Issuu

Westside Health and Beauty | Pages 9-12 INSIDE Westside Health and Beauty | Pages 9-12 P-77 Joins SM Nativity Mountain Lion Scenes to Return INSIDE S A N TA M O N I C A Family

SPECIALSISSUE: A N TA M O N I C A

P-77 Joins PAGE PAGE18 4 Mountain Lion Beach Club to PayReleased WomanFamily $10M+ After Son Dies Stabbing Pending Investigation REFLECTING THE Suspect CONCERNS OF THE COMMUNITY REFLECTING THE CONCERNS OF THE COMMUNITY

smmirror.com

29 – December 5, 2019 Volume XXII, Issue 20 19 November December 6 – 12,

PAGE and humid" day. proper first aid for over three hours 18 smmirror.com November Jury renders verdict to 29 – December 5, 2019 Volume XXII, Issue 19 administer an altercation with another man and stabbed after Keck began showing signsorder and symptoms "Around 1:30 pm he started cramping and County officials him with a knife, according to Santa Monica of heat exhaustion. asked a locker room attendant to massage his Santa Monica mother of the release of a man Police Department (SMPD) Lieutenant Can“Safety was a big factor that was ignored and calf. The cramps persisted and worsened over dice Cobarrubias. The Santa Monica Lookout William M. Keck III my son would still be if someone had just the next few hours while the locker room attensuspected ofaliveattempted has reported both men were homeless. called for help,” said Kitty Keck. “It’s always dant continued to massage Keck III. The crampHodges scene of the crime by the murder on Ocean Front and humid"fled day.the administer proper first aid for overKeck. three hours ing better to be safe than sorry,” added spread and he continued to sweat in the B y Samrenders Catanzaroverdict to Jury time officers arrived. The victim, who was after Keck began showing signs and symptoms "Around 1:30 pm started cramping and During the two-week trial, Keck’s attorneys hot and humid locker he room in spite of receivWalk stabbed in the abdomen several times, was of heat exhaustion. asked a locker room attendant to massage his Santa Monica mother of argued the Club employees owed a duty of care ing water and Gatorade. No one from the Club

Beach Club to Pay Woman $10M+ After Son Dies

A Santa Monica woman will receive over $10 million from a beach club after her 48-year-old son died from heat exhaustion during a 2017 paddle tennis tournament. BOn y SMonday, am Catanzaro November 25 a Santa Monica jury rendered a $12 million verdict to Katherine A Santa Monica woman will receive over $10 “Kitty” Keck of Santa Monica, the mother of million from a beach club after her 48-year-old 48-year-old William M. Keck III of Marina Del son died from heat exhaustion a 2017 Rey, who suffered from fatal heatduring exhaustion at paddle tennis tournament. the Bel-Air Bay Club in Pacific Palisades. On Monday, 25 a Santa Monica According to November Gina Fernandes, Director of jury rendered a $12 million verdict to Katherine Public Relations for Juris Productions in a press “Kitty” Keck of Santa Monica, the mother of The 2400 block of Ocean Walk 48-year-old William M.Front Keck III of Marina Del Rey, who suffered from fatal heat exhaustion at the Bel-Air Bay Club in Pacific Palisades. According to Gina Fernandes, Director of Public Relations for Juris Productions in a press

transported to a local hospital and treated calf.called The 911 cramps and worsened over one untilpersisted he started having difficulty for his injuries. the next few hoursp.m. while theparamedics locker roomarrived attenbreathing at 4:57 The SMPD Detectives laterKeck located Hodges in dant continued to to massage III. The crampfour minutes later find Keck turning blue. The Pomona andand he was arrested bytoSanta Monica ing spread he continued sweat in the Club had procedures requiring a call to 911 for police onhumid Friday, December 29 spite and taken into hot and locker in of heat exhaustion that wasroom not followed forreceivmore custody for attempted murder. ing water and Gatorade. from the Club than three hours. Keck IIINo diedone at the hospital at Oncalled Tuesday, December 3 the SMPD preone 911 until he started having difficulty 5:56 pm," Fernandes said. sented theatcase to theThe Losparamedics Angeles County breathing 4:57 arrived Keck III is thep.m. son of the late William M. District Attorney for prosecution but The the four minutes later to find Keck turning blue. Keck II. He was a commercial real estate broker office requested a further investigation Club had procedures requiring a call to 911into for the case, according to Lt. Cobarrubias, and heat exhaustion that was see not followed for more DEATH, page 18 Hodges was released thetheoutcome than three hours. Keckpending III died at hospitalof at a5:56 follow-up investigation. pm," Fernandes said. Keck III is the son of the late William M. Keck II. He was a commercial real estate broker

release sent on behalf of the plaintiffs, Keck III died from a heart arrhythmia caused by elevated potassium due to heat exhaustion on September 3, 2017. His mother Kitty sued the Bel-Air Bay Club claiming the staff failed to call 911 or

“Safety was a big his factor that was his ignored and to Keck to recognize symptoms, worsenB Sam Cand atanzaro myycondition son would still someone just ing tobe getalive him if medical aid had sooner. called forcase help,” Kitty “It’s lack always “This wassaid about theKeck. stunning of A homeless mansorry,” suspected of stabbing better to and be safe than Keck. training negligence thatadded caused a tragic another nearKeck’s the beach in During the two-week attorneys death that homeless could have man beentrial, prevented,” said lead Santa by last argued Monica the Club was employees owed a police duty of care plaintiff attorney Brucearrested Broillet. “We hope this week before released a few days later to Keck to recognize his to symptoms, his worsenverdict sends abeing message other athletic faciliafter county prosecutors requested further ing condition and to get him medical aid sooner. ties and clubs to take heat exhaustion seriously,” investigation. “This case was about the stunning lack of he added. The incident occurredthat on April 8,a 2018, training and negligence caused tragic According to Fernandes, Keck III had been on the 2400 block of Ocean Front Walk death that couldtennis have been prevented,”on said lead playing paddle at a tournament a near "hot Perry’s Cafe around 6:15 “We a.m. hope The susplaintiffBeach attorney Bruce Broillet. this pect, allegedly gotfaciliinto verdictRimone sends aHodges, message29, to other athletic ties and clubs to take heat exhaustion seriously,” he added. According to Fernandes, Keck III had been playing paddle tennis at a tournament on a "hot

low for comfort; our reserves are lower than they Monica-Westside should be, and therearea. is no indication in the near A Change.org with over 5,000 future that there willpetition be an increase in revenue signatures looks to save the shop by getting from state, federal or local sources of funding,” the City Drati said. of Santa Monica to designate the property as a historical landmark. Drati pointed to the State of California as the “This store more than just a skate shop, low forofcomfort; our reserves are lower they source manyisof the issues facing thethan district. Jim [McDowell] and Bill [Poncher] should be,ranks and there thehave near California 41st isinno theindication nation in in education created anthere environment future that willsaid be that an that increase infostered revenue funding, and Drati statehas funding has the of Santa for fromskate state, community federal or local of funding,” been “extremely volatile” forsources years. Monica over 40 years,”reads the petition. “It’s upDrati said. “Like many other districts in the State of setting to our community that the city of Drati pointed to the State California as the California, SMMUSD has ofbeen challenged Santa Monica would overlook it’s cultural source of manyfiscal of thedeficit issuesspending facing the district. by a structural cycle for toThis the41st city Its California ranks initself. thethat nation in education arelevance long time. means oursignificance operational in skateboard history wellstate known and we refunding, and are Drati saidisthan that funding has expenditures greater the revenues spected worldwide.” been “extremely volatile” for federal years. and local receive in combined state, Poncher, while touched by in thethe communi“Like many other districts State of funding,” Drati said. ty support, SMMUSD says that hehas is wary getCalifornia, been about challenged ting worked-up by thespending situationcycle out for of by a too structural fiscal deficit concern of antagonizing theirour landlord and a long time. This means that operational forcing a rentare increase. expenditures greater than the revenues we “The community outpouring, amlocal so receive in combined state, federal Iand touched it, but funding,”by Drati said.on the same hand I can’t

According to the district, some factors be- shortage, a crisis that confronts school districts hind the revenue deficit include increases in throughout the nation. healthcare and other employee-related costs “Housing prices on the westside of Los Anand in general operations, including the costs geles have risen dramatically, which impacts our of supplies and services. In addition, Drati said Photo: Sam Catanzaro SMMUSD is faced with a growing teacher BUDGET, see page 18 to Santa the district, some factors be- shortage, a crisis that confronts school districts RipAccording City Skates on Monica Boulevard hind the revenue deficit include increases in throughout the nation. Sweet costs Home“Housing Santa pricesMonica on the westside of Los Anhealthcare and other employee-related get too emotional about it,” Poncher said. Disclosure: ofwhich this article and in general operations, including the Nessel costs geles have risenthe dramatically, impactshas our Dan & Charlee | 310.365.0195 | author 310.755.8180 “That’s just how it is, so you just embrace purchased two skateboards and various of supplies and services. In addition, Drati |said Dan@NesselHomes.com Charlee@NesselHomes.com | NesselHomes.com it, I guess, and you move the years fromsee Rip City Skates. SMMUSD is faced with aon.” growing teacher gear over BUDGET, page 18

William M. Keck III

William and Kitty Keck.

Photos: Courtesy Keck Family

release sent on behalf of the plaintiffs, Keck III died from a heart arrhythmia caused by elevated potassium due to heat Photos: exhaustion on SeptemCourtesy Keck Family ber 3, 2017. His mother Kitty sued the Bel-Air William and Kitty Keck. Bay Club claiming the staff failed to call 911 or Photo: Google

Fiscal Challenges for SMMUSD Dogtown Relic Rip City Skates to be Demolished Superintendent Santa Monica says skatestate funding, transition to shop looking for new basic-aid location among culprits

DEATH, see page 18

Fiscal Challenges for SMMUSD

B y atanzaro Superintendent B y SSam amCC atanzaro says state

funding, to Unified The thetransition Santa Monica-Malibu Rip head Cityof Skates opened its doors in 1978 School District (SMMUSD) is warning of fiscal in Santa Monica at the dawn of the modern basic-aid among culprits challenges facing the district, saying that reserve

skateboarding era. Now Los Angeles’ oldfunds are “too low for comfort”. est continuously operated skate shop plans BOn y SNovember am Catanzaro 22, SMMUSD Superintendent on relocating as the building’s owner is Dr. Ben Drati released athe letter to parents andBoustaff looking to demolish Santa Monica The head of the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified titled levard“SMMUSD property. Budget: Challenges and OpSchool District (SMMUSD) is warning of fiscal portunities Ahead.” Bill Poncher, who has co-owned Rip City challenges facingSMMUSD’s the district, fund saying that reserve “At this point, balance is too since day one with his cousin Jim McDowfunds are “too low for comfort”. ell, says that their landlord plans on demolOn November 22, SMMUSD Superintendent ishing the building and that the store has Dr. Ben Drati released a letter to parents and staff between six and eight months to find a new titled “SMMUSD Budget: Challenges and Oplocation. According to Poncher, Rip City portunities Ahead.” hopes to find a new storefront in the Santa “At this point, SMMUSD’s fund balance is too

