Planning Commission Approves 18-Story Residential Tower on 6th Street, Rejects Environmental Appeal
The 194-foot-tall building exceeds local height limits by 109 feet
under California’s Density Bonus Law
The Santa Monica Planning Commission unanimously approved an 18-story, 172unit residential tower at 1437 6th Street on June 18 denying an appeal from the Supporters Alliance for Environmental Responsibility that sought a full environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act.
The project, developed by 1437 6th Street Owner LLC, includes 26 affordable units and two levels of subterranean parking with 55 vehicle spaces and 88 bicycle spaces. Located in the Neighborhood Village zoning district, the 194-foot-tall building exceeds local height limits by 109 feet and increases the floor area ratio from 4.0 to 10.0 under California’s Density
Bonus Law.
SAFER argued the project required CEQA review, citing its discretionary nature and the demolition of a potentially historic building at 1433 6th Street. The group claimed the Architectural Review Board (ARB), which approved the project’s design on April 21 has authority to address environmental impacts, including public health and safety, under the Santa Monica Municipal Code.
The commission, acting as an appellate body, rejected the appeal, affirming the project’s exemption from CEQA as a ministerial action under Section 15268 of CEQA Guidelines. Commissioners stated their review was limited to design elements, such as materials, colors, and landscaping, and lacked authority to impose environmental mitigations. They cited legal precedent, including a 2018 case from St. Helena, to support the exemption.
The project’s design features two vertical forms: one with white plaster inspired by local architecture and another with an allglass facade. It includes balconies, a roof deck, and operable windows for all units.
The ARB imposed conditions to enhance the east and west elevations and ensure appropriate plant selection.
The commission also noted that the site’s historic status was not designated at the time of the project’s application, and state law prohibits retroactive historic determinations after an application is deemed complete. No landmarks
designation was proposed during the required 75-day review period. SAFER’s appeal, filed April 29, did not allege specific environmental impacts but focused on procedural claims. The commission’s decision, required within 30 days of the hearing under local and settlement agreement terms, finalizes the ARB’s approval.
Santa Monica Police Arrest Shooting Suspect After Officer Ambushed Near Downtown Mall
Man Linked to Waymo Vehicle Gunfire Taken Into Custody Following Tense Manhunt
The suspect wanted in connection with a shooting that injured two teenagers in a Waymo vehicle last weekend was taken into custody Wednesday following an ambush on a Santa Monica police officer near a busy downtown shopping center.
Authorities said the arrest occurred after a three-hour manhunt prompted by a confrontation near Santa Monica Place, where the suspect allegedly opened fire on an officer attempting to approach him.
The officer recognized the individual from a department bulletin linked to a recent non-fatal shooting involving gunfire directed at a self-driving Waymo vehicle that injured two teens.
According to Santa Monica Police Chief Ramon Batista, during a press conference,
“After identifying himself as a police officer, a short foot pursuit ensued, where the officer was ambushed. The suspect fired multiple rounds at the officer and fled the area on foot.”
Santa Monica Mayor Lana Negrete stated that the suspect is believed to be responsible for the Waymo shooting. Batista reported that the officer is in good spirits but has sustained serious, but nonlife-threatening wounds.
The suspect was reportedly located near Montana and Ocean Avenues. A handgun believed to have been used in the ambush
was recovered at the scene, and police later confirmed the man was the same individual sought in both shooting investigations. As of Wednesday evening, authorities had not released the suspect’s name or other details other than that he is believed to be a transient.
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Downtown Santa Monica Landmark Faces Uncertainty as Loan Misses Maturity Deadline
$26.7M Santa Monica Office Loan Moves to Special Servicing Amid Cash Flow Shortfall
Morningstar Credit reported that the loan tied to Santa Monica’s historic Clock Tower has moved to special servicing after missing its May maturity deadline, as reported by The Real Deal.
