Man Arrested After Allegedly Running Over, Killing Woman on Santa Monica Beach
21-Year-Old Driver Faces Charges After Driving Car on the Beach Late at Night
The Santa Monica Police arrested a 21-year-old man late Thursday night after allegedly running over and killing a woman while he was driving under the influence on the beach in Santa Monica.
The incident occurred around 11:30 p.m. on October 17, when Santa Monica Harbor Officers were flagged down near the 1400 block of the beach about a vehicle stuck in the sand. Officers found an unconscious woman, believed to be homeless, trapped beneath the vehicle, according to authorities.
Despite efforts by officers to reach and aid the victim, the Santa Monica Fire Department (SMFD) determined she was dead at the scene. Using SMFD equipment, the vehicle was lifted, and the woman was extricated.
Police say the driver, identified as 21-year-old Yuyang Sun from Arcadia, remained at the scene. He had been driving a 2015 Infiniti SUV in circles at high speeds on the sand when he struck the victim, according to initial reports. Following a DUI investigation, Sun was arrested and preliminarily charged with driving under the influence, reckless driving, and gross vehicular manslaughter.
The Santa Monica Police Department's Major Accident Response Team (MART)
is investigating the incident. The Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office has been notified but has not yet identified
the victim.
Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact the
SMPD Seek Help in Identifying Assault Suspect
The Man Fled the Scene Heading Eastbound on Santa Monica Boulevard Toward 7th St.
The Santa Monica Police Department is requesting assistance from the public in identifying a suspect wanted in connection with an assault that occurred on Sept. 22 at approximately 12:35 a.m. near the 1400 block of Alley 5.
The suspect is described as a Black male or male of another race, between 25 and 35 years old, with bleached blonde hair and a black beard. He was last seen wearing a dark shirt and shorts and has tattoos on his forearms. The individual fled the scene heading eastbound on
Santa Monica Boulevard toward 7th Street.
Authorities have released video footage and photos of the suspect and are urging anyone who may recognize him or have information about the incident to contact Detective Sean Baker at sean.baker@ santamonica.gov or Detective Sergeant Chad Goodwin at chad.goodwin@ santamonica.gov.
Additionally, the public can reach investigators at 310-458-8932.
24 hours a day.
Santa Monica Police Department’s Watch Commander at (310) 458-8427, available
122-Unit Affordable Housing Development
Approved for 4th Street
The Development, Spearheaded by EAH Housing, Will Include a Mix of Studio, One-, Two-, and Three-Bedroom Apartments
The Santa Monica City Council has approved key agreements to move forward with a 122-unit affordable and supportive housing development at 1318 4th Street. The council's decision, announced on Tuesday, is a significant step in addressing homelessness and affordable housing in the city.
The development, spearheaded by EAH Housing, will include a mix of studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, with 50 units designated as permanent supportive housing for individuals experiencing homelessness. Eligibility will be open to individuals
and families earning between 30% to 80% of the area median income (AMI), and all applicants must come from the city’s Below Market Housing waitlist or the Santa Monica Housing Authority's Permanent Supportive Housing waitlist.
“We look forward to these apartments being built to support our community members in need of affordable housing,” said Heather Averick, Director of Housing and Human Services, in a release from the City.
In addition to housing, the project will feature ground-floor retail space, residential and commercial parking, and two levels of underground parking. The City has committed 50 project-based vouchers and a Housing Trust Fund loan to the project. EAH Housing will also pursue additional funding, including lowincome housing tax credits, to facilitate construction, which is anticipated to begin in the winter of 2027 and be completed in 2029.
The city-owned property at 1318 4th Street is one of five sites identified in Santa Monica’s 6th Cycle Housing Element for 2021-2029. The development is part of a broader city strategy to utilize city-owned land for affordable housing projects, thereby alleviating
high land acquisition costs and ensuring the feasibility of such developments, as detailed in a release from the City. The council also authorized a 99year ground lease and Development and Disposition Agreement (DDA) with
EAH Housing. EAH will now apply for additional financing through various state and federal programs, including the Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities program and the Infill Infrastructure Grant.
