Santa Monica Mirror: May 10 - May 9, 2024

Dead Body Discovered Outside Postal Service Building

The Coroner Is Set to Determine Her Cause of Death

By Zach Armstrong

The dead body of a “Jane Doe” was discovered by authorities this week just outside the U.S. Postal Service Building on 7th Street, SMPD confirmed.

The decedent is an approximately 50-

year old woman who “appears to have passed from natural causes” an SMPD spokesperson stated in an email. The location of the body was at the corner of the Postal Service building between Olympic Boulevard and Colorado Avenue and was discovered Monday afternoon. She also appears to be transient.

At the time of this writing, the coroner is set to determine her cause of death, identity and notify any relatives. Mirror Media Group will update this story as more information is available.

Homeless Man Arrested near SM Pier After Behaving

“Irate”

The Suspect Picked up a Knife and Said “I’m Going to Kill You” Multiple Times

By Zach Armstrong

A homeless man was arrested close to the Santa Monica Pier by authorities earlier this week after he was seen behaving dangerously.

Just before 11 a.m. on May 7, Santa Monica’s Downtown Services Unit Lieutenant was flagged down at the intersection of Ocean and Colorado. A member of the Legion security team and a social services worker then approached a homeless man in a wheelchair who was surrounded by his belongings. After being offered resources, the suspect became

“irate.” He then picked up a knife out of his belongings, and said “I’m going to kill you” multiple times to the officials, according to an SMPD spokesperson.

Additional officers arrived, including Crisis Negotiation Team officers, who tried to “establish rapport.” Nevertheless, the suspect refused to drop the knife. After placing the weapon back into his jacket, an arrest team approached him from behind, gained control of his arms and took him into custody.

A minor use of force was used, but no one was injured during the arrest, according to the SMPD spokesperson. The occurrence also briefly shut down traffic at the northbound lane of Ocean Avenue.

The subject was transported to the Santa Monica Jail and will undergo a psychological assessment by a Department of Mental Health clinician. Though charges are still pending, ‘obstruction’ and ‘criminal threats’ may be in order, according to the spokesperson.

THE MUSIC MINUTE SMFD to Host Fire Service Day This Saturday

Open House

Activities Include Exploring Fire Engines and the Ladder Truck, Guided Fire Station Tours With Firefighters and Hands-Only CPR Training

The Santa Monica Fire Department is gearing up to host a community celebration on May 11 in honor of Fire Service Day at Fire Station 1.

Families and children are invited to participate in open house activities, including the opportunity to explore fire

engines and the ladder truck, take guided fire station tours with firefighters, and receive hands-only CPR training and vital emergency preparedness information from the American Red Cross. Additionally, attendees will have the chance to learn about Stop the Bleed techniques in partnership with the University of California, Los Angeles.

The event is scheduled for Saturday, May 11, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 1337 7th St.

Throughout the year, the Santa Monica Fire Department conducts outreach programs such as fire station tours, fire engine visits, and education on fire and life safety topics. This event provides a unique opportunity for attendees to interact with local firefighters and gain firsthand insight into their work through engaging, hands-on experiences.

Fire Station 1, located in the downtown core, serves as Santa Monica’s busiest station, having received 7,430 calls for service in 2023. It houses the department’s largest equipment, including the ladder truck, which will be prominently featured on display during Fire Service Day.

A Path Forward for Santa Monica: Part I

SMa.r.t.

Santa Monica Architects for a Responsible Tomorrow

To quickly summarize, California grapples with an ongoing housing crisis spurred by state implementation of over 100 policies and mandates aimed at increasing the supply of ‘affordable’ housing. While these efforts may seem beneficial at first glance, a closer look has revealed a more complex picture. In Santa Monica, residents have raised concerns about the effectiveness, potential drawbacks, and impact of these mandates on the character and affordability of existing neighborhoods.

The state’s affordable housing policies, such as the laws for Housing Element, and the Density Bonus have sparked debate among local communities who view these policies as part of a larger scheme to increase profits for corporate developers and investors under the guise of affordability. While failing to address the root causes of the housing crisis. The concern is that these mandates may not sufficiently benefit the lowest-income residents and can lead to gentrification and displacement.

The fact is, it is actually very expensive to be poor. Low-income people typically have bad diets, cannot afford to eat well, dental care is negligent to none, and many lack health insurance. Also, it is more essential for a lowincome household to own a car than one by an affluent household, particularly regarding finding and keeping work, getting to and from

school, or even accessing better health and daycare options. The way we make decisions for low-income persons are no longer adequate to solve the challenges facing them. It is a titanic size problem, like the challenges of population migration and economic inequality.

Consider the ancient Greek myths which defined the ‘Titans’ as gods who represented Nature’s unchallenged power. Over time those myths and gods were absorbed to be more resonate with daily life in Western culture. Now we learn, in the 21st century, about power brokers in politics, the markets, and land speculators who similarly are confident in their power not being contested. Hence, a new era arises when it is necessary to counteract difficult-toreverse decisions against less fortunate persons. Decisions that are often made by legislators on behalf of corporate allies. To combat this we need everyday practical thinking. What possible reason were we born in this place at this time if not to accept that we are here to participate in the betterment of our communities?

To effectively address housing needs and ensure equitable outcomes, Santa Monica citizens must adopt a multi-faceted, data-driven, and community-engaged approach. The process to participate would begin with establishing robust data collection and monitoring systems to track the actual outcomes of policies in Santa Monica that seem to encourage higher buildings with less attention to community impacts. By examining changes in housing costs, displacement rates, demographic shifts, impacts on low-income residents, and land purchases by foreign speculators, the city can gain a clearer understanding of the situation and make

informed decisions about policy adjustments. Meaningful community engagement would follow with diverse stakeholders, including low-income residents, renters, and community organizations. By gathering input and onthe-ground impacts from those most affected by these policies, Santa Monica can ensure that adjustments remain responsive to the community’s needs and concerns.

