The Argonaut Newspaper — December 17, 2020

Loving It Forward Culver City’s Lifehood spa builds on putting kindness into the world

Cover Worthy Homes 7808 West 81st Street 5 Bed | 4 Bath | 3,268 Sq Ft $2,295,000

Stephanie Younger Group 310.499.2020 hello@stephanieyounger.com stephanieyounger.com DRE 01365696

SoCalGas® is proud to support the Ballona Wetlands Restoration Project

We are removing equipment out of the wetlands.

In support of the Ballona Wetlands Restoration Project, SoCalGas is planning the removal of 17 wells from service in the Ballona Wetlands Ecological Reserve area. Rest assured, we are not expanding our infrastructure. Removing equipment and access roads will accommodate a larger restoration area.

SoCalGas’ environmental stewardship goals fully support the Ballona Wetlands and we stand by the restoration method of the wetlands according to the experts in the field.

Learn more at socalgas.com/Wetlands ©2020 Southern California Gas Company. All copyright and trademark rights reserved. N20G0175A

PAGE 2 THE ARGONAUT DECEMBER 17, 2020

SANTA MONICA COLLEGE

#1 IN TRANSFERS #1 IN TRANSFERS #1 IN TRANSFERS #1 IN TRANSFERS #1 IN TRANSFERS #1 IN TRANSFERS Classes start February 16 smc.edu/spring

SANTA MONICA COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT BOARD OF TRUSTEES Dr. Nancy Greenstein, Chair; Dr. Susan Aminoff, Vice Chair; Dr. Louise Jaffe; Dr. Margaret Quiñones-Perez; Rob Rader; Dr. Sion Roy; Barry A. Snell; Joshua Elizondo, Student Trustee; Kathryn E. Jeffery, Ph.D., Superintendent/President Santa Monica College | 1900 Pico Blvd. Santa Monica, CA 90405 | smc.edu

DECEMBER 17, 2020 THE ARGONAUT PAGE 3

L E T T E R S

‘Jim Jones Trump’ Donald Trump is a loser like David Perdue.

Trump’s voters are rubes and crazy fools.

What are you afraid of, racist Republicans?

Where did those fascist Trump flags go?

Don’t you want to die for Mad King Trump?

Drink the Kool-Aid of Orange Jim Jones!

Start a second civil war and see how it goes?

You already lost! The Presidentelect is Joe. And with Kamala as Biden’s Vice President,

And two GOP Georgia Senate seats in play,

By January 20, GOP control is going away!

Moscow Mitch McConnell is going to cry, While the Trump Crime Family endlessly lies.

Don Jr. is high on cocaine, don’t you know?

Princess Ivanka will get her own TV show.

Trump’s 3rd wife Melania will get a divorce.

So Trump needs more lawyers, of course.

For frivolous lawsuits and paying porn stars.

To buy photos of Eric maskless at a gay bar.

And get ready for Trump Tower in Moscow, Since the traitor needs a new residence now.

Jake Pickering Arcata, CA Re: Onward with Fish and Wildlife’s Ballona Project!

David Kay’s opinion piece on the Ballona Wetlands lacks any evidence-based arguments and instead consists entirely of ad hominem attacks on those who believe that science and law

should prevail against the drive to bulldoze Ballona Wetlands Ecological Reserve. For example, Mr. Kay’s subtitle is, “The plan for Ballona is the only means to accomplish all goals set for Ballona.” Yet, he fails to inform the reader that one of the primary goals of the “project” is flood control. Where do I get such fact? From the Environmental Impact Reports! Not from some whispering conspiracy.

However, there is a conspiracy afoot. CDFW’s attempt to label the project “restoration” is a conspiracy to mislead the public. Restoration means to “return something to a former condition.” Travis Longcore, Ph.D., a true scientist, found that the Ballona Wetlands is historically a freshwater marsh, the mouth of which would only break through on years with heavy rain events. Bulldozing Ballona to create a saltwater marsh is not restoration, but the creation of saltwater marsh habitat that rarely existed at Ballona.

This brings us to the law, which David Kay also neglects to discuss. Flood control is not permitted in wetlands under the California Coastal Act. (Coastal

CREDIT: KRIS DAHLIN

Supporting Karen Bass I agree with Rachel Brashier’s advocacy in support of Karen Bass to replace Kamala Harris as one of California’s two senators. Congresswoman Bass is the platonic ideal of participatory democracy, always professional, always polite, always well informed, and always willing to listen to views not in accordance with her own. California couldn’t do better.

Ron Richards West Los Angeles, CA

Social distancing in Venice Beach.

Act section 30233.) Restoration, however, is permitted. CDFW is attempting to push a square peg dredging project through a very narrow definition in the Coastal Act. It simply does not fit. There is no need to bulldoze Ballona to save it.

Todd T. Cardiff, Esq. Attorney for Grassroots Coalition San Diego, CA

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

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM LAUSD BOARD MEMBER NICK MELVOIN! May the new year be filled with all the good health, happiness, and peace that we’ve missed in 2020

@nickmelvoin

Paid for by LAUSD School Board Member Nick Melvoin Officeholder · 1787 Tribute Road, Sacramento, CA 95815

PAGE 4 THE ARGONAUT DECEMBER 17, 2020

N E W S

uses, vehicle-related uses, Purchases must be paid for and recycling and solid waste at time of purchase in cash uses that may disproportiononly. All purchased items are ately affect communities sursold as is, where isinand must rounding ON THE COVER: Lifehood is a new spa and wellness concept Culver City with 1970sthese vibesland that uses buildsin removed the time of alignment with State environon putting kindness into the world. Photo bybe Luis Chavez. at Design

by Arman Olivares. sale. The sale is subject to mental justice initiatives, incancellation in the event of cluding the Planning for settlement between Owner Healthy Communities Act and the obligated party.

(SB 1000). The proposed program will also regulate reNam cycling and solid waste facilitLocal News & CultureAUCTIONEER: David Hester Auctioneer & Associates, ies in support of Senate Bill C al i forni a Aucti on Bond 1383 that focuses on waste # 7075 9390 diversion, and the California ORDER T Global Warming Solutions CONTACT US ADVERTISING FOR CH PUBLISHED: The Argonaut Act of 2006 (AB 32 and SB (310) 822-1629 DEADLINE: Case No N e w s p a p eDisplay r 1 2 / 1Advertising: 7/20, 535).The proposed project inMonday at 11am for Thursdays S UPERIO Letters, News, Tips & Event Listings: 1 2 / 2 4 / 2 0 Kay Christy (310) 574-7654 cludes a Zone Change for 28 CALIFOR Denine Gentilella (310) 574-7651 kkirk@timespublications.com parcels and proposed land CALL ANN: LOS ANG use category designated for Classified Advertising: 626-584-8747 or FLOYD T 15 of those parcels located in EDITORIAL Legal Ann Notices Turrieta (626) 584-8747 KEARNE the communities of Florenceaturrietta@timespublications.com Name. T Executive Editor: EMAIL: Firestone, West Rancho ann@argonautnews.com ESTED PE Christina Fuoco-Karasinski NOTICE OF COMPLETION Dominguez-Victoria, West tioner: Flo A N D A V A IBUSINESS LABILITY OF Carson, and Willowbrook.

Editor: ney filed a DRAFT PROGRAM ENVIRZones will be changed from Associate Publisher: Kamala Kirk (310) 574-7654 court for a ONMENTALRebecca IMPACTBermudez REM-2 (Heavy Manufacturing) (310) 574-7655 kkirk@timespublications.com Lien Sales names as PORT for Green Zones Proto M-1 (Light Manufacturing). rbermudez@timespublications.com Contributing Writers: Bridgette Redman, Thomas K gram PROJECT NO. 2018SUMMARY OF significant Sara Edwards,NOTICE Elizabeth Floyd Ke 0 0 3 2 0 9 - ( 1 -WE 5 ) AMOVED! DVANCE Environmental IMPACTS The OF Johnson SALE COURT O PLANNING NEWS CASE NO. RP- OFFICE Editorial Interns: Draft PEIR concluded that & SALES persons i PL2018004809 GENERAL Holly Jenvey, Caden Sullivan, GIVEN Stepan Sarkisian impacts associated with the NOTICE IS HEREBY 161 Pasadena Suite Zones B, matter ap PLAN AMENDMENT NO.Ave.Green Program would that the undersigned intends court at t South Pasadena 91030 RPPL2020002900 ENVIR- CA result in significant and unto sell personal property, ART ated below ONMENTAL ASSESSMENT avoidable impacts related to, items, business household Graphic Designers: any, why every Thursday in Del Rey, Marina N O . R P P LThe 2 0Argonaut 2 0 0 0 2is7distributed 88 cultural resources, tribal culgoods and boxes of unArman Olivares (310) 574-7656 change of del Rey, Mar Vista, Playa del Rey,resources, Playa Vista, Santa STATE CLEARINGHOUSE tural andMonica, noise. known content identified by Kate Doll (310) 574-7653 Venice, and Westchester.

