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ON THE COVER: LXR Hotels & Resorts debuts newly redesigned Oceana Santa Monica. Photo courtesy of Oceana Santa Monica, LXR Hotels & Resorts. 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 Executive Editor: Christina Fuoco-Karasinski christina@timespublications.com Editor: Kamala Kirk (310) 574-7654 kkirk@timespublications.com Contributing Writers: Bridgette Redman, Elizabeth Johnson, Sara Edwards, Srianthi Perera Editorial Interns: Holly Jenvey, Katie Lulla, Alex Hutton, Sofia Santana, Haley Beyer
Corona by the numbers Compiled by Kamala Kirk Cases and deaths by neighborhood as of April 3: Culver City: 2,162 (deaths 104); Del Rey: 1,969 (deaths 30); El Segundo: 695 (deaths six); Marina del Rey: 368 (deaths three); Mar Vista: 2,004 (deaths 35); Palms: 2,544 (deaths 60); Playa del Rey: 109 (deaths one); Playa Vista: 581 (deaths eight); Santa Monica: 4,630 (deaths 179); Venice: 1,610 (deaths 14); Westchester: 2,436 (deaths 48) Total Westside cases: 19,108 Total Westside deaths: 488
Total confirmed cases in LA County: 1,221,605 Total deaths in LA County: 23,274 Total new cases as of April 3: 839 Total new deaths: 40 Hospitalizations: 596 Positivity rate (seven-day daily average): 1.4% Total number of people tested: 6,123,046
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(Source: Los Angeles County Department of Public Health)
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L E T T E R S habitat (see page 603 of the EIR) and, more importantly, the loss of virtually all BSS habitat to sea level rise by the turn of the century (see pages 547 and 275 of the EIR). This is a mind-bogglingly counter-intuitive outcome for a “restoration” project that is priced at $182 million. When presented with the maps and data showing this concerning outcome, in an open public forum, Dr. Kay had no answer but to suggest that whether or not BSS habitat should be sustainably preserved, or how it might be preserved, is something to be decided later. This is unacceptable to stakeholders who are more concerned with the actual future of this critical wetland ecosystem than with keeping the bond money flowing. I have invited Dr. Kay to join me in a civil, public discussion at a time and date of his choosing to make and respond to each other’s points on this important subject, and I do so again in this letter. As one of the organizations who has filed a legal challenge to the project pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act, I also am more than happy to answer any questions the public may have
as to why we filed that challenge and why we are confident that it will be successful. Walter Lamb Ballona Wetlands Land Trust Vista Del Mar stands in support of the AAPI community Editor: Vista Del Mar Child and Family Services has a deep and longstanding commitment to protecting and advocating for children and families, particularly when they are at their most vulnerable, not only for their well-being, but for the stability and security of our greater communities, as well. As a result, where we see hatred and violence targeting any members of our communities, it is our responsibility to lend the credibility of our voice as advocates to speak out and stand in support. Vista Del Mar is devastated by the recent acts of violence perpetrated in Georgia targeting community members of Asian descent, as well as the rise in attacks against members of the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. Vista Del Mar stands in
CREDIT: KRIS DAHLIN
The Ballona Wetlands needs less opinion and more objective factual analysis Editor: The March 31 letter from David Kay (Jane Velez-Mitchell and the Ballona Wetlands) continues a decades-long pattern of misinformation being justified by a highly emotional “us against them” approach to what should be a fact-based discussion. Dr. Kay has never expressed any interest in an objective analysis of the available facts. He is playing the role of a salesperson whose sole objective is for the public to buy what he is selling. Our organizational approach has been, and continues to be, to help surface all of the relevant facts in the proper context, not only those that we believe support our position that the current restoration plans for Ballona, as designed, would be extremely counterproductive to the longterm health of the wetlands. Dr. Kay suggests that the proposed plan would benefit Belding’s Savannah Sparrow (BSS), even though the environmental impact analysis unequivocally acknowledges the near-term destruction of existing BSS
The Venice breakwater. solidarity with the AAPI community in declaring that these attacks must end. We reassert our commitment to doing our part as allies by advocating for change in the systems that promote inequality, training a keen eye on amplifying and supporting solutions that address the root causes of the discrimination and inequities that undermine and divide our communities. More specifically and closer to home, Vista Del Mar will continue to partner with our staff, families and providers of Asian descent to ensure and protect access to spaces and services that are safe, equitable and inclusive. This is not a new focus, but rather an emphatic restatement of Vista Del Mar’s dedication to
equality and justice, and a reminder that we will mindfully and continuously evaluate how we provide services to the most vulnerable around us to ensure that we are living out our commitment to being a community of action and inclusivity. Lena Wilson, J.D. President& CEO Vista Del Mar Child and Family Services vistadelmar.org
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APRIL 8, 2021 THE ARGONAUT PAGE 3
O P I N I O N
School Safety Getting LAUSD kids back into the classroom COURTESY OF LAUSD
By Nick Melvoin This past year has been exceptionally difficult for the students, families, teachers and staff of the Los Angeles Unified School District, and as your representative on the school board, I am excited that we will soon finally welcome students back into the classroom. COVID-19 cases are declining, vaccines are being distributed, and we’ve learned a lot about which precautions help keep kids and staff safe. We have also reached an agreement with our teachers’ union to begin the recovery process from this crisis by safely reopening schools for in-person instruction in a hybrid model. Here’s what reopening will look like: We will begin reopening some elementary schools on April 12, with the remaining schools returning the following week. Elementary students who would like to return to campus will have three hours of in-person instruction Monday through Friday. In addition, to ease the transition back to campus, we’re going a
LAUSD Board member Nick Melvoin visits Kentwood Elementary to see safety measures and demonstrate what school will look like once hybrid instruction starts. step further by offering families the options of on-campus child care and extra enrichment activities. Of course, for those students who choose to continue learning remotely for the time being, schools will provide three hours of live virtual instruction. Middle and high school students will be able to return to campus on April 26. Students will learn in stable in-person cohorts, allowing them to preserve individual course loads and schedules this late in the year.
I will continue pushing for the fall semester to look as close to normal as possible, as health conditions continue to improve. We are also actively planning summer enrichment opportunities for all families interested in participating. Safety is, of course, our top priority. All students and staff will be tested for COVID-19 prior to their return to campus, and regular COVID-19 testing will be provided thereafter. To ensure the safest environment
possible for everyone returning to campus, the district has already invested more than $120 million on new safety measures, including upgrading air-filtration systems, procuring adequate stocks of PPE and disinfecting supplies, and adding extra custodial staff. Every air filter on every campus has been replaced with the equivalent of an N95 mask. Masks and social distancing protocols will be in place for students, staff and visitors at schools, and schools will use outdoor learning environments where appropriate to ensure safety. I recently visited a few schools across my district to see these protocols and safety measures firsthand, including Walgrove Elementary in Venice and Kentwood Elementary in Westchester. Campuses are ready, and staff are prepared and eager to have students back at school. The process of reopening a district as large and diverse as LAUSD is especially complex
and won’t be perfect. But we will continue to navigate challenges and push forward, just like we did when transitioning nearly overnight to distance learning for more than half a million teachers and students, procuring more than 200,000 devices and hotspots to give every student access to virtual classrooms, and distributing over 110 million meals and necessities to the kids and families who rely on their school as part of the social safety net over the past year. I deeply appreciate everyone who has fought to keep our kids healthy and learning. We will continue to learn, adapt and overcome any obstacles that emerge – because our kids and families are counting on us. Visit melvoin.com for more information, follow him on Facebook and Twitter @nickmelvoin for the latest updates, and email BD4info@LAUSD.net with any questions or concerns.
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“At 81, finding aging inescapable, I am mounting my last exhibition with the help of friends as I depart from the studio I have had in — KEN MARSH LA since 2006.” The work is priced to sell. Offers are invited. Special freebies to take. Works on sale will be many sizes, from 4’ x 4’, to 4’ x 6’, on down to plenty of smaller works as well.
