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December 7 – 20, 2018
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Boardwalk Ban on Retail Chains? Venice Councilmember submits legislation to preserve “unique character” of Ocean Front Walk. By Sam Catanzaro Last week, the Santa Monica City Council voted to ban the opening of new chain and fast food restaurants from the Third Street Promenade and under a piece of legislation introduced to Los Angeles City Council by Councilmember Mike Bonin, the Venice Beach Boardwalk could see similar rules. The Santa Monica rule prohibits fast food restaurants with more than 100 national locations from opening on the Third Street Promenade and is intended to maintain the shopping area’s unique atmosphere. The bill introduced by Bonin would place limits on the development of chain stores on Ocean Front Walk in a similar effort to maintain the uniqueness of the Boardwalk. “In recent years, increased economic pressure on commercial properties on Ocean Front Walk has displaced locally-owned independent businesses, and Venice neighbors are wary that displacement will impact the unique character of the Venice community,” Bonin wrote in a November newsletter. “Locally-owned independent business are important contributors to the neighborhood identity on the Westside and help to sustain the social fabric of the
community by providing local services to residents in a walkable environment.” The motion submitted by Bonin to City Council on November 27 instructs the Los Angeles Department of City Planning and the Los Angeles City Attorney to create a feasibility study describing zoning and other land use planning tools to promote independent retail development on Ocean Front Walk. “This is a critical first step that will allow
INSIDE • Regulating Homeless Shelters ... Page 4 • Lighting Up the Holiday Season ... Page 7 • Windward Circle Gondola Returning ... Page 10
local government to shape the mix of business that makes sense for the neighborhood and preserve Venice’s unique character,” Bonin said. In the legislation, Bonin cited other cities such as San Francisco and Jersey City, New Jersey that have established land use planning and zoning rules to preserve a unique neighborhood character in communities by supporting small businesses and
independent retailers. Some ban all chain stores from certain neighborhoods, others cap the number of retail chain stores allowed within an area while others require a case-by-case approval of proposed retail use projects. To read the full legislation, visit https:// cityclerk.lacity.org/lacityclerkconnect/ index.cfm?fa=ccfi.viewrecord&cfnumber=07-0629-S1
Street Musician Stabbed on Venice Beach Boardwalk
Male suspect taken into custody. By Sam Catanzaro
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) have taken a man into custody for assaulting a street musician on the Venice Beach Boardwalk Monday, Nov. 26 after the incident was caught on video. The victim survived the attack but suffered stab wounds to his hands, chest and face. The street performer, a male, was located
at 400 Block of Ocean Front Walk when a man walked over and stabbed him multiple times, according to the LAPD. The suspect attempted to flee, but bystanders restrained him until authorities arrived. The suspect was taken into custody Monday night. At the time of publishing, the LAPD is verifying with Yo! Venice whether or not he has been arrested yet. Neither the suspect’s nor victim’s name or age have been released by police yet. Officers were able to recover a knife from the crime scene. There are no more details available about this case at the moment.
Milk Carton for Child Separation at Border The Windward Plaza installation of 12,800 milk cartons represents 12,800 separated children. By Staff Writer Notice the giant milk carton by Windward Plaza? If not, one may want to check it out, as it is part of a public art project with roots in social justice.
In a partnership between 72U and NOW Art LA, a group of artists committed to social change have installed a temporary art project at Venice Beach intended to draw awareness to the U.S. policy of family separation. The piece of art is a giant transparent milk carton made up of 12,800 normal sized milk cartons, a number picked by the artists to represent an immigrant child held in detention centers across the United States. "We selected Venice Beach for a few reasons. The tremendous diversity of visitors that come to this section of Los Angeles is a main reason for positioning the public artwork here," said Carmen Zella Director and Founder NOW Art LA. "Also, the background of openness that contrasts with the reminder that these children are not free. The idea of detainment when you are standing in a location that is known for freedom of rights, has a history of liberal values being upheld and is by the ocean - relaxed and beautiful - supports and contradicts the reality that the work addresses." According to Zella, another reason Venice Beach was chosen as a location is that Councilmember Mike Bonin represents the area and organizers and artists involved in the project see the councilmember as a champion of social justice. "The district of Councilmember Bonin seemed like the perfect fit, as he has been a political advocate who has strongly opposed the Zero tolerance policy set by this
Photos: Courtesy Councilmember Mike Bonin (Facebook)
A giant transparent milk carton made up of 12,800 smaller milk carton is on display at Windward Plaza protesting the child separation at the border.
administration," Zella said. The piece will be up for one more week in Venice and then will circulate to Grand Park and Union Station in Downtown Los Angeles to reach more of the public and other audiences.