I need to finish the change we’ve all been seeking to help us thrive. I am pro-resident, pro-local business, pro-safety. That’s pro-Santa Monica. I’m YOUR champion on the Santa Monica City Council
—Santa Monica Mayor Phil Brock
•Public Safety is my #1 Commitment
•Innovative Strategies to Reduce Homelessness
•Protect Rent Control
•Advocate for Affordable Housing
•Regain Local Control Over Excessive Development
•Enhance Green Spaces
•Preserve Santa Monica’s Distinct Character
•Prioritize Community Voices!
Lifeguard's Truck Stolen in Pacific Coast Highway Lot, Suspect Arrested
Police Were Eventually Forced to Break the Driver’s Side Window
A man was arrested after allegedly stealing a Los Angeles County lifeguard’s truck from a public parking lot along the Pacific Coast Highway in recent weeks, according to SMPD.
According to the Los Angeles Police Department, the theft occurred at 850 Pacific Coast Highway when the lifeguard left his truck running outside
the headquarters while he briefly went inside. Upon returning, he discovered the vehicle had been stolen.
Lifeguards and LAPD officers quickly located the truck parked in the Jonathan Club’s parking lot, just a short distance away. The suspect was found sitting in the driver’s seat with the engine still running. Officers surrounded and blocked the vehicle.
Despite multiple commands and attempts to negotiate, the suspect refused to comply. Police were eventually forced to break the driver's side window to take the man into custody.
No injuries were reported during the incident, and the truck was returned to the lifeguard. The identity of the suspect was not immediately released.
“Help! I’ve Fallen, and I …!!”, Cries Santa Monica!
SMa.r.t.
Santa Monica Architects for a Responsible Tomorrow
Maybe fallen, but slipping for sure from being a desirable beachfront community that served all equally, the local residents who lived here, the small businesses, and the tourists that came from all around the world to enjoy the wide beaches, Pier, Promenade, and blue skies and gentle breezes. Santa Monica, which plays an even bigger role within the greater Los Angeles region by providing an opportunity for those living in the hottest areas of the Valley, the East Side, and downtown L.A., to escape the oppressive heat of summer, and now, with global warming, even the fall months.
As a low-rise beachfront town, we provided that necessary relief. With relatively easy and direct access to all, we provided, you might say, the lungs for easy breathing to those sweltering under what amounts to living in and under ‘heat sinks’ caused by the high-rise density of downtown L.A., or the the air-choked valleys, and the east side communities.
Santa Monica serves a much greater purpose than simply being a livable
community for its permanent residents. With its beach and ocean, it is a relief valve for all. The best park ever.
With a few exceptions, Santa Monica was a low-rise beach town, typically not exceeding 3 and 4 stories, providing lots of visible blue sky, and minimally impacting the. ocean breezes that flow into the greater WLA area. A win for all, so to speak. So what happened to cause Santa Monica to fall, to begin to obstruct the blue sky views, to put the sidewalks and pedestrians in shadow, to stem the flow of the cool ocean breezes, to lower the quality of living, and diminish the ability it had in providing relief to so many.
No doubt a complex question requiring an even greater complex answer, but, at the local level, it seems that growing from a well-intentioned effort to help many longtime residents that were well invested in the community, but not economically in a position to invest in ownership of their homes and apartments, and ‘trailer parks’ (let’s not forget The Village Trailer Park development fiasco - boondoggle), rent control was, not so quietly, implemented in the late 1970s. SMRR (Santa Monica for Renters Rights) was formed to help assure equitable affordable housing opportunities. A good thing, and it shook up the city, including its political structure,
Let’s Go!
Wine Tasting in Malibu
while implementing new rent control regulations, even to the point of having two construction moratoriums effectively stopping larger new construction for more than a year while the laws were being rewritten. Something we could use today!
As time went by, the original group gained council seats, and as new faces emerged within the SMRR organization furthering their hold on the council as the majority political structure in town, changes began to occur within the city structure. Ideologically driven council and planning staff began to re-write zoning and planning goals, opening doors for more and more development, greater heights, and greater density. As with any power structure, losing sight of the original objective and mandate can occur with the increase in power and can become lost along the way for a myriad of reasons, one such being “we know better”, and, without reasonable community-wide consensus, subtlety moving the desired goals, potentially resulting in unintended consequences. And those, all too often end up negative.
their ideological decision-making, failed to perceive the pernicious and expansive controls being wrought by the State upon local planning decisions. Those councils never pushed back against the more and more egregious state-mandated laws that are now, more than ever, wresting control of our built environment.
