Yo! Venice 6.22.18

VENICE

YO!

June 22 – July 5, 2018

www.yovenice.com

Homeless Housing Vies MTA Lot City officials push to convert old MTA yard into housing.

The old Metro Transit Authority (MTA) bus yard on Main Street looks like any other empty lot, but despite its derelict appearance, it has become the center of a debate in Venice about housing individuals experiencing homelessness.

City Officials are interested in creating bridge housing in the 3.15-acre lot that takes up an entire block between Pacific Avenue and Main Street south of Sunset Avenue. MTA closed the lot in 2015 after receiving multiple offers from developers interested in the site. The property can be used for housing for the next three years, however, because there is no deal in place.

“Providing housing at the old bus yard will help focus outreach and services on the largest concentration of homeless people on the Westside of our town,” said City of Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti.

The proposal is part of Mayor Garcetti's “Bridge Home” program which seeks to provide bridge housing to individuals who have received a housing voucher but are still waiting for a unit to become available.

“When someone gets a housing voucher, it may take them months, or even longer, to find an available unit. And in the meantime, they’re essentially told to wait in a tent on the sidewalk,” said Los Angeles City Councilmember Mike Bonin.

Bridge housing is different than the City’s emergency winter shelters, which separate couples and family members by gender and prohibit individuals from bringing personal belongings.

“In bridge housing, people have a place to call their own, 24-hours, 7 days a week. They have access to restrooms, showers, storage and three meals a day. Residents are allowed to bring their belongings, bring their pets and stay with their spouses, partners and family members,” said Christina Miller, Senior Project Manager in the Homeless Strategies Office of Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti.

Photo: Sam Catanzaro.

The 3.15 acre former bus yard is no longer in use and can be used for bridge housing for three years.

Mayor Garcetti asked every Councilmember to look at encampments in their district and to find locations for bridge housing. According to Councilmember Bonin, the former MTA yard was a popular choice among constituents for a location.

“One suggestion kept coming up, again and again, more than any other - the former MTA bus yard on Main Street,” Bonin said. “The

property is large, vacant and close to existing encampments.”

Housing projects of this scope usually generate public debate and discussion and this one is no exception. On June 13 Councilmember Bonin held an open house at Westminster Elementary for the public to learn about the pro-

HOUSING, see page 4

Scooters Under Scrutiny L.A. City imposes moratorium, Santa Monica rejects scooter cap.

On Tuesday night, June 12, in front of a packed council chamber, Santa Monica City Council unanimously approved a 16-month pilot program that will allow dockless, shared mobility rental companies like Bird and Lime to continue operating in Santa Monica.

“There’s no denying the popularity and ease of shared mobility devices,” said Santa Monica Mayor Ted Winterer. “This pilot approach will allow us to understand usage and operations in order to create a long-term program

INSIDE:

Photo: Sam Catanzaro.

Supporters of electric scooters showed up at rally organized by Bird at Santa Monica City Hall prior the City Council meeting.

that establishes a safe, equitable and sustainable mobility option."

The pilot program, which will begin September 17, establishes a dynamic cap on the

• New rules for cannabis advertising • Rainbow Lifeguard Tower Dedicated • Guns, Books and Poets

number of devices a company can have within Santa Monica. Operators can exceed the cap if they can show that each device is being used at least three times a day. It still unclear how many devices operators will be allowed to deploy once the program begins. Electric scooter and bike rental companies celebrated the decision, as the council members rejected a proposal by Santa Monica city staffers that had called for an initial cap of 1,500 total scooters for the entire city.

While Santa Monica lawmakers were in the spotlight in their effort to regulate these devices, Los Angeles lawmakers quietly passed legislation that appears to ban all forms of dockless transit rentals. On March 21, Los Angeles City Council tacked on an amending motion – to another piece of legislation to regulate dockless bike share – that imposes,”

TAX

a moratorium, with the exception of existing pilot projects initiated either through Council motion or with the Councilmember of the district’s support, on dockless transportation programs until a regulatory system that protects Los Angeles communities can be established.”

Despite the adoption of this amendment, the number of shared mobility rental devices has increased in the time since its passage and the City has not been actively enforcing it. Furthermore, on June 7, Lime announced the launch of their new line of scooters to go along their bikes with the backing of Los Angeles City Councilmember Joe Buscaino.

“This past weekend, I partnered with Lime on a Lime-S Scooter pop up event in my district. The reactions we received were over-

SCOOTERS, see page 2

Samuel Moses, CPA 100 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica

310.395.9922

SCOOTERS, from page 1

whelmingly positive,” Buscaino said in a statement released by Lime. “I applaud Lime’s efforts to partner with government and community leaders to address our region’s unique urban mobility needs.”

At odds with this message, however, is a cease and desist letter the City of Los Angeles General Manager Seleta J. Reynolds sent Bird’s Cheif Legal Council David Estrada on June 8.

“Since Bird has no existing pilot in the City of Los Angeles you are in violation of the citywide moratorium. Please remove any and all vehicles that you have in the City of Los Angeles immediately,” Reynolds wrote.

“Should the LADOT, Street Services, or any City Agency that oversees and manages the streets or sidewalks, view your scooters on the sidewalk, whether or not they are attended, the Scooters will be confiscated and impounded, with all costs, fees and potential reimbursement to be payable by Bird.”

The letter gave Bird until the close of business on June 15 to provide written confirmation that steps have been taken to abate the situation. Birds still remain in the City, however, and Yo! Venice reached out to Bird asking if they are complying with this letter and to the City asking if they are going to start impounding devices since the June 15 deadline has passed.

“Abraham White, a spokesperson for Bird responded saying the company can not comment on this matter. L.A. City did not respond.

“We applaud the City of Santa Monica for formally embracing innovative transportation,

and look forward to collaborating with them as they work to further establish regulations around an environmentally-clean, shared mobility program for scooters,” wrote Lime Spokesperson Mary Caroline Pruitt in a statement.