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SM Nativity Scenes to Return

Holiday display coming to 20th and Broadway By Keldine Hull

The holidays are in full swing in Santa Monica. The Santa Monica Nativity Scenes at Calvary Baptist Church returns on December 8 and will be on display until January 4, 2020. Located at the corner of 20th Street and Broadway, visitors will see the display on their right- hand side if they head east on Broadway from 19th Street. The life-size display has been a part of the local holiday tradition in Santa Monica for over 65 years, particularly at its height of popularity throughout the 1960s and 1970s when the scenes were located along Ocean Ave. at Palisades Park. The original Nativity Scenes and any overnight displays were banned from Palisades Park by the City of Santa Monica in 2012. A long-running legal battle ensued after Santa Monica’s Nativity Scenes, the non-profit behind the installation, sued the City with charges of “violating our constitutional rights of free speech and free practice of religion” by banning the Nativity Scenes. In 2015 the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in favor of the city forcing the displays to be relocated to private property. This year’s display features 14 dioramas that depict various scenes from the New Testament including Joseph’s Dream, Rest on the Road and The Nativity. According to Santa Monica Nativity Scenes, the display was created in 1953 to attract people to Santa Monica and spread love throughout the community. “The chamber of commerce and local businesses agreed that the Nativity Scenes would bring families from all over Los Angeles, and would benefit local business. After only a few years of the tradition, Santa Monica city council voted for the city to be known as the City of the Christmas Story. Today we keep the tradition alive,” the website continued. To learn more about the Santa Monica Nativity Scenes, visit: http://santamonicanativityscenes. org/home

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The Grumble in the Jungle

SM Homeless Statue Intended to Confront Public OPINION

“In The Image” by Ed Massey on display at former Savings and Santa Monica Architects for a Tomorrow Loans Responsible building

SMa.r.t.

letter to the Council. Not. ByA Slove am Catanzaro Last week we wrote about what

we at SMa.r.t., individually, were thankful for in A seven-foot-tall sculpture a homeless man our beachfront town. Thisof week we thought atthe theCouncil former Savings and Loans building in Sanmight take a moment to review tasome Monica asks the public “contemplate their comments from totheir constituents views elevate discourse the issue,” of takenand from thetheir local Santa on Monica social homelessness says the artist, who has a history of media pages. They are in the public domain generating buzzthe in Santa Monica through art. but without writers express permission, The statue, titled “In The Image”, sculptso are shown as anonymous. They touch on ed by Ed Massey, is of a bearded homeless life style, over-development, crime, the airman baggy clothes with ahotel red blanket port,wearing the proposed large private develdraped on his shoulders, depicting a man The the opment on city land downtown called artist came across 20 years ago. Plaza instead of a real public plaza, crime, “Good people — and progressive to conservathe Council itself, other issues of contive, to Santa religious — areresidents. confronted by cernsecular to many Monica the issue everyday…Yet, few know the stories of the homeless with whom we come in contact. What don’t we know of those passI without “People have asked me we why moved afrom glance? What could be their potential contriSanta Monica. I’m better off visiting butions? What does the of sculpture say and taking advantage all the evoke perks or meant about us?” Reads part ofterm the description. for tourists anda short visitors - “The what ‘In the Image’ intended the exactly, I’mwork not was surealways of. So manyfor more public realm, so viewers and passersby could beautiful beaches and towns than SM.” contemplate theirwhat viewsweand elevate dis“Great. Just need a rowtheir of high course onDTSM” the issue — one that has now come to rises in affect us all where weside work town and live.” “Sleepy beach turning into

Photo: Sam Catanzaro

“In The Image” by Ed Massey on the corner of Wilshire Boulevard and 26th Street in Santa Monica.

For 50 years, the property, located at Wilshire Boulevard and 26th Street, was home to the historic Millard Sheets “Pleasures Along the mega metropolis” Beach” glass mosaic.down Earlier however, ”Santa Monica to this the year, dump” the”And mosaiconwas the Hilbert size Museum topmoved of its togargantuan and of California unfriendly Art at Chapman University in the pedestrian facade, they call it City Orange, despite its landmark designation. "TheofPark”

RON WYNN

“The loss is the result of the City’s settlement of a lawsuit brought against it by the property owner, designation in “Our reversing beautiful the citylandmark is no longer. I hope it 2013 as well as the Santa Monica Conservancy’s can get back to the way it was.” appeal Cityintended Council, to which again con”Oh,toit’s be aonce “community firmed the designation inBecause, 2017,” said theknow, Santa within a community.” you Monica nothing Conservancy in June. there’s around there. Like a subur-

In an online thread, Twitter account Santa Monica Problems (@SantaMonicaProb) took aim at city officials for allowing the statue to be erected. “Only in [Santa Monica] would a statue of a family be replaced [with a] statue of a homeless man. Why not honor a resident, rather than glorify homelessness?” reads the Tweet. “[Santa Monica’s] homeless situation is nothing to be proud of.” Santa Monica City Councilmember Ted Winterer, however, wrote in a reply to the tweet that the City has no authority over the statue’s subject matter citing the owner’s First Amendment rights. “You realize it’s private property right? The owner made the decision to remove the mural and previous sculpture and replace it with the new one, not the city. Can’t stop the owner from exercising her/his First Amendment rights,” Winterer wrote. The installation will be on display for six weeks. This is not the first time artist Ed Massey has generated buzz in Santa Monica. In 1994, as part of a five-city exhibition, Massey along with feminist activist Peg Yorkin installed lifesize painted-polyurethane foam figures depicting the grisly aftermath of a sexual assault titled “Morality/Mortality” in a storefront window at the Wilshire Medical Building at Wilshire Boulevard on Wilshire Boulevard Photo: Getty Images and 15th Street, which had recently opened. “It would have been a lot easier to show the piece in a third-floor gallery in say.” Manhattan,” ban wasteland, one might even Massey told the LA Times at the time. “But “Even more of a reason to need a park this has to be in a public area. The work is ininstead of The Plaza on our public land at tended to attract attention and discussion. If it doesn’t doSMa.r.t., that, I’ve failed.” see page 5

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rfom page 4 4th/5th/Arizona.” “Where does the city get funding for fighting this case? Residents have continued to show support for the new districts. City Council is just using our money to protect their jobs.” “My Santa Monica is a dangerous place now. Attempted purse snatchings and robberies, assaults on Samohi coaches, batteries on innocent residents and tourists, break ins, car & bicycle thefts and a general sense that our city council remains blind to the issues.” “That’s the state of our Santa Monica as the leaders of our city remain more concerned with development schemes and additional ways to bilk residents & tourists. Even though public safety is our number one concern our representatives appear to be governing an alternate city in their own twilight zone.” “First Pico Wellbeing where they tried to promote upzoning Pico Blvd without adjacent city sponsored neighborhood organizations participation, now this. City Hall doesn't represent. They rule. The decision on moving landscape Dept. Should have been decided at least a year ago when they started doing community meetings about The Memorial Park Expansion Plan.” “Distrust of Santa Monica government continues to grow among residents.

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The news came from City Manager Rick Cole at Saturday’s Wellbeing Summit. Cole said the 2019 Wellbeing Index reveals that the percentage of residents who believe they can influence City Hall has declined from 29% in 2017 to 20% this year.” “City Hall needs to understand that people live here! The people should be heard and given top consideration when it comes to planning.” “But then Council and Staff would have to be mature and responsible enough to concede defeat. Not happening.” “Like i have been saying.... LC is weak. And LC is intentionally written to be ambiguous and open to the interpretation of City Staff at their whim. Our City government is corrupt. City Staff and City Council violate City Zoning laws and do not care about what residents want or about your quality of life. Welcome to my world and the reality of having your homes destroyed.” “Residents don’t have to allow their tax dollars to go towards a bad project that will redefine our Downtown for the next 100 years.” “It's almost impossible to contact anyone at City Hall anymore since they discontinued having the reception desk answer the phones and connect to the right person's extension. The online directory is pathetic and difficult if not impossible to navigate to find the right connection, or even the right name. Often the phone numbers there are obsolete. And if you do manage to find what you're looking for, your call goes

“It’s almost impossible to contact anyone at City Hall anymore since they discontinued having the reception desk answer the phones and connect to the right person’s extension. The online directory is pathetic and difficult if not impossible to navigate to find the right connection, or even the right name.” straight to voicemail and you never get a call back. It seems their new interface is designed to immunize our local government against having to interact with residents, not to help them.” ”It's good the Expo line is at grade. We wouldn't want an "EYE SORE" running through town now would we! EXCUSE ME, but how the F#%K would we even see it now PAMMIE O'??? Congratulations SMCC. You keep outdoing yourself in making Santa Monica into the travesty it has become.” “Soon we’ll be like NYC and have our

own “Lincoln Tunnel”” “what can we do? We keep fighting and it’s a lost cause. The city can be bought... and it has!” “Cole believes Santa Monica's problems can be solved by deep examination inside City Hall's fabricated and broken framework - where real problems are not viewed as problems and where residents are the problem and we need to be overhauled.” “Our city is so completely disconnected from the people who live here.” ”I would vote for people with random names, I would vote for their dogs, but I will not vote for this crooked project.” “Isn’t it insane that residents have to combat developers? CC are supposed to protect our city from this ish but instead, they’ve destroyed SM. And I know we keep going in circles, but WHY do people keep voting for the same people??” “It’s a greedy do nothing increasingly incompetent city.” Maybe next week we can cull thru more of the posts and find something supportive of the actions of the City administrators. We’ll see. SMa.r.t. Santa Monica Architects for a Responsible Tomorrow Bob Taylor, AIA; Ron Goldman, FAIA; Jansenson Architect , Building and FireLife Safety Commissioner; Mario Fonda-Bonardi AIA, Planning Commissioner; Thane Roberts, Architect; Sam Tolkin, Architect; Phil Brock, Arts Commissioner

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Angel City Chorale’s Holiday Concert Returns Singalong and concert December 7 and 8 By Keldine Hull With over 180 members, the Angel City Chorale (ACC), founded by Artistic Director Sue Fink in 1993, is one of the most well- known and sought after singing groups in Southern California. Following their success on Season 13 of NBC’s “American’s Got Talent,” the Golden Buzzer winners remain hard at work, spreading their message with the world and “Building Community One Song at a Time.” On December 7 and December 8, at 7:30 p.m., the ACC will host its popular annual holiday concert and singalong at Immanuel Presbyterian Church in Los Angeles. “It’s our biggest concert of the year,” said Michael Lever, who volunteers and performs with the choir. “Some people have made it a tradition now for 26 years.” “Angel City Chorale: Starry Starry Night” will feature music from big- screen holiday favorites including “Home Alone Suite” by John Williams, “Joy with Joy to the World” from “The Preacher’s Wife” and a medley of classic songs from “White Christmas,” “Holiday Inn” and “Meet Me in St. Louis.” ACC is also expected to per-

form the West Coast premiere of the new Swahili Christmas song “Njooni Waaminifu” by Grammy- winner Christopher Tin, collaborating once again with the mastermind behind the music that helped ACC get into the live shows of “America’s Got Talent.” ACC’s growing outreach, the Angel City Youth Chorale (AGYC), will also perform. “We have kids who participate from Boys and Girls Club Los Angeles over in Venice and now we have another outreach in Burbank. We’re expanding the group, getting

