leave Rimpau

DIRECTOR’S HOME on Rimpau Boulevard decorated for Halloween in 2017.

Rimpau

(Continued from page 9) up. Face coverings must be worn. Timed tickets begin at $20 each. Visit dice.fm/bundle/ icons-of-darkness to purchase tickets.

Future for the collection

Correll no longer digs through trash bins on the back lot as he did in his youth to find new pieces to add to his collection. These days, he obtains most of them through auction. He also advises other collectors, giving them estimations on pieces they are bidding on. His collection, insured at $13.5 million, but which he estimates is worth about $17 million, now spends

most of the year in a storage facility in Columbus, Ohio. And each time the masks, set pieces, and other items are moved across country, there is the possibility of them getting damaged.

Recently, Correll and Fachman have begun working on using space at the Chinese Theatre to set up the collection

CORRELL CONSULTS with models of dinosaur heads from his exhibit. All photos from the personal collection of Rich Correll

permanently. Correll sees it as becoming a sort of Hollywood hall of fame for makeup artists and special effects models — a place for fans of horror, science fiction and fantasy films to “be kids again,” he said.

In the meantime, fans can get a taste of the complete collection at “Icons of Darkness” through the end of the year.

Visit themontalban.com/ icons-of-darkness.

LIFE-SIZED Bela Lugosi from “Dracula” (1931).

ORC MASK and costume from “Fellowship of the Ring” (2001).

skin deep

by Dr. Rebecca Fitzgerald

Maybe it’s the back to school memories from childhood but fall has always felt like a fresh start to me. With renewal and rejuvenation in mind we conceptualized Summer Skin Rehab. Choose from a range of three lasers starting with most gentle with no downtime to more effective with moderate downtime.

If you’re looking to prevent and address early signs of aging and you’d like to score better skin texture and elasticity, Clear + Brilliant will do just that and bring back your glow. The gentle laser uses fractional technology which erases recovery time. We’re offering a series of three Clear + Brilliant treatments for $1,200, a savings of $150.

Fraxel Dual laser treatments improve everything from age and sun spots, lines and wrinkles, even acne scars and precancerous lesions. Dual indicates two wavelengths to address all of the above, and to work in tandem to trigger new cell production and force damaged cells to turn over. You can expect a couple days of redness and swelling if we’re addressing texture, lines and scarring; a few more if we’re zeroing in on pigment. Choose one Fraxel Dual treatment of the face, neck, and chest for $1,750, and receive a savings of $650.

Patients are crediting Halo with helping them achieve the best skin they’ve experienced in years. Halo is the very first hybrid fractional laser to marry ablative and non-ablative wavelengths which means it’s highly efficacious and we can customize the treatment to your complexion. After 5-7 days recovery time, you’ll face the dramatic sloughing of brown spots and sun damage to reveal positively glowing and plumped skin; then reduced crow’s feet, fine lines around your mouth and other creases; and in time, tighter, firmer, more youthful skin. Select one Halo Laser face and neck session at $2,000, a savings of $500.

Contact our office to choose your Summer Skin Rehab package and receive 20% off skincare to maintain your exquisite results.

Dr. Rebecca Fitzgerald is a Board Certified Dermatologist located in Larchmont Village with a special focus on anti-aging technology. She is a member of the Bo tox Cosmetic National Education Faculty and is an international Training Physician for Dermik, the makers of the injectable Sculptra. She is also among a select group of physicians chosen to teach proper injec tion techniques for Radiesse, the volumizing filler, around the world. Dr. Fitzgerald is an assistant clinical professor at UCLA. Visit online at www.RebeccaFitzgeraldMD. com or call (323) 464-8046 to schedule an appointment. Adv.

VOTE FOR DAVID RYU

DAVID RYU LEADS “Bad apples on the City Council? David Ryu is not one of them! Ryu is progressive; he's reimagining public safety by focusing on mental health and civilian policing, not on defunding the police! Ryu is effective; he’s working to keep businesses afloat and roofs over people’s heads . . . NOW! While creating homeless housing with neighborhood input and buy-in.” Marilyn Wells, Hancock Park (and Stories From The Frontline)

DAVID RYU LISTENS “David Ryu has a great heart, is full of compassion and has a wealth of experience. He listens and responds to the unique issues in every neighborhood in the district. Citywide, David is creating a sustainable plan for our infrastructure repair, fighting climate change and preserving our urban tree canopy, establishing ethics reform and government transparency. Improving our quality of life.” Cindy Chvatal-Keane, Hancock Park (President HOA - for identification purposes only)

DAVID RYU RESPONDS “Since first elected, David Ryu has listened, cared, and acted for our District’s welfare. He has facilitated communication among stakeholders and city officials and provided timely responses to our neighborhood issues. David Ryu is a progressive voice in addressing homelessness, and he is a leader in opposing the corroding influence of developer money. On November 3, re-electing David Ryu is very important to protecting the interests of all who live in the 4th Council District.” Larry Guzin, Windsor Square (President HOA - for identification purposes only)

DAVID RYU IS A REFORMER “Why David Ryu? Simple. He has led the efforts to end City Hall’s pay-to-play corruption, at great personal political cost, through campaign finance reform, the establishment of an Office of Anti-Corruption and Transparency, and the elimination of the City Council’s ability to determine land use and density zoning.” Jack Humphreville, Windsor Square

DAVID RYU DELIVERS “David Did: Banned developer contributions. Created a resident-led discretionary funds task force. Provided excellent neighborhood services. Pushed for the creation of 600 units for our unhoused neighbors. Expanded open space, including in Griffith Park and Runyon Canyon. David Will Do: Create an office of violence prevention. Push for a FEMA-like response to our homeless crisis. Protect existing and generate additional affordable housing. THAT’S WHY I SUPPORT DAVID RYU!” Helen Eigenberg, Hancock Park (and founding member, Hang Out Do Good)

DAVID RYU CARES “The year 2020 has been one of the most challenging on record, but every step of the way David has been pro-active, has been hands-on, and has provided true leadership. With all of the measures he has initiated to help offset the impacts of COVID-19 at every level — supporting local businesses and people with their financial and personal hardships — David has exceeded any expectations I may have had. Councilmember David Ryu has the experience and integrity to keep CD4 moving in a positive direction!” Tammy Rosato, La Brea Hancock

DAVID RYU CONNECTS “David Ryu has actually been to our community many times and taken part in our annual events and neighborhood association meetings. Every year, he gives us his support to make sure our annual festival comes to fruition. During these gatherings, he and his office staff interact with and get to know the people who live in our area. Even during the COVID pandemic, his town hall meetings have kept him in touch with us, and responsive to our concerns. He is involved, and he cares. He is truly connected with our community” Lorna Hennington, Wilshire Park

WE NEED DAVID RYU “David Ryu has vision and energy and wisdom — and patience. He has set achievable goals and aspirational ones — for housing, transportation, accountability and quality of life. David Ryu is an excellent, meticulous, thoughtful, open and honest man who is an even better Council member now than when he took office, and he has earned my respect, my support, and my vote.” Caroline Labiner Moser, Windsor Square / Greater Wilshire

RE-ELECT DAVID CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT 4 RYU

As my September column went to press, the last stand in 2020 of the “Sons of SB 50” — the slate of housing bills that threatened to subvert local planning control, give a boon to developers and gentrifiers and end single-family zoning as we know it — was reaching its denouement.

On August 31, the last day that legislation could be voted on in the State Legislature, the most egregious of the bills, SB 1120, sponsored by Sen. Scott Wiener and Sen. President Pro Tem Toni Atkins, slithered through the Assembly and even made national headlines as Assemblywoman Buffy Wicks of Oakland came to the floor in the State Capitol holding her newborn to vote in support of SB 1120. But all turned out for naught because there was not enough time for the Senate to vote concurrence to send the bill to the governor’s desk. The clock struck 12, ending the legislative session, and with it yet another attempt by Scott Wiener to thwart the rights of homeowners throughout the state.

Of the 22 housing bills introduced during this past session, nine of which I covered in the July and August editions of this newspaper, four bills failed in committees: SB 902 (up-zoning single family zones without CEQA review); AB 3040 (rezoning singlefamily zones to satisfy Regional Housing Needs Assessment [RNHA] targets); local Assemblyman Richard Bloom’s AB 1279 (by-right development in high opportunity zones); and Bloom’s AB 3107 (supersized arbitrary development in commercial corridors.).

Three other of the nine bills did not reach concurrence, meaning that although they initially passed both the Assembly and the Senate, they were required to return to the Senate for a concurrence vote to amendments made in the other house, but time ran out. This was aided by delays in the Assembly in order to whip up more votes that initially were lacking due to enormous opposition by constituents.

