Pavilions Motel Ordered to Close After Public Nuisance Ruling
The ruling means the motel must shut down and cannot reopen under the current ownership for at least one year
The Pavilions Motel, long the subject of complaints over drug activity and unsafe conditions, has been ordered to close after a Santa Monica administrative hearing examiner upheld the city’s decision to revoke its business license.
The ruling, issued on March 24, confirmed the city’s June 2024 decision to revoke the license, citing the motel’s role as a hub for illicit activity, including drug-related offenses and disruptive behavior. Owners Saeed Farzam and Goharshad Farzam had appealed the revocation but failed to meet compliance requirements set forth in a previous administrative hearing, city officials said.
Following a six-day hearing in November 2024, the examiner initially upheld the revocation but allowed the owners 90 days to implement changes,
including hiring qualified overnight staff, fixing code violations, and providing Santa Monica police with access to security footage. However, the latest decision found that the owners did not comply with all conditions, cementing the revocation.
The ruling means the motel must shut down and cannot reopen under the current ownership for at least one year, in accordance with city policy. Santa Monica’s Code Enforcement Division, police department, and City Attorney’s Office will monitor the property to ensure compliance with vacant property regulations, which are designed to prevent abandoned buildings from becoming further nuisances.
The closure follows years of legal battles and community concerns over criminal activity at the 20-unit budget motel on Ocean Park Boulevard. In May 2024, the city filed a lawsuit against the Farzams, accusing them of violating public nuisance laws and the state’s Drug Abatement Act. According to city officials, police had conducted multiple drug raids at the motel, recovering methamphetamine, fentanyl, drug paraphernalia, and weapons.
Authorities also cited a history of overdoses at the property, with five deaths occurring on-site since 2019,
three of which were linked to drug abuse. The motel has also been associated with prostitution and building code violations, officials said.
Santa Monica Police Chief Ramon Batista previously stated that the motel had placed an “outsized burden” on police resources, requiring frequent patrols and interventions. Community complaints and negative guest reviews dating back more than a decade describe unsafe conditions, with reports of fights, substance abuse, and cockroach infestations.
City Attorney Douglas Sloan reaffirmed the city’s stance on holding
property owners accountable. “Property owners are responsible for ensuring that their properties are not a nuisance or a danger to the neighborhood, and the city will hold them accountable when they fail to do so,” he said in a statement. Under the lawsuit filed last year, the city sought a one-year closure of the motel, improvements to property management, and civil penalties of $25,000 per defendant. The case, The People of the State of California and the City of Santa Monica v. Saeed Farzam, Goharshad Farzam, and Pavilions Motel, Inc., remains in the Beverly Hills Courthouse.
Hundreds March in Santa Monica to Advocate for Immigrant Rights
The
march took
place amid growing tensions over immigration policy at the national level
Several hundred demonstrators marched through the streets of Santa Monica on Saturday for the March for Humanity, an immigration rights rally calling for dignity, safety, and respect for immigrant families.
Organized by the Mexican American Policy and Advocacy Alliance in collaboration with regional immigration advocates and West Los Angeles leaders, the event began at Santa Monica College and concluded at the Santa Monica Pier. The march included a rally with speakers, performances, and a resource
fair providing legal and social services to immigrants.
A YouTube video posted by Santa Monica Closeup documented the march and captured key speeches from participants, including former Santa Monica Councilmember Oscar de la Torre, who emphasized the political power of immigrant communities.
“Today we march, tomorrow we vote,” de la Torre said, as shown in the video. “When I grew up, they called us minorities, but we are no longer minorities—58% of all children in K-12 in California are Latino. We are the new majority.”
De la Torre also shared his family’s immigration story, highlighting the contributions of immigrant families to Santa Monica. “My parents came here in the 1960s, worked hard every day, and raised eight children. My sisters are nurses, my brother does
radiation therapy. We have made positive contributions to this city’s development,” he said.
The Santa Monica Closeup video also showed de la Torre addressing misconceptions about immigrants.
“When we keep hearing the word ‘immigrant’ used as a synonym for ‘criminal,’ we know that’s wrong. We have an obligation to stand up and correct that record,” he said.
