VENICE
YO!
SPECIAL ISSUE: Westside Food Scene | Delightful Bites Pages 7 –14
www.yovenice.com
April 12 – 25, 2019
Vaping, Pot Smoking Banned on Venice Beach
Definition of smoking to include vapor. By Sam Catanzaro
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors recently voted to update County regulations to address “threats to public health” posed by vaping. In a motion passed March 20, county lawmakers updated the legal definition of “smoking” to include electronic cigarettes and cannabis. “Rules regarding cigarettes and cigarette-like products have not been significantly updated in a very long time. No doubt future entrepreneurs will invent new ways to smoke, and, rather than specifically update our ordinances each time, we have written this ordinance so that the rules protecting public health should not need updating again,” said Supervisor Sheila Kuehl, whose 3rd District includes Century City and Westwood. Kuehl led the effort to update the County codes, which anticipated the development of future technologies, also defines smoking so that it covers yet-to-be-invented technologies using nicotine, cannabis or tobacco.
Vaping is now illegal on LA County beaches and parks.
The ordinance will apply to County-owned facilities including the County’s approximately 5,000 buildings. The new codes require a 50-foot, instead of a 25-foot buffer, for smoking near windows and doors of County facilities, and prohibits smoking in County parking lots. Beaches impacted by this ban include Will Rogers State Beach and Venice Beach, which are under Los Angeles County control. The new codes also apply to the unincorporated areas of LA County such as Ma-
Photo: Getty Images.
rina del Rey, home to 1 million people and three-quarters of the County’s land. Smoking will be prohibited at hospitals, libraries, museums, bus stops, outdoor dining establishments, LA County beaches and parks, and other locations. “According to the Centers for Disease Control, secondhand smoke causes more than 7,300 lung cancer deaths and nearly 34,000 premature deaths from heart disease among U.S. nonsmokers each year,” said Barbara Ferrer, Director of LA County’s Department
of Public Health. “These changes will help save lives.” The March 20 vote brings the County law in line with the City of Los Angeles regulations, which bans vaping as well as smoking in public places. Regarding the vaping of cannabis in the City of Los Angeles, the city argues that pot is already illegal to consume in public places. Josh Drayton Communications and Outreach Director for the California Cannabis Industry Association told Century City Westwood News, however, that he worries these new regulations present barriers for the lawful consumption of cannabis by Los Angeles County residents. “What really concerns me about said policies is how they are being communicated to the public,” Drayton said. Drayton worries that under these new regulations, people may be discouraged from vaping cannabis in legal areas out of fear of breaking the law. According to Drayton, it the responsibility of jurisdictions to communicate to constituents about where they can and cannot consume cannabis. “There needs to be a conversation of what enforcement is going to look like,” Drayton said. “There are are a lot of restrictions...we need to be coming up with solutions.”
Venice’s Dakota Rayfield Skating, art and surfing. By Keldine Hull Women in Venice have always been known for making waves and challenging societal norms. From entertainers to sports figures, and everything else in between, women in Venice have proved time and time again that their voice matters and they too have an ability to inspire change. As an artist, business owner, former Queen of the Neptune Festival, Neptune Festival committee member and part-time bartender at Surfside, Dakota Rayfield has become a staple within the Venice community whose lust for life is both contagious
and endearing. Venice represents an endless source of inspiration and sense of community. “It can be crazy, but it’s so inspirational. It’s got such an eclectic variety of people. You couldn’t ask for a better place of inspiration in life and fun. That’s what this community is all about. It’s about fun, love and respect.” Dakota always knew that she wanted to be her own boss, and it was her mother who became an early example of that. “My mom is my complete inspiration. She has always been so strong. She’s a single mom, and she was under the mindset to where she didn’t want us to be latch key kids. She developed different businesses so that she could be there when we left for school and when we got home. She always wanted to make sure we always knew she was there for us. She had numerous businesses all throughout
my life. We didn’t have everything, but we didn’t need everything. It was all about the love and fun. Being your own boss is one of the most empowering things you can do.” After a sports injury in high school derailed plans to pursue soccer professionally, Dakota decided to focus on art. She became inspired by the world around her. “I love bright colors. I love faces and eyes, details, flowers, sea life, the ocean. I grew up by the beach. I’ve always lived by the ocean. I felt like being a beach kid in Florida had a ton of influence in my color dynamics, how bright and kind of quirky and weird my stuff can be.” Despite injuries, Dakota always maintained an active lifestyle but moving to California inspired her to learn more about skateboarding. “It’s such a fearless sport. I was always intrigued by skateboarding. I moved
Dakota Rayfield in her element.
Photo: Courtey.
to California when I was 22. My boyfriend at the time skateboarded so I also loved to watch him skateboard. He had a longboard so when he was out doing his tricks, I started hopping on it and getting used to the balance of the board and riding it back and forth. I realized that to ride a skateboard, I don’t
SURF, see page 6
Entering the Westside? That Will Be $4 Study explores the idea of congestion fee for the Westside. By Cailley Chella It may soon cost you an extra $4 a day to travel through parts of LA and Santa Monica. “I think it’s really strange,” said Steven Mueller, a four year Santa Monica resident. A new study, released last week by the Southern California Association of Governments, reports positive effects of implementing a $4 congestion fee to enter or travel through a specified area on the Westside of Los angeles. The report, the first of its kind for the area, says LA commuters lose over 100 hours a year while sitting in traffic and that this fee can help reduce that time by up to 24 percent. The report states that currently, the specified area, which includes parts of Brentwood, West
Photo: Morgan Genser.