PAGE 4 THE ARGONAUT APRIL 8, 2021
C O M M U N I T Y
Driving the Future LA Metro explores concept areas for a pilot program study By Holly Jenvey Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) recently held a virtual briefing to showcase concept areas as part of a two-year feasibility study to reduce traffic in LA County. Metro presented four concept areas and explained how congestion pricing will help mobility. According to private analytics company INRIX, the I-5 and US 101 routes were the most congested roads in the country in 2019, creating a yearly delay of 80 hours. Even as COVID-19 has decreased traffic, Metro is planning for what’s to come once the number of commuters increases. It identified that the demand of travelers is greater than the supply of roads, which causes congestion. By seeing how congestion pricing works in concept areas of LA’s busiest parts of town, Metro is hoping to get traffic under control. “We’re really looking to reimagine mobility,” said Philip A.
Washington, Metro CEO, who noted that the goal is not to drive revenue, but to increase mobility. Joshua Schank, chief innovation officer at Metro’s Office of Extraordinary Innovation, said that single occupancy vehicles remain the dominant form of transport across Southern California. He explained LA has not tried congestion pricing yet, but it has proven effective in cities around the world. Tham Nguyen, senior director at Metro’s Office of Extraordinary Innovation, gave a presentation about the vision of the study and concept areas. It showed where congestion pricing was effective, nationally and around the world. In Seattle, congestion was reduced by 25% in the mornings,
travel time was decreased by 8 minutes, and speeds were increased from 27 to 45 mph during peak traffic hours. In London, vehicle trips were reduced by 15% to 20% with increased bus rides, while emissions were reduced by 12% to 19%. Stockholm witnessed reduced congestion by 50% in the evenings and bicycle trips increased by 22%. This study is part of Metro’s 10-year Strategic Plan for 2028, which is “to deliver a mobility system that enables people to travel swiftly and easily throughout the LA County region, no matter where they want to go or when.” Concept areas 1A and 1B explore freeways running to and through DTLA. The US 101 and I-5 show delay during peak hours, which doubles its travel times. Adjacent freeways show delay by peak hour increasing travel time by 50% to 99%. The study is looking at increasing transportation methods and decreasing travel
by cars. The second concept consideration area showed DTLA freeways. Along with I-5 and US 101, the I-10 and I-110 also show doubled delayed travel time. DTLA is home to many metro lines but is considering expansion. The Regional Connector Rail Project is tying together three light lines for faster trips and extending lines to Westwood through Koreatown, Beverly Hills, Miracle Mile and Century City. The third area is DTLA. The I-10 corridor connects Downtown to Santa Monica and the Westside communities. There is heavy congestion on both ends of the freeway and parallel roads are being investigated. Currently, the mitigation of spillover traffic is being observed. . The fourth area investigates the I-10 communities located west of DTLA. Currently, the freeway already has local and express buses, as well as the E Line, and will be implementing the D Line to pass through Westwood VA
Hospital, Century City, Beverly Hills, Miracle Mile and DTLA. According to a press release, the study is looking at more reliable options. Nguyen’s presentation noted that work along these concept maps will estimate, identify and evaluate air pollution and carbon emission reductions, potential traffic diversion and strategies to address it, change in trip choices including biking and walking, and strategies to improve roadway safety. It will measure identifying and evaluating improved access to more jobs in less time, and strategies to address concerns of different kinds of travelers. Through implementing congestion pricing, Metro is striving to achieve public health and safety, supporting environment and economic justice, improving the economy, and reinvesting in revenues of communities served and affected. “Let’s at least try something to make a difference,” Schank said.
APRIL 8, 2021 THE ARGONAUT PAGE 5
C O M M U N I T Y
Making a Difference The Samburu Project’s month-long virtual event raises money for clean water in Kenya CREDIT: MAMEN SAURA
By Katie Lulla The Samburu Project (TSP) has been providing clean water to the Samburu people in Kenya since 2006 to improve health, increase education and empower women. This year, the Los Angeles-based nonprofit is hosting #doitforwater, a month-long virtual event where people can come together for multiple activities to support safe drinking water. The event kicked off on World Water Day (March 28) and lasts through April 22. The last 10 days of the #doitforwater challenge are dedicated to doing what people do best, whether it’s a stroll along the beach or a walk around the neighborhood – each step is taken in solidarity with the women and girls of Samburu. When TSP founder Kristen Kosinski went to Kenya to start a women’s empowerment organization, she learned that water was one of the greatest challenges that people faced out there. She partnered with a local woman named Mariama Lekwale and started TSP to drill wells and increase clean water accessibility. “We’re partners with the community,” said Linda Hooper, TSP executive director. “We want
The Samburu Project is a Los Angeles-based nonprofit whose mission is to provide access to clean, safe drinking water in the Samburu region of Kenya. to provide this resource to them and give them the tools for long-term sustainability. So far, TSP has built 126 wells.” TSP has an office in Wamba with a staff of three Samburu County locals. Every year the team receives 20 to 30 applicants, who they then visit for a needs assessment. The applicants range from schools and women’s groups to settlements with hundreds of people. “We weigh all those factors and then we hire a hydrogeologist to come from Nairobi, [the capital of Kenya], and take a pass through again for his assessment,” Hooper said. “Some [locations] he won’t
know right off the bat if there’s probability of water and some he will.” After selecting the communities, TSP helps them work with the Kenyan government to complete the necessary documents. The organization has to document the number of people in the community, provide a letter from the community leader allowing them to drill on their behalf, and obtain a building permit, among other forms. “The whole process, from the time someone comes through our door and applies for water relief to there actually being a well pumping clean water, takes around a year,” Hooper said. While the well is being built, TSP brings together a group of three people from the community, one of which has to be a woman, to oversee the well and understand the well’s functions. “The locals who are using the well have to understand how it works, where the water comes from and how the water is filtered,” Hooper said. “We also instill in them a sense of hygiene.” The local team passes by the well locations two to three times a year to check on the well maintenance
and view community improvements such as more children in school, vegetable growing and the opening of small businesses. “We are so successful because we work in a small area and the staff that serves the community is from that community,” Hooper said. “At this moment, we are pretty busy doing what we’re doing. We aren’t looking to expand [to other parts of Kenya]. We’re more looking to expand services in Samburu.” The #doitforwater event was started in 2010 by a Woodside board member who wanted to spread water awareness to her local schools. “She thought it was a great opportunity to involve children, to act locally and impact globally, and teach children about empathy and the world water crisis,” Hooper said. The #doitforwater events have spread to San Francisco and as far as New York. They have also garnered local support from local middle and high schools in Los Angeles. “This year, as we are still in this pandemic situation, we thought to really expand these efforts since we have followers all over the
United States,” Hooper said. “Our events committee and our staff thought to broaden the walk for water and reach a larger audience, and involve a lot more activities than just walking.” Before the pandemic, TSP hosted 14 events a year. Hooper and her assistant would go to every event to engage the community and rally supporters. Hooper said that she didn’t know how she would have gotten to every city if the in-person events had grown. As the events are online, TSP is using Strava, an app for runners and cyclists, to track the results of people’s various activities. Apple watches and Peloton bikes can be linked to Strava as well. “Within the Strava community, you can look for our hashtag and see what people are doing,” Hooper said. “We’re hoping to get some friendly competition going. We’re looking to spread the word about #doitforwater, because so many people know about us and have been participating in our events for years and years. It’s still going on, just virtually. So go to our website, do a little beach walk, wear your PSP T-shirt and join the cause.” thesamburuproject.org
Discussing Reform LA County District Attorney George Gascón speaks at Culver City Democratic Club By Alex Hutton Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón, who is in the early days of his tenure, recently spoke at a virtual meeting hosted by the Culver City Democratic Club. The club, which helps to garner attention and support for Democratic candidates and policies, holds its meetings on the second Wednesday of each month. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the meeting was held over Zoom. Gascón, whom the club had previously endorsed, was introduced by the club’s president Jeff Schwartz and second vice president Jeanna Harris. Gascón opened with remarks in which he discussed his focuses for reform. These policies include ending the death penalty, not trying children as adults, police accountability, an end to cash bail, and decriminalization of certain offenses.