Valued at $26.7 million, the loan originated in 2015 and is backed by the 12-story Art Deco office tower at 225 Santa Monica Boulevard, owned by Rockwood Capital. Once fully leased, the 53,500-square-foot property has struggled with falling occupancy and income.
By September 2023, occupancy had dropped to 43 percent, down from full
tenancy at issuance. The departure of Shegerian & Associates, previously the second-largest tenant with 16 percent of the leasable space, further eroded stability.
Financial performance has deteriorated as the net operating income fell to $570,000 in 2023, down from $1.7 million a year earlier, while net cash flow declined to $432,000 from $1.6 million, according to Trepp. Underwritten projections have gone unmet for five straight years, and the asset no longer generates enough revenue to meet debt service.
Despite ongoing financial pressure, Rockwood remains current on loan payments as of June.
Rockwood acquired the property in 2019 for $58 million—roughly $1,084 per square foot—from Sorgente Group of America, which had paid $34 million in 2013.
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Soprano Golda Zahra Returns to Broad Stage
For a One-Night-Only Musical Celebration
Hailed as “the rising star of the opera world” by The Hollywood Times, internationally acclaimed soprano Golda Zahra makes her much-anticipated return to Broad Stage in Santa Monica on Saturday, July 12, 2025, for a captivating one-nightonly concert. The evening promises an unforgettable blend of operatic mastery, Broadway brilliance and popular virtuoso pieces for soprano, featuring Zahra alongside the Dream Orchestra under the baton of celebrated conductor Maestro Daniel Suk.
Known for her radiant voice, emotional depth, and magnetic stage presence, Zahra has captivated audiences across continents, bringing fresh vitality to the grand tradition of classical music. This performance at Broad Stage marks a homecoming of sorts for Zahra, who grew up in Beverly Hills. The program will feature iconic arias from Puccini, Verdi, and Bellini, highlighting Zahra’s vocal agility and emotional range. Whether channeling the beauty of Puccini’s La bohème, the fire and drama of Verdi’s La traviata, or the bel canto
elegance of Bellini, Zahra’s interpretations promise to be both masterful and moving. Adding to the evening’s magic is a selection of timeless Broadway favorites, including beloved numbers from The Sound of Music, My Fair Lady, and Les Misérables This genre-crossing repertoire showcases Zahra’s remarkable versatility and her passion for connecting with audiences of all musical tastes. States Golda Zahra: “As a classical singer, my goal is to make opera accessible for everyone. Like Pavarotti and Friends who made people smile, warmed their hearts and united them in their love for music.”
Backing her is the acclaimed Dream Orchestra, an ensemble known for its lush sound and dynamic programming. Under the expert direction of Maestro Daniel Suk, the orchestra will also perform famous overtures and instrumental interludes, rounding out a program that blends elegance, passion and joy.
Whether you are an opera aficionado or simply someone who appreciates a soaring melody and a heartfelt performance, this
concert promises an evening of inspiration and enchantment. Zahra’s rare combination of technical brilliance and heartfelt storytelling continues to earn her standing ovations—and July 12 at Broad Stage will be no exception.
Don’t miss your chance to witness a rising star at the height of her powers in one of Southern California’s most intimate and acoustically stunning venues.
Golda in Concert with the Dream
Orchestra conducted by Daniel Suk, July 12 at 7:30 PM at the Eli and Edythe Broad Stage 1310 11th Street, Santa Monica, CA. Tickets and more information are available at GoldaInConcert.com. Tickets include a champagne dessert reception hosted by Urth Caffe during intermission. To explore more about Golda Zahra’s artistry, biography, and upcoming appearances, visit her website at GoldaZahra.com
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Transform Your Life: The Free Virtual ONENESS GLOBAL SUMMIT Debuts July 18-20
Transform Your Life: The Free ONENESS GLOBAL SUMMIT Debuts July 2025
The ONENESS GLOBAL SUMMIT, a transformative three-day virtual event, is coming, July 18-20, 2025, offering participants worldwide a free opportunity to "dissolve stress and unlock abundance." This powerful online gathering, running daily from 3:00 to 6:00 PM PDT, promises to connect tens of thousands of seekers from around the globe on a shared journey toward inner peace and prosperity.
