Burbank Mayor Faces Backlash Over Playful
Video, Cites Critics Anti-LGBTQ+ Bias
L.A. City Council Votes on Chief Kristin Crowley’s Appeal, Two Council Members Break Ranks
Crowley Pushed Back on Bass’ Claims About the Palisades Fire Response
Mayor Konstantine Anthony Defends Actions Amid Controversy Over Video
By Dolores Quintana
The Los Angeles City Council voted Tuesday to deny former Fire Chief Kristin Crowley’s appeal of her dismissal, marking the first time such an appeal has been filed since 2008.
Burbank Mayor Konstantine Anthony is facing criticism from conservatives following the circulation of a video showing him being spanked by a drag queen during an event on the weekend of September 10. Anthony has responded that some of his critics are motivated by anti-LGBTQ+ bias and that the incident was harmless.
The 13-2 vote fell far short of the 10 votes needed to overturn Mayor Karen Bass’ decision to remove Crowley from her post. Only Councilmembers Traci Park and Monica Rodriguez supported her reinstatement, while the majority declined to override the mayor’s authority to dismiss appointed officials with or without cause.
Mayor Bass dismissed Crowley on Feb. 21, citing concerns over public safety
In the video, posted by the Wisenuts podcast, Mayor Anthony is seen being spanked by a drag artist, backed by the Village People’s “Macho Man.” Anthony described the events as “shenanigans” and emphasized that it was
all in good fun. He went on to reveal that a secretly recorded video was made during the event and subsequently shared with a prominent hate group.
reposted the video and garnered over 8 million views.
and her handling of the Palisades Fire.
public appearance since her removal.
The mayor accused Crowley of making the controversial decision to send 1,000 firefighters home on the morning of Jan. 7, despite National Weather Service warnings of extreme fire danger due to hurricane-force Santa Ana winds. Bass also claimed that Crowley refused to conduct an after-action report evaluating the fire department’s response.
In a post on his Instagram account, Anthony stated, “For several days, extremist right-wing organizations, including Fox News, have spread misleading information to fuel fear, discrimination, and hate. I will always be a proud supporter of the LGBTQ+ community and drag performers.”
Crowley, however, strongly refuted those allegations.
“I did not refuse to conduct an afteraction report,” she stated. “Let me be clear: This is a false accusation.”
He added, “On a busy Saturday filled with various independent gatherings, I attended the Santa Clarita Valley Democrats’ private fundraiser for their organization. Notably, there were no officially endorsed candidates or state and federal political figures present. The event was open to young adults ages 15 and above. However, there were no attendees below 18. Additionally, no children were present.”
She also pushed back against claims that she sent home 1,000 firefighters and left 40 available fire engines unstaffed, arguing that more than 100 fire engines and other vehicles were already out of service due to mechanical issues, making it impossible to deploy the additional personnel.
Tuesday’s hearing was Crowley’s first
While not specifying the particular hate group in question, it is possible that Anthony was referring to the Twitter account, now known as X, called “Libs of TikTok,” which
Rodriguez, a vocal supporter of Crowley, called her firing “scapegoating” and argued that the City Council had a duty to examine the reasoning behind it. She noted that the $150,000 funding for the after-action report had not yet been approved by the city, contradicting the claim that Crowley refused to participate in it.
In response to the video, the Libs of TikTok account claimed that children were present at the event. Mayor Anthony disputed this assertion, stating that “actually, there weren’t any children at this private 21+ event. But of course, lying is totally on brand for you.”
While the account correctly pointed out that individuals aged 15 and older were permitted to attend, the event’s organizer, the Santa Clarita Valley Democrats, released a statement clarifying that no individuals under the age of 18 were in attendance.
Park, the second council member who voted to reinstate Crowley, questioned the timing of her dismissal before any formal investigations into the Palisades Fire were completed.
“There has been a tremendous amount of love and outpouring from the community.” She also pledged to continue advocating for better support and resources for LAFD personnel.
you about it. There is no reason to involve all of the other people who were not at a public event, not at a government-sponsored event. It wasn’t even in the city of Burbank.”
Mayor Anthony reiterated this point during a City Council meeting and expressed his concern that the video’s circulation had led to city officials receiving “some of the most vile hate speech that I have ever seen.”
“Accountability doesn’t just stop with one person or one department,” Park said. “We need to let independent investigations guide our actions, not politics.”
Speaking outside City Hall, Crowley expressed gratitude for the opportunity to appeal and share her side of the story. “I am very grateful that I have the opportunity to appeal and to speak my truth,” Crowley said.
Anthony encouraged those with concerns about his actions to communicate with him directly via email at kanthony@burbankca. gov. He stated, “If you want to talk to me about what happened over the weekend, send me an email. Send me an email. I will talk to
“We're going to push and work to get our people what they need to do their jobs, and to support the community,” she added. Following the council’s decision, the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) issued a statement thanking Crowley for her leadership.
