Issuu

S A N TA M O N I C A

INSIDE SM Tenants Obtain $1M Settlement With Landlord

REFLECTING THE CONCERNS OF THE COMMUNITY smmirror.com

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December 20 – 26, 2019 Volume XXII, Issue 22

Supreme Court Turns Down Homelessness Law Ruling ties hands for lawmakers grappling with encampments, celebrated by homeless advocates. By Sam Catanzaro The Supreme Court has declined to hear an appeal in a case surrounding a Boise, Idaho law that would have made it illegal to sleep in public places, a setback for many West Coast cities grappling with a growing homelessness crisis. The decision, issued by the court without comment Monday, leaves in place earlier rulings by the 9th Circuit appeals court, in the case Martin v. Boise, that homeless persons cannot be punished for sleeping outside on public property in the absence of adequate alternatives. The ruling is binding in the 9th Circuit, covering nine states including California, a state home to 1/4 of the nation’s homeless population. “No one should treat this as an endorsement or acceptance of sidewalk encampments. Everyone should treat this as a firm and indisputable mandate for more housing, more shelter, and more services,” said Councilmember Mike

Bonin following the decision. Lawyers representing Boise argued that the decision ultimately hurts the individuals the law claims to protect by hindering lawmakers within the 9th Circuit from managing homeless encampments that pose a public safety risk. “Public encampments, now protected by the Constitution under the Ninth Circuit’s decision, have spawned crime and violence, incubated disease, and created environmental hazards that threaten the lives and well-being both of those living on the streets and the public at large,”

said lawyers for Boise in court documents. Los Angeles County, where homelessness increased 16 percent the past year, and many other governing bodies backed Boise in its petition to the Supreme Court. “The Martin decision forbids municipalities from enforcing common sense ordinances that prohibit public camping unless those local governments can offer acceptable shelter to every unhoused person in the jurisdiction. In other words, the County could be powerless to address camping in public places by anyone until

it provides shelter for everyone,” the County wrote in September. LA County Supervisor Sheila Kuehl who represents Santa Monica and is a Santa Monica resident, however, voted against backing Boise’s petition in September. “We need to continue to provide more and more housing and shelter and services, not simply ticket and arrest,” Kuehl said. This was a view shared by lawyers representing homeless individuals and their advocates following the Supreme Court’s decision Monday. “We’re thrilled that the Court has let the 9th Circuit decision stand so that homeless people are not punished for sleeping on the streets when they have no other option,” said Maria Foscarinis, Executive Director at the National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty. “But ultimately, our goal is to end homelessness through housing—which is effective and saves taxpayer dollars—so that no one has to sleep on the streets in the first place. We hope that the 9th Circuit decision will help communities find the political will to put that housing in place. Housing, not handcuffs, is what ends homelessness.” The case now returns to the 9th Circuit. The City of Boise says it is evaluating options for its next actions.

SM Hotel Protections to Take Effect January 1 U.S. District Court issues order to allow City of Santa Monica’s Hotel Worker Protection Ordinance to take effect

Photo: Sam Catanzaro.

Hotel workers rally before Santa Monica City Council passed hotel worker protections in August.

By Sam Catanzaro The U.S. District Court has issued an

order allowing the workload provisions of the City of Santa Monica’s Hotel Worker Protection Ordinance to go into effect as planned on January 1, 2020 after a hotel owner and management group sought to invalidate these provisions of the law, which strengthens workplace safety and compensation protections for Santa Monica’s 2,100 hotel housekeepers. The law received unanimous City Council support when it passed in August. “The court has validated Santa Monica’s compassionate concern for the safety of hotel workers, whose hard labor makes possi-

ble our successful hospitality sector,” said Mayor Kevin McKeown. Columbia Sussex Management and CW Hotel Limited Partnership filed a complaint arguing that the ordinance was unconstitutional and invalid. They sought a preliminary injunction to prevent the workload provisions of the ordinance from going into effect on January 1. Judge Otis Wright’s order denies the request for preliminary injunction and finds that plaintiffs have not shown a likelihood of success on any of their

HOTEL, see page 9

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driving on a suspended license and a violation of probation. Bail was set at $10,000.