2
Los Angeles and a chunk of Santa Monica, sees more than 500,00 trips in or through the area a day on average. It says 50 percent of those trips take place during the seven busiest hours of the day, 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. The area suggested for the fee is specifically bound by Montana Avenue and Sunset Boulevard on the north, I-405 on the east, I-10 on the south and 20th Street on the west The analysis says that, if implemented, the congestion fee would result in a 24 percent decrease in the number of hours people spend traveling through the area in cars during peak travel hours and almost a 10 percent decrease over the course of a day. That would correspond with a drop of 19 percent, or about 20,000 people, driving during peak inbound hours, according to the report. It added that 23 percent more people would choose to take alternative transportation, such as biking, walking, or taking the bus and that many would choose not to travel at all during those peak travel hours. The congestion fee would be reduced $0.40 for residents, a whopping 90 percent off, and $2.00 for low-income commuters, 50 percent off. It would be collected by using FasTrak and Automatic License Plate Recognition technology, according to the study. Los Angeles City Councilmember Mike Bonin, who represents parts of the specified area in the report, criticized the idea, saying he’s open to new ideas regarding traffic reduction, but that this plan won’t go over well.
The proposed congestion zone.
“The neighborhoods [the Southern California Association of Governments] proposes lack the necessary transit alternatives — and is downright unjust to propose a system that charges less to the CEO of [a] billion-dollar company than it does to his or her housekeeper or gardener,” Bonin said. But Alan Wapner, President of the Southern California Association of Governments says this
WWW.YOVENICE.COM
Photo: Southern California Association of Governments.
is already an issue they’ve considered, saying “Prior to implementing we have to make sure that there is a transit system that’s intact that offers an option for folks.” And charging drivers a fee to reduce traffic jams isn’t an original idea. It’s already been im-
FEE, see page 18
APRIL 12 – 25, 2019
$21,875,000 | 609 Palisades Beach Road, Santa Monica | 10BD/12BA
$2,650,000 | 19 20th Avenue, Venice | Duplex
Lic # 01423997
Lic # 00954065
Aitan Segal | 310.278.3754
Ian Brooks | 310.428.6569
$2,595,000 | 8635 Wonderland Avenue, Laurel Canyon | 3BD/3½BA
$1,849,000 | 24 18th Avenue, Venice | 2BD/2BA
Lic # 02008802
Lic # 01441785
Liz Lurie | 310.295.8298
Pierre Stooss | 310.699.1143
$1,448,000 | 896 N Beverly Glen Boulevard, Bel Air | 2BD/2½BA
$1,249,000 | 818 N Doheny Drive #506, West Hollywood | 1BD/1BA
Lic # 01773733
Lic # 00949711 / 01810156
Dennis Adelpour | 310.573.8670
St. James + Canter | 310.291.1029
Do you know your home’s value? Visit bhhscalifornia.com ©2019 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties (BHHSCP) is a member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates LLC. BHH Affiliates LLC and BHHSCP do not guarantee accuracy of all data including measurements, conditions, and features of property. Information is obtained from various sources and will not be verified by broker or MLS. Sellers will entertain and respond to all offers within this range. Buyer is advised to independently verify the accuracy of that information.
APRIL 12 – 25, 2019
WWW.YOVENICE.COM
3
Death of Pali Surfer Wake-Up Call Damon Michael Geller and the dangers of sudden cardiac arrest while in ocean. B y S am C atanzaro On December 20, 2018, 48-year-old Damon Michael Geller of Pacific Palisades drown while surfing at Topanga beach and a recently released autopsy reveals more information about this tragic incident. The evening of the tragedy, Damon and his brother Michael were enjoying a night
Photos: Courtesy Geller Family.
surfing session at Topanga under a nearly full moon. The two had become separated before Damon was found face down in the water by his brother, who attempted to perform CPR on Damon, but was pronounced dead on the scene. “Damon was found by his brother Michael, after he had just taken a wave and was only 20 yards or so away, clinging to his board, but with his face in the water as if he had felt the attack and was locked on to the board. He was likely gone already at that point, as he was not breathing at that time,” said Damon's father, Mark Geller. Damon's services were attended by over 500 people at the Kehillah Israel in Pacific Palisades and over 200 people participated in a paddle out at Will Rogers State Beach. “Our family is three generations now in the Palisades, and the outpouring was unbelievable," Mark said. The death of Damon shook the Palisades and the Southern California surfing community and while Damon's death remains grave moment for friends, families and surfers alike, the autopsy released March 20 by the Los Angeles Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner serves as an important wake-up call to surfers in cold waters around the world. According to the report, while the cause of death was drowning, a cardiac event precipitated the pulmonary edema. Specifically, Damon had three major arteries of
RON WYNN
A drone shot of the paddle-out for Damon Geller.
Damon Geller getting some tube time.
his heart that were blocked, 50, 75 and 80 percent respectively. "This proved to be fatal in his case, particularly in the water, where cold water submersion produces a high rate of arrhythmia resulting in cardiac arrest," Mark Geller said. "This is believed to be caused
by a nervous system autonomic conflict which in ‘vulnerable’ individuals can cause drowning, which I and Damon's doctor (as well as the coroner physician who did the autopsy) believe caused Damon's death,
MEMORIAL, see page 6
Hands-On Real Estate Advisory As a trusted advisor, I work together with your CPA, your attorney and your family to be sure we are putting your specific needs first.
W S A Wynn
Sawaii
Aston
Solutions by Collaboration
310.963.9944 email: Ron@RonWynn.com
www.RonWynn.com
DRE#00420587
W S A Wynn
Sawaii
Aston
Solutions by Collaboration
4
WWW.YOVENICE.COM
APRIL 12 – 25, 2019
Summer at
SANTA MONICA COLLEGE #1 In Transfers to UCLA, USC, and LMU
Free College Classes for High School Students
Students Ride the Big Blue Bus for Free
Classes start June 17
Largest Student Support Programs
Over 100 Associate Degrees and Certificates
smc.edu
SANTA MONICA COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT BOARD OF TRUSTEES: Dr. Margaret Quiñones-Perez, Chair; Dr. Nancy Greenstein, Vice Chair; Dr. Susan Aminoff; Dr. Louise Jaffe; Rob Rader; Dr. Sion Roy; Barry A. Snell; Alexandria Boyd, Student Trustee; Dr. Kathryn E. Jeffery, Superintendent/President
APRIL 12 – 25, 2019
WWW.YOVENICE.COM
5
SURF,
from page 1 need to be a trick rider. I can just be a longboard cruiser.” As Dakota grew to appreciate the art of skateboarding, she saw another opportunity to express herself creatively. Skateboards became her canvas and the possibilities were endless. She began creating custom boards that could be used for wall art or for riding. “You get to ride a piece of art. And because I can customize to the person, I see it as their sword, their Excalibur. It’s an extension of yourself. You can have whatever you want on that board and when you jump off of it, that board is everything you feel represents you.” Each custom board comes with a skate lesson
and skate tool tutorial. A portion of each sale goes to organizations dedicated to keeping the ocean clean. Through her love for skateboarding and her unique artistic abilities, Dakota encourages other women to be fearless and go after what they want in life. “I knew I wanted to make my own money. I knew I wanted to be my own boss, and I was going to make it happen. It took a while to get here. In the end my art turned into something that had to do with skateboarding, where I get to be inspirational by trying to get more women on the board and feel comfortable about doing it. It’s not just for boys. Everybody deserves a chance to be brave. And I get to express myself artistically and share awareness for causes I believe in.” For more info, visit designdakota.com.