The Argonaut is available free of charge, be grante NUMBER 2020060242 The Public HearingA public hearOccupant name below, to enjecting to to one per reader. The be distributed Los Angeleslimited County DepartingArgonaut on themay Project and only the force a lien imposed on said described Staff Photographer: by authorized distributors.Draft No person may, without prior written ment of Regional Planning, PEIR will be scheduled property pursuant to Secwritten o Luis Chavez permission of The of Argonaut, acting in the capacity b etake f o r more e ththan e Lone o scopy A nofg any eles tions 21700-21716 of the cludes th issue. The Argonaut

by Times Media Group, under theis copyrighted "Lead Agency" County2020 Regional Planning Business & Professions, secobjection Inc. All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproCalifornia Environmental Commission at a time and tion 2328 of the UCC, SecWestside Deaths: 132 Total Confirmed days befo duced in whole in part in any form or by any means without Quality Act (CEQA) andorthe date to be determined.

Once tion 535 of the Penal Code prior express Docuwritten permission by the date publisher.

An adjudicated scheduled County Environmental a hearing is scheduled, Cases in LA County: 532,730 Total and provisions of the Civil must appe Newspaper of General Circulation withnotice a distribution 30,000. ment Reporting Procedures another willofbe reCode.

Deaths in LA County: 8,345 Total New and Guidelines, Chapter III, leased for a(Continued minimum on of page 30 8) show caus should no Section 304, has filed a "NoCases as of Dec. 14: 7,344 Total New days prior to the public hearThe undersigned will sell at written ob tice of Completion and Availing. REVIEWING LOCApublic sale by competitive Deaths: 48 Hospitalizations: 4,203 filed, the c ability" of a Draft Program TIONS Due to the Covid-19 bidding on Thursday, Janupetition w Environmental Impact RePostivity Rate (7-day average): 12.2% pandemic and closure of ary 07, 2021 at 1:00 pm on NOTICE port (Draft PEIR) for the County facilities, and to enthe premises where said Total Number of People Tested: Date: 01/0 G r e e n Z o n e s P r o gVICE r a mPRESIDENT: Michael Hiatt to the sure public access property has been stored AM. Dept 4,148,479 (Project, Green Zones ProDraftSteve PEIR, the document is PRESIDENT: Strickbine known as Stor-It Self StorThe addre gram, or proposed program). available for review on the age and located at 4068 Del 12720 No The Draft PEIR has been following website:http://planRey Avenue, Marina Del walk, CA (Source: Los Angeles County prepared in accordance with, ning.lacounty.gov/GreenRey, Ca. 90292, County of Courthous and pursuant to CEQA, as Zones/Documents The docuLos Angeles, State of CaliforDepartment of Public Health) Order to S amended, Public Resources ment is also available on the nia, the following: be publish Code Section 21000 et seq., Department's website at each week and the "Guidelines for Imhttp://planning.lacounty.gov/c Mary J. Howroyd ive weeks plementation of the Califorase by typing the project Karen Mcclain set for he nia Environmental Quality Act number 2018-003209 into the Brian Allaire tion in the (State CEQA Guidelines), Search Case Archive WinKC Brown per of ge California Code of Reguladow. Please submit written Dorothy A. Washington in printed tion, Title 14, Chapter 3, Seccomments on the Draft PEIR Yolanda Washington Angeles. tions 15000 et seq. Public to Tahirah Farris of the DeDorothy A. Washington Novembe Review PeriodThe formal partment of Regional PlanM. Gloria Gowan Margaret M public review period for the ning at the above address.

Carmelle Topps the Supe Draft PElR will be from You may also fax your writStephanie Hoffman LISH: The 12/17/20 to 2/1/21 (45 days). ten comments to (213) 626Donald Didion CONSULTATION per 12/1 All comments received by the 0434, or email to GreenAdela Cei INCLUDING 1 2/31/20 closing of the public review Zones@planning.lacounty.go M. Castelo FULLyou MOUTH period will be considered in v. Should have any Kaela Whelan the Final EIR. SITE LOCAquestions, X-RAYS please call 213Dan Mapes TION Countywide PRO974-6316.

Claudia Gutierrez & EXAMINATION P O S E D P R O J E C T T h e 12/17/20 Joshua Hersko ORDER T • Easy Payment Plans/Zero Interest • No Insurance • No Problem Green Zones Program aims CNS-3424192# NEW PATIENTS ONLY Brett Smith FOR CH to promote environmental THE ARGONAUT James Barlow • All Insurance Accepted • Nitrous Oxide Available EXP 12-31-20 Case No justice by providing zoning Eat The Ball USA SUPERIO for industrial • We Accept All Other Competitors’ Coupons • Serequirements Habla Español CALIFOR For Classified rates and uses, vehicle-related uses, Purchases must be paid for CLEANING SPECIAL LOS ANG and recycling and solid waste at time of purchase in cash CASSIDY uses that may disproportiononly. All purchased items are info, call Ann at ENS, for ately affect communities sursold as is, where is and must TO ALL IN Regular rounding these land uses in be removed at the time of $149 SONS: 1. alignment with State environ626-584-8747 or sale. The sale is subject to sidy Brook X-Rays, Exams, $ mental justice initiatives, incancellation in the event of REG 1,999 petition w Cleaning, Oral Cancer cluding the Planning for settlement between Owner decree ch ann@argonautnews.com Screening, TMJ ABUTMENT AND CROWN ARE EXTRA Healthy Communities Act and the obligated party. follows: a Evaluation, Diagnosis & NEW PATIENTS ONLY WITH AD NOW THROUGH 12-31-20 (SB 1000). The proposed Clemens t Treatment Plan program will also reWITH THISregulate AD. NOW AUCTIONEER: David Hester Stocker 2. cycling and solid waste facilitTHROUGH 12-31-20 Legal Notices NEW PATIENTS ONLY! Auctioneer & Associates, DERS tha Periodontal Root Planning Not Included • ies in support of Senate Bill C al i fo rn i a Au ctio n Bo nd ested in t With Coupon Only • Insurance Programs 1383 that focuses on waste # 70 759 390 before this Billed At Regular Fees • Exp. 12-31-20 diversion, and the California ing indica Affordable Housing Program Waiting List TEETH for 1-3 Bedrooms for Jefferson at Marina del Rey is Now Open Global Warming Solutions WHITENING PUBLISHED: The Argonaut $ cause, if a Act of 2006 (AB 32 andemail SB JeffersonBMR@udr.com or text N To e wbe s pplaced a p e ron1the 2 / wait 17/2 0 ,a prospective list, applicant must SPECIAL tion for c NEW PATIENTS ONLY WITH THIS AD EXP 12-31-20 535).The ONLYproposed project in12/24/20 no should 310-601-8013 following: cludes a Zone the Change for 28 person ob parcels and proposed land Regular $749 changes Name(s) use category designated for must file a ONE parcels HOUR IN-OFFICE 15 ofBedroom those located in PER sizeWHITENING desired that includ $ ZOOM! QUAD the communities of Florencethe objec $ $ Estimated annual income AS SEEN ON ABC’S Firestone, West Rancho REG $999 court days Dominguez-Victoria, West “EXTREME MAKEOVER” BUILD UP IF NEEDED IS EXTRA Phone number NEW PATIENTS ONLY WITH is schedul NEW PATIENTS ONLY WITH X-RAYS & EXAM Carson,INCLUDES and Willowbrook.

PORCELAIN FUSED TO METAL must appe THIS AD EXP 12-31-20 Email address Bebe Combined With Any Other Offer THIS AD EXP 12-31-20 ZonesCannot will changed from NEW PATIENTS ONLY WITH THIS AD EXP 12-31-20 show caus M-2 (Heavy Manufacturing) Physical address should no to M-1 (Light Manufacturing). written ob Estimated number occupants SUMMARY OF of significant filed, the c Environmental IMPACTS The petition w PEIRWILL concluded that Lincoln Blvd., Marina del Rey, CA 90292 NODraft WALK-INS BE ACCEPTED NOTICE impacts associated with the (Above Starbucks) Date: 02/0 Being added to the wait list does not guarantee eligibility for a unit under the BMR Program.

Green Zones Program would AM. Dept. in significant and unthe court i The Jefferson atresult Marina del Rey fully adheres to all applicable Federal and State avoidable impacts related to, Santa Mo Fair Housing laws.

We doresources, not discriminate cultural tribal against cul- any person due to race, Santa Mon turalgender, resources, noise. color, religion, sex, gender and identity, sexual orienta-PAGE 5 copy of th DECEMBER 17,gender 2020expression, THE ARGONAUT Public HearingA public hearCause sha tion, marital status, national origin, ancestry, familial status, source of income, ing on the Project and the least once physical or mental disability, genetic information, age, arbitrary personal Draft PEIR will be scheduled

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING The Westside’s News Source Since 1971 Classifieds / Legals

Corona by the Numbers & Local Updates Compiled by Kamala Kirk Cases and Deaths by Neighborhood as of Monday, Dec. 14: Culver City: 859 (Deaths 37); Del Rey: 878 (Deaths 9); El Segundo: 265 (Deaths 1); Marina del Rey: 163 (Deaths 0); Mar Vista: 739 (Deaths 8); Playa Vista: 240 (Deaths 0); Playa del Rey: 55 (Deaths 0); Santa Monica: 1,938 (Deaths 52); Venice: 729 (Deaths 4); Westchester: 939 (Deaths 21) Total Westside Cases: 6,805 Total

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Shop and Support the Arts California Heritage Museum hosts annual fundraising flea market sale IMAGE COURTESY CALIFORNIA HERITAGE MUSEUM

By Kamala Kirk If you’re looking for reasonably priced holiday gifts that support a good cause, California Heritage Museum’s annual flea market sale is back and features a variety of unique items at major bargains. Items for sale include signed limitededition prints by well-known California artists, jewelry, skateboards and surfboards, glassware, Monterey furniture, Madame Alexander dolls and more.

