Santa Monica Mirror November 20, 2020

S A N TA M O N I C A

INSIDE FIRE BREAKS OUT NEAR 10-FREEWAY IN SANTA MONICA

REFLECTING THE CONCERNS OF THE COMMUNITY

smmirror.com

PAGE 2

November 20 – November 26, 2020 Volume LXIII, Issue 68

91-Year-Old Sent to ER After Mugging at Santa Monica CVS Woman robbed exiting CVS at Lincoln Boulevard and Santa Monica Boulevard last weekend

By Sam Catanzaro

A 91-year-old woman was sent to the ER last weekend after she was attacked by a homeless man in an attempted robbery exiting a Santa Monica CVS store.

According to the Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD), on Saturday, November 14, at approximately 10:30 a.m., the officers responded to the CVS located at 1411 Lincoln Boulevard regarding an assault in the parking lot.

The SMPD says officers arrived on scene and located the victim–a 91-year old, female–who had swelling to her right eye and abrasions to her nose, right cheek and right eyebrow area.

According to police, the victim stated she did not lose consciousness or fall down during the assault.

The Santa Monica Mirror spoke with a close friend of the victim, who said that the suspect used his shoe to strike the victim.

Officers received detailed information about the suspect involved from witnesses and the victim. Officers located the described suspect in the 800 block of Santa Monica Boulevard and detained him for further investigations.

Photos: Google

The Santa Monica CVS on Lincoln Boulevard where a senior was attacked in an attempted robbery.

“Our officers conducted an investigation and found that the suspect, who is a 35-year old male unhoused individual from Nashville Tennessee, approached the 91-year old victim while she was placing her groceries into the trunk of her vehicle. The suspect,

Steven Hamilton, asked the victim for spare change. The victim stated she did not have any change at which time the suspect (Hamilton) yelled profanities at the victim, pulled her face mask and struck her three to four times in the face with what turned out to be a shoe. The

suspect then fled the scene while still yelling profanities,” said SMPD Lt. Joseph Cortez.

The victim was transported to a

Mugging at Santa Monica CVS, see page 5

Sweet Home Santa Monica Dan & Charlee Nessel | 310.365.0195 | 310.755.8180 Dan@NesselHomes.com | Charlee@NesselHomes.com | NesselHomes.com Lic# 01349526 ©2018 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties is a member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates LLC.

Lic# 01309674

01349526

TAX

Open as an essential service for: • Taxes, consulting, help with all the new programs and problems, etc • Can work long distance, with email or the U.S. mail

Samuel Moses, CPA 100 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica • 310.395.9922

2

WWW.SMMIRROR.COM

November 20 – November 26, 2020

Randy’s Donuts Coming to Santa Monica 2021 opening pegged for popular donut shot

By Kerry Slater

Randy’s Donuts is opening in a Santa Monica space that used to house a coffee shop but minus one iconic feature of the popular donut shopp.

Next year, the popular LA donut shop Randy’s Donuts will open in Santa Monica at 829 Wilshire Boulevard, the former home of a popular Coffee Bean and Tea

Leaf location that closed this spring due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“In a year filled with so much uncertainty and unprecedented challenges to our economy, we are fortunate to bring Randy’s Donuts to new parts of Southern California and expand our footprint in the South Bay – keeping us in line with our local expansion strategy,” said Mark Kelegian, President of Randy’s Donuts.

“We’re proud to be in a position to join communities who love their donuts and coffee as much as we do, and create new jobs that can help impact our local

The space that used to be a Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf that Randy’s Donuts will occupy in Santa Monica.

The iconic Manchester Boulevard Randy’s Donuts.

Photo: Randy’s Donuts (Facebook)

economy in a time when unemployment levels are unfortunately high.”

The Santa Monica announcement comes following the announcement of the opening of a Torrance location. The Torrance opening will take place on Tuesday, December 1 from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. The Santa Monica location won’t open until early spring 2021 according to Randy’s Donuts representatives.

The original Randy’s Donuts was founded in 1953 at 805 W Manchester Boulevard and has become a Los Angeles

Photo: Sam Catanzaro

landmark in part due to the giant donut sitting atop the shop’s roof. The Santa Monica location, however, will not include such a sign due to Santa Monica code prohibiting signs from rising above the roofline.

Randy’s Donuts currently has five locations in the greater Los Angeles area – Inglewood, Century City, El Segundo, Downey and Pasadena, all serving 60 different varieties of classic, deluxe, fancy and premium donuts mostly priced under $2.

