Santa Monica Mirror - May 19, 2023

Updated Rules Make Santa Monica Easier To Do Business In

WalletHub Ranked Santa Monica 834th Out Of

1,261 Small-Sized Cities To Start A Business.

By Zach Armstrong

The City Has Simplified Rules. Story Body - Some have taken Santa Monica as a difficult place to do business due to regulations and rules pertaining to space, size, placing signs and other matters.

Years ago, WalletHub ranked Santa Monica 834th out of 1,261 small-sized cities in its Best & Worst Small Cities to Start a Business study. The site used metrics such as business environment, access to resources, business

costs, average length of a work week, growth of small businesses in the city, working-age population and corporate taxes.

Now, the city has simplified zoning and permitting rules for businesses so they can open faster and become successful.

“Businesses had asked the City of Santa Monica to reduce time, efficiency, and space barriers to doing business in Santa Monica, and the City responded, making impactful changes to the ease of starting or doing business,” Judy Kruger, president and CEO of the Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce, said in an email. “Each and every permitting or zoning category is now faster and simpler allowing for businesses to open in fewer days and expand their market share.”

Here are some of the ways the city has made it easier for businesses to operate.

There are reduced restrictions on the size and

Who Was Beau Mann?

The Tech Founder Whose Remains Were Found in Santa Monica

The Sober Grid App, Founded By Mann, Is A Social Media-Style Platform Launched In 2015

By Zach Armstrong

After missing since 2021, the skeleton remains of Beau Mann were discovered in Santa Monica on an abandoned property leading to international speculation as to what occurred on the night of his death.

Many reports have indicated that Mann could have been under the influence of drugs on that night and died in the home of a drug addict. A tragic death for a man who became a startup founder to help people in addiction recovery.

The Sober Grid app, founded by Mann, is a social media-style platform launched in 2015 that provides people recovering from addiction with peer support coaching, an online community and other resources. It is designed

to decrease relapses and improve treatment outcomes.

“Beau was our light. After an experience in his early years with drugs and addiction, he turned his focus and passion towards helping others,” the company said in a statement. “In 2015, he created the first digital app to house a 24/7, online, worldwide community for people in recovery. As you know, Sober Grid, with your help, has saved thousands of lives and no doubt, will save thousands more.”

The New York Times reported of Mann and his company: “Beau Mann, the chief executive and a founder of a new app called Sober Grid, says that for some users, joining this social network could be a matter of life and death. ‘It sounds somewhat dramatic, but it’s realistic,’Mann was last seen at a convenience store in the 11000 block of Ventura Boulevard in Studio City. He got into an Uber outside a convenience store close to the metro L.A. offices of Sober Grid. He texted 911 from inside the car and was dropped off in Santa Monica.

width of tenant spaces. There are now Parklet, Sidewalk Dining and Private Outdoor Permit programs for outdoor business operations such as restaurants, fitness, salons and retail stores. A non-conforming retail or food space vacant for over a year can be reoccupied without new zoning approvals. Signs and sign programs are now approved at staff level.

Restaurants up to 5,000 square feet are allowed to provide off-site alcohol per ABC allowances. No public hearings or appeal processes are required for restaurants providing on-site alcohol within operational conditions. Restrictions on the number of restaurants per block on Main Street have been eliminated.

The following rules are for downtown and third street promenade, which is bounded by 2nd Street, Wilshire Boulevard, 4th Street, and Broadway. More signs are allowed such as upper-level signage, business-adjacent portable

“A” frame signs and limited signage on outdoor dining barriers. No minimum parking is required. Entrances and doorways to upper floors are allowed directly onto sidewalks and Promenade.

To do business with the city, there is a new 311 customer service online portal to help answer questions and a new online Virtual Counter Review service for minor projects.

These Agencies Will Get $10M From Santa Monica To Fill Gaps In Service Systems

The HSGP Aims To Improve The Quality Of Life Of Santa Monica

By Zach Armstrong

The Santa Monica City Council will allocate approximately $10 million to 21 programs run by 18 agencies to address community needs and gaps in service systems, while also offering funding stability to local social service agencies.

The funding is part of the four-year fiscal year 2023-27 Human Services Grants Program funding cycle. The HSGP aims to improve the quality of life of Santa Monica’s youth and families, people with disabilities, seniors, low-income households, and people experiencing homelessness.

The council staff recommendation allocates funding across participants to these service areas as follows: 26% to homelessness, 2% to disabilities, 18% to seniors, 17% to the underserved population

not specified and 37% youth and families.

The following shows the agencies receiving the funding (Top) for these services, the programs they run under the funding (Middle) and how much they will receive (Bottom). The FY 2023-27 HSGP funding cycle will begin July 1.

