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Can You Spot The Invasive Species In the Ballona Wetlands?
The 2015 SoCalGas Aliso Canyon methane blowout was one of the worst greenhouse gas emission events in US history, forcing residents to flee their homes, closing schools and making thousands sick.Their Playa del Rey sister-facility stands out as one of the riskiest gas storage operations in the state. Allowing its continued operation in our community and embedded in the Ballona Wetlands Ecological Reserve is daring history to repeat itself.
The current plan that is masquerading as a “restoration” calls for more SoCalGas drilling infrastructure and bulldozing large sections of the wetlands. This is an unacceptable threat to native species of plants, wildlife, local residents and business. It’s a timebomb wrapped up in a wrecking ball.
Given its location, a similar event would devastate fragile coastal ecosystems, the surrounding community, local businesses and property values, with an evacuation area potentially including Santa Monica, Culver City and Los Angeles International Airport.
Sempra Energy, the owner of SoCalGas is a 60 billion dollar company. They can afford to find another way to deliver energy to their customers. We can afford nothing less than the closure of this facility and withdrawal of the destructive plan that would benefit SoCalGas more than any other entity. Defend the Ballona Wetlands and tell our elected leaders not to gamble our future for Sempra Energy’s profit.
For more info: defendballonawetlands.org
Better alternative: http://bit.ly/20PtGentle
PAGE 2 THE ARGONAUT SEPTEMBER 23, 2021
ON THE COVER: Venice resident and Relativity Architects cofounder Tima Bell carries a deep resonance with the city, its architecture and the types of projects that fit in with its character and people. Photo by Luis Chavez. Design by Arman Olivares.
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: Nicole Borgenicht, Bridgette M. Redman, Haley Beyer Editorial Interns: Holly Jenvey, Meera Sastry, Sebastian Lipstein ART Graphic Designers: Arman Olivares Kate Doll Staff Photographer: Luis Chavez
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(Continued on page 8)
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N E W S
L E T T E R S
Compiled by Kamala Kirk Cases and deaths by neighborhood as of September 19: Culver City: 2,830 (deaths 113); Del Rey: 41 (deaths one); El Segundo: 1,023 (deaths 10); Marina del Rey: 644 (deaths four); Mar Vista: 2,787 (deaths 37); Palms: 3,327 (deaths 62); Playa del Rey: 169 (deaths one); Playa Vista: 836 (deaths 11); Santa Monica: 6,432 (deaths 186); Venice: 2,576 (deaths 17); Westchester: 3,450 (deaths 57) Total Westside cases: 24,115 Total Westside deaths: 499
Total confirmed cases in LA County: 1,444,127 Total deaths in LA County: 25,832 Total new cases as of September 19: 1,322 Total new deaths: Five Hospitalizations: 1,070 Positivity rate (seven-day daily average): 1.73% Total number of people tested: 8,468,728 (Source: Los Angeles County Department of Public Health)
PAGE 4 THE ARGONAUT SEPTEMBER 23, 2021
PHOTO CREDIT: TIM TUNKS
Coronavirus by the numbers and local updates
Kittens and climate change Editor: For nearly 70 years I’ve been interested in kitten behavior and for 60 years I’ve been interested in earth sciences. “What do these two interests have to do with each other?” you might ask. One game that kittens like to play is jumping onto tables and pushing little stuff around. The easier the table top play object moves, the more interesting is the game to the playful kitten. The climax of the game comes as the object nears the table’s edge and successive little nudges eventually push the object over. The kitten discovers the tipping point. Earth science and human behavior are similar in that they involve pushing stuff around without initial regard for the consequences. Things get more interesting as stuff approaches the edge, and you have to have noticed that there is an edge to climate change — one that we are approaching all too quickly. Kittens don’t predict where the tipping point is until their play object tumbles over the edge. People have no such excuse. We have ample clues about how close we are to our tipping point with climate change, if we bother to notice them. And we must bother to notice those clues now — not waiting until our stuff falls over the edge. Tipping points are much more obvious in the rear mirror than in our windshield
as we look ahead. But when we practice safe driving, we are always on alert to the conditions as they approach, constantly evaluating and re-evaluating the signals and potential hazard ahead. My point is that we should cultivate and maintain a similar alertness in our forward progress and our current behavior to locate the climate tipping points before we tumble over. Tim Tunks Santa Monica
In 1980, President Carter signed the Mental Health Act, which did fund community and state mental health care programs. But in 1981, newly elected President Reagan and a GOP Congress repealed it and eliminated funding for any community mental health care. Medicare and Medicaid provide mental health care, but at a compensation rate so low most psychiatrists can’t afford to accept it. And conservative states refuse to expand Medicaid, so poor people in those states can’t get mental health care anyway. Many poor people with mental health issues then migrate to states with expanded Medicaid and good weather, for example, California. Plus, decades of underfunding and mismanagement of the Veterans Administration under the GOP and Democrats alike resulted in thousands of veterans in the streets with no care and often no homes or jobs. Compounding all this has been 40 years of GOP legislation undercutting unions, stacking courts and the Congress and the National Labor Relations Board , and - again under both parties, but mostly the GOP - allowing
corporations to bust unions, hire “contractors” and gig workers and underpay them, hold down minimum wages, import thousands of immigrants who are paid less then legal residents earn, automate people out of work, export jobs not requiring higher education, steal wages, and otherwise hollow out the blue-collar middle class, creating an expanded poverty class. Add to all this: astronomical rents brought on by lenient eviction laws, courts and agencies that look the other way when landlords illegally evict or harass tenants, and foreign investors parking money in big city housing. And then there are the decades of ignoring the national proliferation of addictive drugs (like Oxycontin, so the manufacturer could make more billions), the uncontrolled gentrification that makes a few people wealthy and evicts thousands of working people, a tax system that taxes wages but not wealth (e.g., capital gains) - taking money from working people and giving it to billionaires - and the result is thousands of people living on the streets because they can’t afford rent even if they are
CREDIT: KRIS DAHLIN
Solutions for drug addiction Editor: This lengthy missive was recently written by my brother, Dr. Patrick O’Heffernan, who has an MIT doctorate in public policy and has spent much of his life following social policy. It can be considered an authoritative response to the question re: our homeless crisis, “What the hell happened? How did we get here?” It is long, but it is detailed and, I believe, accurate. “In 1967, Gov. Reagan cut budgets and staff at the state’s mental hospitals, forcing them to prematurely discharge many patients, and saying that they would be taken care of in their ‘communities.’ At the same time, the Legislature passed the Lanterman-PetrisShort Act (named for the sponsors, two Democrats and one Republican) in response to pressure from mental health professionals, lawyers, patient’s rights advocates, and the ACLU. When fully implemented in 1972, LPS effectively ended involuntary civil confinement of mental patients in California. But the legislature failed to appropriate money for any community mental health care programs.
Sunset races in Marina del Rey. working, or because they are mentally or physically ill but can’t get treatment, or because they are veterans with PTSD or other injuries and have bailed out of a dysfunctional system. Bottom line, in an economic and legal system that puts property over people and wealth over everything else, and impoverishes working people and rewards greedy landlords, you are going to have thousands of homeless. I see no solution without a completely revolutionizing the nation’s economic and legal systems. But, hey, there is a bright side: a
few people… foreign investors, real estate developers, and CEOs primarily… are now billionaires.” We the people have long been asleep at the switch.” Mike Heffernan Westchester
We want to hear from you! Being in print is a lot more meaningful than grouching on Facebook. Send compliments, complaints and insights about local issues to kkirk@timespublications.com.
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SEPTEMBER 23, 2021 THE ARGONAUT PAGE 5
C O M M U N I T Y
Animal Advocate Celebrity matchmaker encourages people to help local shelters run the front desk, walk dogs and socializing the cats. In addition to dogs and cats, the shelter brings in hamsters, guinea pigs and birds. Like most animal shelters, there are an extremely high number of cats. “I have a lot of patience with the cats,” Cervantes said. “A lot of people see that the cats are feral or aren’t warmed up to humans yet and give up on socializing with them, which never gives them the chance to enjoy being around humans.” That’s important, he said, so the cats become adoptable. It’s especially true with older animals. They have a harder time being adopted because they are often set in their ways, have health conditions and a shorter life ahead of them. One of Cervantes’ favorite things about volunteering is watching the animals progress. Most come in scared and unhappy. He watches as they slowly adapt to humans and
PHOTO COURTESY OF GEORGE CERVANTES
S
By Haley Beyer anta Monica celebrity matchmaker George Cervantes has spent the last decade volunteering at local animal shelters, including the Santa Monica Animal Shelter. He’s so enamored with it that he adopted six cats. “I like to show up and do whatever they need, but my favorite volunteer activities are socializing the cats and helping set up at big events the shelter puts on to promote adoption,” Cervantes said. “Anyone interested in volunteering should know, though, that it’s not just playing with cute animals all day. It’s a lot of work. I want people to take it seriously.” The shelter is on the lookout for folks like Cervantes. To volunteer, head to the shelter or to its website to fill out an application. Volunteers will do things like cleaning, feeding animals, help
George Cervantes is a local celebrity matchmaker who spends his weekends volunteering at the Santa Monica Animal Shelter and encourages others to do the same.
