The Argonaut Newspaper — September 30, 2021

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ON THE COVER: Dina Lee, a volunteer at Wallis Annenberg PetSpace, has enjoyed numerous health benefits since adopting her dog, Bitsy. Photo by Sarah DeRemer. Design by Arman Olivares.

CONTENTS

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: Nicole Borgenicht, Bridgette M. Redman Editorial Interns: Holly Jenvey, Meera Sastry, Sebastian Lipstein ART Graphic Designers: Arman Olivares Kate Doll Staff Photographer: Luis Chavez

ADVERTISING Display Advertising: Rebecca Bermudez (310) 463-0633 Peter Lymbertos (818) 624-6254 Classified Advertising: Ann Turrieta (626) 584-8747 aturrietta@timespublications.com BUSINESS Associate Publisher: Rebecca Bermudez (310) 574-7655 rbermudez@timespublications.com NEWS & SALES OFFICE PO Box 1349 South Pasadena, CA 91031 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.

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LETTERS..................................... 4 LOVIN’ LIFE BEYOND 50........... 6 COVER STORY.......................... 11 ARTS & EVENTS....................... 13 WESTSIDE HAPPENINGS........ 17

(Continued on page 8)

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L E T T E R S Animal advocate, celebrity matchmaker Editor: Rock on, George Cervantes! Loved the article and the call to action for joining shelter volunteers.

But George, did you mean your list of impounded animals to be a really short list? Rabbits are the #3 most populous animal at LAAS, but not at Santa Monica?

Lisa Edmondson

Los Angeles

Coronavirus by the numbers and local updates Compiled by Kamala Kirk Cases and deaths by neighborhood as of September 26: Culver City: 2,858 (deaths 113); Del Rey: 41 (deaths one); El Segundo: 1,042 (deaths 10); Marina del Rey: 649 (deaths four); Mar Vista: 2,823 (deaths 37); Palms: 3,361 (deaths 62); Playa del Rey: 170 (deaths one); Playa Vista: 845 (deaths 11); Santa Monica: 6,489 (deaths 186); Venice: 2,607 (deaths 17); Westchester: 3,492 (deaths 57) Total Westside cases: 24,377 Total Westside deaths: 499

Total confirmed cases in LA County: 1,454,172 Total deaths in LA County: 26,013 Total new cases as of September 26: 1,174 Total new deaths: 14 Hospitalizations: 947 Positivity rate (seven-day daily average): 1.34% Total number of people tested: 8,579,689 (Source: Los Angeles County Department of Public Health)

Solutions for drug addiction Editor: America, once and for all, drugs are a medical problem. We need medical solutions, long term! Medical interventions such as administering Naloxone to an overdose victim are important, but the follow-up is crucial. After waking from a Naloxone shot, the person’s personal belongings are gathered up and off to detox and rehab she or he goes. Needle exchange programs will be eliminated or at least phased out until detox and rehab are universally available.

We must have universal free and low-cost facilities to house thousands of addicts. Yes, this is mandatory. How about underused military bases being repurposed for treating addicts? Medical not criminal solutions are a must. Also, big pharma must be compelled to provide low cost long term medical

treatments for drug addicts.

Angus MacDonald

Culver City My take on the MVCC Editor: In the most recent Mar Vista Community Council (MVCC) election, I backed the “Stand Up for Mar Vista” slate. I did so because I believed its stance on the major issues facing Mar Vista closely aligned with those of the community; I still do. People want accountability from their city leaders and they want safe, clean neighborhoods. That’s a basic right that everyone deserves. As a former board member and chairman for three years, I am very familiar with a broad spectrum of the Mar Vista community and understand what matters most to stakeholders.

The “Mar Vista for All” slate had no understanding of what a Neighborhood Council (NC) is empowered to do. In addition to supporting Councilmember Mike Bonin’s vision to house homeless individuals at Mar Vista Recreation Center, Westchester Park and the Venice Beach parking lot, ideas like solar panels for all, free public transit, affordable housing for everyone, and dual plumbing systems have nothing to do with the role of an NC. They had the entirely wrong vision for Mar Vista, which is why that slate was so decisively defeated.

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By ROBERT E. LEE MORRIS

First day of autumn at Venice jetty.

However, having the wrong vision doesn’t mean that “Mar Vista for All” is wrong about everything.

Recently, I received the inaugural copy of the “Mar Vista Voice” put out by many who ran as part of the “Mar Vista for All” slate. One particular article, entitled “Mar Vista Community Council Eliminates Committees and Bars Community Leadership,” caught my eye. It stated “… in a move unprecedented in the Council’s history, Chair Wheeler and other members of the “Stand Up for Mar Vista” slate voted against the long-standing tradition of appointing community members to committee leadership.” I wholeheartedly and absolutely agree. This move was indeed unprecedented and contrary to what a Neighborhood Council is supposed to be.

Committee appointments are always a delicate balancing act.

In my three years as MVCC Chairman, I made three sets. I made changes to committee leadership that I thought better aligned with the views and the priorities of the community. I

re-appointed some committee leaders, I declined to re-appoint others, and I brought in many faces that had never been seen before. I re-structured committees by eliminating some and creating others. I worked to establish committees whose members reflect the diverse makeup and views of the community. However, the most important thing is that I never - not once – broadly excluded ordinary stakeholders.

Quite the contrary, I went out of my way to include them in the hope that those folks would become more deeply involved in the workings of their community. I even appointed nearly all the candidates who ran in the 2019 MVCC election but fell short of winning seats. At times it worked and at times it didn’t but – at all times - it was the right thing to do. There are so many community members who have the expertise and passion to contribute to a committee, but not the time to commit to full time board membership.

Why would a group of committed community leaders actively choose to exclude other

valuable members of the community? It serves only to alienate and disenfranchise Mar Vista stakeholders!

What Ms. Wheeler - with the overwhelming support of the MVCC Board of Directors - did was wrong … full stop. Though the “Stand Up for Mar Vista” slate scored an impressive victory in the recent elections, that victory must not be seen as carte blanche authority to run roughshod over the community nor to silence opposing voices; it is no such thing.

Fortunately, there’s still time to correct this. I call on Ms. Wheeler and the MVCC Board of Directors to right this terrible wrong.

Elliot Hanna Former chairman, Mar Vista Community Council

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The Future Is Ours

Gerber Kawasaki Wealth & Investment Management offers a hands-on approach

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democratizing access to investing and financial planning. I personally tend to work a lot with entrepreneurs and executives in tech and entertainment, as well as doctors and lawyers. A niche that allows me to help them beyond traditional planning and investment management. Gerber Kawasaki prides itself on high touch and great service.”

Additionally, Dhiab prides himself on being available to give business planning advice to include stock options and sales.

Not only a mentor to his staff, Dhiab is happy to offer career advice for his clientele.

Gerber Kawasaki Wealth & Investment Management and their founding management team are unique as a financial service company due to their hands-on approach in designed plans of action.

“We actively manage assets versus using cookie cutter models and passive strategies which many of our competitors do,” Dhiab said. “This is a big difference, and a lot of clients appreciate that unique approach and our distinct thought leadership.”

Always moving with the times and future, Dhiab added, “Offering cryptocurrency custody and management is also an example of how we’ve been able to differentiate ourselves from the herd. It’s a new asset class that is intriguing and mysterious, and where investors should seek our professional guidance before they get involved.”

With an eye on technology and its everchanging landscape, Gerber Kawasaki Wealth & Investment Management has been part of the challenges and successes for over a decade. Not only as research tools, but their expert knowledge in the technology industry has created an easier system for clients’ financial structure, and at times, added wealth through the company’s

PHOTO CREDIT: ALEX BANG

By Nicole Borgenicht s a founding and managing partner at Gerber Kawasaki Wealth & Investment Management in Santa Monica, Hatem Dhiab keeps the company seeped in the financial spirit of present and future investments.

Dhiab evaluates clientele plans to coincide with their objectives, always keeping the future at hand so that their investment strategy aligns. He also mentors and oversees the trading network inside Gerber Kawasaki Wealth & Investment Management.

“The bulk of my time is spent meeting with clients to review their plans, investments and goals, and ensure that their allocations are meeting their intended plans while also helping them make decisions around new financial initiatives and life changes that may happen,” Dhiab said. “As a partner, I do spend a good amount of time mentoring and educating junior advisors, working on research and investment management, as well as trading and reallocation of assets.

We create a fair amount of content around markets and investments, which takes some of my time as well.”

Working with clients of all ages with a focus on current and future industry, Dhiab has plans for full family security and newer business ventures or partnerships with younger business owners.

Plus, his company is savvy in all industries that have become more computerized and technologically sufficient.

“Being in Santa Monica and having no official account minimums, we tend to work with a lot of younger clients, which is quite different from your traditional firms,” Dhiab said.

“Many of those smaller clients have become large clients as they’ve succeeded in their careers and businesses. We believe in

Hatem Dhiab is founding and managing partner at Gerber Kawasaki Wealth & Investment Management in Santa Monica. stock purchases.

“We employ many software tools to efficiently manage the large amount of assets and accounts and effectively and efficiently communicate internally and externally,” Dhiab said.

“There’s no way we can scale and help the thousands of clients and the billions we manage, without having invested heavily in technology. We were always tech forward and digital first, but the pandemic has really accelerated the adoption and frankly helped our clients adapt as well. Many of our clients do really appreciate our forward approach and the various ways we help them manage their

The wealth and investment management firm helps individuals and families build assets, manage investments and more.

PAGE 6 LOVIN’ LIFE BEYOND 50 - SEPTEMBER 30, 2021

increasingly complex financial lives.”

Building client wealth in the westside community falls into the three-tier system for different ages and stages in financial growth that Gerber Kawasaki Wealth & Investment Management has developed.

“Our get invested is for young and new investors, our wealth management is for mass affluents, and our high net worth programs cater to more affluent investors with complex situations,” Dhiab said. “We are mostly localized, so a lot of our clients are in tech, media and professional services such as doctors and lawyers, as well as various entrepreneurs and business owners.”

Nonetheless, Gerber Kawasaki Wealth & Investment Management is working with clients throughout the country and worldwide due to “social and tractional media” and many that value the company investment policy and vision.

“I also personally lead our international program, so I tend to deal with many foreign investors that are investing in the U.S. or

U.S. nationals living abroad,” Dhiab said.

As a responsible investment company, Gerber Kawasaki Wealth & Investment Management researches individual companies and sectors that also consider environmental issues.

With the future at hand, Dhiab leads the way with weekly meetings in evaluating local and global trends in the investment industry.

“As a result, our focus is mainly technology, innovation, sustainable energy and social responsibility,” Dhiab said. “We have been early investors in Tesla, Nvidia and Apple, among many other great brands and companies that have been transformative. We are also constantly looking for disruptive themes and emerging trends such as cannabis and the metaverse.”