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Stricter Regulations for Homeless Shelters Unsafe and unsanitary facilities prompt legislative action. By Sam Catanzaro Los Angeles County officials have unanimously approved universal health and safety standards for homeless shelters. “This ordinance is an important response to the homelessness crisis in Los Angeles County. This ordinance creates a new category of housing and recognizes the need for health and safety requirements for the increasing number of interim housing facilities within the County,” said Richard E. Ragland, Principal Deputy for the Los Angeles County Counsel Health Services Division. Every night in Los Angeles County, there are around 7,700 interim housing facility beds to serve homeless individuals in 327 total housing facilities. 234 of these facilities are publically funded by the Departments of Health Services (DHS), Mental Health (DMH) and Public Health (DPH), as well as the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA). These public agencies fund and monitor the majority of the interim housing facilities in the county and work together to assess existing standards and have determined that many shelters were unsanitary and unsafe. “Contractual oversight alone was insuffi-
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Photo: Getty Images.
Los Angeles County officials have passed new regulations for interim housing shelters.
cient to appropriately monitor the health and safety standards of individual housing facilities in the rapidly expanding interim housing system,” said Barbara Ferrer, Director of Los Angeles County Public Health. “Interim housing facilities must be inspected like other permitted multiunit housing facilities.” The ordinance passed by Los Angeles
County officials will allow DPH-Environmental Health (EH) to enact a new shelter inspection program to ensure that permitted interim housing facilities comply with health and safety standards for congregate housing. This oversight will include: permitting interim housing operations and conducting routine inspections and providing training
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and education to housing facility operators to achieve compliance. According to Ferrer, inspections will occur three times annually. Among requirements are stipulations regarding toilet rooms, handwashing and bathing facilities, and storage of personal belongings, linen and bedding, and the proper disposal of sharps. In addition, interim housing centers that provide meals to residents will also be required to obtain a food facility permit from Public Health. Under these regulations, facilities must include toilets, bathtub or showers, kitchen sinks and hot and cold running water. In addition, damaged interior walls, unsanitary sewage disposal and unreasonable collection of rubbish will be prohibited. Every facility will be required to maintain a minimum room temperature of 70 degrees Farenheight. According to Ferrer and Public Health officials, these regulations were in-part promoted by the anticipated use of Measure H funding to construct new interim housing facilities in Los Angeles County. “The use of Measure H funding will result in a multi-year expansion of the interim housing system with the goal of enabling many more homeless families and individuals to transition from interim to stable housing. The DPH-EH Interim Housing Program will strengthen the quality of the interim housing facilities throughout the County, which directly promotes capacity development and excellence in the homeless service system,” Ferrer said.
DECEMBER 7 – 20, 2018
DECEMBER 7 – 20, 2018
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Hanukkah on the Canal Parade Open Temple's holiday celebration with a backstory to match.
Hanukkah is well underway and for Venicians from all walks of life, Open Temple's Hanukkah on the Canals Parade is a celebration not to be missed. With a procession of decorated boats sailing through the Venice Canals in a regatta, live music, latkes and more, this party is all about sharing joy with the Venice community. The origins of this celebration are almost as cool as the event itself. Dr. Joel and Rabbi Lori Shapiro of Open Temple had their first date on December 13, 2009; the date ended with Joel
bringing Lori to the canals for the annual holiday parade. While driving her home as the parade was flowing below Carroll Canal, Joel rolled down the window announcing “Merry Hanukkah, Ho, Ho, Ho!” That first date led to another and within two years, the rabbi and the doctor married and were hosting their own party in the home Joel has lived in since the 1980s. Dr. Joel (as he is affectionately known), is the creator/owner of Electric Lodge. And when Rabbi Lori (also, affectionately known as), married Joel and moved into the canals, she left her job as the campus rabbi of USC to see if she could organize a community for 21st-century Judaism in Venice. Open Temple is the fruition of that effort. In its third year, Open Temple provides an “Open door for all to go on their ‘Jew-ish’ Soul Journey.” It caters to the Jewishly curious and and is housed in Open Temple House
In addition to the boat regatta, the party features arts and crafts, food and drink and live music.
