S A N TA M O N I C A
INSIDE Up Close and Personal With Estonian Director Tanel Toom
REFLECTING THE CONCERNS OF THE COMMUNITY smmirror.com
PAGE 15
December 13 – 19, 2019 Volume XXII, Issue 21
Unprovoked Attack on Senior Occurs Near Reed Park Joseph Jean Gilbert arrested for unprovoked attack on 87-year-old resident. By Sam Catanzaro
Photo: Santa Monica Police Department.
Joseph Jean Gilbert. Note: The Santa Monica Police Department says that Gilbert was found with the blood pictured on his face and that the blood is not the result of his arrest.
Elder abuse charges have been filed against a man suspected of attacking an 87-yearold Santa Monica resident last weekend on Wilshire Boulevard near Reed Park. According to Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) Lieutenant Candice Cobarrubias, on December 7, 2019 at approximately 12:25 pm, officers responded to the area of 1100 block of 7th Street for an assault on an elderly male. “A male subject struck an elderly male in
the face causing significant facial trauma. The attack was unprovoked,” Cobarrubias said. According to a post on Facebook Group Residocracy Santa Monica, the victim is an 87-year-old, long time retired resident, Dr. R.L. Wong. After having coffee outside the Coffee Bean on 9th and Wilshire, Wong was walking westbound on the north side of Wilshire Blvd between 11:15 and 11:30 a.m. After he crossed Lincoln, while next to Reed Park, Wong was allegedly punched by the suspect. The suspect fled and Wong kept walking and filed a police report around an hour after the attack. According to the post, Wong lost 2-3 teeth in the attack, had his upper dentures split in half and suffered a swollen face, split upper lip and severe bleeding. Wong is now in stable condition with five stitches, bruises but no brain or bone injuries. According to the SMPD, the suspect, Jo-
Reed Park in Santa Monica.
Photo: Google
seph Jean Gilbert, was later found by officers in the area of 800 block of Ocean in Palisades Park and taken into custody without incident and arrested for 368 (B)(1) PC – Elder Abuse. On December 10, the Los Angeles District Attorney filed one count of Elder Abuse against Gilbert. Bail has been set at $50,000.
Airbnb Must Remove Illegal Santa Monica Listings Airbnb, City of Santa Monica come to a compliance agreement By Sam Catanzaro The City of Santa Monica and vacation rental platform Airbnb have come to an agreement intended to ensure all of the company’s listings comply with the City’s short-term rental laws, which are some of the strictest in the country. “After years of uncertainty for our host community in Santa Monica, the new settlement agreement provides our hosts the clarity they need to continue sharing their homes,” said Matt Middlebrook, Airbnb’s Head of Public Policy in California. Under the agreement, announced Tuesday, Airbnb will remove illegal short-term rental listings upon City notice, monitor and remove multiple listings that exceed the City’s
Photo: Councilmember Mike Bonin.
home-sharing limit and collect and pay a $2 per night to help support affordable housing in Santa Monica. “We now can better protect real permanent homes, especially our affordable rent-controlled apartments, from being used as de facto hotel rooms, displacing our neighbors,” said Santa
Monica City Councilmember Kevin McKeown. Santa Monica has some of the strictest homeshare regulations in the United States, outlawing rentals of whole houses to tourists and travelers for under 30 days. In addition, vacation-rental hosts in Santa Monica can only rent individual rooms to guests and must be present in the residence throughout the entire stay and hosts cannot have more than one listing at a time. The City of Santa Monica and Airbnb began negotiating an agreement in August when the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit reaffirmed its rejection of Airbnb, Inc. and Homeaway.com’s challenge to the City’s home-sharing ordinance, which penalizes the online platforms for unlawfully booking shortterm vacation rentals of unlicensed properties in Santa Monica. The vacation-rental companies argued that the City’s ordinance ran afoul of the Communications Decency Act and the First Amendment because it required the platforms to monitor the content of third-party listings on their sites
and remove listings for unlicensed properties. A panel of the Ninth Circuit rejected this argument finding that the Ordinance only “prohibits processing transactions for unregistered properties” and does not proscribe, mandate, or even discuss the content of the listings that the Platforms display on their websites. It requires only that transactions involve licensed properties.” “We have fervently defended our ordinance and are pleased to reach a settlement with Airbnb that creates a workable system that aligns with our goal of protecting the City’s housing supply,” said City Attorney Lane Dilg. “This agreement with Airbnb will make the City’s enforcement efforts less costly and more effective; most importantly, it will preserve housing for our residents. This is a positive outcome for Santa Monica.” According to the City, there are currently 351 registered home-shares in the city with Airbnb accounting for a large majority of the listings. Last month, Airbnb and the City of Los Angeles came to a similar agreement intended to bolster compliance with LA’s regulations.
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Second Arrest in Oct. Pier Pepper Spray Attack Santa Monica police arrest Joseph Krongchana. By Sam Catanzaro A second man involved in a pepper spray attack during an altercation between Trump and anti-Trump protestors on the Santa Monica Pier in October has been arrsted, authorities have announced. On October 19, 2019, at approximately 1:20 pm, officers working the Pier observed a fight between two groups of protestors. One of the protestors, later identified as David Dempsy, dispersed a canister of bear repellent into the crowd.
Numerous protestors and non-involved pier patrons were affected by the chemical. Following a rally organized by Refuse Fascism calling for President Trump and Vice President Mike Pence to be removed from office, a group of Trump supporters followed the protesters to the pier. The groups exchanged insults for around 10 minutes, according to the Los Angeles Times, before shoving one another and yelling obscenities. That’s when Dempsey and another man pulled out the bear repellant, video shows. As seen in a YouTube video posted by Be Less Stupid, Dempsey wearing a red “Make America Great Again” hat, and a second individual sprayed protestors with bear repellent who had marched onto the Pier. According to the SMPD, the two men
dispersed the pepper spray in "indiscriminate directions" Police cornered Dempsey soon after the incident and detained him near the police substation on the Pier. Dempsey was arrested and charged with one felony count of use of tear gas and one misdemeanor count of unlawful tear gas activity. During the investigation, the second subject was identified as Joseph Krongchana a 43-yearold San Gabriel resident. On December 6, 2019, Santa Monica Detectives served a search warrant at Krongchana’s home. During the search, evidence was recovered, which included chemical spray canisters similar to what was used on the Pier. Krongchana was arrested and transported to the SMPD Jail and arrested for 22810(G)(1) PC – Use or Possession of Tear Gas.