MEMORIAL, from page 4
especially when coupled with his stenosis (blockages) and family history." According to Mark, Damon was aware of his family's history of both high cholesterol and heart disease and chose to utilize diet and exercise, as well as some homeopathic measures, to self-treat. “He was, in his words, ‘so incredibly fit,’” Mark says. Damon's death says Mark is an essential reminder to individuals with a history of heart disease in their family to see a cardiologist. "I think it is an important wake up call for many men who surf, who are in their 40s to 60s, since, while little known to the general public, it is a fact that the leading cause of death in that age bracket is not accident, but cardiac arrest and drowning, which is what likely occurred in this instance," Mark said, adding that he "hopes that others, who think they are in amazing shape, as Damon was, and who may possibly even surf as well as he did, will not neglect their family history, nor ignore signs that they may need medical intervention (statins, etc.) for heart disease, before it is too late." A 2012 study by researchers in the
United Kingdom, in fact, demonstrated that cold water submersion could induce a high incidence of cardiac arrest in healthy individuals. "Submersion and the release of breath holding can activate two powerful and antagonistic responses: the 'cold shock response' and the 'diving response'," wrote the researchers Michael Shattock and Michael Tipton. "The strong and simultaneous activation of the two limbs of the autonomic nervous system ('autonomic conflict') may account for these arrhythmias and may, in some vulnerable individuals, be responsible for deaths that have previously wrongly been ascribed to drowning or hypothermia."
Damon Michael Geller died on December 20, 2018.
Leading Palisades/Santa Monica/Brentwood agents for 30+ years.
Don't Make A Move Without Us! We haven’t met our expectations until we have exceeded yours
Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) & Jumbo Reverse Mortgage Loans
310.230.7373
3 Convert your home equity into a better retirement 3 Jumbo reverse mortgage loans available for highvalue properties 3 No capital gains or income tax on loan distributions*
Call for a consultation: (310) 920-7610 Brad Dela Cruz, AAG Top Producer NMLS# 582941, Reverse Mortgage Professional bdelacruz@aag.com
Tom Selleck AAG Paid Spokesperson
*Capital gains taxes are only due upon a sale. Reverse mortgages are loans, secured by a mortgage on your home, that do not require a sale of the home. The proceeds of a loan are not taxable as income. NMLS # 9392 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org). American Advisors Group (AAG) is headquartered at 3800 W. Chapman Ave., 3rd & 7th Floors, Orange CA, 92868. (CA Loans made or arranged pursuant to a California Finance Lenders Law license (603F324) and Licensed by the Department of Business Oversight under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act (4131144). This ad was not approved by HUD, FHA, or any government agency. For full legal disclosure, please visit: www.americanadvisorsgroup.com/disclosure
6
15101 Sunset Blvd | Pacific Palisades, CA 90272 | CalDRE# 00902158
WWW.YOVENICE.COM
APRIL 12 – 25, 2019
Delightful BITES APRIL 12 – 25, 2019
WWW.YOVENICE.COM
7
Photos: Facebook.
Whether you’re a health food novice or pro, the Westside is a great place to explore the wonderful world of healthy living and eating. Grab a snack at Erewhon Market.
Harvested in Santa Monica ONLY At the Miramar
FOUR HEALTHY BITES IN WEST LA By Keldine Hull
With an endless supply of sunshine, hiking trails, and beaches, California is easily one of the healthiest states in the country. From kombucha and kale, to matcha tea and acai bowls, the Golden State is at the forefront of nearly every health trend known to human-kind. To keep up with its active and health-conscious residents, the Westside is filled with places to grab a quick bite to eat that is equal parts nutritious and delicious. Here’s a look at a few of our favorites.
1. Erewhon Market
On the corner of Ocean & Wilshire fairmont.com/santa-monica (310)576-7777
– 2800 Wilshire Boulevard, Santa Monica – 585 Venice Boulevard, Venice Erewhon Market is a family-owned establishment that prides itself on its selection of 100 percent organic produce, and it doesn’t disappoint. Most notably known for its Tonic and Juice Bar, Erewhon’s tonic tenders are like the mixologists of the juice world; their unique concoctions are not only delicious but filled with nutrients. Most popular menu items include the White Bean Kale Avocado salad, the Wild Salmon Bagel Breakfast and the Killer Cauliflower.
2. Kreation Kafe
– 1023 Montana Avenue, Santa Monica Kreation Kafe goes above and beyond your
8
WWW.YOVENICE.COM
Kreation Kafe
average, run of the mill cafe. In touch with the needs of its consumers, Kreation Kafe recently added the Coachella Survival Kit to its menu which includes Charcoal Water, CBD Water, Celery Juice, Glamology Smoothie, Juice Shots and Dehydrated Fruit. Kreation’s Grab ‘N Go menu, which includes the Hail Vegan Caesar salad and Get Wild Salmon and Quinoa wrap, is perfect for those all too short 30-minute lunch breaks that seem to end before they begin.
BITE, see page 13 APRIL 12 – 25, 2019
Sweet & generous,
just like Mom.
Mother’s Day is May 12th.
Grab a salad at Mrs. Winston’s for lunch!
