Century City-Westwood News December 25, 2020

Century City/ Westwood DECEMBER 25 – JANUARY 29, 2021

NEWS CenturyCity-WestwoodNews.com

Century City-Westwood’s Year in Review

2020’s top stories for the Century City-Westwood area, pages 2-5

YOUR AD HERE!

Contact Judy Swartz judy@smmirror.com 310.204.4255

TAX

Open as an essential service for: • Taxes, consulting, help with all the new programs and problems, etc • Can work long distance, with email or the U.S. mail

Samuel Moses, CPA 100 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica • 310.395.9922

2

CENTURY CITY-WESTWOOD NEWS

DECEMBER 25 – JANUARY 29, 2021

January 31, 2020

11 Injured in West LA High-Rise Fire 25-story building catches fire, 11 injured

By Sam Catanzaro Firefighters say that they had to perform CPR on one of the 11 victims of a fire that broke out in a Brentwood-area high-rise apartment complex Wednesday morning, the second time the sprinkler-less building had caught fire in the past decade.

According to the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD), the fire was reported at 8:37 a.m. on the 7th floor of a 25-story residential high-rise complex know as Barrington Plaza located at 11740 Wilshire Boulevard.

“We were met by residents that were literally hanging out of windows,” said LAFD Public Information Officer Captain Erik Scott during a media briefing.

A total of 335 LAFD personnel responded by ground and air, and were assisted by the nearby Santa Monica Fire Department, LAPD Los Angeles Police Department and allied agencies in successfully managing the incident.

According to the LAFD, 15 residents were hoisted off the roof by helicopter.

Two firefighters sustained injuries battling

the fire. According to Scott, they suffered minor burns and were treated and transported to a local hospital.

“That’s due to the intense flames they had to deal with. These firefighters were literally driven to their bellies halfway through that hallway,” Scott said.

The LAFD treated 11 civilian patients. Seven were transported to a local hospital while four were treated and released on the scene.

“The two most serious patients were 30-yearold males. One of which was gravely injured and we had to perform CPR,” Scott said.

According to Scott, the other most serious was another 30-year-old male that was in critical condition. “[he was] hanging out of the window, on the ledge due to the intense heat inside of that building unit of which our firefighters were able to bring that aerial ladder to and rescue. Our understanding is that was the critical patient,” Scott said.

The wind-driven fire was extinguished one hour and 19 minutes after it was first reported.

There were eight civilian patients, most suffering from smoke exposure. Six were transported to a local hospital, including one person who was in grave condition, according to the LAFD. According to the LAFD, high rises in the City of Los Angeles are inspected annually. Barrington Plaza was last inspected in June 2019 and was up to code, says Scott.

The 25-story building had no sprinklers, even

A 25-story high rise in West LA on fire.

though the same building burned almost seven years ago.

According to Scott, Barrington Plaza is one of 55 non-sprinkler-ed high-rises in LA. All of these were built prior to 1974 and therefore the LAFD says they are not required to have sprinklers.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

“Arson investigators are still working very closely with the LAPD to determine the cause,”

Photo: Citizen App

Scott said.

According to LAPD Captain Goddard, there is no link to a separate fire that broke out at a modern sealed high rise office building on the northwest corner of Wilshire Boulevard and San Vicente Boulevard earlier Wednesday morning. According to Goddard, that fire, which was extinguished in 40 minutes, was started by a welding accident.

DECEMBER 25 – JANUARY 29, 2021

CENTURY CITY-WESTWOOD NEWS

SANTA MONICA COLLEGE

Get ahead this 2021 Complete a full-credit class in just 6 weeks.

Winter classes start Jan 4 smc.edu/winter

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

3

4

CENTURY CITY-WESTWOOD NEWS

DECEMBER 25 – JANUARY 29, 2021

April 6, 2020

Housing for Homeless Veterans Now Open Serving Area since 1996 Locally Owned Business

50 beds for homeless veterans

By Sam Catanzaro

Bridge housing for homeless veterans opened Saturday at the West Los Angeles Veterans Administration campus with changes in place intended to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

According to Councilmember Mike Bonin who represents Brentwood, the shelter will give “vulnerable, unhoused veterans an opportunity to comply with social distancing and public health protocols.”

The facility, built by the City of Los Angeles and funded by both the city and the county, will begin as a 50-bed shelter for unhoused veterans who are displaying no symptoms of COVID-19, according to Bonin. The shelter was originally designed as a 100-bed transitional shelter, but will temporarily house a smaller number of veterans in order to comply with social distancing guidelines.

“This is a small payment on the debt we owe our veterans, and I am grateful this facility is finally opening its doors and letting unhoused veterans in,” Bonin said.

This is the second “A Bridge Home” shelter opened in Council District 11. In January, a bridge shelter, accommodating 100 adults and 54 youth, opened in Venice.

