LETTERS
Re: Reckoning with Our Past to Change Our Future.
Thank you for publishing Dr. Miskolcze’s Op-Ed “Reckoning With Our Past to Change Our Future.” Through the 1960s, El Segundo was well-known as a “sundown town” where Black people found within city limits after sundown would often be harassed or attacked. And many
in El Segundo live in homes that still carry (now-unenforceable) covenants that restrict occupancy to those “of the white or Caucasian race.” For those aware of this history, it is not surprising to learn the lengths to which white El Segundo residents went to prevent the establishment of Titus Alexander’s Black beach resort. The current racial makeup of El
Segundo and the town’s persistent issues with racial profiling flow directly from this legacy. It, of course, would be unfair to say that progress has not been made in El Segundo since the city thwarted a Black man’s plans for a resort adjacent to its shores. El Segundo continues to diversify with each census count, the city council recently created a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion committee; and groups like ours, El Segundo for Black Lives, have mobilized fellow residents to join in our commitment to make El Segundo a more welcoming place for our Black neighbors, friends and family.
This path to progress, however, remains fraught with roadblocks to achieving true equality. For instance, this past summer, nearly 100 years after Titus Alexander, a woman—in a now viral video— unleashed a vicious racist tirade against three Black joggers at the very beach where Alexander had planned to open his resort. The woman in the video went on to openly weaponize the police against the three Black women, falsely claiming on a 911 call that she had been assaulted.
Yet, when these disgraceful
incidents happen today—more and more—we see that the rebuke of such racist behavior and the demand for justice grow stronger. In this case, the El Segundo mayor and police department both released statements condemning the actions of the woman and asserted that El Segundo is a city for all people from all walks of life. But bold words such as these must be met with bolder action. We hope that with this newfound reckoning finally comes lasting and meaningful change that will ensure a brighter future for all Black lives in El Segundo.
John Pickhaver, Co-Head of Communications El Segundo for Black Lives
Dear Editor, Advocates for the Ballona Wetlands appreciate the Argonaut’s dedicating space to this issue of local and regional importance and we hope that continues. The original opinion piece on this topic, (“Gov. Newsom Shouldn’t Bulldoze LA’s Ballona Wetlands,” November 11), included criticisms of the current restoration
plans that our organization generally agrees with but which may benefit from further clarity. We do not believe that SoCalGas is the primary driver of the restoration plans, as the original opinion piece seemed to suggest, but the evidence does clearly show that SoCalGas is exploiting those plans as a means to garner support for the modernization of their aging infrastructure, which they have admitted will reduce their operating expenses.
Everyone who values these wetlands would like the gas infrastructure to be gone, but a plan that expressly includes the drilling of new wells may be more environmentally harmful in the long term, given the growing political support for phasing out the facility entirely. Loyola Marymount University and Friends of Ballona Wetlands both receive tens of thousands of dollars in grant money from SoCalGas and have both shown a willingness to repeat the company’s PR narratives. Accordingly, it was not a surprise that representatives of those two entities strenuously objected to the original opinion piece.
LOS ANGELES WORLD AIRPORTS (LAWA)
INVITES YOU TO A VIRTUAL PUBLIC MEETING
LAX Airfield and Terminal Modernization Project and the Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2020 • 5:30 to 7:30 PM
The Project: The LAX Airfield and Terminal Modernization Project is a continuation of LAWA’s commitment to maintain LAX as a world-class airport. The project consists of several elements including airfield improvements, new concourse and terminal facilities, and an improved system of roadways.
The Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR): The draft EIR is available for review at https://www.lawa.org/ATMP/documents.
The Virtual Meeting: LAWA will be sharing a presentation on the project and the environmental analysis, and allowing time for questions and answers at the meeting. No decisions on the project will be made at the virtual meeting.
Register: You must register to join the virtual public meeting on LAWA’s website at www.lawa.org/ATMP.
Comments on the draft EIR: Questions raised in the meeting will not be considered official comments on the draft EIR. Official comments must be submitted in writing by Feb. 12, 2021. Comments can be submitted online at www.lawa.org/ATMP or sent to: Evelyn Quintanilla, Los Angeles World Airports, P.O. Box 92216, Los Angeles, California 90009-2216 • Phone: (800) 919-3766
We want to hear from you and hope to see you there.
An aerial view of beachfront homeless residents in Venice.
Both LMU and the Friends also have close relationships with Playa Vista, the firm that developed much of what was historically part of the Ballona Wetlands, and both entities also supported a proposed special interest construction project in the ecological reserve that our nonprofit successfully thwarted. In fact, LMU received $450,000 from the entity that wanted to construct that project, which then touted the backing of LMU professors for their ill-advised and ultimately abandoned proposal. There is no question that this ecosystem, which already supports countless species of native plants and animals, can become even more valuable with thoughtful stewardship, which has been sadly lacking since this land was acquired in 2003 with $139 million in public funds.
Both LMU and Friends of Ballona Wetlands could help facilitate objective discussion about how best to achieve this, but they have chosen instead to further misleading narratives and half-truths about the restoration plans to further their narrow interests. Those who sincerely value the Ballona Wetlands as an ecological treasure with unrealized potential should be wary of those whose career interests are so intertwined with corporate and government funding that they seem to have lost any sense of objectivity.
Walter Lamb
Ballona Wetlands Land Trust
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A beautiful Venice Beach sunset.
Can the Holidays Be Saved?
Finding solutions for staying connected during the holidays OPINION: POWER TO SPEAK
By Marcel Gemme
As the holidays approach, many of us already know what we’re doing for Thanksgiving. Or better yet, what we’re not doing. Since COVID-19 hit, life has been different. One of the most noticeable ways is in the lack of closeness with others. Often, these are loved ones like our parents and grandparents.
When this whole thing began, the sacrifices were sudden. But so was the panic, so it felt warranted. Sadly, despite hospitalizations and deaths rising, that sense of urgency is gone for many. Record-breaking day after recordbreaking day, with totals coming in of more than 100,000 new daily cases, has made one thing clear: People are not following the protocols they should be to stop the spread.
One reason for this is that our nation has become divided by politics and this has somehow involved things like health care, science and facts in a polarized debate. Many Americans
currently refute the severity and even existence of COVID-19. Thus, disregarding safety protocols and disease prevention practices has become a way of rebelling against “the other side.”
Adding to the mess, authorities like the CDC have issued muddled guidelines and statements about staying safe. Recently, they’ve posted a guide to navigating COVID
during the holidays on their website. It begins by explaining that the safest options for celebrating with your family are limiting gatherings to only your current household members or having a virtual get-together. They then explain all the different factors to consider should you decide to risk traveling or hosting your non-household family for a more massive celebration.
This is contradictory and a stark difference from how many other countries have handled this pandemic. Perhaps a reason for this is the disproportionately large number of seniors in America. Seniors are not only extremely susceptible to the virus, but they are also more prone to a new phenomenon known as “pandemic fatigue.”
Essentially, the person becomes sick of the precautions and misses their family and everyday life so much that they begin to take unnecessary risks. Everyone can relate to this to some degree.
So, what are we to do? Nobody wants to throw in the towel and cancel Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s. None of us thought back in March that we’d be dealing with this decision right now. Thankfully, there are solutions. Since the pandemic began, technology has adapted. Video calling has come a long way and there are now ways to have multiple people on the same
video call simultaneously. This can feel like everyone is together and is often easier to use than many people think. Younger people in the family can quickly help set this up over the phone or those living in the same household can help someone who’s never dealt with the technology. This pandemic has been exhausting. But let’s not give up. Instead, let’s focus on solutions and what we can do instead of what we can’t.
