Santa Monica Mirror 11.25.22

INSIDE Oracle Looking to Sell Santa Monica Office Space

More Than 1,000 Food-Insecure Santa Monica College Students Gifted Thanksgiving Groceries

3rd Annual GIVING THANKS (giving) event returns

By Sam Catanzaro

As college students across Southern California continue to struggle accessing basic needs to thrive and continue their academic pursuits, Santa Monica College (SMC) ramped up its efforts to provide its students with fundamental living essentials including food, housing support, transportation, childcare, and more. As part of its Basic Needs program, led and organized by the Santa Monica College Foundation, the college hosted its 3rd Annual GIVING THANKS(giving) grocery giveaway on Tuesday, November 22 that provided fresh, holiday groceries to 1,100 students experiencing food insecurity.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, food costs have spiked 11.4% during the past year – the largest annual increase since May 1979. In fact, some analysts suggest that dining out for Thanksgiving this year may be more affordable than cooking at home as year-over-year cost increases in commodities have soared. When it comes to Thanksgiving specifically, year-over-year cost increases include eggs by 32.5%, butter by 25.8% and flour by 17.1%, accounting for some of the biggest contributors to the overall price jump consumers are facing when buying ingredients for the big meal.

“With more than 50% of students at Santa Monica College experiencing basic needs insecurity, including adequate access to food

and/or housing, our students are exceptionally challenged to fulfill their academic ambitions in that there is evidence to support that ability to focus in the classroom can be directly linked to personal safety and nutrition,” said Dr. Kathryn E. Jeffery, Superintendent/President, Santa Monica College. “The GIVING THANKS(giving) event, coordinated by the Santa Monica College Foundation, is a cornerstone of our far-reaching food security program that encompasses an on-campus Bodega stocked with free food and living essentials and free meals provided by generous donations to ensure that our students have their basic needs met.”

A national study by The Hope Center in 2021 indicated that nearly three in five college students experienced basic needs insecurity, with food insecurity affecting 39% of students attending community colleges. With the support of many non-profit partners, local businesses and corporations, Santa Monica College’s Basic Needs Program works to ensure that students have their basic needs met, especially access to nutritious, fresh food. Many studies show that students impacted by food insecurity are less likely to persist, transfer, or graduate from a four-year university and fail to reach their academic ambitions.

Since the event began in 2020, upwards of 4,000 students have received the gift of a Thanksgiving meal. The free groceries included the student’s choice of a turkey or vegetarian protein, fresh vegetables including green beans, potatoes, carrots, onions, yams, celery, plus dinner rolls, a pumpkin pie, butter, salt and pepper, non-alcoholic beverages, recipes, customized online tutorials, and a

disposable turkey pan.

“Students at our college and across the country are struggling for their very basics – to eat, to have safe housing and reliable transportation, among so many other fundamental needs,” said Margaret Sohagi, Santa Monica College Foundation Board Chair. “By coming together as a community at events like GIVING THANKS(giving), we continue to prioritize these types of basic needs programs and make a true difference in the lives of our students as they pursue their dreams and academic ambitions.”

To help the students prepare their meal, Celebrity Chef Mary Sue Milliken hosted at virtual Holiday Cooking Q&A on Monday, November 21.

“College students facing food insecurity in America today is completely unacceptable,” said Milliken. “Fortunately, many determined and generous individuals and organizations are working to increase access to nutritious food. Santa Monica College is leading the way, creating innovative and effective programs to eliminate the need for students to choose between basic needs, healthy meals and their education.”

For students without personal transportation, SMC Foundation and the SMC Associated Students provided free, one-way Lyft ride vouchers to students.

GIVING THANKS(giving) event sponsors and partners this year included Santa Monica College, Santa Monica College Foundation, SMC’s Associated Students, KCRW 89.9FM, Jacmar Foodservice Distribution, Costco, Vicente Foods, Gelson’s Market, and Whole Foods Markets.

