Santa Monica Mirror / Yo! Venice: Sep 29 - Oct 05, 2023

40-Unit Mixed-Use Project Proposed for 26th Street Intersection

A Smaller TwoStory Structure Featuring Five Residences Is Also Proposed

Plans for a mixed-use development set to grace the corner of 26th Street and Wilshire Boulevard were unveiled for the Santa Monica Architectural Review Board, Urbanize LA reported.

The proposal, a brainchild of Mark Leevan Investment Co., is planned for 2600 Wilshire Boulevard which currently houses a New Balance store. The envisioned

development encompasses a new four-story building featuring 40 apartments situated above 12,293 square feet of ground-floor commercial space, along with parking capacity for 101 vehicles. In addition, a smaller two-story structure featuring five residences is proposed for construction in the current parking lot situated across an alleyway at the property’s rear. The exterior is planned to incorporate a steel frame, complemented by composite wood infill panels on the upper floors and boardformed concrete panels on the lower levels, Urbanize reported.

Leevan has committed to allocate five of the new studio, one-, two-, and threebedroom apartments as affordable housing for very low-income tenants.

Hotel Workers Go On Strike in Santa Monica Amid Negotiation Standstill

The Union Is Urging Hotels

to

Instantly Increase Hourly Wages

By Zach Armstrong

Santa Monica hotel workers at Fairmont Miramar, Le Méridien Delfina Santa Monica, Viceroy Santa Monica, Hampton Inn & Suites Santa Monica and Courtyard Santa Monica walked out on Monday following a stalemate in pay increase negotiations, the Los Angeles Times reported.

The strike comes amid efforts by Unite Here Local 11 to raise the salaries of hotel workers who are particularly impacted by a looming housing crisis. The union is partly urging hotels to instantly increase workers’ hourly wages by $5 before raising them by $3 annually for two consecutive years.

Last week’s bargaining session between the union and hotel company representatives failed after the ladder provided no counteroffer to the former’s proposal that included lowering the total raise of $11 to $10.50, the Times reported.

A lawyer for Southern California hotel managers told the newspaper that the union’s proposal “took the parties further apart.” Another representative for L.A. hotels said the contract’s cost increased by the union’s proposal of also making the start date sooner for hotels to contribute to

a health and welfare fund.

UHL 11 represents approximately 32,000 workers across Southern California and

Arizona employed in hotels, restaurants, airports, sports arenas, and convention centers.

Another Burglar Hits Montana Avenue

Adding to Other Recent Incidents at Some of the Road’s More Than 150 Dining Spots and Retailers

By Zach Armstrong

Another thief has impacted business operations along Montana Avenue in Santa Monica as the FBI and SMPD are investigating an armed robbery that took place Sept. 22.

The suspect, who both entities are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying, robbed First Citizens Bank at 1630 Montana Ave. at around 9:25 a.m. before fleeing in a black colored BMW X5 SUV. Released

photos show the suspect discreetly pointing a firearm over the countertop. First Citizens did not immediately respond to inquiry from Mirror Media Group on how the event transpired.

This is an additional burglary incident in recent weeks that impacted some of the more than 150 dining spots and retailers established on the tree-lined stretch of road. Three dining spots were broken into earlier this month by suspects described as wearing ski masks and fleeing in a dark-colored sedan. The thieves smashed windows of all three locations, which included those of frozen yogurt franchise Pinkberry and coffeehouse Bardonna, while vegan restaurant Margo’s was also robbed of several thousand dollars in cash.

Anyone with information or details on Friday’s robbery are asked to call FBI Los Angeles at 310-477-6565 or SMPD at 310458-8491 with tips.

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CFMOTO recreational vehicles and motorcycles can be hazardous to operate. Always read the Owner’s Manual and review vehicle warning labels before operation. Inspect your CFMOTO vehicle before riding. Operators and passengers must wear protective gear and use seat belts, cab netting, and doors (if equipped). Check state and local laws before operating on trails. For motorcycles, dress properly, avoid excessive speeds, never engage in stunt riding, and observe good road manners. Never operate under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Take a safety training course before operating. Contact your dealer or call CFMOTO at 763-398-2690 for safety and training information. © 2023 Zhejiang CFMOTO Power Co. Ltd. CFMOTO is a registered trademark of Zhejiang CFMOTO Power Co., Ltd. All rights reserved. CFMOTO reserves the right to vary specifications subject to change without notice.

