Santa Monica Mirror: May 3 - May 9, 2024

Hotel Labor Disputes End in Santa Monica

Key Highlights of the Agreement

Include $5 per Hour Raise in the First Year, and Wage Increases of up to 50% for Nontipped Workers

All Santa Monica hotels embroiled in labor disputes have now reached agreements, encompassing establishments such as the Santa Monica Proper, Fairmont Miramar, Hampton Inn Santa Monica, Courtyard Santa Monica, Viceroy Santa Monica, and Le Méridien Delfina, among others.

The news comes as per an announcement from UNITE HERE Local 11 on Friday, which stated that a total of 46 agreements had been reached after a surge of signings from the prior week. Other hotels that reached agreements throughout Los Angeles

included Four Points LAX, Hotel Maya in Long Beach, Hyatt Place Pasadena, Proper Downtown Los Angeles, Westdrift Manhattan Beach, Hotel June West LA, and Alsace Hotel.

Patricia Ibañez, a leader of UNITE HERE Local 11 and a housekeeper at Le Méridien Delfina for 17 years, expressed pride in her colleagues’ perseverance, stating, “It took grit, blood, sweat and tears, but we did it! This is going to change my life.”

The latest contracts, alongside seven others settled earlier this week, bring the total to 46 resolved agreements. Notably, this new contract boasts the most significant economic increases seen in an industry-wide contract over the past three decades.

Key highlights of the agreement include:

• A $5.00 per hour raise in the first year, providing workers with an additional $10,400 annually.

• Substantial wage increases of 40 to 50% for non-tipped workers over the 4.5-year term.

• Most room attendants expected to earn $35.00 per hour by July 1, 2027.

• Guaranteed pre-pandemic staffing levels and mandatory daily room cleaning.

• One of the nation’s highest paid pension plans for service workers.

• A comprehensive array of improvements, including recognition of Juneteenth as a paid holiday and protections for workers affected by the criminal justice system and immigrant rights.

The contract is slated to expire on

January 15, 2028, just ahead of the XXXIV Olympiad in Los Angeles. However, more than 10,000 workers across 52 hotels have already engaged in 170 strikes, marking the largest strike in the history of the nation’s hospitality industry, according to a news release from UNITE HERE.

New Bakery, Petitgrain Boulangerie, Set to Open in Santa Monica in Broadway Bakery Space

Industry Veterans Bring Their Expertise to the Wilshire Blvd

Location

By Dolores Quintana

Petitgrain Boulangerie, a new bakery, is taking the space formerly occupied by the Broadway Bakery at 1209 Wilshire Blvd in Santa Monica. Broadway Bakery’s owners, Jim Osorno and Tom Mueller, decided to retire after five years at their Wilshire location.

The new bakery, Petitgrain Boulangerie, is the brainchild of industry veterans Tony Hernandez and Clémence de Lutz. With a wealth of experience, Hernandez has honed his craft at Proof Bakery in Atwater Village and Friends and Family in Hollywood, while Lutz has established her reputation as the

owner of The Gourmandise School in Santa Monica. Their expertise promises a delightful culinary experience for all.

Hernandez and Lutz have been counting down the days until their opening and posted an exuberant and thankful message earlier on Tuesday,

which said, “We are processing the enormity of it all and hope we can bring you as much joy + love as we’ve experienced these last few months. We’re sheeting out croissant dough, scooping cookies, and making cherry compote, and when we find a moment, our voice and words to thank all the people who made this happen, you’ll hear about it. We’re just so grateful. merci et gracias, Los Angeles.”

THE MUSIC MINUTE

Wise & Healthy Aging Goes Gray on Denim Day

In observance of April’s Sexual Assault Awareness Month, a nonprofit that advances the dignity and quality of life for older adults, wore the color gray on Denim Day, April 24, to shed light on sexual abuse that is chronically underreported and under identified in the aging community.

As an organization, WISE & Healthy Aging started participating in Denim Day, an international campaign designated to protest erroneous and destructive attitudes about sexual assault, in 2018.

Denim Day in Los Angeles was founded in 1999, when a rape conviction was overturned in Italy because the victim was wearing tight jeans that could only be removed by her, which, to the courts, implied consent. Roman Parliamentarians were furious, and coined the term, “jean alibi.” California lawmakers wore jeans on the steps of the State Capitol in Sacramento in solidarity with the Roman legislators.