“The Los Angeles City Fire Department is grateful for Chief Crowley and her leadership during the time she served as Fire Chief,” the agency said.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the Santa Clarita Valley Democrats voiced their support for Mayor Anthony and strongly denounced the sensationalized and inaccurate portrayal of their event for political purposes that promoted fear, homophobia, transphobia, and bigotry. The Democrats reaffirmed their commitment to the LGBTQ+ community and drag performers, refusing to engage with what they referred to as “fake outrage.”
West Hollywood Plans Zoning Overhaul to Boost Housing, Community Input Needed
Bomb Threat Temporarily Halts
Residents Can Weigh In Zoning Changes at Upcoming Meetings in March
World Premiere of Documentary Was Screened After 20-Minute Delay
By Dolores Quintana
The City of West Hollywood is evaluating potential zoning updates aimed at reducing barriers to housing development and increasing affordability. The Zoning Improvement Program for Housing (ZIP) will assess changes that could encourage diverse and affordable housing options, better align zoning policies with community demographics, and support transit-oriented growth.
Park Community Center (Rooms 5 & 6), 7377 Santa Monica Boulevard. No RSVP required.
• Online Meeting – Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at 12 p.m. via Zoom. Registration is available at: Zoom Meeting Registration.
Thomson Hall, where the documentary was set to be screened.
The meetings will focus on topics such as housing affordability, accessibility, equity, environmental sustainability, and neighborhood preservation.
Zoning Reforms Address Housing Crisis
Lung stated, “Our standard security measures remained in place during this time, and the screening commenced with a slight delay. To our knowledge, this was a general threat and not directed at the film or the artist.”
informed CTV News Toronto that the threat had been conveyed to the festival’s private security by a passerby. “Out of an abundance of caution, the Toronto police and the private
security swept the scene and cleared it within
Toronto police also clarified that the threat had a general nature and did not specifically
The premiere of “Lil Nas X: Long Live Montero” at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) faced a momentary setback on Saturday night due to a bomb threat.
Community Input Sought in March Meetings
The ZIP initiative supports West Hollywood’s 6th-Cycle Housing Element, a state-mandated plan that outlines strategies to meet local housing needs. The program is part of a broader effort to address Los Angeles County’s ongoing housing crisis, which a mismatch between population growth and housing supply has exacerbated.
mapping and data analysis to assess the impact of zoning policies on land use and housing availability. Additionally, lotlevel studies will evaluate the feasibility of different housing types based on lot size, zoning requirements, and financial considerations.
• Employment centers and public facilities.
• Parks and recreational spaces.
City officials are inviting residents to learn more and provide feedback at two upcoming community meetings:
• In-Person Meeting – Wednesday, March 5, 2025, at 6 p.m. at the Plummer
Judy Lung, TIFF’s Vice President of Public Affairs and Communications, confirmed to CTV News Toronto via a written statement that the festival was alerted to an investigation “in the vicinity of the red carpet” at Roy
Statewide legislative changes have put pressure on local governments to facilitate new housing construction, especially for vulnerable populations facing housing insecurity, overcrowding, and rising costs.
West Hollywood officials are conducting
Future zoning updates will also focus on the proximity of housing to key community amenities, including:
• Major transit hubs, such as the proposed Metro K-Line extension and existing public transit stops.
City planners emphasize that any zoning changes will be incremental to maintain contextual neighborhood design while improving equitable housing access.
For more information about the Zoning Improvement Program for Housing, visit the ‘Engage WeHo’ webpage at engage. weho.org/zip.
Academy Award Nominated Actress
Cynthia Erivo to Receive GLAAD’s Stephen F. Kolzak Award
The Wicked star will be honored at the 36th Annual GLAAD Media Awards
The LGBTQ media advocacy organization announced that Cynthia Erivo will be honored with the Stephen F. Kolzak Award at the 36th Annual GLAAD Media Awards in Los Angeles on March 27.
Erivo is also nominated for the Academy Award for lead actress for her performance as Elphaba in the musical Wicked, and will perform at the ceremony with her co-star and fellow nominee for supporting actress, Ariana Grande.
The Stephen F. Kolzak Award is given to an LGBTQ media professional who
has significantly contributed to raising visibility and promoting acceptance of LGBTQ individuals and issues. The award is named after the late Los Angeles casting director Stephen F. Kolzak, who dedicated the latter part of his life to combating homophobia and HIV stigma in the entertainment industry.
Past recipients of the award include Niecy Nash-Betts, Jeremy Pope, Laverne Cox, Wanda Sykes, Jim Parsons, Ruby Rose, Chaz Bono, Melissa Etheridge, Ellen DeGeneres, and Michaela Jaé Rodriguez.
