Santa Monica Mirror: May 17 - May 23, 2024

City Seeks Input for Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project

Residents Will Be at Various Stations to Engage With the Project Team

To foster community involvement and gather input for the Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project, the city of Santa Monica is set to launch its official community engagement process. The initiative will debut at a community event scheduled for Sunday, May 19, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Clover Park.

The inaugural event will take the form of a community open house, designed to provide residents with various stations to engage

with the project team, listen to discussions, learn about the proposed plans, and share their insights regarding the future of Santa Monica and the airport land.

This event marks the commencement of the anticipated 21-month community engagement process. The primary objective is to develop a preferred scenario for the future of the airport site, with a focus on creating a “Great Park” in alignment with the 2014 voter-approved Measure LC.

Upon approval by the City Council, the preferred scenario will guide the environmental review process mandated by the California Environmental Quality Act. Implementation is slated to commence post the cessation of airport operations on Dec. 31, 2028, as per the terms outlined in the 2017 Consent Decree with the Federal Aviation Administration.

Santa Monica City Council Approves Resolution for Gaza

Ceasefire

Late-Night Vote Addresses Conflict and Condemns Hate Speech

In a late-night vote, The Santa Monica City Council passed a resolution supporting the resumption of a negotiated bilateral ceasefire in Gaza and reiterating the City’s condemnation of all antisemitism, anti-Arab racism, Islamophobia, and all forms of hate and incitement to violence. The resolution was proposed by Councilmembers Jesse Zwick, Caroline Torosis, and Gleam Davis.

At 9:35 p.m., Mayor Phil Brock announced that 136 people had signed up to make public comments and, because of that, comment time was limited. While three of the commenters had other topics to discuss, the balance of the people were there to comment on the ceasefire resolution.

Westside Ballet’s 50th Anniversary

See Page 7

and venues. For inquiries regarding the community engagement process, individuals are encouraged to reach out via email to TheFutureofSMO@santamonica.gov.

The process of hearing the public comments took about three hours and while there were sometimes passionate outbursts, Mayor Brock calmly asked people to show respect to all speakers regardless of their viewpoint. Many members of the Santa Monica community waited for hours to have their say.

After the council members individually spoke their minds about the resolution, Mayor Brock proposed that a second resolution that be added. This is the text of the second resolution, which was approved by the councilmembers who sponsored the original resolution: Fighting Islamophobia and Antisemitism in Santa Monica

It is resolved that while tragic armed conflicts are occurring in the Middle East, we acknowledge that feelings of hate and despair within our community from these outside events are stirring Antisemitism and Islamophobia in Santa Monica.

Be it known to all that tolerance of all faiths and beliefs are integral to life within Santa Monica and that all faiths and beliefs are

welcome here without prejudgment. Further, verbal and/or physical attacks on any member of the Santa Monica community will not be tolerated, no matter their religion, faith, or creed.

Santa Monicans strive for peace in our community and throughout the world. As the City Council, we are responsible for promoting the safety and security of all who

live and come here. Tolerance, not intolerance, is the key to peace in our city.

We urge all of Santa Monica’s residents to treat each other respectfully and not judge others based on external factors but as humans dedicated to peace and justice for all other humans.

The resolution passed with 6 yes votes and one no vote.

Subsequent to the Clover Park event, Santa Monica’s contracted consultant team, spearheaded by Sasaki, will sustain community engagement efforts through participation in additional community events

‘Mannies’ Becoming More Prevalent

Find Your Perfect Manny Through Mannies of LA

By Susan Payne

Positive male role models are essential for early childhood development in protecting children against barriers that can make transition into adulthood more difficult. While the U.S. is found to have the largest rate of children living in single-parent households, ensuring your children have positive male role models can contribute to a child’s success, morality, social emotional learning and positive outlook.

Whether that be a teacher, neighbor, coach or mentor, more parents are choosing positive male role models to enhance their children’s lives. That’s why educator Michael Lin founded Mannies of LA, a referral agency that connects families with “mannies,” male nannies who serve as positive male role models.

“I wanted to provide families with an alternative option for positive male role models. I noticed in my teaching career,

especially in Los Angeles, children had tons of female role models, and there was a lack of positive male role models. Parents would ask me if I could teach their kids sports, or help with their birthday parties, and they saw how important it was to have a balance of both positive people role models,” Lin said.

Mannies, through Mannies of LA, provide a consistent positive male influence and strong emotional bond with children. Undergoing a thorough application, background check and interview process, Lin has curated a network of mannies and works with families to find the perfect manny — one who shares the same interests as your child and meets your needs as a caregiver. Mannies are dedicated to enriching young lives with their vast experiences as teachers, athletes, behavioral therapists, musicians, artists and entertainers.