Local shelters are in need of volunteers to help with a variety of tasks including walking dogs and cleaning cages, and it’s a great way to relieve stress while making a difference in the lives of animals. become friendlier while they wait for their forever family. This is one of many reasons why it’s so important for shelters to be no-kill because it gives animals the time they need to reach their full “pet” potential. “It’s even more inspiring to see just how big some people’s hearts really are,” Cervantes said. “There will be a cat missing an eye or a dog will have a health PAGE 6 THE ARGONAUT SEPTEMBER 23, 2021
condition that causes most people to walk right past them, but when people see them for their personality they realize they’re just as good as the rest and deserve a loving home too.” There are so many benefits to volunteering at the shelter, but the best part is knowing that one has made a difference in the lives of the animals. “They are so happy to see you when you come in,” Cervantes said.
“It truly makes a difference for them to have visitors because they’re in cages all day long. Just 30 minutes of your time could change an animal’s life. They need attention and love to become an animal that someone wants to bring home.” Santa Monica Animal Shelter 1640 Ninth Street, Santa Monica 310-458-8594
C O M M U N I T Y
Preserving History Marina del Rey Historical Society celebrates 14 years PHOTOS CREDI T: HOWARD WENGER
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By Nicole Borgenhicht eptember marks the 14-year anniversary of the Marina del Rey Historical Society, which was formed in 2007 by local business owner, Willie Hjorth, and Greg Wenger, a photographer for The Argonaut for 30 years. Throughout September, the Historical Society will hold an Open House and Volunteer Drive in celebration of its 14th year. In 2013, the historical society’s gallery opened in Fisherman’s Village and features bound issues dating back to 1971 arranged by Argonaut founder and editor Dave Johnson. Wenger’s son, Howard, continues to preserve local history as president and gallery manager. “Besides my father’s photographic documentation of the Marina’s history, various business and personal acquaintances would donate photos and documents related to the Marina,” Howard said.
This month, the Marina del Rey Historical Society celebrates its 14-year anniversary. During the recent 15-month closure due to COVID-19, Howard and his staff redesigned the gallery to depict specific time periods. In July, the gallery reopened to allow guests to safely visit and explore the history of Marina del Rey with an informa-
tive and educational experience. “The look we decided on was to present a brief story on the area, beginning in the late 1890s when it was just wetlands, to the 1930s when oil was discovered, to the 1950s and early 1960s from proposals to groundbreaking to
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dredging of the formation of Marina del Rey, to how it looks today,” Howard said. The gallery includes photographs of Hoppyland theme park run by Hopalong Cassidy and the Marina damage at a time when there was no breakwater. New projects for the historical society are also underway. “Photographs and documents have been donated to us from Security Pacific National Bank, Summa Corporation, The County of Los Angeles Departments of Beaches and Harbors, Regional Planning and Fire Department, Greg Wenger Photography and named individuals who have generously donated their archives,” Howard said. There are also interesting historical artifacts that families and boating aficionados will enjoy. Young people are often enthralled by the sextant, an early form of GPS. “Our sextant that we have on display is the original version of
GPS,” Howard said. “The first sextant was developed in the early 1700s, which is still in use today and is required on every large ship and used by the ship’s navigation officer.” Other items include an original lantern from the ship Perseus, which moored at Fisherman’s Village for years and eventually sunk. “There are details and bits of trivia that I never knew about and the more I have learned about the area I have spent the majority of my life in, the more I feel that the Marina’s heritage needs to be preserved for cultural, educational and community pride for future generations,” Howard said. “Simply put: history preserved – history remembered.” Marina del Rey Historical Society marinadelreyhistoricalsociety.org 13737 Fiji Way, C-3, Marina del Rey
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SEPTEMBER 23, 2021 THE ARGONAUT PAGE 7
C O M M U N I T Y
Serving the Community Student robotics team designs physical therapy cars for toddlers with cerebral disorders PHOTOS BY CLAUDIA JIMENEZ
T
By Nicole Borgenicht he award-winning X-Bots Robotics Inc. partnered with PPG Foundation and the Boys & Girls Club for a pilot expansion special of its X-Bots Robotics Mobility Program on September 11 across six BGC sites in California. The X-Bots Robotics Mobility Program is a science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) program that partners students in a robotics team with a BGC. Together they build specially designed physical therapy cars for toddlers with cerebral disorders. Elisa Avila, executive director of X-Bots Robotics, has run the program and outreach for more than six years. X-Bots Robotics leadership STEM high school program encourages science and mathbased learning and workshops for community service. “This workshop serves to teach STEM education to students in underserved communities and provides service leadership skills to the students at the Boys & Girls Clubs we serve,” Avila said. The pilot expansion launched at the following BGC sites in California: the BGC of Whittier | Pico Rivera, BGC of Cathedral City, BGC of Fontana, BGC of Malibu, BGC of Santa Monica, and Santa Clarita Valley B&GC. “For our teens to learn such practical, purposeful STEM skills that result in a product that has such an immense impact in a young person’s life is a rare combination that builds a powerful sense of pride in what they can accomplish when they give back,” said Ian Keiller, chief operations officer of the Santa Monica Boys & Girls Club. X-Bots Robotics’ outreach is coordinated with physical and operational therapy organizations and clinics to choose recipients. The cerebral and Down syndrome organizations, as well as children’s hospitals, help designate the toddler and family who are to receive the gift. This program has completed over 50 car modifications with 60 more planned during the
Boys & Girls Club of Santa Monica youth built and modified electric cars for toddlers with mobility challenges at the pilot expansion launch event of the X-Bots Robotics Mobility Program, presented by PPG Foundation on September 11 at the Jack & Cindy Jones Youth Center Mar Vista Gardens Branch in Culver City. recent event on September 11. X-Bots Robotics and BGC are grateful for the PPG Foundation donations, which allow them to equip workshops with tools and meals to run smoothly in modifying the free cars for recipients. Safety procedures are taken to secure the robotic cars. “We have implemented a series of safety and training videos along with a quality assurance checklist at every step of the build that is inspected via Zoom and onsite by a trained GoBabyGo supervisor,” Avila said. “Cole Galloway is the founder of the Go Baby Go program, which helps children and adults with physical and developmental disabilities move and explore the world. He is a professor of physical therapy and psychological and brain sciences at the University of Delaware.” One of Avila’s favorite parts of the job is motivating teens to surpass their expectation and improve the lifestyle of toddlers with disabilities. The program continues to inspire students in STEM education through their high school courses, as well as university students whose majors were influenced by the program.
PAGE 8 THE ARGONAUT SEPTEMBER 23, 2021
E D U C A T I O N
Cherished Memories Westchester entrepreneur offers free photo course COURTESY PHOTO
H
By Haley Beyer aleh Shoa, Westchester entrepreneur and photo organizing expert, founded Picturli in 2016. Picturli was created to provide personal photo organization, preservation and design services so that families could keep their photos safe, accessible, and present them in ways that could be enjoyed. The idea for Picturli stemmed from Shoa’s love for preserving her own family’s memorabilia and from the reactions of others after having their photos made into calendars, photo albums and other gift items. “When I was 9 years old, my family and I left Iran to flee from the 1979 Iranian Revolution to find a safe place to live,” Shoa said. “All we had were the shirts on our backs and all of our family memories in a suitcase. Later on, I worked in marketing and had access to a scanner, so I decided to start going through our photos to see what we had in that suitcase.” From there, Shoa became interested in photography and began taking amateur photos at events with family and friends. She realized that everyone seemed to have the same problem: they all had photos of their favorite memories but no idea what to do with them. Shoa became so passionate about telling people’s stories through photos that she decided to make a job out of it and started learning how to use all the photograph programs. The first challenge Shoa faced was figuring out how to manage time between her career in advertising as a global operations director for the agency while building her new business from ground up. She started out by earning her certification from The Photo Manager, the world’s leading educational community in the rapidly growing field of photo management. The Photo Manager educates anyone that is interested in archiving and storing their photos, and trains people to become professional photo organizers and managers. “This really started as a heart project to preserve the history and story of families,” Shoa said. “I want to wake up the energy of their ancestors and give them a way to share it with everyone.” The process consists of several
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Westchester entrepreneur Haleh Shoa is the founder of Picturli, a company that provides personal photo organization services and more. steps: organize, scan, digitize, curate and design. The consolidation process consists of all digital memory files (photos and videos from various sources such as computers, SD cards, external hard drives, cloud services, mobile phones, social media platforms, and any other places that clients may have them) being put into one place. The files will be renamed and ordered chronologically. The team then starts the scanning and preservation services. Shoa and her team invested in a very expensive scanner to guarantee the highest quality of work so that they could scan and/or digitize any analog format including photos, album pages, children’s artwork, 8mm/16mm film, VHS, DVDs, mini DVs, Hi8’s and audio cassettes. Picturli then sets up a system where clients can access their files and accounts from any device, trusting that their photos are secure and accessible. “The creative side of the projects is my favorite because the photos really help show who you are and where you came from,” Shoa said. “It’s all about reconnecting to your memories.” There are many ways to present the photographs once they’re organized with some of the most common including photo albums, videos, gallery walls, coffee table books and family websites. “I have two things I love about my job,” Shoa said. “I love the element of really seeing the
detail of older photos after having been preserved to the highest quality because there are so many parts to a photo that become clearer. I also love delivering the final product to the families and seeing the joy on their faces.” The cost depends on the number of documents, the amount of time it takes to complete the project, and the form of presentation. Shoa will be coming up with packages soon to make the process easier. She also plans to release courses for clients to take (DIY package, Digital Organization, and Digital Organization + Creative Product). She is currently teaching “Design a Gallery Wall Using Canva.com,” a free course for the “Save Your Photos Month” annual online event. The course is designed to help get the word out to families that need help with their photos. To register for free and to learn how to participate in Save Your Photos Month, visit saveyourphotos.org. There are 40+ additional mini-courses available on topics such as “3 Simple Ways to Create a Photo Legacy,” “Digital Photo Organizing Tools,” and “Photo Album Rescue.” There will also be prize giveaways and live Q&As with guest experts such as television personality and downsizing expert Matt Paxton. The event runs through the rest of September and all of October. Picturli picturli.com
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SEPTEMBER 23, 2021 THE ARGONAUT PAGE 9
C O V E R
S T O R Y
Culturally Relevant Architectural designer thrills to a Venice vibe PHOTOS BY LUIS CHAVEZ