On Wednesday, February 1, at 12:58 a.m. offi- were searching the area they spotted another vehi- complex and began to scour the area. The officers cers of the Santa Monica Police Department were cle with a smashed window that was parked at the soon spotted the suspect lurking in the 1300 block With Friends Like That flagged down by a citizen in the 2000 block of Pico side of the street. The officers then drove back to of Alley Number 10. The suspect was easy to recDecember 20February – 26, 2019 WWW.SMMIRROR.COM 3 had heard glass the 2000 block of Pico Boulevard where they spot- ognize due to the fact that in addition to the On Wednesday, 1, at 7:11 p.m. offi- Boulevard who told them that they ted a man who fit the description of the suspect. description given by the victim the suspect was ridcers of the Santa Monica Police Department were shattering and had spotted a man standing next to The officers detained this man and a few moments ing one bicycle whilst pushing a second one with his called out to an apartment located on the 400 block the broken window of a parked car on the street. later the citizen who had flagged the officers down free hand. The officers attempted to stop this susappeared and positively identified the suspect. pect but he tried to speed away and in doing so disShortly 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, Califorstolencase fromwill his serve car. The of the as aowner warning to vandalized landlords nia resident resulted in the discovery of not only the a toll on my health and the lawsuit was very this vehicleconsider was desirous of a prosecution so theto officers who defying laws designed pro- seemingly obligatory burglary tools but also a stressful,” said lead plaintiff, Isabel Cernek. arrested this 19-year-old Santa Monica resident and packet of methamphetamine. This man was later The building, dubbed the Overlook Hotel tect vulnerable tenants,” said Senior Attorney The Nest School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin he was charged with vehicle burglary addition to charged with possession of burglary tools, possesMcGranahan of the LegalinAid Founlocated on Ocean Front Walk just south of the Denise to all the rights, privileges, programs, andSanta activities generally accorded or sion of methamphetamine, theft and resisting or possession opiates. Bail was set at $20,000. Monica Pier, went up in flames on De- dation of of Los Angeles. The trial lasted for over three years and delaying arrest. Bail was set at $10,000. made available to students at the school. cember 12, 2015. The tenants claim the fire He Tried Speed attorneys representing the plaintiffs dewascolor, a result of the building’s subpar electri- while It does not discriminate on the basis of race, Editor’s Note: These reports are part of a regular police Onthis Wednesday, February at 3:40 offias a stalling tactic1, by the a.m. defense, cal system – one of several of what they de- scribe national and ethnic origin in administrationscribed of its as”slum-like” conditions, including they cers of Santa Monica Police Department saythe it ultimately cost Russell No. 8 more coverage series entitled “Alert Police Blotter” (APB), By S am Catanzaro educational policies, admissions policies, faulty scholarship received a call for service in regard to a possible which injects some minor editorial into certain police activthe settlement. plumbing and fire prevention systems, in Not all of The Mirror’ s coverage of Nine Santa Photo: Santa Monica Mirror Archives. theft thatNo. had8just the 1300 ities in Santa Monica. “If Russell hadoccurred simplyincomplied and low-income loan programs, andMonica athletic tenants and otherinadequate heat (including some units with bicycle The Overlook Hotel. incidents involving police are portrayed in this manner. have obtained a $1 million settlement with no heat at all), mold and infestations of bed- with block of 10th Street. As the officers hastened to the local law, its liability would have been school-administered their landlords in a suit over violations of a bugs and cockroaches. scene theytolearned via police radio that a in victim had More serious crimes and police-related activities are regulimited only tens of thousands relocalarly reported without editorial the pages of theofSanta and the years of in mistreatment the Santaprograms. Monca law protecting renters. said John Swenson of lawyers, Following the fire, with the tenants dis- tion seen abenefits,” man stealing herattorney bicycle that at that time, had Monica Mirror and its website, smmirror.com. Russell No. 8 was able to end its liaOn December 16, the Legal Aid Foundation placed, Russell No. 8 neglected to pay them Scali Rasmussen. “However, result of been locked up in a bicycle rack inasthethe courtyard of tenants, of Los Angeles and Scali Rasmussen, PC an- the temporary relocation benefits mandated the dilatory tactics advised or followed by its bility only by settling for $1 million.” nounced they have obtained a million-dollar under Santa Monica municipal code. The landsettlement for nine Santa Monica low-income lords instead submitted paperwork to the SanOne reliable source rent-controlled tenants in a suit against their ta Monica Rent Control Board to remove the for all your insurance needs. landlords: Defendants Martin Mink, Terry property from the residential rental housing The combination Mink, Florette Mink and Russell No. 8 San- market under theIdeal Ellis Act. Russell No.of 8 and service. ta Monica Properties, LLC. The suit, filed in the Mink coverage, family then price began and planning to make 2016, claimed the landlords kept their apart- renovations to convert the Overlook Hotel and ment complex in unsafe and uninhabitable adjacent properties (also owned by Russell) conditions and then attempted to terminate into a more profitable commercial enterprise. their occupancies after a fire forced them to Facing homelessness after the fire, the vacate without paying tenents temporary relo- low-income tenants were given temporary cation benefits mandated under local law. shelter in local motels by the Red Cross and 100 Wilshire Blvd., #1800, Santa Monica, CA “I lost my home of 28 years and all of my the City of Santa Monica. Russell No. 8 evenbelongings in a fire that could have been pre- tually offered the tenants only permanent revented had the Mink family taken proper care location, saying the Ellis notice and fire imof their building. Rather than pay temporary mediately ended the tenancies. relocation, Marty Mink told my neighbors and “Although it took years of litigation, we me to sleep in sleeping bags on the manager’s were able to get these tenants compensation floor. I am now 77 years old, and the fire took for the hardships they endured. I hope that

SM Tenants Obtain $1M Settlement With Landlord NOTICE NONDISCRIMINATORY POLICY Landlord paysOFlow-income tenants $1 million to settle suit over violations of local law

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E-Scooter Company Employees Unionize San Francisco-based Spin employees vote to join local Teamsters union By S am C atanzaro

Photo: Spin/Facebook.