“We started wearing gray to help elevate the awareness of older sexual assault survivors, because there are misconceptions — that older people are immune to sexual assault, but that’s not the case. Sexual assault is about power and control, and that makes older people sometimes the target of someone who is trying to assert power and control,” said WISE President and CEO, Molly Davies.

Not only did the organization wear denim in support of Denim Day, but the gray shirts support added awareness of sexual violence among the aging population.

“To us, it helps elevate the voice of older survivors and really, it’s a conversation starter. Participating in this campaign opens the door to raise awareness, it normalizes having those uncomfortable conversations to encourage healing,” Davies said. “Not only do survivors of sexual assault get older, but also sexual assault happens to older adults.”

Sexual violence is one of the many forms of abuse that WISE & Healthy

Aging works to eliminate. Through leadership, advocacy and its wide range of innovative services, the organization advances the dignity and quality of life of older adults.

“When you see one form of abuse — financial, neglect, physical, sexual — there’s often more than one occurring at a time. It’s known that one in 10 older adults experience some sort of abuse and when you think about the impact it has on the victim, it should raise concern for all members of the community,” said Miles McNeeley, Vice President of Elder Abuse Prevention at WISE.

A person experiencing elder abuse is three times more likely to die, twice as likely to be hospitalized, and physical and mental health deterioration is greater when abuse is occurring, McNeeley said.

Elder abuse is often not reported, for fear of loss of autonomy or decision making, but McNeeley said it is important to report, so a plan of action can be developed.

“Financial abuse or exploitation can be violating and stigmatized by society, it affects people so deeply, so we have support groups in place for older adults to share their experiences and get support,” McNeeley said.

When elder abuse is suspected, it is important to contact the appropriate agency depending on whether the abuse occurred in a nursing home, assisted living facility, or in the home. For more information on how to recognize the signs of abuse and where to report it, go to the Elder Justice Guide at wiseandhealthaging.org.

To investigate abuse, WISE has a team of advocates and a multidisciplinary team in place to review cases and garner solutions, in addition to its Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program that serves as advocates for seniors and adults with disabilities in nursing homes and assisted living facilities.

For more information on Wise & Healthy Aging and resources, visit wiseandhealthyaging.org.

Two Suspects Arrested After Series of Burglaries at Gas Station Pumps

Several Hundred Dollars in Cash and

Recovered

Two individuals have been apprehended and charged in connection

with two counts each of burglary from a vehicle and grand theft, following a series of incidents in Santa Monica.

According to authorities, the events unfolded on April 24, around midday. At approximately 12:24 p.m., a darkcolored Nissan Altima, occupied by three individuals, pulled into the Chevron located at 1344 Santa Monica Blvd. As the vehicle came to a stop beside another car at the gas pumps, one of the suspects allegedly seized the victim’s purse from the front seat.

Shortly thereafter, at approximately 12:30 p.m., the same Altima made a stop at the Sinclair gas station situated at 1944 Pico Blvd. The rear passenger of the vehicle reportedly opened the door of another vehicle at the pumps, snatched the victim’s purse, and swiftly fled the scene alongside their accomplices.

Approximately 30 minutes later, the suspects allegedly targeted a vehicle parked at the Shell station, located at 1866 Lincoln Boulevard. They purportedly shattered the window of the vehicle and made off with valuables including a laptop, iPad, and other belongings.

With the assistance of the Hawthorne Police Department, law enforcement officers were able to track down and apprehend the suspects. Subsequently, several hundred dollars in cash and most of the stolen property were recovered.

On April 26th, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office officially filed felony burglary and grand theft charges (487a PC and 459 PC) against the following individuals:

• Raul Santino Lopez of Richmond, CA (DOB: 12/27/2003)

• Agustin Jesus Vega of Richmond, CA (DOB: 02/23/2003)

Despite their involvement in the recent incidents, neither of the suspects has a significant arrest history in California.

Authorities urge anyone with pertinent information regarding these incidents or the individuals involved to reach out to Detective Tavera at Hector.Tavera@ santamonica.gov or contact the Watch Commander 24 hours a day at 310-4588427.

Dough” is Opening a New Westside Location

Other Locations Are Set up on

Venice Beach’s Ocean Front Walk and the Hollywood Walk of Fame

By Zach Armstrong

Artisan ice cream shop franchise Turn Dough is in the process of establishing its newest spot along Broadway in the heart of downtown Santa Monica.