Photo: Santa Monica Police Department
Joseph Krongchana
SMPD Describe Another Attack on Elderly Resident Elderly female victim knocked unconscious last month By Sam Catanzaro Over the weekend, an 87-year-old man was the victim of an unprovoked attack near Santa Monica’s Reed Park with police later arresting a suspect. Now the Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) has announced that they
have arrested another man suspected of knocking unconscious an elderly female resident last month in a separate incident. According to the SMPD, on November 16, 2019, around 6 p.m., officers responded to a radio call of a brutal assault that just occurred on a sidewalk in the 2100 block of 7th Street, a few blocks south of San Monica High School. “An elderly female was followed while walking home from a local grocery store. Once the woman was off the main street, the suspect grabbed the victim from behind, took her to the ground and began to vio-
RON WYNN
lently strangle her causing her to lose consciousness multiple times during the attack. A random car driving by caused the suspect to stop his attack and flee,” said SMPD Lieutenant Candice Cobarrubias. After canvassing the neighborhood and reviewing surveillance videos from the area, the Santa Monica Criminal Investigations Division was able to identify the suspect as Kenneth Jordan Wilburn (11/21/91), a Sacramento resident. On December 3, 2019, Wilburn was taken into custody by the Santa Monica Police Department with the assistance of the Sacramento
Police Department. Wilburn is being held on $60,000 bail. He is currently awaiting transport back to Los Angeles for the court proceedings. The SMPD is seeking the public’s help in identifying any additional victims of similar assaults and those with information to share are encouraged to contact Detective Nicole Murphy at 310-458-8941 or the Watch Commander at 310-458-8427. The news of Wilburn’s arrest comes just days after an 87-year-old resident was attacked unprovoked by a man while walking by Reed Park on Wilshire Boulevard in Santa Monica
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Do you know your home’s value? Visit bhhscalifornia.com ©2019 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties (BHHSCP) is a member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates LLC. BHH Affiliates LLC and BHHSCP do not guarantee accuracy of all data including measurements, conditions, and features of property. Information is obtained from various sources and will not be verified by broker or MLS. Sellers will entertain and respond to all offers within this range. Buyer is advised to independently verify the accuracy of that information.
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December 13 – 19, 2019
OPINION
Rising Waters and Five Suggestions SMa.r.t. Santa Monica Architects for a Responsible Tomorrow
[Nearly four year ago, our colleague Mario Fonda-Bonardi prepared this cogent overview of the local impacts of sea-level rise. It’s as urgent and relevant today as it was then, if not more so.] Dr. David Revell recently gave a presentation outlining what sea level rise might mean for Santa Monica. With the usual disclaimers about the uncertainty of all predictive modeling, he suggested that oceanographers are predicting
for Santa Monica Bay a 2- to 5-foot rise by the year 2100. This range is not unusual since globally we are seeing a 1-inch rise per year while in Santa Monica Bay the rise has only been about one-eighth of an inch per year. This discrepancy cannot endure for long, so sometime in the coming decades we might see a sudden increase in the size of our own sea level rise (rises of up to 7 inches per year have been recorded in past geologic time). Please note that the projected sea level rise will not come to a screeching halt in 2100. Some studies (New York Times, March 30) suggest we may see an additional 5-foot rise from 2100 to 2150. Although a one-eighth-inch rise per year now may sound trivial, the real punch comes when
THE 6 STRESSFUL STAGES OF REAL ESTATE TRANSACTION
By Ron Wynn
SMa.r.t., see page 7
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an expert negotiator and has a great track record with this skillset. The more you know about your agent’s track record and the more confident you are, the less stressed you will be during the negotiating process. 5. Clearing contingencies. This can be a very stressful time. Your house is in escrow and you are preparing to move, yet you still know that things can go wrong. A good real estate agent knows how to clear contingencies quickly and will not let things go out of hand. In order to have a non-stressful experience, you need to feel confident your real estate agent is “hands on” and tenacious at clearing contingencies; avoiding extensions and delays. 6. Closing and walkthrough. It is stressful at this time because now you need to get the house all packed up and start thinking about your final move. Not only are you moving out, but you are also moving in to your new place. All the arrangements need to be synchronized. It is important you are not left with one escrow closing, and the other not. There can’t be any last minute flaws or hiccups. Even one trailing document can cause an escrow not to close. Is your real estate agent “hands on” and knowledgeable enough to know how to synchronize your move and make sure everything happens when it is supposed to? Look at their track record and make sure they have a good track record for closing on time and providing their client the necessary time to move out, whether that is a leaseback or complimentary prearranged holdover. Of course selling your home for top dollar seems always to be a homeowner’s top priority, but if you’ve ever endured a transaction before you already know how important it is to have a “hands on” agent in your corner. Stress is rarely dodged 100% but hiring an agent who is a master at “stress management” can be the difference between an enjoyable transaction and the “transaction from hell”. For comment email ron@ronwynn.com
ing lots south of Pico Boulevard. I remember it well; I was a child body-surfing the morning after it hit and had to be rescued by the lifeguards from the excessive undertow it generated. However, if that tsunami were to come ashore along with a 5-foot sea level rise, it could generate a 19-foot wave that would scrub everything clear to the base of the Palisades Park bluff as well as put a dent into the first block south of Ocean Park Boulevard. SMa.r.t. (Santa Monica Architects for a Responsible Tomorrow) has always advocated preparing for tomorrow even if tomorrow is a generation or three away. In the spirit of hoping for the best but being ready for the worst, we recommend the following concrete steps we can take today to be ready for when it inevitably comes: 1. Initiate a study for preserving the pier. The pier is arguably our most iconic asset and deserves the highest level of long term protection. This might involve protecting it by lengthening or raising its breakwater, which will continue to lose its protective capacity. It might involve planning how to physically raise the pier in place. The solution to these questions needs the expertise of marine engineers specializing in such contingent design. Certainly the new bridge access being planned should be designed to accommodate the fact that the pier will probably need to be raised vertically over the next decades. 2. Initiate a long-term study with Caltrans to protect PCH, which will eventually have to be raised higher than its current elevation. Eventually, that raised highway will hit the ceiling of the McClure Tunnel. That choke point, already the scene of innumerable accidents and functioning at limiting capacity (three lanes squeezing down to two in both directions) needs to be reevaluated in light of sea level rise before such speculative plans as the 4th Street crossover, the Wyndham Hotel expansion or covering the freeway are initiated. If we cannot accommodate plans for raising PCH, the Downtown Community Plan should plan now for a tunnel or a highway at grade heading north to Santa Monica Canyon to pick up a raised
S.