The march took place amid growing tensions over immigration policy at the national level. According to the Miami Herald, President Donald Trump’s administration has intensified efforts to deport millions of migrants, including those with criminal records, and has recently issued a directive targeting immigration lawyers who challenge his policies in court.
In response, march organizers called for humane immigration reform and
a shift in the national dialogue. “We cannot stand by while immigrants are scapegoated,” de la Torre said in the video. “It’s our responsibility to correct the record and stand up for justice.” The event was described by de la Torre as one of the largest immigration rights marches in Santa Monica’s history.
Bacio di Latte Set to Serve Gelato From New Downtown Santa Monica Spot
Bacio di Latte offers a range of flavors, including classic options like Stracciatella, Pistachio, and Hazelnut
Italian gelato chain Bacio di Latte is expanding its presence in Los Angeles with a new location in downtown Santa Monica. The shop, which has gained a following for its rich, freshly made gelato, will take over the space formerly occupied by Jamba Juice at 331 Santa Monica Blvd.
The expansion marks the latest addition to Bacio di Latte’s growing list of locations in Southern California, including shops in Century City, Brentwood, and Marina del Rey. Window coverings at the new Santa Monica storefront indicate the business is preparing to open soon, though an official opening date has not been announced.
Founded in 2011 by brothers Edoardo and Luigi, Bacio di Latte began in Milan, Italy, with a focus on traditional gelato-making techniques. The company
sources ingredients from various global suppliers, including pistachios from Italy, chocolate from Belgium, and dairy from family farms in Sonoma County, California. The gelato is made fresh daily in each store.
Bacio di Latte offers a range of flavors, including classic options like Stracciatella, Pistachio, and Hazelnut, as well as fruit-based sorbets. The company also introduces new flavors every three weeks.
The Santa Monica location is one of several new shops the company has planned for the region, with upcoming openings also expected in Studio City, Calabasas, Beverly Hills, and Topanga.
Money Raised from FireAid Concert to Fund Interactive Palisades Playground
FireAid, held on Jan. 30 at the Intuit Dome and Kia Forum, raised an estimated $100 million for wildfire relief efforts
A new playground is set to be built at the Palisades Recreation Center, thanks to a $1.33 million donation to the Los Angeles Parks Foundation, officials announced during a March 18 Palisades Park Advisory Board meeting. The funds, largely generated by the FireAid benefit concert, will replace the nearly 40-year-old playground, which had deteriorated over the years.
The bulk of the funding came from FireAid, which donated $1 million. GameTime, a leading playground equipment company, contributed an in-kind donation valued at $300,000, while Banc of California added $30,000, according to Tony Budrovich, director of the L.A. Parks Foundation.
The announcement comes nearly nine months after the Pacific Palisades community was invited to weigh in on three potential playground design themes—Ocean & Meadow, Forest, and Desert—proposed by the Department of
Recreation and Parks in partnership with Council District 11.
“This will be a major improvement,” Budrovich said. “It will be one of the most modern playgrounds in the city, fully accessible and interactive.”
FireAid, held on Jan. 30 at the Intuit Dome and Kia Forum, raised an estimated $100 million for wildfire relief efforts across Los Angeles, according to NPR. The event featured performances from artists including Billie Eilish, Olivia Rodrigo, and Rod Stewart, as well as appearances by comedians such as Billy Crystal and Quinta Brunson. The concert was organized in response to the devastating wildfires that destroyed over 16,000 homes and buildings in the region.
The new playground will be a significant upgrade, featuring both a pre-school area and a universally accessible section designed to accommodate children of all abilities. The site will include modern interactive panels and play equipment set on a rubberized surface, making it safer and more inclusive. Additionally, the playground’s design will honor first responders, incorporating fire trucks, police motorcycles, and an astronaut motif on graphic panels and play structures.
Renderings of the project are expected by the end of the week, Budrovich said. The city aims to have the playground open by July 1.
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
Palisades Fine Arts Gallery Reopens in Santa Monica Months After Destruction
The gallery, previously the only fine arts space in the Palisades, lost nearly all of its collection in the fire
Months after losing its Pacific Palisades location in the Los Angeles wildfires, the Bruce Lurie Gallery is reopening in Santa Monica with a new exhibition celebrating resilience and renewal.
