Palisades Fire Evacuee Identified as Woman Found Dead on Santa Monica Beach
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner later determined her cause of death to be blunt force head trauma
Authorities have identified the woman found dead near a lifeguard tower on Santa Monica Beach last month as 33-year-old Tianna Thomas, a Georgia native who had recently relocated to Los Angeles, KCAL reported.
The Santa Monica Police Department continues to investigate the case as a homicide but has yet to identify a suspect.
Thomas’ body was discovered on the morning of February 10 by a beach maintenance worker near Lifeguard Tower 1550. She was found inside a sleeping bag
with visible trauma to her face. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner later determined her cause of death to be blunt force head trauma and ruled it a homicide, KCAL reported.
Originally from Atlanta, Thomas had moved to Los Angeles in recent years. According to a GoFundMe campaign started by her sister, Kiara Porter, Thomas was known for her adventurous spirit and love of travel.
She had also been affected by the recent Pacific Palisades wildfires, forcing her to seek shelter after evacuating from the area, according to KCAL.
“My sister was a very outgoing person who loved to travel, help out communities, and give back to those in need,” Porter wrote in the fundraiser, which seeks to raise funds to transport Thomas’ body back to Georgia for burial. “I never thought I would have to write a GoFundMe for any of my siblings. I’m devastated and don’t know what else to do.”
The SMPD has not yet identified any suspects in Thomas’ killing and has urged anyone with information to come forward.
Cat Rescued From Palisades Fire Gets Outpouring of Support for Medical Recovery
The cat was found two months after the fire, emaciated and suffering from burns
A cat that survived for weeks in the rubble of the devastating Palisades Fire is receiving critical veterinary care as donations pour in to support her recovery. Aggie, a five-year-old Maine coon, was feared dead after the wildfire swept through Pacific Palisades on Jan. 7, destroying her owner’s home. According to AP News, the cat was miraculously found two months later, emaciated and suffering from burns. Her owner, 82-year-old Katherine Kiefer, was reunited with Aggie at the West Los Angeles Animal Shelter in an emotional moment that quickly went viral on social media.
A GoFundMe campaign launched to cover Aggie’s medical expenses has raised more than $24,000 as of Tuesday, surpassing its initial $20,000 goal. The fundraiser, organized by Kiefer’s daughter, Carolyn Kiefer, describes Aggie’s
harrowing survival.
“She was living in the ash and ruins, always staying close to home. She is skin and bone, has some signs of burns, has had one blood transfusion and is needing additional medical attention before she can come home,” the fundraiser states. “This fund is to help with Aggie’s veterinary
bills. Extra funds will be donated to local shelters.”
Aggie has undergone multiple blood transfusions and is being treated by a specialist, according to AP News. The family expects her to be released from the hospital on Thursday.
Kiefer, who had received Aggie as a gift
during the COVID-19 pandemic, told AP News she is anxiously awaiting her cat’s return. “Don’t underestimate cats,” she said.
The GoFundMe page for Aggie’s recovery can be found at: https://www. gofundme.com/f/support-aggies-medicalrecovery.
Santa Monica City Council to Discuss Homelessness Strategic Plan and New Police SMART Center
Public input will be accepted on various agenda items, with discussions scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m.
The Santa Monica City Council is set to discuss a wide range of issues, including updates to transit policies, infrastructure projects, and a strategic plan to address homelessness, during its upcoming meeting on March 11 at City Hall.
The agenda includes a proposed update to the Big Blue Bus Service Design Guidelines, which city staff recommend for approval. The changes are intended to improve service efficiency and performance standards.
Infrastructure projects will also be a focal point, with the council considering contracts for the Arcadia Water Treatment Plant roof replacement, a new police department SMART Center, and Phase
1 of the 19th Street Community Garden Project. If approved, these projects will involve millions in funding and longterm agreements with engineering and construction firms.
Additionally, the council is expected to vote on accepting a $35,000 cannabis equity grant from the state to develop a local cannabis equity program. Other administrative matters on the agenda include approving a corrected set of
minutes from a 2024 meeting, updating the job title of an Assistant Building Officer, and approving an amended employment agreement for the City Attorney.
The meeting will also feature a presentation on Santa Monica’s 2025-2030 Homelessness Strategic Plan. The council will review key findings from a renters’ protection program analysis, approve a human services reorganization plan, and consider a resolution declaring a local
emergency on homelessness through 2026, citing challenges exacerbated by recent wildfires.
In closed session, the council will discuss labor negotiations, legal matters, and a potential lease agreement for the Civic Auditorium property.
