Thousands in Equipment Stolen From Filmmaker’s Santa Monica Home
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.
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.
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
items belonging to colleagues that RuizHealy was storing were also among the stolen equipment.
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.
“Any filmmaker understands that your
equipment is everything. Therefore, this situation requires immediate attention,” organizers wrote on the fundraiser page.
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, highlighting Ruiz-Healy’s reputation as a generous collaborator and “an all-around great guy.”
Santa Monica police have assigned 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 Legend After Home Robbery.”
SMPD Arrest Man with Drugs, Loaded Gun
After Traffic Stop
Suspect Flees Briefly Before Police Recover Cocaine, Mushrooms, and Marijuana
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.
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.
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.
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 suspect, whose identity was not released, remains in custody pending further investigation, police said. No additional details were immediately available.
Over 150 Artists to Participate at This Weekend’s “Montana Avenue Art Walk”
The Art Walk will feature artists showcasing their work, live music performances, interactive art workshops for children and a VIP wine garden
Montana Avenue will transform into a pedestrian-friendly arts destination on Saturday, September 27, as the Montana Avenue Art Walk returns for its annual celebration of visual art, music, and community. The event will run from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., spanning ten blocks between 7th and 17th Streets.
The Art Walk will feature more than 150 visual artists showcasing their work along the avenue’s sidewalks, alongside live music performances, interactive art workshops for children, and a VIP wine garden experience hosted by Bottled Poetry.
The Montana Avenue Merchants Association, which organizes the event, says the festival has grown into a major cultural draw for the region. “In recent years, we’ve watched Art Walk grow into a notable regional event—on par with long-standing shows like the Beverly Hills Art Show,” said Jenny Rice, the event producer. “Artists are coming from across the region, and thousands of residents and art enthusiasts are filling the street. It’s a powerful testament to how much this community supports Open Streets festivals and how deeply Santa Monica values the arts.”
Among the highlights is the Bottled Poetry Wine Garden, a $20 ticketed area featuring curated wine tastings, a pop-up art display, and a live DJ set by DJ MOZO. Live music, presented by Pence Hathorn Silver – Luxury Property Group, will be performed throughout the day along the avenue, including jazz, Latin, and cover bands at multiple locations.
For families, Paint+Lab will offer a variety of free, all-ages workshops, including acrylic painting lessons, abstract painting stations, and speed portrait drawing. A guided step-bystep painting class featuring a lifeguard
tower will also be available on a firstcome, first-served basis.
The Art Walk is supported in part by the City of Santa Monica’s Cultural Affairs Department through its Art of Recovery initiative. Additional sponsors
include the Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce, Santa Monica Travel & Tourism, Tide Cleaners, and the city’s Office of Sustainability and the Environment.
The Santa Monica Police Department to Stage Late-Night DUI Checkpoint on Friday
Location Chosen Based on Crash Data as Officials Target Impaired Driving
The Santa Monica Police Department will conduct a DUI checkpoint on Friday, September 26, as part of its ongoing effort to reduce impaired driving and improve roadway safety, the department announced in a press statement.
The checkpoint will operate at an undisclosed location within city limits from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m., according to the Santa Monica Police Department.
Checkpoint locations are selected based on crash data and areas with a history of
DUI-related incidents, officials said. The goal is to remove impaired drivers from the road while also educating the public about the dangers of driving under the influence. Police emphasized that impairment is not limited to alcohol use. Certain prescription and over-the-counter medications can affect a person’s ability to drive safely, and while marijuana use is legal in California, it is still illegal to operate a vehicle under its influence.
Drivers arrested for a first-time DUI offense face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties and the potential suspension of their driver’s license, authorities warned. The operation is funded through a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, with support from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Better is robot-assisted spinal surgery that gets you back in the saddle.
To us, helping you get better is everything. So while 2 in 3 spinal patients at Saint John’s can be treated without surgery, every patient gets comprehensive care that’s tailored to their specific needs. In equestrian Stacy Lilien’s case, that happened to be minimally invasive spinal surgery using the ExcelsiusGPS® Robotic Navigation Platform, which allowed her to get back to horseback riding in only 7 weeks. It’s just one of the many ways we treat you for the better.
Santa Monica’s Governance Problem: Elected Council, “Strong” Mayor or?