The inaugural show, Renascence, opens Saturday, March 29, with a reception from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. The exhibition features works from 21 artists across various mediums, including street art, photography, and sculpture. Featured artists include Jon Krawczyk, Mark Acetelli, Jack Winthrop, Guerin Swing, and Terry Urban, all of whom are expected to attend the opening event.
“I have always believed that art is a reflection of resilience,” said Bruce Lurie,
the gallery’s owner. “The outpouring of support we received from friends and neighbors, many of whom also lost everything, is a testimony to that resilience.”
The gallery, previously the only fine arts space in the Palisades, lost nearly all of its collection in the fire. The only surviving pieces were three polished stainlesssteel sculptures by Malibu-based artist Jon Krawczyk, which, though damaged, remained largely intact. Bruce Lurie Gallery specializes in contemporary art, with a focus on pop art, street art, abstract minimalism, photography, and sculpture. It also provides advisory services for acquiring and selling secondary market art collections.
The reopening was made possible with support from the community. A fellow Palisades resident offered the gallery’s new space, while local businesses, including Vito Restaurant, HOP WTR, and JUSTIN Wines, contributed food and beverages for the opening reception.
BuildStrong is Leading the Effort to Rebuild the Pacific Palisades
The recent wildfires in the Pacific Palisades caused extensive property damage, leaving many residents unsure about how to move forward. BuildStrong, a construction and investment firm led by industry veterans Paul Kalt, Michael Bitton, and Jason Green, is stepping in to help homeowners rebuild and regain stability.
With more than a century of combined experience, the BuildStrong team has completed a wide range of residential and multi-family projects across Los Angeles. Their ties to the Pacific Palisades run deep,
and they see this effort as more than just another job.
“We’ve worked here for years and have personal connections to this area,” said Jason Green. “We can handle everything— from design and permits to construction—so residents don’t have to navigate this alone.”
Facing a disaster often means wrestling with complex insurance claims and municipal regulations. BuildStrong has taken on a role that goes beyond standard construction services by assisting homeowners with insurance negotiations. Having gone through the 1994 Northridge earthquake, Michael Bitton understands how confusing insurance processes can be.
“Homeowners aren’t always aware of what they’re entitled to,” he said. “Our private adjusters help ensure people get the resources they deserve, without endless back-and-forth.”
Beyond direct rebuilding efforts, BuildStrong has helped organize town hall meetings so residents can connect with architects, engineers, and insurance experts. These gatherings offer a place for neighbors to share concerns, receive credible information, and learn practical steps to move forward. Paul Kalt noted, “We want to remove as many obstacles as possible so people can focus on their families and lives.”
For homeowners in the Coastal Zone, BuildStrong’s experience with California Coastal Commission regulations is a considerable advantage.
“These requirements can be complicated,” said Kalt, “but we’ve navigated them before and know how to streamline the process.”
Although rebuilding after a disaster is never simple, BuildStrong aims to make it
more manageable by handling key logistics, from permit applications to final inspections.
“Recovery goes beyond constructing new homes,” Bitton said. “It’s about helping an entire community regain its footing.”
Residents seeking help with rebuilding, insurance claims, and other recovery services can visit buildstrongla.com for more information.
Marina del Rey Anglers Release Thousands of Juvenile White Seabass to Boost Local Fisheries
Since its founding in 1975, MDRA has released approximately 136,000 white seabass into local waters
The Marina del Rey Anglers released more than 3,000 juvenile white seabass into Santa Monica Bay on March 7 as part of an ongoing effort to replenish dwindling fish populations along the Southern California coast, according to a post by Venice Paparazzi.
The release, which took place at Marina del Rey Harbor and a rock outcropping off Venice Beach, is part of the Ocean Resources Enhancement and Hatchery Program (OREHP), a state-funded initiative aimed at restoring white seabass stocks. The fish were raised in grow-out pens at Burton
Chase Park after being delivered as fry last fall from a Carlsbad hatchery, the post stated.
Since its founding in 1975, MDRA has released approximately 136,000 white seabass into local waters, making it one of the most active conservation groups participating in OREHP, according to the post.
The program is supported by California’s Sport Fish Enhancement Stamp, a fee attached to fishing licenses, and partners such as the Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute.