Public input will be accepted on various agenda items, with discussions scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m. and certain matters not addressed before 7 p.m.
More Pacific Palisades Residents Join Lawsuit Against L.A. Over City’s Fire Response
Residents Expand Legal Action Over City’s Alleged Fire Response Failures
Twenty-five additional Pacific Palisades residents have joined a lawsuit against the City of Los Angeles and the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP), alleging that failures in the area’s water supply system exacerbated January’s deadly brush fire.
Initially filed in January on behalf of 23 residents, the lawsuit claims that the city and LADWP failed to provide an adequate water supply, hindering firefighters’ ability to control the Palisades Fire, which devastated the coastal community. With the latest filing on Wednesday, the number of
plaintiffs now stands at 48.
The lawsuit, filed in California Superior Court, seeks damages for property loss, repair and replacement costs, alternative living expenses, lost wages, diminished earning capacity, and other financial hardships resulting from the fire.
“Plaintiffs are informed and believe that the water supply system servicing areas in and around Pacific Palisades on the date of the Palisades Fire failed, and that this failure was a substantial factor in causing plaintiffs to suffer the losses alleged,” the complaint states.
According to the lawsuit, the Santa Ynez Reservoir, a key component of the Los Angeles water supply system with a capacity of 117 million gallons, was empty at the time of the fire. This alleged failure, the plaintiffs argue, left fire crews with little to no water to combat the fast-moving blaze.
Michelin Unveils Newest Additions to Its California Guide, Seven Los Angeles Restaurants Recognized
Exciting New Dining Destinations Join the Michelin Selection in Los Angeles, Culver City, Santa Monica
The Michelin Guide has recently unveiled its latest additions to its California section, highlighting seven in Los Angeles, Santa Monica, and Culver City. These establishments are now recognized as “New” and “Recommended,” marking them as notable to all diners in Los Angeles who appreciate fine dining.
These Los Angeles establishments, having commenced operations in 2024, have a special spotlight on them. The official announcements of Stars and Bib Gourmand awards will be made at the California Michelin Guide Ceremony later this year, so while these restaurants have been added, we will all wait until the ceremony to find out who will be recognized further for culinary excellence.
Bar Étoile
Kusano
Rasarumah
Restaurant Ki
10726 Jefferson Blvd., Culver City | Sushi
A sushi experience like no other, Kusano is a one-man show where the chef handles everything—from pouring drinks to crafting exquisite nigiri. With just a handful of seats at the counter and two intimate seatings per night, reservations are a must. The omakase menu highlights pristine fish, often dressed with just a whisper of nikiri and wasabi. Some bites offer unexpected textures, such as Hokkaido uni layered with squid and cooked seaweed. A refreshing yuzu granita provides a delicate, citrusy end to the meal.
Mori Nozomi
11500 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles | Sushi
3107 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles | Malaysian
At Rasarumah, Chef Jonny Lee showcases the layered complexity of Chinese-Malaysian flavors with dishes designed for sharing. Meals begin with an array of house-made sambals, paired with bold starters like pork jowl or chicken satay skewers, ulam bendi (charred okra with herbs), and steamed eggplant with sambal and dried shrimp. Mains offer comforting richness, with beef rendang in a deeply spiced curry, accompanied by warm, buttery roti. The cendol sundae, a vibrant dessert of coconut and pandan ice cream, pandan jelly noodles, red bean, and gula melaka syrup, brings the meal to a sweet, nostalgic close.
111 San Pedro St., Los Angeles | Korean Contemporary
Tucked away in an unassuming location, Restaurant Ki offers an immersive tasting menu where Korean tradition meets global inspiration. The experience begins with refined small bites, like shirako gimbap and crispy octopus in a creamy sauce with gochujang. Playful yet precise, the menu flows from dishes like charred sugar snap peas with trout roe to a luxuriously rich perilla seed pasta topped with winter truffle. Main courses feature deeply flavorful plates such as barbecue roasted squab with foie gras sauce and 45-day dry-aged dairy cow with golden beet jus and Korean bone broth. A delicate mushroom ice cream sandwich provides an intriguing and unexpected finish.
Cont. on page 7
632 N. Western Ave., Los Angeles | Californian, European
While Bar Étoile boasts an impressive French-inspired wine selection, the food is just as deserving of attention. Chef Travis Hayden crafts elegant, ingredient-driven dishes that shine in their simplicity. Snap peas with lightly smoked ricotta and a zesty nettle gremolata make for a refreshing opener, while the striped bass with salsa macha and caramelized sunchoke is a testament to refined cooking. For dessert, a rich chocolate tart with passion fruit chantilly provides a perfectly balanced ending to a meal steeped in culinary finesse.
