Santa Monica Daily Press, December 22, 2015

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THURSDAY

12.24.15 Volume 15 Issue 31

@smdailypress

ALL CONTENT IN TODAY’S PAPER IS REPRINTED FROM PAST ISSUES. CONTENT APPEARING TODAY WAS CHOSEN BASED ON THE MOST READ STORIES ON SMDP.COM

Santa Monica Daily Press

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Best of the Daily Press Trains, planes and automobiles dominate list of most-read stories in 2015 The Daily Press is reprinting selected stories over the next two days that represent some of the most popular topics of the past year. In today’s paper you’ll see stories that are “Readers’ Choice” as based on online traffic. We gathered several stories, letters and columns based on readership statistics from our website,

Santa Monica High student killed in traffic accident

BY JEFFREY I. GOODMAN Daily Press Staff Writers

Originally published on May 11. A memorial was set up to Castillo on the Samohi campus and the community rallied around the family in their time of loss.

www.smdp.com.

The stories are presented throughout this issue. Where needed, we have added notes to the front of the stories providing context and updates on the issues. Stories that are self-contained do not have notes but all stories in today’s paper are taken from our archives. For our online cate-

gories, we excluded stories that were part of special sections and stories that had readership spikes due to special circumstances (such as promotion in a publication outside of Santa Monica or stories that have become part of Wikipedia entries).

In tomorrow’s paper you’ll see stories, columns, letters and photos as chosen by

staff. They will appear with the same formatting — stories requiring context will have an additional paragraph at the beginning, while those that are self-contained will not. Selections have been chosen from the past 12 months.

Regular coverage will resume on Dec. 26.

Harrison Ford injured in golf course plane crash

BY DAVID MARK SIMPSON AND JEFFREY I. GOODMAN Daily Press Staff Writers

Originally published on March 6. Ford recovered from his injuries and has resumed flying. The plane apparently suffered from mechanical failure.

Actor Harrison Ford crashed his plane at a golf course near Santa Monica Airport Thursday afternoon, according to sources at the airport.

Ford was piloting his Ryan PT22, World War II-era singleengine plane after 2 p.m. when he hit the Penmar Golf Course, which is adjacent to the airport.

“I came out. I hear a thud,” said Penmar employee Howard Teba.

“One of the golfers comes out and

File photo

CRASH: The March plane crash was one of the most-read stories of the year based on website statistics.

A Santa Monica High School student died Sunday night after being struck by a car while riding his scooter, officials said.

Leo Castillo, a 16-year-old freshman who had previously attended John Adams Middle School, was riding with a friend on 26th Street near Olympic Boulevard when he was hit, according to the Santa MonicaMalibu school district.

The Santa Monica Police Department issued a statement that said the driver of the vehicle was traveling westbound on SEE ACCIDENT PAGE 7

SEE CRASH PAGE 6

Expo test train derailed in crash

BY JEFFREY I. GOODMAN Daily Press Staff Writers

Originally published on December 10.

Officials said the crash was caused by the truck’s illegal left turn. City Council has yet to discuss any changes to the system based on the crash.

An Expo Line train being tested in Santa Monica derailed Thursday after hitting a truck at

the intersection of Colorado Avenue and 7th Street.

Trains have been running periodically on the tracks for several months as part of the testing program on the local portions of the light-rail track, which connects to downtown Los Angeles.

Thursday’s crash was the first major incident involving a train in Santa Monica.

The accident happened at

about noon as the truck driver attempted to make an illegal left turn from westbound Colorado Avenue onto southbound 7th Street, according to Santa Monica police. The westbound train hit the cab of the truck, which was carrying construction materials.

Left turns are prohibited along most of Colorado Avenue adjacent to the tracks and the truck’s turn was in violation of posted

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The train came off its tracks in the accident but remained upright, and officials were working Thursday afternoon to get the train back onto the tracks.

A driver and two other officials were aboard the train at the time of the incident, police said. One SEE TRAIN PAGE 7

Calendar 2

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2015

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What’s Up

Westside OUT AND ABOUT IN SANTA MONICA

Thursday, Dec. 24

Saturday Certified Farmer’s Market

Library Closed

The Saturday markets are both closed for a holiday break. Please visit the other weekly markets which will remain open, Wednesday downtown and Sunday at 2640 Main Street.

All library locations are closed today.

Annenberg Community Beach House The Beach House site will close at 12 p.m. 415 PCH.

Friday, Dec. 25 Library Closed All library locations are closed today.

Annenberg Community Beach House Closed for Christmas. 415 PCH.

Saturday, Dec. 26

Gallery Exhibit: Art Bank: Selections from the City’s collection; Open through Jan 12 in Event House Gallery. Annenberg Community Beach House, 415 PCH, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Guest House Free tours begin at 11 a.m., 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. No reservations needed.

Annenberg Community Beach House, 415 PCH.

For help submitting an event, contact us at

310-458-7737 or submit to editor@smdp.com

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YOUR OPINION MATTERS! SEND YOUR LETTERS TO Santa Monica Daily Press • Attn. Editor: • 1640 5th Street, Suite 218 • Santa Monica, CA 90401 • editor@smdp.com

Inside Scoop THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2015

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FAA rules in favor of 2023 expiration date at Santa Monica Airport

BY MATTHEW HALL

date”

Daily Press Editor

JURISDICTION Originally published on December 4. The dispute over what the ruling means for the future of the airport is ongoing with the city contemplating an appeal.