Gerber Kawasaki Wealth & Investment Management 2716 Ocean Park Blvd., #2022, Santa Monica 310-399-6397 gerberkawasaki.com

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Enhancing Quality of Life

Avenir Memory Care at Westside opens Westchester location

By Kamala Kirk ccording to the Alzheimer’s Association, almost 700,000 Californians or 2% of the population ages 65 and older live with Alzheimer’s disease – a degenerative brain disease and the most common form of dementia. In addition, approximately 11.7% of Californians ages 45 and older have subjective cognitive decline.

Without an effective treatment or cure, the impact of Alzheimer’s disease will continue to rise and the numbers in California are escalating.

For more than 25 years, Avenir Senior Living has built, managed and operated seniors residences and memory care communities across North America, specializing in Alzheimer’s and dementia care and services. This month, Avenir Senior Living opened its first seniors memory care community in California, located in the Westchester area.

Avenir Memory Care at Westside offers furnished luxurious

PHOTO COURTESY OF AVENIR

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Avenir Memory Care at Westside offers luxurious private and companion suites for up to 88 residents diagnosed at various stages with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia and requiring specialized care. private and companion suites for up to 88 residents diagnosed at various stages with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia requiring specialized care.

“Avenir not only builds each seniors memory care community, but we also manage the operations, completely involved in the activities program, food and nutrition, maintenance, and most important, the daily care of our residents,” said Jason Gurash,

vice president of Avenir Senior Living. “All of our memory care communities are purposefully designed to create an environment that enhances our residents’ quality of life, preserve their sense of independence, and uphold their dignity in a secure and warm, homelike environment.”

Avenue Senior Living also implements its Cognitive Lifestyle Program to align

seniors with dementia with other residents that share a similar cognitive ability. Avenir Senior Living at Westside is organized into separate “neighborhoods” that each support a different level of cognitive function for its residents. Every neighborhood is designed to follow a care process to allow residents to continue to feel at home and within familiar surroundings even as they move through different stages of cognitive impairment.

“Avenir Memory Care at Westside will offer activities for older adults and seniors that engage the seven dimensions of wellness for memory care and cognition,” Gurash said. “By surrounding residents that have similar levels of cognitive ability, we have seen that this enhances socialization and interaction among seniors and creates a safe and rewarding environment to live in, which the residents’ families find encouraging and comforting.”

Avenir Memory Care will

include amenities such as a movie theater, sunroom, physiotherapy area and multiple outdoor spaces for its residents.

Avenir Memory Care at Westside also has an Aerisa Bipolar Ionization system that deactivates airborne viruses safely and a rapid screen temperature check-in system for all guests and family members to use to ensure a safe home for all its residents.

“We are very excited to be a part of the Los Angeles seniors community and for the opportunity to bring our memory care programs and wellness services to the California market,” Gurash said.

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Natural Beauty

Early care can keep a person looking healthy and youthful

By Bridgette M. Redman on’t wait. That’s the advice that Dr. Luis H. Macias has for his patients.

The double board certified plastic surgeon and owner of Aesthetic MdR works with people of all ages to help them maintain their youthful appearances whether through skin care, fillers, Botox or surgery.

“If you start thinking about things to do to maintain youth or to take care of things that are bothering you, don’t wait too long,” Macias said. “Sometimes as things progress they are a little more difficult to treat or harder to take care of. Maintenance is much easier to do than to try to take care of a lot of damage.”

He has many suggestions for preventive care that can keep people from trying to put out fires later in life. His practice offers several options that can help people feel better about the process of aging or even feel more youthful.

“It is self-care,” Macias said.

“People get their haircut or their nails done. Nowadays people go to offices to get things like Botox, which is very common and not just 50-plus, but 20-plus. They get preventive Botox so they don’t have the deep lines and wrinkles that can occur over time and are tough to get rid of once they show up.”

He observed that fillers are popular as people age because they start to lose volume in their face. Younger people sometimes get fillers for such things as lips, but rejuvenation fillers tend to start later. He suggests that when people are in their 40s, they start to need volume replacement in the cheeks or under the eyes.

While people were previously focused on the facial skin sagging due to gravity, it is now known that part of the problem is that the face loses volume.

Macias warned that adding too much volume in the wrong place can make people look overdone or give them a pillow-like appearance. However, the careful application of fillers can address the volume loss.

Facelifts used to be something that people in their 60s and 70s would get, but Macias is now

PHOTOS COURTESY OF AESTHETIC MDR

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Dr. Luis H. Macias is a double board certified plastic surgeon and owner of Aesthetic MdR that works with people of all ages to help them maintain their youthful appearances. seeing more people doing it in their late 40s and early 50s. It’s a trend he supports as recent studies and research show that the earlier you get it done, the more natural it looks and the longer it lasts. When a person comes in during their 50s to get a facelift, the result appears more natural because there is less skin to remove and the change is less dramatic.

However, Macias pointed out that even facials, especially medical-grade facials that incorporate chemical or laser peels, can also have a dramatic effect on keeping a person looking younger and healthier. He said that medical-grade skin care is an important part of a person’s routine, especially in terms of keeping skin hydrated and protected from the Southern California sun.

Facials that incorporate chemical or laser peels or the Photofacial help to address the browns and reds in the skin as well as any sun damage.

“People use makeup to hide the summer skin damage that makes people look older,” Macias said. “If you can treat it with a good skin care regimen and be proactive about facials,

PAGE 8 LOVIN’ LIFE BEYOND 50 - SEPTEMBER 30, 2021

you’ll use less makeup and your skin will be healthier.”

As of 2021, he said there is a nonsurgical way to tighten skin on the market and Aesthetic

MdR has invested in the Morpheus 8, which he believes to be the best on the market. It allows for a microneedling treatment that includes radiofrequency.

“If you want to melt some fat or dermis and cause tightening of the skin, radiofrequency delivered through microneedles has been the best way,” Macias said.

The technology uses tiny needles – 24 for the face, 40 for the body – and has a probe on the tips of the needles that emit radiofrequency. They heat up the layers of tissue and cause collagen to rush to those areas to repair it.

Macias stressed the importance of giving his patients a good experience at Aesthetic MdR — both his experience as a surgeon and the experience that his patients have at the practice.

“When I get my hair cut, go to the Four Seasons or am at a resort, there is a certain level of service, comfort and friendliness that I expect and want my patients to have when they come to see us,” Macias said.

Macias doesn’t make his patients get their own medication before coming in for a surgery. He has them delivered to the office, he creates a care package and he writes them a

personal note. They are given them on the day of surgery in the office and they don’t have to go get them or pay for them.

Guests are also served coffee, tea, sparkling and flat water, and the staff is empowered to get a patient anything within reason that they ask for.

Macias is always willing to consult with his patients on what they want and need to feel good about their appearance as they age.

“You don’t need any of this,” Macias said. “No one needs to get a haircut, get their nails done or get Botox, but we all like to make ourselves a little more presentable. Guys shave and trim their beards. This is another thing that we all do to try to maintain our appearance.

It’s a maintenance thing. It’s not just a one and done. Don’t wait for the facelift. Start working on the skin now. Consult with a plastic surgeon that has been certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery for your rejuvenation or maintenance needs.”

Aesthetic MdR 13160 Mindanao Way, #202, Marina del Rey 310-574-2103 aestheticmdr.com

Aesthetic MdR offers several options that can help people feel better about the process of aging or even feel more youthful including medical-grade facials that incorporate chemical or laser peels.

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Adventure and Community

Clay therapy offers a healthy retirement activity option

By Bridgette M. Redman atty Housen knew from her studies the importance of being able to have creative adventures close to home as one grows older. She had just completed her degree in gerontology when she and Liz Rosenblatt, a psychologist, formed FullCircle Pottery, a place where clay therapy is the order of the day.

Driving the creation of their programs and the growth of the studio was their background as scientists. Gerontology is the study of aging — how it affects all aspects of a person’s life including social, cultural, psychological, cognitive and biological. As a gerontologist, Housen knew some of the challenges that older adults experience as they adapt to new ways to live healthy lives.

“I look at it from the gerontology point of view,” Housen said.

“We have focused on providing an intergenerational community — we have members who range from 8 to 80-plus. It is the clay

PHOTO COURTESY OF FULL-CIRCLE POTTERY

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Liz Rosenblatt and Patty Housen are the founders of FullCircle Pottery, a clay space dedicated to people that want to make pots and ceramic art, and join a community fascinated by all that clay offers. that brings us together.”

Clay, Housen said, is the great equalizer because it doesn’t matter what your age is with the clay. A younger potter might have more experience than someone in their 60s. An older person might have been doing it for 30 years and they are able to share their experiences with younger people,

a process that contributes to the mental health of all.

Housen had been studying nursing home quality of life as part of her research in graduate school. She started throwing pots because her partner got her a gift certificate in an attempt to help her relax and take a stress break.

It would be a life-changing gift.

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“When I started working with clay, it just felt so right,” Housen said. “I had never been happier and it was what I thought about all week long.”

Housen saw the opportunity to continue her training through helping create adventures for people that were nearing retirement, in retirement or late in retirement. The studio not only provides room for people to work with clay, but it offers field trips to pottery-related sites, holds an annual festival and hosts special events throughout the year. In short, it provides both adventure and community. Full-Circle Pottery is a place where people can come to feel they belong.

“Retirement is this huge phase of life and people have, over the years, told us that they’d always wanted to throw pots but never had the time,” Housen said.

“They shared that they knew the day they retired, they were going to sign up for a pottery class.”

Many people often struggle with depression or anxiety after

retirement, Housen explained, because they suddenly have so much free time and they aren’t sure how to use it or how to make meaning out of it. Getting involved in a community, such as the one that they have formed at Full-Circle Pottery, helps older adults participate in meaningful adventures and stay connected with others that have similar interests, all of which helps to alleviate the mental health struggles common at retirement age. It also encourages creativity and helps keep the mind sharp.

At Full-Circle Pottery, healthy aging is the order of the day, guided along by someone that has studied in depth the sort of programs that encourage wellness, adventure and community.

Full-Circle Pottery 12023 Venice Blvd., Los Angeles 310-502-3115 full-circlepottery.com

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SEPTEMBER 30, 2021 - LOVIN’ LIFE BEYOND 50 PAGE 9

LOVIN’ LIFE BEYOND 50

Balanced Lifestyle Approach to Cognitive Health Pacific Brain Health Center focuses on holistic well-being

By Nicole Borgenicht s a family and geriatric medicine practitioner, Dr. Scott Kaiser, director of Geriatric Cognitive Health for Pacific Neuroscience Institute’s Pacific Brain Health Center at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, runs the geriatric department with a contemporary approach to cognitive health and healing.

