The Argonaut Newspaper - March 17, 2022

EDUCATION SPOTLIGHT - PAGES 7-13

Love Lockdown Artist and activist Ruben Rojas uplifts others with his empowering murals

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CONTENTS

ON THE COVER: Artist and activist Ruben Rojas inspires and uplifts others with his murals that feature empowering messages. Photo by Chris Mortenson. Design by Arman Olivares.

COMIC STRIP.............................. 3 LETTERS....................................... 3 COMMUNITY.............................. 4 FOOD & DRINK.......................... 6 EDUCATION SPOTLIGHT........... 7 COVER STORY.......................... 14 BUSINESS.................................. 16

Local News & Culture

The Westside’s News Source Since 1971 CONTACT US (310) 822-1629 Letters, News, Tips & Event Listings: kkirk@timespublications.com EDITORIAL Executive Editor: Christina Fuoco-Karasinski christina@timespublications.com Editor: Kamala Kirk (310) 574-7654 kkirk@timespublications.com Contributing Writers: Bridgette M. Redman, Jessica Koslow, Marin Heinritz, Michele Robinson, Sara Edwards Editorial Intern: Sebastian Lipstein ART Graphic Designer: Arman Olivares Staff Photographer: Chris Mortenson

ARTS & EVENTS........................ 18 ADVICE GODDESS................... 21 WESTSIDE HAPPENINGS........ 28

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Demolished Editor: It was so sad going past the iconic Hot Dog on a Stick in Santa Monica today and seeing it razed. It should have been landmarked. It was the first Hot Dog on a Stick built. It opened in 1946.

Last week the iconic Chess Park on the Santa Monica beachfront was dismantled as well.

PHOTOS CREDIT: LOU STEINER

Traffic safety hazard on Via Marina Editor: Am I the only one that feels there is a traffic hazard, three times a week created by the waste management vendor servicing the Amli Apartments? The vendor places multiple dumpsters in the closest northbound lane to the apartment complex for waste removal and once emptied, the containers are left in the roadway for extended periods of time (often several hours).

This is a direct road hazard and creates both physical and visual impediments to safe travel along the northbound stretch of Via Marina. For the sake of all cyclists, motorists and pedestrians this needs to stop, and Amli should make appropriate arrangements to have their refuse handled within the confines of their leasehold interest.

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We should do more to preserve things that make Santa Monica a unique place.

Lou Steiner Santa Monica

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C O M M U N I T Y

Tango for Peace

Local dance instructor to host special fundraiser for Ukraine

By Kamala Kirk n 1979, Ilona Glinarksy arrived in the United States at the age of 16. She and her mother were Jewish refugees who had fled from the Soviet regime and anti-Semitism in their native town of Kyiv in Ukraine.

“We spent a couple of years in New York and moved to Los Angeles in 1981,” Glinarsky said. “Today, more than ever, I appreciate my mother’s courage in taking a leap of faith and moving across the globe with just a few dollars in our pockets to an unknown foreign country to start a new chapter. Those were tough times, but looking back…it was the best decision my mother could have ever made. I am eternally grateful.”

Although most of Glinarsky’s family immigrated from Ukraine after the Soviet Union’s collapse, Glinarksy still has relatives in Kyiv: her two nieces with their families, as well as a cousin and

COURTESY OF ILONA GLINARKSY

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On March 18, dance instructor Ilona Glinarsky is hosting Tango for Peace, a social dancing event and Ukraine fundraiser in Playa del Rey. his family.

“I have been keeping in touch with them every day since the war started through Instagram

and Viber,” Glinarsky said.

“They had to abandon their home and spend 10 days hiding in bomb shelters (subway stations)

with their children and elderly parents. I recently learned that they reluctantly decided to flee from Kyiv just to save the lives of their children, while having to leave their husbands and fathers behind to defend their homeland.

What a tough choice this must be to make, a choice between your husband and your child. My heart feels shattered every time I watch yet another video and hear yet another eyewitness story of this violent, unprovoked invasion by the Russian troops and the courage, strength and resilience of the Ukrainian people.”

Glinarsky, who produces an ongoing monthly Argentine Tango social event called Milonga LAX, decided it was time to step up and help the people back in Ukraine. On March 18 she is organizing Tango for Peace, a fundraiser for Ukraine. From 7 to 8 p.m. there will be a Taste of Tango class for complete beginners (no partner needed), then from 8 p.m. to 1

a.m. there will be social dancing and a special tango performance by maestros Miriam Larici and Leonardo Barrionuevo.

“I feel deeply sad, enraged and frustrated,” Glinarsky said. “I simply cannot just sit there and watch my homeland and its people be obliterated and not try to do something. Every year around my birthday (March 14), I produce a special Milonga LAX event that brings together all Pisces from our LA-based tango community. We always enjoy a big celebration, a huge birthday cake and a special communal birthday dance. This year my personal birthday wish is for peace in Ukraine. I decided to turn my Milonga LAX into a special fundraiser for the people of Ukraine who are facing a threat of genocide brought on by the Russian invasion on their peaceful territory.”

The cost of admission for the event is $30. Proceeds will be donated to a grassroots volunteer

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“I love teaching people the art of social-style Argentine Tango as a tool for personal growth, healing and for community building,” Glinarsky said. “I started teaching 20 years ago.

My first class was offered through South Bay Adult School and was really well received.

Many of my students wanted to learn further, so I started offering more advanced classes in El Segundo. My tango community kept growing and my students kept asking me to start up a tango social event where they could all enjoy dancing and socializing.”

When one of Glinarsky’s students came across a dance space near LAX at the Turner Center, Milonga LAX came to life. When they were later forced to find another location due to rising rent, they moved to Westchester Elks Lodge in Playa del Rey eight years ago and have been there ever since. Milonga LAX takes place once a month on the third Friday and goes from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m.

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Proceeds from the event will be donated to a volunteer organization in Kyiv, Ukraine that is working tirelessly to procure and distribute food, medicine and clothes among civilians displaced by the war.

Peace edition will be open to the public,” Glinarksy said. “It will be a great opportunity for anyone curious about Tango and its culture to get a real taste of Argentina without ever having to leave LA. Guests will enjoy learning a few steps of socialstyle tango dance, and they will also enjoy watching some of the best tango dancers in LA do what they love. Our featured DJ for the night will be Lis Hutchinson.

Around 10 p.m. there will be a spectacular performance by tango masters Leonardo Barrionuevo and Miriam Larici. We will be serving hot delicious empana-

das throughout the night, generously donated by our sponsor Sergio Mortara of Continental Gourmet Market.

There is a full bar on premises as well.”

Proof of vaccination or negative PCR test is required. Register and RSVP for the event by sending an email to livingtangocoach@gmail.com.

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“COMING TO TERMS” (3/10/22)

By DAVID ALFRED BYWATERS

PAGE 6 THE ARGONAUT MARCH 17, 2022

D R I N K

Culinary Treasure

By Jessica Koslow e’ve been open for five weeks today,” said Duc Pham of his new Blossom Vietnamese restaurant on Abbot Kinney Boulevard.

Pham just received the two heaters he ordered for the outside patio, which have arrived in time to warm outdoor diners for the coming windy weekend.

“We’re moving with the space,” he said. “It’s telling us what it needs daily.”

Venice is Pham’s fifth Blossom location – the original Downtown Los Angeles noodle shop launched on Main Street 17 years ago. Santa Monica’s Ocean Park Boulevard eatery opened five years ago. His Silver Lake spot, which opened in 2006, closed three years ago because of the building’s rapidly rising rent, and the Atwater Village restaurant popped up just over a year ago.

“I’ve been doing this for 17 years,” Pham said. “One thing that remains true is that each location is in a different area, so we can’t expect the same thing. There are always new things, different nuances and intricacies for the space. Within those deep pockets there are big explosions to be had that you may have missed and didn’t account for, so it takes time.”

Pham exuded pure joy as he talked about his newest venture.

He had nothing but praise for Michael Sant, owner and architect of the Abbot Kinney building.

“I love this space, I’ve never walked into such a perfect space,” Pham said. “Looking out it’s all glass, so much natural light.”

Pham was born in Ca Mau, on the coast of southwest Saigon, a city that is renowned for seafood.

As long as he can remember, he has loved hosting and seeking out new places to eat. If you’re his friend, you could expect him to sit you down as he begins to order dishes.

“I knew exactly that when you took a bite or sip, your eyes would light up and go wide, and that gave me such great pleasure,” Pham said. “There’s newness in that.”

Pham studied in Oxford, England, which he said changed his view of the world. After school, he sat out a few years pondering what to do. He asked himself, “What do you know?”

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Blossom Vietnamese is the fifth restaurant from Duc Pham, who opened the original Downtown LA noodle shop 17 years ago.

The menu features a variety of Vietnamese dishes including pho noodle soup and rice dishes.

Then one summer in July it came to him: he would start a restaurant.

Five Blossoms later and Pham has succeeded by sticking to the (Vietnamese) basics: pho.