The program will permit up to four rental companies – two electric scooter services and two electric bike services – to operate within Santa Monica. Operators will be chosen through an open application process that begins in July. In addition to creating a dynamic cap, the program levies fees on vendors and requires them to increase the safety of devices by educating riders, share real-time utilization data with the City, ensure fair and equal distribution of devices while instructing operators to develop a system that will remedy improper parking.

Santa Monica city staffers had initially recommended capping the number of devices in the city to 500 per operator and 1,500 total but after pushback from members of the public and councilmembers, this hard cap was rejected. Santa Monica Mayor Pro Tem Gleam Davis and Councilmember Terry O’Day voiced concern that the cap may lead to an unequal distribution of scooters, as providers would be encouraged to put devices only in high-density areas.

Davis also expressed concern that a hard cap would be a potentially fruitless effort in Santa Monica.

“What happens when people ride into Santa Monica from Venice or West Los Angeles or Pacific Palisades? I’ve seen scooters in all three places. Do we put up a wall and say ‘I’m sorry that’s scooter number 250, you can’t come in’? I don’t understand how we enforce a cap on a mobility item,” Davis said.

Photo: Morgan Genser.

Despite a moratorium on dockless transit devices, Bird scooters remain as popular as ever in Venice.

Get your Business SEEN in one of our monthly

SPECIAL SECTIONS

COMING UP: July – More Mature on the Westside

CALL TODAY for rates/ sizes 310.310.2637

2

Photo: Sam Catanzaro.

Under the rules, all forms of cannabis advertising are prohibited within 700 feet of any school or public park.

A STOP SIGN FOR POT SIGNS Los Angeles passes rules regulating cannabis advertising.

By Sam Catanzaro On June 13, Los Angeles City Council passed an ordinance that regulates the advertising of cannabis products.

“Regulating commercial advertising of Cannabis, Cannabis Products, and Cannabis Activity is a reasonable and necessary means to protect and promote the general welfare of the children and minors of the City of Los Angeles,” wrote the Deputy City Attorney Kenneth T. Fong in the ordinance City Council passed. “Children and minors deserve special concern because they lack the ability to assess and fully analyze the information presented through advertising.”

Under these rules, all forms of cannabis advertising are prohibited in any publicly visible location within 700 feet of any school, public park, public library, alcoholism or drug abuse recovery or treatment facility, day care center and permanent supportive housing.

“Signs which can be seen from the outdoors are a unique and distinguishable medium of advertising, which subject the general public to involuntary and unavoidable forms of solicitation,” City Council wrote in the passed motion.

The only exception is inside the premises of a building where the occupying business is licensed to engage in cannabis activity or on commercial vehicles used exclusively for transporting or delivering cannabis.

“I do not believe the intent of the voters’ overwhelming support of Prop 64 and Measure M, was to dramatically expand the market of Cannabis users or to allow Cannabis companies to freely advertise across the

WWW.YOVENICE.COM

Los Angeles is regulating the advertising of cannabis products and storefront signs to protect children from the drug.

City,” wrote City Councilmember David E. Ryu. In addition to regulating off-site cannabis advertising, the ordinance passed by City Council also adds rules to storefront cannabis signs. Under these regulations, a business engaged in cannabis activity can only have one on-site sign per street frontage. Furthermore, portable signs, sandwich signs, digital signs, spinner signs, pole signs, marquee signs, roof signs, moving signs and supergraphic signs are prohibited.

“The purpose of the ordinance is to help keep advertising of cannabis and cannabis products away from children, who are more impressionable than adults, who are more likely to develop an addiction to cannabis, and whose developing brains will sustain greater permanent damage from the drug,” wrote David Michaelson, the Chief Assistant City Attorney in a report to City Council.

The California legislature is also considering a measure that would add additional restrictions to cannabis advertising in the state.

If passed, it would prevent advertising within 1,000 feet of schools, playgrounds, daycares and youth centers while forbidding advertising of cannabis and cannabis-related products “in a manner intended to encourage persons under 21” to use the drug.

JUNE 22 – JULY 5, 2018

JUNE 22 – JULY 5, 2018

WWW.YOVENICE.COM

3

Guns, Books and Poets

By Michael R ay

Beyond Baroque hosted authors and activists, for a reading of Beacon Press’ “Bullets into Bells: Poets & Citizens Respond to Gun Violence.” The June 16 event was held inside Beyond Baroque’s theater and included readings from contributors and a detailed discussion about the book’s history. The anthology includes poems from Patricia Smith, Natasha Threthewey and Yusef Komunyakaa as well as responses from survivors of school shootings.

Co-Editor Dean Rader stated “Beacon only wanted to publish 50 poems, we had in mind more poems, but they wanted to limit the number of poems to 50. We decided that we did not want to take submissions, we wanted this to be a curated book; originally, we had hoped to get all of the poet laureates, who are alive, to give us a poem, but not everyone has a poem on the topic.” Clement served as emcee during the event, introducing the poets and narrative response readers.

He also spoke about his fellow editors, Alexandra Teague and Brian Clements, addressing the challenges they faced in producing the book; including requesting permission from numerous publishing houses to reprint selected poems. “Given anything that could’ve gone wrong, and given the controversial nature of the book we were afraid, a little bit, of some blowback,”-

Mirror Media Group

Get Lit’s Olympia Miccio reads her poem from Bullets into Bells.

Clement said. “So far, we haven’t had any negative responses.”

In addition to reading, two organizations were also present: “Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America” and “Women Against Gun Violence” (WAGV). Margot Bennet, Executive Director of WAGV was at the event promoting a campaign in opposition of Barnes and Noble’s sale

Photos: Michael Ray.

and placement of gun magazines in local bookstores. Her mail in petition featured a photo of magazines that can be bought from Barnes and Noble. She stated that some of the magazines feature accessories that are banned in California, such as bump stocks.

“I’m pleased to be associated with today’s event, we count on all part of our society, everyone has to come together.”

Poet Michelle Biting reads from Bullets into Bells

Readers present during the event included American poet Carol Muske-Dukes, Michelle Bitting, a California Poet-in-theSchools and Get Lit's Olympia Miccio; they shared poems from the anthology and their thoughts on gun violence.