Power to Speak is The Argonaut’s guest opinion column for community members to voice their views on local matters and does not represent an editorial position or endorsement by The Argonaut. The opinions, experiences, research and data analysis expressed in this article are the author’s own. Have a unique point of view on a neighborhood matter or a national issue with a local twist? Email kkirk@timespublications.com.
Abused by Clergy in California?
Roger Anderson
Pierre Albalaa
Juan Arzube
Gregory Atherton
Kevin P. Barmasse
Honesto Bismonte
Fredrick Balak
Matthias A. Berumen
Robert Boley
John Lawrence Brennan
Roberto Barco
Honorato Cabaong
Lynn Caffoe
Lawrence Brown
Samuel Cabot
David (Laurian) Carrier (Carriere)
Ruben L. Abaya
Michael J. Carroll
Michael D. Buckley
Leonard Abercrombie
Arturo Federico Ahumada
Saving the Planet ‘Kiss the Ground’ is a groundbreaking film about regenerative agriculture
By Caden Sullivan
On November 18, the City of Santa Monica’s Office of Sustainability and the Environment and SustainableWorks presented a free documentary film screening and Q&A on Zoom. The film “Kiss the Ground” was released on Netflix this year and tells the story of regenerative agriculture. The collaborative event was hosted by SustainableWorks co-executive director Gina Garcia and moderated by Sarah Spitz, master gardener at UC Cooperative Extension LA County. The film’s directors, Rebecca and Josh Tickell, were joined by Anthony Myint, Zero Foodprint’s director of partnerships, to answer audience questions after the screening.
Over the course of 80 minutes, “Kiss the Ground” lays out obstacles, incentives and potential effects of regenerative agriculture on our planet.
Narrated by Woody Harrelson, it tells the story of light at the end of the tunnel. As humans have over-tilled, over-plowed and ruined soil with malpractice and chemicals, this new direction for farming is as easy as increasing the levels of carbon below the soil. By adding compost, other organic matter or even live plants to our farming soils, we can create a scalable regulation for carbon levels in our soil and atmosphere. Put simply, our farms need to be living ecosystems—not deserted strips of broken soil.
“Look, if we can move the production agriculture model in the U.S. then we can move it in the world,” Josh says. “And if we can do that, we can heal the planet.”
The Tickells are leading activists in the regenerative movement, although they didn’t start out as filmmakers. Each of them has a unique backstory in environmental activism and Josh also wrote the book “Kiss the Ground.” As activists and authors, it was sometimes difficult for them to visually represent a complex problem on the screen, especially on a microscopic level. During the panel, they described one of their favorite filmmaking moments as the first time they
saw their graphic artist’s representation of global cooling and drawdown.
“That, for me, was a defining moment where I went from despair to hope,” Rebecca shares. “A feeling like I could live life again.”
Regenerative agriculture is a win-win for everyone involved: better soil cultivates better crops. Gaining traction and support for the movement, however, can be difficult. Zero Foodprint is an organization dedicated to making it possible for any consumer to scale regenerative agriculture by partnering with restaurants, encouraging composting and a number of other actions to make the food supply chain carbon neutral.
“When we began in food, climate and conservation work, every solution was kind of like, ‘Do less harm, delay the inevitable, don’t do the thing
you like to do,’” Myint says. “Then you learn about regenerative agriculture and it’s like, ‘Oh, we can eat our way out of
the seven “Action Items” challenge from the panel to the audience. They include:
• Support regenerative farmers by shopping at your local farmers market.
• Start a home garden.
• Compost. Divert food waste in the landfill and supercharge your garden.
• Encourage your favorite restaurant to become a Zero Foodprint business.
• Support organizations that are working towards a sustainable food system.
• Take a class to learn more about soil health and regeneration.
• Get involved in the policymaking process to enact laws to support regenerative agriculture. The panel presented these Action Items prior to showing the film and afterwards surveyed the audience on which ones they would pursue. Three people who answered the survey won raffle prizes, which included a copy of the book “Kiss the Ground,” a gift card to local restaurant Socalo, and a free class on soil health and regeneration. Close to 300 people attended and the survey revealed that 65% of those who answered were likely to support organizations working toward a sustainable food system, 62% were likely to compost and 59% were likely to shop at their local farmers market.
SustainableWorks did a lot of homework to set up this virtual screening and they hoped the film would send a message that Garcia made clear: “If we don’t do anything after absorbing this knowledge, then we really are missing the point. Knowledge isn’t power; it’s only potential power. It becomes power when we use it.”
TAKE ACTION:
• Support SustainableWorks at sustainableworks.org
• Support Kiss the Ground at kisstheground.com
• Support Zero Foodprint at zerofoodprint.org
the climate crisis.’ Why don’t we scale this as quickly as possible?”
Another focus of the event was
• Support the City of Santa Monica’s office of Sustainability and the Environment at smgov.net/departments/ose
On November 18, SustainableWorks hosted a virtual Q&A after the screening of “Kiss the Ground.”
Narrated by Woody Harrelson, ‘Kiss the Ground’ is a movie that reveals the first viable solution to our climate crisis.
Onward With Fish and Wildlife’s Ballona Project!
The plan for Ballona is the only means to accomplish all goals set for Ballona
By Dr. David W. Kay
Contrary to allegations made in Opinion (Nov. 11 Argonaut, “Gov. Newsom Shouldn’t Bulldoze LA’s Ballona Wetlands”), the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s plan for Ballona is the only means to accomplish all of the goals set for Ballona after 20 years and counting of expert studies, exhaustive stakeholder engagement and public dialogue. Any other choice falls short and is settling for half a loaf. The opponents brand bulldozers as villains, conveniently omitting that large-scale earthmoving has been the only practical method for restoring infilled tidelands statewide, including Tijuana Estuary, San Dieguito Lagoon, Bolsa Chica, Malibu Lagoon, Carpinteria, and the list of over 200 projects goes on. At Ballona, 3 million cubic yards of weedy, dry fill dirt dumped from Marina del Rey’s construction must be removed to reclaim any sem-
blance of a functioning tidal wetland at the infilled area. In the course of repurposing this fill, the Fish and Wildlife project creates over 10 miles of new foot and bicycle paths proposed around the fringe of the ecological reserve, as well as modern, vegetated flood control berms to replace Ballona Creek’s massive
concrete slopes.
The familiar opponents, who have neither the facts nor law on their side, always resort to pounding on the table. Their fictional narratives claim the state project will kill thousands of sensitive plants and animals, will harm the public health, destroy groundwater resources,
create a Disneyland amusement park, is a petroleum industry conspiracy, will cause a methane explosion apocalypse and unleash a flood of biblical proportions, washing Playa del Rey into the sea. It’s all just baseless table-pounding.
They also claim it’s too expensive. Not for Los Angeles, it’s not. We’re the greatest city on the entire Pacific Rim. 8 million people live in the region and 2.8 million within a short drive of Ballona. We want and deserve the best. Fish and Wildlife and all state taxpayers want to build us the Wetlands’version of a safe, clean, high-performing and luxurious supercar. The opponents just want to throw a new coat of paint on an old Volvo, one that handles poorly, has no airbags, gets bad gas mileage and pollutes the air.
Sure, the supercar version of Ballona is expensive and it will take longer. So was Bolsa Chica, Malibu, the 405 expansion, the
Mars missions, our Metro Rail expansions, our interstate highways, water supply projects and every other large public benefit project we’ve undertaken. As President Kennedy once remarked, “We choose to do these and all the other things not because they are easy, but because they are hard.” He was and is still right. We shouldn’t ever settle for the old Volvo at Ballona.
Power to Speak is The Argonaut’s guest opinion column for community members to voice their views on local matters and does not represent an editorial position or endorsement by The Argonaut. The opinions, experiences, research and data analysis expressed in this article are the author’s own. Have a unique point of view on a neighborhood matter or a national issue with a local twist? Email kkirk@timespublications.com.