In a first for the industry, employees for an e-scooter company in California have voted unionized. On December 5, workers at San Francisco-based e-scooter company Spin voted to unionize and join a local Teamsters chapter. Spin, who was bought by Ford in 2018 for

$100 million, is one of four companies awarded a permit to operate shared-mobility devices in San Franciso. While the company operates devices in cites throughout the country, including Los Angeles, it is unclear if employees in other cities will vote to unionize. The union vote from last week applies to around 40 Spin workers responsible for the maintenance and management of scooters throughout San Francisco. “Spin has long differentiated itself with our workforce policies, choosing (an employee) model and local hiring over independent contractors and staffing agencies. We believe investing in everyone from our headquarters

to our warehouses leads to a safer, more reliable service,” said Nima Rahimi, senior policy counsel at Spin in a statement published by the San Francisco Chronicle From the outset, the e-transit industry has relied heavily on independent contractors. A state law that is set to go into effect in the new year, however, has led to scooter companies hiring more full-time employees. Assembly Bill 5, aimed primarily at making sure companies classify ride-hailing employees and other gig workers as W-2 employees, has impacted other industries as well including e-transit, leading to a decrease in the use of independent contractors.

Two New Members of Local Mountain Lion Population P-78 and P-79 in the Santa Monica Mountains By S am C atanzaro Two new mountain lions have been added to the National Parks Service’s (NPS) study of big cats in the Santa Monica Mountains. In a Facebook post on Tuesday, the NPS’s Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area announced the addition of two young male mountain lions to the 17year study of big cats in the Santa Monica Mountains and the surrounding region.

P-78, a subadult male, was captured in the central portion of the Santa Monica Mountains on December 11. The next morning, the NPS met with local California Department of Fish & Wildlife officials in Simi Hills after they darted a young male mountain lion spotted in the backyard of a home. This cat, P-79, was moved to nearby open space in the Santa Susana Mountains. Both animals were outfitted with GPS radio collars that provide location information at up to 8 points per day. “Did you know that the collars help us understand mountain lion behavior, movement and habitat connectivity? For

instance, if it hadn’t been for the collars, we would not know that mountain lions in the Santa Monica Mountains are pretty much trapped on an island of habitat and that there is inbreeding. They also help us understand home range size, diet, survival rates, landscape use, frequency and location of road crossings, and causes of mortality,” said Ranger Ana Beatriz. Just last month another mountain lion, P-77, was added to the study after discovered in good health in the Simi Hills. Photo: NPS.

P-78 and P-79, the newest additions to the Santa Monica Mountain’s mountain lion population.

December 20 – 26, 2019

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December 20 – 26, 2019

OPINION

Is Our City Council Riding a Trojan Horse? SMa.r.t. Santa Monica Architects for a Responsible Tomorrow

The demand for housing is becoming louder and infinite. But is this tsunami real or a myth, a Trojan horse? Following is a 2 part article exploring this endless need and questioning the alarming lack of wisdom and foresight on the part of our City Council, Planning Commission and staff. Part 1 will look at our city’s kneejerk reaction to the overall housing issue by allowing developers to build taller and denser and more profitable buildings!! Part 2 will offer a realistic and we think far more creative solution.

By way of background, recently SCAG, the Southern California Association of Governments, in their infinite wisdom, has basically doubled Santa Monica’s share of new housing over the next 8 years – from 5,000 to 9,000 units, representing a 20% increase in population with over half of the units being affordable. This is based on the premise that Santa Monica is rich in jobs and that growth in outlying, lower density communities will only add further to traffic congestion and the carbon footprint. For whatever reasons, the housing projections of other nearby coastal and inland communities such as Hermosa Beach and Beverly Hills pale in comparison. And adding to this bravado, communities that do not alter their zoning to accommodate this substantial housing increase will be financially penalized.

REVERSE MORTGAGE PROS AND CONS

By Ron Wynn

A reverse mortgage could be a key component to your retirement planning, providing funds now and for the future — but it’s not the right choice for everyone. We want you to understand the advantages and disadvantages to help you determine if a reverse mortgage is right for you. This page is a good place to start.

Photo: City of Santa Monica

The seven members of Santa Monica City Council

“loose” general plan that lacks specificity. We don’t need a separate economic development policy as recently suggested by three of our councilmembers. What we do need is a Master Plan that includes an economic component that addresses unused property, infrastructure, etc. What we don’t need is piecemeal planning, development agreements that add as much as 50% density in return for so-called “community benefits,” or in-lieu” fees that separate the workforce community from wealthier residents, relegating those who earn less to areas with more carbon rich air pollution near freeways. Come on Santa Monica, we’re better than this – at least I think so,

SMa.r.t., see page 7

REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT – LOOKING FOR PARTNER INVESTORS Single Family Homes • Cabins • Tiny Homes Lake Arrowhead – Los Angeles – Crescent Heights NO RISK – HIGH PROFITS A reverse mortgage loan is a non-recourse loan. This means that neither your nor your heirs are personally liable for any amount of the mortgage that exceeds the value of your home when the loan is repaid. If your home increases in value in the future, you may consider refinancing your reverse mortgage to access even more loan proceeds. After the loan is repaid, any remaining equity belongs to you or your heirs.