The news of the opening of the facility was part

of a larger plan by the Veterans Administration Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System. The VA also announced that 138 beds in building 214 are being made available to veterans who need to isolate or quarantine due to exposure to or risk of COVID-19. The VA is also allowing “safe camping” on the campus for unsheltered veterans in tents. The program, which will allow 25 veterans to participate, will provide showers, restrooms and hot meals, and may expand to accommodate a larger number of veterans.

“I am really pleased to see the local VA opening up the campus this way to those to whom it truly belongings,” Bonin said. “Veterans have been clamoring for more access for generations, and I am grateful the current team at VAGLAHS is stepping up and providing it. The addition of Safe Camping, while the VA builds long-term housing with its Master Plan, is a smart and greatly needed complement to the ‘Safe Parking’ the VA already offers to veterans who live in their cars.”

June 16, 2020

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

Annenberg Space for Photography Closes Permanently COVID-19 pandemic forces decision

By Sam Catanzaro

Century City’s Annenberg Space for Photography has announced it will not reopen its doors after closing due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak in March.

“I’m writing to share some news – borne out of the pandemic that has upended public institutions across the world. After closing its doors to the public in March, the Annenberg Space for Photography will not be re-opening,” Wallis Annenberg wrote.

“It’s been a joy and a privilege to share my favorite art form with the Los Angeles community for these ten wonderful years.

Because a great photograph does so much more than capture what’s in front of us. It captures what’s deep inside us – the trials and the triumphs the naked eye rarely sees.

That’s why the Photo Space has been so

meaningful to me.”

The Annenberg Space for Photography–2000 Avenue of the Stars– was founded in 2009, as a place dedicated to displaying photographic works, ranging from artistic to journalistic, using both traditional photographic prints and modern digital techniques According to Annenberg, the public will be able to view past exhibits, archives of interviews and audio tours through social media and at annenbergphotospace.org.

“We’re going to look for new and creative ways to bring stirring art to the public in the years ahead,” Annenberg said.

“For now, given the unprecedented health crisis we face, the Annenberg Foundation will continue to place its primary focus on helping to support those affected by COVID-19. In addition, we’re going to continue to expand our commitment to social and economic justice, in every way we can.”

DECEMBER 25 – JANUARY 29, 2021

CENTURY CITY-WESTWOOD NEWS

August 11, 2020

Longtime Westside Donut Shop Taking Over Stan’s Donuts Westwood Village Stan’s Donuts to be taken over by Primo’s Donuts

CANCER,

WE CAN HELP

By Sam Catanzaro A longtime Westside donut shop will be taking over the recently-shuttered Stan’s Donuts in Westwood Village.

Primo’s Donuts, located on Sawtelle Boulevard, has announced they are taking over the shop that Stan’s Donuts occupied in Westwood Village at 10948 Weyburn Avenue.

In April Stan’s Donuts closed after 55 years of serving generations of hungry customers from both far and wide after owner and founder Stan Bernan retired, partially due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

“COVID-19 made the decision happen sooner, but I hope that you will remember how our donuts made you smile for many years to come. Thank you for being by my side for all these years,” Berman said in April. “Over the years each of you have touched my life, you have visited me in the early morning hours and the late nights. Your support and friendship has meant more than you know.”

According to Ralph and Celia Primo, founders and owners of Primo’s Donuts, when they heard the news of Berman’s retirement they were upset due to the two shops’ shared

IF YOU’VE GOT

Photo: Primo’s Donuts (Facebook)

Ralph and Celia Primo in front of Stan’s Donuts.

“vision” of baking fresh donuts every morning.

“We were so upset when we heard that Stan’s had decided to close its doors early due to COVID-19. There aren’t many family-owned mom and pops like us left that bake donuts fresh every morning, and we have always felt that we shared the same type of customers and vision for our businesses. The location in the heart of Westwood Village is so iconic, and we are honored to have a chance to open our doors here. We wish Stan the best in his retirement,” Ralph and Celia said.

One of Los Angeles’ most historic doughnut joints, Primo’s Donuts has been serving Westiders from their shop at 2918 Sawtelle Boulevard for 64 years.

LET US HELP YOU IN YOUR FIGHT AGAINST CANCER

LA Marathon With Century City Finish Line Pushed Back Race organizers move event back to May 23

By Sam Catanzaro

The Los Angeles Marathon, set to finish

for the first time ever in Century City, has been delayed due to continued COVID-19 spread.

Marathon, see page 7

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

(888) 580-5900 P

www.HCIoncology.com

5

6

CENTURY CITY-WESTWOOD NEWS

DECEMBER 25 – JANUARY 29, 2021

PIQUE Health Specialized Treatment Plans to Optimize Male Health Beverly Hills-based practice helping men come up with a plan to fully optimize their health

By Sam Catanzaro

Now more than ever, amid a pandemic, people are paying extra attention to their health. With the new year approaching, Beverly Hills’ PIQUE Health– the Westside’s first comprehensive men’s health practice–is helping to optimize wellness for high-performing men, a traditionally underserved demographic.