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FOOD & DRINK
Thanksgiving Made Easy
A Venice consultant’s cookbook helps people become more turkey savvy
By Sara Edwards
Venice consultant Jessica Williams’ idea for creating a Thanksgiving cookbook started off with her writing recipes for her son and his cousins. After she told people what she was doing, they began to ask Williams to write her recipes down for them and what her shopping list looked like for Thanksgiving, which made her realize how much of an interest there was in the subject.
“It then became this idea that maybe people could benefit from this, especially for what I call us hyphenated Americans such as Asian-Americans and Latin-Americans,” Williams said. “We always had the rice on the side, noodles, tamales. We didn’t quite get the concept of ‘what is a pure Thanksgiving dinner?’”
Williams released her Thanksgiving cookbook, “Turkey Savvy: How to stuff a bird, feed fortunate guests, and make lifelong memories,” to help take away the mystery and intimidation of cooking a
traditional Thanksgiving dinner.
In her day job, she takes complex concepts, breaks them down and teaches them to other people.
“It kind of became a logical fit with this subject because there are so many steps and ingredients and so forth,” she says.
Williams’ cookbook is a combination of simple Thanksgiving recipes with a shopping list of what to buy for each recipe, and when items should be cooked or prepared. She also includes a layout of all the kitchen tools and utensils needed for each recipe, and color coordinates the pages by the day that each recipe should be prepared.
Before putting together the cookbook, Williams conducted surveys through social media, asking people what their thoughts were on making a turkey dinner, whether they had tried it before and if not, why they hadn’t. The answers she received were pretty surprising.
“People had a lot of fears,” Williams says. “Even if they
could find a recipe, they didn’t know how to follow that recipe and I realized that for a beginner, there were a lot of shortcomings. There’s not enough information for a beginner.”
Williams collaborated with other women across the country to create this simplified turkey day recipe book that not only provides a how-to for cooking, but also a timeline for planning their Thanksgiving dinner, such as buying the turkey on the weekend before or when to make the stuffing ready.
She hired experienced Los Angeles-based collaborators Roseline Seng from Honolulu to design the book, Sofia Monfort from Mexico City to photograph the food, and Nicole Kruzick from Toronto as the food stylist to create the beautiful, simplistic cookbook. Williams said they wanted to go for a darker theme with flat-lay concepts and photos that really highlighted the recipes, making them look realistically similar to what
beginners’ will look like so they know how the final product will appear. Something Williams and her team did in the cookbook was simplify recipes, with some that only require around three or four ingredients.
Williams says people needed that hand-holding aspect when preparing a turkey dinner, something she got from her husband when she was learning. Williams didn’t have her first-ever traditional Thanksgiving until she met him. Having grown up in Hawaii with a Chinese immigrant family, she couldn’t understand why someone would choose turkey, cranberry sauce or green beans when she could choose from her family’s fried oyster rolls, pot stickers or dumplings.
“Some members of my family never fully assimilated, so myself and my son’s generation are the first ones to get that full American experience,” Williams says. “A lot of it was Chinese culture with some stickers on top. It’s a festival
so that means pot stickers, rice and noodles.”
But Williams realized Thanksgiving is more about connecting with family and friends than perfecting the food after she met her husband and experienced that traditional American turkey dinner.
“Thanksgiving isn’t just about feeding your body, it’s about feeding your spirit through the whole activity, whether it’s making one recipe from scratch or any aspect,” Williams says.
“Many people will be celebrating alone this year, so I’m planning on sending care packages to help feed their body and spirit so they know that someone cares and is thinking about them too.”
“Turkey Savvy” is available at savvyfriendspress.com . The website includes a sneak peek of the cookbook, testimonials from Williams’ surveys, and a subscription list that can be used every year when preparing for any Thanksgiving dinner.
Jessica C. Williams’ new book, “Turkey Savvy: How to stuff a bird, feed fortunate guests, and make lifelong memories” offers recipes and checklists, inspirational photos and humorous advice.
Rally Around Local Small Businesses Online
By Leesa Zelken
Prior to March 2020, I operated a local, in-person children’s party business called Send In The Clowns. I was one of many business owners who had never given a thought to what it would look like to take my business online. What was the point; why would anyone want to celebrate a children’s birthday virtually? But, as the stay-at-home orders went into effect in mid-March, the Send In The Clowns team found ourselves with children’s parties booked and no way to deliver. So, we did the only thing we could do–we went virtual. And we haven’t looked back since.
As soon as event restrictions went into place, we began building out a party experience that would allow the show to go on. Within days of posting our new offerings on our Facebook and Instagram pages, we had several followers book our new virtual celebrations. I began posting more videos and pictures on Facebook and Instagram as a primary way of promoting our new capabilities. We leveraged every tool possible to engage and connect with our audiences while they were at home, including using Facebook Live to show off our latest available characters, posting our successful “Zoomabrations,” where characters join and take part in virtual parties, and our pre-recorded “Kideos,” where a child’s favorite character can record a special, personalized message just for them. As we helped our local customers bring their celebrations online and continued posting about our happy
customers, word began to spread. Traction built quickly and requests to book virtual celebrations began coming in from across the globe. We suddenly found ourselves filling a major void for the community, allowing families and friends from different households the chance to come together again for birthdays, milestones and holidays, all while remaining safely apart. Our formerly Los Angeles area-only business was now helping families everywhere from LA to Canada to the Cayman Islands connect and celebrate from afar!
Cut to present day and Send In The Clowns is continuing to offer these virtual experiences with no plans to stop when in-person parties resume. While many businesses have struggled to pivot and find their footing
over the last several months, thanks to the power of social media and the support from our community, we have been able to not only survive, but thrive. My small business is here to stay, and we are inspired to continue to do what we love, providing “safer than, not less than” celebrations.
To fellow small business owners, these times have been tough and have left so many of us stressed, anxious and under immense pressure to help see our businesses through to the other side of this crisis. You may have already taken the initial jump to pivot your business like me or you may have put your business on pause or tried to stick it out with limited sales. Regardless of your path, I urge you to lean into the digital world we now
live in. Consider the opportunities that are there. Ask yourself how you can use the digital tools available to continue serving your customers and reach a bigger audience than ever before.
As a customer and a small business owner myself, I urge the community to continue to show as much support as possible for the small businesses in your networks and in your neighborhoods, especially as we head into the holiday season. This is a difficult time for everyone, and I speak from experience when I say that your local small businesses are working day in and day out to adapt and find new ways to survive and to best serve customers like you during this crisis. You can do your part by sharing their stories and their
pages with your friends, liking their posts, and most importantly, supporting local businesses with your buying power. Do whatever you can to support these hard-working small businesses. Your actions today will help see small businesses through this crisis.
Power to Speak is The Argonaut’s guest opinion column for community members to voice their views on local matters and does not represent an editorial position or endorsement by The Argonaut. The opinions, experiences, research and data analysis expressed in this article are the author’s own. Have a unique point of view on a neighborhood matter or a national issue with a local twist? Email kkirk@timespublications.com.
Leesa Zelken is the owner of Send In the Clowns, a local children’s party business in Los Angeles.
ARTS & EVENTS
45 Years of Art
The Los Angeles Louver celebrates 45 years with 45 artists at 45 Venice Boulevard
By Bridgette M. Redman
There comes a time to pull out all the stops. For the Los Angeles Louver, that time is now as the art gallery celebrates its 45th anniversary.
From now until January 16, 2021, they are honoring that milestone with an exhibit called “45 at 45.” It features the work of 45 artists at their gallery home located at 45 North Venice Blvd. in Venice.
