Santa Monica Mirror 3.31.23

REFLECTING THE CONCERNS OF THE COMMUNITY

Peace Activist and Artist Marissa Rubin to Be Honored With ‘Tree of Gratitude’

Tree to be planted in memory of Rubin’s life and work on Earth Day in Palisades Park

By Keemia Zhang

Peace activist and artist Marissa Rubin is set to be honored by the planting of a tree - referred to as the Tree of Gratitude, in Palisades Park in memory of her life and work on Earth Day (April 22). It will be a ‘sister tree’ to the Children’s Tree of Life in the same park, planted in 1983 and largely organized by Marissa, who passed away on July 28, 2022.

“No one is more deserving of a living memorial,” her husband, activist Jerry Rubin, says. The couple were wed at the Children’s Tree of Life in 1983 in a combined weddingpeace rally, with 400 guests in attendance invited by public flier. The couple first met at a Santa Monica dance studio in 1982, and became inseparable as “peace partners” until

her death from stage 4 pancreatic cancer last July. “There was no ‘are you seeing other people’, this or that.” Jerry reminisces. “We were just together.”

The Rubins lived in the Ocean Park neighborhood for over forty years, working on projects and protests to help better the community - including Tree Hugging Day, the No Toy Guns Campaign, and the ongoing effort to save the Muir Woods mural. In the aftermath of the 2003 Farmers Market crash, Marissa worked “hours late at night” to create artwork for posters in memory of the victims.

Marissa also self-published a poetry book, titled ‘Word Honey’, with proceeds going to a local animal shelter. Prior to her marriage, she organized an artistic program named ‘ClayDance’, where artists could express themselves through dance while sculpting, and taught art classes for seniors at the Camera Obscura Art Lab. Jerry admits that, if not for his wife, he “would have given up years ago” as an activist, “if she wasn’t just right there, encouraging me in every way, encouraging her friends, and everybody she came in contact with. I’m so, so grateful.”

Marissa, who attended graduate school at

UCLA, worked as an art therapist with troubled adolescents at the UCLA Neuropsychiatric Institute. When she was diagnosed and admitted for treatment to UCLA Santa Monica, she was treated for free - “they were so thankful for the work she had done,” says her husband.

During her lifetime, she received a Certificate of Recognition from the California State Assembly for her work and volunteerism. “She had many causes. Environment, art, peace, and cancer.” Jerry says. At the end of her life, his wife insisted that friends who wanted to donate allocate their proceeds to the Hirshberg Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research.

A plaque will commemorate the Tree of Life’s planting, delivered from Marissa’s home state of New York. Rubin hopes that prospective attendees for the April ceremony include Blue Bus Drivers - “they just loved her”, Jerry says - city council members and Mayor of Santa Monica Gleam Davis. The Tree of Life planting was coordinated by Urban Forester Matthew Wells, a friend of the Rubins.

Members of the public are invited to take

part in the Tree of Life planting ceremony at noon on April 22, near the Santa Monica Pier Cannon.

City Council Approves Land Use Amendments to Implement Housing Element

Amendments to zoning codes to support affordable housing production and streamline approval process

By Sam Catanzaro

The Santa Monica City Council has taken steps toward implementing the City’s 6th Cycle Housing Element. At the March 21 meeting, Amendments to the City’s Land Use Documents, including the Land Use and Circulation Element, Bergamot Area Plan, Downtown Community Plan, Zoning Ordinance, and General Plan Land Use Map and Zoning Districting Map, were adopted

by the Council to align with the Certified Housing Element and State-assigned housing allocation. The zoning code changes will go into effect 30 days after the second reading scheduled for April 11, 2023.

The Council’s action aims to support new housing development in the City’s mixed-use and non-residential zones, with a significant emphasis on affordable housing production. The new amendments require that 15% of units be provided as deed-restricted affordable units. Additionally, the Council has incorporated lot consolidation limits for housing projects on portions of Main Street, Pico Boulevard, Montana Avenue, and Ocean Park Boulevard to ensure that housing opportunities are available in each of these commercial districts while balancing existing commercial activity.

According to Santa Monica Mayor Gleam Davis, “Ensuring the implementation of a compliant Housing Element paves the way for Santa Monica to address housing production. We know that housing is critical to advancing

community priorities, including addressing homelessness. Santa Monica will continue to fulfill our State-mandated obligations while being thoughtful about housing affordability.”

The City’s certified 6th Cycle Housing Element streamlines the approval of housing projects through an administrative approval process and more efficient timelines, commits City-owned property for the development of affordable housing, and updates zoning development standards to support housing production across the City. It also allows new housing to be developed in non-residential zones where housing is currently not permitted, provides opportunities for housing production on residentially zoned surface parking lots and community assembly sites to minimize displacement, and encourages the development of moderate-income housing citywide. The Housing Element also aligns local regulations with State laws.

Recent progress to expand affordable housing in Santa Monica includes the

approval of the designation of surplus land at three City-owned surface parking lots for the development of affordable housing, the opening of the City-funded Community Corporation of Santa Monica property Las Flores with 72 affordable apartment homes, and over 230 more City-funded affordable homes at various stages of development. The City also made a loan commitment for the Little Berkeley property to serve low-income households. With the passage of the voterapproved Measure GS, more funding sources will become available to support affordable housing production.