For more information, visit: www.beyondbaroque.org.

Yo! Venice Staff MANAGING EDITOR Sam Catanzaro | sam@yovenice.com EXECUTIVE EDITOR Jennifer Eden | jennifer@smmirror.com 310.310.2637 ext. 103 ART DIRECTOR Amy Patton CONTRIBUTORS Michael Ray Guy Camilleri Morgan Genser

SALES 310.310.2637 ext. 102 BUSINESS MANAGER Max Montemer 310.310.2637 ext. 104 DISTRIBUTION Jaime Amaro | Fax: 323.780.4880 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 Yo! Venice | Brentwood News Century City-Westwood News | The Pride

4

HOUSING, from page 1

posed project and voice their opinions. Almost 500 people attended the event that lasted over two hours.

“There were strong and vocal opinions on both sides, but the clear sentiment I am hearing is that #VeniceSaysYes to alternatives to encampments, and is eager to help shape and design a project that works for both housed and unhoused Venetians,” Bonin wrote in a post published on Facebook following the event.

Yo! Venice was unable to attend the event but according to an attendee named Stephanie, who requested to be referred to by only their first name, Bonin’s assessment that Venice clearly supports the project is inaccurate.

“I do not agree with that,” Stephanie said.

“I am angry that Mike Bonin is spending more time and money to publicize that ‘Venice says yes’ instead of actually communicating with the residents of Venice about this project so we can make an informed decision.

David Graham-Caso, Deputy Chief of Staff for Councilmember Bonin told Yo! Venice, however, that according to a recent phone survey, Venice residents do seem to support the proposed housing project.

“The Councilmember’s political committee

The MTA lot where this project is proposed, indicated by the blue lines.

recently called more than 10,000 Venice residents to make sure they had heard about the program and to invite them to the open house.

Of the nearly 1,200 people the callers spoke with, more the 65 percent of respondents said they supported bridge housing at the former MTA lot,” Graham-Caso said. “The results of the survey reflected a demand to start the A Bridge Home program in Venice, the com-

WWW.YOVENICE.COM

Photo: Google.

munity of Council District 11 with the largest homeless population. The most common suggestion from people who recommended we focus on Venice and offered a nearby location was the bus yard.”

According to Bonin’s office, the the specific timeline will be determined by factors such as design, but the facility is expected to open in either late 2018 or early 2019.

JUNE 22 – JULY 5, 2018

FILM REVIEW: Ocean’s 8

The stellar cast of “Ocean’s 8” maketh the movie.

Rated PG-13 110 Minutes Released June 8

Photo: “Ocean’s 8”

Hemp CBD Superstore

• CBD Oils • Tinctures • Topicals • Capsules • Concentrates • CBD Pet Care • Vape Pens • Edibles • CBD Flower • CBD Drinks

Bechdel Test at its Best BEHIND THE SCREEN

By Kathryn Whitney Boole Can a movie draw you in with almost no violence, no explosions and no sex scenes? “Ocean’s 8” will do just that – and you will also have fun with the neatly hidden clues and references to culture, history and classic movie lore. Notice as the camera pans a Met museum display of lavish Russian Imperial era jewels, “Lara’s Theme” from David Lean’s Dr. Zhivago plays in the background. Anyone who has studied film history or seen old movies will recognize this haunting melody that hints of long-ago Russia. Sandra Bullock as Debbie Ocean sips a martini that she has carried with her in its shaker to visit her brother Danny’s grave, obviously “shaken, not stirred.”

The “Ocean’s 8” screenplay by Olivia Milch and director Gary Ross is smart, great storytelling and full of fun. Ross has written and directed such films as “Big” and “The Hunger Games”. Milch is the daughter of David Milch (“Deadwood,” “NYPD Blue”). The movie is fast-paced, though not quite as rapid-clip as “Ocean’s 11”. Superb acting makes this movie work. Casting Director Debra Zane did a brilliant job. Even with a large cast from wide cultural backgrounds, you will feel that you know each character. Sandra Bullock, Cate Blanchett, Mindy Kaling, Sarah Paulson, Awkwafina, Rihanna and Helena Bonham Carter display quirks that we see in ourselves and in our friends, and each has the skill to paint a fascinating

personality in a minimum of screen time.

Anne Hathaway channels Mae West and other divas of early “talkies,” playing the elegant “star on a pedestal” who turns out in real life to have a truck driver personality and a vocabulary to match. James Corden is hilarious as a “Columbo” type insurance detective who may not be as dedicated to his corporate culture as he seems.

Michael Gandolfini, son of the late James Gandolfini, plays an innocent weed-smoking busboy for the event. Watch the guests at the Met Gala carefully and you can pick out some social media and movie stars doing fleeting cameos. The musical track by composer Daniel Pemberton is beautifully eclectic, covering many varied cultural styles across the world.

“Ocean’s 8” mocks anyone on today’s grand social stage who takes themselves too seriously. In the end, you are left with an upbeat feeling about the enterprising spirit of humanity, and we do need that so much right now. Humor heals. This band of women prevails, as is the way of women, not by violence and intimidation but with intricate deceit and veiled manipulation. What happens to the stolen necklace in the end is cinematic storytelling at its best, in addition to perhaps being an allegory on the imbalance of wealth and power in our country and throughout the world today.

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.

Come visit us to get a personalized consultation on how CBD can help you today

424.238.5046

Open 7 days a week 10am - 8pm @venicecircle

venicecircle.com

1701 Ocean Front Walk Venice, CA

JUNE 22 – JULY 5, 2018

WWW.YOVENICE.COM

5

Rainbow Dedication to Bill Rosendahl First openly gay man elected to L.A. City Council honored in Venice.

By Sam Catanzaro and Henry Giardina On Friday, June 15, Venice’s rainbow-colored lifeguard tower was officially dedicated to Bill Rosendahl, the first openly gay man elected to the Los Angeles City Council. The ceremony featured the unveiling of a bronze plaque dedicating the tower in the loving memory of Rosendahl.

