Santa Monica Mirror / Yo! Venice: Jul 28 - Aug 03, 2023

LA County Public Health Urges Caution As Covid Cases Jump 32 Percent

Increase Likely Related To Fourth of July Activities and Heat As People Stay Indoors

By Dolores Quintana

Recent Public Health data in Los Angeles County has revealed concerning increases in reported COVID-19 cases, virus concentrations in wastewater, and the percentage of positive COVID-19 tests. Health experts suspect that the rise in cases may be linked to factors such as Fourth of July festivities, summer travel, and the impact of unusually high temperatures, which are causing people to stay indoors more frequently.

Historical data from the past three summers indicates that the region tends to experience a summer COVID-19 surge. In mid-July 2021, cases and hospitalizations surged significantly. Similarly, in 2022, cases and hospitalizations started to rise earlier, by May 1, but the increase was more gradual.

Public Health reported 2,034 new COVID-19 cases in the latest week, marking a 32 percent increase from the 1,544 cases reported in the previous week. However, it is essential to note that reported cases may not fully reflect the true number of infections, as

a large number of at-home COVID test results are not reported to Public Health. Wastewater concentrations of SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19 infections, have risen to 10 percent of the most recent winter peak for the week ending July 8. This slight increase comes after three consecutive weeks of recording 8 percent concentrations. The test positivity rate, excluding home tests, has climbed to 7.5 percent as of July 15, showing a notable increase from the 5.1 percent rate recorded one month earlier.

Adding to the concerns, Public Health is now reporting more new outbreaks in skilled nursing facilities, where residents are particularly vulnerable to severe illness and death from COVID-19. For the week ending July 18, Public Health initiated 11 outbreak investigations, similar to the 12 investigations opened the previous week. In comparison, one month ago, only four new outbreaks were reported during the week ending June 20.

As COVID-19 transmission patterns continue to evolve, county residents are urged to take simple precautions to help reduce the spread of the virus. This includes getting tested if exposed to COVID-19 or experiencing symptoms of a respiratory illness, such as a sore throat, cough, or fever. Information about testing, including locations for free tests, is available at ph.lacounty.gov/COVIDtests.

Prominent Santa Monica

Brokerage

million, Real Deal reported.

Among the creditors is a limited liability company associated with real estate investor David Taban. Cunningham’s brokerage previously occupied offices in a Santa Monica building owned by Taban’s Jade Enterprises, but they reportedly vacated the premises in June.

Apart from the debt to Taban’s LLC, R&LS Investments also owes around $144,800 to City National Bank, $30,000 to a Citi Bank credit card, and approximately $30,000

Firm Files for Bankruptcy Estimated Value of Its Assets Ranges Between $500K and $1 Million

to CoStar. Additionally, the company has smaller outstanding debts, including $3,100 to an office cleaning company and $3,000 to a parking lot company, according to Real Deal.

The company behind KW Advisors, a prominent brokerage headquartered in Santa Monica, has recently filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, Real Deal reported.

R&LS Investments, led by Rick Cunningham, made a voluntary petition for protection from creditors in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court’s Central District on July 18. The company acknowledges owing less than $7.5 million, while the estimated value of its assets ranges between $500,000 and $1

COVID-19 Alert: Santa Monica City Council Meeting Attendee Tests PositivePrecautionary Measures Advised

City Urges Attendees to Monitor Symptoms and Follow LA Public Health Guidelines

By Dolores Quintana

According to a press statement released today by The City of Santa Monica, officials were notified of a positive COVID-19 case related to an individual who attended the City Council meeting on Tuesday, July 18, 2023. Upon learning of their positive test result, the individual immediately self-isolated and has not been on-site since the meeting. The individual will not return until medically cleared to do so.

In response to the situation, the common areas at the individual’s work location have been thoroughly disinfected in adherence to the guidelines set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Los Angeles County Department of Health.

If you were present in person at the City Council meeting on the specified date, health authorities consider you to have had a “close contact” interaction with the individual in question. As a precautionary measure, the LA County Department of Public Health recommends following the LA DPH

Guidelines for Close Contact:

1. Monitor symptoms closely; immediately quarantine and get tested if any symptoms arise.

2. Wear a high-quality mask when indoors or around others for ten days from the last contact with the affected individual.