A raft proceeds down the Venice Canals in last year’s Open Temple Hanukkah on the Canals Parade.
By Sam Catanzaro
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A family proceeds with the regatta in their rowboat.
on Electric Lodge Campus. Their Third Friday Shabbat, Arts 36 Hebrew School of the Arts and High Holidays have received national attention for their innovative yet traditional new spin on Jewish ritual space, and the Hanukkah on the Canal Parade is no different. "Hanukkah on the Canal Parade is our gift back to the community," Rabbi Lori said. "As Venice is a conduit for innovation and art, our Hanukkah party invites everyone to pick up a paintbrush, decorate a canoe and then get into the water with the Jew Crew to experience the magic and wonder of Venice. Open Temple offers this annual event for all of Venice as a way of saying 'let’s keep dreaming together, creating
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Photos: Courtesy.
together, and celebrating together as a community.' As a core value of the Jewish holiday Hanukkah is, in Aramaic persumay hamitzvah' - which literally means 'publicize the mitzvah', in the colloquial converts to the sharing of joy, soulfulness, creativity and light with others." There will be crafts, boat decorating, a boat launch, donuts, hot cider, a dreidel spin off, a live band and more. "And it’s all free, as it is our way of saying 'Thank You, Venice,'" Rabbi Lori said. For more details, visit opentemple. org/events-and-happenings/hanukkah-canals-parade/
DECEMBER 7 – 20, 2018
LIGHTING UP THE HOLIDAY SEASON Photos: Venice Paparrazi.
LEFT – American Idol finalist Olivia Rox performing with the green and red Venice Sign in the background.
By Sam Catanzaro With a nippy wind and bundled-up attendees, the Seventh Annual Venice Holiday Sign Lighting festival was as wintery as it gets on the Westside, the only thing missing was snow. Locals donning their festive holiday garb celebrated the changing of the Venice Sign from white to red and green at Windward Circle the evening of Saturday, December 1 alongside local merchants, restaurants, live music and a Ferris wheel. The night, put on by the Venice Chamber of Commerce, began with a musical set by indie band Foxtrails, followed by a local rapper/R&B artist Luckson, culminating in a performance by headliner Olivia Rox, a top 10 finalist from Season 15 of “American Idol.” Special guest Andy Summers, guitarist of The Police, who along with Councilmember Mike Bonin, pulled the switch to change the lights from white to red and green around 8:30 p.m. Prior to the lights changing, winners of the “My Venice” Holiday Poster Contest who had illustrated what the holiday season means to them, came on stage to receive their prize: a $100 gift card and other assorted holiday presents in addition to having their art displayed at the Sign Lighting.
Winners of the “My Venice” Holiday Poster Contest on stage with Councilmember Mike Bonin (center in Santa hat) and Venice Art Crawl’s Sunny Bak (back right with Santa hat).
Windward Circle, with a Ferris Wheel in the background, was packed for the Sign Lighting.