Kaiser consults with Pacific Brain Health Center associates from his medical background and the holistic position of care.

Holistic medicine considers the body, mind, spirit and emotions as a correlative measure of wellness, and may use various forms of therapies. To that end, the geriatric department has implemented a series of exercise and mental health equipment that has value for people with early or late stages of cognitive issues. In addition, preventative analysis of brain health is available for individuals and families.

The services at Providence Saint John’s Health Center are different from other medical facilities, especially at a time when people have been affected by the pandemic, resulting in an array of challenges from feelings of isolation and depression to stress, loss of sleep and memory. Given this practical awareness, a focus on brain health quickly is one way to restabilize, Kaiser said.

“Whether you’re someone simply eager to better understand your risk of developing dementia or a person living with advanced Alzheimer’s disease – or anyone in-between – finding the right care can be such a challenge,” Kaiser said. “From improved screening for early detection to comprehensive whole person care to better support people living with dementia (and their loved ones), we’re always diligently and relentlessly working to fill some very significant gaps. With well over 6 million Americans suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, a number projected to rise significantly given our aging population, we can no longer afford to ignore the critical importance of brain health.

In fact, it’s thought that

PHOTOS COURTESY OF PACIFIC NEUROSCIENCE INSTITUTE

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Dr. Scott Kaiser is the director of Geriatric Cognitive Health for Pacific Neuroscience Institute’s Pacific Brain Health Center at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica. one-third of cases could be prevented through addressing a range of lifestyle, social and public health factors (like diet, exercise, sleep, air quality, and even reducing loneliness and social isolation). Brain health is something we all need to start thinking about, at every age and in all aspects of our life, and we can no longer accept the misguided notion that there’s nothing we can do.”

Proudly working with other experts for the most challenging clientele, Kaiser collaborates with a multi-specialty team at Pacific Brain Health Center. The holistic “whole-person care” approach is utilized for advanced Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Plus, the team works on preventative care for an array of cognitive and memory issues.

At the forefront of the cognitive health industry, their innovative workshops have been an exciting benefit.

“Our team works collaboratively to ensure that patients have access to comprehensive and personalized assessments and care – taking an integrated and holistic approach to focus

PAGE 10 LOVIN’ LIFE BEYOND 50 - SEPTEMBER 30, 2021

on the needs of the whole person,” Kaiser said. “In addition to direct patient care, the center offers a broad range of educational and supportive programming. From brainhealthy exercise programs to support groups for caregivers,

these resources can play a critical role in supporting health and well-being.

With the added support of an active research program, the center also offers many study opportunities, providing patients and families to cutting-edge approaches to the diagnosis and treatment of various memory disorders. Some of the more unique work explores ways in which we might delay or prevent the development of dementia through addressing a wide range of known risk factors and underlying disease processes while focusing on positive lifestyle modifications and holistic approaches.”

Medical trials include an in-depth assessment of underlying issues in a series of approaches for improved whole person health.

“The PREVENTION (Precision Recommendations for Environmental Variables, Exercise, Nutrition and Training Interventions to Optimize Neurocognition) trial for example, combines interventions across multiple modalities to address modifiable risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease,” Kaiser said of one of their lead programs. “This program targets six pathways implicated in promoting brain health and preventing the development of Alzheimer’s disease: inflammation, cardiovascular health, metabolic

health, nutritional deficiencies, toxicity, and endocrine functioning. With this, study participants receive a personalized “precision-medicine” approach, along with a multimodal intervention to promote positive changes in lifestyle behaviors – including health coaching, dietary counselling, exercise training, cognitive stimulation, and nutritional supplements.

Another example, the mSIM clinical trial, tests an innovative combination exercise and brain-training therapy for patients with known memory problems to help prevent Alzheimer’s disease. Participants receive a novel mobile application combined with an exercise bike, in their homes, that delivers a memory training and compensatory skills program so that people get a mental work out while they are breaking a sweat.”

As Kaiser and his team implement fun workouts for the body and mind, their system educates the brain to learn again.

Plus, analysis through a whole care approach raises the mind and spirit to sustain a positive lifestyle.

Pacific Brain Health Center 1301 20th St., #145, Santa Monica 310-582-7641 pacificneuroscienceinstitute.org

Kaiser collaborates with a multi-specialty team at Pacific Brain Health Center on preventative care for an array of cognitive and memory issues.

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THE JOY OF PETS Adopting an animal offers many benefits for people over 50 PHOTOS CREDIT: SARAH DEREMER

Dina Lee, a longtime volunteer at Wallis Annenberg PetSpace in Playa Vista, adopted Bitsy, a longhaired chihuahua mix, in 2018.

By Bridgette M. Redman ina Lee knows that a lot of people feel they’ve rescued a dog when they adopt from a shelter, but she insists it is really the animal that rescues them.

Lee, a longtime volunteer at Wallis Annenberg PetSpace in Playa Vista, adopted Bitsy, a longhaired chihuahua mix, in 2018. She fell in love with the dog when he first arrived at PetSpace, but she wasn’t able to adopt him at the time because she had a 17-year-old chihuahua that wasn’t interested in having a companion.

When Bitsy returned to the shelter six months later, Lee knew that she couldn’t let him go again. She could go on forever about the benefits adopting a pet has for older adults, especially those that live alone like she does. Not only does she gain companionship with Bitsy, but the dog helps her exercise and have more connection with her neighbors.

“Since I have her, I have to go out and walk her every day, even if I don’t feel like it,” Lee said.

“It sounds like a chore, but it’s actually not. I love walking her around and we see the same people every day. It gave me contact, especially during the pandemic, with people and made me more sociable.”

Lee said she came to look forward to meeting up with other people that were out walking their dogs or going about their usual routine. She said they know Bitsy by name and sometimes have treats for her dog.

“I cannot say enough good things about having a pet for people over 50,” Lee said. “I am still working, but this could be the best thing for someone that is retired. It works both ways — for the animals and the human beings. The pandemic has made people very lonely and isolated.

Of course you can’t substitute an animal with human contact, but I don’t know how I would have survived working from home and lockdown without her.”

Lee is also a big advocate of adopting an older or senior dog

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rather than a puppy.

“A lot of people want a puppy and I went through that with my first dog and am never going to get a puppy again,” Lee said. “(With an older dog) you don’t have to go through the whole puppy phase of the biting and the destruction. I have adopted two dogs from shelter and I didn’t have to potty train them.”

As a volunteer at the shelter, Lee sees that older dogs are often overlooked, but she strongly encourages people, especially those that are older, to consider an adult dog, especially if they are no longer physically active.

“Seniors are not going to be running with the dog,” Lee said.

“You have to consider the activity level of the dog. Bitsy is my perfect match because our activity levels are similar. It really depends on your lifestyle and where you live.”

Lee pointed out that some dogs do well in smaller homes like an apartment or townhouse while more active dogs need more space like a yard or an area where they can run. While she strongly encourages people to adopt pets, she stressed that when people adopt them, it is for their lifetime and shouldn’t be done on a whim. People that travel or that are thinking of moving in the near future need to keep that in mind and know what they’ll do with their animal.

“I can’t say enough good things about adopting a dog, but what saddens me the most is when animals are returned because something went wrong — they didn’t think about the future or the animal got sick and they can’t financially take care of it,” Lee said.

Lee looks forward to getting up every day and being with Bitsy and meeting her needs. It gives her a sense of well-being.

“Yeah, I rescued Bitsy, but really Bitsy rescued me,” Lee said.

Wallis Annenberg PetSpace 12005 Bluff Creek Dr., Playa Vista 424-384-1801 annenbergpetspace.org

SEPTEMBER 30, 2021 THE ARGONAUT PAGE 11

BEST ISSUE R OF THE YEAR!

LOVIN’ LIFE BEYOND 50

Tales from the Heart

The Braid encourages storytelling from people of all ages

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By Bridgette M. Redman onda Spinak, artistic director of The Braid in Santa Monica (formerly the Jewish Women’s Theatre), is in the business of helping people tell their own true stories. It’s an activity that she described as life-affirming and joyful, especially for people that have lived through a lot of things over the decades, whether happy or sad.

“When we share our stories, we realize that whether you’re young or old, a story that conveys real heart or truth is understood by any generation,” Spinak said.

Last year, they worked with a cohort of older writers, pairing them with a group of emerging artists in their 20s and 30s to create a “salon” show. A salon show takes true stories written by people that experienced them and turns them into a monologue, which is in turn, performed by actors.

“It is validating when you get to see your story told by an actor and you get to see the audience react, laugh, cry and learn,” Spinak said. “It is very empowering.”

She has seen people of different generations connect and make changes in their lives that contribute to their health and well-being. One example was their last show before the pandemic hit called “Mapping of the Mind” that explored mental illness. A young father told the story of his son that was autistic. His parents didn’t want to celebrate holidays with the boy because they felt it was disruptive for the other grandchildren enjoying the holiday.

The boy’s family chose to celebrate the holiday with friends, much to the confusion of the boy who wanted to be with his cousins.

During the show’s talk-back, an older woman raised her hand and confessed that her family shared that story. She said she had never seen things from that perspective and was going to change. Another older woman raised her hand and said that was her family’s story too, and assured the first woman that when she made that change, she’d see that it is OK. “It is amazing that it touched two grandmothers that had similar experiences in their own families,” Spinak said. “Art is meant to entertain, create joy and teach, but also to create social change. You could see that change happened from hearing that story.”

Spinak encourages older adults to start writing their stories. She acknowledged that a blank page can be intimidating, so she recommended a process that gets rid of the blank sheet of paper. She suggested starting with a phone and recording one’s self telling a story as if they are telling it to their best friend over coffee or lunch.

“Identify the story that you want to share,” Spinak said. “The story is that story which holds the most emotional power to

Ronda Spinak, founder and artistic director of The Braid, enjoys helping people tell their own true stories. you, whether it is a story about betrayal or loss or discovery — anything that has a big change or shows courage and is meaningful in your life.”

Once the story is written, she said there are many storytelling venues around Los Angeles, whether it is submitting the story to them, going to an open mic night or submitting it to a blog.

“There are lots of opportunities for really beautiful stories to be shared,” Spinak said.

“You just have to go looking.”

Spinak has been curating stories for the past 14 years and she said that some of the best ones are those that ordinary people write, telling what feels like ordinary stories. One of The Braid’s artists in residence, Libby Schwartz, is a laywriter in her 90s. The Braid has performed five or six of her stories and she made a recording about why ordinary stories matter.

“As I am in the 10th decade of my life, I would like to…share an observation and a few words of encouragement,” Schwartz said. “People often come to me and say, ‘I wish I could tell a story, but it would be boring because it is so ordinary.’ On the contrary, ordinary is what identifies us and connects us with one another. Ordinary is the hallmark of our universal humanity.”