The City of Santa Monica is required to operate the Santa Monica Airport until 2023 according to a ruling by the Federal Aviation Administration.

The FAA issued a ruling on Dec. 4 regarding the so called “Part 16” hearing that states Santa Monica is obligated to keep SMO open until 2023 based assurances connected to a federal money the city accepted in 2003.

The case centered on a claim by national aviation associations and individuals that the City of Santa Monica was in violation of its agreement with the FAA by stating its obligations to the Federal Government expired in 2014.

City officials had filed a motion to dismiss the case claiming the complaints lacked standing to file a case, failed to state a claim, failed to engage in good faith efforts to resolve the matter informally and that the FAA lacked jurisdiction.

In denying the City’s motion, the Director outlined several reasons for the validity of the case.

FAILURE TO STATE A CLAIM

“If the date proffered by the complainants were correct, the City’s declaration would constitute an express repudiation of the contract. The FAA finds that in the unusual case in which the sponsor expressly and unequivocally declared that the grant agreement expired, and where a reasonable counterargument exists, it is well within the FAA’s authority to rule upon this limited but threshold issue by clarifying the expiration date. We decline to dismiss this Complaint on the grounds that it fails to state a claim.”

STANDING

“Assuming the assurances are in fact in effect, the stability and fundamental ground rules the assurances create are undermined by the City’s repudiation, particularly given the current position of the City Commission, which, regardless of whether the Council has taken action yet, appears to lean towards a full or partial closure. We find the Complainants are directly and substantially affected by the uncertainty of the grant expiration date and have standing to bring this Complaint seeking clarification of that

“Section 16.1 is very broad and conveys jurisdiction where a complaint is filed under any of the listed authorities. Here, the Complaint has been filed under the authority of ‘the assurances and other Federal obligations contained in a grant-in-aid agreement issued under the Airport and Airway Improvement Act of 1982 (AAIA).’

Therefore, we find jurisdiction exists.”

GOOD FAITH EFFORTS

“The City’s position on the expiration date is clear and unlikely to be voluntarily reversed. The Complainants are not required to conduce continued informal resolution efforts when it appears clear that the City’s position on the expiration date is longstanding and fixed.”

In addition to disputing the Complainants right to bring the case, City Hall had argued that the timeline for grant assurances began in 1994, not 2003.

According to the FAA, Santa Monica received $1,604,700 for planning, airport development or noise program implementation in 1994. Projects funded by the grant were completed in 1996 however the city applied for, and received, an additional $240,600 in 2003.

In their letter, the FAA states that acceptance of grant money includes rules that must be followed by grant recipients and that the FAA would not issue grants without assurances the money would be spent in a way that provides benefits to the community.

Those rules state “The terms, conditions and assurances of the grant agreement shall remain in full force and effect throughout the useful life of the facilities developed or equipment acquired for an airport development or noise compatibility program project, or throughout the useful life of the project items installed within a facility under a noise compatibility program project but in any event not to exceed twenty (20) years from the date of the acceptance of a grant offer of Federal funds for the project.”

The extra money was used to pay for a new blast wall. Both sides agree the wall went into service in 2002 and the city’s argument was that accepting the additional money did not restart the 20-year clock first started in 1994. City Hall’s arguments include a contention that the original document included

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Originally published on on April 25. Haggen’s expansion failed. The company eventually withdrew from the market, selling many of its newly acquired stores as part of a bankruptcy filing. Haggen and Albertsons are currently engaged in legal disputes over the original purchase. Gelson’s has purchased the Santa Monica location.

It’s Auf Wiedersehen Albertsons and hello Haggen on Lincoln Boulevard.

Albertsons closed at 6 p.m. April 23 and Haggen officially opens April 25. The store has new branding, new products and will continue to evolve in the coming weeks.

Grocery giants Safeway and Albertsons announced plans to merge last year. As part of the regulatory approval of the deal, the combined company was forced to sell some of its stores, including the Albertsons in Santa Monica.

Haggen, a then-small grocery chain in based in Washington state, said it would purchase 146 of those excess stores, growing its company from 18 stores with 16 pharmacies to 164 stores with 106 pharmacies; from 2,000 employees to more than 10,000 employees.

At the corporate level, the takeover is happening over several months. Haggen will convert the 83 stores across California in March, April and May. The 26 Washington store conversions began in mid-February, and 20 Oregon store conversions began in mid-March. The seven Nevada and 10 Arizona stores will be the last to convert in late spring. Each week, between one and 12 stores will be converted.

However, at the local level, the changes begin with a sprint and end in a marathon.

“There’s a lot we can do in 40 hours,” said Haggen Pacific Southwest CEO Bill Shaner.

“Customers will see new signs, decor, we’ll freshen the store, we’ll de-clutter the store, change the ancillary displays, make it a little easier, a little more open and bright. There will be three times the number of organic produce items and an awesome produce department that I know customers will be impressed with. We have an emphasis on organic produce and wide variety of that.

