The Sale Is Intended to Satisfy Regulators
By Zach Armstrong
The Vons supermarket in the Pacific Palisades, located at 17380 Sunset Blvd, is one of hundreds of stores that Kroger and Albertsons seek to sell in order for regulators to approve their massive merger, as per an updated plan.
The intended $25 billion merger between the grocery franchises was first announced in 2022, when an agreement was reached for Kroger to acquire Albertsons. Both chains are the parent companies of prominent California brands: Safeway, Vons and Pavilions belonging to Albertsons, while Kroger owns Ralphs and Food 4 Less.
If approved, the new combined business would own almost 5,000 stores, thousands of pharmacies and fuel centers, and dozens of distribution centers and plants, according to Patch.
While union leaders and regulators criticized and attempted to block the move, such as when the FTC sued to
Olympic Golf Is Coming to the Pacific Palisades Palisades’ Vons Market Among Hundreds to be Sold Under Merger Plan
To Host the World’s Finest Is Fitting for the West L.A. Course
By Zach Armstrong
In the Summer of 2028, while the Olympic Games take place at several venues throughout Los Angeles, Pacific Palisades’ own Riviera Country Club will be the site for the international multi-sport event’s golf competitions.
halt the acquisition in February, Kroger CEO Rodney McMullen alleged the move would save as much as $1 billion and lead to lower prices and higher wages.
Under the deal, Golden State locations would be sold to C&S Wholesale Grocers, according to Patch.
The Pali storefront would be one of more than 60 California locations offloaded by the companies, and among several in L.A. County such as those in Malibu, Culver City, Beverly Hills, Huntington Beach, Marina del Rey and West Hollywood.
In its suit, the FTC asserts that the deal would lead to higher prices for groceries and other essential household items, reduce competition which would lower the quality of products while narrowing consumers’ choices for where to shop, and erase competition among workers.
“This supermarket mega merger comes as American consumers have seen the cost of groceries rise steadily over the past few years. Kroger’s acquisition of Albertsons would lead to additional grocery price hikes for everyday goods, further exacerbating the financial strain
consumers across the country face today,” said Henry Liu, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Competition, in a news release. “Essential grocery store workers would also suffer under this
deal, facing the threat of their wages dwindling, benefits diminishing, and their working conditions deteriorating.” That suit is scheduled for trial at the end of August, according to Patch.
“The Riviera Country Club will offer a prestigious and continuously challenging backdrop for golf’s most elite players, and we look forward to sharing one of the finest courses with our fans around the world.” Antony Scanlon, executive director of the International Golf Federation, said in a release.
To host the world’s finest is fitting for the West L.A. course, as it often ranks high among those in California and the U.S., while holding a storied history of hosting world-class tournaments.
Golfweek recently ranked Riviera #4 on its Best list of private courses in California, while placing it at #17 among classic U.S. courses. Since 1969, Riviera has consistently landed in Golf Digest’s 100 Greatest Courses, recently coming in at #18 in the U.S. and #4 in the state. In the last few decades, the Palisadian country club has been the host of the 1995 PGA Championship, 1998 U.S. Senior Open and 2017 U.S. Amateur, in addition to several NCAA competitions. Riviera is also set to host the 2026 U.S. Women’s Open and the 2031 U.S. Open.
The Riviera was one of more than a
dozen new venue assignments for the 2028 games that were announced by LA28 officials on Friday: The Marine Stadium in Long Beach will host canoesprint and rowing; The Galen Center–USC’s basketball and volleyball arena–will host badminton; the Dignity Health Sports Park will host cycling, hockey, rugby and tennis; The LA Convention Center will host tennis, judo, fencing, wrestling and taekwondo; and The Peacock Theatre will host weightlifting. Additional venue assignments
throughout L.A. and elsewhere are set to be announced in the coming months, according to Patch.
The 2028 games will mark the sixth time (the fourth since 1904) that golf is featured among the Olympic sports. LA2028’s Opening Ceremony will be held on July 14 of that summer. As for this year’s games, the Olympic golf competitions are set for Aug. 1-10 at Le Golf National; the annual host of the FedEx Open de France and the site of the 2018 Ryder Cup.