She reminds people that when stories are not written down or recorded, they are sometimes lost forever. It’s why she encourages people to tell their uniquely ordinary stories.

“You will be leaving a living legacy for your family and not only will you find an empathetic audience,” Schwartz added.

“You will also discover for yourself, how extraordinary ordinary really is.”

The Braid 2912 Colorado Ave., #102, Santa Monica 310-315-1400 the-braid.org

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Preserving Stories

Collaborative project shines artistic light on neighborhood history

By Bridgette M. Redman here are many ways to tell the story of a place, but first there have to be people willing to find, capture and share that story. 18th Street Arts Center has been collecting stories as part of its Cultural Mapping project, and supporting and inspiring the artists that want to tell the stories of the people and neighborhoods of Santa Monica.

In an exhibit that will soon close on October 2, Danish artist Maj Hasager partnered with Carolyne and Bill Edwards of the Quinn Research Center in a years-long collaboration to share Black stories from the Broadway neighborhood before they are erased or lost.

The exhibition at 18th Street’s Propeller Gallery, “Three Structures Touching,” features a sculpture that guests can climb or sit on, five banners of community that display historic pictures, news articles and other artifacts and two films. It is what Hasager hopes is just the start of her work in the neighborhood as she is committed to long-term relationships that involve re-thinking history, conversations and an immersion in community.

The two films are “Three Structures Touching” and “A Broadway Tour.” Both feature the Edwards — the first has them talking about their longstanding engagement with archiving African American history from the Venice bay and Santa Monica area and their efforts to have this area recognized as a heritage district. The other features the Edwards taking the audience on a tour of the Broadway region that features its historic buildings. The structure in the center of the exhibition space is an outline of the 90404 district, but it can be climbed and engaged with in different ways.

“The form of art I’m practicing is an engaged form of art, which I think is highly relevant to really unpack this rich material and talk about what it means to remember a place,” Hasager said. “What does it mean to create cultural significance? What does it mean to preserve? What does it mean to look at an archive and look at these stories that have not been visible to a wider public? Those are some of the things I’ve been really interested in with this exhibition.”

PHOTOS CREDIT: MAJ HASAGER

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18th Street Arts Center in Santa Monica presents “Three Structures Touching,” an exhibition of new works by Danish artist Maj Hasager on view through October 2.

Hasager spent six months at the 18th Street Arts Center as an artist in residence. After COVID-19 hit, she worked on the project remotely from her home in Denmark. Carolyne said that when she and her husband first met Hasager, they all hit it off — like it was a bond that was meant to happen.

“We ended up sharing similar ideas and feelings, and the way of getting people to recognize culture and history,” Carolyne said. “It’s an uncanny kind of relationship whereby we all think along the same lines. Even though she’s now in another country, we still correspond and we still are great partners. We are able to think alike and get things such as this exhibition on the map and get people to really appreciate the work we are trying to do.”

The Edwards are researchers that are out in the field collecting stories, oral histories and primary source artifacts. Their primary objective started out as collecting, but as time went on, they started thinking in terms of what to do with all their material and stories.

Sue Yank, deputy director at 18th Street Arts Center, said that exhibitions like this spark curiosity with their audiences.

“They kind of have more of a curiosity about where do I live?

What happened here before? Who were the other people who lived here? What were the communities they formed? That’s a piece of it too,” Yank said.

Hasager explained that she has a long history of working in different areas, but what she is really interested in is a long-term commitment to people and places, which is something she feels 18th Street Arts Center represents.

Their Cultural Mapping project was one of the reasons she wanted to do a residency there, a

residency that was supported by the Danish Art Foundation.

“I will ask different questions because I’m not a native Santa Monican,” Hasager said. “I come with a very different perspective of being a European. I ask different questions. I was really curious about the stories and really just liked the pleasure of spending time together and thinking together. We had this wonderful conversation around different places and what it means to be in different places in different times with different people. That was definitely the starting point that came out of it.”

Springing out of those conversations was the plan to make films and to digitize some of the material to preserve it. There was also the contrast between what it means to preserve things in the U.S. and what it means in Europe. Hasager pointed out that in a Danish context, 100 years is not very old. She also said that in the U.S. there is a tendency for forgetfulness and erasing culture.

It is why, she said, that the work the Edwards are doing is the foundation to the exhibition and hers is more of a support structure.

“I’m trying to facilitate and put into form and raise a different discussion because art can do that,” Hasager said. “Art can ask different generations to engage with content they wouldn’t have accessed. Maybe they wouldn’t enter a historic museum, but this more playful engagement is a platform that can help raise awareness about a place and a history.”

Carolyne pointed out that the history is escaping every day, which is why she and her husband are committed to getting it down on paper before it is totally lost.

“Every time a person passes on, they take a lot of history with them,” Carolyne said. “We were very fortunate because my family and Bill’s family in Texas were collectors. We happened to have a large archive to begin with.

We’ve been adding to it every day. A lot of these materials spark your interest and curiosity, and you want to start digging into it and finding out more and more.

There is more to history than just buildings and architecture. There are stories and feelings that people have sacrificed and done without, cooperated with each other. There are all these intricate pieces to the puzzle that make a wonderful community which we discovered in Broadway. It’s a magnificent story. We just encourage people to come out and find out everything there is to know about it.”

While Carolyne is native to Santa Monica, Bill arrived in 1956 knowing only that Santa Monica existed, but nothing about its history. It wasn’t until 1964 that he started asking questions about why there were so many different nationalities and especially Blacks in certain areas of Santa Monica.

“Old Route 66 was instrumental in bringing a lot of Picos from Arkansas, Texas and Louisiana,” Bill said. “They wanted to come to the Pacific Ocean and they said, ‘Hey, I like the weather. It was cool here. I’m going to stay, I’m not going back.’ I tell the younger generation if you listen you might learn something. I’m still learning something about Santa Monica.”

It is that sort of curiosity that drew Hasager to the Edwards and got her really thinking about migratory strands — how people moved and how they were displaced. It was especially

disconcerting to her because she comes from a welfare society with free education and free health care and the inequity in a wealthy city like Santa Monica really struck her. She said if you are born in a particular place in Santa Monica, it can be very difficult to raise out of a particular class.

“That is a continued interest in all my projects no matter where I am,” Hasager said. “This sort of invisibility and displacement and then the lack of narration about narratives. You need to find them in mutual respect and relationship where you want to engage. I expect us to be in this conversation ten years from now, really engaging in the long run. Usually, you see artists do something and then move on. This is not my kind of practice.”

Hasager said she hopes the two short films displayed in the exhibition will be the starting point for a longer, feature film.

She is hoping to re-enter the U.S. when the entry ban lifts and be able to continue the work.

Until then, visitors can come to 18th Street Arts Center and see the beginnings of the project and learn about the people and places of Santa Monica that are often hidden and unseen..”

Three Structures Touching Maj Hasager, 18th Street Arts Center, Quinn Research Center and the Danish Arts Foundation 18th Street Arts Center, Airport Campus, 3026 Airport Ave., Santa Monica Now until October 2, Monday - Friday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday 12 to 5 p.m.

18thstreet.org/event/threestructures-touching-majhasager

SEPTEMBER 30, 2021 THE ARGONAUT PAGE 13

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Days of Future Past

Artist sculpts a world that exists out of time in L.A. Louver exhibition

Visual poetry invites viewers to create their own narrative More than just an introduction,

PHOTOS COURTESY OF L.A. LOUVER

By Bridgette M. Redman It doesn’t take long to get immersed in the worlds that Michael McMillen creates. All you have to do is open the door to L.A. Louver and step inside.

From now until October 16, his “Theory of Smoke” exhibition is sharing space with two other exhibitions, with McMillen’s work snaking through the gallery, framing the others with his exquisite sculptures, invitations to worlds that could be a figment of the past or it could be a dream of the future.

His show is divided into three different areas — four if you count his contribution to the “No Mask Is Wholly a Mask” installation. The first is in the lobby, his “Cinema Futura” greets everyone that enters, inviting them to look closer, to observe the world beyond the doors.

“The main event in this element is this extraordinary interior tableau,” said Elizabeth East, L.A. Louver’s director and curator of the mask exhibit. “It is sunk into the wall. As you approach it, it is this dimensional piece. As you look in, you will have an unobstructed view of what appears to be a movie theater. You’re looking at a row of chairs. There is no sound element, but there is a very mysterious projection of the ocean.”

Also in the lobby is a machine that appears in the film elsewhere in the exhibition. It is an “Optotromic Visualizer,” East said. It sits on a desk with a nearby sign that says “Future Site of the Past.”

“Cinema Futura” is a piece McMillen started back in 1990, building the façade as part of another installation.

“I saved that part of the old installation, which no longer exists,” McMillen said. “I came across it recently in my archives and had an idea. I produced this new work. Sometimes my ideas take years to finish. Sometimes they’re very quick. It just depends. It is a serendipitous process of the interaction of ideas and sites, of thoughts I’m having.”

From now until October 16, Michael McMillen’s “Theory of Smoke” exhibition is on display along with two other exhibitions at L.A. Louver in Venice. it is the first part of McMillen’s work — to get to the next, you have to walk through the main gallery and toward some black curtains. Muffled noises greet the gallery visitors along with a sign that says “Observatory.” Beyond the curtains is a suspended sculpture, one that could almost act as a projector for the film that is playing in the otherwise dark room.

“It’s been lit very purposely so you see the reflection on the wall,” East said. “It is an untitled sculpture, but the proportions are like a viewfinder.”

Guests can sit and watch what is a slightly more than four-minute film that loops. It lacks a distinctive or chronological narrative, but suggests a story that the viewer must suss out for themselves.

McMillen has been making films for years and he said they are more poetry than prose.

“They don’t follow a traditional script,” McMillen said. “They’re more like visual poems that you put out there and people see them, and they bring their own personal stories and experiences to it. It means something different to everyone who sees it, depending on what the imagery does for them.”

Like his collection of found items that he works into his sculptures, the films are made up

PAGE 14 THE ARGONAUT SEPTEMBER 30, 2021

of clips and images he’s collected over the years. He said he explores the way that different images look in various orders.

“It’s like using language in a novel,” McMillen said. “There are hundreds of ways to write the same sentence if you’re using words. With things I’ve filmed, I can juxtapose them in all kinds of manners that can convey certain feelings for situations. I have more footage than I’ll ever use. It’s really an editing process of getting a narrative out of seemingly unrelated images, but when you put them together and add sound, suddenly they make sense or the viewer can find a certain logic in it as they see fit.”

Sculptures old and new capture elegant surprises To get to the final part of “The Theory of Smoke,” visitors head up the stairs and walk through Yvette Gellis’ “Verdure.” Inside the room are several of McMillen’s sculptures, all richly detailed with surprising elements that require the viewer to observe from all different angles.