3. Get tested 3-5 days from the last contact.

The City of Santa Monica remains committed to upholding a healthy and safe working environment for all its residents and visitors. Should you have any questions or concerns regarding this notice, please reach out to Don Cocozza, City of Santa Monica Safety Administrator, at Don.Cocozza@ santamonica.gov.

The press release also clarified what close contact means. It stated, “Close contact exposure, as defined by the LA County Department of Public Health, pertains to individuals who share the same indoor space (400,000 cubic ft or less) with someone who has a laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 case for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period. The infectious period starts two days before the individual first exhibits symptoms associated with COVID-19 (for symptomatic individuals) or two days before the positive test result (for asymptomatic individuals). The infectious period concludes following the CDC guidance on discontinuing home isolation for persons with COVID-19, not in healthcare settings.”

Santa Monica PONY Baseball Team Making Colt World Series Debut

The Team Clinched the Title of West Zone Tournament Champions in a Come-Back Victory Against Azusa

In Covina, CA, the Santa Monica PONY Baseball 16U National Team clinched the title of West Zone Tournament Champions in a come-from-behind victory against Azusa, sending the team to the 2023 International Colt World Series in Marion, IL.

Facing temperatures of 95℉, Santa Monica trailed 2-9 in the bottom of the 7th inning. However, they scored seven runs to tie the game. The pivotal moment arrived with two outs and bases loaded when 16U National catcher, Eli Altimarino, on a 3-2 count, received a walk-off walk to secure

the win at 10-9.

The 16U National Team exhibited an unbeaten record throughout the Super Regional Pony Tournament and the West Zone Regional Tournament. As the champions, the Santa Monica National team is now scheduled to travel to Marion, IL on Thursday, July 27, for the World Series opening ceremonies. The tournament activities will culminate with the World Series Championship Game on Tuesday, August 1.

This marks Santa Monica PONY’s debut appearance in the Colt World Series, a significant milestone in their history. The Colt World Series, now in its 69th year, is PONY Baseball’s second-longest running World Series event. It involves a ten-team tournament comprising two, five-team double-elimination brackets.

Alongside six US-based teams, the games will also feature teams from PONY’s four international regions: Asia-Pacific, Europe, Mexico, and the Caribbean.

The team is seeking financial support for travel expenses so players can participate

equally in the tournament activities and World Series Championship Game. Donations are being requested at https:// smpbsponsorship.org/

Santa Monica PONY Baseball, established in 1952, is an all-volunteer-

led non-profit community organization and a member league of PONY Baseball and Softball, an international amateur baseball and girls softball organization. PONY stands for Protect Our Nation’s Youth.

Developer Plans

47,800-Square-Foot Office Building in Santa Monica

The Two-Story Office Building Will Be Prominently Located Along the 10 Freeway

BKNM, a Santa Monica-based developer headed by Ben Vandebunt, has submitted proposals for the construction of a 47,800-square-foot office building, as reported by Urbanize Los Angeles. The planned development will be situated at the addresses 3402 West Pico Boulevard and 2337 Centinela Avenue, with the building intended to replace an existing parking lot.

Designed in the Mid-century modernstyle, the two-story office building will be prominently located along the 10 Freeway, adjacent to a three-story, 44,800-square-foot building formerly serving as The Recording Academy’s headquarters, known for hosting the Grammy Awards. The new V-shaped structure, named “Pico Green,” will boast an expansive courtyard embellished with 40 new

Updated Plans Unveiled For Office Building Project

trees.

Designed by ShubinDonaldson, located in Culver City, the offices will be constructed using “hybrid massed timber” and will feature floor-to-ceiling lattice windows. An underground parking facility spanning three levels will be available, accommodating 242 cars and 30 bicycles to cater to the building’s needs.

The Project Aims to Encompass About 7,200 Square Feet of Office and Retail Space

In a recent presentation to the Santa Monica Architectural Review Board, updated plans for the redevelopment of a surface parking lot, located one block away from the beach, were revealed, Urbanize LA reported. The proposal, put forward by local developer Redcar Properties, had previously been presented to the Santa Monica Planning Commission

earlier this year.