Breaking Free from Life's Limitations
The summit addresses one of modern society's most pressing challenges: the overwhelming burden of chronic stress and its devastating impact on relationships, financial well-being, and personal fulfillment. According to the event organizers, many people find themselves trapped in cycles of emotional wounds, isolation, and unrealized potential, missing out on the joy, health, and meaningful connections that make life truly abundant.
The three-day program is specifically designed to help participants break free from overwhelming stress, relationship struggles, and financial limitations that keep them from living their fullest lives. As the summit's enlightened guides teach, "To struggle is not your destiny."
A Journey Through Three Transformative Days
The summit follows a carefully
structured progression designed to address life's core challenges:
Day 1 (Friday, July 18) - Dissolve Your Stress focuses on teaching participants the science and art of entering calm in any life situation. Through practical techniques and guided experiences, attendees learn to master their stress response and cultivate inner peace.
Day 2 (Saturday, July 19) - Attract the Love You Desire introduces what organizers call "mystic technology" to cleanse negative patterns and open hearts to deep, authentic love. This session addresses relationship struggles and the pain of loneliness that affects millions.
Day 3 (Sunday, July 20) - Unlock the Wealth You Desire helps participants break patterns of limitation and lack while receiving The Oneness Blessing (Deeksha), a spiritual transmission central to the Oneness tradition.
Your Enlightened Guides
The summit is led by Sri Preethaji and Sri Krishnaji, co-founders of The Oneness Movement and authors of the national bestseller "The Four Sacred Secrets". These enlightened teachers have awakened millions worldwide to emotional wellbeing, mental wellness, loving relationships, inner peace, and spiritual enlightenment. Based at Ekam, the world center for enlightenment, the couple has gained recognition globally for their peace efforts, transforming lives across all geographies, cultures, and age groups. Their philosophy centers on helping people transition from states of suffering to living in what they call a "beautiful state" of consciousness.
What Awaits Participants
The summit promises a powerful transformation experience, offering participants the opportunity to embrace a fulfilling, meaningful life filled with joy and connection. Attendees can expect to nurture beautiful relationships, cultivate profound belonging, and unlock powerful experiences of healing and selfunderstanding.
The program combines practical wisdom with spiritual insight, drawing from ancient traditions while incorporating modern
understanding of consciousness and human potential. Through guided meditations, teachings, and the transformative Oneness Blessing, participants embark on a journey from stress and limitation to peace, love, and abundance.
Registration for this free event is available at theonenessmovement.org, offering everyone the opportunity to experience what organizers describe as "the magic of Oneness" and discover their true potential beyond the constraints of stress and struggle.
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Cities That Never Shut Up - The Roaring Cost of Urban Noise
SMa.r.t.
Santa Monica
Architects for a Responsible Tomorrow
In today’s cities, silence isn’t golden— it’s extinct.
From sunrise to insomnia, we’re trapped in a nonstop symphony of shrieking car alarms, roaring leaf blowers, and sirens that sound like the sky’s being torn in half. This isn’t background noise—it’s a full-throttle sonic assault. And your body, whether you’re paying attention or not, is taking the hit.
Of course, it's easy to say that Santa Monica has far greater problems to solve besides this right now. Still, it's something that should not be ignored, because with increasing density and development, this issue will only exacerbate. Let’s review the repeat offenders:
Louder Than Necessary, Useless by Design Car Alarms:
Once intended to deter car thieves, they now mostly punish innocent bystanders. They howl for minutes, triggered by the rumbling of a bus or the passing of a bass speaker. No one checks. No one cares. They're the crying wolf of the modern
city—only louder and more obnoxious. Hey, here’s an idea? Why not have an app notify you individually, rather than the entire population within a one-mile radius? And you can turn it off remotely! You don’t need AI to understand that makes sense.