Fire Breaks Out Near 10-Freeway in Santa Monica Fire put out Monday morning near Lincoln Boulevard exit

By Sam Catanzaro

The 10-Freeway in Santa Monica was closed to westbound traffic Monday after a fire broke out alongside the freeway.

According to the Santa Monica Fire Department (SMFD), the fire was reported around 10:49 a.m. on the 10-Freeway near Lincoln Boulevard.

“The fire today had a start point next to a homeless encampment but no direct

cause was found at this time. The fire consumed about one acre and four Santa Monica engines extinguished and moped up the incident in a little over an hour,” John Nevandro SMFD Battalion 1 “C” Platoon told the Mirror.

The SMFD says it has no further information on the incident.

The Santa Monica Police Department and California Highway Patrol assisted in the response.

When asked for more information surrounding to what extend the encampment may have been responsible for the fire, the SMPD directed questions to the CHP, who could not immediately be reached for comment.

A vegetation fire burns near the 10-Freeway in Santa Monica on Monday.

Photo: Citizen App.

November 20 – November 26, 2020

WWW.SMMIRROR.COM

3

Store Hours: November 23-25 Senior Hour: 7am-8am • General Public: 8am-9pm Thanksgiving Day Hours: Senior Hour: 7am-8am • General Public: 8am-5pm November 20 - December 2 Senior Hour: 8am-9am • General Public: 9am-9pm

Delivery Hours: 7am – 3pm Call or E-mail before 2pm for same day delivery!

Not Available Sundays Curbside pick-up available 9am-5pm Daily (310) 452-2493

Prices valid while supplies last.

Prices Valid November 19th - December 2nd, 2020

FEATURED THIS WEEK!

NATURAL ORGANIC SPECIALTY

SERVICE DELI

SWANSON CHICKEN, BEEF, AND VEGETABLE BROTH

LEAN CORNED BEEF $ .99

13

Sliced to Order

lb.

FUJI APPLES

Product of USA

32 fl. oz.

2

$ .99

MUENSTER CHEESE $ .99

PINEAPPLE

Product of Mexico

99

89

1

¢

lb.

6

$ .49

each

FULL SERVICE MEATS USDA Prime

USDA Choice

T-BONE OR PORTERHOUSE STEAK

AMERICAN LEG OF LAMB

Hand Trimmed

Whole or Half

23

$

9

.99 lb.

TILLAMOOK

5.99

PICK OF THE WEEK WINE & BEER

Candadian Farm Raised

Heineken Beer

ATLANTIC SALMON FILLET

13

$

lb.

GIRARD’S

Salad Dressing 12 oz.

Assorted Varieties

3.99

$

.99 +tax and

Laugner Crement D’Alsace

Catch of the Week!

.99

16

$

12/12 oz.

Bottles

SPARKLING ROSE

.99

lb.

LOW PRICES FOR YOUR EVERYDAY NEEDS

Extra Creamy Butter One Pound Regular or Unsalted

$

$

+CRV

Save $3

16.99

$

+tax

CA’D’ORO

MRS. CUBBISON’S

BREYERS

9.75 oz.

Delivered Daily!

Assorted Varieties

48 oz.

Assorted Flavors

Artisan Baguette

3.29

$

Product of USA

1

$ .79

Party Pack!

$ .19

lb.

GREEN KALE

24 Rolls / 24 oz.

Product of USA

¢

lb.

KING’S HAWAIIAN ROLLS

FRESH SPINACH

Product of Costa Rica

lb.

BAKERY

FARM FRESH PRODUCE

ITALIAN SQUASH

6

Sliced to Order

1

$ .99

Stuffing 10 oz. - 12 oz.

2.99

$

Ice Cream

5.99

$

each

HOT FOODS

BOB’S HOLIDAY HEADQUARTERS! Serving freshly prepared individual holiday meals with all the fixings!

Available only Wednesday, November 25th and Thursday, November 26th.

1650 Ocean Park Blvd. Santa Monica 90405

Corner of 17th St. & Ocean Park Blvd. • www.bobsmkt.com

4

WWW.SMMIRROR.COM

November 20 – November 26, 2020

Free COVID-19 Antibody Donate to Virginia Avenue Park Holiday Food Pantry Test in Santa Monica to Support Santa Monica November 19-21 at Calvary Baptist Families in Need Church of Santa Monica

A Santa Monica church is pairing up with a non-profit charity to provide free COVID-19 antibody tests.