These failed bills included: the dreaded SB 1120 (end-

On Preservation by Brian Curran

ing single-family zoning); SB 995 (further streamlining of the CEQA process); and SB 1085 (enhancing the density bonus law).

Two of the nine bills, however, will become law once signed by Gov. Newsom. AB 725 and AB 2345 passed both houses easily and will hopefully help ease the statewide housing crisis, but will now not threaten single-family zoning nor Historic Preservation Overlay Zones (HPOZs), or other historic resources.

Assemblywoman Buffy Wick’s amended AB 725 uses RHNA to ensure that cities create inventories of developable land with the intention of finding sufficient room for all levels of housing. This bill requires that at least 25 percent of the city’s regional housing need for moderateincome housing and 25 percent for above-moderate income housing be built on sites that allow at least four units of housing. Originally, the bill had specified sites that allow two units of housing, meaning single-family zones (now that second units, the so-called granny flats or accessory dwelling units, are allowed by right).

Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez’s popular AB 2345, based on a San Diego program and similar to Los Angeles’s successful Transit Oriented Communities program, awards density bonuses in exchange for affordable housing, and, “yes,” the City of Los Angeles’ more stringent requirements will apply. (“Thank you” and “Congratulations” to Assemblywoman Gonzalez!)

Horror movie sequence?

Like every bad horror movie hoping to have a never-ending franchise, Sacramento’s housing justice warriors are sending tingles up homeowners’ spines, spreading rumors of “special sessions” to address the housing legislation, which was clocked out. While chances of such a session materializing are slim, a new sequel of zombie housing bills returning from the dead in 2021 is surely in the works. One has only to ask Sen. Wiener who, before receding into the shadows following his latest defeat, declared, “WE’LL BE BACK…”

POLICE BEAT

OLYMPIC DIVISION Furnished by Senior Lead Officer Joseph Pelayo

213-793-0709 31762@lapd.lacity.org Twitter: @lapdolympic

WILSHIRE DIVISION Furnished by Senior Lead Officer Dave Cordova

213-793-0650 31646@lapd.lacity.org Twitter: @lapdwilshire

Stay alert! Multiple robberies in area this month

OLYMPIC DIVISION

ROBBERIES: A male victim was walking on the sidewalk near the corner of S. Bronson and Country Club Dr. when a vehicle suddenly stopped in the middle of the street and two suspects jumped out armed with handguns. The suspects hit the victim in the head twice before taking his backpack and wallet and fleeing in the vehicle on Sept. 16 at 11 p.m.

A postal worker was sorting mail at the back of his truck on the 600 block of N. Plymouth Blvd. when a suspect rushed the worker and pinned him against the mail truck while the suspect removed postal keys and the mail-truck’s keys before fleeing the location on Sept. 14 at 4 p.m.

BURGLARY: Electronics, luxury goods and silverware were stolen from inside a home on the 200 block of N. Norton Ave. after a suspect pried open a rear door to gain access on Aug. 31 at 4:30 p.m.

WILSHIRE DIVISION

ROBBERY: A 70-year-old woman was walking on Larchmont Boulevard when a suspect attacked the woman from behind on Aug. 31 at 10 a.m. The suspect first attempted to grab the victim’s necklace and purse, but failed, instead grabbing her wallet before fleeing the location. (Please turn to page 13)

I wanted to communicate a couple additional things that have raised concern in the community, largely due to the understandable fact that tensions are a little high given the national posture, newsworthy incidents, controversy surrounding the upcoming election, etc.

Within the last 24 hours [as of Sept. 24], I have fielded multiple inquiries regarding rumors which have traveled throughout various segments of our community. They have covered everything from beliefs in increasing crime in a given area, an officer-involved shooting here in Wilshire (never happened), multiple accounts of looting occurring right now, etc. Each one of them eventually made it to me through one of our valuable stakeholders who inquired as to the truth. Please know you can always reach out to me to validate or dispute these rumors and to get appropriate information and guidance. I would ask you please be confident in your sourcing before sending out any neighborhood alerts, posting on Next Door or any other app, in order to avoid undue stress to our community.

Some of you may have noticed the board-up posture

CAPT. SHANNON PAULSON

which has been taken by your local CVS Stores. We have been in touch with CVS management, and their current directive from corporate headquarters is to board up all their properties as a precautionary measure whenever a noteworthy/newsworthy incident is expected (such as a sensitive judicial/court announcement). This is a regionwide directive, extending throughout Los Angeles County. So, as we move through the next couple months, you will likely see this continue — rest assured when you do see this take place at a CVS store it is not necessarily in response to any specific intelligence or information which definitively affects our local community.

Finally, there was an occurrence late last night, starting just before midnight, which may have raised some concerns up in the area of Rossmore north of Beverly. LAPD officers from Hollywood Division ended up in a brief pursuit of a suspect in a stolen vehicle. He came south into Wilshire and stopped the vehicle in the area of Rossmore and Rosewood, then exited and attempted to flee on foot. The officers were able to establish a perimeter and ultimately a search was conducted utilizing our K9 units. The suspect was located and taken into custody without further incident. For those of you who were aware of heightened police activity and a police helicopter, that was the source of it.

Be safe, everyone.

Shannon K. Paulson is Commanding Officer of the Los Angeles Police Department Wilshire Division.

Police Beat

(Continued from page 13)

BURGLARIES: Computer equipment was stolen from inside an office building on the 600 N. block of Larchmont Blvd. after a suspect entered the location and ransacked the interior between Sept. 3 at 6

Election

(Continued from page 1) Early (R), James P. Bradley (R), David Kim (D) and Errol Webber (R), respectively.

Three incumbent members of the State Assembly, Richard Bloom (D), Miguel Santiago (D) and Sydney Kamlager (D), face challenges from Will Hess (D), Godfrey Santos Plata (D) and Tracy Bernard Jones (D), respectively.

There is one countywide race that is highly contested, the nonpartisan job of Los Angeles County District Attorney. Incumbent Jackie Lacey is facing a challenge from former San Francisco County District Attorney George Gascón. There is an article on that contest below.

Finally, the Nov. 3 ballot includes 12 statewide propositions and one Los Angeles County measure.

District Attorney 2020: Lacey vs. Gascón

By John Welborne who moved south to run for

What is being called the most the Los Angeles County job. important contest in the counThat there is national attentry outside of the presidency is tion on the race is evidenced the race to be top prosecutor by the Friends of Bernie in Los Angeles County. SparSanders website supporting ring for the seat are incumbent Gascón. (berniesanders.com/ District Attorney Jackie Lacey, get-involved/george-gascon) seeking a third term, and her In contrast, the organization challenger, former San Franrepresenting approximately cisco District Attorney (from 1,000 local deputy district at2011 to 2019) George Gascón, torneys, the Association of Deputy District Attorneys (ADDA), p.m. and Sept. 4 at 12:50 a.m. has endorsed incumbent Lacey.

Unknown items were stolen ADDA president Michele Hanifrom inside a unit at the Windsee writes: “Jackie Lacey . . . is sor Hancock Park apartment an experienced, career prosecubuilding located at the cortor with a record of reforming ner of Beverly and Rossmore the justice system while keepafter a suspect gained access ing crime at historically low by unknown means between rates. She has kept politics out Sept. 6 at 12:30 p.m. and Sept. of the D.A.’s office and respect8 at 8 a.m. (Please turn to page 22)

We support David Ryu Real experience. Real change.

Paid for by David Ryu for City Council 2020-General ID #1425762 777 S. Figueroa Street, Suite 4050 Los Angeles, CA 90017 Additional information is available at ethics.lacity.org.