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By Bridgette M. Redman hen Tima Bell’s stepmother, the swimmer and actress Esther Williams, learned that he’d completed a degree in architecture, her response was, “Ah, you can finally fix my cabinets.” It was just one example of how people misunderstand and minimize the work that architectural designers do. Everyone, it seems, who has any sort of do-it-yourself sense thinks they know what architects do, but they are often blissfully unaware of the many skills and details that go into the work. Bell, the co-founder of Venicebased Relativity Architects, is a lifelong Venice resident. There were times he resided elsewhere, but the beaches and culture of Venice always called him back. It is for this reason he carries a deep resonance with the city, its architecture and the types of projects that fit in with its character and people. One of his most recent projects was the Venice V Hotel, a boutique property with rooms that reflect the culture and history of Venice. He and his partner, architect Scott Sullivan, met in graduate school and immediately realized they had similar outlooks on architecture. While they practiced separately for a while, they rejoined forces in 2013 to create Relativity Architects where they pursue culturally relevant architecture. Other projects have included the “Dancing with the Stars” studio, Capture Studios, Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, Imagine Village Apartments, The Gables Restaurant, and Hal’s Bar and Grill. Bell stressed that they are not a stylistic firm and they don’t have a specific typology. “What we design is always contextual,” Bell said. “We are spread against all different kinds of buildings from motion picture studios to housing. With this particular project of hospitality (The Venice V Hotel), it was informed by my growing up here.” He explained that he has spent at least half of every decade since
the 1970s here. His parents came to Santa Monica to go to school and he described that they were deeply immersed in the hippie culture. “I was naked until I was 8,” Bell joked. He grew up on 25th Street and said he was surrounded by hippies, bohemians, actors, people who didn’t have a lot of money — and, of course, skaters. They all congregated at the Venice Beach area, he said, adding that it was a beautiful place to grow up. Then his parents divorced and his mom moved back to Maine. He would go back and forth between them, spending six months with his father and six months with his mother. After he went to college (he got a BFA from Rice University in Texas and a master’s in architecture from the Southern California Institute for Architecture), he settled in Venice. Bell did move for a while to the Valley, a place he described as “stifling” and without the character that Venice has. “I had 10 years of dark ages in the Valley and then I came back,” Bell said. “I couldn’t take it. I couldn’t take being away from the beach and that environment.”
When designing, there’s no place like home
Venice resident Tima Bell is the cofounder of Relativity Architects, a Venice-based architecture and design firm.
PAGE 10 THE ARGONAUT SEPTEMBER 23, 2021
It is that sort of love and passion that Bell brings to his Venice projects. He explained that he has a context that he can bring to all his works. With the Venice V project, he added that he worked in hospitality for 28 years and is very aware of what contemporary hotel needs are. “I’m aware of all the different aspects of Venice, from the very bottom, the meth addicts, to the billionaires. I can see in between those and there is a common ground that can be conveyed in the work and we’ve been able to do that consistently,” Bell said. Bell also has all the right contacts, contacts that go beyond commissioning artists or the usual contractors. He described how the client at the hotel was worried about the skater guest-
ArgonautNews.com rooms. He was concerned the hotel might get gang raids. Bell knew where to turn. “I reached out to my friends who used to be gang leaders in the 1980s and now they are retired,” Bell said. “I brought them into the rooms and said, ‘Hey, take a look at this graffiti, take a look at these photos…He said, ‘No man, I’ve already put the word out. There’s going to be no problems.’ Not to mention there is a truce already between the factions in Santa Monica. It’s a matter of making sure all these elements are working together and it’s something I can bring to the table.” The local immersion makes a difference to not just clients but to the ultimate end-user of the buildings. Bell and his partner try to imbue a sense of place into their work. “We don’t want you to go through the motions in and out and not realize where you’ve been,” Bell said. “We want to create moments, even small ones, where you maybe catch your breath; you ask a question; you wonder why we put a door there — wonder where the door leads to. We want to recreate those moments that give you a sense of place — that you need to know where you are because you’re experiencing something special. That’s what we try to achieve in our architecture 100 percent of the time.”
A detour Bell didn’t go to architecture school to become an architect. He went because he wanted to be a better painter. However, as he worked toward his architectural degree, he realized he liked creating three-dimensional objects, that designing a building was its own form of art. Nor has he abandoned painting even among the demands of running an architectural design firm and raising a family. His appreciation for art is brought to every one of his projects. “As often as possible, we use muralists, photographers, painters, set designers and sculptors,” Bell said. “In every project, we attempt to engage an artist and install art into the process. If we can’t engage the artist, then I or someone in the office will create a piece of art and install it into the project.” At Hal’s Bar and Grill, Bell created an elliptical chandelier where champagne glasses are
One of Bell’s most recent projects was the Venice V Hotel, a boutique property with rooms that reflect the culture and history of Venice. hung in a swoosh above the bar. He designed the mural in the lobby of the Venice V Hotel. He insisted he will always be an artist. In addition to earning an undergraduate degree in art and art history, he studied as a resident artist in Israel for a year. Bell came back to the States and was making money selling his paintings. It wasn’t a lot, but it was enough to live on. That is what he thought he was going to do until he went to architecture school to be a better fine artist. “I just got hooked on making things in three dimensions,” Bell said. “They’re still art in my mind. I kept painting until I had children. Then, you know, you can only bifurcate in so many ways.” To this day, he still creates two or three small watercolors a week. They help him to stay activated with a painting eye. “Where we see a need for art in our architecture, whether decorative or the actual building itself, that’s where I’m going to tap into the things I’ve studied from theory to books that I’ve read,” Bell said. “I’m not just a painter. I’ve written architectural theory. I have a degree in art history. I’m really strong in architectural history. I can reference our work to other artists and artists to inspiration. It is woven in and out of anything we do.”
he doesn’t know. “We talk a lot in architecture about what we don’t know,” Bell said. “One of the beautiful things of my partner and my approach is that if there are alternatives, we will always listen. But, the idea that everyone can be an architect is a bit frustrating to me because I know everything that goes into even small projects. It’s not as simple as nailing two boards together.” To do his job, Bell says one has to understand everything from people’s psyche all the way down to their financial ability. It also helps to have connections. He went to graduate school at SCI-ARC in Santa Monica — the founders of that college were friends of his family. When he was getting ready to work on Hal’s Restaurant on Abbott Kinney, he discovered that the owner went to college
with his father and was his babysitter when he was a kid. “It wasn’t planned, but when you think back, all the influences of these local architects at SCI-ARC were friends of my family growing up,” Bell said. Those kind of connections draw Bell to the Westside. When he talks to clients, he lets them know that he gets why they are there — and that he loves his home and his hometown. “I have a very strong body of work,” Bell said. “If you’re going to choose me, there are reasons why. I’ve now established a bit of a presence with the hotel, with Hal’s, with some of the other work we’ve done down here. The conversations around building in Santa Monica and Venice have gotten pretty exciting.” To Bell, it is impossible to not be a part of the Venice community. He lists the edginess, the complaints, the activism, the art and the pure creativity spread throughout the city. He loves the character, the noise and the activity found throughout Venice.
Still dreaming big While he has projects all throughout Los Angeles, the country and even internationally, it is Bell’s hometown that continues to call to him. While there are many cultural projects he wants to be a part of, one of his big dreams at this point is to build something for the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028. When Relativity started in 2013, they had the two partners and four employees. Now they are up to almost 50. It is a growth that
puts them on a trajectory to win some of the Olympic commissions. “I’d be happy to have just one house in the Olympics — just a way to put a cap on my career,” Bell said. His father was involved in events leading up to the 1984 Olympics. It was the first time underwriting was allowed and the first Olympics that made money. His father was responsible for all the events that Arcos underwrote and it was his job to generate funds and excitement around the process. Because of his father’s work, Bell was deeply involved in the 1984 Olympics and everything going on in the city. “We want to be able to prepare something for 2028,” Bell said. “That’s our goal.” Meanwhile, he will continue designing in the city he identifies as the last free-expression, uncontrolled place in Southern California. “You get this amazing mix and just this beautiful sense of freedom,” Bell said. “I’ve noticed that from childhood on. I remember thinking, though, why aren’t things on the east side (of the street) better? Why are they the cheap stuff? Why not make them a bit nicer?” When they started working on the hotel, Bell had an epiphany — this is what made it nicer. This is what can serve as the fulcrum. This is their chance to activate the urban fabric. And so, their work goes on. Relativity Architects studioofrelativity.com
Wide swathes of knowledge and specialties It is this wide range of knowledge that puts Relativity several levels above the average DIYer. In fact, they aren’t even in the same county. Each project embodies numerous facets and even after 30 years of doing the work, Bell still discovers things
Relativity Architects’ other projects include the “Dancing with the Stars” studio, Capture Studios, Alamo Drafthouse Cinema and Hal’s Bar and Grill. SEPTEMBER 23, 2021 THE ARGONAUT PAGE 11
B U S I N E S S
Timeless Fashion Elie Tahari opens new location at Santa Monica Place
Elie Tahari 395 Santa Monica Pl., Santa Monica Phone: 424-581-1526 Hours: Mon-Fri 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sat 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sun 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. etsantamonica@elietahari.com
PHOTOS COURTESY OF SANTA MONICA PLACE
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By Kamala Kirk lobal fashion brand Elie Tahari has expanded its presence in California with its first Los Angeles location at Santa Monica Place. Located on level one of the shopping center, the company’s second boutique in California will offer special store features in addition to the timeless, ready-to-wear and professional womenswear that fans of the brand will enjoy. The internationally-renowned brand has a global presence on five continents and is sold in more than 600 stores in over 40 countries. The Santa Monica Place location will offer the brand’s newest Signature Style service, an online personal shopping service tailored to customers’ taste, time and lifestyle. With Signature Style, an in-house stylist selects styles and sends them directly to shoppers’ doors to try on and purchase favorite styles. More information about Signature Style can be found on Elie Tahari’s website or by emailing signaturestyle@ elietahari.com. Store customer representatives will provide a new digital service where customers have the option to receive unique digital look books based on style and needs. Customers will receive an abundance of style options with the option to shop via text, exceptional customer service support, digital styling appointments and buy online with in-store pick-up services. “We love Santa Monica Place because not only is it a stunning area that correlates perfectly with our luxury brand, but because the location is right in the heart of the Westside in Los Angeles,” said designer Elie Tahari. “We want to make a presence in this area and feel that it is the best spot to continue to grow in the LA market!”