“We’ve seen chronic pain go up, we’ve seen mental health issues go up,” said Dr. Nell Smircina, Owner and Director of PIQUE Health. “Just as we plan our finances, just as we plan our schedules when it comes to work, you have to do that with your health no matter where you think you are on that health spectrum.”

PIQUE Health has been around since 2018, offering medical care and services to help people live their best lives. In 2020 the company shifted, still focusing on

Commercial and Residential Servicing Southern California since 1996

Dr. Nell Smircina

Photos: Courtesy

health, but gearing their efforts towards men experiencing the effects of aging.

“My practice was always predominantly

PIQUE, see page 7

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 PIQUE Health is the Westside’s first comprehensive men’s health practice

DECEMBER 25 – JANUARY 29, 2021

Marathon, from page 5 The McCourt Foundation–host of the Los Angeles Marathon–recently announced that the race would be taking place on May 23.

The marathon historically occurs every year in early March. On March 8, 2020, around 20,000 contestants crossed the Santa Monica finish line, just days before COVID-19 cases began rising and LA County officials implemented the first stay-at-home order.

Next year, however, the race will not be

PIQUE, from page 6 men…Executives, business owners, people who really lead high-performing lifestyles,” Dr. Smircina said. “A lot of times men are left to age on their own. They aren’t given a lot of options for optimal aging. It’s either ‘okay get some testosterone’ or something else, but there aren’t any conversations around holistic health or a comprehensive health plan.” Our patients at PIQUE are individuals, Dr. Smircina says, with different boundaries to healing and different lifestyles to accommodate their healing. A PIQUE Health treatment plan will provide answers to questions many men may ask themselves but don’t necessarily know how to articulate.

“Why am I tired all of a sudden? Why am I having a lower libido? Why did I used to

CENTURY CITY-WESTWOOD NEWS

7

finishing in Santa Monica. In July, race organizers announced that 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.

“We had a footprint challenge in Santa Monica, just from a space perspective,” added Murphy Reinschreiber, the chief operating officer of the Foundation. “We realized that there’s so much more we could

do if we just had a bigger footprint at the finish line.”

According to organizers, plans to run the race on May 23 are pending the final approval of all city partners, health departments and other agencies. Also, the LA Big 5K will likely be moved to May 22.

Among safety precautions for these races include: significantly limiting field sizes, COVID-19 vaccinations and rapid-testing for participants, mask use hygiene practices and procedures.

be able to focus for 14 hours a day and now I’m down to 6-8? I’m not sleeping as well, I’m not recovering as well,” Dr. Smircina said.“PIQUE is really the solution for that...I wanted a place where men could really come in or have a conversation and say ‘I just don’t feel like myself anymore and what can we do about that?’”

Solutions to these questions typically focus on issues such as testosterone supplementation and erectile dysfunction treatment. PIQUE’s customized treatment plans, however, are results-driven to address the root cause of these ailments, rather than just the many symptoms that arise from Andropause–a misunderstood and rarely discussed medical condition experienced by many middle-aged men. Some common signs of Andropause include decreased muscle tone, increased body fat, decreased energy/

focus, suboptimal sleep, decreased sex drive and suboptimal recovery from workouts. To treat such issues, PIQUE offers men antiaging therapies, including acupuncture and targeted bloodwork.

In addition to targeted bloodwork and acupuncture, PIQUE offers other remedies including cupping, Gua Sha, customized nutrition, herbal medicine and cosmetic therapies like microneedling. With these treatments, Dr. Smircina says, aside from helping patients achieve optimal health, PIQUE can also help men avoid unnecessary medications.

So where can men receive these services?

While the PIQUE is physically located in the heart of Beverly Hills at 9001 Wilshire Boulevard, they are able to treat patients athome or remotely, including patients who are located in different cities and states.

“We are able to connect you with practitioners in whatever city you’re in to be able to continue your treatment,” Dr. Smircina said.

This business model has made adapting to COVID-19 protocols relatively easy for PIQUE Health.

“We’ve always gone to hotels or people’s homes to deliver care, but now we are enhancing the execution of our virtual services in order to elevate the patient experience,” Dr. Smircina says. “Our new offering is the 2021 Health Optimization Consult, which provides clients with a strategic health plan for the New Year”.

PIQUE Health is located in Beverly Hills at 9001 Wilshire Blvd Suite 206. For more information, call (310) 734-7025 or visit www.piquebh.com.

Why Vistamar?

Reason #3:

Better outcomes with our individualized 4 year college planning process and low student:counselor ratio.

JOIN US AT A VIRTUAL OPEN HOUSE: December 12, January 9

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.indd 1

10/21/20 8:26 AM

8

CENTURY CITY-WESTWOOD NEWS

DECEMBER 25 – JANUARY 29, 2021

Local decisions.

Local commitment.

Solutions with extraordinary attention to detail.

Santa Monica | Century City | Beverly Hills | Downtown Los Angeles | San Fernando Valley 1cbank.com | MAIN 310-270-9500 Member FDIC

1CB0131 - Century City News Ad Back Cover Local 2017.indd 1

A division of MidFirst Bank

1/29/20 12:40 PM