Politics as Performance
Kristina Wong’s ‘riotous adventure’ of running for office caps off a tumultuous political season
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PAGE 2 THE ARGONAUT NOVEMBER 5, 2020
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NOVEMBER 5, 2020 THE ARGONAUT PAGE 3
A Letter from the Editor: A Hello and a Goodbye! IMAGE BY DEBORAH ASCHHEIM
Dear Readers, No matter the outcome of Election Day (which as of press time remains undetermined), this November marks a turning point in our nation. It also marks a change in The Argonaut. In March, as Los Angeles began to shut down and we began to face the realities of a strange new normal, I received the unexpected gift of leading The Argonaut’s newsroom through an unprecedented period of change, encompassing everything from the economic fallout of COVID-19 to the rise of voices for social justice in the name of George Floyd. As managing editor for The Argonaut over the last eight months, I’ve seen our community respond to the challenges of COVID and racial injustice in heroic and extraordinary ways. So I wanted to take a moment to thank you for allowing me to bear witness to it all as your local neighborhood journalist, not only as managing editor over the last few months but throughout my five-year career at The Argonaut. Before becoming the arts & events editor, then managing editor, I began at The Argonaut as a fledgling cub reporter covering the arts beat. It was my first job out of journalism school, and I was eager to make my mark. But it has been you, the loyal readers and community members of The Argonaut, who have made your mark on me. Among my most cherished memories are days spent in Venice studios chatting with artists, nights spent crawling through the Mar Vista Art Walk and dawns spent dancing with revelers on boats in the marina. You’ve shared your highs and lows and histories with me; you’ve helped me rediscover the neighborhood of my youth — Westchester — and taught me how to be a journalist and storyteller rooted in the heart of the community. Nov. 5 marks my last issue of The Argonaut as managing editor. As I take on a new role with a new journalistic venture, I’m passing the torch onto incoming editor Kamala Kirk. (She can be reached at kkirk@timespublications.com.) It’s been a pleasure and honor to serve as your neighborhood journalist and editor. The Argonaut will always hold a special place in my heart. If you’d like to follow my next chapter in journalism, you can follow me @christinajcampo on Twitter.
ON THE COVER: Comedian and performance artist Kristina Wong, who also sits on the Wilshire Center Koreatown Sub-district 5 Neighborhood Council, adroitly points out through her new show on the democratic process that “politicians are just actors in public space.” Photo courtesy of Center Theatre Group. Design by Arman Olivares.
Local News & Culture
The Westside’s News Source Since 1971 CONTACT US (310) 822-1629 Letters, News, Tips & Event Listings: kkirk@timespublications.com EDITORIAL Outgoing Managing Editor: Christina Campodonico Incoming Editor: Kamala Kirk (310) 574-7654 kkirk@timespublications.com Contributing Writers: Amy Alkon, Lisa Beebe, Bliss Bowen, Kellie Chudzinski, Andy Vasoyan, Shanee Edwards, Jacqueline Fitzgerald, Jason Hill, Danny Karel, Jessica Koslow, Colin Newton, Jennifer Pellerito, Matt Rodriguez, Anthony Torrise, Audrey Cleo Yap Editorial Interns: Julia Escobar, Holly Jenvey, Caden Sullivan, Stepan Sarkisian ART Graphic Designers: Arman Olivares (310) 574-7656 Kate Doll (310) 574-7653 Staff Photographer: Luis Chavez
ADVERTISING Display Advertising: Kay Christy (310) 574-7654 Denine Gentilella (310) 574-7651 Classified Advertising: Ann Turrieta (626) 584-8747 aturrietta@timespublications.com BUSINESS Associate Publisher: Rebecca Bermudez (310) 574-7655 rbermudez@timespublications.com WE MOVED! NEWS & SALES OFFICE 161 Pasadena Ave. Suite B, South Pasadena CA 91030 The Argonaut is distributed every Thursday in Del Rey, Marina del Rey, Mar Vista, Playa del Rey, Playa Vista, Santa Monica, Venice, and Westchester. The Argonaut is available free of charge, limited to one per reader. The Argonaut may be distributed only by authorized distributors. No person may, without prior written permission of The Argonaut, take more than one copy of any issue. The Argonaut is copyrighted 2020 by Times Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in whole or in part in any form or by any means without prior express written permission by the publisher. An adjudicated (Continued page 8) Newspaper of General Circulation with a distribution of on 30,000.
Contributing Photographers: Mia Duncans, Maria Martin, Shilah Montiel, Ashley Randall, Courtnay Robbins, Jason Ryan, Ted Soqui, Zsuzsi Steiner, Gunnar Kuepper
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Sincerely, Christina Campodonico Outgoing Managing Editor The Argonaut
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N E W S
Local Election Results & Updates Compiled by Kamala Kirk and Christina Campodonico
A one-time real estate property transfer tax for essential services YES: 72.65% NO: 27.35%
The following includes election data available as of press time on Wednesday, Measure AB Repeals provisions to Nov. 4 appoint candidates and promote employees into Santa Monica City civil service to enable the Council (Four seats) city council to advance Phil Brock 11.43% Gleam Olivia Davis 11.4% equity-based hiring within the appointment and Christine Parra 10.69% Oscar De La Torre 10.34% promotional processes YES: 61.22% Terry O’Day 10.32% NO: 38.78% Ted Winterer 10.03% Ana Maria Jara 9.45% Culver City Council Mario Fonda-Bonardi Yasmine-Imani McMorrin 7.47% 18.73% Marcus Owens 3.18% Albert Vera 18.47% Tom Ciszek 2.45% Freddy Puza 15.6% Andrew Browning 2.12% Goran Eriksson 15.18% Chip Martin 1.83% Darrel Menthe 14.25% Merv Andika 1.51% Heather Wollin 6.66% Zoe Muntaner 1.43% Khin Khin Gyi 5.17% Andrew Kamm 1.4% Robert “Mr. Z” Zirgulis Jon Mann 1.21% 3.57% Anne-Marie Slack 1.06% Anthony Rizzo 2.36% Dominic Gomez 0.93% Nathaniel Jones 0.70% Culver City Measure B Todd Mentch 0.58% Voter approval of all John Patrick Jewell III interim or permanent rent 0.47% control measures YES: 55.4% Santa Monica City NO: 44.6% Measure SM
YES: 51.1% NO: 48.9% (Too close to call at press time)
Culver City Measure RE Real estate property transfer tax for essential services YES: 53.02% NO: 46.98%
Proposition 15 Commercial property taxes YES: 48.3% L.A. County Supervisor NO: 51.7% District 2 (includes Culver (Too close to call at press City, Inglewood & Mar time) Vista) Holly Mitchell 60.86% Proposition 16 Herb J. Wesson Jr. 39.14% Allow affirmative action to return L.A. County District YES: 43.9% Attorney NO: 56.1% George Gascón 53.81% PASS/FAIL Jackie Lacey 46.19% Proposition 17 L.A. County Measure J Allow parolees to vote Community investment and YES: 59% alternatives to incarceration NO: 41% minimum county budget PASS/ FAIL allocation YES: 57.08% Proposition 18 NO: 42.92% Allow some 17-year-olds to vote State Assembly District 62 YES: 44.9% Autumn Burke 81.23% NO: 55.1% Robert Steele 18.77% (Too close to call at press time) California Ballot Measures Proposition 19 Proposition 14 Add and subtract property Borrowing for stem cell tax breaks for seniors and research inheritors
YES: 51.1% NO: 48.5% (Too close to call at press time) Proposition 20 Tougher on parole and property crimes YES: 37.7% NO: 62.3% PASS/FAIL
PASS/FAIL Proposition 25 Yes or no on cash bail YES: 44.6% NO: 55.4% PASS/FAIL Congressional District 43 (includes Westchester/ Inglewood) Maxine Waters, (D-Calif., incumbent) 72.5% - Winner Joe Collins 27.5%
Proposition 21 Rent control redux YES: 40.2% NO: 59.8% PASS/FAIL Proposition 22 Special work rules for gig economy workers YES: 58.4% NO: 43.9% PASS/FAIL Proposition 23 Kidney dialysis clinic rule change YES: 36% NO: 64% PASS/FAIL Proposition 24 New consumer privacy rules YES: 56.1% NO: 43.9%
Congressional District 33 (includes Santa Monica, Marina del Rey, Venice, Playa del Rey) Ted Lieu, (D-Calif., incumbent) 69% - Winner James Bradley 31% President of the United States of America Joseph Biden 50.2% nationally | 71.58% in LA County - 248 electoral votes (at time of print) Donald J. Trump 48.1% nationally | 26.60% in LA County - 214 electoral votes (at time of print) (Too close to call at press time)
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L E T T E R S ‘Float the Vote’ PHOTO OF AND BY LINDA FELDMAN
Hello, Mike Bonin! Are You Paying Attention!? Re: ‘The Environment v. Homeless Housing: Citing Sea Level Rise, Local Planning Leaders Request Environmental Impact Report for Contentious Venice Media Project,’ News, Oct. 15, 2020 The planned Reese Davidson Community Project represents another failure of vision and lack of responsiveness to the commu-
nity by elected official Mike Bonin. Even before the COVID crisis this was going to be a financial sinkhole for the City of LA because the planned Venice Median Project would not only cost much more than it should, the expenses will go on forever. In addition to all the other valid reasons why it should not go forward, the scope of this behemoth is pre-COVID and needs to
be scrapped for financial reasons alone. Is Mike Bonin aware that LA City Administrative officer Richard Llewellyn projects a $600 million budget shortfall that will empty all reserves and result in contraction of city programs and services including layoffs? Helloooo, Mike Bonin are you paying attention? Here are some basic budgeting questions that I haven’t seen answers to: - How will the property taxes and insurance be paid on 104,000 sq. ft of new development on prime beach side land? - What is the expected revenue from the planned retail and restaurant part of it? - How is that possibly going to cover expenses? Electricity, internet, furnace, water, sewer, trash, maintenance for 136 apartments? - And we’re still in the middle of a pandemic, how is decreased city revenue going to affect the construction and ongoing costs? - Any development of this size and scope should contribute revenue to the city not deplete it — isn’t that the purpose of multi-use development? Homeless and low-income
housing should be in smaller scale apartments that fit the neighborhood and help residents assimilate, not segregate them in what looks like a new version of the old housing projects. Aren’t we trying to get away from that? The CEQA is essential. The water levels of the canals go up and down with the tide. There is a safety valve but if that should fail during a storm like the one in 1982-83 when the ocean came up over the beach and flooded those streets then the canals would overflow as well. And . . . that land is subject to liquefaction when the Big One hits so there would go the 67-foot-tall freestanding tower! Please Mike Bonin save us from another Bonin Boondoggle! Sincerely, Allie Soltwedel Venice ‘Putting the Can-Can Back in Cantankerous’ A Note from Noreen Re: ‘Reticient, Riot, Wrought:’ The Wit and Wisdom of Notes from Noreen, Best of the Westside 2020, Oct. 22, 2020 (via interviewer Gerry Fialka) Gerry,
Chuffed to hear from ye and even chuffier to read about our correspondence in the able and amity Argonaut. It’s my favourite rag on the Westside. It’s the only ink I blacken my thumbs with most weeks perusing. As per request, I whipped up a quick little ditty of a doodle for your viewing pleasure. Hope all remains well with ye. Cheerio and see you in the funny papers. Best, Noreen Pertrichor (aka ‘Westchester Crank’) (Notes from Noreen arrive occasionally in the editor’s inbox. She may be fictional, but nobody’s perfect.) (Continued on page 21)
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From the Golden Globes to Marina del Rey Capri Gelato & Coffee Bar Brings the Amalfi Coast to Los Angeles PHOTOS BY HOLLY JENVEY
By Holly Jenvey Capri Gelato & Coffee Bar has brought the taste of the Amalfi Coast to Marina del Rey. With fresh and unique gelatos, sorbettos, a coffee bar and bites, the waterfront community can enjoy a special part of Italy through the delicious and natural menu. The Italian eatery opened its doors to the Marina del Rey community on Oct.17 and served free cups of gelato and sorbetto. Customers not only got their first taste of Capri, Italy, where some of the best gelato in the world is made, but they were also immersed in the scenery and culture. “It’s such a beautiful thing when you can share something that makes people happy,” says Remi Zimmerman, marketing & events manager and gelato chef at Capri Gelato & Coffee Bar. “I think ice cream and gelato have that ability.” Back when Capri Gelato &
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Coffee Bar was a catering company, it debuted its mobile gelato and espresso carts at the Golden Globes in 2019 and 2020, which proved to be a big hit and ultimately paved the way for the successful storefront. According to Zimmerman, the owner of Capri Gelato & Coffee Bar, who visited Capri every summer, decided to open in Marina del Rey because he felt the waterfront community shared many similarities with the island in Italy. “It has that similar vibe to Capri,” Zimmerman says. When Capri Gelato & Coffee Bar first opened its doors to the public, I had the chance to try the stracciatella and passion fruit goat cheese gelatos. Upon my first taste of the stracciatella, my taste buds were savoring the creamy flavor, which featured a combination of milky ice cream with chocolate shavings. It tasted fresh and I could tell that it had just been made. Eating the straccia-