“From an outspoken ally to a trailblazing member of the community, Cynthia Erivo’s one-of-a-kind voice has been an integral part of accelerating acceptance for LGBTQ people since she came on the scene over a decade ago,” GLAAD president and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis said in a statement. “Her legacy is defined not by her numerous
accolades and honors but by how with each new platform and milestone, she continues to show up for Black, queer, and other marginalized peoples amid her welldeserved success.”
The GLAAD Media Awards recognize outstanding representations of LGBTQ individuals in media and support the organization’s year-round efforts to advance LGBTQ acceptance and visibility.
GLAAD President and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis will serve as executive producer of this year’s ceremony alongside GLAAD’s Rich Ferraro and Anthony Allen Ramos. Tony Morrison will act as supervising producer, with Jose Useche as producer. The event is produced in partnership with STAMP Event Co.
For more information, visit GLAAD. org.
Hundreds Protest Trump and Musk in West Hollywood, More Demonstrations Planned
Activists Rally Against Trump Policies and Musk’s Government Takeover
Hundreds of demonstrators took to the streets of West Hollywood on Saturday, March 23, in a pro-democracy, antiTrump, and anti-Elon Musk protest, voicing their outrage over recent political developments and government actions. Many of the protesters who gathered in West Hollywood came from different districts of the city.
Protesters gathered on Santa Monica Boulevard and marched to La Cienega, holding colorful signs and chanting slogans in opposition to Trump administration policies and Musk’s controversial Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which has rapidly fired thousands of government employees and taken control of government offices and digital systems and is named after an Internet meme.
The demonstration was organized by Democracy Action Network and Indivisible Los Angeles, which has pledged continued action in the coming weeks.
The protesters' concerns varied, with some expressing alarm over the direction of the country and the fear many communities feel.
“I am concerned for my students not coming to school because they’re
afraid,” one LAUSD teacher told Fox 11 News. “I just think our country is going the wrong way right now.”
Others echoed similar sentiments:
• "There are some terrible things going on in this country, and no one seems to be paying much attention."
• "What drew us out was seeing other people starting to speak out. And I think that all of us need to let our leaders know that we're not happy with what's going on."
The West Hollywood protest follows the Tesla Takedown protests, which have been ongoing for two weeks at Tesla showrooms in North Hollywood, Long Beach, and Pasadena. Organized through the Action Network website, the movement urges people to:
• Sell their Teslas
• Dump Tesla stock
• Join picket lines at Tesla showrooms
The protest’s mission, as stated on the website, is clear: "Hurting Tesla is stopping Musk. Stopping Musk will help save lives and our democracy.", making note of the fact that the billionaire’s wealth is largely made up of the stock he holds in Tesla and SpaceX.
Actor and filmmaker Alex Winter has been instrumental in organizing these efforts on Bluesky, rallying opposition to Musk’s influence over government operations.
The demonstrations also come amid a wave of student protests against Trump’s immigration policies and threats of mass deportations. Over a week and a half, students across Los Angeles have staged
say they plan to continue mobilizing protests, emphasizing that civic engagement is crucial in pushing back against what they see as threats to democracy.
walkouts, with some shutting down the 101 Freeway in defiance of new federal actions. Many of the student protests on the Westside were mobilized on social media.
Organizers
Rhinestone Cowboys: Country Music Gets the GMCLA Treatment
Halfway through its 46th season, Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles is preparing for its next show in March, Rhinestone Cowboys, an explosion of sequins, color and everything you never thought would be associated with cowboy.
GMCLA, a nonprofit performing arts organization, sings for a future free from homophobia and all other forms of discrimination. Its chorus and dance troupe comprise nearly 250 members who volunteer through song and dance, and performing at events year-round and regularly throughout its seasons.
Rhinestone Cowboys is the second of three mainstage concerts performed by the chorus this season. Hosted at the historic Saban Theatre, the chorus will sashay and sway to the legends, ladies and icons of country music — Dolly Parton, Reba McEntire, Shania Twain, Johnny Cash, Chris Stapleton, Taylor Swift and more.
“Our chorus hasn’t performed country in a while, so we felt it was time to bring it back—of course, with our own spin,” said Lou Spisto, GMCLA’s executive director and producer. “There’s never been a better moment for this, because country music is everywhere—it’s ubiquitous, it’s omnipresent. Plus, the genre is more diverse than ever, with so many new voices and artists making their mark.”
Rhinestone Cowboys will spotlight today’s hippest and gayest artists and
allies who are revolutionizing country including Brandi Carlile, Shaboozy and Chappell Roan.
Voices like Taylor Swift, who started in country and progressed into pop and goes back and forth, and Beyonce, who recently became the first Black woman to win a Grammy Award for Best Country Album, will also be represented during Rhinestone Cowboys, along with Lil Nas X, a queer voice who started his career in country.
