The Argonaut Newspaper - November 17, 2022

So Much for So Little

All-in-One Medicare Advantage

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Online: Visit eHealth.com/SJPP to shop plans side-by-side.

Meeting: Attend workshops sponsored by Saint John’s to explore Medicare insurance options.

RSVP for an upcoming in-person workshop: 1-866-909-DOCS (3627) (TTY/TDD 1-866-660-4288) More dates available at Providence.org/MedicareCA

11 a.m.

Monday, November 21st

El Torito: 3360 Ocean Park Blvd. Santa Monica, CA 90405

By HUMANA

10 a.m. Thursday, December 1st

IHOP: 4070 Lincoln Blvd. Marina del Rey, CA 90292

By SCAN Health Plan

2 p.m. Thursday, December 1st

El Torito: 3360 Ocean Park Blvd. Santa Monica, CA 90405

By SCAN Health Plan

Enrollment in a plan may be limited to certain times of the year unless you qualify for a special election/enrollment period or you are in your Medicare Initial Election Period. Not all plans offer all benefits mentioned. This ad is not from the government. It’s from eHealth, an insurance agency selling plans from many insurance companies. For accommodations of persons with special needs at workshops, call 1-866-909-3627 (TTY/TDD: 1-866-660-4288). A licensed insurance agent will be present with information and applications. CHM Insurance Services, West LA Baby Boomer Insurance Services, Clear Financial Insurance Services, AGA, Avanti Insurance Solutions, Inc., and Paul Davis Insurance Services represent various Medicare Advantage (MA) and Prescription Drug Plans (PDPs) with Medicare contracts. Workshops are provided by the entities noted and are not affiliated with eHealth.

ADVERTISING

Display Advertising: Rebecca Bermudez (310) 574-7655 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 per mission of The Argonaut, take more than one copy of any issue. The Argonaut is copyrighted 2022 by Times Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in whole or in part in any form or by any means without prior express written permission by the publisher. An adjudicated Newspaper of General Circulation with a distribution of 30,000.

LETTERS

Dirty campaign

Editor:

So the dirty tricks may have prevailed in the Westside campaign. Stolen signs, false claims mailers, using a failed recall effort and possibly the last stroke, play money litter spread all over the district as advertisers! And how was the rain bought by a mere 100 million dollars?

I must once again quote Fats Waller: “One never knows, does one.”

So much for my observations about the war on voting.

Robin Doyno Mar Vista

Make looking after the planet look cool

Editor:

Kudos for a great photo in the Nov. 10 Argonaut!!

"The Ocean Cleanup Inter ceptor 007 now in Ballona Creek” demonstrates how looking cool can powerfully promote proper planet stew ardship. The visual design for this new “Creek Sweeper” anchored in the Ballona Creek Discharge Channel adjacent to

Marina del Rey's entrance effectively focuses attention on its worthy purpose—intercept ing water-born trash before it enters the Pacific Ocean and pollutes the water column.

Looking after Mother Earth is arguably the most important duty humanity owes future generations. Making this responsibility look cool is an excellent path toward focusing essential attention on combat ing our existential threat.

My hat’s off to the Intercep tor’s design team and to Kris Dahlin’s excellent photo in this week’s letter section. Thanks to the Argonaut for presenting this inspiring image.

Tim Tunks Santa Monica

Re: Speech therapy and community support

Editor: Your article "Speech Therapy and Community Support" about the opening of an office of the American Institute for Stuttering will no doubt serve to help adults and children seeking help for their stutter ing. The AIS has done amazing

things over the last 30 years to help people who stutter. Their speech-language pathologists are among the very best.

I just wish to mention to your readers that there is a great resource for the Hispanic community. The website of The Stuttering Foundation has a Spanish-language version at tartamudez.org, which was first created to help the Hispanic community in the U.S. but also it has served to help people who stutter throughout Latin America. The site has the same free resources as the main website of The Stuttering Foundation.

Juan Gardea South Bend, IN

We Want to Hear from You!

Being in print is a lot more meaningful than grouching on Facebook. Send compliments, complaints and insights about local issues to kkirk@timespublications.com

With the Halloween Boat Parade theme of "Prepare to Be Boarded and Surrender Your Booty!" Captain Richard on his 42 boat (About Time) won the grand prize including merch and a Tony P's Dockside Grill gift card.

PHOTO

Keeping His Legacy Alive

SMPD widow honors late husband

By Michele Robinson

Sometimes good things come out of bad circum stances. This was the case for Maya Riley when she started The Riley Youth Foundation and The Riley Youth Club. In 2019, Riley became a young grieving widow. Being in such unfamil iar territory, she felt lost, afraid and alone. But then one day she flipped through a parenting magazine and a lightbulb went on.

From this humble beginning, she created a nonprofit founda tion and business based on keeping her husband’s memory alive. Today, the organization has grown to around 500 members.

Rashad A. Riley was a beloved Santa Monica police officer. Before that, he was a United States Air Force veteran with a job that took him all over the world. He was adventurous and loved all sports, including soccer, football, golf and baseball. He enjoyed coaching his sons' sports teams and had a special place in his heart for all kids. He was also a devoted husband and father to their two boys and young daughter when he passed.

“Rashad was a strong leader,” Riley said. "He volunteered his time to the Santa Monica Police Explorers and was a member of the department’s Homeless Liaison Program, which helped those experiencing homeless. He was a beacon of light. How could something so amazing be gone?”

Due to unforeseen events,

Rashad passed away in April 2019. One day, not too long afterward, Riley was on her way home from dropping off her kids at daycare. She was crying on the ride home and stopped in her driveway. Struck by grief, she felt lost and didn’t know what to do with her kids for the summer. Flipping through a parenting magazine, she saw summer camps, classes and foundations. Struck by an amazing idea of how to keep her husband’s legacy alive, she took action.

“He can’t be gone for noth ing,” Riley said. “He was

inspirational, positive, a great family man, and loved kids. This couldn’t end here.” Immediately, she picked up the phone and called her family. She also contacted her friends from the Santa Monica and Los Angeles police departments. They agreed it was a great idea and wanted to help. Her idea was to incorporate the things that Rashad loved the most— kids, sports, helping people and strong leadership—into a nonprofit foundation and successful business.

All her life, Riley worked in corporate sales events, so

starting a nonprofit and busi ness was new terrain for her. She worked hard to get the Riley Youth Foundation and Riley Youth Club up and running within five months, in time for what would have been Rashad’s birthday.