Global fashion brand Elie Tahari recently expanded its presence in California by opening its first Los Angeles location at Santa Monica Place.
Shoppers will enjoy the brand’s newest Signature Style service, an online personal shopping service tailored to customers’ taste, time and lifestyle, as well as a digital service where customers can receive digital look books based on their style and needs.
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Revisiting the Past Art Mortimer restores his 1973 mural at The Brig in Venice
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By Nicole Borgenicht istoric muralist Art Mortimer has returned to restore his original painting “Brandelli’s Brig” at The Brig in Venice, which he started in early September. Mortimer’s murals across California keep history alive from the Claremont Community Village Mural reminding viewers of its citrus industry center to Whittier’s Korean War Veteran homage and numerous others. He is also a landscape artist who depicts deserts, mountains and the ocean. Mortimer’s art has been exhibited in galleries, museums and government buildings throughout the state.
The original Brig mural was painted in 1973. Babe and Betty Brandelli, the owners of Brandelli Brig’s Bar at the time, were persuaded by the County of Los Angeles to allow Mortimer to paint a mural. Babe was a famous Golden Gloves boxer in Venice in the 1930s, and he and his wife were depicted in the mural standing in parking lot of their popular beer establishment. Mortimer is also included in the background, working on the mural. “Art Mortimer is extremely focused and dedicated,” said David Paris, owner of The Brig. “When he leaves his home in Twentynine Palms for
a mural project, he stays in a hotel near the project and works nearly all daylight hours to get the project done and get home. He was eager to start right away, as a delay into late fall or winter would have dramatically reduced the daylight hours available to him. Art will not work under lights; he insists on working in natural light. For a month before he arrived, Art prepared extensively so he could hit the ground running, including rigorous photo documentation during a prep visit, photo-studies plotted with grid lines and the eightsepia color palette selected and mixed. It’s not all work all day as pedestrians on Abbot Kinney
and The Brig’s patrons on the patio behind him are frequently engaging him. Art will politely answer all their questions.” The mural had also previously been restored in 2001. Mortimer said that it is a historic building and the old layers are paint from old signs that keep peeling off as the years go by. This time his process is more in depth; besides peeling off underlayers, he has been cleaning the wall so that nothing will peel, and he has prepared to redo a lot of the original mural picture.
Mortimer uses a grid for all his artwork and creates a pencil drawing first. Now he is working with paint to restore and recreate the mural. The project time frame is about a month or more of working 12-hour days. “Today I happened to see my earliest graphic design mentor in Los Angeles, renowned muralist Art Mortimer renovating his cool mural on the side of the former Brig on Abbot Kinney,” said Daryl Barnett, a 30-year Venice resident. “Nice to see you again, Art!”
PHOTO CREDIT: BENNY CHAN
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Historic muralist Art Mortimer is in the process of restoring his 1973 mural “Brandelli’s Brig” on The Brig building in Venice. PHOTO CREDIT: ROB STARK
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Before Bollywood Indian dance troupe brings classic dance to the streets of Westside neighborhoods PHOTO CREDITS: COURTESY OF LEELA DANCE COLLECTIVE
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By Bridgette M. Redman ith workshops and performances, the Leela Dance Collective is putting on a 10-day festival celebrating Kathak dance, an ancient North Indian dance form. The festival features events scattered across Los Angeles and San Francisco with stops in Santa Monica, Venice and Culver City. The Los Angeles part of the festival kicked off in Pasadena on September 22 and moves to Venice on September 25. It finishes the celebration in Culver City. Kathak is a form of North Indian classical dance that goes back centuries. It was once performed in the courts of India and has been the inspiration for more modern forms of Indian dance. A storytelling form of dance that features fancy footwork, Kathak was brought to the United States by Pandit Chitresh Das and the founders of the Leela Dance Collective were his disciples. Rina Mehta, one of the organization’s founders, said the 10-day festival being performed throughout Los Angeles and San Francisco was born out of the pandemic. Kathak is fundamentally a live performance form and they are eager to bring it back to the community. “We wanted to bring back live performance,” Mehta said. “We felt really strongly that we wanted to use our art form as a vehicle to build and rebuild and re-engage community and connection.” The festival will take place in two cities, feature four dancers, and host 12 workshops and 15 performances. Mehta said they recognized that geography can be a big hurdle to overcome, especially in Los Angeles, so instead of selecting one performance space, they have chosen to perform in many different neighborhoods to reach as many people as possible. “If you are in Santa Monica, the folks from Pasadena aren’t going to come,” Mehta said. “So, while you may put on a phenomenal show, you end up being inaccessible to a large part of the city. We wanted to take our art form into the communities, to use the art form to revitalize neighborhoods and bring some life back.” They’ll host two street performances on the 3rd Street Promenade in Santa Monica, another at a plaza in Culver City and then a
Leela Dance Collective is putting on a 10-day festival celebrating Kathak dance, an ancient North Indian dance form, and will feature events scattered across Los Angeles and San Francisco with stops in Santa Monica, Venice and Culver City.
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series of workshops. In Venice, the first workshop is called “From Sensuality to Spirituality” and is held at the Electric Lodge at 10 a.m. September 25. The workshop welcomes students of all levels and backgrounds and explores the art of Kathak as a metaphor for the Goddess Radha’s love for Krishna. “All the Indian traditions have a spiritual element and a storytelling element,” Mehta said. “Traditionally Indian classical dance was and is a pathway to an elevated consciousness or to the divine. One of the common themes in Kathak dance is the love between two Indian mythological figures. Radha and Krishna, their love is supposed to be a metaphor of love of human and divine. It’s a very particular lens into the art form.” Following the workshop in Venice, there will be two performances on the 3rd Street Promenade at 1:30 and 2:30 p.m. It will feature the ensemble dancers of the Leela Dance Collective, Sonali Toppur, Ahana Mukherjee, Carrie McCune and Ria DasGupta. The concerts involve taking their traditional dance to the streets while showcasing such traditional dance elements as percussive footwork, swift pirouettes, dynamic repertoire and exhilarating music. On September 26, the festival moves to Culver City where it closes out with three events: two workshops and a concert. The first workshop is “The Indian Avatars” and is designed for kids ages 5 and up. It runs from 3 to 4 p.m. at the Diaz Studio of Dance. The class includes dance, music, face painting and storytelling. It introduces kids to Kathak and they can learn coordination, movement rhythm, music and dramatic expression. The second workshop is called “Movement, Music and Meditation” and will be held at 4 p.m. at the same studio. It introduces the beauty and dynamism of Kathak and introduces participants to the technique, movement, music and poetry of the art form woven together into an experience that is meditation in motion. “Kathak dance is many things,” Mehta explained. “It is percussive, it has a lot of rhythm, we have a lot of dynamic movement, poetry and storytelling. The music, which is typically live, is very integral to the art form. All of this is supposed to be for you to achieve a
PHOTO BY MARISSA ROSEILLIER
Rina Mehta, one of the organization’s founders, said the 10-day festival was born out of the pandemic and was created to rebuild and reengage community and connection. higher state of consciousness. We like to talk about the dance as a kind of meditation in motion.” The festival will close with a 5:30 p.m. street performance at Culver City’s Town Plaza.