Free Autonomous Car

Rides Coming to Santa Monica and Venice

By Zach Armstrong

Free and fully autonomous car rides will be offered for one upcoming week to those residing or visiting the Santa Monica and Venice neighborhoods of Los Angeles.

As the first stop on the Los Angeles tour of Waymo One, a 24/7 driverless ridehailing service from autonomous vehicle company Waymo, tickets will be granted for autonomous rides throughout the city. Tickets will allow Westside riders access from Oct. 11 through Nov. 18 to costless

rides that will be available all day-long. Interested participants can get tickets by joining its waitlist online or through the Waymo One app.

Ahead of Waymo’s wider service launch, the tour will continue through Century City, West Hollywood, Mid-City, Koreatown and finally throughout Downtown Los Angeles.

In addition to vacant driver’s seats, Waymo is also free of emissions with its all-electric rides. The company boasts environmental and traffic advantages of this including helping cities meet climate goals, support shared mobility, give people a chance to travel emissions free, delivering more emission-free miles per vehicle and connecting more to public transit thus reducing congestion.

More information can be found at https:// waymo.com/blog/2023/09/waymo-onetour-LA.html.

Homeless Suspect Attacks Downtown Advocate in Palisades Park

The Suspect Was Taken Into Custody For Felony Battery, Robbery, and Elder Abuse

On Tuesday, Sept. 19, at approximately 3:30 pm, officers from the Santa Monica Police Department responded to a reported battery incident at Palisades Park, near the intersection with Santa Monica Boulevard.

Upon arrival, officers discovered the victim of the battery lying on the ground, suffering from injuries to his face and head. They promptly disseminated a suspect description and direction of travel to other responding officers.

The victim was identified as John Alle, one of the co-founders of public safety advocacy nonprofit Santa Monica Coalition.

According to accounts provided by Alle and witnesses at the scene, the victim had

been recording a video of Palisades Park using his cell phone when he inadvertently turned his camera toward the suspect, who is currently experiencing homelessness, while the suspect was resting on the park grounds. The suspect became agitated by the filming and confronted the victim, insisting that he cease recording. During the altercation, the suspect struck the victim at least once in the face, causing him to fall to the ground. Subsequently, the suspect seized the victim’s phone, which had fallen to the ground, and fled the area.

Officers swiftly located the suspect, identified as Tyler Jordan Keating (Date of Birth: 02-17-1989), along with the victim’s phone in close proximity. Keating was taken into custody on charges of felony battery, robbery, and elder abuse and was subsequently booked into the Santa Monica Jail, where he is currently detained. The case will be presented to the District Attorney’s Office for review and potential filing of charges.

Alle received immediate medical attention and was transported to a local hospital for treatment of his injuries.

Plant-Based Deli Opening on Montana Avenue

It Is Described as a “Casually Gourmet” Space With “Take a Number” Paper Tickets

A fresh, plant-based sub-sando concept is on the horizon, courtesy of Brittany and Terrence Caldwell, as they prepare to unveil B&T’s Deli at 912 Montana Avenue, taking over the former Greens Up! space, What Now Los Angeles reported.

The Caldwells told the outlet they aim to make the establishment, which takes over the former Greens Up! space, a “casually gourmet” space with “take a number” paper tickets and neatly packaged pickled vegetables where patrons unwrap a sandwich encased in wax paper.

“B&T’s Deli pays homage to the classic Jewish and Italian delis of our upbringing but with a contemporary twist suited for today’s

world,” the couple conveyed via Instagram.

“Places like Bay Cities in Santa Monica hold a special place in our hearts—they signify more

than just delectable cuisine to us.”