SMa.r.t.
Santa Monica Architects for a Responsible Tomorrow
Residents of Santa Monica rarely question how their local government works. Debate usually focuses on housing, homelessness, or budgets—not on the machinery producing those outcomes. But the City Council–City Manager system creates a power imbalance: part-time, often inexperienced council members struggle to set priorities, while unelected staff make the real decisions. The result can be inefficiency and policies misaligned with community needs.
The Illusion of Oversight
The seven elected council members, many without backgrounds in management, finance, or planning, are expected to represent neighborhood and residents’ concerns, rather than outside interests that may have conflicting agendas. Their formal role is to direct the city manager, who runs daily operations. In practice, professional staff, planners, administrators, and finance officers dominate. They outlast council terms and shape projects before elected officials even see them.
During the homelessness crisis, for instance, the council often approved staffrecommended service contracts without independent audits or clear performance measures. Similarly, planning and zoning changes, like state-mandated housing increases, are mainly negotiated by staff with developers, leaving council members to potentially review and approve projects that have already been outlined without prior input.
Budgeting Without Accountability
Santa Monica’s $700-million budget would challenge even veteran administrators. Council members, lacking technical expertise, depend on staff presentations. During COVID-19 budget cuts, staff rapidly eliminated positions like police officers and library employees but preserved high executive salaries. Council lacked the tools to contest these choices, giving the impression that staff protected themselves over the public interest.
Staff as De Facto Directors
Because they control information and timelines, staff effectively direct city policy. Council members, buried under dense reports and short deadlines, cannot comprehensively analyze or strategize. This weakens democratic oversight and leaves voters with representatives who struggle to shape policy meaningfully.
The Structural Question
The council–manager model was created a century ago to professionalize administration and prevent corruption. Today, it can create a democratic deficit: voters elect representatives with limited control, while unaccountable staff steer the city.
A strong mayor system could change this. A directly elected, well-compensated mayor could attract candidates with proven expertise in urban management, finance, or law. A mayor would set priorities, defend them publicly, and take responsibility— qualities missing in today’s diffusion of responsibility.
Alternatively, a hybrid model that blends a strong mayor with an empowered council could preserve checks and balances while enhancing accountability and expertise.
How a Hybrid Could Work
Define Clear Separation of Powers
• The mayor as Chief Executive: Controls
Part One of Two
hiring and firing of department heads, budget preparation, and policy execution.
• Council as Legislature: Approve ordinances, land-use changes, budgets, and major service restructuring (e.g., outsourcing trash collection).
Independent Support for Council Members
• Legislative Assistants: Each council member should have an independent aide or policy analyst to research issues, draft proposals, and vet staff recommendations.
• Separate Offices and Budget: Provide a modest council budget for constituent services and policy development, reducing dependence on executive-filtered information.
Collaborative Decision-Making
• Executive-Legislative Briefings: Hold biweekly meetings between the mayor and a council leadership committee to align priorities.
• Joint Strategic Planning: Require an annual retreat for the mayor, council, and department heads to set goals and metrics.
• Veto and Override: Allow the mayor veto power, but let council override by supermajority, forcing negotiation.
Independent Oversight and Public Accountability
• Strengthened Auditor: An independent auditor reporting to council could evaluate
program performance and finances.
• Sunshine Rules: Mandate public disclosure of mayoral directives, budget changes, and vendor negotiations, with independent council review.
Examples of Hybrid Approaches
San Diego, CA: Transitioned to a strong mayor but retained a robust council with veto-override power.
Denver, CO: Uses a strong mayor with council aides and resources to balance power.
New York City: The mayor wields executive authority, but the council negotiates budgets and passes laws with independent staff support.
TO BE CONTINUED IN PART 2 NEXT WEEK
Michael Jolly for SMa.r.t. Santa Monica Architects for a
on page 9
Le Lycée Français de Los Angeles: Celebrating
60 Years of Excellence,
Expansion, and Alumni Achievement
As Le Lycée Français de Los Angeles proudly celebrates its 60th anniversary, the school continues to build on its legacy of bilingual, bicultural education by expanding opportunities for the youngest learners. This milestone year is marked by the launch of a new Junior Preschool (Toute Petite Section) for 2-yearolds, reaffirming the school’s commitment to offering students a strong foundation in both French and American educational traditions from the very beginning.