“I just kept going. I started it in 2019 on his birthday, Nov. 1,” Riley said. “It’s been super amazing.”

With her momentum continu ing, she pulled her money together and invested in a 10,000-square-foot facility in Woodland Hills. The Riley Youth Club facility is a multi purpose space that offers sports classes, coding classes, birthday parties, events, and summer camps. The deal closed in April 2020, when the pandemic hit and businesses shuttered.

“I had a five-year plan and I did it all in a year,” Riley said. “It was really scary in April 2020, everything was shut down and I had a new building to maintain.”

Riley struggled to own and operate a new business during the pandemic. She worked hard to bring the kids back, which took longer than she thought.

She reopened the facility in 2021. However, 2022 continued to be a tough year for the Riley Youth Club and Foundation.

“It was hard coming back, but we didn’t shut down,” Riley said. “We are still here, still pushing. I am passionate about inspiring kids.”

Riley focused on expanding the brand. When she took over the space, it was a soccer arena with about 200 members. Now, she has grown the business to

include a variety of sports and other events. This increased enrollment to over 500 regis tered members. Additionally, the Riley Youth Club attracts members from outside Woodland Hills.

“We are growing,” Riley said. “We want to attract kids not from just Woodland Hills, but from all over, including the Westside.”

Even with amazing growth, Riley recognizes that acquiring funding continues to be an uphill battle. This is especially true for the Riley Youth Foundation, a nonprofit organization. While the Foundation and Club are separate, the entities work together to support each other. The purpose of the Foundation is to offer free classes and scholarships to kids who are unable to afford them other wise. Reaching out to schools and youth groups, the Founda tion and Riley’s goal is to open up the facility so that all kids can take part.

“We offer programs for free at the Club and scholarships from the Foundation, so everyone can play in a top-notch center,” Riley said. “Our place is special, it is more personable and we have a positive impact on kids.”

With around 80% of the funding from the Club going to the Foundation, money is tight. Operating as a nonprofit, grants are difficult to secure, so Riley needs to look for other sources, which is why fundraisers are so vital to the Foundation.

"The Foundation's biggest

COURTESY PHOTOS

fundraiser of the year happens the first weekend in November, to commemorate Rashad’s birthday,” Riley said. “This year's gala was on Nov. 5 at Top Golf in El Segundo.”

The event sold out with over 200 people in attendance. The gala attracted celebrities like sportscaster and former NFL player Marcellus Wiley. Wiley volunteers as a coach at the Club and teaches flag football to kids. Other celebrities joining the fundraiser included former professional boxer Zab Judah, news anchor Christine Devine, and Olympic track star twins Lisa and Miki Barber.

“Our fourth annual charity fundraiser went off without a hitch,” Riley said. “Our goal this year was to enjoy the night, mingle, golf and raise money. Our Board of Directors as well as our Youth Club staff had an opportunity to meet and hang out with some of our top sponsors. We shared our past, current and future financial status with our supporters and raised over $40,000 with this year's efforts. We didn’t quite hit our goal, but understand it is

a challenge for all individuals and businesses at this time as we all come back from the effects of Covid.”

The Foundation also hosts other community events to help those in need. Recent upcoming events include the Turkey Drive and Toy Drive. The Turkey Drive encourages donations of canned goods, dry food and turkeys to help women and children living in shelters. For the Toy Drive, they set up tables to collect new unwrapped toys for the holidays. Children living in the shelter come and can pick a toy, or the toys get dropped off at the shelter.

Both the Club and the Founda tion are amazing examples of how Rashad’s legacy continues to live on and touch the lives of future generations. Riley’s inspirational idea shows how strong leadership and resilience can lead to a positive outcome

The Riley Youth Club therileyyouthclub.com

The Riley Youth Foundation therileyyouthfoundation.org

The organization hosted its fourth annual fundraiser gala at Topgolf in El Segundo with all proceeds advancing the mission of The Riley Youth Foundation and supporting the next generation of strong leaders.

Get great service & great rates. You know I’m always here with Good Neighbor service. But I’m also here with surprisingly great rates for everyone. Call me for a quote to see how much you can save. You might be surprised. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.® Individual premiums will vary by customer. All applicants subject to State Farm underwriting requirements. Agent Name, Agent Street Address City, State, Zip Phone E-mailState Farm Bloomington, IL 2001877

FOOD & DRINK

You know I’m always here with Good Neighbor service. But I’m also here with surprisingly great rates for everyone. Call me for a quote to see how much you can save. You might be surprised. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.® Individual premiums will vary by customer. All applicants subject to State Farm underwriting requirements. Tatiana Ruiz More, Agent 8705 Truxton Ave Los Angeles, CA 90045 Office: 310-450-8833 tatiana@coveredwithmore.com

Get great service & great rates. You know I’m always here with Good Neighbor service. But I’m also here with surprisingly great rates for everyone. Call me for a quote to see how much you can save. You might be surprised. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.® Individual premiums will vary by customer. All applicants subject to State Farm underwriting requirements. Agent Name, Agent Street Address City, State, Zip Phone E-mail State Farm Bloomington, IL 2001877

GENRE: Magical Realism Fictional Memoir State Farm Bloomington, IL 2001877

18+ audiences only

From dining out to takeout orders, these Westside restaurants offer everything you need to make this year’s holiday meal extra special.

By Kamala Kirk All photos courtesy

• Birdie G’s. If you’re in the mood for a non-tradi tional pie this year, Birdie G’s is baking up their world-famous rose petal pies, crème brulee pies and malted chocolate cake. Be sure to pre-order online from their website 72 hours in advance to guarantee a pie or cake. The restaurant is closed on Thanksgiving, but pick-up is available on Nov. 23 from 2 to 6 p.m. 2421 Michigan Avenue, Santa Monica, 310-310-3616

1910 Ocean Way, Santa Monica, 310-581-5533

• Huckleberry Bakery & Cafe. Their annual Thanksgiving menu features all the traditional classics with a focus on super high-quality ingredients sourced from the nearby farmers’ market. The main event is a half Mary’s organic turkey that’s brined for 48 hours and includes an oven-roasted breast, a big leg and thigh braised in mushrooms, caramelized onions, thyme and white wine, alongside a pint of traditional turkey gravy. Sides include creamy smashed potatoes, organic cranberry sauce, roasted Harissa carrots, buttermilk biscuits and for dessert, options like turkey-shaped ginger cookies, organic pumpkin pie, bourbon pecan, and double-crust apple crumble pie. 1014 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, 310-451-2311

• Jamaica Bay Inn. Join Beachside Restaurant & Bar at Jamaica Bay Inn for a Thanksgiving Smokeout accompanied by beachfront views. Feast on Thanksgiving favorites featuring your choice of hickory smoked free range turkey served with cornbread pudding, Ding’s spicy slaw, country gravy and cranberry sauce or prime rib with mashed potatoes, Au Jus and cornbread. Available Thanksgiv ing Day from noon to 10 p.m. $60 per person.