Chrysalis

SM Employment Center

$ 282,783

CLARE MATRIX

Help Empower Linkage Program

$ 340,240

Connections for Children

Service Systems, see page 6

Address:2304 Sawtelle Blvd 90064

License number: C10-0000626LIC

Phone number: (310)616-5140

Insta: @Erba_Sawtelle

The Anchor Venice Launches The Little Anchor Lobster Truck

The Food Truck Is Vending Its Fresh Lobster Rolls In Ocean Park.

By Dolores Quintana

The Little Anchor Lobster Truck is serving up fresh, delicious seafood that includes its famous lobster roll. Lobster roll lovers can enjoy their offerings from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. from Thursdays through Sundays. Their Instagram page will announce the locations where the truck will be parked, generally in the city of Santa Monica. This week they will be at Ocean View Park in Barnard, across from the pirate ship playground.

The truck is the brainchild of The Anchor Venice’s co-owner Kristen Ciccolella What makes this truck’s seafood meals so special is that the lobster used in the lobster rolls is flown in fresh from the state of Maine each day. This lobster is never frozen. The

menu is simple, you can order a lobster roll and fries for $25.00 and the same meal with double the lobster for an additional $11.00. You can also order beer-battered fish & chips for $18.00, grilled cheese & lobster

bisque for $18.00 with the option to add lobster for $11.00 and chowder fries for $11.00, and hand-cut seasoned fries for $5.00.

The beauty of a food truck is that you

can park it anywhere and the mobility of a food truck suggests that the Little Anchor Lobster Truck will change locations up when the need arises, so keep up with their location via the Instagram page

Service Systems, From page 1

SM Early Education

$ 1,492,043

Disability Community Resource Ctr.

Independent Living

$ 205,285

Family Service of Santa Monica

Integrated Mental Health

$ 671,472

Growing Place

Marine Park Child Dev. Center

$ 212,500

*Haven Neighborhood Services

Beyond the Bank

$ 115,600

Hospitality Training Academy

SM Jobs Initiative

$ 109,907

JVS SoCal

SM Youth Employment

$ 170,190

Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles

Community Legal Services

$ 696,873

Meals on Wheels West

Delivering More than a Meal

$ 61,850

Santa Monica College

Pico Partnership

$ 226,971

*Social & Emotional Wellness Initiative

Youth Mental Health & Wellness

$ 147,042

St. Joseph Center

Older Adults Health and Wellness

$842,060

St. Joseph Center

Youth Resource Team

$ 768,631

The People Concern

24/7 Samoshel Interim Housing

$ 2,082,488

The People Concern

Housing Retention

$ 200,000

Venice Family Clinic

Comprehensive Care

$ 255,000

Westside Food Bank

Emergency Food Distribution

$ 175,000

WISE & Healthy Aging

Care Management / Adult Day Programs

$ 560,671

WISE & Healthy Aging

Club WISE and WISE Diner

$ 528,988

santa

always...

Rent Control Board sets

2.8% Rent Increase

VOLLEYBALL CAMP BEACH

Week: $330

Day Rate: $80

The Increase Was Determined By The Consumer Price Index.

The Santa Monica Rent Control Board announced that there will be a mandated 2.8% annual rent increase starting on September 1, in accordance with the Rent Control Charter formula.

Rent Board officials stated that the increase was determined by the Consumer Price Index, which is set at 75% for the 12-month period ending in March. Tracy Condon, the Rent

Control Board Administrator, pointed out that the increase is less than half of the 6% maximum increase that was mandated by the Board last year.

Rent Board Chair Anastasia Foster emphasized that the Board has no control over the annual increase amount and that it is a mathematical formula. The Board is required to hold a public hearing on whether to set a dollar amount ceiling on the increase, with the ceiling set at $67 per month for units with a maximum allowable rent of $2,375 or more.

The public hearing will be held at the June 8 Rent Board meeting.

Camp Dates: June 12 - Aug 18, 2023 Time: 9:00am-12:00pm

Location: Will Rodgers State Beach in Pacific Palisades

Registration Opens: April 1

Registration Link: https://sunshinevolleyball.sportngin.com/ register/form/541609047

Registration Site: SunshineVolleyballClub.com

Affordable Housing Development Brought Back to Zoning Rules With Council-approved Settlement

WS Communities

Will Receive Several Incentives, Including The Ability To Combine Affordable Housing Requirements From Different Projects.

The Santa Monica City Council voted unanimously to reintroduce 13 Builders Remedy projects back into the regular development process through incentives offered by WS Communities, the developer with whom the City settled.

As part of the agreement, WS Communities will receive several incentives, including the ability to combine affordable housing requirements from different projects into a single location and increased allowable parking in their developments.