Gascón delivered his comments on his 93rd day in office and teased a press conference to mark his first 100 days. “[I’m going to] announce the early results of all this,” Gascón said. “We have saved ourselves thousands of years of incarceration and eventually billions of dollars that can go into education, public health and other areas in the years to come.” Gascón also noted that there is still a lot of work to do. LA County recently experienced an increase in violence and he is looking to take new approaches to solve this issue. “How do we deal with violence in a more thoughtful way that is community-based?” Gascón asked. “We’re bringing you all, we’re bringing the police, we’re bringing ourselves, we’re bringing all the partners together to reimagine how we deal with issues of violence.”
PAGE 6 THE ARGONAUT APRIL 8, 2021
Gascón also discussed other topics such as incarceration and mental health reform. He focused mainly on the methods and means he plans to use to make change, such as an emphasis on social work and legal investigations into police brutality. After Gascón spoke, Harris moderated a Q&A session. The first question was asked by Harris regarding the case of Monique Munoz, a 32-year-old woman who was recently killed when her car was struck by a Lamborghini that was driven by a 17-year-old male. The teenager was booked for vehicular manslaughter, but Gascón’s office has not yet confirmed if charges will be filed. Because so many of the questions submitted to the meeting dealt with that case, Harris asked Gascón what he could say about matters involving a juvenile. Gascón provided limited
information but pledged to work with vigor. “We are going to do everything we can, not only to bring justice to the family and the community in this case,” Gascón said. “But just as importantly, to bring support and trauma-informed care to those that are suffering through this.” Gascón also attempted to assuage concerns that the case would be impacted by the suspect’s wealth. “I don’t want to speak for the police department, but based on what I’ve been told, they are doing their work earnestly,” Gascón stated. “And certainly my office will do our work in earnest. I think that accountability is important.” Harris said, “The concern that I’ve seen is that we are filling this inequity of justice between your salary. We want to end this financial and racial divide that’s
happening in our justice system. I know it’s a case that’s ongoing and I know that you will do your best with your office to make sure that justice is sought for Monique.” The meeting then moved on to questions about other topics. Topics addressed included case appeals, civilian oversight committees for police departments and theft-related crimes. Gascón discussed issues related to prisoner release such as parole, re-entry into society and rehabilitation. Harris and Gascón had one final exchange about how club members that approve of Gascón, who has faced recall efforts, can be supportive of him. “I don’t envy you, but I appreciate you,” Harris said to Gascón. “For trying to challenge, for questioning and for taking it on.”
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Spreading Joy Through Food East Coast eatery Alfalfa opens in Santa Monica PHOTOS BY JESSICA HOWES
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Alfalfa was started by four childhood friends and began as a simple idea to fill a gap in the community for healthy food.
The Westside is a top destination for people who love great food
From salads and breakfast burritos to doughnuts, Alfalfa’s curated menu is designed to provide guests with a premium experience. By Sofia Santana Santa Monica’s newest dining experience on Main Street, Alfalfa, originates from a farmers market on the East Coast, inspiring joy through balance and creating a positive environment for customers. After noticing a lack of healthy food options in Hoboken, New Jersey, childhood friends Daniel and Ben Sobsey, Andrew Arrospide and Daniel Londono started a salad tent at a nearby farmers market. After a successful run, a local restaurateur invited them to run a pop-up at his luncheonette. Soon after, they took over the space and the first brick-and-mortar Alfalfa location opened in 2019. After two years, the founders fulfilled their dream of expanding to the West Coast. Alfalfa’s commitment to a balanced lifestyle and a happy customer was the inspiration for its unique menu that evolved
after the opening of the first location. The menu includes everything from its signature salads and bone broth to doughnuts and breakfast burritos. “All of these elements combined fit more of who we are personally,” Daniel said. “While we like to be healthy and eat salads, we also like to indulge, so that’s where the doughnuts and the rest of the menu come from.” One of the newest menu items is the honey matcha doughnut, which was created in collaboration with Alfalfa’s nonprofit partner, Bring Change To Mind (BC2M), an organization that works to end the stigma and discrimination around mental illness. Alfalfa also sells unisex “Inspire Joy” T-shirts, which were created for the purpose of raising awareness for BC2M. The tees are locally made in the
U.S. and $5 from each purchase will be donated to BC2M. “Their mission aligns very closely with ours and what we aspire to do for the community so we thought they would be a perfect fit for us,” Arrospide said. Alfalfa’s Santa Monica location opened in February and was well-received by locals that were looking for a quick and healthy place to eat on Main Street. “Obviously with COVID-19, a new business opening up on Main Street almost brought a breath of fresh air to the community, so we felt the good energy and had a great opening weekend and could not be more excited to be a part of this community,” Arrospide said. “We’re also one of the few places on Main Street to have a back patio that is safe to spend time in, so a lot of people have been enjoying that.” eatalfalfa.com
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APRIL 8, 2021 THE ARGONAUT PAGE 7
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Siblings’ Sweet Success Local CBD cookie dough brand offers a new way to indulge in self-care COURTESY OF C.B. DOUGH
By Kamala Kirk Marina del Rey resident Sammy Davidoff always wanted to start a business with her sister, Maddy, who is a chef. Early last year, the two began to brainstorm ideas for potential food products they could create. As a result, C.B. Dough was born – a line of CBD-infused cookie dough that combines artisan-produced, culinaryinspired baked goods and the calming effects of CBD to deliver a new way to indulge in self-care. “I had experience in social media and marketing, and was living in California where the CBD craze was on the rise,” Sammy said. “We explored a variety of different ideas and eventually landed on ready-tobake CBD cookie dough because it not only hadn’t been done before, but it also allowed us to combine our talents and experience to create a product that could help people feel good in every way.” C.B. Dough is available in three varieties: the OG (chocolate chip); the Reverse, which features a chocolate cookie dough base with white chocolate chips; and the vegan, made with old-fashioned rolled oats, almond flour and almond paste. The OG is the most popular, delivering on the nostalgia of a freshly baked chocolate chip cookie with the added benefits of CBD. “When it comes to ingredients, quality is our north star,” Sammy said. “Every ingredient in C.B. Dough products is hand curated for superior quality and
In 2020, sisters Maddy and Sammy Davidoff launched C.B. Dough, a line of CBDinfused cookie dough. this commitment to quality is evident in every bite of our cookies. For example, unlike sugar processed with bone char, which is typical in large batch commercial baked goods, we use only pure cane sugar. We also make our own vanilla using real Kentucky bourbon and quality Madagascar bourbon vanilla beans. Our vanilla is aged anywhere from two to 18 months to ensure a smooth, consistent flavor. Finally, you will only find butter with pure cream in our products, never added or artificial butter flavors.”