“I’m in so deep with that,” he said. “People say pho is something very simple, but actually, in its reality it’s something that has nuances and intricacies that need to be tended to in a very soft, gentle manner. The broth, in its clarity and movement, it’s such a romance in making the broth. It’s a jewel of a movement for me to get it right — and better all the time. I’m still sticking to soup. We don’t jump on fusion or what’s trending now.

I think I’m quite simple in that, the basics are perfected and refined upon daily.”

Pham also reads famous chefs’ cookbooks and magazines, and travels the world soaking up inspiration.

“What does Thomas Keller say about cooking stock?” Pham said.

“Stock is the basis for all great sauces. I read about what they have discovered and learned.

What’s their approach to making stock? I would try it and adapt.”

Pham keeps his formula simple.

All the noodle dishes are the same at each location, and the downtown and Abbot Kinney locations serve rice dishes for dinner only.

Luckily, LA food lovers know the name Blossom. Alongside beachside newcomers, Blossom’s existing downtown and Santa Monica customers have already visited the Venice location.

“We’ve been getting a lot of local love,” Pham said. “We’re feeling pretty at home. I just love the vibrancy and energy of Abbot Kinney. We’ve never been on a street with so much foot traffic.

This is sort of an extension of what we’re doing in Santa Monica.”

Pham also plans to introduce a few culinary surprises soon.

“I eat all over – LA, San Francisco, Paris,” he said. “I want to add dishes that are surprises, that don’t have anything to do with Vietnamese. Like I love baked Branzino. I want to be able to do that because LA is a cultural melting pot.”

On a world-famous street that’s home to popular eateries such as Gjelina, The Butcher’s Daughter and Felix Trattoria, it would be natural to assume one might feel the pressure to keep up with the Kinneys. Not Pham.

“I know the foodscape of LA very well,” he said. “What we do is different. After 17 years, it feels like it’s new. I’m not tired of it. I go eat in various places in LA. I stay abreast of what’s going on.

That’s what keeps me going, it’s my path. I jump out of bed. I still run to my work. Until that ends I’m still very excited to be here and blessed that I could do this.”

Blossom Vietnamese 1121 Abbot Kinney Boulevard, Venice 310-310-2332 blossomvenice.com

E D U C A T I O N

S P O T L I G H T

The Fruits of Their Labor

Westminster Elementary garden program inspires and educates students outdoors PHOTO BY CHRIS MORTENSON

The Westminster Elementary garden program was started to enhance classroom curriculum in an outdoor setting while providing students with opportunities for nutritional and environmental awareness. (L to R: Pam Koslow, Regina Pereira, Deidre Samuels, Nancy Giffin, Nora Dvosin, Cande Friedman and Gale Jones).

By Michele Robinson n recent years, school gardens have emerged as an integral part of academic enrichment programs. But in 2005 when Nora Dvosin and Nancy Giffin started their program at Westminster Elementary School in Venice, it was a cutting-edge idea.

Likewise, 17 years later they continue to amaze onlookers by taking gardening to a whole new green level.

“Gardening is a golden opportunity,” Dvosin said. “It’s a well-rounded educational experience with lots of enrichment.”

In 2005, Dvosin and Giffin met at a 12-week Master Gardening Program offered by the UCLA Extension Program.

Attending full-day classes every Saturday, students in the program learned about gardening, community gardens and school gardens. The class also encouraged them to start a garden and spread garden education to others. After completing the program, students earned certification.

“We met on the last day of the Master Gardening Program,” Dvosin said. “I asked her if she wanted to start a garden at Westminster Elementary School. I lived across the street and saw a small parcel of unused land available on the south side of the schoolyard. She agreed.”

Armed with their new gardening knowledge and fueled by the noticeable lack of green space in the school, these green thumb volunteers approached the then school principal, Betty Coleman. Together they created a program that was incorpo-

I

rated into the school’s curriculum and remains to this present day.

“Every teacher, every year is part of this program,” Dvosin said. “All the teachers are very excited to participate, the same with the principals. In fact, our current principal, Barry Cohen, was so supportive of the program that when the school became a full-magnet school that he added environmental studies to the math and technology focus. Now it’s known as Westminster Elementary Math & Technology/Environmental Studies Magnet.”

“It was an easy decision to expand our magnet theme,” Cohen added.

The program that Dvosin and Giffin started continues to flourish over the years.

“The sea of asphalt has been turned into green space, colorful play space, a soccer field, running tracks and shade trees providing rest areas,” Dvosin said.

The program began with a 60 by 80-foot edible garden. It has expanded into a half-acre garden which includes a reading garden, kindergarten garden, a large organic garden, and a meadow for children to play in and experience native plants.

The “Wee WE Kinder Garden” is a 1,000 square-foot garden dedicated for the use of the kindergartners.

“The WE Garden is such a significant part of the fabric of our school and has become such a beautiful and meaningful centerpiece,” Cohen said.

“There are now four main areas,” Dvosin said. “The Reading Garden now has planters with succulents and native plants,

and a small amphitheater area where students can read and perform plays. There are 18 shade trees planted on the Abbot Kinney playing field. The Kindergarten area is flourishing with beautiful trees and plants.”

The program has also a growing number of active volunteers. What started out with two people and a vision has grown into attracting other master gardeners and more helping hands. Today, master gardeners also include Cande Friedman and Bella McGowan, who runs the kindergarten garden; dedicated community volunteers include Deidre Samuels, Pam Koslow and this year’s parent volunteer, Regina Pereira.

“Nora, Nancy, Cande, Deidre, Pam and all the WE Garden volunteers deserve all the credit in creating this beautiful oasis for our students and community,” Cohen said.

Since a by-product of the garden is cooking, the local community also is involved. Chefs and local restaurant owners roll up their sleeves to make food with the students. Joe Miller, former owner of Joe’s Restaurant on Abbot Kinney in Venice, was one such person.

His restaurant earned a Michelin star in 2007 and he could be found cooking with the fifth-graders on campus monthly.

Gjelina chefs made blueberry jam with first-graders and had them churn cream into butter, which they all ate on Gjelina bread. Gjusta’s chef Travis Lett and baker Greg Blanc invited a fifth-grade class into

the restaurant to bake baguettes and to learn how fresh salmon was smoked by restaurant’s employees.

Another more recent example of community involvement are the chefs from Great White Cafe and Restaurant, which is located on Pacific and Windward in Venice Beach. They are scheduled to have a planting and cooking day with first and second-graders in just a few weeks.

“Our garden is a seed to table experience and getting food to the table means cooking a lot of food with our students,” Dvosin said.

Originally, the garden used camping stoves, but it was old technology and unsafe. So in 2021 and 2022, they raised funds to install a solar-powered cooking station in the garden. Cohen offered funding to pay for half of the costs, becoming the first joint venture with the school’s support.

“The solar power system was built and installed by an ex-parent, and even an ex-student, now in his first year of college, worked on the project,” Dvosin said.

“Once created, we bought an induction stovetop that uses electricity from our solar power, and we’re chefs in the garden using the power of the sun.”

Located on Abbot Kinney in Venice for the past 100 years, Westminster Elementary is a Title 1 school with 70% of the students coming from low-income families. With such a diverse population, (Continued on page 12)

MARCH 17, 2022 - EDUCATION SPOTLIGHT PAGE 7

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MARCH 17, 2022 - EDUCATION SPOTLIGHT 3/11/22 PAGE 1:59 PM 9

Welcome to Paseo del Rey Natural Science Magnet, home of the Stingrays! Paseo is a campus rich with a diverse student body, highly committed and skilled teachers, and a rigorous curriculum. The relationship among teachers, families, students, and our community partners allows us to attend to each student’s academic and social needs. Paseo del Rey is proud to offer enrichment programs such as:

The LMU Children’s Center (LMUCC) is celebrating its 20th year serving the Loyola Marymount University and Westchester community! In keeping with the Jesuit and Marymount traditions, the LMUCC incorporates diversity into a values-centered curriculum. An NAEYC Accredited Child Care Center, LMUCC’s curriculum focuses on play, creativity and the wonder of hands-on learning for children from 6 weeks to 5 years of age. Voted the “Best in the West” of childcares by the Argonaut for 9 consecutive years, the LMUCC invites you join its community.

To learn more about our program please join our monthly virtual tours. You can schedule a tour via our website or by calling 310-258-8900.

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PAGE 10 EDUCATION SPOTLIGHT - MARCH 17, 2022

• Planet Bravo • Chess • Mobile Stem Lab • Dedicated Science Lab • Dedicated Computer Lab

• Musical Instruments and Orchestra • Yoga • Dance • Garden

During the 2022-2023 school year, there will be exciting new changes at Paseo del Rey! We will offer the following three quality instructional programs: • Residential Spanish Dual Language Immersion Program: This program will be available to Transitional Kindergarten and Kindergarten students. Parents may apply at apply.lausd.net • Residential Programs: These programs are designed for residents in Playa del Rey and the surrounding communities for students as young as 4 years old.

• Residential Magnet Program: Our residential magnet program has a natural science focus and includes transportation. Parents may apply at: https://echoices.lausd.net/ For more information, please call our main office at (310) 823-2356.