Spec Mansion Sale Marks Highest Deal in Palisades in Nearly Two Years
The Deal Was Made Within Just 18 Days on the Market
The sale of a luxurious property at 538 Chautauqua Blvd has set a new record for the Pacific Palisades area, fetching $32.3 million in just 18 days. This sale marks the highest transaction in the area for both 2023 and 2024.
The listing agent, Jacqueline Chernov of Compass, was incentivized by the seller with a gift of a Porsche to expedite the sale, which she successfully accomplished.
“I believe the current housing market remains robust in certain pockets and price points,” said Jacqueline Chernov. “The high-end and lower-end markets continue to stay busy, while the mid-range market has experienced some fluctuations. Overall, demand remains strong. As interest rates decrease and we move past the election year, I anticipate the market will gain even more momentum. Additionally, we’re seeing a significant amount of interest from out-of-state buyers drawn to the lifestyle and amenities our area offers. The ongoing development projects and infrastructure improvements are also promising indicators of continued growth
in our market.”
The residence features a warm, stylish monochromatic palette with sophisticated finishes including Taj Mahal slab stone and Apparatus lighting. The expansive main level boasts 12-foot ceilings and steelframed doors, illuminating the artisancrafted walnut staircase and custom builtins. The gourmet kitchen, dining room, and multiple living areas are designed for
both grand events and intimate gatherings. The main suite offers panoramic views, high vaulted ceilings, a sitting room, coffee bar, dual custom closets, and stoneclad baths, creating a true sanctuary. The backyard is equipped with a zero-edge infinity pool, an outdoor kitchen, and a private cabana, providing an exceptional space for relaxation and entertainment. Additional luxury amenities include a
full spa, theater, and a range of high-end features ensuring ultimate comfort and convenience.
Other notable aspects of the property include a 2-car and subterranean 6-car garage, a home automation system, a private office, Wolf appliances, a gunite pool and spa, an elevator, and a state-ofthe-art security system.
The Angelic Voice of Award-Winning Soprano Golda Zahra
The Angelic Voice of Award-Winning Soprano Golda Zahra
Performing her debut role of Liu in Puccini’s Turandot
Performing her debut role of Liu in Puccini’s Turandot AT WALT DISNEY CONCERT HALL Friday, August 16th at 7:30pm WALT CONCERT HALL Friday, August 16th
“A promising young opera singer.” -The Los Angeles Times
“Rising star of the opera world” -John Lavitt, Hollywood Times
Featuring Dream Orchestra conducted by Daniel Suk with 200 performers, Top Opera Soloists, Opera Choir of Los Angeles, and Han Opera Studio of China Conservatory of Music.
Featuring Dream Orchestra conducted by Daniel Suk with performers, Top Opera Soloists, Opera Choir Los Angeles, and Opera Studio China Conservatory of Music.
A Homeless Man in a Palisades Canyon Was Found With a Revolver. Its Property Owner Has Neglected the Site for Years
The Entire Canyon Is Now a Significant Fire Hazard, According to Officials
By Zach Armstrong
Within a Pacific Palisades canyon, one which officials say has now become overgrown with brush and poses a serious fire hazard, authorities arrested a man living in an encampment after he was discovered to be carrying an unlicensed revolver.
In late June, LAPD along with the Pacific Palisades Task Force on Homelessness scoured the Marquez Canyon nestled between Dulce Ynez Lane and Sunset Boulevard (adjacent to the Marquez Charter School) where they spotted the man. After the presumably transient individual was taken into custody for possession of the firearm, his encampment was cleared of debris, according to officials.
No other disruptive incidents of homelessness have recently occurred within the canyon, according to Pacific Palisades Community Council President Sue Kohl. However, the site is one where officials say negligence has led to other hazards and nuisances for years.
Several acres of the canyon, including where the individual was found, is owned
by an individual who has long avoided contact or fines imposed by the brush clearance unit, according to Kohl.
“The owners have been out of compliance for a few years. We do not know where the owner lives. The entire canyon is a significant fire hazard.” Kohl said in an email. “I do not know the cost of the invoices and fines if they fail to clear the brush … I do not know the timeline, but I do know that for past clearances, it is well beyond the acceptable time.”
After the recent incident, LAFD Brush Captain and Insp. Sutton were alerted and advised to notify and cite the owner. If he or she fails to clear the canyon’s brush, they will be fined with fees associated with the work done by officials to do so. Kohl also reported that she connected L.A. County Constituent Advocate and the Assessor’s office special investigations unit staff to help contact with the owner.