The event originally started out as an outdoor tile sale that brought in tile dealers and vendors from Nevada, Arizona and Northern California. It was held on the first Saturday in June for the past 16 years and grew to become an outdoor fair and event that sold outdoor items.

Artwork is donated by local artists and prints produced by well-known artists on behalf of the museum. People also

California Heritage Museum’s annual flea market sale will be held in its gallery this year and by appointment only due to COVID-19. donate Mexicana items, dishes and a variety of other things for the sale.

“We got enough feedback from people who said that they couldn’t come on that date, so

we switched it to indoors and in our upstairs gallery for a holiday fundraiser for the

museum, usually during October and November,” says Tobi Smith, executive director of California Heritage Museum. “Due to COVID-19, it is now by appointment only and a perfect place to buy a holiday gift. We will all be wearing masks and will practice social distancing. We would like people to call and make appointments.”

All proceeds from the sale, which will go on for approximately two months, will go towards maintaining the museum’s community arts programs. California Heritage Museum is a nonprofit community organization that is committed to promoting the diversity and rich history of California’s heritage.

To make an appointment, call 310-392-8537. For more information, visit californiaheritagemuseum.org

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Michael A. Parsons, D.D.S. 310-670-0902 8930 S. Sepulveda Blvd, #220 Los Angeles, 90045

PAGE 6 THE ARGONAUT DECEMBER 17, 2020

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Gourmet Gifts New Gourmandise store offers culinary items for foodies and chefs COURTESY OF THE GOURMANDISE SCHOOL OF SWEETS AND SAVORIES

By Elizabeth M. Johnson For shoppers still looking for the perfect last-minute gift for the foodie on their list, a new retail store at Santa Monica Place has an array of cooking-themed items recipients will savor.

The Gourmandise School of Sweets and Savories, which has been offering cooking classes and private parties on the third level of Santa Monica Place since 2011, launched Gourmandise in mid-November. The shop offers professional-grade cookware and bakeware, cookbooks, custommade gift kits and unique virtual class offerings—perfect for those who have taken up cooking and baking during the pandemic.

Sabrina Ironside, co-owner and general manager of The Gourmandise School, says that the shopping center’s offer of the first floor space just in time for the holidays “could be the best thing that’s ever happened to us.”

“Before the pandemic, we

Gourmandise is a new shop at Santa Monica Place that sells cookware, gift kits and other culinary-themed items. focused on classes and private events,” Ironside says. “Now we have to pivot and focus on retail.

We never had time to do it

before, so we are enjoying the opportunity to create a beautiful retail space.”

For years, the cooking school

has offered in-person cooking and baking classes taught by chef-owner Clémence Gossett and a staff of instructors. Just two

years ago, the school expanded its kitchen space on the third floor of Santa Monica Place to better accommodate its thriving school, private events and classes. A tiny retail area allowed class members to purchase a limited selection of items to continue their culinary adventures at home.

“With the pandemic, we took all our classes and private parties online; there was no traffic to the third floor,” Ironside notes. “The new shop gives us more room in a heavily trafficked area. We’ve created a homey space with a charming, warm feel. So far, we’ve been getting lots of great feedback.”

Ironside explains that the shop includes items that professionals would use such as heavy-gauge aluminum sheet pans that could be used in a bakery, high-quality parchment paper, and chocolate from premium chocolate makers like Cordillera and Republica del Cacao.

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COURTESY OF THE GOURMANDISE SCHOOL OF SWEETS AND SAVORIES

Gourmandise also offers interactive online cooking and baking classes.

The store also offers cookbooks from local Santa Monica authors and restaurants. A pantry section highlights Gourmandise’s relationships with local food sources, including locally pressed olive oil, Malibu honey, and several varieties of flour from Grist & Toll flour mill in Pasadena.

Gourmandise can put together custom kits from products in the store and offers five kits that reflect the most popular customer requests including an introduction to breadmaking kit, sourdough

kit, pie kit, cookie kit and a French macaron kit. These kits range in price from $42 to $75 and can be shipped anywhere.

The French Macaron Kit comes with all the tools needed to make the delectably beautiful treats, plus almond flour. It includes a heavy-gauge aluminum sheet pan, eco-friendly parchment paper, high heat silicone spatula, piping tips and bags, and a sifter.

Another favorite is the Cookie Kit, which contains the recipe for some of the tastiest chocolate chip cookies ever, since they are

made with the premium Cordillera chocolate that comes with the kit. It includes 65% Cordillera Colombian Chocolate, Vollrath 3/4 oz. scooper, heavy gauge aluminum quarter sheet pan, eco-friendly parchment paper, flaked salt and finishing salt.

“We love when people call and ask for gift ideas,” Ironside says.

“We can create custom gift boxes from anything in the store and even include a gift certificate for one of our classes with the items.”

The cooking class gift

Give yourself a gift this season.

Holidays are a time to think of others, but you deserve a little something, too. Here’s a hint for making the season of giving easier on your finances: pay yourself first. It works like this:

certificates never expire and can be used for online or in-person classes once they return to that format. For the online classes, participants receive a class outline, recipe, and list of ingredients and equipment, along with a Zoom link. Class size is limited to 30 people to promote interactivity during the sessions, which run from 75 minutes to two hours.

“Even though people are a little Zoomed out right now, we are still offering up to six classes a day,” Ironside says. “Our croissant class is our most popular right now. It sells out every time we offer it.”

Other baking class topics include French macarons, challah, brioche and babka, and gluten-free baking. Savory classes include Sushi 101, Chinese Dumplings, French Bistro Dinner, and a “What’s for Dinner?” class with various menu items. There are even teen classes, parent and child sessions, and multi-week series for cooking and baking.

The most popular items sold since Gourmandise opened its doors in mid-November are its

gourmet chocolate and many varieties of flour. Another hot item is a whimsical bacon press, which flattens bacon as it cooks.

For a unique stocking stuffer, Ironside recommends the hot toddy mix: a “super yummy and fun” concoction of lemon, ginger and honey.

The store continues to welcome in-person business, even with the governor’s recent stay-at-home order. Retail capacity is limited to 20%, which for Gourmandise is fewer than 10 people at a time.

“That’s manageable for us right now,” Ironside says. “We want to be as accommodating as possible, so we encourage customers to call in their order if they don’t feel comfortable shopping in person. We offer curbside pickup and can ship to anyone, anywhere.”

What: Gourmandise Where: 395 Santa Monica Place, #126 Phone: 310.656.8800 Website: thegourmandiseschool.com Hours: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. daily

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Small Not valid with any other off er. Expires 10/31/19 offer.

1/31/21 (310) 398-6211 DA AYS KK OO PP E ENN 77 D S A AW WEEE E PAGE 10 THE ARGONAUT DECEMBER 17, 2020

By Sara Edwards Nestled in a 110-square-foot space on the Ocean Front Walk in Venice is a little walk-up counter where the fresh-battered cod and hand-cut chips are sizzling all day long. The Wee Chippy, open since 2013, is a fish and chips booth where Glasgow native Joe Gorrie puts a unique twist on the classic Scottish delicacy.

Prior to starting his business, Gorrie worked in television and media writing, and would travel back and forth between Brooklyn and Venice. His friends would always ask him to make his fresh chips, the Scottish term for French fries.

“I am in no way a chef, but back in Scotland we ate potatoes with everything and that was the one thing I could make really well,” Gorrie says.

Gorrie decided that before he returned to Brooklyn for another writing gig, he wanted to do something different and fun over the summer, so he opened The Wee Chippy to bring European-style chips to Venice.

Gorrie didn’t have any business experience or knowledge on what it took to open a restaurant, but he says that in a way, that’s what helped him become so successful.

“I wasn’t looking to make a living out of this or make money, I just wanted to do something fun for the summer,” he says. “I didn’t have a clue what I was doing, but it worked out really well.”

At first, Gorrie was going to offer fresh cut and fried chips with a variety of dipping sauces for customers to choose from.

But while he was living in Brooklyn, he stumbled upon a small shop that had walls lined from floor to ceiling with different salts and seasonings.

This was what sparked Gorrie’s idea to let people combine and create their own flavors to infuse their fresh fried chips with, from options like Applewood Smoked to California Rosemary.

“We cut the potatoes fresh on the spot,” Gorrie says. “I wanted to find a way to be different and that turned out to be the various flavors I could put on the fry.”

The Wee Chippy is raved about all across the world and has been featured in The New York Times and on BBC. Gorrie says The Wee Chippy has earned high ratings from customers on Yelp and through delivery services like Uber Eats.

At first, Gorrie was only selling custom flavored French fries, but he eventually discovered that while there were a number of stands and booths for street food like tacos and hot dogs, fish and chips seemed to only be made and sold in a sit-down restaurant.

His business then went from selling chips to including battered and fried Atlantic cod.

They even started adding variations of fish and chips, such as a plant-based cod for vegans and a gluten-free

batter option.

The Wee Chippy also strives to be environmentally friendly with recycled food packaging that is biodegradable and cooking oil that is recycled at biofuel companies.

“You think of a normal restaurant where they throw so much away with massive waste,” Gorrie says. “We operate on zero waste.”

The pandemic has been especially hard on restaurants and food businesses, and Gorrie says that for a while when the beaches were closed during the summer, he was worried he’d have to lay off his team or even close The Wee Chippy.

