Palisades Charter High School Eyes Downtown Santa Monica Building for Temporary Relocation
School
leaders have stressed the importance of resuming in-person learning to provide stability and support
for students
The old Sears building in downtown Santa Monica is being considered as a temporary campus for Palisades Charter High School, which suffered damage in the Palisades fire earlier this year, school officials revealed during a board meeting Tuesday.
School administrators acknowledged ongoing negotiations but emphasized that no formal agreement has been reached.
“I won’t say a lot about the temporary relocation, because we have more to talk about later,” said the school’s executive director and principal, Dr.
Pamela Magee. “But I do want to assure everyone we’re working on that. We had a little bit of a delay, because, as with many things that deal with contracts, things sometimes come up. We’re working through it. We think that we’ll get it all resolved quickly.”
The high school has been searching for a temporary site after the January wildfires forced students and staff out of their original campus. Last month, school officials issued a public appeal for assistance in securing an interim location, calling on local businesses and organizations to help provide space for continued instruction.
“We have a unique opportunity to show the strength and resilience of our community in the face of adversity,” Magee said at the time. “By coming together, we can ensure that our students can stay in their learning environment, with their friends and mentors, at a time when they need it most.”
The former Sears building, located on Colorado Avenue, has been the site of other redevelopment efforts. Most
recently, it was set to house SCI-FI WORLD: The Experience, a museum dedicated to science fiction and fantasy memorabilia. However, the museum’s grand opening was delayed last year due to regulatory and staffing issues.
If an agreement is reached, the Sears building would serve as a temporary home for Palisades Charter High School while officials work on long-term solutions. School leaders have stressed the importance of resuming in-person learning to provide stability and support for students affected by the fires.
ZJ Boarding House, Popular Santa Monica Surf Shop, to Close Four Years After Reopening
Financial troubles of parent company lead to shutdown of beloved surf and skate shop
ZJ Boarding House, a long-standing surf and skate shop on Main Street, is set to close its doors once again this April, just four years after its celebrated reopening.
Originally founded in 1988 at the corner of Main Street and Ocean Park Boulevard, ZJ Boarding House first shut down in August 2020 due to difficulties negotiating a lease. However, a new five-year lease agreement allowed the store to reopen in spring 2021 following extensive renovations. The return was heralded as a victory for the local surf and skate community, with co-founder
Todd Roberts calling it “a silver lining at the end of such a challenging year.”
Despite its revival, ZJ Boarding House is now among the many retail locations affected by the ongoing financial struggles of its parent company, Liberated Brands.
The firm, which operated several well-known surf and skate brands under a licensing agreement with Authentic Brands Group, filed for bankruptcy earlier this month, as reported by Digital Commerce 360. The filing followed Authentic Brands’ decision to terminate its licensing deal with Liberated Brands, leaving the company in financial turmoil.
Gordon Brothers, the asset management firm overseeing the liquidation of Liberated Brands’ retail locations, announced storewide closing sales at all 122 affected stores, including ZJ Boarding House. Discounts range from 20% to 50% off, with all sales final during the store closing event.
The Willows’ Middle School Program Sets Students Up for Success
By Susan Payne
Great minds grow at The Willows Community School in Los Angeles.
The co-educational independent school is nationally recognized as a balanced, progressive educational leader. For students in the Middle School Program, grades six through eight, academics, identity formation, relationship building and social emotional learning is the essence of high school preparation.
“In the Middle School Program, we emphasize high school readiness and create a clear scope and sequence around different academic subjects. Students have agency and autonomy in the way they demonstrate understanding, utilizing project-based learning skills learned in previous years to bolster their confidence and abilities in the next sequence of their lives,” said Steve Futterman, The Willows’ director of admissions.
The Willows’ challenging academic program is complemented by an exemplary performing and fine arts curriculum, a full range of athletic teams, a rich and thoughtful social emotional learning and life skills curriculum and
extracurricular activities. For middle school students, creativity is not restricted to the arts but fostered in every discipline as an essential tool for learning and development. The middle school offers a range of electives like debate and robotics.