Photo: Courtesy of Jerry Rubin Jerry and the late Marissa Rubin pictured in front of the Children’s Tree of Life in Palisades Park.

Eight Santa Monica Police Activities League Youth Complete The Los Angeles Marathon

Setting a new PAL record for the Los Angeles Marathon, Jade Furukawa came in at 4 hours and 50 minutes

It’s been said to runners, “Don’t just chase your dreams. Run them down!”

For eight Santa Monica PAL youth, they ran their dreams down to reality when they participated and completed The 38th Annual Los Angeles Marathon from the Stadium to the Stars course on March 19.

Santa Monica PAL runners that participated in the Los Angeles Marathon included Snow Hansen, PAL parentvolunteer and trainer, and PAL youth Breauna Curry, Aylin Cruz, Rosa Cruz, Jade Furukawa, Emily Gutierrez, Tia Hansen, Jesse Morales and Chris Naelgas. Jade Furukawa came in at 4 hours and 50 minutes, setting a new PAL record as the fastest female runner in the LA Marathon.

“We are so proud of the PAL youth that ran in the marathon. It’s quite a physical and emotional achievement and the kids

exceeded all their expectations,” says Eula Fritz, Director at Santa Monica Police Activities League. “We appreciate Snow for the leadership in training the runners and getting them prepared and congratulate Jade for setting a new PAL record.”

The Los Angeles Marathon presented by ASICS welcomed 22,000 participants for the race as runners completed the 26.2-miles. At each mile along the way, runners passed internationally renowned iconic landmarks including Chinatown, the El Pueblo de Los Angeles State Historic Park, Los Angeles CityHall, Little Tokyo, the Disney Hall and Music Center of Los Angeles County, the DolbyTheater – home of the Academy Awards in Hollywood, parts of Historic Route 66 in West Hollywood, Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, and out and back on San Vicente Boulevard before finishing on Santa Monica Blvd in Century City.

Santa Monica PAL is staffed by the City of Santa Monica and dedicated to providing free afterschool programming for youth ages 6 -17. PAL has a nonprofit Board of Directors who fundraise to sustain PAL’s dynamic educational, fitness, leadership and recreational programming. PAL’s myriad of programs enriches lives, advances equity, empowers youth to thrive, and bridges the gap between youth of color

and law enforcement. PAL’s mentoring and enrichment programs are specifically targeted to break down the stigmas, fear and high levels of distrust of police. Santa Monica PAL is located at 1401 Olympic Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90404. For more information, call 310-458-8988 or visit smpal.org.

Santa Monica Councilmember Phil Brock Appointed to National League of Cities Council on Youth, Education, and Families

Brock to collaborate with group of local leaders to develop and guide programs for communities across the country

By Sam Catanzaro

Santa Monica Councilmember Phil Brock has been selected to serve on the National League of Cities (NLC) 2023 Council on Youth, Education, and Families. In this role, he will collaborate with a diverse group of local leaders to develop and guide programs for communities that share similar demographics, sizes, or locations, which can be replicated throughout the

country.

“Providing educational and recreational opportunities with the broadest range of resources to all youth in Santa Monica will yield dividends beyond calculation. One priority will be an investment in authentic youth advocacy via a working Santa Monica Youth Council to elevate youth voices,” Brock said.

The NLC Council onYouth, Education, and Families comprises local elected officials, youth members, and representatives from major national organizations that are dedicated to improving the lives of children and families. The council aims to encourage collaboration, networking, and the development of resources and programs beneficial to communities.

As a member of this council, Brock will work alongside Co-Chairs Van Johnson, Mayor of Savannah, GA, and Gloria Solorio, Councilmember of Avondale, AZ, as well as Vice Chairs Vanessa Fuentes, Councilmember of Austin, TX, and Becky

Hayes, Councilmember of Forest Hills, TX. Their collective goal is to address the toughest challenges facing communities across the country and ensure that cities, towns, and villages have the resources they need to thrive.

The appointment of Brock was announced by NLC President Mayor Victoria Woodards of Tacoma, Washington, who emphasized the importance of investing in youth and families.

“Our member councils give voice to what’s happening on the ground in our communities,” Woodards said. “I am proud to have Council Member Brock join NLC’s Council on Youth, Education, and Families. Together with a team of local leaders from around the country, we will work to address the toughest challenges facing our communities and ensure that America’s cities, towns, and villages have the resources they need to thrive.”

Santa Monica Police Activities League Youth - The LA Marathon - At Mile 9 - Left to right Tia Hansen, Runner, Monique Robinson, Volunteer, and Jade Furukawa, Runner.

Photos: Santa Monica PAL Santa Monica Police Activities League - The LA Marathon, From left to right, Snow Hansen, PAL Parent-Volunteer and Trainer, and Breauna Curry, Runner.

SM PAL LA Marathon Runners From Left To Right, Snow Hansen, PAL Parent-Volunteer and Trainer, Emily Gutierrez, Aylin Cruz, Rosa Cruz, Jade Furukawa, Tia Hansen, Breauna Curry, Jesse Morales and Chris Naelgas.

Photo: Nick Boswell Phil Brock.