Staying true These performances mark the latest spot on a trajectory that Kathak dance has traveled. From the courts of India to proscenium stages around the United States to the streets, the dance has evolved at each step along the way. “It is spurring creativity and innovation in what we do artistically,” Mehta said. “We’re now having to dance on boards, in parks and in streets.” The latest street dancing is a step that Mehta feels brings people even closer to the art form, breaking down the barriers that are erected between dancer and audience in theaters. “With these street performances, we are here on the same street you walk on, next to the restaurant you eat at,” Mehta said. “For us, it is really getting people up close and intimate. Our hope is that by doing so, the art form becomes familiar to them, that they’re able to learn a little bit of some basics about rhythm and storytelling, how deep it is, how rich it is and really how relevant it can be and is to our modern-day life.” The pieces that they will perform in ReSound are classic pieces. They’ll start with classic invocation pieces that consecrate the stage and are filled with symbolism from mythology. Some dances will tell stories and others will be purely rhythm and movement with no story. They do bring in narration for some of the storytelling, but Mehta stresses that they are recognizable to all regardless of background. “All epic stories are universal stories,” Mehta said. “The character might be South Asian or Indian, but they’re about love and loss and greed and the victory of good over evil. Any stories we choose to do will have really universal themes and narration.” In both the Leela Dance Collective and specifically the 10-day ReSound performance, the artists are committed to preserving the dance form even as they
innovate and make it relevant for today’s audience. Mehta said they are committed to an integrity around the form. “We may innovate many, many things, but at the root, the integrity around the form is very high,” Mehta said. “The technique, the music, the movement, the repertoire, we definitely hold a lot of integrity around those things. Then we innovate around the form and in the form as appropriate.” She said it is a fine line she walks as a choreographer. She makes many small decisions where she is constantly mindful of Kathak’s roots. She said you can put together movements one way and you’ve deviated from tradition and another way and it is in a direct line from the original tradition. Mehta also holds true to the core of what her teacher taught about the art form — that to be an artist is to give and that the art form is there to bring joy. “Our core purpose at Leela Dance is to bring joy through Kathak,” Mehta said. “That is something we preserve in everything we do. No matter what we do, if the audience isn’t walking away joyful, we haven’t done our job.”
Spread around the city All the ReSound public performances are free and workshops — which can be enjoyed live or virtually — cost $10 each. Workshop registration is available online. “I would definitely recommend coming to both a workshop and a performance if possible,” Mehta said. “Seeing the art form is one way to experience it, but there is nothing like getting on the dance floor and moving your body. It’s a whole other level of experience and audience members can do both. And please come out and introduce yourself, talk to the dancers and the teachers. We’d love to get to know you and make ourselves known to you.” ReSound: Kathak in the Streets Who: Leela Dance Collective Where: Los Angeles, September 22 to September 26 Info: leela.dance.resound/
THE FASTIDIOUS AND THE FURIOUS I’m a divorced guy in my 40s. I was at a bar with friends and went over to talk with a woman I found really attractive. Though she wasn’t the friendliest, I asked to take her to dinner. She said she’d think about it and then asked for my Instagram. Several days later, I texted her, and she agreed to go out. We’ve since had a few dates, but I’m bothered that she wouldn’t go out with me until she’d scoured my social media. What does that suggest about her? — Offended You don’t expect much from a woman who’s “known” you all of 20 minutes: just blind trust that you’ll do the gentleman thing of opening the passenger-side door for her – as opposed to the psychopathic gentleman thing of stuffing her in your trunk. Of course, the latter could happen if two gay men were dating, but there’s good reason women – more than men – would opt for a “buyer beware” versus a “buyer be guessin’” approach. “Most men fear getting laughed at or humiliated by a romantic prospect while most women fear rape and death,” observes personal security expert Gavin de Becker in “The Gift of Fear.” Even the stringbeaniest man can probably whup the average woman. Men have 15 to 20 times more testosterone than women, explain endocrinology researcher David J. Handelsman, M.D., and his colleagues. Higher “T” is associated with increased “muscle mass and strength” and “bone size and strength.” This means that even the power broads of the female athletic world are ill-prepared for any battle of the sexes. Take women’s tennis rock stars Venus and Serena Williams. In 1998, when they were ranked fifth and 20th respectively, each got trounced by 203rd-ranked male tennis player Karsten Braasch – whose “prep” for these matches was playing a round of golf and throwing back a couple of beers. Beyond physical safety concerns, there’s one half of the species that pees on little plastic sticks after sex to see whether they’re about to make another human being – one which, on average, will cost $233,610 to raise until age 17. (College, grad school, and multiple stints in rehab priced separately.) This difference in male and female reproductive physiology led to the evolution of differences in male and female sexual psychology – namely in their general level of sexual
selectivity. It’s in men’s evolutionary interest to have sex with a slew of women – and the hotter the better, because the features we find beautiful (youth, clear skin, and an hourglass figure) reflect health and fertility. (In a pinch, a woman with a pulse will do.) An ancestral man could cut and run after sex – leaving it to the Miss Neanderbrow he hooked up with to feed and care for any resulting fruit of the womb – and still have a pretty good chance of passing on his genes. In contrast, ancestral women who didn’t just stumble off to do it in the bushes with every Clooneyesque club toter likely left more surviving children to pass on their genes (carrying their psychology of choosiness). Women’s emotions push them to act in their evolutionary best interest. Women fear getting involved with men who will be unwilling and/ or unable to pick up the tab if sex leads to, um, the creation of small mammals who will run up big bills at the orthodontist. In other words, it benefits a woman to scope a new man out and decide whether the ideal time to go to dinner with him might be the first Tuesday in never. We’re psychologically unprepared for the “evolutionarily novel” experience of vetting a stranger we meet in a bar, because our psychological operating system is adapted for an ancestral hunter-gatherer world: small, consistent communities of perhaps 25 to 100 people in which “intel” on a person was readily available through the grapevine. What’s a modern, stranger-encountering woman to do? Well, this one apparently hoped to get some clues about you from your social media: probably from the sort of stuff you post, your follows and followers, and how you engage in the comments. What does this woman’s precautionary approach say about her? Well, probably that she isn’t so desperate for a man or a free dinner that she’ll take risks with her safety and go out with any Joe Bar Tab who offers to treat her to a meal. This isn’t to say she’s found a foolproof vetting method. Though social media is a new thing, it’s rife with a well-worn evolved tool: deception – used to defeat the precautionary strategies of the opposite sex. This typically leads not to rape or death but the sinking feeling of being had – when, say, visits from the guy who posted pics of himself “flying private” always coincide with rolls of toilet paper going missing.
GOT A PROBLEM? Write to Amy Alkon at 171 Pier Ave, Ste. 280, Santa Monica, CA 90405, or email her at AdviceAmy@aol.com. ©2021, 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.
SEPTEMBER 23, 2021 THE ARGONAUT PAGE 15
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A New Perspective Venice artist’s latest work features abstract suggestions of time and place PHOTOS COURTESY OF LINDA KING
Venice artist Linda King’s current show “Indicators and Origins” features paintings that depict abstract suggestions of time and place.
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By Nicole Borgenicht inda King’s artwork has been exhibited in numerous solo and group shows at galleries across the United States. With an MFA from the University of Iowa, and an MA from California State University, King has taught painting and drawing at Long Beach City College for 26 years. Both her masters and MFA were in printmaking, which she uses in her painterly works. Rather than with a lot of brush strokes, King pours, sands and places vinyl cut pieces beside some brushed areas, all in symmetrical fashions. The paintings in her latest show “Indicators and Origins” are abstract suggestions of time and place.
“As with printmaking, I put on and take off like an etching,” King said. “There are separate layers as with history and metaphor for painting transformation,” In King’s painting entitled “Journey,” many stories jump out. The metallic paint sits flat on a plane but features texture, and contains an iridescence that flickers outside of the painting. Shapes correspond to familiar things such as a box or a cloud, but at same time don’t always appear in logical ways. Having taught perspective for years, King likes to break the rules and does so effectively with a surreal dreamy quality. The show features various paintings in different sizes, ranging from 4”x 4” to 5’x5’. The smaller pieces are like
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sketches but beautiful renditions of pieces of the paintings. Some are complete stories in themselves, very much as if they prompted another idea for the larger painting. King described her paintings as “infinite space, but under a microscope.” “I consider myself an abstract artist, so all meaning is general,” she said. Creating a unique reality, King enjoys having a sense of humor about everything. She likes to include recognizable shapes or symbols floating in space, having fun with the viewer in what she called “perception versus perspective.” In the perfect neighborhood for creative expression, King has lived in Venice since 1993. She feels that although unfortunately many artists have been priced
out of the area, it continues to be a great place. “Artists who are here have a terrific energy and commitment to the arts,” King said. “Venice is a great location in that it is close to many art venues.” King’s practice of working has remained steady during the pandemic. She retired from teaching a few years ago and enjoys traveling, gardening and spending more time painting. “The quiet time really focused my energies in the studio,” King said. “I produced a number of artist books and quite a few paintings. The isolation gave me time to work, and more importantly, time to reflect. Much of my work is about perception, time and memory, order and chaos, the infinite and the microscopic, transition and
transformation. The lines are often boundaries or areas of transition, defining or enclosing.” King’s paintings point out to the broader universe in combination with symbolic or familiar shapes. This pulls viewers far away from the common existence and back toward King’s complexity of layers and icons that shift awareness into subconscious activity. Perhaps in this show, indicators prep focus with relativity, while origins take one beneath the surface to those connections. Through Sept. 26, Saturdays and Sundays Noon-5 p.m. or by appointment. Contact: lindaking@gmail.com lindakingartist.com
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Compiled by Kamala Kirk COURTESY PHOTO
Thursday, September 23 “U.S. 99” Band—The Duo Playing at Fisherman’s Village, 6 to 9 p.m. “U.S. 99” plays retro-vintage rock ‘n roll, blues, and more. For more information, visit facebook. com/u.s.99band 13755 Fiji Way, Marina del Rey
Friday, September 24 WithOthers Launch Event, 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. WithOthers, the revolutionary new platform built to support the next generation of activists and help them execute intimate music events around the globe, is celebrating launch by presenting a 9-event series of live music events in Los Angeles featuring performances by emerging artists and raising money for top nonprofit partners. Kicking off with the first event in a beautiful backyard in Venice with performances by TRISHES and Arms Akimbo to raise money for Oxfam to support their work aiding refugee families around the world seeking safety and helping people work to escape poverty. Get tickets at withothers.io
through musical genres, the audience will be taken on a musical journey as the extraordinary Batalla performs a variety of classic and original material in both English and Spanish with selections from several of her albums. $25 students and seniors; $35 general admission; $45 for a premium package. Tickets can be purchase at trkperlabatalla.eventive.org
Saturday, September 25 Marina del Rey Farmers Market, 8 to 9 a.m. (seniors), 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (general public) This weekly outdoor event allows Westside residents to PHOTO COURTESY OF CHARLES-RYAN BARBER
On Saturday, September 25 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.,“Cars Are Overrated: e-Bikes, Buses and Box Trucks, Oh My!” is a free two-panel webinar for e-bike newbies and electric transportation followers with videos and Q&A for National Drive Electric Week.