CD4 candidate Nithya Raman seeks to unseat incumbent

By Billy Taylor able housing units that have away from the real powers that from a lot of our council mem

Political newcomer Nithya been approved by City Council our City already has to push for bers,” says Raman. “Putting a Raman took some by surprise over the past five years. “We affordable housing.” level of focus and attention to on March 3 when she won 41 looked at this issue last year and Raman says that political broader goals, and feeling that percent of the vote for the 4th found that 87 percent of new leaders need to think bigger. sense of urgency in the work, Council District seat. Her 31,502 housing permitted was market “If you look at people who are that is something that marks votes were just 2,796 fewer than rate or luxury housing and only experiencing homelessness, the me as a different kind of electreceived by incumbent David 13 percent was affordable. In our biggest group among them is ed representative than many of Ryu, who she will face in the district [CD4] the numbers were single adult males. We need to the ones I see in power.” runoff election on Tues., Nov. 3. even worse: 93 percent was marhave housing that serves the Asked her opinion of the

“The message at the core ket rate or luxury housing, only needs of single adult males. I nearly $150 million of funding of our campaign — the need seven percent was affordable.” think making it legal to build recently redirected from the Los for basic rights and protecRaman blames City Council: dormitory housing again, or Angeles Police Department’s tions for every resident of Los “Land use is one of the biggest SRO [Single Room Occupancy]- budget, Raman says it was an Angeles — is more vital and powers of the Council, and so I style housing again, is an appropriate response to the calls urgent now than ever before,” NITHYA RAMAN do think that decision, at least important intervention that the for that moment: “I think we read a statement from Raman in part, is a decision made by city can make.” According to can take some of the money that following the certification of Lake. “The kind of housing we our existing representatives. Raman, one of the reasons that is invested now in armed offiprimary election votes. should be producing is housI think it’s important that we HHH has “tanked so spectacucers and put that into un-armed

Backed by the Democratic ing that meets the needs of the don’t look away from the pretlarly” is because it was designed trained response, which might Socialists of America, Raman moment. Unfortunately, in Los ty extensive powers that we do in a way to build only expensive better address the root cause credited her campaign’s Angeles, I think we have been have at the City level to proprojects that include social serof the calls going to 911.” In a momentum to 700 volundoing exactly the opposite.” mote affordable housing.” vices attached. “Guess what? three-part plan to address the teers that knocked on 80,000 Raman, who holds a graduate When asked what she would A lot of people experiencing issue found on her campaign doors in order to reach votdegree in urban planning from do as Councilmember to homelessness don’t need that. website, Raman suggests estabers during the primary. SevMIT, most recently served as influence the California State They just need a place to go,” lishing a “Public Safety Departeral celebrity endorsements the executive director of Time’s Legislature to fund affordable says Raman. ment” that puts care and restor— including Jane Fonda, Tina Up Entertainment. In 2017 she housing initiatives, Raman “We could’ve funded shared ative justice rather than punishFey, Mindy Kaling and Natalie co-founded the SELAH Neighsuggests that funding is not units or built dormitory-style ment and violence at its core. Portman — didn’t hurt either. borhood Homeless Coalition, the only problem: “Even when units that would’ve been Raman says that change has

Last month, Raman joined which connects people experiwe have funding, we haven’t significantly cheaper. We to start somewhere: “We have the Chronicle staff via Zoom encing homelessness to housbuilt affordable housing in could’ve bought old motels to get new people in power to talk about the issues most ing while also providing an our district,” she responds. or container-style units and that share a vision for change important to her campaign. accessible entry point for resi“To me, it’s not just a question remodeled them — none of in Los Angeles, who share an

“I’ve been very clear from dents who want to get involved. of funding affordable housing, that was done,” she says. ambitious vision for what the the beginning of my campaign Frustrated by the status quo, it’s also that you have to have the What will she do different, city can do and how the city that we have an affordable Raman explained that one of will to make affordable housing if elected? “One of the things can support residents. housing crisis,” said Raman, the reasons that she decided to come into reality. That’s imporis that we need to bring focus “I’m excited to start that who moved to Los Angeles in run for political office was the tant to emphasize because I and urgency to these issues, process,” says Raman. 2014 and now resides in Silver “very bleak” numbers of affordthink focusing on funding takes which I haven’t seen reflected Visit nithyaforthecity.com.

Together, Let’s Save

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Having kept his promises, David Ryu seeks reelection

By Billy Taylor the legislation I have fought “For those people that say opportunity to help: “I started

Heralded as the “anti-corfor,” said Ryu on Dec. 4, 2019, I haven’t done enough about calling South Korea trying to ruption” candidate when he following passage of the longcorruption, are you kidding secure tests,” he says. Ryu was first won in 2015, David Ryu sought ordinance. me? Where were they five able to purchase 20,000 tests now is fighting to hold his Even as Ryu was celebratyears ago when I was standing below market price using his seat in Council District 4. ing his victory to ban political by myself?” asks Ryu. discretionary funds at a time For most of 2020, Ryu has contributions from developEndorsed (in this nonpartiwhen testing was unavailable been leading his constituents ers with business before the san election) by the Los Angein other areas. through one of the most chalcity, his political opponent les County Democratic Party, Ryu didn’t stop there. In lenging years in memory all was labeling him a City Hall Ryu also has the support of the last several months, he while debating with his oppoinsider. What’s that like? local leaders including Cinhas introduced legislation in nent, “who, between them, is “I think my opponent had dy Chvatal, president of the City Council to expand the the bigger reformer”? a perception of who City Hancock Park Homeowners rent freeze for rent-stabilized

“I plan to get reelected, Councilmembers are, and she Association, and Larry Guzunits, to implement a rentrather, I need to get reelected, thought I was one of them, in, president of the Windsor al assistance program, and because there’s still so much when the reality is that I’m Square Association, who both DAVID RYU to fund additional cleaning that needs to get done,” Ryu the one changing it all. So tell the Chronicle that Ryu of private senior homes and told Chronicle staff over Zoom when my opponent says that has kept each of his promises building more housing, it’s facilities. He also has supportlast month. I am now the insider, I think to the Larchmont community. not just about saying “no, no, ed measures for small busi

By many accounts, Ryu she means well and has a good On homelessness, Ryu says no” to Sacramento. “The state ness like the “LA Alfresco” hasn’t stopped working heart — and I would love to that several local projects are is going to continuously come program. for reform since he hit the work with her — but I don’t in the works: “In CD4, by next down with different types of “I would love to get to spend ground running in 2015 with think she even knew my backyear, we are probably going legislation to build more and more time campaigning, but a push to change City Counground,” says Ryu, who grew to have the most amount of take away our planning rights. not only do I have a day job, cil campaign finance rules. up in East Hollywood after housing in relation to the So what we really need to do but more importantly, I have Reform, however, was not as immigrating with his family number of homeless individuin Los Angeles is to have our a job during one of the biggest popular with his fellow City to Los Angeles at the age of als. We have about roughly own processes to build.” crises our city has ever faced,” Councilmembers then as it six. 1,000 homeless individuals, Campaigning for political says Ryu as he reflects on the appears to be now, and Ryu’s “People laughed at me for and we have about 300 beds office is rarely easy, but in upcoming runoff election. initial effort failed to get even trying to introduce the most now that are open and serv2020 Ryu has often had to put “It’s not just the pandemic,” one other council member to basic of legislation — that ing and another 300-plus beds politics behind more urgent he says. “Even before that, we second his motion. But he developers who have a projthat are going to open by next business for CD4: “What the had a crisis of homelessness continued fighting. Then, in ect before City Council cannot year,” explains Ryu, who notes coronavirus did was literally and housing, not to mention May 2019, after four years of donate to a Council race. I was that those 600 beds include expose the inequalities that corruption. advocacy, Ryu’s third attempt told ‘You will never get that multiple types of housing already existed in our city,” he “I didn’t come into this job to limit real estate developer passed.’ It went from never including bridge housing and explains. to placate people and be nice. donations was approved. being able to pass, to it didn’t permanent supportive housIn the early days of the I came to make waves and

“Since the day I entered go far enough. That’s where I ing, as well as safe parking. pandemic, while cities were change the system,” says Ryu. office, this is the legislation I was able to move the baromOn affordable housing, Ryu scrambling to source COV“But it’s a very weird time have believed in, and this is eter,” he points out. says that when it comes to ID-19 tests, Ryu jumped at the (Please turn to page 22)

We Can Re-Imagine LA County.

VOTE YES ON MEASURE J to address racial injustice by prioritizing health, housing, and jobs in our Black, Brown and low-income neighborhoods that have historically been neglected and underserved.

The pandemic has made the inequalities in our society even more clear than before. We need real, meaningful change that reflects our shared values and invests in our most marginalized and vulnerable communities with proven solutions.

measure j will increase countywide funding for alternatives to incarceration and direct community investment from 2.6% of the county budget to a minimum of 10% of the budget, and fund programs that include:

Increasing community-based counseling and mental health services Expanding job training and placement support, and Scaling up mentoring and youth development programs.