“The roots of the GIVING THANKS(giving)

SMMUSD Superintendent Leaving Post

Dr. Ben Drati to become

Superintendent of the Bellflower Unified School District

By Sam Catanzaro

Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD) Superintendent Dr. Ben Drati is leaving his post to helm the Bellflower Unified School District.

Drati, who has been the SMMUSD Superintendent for six years, announced his departure on November 18.

“I wanted you to hear from me that I was appointed Superintendent of Schools for the Bellflower Unified School District, effective January 2023. The BUSD Board of Education approved my appointment at their November 17 board meeting. I realize this is unexpected. I want to let you know that I have thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated serving as the Superintendent of SMMUSD and will always cherish my time here,” Drati said in a press release. “Together, we have accomplished many goals and laid the groundwork for continued success. I believe the district is poised to accomplish the mission of ensuring that all students are able to reach their full potential by providing an

extraordinary educational experience for all while simultaneously closing the achievement gap.”

According to Drati, his specific January start date at Bellflower USD still has to be worked out between SMMUSD and BUSD.

“I will continue to root for and support the journey you have embarked on, and my family and I thank you for six great years of educating our students and preparing them for college and career,” Drati said.

Drati’s departure could leave the district without a superintendent in January as no interim or permanent successor had yet been named. The SMMUSD Board will discuss options at its November 29 meeting.

event can be found in the holiday gatherings with students and faculty that was started many years ago,” said Wendi DeMorst, MA, SMC Interim Associate Dean of Student Instructional Support. “And while the current event was borne out of necessity during the pandemic, it has carried on the tradition of giving and support to thousands of students at Santa Monica College. It is so gratifying to see this tradition blossom and grow.”

Photo: SMMUSD Dr. Ben Drati.

Photo: Santa Monica College

Video Shows SMPD Officers Striking Alleged Homeless Man

November 12 incident to begins after man refuses to leave private residence

By Dolores Quintana

A video circulating on social media shows Santa Monica police officers violently detaining a 29-year-old man believed to be homeless.

User Mindy0047 posted a video on TikTok that showed two Santa Monica Police Department officers struggling with a man on the ground and then striking him on the head while the man yelled for help. The suspect claimed that his leg was broken after the officer struck the man on the leg with his baton. This video sparked public interest in the actions of the SMPD.

Police were called to an apartment building on Ocean Avenue on Saturday, November 12 around 5:50 p.m. by a security guard at the complex, according to the the Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) Lieutenant Rudy Flores said via an

emailed statement, “the Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) was dispatched to a multi-family complex in the 1400 block of Ocean Avenue regarding a male who was being disruptive and refused to leave the property multiple times. The reporting party was a security officer at the complex. When SMPD Officers arrived on scene, they met with the security officer who directed them to the subject, later identified as Aren Kehind Taylor, a 29-year-old male believed to be homeless. The security officer told SMPD that Taylor threatened and tried to fight him.”

According to the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department Inmate Information Center, Taylor is a 27-year-old Black man.

Flores went on to discuss the period previous to the filmed incident, saying “SMPD Officers made contact with Taylor. During the contact, Taylor attempted to walk past the officers and back into the property. Taylor approached the officers in an aggressive manner and spat at one of the officer’s face before throwing a cup with liquid, striking the officer on his chest and taking a fighting stance.”

Flores added, “As the officers took Taylor into custody, his resistance took them to the

ground where Taylor kicked and struck the officers with his hands. While on the ground Taylor continued to flail his arms and feet, kicking and striking the officers with his hands. Their commands and attempts to take him into custody or even control him were ineffective. Taylor continued to resist, and at one point was proactively holding onto an officer’s arm. In an attempt to overcome Taylor’s resistance, an officer punched Taylor in the head then struck him in his legs with his baton. Officers were becoming fatigued and opted to pin Taylor down until additional officers arrived and were able to help take him into custody.”