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more kids involved in music,” explained Lever, who knows first-hand the importance of singing in a choir. “I grew up in a boys’ choir, and it defined my life in positive ways. It’s the perfect connection with the Boys and Girls Clubs, to give these kids something to do after school. It’s a positive influence in their lives that will remain throughout their lives.” Lever continued, “That’s what we really love that we’re doing with these kids- giving them community, self-esteem, nurturing their talent, accepting them for who or what

they are, giving them pride in themselves. All these positive, wonderful attributes are very evident when you hear them singing and see them.” In addition to their holiday concert, ACC brings music to people who might not have the means to see choral groups on their own through the annual Holiday Tour of Hope. ACC has also performed benefit concerts throughout the world, supporting organizations like the County Mayo Cancer Action Group and The Amy Foundation. “It’s been a wonderful experience,” Lever continued. “We continue to get requests for our presence and our music all over the world. We’re certainly representing Los Angeles in the most wonderful way that we know how, through song.” As their popularity and influence grow, ACC hopes to continue to have a positive impact on those in need by sharing their love of community and music. “We’re going to branch out throughout the year and get more active in the community, get our hands dirty, singing and not singing,” Lever explained. “When a group comes together like this with one purpose and goal in a positive way, there’s nothing we can’t do. We’re very excited to see our future.”

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December 6 – 12, 2019 77

WEAVE, WEAVE, 92-Year-Old Artist Ray Ford’s Unique Holiday Gifts frompage page11 frompage page88 from from SMa.r.t., SMa.r.t.,

Show at Bergamont Station

leavingand andleave leaveour ourresidents residentssuffering sufferingfrom from leaving shade,traffic, traffic,pollution pollutionand andlack lackofofopen openspace. space. shade, Theirony ironyofofour ourCity Cityoverspending overspendingfor fora asussusThe tainableproject projectwhile whilesimultaneously simultaneouslyallowing allowing tainable Bthe y Henry K. Long for theconstruction constructionofofa anon-sustainable non-sustainableproject project for perhapslost lostononour ourCity Cityleaders. leaders. Ironically, Ironically, isisperhaps Artist Ray Ford has carving wood for ourCity City Manager hasbeen stated thepast pastthat that asasour Manager has stated ininthe eighty-seven years. He received a pocket knife “iconicbuildings buildingsdodonot notmake makegreat greatcities citiesoror " "“iconic when he was human just fivescaled yearsbuildings old. This that was during environments, human scaled buildings thatrelate relate environments, the depression and bowl years. His father was each otherdodo every city hasits itsown own chartoto each other ……dust every city has chara poor sharecropper in the Texas Panhandle. Ford acterand andSanta SantaMonica Monicashould shouldnot notstray strayfrom fromitsits acter learned quickly how to carve his own toys…and identity.” identity.” the is history. regard economicsustainability, sustainability,we’ve we’ve InInrest regard totoeconomic hetold isthat well known artist has inearned justNow beentold that water rates willand double inthe the just been water rates will double his 5reputation. At 92 years old, hereserves is still creating next 5years yearstotoguarantee guarantee funding reserves while next funding while original works on$100 a$100 weekly basis. Ford can spending extra million for thecity cityturn halla spending ananextra million for the hall simple piece of wood into a one-of-a-kind sculpannex,the thecity cityisisbusy busybuilding buildinga a$2.3 $2.3million million annex, ture. However, creating work of art from a slab restroom Clover Parka($4,600/sf ($4,600/sf which restroom atatClover Park !!)!!) which isis of wood is a longa aterm commitment. premonths overdue, $.5million millionmural muralHe aback back months overdue, $.5 ininafirst pares the wood on$9 the lathe, budgeted then it is for stored to stairwell cityhall, hall, $9million million budgeted foroutoutstairwell inincity dry out (this can take over a year). He will return sidepublic publicrelations, relations,and andofofcourse coursethe the$25 $25milmilside to the piece and put it back on the lathe, and after lion spent fight district voting orderto tosave save lion spent totofight district voting ininorder burning, carving, heAnd finally decorates outside, their council seats. And thiswhile whilethe the city’s their council seats. allallthis the city’s adding manymeetings coats ofonon clear lacquer. Sanding is busy running meetings our“well-being.” “well-being.” But busy running our But the final step to creating an original hand crafted thishypocrisy hypocrisyseems seemstotobebelost lostononour ourCity's City's allallthis sculpture. civil servantswho whoseem seemmore moreinterested interestedininproprocivil servants Fordthe hascause neverofof stopped growing as an artist moting the cause outside developers above moting outside developers above and continues learn new be techniques. He said those whomto they should beboth bothprotecting protecting those totowhom they should he loves the process of figuring out new ways to andserving. serving. and create. In the past few years, he added the LichtenUltimately,fiscal, fiscal,social socialand andenvironmental environmental Ultimately, berg technique to"hand his repertoire. Also fractal sustainability "hand hand". theircore, core, sustainability gogo ininhand". AtAtcalled their burning, the use oftoelectricity produces agood different they areboth both there toserve servethe the greatergood for they are there greater for type of result. citizens. WhenCity Cityleaders, leaders,under underthe theguise guise allall citizens. When The death of his wife in December 2016 has

Photo: Courtesy Frederick Fisher. Photo: Courtesy Frederick Fisher.

renderingofofthe theCity CityofofSanta SantaMonica’s Monica’snews newsadminadminAArendering istrationbuilding building istration

environmentalshepherds, shepherds,stray strayfrom fromtheir their ofofenvironmental statedduty, duty,they theyneed needtotobebeheld heldtotoaccount accountfor for stated theiractions. actions.ToTododootherwise otherwiseisistotosquander squanderour our their limitedmeans meanstotoprotect protectboth bothour ourenvironment environment limited andour ourresidents. residents. The Thecurrent current"half-baked" "half-baked" and planningdecisions decisionsand andtheir theirconsequences consequencesare are planning neithersustainable sustainablenor noracceptable. acceptable.ToToput putshortshortneither Photos:and Wayne Ford. termgain gainbefore beforelong longterm termcommunity community andenvienviterm RIGHT – Ray Fordiswith a the piecepath of histowork. ronmental needs notthe sustainability. ronmental needs is not path to sustainability. Thisdynamic dynamicneeds needstotochange changeififwe weare aretotoproproThis tectour ournatural naturaland andsocial socialresources. resources.There Thereisistoo too tect not stopped Ford from continuing his journey. He much stake otherwise. much atatstake totododo otherwise. said, “I like to keep busy.” Each day he arrives at his studio, just outside his Goldman house in Venice to start Thane Roberts andRon Ron Goldman forSMa.r.t. SMa.r.t. Thane Roberts and for anew. He loves to try new techniques, and even (SantaMonica MonicaArchitects Architectsfor fora aResponsible Responsible (Santa belongs to a Facebook group of wood carvers. Tomorrow) Tomorrow) Time is never aTaylor consideration while creating these Robert AIA,Architect, Architect, DanJanJanRobert H.H.Taylor AIA, Dan uniqueArchitect, beautiful He admits at Safety his age, senson, Architect,sculptures. Buildingand andFire-Life Fire-Life Safety senson, Building he does have Samuel his limitations, he has learned to Commission, Samuel Tolkinbut Architect, Mario Commission, Tolkin Architect, Mario work around them. Fonda-Bonardi,AIA, AIA,Planning PlanningCommissioner, Commissioner, Fonda-Bonardi, Ford’s sculptures have Roberts, been sold across the Ron Goldman FAIA,Thane Thane Roberts, Architect Ron Goldman FAIA, Architect globe. The artist has exhibited LA galleries such Forprevious previous articles seeinwww.santamoniwww.santamoniFor articles see as Ivan Gallery, Blue 7 Gallery, Fab-Gallery, and caarch.wordpress.com/writings. caarch.wordpress.com/writings. the Santa Monica Art Studios. He also continues

ers,totomake makesure surethese theseare arethe thebest bestofofthe thebest best ers, drivers out there.” drivers out there.” Passengerswho whotake takeSplit Splitare areprovided provided Passengers witha ahelmet. helmet.There’s There’salso alsoabout abouta afoot footofof with spacebetween betweenthe thepassenger passengerand anddriver driverand and space twobackrests. backrests.Even Eventhough thoughmany manyriders ridershave have two neverridden riddena amotorcycle motorcycleororscooter scooterbefore, before, never accordingtotoMasoulf, Masoulf,they theyfeel feelsafe safewith with according Split.“One “Oneofofthe thethings thingswe wesee seecoming comingupup Split. timeand andtime timeagain againisisabout about9595percent percentofofthe the time passengershave havenever neverridden riddenonona amotorcycle motorcycle passengers scooterever,” ever,”Masoulf Masoulfexplained. explained.“They “They ororscooter lovethe thefact factthat thatthe thedrivers driversare aresafe safeand andconconlove fident.And AndI Ithink thinkthat’s that’swhy whypeople peoplehave have fident. beencoming comingback backfor forthe theservice.” service.” been Accordingtotoa awaiver waiverriders ridersagree agreeupon upon According beforerequesting requestingtheir theirfirst firsttrip tripwith withSplit, Split, before usersare aremade madeaware awarethat that“riding “ridingonona amotormotorusers cycleisisananinherently inherentlydangerous dangerousactivity activityand and cycle involvesrisks risksthat thatmay maycause causeserious seriousinjury injury involves andininsome somecases casesdeath.” death.” and amaware awarethat thata amotorcycle motorcyclelacks lacksmany many “I“Iam safetyfeatures featuresthat thatare areotherwise otherwisepresent presentinin safety to sell works online. automobiles,” theagreement agreementreads. reads.“Riding “Ridinga a automobiles,” the You can viewmay Ford’s work atrider bG to Gallery motorcycle cause therider fallororon motorcycle may cause the to fall bebe December 14th from 12-5 pm, during the Bergajolted,resulting resultingininserious seriousinjury injuryorordeath. death.I I jolted, motfurther Stationacknowledge Winter Open that House 25thmay Annitheand roads infurther acknowledge that the roads may inversary Celebration Event. and Fordman-made has exhibited his clude, natural hazards hazards clude, natural hazards and man-made hazards art such at bG Gallery the past, and added that he cracks,in curbs, potholes, andthe thelike like such asascracks, curbs, potholes, and was– looking forward to exhibiting works at the whichmay maycause causeme, me,the therider riderororthe the – allallofofwhich newdriver gallery experience space at Bergamot Station. injuryorordeath.” death.”Gallery driver totoexperience injury Director Om Bleicher which said healso is happy to havefiTheagreement, agreement, makesriders riders The which also makes fiFord back at the gallery. “He is an inspiration to nanciallyresponsible responsiblefor forany anymedical medicalservices services nancially any artist under the age of 90,” said Bleicher who