These incentives will enable the developer to re-enter the normal development process while still maintaining State density bonuses that would be invalidated if affordable housing were combined otherwise.

In exchange for these incentives, the developer will withdraw all their Builders Remedy projects and have the right to file for new projects within the existing zoning rules. The City of Santa Monica failed to adopt a Housing Element mandated by the state, which allowed developers to file for Builders Remedy projects.

These projects were outside city control and could bypass zoning rules, provided they met minimum standards for affordability. However, the City argued that these applications were invalid and untested in court, but opted for a settlement with the developer to prevent more than 4,000 units from flooding the city outside the regular development rules.

During the public comment section of the meeting, one project, 3030 Nebraska

Ave, was the subject of much discussion, particularly as it could potentially impact the New Roads School and the Little Dolphins By The Sea pre-school. Parents and officials from the school spoke

passionately, alleging Brown Act violations. However, a representative for the developer stated that the settlement was actually beneficial for the concerned parents as it would terminate the large project looming over their schools.

Juicy Ladies Expands Health and Wellness Concept with Third Santa Monica Outpost

The Eatery Already Has Successful Outposts In Woodland Hills And Pacific Palisades.

Juicy Ladies, a health and wellness concept based in Los Angeles, is set to open its third location at the former Bud’s Deli space on 2727 Ocean Boulevard in Santa Monica. The eatery, owned and operated by Magal Nagar and Kinzie Oppenheim, already has successful outposts in Woodland Hills and Pacific Palisades.

The former Bud’s Deli, a beloved breakfast and sandwich establishment, closed its doors in November 2022 after 35 years of operation. The closure was attributed to lease-related issues, leading to

the vacant space being quickly renovated.

The upcoming Juicy Ladies outpost represents a passion project years in the making for Nagar and Oppenheim. They embarked on their juicy journey more than a decade ago, aiming to provide fresh and organic “food you can trust” to the vibrant City of Angels.

The extensive menu includes juice-driven detox programs, nutrient-dense breakfast options, as well as lunch, dinner, and a variety of hot and cold beverages designed to nourish the body. Additionally, Juicy Ladies is committed to offering vegan, vegetarian, paleo, and keto choices, aligning with their dedication to sustainability.

The expansion of Juicy Ladies into Santa Monica marks another milestone for the health-conscious brand as it continues to cater to the community’s wellness needs.

Is City Government Listening to You?

Sometimes, it might feel like City Council members or local government staff aren’t paying attention to the concerns of residents. They might be too busy or have strict rules that make it difficult to communicate effectively. Other times, the language they use can be too technical or formal, making it hard for residents to understand. There might also be other barriers, like difficulty accessing communication channels, language barriers, or lack of knowledge about how to give feedback.

It’s important for the city government to listen to residents’ concerns and create mechanisms that are easy to use and available to everyone. This can involve simplifying communication, providing different ways for residents to express their concerns, and making sure that Council members and city staff are open, transparent, and responsive.

Here are some ways that the city government can improve listening to residents’ concerns:

Training and Development: City staff and City Council members can be trained in communication, active listening, and customer service skills, which can help them better understand and address residents’ concerns. This can make them more approachable and friendly when talking to residents.

Outreach and Education: The city government can actively reach out to residents through different channels, like social media, surveys, websites, and town halls. This can raise awareness about ways to give feedback and encourage residents to voice their concerns.

Feedback Mechanisms: The city government can make it easy for residents to give feedback by setting up clear and accessible mechanisms,

like hotlines or online forms. They can also acknowledge receipt of feedback and provide updates on actions taken, which shows that they

are responsive and accountable.

Inclusion and Diversity: The city government can try to include a diverse range of residents

in their decision-making processes, including those from marginalized communities. This can help make sure that different perspectives are SM.a.rt, see page 11

Santa Monica Architects for a Responsible Tomorrow

SM.a.rt, from page 10

taken into account.

Culture of Customer Service: The city government can encourage a culture that emphasizes listening to residents’ concerns and prioritizing their needs. This can be supported by leadership commitment, training programs, and recognizing staff and members of the City Council who excel in engaging with residents.

Aside from active listening, city government can be more responsive to the concerns of residents by taking several steps, including:

Simplifying communication: City government staff should communicate in plain language that is easy for residents to understand. This can help avoid misunderstandings and ensure residents’ concerns are properly heard and addressed.

Fostering a culture of openness and transparency: City government can foster a culture of openness, transparency, and responsiveness within the organization and the community at large. Staff members and City Council members should be encouraged to listen to residents’ concerns and prioritize their needs. After all, residents voted for them, so it’s not too much to expect.