"This tower has become a symbol for inclusion, individuality and diversity. A symbol that is saving and transforming lives not just here on this beach but all across the world," said Grant Turck, President and Founder of Venice Pride. "It has the power to inspire righteousness in all those who experience its simplistic yet dramatic appearance."

Painted in late May 2017, the Venice Pride Flag Lifeguard Tower was unveiled on June 1 of the same year as a temporary public art project to re-

main installed until September 4, 2017.

Due in part to its overwhelming popularity the L.A County Board of Supervisors unanimously voted to let the tower keep its stripes on September 5, 2017.

"Our county leaders debated and unanimously agreed a modern symbol used to promote inclusion, impartiality and love should be protected.

Since its unveiling a little more than a year ago the eyes of the world have been on the Venice Pride Flag Lifeguard Tower," Turck said. "Symbols are powerful and we wouldn’t have this symbol for good in the world if it weren’t for the impeccable L.A. County Supervisor Sheila Kuehl."

The rainbow-colored towered can be seen by visiting it where Brooks Avenue meets the beach.

For more information about Venice Pride, visit https://venicepride.org/.

Photos: David Franco

FINDING A NEW DENTIST IS TOUGH!!!

(BUT WE MAKE IT EASY!!!)

YOUR CHOICE

TRY OUR NO OBLIGATION

$1 EXAM INCLUDES FULL XRAYS

TRY OUR NO OBLIGATION

OR

$59 EXAM AND CLEANING For New Patients INCLUDES FULL XRAYS

If you dont like what we have to say, we will give you a copy of your x-rays no charge

DENTAL CARE WITHOUT JUDGEMENT! WE OFFER UNIQUE SERVICES • Nitrous Oxide provided as a courtesy •No interest payment plans • Emergencies can be seen today • Our dentists and staff members are easy to talk to AND OF COURSE WE DO

- Invisalign - Periodontist on Staff - Oral Surgeon on Staff - Cosmetics and Implants - Zoom Bleaching - and more!

SANTA MONICA FAMILY DENTISTRY DR. ALAN RUBENSTEIN 1260 15th St. SUITE #703 (310) 736 – 2590

WWW.ALANRUBENSTEINDDS.COM

6

Lifeguards, local activists and lawmakers came together on June 15 to dedicate the Venice Pride Flag Lifeguard Tower to Bill Rosendahl.

Won’t You Be My Neighbor?

The Mister Rogers Documentary

By W hitney S cott Bain Director Morgan Neville has created a tour-de-force documentary about Mr. Fred Rogers, the iconic figure loved by children and adults for over 30 years.

The urban legend that Fred Rogers was a sniper in Vietnam and had to wear long sleeves and a sweater to cover up his tattoos is further from the truth from what a wonderful man he was teaching generations about life’s lessons and without question, one of the greatest human beings on Earth.

Mr. Rogers started as a Presbyterian minister who created Mister Rogers Neighborhood airing on PBS affiliates in 1968 though never preached religion. Interviews with his widow, Joanne Rogers and many of his co-workers provide a touching insight to a man who taught us val-

WWW.YOVENICE.COM

ues through simple messages.

Hands on throughout the series, Mr. Rogers wrote and performed over 200 songs arranged by Johnny Costa accompanied with his jazzy inspired tunes.

Appearances on the show that the world famous trolley brought us featured Officer Ms. Feeley, Bob Dog, Daniel Tiger, Henrietta Pussycat along with many more characters that dispensed wisdom in the Neighborhood of Make Believe.

It’s a heartwarming documentary where we discover Mr. Rogers along with his humble beginnings building a dream creating a children’s show that changed television history forever.

Well-written and edited including archival footage it is an emotional journey about a man who made a difference in our lives and influenced everyone with his legacy.

Plans for a feature film on Mr. Rogers are in the works with Tom Hanks in the lead role who the perfect choice to portray him.

A must see.

Photo: Courtesy.

JUNE 22 – JULY 5, 2018

Heather Delacroix: Actress for Life

By Guy Camilleri

RAW acting studio, (my acting studio in Venice Beach), is not for the faint-hearted. It is however for the full-hearted with a need to be heard, or the half-hearted seeking a full heart or those who want to feel again what once felt like a full-heart.

It’s also for the heavier-hearted in need of finding a way to increase joy in their life to re-experience the lightness of being.

When Heather Delacroix walked into my studio last year, I discovered two things: she needs to be an actress and she loves to surf and skateboard.

I was immediately on board to assist her to re-experience what once felt like a full-heart before her dream came to an abrupt halt as a teenager.

Guy: Why do you need to be an actor?

Heather: As far back as I can remember, I’ve always had the need to express myself. My first memory, my first conscious thought of being an actress was at the age of nine. In hindsight, I wasn't able to articulate what I was feeling; I just knew it was what I wanted.

My mom (thanks Mom!), enrolled me in professional actor training from 13-19. At age 13, I played 40-year-old Linda from 'Death of a Salesman,' brought tears to the audience and felt for the first time, what now I can define as rapturous joy.

I attended the prestigious HB Studio in NY with Uta Hagen, ACT in San Francisco, AADA in Los Angeles and UCLA Theatre Arts. Life was perfect.

Guy: Where did you go from there?

Heather: Nowhere. I suddenly learned that life has its own trajectory when my dear and only sibling was murdered. My sister was everything to me and life didn't seem worth living if she wasn't in the world. That summer, I was depressed, anorexic, suicidal and along with burying my sister, I buried acting for decades.

Guy: Whoa, I’m so sorry. I can only imagine what that was like for you. It would be weird not to tell you that I appreciate you for sharing this part of your story with me. So often, I experience people telling stories about their story, when what’s needed is what you just did, the authentic sharing of YOUR STORY, not a story about the story.

Heather: Thank you Guy. You hold a space that makes it safe to do that, whether it’s in the studio or right here on Abbot Kinney.

