Summer at Annenberg: Swim Daily and Watch the Sunset
Burbank Mayor Faces Backlash Over Playful
Video, Cites Critics Anti-LGBTQ+ Bias
you about it. There is no reason to involve all of the other people who were not at a public event, not at a government-sponsored event. It
In a statement released on Tuesday, the Santa Clarita Valley Democrats voiced their support for Mayor Anthony and strongly denounced the sensationalized and inaccurate portrayal of their event for political purposes that promoted fear, homophobia, transphobia, and bigotry. The Democrats reaffirmed their commitment to the LGBTQ+ community and drag performers, refusing to engage with what
Bomb Threat Temporarily Halts “Lil Nas
By Susan Payne
Long Live
A unique, inclusive community destination along the Pacific Coast Highway of Santa Monica is inviting you to join the fun this summer.
World Premiere of Documentary Was Screened After 20-Minute
Delay
By Dolores Quintana
Hosting beautiful sunset and beach views on five acres of land, the Annenberg Community Beach House combines a historic legacy with contemporary amenities including a splash pad, open seating, free wi-fi, beach courts and fields, cultural and community events and a café.
Operated by the City of Santa Monica, the beach house offers daily pool access, site tours, classes, volleyball and soccer courts for reservation, tours of the historic property, and group accommodations as intimate as 10 to celebrations for 280.
The premiere of “Lil Nas X: Long Live Montero” at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) faced a momentary setback on Saturday night due to a bomb threat.
Judy Lung, TIFF’s Vice President of Public Affairs and Communications, confirmed to CTV News Toronto via a written statement that the festival was alerted to an investigation “in the vicinity of the red carpet” at Roy
“We love welcoming people to the beach house for the first time and we love welcoming return guests. The
beach house is a very loved part of the community. People really make their own experiences here, you can participate in the activities that we have, or you can completely make your own itinerary,” said Nan Friedman, Annenberg Community Beach House manager.
Foundation provided a $27.5 million grant that paved the way for the site’s rehabilitation.
Thomson Hall, where the documentary was set to be screened.
Lung stated, “Our standard security measures remained in place during this time, and the screening commenced with a slight delay. To our knowledge, this was a general threat and not directed at the film or the artist.”
The Annenberg Community Beach House property sits on what was originally developed during the Gold Coast Era of the 1920s by William Randolph Hearst for silent film actress Marion Davies. In 1947, the main mansion was converted into Oceanhouse, “America’s Most Beautiful Hotel,” along with the Sand & Sea Club, a limited-membership beach club. By 1956, the main mansion had been demolished and the Sand & Sea Club remained. In 1959, the property was sold to the state of California. An earthquake in 1994 damaged all structures on site and the city struggled to secure funding for the rebuild, until the Annenberg
Today, the site has been reopened as the Annenberg Community Beach House since 2009.
A spokesperson for the Toronto police informed CTV News Toronto that the threat had been conveyed to the festival’s private security by a passerby. “Out of an abundance of caution, the Toronto police and the private
“Santa Monica Conservancy offers tours of the Marion Davies Guest House where you can really get a feel for the legacy of the historic site,” Friedman said. “There’s beautiful history to be told here, you can learn about the three remarkable individuals that shaped the historic legacy of this site; Marion Davies, William Randolph Hearst and Julia Morgan.”
Admission and events on the horizon:
For daily swimmers, the beach house pool is open every day until Labor Day on September 2. Monday through Thursday, the pool is open from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Friday through Sunday, the pool is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Daily admission for youth, ages 1-17, is $4; adults, ages 18-59, are $10; and
seniors, ages 60 and over, are $5.
The next two Sunset Picnics, a beloved and popular event at the beach house, are Thursday, July 18, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Thursday, Aug. 15 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Pack your favorite picnic dinner, fancy or casual, games and activities and watch the sunset amid other beach house guests and live music. S’mores for dessert!
security swept the scene and cleared it within 20 minutes,” noted Constable Victor Kwong. Toronto police also clarified that the threat had a general nature and did not specifically target any individual or entity.
On the Fridays, July 12 and 26, and August 9 and 23, the beach house hosts sunset swims — from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
“It’s a great way to end the week because it’s adults only, the pool is gorgeous, and it’s relaxing.” Friedman said.
To learn more about Annenberg Beach House, visit https://www.santamonica. gov/places/cultural-venue/annenbergcommunity-beach-house or visit https:// www.annenbergbeachhouse.com.
Annenberg Beach House is located at 415 Pacific Coast Highway in Santa Monica.