Measure J is proudly supported by over 120 community organizations including:

Vote on or before Tues., Nov. 3

On the Ballot

Council District 4 David Ryu davidryu.com Nithya Raman nithyaforthecity.com Council District 10 Mark Ridley-Thomas markridley-thomas.com Grace Yoo graceyooCD10.com

2nd Supervisorial District Holly Mitchell hollyjmitchell.com Herb Wesson wessonforsupervisor2020.com

U.S. Rep. 28th District Adam Schiff (D) adamschiff.com Eric Early (R) ericearly.com U.S. Rep. 33rd District Ted Lieu (D) tedlieu.com James P. Bradley (R) bradleycongress.com U.S. Rep. 34th District Jimmy Gomez (D) jimmygomezforcongress.com David Kim (D) davidkim2020.com U.S. Rep. 37th District Karen Bass (D) karenbass.com Errol Webber (R) webber2020.com

State Assembly District 50 Richard Bloom (D) richardbloom.com Will Hess (D) willhess.org State Assembly District 53 Miguel Santiago (D) santiagoforassembly.com Godfrey Santos Plata (D) godfreyforassembly.com State Assembly District 54 Sydney Kamlager (D) sydneykamlager.com Tracy Bernard Jones (D) tracybjones.com

District Attorney Jackie Lacey jackielacey.com George Gascón georgegascon.org

November election: Options for voting include QR codes, ballot boxes, mailing, going to polls

By Rachel Olivier

In an historic year such as 2020, the year of COVID-19, it’s only fitting that the options voters have for casting their ballots are not only varied, but also groundbreaking. From the standard waiting in line at the polls (now “Vote Centers”), to generating a QR code “poll pass” to drop off at a Vote Center, to mailing in a ballot, there are a number of choices for voters in Los Angeles this year. But it all begins with establishing that you are registered to vote.

The registrar’s offices remain closed due to the pandemic. However, you can check that you are registered, that you have an active status, and what is your political party preference by calling 800-815-2666 or going to lavote.net/vrstatus.

While on the lavote.net website, click on the box “Current Elections.” Here you will find a few other items to check out, such as finding your voting center and looking up your sample ballot booklet. You can even subscribe to receive electronically the e-sample ballot for future elections. Poll passes

New this election is the interactive sample ballot, which is set up so that you can make your choices ahead of time on the sample ballot (like when you mark up your paper sample ballot, but an online version). To find the correct ballot, visit isb.lavote.net and fill in your information (last name, birthdate, house number). Then fill in and print or download the poll pass. The poll pass generates a QR code that can be taken to any Vote Center, where it is scanned by a ballot marking device and then is transferred to an official ballot (your private information is not uploaded). At that time, the voter can review his or her choices and make any changes before officially casting the ballot. Mail-in ballots

Beginning this year, due to the pandemic, all registered voters will be mailed a Vote by Mail ballot. These ballots can be returned by U.S. Mail (no postage is necessary) or be dropped off at any Vote by Mail ballot drop box location or voting center in Los Angeles County. You can find the locations of the voting centers at lavote.net and ballot drop boxes are being installed outside of libraries and parks and recreation facilities city-wide. The drop-off locations and voting centers will be open from 29 days prior to the election up to, and including, the day of the election itself.

If mailing on Election Day, note that the ballots must be postmarked by Tues., Nov. 3, which means they need to be dropped off at the post office or into a mail box before the scheduled pick-up / cut-off time. First Class Mail generally takes two to five days to be delivered; however, the United States Postal Service recommends allowing one week for delivery of completed ballots.

Vote by Mail ballot envelopes must be signed to be counted. If a signature is missing or if the signature does not match the one on file, the County will notify the impacted voter to allow the voter an opportunity, within a limited amount of time, to provide a valid signature.

Voters who cannot return their ballots can designate any person to return the ballot as long as there is no compensation involved. Voting in person

Vote Center locations will be listed in the sample ballot book and can also be found online at lavote.net. These are similar to the former local polling places. Voters will have 10 consecutive days and Election Day to vote in-person at any participating Vote Center in Los Angeles County. Some Vote Centers will be available beginning Sat., Oct. 24. All Vote

Libraries, parks locations for 123 ballot boxes

Voters in Los Angeles County can cast their ballots with confidence. StreetsLA and the city Dept. of Public Works are installing 72 Vote by Mail drop boxes outside of city public library branches, including Fairfax at 161 S. Gardner St., John C. Fremont at 6121 Melrose Ave., Memorial at 4625 W. Olympic Blvd. and Wilshire at

November election: Options for voting include QR codes, ballot boxes, mailing, going to polls

Centers will be available beginning Fri., Oct. 30.

Vote Centers will be open every day from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. during the early voting period. On Election Day, they will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Ballot tracking

Once a ballot has been mailed, dropped off at a Vote 149 N. St. Andrews Pl.

There will be 123 ballot drop boxes installed, including an additional 51 boxes located outside and in parks and recreation facilities city-wide.

All Vote by Mail drop boxes will be available to voters beginning Mon., Oct. 5. To see a complete list of drop box locations, visit lavote.net. Center or otherwise officially cast, it can be tracked via BallotTrax. Visit california.ballottrax.net/voter.

Public health and safety

Election workers and voters appearing in-person at Vote Centers must wear masks and gloves, which will be provided if they are needed. A six-foot distance will be maintained between voters. All surfaces and ballot-marking devices will be wiped down and sanitized between each voter.

For more information, call 800-815-2666 or email voterinfo@rrcc.lacounty.gov or visit

Libraries, parks locations for 123 ballot boxes

lavote.net.

Ballot Propositions

PROPOSITION 14 — Bonds to continue stem cell research.

YES: The state could sell $5.5 billion in general obligation bonds primarily for stem cell research. Requires expenditure of state funds of $260 million per year for 30 years to repay the bonds. NO: The state could not sell those bonds.

PROPOSITION 15 — Split off commercial and industrial property from Proposition 13 protections.

YES: Property taxes for most businesses would increase.

NO: Formula for annual business property tax increases will stay the same.

PROPOSITION 16 — Allow racial preferences.

YES: Repeals current law prohibiting state and local government entities from considering race, sex, color, ethnicity and national origin.

NO: The current ban remains in effect.

PROPOSITION 17 — Restore right to vote after prison term.

YES: People on state parole would have their right to vote restored. NO: People on state parole would continue to be unable to vote in California.

PROPOSITION 18 — Allow 17-year-old voters.

YES: Eligible 17-year-olds would be allowed to vote in certain situations.

NO: People younger than 18 years of age may not vote in any election.

PROPOSITION 19 — Change property tax rules.

YES: Potential property tax savings for all homeowners over age 55 when they move. However, it restricts heirs’ property tax savings on inherited property. NO: Status quo remains, wherein some homeowners who are over 55 (or who meet other qualifications) would continue to be eligible for property tax savings when they move, and inherited properties would continue to be eligible for property tax savings.

PROPOSITION 20 — Restrict parole for certain offenses and authorize felony sentences for certain offenses.

YES: People who commit certain theft-related crimes (such as repeat shoplifting) could receive increased penalties (such as longer jail terms). Law enforcement would be required to collect DNA samples from adults convicted of certain misdemeanors. NO: The status quo remains.

Proposition 21 — Allow expanded rent control on residential property.

YES: Allows cities and counties to apply more kinds of rent control. NO: Current state limitations on city and county rent control laws remain.

PROPOSITION 22 — Allow UBER, LYFT and similar drivers to remain independent contractors.

YES: Exempts rideshare and delivery companies from restrictions in Assembly Bill 5 (AB 5) adopted by the California Legislature in 2019. NO: Drivers will have to become employees per AB 5.

PROPOSITION 23 — Establish state requirements for kidney dialysis clinics.

YES: Increases dialysis clinics’ expenses. NO: The status quo remains.

PROPOSITION 24 — Amend data privacy laws.

YES: Existing data privacy laws would be expanded and a new state agency to oversee those laws would be created and funded. NO: The status quo remains.

PROPOSITION 25 — Referendum on law that replaced money bail with a system based on public safety and flight risk.

YES: Upholds the California Legislature’s 2018 law eliminating money bail. NO: Keeps bail rules the same as before the Legislature acted.

COUNTY MEASURE J — Charter amendment to permanently allocate ten percent of Los Angeles county general funds

YES: At least 10% of the County’s general fund shall be appropriated each year for community programs and other alternatives to incarceration.

NO: The Charter shall not be so amended, and the Board of Supervisors shall continue to use its discretion in allocating the County’s funds each year.

By Helene Seifer

Supervisor Mark RidleyThomas is no stranger to local politics. Since 1991 he has held successive public offices as the city councilman for Council District 8, state assemblyman for the 48th District, state senator for the 26th district and he currently is terming out as a member of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors in Supervisorial District 2.

Now that he’s a candidate for Council District 10, the Chronicle spoke with him in a Zoom interview and we wondered why he wanted to be a councilmember again.

“My highest calling is serving communities on a local level,” Ridley-Thomas explains. “It’s where you can make the greatest difference in people’s lives. Building housing, caring for parks, supporting health clinics and improving services. Those really matter. I want to bring my experience to the residents of Council District 10 to get things done.”