New surprises and some old favorites are expected from the chorus as well.
“When we put it all together, it becomes a more diverse, expansive, and compelling take on country than we have ever done before,” said Spisto. “No matter the genre, whether it’s Motown or classic musicals, we always make it our own, infusing it with our signature beauty and humanity.”
While the chorus is preparing for its March production, Spisto said they are eager to come together as a community.
“We have a great advantage in that this ensemble of artists truly wants to be together and connect,” said Spisto. “Beyond the music, it’s about community. In difficult times like these, especially with what happened in LA, people are even more eager to come together and share in the joy of singing.”
During this show, the chorus will be performing Beautiful City by Stephen Schwartz.
“We’ve done this song before, but we’re bringing it back within the context of the fires,” said Spisto. “We always aim to reflect on who we are, what should be, and what can happen as we move forward. This song combines excitement, enthusiasm, music, and heart. We felt it would really resonate if we added it to the show.”
To see GMCLA’s spin on country, Rhinestone Cowboys, tickets can be purchased online for Saturday, March 22 at 8 p.m., or Sunday, March 23 at 3:30 p.m. Saban Theatre is located at 8440 Wilshire Boulevard in Beverly Hills.
New Initiative Aims to Revive Local Businesses in West Hollywood
With Revenues
Down up to 50%, “Weho Gives Back” Launches
Local businesses in West Hollywood have reported revenue declines of 25% to 50% in recent weeks, prompting the launch of a new initiative aimed at revitalizing the city’s economy.
Though miles away from the recent wildfire zones, the city has felt the ripple effects of the disaster, with many residents and visitors opting to stay home, business owners say. This is a citywide issue for many restaurants and other small businesses. Some residents of the city report feeling guilt about enjoying a night out.
“I think people are scared now. There’s been event after event to make them feel scared, so they are staying home,” said Jeff Douek, owner of Weho Bistro, as quoted by NBC 4 Los Angeles. “It’s become the most fulfilling part of my life.”
Douek, like many local business owners, has seen a sharp decline in foot traffic in recent weeks. The downturn has
been widespread across West Hollywood since early January, according to Genevieve Morrill, president and CEO of the West Hollywood Chamber of Commerce.
“Our businesses show about 25-50% decline since the fires,” Morrill said, emphasizing the unexpected economic consequences for businesses outside the directly impacted areas.
In response, the Chamber has announced "WeHo Gives Back," a new
initiative designed to support local businesses affected by the economic slowdown. The program, launching March 1, aims to raise funds for small businesses struggling to recover from recent losses.
“WeHo Gives Back is our way of ensuring these establishments receive the support they need to recover and thrive,” Morrill said. “The small businesses of West Hollywood are resilient, but they need our community’s
support now more than ever.”
As part of the program, QR codes will be placed on napkins distributed at businesses throughout the city. By scanning the codes, customers can donate to a recovery fund that will help businesses offset losses, maintain operations, and retain employees. Donations can also be made online by anyone, regardless of location.
For more information or to donate, visit www.pledge.to/weho-gives-back.
UCLA Alum Chris Kluwe Arrested After AntiMAGA Protest at City Council Meeting
Former Vikings Punter Was Arrested After Pro-Trans/AntiTrump Speech
Chris Kluwe, a former professional NFL punter with the Vikings and graduate of UCLA, was arrested after he protested the installation of a MAGA plaque at a Huntington Beach City Council meeting on Tuesday night. In his speech, he decried the current administration’s actions against transAmericans, the firing of government employees who oversee our nuclear arsenal, airplane safety, and those who serve our veterans and the veterans themselves.
Here is his speech in front of the city council meeting: https://youtu.be/8xK4gN_ oU2E?si=J8d7Ncf8qy76Of9T
He said, “MAGA is profoundly corrupt, unmistakeably anti-democracy, and, most importantly, MAGA is explicitly a Nazi movement. They may have substituted a red hat for an armband with a swastika, but every single thing MAGA stands for is what the Nazis did. Eugenics. Racism. Blind loyalty to the leader over what benefits the community as a whole.”
Kluwe is now a writer.
After he finished, he announced that he would “Now engage in the time-honored tradition of peaceful disobedience.” When he walked to the dias in front of the city council seats with the intention of lying on the dias until he was removed. Kluwe was then arrested and taken away by five officers from the Huntington Beach Police Department.
He was held for four hours while the police “figured out what to charge him with” and was cited for “disrupting an assembly.”
When Kluwe was released, he said in a post on Bluesky, “Just got out of jail. Only forty-four left to go to catch John Lewis’s record. Remember - peaceful civil disobedience. Don’t comply in advance.” He added, around 11:00 p.m., “I appreciate everyone’s messages of support. I’m trying to get through all my mentions, but as you can imagine, it’s been a bit of a busy day :) Remember - peaceful civil disobedience, and no kings, no tyrants. Not ever.” in reference to the official White House account and Trump’s deputy chief of staff sending out AI-generated images of Trump as a king.
