is a subsidiary of Guaranteed Rate, Inc.; NMLS #1598647; For licensing information visit nmlsconsumeraccess.org. Equal Housing Lender. Conditions may apply Guaranteed Rate Affinity, LLC is a registered trademark of Guaranteed Rate, Inc., used under license. Guaranteed Rate Affinity, LLC is a subsidiary of Guaranteed Rate, Inc. CA: Licensed by the Department of Business Oversight under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act

5

6

ceNtury city-WestWOOd NeWs

OctOber 22 – NOvember 25, 2021

Best Hospital/ Urgent Care

Best Coffee shop

Best Media/day spa and Massage

Best Jeweler/ Jewelry

Winner – UCLA HeALtH – Los AngeLes

Winner espresso profeta

Winner – MendMe Massage

Winner – Sarah Leonard Fine JeWeLerS

Address: 757 Westwood Plaza Phone Number: (310) 825-9111 Website: https://www.uclahealth.org/ reagan

Address: 1129 Glendon Ave. Phone Number: (310) 208-3375 Website: espressoprofetalosangeles.com

Address: 10929 Santa Monica Blvd.

Phone Number: (424) 293-0335 Website: mendmemassage.com

Address: 1055 Westwood Blvd.

Phone Number: (310) 208-3131 Website: sarahleonardjewelers.com

2nd PLACe rUnner UP – West LA Urgent CAre Address: 11560 W. Pico Blvd Phone Number: (310) 477-8285 Website: urgentmednetwork.com/ westlosangelesurgentcare

3rd PLACe rUnner UP – exer Urgent CAre Address: 2090 Westwood Blvd.

Phone Number: (213) 814-4070 Website: exerurgentcare.com/urgentcare-westwood

Sunny and Lenny Friedman opened Sarah Leonard Fine Jewelers in 1946 as a “Mom & Pop” store.

Today, we are among the most prominent jewelers in Los Angeles. We are the only merchant ever to receive the Monumental Business Award! Thanks to you, who made us what we are today.

2nd place runner up Ministry of coffee Address: 1010 Glendon Ave. Phone Number: (424) 256-2276 Website: moc.coffee

Address: 10602 W Pico Blvd Phone Number: (310) 839-8322 Website: selfindulgence-spa.com

2nd PLace runner uP – ricardo BaSta Fine JeWeLry Address: 10307 Santa Monica Blvd.

Phone Number: (310) 278-4792 Website: ricardobasta.com

3rd place runner up coffee toMo Address: 11309 Mississippi Ave. Phone Number: (424) 444-9390 Website: coffeetomo.com

Why Vistamar? Reason #2: Challenging, innovative academics, dedicated faculty and a supportive community guarantee success.

Join us at an Open House:

Dec. 11, Jan. 8

Hear all the reasons you’ll succeed at Vistamar.

More information: vistamarschool.org/admissions

@vistamarschool

We believe there’s a better way to do high school.

Vistamar is a private independent high school in the South Bay. VM 2021 OH ad 4.91x5.75 Res2.indd 1

2nd Place runner uP – self indulgence sPa

10/24/21 7:34 PM

3rd Place runner uP – gold finger Massage Address: 1900 Westwood Blvd, Phone Number: (424) 256-2456 Website: goldfingermassage.com

3rd PLace runner uP – eichBerg JeWeLry Address: 10305 Santa Monica Blvd.

Phone Number: (310) 271-4796 Website: eichbergjewelers.com

OctOber 22 – NOvember 25, 2021

ceNtury city-WestWOOd NeWs

7

kriszacuto.com

518 E Imperial Avenue, El Segundo 4 Beds | 3.5 Baths | 1,974 SF Offered at $1,499,000 Rare opportunity at Waypointe in El Segundo for an incredible newer construction townhouse. This multi-level luxury home offers a spacious functional floor plan with an attractive contemporary design throughout. This highly sought after southwest corner unit offers both the utmost privacy in the community as well as unobstructed views from the roof deck over the rest of El Segundo. Waypointe is close to the excitement of downtown El Segundo’s shopping, dining and entertainment, as well as firstclass schools and so much more.

