The expansion to Santa Monica marks the latest chapter for the bakery, which has been recognized for its buttery, flaky croissants by food publications
A French bakery is set to open in Santa Monica, bringing its acclaimed pastries and artisanal bread to the city. A “Coming Soon” sign on the door of the former Antequera Bakery at 1704 Ocean Park Blvd. announces the arrival of Des Croissants Paris, a boulangerie-patisserie founded by Parisian-born baker Samuel Manar.
Des Croissants Paris has built a loyal following at farmers markets across Southern California and at its Culver City storefront, which opened in 2023. The bakery is known for its meticulously crafted croissants, baguettes, and traditional French pastries, with a focus on high-quality ingredients and classic baking techniques.
Manar describes his bakery as an homage to French craftsmanship, blending authenticity with a warm, welcoming atmosphere. “Each bite carries the essence of authentic French baking, transporting you to the streets of Paris,” the company states on its website.
The expansion to Santa Monica marks the latest chapter for the bakery, which has been recognized for its buttery, flaky croissants by food publications, including LA Eater. While an official opening date has yet to be announced, the new location is expected to offer a similar selection of fresh pastries, bread, and sandwiches that have made Des Croissants Paris a sought-
Acclaimed French Bakery to Expand to Santa Monica Santa Monica Seeks Applicants for Landback & Reparations Task Force
The task force will examine historical harms experienced by marginalized communities and develop recommendations for restorative justice policies
Santa Monica is now accepting applications for its newly established Landback & Reparations Task Force, following unanimous approval by the City Council earlier this month. The task force will examine historical harms experienced by marginalized communities and develop recommendations for restorative justice policies.
The city is inviting community members and experts in racial and restorative justice to apply for one of 11 seats on the task force, which will report directly to the city manager. Task force members will conduct
historical research, engage in public truth-telling initiatives, and explore both monetary and non-monetary reparations options. Their findings will be compiled into a Community Harms Report and a final set of policy recommendations for City Council consideration.
Applications are due by March 21, with selections finalized by March 28. The task force will convene virtually starting in April and meet biweekly through June 2026. Participants will receive a $2,500 stipend upon completion of their term. In addition to task force membership, residents can apply to join subcommittees focused on historical research, fundraising, and community education.
The initiative is part of Santa Monica’s broader commitment to equity and reparative justice, particularly in light of the city’s history of displacing communities of color through redevelopment projects.
One of the key cases under review is the 1957 seizure of property owned by Black entrepreneur Silas White, who had planned to open a Black beach club at 1811 Ocean Avenue. The city used eminent domain to take the land, citing urban renewal policies that intensified racial segregation. Today, the site is partially leased to the Viceroy Hotel, generating revenue for the
after destination for pastry lovers. Des Croissants Paris currently operates a storefront in Culver City and continues
city while White’s descendants remain uncompensated.
Last year, the Santa Monica City Council voted to explore possible restitution for White’s family, marking a step toward addressing past injustices. The newly formed task force will build upon these efforts by investigating additional cases of displacement and considering reparations policies that could include land returns, financial compensation, or other restorative
measures.
City leaders are encouraging residents to participate in the process, whether by applying for the task force, joining a subcommittee, or serving as a Landback & Reparations Ambassador to help disseminate information and counter misinformation.
Applications close at 8 a.m. on March 21.
to sell its baked goods at farmers markets throughout the region, including in Studio City, Mar Vista, and Santa Clarita.
WHAT’S NEW IN SANTA MONICA –WINTER 2025
Santa Monica Remains Open to Serve with New Experiences and Offerings
Santa Monica continues welcoming visitors with new experiences and offerings throughout the destination, including world-class events, beautiful hotels and fun-filled attractions. Home to eight unique neighborhoods and 3.5 miles of sunny shores even throughout the winter months, Santa Monica invites travelers to support our hospitality employees and local businesses and experience laid-back luxury in an iconic beach destination.
ACCOLADES
Santa Monica earned prestigious 2024 honors, including Travel + Leisure’s 50 Best Places to Travel in 2025 for its beach vibes and new offerings. Forbes named it a Top 12 Destination for 2025, and the UK’s Sunday Times listed it among the Best Holiday Destinations. Santa Monica also won North America’s Leading Beach Destination (World Travel Awards) and was featured in the Los Angeles Times’ Best Beaches list.