tella reminded me of the time I had ice cream in Nice, a seaside town in France that is close to the border of Italy. The fresh creamy flavor was rich in taste with fresh ingredients from the Mediterranean and nothing tasted artificial or processed. However, what distinguished the two was that Capri Gelato & Coffee Bar’s gelato had just the right amount of sweetness. What really blew my mind was the passion fruit goat cheese. Initially, I was nervous to try this flavor, since I didn’t know what it would entail as I’ve never had any ice cream with goat cheese or passion fruit before. However, it turned out to be one of the best flavors I’ve ever had. The gelato was delectably creamy yet it provided an inviting tangy taste of the fruit. It’s hard to tell that the gelato is made out of goat cheese because it’s blended in so well. I also enjoyed a macaroon with my gelato; because the gelatos weren’t overly sugary, I
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ArgonautNews.com didn’t feel guilty indulging in another treat. Zimmerman explains that Capri Gelato & Coffee Bar has a whole gelato case in the store dedicated to sorbettos. These sorbettos also highlight the taste of the Amalfi Coast as they are made from fresh fruit, aren’t frozen and don’t have any purees. They are also vegan and non-dairy. All of the ingredients are fresh and locally grown, as many ingredients are from farmers markets. Because Capri Gelato & Coffee Bar is dedicated to making its dishes with fresh items, the gelato menu changes every two weeks so that everything remains in season. Not only do Capri Gelato & Coffee Bar’s menu items take you to Italy, but so does the atmosphere of the store. Zimmerman says that opening during the pandemic had presented some opportunity as they were able to provide a vacation-like experience during a time when there is no travel. “We just wanted to create this vacation-inspired spot for locals,” Zimmerman says. On opening day, some customers said that they had either planned to go to Italy for the
summer or had just returned from visiting there. “They were really excited to have gelato flavors and coffee that reminded them of a place or experiences that they have really enjoyed,” Zimmerman adds. The store shows a map of Capri, along with plants and paintings of the Italian island and Los Angeles to demonstrate the best of both worlds. It also showcases lemons on tables and in its food, as lemon trees are prominent in Capri. Aside from ice cream, the store has a variety of other menu items including coffee, pastries, toast and more to garner the authentic experience of dining in Capri. However, your passport to Capri extends beyond your store visit. If you subscribe to their mailing list, you can receive updates twice a week on coffee specials, breakfast items, new menu items, loyalty programs and coupons. They are also currently launching a delivery system with Uber Eats . For more information on Capri Gelato & Coffee Bar, visit www. caprigelato.com or their Instagram page @caprigelato.
The Italian eatery is located on Lincoln Boulevard in Marina del Rey
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O P I N I O N :
P O W E R
T O
Main Street’s Dead to Me
S P E A K
Why I’ll take Culver City’s safe streets over Santa Monica’s perilous parklets
PAGE 10 THE ARGONAUT NOVEMBER 5, 2020
Above: A view of Santa Monica’s Main Street with parklets Below: The intersection of Main Street and Culver Boulevard in Culver City partially closed off to traffic PHOTO BY SYLVIA BIANCHI
and county COVID regulations require, replacing only a fraction of interior space lost to COVID mitigations. (You have to think that an early site survey with a tape measure and some chalk could have sorted these dimensions when the plan was first considered!) And exactly how much customer capacity do the parklets actually provide? A few simple measurements and calculations would show what percentage of lost customer seating these parklets replace. But if such studies have been made, their results haven’t been made public. However, you don’t even need an envelope back for calculations to see how a traffic-free Main Street could easily triple the seating capacity while maintaining prescribed social distancing. With more space required between customers for safer social distancing, lots more room is required to maintain the same capacity. Duh! How could the planners have allowed thru traffic lane advocates to rip such a noisy dirty gulf through the attraction they’d hoped to build? Unmasked diners are sandwiched between the cement block K-rail barrier and passersby on the sidewalk. Beneficial outdoor breezes do dilute virus transporting aerosols, thereby reducing community transmission, but just being outside isn’t a magic shield against picking up a frequently horrible disease. The traffic lanes present serious danger to the adjacent seated diners so protective barriers are added for required safety. Cement K-rails lining Main Street’s traffic lanes were chosen as an economical solution and are the most obvious symbol of this poorly considered rescue attempt for the pandemic-threatened restaurants. They are ugly, making the street look like a partially deserted construction zone. This was to be remedied by volunteer local artists squatting in the bike lanes painting bright colors and appetizing images.However producing quality, durable public art with magical “art elves” coming out of the
PHOTO BY LUIS CHAVEZ
By Tim Tunks I’ve enjoyed living in Ocean Park for over 40 years, but now the COVID contagion makes me afraid to even walk, let alone dine, on Main Street, and I’m not the only one. As I outlined in my June 25 Argonaut op-ed on Al Fresco’s misguided mission to rescue Main Street businesses, parklets were the rushed and dangerous stopgap for this pandemic’s economic damage tasked to produce safe outdoor dining. (These “Parklets” are 12-footwide outdoor dining platforms built across the gutter in the parking lanes, corralled by barriers or planters.) The rescue plan was hatched with one fatal error — 38-foot-wide thru traffic corridor subtracting nearly two-thirds from the center of what could have been a wide open piazza with plenty of room for social distancing. Our City’s deciders rightly figured that being outdoors would dilute virus concentrations, making it safer for the public to forgo mask wearing while eating, drinking, talking and laughing. But when it came to social distancing they got stupid. My main beef is that this plan ignores the fact that the vital element of social distancing to reduce COVID-19 community transmission is — wait for it — distance. In emergency reaction mode, the decision makers didn’t recognize a basic principle of physics — if you want distance you need to have room for it. The first Al Fresco press releases described 13-foot-wide parklets, 6-foot-wide bike lanes and 12-foot-wide traffic lanes in the 60-foot-wide street, but then I emailed them to ask where they expected to find the four extra feet for the two rows of K-rails? Oops. A couple of hours later, a memo went out saying the parklets would be only 11 feet wide. Then someone must have taken a tape measure and seen that 11 feet was not wide enough for two rows of tables, so the bike lanes shrunk to 5 feet wide and the parklets were set at 12 feet. The narrow, 12-foot-wide space doesn’t leave much room for the seating plans that state
ArgonautNews.com
PHOTOS COURTESY OF DOWNTOWN CULVER CITY
Downtown Culver City has made good use of its sidewalks to accommodate outdoor dining woodwork hasn’t worked out so far, now four months later, and the current plan to enlist the services of local artists doesn’t bode well in my view either. Last week, a Santa Monica City press release announced a $20,000 grant to the Main Street Merchants Association, the Ocean Park Association and Beautify Earth to engage and administer the long-awaited artistic painting project. Squatting in the bike lanes to do their work, the artists will need protective barriers and lane closures, and maybe some sunshades to perform their tasks, and so far there is no committee head to coordinate those activities. As someone who has organized this type of project before, it is also obvious to me that it will be impossible to apply durable, cleanable artistic paint treatments to all the K-rails by holiday shopping time with the minimal planning and resources as we’ve seen applied so far. How could city decision-makers miss seeing the vision of a wide open street with overhead string lights and a few space heaters warming clear plastic panel-shielded dining areas? A single lane emergency/service vehicle access passageway could be kept free of obstructions for when it was needed,
with that corridor serving push-powered and wheeled walking and micro-mobility devices. The only areas where mask wearing would not be required is for those seated in the designated serving areas. All others, especially sidewalk occupants, would be subject to strict mask enforcement. This would be a simpler set of rules to enforce and would be a lot safer than what we have. But a recent visit to Culver City’s downtown outdoor dining accommodations gave me hope that city government and local businesses could put together a competent and aesthetically pleasing outdoor dining plan. I saw a dramatic difference between what I regard as Santa Monica’s failure and the success of a nearby city barely more than one-third the size of our fair Santa Monica. The president of the Culver City Merchants Association, Darrel Menthe, recently answered my questions about how their city arrived at their aesthetically pleasing and safe solutions for outdoor dining plan. The new configuration has closed the westbound lane on Culver Boulevard to most vehicular traffic (one lane remains reserved for buses, bicycles and emergency
vehicles) and entirely closed Main Street to cars. With these closures, the majority of Culver Boulevard is available to restaurants for “radically expanded outdoor dining” as described in a press release, and Main Street is fully open to restaurants, businesses and the Tuesday farmers market so that customers and patrons can safely dine and shop. I visited recently and was impressed by these wide open spaces. “We studied the COVID mitigation guidelines and realized we’d need a big
solution to solve this big problem,” Menthe said. “Our executive committee of 12 met frequently on Zoom and we all individually made frequent downtown inspection tours so we were all dealing with the same vision of the geographic, economic and social conditions our downtown presented. Eventually, we came to a meeting of the minds and then enlarged our group to include more concerned business operators and other downtown stakeholders.” Before long, the group grew to about 40 primary downtown stakeholders who found unanimous consensus that they presented to the city government. The plan was approved the day it was presented. Substantial funding for mitigation was now available and the city was prepared to deal with whatever fallout came from closed street lane disruptions. Efficient group collaboration leads not only to good decisions but also lots of political power to get them done. Surprisingly, few complaints about the lane closures have arisen, according to Menthe. It appears that patrons and residents of Culver City have willingly accepted the roadway loss as a good trade-off for the social and economic benefits of outdoor dining. Just last week, downtown Culver City restaurants hosted a socially-distanced “Dress Up and Dine” event in which diners were encouraged to dress up in their Halloween garb and join their community in a safe outdoor event to replace trick-or-treating. Darrel Menthe said, “It’s amazing what you can do if you
really try.” Had we closed our Main Street to traffic, we too would have room for the sort of public events that build strong communities. Instead of bulky, unsightly cement K-rails, Culver City wisely chose lightweight hollow plastic Jersey barriers that could be filled with water where needed for protection from traffic. That these are easily deployed or rearranged when empty meant they could be easily rearranged as experience demonstrated what worked and what didn’t. Our Main Street has several empty parklets behind the K-rails that will need multi-level decisions and forklifts to correct. Culver City’s white plastic Jersey barriers cost half as much as our street painting, but they’ve proven a good solution not requiring art elves to beautify while providing flexibility our painted streets don’t. These cleanable white objects give Culver City’s outdoor areas a festive clean appearance, making a great first impression and signal to their residents and visitors that downtown will continue to prosper. The slight inconvenience of a few blocked streets was a small price everyone seemed willing to pay. Our Main Street’s first impression last Fourth of July was of a recently abandoned street repair zone, an impression that has deteriorated since as the cement got dirtier and litter has accumulated in the empty parklets in front of boarded up storefronts. Even the K-rails that have been painted have (Continued on page 18)
Downtown Culver City’s spacious outdoor eating areas give plenty of room for diners to space out during the age of COVID NOVEMBER 5, 2020 THE ARGONAUT PAGE 11
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Community Composting ECMS Inglewood and The Bay Foundation’s Parkway Project PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE BAY FOUNDATION
The Parkway Project is a student-operated composting garden that provides fresh produce to locals. News delivered to your email every week. Stay in the know!