About Kris Zacuto Kris Zacuto, Broker Associate with Compass, has established himself as an authority on luxury real estate in the Silicon Beach market. In 2017, he partnered with Brookfield Residential as the exclusive listing agent for Playa Vista’s most luxurious homes - Jewel Playa Vista. Exclusively presenting and selling all 14 new construction residences was an unprecedented accomplishment for the area, which resulted in numerous sales records set in the process.

Get in touch.

310.702.6299 | kris@kriszacuto.com DRE 01972897

Compass is a licensed real estate broker (01991628) in the State of California and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdraw without notice. No statement is made as to accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footages are approximate. Exact dimensions can be obtained by retaining the services of an architect or engineer.

This is not intended to solicit properties already listed.

8

ceNtury city-WestWOOd NeWs

OctOber 22 – NOvember 25, 2021

Best Nail/Hair saloN

Best Gym/ Workout Facility

Best Pharmacy

Best Dentist

Winner – Taka Hair Salon

Winner – PKG Martial arts acadeMy

Winner – Mickey Fine PharMacy

Winner – Dr. Bill Dorfman, DDs.

Address: 1845 Westwood Blvd.

Phone Number: (310) 575-6819 Website: takahair.com

Address: 1401 Westwood Blvd.

Phone Number: (310) 575-4500 Website: https://pkgla.com

Address: 2000 Avenue of the Stars Phone Number: (310) 277-6123 Website: https://www.mickeyfine.com

Address: 2080 Century Park E. Ste. 1601 Phone Number: (310) 277-5678 Website: billdorfmandds.com

2nd Place runner uP – lak nailbar

2nd Place runner uP – Bishoy’s GyM

2nd Place runner uP – WestWood PharMacy

2nD Place runner uP – richarD s silvera, DDs.

Address: 1747 Westwood Blvd.

Phone Number: (424) 402-8119 Website: https://www.laknailbar.com

Address: 10522 W. Pico Blvd.

Phone Number: (310) 499-6454 Website: bishoysgym.com

3

rd

Place runner uP – karen’S nailS

Address: 10649 W. Pico Blvd.

Phone Number: (310) 475-8185 Website: N/A

3

rd

Place runner uP – oraGnetheory

Address: 10250 Santa Monica Blvd. #1420 Phone Number: (310) 405-0009 Website: orangetheory.com

Address: 10921 Wilshire Blvd.

Phone Number: (310) 208-6666 Website: N/A

3rd Place runner uP – alWays r/X coMPounding PharMacy Address: 2001 Westwood Blvd.

Phone Number: (310) 877-7795 Website: alwaysrx.com

Address: 2080 Century Park E. Ste. 1003 Phone Number: (310) 553-2828 Website: drsilvera.com

3rD Place runner uP – cosmetic Dental of WestWooD Address: 1762 Westwood Blvd. Ste. 460 Phone Number: (310) 474-3765 Website: westwooddentist.net

Century City Gearing Up for LA Marathon Finish Line Celebration Live music, food specials, beer gardens, pop-up experiences and more on November 7 By sam Catanzaro Century City will transform into a post-race destination for the Los Angeles Marathon on November 7 with live music, food specials, beer gardens, pop-up experiences and more.

Earlier this month, Century Park—an entire city block of prestigious Century City real estate known for attracting globally recognized brands and A-list talent across entertainment and tech—announced original programming as the host of the official finish line celebration for the Los Angeles Marathon presented by ASICS on Sunday, November 7, 2021.

“The curated events are a welcomed opportunity to enjoy a day full of activity for marathoners, friends, families, as well as neighborhood locals. Century City is booming with new life, thanks to restored developments and the continued success of iconic properties such as Century Park,” Century Park said in a

press release.

Now it its 36th year, the Los Angeles Marathon presented by ASICS begins at Dodger Stadium and concludes for the first time ever on the Avenue of the Stars.

The route is billed as the “Stadium to the Stars” racecourse. Organizers are hoping to cultivate a spirited finish line experience with entertainment–including live music, food specials, beer gardens, pop-up retail, foot and spa treatments– kicking off at 9:00 a.m.