Everyone hopes for the perfect real estate transaction. A perfect real estate transaction is one without a single problem from start to finish. Although a good realtor should be able to mitigate most problems, things do come up. Selling a home can be a stressful experience. When you select a real estate agent, one of the most important things to anticipate is, who will be the best and most proactive at mitigating or handling problems before they come up. A real estate transaction can be broken down into 6 stressful stages. 1. Preparing the house for sale. Although some people will sell their home “as is” with no or minimal staging, equally there are situations more advantageous to make some repairs, freshen it up, and stage. A good real estate agent will know how to guide you through the process, without adding stress to your life. If you are still living in your house, it makes it more difficult; especially if you have children and pets. A good real estate agent will guide you through the process and provide recommendations, to keep the process comfortable. 2. Showing the house. Showings can be stressful because a house needs to look good when it is shown, which can be especially challenging if you are still living in your house. You might’ve stayed up late doing homework with your kids or you have a non-cooperative dog. It can be stressful to deal with everything, including cooking and housekeeping, while the house needs to be ready with a moment’s notice. A good real estate agent is able to schedule times that work for you in order to add some comfort to your life. They would have these discussions with you in advance. 3. Qualifying the client. It can be stressful finding out if a client will qualify for a loan, and finding out when a contingent escrow is going to close. A good real estate agent will screen “wild card” offers and present those that are accompanied with preapproval letters and verification of funds. We like to provide offer guidelines in advance allowing people to know exactly what is expected of them to keep positively moving forward. The more information provided and the more communication, the better the chance of a flawless transaction. You need to be confident that your real estate agent is going to bring you qualified people only; not only financially qualified but also people who are emotionally ready to make a big purchase, without getting “cold feet”.. 4. The negotiating process. It can be stressful going through the negotiation process. You may wonder if your real estate agent is prepared to “out-negotiate” the agent on the other side. Is your agent good enough to hold your ground and still not lose a qualified buyer? You must be confident your realtor is
you add this to the typical 7-foot tidal fluctuations plus the 7-foot storm surge by periodic severe storms (in this case, storms of such intensity occur once every 50 years). For example, 33 years ago, in 1983, a putative 50-year storm tore off the western third of the Santa Monica Pier, requiring a multi-million-dollar reconstruction that continues with upgrades to this day. As a corollary, statistically, in the next 17 years, we might face the additional intensity of the so-called 100-year storm that might raise extreme water levels substantially higher than that 1983 storm. If we combine the 100-year storm with only a 3-foot projected sea level rise, we lose the parking lot north of the pier and the lifeguard station headquarters, part of Muscle Beach and about half the bike path north of the pier. Taking it a step further, at a 6-foot sea level rise plus the 100-year storm, we would lose: large buildings along the boardwalk (the Sea Castle, Shutters, Casa del Mar), about half the buildings north of the pier, all the bike path and bathrooms plus virtually all the parking lots. Finally, Pacific Coast Highway would be cut at Channel Road. That level of damage is a serious blow to the tax base of the City and its tourist industry, not to mention the temporary loss of PCH. It’s unclear in this scenario what would happen to the pier. There are other possible, less obvious effects of sea level rise unrelated to storm surge, including the problem of possible saltwater intrusion into our water table, the destabilization of buildings during an earthquake due to an enlarged liquefaction zone and possible basement flooding from a raised water table. Finally, we need to add to sea level rise the possibility of tsunamis generated by far-off earthquakes. In 2015 the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration issued a tsunami forecast model for Santa Monica. It examined 19 hypothetical earthquakes from across the Pacific for their tsunami potential and found one that would have the potential to generate a significant wave (13 feet) large enough to endanger Santa Monica. The last time we had a significant tsunami event was from Chile in 1960 with a wave less than 6 feet in height that came ashore 300 feet and halfway into the park-
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December 13 – 19, 2019
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SMa.r.t.,
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
from page 6 PCH on the way to Malibu. 3. Continue monitoring the tidal gauge at the pier to determine how fast sea levels are rising to give us a sense of how much time we have to enact our contingency plans. 4. Initiate a study of how to protect our beach assets (bathrooms, bike paths, parking lots). The study would identify cost-effective solutions, including when to retreat gracefully as opposed to the bankrupting cash hemorrhage of rebuilding them after every major storm. 5. Identify realistic funding sources commensurate with the challenge of protecting, adapting or retreating from our most valuable beachfront. This literal rainy day fund would grow slowly and be deployed periodically when needed so we can avoid panicked responses to crises we know are coming our way. Things we do today have consequences a century from now. More than 80 years ago, the Santa Monica breakwater was completed and over the decades the sand buildup from that breakwater, along with a one-time sand bonanza from dredging Marina del Rey, provided us about a 600-foot sand buffer to the ocean. That awesome buffer is the investment that now buys us time needed for our City to respond gracefully with a well-conceived plan to address the current sea level rise. We should be as prescient today as our civic ancestors were then. Their stewardship has given us such priceless jewels as the pier, our beaches, Palisades Park and our own water system. We should not waste the gift of their wisdom. We need, literally, to “get ahead of the wave.” Mario Fonda-Bonardi for SMa.r.t. (Santa Monica Architects for a Responsible Tomorrow) SMa.r.t.: Sam Tolkin, Architect; Dan Jansenson Building and Safety Commissioner, Architect; Mario Fonda-Bonardi, AIA, Planning Commissioner; Ron Goldman, FAIA; Thane Roberts, Architect; Bob. Taylor, AIA; Phil Brock, Arts Commissioner.