DOSES FOR PEAK TWO MPOX PROTECTION
Artist Barbara Butch Faces CyberHarassment Following Paris 2024 Olympic Opening Ceremony
The DJ and Activist Condemns Online Threats and Vows to Take Legal Action
Since the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, artist, DJ, and activist Barbara Butch has been the target of a violent campaign of cyberharassment and defamation. The attacks have included death threats and threats of torture and rape, as well as numerous antisemitic, homophobic, sexist, and grossophobic insults.
Butch was at the center of the tableau vivant of Dionysus, which caused anger and controversy among conservatives and religious groups after they erroneously assumed that it was a representation of Leonardo da Vinci’s painting “The Last Supper, “ and insisted that the opening ceremony was “Satanic” and blasphemous.
In a social media statement, Butch condemns this hatred directed at her, her identity, and her values. She says that her commitments to benevolence, inclusivity, and love for others have always been central to her artistic mission of promoting festivities for all, regardless of age, sexual orientation, origin, religion, or gender.
In response to these attacks, Butch
is filing several complaints against the perpetrators, whether they are French nationals or foreigners, and intends to prosecute anyone who attempts to intimidate her in the future.
“I am extremely honored to have participated in the opening ceremony of Paris 2024 as an artist and to have shared my vision for the festival. My heart is still broken, and I thank you for all the love and strength you have given me since then,” Butch stated.
She expressed gratitude to collaborators, including Daphne Burki, Thoma Jolly, Victor Le Masne, Maud Le Pladec, and Thomas Anduze, for their trust and support. Butch emphasized her lifelong commitment to inclusivity and love through her DJ career and activism, believing these values are crucial even when the world falls apart.
Despite the cyber-harassment, Butch remains resolute. “I’ve never been ashamed of who I am, and I own it all — including my artistic choices. All my life, I’ve refused to be a victim: I will not shut up. I’m not afraid of those who hide behind a screen or a pseudonym to vomit their hatred and frustrations. I will battle them down without trembling,” she declared.
Butch concluded with a powerful statement of pride in her identity and her mission: “I’m engaged and proud. Proud of who I am, what I am, and what I embody, and for my loved ones and for millions of French people. My France is France!”
The Angelic Voice of Award-Winning Soprano
The Angelic Voice of Award-Winning Soprano
Golda Zahra
Performing her debut role of Liu in Puccini’s Turandot her debut role of Liu in Puccini’s
AT WALT DISNEY CONCERT HALL
Friday, August 16th at 7:30pm CONCERT Friday, at 7:30pm
“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 Top Opera Soloists, Choir of Los Angeles, Han Opera Studio of China of Music.
Four Reasons Why It’s Time to Hire a Manny (Or a Nanny)
By Susan Payne
Being a parent is enjoyable and rewarding, but certain aspects of the lifestyle can be tiring and stressful — especially with a trying economy and rising inflation this year.
To give parents extra support, Mannies of LA has made it their mission over the last ten years to connect parents with positive male, or female, role models that can spend extra time nurturing, engaging and bonding with the little ones.
In case you’re on the fence about hiring someone, here are five reasons why you should:
Making A Difference
Positive role models are critical during child development. While soaking up the world around them, children emulate actions and values of the close circle around them.
Role models who demonstrate upstanding behavior and good habits can instill those same values in your children as they are developing.
Mannies of LA is a small referral agency that gives your family a chance to decide who those positive role models are. If your child is showing interest in a particular subject, sport or activity, there’s a good chance a manny or nanny in Mannies of LA’s pool of vetted caretakers specialize, or have extensive experience, in that area.
“Most of our mannies and nannies are college educated, extremely responsible and have gone through an extensive interview process and reference checks. We do the heavy lifting so parents don’t have to, so they can be at ease during the process of hiring a caretaker,” said Michael Lin, founder of Mannies of LA.
Children Thrive on Routine
Finding a manny or nanny that prioritizes bonding and engaging with your children can be difficult. Among the pool of qualified mannies and nannies through Mannies of LA, you are sure to find that one that adds special routine to your child’s life.
Routines support healthy social emotional development in early childhood, help children build confidence and give them
security and predictability in their daily lives. Having a manny or nanny to keep them engaged, centered and immersed in activities can help your child thrive.
Emotional Bonding
For children, emotional bonding is vital, not just with parents and family members. Keeping in mind that attachment styles vary, the relationship between and a child and caregiver are essential to child development. Emotional bonded children are found to perform higher in academics and have improved social skills and lower levels of anxiety and depression.
Mannies of LA highly considers the needs of the family and children while placing caregivers and looks for qualities in the caregiver that will meet those specific needs — whether it’s behavior, special needs, or families simply needing extra hands around the house, or a mix of everything.