Century Park is curating a lineup of live bands and DJ performances throughout the day in partnership with Winston House—the Venice Beach-based music series known for housing intimate concerts and transforming everyday spaces like retail shops into locations for secret live shows. The Main Stage’s headlining talent will be announced in the coming weeks.

To satiate hungry runners and spectators, Century Park’s mainstay eateries offer a variety of special menus and hearty dishes to help marathoners re-charge at Mendocino Farms, Habanero Grill, Piknic, and The Stand (11 a.m.- 3 p.m.). The Finisher’s Beer Garden presented by Heineken 0.0 as well as Volvo Coffee Car (10 a.m.-2:30 p.m.) will be a welcome respite to refuel.

On-site remedies and spa treatments will be a welcome relief for marathoners to relax

North view of Century Park in Century City.

and toss off their running shoes in exchange for recovery services including ice baths and a Nuun Re-hydration Station. Popup retail shopping experiences include the ASICS Finisher Merch Store and more to be announced in the coming weeks.

Photo: CBRE.

Distances for everyone are available with the LA Big 5K run/walk and LA Kids ½ K, hosted at Dodger Stadium on Saturday, November 6 and the Los Angeles Marathon on Sunday, November 7.

9

Century City-Westwood News

October 22 – November 25, 2021

VA Secretary Pledges to House Over 500 Veterans, Including Those at San Vicente Encampment, by End of Year Announcement comes after Secretary Denis McDonough’s visit to San Vicente encampment

McDonough did not provide details on how the housing initiative will be funded or where the veterans would be housed other than that some could go into transitional housing facilities on the VA campus.

The news comes weeks before the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department (LASD) announced it will begin clearing the San Vicente encampment on November 1. LASD Homeless Outreach Service Team (HOST) is leading the clean-up, following a similar effort over the summer the agency carried out on the Venice Beach Boardwalk. LASD Lieutenant Geoffrey Deedrick, a leader of the HOST team, did not immediately respond to an email asking if McDonough’s announcement impacts the LASD clean-up effort.

The Brentwood Community Council (BCC) told the Brentwood News that it has no information as to whether the VA announcement will impact the LASD effort.

The BCC did issue a statement applauding the effort, however, saying it will completely solve the problem.

“Fast, intensive action by the VA is welcome news and long overdue, especially after 2 Veteran murders within six months on San Vicente. We’re also grateful to the LASD HOST program for pushing forward to house homeless Veterans and return the County sidewalk to a safe, ADA accessible public space,” the BCC said. “However, VA action

will not resolve the core issue that we had to call the Sheriff to get action for an encampment on County property, as County Supervisor Sheila Keuhl refused to implement an ‘Encampment to Home’ program for homeless Veterans on San Vicente, before or after the Covid crisis, nor will she bring forth a Motion to limit sidewalk camping near sensitive use areas, such as rehab centers, schools and libraries, similar to the City of Los Angeles.”

Supervisor Sheila Kuehl’s office declined to comment for this article. The Los Angeles Homeless Service Authority (LAHSA), however, issued the following statement: “LAHSA, LA County Sherriff HOST team, VA and community partners, with the support of Supervisor Kuehl’s office, have been actively working at the San Vicente encampment to

provide resources and connection to housing for our unhoused neighbors for weeks.

Since late September, we have placed over 20 individuals from San Vicente into interim or permanent housing. We are encouraged that Secretary McDonough recognizes the urgency and unjust nature of allowing those who have served our country to languish on the streets.

To get this done, the Greater Los Angeles VA Medical Center needs to match the urgency and come to the table with an all-hands-ondeck, principles based approach, focused on innovation, and a commitment to intentional and intense collaboration with community partners who have been working at this site.

The Secretary’s announcement of resources for 500 veterans is a great step forward, and we anticipate successful collaboration.”

Best Dessert

Best Country/ MeMBership CluB

Best Flower shop/Nursery

Best Dry Cleaners/tailors

Winner – Saffron and roSe ice cream

Winner – Griffin Club los AnGeles

Winner – PaPillon FloWers

Winner – nicholas alterations

Address: 1387 Westwood Blvd.