requiredininthe theevent eventofofa acrash, crash,has hasusers usersprompromrequired isenot nottotosue sueSplit Splitfor forusing usingtheir theirservices. services. ise Individualsmust mustbebeover overthe theage ageofof1818toto Individuals useSplit Splitand andriders riderscombined combinedwith withtheir theircarcaruse go,stowed stowedinina arear rearbox, box,cannot cannotexceed exceed200 200 go, pounds.InInaddition, addition,individuals individualswith witha ahistory history pounds. epilepticseizures seizuresand andheart heartconditions conditionscancanofofepileptic nottake takea asplit. split.Riders Ridersare arealso alsobarred barredfrom from not usingphones phoneswhile whileonona aSplit Splitand andalso alsowhile while using ridingunder underthe theinfluence influenceofofalcohol alcoholorordrugs drugsisis riding prohibitedasaswell. well. prohibited fewmonths monthsafter afterofficially officiallylaunching launchingSplit, Split, AAfew Masoulfsays sayshehewants wantstotochange changethe theway wayAnAnMasoulf gelenosget getaround aroundtown. town.“Going “Goingback backtotothe the gelenos wherethis thisallallstarted, started,it’s it’sreally reallyabout aboutreducing reducing where congestionininthe thecity,” city,”Masoulf Masoulfcontinued. continued.“I“I congestion loveLos LosAngeles. Angeles.IfIfI Ihave havetotodrive drivetotoSanta Santa love Monicafrom fromDowntown, Downtown,ororI Ihave havetotogogototo Monica CulverCity, City,there’s there’sa alotlotofoftimes timeswhere whereI Ial-alCulver mostdon’t don’twant wanttotogo. go.The Thething thingthat thatgets getsme me most excitedisiswhen whenpassengers passengerssay saythey theychange change excited theirhabits habitsnow nowwith withwhere wherethey theygo. go.We Wehad hada a their girlwho whogoes goestotoa ayoga yogaclass classthree threeororfour fourtimes times girl weekand andsaid, said,‘I‘Iwould wouldnot notnormally normallygogototo a aweek thisclass, class,but butthis thisallows allowsme metotoget getthere thereevery every this timeonontime.’ time.’And Andsosothat’s that’swhat’s what’sreally reallyexcitexcittime ing,actually actuallyseeing seeingpeople peoplebeing beingable abletotoreduce reduce ing, purchased some of Ford’s for lives.” his own congestion andnot nothave haveititsculptures impacttheir their congestion and impact lives.” family. Bleicher added,the “He has aMasaoulf good variety of While stillunder under radar, added While still the radar, Masaoulf added giftable works. I was able to find something for thatthey’ve they’vehad hadenough enoughreturn returnriders riderstotorealize realizea that lotthat on Split my list.” Togrow find out more about the art of could to become a more popthat Split could grow to become a more popRay Ford, visitforhiscommuters. website at http://hrayford.com/ ular option “At the end of the ular option for commuters. “At the end of the day,there’s there’sreally reallykind kindofofananalternative alternativetotousus day, bGdriving Gallery (A-2) isinlocated in the and A building cars herein LosAngeles, Angeles, I think allalldriving cars here Los and I think ofthis the is famed arts center Bergamot Station, (2525 hopefor forthat thatalternative. alternative.People Peoplekeep keep this is hope Michigan Avenue, Santa Monica, CA, 90404). coming back to use the service, and that tells coming back to use the service, and that tells usus Visit the website at something http://www.santamonica. thatthere’s there’s definitely here.” that definitely something here.” bgartdealings.com/

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December 6 – 12, 2019

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SM Symphony to Perform Mahler’s 5th Symphony

December 14th at Barnum Hall By T abitha Hogue

Composer Gustav Mahler’s life story is one that deserves to be told more often. Born in 1860 in what is now the Czech Republic, he was the second of 12 children (though only 6 survived to adulthood). He came from a family of modest means; his grandmother had been a street peddler, and his father was a tavern-owner. They were Ashkenazi Jews, and consequently, Gustav often experienced anti-semitism and grew up with a perpetual feeling of being an unwelcome outsider. His music was in fact banned in much of Europe during the Nazi era. Gustav was not known for academic prowess, being an absent-minded and unfocused student, but he showed his musical proclivity at an early age, discovering his grandparents’ piano at age 4 and quickly progressing to become a talented pianist. Despite his burgeoning talent, it’s unlikely his parents could have guessed he would become one of the most respected composers of all time. Three of his symphonies made the top ten list in a 2016 BBC Music Magazine ranking of the best symphonies ever written. The Santa Monica Symphony (SMS) will perform one of these, Mahler’s monumental Fifth Symphony, in a free concert on Saturday, December 14th at 7:30 PM in Barnum Hall (600 Olympic Boulevard, Santa Monica). Clocking in at about an hour and ten minutes, the Symphony will be performed as a stand-alone work. SMS conductor Guido Lamell describes it as “enormous, incredibly complex, incredibly challenging for the orchestra and incredibly rewarding.” He added, “It’s a piece I have always dreamt of conducting.”

Lamell, a violinist in the LA Phil, noted that he has performed the piece many times with the Phil, but due to its complexity and difficulty, Mahler’s Fifth Symphony is rarely attempted by community orchestras. However, as this year marks the SMS’ historic 75th season, he chose the piece as part of an elevated line-up of works to commemorate this special year. As it turns out, Lamell has a personal connection to the site where the symphony was composed (in the Austrian province of Carinthia), as his mother was born in the mountains of Carinthia. “I can testify that this is one of the most beautiful parts of the world,” he said. Lamell notes that the beginning of the Symphony starts with a rhythmic pattern that is strikingly similar to that of the opening of Beethoven’s iconic Fifth Symphony. Although the piece begins in c-sharp minor, Mahler preferred not to designate it as being in a particular key, since it shifts to various keys throughout and finally ends in the key of D major. The fourth movement of the Symphony, which is scored only for strings and harp, Lamell says is “such gentle and such heavenly beautiful music that it is often used for memorial services and funerals, even though it’s music of incredible light and warmth.” The symphony features prominent parts for the principal horn and trumpet players, and if the stage seems more crowded than usual at the December 14th concert, it is because the symphony calls for a larger-than-usual orchestra, with the wind sections increased either by 50 percent or doubled. “Mahler thought of this symphony as being a turn toward modernizing music and making changes in his own composition,” Lamell said. “After he completed it, and after he had conducted the first rehearsal in Cologne, Germany, he wrote, ‘Heavens,

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what is the public to make of this chaos in which new worlds are forever being engendered, only to crumble in the next moment! What are they to say of this primeval music, this foaming, roaring, raging sea of sound to these dancing stars, to these breath-taking, iridescent, and flashing breakers!’” All are welcome to hear this remarkable symphonic masterwork performed on Saturday, December 14th in Barnum Hall. The concert is free and ticketless. For more information, visit www.smsymphony.org or call 310-395-6330. Photo: Kevin Tu.

A Christmas Celebration

An Evening of Carols, Etc. SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8 Featuring:

In Terra Pax by Gerald Finzi

Magnificat by Franz Schubert

7:30 PM

The Chancel Choir Ty Woodward, organ The Mark Twain Ringers The Los Angeles Concert Orchestra Rev. Patricia Farris, spoken words James E. Smith, conductor

Don’t miss this yearly event which, for many, sets the mood for the coming Christmas season. Suggested donation at the door: $20 Seniors and Children under 12: $10 Free parking structure across the street Reception follows concert

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH of SANTA MONICA 1008 Eleventh Street Santa Monica, CA 90403 www.santamonicaumc.org

310.393.8258

email: info@santamonicaumc.org

www.santamonicaumc.org/music-events

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December 6 – 12, 2019

The 12 Stress-Buster Days of Christmas With Barbara Bishop

November 1 it begins, maybe even earlier, if you’re a Halloween reveler. The countdown to the holidays. The first specific event is preparing for Thanksgiving. My sister-in-law creates a complicated grid on her computer, and starts shopping and cooking a full 2 weeks before the actual day. She always starts out loving the rush of the season, and by the time Thanksgiving arrives, she’s completely out of gas, and the kids still want to go to the mall for Black Friday. Then there’s the holiday parties. They start the first weekend of December. I’ve been invited to so many, that on one date, I have 3 parties in a row to attend. I may have a few too many servings of baked brie, and/ or two cranberry martinis instead of one. The next day, I’m paying for it. No time for recovery though, more parties loom ahead. I begin to stress on the fact that every weekend is booked, and most weekdays there’s something going on as well. To counter the stress of cooking, eating, drinking, shopping, partying (poor us!) I have developed a list of items you can do within an hour that will put you back on the track of the festivities without undue stress.

And, it has nothing to do with a “Partridge in a Pear Tree!” Naam Yoga Basics Class. This class focuses on the core elements of Naam Yoga, an ancient practice that incorporates meditation, breathing and body movement. It’s an instant stress-buster. Create Your Magic! If you want to manifest the Christmas present you always wanted from your spouse, no weight gain between November 1 and January 1, secure your dream job, find your true self, and anything in between, Magic Monday is for you (and me.) It’s a class that includes meditations to help manifest your special wishes. Sign me up! Full Body Massage with Aromatherapy – Nothing soothes your body, mind and soul than an aromatherapy message. There is a plethora of places on the Westside to choose from. And, because of the holidays, many have specials. Take a Hike – There are many beautiful places to hike in So Cal, and many are on the Westside. Now that the weather is cooler, and the rain has cleared the skies, a hike can be a heavenly experience, with snowcapped mountains in the distance. Invigorating! Get a Grip (I mean Drip!) - There are safe, medically supervised clinics that you can go to that will give your body a boost. My sister in law went to one the Friday after Thanksgiving. It really helped her ener-

gy levels. Or there’s Botox.. Dance The Hour Away – Schedule a ballroom dance class. I’ve taken them. It’s great fun, and whisks you away to another world – at least for an hour. Get Your Beauty Sleep – I love naps. An hour nap changes my whole outlook on life. And it’s free. Local Holiday Events – There are so many events in Santa Monica, Venice, Brentwood, Marina del Rey and surrounding areas; most are free. I’ve listed a few that I’m going to. Check times and locations on line. Miracle on Main Street Montana Avenue Holiday Walk Official City of Santa Monica Holiday Tree Lighting Venice Holiday Sign Lighting Holiday Sip and Stroll at Brentwood County Mart

Marina del Rey Boat Parade Give Back – I’ve found when I give to someone in need, I feel amazing. There are so many worthy organizations that do great work. A few of many that I support are: The Santa Monica Animal Shelter – Animals are my thing and I like to keep my support local. And regional. And national. Meals on Wheels West – Everyone’s gotta eat! But not everyone has the good fortune to have a hot meal a day. MOWW makes sure they do. All on a volunteer basis. Saint John’s Health Center Foundation – They saved my life! Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce Foundation – Educating our kids is critical. This is one business practice we all can get behind! Ice Skate – One of the coolest things that Santa Monica does every year. Ice skating among the Palm Trees and 75 degree temperatures. Awesome! Get In The Mood – When I am in bumper to bumper traffic, I turn on the station that has no commercials and plays Christmas music from November 1 – January 1. I sing my heart out to the songs. Traffic stress – gone! Find Your Bliss- If none of these tickle your fancy, find your bliss this holiday season. Go to church. Hug your children. Hug your dog. Kiss your mate, not just a peck. We all have much to be thankful for.