Council Approves Five-Year-Plan to Improve Big Blue Bus Services
The Initiative Aims to Expand Operating Hours, Improve Connectivity, and Create More Frequent Service
By Zach Armstrong
A five-year plan from Big Blue Bus to expand operating hours, improve connectivity, and create more frequent service was approved by the Santa Monica City Council following 18 months of community and stakeholder outreach by the transit agency.
Under the initiative, the Westside transportation service aims to yield a series of improvements: a weekday service every 10 minutes on select corridors during peak hours; enhanced connectivity to the LAX/Metro Transit Center, Culver City Transit Center and the Metro Rail D Line extensions; and added service time so that most routes start earlier, end later and have weekend operations.
According to a draft of the proposal, changes include several routes being discontinued and reinvested into other routes to increase bus frequencies. These include the Rapid 3 line which would be reinvested into Route 3 for more rapid bus service along Lincoln Boulevard.
The “Brighter Blue” plan was conceived “in response to post-pandemic travel behavior changes” and to make Westside’s transit system adequate and ready for upcoming major events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2028 Summer Olympics.
“Service needs to be fast, frequent, safe, and reliable to serve as an effective transportation mode.” Santa Monica Department of Transportation Director Anuj Gupta said in a news release. “Concentrating investments on key highfrequency routes will create a stronger foundation for our overall network, making Big Blue Bus’s service more attractive and convenient, reducing wait times, and providing more flexibility to current and future riders planning their trips.”
“Brighter Blue” is one of many projects from the Department of Transportation to bolster rider experience on a Big Blue Bus. By the end of the decade, BBB aims to achieve a complete zero-emission,
battery electric bus fleet by 2030. After the transient agency conducted an automated bus lane technology pilot last summer, staff is expected to recommend a permanent program to City Council for approval. BBB also began upgrading its fleet communications system for better realtime bus arrival predictions and minimize service delays and disruptions.
Approval of the half-decade-long initiative also comes just months after Big Blue Bus began stationing “transit safety officers” at certain bus stops and on hightraffic routes to enhance safety. The officers
were provided by Good Guard Security: a California-based firm that signed a $2.2 million contract with the City of Santa Monica the previous year.
The last time Big Blue Bus conducted a systematic examination of its operations and performance was in 2015 when it aimed to integrate its services with the Metro Expo Light Rail Line (E Line) which had just launched operations in Santa Monica. Since then, conditions within the city and ridership trends changed; particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic. “Brighter Blue” was an effort to address those changes.
Homeless Woman Assaults Multiple Victims in Pacific Palisades
The Attacks Occurred at Will Rogers Beach and Temescal Canyon Park
By Zach Armstrong
A homeless woman was arrested on Will Rogers Beach last Wednesday after carrying out a series of assaults at multiple locations, officials with Palisades Patrol confirmed.
The spate of attacks began past 5 p.m. at Temescal Canyon Park, just north of Pacific Coast Highway, when the suspect approached a family eating sandwiches at one of the park’s tables and allegedly punched them. The family consisted of four adults and four children ranging from four to 16 years of age, according to
Pali Patrol Asst. Patrol Manager Andrew Higashi.
The female suspect then fled across PCH to Will Rogers Beach where she attacked a mother who was washing sand off her child at one of the beach showers. The mother then fell over her kid, prompting her to ask for help. A third victim also reported being punched in the side of their neck by the same suspect while setting up a tent on the sand, according to Higashi.
After receiving and responding to a report about the incident, Pali Patrol came to the scene and took the suspect into custody before LAPD and LAFD officials also arrived. The suspect told LAPD she was from Van Nuys, CA and had a history of drug use, according to Higashi. The woman is described as an approximately 30-year-old Hispanic who was wearing mostly black clothing.
The victims were assessed by LAFD; one of whom was provided ice for their injuries while another was taken to a hospital by a friend.
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Award-Winning Soprano Golda Zahra to debut role of Liu in concert GALA performance of Turandot at Walt Disney Hall celebrating 100 years of Puccini
Los Angeles, California, July 23, 2024. LA Music Center’s Spotlight Award winner Golda Zahra to perform in concert gala production of Puccini’s Turandot with Dream Orchestra led by renowned conductor Maestro Daniel Suk. This outstanding production will feature 200 performers, top soloists, Opera Choir of Los Angeles, and Han Opera Conservatory of Music traveling from China for this EPIC performance!