Most ingredients are sourced from small, family-owned businesses and each cookie contains 15 mg of CBD, a naturally occurring compound found in the hemp plant that affects the endocannabinoid system, which is made up of receptors that work within the central nervous system. Benefits can range from relaxation and improved sleep to decreased anxiety and pain relief. “When we started C.B. Dough, our plan was to focus on getting our products into retail locations both big and small,” Sammy said. “However, we
quickly had to reevaluate our business model once stay-athome orders hit, which was shortly after we launched. We made the decision to focus on online sales, at least during the pandemic knowing more people were shopping online.” In addition to shifting to a direct-to-consumer model, another powerful tool for C.B. Dough has been influencer marketing, which has helped drive online awareness and sales. “We also took a step back at the start of the pandemic to try and evaluate whether it could actually provide opportunities
we hadn’t considered previously, and we found it did,” Sammy said. “We realized that the calm and relaxation our cookies provide, thanks to CBD, are two things in high demand during the stress of COVID-19. “Plus, they’re delivered with a no-contact model and you bake them in the safety of your own home. Once Maddy and I recognized where our products fit in the current cultural landscape, we were able to help our consumers better figure out where our products fit in their lives.” The brand is also focused on sustainability and all products are created with the environment in mind from organic, sustainable ingredients to reusable jar packaging. C.B. Dough is obtaining organic certification and expects to be fully certified this year. In addition to focusing on more retailer partnerships, C.B. Dough is exploring new product offerings, including a ready-toeat cookie. Davidoff said that earlier this year, they also donated a percentage of sales to first responders and are planning to do several more donation-focused sales. “We are big believers in the power of giving back and this is an important part of how we do business,” Sammy said. “We feel incredibly fortunate that through a mix of hard work and some luck, we’ve been able to not only weather the storm, but thrive during our first year in business.” cbdoughcookies.com
C.B. Dough combines artisan-produced, culinary-inspired baked goods and the calming effects of CBD to deliver a new way to indulge in self-care. PAGE 8 THE ARGONAUT APRIL 8, 2021
E D U C A T I O N
Back to School SMMUSD hosts panel discussion about the pandemic’s impact on education
By Alex Hutton The Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD) recently held a seminar covering the relationship between COVID-19 and schools. The event, held over Zoom and streamed on Facebook Live, was a panel discussion mainly focused on efforts to return to in-person learning for the district’s schools. It was moderated by California state Sen. Ben Allen, a former SMMUSD board member who represents the 26th District, which covers most of the Westside. The panelists included district superintendent Ben Drati, UCLA professor Jamie Lloyd-Smith, immunologist Rita Kachru and LA County Health Impact Evaluation Center Director William Nicholas. Allen began the main portion of the event by discussing progress made in reopening efforts thus far. He focused on the positives, such as increasing vaccination rates and the county potentially being moved from the red to orange tier under California’s COVID-19 guidelines. “We’re really making progress,” Allen said. “So that’s what gets us to this conversation today. How do we take advantage of that progress and get to a place where we can open our
schools safely?” Allen then asked the panel about its reactions to new guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which suggest that social distancing in classrooms can be as little as 3 feet rather than 6 feet. In his response, Lloyd-Smith focused on how scientists determined this, as well as the fact that children are less likely to contract and transmit the virus. “The biggest drop in risk is when you go from no distance to three feet,” Lloyd-Smith said. “Then the risk keeps dropping, but really the biggest bang for your buck is that first three feet.” The conversation moved on to what the next steps will look like. Kachru stressed a variety of actions from symptom monitoring, wearing masks, ventilation in classrooms, vaccinations, testing, contact tracing and general COVID-19-safe behavior. Allen encouraged families to stay home during the district’s then-upcoming spring break, which runs through April 9. Next, Allen brought up the topics of testing and vaccines. Nicholas was the main speaker on this issue, explaining the different types of testing — diagnostic, screening and surveillance — and how they vary based on who they test. Diagnostic testing focuses on
symptomatic people and their close contacts, screening testing attempts to identify asymptomatic individuals who have the virus, and surveillance testing involves testing a random sampling of people. Nicholas expressed his hope for a plan centered around diagnostic and surveillance testing rather than screening, as he believed screening testing would be too difficult to execute. The discussion also covered the subject of vaccines. Specifically, Lloyd-Smith mentioned how vaccines prevent infections and severe infections. He and Kachru acknowledged the questions surrounding variants of the virus and side effects of the vaccines, but stressed the importance of getting vaccinated. “If you have an opportunity to get a vaccine, get one,” Kachru said. “Our older kids, when they have the opportunity, should get one.” The panelists pointed out that with vaccinations potentially signaling the end of the pandemic, people should have all the more reason to stay safe until then. Allen asked the panelists what message they would give to parents who might be nervous about sending their kids back to school in person. “Any school that opens for in-person learning is required to
provide an option for 100% distanced learning,” Nicholas said. “And that’s a very personal decision. We have good evidence that in general, schools are not hubs of COVID-19 transmission. Rates [of cases in the county] are very low right now.” Drati explained the district’s protocols and processes for identifying cases of the virus and minimizing risk to students and teachers. When discussing summer and the 2021-2022 school year, Lloyd-Smith expressed optimism and caution. Kachru and
Drati shared similar thoughts. “It’s only going to get better,” Drati said. Lastly, the panel discussed the impacts of COVID-19 on the ways in which the district schools operate. The panelists offered high praise for teachers in adjusting to difficult situations and tried to focus on the positives. “I believe that we’re going to see, in the next two or three months as we come back to school, that the community is really going to be in gear,” Kachru said. “I think the kids want to come back.”
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COASTAL RETREAT LXR Hotels & Resorts debuts newly redesigned Oceana Santa Monica COURTESY OF OCEANA SANTA MONICA, LXR HOTELS & RESORTS
By Kamala Kirk Located just steps away from the Pacific Ocean in Santa Monica, the newly redesigned Oceana Santa Monica opened its doors in January. Following a nearly $30 million transformation from the former Oceana Beach Club Hotel, the beachside getaway offers a rare private residential experience on Ocean Avenue. “Since initially purchasing Oceana in 1994, the hotel has always kept its name as it is a strong reminder of the hotel’s location directly on the Santa Monica shore,” said Young Yoon, general manager of Oceana Santa Monica. “Everything on the property is reminiscent of the hotel’s beachfront presence, from the panoramic ocean views to the blue and natural color scheme.” The intimate 70-room boutique hotel joins a growing collection of more than 10 open or soon-toopen properties by LXR Hotels & Resorts, Hilton’s portfolio of independent luxury properties. The property is owned by JRK Property Holdings Inc. and marks LXR’s U.S. debut. LXR’s other properties include Roku Kyoto in Japan, Crockfords Las Vegas, Zemi Beach House in Anguilla, among others. “It’s an honor to partner with an esteemed real estate company like JRK who shares our vision and values in bringing new life to this resort,” said Feisal Jaffer, global head, LXR Hotels & Resorts. “With authentic inspiration woven throughout every element of the hotel – from the coastal design to fresh culinary experiences and tranquil environment – Oceana is a charming new addition to the LXR portfolio and we are proud to play a part in the vibrant Santa Monica community’s economic recovery after such a challenging year.” Alexandra Landy, executive vice president, JRK Property Holdings, added, “We’re thrilled to be working with a brand like LXR, which will enable Oceana to keep its intimate, relaxed yet refined spirit that guests have come to know and love, while providing the support and confidence of being a part of a
LXR Hotels & Resorts, Hilton’s collection of independent luxury properties, recently announced its U.S. debut with the recently designed Oceana Santa Monica.
PAGE 10 THE ARGONAUT APRIL 8, 2021
ArgonautNews.com
The 70-room coastal-inspired property is located just steps away from the Pacific Ocean.