Sirens:
We get it—emergencies are urgent. But do we need sirens so loud they rattle your fillings? Europe uses two-tone, lowfrequency alerts that inform instead of assault. Meanwhile, American cities still sound like the soundtrack to a panic attack, and I imagine these sirens have started a few of them! There are better options.
Construction, Delivery Trucks, and Mechanical Equipment:
Add to that the invisible orchestra of 24/7 construction noise, idling delivery trucks, and building HVAC systems that roar and hum through the night like industrial whales bellowing to each other. In many cities, these mechanical aural offenders run unchecked and unsupervised, hammering, drilling, beeping, and blasting long after the bars have closed. Without strong noise curfews, proper mufflers, and timed delivery limits, even your dreams go hiding somewhere else that’s quieter!
Fact: What Noise Does to You (Even When You Think You’re Used to It)
Noise doesn’t need your attention to
do damage. It just needs access to your nervous system. And it has it, all day and night.
• Long-term exposure increases stress, blood pressure, and the risk of heart attacks.
• Sleep fragmentation linked to traffic and sirens contributes to obesity, diabetes, and cognitive decline.
• Children exposed to chronic city noise show lower test scores, worse memory, and developmental delays.
• And your ears? They’re shot by age 40 if you live near a major road. Silence, it turns out, is a public health resource—and we're running out of it.
Why the Noise Won’t Go Away
Simple: convenience and cowardice.
• Car alarms are outdated tech nobody uses to prevent theft anymore, but they still come standard. Vehicle alarms produce sounds ranging from 90 to 120 decibels, with many new car alarms exceeding 125 decibels — louder than a rock concert.
• Sirens are louder to cut through the noise of noise-canceling headphones, traffic, and TikTok videos. Emergency vehicle sirens operate at around 110-124 dB when measured 10 feet from the source. Fire truck sirens range between 115 and 140 dB. They are loud enough to reach the
driver's side window of civilian vehicles at approximately 110 dBA, penetrating the vehicle and effectively warning the driver.
And here’s a real developing problem: Santa Monica is increasing density exponentially along major boulevards like Wilshire, Lincoln, and Pico. Luxury apartments, mixed-use developments, and affordable housing units are being constructed at a rapid pace.
This surge in residents and cars, in a city already short on quiet, makes effective noise control not just a luxury but a necessity.
Let’s recall the recent complaints from surrounding neighbors near the Waymo recharging lot on Euclid and Broadway, which are currently causing distress to nearby residents 24 hours a day. This is a good and glaring example of the city's Continue on page 10
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failure to impose appropriate restrictions on permitted zoning and use conditions. There is no excuse for this to continue. Period!
If Santa Monica wants people to live, sleep, and thrive in these new units and increase housing, then it should stop acting like noise is someone else’s problem. Otherwise, we’re cramming thousands more people into buildings that might as well be constructed in the middle of a freeway median.
And speaking of freeways, Santa Monica urgently needs to invest in modern sound
barrier walls along the I-10, particularly in the Pico Neighborhood and areas east of 20th Street, where thousands of residents live just yards from the roar of six-lane traffic, with no walls or protective buffers. These aren’t just for noise; they also help reduce air pollution from heavy traffic, shielding nearby homes, schools, and parks from the constant onslaught of engine growl, brake screech, and diesel exhaust.
Santa Monica Noise Standards vs. RealWorld Levels (approximate values only)
This matters because every 10 dBA increase feels roughly like doubling the loudness!