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CONS OF A REVERSE MORTGAGE The loan balance increases over time as interest on the loan and fees accumulate. As home equity is used, fewer assets are available to leave to your heirs. You can still leave the home to your heirs, but they will have to repay the loan balance. Usually, the loan is paid off by selling the home. However, this can be done using other funds or by refinancing through a traditional mortgage. Fees may be higher than with a traditional mortgage. (Ask us about our lower-cost options.) Eligibility for needs-based government programs, such as Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), may be affected. Consult a benefits specialist. A reverse mortgage loan becomes due and must be repaid when a “maturity event” occurs, such as the last surviving borrower (or non-borrowing spouse meeting certain conditions) passes away, the home is no longer the borrower’s principal residence, or the borrower vacates the property for more than 12 months for medical reason or 6 months for non-medical reason.The loan will also become due if the homeowner fails to meet other loan obligations, which include paying their property taxes, insurance, homeowners association fees, and maintaining the property.

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PROS OF A REVERSE MORTGAGE It’s a loan option that can help make it easier for homeowners and homebuyers age 62 and older to live a more comfortable retirement. You continue to live in your home and retain title to it. As with any mortgage, you must meet your loan obligations, keep current with property taxes, insurance, maintenance, and any homeowners association fees. You can choose to take your funds as a lump sum; line of credit that you can tap as needed; a steady stream of monthly advances for a set period of time, or as long as you live in the home; or a combination of these options. Borrowers who elect a fixed rate loan will receive a single disbursement lump sum payment. Other payment options are available only for adjustable rate mortgages. The funds from your reverse mortgage loan can be used to pay off the existing mortgage on your home. While there will still be a lien on your home for the outstanding amount of the reverse mortgage, you are not required to make monthly principal and interest payments on the reverse mortgage, so you will be freed from the monthly mortgage payment expense. As with any mortage, you must meet your loan obligations, keep current with property taxes, insurance, maintenance, and any homeowners association fees. No monthly mortgage payments are required for as long as you live in the home and continue to meet your obligations to pay your property taxes and homeowners insurance and maintain the property. As with any mortgage, you must meet your loan obligations, keep current with property taxes, insurance, maintenance, and any homeowners association fees. Closing costs and ongoing fees, such as the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) Mortgage Insurance Premium (MIP), can be financed with the reverse mortgage loan — so out-of-pocket expenses can be minimal. Loan proceeds are generally not considered taxable income. (Not tax advice; consult a tax professional.) Generally, a reverse mortgage loan will not affect Social Security or Medicare benefits. However, you may wish to consult a financial professional to determine the potential financial implications of obtaining a reverse mortgage loan.

As expected, our city government, commissions’, and councils’ response, listening to the drumbeat of the development community and their lawyers, is to offer the simple and obvious solution of adding 2 stories of height to all residential zoning!! And adding insult to injury, one of our housing commissioners not only wants to add height, but also density to our residential neighborhoods with duplexes and triplexes on single family lots. But won’t this added height and density require new schools, additional park area, more police, added fire trucks at $650,000 each, etc., etc.?? And Developers and their Attorneys have preached to our City Council that increased height and density will reduce housing prices. Really??? It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to realize when zoning allows increased height it also increases land values and construction costs – hardly a formula for providing lower costs and affordable rents!! Building our way to affordability in this manner is basically insane. It’s time for realistic goals, not mandating increased heights and density in single and multi-family areas only to drive up costs. The city has no strategy. All this kneejerk reaction with piecemeal planning and project approvals stems from the lack of an overall master plan. There is a common illusion that the LUCE is a master plan. But our “LUCE” is exactly that, a

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SMa.r.t.,

from page 6 hope so!? It’s commonly thought that simply altering zoning and building codes allowing taller buildings and higher densities will increase supply and make prices more affordable – a basic law of supply and demand. But this is not what’s happening in Santa Monica. Developers substitute in-lieu fees to reduce the number of affordable units - simply using these relaxed code limits to build more luxury units – with profits “trickling down” only to developers and landlords. Upzoning is not synonymous with affordability, or even necessary! Santa Monica, you can do better – a lot better! With the tech industry’s move into Santa Monica, one might think this increased demand would reduce rents. C’mon now, time to Float Up and clear your heads. The dot.com industry attracts high-salaried employees which in turn both generates and fills housing’s demand and supply. So how then can we provide enough affordable housing while developers are risking their investor’s capital? Upzoning with increased height limits and reduced parking is not the answer. It’s time for realistic housing goals, time for a creative and well-designed approach to mixed-use housing. And most insidious of all is the assault on Santa Monica’s beautiful beachfront and residential character. How can we substantially upgrade the architectural design which developers have been saddling us with. Block-like facades decorated with balcony railings look like vin-