Perched on the Palisades bluff, Oceana features panoramic views surrounded by lush greenery and sophisticated design details overseen by interior designer Anna Busta. prestigious collection of hotels and resorts. Oceana will forever have its roots as a family pursuit and passion to create the ultimate luxury retreat, and I know that this new phase will only further elevate our guest experience.” Upon guests’ arrival in the living room-inspired lobby, they are welcomed by the hotel’s knowledgeable and friendly staff. The luxurious and comfortable rooms feature stunning ocean views and spa-inspired bathrooms with state-of-the-art innovations such as personal iPads that control everything from lighting to temperature. “Guests can relax and enjoy the breathtaking sea views from lavishly appointed yet inviting rooms that evoke a true sense of warmth and comfort,” Yoon said. “From rich, deep velvet sofas and sleek suede lounges to a four-poster bed outfitted with sumptuous Loro Piana bedding and Frette linens, each suite feels like a private guest house at an impeccably designed home.” The hotel’s design was overseen by interior designer Anna
Busta of Busta Studio in NYC, who is known for her high-end residential work. Busta’s modern perspective includes soothing color palettes, gold metal accents, bold geometric patterns and extensive wood finishes. Landscape architecture firm Perry Guillot of the Hamptons arranged the lush greenery and blooms around the property, including the hotel’s ivy-clad façade and the olive trees around the main swimming pool. “Beyond the courtyard is a fitness studio equipped with state-of-the-art Peloton and Technogym equipment,” Yoon said. “Guests have access to personal trainers for one-on-one sessions upon request, in addition to private yoga sessions on the beach each morning. The adjacent spa treatment room offers a full-service spa menu and salon hair services so guests can feel prepped and pampered throughout their stay.” Oceana Santa Monica’s dining spaces are open exclusively for guests and showcase the resort’s signature take on seasonal
Californian cuisine with hyperlocal ingredients from the Santa Monica Farmers Market. In-room dining is also available 24 hours a day. The main restaurant, Sandpiper, provides an intimate experience reminiscent of a private beach home with the added comforts of five-star service and elegant cuisine. As an homage to the seaside backdrop, the restaurant is decorated with a soft palette of pastels and an onyx-clad bar to provide a modern twist. A private dining nook that fits up to eight people offers space for more intimate gatherings as well. The Veranda offers a premier alfresco dining experience by the pool with full access to Oceana’s breakfast, lunch and dinner menus. The Sunset Terrace is a rooftop lounge where guests can enjoy sunset views in addition to the Nobu Pop-Up Experience that highlights some of Nobu’s most popular dishes. “The resort’s authentic expression of Southern California cuisine also includes rare tequila tasting flights in the spring in
partnership with Casamigos,” Yoon said. “To further immerse guests in their culinary experience, our executive chef leads private tours of the Santa Monica Farmers Market to hand pick fresh produce for personalized tasting menus.” For those looking to explore off hotel grounds, Oceana Santa Monica also offers private house cars to take guests into the city, as well as beach cruisers. Guests can also enjoy an exclusive shopping experience with renowned stylist Elyse Walker. To emphasize its commitment to the health and safety of guests, Oceana Santa Monica participates is in the Hilton CleanStay Program with Lysol Protection to deliver an industry-defining standard of cleanliness and disinfection. Their elevated processes and team member training have been developed with RB, maker of Lysol and Dettol, to help guests enjoy an even cleaner and safer stay from check-in to check-out. Oceana Santa Monica is also part of Hilton Honors, the
award-winning guest loyalty program for Hilton’s 18 distinct hotel brands. Members that book directly will receive access to instant benefits including a flexible payment slider that allows members to choose nearly any combination of points and money to book a stay, an exclusive member discount, free standard Wi-Fi and the Hilton Honors Mobile app. “Since our full-scale renovation and reopening of Oceana, guest response has been tremendously positive both from newcomers and old Oceana loyalists,” Yoon said. “The unique draw of Oceana and I think what guests love most is that there is really no other hotel product like this in the market; guests are able to feel as if they are in their very own private home on the beach with all of the luxury comforts and pampering of a hotel. The small size and intimacy of Oceana enables us to provide the highest level of personalized services that is really unparalleled at other hotels.” hoteloceanasantamonica.com
APRIL 8, 2021 THE ARGONAUT PAGE 11
A R T S
&
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Big Win Venice resident John Beasley takes home his first Grammy Award IMAGE COURTESY OF SIERRA MASTERS
By Kamala Kirk During John Beasley’s career, the jazz pianist and arranger has received multiple Grammy nominations. At the 63rd Grammy Awards on March 14, Beasley won his first Grammy in the Best Arrangement, Instrumental or A Cappella category for the track “Donna Lee” from his recent album “MONK’estra Plays John Beasley.” “This was my first Grammy Award out of nine nominations,” Beasley said. “I’m particularly proud that my three-series album project “MONK’estra” earned two nominations with each album record release, so six nominations in total and one win. “It was Danny Stilwell, president of Mack Avenue Records, who
Venice resident John Beasley celebrates his recent Grammy win with his daughter, Sierra Masters.
had the vision that I had enough music to present and somehow had the intuition that the project would evolve over three albums of me arranging Thelonious Monk’s songs then transitioning to my songs.” This year’s Grammy Awards were held virtually, and nominees sat in front of their computers when their category was being called. The camera came on for winners, who had 30 seconds to deliver an acceptance speech. Beasley said he learned of his win in real time while he was in his home studio. He gave a virtual acceptance speech and was cheered on by his daughter, Sierra, and his wife and manager, Lorna Chiu, who Beasley described as “the backbone behind MONK’estra, my career and
my life.” “I felt relieved when I won because it’s the nature of competitions,” Beasley said. “Musicians do not make music to win awards. They write music that’s in their heads and hearts, then they share it with the world. When people listen to or buy our music, it’s their way of saying they like our art. Record labels then submit music to competitions and it’s always a surprise to see it in the running. Grammy members vote for what they like, so it’s very subjective. Thousands of people submit music for each category every year. Getting to the final round with five artists is really a feat. Getting nominated or a win really is the biggest compliment from your peers about your music.”
Exploring Female Identity Sheila Carrasco’s virtual comedy ‘Anyone But Me’ streams through April 18
Santa Monica resident Sheila Carrasco wrote and performed in “Anyone But Me,” a solo comedy about female identity that was shot live on stage at the Pico Playhouse by IAMA Theatre Company. characters, because it gives the viewers that many more chances to connect with one of them and feel seen.” Carrasco was able to pinpoint the exact characters she felt would properly portray the theme of the production: “At what point do you feel fully yourself?” To do this, she asked herself why it was her first impulse to be someone else through wigs and costumes. This pushed Carrasco to eliminate those elements from the production to allow the characters to
PAGE 12 THE ARGONAUT APRIL 8, 2021
PHOTO BY SHAY YAMASHITA/TAKE CREATIVE
PHOTO BY DANA PATRICK
By Haley Beyer In response to COVID-19, IAMA Theatre Company decided to record live productions on stage, then stream the performances so that they could be watched later. “Anyone But Me” is a solo comedy filmed live at LA’s Pico Playhouse that was written and performed by Santa Monica resident Sheila Carrasco, who has been with IAMA for three years. Although this was her first solo theater show, Carrasco’s credits include IAMA’s “Found: A New Musical,” the Groundlings, CBS and NBC/Universal, and others. “My favorite part was bringing the two worlds together [theater and TV acting] into one character-driven solo,” Carrasco said. “It was a new feeling for me.” Carrasco has always wanted to do a solo and viewed it as the perfect opportunity to put a bunch of characters together. She played all eight roles; the inspiration sprouted from the theme of self-identity and exploring different versions of herself. “All eight characters are very different versions of me,” Carrasco said. “The power of the production lies in the variation and number of
The production dissects the psyches of women who struggled with self-identity, exploring the personas people create to get by. shine through her acting alone. Viewers can expect a characterdriven comedy with surprises and moments of deep seriousness. Carrasco hopes that each viewer will be moved by the production. From the local grocery clerk to a neighbor’s teenage daughter, the bottom line is accepting who each person is as they learn to do the same for themselves. “This play is an exploration of all my different alter egos and the insecurities I’ve had in my life, and about accepting the nuance of everything that makes me who I am,” Carrasco said. “We don’t have to be just one thing.” This philosophy also carried over into the filming of the show.
“I learned not to be afraid to write something and make it,” Carrasco said. “It doesn’t have to be perfect, there is value in writing from your heart and gut and not judging it.” Doing her first solo show already was enough pressure, but performing during COVID-19 made it harder because Carrasco couldn’t play off the audience’s reactions. She had to maintain the energy and flow throughout the production, which were especially important because people watching from home tend to have shorter attention spans and are more likely to be distracted. Carrasco wanted her performance to be something that her audience couldn’t look away
from. She wanted the “on-demand” experience to be just as good as the real deal with people signing off at the end of the show with the same emotional response they would have experienced in person. Carrasco had an entire team helping her with production details such as lighting and the camera, (all following COVID-19 mandates), including director Margaux Susi, who proved to be a perfect match for the show. “I’ve always clicked with Margaux and trust her direction and opinion,” Carrasco said. “Anyone But Me” will continue streaming through Sunday, April 18. Tickets cost $15 and can be purchase at iamatheatre.com
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NMLS# 9392 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org). American Advisors Group (AAG) is headquartered at 18200 Von Karman Ave, Suite 300, Irvine CA 92612. Licensed in 49 states. Please go to www.aag.com/legal-information for full state license information.