"Dear Newspaper People,
Photo: Google.
Aahs! on Wilshire Boulevard in Santa Monica.
Aahs! Gift Store Closing Santa Monica, West Hollywood locations closing By S am C atanzaro Aahs, the company behind the popular gift and costume store with locations throughout Los Angeles, including in Westwood Village and Santa Monica, is closing some of their Aahs! Gift Stores throughout Southern California, including in Santa Monica and West Hollywood. The Aahs! in Westwood Village will remain open, acccording to the store. The company, when reached for comment, would not divulge why they are closing the gift stores and did not give a date for when locations throughout Southern
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Can you put in your newspaper that kids at Crossroads Elementary School have packed backpacks full of shampoo, toothbrushes, toothpaste, crayons, notebooks and other stuff to be delivered to the kids on the border of Mexico and the United States. At the border, they turned a school bus into a school and the kids can use the backpacks we sent them. I want other people to read this so they can know that we did this and maybe they will want to help, too. JJ Dean First Grade Crossroads Elementary”
California. Aahs’ other three companies, Aahs Signs, Aahs Corporate Awards and Aahs Halloween Club, will remain in business. Aahs has been in business since 1981. The company’s gift stores are popular destinations for shoppers looking for costumes, party supplies, toys, novelties and more. With upcoming closures, clearance sales are underway at the gift stores.
Photo: courtesy.
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Toll Lane for the 405? LA Metro to conduct feasibility study into converting 405 carpool lane into toll lane By Sam Catanzaro LA County officials are considering converting the 405 freeway carpool lane into a toll road, allowing solo drivers to use the lane by paying a fee. Last week, the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) hired engineering firm WSP USA Inc. to conduct a study into the feasibility of converting the San Diego (405) Freeway carpool lanes into a tool lane accessible to solo drivers for a fee. The $27.5 million studying, to be conducted over three years, will look at the segment of the freeway between the San Fernando Valley and the 10 Freeway in West Los Angeles. Part of the study will be determining how much money drivers would be willing to pay to use the toll lanes. The potential toll lanes would be modeled after the ExpressLanes on the 110 and
Mirror Media Group Publisher: T.J. Montemer tj@smmirror.com 310.310.2637 ext. 107 Executive Editor: Sam Catanzaro editor@smmirror.com 310.310.2637 ext. 103 Production Manger: Amy Patton Editor-at-Large: Beverly Cohn Advertising VP of Sales: Judy Swartz judy@smmirror.com 310.310.2637, ext. 102 Business Manager: Max Montemer Distribution: distribution@mirrormediagroupla.com Contributors: Tom Elias • Keldine Hull Morgan Genser • Barbara Bishop
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR The Mirror invites letters from readers on any subject. All letters must include the phone number and address of the writer. Letters are subject to editing from the Editor for reasons including length or questionable content. Views expressed in Letters to the Editor are not necessarily the views of The Santa Monica Mirror. Mail : 2116 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 260 Santa Monica, CA 90403 E-mail: editor@smmirror.com
MIRROR MEDIA GROUP PUBLICATIONS Santa Monica Mirror | Westside Today Palisades News | Yo! Venice | Brentwood News Century City-Westwood News | The Pride
10 freeways. The maximum toll on the 110 is $23.10 while the maximum toll on the 10 is $29.4, with per-mile rates ranging between 25 cents ant $2.10 depending on congestion.
If Metro approves the creation of toll lanes, they would begin operation in the fall of 2027, in time for the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.
According to Metro, to receive federal funding for the toll lanes, traffic speeds in the lane would have to be at least 45 mph 90 percent of the time during peak periods.
DBAs and LEGAL NOTICES SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME Case No. 19TRCP00353 Superior Court of California, county of Los Angeles 825 Maple Avenue | Torrance, CA 90503 Petition of: April Shanee Hall for change of name. ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME To all interested persons: April Shanee Hall Petitioner: April Shanee Hall filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: a. April Shanee Hall to A. Nazel El The court orders that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. NOTICE OF HEARING: Date: 1/10/2020 | Time: 8:30AM | Dept: B Room: 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: NOV. 18, 2019 Judge Deirdre Hill Published: 11/22/2019, 11/29/2019, 12/06/2019, and 12/13/2019 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NUMBER: 2019 280865 ORIGINAL FILING This statement was filed with the County Clerk of LOS ANGELES ON 10/23/2019. The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as FRIEDEN WOLF LAW 340 SOUTH LEMON AVENUE SUITE 2483 WALNUT, CA 91789. The full name of registrant(s) is/are: JAMIE FRIEDEN 340 SOUTH LEMON AVENUE SUITE 2483 WALNUT, CA 91789. This business is conducted by an Individual. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 08/2019. 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 JAMIE FRIEDEN. This Statement was filed with the County Clerk of LOS ANGELES County on October 23, 2019. 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 11/22/2019, 11/29/2019, 12/06/2019, and 12/13/2019. SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME Case No. 19SMCP00523 Superior Court of California, county of Los Angeles 1725 Main Street | Santa Monica, CA 90401 Petition of: Diane Goldner Michael Randleman for change of name. ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME To all interested persons: Diane Goldner Michael Randleman Petitioner: filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: a. Max Elijah Randleman to Max Elijah Goldner Randleman The court orders that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. NOTICE OF HEARING: Date: 1/10/2020 | Time: 8:30AM | Dept: K Room: 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: NOV. 08, 2019 Judge Lawrence H. Cho Published: 12/06/2019, 12/13/2019, 12/20/2019, and 12/27/2019 SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME Case No. 19SMCP00560 Superior Court of California, county of Los Angeles 1725 Main Street | Santa Monica, CA 90401 Petition of: Joani Stewart Georgi for change of name. ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME To all interested persons: Joani Stewart Georgi Petitioner: filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows:
a. Joani Stewart Georgi to Joani Justus Stewart The court orders that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. NOTICE OF HEARING: Date: 1/31/2020 | Time: 8:30AM | Dept: K Room: 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: DEC. 04, 2019 Judge Lawrence H. Cho Published: 12/13/2019, 12/20/2019, 12/27/2019, and 1/03/2020 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NUMBER: 2019307614 ORIGINAL FILING This statement was filed with the County Clerk of LOS ANGELES ON 11/25/2019. The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as ROSEWOOD K-9 3612 ROSEWOOD AVE LOS ANGELES, CA 90066. The full name of registrant(s) is/are: ROSEWOOD ORIGINAL LLC 3612 ROSEWOOD AVE LOS ANGELES, CA 90066.. This business is conducted by a Limited Liability Company. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 11/2019. 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 MARK A GARCIA II. This Statement was filed with the County Clerk of LOS ANGELES County on November 25, 2019. 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 12/13/2019, 12/20/2019, 12/27/2019, and 1/03/2020.