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By Caden Sullivan Looking for a new farmers market? The Bay Foundation and Environmental Charter Middle School-Inglewood are creating The Parkway Project, a student-operated composting garden that provides fresh produce to locals. Based out of Westchester, The Bay Foundation’s goal is to preserve the Santa Monica Bay and inland watershed. They began the project three years ago by implementing compost bins at Environmental Charter Schools (ECS) campuses where local restaurants could recycle food waste. The Bay Foundation’s community engagement program manager Georgia Tunioli says, “We kind of helped produce the project and get it off the ground, and created the program because it really fits into our larger mission to restore and enhance the Santa Monica Bay and watershed for all.” By diverting waste, creating compost for student gardens and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the collaboration has recycled over six tons of food waste and prevented 395 kilograms of methane emission from entering the atmosphere. The process is very simple: Local restaurants divert food waste to ECS compost bins, ECS students learn to use the food waste as compost for gardening and fresh produce from the garden is provided to families. This plan reduces food waste and air pollution, which
consequently improves water quality and watershed life. By recycling food waste, cutting down on gas used to transport waste and produce and providing local food, The Parkway Project is tackling multiple environmental issues in one model. Along the way, it’s teaching students how to do all of this themselves and lead their own communities when they grow older. ECMS Inglewood’s Green Ambassador teacher Tashanda Giles-Jones states, “In addition to feeding the community, we want to educate them.” The process of recycling food waste to produce fresh fruit and vegetables is a century-old tactic; composting isn’t new. But in the 100 years it’s been around, very few communities have successfully adopted the practice. On a large scale, composting costs money and requires workers or facilities to operate. The transportation of materials also ends up polluting the air, so it’s a difficult and collaborative goal to compost correctly. The Parkway Project is thriving because it’s local. Since everyone cares and does their part, the collaboration costs nothing and pays off. The combination of local restaurants and schools for a community garden is small-scale, but the message it sends for concerned environmentalists is wholesome and reassuring. The ECS campuses are wholeheartedly concerned with educating their students on
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sustainable practices and environmental education, but the faculty understands that education is only a piece of the puzzle we face in revitalizing the planet. In addition to learning about environmental science, the students are social justice-driven and setting an example for the community. The ECS of California were all built as living campuses, so students and staff at each school are used to taking care of plants and animals. Since seeing ECMS Inglewood’s success with composting, their other two sites have picked up the same strategy for their gardens. Now that the team is comfortable with this model, they’re bringing it back to the community. “We were thinking, it starts with involvement from the community, so how do we bring it back to the community?” says Tinioli. The banana trees, fava beans, squash, blackberries and other in-season produce at ECMS Inglewood are already growing and feeding students’ families. When the pandemic allows, this food will be available to anyone at a farmers market on their campus. Although this model is only on one campus so far, it’s a shining example for other community gardens. ECS also has a high school in Lawndale and another middle school in Gardena. According to GilesJones: “There’s definitely plans to expand and extend to our other two sites as well.”
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‘Theater of the Mind’
Scott Silven’s ‘The Journey’ transports audiences to a magical room and mysterious Scottish isle PHOTO COURTESY OF THE BROAD STAGE
By Christina Campodonico As the COVID-19 pandemic wears on, many of us dream of escape. For some, a remote isle off the coast of Scotland might be the perfect place to clear one’s head and vacation away from COVID-carrying maddening crowds. Mentalist and illusionist Scott Silven helps audiences make such a voyage without leaving their homes in his new show “The Journey,” presented by The Broad Stage. In the intimate virtual show (capped at just 30 audience members), Silven regales audiences with the story of a curious young boy who explores wooded forests and an isolated isle — he serves as a kind of avatar for Silven — while Silven performs masterful tricks of illusion from thousands of miles away. Magically mind-read numbers and images appear throughout the show streamed live from a minimalist and spare Georgian-style room in Silven’s family home in Scotland. But this isn’t just some soupedup Zoom call. Audience members are actually broadcast into the show and expected to participate in the magic’s execution by bringing an object of meaning to the show, a special memory and paper and pen. “I knew that I wanted to create something that wasn’t going to be a Zoom call,” says Silven, “as much as I love those types of work. .... I wanted to do something that could transcend that experience where the technology itself would be invisible. … You don’t have to mute or unmute
Mentalist and illusionist Scott Silven’s new show “The Journey” transports viewers to Scotland your mic; you don’t have to make your screen bigger.” “But more so than that the prosaic challenge was, how do you create something that feels truly interactive and immersive when you’re on the other side of the world?” he muses. Of course, with the challenges of COVID and limitations of technology that sort of seamless, connective experience did not yet exist. So Silven’s creative team, which includes Olivier Award winner Gareth Fry of “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child,” actually created their own software and unique stage design for the show. “What we have now,” Silven continues, “is this multi-layered,
immersive and interactive experience where there is surround sound, high-quality visuals and you being projected physically into the space with me. You don’t exist in a little box on your screen. So you will appear in the walls behind me. You will appear floating beside me. So it’s hugely exciting to have created something like that — that from what we’ve seen just doesn’t exist in the online realm.” The experience also begins well before showtime, with an interactive “secret portal” which viewers are granted access to ahead of time. “So ‘The Journey’... begins as soon as you buy your ticket,”
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says Silven. “There’s two short films that lead you into the Scottish landscape of my youth and asks you some interesting things to bring to ‘The Journey’ with you. And thirdly, there is a binaural sound experience, where you wear some headphones and you ‘walk’ down this path very close to a beach near my childhood home, (and we filmed it on this tiny Scottish island). “It’s really strange, but exciting that you wear your earphones and if you close your eyes, you will truly feel as if you were standing on that Scottish beach with me,” Silven continues, “with me speaking right beside you. So it’s really cool that we
have these three pieces of content that you engage with before you come to ‘The Journey’ at your leisure. As soon as you come to the show, you have already had three touch points of engagement. … So everyone usually comes quite excited and engaged to see what’s going to happen in the experience.” Like most magicians, Silven shies away from revealing the secrets behind his tricks. But he hopes the experience transports audience members no matter where they might be. “We speak in magic about this willing suspension of disbelief. But what I try and do with my theater of the mind, mentalism, is that because you were so invested in the experience yourself, it’s your emotions, it’s your memories, it’s your imaginations that you’re bringing to that, that you will be completely immersed in it. And it’s almost an unwilling suspension of disbelief,” he says, “which is very exciting for me. That, I think, that’s the power of mentalism in general is that there is nothing to hide behind. It’s not people being put in funny-looking boxes. It’s not someone doing card tricks. It’s you and I sitting in a room together and having this incredibly powerful connection.” Even if the room is thousands of miles apart. Scott Silven’s “The Journey” continues through Nov. 15. Tickets start at $50. Visit thebroadstage.org/performances/2020-21/special-event/ thejourney to learn more.