Survey Finds Support for Streamlined Permitting Process and Minimal Fees for Outdoor Dining

Survey results reveal positive feedback for outdoor dining setups amid municipal ordinance changes

By Sam Catanzaro

Last week we asked readers for their feedback on outdoor dining setups that many restaurants shifted to during the pandemic. We conducted this survey amid a backdrop of municipalities – including Santa Monica and LA – passing and proposing ordinances that require new permit applications and fees for restaurants hoping to maintain their outdoor dining.

Here are the results.

The first question we asked was “Have you enjoyed the expanded outdoor dining options that many restaurants shifted to during the pandemic? In total, we collected 405 responses with 91 percent answering “Yes”.

Next, we asked, “Do you think expanded outdoor dining should be a permanent

New Neapolitan Pizza Concept, Bar Monette, to Open in Santa Monica on April 7

Bar Monette to feature tapas and wine bar with a mid-century libraryinspired interior, with Neapolitan pizza

By Sam Catanzaro

option?” While an overwhelming number of 408 respondents answered “Yes”, it was not by quite the same margin, accounting for 87 percent of the responses.

Finally we asked ‘Do you think elected officials should remove barriers – such as streamlining the permitting process and keeping fees minimal – to help keep restaurants operating these outdoor dining areas?” The results to this were similar, with 85 percent answering “Yes”.

To learn more about the topic, check out this article we ran last week https://smmirror.com/2023/03/californiasab-1217-could-supersede-costly-outdoordining-permits-proposed-by-municipalities/

Neapolitan pizza fans, get ready! Bar Monette is coming to Santa Monica on April 7. This refined tapas and wine bar will feature Neapolitan-style pizzas made with highquality ingredients sourced from Italy.

Located at 109 Santa Monica Boulevard, the 900-square-foot space previously housed Little Ruby.Bar Monette, named after owner MacDonald’s wife Monette, will serve 20 covers inside and 12 outside on a patio boasting an ocean view. A heavy focus will be on Neapolitan-style pizzas made with a special recipe dough developed by MacDonald that uses high-quality ingredients sourced from Italy. The menu will also include small plates designed to pair with the pizza, a selection of sauces and dips for the crusts, and a small selection of addizionale. Desserts will be

changed daily depending on seasonality and chef preference. The menu will change seasonally and offer vegan and vegetarian options.

The drinks menu will offer a unique selection of natural wines and beers alongside a water menu that highlights a choice of carbonation level and mineral content.

The interior of Bar Monette will be designed by MacDonald himself and is intended to look like a mid-century library.

Bar Monette will be open for walk-ins only from midday to midnight, closed Sundays, and will be cashless. Reservations will be available for events.

For more information, visit instagram.com/ barmonette

Reusing Buildings for the Benefit of All

[Almost two years ago our colleague Michael Jolly prepared this analysis of the benefits and risks of repurposing existing buildings, especially office buildings. Given the rapidly diminishing office building market today, we thought this article is as pertinent today as it was near the beginning of the epidemic.]

Adaptive reuse, repurposing, and upcycling of industrial and commercial buildings (“Conversion”) for greater indemand uses are rapidly becoming the direction of many savvy developers, investors, and businesses in certain circumstances. They are looking to create opportunities from current and projected occupancy demand changes and mitigate the increasing costs of new construction and permitting.

Currently, businesses both large and small are reformulating their requirements for their space and working environments. More management, staff, and employees are working remotely, which will require less square footage commitments or, in some circumstances, to locate in smaller satellite locations. Eventually, there will

most likely be a more significant return to the workplace, and occupancy levels will increase for the current existing built-out space. That said, it appears that the absorption factor will not re turn to pre-pandemic occupancy levels. Many companies have already permanently changed their employment strategies and no longer require full-time office occupancy for their employees.

The long-term permanent effects of remote work may change once stabilization occurs. Still, it appears that many more companies will require less office space in the future and be flexible about requirements for their employees’ physical presence. Not all companies will be flexible, so even in those circumstances, if there were more available housing opportunities nearby, this would greatly help matters because the economic distress caused by the pandemic has brought attention back to the need for affordable housing. And because multifamily housing has the lowest barriers to entry, this sector is expected to continue to grow.

Many business districts are struggling with the highest vacancy rates in decades; the Westside of Los Angeles, including Santa Monica in particular, has been battered. On top of that, additional new supply from the pre-pandemic cycle is coming online. As a result, commercial

and retail rents are softening and have effectively lowered. There have been some increases in absorption recently but primarily for short-term commitments.

Customer services, off-site internet, technology, online casinos, management, and entertainment-related companies are examples of uses that have already experimented with remote workplaces and coming to the office less frequently. It stands to reason that employee demands for more at-home and quality family time just for starters will create a permanent change in workforce demands. One crucial question is how much vacant commercial space will no longer be needed for the foreseeable future (ten years or longer), and what will the best repurposing strategy be, if any?

This chasm between flagging office demand and the out-of-control housing market points to an obvious solution: turn older office buildings into residences. The home office concept has been around for years, so how hard could it be to turn this the other way around? Well, it is not a cakewalk, that’s for sure, and there are numerous costs and obstacles. Still, it can be feasible in certain circumstances, especially in a beachfront community like Santa Monica.

Due to housing density and transportation issues, Santa Monica can take a more substantial lead in supporting this concept. In reality, there have been numerous conversions already in Santa Monica, especially from what was once industrial and light manufacturing buildings into “creative offices” supporting design and entertainment starting from the 1980s. That process was always more difficult due to code restrictions in place.