FOOD & BEVERAGE
SELINE (Main Street) – Chef Dave Beran presents a 15-18 course dining
experience fostering a close connection between diners and the kitchen. santamonica.com/restaurants/seline
Luke’s Lobster (Downtown) – Enjoy sustainable, New England-style lobster rolls in the heart of Santa Monica. santamonica.com/lukes-lobster
Ghirardelli (Pier/Ocean Ave.) – Indulge in premium chocolates, sundaes, and velvety hot cocoa near the Santa Monica Pier.
santamonica.com/restaurants/ ghirardelli
Fitoor (Pier/Ocean Ave.) – Fine dining Indian cuisine featuring coastal influences and inventive cocktails. santamonica.com/restaurants/fitoor Odd One Out (Downtown) – Taipeiborn milk tea shop offering awardwinning specialty beverages. santamonica.com/restaurants/oddone-out
Galvin Coffee & Bakery (Montana Ave.) – Cozy cafe serving South American-inspired treats like Dulce de Leche Espresso. santamonica.com/restaurants/galvinbakery
Pacific Catch (Wilshire) – A seafood spot featuring poke, tacos, and responsibly sourced ingredients. santamonica.com/restaurants/pacificcatch
Desvelados Mexican Cantina (Downtown) – A lively eatery serving tacos, burritos, and margaritas near
Third Street Promenade. santamonica.com/restaurants/ desvelados-mexican-cantina
Van Leeuwen Ice Cream (Montana Ave.) – Artisanal ice cream shop offering unique flavors, including vegan options. santamonica.com/restaurants/vanleeuwen-ice-cream ARTS & CULTURE
Roots and Branches: A Tree’s View of Santa Monica (Downtown) – Celebrating Santa Monica’s 150th anniversary, this exhibit explores the city’s environmental history (Jan. 31Dec. 14, 2025).
Refractions: Contemporary Indigenous Art (Pier/Ocean Ave.) – A showcase of Indigenous artists at the Annenberg Community Beach House (through May 11, 2025).
Holey Moley (Downtown) – A new mini-golf venue with 27 holes, private karaoke rooms, and themed cocktails. santamonica.com/things-to-do/holeymoley
The Splatter Studio LA (Downtown) – An interactive art space where visitors create colorful masterpieces while enjoying drinks. santamonica.com/things-to-do/ splatter-studio
SHOPPING/RETAIL
JD Sports (Downtown) – A top spot for sneakers and sportswear from major brands.
santamonica.com/shopping/jd-sports Outlandish (Downtown) – A content studio and retail space offering e-commerce trends and filming resources.
santamonica.com/things-to-do/ outlandish
Unsubscribed (Montana Ave.) –American Eagle’s slow-fashion boutique featuring sustainable fashion and home goods.
santamonica.com/shopping/ unsubscribed
BRIC’S Milano (Downtown) – Italian travel brand showcasing luxury luggage and accessories.
santamonica.com/shopping/brics
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About Santa Monica Travel & Tourism
Santa Monica Travel & Tourism (SMTT) is a non-profit organization designed to increase visitor expenditures, tourism revenues and local employment opportunities through the promotion of Santa Monica as a travel destination. For more information visit santamonica.com email info@ santamonica.com, or follow SMTT on Instagram (@SeeSantaMonica), Twitter (@GoSantaMonica) or Facebook (@ VisitSantaMonica).
Palisades’ Real Estate Values Show
Resiliency
Following Wildfires
Home Prices Hold Steady as Burned Lots Flood the Market, Demand Remains Strong
Palisades Fire, the local real estate market is beginning to show signs of recovery despite initial concerns over significant devaluation. While home sales remain stagnant, land values have held firm, defying expectations of a 30-50% drop, according to real estate expert Anthony Marguleas, founder of Amalfi Estates.
escrow, and no homes, condos, or rental properties have been leased. However, the market has seen an influx of listings, including 18 lease properties, five condos, 22 homes, and 36 land parcels—most of which are fire-damaged lots. Six of these land parcels are currently in escrow.
listings coming on per day,” Marguleas said. “The most surprising aspect is the market’s resilience.”
destruction, demand for properties in Pacific Palisades remains high. Marguleas estimates there are 10 buyers for every available property, and this trend is expected to continue.
demonstrated remarkable stability, with the Riviera appreciating by 10-15% and
the Huntington maintaining its pre-fire
that show property values rebounding over time. “Every month you wait, your property value is going to go back up to normal,” he said.
While Pacific Palisades faces a long road to recovery, the area’s real
market remains active, with buyers continuing to compete for available properties despite the fire’s aftermath.
Owner of Iconic Santa Monica Costume Shop Dies
Boschet’s store attracted a devoted clientele, including celebrities like Jamie Lee Curtis, Steve Martin, and Victoria Tennant
Ursula Boschet, the legendary costume designer and owner of Ursula’s Costumes, has died following a battle with pancreatic cancer. She was 90.