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NOVEMBER 5, 2020 THE ARGONAUT PAGE 13
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A Different Approach to Housing
Safe Place for Youth is on a mission to help homeless youth Andrew Gutierrez III, Host Homes program coordinator. “These youth have gone through amazing things and have an amazing trajectory, and I think by opening up your home to a youth experiencing homelessness, (it) really shifts your idea; and once your ideas are shifted, you’re able to share those thoughts and feelings with others.” Data released this year from the Los Angeles Homeless Service Authority (LAHSA) reports that homeless youth make up slightly over 7% of the overall homeless population in LA county or roughly 4,775 young people out of 66,433 individuals. The report also highlights the unique needs and characteristics of homeless youth when compared to the overall homeless population. Youth are more likely to be female, Black, Latin American(x), and/or identify as LGBTQ, while having lower rates of substance abuse and mental illness. “If they (TAY) are then taken out of homelessness during this time in their life, they are less likely to return to homelessness,” Gutierrez says. “So this is really a prevention tool, because we are intervening early.” Alongside early intervention, key tenets of the Host Homes program focus on offering aid to youth through a trauma-informed perspective and a housing-first approach. “Even with adult systems, sometimes they (Social Services) will require adults to go through
certain steps prior to being housed,” Gutierrez explains. “We at S.P.Y. operate from a housingfirst model, where we want to house them first and we make sure we have a safe and stable place for them. Then we’re going to provide all the wrap-around service that they need including mental health and wellness, education and employment, housing navigation, a therapist— whatever they need or want.” Relly was 1 of 16 youth members within S.P.Y. to experience the Host program in 2018. A Washington native, Relly moved to LA in early 2018, sharing an apartment with a roommate that soon proved to be an unsustainable living situation. Escalating conflicts led to the departure of the roommate and Relly was unable to manage the high rent alone, and lacked any friends or relatives nearby to offer support. The situation that forced Relly into homelessness has many of the same parallels found among Transitional-Aged Youth, but unlike others, Relly quickly found support from S.P.Y. “I always give them the math when I moved here,” he says. “I got here in like January or February 2018, and I got my keys to my place (following the Host Homes program) in December 2018. I always tell people that because (it) lets them know it’s possible to get back on your feet, it’s possible to get yourself back together if you were in such a low place like I was.” Two years later and still living
S.P.Y.’s Host Homes program coordinator Andrew Gutierrez III with Relly, a program member PAGE 14 THE ARGONAUT NOVEMBER 5, 2020
PHOTOS COURTESY OF SAFE FOR PLACE FOR YOUTH
By Stepan Sarkisian Safe Place for Youth (S.P.Y.) started unofficially in 2011 with a small group of volunteers handing out homemade care packages to homeless youth throughout Venice Beach. Under the leadership of founder and executive director Alison Hurst, the organization was established that same year with a drop-in center in Venice and progressively expanded the coverage offered by their programs. Now regarded as one of the leading agencies for homeless youth in West Los Angeles, S.P.Y. has spent recent years breaking new ground in LA with an innovative approach to finding housing for homeless youth. Having sustained its community-driven approach, S.P.Y. launched the grassroots Host Homes program in 2018 after a successful pilot run the previous year. The program pairs Transitional-Aged Youth (TAY) ages 18 to 25 with community members who have the needed space to accommodate their guests for a period of three to six months. This unique approach offers the dual benefit of pairing homeless youth with a wide support network of adults who help guide them through the process of finding permanent housing and employment, while also shifting the perception surrounding homeless youth within the community they are hosted. “These youth are not the negative stereotypes that we often see in the media,” says
Safe Place for Youth (S.P.Y.) helps homeless youth find housing in Los Angeles in the same apartment they moved into in 2018, Relly has found long-term success after the program. “The fact that I’m in my own place right now is still like a dream to me, even though I’ve been here for two years,” he says. “But each time I come home there’s a smile on my face because I feel like I worked so hard to get this, you know what I mean? I’m doing okay.” Having gone through the education programs offered by S.P.Y., Relly now works developing the “What I Need” (WIN) app, which acts as an all-encompassing resource guide for youth experiencing homelessness in LA. Following the early success of the Host Home program, other agencies have adopted the same model. Alongside three other organizations, S.P.Y. received public funding from LAHSA and now supports a network of about 50 youth and host families within the program. Unlike many other social services that have been hindered by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the program and its network of host families has only grown within the last year. “Before it used to be people (referring to host families) who
were empty nesters or maybe people who were upper or middle class, or maybe folks who had an extra bedroom,” Gutierrez explains. “However, now during the pandemic we’re seeing an array of families reach out to us interested in hosting a youth because of the financial incentive that comes along with it and the support that they need to in order to prevent themselves from being homeless.” With a $500 monthly stipend for each youth hosted, now more than ever the program serves to be mutually beneficial for host families and their guest. Following a background screening, volunteers receive additional training on positive youth development, trauma support and communication techniques from members of S.P.Y. who will also offer host families continuous support throughout the next 3 to 6 months. Interested participants are invited to the “Host Home Meet & Learn” webinar on November 12 with program coordinator Andrew Gutierrez III. More information about the Host Homes programs can be found at www.safeplaceforyouth.org or by email at home@safeplaceforyouth.org.
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‘A Riotous Adventure’
By Audrey Cleo Yap Kristina Wong is running for public office. Well, actually, she already did: the performance artist and comedian is a member of the Wilshire Center Koreatown Sub-district 5 Neighborhood Council, a position she was voted into. And in an instance certainly of art imitating life, Wong has turned the process of becoming an elected official — albeit an unpaid one — into a one-woman show. “Kristina Wong for Public Office” is a zany, 75-minute semi-autobiographical meditation on Wong’s recent creative life, the history of voting and the red tape of democracy. She first started developing the show in 2018, inspired by the failure of her reality TV show pilot and an ill-conceived first run for public office as an assembly district delegate, which she lost. (The story goes that Wong, at the urging of a friend, consumed an edible and, in her haze, signed up to be on the ballot). In it, an energetic Wong swiftly goes from opining about the hurdles she faced trying to get her pilot off the ground to talking about how campaign rallies used to serve as hook-up hubs for single people to the petty comments she hears at neighborhood council meetings about whether or not to hand out hygiene kits to the homeless. Originally, Wong had planned to tour alongside the presidential campaigns of 2020. But with the advent of the coronavirus pandemic, Wong had to quickly adapt the stage show into a digital format that could be performed over video conferencing platform Zoom; she did a
PHOTOS COURTESY OF CENTER THEATRE GROUP
Comedian Kristina Wong’s staged memoir of the democratic process caps off 2020’s tumultuous political season
Comedian Kristina Wong’s one-woman show reflects on her foray into politics
taped version at the Kirk Douglas Theatre in October, in partnership with The Broad Stage in Santa Monica and Center Theatre Group. It’s available on-demand through Nov. 29. “It’s weird to not be inside the show. Like, I’m so used to physically being present and seeing my audience,” she says, calling the Zoom version a sort of “object dance” that requires her to maneuver her computer around her home. Occasionally, viewers are reminded that she is, indeed, homebound: her house slippers have made a cameo. “I’m Chinese. I don’t wear shoes in my house. I’m not an
animal,” she deadpans. Among the technical challenges of adapting the show for Zoom, says director and dramaturg Diana Wyenn, was making sure sounds could be properly cued and heard by viewers. After experimenting with speakers and, at one point, trying to trigger sounds via Google remote, they settled on rigging two computers that could run Zoom simultaneously. Like in a stage show, Wong is able to interact with audience members via chat and unmute them if need be. In total, Wyenn says they’ve made three versions of the show — stage, taped and Zoom. “It was always the audience
that we had in mind — what kind of experience are they going to have of this material?” says Wyenn, “because we want them to have just a riotous adventure with Kristina.” Something that’s made clear in the show’s taped version. Clad in a suffragette’s white pantsuit, Wong takes center stage in an otherwise empty theater, against a backdrop of colorful, handsewn felt banners, but not before opening the piece in an Elvisinspired beaded cape. At one point, she beams to a white male audience member to “endorse” her. Like a true politician, Wong has adapted her message for the medium. “So, like all these big booming speeches that I would give on a stage for hundreds of people when I did this live in February are now pulled down to [be] very intimate — just address one person who’s at home, also in isolation,” she says. But for Wong, all politics and political campaigning are performance art. Her show, she says, has allowed her to process the events around her, which includes everything from the pandemic to the latest, bureaucracy-riddled neighborhood council meeting. The former has led to another venture for Wong,
“Politicians are just actors in a public space.” — Comedian and performance artist Kristina Wong
as head of the Auntie Sewing Squad, a group that makes masks and gathers medical supplies for populations most at-risk during the pandemic. The group’s work has inspired her next show, “Kristina Wong, Sweatshop Overlord,” which she is currently developing. As for her political future, though, Wong is uncertain. Her seat on the neighborhood council is up in April of next year, and Wong says she will likely run again. But as for more ambitious political seats, she is hesitant. She points to a local contest for a city council seat — where one candidate has been sending out mailers with a mugshot-like picture of his opponent — and hypothesizes what mud-slinging mailers would be crafted about her. “I think I have actual pictures of me holding dildos and stuff like that,” she says. “I have the gamut. Every day, I make future slur materials.” She adds that her political presence has offered some perks, like speaking at events with people like Congressman Ted Lieu. And, ultimately, being at the cross-section of art and politics is not an unnatural position for her to be in. “Politicians,” she muses, “are just actors in a public space.” To watch “Kristina Wong for Public Office,” visit centertheatregroup.org. Tickets are $10 for digital stage access through Nov. 29.