tage computer punchcards. When I was designing multi-family projects for some of the industry’s largest local developers, they understood good architecture was also good economics. Unfortunately, in today’s market the mantra is maximum square footage at minimum cost for maximum return to their pension funds, corporations, and offshore investors. Can’t we at least fashion a code that continues the beautiful courtyard housing that’s such an integral part of Santa Monica’s environment, an architecture that does not just sit next to nature, but blends with it. It would be criminal if we continue to lose our beautiful heritage of courtyard housing – especially when there is no compelling reason to do so other than simple greed! So how do we meet SCAG’s challenge and still retain and improve Santa Monica’s low-rise beachfront environment? What are the alternatives? If upzoning, increased height limits, and reduced parking is not the answer, what is the direction for Santa Monica’s future? Next week’s article will explore a more creative direction than simply adding 2 more stories to apartment buildings and triplexes in our single-family neighborhoods. Hope you will stay tuned! Ron Goldman FAIA for SMa.r.t. (Santa Monica Architects for a Responsible Tomorrow) Thane Roberts, Architect, Robert H. Taylor AIA, Ron Goldman FAIA, Architect, Dan Jansenson, Architect, Building and Fire-Life Safety Commission, Samuel Tolkin Architect, Mario Fonda-Bonardi, AIA, Planning Commissioner, Phil Brock, Santa Monica Arts Commission. For previous articles see www.santamonicaarch.wordpress.com/writings.

QUESTION OF THE WEEK: If you went to an open house and saw a framed KKK application on the wall, what would you do? COLUMN: Yo! Broker Dear Yo! Broker, I recent read where a black guy went to an open house and saw a KKK application in the bedroom. It turns out the house belonged to a cop who was later fired when the word got out. Hey I’m no KKK member but I am having an open house and do have some stuff on the walls. Can people bust me? Marvin K.K.Kurious

you can guess, there are great reasons to have an open house – and good reasons not to have an open house.

Hi Marvin, I have to tell you, many years ago our house in Michigan was for sale and the realtor advised my mother to take our family photos off the wall – so buyers wouldn’t know African Americans lived in the house. I’m no expert on free speech issues, but as a real estate broker, I will tell you that when you show a house some things should be taken down – and some things like family photos should stay up and will probably work in your favor – no matter how weird your family. However, please know that if you have something illegal – like a garage conversion or illegal guest house, someone might complain and the city may send out an investigator. As

Good Luck, Winston Cenac

Got an unusual real estate question? e-mail it winston@bulldogrealtors.com. Winston Cenac is the owner of Bulldog Realtors, a boutique real esate brokerage with 90 agents and offices in Venice, Santa Monica and West Adams

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from page 1 claims made under the National Labor Relations Act, the dormant commerce clause, and the California Occupational Safety & Health Act. To date, the cities of Long Beach, Oakland, Emeryville and Seattle have adopted similar ordinances through ballot measures approved by voters. Consideration for Santa Monica to develop hotel worker protection began in 2018 when representatives of the hospitality union UNITE HERE! Local 11 (Local 11) presented a set of recommendations related to hospitality worker protection to Santa Monica’s Commission on the Status of Women (COSW). The rules provide hotel housekeepers with safety protections to prevent sexual violence through mandatory personal security devices and the ability to report criminal and threatening behavior without fear of retaliation; set daily workload maximums of 4,000 square feet for hotels with less than 40 guest rooms and 3,500 square feet for hotels with greater than 40 rooms, and requires a double-overtime compensation rate for all hours worked beyond these limits; mandatory training on rights, safety, and education to protect public health and prevent human trafficking, domestic violence and sexual violence; requires hotel worker retention for a 90-day transition period in instances of a change in hotel ownership. “We are the strength of this industry and we know best what we need to have dignity and respect in the workplace. After working in Santa Monica for so many years, I feel proud that I was part of putting together a policy that protects my coworkers and me at work. This policy makes me feel recognized as truly part of this community and seen by this city,” said Aurelia Gonzales a Housekeeper at the JW Marriott Le Merigot for 18 years back in August. While support for the safety protections for hotel housekeepers was nearly unanimous among lawmakers and stakeholders, the daily square footage cap was a topic of contention during the council debate. “I don’t believe that makes sense for anyone. They should not be basing our work off of square feet,” said Roxana Fuentes Segovia, another housekeeper at JW Marriott Santa Monica Le Merigot. “When I reach my limit I would have to get sent home after only working three, four or five hours. I would be considered a ‘part-time’ employee, which means that I would not receive any benefits. The only ones that will benefit from this proposal would be the Local 11 Union.” A supersession condition is included in the ordinance exempting members of Local 11 from the square footage cap under collective bargaining agreements. Laurel Rosen President and CEO of the Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce, echoed these concerns in remarks delivered to Council, saying that a square footage cap could “upend” life for hotel housekeepers, put an added burden on small businesses and add strain to the city’s budget through po-

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tential loss of tax revenue from the tourism and hotel industry. “Sometimes what sounds good on paper may have unintended consequences,” Rosen said. “Limiting housekeepers to a certain number of square feet will force hotels to send them home after just a few hours, causing them to lose income and benefits they and their families survive on.” The ordinance will be enforced through a civil enforcement model and will take effect on a rolling basis by provision: the worker retention provision becomes effective upon the effective date of the ordinance in October, the safety protections and workload/ overtime provisions take effect on January 1, 2020 and training will be required by January 1, 2021.

