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Descendants of Black Entrepreneur to Get $350K From Santa Monica Over 1950s Seizure

Thousands in Equipment Stolen From Filmmaker’s Santa Monica Home

The vote concludes a mediation process that began in the summer after the council authorized talks with White’s family

Known for his work across cinematography, directing, and editing, Ruiz-Healy returned home to find his house occupied by squatters

Indie filmmaker and award-winning cinematographer Fidel Ruiz-Healy is recovering from a devastating home robbery that left his Santa Monica residence uninhabitable and stripped of nearly all his professional equipment.

The Santa Monica City Council has agreed to pay $350,000 to the descendants of Silas White, a Black entrepreneur whose 1958 plan to open the Ebony Beach Club on Ocean Avenue was halted when the city seized the property through eminent domain.

agreement for the former Elks Clubhouse at 1811 Ocean Ave. — now the site of the Viceroy Hotel — and incorporated the Ebony Beach Club as a nonprofit intended to serve Black residents during segregation. Signs were posted announcing an October 1958 opening, and the club had already attracted more than 400 prospective members.

City officials condemned the property in 1958, citing the need for civic development near the planned Santa Monica Civic Auditorium. A 1959 court ruling found that White and the nonprofit had no compensable interest in the land.

White’s family first filed a formal claim with the city in March 2024, seeking return of the land or financial restitution and drawing comparisons to the Bruce’s Beach case in Manhattan Beach.

The unanimous closed-session vote Tuesday concludes a mediation process that began in August after the council authorized talks with White’s family. The city will cover up to $15,000 in mediation costs in addition to the settlement amount. White had signed a lease-to-own

Ruiz-Healy, known for his work across cinematography, directing, and editing, returned home on Sept. 16 from a work trip to find his house ransacked and reportedly occupied by squatters. According to a GoFundMe campaign launched by friends and collaborators, “every single crevice” of the home had been turned over. Alongside trash and discarded weapons left behind, extensive damage was done to the plumbing, including cut wires, rendering the home unlivable.

The payout is separate from ongoing work by Santa Monica’s Landback and Reparations Task Force, formed earlier this year to develop broader remedies for historic harms to Black and Brown residents.

The city did not admit liability in the mediated agreement.

items belonging to colleagues that RuizHealy was storing were also among the stolen equipment.

equipment is everything. Therefore, this situation requires immediate attention,” organizers wrote on the fundraiser page.

Japanese Entertainment Giants Open Gacha and Claw Machine Pop-Up on Promenade

Most concerning for the filmmaker is the loss of virtually all of his camera equipment — the tools that form the backbone of his career and sole source of income. The theft included high-end gear such as a RED Dragon camera package, Leica R and Nikon AIS lenses, tripods, lighting meters, hard drives, and a MacBook Pro. Several

Compounding the loss, insurance coverage on the equipment had lapsed just weeks earlier, on August 30.

Ruiz-Healy, who has since found temporary housing, is still taking on film work, but friends say the loss of equipment presents a serious barrier to his livelihood.

As of Friday, more than $20,000 has been raised through over 250 donations on GoFundMe, putting the campaign within reach of its $22,000 goal. Supporters have continued to share the fundraiser,

and video game publisher SEGA CORPORATION, welcomed its first visitors Saturday at 1451 3rd Street Promenade.

a detective to the case, and neighbors have been alerted to report any leads. Organizers shared photos of the aftermath to show the scale of the damage and say they are continuing to adjust the fundraising goal to account for the full cost of replacing equipment and essential items. Those wishing to contribute can visit the GoFundMe page titled “Help Indie Film

“Any filmmaker understands that your

After Traffic Stop

Suspect Flees Briefly Before Police Recover Cocaine, Mushrooms, and Marijuana

The store represents one of the largest U.S. appearances of Japan’s capsule-toy vending machines and SEGA’s UFO CATCHER claw machines outside anime conventions

A traffic stop in Santa Monica led to the arrest of a man found with a loaded handgun and a significant quantity of drugs, police said Thursday.

A limited-time arcade experience showcasing more than 100 authentic Japanese gacha capsule-toy machines and dozens of SEGA UFO CATCHER claw machines opened over the weekend on Santa Monica’s Third Street Promenade.