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NEWS
A12
December 13 – 19, 2019
in the MIRROR • WWW.SMMIRROR.COM
FEBRUARY 10 – 16, 2017
Holiday Giving Spirit at St. Monica ALERT POLICE BLOTTER
TIM BROUGHTON
MSanta IRROR CONTRIBUTOR Monica
church's United States Postaldinner Disservice Thanksgiving and On Tuesday, January 31 at 10:10in p.m.need officers boutique for those of the Santa Monica Police Department spotted a
vehicle that was violating a vehicle equipment code Byfailing S amtoCstop atanzaro and for a STOP sign in the area of the 2900 block of Pico Boulevard. The officers folWhile Thanksgiving come and gone, lowed this vehicle and afterhas a short distance initiits giving spirit lives on throughout the holated a traffic stop. The officers spoke with the iday season and aand Thanksgiving dinner put driver of the vehicle discovered that this man on driving by a church in Santalicense Monica left those was on a suspended in addition to who on attended, of whom experibeing probationmany for burglary and were identity theft. encing homelessness, with both full stomThe officers conducted a search of theavehicle and ach and invaluable resources. discovered that it contained burglary tools, With over 915and in United attendance methamphetamine Statesand Maildespite under the rain, St. Monica Catholic Church's 40th the names of numerous individuals none of whom Annual Thanksgiving Dinner and Boutique were the driver of the vehicle. The officers utilized was communication a resounding success, church. their technologysays andthe discovered Thisoneyear, gave out 708 sleepthat of thevolunteers named individuals on the mail had ing bags, caps, ofnearly ponchos recently been200 the victim identity1,000 theft. The offiandhad clean socks, 200to complete thermals, cers enough evidence arrest the driver, aged and over 140 individual meals to the home30 years and a Santa Monica resident, and he was bound. In addition, volunteers assembled later charged with possession of methamphetaand distributed toiletry mine, possession of1300 burglary tools,kits. identity theft, "Our goal, to meet each indidriving on a suspended license andpersons’ a violation of vidual needs through the boutique was our probation. Bail was set at $10,000. most significant development: there was more choice in terms the items offered, With Friends LikeofThat from men’s and women’s coats to more On Wednesday, February 1, at 7:11 p.m. offisleeping bags and thermals and various othcers of the Santa Monica Police Department were er needs of the community. The communicalled out to an apartment located on the 400 block ty that attends the dinner has also changed over the years. Our guest population is
of Montana Avenue in order to investigate a report of The the reporting elderly party and had disabled, ofcomprised a disturbance. stated low-income families, single with that they had heard loud noises andpeople the sound of little community andthe those that are exobjects being hurled ties, around residence. When periencing homelessness," M the officers arrived at the locationsaid they Loreena knocked on Garcia andtenant Development the door ofCommunications the apartment and the answered. Coordinator for St.from Monica. "It brings the The officers learned this tenant that his entire Santa Monica together. “friend” was inside the community apartment and that his The event did not just helpafter those in atten“friend” had become intoxicated consuming dance. amounts Leftoverofperishable was donatcopious alcohol (thatfood is typically what ed to theThe Midnight Rescue on Skid happens). tenant added thatMission his “friend” had Row, quite non-perishable food was donated to made a mess of the apartment and had the West Food Bank and boutique items refused to LA leave when requested. The officers that were not givenand away went the St. entered the apartment noticed thattofurniture Robert’s Food Pantry had been strewn around in theVenice. room and that the "Thiswas year, [Midnight Rescue Mission] “friend” indeed heavily intoxicated. The offiwas so grateful for the donation, as man they cers attempted to reason with this drunken were running very low on hot meals!"toGarbut to no avail, and as the officers continued talk cia said. with the man he suddenly punched one of the offiwas 40th year fist. the The church put cersThis in the facethe with a closed officers on this event. Alejandro, immediately tackledDelis the man and afterDirector a brief of Outreach Care, has struggle the manand wasPastoral overpowered andwho arrested. been26-year-old in charge of the Thanksgiving DinThis Venice resident was later charged ner resisting and Boutique forbattery the last few decades, with arrest and upon a police offistated that,setinat $50,000. regards to the longevity of cer. Bail was the event, that “#1 is that every part of the parish is involved, we seek that every minA Glassless Window istry is involved. All ages, all12:58 abilities are On Wednesday, February 1, at a.m. offiincluded. We try to have a variety of opporcers of the Santa Monica Police Department were tunities so that all ofinour can take flagged down by a citizen the groups 2000 block of Pico ownership, in some small way.” Boulevard who told them that they had heard glass Alejandro also stated that the second shattering and had spotted a man standing next to most important element of the Thanksgivthe broken window of a parked car on the street. ing Dinner and Boutique is the fact that everything is handled by hand. For example,
NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATORY POLICY CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS with
The Nest School admits studentsPilgrim of any race,Lutheran color, nationalChurch and ethnic origin (LCMS) to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. Worship With Us It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, 24th CHRISTMAS EVE 6 pm national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship 25 thother CHRISTMAS DAY 10 am and loan programs, and athletic and school-administered programs.