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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:

a. KASAI HAGOS KIROS to KAHSAY HAGOS Date: 1/31/2020 | Time: 8:30AM | Dept: K Room: A copy of this ORDER to SHOW CAUSE shall be KIROS published at least once a week for four successive The court orders that all persons interested in weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition this matter appear before this court at the hearing in the following newspaper of general circulation, indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition WILSHIRE BOULEVARD • SANTA MONICA • www.bobgabrielinsurance.com for change of name should not be granted. Any person printed in2325 this county: Family & Operated to the name changes described LIC above must #OF82074 SANTA MONICA MIRROR | Dated: DEC. 04, 2019Ownedobjecting file a written objection that includes the reasons for Judge Lawrence H. Cho Published: 12/13/2019, 12/20/2019, 12/27/2019, and the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the 1/03/2020 hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NUMBER: 2019307614 ORIGINAL FILING This may grant the petition without a hearing. statement was filed with the County Clerk of LOS NOTICE OF HEARING: ANGELES ON 11/25/2019. The following person Date: 2/07/2020 | Time: 8:30AM | Dept: K Room: (persons) is (are) doing business as ROSEWOOD A copy of this ORDER to SHOW CAUSE shall be K-9 3612 ROSEWOOD AVE LOS ANGELES, published at least once a week for four successive CA 90066. The full name of registrant(s) is/are: weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition ROSEWOOD ORIGINAL LLC 3612 ROSEWOOD in the following newspaper of general circulation, AVE LOS ANGELES, CA 90066.. This business printed in this county: is conducted by a Limited Liability Company. The SANTA MONICA MIRROR | Dated: DEC. 06, 2019 registrant commenced to transact business under the Judge Lawrence H. Cho fictitious business name or names listed above on Published: 12/20/2019, 12/27/2019, 1/03/2020, and 11/2019. I declare that all information in this statement 1/10/2020 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. SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME Case No. 19SMCP00566 Superior Court of California, county of Los Angeles 1725 Main Street | Santa Monica, CA 90401 Petition of: KASAI HAGOS KIROS for change of name. ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME To all interested persons: KASAI HAGOS KIROS Petitioner: filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows:

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NUMBER: 2019 320798 ORIGINAL FILING This statement was filed with the County Clerk of LOS ANGELES ON 12/13/2019. The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as SANTA MONICA VENTURE, LP 2325 WILSHIRE BOULEVARD, SUITE 203 SANTA MONICA, CA 90403. The full name of registrant(s) is/are: SANTA MONICA VENTURE, LP 2325 WILSHIRE BOULEVARD, SUITE 203 SANTA MONICA, CA 90403. This business is conducted by an Individual. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 11/1982. 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 CHERYEL L. KANAN. This Statement was filed with the County Clerk of LOS ANGELES County on DECEMBER 13, 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 12/20/2019, 12/27/2019, 1/03/2020, and 1/10/2020.

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December 20 – 26, 2019

OPINION

UC Should Keep ACT, SAT; Not be Intimidated TOM ELIAS Mirror Columnist

For months, the University of California has been beset by the threat of a lawsuit from parents of minority students and others supposedly looking out for their interests, who insist the UC system’s use of national standardized tests in its admission process is discriminatory. Really? The claim propounded by lawyers for the Compton Unified School District, several students and five nonprofits is that the

SAT and ACT exams taken by millions of high schoolers across the nation are not fair to minorities and children of the poor. They assert that test performances closely correlate with family incomes, parent education levels and race. That’s undoubtedly correct: Higher income families often seek classes and other educational opportunities for their children outside school programs and frequently arrange prep courses for their kids before they take the exams. Yes, the College Board, which runs the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) and the American College Testing (ACT) program have changed their exams, making them less likely

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to favor the economically privileged and white or Asian-American kids. But nothing prevents mostly-minority school districts like Compton from designing test preparation courses of their own, specially targeted to overcome whatever disadvantages they believe their students might have. These classes could be offered free to everyone expected to take either test within two years of the class’s opening date. So far, only a few such publicly-funded classes exist, but where they do, student performances improved. Reality is that public schools cannot force parents to take a greater than normal interest in their kids’ education. Numerous studies show that the more educated parents are, the more they participate in parent-teacher activities at their children’s schools and the more assiduous they are about making sure their children do homework and attend school reliably. For sure, kids who form bad study and attendance habits from an early age almost always fare worse than others on the SAT and ACT. And what about the claim that use of the tests as a factor in UC admissions amounts to racial and economic discrimination? It’s no more discriminatory than the university system’s concurrent use of grade point averages, essays and class rankings, where parental education and financial standing also usually correlate with better performance. None of this will satisfy the anti-test advocates. Their unspoken aim: They would es-