The exhibit is spread out over two floors, inaugurating the newly remodeled second floor gallery space. The project was a brainchild of all four directors who were meeting weekly over Zoom because of the original pandemic shutdown. They came up with the idea and started to curate the show over Zoom, a show that they wanted
to evoke the spirit of the gallery and its 45-year history.
“We wanted to give people a really profound experience,” says Elizabeth East, one of L.A. Louver’s directors and the show’s project manager. “Not only for our anniversary, but with people going through six months of the pandemic, we thought we’d be able to offer them something that would be celebratory in nature.”
They didn’t settle on the title or the number of artists until they were a couple of months into the planning process and they realized that the number of artists they were targeting was in the 40s to 50s. They decided to settle on the number 45 since it had so many recurrences for them this year.
East says they sought out
diversity in the artists chosen, the work chosen and the media represented.
They picked artists with whom they had a long association, some whom they formally represented and others who had never exhibited in the gallery but whom one of the directors had followed for years. There were artists who had never shown in LA and those who are well-known to the local arts community.
One thing that was foremost in their minds as the directors curated the exhibit was when it would take place. For many people, it would be the first time that they were getting to look at art in person in a number of months.
“We wanted to really think about materiality and focus on
the physical,” East says. “As a gallery, we show artists who paint and sculpt. We’re not a gallery known for photography or conceptual art. We wanted to represent a wide diversity of material, and there are scores and scores of different material used in the various works— bronze, beads, stoneware, porcelain, paper, oil, acrylic, clay, found materials, glass, lighting and gold leaf. It is really an extraordinary diversity of material.”
The patrons that come through have confirmed what the directors suspected. Many of them reported that this was the first time they’d seen art in nine months and poured out their gratitude for the show and what it had to offer.
“People have been very open
to the diversity and the idea that we’re giving them such a range of visual experience in this exhibition,” East says. “It’s not a solo show or a group show that is confined by a particular subject or theme.”
East says it became a particular pleasure to work on this exhibition because it provided focus when the staff was locked down in their homes.
“It allowed one’s imagination to travel and to get out of the four walls of one’s own home,” she says. “We were able to have conversations with artists, to do virtual studio visits, and to talk about things and be excited about a project. Working with colleagues and artists to bring it all together—it was just an amazing gift. I hope that people will feel that sense of joy and
L.A. Louver’s “45 at 45” exhibition includes works by 45 artists to celebrate the Venice gallery’s 45th anniversary.
enthusiasm in all this when they visit.”
Even when arranging the art in the gallery, the directors resisted grouping by themes, staying committed to the open nature of the show. The installation, East says, is based on no criteria other than aesthetics. It is arranged in a way that the curators thought was pleasing and would allow each piece of art to shine.
“That said, what is interesting is that there are conversations and relationships that are surprising when you see work alongside other works,” East says. “You really realize that the work begins to talk to each other in interesting ways. That is something people have pointed out. It’s allowed them to look at work both individually and to make connections with it. They are surprising connections, not ones we planned.”
There are a few pieces they did plan early on. For instance, at the entrance of the gallery, they put a work made in 1991 called “My Country ‘Tis of Thee” by husband and wife artists Edward and Nancy Reddin Kienholz. In another part of the exhibit, the couple’s earlier work “The Caddy Court” from 1986-1987 is shown.
“My Country ‘Tis of Thee” is a mixed media assemblage taking a grotesque look at corrupt politicians. They circle a barrel, naked below the waist, waving flags with one hand and performing more obscene acts with the other. The second work involved them splicing a 1966 Dodge van between the front and back ends of a 1978 Cadillac in what was intended to be a road-worthy vehicle that could be taken around the country. The huge piece of art makes commentary on the Supreme Court with taxidermy heads for the justices and other intricate touches throughout the huge work.
“It becomes more and more relevant as time goes on,” East says. “We thought it would be a powerful and timely exhibition given the subject and the fact that we knew when we opened the show, it would be the month leading up to the election.”
While they weren’t able to choose works from all of the artists they have worked with, they did consciously choose some artists because of extraor-
dinary exhibitions they have done in the past with those artists’ work. Some of these included Marcel Duchamp and Alice Neel because of the work they’ve done in the past with the gallery.
“When we were talking about this exhibition, we would sometimes talk about certain shows we felt made a particular impact and wouldn’t it be lovely to have a work by that artist?” East says. “We consciously thought about that in terms of who we might want to include in this current show.” Due to the pandemic, patrons can visit the exhibit by appointment only. East says they have very strict protocols. They only allow two people in every half-hour. They must wear a mask and they try to make it so no one has to touch anything. They are doing a number of virtual conversations and events to accompany the exhibition. These include bringing together multiple artists and inviting the public to listen in over Zoom. They’re able to introduce artists to audiences in a way that might not have been possible before. For one November event, they had 250 people signed up to hear artists in Long Beach, Atlanta, LA and Athens, Ohio discuss their work.
“We can offer this to the world because of our current situation,” East says. “The show becomes a springboard of these things, giving people doors into these extraordinary worlds you can walk into. We could do countless virtual activities because there is so much here (in the exhibit).”
In addition to Zoom conversations, they are discussing things such as virtual studio visits, Instagram visits and even a cocktail hour where an artist mixes a cocktail inspired by their art in front of their work. For now, East’s hope is that anyone visiting the exhibition feels that they have experienced something enriching to them.
“I hope they discover that they find something to connect with,” East says. “We can’t go to concerts or theaters or even museums right now. I hope anyone visiting here comes away and feels that they have experienced something that is enriching to them.”
For more information, visit lalouver.com/45.
FOOD & DRINK
Seasonal Sips
Get your fix this fall with festive coffees and cocktails from local spots
By Kamala Kirk
As the weather gets colder and the air feels crisper, many of us are looking for a little pick-meup, and what better way to boost your spirits than with a tasty beverage? The fall season brings a variety of seasonal favorites and crafty coffees (including a few cocktails) that will instantly lift your spirits. They’re perfect for any occasion and time of day, not to mention that you’re supporting local businesses when you order one of these festive drinks.
House Pumpkin Spice Latte (Interstellar, Santa Monica)
A go-to seasonal favorite, this beverage is made with fresh Kabocha squash puree in place of the artificial syrups that can be found in most pumpkin spice latte drinks. Cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and Mexican vanilla capture the essence of fall for a perfectly festive libation.
Founded by husband and wife Angie and Daniel Kim, Interstellar opened earlier this year and embraces the idea of
America as a cultural melting pot, aiming to create a comfortable space with food, wine and coffee.
Kate Up Late Cocktail (Bull & Butterfly, Playa Vista)
Made with Black Cow Vodka, Diplomatico Reserve, J. Rieger Amaro and nitro cold brew, this cocktail is the perfect way to round out your meal and is best enjoyed during a cozy fall evening on the patio.
The newly-opened Bull & Butterfly, founded by restaurant veterans Alan and Heidi Jackson, features a Californiainspired menu that offers reimagined steakhouse classics with influences ranging from Guadalupe to Paso Robles.
Sweet Potato Spice Latte (Destroyer, Culver City)
This cozy drink offers the comforting flavors of sweet potato and spice and can be served hot or cold depending on your preference. Satisfy that sweet tooth by pairing it with an apricot and sweet potato spice cake with currants and crème fraiche.
The brainchild of Michelinstarred Chef Jordan Kahn, Destroyer is a minimalist daytime café that serves Scandinavian-style breakfast and lunch, in addition to a robust menu of coffee and tea, house-made baked goods, and specialty food items.