4. Moon Juice
BITE,
from page 12 3. Mrs. Winston’s
– 2450 Colorado Avenue, Santa Monica – 3150 Ocean Park Blvd., Santa Monica A list of favorite healthy places to eat wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Mrs. Winston’s. A local gem on the Westside, Mrs. Winston’s is Santa Monica’s reliable one-stop shop for healthy salads, sandwiches, smoothies, juices and wellness shots. Menu favorites include the Vegan Greens and Grains Thai Dragon Bowl, the Chicken Kale “Keto” Salad, the Gluten-Free Avocado Cheddar Chicken Sandwich, and the Seven-Grain “TLT” Sandwich. While you might see a long line during popular lunchtime hours, Mrs. Winston’s is well worth the wait.
– 507 Rose Avenue, Venice Moon Juice believes in the healing power of plants which is evident in its menu. They offer a unique selection of juices, tonics and shots that offer an array of different health benefits like immune support, pain relief and digestive support. While their menu may seem overwhelming, Moon Juice offers explanations about all of its ingredients and the health benefits associated with them. In addition to their own blend of beverages, you can build your own shot with everything from ginger juice, which aids in digestive and immunity support, and black pepper oil, which assists in absorption and helps warm the body to oil of oregano and raw honey, which contain antibacterial properties, healthy enzymes, and congestion busters. Whether you’re a health food novice or pro, the Westside is a great place to explore the wonderful world of healthy living and eating.
Earth, Wind, & Flour has served traditional California Italian food to the Santa Monica community since 1981. We take pride in using only the freshest and finest local ingredients in order to create delicious meals that are both classically Italian while uniquely Californian.
2222 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica
Pick up and Save $5 Pick up and Save $XX on your purchase of $50+* on your purchase of $XX+*
code: smmr0519 | expires: 05/31/2019 code: XXXX0000 | expires: XX/XX/XX
000-000-0000 (310) 656-0103 | (310) 478-4501 Address LineBlvd., 1 1324 Wilshire Santa Monica Address Line 2 Blvd., | City,Los ST Angeles 00000 1265 Westwood
share the joy organic
handcrafted
local
SANTA MONICA
WESTFIELD CENTURY CITY
910 Montana Ave, 90403 424-744-8572
10250 Santa Monica Blvd, 90067 310-844-7708
www.roriscreamery.com
Get YOUR Business SEEN in one of our publications!
310-829-7829 • earthwindflour.com OPEN 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. 7 Days a Week!
APRIL 12 – 25, 2019
*Cannot be combined with any other offer. Restrictions may apply. See store for details. Edible®, Edible Arrangements®, and the Fruit Basket Logo are registered Trademarks of Edible IP, LLC. © 2019 Edible IP, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
WWW.YOVENICE.COM
CALL TODAY 310.310.2637 9
Pono Burger “Does Things the Right Way” Taste of Santa Monica By Barbara Bishop
I used to pass by this awesome, domeshaped, rust-covered hut on Broadway near 10th St. It was such a cool space. It was for lease at one time. It was a little too pricey and large for my needs as an office, but a girl can dream, yes? One day, my little hut was buzzing with people inside of it. A place call Pono Burger had taken the space. What the heck was a Pono? I was coming back from a meeting close-by, so I stopped in to see what all the fuss was about. Turns out that my fantasy office was the dining area for this new establishment. I walked in to the area where one would place an order. “What does Pono mean?” I asked the gal at the counter. Here’s what she said: In Hawaiian, “pono” means “to do things the right way.” For them, it meant making the ultimate burger – fresh organic beef from pasture raised, grass-fed cows, organic ingredients from local farmer’s markets. They also proudly informed me that their fresh cut French fries were good for me! Now she had my attention. The Executive Chef, Makani Carzino is from Hawaii. She says that what we
Burger heaven at Pono Burger located at 829 Broadway, Santa Monica, CA 90401.
take into our bodies becomes a part of us. She reports that all of her ingredients are sourced from small California family farms and ranches that care deeply about the quality of their products and the global impacts of their (production) methods. “I wouldn’t feed our guests anything that I wouldn’t feed my family,” she proclaims on her website. Me too! In an ocean
Photo: Courtesy.
of (very qualified) male chefs, I’m pleased to see a woman at the helm of Pono. After studying the menu, it was clear she put her “money where her mouth” was. The line up included veggie appetizers like Tempura Blue Lake Green Beans, Fried Curry Cauliflower, Burnt Miso Brussel Sprouts and Lemon Tamari Grilled Asparagus. All this at a burger joint.
But this was no ordinary “joint.” Chef Makani’s signature burgers included some fascinating concoctions, such as the Piku, the one that I ordered. Check this out: The healthy-sized, organic, grass-fed burger was topped with house-made, drunken carmelized fig jam, Brie Couronne Cheese, Niman Ranch bacon, toasted hazelnuts, organic baby kale, with a house-made balsamic vinaigrette. What a burger! They also make the buns fresh daily. I love fresh buns! Oh, and the fries. They are hand-cut daily, cooked in California Rice Bran Oil, topped with organic fresh thyme, organic parsley and kosher salt, served with house-made citrus aioli. Delish! And good for you. What I’ve reported is just a small sampling of their offerings. They also offer a large selection of wine, beer and low-proof Hawaiian-inspired cocktails. When you go to Pono, remember there’s underground parking. You don’t have to mess with finding a surface spot if none are available. I think that these guys made the best use of my dream office. Aloha! Glad you’re in the neighborhood, Pono! Pono Burger is located at 829 Broadway, Santa Monica, CA 90401. It is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. For more information, visit ponoburger.com.