“I thought it was going to be horrible,” Gorrie says. “But we were able to reopen and we were busier than ever.”

Gorrie says that because they’re a walk-up where people order food to go, the business has been able to continue to be successful during the pandemic.

When they reopened, they asked people to wear masks and follow social distancing protocols when waiting in line so they could continue serving their fresh, classic dish.

“A lot of our customers are locals and they know us,” Gorrie says. “Honestly, I’m so blessed because the pandemic really has not affected us that badly.”

The Wee Chippy is open from noon to 7 p.m. daily. Visit weechippy.com for more information.

TO OUR COMMUNITY AND ELECTED OFFICIALS As a group of Los Angeles Coastal Restaurant Owners, we are suffering insurmountable damage under the current outdoor dining lockdown. The latest order is decimating our businesses and few of us will be able to survive.

We recognize the Pandemic is real and have taken extreme precautions and gone to great expense to ensure the safety of our guests and our staff. We have done everything that has been asked of us and are receiving no support from those that have ordered us closed.

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has produced no scientific data to support these county and state lockdowns. The only available study indicates that approximately 3% of COVID-19 cases may be attributable to restaurant dining with no distinction between indoor and outdoor.

WHAT CAN WE DO? MARCH TO RAISE AWARENESS! Saturday December 19th 12:00 PM Sidewalk in front of: Westchester Municipal Bldg.

7166 Manchester Ave. 1:00 PM Sidewalk in front of: The Good Pizza Company 8115 W. Manchester Ave. 1:30 PM Sidewalk in front of: Del Rey Lagoon Park Beach Side, Pacific Ave. We thank you for your support and wish you and your families a Happy and Healthy Holiday Season.

Playa del Rey: Mo’s Place, Cantalini’s, Bacari, The Shack, Cafe Milan, Hacienda Playa, The Good Pizza, Playa’s Pita, Tandoor A India, Del Rey Deli, Hanks Pizza, and Caffe Pinguini Westchester: The Good Pizza, Hacienda Del Rey, Thai Talay, Cafe Solar, MVP, La Rocco’s, The Manchester, Cinco, Tower Pizza Marina Del Rey: Killer Shrimp, Locanda Positano and Tony P’s

LA COASTAL RESTAURANTS ASSOCIATION Advertorial DECEMBER 17, 2020 THE ARGONAUT PAGE 11

N E W S

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B R I E F

Compiled by Kamala Kirk

Former Mayor Bob Holbrook Dies After battling a long illness, former Santa Monica mayor Bob Holbrook passed away at his home on December 11. He was 79. A native of Santa Monica, Holbrook was a 24-year veteran of the Santa Monica City Council who was known for his commitment to the community and public service.

During his time as Mayor, Holbrook sought ways to battle homelessness and improve the quality of Santa Monica’s public spaces. He was also instrumental

in building Tongva Park in the Civic Center and a memorial at Woodlawn Cemetery to honor local veterans. Prior to joining the Council in 1990, Holbrook served on the Board of the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District and was an ardent supporter of his alma mater, the University of Southern California.

“Bob loved Santa Monica and its history, and passionately shaped more than two decades of local policy with great care and heart,” says Santa Monica

Mayor Sue Himmelrich. “He left the Council the same year I joined, yet his imprint is felt today.

We grieve the loss of a Santa Monica great alongside his loving family.”

The December 15 City Council meeting was adjourned in honor of Holbrook. The Mayor Bob Holbrook Scholarship has been established to honor his 32 years of public service and passion for public service, and promise in making positive change in society.

High-Level Meth and Cocaine Dealer Arrested methamphetamine.

After Zuniga was arrested for the methamphetamine, a search warrant was executed at his residence, where detectives recovered a loaded Glock-style “ghost gun,” extended magazine, ammunition, cocaine hydrochloride and packaging materials.

In 2019, Zuniga was previously arrested by SMPD for narcotics trafficking. He was transferred to DEA/US Marshals custody on December 3.

Anyone with information related to this investigation is encouraged to contact the SMPD at 310-458-8491; Detective Khansari at 310-458-8458; or Detective McGowan at 310-458-2201 ext. 4698.

IMAGE COURTESY SANTA MONICA POLICE DEPARTMENT

On December 3, Santa Monica PD’s Special Investigations Unit (SUI) and the United States Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) concluded a long-term investigation into a high-level methamphetamine and cocaine dealer, Guadalupe Edwin Zuniga. A Federal search warrant on his vehicle and residence was successfully executed due to the collaboration with the SMPD and DEA. Zuniga is suspected of being the source of supply for numerous narcotics dealers in Santa Monica. He was detained away from his residence without incident by SIU and members of SMPD’s Crime Impact Team (CIT) and presented with the warrant.

A search of his vehicle yielded approximately 30 pounds of

Santa Monica PD and the DEA arrested a local drug dealer on December 3 and seized 30 pounds of methamphetamine from his vehicle.

Santa Monica Welcomes New Mayor and Councilmembers IMAGE COURTESY CITY OF SANTA MONICA

On December 8, Santa Monica welcomed three new Councilmembers and four returning Councilmembers via a teleconference ceremony. Phil Brock, Gleam Davis, Oscar de la Torre and Christine Parra were elected to four-year terms.

The newly installed City Council selected Sue Himmelrich to serve a two-year term as Santa Monica’s Mayor. Kristin McCowan, who was selected as mayor pro tempore, was elected to a twoyear term.

Mayor Himmelrich joined the Santa Monica City Council in 2014 and was re-elected in 2018.

She served on the Planning Commission for one year before running for Council after Councilmember Bob Holbrook retired.

Mayor Himmelrich has been a

Sue Himmelrich has been selected as Santa Monica’s new mayor.

PAGE 12 THE ARGONAUT DECEMBER 17, 2020

resident of Santa Monica for 28 years and is passionate about affordable housing production, combining strong fiscal policy with progressive and compassionate social policies, and protecting vulnerable community members, including senior citizens and front-line workers.

“We have an opportunity to move our community forward past this deadly virus, past our differences, and toward a future that we can all be proud of and one that reflects the best of who we are as Santa Monicans,” Mayor Himmelrich says. “I look forward to doing the hard work ahead with my colleagues and to opening lines of two-way communication with community members at a time when connection is harder than ever.”

W E S T S I D E

H A P P E N I N G S

Compiled by Caden Sullivan Sound + Light Forest Installation at The Runway Wonderland, daily from 5 to 8:35 p.m. through the first week of January.

The new Sound Forest installation at RUNWAY provides a unique holiday experience that is both festive, COVID-friendly and free.

For more information, visit runwayplayavista.com A Renaissance Christmas, 8 a.m. If you’re a fan of art and/ or history, this early free event will be a good time! Enjoy Dr. Ruggiero’s examination of Christmas stories told through renaissance artwork, accompanied by history and discussion.

This event will kickstart your festivity while teaching you something new!

Find more information at rockyruggiero.com Virtual Holiday Program by the El Segundo Public Library, 7 p.m. The El Segundo Public Library is hosting a free online event to get the community in the holiday spirit and it’s designed for the whole family!

Call the ESPL Reference Desk at (310) 524-2728 or email refdesk@elsegundo.org for the Zoom link.

Saturday, Dec. 19

Rufus, Martha, and Lucy Wainwright are hosting a musical event for the holidays.

The show has a strong emphasis on family values and it brings the holiday spirit to your home.

Ticket proceeds go toward the Kate McGarrigle fund for cancer, so this event has a give-and-take for everyone. It’s available through the New Year and you can re-watch it after your first viewing.

Find the performance and more information at rufuswainwright/veeps.com

Wednesday, Dec. 23 RUNWAY Playa Vista has a new Sound Forest installation on display through the first week of January.

To RSVP, please email Brennan Lindner: brennan@ genericevents.com Zoom with Santa and Frosty, December 19 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. & December 20 from 4 to 7 p.m. The City of Culver City’s Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department would like to bring some of the magic of the holidays back to your little ones through Zoom visits with Santa or Frosty from the safety and comfort of your own home.

Zooms will include an official invite from the North Pole with the link to your personal Zoom meeting, a short questionnaire from the elves about your little one’s favorite things and wishes, a 7-10 minute chat with Santa or Frosty in real-time via Zoom, and a holiday craft kit and personalized letter. $15 per session.

For more information, visit culvercity.org FASO Presents: The Hope of Christmas, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

The Filipino American SymphoCOURTESY OF AUDRA MAE

ny Orchestra is presenting an online Christmas concert to raise money for their organization.

Admission is free, but donations are appreciated. Here’s another way to enjoy the holidays from your home and give back this Christmas.

Visit flipcause.com for more information.

Culver City Symphony Orchestra Digital Concert, 6:45 p.m. Rufus Choi’s exhilarating performance of Bach’s Chaconne in D minor (arr.

Busoni) and Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition will premiere on the Culver City Symphony Orchestra YouTube channel. A pre-concert talk with Rufus Choi and Frank Fetta, the Orchestra’s Musical Director and Conductor, will start at 6:45 p.m, and the recital starts at 7:10 p.m.

More information at culvercitysymphony.org Audra Mae: Songs of Joy and Peace with Dylan Meeks, 8 p.m.

The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts is hosting The Sorting Room Sessions, an online series of performances ranging from nightclub vibes to holiday songs. This week’s show, a performance to encourage love and warmth, is by Audra Mae and Dylan Meeks. Give it a watch to boost your holiday spirits!