For nearly half a century, Boschet’s shop was a staple of the Los Angeles costume scene, providing elaborate, handmade designs to both Hollywood productions and everyday Angelenos. Her passing marks the end of an era for a beloved institution known for its whimsical collection of masks, wigs, and period pieces.
Actress Kate Beckinsale, a longtime customer and friend, paid tribute to Boschet on Instagram, calling her “a humble, impish icon” and remembering the joy she brought to countless lives. “Hollywood has lost a humble, impish icon, and I have lost a dear
at 90
friend,” Beckinsale wrote. “She managed to keep the child in all of us alive.”
As reported by NPR, Boschet began her career as a tailor in post-war Germany before immigrating to the U.S. with her husband, Herman, in 1962. After years of designing costumes for theater companies, Disney parades, and Hollywood studios, she opened her own store in 1976. Initially based in Culver City, Ursula’s Costumes moved to Santa Monica about 30 years ago, where it remained until its recent closure.
Boschet’s store attracted a devoted clientele, including celebrities like Jamie Lee Curtis, Steve Martin, and Victoria Tennant. Curtis, speaking to NPR, described Ursula’s Costumes as a place of “magic and fantasy” where customers could bring their creative visions to life. “She loved a collaboration,” Curtis said. “You could see her light up when you presented an idea.”
Boschet had announced the store’s closure last year, citing declining foot traffic due to online shopping, high rent costs, and her own health struggles. The COVID-19 pandemic and Hollywood strikes further impacted the business. In her final months, a GoFundMe campaign was launched to help cover medical expenses and store closure costs.
Known for her dedication and passion,
Boschet’s influence extended beyond her store. She contributed costumes to productions such as Cagney & Lacey and All of Me and even made occasional onscreen appearances, once playing a tailor in The Jayne Mansfield Story.
Though Ursula’s Costumes is now shuttered, Boschet’s legacy lives on through the many handmade costumes she created and the countless memories she helped craft. As Beckinsale put it, “Your talent, imagination, and kindness were real magic.”
Santa Monica Civic Auditorium: The Cultural Icon Santa Monica Needs
SMa.r.t.
Santa Monica Architects for a Responsible Tomorrow
Santa Monica is a city of innovation, creativity, and world-class attractions, yet it lacks a central cultural destination that reflects its artistic and entertainment legacy. The Santa Monica Civic Auditorium, once a thriving hub of music, film, and live performances, holds the potential to become that very icon once again —an entertainment landmark that rivals venues marketed as Los Angeles cultural destinations, such as The Wallis in Beverly Hills.
A Legacy Worth Preserving
The Santa Monica Civic Auditorium, built in 1958, has hosted legendary performances from the Academy Awards to iconic concerts by artists like Bob Dylan and the Rolling Stones. It has stood as a beacon of culture, uniting diverse audiences through art, music, and live entertainment. However, neglect and bureaucratic inertia have left this onceproud venue underutilized and at risk of being lost forever.
The Need for a Cultural Landmark in Santa Monica
Unlike Beverly Hills, which has successfully revitalized its old Post Office to become The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, now considered a premier cultural destination, Santa Monica lacks a prominent dedicated entertainment landmark that attracts audiences from across the region. While our city is home to vibrant arts and entertainment communities, many performances and events are forced to seek venues in Los Angeles or other nearby cities, diluting Santa Monica’s cultural footprint. A renovated Civic Auditorium could splendidly highlight local talent as well as national talent, concerts, international performances, and community events, promoting a positive and creative vision for the future.
Economic and Cultural Benefits
Restoring the Civic Auditorium as a state-of-the-art entertainment venue would bring substantial economic and cultural benefits to Santa Monica. A thriving arts center could:
Boost Local Economy: Increased foot traffic from visitors, performers, and tourists would generate revenue for nearby businesses, restaurants, and hotels.
Create Jobs: Reopening the venue would create employment opportunities in event management, hospitality, and the arts.
Enhance Santa Monica’s Cultural Identity: A revitalized Civic Auditorium would position Santa Monica as a premier arts and entertainment hub on the Westside, thereby strengthening its brand as a world-class cultural destination.
Support Tourism and Tax Revenue: As a major attraction, the Civic Auditorium would draw more tourists to Santa Monica, supporting local hotels and businesses and increasing the city’s tax revenue.
