e Argonaut’s Best of the Westside 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014 (BEST DAY SPA), 2013
Master Medical Aestheticians
Rachael Ostrea and Paulette McNeely-Halthon
e Argonaut’s Best of the Westside 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015 BEST FACIAL: 2017, 2013 Cory Felber, PA-C and Jennifer Tinelli, NP-C
One of my biggest worries about sleeping on the street is harassment by people who have
By Tani Elliot
The Nov. 14 issue of The Argonaut includes a news article about residents of Mar Vista feeling “under siege” by the local homeless community. One man who was quoted said he believes that sleeping outside must be criminalized. As a homeless person in the area, I want to respond to him and others who share his view.
I arrived in Venice about six weeks ago, escaping the cold back east where I was also homeless, even though I was working. I had left my home there for the streets a few months prior — ironically, it may seem, to avoid toxic influences and get sober. Within a week of my arrival I found a job on the Venice Boardwalk. Although I am sober and employed, earning minimum wage and not having any savings or credit has made it nearly impossible to find anywhere remotely affordable to stay for more than a few nights at a time. Often, my partner and I have been forced to sleep outside. Recently I spent a cumulative period of about two weeks sleeping along the beach on the Marina del Rey side of the Venice Pier. Because I am female and several months pregnant, I felt unsafe sleeping in close proximity to the larger encampments along the boardwalk. Toward the end of Speedway I found a spot that felt safe (in that way) to myself and my partner. We were respectful of
Political ‘Purge’ Is Pure Fiction Re: “A Push for Autocracy? Plan to shrink Mar Vista Community Council would expel contrarian minority,” News, Nov. 28
I was disappointed to read Gary Walker’s article in last week’s edition. In it, Mr. Walker made numerous statements that are inaccurate and do not reflect my intent or the intent of the Mar Vista Community Council (MVCC) Board of Directors. As chair of the MVCC, I am correcting such statements so that the public, and most especially MVCC stakeholders, have a clear and honest understanding of the operation of their neighborhood council.
The article stated that a proposal was offered at the Oct. 30 meeting of the MVCC Elections & Bylaws Committee “to eliminate the community council’s six at-large seats.” That is categorically false. In fact, the proposal was simply to add a seventh zone. Geographically,
No camping, no dogs, no disturbances — poor people understand the rules of the beach apply only to them
neighbors and relatively tidy, removing ourselves and our belongings each morning. But those efforts didn’t stop local residents from harassing us in some surprising ways.
One man impersonated a police officer — his fake uniform shirt obviously purchased from a costume store — and woke us up at 6 a.m. with the buzzing of a Taser being brandished at us as he demanded we leave the area. This stranger said he “wouldn’t want [us] to come to any harm” if we continued to stay on that part of the beach, which to us felt like a thinly veiled threat. When I
asked him if he was a police officer, he walked away and spoke to a woman standing nearby in her front yard. He showed her the Taser, buzzing it again, apparently to let her know what he had done to take care of the situation.
Later someone left a note threatening to throw away our things if we didn’t move them that day, and after we did move ourselves to a different spot residents approached us again and threatened to call the police if we didn’t leave their side of the pier altogether, saying police would confiscate our belongings (which include my work clothes) and arrest us
if we had any weapons. We don’t have any weapons or carry anything illegal of any sort.
My partner and I know it’s a ticket-able offense to be caught sleeping on the beach, but we sleep there because of the proximity to public bathrooms, especially considering my pregnancy. Because my partner is black, we are afraid of any interaction with police that could lead to use of force or arrest, which is why we finally did move.
I have noticed that signs posting the law against sleeping on the beach also state that it is illegal to have dogs on the beach, but none of the many residents who take their dogs to the beach will ever be held accountable for that — or anything they do, up to and including impersonating a police officer to threaten a pregnant woman with a Taser. Meanwhile, the homeless can be harassed and threatened with arrest simply for existing. This is our terrifying reality.
My partner and I were never a threat to anyone, but others are a threat to us. Many of the wealthy people who gentrified this area and made rental costs impossible for any currently homeless person to afford would simply throw us in jail if it means we are no longer an eyesore for them.
If homeless people should be arrested
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Zone 6 is much larger than any other zone and the proposal was being offered to split Zone 6 to provide better representation for its stakeholders. No people were attempting to “purge their remaining political adversaries from the board.” To suggest otherwise is just plain nonsense.That was clearly explained at the committee meeting. With regard to recall, the discussion was concerning a proposal to provide stakeholders with a mechanism to remove a sitting member of the board. Currently, no such provision exists. Instead, a two-thirds vote of the board is required to remove a sitting member — making it solely a board decision. In the entire history of the MVCC, that provision has never been invoked. Finally, there was no attempt to stifle members’ free-speech rights and there never will be. As individuals, members are free to express their views; they enjoy the same First Amendment
protections as anyone else. However, they may not speak for the board. According to the bylaws, only “the chair shall represent the MVCC.”
The Mar Vista Community Council welcomes the involvement of all stakeholders, regardless of their individual
viewpoints. I encourage people to visit marvista.org, or — better yet — attend a meeting to learn more.
Elliot Hanna, Chair Mar Vista Community Council
Editor’s Note: The Argonaut appreciates the chairman’s concerns but stands by our reporting based on information available at the time, which was further limited by a number of community council members declining or not responding to requests for comment or discussion.
The written agenda item for the Oct. 30 meeting included a plan to restrict voting board membership exclusively to zone directors; it was at a Nov. 20 meeting that our reporter first heard discussion of a modified plan that would preserve five of six at-large seats while adding a seventh zone director. Mr. Hanna’s letter
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and Venice were a Thanksgiving blessing for people who have little more than a story to tell
By Gary Walker
Dressed in a rumpled brown coat and a thick wool scarf, 43-year-old Danielle Scully sat outside the Westchester Senior Citizen Center smoking a Marlboro Red and watching people mill in and out of the building on the cold and rainy Wednesday afternoon before Thanksgiving. Despite the dismal weather, she was in a thankful mood.
“I usually stay over there somewhere,” said Scully, gesturing vaguely around the park. “But tonight I’m sleeping indoors.”
Scully was one of 42 people who took refuge that night at the senior center, one of six emergency homeless shelters activated through Los Angeles County over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, accounting for 1,200 beds in all. The county’s regular winter shelter program began Sunday, Dec. 1, at other locations, including the West Los Angeles National Guard Armory.
Others sought emergency shelter at the Oakwood Recreation Center in Venice, where the Red Cross staged 100 cots and nonprofit housing and services agency First to Serve provided hot meals. Among them was Gordon Hood, who said he normally sleeps near LAX but learned about weather-activated shelters through The People Concern (formerly OPCC), a Santa Monica homeless services agency where he often volunteers.
Coming to Oakwood “worked out well for me because it’s close and convenient to my main travel corridor, Lincoln Boulevard,” said Hood, who turns 62 this month, as he settled in to watch “Frozen” on a TV that had been wheeled into the reception area.
Hood worked as a commercial driver until his license was suspended two
(Continued from page 4)
for sleeping outside, are we supposed to never sleep? We know the number of shelter beds is a fraction of the number of homeless. To indiscriminately punish and incarcerate some 44,000 unsheltered homeless is insane.
It isn’t so far-fetched to think local residents and President Donald Trump will soon succeed in moving the homeless into prison camps. Immigration enforcement agents and the prison industrial complex already implement such Holocaust-like tactics against immigrants and communities of color.
years ago, but he hopes to get his license back in February.
“I want to get my job back, save some money and move to Phoenix. L.A. has become too cold for me,” he said with a smile.