When: Friday, August 16 at 7:30pm
Where: Walt Disney Concert Hall, LA Music Center, 111 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles
Tickets: DreamOrchestra.org or MusicCenter.org
For media inquiries, contact Shallom Berkman at 310-749-8879, or email sberkman@urthcaffe.com
Golda Zahra will debut the role of Liu in Turandot at Walt Disney Hall coming after her most recent spectacular soldout concert at the BroadStage in Santa
Monica. This concert GALA production of Turandot will have over 200 performers, including the Opera Choir of Los Angeles, Singing the title role Turandot is Chelsea Lehnea, soprano, Arnold Livingston Geis as Calaf, Zihan Xiu and Golda Zahra making their debut as Liu, joined by all professional Opera Chorus of Los Angeles and Han China Conservatory of Music accompanied by the Los Angeles Dream Orchestra lead by Maestro Daniel Suk. A delegation of singers from the Han China Conservatory of Music lead by Chinese opera star, soprano, Yanwen Han are traveling all the way from China to perform in this EPIC concert gala! Daniel Suk, music director of Dream Orchestra and the producer of the Turandot Concert Gala, has enjoyed an international career across Italy and the US that spans more than 25 years. Turandot is Puccini’s final and most world-renowned opera that takes place in China, made famous by the aria “Nessun Dorma” performed by the legendary tenor Luciano Pavarotti, as well
as many great tenors past and present. Golda Zahra has been hailed as “A promising young opera singer” by the L.A. Times, a “Rising Star of the opera world” by the Hollywood Times, and a rising star of her generation. She has performed as a soloist with orchestras including The Southwest Symphony,
Hollywood Chamber Orchestra, and LA Opera under the baton of James Conlon. She is the recipient of the prestigious Los Angeles Music Center’s Spotlight Award. More information can be found on Golda Zahra on her website: https://www. goldazahra.com
Golden Ager Series 2024
Santa Monica Homeopathic Pharmacy Continues Decades-Long Legacy
Rise in Illnesses Causes More People to Seek Alternative Medicine
By Susan Payne
One of the oldest family-owned pharmacies, or “best kept secrets,” in Santa Monica is celebrating 80 years in business this year, bringing holistic health to the forefront of the city.
Founded in 1944, Santa Monica Homeopathic Pharmacy — a team of homeopaths, nutritionists, herbalists and pharmacists — is a small family business with the same values instilled since the World War II era: placing people before profits and integrity before income.
As a leader in natural remedies and holistic healthcare, current owner Steven Litvak continues this dedication to existing and new patrons in upholding this 80-year-old legacy.
“Part of our success is the change in our business model we’ve implemented over the last three decades. We don’t do drugs anymore, we focus on real health issues that doctors and insurance companies seem to ignore,” Litvak said. “In the last few years, a lot has changed, and more and more people are experiencing illness.”
Since 2021, Litvak said his team has noticed an uptick in illnesses, not pardoned by age: blood clotting, advanced autoimmune conditions, rashes from head to toe, enormous amounts of fatigue, heart palpitations, unresolved thyroid problems, unresolved diabetes, cognitive issues, mood disorders such as depression, anxiety, and more.
“Our goal when someone comes to us for help is to suggest other labs for their doctor to order, and get people clinically diagnosed. A clinical diagnosis is a way of saying you most likely have this problem, so the doctor can do whatever it takes surgically or with drugs, to solve the problem,” Litvak said.
“We do our best to find solutions that don’t require surgery or drugs unless the
situation warrants it — if the drug will help, is safe, and doesn’t carry a lot of side effects, it might be the way to go, but we do our best to stay as far away from drugs as possible,” he added.
Alternative medicine and homeopathic remedies have become more of a staple in household homes, but many people do not know that remedies outside of pharmaceutical drugs exist. As more and more people have seen their health decline in recent years, are unable to work anymore or leave their home, Litvak said the upward trend in recent illness since 2021 is concerning but they believe the cause is known.
“We carry supplemental formulas that are designed for specific diseases, complex formulas with unique ingredients. We’re not a health foods store or a co-op, we are more like a clinic that doesn’t charge by the hour, take appointments or do phone consultations,” Litvak said. “We just want people to feel better.”