We may begin relationships with smaller developers more willing to consider local in-fill projects that better serve the community.

These initial steps may naturally lead to commissioning independent policy evaluation studies to rigorously analyze the costs, benefits, and tradeoffs of the state mandates as implemented in Santa Monica. These studies can provide valuable recommendations for policy refinements that strike a balance between increasing housing supply and protecting vulnerable communities.

To further protect vulnerable communities, Santa Monica can be the paradigm and enact or strengthen local tenant protection policies, such as resisting landlord rent increases, ensuring just cause eviction, and providing relocation assistance. Developing and funding proactive anti-displacement strategies, like community land trusts, homeowner assistance programs, and targeted affordable housing preservation efforts with changes in the tax codes.

On that line, a reduced capital gains tax on earnings from investment in affordable housing fashioned after the Federal tax-free exchange rule can help mitigate the risks of displacement. Exploring alternative tax breaks for affordable housing models and carefully reviewing and

adjusting local inclusionary zoning requirements can also help strike a balance between increasing overall housing supply and ensuring affordability for the lowest-income households.

By working together, staying informed, and exploring all available legal options, California’s coastal communities can fight to protect their unique character, quality of life, and the environment from the state’s misguided housing mandates that fail to address affordable housing needs genuinely.

(See Part II in the SM Mirror soon)

Jack Hillbrand AIA, Architect for SMa.r.t.

Send comments to santamonicasmart@gmail. com

Santa Monica Architects for a Responsible Tomorrow

Dan Jansenson, Architect & Building and Fire-Life Safety Commission; Robert H. Taylor AIA, Architect; Thane Roberts, Architect; Mario Fonda-Bonardi AIA, Architect; Samuel Tolkin Architect & Planning Commissioner; Michael Jolly, AIR-CRE; Marie Standing, Resident; Jack Hillbrand AIA, Architect

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

Soaring Twenties: Support International Bird Rescue in Gatsby-Themed Event

Giving A Voice to Waterbirds

Through Conservation

By Susan Payne

A spectacular soiree is coming to Los Angeles to help showcase the historical and important work of International Bird Rescue, a global conservation organization that has responded to over 250 oil spills and wildlife emergencies and cared for more than 160,000 birds on six continents since its inception in 1971. Bird Rescue’s mission is to inspire people to act toward balance with the natural world by rescuing waterbirds in crisis.

Embrace glitz and glamor while making a difference in the lives of birds during the Soaring Twenties Benefit on the evening of June 8 at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel in downtown Los Angeles.

Promising a night of opulence, style and grandeur, International Bird Rescue presents Hailey Winslow, an actress, FOX Los Angeles reporter, adventure travel

television host and friend of Bird Rescue, as master of ceremony. Guests can look forward to the incredible words of keynote speaker Tammah Watts, a bird storyteller, therapist and author of Keep Looking Up: Your Guide to the Powerful Healing of Birdwatching, followed by the live, vibrant sounds of 20s and 30s Jazz-era music alongside a mix of modern pop, jazz and lounge hits from The Gatsby Gang.

International Bird Rescue aims to give a voice to waterbirds through conservation, emergency response, rehabilitation and research. Its history dates back to 1971 with founder Alice Berkner, a retired nurse and animal lover who helped to invent and formalize oiled bird rehabilitation following the Standard Oil accident in the San Francisco Bay.

The organization rehabilitates about 3,500-6,000 birds each year. The most treated bird species include Brown Pelicans, Western Gulls, Northern Fulmars, Western Grebes, American Coots, Common Loons, Black-crowned Night-Herons, Snowy Egrets, and Great Blue Herons.

“Our work saves lives each and every day. Whether orphaned, injured or fishhooked, birds need us, and thanks to our volunteers and supporters we are able to respond, rehabilitate and release them back

into the wild,” said Alex Domeyko, Director of Development and Partnerships.

Bird Rescue has crisis response centers in San Francisco, Los Angeles and Anchorage.

The Soaring Twenties Benefit is the first major fundraising event the organization has held in Los Angeles. Proceeds will benefit the organization’s work in emergency preparedness and response, day-to-day aquatic bird care and scientific research.

Tickets for the soiree cost $200 with early bird pricing available until May 1st.

Regular ticket prices increase to $225 after the first. The event includes dinner buffet and cash bar, a silent auction, live music, a best-dressed contest, and more. Millennium Biltmore offers daily and valet parking.

Attendees are encouraged to don Gatsby or formal attire, spread their wings, and celebrate an evening of compassion and community.

“Your attendance at our benefit supports an incredibly worthy cause – we are all part of the natural world. Come enjoy a night of food, cocktails, music and fun at our Soaring Twenties event and make a difference for birds and nature,” Domeyko said.

To learn more about International Bird Rescue and its Soaring Twenties Benefit, visit birdrescue.org. Soaring Twenties Benefit tickets can be purchased here. To become a sponsor for the Soaring Twenties Benefit, email info@birdrescue.org.

Godinez, 4323 Perlita Ave. Apt. 12, Los Angeles, CA.90039 . This business is conducted by A Co-Partners. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 02/2024. 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 Rolando Sacayon Godinez/ General Partner. This Statement was filed with the County Clerk of LOS ANGELES County on February, 09, 2024. 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,