The new Westside outpost will be

located at 215 Broadway, across from Nordstrom at Santa Monica Place. This will be Turn Dough’s third physical location, with its others set up on Venice Beach’s Ocean Front Walk and the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

According to its website, Turn Dough boasts a total of 18 signature ice cream cone options. Only instead of a cone, these creations are wrapped in the shop’s “chimney cake pastry.” Photographs of the various options are mesmerizing, for these flavors are each transcendently innovative and embellished with several sugary ingredients.

Take the “Minnie Macaroons” for example. This Disney-inspired creation comes with a spread of Dulce de Leche. This is then topped with Italian soft serve. Two french macaroons are placed on both sides while a Minnie Mouse bow is plunk on top, making the ice cream cone resemble someone wearing mouse

ears during a trip to Disneyland. Then there’s the “Unicorn”. This dreamy delight comes with not only Unicorn sprinkles, but is also crowned with a Unicorn fondant.

The chain also offers milkshakes, gelato bowls, French crepes and Belgian waffles.

The story of Turn Dough begins in 2017, when Prague native “David” left Central Europe for Los Angeles to establish the brand which held its grand opening in November of that year, as its website explains. “David passionately recounts our mission: introducing European traditions, with a particular emphasis on the authentic Czeth Made flavor, to the American consumer.” as stated on its website. It goes on to state it has since over half a million people since starting operations.

For more information on Turn Dough, visit https://turndough.com/.

Santa Monica to Require “Low-Carbon Concrete” in New Construction Projects

The Proposed Amendment Could Reduce the City’s Building Sector

Embodied

Taking a stride toward carbon neutrality, the City Council approved an ordinance on Tuesday mandating the use of low-carbon concrete for all new construction, swimming pools, and spas. A standard concrete mixture comprises Portland cement, water, sand, and aggregates gravel. The production of cement is notably carbon-intensive, contributing to approximately 60% of emissions associated with concrete production, according to a City staff report. Low-carbon concrete mitigates these emissions by reducing the cement content in the mixture and substituting it

with alternative cementitious materials. According to a staff report, the proposed low-carbon concrete amendment to the Building Code could reduce the City’s building sector concrete embodied carbon by 14%33%. Embodied carbon is the carbon emissions from the manufacturing and transportation of building materials.

Santa Monica has already integrated low-carbon concrete mixes into city infrastructure projects. Notable examples include the Moongate structure at Woodlawn Cemetery.

Flexibility is built into the ordinance, with exemptions allowing for special circumstances. These include projects necessitating less than three yards of onsite mixing for immediate needs, emergencies, supply chain disruptions, or instances where traditional concrete

mix costs exceed those of low-carbon options.

Chief Sustainability Officer Shannon Parry expressed enthusiasm regarding the city’s progression toward carbon neutrality. “I’m thrilled to see our city continue to advance towards the goal of carbon neutrality,” she remarked. “We know the concrete industry is ready to supply low-carbon alternatives, and we are ready to implement this very important step in our fight against climate change.”

The ordinance is slated for a second reading on May 14th, with enforcement commencing 30 days thereafter.

Hang-Ten Therapeutics-Surf Therapy for Kids: Catching Waves and Finding your Calm

A

different type of therapy is making waves in Los Angeles.

Hang-Ten Therapeutics, founded by Naomi Matanick, a licensed pediatric occupational therapist with specialties in infant and child development, uses surfing as her primary method of intervention for children experiencing difficulty in development.

Difficulties such as processing sensory information can make skills that seem simple, feel insurmountable, impacting physical and emotional regulation, body awareness, motor skills, visual skills, and attention. Matanick found the ocean, and surfing, to be a grounding practice, and therefore, asked herself, how can this translate in the field of pediatric occupational therapy.

“I’ve always loved the water, the ocean, and have learned that surf therapy exists, but primarily, it exists in the world of adults. I saw the therapeutic benefits of the ocean for myself and wanted to see

if I could really translate what I do as an occupational therapist using surfing as a therapeutic tool for kids,” Matanick said.

Surf therapy combines the physical activity of surfing with structured activities to help promote physical, psychological, and social well-being. For kids, catching waves is a way to achieve therapeutic goals in a low-pressure environment.