Santa Monica Homeopathic Pharmacy invites people who are experiencing health issues to walk through the doors
and visit any of the board-certified staff. Collectively, the staff holds over 200 years of clinical knowledge in modern and alternative medicine, striving to maintain best practices from research and studies on alternative and integrative medicine. Virtual consultations may be available soon.
For more information about Santa Monica Homeopathic Pharmacy, visit SMHomeopathic.com. The pharmacy is located at 629 Broadway in Santa Monica, California, 90401. The business is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and closed on Sundays.
SINCE 1944
SANTA MONICA
HOMEOPATHIC PHARMACY
Don’t let health concerns limit or dictate your life. We support doctors by finding real solutions, not cover-ups. A place anyone can come to find reliable information from our healthcare professionals, and it’s all complimentary.
Organic Real Healthy Foods and Snacks.
Professional Nutritional supplements for most health problems.
Family Owned and Operated since 1944
Just walk in, no appointment necessary. Some questions can be answered by email. In today’s world we are very much aware of what could be causing your health problems.
In Your Time of Need, Woodlawn Cemetery is Available
By Susan Payne
For over 125 years, Woodlawn Cemetery, Mausoleum & Mortuary, wholly owned and operated by the city of Santa Monica, has served the community as one of the few municipally owned cemeteries and mortuaries in the United States.
For most people, the choice of final resting is incredibly personal, but Woodlawn’s caring and compassionate staff are available to assist you during the most difficult circumstances.
Woodlawn offers traditional burial and green burial plots, crypts, cremation niches and cremation graves. Service options can involve burials, cremations, viewings, funerals, and memorial services.
“Our caring staff will help you find the most meaningful resting place,” said Adam Lopez, Woodlawn’s Cemetery Administrator.
Much of the services at Woodlawn involves helping family and loved ones recognize and honor those who have passed on. Many look for personal ways to remember their loved ones.
“We invite you to visit this beautiful setting and tour our facilities. We think
you will agree that Woodlawn is a pleasant place to rest, reflect and celebrate life,” said Lopez.
In 2015, Woodlawn was officially designated a Monarch butterfly habitat by Monarch Watch, the leading conservation organization for the endangered butterfly. 2016, Woodlawn became one of the three cemeteries in Southern California to offer green/natural burial upon the addition of Eternal Meadow, designed with beautiful California-native wildflowers, plants and grasses.
In keeping with the City of Santa Monica’s commitment to sustainability and the environment, Eternal Meadow offers families an eco-friendly burial option. Green burials minimize environmental damage because no toxic chemicals, metals or cement vaults are used. Green burial uses a simple wooden casket or an organic shroud with carrier. Cremated remains are placed in biodegradable urns.
“Green burials hasten the return of the body to the earth while simultaneously providing nourishment to the plant life around it. It is a meaningful way to honor the life of a loved one,” Lopez said.
Planning a form of tribute for a loved
one is an important step toward healing. If a death has occurred while not under the care of a medical or hospice professional, Woodlawn recommends dialing 911 if police or paramedics are not present. Woodlawn can be reached at 310-4588717 ext. 1 for arrangements to pick up your loved one and guide you through the funeral planning process. Woodlawn also helps families make pre-planned arrangements for funeral services.
“Making arrangements, whether preneed or in a time of need can be difficult. Woodlawn’s staff is compassionate, knowledgeable, and respectful, so we can ensure to handle all arrangements in a way to honor loved ones that have passed,” Lopez added.
“We like to be transparent with our prices. We are required to have our mortuary’s General price List posted on our website, but we decided to go one step further and have a Comprehensive Price List that
has all the fees listed for the Cemetery and Mortuary,” Lopez said. Woodlawn lists a general and comprehensive list of prices at www.santamonica.gov/places/ cityfacilities/woodlawn-cemetery.
Woodlawn is the final resting place of more than 54,000 people including nationally known persons such as astronaut Sally Ride, cosmetics guru Merle Norman, and political activist and former California State Senator Tom Hayden. Some of the top Hollywood actors resting at Woodlawn include Glenn Ford (Superman, The Big Heat, and The Blackboard Jungle); Irene Ryan (The Beverly Hillbillies); Harvey Korman (The Carol Burnett Show); Barbara Billingsley (Leave It to Beaver); Hal Smith (The Andy Griffith Show); Ted Bessell (That Girl); Doug McClure (The Virginians); and Paul Henreid (Casablanca).
