Santa Monica Mirror: Aug 11 - Aug 17, 2023

Striking Hotel Workers Rally and File Unfair Labor Practice Charge Against Hotel Bargaining Group

City Council

Member Jesse Zwick

Asks Local Hotel For Answers About Viral Video

By Dolores Quintana

Unite Here Local 11 announced the filing of an Unfair Labor Practice charge against the Coordinated Bargaining Group, a body that represents several of Los Angeles’ unionized hotel employers, including Hyatt, Hilton, IHG, and Marriott, on August 7, 2023, after a rally in Downtown Los Angeles.

The action aims to condemn a disturbing pattern of violence witnessed on picket lines during the ongoing strike. Over the weekend,

striking workers organized a peaceful march in Santa Monica, which ended at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel and Bungalows.

However, the event turned violent when hotel security attacked and tackled workers and their supporters seeking to establish a picket line. Videos of these confrontations have gone viral, prompting public outrage. Santa Monica City Council member Jesse Zwick retweeted the video, saying, “Workers have a first amendment right to protest. I want answers, @FairmontMiramar.”

A similar episode of violence unfolded at the Maya Hotel in Long Beach, where hotel security, including a manager, attempted to relocate striking workers using a chain-link fence forcibly. During the altercation, a guest reportedly punched a worker in the head and shoved others.

The Laguna Cliffs Marriott Dana Point was also the site of disturbing incidents. In another alarming incident, John Tesar, a chef associated with the Laguna Cliffs’

Knife Modern Steak restaurant, reportedly approached striking workers and damaged a drum held by one of them. Tesar allegedly directed derogatory and offensive language toward the workers, further fueling tensions.

As part of the ongoing strike, thousands of workers from 46 hotels across Los Angeles and Orange Counties continue protesting.

During a July 18 bargaining session, the hotel industry’s proposal raised concerns as it did not include any wage increase. Moreover, the hotels abruptly ended the session after the bargaining committee demanded that temporary replacement workers, many of whom were Black, be permanently hired.

The ongoing labor unrest has generated significant attention, leading to event cancellations by entities such as the Democratic Governors Association, the Japanese American Citizens League, the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, and the reality T.V. series “Vanderpump Rules.”

The so-called “Taylor Swift Lift” has also driven up room rates, significantly benefiting

hotels. Amidst this backdrop, more than 50 elected officials, including Lieutenant Governor of California Eleni Kounalakis, L.A. County Supervisor Janice Hahn, and L.A. City Councilmember Hugo Soto-Martínez has lent their voice to the workers’ call for Taylor Swift to postpone her shows until hotel workers are paid a fair wage.

Homeless Man Sentenced in Reed Park Stabbing

Man Was Taken Into Custody After a Foot Pursuit

On July 3, defendant Gunnar Zausniewski, 37, was convicted of Attempted Murder, Mayhem, and Assault with a Deadly Weapon for a crime committed in August of 2020. On July 28, Zausniewski was sentenced to 12 years in state prison.

On August 6, 2020, at about 9:00 a.m., officers responded to a 911 call of a homeless subject brandishing a large knife in Reed Park. The officers arrived at the park just in time to see the subject stab someone who had been sleeping on the ground before running away. After a short foot pursuit, the subject (Zausniewski) was taken into custody.

The victim of the attack, a 29-year-old male experiencing homelessness, was grievously

injured by a stab wound to his abdomen. The victim was transported to a local hospital and survived his injuries.

“The apprehension and conviction of this individual was the result of the excellent work of patrol officers who not only caught the suspect but also rendered aid to the victim.”

SMPD said in a release. “The SMPD is also proud of all its detectives in the Criminal Investigation Division who made certain a dangerous criminal has been taken off the streets.”

Address:2304 Sawtelle Blvd 90064

License number: C10-0000626LIC

Phone number: (310)616-5140

Insta: @Erba_Sawtelle

Man Found Sealed in Barrel on Malibu Beach Died of Gunshot Wound to the Head

Law Enforcement Investigating Possible Motives For The Crime

By Dolores Quintana

The Los Angeles County coroner’s office has determined that the man discovered deceased inside a barrel on a Malibu beach was shot in the head, as confirmed by recent autopsy findings.

The man was identified last week as 32-year-old Javonnta Murphy. The cause of death, which was initially undisclosed, has now been officially listed as a gunshot wound to the head. The circumstances that led to Murphy’s tragic demise, as well as how he was placed within a barrel, are currently under investigation by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office.