Personalized Care / Flexibility
Unlike other agencies, Mannies is a boutique agency and with that comes personalized care.
Mannies of LA is known to have a 90% success rate in matchmaking. In fact, some families have said among the carefully picked selection of manny and nanny candidates, they wish they could have hired them all.
“We build a relationship so that I can understand your needs as a parent. We are diligent in the process of finding the right fit. Even if we don’t have a timeline, we will continue to work with our clients until we find the perfect manny or nanny,” Lin said.
Some parents might need fulltime caregivers, part time caregiver, vocational or temporary, and the flexibility that Mannies of LA provides for clients is the grace that some families need. The application and interview process is simple.
To read more about the process and testimonials from several families, visit ManniesofLA.com.
LACDMH Offers Spectrum of Services for LGBTQIA2-S+
“Am I ready to serve everyone as I think I am?”
Providers of the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health (LACDMH) ask themselves this question, determined to address their own implicit bias when caring for the LGBTQIA2-S+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning, Intersex, Asexual and Two-Spirit) community.
A spectrum of mental health services supporting the mental health, well-being and affirming care are offered, while the department pays keen attention to the constantly changing dynamic of healthcare related to that community’s needs.
To better support the LGBTQIA2-S+ community, the LACDMH has implemented trainings and networks within the facilities that support employee growth.
The first is the LGBTQIA2-S+ Champion Network — a network of clinical and nonclinical staff at all levels and backgrounds that participate in ongoing training and education — identified by a rainbow lanyard as a safe person.
“Study areas of gender and sexuality
are dynamic and constantly changing, and keeping up is the key to serving the population,” said riKu Matsuda, Senior Human Relations Consultant for LACDMH.
The second are employee resource groups, workforce employment training and anti-racism, diversity and inclusion training, offered to all staff, clinical and nonclinical providers, of gender affirming care.
“Historically, our communities have not had safe access to traditional institutions. In order to combat that stigma, we want to inform communities that we are here and becoming safer and safer,” Matsuda said.
Discrimination, prejudice, rejection and violence, in addition to family rejection, hopelessness, minority stress, trauma and other experiences are only some of the factors that impact people’s ability to access mental healthcare.
“If your daily experience is rejection, then the idea that you have a safe place to go, how would you know? How do you know there are providers that are there for you if you’ve only experienced rejection?”
Matsuda said.
“Folks have been told it’s not okay to be who they are. They’ve been told who they are is wrong and they should change. We’re here to provide care and support for those individuals. We have trained
clinicians with expertise in all levels of trauma, violence and affirming care,” Matsuda continued.
A recent TransPop study found that adults who are transgender are seven times more likely to contemplate suicide, four times more likely to attempt suicide and eight times more likely to engage in nonsuicidal self-injury.
Something as simple as using someone’s affirmed name or pronouns can make a difference, Matsuda said.
“People will say, I don’t know what the big deal with pronouns, or I forget their
new name. Using someone’s affirmed name and pronouns are small steps to potentially save someone’s life, or at minimum, make someone’s day,” Matsuda said. For a detailed list of resources available to the LGBTQIA2-S+ community, visit https://dmh.lacounty.gov/resources/lgbtqresources.
If you are a victim, or witness of, a hate incident or hate crime, you can report the incident/crime by calling 211. To connect with the LACDMH Mental Health Help Line, call 1-800-854-7771. Dial 988 for suicide and crisis lifeline support.
Award-Winning Opera Singer and L.A. Native Golda Zahra Joins International Ensemble Performing Giacomo Puccini’s
Turandot at Walt Disney Hall
Golda will make her professional role debut as Liu at the Pacific Music Festival’s concert gala production celebrating 100 years of Puccini
LOS ANGELES – Fresh off her sold-out concert spectacular at the Broad Stage in Santa Monica, LA Music Center’s Spotlight Award winner Golda Zahra is excited to announce her upcoming performance as part of the Pacific Music Festival’s Puccini 100th celebration.
Golda will debut the role of Liu in Turandot alongside a world-class ensemble of 200 performers, including The Opera Choir of Los Angeles, The Dream Orchestra led by renowned conductor Maestro Daniel Suk, and a delegation of singers from the Han China Opera Conservatory of Music, headed by Chinese opera star and soprano, Yanwen Han. The group is traveling from China for the concert.
Turandot is Giacomo Puccini’s final operatic masterpiece, made famous by the aria “Nessun Dorma” performed by legendary tenors like Luciano Pavorotti. Set in China, the opera follows Prince Calaf and his quest to win Princess Turandot’s hand in marriage. To do so, he must solve three riddles. A wrong answer results in certain death.