APRIL 8, 2021 THE ARGONAUT PAGE 13
SPECTACULAR OCEAN VIEWS IN PLAYA DEL REY
“Spectacular coastline, Marina and city light views from this dramatic architectural on Playa del Rey’s highly desirable northwest bluff,” says agent Alice Plato. “Soaring ceilings and vast light-filled spaces. Dramatic double doors lead to the main level great rooms with marble fireplace, hardwood floors, wet-bar and whitewater views. Gourmet kitchen with center island, SubZero & Thermador appliances, walk-in pantry, breakfast area and gracious formal dining room with space for a crowd. Enormous ocean view master suite with sitting area, fireplace, and elegant Crema marble bath with steam shower. Top floor guest suite with ocean view bed/bath/kitchenette and sliding doors opening to immense jetliner view. Lower level with huge ocean view family room/studio, guest bed/ bath, laundry room and steps out to swimmer’s jetted pool and spa, multiple patios, outdoor kitchen with gas grill and fire pit. A most impressive custom home with unparalleled Marina and ocean views.” PAGE 14 AT HOME – THE ARGONAUT’S REAL ESTATE SECTION APRIL 8, 2021
Offered at $3,895,000 I N F O R M AT I O N :
ALICE PLATO
COLDWELL BANKER REALTY
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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.
APRIL 8, 2021 AT HOME – THE ARGONAUT’S REAL ESTATE SECTION PAGE 15
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THE ARGONAUT REAL ESTATE BUSINESS NEWS
How much higher can home prices go? Experts are positive on continued home prices gains. But rising mortgage rates could curb home sales and trigger price drops, they warn.
When will home prices stop leap frogging? When will this insanity end, and how will it end? Are we talking about a price collapse or a soft, easy and tolerable landing?
Today, the successful Southern California home-bidders formula seems to start out offering perhaps 10% over the homes list price, slapping down beaucoup bucks as the down payment, waiving the appraisal contingency (no requirement that the property has to appraise at or above the sale price), closing the transaction faster than you can blink and of course adding an escalation clause (I will see your other offers of X and raise mine by Y).
I asked five experts for their observations. All five say, it depends.
The inventory shortage is driving prices over the brink.
But most importantly, will mortgage rates keep rising?
There are now 15% fewer listed homes for sale in Los Angeles County than one year ago, 44% fewer Orange County listings, 62% fewer San Bernardino County listings and a staggering 66% fewer Riverside County listings, according to Steve Thomas of Reports on Housing.
“The main reason for increased demand for housing is the historically low mortgage rates,” said Raymond Sfeir, director of the Anderson Center for Economic Research at Chapman University.
Listed properties were on the market an average of 57 days in the four counties last year. Now, it takes just 23 days on market prior to going into escrow — 60% faster, Reports on Housing numbers show. California homeowners pay on average $1,663 per month for principal and interest mortgage payments, second highest in the country (Hawaii is highest) due to the state’s notoriously high housing prices, according to Lending Tree. Home prices are popping nationally as well. This week the Federal Housing Finance Agency announced home prices increased 12% from January 2020 to January 2021. Case-Shiller’s numbers showed an 11.2% year-over-year increase for the same timeline, stating in its press release the U.S. hasn’t seen a gain like this since February 2006.
How long will it take the vaccination efforts across the country to stop the pandemic? How will the economy respond to the federal stimulus package? Are more households looking to buy to get out of congested, virusprone areas? How will the stock market perform?
For example, Sfeir noted, the 30-year conventional mortgage averaged 12.7% in the 80’s, 8.12% in the 90’s, 6.29% in the 2000’s and 4.09% in the 2010’s. Rates averaged just 3% over the past 12 months. “A major slowdown in activity in the housing sector will occur once mortgage rates reach the 4% level,” he said. Lending Tree Chief Economist Tendayi Kapfidze expects a significant slowdown if rates hit 4.5% to 5%. “Dramatic interest rate increases could trigger a bubble,” he said. But if rates climb slowly, that bubble will “deflate rather than pop.” The California Association of Realtors home affordability index is currently at 27%, according to Jordan Levine, CAR chief economist. That means just 27 out of 100 of households can afford
PAGE 16 AT HOME – THE ARGONAUT’S REAL ESTATE SECTION APRIL 8, 2021
the median home price. That’s still better than its 2007 affordability index of just 11%. “Affordability is going to slow demand at some point,” said Levine. “Home prices are growing faster than income.” Todd Teta, Attom Data Solutions chief product and technology officer, said a variety of factors, in various combinations, could burst the housing bubble. “Those include the path of interest rates that have recently ticked upward, how long it takes for the coronavirus vaccination effort across the country to stop the virus pandemic, how the economy responds to the recent federal stimulus package approved by Congress, whether there are a lot more households looking to buy homes as a way of getting out of congested virus-prone areas and whether the supply of homes grows this year,” he said. Another key factor, he said, will be the stock market, which provides the resources for so many down payments on home purchases. But Ed Pinto, director at the American Enterprise Institute, said the housing market is in a boom, not a bubble. Nonetheless, he worries about speculative pressures in today’s market and wonders if rising national debt could trigger an international financial crisis. “The U.S. has $7 trillion, $8 trillion, $9 trillion on its federal balance sheet,” he said. “What if it can’t roll over its debt?” All that leaves us with more questions than answers. Perhaps the best indicator is the National Association of Realtors pending home sales number. With 30-
year mortgage rates at their highest level since June, pending sales – that is, those in escrow — slipped by a whopping 10.6% in February. A wake-up call? Freddie Mac rate news: The 30-year fixed rate averaged 3.18%, 1 basis point higher than last week. The 15-year fixed rate averaged 2.45%, unchanged from last week. The Mortgage Bankers Association reported a 2.2% decrease in mortgage application volume from the previous week. Bottom line: Assuming a borrower gets the average 30-year fixed rate on a conforming $548,250 loan, last year’s payment was $45 more than this week’s payment of $2,365. What I see: Locally, well-qualified borrowers can get the following fixed-rate mortgages with 1-point cost: A 30-year FHA at 2.375%, a 15-year conventional at 2.125%, a 30-year conventional at 2.75%, a 15-year conventional high-balance ($548,251 to $822,375) at 2.375%, a 30-year conventional high-balance at 2.99% and a jumbo 30-year fixed at 3.125%. Eye catcher loan of the week: A 30-year jumbo fixed-rate with 10.1% down payment, no mortgage insurance at 2.99% at 1.5 point cost. THIS WEEK’S CONTRIBUTION PRINTED WITH PERMISSION OF THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER:
Written by Jeff Lazerson Jeff Lazerson is a mortgage broker. He can be reached at 949-334-2424 or jlazerson@mortgagegrader.com. His website is www.mortgagegrader.com.