The interactive pop-up lets guests try to win hundreds of Japan-exclusive prizes, including plush toys and merchandise from major anime and gaming franchises such as Sonic the Hedgehog, Demon Slayer, Jujutsu Kaisen, Chainsaw Man, and Dan Da Dan.

When officers approached and attempted to detain the man, he became uncooperative and repeatedly reached toward the center console, police said. A brief struggle followed before the suspect fled on foot. Officers apprehended him a short distance away.

SMPD Arrest Man with Drugs, Loaded Gun

Santa Monica Police Department officers, patrolling the 00 block of Bay Street around 9:40 p.m. Wednesday, observed a parked vehicle with the driver’s door open. The driver was seen handling suspected drug paraphernalia, according to a police statement.

“Gacha & Catch,” a collaboration between Mitsubishi Corporation, toy manufacturer TOMY Company Ltd.,

A search of the vehicle revealed a loaded handgun positioned between the driver’s seat and center console, within the suspect’s reach. Authorities also recovered a significant amount of cocaine, psilocybin mushrooms, and marijuana.

The store represents one of the largest U.S. appearances of Japan’s iconic capsule-toy vending machines and SEGA’s UFO CATCHER claw machines outside anime conventions and specialty arcades. Gacha machines are marking their 60th anniversary in Japan this year, while UFO CATCHER celebrated its 40th in 2025.

Current hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday-Thursday and Sunday, and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday-Saturday.

The suspect, whose identity was not released, remains in custody pending further investigation, police said. No additional details were immediately available.

Santa Monica police have assigned

Westside Waldorf School Relocates to Santa Monica Nearly a Year After Wildfire

Students will reunite under one roof at a 26,000-square-foot campus at Colorado Avenue and 26th Street. The new site places the school minutes from local parks and cultural venues

After 10 months of classes held in tents, park pavilions and borrowed rooms, students at Westside Waldorf School will return to a permanent campus when a new Grades 1–8 facility opens Dec. 1 in Santa Monica’s Colorado Center district.

The Jan. 2025 Palisades Fire completely destroyed the school’s original Pacific Palisades campus, forcing the independent Waldorf school to scatter its roughly 200 older students across temporary locations while its early childhood program continued at an existing Santa Monica site.

Beginning next month, those students will reunite under one roof at a 26,000-squarefoot campus at Colorado Avenue and 26th Street. The new site places the school minutes from local parks and cultural venues that will be incorporated into the curriculum, school officials said.

The campus includes an 8,000-squarefoot main building with a central courtyard designed to echo the outdoor gathering space lost in the blaze. A middle-school wing and administrative offices are also housed in the facility. The school’s early childhood program for children ages 0–6 will remain at its current O’Neill Campus on 15th Street, about five minutes away.

“When we walked into this space, we knew immediately. This is where we’ll heal,” said Anjum Mir, the school’s cocoordinator, in a statement. “Our students have shown incredible resilience through ten months of upheaval. Now we get to give them back what every child deserves: a beautiful, stable place to learn and grow.”

While the building is ready, the classrooms are largely empty. The fire destroyed handcrafted furniture, musical instruments, art supplies and thousands of books. School leaders have launched what they call a “modern barn raising” fundraising campaign to refurnish the campus and recreate the warm, nature-rich

environment central to Waldorf education.

“We’ve come so far, but we need help bringing these empty classrooms back to life,” said Dave Chan, a member of the school’s board of trustees, in a statement.

“Whether you’re a parent, neighbor or

simply someone who believes children deserve beautiful spaces to learn, your contribution matters.”

Donations are being accepted at donorbox.org/rebuild-westside-waldorf.

CuriousCity11/28: THE (1ST) AMERICAN REVOLUTION

By CHARLES ANDREWS

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Of course, that means different things to different people. My family has gathered every year for 75 years at my cousin’s home in Tempe, AZ. Two of the cousins were adopted as children. Since they were born Native Americans, do they have any regrets about how welcoming the first Native Peoples were to those strange strangers from across the ocean? Maybe. I’ve never asked that question. But it clearly did not turn out well, that hospitality, for their ancestors.