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sentially like to see UC dumbed down so that more people can enjoy the prestige and the privileged assumptions that go with a diploma from one of America’s preeminent public universities. One official of the Oakland-based Equal Justice Society told a reporter that “The SAT has built-in biases that ultimately derail the college aspirations of thousands of hardworking students of color who would thrive in college and make important contributions to the UC community and beyond. The test serves no purpose other than to act as a barrier to higher education for historically disadvantaged students.” If there are some discriminatory aspects, they may include the fact that language dialects some students use at home do not jibe well with word usage on the test. This could be overcome by test-prep courses if they were widely offered by public schools in disadvan-

TEST, see page 15

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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

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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

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December 20 – 26, 2019

SPORTS: Boy’s Soccer and Basketball Photos: Morgan Genser.

TOP PHOTO – Left Bryan Lucero from the Amino Leadership Charter High School boys varsity soccer team chases after Kane Buskeness from Santa Monica High School on December 12 as SAMO hosted Amino in a non-league soccer match and lost by a score of 4-2 dropping their record to 1 win 1 loss and 3 draws.

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Left Amitai Afenjar from the Santa Monica College men’s basketball team jumps in the air to shoot the basketball at the basket over the arm of George Masiennikov. SMC hosted Saddleback College in a non-conference basketball game and won 84-74 to improve their record to 9-4

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Hana Monska’s Fitness Secret: EMS

Hana Monska is taking the celebrity fitness scene by storm! As one of the top Electro Muscle Stimulation trainers in the country, she quickly came to the conclusion that high-powered, high-profile people are forever chasing after the latest in workout trends. That’s why, along with her National Exercise & Sport Trainer Association (NESTA) certification, Hana went through all the trouble of getting Miha bodytec and Glucker Kolleg certified as well, an innovative way to train that has become all the rage, exploding into a huge game changer among the A-list community! So what exactly is EMS? It’s an acronym for Electro Muscle Stimulation, a trusted technology that replicates the natural signals sent from the brain to the muscles, using them to exercise muscles in steady, rhythmic pulses that cause relaxing cycles of contraction and relaxation. This natural stimulation strengthens, tones, tightens and works the entire muscle system much more than a typical workout ever could, achieving the results that time-challenged celebs are absolutely obsessed with! And for good reason! It literally takes just 20 minutes to complete an entire full body workout session! Using low-frequency electrical impulses to stimulate muscles normally overlooked, EMS provides a science-backed exercise method that delivers the equivalent of a full-blown, 4hours training session! It’s super-safe and joint-friendly, but still intense

enough to give a great strength workout. Pro athletes love it for treating injuries and Hollywood big shots love it for helping them get in, and stay in the best shape of their careers! Everyone from Madonna to Heidi Klum have famously adopted EMS into their regular fitness workouts -- sold on the speed, convenience, and proven results that keep these V.I.P.’s looking their best! Some of Hana’s personal big-ticket clientele include superstar athletes like five time NBA champion, Derek Fisher, pro-surfer Anthony Petruso, and UFC legend, Chuck Liddell. Billionaire heavyweights like Google Founder, Sergey Brin, and Forbes-featured entrepreneur, Howard Leight of Malibu Rocky Oaks fame, are both huge fans as well. So whether you’re a mega-star athlete, a member of the Hollywood elite, a super-rich titan of industry, or just an average fitness fan looking for an awesome workout, EMS is the hottest trend out there today! Find out what everyone’s talking about! After just one session, you’ll be hooked! Photo: Courtesy.

Electro Muscle Stimulation is a trusted technology that replicates the natural signals sent from the brain to the muscles, using them to exercise muscles in steady, rhythmic pulses that cause relaxing cycles of contraction and relaxation.

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December 20 – 26, 2019

Brentwood Country Club Denies Animal Cruelty Accusations “This story is totally fabricated,” says the club in response to claims of animal cruelty By S am C atanzaro Brentwood Country Club is denying accusations levied against them by Ewan McGregor’s daughter Clara that the club engaged in animal cruelty in an incident surrounding a stray dog. In an Instagram story Monday, Clara reshared to her 43,000 followers a post from her boyfriend, director Jimmy Giannopoulos, that recounted the incident. “Just chased a puppy into the parking lot of the BRENTWOOD COUNTRY CLUB IN BRENTWOOD CALIFORNIA cause it was lost and almost got hit by a number of cars,” the post reads. “I almost had him when the security guard and manager stopped me. After I explained what I was doing (trying to help the puppy) the manager, some white guy with white hair and I believe an English accent, took me aside and told me he doesn’t care about no dog and kicked me out of the parking lot and the dog escaped again…The #brentwoodcountryclub is HORRIBLE and this guy should be fired. Spread the word. #animalcruelty.” When reached for comment, Brentwood Country Club called the story “fabricated.” “This story is totally fabricated. Our head of