The intended site for the development is a corner lot situated at 3016 Main Street. The project aims to construct a new two-story building that will encompass approximately 7,200 square feet of combined office and retail space. Moreover, the development plan incorporates a parking solution utilizing stackers at the rear of the site, providing parking accommodations for up to 22 vehicles.

Designed by BA Collective, the project at 3016 Main exhibits a similar aesthetic to concepts presented earlier in the year, albeit with refined elements.

Metro Los Angeles State of Agency Address Highlights for a Comprehensive Transit System

Other Improvements Include Crime Reduction, Visible Presence of Staff, and Vinyl Seats

By Dolores Quintana

During the Metro Los Angeles State of Agency address on Monday, Metro unveiled several significant accomplishments and ambitious plans to further improve public transit services in the region. The announcement responded to numerous requests from the community, showcasing Metro’s work to enhance the commuter experience.

One of the most prominent accomplishments highlighted during the address was the complete replacement of fabric seats on buses and trains with vinyl seats. This upgrade is aimed at improving durability and ease of maintenance, ensuring a more pleasant journey for passengers. While some social media

comments stated that they had ridden trains or buses with the old fabric seats, a Metro social media representative asked the commenters for more information.

Metro’s vision to make transit even better in Los Angeles includes an even more expansive transit network by 2028. The ambitious plans include the addition of 130 miles of rail, 75 miles of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) lanes, and 100 miles of bus priority lanes.

Addressing public safety concerns, Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins emphasized the increased visible presence of staff across the rail system to ensure the system is being utilized for its intended purpose: transit. This enhanced presence has yielded positive results, with overall crime experiencing a notable 53% decrease on the rail system and a 13% decrease on buses in May.

According to Metro, riders have also expressed their satisfaction with the service, as reflected in a decline in customer complaints. Moreover, valid TAP (Transit Access Pass) usage has risen, demonstrating increased compliance with fare payment regulations. Loitering and trespassing incidents have also seen a decline, contributing to a safer and more comfortable commuting environment.

Metro’s efforts to enhance public safety have garnered praise and support from key stakeholders. Outgoing Board Chair Ara

Najarian, new Board Chair Mayor Karen Bass, and Supervisor Janice Hahn all articulated their shared priorities during the address:

1. Improving Public Safety: Ensuring a secure environment for all riders remains a top focus, with measures to combat crime and safeguard passengers.

2. Connecting the Unhoused to Resources: Metro is committed to working closely with social service organizations to provide support and resources to the unhoused population

within the transit system.

3. Encouraging Transit-Oriented Housing: Metro aims to promote and facilitate the construction of housing developments near transit stations, encouraging a more sustainable and transit-friendly lifestyle.

4. Universal Transit Accessibility: Metro envisions creating a public transit system that caters to the diverse needs of all residents, ensuring equitable access to transportation services.

Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Hosts Sixth Sense in Beverly Hills

By Susan Payne

This August, spiritual leader, humanitarian and peacemaker Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is making a visit to Beverly Hills after 20 years as part of the Sixth Sense event, a special evening of meditation, wisdom and personal transformation at the Beverly Hilton.

Gurudev is a realized master and globally renowned humanitarian. He is recognized as a leading figure in contemporary meditation and celebrated for creating evidence-based techniques that cultivate sustainable joy and peace in daily life.

Forty-two years ago, Gurudev founded the international, nonprofit humanitarian organization, the Art of Living Foundation. In his dedication to the service of others, the nonprofit has become a movement that has inspired a wave of transformation in 180 countries, touching the lives of more than 500 million and generating a global network of volunteers and instructors.

Gurudev has mediated and progressed negotiations for peace in conflict-stricken areas such as Sri Lanka, Iraq, Venezuela, and

Colombia, where he is credited for playing a central role in ending the violent 52-year conflict between FARC and the Colombian government. He has received 39 governmental awards, including the highest civilian awards from several nations. Twenty-four universities have awarded him honorary doctorates for his peace-keeping and humanitarian efforts.

Gurudev’s vision for societal transformation begins with the individual. Art of Living’s flagship SKY Breath Meditation workshop is backed by more than 100 independent scientific studies and is being practiced by millions worldwide. Gurudev’s techniques have also empowered and rehabilitated hundreds of thousands of prison inmates, military veterans, refugees, and front-line healthcare workers globally.