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authorization for additional money that nothing in the amendment indicated it would be considered a new agreement, that a prior settlement with the FAA governed the extension of grant assurances, that the terms were unclear and when there is ambiguity, the law should favor the city The ruling acknowledges the city first accepted money in 1994.

“Had nothing else happened, the not-toexceed date for the grant assurances would have been June 29, 2014, the date that the city argues is, in fact, the actual expiration date,” reads the document. “Complainants, however, observe that this is not the last date on which grant funds were accepted by the city.”

The ruling states the FAA is required by congress to adhere to its grant assurance rules when issuing money and those rules begin when money is accepted. By reopening the previously closed grant to take the new cash, the FAA said the clock was reset, as the amendment became functionally a new agreement above and beyond the original terms.

“Upon acceptance of an offer of Federal funds for an (Airport Improvement Project), the assurances become a binding contractual obligation between the airport sponsor and the Federal Government,” said the ruling.

The Director rejected the city’s contention that it did not understand the terms of the agreement citing multiple previous interactions between the FAA, state regulators and the City as evidence the city should have had the experience by this point to understand the agreement.

In addressing the claim that a 1984 settlement overrode the grant assurance, the FAA stated the settlement’s authority was specifically limited to grant agreements prior to 1995 and that the settlement also states compliance with a 20 year timeline is mandatory from the date a grant was accepted.

Claims that when language is unclear and it should favor the city were also rejected.

The FAA cited precedent for favoring its own interpretation of the language and said the grant assurances are specific in their language that the not-to-exceed date is tied to “a offer” not the “original offer.”

Airport supporters said the ruling would limit any efforts to alter operations at SMO. “It’s not a surprise to us,” said Bill

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OpinionCommentary 4

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2015

Santa Monica Forward

By Forward.

This was the first of a series of articles on housing in Santa Monica written by Santa Monica Forward. The series went on to include columns on workforce housing, permanent supportive housing, the role of Development Agreements in producing affordable housing, and the importance of providing housing for all income levels.

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The Santa Monica Daily Press publishes Monday - Saturday with a circulation of 10,000 on weekdays and 11,000 on the weekend. The Daily Press is adjudicated as a newspaper of general circulation in the County of Los Angeles and covers news relevant to the City of Santa Monica. The Daily Press is a member of the California Newspaper Publisher’s Association, the National Newspaper Association and the Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce. The paper you’re reading this on is composed of 100% post consumer content and the ink used to print these words is soy based.

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The truth about affordable housing in Santa Monica Originally published on July 14

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of showing their commitment to affordable housing at the ballot box. From the passage of Rent Control in 1979 to the 1990 passage of Proposition R, which requires that 30 percent of all new housing units produced in the city annually be affordable to low and moderate income people, we continue to support the building and protecting homes for low wage workers and seniors and the disabled on fixed incomes.

What does affordable housing mean in Santa Monica? Who pays for it? Who develops and manages it? And who can live there?

Answering these questions is important because there is a great deal of confusion and resulting misinformation circulating, particularly in cyberspace.

The definition of Affordable Housing used by the City is contained in state law.

The legal definition is housing which is affordable to, and occupied by, individuals and families of low and moderate income.

According to the state, low-income households are defined as those with annual income below 80 percent of Area Median Income (AMI). Moderate-income households are those with annual income between 80 percent and 120 percent of AMI. AMI’s for all areas of the country are published annually by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. State law also sets forth a formula for the maximum gross rents that can be charged for affordable units, which is again tied to the AMI for the area. Generally, the state says that people living in affordable housing should not pay more than 30 percent of their income to rent.

Santa Monica applies this legal definition to all affordable housing it finances and to private mixed-income housing in which the developer pays the cost of providing the affordable units. But our city goes a step further.

For Los Angeles County, the AMI is about $63,000 a year for a family of four, with adjustments for household size. Santa Monica defines “low-income household” as one that makes less than 60 percent of AMI (not the 80 percent prescribed by the State); a “moderate-income household” is one making not more than 100 percent of AMI (not 120 percent).

Santa Monica has two additional income groups served by its housing: extremely lowincome households ($25,600 per year for a family of four; $17,950 for a one-person household) and very low-income households ($42,700 per year for a family of four; $29,900 for a one-person household). Santa

Monica also sets maximum allowable rents that can be charged for affordable units.

Who in Santa Monica does this housing serve? As we all know, Santa Monica has a very large service sector because of tourists and a resident population that shops, eats in restaurants, and seeks entertainment here.

Santa Monica’s affordable housing meets the needs of lower-wage employees who provide us with these services, eliminating the need for long and stressful commutes. Our affordable housing also serves seniors and disabled people on fixed income.

Who develops, owns and manages Santa Monica’s affordable housing? First, Community Corporation of Santa Monica (CCSM) is the major local nonprofit developer of affordable housing in the city. All their projects are 100-percent affordable; these projects serve families, seniors and the disabled whose incomes are extremely low, very low and low. CCSM finances its housing with public funding. For decades, Santa Monica had a steady stream of money — about $15 million a year — available for nonprofit housing developers like CCSM through its local redevelopment agency funds. That ended in 2012 when the state axed redevelopment in California. Since then, the City has been committed to identifying an alternative and ongoing local funding source.