Find ticketing and more information at thewallis.org/FTR

extended focus on “The Nutcracker” for the holidays.

Broadcast live from Florence, Italy, you won’t want to miss this if you enjoy theater!

Find ticketing and more information at thewallis.org/ Tchaikovsky CSULB Winterfest Ensembles, Online Christmas Concert, through January 6. Raising money for the Historic Building Preservation fund, the CSULB Winterfest Ensemble is streaming a Christmas concert online for almost the next month. Get a ticket if you want to support their school and fundraising efforts!

Find ticketing and more information at 3rdandcedar.com/ concert A Not So Silent Night - Virtually Together, through January 6.

The Roast of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, 5 p.m.

Join Frontrow Films’ Roast of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer with Christmas-themed jokes by comedians online. It’s free on Frontrow’s Twitch channel, and there’s an open chat to tell your own Christmas jokes if you wish to participate. This fun themed event is a good, free way to spend a Wednesday night.

For more information, visit twitch.tv/filmroast or frontrowfilmroast.com

Send event information at least 10 days in advance to kkirk@ timespublications.com COURTESY OF DYLAN MEEK

Chamber in Action: Pop-Up Clean Up, 7:30 to 9:30 a.m.

Volunteers are needed to help the Venice Chamber of Commerce at this pop-up clean up. The Venice Chamber will provide gloves, trash bags, brooms and rakes.

Free coffee will be provided following the clean up. This month’s location is on Lincoln Boulevard North between Millwood and Machado Drive/ Whole Foods.

IMAGE COURTESY OF RUNWAY

Thursday, Dec. 17

Sunday, Dec. 20

Singer-songwriter Audra Mae will perform with Dylan Meek for a special Christmas show on December 19.

Hershey Felder Presents Live From Florence, 5 p.m.

Hershey Felder is a playwright and performer from Canada. He is streaming a live production based on the original play “Our Great Tchaikovsky,” but with an

The Sorting Room Sessions at The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts presents Audra Mae and Dylan Meek on December 19.

DECEMBER 17, 2020 THE ARGONAUT PAGE 13

C O V E R

S T O R Y

Loving It Forward Culver City’s Lifehood spa builds on putting kindness into the world PHOTOS BY LUIS CHAVEZ

By Bridgette M. Redman In a year of widespread division, Amy Krofchick opened a business based on the science of kindness. When a person performs an act of kindness, they get a dopamine hit that releases endorphins that make them feel better. At Lifehood, Krofchick’s spa and wellness space in Culver City, the treatments go from self-care to caring for others with a unique new program called Loving It Forward.

“It’s a holistic experience with the kindness you put back into the world,” Krofchick says.

Lifehood opened at the beginning of 2020 and was open for six weeks before the pandemic forced it to close. They reopened on November 11 only to have to shut down again less than a month later because of new restrictions.

However, Krofchick remains positive and knows that she has struck upon a business model that makes sense in today’s world.

“Kindness is really important, that’s the way I want to live my life,” Krofchick says. “When I started to really dig deeper into the healing and physical attributes of kindness, I had an epiphany. Kindness is really soul in action. It is what you put back into the world. What I created with Lifehood’s model is truly mind, body and soul. You are putting good into the world and being recognized for the good you put into the world, and the vehicle is massage.”

The Loving It Forward concept gives each spa goer an opportunity to buy a massage at a discounted price for someone anonymously. That person is contacted and told that they have received a massage as a gift. Once they come in, it is revealed to them who the massage was from and they have an opportunity to pay it forward—they are not allowed to pay it back. Each person can track on Lifehood’s website how far their gift goes.

“We started to spark what we call our cycle of kindness,” Krofchick says.

When a person receives a massage, they get an email saying, “Someone thinks you’re amazing.” They don’t know who it is from until after they arrive at Lifehood.

“The reactions we’ve seen are incredible,” Krofchick points out. “You’re overwhelmed with this sense of gratitude. You have this fantastic treatment and when you check out, you have the

Lifehood employee Madison Murphy at the entrance to the spa.

PAGE 14 THE ARGONAUT DECEMBER 17, 2020

option to pay it forward.”

It is not, she stressed, a gift certificate program. It is instead about coming into the spa, redemption, anonymous gifting and paying it forward.

“Seeing the smiles, the reactions and the glow that comes from the reveal—people are super excited to find out,” Krofchick says. “It makes it easy to be good and to give good.”

Krofchick says that during the weeks that Lifehood was open, 70% of customers opted into the Love It Forward program with one person even buying six massages for others. Guests also have the option of purchasing a massage for an unsung hero that they don’t know and letting the spa decide who to give it to. In these cases, they have a committee of “kindness heroes” who choose someone in the community to receive a massage.

“We have a karma committee of our kindness heroes who in turn nominate their kindness heroes, spreading kindness and encouraging people to put good into the world,” Krofchick explains. “Our kindness heroes are our team, and we’re all about giving back and making people feel good.”

She has other programs to spread the kindness to her staff that have been on hold because of the pandemic. However, Krofchick makes it a point to feed them, train them and treat them with the kindness she wants them to show others.

Rebuilding her life Krofchick is no stranger to hardships. In fact, it is what brought her to the world of spas and wellness in the first place.

When she was pregnant with her son, her husband was diagnosed with inoperable brain cancer. Massage therapists were sent to their house to treat both of them and that was when Krofchick realized the importance of massage and its healing properties.

After her husband died and she was struggling to make it as a single mom, Krofchick would go to inexpensive massage shops because that was all she could afford. They didn’t have the ambiance she wanted and were often unkempt, but she was able to get the treatments she needed to move forward with her life.

“The cost made a lot of sense for my lifestyle as a widowed mom in financial straits because of his illness,” Krofchick shares.

While looking through her husband’s

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Creating a 1970s vibe Before opening a spa, Krofchick worked in fashion as a designer and stylist, so she brought that professional eye to creating the space, one that had a 1970s California vibe with washed-out colors. She wanted to contrast the beach bum nostalgia feel with much of the wellness industry that is super slick and crisp. She partnered with Brigette Romanek to do the interior design.

“It’s very symbolic to the nature we surround ourselves with: sunsets, ocean, foliage and all that good stuff,” Krofchick shares. “It’s my approach to something that is very authentic.

I wanted to bring back an almost childlike nostalgia of feeling good and easy times, and this was before COVID-19. I was on to something.”

Lifehood is all about partnerships, creating a “hood” based not on neighborhoods, womanhood or manhood but on life, which is how they got their name. The massages have many add-ons that go beyond the typical aromatherapy and hot rocks to CBD gum drops and virtual reality. All are contributed by business partners.

Krofchick partnered with Justin Bishop, who curated the custom California Virtual Reality experience. While getting a chair massage, guests can escape to the beach, take a walk in the forest or go climbing in the mountains through these VR programs.

“It’s a celebration of everything California,” Krofchick says. “We worked with a virtual reality artist who created California-based escapes.

Nature itself is so healing and so good for the soul.”

Another option is an audio meditation by spiritual teacher Kevin Courtney about kindness.

Krofchick describes his voice as being incredibly soothing, something that can help a guest melt away as the therapist treats them.

Krofchick says she is a big fan of CBD, particularly the gum drops and lotions made by Lord Jones, which guests can add to their massages.

“I’ve seen the effects of it,” Krofchick says. “I really believe

in it and what they’ve done.

They are very close friends and I’ve watched their journey. I’m a user of their products and I think it is wonderful.”

All of these things are combined to create experiences based on science that contribute to the well-being of their customers.

“We want to offer our customers a really elevated massage at a really democratic price,” Krofchick says. “It’s a very holistic, different approach to healing from the inside out, which is really what we’re trying to do at Lifehood.”

Safety during COVID-19 Like most small businesses, Lifehood has had a challenging time during the pandemic, making changes and going through the shutdowns.

“It’s been really challenging as a business owner to manage the team and make necessary changes to ensure the business survives this moment of pause,” Krofchick says. “We’re very confident we will. We’re a community-based business and we have wonderful Californiabased businesses that have partnered with our space.”

They’ve also been working closely with the city health department to make sure they adopt its protocols and go above and beyond what is required.

They’ve created their own hand sanitizer, changed the air filtration system, and when they were open set up distancing and operated at only 25% capacity.

Krofchick continues to look for new partners so that they can have a more inclusive wellness experience when guests return to their spa.

“We’re in a high-touch business,” Krofchick says. “It’s hard for us to put our best foot forward. But it is safety first, just making sure our staff is safe, our clients are safe and people feel safe.”

The staff has undergone training led by her lead practitioner, teaching staff how to manage themselves and their clients. Guests must wear masks on the table and in the chairs, and staff members do so as well.

She says that so far they have not experienced any difficulties, that people coming into their space feel good and are happy, and many of them have rebooked appointments for when they think the spa will be able to reopen.

Krofchick recognizes that people are needing what she has to offer and that these tough

times make people realize the importance of self-care.

“I think people are really going to start coming,” Krofchick says. “Health is your true wealth. People are going to start investing in their health in a much greater way. People are craving touch and craving self-care and it is something that massage especially fulfills. It’s a really nice way to feel connected to themselves and others, which is an incredibly important sensation.”

What: Lifehood Where: PLATFORM, 8850 Washington Blvd., Culver City Hours: Wednesday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Website: thelifehood.com

COURTESY OF LIFEHOOD

journal, she came across the phrase: “The next time is now.”