“Students have the opportunity to try new things which reflects the leadership opportunities we try to create for our students. If they have a particular interest, we allow them to submit proposals for electives they may be interested in. Whether it’s Mandarin or fashion design, we help them develop a growth mindset,” Futterman said.
IDENTITY FORMATION
The goals of The Willows’ Middle School program are to foster cognition through an intellectually challenging, relevant academic program, strengthen organizational and study skills that enable students to approach academic task with independence and success and to equip students with the foundational skills needed to formulate questions, develop strategies, find solutions, listen critically, communicate clearly and work collaboratively.
Teachers also encourage, nurture and challenge students to challenge themselves and discover and develop
their passions during these highly impactful, formative years. In this balanced yet academically challenging and creative environment, students are encouraged to form identities, lead and make a difference in the world around them.
“We recognize that middle school can be a tricky yet exciting time developmentally for students. We strive to be the place where students feel their identity formation is happening without outside influences and want to create a space where students feel safe to explore things that may interest them,” Futterman said.
RELATIONSHIP BUILDING
Connections are vital during middle school, whether it’s showing leadership and mentorship to students in younger grades, collaborating with classmates, or building relationships with teachers who encourage and support growth.
“Sixth, seventh and eighth graders share some classes outside of their grade levels and are comfortable advocating for themselves and working closely with teachers. As they prepare for high school, they are learning vital skills that will help them form relationships and become leaders in high school and beyond,” Futterman said.
SOCIAL EMOTIONAL LEARNING
The Willows’ commitment to social emotional learning dates back nearly a decade upon adoption of the RULER approach, developed by the director of the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence.
Representing the five skills of emotional intelligence, R stands for recognizing emotions in oneself and others, U stands for understanding the causes and consequences of emotions, L stands for labeling emotions with a nuanced vocabulary, E stands for expressing emotions in accordance with cultural norms and social context and R stands for regulating emotions with helpful strategies.
This approach allows The Willows’ Middle School Program students to be diligent, empathetic and confident while shining, spreading their wings and taking risks. To learn more about The Willows and its Middle School Program, visit TheWillows.org to set up a tour or information session.
The Perils of Passing the Buck: How SelfCertification Threatens Public Safety in Building Design and Construction
In the bustling city of Santa Monica, California, a quiet revolution is underway in the world of building design and construction. The city has embraced a new approach to approving buildings called self-certification. This shift promises to streamline the permitting process and boost efficiency, but it also raises thorny questions about accountability, legal liability, ethical activity, and the evolving role of design professionals.
At first glance, self-certification seems like a win-win proposition. Design professionals gain more autonomy and control over their projects, while the city benefits from reduced bureaucracy and faster turnaround times. Proponents argue that the system will attract new businesses, spur economic growth, and free up city staff to focus on more complex development challenges. However, the California Code of Regulations establishes the Building Standards Commission's authority to approve local amendments to building codes, which impacts how cities would implement self-certification programs.
The matter of who is responsible may compromise the concept of "standard of care" - the level of professionalism that a reasonable architect would exercise under similar circumstances. Which begs the question during a transition, “what are the similar circumstances?” For generations, this standard has been shaped and enforced by robust plan check systems, where architects submit plans to city officials for a compliance review with all applicable laws, regulations, and codes.
The new proposal, by allowing architects to vouch for submittals for the safety, sustainability, and code compliance, where any warranty or promise undermines the standards of care. If something goes wrong – whether it's a structural failure, a fire hazard, or an ADA violation – the architect doesn’t have the shield of sovereign immunity that the city does. Furthermore, with limiting city staff budgets for inspectors, would third-party inspectors be retained by the architect? That can increase risks to potentially face lawsuits, crippling insurance claims, and damage to their professional reputations.
With liability risks being more
vulnerable under self-certification, design professionals will struggle to secure affordable Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance coverage. Insurance providers, wary of higher potential for claims, would either raise premiums to prohibitive levels or refuse to offer coverage altogether. This could create a situation where only the largest and most well-capitalized firms can afford to practice, stifling competition and innovation in the industry.