Location Noise Standard (Exterior) Measured / Reported Ambient Levels
Residential areas 50–55 dBA Next to I-10 (Pico Neighborhood): 65–70 dBA typical for busy freeways
Pico Blvd (adjacent to school zones & dense housing)
Wilshire Blvd (hightraffic thoroughfare)
Main Street (downtown/residential mix)
Construction on residential parcels
Early-morning delivery zones (e.g., Trader Joe’s alley)
50-65 dBA
60-65 dBA
50–55 dBA
Standard +20 dBA during allowed hours (8 am–6 pm)
50–55 dBA + nuisance standard
Santa Monica should be at the forefront in making these changes, like other cities that turned the volume down. While noise here continues to thunder,
City What They Did
Residents report persistent motorcycle and traffic noise at 70+ dBA nightly
Decibel spikes reported at 70–80 dBA
Ongoing complaints about loud vehicles revving into the night
Violations before 8 am, after 6 pm; jackhammers & saws reported well after curfew
Forklifts and trucks before 6 am loudly waking residents
these amazing and progressive cities have decided that enough is enough and have said that’s it and that’s all!
Why It Works
Paris, France Banned gas blowers and installed noise radar to ticket loud motorcycles and cars.
Barcelona, Spain Mapped “noise-stressed zones,” restricted nightlife in residential areas.
New York City Requires car alarms to shut off after 3 minutes; active noise code enforcement teams.
Berlin, Germany Switched to low-frequency sirens, offers insulation grants for homes near busy roads.
Tokyo, Japan Strict commercial and transit-area noise rules, with cultural respect for quiet.
It’s Not Rocket Science.
Managing volume levels is not overly complicated; it requires implementing regulations that prioritize the well-being of citizens. Here are some ideas on how we can start to address this issue. Local and state governments need to take this seriously and develop manageable solutions.
1. Scrap outdated car alarms— and mandate a 3-minute auto-shutoff for current alarms, accompanied by real fines.
2. Adopt quiet sirens, like those in Berlin and Paris. Loud ≠ effective.
3. Supercharge 311: Accept videos, require action, and publish complaintresponse stats monthly.
4. Regulate and enforce freight and delivery hours—limit noisy operations (e.g., forklifts) to designated windows, and
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issue fines for after-hours activity.
5. Deploy noise cameras or sensors on Pico, Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica Blvd., Lincoln, Main Street, and all main entry points to the city to auto-ticket vehicles exceeding limits, similar to the system in Paris.
6. Install sound barriers along I-10, with a focus on the Pico Neighborhood and the area east of 20th Street.
7. Strictly enforce construction curfews, with real penalties for violations.
8. Enhance insulation and noise abatement for new developments along these corridors by utilizing developer impact fees.
Conclusion: The Real Emergency Is the Noise Itself
Santa Monica’s existing noise standards
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are regularly violated, particularly on the busiest streets and along commercialresidential edges. To protect residents’ health and livability, and to honor the growth and density already built, the city must close these enforcement gaps before booming expansion drowns out our peace entirely.
Without controls, excess noise is the only pollutant that seizes you by the nervous system. It raises your heart rate, shortens your fuse, adds to anxiety, and erodes your sleep.
City governments, developers, and real
estate owners need to recognize that cities that become quieter will be the ones people choose to live in, raise families in, and start businesses in. The cities that don’t? They’ll continue to lose their calmest, clearest thinkers to more distant places, which are more tranquil and a little less jarring.
The technology exists. The policies exist. What’s missing? The guts and the budget priorities to enforce them.
So, let’s be clear: We need cities willing to turn the damn volume down. Let’s start with ours for a change, because we shouldn’t need earplugs to live where we live.
Michael Jolly for SMa.r.t.
Santa Monica Architects for a Responsible Tomorrow
Samuel Tolkin, Architect & Planning Commissioner; Thane Roberts, Architect; Mario Fonda-Bonardi AIA, Architect; Robert H. Taylor AIA, Architect; Dan Jansenson, Architect & Building and FireLife Safety Commission; Michael Jolly, AIRCRE; Jack Hillbrand AIA, Landmarks Commission Architect; Matt Hoefler NCARB, Architect; Phil Brock, SM Mayor (ret)
Santa Monica to Begin AI-Powered Bus Lane Enforcement in July
The program follows a 45-day pilot conducted earlier this year along Lincoln Boulevard, where 511 potential violations were identified, though no tickets were issued
Starting July 1, Santa Monica will roll out artificial intelligence-equipped cameras on city buses to detect and deter illegal parking in bus lanes.