During the lead-up to the 2010 revisions and acceptance of the LUCE (Land Use Circulation Element) of the mandated General Plan, there were indeed community workshops with residents participating in crafting a vision of our beachfront town for the next twenty years. That was a good thing, and the resulting main element of the LUCE, as expressed by the residents and stakeholders, and written into the LUCE is/was: “The highest priority of the LUCE Framework is to preserve the character and scale of Santa Monica’s neighborhoods. It maintains the scale and character of 96% of the City. It is a conservation plan that provides for an overall reduction in building height.” Wow, what went wrong? Surely all of the massive development we’ve seen built, already under construction, and in the approval process to be built, is not in conformance with those LUCE “priorities”. Look around. What happened?
Well, from about 2010 forward, the SMRR-dominated council majority appears to have decided that, as mentioned above, they know better, and, due to legal structures, were/are able, every year, to alter a limited number of elements of the LUCE, and they have done so. With many of the same members being reelected each election cycle (incumbent syndrome), perpetuating an ideological decision-making body that “knows better” than their constituents. They also had the opportunity of appointing, without a public vote, new council members of like viewpoints to replace members that have resigned or moved on for other reasons, thus becoming incumbents and being reelected in the following election. And so it was for these many years that the same base group that ‘knows best’, caught up in
Until the 2020 election, when, for the first time in more than 40 years, an actual major shakeup occurred and three new, nonSMRR-backed candidates prevailed and a shift in power began to emerge. Though not a majority, the three new members have been able to contain some of the development/environmental damage that the previous councils and the remaining three pro-over-development members have allowed to occur since 2010. Even to this day one of the same council members from 2010 remains, though will be leaving at the end of this term. However, the three remnants of the SMRR council have endorsed a slate of four like-minded overdevelopment individuals for this election in an effort to regain a council majority which would allow them to continue the over-development damage we have seen during the past 15 years.
One solution, if you want to help ‘fallen Santa Monica’ get back up, and to, at the very least, put some control back in the hands of the residents, is to support the re-election of two of the year 2020 ‘new guys’, Phil Brock & Oscar de la Torre, and along with Dr. Vivian Roknian and John Putnam, give the residents a voice to be heard. Let’s not go back!
Bob Taylor, AIA
For SMa.r.t.
Send comments to santamonicasmart@ gmail.com
Santa Monica Architects for a Responsible Tomorrow
Robert H. Taylor AIA, Architect; Dan Jansenson,Architect & Building and FireLife Safety Commission; Thane Roberts, Architect; Mario Fonda-Bonardi AIA, Architect; Samuel Tolkin Architect & Planning Commissioner; Michael Jolly, AIR-CRE; Marie Standing, Resident; Jack HillbrandAIA,Architect
For previous articles see www. santamonicaarch.wordpress.com/writing
Several Santa Monica Projects Victorious at 54th L.A. Architectural Awards
The Event, Held at the Beverly Hilton, Drew Over 450 Architects, Designers, Developers, and Officials
Several Santa Monica buildings were recognized at the 54th annual Los Angeles Architectural Awards, hosted by the Los Angeles Business Council on October 18.
The awards honor projects that blend creative design with community impact, focusing on developments that promote sustainability and inclusivity. This year’s winners from Santa Monica—1550 Lincoln, Santa Monica College’s Math & Science Building, West Edge, and Echelon Studios—demonstrated excellence across various categories, reflecting the city’s evolving architectural landscape.
The event, held at the Beverly Hilton,
drew over 450 architects, designers, developers, and officials. LABC
President Mary Leslie emphasized that this year’s honorees were recognized for advancing Los Angeles’ creative legacy while fostering vibrant community spaces. “From renewing entertainment venues and creative workspaces to reimagining parks, schools, and housing, our honorees exemplify the power of architecture to serve the public good,” she said.
Among the honorees, 1550 Lincoln stood out for its sustainable design. The mixed-use project, developed by Madison Realty Capital and designed by KFA Architecture, features energyefficient systems and materials, as well as landscaped common areas that enhance the surrounding community. The building exemplifies how sustainable architecture can be integrated into the urban environment while still maintaining a sleek, modern aesthetic.