Clearly, the consequences of this transition could be profound and farreaching. For one, it could create a race to the bottom among architects, as those who maintain reasoned levels of interpretation find themselves at a competitive disadvantage against the unwittingly more lax. It could also lead to a fragmentation of code interpretations across different jurisdictions or project types, thereby amplifying nuances in understanding the intent for safe construction.
The City would need to ensure the costs of regulatory compliance are borne fairly and not disproportionately by small firms and practitioners. If self-certification takes hold, it could create a two-tiered system where only the largest and wealthiest firms can afford the soaring insurance premiums and legal risks that come with vouching for their own work. This would not only stifle competition and innovation but also further erode public confidence in an industry already struggling with a trust deficit.
On the surface, self-certification seems like a seductively simple solution to the complex challenges plaguing the construction industry. Overworked building departments, struggling to keep pace with a surge in development, are all too eager to shed some of their oversight responsibilities. Most developers and some design professionals, chafing under the delays and costs imposed by cumbersome permitting processes, are happy to police themselves if it means getting projects done faster and cheaper. What could possibly go wrong?
As it turns out, plenty. Self-certification can blur the lines between designer and regulator, and further undermine the perception of architects as independent, objective stewards of the built environment. The answer to what Santa Monica City seeks is not to abandon the hard-won sustainability codes, and safeguards and standards that have served us well for generations, but rather to find ways to strengthen and improve them for
Santa Monica Architects for a Responsible Tomorrow
the challenges of the 21st century. This means cities are to find funding to invest in building departments to ensure they have the resources and expertise to provide robust, consistent, and timely plan reviews; and to train staff to leverage technology and data to streamline the permitting process and make it more transparent and predictable. And it means fostering a huddling culture of collaboration and continuous improvement among architects,
engineers, contractors, and regulators, one that prioritizes public safety and welfare above all else.
None of this is to suggest that the current regulatory system can be modified to be perfect. Building departments are understaffed, undertrained, and riven by their own perverse incentives. Permitting processes can be byzantine, inconsistent, and painfully slow. These are legitimate frustrations for design professionals and
developers trying to navigate an often opaque and capricious system. Ultimately, the debate over self-certification is about more than just bureaucratic wrangling or economic efficiency. It's about the fundamental social contract that underpins the building industry – the idea that those who design and construct the spaces where we live, work, and play have a solemn obligation to place public welfare above private interest. It's an obligation
that requires constant vigilance, shared responsibility, and a commitment to upholding the highest standards of professional practice.
Should Santa Monica City and other jurisdictions continue to contemplate the siren song of self-certification, they would do well to remember the hardwon lessons of history and the vital role that independent oversight has played in safeguarding the public trust. Perhaps we require council persons proposing to abdicate their duties shall become cosigners in respect to Hammurabi’s Code from 1750 B.C. that attached penalties to those responsible for poor performance. That said, with confidence, and appropriate training, there is a future where buildings are not just faster and cheaper to construct, but also safer, more sustainable, and more responsive to the greater good of society and respect of all those who depend on the integrity of the built environment.
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 FireLife Safety Commission, Samuel Tolkin, Architect & Planning Commissioner; Mario Fonda-Bonardi AIA, Architect; Thane Roberts, Architect; Jack Hillbrand AIA, & Landmarks Commission’s Architect;
Phil Brock, former SM Mayor; Michael Jolly, AIRCRE
For previous articles, see www. santamonicaarch.wordpress.com/writing
Rhinestone Cowboys: Country Music Gets the GMCLA Treatment
Halfway through its 46th season, Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles is preparing for its next show in March, Rhinestone Cowboys, an explosion of sequins, color and everything you never thought would be associated with cowboy.
GMCLA, a nonprofit performing arts organization, sings for a future free from homophobia and all other forms of discrimination. Its chorus and dance troupe comprise nearly 250 members who volunteer through song and dance, and performing at events year-round and regularly throughout its seasons.