On Thanksgiving Day at the Westchester Senior Center, which accommodated 50 cots, Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority personnel distributed a large clothing donation that had just come in.
Gisella “Gigi” Endres, 57, came to Westchester after being released from Olive View UCLA Medical Center in Sylmar days earlier. She’s hoping for a fresh start after losing her job as a
home healthcare worker and becoming homeless.
“Next year I hope to start the ball rolling to get into Section 8 housing,” said Endres, who suffers from vertigo. “I want to be able to remember who I was and who I can be again.”
Endres sells jewelry on the Venice Boardwalk and says that she has been assaulted there multiple times.
“It’s hard being a woman and living on the street. The thieves stole everything — all of my old pictures, my husband’s military papers from Vietnam, my identification, everything,” she said, sobbing at the memory and clutching her
dog Sparky, a light brown Shih Tzu. Looking around the temporary shelter, Endres added, “I don’t know where I’d be tonight if OPCC didn’t bring me here.”
Meredith Berkson, LAHSA’s director of policy and systems, said temporary shelters such as Oakwood and Westchester could be reopened this week as the region prepares for another winter storm.
“Once we were told about the county’s order we’ve been working on all fronts to get ready to serve as many people as we can at as many locations as we can,” Berkson said.
Like Endres, OPCC also gave Denny Watson, 62, a ride to Westchester.
“I was all set to try and find a doorway to get away from the rain,” said Watson, who has been living on the streets of Santa Monica for more than 10 years. Watson said the Westchester shelter was “a godsend” because he has slept in a tent during previous rainstorms.
“Sometimes the rain can seep through even the tiniest spaces and it’s hard to stay dry,” he said.
It was Santa Monica’s homeless outreach C3 Team (City, County and Community) that brought senior citizen Clint Cooper to Westchester after finding him in Christine Reed Park in Santa Monica on Thanksgiving Day.
“I’ve been panicking the last few days about where I was going to sleep with the rain and cold coming,” said Cooper, who had several stents put into his heart last year. “I don’t do cold or wet well. So I’m glad they saw me in the park. If it wasn’t for them, I’d be under someone’s garage.”
Today, he added, “I’m thankful as hell.”
It’s just a case of “othering” a group of people in a weaker position than themselves — rich white people using their privilege to pick on anyone who isn’t one of them or subservient to them. Instead of “look how much the homeless are suffering” it’s “ew, I shouldn’t have to see that.”
Homeless people who are mentally ill or have addictions deserve harm reduction and treatment. But no one is advocating for these people, and their quality of life is heartbreaking in so many cases. Those of us who are working to earn money to get ourselves out of this situation deserve help to do
just that — and I mean comprehensive help, as many such services exist here only for people age 25 or younger. I don’t have a car and can’t afford to sleep inside, so should I be arrested? I just obtained health insurance and have access to a doctor here, so should I be forced to quit my job and start all over again someplace where there are even fewer resources available? Should I be forced into a government facility and have my child and partner taken away from me because I had the audacity to be poor? Is that what you really want? I see the hygiene and safety problems
that exist among the homeless, and I share a lot of residents’ concerns about these same issues. But I’ve also seen so much cruelty from people who have so much to give.
I cry every day out of fear. Not just the fear of other people on the street, but fear of the police and fear of you — the “residents” who don’t even see me as a person, and would harm me and my family even though we’ve never done you harm.
To contact the writer, email managing editor Joe Piasecki at jpiasecki@ timespublications.com.
The committee of Mar Vista residents carrying forward the 10-year campaign to restore the former fire station at Centinela Avenue and Charnock Road as an all-purpose community center has announced a $2.6-million fundraising goal.
Friends of Historic Fire Station 62 has until June 2021 to exercise an option to lease the
property from the city. They hope to raise $1.6 million to pay for interior and exterior structural upgrades to the nearly 70-year-old building, and an additional $1 million for an endowment to fund future activities at the center.
Visit historicfs62.blogspot.com to learn more about the project and its fundraising efforts. COMPILED BY GARY
WALKER
Environmental restoration nonprofit The Bay Foundation has signed a three-year agreement with LAX officials to expand its research and restoration efforts in Playa del Rey’s LAX Dunes preserve. Once the site of a residential neighborhood, the preserve is now the largest remaining contiguous coastal dune ecosystem in Southern California.
With the help of community and Loyola Marymount University student volunteers, The Bay Foundation has spent five years remov-
ing invasive plants and restoring native species in the northernmost 48 acres of the dunes along Vista Del Mar. Under the new agreement, future work may occur in an additional 52 contiguous acres.
The Bay Foundation and Friends of LAX Dunes host their next monthly volunteer cleanup session from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 7. RSVP at santamonicabay.org/events and meet in Trask Triangle Park at Waterview Street and Earldom Avenue.
(Continued from page 4)
contends that the proposal’s language was verbally modified during the Oct. 30 meeting, but our reporter didn’t hear that — as stated in the article, chaotic audience reaction to the written proposal preempted any formal verbal introduction of it by board member Martin Rubin (thus preventing any attempt to verbally modify it from being clearly discernable). Rubin also referred requests for comment after the October meeting to his written proposal.
As for the piece’s overarching assertion that removing at-large board members would constitute a political purge, it is now being argued that The Argonaut should have reported several hurdles to that occurring, including that such action would require: (A) two-thirds approval from the board, (B) approval by the city Department of Neighborhood Empowerment and, most importantly, (C) that any change in board configuration would go into effect only after the next board election and thus not prevent any current board
members from fulfilling their current terms. Items (A) and (B) are stated in board bylaws posted on the MVCC website, but at press time city officials had not returned calls seeking confirmation of (C). Readers with questions or concerns are invited to contact managing editor Joe Piasecki at (310) 822-1629 or jpiasecki@ timespublications.com.
Battle of the Billionaires
It would be very interesting to see Michael Bloomberg as the Democratic nominee for president, Donald Trump as the Republican nominee, and Tom Steyer as the Green Party nominee. I can just see the debate conversation: “I know what is best for billionaires,” says Trump; “No you don’t,” says Steyer; “You are both wrong,” says Bloomberg. If he wins the nomination, a slogan for the Bloomberg campaign might be: “It takes a good billionaire to beat a bad billionaire!”
Robert Matano Cayucos
By Bliss Bowen
When Marina del Rey resident Michele Gold lost her mother, Rita Berwald (née Rimalower-Nettler), to cancer in 2008, she found herself grieving not only for the parent she had loved but also for the determined Holocaust survivor whose personal history she had barely known. Not until the end of her life had Berwald begun to share memories of the Holocaust, and the loving family that placed her on a train to England out of Leipzig, Germany, in March 1939.
That train was part of the Kindertransport, or children’s transport, a rescue operation that was thrown together after Kristallnacht confirmed to the world that no Jew was safe in Nazi territory. Approximately 10,000 children were hustled out of Germany, Austria, Czechoslovakia and Poland via trains and ferries. They were taken mostly to the United Kingdom, between Dec. 1, 1938, and Sept. 1, 1939, when WWII was declared. Like most Kindertransport children, Berwald never saw her parents again.
Gold talked with artist and Holocaust survivor Gabriella Karin, who proposed creating what Gold calls “a wonderful 64-carriage winding train” in tribute to the Kindertransport. Gold helped her insert photos of Kindertransport children in windows of each of the carriages, and they opened an exhibition at the Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust in February 2011. The next step, Gold says, was obvious: “document every face in every window of every carriage into a book.”