Somehow, with the passing of some elders, I was “chosen” many years ago to be the one who offers the prayer before the meal. We usually have at least 25 people, sometimes twice that. Ages 1 - 100. It is a weighty assignment, and every year I ponder it mightily. What can I say to such a diverse group that won’t offend them but might make them rethink some things just a little? There are lifer military, hard-core church activists, and… it’s Arizona – some of them lean so far right they fall over when reaching for their keys. That prayer is a tightrope, but I love the challenge. And so far, I still get the dark meat I ask for. I often bring up national or even world events that affect us all. But this year… so much going on, so much pain and suffering. How to “organize” it, and speak to it? Maybe this is the year it comes out, “We’re all here, we have food, let’s eat!” That would raise my stock among the youngest attendees, who can’t even hear me over the loud calling of their names by the mashed potatoes and gravy.

BUT SERIOUSLY, FOLKS

These are “trying times,” right now. Did you catch Ken Burns’ magnificent 12-hour doc on PBS, “THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION”? I think the episodes are still up.

This is not a dry, too-long history lesson. It brings to life times, locations, battles, and characters we all know little about, except their names. Such a complex, charismatic

leader was George Washington. Ben Franklin. King George. Benedict Arnold. Abigail Adams. There is some live action recreation mixed in, but mostly paintings, and maps, and a long list of the very best actors alive lending their voices to make those words and the illustrations behind come alive.

Burns has often declared that in his work there are no sides, no political leanings, that he strives to present only the facts, leaving us to make up our own minds. Facts –something we lately find in short supply. Many in my Thanksgiving family would disagree on whether or not we are losing our democracy or entering a golden age for America. But that is greatly colored by “which facts” are behind your judgments.

I’ve always been a history and current events buff, but I have learned so much from Burns’ history lesson, and I am grateful for having some attitudes adjusted by the facts, and how it all fits together.

Mr. Burns, will you please come make a documentary on the history of Santa

Monica? Though I know you will have trouble convincing people it is not wild fiction.

The best way to see this column every other Friday, along with my weekly NOTEWORTHY music and arts calendar column every Wednesday, is to subscribe, free, no strings, to my substack MUSIC, POLITICS, LIFE, at –https://bit.ly/3UGkK1F

Charles Andrews has lived in Santa Monica for 39 years and wouldn’t live

anywhere else in the world. Really. Send love and/or rebuke to him at therealmrmusic@gmail.com

FILM REVIEW

BEHIND THE SCREEN

By Kathryn Whitney Boole

Sydney Sweeney really puts her heart into this film. She is completely believable as real-life boxer “Christy Martin,” whose battles in life have been more terrifying than those she fought in the ring. The precise choreography of the boxing matches and Sweeney’s unabashed eagerness for the sport lead me to believe that this is an honest portrayal of Martin.

What impresses the most in this movie is the expert level of the boxing, mostly by women boxers. The story of Christy is inspiring, with a haunting refrain found in so many stories of women struggling for respect. Sweeney is one of the most courageous actors working today. She pours her heart into this role, and I believe deserved a more striking cinematic backdrop to surround her portrayal of the fighter.

The movie itself is constructed like a 300-page bio, long to sit through, except Sweeney makes it worthwhile, carrying the spirit of the story from beginning to end. Sweeney is resoundingly “not just another pretty face.” At the age of 28, she has already won numerous awards for her work. Born in Spokane to an attorney and a hospitality professional, her parents realized early on that their daughter needed constant, organized physical activity to tame her overabundance of energy.

Sweeney says, “I was in every single sport possible…I was on the soccer team, the baseball team, the snow slalom ski team, I was wakeboarding.” She also did taekwondo, grappling, and kickboxing, and trained in mixed martial arts. Not to be satisfied with perfection only in sports, Sweeney, as a teen, began to book commercials in the Seattle area, so her family moved to L.A., where she could expand that career and attend high school, where she was class valedictorian.

She learned Russian and Spanish and became immersed in math and robotics. At 19, she got a job leading tours at Universal Studios but had to quit when she booked her first TV acting job in 2009. Since then, Sweeney has grabbed the attention of audiences on many TV shows and films, including Euphoria, the first season of White Lotus, and the sleeper hit Anyone but You opposite Glen Powell, for which she co-wrote the script and formed her own production company so she could book Powell.

She took on producing to create opportunities for herself to play complex, challenging roles. She refuses to be typecast as a beautiful young star. Sweeney is levelheaded about her reputation and notes that comments about her body that were made when she appeared in a recent jeans ad

imply “this weird relationship that people have with me that I have no control over.”

In her rare downtime, Sweeney is a car enthusiast and has restored a 1969 Ford Bronco and a 1965 Ford Mustang.