“Sometimes, when kids engage in sports, there’s a lot of pressure for performance and socially. Without having the pressure of what might come with a sport, kids can play freely and be comfortable in their own bodies. I see what their specific needs are, like a motor goal or strengthening goal, and we use the surfboard to focus specifically on that goal,” she said.

Hang-Ten Therapeutics works to empower children, instill confidence and allow them to gain a stronger sense of self-identity and belonging through surfing, while gaining vital skills along the way.

Matanick said she may have a child who doesn’t have the physical ability to stand up on a surfboard or is terrified of the ocean. In that case, she encourages them to catch a wave on their stomach,

or alternatively work with the elements nearby – sand, water, or the board outside of the water – to achieve goals.

“We do some work on the beach and gradually, overtime, they get comfortable with moving onto the surfboard. The practice is adapted and changed for each individual child and their needs. Not only their needs, but their wants, as well,” Matanick said.

Some children have a hard time working through difficult emotions or find it challenging to be inside of a clinic. On the water or the beach, Matanick said she has seen them gain back power and motivation on the beach and in the water, and all sudden, they are more regulated, listening and more attentive as they are working toward their goals in a free and playful space.

“It can be a really powerful experience for kids,” Matanick said.

To see if Hang-Ten is the right fit for your child’s occupational therapy needs, visit https://www.hang-tentherapeutics. com. Follow @hang_ten_therapeutics on Instagram to see more photos and content.

Local Pianist to Debut Fully-Orchestrated Elton John Tribute

Acclaimed pianist Michael Sobie brings his vision and sound to life with the premiere of ROCKET MAN: A Live Orchestral Experience, debuting May 17th in Santa Monica.

An avid fan of Sir Elton John, Michael has been following the legend’s storied career for over 30 years. Primarily studying classical piano as a child, Michael would read Elton John sheet music to learn the songs after he finished his lesson practice. In fact, he attributes much of his playing style, ability to read chords, excellent sight reading, and love of a good secondary dominant to the Elton library.

Having spent over a decade dreaming of creating a show of this magnitude, he finally found the perfect time to pour his talent and undeniable skillset into a concert that is years in the making. Developing ROCKET MAN began in 2016. Since then, Michael has performed a 75-minute version of the show in various iterations, including solo at the piano and with an 11-piece rock band. However, he still had the urge to do something bigger.

Writing this show for an orchestra was neither quick nor easy, but a challenge Michael looked forward to tackling and perfecting. Without the original

recordings’ guitars and synths, it was important for Michael to capture the supportive essence of the Elton John band while using more acoustic instruments. To do this, he took on the biggest element of all: updating the classic songs with his own arrangements and orchestrations. Though he will be assuming the role of the titular Rocket Man that evening, Michael actually prefers to share the spotlight. Joining him onstage will be some of LA’s finest musicians who have collectively recorded and performed with the likes of Hans Zimmer, Stevie Nicks, Barbra Streisand, and, of course, Elton John himself.

Considering the vast catalogue of the rock icon, choosing which songs to include proved overwhelming, so Michael enlisted the help of a very special creative team: his husband’s family. At a reunion, they voted on which songs they wanted Michael to include on the program. Once he added a few of his favorite deeper cuts, the 21-song set list was born and the excitement was in full swing.

Born and raised in the Midwest, Michael began playing almost immediately after his grandparents gifted him a piano on Christmas Day in 1987. Years of dedication and practice led him

on an incredible professional journey that began by touring with Broadway musicals such as Elton John and Tim Rice’s Aida, Wicked, and Les Miserables. Eventually, he landed in Los Angeles in 2013 where he currently resides.

Michael has since gone on to perform worldwide with HBO’s Game of Thrones Live Concert Experience – based on the massively popular television series –alongside the show’s composer, Ramin Djawadi, as keyboardist and assistant conductor for a number of years. In 2019, Djawadi handed Michael the baton

to conduct their fourth international tour. Additionally, Michael has recorded and conducted soundtracks for television and film. His experience showcases countless performances that live in a wide array of musical settings. Ultimately, Michael reached a point where he wanted to branch out with his own creative passion. Check out ROCKET MAN: A Live Orchestral Experience one night only, May 17, 8:00pm, at St. Monica Catholic Church in Santa Monica. Tickets can be found at rocketmanorchestra.com.