It inspired her in the journey she took to opening up Lifehood earlier this year. She purposely chose to have pricing that matched those she found at lower-end spas.

Lifehood founder Amy Krofchick.

Lifehood is a spa and wellness concept with 1970s vibes located at PLATFORM in Culver City.

DECEMBER 17, 2020 THE ARGONAUT PAGE 15

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Holidays with Heart Help spread cheer to others in need during the holiday season IMAGES COURTESY OF SANTA MONICA BAR BINGO VIRTUAL PUB CRAWL AND WESTCHESTER MENTAL HEALTH GUILD

Santa Monica Bar Bingo Virtual Pub Crawl and a holiday lights tour are among fun holiday activities that will raise money to help others.

By Holly Jenvey 2020 has been a challenging year for everyone and the holidays are a season of giving.

Whether it’s through donations or volunteering time, we all have the ability to help lift the spirits of others that are in need.

From supporting local businesses and charities to donating supplies and time, read on to discover the different ways you can get involved and give back to others this holiday season.

Giving Back: • The Virginia Avenue Park Holiday Food Pantry is providing holiday meals and food boxes for families. There are also other ways to donate clothes, food, personal protective equipment and more.

Learn more at santamonica.gov/ coronavirus-volunteer • RUNWAY has teamed up with the LAPD’s Pacific Division for the shopping center’s Toy Drive this year.

The LAPD Pacific Division will be distributing toys to underprivileged children/low-income families on the Westside of LA in partnership with local Westside communities and organizations. Visitors are able to drop off new toys and books at bins located outside of Huzzah! Toys and Micro Kickboards until December 20.

For more information, visit runwayplayavista.com • Allies for Every Child is hosting a drive-thru event on December 19 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for families struggling through the holidays to offer support with free food and fresh produce. If you or anyone you know is in a serious financial struggle, please donate and spread the word about this event. For more information, visit alliesforeverychild.org • Loaves and Fishes Ministry Christmas Food Pantry on December 19 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. This year, St. Mark Parish in Venice and Nourish LA are hosting a special Food Pantry for Christmas. Their Loaves and Fishes Ministry is collecting $25 gift cards from Target, Ross or Big Lots to help bring joy to families in need. Donations can be brought to the Parish Office between Monday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. or dropped off after each mass. Volunteer opportunities are also available.

For more information, call 310-821-5058 or email: loavesandfishes@stmarkvenice. com • Santa MoniCARES has also partnered with local restaurants, hotels and retailers to host donation activations along with blanket and clothing drives. The Giving Tree with Loews Hotel

PAGE 16 THE ARGONAUT DECEMBER 17, 2020

has invited businesses and residents to sponsor a personalized tree to be shown the hotel lobby. The winner will receive $1,000 to donate to a local participating nonprofit. The community can also donate new and used blankets for Santa Monica’s homeless with a partnership with Perry’s Cafe.

New or gently loved business clothing can be donated to benefit Chrysalis in partnership with the Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows.

For more information, visit santamonica.com/volunteeropportunities • The Santa Monica Place Million Meals Challenge has extended its participation with the Macerich Million Meals Challenge for another month for a $3,000 goal, which it just surpassed! These donations are eligible to feed 8,000 people in the community who are in need of a meal. Every $5 in donations is tax deductible.

• The Westchester Mental Health Guild will be presenting a Holiday Lights Tour from December 13-19. There are 21 houses and one church participating in the tour. To participate, you must donate at least $10 and register online. The donation covers your entire carload and provides a map of the homes on the tour, plus the right to vote

for your favorite. All the proceeds of the fundraiser will benefit the Airport Marina Counseling Service. For more information, visit holiday-lightstour.eventbrite.com • Marina Del Rey Pharmacy is hosting a Food Drive to collect non-perishable items for Westside Food Bank this holiday season. People are encouraged to drop off a non-perishable food item anytime at the pharmacy from December 4-18. Items needed most are dried pasta, pasta sauce (unbreakable packaging), juice and breakfast cereal. For more information, visit marinadelreypharmacy.com • Gelson’s stores across Southern California are hosting the company’s Annual Toy Drive from December 1-20, which will benefit disadvantaged children throughout the region.

The toy receptacles at the stores will be designated red bins or branded containers. A list of suggested donations can be found at the store front desk and at gelsons.com Support Local Businesses • The City of Santa Monica’s Buy Local Program has partnered with local businesses to launch the Buy Local Holiday Gift Guide, where they have planned ideas for local gifts that

support businesses and the community with each purchase.

The themed gifts of this year include Buy Local on a Budget, Safer at Home Gifts, Gifts that Give Back (percentage of proceeds donated to support charities) and also highlighting safe shopping during the pandemic. This includes supporting local businesses that offer curbside pickup, contactless payments, delivery services and senior shopping hours.

For more information, visit buylocalsantamonica.com • Santa Monica Bar Bingo Virtual Pub Crawl, December 19 from 6 to 8 p.m. Dust off your Santa hats and ugly sweaters, the 12th Annual Santa Monica Pub Crawl returns with a virtual Bar Bingo game night to support bars and restaurants while raising money for the Westside Food Bank! Join hosts Brian Thomas Smith from “Big Bang Theory” and DJ Kooleo of FREE SPACE for a two-hour, holiday party with cocktails, music, games, bingo, costume contests, trivia and a ton of prizes. Attendees are encouraged to order takeout and keep their receipts, because the more businesses they purchase from, the more chances they have of winning. For more information, visit santamonicapubcrawl.com • Gift certificates are a great

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Virtual Opportunities • Westchester Pacific Villages, a nonprofit organization, is helping seniors stay in touch through this time of vulnerability. They are looking for volunteers to make phone calls to seniors to help them stay connected, provide social support and have a sense of companionship during this time of isolation. Volunteers can also learn about their essential needs and help arrange meal delivery, groceries, medications and other care packages. For more information and to find out how to volunteer, please visit volunteermatch.org • Virtual Veteran Brigade members will use content from the AARP National Team to share content on many digital and social platforms. They will help provide information for supporting veterans of all ages, military and their families.

For more information on duties and qualifications, please visit aarp.org • Every year since 1912, the USPS has permitted the public to read letters from underprivileged children to Santa. You can become an elf today by reading these letters and sending gifts to children.

Volunteers can access these letters on their website and see requests from all over the county. To find out more about how you can make a child’s Christmas this year, visit uspsoperationsanta.com and beanelf.org.

• The pandemic has taken a toll on mental health as well.

To see how you can connect with others as well as be kind to your mind, check out the National Alliance on Mental Illness’ Westside Los Angeles website. They are offering virtual support groups, peer groups, classes and more.

See all they offer at namila.org

• Baby2Baby provides essentials to children ages 0-12 living in poverty and has celebrities including Julie Bowen, Rachel Zoe and Jessica Alba as board members. It has currently donated 50 million basic essentials to children impacted by the COVID-19 crisis. Find out how you can help this holiday season by visiting baby2baby.org • The American Book Drive is an organization dedicated to redistributing used books.

Books are either resold through online marketplaces or if they are for children, they can go to schools, hospitals and children’s centers. You can donate a book to a collection bin, which can be located on their website.

For more information, visit americanbookdrive.com

IMAGE COURTESY OF CITY OF SANTA MONICA]

way to support small businesses while giving your loved ones flexibility. With a gift certificate, people can buy whatever they want from the places they love. Plus, all the money will go back to the business!

• You can support small businesses in other ways aside from buying products. Whether it’s helping with their website, checking in, volunteering or other measures, a small act can go a long way.

The Virginia Avenue Park Holiday Food Pantry is providing holiday meals and food boxes for families in need.

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES DIRECTORY D ER M ATOLOGY

ATTORNEY S

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A R T S

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This Elf Is Off the Shelf Female comedian brings safe holiday joy to children PHOTOS COURTESY THE ELF EXPERIENCE

By Bridgette M. Redman It takes a lot of energy to be an elf. If you’re Santa, you get to sit all day with countless children in your lap. This year, such activity is considered a dangerous undertaking during COVID-19.

If you’re an elf, especially A. Jolly Elf, you spend most of your time cavorting and can socially distance when you interact with children. Hailey Jones had been honing her elf act for the past few years and has now adapted it for the pandemic.

“I created a 35 to 40-minute variety elf show that gets the kids up and dancing,” Jones says. “I would call it a vaudeville type thing. It’s about an elf trying to find how she can express herself the best and where she belongs.

Ultimately, it’s a story of believing in yourself. That is where the love and kindness comes in.”

An Elf Experience includes several different types of personalized shows available for anyone who wants an interactive experience for their children. It can include such things as storytelling, jokes, sing-alongs and craft time.

Customers can either purchase the online version or rent a visit. Regardless of which one they choose, Jones will ensure that the child receives a highly interactive experience with her trademark physical comedy and a fun story that is designed to entertain.

“I change the story to fit in with why I am where I am now,” Jones says. “I was raised by reindeer. I do all these physical comedy bits—trying to fly and falling out of a tree.”

That’s where her story begins: she ran off in the woods as a little elf and got lost. Some reindeer found her and raised her as their own. When Santa finds her, he tells her she looks like a jolly elf and she responds by saying that is who she is: A. Jolly Elf. To learn what the “A” stands for, you have to see the show.

From there, she tries to find herself and a career that fits.