Santa Monica could better support conversion to residential and other commercial mixed uses by:

• Allowing more flexible zoning for mixed uses.

• Providing specific economic incentives for qualified projects (not paid for by additional taxes passed through to current businesses and residents).

• Providing more streamlined and faster tracking for permit approval under certain conditions.

• Modify building & zoning codes to provide greater flexibility and cost savings. This is a big one!

• Implement a master plan with specific overlay districts analyzed, designed and tailored for the community’s particular needs.

• The downtown district, including the future of Santa Monica Place and the Promenade could benefit from this if wisely planned for and designed to support both its businesses and residents.

Regardless of the outcome on commercial and residential absorption, there is something we can learn here by recognizing the more significant long-term opportunities for positive change that the

pandemic has inadvertently helped create.

For starters, mixed-use properties reduce risk and help to stabilize cash flows by spreading out the utility spectrum much like a mutual fund does by investing in various stocks and financial instruments. Owning and converting to mixed-use property provides diversification and accommodates multiple market demands, enhancing the property to sustain a safer level of performance during difficult economic times.

Many older and single-use properties are more vulnerable to demand changes and are functionally obsolete but can be adaptively repurposed when correctly designed and planned for. These buildings can generate greater long-term performance and utility value. Let’s focus more on retention and preservation instead of tearing down and rebuilding as the first go-to development strategy. Consider the future of Santa Monica Place and how it relates to the Promenade and the future needs of Santa Monica residents, as an example.

As with everything, there are pluses and minuses to weigh:

On the plus side:

• Conversion of older buildings offers one massive advantage over new construction: conversions are far less likely to attract controversy and objections. In today’s world, practically every substantial project in any desired area must endure a protracted approvals process. That process can take more time than building the actual building.

• Conversions may produce opportunities and benefits not available with new construction. For example, older office buildings and hotels sometimes have construction details that today’s builders can’t economically replicate. Businesses and residents often like those details, thus increasing the value overall long term.

Older industrial and retail buildings often have taller ceilings than typical apartments, which commercial tenants and residents will also like. In some cases, these buildings are well located and at locations where new construction would be costly.

• Recycling a building is a great way to significantly reduce the environmental impact and the use of resources. Infrastructure costs will be reduced somewhat due to the re-utilization of existing. Also, and very importantly, there is historical value in some buildings which should be preserved simply because they tell a story of our city and culture that should not be forgotten and destroyed.

• Mixed-use zoning, when correctly planned for provides more convenient walkability to jobs, goods and services. When alternative transportation options are nearby as well, there is an increased reduction in the need for as much driving. Those transportation, energy costs, and pollution generated would be reduced due

Santa Monica Architects for a Responsible Tomorrow

SMART, from page 6

to less commuting and driving back and forth to work, not to mention the additional time savings used more productively for personal and family time, fitness, or other activities.

On the minus side:

• Some commercial buildings don’t lend themselves well to residential, mixed-use conversion because of poorly designed vast, dark and deep floors. The center of the building may be designed to contain storage and mechanical systems which don’t have easy access to light and air without considerable expense.

• Living spaces need more light and air throughout. If parts of a commercial building lie too far from a window, they may not meet code or the quality of life amenities expected by its potential occupants. Bathrooms may be centralized up and down each floor in the exact locations, with plumbing lines serving only that portion of the building. A residential building will, in contrast, require bathrooms and plumbing in every unit. Electric service will also need to be rerouted, run through new meters, and often rebuilt.

• Some indoor malls have similar design and size issues as large office buildings. They often would have to be completely rebuilt to accommodate housing and mixed uses.

In these examples, rents would increase to account for those additional costs, which could be considerable and risk being over the then current market rates.

When new projects are designed and built from the ground up, let’s consider the value created by designing a building that can be more flexible and be modified with significantly less waste and future environmental impact. It’s time to start to consider the value of investing more upfront for flexibility for future savings and less environmental pressure in the long run. More flexibility built-in place would hedge against future investment costs for change of occupancy uses and potentially add greater longer-term value to the project. This also ties in directly to some other aspects of commercial construction. There are often costly tenant improvements built

out at the onset of a commercial lease for a tenant’s specific needs only to be demolished and discarded at the end of the lease. Sometimes the actual use of these improvements are just 5 years or even less. Flexible designs and modular systems that can be reused and re-configured for less time and money would also reduce environmental waste and potential leasing costs as well.

In conclusion, well designed mixeduse concepts help support commercial businesses, and residential use can be well-balanced with office, and retail commercial use. Conversion of many older

or functionally obsolete small and large buildings within an improved masterplanned environment would significantly contribute to a better living, economic and working solution.

By Michael Jolly for SMa.r.t. (Santa Monica Architects for a Responsible

Tomorrow)

Mario Fonda-Bonardi AIA, Planning Commissioner; Dan Jansenson, Architect, Building & Fire-Life Safety Commissioner; Michael Jolly, AIRCRE; Thane Roberts, Architect; Robert H. Taylor, Architect AIA: Sam Tolkin, Architect

Historic Santa Monica House With Rock ‘n’ Roll Past Hits the Market for $22.5M

Santa Monica as reported by Realtor.com. The estate was constructed in 1917 when Charles Witbeck and wanted a home that would fit in more on the East Coast than the West Coast. Browne has his studio for recording in the A-Frame house. The home is located at 226 Palisades Avenue, about a block from the ocean.