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MARCH 17, 2022 - EDUCATION SPOTLIGHT PAGE 11

St. Monica Catholic High School

EDUC ATION SPOTLIGHT COURTESY PHOTO PHOTO BY CHRIS MORTENNSON

St. Monica Catholic High School provides a faith-based education that fosters academic achievement, intellectual curiosity, individual talents and Christian service. The co-educational parish high school provides a college preparatory curriculum for students in grades 9-12. With a 100% 4-year college acceptance rate, St. Monica develops innovative thinkers through transformative learning experiences in its classrooms, MakerSpace, Robotics Laboratory and Marine Ocean Research Institute. Each year, 9th through 12th grade students participate in a week of off-campus, hands-on STEM, Humanities and Visual & Performing Arts experiences, in addition to a California College Tour and community service opportunities. This year, students camped with the Catalina Island Marine Institute, built and launched model rockets in the Mojave Desert, explored Downtown Los Angeles with walking tours of Little Tokyo and Olvera Street, attended Immersive Van Gogh and took a VIP Tour of Universal Studios, visited the University of California Berkeley and Santa Clara University, and much more. The week culminated with a short walk down to Santa Monica Beach for a beach cleanup with Heal the Bay. For over 80 years, St. Monica Catholic High School has been the place for students to develop a lifelong commitment to spiritual and intellectual exploration. www.stmonicachs.org Advertorial

Welcome to Grandview House Preschool! A quality child care center fulfilling the dream of one mother whose mission was to provide a loving and enriching home away from home for all children in her care. Lena Haiek founded Grandview House in Summer 2012 and along with a dedicated staff has since served nearly a thousand children and families who continue to make her vision a reality!

At Grandview House, we believe that the care and education children receive in early childhood will serve as the foundation for leading a joyful and rewarding life. Our staff models gratitude and teamwork daily, and values parents as partners. Our commitment is to serve each child individually, to celebrate their unique qualities, to deliver an enriching curriculum with clean, state-of-the-art supplies and learning centers, and to ensure students feel welcome and safe in our care.

My staff and I are excited to be a part of this wonderful Marina del Rey community and thank you in advance for allowing us the opportunity to care for your children! Call (310) 437-0105 or visit our website, GrandviewHousePreschool.com, and schedule a tour today!

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WE Garden has grown into a thriving edible garden and native meadow, and is a seed to table program in which all students participate in planting, tending, harvesting and cooking the fruits of their labors.

The Fruits of Their Labors (Continued from page 7)

getting funding to support the garden is no small task. In order to get funding to support these projects, grants are needed.

There is a grant writing team that gets support from the community, neighborhood, Booster Club, volunteers and principal.

“The Booster Club, Friends of Westminster, wrote the request for the Home Depot grant,” Dvosin said.

Besides plants, the flourishing garden is also popular with local birds. There is an owl nesting box on campus to attract more birds. They even wrote a grant to receive binoculars and field trips to enhance this interest in birds.

“The children go on environmental field trips to local places like the Ballona Wetlands Reserve,” Dvosin said. “Here they bird watch and participate in a detective bird program with the local Audubon Society.”

The students look forward to their garden days on Fridays. Starting in September to December with the older kids, the garden

days rotate to the different grades throughout the school year until all of the classes get a chance to garden.

“The children plant, tend, harvest, cook the fruits of the labor and share,” Dvosin said.

The garden has become an essential component of the school’s matrix. Cohen schedules the prospective parent school tours on Fridays so families can see what the students are learning – and what they are having for lunch.

“Currently we’re cooking our broccoli, brussels sprouts, chard and kale greens,” Dvosin said. “We’re planting our potatoes and hope to be digging them up and eating them in late spring. We’ve got a fava field almost ready to harvest, and we’ll be making favas and pasta for school lunch.”

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C O V E R

S T O R Y PHOTO BY CHRIS MORTENSON

Artist, muralist and activist Ruben Rojas transforms blank walls into unique empowering messages that are uplifting communities and challenging the public to create new dialogues.

Love Lockdown

Artist and activist Ruben Rojas uplifts others with his empowering murals

By Bridgette M. Redman t’s important what we choose. It’s why Ruben Rojas wants to get his message out as widely as he can in places where as many eyeballs can see it as possible.

His message is to choose love.

To live love. His medium is painting and his murals can be seen all over Los Angeles and the world.

Not that Rojas limits himself to murals. He recently started a podcast called “Live Through Love” and painted a live mural during the NFL Honors After Party during Super Bowl weekend. He’s a TED speaker and a philanthropist. He has a clothing line that is covered

I

with his designs.

His most recent mural “Human” was unveiled in Marina del Rey to remind everyone of our shared humanity. It was painted to welcome LA out of the long pandemic lockdowns and as a reminder to treat others well.

Demetria Johnson of PressPassLA said they were drawn to work with Rojas because his message of “Live through love” has come at such a pivotal time.

“You turn on the TV now and the first thing you see is the war going on and it’s just heartbreaking,” Johnson said.

“People turn off the TV because they’re like, I can’t deal with it.

They want to brush everything

PAGE 14 THE ARGONAUT MARCH 17, 2022

out versus being like, let me check in on people, what can I do to spread an uplifting message?”

While Rojas has been an artist all his life, it was only in 2013 that he started to make the leap to doing it full-time and leaving behind his successful career as a financial advisor. He said he found himself questioning why he did what he did.

“I found that the carrot was purely money,” Rojas said. “I mean, it’s good work, but I wasn’t happy. I wasn’t motivated. I was depressed. I was like — I’m successful, I’m healthy, I live in LA. Why am I depressed? Why am I miserable? Why am I unhappy?”

He realized it wasn’t enough just to have a lot of money. He signed up for a class on emotional intelligence, trying to figure things out. He was sketching a design on a piece of paper and his buddies in the class looked at it and told him he needed to put it up on a wall.

That became his first mural.

For a while he tried being both an artist and a financial planner, but he started sabotaging his career in the finance business because if he kept succeeding, leaving it would be harder.

However, he had always been an entrepreneur with good business acumen and he started to figure out how to make money with art, how to pay the

bills and be a success. In 2018, he left finance cold turkey and became a full-time artist.

Murals were something that made sense to Rojas as he had always been a fan of graffiti. He never actually did it on the walls in those days, but he filled his sketch books and he hung out with graffiti kids.

“I love that kind of art and that concept of writing your name or words—I’m big into words — so it was always there,” Rojas said. “And then when I would travel, I’d take photos of the murals and all the artwork.”

While he never thought then that he would be the guy painting the wall, his interest in the genre made a lot of sense

said, “You belong here.” For him, he was telling himself that he belonged in the world as an artist. But someone contacted him about what it meant to them. They messaged him and said, “Hey, Ruben, today I didn’t kill myself because I saw your work. Because your mural says I belong here. You’re right.

I do belong here.”

It is part of how his art means different things to different people but is his way to speak and connect with people. It has also informed the way he has expanded his work. While he has murals all over LA, in New York, Paris and elsewhere, not everyone can see each mural.

So he branched out.

“Not everyone can see it, OK, then we’ll do canvas work,” Rojas said. “Not everyone can buy a canvas? Okay, here’s some prints. Oh, clothing— clothing is more accessible, and it can reach more people.”

Rojas is committed to a message of optimism, of choosing love every day, in part because the world needs it so very much, especially after these past few years.

“You turn on the TV and we are fed a buffet of fear, right?”

Rojas asks. “All we see is doom and gloom and it’s sensationalized. People want to commiserate, or they want to know that someone’s feeling worse than

Rojas at his Santa Monica studio.

PHOTO COURTESY OF RUBEN ROJAS

for him, especially when he had important conversations he wanted to share. He pointed out that he could share his message in one-on-one conversations, or on a stage in front of a crowd.

Or he could have a conversation with a wall and that wall could carry the conversation to tens of thousands of people.

One of his murals in Oakland is seven stories tall and the freeway crosses it, so it carries his conversation to millions of people. Some of Rojas’ murals on the Westside include LOVE in Mar Vista, Naam Love Wall in Santa Monica, Gracie at Neighbor Restaurant in Venice, Do What You Love in Marina del Rey, and multiple murals for Mark Twain Middle School. He also created Elephant Love at the LA Zoo, Words of Affirmation at Lululemon Studio City, and Unconditional Love at Westfield Fashion Square in Sherman Oaks, among others.

“I can leave it all on the wall with paint and paint this message that I hope people can interpret and make it theirs,” Rojas said. “I say live though love and I use the words love, gratitude, beautiful and all those kinds of things. I just open the door and you’ve got to walk through it and apply it to however you need it.”

Rojas told a story about how in 2018 he painted a mural that

Rojas’ vibrant murals are located throughout Southern California including Venice, Marina del Rey and Santa Monica. them so they feel a little bit better about themselves. You see this and it’s contagious. And I don’t think it is the right kind of contagious that we should be spreading.”

Rojas believes we can operate from a pillar of fear or a pillar of love. Whichever one you choose, you end up saying all the things that make it true.

People can repeat negative messages that come true or they can choose positive ones.

“Let me look at this through love and what can I do to be optimistic and positive,” Rojas said. “And I know it’s not easy.

It’s not easy to say, ‘I forgive you for cutting me off in traffic.