Calvary Baptist Church of Santa Monica is

parenting with GUARDaHEART Foundation to offer no-cost COVID-19 antibody testing to the community on November 19-21 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

The event will take place at Cavalry Baptist Church at 1502 20th Street, Santa Monica, CA, 90404. Participants are told to park in the church parking lot and follow the posted signage.

While walk-ins are available, event organizers are urging people to make an appointment beforehand. Registration can be done at www.

GuardaHeart.orgorhttps://app.smartsheet.com/b/ form/1daf38073da34d758a930e7722c6df8f.

In business since 1984

Keeping your house beautiful for over 30 year!

• RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • Family Owned • Los Angeles and Santa Monica

CALL TODAY FOR FREE ESTIMATE!

310.569.6265

City attempting to raise $60K

By Staff Writer

The holiday season is a time of giving, especially amidst the ongoing health pandemic.

The City of Santa Monica needs help to raise $30,000 to support Santa Monica families experiencing food insecurity through the end of the year. The Food Pantry at Virginia Avenue Park has sustained 300 local families throughout the pandemic and now the City is asking the community to help reach even more Santa Monicans during the holiday season when pennies are being stretched even further.

Every $30 donation feeds a family of four for one week, and a $100 donation supports a family for the entire month of December through our Holiday Food Pantry at Virginia Avenue Park.

“The holidays are a time to show our care and support for families that are finding it harder to make ends meet during the pandemic,” said Interim City Manager Lane Dilg. “We are

grateful to anyone who leans into the We Are Santa Monica spirit of giving through this Food Pantry donation drive.”

To donate visit calfund.org/wearesantamonica and select HOLIDAY FOOD PANTRY under Area of Support.

For more information about how to access the weekly food pantry services at Virginia Avenue Park, please call (424) 410-1354 or (310) 4588688.

Interested in volunteering this holiday season?

There are many ways to safely get involved and give back to the community. To learn more, visit https://www.santamonica.gov/blog/Donate-andVolunteer-to-Give-Back-this-Holiday-Season.

November 20 – November 26, 2020

WWW.SMMIRROR.COM

5

Santa Monica to Provide Thanksgiving Groceries to 1,430+ Food-Insecure Students and Families SMC Foundation has raised $35,460 of the $50,000 toward charity event

By Staff Writer

Santa Monica College (SMC), the SMC Foundation, the City of Santa Monica (through its “We are Santa Monica” initiative), Boys and Girls Club of Santa Monica, and Community Corporation of Santa Monica will be giving away free Thanksgiving groceries to over 1,430 families and students in need.

“Giving Thanks(giving)” 2020’s recipients are required to register in advance; they

will receive the makings of a complete Thanksgiving meal, including fresh turkeys, produce, dinner rolls, non-alcoholic beverages and a pumpkin pie.

The SMC Foundation has raised $35,460 of the $50,000 fundraising goal on behalf of all event partners. To donate, go to santamonicacollege.org/thanksgiving.

“This Thanksgiving is like no other. Santa Monica College students have been struggling with food insecurity. Students in need of assistance include foster youth, Veterans, DREAMers, disabled, and single parents living at or below the poverty line,” reads the Foundation’s website. “Please help us ensure they can share a delicious, bountiful Thanksgiving Feast with their family or friends.”

THE BEST CANCER THERAPY YOU’VE NEVER HEARD OF

• Hyperthermia Naturally Heats Tumors • Studies Show Significantly Increased Survival Rates and Response to Treatment • Typically Minimal or No Side Effects • FDA-Approved for all Solid Tumors • Covered by Medicare and Many Insurances

Mugging at Santa Monica CVS, from page 1 local area hospital and the suspect Hamilton was placed under arrest and transported to the SMPD jail and booked for felony elder abuse and held on $56,000 bail.

The friend of the victim says the hospital stay lasted four-five hours and that the victim is now at home.

This is the second recent attack on a senior citizen at a Santa Monica business. On Friday, November 6 at around 5:22 p.m., SMPD officers responded to the Pavilions parking lot at 815 Montana Avenue regarding a purse snatch robbery that left a 77-year-old woman injured.

(888) 580-5900 www.HCIoncology.com

Steven Hamilton.

Photos: SMPD

2001 Santa Monica Blvd., Suite 1190W, Santa Monica, CA 90404

6

WWW.SMMIRROR.COM

November 20 – November 26, 2020

Saving Our History Building

Photo: National Archives and Records Administration

OPINION

Santa Monica High School’s History Building, circa mid-century.