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Westside Christmas Tree Guide
What kind of tree to buy and how to prevent fires. By Keldine Hull
Like eggnog and Christmas music, Christmas trees are an important part of what make the holidays so special. While residents on the Westside will never get a white Christmas, finding the right tree and adding the perfect decorations can at least make Christmas merry and bright. Here’s the ultimate Westside guide to where to buy that perfect Christmas tree, how to maintain it and how to safe this holiday season. From Noble Firs to Douglas Firs, A1 Christmas Tree Lot located at 1401 Santa Monica Blvd., offers a beautiful selection of trees, brought in fresh every week. While picking out the perfect tree, it’s important to find the one that’s just right for you. Andrew Mikhel is the manager at A1 Christmas Tree Lot and knows a thing or two about picking out the perfect Christmas tree. “Every tree is unique,” Mikhel explains. “It really comes down to whichever one calls your name out. Bigger trees are more beautiful, and they live longer than smaller trees. I like Nobel Firs. There’s nothing more classic.” A1 Christmas Tree Lot is open every day from
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10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Lopez Ranch Pumpkin Patch and Christmas Trees, located at 1020 Victoria Avenue in Venice, is one of the most popular destinations for Christmas trees on the Westside. Almost more important than finding the right tree is taking care of it. General Manager George Lopez offers a few tips on taking care of your tree and how to tell when it’s time to let it go. “Don’t put them directly in sunlight for 24 hours,” Lopez warns. “Don’t put them by a heater. As long as it’s fresh and not dropping its needles, you can keep it all the way until January 7th.” Lopez Ranch Pumpkin Patch and Christmas Trees is open from 11 am to 9 pm Monday to Friday and 10 am to 8 pm on the weekends. Christmas trees are synonymous with getting into the holiday spirit, but it’s important to properly maintain them to keep family and friends stay safe throughout the holidays. U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 170 home fires each year from 2012 to 2016 that started with Christmas trees. Those fires resulted in 4 deaths, 15 injuries and $12 million in property damage, the majority of which occurred in December. Fire Safety Coordinator for the Santa Monica Fire Department Suzanne Post, along with the National Fire Protection Association, offer their top ten useful tips for Christmas tree safety this holiday season: 1. Choose a tree that is fresh with green
Photo: Facebook.
A Christmas tree set up at Santa Monica Place.
needles that do not fall off when touched. 2. Before placing the tree in its stand, cut 1-2 inches from the base of the trunk. 3. Make sure the tree is at least three feet away from any heat source like fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents or lights. 4. Make sure your tree isn’t blocking an exit. 5. Be sure to add water daily.
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6. Use lights that have the label of an independent test laboratory. Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use. 7. Replace any string lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. 8. Connect no more than three strands of mini string sets and a maximum of 50 bulbs for screw-in bulbs. Read manufacturer’s instructions for number of LED strands to connect. 9. Never use lit candles to decorate the tree. 10. Always turn off Christmas lights before leaving your home or going to bed. Post also notes that trees should be disposed of when they’re dry, preferably as soon as Christmas is over. Post also offers some overall tips for staying safe during the holidays. “Test and make sure all smoke alarms are working in the home,” Post adds. “Choose decorations that are flame resistant or flame retardant. Stay in the kitchen when cooking on the stovetop and teach your kids how to stop, drop and roll if their clothing catches fire. Have them practice, stopping immediately, dropping to the ground, covering their face with their hands and rolling over and over to put the flames out. If you attend holiday parties, look for ways out of the home and plan how you would get out in an emergency.” When throwing your own holiday party, Post suggests having a fire escape plan and informing your guests to ensure everyone’s safety.