Celebrate this Holy Season in our beautiful candlelit Sanctuary adorned with more than 50 stained glass windows. Enjoy your One reliable source favorite Christmas Hymns and our wonderful Choir, along with an for all your insurance needs. inspirational message, all sure to warm your Please joinofus. Theheart! Ideal combination coverage, price and service.
done with love for humanity in mind.” While organizers say the event was a "resounding success", it was not without hurdles. “The week of the event is a lot of hustle and bustle: so many things have to happen in sequence to make the event run smoothly. Well, that week we had a major power outage, we had to send eager volunteers home, and it also rained heavily throughout the proceeding days. We were worried that no one would show, but by 8 a.m. the day of the event, we had given out 300 tickets! Whether through prayers and divine intervention, but by the time we started the dinner, the sun was out and the rain had abated!” Alejandro said. And while Thanksgiving has come and gone, the giving spirit at St.MMonica continIRROR A RCHIVES – Delis Alejandro, ues throughout the holiday season includDirector of Outreach ing a long-running Adopt-a-Family program, wherecomplex the church helps apartment in which she low-income resided. The The citizen added that this person had appeared to the and Pastoral Care families in various settings and through had been able to supply a detailed descriphave been picking items off the ground next to the victim collaboration various of the suspect,with which had alsoorganizations. been conveyed to vehicle before leaving the area. The citizen gave the tion in were our en partnership the the Saint Monica Elementary school officers,year, as they route to thewith location. officers a detailed description of the suspect andchilthe the "This St. Joseph’s Center, will provide Stockdren handmade decorates andAs goodie bags The officers arrived in thewe vicinity of the apartment officers went in search of this man. the officers ings forand Singles, program thatThe addresses for our guests. “we keep a lot of complex began toa scour the area. officers were searching theShe area said, they spotted another vehithe needs doinnot thewith moving partswindow of the that dinner the hands spottedof thesingles suspect who lurking thehave 1300 much block cle a smashed was in parked at the soon or community aswas well astothose of individuals, someone cooked turkey Alley Number 10. The ties, suspect easy recside of the street. The officers then drovea back to offamily that aredue experiencing homelessness, all 2000 night and intoBoulevard the earlywhere morning for ognize to the fact that in addition in to prothe the block of Pico they spotviding them with some holiday cheer," drop off the of description the event.ofThat’s what description given by the victim the suspect wasGraridted a man whoday fit the the suspect. ciaone said. "There mucha second need and we his are makes thisdetained event so it’s moments individ- ing bicycle whilstis pushing one with The officers thispowerful; man and a few always to serve ourtogreater ualsthe helping It’sthe what keeps us free hand.striving The officers attempted stop thiscomsuslater citizen individuals. who had flagged officers down munity." in touch and withpositively our humanity. Everything but he tried to speed away and in doing so disappeared identified the suspect.is pect Shortly thereafter the owner of the first vandalized carded the second bicycle. The officers eventually vehicle appeared and stated that numerous items caught the man and he was arrested and taken off that had been recovered from the suspect had been to jail. A search of this 21-year-old Hemet, Califorstolen from his car. The owner of the vandalized nia resident resulted in the discovery of not only the burglary tools but also a vehicle was desirous of a prosecution so the officers seemingly obligatory with a 50% OFF STORE-WIDE SALE!* arrested this 19-year-old Santa Monica resident and packet of methamphetamine. This man was later from December 13-21 he was charged with vehicle burglary in addition to charged with possession of burglary tools, posses*All items 50 cents and up. Otherwise, no exclusions! sion of methamphetamine, theft and resisting or possession of opiates. Bail was set at $20,000. delaying was set at $10,000. We’re also continuing our open-toe shoearrest. sale:Bail $1/pair!
“...it’s individuals helping individuals. It’s what keeps us in touch with our humanity. Everything is done with love for humanity in mind.”
ALSM Thrift Shop says goodbye to 2019
He Tried Speed
s Note: These reportsfashion are part of runway a regular police On Wednesday, February 1, atShop 3:40 a.m. offi- wasEditor’ Our Thrift clothing featured on the coverage series entitled “Alert Police Blotter” (APB), cers of the Santa Monica Police Department at the Style & Sustainability: A Fashion Revolution event by which injects some minor editorial into certain police activreceived a call for service in the regard to a possible City of Santa Monica and Sustainable Works. bicycle theft that had just occurred in the 1300 ities in Santa Monica. Not all of The Mirror’s coverage of policewill are portrayed in this manner. block of 10th Street. As the officers the incidents involvingWe be closed 1453 15th St.,hastened SantatoMonica and police-related activities scene they learned via police radio that a victim had More serious crimes December 23 toare regu310.395.2338 editorial in the pages of the Santa seen a man stealing her bicycle that at that time, had larly reported without January 4 for the 11a.m. to 3 p.m. M, T, TH, FRI, SAT smmirror.com. been locked up in a bicycle rack in the courtyard of Monica Mirror and its website, holidays
assistanceleague.org/santa-monica
TAXES All Types, All Forms, All States
Pilgrim Lutheran Church 1730 Wilshire Boulevard Santa Monica, Ca 90403 (310) 829-4113 Pilgrimlutheranchurch.org
(The Corner of 18th St and Wilshire.)