Guy: And speaking of sitting here, who are you

in the world as of today?

Heather: I’ve been giving that a lot of thought since coming to your studio last year. I’m an actor, a professional psychologist researcher for video games and a truth seeker.

Guy: Would you expound on the psychologist researcher a bit?

Heather: I analyze the motivations and the subtext in creating optimal player experiences for video games. I also teach students at USC on how to observe and analyze behavior to develop better games using new skills.

Guy: Speaking of characters, let’s talk a bit about Venice?

Heather: Well, the people living here tend to be on a level that is more true to who they are, without fear of reprisal from family, societal or political norms. I’ve always felt like I live a bit outside of typical society and I feel embraced by Venice and the people who reside here. I like authentic conversations in place of small talk, not that small talk is a bad thing, I just prefer to know someone on an intimate level, and I get more of that in Venice than other parts of Los Angeles.

I also love that after going surfing or skateboarding (or both), I can sit and people watch.

One of my favorite ‘people watching’ places is GTA (Gjelina Take Away) on Abbot Kinney.

Guy: Anything that you dislike about Venice?

Heather: That some of my old jaunts like Joe’s, Abbot’s Habit and Lily’s have been replaced with corporate flagship stores like Adidas. Not to sound like an old timer, but I do yearn for those ‘mom and pop’ owned stores and cafés.

And yet, the funky, crazy weird essence of Venice is still here, and that’s the part I love and embrace. In spite of these changes, I’m always meeting new people, places and pockets of authentic communities that satisfy me on a deeper level.

And it was really magical that when I decided to become an actor again, I found your class at the Electric Lodge and immediately felt I had found my home. And on top of that, I learned that you also surf and skateboard! In that sense, Venice is the gift that keeps giving.

Guy: What would you say to the person reading this and has been thinking about pursuing acting, but feels like it might be too late?

Heather: That it’s never too late to do what you love, or to explore what you are curious about.

Why be living in mundaneness when you can experience more joy in your life.

Heather Delacroix skateboarding at Venice Skate Park.

Guy: What role does surfing and skateboarding play in your life?

Heather: There is a sense of flow when I surf or skateboard. Time seems to slow down. The movement itself is a dance unlike anything else.

It’s also my church, and it’s where I go on Sunday (or any day), to be in communion with nature and like-minded humans. It’s also fulfilling on a spiritual level, and the coolest thing about this church

Photo: Rachel Resnick.

is that there are no ceilings, walls or doors.

Guy Camilleri is a Venice-based actor, acting-life coach and poet. His classes are packed with actors, writers, directors and creative people from all walks of life on Monday and Wednesday evenings at the Electric Lodge, in Venice. To audit, enroll in a class or book a coaching session, visit www.guycamilleri.com. Follow Guy on Instagram and Facebook.

ARTIST FEATURE

By Rachel Monique Maskell

Conviction and grace Navigating her way through The rubbish and lies

Rachel Monique Maskell is a Venice-based artist and poet. She creates collage pieces inspired by local street art. Follow her on Instagram @RachelMoniqueMaskell.

JUNE 22 – JULY 5, 2018

WWW.YOVENICE.COM

7

It’s a New Day at the WLA VA Village for Vets – Looking Ahead

By Marcie Polier Swartz

This month Village for Vets spotlights next year and the programs we hope to bring to fruition.

Dogs! Did you know that dogs can be trained to sense and interrupt deleterious PTSD episodes?

If you want to see healing in action, go here: http://www.healveterans.com/ and have a visit with Vicki Topaz who is documenting the healing effects of the Operation Freedom Paws’ program we are hoping to bring to VAGLAHS. The link to this program’s landing page is here https://operationfreedompaws.org. Watch the short video of the effect this program has on Veterans facing hopelessness after returning home from service. $15,000 matches a dog and a Veteran. Contact us at info@villageforvets.org.

Our Fundraiser: This coming December we will hold our first fundraiser. Our plan is to bring a new style to the VA and we need you to do it.

Volunteer for our committee and help us mount this amazing event for Vets and the Community alike.

You can volunteer here: https://villageforvets.org/contact.html Hospital Visits: A core group of us have been making the hospital and nursing home

Veteran's participate in the first Operation: Buzz and learn beekeeping.

rounds at the VA once a month. This program will be expanded with an instruction tutorial and docent led visits.

Take the hand of a Vet recuperating in the hospital. Most have no family or visitors. The smiles are unforgettable. You can volunteer here:

MAY SALES

$1,445,000 $1,477,000 $1,495,000 $1,525,000 $1,635,000 $1,655,000 $1,705,000 $1,800,000 $2,300,000 $2,395,000 $2,438,000 $2,500,000 $2,520,000 $2,925,000 $2,980,000 $3,110,000 $3,375,000 $3,465,000 $5,400,000

https://villageforvets.org/contact.html Operation Buzz: Keith Roberts from Valley hive is launching a Beekeeping Training Program which is free to Veterans. The initial introductory event, held on Sunday, May 27th, was eye opening as Vets donned Bee Suits,

Feeling Swell

VENICE SINGLE FAMILY HOMES 123 Breeze Ave. 1137 Indiana Ave. 1008 Vernon Ave. 1037 Palms Blvd.

2330 Cloy Ave. 111 Clubhouse Ave. 522 Altair Pl. 1620 Crescent Pl. 538 Westminster Ave. 2425 Frey Ave. 18 Horizon Ave. 745 Marco Pl. 1337 6th Ave. 221 5th Ave. 702 California Ave. 213 Rennie Ave. 2012 Walnut Ave. 1056 Palms Blvd.

1365 Preston Way

Photos: Courtesy.

learned a lot about honey, looked closely into the wax honeycomb to examine the queen laying live eggs and older bees tending the flock.

Buzzworthy. Donate to support here: https:// villageforvets.org/donate.html Food Pantry: our large VA can use a permanent food pantry where Vets in need can go to stock up. We are working together with a local donor and the VA Central Office to see if we can open one. This might be a beacon to attract more Homeless Vets to trust and welcome VA services into their lives.