NOVEMBER 5, 2020 THE ARGONAUT PAGE 15
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West LA Gothic The Westside’s hidden literary history is written in its lost architecture PHOTOS BY AND COURTESY OF JONATHAN R. ELLER, CENTER FOR RAY BRADBURY STUDIES
By Colin Newton In May of 1943, a recently hired Hollywood screenwriter described his Santa Monica apartment to a friend with a typically acid-washed tongue. “Living space here is virtually impossible to obtain and it was a choice between this sort of place and one of those ghastly pseudo-elegant pseudo-modern Shangri- La sort of apartments which Santa Monica is peppered with,” he wrote in a letter. “I chose the cheaper and less offensive sort... But it is in view of the ocean—well, with a little craning of the neck.” The writer was Tennessee Williams, who had just gone to work for MGM, and the apartment was a boardinghouse located at 1647 Ocean Ave. Williams’ experience in Hollywood was not a comfortable one, with the writer bitterly noting the slow, spiritual death of individual artists in the movie business. Of course, he did himself few favors with his patron company, complaining that his first assignment was to write a “celluloid brassiere” for actress Lana Turner and describing the studio’s child star Margaret O’Brien as “a smaller more loathsome edition of Shirley Temple.” Williams was quickly removed from the regular writing staff, but his Los Angeles adventures continued while he waited out his contract. Williams wandered Downtown and the Westside, crashed on a scooter on Wilshire Boulevard — Audrey Wood, Williams’ agent, warned him in a letter: “I remember traffic vividly out your way”— and wrote from his apartment, merging a short story with a play into a spec script titled “The Gentleman Caller.” “I feel this could be made into a very moving and beautiful screen play [sic]—much better than the stage version could be,” he wrote to Wood. “Only it would have to run unusually long, about as long I should think as ‘Gone With the Wind.’” Perhaps unsurprisingly, MGM didn’t bite, and Williams took the project back East, where it would debut a year later under the name “The Glass Menagerie.” The play would be Williams’ artistic breakthrough
Ray Bradbury’s former residence at 670 Venice Blvd. depicted in October 2007. The sci -fi writer rented the house in the 1940s and wrote the stories that would become “The Martian Chronicles” in the garage. Both structures have since been torn down. and, ultimately, an American classic of psychological stage drama. There is no landmark to “The Glass Menagerie” in Santa Monica. The building where Williams put together the play has long since disappeared to development. Today, the property is part of Tongva Park. However, it is just one of a few pieces of Westside literary history that have been swallowed by time. Perhaps the Westside’s most famous literary resident was Ray Bradbury. In the spring of 1942, a year before Williams was settling into Santa Monica, Bradbury moved into a rented house at 670 Venice Blvd. One corner of the garage became his home office and the only place he would write. He turned his typewriter toward outer space and crafted the stories that would make up the sci-fi classic “The Martian Chronicles.” His terrestrial neighbors included a brick powerhouse substation, which converted industrial strength electricity to residential levels, and an active
PAGE 16 THE ARGONAUT NOVEMBER 5, 2020
jailhouse. “Venice obviously has undergone significant changes in the decades since,” said Ken Bernstein, principle city planner for the LA Office of Historic Resources. “In the 1940s and into the 1950s, it was a place that was a lower cost neighborhood.” Lower cost translated into an affordable spot for writers and artists to congregate, Bernstein said. “Venice was very much a bohemian, countercultural bastion during the 1950s,” he said. “I think they just found it a hospitable cultural environment as well.” Bradbury would take advantage of the burgeoning bohemian atmosphere, living on Venice Boulevard — although moving a few blocks closer to the beach in 1947 — until the end of the decade. In 1950, the same year “The Martian Chronicles” was published, he left Venice. The 670 property stayed in town a while longer, until it was demolished and replaced with a New York-style art gallery. The
gallery opened in 2010, held a Bradbury-themed exhibit in 2012 and closed in 2013. The Cheviot Hills property where Bradbury lived from the 1960s until his death in 2012 suffered a similar fate when it was torn down by the new owner, resulting in a public outcry. Properties in Los Angeles can be designated Historic-Cultural Monuments, which gives them a protected status. Properties can be nominated for the designation by anyone, and they are often nominated by the owners themselves, Bernstein said. However, there are not as many Historic-Cultural Monuments on the Westside as there are in other parts of Los Angeles. “Land values are so high and many might envision a land development in their future,” he said. Of course, not every piece of Westside literary history has vanished. The house where Christopher Isherwood wrote his landmark novel “A Single Man” still privately observes the Santa Monica Canyon from its
Ocean Avenue vantage point. And sometimes, rather than vanish, literary history generates spontaneously. William Faulkner was rumored to have lived on an El Greco Street in Santa Monica — no such street seems to have existed in the city. Another writer whose Westside presence was slightly overstated was Raymond Chandler. Loren Latker, operator of the Raymond Chandler fan website Shamus Town (www.shamustown.com), started investigating the crime writer’s many Los Angeles area homes and quickly noticed something amiss. Chandler lore had it that the writer lived at 723 Stewart St. in Santa Monica in the early 1920s when he was an executive at the Dabney Oil Syndicate. “I went there looking around, and the addresses are wrong,” Latker said. “It’s not possible that he lived on Stewart in Santa Monica.” Old maps of the area backed him up. Stewart did not cross Wilshire, where the 723 address would have been, Latker said.
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An electric company substation across from Ray Bradbury’s 670 Venice Blvd. residence, depicted in October 2007. Bradbury could see the substation, which belonged to the same utility company his father worked for, from the garage where he wrote. Chandler most likely lived on a Stewart Street in downtown Los Angeles, which was later renamed Witmer, he said. That would be near the Mayfair Hotel, an infamous Chandler haunt where the writer would check in, get drunk, call his office and threaten to kill himself. Of course, Chandler still lived in Santa Monica a decade later, as well as twice in the Pacific Palisades, once in Brentwood and at more than 30 other locations throughout Los Angeles and Southern California. While on the Westside in the late ‘30s and early ‘40s, he worked on short stories that he would develop into the pulp fiction novels “The Big Sleep,” “Farewell My Lovely” and “The High Window,” all featuring the hard-boiled hero Phillip Marlowe, whose clipped narration is synonymous with detective fiction and Los Angeles literature. Marlowe was a reflection of his city and its neighborhoods, sometimes bitter, sometimes beautiful and often obscure. “You can see that Chandler was influenced by the courts and the places that he lived,” Latker says. The atmosphere of
Westside streets like San Vicente, where Chandler lived for a couple of months at the end of 1940, can be felt in the books, even if they aren’t named. Curiously, Santa Monica, a frequent location in the novels, was renamed Bay City. “There has never been an indication why he changed it. It’s just something that he did,” Latker said. “Maybe he just wanted to disguise everything and add mystery to it. After all, he was writing mysteries.” The literary disguises haven’t stopped readers from trying to figure out what’s architectually what, and a kind of cult has evolved around trying to determine the various locations in Chandler country, Latker said. One reader asked Latker about the identity of a particularly memorable building from the short story “Bay City Blues” — a physician’s building described as having wings. With a little detective work, they turned up a structure on Wilshire and 7th in Santa Monica that had a wing-like design, a feature from before air conditioning. “They’d look like a squared W — a wing, a space, a wing,”
Latker said. “Instead of making a solid building, they made this W-shape so you could get ventilation.” The building is still standing, although it’s part of a new Westside tradition. It’s been developed into a hotel. If you squint a little, you can sometimes still see the old city, though there are other — perhaps more durable — ways to access the past. Ray Bradbury put his Venice experience, complete with shallow canals and skeletal beachside roller coasters, into the slightly surreal detective novel “Death Is a Lonely Business.” In the short story “The Mattress by the Tomato Patch,” Tennessee Williams described an apartment where, from behind his typewriter, he could see a beach house belonging to Marion Davies. (That house has been recast as the focal point of the Annenberg Community Beach House compound, itself built in the worn footprint of Davies’ and her lover William Randolph Hearst’s Gold Coast mansion.) At the very least, houses built in the style of Southern Gothic, Palm Tree Gothic and Martian Gothic are still inhabitable on paper.
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Main Street’s Dead to Me been marred with scuffs from the street already! It would be nice if I’m proved wrong, but all the smart Vegas money is betting I’m correct on this one — a coat of paint does not solve the essential problem of inadequate social distancing at the heart of Santa Monica’s Al Fresco’s plan. If I could rewrite history, I’d have Santa Monica take a page out of Culver City’s playbook and try some experimental street closures last spring along with the first partial reopening. With a creative and well-informed public health officer on tap to help keep the published mitigation guidelines preeminent while other decisions were made, the center through traffic lanes configuration would have been rejected early. Recognition that we are in for a long haul would disqualify temporary, ill-conceived solutions in favor of something that could keep the business area vibrant through the winter holidays and into next spring. Bars and restaurants thrive on the energy of tightly packed patrons drinking lots of booze and having good times. They are unique in that to mitigate them until they are really safe, they’re not bar or restaurant experiences anymore. The COVID pandemic requires a new business model, because the old one is a proven killer. If fate gave us a mulligan, I hope we’d close streets to traffic, include overhead lighting and heating units along with cleanable protective virus barriers to keep all cozy and safe for the year or more this siege will last. We could have rescued the business life on Santa Monica’s Main Street, but I fear we’ve blown the opportunity. By next January we’ll see if we’ve dealt the death blow or if the promised ‘art elves’ will actually save Main Street. For now, Main Street is dead to me.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF DOWNTOWN CULVER CITY
(Continued from page 11)
Culver City’s spacious outdoor dining accommodations were welcoming to Halloween revelers
Power to Speak is The Argonaut’s guest opinion column for community members to voice their views on local matters and does not represent an editorial position or endorsement by The Argonaut. The opinions, experiences, research and data analysis expressed in this article are the author’s own. Have a unique point of view on a neighborhood matter or a national issue with a local twist? Email kkirk@timespublications.com. PAGE 18 THE ARGONAUT NOVEMBER 5, 2020
P E O P L E
From Darkness to Light
For Westchester photographer Zsuzsi Steiner, taking photos is a way to keep memories alive PHOTOS BY ZSUZSI STEINER
By Shanee Edwards Westchester resident Zsuzsi Steiner has been photographing local families for over six years and her vivid photos of local people and places have also brought the pages of The Argonaut and our sister publication Playa Vista Direct to life for the last three. Charming and upbeat, she is known for her ability to make even the most reluctant subjects have an enjoyable experience in front of her camera. When asked what led her to become a professional family photographer, she shared her moving story. In 2009 Steiner and her husband Tim were expecting their first child, a son they would call Zachary. Excited about starting a family and wanting to create lasting memories, Zsuzsi decided to brush up on her photography skills. She had always enjoyed taking photos, but after Tim gifted her a new DSLR camera, she took classes at Santa Monica College and Otis College of Art & Design to help get the most out of the digital technology and further her skills. Sadly, what was supposed to be a happy event turned to tragedy. During her 39th week of pregnancy, Zsuzsi experienced preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome, two medical disorders that cause complications for both mother and child during birth. “Just two days after being born,” says Zsuzsi, “Zachary passed away. I almost passed away as well.” Her first time actually seeing Zachary was just before the doctors were to take him off the ventilator. As she met her dying son, she knew she must take photos of him – to have something by which she could remember the peaceful soul who was denied a chance to thrive. A friend brought a camera to the hospital and Zsuzsi mustered up the fortitude to photograph Zachary. “Those pictures are truly what I have of my son. I can hold those pictures and look at them and I can say to myself, ‘He really existed!’ As time goes by, unfortunately, memories fade but pictures don’t fade,” Zsuzsi says. As she was grieving the loss of her son, she found an organization called Now I Lay Me Down
Photographer Zsuzsi Steiner and her sons Jack, Evan and Zachary
Steiner has a special knack for photographing children
to Sleep, a group of professional photographers who go to hospitals and photograph babies who have already passed away or are likely to pass away due to complications. “My experience motivated me to become a photographer for Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep. It helped me get through my grief because I was able to focus on the skills, I needed to be a good photographer, understand light, all those things,” Zsuzsi says. She also saw it as a way to honor the boy she lost. She was accepted as a professional photographer for Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep after giving herself a 10-year timeframe not only to be skilled enough, but also be emotionally ready. “I ended up doing one of these shoots for baby Mason, who was born alive but by the time I got to the hospital he had passed away,” says Zsuzsi. “To be there as a photographer for that family was life-changing and amazing. It was very special. And I held it together.” As she edited the photos of Mason, something inside her shifted, emotionally. “I realized I didn’t need to take photos of families in a similar situation to keep Zachary’s memory alive.” Instead of continuing on with the organization, she started her own photography business with an emphasis on family portraits. Since the loss of Zachary, Zsuzsi and Tim have had two sons, Evan, 9, and Jack, 6. Both are healthy and thriving. “The experience really empowered me and I’m still giving great memories that will not fade for other families,” she says. By making a few adjustments to the way she works, Zsuzsi’s photography business has been going strong despite COVID-19. She offers this advice for other small business owners: “Think outside the box. Doing business as it was pre-COVID just isn’t going to work in these times. I adapted by doing porch portraits for people to document this time with their families. I’m also encouraging beach sessions. It’s important to focus on what you can do, not on what you can’t do.” For more info, visit zsuzsiphotography.com.