The other major providers of affordable housing in Santa Monica are private developers who are required to set aside a percentage of the units in their projects as affordable (on-site or off-site) under the City’s Affordable Housing Production Program (AHPP). There is no public money involved in these projects. The cost of providing the affordable housing is borne by the private developer. In both cases, affordable units are deed-restricted to remain affordable for a minimum of 55 years.

So, how is Santa Monica doing in meeting its affordable housing production goals?

Until 2014, very well. Of the 4,710 new housing units produced between 1994 and 2014, 1,884, or 40 percent, were affordable to low- and moderate-income people.

Of these 1,884 units, 1,175 units were affordable to very low- and low-income families and individuals. We exceeded the Prop R requirement of 30 percent.

Interestingly, about 22 percent of these new affordable units were produced by private developers as part of mixed-income housing projects and required no City money. It is also important to know that CCSM has acquired and rehabilitated hundreds of existing rental units as long-term affordable housing. Since Prop R only addresses new units, these existing units are not included in the overall count.

Finding new funding sources after the end of redevelopment and supporting the development of new affordable housing through supportive zoning regulations is now a challenge being faced by all members SEE FORWARD PAGE 7

OPINIONS EXPRESSED are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of the Santa Monica Daily Press staff. Guest editorials from residents are encouraged, as are letters to the editor. Letters will be published on a space-available basis. It is our intention to publish all letters we receive, except those that are libelous or are unsigned. Preference will be given to those that are e-mailed to editor@smdp.com. All letters must include the author’s name and telephone number for purposes of verification. All letters and guest editorials are subject to editing for space and content.

OpinionCommentary Visit us online at www.smdp.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2015

5

Your column here

By David Sayen

Send comments to editor@smdp.com

Celebrating 50 years of Medicare and Medicaid Originally published on July 11 IT’S EASY TO FORGET THAT BEFORE 1966,

roughly half of all American seniors were uninsured, living in fear that the high cost of health care could plunge not only them, but their families, into poverty. Few of us remember that not long ago, far too many disabled people, families with children, pregnant women, and low-income working Americans were unable to afford the medical care they needed to stay healthy and productive.

Fifty years ago, on July 30, 1965, the landscape of health care in America changed forever when President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the landmark amendment to the Social Security Act that gave life to the Medicare and Medicaid programs.

Medicare and Medicaid save lives, help people live longer, and provide the peace of mind that comes with affordable health care that’s there when you need it. Chances are, you or someone in your family either has Medicare or Medicaid or you know someone who does. In fact, Medicare and Medicaid cover nearly 1 out of every 3 Americans‚ that’s well over 100 million people.

Marking the 50th anniversary of these lifesaving programs this summer gives us an important opportunity to recognize and remember the ways these programs transformed the delivery of health care in the United States.

Fifty years later, no other program has changed the lives of Americans more than Medicare and Medicaid.

Today, about 55 million Americans depend on Medicare to cover 23 types of preventive services, including flu shots and diabetes screenings (some of these services are free; for others you have a deductible and a small copayment.) Medicare also covers hospital stays, doctor bills, lab tests, supplies like wheelchairs and walkers, and prescription drugs.

Medicaid provides comprehensive coverage to more than 70 million eligible children, pregnant women, low-income adults

HAGGEN FROM PAGE 3

DAVID SAYEN is Medicare’s regional administrator for Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada and the Pacific Territories. You can always get answers to your Medicare questions by calling 1800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).

ural products and items associated with stores like Whole Foods.

Shaner said Santa Monica is a great fit for their model as customers put a premium on quality and that the local stores will evolve to fit their customers.

“We will listen and be responsive,” he said. “We’re big enough that we’ve got some economies of scale but we can be responsive to our customers. That’s one of our values.

We’re going to be listening to what our customers tell us.”

While changes will be made, one stalwart feature will be the staff.

“We’re proud to continue employing all the wonderful associates our customers look for when they shop and offering shoppers the essential items they need, specialty items they want, and locally relevant items that reflect the community,” Shaner said.

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salads in the deli department, a little higher quality, higher-grade products; in the meat, more grass-fed beef, natural pork and freerange chicken and much wider variety in the fresh departments.”

He said the initial burst would take the store to about the figurative 40-yard line with the remaining distance to be covered in incremental changes in the coming weeks.

Shaner describes Haggen as a hybrid grocery store. The company sources locally whenever possible‚ its seafood case will be stocked by Santa Monica Seafood‚ and values organic products throughout, but it also carries name-brand items. Customers can find Oreos and Cheerios, but they will also have access to a much wider selection of nat-

and people living with disabilities. It covers essential services like annual check-ups, care for new and expecting mothers, and dental care for kids from low-income families.

Medicare and Medicaid provide more and more Americans with access to the quality and affordable health care they need and deserve to live happy, healthy, and productive lives. Though they started as basic health programs for people who had no other access to health coverage, Medicare and Medicaid have helped millions get access to care they wouldn’t get otherwise.

Over the course of five decades, Medicare and Medicaid have become the standard bearers for coverage, quality, and innovation in American health care.

Innovative and dedicated teams are combating fraud and working to continually improve the quality of life and care delivered under these programs. Medicare and Medicaid are among the most efficient and well-managed health insurance programs in the world. They will continue to transform to create a health care system that delivers better care, spends health care dollars more wisely, and results in healthier people.