“We work one-on-one with families throughout the selection process and determine preferences, needs, budget and schedule, and any special set of skills the family is looking for in a manny. After listening to the parents and understanding what their needs are, I take that into consideration as I pair families with a manny that will engage, teach, influence, work and play with your children,” he said. “My

longtime background in education gives me a good sense of what parents are looking for, so while I’m interviewing candidates, I’m also looking for intention and intangible items, the feeling and the way they present themselves.”

As the need for positive male role models grows, and the idea of hiring a male nanny becomes more mainstream, Lin has also grown his network of mannies to ensure the most success in pairing individuals with families, breaking down the negative

perception of males working in childcare.

“One of our goals is to break that negative perception down and to show families that male nannies can do the same thing as female nannies. We understand that parents may be on the fence, so we do offer nanny referrals as well,” Lin said.

Mannies of LA has been featured on LATV’s “Get It Girl” and in VoyageLA. To learn more about Mannies of LA and find the perfect manny for your family, visit ManniesofLA.com.

THE MUSIC MINUTE

Father-Son Duo RSG Janitorial Services Finds Joy In Serving Customers

Finding handymen and janitorial services can be a hard pick. RSG Janitorial Services, based in Los Angeles, offers a mix of both of the highest quality while maintaining fair and consistent pricing.

With over two decades of experience, Rolando Godinez, the founder of the business, said he offers a variety of services such as cleaning, housekeeping, deep cleaning, carpet cleaning, basic plumbing services, painting and floor waxing, to name a few.

Rolando has been in the business since 2001 and has followed a trajectory to expand his handyman services, in addition to the janitorial services he provides.

“I started my business with carpet cleaning and floor cleaning in 2001, but it has expanded into handyman services like carpet repairs and drywall. Step by step my work has grown. I love what I do and I love helping customers feel satisfaction with the services we provide,” Rolando said.

In the last three years, Rolando has invited his son, Obdulio Barrios, to take dual ownership of the company. Together, they tackle projects and serve customers. Choosing Obdulio as a business partner was easy, Rolando said.

“You have to choose someone who is going to be better than yourself, someone you trust to take on work and deliver something better than you would. I know my son, he’s 10 times better than myself,” Rolando said.

The father-son duo tackle cleaning and small repair jobs in Santa Monica, Hollywood, West Hollywood, and more in Los Angeles.

“Wherever they call us, we can go anywhere,” Rolando said.

Other services RSG provides include: janitorial services for buildings, apartment cleaning for empty or vacant units, housekeeping and maid services, carpet shampooing, carpet repairs, drywall repairs, painting, basic plumbing and electrical work, baseboard repairs, and more, depending on the scope of the project.

If more laborers are needed for the job, Rolando said he hires contractors that are licensed and insured and make sure they are equally as happy to serve his customers.

“I make sure we have enough people to complete the service and I make sure my contractors are reputable and capable of serving our customers with repairs and cleaning of the highest quality,” Rolando said.

Using RSG Janitorial Services for cleaning or small repairs guarantees you are in good hands because of Rolando and Obdulio’s commitment to their customers and quality of work.

“Everytime someone calls me, I know they need my help and I do my best to provide

what they need. That’s my goal, that’s my mission, to help people. Satisfaction is guaranteed and we’re going to do the best we can to make our customers happy,” Rolando said.

RSG does not have a website, but can be reached on Instagram under the handle @ rsgjanitorialservices. Customers can also call or text Rolando at 323-423-3921, or Obdulio at 213-913-5023 for inquiries. By email, RSG can be reached at rsgjanitorial@ outlook.com.

A Path Forward for Santa Monica: Part II

Santa Monica Architects for a Responsible Tomorrow

As referenced in Part I of this article, the state’s use of faulty statistics and forceful legislation has left a dilemma no city should face. That of either losing neighborhood livelihood and character or spending millions in court costs to resist powerful development lobbies profiting at the community’s expense. Let’s turn this dilemma around with a concerted effort to emphasize the importance of housing that improves our future lives.

Rather than relying solely on private developers to meet housing needs, the state could choose to play an active role in directly funding and supporting the creation of affordable housing. State monies can be redirected to include measures such as increasing funding for the California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA), creating a statewide housing trust fund, or providing low-interest loans and grants to non-profit developers and community land trusts. Or tax credit subsidies for low-income housing projects; again similar to the Federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit.