Phone Number: (310) 477-5533 Website: saffronrosepersianicecream.com

Address: 3084 Motor Ave. Phone Number: (310) 836-4400 Website: griffinclubla.com

Address: 1748 Westwood Blvd.

Phone Number: (310) 475-7722 Website: http://www.floraldesignslosangeles.com/

Address: 2388 Parnell Ave. Phone Number: (310) 470-1552 Website: https://nicolasalterations.com

2 PlACe runner uP – HillCrest Country Club

2 Place runner uP – WestWood FloWer shoP

By Sam Catanzaro The Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough has announced plans to place over 500 homeless veterans in Los Angeles, including those living along San Vicente Boulevard in Brentwood, into housing by the end of the year.

The secretary recently visited “Veterans Row” in Los Angeles, just outside the West Los Angeles VA Medical Center. Following the visit, this Wednesday McDonough announced two steps addressing Veterans’ homelessness in Los Angeles.The first is to get everyone currently living on “Veterans Row”, around 40 people, into housing by November. The second is to get an additional 500 homeless Veterans in Los Angeles into housing by the end of this year.

McDonough was visiting the encampment weeks after the second homicide in six months on “Veterans Row”. In April a man was arrested for killing an unhoused male veteran man with a vehicle. In September another unhoused male Veteran was killed in a stabbing.

2

nd

Place runner uP – Honey mee

nd

Veterans Row on San Vicente Boulevard in Brentwood.

nd

Photo: Juliet Lemar.

2nd Place runner uP – santo’s tailor shoP and dry cleaning

Address: 10000 W. Pico Blvd.

Phone Number: (310) 553-8911 Website: https://www.hcc-la.com

Address: 3101 Overland Ave. Phone Number: (310) 470-7673 Website: westwoodflowershop.com

3rd Place runner uP – B SWeet deSert Bar

3rd PlACe runner uP – los AnGeles Country Club

3rd Place runner uP – WestWood FloWer Garden

3rd Place runner uP – Payless cleaners

Address: 2005 Sawtelle Blvd.

Phone Number: (310) 963-9769 Website: mybsweet.com

Address: 10101 Wilshire Blvd.

Phone Number: (310) 276-6104 Website: https://www.thelacc.org

Address: 1091 Gayley Ave. Phone Number: (310) 208-4000 Website: westwoodflowergarden.com

Address: 1882 Westwood Blvd.

Phone Number: (310) 474-8509 Website: N/A

Address: 11301 W. Olympic Blvd.

Phone Number: (310) 473-0500 Website: https://honeymee.com

Address: 11319 Massachusetts Ave. Phone Number: (323) 615-1924 Website: https://www.losangelestailoringservice.com

10

Century City-Westwood News

Los Angeles Metro To Construct New Westwood Station for Purple Line

October 22 – November 25, 2021

BEST HEALTH STORE

WINNER – NEXT HEALTH CENTURY CITY Address: 10250 Santa Monica Blvd.

Phone Number: (310) 295-2075 Website: https://www.next-health.com Next Health champions proactive and personalized healthcare with its state-of-the-art Health Optimization and Longevity Centers. Beautifully designed locations in Los Angeles and New York combine cutting-edge medical technology with comforting hospitality as Next Health elevates the standard of personal care.

Next Health offers its members and guests unprecedented access to the future of wellness technology with its comprehensive suite of services including Hyperbaric Oxygen Chambers, IV Therapy, Infrared Therapy, Cryotherapy, and more. A team of knowledgeable experts is available to empower members to optimize their health and tailor Next Health’s transformative care to their specific needs. It is the brand’s core belief that health is the abundance of vitality, not the absence of disease.

2ND PLACE RUNNER UP – MEDINA CBD WESTWOOD Address: 10866 Wilshire Blvd Ste. 400 Phone Number: (424) 652-6100 Website: https://www.funkycoldmedina.us

3RD PLACE RUNNER UP – NUTRITION JOURNEY

UCLA stop under consideration

By Dolores Quintana New construction of the Metro Purple Line (D Line) will actively continue in the coming months. LA Metro has decided on two stations to be constructed in West Los Angeles, at the corner of Westwood and Wilshire, as well as at the West LA Veterans Affairs Medical Center.