Across the United States, Gurudev has a number of Sixth Sense events planned for the rest of August, in addition to a rare opportunity to learn SKY Breath Meditation in his presence in Los Angeles on August 11-13th.

“We are made up of body, mind, and spirit. The body needs amino acids, proteins, carbohydrates, minerals. Similarly, what

does the mind need? It needs happiness, love, creativity; all this is part of spirituality. Creativity, enthusiasm, respect, love, joy, happiness; don’t you want this? Anything that brings you closer to yourself, that uplifts your spirit, that makes you feel one with everybody is spirituality,” Gurudev says in the Art of Living Q&A.

To see Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar in

person, register for Sixth Sense, a special evening of meditation and wisdom, at the Beverly Hilton, International Ballroom, Los Angeles, on Thursday, August 10th, from 7 to 9 p.m.

Tickets for Sixth Sense range from $50 to $500 and can be purchased here. For any queries, you can reach out to Art of Living at lacenter@artofliving.org or at 310-820 9429.

Counseling The City Council

SMa.r.t.

This week, our SMa.r.t. column is authored by concerned resident Nikki Kolhoff. Nikki has been an active voice in the community for many years, focusing on both City and SMMUSD issues that impact us all. The current issue Nikki is addressing here is something all residents should be concerned about, namely the unwarranted sale/lease of our historic Civic Center Auditorium and the behind-the-doors manner in which the City Staff and Council have proceeded without public input and participation. She first communicated these data points to the Council in April and again at last week’s City Council meeting, noting they had made no changes to their positions.

City Council -

I urge you to oppose the sale of the Civic Center Auditorium and instead give direction to staff to commence a public process to identify viable options for revitalizing our Civic Center Auditorium. The reasons are many:

1. Questions for Staff: The entire premise for the October resolution is based on a longterm lease and not a sale, which raises the question of why the staff is now pushing a sale. The staff report furthers the long-term lease premise by stating they won’t even need to designate as surplus “if HCD confirms that the long-term leasing of the existing facility with only interior tenant improvements is not subject to the SLA.” So why did they need to designate it surplus in October? Did the staff get a response from HCD? The only reason the council declared it surplus was to start the process for a lease with improvements not subject to the SLA. Staff’s argument pushed for a resolution claiming it is needed prior to disposition. However, there is nothing in the report that says this had to happen before engaging in discussions with potential parties and the discussion of potential options.

2. No findings of surplus: the resolution states:

“Whereas, the City Council desires to declare the City Owned Properties as surplus land and not necessary for the City’s use; and whereas the City Council desires that the City-Owned Properties be treated as surplus land within the meaning of the SLA, to the extent required by the SLA, whereas the accompanying staff report provides supporting information upon which the declaration and findings set forth in this Resolution are based;” Where are the findings in the staff report that the Auditorium is surplus? We don’t see any such findings. Given the lack of findings and the premises under which staff moved this forward, the October 2022 resolutions must be rescinded.

3. SMMUSD demolishes historic buildings: SMMUSD is a terrible partner when it comes to historic resources and landmarks. They expressly refused to include local criteria in their “historic resources policy” and demolished both the JAMS Auditorium and the Samohi History Building. They are not bound to local rules, so a sale to SMMUSD ensures the demolition of the Auditorium.

4. Housing is not appropriate in a Civic Center: The Village housing development is already a shame and a misuse of public land. Luxury condos (or any housing) have no place being built in a Civic Center. A Civic Center is for public amenities and for open use by the residents of Santa Monica and visitors from the public. A transfer to Community Corp removes the land from public use, and there is no guarantee it would even house current Santa Monica residents at risk of displacement.

5. Lack of public process for the last six years and a sham before that: The last “public” process was an RFP in 2017. Staff and council continuing to noodle options with a single suitor is obviously not a robust public process and surely isn’t sufficient to dispose of a landmark. Prior to that, there was the Civic Center Working Group, which was implemented to railroad development of the Civic Center and was heavily biased toward private developer uses. There is no other explanation for a panel drawing the conclusion that the SMC Lab School, a walled-off fortress for private daycare, seemingly for Rand, SMC, and City staff, is an appropriate use while the

Sports Field, used by thousands of residents and visitors every week, is not.