With just eight coveted seats at the counter, this exclusive destination demands advance reservations. At the heart of the experience is Chef Nozomi Mori, who meticulously sources fish flown in multiple times per week from Japan, while also incorporating locally grown, seasonal produce into the menu. Every detail is thoughtfully curated, from the pristine seafood to the specialized Japanese ice used in the restaurant’s five-course tea pairing, ensuring a refined and immersive dining experience.
Diners begin with delicate appetizers such as chawanmushi with gingko nuts, setting the stage for the main event: a nigiri progression that highlights the purity and essence of each cut of fish. The meal concludes on a beautifully traditional note with house-made mochi and ceremonial matcha, whisked and served by the chef herself.
Fire Safety in Los Angeles: Reimagining an Age of Megafires Welcome to Urban Jungle
SMa.r.t.
Santa Monica Architects for a Responsible Tomorrow
Los Angeles stands at a critical juncture in its relationship with fire. It is true that climate change intensified vegetations to tinder-dry fuel, however, the primary threat to our communities lies in how we’ve built them. The city’s dense housing developments, often with as little as 6-8 feet between structures, have created perfect conditions for catastrophic fire spread. The Tongva people, who stewarded these lands before Los Angeles existed, understood dry, wind-driven fire as both friend and foe. Their use of controlled burns maintained healthy ecosystems for them with improved future crop growths, while not accumulating dangerous fuel loads that would have threatened their villages. Predating fire-science, these practices offer valuable insights for fire management in today’s environs.
Advanced testing and modern building science indicates residences will be best protected with (1) proper spacing apart to avoid the devastating domino effect, (2) a 200-foot “defensible space” perimeter, and (3) a 5-foot spacing of non-combustibles around the residence to reduce fire transmission. After emberspread flame-fronts ignite buildings, firestorms are created, radiating temperatures on surfaces from 1,500 to 2,500 deg. Fahrenheit. Such an intensified heat caused concrete, terra-cotta, and brick to crumble, while shattering windows, sliding glass doors, and creating wind-fed fire-tunnels to interiors that fueled total destruction. Significantly, the resulting regulatory framework will shift toward increased inspection frequency, stricter enforcement, and enhanced penalties for non-compliance.
Technical specifications for fireresistant construction have evolved according to RSMeans’ national database. Now available are Class A firerated roof covering & substrate options with high wind ratings for several advanced and improved materials. These assemblies will better protect roofs, roof edges, gutters, under-eave mesh vents, and resistant tiles. The data includes 1-hour rated external wall assemblies using resistant high-temperature formulated substrates, and claddings to achieve crucial protection. These envelopes include triple-pane tempered glass windows & doors resisting heat better than prior versions, new T&G composite decking protected at undersides, and near-home landscaping replacing bark mulch with rock.
The economics for construction listed above present a compelling case as recent studies show that using optimal wildfire
resistance materials have relative increase costs of +$72,000. Such an investment yield long-term benefits such as energy efficiencies and reduced maintenance.
The January 2025 fires provided persuasive evidence that properly designed communities can withstand megafire conditions. In areas where homes are built by the guidelines just noted, experts expect 90% of structures would survived despite intense fire exposure. In contrast, traditional wood frame construction and minimal spacing, suffers, when built under lenient codes like the early Palisades homes,100% losses in too many neighborhoods. Additionally, technologies to complement fire-resistant materials, such as smart home systems integrated with weather stations, fire detection networks, can provide early warning, and automated external sprinkler systems can activate by ember detection, and the IoT sensors monitor vulnerable areas around homes. These are not stand alone solutions, but they will assist with emergency response planning, which must evolve beyond individual structures to encompass entire neighborhoods.
Planned communities using an awareness of resistant construction can be developed and encouraged towards land-use designs to share properties and green spaces, in the spirit of Gregory Ain, a champion of the Case Study program. With forethought these spaces, with
Immerse yourself in a sanctuary where nature’s tranquility meets the vibrancy of city life. Urban Jungle is more than a plant store it’s a communitycentered oasis bringing a lush slice of paradise to your urban lifestyle. Here, we passionately believe in the power of plants to transform spaces and elevate well-being.
adequate separation between structures, will create crucial firebreak barriers, community gardens, and social gathering places to enhance a lively cohesion. Also
character, a word borrowed from the Greek “kharakter” “symbol or imprint on the soul.” By metaphor through diverse languages, to mean the ”sum of qualities that define a realm (or person) distinguishing it from another.” That aptly defines the Palisades and Altadena neighborhoods.