The Los Angeles County Department of Beaches and Harbors also plays a key role, providing space in Marina del Rey Harbor for the grow-out facility.
Recent wildfires in the Santa Monica Mountains have heightened concerns about marine health, as runoff from burned areas can introduce toxins into coastal waters. MDRA is exploring the possibility of adding juvenile halibut to its rearing program, citing past data that showed a sharp decline in halibut numbers following major fires in Malibu.
Coming Soon: Easter Extravaganza at Regent Santa Monica Beach
Book your Delectable Brunch, Easter Festivities
This Easter, step into a world of celebration and refined delight at Regent Santa Monica Beach.
Known for its perfect Santa Monica getaways, Regent Santa Monica Beach is a luxury resort, where the vibrant pulse of the City of Angels meets the Pacific Ocean. This beachfront oasis invites you to join its Easter festivities coming soon featuring a brunch inspired by the flavors of California’s coast.
From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 20, Regent Santa Monica Beach is hosting Easter Extravaganza & Brunch, where the elegance of the Jacaranda Ballroom meets the fresh, sunlit beauty of the Pacific Garden. Begin with an exquisite brunch experience, where
flavors are crafted to indulge and inspire.
Then, let the festivities unfold — children will revel in the magic of an Easter egg hunt and a visit from the Easter Bunny himself, while adults relax with live music and savor unlimited mimosas
With sweeping ocean views and a spirit of joy in the air, this is Easter reimagined for children and adults — elevated, effortless and truly unforgettable.
Pricing is $180 per adult inclusive of unlimited mimosas, $85 for children under 12. Children 3 years old and under are complimentary.
Regent Santa Monica Beach is located at 1700 Ocean Avenue in Santa Monica. For more information on the hotel and amenities, visit SantaMonica. RegentHotels.com.
Venice Shorts: Averill Reelected
President, Incumbents Victorious in Contested Races
Lowest Participation Ever by Venice Stakeholder’s Casts
Doubt on Entire Election Process
By Nick Antonicello
In an election process crippled by no in-person voting and the LA City Clerk’s Office refusal to simply mail ballots to all Venetians, less than 500 stakeholders participated in a process that was doomed for failure according to preliminary figures released Tuesday afternoon.
Once the most active and vibrant of neighborhood councils citywide, Venice saw another significant drop again in voter participation from 2023, with a decrease of 41%!
Brian Averill was elected to a second term with a paltry 333 votes, down from the 563 he received two years ago. Gary Pearl was also elected unopposed, receiving 339 votes for the position of Vice-President. Incumbent Secretary Tima Bell was reelected unopposed, receiving 323 votes.
In one of the few contested races, incumbent Helen Fallon was reelected garnering some 58% of the votes cast or 243. Community Officer Deborah Keaton finished second with 144 votes or 34% while newcomer Crystal Lopez received 35 votes or 8%.
For the open seat of Land Use & Planning Chair more commonly known as LUPC, local architect Mark Mack received
275 votes or 67% to Ted Henderson’s 138 or 33%.
Steve Bradbury, a board incumbent this time ran unopposed for Communications Officer and received 331 votes.
In the other contested election, Outreach Chair Erica Moore was reelected with 269 votes or 64%. Her opponent was former board member Alex Neiman who received 36% or 153 votes.
Sarah Mahir, who also ran unopposed for the position of Community Interest Officer received just six votes to secure a seat on the new board.
The VNC has thirteen at-large members with voters only allowed to select a single candidate. While most board members in 2023 endorsed expanding the voter franchise beyond a single selection, they failed to amend and revise the BY-LAWS and thus this system remains Intak.
For the third consecutive time, Alley Mills Bean led all candidates with 71 votes. Surprisingly, retired attorney and two-term board member Clark Brown
A TASTE OF A TASTE OF
finished a close second with 69. Brown has been diligent and outspoken in his opposition to encampments and RVs on the streets of Venice, as he has worked tirelessly to see encampments cleared on Flower, as well as Marr and other locales in the neighborhood.