14160 Palawan Way, Marina del Rey, 310-439-3033

GENRE: Magical Realism

Fictional Memoir

Excerpts from this novel--The Pollinator In His Own Wordsread by the author, exemplify the intimate relationship between two art forms: painting and writing. The protagonist of this tale, through the mystic art of surfing, slowly develops the ability to fly. As the story evolves, he discovers that he can, during flight, by way of olfactory engendered clairvoyance, accumulate and store inter nally essential love; eventually he is able to bestow this love. The following excerpts, inspired by the paintings of Edward Hopper, occur in the story when the protagonist is beginning to collect such essences of primal bliss.

Excerpts from this novel--The Pollinator In His Own Words--read by the author, exemplify the intimate relationship between two art forms: painting and writing. The protagonist of this tale, through the mystic art of surfing, slowly develops the ability to fly. As the story evolves, he discovers that he can, during flight, by way of olfactory engendered clairvoyance, accumulate and store internally essential love; eventually he is able to bestow this love. The following excerpts, inspired by the paintings of Edward Hopper, occur in the story when the protagonist is beginning to collect such essences of primal bliss.

Excerpts from this novel--The Pollinator In His Own Words--read by the author, exemplify the intimate relationship between two art forms: painting and writing. The protagonist of this tale, through the mystic art of surfing, slowly develops the ability to fly. As the story evolves, he discovers that he can, during flight, by way of olfactory engendered clairvoyance, accumulate and store internally essential love; eventually he is able to bestow this love. The following excerpts, inspired by

• Superba Food + Bread. This local favorite is offering every thing you need to make your Thanksgiving delicious. The menu is taking pre-orders for pick-ups through noon on Nov. 17 (or until sold out). Pick-up can be scheduled at any of the four locations across Los Angeles. Menu highlights include whole roasted Mary’s young turkey, glazed Beelers heritage ham, brown butter green beans, mac n’ cheese, honey crisp apple pie and Cinderella pumpkin pie, among others. 1900 S Lincoln Boulevard, Venice, 310-907-5075

17, 2022

GENRE: Magical Realism Fictional Memoir

• Loews Santa Monica. The hotel is offering a festive Thanksgiving dinner at Blue Streak restaurant, as well as a Thanksgiving getaway package. The dinner menu features a family-style feast of traditional turkey Thanksgiving dinner, alongside all of the seasonal accompaniments including cornbread stuffing, baked yams with marshmallow topping, and arugula salad with pear, among others. The menu is $95 per adults and $35 per child 10 and under. The getaway package includes room accommodations, valet parking, access to the hot cocoa bar and Seaside Cinema, and $100 food and dining credit to use toward Thanksgiving dinner. 1700 Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica, 310-458-6700

• Shutters on the Beach. The hotel’s oceanfront restaurant 1 Pico will serve a three-course menu that highlights Thanksgiving classics with a twist from executive chef Sean Michael Runyon. Featur ing vegan options and festive cocktails, the menu will be served at $125 per person. It includes tasty starters such as oakleaf lettuce and cranberry salad, burrata and Iberico jamon, beef tartar and truffle caviar mousse; hearty entrees such as heritage turkey with all of the fixings, Santa Barbara spiny lobster, Wagyu New York steak and stuffed yellow squash. To end the meal on a sweet note, options include pumpkin cheesecake tart, Valrhona chocolate cake and mango sorbet apple pie bites. 1 Pico Boulevard, Santa Monica, 310-458-0030

The Westside’s Best Advertising Source

• Sweet Rose Creamery. Sweet Rose Cream ery’s signature Thanksgiving ice cream pies are available on a first-come, first-serve basis until Nov. 24. Pick from a caramel apple ice cream pie with a salty crumble, a chocolate pecan ice cream pie with brown sugar ice cream, and a spiced, creamy pumpkin ice cream pie that is vegan and dairy-free. Swing by the Brentwood Country Mart and Main Street shops or order delivery through an app like the Rustic Canyon Family one. 225 26th Street, Suite 51, Santa Monica, 310-260-2663 x 1; 2727 Main Street, Santa Monica, 310-260-2663 x 2

• Sugar Palm at Viceroy Santa Monica. The signature restaurant at the beachside hotel will serve a three-course Thanksgiving dinner under the palms from 3 to 10 p.m. on Thanksgiving. Executive Chef Jason Francisco’s curated menu takes guests through a Thanksgiving feast inclu sive of classic favorites like roasted honey nut squash, turkey breast, mashed potatoes and apple pie a la mode, in addition to unique creations like creamy clam chowder, blackened king salmon, and s’mores. The experience also features a diverse selection of festive vegan options in each course including the harvest salad, roasted garlic potatoes and pumpkin spice baklava. Priced at $125 for adults and $50 for children. 1819 Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica, 310-260-7511

Season for Giving

From chic candles to sweet treats, find something for everyone on your list this year.

By Kamala Kirk All photos courtesy

• Give tree decorating more meaning with Artifact Uprising’s Photo Display Ornament, a timeless circular keepsake that features one or five circular prints either in a full bleed or bordered designed. Framed in premium brushed brass and a lightweight basswood backing with a high-quality red ribbon to hang up, it makes the perfect sentimental keepsake. $38, artifactuprising.com

• Bring the beautiful fragrances of the most luxurious hotels and venues in the world directly into your space with the E11EVEN x Hotel Collection, a collaboration between the popular Miami hotspot and luxury home fragrance brand. The line includes a 14 oz Classic Candle, Reed Diffuser, Duo Candle Set, Fragrance Oil and Gift Set. The fragrance features of top notes of white peach, bergamot and lilac; middle notes of ylang ylang, calone and cyclamen; and base notes of musk, sandalwood, vanilla bean and patchouli. $59.95 to $159.95, hotelcollection.com