DECEMBER 7 – 20, 2018
Windward Circle Gondola Returning
Paying tribute to a relic of Venice History. By Keldine Hull
Windward Circle’s gondola display has returned, and if you get a long enough look, you can almost feel yourself gliding lazily throughout the canals in the most timeless way to travel on water. Tobacco magnate and multi-millionaire Abbot Kinney furrowed the first canals in the untapped areas to the west of Los Angeles to create a new Venice; a “Venice of the West.” Kinney returned to Venice in Italy to hire over thirty gondoliers, importing their authentic gondolas to his new Venice and adding the finishing touches to his ambitious vision. On July 4, 1905, Venice, California opened and people from all over the country couldn’t resist visiting a piece of Italy on the heels of the Pacific Ocean. Painted in almost every color under the sun, the gondolas were a popular attraction for tourists and romantics alike. Mother Nature was a force to be reckoned with as fires and rising tides eventually made the canals a health hazard. Arbitrarily bulldozed over by construction crews, many canals were lost and with them, a home for the beautiful gondolas that once transported visitors throughout those same canals. Venetian inspired canals sprinkled with colorful gondolas became roadways and streets filled with cars and bumper to bumper traffic. Robin Murez, artist and sculptor of public art, explains the importance of the gondola to Venice
history. “It’s an immediately recognizable icon of the magic that Abbot Kinney created when he built Venice of America,” Murez begins. “He dredged what was ‘the swamp,’ forming canals, and this eclectic mass-up of Italian architecture and Coney Island amusements. His vision was a unique seaside community of arts, culture, and fun.” Popular Surfside bartender Jackson Rayfield has lived in Venice for ten years and still appreciates the vision Abbot Kinney had for Venice over a century ago. “There’s nothing like Venice in North America,” Rayflied explains. “We all win seeing the heart of what he started when he decided to dig out canals, bring gondoliers from the actual Venice, and do something special. When I moved here, I was never so excited to say I lived somewhere. I literally just got this kind of feeling that there’s something special down here. There’s a groove. It feels wonderful, and I’ve always had so much pride living in Venice.” Even though Abbot Kinney’s vision has received many facelifts throughout the decades, the heart
Photo: Wikimedia Commons.
A gondola in the Venice Beach Canals, circle 1909.
of what makes Venice unique remains. The gondola display is a physical reminder of Venice’s roots and the unique qualities that make Venice much for than a beachside city. “It's not just a place with fancy boutiques, expensive restaurants, hip techies, nor homeless peddlers,” Murez continues. “We have an artistic history. We have writers, artists, musicians and performers. The gondola sparks our imaginations and inspires creativity in our community. Let's display the gondola, proudly!” The canals in Venice have become such a sta-
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ple that it’s easy to forget about their historical significance. Next time you walk along the pathways, imagine the canals as they once were created to be; our own little piece of Italy right here in Southern California. The gondola display, located in what was originally Grand Lagoon, is a Venice Historical Society project supported by Venice residents. A proper unveiling is scheduled for a later date. To learn more about Venice’s rich history, visit http:// www.veniceofamerica.org/index.php.
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Rated PG-13 130 Minutes Released November 21
FILM REVIEW:
Sense of Magic in the “Green Book” BEHIND THE SCREEN
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By Kathryn Whitney Boole The “Green Book” of this film’s title has a substantial significance in our country’s history. It was a published record of the limited list of establishments at which African Americans were welcome to eat and sleep in the American South at the time. The film is based on the true story of an unlikely friendship between two colorful, spirited and indomitable men from drastically different cultural backgrounds, who embark on a highly unusual road trip in the early 1960’s. By the end of their journey they find that they are, beneath the trappings and presentation of their lives, very similar human beings. This story is impactful and riveting, and beautifully crafted for the screen. Music is the common language here and music takes on a role of its own on this journey. A highly educated African American piano prodigy, Don Shirley, who had earned five doctorates and was fluent in several languages, arranged a driving tour through the Deep South with two members of his classical jazz trio. He recruited an Italian American bouncer from New York City, known as Tony Lip, whose education had ended at the 6th grade level, to be his personal driver and bodyguard. The two became friends for the rest of their lives. This is their story. Director Peter Farrelly became intrigued with this story that his friend, actor/writer Brian Hayes Currie was working on. Eventually, at Farrelly’s request, they both began writing the screenplay. Farrelly recruited two of the best actors working today for his lead roles, Mahershala Ali (“Moonlight”) and Viggo Mortensen. Ali had concerns about playing a prodigy pianist, as he did not play piano at all. He undertook rigorous training on the instrument for months, and the result is that Ali appears to be a virtuoso on screen. It is no doubt significant that he was a successful rapper before his career as an actor took off, so he possesses the innate rhythm of a skilled musician. Mortensen was worried that as a nonItalian, he would not be able to inhabit the role of Tony Lip. Mortensen completely gives himself over to the character, so