Sunday afternoon she is discussing that book, “Memories That Won’t Go Away: A Tribute to the Children of the Kindertransport,” at the Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust, where she is board chair. The event will commemorate the 81st anniversary of the first Kindertransport that left Berlin, and will also include a panel discussion with Gold, Kindertransport survivors Paul Kester and Rita Sinder, and LAMH Board member Judy Cohen, whose father, Eric Seif, was just 14 when the Kindertransport helped him escape Vienna.
“Every story was a different story, and
every face to me was beautiful,” Gold says of the research she conducted.
“Collectively they reminded me of the sheer tenacity and determination to survive and to live life.”
Following the structure of Karin’s sculpture, each chapter of Gold’s book represents a Kindertransport train, filled with photos and histories of varying lengths of about 600 Kindertransport survivors. Their stories can’t help but be
moving, even as their cumulative weight demands time to pause.
“The main thing for me,” Gold says, “is that I documented them as lives that were saved.”
Some children, unfortunately, were treated harshly or like cheap labor. Others, like Gold’s mother, were welcomed like long-lost relatives and remained close to their foster families for the duration of their lives. Several gratefully recall being sponsored by Lord Alan Sainsbury’s committee, and how he ensured they not only received good clothes and pocket money but educations too.
Sir Nicholas Winton, the London stockbroker who quietly organized eight Kindertransports that saved 669 children, is also warmly remembered. One of the “Winton children,” future book and magazine designer Marion Feigl, developed agoraphobia in response to her trauma, even though she was comparatively lucky.
“It was very complicated,” Gold observes. “In spite of it all, and in spite of the fact that very few of these children ever united with their families again, most of them stayed unequivocally grateful to the country that took them in and often led very successful lives, both professionally and privately. But they also lived with tremendous guilt. My mother, I believe, lived with terrible guilt throughout her lifetime that she survived and her family didn’t.”
At train stations, some children were threatened by Nazi guards with dire consequences if they dared take money or valuables out of the country. Reading about the guards’ viciousness calls to mind recent instances of cruelty toward children along the U.S.-Mexico border, a potent reminder of how history inevitably connects with the present.
“It is a painful connection,” Gold agrees. “It’s unimaginable today, and it’s unimaginable back in 1938 and 1939.
“Incidentally,” she adds, “the last transport, which had the most of children [about 250], was due to leave the day the war broke out. That transport did leave but it went in the opposite direction. So you assume you know
what happened then.”
A brave few of the Kindertransport children risked deportation by hiding family heirlooms, such as the silver Kiddush cup 10-year-old Alfred Traum’s older sister Ruth smuggled out in her clothing, where their crippled WWI veteran father had buried it in her suitcase. The day the Kindertransport took them from Vienna was the last the Traums saw their parents.
Alfred did not know about the Kiddush cup’s rescue until 1958, when Ruth traveled from Israel to present it at his wedding. His essay about the cup and the Sabbath rituals it had centered during their childhood, and how their father’s example taught them “how to live with adversities and make the most of everything,” occupies four of the most touching pages in Gold’s book.
While researching, Gold Googled her mother’s name and unexpectedly discovered that during WWII, her mother had sent postcards to an uncle and aunt in neutral Switzerland, searching for information about her parents. Decades later, those postcards landed at a New
Michele Gold (upper right) visited her mother’s former home in Germany and saw “stumbling stones” placed for relatives murdered in the Holocaust
York auction house, where they were purchased by a rare book and Holocaust memorabilia dealer who donated them to the Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C.
“They tell very much of an Anne Frank story,” Gold says, “and they’re beautifully written. And very heartbreaking.”
Recently she took a train from Berlin to Leipzig, retracing her mother’s steps and thinking of her “the entire journey.” At her mother’s childhood home — a large building called “a Jew house” in 1938, now divided into five flats — she saw the stolpersteines, or stumbling stones, laid at her family’s behest outside the main entrance.
“Stolpersteines have been laid in various parts of Europe as a stark reminder of where Holocaust survivors once lived. I think there’s something like 64,000 of them now,” she explains. “We went to see the site where once stood what was known as the Great Synagogue. Today it’s a memorial to 140 empty architecturally made chairs; each chair represents 100 Jews of the total of 14,000 Jews that lived in Leipzig in 1939. We went to synagogue and we said the mourner’s prayer for my mother’s parents that night with whoever happened to be at the service. We were actually hosted by the mayor’s office, which was very lovely.
“It’s hard to imagine a city as beautiful as Leipzig is today that such horror occurred 80 years ago. It really is staggering.”
Gold says she is working on another book, about her mother’s postcards to Switzerland during WWII.
“How I stumbled upon them is a story unto itself,” she says. “And each postcard tells a very poignant story.”
Michele Gold discusses “Memories That Won’t Go Away: A Tribute to the Children of the Kindertransport” and participates in a panel discussion with Kindertransport survivors and descendants of survivors at 3 p.m. Sunday (Dec. 8) at the Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust, 100 The Grove Drive, Los Angeles. Admission is free. Call (323) 651-3704 or visit lamoth.org.
A musical version of “Little Women” kicks off the 70th anniversary season of Westchester’s celebrated Kentwood Players
By Christina Campodonico
Are you a Meg, a Jo, a Beth or an Amy?
For fans of the “Little Women” universe of books, films and TV series — all based on the original Louisa May Alcott novel about four sisters growing up in the shadow of the Civil War — it is an essential question.
Countless internet quizzes are devoted to whether the test-taker is like the fiercely free-spirited and tomboyish Jo March (the protagonist of the novel, who dreams of writing her own novel one day and staying single forever); the traditionallyminded Meg, who desires marriage and motherhood; the sweet and shy wallflower Beth, who catches Scarlet fever; or the flamboyant, artsy Amy, who’s also known as the bratty one of the March sister brood (but eventually grows out of it).
Filmmaker Greta Gerwig’s new starstudded take on the coming-of-age classic (out Christmas Day) is already generating enough buzz to get “Little Women”
devotees and a new generation of fans excited about this very question. Until then, it is an utter delight to watch the Kentwood Players bring the lives of the four March sisters to life with the musical “Little Women,” which originally debuted on Broadway in 2005 and starred Tony winner Sutton Foster as Jo.
The Kentwood Players’ production kicks off the all-volunteer theater troupe’s 70th anniversary season, which commemorates the not-for-profit group’s storied legacy of producing community-driven theater in Westchester — from its origins as part of PTA-supported play to its stints in a barn, a pump house and a restaurant. In the early ’60s, the group transformed a warehouse on Hindry Avenue into the Westchester Playhouse, a fully outfitted theater that remains their permanent home, and has earned a citywide reputation for highly professional productions through the years.
For real estate agent Jackie Fiske,
The March sisters have strong imaginations and an unbreakable family bond; Dylan La Rocque plays the girl gang’s best friend Laurie
performing the role of Jo with Kentwood Players is the culmination of a lifelong dream.
“I was such a tomboy. I hated wearing dresses. I hated wearing makeup. I was always into sports. I always loved writing,” says Fiske, who studied screenwriting at USC. “I just knew I always wanted to play Jo. This is my dream, dream, dream … I-can-diehappy role.”
Nineteen-year-old Francesca Farina, a student at Santa Monica City College, was similarly drawn to the role of Beth.
“I always really liked Beth, weirdly enough,” says Farina. “Most people want to play the lead, but I was like, ‘Oh, but I kind of feel like her.’”
Lyndsay Palmer, a teacher’s assistant who also works with special needs children on American Sign Language, identifies more with the youngest March sister’s affinity for visual art.
“My sister would probably say, ‘You’re
such a spoiled brat, so yes, Amy fits you perfectly.’ I see myself as more reserved, but when you get to know me, I do have that bubbly, kind of fun personality that Amy possesses,” says Palmer. “I do love art. I create as much as I can. So I think that is probably my biggest relation with Amy is just her love of art and culture.”