EXPERI E N C E the MOMENT The Classic Prime Rib Dining Experience
LawrysBeverlyHills.com
10
WWW.YOVENICE.COM
APRIL 12 – 25, 2019
FOOD REVIEW: Eat it Again, Sam Casablanca Restaurant 220 Lincoln Boulevard Venice 310-392-5751 By Grace Hiney Casablanca is a fascinating restaurant with an amazing selection of Mexican cuisine along with a wonderful tequila bar and music in the background to enjoy as you dine. A restaurant that was created about 50 years ago it not only has a fascinating menu, but delicious food. They even have homemade tortillas which are thoroughly enticing. These come in a warm napkin with specially made
salsa shortly after you are seated so you have something to nibble as you study the extensive menu. This is one restaurant filled with pictures of movie stars such as the “Casablanca” movie star Humphrey Bogart. While seated in a comfy booth in the bar my friend Barbara and I enjoyed studying the four page menu of various dishes each of which sounds delicious and very special. There are chicken dishes, steaks, even pastas, along with a variety of their famous burritos, Mexican specialties and a selection of tacos, that is all on the first two pages. The next two pages feature eleven of their World Famous Calamari offerings and Brasero Specials while the last page is all dedicated to seafood. I didn’t mention that we each enjoyed a glass of wine rather than a Margarita made with one of the restaurant’s special tequilas. This is one bar where you can find over 375 Tequilas. Here, the bartender makes your Margarita tableside so that you can be part of the scene. After chatting and studying the menu, Barbara decided on the Sam and Chicken combo ($19.50). It turned out to be superbly flavorful with a broiled chicken breast topped with a Dos XX beer and mushroom sauce. With it came two shrimp cooked in a garlic sauce. A very nice small flavorful salad of Mandarin oranges and jicama came with the combo. Generously portioned, Barbara, as usual, took some home for lunch the next day.
I, on the other hand, decided on the Calamari Acapulco after enjoying a cup of the fresh soup made with a few fresh vegetables. It had a pleasing healthy taste and made a fine beginning to the Calamari or sautéed Squid which came on rice with a crab, bay shrimp and garlic sauce along with a variety of beautiful fresh vegetables. This was also generously portioned and so tasty that I, too, took some home for the next day. For dessert, we shared a delicious flan. The calamari comes cooked in so many ways that it is hard to make a choice. One, for example, comes sautéed and topped with baby scallops, with a cognac, capers and garlic sauce. Seafood selections range from seven varieties of Pacific Rockfish, to a quartet of salmon dishes, and a trio of trout offerings as well as a quartet of shrimp dishes. All of these selections come with soup or salad, rice and vegetables and are priced under $20. Many of the Mexican specialties such as the Burritos are only $14.99. Free parking is available in the restaurant lot, if you arrive before the crowd that is! We dined on a Monday night which was quite busy, and we heard that later in the week it was considerably more crowded. Casablanca is open Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday open until 11 p.m. Brunch is from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday.
Photos: Courtsey. At Casablanca, come for the homemade tortillas, stay for the 375 varieties of tequila!
2321 Abbot Kinney Venice, CA 90291 Tel: (1) 310.577.9775 Fax: (1) 310.577.9795 www.fr enchmar ket-cafe.com Open 7/7 - Fr ee Par king Outdoor Patio Beer and W ine by glass 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
APRIL 12 – 25, 2019
WWW.YOVENICE.COM
11
“STAR CATERER TO THE STARS” – LA Times “BEST WEDDING & EVENT SPACE” – BizBash
Let
our
Backyard
become yours
ALLOW US TO MOLD YOUR EVENT INTO AN UNFORGETTABLE AFFAIR! Californian Vietnamese Fresh Fare Over 9,000 Sq Ft Eco-Chic Indoor / Outdoor Space Onsite / Offsite Full-Service Catering Weddings | Bar / Bat Mitzvahs | Corporate Events 2700 Colorado Ave. Ste. 190, Santa Monica, CA 90404 tiato.com | 310.866.5228 | ancatering.com |310.866.5235 Mirror Media - half page AD 060418.indd 1
12
6/4/2018 7:06:09 PM
WWW.YOVENICE.COM
APRIL 12 – 25, 2019
Four Local Burritos That Do It Right By Kerry Slater
April 4 – was National Burrito Day. And while every day is burrito day on the Westside of Los Angeles, there has never been a better excuse to grab a burrito for breakfast, lunch or dinner (or a breakfast burrito for dinner). While most burritos look the same, not all burritos are created or enjoyed equally. In honor of this very special day – here are four burritos that can be found on the Westside and Santa Monica that stand out from the pack. 1. Tacos Por Favor 826 Hampton Dr, Venice With three locations on the Westside (Santa Monica, Venice, West LA), Tacos Por Favor has become a favorite for countless Angelenos, Venetians and Santa Monicans. Sticking to a simple formula: fresh ingredients, excellent customer service and a top-notch salsa bar, Tacos Por Favor does everything right, but especially burritos. Specifically, their al pastor burrito is a thing of beauty. It may look like any other burrito in the world, but perfectly portioned ingredients make it a burrito to remember. Protip: ask for salsa verde to be added to the burrito before it is rolled. 2. Juquila Restaurant 11619 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles Juquila Restaurant is a small restaurant that specializes in Oaxacan cuisine. Located on Santa Monica Boulevard just West of the 405, the
Photos: Facebook
Cerveteca Culver City, located at 9418 Venice Blvd. in Culver City.
unassuming Juquila is easy to miss amid the hundreds of other restaurants that line the surrounding streets. Not to be missed is the Burrito Juquila: a grilled chicken breast burrito covered with rich black mole sauce and melted cheese. This decadent burrito is worth sitting in traffic on Santa Monica Boulevard and fill even the hardiest of eaters. 3. Gilbert’s El Indio Restaurant 2526 Pico Blvd, Santa Monica At Gilbert’s, located on Ocean Park Boulevard in Santa Monica, diners for the past 45 years have been coming for the Super Mule Bur-
Gilbert’s located at 2526 Pico Blvd. in Santa Monica
rito, staying for the margaritas and leaving with leftovers. To be put simply, the Super Mule (or any burrito at Gilbert’s for that matter) is a wet burrito, but it is a wet burrito done right. Served on a bed of rice, this is Mexican comfort food at its finest. 4. Cerveteca Culver City 9418 Venice Blvd, Culver City
Cerveteca Culver City, located on Venice Boulevard, has perfected the subtle art of the breakfast burrito. There is nothing fancy at work here: just a big tortilla filled with eggs, bacon, beans, salsa, cooked and seasoned to perfection that will fill you up. This burrito packs a punch in terms of spice, serving as the perfect way to kickstart your day, whatever time you happen to bite into this piece of breakfast burrito heaven.