She recounts getting an entry-level position of an Elf on a Shelf, but she got too big

Hailey Jones is the creator of The Elf Experience, a series of interactive and family-friendly holiday shows and activities. and broke the shelf. She tries to host a talk show like “Elfen Degeneres.” She invites the children to join her in a Christmas production of “The Nutcracker,” but they find they can’t dance fast enough together.

“I have a Christmas rapping bit,” Jones says. “I’ll do a little rap and have the kids getting boxes of presents. I end the show with that sense of coming home and practicing patience looking forward to Christmas and an elf blessing—basically a parody of the Irish blessing, but in elf language.”

Another thing she enjoys doing is to relate how she was an extra in Hollywood Christmas movies. She’ll ask the children to give her the name of a Hollywood

PAGE 18 THE ARGONAUT DECEMBER 17, 2020

Christmas movie and she’ll re-enact the movie as a one-elf version. Usually she’ll just get one of the big three Christmas movies, but sometimes she’ll get something off the wall like “Gremlins.” She says she always rolls with it, even if it means making the familyfriendly Christmas version of “Die Hard.”

Christmas has always been a big deal to Jones, and she recounts that one of the worst childhood heartbreaks she had was learning the “truth” about Santa.

“It was really hard for me,” Jones says. “I think I was 10 or 11, and in that moment I was like, ‘What is Christmas without this magic and joy which I associated with Santa Claus? What is Christmas?”

Fast-forward a dozen years, Jones was working as a waitress and whenever she worked on Christmas Eve, she would give out a jingle bell to kids and whisper to them, “I’m an elf in disguise” and watch as their eyes would light up.

When she moved to California after theater school, she was living in a school bus in Lake Arrowhead and trying to decide what to do. A friend suggested that she go and work for Santa’s Village as an elf.

“I was like, ‘Someone will pay me to be an elf?’” Jones says. “All of my dreams came true in that one sentence.”

It was there she developed her elf act—a year after being told she was too funny to be a princess.

“I think that is a compliment,”

Jones says. “I got demoted and promoted at the same time.

They suggested I create my own character.”

So she did. Last year after moving to Los Angeles, Jones brought her act to the local community. She worked with a family who had just bought an old church in Silver Lake. She decorated the building and created her own version of Santa’s Village for two weeks.

She offered a maker’s fair, her show, reindeer games and crafts.

This year, the pandemic made such an offering impossible.

Jones has switched the program into virtual experiences or small live outdoor performances where everyone is distanced and there are a limited number of people.

ArgonautNews.com

“I still continue the heartbeat of these really personal moments,” she says.

The response from children often impresses Jones and she lives for the moments when she can see the light go on in their eyes. She tells a story about how at Santa’s Village she’d carry around a snowman that she’d introduce as her friend “Achoo.” Later in the day, she can’t find him.

“I asked one kid if he’d seen Achoo because he said he would be back,” Jones says. “I look down and there is just a puddle.

The kid said, ‘Friends change.’”

Here in Southern California where there is no snow, she puts up posters of him saying he is “missing.”

“One little girl said to me, ‘I see that your snowman is missing,’” Jones says. “She asked me, ‘When did you last see him? Have you gone back there? A lot of times where we lose something is where it still is.’ Wow—she was my therapist that day.”

An elf, Jones says, is just a child with refined skills, which is why children are really able to connect to that magic and belief, and why she is able to provide those moments where their eyes light up. Back when people could still touch, Jones would give special elf handshakes. They’d reach out to do a fist bump and she would put her fist on top of theirs and call out, “Snowman!”

“It was always this moment of surprise and pure joy I could see in their eyes,” Jones says. “I wish I had a picture of that moment. It happens a lot. I do have such a genuine childlike way of engaging. My normal comedy is like this. Kids just get it. It is pure of heart and it really is about just celebrating.”

She says kids leave their comfort zones all the time with her. She told another story of a child who was on the spectrum, but he just waltzed onto the stage to be with her and said, “I’m an elf, too,” so they did an improv together.

“It is elf magic,” Jones says.

“You create a safe space even on stage in front of people. It’s pretty cool. It’s all about expressing yourself.”

She makes a game out of social distancing, using her physical style of acting to create space boundaries. For any indoor performance she wears a mask and when

outdoors she maintains social distancing. It is something that requires constant creativity to interact with and draw children in while no longer giving hugs or making any physical contact. Sometimes she even performs in front of a window or an open house door.

“I’m a very adaptable performer,” Jones says. “Some kids are really shy and just kind of slowly easing into it, while some are ready to meet you at 150%. I’m always ready to adapt. For the past three years, I’ve had these different environments which have allowed me even more so to gauge the kids, as well as what bits work for each age.”

Jones also adapts to each child’s emotional needs. One parent said that her child had been traumatized by Santa asking if he was naughty or nice. He had accidentally broken an elf toy and was convinced Santa knew he was “an elf murderer.”

While Jones has been bringing her A. Jolly Elf to local families, she still gets 5 to 10 requests a day for Santa Claus.

It’s much harder to find Santa this year because he is all about having people in his lap, which isn’t very COVID-conscious.

“I tried to be magical about it—he’s very busy and has to play it extra safe, so why not an elf instead?” Jones says.

“Santa is iconic, but I’m entertaining. I don’t want to take the man down, but I do want to be equal to him, and I think it is time. I think our society is ready for an elf to be equal to Santa Claus.”

The Elf Experience includes storytelling, jokes, sing-alongs and craft time; and customers can either purchase an online version or rent a visit.

What:The Elf Experience: Be your best sELF Elf options include: • (safe) sELFies: Silly and self photos with or without an elf • ‘Rocks Around: Distanced physical comedy around a Christmas tree that includes no-contact, inclusive reindeer games • Live show: A vaudevilleinspired comedy show about an elf who keeps failing and keeps trying Price: $24 for a 20-minute virtual visit one-on-one or with a family, $10 for 20 minutes for group classes of six or less kids Website: elfexperiencela.com DECEMBER 17, 2020 THE ARGONAUT PAGE 19

A R T S

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E V E N T S IMAGES COURTESY SMC THEATRE DEPARTMENT]

Santa Monica College’s Theatre Arts Department is presenting its performances online for audiences to enjoy.

Nontraditional Theater Santa Monica College’s performing arts students get creative during COVID-19

By Bridgette M. Redman No college student can afford to waste a semester, not even when there is a pandemic that interferes with the usual activities of pursuing a degree.

This is especially true for theater students at Santa Monica College.

With the school restricting people from being in the same room and all activities gone virtual, professors and students were challenged to come up with something that provided critical learning experiences in a realm that relies on being live and in person. The outcome has been three plays, where each student individually records his or her parts, then everything is edited together and put online for audiences to enjoy.

According to Perviz Sawoski, chair of the theater department and director of one of the shows, the subjects of the plays were up to the three directors, but had to fit the model of providing sound acting experience to students.

“We wanted to do something

that would take us as far away from the pandemic as possible,” Sawoski says. “We wanted to do something that would bring lightness and joy to people as opposed to reminding them we are in the middle of this horrible pandemic.”

The shows, which are all free video performances, include “Les Romanesque” by Edmond Rostand and directed by Adrianne Harrop; “The Seven Ravens: A Grimm Brothers Tale Reimagined” by G. Bruce Smith and directed by Sawoski; and “Radio Ghost Stories Revisited,” written and directed by Terrin Adair-Lynch.

Les Romanesque (Through February 14, 2021) Harrop selected “Les Romanesques” because it is the non-musical version of “The Fantastiks,” a musical she is passionate about.

“I had done the Fantastiks so many times,” Harrop says. “I had starred in it twice and directed it at least once. It was a joy to redo the story with my

PAGE 20 THE ARGONAUT DECEMBER 17, 2020

dear people.”

The production has only five actors in it: a pair of lovers, their fathers and a kidnapper. It is done in a melodramatic style with each actor going over the top with their proclamations of love, hate and money.

Written by the same author of “Cyrano de Bergerac,” this story is about two fathers who scheme to get their children to marry by pretending to hate each other. They build a wall between their properties where the children meet every day.

They then hire a kidnapper to pretend to kidnap the daughter so the son can “rescue” her.

Once everyone is happily matched, things start to turn a little sour.

The Seven Ravens: A Grimm Brothers Tale Reimagined (Through February 14, 2021) The reimagined Grimm’s tale premieres a play written specifically for Santa Monica College and its students.

Sawoski called upon Smith to write a play in what is their

third collaboration.

“When Perviz asked me this past spring to write a new play based on a fairy tale, she specifically told me to write it as a play, even though we were not certain it would be produced on stage in the fall,” Smith says.

“Perviz expertly shaped the play knowing that coronavirus might very well have an impact on the final product.”

They moved the fairy tale forward in time and set it in the US in the 1950s and late 1960s.

A young woman sets out in search of her seven brothers after learning that her father turned them into ravens because he was angry with them. The setting allows them to play with iconic movements of those two decades and follows a family as they undergo major changes that reflect the world they are living in. The family starts out as a very traditional 1950s family, but their loss changes them.

“The parents are despondent about their loss and don’t know what to do,” says Sawoski.

“They want to make a change

and are surrounded by the change happening in the US between the 1950s and 1960s, which was pretty drastic. They join the protest movements, ultimately becoming hippies and joining a hippie commune.

They change their names from Frank to Leaf, from Betty to Willow, and Mary Beth to Harmony.”