Santa Monica College’s Math & Science Building, currently under construction, was recognized for its role in advancing STEM education. Designed by Yazdani Studio of CannonDesign, the 110,000-square-foot facility will serve as a hub for collaboration and innovation on campus. Targeting LEED
Gold certification, the project aims to address lab space shortages and foster a wellness-focused academic environment.
Another highlight was West Edge, a transit-oriented, mixed-use development that combines office, retail, and residential spaces. The project was developed by Hines and designed by Gensler, AC Martin, and RIOS. It features 600 luxury apartments, 217,000 square feet of office space, and 80,000 square feet of retail, alongside a vibrant openair plaza. The development was lauded for its ability to create a dynamic, multiuse space that encourages both business and community engagement.
Echelon Studios, which received the Community Impact Award, offers a modern take on the traditional Hollywood production lot. Designed by RIOS, the 466,000-square-foot campus reinvents studio space by integrating vertically stacked sound stages with creative office spaces. The design, focused on efficiency and creativity, addresses the evolving needs of the entertainment industry while honoring Hollywood’s legacy.
The Los Angeles Architectural Awards, which reviewed hundreds of entries, aim to highlight projects that not only showcase architectural innovation but also serve the broader community.
Pacific Park’s Famous Pacific Wheel Just
Got a Fun (and Educational) New Upgrade
Riding the Ferris wheel at Pacific Park just got even more enjoyable. Now, along with the incredible views of the Pacific coastline, riders will get fun map installations showing exactly what they’re looking at.
Imagine sitting at the very top of the Pacific Wheel with the city and the coast stretched out below you. As you gaze at the sights you wonder, "What is that island over there? Where is the Hollywood sign? What is that amazing building?"
Pacific Park has created a fun way to answer these questions. As part of a new creative project, the Park has installed specially illustrated, artist-designed maps around the inside rim of each of the Pacific Wheel’s gondolas. Now, all guests can get ride-enhancing information on what they’re looking at once they’re at the top of the Ferris wheel.
Of course, these are not just any old maps. To create something unique and reflect Los Angeles' colorful creativity, Pacific Park collaborated with Chepe Daniel Báez, a renowned graphic artist based in Mexico City. Daniel Báez gorgeous illustrative 'maps' show all the landmarks and points of interest surrounding Pacific Park, including Point Dune, Malibu, Getty Museum, the Hollywood sign, the original Muscle Beach, the Pacific Coast Highway, and of course the Santa Monica Pier.
Nathan Smithson, Director of Marketing & Business Development at Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier, said his team was thrilled with the collaboration.
“Daniel Báez’s award-winning graphic design expertise made him the ideal choice for this unique gondola mapping project. Now, when guests ride the Pacific Wheel Ferris wheel, they’ll not only enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the stunning landscape but also have reference points to some of Los Angeles’ most iconic and popular landmarks.”
The Pacific Park team came up with the idea for the gondola maps in 2018, but it wasn't until 2023 that the project was put into action. Then, the process for completing the project was meticulous.
Daniel Báez made multiple drafts of the drawings and visited Pacific Park several times. Each time, the design team would print out the drafts, ride the Pacific Wheel, and discuss changes that could be made to enhance guests’ experience. Once the images were completed, large-format print specialists Verve Printing transferred them to durable 'wraps' and installed them inside the rim of the gondolas.
Daniel Báez says he wanted to make the images as accurate as possible, but still with a good amount of abstraction. “There are so many historic things you can see from the Pacific Wheel, and the idea was to make them really stand out so visitors can play a little game trying to locate them all.”
The artist spent several months in LA during the Pacific Park project, staying with part of his mother’s family. He says his favorite part of the trip was exploring Santa Monica and all the landmarks he needed to represent. “I had a ton of fun drawing a part of the city that I love walking through and exploring, always with perfect weather." Recognized as a Latin American Young Talent by the Latin American Design Festival in Lima, Peru, Daniel Báez also loved being able to leave his footprint in such a historic part of California. “Getting to ride the Ferris wheel while honing every iteration was the coolest way to have meetings,” he adds.
Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier is open daily and features 12 thrilling rides, including the West Coaster and the world’s first solar-powered Ferris wheel. Visit pacpark.com for more details.