• Bath & Body Works’ Vanilla Bean Noel Mini Gift Set will put a smile on anyone’s face with its festive arrangement. Arranged in cello with a decorative wrap around, the set includes a travelsize daily nourishing body lotion, fine fragrance mist and a Pocket Bac hand sanitizer—all featuring the sweet, creamy scent of freshbaked holiday treats with notes of fresh vanilla bean, warm caramel, sugar cookies, whipped cream and snow-kissed musk. $14.95, bathandbodyworks.com

• Hand poured in England, Elemis’ Candle Collection includes four beautifully scented candles with mineral and natural wax, including soy and bees wax, that are fully recyclable with cotton wicks. The stunning set features four lovely fragrances: English Garden (rose, dewberry and peony), Afternoon Tea (black tea, bergamot and raspberry leaf), Mayfair No. 9 (lavender, chamo mile and geranium), and Regency Library (cade, cedarwood and sandalwood) . $60, elemis.com

• Esters Wine Shop & Bar in Santa Monica is offering curated Holiday Gift Boxes that feature the team’s

festive wines,

Everything is available to pre-order online via Tock until Nov. 22 for pick-up on Nov. 23 and 24, and the gift boxes can also be shipped to most states. 1314 7th Street, Santa Monica, 310-899-6900, esterswineshop.com

favorite

sweet treats and savory, artisanal snacks.

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

Season for Giving

• Homecourt’s first-ever holiday collection has launched and includes a limited-edition Balsam Fireplace Candle and the Candle Discovery Set. The candle is hand-poured into a deep green kiln-fired ceramic vessel and features intoxicat ing scents of fresh evergreen woods, warm juniper spice and salted amber. The set comes with four clean-burning votive candles—one in each of the brand’s signature fragrances (Cece, Steeped Rose, Neroli Leaf and Cipres Mint). $65 each, homecourt.co

• Featuring the California-based winery’s highest-quality wines, Josh Wines Reserve Collection offers smooth, well-aged sipping options. The bottles are finished with a recently updated gold label fit for gifting to the host or placing under the tree. Available in North Coast Chardonnay, North Coast Sauvignon Cabernet Sauvignon, and Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon. All of the wines are available at Josh Cellars and nationwide on Drizly, Total Wine and Minibar, among others. $18.99 to $21.99, joshcellars.com

• This set of three 10ml purse sprays from Narciso Rodriguez is perfect to add to your day-today bag this festive season. Includes the sensual and seduc tive For Her Eau de Parfum, delicate and comforting For Her Pure Musc, and glamorous and intoxicating For Her Fleur Musc. $39, macys.com

Alana’s Coffee Roasters is a local cafe and roastery just off Venice Blvd, offer ing fresh brews and coffee beans hand crafted daily. Our single origin beans are the bread and butter of the shop’s coffee palette including rotating crops from Costa Rica, Guatemala, Ethiopia, and more. We package these guys up by the pound so you can try your hand at the barista life or gift them to your loved ones. If you’re looking for a good pour over or a unique espresso, our natural process Ardi from Ethiopia delivers every time. When brewed fresh, the Ardi is full of blueberries and fruit punch, but on the cool down opens up into warm notes of chocolate. Beyond our single origin roasts, we also have a classic 10th street blend roasted intentionally for the perfect shot of espresso, Ava’s dark roast - a great batch brew for the hardy soul, and even a Geisha varietal for the more curious. Whatever you’re looking for, we probably have it and would love to share it with you. This holiday season, support local and give the gift of great coffee from home.

Find out more at AlanasCoffeeRoasters.com or check us out on Instagram @AlanasCoffee!

• Let him practice his golf game all winter long in the comfort of home with Putt-A-Bout, a line of USA-made indoor putting greens that are top-sellers on Amazon. Perfect for golfers of all skill levels, these putting greens are portable and easy to roll up for easy storage and transport. Made of high-quality putting surface that always stays smooth, it has built-in sand trap cutouts to catch missed shots with a non-skid backing. Available in five different sizes and personalization is also available. $59.99 to $84.99, putt-a-bout.com

• Well Told creates one-of-a-kind etched glassware with their signature map designs—choose from college towns, home towns, cities and topographies around the U.S. and the world. Pick a location that means something special to the gift recipient. Available in pint, wine and champagne glasses, among others. Various prices, welltolddesign.com

• Ring in the holiday season with brightness and cheer by gifting Sugarfina’s various treats that will appeal to everyone on your list. Offerings include a 24 Tastes of Christmas Advent Calendar, a special 24 Tastes of a Candy Carousel Advent Calendar that comes in a keepsake carousel, signature Candy Bento Boxes in different sizes, in addition to stocking stuffers like Santa’s Cooke Dough Canister, Reindeer Bites Canister, Dark Chocolate Pepper mint Bar, and Peppermint Hot Cocoa Bar. $9.95 and up, sugarfina.com

MEALS ON WHEELS WEST IS PART OF THE SOLUTION TO HOMELESSNESS

Donate to help us deliver Thanksgiving meals to our clients.

26%

of MOW West's clients are formerly unhoused.

78%

increase in our Food & Shelter clients over the last three years

Food & Shelter

promotes stability, health, & wellness, allowing clients to reintegrate into society

"I like to call them Love on Wheels because that's what they mean to me. There's no place like Meals on Wheels West They are loyal, kind, and compassionate for doing what they do You can count on them to go the extra way." Marianne, MOW West Food & Shelter client

Our Food & Shelter Program Serves the Formerly Unhoused

The longest-running NUTCRACKER production in SoCal returns beginning Thanksgiving weekend for eight public performances at The Broad Stage in Santa Monica.

Since 1973, Westside Ballet’s version of the classic preserves the spirit of choreographer George Balanchine as carried on by Westside’s co-founder Yvonne Mounsey, who pioneered the role of Center Spanish while a New York City Ballet principal dancer. “The lavish performances, featuring both world-class professional dancers and pre-professional and student performers, are an ideal way to expose children to classical music and dance,” says Producer and Westside Board President Judith Meister. “The holiday spirit truly leaps to life as audiences are invited to follow Clara and her Nutcracker Prince on a snow-dusted, sugary journey that only Tchaikovsky could have composed.”

The Eli & Edythe Broad Stage at Santa Monica College’s Performing Arts Center, 1310 11th St, Santa Monica, CA 90401.