Founded by Raymond and Esther Kabbaz, Le Lycée transformed California’s educational landscape when, on August 19, 1965, its initiative and efforts led to a change in the state’s Code of Education,
allowing core curriculum to be taught in languages other than English. For six decades, the school has embraced bilingualism, multiculturalism, rigorous academics, and enriching extracurriculars, while nurturing generations of students from 72 nationalities with more than 33 languages spoken.
The Junior Preschool program, now open at Campus 55 on Overland Avenue, honors the legacy of the school’s former Palisades campus — once home to a beloved Toute Petite Section — and marks a new chapter in Le Lycée’s growth. Licensed by the State of California, the program requires no prior knowledge of French or English and is designed for children of all language backgrounds.
“My mother used to tell prospective families, ‘Give me your child to educate, and I will give you back two children: one French and one American,’” reflects ClaraLisa Kabbaz (Le Lycée Class of 1979), Head of Le Lycée. “I am thrilled we can now begin this transformative journey even earlier, as we celebrate our 60th year.”
While the school looks to the future with this expansion, it also takes pride in its alumni whose accomplishments reflect the power of a Lycée education. Among them is Asher Cohen, Class of 2021, a true “Lycée Lifer” who entered our school as a preschooler. At only 20 years old, Asher was recently named Berkeley's University Medalist, the top student in UC Berkeley’s graduating class, a remarkable recognition of his intellectual talent, dedication, and humility. A Regent’s Award winner upon entering Berkeley — an honor reserved for the top 1-2% of applicants — Asher excelled across disciplines, from advanced sciences and mathematics to humanities, languages, philosophy, and literature. He is now headed to the prestigious Yale University Medical School, where
his brilliance will be matched by his compassion and kindness, qualities that have always defined him, the qualities emblematic of Lycée students.
“Asher embodies what makes our students extraordinary,” says Mme Kabbaz. “They become not only leaders in their fields but also gracious, thoughtful, and caring individuals who inspire those around them. The world needs more Asher
Cohens.”
From its founding vision to today’s expansion and the ongoing successes of its alumni, Le Lycée Français de Los Angeles remains “Your School for Life.”
For more information and to apply, visit www.lyceela.org.
Join us at an Open House: October 7, November 13, 2025, or January 13, 2026.
Le Lycée Français de Los Angeles Campus 55
JUNIOR
PRESCHOOL
Bilingual - French/English
MUST BE 2 YEARS BY DEC 31ST TO ENROLL
POTTY-TRAINED NOT REQUIRED 8:00AM - 2:30PM
Extended care available until 4:45pm
OPTION A: 5 DAYS/WEEK
OPTION B: 3 DAYS/WEEK (M/W/F)
LUNCH & SNACK INCLUDED
3055 Overland Ave, Los Angeles 90034
admissions@lyceela.org
License #197404606
EZ Kitchen and Bath: 37 Years of Excellence in Los Angeles
Built on a foundation of trust, EZ Kitchen and Bath is celebrating its 37th year in business, providing homeowners, designers and builders access to the finest appliances and fixtures available.
What started as a small business in 1988 has grown into a trusted resource for premium home products, resounding the same message that founders Ezra and Aviva Sagi planted since day one.
Over the last three, almost four, decades, EZ Kitchen and Bath has provided a curated selection of high-quality kitchen, bath and outdoor appliances to homeowners, designers and builders, many of whom are return customers.
“We are a trusted name since 1988 with many repeat customers. Things change, families get bigger, and we are here to greet each customer and meet their needs.
We are not far away from customers who need new appliances, are refurnishing or rebuilding their homes, and we take care of everything,” said Ezra.
While searching for new appliances or fixtures, EZ Kitchen and Bath offers comprehensive support from consultation to installation, tailored for homeowners, designers or builders, for orders as small as one appliance or to many in multi-unit complexes, dorms or facilities.
Products include kitchen appliances, bathroom fixtures, outdoor appliances and hardware. Find refrigerators, ovens, faucets, bathtub and showers, outdoor grills and refrigeration, hardware and more in EZ Kitchen and Bath’s online catalog and in-person showroom, located at 8865 W. Pico Boulevard, Los Angeles, 90035.