The married couple told What Now they plan for the deli to open its doors in December.

L.A. Times Declares Santa Monica Restaurant as Having “Best Grilled Cheese in the Universe”

Included Is Crispy Gruyère Cheese, “Like a Nutty, Sharp Cracker”

By Zach Armstrong

The “croque Matthieu”, featured on the bar menu of Santa Monica’s Pasjoli, is the best grilled cheese sandwich in the universe according to Los Angeles Times Food Columnist Jenn Harris.

“The bread, annealed and shiny, was all crunch and butter. Then there was crispy Gruyère cheese, like a nutty, sharp cracker cemented to the inside of the sandwich. It shattered into a puddle of rich, creamy Mornay sauce that melted into sweet caramelized

onions and shaved Bayonne ham.” wrote Harris in the Sept. 11 column. “The decadence of French onion soup, the simplicity of a good jambon beurre and the thrill of a gooey grilled cheese were all present, crammed into this four-bite sandwich. Its unabashed decadence is something to marvel.”

Mathew Kim, the French bistro’s former chef de cuisine who made a grilled cheese covered in Mornay sauce and a fried egg, is who the menu item is named after. Chefowner Dave Beran recently brought back the sandwich after initially appearing on the menu as a limited takeaway item.

Pasjoli is presented by award-winning chef Dave Beran who moved to Los Angeles in 2017 to open his first restaurant, Dialogue. The restaurant earned him a Michelin star and Five Stars from Forbes Travel Guide. Located at 2732 Main Street with dinner doors opening at 5:15 p.m., more information on Pasjoli can be found at https://www.pasjoli.com/.

Innovative Grant Meant to Boost Santa Monica Police Safety Efforts In Retail Stores

Collaborative Funding Enhances Crime Prevention and Public Safety

By Dolores Quintana

Governor Gavin Newsom announced this week that the Santa Monica Police Department has been awarded $6.125 million in state grant funding to amplify its efforts in combatting organized retail theft within the city.

The Governor stated, via a press release, “California is investing hundreds of millions of dollars to crack down on organized crime and support local law enforcement. Enough with these brazen smash-and-grabs — we’re ensuring law enforcement agencies have the resources they need to take down these criminals.”

The allocated funds will play a pivotal role in bolstering the Santa Monica Police Department’s ongoing initiatives aimed at enhancing safety for both residents and business owners through targeted, innovative, and technology-driven strategies.

Police Chief Ramon Batista expressed appreciation for the collaborative approach between the state and local law enforcement agencies, emphasizing that organized retail theft has far-reaching consequences beyond just affecting major corporations. It negatively impacts small businesses, poses risks to employees and shoppers, and fosters an atmosphere of apprehension within the community.

The funding injection will further facilitate the establishment of the Santa Monica Analytical Real-Time Center (SMART Center), a pioneering hub designed to integrate technology and support personnel. The SMART Center’s primary mission is to analyze real-time data and strategically allocate police resources to effectively address crime citywide.

New Mural Honors Legends of Venice’s Skateboarding Community

The Mural Is a First-Time Collaboration of Local Muralists

By Zach Armstrong

In the Brooks Ct. alley behind Swartz Glass, just west of Lincoln, a new mural pays homage to the preeminent figures of Venice’s legendary skateboard community.

A memorial component is placed in the center, depicting the late co-founder of popular streetwear brand Born X Raised along with celebrated surfer and skateboarder Jay Adams. Chris “Spanto” Printup, who launched Born x Raised in 2013 while incarcerated, passed away in June three days after a New Mexico car accident. Adams, a Venice-born member of the Z-Boys team who helped turn skateboarding’s reputation from a child’s hobby to a gritty lifestyle thanks to his freeform style, died in 2014 from a heart attack.

Other depicted Venice skateboard legends

are Ricky “Rickle” Massie, Josh “Bagel” Klassman, Joff “Gamera” Drinkwater, Juanita “Grandma” Massie, Rocky Jay Martinez, Julian “Juice” Martinez, Richard Massie, Eric “Lil Man” Garber, Jim “OG Red Dog” Muir, Eric “Tuma” Britton, Jesse “The Mess” Martinez, Aaron “Fingers” Murray and Tim Jackson.