Browne, is now up for sale

By Dolores Quintana

Witbeck House, the storied threebuilding complex that was formerly home to rocker Jackson Browne and his partner Darryl Hannah, has been listed for sale in

The architectural team of Greene and Greene agreed to work on the commission and planned three buildings on the compound, an A-frame with two stories, the main house and a two-bedroom guest house. The team of brothers Charles and Henry Greene had a reputation for their work designing so-called “ultimate

Community Corporation of Santa Monica Unveils New Affordable Housing Project in Pico Neighborhood

Brunson Terrace apartments will offer affordable housing and retail space for local businesses

By Sam Catanzaro

Community Corporation of Santa Monica has unveiled its latest affordable housing project in the Pico neighborhood.

The Brunson Terrace apartments, located at the former site of the Mount Hermon Baptist Church at 1819 Pico Boulevard, comprise a four-story building housing 48 apartments. The one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments are above 4,174 square feet of commercial space on the ground floor, with basement parking

SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME

Case No. 23SMCP00093

Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles 1725 Main St. | Santa Monica, CA 90401

Petition of: Carolina Bezerra Eisenman, by and through Carolina Bezerra Eisenman for change of name.

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME

To all interested persons Carolina Bezerra Eisenman

Petitioner: filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: a Carolina Bezerra Eisenman to Carolina Eisenman

The court orders that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

NOTICE OF HEARING:

Date: 07/02/21 | Time: 8:30AM | Dept: K A copy of this ORDER to SHOW CAUSE shall be published at least once a week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: SANTA MONICA MIRROR | Dated: March 2, 20223

Judge Lawrence Cho Published: 03/03/2023, 03/10/23, 03/17/2023, and 03/24/2023

for 49 vehicles. The ground-floor commercial space is being developed by Streetlet, who will create a space for local businesses, pop-ups, and workshops. Jus’ Family Cafe and Coffee Bar will also occupy a portion of the retail area.

According to a 2020 staff report to the California Tax Credit Allocation Committee, Brunson Terrace will cater to households earning between 30 and 80 percent of the area median income, with rents ranging from $522 to $2,028 per month. The project has been designed by Brooks + Scarpa and features a “village” concept, with multiple buildings centered on a central courtyard area.

This is Community Corp.’s third affordable housing development in the Pico neighborhood in as many years. The non-profit completed work on a senior affordable housing complex at 1814 20th Street in 2021 and recently finished a 73-unit apartment building for low-income households at 1834 20th Street.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NUMBER: 2023047903 ORIGINAL FILING This statement was filed with the County Clerk of LOS ANGELES ON 03/03/2023. The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as 1. First Wave Health Advocates. The full name of registrant(s) is/are:

bungalows”, meaning that they were larger than normal in the Arts and Crafts style. They only made one home in the Santa Monica area and are most famous for the Gamble House, now a museum, the Blacker House, and the Thorsen residence.

While the property has been renovated since the newest owners took possession of the home in 1995, the basic structure of the home has not been altered. The exteriors of the buildings have not been significantly altered either and are mostly the original construction.

Within the main house, there are five bedrooms and a matching number of bathrooms, one of which is brand new and

ensuite in the master bedroom. The kitchen has also been redone.

Outside of the house, on the half-acre lot, there is an outdoor kitchen, spa, pool and a court for pop tennis or the new favorite sport pickleball. You will also find an extensive garden, mature hedges and trees.

Bystander Injured After Man Jumps from

Third Floor of Santa Monica Place in Potential Suicide Attempt

Monday afternoon incident results in injuries to a woman in her 70s and a man in his 50s.

By Sam Catanzaro

A visitor to Santa Monica Place mall sustained injuries on Monday afternoon after being hit by an individual who jumped from the shopping center’s third floor.

The Santa Monica Fire Department (SMFD) responded to a call for a “fall” at around 4 p.m. Upon arriving at the scene, paramedics discovered a man in his 50s who had fallen or jumped from the third-floor level near the Nordstrom store, landing on a woman in her 70s on the ground level.

Both individuals were treated for injuries and transported to a local trauma center. The man was alive upon arrival at the hospital, and the woman also suffered significant injuries. The Fire Captain on the scene stated that there were conflicting reports regarding the circumstances of the fall, and the exact cause has not yet been determined.

The Santa Monica Police Department is investigating the incident as a suicide, as video evidence reportedly shows the man jumping from the third floor. It is unclear whether the individuals were acquainted with each other at this time.

The public is encouraged to seek help from mental health professionals if they or their loved ones are struggling. Resources from the LA County Department of Mental Health are available at dmh.lacounty.gov, and individuals may call (800) 854-7771 or text LA to 741741 to speak with a professional.

The Witbeck House, a charming and beautifully preserved 1917 property with a recording studio used by musician Jackson

Famed Hinano Cafe in Venice Replaces Sign, Celebrating Sixty Years of Business

By Keemia Zhang

The Hinano Cafe, a Venice institution since 1962, had a new sign put up on February 20th, for the first time in thirty years.