support local produce sellers and other vendors. Food from a wide variety of businesses is available for purchase. Masks are required and only 40 people are allowed to shop at any one time. Held in parking lot 11 at 14101 Panay Way. More information is available at beaches.lacounty.gov/mdrfarmersmarket Book Launch: Rancho Boca de Santa Monica, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. With an abundance of remarkable images, Ernest Marquez shares the long-researched story of the land bestowed upon his ancestors by the Mexican government long before California became part of the United States. Meet the author, enjoy refreshments, and walk the beautiful grounds of the historic Cemetery and Santuario San Lorenzo. Books will be available for sale at the event. RSVP to ranchobocadesm@ gmail.com Cars Are Overrated: e-Bikes, Buses and Box Trucks, Oh My!, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. This free two-panel webinar on Zoom is for e-bike newbies and electric transportation followers with videos and Q&A. It is one of some 200 events comprising National Drive Electric Week. It will include a 101-How To with national advocates about riding e-bikes, e-cargo bikes, electric motorcycles and other modes of e-micromobility. A second panel of experts will take on policy, planning and practical considerations relating to public transit,
electric buses, livable cities, carsharing, autonomous vehicles and how we can all share the road and include all communities in the current transportation transformation. No cost to attend. Register at driveelectricweek. org/event?eventid=2865 Venice Heritage Museum Boardwalk Through the Ages, 5 to 9 p.m. The Venice Heritage Foundation is hosting an outdoor, group photo exhibition at VICE Media. A silent auction of large format gallery images will accompany the exhibition, featuring renowned rock ‘n; roll photographer Henry Diltz, Esteval Oriol, Dotan Saguy, Pep Williams, Josh “Bagel” Klassman, Paulo Freire Lopez, and Gerry Beckley. All proceeds directly benefit the Venice Heritage Museum project. Tickets are available at veniceboardwalk.eventbrite.com. 589 Venice Blvd., Venice
Pedal on the Pier, Noon to 4 p.m. The Pedal on the Pier fundraiser returns, transforming Santa Monica Pier into a high-energy outdoor cycling studio to raise money for the foundation’s Camp Ubuntu, which provides LA’s underprivileged children in South LA with a unique, 3-day camp experience. With the Pacific Ocean as the backdrop, Pedal on the Pier’s 4-hour spin-a-thon features teams riding on stationary cycling bikes, LA’s top spin instructors, live musical performances, DJs, dancing, celebrities, athletes, food and drinks from local restaurants, influential brands and fun festivities in the sun. In order to participate as a rider you can join a team or start a team. More information, tickets and registration are available at pedalonthepier.com 200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica “U.S. 99” Band—The Duo Playing at Jackson Market, 3 to 6 p.m. “U.S. 99” plays retro-vintage rock ‘n roll, blues, and more. For more information, visit facebook. com/u.s.99band 4065 Jackson Ave., Culver City COURTESY PHOTO
Perla Batalla in Concert, 8 p.m. Theatre Raymond Kabbaz, a 220-seat venue on the Westside of Los Angeles that specializes in French and International programming, is reopening with Grammy-nominated Perla Batalla in concert. Deftly moving
On Saturday, September 25 from 5 to 9 p.m., Venice Heritage Museum is hosting a group photo exhibition and silent auction at VICE Media in Venice that will transport viewers through the many eras of Venice’s famed Boardwalk.
foods, kids crafts and live events. Located at 12198 Venice Blvd., Grand View at Venice Boulevard. For more information, visit marvistafarmersmarket.org
Sunday, September 26 Santa Monica Main Street Farmers Market, 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Shop for local fresh produce and prepared foods from local restaurants starting at 2640 Main Street. You can also enjoy musical entertainment from featured weekly bands, face painting, balloon designs, and if you catch it on the right week, a cooking demonstration featuring local produce. 2640 Main St., Santa Monica Mar Vista Farmers Market, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. This vibrant, year-round market offers local produce, prepared
On Saturday, September 25 from 9 a.m. to noon, meet author Ernest Marquez, enjoy refreshments and walk the beautiful grounds of the historic Cemetery and Santuario Lorenzo in Santa Monica.
Send event information at least 10 days in advance to kkirk@ timespublications.com
SEPTEMBER 23, 2021 THE ARGONAUT PAGE 17
THE ITALIAN RIVIERA PLAYA VISTA
“This is a rare three-bedroom deluxe townhome located in the heart of bustling Playa Vista,” says agent Stephanie Younger. “A beautiful stone-tiled courtyard entry leads to the classic wood-stamped floor in a wide foyer, welcoming you and your guests into all that is airy and bright. This home includes large solid doors, curved archways, plantation shutters, a marble fireplace, and a downstairs powder room. The expansive living and dining areas include built-in cabinetry, ample storage, and access to an enclosed outdoor patio facing the courtyard. The large kitchen offers luxury and comfort with custom cabinetry, high-end stainless appliances, a breakfast bar, an adjacent breakfast nook, and an additional patio out back with a natural gas hook-up for a grill. The wide stairway leads to an upper laundry room, two spacious guest rooms, an updated guest bath, and a spacious hallway to the generously proportioned owners suite which includes a tiled soaking tub, double vanities, spa-style glass shower, a large walk-in closet, and a private patio facing the idyllic courtyard. Enjoy the Loyola bluffs, the Farmers Market, fine dining and shopping as well as the Ballona Wetlands, the Marina, in this romantic yet practical home.” PAGE 18 AT HOME – THE ARGONAUT’S REAL ESTATE SECTION SEPTEMBER 23, 2021
Offered at $1,249,000 I N F O R M AT I O N :
STEPHANIE YOUNGER COMPASS
310.499.2020
stephanieyounger.com DRE#01365696
Visit Us Virtually Visit our website for videos and 3D tours of all our listings
In Escrow 13044 Pacific Promenade #212, Playa Vista
1 bed | 1 bath Coming Soon
In Escrow 2182 Century Woods Way, Century City
2 bed | 4 bath | $1,489,000 Luxury Condominium
Just Sold 12601 Matteson Ave #4, Mar Vista 3 bed | 2.5 bath | $1,090,000 Delightfully Bright And Modern
4572 W Washington Blvd, Mid-City
5 bed | 3 bath | $999,000 California Craftsman Style Home
7101 Playa Vista Dr #109, Playa Vista
3 bed | 2.5 bath | $1,249,000 Modern Deluxe Townhome
In Escrow 8232 Tuscany Ave, Playa del Rey 4 bed | 2.5 bath | $1,949,000 Meticulously Maintained
Just Sold
Just Sold
8340 McConnell Ave, Westchester 3 bed | 2 bath | $1,537,000 SoCal Bungalow
2821 Colby Ave, West Los Angeles 3 bed | 2 bath | $1,625,000 Charming Turnkey Home
Just Sold
In Escrow 6892 Arizona Ave, Westchester 12,800 SF Lot | $1,495,000 Build Your Dream Estate
7921 Kentwood Ave, Westchester 5 bed | 5 bath | $2,860,000 Traditional Home With Pool
Just Sold
Just Sold
Just Sold 7912 El Manor Ave, Westchester 3 bed | 2 bath | $1,345,000 Unlimited Potential
6623 W 88th St, Westchester 3 bed | 2 bath | $1,099,000 Traditional Meets Boho Chic
6411 Nancy St, Westchester 4 bed | 2.5 bath | $1,900,000 Pristine Traditional Home
1719 Easterly Terrace, Silver Lake 2 bed | 3 bath | $1,607,719 Serene Haven
Just Sold 6321 W 79th St, Westchester 3 bed | 2 bath | $1,599,000 Modern Elegance
Just Sold 3307 S. Bentley Ave, Westdale 3 bed | 2 bath | $2,195,000 Mid-Century Pool Home
FIND YOUR PLACE Stephanie Younger Group 310.499.2020 | DRE 01365696 stephanieyounger.com | @stephanieyoungergroup Compass is a real estate broker licensed by the State of California and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. License Number 01991628. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only and is compiled from sources deemed reliable but has not been verified. Changes in price, condition, sale or withdrawal may be made without notice. No statement is made as to accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footage are approximate. If your property is currently listed for sale this is not a solicitation.
SEPTEMBER 23, 2021 AT HOME – THE ARGONAUT’S REAL ESTATE SECTION PAGE 19
Era Matilla rEalty 225 CulvEr Blvd. Playa dEl rEy
Manager BrE#1323411
Broker assoc. BrE#01439943
THE ARGONAUT P R E S S R E L E A S E S Buying or selling beach-front real estate? The Argonaut has you covered.