SMa.r.t.

Santa Monica Architects for a Responsible Tomorrow

SMart has always looked for ways to do more with less and to live within our means on our way to a truly sustainable City. One way to do this is to try to recycle or reuse as much as possible everything from beverage containers to cars to entire buildings.

Recycling entire buildings can involve picking them apart and reusing their constituents such as their beams and lumber, regrinding their concrete and stripping their copper plumbing and wiring. But a more productive way is to keep the building substantially intact and repurpose it for a new use. This process has many names, but typically it goes under the label of adaptive reuse which can involve selective demolition of some parts, adding to others, and even relocating the entire building in some cases.

But in all cases, the idea is to preserve as much as possible the embodied energy, materials and labor that went into the original building. This in turn produces cost savings and does not waste the originally construction-produced greenhouse gases the

are currently causing our global warming, nor does it double the amount of those deadly gases by total demolition and reconstruction.

Finally adaptively reusing a building saves months, even years, of construction disruption particularly in the middle of a high school campus that has already endured years of construction chaos.

Our School District, facing all the limitations of a shrinking student population, of ballooning pensions, of a pending divorce with Malibu, and of the current Covid 19 educational disaster, needs to become incredibly frugal as now is not the time for unnecessary spending. Fortunately, it now be both frugal and more effective by adaptively reusing one of its major high school buildings.

Located on top of Prospect Hill, the highest point of the high school campus, the History Building is now facing the wrecking ball that has been crashing through the entire campus for the last decade. The District, unfortunately, not only wants to destroy this important building and its flanking structures but also to level Prospect Hill destroying the essential geography of the campus and its visual link to Santa Monica’s raison d’etre, the sea.

This is an important historical 83 year old keystone for the entire campus that fans out around it. For more historical details please see:

https://www.smconservancy.org/2020/11/ the-historic-academic-core-buildings-ofsamohi-on-top-of-prospect-hill/. Suffice it to say, it played a significant role when it was completed in 1937, symbolizing the high school’s rebirth after the 1934 earthquake had destroyed the previous building on the same spot, thus requiring the students to spend 3 years in tents. Tough then, but probably more fun than zoom classes today?

In addition, since every student going to Samo High, in the last 8 decades, had classes in that building, it has concrete meaning for the 50,000 Samo alumni. Finally, it has figured prominently in many films including Rebel Without a Cause further cementing our relationship with Hollywood and its cultural touchstones. For these reasons, 2500 residents and counting have already signed a petition for the School District to reconsider the proposed demolition and to see if the building could be adaptively reused.

Therefore, the School Board should hire a qualified preservation architect to see how it could be reused. This should not be a person biased toward new construction, but an experienced analyst with creative capacities.

There will be resistance of course. We will be told that the room sizes are somehow not right for today’s teaching, that walls can’t be moved, that design money has already been

spent, that the construction managers that paid for the campaign to pass the school bonds now want their payback, that delays are intolerable, etc. etc.. But really the discussion will come down to money. Somewhere on the order of approximately $150 million of your taxes has been budgeted for this endeavor. What if we could get all that same classroom area for half this cost and half the construction time including better insulation, better wiring and efficient lighting and soundproofing, more ecological heating and cooling, solar collectors and storage, and countless other improvements needed for the classrooms of the future?

Such a saving, if attainable, would put $1630 in the pocket of every man, woman and child of our city without even counting the bond interest. However, in the unlikely event that the adaptive reuse remodel costs exactly the same as the new construction (with all the traditional cost overruns of public works), it would still save months maybe years of construction time compared to leveling a hill and starting over, not to mention avoiding all that dust, noise and globally fatal released green house gases.

Note that the bonds have already been approved for this project. However, if the

SMART, see page 7

November 20 – November 26, 2020

WWW.SMMIRROR.COM

7

SMART, from page 6 funds are not yet spent, you don’t have to pay for them and they could be stockpiled or used on other improvements that will certainly be required on other Santa Monica Schools or after another certainly up coming major earthquake such as the ones this building has already survived in 1971 and 1994.

Every significant educational institution evolves over time, but each good one also keeps its legacy buildings to fix its historical continuity to past and future generations. We all stand on the metaphorical shoulders of those who taught us, just as we are teaching those who will come after us. Our school’s buildings manifest this fundamental optimistic progress particularly in these times of a national crisis of confidence. Cutting off your past is not the right lesson to inspire our students who face a very uncertain future. We study history to learn from it. It would be ironic and tragic if we cannot save even the history building that most specifically teaches how our ancestors elegantly survived the ravages of another national disaster, the Great Depression.