Taylor was transported to the SMPD jail where he was booked for trespassing, assault on a peace officer and felony resisting arrest.

“Taylor did not have any visible injuries and refused medical attention,” Flores said.

SMPD personnel documented Taylor’s condition which included photographs before booking him into custody.

“Officers filled out a detailed Use of Force report, documenting their actions, which will be thoroughly reviewed by the Incident Review Board,” Flores said.

Taylor is still in the custody of the Los

Photo: TikTok(@Mindy0047)

Angeles Sheriff’s Department and is being held under a misdemeanor charge on $35,000 bail at a Los Angeles County facility. He is due to be in court on the charges on November 29.

The Santa Monica Mirror has asked the SMPD for body camera footage of the incident and were instructed to file a public records request. A request has been filed. This article will be updated if the footage is received.

Two People Hospitalized in Ocean Front Walk Stabbings Delivery Driver Beat Up and Robbed in Santa Monica

Jamal K. Lampitt arrested in connection to November 17 stabbings

By Sam Catanzaro

Two people were hospitalized following stabbings on Ocean Front Walk in Santa Monica recently. The suspect attempted to rob the first victim before stabbing him and then stabbed a second person nearby for no apparent reason.

According to the Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD), on November 17 around 9:40 p.m., officers were dispatched to investigate a stabbing by the public restrooms on the 2100 block of Ocean Front Walk, just north of Crescent Bay Park. Subsequent calls were then received reporting a man with a knife being detained by a citizen on the 2600 block of Ocean Front Walk, near where Ocean Park Boulevard meets the beach.

“Officers arrived and encountered the suspect, identified as Jamal K. Lampitt, a 26-year-old homeless male, being held down by a citizen. Lampitt was immediately taken into custody by officers without further incident and the involved knife was recovered,” the SMDP said in a press release.

The stabbing victim was located near the

2600 block of Ocean Front Walk with multiple stab wounds. Santa Monica Fire Department personnel responded and transported the victim to a local hospital.

“Officers learned Lampitt approached the victim, produced a knife, and tried to rob him. The victim refused before Lampitt stabbed him and ran off,” the SMPD said.

Sometime after, police say Lampitt encountered a cyclist in Beach Parking Lot 5 South and stabbed him multiple times for no apparent reason. The second victim was transported to a local hospital where both victims are recovering with non-lifethreatening injuries.

Lampitt was transported to the SMPD Jail where he was booked for attempted robbery and attempted murder.

Six people arrested in connection

to November 13 incident

By Sam Catanzaro

Police arrested six people recently for assaulting and robbing a delivery driver in Santa Monica.

According to the Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD), on November 13 around 9:35 p.m. officers responded to the 200 block of Santa Monica Boulevard for a reported robbery.

“Upon arrival, officers learned that the victim, a delivery driver, was sitting in his vehicle while parked at the curb. Another vehicle approached and multiple male suspects exited, and punched his window, breaking it in the process. The victim then opened the car

door and was punched in the face repeatedly by one of the suspects. A female suspect joined the males, grabbed the victim’s phone and attempted to flee,” the SMPD said in a press release.

SMPD officers located a vehicle matching the description provided near Pacific Coast Highway and detained the six individuals in the vehicle. Based on video evidence, all six occupants were arrested for multiple violations including robbery, vandalism and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Officers recovered 10 cell phones from the vehicle, according to the SMPD.

The arrestees are: Saraiah Garcia, 19 years old, Julianna Chavira, 18, Steven Ceja, 20, Alexis Leyva, 31, Jazmin Aviles, 18 and an unnamed 17-year-old minor. According to the SMPD, Ceja and Levya remain in police custody.

Photo: SMPD

Jamal K. Lampit.

Oracle Looking to Sell Santa Monica Office Space

Colorado Avenue property has 36 percent vacancy rate

By Dolores Quintana

A large tech company seems to be moving out of Santa Monica as reported by The Real Deal.com. Oracle, a software company based in Austin, Texas has put the office space at 2600 Colorado Avenue up for sale according to Avison Young’s marketing documents.