“This is really a survey exhibition that gives the visitor an overview of the subject, the diversity of the material and the complexity of construction,” East said.

East said it was McMillen’s

idea to use the small south gallery for his sculptures. With its dark blue walls, it creates an interior tableau that introduces his work in a very candid way.

“Michael loved the proportions of this space,” East said. “It accommodated a discreet six or seven works that could be a survey and have resonance with each other. It would accommodate the title piece for the show and it would have a context with some of Michael’s earlier work.”

The sculptures all take on the impression of architecture, of buildings that could belong to the past or to an as-yet-unknown future.

“For years, I have been fascinated by using images that derive from architecture,” McMillen said. “And not necessarily pristine brand new, but architecture that has been around for a while and seems to have some sort of history. It is somewhere on that timeline between creation and when the bulldozer comes. I love being able to take them and combine them in different orchestrations, to make these fanciful landscapes. It’s like a dream.”

Childhood pastimes become backbone of artistic creation McMillen traces his artistic

methods back to when he was a small child and had a Radio Flyer wagon. He grew up in Santa Monica and he used to pull his wagon up and down the alleys by his house and would find lots of interesting things.

He recalled finding World War II artifacts — an aviator’s sheepskin flying helmet, a pilot’s hat, old radios, anything that captured his interest. He got in the habit of taking things apart and storing the parts in boxes and jars and then later making other things from them.

“I didn’t think it was art,” McMillen said. “It was just something really interesting to me. I enjoyed doing it. It made me wonder why it was like that.

It was an interesting time to be alive. It was still the analog age.

I’d listen to the old tube radio at night with my grandfather. We had an early television back in the 1950s, a Motorola TV.” His father was a scenic artist and an amateur actor, and he grew up in the world of people working in the film business. In the 1950s, McMillen would go down to the old studios and catch tantalizing views of castles or frontier stockades peeking over the fences.

“To a kid, it was just agonizing,” McMillen said. “I wanted to see it so bad. LA has always been a very creative city on all

ArgonautNews.com At least two are based on historic events and are more about unmasking than masking.

Sierverding created a work using her face and that of Claus von Stauffenberg, the German army officer who attempted to assassinate Adolph Hitler.

“This great piece by Katherine — she’s used her own face in this to really think about this extraordinary German officer who tried to assassinate Hitler,” East said. “If you know what it is about, it transports you to a

different realm. He nearly did it, but he was discovered. His mask was taken off, so there is a poignancy in the narrative behind the subject as well.”

Another by Danh is a haunting image of one of the disappeared done in a chlorophyll print and resin. It reveals a picture of one of the young women who “disappeared” in Cambodia under the rule of the Khmer Rouge.

(Continued on Page 16)

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“No Mask Is Wholly a Mask” brings together the work of 20 artists to examine the idea of the mask, and what it is to wear a mask or take off a mask, both literally and figuratively. kinds of levels.”

As McMillen became an artist, he started using the objects he’d collected and the collection grew for 40 years until 2013 when he was getting ready to move out of Santa Monica after spending 67 years of his life there.

He said fortune smiled on him because he was invited to do an installation in Paris. McMillen met with them and said he had the perfect piece to make for them, but there were two conditions. First, they had to send over a shipping container.

Second, only two items could come back to him, the rest they could do with as they wish.

“So that’s how I got my studio cleaned up,” McMillen said. “I made this beautiful piece — it’s a huge walkthrough piece. We built an L-shaped building in this 30 by 40 space.”

He still loves the process of transforming familiar items into unusual juxtapositions, creating things out of what exists in the culture and reengineering it.

McMillen has exhibited many times at the L.A. Louver in its 45-year history. This one continues his story.

“There is always that sense of being transported into a different place and time,” East said.

“There is a lot about memory or an impression we have of certain aspects of America….There is a whole different world that Michael offers you, but he gives

these worlds a beauty and mystery to them that is very much all his own.”

Exhibition seeks to unmask ideas on identity and revelation Masks have taken on new meaning since March 2020.

Once something we relegated to the realms of theater or Halloween or masquerade balls, masks became a part of our every-day life, an essential accessory for being out in public.

For different people, masks became different things. East said that for her, wearing a mask represented that she respects others. At the same time, she recognizes that for others, wearing a mask was restraining and meant a lack of liberty or it was “un-American.”

“We ascribe a certain degree of meaning on masks,” East pointed out.

She wants the exhibit to magnify how a person feels with a mask, how people present themselves and what it means to someone else looking at a masked figure.

“It goes back to the question that we all wear masks, whether literally or metaphorically,” East said. “Now we are all literally wearing a mask and it is interesting that it has become a controversial subject.”

The exhibit is one of three being shown at L.A. Louver

from now until October 16. The others are McMillen’s “Theory of Smoke” and Yvette Gellis’ “Verdure.” McMillen also has a bronze piece in the mask exhibition titled “Head I, 1998.”

The mask exhibition is a group show featuring the work of 20 artists, some living, some dead, some local, some international.

It is a multimedia show with paintings, drawings, photography and sculptures. All but one piece was created before the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This show came together in a very natural way,” East said. “I was reflecting on a lot of what we hold in inventory and a lot of the artists we work with.

Although this idea of masks is something we have lived with the last 18 months, all of this work came about before COVID-19. I thought it would be interesting to explore and look at these things made outside of our time and look at them in our time — if you want to define ‘our time’ by being when we’re wearing masks with COVID-19.”

Artists include Terry Allen, Sarah Awad and Tony Bevan, among others. The types of masks range from overt and literal ones like Jackel’s Gas Mask, Allen’s beaver-skin cap with a tail covering his face, while others have the implication of a mask, a metaphorical showing. Some are light-hearted, some are poignant.

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SEPTEMBER 30, 2021 THE ARGONAUT PAGE 15

Days of Future Past (Continued from Page 15)

“The poignancy is literally talking about taking the mask off the Khmer and what they did,” East said.

Another large piece by Campbell is “Glitter Girl,” which was done in 2015. Her subject was Natalie Wood’s sister, Lana, who posed for Playboy in 1970.

Campbell covers Wood almost entirely in sparkling glitter.

“In the original photography, she was, of course, exposed, but (Campbell) has covered her up,” East said. “She is looking at you through this—it’s a fantastic image. The beautiful light that comes through the hair…there is something quite intriguing and it is very effective in this work.

There is something about it that makes you feel a little sad and complicit at the same time.”

Other works are self-portraits or pieces that reveal artists in different ways. Nor is it always clear what the relationship is to masks. East said that was intentional and part of the discussion that she wanted to spark.

“I didn’t want it to be a pedantic sense of a mask, hiding someone, but a bit more of an open territory,” East explained.

The idea of masking and unmasking, of revealing people.

This idea of masking and its opposite is a very open one. I hope that people will say, ‘I don’t understand, there is no mask in that,’ and I will say, ‘Why do you think I included it?’ It is asking you to think about it. Hopefully it will set up a dialogue.”

There was so much potential in the theme, East said she could have done a massive show with five times the space, but for now, there is plenty to reflect, challenge and discuss.

Artist finds strength and color during isolation Artist Yvette Gellis found herself grappling with questions of life and meaning as she painted during the pandemic.

L.A. Louver is displaying Gellis’ work as part of its “Rogue Wave Project,” one of three exhibitions showing until October 16. Her exhibition, “Yvette Gellis: Verdure,” is a group of seven large paintings and four smaller “studies.” All were created during the past year and a half.

“My longtime investigation into painting took a turn,” Gellis said. “What is it like to be alive today during a pandemic

watching the drama of our lives unfold? Deep in isolation, this series of paintings comes from my soul as my most authentic and relevant work to date.”

The series lives somewhere in the world of dreams, an abstract world where there are lithe figures inhabiting verdant greenery. There is thick texturing of paint to produce a lush view that challenges viewers to think about the connection people have to the natural world and their place in it. It is on the second floor of the gallery, co-exhibiting with McMillen’s “Theory of Smoke” and the group show “No Mask is Wholly a Mask.”

“The figures emerged from somewhere inside of me, into the here and now,” Gellis said.

“Some days the work was a direct output of what was happening internally and on other days it reflected as a counterpoint to the negativities occurring on the world stage. I was giddy with joy in the studio.

I fell in love with the figures like a divine romance.”

This is Gellis’ first exhibition with L.A. Louver. The “Rogue Wave Project” brings in artists that are new to the gallery and whom they feel are underrepresented. The four smaller studies are interspersed with the larger paintings. East said they often feel like preparatory paintings except that they have their own life.

“They can sometimes be reflections of aspects of the larger paintings,” East said.

“They’re very dynamic. The pallet is very striking.”

The paintings are filled with rich detail and movement. As the title suggests, it incorporates nature and depicts people deeply connected with the planet.

“These extraordinary figures seem to grow out of this massive foliage,” East said. “These bodies are dissolving into something that is this green verdant atmosphere. They’re very powerful.”

East pointed out that the paintings are very positive.

While they were born during the pandemic, the artist clearly believes in beauty and healing.

They are paintings that show the ways in which we are a part of nature and that we have an effect on it and it affects us.

L.A. Louver 45 N. Venice Blvd., Venice 310-822-4955 lalouver.com

PAGE 16 THE ARGONAUT SEPTEMBER 30, 2021

The exhibition presents McMillen’s new film installation “Observatory,” a time-based wall installation, and a selection of sculptural creations.

Artist Yvette Gellis’ “Verdure” is a group of seven large and four small dynamic new paintings created over the last year and hung in the gallery’s light-filled second floor space.

WESTSIDE HAPPENINGS Compiled by Kamala Kirk

Movies By The Sea: “The Blues Brothers,” 7 p.m.

Enjoy movies by the sea every Thursday night at the end of the Venice Pier through October 28.

Grab a blanket and chair and head to the beach for an evening of ocean breezes and movies under the stars presented by Washington Square Business Improvement Group, City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks, and Venice Beach Recreation Center. Food and drink will be available from various restaurants as well.

Admission is free, movie starts at 7 p.m.

Park in the lot by the Venice Pier at 3100 Washington Blvd., Venice

Saturday, October 2

LMU’s 10th Annual Yoga Day, 6 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Join LMU for Yoga Day – their annual, all-day offering that makes yoga teachings accessible to all. This year’s theme is “Individual Expressions of our Shared Divinity.” Free event.

Join in person or virtually. All are welcome! To RSVP and learn more, visit bellarmine.lmu.edu/ yoga.events/yogaday 1 LMU Drive, Los Angeles 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

COURTESY PHOTO

Thursday, September 30

10418 National Blvd., Los Angeles 67th Annual Culver City Garden Club Free Show & Plant Sale, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

See previous event description.