President Johnson would be heartened to know that the hard-fought efforts to improve our health care system have not only succeeded, but that America is on track to give even better access, higher quality care, and improved health for the next 50 years and beyond.

How has Medicare or Medicaid (or both) helped your life or that of someone you care about? Whether you’ve just enrolled or have been covered for decades, we’d love to hear from you. You can share your Medicare or Medicaid story through our Medicare.gov website, or connect with us on Twitter or our just-launched Facebook page.

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Press

Case against O’Connor forwarded to County District Attorney

eases explain fare incr

BY MATTHEW HALL Daily Press Editor

against Complaints Pam O’Connor Councilwoman vist organization acti filed by a local Los warded to the y’s have been for rict Attorne Dist y ount C Angeles . office for review Coalition for The Santa Monicacomplaint last a a Livable City filed’Connor alleging O month against City Charter in violations of the the firing of ith connection w at least one part and to Elizabeth Riel int has been sent of that compla the county. a position with Riel was offered onica in 2014, M the City of Santa offer rescinded the iel only to have day of work. R before her first the case was setsued the city and SEE SMCLC

File Photo

CHANGES

Bus. the Big Blue increases at impending fare y to discuss goal is to at the Main Librar staff report, the ng on Sept. 10 According to the media and limit the will be a meeti COM ING: There tions to the

ovide connec incentivize prepaidansactions as a means of campaign to pr nt of cash tr Light Rail Line. ently, cash cusupcoming Expo and bring some if its amou efficiency. Curr to of 23 seconds To offset costs regional averages, the increasing take an average s take less than ts inline with $1.25 tomers o oduc t pr $0.25 y prepaid customer Blue b ig up for the B fare will increase increase to $2.50 board while Prices are going e holding a public base es s use far onds. sec ess 4 fares ride. Expr ent of customer als ar urrently, 2 perc Bus and offici 10 to preview changes per cent increase), seniors/disabled to passC “ ide 13-r use ease ent (50 cent y passes, 2 perc meeting on Sept. d, tokens will incr ill be unchange ease), day passes are 30-da cent use day passes, and 1 per c feedback. and hear publi a meeting from 6-7:30 w to es, 3 per (25 cent incr staff report. “Thesee Santa $1.25 BBB will host ide ticket increases to use tokens,” said the rent prepaid far hanged, the 13-r ain Librar y (601 goes centages of cur ributable to the p.m. at the M update customers on its unc ($2 increase), a 30-day pass att y pass low per to ser v ice $14 , a youth 30-da 30- media use are directly Monica Blvd.) and ease) es t decr upda ($10 e $50 express 6 proposed far ($2 decrease), an SEE PRICE PAGE g drops to $38 to $89 ($9 increase). A new changes.

BBB will be addin increases e for $14.

According to staff,vice over the next 12 day will be availabl e ser lling 7-day pass n of Blue ro 11 percent mor t of the Evolutio months as par

BY MATTHEW HALL Daily Press Editor

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WHEN BAD THINGS HAPPEN TO GOOD PEOPLE BECAUSE OF THE CARELESSNESS OR NEGLIGENCE OF OTHERS.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2015

CRASH FROM PAGE 1

tells me that the plane just went down and sure enough: Beautiful yellow plane.”

Airport Administrator Stelios Makrides said the plane performed an emergency landing on the golf course and sources at the airport, who asked not to be named, said that Ford had received a post take-off call to return to the runway.

Ford was taken to the hospital and originally reported to be in critical condition by the Los Angeles Fire Department.

“There were two doctors on the scene and they were giving him first aid,” Teba said.

“He had a massive gash on his forehead.”

Eli Karon, a real estate agent who works in the area, said he witnessed authorities responding to the crash.

“I raced down and saw them pull a gentleman out of the plane and try to get him stable,” he said.

The Los Angeles and Santa Monica fire departments responded to the crash.

Ford was transported to a local hospital in fair-to-moderate condition, according to Los Angeles Fire Asst. Chief Patrick Butler.

He was alert, conscious and breathing.

Butler said single-engine plane crashes often cause deaths.

“We are very thankful that it’s an area … that didn’t impact residences,” he said.

“These generally turn out quite traumatic.”

Ford was the only occupant and no one else was injured.

The National Transportation and Safety Board is now leading the investigation.

The actor known for piloting the Millennium Falcon in “Star Wars,” a floatplane in “Indian Jones” and a spinner in “Blade Runner” has been active in the fight to keep the airport open.

Last year, he and numerous other tenants of the airport filed a complaint challenging the often-disputed end date of an agreement that dictates who controls its 227 acres.

Ford also contributed tens of thousands of dollars to a campaign that was ultimately rejected by voters but would have lessened City Council’s control over the land.

The airport has long been a bone of con-

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tention for area residents who complain about the noise and pollution caused by the aircraft taking off and landing. Many neighbors fear for their safety, as the short runway is located about 300 feet from homes.

In July 2010, Robert R. Davenport, 60, died after crashing a single-engine Cessna 152 near the eighth hole of Penmar Golf Course. The plane had just taken off from the airport.

In 2013, four people were killed after a jet veered off the airport runway, slamming into a hangar and catching fire. The NTSB has not concluded its investigation as to why that crash occurred.