Hinano, originally opened by sailor Joseph Larson, celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2022. The sign was painted by Bud Harris, an Inglewood-born local artist who first worked as a bartender at the Cafe when it first opened. Harris, who has long designed lettering for local stalwarts, such as Gold’s Gym, notes that the letter covering the sides is made of “23-karat gold leaf”, reading ‘Hinano Cafe, est. 1962’, against a neatly-plaited brown backdrop.

Mark Van Gessel, the Hinano’s current owner and a frequent sailor himself, asked Harris to redo the heading after he designed the original in ‘62. “We just redid it because COVID’s over, people are coming back”, he says. “We put it out to say we’re here for another 60 years.”

Famed for their burgers, beer, and fresh

sawdust floors, the Cafe has a laid-back, seaside atmosphere. “It’s a dive bar, we like to be called that, we’re proud of that fact.” Van Gessel says. Many of its workers contributed to Hinano’s tropical decor – Larson designed the stained-glass work in the windows, while Harris painted a similar logo on a corner table, now covered in fiber-glass, for their 50th anniversary.

“In 1962 there were bars, but they’ve changed names, concepts.” explains Van Gessel, citing the Hinano Cafe as the oldest, long-standing bar in Venice. Harris remarks that “when [he] worked here, a pitcher of beer was $1, a bottle was 25¢, and an imported bottle of Hinano Beer was 65¢ a bottle.”

The Cafe’s origin story has hints of Hollywood – beginning with Joe Larson sailing to Tahiti in the ‘50s during the filming of Marlon Brando’s “Mutiny on the Bounty”. While working on the film as an extra to earn money for his return sail, Larson met with a distributor of Hinano Beer. “Joe worked out a deal with him when he opened the bar, that was the first import of Hinano Beer to the States.”

Larson, born and raised in Venice, opened the Cafe near the Venice Boardwalk. While Harris jokingly refers to Venice at the time as a “slum beach-town”, the neighborhood soon became a happening place, with Hinano hosting the Doors’ Jim Morrison and the Beach

Boys’ Dennis Wilson among its clientele.

“We had Billy Idol actually play here, James Taylor came in here and played – it’s become an iconic little place.” Van Gessel adds. “We used to have Phil Jackson interview basketball players here, cause he knew we wouldn’t leak it out to the press.” Numerous television and film productions, including Baywatch, The China Syndrome, Dexter, and NCIS, have been filmed at Hinano.

Van Gessel purchased the bar alongside Andy Schelich and bartender Lee Glaser. “ I came in after playing roller hockey, sat at the bar, and there was a guy next to me and he said ‘I’m gonna buy this place, I’m gonna gut it and make it a fancy place.’ I said’ ah, that’s awful.’ Picked up my beer, moved down, talked to the bartender – and that’s how I met my partner Andy.”

“[Venice] can be a touristy area, and that’s key, right, but this is a local and a tourist place. Everyone gets along. We treat everyone like family, it’s become a family kind of place” says Van Gessel, comparing the atmosphere to Cheers. “We had to renew our license with the city, and there was a rumor we wouldn’t get it, for some reason. All the locals found out, so when we had our hearing, like 50 or 100 locals showed up to let them know you can’t let Hinano shut down, you gotta keep it open.”

“When I was working here, I learned how

to make any kind of hamburger or hot dog – I survived here.” Harris says. Van Gessel and Harris have sought to preserve the bar’s original “feel and vibe”, with Van Gessel stating that he “keep(s) [his] day job to make sure we can survive through the hard times.”

The COVID-19 pandemic was “one of the scariest times to see – all of Venice, all of L.A.” Venice has also grown reportedly more dangerous, but nevertheless, Harris and Van Gessel remain optimistic and proud of the neighborhood. “Venice is family-oriented,” claims Harris. “Everybody knows everybody, except now we’re all 50 years older. We’re excited for its future.”

“We put it out to say we’re here for another 60 years,” says owner

Photo: Facebook (@hinanocafevenice)

Skateboarder Chad Caruso Embarks on 3,000Mile Journey from Venice to Virginia to Raise Awareness for Mental Health and Youth Addiction

this ambitious journey to set a new Guinness World Record.

However, this is not just about setting records; Caruso’s journey is aimed at raising awareness for mental health and youth addiction. A portion of the funds raised during his skate across the country will be donated to Natural High, a non-profit organization for the prevention of drug addiction.

Skateboarding has been a crucial tool in Caruso’s recovery from a difficult period in his life.

Virginia Beach Oceanfront, VA, in time for the first stateside edition of JACKALOPE, the biggest sports action festival in Canada. The event will take place from June 2 to 4 and will feature hundreds of thrill-hungry athletes in competitions such as street skateboarding, bouldering, base jumping, skimboarding, freestyle motocross, and beach volleyball.

Renowned skateboarder Chad Caruso has kicked off a 3,000-mile journey across the United States, starting at the Venice Beach Skatepark on March 24. Caruso is an accomplished skateboarder and YouTuber with over 15 years of experience in the sport. He is also a stuntman and is embarking on

“Without the vigor and concentration sobriety has allowed me to nurture, I wouldn’t have been able to attempt this skate across the country,” said Caruso. His journey serves as a platform for raising awareness about the importance of having something passionate to focus on in life,” Caruso said.

Donations can be made on Caruso’s GoFundMe page.