“Our company has grown over the years and so we have we, but we have continued to offer competitive prices, excellent service and selective products that meet your needs,” Ezra said.
EZ Kitchen and Bath is driven by core values that guide the business:
Quality
Curating only the finest products from trusted manufacturers, EZ Kitchen and Bath ensure all items meet the highest standard.
Trust
Building lasting relationships through honest advice, EZ Kitchen and Bath provides reliable service and transparent business practices.
Innovation
Staying ahead of trends and technology, EZ Kitchen and Bath brings you the latest and most efficient products available.
Service
EZ Kitchen and Bath provides personalized attention and expert guidance to help you make and deliver perfect choices for your home.
While searching for appliances and fixtures for your home, EZ Kitchen and Bath’s experienced team provides expert assistance throughout the entire process.
Product Consultation
EZ Kitchen and Bath’s expert team offers personalized recommendations, product comparison, budget planning and style coordination during consultation, specific to your needs and budget.
Design Support
Professional design assistance for architects, designers and homeowners is available through EZ Kitchen and Bath, complete with space planning, product specifications, design coordination and timeline planning.
Builder and Developer Services
For construction professionals looking for specialized support, EZ Kitchen and Bath provides volume discounts, project coordination, delivery scheduling and specification sheets.
Delivery and Installation Guidance
To ensure your products arrive safely and are installed properly, EZ Kitchen and Bath offers white glove delivery, installation coordination, warranty support and follow-up service.
For nearly 40 years, EZ Kitchen and Bath has been Los Angeles’ trusted source for premium appliances and fixtures. With a focus on quality, service, and competitive pricing, the company provides tailored solutions for homeowners, designers, and builders alike. From consultation to installation, EZ Kitchen and Bath makes every project seamless.
Discover the difference experience makes by calling or visiting the Los Angeles showroom, or online at EZKitchenAndBath.net.
Rebuild with Magnificence: Goldbrecht
Homeowners
In the wake of the January 2025 fires, Goldbrecht is offering an incentive program to homeowners in Pacific Palisades who are rebuilding, due to fire loss.
As the exclusive U.S. manufacturer of the Vitrocsa Invisible Wall, Goldbrecht offers the Original frameless glass system, featuring the world’s slimmest sightlines and marine-grade durability, ideal for stunning coastal views.
Vitrocsa sliding, fixed, pivoting, outswing, vertical sliding, and turnable corner systems are available, in addition to HIRTkinetics retracting and ascending walls, as well as German-engineered aluminum, hybrid, and steel windows and doors.
Responsible Tomorrow
Mario Fonda-Bonardi, AIA, former Planning Commissioner, Robert H. Taylor, AIA, Architect, Dan Jansenson, former Building and Life Safety Commissioner,
Goldbrecht is committed to help rebuilding the Pacific Palisades with confidence and beauty. Visit www. goldbrecht.com or contact info@
Samuel Tolkin, Architect, former Planning Commissioner, Michael Jolly, AIRCRE, Jack Hillbrand, AIA, Landmarks Commission Architect, Phil Brock, Santa Monica Mayor (ret).
Beyond Fest Unveils Massive 2025 Lineup With 90 Films, Star-Packed Premieres
Every year, I am astounded anew by each new slate of films, and 2025 is no exception.
The festival, presented exclusively by NEON and produced in partnership with the American Cinematheque, will run September 23 through October 8 across three Los Angeles venues: the Egyptian Theatre, Aero Theatre, and Los Feliz 3.
Beyond Fest, Los Angeles’ biggest film festival and the highest-attended genre film festival in the U.S., returns this week with its largest program yet, announcing a massive 2025 lineup featuring 90 feature films, including eight world premieres and 25 West Coast debuts.
Beyond Fest 2025 promises a celebration of fearless filmmaking unlike anything Los Angeles has previously experienced, delivering an epic slate of pulse-pounding premieres, electrifying restorations, and inperson encounters with some of Cinema’s most iconic and cult legends.
All ticket sales will benefit the nonprofit American Cinematheque.
This year’s festival will open with Park Chan-wook’s No Other Choice and close with Yorgos Lanthimos’ Bugonia. The 15day event promises a packed slate of genre films, cult classics, and live discussions with celebrated filmmakers and actors.