Sweeney says she was “blown away and inspired by (Christy’s) strength, her perseverance, and who she is as a woman. Having a character that has so many layers and depths, that’s a dream as an actor.” The actress trained with Matt Balamonte and Grant Roberts, Hilary Swank’s coaches on Million Dollar Baby.

She had to learn a different skill set from her kickboxing, and she needed to absorb Christy’s style. Every fight in the movie is a restaging of one of Christy’s fights, and Sweeney wanted every punch to land hard, to make the film realistic. She notes that “Christy came to life in the ring,” and she wanted that to reach the audience through the screen. During the shoot, Sweeney endured some bloody noses and a concussion. She says, “I told (director David Michod) that he wouldn’t recognize me. I will lose myself in this character. I want to transform for Christy. She deserves nothing less.”

I must mention that the other courageous performance in this movie is that of actor Ben Foster, who, as “ Jim Martin,” had to become a repulsive, self-serving, insecure character who is innately evil.

Sweeney, in this movie, is not afraid to turn herself into a mousy, stocky tomboy with a bad haircut. It’s one of the few times we see her with her natural brown hair color. She and the real Christy have much in common: they’re tough, they’re driven, they’re able to face down their fears, and they never give up. I see Sweeney as a handsome, powerful, middle-aged male

A-List celebrity trapped in a cute and voluptuous ingenue’s body. She’s doing well to break those contradictory images and become a star in her own right.

Kathryn Whitney Boole has spent most of her life in the entertainment industry, which has been the backdrop for remarkable adventures with extraordinary people. She is a Talent Manager with Studio Talent Group in Santa Monica. kboole@gmail. com

Gratitude from S.M.a.r.t.

OPINION

SM a.r.t.

Santa Monica Architects for a Responsible Tomorrow

As we approach Thanksgiving, we are more aware of those who deserve our gratitude. There are always your personal favorites, but this year, we would like to highlight everyone in our City who donates their time to make our City a better place. You know who you are. working both in formal community organizations and in thousands of personal selfless acts of generosity. Your contributions are a gift to us all. Thank you!

S.M.a.r.t. Santa Monica Architects for a Responsible Tomorrow

Mario Fonda-Bonardi, AIA, former Planning Commissioner, Robert H. Taylor, AIA, Architect, Dan Jansenson, former Building and Life Safety Commissioner, Samuel Tolkin, Architect, former Planning Commissioner, Michael Jolly, AIRCRE, Jack Hillbrand, AIA, Landmarks Commission Architect, Phil Brock, former SM Mayor (Ret), Heather Thomason, Community Organizer, Matthew Hoefler, Architect, NCARB

For previous articles, see www. santamonicaarch.wordpress.com/writing

Urban Jungle: Deck The Halls This Holiday Season With Plants

The

holiday

season is fast approaching.

To make your holidays more sustainable, Urban Jungle, an indoor and tropical plants nursery on Lincoln Boulevard, encourages people to avoid the artificial greenery and decorate with fresh, natural greenery instead.

Holiday plants are in full stock at Urban Jungle. Natural, meaningful and full of life, plants are the perfect way to brighten homes, lift spirits and transform both indoor and outdoor spaces.

During the calm or the storm of the upcoming holiday season, indoor and outdoor plants are a festive and sustainable way to deck the halls. Adorn and decorate your home with greenery that cleanses the air.

Deisy Moreno, a team member at Urban Jungle, says plants are the simplest way to invite nature into your holiday routines. As you prepare your home for festive celebrations, consider this list of holidayfavorite plants found at Urban Jungle.

Classic and Modern with a Festive Blend Indoors, poinsettias, cyclamen and Christmas cactus make for an instant seasonal charm with their rich reds, whites and soft pinks.

For something more modern, the redand green-variegated leaves of rubber trees and snake plants pair beautifully with cozy winter decor and thrive in low-light

conditions.

Added warmth can be achieved by grouping multiple plants together in decorative pots for a layered, inviting display.

Adorning Your Outdoor Spaces

Pansies, violas and ornamental kale provide vibrant seasonal color all season long. Rosemary and dwarf cypress offer that classic holiday look and are great plants to continue nurturing post holiday season.

“You can never go wrong with a porch full of beautiful lush indoor and outdoor plants that liven the space and boost the mood,” says Deisy.