Health and Wellness Spotlight 2025
‘All in One’: Mirror Mirror Med Spa Specializes in Skin, Face and Body Treatments
One of the top med spas in Los Angeles is at the top for a reason: state-of-the-art, minimally invasive, customized skin care that produces real results in a safe and supportive environment.
Mirror Mirror Med Spa provides the optimal environment for individuals looking to embrace their ideal selves under any condition and at any stage in life.
“We are a very unique boutique medical spa that provides cost-effective treatments with cutting edge technology and a staff that comprises over 30 years of experience,” said Nadya Christian, the spa’s master aesthetician and patient coordinator. “Whether you want to sculpt your body, get a facial, Botox or fillers, we do it all. If it has anything to do with health, body, wellness and beauty, you have it under one roof.”
The spa provides a variety of customized skin care services that are designed to provide each individual with smooth, radiant skin and a renewed sense of self-confidence. With each treatment, the spa aims to enhance each patient’s confidence and overall wellbeing.
ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY
Mirror Mirror Med Spa offers the most advanced and effective, minimally invasive and non-invasive medical cosmetic procedures in Los Angeles with award-winning innovation, clinically proven to reduce treatment time, recovery time, and deliver real results.
“Our boutique spa uses cutting edge technology for any body, face, skin, weight loss or sculpting procedure. You
don’t have to go to different medical spas for anything else because we have it all,” Christian said.
Some of Mirror Mirror Med Spa’s most popular services include:
• Injectables for weight loss: The spa offers Semaglutide and Tirzepatide injections for weight loss, which are highly sought after and requested by patients. Semaglutide operates by imitating the body’s hormones responsible for signaling fullness, thereby reducing appetite and slowing down the process of gastric emptying.
• Restoring collagen and reducing skin irregularities without lasers or surgery: Using Morpheus8 technology, Mirror Mirror Med Spa offers this safe and effective collagen therapy treatment that uses radiofrequency technology to make your face, neck and body appear younger. The spa is one of the
top providers in Los Angeles for this service.
• Skin resurfacing to treat wrinkles, scars and sun damage: Fractional CO2 lasers target the superficial layer of skin tissue and removes damaged skin, revealing younger and healthier looking skin. Using CoolPeel treatments, Mirror Mirror Med Spa safely and comfortably delivers the benefits of CO2 resurfacing treatment while treating wrinkles, age spots, acne scars and other damage.
MEMBERSHIP AND LOYALTY
Mirror Mirror Med Spa’s highest satisfaction rating comes from its most loyal members and clients who frequent the spa and see desired and effective results.
With the spa’s membership program, you can get your favorite treatments done sooner and more often. Levels of the membership and loyalty program
vary, but every dollar spent at the spa earns points redeemable at the spa.
PRICES
Unlike most medical spas, Mirror Mirror Med Spa lists prices for each procedure on their website to ensure transparency.
“Our clients come first, so for us, that means being transparent and listing all our prices. We work hard to provide results and exceptional service. We offer free consultation before you take the first step. It’s a very comfortable setting,” Christian said. “There’s no selling, no rush, and our caring staff welcomes everyone. We’re truly interested in providing the best results.”
Mirror Mirror Med Spa is located at 1051 Glendon Avenue Suite #112 in Los Angeles. Book your free consultation online or email info@mirrormedspace. com.
Health and Wellness Spotlight 2025
Rifkin Raanan Leads Renowned Beverly Hills Cosmetic Dentistry
By Susan Payne
Subtle differences in training, expertise, technological capabilities and amenities make all the difference when choosing the best cosmetic dentistry practice.
Rifkin Raanan, a leading destination for cosmetic dentistry in Beverly Hills, strives to provide the highest level of dental care, combining artistry with advanced technology. Through rigorous training, ongoing research and investment in the best dental technologies available, Rifkin Raanan maintains a highly rated patient experience, delivering cosmetic and functional results.
Redefining cosmetic and restorative dentistry, the practice was founded by Dr. Rodney Raanan, DDS, MMSc, Cosmetic and Reconstructive Dentist, and Dr. Robert Rifkin. The two are committed to delivering world-class dental care that enhances both oral health and overall well-being.
“Our philosophy is centered on excellence, integrity, and personalized care. We believe that a beautiful smile is more than just aesthetics — it’s about confidence, health, and longevity. Each patient receives customized treatment based on their unique needs, using the most advanced techniques in modern dentistry. Our patient-first approach means we prioritize comfort, long-term wellness, and results that look and feel natural,” Raanan said.