Survivability is the most important and useful lesson we can teach. Let’s teach it right by saving the History Building.

Write to the school board today at brd@ smmusd.org and attend their zoom meeting https://www.smmusd.org/Page/5456 typically on the first and third Thursday of the month.

By SMart 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

Santa Monica High School’s History Building present-day.

Safety Commission, Samuel Tolkin Architect, Mario Fonda-Bonardi, AIA, Planning

Commissioner, Marc Verville CPA Inactive

Photo: Sam Catanzaro

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

8

WWW.SMMIRROR.COM

November 20 – November 26, 2020

SMC Maintains 30 Year Run Strek as No. 1 Transfer College to UC System SMC sent 1,197 students to UC campuses in prior academic year

By Staff Writer

Santa Monica College (SMC) has maintained a record 30-year consecutive streak as the No.1 transfer college to the University of California (UC) system, according to 20192020 transfer data released recently by the UC Information Center.

SMC sent 1,197 students to UC campuses in the prior academic year—371 more than the No.2 feeder college.

“For three decades, Santa Monica College has upheld a record of the highest distinction— this points to the steadfast dedication of the college’s educators and counselors, but most of all, to the resilience and potential of SMC transfer students,” SMC Superintendent/ President Dr. Kathryn E. Jeffery said. “This college has always strived to leave no stone unturned to create the most comprehensive student support system possible so that students can meet their personal transfer and career goals. We look forward to continuing and growing this culture of excellence!”

SMC also maintained the No. 1 spot for African American and Chicanx/Latinx transfers to the UC, and remains the leading transfer college to the University of Southern

California (USC) and Loyola Marymount University (LMU). The college is also the top feeder west of the Mississippi to the Ivy League Columbia University.

A few highlights from SMC’s 2019-2020 transfer numbers: • Out of 1,197 Santa Monica Collegeto-UC transfers were 234 Chicanx/ Latinx students and 58 African American students. UCLA continued to be the most popular destination for SMC students: 464 of them headed to the Westwood campus, followed by UC Irvine which welcomed 200 SMC transfers.

• SMC ranked second in total combined transfers to the UC and California State University (CSU) system, with 2,288 students combined heading to UC and CSU campuses.

• According to fall 2020 data, SMC had more students enrolled at Loyola Marymount University than any other community college: 75 transfers.

• Out of 1,447 students in USC’s fall 2019 entering transfer class, Santa Monica College had 149 students—more than any other sending institution—while the second-highest feeder college sent 85.

“The 2019-2020 academic year has been like no other,” SMC’s Interim Transfer Center Faculty Leader Sara Nieves-Lucas said.

“Despite starting the year strong we were soon faced with a worldwide pandemic. The SMC Transfer Team—Dr. Janet Robinson, Maria Bonin, and Erika Knox—resolved to ensure

that we provide the services SMC’s students are used to. Since they couldn’t come to campus for the many transfer workshops, we brought those workshops into their homes. We are so proud of our students, their resilience, and motivation! They did not let the pandemic stand in the way of their goals.”

SMC’s Transfer Center holds the largest college fair in California. In light of the social distancing conditions due to COVID-19, the college held a virtual fair on Oct. 15, 2020, one of a handful of colleges to organize one this fall. There were 217 college/university booths with 922 students in attendance.

The Transfer Admission Guarantees (TAGs) offered at SMC provide guaranteed admission for students who meet specific

requirements to several universities including Loyola Marymount University, Arizona State University (ASU), and many Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), among others.

The college’s Scholars Program prepares enrolled and eligible students for rigorous upper-division coursework through smaller classes taught by highly recommended faculty, coupled with intensive counseling and support. Scholars students receive priority consideration for admissions through special transfer agreements with The UCLA College of Letters and Science (Transfer Alliance Program), UC Irvine, Loyola Marymount University, to name a few.

Plans call for a 12-story senior housing project with three levels of subterranean parking. The project calls for 53 independent dwelling units, 77 assisted living guest rooms and 46 memory care guest rooms. The ground floor will include amenity spaces such as an indoor pool and a screening room. The top floor will include a dining room, lounge, great room, bistro, gym and outdoor terraces.