I hope you get there safe.’ That takes practice and restraint. It’s so much easier to be like, ‘I hope you get pulled over,’ right?”

It helps, he said, to remember that unless a person is a sociopath or psychopath, they are doing the best that they can with the information they have at the moment — and that we just happen to be selfish, self-absorbed creatures.

He pointed out that optimism and love is hard work. His art is not frou-frou and Hallmark. He doesn’t use unicorns and Valentine’s sweets. His work isn’t what he describes as “cute.” Rather, he leads with his heart and tries to show that in his work. He chooses to not let negativity affect him.

Rojas is a native Angeleno, born and raised in LA, and is a big fan of his native city, despite it being expensive and some people thinking that it is fake. He believes that people like him who were born here

have a different vibe than those who move here. They relate to it differently. It also gets him excited about doing anything LA-related.

He remembers from his childhood the aftermath of the Olympics in LA and all the excitement that it generated.

Now, with it coming again, he wants to be a part of it. It is his dream to design the Olympic uniforms and he’s already started mockups of them.

This past Super Bowl was another exciting event for him as an Angeleno.

“It was in LA, it was the LA Rams and it was on my birthday,” Rojas said. “And then being able to represent the city was awesome. I love when they actually pick LA people to represent LA people. That was always an honor and the NFL let me play with their logos. I’m like, OK, I want to do this, cool!”

Johnson pointed out that Rojas turned down so much when he left the corporate space and committed to lifting the message of love through his art.

“It was never about money, it was never about notoriety, it was never about fame,” Johnson said. “It was about following his heart. And that’s why success leads to what he does.

When he has things that he wants to do like the Olympics — the Olympics is a worldwide stage. The reason he wants to work with the Olympics is because this message can only grow from here and that’s just what we all need. We’re in the City of Angels and I call Ruben an angel among us.”

Rojas recently became a father,

though he said that hasn’t changed the expression of his work, only reinforced how important it is. His goal has always been about leaving the world a better place than he found it. He always wanted to make sure the world children came into would be a world full of love. It’s why he is very focused in on his message of “Live through love.” It’s something he’d love to see major brands pick up in part because of the difference it can make for kids.

“If the kids see it and they start really honing in on live through love,” Rojas said. “We’ve got to get it more out there in front of more eyeballs. Like — just do it. Nike is ‘Just do it.”

Ruben is ‘Live through love.’

Then Nike can be like, ‘Hey, Ruben, just do it and live through love.’ If more and more kids start living that way, I think that’s a good way we can affect change and create change in the world.”

Rojas continues to dream big.

He wants to elevate his platform to show people that there are men who are talking about love and creating a positive message.

He said he’d love to be in museums and to have his clothing line collaborate with such brands as Nike or Louis Vuitton.

Rojas isn’t likely to stop until he’s spread the message of love through the universe. He’d even like to paint the first mural on Mars.

Ruben Rojas rubenrobjas.com Instagram: @rubenrojas

MARCH 17, 2022 THE ARGONAUT PAGE 15

B U S I N E S S

Tattoos With the Client Truly in Mind Cleopatra Ink opens on Third Street Promenade

PHOTOS CREDIT: COURTESY OF CLEOPATRA INK

By Sara Edwards he first-ever tattoo and piercing studio on the Third Street Promenade recently opened in Santa Monica. Alihan Dogan and his partner Ibrahim Karadere, who owns Cleopatra Ink, always wanted to open a location in Los Angeles because they knew how much of a hotspot it was for art.

The high-end, luxurious studio features a dream team of artists from Europe, as well as local artists and artists from around the state.

“This is the Third Street Promenade, this is the gem of Santa Monica,” said Dogan, owner of the Santa Monica location. “We really liked Santa Monica and we started with it, and it took us nine months to overcome the permit process because there hadn’t been any tattoo places here ever.”

Cleopatra Ink was started by Karadere in Turkey in 2014 and has since expanded to over 56 studios worldwide and nine tattoo artist academies in Turkey and Europe, with its first U.S. location in Santa Monica.

Dogan said they wanted to be able to create a family-friendly tattoo studio setting where people could feel welcome and accepted.

He said oftentimes when people take a tattoo idea to a studio, the artist will change the design to something they are more comfortable with or that fits their tattoo style rather than focus on what the customer really wants. For that purpose, Cleopatra Ink has separate tattoo designers and artists so the customer’s ideas can come first, something that has made the brand stand out in the industry.

“We have illustrators and graphic designers who are trained to create tattoo art,” Dogan said. “We don’t let our tattoo artist do the design, we have a separate team for them.

We have the illustrators creating designs on iPads, then our artists are just implementing that.”

The Cleopatra Ink location in Santa Monica will also have a tattoo academy opening later

T

Cleopatra Ink is the first tattoo shop to open on the iconic Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica and will include an academy where aspiring artists can train in the art of tattooing. this winter that will train its students in three months, following the curriculum set for its European studios and adjusting it for U.S. systems.

Students will be able to have tutoring and practical sessions with other professional tattoo artists and also get to practice tattooing on fake leather with the tattoo equipment. Dogan said students have the possibility of earning an internship with Cleopatra Ink and anyone who graduates from the academy will have the opportunity to work in one of the many studios around the world.

“It’s like a dream for the artists, especially the guys that we brought back from Europe,” Dogan said. “It’s hard to get noticed back in Europe, but this is the center of the world so everyone will notice them because they’re super talented.”

The Santa Monica location also has COVID-19 protocols to keep customers safe, like

PAGE 16 THE ARGONAUT MARCH 17, 2022

checking temperatures and the vaccination status of each client. Artists wear masks while tattooing clients as well.

Dogan said he and Karadere can’t wait to continue growing in the U.S. and have plans to bring other locations to cities like Las Vegas, Miami and New York. The goal is to have at least five Cleopatra Ink locations in LA with more locations in the U.S. and Canada.

“I think we’re bringing value to Santa Monica and Third Street Promenade,” Dogan said.

“The opportunity to be an investor in the U.S. is a reason alone to be excited, but at the same time, we serve the community and tourists and we keep people happy.”

Cleopatra Ink 1340 3rd Street Promenade, Santa Monica 424-384-7979 cleopatraink.com

The renowned tattoo and piercing company has over 56 studios in nine countries and has won countless awards worldwide.

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A R T S

&

E V E N T S

Tickling the Ivories

World’s top young pianists to compete at LMU

By Bridgette M. Redman he world’s best young pianists will be gathering from March 21 to 26 at Loyola Marymount University to compete for thousands of dollars in prizes and a boost to their already sparkling performance careers.

The Third American International Paderewski Piano Competition will take place in person and over worldwide YouTube live streaming. It is, organizers said, the only competition of this stature on the West Coast.

The Paderewski Society and its judges selected 28 semi-finalists from video auditions that were sent to them. Artistic director Dr. Wojciech Kocyan, who is also a piano professor at LMU and co-founded the competition in 2010, said they will be playing some of the world’s most beautiful and compelling classical works for the piano in concerts that will be open to the public.

“This is not unlike the piano Olympics,” Kocyan said.

“They’re all up there in terms of their ability and skill. They’re mostly in their early to mid-20s, they’ve been playing for many years and their level is very high.”

The semi-finalists will gather from Canada, China, Japan, Poland, South Korea, Taiwan, Vietnam and the United States.

There were three Russian semi-finalists — two were already in the United States and will be able to compete, the other is in Russia and because of world events will not be able to come.

“It’s a shame,” Kocyan said.

“They’re all wonderful.”

Seven of the semifinalists are in Los Angeles studying at such places as the Colburn School, USC and Cal State Fullerton.

For the first three days of the competition, each of the 28 pianists will play a half-hour program before judges. Kocyan said they are free to pick whatever they want to play, which is rare among international music competitions.

“Each pianist will show us whatever they want to show us and express their personalities,” Kocyan said. “That is the design of the program.”

The jurors, who hail from Poland, France, Hungary, Italy and the U.S., will attend the concerts, which run from 1 to 7

PHOTO CREDIT: JON RAU

T

Dr. Wojciech Kocyan is a piano professor at LMU and artistic director of the Paderewski Music Society who co-founded the competition in 2010.

PAGE 18 THE ARGONAUT MARCH 17, 2022

their playing interesting?”

Kocyan pointed out that the semifinalists coming to LA compete in many competitions, it is often the last stage in launching to an international career. This competition is a stepping stone for them with an opportunity to win a prize that will let them embark on their career. The most important element, he said, is the experience of being with other pianists and other lovers of piano

music.

“They’re experiencing this atmosphere and learning from it,” Kocyan said. “Also, simply playing for an audience, especially now as that has not been viable for two years for many musicians. To have this opportunity and to have this exposure is very valuable. It is simply exciting that pianists can play — that is what they love to do and they have this opportunity.”

Paderewski Music Society paderewskimusicssociety.org

PHOTO COURTESY OF LMU

p.m. the first two days and then until 5 or 6 p.m. the third day.

They’ll select six finalists who will each give an hour-long concert on Friday.

The winner, who will receive a $10,000 award from the Drollinger Family Charitable Foundation, will perform a concert on Saturday night. The second prize winner will receive $5,000 from Fidelity Investments.