Rifkin Raanan specializes in a variety of services, offering an unparalleled blend of expertise, precision and personalized care. The dentistry is renowned for producing exceptional, natural-looking results using the latest in digital smile design, minimally invasive techniques and premium materials. The following includes:
• Dental Implants — permanent, natural-looking tooth replacement solutions.
• Minimally Invasive Gum Rejuvenation — advanced techniques to restore gum health and aesthetics.
• Laser Periodontal Therapy — nonsurgical treatment for gum disease.
• Bone and Soft Tissue Grafting — rebuilding healthy foundations for longterm dental success.
• Smile Enhancement Treatments — aesthetic gum contouring, implantsupported restorations and personalized smile designs.
• Porcelain Veneers — customdesigned to enhance smiles while maintaining a natural look.
• Full mouth Rehabilitation — restoring function, aesthetics and health for patients with extensive dental needs.
• Smile Makeovers — a comprehensive approach to improving a patient’s smile
through multiple treatments.
• Periodontal and Preventive Care — ensuring long-term gum health and disease prevention.
Rifkin Raanan is distinguished by its rare, on site dental laboratory, in which the practice works together with professionals crafting dental prosthetics. Services provided by Rifkin Raanan are not only evidence-based and effective, but they are also highly personalized and backed by the latest research. The doctors also continuously adopt new and emerging technologies once they are deemed safe and effective.
“By combining science with artistry, I ensure that my patients receive not just treatment, but long-term solutions for optimal oral health. Every patient is unique, and I tailor treatments to align with both their medical needs and aesthetic goals, said Dr. Justin Raanan, DDS, MMSc, Beverly Hills Periodontist. “Comfort, precision, and long-term results are at the core of everything we do, providing patients with both immediate transformation and lifelong health benefits.”
While Rifkin Raanan is currently accepting new patients, the dentistry also offers emergency dental care for patients experiencing urgent issues, ensuring they receive prompt, high quality treatment when necessary.
Through Giving A Smile Foundation, founded by brothers Dr. Justin Raanan and Dr. Rodney Raanan in 2017, the two are also able to transform smiles and give back to the community.
“Our goal is to provide access to quality dental care for underserved children in Los Angeles, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity for a healthy, confident smile,” Rodney
Raanan said. To book a consultation with Rifkin Raanan, visit www.RifkinRaanan.com. Follow the practice on Instagram @ rifkinraanan and @drjustinraanan.
Our neurosurgery virtuoso is now offering consultations in West LA.
As a professor and the associate chair of neurosurgical innovation at the Keck School of Medicine of USC, Dr. Cohen is often consulted for his second opinion by patients and other neurosurgeons alike. His experience is unparalleled as he has performed over 7,000 complex brain surgeries. His pioneering expertise and compassion is now closer than ever, in West LA.
Aaron Cohen-Gadol MD, MSc, MBA
Health and Wellness Spotlight 2025
Executive Function Coaching Practice Opens in Santa Monica
By Susan Payne
Forgetful. Unorganized. Distracted. Impulsive.
These may be difficult, yet commonly used words to describe yourself, or a loved one, who struggles with executive dysfunction.
But fear not — whether diagnosed or undiagnosed — New Agenda Coaching, founded by Maria Del Corso and Amie Davies, has created an ADHD and executive function coaching practice that helps clients strengthen executive function skills such as working memory, cognitive flexibility, inhibition, organization and task initiation.
Executive functioning refers to a set of cognitive skills and processes that help individuals manage and regulate their thoughts, behaviors and emotions to achieve specific goals or tasks. Strong executive function skills lead to higher performances and has life-long benefits for children, teens, college students and adults.
Del Corso and Davies built this coaching service from their unwavering passion working in their respective fields: speech language pathology and special education. New Agenda is a relationship-based approach to support learning and practicing organizational strategies in academics, career and lifestyle management.
“People come to us when they feel a struggle or a barrier. They’re not proceeding through the path they know they can achieve, or their parents know they can achieve, they feel stuck. Our goal is to help people get unstuck and back on target in areas that they’ve
identified concerns,” said Del Corso. “For a lot of our clientele, it’s about understanding and recognizing, ‘how does my brain work?’”
Serving ages nine and older, the coaching practice has recently opened an office in Santa Monica, accepting clients for in-office services, at-home services, and virtual services nationwide.
New Agenda Coaching works with new clients at minimum once per week in one hour sessions, for no specific term length. Working one-on-one with New Agenda coaches, clients learn skill building and strategies to achieve goals and combat concerns related to executive dysfunction.
“We work alongside you to problem solve functional aspects of your life, whether its social, academic, life, skill development, or work, we offer support in the areas that executive dysfunction impacts you,” Davies said. “Our services are determined based on what our clients need.”
New Agenda Coaching serves clients from diverse backgrounds and at different stages that executive dysfunction is impacting them. Pictures of success vary case by case.