NOVEMBER 5, 2020 THE ARGONAUT PAGE 19
LOS ANGELES TIMES SUNDAY CROSSWORD PUZZLE “HISTORY LESSON” By C.C. BURNIKEL
GRAND THEFT AUTOCRAT I’m a 29-year-old straight woman and I recently started dating this guy I really like. The only issue is he seems a bit controlling. For example, he always wants to pick the restaurant and which TV show we watch. While I’m generally pretty go with the flow, it seems like I never choose what we’re doing. It’s one thing to pick the restaurant, but I worry that he might be like this with bigger things (like if we got a place together or got married). Should I be worried? --Unsure It’s important to have a boyfriend who shows interest in your point of view, ideally beyond, “Are your arm restraints a little tight?” But before we start measuring you for your “Handmaid’s Tale” bonnet, consider whether there’s a non-creepy, non-control freakish reason the guy wants to choose the dining establishment and the entertainment. Is he some extreme foodie who pores over restaurant reviews and follows chefs like other guys follow baseball players, while you’re simply a chick who likes to eat out? By the way, I’ve personally horrified some waitresses who’ve overheard me asking my boyfriend to tell me what I should order. I do this not because I am some shell of a person and have no opinions but because I got tired of having food envy when our dinners came. I realized my boyfriend is some sort of culinary sniffer dog, using mere words on a menu to divine the tastiest, most exciting entree, much like tracking dogs use an old sweatshirt to sniff their way to a buried dead body. However, save for the few areas one’s partner has special expertise, there are things in a relationship that can be outsourced, and your decision-making should not be one of them. You create who you are through your choices, and if you make no choices, there’s no “you.” The elimination by a partner of the need for you to have an opinion could be the beginnings of “coercive control.” This is a term by sociologist Evan Stark for an insidious form of subjugation in a relationship that an abuser uses to dominate and control their partner. It’s a gradual psychological hostage-taking, breaking down a person’s independent self, their concept of reality and their ability to make decisions for themself. Victims of coercive control suffer “perspecticide,” which Stark describes as a loss of the ability to “know what you know.” This comes through their
gradual isolation from friends and family and losing touch with their opinions, desires and values, including their ability to discern what is right and wrong. Their abuser (who research finds can be male or female) often resorts to intimate partner violence when coercive control of their victim fails, like if he or she shows a flash of independent thought. In a healthy relationship, a person does not get erased, their perspective never taken into account. Healthy relationships are interdependent. Though one partner might not agree with the other’s every belief and idea, they generally respect each other’s thinking and are open to their suggestions. Marriage researcher John Gottman describes this as partners accepting each other’s “influence.” This mutual influencing seems to make for more satisfying romantic partnerships with more staying power, explains Gottman: “Men who allow their wives to influence them have happier marriages and are less likely to divorce than men who resist their wives’ influence. Statistically speaking, when a man is not willing to share power with his partner, there is an 81% chance his marriage will self-destruct.” Women tend to be higher in a “pleaser” personality trait, “agreeableness,” which, on a positive note, manifests in being warm, kind, generous and motivated to have positive interactions with others. On a darker note, it can make a woman with a dominant partner more likely to do as she’s told. That said, your feelings are not the boss of you, and you can simply decide to override them and assert yourself: Have opinions, make decisions and stand up for yourself. Accordingly, your interactions with this man should be driven by the understanding that you are his equal in the relationship, not his subordinate. To see whether he’s up for an equal partnership —a girlfriend rather than a female serf—tell him you don’t think it’s healthy for you or the relationship for him to make all the decisions. Going forward, you want shared responsibility for decision-making. For your part in this, you need to take responsibility: Assert yourself by asserting your opinions and desires when there are decisions to be made. This is how you create a healthy relationship instead of a two-person totalitarian state—complete with a “Gulag Sweet Home” needlepoint and where mundane questions like, “How was your day?” kick off your Soviet show trial.
GOT A PROBLEM? Write to Amy Alkon at 171 Pier Ave, Ste. 280, Santa Monica, CA 90405, or email her at AdviceAmy@aol.com. ©2020, Amy Alkon, all rights reserved. Alkon’s latest book is “Unf*ckology: A Field Guide to Living with Guts and Confidence.” Follow @amyalkon on Twitter or visit blogtalkradio.com/amyalkon.
PAGE 20 THE ARGONAUT NOVEMBER 5, 2020
ACROSS 1 Readily available 6 Arabian Peninsula natives 12 Declines 18 __ apart 20 1998 Winter Games city 21 Place for retiring? 22 *Cuddly toy 24 Was behind 25 April 4, in 2021 26 “99 Luftballons” singer whose name is an anagram of two of Henry VIII’s wives 27 Texter’s “If you ask me” 28 Q’s value in Scrabble 29 “Solve for x” subj. 31 Harbor bobber 33 Feudal workers 35 Pieces with views 37 *Layered lunch 41 Popular fact source 43 Hunter seen at night 44 Rami’s role on “Mr. Robot” 47 Sch. with a Lima campus 48 Swingers’ tools 51 Attend to a boxer, maybe 53 Ill will 55 Irrefutable truth 57 Litter box emanations 60 *Braves outfielder who was the 1990 N.L. Rookie of the Year 62 “Ex on the Beach” channel 64 Actress Hatcher 66 Half a film genre portmanteau 67 Workplaces for RNs 68 Tiny bit 69 Cheery greeting 70 __-free: cleaning cloth term
72 74 75 76 78 80 82 83 87 89 90 92 96 97 99 102 103 106 108 110 113 114 115 116 118 120 123 125
129 130 131 132 133 134
Market Bowlers, e.g. Menu preposition Palais pal Aides for profs Check, with “in” __ Miss *Webmaster’s concern Financial liabilities Ailing Performed a concerto’s cadenza Where kitties get pampered Substandard __ de parfum Beaux of old Civil rights icon John “Close, but no cigar” *Cuts a school period Prefix with league Some video files Israeli statesman Abba Washington MLBer “Right this instant!” Global fiscal org. Piece of cake Paid off Sweetums Field including history, and a hint to the ends of the answers to starred clues Poland neighbor Entering words Thin piece “Shame on you!” Raised Topples (over)
DOWN 1 Cries of pain 2 “Just kidding!” 3 2010 Coen brothers remake 4 __ Romeo 5 Some
6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 19 21 23 29 30 32 34 36 38 39 40 42 45 46 49
50 52 54 56 58 59 61 62 63
downloaded docs Hot Superhero suffix Opposin’ Identifies Cockamamie Discontinued Camry model “The King and I” kingdom When two hands come together? Luxury bag monogram *Jackson or Lincoln Prominent Warms up the crowd Hold in reserve Beam benders Court tie Straddling Tempt Festive time Name on the 1979 album “The Wall” MillerCoors rival Part of the former Yugoslavia City west of Tulsa Tough situation Portend “The Wire” antihero __ Little Saves for later viewing Mexican town known for its beer, which is now a Heineken brand Winter hillside sights Kid Track official Spy org. created by FDR Dig find Asian honorific “Maleficent” actress City west of Venezia *“We’ll need a better solution”
65 Opening remarks 69 Invited to the skybox 71 Flip sides? 73 Was in charge of 74 Low-cost stopover 76 __ interpreter: press conference figure 77 Fighting word from the French for “mixture” 79 Store 81 “The Good Place” network 84 EagleCam spot 85 Seize illegally 86 Passing words? 88 Poolroom powder 91 What Brinker’s boy plugged with a finger 93 Graceful vertical entrance 94 Birthplace of Galileo 95 Mgr.’s helper 98 Cost of withdrawal 100 Ate in small bits 101 Exchanges verbal jabs 104 Tense situation 105 Private agreement? 107 Agitated states 108 Two cents 109 Partners of crannies 111 Grimm creature 112 Actor __ Baron Cohen 117 Stole stuff 119 Docking place 121 Cheapest way to buy, with “in” 122 “Nurse Jackie” star Falco 124 Gentle touch 126 Exist 127 Fish in unadon 128 Yearbook gp.
LETTERS
From the Web: In response to ‘A California State of Mind: ESMoA’s ‘FREESTATE’ dreams up a world built on Golden State Ideals,’ Cover Story, Oct. 29, 2020 For the first time in 45 years, I agree with something attributed to Jimmy Carter: “Whatever starts in California, unfortunately, has an inclination to spread.” Let’s hope this is not the case for the rest of the country since California has the highest tax rates, the largest homeless population, the most rapidly growing homeless population, the largest poverty rate, a single-party leadership class comprised of mediocrities and hypocrites, the highest middle class out-migration, and is rated as the worst state to start a business. Not sure who is going to finance “The Free Republic of California” discussed in the article by the young artist, assuming California is still around in 10 years. Nothing lasts forever. Good luck. Kevin Dretzka A Note of Good News: Live Music Returns to the Westside On Sunday, Oct. 4, Westside Voices presented an outdoor concert entitled “Travel Safely through Music.” Even face shields and
PHOTO BY SWEET WILLIAM (AKA THOMAS PLEASURE)
(Continued from page 6)
social distancing couldn’t keep this unique mixed a-cappella ensemble from visiting New York, Jamaica, San Francisco, Paris and London (through music). The audience smiled from beneath their face masks and participated in the hum-a-longs. Chairs were spaced for family members and individuals and recommended safety protocols were followed. Singing outdoors without amplification was a challenge. Wearing face coverings and not being able to stand close together made it even more difficult, but the singers were able to adapt to the acoustics of the space. Seating was limited so that all could comfortably enjoy the music. This was the first time that some
of the audience had left their homes, except for visits to the supermarket or to the doctor. It was a joy to bring a sense of normalcy to the community. The performance was an adventure to put on, and it was a resounding success. Come celebrate the holidays with Westside Voices at our upcoming concert on Dec. 20. Enjoy great live music and a few surprises. Harris Levey Westside Voices Go Dodgers! Although the entire Sports Harbour was repainted (in a failed attempt to re-open under a new owner), the 2017 Gustavo Zermeño Jr. mural of Vin Scully that Rahim
We Want to Hear from You! Being in print is a lot more meaningful than grouching on Facebook. Send compliments, complaints and
insights about local issues to kkirk@timespublications.com
THE ARGONAUT NEWSPAPER PRESENTS:
N E W S
Thanksgiving Day Catering Issue
Corona by the Numbers & Local Updates Compiled by Kamala Kirk Cases and Deaths by Neighborhood as of Tuesday, Nov. 3: Culver City: 440 (Deaths 28); Del Rey: 409 (Deaths 10); El Segundo: 151 (Deaths 1); Marina del Rey: 87 (Deaths 1); Mar Vista: 384 (Deaths 7); Playa Vista: 154 (Deaths 0); Playa del Rey: 29 (Deaths 0); Santa Monica: 1,053 (Deaths 41); Venice: 360 (Deaths 3); Westchester: 502 (Deaths 15) Total Westside
Javan commissioned to celebrate his 30th year in business, still survives… You can hear the Persian Prince cheering along with Vin. Go Dodgers… Sweet William Argonaut Contributor
Cases: 3,569 Total Westside Deaths: 106 Total Confirmed Cases in LA County: 311,745 Total Deaths in LA County: 7,097 Total New Cases as of Nov. 3: 1,224 Total New Deaths: 23 Hospitalizations: 798 Postivity Rate (7-day average): 3.2% Total Number of People Tested: 3,163,904 (Source: Los Angeles County Department of Public Health)
Most Westsiders will be celebrating Thanksgiving at home this year. Help them have a joyous holiday by offering your restaurant’s or grocery store’s catering services.