Five Arrested After Firearms and Drugs Discovered in Santa Monica Traffic Stop
Officers Initiated the Stop for a Moving Violation When a Passenger Alerted Them About a Rifle
A routine traffic stop early Saturday morning led to the arrest of five individuals after Santa Monica police officers uncovered firearms, drugs, and open alcohol containers in the vehicle.
Officers initiated the stop for a moving violation when the front passenger alerted them to the presence of a rifle inside the car. Following this information, all five occupants were detained. A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed a loaded handgun in addition to the rifle, as well as open alcohol containers.
The five suspects were arrested on multiple charges, including carrying a concealed firearm in a vehicle, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a controlled substance while armed with a loaded firearm, and parole violation. Authorities have not yet released the identities of the suspects.
The investigation is ongoing, and no further details were available at the time of publication.
Santa Monica Cannabis Stores Seek Extended Hours Amid Customer Demand
Should Santa Monica Cannabis Stores Stay Open Later: Report
The sale and possession of recreational cannabis have been legal in the state of California since 2018. There are currently only two cannabis stores in the city of Santa Monica, Harvest of Santa Monica and Local Cannabis Company. While state law allows such retail outlets to stay open until 10:00 p.m., because the hours of the stores are regulated by the state and local municipalities, in the city of Santa Monica, retail cannabis stores are only allowed to stay open until 8:00 p.m.
Many people purchase and use cannabis products for several reasons, for relaxation from stress, as a sleep aid, some for pain management, and some merely for recreational purposes. A store that closes at eight p.m. poses a problem for people with heavy work schedules and long commutes, which seems counterproductive for people who work hard and need some rest.
We spoke with a representative of Harvest Santa Monica, Steven Ratino, to find out what his thoughts are on the issue.
Stephen Ratino: Normally in our other location, in LA County, we're open up till 10:00 p.m. and which is the time mandated by state regulations. We 've
noticed there's a significant amount of increased business later on in the day. I don't want to call it the bar atmosphere, but more people kind of tend to come in after getting home and getting off of work.
Dolores Quintana: So when do people tend to arrive?
Stephen Ratino: They're always rushing in. People are hitting us at late last minute. At 8:00. We're rushing them in, rushing them out. It’s not really as good of an experience that we would like. The state of California says you can operate from 6:00 a.m until 10:00 p.m. but the regulations also state that each city is allowed to make their own stipulations as long as they follow the state regulations as well.
Dolores Quintana: What are the hours of operation for Harvest Santa Monica?
Stephen Ratino: 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday and then noon until 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, so it's even less time on Sundays.
Dolores Quintana: Do you have any restrictions on time in your other location in LA County?
Stephen Ratino: No, they go with the state rules, which is 6:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. We are aware that there are some other cities that do have similar restrictions like this. We choose not to operate in those because of those restrictions. But we did want to open up in Santa Monica because it's just a such a beautiful place. The people are great. We want to work with the community. It's really easy to work with everybody from the city of Santa Monica.
The last question that I asked Ratino was about how cannabis dispenseries hours being extended in Santa Monica could benefit the city and its residents. He estimated that the store could potentially bring in 20 to 30% more tax income for the city or roughly $800 to $1,500
in taxes per day, if open to the more financially optimal and state mandated time of 10:00 p.m.
We also spoke with Jonathan Ty, who has lived in Santa Monica for 25 years and is a customer of Harvest Santa Monica.
Dolores Quintana: How has your experience with Harvest Santa Monica been since the store opened?
Jonathan Ty: Before Harvest opened, if you wanted something to help you sleep, you would have to drive down to Venice. We were all thrilled to see a store come in to Santa Monica that is a safe and pleasant place to shop. They've always got security there. Recently, it was 8:30 and I had to drive down to Venice, and I thought that I would much rather spend my money in Santa Monica and not have to drive to another city.
Mayor Phil Brock took the time to answer our questions on the matter, and he had a great point about a new law that was recently passed regarding cannabis sales.
Mayor Brock: I'm prepared to bring the topic to the City Council, but we're in the middle of coming up with a social equity plan so that diverse people in the community have a chance to be involved in these businesses, manage these businesses, and get good jobs in the community in these businesses as we expand cannabis in the city.