Rhinestone Cowboys is the second of three mainstage concerts performed by the chorus this season. Hosted at the historic Saban Theatre, the chorus will sashay and sway to the legends, ladies and icons of country music — Dolly Parton, Reba McEntire, Shania Twain, Johnny Cash, Chris Stapleton, Taylor Swift and more.
“Our chorus hasn’t performed country in a while, so we felt it was time to bring it back—of course, with our own spin,” said Lou Spisto, GMCLA’s executive director and producer. “There’s never been a better moment for this, because country music is everywhere—it’s ubiquitous, it’s omnipresent. Plus, the genre is more diverse than ever, with so many new voices and artists making their mark.”
Rhinestone Cowboys will spotlight today’s hippest and gayest artists and allies who are revolutionizing country including Brandi Carlile, Shaboozy and Chappell Roan.
Voices like Taylor Swift, who started in country and progressed into pop and goes back and forth, and Beyonce, who recently became the first Black woman to win a Grammy Award for Best Country Album, will also be represented during Rhinestone Cowboys, along with Lil Nas X, a queer voice who started his career in country.
New surprises and some old favorites are expected from the chorus as well.
“When we put it all together, it becomes a more diverse, expansive, and compelling take on country than we have ever done before,” said Spisto. “No matter the genre, whether it’s Motown
or classic musicals, we always make it our own, infusing it with our signature beauty and humanity.”
While the chorus is preparing for its March production, Spisto said they are eager to come together as a community.
“We have a great advantage in that this ensemble of artists truly wants to be together and connect,” said Spisto. “Beyond the music, it’s about community. In difficult times like these, especially with what happened in LA, people are even more eager to come together and share in the joy of singing.”
During this show, the chorus will be performing Beautiful City by Stephen Schwartz.
“We’ve done this song before, but we’re bringing it back within the context of the fires,” said Spisto. “We always aim to reflect on who we are, what should be, and what can happen as we move forward. This song combines excitement, enthusiasm, music, and heart. We felt it would really resonate if we added it to the show.”
To see GMCLA’s spin on country, Rhinestone Cowboys, tickets can be purchased online for Saturday, March 22 at 8 p.m., or Sunday, March 23 at 3:30 p.m. Saban Theatre is located at 8440 Wilshire Boulevard in Beverly Hills.
Health and Wellness Spotlight 2025
‘All in One’: Mirror Mirror Med Spa Specializes in Skin, Face and Body Treatments
One of the top med spas in Los Angeles is at the top for a reason: state-of-the-art, minimally invasive, customized skin care that produces real results in a safe and supportive environment.
Mirror Mirror Med Spa provides the optimal environment for individuals looking to embrace their ideal selves under any condition and at any stage in life.
“We are a very unique boutique medical spa that provides cost-effective treatments with cutting edge technology and a staff that comprises over 30 years of experience,” said Nadya Christian, the spa’s master aesthetician and patient coordinator. “Whether you want to sculpt your body, get a facial, Botox or fillers, we do it all. If it has anything to do with health, body, wellness and beauty, you have it under one roof.”
The spa provides a variety of customized skin care services that are designed to provide each individual with smooth, radiant skin and a renewed sense of self-confidence. With each treatment, the spa aims to enhance each patient’s confidence and overall wellbeing.
ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY
Mirror Mirror Med Spa offers the most advanced and effective, minimally invasive and non-invasive medical cosmetic procedures in Los Angeles with award-winning innovation, clinically proven to reduce treatment time, recovery time, and deliver real results.
“Our boutique spa uses cutting edge technology for any body, face, skin, weight loss or sculpting procedure. You
don’t have to go to different medical spas for anything else because we have it all,” Christian said.
Some of Mirror Mirror Med Spa’s most popular services include:
• Injectables for weight loss: The spa offers Semaglutide and Tirzepatide injections for weight loss, which are highly sought after and requested by patients. Semaglutide operates by imitating the body’s hormones responsible for signaling fullness, thereby reducing appetite and slowing down the process of gastric emptying.