For more information, visit santamonica. gov or email woodlawn.cemetery@ santamonica.gov.
Green burial is a form of interment designed to have minimal environmental impact, especially when compared to traditional burial methods. With this process, burials are performed using a a simple wooden casket or a shroud made of organic fabric. No cement vaults are used, and no embalming chemicals that contain hazardous products such as formaldehyde are used.
Eternal Meadow is the section of Woodlawn Cemetery devoted exclusively to green burial. It is a naturalistic wildflower meadow garden featuring diverse grasses and wildflowers native to California that display a natural cycle of flowering, degeneration, and re-seeding throughout the year. The plants selected also promote the presence of native birds and pollinator insects, including the endangered Monarch butterfly.
www.woodlawnsm.com
Each year, traditional burials place hundreds of thousands of gallons of toxic embalming fluid and millions of pounds of metal and concrete into the earth for perpetuity. Rather than add more imperishable waste to the environment, green burial nurtures the natural growth cycles of the Meadow and fosters a greater union with nature. It offers an eco -friendly process to return our bodies to the earth and a meaningful way to honor the life of a loved one. Contact our office for more information.
Los Angeles Woman Sentenced to 35 Years to Life for Murder of Michael Latt
35 Years to Life for Woman Who Killed Social Justice Advocate
Jameelah Michl was sentenced to 35 years to life in state prison for the November 2023 shooting and killing of Michael Latt in his Mid-Wilshire home, Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced today.
“Today brings a measure of closure to a deeply painful chapter for Mr. Latt’s family, friends, and our entire community,” District Attorney Gascón said. “As a tireless advocate for social justice, Mr. Latt championed equality, justice, and equity in our criminal legal system. Mr. Latt’s ability to uplift the community left an indelible mark. His legacy will continue to inspire us to strive for a more just and inclusive society.”
Michl, 36, pleaded guilty on June 24 to one count of first-degree murder and one count of first-degree burglary. She also admitted to using a firearm during the commission of the crime.
On November 27, 2023, Michl went to Latt’s residence in the 900 block of Alandele Avenue, targeting him due to his friendship with a woman she had been stalking. After
shot and killed Latt with a semi-automatic handgun.
Latt founded the company Lead With Love, which sought to diversify the entertainment industry and support artists of color. This is Michael Latt’s biography on the company’s website: “Michael Latt was an award-winning strategist, producer, and founder of Lead With Love who has developed and led nationwide campaigns, impact initiatives, and creative projects alongside influential artists, brands, and organizations like Common, Ryan Coogler, Netflix, Emerson Collective, Sundance Film Festival, DGA, Ava DuVernay’s ARRAY, Frieze, UCLA, Barry Jenkins and more. His purpose-driven and innovative work has been recognized by the press and institutions like his alma mater, Chapman University, where he was awarded Chapman’s annual Distinguished Alumni Award. Aligning his purpose and passion, Michael continues to dedicate his career to being of service, supporting influential women and artists of color, and utilizing storytelling, art, and more to spark lasting change and bring hope, love, and inspiration to communities.” The case was investigated by the Los Angeles Police Department.
forcing her way into the home, Michl
The Sandwich Generation: Caring For Your Family and Your Parents
Safeguard your parents’ independence and choose Safely Home Again
Institutional care can be expensive.
While that is an option for some, studies have found that over 90% of people over the age of 65 want to age in place, but 85% of that group has done little to prepare their home for aging.
Safely Home Again, LLC is a small business that assures you and your family has a home that is as hazard free as possible by reducing the risks of falls, slips and trips, and other frequent household accidents so that aging in place is possible for your loved one.
Safely Home Again works to provide safety solutions through case management and home and fall safety assessments.
“We help adults maintain their independence and live worry-free in the comfort of their home,” said Madeline Fry, founder of Safely Home Again. “By
implementing and utilizing our diverse range of services, you protect your loved ones, ensuring they maintain their livelihood and autonomy, and decrease their potential for falls in and around the home.”
Raised in Brentwood, Fry has built this company from years of experience in healthcare operations and management and has a wealth of knowledge from navigating nursing home administration and directing assisting living communities.
With a master’s degree in healthcare administration, she has extensive experience as a licensed nursing home administrator and executive director of assisted living communities, never missing a beat for details and the complexities of institutional care.