For the host with the most
CPK's NEW
g n i r e t Ca MENU is here!
cpk.com
APRIL 12 – 25, 2019
WWW.YOVENICE.COM
13
BURGER + DRAFT BEER FOR JUST $13
Valid 3 PM – Close. Limit 1 per guest. Mention code BB. Offer Expires 6/30/19.
Located at The Georgian Hotel 1415 Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica, CA 90401
14
WWW.YOVENICE.COM
APRIL 12 – 25, 2019
WE’RE HERE.
C A M P B E L LW E L L M A N . C O M
1 2 9 3 1 V E N I C E B LV D
LO S A N G E L E S , C A 9 0 0 6 6
310.437.5334
APRIL 12 – 25, 2019
COLIN WELLMAN
TODD STEIN
310.437.5350 CA BRE# 01487136
310.437.5323 CA BRE# 01879814
C O L I N @ C A M P B E L LW E L L M A N . C O M
WWW.YOVENICE.COM
TO D D @ C A M P B E L LW E L L M A N . C O M
15
OPINION
OPINION: Can Newsom’s Housing Campaign Succeed? TOM ELIAS Mirror Columnist
It turns out Gov. Gavin Newsom was deadly serious when he insisted as a candidate last year that California needs to build 3.5 million new housing units over the next ten years in order to solve its affordable housing crisis. That’s a total of 3.5 million, more than double what builders around the state have put up in any of the last few decades. Newsome resent that message a few weeks into his new job, when he successfully urged Attorney General Xavier Becerra to sue the Orange County city of Huntington Beach for allegedly failing to allow enough new housing to handle its population growth. With about 202,000 residents, the median home value in “Surf City” tops $830,000, according to the website Zillow.com. Typical one-bedroom apartments there rent for between $1,500 and $2,700 per month. For those rents to eat up less than 30 percent of a tenant’s income, the renter must earn more than $60,000 per year, making many tenants
16
“rent-burdened” by federal standards. The state lawsuit charges Huntington Beach has for years ignored a state law requiring cities to zone land for new housing construction. Meanwhile, many city residents feel Huntington Beach is growing too fast. So the Newsom/Becerra lawsuit is likely just the first salvo in a state vs. local conflict over the governor’s preferred way of solving the housing problem. But even if cities like Huntington Beach can be forced to allow the millions of “affordable” units Newsom and some activist state legislators want, it’s highly questionable they can solve the most visible part of California’s housing crunch – homelessness. Yes, cities have built thousands of transitional housing units (generally small apartments) for formerly homeless persons, who pay low, federally subsidized rent. But that hasn’t reduced homelessness. “Every time we build new units and move people in, at least the same number of homeless people move into whatever cities do the building,” said the city manager of a city of more than 100,000, who previously was the top administrator of two other cities. “With our climate and our policies, we are attracting
Photo: Getty Images.
“Don’t expect anything to dampen Newsom’s deeply felt drive to solve the housing issue, and quickly,” Tom Elias says in his column this week.
homeless people from all over America.” Then there’s the question of affordability. Anyone who’s visited a homeless shelter like those in gymnasiums and National Guard armories on cold winter nights will know that not many of their occupants could afford even low rent. So while affordable housing in most cities is set up to remain relatively low-priced a long as it stands, well below market rates, the rents or costs to buy are still above what most homeless folks can pay. Especially the large component of the homeless who are mentally ill, but not institutionalized, largely because of policies that began almost 50 years ago, when then-Gov. Ronald Reagan spurred the shutdown of several public mental hospitals, intending to replace them with community-based housing. Such housing never materialized in significant quantities, and mentally ill homeless became a California staple.
WWW.YOVENICE.COM
Meanwhile, rents on affordable apartments generally run about 30 percent of the median income in any region. Under those terms, an affordable unit in the Los Angeles region would rent for about $1,350 per month, more in the San Francisco Bay area. Not exactly affordable if you’re unemployed, mentally ill and living on the streets. So it’s naïve to believe affordable housing or the governor’s new initiative can solve the homeless problem. And there’s still the problem of housing being too expensive for even middle-class workers to buy. So the percentage of renters in California continues to rise, meaning that ever fewer residents feel rooted in the state, with a stake in its future. All this makes some wonder if it’s sensible to invest heavily in affordable housing. In 2017, the average affordable unit in the state cost $425,000 to build if it was part of a project of 100 units or more. The cost was higher when fewer units were involved. This picture leaves many questions to be answered before the state goes full blast on a government-funded or government-mandated home building spree. But don’t expect anything to dampen Newsom’s deeply felt drive to solve the housing issue, and quickly. Email Thomas Elias at tdelias@aol.com. His book, “The Burzynski Breakthrough, The Most Promising Cancer Treatment and the Government’s Campaign to Squelch It” is now available in a soft cover fourth edition. For more Elias columns, visitwww.californiafocus.net
APRIL 12 – 25, 2019
Diana Markosian at Venice Arts Opening Reception is on Saturday, April 13, from 5-7 p.m.; Exhibition April 1-30 By Staff Writer Holding a cane in his right hand, Movses Haneshyan, 105, slowly approaches a lifesize landscape. He pauses, looks at the image, and begins to sing, “My home... My Armenia.” It’s the first time Movses is seeing his home in 98 years. A century ago, the Ottomans initiated a policy of deportations, mass murder and rape to destroy the Armenian presence in the Ottoman Empire.
By the war’s end, more than a million people, from what is now modern-day Turkey, were eliminated. It was one of first genocides of the 20th century, one that Turkish authorities deny to this day. Movses and his father survived. Venice Arts and Month of Photography LA (MOPLA) are pleased to present 1915, the compelling work of photographer Diana Markosian that documents Movses, and other survivors, as they reconnect with their lost homeland: what they had, what they lost, and what they have found again. Diana’s images can be found in National Geographic Magazine, The New Yorker and The New York Times. She is a Magnum Nominee and the recipient of the Chris Hondros Emerging Photographer Grant, Magnum Emerging Photographer Fund, and the Firecracker Grant. In 2013, she took part in the World Press Joop Swart Masterclass in Amsterdam and was selected as PDN’s 30 Photographers to Watch. Venice Arts ignites, expands, and transforms the lives of Los Angeles’ low-income youth through photography and film education, and uses its participatory storytelling practices to amplify the voices of underrepresented communities around the world.