Tuesday, October 5

Every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Motor Avenue Farmers Market offers fresh, local produce from certified California growers along with prepackaged and prepared goods. to shop at any one time. Held in parking lot 11 at 14101 Panay Way. More information is available at beaches.lacounty.gov/ mdrfarmersmarket March for Reproductive Rights, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

The Westside Activists are organizing a March for Reproductive Rights. Join as they peacefully march with millions of people across the nation to defend all women’s reproductive rights. The Supreme Court will reconvene the first Monday in October. Rise up and stand together! Face masks are required. There is limited parking available in the retail district of Westchester. The march location is wheelchair accessible. They are planning to march to 80th Street and back. Participants with mobility issues or young children are welcome to rally together on COURTESY PHOTO

On Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., open etching sessions are offered at Josephine Press, a community-oriented and fine art printmaking studio in Santa Monica.

the corner of Sepulveda and La Tijera if they do not want to march. For more information, visit act.womensmarch.com/ event/oct-2-2021-march Sepulveda Boulevard at the corner of La Tijera Boulevard, just north of LAX. St. Mark Food Pantry, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

This is a drive-through and walk-through food pantry offered

by St. Mark Catholic Church in Venice. All food is distributed to the back of the car for COVID-19 safety. 250 bags are distributed weekly. Recipients receive produce, bread, dry goods, eggs and ground chicken or beef. Distribution to cars is from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. with most vehicle traffic from 11 to 11:45 a.m. Please enter the parking lot from Garfield Avenue. For more information, visit stmarkvenice.com.

940 Coeur D Alene Ave., Venice 67th Annual Culver City Garden Club Free Show & Plant Sale, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The two-day event (October 2 & 3) includes a judged exhibition of locally homegrown plants, flowers and edibles.

There are two workshops each day. Two raffles are held daily.

Local experts will be on hand to answer gardening questions. The club and vendors will have plants and gardening items for sale. There are free start plants for children. For more information, call 310-203-1482 or visit culvercitygardenclub.org.

Stone House at Lindberg Park, 5041 Rhoda Way at Ocean Drive

Sunday, October 3

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. You can also enjoy musical entertainment from featured weekly bands, face painting, balloon designs, and if you catch it on the right week, a cooking demonstration featuring local produce.

2640 Main St., Santa Monica 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 Blvd., Grand View at Venice Boulevard.

For more information, visit marvistafarmersmarket.org Motor Avenue Farmers Market, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Motor Avenue Farmers Market enhances the farm-totable connection and availability of fresh, local produce to residents of the Palms, Cheviot Hills, Beverlywood and surrounding communities. The market is dedicated to cultivating a sustainable food system through its operation and educational programs. The market consistently provides a wonderful opportunity to create synergy between local businesses and residents while promoting a healthy city and a vibrant community. Open every Sunday, rain or shine! For more information, visit motoravenuemarket. com.

Etching Session, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Open etching sessions are offered on Tuesdays at Josephine Press, a community-oriented art center and fine art printmaking studio in Santa Monica. There is a limit of six participants per session. Ink, newsprint and acid are supplied by the shop, and printing paper is available for purchase. An experienced printmaker monitors the session and is on hand to teach artists new to the medium. Single sessions cost $40, or sign up for four for $150. Tuition includes all materials except printmaking paper and zinc or copper plate, which are for sale in the shop.

They are offering COVID-safe printmaking workshops in several techniques throughout the year, including a Hand-Colored Woodcut Workshop on October 9 and 10. For registration and questions, visit josephinepress. com/workshops.

2928 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica

Thursday, October 7

Movies By The Sea: “Coco,” 7 p.m.

Enjoy movies by the sea every Thursday night at the end of the Venice Pier through October 28.

Grab a blanket and chair and head to the beach for an evening of ocean breezes and movies under the stars presented by Washington Square Business Improvement Group, City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks, and Venice Beach Recreation Center. Food and drink will be available from various restaurants as well.

Admission is free, movie starts at 7 p.m.

Park in the lot by the Venice Pier at 3100 Washington Blvd., Venice

Send event information at least 10 days in advance to kkirk@ timespublications.com

SEPTEMBER 30, 2021 THE ARGONAUT PAGE 17

BEAUTY IN THE BEACH CITIES “This multi-level luxury home offers a spacious floor plan with an attractive contemporary design throughout,” says agent Kris Zacuto. “This highly sought after southwest corner unit offers both the utmost privacy in the community as well as unobstructed views from the roof deck. The main living space on the second level showcases an open concept great room, powder room, dining area and kitchen that spills out into an outdoor deck. The third floor comes complete with the primary bedroom and bath as well as two secondary bedrooms and additional full bath.

High ceilings on this level invite you to the south facing roof top deck. Rounding out the function of this floor plan is a first floor bedroom and bathroom, allowing flexibility and privacy for in-laws and guests as well as an attached two-car garage with upgraded epoxy flooring. Waypoint is close to the excitement of downtown El Segundo’s shopping, dining and entertainment, as well as first-class schools and so much more.”

PAGE 18 AT HOME – THE ARGONAUT’S REAL ESTATE SECTION SEPTEMBER 30, 2021

Offered at $1,499,000 I N F O R M AT I O N :

KRIS ZACUTO COMPASS

310.702.6299 kriszacuto.com DRE#01972897

kriszacuto.com

5840 West Seaglass Circle, Playa Vista 4 Beds | 3.5 Baths | 2,613 SF Sold $2,500,000 The perfect blend of modern and coastal, this stunning Asher boasts a walk street location with privacy & space in one of Playa Vistas most sought after neighborhoods. The interior design subtly showcases a modern farmhouse theme with contemporary and current surfaces and upgrades. The proximity to The Resort & Runway along with the safety and comfort provided by its private interior location, defines one of the most sought after neighborhoods in the area.

About Kris Zacuto Kris Zacuto, Broker Associate with Compass, has established himself as an authority on luxury real estate in the Silicon Beach market. In 2017, he partnered with Brookfield Residential as the exclusive listing agent for Playa Vista’s most luxurious homes - Jewel Playa Vista. Exclusively presenting and selling all 14 new construction residences was an unprecedented accomplishment for the area, which resulted in numerous sales records set in the process.

Get in touch.

310.702.6299 | kris@kriszacuto.com DRE 01972897

Compass is a licensed real estate broker (01991628) in the State of California and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdraw without notice. No statement is made as to accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footages are approximate. Exact dimensions can be obtained by retaining the services of an architect or engineer. This is not intended to solicit properties already listed.

SEPTEMBER 30, 2021 AT HOME – THE ARGONAUT’S REAL ESTATE SECTION PAGE 19

Era Matilla rEalty 225 CulvEr Blvd.

Playa dEl rEy

Manager BrE#1323411

Broker assoc.

BrE#01439943

THE ARGONAUT P R E S S R E L E A S E S SLEEK & SAVVY IN PLAYA VISTA

LUXURIOUS & MODERN IN MAR VISTA

RESORT LIVING IN MARINA DEL REY

WESTCHESTER CHARMER

“This 1BD/1BA home offers luxury living with an abundance of privacy,” says agent Stephanie Younger.

“Aesthetically pleasing with its large balcony facing courtyard perfect for a quiet work-from-home space or weekend wine tasting. The bright, open floor plan offers intelligent spaces, recessed lighting, and ample windows throughout, making this central living space sparkle with style and sunlight. The galley kitchen with white quartz countertops white Shaker-style cabinetry, new black stainless steel appliances, and a large double sink invites festive evenings for entertaining as well as intimate moments for morning coffee.”

Offered at $699,000 Stephanie Younger Compass 310-499-2020

“Nestled on a manicured lot this, 4BR/3BA home impresses with Mediterranean architectural influence,” says agent James Suarez. “The impeccable interior features towering wood ceilings, premium finishes, elegant hardwood floors, tons of natural light and a huge living room with a gas fireplace, double patio doors with city and hill views and a massive adjoining loft. Entertain guests in the gourmet open concept kitchen featuring top-of-the-line SS appliances, quartz countertops, sleek cabinetry, gas range, and a huge center island. Take the party outside to your fully enclosed backyard with a patio area surrounded with lush greenery.”

Offered at $2,599,000 James Suarez The Suarez Team/Keller Williams Realty 310-596-0882

STAY IN THE LOOP!

“Enjoy this highly desirable 2BD/2BA condo in Villa Marina East community,” says agent Jesse Weinberg.

“This sun-drenched home in one of the most desirable locations in the complex. It boasts recessed lighting, two fireplaces, wood floors throughout, and an updated kitchen with SS appliances, custom cabinetry, granite countertops, tile backsplash, and breakfast bar. The expansive living and dining areas open to a private balcony that overlooks the pool and courtyard perfect for the indoor-outdoor California lifestyle. The owners suite also overlooks the pool with direct balcony access, has ample closet space.”

Offered at $1,099,000 Jesse Weinberg Jesse Weinberg & Associates 800-804-9132

“This 3BD/2BA home with a great floorplan offers numerous options for families,” says agent Jane St. John.

“An absolutely perfect “Work From Home” situation with a separate entrance. Original living room has nice hardwood floors, big front window, and a fireplace. Bright white kitchen looks out over large grassy backyard. Back family room has French doors out to the patio and yard, and is very light and bright. Approximately 6400 sq ft lot provides ample opportunities for an ADU, adding a pool, or just relaxing, BBQs, and informal outdoor entertaining.”

Offered at $1,350,000 Jane St. John RE/MAX Estate Properties 310-567-5971

THE ARGONAUT REAL ESTATE BUSINESS NEWS

How Do You Make an Offer On a House?

Deciding to buy a house is huge—it’s one of the most significant investments you’ll ever make, if not the biggest. You search for the perfect home, and when you think you’ve found it, the next step is to make an offer.

What exactly does making an offer entail?

Before You Make An Offer First, you should have a few things in place before you make an offer. One is a mortgage preapproval from a minimum of one lender. If you get preapproved, it helps you know how much house you can actually afford. The preapproval letter also shows sellers you’re serious.

Then, you need to understand the local market to make sure your offer is competitive. Your real estate agent will be able to help you with this.

offer as competitive as possible.

Submitting An Offer

Negotiating

Common contingencies that might be included in your written offer include:

Once you’ve worked out the specifics of what you’re going to offer, your real estate agent will draft a purchase and sale agreement. You’ll look it over and sign it before it’s submitted.

Once a seller gets your offer, they might accept it as-is, decline it or counter it, in which case you begin negotiating.

• Final loan approval—this means that your purchase of the home is contingent on your getting the mortgage within a certain amount of time.

• Appraisal—A lender is typically going to require an appraisal to verify the value of a home. A lender doesn’t want to take on unnecessary risk by lending you more than what the home is worth.