Cold Brew Cocktail (SOL Mexican Cocina, Playa Vista) While coffee and tequila might sound like an unusual pairing, the rich Corralejo Reposado used as the base spirit for this cocktail results in a well-balanced drink that any coffee drinker will love. It also includes hazelnut espresso liqueur, 1921 Crema, Stumptown Cold Brew coffee and is finished off with cinnamon dust. SOL’s menu of fresh and simple Baja cuisine highlights flavors and experiences inspired by the best of coastal Mexico. With four locations, including one in Playa Vista, the restaurant provides a lively setting of modern Mexican design, along with an impressive selection of more than 100 types of tequila and fine mezcals.
Cold Brew Cocktail.
PHOTO COURTESY
House Pumpkin Spice Latte.
Kate Up Late Cocktail.
Sweet Potato Spice Latte.
PHOTO
SON OF CLAM
Getting my boyfriend to talk to me about his feelings seems impossible. I know guys tend not to be super emotive, but trying to get a read on what he’s feeling is like trying to understand a foreign language. How can I get him to open up to me? --Distressed
If only the Rosetta Stone had included a fourth language: Heterosexual Male.
The Rosetta Stone, for those who ditched history class to smoke pot behind the dumpster, was a tablet-like rock fragment that turned out to have the same message in three languages: Egyptian hieroglyphics (long considered undecipherable), another equally mysterious form of Egyptian writing, and ancient Greek. The Greek words were the key, finally allowing scholars to translate hieroglyphics (the ancient Egyptian version of texting somebody a slew of emojis).
Getting back to your own translation issues, it’s understandable you’re frustrated by the language barrier, or rather, the lack-of-language barrier in your man’s continuing adherence to Mute Boyfriend-ese. Shouldn’t two adults in a relationship be able to engage in open discussions about their feelings?
Unfortunately, if they’re male and female, maybe not. Men and women have some major differences in what I’d call “emotional literacy:” the ability to read emotions, both in oneself and others. Men are not the unfeeling louts they’re too often made out to be. However, women tend to show more emotion than men and are better at guessing others’ feelings. (Compared with most men, they’re practically emotional psychics.) Research by psychologist Simon Baron-Cohen suggests that women are the emotional specialists of our species, driven from childhood on to identify others’ emotions “and to respond with the appropriate emotion.”
Men, in contrast, basically “major” in engineering from childhood on. Baron-Cohen explains that they’re driven to decode the workings of machines, math, objects in motion and other “rule-governed” (and thus relatively predictable) systems. A boy will take a screwdriver to a radio to see how it generates sound; a girl will mentally take apart her cousin to figure out why she’s suddenly gone all Bummerella.
These differences come not from “the patriarchy” or Disney princess movies, but from millions of years of evolution. Differences in male and female physiology carved out differences in psychology and divisions of labor along male-female lines. Women, whose bodies are baby food dispensaries and who are children’s primary caretakers,
evolved the emotional makeup to suss out the needs of infants, who lack the spokenword skills to yell, “Hey, Ma, gimme a beer!” Men, who evolved to be the warriors of our species, benefit in combat situations from being less in touch with their emotions—especially fear and sadness—explains psychologist Joyce Benenson. This would allow a man to storm into battle and get up close and spear-y with the enemy instead of doing what I, as an emotionally aware woman, would probably do: freeze, cry and wet my pants.
Of course, many individual men and women don’t fit neatly into the “men tend to/women tend to” boxes. For example, I’m not surprised by a recent archeological finding suggesting ancestral women (and not just men) were hunters. (Of course, a hunter-gatherer lady would’ve spent much of her life pregnant or breastfeeding, and it’s hard to spear a wild boar while clutching a hungry baby drinking his lunch.)
I’m likewise not surprised to encounter men who can lay their feelings out like cold cuts on a platter. As for men who can’t, there’s this notion that people who have trouble identifying and thus expressing their emotions can improve through study and practice. One tool for this is a poster with cartoon faces showing various emotions, each labeled with the particular emotion. (Google the “How Are You Feeling Today?” poster.)
Realistically, however, the person best equipped to put names to your boyfriend’s feelings is probably you. Consider that men tend to express their emotions through their actions: slamming cupboard doors (mad), sulking (bummed), etc. In keeping with that, ask him not about his feelings, but about events—“What happened when you talked to your boss?” “Did that jerk or that jerk of a mountain lion show up on your hike?”—and you might notice some feelings slipping out. Ultimately, though, you should consider whether your being happy with this man is contingent on his expressing himself like a woman. If you stay together, you’ll probably need to meet him more than halfway, meaning rely way more on guessing his emotions than his putting them into words. Meanwhile, focusing on how men communicate through action should help you see the beauty in, say, your being startled by clanging metal and yelled profanities some Saturday afternoon. You go out to your garage and discover your boyfriend rotating your tires unasked. It’s not exactly how Hugh Grant communicates in chick flicks, but if you understand real-life man speak, you’ll respond perfectly: “You had me at #$&%*! worthless tire jack!”
GOT A PROBLEM? Write to Amy Alkon at 171 Pier Ave, Ste. 280, Santa Monica, CA 90405, or email her at AdviceAmy@aol.com. ©2020, Amy Alkon, all rights reserved. Alkon’s latest book is “Unf*ckology: A Field Guide to Living with Guts and Confidence.” Follow @amyalkon on Twitter or visit blogtalkradio.com/amyalkon.
Women and men with Fine hair have unique problems that need to be understood by a hair designer who knows how to handle and give a design line to fine hair.
A personal prescription for your hair and angled weight line hair cuts will make it look thicker and fuller than ever before.
GARRY MORSE
From the Heart
Award-winning actress Jamie Lee Curtis created My Hand In Yours to offer items of comfort and connection to others.
Jamie Lee
Curtis’ My Hand In Yours offers items of comfort and connection
Story by Kamala Kirk
Photos by Luis Chavez
Whenever someone that she knows is going through a challenging time or needs love and support, Jamie Lee Curtis always says, “My hand in yours.”
The award-winning actress and longtime Westside resident has been offering these words of heartfelt comfort to family, friends and colleagues for as long as she can remember. Then
about a year ago, Curtis came up with the idea to start a company based on the same premise.
“If someone is going through a difficult time, is nervous or excited about something, I’ll write that message on the back of a card and give it to them with a little gift,” Curtis says. “It’s my way of communicating the feeling of my hand in yours.”
Shortly after wrapping her latest movie project in January, COVID-19 occurred, which resulted in the cancellation of all film and TV projects for the foreseeable future. That’s when Curtis realized she needed to do something.
“All of a sudden, the profound effect of living in a pandemic was upon us all,” Curtis shares.
“I realized that ‘my hand in yours’ could become an object of comfort during this time of crisis for people. It was intended as a palliative response to being human. This was about the
difficulties that befall everyone; there’s no one who is immune from this crisis or from needing comfort. The whole idea was about comfort and connection— the power of art is to heal.”
Founded in 2019, My Hand In Yours offers various items that are designed to provide comfort, from intention stones and blankets to candles and journals. All of the items have been designed and handmade by artists selected by Curtis, and 100% of proceeds go to Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, a nonprofit institution that is near and dear to Curtis’ heart. Over the years, she has been a spokeswoman for and worked in partnership with different children’s hospitals across the country.
“I started out working with Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh for many years after I befriended a young girl named Lori Tull on the set of a movie I worked on,”
Curtis shares. “She’d had two heart transplants and passed away when she was 19. I connected with the hospital where she had her surgery and donated videocassette recorders for all the rooms in her name, and I hosted their gala for many years. We happen to have one of the greatest children’s hospitals here in Los Angeles and I’ve also been involved with them for a long time.”
When Curtis came up with the idea for My Hand In Yours, the first thing she did was reach out to artists that she knew. She contacted longtime friend and sculptor, Anne Ricketts, whose work she had collected throughout the years. Curtis commissioned Ricketts to create the very first item, the “Together” sculpture, a miniature set of clasped hands cast in bronze that has become one of her bestsellers.