Fresh greenery also pairs beautifully with twinkling lights, candles or seasonal ornaments, bringing texture, fragrance and natural charm to your porches, patios and entryways.

The Most Meaningful Gift Plants also make meaningful holiday gifts.

Deisy at Urban Jungle encourages people to think outside the box and give the gift that nobody returns: greenery.

As a gift, plants symbolize deep care and connection for the recipient. Although it may require some attention and care, plants improve air quality, reduce stress and create a sense of tranquility.

Unlike many holiday gifts, plants last and become part of the space, often for years. Representing growth, new beginnings and life, plants add a personal touch of nature to any space.

While naturally enhancing a room, they

serve as a gift that isn’t forgotten after the holidays — a living, interactive and longterm expression of love.

“Plants are presents that don’t get put aside after the holidays end. They reduce stress and are a living reminder of your loved ones,” Deisy says.

Gift the gift of life, love and renewal this season, and adorn your space with richness and meaning. Urban Jungle offers guidance on low-maintenance options, seasonal favorites and combinations that suit any space or lifestyle.

This season, the nursery invites holiday decorators and gift givers to embrace natural, engaging and long-lasting decor and gifts.

Urban Jungle also sells a variety of local and globally-sourced pottery essentials. Stop by the nursery located at 3113 Lincoln Boulevard in Santa Monica. Follow the boutique on Instagram.

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.

Eight Performances of “The Nutcracker” Coming to The Broad Stage

The production features Westside Ballet dancers alongside members of the SMC Symphony and SMC student performers

Westside School of Ballet, in partnership with Santa Monica College’s Public Policy Institute, will stage eight performances of Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker” at The Broad Stage from Nov. 29 through Dec. 7.

Public shows are scheduled for 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays: Nov. 29-30 and Dec. 6-7. Separate weekday matinees reserved for fifthgrade classes in the Santa Monica-Malibu

Unified School District are also planned, with schools coordinating attendance through the college.

The production features Westside Ballet dancers alongside members of the SMC Symphony and SMC student performers. It uses George Balanchine choreography performed under license from the Balanchine Trust.

Tickets, priced from $45 to $85, are available through westsideballet. com. The venue is located at the SMC Performing Arts Center, 1310 11th St., with free parking on site.

Richard Tahvildaran-Jesswein, codirector of the SMC Public Policy Institute and a political science professor, said the school-day performances are intended to give many students their first live exposure to classical ballet and orchestral music. Several young cast members attend local public schools, he noted.

Executive Function Coaching Helps College Students Find Success

It goes without saying, college is hard.

The demands of a new and changing daily routine in addition to studying and maintaining grades, sometimes bears weight on college students — creating cycles of frustration, stress, procrastination and withdrawal of effort.

Students who have learning differences, undiagnosed or diagnosed ADHD or autism may experience an even larger barrier when it comes to the amount of sustained attention, time management and performance necessary for college success. But no barrier is too large with New Agenda Coaching, an executive function coaching practice in Los Angeles, founded by Maria Del Corso and Amie Davies. New Agenda believes strong executive function skills lead to higher performance in addition to life-long benefits for children, teens and adults.

For college students that are struggling to meet their goals and achieve success, Del Corso says the outcomes of having

45 minutes per week of virtual executive function coaching session are positive and productive for individuals who — amidst a busy schedule — may not believe they have the time for it.

Taking time to speak with a professional about executive function struggles gives them back time when they learn simple, yet effective, strategies for success.

“Executive function coaching works, especially when students have challenges that are generated from ADHD or other learning differences, neurodivergent patterns, or those who are feeling that overwhelmed, or cognitive drown, during college. This type of coaching supports increased graduation rates, improved grades and remarkably improved mental health and a greater sense of self worth,” Del Corso said. “It also supports post graduation readiness into the workforce or graduate school.”

With coaching, students are able to reorganize and reinvent themselves. New Agenda Coaching professionals work oneon-one with students to organize and unify their calendar system and create better study habits.

“Planning time for assignments and

studying, working back from the due date and time blocking is part of our coaching. This practice is a lot more difficult than people realize, but it’s effective in helping students understand that unstructured time isn’t free time, and assigning time for high priority tasks and goals is an effective way to manage time,” Del Corso said.