• Inspection— You might include a contingency requiring that the home undergo an inspection, and you could outline how issues are dealt with if they’re discovered.

The third thing to have in place before you make an offer is making sure that you have the down payment in the bank and ready.

• Home sale—In this situation, if you have a home already and your purchase depends on you selling it first, then you might add this as a contingency.

Once the three things above are ready to go, then you’ll start to determine your price, contingencies, and your timeline. If you’re buying in a competitive market, you should ask your agent how you can make your

To leave room to negotiate, it can be a good idea to make an initial offer below the maximum price you can pay. Contingencies can include things like appraisals and inspections.

PAGE 20 AT HOME – THE ARGONAUT’S REAL ESTATE SECTION SEPTEMBER 30, 2021

If you’re making an offer that’s way off from the home’s asking price, your real estate agent should include a letter highlighting why, such as the findings of a competitive market analysis. The agent for the seller is legally required to provide any offer to the seller.

An offer letter will include not only the price you’re offering but the amount of earnest money and down payment you’ll pay if you’re preapproved for a mortgage and a breakdown of who’s responsible for paying what closing costs.

The offer letter may also have information about the sale of your current home, if relevant, and the expiration date of your offer.

In a competitive market, you might also include a handwritten note to the buyer letting them know why you hope to buy their house.

Along with negotiating on price, there are other ways that you can leave some room for negotiation. For example, going easy on contingencies is going to make your offer more competitive. If you can pay cash, that’s always going to get the attention of a buyer.

Your agents should handle the negotiations.

Once negotiations reach a conclusion, the deal is done when you and the seller sign the purchase offer agreement. From there, you move onto the complete mortgage application process.

THIS WEEK’S CONTRIBUTION CAME FROM:

Bob & Cheryl Herrera, Professional Real Estate Services 310-306-5427 DRE: 00910858 DRE: 01332794

In Escrow 8000 Dunbarton Ave, Westchester 5 bed | 5.5 bath | $4,295,000 Coastal Farmhouse

13044 Pacific Promenade #212, Playa Vista

7101 Playa Vista Dr #109, Playa Vista

In Escrow

In Escrow

Just Sold

2182 Century Woods Way, Century City

2 bed | 4 bath | $1,489,000 Luxury Condominium

Just Sold 12601 Matteson Ave #4, Mar Vista 3 bed | 2.5 bath | $1,090,000 Delightfully Bright And Modern

1 bed | 1 bath | $699.000 Sleek and Savvy Condo

8232 Tuscany Ave, Playa del Rey 4 bed | 2.5 bath | $1,949,000 Meticulously Maintained

3 bed | 2.5 bath | $1,249,000 Modern Deluxe Townhome

6892 Arizona Ave, Westchester 12,800 SF Lot | $1,556,500 Build Your Dream Estate

Just Sold

Just Sold

8340 McConnell Ave, Westchester 3 bed | 2 bath | $1,537,000 SoCal Bungalow

2821 Colby Ave, West Los Angeles 3 bed | 2 bath | $1,625,000 Charming Turnkey Home

Just Sold 7921 Kentwood Ave, Westchester 5 bed | 5 bath | $2,860,000 Traditional Home With Pool

Just Sold

Just Sold

Just Sold 7912 El Manor Ave, Westchester 3 bed | 2 bath | $1,345,000 Unlimited Potential

6623 W 88th St, Westchester 3 bed | 2 bath | $1,099,000 Traditional Meets Boho Chic

6411 Nancy St, Westchester 4 bed | 2.5 bath | $1,900,000 Pristine Traditional Home

1719 Easterly Terrace, Silver Lake 2 bed | 3 bath | $1,607,719 Serene Haven

Just Sold 6321 W 79th St, Westchester 3 bed | 2 bath | $1,599,000 Modern Elegance

Just Sold 3307 S. Bentley Ave, Westdale 3 bed | 2 bath | $2,195,000 Mid-Century Pool Home

FIND YOUR PLACE Stephanie Younger Group 310.499.2020 | DRE 01365696 stephanieyounger.com | @stephanieyoungergroup 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.

SEPTEMBER 30, 2021 AT HOME – THE ARGONAUT’S REAL ESTATE SECTION PAGE 21

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING Classifieds / Legals

DEADLINE: Monday at 11am for Thursdays CALL ANN: 626-584-8747 or EMAIL: ann@argonautnews.com

Lien Sales NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned intends to sell personal property, household items, business goods and boxes of unknown content identified by Occupant name below, to enforce a lien imposed on said property pursuant to Sections 21700-21716 of the Business & Professions, section 2328 of the UCC, Section 535 of the Penal Code and provisions of the Civil Code.

The undersigned will sell at public sale by competitive bidding on Thursday October 14, 2021 at 1:00 pm on the premises where said property has been stored known as Stor-It Self Storage and located at 4068 Del Rey Avenue, Marina Del Rey, Ca. 90292, County of Los Angeles, State of California, the following: Mary J. Howroyd Karen Mcclain Brian Allaire KC Brown Dorothy A. Washington Eat The Ball USA Dorothy A. Washington Natalie Jackson Antonio Marin Gago Kerry Snyder Dream Hammer Corp Brad Haase M. Gloria Gowan Marketta Denise Smith Benjamin Taggart Yolanda Denise Washington Purchases must be paid for at time of purchase in cash only. All purchased items are sold as is, where is and must be removed at the time of sale. The sale is subject to cancellation in the event of settlement between Owner and the obligated party.

AUCTIONEER: David Hester Auctioneer & Associates, C a lifor ni a Aucti on Bon d # 7 0 75 93 90 PUBLISHED: The Argonaut Newspaper 9/30/21, 10/07/21

Fic. Business Name

true and correct. /s/: Lee Ann K. Goya. TITLE: Owner. This statement was filed with the LA County Clerk on: August 19, 2021. 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: 09/16/21, 09/23/21, 09/30/21, 10/7/21 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2021193158 Type of Filing: Original The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: AUTHENTIC FORGERIES; 12709 Dewey Street Los Angeles, CA 90066.

COUNTY: Los Angeles. REGISTERED OWNER(S) Peter Farquhar, 12709 Dewey Street Los Angeles, CA 90066. THIS BUSINESS IS CONDUCTED BY an Individual. The registrant commenced to transact business under the Fictitious Business Name or names listed above on: 07/1991. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. /s/: Peter Farquhar. TITLE: Owner.

This statement was filed with the LA County Clerk on: August 27, 2021. 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: 09/16/21, 09/23/21, 09/30/21, 10/7/21

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2021193868 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE The following person(s) is NO. 2021184869 (are) doing business as: KVG INSURANCE SERVICES. Type of Filing: Original The 8416 Flight Ave., Los following person(s) is (are) Angeles, CA 90045. doing business as: MUCHAS JOY; 603 Woodlawn Ave., COUNTY: Los Angeles. REGISTERED OWNER(S) Venice, CA 90291. COUNTY: Karla Veronica Garcia, 8416 Los Angeles. REGISTERED Flight Ave., Los Angeles, CA OWNER(S) Lee Ann K. Goya, 603 Woodlawn Ave., 90045. State of Incorporation or LLC: California. THIS Venice, CA 90291. THIS BUSINESS IS CONDUCBUSINESS IS CONDUCTED BY an Individual. The TED BY an Individual. The registrant commenced to date registrant commenced transact business under the to transact business under Fictitious Business Name or the fictitious business name or names listed above on: names listed above on: N/A. I declare that all inform07/2021. I declare that all information in this statement is ation in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who true and correct. /s/: Lee Ann declares as true any material K. Goya. TITLE: Owner. This matter pursuant to Section statement was filed with the LA County Clerk on: August 17913 of the Business and 19, 2021. NOTICE – in acProfessions Code that the recordance with subdivision (a) gistrant know to be false is PAGE 2217920, THE aARGONAUT SEPTEMBER 30, 2021 of Section Fictitious guilty of a misdemeanor punName Statement generally ishable by a fine not to exexpires at the end of five ceed one thousand dollars

and correct. (A registrant who declares as true any material matter pursuant to Section 17913 of the Business and Professions Code that the registrant know to be false is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ( $ 1 , 0 0 0 ) ) .

REGISTRANT/CORP/LLC NAME: Karla Veronica Garcia. TITLE: Owner. This statement was filed with the LA County Clerk on: August 30, 2021. 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: 09/16/21, 09/23/21, 09/30/21, 10/07/21 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2021184651 Type of Filing: Amended. The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: SAMEDAY TESTING, SAMEDAY HEALTH. 15 Brooks Ave., Unit A Venice, CA 90291. COUNTY: Los Angeles. Articles of Incorporation or Organization Number: 202025410048. REGISTERED OWNER(S) Praesidium Diagnostics LLC, 1 5 Bro o k s Av e ., Uni t A Venice, CA 90291. 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: N/A. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. /s/ Felix Huettenbach. TITLE: Managing Member, Corp or LLC Name: Praesidium Diagnostics LLC. This statement was filed with the LA County Clerk on: August 19, 2021. 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: 09/16/21, 09/23/21, 09/30/21, 10/07/21

TIME FOR A CAREER CHANGE?

Classifieds 626-584-8747

ann@argonautnews.com

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2021204110 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: BLACKSTONE PRODUCTIONS, BLACKSTONE HEALING ARTS. 12020 Beatrice Street Culver City, CA 90230. COUNTY: Los Angeles. REGISTERED OWNER(S) Pamela E. Blackstone, 12020 Beatrice Street Culver City, CA 90230. State of Incorporation or LLC: California. THIS BUSINESS IS CONDUCTED BY an Individual. The date registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: 11/2009. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct.

(A registrant who declares as true any material matter pursuant to Section 17913 of the Business and Professions Code that the registrant know to be false is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000)). REGISTRANT/CORP/LLC NAME: Pamela E. Blackstone. TITLE: Owner. This statement was filed with the LA County Clerk on: September 13, 2021. 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: 09/09/21, 09/16/21, 09/23/21, 09/30/21

Name Change ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME Case No. 21SMCP00359 SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES. Petition of ROSE RAGALINI, for Change of Name. TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: 1.) Petitioner: Rose Ragalini filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: a.) Rose Ragalini to Rose Ragalini Abdiforouz 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: 10/22/2021. Time: 8:30 AM. Dept.: K. The address of the court is 1725 Main Street Room 102 Santa Monica, CA 90401. 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

AM. Dept.: K. The address of the court is 1725 Main Street Room 102 Santa Monica, CA 90401. 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: August 4, 2021.

Lawrence Cho, Judge of the Superior Court. PUBLISH: The Argonaut Newspaper 09/09/21, 09/16/21, 09/23/21, 09/30/21 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME Case No. 21SMCP00427 SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES. Petition of MAKSYM ALEXAND R O V I C H I V A N PROKIPIVYCH-SHCHEPETKIN, for Change of Name.

TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: 1.) Petitioner: MAKSYM ALEXANDROVICH IVAN PROKOPOVYCHSHCHEPETKIN filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: a.) MAKSYM ALEXANDROVICH IVAN PROKOPOVYCH-SHCHEPETKIN to MAKSYM ALEX PROKOPOVYCH 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: 11/19/2021. Time: 8:30 AM. Dept.: K. The address of the court is 1725 Main Street Santa Monica, CA 90401. 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 15, 2021. Hon. Lawrence Cho, Judge of the Superior Court. PUBLISH: The Argonaut Newspaper 09/23/21, 09/30/21, 10/7/21, 10/14/21 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME Case No. 21SMCP00430 SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES. Petition of JONATHAN GUNNING GROSSMAN, OWEN HENRY GUNNING GROSSMAN, minor, for Change of Name. TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: 1.) Petitioner: Jonathan Gunning Grossman filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: a.)

Owen Henry Gunning Grossman to Owen Henry Gunning Grossman 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: 12/03/2021. Time: 8:30

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: 12/03/2021. Time: 8:30 AM. Dept.: K. The address of the court is 1725 Main Street Santa Monica, CA 90401. 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 17, 2021.

Lawrence Cho, Judge of the Superior Court. PUBLISH: The Argonaut Newspaper 09/23/21, 09/30/21, 10/7/21, 10/14/21

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LOS ANGELES TIMES SUNDAY CROSSWORD PUZZLE “SPORTING CHANCE” By GARY LARSON ACROSS 1 Model in the Beach Boys’ “Fun, Fun, Fun” 6 “Nightmare” street 9 Middles 15 Demonstrating skill 19 Subtle glows 20 Wasikowska of “Damsel” 21 Allergic outburst 22 Hudson Bay nation 23 *Grizzly, for one 25 *Olaf II of Norway, notably 27 Ornamental vase 28 Earthly 30 MLB Hall of Famer Fox and journalist Bly 31 __ a soul 32 Va. winter hours 34 Genesis twin 35 Hose clamp tightener 37 More klutzy 40 Prepare, as a contract 45 Like some dorms 46 *It goes up in cold weather 48 Sound of shock 49 Sharply hit baseball 51 Relax, maybe 52 Wolf down 54 Guru’s residence 56 Pool concern 57 Loses steam 60 Claim no longer allowed on cigarettes 62 Fortune 64 Show with constant cliffhangers 66 Cell division 68 NL Central club 69 *Nickname for Joe DiMaggio 73 Words of understanding 75 Uses, as a scale 77 Candy bar with a

Nordic name 78 Self-reproach 80 Thinks 82 Played really badly 85 Comic book artist 86 Mentally assimilate 88 A musician usually has a good one 90 Originally called 91 Bête __ 92 Willing to listen (to) 93 *The sun will eventually be one 97 Button alternative 98 Posse carriers 101 Max Ernst, for one 102 True 104 Yearn 106 Eye, to a poet 107 Pickup relatives, briefly 108 Condemnation 111 Zip one’s lip 114 “Rugrats” dad 117 *ICBM booster until 1987 120 They’re on the same side ... and a hint to the answers to starred clues 122 Pizzazz 123 Spiritualist Deepak 124 Bagpiper’s topper 125 Past pudgy 126 Target of a military press 127 “Dear Evan __”: 2015 musical 128 Mahershala of “Moonlight” 129 Grown-up efts DOWN 1 Perfume that sounds forbidden 2 VP under Jefferson 3 Par-3 choice, often 4 Not even rare?

5 Insurance that covers dams?

6 Manicurist’s board 7 Yarn spinner 8 Dark area on the moon 9 Surfboard/kayak hybrid 10 Yellowfin tuna 11 Response to goo 12 Slugger’s creation 13 Shades 14 “I’m __ to hear from you!”

15 Smoothie fruit 16 Cheese on crackers 17 Telescope part 18 To this day 24 Docking place 26 Result of one too many, maybe 29 Rookie, briefly 31 “I can’t agree to this” 33 Scrabble piece 35 Going places?

36 *Kipling’s Shere Khan is one 37 Author Sheehy 38 Relaxed 39 Airline with an allkosher menu 41 Turkish bigwigs 42 *“Virtuous Woman” reggae singer 43 Solheim Cup team 44 Fluoride-in-water meas.

45 Cat’s weapons 47 Little trickster 50 Confirms, as a password 53 Sub 54 China __: showy bloom 55 Use for preservation, as wine barrels 58 Takes off 59 Pass rusher’s stat 61 Small intake

63 Attacks 65 Story line 67 Singer Ed featured in the 2019 film “Yesterday” 70 “Just kidding!”

71 Place for a pad 72 Modern Persians 74 __ throat 76 Utopias 79 Knowledge of spiritual matters 81 Bareilles of “Waitress” 83 Without ice 84 Understanding 86 Quote from Homer 87 2012 Facebook event, for short 89 Overhaul 94 Sunbather’s pride 95 Poke fun at 96 Best Supporting Actress before Ingrid 99 Merit 100 Discolor by burning 101 Military alert state 103 Jack of “Some Like It Hot” 105 To-do 107 It was added to create an everyday quintet in 1990 108 Tick off 109 Series finale: Abbr.

110 Huff and puff 112 R&B great James 113 Ring at a wedding 114 State of suppressed worry 115 Reason to cram 116 List for a versatile tool 117 Talk acronym 118 Mil. mess duties 119 Before, poetically 121 Presidential nickname

THE FASTIDIOUS AND THE FURIOUS

I’m a woman in my 20s seeking a boyfriend. On the first date, I like to have a few drinks and, if the guy and I hit it off, have sex to see whether we have physical chemistry. Lately, I’ve had a string of great first dates – flowing conversation, emotional rapport, and what seemed to be long-term potential – yet they all ghosted me after sex. Are men still living in the Victorian Age? — Confused The wait to have sex with you mirrors the mandatory waiting period to buy a plastic squirt gun.

That said, you aren’t wrong to want to figure out upfront whether there’s sexual chemistry. As for just how “upfront” to do that, there’s reason to slow your roll – even if it means you get involved with a few guys who turn out to be sexual duds.

Because a woman can get pregnant from a single ill-advised naked romp, women evolved to be the “choosier” sex – to take a “Hmm, we’ll see...” approach: stand back and assess a man’s potential to “provide” and willingness to commit before dropping their panties (and everything else) on his bedroom floor.

Men co-evolved to expect female choosiness and to need to prove themselves over time to women of

high mate value: women who can hold out for just the right guy. In short, men tend to value (and stick around for) what’s hard to, uh, grope.

Women are also more likely to succumb to a sort of alcohol-induced blindness, which psychiatrist Andy Thomson, in an email to evolutionary psychologist David Buss, called the “Prosecco perception bias,” after the Italian sparkling wine. Buss, who included this in his book, “When Men Behave Badly,” explains that women have less of the alcohol-detoxifying enzyme, alcohol dehydrogenase.

(That’s why women get more rapidly drunk than men, even when they throw back less alcohol per pound of body weight.) “Because alcohol stimulates bonding endorphins, women are more likely to misread interactions with men” when tipsy, Buss explains, and “overestimate the likelihood of an emotional bond and a long-term relationship.”

Sure, there are blissful long-term relationships that started out with no-strings-attached sex. However, because you’re a woman hoping to find a boyfriend, having sex on the first date is a risky strategy. There’s a way to get a guy to stick around after sex, and it’s to wait to have it till he’s got feelings for you – though, admittedly, zip-tying him to your headboard works, too.

GHOSTING STORY

I’m a straight guy using dating apps. What’s with the constant flaking that guy friends and I experience from women we’re meeting for first dates? One woman on Hinge texted me to confirm 30 minutes before we were meeting at a bar but never showed and stopped responding to my texts. The next day, she complained that her phone had died. Another girl on Bumble agreed to have drinks, but when I texted her the day of, she unmatched. This extreme rudeness only happens with women I meet on dating apps, not those I meet in person, like at a friend’s party. Any idea why?

— Disturbed There are valid reasons to be a no-show for a date with no explanation, for example, the experience so many of us have of being abducted by aliens who don’t have a charger that fits our phone.

This rudeness you’re experiencing – all these women treating you like a disposable object instead of a person with feelings – isn’t caused by app use, per se. The problem, as I explain in “Good Manners for Nice People Who Sometimes Say F*ck,” is that we are now “living in societies too big for our

brains”: vast, transient “strangerhoods.”

We didn’t evolve to be around strangers and aren’t psychologically equipped to live in a world filled with them because the psychology still powering our thinking (and behavior) today is adapted for small ancestral hunter-gatherer societies. Ancestral humans might’ve been stuck with pretty much the same 25 people for much of their lives (per estimates by anthropologists Robert L. Kelly and Irven DeVore) and might’ve have had a larger surrounding society of perhaps 100 to 150 people.

In the tiny ancestral world, the need to preserve one’s reputation was a psychological police force that kept even rotten people from acting their rotten worst. (This is still a factor today in small towns where everybody knows everybody.) In contrast, strangers “meeting” in the virtual world – on apps that are basically eBay for dates – have no shared social context, so... bye-bye fear of reputational ruin!

In other words, when connecting via an app, it’s probably a good idea to expect unreliability. You might even bring a book to read in case a woman ends up running a little late – uh, intends to leave you sitting there at the bar until you decompose.

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.

SEPTEMBER 30, 2021 THE ARGONAUT PAGE 23

Can You Spot The Invasive Species In the Ballona Wetlands?

The 2015 SoCalGas Aliso Canyon methane blowout was one of the worst greenhouse gas emission events in US history, forcing residents to flee their homes, closing schools and making thousands sick.Their Playa del Rey sister-facility stands out as one of the riskiest gas storage operations in the state. Allowing its continued operation in our community and embedded in the Ballona Wetlands Ecological Reserve is daring history to repeat itself.

The current plan that is masquerading as a “restoration” calls for more SoCalGas drilling infrastructure and bulldozing large sections of the wetlands. This is an unacceptable threat to native species of plants, wildlife, local residents and business.

It’s a timebomb wrapped up in a wrecking ball.

Given its location, a similar event would devastate fragile coastal ecosystems, the surrounding community, local businesses and property values, with an evacuation area potentially including Santa Monica, Culver City and Los Angeles International Airport.

Sempra Energy, the owner of SoCalGas is a 60 billion dollar company. They can afford to find another way to deliver energy to their customers. We can afford nothing less than the closure of this facility and withdrawal of the destructive plan that would benefit SoCalGas more than any other entity. Defend the Ballona Wetlands and tell our elected leaders not to gamble our future for Sempra Energy’s profit.

For more info: defendballonawetlands.org

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