• Restoring collagen and reducing skin irregularities without lasers or surgery: Using Morpheus8 technology, Mirror Mirror Med Spa offers this safe and effective collagen therapy treatment that uses radiofrequency technology to make your face, neck and body appear younger. The spa is one of the
top providers in Los Angeles for this service.
• Skin resurfacing to treat wrinkles, scars and sun damage: Fractional CO2 lasers target the superficial layer of skin tissue and removes damaged skin, revealing younger and healthier looking skin. Using CoolPeel treatments, Mirror Mirror Med Spa safely and comfortably delivers the benefits of CO2 resurfacing treatment while treating wrinkles, age spots, acne scars and other damage.
MEMBERSHIP AND LOYALTY
Mirror Mirror Med Spa’s highest satisfaction rating comes from its most loyal members and clients who frequent the spa and see desired and effective results.
With the spa’s membership program, you can get your favorite treatments done sooner and more often. Levels of the membership and loyalty program
vary, but every dollar spent at the spa earns points redeemable at the spa.
PRICES
Unlike most medical spas, Mirror Mirror Med Spa lists prices for each procedure on their website to ensure transparency.
“Our clients come first, so for us, that means being transparent and listing all our prices. We work hard to provide results and exceptional service. We offer free consultation before you take the first step. It’s a very comfortable setting,” Christian said. “There’s no selling, no rush, and our caring staff welcomes everyone. We’re truly interested in providing the best results.”
Mirror Mirror Med Spa is located at 1051 Glendon Avenue Suite #112 in Los Angeles. Book your free consultation online or email info@mirrormedspace. com.
Health and Wellness Spotlight 2025
Rifkin Raanan Leads Renowned Beverly Hills Cosmetic Dentistry
By Susan Payne
Subtle differences in training, expertise, technological capabilities and amenities make all the difference when choosing the best cosmetic dentistry practice.
Rifkin Raanan, a leading destination for cosmetic dentistry in Beverly Hills, strives to provide the highest level of dental care, combining artistry with advanced technology. Through rigorous training, ongoing research and investment in the best dental technologies available, Rifkin Raanan maintains a highly rated patient experience, delivering cosmetic and functional results.
Redefining cosmetic and restorative dentistry, the practice was founded by Dr. Rodney Raanan, DDS, MMSc, Cosmetic and Reconstructive Dentist, and Dr. Robert Rifkin. The two are committed to delivering world-class dental care that enhances both oral health and overall well-being.
“Our philosophy is centered on excellence, integrity, and personalized care. We believe that a beautiful smile is more than just aesthetics — it’s about confidence, health, and longevity. Each patient receives customized treatment based on their unique needs, using the most advanced techniques in modern dentistry. Our patient-first approach means we prioritize comfort, long-term wellness, and results that look and feel natural,” Raanan said.
Rifkin Raanan specializes in a variety of services, offering an unparalleled blend of expertise, precision and personalized care. The dentistry is renowned for producing exceptional, natural-looking results using the latest in digital smile design, minimally invasive techniques and premium materials. The following includes:
• Dental Implants — permanent, natural-looking tooth replacement solutions.
• Minimally Invasive Gum Rejuvenation — advanced techniques to restore gum health and aesthetics.
• Laser Periodontal Therapy — nonsurgical treatment for gum disease.
• Bone and Soft Tissue Grafting — rebuilding healthy foundations for longterm dental success.
• Smile Enhancement Treatments — aesthetic gum contouring, implantsupported restorations and personalized smile designs.
• Porcelain Veneers — customdesigned to enhance smiles while maintaining a natural look.
• Full mouth Rehabilitation — restoring function, aesthetics and health for patients with extensive dental needs.
• Smile Makeovers — a comprehensive approach to improving a patient’s smile
through multiple treatments.
• Periodontal and Preventive Care — ensuring long-term gum health and disease prevention.
Rifkin Raanan is distinguished by its rare, on site dental laboratory, in which the practice works together with professionals crafting dental prosthetics. Services provided by Rifkin Raanan are not only evidence-based and effective, but they are also highly personalized and backed by the latest research. The doctors also continuously adopt new and emerging technologies once they are deemed safe and effective.