Samuel Moses, CPA
100 Wilshire Blvd., #1800, Santa Monica, CA
310.395.9922
December 13 – 19, 2019
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11
Giving on a Budget With Barbara Bishop
It’s the holiday season. But retailers are constantly pushing up the time the season starts, with Christmas decorations going up Halloween week. Even Sirius radio has devoted a station to 24-7 holiday music. It’s all cool, but starting in October is not. There’s no longer a Black Friday; there’s the pre-Black Friday, the day-before-Black Friday, the day-after-Black Friday, and the last-chance-to-buy Black Friday. There’s an official on-line shopping day, a green shopping day, and who knows what else has been devised to pull customers in? I used to love to shop Black Friday, typically the day after Thanksgiving, to get in the mood for Christmas, find some deals, have lunch with a glass of champagne, and take photos with Santa. This year, I’ve decided not to fight the “Forever-Black-Friday” store sales and focus on customized gifts. Money is tight this year, so I have to be a little more creative than usual. And I think it will be fun! Following are a few things I will be making this year or have received over the years: I am an award-winning nature photographer. I take photos of nature every day,
when I walk my dog. I’ve been doing this for 7 years. I have a huge collection of beautiful flower photos. I’ve chosen a special flower for each of my friends. I then go to a web site that enlarges and mounts the photos. The cost is under $20 a photo, all done online. They are stunning and meaningful. I love to give gifts that my friends would not think to buy for themselves. Things like custom body oils, body lotions, candles, pottery, plants, knitted blankets, and homemade culinary delights. There are apothecaries that have a collection of inexpensive body oils and lotions that you can custom blend to make the perfect scent, color and medicinal benefit. I have spent hours in these places; once a potion is perfect, I find beautiful vintage bottles from estate sales and use them to store my concoctions. Another one-of-akind gift under $20. I’ve also been to candle-making and pottery-making classes. It gives me a chance to relax, be creative and at the end, have a beautiful pair of beautiful, scented candles and costumed designed candle holders (from the pottery class) to be given to a special friend or family member. I love plants. They make a home cozy and act as natural air filters. I consider them part of my family, and they return the favor by blooming and growing. One of the best
Photo: Getty Images.
gifts I received that I don’t think I would have bought for myself, is a money tree. I make damn sure I keep that one alive! Another gift I cherish is a crocheted comforter from my sister-in-law. Unfortunately, I do not posses this amazing talent. But, my sister-in-law has made several other comforters for some of my friends. The pattern and colors are customized and I use mine every day. Culinary items are also perfect for your foodie family and friends. One year, a friend and I went to a culinary gift-making class. We made infused olive oil and toffee
candy. The infused oil preparation went very well; the toffee candy, not so much. We kept burning that damn toffee. This year, I’m making infused olive oils and adding homemade peanut brittle, cookies, marinated cheese, loaves of bread and pies. Gather some friends and make it an event. I’ve scheduled one, can’t wait! I’d rather be creating in the kitchen, learning crafts or taking photos much more than going to any Black Friday sale. Only thing is, now all my friends know what they are getting for Christmas…
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December 13 – 19, 2019
SANTA MONICA COLLEGE
The ADVANTAGE is all yours Complete a full-credit class in just 6 weeks.
Winter classes begin January 6 Apply at smc.edu/winter
SANTA MONICA COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT BOARD OF TRUSTEES: Dr. Margaret Quiñones-Perez, Chair; Dr. Nancy Greenstein, Vice Chair; Dr. Susan Aminoff; Dr. Louise Jaffe; Rob Rader; Dr. Sion Roy; Barry A. Snell; Brooke Harrington, Student Trustee; Dr. Kathryn E. Jeffery, Superintendent/President
December 13 – 19, 2019
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Rated R 131 Minutes Released November 27
FILM REVIEW: “Queen & Slim”
BEHIND THE SCREEN By Kathryn Whitney Boole “Queen & Slim” is twisted road trip graced with unique and extraordinary characters who are beautifully brought to the screen by an incredibly talented cast assembled by casting director Carmen Cuba. First time director Melina Matsoukas has pulled such incredible performances from her very talented actors that each tells a story in their face, even if only seen for a few minutes. Matsoukas’s career began as a fine music video director. She also wrote for the edgy TV series The Chi. Lena Waithe has written a beautiful screenplay, a script that takes us, unsuspecting, into a maelstrom of creative attempts by our protagonists to outrun their fate. This is a classic odyssey set in our country’s dysfunctional society that becomes a modern day Romeo and Juliet story. This rom-com turns into a Shakespearean tragedy populated with deep complex players. It’s a journey of 2 people caught in circumstances of the world we live in that are beyond their control. All along the way people they meet take action in ways magnanimous or malicious, often completely unexpected, which have a resounding impact on their lives, right up until the final moments of the story.
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Each interaction exposes the horrific flaws that drive people in our society and presents characters full of goodness and giving. You will be struck by the wide disparity between them. While still in his teens, Daniel Kaluuya (Get Out, Black Panther) was writing full length episodes for the British youth drama Skins. Now he is one of the top actors working in cinema and plays the lead Slim in this film. It’s not a coincidence that Kaluuya and Cynthia Erivo, who stars in the award-winning Harriet, have recent roots in Africa. Both were born in London to African parents, Kaluuya’s from Uganda and Erivo’s from Nigeria. People who are immersed in more than one culture tend to be able to see more clearly from other people’s eyes, to walk in their shoes. That’s a requirement for a great actor. Kaluuya only accepts roles that are “fully formed human beings,” not simply accessories to the plot. He puts a lot of study into each role. To perfect a natural accent for Slim, he spent time at a Cleveland Costco observing what he felt would be Slim’s survival job. Jodie Turner-Smith, who beautifully plays Queen is also of multicultural background. She was born in England of Jamaican parents, and raised in the US. She gives a sensitive portrayal of Queen who strives cross the bridge from a humble upbringing to her current job as an attorney. It was our luck that this talented actress met Pharrell Williams
Mary FealkoFF 310.488.6502 fealkoff.com
Photo: Courtesy Universal Pictures
Daniel Kaluuya & Jodie Turner-Smith in Queen & Slim
after a concert in Pittsburgh where she was working as a banker, and he convinced her to move to LA to be a model. Another standout performance comes from Bokeem Woodbine who plays Queen’s Uncle Earl, a fabulously colorful, big-hearted pimp. If you’re someone who doesn’t see a lot of movies, and/or does not like commercial tentpole blockbusters, by all means see this one. It’s one of the best movies of 2019. 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
Sit Down with a StanD Up realtor... ®
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3130 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 100, Santa Monica CA 90403 © 2019 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties is a member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates LLC.