In 1970, Santa Monica City Councilmember Ken Wamsley was killed after his plane hit a house in the area near the golf course.

“We are grateful there was no loss of life,” Mayor Kevin McKeown said of Ford’s crash.

“Coincidentally, today I received a letter from an aviation consultant urging pilots to fly additional and unnecessary flights over Santa Monica neighborhoods, apparently as political pressure. This madness must stop.”

Airport Commission Chair David Goddard, a vocal opponent of the airport, said the crash could have been even more disastrous if happened in a busier place.

“Generally, the public is concerned about the planes operating over a densely populated area,” he said. “The city is well aware of the risks associated with operating an airport there.”

A key deadline looms for the future of SMO. On July 1, the expiration of a 1984 agreement between the Federal Aviation Administration and City Hall is expected to give the latter more control of the airport.

Council may choose to close a portion of the runway, making it less attractive to pilots.

The Airport Commission recently asked council to raise airport leases to market rate and keep the terms month-to-month.

Currently, commissioners said, some aviation tenants are paying vastly reduced rates.

Some airport opponents have referred to this as a strangulation policy‚ making the airport less attractive to pilots rather than shutting it down.

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ACCIDENT FROM PAGE 1

Olympic Boulevard while the motorized scooter, carrying the victim and a passenger, was traveling northbound on 26th Street at about 8:52 p.m.

“As the driver proceeded westbound through the intersection on a green light, he was unable to avoid striking the driver and passenger of the scooter, who entered into the intersection against a red light,” the statement reads.

Authorities said the driver, a 73-year-old man from Los Angeles, remained at the scene and cooperated. There was no evidence of drugs or alcohol.

“Our hearts and thoughts go out to Leo’s family and friends during this sad time,” Samohi principal Eva Mayoral said in a statement. “Many of us also knew Leo as a JAMS student and losing a member of our Samo and SMMUSD family is just devastating to all of us.”

Castillo’s friend is in critical condition, according to the school district. The friend’s

TRAIN FROM PAGE 1

was complaining of minor injuries. The truck driver was transported to a hospital with minor injuries, Lt. Richard Lewis said.

Santa Monica police are looking into the accident and the investigation is ongoing.

Officials from the Santa Monica Fire Department, Los Angeles County Sheriff ’s Department and Metro also responded to the scene.

Colorado Avenue was temporarily closed between Lincoln Boulevard and 6th Street, and surrounding roads were heavily congested Thursday afternoon. Officials urged motorists to avoid the area while the train was nudged back onto the tracks and driven out of the area.

Expo trains have been undergoing tests along the extended track from Culver City to Santa Monica in recent months. The extended line is expected to be open to passengers by mid-2016, although it’s unclear whether Thursday’s accident will impact the timeline.

More Expo Line testing is scheduled for Dec. 14-18, according to a City of Santa Monica update.

The 15.2-mile, $2.5-billion Expo project includes three stations in Santa Monica, including the western terminus at Colorado Avenue and 4th Street. Much of the funding is coming through Measure R, a sales tax initiative that Los Angeles County voters approved in 2008.

City Manager Rick Cole said recently that Santa Monica police are working with other public safety agencies to prepare for Expo’s arrival. He said there are numerous potential violations associated with the forthcoming transit option, including walking on the track, driving on the track and making illegal turns along track-adjacent roads.

“We have a lot of education and some

FORWARD

name was not released.

District officials have alerted teachers and students and notified parents about the fatal crash, spokeswoman Gail Pinsker said. They have also reached out to Castillo’s parents to support “in any way they can during this difficult time.”

Grief counseling was available to students and staff in the library Monday, and additional support was offered to students, families and community members Monday evening at Virginia Avenue Park.

Students and others took to social media to express their condolences.

“Didn’t know Leo but he’s a Viking so regardless he’s family and we should all send a prayer to him and his family,” Zane Spielman wrote Monday on Twitter. “ … take care of your self up there,” Ashley Castillo tweeted.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Investigator Jason Olson at (310) 458-8954, Sgt. Phillbo Rubish at (310) 458-8950 or the Santa Monica Police Department at (310) 458-8495.

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enforcement to do,” he said. “Obviously our emphasis is going to be on education, but in order to protect people’s lives when the trains begin running seriously, we’re going to have to be very vigilant to enforce the law to protect people’s safety both on the train and on the street.”

Santa Monica Fire has been actively preparing for Expo’s arrival. SMFD has been participating in tabletop exercises with other agencies like Metro, SMPD and Public works. Deputy Chief Tom Clemo said firefighters have worked through 13 different kinds of Expo incident including train. vs. vehicle accidents, train vs. pedestrian, terrorist attacks, overcrowding at train stations, fires on a train or at a station and several law enforcement scenarios.

Two Santa Monica trucks have been outfitted with specialized equipment capable of lifting a derailed train and Clemo said one truck is located on each side of the track.

He said the timing of SMFD’s training was fortuitous as firefighters were actively training on Expo incidents Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday prior to the Thursday accident. He said this week’s training focused on how to control a train with activities like stabilizing the trains, removing the power sources and accessing control panels.

The combined training showed results Thursday with all the relevant agencies working together at the scene.

“With fire and police, there’s a critical integration with Metro that went very well today,” he said.