December 6 – 12, 2019

TOM ELIAS

The citizen added that this person had appeared to Mirror Columnist have been picking items off the ground next to the vehicle before leaving the area. The citizen gave the officers a detailedare description the suspect and the Californians about toof find out whether officersand went in search of this man. As the officers money new apartment-style dwellings can do were searching the area they spotted another vehimuch about the state’s expanding and seemingly m. officle with a smashed window that was parked at the problem with homelessness. nt were intransigent street. The officers then drovefeaturing back to Asofadthehoc encampments proliferate, of Pico side the 2000 block Pico Boulevard they spot.SMMIRROR.COM fromofsmall pop tents where to excrement in rd glass everything ted streets a man and whochop fit the description of thearesuspect. shops where parts taken next to the The officers detainedand thissold, manpoliticians and a few moments stolen bicycles have bee street. from laterthrowing the citizen who had flagged the officers gun money at the depressing scene.down appeared andstate positively the million suspect. The newest budgetidentified allocates $650 Shortly thereafter theMonica. owner of to governments for helping the homeless, e. mylocal vision of Santa A the lowfirst rise,vandalized safe comvehicle appeared and stated thataiscity numerous another billion-plus earmarked for ongtime while munity whose$1.7 end result is not of highitems rises drug and mental health treatment and other homethat had been recovered from the suspect had been n fortu- that blend into Los Angeles. less services. aloneof stolen from hisLos car. Thediversity owner the vandalized I give thanks forAngeles the ofhas ourmore city’s than popnew rooms construction or officers in the vehicle desirous ofyoung. a prosecution so the ulationwas when I wasunder Both the economic r town. 10,000 phase for use the currently homeless. arrested this 19-year-old Santa Monica resident and ory, our planning and racial diversity of by Santa Monica were someThere’s little doubt about the severity of he was charged with vehicle burglary in addition to ve our thing to be proud of. I’m sad that the diversitythe of causes, job losses to possession ofitsopiates. was setfrom at $20,000. ous de- problem our townorappears to Bail beranging unsustainable. recent prison releases, low wages, addiction, I give thanks for those with drug common sense He Speed family disputes, rent increases, do-is who Tried know that much of our city’s government alue our alcoholism, mestic violence and mental health issues includOn Wednesday, February 1, positive at 3:40 a.m. offifor residents, want commubeaches, not working affecting war cers of the and Santa Monica Department ou to all ing nitypost-traumatic change arestress readydisorders andPolice willing to stand up received a calloffor e key to veterans. to the power cityservice hall. in regard to a possible The isfor enormous. Of the in more bicycle theft that had the than 1300 I givescope thanks the just manyoccurred volunteers who give sleeping in officers American streets, block of people 10th Astothe hastened tocars the their time andStreet. money keep the fabric and thread officers. 570,000 places human scene learnedunsuited via policeIfor radio that ahabitation, victim a daunt- or of other ourthey community intact. have to single outhad the 114,000 areand inBreakfast California. That seen a than manElks, stealing her bicycle that at that time, had ontinues more Kiwanis, Lions, Club forputs speone-fifth of homeless Americans here, while the been locked up rackvolunteer in the courtyard of cial thanks. Butinalla bicycle those who for every a bit than 10 percent ho share state causehas areonly worthy of more a hearty Thank You. of the

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Can Money, New Dwellings Stem Homelessness? OPINION

that his suming ly what nd” had nd had officers urniture that the he offien man d to talk the offiofficers a brief rrested. charged ice offi-

national populace. MIRROR ARCHIVES So far, providing small dwelling units for them has not solved the problem. Said one city official thethe apartment inSanta whichMonica, she resided. in homelesscomplex Mecca of “ForThe evvictim been able supply a more detailed ery onehad we manage toto house, two willdescriparrive tion of the suspect, which had also been conveyed to shortly after.” theOr, officers, as theyofwere en route to commission the location. as a member the state’s new The officers arrived in the vicinity of the in apartment to investigate homelessness remarked a radio complex and to scour the area.inThe interview, “If began we house 33 people newofficers units, soon spotted thearrive suspectonlurking in the block another 150 will the streets the 1300 next day.” of The Alleyproblem Number drew 10. Thetweeted suspect attention was easy tofrom recognize due toNov. the fact that in addition to the 29 – sight Dec. 2019 President Trump, who caught of a5, couple of descriptionencampments given by the victim suspect was ridhomeless as histhe motorcade drove ing fall one from bicyclea helicopter whilst pushing one withAirhis last at thea second Santa Monica free to hand. TheLos officers attempted to stop He this saw susport several Angeles fund-raisers. pect but tried to speedvisit awaytoand doing so disothers onhe a fund-raising SaninFrancisco. carded second bicycle. Trump blasted state andThe local officials, mostly I givethethanks that I have beenofficers able toeventually spend alcaught the man and he was arrested and taken off because almost all are Democrats who usually most half of my life volunteering in Santa Monto Ahim. search of thisour 21-year-old Hemet, Califoroppose Meanwhile, he proposes icajail. and throughout state. Each dayreducing I spend the federal in housing which nia residentinvestment resulted thefar discovery of not only the volunteering grantsinme morevouchers than I will ever are probably theforward.to foremost tool cities and seemingly obligatory burglary tools butcounties also a be able to pay children, teens, seniors, can to methamphetamine. provide for the packet of This manunhoused, was later anduse those in need.private space many of whom shy away from mass homeless charged with possession of burglary tools, possesI give thanks for our schools and the many fine shelters orof partitions. sion of lacking methamphetamine, theft resisting or alumni that areprivacy products Santaand Monica’s pubyes, California’s local investment delaying arrest. wasstate set atand $10,000. licAnd schools and Bail college. in fighting homelessness amounts to more I give thanks for all of you, the fabricthan and one-third of the $6 billion the federal government Editor’ s Note: These reports are part of a regular police thread of Santa Monica.” spends the entitled problem. CityPolice and county coverageonseries “Alert Blotter”officials (APB), here say their problem couldinto be eased considerwhich injects some minor editorial police activSanta Monica Architects forcertain a Responsible ably Trump and Housing Ben Carson ities inifSanta Monica. Not all ofsecretary The Mirror’ sRobert coverage of Tomorrow: Thane Roberts, Architect, H. provide 50,000 new rent two incidents involving policeJansenson are vouchers portrayed inthrough this manner. Taylor AIA, Daniel Architect, Buildexisting programs. A police-related letter to Trump from Gov. More serious and activities areGoldreguing and Firecrimes Life-Safety Commission, Ron Gavin Newsom andeditorial other California aflarly without in the pagesofficials of the Santa manreported FAIA, Samuel Tolkin Architect, Mario Fonter Trump’s atPlanning the state’s homelessness also Monica Mirrorblast and its website, smmirror.com. da-Bonardi AIA, Commissioner, Phil suggested theCommissioner value of vouchers should be upped Brock, Arts

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because of high rents. Newsom asserted those vouchers could “eliminate veteran homelessness in the state,” where about 15,000 former military personnel sleep outside or in cars every night. So far, no response from Trump, who appears preoccupied with staving off impeachment. The Department of Housing and Urban Development also did not respond. So as winter approaches, there is no significant relief in sight for the homeless, despite all the state tax dollars being spent and a new state law exempting proposed developments to house the homeless from environmental reviews until 2025. Lest Californians rely on the urban myth that most of the homeless prefer to stay that way, one recent study showed that 34 percent of them say their problem would be solved with employment assistance and another 31 percent say all it would

take to get them inside is substantial help paying rent. Without doubt, some state money now going to cities and counties will go to rent subsidies. But it’s uncertain that will be enough. No one knows how many of the homeless will want to move into new housing if it looks like dormitories or barracks. No one knows how many will agree to drug or mental health treatment, problems that together afflict almost half the current homeless. Which suggests all the new money may help a bit, but probably won’t rid the landscape of many current scruffy encampments. 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, go to www.californiafocus.net