Nov 26-27 @ 1 pm & 5 pm

Dec 3-4 @ 1 pm & 5 pm https://westsideballet.com/NutTix

Advertorial

GIVE TODAY. MAKE TOMORROW BETTER.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Monica have been a steadfast part of the community, serving generations of youth since 1944, and are more vital now than ever. Our Clubs provide a safe and supportive space for nearly 2,000 of our community’s children annually, many of whom would have no other support system available during the after-school and summer hours.

We are proud to offer wrap-around services to our members – and their families - including:

• 21st Century Career Pathways to chart a course to higher education and career opportunities, including homework help, STEM education and individualized coaching

• Fostering lifelong healthy habits around nutrition, exercise and sports, including providing healthy meals and family groceries, as well as financial education

• Social-emotional support & inclusion to promote self-confidence

• Building a service leadership mentality

Please donate today at smbgc.org to allow us to continue to teach, support and empower the next generation of youth!

To learn more about how your investment will change the lives of some of the most vulnerable children and families in our community, please contact Katie Moe at kmoe@smbgc.org or visit smbgc.org

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The Gift of Relaxation

Spread good cheer and

By Kamala Kirk All photos courtesy

wellness

to loved ones this holiday season with a luxurious spa service

From last-minute shopping to parties and family gatherings, the holidays are a busy time for everyone. Treat loved ones (and yourself) to a spa service at one of these wellness sanctuaries across the Westside and enjoy the ultimate gift of relaxation and rejuvenation.

• The ultimate beachside getaway, Hotel Casa del Mar’s Sea Wellness Spa specializes in anti-aging, hydrating aesthetic treatments and soothing massages. Treat your loved one to a relaxing spa service such as the signature facial, a hot stone massage or ocean mineral manicure and pedicure, followed by lunch at the hotel’s new al fresco bistro Patio del Mar. hotelcasadelmar.com

• Encourage others to take a break from their busy lives with a gift card to Pause Studio, an innova tive wellness space that offers modern and holistic solutions to boost immunity and support physical and mental recovery. They have locations in West Hollywood, Venice and El Segundo, and their services range from floatation therapy and infrared saunas to LED light therapy and IV therapy, among others. pausestudio.com

Happy Thanksgiving!

Assistance League of Santa Monica wishes our community a Happy and Healthy Thanksgiving and Holiday Season. We look forward to seeing you in the shop searching for that one of a kind vintage piece, fun clothing, houseware, and art. We have it all and BIG plus, you will be shopping sustainably.

All proceeds from our sales benefit the youth and adults in the surrounding community. Learn more about us at: assistanceleague.org/santa-monica

Shop & Donation Hours: Thursday and Friday 11am-3pm. Saturday, November 19 and December 3, 10, 17. From 10am-2pm.

Assistance League of Santa Monica 1453 15th St, Santa Monica 90404

Most Loved in Santa Monica by popular vote in 2017,2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 & 2022 C

• Leading California day spa Burke Williams is offering the ultimate gift of wellness this season with an assortment of expertly curated holiday gift card packages, which include a variety of their signature treatments including massage therapy, manicures, spa baths, and the new Tranquility Massage, a cutting-edge service that integrates massage therapy with the healing effects of sound from Nepalese singing bowls. Guests can add more magic to the holiday season with the Cyber Weekend Wellness Membership promotional offer available Nov. 25 to 28 only. For a limited time, Burke Williams is offering an exclusive opportunity for guests to treat themselves and others to a world of relaxation as part of a three-month prepaid membership for $330. burkewilliams.com

• Surya at Santa Monica Proper Hotel offers everything one needs to kickstart their wellness in the new year with a selection of Ayurvedic spa treatments including their signature Abhyanga massage with two therapists, all-inclusive Panchakarma wellness retreats, a Dosha Yoga consultation, as well as a full consultation with Surya founder Martha Soffer, who will assess and identify imbalances before creating a custom program of herbs, diet and lifestyle changes to bring one into harmony with themself. Gift certificates are available online and at the spa, along with Surya’s line of self-care products for skin and body. suryawellness.com

• With the healing Pacific Ocean as a backdrop, Shutters on the Beach is set on one of SoCal’s iconic beaches and offers indulgent treatments at ONE Spa. They offer an array of luxurious treatments delivered by trained therapists including the Oxygen facial, deep tissue massage, and Deluxe Tranquility Manicure and Pedicure, which includes a mineral-rich foot soak, seaweed scrub, hot stones and reflexology foot massage. Before or after services enjoy a meal at Coast, the hotel’s casual beachfront café and bar. shuttersonthebeach.com

• THE NOW Massage is making it easier than ever to give the gift of relaxation this holiday season. Guests can stock up on massage gift cards during the brand’s biggest savings event of the year, starting in November. From Nov. 21 to 28, enjoy $25 added to every $100 gift card purchase made in-boutique or online. From Dec. 1 to 31, enjoy $20 added to every $100 gift card purchase made in-boutique or online. The NOW’s branded product lines are available online and in boutique and offer plenty of ways to spread self-care with others as well. The NOW has multiple locations across the U.S. and Los Angeles including Santa Monica and El Segundo. thenowmassage.com

The Champ Is in Town

NASCAR’s Joey Logano visits Boys & Girls Club in Venice

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

Less than 24 hours after winning the 2022 NASCAR Cup Series Championship at Phoenix Raceway in Avondale, Arizona, Joey Logano flew to LA to meet with nearly 100 kids at a Boys & Girls Club of Greater Los Angeles in Venice. Logano answered questions from the kids, signed autographs and posed for photos with the Bill France Cup.

Later that night, Logano sat courtside for the Los Angeles Clippers’ 119-117 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers at Crypto.com Arena. The Clippers honored Logano’s championship during the second quarter, while reminding fans that the Busch Light Clash at the Coliseum is returning to the LA

Memorial Coliseum on Sunday, Feb. 5.

During halftime, Logano spent time with Super Bowl champion Jalen Ramsey of the Los Angeles Rams and posed for photos.

On Tuesday, Nov. 8, Logano returned to the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum for the first time after winning the inaugural Busch Light Clash at the Coliseum in February. Logano conduct ed interviews and posed for photos with his 2022 Busch Light Clash and NASCAR Cup Series Championship Trophies.

NASCAR will break ground on the quarter-mile, asphalt oval track at the iconic LA Memorial Coliseum on Thursday, Dec. 15. Fans can purchase tickets by visiting nascarclash.com.