The 55-gallon black plastic barrel was first sighted floating in a Malibu lagoon on July 30. A lifeguard at Malibu Lagoon State Beach opened the barrel on July 31 after it

had drifted back into the lagoon. Just how long the body was in the barrel isn’t yet known. The Los Angeles Times reported that Murphy had grown up in South Los Angeles alongside four brothers and aspired to become a rapper. Patrick Nelson, a family friend, revealed Murphy’s musical ambitions. Notably, law enforcement is now exploring a possible connection between Murphy’s death and the 2020 murder of rapper Pop Smoke, TMZ reports.

His brother, Jaquan Murphy, 24, was previously arrested in connection with the murder of Pop Smoke, who was fatally shot during a home-invasion robbery in the Hollywood Hills in 2020. Despite initially being detained along with four other suspects for attempted murder, Jaquan was subsequently cleared of the charges but is currently being charged with another unrelated homicide.

The authorities are currently investigating the potential of Javonnta’s murder being an act of retaliation linked to the rapper’s tragic death. Law enforcement sources have informed TMZ that the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is actively exploring this theory.

The Santa Monica Malibu United School District Is Looking For School Aged Teachers

The job Is Part of the Child Development Services Team, Teaching Experience Required

By Diana Bouchaaya, Communications Specialist

Attention all passionate educators and aspiring education superheroes! The Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD) is thrilled to present a golden opportunity to make a lasting impact on the lives of young learners as a School Age Teacher!

As a School Age Teacher, you will be a vital part of our Child Development Services (CDS) team, providing an educational program for elementary school-

age students after their regular school day. But it’s not just any program – it nurtures social, emotional, physical, and cognitive growth, ensuring our students reach their full potential.

You will be part of the exciting before and after school program for students in TK-3rd grade. Your role is paramount in enriching the lives of these elementary school children, making each day a journey of discovery and wonder.

As a School Age Teacher, your mission will be to develop activities and lesson plans that encourage imagination, creative play, and positive exploration of boundaries for up to four (4) hours each day after school. You’ll embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion, fostering an environment where every student feels valued and empowered to thrive. Utilizing language and literacy-based strategies, you’ll support dual language learners in the classroom, unlocking the doors to endless possibilities for their future.

You will lead the daily indoor and outdoor routines, maintain an organized and secure learning environment, and work with your students to develop and engage in

various learning opportunities throughout each day. You’ll also collaborate with parents because we can achieve remarkable milestones in a student’s journey. You’ll build bridges between home and school through parent conferences and continuous involvement, ensuring a holistic approach to education.

To qualify for this extraordinary role, a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood or a related field is a must. Successful teaching experience in early childhood education with children aged five to nine years old is highly desirable. If you have prior experience in a science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and/or Constructivist environment, you’re already a step ahead!

We understand that our School Age Teachers are the backbone of our success, and we reward them accordingly. With a Child Development Teacher work year of 183 days, you can enjoy a well-balanced work-life schedule. Your commitment to our students will be rewarded with a competitive compensation package based on the SMMUSD CDS Teacher Salary Schedule.

Don’t miss the chance to be part of this incredible journey at SMMUSD. We invite passionate and dedicated educators to apply and make a lasting impact in the lives of the children within SMMUSD. Come join us and be part of the magic!

To apply for the position of School Age Teacher, please visit https://bit.ly/ SchoolAgeTeacherANNCMT. For more information about Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District and our programs, visit our website at https://www.smmusd. org/Page/4109 or contact Monica Simon, Coordinator of School Age Programs, at msimon@smmusd.org or (310) 399-5865.

Facilitated

Community Corporation of Santa Monica Unveils

Brunson Terrace On August 4

New Affordable Housing Development in Santa Monica With 48 Units

By Dolores Quintana

Community Corporation of Santa Monica has proudly unveiled its latest affordable housing development, Brunson Terrace, in Santa Monica. The grand opening ceremony witnessed the presence of elected officials, including Santa Monica Mayor Gleam Davis and Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsay Horvath, along with other community leaders. Brunson Terrace aims to bolster the local community while aligning with sustainable development objectives.

The development offers 48 units of affordable housing, encompassing a variety of one-, two-, and three-bedroom options. In addition to the housing units, Brunson Terrace features a small business marketplace and café on the ground floor, a playground, ample parking, a community garden, a community room with a kitchen, a gym, a wellness studio, on-site laundry facilities, and an outdoor picnic area. The building boasts all-electric systems and sustainability measures designed to meet LEED Platinum standards, with Energy Star appliances, EV charging stations, and solar panels.

During the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Santa Monica Mayor Gleam Davis expressed her excitement about the project, acknowledging

the collaborative efforts behind the affordable housing initiative. She emphasized its positive impact on the lives of Santa Monica residents, lauding it as a model of inclusivity and progress.

Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath, representing Los Angeles County’s 3rd District, hailed Brunson Terrace as a beautiful and exemplary affordable housing community. She commended the project for catering to the diverse needs of families and residents in the heart of Santa Monica’s Pico neighborhood.