After 29 years in the public sector, some wonder why everything hasn’t been fixed by now. “You’d rather me be here than not,” Ridley-Thomas states emphatically. “Had I not been on the City Council and on the Board of Supervisors, the number of things that were accomplished … wouldn’t have gotten accomplished. … I plan to partner with members of the City Council in a way that has not been seen, because the experiences — that I have — can be leveraged in a way that I think they’ll be very receptive to.”

Some of his past accomplishments include establishing the Empowerment Congress in District 8, which expanded civic engagement in local projects and supported community hiring. RidleyThomas states that he pro

MARK RIDLEY-THOMAS

duced over 3,000 affordable housing units in his supervisorial district, with an additional 1,300 currently under construction. He authored Measure H, which brings in $350 million annually, allowing the county to take, and provide services to, more than 200 people off the streets daily, up from 80 per day prior to the measure’s passage.

A novel project he conceived and shepherded through approval and funding is a mixeduse site with 180 units of affordable housing, a grocery store and a public boarding school for 400 middle and high school students. Slated to open in 2022 at the corner of Vermont Avenue and Manchester Boulevard, the college prep facility will be one of four SEED Foundation schools in the country. Established specifically for disadvantaged children, the Los Angeles SEED school will train students for jobs in transportation and infrastructure, a response to a looming need because 40 percent of the Metro work force is eligible for retirement. The hope is that this school becomes a model for the county and city.

Homelessness top priority

The supervisor has earmarked six important issues,

including the environment and economic development, but his top priority is the housing crisis in Los Angeles.

“I think housing, and specifically homelessness, is the defining moral issue of our time,” he asserts. “And I think there is no crisis among us that is more fundamentally solvable.”

Need for redevelopment

Ridley-Thomas places much of the blame for our housing crisis on the suspension of the local redevelopment agencies in 2012, and he calls for new redevelopment initiatives. He elucidates, “What redevelopment law did was to lower the risk of the private sector. … The other thing it did was effectively cause communities to have more of a say-so in terms of the kind of projects that were being built. … that’s what community involvement means. That’s what civic engagement means. … They become more activated stakeholders.”

Homeless vs homeowners

Some of the hot-button issues around the topic of homelessness involve sleeping on public land, locating shelters and supportive housing, and how to construct needed homes faster and for less money. Ridley-Thomas is clear. “I will never ever argue that people have a right to sleep on the street or on a park bench. I believe people have a right to shelter. A right to a roof. A right to a door. A right to housing. That is essentially what Western democracy affords us.”

The supervisor does not support building shelters in every neighborhood. “The discussion is about equity today in a real important way, but need ought to inform equity, not simply geography.” He focuses on the fact that it isn’t enough to house people, we have to care for them, as well. “They need behavioral health centers, recuperative care centers, sobering centers, psychiatric urgent care centers, concrete alternatives to jails.”

Building housing is an expensive and slow process, making it difficult to get ahead of the growing problem. “There’s only one solution to that,” Ridley-Thomas offers. “We need to innovate in a way like never before. And some [innovations] are being brought online now, through Measure H dollars, through competitions with FlyawayHomes and a whole range of other options.” (FlyawayHomes won a $4.5 million grant from a Board of Supervisors’ housing innovation challenge by presenting a way to build quicker, lowercost permanent supportive housing using modular techniques.) Less revenue, more need

The coronavirus shutdown has affected city coffers. “There’s no question about the fact that COVID-19 has significantly impacted our revenues,” Ridley-Thomas acknowledged. “Our tourism is way down and that speaks to sales tax. … So the city will have serious issues with which to contend.” When allocating limited resources, he states that “The debate is going to be driven by our priorities and how we will see ourselves.” He added pointedly, “Do we expect to honor the fact that we have a crisis in our town, namely homelessness?”

In concluding his interview, Ridley-Thomas emphasizes another real toll of homelessness. “There are two to three people every day who die … on the streets of Los Angeles. That’s 1,000 people annually (Please turn to page 22)

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Grace Yoo seeks fairness, transparency, respect for the bottom line

By Helene Seifer cil District 10. “Because I care people, and they were all in position is that there are

Attorney and community to roll up my sleeves and acunits within two years.” Yoo is plenty of testing sites, “But a leader Grace Yoo, a first gentually get the work done,” she inspired by successful projects survey shows that 24 percent eration American, has spent offers. “Because I’m not going elsewhere. “In Sonoma Counof seniors over the age of 62 the better part of 20 years to say ‘let’s do another study.’ ty, they were able to build 60 don’t drive. And so how are advocating for the needs of How many studies must be temporary shelters in 10 days. they supposed to get there?” under-represented groups and done before we start getting … In Texas, they were buildHer solution? “That’s easy. We individuals in our community. things done?” Yoo continues, ing homes that were … made send workers to them. That’s Although her private law prac“I’m well-primed to go into out of a huge 3-D machine. … how other cities, other countice focuses on estate planning, City Hall and be a fighter for These units are costing less tries, are doing this. It is not her legal career also includes the people, and ‘the people’ than $25,000. We do need temfar-fetched to believe that we representing abused and nemeans everybody minus the porary shelters now, not three can go where the need is.” glected children while at the special interests, because right years from now.” Improving our police force Los Angeles County Children’s now the city is inundated with If elected, Yoo says she will Recent protests have focused Law Center. She was executive developers who want their look for ways to respond quickthe nation’s attention on podirector of the Korean American Coalition and the National 30-story, luxury-end units going up, and it isn’t helping the ly to the housing need. As an example, she states, “We’ve GRACE YOO lice use of force, and there have been calls to “defund Asian Pacific American Bar district.” got an empty parking lot. Why abilities Act (ADA) compliant, the police.” “I’m someone Association (NAPABA), where Bottom line on housing can’t we build temporary indibut Yoo implies it was a costly who knows that we need our she expanded language access Many recent housing bills vidual shelters for people who aesthetic decision rather than police department to service in the courtroom. A long-time before the State Senate and Asare on the streets right now?” an ADA mandate. “You don’t the needs of the people. ‘Proadvocate for senior citizens, sembly sought to expedite the Yoo believes homes and need to make every unit ADA. tect and serve’ is their motto environmentalism and collabbuilding of market-rate housshelters should cost less. She … I’d like a deck in my backand I want to ensure that they oration, Yoo served as advisor ing. Yoo disapproves. “I was repoints to the city’s first bridge yard, too, but we don’t have protect and serve.” Yoo states. to both the Los Angeles Aging ally shocked to see [legislative housing project, completed the money and so we can’t “The police need to improve Advocacy Coalition and the Sisupport] of this … and why the in 2018 downtown. Named spend it.” on how they respond to large erra Club Zero Waste Commitaffordable piece is missing. I’m El Puente, which means “the Fairness and equity rallies. People who are peacetee, and she co-founded the thinking they were just being bridge” in Spanish, the facility Yoo is also concerned with fully protesting should not be Environmental Justice Colpolitical versus really trying is meant as a bridge between the needs of landlords who shot with rubber bullets.” She laborative and the Asian Jewto get to the bottom line, and homelessness and placement can’t pay their mortgage and continues, “I believe we would ish Initiative. Yoo also spent I’m someone who looks at that in permanent housing. “They property taxes if they’re not have less of a violence interacfour years as vice president of bottom line.” were supposed to build 60 beds getting rent. “We need to care tion if we had more officers the City of Los Angeles DepartAccording to Yoo, District for $1.3 million. Ultimately for these folks just as much as that were women on the force. ment of Transportation Com10 has a homeless populathey spent $2.7 million and we care for a renter. We’re not Studies have shown that to mission, and she previously tion estimated to be roughly only created 45 units.” She exbeing fair, and I’m about fairbe true.” She is happy to have worked in the California State 6,000. “How do we deal with plains that a big contributor to ness.” learned that the new police Treasurer’s office. this emergency? It is definitely the cost overrun was last-minYoo points to small changes academy class is 50 percent

In a Zoom interview last doable. We did it after the ’94 ute approval for a $700,000 that can have a big impact on women. month, we asked Yoo why Northridge earthquake, and wood deck. This decision made fairness. Take COVID-19 testLos Angeles earmarks 70 she’s the best person for Counthere were 125,000 displaced the units Americans with Dising. Yoo states that the city’s (Please turn to page 22)

‘Tweener’ Sen. Mitchell is poised to do more — as Supervisor

By Suzan Filipek Gwen Moore, who died in Autions of Greater Wilshire and we own.”