The Consequence of Demolition
Demolishing the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium, as proposed by Councilman Zwick in his February 25, 2025 Daily press Op-Ed statement, would erase an elemental part of the city’s history, be an act of cultural waste, and cause an irreversible loss of our heritage and identity. The delisting and demolition of this Nationally Registered and designated City Landmark would make our City a national cultural pariah. The venue’s architectural and historical significance should be honored, and there is an opportunity to make it a newly created iconic site for generations to come—not simply discarded for cut-and-paste shortterm commercial interests and profit. Aren’t we seeing enough of this?
A Vision for the Future
The success of The Wallis proves that a city can transform a historic venue into a modern, financially sustainable cultural attraction. Santa Monica must follow suit, embracing its artistic heritage while modernizing its infrastructure to meet contemporary entertainment needs. A revamped Civic Auditorium could host concerts, artists in residence, theater productions, film festivals, and community events—serving as an accessible, multipurpose venue for all.
A Call to Action
Now is the time for the City of Santa Monica, private investors, and the community to unite and ensure that the
Civic Auditorium is not lost to history. With vision, investment, and commitment, this venue can once again become a thriving cultural destination that preserves its storied past and secures its place in Santa Monica’s future.
Santa Monica deserves a true entertainment icon with historical roots. The Santa Monica Civic Auditorium is ready for a rebirth. As a first step to that rebirth, the City Council should sign the Exclusive Negotiating Agreement with the Revitalization Partners Group (RPG,) who are ready to invest millions of dollars in the rehabilitation and updating of this incredible City asset and operate it as a premier music venue among other possibilities. Renovating this iconic landmark property is not just about preserving something old; it’s about creatively and efficiently recycling structures while being ecologically and environmentally responsible, all while respectfully nodding to our unique history.
Let’s not wait until it’s too late. The City Council should act now to start the revitalization process.
Michael Jolly for SMa.r.t.
Santa Monica Architects for a Responsible Tomorrow
Samuel Tolkin, Architect & Planning Commissioner; Architect; Mario FondaBonardi AIA, Architect; Robert H. Taylor AIA, Architect; Dan Jansenson, Architect & Building and Fire-Life Safety Commission; Michael Jolly, AIRCRE; Jack Hillbrand AIA, Landmarks Commission Architect; Phil Brock, SM Mayor (ret).
Rep. Lieu Says Trump “Made America Weaker” After Zelensky
Lieu warned that the administration’s approach sends a dangerous message about America’s global leadership
Rep. Ted Lieu (D-Calif.) sharply criticized President Donald Trump on Wednesday following a heated Oval Office meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, calling the exchange “a distressing moment” for those who value democracy.
Lieu’s statement came after Trump and Vice President JD Vance berated
Meeting
Zelensky during their meeting, accusing him of “gambling with World War Three” and telling him, “Your country is in big trouble.” Zelensky later described the encounter as “regrettable” and said it “did not go the way it was supposed to.”
“Nobody is celebrating President Trump and Vice President Vance’s embarrassing behavior in the Oval Office more than Vladimir Putin,” Lieu said. “President Trump has made America weaker. In his first month as President, Donald Trump has demonstrated to our democratic allies around the world that the United States is no longer a reliable partner and friend.”
The meeting, meant to address ongoing U.S. support for Ukraine, ended with Zelensky being told to leave the White House before an expected minerals and security agreement could be signed,
according to CNN. Zelensky later said his country remains willing to finalize the deal and reiterated Ukraine’s commitment to peace negotiations.
The strained exchange highlighted growing tensions between Washington and Kyiv. Trump on Monday ordered a pause on U.S. military aid to Ukraine, CNN reported, a move that could significantly impact Ukraine’s war effort. The administration has signaled that aid will not resume until Trump determines Zelensky is making a sufficient commitment to peace talks.
Lieu condemned Trump’s treatment of Ukraine’s leader, arguing that while disagreements with allies are inevitable, they should be handled with “respect and dignity.” He warned that the administration’s approach sends a
Nonprofit Disputes Public Health’s
Beach Safety Declaration
Heal the Bay disputes county findings, citing insufficient data and potential hazards on local beaches
Heal the Bay is raising concerns over the safety of ocean water quality following
the recent storm that overwhelmed Los Angeles’ wastewater systems.
The nonprofit organization warns that untreated sewage, trash, and other contaminants may have significantly impacted coastal water quality, creating potential health risks for beachgoers.
According to Heal the Bay, the storm resulted in multiple sewage spills, including a significant discharge from the Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant. The organization argues that heavy rainfall can overwhelm the region’s wastewater treatment infrastructure, leading to the
NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF
Miguel M. Chaidez aka Miguel Chaidez Montenegro aka Miguel Chaidez
To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of Miguel M. Chaidez aka Miguel Chaidez Montenegro aka Miguel Chaidez
A Petition for Probate has been filed by Sasha L. Collins in the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles, Los Angeles County Superior Court Case No. 25STPB02127
The Petition for Probate requests that Sasha L Collins be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.