Oracle currently owns the building but only uses 90,000 square feet of the office space; the building is managed by Worthe Real Estate Group, the company that Oracle purchased the property from in 2016 according to public records. The tenant that leases most of the space in the building is the entertainment company Lionsgate. However, even Lionsgate is trying to sublease 40,000 square feet of their space in the building and their lease is up in August of 2023 according to the same marketing materials. Lionsgate asked for $5 a square foot in their sublease offer.

The building’s vacancy rate is 36% and in Santa Monica, the average vacancy percentage

is 25% as reported by The Real Deal from information provided by Savills. Considering that Oracle bought the building for $254 million, it seems like a bit of a loss for the

company. However, the vacancy rate in Los Angeles overall is not improving while remote work continues to be the preferred option. J.P. Morgan put the Water Garden office complex

on the sales block in early November. Oracle also leases space in the huge 1.4 million square foot building.

Local Man Sentenced to 9 Years in Federal Prison for Role in Scam Involving Fake Open Houses at Not-for-Sale Homes

Adolfo Schoneke sentenced to 54 years in federal prison in connection to $6 million real estate scam

A South Bay man, who along with his sister and other co-conspirators participated in a $6 million real estate scam that listed homes for sale without owners’ consent and collected money from multiple wouldbe buyers, was sentenced recently to 108 months in federal prison.

Adolfo Schoneke, 45, of Torrance, who pleaded guilty in May to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, was sentenced October 24 by United States District Judge R. Gary Klausner. A restitution hearing was scheduled for December 12.

Schoneke’s sister, Bianca Gonzalez, 39, pleaded guilty in April, admitting her role in the wire fraud scheme, and is scheduled

to be sentenced on May 22, 2023.

Schoneke and his sister, along with coconspirators, operated real estate and escrow companies based in Cerritos, La Palma and Long Beach under a variety of names, including MCR and West Coast Realty Services. Schoneke and the other members of the conspiracy located properties to list for sale – even though they did not intend to sell the properties to anyone, and in many instances the properties were not for sale at all.

The properties were listed on real estate websites such as the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) and were marketed as short sale opportunities. In some cases, the homes were marketed through open houses arranged by tricking homeowners or occupants into allowing their homes to be used.

“The fraud scheme [Schoneke] invented, proposed to his co-conspirators, and carried out involved uniquely devious means designed to steal money from as many victims as possible,” according to a sentencing memorandum filed by

prosecutors. “Playing on the dream of home ownership and seemingly out of reach home prices, [Schoneke] figured out a way to ‘sell’ homes that he did not own and had no business in listing for sale.”

Multiple offers were accepted for each of the not-for-sale properties, but the coconspirators hid this fact from the victims and instead led victims to believe their offer was the only one accepted. The co-conspirators strung victims along –sometimes for years – by telling them closings were being delayed because lenders needed to approve the purported short sales.

Office workers opened bank accounts to hide the co-conspirators’ involvement in the fraud. Those accounts were used to receive down payments on the homes and other payments from victims who were convinced to transfer the full “purchase price” after receiving forged short sale approval letters. The co-conspirators directed the office workers to withdraw large amounts of cash from these accounts, which made the proceeds harder to trace.

Schoneke “and his co-conspirators used numerous properties to further the fraudulent scheme, and collected more than $11.7 million from victims as part of the scheme (involving more than 860 transfers from approximately 750 or more victims),” according to the sentencing memo. “Although some of the victims were paid back, the scheme caused more than $6 million in losses to nearly 400 victims.”

In a related case, Mario Gonzalez (no relation to Bianca Gonzalez), 51, of Garden Grove, pleaded guilty in 2019 to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and is scheduled to be sentenced on April 3, 2023.