Sindy Spivak, the West Region Market Executive at Bank of America, praised the transformative nature of Brunson Terrace, celebrating its all-electric and LEED Platinum design. Spivak also expressed appreciation for the partnership with Community Corp. of Santa Monica and the City of Santa Monica in bringing the project to fruition.

Tara Barauskas, the Executive Director of Community Corp., expressed delight at introducing Brunson Terrace to the Santa Monica community. With its mix of affordable housing units and ground retail space, the development is set to enhance the city’s livability and diversity, offering opportunities for both residents and local businesses.

Hospital Asks for Help

Identifying Critically-Ill Patient

Providence Saint John’s Health Center located in Santa Monica has issued a public appeal to aid in the identification of a patient currently in their intensive care unit, KTLA 5 reported.

The patient is described as a 36-year-old Latino man, standing at a height of 5 feet 6 inches and weighing 157 pounds. He possesses dark hair and a number of tattoos. According to hospital officials, on July 31, an observer spotted the individual displaying signs of instability in the vicinity of Santa Monica and

Venice. Subsequently, he appeared to have fallen into a planter.

For photos of the man, go to https:// ktla.com/news/local-news/santa-monicahospital-seeks-help-identifying-icu-patient/. Individuals with any knowledge of the patient’s identity are urged to contact the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit at 310-8298745 or the main hospital contact number at 310-829-5511.

Lionsgate Buying TV and Movie Business for $500 Million From Hasbro

Transaction Comes Four Years After It Was Acquired for $4 Billion.

Hasbro is finalizing a $500 million deal to sell its eOne (Entertainment One) television and movie business to Santa Monica-based Lionsgate, Fortune reported. The transaction comes four years after Hasbro initially acquired eOne for $4 billion.

The agreement with Lionsgate comprises $375 million in cash, along with the assumption of production financing loans. The acquisition will grant Lionsgate access to eOne’s extensive library of nearly 6,500 titles, which includes well-known shows like “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Yellowjackets,” and “The Woman King.” Additionally, Lionsgate will gain film development rights to Hasbro’s adaptation of the popular board game, Monopoly.

As part of the deal, Lionsgate can expand operations in the U.K. and Canada. This comes as Lionsgate has recently initiated production partnerships with notable entities like BBC Studios, Channel Four, the CBC, Rogers’ CityTV, and Bell Media

in these regions.

Back in 2019, Hasbro had acquired Entertainment One Ltd. in an all-cash deal valued at approximately $4 billion. At that time, Hasbro’s main interest in eOne was centered around its preschool brands, which

notably included the well-loved franchises Peppa Pig and PJ Masks. Despite the sale of eOne’s television and movie business, Hasbro will retain ownership of the family brands division, ensuring continued access to Peppa Pig and PJ Masks.

Affordable Housing Progresses along Michigan Avenue

Project Site

Former Location of Santa Monica Nikkei Hall

Santa Monica’s Pico neighborhood is witnessing the progress of The Laurel, an upcoming affordable housing complex developed by EAH Housing, Urbanize LA reported.

The project, with a budget exceeding $37 million, is situated on the former site of Santa Monica Nikkei Hall at the intersection of Michigan and 14th Street. EAH Housing has thoughtfully preserved certain aspects of the former Nikkei Hall, including its community center, while making way for a new 58-unit apartment building. Among these units, 57 are designated for lowincome renters and formerly homeless individuals, with one unit reserved for a

market-rate manager, the real estate outlet reported.

The allocation of apartments at The Laurel follows a funding arrangement that city officials approved in 2020. These apartments are specifically set aside for households earning at or below 30 and 50 percent of the Santa Monica area median income level. All apartments, except for the two-bedroom manager’s unit, will feature studio floor plans.

The architectural design of The Laurel is being handled by KFA Architecture. The new components of the complex are built with wood-frame construction and stand four stories tall. The building takes the shape of a “C,” encompassing a landscaped courtyard within. Notable features include a patio on the second floor, a community deck on the third floor, and 12 street-level parking spaces.

The project is set to finish later this year. Find out more at https://la.urbanize.city/ post/affordable-housing-unwrapped-1413michigan-avenue-santa-monica.

Three SMC STEM Scholars Chosen for Esteemed Fellowship

The Station1 Frontiers Fellowship Is Associated With MIT

Florence Larsonneur Amurrio, Melissa De La Cruz, and Micheal Mendizabal, scholars in the fields of Biology/Chemistry, Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Applied Mathematics respectively, have been awarded the highly prestigious Station1 Frontiers Fellowship.