The mural is a first-time collaboration between local muralists Gustavo Zermeño Jr. and Jonas Never.

Zermeño Jr.’s work can be spotted throughout Los Angeles, primarily honoring the giants of Los Angeles’ sports teams along with the late Pittsburgh rapper Mac Miller. He is also the artist behind the Red Hot Chili

Peppers mural adjacent to Venice Beach. Never, a former UC Riverside pitcher-turnedmuralist otherwise known as Never1959, has a portfolio of public art easily recognized by any West L.A. local, such as the Lana Del Rey painting at 15 Paloma Avenue or the Muscle Beach tribute at 1825 Speedway.

Venice Council Rejects Creation of Citizen Task Force on Homeless Shelter

The Task Force Would Recommend the to Use Vacant Parcels for Interim Homeless Shelter

By Nick Antonicello

Retired attorney and longtime advocate of removing encampments from the streets of Venice, Community Officer Clark Brown was able to secure nearly 130 signatures to place his petition before the board to establish a citizen task force to recommend the City of Los Angeles use vacant parcels at LAX for interim shelter for the homeless as well as RV and vehicle dwellers.

Brown’s motion noted that there has been a 45% increase in homelessness on the Westside of Los Angeles and that there are 523 homeless individuals here in Venice.

Brown’s motion noted that Councilwoman Park “has repeatedly admitted in public forums that there are no available beds, rooms or space in CD-11 for the homeless and that the Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) reported to the City Administrative Officer that there are many city owned vacant lots at LAX.”

Brown cited locations for vehicle parking as well.

Brown accused Park of “taking no steps to cause LAWA and LA to establish safe camping and parking facilities at these public parcels.

In addition, Brown claimed that Park had established a Citizen Task Force “to facilitate the development of recreation facilities in the LAX Northside Project, but failed to establish a

similar task force to facilitate the development of facilities for the homeless on vacant LAX parcels.”

The motion called upon the freshman legislator to establish a Citizen Task Force with representatives from Venice, Del Rey and Westchester to study the establishing of interim shelter, safe camping and safe parking facilities upon these publicly owned properties.

Brown’s motion was made and seconded,

but there was apparently an amendment that was to be put forth by Deborah Keaton which was discussed and eventually withdrawn by the maker. Some suggested such an amendment would revise the original motion and that would violate the spirit and intent of the entire petition.

The VNC’s BY-LAWS and Standing Rules do not address such amendments and while the revision was withdrawn, the amendment was in order.

Brown also explained he spoke directly with Park and that she told him a committee was formulated of Westchester residents regarding the LAX parcels. Park did not dispute Brown’s description or his version of the conversation. Board members on both sides argued that since LAX was not within the boundaries of the VNC, the entire motion was not appropriate. Brown

shot back noting OFW while in Venice, is for everyone, just like LAX.

Before the debate on the motion occurred, Park addressed the board and strongly proclaimed that the motion on the agenda “does not speak for me or CD-11,” And that regarding the Venice Dell initiative she would not comment based on litigation concerns.

Local architect Robert Thibodeau spoke in favor of the Brown motion and asked where is the plan to decrease the homeless on the streets of Venice?

The question to the entire room went unanswered, and several board members thanked Brown for all of his efforts, but would not support his plan despite the signatures he gathered.

After a spirited debate the petition was rejected and the motion failed.

Architect’s Son Reflects On Civic Auditorium

SMa.r.t.

Santa Monica Architects for a Responsible Tomorrow

Welton (David) Becket (1902-1969), pictured above, backed by a picture of our Civic Auditorium, was the designer of that famed building. While his name might not be currently well known, most people would recognize his iconic buildings that dot the Los Angeles area landscape. He was the architect who designed such buildings as the Mark Taper Forum, the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, Hollywood’s Cinerama Dome (the first concrete geodesic dome), The Theme Restaurant at LAX, the Pan Pacific Auditorium and the Capitol Records Building (the world’s first circular office building) among many others. In addition to designing structures throughout Los Angeles and the U.S., he designed many abroad as well. As befits a large full-service international design firm, Welton Becket had many talented architects working with him, including Lou Naidorf (who was actively involved in the Civic’s execution), Paul Williams, and William Pereira. He was also instrumental in the start of many younger architects’ careers.