Income Stipends: We are expanding our Income Stipend Program from one to three. That means raising $30,000 by December 31. Join us to prop up Veterans who have a hard time working in conventional settings with Income Stipends. We need more words in the English language for citizens who uplift the community but are unable to work…want to suggest vocabulary? Email us at info@villageforvets.org. Just put “new words” in the subject line.

Next month’s issue will be our last article in the series we’ve been authoring to keep our communities eyes and hearts focused on the amazing changes going on at our VAGLAHS Take pride in helping the VA. We look forward to your support.

By Sam Catanzaro

2018 vs. 2017 19 UP 18.75% $2 395,000 7,28% $2,428,684

Surfers in Venice and the rest of Southern California had a pretty slow winter in terms of waves. Last week, however, just as ocean began warming up, one of the first solid summer swells of the year made its way into Santa Monica Bay, sending fun waves to surfers.

A combination of a long-period tropical south swell combined with a moderate-period northwest swell created waves between four and sev-

en feet on June 11 and 12 in Venice.

With the water reaching 64 degrees and the air temp reaching 80 degrees, many surfers found the ocean warm enough to break out their boardshorts after a long winter confined to a wetsuit.

With the swell still lingering on Wednesday, everybody caught their ample share of waves during the run of surf. With the surf forecast for Venice looking pretty small over the next week surfers will certainly be savoring the waves they caught during the run of surf.

DOWN 0.61%

The waves were a welcome sight for local surfers who experienced a slow winter.

8

WWW.YOVENICE.COM

Photo: Morgan Genser.

JUNE 22 – JULY 5, 2018

JUNE 22 – JULY 5, 2018

WWW.YOVENICE.COM

9

REVIEW

“Long Day’s Journey into Night” at The Wallis ginning with his mother as the fictional Mary Tyrone, brilliantly brought to life by Lesley Manville, whose multi-layered, captivating, brilliant performance will leave you breathWith Beverly Cohn, Editor-At-Large less. Like the playwright’s mother, Mary is a Eugene O’Neill is one of America’s great- morphine addict. Her husband, James Tyrone, est playwrights whose plays were among the is portrayed by Jeremy Irons who also delivers first to introduce drama techniques of realism a stunning, mesmerizing performance as a man associated with Russian playwright Anton with his own set of demons. Rounding out the Chekhov. Four of his plays received the Pulit- family is Edmund, thought to be O’Neill’s alter zer Prize for Drama: “Beyond the Horizon,” ego. Wonderfully played by Matthew Beard, “Anna Christie,” “Strange Interlude,” and like the playwright, Edmund has consumption “Long Day’s Journey into Night.” His total and is quite ill. The final member of the family body of work amounts to over 50 full length is James Tyrone Jr., played by Rory Keenan, and one-act plays including, “Anna Christie,” who captures the essence of his suffering char“The Hairy Ape,” “Desire Under the Elms,” acter. All of these people have deep-seeded re“Ah Wilderness!,” “A Moon for the Misbegot- sentments and with the skillful surgical un-layten,” and “The Iceman Cometh,” a Broadway ering of the psyche of this family, we become evergreen. O’Neill also received The Nobel privy to their hidden thoughts and resentments.

Prize in Literature in 1936, “For the power, The dysfunction of each member of the family honesty and deep-felt emotions of his dramatic could be summarized in a paragraph or two, but works, which embody an original concept of O’Neill’s writing is so magnificent, so compeltragedy.” ling, so poetic, that it takes three hours and 25 His deeply autobiographical “Long Day’s minutes for us to clearly see what lies beneath Journey into Night,” written in the early 1940s, the surface of these people.

Innovative Lending Professionals did not hit Broadway until 1956, three years Briefly, the action takes place in 1912 at the after his death. The play is the painful, but Tailored the- Connecticut summer homeProducts of the Tyrones, and Financial atrically astounding retelling of O’Neill’s dys- begins shortly after breakfast. James is soliciCompetitive Rates functional childhood. tous of his wife who is a bit jittery and when The characters are drawn from his family be- he looks at her, she wonders if there’s some-

CENTER S TA G E

MORTGAGE PROFESSIONALS NK OUTSIDE OF THE BOX

OUR MORTGAGE PROFESSIONALS THINK OUTSIDE OF THE BOX Innovative Lending Professionals Innovative Lending Professionals Tailored Financial Products Tailored Financial Products Competitive Rates Competitive Rates Competitive Rates

CLEAR LEVEL FUNDING, INC. ts as Individual as You Are!

HAPPY PRIDE FROM CLEAR LEVEL FUNDING, INC. Mortgage Products as Individual as You Are!

LOOKING TO FINANCE THE HOUSE YOU LOVE?

Can't Find a Lender?

Contact Clear Level Funding We can Finance that Dream!

CALL TODAY 844.466.1400

CALL TODAY 844.466.1400

clearlevelfunding.com clearlevelfunding.com ID#1479880 NMLS NMLS ID#1479880

10

(L-R) Lesley Manville (Mary Tyrone), Jessica Regan (Cathleen).

thing wrong with her hair, which she touches to make sure it’s in place. We find out that she has just returned home from a stay in a sanatorium where she detoxed from her morphine addiction. One by one the sons enter – a frail Edmund who escapes the family drama by immersing himself in books, and Jamie, who, like his father, is an actor. James is very harsh with him and doesn’t sugar coat his disappointment in his drinking and failed acting career. Dad was a pretty successful actor who toured the country with his young wife, but gave it up to make money in real estate. He is also extremely cheap except when it comes to having drinks at the local pub with his friends. He is constantly turning off lights to save money and perhaps his obsession with saving a penny relates to his growing up in poverty or symbolically not wanting to shine a light on the acute dysfunction of his family. Mary harbors deep resentments as she gave up her dream of becoming a concert pianist and insists that she never had a real home, instead spending their early years in cheap hotel rooms. Every once in while she slips out with what is really bothering her, but quickly sugar coats her comment and changes the subject. It’s a verbal fencing match – thrust, parry, retreat. While Mary denies the reality of her addiction, the truth occasionally leaks out.