Earlier Thursday, the Metro Blue Line was suspended after a body was found under the train in the 4100 block of South Long Beach Avenue, south of downtown Los Angeles.

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FROM PAGE 4

of the Santa Monica community. We are confident that the commitment that our community has shown over the years to social justice through the provision of

Leslie Lambert, Judy Abdo, Jason Islas, Cynthia Rose, Craig Hamilton and Ernie Powell for Santa Monica Forward. Read previous columns at www.santamonicaforward.org/news.

SEE NEWS HAPPENING OR HAVE SOMETHING TO REPORT? CALL US TODAY (310)

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Santa Monica Nativity Scenes

Multiple life-sized scenes proclaiming the story of Christmas are on display through January 6, 2016 at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church, along Maple and 14th Streets, Santa Monica.

Donations to support this 62-year traditon may be sent to: Santa Monica Nativity Scenes Committee, P.O. Box 0648, Santa Monica, CA 90406 • www.santamonicanativityscenes.org

Local THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2015

S U R F

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Crime Watch is culled from reports provided by the Santa Monica Police Department.

These are arrests only. All parties are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

SANTA MONICA PIER BURGLARY SUSPECTS NOT WEARING PANTS Originally published on July 16.

On July 7 at approximately 5:45 a.m., Santa Monica police officers responded to a radio call regarding a burglary at a restaurant located on the Santa Monica Pier. Upon arrival, officers were directed to the kitchen where they encountered two males arguing with another male, later identified as the manager. A witness said he saw the two subjects walk in and he believed they were vendors so he did not question them. It was when he noticed that they were barefoot and not wearing pants when he contacted the manager.

When the manager confronted the subjects, both were carrying bottles of liquor and they stated they were just looking for the exit because they were waiting for a cab. Arrested for commercial burglary were Nelson Tomas, 25, of North Carolina, and Pete Costello, 23, of Tennessee. Bail was set at $20,000.

DRIVER FOUND SLUMPED OVER STEERING WHEEL WITH OPEN BEER H G>BEE L:GM: FHGB< : H G>BEE L:GM: FHGB< *,* ;KH:=P:R L:GM: FHGB<: % <: 2)-)* / . 0' 1 . 2 ' , 0 +*

SURF FORECASTS THURSDAY – POOR TO FAIR – SURF: 2-3 ft thigh to chest high More WNW-NW swell due. Watching PM winds - looking okay to start the day.

WATER TEMP: 60.0°

Originally published on Feb. 26 On Feb. 14 at approximately 8:36 p.m., an officer was dispatched to the 1400 block of Ocean Avenue for a report of a person down. Upon arriving on the scene, the officer found the subject, later identified as Jonathan Llamas, 19, of Santa Clarita, was found slumped over sleeping in the driver’s seat of his car, the engine running and holding an open beer bottle. A female subject was found in the passenger seat of the vehicle. While inspecting the vehicle, the officer found empty beer bottles in the rear of the vehicle. The subject was then asked to exit the vehicle and as he exited the vehicle, the odor of alcohol emitted from his breath and person. When asked by the officer if he had anything to drink, Llamas replied that he had two beers and a Xanax. Further investigation also led to the subject stating that he had no driver’s license. Based on the officer’s observations, he formed the opinion that Llamas may have been operating a motor vehicle under the influence of an alcoholic beverage/drugs and a field sobriety test was conducted.

The officer later determined that Llamas had two outstanding warrants for sexual assault and vehicle theft. He was booked for DUI combination alcohol/drugs, suspended license and two warrants. No bail was issued.

FRIDAY – POOR TO FAIR – SURF: 2-3 ft Knee to chest high WNW-NW swell mix continues. Watching winds.

WNW-NW swell mix drops. Offshores?

AIRPORT FROM PAGE 3

Worden. “Some people go to court to find out what the law says, others go to see it enforced. We had every reason to believe the FAA would rule 2023.”

He said the grant assurances would likely override efforts to limit fuel sales on site, remove airport tenants from their leases or alter the runway.

“What becomes one of the questions is how long will the city piss all their money away on this frivolous lawsuits and wasting all their time,” he said.

Santa Monica officials criticized the FAA for delaying the ruling and continued to dispute their findings.

“The FAA’s decision is inconsistent with best grant management practices,” said Nelson Hernandez, Senior Advisor for Airport Affairs. “In the meantime, we will continue to take every action necessary to

promote the health and safety of our residents.”

Mayor Kevin McKeown said the ruling fails to address public concerns over the airport. “It is highly unfortunate, though hardly surprising given its past actions, that yet again the FAA favors aviation interests to the detriment of the health and safety of the families that live near the Airport,” he said.

City Attorney Marsha Moutrie said appeal options would be considered.

“The decision from the FAA is no surprise, particularly since the FAA gets to be essentially its own judge and jury,” she said.

“Once we have had time to carefully review the Director’s Determination, we will make recommendations to the City Council. This decision is not yet final. There are two more levels of appeal within the FAA, followed by judicial review in the federal court of appeals.” editor@smdp.com

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Sudoku Fill in the blank cells using numbers 1 to 9. Each number can appear only once in each row, column, and 3x3 block. Use logic and process of elimination to solve the puzzle. The difficulty level ranges from (easiest) to (hardest).