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

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 recthe fact in to the 14 WWW.SMMIRROR.COM Nov. 29that – Dec. 5, 2019 12On Wednesday, February 1, at 7:11 p.m. offi- Boulevard who told them that they 6 –addition 12, had heard glass the 2000 block of Pico Boulevard where they spot- ognize due toDecember description given by the victim the suspect was ridted a man who fit the description of the suspect. cers 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 the broken window of a parked car on the street. called out to an apartment located on the 400 block 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 dissecond bicycle. Shortly thereafter theMonica. owner of mother was born here and has stayed here. my vision of Santa A the lowfirst rise,vandalized safe com- carded I givethethanks that I haveThe beenofficers able toeventually spend alSMa.r.t., caught the man and he was arrested taken off vehicle appeared and stated that numerous items I give thanks for the thousands of longtime munity whose end result is not a city of high rises most half of my life volunteering inand Santa Monfrom page 6 A throughout search of thisour 21-year-old Hemet, been from the suspect had been to icajail. and state. Each day CaliforI spend Santa Monica residents whom I have been fortu- that that had blend intorecovered Los Angeles. Tanel Toom is The a talented young Estonian resident resulted thefar discovery of not onlyever the stolen from his car. owner of volunteering grantsinme more than I will nate to know and collaborate with. I give thanks for the diversity ofthe ourvandalized city’s pop- nia filmmaker who cut his directing teeth on seemingly obligatory burglary tools but also a vehicle was desirous of a prosecution so the officers be able to pay forward.to children, teens, seniors, I give thanks for the activists in our town. ulation when I was young. Both the economic by and into which my new Prius Prime has been short films. His firstSanta full-length featureand is packet of methamphetamine. This man was later thisdiversity 19-year-old Monica resident Those residents. who ourorigin history, our arrested and racial of Santa Monica were someand those in need. plugged. The Nest School admits students of any race, color, national andvalue ethnic “Truth and Justice,” an burglary epic that spans depossession of burglary tools, posseshe was charged with vehicle in addition to shared heritage and want to preserve our thing to be proud of. I’m sad that the diversity of charged I givewith thanks for our schools and the many fine Thankful theEditor-At-Large mostly mild weather. With Beverly for Cohn, cades. The is about ambition and sion of methamphetamine, theft and resisting or to all the privileges, activities ambience generallyinaccorded or of story opiates. wasblind set at $20,000. alumni that are products of Santa Monica’s pubspite of tremendous depossession our town appears to Bail be unsustainable. Thankful forrights, the proximity and programs, accessibilityandbeachside the cost to those caught in that orbit. It is delaying arrest. Bail was set at $10,000. made to students at theassets school. I give thanks for those with common sense lic schools and college. the city hasavailable afforded me to the cultural it velopment pressure. the most-watched film in Estonia and is that He Tried Speed who know that much of our city’s government is I give thanks for all of you, the fabric and I give thanks for those of us who value our provides as well as those of this Los Angeles reIt does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, country’s entry forFebruary Best International Film. Editor’ s Note: These reports are part of a regular police On Wednesday, 1, positive at 3:40 a.m. offi- thread commuof Santa Monica.” city’s natural attributes. Our parks, our beaches, not working for residents, want gion. national and ethnic origin in administration of its The ofpolished ensemble consists of Priit coverage series entitled “AlertPhotos: Allfilm PoliceCourtesy Blotter”of(APB), cers the Santa Monica Police Department our ocean breezes, and sunlight. Thank you to all nity change and are ready and willing to stand up Thankful for the quality of its residents as Loog, ina the role ofinAndres, Kun- which Priit Loog stars the lead roleinto as in “Truth admissions policies, injectsMonica someinminor editorial certain police activcalloflead for regard toEster a possible Santa Architects forAndres a Responsible of you who fight for open space, our true key to received to the power cityservice hall. they educational are generally policies, good citizens, thoughtful and scholarship Justice, written and directed byMirror’ Tanels Toon andof tu as his wife Mari, and Priit Võigemast as and in Santa Monica. Not all of The coverage bicycle thatfor had in who the 1300 Tomorrow: Thane Roberts, Architect, Robert H. I givetheft thanks the just manyoccurred volunteers give ities informed if notprograms, active in there and loan andcommunity. athletic and otherwellness. is Estonia’s entry for Best International Film. his hostile neighbor, Pearu. The supporting incidents involving police are portrayed in this manner. block of 10th Street. As the officers hastened to the I give thanks for our public safety officers. their time and money to keep the fabric and thread Taylor AIA, Daniel Jansenson Architect, BuildThankful for the substantial time I have enschool-administered cast is excellent with especially notable per- More serious crimes and police-related activities are regulearned via police a victim Our fire and police units are faced with a daunt- scene of ourthey community intact. I radio have that to single outhad the ing and Fire Life-Safety Commission, Ron Goldjoyed living here.” formances by Simeoni Sundja and Maiken programs. without editorial in the pagesMario of the Santa a manElks, stealing her and bicycle that at that had larly Kiwanis, Lions, Breakfast Clubtime, for spemanreported FAIA, Samuel Tolkin Architect, Fon“I give thanks for my grandparents journey ing task each day as our city’s density continues seen went into theand armywebsite, and attended my first film Schmidt. sat down with mecourtyard for an exMirror smmirror.com. been lockedTanel up rack in the of Monica cial thanks. Butinalla bicycle those who volunteer for every da-Bonardi AIA,itsPlanning Commissioner, Phil from New York City to Santa Monica in the to swell. clusive interview and the following has been school in Estonia. I worked for a few years Brock, Arts Commissioner I give thanks for the many residents who share cause are worthy of a hearty Thank You. mid 1920’s. I’m happy that they settled here, my and then got my Masters Degree at the Naedited for content and continuity. Your film is brilliant - from your script tional Film and Television School in the UK. One reliable source and directing, to the acting and Rein It was after I graduated from that school that for all your insurance needs. Kotov’s bucolic cinematography. How I started reading it. When I finished, I was did you come across Anton Hansen- surprised that it was nothing like I thought The Ideal combination of Time to get serious about holiday shopping! Tammsaar’s 1926 book, “Truth and Jus- it was. It is a strong emotional story with an coverage, price and service. tice” (Tõde ja õigus,) which is considered enormous character arc. I was glad I didn’t Stop by to say hello and to take a look at our an important piece of Estonian literature, read it in school because I would not have array of decorations and gifts – jewelry, clothing, understood it. and on which you based your script? artwork…or how about something from our When did you decide it should be a Tanel: It’s a novel that everyone knows selection of vintage cookbooks? in Estonia and it’s a compulsive read in high film? Tanel: About mid-way through the book, school. But, not that many young people Pop-up sales every day! that this will be one of my CA projects. read100 it as it’s 550 pages andBlvd., not written #1800, for I knewSanta Wilshire Monica, a 16-year-old, so it’s a very hard read. Al- Whatever happens in your life, you’re trying though most Estonians know the book, they to find reasons why these things happen. I We will be open 1453 15th St., Santa Monica understood why I waited so long to read the don’t actually know the story. Dec. 2 – Dec. 21 310.395.2338 book. I understood why people didn’t underWhen did you finally read the book? BOOK AMAZING MULTI-DESTINATION VACATIONS TO and closed 11a.m. to 3 p.m. M, T, TH, FRI, SAT Tanel. After I graduated, the book was Dec. 23 – Jan. 4 assistanceleague.org/santa-monica with me for nine years. During that time, I TRUTH, see page 13

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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

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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L-R: Priit Võigemast as Pearu and Priit Loog as Andres in one of their multiple court battles.

TRUTH,

from page 12 stand all the elements as it’s episodic with changing themes in the main story, and is not focused on just one element. How would you explain the story? Tanel: The main story is about this stubborn man with great ideas whose soul gets corrupted while relentlessly pursuing his dream. It illustrates the tragedy of becoming so obsessed with achieving your goal, that you start forgetting the things that are actually most important in your life, like your loved ones. How long did it take you to write the script? Tanel: It took four years to write the script. The book is episodic so it was difficult to adapt the story. You must have cause and affect links, as well turning points in creating the structure of the film, which I worked on in the first year. How long was the shoot and did you make changes in the script? Tanel: We shot for almost two years. We had to wait for the seasons to change. That gave me time to continue working on the characters, sometimes changing the emphasis within a scene. What were the actors doing between shoots? Tanel: In Estonia, all actors are theatre actors. The problem is you have to coordinate your schedule around theirs and communicate with the theatres to give them your shooting schedule. This was a nightmare. (Laughs) There is no evidence of a time lag between scenes as the acting is seamless. Tanel: Thank you. That’s the job of the director - to control the psychological continuity. There is a jump in time, but psychologically it must make sense. What was the most challenging part of the shoot? Tanel: We had 75 packed shooting days and to be able to shoot within that time frame was a challenge. Another challenge was working with kids and animals. You never know where the problems will lie.

For example, the main cow was a real diva. (Laughs) She wanted to run away. So, I’m dealing with a cow who wants to run away and the inherent challenge of working with kids. Did global warming affect your shooting schedule? Tanel: We actually had to postpone the winter shoot twice because there was no snow. It wasn’t like in the past when you could count on snow every winter but now, with climate change, there has not been as much snow. Although there are guys who say there is no climate change, we can see it for ourselves. We have a very ignorant man in the White House and for most Americans it’s humiliating. Tanel: I suggest he come to Estonia and see our climate change for himself. We weren’t 100% sure there would be any snow during our shoot. We were postponing and postponing and then it finally snowed. It was a nice cold winter, with minus 23 degrees on the coldest day of our shoot. Is there State funding and is there any interference? Tanel: My film was mostly State funded along with a few sponsors and there is no interference. What was the budget? Tanel: The budget wasn’t huge. 2.5 Million Euros or 2.8 million US dollars. The film looks like it cost tens of millions of dollars. Bravo! Stay tuned for Part 2 where director Tanel Toom talks about working with the actors, his family, and his personal odyssey. 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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December 6 – 12, 2019

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Mercury-Laden Fog Poisoning Coastal Mountain Lions?

UC Santa Cruz study compares mercury concentrations of coastal and non-coastal mountain lions By Sam Catanzaro

A new study recently conducted by researchers at the University of California, Santa Cruz suggests that toxic levels of mercury in fog may be poisoning mountain lions in coastal areas. Researchers found that concentrations of mercury in mountain lions in the Santa Cruz Mountains were three times higher than in mountain lions outside the fog zone. According to study leader Peter Weiss-Penzias, an environmental toxicologist who has worked extensively studying pollutants in coastal fog, while mercury levels in fog pose no threat to humans, the risk to terrestrial mammals may be more acute. With each level up the food chain, from lichen to deer to mountain lions, mercury concentrations can increase by at least 1,000 times says Weiss-Penzias. “Lichen don’t have any roots so the presence of elevated methylmercury in lichen must come from the atmosphere,” Weiss-Penzias told UC Santa Cruz news. “Mercury becomes increasingly concentrated in organisms higher up the food chain.” The study looked at fur and whisker samples from 94 coastal mountain lions and 18 noncoastal lions. Mercury concentrations in the coastal lions averaged around 1,500 parts per billion (ppb), while the noncoastal group averaged about 500 ppb. Mercury enters the atmosphere through both mining and coal-fired power plants. While the study looked primarily at Central California

Infographic courtesy Peter Weiss-Penzias.

An infographic showing the process by which mercury works it way up the food chain and ends up in the system of larger animals like mountain lions.

mountain lions in the Santa Cruz Mountains — a region with a long legacy of prospecting and mercury mines — the study’s authors noted that close proximity to active or former mercury mines is not necessary for mercury to enter to the ecosystem via fog. “Mercury is a global pollutant,” Weiss-Penzias said. “What’s emitted in China can affect the United States just as much as what’s emitted in the United States.” In the Santa Monica Mountains, mountain lions are facing further difficulties intensified by an urban habitat. Since the National Park Service launched its study of mountain lions in the Santa Monica Mountains 17 years ago, five lions have died from rat poison. Several other lions have been diagnosed with mange, which many researchers believe is linked to rat poisons, though they are unsure of the exact nature of the connection. Some think that the rat poisons weaken the animals’ immune system, making the cats more susceptible to mange. In addition, several mountain lions have died after being struck by cars while attempting to cross highways and freeways. Those cats who do not cross the freeway are often forced to mate with their own offspring which leads to complications stemming from a smaller genetic pool. To address this, a nearly $100 million wildlife crossing bridge is slated to be completed by 2023 and stretch 200 feet above 10 lanes of the 101 freeway. The new wildlife crossing will give mountain lions of the Santa Monica Mountains safer access to food, open spaces and potential mates.

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December 6 – 12, 2019

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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 6 – 12, 2019

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Westside Girls Softball Team Wins Championship

Photo courtesy of Leanna Einbinder.

Westside Softball champions (pictured left to right, bottom row first): Abby Perez, Maria Salvador, Elena Martinez, Gaby Andrade, Clarissa Salvador, Maya Knauf, Melea Comay, Ella Edwards, Hailey Heirigs, Erin Boutwell. Not Pictured: Abby Agagnos, Michelle Costillo, Rachel Kalan.