ENJOY THE MARINA LIFESTYLE
“This luxurious 2BD/ 2.5BA townhome has been extensively updated in an elegant transitional style,” says agent Jesse Weinberg. “Entertainers kitchen features custom kitchen island, SS appliances, soft-close grey cabinets, grey quartz countertops and white subway tile backsplash. Spacious living room showcases a built-in skylight and new polished white porcelain fireplace. The ground-level private patio is a relaxing oasis with new tile and built-in gas BBQ hook-up. Upstairs, youll find a large, master en-suite with high ceilings, plenty of closet space, an updated master bath with designer fixtures.” Offered at $1,249,000 Jesse Weinberg Jesse Weinberg & Associates 800-804-9132
Call Rebecca Bermudez at 310-463-0633 or rebecca@argonautnews.com
THE ARGONAUT REAL ESTATE BUSINESS NEWS
Some homebuyers balking at unreasonable seller demands Medi-spa nurse manager Tina Sherman struggled to find a larger Orange County home offering a downstairs bedroom to support her elderly mothers’ physical limitations. Sherman’s challenge has been less about finding a fitting fortress than the incredible seller expectations once her written offers were submitted. A very frustrated Sherman has walked away from eight separate property negotiations. With so little inventory and plethora of buyers, sellers’ wanted more than just top dollar from Sherman. They said no to everything from paying for property repairs to fixing termite trouble. Forget the appraisal contingency, they’d say. We don’t care if it appraises or not. The topper was asking Sherman to allow the sellers to stay free of charge for 60 days once the transaction closed. On a million-dollar home, that’s not chump change. “I don’t know if I’m ever going to buy a house and help out my mom,” said Sherman. Including Sherman, I’ve had three clients cancel escrow over the past two weeks because they are fed up with paying tippytop dollar and then getting no love from the sellers for what they believe are necessary and reasonable requests. The last time I saw so many dropouts was about four years ago.
In addition, your lender also has a say in many of these contractual matters that you might be unilaterally agreeing to. For example, cash buyers have a huge advantage over mortgage borrowers in terms of closing quickly. I have exactly one lender who will guarantee a 15-day closing or sooner. You may be at risk of losing the home and losing your earnest money deposit if you don’t perform within your agreed timelines. Appraisers — or lack thereof – are the number-one obstacle to closing on time. Lenders sometimes struggle to find appraisers. It is becoming commonplace for appraisers to fail showing up, to miss report deadlines, to miss important details and to raise fees significantly. The need to correct and amend reports adds to appraisal delays. If you agree to waive the appraisal contingency – meaning you agree to complete the purchase even if the property appraisal comes in lower than the contract price — you might have to beg, borrow or steal more to pay a bigger down payment than planned. For example, you are putting 10% down on a $600,000 property, or $60,000. Let’s say the appraisal comes in at $575,000. You’d have to increase your down payment to $82,500 to make up the shortfall. Other big issues are repairs and termite
PAGE 20 AT HOME – THE ARGONAUT’S REAL ESTATE SECTION SEPTEMBER 23, 2021
damage. The appraiser is obligated to report visual concerns like water stains on the ceiling or wood rot, requiring a licensed roofing or termite inspection. If the contractor believes a new roof is required, you have two pickles. One is the cost of the repair and the other is the timing. Many lenders will not fund the loan until the home has been reroofed. Other lenders may allow for something called an escrow holdback. This means you must place 1.5 times the amount of a contractor’s estimated cost to cure in escrow. The work must be done within 30 days of escrow closing. The same would hold true of termite related repairs.
Demand is as daunting as ever, giving sellers the advantage. Inventory levels are still near record lows, according to Steven Thomas of Reports on Housing. The current inventory of homes for sale in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties is just 16,988, compared with an average of 33,721 from 2017-2019. The time it would take to sell all Southern California listings at today’s homebuying pace is 32 days, vs. 81 days two years ago, Reports on Housing figures show. It’s always important to feel good about your decisions — especially something big like buying a home. If you are in the market to buy, stand your ground. Stay the course. Eventually, you will land something. The price will be high, but the terms will be fair.
The big sleeper issue that sometimes comes back to bite you may be lender required homeowners association documents, including the HOA budget. Many property management companies are slow to respond. If the lender thinks the documents are unacceptable or the HOA cash reserves are inadequate, you might be in a bind if you waived your loan approval contingency.
THIS WEEK’S CONTRIBUTION CAME FROM:
Is this going to become a bigger game of contingency chicken and fix-it chicken between buyers or sellers? Or do sellers still have the upper hand?
He can be reached at 949-334-2424 or jlazerson@mortgagegrader.com. His website is www.mortgagegrader.com.
More importantly, you don’t want to risk losing your hard-earned earnest money deposit to an unreasonable seller.
Jeff Lazerson is a mortgage broker.
Enjoy the Sunsets...
7015 RINDGE AVE., PLAYA DEL REY
Life doesn't get much better than this! Enjoy the sunset every night, the Wednesday night boat races, and July 4th Fireworks from your very own deck! Steeped in Hollywood history like many on The Hill in PdR, this originally built 1923 Spanish-style home had been owned by a writer in the late 1920s1930s. Updated and expanded over the years by longtime owners, there are now big open living room with two-way fireplace, formal dining room, and family room areas, bright enclosed sun room for relaxing/entertaining. Lovely main bedroom suite with walk-in cedar-lined closets, spacious bath, and a large open kitchen with center island and breakfast bar complete the entry level. On the Lower Level, there is a warm family room that opens to enclosed sun-room, two other suites and a fourth bedroom/office that is next to the "beach bathroom" (with side entrance) and downstairs laundry room. This 3721 sq ft home sits on an expansive 8631 sq ft lot on one of the best VIEW streets in Playa del Rey. Huge, two levels of rear yard offer room for a pool, basketball hoop, or lawn/playground areas. The current urban garden offers lemon, lime, orange, pink grapefruit, avocado, apple, and pear trees. Don't this miss rare opportunity!
SALES PRICE: $3,699,000
JANE ST. JOHN CHILDRENS HOSPITAL LOS ANGELES
A PORTION OF EVERY COMMISSION JANE EARNS IS DONATED TO CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL LOS ANGELES IN HER CLIENT’S HONOR.
ST. JOHN & VANDERVORT
(310) 567-5971 JANEANDCARLI@GMAIL.COM CalBRE #00998927
SEPTEMBER 23, 2021 AT HOME – THE ARGONAUT’S REAL ESTATE SECTION PAGE 21
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. 2021184869 Type of Filing: Original The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: MUCHAS JOY; 603 Woodlawn Ave., Venice, CA 90291. COUNTY: Los Angeles. REGISTERED OWNER(S) Lee Ann K. Goya, 603 Woodlawn Ave., Venice, CA 90291. THIS BUSINESS IS CONDUCTED BY an Individual. The registrant commenced to transact business under the Fictitious Business Name or names listed above on: 07/2021. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. /s/: Lee Ann K. Goya. TITLE: Owner. This statement was filed with the LA County Clerk on: August 19, 2021. 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: The Argonaut Newspaper. Dates: 09/16/21, 09/23/21, 09/30/21, 10/7/21
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: The Argonaut Newspaper. Dates: 09/16/21, 09/23/21, 09/30/21, 10/7/21
gust 27, 2021. 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: The Argonaut Newspaper. Dates: 09/16/21, 09/23/21, 09/30/21, 10/7/21
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2021193158 Type of Filing: Original The following person(s) is (are) FICTITIOUS BUSINESS doing business as: NAME STATEMENT FILE AUTHENTIC FORGERIES; NO. 2021193868 12709 Dewey Street Los The following person(s) is Angeles, CA 90066. (are) doing business as: KVG COUNTY: Los Angeles. REINSURANCE SERVICES. GISTERED OWNER(S) 8416 Flight Ave., Los Peter Farquhar, 12709 Angeles, CA 90045. Dewey Street Los Angeles, COUNTY: Los Angeles. RECA 90066. THIS BUSINESS GISTERED OWNER(S) IS CONDUCTED BY an IndiKarla Veronica Garcia, 8416 vidual. The registrant comFlight Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90045. State of Incorporamenced to transact business tion or LLC: California. THIS under the Fictitious Business BUSINESS IS CONDUCName or names listed above TED BY an Individual. The on: 07/1991. I declare that all date registrant commenced information in this statement to transact business under is true and correct. /s/: Peter the fictitious business name Farquhar. TITLE: Owner. or names listed above on: This statement was filed with the LA County Clerk on: AuN/A. I declare that all informgust 27, 2021. NOTICE – in ation in this statement is true accordance with subdivision and correct. (A registrant who (a) of Section 17920, a Fictideclares as true any material tious Name Statement genermatter pursuant to Section ally expires at the end of five 17913 of the Business and years from the date on which Professions Code that the reit was filed in the office of the Notices gistrant know to be false is Legal county clerk, except, as guilty of a misdemeanor punprovided in subdivision (b) of ishable by a fine not to exSection 17920, where it exceed one thousand dollars pires 40 days after any ( $ 1 , 0 0 0 ) ) . change in the facts set forth REGISTRANT/CORP/LLC in the statement pursuant to NAME: Karla Veronica GarSection 17913 other than a cia. TITLE: Owner. This change in the residence adstatement was filed with the dress of a registered owner. LA County Clerk on: August a new Fictitious Business 30, 2021. NOTICE – in acName statement must be cordance with subdivision (a) filed before the expiration. of Section 17920, a Fictitious The filing of this statement Name statement generally does not of itself authorize expires at the end of five the use in this state of a Fictiyears from the date on which tious Business Name in violait was filed in the office of the tion of the rights of another county clerk, except, as under federal, state, or comprovided in subdivision (b) of mon law (see Section 14411 Section 17920, where it exet seq., business and profespires 40 days after any sions code). Publish: The Archange in the facts set forth gonaut Newspaper. Dates: in the statement pursuant to 09/16/21, 09/23/21, 09/30/21, Section 17913 other than a 10/7/21 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: The Argonaut Newspaper. Dates: 09/16/21, 09/23/21, 09/30/21, 10/07/21
ation 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 , 0 0 0 ) ) . REGISTRANT/CORP/LLC NAME: Karla Veronica Garcia. TITLE: Owner. This statement was filed with the LA County Clerk on: August 30, 2021. 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: The Argonaut Newspaper. Dates: 09/16/21, 09/23/21, 09/30/21, 10/07/21
Look Here For JOBS
The Argonaut Classifieds
626-581-8747
Ann@argonautnews.com
CANCELLATION NOTICE:
The “Request for Summer Use License Applications for Recreational Programs at L.A. County Beaches & Marina del Rey” Has Been Cancelled
The Los Angeles County Department of Beaches and Harbors issues Addendum One to the “Request for Summer Use License Applications,” which was released on September 6, 2021. Per Addendum One, the Request for Summer Use License Applications is cancelled effective immediately. The Department reserves the right to revise the submittal instructions and modify all terms and conditions of the selection process for Use Licenses. The information contained in Addendum One supersedes any related information previously provided. To view Addendum One, visit http://beaches.lacounty.gov. If you have any questions regarding this notice, please call (424) 526-7880.