Audiences can purchase day passes that start at $30 or a pass for all events in the entire competition. Additional sponsors include Shigeru and Steinway who are providing the grand pianos that the competitors will perform on. They will get to play on either a Shigeru Kawai EX concert grand piano or a Steinway Model D concert grand piano.

The winners will be selected based not just on their technical proficiency, which is considered a given, but for how the their style of play and their suitability for an international piano career.

“At this level of competition, which really is the highest level of professional competition, the person who will win the first prize or one of the three prizes, has to be ready for an international career,” Kocyan said. “Jurors will be listening with that in mind.

They have to be pianists of a professional level both technically and musically. They will also be listening for musical personality — would I like to go hear this person in concert? Do they have a star quality in their playing? Is

He also said it is a wonderful opportunity for Westsiders. It is a rare opportunity to hear a lot of great music from young pianists in a short amount of time. He said you might be able to catch one or even two recitals in a week, but not so many pianists playing music from Bach, Beethoven, Mozart and 21st century composers.

“Also, when you have a music competition, there is a lot of activity going on in the audience discussing who is better, who you prefer, which pieces you like,” Kocyan said. “It is a very exciting time and you get to meet the pianists, which is wonderful.”

The competition is taking place at the Murphy Recital Hall at LMU, which Kocyan described as one of the best recital halls in LA because of its intimacy and acoustics. It seats around 200 people.

“The piano is experienced best when in a smaller hall, so here you get a front row seat no matter where you are and you get to hear the most wonderful and promising young pianists in a few days at a very good price and on the best pianos,” Kocyan said.

Twenty-eight of the world’s best young pianists will perform at LMU from March 21 to 26 during the Third American International Paderewski Piano Competition.

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&

E V E N T S

Complexities of Transformation

Artist Melissa Herrington’s series investigates the ever-changing nature of the female form

By Marin Heinritz t the beginning of 2020, Venice-based abstract contemporary artist Melissa Herrington was busy preparing for five big solo exhibitions, including her first museum show, for which she was especially excited.

When the pandemic hit and quarantine began, she kept working, thinking the Coral Springs Museum of Art show in Florida would still happen as planned in June.

“I was kind of in lockdown already before COVID-19,” she said, thinking the temporary shutdown would give her more time, “more time to obsess a little bit.”

Now nearly two years later, “Drawing Her In” will highlight Herrington’s love of color, shape and texture with a long-awaited showing of 18 of her large-scale, life-size canvases that use mixed media, a blend of line drawing and block color to evoke the suggestion of female forms.

Herrington described the work as focused on drawing while the color evokes memory and that the layers and texture are central.

“It’s the edge of figuration and abstraction,” she said.

Some of the larger canvases measure 70 by 96 inches and the size lends the works to having a sense of motion, which in turn, invites and tempts the viewer in an almost participatory way.

“It’s almost like you can step into it,” Herrington said. “It isn’t looking at a little teeny figure in a faraway landscape . . . in some ways it’s a reflection.”

And yet the abstract nature of the work that is juxtaposed with the figurative lines “just allows space for the viewer to find their story behind let’s call it a ‘figure’ or a ‘form” because sometimes it’s even more abstract.”

She added, “It’s almost like they’re caught between two stories or two worlds.”

Thematically, Herrington’s work examines transformation and that happens on multiple levels. First, the work itself is a transformation in terms of process. She places the canvas unstretched on the wall first,

PHOTO COURTESY OF MELISSA HERRINGTON

Personal Injury

A R T S

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The latest series by abstract contemporary artist and Venice resident Melissa Herrington explores the complexities of transformation. drawing, marking and painting there through many layers, before transferring it to a flat surface like the ground or a large table where she continues gestural mark making and lines.

“Then it goes back up on the wall,” Herrington said. “That dance in between happens many times before it’s sent out.”

But the transformation is also in the abstract figures themselves. The emphasis is on female form, she said, and the form is in motion.

“She’s in a state of becoming,” Herrington said. “And that is utilized through the use of the contour line. It’s the suggestion of the form.”

Because of “that simplified contoured line that’s becoming,” the pieces appear “almost unfinished,” Herrington said.

“They’re in flux.”

And that’s another way the abstract art works are lifelike.

“We’re not able to be finished because we’re still always in process of changing, growing, inspiring, continuously changing, continuously in motion,” she said.

The Coral Springs Museum of Art itself has also undergone some meaningful growth and changes between summer of 2020 when “Drawing Her In” was originally set to show and now.

“The museum, like all of us, went through a transformation during COVID-19,” Herrington said. “They’re very focused on bringing in the community and education.”

Which means that in addition to seeing Herrington’s new works, museum goers will have the opportunity to participate in an educational series that includes an “Artistic Process Talk + Demo” on March 26 from 1 to 3 p.m. and an “Artist in Residency, Professional Development Workshop” on April 7 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. with Herrington.

“It’s awesome to allow people into the process because then there’s that next step where people feel like they start to understand it,” she said. “It’s not so austere just looking at the paining.”

Herrington said that in addition to walking people through the exhibited artworks, she’ll be talking about shape, color, mark making and the use of line while also doing some blind contour drawing, inviting whomever comes to join her in making art.

“I’m not a teacher, but I love to share my passion,” Herrington said.

Melissa Herrington melissaherrington.com

LOS ANGELES TIMES SUNDAY CROSSWORD PUZZLE “ASSEMBLING THE PARTS” By PAUL COULTER ACROSS 1 Fruit stand buys 7 One way to be taken 12 Behavioral Analysis Unit’s org.

15 Govt. loan agency 18 Mountains of __: Genesis locale 19 Bar offering 20 Heros, to some 22 “Might I suggest ... ” + “Since you mentioned it ... ” = “I’ll be darned!”

24 Superior 25 Wasn’t present?

26 Violent protester 27 Car jackers?

28 Irish moonshine 30 Honest about + “L’chaim!” = Realistic 32 Netted, say 34 Kennel club designation 36 Angers 37 Cliffside dwelling 38 Defense secretary under Nixon 39 Dear 40 DOD intel arm 43 Approached old age + Ready to sail = Joined the cause 46 Archaeological site 48 Noticed 50 “__ ideas?”

51 Phone downloads 52 Irritates 53 Studied for a job?

54 Google find 56 Lite 57 Have credit from 58 __ male 61 Yell + Bent on getting = Need urgently 65 Western __

66 Super Bowl LVI champ 67 Some wedding guests 68 Snacks, say 70 Biting 71 One may become a cliché 72 Raise 74 High point 77 Marsh growths 78 Brief “Out of the question” 79 Sergeant’s order + Type of skate = Get with the program 82 AOL alternative 83 __ Elton John 84 Morally instruct 86 The Mick succeeded him as Yankee center fielder 87 Letters after many a general’s name 89 Full force 90 Experts 91 Patronize + Comfortable = Kind of parent 94 Rouses 96 Changeable type 97 Thingamabob 100 “Goddess of Pop” 103 Hardly promising 104 Cede + Pitching style = Climbing method 106 Writers like O. Henry 107 Aquatic mammal 108 Beltway environs 109 Writer 110 Rehab hurdle 111 Crystal-lined rock 112 “Stagecoach” and “High Noon” DOWN 1 When repeated, a fish 2 Winged figure of myth

3 Celebration with a tent, maybe 4 Handel bars 5 Apt grab rhyme 6 Put away for later 7 __ Clinton, historic English village that lent its name to a sports car 8 Joke victim 9 “A Hard Road to Glory” author 10 Rent for fishing, say 11 Do-it-yourselfer’s purchase 12 Disagreements 13 Mountain West river named for sheep 14 Clinton said he didn’t do it 15 Printing flourish 16 Actor Dern 17 Nile serpents 20 Indian butter 21 Patron saint of France 23 Risky turn, maybe 27 __ pie 29 Frosh, probably 31 Writes a new version of 32 It’s a long story 33 Brightly colored 34 Hopping targets?

35 Clear (of) 38 Common cat seat 39 Well aware of 40 JapaneseAmerican 41 Take care of 42 Extra feature 44 Dugout rack item 45 Crude gp.?

47 “Aim High” federal org.

48 Merit badge earner 49 Little men in the front row 52 Delivery

assignment 54 Dig find 55 Sonnet line quintet 56 Like some bonds 58 Auto option 59 Velcro alternative 60 Groom with a bill 62 “M*A*S*H” corporal 63 Chinese currency 64 Authentic 69 “Exodus” hero 71 Crucial trials 72 “Cast Away” escape vehicle 73 Nevada copper town 74 Vacation rental option 75 “... roasting __ open fire” 76 Cello parts 79 Flipper 80 Sask. neighbor 81 Online customer service option 83 Least fresh 85 Deadline 87 Asian noodle dish 88 Lens cover 89 French word of approval 90 Managed 91 Jersey __ 92 Hit lightly 93 “Bonanza” brother 94 Really dig 95 Sound file suffix 96 China problem 98 Able to see right through 99 Had too much, briefly 101 Fed. power dept.