GETTING STARTED There are many strategies to solving Sudoku. One way to begin is to examine each 3x3 grid and figure out which numbers are missing. Then, based on the other numbers in the row and column of each blank cell, find which of the missing numbers will work.

Eliminating numbers will eventually lead you to the answer.

SOLUTIONS TO YESTERDAY’S PUZZLE

King Features Syndicate

TODAY IN HISTORY – Apollo program: The crew of Apollo 8 enters into orbit around the Moon, becoming the first humans to do so. They performed ten lunar orbits and broadcast live TV pictures.

– The oil company Phillips Petroleum made the first oil discovery in the Norwegian sector of North Sea. – Nigerian troops capture Umuahia, the last Biafran capital before its dissolution became Owerri – District of Columbia Home Rule Act is passed, allowing residents of Washington, D.C. to elect their own local government.

1968 1969 1969 1973

– Cyclone Tracy devastates Darwin, Australia.

– The first European Ariane rocket is

1974 1979 1980 launched.

– Witnesses report the first of several sightings of unexplained lights near RAF Woodbridge, in Rendlesham Forest, Suffolk, England, United Kingdom, an incident called “Britain’s Roswell”.

– Air France Flight 8969 is hijacked on the ground at Houari Boumediene Airport, Algiers, Algeria. Over the course of three days three passengers are killed, as are all four terrorists.

1994

Comics & Stuff 10

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2015

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USE YOUR INSTINCTS, LIBRA ARIES (March 21-April 19)

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

★★★★ As you put the final touches on holiday

★★★★ You could be at a point where you want to run away. Don’t worry -- you won’t need to.

Recognize how close to the finish line you are.

You could be delighted by what someone at a distance decides to share. Expect a fast turnaround with your feelings. Tonight: Use your instincts.

preparations, you might feel more discomfort than you thought possible. Someone close to you might be asking for a certain amount of attention, but you could be too busy. Keep communication flowing anyway. Tonight: Get into the moment.

Speed Bump

By Dave Coverly

Strange Brew

By John Deering

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) TAURUS (April 20-May 20) ★★★ Curb a tendency to be overly possessive or too touchy. Step back, and allow a loved one to run with the moment. You might have some lastminute details to take care of, which actually could make or break someone’s holiday. Tonight: Indulge a loved one rather than withdraw.

★★★★★ Understand what needs to happen between you and someone else. Once the two of you click, you won’t want to separate, even if you have been in each other’s lives for a while. Do what you want for at least a little while; it’s your holiday too! Tonight: Beam in what you want.

Dogs of C-Kennel

By Mick and Mason Mastroianni

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) GEMINI (May 21-June 20) ★★★★★ You’ll watch others’ reactions as the holiday season starts playing out. A family member seems to be more upbeat than he or she has been in a substantial period of time. How you indulge this person will make all the difference in what goes down. Tonight: All smiles.

★★★★ You won’t want to cause any uproar, as it’s the holiday season and bridges are mending.

Others observe your attitude and like what they see. You still might be upset about a matter that you have not discussed yet. Make a point of doing so in the near future. Tonight: Make plans.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) CANCER (June 21-July 22) ★★★ Understand what is going on with others.

This holiday season has presented situations where you have needed to play a lesser role. You have experienced a certain amount of anxiety or discomfort regarding this change. Remain positive. Tonight: Life is about to get much livelier.

★★★ You might wind up being responsible for a bit too much. You do such a good job when others delegate errands to you that you could get stuck with too much on your plate. Try to say “no” more often. News heads your way that delights you. Tonight: You know the drill.

Garfield

By Jim Davis

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) ★★★★ Start a conversation with someone whom you experience tension around. Get over the hump by allowing each of you to relax and connect. You might be spending a lot on a lastminute item that you have decided you want to purchase. Tonight: With your loved ones.

★★★★★ You’ll feel like a kid, no matter what age you are. You could hit a snafu with a misunderstanding. Maintain a positive outlook. You will witness what happens when you smile more.

Others are likely to return the same type of friendliness. Tonight: Get into your Santa gear.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20) VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) ★★★★ You might feel as if nearly anything is possible. You could find your interactions with someone in your daily life to be much easier.

This person could be a boss, parent or older friend. Wherever you are, avoid taking on more responsibility. Tonight: A force to be dealt with.

Thursday, December 24, 2015

★★★ You could be in a position of having to accept what is happening, even if it upsets you.

You will opt for the well-being of the group instead of just yourself. Your caring ways will touch many people, and you will have time for a discussion in a few days. Tonight: Not too late.

The Meaning of Lila

By John Forgetta & L.A. Rose

JACQUELINE BIGAR’S STARS The stars show the kind of day you’ll have: ★★★★★Dynamic ★★ So-So ★★★★ Positive ★ Difficult ★★★ Average

This year you express unique versatility, which is likely to enchant many people around you. Your reputation as a very serious person could lose some of its power, but don’t worry about it. You will become more likable! If you are single, someone from a very different culture strolls into your life. This relationship could be more important than you realize. If you are attached, the two of you will schedule a long-discussed trip. As a couple, you could opt to take the next step in your relationship. GEMINI’s chatter sometimes annoys you.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2015

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