“By combining science with artistry, I ensure that my patients receive not just treatment, but long-term solutions for optimal oral health. Every patient is unique, and I tailor treatments to align with both their medical needs and aesthetic goals, said Dr. Justin Raanan, DDS, MMSc, Beverly Hills Periodontist. “Comfort, precision, and long-term results are at the core of everything we do, providing patients with both immediate transformation and lifelong health benefits.”
While Rifkin Raanan is currently accepting new patients, the dentistry also offers emergency dental care for patients experiencing urgent issues, ensuring they receive prompt, high quality treatment when necessary.
Through Giving A Smile Foundation, founded by brothers Dr. Justin Raanan and Dr. Rodney Raanan in 2017, the two are also able to transform smiles and give back to the community.
“Our goal is to provide access to quality dental care for underserved children in Los Angeles, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity for a healthy, confident smile,” Rodney
Raanan said. To book a consultation with Rifkin Raanan, visit www.RifkinRaanan.com. Follow the practice on Instagram @ rifkinraanan and @drjustinraanan.
“He
Our neurosurgery virtuoso is now offering consultations in West LA.
As a professor and the associate chair of neurosurgical innovation at the Keck School of Medicine of USC, Dr. Cohen is often consulted for his second opinion by patients and other neurosurgeons alike. His experience is unparalleled as he has performed over 7,000 complex brain surgeries. His pioneering expertise and compassion is now closer than ever, in West LA.
Aaron Cohen-Gadol MD, MSc, MBA
Health and Wellness Spotlight 2025
Executive Function Coaching Practice Opens in Santa Monica
By Susan Payne
Forgetful. Unorganized. Distracted. Impulsive.
These may be difficult, yet commonly used words to describe yourself, or a loved one, who struggles with executive dysfunction.
But fear not — whether diagnosed or undiagnosed — New Agenda Coaching, founded by Maria Del Corso and Amie Davies, has created an ADHD and executive function coaching practice that helps clients strengthen executive function skills such as working memory, cognitive flexibility, inhibition, organization and task initiation.
Executive functioning refers to a set of cognitive skills and processes that help individuals manage and regulate their thoughts, behaviors and emotions to achieve specific goals or tasks. Strong executive function skills lead to higher performances and has life-long benefits for children, teens, college students and adults.
Del Corso and Davies built this coaching service from their unwavering passion working in their respective fields: speech language pathology and special education. New Agenda is a relationship-based approach to support learning and practicing organizational strategies in academics, career and lifestyle management.
“People come to us when they feel a struggle or a barrier. They’re not proceeding through the path they know they can achieve, or their parents know they can achieve, they feel stuck. Our goal is to help people get unstuck and back on target in areas that they’ve
identified concerns,” said Del Corso. “For a lot of our clientele, it’s about understanding and recognizing, ‘how does my brain work?’”
Serving ages nine and older, the coaching practice has recently opened an office in Santa Monica, accepting clients for in-office services, at-home services, and virtual services nationwide.
New Agenda Coaching works with new clients at minimum once per week in one hour sessions, for no specific term length. Working one-on-one with New Agenda coaches, clients learn skill building and strategies to achieve goals and combat concerns related to executive dysfunction.
“We work alongside you to problem solve functional aspects of your life, whether its social, academic, life, skill development, or work, we offer support in the areas that executive dysfunction impacts you,” Davies said. “Our services are determined based on what our clients need.”
New Agenda Coaching serves clients from diverse backgrounds and at different stages that executive dysfunction is impacting them. Pictures of success vary case by case.
“One of my favorite success stories was from a mother, who came to us because her daughter had been diagnosed with ADHD. Looking through that checklist, she realized she probably had ADHD as well and it affected her parenting,” Davies said. “In her emotional regulation, organization of the home, managing as a mother, she had made a complete turnaround with our coaching services and set up systems for success. Her brain started
feeling better, she was able to manage her stress better, and her house was on the way to being organized.”