Left: Clara and Ewan McGregor. Right: Brentwood Country Club.

security and his team rescued a dog who had a collar and ID who was running through the club’s parking lot. He immediately calmed the dog and called the owner who was very grateful and picked up her lost pet. Brentwood Country Club prides itself on being a caring family club and we have no idea what motivated the person who spread this false information,” the club wrote in

an email to Palisades News. The story was picked up by national news outlets, including Fox News, where a person who claimed to be a member of the club wrote in a comment their eyewitness account of the incident. “I’m a member at Brentwood CC and witnessed this event. The young man tried to gain

Photos: Facebook/Google.

access to club property and was turned away. By his dress and attitude, he was easily mistaken for a mentally ill vagrant. The Director of Security did his job,” reads the comment. “I am also pleased to say that the cute little puppy was detained safely and his owner was notified. The owner picked up the dog and was quite thankful for the safe return of the pet.”

December 20 – 26, 2019

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Rated R 129 Minutes Released December 13

FILM REVIEW: “Richard Jewell”

“Richard Jewell” An Important Movie to See BEHIND THE SCREEN By Kathryn Whitney Boole The film “Richard Jewell” is based on the true story of a man whose heroism probably saved many lives in the Atlanta Olympics bombing of 1996. Within days, due to circumstances beyond his control, he was pinpointed as the possible bomber himself. He was never able to shake the stigma of the publicity that surrounded the accusation. Billy Ray, one of the top screenwriters working today, wrote Richard Jewell, inspired by the 1997 Vanity Fair article “American Nightmare: The Ballad of Richard Jewell,” by Marie Brenner. This is a beautifully composed film. The way these fascinating characters are brought to life in detail through their reactions and actions tells volumes about each person. The rhythm and flow of the story never lags. The screenplay attracted Clint Eastwood to the project. Eastwood at 89 still keeps a heavy schedule of directing. He has a superb team of filmmakers who have worked with him for years, so he was able to turn out this high caliber film with a 37-day shoot schedule in Summer 2019, ready for release on December 13th. The cast assembled by Geoffrey Miclat, East-

wood’s casting director since 2011, is extraordinary. TV and film character actor Paul Walter Hauser embodies Richard Jewell so well that if you are of an age to remember the story first-hand, you will think you are watching the real Jewell. His timing and portrayal of emotion are amazing. Sam Rockwell is at the top of his game, as always, memorable and intriguing as Jewell’s friend and attorney Watson Bryant.The mesmerizing Nina Arianda, gained fame as the star of Venus in Fur on Broadway and you may recognize her from Goliath and Billions. She plays Bryant’s assistant, a Slavic immigrant. Arianda’s parents are originally from Ukraine, so she has the accent and mannerisms perfectly. Olivia Wilde shines as relentlessly aggressive reporter Kathy Scruggs. This is a very important movie to see. Hounded by the press and the public both during and after the circuitous, tortuous fallout from the bombing incident, Jewell and his mother Bobi, played here by the incomparable Kathy Bates, were forced to retreat from the lives they knew. The series of events that followed what was a heroic, caring act on the part of Jewell, took on a life of their own that swept them into the river of media and public scrutiny. As often happens, snap judgments were made without collecting and reviewing all facts and sensationalism reared its ugly head. My company was involved in similar event around same time period when one of our clients

TEST,

taged areas. That could be one very constructive use of the extra money the state has sent to schools with large numbers of poor kids under programs begun by ex-Gov. Jerry Brown six years ago. But few districts have done this. And there is ample evidence that the SAT and ACT usually serve their stated purpose: test results usually predict college performance by the test takers. At the same time, it does not seem to matter to opponents of standardized exams what the testing companies do to make their exams less sensitive to privilege and parental interest. Both firms have redesigned test questions with this factor in mind, but could not stem the complaints. The bottom line: In a climate where several UC chancellors and other top officials say they’re open to abandoning the tests, a UC committee is to report in early spring on what the elite system should do. Whatever it does, UC must take care to avoid anything that might undermine its high standing, which draws top faculty and students from around the world. Email Thomas Elias at tdelias@aol.com. His book, “The Burzynski Breakthrough: The Most Promising Cancer Treatment and the Government’s Campaign to Squelch It,” is now available in a soft cover fourth edition. For more Elias columns, visit www. californiafocus.net

Todd Mitchell

was on the jury in the famous OJ case. Her apartment building was deluged with press and we had to send a team of ex football players to escort her from her door to her car. The news media thrives on getting the scoop, to be first to release a juicy story. Although the majority of reporters do their best to vet all details, there remain always the overzealous few who eye victory at any price. In the Richard Jewell incident, the price was the destruction of a man’s life and reputation. 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

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