14 Veterans Sue VA for Failing to Build Housing on West Los Angeles VA Campus

Lawsuit contends the agency not meeting legal obligation to house veterans at West Los Angeles VA campus

By Sam Catanzaro

14 veterans are suing the Department of Veterans Affairs, alleging the agency has not lived up to its promise to build affordable housing on the West Los Angeles VA campus.

The case is essentially a redo of a 2011 case that centered on how the federal government obtained the property West Los Angeles VA sits on. The land was donated to the government in 1887 by Arcadia Bandini de Stearns Baker, a wealthy widow, under the stipulation that it would serve as a home for veterans. The 2011 case alleged that the VA failed to meet its obligations, and a few years later the agency agreed to build 1,200

apartments for veterans.

Los Angeles veterans are now suing the VA again, saying the agency is not building the housing it promised. The lawsuit contends that this harms disabled veterans since the West Los Angeles VA sits in one of the priciest neighborhoods in Los Angeles County. Plaintiffs argue that if disabled veterans can’t afford rent in the vicinity of the VA’s West Los Angeles Medical Center, the government’s lack of affordable housing on the campus prevents them from accessing the essential healthcare they are entitled to.

“That’s not just inhumane, and it’s not just immoral, and it’s not just a set of [expletive] lies. It’s also against the law,” said plaintiff attorney Mark Rosenbaum with Public Counsel told NPR. “We trusted the government to come through, and that turned out to be a grievous error.”

The lawsuit also seeks to force the VA to utilize land currently leased to Brentwood School, a parking lot business, an oildrilling company and UCLA for veteran uses. Last year, a VA Office of Inspector General report found that several of these leases were out of compliance with the agency’s legal obligation to “principally

benefit veterans and their families.” The inspector general called out the VA for completing only one building containing 55 units, out of the 480 projected in a fouryear target. The inspector general found that “reasons for VA’s limited progress include required environmental impact

studies, needed infrastructure upgrades, the need to establish a principal developer enhanced-use lease, and challenges faced by the developers in raising needed funds from public and private sources,”

The VA did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Newsom to Release $1 Billion in Homelessness Funds

Move comes weeks after Governor holds funds citing lackluster plans to tackle homelessness

By Sam Catanzaro

California Governor Gavin Newsom Friday convened local leaders to discuss their plans to tackle the homelessness crisis and identify new strategies to address street encampments across the state. This meeting came after Newsom withheld $1 billion in funding by summarily rejecting every municipality’s homeless action plan.

Earlier this month, Newsom announced the state was holding the third round of Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention (HHAP) grants for local governments whose plans, collectively, would only reduce statewide unsheltered homelessness by 2 percent by

2024. Newsom on Friday, in partnership with cities and counties, set a path forward for applicants to receive their HHAP round three funding, with grants being released as early as this week – provided that local governments agree to more ambitious reductions in unsheltered homelessness. The Governor challenged local leaders to submit more ambitious plans for their next round of funding – 21 as of Friday have pledged to step up in writing. The state is expecting the remaining applicants will do the same.

“This was an important conversation that allowed us to speak with candor and to share some good ideas with one another,” Newsom said. “Local leaders talked about the need for more city-county collaboration, more land use reforms to build housing faster, and to focus on keeping people housed who may be on the brink of homelessness — these leaders are our partners, and we all recognize we’re in this together.”

The third round of HHAP grants provides a share of $1 billion to every county, Continuum of Care, and the 13 largest cities in the state, on the condition that each local government has a plan approved by the state that reduces the

number of unsheltered homeless individuals and increases permanent housing. The state has so far provided over $1.5 billion of flexible emergency aid to address homelessness through the Homeless Emergency Aid

Program and the first two rounds of HHAP funding.

HHAP round four applications are due by November 29, 2022.

Traci Park Declares Victory in CD-11 Race Over Erin Darling

MEALS ON WHEELS WEST IS PART OF THE SOLUTION TO HOMELESSNESS Our

By Sam Catanzaro

Traci Park has declared victory in the Los Angeles City Council District 11 race over Erin Darling in the election to replace Mike Bonin.