This is part of the Sepulveda Transit Corridor Project which began in 2018 which has the goal of connecting the San Fernando Valley to the Westside by the year 2035 and ultimately connect the San Fernando Valley to LAX by the year 2059 as reported by the Daily Bruin.

However the community has asked that Metro consider opening a station at UCLA, because housing options that are within the reach of the students’ budgets are extremely limited in the neighborhoods nearby. The Westside Regional Alliance of Councils, which includes many of the local neighborhood councils such as the North Westwood Neighborhood Council, urged Metro to consider alternative station locations.

They feel strongly that a UCLA station would be a great benefit to UCLA students, who frequently rely on public transportation.

The NWWNC represents UCLA, Westwood Village and the North Village in meetings with the LA City Council.

“Improving transit options in the Westside has the potential to significantly reduce some individuals’ commute times because of the advantages of traveling underground between the Westside and downtown LA,” said Jacob

Photo: LA Metro (Facebook)

Wasserman, who is a research project manager at the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs told the Daily Bruin.

It’s part of the overall goal of LA Metro to increase rider usage of the transit system to relieve traffic congestion and air pollution.

The extension of the train system underground to connect different parts of the city is part of that effort. The 405 Freeway through the Sepulveda Pass is one of the busiest freeway routes in Los Angeles according to Metro.net.

Wasserman further expounded to the Daily Bruin that “By adding a stop at the UCLA campus, Metro usage may increase as students are among those most likely to need transit options because they don’t own a car.”

Wasserman was appointed to the NWWNC Transportation and Safety Committee as a member of the public.

Wasserman makes the point that stations have to be placed in the areas that are most useful for potential transit customers in order to increase usage of the transit system. A transit system that is not useful to the public is one that is unlikely to be successful.

NWWNC president Furkan Yalcin told the Daily Bruin that he thinks having a station directly at UCLA would be the most important part of the Sepulveda Transit Corridor Project because of the thousands of people who commute to UCLA and Westwood. He is also the at-large stakeholder in the neighborhood.

LA Metro has stated that four out of five of the alternative station plans would include a UCLA station. Metro has released a statement that they will be seeking the community’s opinions on the subject through scoping meetings open to the public and a comment period to gather further information about the public’s preferences.

Address: 1801 Century Park E #2400 Phone Number: (310) 560-4085 Website: nutritionjourney.com

$10 OFF

OF ANY SERVICE ON YOUR FIRST VISIT Covid-19 Compliance and safe Environment free of Germs and viruses.

424-293-0335 10929 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles (Westwood Area) Ca 90025 http://www.mendmemassage.com/ • Social Media: @mendmemassage

To u c h - Sq u e e z e M e - M e n d M e Me

11

Century City-Westwood News

October 22 – November 25, 2021

Column: How To Eat Lots Of Food And Still Lose Weight

By Jason Friedman

I have always been a fan of eating lots of food. It is much more satiating physically because of what happens in our bodies when we eat lots of food, and mentally knowing the huge bowl of food I just ate was the same amount of calories as a small bag of trail mix.

In general, when we think of a low calorie diet we think less food. In this article I will explain why that is not always the case.

What Is The Point Of Eating For Volume?

The whole point of eating for volume is to maximize the amount of food you can eat, while keeping your caloric intake as low as possible. I find this method very effective because the stomach can only hold so much food at a time. Therefore, if you focus on eating foods lower in calories yet still high in volume there will be less space in your stomach for caloric dense foods. This method will help you feel much more full even though you ate the same amount of calories, as seen in this photo below. A helpful tip I like to tell my clients when their goal is to lose weight is to drink a glass of water before each meal. This is a calorie free way to fill up your stomach, making you feel somewhat full which will cause you to eat less food.

Many Other Benefits Of Eating For Volume

Include: • Volume foods are nutrient dense meaning you will get much more vitamins and minerals which will improve exercise performance, sleep, energy levels, brain function, and overall health.

• They provide lots of fiber, leading to better digestive health and fullness.

• Most foods higher in volume contain lots of water which will keep you more hydrated.

• As mentioned earlier it is also more satisfying mentally to know that you just ate a huge plate of food while consuming a very low amount of calories.