102 Old food label figs.

104 Keep every one of 105 TV pioneer

DEATH MEDDLE

I knew my girlfriend wasn’t right for me, and I was super unhappy. Friends I confided in kept saying “Relationships take work” and “Take the good with the bad.” I listened to them and stayed in the relationship, which led to an ugly breakup. When evaluating a relationship, how much should you take advice and how much should you rely on your instincts?

— Peer-Pressured Every year, it happens. Men who love power tools end up effectively celibate for a year after buying their wife a vacuum cleaner for Valentine’s Day. (Sad penis emoji.)

This gift-giving fail is a cousin of your friends’ relationship advice-giving fails.

Both stem from how bad we humans are at “perspective-taking.” That’s psychologists’ term for a conscious effort to put ourselves in another person’s shoes: trying to see the world from their perspective so we can figure out how they feel and what they need and want. Sounds like a pretty positive thing, right? And it is – in concept.

In practice, however, we tend to take the lazy way out, explains psychologist Nicholas Epley. Getting a fix on what would work for another person starts with a good long think about who they are – and takes lots more mental

sloggery after that. So, we go with what we’d want, customize it ever-soslightly for them, and then tell ourselves it’s what they’d want.

For example, your friends’ “Take the good with the bad,” applied to your relationship, became “Take the miserable with the miserable.” Chances are your friends aren’t secret sociopaths, plotting to ruin your life. But there’s (often subconscious) self-interest in advice-giving, like what I call “valuessignaling”: the showoffy confirmation of the awesomeness of one’s principles by shoving them on others. And then there’s the “helper’s high,” the buzz we get from do-gooding – or the mere belief our do-gooding’s done good.

If you find a friend wise and think they fully understand your situation and share your values, it might be helpful to hear them out. However, your best bet is taking stock of your own values and then factoring in what’s made you happy (or miserable) in past relationships, along with the likelihood your current relationship will give you enough “good” to make the “bad” worthwhile.

In short, the world’s best expert on what works for you is you – because you don’t have to imagine yourself in your shoes; you just have to go find the one your hellshow of a girlfriend threw out the window.

DON’T GOO ME LIKE THAT

My husband’s a great guy: an excellent father and provider, dedicated to our relationship. However, if I text him something emotional, like if I’m having a hard time at work, his response doesn’t seem genuine or heartfelt. Sometimes it’ll be inappropriately robotic, like texting a sad emoji. How can I get him to be more emotionally engaged?

— Annoyed You did not marry Oprah. At best, you married Stedman.

Men are generally not as emotionally fluent as women, meaning not as able to identify and express their emotions.

Say a woman puts her husband on the spot: “Well, come on...how do you feel about this?!” Assuming he loves her, he wants to tell her, but what comes out is, “I...um...uhh...um...” (He figures he must have a feeling, but he’s not sure what it is, where it is, or how to find it.)

This isn’t to say men are broken or deficient. They’re just different from women. Psychologist Simon BaronCohen explains that women tend to be feelings-focused “empathizers.” From toddlerhood on, women specialize in identifying others’ emotions and responding “with an appropriate emotion.” This comes in handy for narrowing down why the baby’s howling – instead of going with a wild guess: “I

dunno...maybe he wants a beer?”

Men, in contrast, tend to be engineering-focused “systemizers,” driven to figure out the workings of predictable, rules-driven “systems,” like an AM/FM radio. “Predictable” because – for example – a radio remains a thing that receives and transmits electromagnetic waves; it doesn’t announce in a teary huff, “It’s that time of the month!” and spend six days acting like a repeating saw.

What’s actually making you unhappy is not your husband but your expectation that he be both your husband and Carrie Bradshaw. Unfortunately, that’s unlikely to happen. Bummer, yes, but consider how you describe your husband: a “great guy,” an “excellent father and provider,” dedicated to your relationship. So...you could continue going around resentful that, well, your man isn’t much of a woman – or decide to shake your head and laugh at this wonderful man’s lame efforts to “speak chick.”

You might also consider that men’s native language (when among men) is often grunting or just silently coexisting – which makes evolutionary sense. A guy gabbing it up on the hunt would’ve scared off the wild boar – and then pissed off the wife when he brought home the tree bark and tried to pass it off as bacon.

GOT A PROBLEM? Write to Amy Alkon at 171 Pier Ave, Ste. 280, Santa Monica, CA 90405, or email her at AdviceAmy@aol.com.

©2022, 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.

MARCH 17, 2022 THE ARGONAUT PAGE 21

THE ARGONAUT PRESS RELEASES WESTCHESTER INVESTMENT

MARINA DEL REY LOFT LIVING

“Rare opportunity for a two-unit investment property near Silicon Beach,” says agent Stephanie Younger. “The property comes with two well-designed one bedroom, one bathroom residences making it an ideal property for residing in one unit and renting out the other. Exciting approved architectural plans and permits include overhauling the property into a three-bedroom and two-bath home, and potential for additional ADU(s). With a huge, versatile backyard with mature fruit trees, laundry in both units, extra-long driveway, and two-car detached garage, you can customize everything to suit your style and needs. An attractive opportunity for rental income in a flourishing community within close proximity to public transportation, airport, shops, restaurants and the beach.”

Offered at $1,299,000 Stephanie Younger COMPASS 310-499-2020

“Enjoy ocean breezes from this 3rd floor condo in the heart of the Marina Del Rey Arts District.” says agent Jesse Weinberg.

“This recently upgraded 1,240 sq ft, 2 bdrm/2 bath boasts an open floor plan with soaring ceilings. The entryway invites you into a gourmet kitchen with stainless steel appliances, quartz countertops, subway tile backsplash, and custom cabinetry. The primary bedroom offers a walk-in closet & en-suite bathroom.

The unit offers central air/heat, in unit washer/dryer and 2 parking spots. The building boasts a community rooftop deck with 360 degree views. Walking distance to restaurants, theaters, shops and Equinox, only a short bike ride to the beach.”

Offered at $899,000 Jesse Weinberg Jesse Weinberg and Associates 800-804-9132

THE ARGONAUT REAL ESTATE NEWS

The Power of Staging Your Home to Sell Often times the smallest changes can enhance a home’s “showability” when it is offered to the public for inspection. Sellers don’t seem to realize when “too much of their home” is showing. Staging your home for its finest presentation requires a room by room critique to offer the best first impressions.

Accentuate the Positive When studying a room, the first point your eye catches should be a positive one. For example, a home with a massive fireplace commands the first attention spot.

However, poor placement of furniture, too many “comfy” afghans and plenty of books and magazines will distort the simplicity of the rooms greatest asset. Add last night’s empty pizza box and full ashtrays and any prospective buyer will less appreciate the fine points the home would have offered.

Here is a list of ten points to keep in mind when staging your home for buyer inspections: 1. Start packing the belongings you absolutely do not need to “live.” Extra books, magazines, kids artwork, afghans that don’t match the decor should be boxed and labeled for your next home.

Extra knick-knacks from Christmas, cluttered bulletin boards and several months bank statements can easily be stored away. Kitchens are the biggest culprits as they are such a busy meeting place in the home. Discount coupons, excessive decorative magnets, photos, etc. really catch the eye of the overwhelmed buyer. The top of the refrigerator is the largest collector of sometimes used gadgets. Unless you use your “wok” daily, it is better to clear the top and the front

of your refrigerator to make the kitchen a little simpler. Convenient appliances also do better when tucked away so counters look cleaner and sharper. Please check switchplates for fingerprints and smudges, as those are the first places to get noticed. Doorbells are another place that fingerprints are evident. Be sure you are making the right first impression.

2. Family rooms are for relaxing, and need to be staged for crisp impressions and not your lazy evenings! Fold up grandma’s afghans, get rid of tired pillows, and pack up slippers, and cribbage sets for neat and clean appearances. Leftover smolderings in the fireplace can add a stale scent to the room. Give extra attention to removing ashes to avoid the less appreciated smokey smells from last nights fire.

3. Bedrooms are other places we enjoy our conveniences the most. Having our robes and slippers waiting for us does not offer top exposure to a viewing family. Get closets slimmed down for a generous look.

Freshen with a soft potpourri to diminish the stale odors that come with humidity and small confined places. Although we like our shades and blinds pulled for sleeping hours generally all buyers are drawn to a light, airy and bright room, so open up all window treatments to maximize brightness. With windows being exposed, be sure they are really clean and sparkling.

A house really shows its best when it looks like it has been cared for. Remove jewelry and other small personal items from dresser tops. Clean and simple sells the best.

4. The most inexpensive way to brighten a home besides a fresh coat of paint is to increase the wattage in light bulbs. That small guest room may be seldom used,

PAGE 22 AT HOME – THE ARGONAUT’S REAL ESTATE SECTION MARCH 17, 2022

but needs to look bigger and brighter to an interested buyer. Be sure the lamp can handle a stronger bulb and invest in a 3-way if possible. When you know that a showing is scheduled be sure to turn on every light bulb in the house for the best showing potential. Look around model homes, you will notice all the lights are always on, even on sunny days! This is not the time to conserve electricity - it’s part of your marketing plan. If you have a room that shows particularly dark, put in an interesting lamp and leave it on most of the time. It will help the buyer leave with a brighter impression of the rest of the home.