Brock added, “I’m not sure when, but I will be asking for it. In addition to that, I think that as our discussions move forward on cannabis licensing in Santa Monica with a social equity component, that we will also look at the establishment of a lounge or a restaurant bar with cannabis. Governor Newsom recently signed the bill into law that legalizes such lounges so now is a good time to bring that into consideration.”
After Tragic Shooting, Santa Monica College Seeks Staff Input to Improve Safety
The Session
Will Provide an Opportunity for SMC Staff to Share Their Thoughts, Concerns, and Suggestions With College Administrators
Santa Monica College is reaching out to staff members for input on improving campus safety in the aftermath of a deadly workplace shooting that occurred on October 14. The college has scheduled a listening session for employees on Thursday, October 24, from 9:30 to 11 a.m. in Orientation Hall, located in the Student Services Center on the main campus.
The session will provide an opportunity for SMC staff to share their thoughts, concerns, and suggestions with college
administrators. According to an internal memo from SMC Superintendent/ President Dr. Kathryn E. Jeffery, the feedback gathered at the session will help shape future safety protocols and training initiatives.
"We have all experienced grief, anxiety, and heartache in the wake of this tragic event," the memo reads. "Your feedback will be crucial in identifying
ways to strengthen the college’s safety environment."
The initiative comes after the fatal shooting of Felicia Hudson, a 54-year-old Custodial Operations Manager, at SMC’s Center for Media & Design. The suspect, 39-year-old SMC custodian Davon Durell Dean, fled the scene and later died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound following a police chase. Authorities classified the
incident as workplace violence. Hudson, who had worked at the college for nearly three decades, was remembered for her dedication and leadership. In her honor, the Santa Monica College Foundation has established the Felicia Hudson Legacy Fund, which will continue her legacy of service to the community.
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Theatre Review: Matt Letscher’s Demolition on Stage at Pacific Residence Theatre
Center Stage With…
Lady Beverly Cohn Editor-at-Large
Playwright Matt Letscher has a fabulous ear for dialogue and is a skilled storyteller as demonstrated in the World Premiere of his entertaining play Demolition. Masterfully directed by Max Mayer, who assembled a highly professional Broadway-level cast, each of whom gives a fully actuated, organic, exciting performance. Making its World Premiere at the Pacific Resident Theatre, the story revolves around the pivotal character of Doug, a blue-collar employee who works in his friend’s construction business serving southeast Michigan. Keith Stevenson brilliantly portrays that role, mining every crook and cranny of his seemingly uncomplicated character, avoiding any cliches about workers in that industry. His portrayal could be an acting lesson for young actors in how to crawl inside the skin, heart, and soul of a character, including a very specific “character gesture.”*
Chuck, his sleazy boss and friend since college days, is well done by Brian Letscher, whose character is clearly in short supply of ethics. He assigned Doug to do some repair work on a home owned by Marcy, played by Melissa
Weber Bales who gives a sharply-honed performance of a highly neurotic, highstrung woman whose home is where the action takes place on the well-designed set by Jay Tyson. Doug has been tasked with on-the-job training of his bosses’ son, painfully shy Paul, excellently performed by Ryan Foust as the quiet, seemingly confused, nerdy 14-year-old who is supposed to start college in the fall where he wants to study film.
There is a sadness about him and clearly something is deeply troubling him. Foust’s understated, but stunning performance will tug at your heartstrings and the source of his anguish will be revealed – or not. Doug has taken Paul under his wing and tries to impart some basic wisdom, encouraging him to not be so serious and to have some light-hearted fun, advising him to “Use your dick until it falls off.”
The job calls for some touch-up
work and in a very surprising moment, Doug takes a big hammer and makes a huge dent in the beautiful new walnut floor. Paul is flabbergasted but the “professional” Doug explains that it’s industry practice to cause some damage so that the client will appreciate how good we are at repairing stuff. When our neurotic, anal Marcy re-enters, she goes ballistic when she sees her beautiful floor marred. With apologies, Doug assures her that it will be as good as new and that the replacement wood will be “A perfect color match.” When she leaves, he refers to her as a wolverine and is unfazed by her near hysteria.
Meanwhile, Marcy and Chuck have a brief “encounter” which seems to magically alter her up-tight, jittery personality. When Paul sees her again after her “thing” with his father, he comments “She looks different,” which garnered a huge audience laugh, of which there are many throughout Act I. The next character to enter is Chuck’s overwrought wife June, played by Samantha Sloyan, who beautifully characterizes a highly stressed-out woman possessed by her religion, always carrying rosary beads with her. She alternates between popping nicotine tablets and smoking a cigarette. (Thank you for not using real cigarettes.)