Photos: Diana Markosian.
Images from Diana Markosian’s 1915
REGISTER NOW!
SUMMER CAMP 2019 For children, teens, & young adults with autism spectrum disorder and other special needs
STARTS JUNE 10TH CULVER CITY | SHERMAN OAKS ORANGE COUNTY (STEM3 Academy Only)
VILLAGE GLEN DAY CAMP
CAMP SUNSHINE
SUMMER CAMP
15% off with code SUMMER19 through May 17th www.kidslikemela.org
APRIL 12 – 25, 2019
WWW.YOVENICE.COM
17
Mirror Media Group
Yo! Venice Staff MANAGING EDITOR Sam Catanzaro | sam@yovenice.com
BUSINESS MANAGER Max Montemer 310.310.2637 ext. 104
ART DIRECTOR Amy Patton
DISTRIBUTION Prie in Media distribution@ mirrormediagroupla.com
CONTRIBUTORS Michael Ray Guy Camilleri Morgan Genser SALES 310.310.2637 ext. 102
PUBLISHER T.J. Montemer | tj@yovenice.com 310.310.2637 ext. 107
L ETTERS TO THE E DITOR Yo! Venice invites letters from readers on any subject. All letters must include the phone number and address of the writer. Letters are subject to editing from the Editor for reasons including length or questionable content. Views expressed in Letters to the Editor are not necessarily the views of Yo! Venice. Mail: 2116 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 260, Santa Monica, CA 90403 E-mail: sam@yovenice.com
MIRROR MEDIA GROUP PUBLICATIONS Santa Monica Mirror | Westside Today Palisades News | Yo! Venice | Brentwood News Century City-Westwood News | The Pride
18
FEE,
from page 2 plemented in London and Milan and more recently, New York. Lee Collins, a former Santa Monica resident who currently lives in Beverly Hills, says she’d like to see the fee implemented all over. “It’s not just Santa Monica that’s the problem, everywhere is a gridlock.” And Collins’ idea isn’t too far off from what could happen. Wapner says they’re just the planning and researching organization that con-
ducted the study, and that “any jurisdiction take it from there and decide if they want to implement it.” As for the next steps, the Los Angeles Times says officials will first need to to find an agency to implement the program, change state law to allow tolls on streets and educate the public. Wapner says the education part will be the biggest challenge. “People are thinking it’s another tax and that they’re going to have to pay it. They don’t understand that only in certain circumstances are they going to have to [pay] it.” When it comes to the money that will be made from collecting the fee, Wapner says that the rev-
WWW.YOVENICE.COM
enue will go “right back to where it’s generated to help mitigate the impacts congestion cause, whether it be health impacts, environmental, additional maintenance on the streets.” Some residents are already being won over by the idea. When asked if she supported the fee, Hillary Miller, a Santa Monica resident of 26 years said, “If the studies will show that the money will go to the right things to keep the traffic down...I say maybe because we have to do something.” Even Mueller could be swayed. “If the money was going to something that was going to make a change then I would actually be for it,” he said.
APRIL 12 – 25, 2019
NY TIMES CROSSWORD PUZZLE STAR GAZING
HELP!
BY PETER A. COLLINS / EDITED BY WILL SHORTZ
1
87 River in a 1914 battle 90 Skim
2
3
4
5
6
23
24 26
27
31
32
98 N.C. military installation
38
39
102 “____ Trois Mousquetaires”
43 50 59 64
119 “Three Stooges” insult 123 Sal of “Rebel Without a Cause”
95
125 Stretched tight 126 Caribbean game fish
111
72
100
101
94 103 109
113 118
114 119 125
126
127
128
This Week’s Sudoku Puzzle
87
102
124
14 Ernie ____, Pulitzer-winning journalist of W.W. II 15 Keebler cracker brand DOWN 16 Member of TV’s Addams 1 Ballet step Family 2 They have lots for sale 17 Something scientists make 3 Not exactly hit the ground light of? running 18 Rear 4 PlayStation company 19 Some cameo stones 5 L.B.J. follower 25 Obstacle for a fish 6 Home of the Burj Khalifa: 28 Dandies Abbr. 31 Tour grp. 7 Showed ’em what we’ve got 32 Bro 8 “It ____ hit me yet” 33 Cab alternative 9 State of abandonment 34 Common Market org. 10 Traffic troubles 35 Starting point in logic 11 Where the phrase “To thine 37 Swimmers’ assignments own self be true” comes 41 Slippery vendor from 45 The Wildcats of the N.C.A.A. 12 What shocked people 47 Jason with the 2008 hit “I’m stand in Yours” 13 Raja ____, Indian author 48 Poet Lowell of “The Serpent and the 50 Store window sign Rope”
86 93
123
128 Swollen
89
82 85
108
112 117
88
73
77
107
116
58
68
92 99
106
57
48 56
76
98
110
47
71
91
105
19
42
81
97
18
37
67
80
104
36
55
84
96
17
63
75
127 Changes back to 0000
120
121
122
52 Dress seller
92 Prefix with industry
53 Take root
93 Bit of shaming
54 Sweet summer treat
95 Involuntary actions
56 1978 Dire Straits hit
96 Make official
57 The Ram
97 House of cards?
58 Doesn’t just want
99 “Wheel of Fortune” sextet
60 Word said in passing?
100 Eschewed home cooking
62 Headed up 64 “Morning Joe” airer
101 Mystery and romance, for two
65 Rumor starter
105 Download for a tablet
71 Timecard abbr.
106 Skilled judoist
72 Prized pitcher
108 Draft
73 Please too much
112 Nicholas II was the last one
75 “Unto us ____ is given” 79 Like a string bean 80 Blood-typing letters 86 Word with bay or family