Following a November 17 vote count, Park held a 5,010 vote lead over Darling and issued a statement Thursday afternoon declaring victory.

“We feel confident our lead will stand and declare victory. It is gratifying that we received more votes thus far than any other L.A. city council candidate in the 2022 general election,” Park said. “I am humbled and honored that the constituents of CD11 have placed their trust and confidence in me to usher in a new era. Voters spoke convincingly that they want a different kind of leader and CD11 has sent a message that the Westside is done with ‘business as usual’ at City Hall.”

“From the beginning of our campaign, constituent services and an open-door policy have been a priority and my commitment has always been to represent the neighbors and stakeholders across the District. Whether you voted for me or not, I will work hard to represent you and be your voice on matters big and small at City Hall. We intend to bring about desperately needed change to make our schools, parks, and neighborhoods safer, and I will attack the homelessness crisis with the compassionate urgency required. We have a lot of work ahead,” Park added.

Darling also issued a statement conceding the race to Park.

“While the margin’s been tightening, as we’ve been monitoring the votes, my team and I no longer see a path to victory. I couldn’t be prouder of the campaign we ran, or more heartened by the way the Westside showed up to support us - a last-minute, totally grassroots, at times shoestring-budget affair. This campaign brought together groups and neighbors across the district, who will continue to work together for compassionate and effective solutions to homelessness, stability for renters, and clean air and water,” Darling said. “I’d like to congratulate Traci Park - she ran record-setting campaigns in both the primary and this general election. In the wake of the rancor and divisiveness of the last two years and the shocking, damaging attitudes on the leaked tapes, the Westside, and LA in general, are in deep need of healing and unity that transcends race and economic status. I wish Councilmember-elect Park the very best in that crucial work.”

Park’s victory came the day after Karen Bass was declared winner in the Los Angeles Mayoral race over Rick Caruso. Also this week Robert Luna declared victory over incumbent Alex Villanueva in the LA County Sheriff Race. Voters also seem on course to approve County Measure A, which would give the LA County Board of Supervisors the power to remove the Sheriff for cause, with the measure currently picking up over 71 percent of the vote. In the LA County Board of Supervisors race to replace the seat being left vacant by Sheila Kuehl for District 3 –which includes much of the Westside – West Hollywood Council Member Lindsey Horvath leads State Senator Bob Hertzberg by 4.48 percentage points.

At the statewide level, Governor Gavin Newsom holds a comfortable lead over Republican challenger Brian Dahle while at the federal level both Senator Alex Padilla and Congressman Ted Lieu each seem likely to hold onto their seats.

According to the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk, following Thursday’s vote tally 331,429 ballots are left to be counted.

Food & Shelter Program Serves the Formerly Unhoused

"There's no place like Meals on Wheels West. They are loyal, kind, and compassionate for doing what they do. You can count on them to go the extra way."

Marianne, MOW West Food & Shelter client

26% of MOW West's clients are formerly unsheltered. increase in our Food & Shelter clients over the last three years. 78% Food & Shelter promotes stability, health, & wellness, allowing clients to reintegrate into society

“We intend to bring about desperately needed change to make our schools, parks, and neighborhoods safer,” park says in statement

BEHIND THE SCREEN

By Kathryn Whitney Boole

In 1999 Steven Spielberg was considering making a film about his childhood called I’ll Be Home. His sister Anne wrote the screenplay. At the time, he was concerned about putting his personal life on display, worried that his parents, two major forces in his life, wouldn’t like it. A few years later, he recounted his life story to his longtime screenwriter and good friend, Tony Kushner. Kushner immediately told him he had to make it into a movie. During the isolation of the pandemic, Spielberg mused, “there was only one story that I really wanted to tell…my life with my Mom and Dad.” He wanted to show how, as a young person comes of age, they start seeing their parents as human beings. After he and Kushner wrapped West Side Story in 2021, with the world still in pandemic lockdown, they started writing the screenplay for The Fabelmans, and finished it in just two months. Spielberg then gathered a team of filmmaking legends and remarkable actors to make the movie.