For the role, Palmer intently studied the artwork of Louisa May Alcott’s real-life artist sister Abigail May Alcott Nieriker (the inspiration for Amy) and also contributed her own artistic talents to the show, including a hand-drawn picture of the March sisters’ mother Marmee, and gave water-colored cards to her castmates. Recent Pepperdine University graduate Lauren Jennerjohn initially felt less affinity for her character, the domestically-inclined eldest sister Meg, but warmed up to her after diving into more research about her intellectual pursuits.
(Continued
By Christina Campodonico
The Leg Lamp is an iconic prop from the cult holiday classic “A Christmas Story,” and now it’s also a festive part of the seasonal cocktail menu at SALT, the Marina del Rey Hotel’s harbor bar and restaurant.
The Leg Lamp cocktail, true to its name, is served in a glass shaped exactly like the father’s prized lamp from the film. A frothy white mixture of gin, white cranberry peach rosemary syrup, house-made coconut syrup, a shot of Real McCoy rum, BroVo Douglas Fir Liqueur, Fee Brothers Falernum Liqueur and lemon juice fills up the tall glass — topped by a sprig of rosemary for an aromatic and “Christmasy” flourish, says the drink’s creator, Pacifica Hotels mixologist Ricky Mendez.
Sip this one slowly next to the waterside fire pit during cocktail hour, or better yet learn how to make the drink yourself during one of SALT’s upcom-
ing Merry Time on the Marina mixology classes, held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays through Dec. 19.
Other surprising treats on Mendez’s handcrafted cocktail menu for the class include the Candy Cane Lane cocktail — vodka with a mixture of peppermint, white chocolate liqueur and orange liqueurs, plus simple syrup and heavy cream and crushed candy cane on the rim). There’s also Santa’s Midnight Snack: Jim Beam Bonded, Lustau Sherry Port, cacao, dry vermouth and cherry bark bitters barrel-aged together for one month; “the adult version of a chocolate cherry pie at night,” says Mendez. Feel festive with the pomegranate liqueur-infused Red Ryder cocktail with vodka, lime juice, melon spiced bitters, cranberry rosemary syrup and sugared cranberry swizzle sticks; or, warm up with the Noche Buena, a Mexican-style holiday punch featuring an assortment
The “Christmas Story”-inspired Leg Lamp cocktail packs a frothy punch; finished with a burnt cinnamon stick, Castro’s Christmas Nightcap tastes like an iced hot toddy
of fruits with your choice of tequila, mezcal or rum served hot with sugar cane. A decadent daiquiri designed with Santa in mind or a presently off-menu eggnog could also be in store, hints Mendez.
A rich and boozy hot chocolate spiked with peppermint mocha Kahlúa is a satisfying drink to end the night. For fans of rum, there’s the cheekily named Castro’s Christmas Nightcap, made with biscotti liqueur, vanilla bean syrup and Tiki bitters (nutmeg, allspice, cumin) that
tastes like an iced hot toddy. The drink gets an extra fragrant flourish from a burnt cinnamon stick the bartender lights on fire then dunks into the glass. It’s a nod to the Cuban cigar — but one that smells like Christmas.
Merry Time on the Marina classes are held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays through Dec. 19 at SALT Restaurant + Bar, 13534 Bali Way, Marina del Rey. Tickets are $45 at eventbrite.com.
“*BLACK
ROBIN STEARS
3 Jalopy
6 PC key not used by itself
10 “Joy to the World,” e.g. 15 Costa del __ 18 Mocedades song covered by Eydie Gormé as “Touch the Wind” 20 Riskily off base
*Kozy Shack dessert
86 MTV sci-fi show “__ Flux”
Quick run
Tough tests
1964 Nobel Prize decliner 92 Tenth: Pref. 93 Narc’s org.
Best way to leave the casino 98 “A Death in the Family” writer 99 Land adjoining a mansion
101 “Miss Saigon” setting
103 TiVo predecessor
104 *Fancy decoration particles
107 Come to pass
109 Phony (up)
45 Discipline with poses
46 2015 Best Actress Larson
larger than a littleneck
50 *Where land and ocean meet
Cascades peak 55 Bethesda medical agcy. 56 Cut
Society page word 58 Duck named for the long-feathered part of its anatomy 60 Stand-up quality? 63 “Straight Up” singer 65 Bad road
110 The “E” in BCE
111 Alaskan native
112 *Former Queens home of the US Open
114 Not of the cloth
115 Victoria, to William IV
116 Computer __
117 Gets to the bottom of
118 Cry of success
119 Unloaded?
120 Submerged threat
121 Art of verse
1 Papyrus plants, e.g.
2 Get situated
4 Things to believe in 5 ’60s song car with “three deuces and a four-speed and a 389”
6 “Call Me Irresponsible” lyricist
7 Outdoorsy, tastewise 8 Detroit Lions’ mascot
9 Honorary degree for attys.
10 Sugar Plum Fairy’s instrument
11 Fly
12 Take another shot
City on Utah Lake 14 Vega’s constellation
Tool with a curved blade
Protruding windows 17 “The Vampire Chronicles” vampire 19 Word that may precede itself 24 Shrek’s bestie 29 River transport 30 Loggers’ contest
32 Peloponnesian War victor
34 Noble gas 37 Electra’s brother
39 PGA part: Abbr. 41 “Dies __” 42 Early fall baby’s sign
44 Are losing
45 Talk Like a Pirate Day refrain 46 Cuts at an angle
Red wine
Sad sack
Walk quietly
Desertlike
Hearth item sometimes called a firedog 52 Extending the life of 53 Mouth formations 54 Urban planner’s concern
56 Pin in a ring, say
Textbook section
Six-yr.-term
I’ve been dating this really great woman for three months. She’s just decided that she needs to be single right now, despite our forming a pretty strong connection. She explained that she really, really likes me, but she’s never been single for very long and thinks it’s best for her at the moment. I can respect that. She also says we can keep sleeping together if I want. I want to do that, but I’m wondering: Could that ruin our chances of having a real relationship again in the future?
— Wanna Play It Smart
Maybe you’re all, “Hey, fine by me if she wants to keep me as her sexual service department while she’s shopping around.” Maybe you’re hoping she’ll find other dudes lame in comparison. Totally possible. But if what really matters to you is having a relationship with her, all that availability on your part is not a good look. The problem is “the scarcity principle.”
How Yoda spoke
Trading places?
Track events 92 Figure out 93 Formal order 95 Advance in the race?
96 “Supernatural” co-star Jensen __ 97 Beyond “business casual”
99 Dimwitted “We’re Back! A Dinosaur’s Story” dinosaur 100 Rope loop
Liberal __ 105 Chef’s collection 106 Potpourri
108 Random House co-founder
109 Hawaii County seat
112 Pelt
113 Kangaroo move
People give you a reason for their behavior. It may not be the real reason. Like, I’d tell somebody, “So sorry … got a work thing!” and not, “I’d shave off my eyebrows to get out of your 8-year-old’s oboe recital.”
There’s a good chance you’ve been demoted from boyfriend to emergency penis. Research by evolutionary psychologist Joshua Duntley suggests that we evolved to cultivate backup mates — plan B partners we can quickly pivot to in case a partner ditches us or dies in a freak accident. Many or most of us seem to have a backup mate or two — somebody we flirt with regularly or otherwise set up as our romantic fallback, though we aren’t always consciously aware of it.
Psychologist Robert Cialdini explains that we value what’s scarce or out of reach, fearing that we’ll lose access to it. In fact, the desirability of the very same person or thing often increases or decreases according to shifts in its perceived accessibility. (Picture Denny’s with a velvet rope and a scary bouncer instead of “Open 24 hours! Seat yourself!”)