Times have changed, and a fully open public process to determine the future of the Auditorium is needed. We need all options on the table, all potential partners to be engaged, and a grand plan to revive the music scene in Santa Monica at the Auditorium. It is absurd that the council could find a landmarked, historic music and entertainment venue that is no longer needed in Santa Monica.

6. Backwards fiscal priorities of Staff and Council got us here. Santa Monica loves to cry broke. But we are not. Our leaders just have terrible priorities for the use of our ample resources. Remember, when the renovation was estimated at $50 million, Staff, Council, SMC, and SMMUSD prioritized the following before spending any money on the Civic Auditorium:

• Demolition of the historic JAMS Auditorium and replacement with a $45 million middle school auditorium paid for by SMMUSD and SMC bonds;

• Gifting SMC the Civic Center land for free and spending $34 million of city funds and SMC bonds on what seems to function as private daycare for City, SMC, and Rand staff;

• Demolishing the History Building to spend $85 million of SMMUSD bonds on a classroom building we don’t need because of declining enrollment;

• Spending $141 million on a city hall annex for 243 staff;

• Spending $85 million in SMMUSD bonds on a “practice gym” that cannot host legitimate sporting events;

• Spending $100 million on a sewage treatment plant that might not work.

• I am sure there are more examples, but these alone would have paid for the Civic Auditorium eight times over.

7. Brown Act: The broad use of the Brown Act exception to avoid public discussions isn’t permissible. Nobody believes that your closeddoor meetings have been limited to price. And holding the closed-door meeting to take action prior to the public component is even more damning. We, the public, are entitled to hear all the details except the price, and that is not

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

FILE NUMBER: 2023 858838 ORIGINAL FILING This statement was filed with the County Clerk of LOS ANGELES ON 07/06/2023. The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as 1. KAO INSTITUTE. The full name of registrant(s) is/are: CK Holdings Inc., 900 Wilshire Blvd. Ste. 100, Santa Monica, Ca. 90401. This business is conducted by A Corporation.

The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 06/1/2023. 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 CK Holdings. This Statement was filed with the County Clerk of LOS ANGELES County on June 01, 2023. NOTICE: IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUBDIVISION (a) OF SECTION 17920, A 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 06/23/23, 06/30/23, 07/07/23 and 07/14/2023

happening here.

Also, the agenda title for the October 2022 resolution only listed the address and not the structure in the first item, which means the description wasn’t adequate to comply with the Brown Act.

SMa.r.t.

Santa Monica Architects for a Responsible Tomorrow

Ron Goldman, Architect FAIA; Robert H. Taylor, Architect AIA; Dan Jansenson, Architect, Building & Fire-Life Safety Commissioner; Thane Roberts, Architect; Mario Fonda-Bonardi, Architect AIA, Planning Commissioner; Samuel Tolkin, Architect, Planning Commissioner; Michael Jolly, AIR-CRE

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

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

FILE NUMBER: 2023147284 ORIGINAL FILING This statement was filed with the County Clerk of LOS ANGELES ON 07/06/2023. The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as 1. Elizabeth Idlehart. The full name of registrant(s) is/are: Elizabeth Moser, 13970 Pana Way, Ste. 210., Los Angeles, Ca. 90292. This business is conducted by An Individual. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 07/1/2023. 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 Elizabeth Moser. This Statement was filed with the County Clerk of LOS ANGELES County on July 07, 2023. NOTICE: IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUBDIVISION (a) OF SECTION 17920, A 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 07/07/23, 07/14/23, 07/21/23 and 07/28/2023

SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME

Case No. 23SMCP00350 Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles 1725 Main St. | Santa Monica, CA 90401

Petition of: Jennifer Bowie McCarthy , by and through Jennifer Bowie McCarthy for change of name.