High-profile premieres include Aziz Ansari’s comedy Good Fortune, starring Seth Rogen, Keke Palmer, Sandra Oh, and Keanu Reeves; Bryan Fuller’s horror entry Dust Bunny, featuring Mads Mikkelsen and Sigourney Weaver; and Scott Derrickson’s
highly anticipated sequel Black Phone 2. Luca Guadagnino’s drama After the Hunt and Gore Verbinski’s action-comedy Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die will also make their West Coast debuts.
International highlights include Palme d’Or winner It Was Just an Accident by Jafar Panahi, Kleber Mendonça Filho’s The Secret Agent, and Oliver Laxe’s Sirāt. Additional premieres include Radu Jude’s Dracula, Genki Kawamura’s Exit 8, and Bi Gan’s visionary Resurrection.
The festival’s action lineup features stunt legend Kenji Tanigaki’s The Furious, Jalmari Helander’s Sisu: Road to Revenge, and Steven Kostanski’s revival of cult favorite Deathstalker.
Beyond Fest will also honor Japanese cinema icon Meiko Kaji with a rare retrospective featuring newly restored classics like Lady Snowblood and Blind Woman’s Curse. Filmmaker Sean Baker will join Kaji for a live conversation.
Other special events include appearances by Tim Robbins for the 4K restoration of Jacob’s Ladder, John Carpenter for a 70mm screening of Big Trouble in Little China, and Rob Zombie and Sheri Moon Zombie celebrating the 20th anniversary of The Devil’s Rejects.
Restorations will play a key role in the lineup, including new 4K versions of Tobe Hooper’s Salem’s Lot, Abel Ferrara’s Ms. 45, and Ruggero Deodato’s uncut Cannibal Holocaust.
The free Los Feliz 3 programming will spotlight emerging talent with premieres like Ned Crowley’s Killing Faith, Julie Pacino’s I Live Here Now, and Alice Maio Mackay’s queer horror The Serpent’s Skin. Tickets for Beyond Fest 2025 are on sale now at americancinematheque.com, with multiple screenings already sold out. Don’t be disheartened, sometimes tickets will be released, and you can join the standby line if your favorite screening is not available.
L.A. Louver Gallery to End Public Exhibit Program, Shift to Private Consulting
Celebrating its 50th anniversary, L.A. Louver has exhibited over 430 artists, mounted more than 660 exhibitions, and contributed to over 125 museum shows
L.A. Louver, a Venice Beach gallery founded in 1975 by Peter and Elizabeth Goulds, will end its public exhibition program this fall and transition to a new model focused on private art dealing, artist support, consulting, and curatorial projects, the gallery announced Tuesday.
As part of this transformation, L.A. Louver will donate its extensive archive and library to The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens in San Marino, California, by 2029. The collection, which includes correspondence, photographs, publications, records, and ephemera, documents the gallery’s 50-year role in Southern California’s artistic and cultural landscape and its connections to
the global art world.
The Huntington, established in 1919, is a renowned institution with significant holdings in literature, art, and regional history. The L.A. Louver Archive & Library will join collections such as the archives of writers Eve Babitz and Will Alexander, the papers of British novelist Christopher Isherwood, and drawings by Los Angeles artist Don Bachardy.
“When I first visited L.A. in 1971, I observed that the extraordinary artists here were not visible from a global perspective,” said Peter Goulds, Founding Director of L.A. Louver, in a statement. “Liz and I started L.A. Louver to show Southern California artists in an international context and to introduce international artists to this region. We believe The Huntington is the preeminent repository of cultural life in Southern California.”
Over the next four years, L.A. Louver and Huntington staff will collaborate to process the archive for transfer, ensuring accessibility for researchers. The gallery will continue supporting scholarly inquiry while expanding into private dealing, institutional exhibitions, major commissions, secondary market sales, and advisory services. Operations will increasingly shift to a private warehouse facility in West Adams, with the Venice
Boulevard gallery hosting select presentations by appointment.
Celebrating its 50th anniversary, L.A. Louver has exhibited over 430 artists, mounted more than 660 exhibitions, and contributed to over 125 museum shows.