5. Everybody has a “junk” room or closet.

It’s acceptable not to be perfect throughout, but minimize the clutter to one room, desk, or area and you are ensured of a better showing. If it is impossible to move around you could be adversely affecting that buyer’s perception of the size of the home, so give careful consideration to overstuffed rooms.

6. Everyone’s basement and garages are relatively the same, full of seasonal equipment, holiday decorations and tools. Garage sales are the best remedy for liquidating extras that you have accumulated over the years. Better to sell than to pay to have incidentals moved you really don’t need anymore. The biggest offender in basement commentary is the strong mold odors from high humidity. A dehumidifier can assist greatly in relieving that damp “basement” feeling and can alleviate concerns of water problem that don’t exist. It’s worth the effort to alleviate this common problem.

7. The worst offenders for dust and dirt are the cold air returns and heating vents. If they won’t clean up with soap and water

and painting doesn’t improve them either, purchasing new ones is not that expensive and a great alternative. A house with cobwebs and loaded vents really gives the wrong impression about the cleaning standards of the present owner.

8. Pet dishes of water and food should be relocated to a spot where they will not get kicked accidentally. Water provides the perfect setting for falls or slips that can cause an accident. Cat boxes and pet beds should be clean and fresh and out of sight if possible. Those that don’t appreciate pets as much as you, will be turned off to pet “evidence.”

9. Junior’s bedroom posters of rock groups to minimize the true picture of the room.

Limit the “artwork” to 1 or 2 posters and promise him that he can resurrect the rest at his next destination.

10. Bathroom grouts must look like new.

Bleaching can take care of some of the problems, but it’s worth the money to have a professional tile person patch and regrout problem areas. This is not a good time to try extensive grouting yourself. Often times amateur attempts convey the problem more than it is. Shower tracks from doors should glisten, along with the mirrors.

Remove prescription bottles, pills, old toothbrushes, and worn towels. This room should get the most attention and look its best at all times. Dated colors in sinks can be replaced for generally a low investment and can render a much-updated feeling when a yesteryear color is no longer an objection. Remove old moldy shower curtains and limit shampoos to a few.

THIS WEEK’S CONTRIBUTION CAME FROM:

REALTY TIMES STAFF realtytimes.com

A YOUNGER HOME GETS NOTICED.

13700 MARINA POINTE DRIVE, PH 1806 3 Bed | 3 Bath | $2,495,000

6074 W 75TH STREET 3 Bed | 2.5 Bath | Coming Soon

2027 OAKWOOD AVENUE / VENICE 4 Bed | 3 Bath | Coming Soon

5988 W 76TH STREET 5 Bed | 5 Bath | $3,995,000

7952 DUNBARTON AVENUE 3 Bed | 3.5 Bath | $1,995,000

5625 CAMBRIDGE WAY, #203 2 Bed | 2 Bath | $935,000

8429 WILEY POST AVENUE 2 Bed | 2 Bath | $1,199,000

Stephanie Younger Group 310.499.2020 | DRE 01365696 stephanieyounger.com | @stephanieyoungergroup Compass is a licensed real estate broker (01991628) in the State of California and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdraw without notice. To reach the Compass main office call 310.230.5478.

MARCH 17, 2022 AT HOME – THE ARGONAUT’S REAL ESTATE SECTION PAGE 23

RE/MAX ESTATE PROPERTIES

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PAGE 24 AT HOME – THE ARGONAUT’S REAL ESTATE SECTION MARCH 17, 2022

RE/MAX ESTATE PROPERTIES

TOP 10 PRODUCING AGENT TEAMS FOR 2021

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2. JERRY & LAURA YUTRONICH TEAM jerryandlaura.com

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MARCH 17, 2022 AT HOME – THE ARGONAUT’S REAL ESTATE SECTION PAGE 25

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING Classifieds / Legals

DEADLINE: Monday at 11am for Thursdays CALL ANN: 626-584-8747 or EMAIL: ann@argonautnews.com Fic. Business Name FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2022031442 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: WHO AM I, WHO AM I? FOUNDATION. 13904 Fiji Way Apt. 237 Marina del Rey, CA 90292. COUNTY: Los Angeles. REGISTERED OWNER(S) George Todt, 13904 Fiji Way Apt. 237 Marina del Rey, CA 90292. THIS BUSINESS IS CONDUCTED BY an Individual. The date registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: 06/2021. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true any material matter pursuant to Section 17913 of the Business and Professions Code that the registrant know to be false is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000)). REGISTRANT/CORP/LLC NAME: George Todt. TITLE: Owner.

This statement was filed with the LA County Clerk on: February 08, 2022. NOTICE – in accordance with subdivision (a) of Section 17920, a Fictitious Name statement generally expires at the end of five years from the date on which it was filed in the office of the county clerk, except, as provided in subdivision (b) of Section 17920, where it expires 40 days after any change in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to Section 17913 other than a change in the residence address of a registered owner. a new Fictitious Business Name statement must be filed before the expiration.

The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state, or common law (see Section 14411 et seq., BusinessClassifi and ProfesThe Argonaut eds sions code). Publish: Argonaut Newspaper. Dates: 02/24/22, 03/03/22, 03/10/22, Ann@argonautnews.com 03/17/22

Look Here For JOBS

Name statement must be filed before the expiration.

The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state, or common law (see Section 14411 et seq., Business and Professions code). Publish: Argonaut Newspaper. Dates : 02/24/22, 03/03/22, 03/10/22, 03/17/22 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2022024968 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: KIKOS KLOSET. 1029 Pleasant View Ave. Apt. 3 Venice, CA 90291, 12669 Rose Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90066. COUNTY: Los Angeles. REGISTERED OWNER(S) Kayla Dickie, 1029 Pleasant View Ave. Apt. 3 Venice, CA 90291.

THIS BUSINESS IS CONDUCTED BY an Individual.

The date registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: 01/2022. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true any material matter pursuant to Section 17913 of the Business and Professions Code that the registrant know to be false is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000)). REGISTRANT/CORP/LLC NAME: Kayla Dickie. TITLE: Owner.

This statement was filed with the LA County Clerk on: February 02, 2022. NOTICE – in accordance with subdivision (a) of Section 17920, a Fictitious Name statement generally expires at the end of five years from the date on which it was filed in the office of the county clerk, except, as provided in subdivision (b) of Section 17920, where it expires 40 days after any change in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to Section 17913 other than a change in the residence address of a registered owner. a new Fictitious Business Name statement must be filed before the expiration.

The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state, or common law (see Section 14411 et seq., Business and Professions code). Publish: Argonaut Newspaper. Dates : 02/24/22, 03/03/22, 03/10/22, 03/17/22

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2022041163 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: P.K. NOTARY SERVICE. 7131 West Manchester Avenue Suite 100 Los Angeles, CA 90045, 8738 Villanova Avenue Unit Half Los Angeles, CA 90045. COUNTY: Los Angeles. REGISTERED OWNER(S) Paul Kleinfinger, 8738 Villanova Avenue Unit Half Los Angeles, CA 90045.

State of Incorporation or LLC: California. THIS BUSINESS IS CONDUCTED BY an IndiDeadline: vidual. The date registrant Monday at 11am commenced to transact busifor Thursday ness under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: 12/2021. I declare Contact: that all information in this Ann Turrietta statement is true and correct.

(626) 584-8747 (A registrant who declares as true any material matter pursuant to Section 17913 of the Email Your Ad: Business and Professions ann@argonautnews.com Code that the registrant know to be false is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000)). REGISTRANT/CORP/LLC argonautnews.com NAME: Paul Kleinfinger.

TITLE: Owner. This statewas filed with the LA PAGE 26 THE ARGONAUTment MARCH 17, 2022 County Clerk on: February 22, 2022. NOTICE – in accordance with subdivision (a)

626-581-8747

CLASSIFIEDS and LEGALS

fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000)). REGISTRANT/CORP/LLC NAME: Paul Kleinfinger.

TITLE: Owner. This statement was filed with the LA County Clerk on: February 22, 2022. NOTICE – in accordance with subdivision (a) of Section 17920, a Fictitious Name statement generally expires at the end of five years from the date on which it was filed in the office of the county clerk, except, as provided in subdivision (b) of Section 17920, where it expires 40 days after any change in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to Section 17913 other than a change in the residence address of a registered owner. a new Fictitious Business Name statement must be filed before the expiration.

The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state, or common law (see Section 14411 et seq., Business and Professions code). Publish: Argonaut Newspaper. Dates : 03/03/22, 03/10/22, 03/17/22, 03/24/22 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2022044480 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: CRENSHAW CARPET. 1413 N. La Brea Ave. Inglewood, CA 90302. COUNTY: Los Angeles. REGISTERED OWNER(S) La Concha, Inc., 1413 N. La Brea Ave. Inglewood, CA 90302. State of Incorporation or LLC: California. THIS BUSINESS IS CONDUCTED BY a Corporation. The date registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: N/A. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true any material matter pursuant to Section 17913 of the Business and Professions Code that the registrant know to be false is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000)). REGISTRANT/CORP/LLC NAME: Bruce Barnett. TITLE: CEO, Corp or LLC Name: La Concha, Inc. This statement was filed with the LA County Clerk on: February 24, 2022.