By Staff Writer Westside Softball, an independent highschool girls softball team that includes girls from Santa Monica, Venice, Pacific Palisades, Culver City and The South Bay, won the High-School Diamond Division championship last weekend in the Burbank Softball League. “This team really came together since the

beginning of our season back in August,” said the team’s head coach Mitch Miller. “Their hard work and team dynamic really paid off and resulted in a tremendous tournament run.” Team Manager Kelly Syers agrees: “It was so nice to see girls from Westside Softball bond as a team; they worked hard and learned from each other, as well as formed friendships with girls from other schools

around West L.A. We ask the girls to also focus on school and grades which in turn helps them become leaders on and off the field,” she continued. Westside Softball formed in May 2017 to give high-school girls a chance to continue to play softball once they age out of their local softball leagues. Since its formation, 100 percent of its players have graduated from high school and attended college. The coaching

staff has over 40 years of combined experience, including head coach Miller (a former baseball player, member of the UCLA Baseball coaching staff, and MLB team manager and scout) and co-coach Alan “AJ” Juarez, who has been coaching girls softball in Santa Monica since 1985. To learn more about Westside Softball, please see the team’s Facebook Page: www.

18 6

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Rated PG-13 130 Minutes Released November 27

Last Jedi and starting the Star Wars trilogy. This window generated a tight schedule to finish the script and shoot the movie, which may have been a blessing in disguise. Because of the short fourBy Kathryn Whitney Boole week shoot schedule, predominantly located in a great old Massachusetts mansion, he was able to Writer/director Rian Johnson has been an assemble a spectacular cast. Agatha Christie fan since childhood. He always Daniel Craig had been on Johnson’s wish list wanted to write a murder mystery, and thought of from the beginning to play laid back Southern dethe idea for Knives Out ten years ago. However tective Benoit Blanc. Due to a delay in the filming Photo: City Craig of Santa Monica it was not until 2018 that he finally found a win- of the latest James Bond movie, wascsud“I’m grateful that, living in Ocean Park, I know I still live in what is left of our beach front communidow of time to write it, in between finishing The denly available, and thrilled to take on a characty. And I’m thankful for the numbers of residents that are very concerned about the degree of over-de-

BEHIND THE SCREEN

velopment that our City administrators have allowed, and championed.”

REVERSE MORTGAGES THE 6 STRESSFUL STAGES OF PROS AND CONS REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

BB y yRr on Wynn on Wynn

gotiator and hasmortgage a great track record this skillset. A reverse loan is with a non-recourse The more know about your your agent’s record loan. Thisyou means that neither nortrack your heirs andpersonally the more confident youany are,amount the less stressed you are liable for of the mortwill bethat during the negotiating gage exceeds the valueprocess. of your home when Clearing contingencies. This can be a very the5.loan is repaid. stressful house in is value in escrow you are If yourtime. homeYour increases in theand future, you preparing to move, yet youyour still know thatmortgage things canto may consider refinancing reverse go wrong. goodloan realproceeds. estate agent knows how to access evenAmore clear contingencies quickly and will not let equity things go After the loan is repaid, any remaining beout oftohand. In your orderheirs. to have a non-stressful experilongs you or ence, you need feel confident your real estate agent CONS OF AtoREVERSE MORTGAGE is “hands on” and tenacious at clearing contingencies; The loan balance increases over time as interest avoiding extensions and delays. on the loan and fees accumulate. 6. Closing and walkthrough. It is stressful at As home equity is used, fewer assets are availthis time because now you need to get the house all able to leave to your heirs. You can still leave the packed up and start thinking about your final move. home to your heirs, but they will have to repay Not only are you moving out, but you are also moving the Usually, the loan is paid by in toloan yourbalance. new place. All the arrangements needoff to be selling the home. synchronized. It is important you are not left with one However, thisand canthe beother done not. using othercan’t funds by escrow closing, There beor any refinancing through a traditional last minute flaws or hiccups. Evenmortgage. one trailing docuFees beanhigher than a traditional mortment canmay cause escrow not with to close. Is your real esgage. (Ask“hands us about lower-cost options.) tate agent on”our and knowledgeable enough to Eligibility needs-based programs, know how to for synchronize yourgovernment move and make sure such as Medicaid Supplemental Security Income everything happensorwhen it is supposed to? Look at (SSI), may be affected. Consult specialist. their track record and make surea benefits they have a good A reverse mortgage becomes due and their must track record for closing loan on time and providing be repaid when a time “maturity event” occurs,that such client the necessary to move out, whether is as the last surviving borrower (or non-borrowing a leaseback or complimentary prearranged holdover. spouse meeting certain conditions) away, Of course selling your home for top passes dollar seems the home no longer the always to beisa homeowner’s topborrower’s priority, but ifprincipal you’ve ever endured transaction before you already know residence, ora the borrower vacates the property howmore important have a for “hands on” agent in your for than it12is to months medical reason or 6 corner. Stress is rarely dodged 100% loan but hiring an months for non-medical reason.The will also agent who is aifmaster at “stress management” be become due the homeowner fails to meetcan other the difference between enjoyable transaction and loan obligations, whichaninclude paying their propthe “transaction from hell”.homeowners association erty taxes, insurance, fees, and maintaining the property. For comment email ron@ronwynn.com For comment email ron@ronwynn.com

Giving Thanks SMa.r.t.

That value Fred ofDeni’s on Broadway ter so different from 007. Once he had Craig on 9. duction a box Back office blockbuster. These Restaurant gave us 38 years of great be-parry board, Johnson built his cast around this excep- colorful, “off the wall” characters service strut and forearound closingtheir thisstage, year however tional British actor. the eccentric family mansion. 10. Chez Jay just celebrated its 60th anniverforlikewise a ChrisSanta EvansMonica (CaptainArchitects America) was As in Agatha Christie mysteries, the plot is set up sary” Responsible Tomorrow happy to play a complex and cynical prodigal son as an enigma, and then pieces fall dramatically, can still who never had to work for a living. Casting Di- “Thankful eventually we creating the see endsunlight design. and Notblue surprisMembers of SMa.r.t. pitched in to list their skies along our streets and only hope this continrector Mary Vernieu found the remarkable Cuban ingly, a game board is a critical piece in the unthoughts this Thanksgiving. ues to remain true. actress Ana de Armas, whose role of Marta is cen- raveling of the clues. It becomes a symbol of the “I’m thankful that, living here in Ocean Park, Thankful for the courtyard apartments I walk tral to the story. De Armas, though not interested pieces that make up the story. The characters each I can still take a short walk to, and along the wa- past every morning with their sense of scale and in playing typical Latin roles, read the screenplay tell the tale from their point of view. ter’s edge on the beach, and look out to forever warmth of landscape. and found the role to be strong and multifaceted, It is a great feeling to see this classic universal amidst the usual blue skies and sunshine. And, Thankful for the Montana Avenue environso she accepted. Jamie Lee Curtis is sarcastically mystery style reinvented against the backdrop of a I’m thankful that, unlike our new urbanized and ment I live in but fearful of the lack of lighting at on point as the eldest daughter of the patriarch milieu. It’s a commengrossly dense downtown, I can still do that with- of thecontemporary intersection atsociological nite. the family, novelist Harlan Thrombey, played by tary on wealth and privilege as to a tongue-inout having to walk thru sky obscuring canyons of Will be thankful when puttingdone an end scootthe great Christopher Plummer. Toni Colette fashcheek, humorous parody. The mansion cookie cutter 7 and 8 story mixed use buildings ers and bicycles taking over our sidewalks. itself is ionsbring the oldest daughter as a Gwynneth really the for mostthesympathetic and whose resilientheart characthat nothing but congestion, traffic,Paltrow and Thankful “promenade” type, carrying the weight of privilege. You could ter. You will recognize the traits of your other issues that keep most of the local residents still beats but fearful for how much longer. friends enjoyany this movie in silence just by watching (andbe enemies) in for these to see from longer spending time there. I’m grate-the Will Thankful thepeople. tourismIt’s andfun traffic notthem faces, theincamera allowsI know this, drawing as piecesbeyond in thiswhat game, reacting each in their own ful that, and living Ocean Park, I still liveyou increasing it is. their minds theircommunity. expressions.And Each And way as the mystery unfolds. ininto what is left of ourthrough beach front thankful for our residents demanding a character is complex, unique and spent most I’m thankful for the numbers of fascinating. residents that publicKathryn park in Whitney the centerBoole of ourhas downtown in- of Withconcerned this movie,about Johnson createsof a playground heroflife in the entertainment are very the degree over-de- stead a giant public nuisance . industry, which atmosphere where his cast can reach back their And has will beenbethe backdrop for council remarkable velopment that our City administrators havetoalthankful for a city which adchildhood imagination and and that “actthey out”are a story She lowed, and championed, unifiedthat willventures representwith eachextraordinary district and notpeople. controlled byis a alivetogether as its own being. Thefrom movie has the development Talent Manager incomes working to stop them further interests.with Studio Talent Group in destruction ouraunique beach front exuberanceofof high school play town.” and the pro- And Santa Monica. will be mostkboole@gmail.com thankful when our city coun“I’m thankful for the following new Santa cil wakes up, takes note, and begins listening to Monica improvements: the residents they represent. 1.The new Civic Center multi purpose playing And finally most thankful when our wives and field. girlfriends stop nagging us about spending too 2. The City’s shift to renewable electricity much time nagging our city government.” sources as its default power supply “I am thankful for the Palisades Park which 3. New 3 story mixed use buildings every- provides a beautiful place to walk as well as its where in the City. fabulous ocean vistas and sunsets. Further, the 4. The increasing number of electric cars and park is a natural barrier separating my residential chargers in the City. area and downtown from the direct effects of sea 5. The passage of proposition HH rise due to global warming. 6. Landmarking of the Fourth Street Historical Thankful for rent control as it has allowed me District to live in this area till now. 7. The upcoming 17th Street separated bikeThankful for the free E-car charging stations way which the city has so thoughtfully placed near8. Opening the new Santa Monica College Administration building SMa.r.t., see page 14 OPINION

FILM REVIEW: “Knives Out”