Once your value is perceived to be low, there might not be much chance of rehabbing it. So it might pay to find other sex partners and give this woman a chance to miss you. It ultimately serves your purpose better than turning yourself into the man version of those freeze-dried food packs sold for earthquake or apocalypse prep kits: delicious like seasoned particle board but just the thing while you’re waiting for rescue in the remains of your office building with nothing to eat but your arm.
My boyfriend recently proposed to me. I’ve gotten to thinking that if I’d never worn braces, he wouldn’t have been interested in me. I had a terrible underbite. I always felt very unattractive in regard to my teeth, lip and jaw region until I eventually had this corrected years ago through braces. I constantly have the nagging thought that my boyfriend could do better — that is, find a woman who is more naturally beautiful, more on a par with his level of attractiveness. Basically, I feel that my braces led to a form of unnatural beauty, a kind of cheating, and I don’t deserve him. — Distressed
Though some men are put off by fake breasts, it’s unlikely that anybody will find corrective dental work a vile form of deception, like you’re the Bernie Madoff of the perfect smile. Research in “dental anthropology” (who knew?!) by Peter Ungar, Rachel Sarig and others suggests the cause of your underbite could be genetic — or it could be environmental (perhaps deficiencies in maternal nutrition during pregnancy).
Sorry. I was hoping for something a little more definitive, too.
Might you and your fiancé have a kid with a funky bite? Sure. But unlike in ancestral human societies, we live in a world teeming with orthodontists. Just look for the “STR8TEETH” and “SMILEDOC” plates on cars that cost as much as a small, slightly used private jet.
Allay your fears by being honest: Tell your fiancé that you got braces to correct a really bad underbite. A dude who’s attracted to the way you look now is unlikely to dump you upon learning about your supposedly sordid orthodontic history.
Looks are vital for attraction, but they’re just part of what matters. A massive cross-cultural survey by evolutionary psychologist David Buss finds that men, like women, prioritize kindness and intelligence in a partner. In fact, these are men’s and women’s top asks. And these are things that can’t be engineered with $7K in oral railroad tracks and years spent covering your mouth when you laugh lest those tiny rubber bands shoot across the room and put out somebody’s eye.
GOT A PROBLEM? Write to Amy Alkon at 171 Pier Ave, Ste. 280, Santa Monica, CA 90405, or email her at AdviceAmy@aol.com. ©2019, 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 and visit blogtalkradio.com/amyalkon.
Lunch with Santa
At Westchester United Methodist Church
Saturday, December 7th
11:00 am to 2:00 pm
Join us this holiday season as we
of Christ at Westchester United
• Saturday, November 30th, 9:00 am: Hanging of the Greens in the sanctuary
• Sunday Services at 10:00 am: Advent Worship Series “God Bless us Everyone”
The Westchester Crafters have been working like Santa’s elves throughout the year making beautiful and unique handmade items. Mark Saturday, December 7th as a special day for the whole family and be our guest for lunch while you visit Santa.
• Sunday, December 1st, 6:30 pm: The Gathering, an informal time of meditation and prayer
• Saturday, December 7th, 11:00 am: Lunch with Santa
• Advent Studies:
• Sundays starting, December 1st, 11:30 am - The Redemption of Scrooge
• Mondays starting December 2nd, 7:00 pm - The Light of the World
Join us this holiday season as we celebrate the birth of Christ at Westchester United Methodist Church
The Westchester Crafters have been working like Santa’s elves throughout the year making beautiful and unique handmade items. Mark Saturday, December 7th as a special day for the whole family and be our guest for lunch while you visit Santa. We cover the 15 square miles that matter most to your customers.
• Tuesday, December 24th, 4:30 pm: Christmas Eve Candlelight service
• Saturday, November 30th 9:00 am: Hanging of the greens in the sanctuary
For more information, please contact the church of ce Westchester United Methodist Church • 8065 Emerson Ave Fellowship Hall • 310 670-3777
• Sunday Services at 10:00 am: Advent Worship Series "God Bless us Everyone"
• Saturday, December 7th 11:00 am: Lunch with Santa
• Advent Studies
• Sunday, December 1st, 6:30 pm: The Gathering, an informal time of meditation and prayer
o Sundays starting, December 1st 11:30 am - The Redemption of Scrooge
o Mondays starting December 2nd 7:00 pm - The Light of the World
• Tuesday, December 24th 5:00 pm: Christmas Eve Candlelight service at 4:30 pm
For more information, please contact the church office
Westchester United Methodist Church 8065 Emerson Ave Phone: 310 670-3777
“One of Westchester’s largest lots has been artfully maximized into an exceptionally secure and enchanting oasis in the heart of Silicon Beach,” says agent Stephanie Younger. “Meander past manicured landscaping to an upgraded Napa-meets-Mediterranean home. Inside, a stately fireplace is a memorable first impression to the great room. Fully remodeled, the consummate entertainer’s kitchen boasts Thermador appliances, wine bar, pantry and Caesarstone counters. Perfect afternoons are spent in the California room and second-story redwood deck. Back inside, the master suite offers a private living room with two-way fireplace, wet bar and expansive walk-in closet with spa-like en suite. French doors open the master to the pool area, where fountains and waterfalls create meditative bliss. Four additional bedrooms offer en-suite sanctuaries. Additional features include: putting green, fitness studio, firepit and koi pond with waterfall. The pinnacle of indoor-outdoor living has arrived.”
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Here are some of the four common plumbing problems you may encounter in your home.
BROKEN PIPES:
Much of the broken pipes that need to be replaced is the city’s responsibility, but some of the financial burden will rest on the shoulders of local residents. If you’re experiencing any of the signs of a major leak, be it reduced water pressure, or a smell of sewer in the house, be sure to contact a plumber to get things working the right away.
LEAKING FAUCETS:
Leaking faucets can run up your water bill and even cause damage if the pooling leaks in a place you can’t see. You might not believe it, but even a slow drip, if it is steady, can be costing you 20 dollars in water a week. In most cases, a dripping faucet is caused by a faulty seal on the valve that holds back the water supply coming into your home. Your water supply is under pressure, which is why water spurts out when you turn on the tap, and the seal holds this pressure back. Replace the washer with one of exactly the same size and be sure to wrap it in plumber’s tape.
If only one drain has slowed, it’s likely to be a localized clog. In that case, your first step should be to look down the drain and see if anything obvious is clogging it. If not, try using a plunger to clear it. You can use a toilet plunger or buy one specifically for
“Located in coveted Playa del Rey, this move-in ready home is perfect for entertaining,” says agent Stephanie Younger. “The formal living room sits off the front entry and welcomes you through to the beautifully outfitted chef’s kitchen. The spacious layout includes a formal dining room, an open family room, featuring a built-in entertainment center, all leading to the entertainer’s dream backyard. The outdoor entertainment area features a fireplace lounge, covered spa, and built-in barbecue kitchen.”
Offered at $1,849,000
Stephanie Younger Compass 310-499-2020
“Enjoy this sun-drenched, Santa Barbara style home,” says agent Denise Fast. “This luxuriously updated, Mediterranean shows like a model home in the Coeur D’Alene school district. The kitchen features top-of-theline stainless appliances, a farmhouse sink and custom backsplash. The gourmet, island kitchen and family room open to the private backyard. Features include a gracious entry and grand spiral staircase. The home is very spacious with second story vaulted ceilings and skylights.”