With even small state subsidies, cities can use budgeted funds to purchase affordable units to be rented by the city in perpetuity. Good examples include recent nationwide efforts to develop “community-owned cooperative real estate.” The strategy began in Oakland, CA by a nonprofit neighborhood group called the East Bay Permanent Real Estate Cooperative with the support of a nonprofit legal group, the Sustainable Economies Law Center. This

strategy seeks to assist community control with unconventional financing instead of falling victim to market costs in development. Also, communities can push to create a collaborative with Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) to help increase their state funding, and instead of ‘giveaways’ of zoning, setting favorable loan rates or grants, determine a means of insuring

debt on the value of developing. By making targeted investments in affordable housing, the city and state can help ensure that the benefits of development are more equitably distributed and that the needs of the most vulnerable residents are prioritized.

One of the most effective ways to influence state policy is through grassroots organizing and advocacy. This involves building a broadbased coalition of residents, community organizations, and advocacy groups who are committed to advancing affordable housing solutions. By working together to educate the public, mobilize supporters, and pressure elected officials, these coalitions can help to create the political momentum needed to secure increased funding and stop incentives for market-rate housing. Such assistance needs to be applied only to the affordable housing portion.

Lastly, raising public awareness to require fixing the state’s randomized Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) process and its unrealistic quota system, as if by a hand unseen. Leveraging public opinion, media attention, and ballot measures can further build momentum for change while becoming powerful tools in influencing state policy. While these strategies can be effective in securing changes for affordable housing, it is important to recognize that they are not without challenges. Building and sustaining a broad-based coalition requires significant time, resources, and effort.

Additionally, the political process can be unpredictable and subject to shifting priorities and competing interests. Regulating the influence of land speculators and corporate interests in housing policy is particularly challenging, but it is a critical step in achieving a more equitable and sustainable housing system. This could involve reforming campaign finance laws, increasing transparency and accountability in the development process, and requiring developers to provide more meaningful community benefits in exchange for development rights.

In conclusion, the path forward for Santa Monica in addressing the housing crisis requires a multi-pronged approach that prioritizes community engagement, data-driven decision-making, and a commitment to social and economic justice. By challenging the status quo and advocating for policies that genuinely address the needs of all residents, Santa Monica has the opportunity to serve as a beacon of hope and a model for other California cities grappling with similar challenges. The road ahead may be difficult, and the obstacles formidable, but with determination, collaboration, and a shared vision for a more equitable future, we can create a housing system that ensures everyone has access to safe, affordable, and dignified housing. Let us seize this moment to build a stronger, more inclusive community that reflects the values and aspirations of all its residents. Together, we can demonstrate that it is possible to balance growth and development with the preservation of community character and the well-being of our most vulnerable neighbors. The time for action is now, and the responsibility lies with each and every one of us to work towards a brighter, more just tomorrow.

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

The SMa.r.t. article two weeks ago was in error by noting state mandates end in 2055.

In fact, the state affordability covenants expire 55 years after a project opens; at that time the units revert to market rate rents.

Westside Ballet’s 50th Anniversary: A Grand Celebration of Dance Excellence and Emerging Talent

talented Santa Monica residents/ students from

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Kaya Fleming Cordon, Noa Kim, Ruby Johnson, Skye Strand, Adelina

performances at

Zoee Samanta; “Fête de Carnivale”: Brooke Laskar, Emery DelaBarre, Evelyn Choy, Mariah Young, Mavis Meredith, Olivia Yu; “Ecossaises” dancers: Elise DuFour, Ella Williams, Genevieve Oppenheim, Kyler Sziraki, Luna Alatorre, Maya Kurc; “Classical Symphony” dancers: Billie Dane, Iina Coulter-Bracey; “Sleeping Beauty” dancers: Bella Shriver, Naya Farrell-Katseanes, Violette Mari Rice; “Concerto Barocco” dancers: Sophie Wilson, Isabelle Choy, Nadia Hofer. Photo by Sarah Madison Photography

Over 90 local dancers, including star students and professional alumni, join American Ballet Theatre Principals Isabella Boylston and James Whiteside at BroadStage May 17-18

In a grand salute to half a century of dance excellence, Westside Ballet of Santa Monica is set to dazzle audiences with its 50th Anniversary Spring Performances. The “Masters of Movement” series, featuring two captivating Spring Showcases and a Gala, pays tribute to the enduring legacy of dance and the visionaries who have shaped its history.

A Spotlight on Student Talent Hadley Hill, a 16-year-old advanced dancer, embodies the spirit of dedication and artistry that Westside Ballet nurtures. Hadley, who is part of the Los Angeles Ballet Trainee program in collaboration with Westside Ballet, balances her rigorous training schedule between the two institutions. She has been dancing at Westside Ballet since she was 14 and will be showcased in the role of the “5 Girls” from George Balanchine’s “Who Cares?” in this

year’s spring performances.