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME

To all interested persons: Isabelle Patricia McCarthy

Petitioner: filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: a. Isabelle Patricia McCarthy to Cameron James Reese McCarthy

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: 08/25/23 | 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: July 6, 2023

Judge Lawrence Cho

Published: 07/07/2023, 07/14/23, 07/21/2023, and 07/28/2023

Santa Monica Architects for a Responsible Tomorrow

2023 Venice Neighborhood Council Members Sworn In

Brian Averill Sets the Tone as New Vnc President With Action First and Bickering Last

By Nick Antonicello

The Venice Neighborhood Council (www. venicenc.org) had become the best reality television these past two years as virtual meetings would turn into food fights with little accomplished, while being held hostage in ZOOM proceedings.

That was not the case tonight.

Now back in-person before a crowd of about 50 residents, the governance of the VNC was live at the Westminster elementary school on Abbot Kinney.

For tonight was different as new President Brian Averill set the tone for civility as this board of nineteen elected members took their oath of office and now have become an extension of

municipal government here in Los Angeles.

These frontline volunteers seemed up to the task as a healthy mix of incumbents and newcomers were sworn to office by respected Venice activist Naomi Nightingale who offered sage words of advice and encouragement to these new officers. Dr. Nightingale received her PHD from Antioch and MPA from CSU-Long Beach. A former officer of the VNC from 1999-2003, she was formerly employed with the LAUSD and served as district office director for former California State Senator Diane Watson (D).

The board announced two vacancies as one member Sima Kostovetsky, while easily reelected last March decided not accept her new term of office. She had served two terms as the board’s Outreach Officer. The second was Chie Lunn, another incumbent and strong supporter of Councilwoman Traci Park (CD-11) has relocated to London, England.

The board also announced that applications were being accepted to serve on the allimportant Land Use & Planning Committee, more commonly referred to as LUPC and chaired by local attorney Michael Jensen, whose wife Melissa Diner just completed six years as VNC secretary.

Brief government presentations were made by representatives of Congressman Ted Lieu (D) and

LA Councilwoman Traci Park (CD-11). It was announced that over 500 units of housing have been constructed at the old VA facility and that the LA City Council was on a summer hiatus.

Under public comment several residents of Flower were in attendance to inform the board that the encampments that were recently cleared and swept have returned, and they were seeking

immediate support from the new body thanks to the persistent efforts of retired attorney Clark Brown who was reelected to a second term and has made the cleaning and clearing of Venice encampments priority #1 while seeking support from Park to relocate the unhoused on unused government parcels at LAX which would be away from local residential properties.

Small Dog Dies a Month After Being Kicked by Homeless Man

Kobe Bryant Branded Shoe to Return Venice Beach-Themed Sneaker

A Gofundme to Support Treatment of the Dog Surpassed Its Initial Goal of $10,000

By Zach Armstrong

Bart the Yorkshire terrier, a small dog that was kicked by a homeless man in Venice last month, has died after extensive veterinarian

treatment, Patch reported.

On June 14, the dog was sent flying into a bobcat tractor trailer after a man approached and kicked the pet. The suspect identified as Michael Langman, 39, was arrested on scene after the victim and witnesses prevented him from escaping. A subsequent GoFundMe that was set up to support treatment of the dog surpassed its initial goal of $10,000 with $32,213 in donations.

Langman has a scheduled court date on July 17, Patch reported. Rosenfeld is searching for a burial place for Bart, such as a garden. Plans for a vigil are also in the works.

Nike Is Bringing It Back in a Revival of the Kobe-Branded Shoes

The Nike Kobe 8 Protro, known for expansive Lunarlon cushioning and exceptional traction on the court, is reintroducing its “Venice Beach” color scheme as part of the silhouette’s recent revival in 2024, SneakerNews reported.

Following the announcement of Nike’s plans to relaunch the late Kobe Bryant’s brand on Mamba Day, observed on Aug. 24, with the release of the Kobe 8 Protro “Triple-White,” it has been disclosed that the eighth signature shoe will also make a comeback in its original colorway by summer 2024. The shoe is set for a price tag of $180.

Initially launched in 2013, paying homage to the sandy shores of Venice Beach located approximately 16 miles away from the former Staples Center, this distinctively titled colorway prominently features teal, red, yellow, and silver hues throughout its mesh upper. The model’s signature TPU heel counter is adorned with a turquoise shade, while the medial side showcases vibrant yellow Swoosh logos and a striking orange sock liner against a grayscale background on the heel.