114 Big name in laptops 116 The Lion 117 “____, Imperator!”
88 Course registrant
118 “-y” pluralizer
89 Cars that disappeared during the Depression
120 Irk 121 W.W. II arena: Abbr.
91 “Don’t know yet,” on a schedule
122 Baseball Hall-of-Famer Roush
Answers I H E A R
M S N B C L P G A
P A A U S C T I O N S
C A S I N O S T A R T O U T S L O W L Y
S R U O M A N N E Y P U A B L E O R P A E Y N E A L A S A B O N O N K Y E D B A L O N E O O K
S H D S T A I N R S S A U N F U R T T O S L T P E S E K S D A M C O N L O A U S E D T R A D I C S S S H T S T O U T E N F A T F T B R A E A S T T T E S A I L O A V E N U R E S E T
H A R P A W A Y M E O L L E E E P T E R S C O N S P A N O K O S E C H I O O R T I N S I L E O S A N A G G L E R W E N O R S R I M E T A S E N
Z I P E T H D S T O A T T M A L O A N M A N R M E S A Y S U Z L A C T C L A E O N T Y S R T O E S F E K S A W B E C I U T E N G O R G
R E O S
E N R O L L E E
E D D N E E D S
A R I E S
O N Y X E S
P A R E N T
APRIL 12 – 25, 2019
54
70
115
124 Course of action
53
62
90
115 1973 Beach Boys song
35
46 52
83
114 It makes for a boring job
16
30
41
66
113 Caruso and Pavarotti
15
25
34
61
14
22
45
60
79
13
40
65
78
111 Cave dweller
12
29
51
74
110 Circular components?
11
33
69
109 Critical message that’s a hint to the six longest entries in this puzzle
10
28
44
49
107 Religious time in spring
9 21
94 & 95 What often seems to disappear in a dryer
104 Appealed to a higher authority?
8
20
92 Not a science, but ____
103 Big do
7
O R D A I N
1 It might end up in a sack 9 E neighbor 15 Nada 20 Robots 21 “Not exactly, but close …” 22 Filmmaker Coen 23 Checkout devices 24 Tired tale 26 Seriously annoy 27 Roll out, as a flag 29 Stuff in a muffin, say? 30 Neighbor of Okla. 31 Exciting, in modern lingo 32 Rock, maybe 36 Danson’s “Cheers” role 38 End of some hybrid dog breed names 39 N.Y.C. dance company 40 Hounds 42 Tidbits for aardvarks 43 Bearded beast 44 They go with potatoes in soup 46 Sting operator 49 Regarding 51 Vitamin stat 52 Hosts, in brief 55 Italian cheese 59 Peel place 61 Out at a library, say 63 “Yeah, why not” 64 Cyrus who sang the 2013 No. 1 hit “Wrecking Ball” 66 Once did 67 States, informally 68 Be prone 69 Radiated 70 Leafy salad ingredient 72 Didn’t delay 74 Inexperienced 75 Fool 76 Something frequently found in pink lipstick 77 Pupil’s location 78 Stabilizes with a heavy load 81 Lump in the throat 82 Geologic period 83 Get upset over 84 Lincoln-to-Madison dir.
85 Sunrise direction, in Stuttgart
S P A S M S
ACROSS
WWW.YOVENICE.COM
By Samuel Prince
ARIES (March 21-April 19) Aries will relax, realizing that the long-awaited weekend has finally come, giving you great pleasure. At the same time, today you will have several urgent assignments at once, which must be done or else your weekend will not begin. TAURUS (April 20-May 20) Taurus will notice that a person, to whose conquest time and internal forces were invested, began to respond with fervent attention. However, somewhere in the depths of your soul you cannot help but admit that this person is just a new trophy for you. GEMINI (May 21-June 21) Geminis need to change their attitude toward their other half. While you criticize them in every way, in their environment will be a man who has the opposite opinion. This attractive person of the same sex as you will start to shower your partner with compliment. CANCER (June 22-July 22) Cancers today will be in great demand. Relatives, colleagues and friends will rush to appeal to you with various requests. And, this is a moment when you are loaded down with your own affairs, not allowing the slightest delay! LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) Leos should not panic because of the behavior of their second half. What you take for indifference on their part is nothing more than a consequence of enormous fatigue. Let your partner in marriage spend Friday evening as relaxed and lazy as possible. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Virgos will be able to free themselves from an old debt. Once you repay this loan, you will have new plans related to the area of finance. However, be sure to take on new obligations in installments. Listen to the exhortations of your partner in marriage. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) Libra has a surprise visit from one of the relatives. As it turns out a little later, this person will try to enlist your support in some kind of complex family disagreement. It's up to you to decide whether to support this relative or not. SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21) Scorpios will begin to develop one of their creative ideas. To it you will begin after the work weekends. In the daytime, in addition to performing your professional duties, you will call up a person who can help in your project. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) Sagittarius will spend this day enjoying great curiosity from their colleagues. They will be interested in how you could so quickly lose weight, buy a prestigious car, start an affair with a dazzlingly beautiful person or achieve something impressive. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Capricorns will not be able to resist the charm of a very attractive person. You will be so smitten that you will give him a subtle hint that you do not mind getting close to them in the very near future. Returning home, you will have to rethink your behavior. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) This day will be a great pleasure for Aquarians. You will once again convince your superiors and colleagues that you are a consummate professional, able to cope even with the most intricate task. In the evening, after a busy day, you go to have fun. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20) Pisces will be arrogant when looking at colleagues, knowing that only they are destined to get a bonus for the results of last month. This behavior is not permissible, if you do not want to make many enemies among your colleagues.
19
FO R AS LE E
1135 Marco Place Venice $7,000/month
Craig Conner 310.383.2246
Julian Gatej 310.429.2731
Bulldog • Realtors 1209 Abbot Kinney Blvd. • Venice • 310.452.5004 • bulldogrealtors.com 2909 Main St. • Santa Monica • 310.314.0021 4870 West Adams Blvd. • Los Angeles • 323.641.0392
20
WWW.YOVENICE.COM
APRIL 12 – 25, 2019