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MODERN MASTERPIECE “This brand new masterpiece, designed by an award-winning architect, is a green home built to LEED standards, with smart home features,” say agents Kelley and Todd Miller. “Incredible great room design with large open living room with polished concrete floors, 20-foot vaulted ceiling and floor-to-ceiling windows. Gourmet kitchen with center island with quartz counters and professional grade appliances. Guest suite downstairs and four bedrooms upstairs. Family room on 2nd floor with tree-trop views. Large master suite with beautiful master bath and two walk-in closets. Large private backyard, patio with firepit and turf yard. Attached two-car garage. Located on a quiet cul-de-sac where kids can ride their bikes in the street, and only a few blocks to all the shops, theaters, restaurants and nightlife in downtown Culver City. Close to Expo Light rail. Access to Culver City’s award-winning schools.” PAGE 22 AT HOME – THE ARGONAUT’S REAL ESTATE SECTION NOVEMBER 5, 2020
Offered at $2,599,000 I N F O R M AT I O N :
KELLEY & TODD MILLER KW SANTA MONICA 310-923-5353 www.8899hubbard.com kelleyandtodd.com BRE #01711844/ BRE #01389620
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Compass is a real estate broker licensed by the State of California and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. License Number 01991628. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only and is compiled from sources deemed reliable but has not been verified. Changes in price, condition, sale or withdrawal may be made without notice. No statement is made as to accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footage are approximate. If your property is currently listed for sale this is not a solicitation.
NOVEMBER 5, 2020 AT HOME – THE ARGONAUT’S REAL ESTATE SECTION PAGE 23
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“This perfectly situated corner townhome has two beds, two-and-a-half baths, plus a large den,” says agent Jesse Weinberg. “The vaulted ceilings and oversized windows allow for incredible natural light throughout. The chefs kitchen offers granite counters, maple cabinets, stainless steel appliances, breakfast nook and large balcony. The master suite has high ceilings, fireplace, and private balcony. Live in modern comfort with all the benefits that the Playa Vista community has to offer. Amenities include clubhouse, pools, spa, fitness center, basketball courts, play grounds, dog parks, community events.” Offered at $1,450,000 Jesse Weinberg Jesse Weinberg & Associates 800-804-9132
“This home is so quiet you can hear your own heartbeat,” says agent Stephanie Younger. “That beat grows louder as you enter the welcoming foyer of this family-friendly floor plan which truly has it all, even the Foscarini chandelier. The spacious kitchen features prep sink, Caesarstone counters, and breakfast bar designed to please every chef. Separate family room and main level bedroom complete the lower level. The lush landscaping is worthy of a magazine feature with its outdoor kitchen, artificial turf, and private putting green.” Offered at $2,595,000 Stephanie Younger Compass 310-499-2020
“This home has so much character and charisma, you may not want to leave. Check out this spacious, four-bedroom home with an additional creative studio (or private 2-car garage),” says agent Dennis Hsii. “Comes furnished, with plenty of space to relax, cook, entertain, study, sleep, exercise and more. Each room is designer curated, with whimsical wallpaper, vibrant colors, cheerful décor and unique personality. Downstairs is a delightful retreat area: open up the automatic garage door for fresh air and use the space for online schooling, arts and crafts, play area or working out.” Offered at $10,000/Mo. Dennis Hsii Highland Premiere (844) 99-PLAYA
“This elegant two-story home balances simplicity, luxury and a modern lifestyle,” says agent Jennifer Hughes. “The lot is situated on one of the best blocks in Venice. Exquisite details begin with the inviting front porch that spans the width of the house. French doors open to the private backyard sanctuary with exterior living room, al fresco dining area, spacious backyard and beautiful gardens. Other appointments include custom-bleached oak floors, architectural lighting, Caesarstone counters, and limestone flooring. Located two blocks off Abbot Kinney.” Offered at $2,995,000 Jennifer Hughes Bulldog Realtors 310-383-7299
THE ARGONAUT REAL ESTATE Q&A
How Can You Get a Mortgage If You’re a Freelancer? Being a freelancer, contract worker, gig worker, or anyone self-employed is more common and popular than ever right now. There are downsides, such as the lack of benefits like health insurance. At the same time, there are more upsides for many professionals who choose to work this way.
going to fluctuate, and you’ll have up and down periods. What you want to be able to show a lender is your long-term earning average. You should be able to calm the fears of your lender by showing them at least several years’ worth of documents highlighting your earnings.
Income Calculation Your income is calculated differently if you’re a freelancer. Your lender will calculate an average monthly income by dividing the past two years of your adjusted gross income by 24.
Save As Much As You Can You should aim to save at least 20% of the Upsides include freedom and flexibility to purchase price of a home because this will make your own schedule, unlimited earning potential, and the ability to have the work-life You need to be able to demonstrate a pattern let you avoid paying for private mortgage balance that allows you to create your own of earning. If you aren’t able to do that just yet, insurance. You also want to be able to show lifestyle. you might have to hold off on buying a home. your reliability as a borrower, so with that in mind, the bigger the downpayment you can There is an issue that can arise if you’re a Even better than showing steady earnings is make, the better. freelancer or contractor, though. being able to show upward trends. Clean Up Your Finances How do you get a mortgage? Another note—if you’re self-employed, you You can face more headwinds if you’re trying When you apply for a mortgage as a traditional likely try to write off as many of your business to buy a home and you’re self-employed in employee, you’ll probably show your proof of expenses as you can at tax time. This is any capacity. You are inevitably going to be income through your job, but it can be a bit understandable, but you also want to show held to a higher financial standard, so prepare trickier if you don’t have a traditional employer. as high an income as possible, so if you’re yourself for that. You’re also going to face more scrutiny from thinking about buying a home anytime in the lenders. future, keep that in mind with your deductions. You should aim to get your credit score up to at least 740, and the higher, the better. Keep Up with Relevant Be prepared to show at least two years of Start working toward paying off debt, Documents tax returns, which will likely be your 1099s including your credit cards. Credit utilization Over the years, it’s easy to be disorganized instead of your W2s. is a big component of your score and also as far as how you keep up with your earnings Beyond your tax returns, you may want to the willingness of a lender to offer you a and expenditures, but come time to apply for a be able to show your bank statements, and mortgage. Try to have the amount of credit mortgage that can be problematic. any profit and loss statements. You can also you’re using below 30%. As a freelancer or anyone who’s selfprovide letters from clients showing that you Before you ever start trying to apply for a employed, it’s normal that your income is have a stable relationship.
PAGE 24 AT HOME – THE ARGONAUT’S REAL ESTATE SECTION NOVEMBER 5, 2020
home loan, look at your credit report. This will allow you to see where you need to make improvements, and also spot any potential errors. There are errors on credit reports more often than we think. Don’t open any new accounts or lines of credit before you’re going to start applying for home loans, because that’s going to impact your credit score negatively. Finally, before you start the mortgage application process, separate your business and personal bank accounts. You shouldn’t use a personal bank account for anything related to your business. As a freelancer, getting a mortgage is certainly possible but also more challenging. The more you can prepare yourself for that, the better off you’re likely to be in the process.
THIS WEEK’S QUESTION WAS ANSWERED BY
Bob & Cheryl Herrera, Professional Real Estate Services 310-306-5427 DRE: 00910858 DRE: 01332794
The Admiralty Apartments THE MARINA’S FINEST 5-STAR COMMUNITY — ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ — Full-Size W/D Fitness Center Steam Room Sauna Rooftop Decks Pool & Jacuzzi Gas Stove Granite Counters
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Buying or selling beach-front real estate? The Argonaut has you covered.
Call Kay Christy at 310-600-7923 NOVEMBER 5, 2020 AT HOME – THE ARGONAUT’S REAL ESTATE SECTION PAGE 25
CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING Classifieds / Legals
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Lien Sales Notice of Self Storage Sale Please take notice US Storage Centers - Marina Del Rey located at 12700 Braddock Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90066 intends to hold an auction to sell the goods stored by the following tenants at the storage facility. The sale will occur as an online auction via www.storagetreasures.com on 11/19/2020 at 10:00AM. Unless stated otherwise the description of the contents are household goods and furnishings. Ignacio Guzman; Alexander Ray Fuatavai. All property is being stored at the above self-storage facility. This sale may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Certain terms and conditions apply. See manager for details. PUBLISHED: The Argonaut Newspaper 10/29/20, 11/5/20
Legal Notices Attention Santa Monica Windjammers Yacht Club Locker #21 Occupants: Please contact us regarding your locker debt immediately. Your account is seriously past due and direct notices have not been responded to. The locker contents will be removed and disposed of after November 15, 2020. Email:smwycfrontdesk@ gmail.com PUBLIC NOTICE REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS AND BID ESTIMATE OF A LICENSED LAND SURVEYOR UNDER A PUBLIC CONTRACT TO PERFORM A SURVEY, STAKING AND GRADING CONSULTATION AS PART OF A PROJECT TO INSTALL ADA COMPLIANT ACCESSIBLE WALKING SURFACES IN A COMMUNITY GARDEN ON LAUSD PROPERTY NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that sealed bids will be received by the Emerson Avenue Community Garden Club, Inc., as Contracting Agency, for furnishing all materials, equipment, tools, labor and incidentals as required for the above stated project in strict accordance with the specifications and drawings on file at eacgc.org/ capitalimprovement/bidpackage and the office of the John Titosky, Landscape Architect, 11969 Iowa Avenue #7, West Los Angeles, 90025.