New Agenda coaches look at the way students are studying and offer improvements to their “system of studying.” For example, study guides in high school were often provided, but in college, students are responsible for creating their own guides. New Agenda coaches help students create systems for studying, figuring out what works best from the concept of time management.

Maintaining health and wellness and socialization is extremely important for college students who struggle with executive function. They are often influenced by a negative self-talk, but New Agenda coaches help students “hear” through that voice and recenter with positivity.

“Some people find and create relationships with people automatically. But some students have trouble building connections and finding activities and modes of health and wellness that relieves stress,” Del Corso said.

College isn’t about just getting to class on time, it’s becoming responsible for selfimposed structure, active prioritization and constant decision making. It’s mindfulness, both for students, and parents of college students, Del Corso said.

“There’s a lot in that transition for college students as well as the parents. If their young adult has ADHD or neurodivergent patterns, there’s a lot of worry that goes on in their mind. When we focus on achieving mindfulness, that includes active moments in between semesters of rest, or preparing for the next semester and leaving the last one as it was,” Del Corso said.

To learn more about New Agenda Coaching or to schedule a virtual onboarding session, go to NewAgendaCoaching.com.

School of Rock: End of Season Shows, Camps Coming Soon

2025 was a challenging year to say the least.

Many School of Rock students experienced upheaval due to the Palisades fires in January. While homes were lost, belongings scattered and instruments gone, music remained a constant.

School of Rock general manager Justin Salmons says despite the hard times, the music didn’t stop and that was a testament to the passion students have for music. When they are exposed to performancebased music education, the passion grows.

“We had over 200 students enroll or reenroll in our Back to School push, which is a huge milestone and achievement given the absolute peril our community had gone through early this year,” Salmons says.

“That’s what we are about, community and collaboration. As long as we can continue giving these kids an awesome, safe environment to make friends, grow their self-confidence and become awesome musicians, we are all winning,” he adds.

LOOKING FORWARD

As the year 2025 comes to an end, School of Rock has released information and registration for winter camps, spring camps and summer camps for the

remainder of this year and 2026.

“No previous experience is required for the camps. For all ages, our camps are a fun retreat during school breaks as they learn the fundamentals of music education in an uplifting, positive environment with peers,” Salmons says.

Heading into January, School of Rock West LA and Venice have exciting events scheduled in addition to the full complement of classes. Venice, this spring, will launch its adult program, inviting lifelong learners to try their hand at learning an instrument.

END OF SEASON SHOWS

School of Rock West LA is hosting its Fall/Winter 2025-26 Season Preview Party on Dec. 6 from 7-9 p.m.

The event features live music, an ugly holiday sweater contest and fall treats and free attendance. In addition to live student performances, School of Rock’s house band and staff band will play sets. During this event, end of season performance shows will be announced.

“We have so many end of season shows in January, we had to book two separate venues. We’re also teaming up with our South Bay sister school for another one,” Salmons says.

School of Rock Venice will host its season preview party Dec. 14 from 5-7 p.m.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

This year, both School of Rock West LA and Venice house bands have participated in gigs that uplift the community.

Each year, students who have been involved in performance programs have an opportunity to audition for School of Rock’s house band. Top students from this audition are invited to play extra gigs throughout the year.

Recently, the band played at the Yee Haw Fest, a fundraiser for Pali Elementary, playing Western-themed music such as Dolly Parton. They’ve also done Palisades fire relief shows, which featured the X Ambassadors and Fitz and the Tantrums as headliners.

“That was an amazing event, just a perfect example of how we love to be part of the community, to bring joy and opportunity and share our love of music with our community,” Salmons says.

California Roadhouse will be opening at the Santa Monica Pier and School of Rock house bands are planning to host popup events to raise excitement for the new venue.

This fall, School of Rock house bands also played sets during the Run Travis Run 5K, a running event hosted by Travis Barker. School of Rock Venice played in November at the Venice Fest, an arts and musical festival.

GET INVOLVED

School of Rock’s prolific song-first approach programming is available in several locations throughout Los Angeles for all ages as young as 4.

Musical proficiency is built by integrating thrilling stage performance and song-based learning. Music theory, technique, stage presence and confidence abound as students progress into higher levels of the program.

School of Rock’s tiers of programming include Little Wing, for ages 4-5; Rookies, for ages 6-7; Rock 101, for ages 8-13, and Performance for ages 8-18, in addition to AllStars, Songwriting and adult programming. .