The gallery has represented artists like David Hockney, Edward Kienholz, and Alison Saar and pioneered projects such as exhibitions with Marcel Duchamp and Jasper Johns and the Rogue Wave program
for emerging artists.
“The L.A. Louver Archive & Library captures the vital history of contemporary art in Los Angeles,” said Christina Nielsen, Hannah and Russel Kully Director of the Art Museum at The Huntington, in a statement. “By preserving this record, The Huntington is ensuring that future generations can study the innovation that has defined Southern California’s artistic landscape.”
Accessory Dwelling
Units are on the rise in the Golden State.
Pacific Manufactured Homes: California’s Choice for ADUs, Granny Flats and Backyard Homes Welcome to Urban Jungle
With the seemingly unending rise in home prices, more and more California homeowners are turning toward accessory dwellings units (ADUs), granny flats and backyard homes, to add additional living space for their aging parents or adult children. Many, too, are adding rental units to their property to create an additional monthly income stream.
Savvy consumers are choosing manufactured ADUs, a construction choice that offers cost savings upwards of 40% over traditional “stick-built” homes. Plus, the process of building is about 75% faster, according to Pacific Manufactured Homes, California’s leader in manufactured homes.
With fast builds, quality construction, and affordable pricing, Pacific Manufactured Homes is California’s choice for your additional dwelling dreams, complete with customized features from basic to luxurious: hardwood cabinets, stainless steel appliances, luxury flooring, dual pane windows, eco-friendly furnaces, real stone countertops, designer light fixtures, and more. They have hundreds of floorplans available – to suit every taste and budget.
Building a home can be a daunting process, but Pacific Manufactured Homes makes the process easy by handling everything for you from start to finish –permitting, financing, design, construction, delivery and set-up. “Since 1990, we have been providing an excellent product at an exceptional price. Our team of professionals are here every step of the way, ensuring the process of building your new property is as stress-free as possible.” —said Sean Feeney, General Manager of Pacific Manufactured Homes.
These days, manufactured homes are indistinguishable in many ways from
Senior Principal Consultant (Signify Technology Group Inc.; Santa Monica, CA): Utilze your knwldge of Functnl Prgrmmng to engge w/ clnts on their sftwre enginrng recritmnt needs & to bld the cmpny’s prsnce in the Fnctinl Progrmmng mrkt (Scala & TypeScript). Telecommuting allowed. Salary: $75,000 to $85,000/yr. If interested, please email resumes to: hr@signify-tech.com Ref: 00061126
traditionally built homes. They come in all shapes, sizes and finishes. From “tiny homes” to literal mansions — all of these are built on multi-million dollar equipment, in a clean, dry factory, away from the elements, and later transported to their final destinations.
Pacific Manufactured Homes has grown to 7 locations, many of which feature model homes to tour. Their newest location in Corona even offers an educational factory tour twice a month (for ages 12 and up).
VISIT A LOCATION NEAR YOU
Model Homes & Sales Offices
Corona, Riverside County — 299 N Smith Ave., Corona 951-339-1012
North San Diego — 145 S Bent Ave., San Marcos 760-471-1212
Hemet — 1475 N. State St., Hemet 951350-0110
Sales Offices
East San Diego County — 11510 Woodside Ave., Santee 619-449-3800
Inland Empire — 1415 E. 6th St., Beaumont 951-845-2671
South San Diego County — 730 H St., Chula Vista 619-422-2333
El Centro 888-777-6457
To learn more about Pacific Manufactured Homes and its various options for your new home building needs, visit www. pacifichomes.net or call 888-777-6457.
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.
All-New ‘Funhouse at Pacific Park’ To Open At The Santa Monica Pier, Will Celebrate Eerie Historic Past
The ‘Toonerville Funhouse,’ originally located at Ocean Park Pier and Pacific Ocean Park amusement parks, is inspiration for the newest attraction inside Pacific Park
SANTA MONICA, Calif., (September 10, 2025) --- Guests to the all-new “Funhouse at Pacific Park” will explore a lost world of spooky, chilling, and haunting experiences.