New Agenda Coaching is a dedicated service that understands the impact of challenges with executive dysfunction and hopes to bring professional knowledge and skills to support each individualized case. Students, adults,
When Davies and Del Corso first started the business, they thought people would be more drawn to virtual services, but they found the opposite to be true.
“We are very excited to offer in
person services in California, knowing how much people appreciate in person services,” Del Corso said. “We’re excited to expand and help more people achieve their goals.”
To learn more about New Agenda Coaching or set up your 15-minute free consultation, visit NewAgendaCoaching.com. Follow New Agenda on Facebook and Instagram @ newagendacoaching
Venice Shorts: More Trees Proposed for Oceanfront Walk
VNC Arbor Committee to Investigate the Planting of the Torrey Pine in Lieu of Palm Trees
By Nick Antonicello
The Oceanfront Walk Committee of the Venice Neighborhood Council met Monday evening, February 3rd at 6:30 PM.
The body is a standing committee of the Venice Neighborhood Council (www.venicenc.org) and covers the issues regarding Venice Beach and in particular, Oceanfront Walk.
The committee is chaired by Deborah Keaton, and the following residents serve as members: Nico Ruderman, Clark Brown (Secretary), Mehrnoosh Mojallali, Mark Rago, Fran Soloman and yours truly.
Also in attendance was VNC President Brian Averill and Community Officer Yolanda Gonzalez.
Under general public comment, several residents spoke about the upcoming board elections which there is no in-person voting and stakeholders must apply for a ballot.
Board Officers Steve Bradbury and
Erica Moore emphasized the need to generate interest and sign-up as many residents and stakeholders as possible.
Isabelle Duvivier, a member of the Arbor Committee indicated to those in attendance that she and members of her committee will investigate the possibility of planting additional trees along Oceanfront Walk in an effort to beautify the character of one of California’s most visited tourist destinations.
Since palm trees are no longer replanted or replaced, Duvivier suggested the Torrey Pine as a complimenting addition to the beach.
The Torrey pine is a rare pine species in California. It is a critically endangered species growing only in coastal San Diego County, and on Santa Rosa Island, offshore from Santa Barbara in Santa Barbara County. The Torrey pine is endemic to the California coastal sage and chaparral ecoregion. Those in attendance were excited by the prospect of more trees and a more appealing presentation at OFW.
The Arbor Committee is responsible for the planting and maintenance of trees in the Venice neighborhood.
The suggestion was to start planting at Rose Avenue and end at the Santa Monica border.
SCAN HERE & SHARE YOUR “LOVE NOTES TO SANTA MONICA”
Share what you love most about Santa Monica: Your favorite experience, shop, restaurant, hotel, or neighborhood for a chance to be featured in our Third Street Promenade pop-up installation!
Venice Art Exhibit Raises $40K for FireAffected Artists, Gallery Continuing
Proceeds from artwork sales will go to the Grief and Hope Fund
The independent Venice gallery ARCANE Space is rallying the arts community to support artists impacted by recent wildfires through the benefit exhibition “ARTISTS for LOSS Angeles.” Featuring works from 64 established and emerging artists, the exhibition has already raised over $40,000 in art sales since its opening weekend and will remain on display through March 2.
Curated by ARCANE Space cofounder Morleigh Steinberg, the exhibition aims to provide direct financial relief to artists who have lost homes, studios, and years of work. All proceeds from artwork sales will go to the Grief and Hope Fund in partnership with The Brick, a nonprofit arts organization.
“The devastating loss experienced by so many in our LA communities is beyond comprehensible, yet very real,” Steinberg said. “This benefit exhibition is a way to come together, support one another, and ensure that people can
continue to create despite the challenges they face.”
The show, which includes works from notable artists such as Ed Ruscha, Lita Albuquerque, and Charles Arnoldi, drew
over 250 attendees at its opening last weekend. A live participatory mural was also initiated by Los Angeles graffiti artist PRIME, recognized as a pioneer of the city’s stylized lettering movement.