Retrofitting existing neighborhoods presents distinct challenges. The Venice, California Canal District requires a tenyear program to replace wood shake roofs, install ember-resistant vents, and create defensible space where possible. Where the historic housing pattern prevents adequate spacing, they established “community firebreaks” every six blocks—streets with enhanced tree trimming, underground utilities, and special water access points for firefighters. Strategic upgrades, offer the highest return, with costs typically recovered within 7-10 years. Similar approaches can be adapted across Los Angeles, with retrofit priorities.
Fire safety and water conservation— priorities that seem to compete—can be strategically aligned. Landscapes utilizing native, drought-tolerant species create defensible, fire-resistant space, and reducing water consumption by up to 70%. Rainwater harvesting systems can double as emergency fire suppression reserves when properly designed. The Fire-Wise Communities demonstrate integration with neighborhood-level greywater systems feeding moistureretaining vegetation in community firebreaks. These dual-purpose approaches maximize resource efficiency while enhancing protection.
The path forward requires balancing strategic implementation entities including fire safety, maintenance of the community’s character, economic feasibility, and environmental sustainability. These must have a
timeline planned around neighborhood ‘captains’ to balance urgency with practicality. To enhance original aesthetics neighborhoods had, traditional architectural elements, incorporating fire-resistant materials, can be preserved. For example, using decorative eaves to conceal ember-resistant venting, while classic window styles can be reproduced in triple-pane tempered glass. Foremost, recapturing the design of Case Study with elements of lovely vernacular homes from prior decades, will exemplify efficient plans for a pleasing coherence in neighborhoods.
As we face an uncertain climate future, the focus must remain on controllable factors. While we cannot prevent all fires, we can build communities that resist fire spread. Thoughtful design, appropriate materials, and community cooperation will guide Los Angeles through this challenge while preserving what makes its neighborhoods special. The solutions lie not in fortification but in smart adaptation, drawing on both ancient wisdom and modern science to create resilient communities enlivened to thrive in the face of any challenge.
By Jack Hillbrand AIA, Architect
S.M.a.r.t. Santa Monica Architects for a Responsible Tomorrow
Robert H. Taylor AIA, Architect; Dan Jansenson, Architect & Building and Fire-Life Safety Commission; Samuel Tolkin, Architect & Planning Commissioner; Mario Fonda-Bonardi AIA, Architect; Thane Roberts, Architect; Jack Hillbrand AIA, & Landmarks Commission Architect; Phil Brock, former SM Mayor; Michael Jolly, AIRCRE
For previous articles see www. santamonicaarch.wordpress.com/writing
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.
Cont. from page 5
Seline
3110 Main St., Ste. 132, Santa Monica | Californian, Contemporary
At Seline, Chef Dave Beran delivers an experience that defies expectations, blending sweet and savory flavors in ways that surprise and delight. The tasting menu is a journey through unconventional pairings, such as dry-aged beef tartare served with a savory granola, or roasted leeks accompanied by a eucalyptus foam. Squab is presented in two acts— first as a roasted breast alongside fennel sausage-stuffed leg, then as a bold finale
Tomat
featuring squab liver truffle with a rich strawberry sauce. The highlight? Golden osetra caviar atop hazelnuts with a coffee anglaise, a testament to the chef’s meticulous craftsmanship.
6261 W. 87th St., Los Angeles | Californian
A farm-driven concept that evolves throughout the day, Tomat shifts into a more refined dining experience come evening. The interior mirrors its fresh approach to ingredients, with earthy tones and warm accents. The menu features vibrant starters such as housemade barbari bread paired with roasted tomato-dusted butter and charred seasonal vegetables over smooth ajo blanco. Main dishes are meant to be shared, with the half Liberty Farms duck—crispy-skinned and enhanced with a pomegranate-walnut mole—
Wilshire Advisors LLC in Santa Monica, CA is seekg Sr. Quantitative Analyst(s) to dvlp statistical & quantitative models. No trvl. WFH benefit. Salary: $114,000/yr. Email resumes to Recruiting@ Wilshire.com
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 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.
stealing the show. End the night with a rich sticky toffee pudding topped with burnt milk gelato and a decadent butterscotch sauce.
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., Santa Monica, Ca. 90405. This business is conducted by An Individual. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. 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 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 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
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
Photo by Jonathan Ng