These Bike-Centric Events Are Coming to Santa Monica This Month

The Festivities Extend Beyond May, With the Aids/Lifecycle Finish Line Festival on June 8

As Bike Month kicks off, the city of Santa Monica gears up for a monthlong celebration featuring a myriad of community events and educational initiatives aimed at promoting sustainability and connectivity.

Throughout May, a diverse array of bike-centric activities is set to unfold across various locations within the city:

■ On May 4, the Santa Monica College Sustainability Center will host a need-to-know bicycle safety workshop titled Bike Safety 101, from 11 a.m. to noon.

■ From May 6 to May 10, Bike It! Walk It! Bus It! Week will engage teachers and students across participating schools.

■ The Michigan Avenue Neighborhood Greenway (MANGo)

Milestone Community Ride is scheduled for May 11, commencing at the 17th Street/SMC Metro E Line station from 10 a.m. to noon.

■ Bike Anywhere Day, slated for May 16, will feature various locations including a pit stop at City Hall from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.

■ The East Pico Safety Study Kit of Parts Demonstration is set for May 18, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 3301 Pico Blvd.

■ Families are invited to join the Kidical Mass Bike Ride + Mental Health & Wellness Fair on May 19 at Clover Park, from 9 a.m. to noon.

■ Adult Learn to Ride Classes with Sustainable Streets will take place on Sundays (May 5, 12, and 19) at Beach Bike Campus.

■ Additionally, non-credit Bicycle Maintenance Classes with Santa Monica College will run from April 29 to June 10, offering basic understanding and career foundations in bicycle maintenance.

The festivities extend beyond May, with the AIDS/LifeCycle Finish Line Festival on June 8, welcoming cyclists completing their 7-day journey from San Francisco to Santa Monica at 2030 Ocean Ave.

Embracing the theme of Sustainable & Connected, Bike Month activities align with the city’s strategic priority while addressing crucial objectives in reducing

sector.

greenhouse gas emissions within the transportation

Where Will Our Huddled Masses Sleep? Navigating California’s Affordable Housing Mandates

Santa Monica Architects for a Responsible Tomorrow

Just as Lady Liberty beckons the “huddled masses” of immigrants to America, cities like Santa Monica have an ethical obligation to provide housing for their own “huddled masses” of lower-income residents. We are experiencing a sense of urgency and pathos which is underscored by the lack of affordable housing options impacting real human lives and dignity. We witness this principle expressed with the state’s phalanx of “housing” mandates marching over its municipalities. Indeed, society’s most vulnerable people are being deprived of the fundamental need for shelter.

The essence of the Statue of Liberty’s famous inscription - “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free” - rings hollow if we cannot provide roofs over those huddled masses’ heads in our own community. Unfortunately, forty years ago, America’s Executive Office created a homeless problem that became the affordable housing crisis we are witnessing today. That crisis has become our city’s moral imperative, one that current state led incentives and mandates have failed to adequately address. But be assured the sudden encouragement of development across the state did not come out of nowhere. Although Santa Monica is in need of more housing, the city knows it is not possible to meet state mandates for 6,168 new affordable units by 2029. After all, affordable housing construction “by right” allows developers to build 90% market rate units while providing only 10% “affordable units.” This has generated a gold rush for national developers to flock to the city for its new ‘streamlined’ approach to easy approvals. Hence, the city finds itself entrapped in a contradiction with Sacramento policies that opened the door for real estate developers to reap lucrative profits, highlighting the moniker of ‘affordable housing’ construction. With existing ‘affordable’ mandates expiring in 2055, the city walks a tightrope between incentivizing developers and ensuring those incentives don’t devolve into profiteering and public giveaways. For example, developers are sponsoring a petition that would alter Santa Monica’s Measure GS transfer tax, and if the initiative is passed, will deny funds earmarked for

low-income housing, homelessness prevention, and school improvements and send them directly into developer pockets. The point being that if lucrative new tax abatements and low-interest construction loan enticements are put on the table, they must be firmly tied to nonnegotiable affordability requirements.

It is critical that incentives remain catalysts for affordable housing production, not just another corporate handout. When the math shows incentives failing to improve housing affordability, they must be expired swiftly to preserve public funds. Keep in mind the state’s housing narrative is largely achieved by defining affordability incorrectly as over-inflated growth in population and jobs, driving the wrong count on housing units the state needs for a “one size fits all” growth in its communities. Despite the state population being lower now than it was in 2016, legislators are requiring 2.5 million new homes by 2029, fueling a destructive supply and demand model that fails to address the true issue of income and wealth inequality, which we will address in a future article.