His company, Becket & Associates, went on to become one of the largest architectural firms in the world. It received dozens of local, national, and international awards for the design and execution of its projects.

Welton McDonald Becket, son of the famous architect, lives in Orange County. In a recent interview, he gave insight into his father’s life. At one time, his father lived in Santa Monica and relished the opportunity to design one of his mid-century modern buildings here. He was tasked with creating a world-class building that could be flexible enough to accommodate multiple kinds of events, including concerts, lectures, exhibitions, and athletics for decades.

“The concrete floor of the Civic was innovative for its time, mounted on hydraulic lifts so that the tilt could be adjusted, creating tiered seating for traditional theatre and flat for exhibitions and athletic events,” notes Becket. “My dad brought on the famous acoustics expert Vern Knudsen to design superior acoustics to attract top-tier talent. Knudsen was also a UCLA physics professor and Chancellor.”

Construction began in 1957, and the Civic opened July 15, 1958. In 1960, the American Institute of Architects recognized it with an Honor Award. It is the only surviving institutional design and example of mid-century International-style architecture in Santa Monica.

“I was about 12 years old when the Civic opened,” said Becket. “I knew little about my father being an internationally successful and famous architect. He was once asked to speak at my school’s morning assembly in front of the 350 students. I was surprised to see him there, speaking very

professionally because I only knew him as “Pa.” My classmates were impressed, too.”

“After my father’s passing, I began working full-time at my father’s firm, Welton Becket and Associates in Business Corporate Development. At that time, the firm was run by my uncle. I conducted all the sales presentations to potential clients until 1981 when I left to start my firm in architecture development management.”

Many of Becket’s treasured buildings still stand, but sadly, the Civic seems to be at risk even though the city designated it as a landmark in 2002. If the city were to sell it to an entity that did not have to abide by its landmark status, the Civic could ultimately be demolished. The Santa Monica School District, which is currently negotiating to take over the building from the City, is not bound by our local preservation regulations.

In recognition of Welton David Becket, the Los Angeles Conservancy offered a tour of Becket buildings in 2003. The accompanying brochure noted: “Becket and

his firm were responsible for a stunning array of iconic modern structures that literally defined post-war Los Angeles as the City of Tomorrow.”

“If Los Angeles and other cities can take such meticulous care of my father’s iconic, world-renowned creations, my hope is that Santa Monica will also and not sell the Civic to any party that cannot guarantee its future. It is an architectural and cultural asset that can again draw crowds, be a source of pride and revenue for the city, its businesses, and residents,” concludes Becket’s son.

By Sherrill Kushner, Guest columnist for S.M.a.r.t.

Photo credit 1960. Herald-Examiner Collection/Los Angeles Public Library

S.M.a.r.t Santa Monica Architects for a Responsible Tomorrow

Thane Roberts, Architect; Robert H. Taylor AIA, Architect; Dan Jansenson, Architect & Building and Fire-Life Safety Commission; Samuel Tolkin Architect &

Planning Commissioner; Mario FondaBonardi AIA & Michael Jolly, AIR-CRE.

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

Environmentalists Crash Retailer’s Grand Opening in West L.A. Over Controversial Restoration Project

The Store’s Nonprofit Partner Supports a Controversial Preservation Project

By Zach Armstrong

REI Co-op is a Seattle retailer that sells apparel meant for outdoor and nature appreciation activities such as hiking and camping. As it celebrated the opening of its latest location, a 23.500 square-foot development adjacent to the Ballona Wetlands Ecological Reserve, environmental activists disrupted the occasion with protest banners, pamphlets and a sound system.