State Sen. Holly Mitchell has gust. Miracle Mile and spreads from But how we go about fixing worked to support the poor “I was honored that the Exposition Park to Mar Vista our housing crisis is a local isand underprivileged from befamilies of both of these icons to Compton. sue, which is why she opposed fore she was elected, when she asked me to speak at their The Second District is the Senate Bill 50 and its later inran what was then the largest memorials. And, I realized geographically smallest of the carnations. children and family advocacy I’m sort of a tweener. I was Board’s five districts, but its Legislators up north butprogram in the state. a young staffer when these representative stands tall as ting into our zoning issues

“When you look at my body women were doing these one-fifth of a powerful body has had an upside, she sugof work as a legislator, when amazing things.” that oversees a $35 billion gests. “This common enemy you look at my experience She’s also younger than budget and 10 million people. has brought people in, in a running Crystal Stairs, it reher opponent, longtime City Mitchell’s election is enmeaningful way. It has enally falls directly in the lane Councilman Herb Wesson, dorsed by Councilman David gaged them” like never bethat the Board of Supervisors and at 6 feet, she’s certainly Ryu and present and former fore in her 10 years in the oversees. taller. Govs. Gavin Newsom and Jerlegislature, she says.

“That’s why this makes sense But, she sees herself as HOLLY MITCHELL ry Brown. Proposition HHH, which as the next step,” Mitchell told more than just the next genMany of the problems today largely requires the approved us last month on Zoom about eration. “I perceive myself as Hall, backroom deals are a are the same as when she first bond funds to be spent on new her campaign to represent the an activist policy maker that’s throwback to another time, entered the political scene, construction for permanent Second District on the Los Anjust structurally very different she says. starting with a lack of affordsupportive housing (versus geles County Board of Superfrom Mr. Wesson.” Her style is more open and able housing, she notes. temporary shelters), has not visors. While Wesson served as City conversational, yet, “No one “Ninety-three percent of the met expectations, deadlines

“I’m a bridge between the Council president, “my path can argue I can’t close a deal.” new housing built in L.A. in or budget to solve or even reold and the new,” she added. is policy making and to chair Since joining the Assembly the last 10 years has all been duce the homeless issue, she She was referring to, among budget [committee of the state in 2010, and later the state market rate… That’s a probargues. other legislators, former City Senate] and lead those critical Senate — where she was the lem.” Meanwhile, simpler soluCouncilmember Rita Walters, discussions around finance for first African American to chair Housing is a “political hot tions, utilizing these to house who died earlier this year, the state as a whole.” the Senate Budget and Fiscal potato… What do we build for some of the homeless, such as and former Congressmember Once de rigueur at City Review Committee — she’s who and where?” are questions board-and-care facilities, have authored 118 bills, 90 of which that keep her up at night. been neglected. These would are now state law. “It has to be a two-prong have been quicker than new Among them are bills that strategy. There’s not enough construction and less expen325 N. Larchmont Boulevard, #158 restore funding to childcare land in L.A., given our 500,000 sive, she notes. Los Angeles, California 90004 and education. Another helped housing unit shortage, with“I think this notion that www.windsorsquare.org to reverse treating teens as out talking about density…. we just needed to build… Sad Year for Halloween 157 N. Larchmont Boulevard adults in the juvenile justice system. Her predecessor, Sen. Mark to build what L.A. County residents need. So it has to be a dual conversation. as opposed to looking at all the options available to us… was shortsighted. We need If Dr. Seuss could write a prequel to “How the Grinch Leno, has described her as “We also have to figure out to keep people where they

Stole Christmas,” he might call it “How Covid-19 Messed the “moral compass and sothe role government can play are. We need to talk about

Up Halloween.” The Los Angeles County Department of cial conscience” of the Senin that dual conversation.” incomes. Because, for many

Public Health has published guidelines for celebrating this ate, and maybe the whole A duplex owner, she voted people, it’s an issue of affavorite holiday safely, and these include prohibiting any Legislature. for Accessory Dwelling Unit fordability.”

Halloween parties or gatherings with nonfamily members, as well as carnivals, live entertainment and haunted houses. She now hopes to take that energy, passion, organization and her team to the Second (granny flat)-type “bills that will marginally give homeowners, like myself, opportuA third-generation Angeleno, her parents were social workers, and Mitchell hopes Trick-or-treating is strongly discouraged, Supervisorial District, which nity to expand units and exthis time to make a differ- mainly because it’s hard to maintain safe social distancing when children (and their adults) are includes the southern porpand capacity of the property (Please turn to page 22) crowding around front doors or walking along densely populated sidewalks. For the same reason, the health department also discourages “trunk-or-treating,” a popular variation often held in church or school parking lots, when candy is distributed from the backs of parked cars. (And don’t think that costume masks will keep anyone safe from

Covid-19 spread!) Get creative with on-line festivities, such as costume or pumpkin-carving contests. Try a drive-by event, at which commercially packaged treats are handed out through car windows. Refer to the Halloween guidelines on the health department’s website: www.publichealth.lacounty.gov. The website also has lots of useful general information on coping safely with this difficult pandemic. o o o Fall is the perfect time for tree planting, both in your yard or on your parkway. If you are interested in obtaining a tree for your parkway, please contact the Windsor Square

Association. We will provide you with a free 15-Gallon tree, of the variety that has been carefully selected for your street.

The WSA has carefully researched which trees will do best in various locations, depending on the size of the parkway Hands-on Projects • Swimming & Field Trips and the trees already established on the block. For example, Magnolias should no longer be planted in parkways, as Computer Science & Technology • Before & After Care Included they are water-hungry trees that also are very susceptible to certain deadly insect infestations. Check out the new blockby-block list of recommended street trees in the Canopy Small Class Size with Differentiated Instruction section of the WSA website: www.windsorsquare.org. Please remember that you need to obtain a permit (free) from the

Department of Street Services when planting a tree in the parkway, which is city property. And thanks for helping to keep our neighborhood green!

By Suzan Filipek

Former City Council President Herb Wesson couldn’t agree more with his opponent, he says. What distinguishes them is style. And, he adds, experience.

“I’m an action, in-the-community, frontline kind of a person. And I think that’s what this community wants, needs and deserves… Somebody that is not afraid to roll up his sleeves and get the job done.”

Within days of learning of COVID-19, he turned his office into a community hub, delivering food and dispensing face coverings, hand sanitizers, diapers and pet food. And he partnered with senior residential facilities to provide coronavirus testing.

“When COVID hit, I didn’t retreat, I attacked…. I’m a kind of in–your-face, don’t care about titles, call me Herb...,” he told us last month on Zoom.

As for experience, he’ll let his record speak for itself: Six years working for the county, six more when elected to the California State Assembly (two years as Speaker) and 15 years on the Los Angeles City Council, the last eight of which he was president.

“I am optimistic that, at the end of the day, they’ll go with the little fella.”

Termed out of his 10th District City Council seat, Wesson is facing state Sen. Holly Mitchell in the runoff election for the Second District on the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors.

As City Council president, Wesson created a Homelessness and Poverty Committee, and more recently supported boosting the city’s minimum wage to $15 an hour. (He also helped create the single-use plastic bag policy and strawson-request ordinance.)

In his district, several homeless facilities have opened, are opening or are under construction. “I think without a doubt we’re doing our share,” he said.

He helped pave the way for Proposition HHH, a $1.2 billion bond that is paying for much of the permanent housing construction underway.

“The major flaw,” he acknowledged, “is the mindset you could build yourself out of this problem….

“We’ve taken a lot of people off the street and put them in housing, but it doesn’t help you if you take 10 people off and replace them with 12.”

Closing the spigot

“If we build affordable housing, then we might have a

HERB WESSON

chance to get in front of this,” along with “rental assistance, landlord aid, small business support — it’s all part of the equation and will be more important than ever going forward — in light of the effects and after-effects of COVID-19. “I’m not just the guy on the street picking up the trash and delivering [food], but also on the council one of the first cities to put in place protection for renters… support landlords… and grants for small businesses.”

A Cleveland native, the 68-year-old is married and has four adult children.

“I believe the two most important days in anybody’s life are the day you’re born and the day you discover why you

were born.

“I was put on this earth to help people, be it as a councilman, be it as a Speaker of the Assembly, be it as a youth football coach, which is where I started my public service in this community.”

“I know how to bring people together. I know how to lead, and I know how to get things done.”

A foray for a few years as a stand-up comic taught him pubic speaking skills, which would later prove invaluable as Speaker of the Assembly from 2002 to 2004.

He had been chief of staff to former Los Angeles City Councilmember Nate Holden, a position he also once served for Los Angeles County Supervisor Yvonne Burke. His campaign is endorsed by Mayor Eric Garcetti, Rep. Maxine Waters and a host of labor groups, including the teamsters and police.

Besides discrepancies in the health system among people of color, recent protests and demonstrations countrywide highlight issues within the criminal justice system, Wesson noted.