WHEN: Friday, August 16 at 7:30pm
WHERE: Walt Disney Concert Hall, LA Music Center, 111 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles
SHOP SHOP
TICKETS: DreamOrchestra.org or MusicCenter.org
“I am incredibly excited and grateful to return to the Walt Disney Concert Hall, this time with Maestro Daniel Suk and the Dream Orchestra. Turandot is one of my favorite operas and Liu is one of my favorite roles,” said Golda. “This is going to be a magical evening with Operatic artists from all over the world, and it’s truly a fullcircle experience.”
Golda has been hailed as “A promising young opera singer,” by the L.A. Times, and a “Rising Star of the opera world,” by
the Hollywood Times. 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. For media inquiries, contact Shallom Berkman at 310-749-8879, or email sberkman@urthcaffe.com
Learn more about Golda at: https://www. goldazahra.com
Eating at Pacific Park on the Pier Just Got
Even Tastier
In June this year, Santa Monica’s beloved oceanfront amusement park welcomed a brand-new eating experience to the Pier. “Snackville”, the brainchild of the late Michelin starred chef James Kent, opened to much fanfare on June 7, treating patrons to iconic Americana fare taken up a notch.
Ferris wheels and screams of delight may not be normally associated with fine dining, but fans of the park’s former food options shouldn’t worry. Snackville retains the Pier’s original concession stand format and serves up all your favorite treats of yesteryear: think burgers, fries, hotdogs, and of course funnel cakes.
And while the fare is familiar and accessible, it’s also elevated. In overseeing the new venture, Kent, who tragically passed away last month, leaned on his vast experience in the high-stakes restaurant world. His goal to keep things simple and do them exceptionally well is evident in the five new stands he created: Smashie’s Burgers, Mr. Nice Fry, Churrita Churro, Cosmic Funnel Cakes and Scoops Creamery.
Kent saw Snackville as a chance to try new things and have fun. He even introduced a host of charming Snackville characters as mascots; the jaunty cartoon burger and a long-lashed churro with high heels recall 1950s concession-stand advertising.
In real life, these characters are as delicious as expected. The centerpiece of Snackville is Smashie’s Burgers, serving a finely-honed version of the popular smash burger. Ground beef is smashed into the hot griddle to deliver maximum crust and maximum flavor, before being topped with American cheese, grilled onions and special “Smashie Sauce” to create a juicy, drippy taste sensation. The stand also offers loaded hot dogs and fries.
If it’s a fun twist on fried potatoes you’re after, try Mr. Nice Fry, which offers several beautifully crispy fry varieties including “Skinny Dippers,” “Swirly Fries” and “Tater Wheels,” all served with tasty dipping sauces and seasonings. Plus, from inside Mr. Nice Fry you can order an eegee, the famous Arizonan beverage made from real fruit. This slushie-like frozen treat has been a summer staple in Arizona since 1971, and now makes its delightful Los Angeles debut — sure to be a calling card for the curious and thirsty alike.
Then of course there’s dessert. The classic boardwalk treat, the funnel cake, can be found in all its glory at both Cosmic Funnel Cakes and Scoops Creamery, so there’s no excuse to miss out. Made by pouring batter through a funnel into hot oil, the cakes have a distinct airy, crispy texture and can be topped with fresh fruit and whipped cream or just a dusting of
powdered sugar for the purists.
At Scoops Creamery (no relation to the Highland Park store) you can enjoy a scoop of gorgeous Lappert’s ice cream in flavors like Hawaiian Sea Salt Caramel and Lemon Creamsicle, as well as milkshakes and sundaes. But leave room for the churros at Churrita’s: a levelled-up version filled with dulce de leche, dipped in chocolate, or just coated in classic cinnamon-sugar with vanilla soft-serve to dunk.
The opening of Snackville adds a new level of attraction to Pacific Park, a popular tourist spot that already brings in an estimated 12 million visitors annually. The Park is expected to get more upgrades over the next five years, with investment company SC Holdings putting some $10 million in the project.
It was SC Holding’s partnership with
celebrated chef James Kent that led to Snackville’s conception. Chef Kent honed his skills at renowned kitchens like Babbo and Jean-Georges before joining Eleven Madison Park in New York City, leading the restaurant to three Michelin stars. Kent then went on to launch two Michelinstarred restaurants of his own—Crown Shy and SAGA, both in New York’s financial district—and formed Saga Hospitality Group with SC Holdings.
And while the restaurants James Kent founded sit firmly in the fine dining world, Kent himself was no stranger to the fun of the concession stand. In September last year the award-winning restauranteur slung chicken sandwiches and toffee pudding for the lucky punters at the US Open in New York.