Their conviction: the business must cut ties with one of its nonprofit partners for supporting a bulldozing plan that might’ve ironically flooded out the store’s location if approved.

This was in reference to Friends of Ballona Wetlands, a nonprofit that boasts a mission of helping restore and protect the last major wetland in the Los Angeles Basin that hasn’t been replaced by urban development. The organization has a history of pursuing

litigation and coming to agreements with developers, along with undergoing its own proactive projects, to help preserve hundreds of acres of the marsh. According to its website, examples of this include launching a factbased campaign to educate local residents on restorating the wetland and fostering the state purchase of 600 Ballona acres.

However, the protestors, activists of the Defend Ballona Wetlands organization, accuse the nonprofit as being a “greenwashing” group due to its board members hailing from, and funding sources coming from, major polluters.

Of particular concern is its relationship with SoCalGas, a gas and energy supplier of more than 20 million customers and a methane gas storage facility sitting atop the Ballona wetlands. FBW has received grants from the California utility which Executive Director Scott Culbertson says supports the environmental group’s educational programs.

Neil Navin also serves as treasurer of FBW while working simultaneously as vice president, clean energy innovations for SCG.

Both FBW and SCG stood behind the controversial “Ballona Wetlands Restoration Project”, a $250 million bulldozing and restoration project set for the marshes. Details of the plan involve adding several miles of bike and pedestrian walkways along with

efforts to repair damaged habitats and making the wetland climate-resilient.

But litigants against the project say the project would actually destroy hundreds of acres of habitat used by endangered species, also contending it is being pushed by SCG to fix its decaying oil-and-gas–facility under the mirage of restoring the reserve.

Culberstson called arguments against the proposed restoration project “nonsense”, describing it as one supported by leading and organizations. According to FBW’s website, the restoration plan is supported by environmentally focused organizations including Heal the Bay, The Trust for

Public Land and the Los Angeles League of Preservation Voters. Several academics and scientists were also listed. Culbertson also defended his organization’s ties with SCG given that, since it holds a facility in close proximity to the wetlands, it is important to have an “open dialogue.”

The plan was halted in May by a California Superior Court Judge who ruled in favor of community groups that litigated against the plan, saying in a 67-page ruling that the project should either be abandoned or started anew due to errors in flood risk calculations used in its design.

141-Unit Affordable Housing Project in Venice Rejected by Council

The Initiative Is Strongly Supported by Venice Housing Corporation and Received Previous City Council Support

By Nick Antonicello

The September 19th monthly meeting was highlighted by the rejection of the woefully unpopular Venice median housing proposal, the 141-unit initiative that is strongly supported by the Venice Housing Corporation that received previous city council support not

once, but twice with the backing of former councilman Mike Bonin.

But all housing initiatives like politics are local, and the locals in Venice came out on the record to ensure another solid rejection of the project by this newly seated board.

Multiple speakers opposing the project described it as “ugly and expensive,” noting the proposal’s location is all wrong for Venice in what most opponents believe is just an inappropriate location that close to the beach in a community that relies on tourism for revenue, jobs and a strong local economy.

Even one homeless advocate deemed the location as inappropriate and that the site will lack specific services for those with drug and alcohol issues.

Brian Ulf, a former member of the VNC’s Homelessness Committee and the President of SHARE (Self Help And Recovery

Exchange), a service provider for substance abusers pointed out that Venice has long been accepting and welcoming of numerous venues for the homeless, but described the project as the “wrong place” to construct it. Under board comment, Steve Bradbury said the proposal is not affordable housing, and that the site needed to be developed responsibly.

Redmond took exception to the presence of LA City Councilwoman Traci Park (CD-11) who sat next to her communications staffer Jamie Paige, the former publisher of the Venice Current, now known as the Westside Current, who was one of Park’s strongest and most vocal supporters in last year’s council campaign that saw her squeeze past fellow Venetian Erin Darling by a slim, 52-48% margin.

The vote was overwhelmingly against the project with 11 members against and just 2 in the affirmative, while 3 were recused, 2 not eligible and 2 absent.

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