A Everyone reverse mortgage could a key component hopes for thebeperfect real estate to transaction. your retirement planning, providing funds nowis A perfect real estate transaction and the future — but it’s not thestart righttochoice oneforwithout a single problem from finish. forAlthough everyone. We want youshould to understand ada good realtor be able the to mitivantages andproblems, disadvantages help you up. determine gate most thingstodo come Selling if aa reverse mortgage is rightexperience. for you. This pageyou is home can be a stressful When a good start.agent, one of the most importselectplace a realtoestate PROS OFtoAanticipate REVERSE MORTGAGE ant things is, who will be the best and It’s aproactive loan option that can help make it easier for most at mitigating or handling problems homeowners homebuyers age 62transaction and oldercan to before they and come up. A real estate live more comfortable beabroken down into 6retirement. stressful stages. You live house in yourforhome retain 1. continue Preparingto the sale.and Although title to it. As with anytheir mortgage, youis”must some people will sell home “as with meet no or minimal staging, equally are situations more your loan obligations, keepthere current with property advantageous to make some repairs, it up, taxes, insurance, maintenance, and freshen any homeand stage. A good real owners association fees.estate agent will know how toYou guide through process, without can you choose to takethe your funds as a lumpadding sum; stress to your youtap areasstill livinga in your line of credit thatlife. youIfcan needed; steady house,ofitmonthly makes itadvances more difficult; you stream for a setespecially period of iftime, children pets. A good realorestate agent will orhave as long as youand live in the home; a combination through the process provide recomofguide these you options. Borrowers whoand elect a fixed rate mendations, to keep the process comfortable. loan will receive a single disbursement lump sum 2. Showing the house. Showings can be stresspayment. Other payment options are available only because rate a house needs to look good when it is forful adjustable mortgages. shown, whichfrom can be especially you The funds your reversechallenging mortgage ifloan arebestill living in your You might’ve stayed can used to pay off house. the existing mortgage on up late doing homework withstill your or you have your home. While there will bekids a lien on your a non-cooperative dog. It can be stressful to deal home for the outstanding amount of the reverse with everything, including cooking and housekeepmortgage, you are not required to make monthly ing, while the house needs to be ready with a moprincipal and interest payments on the reverse ment’s notice. A good real estate agent is able to mortgage, so you will be freed from the monthly schedule times that work for you in order to add mortgage payment expense. As with any mortage, some comfort to your life. They would have these you must meet your loan obligations, keep current discussions with you in advance. with 3.property taxes, and Qualifying the insurance, client. It canmaintenance, be stressful finding any outhomeowners if a client willassociation qualify for fees. a loan, and finding out No monthly mortgage when a contingent escrow payments is going to are close.required A good forreal as long as you live in the home and to estate agent will screen “wild card”continue offers and meet yourthose obligations pay your property taxes and present that aretoaccompanied with preapproval homeowners insurance and property. As letters and verification of maintain funds. Wethe like to provide with any mortgage, you must meet your loan oblioffer guidelines in advance allowing people to know gations, with property taxes, exactlykeep whatcurrent is expected of them to keepinsurance, positively maintenance, and any association fees. moving forward. Thehomeowners more information provided and Closing costs and ongoing fees,thesuch as of thea the more communication, the better chance Federal Administration MortflawlessHousing transaction. You need to be(FHA) confident that gage (MIP), can be yourInsurance real estatePremium agent is going to bring youfinanced qualified with the only; reverse mortgage loanqualified — so out-ofpeople not only financially but also peopleexpenses who are emotionally ready to make a big purpocket can be minimal. chase, getting feet” not considered Loan without proceeds are“cold generally 4. The negotiating It canconsult be stressful gotaxable income. (Not process. tax advice; a tax ing through the negotiation process. You may wonder professional.) ifGenerally, your real estate agentmortgage is prepared to “out-negotiate” a reverse loan will not affect the agent on theorother side. Isbenefits. your agent good enough Social Security Medicare However, you to hold grounda and still not lose a qualified buymay wishyour to consult financial professional to deterer? You must be confident realtor isof anobtaining expert nemine the potential financial your implications a reverse mortgage loan.

December 6 – 12, 2019 Nov. 29 – Dec. 5, 2019

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December 6 – 12, 2019 JULY 26 – AUGUST 8, 2019

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NY TIMES CROSSWORD PUZZLE

IF I WERE YOU...

BY ROSS TRUDEAU / EDITED BY WILL SHORTZ

24 27 30

43 50

71 77

101

105

88 93

100 103

107

108

112 116

14 Most common U.S. surname 15 Wee one 16 Trattoria option that means “garlic and oil” 17 Poem name whose singular and plural forms are the same 18 Slowness embodied 22 Betrays, in a way 24 “Treasure Island” monogram 28 Genetic messenger 31 Excessive lovers of the grape 32 Classical theater 33 Concrete 34 Temptation location 35 Big name in soda cans and foil

104

80 84

102

115

106

15 22

109

110

114

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118

36 Show grief 37 Guest bed, in a pinch 42 Extended writer’s blocks? 43 Scrapbooking need 44 Big success 45 Good source of calcium 46 Grasps 48 Hosiery shades 49 This Hebrew letter: ‫ׁש‬ 50 American Girl products 51 Keep watch for, maybe 52 Overdo it on the praise 57 “The Lord of the Rings” actor Billy 59 He fought alongside Achilles 60 Remote button 61 Aspirin maker 63 Narrow valleys

64 Oreo ingredient until the mid-’90s 65 One ogling 66 “You just blew my mind!” 67 Medical breakthrough 68 “Movin’ ____” 69 Tiny 72 Wide-swinging blow 73 CBS’s “Kate & ____” 74 Peddles 76 Harbor sight 77 Box of 12, say 78 “Ticklish” toys 79 Raced 82 [The light turned green! Go!] 83 Free trial version 84 Where you might open a whole can of worms?

Answers R I G O R O N U P

C U R E

M O U R N

A L C O A

T N U T

S I B S

D I M I N U T I V E

L O C A T E

A R F E T T E R R E W A A D R S D S A J A X

This Week’s Sudoku Puzzle

111

113

T R A L A

82 Expensive line of nonsense someone 1 Begin throws you? 6 Commercial aunt since 85 Novel endings, maybe 1889 12 Prep to find fingerprints 87 Informal assertion of authority 16 Checkup sounds 88 Indigo source 19 Deduce 89 Part of NGO 20 Rabid supporters 90 Orders 21 Steel head? 93 “Feed me!,” maybe 23 Land O’Lakes and 94 Tannery stock Breakstone’s? 95 “What are you hauling in 25 Part of the SkyTeam there?” and “How many Alliance axles you running?” 26 With severity 100 Course 27 The only way to get 101 Actress Moreno respect, so they say 102 One putting others 29 Kind of torch down 30 Commies 103 Ivory, e.g. 106 In a state 31 Ministering? 108 Entering your middle 35 Giant in direct sales name, then date of 37 Pro or con birth, then adding a 38 Vientiane native “1,” etc.? 39 Stag’s mate 112 Missile in a mating ritual 40 Laundry unit 41 “Inside the N.B.A.” analyst 113 Best of all possible worlds beginning in 2011 114 Amounts to 43 Wunderkinds, say 115 Amount to 47 “Damn, I can’t seem to get a ball into fair 116 “… ish” territory!”? 117 Nitpicky know-it-all 53 Fabrication 118 Scoring factor at a crossword tournament 54 Chicago airport code 55 Wide divide DOWN 56 Lose an all-in hand, say 1 Bros, e.g. 57 Vitriol 2 Letter-shaped fastener 58 Aziz of “Master of None” 3 Subsequently 60 Most susceptible to 4 Sadly unoriginal works sunburn 5 In vogue 61 Biblioklept’s targets 62 Like a trip overland from 6 Box of 12? 7 Manning with two Super Venezuela to Bolivia? Bowl M.V.P. awards 67 Musical closings 8 “I want my ____” (1980s 70 Easy buckets slogan) 71 Tiny, multitentacled 9 Suggestion from a creatures financial adviser, for 75 Operating system since short the early ’70s 10 Rami ____ of “Mr. Robot” 76 Mother ____ 11 Attack vigorously 77 “Robinson Crusoe” author 12 Title role for Jamie Foxx 80 Fútbol stadium cry 13 Like the Statue of Liberty 81 Ingredient in a Cuba libre at night ACROSS

19 11

86 Track down 90 Move in the direction of 91 Jerk 92 Rise to the occasion 94 Comedic duo? 95 Skipping syllables 96 Difficulty 97 2022 World Cup host 98 Alternatives to cabs 99 About to blow one’s top 100 3, 4 or 5, usually 103 What a 76-Down pulls 104 Certain buy-in 105 Vet’s malady, for short 107 Kerfuffle 109 Turf 110 Luxury-hotel amenity 111 Get gold from one’s lead?

STAR GAZING

ARIES (March 21 - April 20) For Aries today, the risk of accidentally committing an act of betrayal is increased. You yourself will not notice how seriously you might damage a person who has helped you a lot in the past. You can avoid this situation if you control every word you say. TAURUS (April 21 - May 21) Taurus today is primed for a major success in any endeavor. Hurry to make the most of this favorable moment! Concentrate on your most cherished dream and do everything to make it come true. You only need one thing - to strongly want this unmet goal to become a reality. GEMINI (May 22 - June 21) Today, Geminis will be surprised to find some flaw in themselves. This concerns something insignificant (perhaps a tiny birthmark that does not look aesthetic, a little pimple, wrinkles or freckles). Either way, this flaw will provoke a violent protest, and you decide to get rid of it as soon as possible. CANCER (June 22 - July 22) Cancers will meet this Friday in playful moods. You will want to endlessly attract attention to yourself, and for this reason you are committed to joking and giving promising looks to people of the opposite sex. LEO (July 23 - August 23) Leos today will make an important decision regarding their destiny. You realize that you do not have enough of everything that you want at the moment, and that you are ready to actively fight for a better future. You will even draw up a plan for this life-changing struggle, which you will proceed to implement without the slightest delay. VIRGO (August 24 - September 22) Virgo on August 10th will get full relaxation. Your work day will end sooner than other members of your family, and you will get time to hang out for a couple of hours. When the whole family is assembled, the house members will decide that you should all spend the Friday night at an outing. LIBRA (September 23 - October 22) Libras today will try to finish their current project as soon as possible in order to make their long-awaited weekend a little longer. This time you spend on yourself (more precisely, to create an impeccable appearance). And, your appearance will truly win over an impregnable fortress (your old love). SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21) For the Scorpios, the main task of this day will be reconciliation with their best friend. You will understand that you behaved impermissible, deliberately allowing them to be impacted for your own benefit. SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 21) Sagittarius will be surprised by the events of this day. Everything around you will begin to happen as if by magic. It is necessary only for you to think about something, and it will immediately happen, causing both joy and great amazement in your soul. CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 20) Capricorns will spend August 10, 2018, slowly thinking about the fate of their marriage or romance. In general, you will still find your relationship quite happy. AQUARIUS (January 21 - February 19) Aquarius today is not recommended to trust their personal transportation to an outsider. Having taken note of this forecast, you will protect yourself from very big trouble. In general, this Friday will not give you major problems, and you will spend it in high spirits. PICES (January 21 - February 19) For Pisces, August 10, 2018 will be an unremarkable day, during which all thoughts are only about the weekend, and not about work. Nevertheless, you will perform your work efficiently, so that your weekend will start ahead of schedule.

T J E R U L E R R I N L Y D S W Y S I O N E S F O C H A S R I U N G L S L A T E R H U N D O G S N H K Q U E A B A A T E D D A R T O R S O

A S S T S E P U P E Y E R O D E U M

P A U S E

I R A T E L E G A L P A D S

M I M T R A V A L E R K E A L

A D U S J P S A L A R N I I N G T L A O P D A G A O B U S L E S T L T H E S D E F D O L L E Z M E M E O W O N S B S S W O O P I A D A N T

H P A A R R D C S W H O A H I T S M I T H

T O R T A T E S D O E N N B B O A Y Y D E R B A I T S H O P

R O U N D H O U S E A G L I O E O L I O

P T S D

A N T E

S E L L S

A L L I E M I L K H A I K U

S E E S S N A I L

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December 6 â€“ 12, 2019

You bought the condo thirty years ago and sold it to retire in Palm Desert.

MaserCondoSales.com EASY FROM START TO SOLD

310.314.7700 info@masercondosales.com