On one hand, the doctors instructed her to use her willpower, while on the other hand, she insists that she needs the drug for her arthritis.

The family watches her every move, which makes her very self-conscious. They have an unwritten agreement that she is not to be left alone. When she ruminates about the past, James admonishes her, “Forget the past. The past is the presence and the future.”

The bloodletting abates a bit at the top of Act II in a scene between Mary and the maid Cathleen, well played by Jessica Regan, who possesses wonderful comedic timing and the art of the double take. Mary does not like to be alone and plies Cathleen with alcohol to keep her from going back to the kitchen. As we journey through the rest of the play, one by one each of the characters goes for the jugular, either through a soliloquy or a monologue

WWW.YOVENICE.COM

Photos: Lawrence K. Ho.

revealing deeply held resentments and secrets.

Mom tells a beautiful story of how she met James and how they fell in love. She is steeped in the past and one might venture a guess that her addiction is an attempt to bury her real feelings, which under O’Neill’s mighty pen, the secrets are secrets no more. Mary wants to reconstruct her life and make it fit her fantasy of how it should have been. Again, Manville’s performance is something to behold.

With regard to the brothers, it turns out that Jamie, who always tried to protect Edmund, has a shocking confessional speech, which contradicts his caring nature towards his brother. As far as Edmund, he is going to a sanatorium to recover from consumption. Despite his hacking cough and constantly spitting into his handkerchief, his mother denies his condition: “It’s just a nasty summer cold”.

There is a wonderful line in the play that says, “You’ll have to make allowances for this family or you’ll go crazy.” The truth is just savor O’Neill’s exquisitely crafted play, performed by a stellar cast, under the powerful direction of Richard Eyre, who moves the action along at a brisk pace, guiding the actors in delivering dazzling, totally actualized characterizations.

“Long Day’s Journey Into Night” Director: Richard Eyre Set and Costume: Design Rob Howell Lighting Design: Peter Mumford Sound Design: John Leonard Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts Bram Goldsmith Theater 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA, 90210 Performance Schedule: Tues – Fri: 7:30 p.m.

Sat: 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Sunday: 2 p.m.

Closing: July 1, 2018 Single tickets: $35 – $125 (prices subject to change) Online – thewallis.org/longdays

By Phone – 310.746.4000 Theatre Box Office

JUNE 22 – JULY 5, 2018

11 PROVING THEM WRONG

BY DAVID J. KAHN / EDITED BY WILL SHORTZ

ACROSS 1 Overawe 4 Things falling out of Vogue?

11 Words to a Spanish sweetheart 16 Mover but not a shaker (one hopes) 19 Atlantic 10 Conf. school 20 Where techno music originated 21 Belly 23 Camel’s-hair color 24 Surplus 25 Where the Sun shines?

26 Doesn’t let it go 28 “Star Wars” name 29 Got into a mess?

30 Pie-eyed 31 Wee bit 32 Call it a day … or a career 33 Sunday delivery: Abbr.

34 Woolly ruminant 35 Very lowbrow 37 Fabulous fabulist 39 Achievement 40 Riverboat hazard 42 Linguists’ interests 46 Boat that landed on 94-Down 49 Final, countrywide competition 53 ____ tap 54 Go (for) 55 Salary negotiator 56 Alternated 58 Dress down 60 Winner of 11 Grand Slam tennis titles 61 Common seasoning for Italian sausage 62 Elected 63 Sports axiom refuted by this puzzle 69 “The Handmaid’s Tale” author 72 Not with it 73 Place in a 1969 western 77 Serious devotee

By Samuel Prince

NY TIMES CROSSWORD PUZZLE

1 2 3 4 5 78 Papal-conclave members 82 Ghostly 19 20 83 He said, “It’s not bragging if you can back it up” 23 24 84 Group with five members in 26 27 this puzzle, with “the” 85 Court plea 31 32 87 Sleep stage 35 36 88 Relief 89 Play the part of 40 90 Father of Phobos, the god of fear 49 50 92 Sound of the South 55 97 Liability of note?

100 Swagger 60 61 102 ____ Minella (Muppet monkey) 63 64 105 City ENE of Cleveland, O. 69 70 71 107 Lady’s title 108 Anticipate 77 109 Ball bearer 83 84 110 Fruit-soda brand 111 Temple of Isis site 87 88 112 Where General Mills is 90 91 headquartered 114 Bank trouble?

100 101 116 Dated 108 117 “Be there in a jiffy!”

118 Encountered 112 113 119 Not be straight 120 Cold War-era inits.

117 121 Eppie’s adoptive father, in a 120 121 George Eliot novel 122 Suffragist Elizabeth Cady ____ 10 Typical intro?

123 Not opposin’ 11 Heavy winds 12 Maternally related DOWN 13 Colleague of Freud 1 Is up to the task 2 Winston Churchill, notably 14 Encountered 3 One concerned with aging? 15 Relatives of bobolinks 4 Wedding pair 16 Only African-American to win an Oscar, Tony and 5 State since 1864: Abbr.

Emmy for acting 6 McQueen or King 17 Relevant, legally 7 Things that corrections correct 18 With 47-Down, driver’s question 8 Tour hiree 9 Aggressive types 22 “Say cheese!”

61 Sustained 62 Cartoon collectible 21 22 64 Mortar carrier 25 65 Hampton ____ 66 Words of confidence 28 29 30 67 Court plea, briefly 68 Opera set in 1800 Rome 33 34 69 Not even close?

37 38 39 70 Floor piece 71 German hunting dog 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 74 1904 Jack London novel 51 52 53 54 75 Your, to Yves 76 Caste member 56 57 58 59 78 State with five teams in the 62 84-Across: Abbr.