This comprehensive ten-week program focuses on education, research, and internship exposure, with a specific emphasis on science and technology that address societal needs. The fellowship is administered by the nonprofit institution Station1, established in 2016 by researchers affiliated with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Following a rigorous selection process involving numerous applications and interviews, these three Santa Monica College STEM majors were chosen for their exceptional promise and accomplishments. The Station1 Frontiers Fellowship not only includes a renowned curriculum centered around science and technology’s socially-driven applications, but also offers an opportunity for a research internship with esteemed partner organizations operating in cutting-edge scientific and technological fields.

Florence Larsonneur Amurrio, majoring in Biology and Chemistry, is undertaking her research internship with GC Therapeutics, a Station1 partner based in Cambridge, MA. The organization specializes in harnessing synthetic biology for innovative cell therapies

aimed at addressing previously incurable diseases. Larsonneur Amurrio’s involvement encompasses studying clinical gaps in cell therapy, analyzing patient demographics, market potential for these therapies, and strategic planning for further development.

Melissa De La Cruz, an Electrical and Computer Engineering major, is immersed in a research internship at Altaeros, situated in Somerville, MA. Altaeros, which originated from MIT in 2010, is committed to solving complex infrastructure issues with pioneering aerial platforms. Specifically, De La Cruz’s project focuses on analyzing performance variations across multiple geographical locations of Altaeros’ autonomous aerial platform, the SuperTower.

Micheal Mendizabal, specializing in Applied Mathematics, is engaged in a research internship with Atacama Biomaterials Inc., a biotechnology startup with locations in Boston, MA, and Santiago, Chile. The focus of this research revolves around sustainable cellulose-based materials for pharmaceutical packaging, encompassing digital twin CAD modeling, machine design, advanced manufacturing analysis, and supply chain evaluation.

Reflecting on the fellowship, Florence Larsonneur Amurrio shared, “The Station1 Frontier Fellowship has not only allowed me to connect with incredibly talented peers across disciplines but has also provided a robust foundation for socially-conscious research. My work with GC Therapeutics has been a remarkable experience in strategic disease modeling for novel cell therapies.”

Melissa De La Cruz expressed her gratitude, stating, “My participation in the STEM program at Santa Monica College has opened up multiple avenues, including the remarkable opportunity with Station1. As I conclude

my time here, I am equipped with enriched research and professional skills, poised to delve into deep learning and neural network research.”

Micheal Mendizabal commented on the broader implications, saying, “The fellowship has been invaluable in providing practical experience in the realm of mathematics and technology. It propels me closer to my aspiration of working in the dynamic field of technology.”

Station1, the pioneering nonprofit educational entity, has been committed to reshaping learning and research paradigms through a focus on science and technology’s societal impact. This endeavor is aimed at fostering fairness, ethics, justice, and sustainability in technologically-driven societal transformations.

As Station1 fellows, Florence Larsonneur Amurrio, Melissa De La Cruz, and Micheal Mendizabal have secured funding for living expenses and instructional costs. In addition to their research internships in emerging scientific

and technological domains, they are benefiting from a shared curriculum concentrated on socially-conscious science and technology. Engaging with a diverse spectrum of instructors, mentors, and researchers, they are gaining not only scientific insights but also leadership and professional skills. This inclusive experience includes a leadership institute and a structured curriculum for professional advancement. As part of the Station1 community beyond the fellowship’s conclusion, they will join a network of exceptional professionals.

In conjunction with Station1, SMC’s STEM students have undertaken internships at various prestigious institutions, including NASAJPL, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, UCLA’s Undergraduate Research Center, and other reputable entities. Santa Monica College offers an extensive range of STEM fields for study, encompassing biology, chemistry, earth science, computer programming, engineering, and mathematics. To explore SMC’s STEM program further, visit smc.edu/STEM.

Legendary Bar That Served Jim Morrison, Truman Capote Closes on Main Street

Sources

Said That Ownership Has Turned Over to the Landlord

By Zach Armstrong

Circle Bar, a popular party destination established in 1949 known for its a bar, DJs and small dance floor, has closed sources confirmed to Santa Monica Mirror.

Sources told SM Mirror that ownership of the bar has turned over to the landlord. At the time of this writing, it is unclear whether the landlord has intentions of opening the bar again or is seeking a new owner.

According to its website, the bar attracted big names such as Jim Morrison and Truman Capote. CB Santa Monica described the bar as a “longstanding establishment serves as a haven amidst the wave of gentrification that has washed over the area, replacing corner groceries and thrift shops with upscale boutiques and pricey restaurants.” The bar included several private booths with bottle

service for birthday, bachelorette or other private parties.

“With careful attention to detail, Circle Bar has made vast improvements to the decor, ambiance, music, and most importantly, service.” the bar states on its website. “With the same floor plan since it opened in 1949, patrons know what to expect when they arrive - a really good time. The neighborhood may change, the music here and there, but the spirit of Circle Bar will live forever.”