“One of my favorite success stories was from a mother, who came to us because her daughter had been diagnosed with ADHD. Looking through that checklist, she realized she probably had ADHD as well and it affected her parenting,” Davies said. “In her emotional regulation, organization of the home, managing as a mother, she had made a complete turnaround with our coaching services and set up systems for success. Her brain started
feeling better, she was able to manage her stress better, and her house was on the way to being organized.”
New Agenda Coaching is a dedicated service that understands the impact of challenges with executive dysfunction and hopes to bring professional knowledge and skills to support each individualized case. Students, adults,
When Davies and Del Corso first started the business, they thought people would be more drawn to virtual services, but they found the opposite to be true.
“We are very excited to offer in person services in California, knowing how much people appreciate in person services,” Del Corso said. “We’re excited to expand and help more people achieve their goals.”
To learn more about New Agenda Coaching or set up your 15-minute free consultation, visit NewAgendaCoaching.com. Follow New Agenda on Facebook and Instagram @ newagendacoaching
WHAT’S NEW IN SANTA MONICA – WINTER 2025
Santa Monica
Remains Open to Serve with New Experiences and Offerings
Santa Monica continues welcoming visitors with new experiences and offerings throughout the destination, including world-class events, beautiful hotels and fun-filled attractions. Home to eight unique neighborhoods and 3.5 miles of sunny shores even throughout the winter months, Santa Monica invites travelers to support our hospitality employees and local businesses and experience laid-back luxury in an iconic beach destination.
ACCOLADES
Santa Monica earned prestigious 2024 honors, including Travel + Leisure’s 50 Best Places to Travel in 2025 for its beach vibes and new offerings. Forbes named it a Top 12 Destination for 2025, and the UK’s Sunday Times listed it among the Best Holiday Destinations. Santa Monica also won North America’s Leading Beach Destination (World Travel Awards) and was featured in the Los Angeles Times’ Best Beaches list.
FOOD
& BEVERAGE
SELINE (Main Street) – Chef Dave Beran presents a 15-18 course dining experience fostering a close connection between diners and the kitchen.
santamonica.com/restaurants/seline
Luke’s Lobster (Downtown) – Enjoy sustainable, New England-style lobster rolls in the heart of Santa Monica.
santamonica.com/lukes-lobster
Ghirardelli (Pier/Ocean Ave.) – Indulge in premium chocolates, sundaes, and velvety hot cocoa near the Santa Monica Pier.
santamonica.com/restaurants/ ghirardelli
Fitoor (Pier/Ocean Ave.) – Fine dining Indian cuisine featuring coastal influences and inventive cocktails.
santamonica.com/restaurants/fitoor
Odd One Out (Downtown) – Taipeiborn milk tea shop offering awardwinning specialty beverages. santamonica.com/restaurants/oddone-out
Galvin Coffee & Bakery (Montana Ave.) – Cozy cafe serving South American-inspired treats like Dulce de Leche Espresso.
santamonica.com/restaurants/galvinbakery
Pacific Catch (Wilshire) – A seafood spot featuring poke, tacos, and responsibly sourced ingredients. santamonica.com/restaurants/pacificcatch Desvelados Mexican Cantina
(Downtown) – A lively eatery serving tacos, burritos, and margaritas near Third Street Promenade.
santamonica.com/restaurants/ desvelados-mexican-cantina
Van Leeuwen Ice Cream (Montana Ave.) – Artisanal ice cream shop offering unique flavors, including vegan options. santamonica.com/restaurants/vanleeuwen-ice-cream ARTS & CULTURE
Roots and Branches: A Tree’s View of Santa Monica (Downtown) – Celebrating Santa Monica’s 150th anniversary, this exhibit explores the city’s environmental history (Jan. 31Dec. 14, 2025).
santamonica.com/things-to-do/santamonica-history-museum Refractions: Contemporary Indigenous Art (Pier/Ocean Ave.) – A showcase of Indigenous artists at the Annenberg Community Beach House (through May 11, 2025).
santamonica.com/things-to-do/ annenberg-community-beach-house ATTRACTIONS
Holey Moley (Downtown) – A new mini-golf venue with 27 holes, private karaoke rooms, and themed cocktails. santamonica.com/things-to-do/holeymoley
The Splatter Studio LA (Downtown) – An interactive art space where visitors create colorful masterpieces while enjoying drinks. santamonica.com/things-to-do/ splatter-studio
SHOPPING/RETAIL
JD Sports (Downtown) – A top spot for sneakers and sportswear from major brands.
santamonica.com/shopping/jd-sports Outlandish (Downtown) – A content studio and retail space offering e-commerce trends and filming resources.
santamonica.com/things-to-do/ outlandish
Unsubscribed (Montana Ave.) –American Eagle’s slow-fashion boutique featuring sustainable fashion and home goods.
santamonica.com/shopping/ unsubscribed
BRIC’S Milano (Downtown) – Italian travel brand showcasing luxury luggage and accessories.
santamonica.com/shopping/brics ###
About Santa Monica Travel & Tourism
Santa Monica Travel & Tourism (SMTT) is a non-profit organization designed to increase visitor expenditures, tourism revenues and local employment opportunities through the promotion of Santa Monica as a travel destination. For more information visit santamonica.com email info@ santamonica.com, or follow SMTT on Instagram (@SeeSantaMonica), Twitter (@GoSantaMonica) or Facebook (@ VisitSantaMonica).