Why I Believe Many Diets Tend To Fail The reason certain diets tend to fail is because of hunger. If you do not feel satisfied after eating your meal you are most likely going to get more food. If you do that consistently you will no longer be in a caloric deficit, meaning you will not lose any more weight.

What Foods Should I Eat When Eating For Volume?

Foods higher in fiber tend to have more bulk, while being more filling and lower in calories.

Try to eat more vegetables and fruits if you want to add volume to your plate, because they contain lots of fiber and are lower in calories.

Lean sources of protein with very little fat

are also great high-volume foods. As a bonus, protein is the most satiating macronutrient and has a high thermic effect, which means that eating protein will satisfy your hunger better than eating carbs or fat will, and protein takes more energy to metabolize. This increase in energy expenditure can help you better maintain an energy deficit to lose body fat. If

you want to see a list of foods to eat and healthy food alternatives that are high in volume and low in calories, checkout the rest of my blog on my website www.fitnessandoats.com Jason Friedman is a NASM certified personal fitness trainer in Brentwood He can be reached at: (310) 492-3265, jason@fitnessandoats.com

Three Charged in Alleged Scheme to Steal Hundreds of Thousands of Dollars Meant for Homeless Assistance Attorney General Bonta files charges in connection with alleged theft from Los Angelesbased homelessness assistance program B y N ick A ntonicello California Attorney General Rob Bonta is pressing charges against three defendants allegedly involved in a scheme to steal hundreds of thousands in public funds from Los Angeles-based nonprofit People Assisting the Homeless (PATH), where two were employees, to benefit family and friends.

According to the complaint, PATH funds, intended to provide resources to transition unhoused individuals into homes by providing them with affordable housing and other services, were instead used by the defendants for their own purposes.

On September 9, 2021, following an investigation by the Los Angeles Police Department’s Commercial Crimes Division, the Attorney General filed a 56-count felony complaint, charging the defendants–Latoi Pledger, Sareena Stevenson and Valencia Stevenson–with grand theft and embezzlement, as well as a special allegation of aggravated white collar crime with loss over $100,000.

The Los Angeles Homeless Authority contracted PATH to build and manage affordable housing and shelters alongside providing supportive services, including at A Bridge Home homeless shelter in Venice.

From January to September of 2017, working in concert with one another, the three defendants, two of whom were employed by PATH, allegedly exploited the system by submitting fraudulent referrals and assistance requests to PATH for clients who were not homeless and thus ineligible to receive PATH funds, the complaint states.

“These clients included their associates, friends, and families, whose identities they manipulated through forged and falsified materials, such as leases and income documents, so that they appeared eligible for PATH assistance,” the Attorney General’s office said in a statement.

All three defendants have entered notguilty pleas and are due in court again next month, the Los Angeles Times reported, who also writes that PATH reported the alleged misconduct to the LAPD and cooperated in the investigation. “As an organization dedicated to ending homelessness for individuals, families, and communities, we are appalled that people would take away valuable resources from vulnerable, unhoused people,” the PATH said in a statement.

According to PATH, around $400,000 was taken. The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority and the PATH’s insurance company covered some of the loss.

Photo: Sam Catanzaro

A Bridge Home shelter in Venice, a temporary homeless shelter operated by PATH.

12

ceNtury city-WestWOOd NeWs

OctOber 22 – NOvember 25, 2021

Learn more at smc.edu

Get Back On Track We’re here to help you succeed.

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Ride Metro for Free

SMC will award over $75 million in financial aid and scholarships to help you achieve your goals.

Los Angeles County’s Metro system is launching a two-year pilot program for SMC students to ride its buses and light rail trains for free.

SMC Promise Program The SMC Promise provides free enrollment, a free Chromebook, and up to $1,200 in textbook vouchers to qualifying students.

Vaccination Required Your safety is our number one concern. The SMC Board of Trustees unanimously approved a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination program for the Santa Monica College community.

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; Ali Shirvani, Student Trustee; Kathryn E. Jeffery, Ph.D., Superintendent/President Santa Monica College | 1900 Pico Blvd. Santa Monica, CA 90405 | smc.edu