Water Main Burst Leads to Minor Flooding in Venice Homes

Central American Restaurant to Replace James Beach Space

Residents Observed a Developing Pothole at the Location

According to CBS Los Angeles, a water main burst in a Venice residential alley just after midnight on Thursday. The burst caused water to shoot

approximately 60 feet into the air, resulting in homes being sprayed. Two homes located in the alley behind the 300 block of E. Grand Boulevard experienced minor flooding and were affected by rocks and debris from the incident.

Local residents in the vicinity had observed a developing pothole at the location where the water main burst occurred. No other information was immediately available.

The Menu Will Center Around Seafood With a Focus on Raw Preparation

A new upscale eatery called Si! Mon is set to open at 60 N Venice Boulevard, unit #4, in the former James Beach location by September, WHAT NOW Los Angeles reported. The venture is a collaboration between

Louie and Netty Ryan, known for their establishments Hatchet Hall, Menotti’s coffee shop, and Townhouse Venice, and Panamanian chef José Olmedo Carles Rojas. Si! Mon’s menu will center around seafood with a focus on raw preparation, heavily influenced by Panamanian cuisine. Specific details regarding the offerings of Si! Mon is yet to be revealed, according to WHAT NOW.

The redesigned establishment will accommodate over 100 guests, with seating available in both the main dining room and outdoor patio.

Venice Shorts: Sand Is Drowning Oceanfront Walk

Grassy Knolls That Separated the Venice Boardwalk and Bike Path Have Been Completely Destroyed, What Is Being Done to Fix It?

By Nick Antonicello

When I arrived in Venice in March of 1993, a stroll along Oceanfront Walk was a delight as the grassy knoll that separated the bike path from the boardwalk was a finely manicured lawn of sorts with working water sprinklers that was mowed regularly and displayed a sense of pride that this tourist destination was being well maintained.

Credible public maintenance means tourist dollars and tax revenue for Venice and Los Angeles.

Fast forward today, the complete deterioration of the knolls and the non-existent

maintenance has been going on now for at least the last decade needs to be reversed.

For the question is who is responsible for this distinct stretch of landscape that stretches from the Venice Pier to the Santa Monica border?

I have asked this question many times in the past and when I approached LA City officials, they claim the County of Los Angeles is responsible.

When posed to the County of Los Angeles, they point the finger right back at LA!

With a new city councilmember and county supervisor representing Venice in Traci Park and Lindsay Horvath, maybe they can collectively visit the beach and put together a

plan of action that ends the sand erosion and develop a landscaping strategy that beautifies this patch of public property.

The image(s) here were taken Friday evening, July 14th and hopefully with the pandemic now in the rearview, what is being done or proposed to build an infrastructure plan that reimagines the Venice Boardwalk?

With the World Cup arriving in 2026 and the Summer Olympics in 2028, what is the capital improvement plan to invest in one of the state’s most visited destinations by locals and tourists alike?

Investment in infrastructure here in Venice is woefully inept and downright embarrassing.

If LA can appropriate $1.3 billion dollars to combat homelessness with zero results, what portion of municipal spending can be targeted in cleaning up the boardwalk and providing the kind of public safety presence this venue demands?

Oceanfront Walk should be the crown jewel of Los Angeles.

It could generate millions in city and county revenue with a true commitment to improving and transforming the boardwalk into a place we can all be proud of.

This needs to become a priority today for a better Venice tomorrow.

Could you imagine if New York city officials allowed Central Park to become a virtual slum?

In fact New York City reinvigorated Times Square as well as Bryant Park, formerly venues of high crime, drugs and prostitution into two of the most visited tourist attractions in the Big Apple!

There needs to be a political will, and thus a way to fix these ongoing infrastructure ills that are attainable and within reach with the right policy and commitment to getting things done.

Our new elected officials at the city and county levels have difficult tasks and nothing is easy. But that should not prevent a pragmatic effort to get things right, especially in revenue generating and job creating propositions like Oceanfront Walk and the boardwalk.

The investment dollars are certainly available and when there is a plan and the will, a way becomes obvious to all.

always... deasypennerpodley

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