Caruso’s epic voyage will culminate at

The festival will also include an “off-thechain” demo from Tony Hawk and his crew. Other luminaries attending include Mitchie Brusko, Collin Graham, Reese Nelson, Tom Schaar, Elliot Sloan, and Bucky Lasek.

Caruso will meet with skateboarders and fans along the way before completing his journey at the celebratory JACKALOPE Fest. The skateboarding community, fans, and supporters are encouraged to donate to his cause and join him in raising awareness about the importance of mental health and preventing youth addiction.

Emerging

Artist Jesse Liu Opens First-Ever Exhibition in Venice Gallery

“Spring Fever” currently on display at Yiwei Gallery

By Keemia Zhang

Local artist Jesse Liu has opened her first solo art exhibition in Venice, titled Spring Fever, at the Yiwei Gallery.

The exhibition, which opened on March 4, features oil-on-canvas paintings described as “mesmerizing” and “illusionary” that feature surreal environments and postures, often showing relationships between women. The exhibition is open through April 2.

Liu was born in Beijing, and first began seriously studying art in college. “I started learning more about it when I came to New York, for the school of visual arts.” Much of her paintings are based on her real-life memories and emotions, captured in an artistic manner.

The artist credits Edward Monk and Paul Gogan as inspirations, and says that her art helps bring her imagination to life. “When I painted these fragments in a representational kind of way, that I can actually see and physically touch them, they exist in this reality, rather than in my head, which is why I chose oil paints as my medium.”

On her first ever exhibition, Liu notes that

LA Sanitation & Environment Hosts Community Celebration Inaugurating Venice Dual Force Main Sewer

“she feels good about it, I’m very excited.” The title of the show invokes much of the naturalistic imagery in Liu’s art, such as “leaves and trees in my paintings, so we came to an agreement on having the name Spring Fever as the solo title of my show. “

During her artistic process, Liu says she first thinks “of a storyline, and I try to recall some of my treasured memories, and then I start to think of the composition – how to make the figures pose and how to tell the story through painting. I try to recall what I felt in that moment in order to have a color palette for each painting,to make it less realistic and more fantastical.”

Liu is currently based in California, and lives with her family. “I’m starting a new series, and I hope that I can have more opportunities in L.A or New York, or back in China in Beijing or Shanghai.”

To learn more about Liu, check out her Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/ jessejing/

To learn more about the exhibit, visit https:// yiweigallery.com/jesse-jinghan-liu

Two-mile long 54-inch force sewer main will operate as a parallel system in conjunction with the existing 48-inch force main

By Sam Catanzaro

Los Angeles Councilwoman Traci Park and other City Officials gathered last Thursday to celebrate the inauguration of the Venice Dual Force Main Sewer Project.

The Venice Dual Force Main Sewer Project is a new two-mile long 54-inch force sewer main that will operate as a parallel system in conjunction with the existing 48-inch force main. This pipeline provides system redundancy, increases capacity, and allows for inspection and repair of both pipelines as needed.

“I’m excited to celebrate the completion of the Venice Dual Force Main Sewer; with so much of the city’s plumbing infrastructure aging and dealing with the strains of our cities growth, projects like this are essential,” Park said. “I commend the work that LASAN has done in making this project a reality and their commitment to further advancing infrastructure

improvements on the Westside.”

The new sewer pipe starts from the Venice Pumping Plant in Venice at Hurricane Street and Canal Court. It then continues to Marquesas Way and Via Dolce crossing the Venice canal, traveling eastward along Marquesas Way to Via Marina, to continue south along Via Marina to the Marina del Rey Channel.

“Part of LASAN’s commitment to protecting public health and the environment includes upgrading and maintaining the aging portions of our infrastructure,” said Barbara Romero, LASAN General Manager, “Replacing this 60-year-old sewer line will help prevent overflow during peak wet weather conditions.” The sewer pipeline proceeds underneath the channel to Playa del Rey at Pacific Avenue and 62nd Avenue. Once in Playa del Rey, the pipe continues southbound on Pacific Avenue, crossing Culver Boulevard to Vista del Mar. On Vista del Mar, the pipeline continues to a connection point at Vista del Mar and Waterview Street.

Officials say that with the completion of the Venice Dual Force Main Sewer, the existing line can now be serviced for the first time in over 60 years. As both lines become fully operational, the combined two-mile section offers more than double the capacity and will protect existing sewer infrastructure and the surrounding community.

A portion of the funds raised during his skate across the country will be donated to Natural High, a non-profit organization for the prevention of drug addiction

Photo: Instagram (@chad_caruso) Chad Caruso at the Venice Beach Skatepark March 24 prior to beginning his skateboarding trip across America.

Mar Vista Cardiac Arrest Survivor Reunited With LAFD Rescuers

52-year-old man stops by at Fire Station 62 Wednesday to thank LAFD responders

Over the summer, Los Angeles City Firefighters and Paramedics responded to a man with a heart dysrhythmia, who then went into cardiac arrest in front of rescuers on the scene. Their quick actions saved his life, and he was reunited with them this week at Fire Station 62 to say thank you.

On August 6, 2022, at 11:00 AM, the LAFD received a 9-1-1 call to the 12500 block of Venice Boulevard in Mar Vista. Answering that 9-1-1 phone call was Firefighter/Dispatcher, Armando Diaz. Without delay, he acquired the necessary information and dispatched Engine 62 and Paramedic Rescue Ambulance 62 to the address of the emergency.