GRADING CONSULTATION AS PART OF A PROJECT TO INSTALL ADA COMPLIANT ACCESSIBLE WALKING SURFACES IN A COMMUNITY GARDEN ON LAUSD PROPERTY NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that sealed bids will be received by the Emerson Avenue Community Garden Club, Inc., as Contracting Agency, for furnishing all materials, equipment, tools, labor and incidentals as required for the above stated project in strict accordance with the specifications and drawings on file at eacgc.org/ capitalimprovement/bidpackage and the office of the John Titosky, Landscape Architect, 11969 Iowa Avenue #7, West Los Angeles, 90025. Interested parties must submit a Letter of Interest and Qualifications and a certified estimate sheet. Bids will be received by the club until 12:00 PM on Monday, November 16, 2020 at.6550 80th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90045 or submitted electronically to the Club via the President a t E m e r i t u s , iwood455@outlook.com by noon November 16, 2020. The Project is a Build Out and Makeover of the garden grounds at 6550 Emerson Avenue, Los Angeles, 90045 in accordance with a Joint Use Agreement dated June 2017 by and between Emerson Avenue Community Garden Club, Inc.(EACGC) and the Los Angeles Unified District (LAUSD) to install American with Disabilities Act conforming walkways and fencing with a new entry gate. The contracting agency is the EACGC. The Contract Services scope of work, specifications, plans and bid sheet may be downloaded from eacgc.org/capitalimprovement/bidpackage or by calling John Titotsky at 310-820-3787. The EACGC and LAUSD do not discriminate on the basis of gender, sex, race or ethnicity. Preference may be given to current LAUSD prequalified contractors. The Agency reserves the right, after opening bids, to reject any or all bids, or to make award to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder and reject all other bids; to waive any informality in the bidding; and to accept any bid or portion thereof; and to take all bids under advisement for a period of Ninety (90) calendar days. Bids will be compared on the basis of the estimate of the required services and scope of work as shown on the Bid Sheet. Only such plans, specifications, and items of work as are appropriate shall apply to the work as bid. PUBLISHED: The Argonaut Newspaper 11/5/20, 11/12/20
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Interested parties must submit a Letter of Interest and Qualifications and a certified estimate sheet. Bids will be received by the club until 12:00 PM on Monday, November 16, 2020 at.6550 80th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90045 or submitted electronically to the Club via the President E m e r i t u s , a t iwood455@outlook.com by noon November 16, 2020.
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The Project is a Build Out and Makeover of the garden grounds at 6550 Emerson Avenue, Los Angeles, 90045 in accordance with a Joint Use PAGE 26 dated THE June ARGONAUT Agreement 2017 by and between Emerson Avenue Community Garden Club, Inc.(EACGC) and the Los Angeles
Call Rosie for FREE Estimate: 310-491-8409 NOVEMBER 5, 2020
Notice of Partition Sale Per Court Judgement - Venice, Beach 14 Units - 39 Paloma Ave, Venice, CA 90291 - $8,500,000, Vacant Land - 2721 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA 90291 - $1,550,000, Hearing Date for Approval of Sale: January 7, 2021 @ 10:00 a.m., Location: LA County Superior Court - 111 N. Hill St, LA, CA 90012. Contact Listing Agent for more info: Tim Steuernol - 310532-9080 DRE: 01742766 or www.naicapital.com. PUBLISHED: The Argonaut Newspaper 11/5/20, 11/12/20, 11/19/20
Name Change ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME Case No. 20GDCP00332 SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES. Petition of M A R I S U Z A N N E FLORENCE and HAROLD CORD NUOFFER, guardians ad litum for KATHARINE FLORENCE NUOFFER, for Change of Name. TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: 1.) Petitioner: MARI SUZANNE FLORENCE and HAROLD CORD NUOFFER II filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: a.) Katharine Florence Nuoffer to Katharine Rosa Florence 2.) THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. NOTICE OF HEARING: Date: 12/17/2020. Time: 8:30 AM. Dept.: E. The address of the court is Glendale Courthouse, 600 East Broadway Glendale, CA 91206. A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: Los Angeles. Original filed: October 20, 2020. Darrell Mavis, Judge of the Superior Court. PUBLISH: The Argonaut Newspaper 10/29/20, 11/5/20, 11/12/20, 11/19/20 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME Case No. 20SMCP00333 SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES. Petition of WILLIAM FITZGERALD MORGAN, LILY FITZGERALD MORGAN, for Change of Name. TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: 1.) Petitioner: WILLIAM FITZGERALD MORGAN, LILY FITZGERALD MORGAN filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: a.) William FitzGerald Morgan to William FitzGerald b.) Lily FitzGerald Morgan to Lily FitzGerald 2.) THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. NOTICE OF HEARING: Date: 12/11/20. Time: 8:30 AM. Dept.: K Room: A-203. The address of the court is 1725 Main Street Santa Monica, CA 90401-West District. A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four success-
is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. NOTICE OF HEARING: Date: 12/11/20. Time: 8:30 AM. Dept.: K Room: A-203. The address of the court is 1725 Main Street Santa Monica, CA 90401-West District. A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: Los Angeles. Original filed: September 28, 2020. Lawrence Cho, Judge of the Superior Court. PUBLISH: The Argonaut Newspaper 10/22/20, 10/29/20, 11/5/20, 11/12/20 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME Case No. 20SMCP00292 SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES. Petition of ALINA SHRAYBMAN, for Change of Name. TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: 1.) Petitioner: ALINA SHRAYBMAN filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: a.) Alina Shraybman to Alina ShraybmanVolken 2.) THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. NOTICE OF HEARING: Date: 12/11/20. Time: 8:30 AM. Dept.: K, Room: A-203 . The address of the court is 1725 Main Street Santa Monica, CA 90401-Santa Monica Courthouse- West District. A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: Los Angeles. Original filed: October 28, 2020. Hon. Lawrence Cho, Judge of the Superior Court. PUBLISH: The Argonaut Newspaper, 11/5/20, 11/12/20, 11/19/20, 11/26/20 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME Case No. 20TRCP00247 SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES. Petition of MISHA URSULA FARMAS, for Change of Name. TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: 1.) Petitioner: Misha Ursula Farmas filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: a.) Misha Ursula Farmas to Misha Ursula Farmas 2.) THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. NOTICE OF HEARING: Date: 12/11/20. Time: 8:30 AM. Dept.: B. The address of the court is 825 Maple Avenue Torrance, CA 90503-Torrance Courthouse. A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: Los Angeles. Original filed: October 23, 2020. Gary Y. Tanaka, Judge of the Superior Court. PUBLISH: The Argonaut Newspaper 10/29/20, 11/5/20, 11/12/20, 11/19/20
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Fic. Business Name FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2020145665 Type of Filing: Amended. The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: ARTOON GALLERY. 578 Washington Blvd., Suite 753 Marina del Rey, CA 90292. COUNTY: Los Angeles. REGISTERED OWNER(S) Money Mike Dot Com, LLC, 578 Washington Blvd., Suite 753 Marina del Rey, CA 90292. State of Incorporation or LLC: California. THIS BUSINESS IS CONDUCTED BY a Limited Liability Company. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: 04/2020. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. /s/ James Chappel. TITLE: Member, Corp or LLC Name: Money Mike Dot Com, LLC. This statement was filed with the LA County Clerk on: September 23, 2020. NOTICE – in accordance with subdivision (a) of Section 17920, a Fictitious Name statement generally expires at the end of five years from the date on which it was filed in the office of the county clerk, except, as provided in subdivision (b) of Section 17920, where it expires 40 days after any change in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to Section 17913 other than a change in the residence address of a registered owner. a new Fictitious Business Name statement must be filed before the expiration. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state, or common law (see Section 14411 et seq., Business and Professions code). Publish: The Argonaut Newspaper. Dates: 10/15/20, 10/22/20, 10/29/20, 11/5/20 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2020161588 Type of Filing: Original The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: WEST LA AUTO GLASS; 7927 Winsford Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90045. COUNTY: Los Angeles. REGISTERED OWNER(S) Alan Omar Lopez Westendorff, 7927 Winsford Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90045. THIS BUSINESS IS CONDUCTED BY an Individual. The registrant commenced to transact business under the Fictitious Business Name or names listed above on: 089/2020. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. /s/: Alan Omar Lopez Westendorff. TITLE: Owner. This statement was filed with the LA County Clerk on: October 14, 2020. NOTICE – in accordance with subdivision (a) of Section 17920, a Fictitious Name Statement generally expires at the end of five years from the date on which it was filed in the office of the county clerk, except, as provided in subdivision (b) of Section 17920, where it expires 40 days after any change in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to Section 17913 other than a change in the residence address of a registered owner. a new Fictitious Business Name statement must be filed before the expiration. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a Fictitious Business Name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state, or common law (see Section 14411 et seq., business and professions code). Publish: The Argonaut Newspaper. Dates: 11/05/20, 11/12/20, 11/19/20, 11/26/20
Employment - PT We are hiring caregivers who would love to help other seniors. Flexible hours! Ideal candidates are compassionate people who want to make a difference! Must be local and willing to drive. Please apply by visiting the Careers page of our website www.inhomecarela.com or by calling our office at (310) 8782045.
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The Disabled American Veterans (DAV) A Non-Profit Organization serving California Veterans. Needs dedicated Volunteer Drivers to transport Veterans to the West Los Angeles V.A. Hospital Vehicle and Gas is provided For more information please contact Blas Barragán at (310) 268-3344
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NOVEMBER 5, 2020 THE ARGONAUT PAGE 27
SoCalGas® is proud to support the Ballona Wetlands Restoration Project
We are removing equipment out of the wetlands. In support of the Ballona Wetlands Restoration Project, SoCalGas is planning the removal of 17 wells from service in the Ballona Wetlands Ecological Reserve area. Rest assured, we are not expanding our infrastructure. Removing equipment and access roads will accommodate a larger restoration area in support of the project. SoCalGas’ environmental stewardship goals fully support the Ballona Wetlands and we stand by the restoration method of the wetlands according to the experts in the field.
Learn more at socalgas.com/Wetlands ©2020 Southern California Gas Company. All copyright and trademark rights reserved. N20G0166A