The proposal also calls for a two-story education center to include preschool, toddler and infant classrooms with supporting administrative spaces and play areas. Church offices for the adjacent Westwood Presbyterian Church and Sunday school education spaces including a children’s classroom with breakout spaces will be provided on the upper level.

12-Story Senior Housing Center Planned for Westwood Belmont Village project to go before Westwood Design Review Board

By Sam Catanzaro Renderings of the Belmont Village project.

A 12-story, 153-foot-tall, senior housing project is in the works for Westwood.

The project, known as Belmont Village, is planned for 10822 Wilshire Boulevard in Westwood.

New renderings of the project will be presented on November 18 to the Westwood Design Review Board.

Photos: Shimahara

November 20 – November 26, 2020

WWW.SMMIRROR.COM

9

Is There Anything to be Grateful For in 2020?

2020 has been quite a year. Horrific fires, tumultuous riots, never-before-seen business closures, record unemployment, a major increase in homelessness, and the deadly Covid 19 Virus, which created major lockdowns, school closings, overfilled hospitals, banned church worship, and took our loved ones. And let’s not forget the elections that have passionately, even violently, split our nation.

Not to mention the less important things we took for granted, like getting a haircut, a mani/ pedi, eyelash, eyebrow and hair removal treatments, gyms, personal trainers, dinners at our favorite restaurants. Even dating changed. (I take the words “less important” back – I really missed these services, especially dating!)

How can anyone have gratitude what’s happening this year? We’re frightened, worried, depressed, anxious, lonely, can’t sleep, running out of money, gaining unwanted weight, and got further hooked on the TV and internet.

Thanksgiving is just days away. It’s my favorite holiday, and I was feeling sorry for myself, realizing that I will have to spend Thanksgiving by myself.

After pondering this further, I realized that in every situation, one can find gratitude. I switched gears and began to focus on gratitude. I looked up the word.

Gratitude: A warm feeling of thankfulness towards the world, or towards specific individuals.

The person who feels gratitude is thankful for what they have, and does not constantly seek more.

I began to feel guilty after reading the definition.

Do I have warm feelings of thankfulness to the world or individuals? Hell yes! I began to write the warm feelings of gratitude down. Here are a few: I am thankful I live in a beautiful safe neighborhood with amazing neighbors – thank you Maria, Lark, Martha. You are amazing!

I’m thankful for our “little family” – we gather to celebrate each other’s birthdays, major milestones and just because. Thank you Dienna, Gen, Baby Emi and Laurel! So much support from you all. I am blessed.

I am thankful I was able to rescue my pup Zoey, 8 years ago. She is the love of my life, and loves me unconditionally. It would be so hard to live without her.

I am thankful for my (dwindling) retirement account. I haven’t even retired yet, but I am so grateful that I can use the money to live on, since my PR business is almost nonexistent at the moment.

I am extremely grateful to Zoom. It has allowed me to tap into daily yoga gatherings, weight lifting sessions, meetings with my fellow board members from various non-profit and civic organizations.

Thank you Jane for your daily commitment to us.

You are my angel.

I am grateful that during the lockdown I cooked much more, perfecting my baked chicken recipes, apple pie, salad combinations and friend’s recipes.

But most of all, just this week, I found out who I really am. I suggest others find out who they really are, it’s so freeing, and allows me to move forward in my life. It’s a great feeling.

I invite you to take a moment and write down all the things you are grateful for. My list is just the beginning.

Have a joyous, safe Thanksgiving!

Commercial and Residential Servicing Southern California since 1996

NEW CONSTRUCTION AND REPAIRS WATERPROOFING GUTTERS

Over 20 years of Experience!

Factory Certified Installers All work is done safely and under state COVID 19 Regulations 5843 Fallbrook Ave. Woodland Hills, CA. 91367 Photo: Getty Images

“Thanksgiving is just days away. It’s my favorite holiday, and I was feeling sorry for myself, realizing that I will have to spend Thanksgiving by myself. After pondering this further, I realized that in every situation, one can find gratitude. I switched gears and began to focus on gratitude. I looked up the word,” writes Barbara Bishop in her latest Hot Flash column

818-835-9337

10

WWW.SMMIRROR.COM

Serving Area since 1996

November 20 – November 26, 2020

Paul Bettany Gives a Stirring Performance in Alan Ball’s “Uncle Frank” - on Amazon

Locally Owned Business

SPECIALIZING IN:

• Garage Conversion/ADU • Bathroom Remodel • Kitchen Remodel • Interior and Exterior Design

Living with the harsh reality that the United States Supreme Court is the most conservative since the 1930’s, we are faced with the possibility of reversal of protections – from healthcare to environmental. In that regard, Alan Ball’s compelling Uncle Frank couldn’t be timelier, as it’s a reminder of the harsh laws that governed alternative lifestyles and the severe consequences of getting caught. That said, although Ball’s script deals with a very serious subject, there are plenty of amusing moments.