Rescuers encountered a 52-year-old man sitting in his parked car inside an underground apartment garage. He was complaining of

tingling in his arm, with symptoms including cool, pale and sweaty skin, but not experiencing chest pain. They performed a detailed 12-lead EKG to evaluate the man’s heart rhythm, which indicated a STEMI, which stands for “ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction.”

“This is a serious and life-threatening heart attack with a blocked coronary artery, which is supposed to supply blood and oxygen to the pumping heart muscle,” the LAFD said.

As Paramedics began setting up for treatment and transport, the situation quickly deteriorated.

“Right in front of them, the man went into cardiac arrest, discontinuing blood flow to all parts of his body, and most importantly, the brain. Firefighters immediately switched gears and initiated CPR, including defibrillating the man twice with a focused electric shock to his heart,” the LAFD said.

Thankfully, this immediate intervention resulted in “ROSC,” which is a Return of Spontaneous Circulation, where the heart starts beating again on its own.

The patient, Anthony Taranto, regained consciousness and Firefighters/Paramedics in the back of the ambulance with him engaged

Fire at Electric Scooter Store in Venice Beach

Claims Dog’s Life

Anthony in a conversation about his son, Dominic, to keep him awake during transport to the UCLA Emergency Department. Still being monitored for cardiac function, his heart rhythm began to deteriorate again. Another electric shock was indicated, but this time, the patient remained conscious while he received this shock from the hospital’s Emergency Department staff. This procedure, called cardioversion (slightly different than defibrillation), restored a normal pattern to the waves in his heart.

Anthony had several things going for him on that August morning, according to the LAFD. First, when he didn’t feel right, including tingling in his arm, he called 9-11. Second, LAFD Firefighters/Paramedics were on the scene with him when he went into cardiac arrest and provided effective CPR immediately. Third, the skilled hospital staff was ready and waiting to intervene again upon arrival to the Emergency Department at UCLA Medical Center,” the LAFD said.

“This serves as a reminder that CPR saves lives, but remember, you may not have Paramedics waiting at your side when “the big one” hits your family member like a freight

Lithium-ion battery overheating cause of March 12 fire, LAFD says

By Sam Catanzaro

A fire in Venice Beach over the weekend at an electric scooter store claimed a dog’s life.

According to the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD), the incident was reported on March 12 around 7 a.m. at 1 19th Avenue in Venice Beach at a one-story, row of

commercial businesses. Officials say the blaze was due to a lithium-ion battery overheating and spreading to two adjacent businesses. The primary building involved in the fire was an electric scooter store, hence a large number of lithium-ion batteries.

“32 firefighters extinguished the fire in 35 minutes with no injuries reported. The fire extended (to what degree is being evaluated at this time) to the two adjacent businesses,” the LAFD said.

Due to the narrow streets and limited access, residents and the public were asked to avoid the area while LAFD crews put out the fire.

As reported by KTLA, the fire claimed the life of the dog of one of the building’s business owners.

train. We encourage everyone to find their nearest Hands-Only CPR training and get familiar with the basic measures you can take to give your loved one the best chance when you’re there during their emergency. The extra blood flow provided by doing effective chest compressions for a few extra minutes while Paramedics respond could mean the difference between life and death,” the LAFD said. “As first responders, we often do not have the opportunity to speak with those we have helped after the emergency has passed. We are so thankful that Mr. Taranto and his family took the time and effort to reunite with rescuers, and for the kind words he spoke.”

Laguna Niguel Man Accused of Swindling $1.6 Million From Investors, 92-Year-Old Playa Del Rey Resident

Federal lawsuit alleges John David Gessin used false pretenses to fund lavish expenses

By Sam Catanzaro

A Laguna Niguel man is accused of defrauding five investors, including a 92-yearold resident of Playa del Rey assisted-living center and her friends, out of $1.6 million, according to a lawsuit filed by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

The lawsuit alleges that John David Gessin allegedly presented himself as a successful entrepreneur and raised more than $1.2 million from the 92-year-old and $429,000 combined from the others on behalf of his companies, Equifunds and Ice Fleet, between March 2017 and January 2020.

Gessin purported that the companies were involved in commercial fueling and renewable energy operations. However, the SEC complaint alleges that Gessin used the funds to pay his mortgage and fund lavish expenses, including the purchase of automobiles, hotel

stays, restaurant meals, and gifts for friends and family members.

Gessin allegedly used the alias “John David” to hide his real identity and his checkered past, which includes a criminal record and several bankruptcies. He was found liable for defrauding a high school teacher he met on Match.com out of her life savings, which he lost day-trading in the stock market, in 2010. He also has multiple default judgments against him for failure to repay loans and promissory notes, according to the lawsuit.

The lawsuit alleges that Gessin claimed that operations at his fueling depot in Baldwin Park had been disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic and payments would resume in a few months, according to the suit. However, the investors learned that the depot had been operating normally during the pandemic and that Gessin had no ownership interest in the facility. After the investors confronted him about his misrepresentations, Gessin cut off all contact with them and stopped replying to their messages and phone calls.

The SEC is requesting a court order requiring Gessin to pay undisclosed civil penalties. None of the investors were identified by the SEC.