Acknowledging receipt of feedback: The city government can acknowledge receipt of feedback and provide clear, transparent updates on actions taken. This demonstrates responsiveness and accountability.

Here are some suggestions for expressing concerns to your local government: Identify the specific issue or problem you

want to address. Be clear and specific about your concern.

Find out which department or office is responsible for the issue. This information is usually available on the government website or by calling the city hall.

Choose the best way to communicate your concern. You can email, call, write a letter, attend a city council meeting, or use an online feedback form.

When expressing your concern, be polite and respectful. Explain your issue clearly and offer any relevant information or evidence to support your claim.

Ask for a response. Request a timeline for when you can expect a response or an update on the action being taken to address your concern.

It’s important to be patient and persistent. Change doesn’t happen overnight, and it may take some time for our city’s government to address your concern. But by staying engaged and informed, you can help make a difference in your community. Your voice matters, so don’t hesitate to reach out and share your feedback. The city government can’t improve without the input of residents.

By Daniel Jansenson for SMa.r.t. (Santa Monica Architects for a Responsible Tomorrow)

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

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF James Alexander

Noble III

AKA James A Noble III

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of: TIFFANI CELESTE WILLIS

A Petition for Probate has been filed by Jennifer M McGibbons Esq. in the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles, Los Angeles County Superior Court Case No. 23STPB04117

The Petition for Probate requests that Jennifer M. McGibbons, Esq. be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.

The petition requests the decedent’s will and codicils, if any, be admitted to probate. The will and any codicils are available for examination in the file kept by the court.

The petition requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority.

A hearing on the petition will be held in Los Angeles County Superior Court as follows: Date: May 22, 2023, Time: 8:30 am. Dept.: 09 The address of the court: 111 North Hill Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012.

If you object to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney.

If you are a creditor or a contingent creditor of the deceased, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statues and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law.

You may examine the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk.

Petitioner Jennifer M. McGibbons, Esq. 12230 El

Published

Police Respond After Hoax 911 Call

Swatting Is Defined By Smpd as a Deceptive Call To Emergency Services.

On Wednesday, officers from the Santa Monica Police Department responded to a hoax 9-1-1 call, commonly referred to as “swatting,” at the intersection of 2nd and California.

The initial officer arrived at the scene in less than four minutes, with several additional units following suit. No one was hurt during the incident, but SMPD characterized it as a frequent internet prank. “Swatting” is defined by SMPD as “a deceptive call to emergency services personnel resulting in a police response when there is no true crime or emergency.” The department said such behavior is comparable to filing a false police report, and is therefore illegal.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

FILE NUMBER: 2023099513 ORIGINAL FILING This statement was filed with the County Clerk of LOS ANGELES ON 05/04/2023. The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as 1. ARTISTRY – BY DIAMANTE PDERSOLI.. The full name of registrant(s) is/are: Diamante Pedersoli, Inc., 517 Euclid Street, Santa Monica, Ca. 90402. This business is conducted by A Corporation. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 05/2023. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime). Signed Diamante Pedersoli, INC. This Statement was filed with the County Clerk of LOS ANGELES County on May 04, 2023.

NOTICE: IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUBDIVISION (a) OF SECTION 17920, A

40 DAYS AFTER ANY CHANGE IN THE FACTS SET FORTH IN THE STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 17913 OTHER THAN A CHANGE IN THE RESIDENCE ADDRESS OF A REGISTERED OWNER. A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THE EXPIRATION. THE FILING OF THIS STATEMENT DOES NOT OF ITSELF AUTHORIZE THE USE IN THIS STATE OF A FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IN VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER UNDER FEDERAL, STATE, OR COMMON LAW (SEE SECTION 14411 ET SEQ., BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS CODE). SANTA MONICA MIRROR to publish 05/05/2023, 05/12/2023, 05/19/2023, and 05/26/2023

FICTITIOUS NAME STATEMENT GENERALLY EXPIRES AT THE END OF FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE ON WHICH IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK, EXCEPT, AS PROVIDED IN SUBDIVISION (b) OF SECTION 17920, WHERE IT EXPIRES 40 DAYS AFTER ANY CHANGE IN THE FACTS SET FORTH IN THE STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 17913 OTHER THAN A CHANGE IN THE RESIDENCE ADDRESS OF A REGISTERED OWNER. A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THE EXPIRATION. THE FILING OF THIS STATEMENT DOES NOT OF ITSELF AUTHORIZE THE USE IN THIS STATE OF A FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IN VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER UNDER FEDERAL, STATE, OR COMMON LAW (SEE SECTION 14411 ET SEQ., BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS CODE). SANTA MONICA MIRROR to publish 05/05/2023, 05/12/2023, 05/19/2023, and 05/26/2023