Santa Monica musician hopes to inspire through new EP

By KATIE HALE

By Summer Aguirre

In the past few years, Elijah Kirkland-Cuffee has undergone a transformation. The Santa Monica musician, known as ProphetBoy, utilized the pandemic and turned his gift for music into a budding career as an artist and brand focusing on promoting positiv ity. On Friday, Nov. 18, he will drop his self-titled EP, a collection of pop and rap songs reflecting his recent selfgrowth.

“I’m just really looking forward to the response that it’s going to get from my fans and different people,” he said. “Hopefully they can really feed off of my positive energy that I put into making this music, and they can feel inspired and really enjoy it just as much as I enjoyed making it.”

The “ProphetBoy” EP will feature six tracks. While most of the songs are newer, a couple were created during the pandemic when he could truly begin working on his music and growing his brand.

“I’m extremely excited to just be releasing some new music. One of the big differences that I feel between this EP and the music that I dropped a couple years ago is more like my state of mind,” Kirkland-Cuffee said.

He finds himself in a “very centered, grounded and more

mature place” and hopes that is expressed in his new music.

“I actually would go as far to say that time period is really the foundation for the steps and who I am and the shifts that I made into becoming the person that I am today,” he said.

He decided to self-title his EP due to the parallel between the message he aims to spread through his music and the values of his brand — which advocates for “music, mer chandise and messaging.”

“Ultimately, I would say that what ‘ProphetBoy’ really tries to encompass is allowing everybody to feel inspired, motivated, pushing toward their dreams and goals, and expressing themselves freely,” he said. “I feel like as long as that sort of message is sent through my music, I figured it’d be a good title, so to speak, for my EP.”

Following the release of his EP, Kirkland-Cuffee will finish his book, “Quarantine Dreams.”

“The essence of the book really is about these different truths that I sort of came to during quarantine, and how I sort of evolved and grew from these different truths,” he said. “Hopefully that can be some thing that can help other people.”

Kirkland-Cuffee’s drive stems from the desire to be “a good

person, having a good mes sage, and hopefully a cool brand that people can get behind.” He explained he understands the positive effect that himself and ProphetBoy can have on the community and beyond.

“To be a part of something positive, something that’s going to be helpful, something that can potentially impact and inspire people in a positive way, that’s really what moti vates me at the end of the day to do what I’m doing,” he said.

Supporting Kirkland-Cuffee behind-the-scenes is his mother, Rana Kirkland, who discovered her son’s talent as a freestyle rapper and acts as his “momager.” An actress whose resume includes a role in “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” she offered Kirkland-Cuffee invaluable advice in the entertainment industry.

“She just has a lot of knowl edge and intuition when it comes to branding, marketing and really just giving me a lot of confidence stepping into the music industry,” KirklandCuffee said. “It definitely gives me a lot of clear direction, which is something that I would say a lot of other artists can definitely struggle with.”

ProphetBoy

“ProphetBoy” EP prophetboy.com

Santa Monica musician Elijah Kirkland-Cuffee, known as ProphetBoy, utilized the pandemic and turned his gift for music into a budding career as an artist and brand focusing on promoting positivity.

PHOTO CREDITS: CHRIS MORTENSON

LOS ANGELES TIMES SUNDAY

Welcoming Winter

Westside Voices brings holiday cheer with special concert on Nov. 20

Secured, in a way

Quick inhalation

Stitched loosely

Written tribute

Sail (through)

Milwaukee slugger who keeps striking out?

Put an album up for auction?

Actor Neeson

Vuitton of fashion

Start of the Common Era

Senses

Fuel additive brand

Bus. letters

“¿Qué pasa?”

Reception problem

Manage, as an art exhibit

Home of BTS

Put back

Sitting upon

Animal hospital amenity?

By Haley Beyer

Westside Voices is an a-cappella group that was started in 2006 by Harris Levey. The diverse group of professional singers performs a wide variety of music. Although they aim to have 12 people in the ensemble so each part can be covered by three voices, they are currently operating with eight performers. Participants have come and gone, especially during the pandemic when they were limited to outdoor events and had to sing with face shields, but five of the original members have remained.

“We perform whatever we are feeling and what will be fun,” Levey said. “It could be jazz, pop, rock, classical, and so forth. We will do anything and every thing.”

Music has always been a big part of Levey’s life.

“My parents sang through my whole childhood,” Levey said. “I took music appreciation as a course in college where I connected with some people and started playing guitar. I loved it and started looking for more musical opportunities.

Funny enough, years ago I was reading The Argonaut one day and found a singing group looking for people to join, so I did. And then I sang with other groups after that and eventually I just thought to myself, I really want to sing. I should just create my own group, so I did.”

Since then, the extraordinary group of singers has participated in various events including corporate fundraisers, charities, outreach to schools and the community. They even received a commendation from the city of Los Angeles from Councilmember Mike Bonin.

Every time Westside Voices performs, they hope that their audience leaves

surprised, had a good time, heard quality music and formed a connection with the musicians.

“We love to sing, we love to reach our audience,” Levey said. “We want to bond with them and sing with them rather than at them. Westside Voices always wants to put on a good show and provide actual entertainment.”

Westside Voices doesn’t have a director, so each musician is responsible for learning their part and showing up prepared to practice and performances. Levey picks the music himself, but strongly takes into consideration the opinions and preferences of the singers he works with so that everyone gets to sing what they want and is excited about the repertoire.

The connection of the group, combined with a love for the music and the beauty of a performance with no instrumental accompaniment, brings everything together.

“I love the people,” Levey said. “We have a great group and we are all friends. We all love the music so it doesn't feel like work and we have a lot of fun.”

The group performs three concerts a year: a holiday, spring, and summer set so they have a few months in between to prepare. This year the holiday concert will happen slightly earlier on Nov. 20 to celebrate both the arrival of winter and the holidays. It will take place at 3:30 p.m. at the Covenant Presbyterian Chapel (6323 W 80th Street, Los Angeles).

There is a suggested donation of $15 that will go toward supporting the ensemble. For reservations to the holiday concert, if you are interested in joining Westside Voices or booking them for an event, contact Levey at 310-822-9067 or visit westsidevoices.com.

Iridescent gem

Super Bowl XLIV MVP Drew

Part of GDP

country

Geological span

Supply with gear

C-suite member who shreds on the half-pipe?