Offered at $2,695,000
Denise Fast
RE/MAX Estate Properties 310-578-5414
“This extensively renovated three-bed, three-bath, corner townhome boasts upgrades throughout the living areas,” says agent Jesse Weinberg. “The first floor offers a spacious living room which opens via ceiling sliding glass doors to a private ipe-wood deck, an updated kitchen, and breakfast nook. Additionally, the downstairs boasts a spacious bed and full bath. Upstairs offers the master bed with en-suite bath, and a second generously sized bed and bath. Also included is an attached two-car garage.”
Offered at $1,099,000
Jesse Weinberg KW Silicon Beach 800-804-9132
“Views from this two-bed, two-bath home encompass the Marina, ocean, and Catalina,” says agent Charles Lederman. “The kitchen boasts a large island, a wine cooler, and stainless-steel appliances. The master bedroom boasts panoramic vistas and an en-suite bath with a marble shower. The second bedroom has dual translucent walls that opens to the living space, while providing privacy as desired. Features include floor-to-ceiling windows, wood floors, and access to the Marina City Club amenities.”
Offered at $992,000
Charles Lederman
Charles Lederman & Associates 310-821-8980
sinks: it is the same shape but has a shorter handle. If this doesn’t work, try putting a half cup of baking soda down the drain and chase it with a half cup of vinegar. Let it sit for a couple hours and then send down some boiling water. If you’re completely sure that grease is the problem, use a half cup of salt and a half cup of baking soda and a pot of hot water.
TOILET PROBLEMS:
If you’re not getting enough water in the tank to fully flush the bowl, try bending the float arm up just a bit. This will allow the tank to fill higher before the water turns off. If there’s plenty of water in the tank but not enough makes it into the bowl, check the tank ball on the flush valve and consider resetting the guide. If neither of these issues fixes the problem, there could be buildup from hard water in the small holes that sit under the rim of the inside seat. These small holes are where the water comes out, and buildup can block the water.
“This is a one-of-a-kind, three-bed floor plan that has been transformed into a very large one-bedroom suite,” says agent Eileen McCarthy. “The
Jane St. John RE/MAX Estate Properties 310-567-5971 MARINA CITY CLUB
“Experience excellence in this four-bed, three-bath, villa, offering views to the Palos Verdes Peninsula, ocean, Santa Monica and DTLA,” says agent Jane St. John. “There has been exquisite attention to detail in the restoration of this timeless Spanish interior. The sophisticated new owner will enjoy the security systems, exterior lighting, a wine cellar for your 800 bottle collection, and updated multi-room Control 4 stereo systems. Four patios and courtyards create perfect indoor/outdoor entertaining venues.”
Offered at $2,750,000
1-4
1-4
1-4 1878 Greenfield Ave. #2 4/2.5
Compiled by Sara Harmatz
Thursday, Dec. 5
Santa on the LAPD Sleigh in Del Rey and Playa Vista, 3:30 to 8:30 p.m. Santa Claus is coming to town for free family photo sessions, getting a police escort to Short Avenue Elementary at 3:30, Playa Vista’s Concert Park at 4:45 p.m., the Oxford Triangle (Thatcher Avenue and Howard Street) at 6:30 p.m., Kenyon and Louise avenues at 7:15, and 3600 Wade St. at 8 p.m. 11thdistrict.com
Downtown Culver City Tree
Lighting Sled-tacular, 5 to 8 p.m. Sled down a snowy hill or frolic in a bounce house, pausing for the city’s holiday tree lighting in Town Plaza at 6 p.m. and the arrival of Santa at 6:30 p.m. Free. downtownculvercity.com
Bob Baker Marionette Theater Puppet Show, 6 to 8 p.m. (also on Dec. 12 & 19). A family-friendly evening of puppetry, sing-alongs and holiday cheer against the iconic backdrop of the Santa Monica Pier merry-go-round. Free. (310) 458-8901; santamonicapier.org
Santa Monica Tree Lighting & Winterlit Holiday Market, 6 to 9 p.m. The 1300 block of Third Street Promenade hosts the city’s official tree lighting ceremony and a local artisans’ holiday marketplace. downtownsm.com
Suzy Williams Sings Judy Garland, 7 to 9 p.m. The passionate jazz, blues and folk artist sings songs from the iconic actress’s songbook. UnUrban Coffee House, 3301 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica. $10. (310) 306-7330; laughtears.com
Choruses Christmas Gala, 8 to 9:30 p.m. The LMU choruses ring in the holidays while preforming contemporary and traditional holiday favorites. Sacred Heart Chapel, 1 LMU Drive. $15; free for students with ID. (310) 338-5853; axs.com/lmu/cfa
Satellite of Lou at Beyond Baroque, 8 to 10 p.m. Mary
The art of puppetry comes alive on the Santa Monica Pier. SEE THURSDAY, DEC. 5.
Woronov, Dick and Jane Orchestra, Angie Bowie and LoveyDove honor the legendary artist Lou Reed. Beyond Baroque, 681 Venice Blvd., Venice. $6 to $10; free for members. (310) 822-3006; eventbrite.com
Venice Art Crawl + Abbot Kinney First Friday, 6 to 10 p.m. The December Venice Art Crawl joins forces with Abbot Kinney First Fridays for an evening of festive food trucks and art along Abbot Kinney Boulevard in Venice. veniceartcrawl.com
Mercado at SPARC, 6 to 10 p.m.
Shop local this season during the Venice Art Crawl while staying warm with specialty roast coffee and Oaxacan cuisine. Social and Public Art Resource Center, 685 Venice
Blvd., Venice. sparcinla.org
“Love is the Law” Book Signing, 7 to 9 p.m. Author Marieta Oslanec discusses her spiritual book on activating inner genius and uplifting humanity. Mystic Journey Bookstore, 1624 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice. (310) 399-7070; mysticjourneybookstore.com
Style and Sustainability, 7 p.m. Meet leaders in sustainable fashion and learn what the newest trends are with a panel discussion led by the producer of the short film series “Thread,” Marci Zaroff. A fashion show follows. Lexus Santa Monica, 1501 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica. Free with RSVP. eventbrite.com
Classical Underground Presents “Between Revolutions,” 7 p.m. Interdisciplinary art collective Classical Undergrounds presents a
performance of Soviet-period instrumental and vocal music at The Wende Museum, 10808 Culver Blvd., Culver City. Get on the waitlist at info@wendemuseum.org.
Words & Music by Dan Wilson, 8 to 10 p.m. Hear stripped-down renditions of contemporary classics as the Grammy-winning artist unleashes the creative process of songwriting. McCabe’s Guitar Shop, 3101 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica. $25. (310) 828-4497; store.mccabes.com
The Moontones at Rusty’s Rhythm Club, 8 p.m. Dress up and get festive at the annual Jingle Ball fundraiser benefiting the Good Shepherd Shelter. Tunes by the all-star six piece band cover an array of favorites from the ’50s. A half-hour beginner swing dance kicks things off at 7:30 p.m. (no partner needed). $20 cover, includes the class. Westchester Elks Lodge,
8025 W. Manchester Ave. Playa del Rey. (310) 606-5606; rustyfrank.com
SMC Planetarium Winter Solstice, 8 p.m. The feature show examines the history of various ancient observances of the Winter Solstice and how they have merged with later Judeo-Christian holidays. John Drescher Planetarium at SMC, 1900 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica. $5 to $11. (310) 434-3005; smc.edu/planetarium
Tribe LA: Men’s Movement + Meditation, 7 to 9 a.m. Join a community of men dedicated to the exploration of purpose, freedom and love by practicing breath work, movement and meditation. Venice Beach on the left side of the Venice Pier, 10 Washington Blvd., Venice. $12. eventbrite.com
Open Wetlands at Ballona, 9 a.m. to noon. Take a stroll through the sand dunes to the creek and learn about the unique ecosystems in these neighborhood wetlands during the Los Angeles Audubon Society’s monthly event. Ballona Wetlands Ecological Reserve, 303 Culver Blvd., Playa del Rey. (310) 745-2118; laaudubon.org
Community Work Day at Emerson Avenue Community Garden, 9 a.m. to noon. Get into the spirit of the season and help spruce up the student garden during this holiday workday. Light refreshments provided. 8050 Emerson Ave., Westchester. (310) 337-0827; eacgc.org
Help Restore the LAX Dunes, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. The Bay Foundation and Friends of LAX Dunes host their monthly clean-up of this coastal habitat for a variety of remarkable plants and animals. Help remove non-native and invasive vegetation and learn more about this historic site. Trask Triangle Park (Waterview Gate across from the park at Waterview Street and Earldom Avenue), Playa del Rey. santamonicabay.org/events
“War Words” @ Pacific Resident Theatre
The funny, strange, heroic and heartbreaking stories of veterans who served in Afghanistan and Iraq come to life on stage.