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Del Amo Motorsports
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December 13 – 19, 2019
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December 13 – 19, 2019
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15
Up Close and Personal With Estonian Director Tanel Toom CENTER STAGE
With Beverly Cohn, Editor-At-Large
Part 1 Recap: Tanel Toom directed the brilliant “Truth And Justice,” Estonia’s entry for Best International Feature Film Oscar. Shot for under three million dollars, Rein Kotov’s cinematography gave a mega-million dollar look to the film. The story, which sprawls over decades, is about one man’s obsessive ambition and the impact on the people caught in that orbit, and is slightly reminiscent of the Hatfields and McCoys famous feud. According to Tanel, his film is the most watched one in Estonia. The highly professional ensemble consists of Priit Loog, in the lead role of Andres, Maiken Schmidt as his first wife Krõõt, Ester Kuntu as his second wife Mari, and Priit Võigemast as his hostile neighbor, Pearu. The supporting cast is excellent with an especially notable performance by Simeoni Sundja as Juss. Tanel sat down with your reporter for an exclusive interview and the following Part 2 has been edited for content and continuity. How did you prepare to shoot Truth and Justice? Tanel: Before shooting the film, I came to America for three months to take workshops as a teacher trainee at Ivana Chubbuck Studio. Her method is called the Chubbuck Technique and is loosely based on the Stanislavsky method. I learned a lot from her, ranging from casting in film, to auditioning, and how to prep for that. Her book, “The Power of the Actor,” goes deeply into acting. Some directors say that taking acting classes helps you understand how to play a character objective and makes you a better director with actors. The sub-text, especially in the characterization of Andres, is subtly apparent which gives us a glimpse into his motivations. Did you study psychology? Tanel: I’ve always said that I think the work of a psychologist is very close to the work of a director because the director has to understand the psychology of the character. Then, you have to help the actor get to certain points of the character’s emotional state. I haven’t studied psychology, but I’ve studied acting and have directed a lot of actors. The first time I came here was in 2007 for a workshop with Judith Weston who wrote the book “Directing Actors.” The workshop concentrated on directing actors and acting for directors. To experience acting for myself, I also took workshops in London so that I could really understand what I’m asking from an actor. Why is it so important to understand how to work with actors? Tanel: Being a director, you have to be interested in human beings. For me, I want to fall in love with my actors. I need to trust them and they need to trust me as well. So, it’s very important to spend as much time with them before the shoot so that we bond with each other. My job is to make them shine and if they are not good on the screen, then it is my fault. Being an actor is a very fragile occupation and I
Todd Mitchell
Photos: Courtesy Allfilm
Director Tanel Toom shooting a scene from “Truth And Justice,” Estonia’s submission for Best International Film Oscar.
really appreciate what they are doing The actors in “Truth and Justice” each have a strong sub-text, which you don’t always see in other characterizations. What are your thoughts? Tanel: The text is the least important – it’s what’s behind it that tells you what is actually going on in a scene. What’s underneath or what the character is doing while delivering the text – that’s where the real meaning comes out. If the actors are not good or the acting doesn’t work, then nothing works. Did making short films early in your career inform the narrative feature film? Tanel: I used short films to prepare me for full-length films. The reason it’s taken a while for me to make my first narrative film, is because I was very careful in choosing my first project. What are some of the films and/or directors you admired growing up? Tanel: Because I was so young, I don’t remember the names of the directors. I do remember the “Tarzan” television series and “King Kong.” The reception was really bad, so my sister and I had to take turns holding the antenna. When it was her turn to hold the antenna, I would describe what was happening on the screen. I also loved everything where there were sharks, like “Jaws.” Just give me a movie where there’s a shark, and I will love it. (Laughter) I also liked watching horror films like “Friday The 13th.” I loved watching movies because in my childhood there wasn’t the Internet. It was like some magic elves from America were doing those things that we saw on the screen, but I couldn’t imagine that some day I would be doing the same thing. Was anyone in your family in the creative arts? Tanel: The answer is no. My dad is a captain on a cargo ship and my mom is a cook - nothing to do with film or culture. When I was younger, I liked to draw and I drew comic strips. I loved telling stories, so I was already telling stories with images. In class, we had to perform a play and I was always the one who wrote the play
because I knew how it had to be done. I didn’t know that it was something like directing. Would you say you had a happy childhood – enough money? Tanel: In the Soviet Union there’s never enough money for everything, but I’m very blessed to have such great parents. Although my parents were not in the creative arts, but thanks to them, I was brave enough to study something that I really felt that I could love. My mom is a very good cook and she really loves cooking. My dad really loves the sea and he’s a very good captain. Eighteen or nineteen are a very fragile ages when, after graduating high school, you are choosing what you are going to do next. Very often you are not listening to your heart, but thinking too much with your head, like what would be useful, what will bring money, or satisfaction. Researchers say that 80% of people work at something they don’t love or enjoy. I’m really happy and thankful that I found something that I genuinely love. Some people are even paying money for me to do this job. (Laughs) Are you working on a project now? Tanel: It’s a sci-fi thriller, which is now in pre-production. It’s completely different from “Truth and Justice.” It has four characters and takes place in a post apocalyptic world in the middle of an ocean in a rusty tower. I look forward to what I know will be another excellent piece of work. Tanel: Thank you. I really enjoyed this interview. TRUTH AND JUSTICE An ALLFILM Production Director/Writer: Tanel Toom Producer: Ivo Felt Cinematographer: Rein Kotov Editor: Tambet Tsuja Production Designer: Jaagup Roomet Sound Designer: Matis Rei Composer: Mihkel Zilmer Genre: Drama Language: Estonian with sub-titles Running Time: 149 minutes
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