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“The film has a spirit and a sense of magic that are rarely achieved in cinema,” writes Kathryn Whitney Boole in her review of “Green Book”
much so that his own identity becomes unrecognizable. Both actors grew up in environments that embraced a variety of religions, cultures and customs, so their eyes are wide open when it comes to a deep understanding of universal human traits. There was no reason that Don Shirley had to risk the dangers of a road trip through the South in mid 20th century. He said that he chose to take that risk because “it takes courage to change people’s hearts.” We all need to seek out that kind of courage in ourselves today. “Green Book” is a movie you should not miss, one of the finest and most important movies of 2018. The collaboration of Farrelly, Ali and Mortensen are what make this movie more than a weighty treatise. The film has a spirit and a sense of magic that are rarely achieved in cinema. Kathryn Whitney Boole has spent most of her life in the entertainment industry, which has been the backdrop for remarkable adventures with extraordinary people. She is a Talent Manager with Studio Talent Group in Santa Monica. kboole@gmail.com
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CALL: 310.453.5800 VISIT: 2730 Santa Monica Blvd. Santa Monica, CA 90404 1 Rate is per person, land only, based on double occupancy, for check-in on December 21, 2018 and includes government taxes. 2Kids stay free in same room as adults using existing bedding. Occupancy limits apply. 3Activity voucher does not apply to air/car only booking. Valid toward the purchase of a select optional activity. Not valid for hotel direct activity bookings. Minimum 5 night stay at participating AAA Vacations® properties required. Voucher is non-refundable, non-transferable and has no cash value. 4Age restrictions may apply. 5Resort coupon restrictions apply as follows: Spa treatment coupons are broken down into coupons of $40 and one coupon of $20. Only one coupon can be redeemed per spa treatment. To use coupons for romantic dining, one $40 coupon and one $20 coupon may be combined, resulting in a total discount of $60 off one romantic dining experience. When using coupons toward wine purchases, only coupons worth $10 may be used and cannot be combined, therefore one $10 coupon can be applied toward one bottle of wine. Resort coupons cannot be applied toward the following items: beauty salon services, spa product purchases, telephone charges, dolphin experiences, gift shop purchases, boutique purchases, dive shop, Internet service, marina services, medical services, car rentals and travel agency services. Resort Coupons must be redeemed at the time of reservation/service. They have no cash/commercial value, are not refundable and non-transferable. They are not applicable for tips, taxes, private functions and/or special events. Resort Coupons are not cumulative and cannot be combined with any other promotion or special offer including, but not limited to spa treatment discounts. They are only valid during the original stay and cannot be deducted upon check out. This entire offer is based on availability and can be modified or closed out at any time. Not valid for group bookings. Unless otherwise indicated: Rates quoted are accurate at time of publication & are per person, based on double occupancy. Airfare, taxes, fees, surcharges, gratuities, transfers & excursions are additional. Advertised rates do not include any applicable daily resort or facility fees payable directly to the hotel at check-out; such fee amounts will be advised at the time of booking. Rates, terms, conditions, availability, itinerary, taxes, fees, surcharges, deposit, payment, cancellation terms/conditions & policies subject to change without notice at any time. Cruise rates capacity controlled. Advance reservations through AAA Travel required to obtain Member Benefits & savings which may vary based on departure date. Rates may be subject to increase after full payment for increases in government-imposed taxes or fees & supplier-imposed fees. Blackout dates & other restrictions may apply. Not responsible for errors or omissions. Your local AAA club acts as an agent for Pleasant Holidays®. CST 1016202-80. ©2018 Auto Club Services, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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THE ADVANTAGE IS ALL YOURS Study shows SMC students perform better in 6-week classes. ENROLL FOR WINTER AT SMC.EDU
CLASSES BEGIN JANUARY 2
SANTA MONICA COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT BOARD OF TRUSTEES Barry A. Snell, Chair; Dr. Margaret Quiñones-Perez, Vice Chair; Dr. Susan Aminoff; Dr. Nancy Greenstein; Dr. Louise Jaffe; Rob Rader; Dr. Andrew Walzer; Alexandria Boyd, Student Trustee; Dr. Kathryn E. Jeffery, Superintendent/President Santa Monica College | 1900 Pico Boulevard | Santa Monica, CA 90405 | smc.edu
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DECEMBER 7 – 20, 2018