Opens Thursday and continues at 8 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 3 p.m. Saturdays and 7 p.m. Sundays through Dec. 15. 703 Venice Blvd., Venice. $15. (310) 8228392; pacificresidenttheatre.com
“Rhinoceros” @ Santa Monica College
SMC’s theater arts department presents Eugene Ionesco’s classic absurdist play about a small provincial town visited by a mysterious rhino. Last shows: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday (Dec. 6 & 7). Theatre Arts Main Stage, 1900 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica. $8 to $15. (310) 434-4319; smc.edu/mainstage
Donna Sternberg & Dancers: “Iron Women” @ The Wende Museum
The Wende Museum hosts a sitespecific dance performance by Donna Sternberg & Dancers, created in response to the current exhibition “Medea Insurrection: Radical Women Artists Behind the Iron Curtain.” A Q&A with the artists follows.
One performance only: 3 p.m. Sunday (Dec. 8). 10808 Culver Blvd., Culver City. Free with RSVP. (310) 260-1198; dsdancers.com/events
“Department of Dreams” @ City Garage
In Jeton Neziraj’s nightmarish Orwellian comedy, an autocratic government seeks to control its citizens’ imaginations by demanding they put their dreams into a depository. Dan, a new hire for the prized job of “interpreter,” looks for threats to the government’s “Little Black Dress” is a ladies’ night musical
authority and its version of truth. Last shows: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday through (Dec. 6, 7 & 8). 2525 Michigan Ave. (Bergamot Station Building T1), Santa Monica. $20 to $25, or pay what you want at the door on Sundays. (310) 453-9939; citygarage.org
“Little Black Dress” @ Kirk Douglas Theatre
This new musical explores the evolution of one of womankind’s most versatile wardrobe staples, from Audrey Hepburn’s Givenchy LBD in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” to Lady Di’s iconic off-the-shoulder “revenge dress.” Now playing at 8 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays and 1 and 6:30 p.m. Sundays through Dec. 15. 9820 Washington Blvd., Culver City. $25. littleblackdressthemusical.com
‘Tis the season to light up the Venice Sign in red and green. SEE SATURDAY, DEC. 7
Makeup Masterclass with Celebrity MUA Claudia Rivers, 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Master your holiday party looks led by a licensed celebrity makeup artist during a fun-filled day of sisterhood, benefitting mentorship nonprofit Sand Sisters LA. Superba Food + Bread, 1900 Lincoln Blvd., Venice. $125. facebook.com/SandSistersLA BookArtsLA 6th Annual Holiday Sale, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Peruse an array
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“It’s so strange, because I’m quite different from her,” says Jennerjohn. “But playing Meg also feels so comfortable. I don’t really know why, but I have fallen in love with her and continue to fall in love with her.… I love her almost like divineness and her romantic side. … The writers that the book says that she likes to read and that the script says that she likes to read … they’re all romanticist.”
While each actress feels very suited to her role now, they were all called back for very different parts.
Instead of soft-spoken Beth, Farina was initially called back for the role of loud and brash Amy. Instead of homemaking Meg, Jennerjohn was called back for homebody Beth. Palmer was called back for every role except Jo, her character Amy’s “polar opposite” and sisterly rival. And Fiske was called back not only for Jo, but also Meg, the eldest March sister whose domestic demeanor is the antithesis of Jo’s ambition to become an independent woman and author
of paper goods, books, journals and cards made by local artisans by hand or printing press. BookArtsLA, 11720 Washington Place, Mar Vista. bookartsla.org
Inaugural Heart of Del Rey Pop-Up, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Take pictures with Santa and play in the street when Centinela Boulevard closes to vehicles between Culver Boulevard and Short Avenue, with special installations showcasing
possible pedestrian-friendly Great Streets program updates. heartofdelrey.org
Fisherman’s Village Bob DeSena Concert, 1 to 4 p.m. Enjoy free live music inspired by the legendary vibraphonist Roy Ayers and performed by Latin Jazz artist Bob DeSena. Fisherman’s Village, 13737 Fiji Way, Marina del Rey. Lyondemere - Gyldenholt Yule, 1 to 8:30 p.m. Join in festivities marking
Like her character Jo, actress Jackie Fiske is a writer at heart
(although Jo does eventually marry the intellectual Professor Bhaer).
“I literally came in dressed in my combat boots and pants and a vest, and then I brought a wrap skirt so that I could transition to Meg,” Fiske recalls. “So I totally wanted Jo, and I think it was pretty obvious.
“I almost talked myself out of coming to the audition because I
the Winter Solstice by feasting, participating in a dessert contest and other themed activities. El Segundo Masonic Lodge, 520 Main St., El Segundo. $8 to $18. sca-caid.org
Sprout: 3rd Annual Video Art + Film Festival, 2 to 4:30 p.m. This free international festival showcases films around the theme “Sprout” from all ages and backgrounds. ESMoA, 208 Main St., El Segundo. (424) 2771020; esmoa.org
Oyster Bar Pop Up at Stanley’s Wet Goods, 3 to 7 p.m. Try the freshest oysters paired with specially curated wines and bubbles selections every first Saturday of the month. Stanley’s Wet Goods, 9620 Venice Blvd., Culver City. stanleys.la
Magic, Music & Mensch, 4 to 8 p.m. Celebrate the birthdays and decades of service of three leaders of the secular Jewish Sholem Community with live jazz, klezmer and folk performances. Address provided upon ticket purchase. $20 to $45. sholem.org
12 Bars of Christmas, 4 p.m. to midnight. Crawl around Santa Monica’s most popping bars for exclusive drink specials and a chance to win the costume contest. $20. crawlwith.us/santamonica
Montana Avenue Holiday Walk, 4 to 8 p.m. Shop windows are dressed up for this 11-block holiday street party from 6th Street to 17th Street along Montana Avenue, Santa
Monica. montanaave.com
Miracle on Main Street, 4 to 9 p.m. Main Street celebrates its 25th annual tree lighting with carolers and a visit from Santa. The fun starts in the parking lot of the California Heritage Museum, 2612 Main St., Santa Monica. mainstreetsm.com
Marina del Rey Hotel Holiday Tree Lighting, 5 to 7:30 p.m. Kick off the holiday season with a tree lighting ceremony and special singing performance by the Venice Beach High School choir. The festivities include complimentary hot chocolate, hot cider, light bites and holiday cocktails for purchase from SALT at the Marina del Rey Hotel, 13534 Bali Way, Marina del Rey. Free admission. (310) 301-1000; www.marinadelreyhotel.com.