The petition requests the decedent’s will and codicils, if any, be admitted to probate. The will and any codicils are available for examination in the file kept by the court.
The petition requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority.
A hearing on the petition will be held in Los Angeles County Superior Court as follows: Date: March 28, 2025, Time: 8:30 am. Dept.: 5 The address of the court: 111 North Hill Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012.
If you object to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney. If you are a creditor or a contingent creditor of the deceased, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code.
Other California statues and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law.
You may examine the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk.
Petitioner: Sasha L. Collins 297122 Myers, Widders, Gibson, Jones and Feingold – 39 N. California St. Ventura, CA 93001
Published in the Santa Monica Mirror, 03/07/2025, 03/14/2025, and 03/21/2025.
release of bacteria and other pollutants into the ocean. They caution that high levels of harmful bacteria could persist in the water even after the immediate effects of the storm subside.
The nonprofit is urging public officials to conduct thorough testing and release transparent reports on ocean water quality. They emphasize the need for updated data on bacterial contamination, particularly in areas where stormwater runoff is most concentrated. While local health agencies may declare some beaches safe based on routine sampling, Heal the Bay stresses that more extensive testing is required to assess the full impact of the storm.
Until further testing is conducted, Heal the Bay recommends that people stay out of the water for at least 72 hours after heavy rainfall. They advise beachgoers to be especially cautious near storm drains, river outlets, and areas prone to runoff, as these locations may carry higher levels of pollutants.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NUMBER: 202504105 ORIGINAL FILING This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles ON 03/05/25. The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as 1. BIOMETRICINTEL.ORG 2. MONTANA AVENUE GROUP. The full name of registrant(s) is/are: Aram Gabrielyan, 834 2nd St. Unite 11, Santa Monica, Ca. 90403. This business is conducted by An Individual. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 03/2025. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime). Signed Aram Gabrielyan. This Statement was filed with the County Clerk of LOS ANGELES County on March 3, 2025. NOTICE: IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUBDIVISION (a) OF SECTION 17920, A FICTITIOUS NAME STATEMENT
dangerous message about America’s global leadership.
“The United States does not always have to agree with our allies, but we should try to treat them with respect and dignity,” Lieu said. “Today was a distressing moment for those of us who value democracy and America’s role as a force for good.”
Heal the Bay plans to continue monitoring water quality and will share their findings as new data becomes available.
GENERALLY EXPIRES AT THE END OF FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE ON WHICH IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK, EXCEPT, AS PROVIDED IN SUBDIVISION (b) OF SECTION 17920, WHERE IT EXPIRES 40 DAYS AFTER ANY CHANGE IN THE FACTS SET FORTH IN THE STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 17913 OTHER THAN A CHANGE IN THE RESIDENCE ADDRESS OF A REGISTERED OWNER. A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THE EXPIRATION. THE FILING OF THIS STATEMENT DOES NOT OF ITSELF AUTHORIZE THE USE IN THIS STATE OF A FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IN VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER UNDER FEDERAL, STATE, OR COMMON LAW (SEE SECTION 14411 ET SEQ., BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS CODE). Santa Monica Mirror to publish 03/7/25, 03/14/25, 03/21/25, 03/28/25. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NUMBER: 20525035706 ORIGINAL FILING This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles ON 02/20-2025. The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as 1. Making Friends with Money. The full name of registrant(s) is/are: Jo Anne Amiri 2011 7th St.,
she knows to be false is guilty of a crime). Signed Jo Anne Amiri. This Statement was filed with the County Clerk of LOS ANGELES County on February 20, 2025. NOTICE: IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUBDIVISION (a) OF SECTION 17920, A FICTITIOUS NAME STATEMENT GENERALLY EXPIRES AT THE END OF FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE ON WHICH IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK, EXCEPT, AS PROVIDED IN SUBDIVISION (b) OF SECTION 17920, WHERE IT EXPIRES
SANTA MONICA COLLEGE
SANTA MONICA COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Dr. Nancy Greenstein, Chair; Dr. Sion Roy, Vice Chair; Dr. Luis Barrera Castañón; Anastasia Foster; Dr. Margaret Quiñones-Perez; Dr. Tom Peters; Rob Rader; Kathryn E. Jeffery, Ph.D., Superintendent/President
Santa Monica College | 1900 Pico Blvd. Santa Monica, CA 90405 | smc.edu
