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Judge sets no bail for man in hammer attack BY NEAL PUTNAM | LA JOLLA VILLAGE NEWS
GoFundMe campaigns created for victims of La Jolla shooting SEE PAGE 2
The poster for Antonio Contreras’ ‘Nothing Sacred,’ a film about Frida Kahlo’s love for fashion.
New social recommendation travel app launches in San Diego SEE PAGE 9
From My Garden - strawberry lemon balm infused water SEE PAGE 14
Frida Kahlo’s style, and diversity, to be featured at La Jolla International Fashion Film Festival BY EMILY BLACKWOOD | LA JOLLA VILLAGE NEWS
Directors, producers, models, and designers from all over the world will soon be in town thanks to the La Jolla International Fashion Film Festival. Often dubbed the “Cannes of the fashion film world,” La Jolla International Fashion Film Festival (LJIFFF) will celebrate its 10th year of honoring the top 1 percent of films in this niche industry at The Conrad Performing Arts Center from July 26-27. An international jury will award filmmakers in 23 different categories, with everything from Best Picture and Best Cre-
‘We made this film with a simple message, but deep message, that you have to understand who you are.’ – CLAUDIA DI LASCIA, PRODUCER OF ‘PRINCESS’ ative Concept to Best Accessories and Best Makeup. Festival producer Fred Sweet said he’s excited to show off La Jolla to a global audience, especially the festival’s new home. “The big thing is that we’re moving to The Conrad,” Sweet said. “For the past 10 years, we’ve kind of bounced around, so we’re really excited that this new 45,000-square-foot world-class performing arts center is going to be our new
home.” Starting with an opening reception and art installation at 7 p.m. on July 26 at The Lot La Jolla, the two-day event will continue 10 a.m. on July 27 with screenings of 65 different films, presentations, a red carpet walk and, of course, the awards. Mexico City fashion artist and historian Antonio Contreras has SEE FILM PG. 11
A judge declined to set any bail for a La Jolla man, who is accused of torture in a hammer attack of a cardiologist who is his neighbor. Dr. Hassan Kafri, 48, was hospitalized in the attack Wednesday that was allegedly committed by Robert Franklin Whitaker, 57, who appeared before San Diego Superior Court Judge Joseph Brannigan. Charges of torture and assault with a deadly weapon were filed against Whitaker, who pleaded not guilty. Deputy District Attorney Matthew Greco said Kafri suffered a broken nose, fractured facial bones, a broken wrist, and broken teeth in an 8-minute incident in Kafri’s garage in La Jolla. “It was an incredible savage beating that went on and on,” said Greco to the judge. “He presents an extreme danger, incredible danger to the community.” The prosecutor said the incident began with a tense conversation between both men, who are neighbors, and it erupted in “a brutal beating that does not stop.” Whitaker’s attorney, Vik Monder, told the judge there was “provocation from the victim” and his client was also injured and taken to the hospital. Monder said Whitaker has lived in La Jolla for 10 years and runs his own construction business. He said there is no flight risk. Monder urged that “reasonable bail” should be set. Brannigan declined to set any bail after hearing the prosecutor’s presentation. Brannigan signed a court order that bars Whitaker from contacting Kafri that includes a restriction that he stay at least 100 yards away from him in the event some bail is set later. Monder said if granted bail, Whitaker would agree not to return home to the residence he shares with his girlfriend, saying “he has other places to stay.” A preliminary hearing was set for June 27. Greco said the torture charge carries a life sentence and if Whitaker is convicted of all counts, he could face a sentence of 17 years to life in prison. Greco said Whitaker has a prior conviction for making a criminal threat in Orange County and evading police in 1999. Kafri operates his own clinic and also works at three local hospitals.