Safely Home Again’s Home Safety and Fall Assessment Tool is a personalized survey used to examine the living spaces of your home, or any living quarters that need a safety evaluation. The 240+ point assessment tool, which requires certification to conduct, looks for hazards that exist in and around the living space. Hazards may include poor outdoor lighting, inadequate wheelchair ramp, unsafe staircases and more. Once the hazards are found, Safely Home Again provides solutions and vendors who can then be available to complete the actual modifications.
“Aging in place starts with hiring the right person, someone who becomes your
consultant, advocate and family member,” Fry said. “Someone who can navigate not only the very complicated medical care systems and provide case management and lifestyle services, but who has the communication and interpersonal skills to work with you and your family.”
Knowing that safety precautions are in place decreases the chance of the middleof-night calls from the emergency room and takes away some of the anxiety that comes with taking care of yourself and your loved ones, something that the “sandwich generation” knows all too well, Fry said.
Nearly 47% of adults in their 40s and 50s have a parent aged 65 or older and are either raising young children or financially supporting grown children, according to the Pew Research Center.
As “aging-in-place” becomes more of a trend, it’s important for this generation to know that professional resources are available. Safely Home Again is one of those resources that ensures your loved ones are aging safely — they are worth taking every precaution.
“It’s our turn to take care of them, to turn the tides,” Fry said.
To learn more about Safely Home Again and to schedule a safety assessment, visit SafelyHomeAgain.com.
LA’s First Ninja Warrior Training Facility Opening Soon in Los Angeles
Facility to Offer Comprehensive Training Programs for All Ages
By Susan Payne
The first dedicated ninja warrior obstacle training facility in Los Angeles is set to open at the beginning of August in Culver City. The Los Angeles Ninja Academy will teach ninjas of all levels how to conquer uniquely designed, challenging, and exciting ninja warrior obstacles that mimic those on the popular NBC television show, American Ninja Warrior. The state-of-theart 7,000-square-foot facility will have a soft opening on Friday, August 3.
Facility owner Madelyn Scarpulla who owns and operates two other successful locations, New York City Ninja Academy and Brooklyn Ninja Academy, is bringing
her sophisticated ninja training program to the West Coast, open for all experience levels, ages six and up.
“I’m thrilled to bring the first World Ninja League-sanctioned ninja training facility to Los Angeles, and I’m looking forward to creating another welcoming and supportive community of athletes to the sport of ninja warrior,” Scarpulla said.
Leading the charge is Coach Daniella Blanchard, who made an appearance on season 16 of American Ninja Warrior. Blanchard currently holds the #1 Adult Female World Champion and Strongest Ninja titles (among other medals) in the World Ninja League Season IX Championships. She also took first place in the both the Northeast and New England Regional Championships.
Blanchard has been coaching kids and adults in the sport of ninja for over three years in New York. Now, she’s excited to bring her passion for the sport to the West Coast.
Los Angeles Ninja Academy offers kids
programs for ages 6-12 after school and on weekends, training for teens and adults, advanced sessions to prepare athletes interested in competition, as well as private lessons, corporate team building events, and kids’ birthday parties on weekends. Special guest ninja coaches, including American Ninja Warrior veterans, will make appearances for private advanced training, as well.
Ninjas learn new skills and techniques for climbing, swinging, agility, balance, strength, and, of course, the iconic Warped Wall. Obstacles rotate each week, so ninjas are challenged in new ways every time they visit. Participants will eventually tackle obstacles with increasing difficulty and will learn strategies to conquer an entire obstacle course. Ninja warrior training is a thrilling physical and mental challenge and an innovative approach to setting, achieving, and surpassing fitness and mental goals.
“In New York, we’ve always had to travel an hour out of the way to train in facilities, so that’s what really inspired me to open a facility close to the city center. The more I researched, I realized there’s even fewer places in Los Angeles to train ninja, and that’s what inspired the expansion to the West Coast. I’m heavily involved in the World Ninja League, and expanding the league’s footprint in Southern California was also part of that decision,” Scarpulla said.
In the spirit of inclusivity, on the last
Thursday of every month, beginning August 29, LA Ninja Academy is hosting Queen Ninja Nights. For more information about the Academy’s upcoming announcements or to register for classes, visit LANinjas. com.