Set in 1973, Uncle Frank is a family drama told through the eyes of young Beth Bledsoe, wonderfully played by Sophia Lillis. She lives in Creekville, South Carolina where her grandfather Daddy Mac, played by Stephen Root, is the strict patriarch at its head. Beth has been accepted by New York University, where her Uncle Frank, beautifully characterized by Paul Bettany, is a highly respected professor of literature and has avoided family visits for decades. From his remarks, it is clear that her grandfather does not like his son. Beth doesn’t understand this as she finds her uncle to be the most interesting member of the family. He encourages her to reach her goals and in an intimate conversation, promises that he will always be there for her. What she is about to find out is that her uncle is gay and created an acceptable heterosexual lifestyle story for the family. At college, Beth becomes friends with Bruce, a duplicitous young man played by Colton Ryan who, although virgin Beth would like to have sex with him, he declines. She surprises Frank by showing up at his office with Bruce who

she introduces as her boyfriend. Frank is happy to see her, but is swamped with work so the visit is short. Beth finds out that her uncle is having a party and decides to show up with Bruce. Frank’s lover Wally (Walid,) tenderly played by Peter Macdissi, opens the door and introduces himself as her uncle’s roommate. Bruce finds the professor sitting on the fire escape smoking and offers a sex act. Irritated, Frank tells him to get lost and warns Beth about whom Bruce really is. It is during this visit that Frank reveals his true identity to his niece. Shortly after the party, Frank’s father dies but he is reluctant to go to the funeral. He knows his father has despised him since he was a teenager when he caught him in bed with a boy named Sam, played by Michael Perez. Wally encourages his partner to attend the funeral and to use that time to “come out of the closet.” Wally wants to go with him but Frank says that’s a bad idea.

In the meantime, Beth’s parents Kitty (Judy Greer) and Mike (Steve Zahn) won’t allow her to fly home, so it becomes a fun road trip between uncle and niece. She is curious and wants to know if he ever kissed a girl and when he knew he was gay. It became clear to him when he was 16. In a flashback, he and Sam are swimming in a lake and have their first kiss. Despite telling Wally that he cannot attend the funeral, he follows them down and they run into each other at a gas station.

Frank is upset and asks him why he didn’t respect his wishes, to which he replied, “I brought you a razor and a tie.” Frank’s car breaks down so the three of them wind up in Wally’s convertible. It’s a long drive from Manhattan to Creekville so they decide to overnight in a motel. Frank tells his partner

Paul Bettany, see page 11

• With you from Concept to Completion, 100% of the way • All work is done safely and under state COVID 19 Regulations • Superior Quality and Craftsmanship, Attention to Detail, Integrity and Care

818-518-3131

Photo: Courtesy of Amazon Original

A professor of literature, Frank (Paul Betanny) relaxes by reading a book.

November 20 – November 26, 2020

WWW.SMMIRROR.COM

Documentary- Not Officially Rated (Rated Age 10+ by Common Sense Media) 97 Minutes Released November 13th on Hulu

FILM REVIEW: “I AM GRETA”

BEHIND THE SCREEN

By Kathryn Whitney Boole Now age 17, Greta Thunberg has achieved one of the highest honors in the world. She was named Time Magazine Person of the Year for 2019. Regardless of your views on Climate Change, the documentary I Am Greta highlights certain truths that apply to all humanity. This documentary was shot from May to December 2019 in a straightforward style. It will fill you in on how a teenager has been able to make such a mark on the world.

Greta was born January 3, 2003. Her parents noticed behavioral differences as she grew older. She was diagnosed with Aspergers Syndrome, a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by inhibited social instincts, communication difficulty, repetitive patterns in behavior and interests, yet relatively unimpaired intelligence. She has a photographic memory. Many now call Aspergers a “difference” rather than a “disease.” The modern concept of the syndrome only came into existence in 1981.

Thunberg does not view her Aspergers as a disadvantage. She calls it her “Superpower.”

She is able to focus with clear eyes, full heart (to recall Friday Night Lights) on reversing Climate Change.

Greta first began to understand Climate Change in 2011 when she was 8 years old.