APRIL 8, 2021 AT HOME – THE ARGONAUT’S REAL ESTATE SECTION PAGE 17
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Name Change ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME Case No. 21SMCP00083 SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES. Petition of MEG CAROLINE REINIS, CODY JULES NEWMAN (Minor), for Change of Name. TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: 1.) Petitioner: Meg Caroline Reinis filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: a.) Meg Reinis Newman to Meg Caroline Reinis b.) Cody Jules Newman to Cody Jules Reinis 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: 05/7/2021. Time: 8:30 AM. Dept.: K. The address of the court is 1725 Main Street, Room 102 Santa Monica, CA 90401-Santa Monica 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: March 1, 2021. Lawrence Cho, Judge of the Superior Court. PUBLISH: The Argonaut Newspaper 03/18/21, 03/25/21, 04/1/21, 04/8/21
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: 05/7/2021. Time: 8:30 AM. Dept.: K. The address of the court is 1725 Main Street, Room 102 Santa Monica, CA 90401-Santa Monica 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: March 1, 2021. Lawrence Cho, Judge of the Superior Court. PUBLISH: The Argonaut Newspaper 03/18/21, 03/25/21, 04/1/21, 04/8/21 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME Case No. 21SMCP00126 SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES. Petition of REBECCA KENDALL KNAPP, for Change of Name. TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: 1.) Petitioner: Rebecca Kendall Knapp filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: a.) Rebecca Kendall Knapp to Rebecca Knapp Tsao 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: 05/28/2021. Time: 8:30 AM. Dept.: K. The address of the court is 1725 Main Street Santa Monica, CA 90401Santa Monica 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: March 24, 2021. Lawrence Cho, Judge of the Superior Court. PUBLISH : The Argonaut Newspaper 04/01/21, 04/08/21, 04/15/21, 04/22/21
REBECCA KENDALL KNAPP, for Change of Name. TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: 1.) Petitioner: Rebecca Kendall Knapp filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: a.) Rebecca Kendall Knapp to Rebecca Knapp Tsao 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: 05/28/2021. Time: 8:30 AM. Dept.: K. The address of the court is 1725 Main Street Santa Monica, CA 90401Santa Monica 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 thisAcounty: TIMEinFOR CAREER Los Angeles. Original filed: March CHANGE? 24, 2021. Lawrence Cho, Classifieds Judge of the Superior Court. PUBLISH: The Argonaut N eann@argonautnews.com wspaper 04/01/21, 04/08/21, 04/15/21, 04/22/21
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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: March 24, 2021. Lawrence Cho, Judge of the Superior Court. PUBLISH: The Argonaut Newspaper 04/01/21, 04/08/21, 04/15/21, 04/22/21 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME Case No. 21NWCP00084 SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES. Petition of JOANA MORALES, for Change of Name. TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: 1.) Petitioner: Joana Morales filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: a.) Joana Morales to Joana Salas 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: 05/17/21. Time: 10:30 AM. Dept.: C Room: 312. The address of the court is 12720 Norwalk Blvd., Room 101 Norwalk, CA 90650-Norwalk 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: March 16, 2021. Judge Margaret M. Bernal, Judge of the Superior Court. PUBLISH: The Argonaut Newspaper 03/25/21, 04/01/21, 04/08/21, 04/15/21
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written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. NOTICE OF HEARING: Date: 05/17/21. Time: 10:30 AM. Dept.: C Room: 312. The address of the court is 12720 Norwalk Blvd., Room 101 Norwalk, CA 90650-Norwalk 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: March 16, 2021. Judge Margaret M. Bernal, Judge of the Superior Court. PUBLISH: The Argonaut Newspaper 03/25/21, 04/01/21, 04/08/21, 04/15/21
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LOS ANGELES TIMES SUNDAY CROSSWORD PUZZLE “SUCCESS STORIES” By PAUL COULTER ACROSS 1 Nutty green sauce 6 Balance scale pair 10 Blockheads 14 Brazilian music genre 19 Church part 20 Create a diversion for, maybe 21 Connive 22 Egg producer 23 Triumph in the schoolroom? 26 Black tea variety 27 Flier in the wind 28 Herbal tea 29 Spill the beans 31 British stables 32 She, in Siena 34 Noses out 36 Crusty ocean growth 38 Triumph at a hockey arena? 41 Dr.’s order? 43 Hit a few pubs 46 “Aladdin” prince 47 Commercial suffix with wheat 48 Figureheads may be seen on them 50 Legal encumbrances 51 Edison rival 53 Like some relations 57 Order including whales and dolphins 59 Words to live by 60 Triumph in a bakery? 62 Final: Abbr. 63 Alliance acronym 64 Catalog 65 GPS suggestions 66 “American Dad!” channel 67 Digression 71 Got it right, luckily 74 Rural turndown 77 Drummer Ulrich 78 Take a chance 79 Some from
69 Scot’s nots France 3 Occasion for 83 Prefix for the pomp at a 70 Fireplace piece birds national capital 71 London lockup 84 Triumph on 4 “Honor Thy 72 Language of drums? Father” author Lahore 88 Corrupt 5 Mork’s planet 73 Word with control 89 Words that can 6 Red Sox star Big or purpose be generous yet __ 74 River nymph uncompromising 7 Degraded 75 Hometown of St. 91 One making a big 8 Locally, its first Teresa withdrawal? “a” is pronounced 76 Triumph at the 92 “Ragged Dick” as in “trap” author 9 Scroogean winery? 93 Truman veep 10 Decide to leave, 78 Like New York’s Barkley with “out” Chrysler Building 94 Budget, in brand 11 Almost all the 80 ’80s-’90s Harry names time Anderson sitcom 96 Youngest woman 12 Anticipated 81 Año starter to serve in the 13 Class 82 Throat condition U.S. Congress, 14 Absorb, with “up” 85 2010 sci-fi sequel familiarly 15 Prayer set subtitled “Legacy” 98 Eur. realm until to music by 86 Salon coloring 1806 Schubert and 99 Orville Wright’s Gounod 87 12-time NFL Pro birth city 16 Triumph at a Bowler Junior 101 Author Beattie salon? 88 Tuesday dish? 102 Triumph at 17 Sweat spot 90 Tightening device the mountain 18 Roll call calls 95 Colorful marble 24 Many a Mormon summit? 97 Eyeball-bending 25 Average mark 106 Catalog display 108 Black cattle breed 30 Chocolate __ 100 Nice turndown? 33 Cook, as clams 110 “Hang on __ ... ” 102 Barnum 35 Connor of 111 It follows copper “attraction” “Terminator” films on the periodic 37 White lap dog table 103 Cores 38 “Paradise Lost” 113 Astronaut’s 104 E-flat equivalent figure insignia 105 Meditative music 39 Singer/songwriter 115 Sagittarius, e.g. genre __ Ray Joel 117 Romances 107 Continued 40 How Phileas 120 Love, in Rome violently, as a Fogg traveled 122 Triumph at a storm 42 Infiltrator comedy club? 109 “Bad idea” 44 Deli counter qty. 125 Asked 111 Nukes 45 HS exams 126 Brontë heroine 112 “Don’t worry 48 “Moneyball” 127 Rockefeller co-star Center muralist about me” 49 Beats it 128 Be on the same 114 Trac II cousin 52 Haul from a job page 116 Ballpark figs. 54 Least healthy129 Unfairly presents 118 S-shaped looking 130 Campus bigwig molding 55 Analogous 131 Doesn’t guzzle 119 “__ Gotta Have 56 Road __ 132 Parcels (out) It”: Spike Lee film 58 Barely gets, with 121 Masthead “out” DOWN contents, briefly 61 Doctrines to live 1 Prepare for a trip 123 Gymnast’s goal by 2 K-12, in 68 Some rats education 124 Speedy escape
FLUSH TO JUDGMENT At my boyfriend’s recent high school alumni gathering, it came to light that he had bullied a student (holding his head in the toilet, etc.) We’ve been together for almost two years and have discussed marriage. However, I’m truly unsettled that he was capable of committing such awful acts. It makes me feel that I no longer truly know who he is. He claims he’s an entirely different person and could never do such a thing today. How much weight should I give this? — Disturbedr Comforting sayings like,“The meek will inherit the earth,” (as in,“Someday, you’ll be Elon Musk!”) are of little comfort while the meek are being given swirlies in the girls’ bathroom. You’re wondering whom you’re with: the good man you were considering marrying or the aging version of a teenage tyrant who made the little guy his personal kickball. Figuring that out starts with diving into the psychology of a bully. Unfortunately, our current understanding of bullying is based on flawed and incomplete research, which is likely why many bullying interventions fail and sometimes even make things worse for the bullied. Psychologist Dan Olweus’ widely used (but problematically incomplete) definition of bullying is: “aggressive ... intentional ‘harm-doing’” in an interpersonal situation where there’s “an imbalance of power,” meaning a stronger person goes after a weaker person. This definition leaves a vitally important question unasked: What benefit might bullying have for the bully? It seems kind of basic to ask that; unfortunately, most social science research neglects any consideration of our evolved psychology and thus merely describes psychological and behavioral effects. Evolutionary psychology researchers, on the other hand, look to figure out a behavior’s function, current and ancestral: Why do people behave this way now? (What’s the benefit?) And why might this behavior have evolved? (How would it have helped ancestral humans survive, mate and pass on their genes?) Accordingly, evolutionary developmental psychologist Anthony Volk refined Olweus’ definition to reflect that bullying isn’t simply “harm-doing” to the weak. It’s goal-directed harm-doing: harm-doing in pursuit of social and material benefits. Research finds bullies are rewarded for their verbal and physical beatdowns with increased “access to physical, social and sexual resources”: more perks, greater popularity and
social cred, and more chicks (for guys who bully). Bullying is a way to create powerful social alliances (like high school cliques), and there can be an “offense is the best defense” motivation in coming off as a scary bruiser: a keep-away sign to other bullies seeking targets. Bullying is linked with personality traits reflecting a willingness to exploit others for personal gain. However, personality researcher Brent Roberts, in studying individual differences in personality change, observes that personality traits can be considered “outcomes, not predictors (as they are typically viewed).” Roberts observes that, with age — predominantly from 20 to 40 — people show “increased self-confidence, warmth, self-control and emotional stability”: changes that can be driven by an investment in “the social roles tied to one’s career, family and community in young adulthood.” Like Musk, bullied into a hospital bed as a kid (after a gang of boys threw him down a flight of stairs), I was bullied — during the longest stretch of time in the universe: seventh grade. A gaggle of bigger, mostly older girls regularly taunted and physically attacked me. It was humiliating and horrible. Years later, one of my tormentors saw my column and emailed me and apologized. I was surprised by how much it meant to me. It felt like justice, finally delivered — 25 years after the fact. I told her I respected her for coming forward and that I forgave her. And I did — not just for her sake, but so I could finally put it behind me. The teen years are not our most Socratic time, and the fact that it was important to her to take responsibility and apologize gave me some measure of my dignity back. To figure out who your boyfriend is now, look to his character: is he kind, generous and considerate? Or does he have a tendency to exploit people that you’ve maybe tried to ignore? Even a confirmed high school bully probably isn’t holding down co-workers’ heads in the toilet, but if he’s rotten to “the little people,” you should see that as a big “B is for ‘Still a bully!’”-emblazoned red flag. You might discuss this further with him: what he did and why he thinks he engaged in this behavior. Does he express remorse — reflecting a disconnect between who he was then and who he is now? Or does he respond with anger and resentment? You might also suggest he consider apologizing. It takes a special person to do that: one who cares enough about trying to make things right that he’ll lay his ego on the line and admit to doing something terribly wrong to another person.