PAGE 22 THE ARGONAUT SEPTEMBER 23, 2021
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2021184651 Type of Filing: Amended. The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: SAMEDAY TESTING, SAMEDAY HEALTH. 15 Brooks Ave., Unit A Venice, CA 90291. COUNTY: Los Angeles. Articles of Incorporation or Organization Number: 202025410048. REGISTERED OWNER(S) Praesidium Diagnostics LLC, 1 5 Br o ok s Ave ., Uni t A Venice, CA 90291. State of Incorporation or LLC: California. THIS BUSINESS IS CONDUCTED BY a Limited Liability Company. The 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. /s/ Felix Huettenbach. TITLE: Managing Member, Corp or LLC Name: Praesidium Diagnostics LLC. This statement was filed with the LA County Clerk on: August 19, 2021. 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: The Argonaut Newspaper. Dates: 09/16/21, 09/23/21, 09/30/21, 10/07/21 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2021204110 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: BLACKSTONE PRODUCTIONS, BLACKSTONE HEALING ARTS. 12020 Beatrice Street Culver City, CA 90230. COUNTY: Los Angeles. REGISTERED OWNER(S) Pamela E. Blackstone, 12020 Beatrice Street Culver City, CA 90230. State of Incorporation or LLC: California. THIS BUSINESS IS CONDUCTED BY an Individual. The date registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: 11/2009. 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: Pamela E. Blackstone. TITLE: Owner. This statement was filed with the LA County Clerk on: September 13, 2021. 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
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: The Argonaut Newspaper. Dates: 09/09/21, 09/16/21, 09/23/21, 09/30/21
Name Change ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME Case No. 21SMCP00359 SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES. Petition of ROSE RAGALINI, for Change of Name. TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: 1.) Petitioner: Rose Ragalini filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: a.) Rose Ragalini to Rose Ragalini Abdiforouz 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: 10/22/2021. Time: 8:30 AM. Dept.: K. The address of the court is 1725 Main Street Room 102 Santa Monica, CA 90401. 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: August 4, 2021. Lawrence Cho, Judge of the Superior Court. PUBLISH: The Argonaut Newspaper 09/09/21, 09/16/21, 09/23/21, 09/30/21 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME Case No. 21SMCP00427 SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES. Petition of MAKSYM ALEXAND R O V I C H I V A N PROKIPIVYCH-SHCHEPETKIN, for Change of Name. TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: 1.) Petitioner: MAKSYM ALEXANDROVICH IVAN PROKOPOVYCHSHCHEPETKIN filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: a.) MAKSYM ALEXANDROVICH IVAN PROKOPOVYCH-SHCHEPETKIN to MAKSYM ALEX PROKOPOVYCH 2.) THE COUR T 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
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: 11/19/2021. Time: 8:30 AM. Dept.: K. The address of the court is 1725 Main Street Santa Monica, CA 90401. 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: September 15, 2021. Hon. Lawrence Cho, Judge of the Superior Court. PUBLISH: The Argonaut Newspaper 09/23/21, 09/30/21, 10/7/21, 10/14/21 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME Case No. 21SMCP00430 SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES. Petition of JONATHAN GUNNING GROSSMAN, OWEN HENRY GUNNING GROSSMAN, minor, for Change of Name. TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: 1.) Petitioner: Jonathan Gunning Grossman filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: a.) Owen Henry Gunning Grossman to Owen Henry Gunning Grossman 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: 12/03/2021. Time: 8:30 AM. Dept.: K. The address of the court is 1725 Main Street Santa Monica, CA 90401. 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: September 17, 2021. Lawrence Cho, Judge of the Superior Court. PUBLISH: The Argonaut Newspaper 09/23/21, 09/30/21, 10/7/21, 10/14/21
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LOS ANGELES TIMES SUNDAY CROSSWORD PUZZLE “SCRAPPER’S DELIGHT” By ROBERT E. LEE MORRIS ACROSS 1 Check alternative 7 Sacred beetle 13 Tijuana pair 16 It can be natural 19 Creed in Rocky films 20 Winter melon 21 MPG-testing org. 22 Wordsworth work 23 Attorneys’ firm offering 25 “Day __”: 1965 hit 27 Way out 28 Put on a pedestal 29 With no one behind you 30 Capital NW of Boston 33 Secure at the pier 34 Pooch in pictures 35 Backtalk 38 Potential soldier 42 Storage unit 43 In hot water 45 Prefix with gender 46 Sorento or Soul 47 Cocktail party snacks 48 Tommy who teamed with Cheech 49 Queen’s “__ One Bites the Dust” 53 “Cool, dude!” 54 Drumstick 56 Buckeyes of the Big Ten 57 Handy sack 58 Sham sawbones 59 Lubricate 60 Church recess 61 Bird voiced by Rowan Atkinson in “The Lion King” 63 Road annoyances 64 Complete 66 Navy NCOs 67 Oodles 68 Thor Heyerdahl craft 69 Auspices 70 Pool tool 71 “Little Birds” author Anaïs
72 Provider of much change 75 Cracker-__: homespun 78 Everlasting 80 Deliver a stemwinder, say 81 Snake oil, allegedly 82 Multivolume set in the reference sect. 83 African capital 84 Veteran on the briny 85 Green Bay Packers coach LaFleur 87 Chatty Cathy is one 90 Deli choice 91 Many opera highlights 92 “National Velvet” author Bagnold 93 Site of a major part of the Bible? 95 Mid-20th-century First and Second Lady 97 Shoulder wrap 99 Snippet of dialogue 103 Hold back 104 Scrapyard commodity ... and what’s hidden in the nine other longest puzzle answers 108 Charge 109 Infant suffix 110 Alphabetically first U.S. national park 111 Catholic devotion 112 OTC drug agency 113 __ Plaines: Chicago suburb 114 Homer, in baseball lingo 115 Tarzan, e.g.
4 “Republic” philosopher 5 Word with caps or clear 6 Spanish article 7 Off-the-wall 8 Pricey delicacy 9 “Keep dreaming” 10 Risqué 11 Former Japanese prime minister 12 __-relief 13 Abhor 14 Part of OWN 15 Common word in a novel’s dialogue 16 Overtake 17 “__ Fideles” 18 Maker of iComfort mattresses 24 Mingo portrayer on “Daniel Boone” 26 Dabble in 29 Where many speeches come from 31 La Brea attraction 32 Brand similar to Spam 33 Fencing maneuver 35 ’60s White House daughter 36 Apple offering 37 N.W.A’s debut single 39 Focus of some committees 40 Bit of stoneware 41 Arrange in sequence 42 Library sect. 44 Retire at home, say? 46 Solemn sound 48 Lad 49 Bit of checkpoint deception 50 Coal train component 51 Exxon, once 52 Feels bad about DOWN 54 Seasoning in 1 Ashen Indian cuisine 2 High point 55 At lunch, say 3 “Smarter than the 58 California state average bear” bird bear 60 TLX autos
61 Western writer Grey 62 Came down 63 In __ daylight 64 Ancient German 65 Storybook fiend 69 Vintage video game name 70 Symbol of a year, perhaps 72 Tech news site 73 Explorer Amundsen 74 Estrada of “CHiPs” 75 Calls at home 76 Hard to grasp 77 Running behind 79 Helix-shaped pasta 81 Curly-haired pet 83 Genesis brother 85 Sounded like the wind 86 Tennis great Gibson 87 Govt. securities 88 __ Mansion, NYC mayor’s residence 89 Lizard feature 91 Calvin’s spaceman alter ego, in comics 92 Force to leave 94 Motrin alternative 96 Footnote abbr. 97 Whole bunch 98 “Nothing lived in him but fear and hatred” 100 List member 101 Family nickname 102 Flair 104 Common cleaning supply 105 Tourism opening 106 Target of a cheek swab 107 Common cleaning supply
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SEPTEMBER 23, 2021 THE ARGONAUT PAGE 23
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