To try to calm down, she gets Doug to join her in a moment of prayer. Apparently, the source of her anxiety is about her son Paul whose locker contained a stash of marijuana. He insists it does not belong to him and that he was holding it for a female friend who he refuses to identify. He’s clearly reluctant to say who she is thereby jeopardizing his attending college, as well as possibly having police involvement. This lifechanging issue is thoroughly explored in Act II thanks to the hilarious performance of Tony Pasqualini as Mr. France, the school principal who must get to the bottom of the marijuana problem. He wants to avoid contacting the police and is annoyed at having to deal with this at the end of the school year.
Mr. France makes it clear he would rather be anywhere else at the moment, taking a swig of booze now and then
from the flask tucked away in his pocket to settle him down. So the question is will our young Paul spill the beans on who the stash belongs to or is he willing to torpedo his young life to protect someone or is there another issue? I especially loved the surprise denouement which I’m sure you will enjoy as much as I did. Playwright Letscher imbued his characters with a vast array of human emotions which he deftly inserts into each of his characters as well as illuminating the existential threat inherent in some possible decisions.
When you have a Broadway-caliber play on stage in a small theatre, you are lucky to have an outstanding production team who will support and enhance the play. This talented team does a yeoman’s job and in addition to Jay Tyson’s Scenic Design, I’d like to give a shoutout to Leigh Allen’s Lighting, Chris Moscatiello’s Sound (loved the country music), and Audrey Eisner’s costumes, all coming together to support and enhance the pitch-perfect production of this lively two-act play which at times is laugh-out-loud funny, sometimes risqué, and sometimes heartbreaking and poignant. This is an excellent choice for your entertainment dollars – a theatrical experience you won’t want to miss.
*A “character gesture” is a physical movement connected to a specific character.
DEMOLITION
Pacific Resident Company
703 Venice Blvd.
Venice, CA 90201
Genre: Dramedy
Performance Schedule: Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays: 8:00 pm
Sundays: 3:00 pm
Run Time: 2 Hours – One Intermission
Closing: November 24, 2024
Tickets: Start at $35-45
55+$10 Discount
Box Office: 310-822-8392
Online: https://pacificresidenttheatre. org/
(Street parking or free lot behind building)
THIS WEEKEND: Venice Beach Halloween Pub Crawl
Those Attending Can Look Forward to Exclusive Drink Specials, Including $4 Drafts, Two-ForOne Mixed Drinks, and $5 “Spooky” Shots
Venice Beach will be the site of a major Halloween celebration this Saturday, October 26, as the Halloween Pub Crawl Party kicks off. The event, organized by Pubcrawls.com, promises a night of drink specials, live DJs, and free entry to several bars and clubs throughout Venice Beach and Marina Del Rey.
The pub crawl will begin at Cabo Cantina, located at 30 Washington Blvd, Marina Del Rey, where attendees can check in between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. Participants must be 21 or older and bring a valid ID to receive wristbands granting access to the night's festivities. The event
will run until 2 a.m. on Sunday, October 27.
Those attending can look forward to exclusive drink specials, including $4 drafts, two-for-one mixed drinks, and $5 "spooky" shots at participating venues. Along with the drink deals, partygoers will experience some of Venice Beach’s
hottest nightlife spots, with all cover charges waived. The event will also feature a professional party leader guiding attendees through the various venues, creating a seamless and lively night of bar-hopping.
Tickets must be purchased in advance, and all sales are final with no refunds. If a venue reaches capacity, attendees may have to wait until space becomes available.
For more information, go to https:// www.eventbrite.com/e/venice-beachhalloween-pub-crawl-party-saturdaytickets-947022227977.
THIS WEEKEND: Cook’s Garden to Host Pumpkin Painting, Haunted Storytime and Graveyard Trick-or-Treat
Profits From the Event Will Support the Cook’s Garden’s Small Animal Sanctuary and Farm
The Cook's Garden on Abbot Kinney Boulevard is gearing up for a weekend of Halloween festivities aimed at families, with events planned on both Saturday and Sunday.