The police are not the problem, he stressed. It’s the system, which sends police to handle mental health and drug problems.

“My effort is to help reform the various systems that don’t provide opportunities equally.

“With the entire country paying attention… I view this as the greatest opportunity for change in this country.

“Being a Black guy. Being a Black elected official for many years, it’s not always easy to go out and make these huge strides forward. Sometimes what we have to do is, whenever there’s an opening, we’ve gotta take advantage of that opening to move things forward...

“To miss this moment would be a crime, to miss an opportunity to create a world where my grandkids could grow up and not have to deal with a lot of the crap in life that I’ve had to deal with… I can’t miss this moment.

If elected as one of five County Supervisors, Wesson will help oversee services that include homeless and mental health.

Wesson knows first hand about cracks in the social system. His eldest of four sons is bi-polar; he was “chronically” homeless and suffered with a drug addiction for years. “He’s sober 11 months,” Wesson says proudly. (Please turn to page 22)

Ryu

(Continued from page 15) right now. My opponent is literally copying-and-pasting the stuff that I’ve done, or that I’m working on. She is running a carefully crafted PR campaign.”

Even so, Ryu is confident that he will win reelection: “The fact is, CD4 voters are not unsophisticated. Actually, CD4 voters are disproportionately to other districts educated, and, actually, they read the second line, not just the tweet. They turn the page. Because of that factor — that our voters will actually dig in deep — that is how I’m going to win,” concludes Ryu.

Visit davidryu.com

Lacey vs. Gascón

(Continued from page 19) ed the rule of law. Gascón, on the other hand, is running on a promise of ‘turning our down.’” (tinyurl.

Ridley-Thomas

(Continued from page 18) who die on the streets. That’s more than the homicide rate! … We can do better than this! And we have to!”

There are those who predict that Mark RidleyThomas is looking beyond Council District 10 toward the Mayor’s office. “Anyone who tells you for certain that I’m running for Mayor has not spoken with my wife! In other words, the decision simply has not been made yet. But it’s something we’ll decide in the near future, as a family.”

For more information, go to

court system upside JACKIE LACEY GEORGE GASCÓN markridley-thomas.com. com/y2pm4vd7) Mr. Soros and his allies “have

Lacey’s own campaign webspent well over $1 million to site is jackielacey.com. defeat Jackie Lacey.”

Gascón, an author of 2014’s The so-called Progressive Proposition 47 that changed Prosecutor Movement has criminal sentencing rules, had success in electing antiis said to be a beneficiary of incarceration criminal prosethe funding of George Soros, cutors in communities across who has been underwriting the country since about 2016. the campaigns of “progressive For example, in Portland, Oreprosecutor” candidates across gon, the current Multnomah the nation. “The American County D.A., 39-year-old Mike Conservative” website (tinyurl. Schmidt, was just elected in com/y3fwm3ys) reports that May. (tinyurl.com/y25a4act)

Yoo

(Continued from page 19) percent of its budget for funding the Los Angeles Police and Fire Departments, Yoo says, but she believes we can save money without weakening the force. “I would like to cut the fat wherever possible. Civilians doing desk jobs makes sense to me. Having officers doing desk duty and getting paid what they get paid doesn’t make sense to me. I look at overtime and the fact that it’s like $480 million in a year for police. We’ve got to reign it in. Police officers only work 36 hours in

Wesson

(Continued from page 21)

What changed was that someone, or many persons, cared.

That is why creating a social network to help people get on

Gascón’s website is georgegascon.org.

Among Gascón’s endorsers in this nonpartisan contest are a host of Democratic Party organizations and individuals plus prominent newspapers. (tinyurl.com/y4d5p3qs)

Replacing incumbent Lacey also has been a primary goal of Black Lives Matter Los Angeles since at least 2017. See: blmla. org/jackie-lacey-must-go. In contrast, Lacey is supported by numerous peace officer associations. See: jackielacey.com/ endorsements.

Voting starts when the mailed ballots are received in early October.

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a week [they work three 12- hour days per week] and then they get overtime. That does not work for me financially. … We’re already missing four hours in a week. And when you multiply this by thousands, this is not a good move.”

After spending so many years fighting City Hall, as it were, attorney Yoo has developed a certain reputation. “Some people just say, ‘Grace is just anti.’ Well, yeah, I’m anticorruption. I’m anti you breaking the law. But I’m really someone who’s just like, ‘How do we make things work?’”

For more information, go to graceyooCD10.com.

their feet is so critical to him, Wesson emphasizes.

He’s also passionate about his neighborhood, and all of our neighborhoods, and has fought Sacramento ardently on several housing bills that aim to rezone single-family neighborhoods statewide.

“If I was in Sacramento, I would see the city of L.A. as somebody you could partner with… I think together we could find a way to do that. They don’t dialogue with us.

“This is an emotional issue for me. We’re talking about destroying the residential areas of our community.” He is a longtime Leimert Park resident. “It’s our Larchmont,” he says of the historic neighborhood that is having a resurgence.

If passed, these bills “will fasttrack gentrification… people in our areas could lose their homes, and a Wall Street developer moves in and within a matter of months the integrity of my neighborhood is just erased.”

“It’s an issue worth fighting for… I will always be the push back on this, so we can maintain the residential neighborhoods. We have our issues, but this is a city we all love.”

Visit wessonforsupervisor2020.com

Mitchell

(Continued from page 20) ence in a district that has been plagued with unemployment, poor schools and other inequalities.

She observed to us that if even half of the recommendations from the 1965 McCone Commission Report following the 1964 Watts Riots had been followed, “1992 wouldn’t have been necessary.” She was, of course, referring to the 1992 Rodney King riots.

“I am hopeful that, this time, we truly keep the pedal to the metal to experience true sustainable change.”

Deep cuts in early childcare in 2008 are what inspired her to run for office, when as a young mother and CEO of Crystal Stairs, a nonprofit for children and families, she knew first hand what the results of those cuts would be for working families.

“I don’t deny that cuts had to be made in 2008. We were in the Great Recession. My concern was what they were cutting and how. It seemed to me to be a sledgehammer approach versus perhaps a scalpel…”

Another result of all of these cutbacks is the fallback on the police force, she says.

“We have been unfair to law enforcement. We have made criminal justice the backdrop to our failed systems from our lack of investments.”

But, “before we take away money, it’s about how do we stand up these other systems.

“We need to take nonpolicing off their plate.”

Going forward, “the fiscal crisis is going to be devastating, and we, the Board of Supervisors, have to figure out how to balance the budget, how to provide services, and not to the detriment of the people who rely on those programs.” Visit hollyjmitchell.com

Join Immaculate Heart for a sneak peek at our classes — and learn how our school community forges forever friendships.

Virtual offerings now available through Fall:

♥ Student Shadow Visits ♥ Information Meets on Academics & Extracurricular Activities ♥ Panel Presentations on Topics from Art to Athletics ♥ High School Academic Playday, November 14, for 7th & 8th graders

Plus, visit our website for our interactive campus map!

RESERVATIONS REQUIRED For high school events, register at: www.immaculateheart.org/shadowIHHS

For middle school events, register at: www.immaculateheart.org/shadowIHMS

IMMACULATE HEART HIGH SCHOOL & MIDDLE SCHOOL Educating Hearts & Minds Since 1906 A Catholic, Independent, College Preparatory School for Girls Grades 6-12

Want to Get Involved in Your City,

But DonÕ t Know How?

Join us every month for a series of Town Halls October 14 th : LADWP

On Zoom via computer, tablet, smartphone, or telephone. www.greaterwilshire.org | info@greaterwilshire.org

REGULAR MEETING SCHEDULE: Board of Directors

Second Wednesday of each month, 7:00pm | info@greaterwilshire.org

Land Use Committee

Fourth Tuesday of each month6:30pm | landuse@greaterwilshire.org

Outreach Committee

First Saturday of each month, 9:30am | outreach@greaterwilshire.org

Environmental & Sustainability Committee

First Tuesday of each month, 7:00pm | sustainability@greaterwilshire.org

Transportation Committee

FourthMonday of odd-numbered months, 7:00pm transportation@greaterwislhire.org Links and access numbers will be available at greaterwilshire.org or The Ebell of LA 72 hours before all scheduled meeting times.

IMMACULATE HEART By Quinn Lanza 12th Grade

As we head into our second month of virtual learning, students have gotten into the flow of things.