“It’s small, tactile and substan-
tial,” Curtis says. “It fits right into your hand or pocket. You can take it with you anywhere or send it to someone.”
Curtis then invited another friend and artist, Cathy Waterman, whose work she also admired and collected, to participate. Waterman, who is a fine jeweler, made a silver pendant depicting an outstretched hand with a silk ribbon that can be worn as a bracelet or necklace. Other artists that Curtis has asked to make items include glassblower and potter Simon Pearce; ceramist Moye Thompson; as well as photographers Erica Chan, Chris and Sarah Rhoads, and Celeste Sloman. The collection includes the “Will Comfort” candle, which was created by Curtis’ childhood friend whose son, Will, passed away from cancer at a young age. Another special collaboration was with Charlie Ryan, a 17-year-old from Portland. A
talented high school lacrosse player, Ryan suffered a serious leg injury during his sophomore year that required him to undergo two surgeries. While he was sidelined, he took up sewing and embroidery as a hobby, won a contest for emerging high school fashion designers, and eventually started his own clothing line.
Impressed by Ryan’s inspiring story and talent, Curtis reached out to the young designer, who created the “Comfort” pillow, another bestseller. “It was Charlie’s idea to come up with a pillow,” she says. “It has a pocket on one side where you can include a message of support, which is a signature of his design. The pillows have been a wild success and we have sold so many of them.”
Curtis already has plans to add more items to the collection in the near future, and My Hand In Yours is offering several gift bundles for the holidays including the “Communication” bundle, which comes with a journal, pen and a set of postcards. All of the items are available online and can be shipped internationally. Every purchase comes with a frameable card that features an inspirational message handwritten by Curtis, and she also writes notes for customers when they send items as gifts to loved ones.
“There have been some
incredibly moving messages,” Curtis shares. “I’ve written to a lot of grandparents. I’ve written for people who have experienced loss and I’ve sent messages of support to college kids. It’s incredible to be the conduit between the gift giver and the receiver. A lot of us are separated from loved ones right now and will be doing distanced gift giving for the holidays this year. These items are a great way to share comfort and love with those you care about.”
Another recent project of Curtis’ is “Letters From Camp,” a scripted podcast from Audible that she produced and lends her voice to. The eight-episode series premiered in August and was inspired by an unsent letter that Curtis’ goddaughter wrote to her when she was away at summer camp. A comedy-mystery, “Letters From Camp” is a coming-of-age story aimed at younger listeners and features a star-studded cast including Jake Gyllenhaal, Edi Patterson and Adam Sandler’s daughter, Sunny. The series has been a huge success and was just picked up for another season.
“It’s been really fun,” Curtis says. “I know COVID has been challenging for everybody and tragic for many, but at the same time, it’s also stimulated people’s creativity, ingenuity and their ability to shape shift. I wanted to create something that
was going to be fun and positive for others. I think through the hard times we will become our best selves because we’ve been challenged by these limitations. People are amazingly resilient, and while we would all like to go back to the way things were, a lot of good has come out of these bad times.”
Looking ahead at 2021, Curtis also has plans for another weekly podcast called “Good Friend,” where she will discuss various themes related to friendship with different people from all over the world. When it comes to her Thanksgiving traditions and holiday plans, she believes that this is a year where people should set aside their expectations, reimagine tradition, and above all, practice compassion.
“These are not traditional times,” Curtis says. “We all need to be compassionate. In my neighborhood there is a woman who has been gathering warm clothing for the people living on the streets in Santa Monica— that is the spirit of Thanksgiving, offering comfort to people in times of crisis. We are all surrounded by other people and we have to be mindful. Just like the motto for My Hand In Yours, we are not alone. We are all in this together.”
For more information, visit myhandinyours.com
100% of proceeds from My Hand In Yours purchases go directly to Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, a nonprofit institution that Curtis has been involved with for many years.
The Comfort pillow was designed by Charlie Ryan and includes a pocket where a message of support can be placed.
The My Hand In Yours website features a variety of handmade items such as intention stones and medallions that have been created by artists selected by Curtis.
WESTSIDE HAPPENINGS
Compiled by Caden Sullivan
Thursday, Nov. 26
Barnsdall Virtual Art & Craft Fair, through December 31. The Barnsdall Art Center Student Advisory Committee is pleased to announce Barnsdall Virtual Art & Craft Fair, which has gone virtual this year due to the ongoing health crisis. In support of local artists, the fair is free and all sales will be made directly to the artist. Catering to a range of budgets, the fair will showcase diverse work from students and faculty including handcrafted jewelry, ceramics, prints, tableware, paintings, sculpture, drawings and photography.
For more information, visit barnsdallartcenter.org
San Pedro Festival of the Arts 2020, through December 6. The Encore of the San Pedro Festival of the Arts presents 19 curated diverse dances from 17 companies and studios.
The free, virtual event is available at vimeo.com/ showcase/sanpedroartsfest.
For more information, call 213-385-1171.
Meals on Wheels West, 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Help ensure our vulnerable neighbors have a Thanksgiving meal by delivering more than a Thanksgiving meal this Thanksgiving. Sign up to volunteer.
Contact meal delivery volunteer coordinator Jen at: jen@mealsonwheelswest.org or call 310-394-5133 x2. Visit mealsonwheelswest.org
Windows of Wonderment, through January 7. This Bob
Baker Marionette Theater
Installation at the Santa Monica Pier’s merry go-round windows is a free, open to the public art installation and only viewable from the outdoors, making it safe for visitors of all ages. It celebrates the iconic theaters’ legacy through a series of spectacular windows, each one bringing to life a different historic BBMT production. Masks are required and please maintain physical distance from those not in your household.
Friday, Nov. 27
Jazz Nights at Runway, 5 to 8 p.m. Enjoy live jazz music every Friday all month long at Runway. Grab a meal from one of their restaurants and enjoy seating on their newly developed Town Center Drive. 12775 Millennium Drive, Playa Vista. Visit runwayplayavista.com for more information.
Winterlit, through January 3. Winterlit returns to downtown Santa Monica to brighten up the holiday season as the area transforms the world-class Third Street Promenade into an immersive one-stop holiday experience. Tens of thousands of lights will illuminate the Promenade’s festive outdoor retail and dining, storefronts will shine as reimagined art installations, and a new interactive holiday-themed augmented reality mobile app will allow guests to experience the open-air entertainment district in a whole new light from November 27 to January 3.
Saturday, Nov. 28
Free Food Pantry, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. If you are in need of nourishing food, please come pick up free produce and other items. Stay in your car and a volunteer will deliver food goods to you directly. If you are on foot, wear a mask and practice social distancing. Offered every Saturday at St. Mark Parish located at 950 Coeur D’Alene Ave., Venice. For more information, call 310-821-5058 or email: loavesandfishes@stmarkvenice. com
Mystery Book Club, 11 a.m.
Another great book club meeting this week is the Mystery Book Club. If you’re a fan of mysteries and want to share/pick up some knowledge, join the online meeting!
Contact the Westwood LAPL at: wwood@lapl.org
Nirav Nirvaan as the sun sets over the ocean. Bring your own bike. Cost $25 non-members, $15 members. Meet at shefayoga Venice, 245 Main St., Los Angeles.
To register, visit eventbrite.com/e/ silent-disco-sunset-bike-ridemeditation-tickets-130313959561
Small Business Saturday, all day. Small Business Saturday comes the day after Black Friday, and it moves attention to our smaller local businesses. If your favorite local store or restaurant is open, they might have deals!
Sunday, Nov. 29
Sunday Main Street Farmers Market, 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
If your fridge is empty after Thanksgiving, stop by the Santa
Monica Sunday Main Street Market! Community events there are cancelled as a result of COVID-19, but masked shoppers can still visit their favorite vendors.