The legendary “Toonerville Funhouse” appeared in two eras of Santa Monica amusement history – first at Ocean Park Pier in the 1920s and later at Pacific Ocean Park in 1958 – thrilling and unnerving guests for decades. Hidden away for years, its spirit has been resurrected inside Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier. Over time, storms and renovations buried its memory, until the entrance to the abandoned
funhouse was mysteriously uncovered inside Pacific Park. With a little polishing, it has reopened for guests as a nod to local Santa Monica history and nostalgic fun.
In all the tinkering and perfecting of the 'Funhouse at Pacific Park,' the sinister magic of coin-operated fortunetellers and the eerie presence of a dessert-wielding clown have once again been unleashed. With a sidelong glance, an animatronic fortuneteller seated inside its dusty glass cabinet lures unsuspecting guests into a dizzying adventure—one that may land them in the back of Sprinkles the Clown's ice cream truck freezer. Will guests make it out unscathed, or will they be lost in this labyrinth of curiosities for another 100 years?
The 2,800-square-foot “Funhouse at Pacific Park” includes nine mysterious rooms and attractions designed to disorient, amuse and entertain visitors with optical illusions, tricky layouts, and unexpected surprises. From giant ice cream cones to disorienting mazes, the Funhouse offers a buffet for the senses full of unexpected twists and turns.
"Pacific Park is excited to bring a fresh take on a classic idea to the millions of visitors who enjoy the Pier each year,"
said Nathan Smithson, Senior Director of Business Affairs at Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier. "This is a unique opportunity to honor the legacy of the original Toonerville Funhouses while crafting a future filled with mystery and awe in the all-new Funhouse at Pacific Park."
The “Toonerville Funhouses” were whimsical, cartoon-themed attractions inspired by the popular "Toonerville Trolley" comic strip, which was widely recognized in the early 20th century. The first version opened at Ocean Park Pier in the 1920s, while a second debuted in 1958 at Pacific Ocean Park, which replaced Ocean Park Pier on the same site at the end of Ocean Park Boulevard, just about two nautical miles south of today’s Pacific Park, near the Santa Monica–Venice border. Both became icons of seaside amusement before disappearing in the 1970s.
SC Holdings, an investment firm with extensive experience in the consumer, entertainment, and hospitality sectors, acquired the operating group of Pacific Park in 2024 and committed $10 million in capital investments over the next five years in Pacific Park’s food and entertainment programs, supporting park operations and
Australian Cycling Brand MAAP Opens First U.S. Store on Abbot Kinney
The store, designed by Clare Cousins Architects, integrates raw industrial elements like exposed brick and wood rafters with a social coffee bar
Australian cycling apparel brand MAAP launched its first North American store, MAAP LaB Los Angeles, on Friday, September 12 at 910 Abbot Kinney Blvd., marking its eighth global location.
The hub, open Monday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., celebrates the “Life Around Bikes” ethos with a community-focused space featuring group rides, events, and exclusive kit drops.
Hypebeast reports the store, designed by Clare Cousins Architects, integrates raw industrial elements like exposed brick and wood rafters with a social coffee bar, creating an inclusive environment for cyclists and locals.
Founded in Melbourne in 2014, MAAP
combines sport, style, and sustainability, offering technically advanced apparel tested globally with athletes and teams.
The Venice Beach location, a bold U.S. market entry, will host curated rides and collaborations, reflecting the brand’s commitment to creative culture and
keeping it a fun and friendly destination for tourists, families, and the community.
Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier, LA’s only admission-free amusement park, offers 12 amusement rides, 14 midway games, Snackville with five fun food offerings and retail beach shops. Pacific Park’s signature rides include the world’s only solar-powered Ferris wheel, the Pacific Wheel, and the West Coaster, a steel roller coaster that races 55 feet above the Santa Monica Bay. For additional information and hours of operation, call 310-260-8744, visit pacpark.com, and go to Facebook.com/pacificpark, Instagram. com/pacpark or X.com/pacpark.
performance gear.
Since its inception, MAAP has expanded to cities like Melbourne, Amsterdam, and Seoul, but the Los Angeles outpost stands out with tailored group rides ranging from casual to women’s-only options.
Better
is helping our community breathe easier after a disaster.
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.
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; Sophia Manavi, Student Trustee; Kathryn E. Jeffery, Ph.D., Superintendent/President
Santa Monica College | 1900 Pico Blvd. Santa Monica, CA 90405 | smc.edu
Photo by Ed Gandara