The initiative, part of a broader move to modernize urban transportation, will use forward-facing cameras and license plate readers from Hayden AI to capture and log violations. Citations will only be issued after review by human officers to ensure accuracy and fairness, city officials said.
The program follows a 45-day pilot conducted earlier this year along Lincoln Boulevard, where 511 potential violations were identified, though no tickets were issued during the trial. The area near Grant Street showed the highest concentration of infractions.
According to Complete AI Training, which reported on the launch, the technology aims to boost bus efficiency and boarding accessibility by keeping lanes clear. Officials cite national data showing cities using similar automated enforcement have improved bus speeds by up to 36% and reduced collisions by 34%.
The cameras will not use facial recognition and are focused solely on monitoring vehicle behavior in designated bus-only lanes.
The Big Blue Bus system, which serves more than 13 million riders annually across Santa Monica’s 58-square-mile service area, is the latest in a growing number of transit agencies nationwide to adopt AIbased enforcement. Cities including New York, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C. have reported declines in repeat offenses and significant improvements in transit flow since deploying similar systems.
The city will begin with a warning period before fines are issued. Revenue generated from violations is earmarked for reinvestment into public transit and safety
initiatives, with officials emphasizing the program’s long-term goal of eliminating bus lane infractions altogether.
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Parents Protest Removal of Beloved Principal at Broadway Elementary School
The decision, announced less than two weeks before the end of the school year, has sparked protests, and a petition with over 1,000 signatures
Parents, teachers, and students at Broadway Elementary School are rallying against the Los Angeles Unified School District’s decision to remove Principal Rachelle Garmon, a leader of the school’s Mandarin and Spanish dual-language immersion programs.
The abrupt decision, announced less than two weeks before the end of the 20242025 school year, has sparked protests, and a petition with over 1,000 signatures.
Garmon, who began her tenure at Broadway as a third-grade teacher and
a rising third-grader. “Her removal is a devastating loss for our school.”
The decision, made during Garmon’s two-year probationary period as principal, has drawn criticism for its lack of transparency. LAUSD has cited personnel confidentiality and declined to provide specific reasons for the leadership change.
At a virtual town hall on Monday, Region West Superintendent Dr. Denise Collier and Regional Director Agnes Kamau emphasized their commitment to maintaining Broadway’s academic excellence but sidestepped questions about Garmon’s departure. “We cannot discuss personnel matters,” Kamau said, prompting frustration from parents who accused the district of “gaslighting” them.
The controversy has reignited longstanding concerns about LAUSD’s support for Broadway’s dual-language programs. Parents point to inequities, such as the lack of a standardized Mandarin curriculum and insufficient teacher assistants, particularly for the larger Mandarin immersion program,
classes.
Tensions also stem from a Uniform Complaint Procedure filed by a small group of Spanish immersion parents, which alleged biased practices in funding allocation, according to the anonymous parent. The district’s ruling, which required equal spending for both programs despite their size disparity, has fueled division, said the anonymous parent, who stated, “The district’s decision created strife, not Principal Garmon,”
At the town hall, parents expressed distrust in LAUSD’s ability to select a suitable replacement by the start of the next school year in August.
Some parents, however, see the
leadership change as an opportunity to address divisions between the Mandarin and Spanish programs. A parent of a fifth-grader and kindergartner suggested integrating the programs through mixed classes or a buddy system to foster unity.
LAUSD defended its commitment to Broadway in a statement, saying, “Los Angeles Unified is proud of its diverse and innovative dual language programs — including the one at Broadway — and is firmly committed to continuing to deliver high-quality instruction for all students.”
The district noted ongoing engagement efforts, including the recent town hall, but declined to comment further on Garmon’s removal.