To learn more about School of Rock or activate your free trial, visit Venice.SchoolofRock.com or WestLA. SchoolofRock.com.

NOW ENROLLING TK - KINDERGARTEN

Family-Owned Jewelry Brand Elevates Everyday Style With Handcrafted, Made-in-USA Designs

Mother–Daughter–Son Team Shares

How Their Growing E-Commerce Brand Blends Artistry, Durability, and Personal Connection in Every Piece

In a digital-first world dominated by mass production, one small family-owned jewelry company is carving out a distinct space by championing craftsmanship, durability, and meaningful design. Run by a mother, daughter, and son, the brand seamlessly blends old-world artistry with a modern e-commerce experience, offering timeless, handcrafted pieces made in the USA. Their mission stretches far beyond selling jewelry; they’re building a community centered on connection, intention, and everyday luxury.

Our interview with the family shares insight into their work, their values, and

the growing world of handcrafted jewelry.

When you say it is an e-commerce company, what does that mean?

Being an e-commerce company means our brand operates primarily online, giving our customers the convenience to explore and shop our pieces from anywhere. Our focus is delivering high-quality jewelry with a seamless digital experience — and while we thrive online, one of our biggest goals beyond quality is opening our first permanent physical location in the near future.

What is your specialty? What types of jewelry do you specialize in?

We specialize in timeless jewelry designs that feel elevated yet wearable. Our pieces range from everyday essentials to statement pieces for special occasions, offering versatility, elegance, and intention in every collection.

You say that your company is familyowned. How does that affect how you do business?

Being family-owned means every piece truly matters. We pour care into our curation, our brand, and our community. We strive every day to build more than a jewelry company — we’re building a community of individuals who value

meaning, craftsmanship, and connection.

How is your jewelry made? Is it handcrafted?

Yes — our jewelry incorporates handcrafted elements and is thoughtfully made in the USA. We source our materials from trusted U.S. vendors to ensure quality, craftsmanship, and consistency, creating meaningful pieces designed to last.

readers to know about your company? Our mission goes beyond selling jewelry. We are building a brand rooted in craftsmanship, emotion, and community. Each piece is chosen to empower confidence, celebrate individuality, and bring beauty to everyday life. We’re growing, connecting, and expanding our presence both online and through monthly pop-ups. We’d love for you to follow our journey and be part of our story.

Do you ever do pop-ups? If so, where are they located?

Yes, we do monthly pop-ups at Bluemercury in El Segundo. It’s an opportunity for our clients to connect with us in person, try on pieces, and experience the brand firsthand. We announce our pop-up dates monthly on our social media platforms, so our community always knows when and where to find us.

What do you think is the biggest trend in jewelry right now?

We see intentional jewelry leading the trend — meaningful pieces, timeless silhouettes, and designs that blend personal expression with everyday wear. To keep our community inspired and informed, we release monthly blog posts that highlight trending styles, material education, and the history and craftsmanship behind jewelry. Is there anything that you would like our

Baywatch Reboot to Film in Venice, Malibu & Century City After Production Secures

Million Tax Credit

State Tax Credits and Local Advocacy

Helped Keep the Iconic Franchise in Los Angeles

Baywatch will return to its original shoreline. The reboot of the globally popular television series has committed to filming at the historic Venice Beach Lifeguard Operations Station, Malibu, and the Fox Studio Lot in Century City, a decision Los Angeles officials say reflects the strength of California’s film and television tax-credit program.

Councilmember Traci Park announced the news on Thursday. Park said, This is a real victory for the men and women who keep this industry running. California's film tax credits helped us keep an iconic franchise here at home, and that matters — not just symbolically, but for the thousands of workers whose livelihoods depend on a strong entertainment economy. I'm grateful to Governor Newsom, Mayor Bass, and Supervisor Horvath for a united

partnership, and I want to especially thank IATSE and SAG-AFTRA for their relentless advocacy. This win belongs to all of us."

State incentives, championed by Gov. Gavin Newsom, were credited with keeping the reboot from relocating to states or countries offering aggressive financial packages.

According to city officials, the series faced significant pressure to move its production elsewhere before state and local leaders coordinated an effort to keep it in Los Angeles. Park, Mayor Karen Bass, Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, and the Governor’s Office all engaged with the production. Entertainment unions — including IATSE and SAG-AFTRA — also played a key role, pressing for policies that protect in-state jobs and encourage long-term production commitments.