240 Main St. Santa Monica. Rooftop Cinema Drive-In, 7:45 p.m. A new drive-in is temporarily opening at the Santa Monica Airport. With restrooms, full food/drink menus and beautiful views, this pop-up drive-in will be showing a number of classics from Elf to Die Hard. On November 29, enjoy a showing of La La Land For tickets and more information, visit: rooftopcinemaclub.com
Monday, Nov. 30
Free Families Connected Parent Chat, 10 to 11 a.m. On Mondays, Thelma McMillen from Torrance Medical Center leads a free session for parents struggling through the quarantine. If you or your family is finding things difficult, visit their website.
For more information, visit southbayfamiliesconnected.org
Send event information at least 10 days in advance to kkirk@ timespublications.com Through December 31, Barnsdall Virtual Art & Craft Fair will showcase diverse work from students and faculty and admission is free.
Silent Disco Sunset Bike Ride & Meditation, 4 to 5:30 p.m. Enjoy a sunset bike ride on the boardwalk bike path to Santa Monica while listening to amazing jams on bluetooth hifi headphones! The group will stop for a guided meditation with
Volunteer opportunities to help others this Thanksgiving are available with Meals on Wheels West.
On November 28, enjoy a silent disco sunset bike ride and meditation in Venice.
A Sweet Collaboration Salt & Straw partners with Imaginary Authors
By Kamala Kirk
While visiting Salt & Straw’s Abbot Kinney location, cofounder and head ice cream maker Tyler Malek stumbled across Imaginary Authors, a Venice-based perfumery. This random encounter would end up leading to a special collaboration between the two businesses.
“The inception of this collaboration is one of those kismet that ends up sparking a lot of our partnerships at Salt & Straw,” Malek says. “I spent close to an hour sampling all of their fragrances and gobbling up the stories told with each one. It got me thinking about how ice cream itself doesn’t have a particular scent, but the smell of the waffle cones cooking in an ice cream shop is a pretty universal and nostalgic sensation. I shared all of this with Imaginary Authors founder Josh Meyer and it snowballed from there.”
Malek and Meyer put their heads (and noses) together to create a unique fragrance that captured the essence of an ice cream shop. They recently debuted A Whiff of Waffle Cone, which evokes memories of the sweet joy of crunching into a freshly baked waffle cone.
“The creation process was very collaborative,” Malek shares. “I really loved getting to experiment with a completely different medium. I was lucky to have an expert like Josh to guide the way, and I think the final fragrance and candle really showcase our joint creativity.”
Drawing on early childhood memories of being in an ice cream shop and never wanting to leave, Malek and Meyer had to break down that scent, which is where both of their respective expertise kicked in.
“As you can imagine, as a perfumer Josh has one of the most powerful senses of smell out there, so we got to identify the vanilla in waffle cone, some heavy cream, salted caramel, and then more subtle hints of Saigon cinnamon and amyris,” Malek explains. “We hope that the scent will transport folks into their fondest memories of visiting ice cream shops, inspiring a moment of joy and nostalgia.”
Available in both a candle ($30) and a perfume ($28-$65),
the products can be purchased online and in all of Salt & Straws’ scoop shops. On November 19, Salt & Straw
opened a new location in Culver City, marking the company’s 22nd store on the West Coast. Facing out on Culver Boulevard,
the store features floor-to-ceiling windows and is conducive to social distancing to keep guests and employees safe.
Known for its innovative and experimental flavors, Salt & Straw is introducing a brand-new vegan flavor called The Great Cookie Swap, which captures memories of digging through the cookie tin at Grandma’s house during the holidays. Salt & Straw makes its own holiday cookies including strawberry thumbprints, crunchy gingersnaps and classic sugar cookies with festive sprinkles, which they mix up in a coconut cream base to honor a nutty macaroon.
“We are beyond grateful for the opportunity to open this shop
during a year like this one,” Malek says. “Our co-founder Kim and I have long admired Culver City’s tight-knit and family-oriented community, and as all of our shops are designed to be places for the neighborhood to gather, this slice of The Culver Steps really spoke to us. While gathering in the traditional sense won’t necessarily be a possibility in the immediate future, we hope that the new shop can bring a bit of joy to our new neighbors this fall and winter.”
For more information and to purchase, visit saltandstraw.com and imaginaryauthors.com
Salt & Straw and Imaginary Authors created A Whiff of Waffle Cone candle and perfume, which are inspired by childhood memories of visiting an ice cream shop.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN VALLS
UNOBSTRUCTED PANORAMIC VIEWS
“This pristine two-story home perched atop the bluffs presents curb appeal as well as gated grassy backyard, stone patio, detached garage and second story balcony with panoramic views of the Wetlands, ocean, coastline, mountains and local landmarks,” says agent Stephanie Younger. “Its classic dining and living room offer an open floorplan with railed stairs to upper bedrooms. The charming breakfast bar kitchen shines with classic French woodwork, tile floor and glass-front cabinetry accented by granite countertops, stainless steel chef’s oven and corner sink. The spacious media room — perfect for a home office or home school — offers built-in cabinetry and French door access to the backyard patio. The baths combine marble, granite, and glass in ultra-fine appointments while the master suite offers a stunning spa-style bath and endless views. Hardwood floors, crown molding, and cottage shutters speak an impressive pedigree while glass doors and windows and a full-length upper balcony showcase SoCal sunsets.”
Manager BrE#1323411
THE ARGONAUT PRESS RELEASES
STUNNING OCEAN VIEWS
“This home features four bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, and two family rooms with stunning views from Palos Verdes Peninsula to the Malibu Coastline,” says agent Jane St. John. “The first level has an entertainment suite with big screen TV, fireplace, custom wet bar, wine refrigerator, and space for a pool table. On the main level you find the living room, kitchen, dining area, wet bar, and family room that opens out to an ocean-facing balcony as well as the master suite, and a guest suite.”
Offered at $3,500,000
Jane St. John RE/MAX Estate Properties 310-567-5971
VILLA NAPOLI
“This is a rare three-bed, two-and-half-bath townhome with two oversized patios and a private two-car garage,” says agent Jesse Weinberg. “Located in one of the most desirable interior courtyard locations in front of the pool and it boasts of hardwood floors throughout the main living areas, crown molding, recessed LED lighting, gas fireplace, custom builtins, an updated kitchen with granite countertops, stainless-steel appliances and wine fridge. The upstairs showcases the primary suite with vaulted barrel ceilings, private balcony overlooking the pool, and an en-suite spa-like bath.”
Offered at $1,199,000
Jesse Weinberg
Jesse Weinberg & Associates 800-804-9132
PANORAMIC VIEWS
Era Matilla rEalty
225 CulvEr Blvd. Playa dEl rEy
“This luxurious modern, Zen-like oasis is in the heart of Venice Beach,” say agents Laura and Trent Stockton. “The stunning open floor plan showcases a ground level living area and gourmet kitchen equipped with Miele appliances, Cesarstone countertops, and large sliding doors flowing seamlessly into front and side patios. Ocean breezes and natural light fill the newly converted garage, making for an inspiring home office, studio or remote learning space. Side-by-side parking for two cars under attached carport, complete with gated security.”
Offered at $4,649,000
Laura & Trent Stockton Bulldog Realtors 424-341-2477
MODERN MASTERPIECE
“This brand new masterpiece, designed by an award-winning architect, is a green home built to LEED standards,” says agent Todd Miller. “Gourmet kitchen with center island with quartz counters and professional grade appliances. Guest suite downstairs and four bedrooms upstairs. Large master suite with beautiful master bath and two walk-in closets. Large private backyard, patio with firepit and turf yard. Attached two-car garage. Access to Culver City’s award-winning schools.”