Chef Kent passed away of a heart attack at age 45 on June 12. 08.01.2024
Golden Ager Series 2024
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.
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.
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.
14th Street, Santa Monica, CA 90404 phone: (310) 458-8717 (on-call - 24/7) email: woodlawn.cemetery@santamonica.gov website: www.woodlawnsm.com
and Operated by the City of Santa Monica for over 125 Years.
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.
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.
1 OF 2 DISPENSARY IN SANTA MONICA
WELCOME TO HARVEST OF SANTA MONICA
SANTA MONICA COMMUNITY: LOCAL-ONLY DEALS AWAIT
Santa Monica, CA – In an effort to bring our vibrant community closer together, we are thrilled to announce a series of exclusive localonly deals designed specifically for Santa Monica residents. These deals aim to celebrate our community, support local businesses, and offer unique benefits to those who call Santa Monica home.
BUILDING A STRONGER & SAFER SANTA MONICA TOGETHER
In today’s fast-paced world, community importance is often overlooked. In Santa Monica, our spirit thrives through local efforts. Enjoy exclusive deals, support the local economy, and trust our California-compliant, clean products. Choose local, invest in our flourishing community! Together, we can make a difference.
Trust our commitment to quality and community, celebrate milestones that define our journey; at Harvest of Santa Monica, blending integrity with innovation, offering products reflecting dedication to excellence and well-being, each interaction and deal a brushstroke on the canvas of our thriving community— embrace our shared adventure, face the future with confidence, and remember: We’ve got this! Believe in our community's power to craft a story of success, growth, and togetherness.
NEW to Santa Monica: Enjoy Your Favorite Hurry Curry Dishes on Ocean Park
By Susan Payne
This summer, enjoy your favorite authentic Japanese curry and Yoshoku cuisine at Hurry Curry of Tokyo’s new location in Santa Monica.
The restaurant, known for its original blend of spices and its longtime presence in Japantown, closed its doors on Sawtelle during the COVID-19 pandemic. With uncertainty at bay, Hurry Curry owner Frederick Serra said his business partners made a pact to reopen.
Now located on Ocean Park Boulevard and 29th street, the new location offers free backside parking and more outdoor seating near the Santa Monica Business Park.
“Although we’ve been around since 1989, we are new to Santa Monica. We’ve been here for about two years,” Serra said.
Hurry Curry customers love the consistency the restaurant has provided over the last three decades, everything from its authentic recipes and dishes to its employees that give new and returning customers warm welcomes and friendly service.
“As a restaurant, that’s probably the hardest thing to pin down. But we’ve done it. We’ve had the same team for 10+ plus years, we take care of our employees,
and they feel something special here. We couldn’t stay closed for too long,” Serra said.
Hurry Curry’s history runs deep and its recipes — curated from its original Japanese chef in 1998 — have long been a favorite in Los Angeles. The signature curry sauce features a blend of 21 spices.
“We’ve used that same recipe for so long, it’s not a general curry you might see at a restaurant,” Serra said. “I’ve seen customers drive here from San Diego and Santa Barbara to try our food.”
A number one dish at Hurry Curry is the chicken cutlet curry – a tender breast meat filet lightly breaded in panko flakes, fried to golden brown and served with the restaurant’s authentic Japanese curry.
“That dish carries 60% of our menu sales. You can order the curry at varying spice levels of mild, medium, hot or extra hot. We use a Capsicum chili oil, the same oil we’ve used for the 35 plus years we’ve been open,” Serra said.
Another fan favorite is the chicken pasta — sauteed mushrooms, onions, bell peppers and corn surrounded by Hurry Curry’s fried chicken karaage, served with a generous side of the secret white sauce.
“Curry is one of those items, not as popular as pizza, but you get a craving for
it. Once you try Hurry Curry, it’s one of those recurring cravings you’ll get. We have such a unique flavor, and it is so well loved,” Serra added.
Hurry Curry serves a wide range of beverages, some Japanese specific and homemade.
“We serve some Japanese favorites like Ramune Marble Soda, which in Western
culture, equivalent to colas or fountain beverages,” Serra added.
The scratch kitchen offers online orders, dine-in and catering. Hurry Curry is open Monday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. at 2901 Ocean Park Boulevard, Santa Monica, California, 90405.
For more information and a look at the menu, visit HurryCurryofTokyo.com.
LA’s First Ninja Warrior Training Facility Opening Soon
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 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 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
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, upcoming announcements, or to register for classes, visit LANinjas.com.
Colonnade Ballroom, Hotel Casa Del Mar 1910 Ocean Way, Santa Monica, CA 90405