Tropical tangelo

Accumulates, as debt

Trojan War epic

Functional 95 Maine-based retailer since 1912

Scuffle

Robbery involving a diamond? 70 “Cat’s in the Cradle” singer

See 13-Down 75 Guts 80 Prefix meaning “sun” 81 Michael who plays Luis in the “Ant-Man” movies

“The Marvelous __ Maisel” 99 Bioengineered food source, briefly 100 Fashion monogram 101 First name of boy detective Encyclopedia Brown 104 Night noise 106 Garlicky mayo 108 Apple variety 109 Rooster? 115 Selfie taken by a financial professional? 119 Early spring flower 120 Fast Amtrak train 121 Oil field sight 122 Scandinavia locale 123 Motorcade vehicle 124 Gorge 125 Draft selection? 126 Gawks 127 What “T” stands for, in video game ratings 128 Sorts DOWN 1 Snack from a truck 2 Beginning with 3 “La Vie en Rose” singer Édith 4 Short-lived Ford model 5 Largest city

on the border between the U.S. and Canada 6 Like “Dracula” and “Frankenstein” 7 Many an April birth 8 Oracle 9 Model 10 BLT part 11 Collection of love poems by Ovid 12 Were bought for 13 With 74-Across, 2021 and 2022

Emmy winner for Outstanding Comedy Series 14 Wane 15 __ es Salaam 16 “Modern Love” singer David 17 Utopian 18 School sessions 26 Certain college members 28 Pitched well? 29 Managed somehow 33 Hannah of “Roxanne” 34 Laurence who played Pops on “Black-ish” 35 Scalawag 36 Teach privately 37 Home of Brigham Young University 39 Caress, e.g. 40 Banquet coffeepot 42 QB targets 44 Mimicked 45 Metric wts. 46 Twin of Artemis 48 Sees red? 49 Stagger 50 Irish Gaelic 53 Muffin grains 54 Crude cartel 55 Mars rover org. 57 With skepticism 62 Food drive donation, often 63 Sashimi

condiment 64 Singer Green and politician Gore 65 Decimal base 67 Mtn. stat 68 Downfall 69 Christmas candle scent 70 “Moonstruck” Oscar winner 71 Half dodeca72 Smart __ 73 Burglar 76 Water color 77 Sport with an oval ball 78 Some pickles 79 Sales pitch 81 Singing voice, informally 82 Historical spans 83 Not even 86 Sudsy spot 87 Early Mesoamerican 88 Ventilate 89 “__ has it ... ” 94 Typical open mic performance 96 Last runner in a relay race 97 Zero chance 99 Martini with an onion 101 Heavenly scales 102 Inbox message 103 Scope 105 Custom-made things? 106 “Spirited Away” genre 107 Like a mosquito bite 110 Bagpiper’s skirt 111 Lake near the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 112 Pile 113 Otherwise 114 Los Angeles team 116 Some Caltech grads 117 Boring routine 118 Sp. address

Westside Voices is an a-cappella group that was started in 2006 by Harris Levey and performs a wide variety of music for the community.

WESTSIDE HAPPENINGS

Compiled by Kamala Kirk

Have an event for the calen dar? Send it to kkirk@timespub lications.com

Friendsgiving Saturday, Nov. 19

City of Santa Monica’s Community Garden Program invites you to Pancakes at Ishihara Park Learning Garden event “Friendsgiving,” a day to give thanks to friends that are practically family. They will be putting together a Tree of Thanks, handing out winter seed packets and enjoying the company of friends. They are also taking donations of non-perishables, socks and new or gently used toys. Coffee and pancakes with garden fixin’ for those looking for some energy. Sponsored by City of Santa Monica Community Garden Program with the support of Santa Monica Roots. For more info, contact santamonica roots@gmail.com.

2909 Exposition Boulevard, Santa Monica, 9 to 11 a.m.

Venice Winter Fest Saturday, Nov. 19

The Venice Fest returns for the fifth time in the heart of the Westside in downtown Mar Vista on Venice Boulevard between Centinela and Ingle wood. The street will be shut down for the day and the event will be held in the street. There will be four stages with local bands and DJs, beer gardens at Taverna, Quiydian Restaurant and Atmosphere Café. LA’s best food trucks, comedy stage, wellness stage with complimen tary yoga classes from 10 a.m. to Noon by Light on Lotus to start the day. There will be arts and crafts tends, games and a visit with Santa for kids and families. A Vintage Car Show

On Nov. 19, the Venice Winter Fest returns for the fifth time in Mar Vista and is a free community event with some of the best local creators and curators from the Westside and Los Angeles area.

hosted by Westside Classics Car Club and so many more exciting activations and surprises. Complimentary water all day provided by Topo Chico. Venice Boulevard between Centinela and Inglewood, Mar Vista, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., thevenicefest.com

An UnUrban Music Benefit Starring Mews Small Saturday, Nov. 19

A benefit for the local cafe will feature Mews Small, singer and actress in many Woody Allen films and co-star with Jack Nicholson in “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.” With Phil Small on piano, Curtis Robert son on bass and back-up singer Mitta Wise. The second set will feature Mew’s Fabulous Females with Brad Kay on piano and special guests.

3301 Pico Boulevard, Santa Monica, 7 p.m., unurban.com

St. Jerome’s Annual Holiday Craft Faire Nov. 19 & 20

St. Jerome’s Parish will hold their annual Holiday Craft Faire. There will be over 40 tables selling handmade arts and crafts items, a raffle with 25 unique prizes, and a game of Split the Pot. There will be refreshments for sale as well as holiday music throughout the event. For more information, call Joan Hoffman at 310-6707801.

5550 Thornburn Street, Westchester, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Sat) 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Sun)

10th Annual Full-Circle Festival Holiday Show and Sale Nov. 19 & 20

The 10th Annual Full-Circle Festival Holiday Show and Sale celebrates local handmade arts and crafts, including pottery, jewelry, painting, metal art and

more. The two-day event features a raffle with valuable prizes donated by local busi nesses, proceeds from which benefit the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance. Raffle drawing will take place at 4 p.m. on Nov. 20. For more information, call 310-502-3115. 12023 Venice Boulevard, Los Angeles, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., full-circlepottery.com

German American Club’s Christmas Market Sunday, Nov. 20

The German American Club of Santa Monica’s annual Christ mas Market will feature live music, shopping, German food, gluhwein, a bounce house, cookie decorating, full bar, Santa and more. Free for kids under 14. Temporary member ships available for all others at $10 at entry. Primarily cash only, some vendors accept credit cards. Email questions to germanamericanclubsamo@ gmail.com.