GOT A PROBLEM? Write to Amy Alkon at 171 Pier Ave, Ste. 280, Santa Monica, CA 90405, or email her at AdviceAmy@aol.com. ©2021, 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.
APRIL 8, 2021 THE ARGONAUT PAGE 19
W E S T S I D E
H A P P E N I N G S
Compiled by Kamala Kirk COURTESY OF THE BRAID
Thursday, April 8 Burton Chace Park Walking Club, 10 to 11:30 a.m. Get exercise while taking in the beautiful views of LA’s Marina at the waterfront Burton Chace Park. The club is free to join and meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays year-round at the park. Burton Chace Park, 13650 Mindanao Way, Marina del Rey
Saturday, April 10 Marina del Rey Farmers Market, 8 to 9 a.m. (seniors), 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (general public) This weekly outdoor event allows Westside residents to support local produce sellers and other vendors. Food from a wide variety of businesses is available for purchase. Masks are required and only 40 people are allowed to shop at any one time. Held in parking lot 11 at 14101 Panay Way. More information is available at beaches.lacounty.gov/ mdrfarmersmarket St. Mark Food Pantry, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. In response to its community in need during the COVID-19 pandemic, St. Mark Parish in Venice started an every-Saturday food pantry. Since October 2020, the St. Mark Food Pantry has helped over 11,000 people and distributed more than 82,000 pounds of food. They invite in-need families who are from Venice and surrounding neighborhoods to come pick up free produce and other food items. No registration needed. Drive-thru and walk-in options are available. Please wear a mask. St. Mark Church, 940 Coeur D’Alene Avenue, Venice
On April 11, The Braid (formerly Jewish Women’s Theatre) will host a special Zoom event where internationally acclaimed architects Bob Hale and Michael Lehrer will share stories about what inspires their work as Jewish architects. (entrance on Garfield Avenue). For more information, call the parish office at 310-821-5058 or email loavesandfishes@ stmarkvenice.com Sound Bath on the Beach, 11 a.m. to noon Come relax and experience the power of sound healing at the beach in Playa del Rey. Arrive 10 to 20 minutes early for parking and a short walk to the beach. Walk up 65th Avenue towards the water until you see the sound bath setup. Please wear a mask and dress comfortably. Bring a journal and pen, yoga mat or blanket, pillow and jacket in case it gets chilly. The sound bath will be led by Jennifer Franklin, a Los Angeles-based teacher, sound healer and breathwork facilitator. Cost is $24 per person (pre-sale) or $30 per person (day of). For more information and to purchase tickets, visit eventbrite. com/e/sound-bath-on-the-beachtickets-148757332185
Spring Refresh Event, noon to 5:30 p.m. Revamp your spring wardrobe with the newest arrivals at Lily Love Boutique for this special event. Enjoy COVID-19-safe refreshments, receive styling advice, and other surprises. Purchases of $75 and up will receive gift bags. 8125 B W. Manchester Avenue, Playa del Rey Live Virtual Group Tour: Preservation Resource Center, noon, 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. Santa Monica Conservancy’s highly rated docents lead guests through the last intact 1897 shotgun house in Santa Monica. Learn about life, history and architecture in Santa Monica in the early 1900s on the virtual tour. Tours are 45 minutes long and limited to four groups per tour. To learn more and sign up for a free tour, visit smc.givecloud.co/ prcvirtualtour COURTESY OF SANTA MONICA CONSERVANCY
From April 10 to April 21, architect and docent Mario Fonda-Bonardi will lead private virtual tours of the last intact shotgun house in Santa Monica.
Sunday, April 11 Santa Monica Main Street Farmers’ Market, 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Shop for local fresh produce and prepared foods from local restaurants starting at 2640 Main Street. Guests can also enjoy musical entertainment from featured weekly bands, face painting, balloon designs and, at some points, a cooking demonstration with local produce. Mar Vista Farmers Market, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. This vibrant, year-round market offers local produce, prepared foods, kids crafts and live events. Located at 12198 Venice Boulevard, at Grand View. For more information, visit marvistafarmersmarket.org Visionary Jewish Architects: A Conversation with LA’s Acclaimed Creators, 11 a.m. Internationally acclaimed architects Bob Hale and Michael Lehrer will share stories about what inspires their work as Jewish architects in a special Zoom event for The Braid (formerly Jewish Women’s Theatre). Moderated by Jodie Mendelson, the event will feature stories of how Judaism has inspired their legendary global projects and the innovative environmental structures they have created for the Los Angeles area. The program will include a short performance by one of The Braid’s most popular actors, plus architectural presentations and a Q&A with the audience. Participation is still complimentary and open to all, but it is recommended to consider purchasing a virtual ticket to support the work of The Braid. Virtual tickets cost $18. To sign up for tickets, visit the-braid.org
Venice Electric Light Parade, 6 p.m. Marcus Gladney created the Venice Electric Light Parade to bring together bike enthusiasts who love to light up their bikes and set out into the night along the beautiful Venice Beach boardwalk. The group meets every Sunday at sunset, at Windward Plaza on the boardwalk, down from the worldfamous Venice sign. Must have safety lights and wheel lights (not required to ride) will be available for purchase. As many as 100 people show up each Sunday night for a chance to join the community for a few hours of fun. Everyone welcome, all ages, all bikes. For more information, visit facebook.com/ veniceelectriclightparade
Monday, April 12 Westchester Elks Lodge Blood Drive, 1:30 to 7:30 p.m. Help others out by donating blood at this event, where donors will receive a choice of a couple for a free pint of Baskin-Robbins ice cream or a limited-edition T-shirt. All donors are required to wear a face mask. COVID-19 antibody testing is available for all blood donors. Bring a photo ID. For more information and to make an appointment, visit cedars-sinai.org/giveblood (group code: WELG) 8025 W. Manchester Avenue, Playa del Rey
Tuesday, April 13 Día Celebration with Author Mina Javaherbin, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Hosted by the Santa Monica Public Library, author Mina Javaherbin shares her book “Grandma and Me,” a true tale of a young girl in Iran and her grandmother that celebrates family traditions and neighborhood friendships. Attendees get a free book (while supplies last). For ages 3 and older. Access the virtual event at this link: bit.ly/smpldiamina
Send event information at least 10 days in advance to kkirk@ timespublications.com