Moreover, it is crucial that the state regularly assess the effectiveness of housing programs and policies. When initiatives fail to deliver the promised results, such as increasing the supply of affordable housing or reducing homelessness, the state must be willing to acknowledge these shortcomings and take swift action to refine or replace them. Continuing to pour resources into ineffective programs is not only a waste of taxpayer money but also a disservice to the communities in need.

Yes, increasing the supply of housing remains an option, but it is insufficient on its own to meet both the complex challenges of housing affordability and equity. The state has yet to embrace the issues of wage stagnation, income inequality, and a rising cost of living as contributory to the housing affordability crisis. The state focus needs to include measures such as raising the minimum wage, expanding rent control tenant protections, helping to create pathways to economic mobility with investments in education and workforce development programs, and to ownership investment in the community. Which, of course, underscores the need for stringent oversight on affordable projects, like contractually binding affordability covenants and harsh penalties for violations, which are crucial. The city must protect itself over the long term by ensuring developers cannot conveniently

take the upfront incentives and bonuses while reneging on affordability promises down the road.

Furthermore, the state should establish clear metrics and benchmarks for evaluating the success of its housing programs. These metrics should be transparent, data-driven, and focused on outcomes rather than mere outputs. Regular reporting and public disclosure of program performance can help hold the state accountable and ensure that resources are being allocated effectively. When programs consistently fail to meet benchmarks, it should trigger a mandatory review and reevaluation process, with input from local governments, housing advocates, and community stakeholders.

Presenting these arguments to the state to advocate for a more equitable and community-focused approach to housing policy will help Santa Monica and other cities build a more inclusive and sustainable housing system that prioritizes the needs of all residents, not just those with the most political and economic power. Such advocacy requires sustained efforts to challenge the status quo and to build coalitions of residents, advocates, and elected officials who are committed to creating an equality across California’s demographics. While this may not be an easy task, it is an essential one if we are to truly address the ongoing housing affordability crisis.

In addition, the state should foster a culture of continuous improvement and learning within its affordable housing agencies and departments. This means encouraging experimentation, innovation, and the piloting of new approaches while maintaining the will to quickly scale back or shut down initiatives that prove ineffective. By embracing a more agile and adaptive approach to policymaking, the state will better respond to the evolving needs and

challenges of the affordability crisis.

Above all, continuous community vigilance and program reevaluations must occur to ensure these incentives remain catalysts for affordable housing production, not just another corporate handout. As Santa Monica embarks on this next chapter to address its housing affordability crisis, dynamic and aggressive policies pairing both carrots and sticks will spark tensions with developers. But the city must remain steadfast in upholding its ethical obligation to its own “huddled masses yearning to breathe free” from the oppression of housing insecurities.

The coming decades require both pragmatism and an unwavering commitment to housing as a human right worthy of society’s most aggressive advocacy, not through extreme or controversial state dictates but through collaborative efforts between the state, local governments, and community stakeholders. For how can we claim solidarity with the universal yearning for basic human dignity symbolized by the Statue of Liberty while turning a blind eye to the housing plights successive generations will face here in our state and cities?

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 FondaBonardi 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

Cirque du Soleil Is Returning to the Santa Monica Pier

This Marks Cirque

du Soleil’s First Big Top Show In Santa Monica Since 2014

The renowned Cirque du Soleil production, KOOZA, is set to dazzle audiences once again as it returns to the Santa Monica Pier from Oct. 19 to Dec. 1. This comeback marks the first time since 2014 that Cirque du Soleil will raise its iconic Big Top at this beloved

location.

With its blend of performances, whimsical characters, and vibrant spectacles, KOOZA is set to deliver the signature Cirque du Soleil experience in its most thrilling form. From high-flying acrobatics to hilarious clowning, the production offers an immersive journey filled with wonder and excitement.

Since its debut in 2007, KOOZA has captivated nearly 8 million spectators across 65 cities and 22 countries, earning acclaim worldwide for its audacious acrobatics and bold comedy. Now, audiences in Santa Monica will

have the chance to experience the magic firsthand.