1843 Lincoln Boulevard, Santa Monica, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

SMC Symphony Orchestra Presents Concert Sunday, Nov. 20

The Santa Monica College Music Department is pleased to present a concert featuring the SMC Symphony Orchestra, back for the first time since 2020. The concert will be held at the SMC Performing Arts Center. Director Mercedes Juan Musotto and Concertmaster Andrea Sanderson will lead the orchestra in a concert featuring Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7

and works by Latin American composers, played on a variety of instruments by dedicated musicians. Tickets are $10 general admission (plus a modest service charge); free for students with any student I.D. Advance tickets can be pur chased online or by calling 310-434-3005.

1310 11th Street, Santa Monica, 2 p.m., smc.edu/ tickets

Music for an Autumn After noon Sunday, Nov. 20

The prize-winning Los Angeles Doctors Symphony Orchestra is excited to an nounce its first concert of its 2022-23 season. “Music for an Autumn Afternoon” is a concert certain to appeal to a broad spectrum of music tastes, from the classics to new music. It will be held at Veterans Memo rial Auditorium. $25 payable at the door or online (18 and under free). Free parking at Veterans, please do not part on residential streets.

4117 Overland Avenue, Culver City, 3 p.m., ladso.org

Westside Voices Presents a Holiday Concert Sunday, Nov. 20

The award-winning a-cappella ensemble will present music for the holidays and for the season at Covenant Presbyterian Chapel. An hour of fun and some surprises. Suggested donation $15. For information and reservations, call Harris at 310-822-9067.

6323 W. 80th Street, Los Angeles, 3:30 p.m., westside voices.com

The Strands at The Venice West Tuesday, Nov. 22

Local band The Strands will perform along with Rosa Pullman and Julie Lee at The Venice West. Doors open at 6 p.m., show starts at 7 p.m. $10, ages 21 and up. Purchase tickets online.

1717 Lincoln Boulevard, Venice, 7 p.m., bit.ly/3g2U2PX

The Santa Monica College Music Department is pleased to present a concert featuring the SMC Symphony Orchestra on Nov. 20 at 2 p.m. in The Broad Stage at the SMC Performing Arts Center.

COURTESY PHOTO

THE ARGONAUT PRESS RELEASES

UPDATED WESTCHESTER CHARMER

This picture perfect three-bedroom, two bathroom home surrounded by lush gardens is a delight in its curb appeal, which includes an idyllic front facade with winding stone walkway, front patio with bubbling fountain and gated driveway. With a spacious open floor plan with refinished oak wood floors, recessed lighting, and dual-paned picture windows, this airy traditional home with character delivers serenity and style. The living room includes classic indoor shuttered windows, a wood-burning fireplace, and an expansive floor-to-ceiling bay window. The functional layout offers a primary bedroom with custom wide barn door accent and French doors to the slate patio sitting area graced with lush landscaping. The third bedroom in the rear of the home is an ideal retreat space, second primary suite, or multi-purpose area perfect for a home office or artist's studio. Vaulted and beamed ceiling, spa-style en suite bathroom and glass doors leading outside to the courtyard gardens add to its tranquility. Offered at $1,595,000

THE ARGONAUT REAL ESTATE BUSINESS

Looking to sell your home over the holidays? Maybe you’ve had a job change or need to relocate quickly. It’s not out of the question. Here are the tips to follow for an easy sale.

Be realistic

There are naturally fewer buyers at this time of year, so a packed open house and hysteria that leads to multiple offers over the asking price is improbable. While no agent can guarantee when a home will sell or for how much, it’s their job to know the market. If you’re working with an experienced agent who’s done their research, you should have a good idea of what to expect. Realistic expectations will serve you well.

Price it right

The listing price is always important, but there is often more leeway during the prime selling seasons of spring and summer. With a reduced buyer pool, pricing the home to sell is more critical than ever. That might mean a lower price than you were envisioning. Regardless of how you feel about your home, how much money you’ve put into it, or what you think it’s worth, you don’t know the market better than your

agent. Listen to them. Their sole goal is to get your home sold so you can move on.

Stage it to sell

You don’t have to make expensive updates or buy a houseful of furniture to appeal to buyers. Some of the best staging tips won’t cost you anything at all. At the top of the list: decluttering and depersonalizing. These two activities will help buyers envision themselves in the home instead of getting caught up in your stuff.

You also want to make sure you focus your efforts on the spaces that matter most. “Not all rooms are considered equal when it comes to home staging,” said Moving. com. “The rooms that hold the most importance for buyers are the living room, master bedroom, and kitchen. Don’t worry as much about the rooms that have less influence, such as guest bedrooms, children’s bedrooms, and bathrooms.”

Get smart with targeting

It might be more challenging to sell to families at this time of year because most are already settled, and kids are well into the school year. But you don’t need an abundance of buyers;

You only need one. You’re relocating, so it’s not unheard of, right?

If you’re in a family neighborhood and you’re trying to appeal to families, you already have an “in.” It wouldn’t hurt to emphasize the family attributes of the neighborhood. Maybe you can create a leave-behind flyer with information on the school district, local parks, or even babysitters in the neighborhood.

Concentrate on curb appeal

This is not the time to let those leaves collect on the lawn. Fall and winter can be challenging when it comes to keeping the front of your home tidy, but it’s a mustdo when selling. Be prepared for surprise showings by making it a daily habit to observe your home from the street so you can get the same perspective as buyers and clean up anything that’s dragging down the home’s appearance.

Don’t go holiday crazy

A tastefully decorated home will get noticed for all the right reasons. If your home is only memorable for looking like Christmas threw up all over the lawn, that’s probably not a good sign. “Back off on the decorations,” said

The Balance. “Too many decorations can be overwhelming and distracting. Don’t make the mistake of thinking buyers will ‘see past it,’ because they can’t. As agents sometimes say, ‘the eye buys.’”

Be flexible

One of the drawbacks of selling your home over the holidays is having to be available for showings at the whim of buyers. That probably means limiting holiday get-togethers at your house this year and it definitely means making sure the home is clean and picked up all the time—which is definitely more challenging when kids are out of school. Because you never know when you’re going to get a call requesting a showing and because you have to maximize any opportunity to sell at this slower time of year, being flexible is key. Another suggestion, ask your agent about scheduling a “Virtual Open House”. The technology through products like 1-Click Virtual Open House™ allows multiple online home shoppers to view your home at a time of your convenience.

JAYMI NACIRI

REALITY TIMES realtytimes.com

SANTA MONICA COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Susan