I attended a screening of The Fabelmans at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences followed by a discussion with

Spielberg, Kushner, Michelle Williams, Paul Dano, Gabriel LaBelle and Judd Hirsch. Spielberg was low key and genuinely grateful that he was able to make such a personal film. He talked about the sensitivity involved in telling your own story, and what a unique emotional experience it was to return to the actual settings of his childhood and teen years. His family moved from city to city as

he was growing up, and he spoke about how strange and wonderful it was to be in his old homes and neighborhoods. My childhood was very similar to Spielberg’s during the same era, moving from Midwest to East Coast to West Coast and from one suburb to another. On the rare occasions I’ve visited my childhood haunts, I can see my child-self moving about in front of me. Having your

life constantly change gives you strength but turns your energy inward. Leaving friends behind again and again forges a great sadness, so imagination and daydreaming take their place. Perhaps that’s what makes Spielberg such a great storyteller. He learned to dream and to capture these dreams forever on film. In this film, the reality of his own story was

A SMa.r.t. Thanksgiving

beautifully transposed to cinema.

OPIN ION SMa.r.t.

Santa Monica Architects for a Responsible Tomorrow

SMart has much to be thankful for this year:

We are thankful for the courage of all who face death to protect their fellow humans from the demented; whether on the fields of Ukraine or in the Q Club of Colorado Springs. Their bravery is irreplaceable and priceless.

Less dangerous but significant we thank all the citizens (and their spouses) willing to run for office citywide and nationwide to make our nation a better nation. We are particularly thankful that, over all, the election deniers were not able to damage our democracy and that voting as an institution in spite of harassment, of gerrymandering, and of voter suppression, has survived one of its greatest challenges in decades.

We are thankful that Lana Negrete survived the outrageous arrows of a vicious campaign to be elected to the City Council.

We are thankful for all the hardworking volunteers that comprise our Council, Boards, Commissions and Neighborhood Organizations. They devote countless hours to improve the quality of our City bringing their perspectives, experience and abilities to bear on the innumerable problems our cash starved City faces everyday. Individually and collectively they deserve our thanks.

We are thankful that Santa Monicans continue to buy photovoltaic collectors, electric cars, and electric bikes which will form the backbone of our future energy infrastructure.

We are thankful that the new Tesla mass charging station on Santa Monica Boulevard is up and running as is the new SWIP (Sustainable Water Infrastructure Project). That sewage/stormwater treatment plant, cleverly hidden under the

Civic Center parking lot, will purify and recycle this otherwise wasted water adding about 9% to our imported and well water supplies. These additions likewise become a permanent part of our future energy and water sustainability.

We are thankful our City has survived another year without the resilience challenges of virus resurgence, tsunamis, sea level rise, earthquakes, forest fires, food and water import shortages.

We are thankful that our students are back at school full time and that many school districts nationwide have given their teachers well deserved raises.

We are thankful that tourists are coming back to Santa Monica helping the Covid recovery of our traumatized businesses and hotels.

We are thankful that, challenges and all, our City is still beautiful, and for all those

who work hard to keep it so.

Finally we are thankful for our loyal readers. They put up with our rants, wonky expositions and critiques hopefully to better understand our City’s functioning and how to make it even better. I’m sure you can add to this partial list of gratitudes and we encourage you to do so when reflecting about this last year.

Have a great Thanksgiving!

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

Thane Roberts, Architect, Robert H. Taylor AIA, Ron Goldman FAIA, Architect, Dan Jansenson, Architect & Building and Fire-Life Safety Commission, Samuel Tolkin Architect & Planning Commissioner, Mario Fonda-Bonardi AIA & Planning Commissioner, Marc Verville M.B.A, CPA (Inactive), Michael Jolly, AIR-CRE.