Mayor Phil Brock expressed his enthusiasm for Cirque du Soleil’s return, stating, “The return of Cirque du Soleil to Santa Monica is a welcomed reprise of this beloved production to enhance Santa Monica’s vibrant arts and culture offerings.”

Cirque du Soleil’s history in Santa Monica dates back to its first United States debut at the opening of the Los Angeles Festival in 1987. The company’s initial performance at the Santa Monica Pier marked a significant milestone in

its journey to global acclaim, setting the stage for numerous successful productions in the years to come.

Tickets for the Santa Monica performances of KOOZA are now available exclusively to Club Cirque members, with general on-sale set to begin on May 6. For ticket information and subscriptions, visit cirqueclub. com and cirquedusoleil.com/kooza, respectively.

UCLA Gaza Solidarity Encampment Dismantled After

Night

LAPD and Other Agencies Sent in For “Student Safety”, Students Arrested

By Dolores Quintana

The UCLA Gaza Solidarity Encampment was removed during the early morning hours of May 2. Students were told by Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost Darnell Hunt during an afternoon press conference on May 1 that the decision had been made to disperse the camp using the Los Angeles Police Department because of the violence of the previous night when the students were attacked by violent counter-protesters.

Hunt stated that this decision was made for the safety of the students. Some students who were questioning Hunt during a questionand-answer session said that it was too little, too late after the UC Police did nothing to stop the counterprotesters’ rampage, and the feeling was that the action punished the students, not the counterprotesters.

Around six p.m., the college announced that the encampment had been declared unlawful and that anyone who did not disperse would be subject to arrest and/or disciplinary action.

What everyone was not expecting, as many observers feared that the night would bring the return of the counter protesters, was that thousands of students and other concerned citizens would show up to support the encampment and protect the students. This reporter did see a few of the counter protesters from the previous night in disguise, one of whom kicked me, and a small group that found me later and attempted to make accusations against me but seemed to leave soon after. Most were masked, and a couple had kaffiyehs on.

Police presence held back until around 3:30 a.m. when the Los Angeles Police

of Counter Protesters’ Violence

Department and California Highway Patrol started to move in. The students set up blockades of students at Janss/Tongva Steps and the front entrance of the Royce Quad, but the police began to dismantle the barricades and take down tents while arresting the protesters. Students chanted, “We protect us” and “Shame on you.” According to ABC News, this morning, about 132 people were arrested. The students who were arrested did not seem to resist arrest once the police breached the encampment grounds.

Around six p.m., the college announced that the encampment had been declared unlawful and that anyone who did not disperse would be subject to arrest and/or disciplinary action.

What everyone was not expecting, as many observers feared that the night would bring the return of the counter protesters, was that thousands of students and other concerned citizens would show up to support the encampment and protect the students.

HELP WANTED

This reporter did see a few of the counter protesters from the previous night in disguise, one of whom kicked me, and a small group that found me later and attempted to make accusations against me but seemed to leave soon after. Most were masked, and a couple had kaffiyehs on.

Police presence held back until around 3:30 a.m. when the Los Angeles Police Department and California Highway Patrol started to move in. The students set up

blockades of students at Janss/Tongva Steps and the front entrance of the Royce Quad, but the police began to dismantle the barricades and take down tents while arresting the protesters. Students chanted, “We protect us” and “Shame on you.” According to ABC News, this morning, about 132 people were arrested. The students who were arrested did not seem to resist arrest once the police breached the encampment grounds.

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF JEFERY ZAFARULLAH FAIZ

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of: JEFERY ZAFARULLAH FAIZ

A Petition for Probate has been filed by Rosa Ileana Faiz in the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles, Los Angeles County Superior Court Case No. 24STPB0730

The Petition for Probate requests that Rosa Ileana Faiz be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.

The petition requests the decedent’s will and codicils, if any, be admitted to probate. The will and any codicils are available for examination in the file kept by the court.

The petition requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority.

A hearing on the petition will be held in Los Angeles County Superior Court as follows: Date: May 06, 2024, Time: 8:30 am. Dept.: D9 The address of the court: 111 North Hill Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012.

If you object to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney.

If you are a creditor or a contingent creditor of the deceased, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code.

Other California statues and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law.

You may examine the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk.

Petitioner ROSA ILEANA FAIZ – 3644 MILITARY AVE. LOS ANGELES, CA. 90034

Published in the Santa Monica Mirror, 04/11/2024, 04/19/2024, and 04/26//2024.