NOTICE – in accordance with subdivision (a) of Section 17920, a Fictitious Name statement generally expires at the end of five years from the date on which it was filed in the office of the county clerk, except, as provided in subdivision (b) of Section 17920, where it expires 40 days after any change in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to Section 17913 other than a change in the residence address of a registered owner. a new Fictitious Business Name statement must be filed before the expiration. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state, or common law (see Section 14411 et seq., Business and Professions code). Publish: Argonaut Newspaper. Dates: 03/17/22, 03/24/22, 03/31/22, 04/07/22

Name Change ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME Case No. 22BBCP00046 SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES. Petition of DAVID JOHN KLEC, for Change of Name. TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: 1.) Petitioner: DAVID JOHN KLEC filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: a.) DAVID JOHN KLEC to DAVE JOHN KLEC 2.) THE COURT OR-

DAVID JOHN KLEC, for Change of Name. TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: 1.) Petitioner: DAVID JOHN KLEC filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: a.) DAVID JOHN KLEC to DAVE JOHN KLEC 2.) THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

NOTICE OF HEARING: Date: 03/25/2022. Time: 8:30 AM. Dept.: B. The address of the court is 300 East Olive Avenue, Room 225 Burbank, CA 91502-Burbank Courthouse. A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: Los Angeles. Original filed: February 4, 2022.

Robin Miller Sloan, Judge of the Superior Court. PUBLISH: Argonaut Newspaper 02/24/22, 03/03/22, 03/10/22, 03/17/22

626-584-8747

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WESTSIDE FARMERS MARKET DIRECTORY T U E S D AY S

Culver City Farmers Market — 2 to 7 p.m.

Main Street, between Venice and Culver boulevards

culvercity.org

W E D N E S D AY S Santa Monica Downtown Farmers Market 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Arizona Avenue, between 4th St. and Ocean Ave.

smgov.net/portals/farmersmarket

F R I D AY S Venice Farmers Market — 7 to 11 a.m.

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500 Venice Blvd. (at Venice Way), Venice

venicefarmersmarket.com

S AT U R D AY S Marina del Rey — 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Via Marina at Panay Way, Marina del Rey

beaches.lacounty.gov/mdrfarmersmarket Playa Vista Farmers Market — 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

12775 W. Millennium Drive, Runway at Playa Vista

www.farmermark.com/playavista Santa Monica Downtown Farmers Market 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Arizona Avenue, between 2nd and 4th streets, Santa Monica

Contact Rebecca Bermudez (310) 463-0633 rbermudez@timespubications.com

The Westside’s Best Advertising Source

smgov.net/portals/farmersmarket Santa Monica Pico Farmers Market 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Virginia Avenue Park, 2200 Virginia Ave.

smgov.net/portals/farmersmarket

S U N D AY S Mar Vista Farmers Market — 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Venice and Grand View boulevards

marvistafarmersmarket.org

Santa Monica Main Street Farmers Market 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Heritage Square, 2640 Main St., Santa Monica

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Westchester Farmers Market — 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

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Farmers markets, essential for the health of local communities, remain open but are making some changes in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Expect to see wider spaces between vendors, no samples, more gloves, possible waiting lines, and other precautions. As always wear a mask and practice social distancing.

C A L L TO DAY: 3 1 0. 8 2 2 .1 6 2 9

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MARCH 17, 2022 THE ARGONAUT PAGE 27

WESTSIDE HAPPENINGS Compiled by Kamala Kirk

Solving Homelessness Panel Series: Prevention & Empowerment Friday, March 18 Join The People Concern for the second event in their virtual three-part Solving Homelessness Panel series. Panelists will discuss systems change, uplifting prevention and empowerment strategies – including Housing First, Guaranteed Income and Job Readiness, that strengthen the social safety net for vulnerable Angelenos. Register online.

Virtual, Noon to 1 p.m., thepeopleconcern.org A Week of French Language Cinema March 18 to 23 Theatre Raymond Kabbaz is back in full swing with an exciting lineup of events through spring, including this collection of feature films that celebrates the richness and talent in the Frenchspeaking filmmaking community, promoting the multitude of stories told in one language across all five continents. Tickets only $5 per film and include wine reception. frenchcinemaweek.eventive.org

COURTESY PHOTO

Have an event for the calendar?

Send it to kkirk@ timespublications.com

On Saturday, March 19 at 1 p.m., the Unity Skate Championship will be held at Stoner Skate Plaza, where all ages are welcome to compete and enjoy free food music, awesome prizes and celebrity judges.

Kentwood Players Presents “Clue” March 18 to April 9 Kentwood Players proudly presents the murder mystery comedy “Clue.” Based on the iconic 1985 Paramount movie, which was inspired by the classic Hasbro board game, “Clue” is a hilarious farce meets murder mystery. The tale begins at a remote mansion where six mysterious guests assemble for an unusual dinner party where blackmail and murder are on the menu. When their host turns up

dead, they all become suspects.

Led by Wadsworth (the butler), Miss Scarlet, Professor Plum, Mrs. White, Mr. Green, Mrs. Peacock and Colonel Mustard race to find the killer as the body count stacks up. “Clue” is the comedy whodunit that will leave audience members in stitches as they try to figure out who did it, where and with what. Reserved tickets are $22 with a $2 discount for seniors and students.

Westchester Playhouse, 8301 Hindry Avenue, Los Angeles, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m., 310-645-5156, kentwoodplayers.org Composting 101 Workshop Saturday, March 19 Everyone must go green (as in green bins). How can you make the changes in your home? Learn the science of composting and discussion on the various options depending upon space and interest. Check out the worm bins and community composting system. Enter a drawing for a home compost bucket. Enjoy garden pancakes and coffee.

Workshop starts at 9:30 a.m.

Ishihara Park Learning Garden, 2909 Exposition Boulevard, Santa Monica, 9 to 11 a.m.

From March 18 to April 9, Kentwood Players is presenting the murder mystery comedy “Clue” at Westchester Playhouse on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Job Fair at Pacific Park Saturday, March 19 Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier is gearing up for a warm sunshine-filled spring break at Santa Monica State Beach.

With over 200 available positions at the iconic entertainment destination, imagine working at the beach meeting visitors from all over the world. Applicants interested in working at the

world-famous Santa Monica Pier can apply in person at the upcoming job fair in the Seaside Pavilion, which is located at the west side of Pacific Park next to Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf. More job details and a full list of positions available on the website. For additional questions, contact Pacific Park’s hiring team by sending an email to jobs@pacpark.com.

380 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, 9 a.m. to noon, pacpark.com/jobfair Unity Skate Championship Saturday, March 19 Event organizers are excited to bring a diverse youth together for a one-of-a-kind skateboarding event. The Unity Skate Championship will be held at Stoner Skate Plaza. All ages are welcome to compete and enjoy free food and music. There will be awesome prizes, free merchandise and celebrity judges. In addition, Cosmic Demise founder and PYFC film crew leader Ali Bilai will premier his anticipated skate film Security Camera: CDVX2500. The event is free for all and $5 to enter the competition. Those interested in competing must sign liability waivers. If under 18, parents must sign for minors wishing to compete.

Waivers will also be available at Stoner Park and can be found at cosmicdemise.com.

1835 Stoner Avenue, Los Angeles, 1 p.m.

71st Annual “Stairway to the Stars” Concerts Saturday, March 19 For the 71st year, the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District will present “Stairway of Stars,” a musical extravaganza

highlighting the outstanding music education programs, and showcasing the talents of students from every school in the district.

Nearly 900 elementary, middle and high school students will star in the outdoor concert in the Samohi Greek Theatre.

601 Pico Boulevard, Santa Monica, 4 to 6 p.m., stairwayofthestars.org Jacaranda Presents “Troposphere” Saturday, March 19 The acclaimed concert series Jacaranda looks ahead to hosting live music again with “Troposphere,” featuring Ensemble Variances in their only West Coast appearance. The performance will include a world premiere by Jeffrey Holmes and two U.S. premieres by Pecou and Francois-Bernard Mache connected by the theme of climate consciousness and ancient myths. Jacaranda, further in its mission to excite listeners with ingenious musical experiences, presents “troposphere” at First Presbyterian Church in Santa Monica and will include a courtyard intermission. Prior to the program, the evening begins at 7 p.m. with the notable “Sanctuary Series” conversation led by Scott featuring Holmes and Pecou, with special guest speakers linked to the evening’s music to provide context, often segueing into related current topics.

1220 2nd Street, Santa Monica, 7 p.m., jacarandamusic.org/season Purim Celebration Sunday, March 20 Ahavat Torah Synagogue will be celebrating Purim, a joyous Jewish celebration that focuses on freedom. The celebration starts at noon followed by a special ceremony at 1:30 p.m. to honor volunteers and the Rabbi, who have volunteered over several years to bring education and rehabilitation to female inmates at the California Institute for Women. For more information, contact asinjoan@yahoo.com.

522 16th Street, Santa Monica, 12 p.m., 323-775-3711, ahavattorahla.org

Send event information at least 10 days in advance to kkirk@ timespublications.com