Reflecting on her growth this season, Hadley shares, “Who Cares? is a Balanchine ballet, which is a style I haven’t gotten to dive too deep into until now. It’s super challenging but also really fun! I have really enjoyed getting to experiment with the new artistic abilities that Who Cares? allows me to explore and get to tune into the Balanchine style in new depths.”

Hadley’s passion for dance extends beyond the stage. “The things I like best about dancing are performing and having something to work towards. Being on stage is the most amazing feeling, especially since when I’m on stage I am doing what I love most, dancing,” she says. With aspirations to join a major ballet company, Hadley exemplifies the excellence and future promise of Westside Ballet’s dancers.

Evelyn Choy, an 11-year-old dancer, is another shining star at Westside Ballet. Currently a 6th grader at John Thomas Dye School, Evelyn has been dancing at Westside Ballet since she was 5 years old. This year marks her third Spring performance with the company. She will be performing in “Fête de Carnivale” and the jazz piece “Dancing through the Ages,” where she will have a solo as a 1930s dancer.

Evelyn’s dedication to ballet is evident in her achievements. “Ballet has helped me learn how to work hard and strive to continue improving,” she says. Evelyn also excels academically, having received state honors in Piano Certificate of Merit and honors in school math competitions. Her future aspirations include continuing to improve her dancing and maintaining her hard work ethic.

Joining Evelyn is her sister, Isabelle

Choy, who also has a featured role in the Spring Showcase. Isabelle, 15, has been with Westside Ballet since she was six and will be performing as a soloist in “Classical Symphony” and in the contemporary piece “Murmurations.” Isabelle, a 9th grader at Windward School, reflects on a pivotal moment in her ballet journey: “Entering the upper division was transformative for me. It pushed me to internalize corrections and work harder, helping me grow significantly as a dancer.”

Honoring Legends and Showcasing New Talent

The Spring Showcases on May 17 and 18 will present a curated celebration of Westside Ballet’s storied past, vibrant present, and promising future. The showcases will feature performances by young talents like Hadley Hill, Evelyn Choy, and Isabelle Choy, alongside excerpts from classical ballets and innovative contemporary works. Noteworthy is the 11-year-old prodigious Spencer Collins, a recent YAGP double winner, performing “Flames of Paris.”

Of the 91 student and pre-professional company dancers, 37 live or go to school in Santa Monica. This includes soloists such as Sophie Wilson from Crossroads School for Arts and Sciences, Nadia Hofer from Crossroads School for Arts and Sciences, Billie Dane and Bella Shriver from New Roads School, and others, reflecting the strong local connection and diverse educational backgrounds of Westside Ballet’s dancers.

A Star-Studded Gala

The Gala on May 18 honors Patricia Neary with a Lifetime Achievement Award, celebrating her influence on American ballet and Westside Ballet students. The event will

feature American Ballet Theatre principal dancers Isabella Boylston and James Whiteside performing the timeless “Black Swan” pas de deux by Marius Petipa. Guest artists Andrea Laššáková and Adrian Blake Mitchell will present excerpts from George Balanchine’s “Concerto Barocco,” “Who Cares?,” and the contemporary masterpiece “Agon,” set to Stravinsky’s evocative score.

Alumni stars Lucia Connolly, Lyrica Woodruff, and Joy Womack will also grace the stage, performing pieces including Yuri Possokhov’s “Bells” pas de deux, Balanchine’s fiery “Tarantella,” and Ben Stevenson O.B.E.’s “Prelude” pas de deux, accompanied by Rachmaninov’s live piano score.

A Tribute to Founders and a Vision for the Future

The 50th Anniversary Spring Showcase is dedicated to founders Yvonne Mounsey and Rosemary Valaire, featuring performances of Mounsey’s “Classical Symphony” and Valaire’s staging of “Sleeping Beauty.” The program will also include a diverse repertoire of dance, such as Vanessa van Wormer’s contemporary work, Caprice Walker’s “Fête de Carnivale,” and Michele Bachar Mendicelli’s jazz and ballet pieces.

As Westside Ballet pays homage to its rich history, it remains committed to nurturing future ballet talent and enriching the cultural landscape of Southern California. Join the Celebration

This landmark event promises an enchanting blend of classical elegance and contemporary flair. Tickets for these mustsee performances can be purchased online at westsideballet.com/SpringTix or by phone at (800) 595-4849 (4TIX).

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Westside Ballet,

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the 50th Anniversary Spring Showcases and Gala. “Valse Bleu”: Chloe Besson, Cypress Classen-Main,

Macpherson,

Stroh, Camille Takessian, Desiree Wells, Hannah Gruenberg, Ines Chavira, Julia Enayati, Lila Bruno,