The reboot is expected to create several hundred union jobs for crew members and craftspeople, as well as generate new business for shops, restaurants, and hospitality services in Venice and the surrounding Westside. The commitment arrives as FilmLA and industry unions

"At a time when productions have been drifting out of California, the return of

continue to report historically low levels of TV production, including fewer returning series.

Baywatch sends a strong message: this state is still the home of film and television," Park added. "Venice is proud to welcome this production back." Production is anticipated to begin in early 2026.

Security Guard Takes Post at “South Park”’s Marina del Rey Office: REPORT

The offices, located near the marina’s boat slips, have operated without visible security for years, making the guard’s presence stand out

A uniformed security guard has taken up post outside the “South Park” production offices in this Los Angeles County waterfront community, a rare real-world precaution for the animated series known for its boundary-pushing satire, The Hollywood Reporter reported.

The guard, described as not visibly armed, appeared in recent weeks at the Marina del Rey facility where creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone oversee the longrunning Comedy Central show, according to the entertainment industry publication.

Representatives for the series declined to comment on the new hire, the Reporter said.

The measure follows a season of episodes that lampooned former President Donald Trump and other conservative figures, including a since-pulled installment mocking the late activist Charlie Kirk that aired roughly a month before his September assassination.

Other recent episodes depicted Trump attempting to abort a child with Satan and portrayed Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem shooting puppies.

The show has faced threats before. In 2010, a group called Revolution Muslim

issued what was widely seen as a death threat after an episode showed the Prophet Muhammad in a bear costume, prompting Comedy Central to censor the installment and later remove it from streaming and reruns.

The Marina del Rey offices, located in a low-rise complex near the marina’s boat slips, have operated without visible security for years, making the guard’s presence stand out to passersby, the Reporter observed.

Better is helping our community breathe easier after a disaster.

Parker and Stone, who moved production from Colorado to the Los Angeles area in the early 2000s, have kept the facility’s address private but are known to work from the site year-round.

The Disaster Relief Pulmonary Clinic at Saint John’s was founded to help restore the lung health of our community after the January fires.

The clinic offers specialized care to first responders and residents, focused on their long-term pulmonary health needs. Helping our neighbors heal is just one of the many ways we do everything for the better.

The guard’s arrival coincides with broader Hollywood concerns over physical safety amid polarized political rhetoric,

though no specific threat against the “South Park” team has been publicly disclosed, the Reporter stated.

Venice Gold’s Gym to Stay as Other SoCal Locations Rebrand

The Venice location at 360 Hampton Drive, founded in 1965 by Joe Gold, has long been a cornerstone of fitness

The original Gold’s Gym in Venice Beach — the famed “Mecca of Bodybuilding” — will remain under its longtime ownership and branding even as all other Southern California Gold’s Gyms are converted into EōS Fitness locations.

A representative for Gold’s Gym Venice confirmed the gym “is not going anywhere or changing,” saying it was never part of the Gold’s Gym SoCal group that was acquired this week by EōS Fitness.

“We’ve always been standalone, so we’re

not being affected and will have the same ownership,” the spokesperson said to Mirror Media Group.

Earlier this week, WeHo Times reported that Gold’s Gym SoCal had been sold to EōS Fitness, ending decades of the Gold’s name across the region. The SoCal group told members the sale was made after “years of building something we’re deeply proud of,” and described EōS as “part of our extended family.”

The Venice location at 360 Hampton Drive, founded in 1965 by Joe Gold, has

long been a cornerstone of fitness culture and a symbol of Venice’s muscle beach heritage. The gym celebrated its 60th anniversary in August with a community event and photo exhibit honoring its history.

While new signage marks the transition at other sites, the Venice flagship will continue to operate independently — preserving its status as the last remaining Gold’s Gym in the Los Angeles area.

Le Lycée Français de Los Angeles Campus 55 JUNIOR

Better is helping our community breathe easier after a disaster.

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MUST BE 2 YEARS BY DEC 31ST TO ENROLL

The Disaster Relief Pulmonary Clinic at Saint John’s was founded to help restore the lung health of our community after the January fires.

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Students achieve remarkable outcomes with our strong academics, small classes, and personalized learning. Learn more about our dynamic program and 4-year college planning support at an Admissions event.

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