YOVENICE.COM
Venice Council, Councilwoman Condemn
ICE Raids Amid Community Unrest
Community Leaders
Demand Action to Protect Immigrant Rights
The Venice Neighborhood Council approved a motion on June 17 condemning Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations in Venice and greater Los Angeles, citing warrantless raids, community surveillance, and arrests without judicial oversight.
The motion, introduced by council members Sarah Mahir and Lisa Redmond, aims to address fear and trauma among residents, particularly in immigrant and undocumented communities.
The council’s resolution criticizes ICE actions for potentially violating
constitutional protections, including Fourth Amendment rights against unreasonable searches and seizures, and Fifth and Fourteenth Amendment guarantees of due process. It highlights Venice’s diverse population and the contributions of immigrants to the neighborhood’s social, cultural, and economic fabric. The motion urges city officials, including Councilwoman Traci Park, Mayor Karen Bass, and Police Chief Jim McDonnell, to investigate ICE activities, oppose those undermining civil liberties, and provide legal resources for affected residents.
Councilwoman Park, representing Council District 11, acknowledged the unrest in a recent newsletter, noting that immigration sweeps have caused families to fear, workers to stay home, and economic disruptions, including the cancellation of events like Go Skate Day
Venice Beach
Tapped to Host Paralympic Events in 2028 Games
The coastal neighborhood will showcase Paralympic Events along its scenic shores
Venice Beach will take center stage in the 2028 Paralympic Games, hosting Para Triathlon and the starting point for the Para Athletics Marathon, as part of Los Angeles’ first-ever Paralympic Games, LA28 announced Tuesday.
The venue plan, approved by the International Paralympic Committee, emphasizes accessibility and leverages existing world-class facilities across the region.
The iconic coastal neighborhood, already set to host triathlon, marathon, and road cycling starts for the 2028 Olympics, will showcase Para Triathlon along its scenic shores and kick off the Para Athletics Marathon, highlighting Venice’s vibrant beach culture. LA28’s plan ensures all 560 medal events, the most in Paralympic history, occur within a 35-mile radius, with Venice joining
in Venice Beach.
“It was another difficult week as immigration sweeps continued to drive unrest and escalate political tensions,” Park wrote. She directed residents to immigration resources on her website, including “Know Your Rights” materials in English, Spanish, Korean, Chinese, and Arabic, and contact information for organizations like the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA) and the Central American Resource Center (CARECEN).
Park’s office has also conducted outreach over the past two weeks, checking on families, workers, and businesses across CD11. Her website lists key immigration aid organizations and policies, such as LAPD Special Orders 40 and 1, and the Sanctuary City Ordinance, which limit local law enforcement’s cooperation with ICE. State laws like SB 54 (California
Downtown Los Angeles and Exposition Park as key competition hubs.
“The Paralympic Games showcases the highest level of athleticism, skill, and endurance,” said LA28 CEO Reynold Hoover. “Venice Beach will deliver an exciting backdrop for Para Triathlon and the marathon start, creating an
Values Act) and the CA DREAM Act further protect undocumented residents’ rights to education and housing.
The Venice Neighborhood Council committed to working with local officials to ensure Venice remains a safe and welcoming community for all, regardless of immigration status. Park emphasized unity, stating, “Councilwoman Traci Park is committed to protecting the dignity and rights of every Angeleno. Let’s stand together — informed, prepared, and united.”
unforgettable experience for athletes and fans.”
Mayor Karen Bass emphasized the Games’ lasting impact, stating, “The firstever Paralympic Games in Los Angeles will improve inclusive accessibility citywide, with Venice’s cultural identity leaving a legacy beyond these venues.”
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Award-winning California realtor brings unique perspective to governors race.