On Saturday, October 26, the garden will host "The Haunted Garden: Pumpkin Painting & Pizza," offering kids the chance to decorate mini pumpkins while parents can enjoy pizza from local
The event will feature two sessions, at 1pm and 4pm, with tickets priced at $15 per child. Each ticket includes a pumpkin, stickers, and paint pens. Larger pumpkins will also be available for purchase to take home. The pizza, available to families at a discounted price of $19, rounds out the afternoon’s activities. Profits from the event will support The Cook's Garden's
Footage Shows Men
Stealing Venice Beach Woman’s
Cat, Owner
Asks for Public’s Help
One of the Men Was Heard Inquiring Over How “Expensive” the Pet Is
By Zach Armstrong
A Venice Beach couple is asking for the public’s help in finding their cat after two seemingly intoxicated men stole the pet in recent weeks.
Fig, whose owner Zoey says was raised by her since birth, was last seen on Saturday, Oct. 12 around 7 p.m. at Park Court and Pacific Avenue. Security footage captured two tattooed men in their mid-to-late-twenties wearing backwards hats holding Fig in a Venice alleyway. At one point, one of the men is heard saying “I think it’s a Lemur” before the other inquires whether or not such animals are “expensive.”
“Me and my boyfriend are devastated that someone would go out of their way to take an animal that has a loving home,”
said Zoey.
Anyone with information or has found Fig is asked to contact the owners at (562) 391-3152 or (310) 666-6219.
small animal sanctuary and farm.
The Halloween fun continues on Sunday, October 27, with "Haunted Storytime and Garden Graveyard Trickor-Treat." Children can listen to spooky stories about Halloween on the farm before embarking on a trick-or-treat adventure through a haunted garden graveyard. Each child will receive
a Halloween-themed coloring book featuring the farm’s animals and a goodie bag from the trick-or-treat. Like the previous day, two sessions are offered at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Fiorelli Pizza will once again be available at the special price. For more information, go to https:// www.thecooksgardenvenice.com/ events-2
favorite Fiorelli Pizza.
Warrant Issued for Former Officer in Venice Beach Shooting of Homeless Man: Report
Although LAPD Oversight Ruled the Shooting Unjustified, and the Then-Police Chief Called for Charges, the County District Attorney’s Office Declined
to File Charges in 2018
An arrest warrant has been issued for former Los Angeles police officer Clifford Proctor in connection with the 2015 shooting death of Brendon Glenn, an unarmed homeless man, in Venice Beach, according to a new report from the Los Angeles Times.
Proctor, who resigned from the LAPD in 2017, is expected to face charges
after a years-long reversal of the initial decision not to prosecute, The Times reported.
Proctor shot Glenn, 29, during a confrontation outside a bar on Venice’s Windward Avenue on May 5, 2015. Proctor and his partner had responded to reports of a disturbance involving Glenn and a bouncer. According to officials, Proctor fired two shots into Glenn's back while the two were wrestling on the ground, leading to Glenn’s death, as reported by The Times.
Although the LAPD's civilian oversight board ruled the shooting unjustified, and then-Police Chief Charlie Beck called for manslaughter charges, the Los Angeles County District Attorney's office under Jackie Lacey declined to file charges against Proctor in 2018. Lacey’s office cited a lack of compelling evidence to disprove Proctor’s claim that Glenn had reached for his partner’s gun during the struggle, despite video footage suggesting otherwise.
The decision sparked public outcry and protests, with calls for Proctor to be prosecuted. After taking office in 2020, District Attorney George Gascón reopened several police shooting
cases, including Glenn’s, as part of a broader effort to hold law enforcement accountable for excessive force.
Proctor's arrest warrant follows years of legal scrutiny and a renewed focus on justice for Glenn’s family. V. James DeSimone, an attorney representing Glenn’s relatives, expressed relief at the news, telling The Times they have long believed that the officer responsible for Glenn's death should be held accountable.
Proctor, who has faced unrelated legal
issues in recent years, had previously been charged with domestic violence in Orange County, a case that resulted in a plea deal. As of Thursday, Proctor had not yet been arrested, and it remains unclear when he will appear in court, according to the Times.
The case continues to draw attention, especially as it comes amid Gascón’s campaign for re-election against Nathan Hochman.