The gallery will host a closing event on February 28 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., with the final exhibition day set for March 2.
Those interested in attending its soft opening can sign up for an invitation on the restaurant’s website
A new destination for wine lovers and food enthusiasts is set to open soon in Marina del Rey.
Stoa, a wine bar and market located at 4240 Via Marina, will offer a curated selection of wines, artisanal cheeses, and charcuterie in a space designed for
New Wine Bar and Market Set to Open in Marina del Rey Venice Bodysuarfer Aims to Reach World Finals and Olympic Qualification
Moore, currently ranked
No. 3 in the U.S. and a top contender in the IBSA 2024 rankings, is seeking financial support to fund his journey to the
competition
Local bodysurfer Ian Moore is set to compete in the IBSA Bodysurfing World Tour Finals this spring, marking a significant milestone on his path toward Olympic qualification.
Moore, currently ranked No. 3 in the U.S. and a top contender in the IBSA 2024 rankings, is seeking financial support to fund his journey to the competition and future events worldwide.
The IBSA Bodysurfing World Tour Finals bring together 48 of the topranked men and 24 women from regional qualifying series, along with select wildcard entries. The main event is scheduled to take place between April 28 and May 7, 2025, featuring elite bodysurfers from around the globe.
Moore, a former junior and California State Lifeguard, has been deeply passionate about bodysurfing since his youth. His journey into competitive bodysurfing began in 2020 while filming a documentary on the sport. Initially self-funded, Moore traveled to iconic surf locations to capture the essence of bodysurfing and its top athletes. As his
gathering, conversation, and appreciation of life’s simple pleasures.
Inspired by the principles of Stoicism, Stoa embraces intentionality and simplicity, creating an atmosphere where guests can savor the moment. The menu will feature carefully selected wines paired with cheese and charcuterie boards, panini, and Roman-style pizzas.
In addition to dining in, visitors will have the opportunity to explore the market, which will stock a variety of thoughtfully chosen artisanal goods. Guests can also order picnic baskets, perfect for a seaside outing or a day on the water.
Stoa will be hosting a soft opening event, and those interested in attending can sign up for an invitation on the restaurant’s website: https://www.stoawinebar.com/
passion for the sport grew, so did his competitive ambitions.
“I never thought I’d reach this level of success,” Moore said. “Now, I have the opportunity to compete in the world championship, and I want to take this even further while also working to complete my documentary, ‘Whomp.’”
To support his efforts, Moore launched a GoFundMe campaign with an initial goal of securing funds for the upcoming World Series event in spring 2025. Additional funds will help cover expenses for competitions in France, Australia, Morocco, Mexico, Brazil, Hawaii, Santa Cruz, Portugal, and other key bodysurfing destinations. Contributions will also assist in the completion of his documentary project.
Software Engineer (Ginger. io, Inc; Santa Monica, CA) Design and build highly specialized Android software applications. Telecommuting pursuant to company policy. Salary $188,100/year. Resumes: lindsey@headspace.com
Multiple Positions at Markit On Demand, Inc. dba Communify Fincentric, in Santa Monica, CA: Lead 1, Software Development & Engineering (JC01): MS in CS or rltd & 2 yrs rltd exp. $159,765/ yr. Client Management Specialist (JC02): MS in CS, Mgmt Info Sys or rltd & 2 yrs rltd exp. $124,800/yr. Senior Software Engineer (JC03): MS in CS or rltd & 2 yrs rltd exp. $126,942/yr. All positions may work remotely from anywhere in the U.S. CV & job code to pete@justbuildit.com.
FURNISHED, GORGEOUSLY REMODELED 2bd/1ba duplex with laundry, garage, in Cedaredge, COLORADO (fruit growers + retirement community, half hour from Walmart, hospital OR THE Grand Mesa over 300 lakes), pet negotiable, No Smoking, $1,880/month+util, $3,600 security deposit, total $5,480 at move-in. (360) 929-5155 (Also, UNFURNISHED 3/2 house ON CREEK $2,300/month)
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
Monica
Photo by Jonathan Ng