Immaculate Heart’s first virtual Welcome Day was a success! Each grade put together a prerecorded song and a skit, which were then livestreamed to students in their homes. The entire presentation was hosted by our Associated Student Body (ASB) officers who joined ASB President Cleo Riley in leading students in virtual games, from the “Family Feud” to “The Price is Right.” Riley was clearly pleased with the success of the event. “Welcome Day was amazing!” she said. “I’m so proud that we were able to replicate the spirit of Welcome Day on a new online format.” Hopefully, our freshman felt as welcome as they would have been had we been on campus.

Anticipation is high as Immaculate Heart’s annual Walk fundraiser approaches. Our Walk kickoff took place on Sept. 25, and continued into Saturday, with much fanfare surrounding it like last year’s senior sundae party. Students drove onto campus to receive their Walk t-shirts and other goodies to officially launch our fundraising efforts.

Meanwhile, prospective students can now register for virtual Shadow Days, information meets, and panel presentations to learn more about our classes and our school traditions. To register, visit Immaculate Heart’s website at immaculateheart.org. Additionally, seventh and eighth graders can sign up for our Academic Playday on Nov. 14 to gain further insight into student life at our school.

Despite the challenging circumstances of our times, IH students have been able to maintain our beloved traditions, which are so central to the Immaculate Heart experience.

The Plymouth School

Safely Opened for the 2020-2021 School Year!

NOW ENROLLING

• Preschool program for children 2 to 5½. • Creative activities to encourage cognitive & social development including art, music, movement & play

• Experienced teachers devoted to fostering self-esteem in a safe nurturing environment • Over 45 years serving the neighborhood SAINT BRENDAN By Lucas Bland 8th Grade

Saint Brendan School is back, except we are all in front of our computers instead of the classroom. Our Zoom classes use features like breakout rooms and reactions in order to create opportunities for participation. We are all hopeful that we will be able to return to classrooms using hybrid learning, where we are able to safely continue learning in smaller groups at school. In order to improve this distance learning

OAKWOOD SCHOOL

By Scarlett Saldaña 10th Grade

Before school started, students at Oakwood, as well as alumni, met with school leaders to improve Oakwood’s work with diversity, equity, inclusion and anti-racism. As a result of this meeting, since the beginning of the school year up until now, students have seen a drastic change in the curriculum. Now, each class has found a way to integrate the topics of social justice issues in our world. In Spanish, for example, students will explore these issues, while also expanding our understanding and ability in the language. In history, we’ll work on the experience, the school has started a Technology Wish List fund where parents can donate to the technology program.

We congratulate Monsignor on his retirement and thank him for his continued support for the SBS community. We also welcome Father Brian, who will take over as our new pastor. Saint Brendan also has a new student council. We want to congratulate all of our candidates because it can be hard to run for a position during our current circumstances. Saint Brendan has not forgotten about Halloween this year as we plan to be in our creative costumes on Zoom for the whole school to see.

themes of inequality, how past events can still have an impact on today, and so on. Not only this, but even visual arts classes have found ways to explore social justice issues, and their role in art.

As these changes take the proper steps into advancing our community and focusing on anti-racism, in addition to that, Oakwood holds racial equity workshops every month. Made to inform and assist parents and guardians, these workshops allow for more families to engage in conversations about these issues. Overall, with the help of students and alumni, Oakwood has worked to become a better, more inclusive community. In the future, it’s certain that more changes will occur, in order to build more awareness toward these issues, as well as gain and learn racial literacy.

HOLLYWOOD

SCHOOLHOUSE

By Emily Mansourian 6th Grade

Hello, my name is Emily Mansourian. I am a sixth grader at Hollywood Schoolhouse. I am passionate about writing, cooking, and learning new languages.

I have been at Hollywood Schoolhouse since I was in preschool, the youngest class on campus. My experience at HSH has been amazing from the start of my Caterpillar year. One of my favorite subjects is history, because I like to see how it can sometimes repeat itself. I really enjoyed learning about the war between the Union and the Confederacy.

Being a sixth grader makes me feel accomplished because the workload and expectations are being raised. I am excited to see what new things I will learn or do in the future. For my sixthgrade year, I am hopeful that we will be able to attend AstroCamp. I am also hopeful that we will get to have our graduation dinner, graduation, and Ditch Day.

This year, we are starting school virtually using Zoom as our main platform for learning. In some ways, virtual learning is not as easy as being in person at school. However, Zoom learning can also be less stressful during certain situations, like test taking, because you are in the comfort of your own home. Though I never thought I’d begin my sixth-grade journey virtually, I am excited for the experiences to come.

Dentistry for Children and Young Adults Pediatric Dentistry

Randall E. Niederkohr, D.D.S. Member American Dental Association Diplomat of American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Orthodontics Available

By Helene Seifer It’s hard to speculate what Halloween will look like this year, but whether one trick-ortreats or indulges in a socially-distanced glass of pumpkin margarita with a few friends, there are plenty of Halloweenthemed COVID-compliant masks available online to help raise the holiday spirit and still keep us safe.

To order one, Google one of the company names below

with a brief description of the mask you seek.

For a sweet and simple approach, try one of the many masks available on Etsy for $3.95 to $16. Or instantly become a grinning jack-o-lantern with a black and orange mask, also available from Etsy. $15.99.

“Star Wars” aficionados are able to purchase a four-pack of themed masks in various sizes from the online Disney store for $19.99.

Another option in that vein, Baby Yoda masks from the Wish site offer helpful pandemic reminders such as “Wash your hands you do” for $10. The Artfire website features the colorful “Too close you are” mask featuring the creature in a field of coronavirus molecules, $13.99.

“Hocus Pocus” fans have a choice of Sanderson sisters face masks, $9.99 and up at Redbubble.

Animal faces are always popular costume elements, and the internet has many options, including a cat face from Redbubble $14 and child-sized masks of Pim the puppy, Kali the kitty and Tomo the tiger, among others, from Cubcoats, a brand known for animal-eared hoodies. A twopack costs $12.99. Various animal-face masks are also available on Amazon.

It may be too late for Halloween ordering, but a mask made from a photograph of your pet’s face is perfect for a run to the pet store, too. Available for $15.98 from Linda and Philip Malin.

MARLBOROUGH By Avery Gough 9th Grade

This month has been very interesting and exciting for us students. Three weeks ago we had our first day of school and it was very fun, but sad at the same time. I’m sure like many others I was looking forward to going back to school in person and seeing my friends, and teachers. We have just learned that we will not be going back to school in October so that means no Fall sports like tennis.

We had two guest speakers in

BUCKLEY By Jasper Gough 11th Grade

HAPPY PUMPKIN MASK

from the Original Farmers Market.

The coronavirus is scary enough on its own; I’m not sure why we need full-face latex mask versions of it, but they exist. It’s unclear if they protect from the real virus, which might be the most terrifying part of it. However, to check them out, try the selection on ebay.

To stick to more tried-andtrue Halloween horror masks, which do protect against the spread of the virus, Zazzle has $12.95 zombies, creepy clowns, monstrous mouths and mummies galore.

Online sources have the biggest variety of masks, but the Original Farmer’s Market has a selection, as well. Sporte Fashion has several designs, including a skeleton face, a vicious jagged-tooth mouth and what appears to be a “Star Wars” stormtrooper, $3.99 each. 323-932- 6454. By Candlelight also has masks, including a charming

VIRTUAL OPEN HOUSES OCTOBER 17 NOVEMBER 14 Visit buckley.org to register or get on our mailing list at admissions@buckley.org

happy pumpkin print, $10.

Buckley students will celebrate Founders’ Day on Oct. 2. As the name implies, Founders’ Day is the anniversary of Isabella Buckley opening the school in 1933. We don’t really do any school-wide events but there is free dress for the students.

The annual Back Bash, which is our back-to-school party, has been postponed and adapted into a car parade, now scheduled for October 3rd.

From Oct. 12-14, our lower our all-school meeting on Sept. 14. One worked as a senior policy adviser under President Obama and the other currently works on policy support for President Trump. We were able to ask questions of the guest speakers, and had formulated the questions in our history class. It was a great experience to learn about their different views on what is going on in the world right now.

During the weekend of Oct. 3-4, there will be a virtual 5K race put on by the student council’s athletics representative.

Unfortunately, for our high school students who were planning to take the SATs on campus on Sept. 26 and Oct. 3, these exams have been canceled.

school will have a book fair. With the pandemic things are fluid and as of writing this column I am not sure if students will be back on campus when these events occur.

Our seniors have college application week Oct. 19-23. Seniors during this time will be finishing up their college applications and this will be the last chance to send them in. They will not have homework during this week.

Then, on Oct. 28, the fall musical will be announced and casting will start. We are currently unsure whether or not the students will be able to perform the musical in person to a live audience or if it will be recorded and emailed to those who pay for it.

Lastly, Happy Halloween!