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

The main characters in this movie are Spielberg’s parents, Leah and Arnold, in the film named “Mitzi and Burt.” They were both brilliant and innovative people. Arnold’s parents emigrated from Ukraine and he was born in Cincinnati in 1917. At the age of 9 he began building radios and became a ham radio operator as a teen. In World War II he served as a radio operator and gunner. He got his BA in electrical engineering and invented many of the electronics that laid the groundwork for fundamental tools in use today such as the first computer-controlled Point of Sale Cash Register. Leah was a highly talented concert pianist.

Ever since seeing her in Blue Valentine in 2010, Spielberg had Michelle Williams in mind to play his mother. Gabriel LaBelle was chosen after an extensive 3-month search for an actor who could convey the imagination and internal angst of teenage Spielberg. To play the father, Paul Dano ordered and built a crystal radio set, to relive the excitement Spielberg’s Dad would feel when creating electronic gadgets. Mitch Dubin, the cameraman who had filmed the storming of the Beaches of Normandy in Saving Private Ryan, remade young Spielberg’s Super 8 sequences with great accuracy. When his cast asked repeatedly, “Did this happen in real life?” Spielberg always answered “yes.”

In this story of his early life, Spielberg is also giving us a historical milieu of postWorld War II America and a look at the formative years of a cinematic legend of our time. The whole family will identify with this movie, no matter where you grew up, as it’s about human nature and emotions. Spielberg has made a Home Movie for the Ages. You will come to understand that the innocence that pervades Spielberg’s movies comes from his passion for making art of his dreams since the age of six. His lesson to us: “You have to, every day of your lives, be ready to hear what whispers in your ear.”

Kathryn Whitney Boole has spent most of her life in the entertainment industry, which has been the backdrop for remarkable adventures with extraordinary people. She is a Talent Manager with Studio Talent Group in Santa Monica kboole@gmail.com

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

FILE NUMBER: 2022225045 ORIGINAL FILING This statement was filed with the County Clerk of LOS ANGELES ON 10/17/22. The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as 1. PEDIATRICS ON MONTANA. The full name of registrant(s) is/are: PEDIATRICS OF MONTANA, 901 Montana Ave., Santa Monica, Ca. 90403. This business is conducted by A General Partnership. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 10/2022. 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 Jody Lappin. This Statement was filed with the County Clerk of LOS ANGELES County on October 17, 2022. 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 10/21/2022, 10/28/2022, 11/04/2022, and 11/11/2022

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: 01/03/23 | Time: 8:30AM | Dept: F51 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: November 03, 2022 Judge Lawrence Cho Published: 11/04/2022, 11/11/22, 11/18/2022, and 11/25/2022

FILE NUMBER: 202240351 ORIGINAL FILING This statement was filed with the County Clerk of LOS ANGELES ON 11/03/2022. The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as 1. BA Collective. The full name of registrant(s) is/ are: Cory Taylor Architects Inc., 2740 Main St., Santa Monica, Ca. 90405. This business is conducted by A Limited Liability Partnership. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. 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 Amin Ajani. This Statement was filed with the County Clerk of LOS ANGELES County on November 03, 2022. 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 11/11/2022, 11/18/2022, 11/25/2022, and 12/04/2022

Photo: Sam Catanzaro

SANTA MONICA COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Dr. Louise Jaffe, Chair; Barry Snell, Vice Chair; Dr. Susan Aminoff; Dr. Nancy Greenstein; Dr. Margaret Quiñones-Perez; Rob Rader; Dr. Sion Roy; Catalina Fuentes Aguirre, Student Trustee; Kathryn E. Jeffery, Ph.D., Superintendent/President Santa Monica College | 1900 Pico Blvd. Santa Monica, CA 90405 | smc.edu