Offered at $2,599,000
Todd Miller Keller Williams Santa Monica 310-923-5353
THE ARGONAUT REAL ESTATE Q&A
Why Are People Obsessed with Mid-Century Modern Design?
Mid-century modern design is one of the most popular design styles right now and for good reason. It boasts clean lines, pops of color, and if you buy an older home, it can be a natural fit with the existing elements of the property.
So, what exactly is mid-century modern design, and how can you make it work in your home?
Mid-Century Modern Basics
Mid-century modern design is based on architects’ work who moved from Germany to the U.S. after World War Two. These architects led the way in mid-century modern design, which emphasizes functionality and simplicity.
The period, while there is some disagreement on specifics, generally is considered to have lasted from the 1940s to the 1960s, but much of what we think of as mid-century modern now is from the 60s.
Mid-century modern design grew from the changes that were occurring post-war, and it reflected a sense of optimism.
These design concepts are focused on limited accessories, functionality and form, and sleek lines. In mid-century modern design, there is the use of different types of materials, including both traditional and non-traditional. For example, wood is often mixed with Lucite or metal. There’s a lot of contrast in mid-century design,
not just in materials but in other ways. For example, you might seek the very sleek lines that characterize the design style paired with organic shapes, such as a live-edge table.
The general idea behind mid-century design, above all else, is that pieces of furniture are like art in and of themselves, but they should take up as little space as possible. There’s nothing unnecessary in mid-century design.
There are many similarities between mid-century and Scandinavian design. Scandinavian design became more popular around the same time as mid-century in the 1950s. The two inevitably influenced one another as a result.
If you’ve ever been to Palm Springs or you’ve seen photos, it’s perhaps the capital of midcentury modern. The desert oasis became a resort town for celebrities from L.A. in the 1950s, and the homes and style of design is maintained beautifully there.
Architecture
Mid-century impacted architecture, as well. There were architects like Philip Johnson and Richard Neutra who ran with the style. Some of the features of mid-century homes include long, low and flat roofs, and open floorplans with organic flow. Split-level homes were also common in mid-century architecture.
Broker assoc.
BrE#01439943
Stone fireplaces, planked ceilings, and natural light were key in mid-century architecture and design.
Color Palettes
While mid-century is primarily about simplicity, there is one area where things get especially interesting which are the color palettes. For example, the use of bold colors like orange or emerald green is common. In current, updated versions of mid-century style, you see many unique colors like shades of pink and saturated blues.
How Can You Create a MidCentury
Space?
One of the first things you can do to capture the simple style of mid-century is to take out things in a space that you don’t need. From there, you can think of it like building an art collection. Start integrating mid-century pieces one-by-one.
While you might want to stick with the clean lines and minimalism of mid-century consistently, that doesn’t mean you can’t also intermix other styles into your home.
If you have large windows, keep them uncovered if possible, to ensure unobstructed natural light.
If you do need to use curtains, choose lightweight fabrics like linen that allow for the
natural light to flow into a space.
Sculptural chandeliers can be a focal point in a mid-century modern room, and avoid oversized furniture. The idea is to appreciate negative space rather than trying to fill every square inch with furniture, which is common in more traditional design concepts. Along with making sure your furniture isn’t too big, look for low profiles.
Integrate elements of nature, whether that’s natural wood furniture or potted plants.
As far as the actual furniture and other items you purchase, one option is to splurge for authentic pieces. If you’re not ready to do that, you can still find replicas at a more budgetfriendly price. Even much of what Ikea offers could be easily integrated into a mid-century design concept. There are also retailers with pricing that’s considered middle-of-the-road such as Crate and Barrel, with beautiful midcentury-inspired options.
THIS WEEK’S QUESTION WAS ANSWERED BY
Bob & Cheryl Herrera, Professional Real Estate Services
310-306-5427
DRE: 00910858
DRE: 01332794
ACROSS
1 Broody genre
4 Bothersome sort
8 Writ word
14 “Yeah, right!”
18 Traveler’s app that can use crowdsourced data
20 Creep (along)
21 “Little Miss Dynamite” Lee
22 Gold rush animal
23 Question 1 (Baha Men, 2000)
26 Gainsborough’s “The Blue Boy” et al.
27 Flustered
28 Book of Mormon prophet
29 iPod and iPad
31 Ability of Marvel’s Professor X
32 Use sparingly
34 Did an aria, say
36 Like some river bottoms
38 Question 2 (Third Eye Blind, 1997)
42 Smoothie berry
43 Like Cheerios
46 Shouldered
47 Crafty sort
48 With 79-Across, Question 3 (War, 1975)
50 Hall of Famer Reese
52 Get behind something, maybe 53 Golf club part
54 Goldberg who drew complex “machines”
55 Petrol measures
(Jagged Edge featuring Nelly, 2001)
65 Thunders
67 Assistant
68 Electrical units
69 __ es Salaam
72 Housing choice
73 Sign of spring
75 Pod contents
76 Legal org.
77 Activity centers 78 Temptation for a gambler
79 See 48-Across 81 In the past
82 “Pearly Shells” singer
83 Ish 84 Victoria’s Secret spec
85 Question 5 (Justin Bieber, 2015)
89 Contests that take seconds?
90 Lassos
91 “The Communist Manifesto” co-author 94 “O, fortune’s fool!”: Romeo
95 Beatnik address
97 Little bit
98 Noble realm
101 Et __ 102 Question 6 (Linda Ronstadt, 1975) 107 Philosopher Descartes
108 Chief 109 Zipped through 110 “Biggest Little City in the World”
111 Brewery units 112 Walked proudly
56 Buenos __
57 Bobby on ice
58 Romanov title
59 End of a ball game?
60 “Despicable Me” orphan
61 Question 4
113 What many players shoot for 114 Common doo-wop solo instrument
DOWN 1 “Ick”
2 Half a menu fish 3 Stratospheric shield
4 Brad of “12 Monkeys” 5 Formal “Door’s open”
6 Unstressed vowel sound
7 Not just any 8 Netflix competitor
9 Gases in some bulbs 10 Porgy’s beloved
11 Musician Brian
12 Ghanian-born soccer great 13 Got stood up at the café, say
14 Words while checking one’s calendar 15 Jack London classic, with “To”
16 Fashion monthly
17 Hardy heroine 19 Springy 24 Spot 25 Two-sport Sanders
30 Bread in a skillet
33 You, biblically
34 Vermont ski resort
35 Scary beasts
36 Handled
37 Blood of the Greek gods 39 Madrid’s peninsula
40 Portends 41 Subjects of split decisions?
43 Disagreeable necessities
44 Being litigated
45 Poetic contraction 49 Prefix with pod or scope
50 Accumulated 51 Military camps
52 Crossword title, often 55 “Interpreter of
Maladies” Pulitzer author Jhumpa
56 Tennis legend
Andre
60 Language or people of the central Andes
61 Rolls of money
62 “Amélie” star Audrey 63 Rodeo competitor
64 Lifting, maybe 65 Golfer’s “tall stuff”
66 Orientation procedure 69 Steps on the floor?
70 Singer Paula
71 Talks hoarsely
72 Wad of tobacco
73 Skater Harding 74 Dumas’ Count de la Fère
78 Nocturnal hunters
79 Radius, for one 80 Galápagos Islands’ country
82 Time for action
83 Katey of “Sons of Anarchy” 86 Spruces (up)
87 Asked for a tuna treat, maybe
88 Whole
89 Pickle flavoring
92 High-end camera
93 Cavalry blade
95 Like grim humor
96 Sheltered, at sea
97 Chinese leader?
99 Chianti and Bordeaux
100 Actress Suvari 103 Worked (up)
104 Canal site
105 Cozy cat seat
106 Publish identifying material about on the Web