Jim Athans For Governor
https://jimathansforcagovernor.com/
I cannot tell you the outrage I feel with this administration's position in the Ukraine war. The last gem that was offered was that Ukraine and Russia should just fight it out some more. As if the innocent human lives—men, women, and children—of a democratic, freedomloving people are not valuable beyond measure. I cannot believe that a sitting American president can take such a departure from American foreign policy, in which Democrats and Republicans alike have taken a decades-long stand against the spread of communism and tyranny in the world—and at great cost, too. We have always banded together. We have always stood arm in arm with other freedom-loving peoples of the world. The Democrats have been the Republicans on this issue. I will forever be grateful to former President Joe Biden for rising to the defense of the Ukrainian people. Despite some real ideological differences, Joe Biden was right on this issue. I will go out on a limb and say $350 billion was a bargain for what was achieved with our support in the war in Ukraine. And while I am sad about losses on both sides of that conflict, it is significant that Russia's losses are so profound as to have disabled them from participation in other theaters around the world which they supported, such as the Middle East. With an estimated 1 million Russian casualties, it cannot be underestimated—the cost to Russia as a
nation. The entire war machine of Russia, the entire infrastructure, has received a direct hit, including an estimated 40% of their military air capabilities, compromising their ability to wage war around the world.
Why does it matter to California?
I truly believe that California needs to take its place as one of the largest freemarket economies in the world—and to use its influence to affect change around the world.
A Tariff Trade-Off
Whether ‘tis nobler—taking charge of our financial future, recreating a longgone manufacturing base by a grassroots, bully-pulpit-led campaign in which Californians are encouraged to buy American, to buy California, and thereby take hold of their financial destiny— or to extract additional tariffs at great cost to already fragile relationships, in which negative consequences for the United States of America cannot be fully quantified.
China does not deserve for us to be that nice to them. China needs to be excluded from our economic consciousness. Buy American, buy California.
A chicken in every pot.
A toy manufactured in California under every Christmas tree.
I want to preserve California's autonomy.
I want to wield its influence.
Prosperity Zones: Creating an Economy One Neighborhood at a Time Prosperity zones can best be described as opportunity zones on steroids, in which the success of a government initiative does not rely on a few businesses in a
depressed community for revitalization of that community, but instead comes complete with a consortium of prefabricated business participants that will energize emerging and depressed neighborhoods.
These dynamic, cookie-cutter versions are designed to supply economic and social benefits across the board, which
include jobs and a free flow of commerce for the benefit of many.
A prosperous community means a healthy community.
Email: Jimathans4cagovernor@gmail. com
Donate: https://www.gofundme.com/f/ support-james-athans-for-governor
Mar Vista Mourns Loss of Community Activist Martin Rubin
Rubin, a key figure in founding the MVCC, dedicated decades to community activism, particularly focusing on the environmental impacts of Santa Monica Airport
Martin Rubin, a longtime advocate for environmental justice and Zone 2 Director for the Mar Vista Community Council (MVCC), died on May 29, after a prolonged battle with cancer, the MVCC announced.
Rubin, a key figure in founding the MVCC, dedicated decades to community activism, particularly focusing on the environmental impacts of Santa Monica Airport (SMO). As co-founder and director of Concerned Residents Against Airport Pollution (CRAAP) for nearly 20 years, he worked tirelessly to address air and noise pollution from private jet traffic. His efforts brought together city, state, and federal officials, as well as community leaders and activists, to advocate for cleaner air and safer living conditions in Mar Vista and Santa Monica.
“Martin was not just an activist; he was a visionary,” the MVCC said in a statement. His leadership in CRAAP raised awareness about the health and environmental risks of airport emissions, organizing campaigns, rallies, and educational sessions to engage the public.
Rubin’s collaborative approach built coalitions among residents, local officials, and environmental groups, creating a strong network for change.
Before joining the MVCC board, Rubin served eight years as president of the North Westdale Neighborhood Association. He later ran for Zone 2 Director, driven by a commitment to represent all stakeholders comprehensively. His work earned respect from community members and officials, including Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, City Councilmember Traci Park, and Rep. Ted Lieu, who visited him during his hospital stay.
Rubin’s legacy reflects his passion for improving Mar Vista’s quality of life and protecting its environment. The MVCC will share details of upcoming memorials to honor his contributions.
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