79 Double-platinum album for 65 66 67 68 Steely Dan 80 Mythological bird 72 73 74 75 76 81 Harriet Beecher Stowe novel 78 79 80 81 82 subtitled “A Tale of the Great Dismal Swamp” 85 86 82 Lining up against 84 Ways of doing things, for 89 short 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 86 Numerical prefix 88 Parlor pieces 102 103 104 105 106 107 91 Bankrupts 93 Points (to) 109 110 111 94 See 46-Across 114 115 116 95 Actress Ryder 96 Admits 118 119 98 Charlotte ____ (Caribbean 122 123 capital) 99 Proffer 100 Greek island where 27 County name in 48 Sharp Pythagoras and Epicurus 30 states were born 49 Pick up 32 House speaker after 101 Delivery that’s usually 50 Back Boehner expected 51 Unaccompanied 36 Sidesplitter 102 Prop for a lion tamer 52 Company name ender 103 Insurance giant 38 ____ platter after “&” 104 Some calls on a police 39 “Runaway” singer Shannon, 53 First U.S. city to host the hotline 1961 Olympics 106 Kind of chips you shouldn’t 57 “Baseball” documentarian 41 “I’m off” eat Burns 43 “My dear man” 111 Before being outed, for 58 Half a step?

44 Novelist Patchett short 59 What ballplayers look 45 Fastball, in baseball slang forward to after playing on 113 H.S. study 47 See 18-Down the road 115 Native Oklahoman

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

This Week’s Sudoku Puzzle

18

Last Week’s Answers A B B A

B O A T

M O T R I N

A S H O R E

E X T R A C H E E S E

A T T A C H E S

N B L I C R A N H A V E I V E C O N N D O F I E F E R R A Z E S T

M O P L E S R A Q U I U L A S I S L I D B A M E M I L N I S I U M S I T E C T L L Y I E T A E R

I N H E R I T S M O I T G I F T A B

T S T I A T A L I P R I A S A E T I C B R O A O R R Y D I E A O A R Y T R T O O G U S W I S T H S Y O O U R C R O O A B O O T A S K A N T E

M E I E S K K I D D T O W E V A H O E R

P L A S I E T T L O H O C I P L S U S E U B L E R E A S R S E S C U E C K I R A P E R T O S

H O W T O

O N A I R

B E R N I E O M O M A N O C C O E R Y S A I N N E A G G R O E R S A L A T I P E N E D G

O S L Y D S D R A C O

E E N Y

B A G E L S

S M O R E S

M O T E

A N O S

STAR GAZING

ARIES (March 21-April 19) Aries will spend today without major victories. At the finale of the work week, you will be occupied solely with something that has nothing to do with your career. In the evening you will rush to where a person who is especially dear to you is waiting.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) Taurus today will give up resisting changes in their personal living space. This is at a time when your beloved partner is determined to modify the interior, using the services of professional designers. Before giving a definitive “no” to such projects, think again.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21) Gemini today will lose in a conversation with their other half. Your partner will refuse to admit that they were fundamentally wrong when talking to one of your parents. If you do not want your parents to continue to be treated so disrespectfully, state this clearly.

CANCER (June 22-July 22) Cancers should not hide your heart behind hundreds of locks. Determine who or what makes you so much afraid of a new love affair. The person who suggested that you start a new romance is worthy of respect, admiration, and the right to be with you.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) Leos today will be guided by vanity and selfishness. Because of them, you venture to make a deal with your own conscience.

In order to become famous, you will set up one of your friends or relatives. Success will come to you, but the price you paid for it will be prohibitive.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Virgo will not find it easy to understand the true intentions of his second half. They will hint that they want to spend the next weekend alone with you. However, as soon as you

JUNE 22 – JULY 5, 2018

offer a specific itinerary for this romantic trip, they will change their mind.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) Libra will not experience joy or anxiety today. Remembering that on Saturday you will have to work again, you will refuse to attend a traditional Friday party at the house of your best friend. This evening you will be alone with some video project.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21) Scorpios today will determine for themselves a new life plan for the near future. The number one item of this plan will be a very expensive purchase, which you will save for today.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) Today it will be typical for Sagittarians to give an elaborate answer to the most simple questions. Thus, you will not pursue any goals. Expressing your thoughts in vague phrases, you will be in a distracted mood when you wake up.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Capricorns will spend today separated from the bustle. You will perceive what is happening around you, like a movie or some strange TV show, run by creative directors.

You will be the winner by the end of this day.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) Aquarius will spend this day doing business with family. You want to devote all your free time to your household, remembering that in the last few days you did not give them hugs, love and care. You even prepare a pleasant surprise for your relatives.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20) Pisces today will acquire a very useful object, capable of making household affairs less tedious. However, not all your relatives will like this thing. Representatives of the older generation will begin to grumble unhappily.

WWW.YOVENICE.COM

11

SANTA MONICA COLLEGE

CELEBRATE AMERICA JUNE 30, 2018 LIVE MUSIC & FIREWORKS COME PICNIC ON THE FIELD EVENT SCHEDULE

SPONSORS

4 P.M.

Platinum Circle

Parking Lots Open

5 P.M.

Gates Open to Corsair Field and Stadium Bleachers

6 P.M.

Entertainment Starts on the Corsair Field Stage • Disco Shrine • Top Shelf Brass Band • LA Follies

Gold Circle

8:15 P.M.

Parking Lots Close

8:45 P.M.

Entry Gates Close

Silver Circle

9 P.M.

Bronze Circle

Fireworks by Pyro Spectaculars Entertainment

FOOD DRIVE

Sponsored by the Associated Students of SMC to assist students in need. Please bring non-perishable items. Multiple drop-off locations!

More Community Supporters

SMC WELCOME LOUNGE

Find out about all things SMC — including its awardwinning NPR member radio station KCRW (89.9 FM) and acclaimed performance venue The Broad Stage at the SMC Performing Arts Center.

PARKING $5 Enter at Pico Blvd. & 17th St.

|

PROHIBITED Animals, alcohol, and chairs with pointed legs.

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

12

WWW.YOVENICE.COM

Santa Monica College 1900 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90405 smc.edu

JUNE 22 – JULY 5, 2018