After doing research, she became so depressed that she stopped eating, losing 22 pounds. At first her parents did not support her activism.

They reluctantly agreed to let her leave school on a Friday and do a personal Climate Strike in front of Swedish Parliament. They began to realize that when she was at home or school she was depressed, emotional and angry. When she was enacting her strike, she was happy. Her Mom and Dad could see the power that her single-minded vision provided to fight a major world problem.

11

Greta’s message is loud and clear. It’s too easy to shirk responsibility when your daily life is so cluttered you can’t stop to peruse an idea or notice the beauty around you. Her Aspergers allows her to reason more clearly than most of us. She has displayed incredible courage in confronting critics and standing up publicly for her cause. It’s hard enough when you are perceived to be different. In addition to that, she is young, she is female and she is 4’10” tall. That stacks the odds against her on being taken seriously. She has beaten them all.

“I was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome, OCD and Selective Mutism. That means basically I only speak when I think it’s necessary. Now is one of those moments.” – Greta Thunberg 2018 Greta has a point. We must “clean up our room,” Planet Earth, before our next generations are forced to look for alternative housing elsewhere in the universe. We are serial hoarders of dangerous trash when it comes to our lifestyles.

Her sudden rise to fame has made Greta both a celebrity and a target for criticism.

Upon being mocked by a certain world leader, she responded, “It’s quite hilarious when the only thing people can do is mock you, or talk about your appearance or personality, as it means they have no argument or nothing to say.” One thing you can’t dispute is that the way Greta’s brain works has allowed her to be laser focused, or you might say obsessed, with one subject. Her extraordinary intelligence has opened her eyes to the minute details of the state of the climate on our planet, and she has the courage to face the changes we need to make to save it. How many of you can say you have that kind of vision and clarity?

“We can’t just continue living as if there was no tomorrow, because there is a tomorrow…that is all we are saying,” – Greta Thunberg 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

Paul Bettany, from page 10 that they cannot share a room. “We could go to prison if we’re caught.” In one amusing scene, the desk clerk at the motel demands to know the relationship between them and after answering to her satisfaction, she insists the young girl must have her own room, which leaves the two guys to share a room. But being closeted isn’t the only challenge Frank faces, as it appears he is also a recovering alcoholic. Faced with the prospects of being with his family, he starts drinking again, which is of grave concern to Wally who says, “I won’t go through it again.” After the funeral, there are flashbacks and one where Frank’s father catches him in bed with Sam and tells him, “You can’t see that boy again.

If you do, I’ll kill both of you.” The rest of the film focuses on Frank’s grappling with

Beth Bledsoe played by Sophia Lillis has a crush on Bruce, played by Colton Ryan.

(Seated) Daddy Mac, played by Stephen Root with young Frank, played by Michael Perez.

his demons and an event that further cements his father’s contempt for him.

Director Ball’s brilliant script, nicely captured on camera by Khalid Mohtaseb, underscored by Nathan Barr’s music, has skillfully revealed the horrors of being gay

in that era without beating you over the head.

It’s deft story telling and Bettany’s exquisite characterization of Frank is Oscar-worthy as is Sophia Lillis’ portrayal of Beth and Peter Macdissi’s Wally. The rest of the excellent cast includes, Lois Smith, Margo Martindale,

L-R: Beth (Sophia Lillis,) Uncle Frank (Paul Bettany) and Wally (Peter Macdiss) having fun on their road trip.

Jane McNeil, Caity Brewer, Hannah Black, Burgess Jenkins, Zach Sturm, Britt Rentschler, Alan Campell, and Cole Doman.

“Uncle Frank” Where: Amazon When: November 26, 2020 Running Time: 95 Minutes MPAA Rating: R

12

WWW.SMMIRROR.COM

November 20 – November 26, 2020

SANTA MONICA COLLEGE

Get ahead this 2021 Complete a full-credit class in just 6 weeks.

Winter classes start Jan 4 smc.edu/winter

SANTA MONICA COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT BOARD OF TRUSTEES Dr. Nancy Greenstein, Chair; Dr. Susan Aminoff, Vice Chair; Dr. Louise Jaffe; Dr. Margaret Quiñones-Perez; Rob Rader; Dr. Sion Roy; Barry A. Snell; Joshua Elizondo, Student Trustee; Kathryn E. Jeffery, Ph.D., Superintendent/President Santa Monica College | 1900 Pico Blvd. Santa Monica, CA 90405 | smc.edu