The drop-off in ballots was considerable as incumbent Lisa Redmond received 38, Yolanda Gonzalez 31, Fran Solomon 26, Jason Sugars 24, Nico Ruderman 23, newcomer Brennan Lawson 22, Christopher Lee 18, and Richard Stanger, Jim Fitzgerald, Mehrnoosh Mojallali, Kenya Lee and Joseph Garcia all receiving 16 votes.
The other candidates receiving votes were Michael Levy (13), Gina Hardin (12), Joe Friend (3), Gabriella Baracchini Ross (2) and Susan Hewitt (1).
to Urban Jungle
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.
School of Rock Students Shine in Winter Performance Despite Widespread Fires
Summer Camp Registration Opens Now
By Susan Payne
Wildfire devastation wreaked havoc in areas of Los Angeles this January with 29 deaths reported and over 55,000 acres of homes and structures destroyed, amounting between $250 and $275 billion in economic losses.
While the lives of families, children and communities were uprooted, School of Rock West LA offered support to its many families enrolled in the program: the music didn’t stop.
At the end of January, stage-ready students were nearing the end of the winter season, preparing for their end of season live show. On the night of the January 6, wind advisories became a red flag, and emergency protocols at the school were being solidified, said Justin Salmons, School of Rock West LA’s general manager. By the end of day on January 7, the school shut down an hour early for evacuations. Fires broke out, eventually reaching Eaton. School of Rock’s Venice, South Bay, Pasadena, Burbank and Santa Clarita also shut down the next two days for safety.
“My wife and I were glued to the TV. We were keeping an eye on the Palisades fire when it jumped into Santa Monica,” Salmons said. “By that Saturday, we reopened, but I wasn’t sure who was going to show up.”
Nearly all students came to the lessons that day.
“Many of them lost their houses, belongings and instruments, and schools, but they showed up for rehearsal. Minutes later, I heard music coming from the room. And seeing those kids smile, it felt normal
for a second,” Salmons said.
Week after week, more students showed up. By the end of January, ahead of the final performance, all 60 kids in our performance program were ready to take stage at the Viper Room, some of whom had lost everything, but still wanted to play.
“We packed the Viper Room. Each band played for an hour and a half and in that moment, the kids shined like diamonds. It felt like everything we had gone through the last three weeks, for at least that day, didn’t happen. It was a glimmer of community, hope and optimism in the face of adversity.”
As the fires eventually came to a halt, the Los Angeles community was starting to heal. For School of Rock students, this
meant, pausing memberships if needed, or continuing to heal through music education.
“We heard more tragic stories and allowed members to take the time they needed to rebuild their lives. School of Rock isn’t just a place where you take a lesson and go home, we are building community and enriching lives through music and performance-based education.”
Since then, several School of Rock’s House Bands have held fundraising efforts to help provide support to families in need.
Community efforts rounded up instrument donations for students to keep playing music, despite the chaos.
“That’s the epitome of music and falling in love with music as it carries kids and
people through every stage of their lives. There’s power in the way that music helps us when we’re emotionally vulnerable,” Salmons said.
UPCOMING SCHOOL OF ROCK OPPORTUNITIES
As School of Rock nears the end of its Spring season, a new season will begin after May. School of Rock’s summer season goes from June to August, offering regular programming and week-long day camps for ages 7 to 18.
Camp schedules are listed at SchoolOfRock.com depending on location. There are nine Los Angeles School of Rock locations with more opening soon. Registration is open now.
Venice Shorts: Hinano Cafe’s Renovated Outdoor Seating Under Construction
Burger & Beer Bar Gets a Makeover
By Nick Antonicello
Hinano Cafe, the popular beach bar famous for their burgers, is undergoing a facelift of sorts as the outdoor seating is being replaced with a more permanent and attractive structure.
Located at 11 Washington Blvd., Hinano is as famous as Venice itself.
Established in 1962, is a cherished Venice Beach institution located just steps
from the Venice Beach pier and is now celebrating 63 years in business.
Renowned for its world-famous burgers and cold beers, it’s also known as a favorite hangout of Jim Morrison. The establishment operates daily from 8 AM to 12 AM, with the kitchen closing at 1 AM.
They offer a variety of beers on tap, served in frosty mugs and pitchers, and feature amenities like two pool tables, free popcorn, a great jukebox, and multiple screens for sports.
Live music is available every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday starting at 5 PM.
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