Transgender Man Found Dead in New York Field After Torture; Five Arrested for Murder
Brutal Murder of Transgender Man in Upstate New York Sickens Officials
After the Trump administration has continued to target transgender members of the LGBTQ+ community, a transgender man who was reported missing last week suffered repeated acts of violence before being found dead in an upstate New York field, according to New York State Police.
Sam Nordquist, originally from Minnesota, was reported missing on Feb. 9. Authorities said he had been in New York since September and had lost contact with his family. His family has started a GoFundMe campaign to be able to afford to go to New York State and retrieve his remains.
Nordquist’s family requested a welfare check, leading investigators to determine that he had been living at Patty’s Lodge in Hopewell with multiple individuals, including one of the suspects, as reported by local news outlets. One of the suspects, Precious Arzuaga, is believed to have been the online girlfriend of Nordquist.
New York State law enforcement officers uncovered evidence that Nordquist had been subjected to ongoing physical abuse from December 2024 to February 2025, officials said.
Ontario County District Attorney James Ritts said, “No human being should have to endure what Sam endured. This is by far the worst homicide investigation that our office has ever been a part of.”
In a Feb. 14 news conference, police confirmed that human remains believed to be Nordquist’s were found in a field off Payne Road in Yates County. Nordquist had been subjected to torture and was beaten to death, and the killers abandoned his body in a field in an
attempt to escape justice.
“We are here today to provide an update on the case of Sam Nordquist, who was originally reported missing to New York State Police on February 9, 2025,” Trooper Lynnea Crane, public information officer for Troop E, said. “Unfortunately, we must now confirm that this case has transitioned from a missing person investigation to a homicide investigation.”
Five people have been arrested and charged with second-degree murder, police said.
The suspects, identified as Precious Arzuaga, 38, and Patrick Goodwin, 30, of Canandaigua; Kyle Sage, 33, of Rochester; Jennifer Quijano, 30, of Geneva; and Emily Motyka, 19, of Lima, are being held pending arraignment without bail.
According to local news outlet KARE, “Two of the five individuals charged with second-degree murder in Nordquist's death have prior convictions related to sexual offenses against minors. Patrick Goodwin, 30, was sentenced to
10.5 years in prison in 2015 for firstdegree sexual abuse of a 7-year-old boy and a 9-year-old girl and Kyle Sage, 33, was sentenced to two to four years in prison in 2022 for fourth-degree grand larceny and first-degree distribution of pornography to a minor. Sage was released from prison in May 2024.
what you love most about Santa Monica: Your favorite experience, shop, restaurant, hotel, or neighborhood for a chance to be featured in our Third Street Promenade pop-up installation!
What about are you protected from future wildfires?
Our hearts go out to all those impacted by the recent wildfires and Santa Ana windstorms in Southern California. We extend our deepest sympathy to everyone affected in these challenging and uncertain times.
While we are not equipped to fight wildfires, A Plus Tree’s dedicated team of certified tree care professionals is here to assist you with post-fire tree emergencies. Whether it's hazardous trees, fallen branches, or fire-damaged trees, we're here day and night to help.
A Plus Tree is a certified professional tree care company. We have over 25 years of experience in fire cleanup, fuel
mitigation and defensible space. If your property was not damaged in the fire, now is the time to create defensible space around your property. Defensible
layout. Vegetation buildup is a catalyst for wildfires and clearing away excessive, fire-prone vegetation significantly reduces risk of wildfire damage! There are several strategic approaches you can take related to trees, shrubs and plants that can materially mitigate fire hazards on your property.
• A complimentary Defensible Space assessment to determine your properties needs
• Remove small flammable vegetation.
• Remove DEAD TREES or limbs that are dangerous fuel suppliers to fires.
• Prune and trim trees to create vertical and horizontal distancing from your structures.
• Document multi-year history of preventative action taken by you for your insurance. Use of our proprietary mobile app that records all history of care for each tree.
For a complimentary assessment for your property, simply contact us at www. aplustree.com and fill out a request for proposal. You can also call 866-8152525.
We are keeping you and your loved ones in our thoughts and prayers. May you all stay safe!
RING
space is a buffer zone around your home that considers vegetation type and land
With love and respect,
The A Plus Tree Team and Family
Photo by Jonathan Ng