Cuddle Sanctuary 5th Birthday Party, 6 to 9:30 p.m. Unwind in the perfect environment for connection and fun with gentle exercises and structured cuddling opportunities. Cuddle Sanctuary, 1332 Main St., Venice. $30; $20 advance. cuddlesanctuary.com
Venice Sign Holiday Lighting, 6:15 to 8 p.m. Watch Councilman Mike Bonin and a surprise guest flip the ceremonial light switch to light up the Venice Sign in holiday red and green. venicechamber.net
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just wanted it so badly. The thought of trying for it and not getting it [was] heartbreaking,” she continues, remembering how belting Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You” in the car with her boyfriend finally convinced her to audition. “I literally came in 10 minutes before they stopped.”
As the show has progressed, Farina, Fiske, Jennerjohn and
Palmer say a “sisterhood” of their own has formed as they’ve gotten to know each other and made their own discoveries about the world of “Little Women,” from the intricacies of its musical version’s score to how the material speaks to contemporary feminism and endures as a source of inspiration for numerous adaptations.
“It’s women power. It’s feminism. It’s strength,” says Palmer, observing how the March sisters’ father is notably absent from the musical and Marmee is essentially a single mom. “It is all about the women, and the power that Marmee has and how she really is the rock and the foundation of the family.”
“That concept of sisterhood, whether it’s literal or not, just in this day and age, I think that’s applicable,” adds Fiske. “Obviously with the #MeToo movement and everything, female empowerment is big and women not turning on one another and not competing with one another.
… I think that’s the arc that Amy and [Jo] have. It’s like we learn not only to live with each other but respect each other and support each other. And I think
if women can do that from here on out that will be a really positive thing for the world.”
Jo’s controversial choice to marry Professor Bhaer, after rejecting her childhood bestie’s proposal and marriage in general, could also be seen as Jo’s way of opening herself to the idea of “having it all”— love and a career.
“It’s like she’s a filly, like a young horse that’s been bucking and rearing, and she’s finally so exhausted when she sees [Bhaer] … she could practically just fall into his arms,” says Fiske. “You see this side of her that’s soft and open to love.”
“I also think everyone can see themselves in one of us, or Marmee, or one of the characters in this show,” adds Jennerjohn. “It’s truly timeless because no matter what age you are … from Amy to Aunt March, you can find yourself in this story.”
“Little Women” plays at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays through Dec. 21 at the Westchester Playhouse, 8301 Hindry Ave., Westchester. Tickets are $27 at kentwoodplayers.org, or call (310) 645-5156.
(Continued from page 25)
Screening, 7 to 8:30 p.m. Mystic Journey Bookstore screens this documentary following Laila del Monte as she makes telepathic communication with animals of all types. A Q&A follows. Mystic Journey Bookstore, 1624 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice. $10. eventbrite.com
The Steel Wheels Live at McCabe’s, 8 to 10 p.m. The Virginiabased acoustic roots collective perform songs from its newest album, which focuses on surviving tragedy. McCabe’s Guitar Shop, 3101 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica. $25. (310) 828-4497; store.mccabes.com
Sunday, Dec. 8
Abbot Kinney Holiday Block Party & Snow Day, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Go sledding on real snow in The Brig’s parking lot, visit Santa, sing with carolers, eat from food trucks and hang at special in-store events. 1515 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice. abbotkinneyblvd.com
Fisherman’s Village Upstream Concert, 1 to 4 p.m. The Reggae band spreads their message of love and positivity at Fisherman’s Village, Fisherman’s Village, 13737 Fiji Way, Marina del Rey.
20th Annual Holiday Magic Toy Drive & Mixer, 5 to 9 p.m. Dress up in your best holiday attire and mingle with members of the community. Bring unwrapped toys for LAPD to give to kids in need. Café del Rey, 4451 Admiralty Way, Marina del Rey. Free. (310) 827-1100
Rob Ickes & Trey Hensley at McCabe’s, 8 p.m. The bluegrass, country, blues and western duo perform at McCabe’s Guitar Shop, 3101 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica. $20. (310) 828-4497; store.mccabes.com
Monday, Dec. 9
Santa on the LAPD Sleigh in Playa del Rey and Westchester, 4 to 8 p.m. — Santa and his Pacific Division entourage visit Playa del Rey Lagoon (Pacific & Convoy) at 4, 8030 Fordham Ave. at 4:45, 6907 W. 85th Place at 6, 7511 Agnew Ave. at 7 and 8040 El Manor at 7:45 p.m. 11thdistrict.com
SMC Vocal Department Showcase, 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Janelle DeStefano directs advanced classical, jazz, musical theater and contemporary voice students. The Edye at SMC Performing Arts Center, 1900 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica. $10. smc.edu. Velodrone at TRiP, 8 to 8:45 p.m. Singer-songwriter Marisa Dewa captivates the audience with a classical music background and melodic sensibility combined with her distortion-powered, Indie rock songs. TRiP, 2101 Lincoln Blvd., Santa Monica. No Cover. (310) 396-9010; tripsantamonica.com
Tuesday, Dec. 10
Santa on the LAPD Sleigh in Westchester, 4 to 8 p.m. — Old St. Nick returns to the neighborhood, stopping at 5962 W. 75th St at 4, 7825 Goddard Ave. at 4:45, 4821 W. 63rd St at 5:30, 8937 Fleetwing Ave. at 6:45 and 8880 Earhart Ave. at 7:45 p.m. 11thdistrict.com
Kaleidoscope Concert, 7:30 p.m.
Collaborating with exhibiting dnj Gallery artists, the orchestra performs music that stretches the boundaries for what is thought possible without a conductor. dnj Gallery, 3015 Ocean Park Blvd., Santa Monica. Donations encouraged. (310) 315-3551; dnjgallery.net
Wednesday, Dec. 11
Santa on the LAPD Sleigh in Venice & Mar Vista, 3:30 to 8 p.m.
Santa’s back, this time stopping in Penmar Park (on Lake west of Walgrove) at 3:30, 2103 Walnut Ave. at 4:15, St. Andrew’s Church at 5, 3236 Purdue Ave. at 5:45, 3270 Granville Ave. (below Rose) at 6:30,
and 11900 Victoria Ave. at 7:15 p.m. 11thdistrict.com
2nd Annual Gingerbread Competition at Tripli-kit, 7 to 10 p.m. Get creative during this friendly competition along with libations and light bites. Triple-kit, 12764 W. Jefferson Blvd., Runway at Playa Vista. $40. triplikit.com
Culver City Democratic Club Meeting, 7 p.m. Get together with like-minded individuals during the Culver City Democratic Club’s general meeting every second Wednesday of the month. Veteran’s Memorial Building, 4117 Overland Ave., Culver City. culvercitydemocraticclub.com Soundwaves, 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Rising star pianist Brendan White performs Paul Hindemith’s “Ludus
Tonalis,” demonstrating innovative compositional techniques in various musical forms. Santa Monica Public Library, 601 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica. (310) 458-8646; smpl.org
Thursday, Dec. 12
Impeached in the USA, 7 to 8:30 p.m. Professor at UCLA School of Law Jon Michaels provides a layman’s guide to the impeachment process and its history in the United States. Santa Monica Public Library, 601 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica. (310) 458-8646; smpl.org
Museums & Galleries
“Roughing It: How Mark Twain
Made the West,” through Dec.19. Discover Mark Twain’s experience with the American West through his 1872 semi-autobiographical work “Roughing It” alongside work of his contemporaries to understand why Twain went west and why his distinctive style emerged in this landscape. William H. Hannon Library, 1 LMU Dr., Westchester. facebook.com/lmulibrary
Send event information at least 10 days in advance to christinac @argonautnews.com
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