The play is filled with fantastical, otherworldly creatures which help bring the fairy tale aspects to life. These include angels, spirits, stars, a sun and moon king, a guru, and of course, the transformed ravens.

They are created by 18 actors who play about 40 different roles.

Radio Ghost Stories Revisited (Through February 14, 2021) While the other two professors purposely chose something light and comedic to help people escape the mood of the pandemic, Adair chose to go darker with a comedy about ghost stories. With a cast of 22 actors, the story is styled as a “dark

ArgonautNews.com

The free video performances will be available through January 3, 2021 on YouTube. comedy of mayhem, madness and murder.” The curtain opens on an ensemble of quirky entertainers who decide they want to save a failing radio station. Their plan? They’ll produce their own peculiar broadcast series.

Rehearsing and creating While rehearsals took place on Zoom, Sawoski did not want the shows to be performed on the ubiquitous medium. Instead, they sent a green screen, costumes and props to each student, and the students filmed themselves using their smart phones.

“Our students are very adaptable and over the years we have done hundreds of shows,” Sawoski says. “We have always managed to bring the world of the show to the students and they are able to enter that world and use the appropriate acting technique to fulfill the vision of that particular work. It’s the same thing with this. We had pretty intense rehearsals.”

More than ever, the role of stage managers and video editors became crucial to the work. Harrop had high praise for her video editor, but said that much of the show’s comic timing that came out in rehearsal was lost when the video was put together because it was just slightly too slow, something they continued to work on even after the show premiered.

“We had a great rehearsal period on Zoom,” Harrop says.

“We had a lot of laughs, and it had the pacing and comic timing. I just missed being able to block it. I could give them notes very easily about their interactions, about their characters, the one thing that was missing was the physical whole, the gestalt.”

Harrop also found that Zoom rehearsals brought her actors closer together. She’d open the room early and people would come and chat, somewhat like they might before an in-person rehearsal, except people were more focused on each other,

deprived of the ability to walk around. She also found that her students put in more effort and energy than usual.

“I guess it is because they were so hungry and the only food they had was this Zoom,” Harrop says. “They were eager beavers. They took in everything. One nice thing about doing it on Zoom is that you can zero in on little moments and the nuances.”

Sawoski and Smith originally created the play to be performed live, but were prepared to adapt it to online.

Sawoski arranged scenes so that there were rarely more than two people on the screen, with an occasional three. Sometimes to accomplish this, they had to resort to metaphors—such as the seven boys messing with a baptismal font and splashing water all around the stage. The cameras narrowed in on their hands that could be edited together.

“It won’t look like it is happening in real time, I knew

that,” Sawoski says. “We’ll create it like a piece of art.

We’re using techniques like a music video, where not everything is realistic or linear.”

Instead, they’ll use artistic elements, something Sawoski says can be exciting and allows some things not possible on stage—like having the boys dancing and in the middle of the dance transform into ravens.

Harrop praised her students for gaining a real appreciation of both ensemble and the importance of words. She says there were no prima donnas and that they will never disparage the importance of words while acting. While the shows are not what the typical theater student could expect to participate in during past years, the theater chair says they have picked up new, important skills that will serve them well in their future careers.

“I think they will know how to deal with even the most unusual circumstances,” Sawoski says.

“This will be helpful for them

when things are better in the world. They know how to film themselves, lighting, and how to number and name shots. We were there to support them the entire way.”

She suspects audiences will enjoy watching the show as much as the students enjoyed creating it. And the college will have met its mission despite the unprecedented effects of the pandemic.

“My goal for the department is that we always want to push new boundaries and find ways that are different and innovative,” Sawoski says. “Even if it means we fail sometimes and don’t achieve exactly what we want.

We’re not going to let this bring us down. We’re going to push through and turn something horrible into a learning experience and move forward.”

For more information and to watch, visit smc.edu/academics/ academic-departments/theatrearts/

Performances include “Les Romanesques (The Romancers)”,“Radio Ghost Stories Revisited” and “The Seven Ravens: A Grimm Brothers Tale Reimagined.”

DECEMBER 17, 2020 THE ARGONAUT PAGE 21

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Compass is a real estate broker licensed by the State of California and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. License Number 01991628. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only and is compiled from sources deemed reliable but has not been verified.

Changes in price, condition, sale or withdrawal may be made without notice. No statement is made as to accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footage are approximate. If your property is currently listed for sale this is not a solicitation.

DECEMBER 17, 2020 AT HOME – THE ARGONAUT’S REAL ESTATE SECTION PAGE 23

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THE ARGONAUT REAL ESTATE Q&A

Architect, Designer or Contractor: Who to Hire for a Renovation?

If you’re going to do a home renovation or remodeling project, you may want to work with professionals for several reasons. Working with a professional in the remodeling industry can help you avoid costly mistakes, can help you get organized, and can bring your vision to life.

There are three main types of professionals you might consider working with on a renovation.

These are an architect, a designer and a contractor.

Knowing what differentiates them from one another can help you make the right decision for your project.

The Role of a Designer A designer can help you by coming up with ideas, creating plans and steering you in a direction based on your wants and needs. Of those, for many people, drawing the plans can be the most important role of a designer. A basic design plan might include a floor plan and built-in features, such as cabinets in your

kitchen. A full-service designer might take the worker beyond that and help with fixtures and finishes. Designers aren’t typically project managers, however.

Designers can be costly. They can charge hundreds of dollars an hour, and they usually have a minimum project fee of anywhere from $3,000 to $5,000.

Some estimates say that you should plan to budget from 8 to 12% of your total project cost for a designer.

If you have an idea of what you like and what you want, you might not need to hire a designer.

The Role of an Architect An architect will come to your home and go over what you want from your renovation and budget. They will create a plan that will bring that to life. You may work with an architect only for the plan. Some people hire architects for full project management. In that case, the architect will choose contractors and will track their progress.

An architect’s services can cost anywhere

PAGE 24 AT HOME – THE ARGONAUT’S REAL ESTATE SECTION DECEMBER 17, 2020

from $50 to $200 an hour, or if they’re managing the project, it may be 5-20% of the total project cost.

cost-plus basis. That means they take the total amount they anticipate the project will cost and they add a markup.

If you’re doing a renovation that involves taking out walls and changing your layout, you may need an architect.

Who Do You Need?

A contractor with experience is likely to be able to deal with a simple renovation as well as an architect, and you can save money. If your budget is tight, you might want to collaborate with your contractor on your design. If you want a bit of help and guidance, you might hire a designer who will offer a consultation.

The Role of a Contractor A contractor is someone who serves as a project manager when you bring them on for a renovation. They will work with you on your expectations and then make sure those are met. Contractors can give you a complete budget breakdown for the project, and they can also design your project if you want them to.

Something valuable about hiring a contractor is that they’ll then find your subcontractors such as electricians and plumbers. This makes your life easier because finding trustworthy subcontractors and then managing them can be a challenge.

You’ll need a licensed contractor so they can pull the necessary permits for your project. Contractors usually charge on a

Finally, if you’re doing something like moving major walls for creating an openconcept layout, you might want to consult with an architect because of safety.

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My boyfriend, who was adopted as an infant, just heard from his birth mom for the first time ever. She contacted him out of the blue, sending a perfectly nice message, not expecting anything from him.

Instead of responding to it, he’s just sort of shutting down. Times are tough enough, and I don’t think it’s healthy to bottle up his feelings. However, whenever I point that out or ask him how he feels, he says he doesn’t want to talk about it. How can I help motivate him to process his feelings?

--Caring Girlfriend We all have to deal with rejection, but most of us get our first taste of it at 6 — years old, that is, not six minutes after a nurse cuts our umbilical cord.

Emotions are basically the helper elves of humanity. They evolved to motivate behavior to help ancestral humans survive, mate and pass on their genes. We tend to see “negative” emotions like sadness and anger as damaging, but evolutionary researcher Randolph Nesse, M.D., explains they are just as functional as “positive” emotions.

Negative emotions are the brakes for behavior that isn’t working for us.

Though, these days, minor bad choices usually aren’t fatal, our psychology is calibrated as if they could be. The psychological operating system driving our behavior today is adapted for a harsh ancestral hunter-gatherer environment. Say some Neanderbro had the brilliant idea that he’d catch wild game for dinner by asking it nicely to throw itself onto his spear. But say, after collecting only windblown dust on his spearhead, the emotions he felt were happiness and excitement. He’d stick with his hunting approach and end up dining on tree bark rib-eyes, the culinary choice of people who slowly starve to death.

Though men get depressed just like women do, another evolutionary researcher, psychologist Joyce Benenson, notes that men tend to be less emotionally sensitive than women, showing less fear and sadness from infancy on. Men are also less emotionally fluent, meaning they have trouble understanding exactly what they’re feeling, which, in turn, keeps them from being able to put names to their emotions. Though these seem like shortcomings, they serve men’s evolved role as the “warriors” of our species. In combat, men would put themselves and their fellow warriors at risk if they jabber on about how terrified they are and plop down on the

battlefield for a good cry.

How does your boyfriend feel? Best guess: emotionally overwhelmed. If so, his “shutting down” makes sense. It’s basically the human version of overloaded electrical wiring triggering a circuit breaker in your house—as opposed to keeping the juice flowing and triggering an electrical fire, turning your home into a two-bedroom, two-bath pile of smoking ash.

Sigmund Freud, who saw having actual evidence to support his claims an unnecessary bother, drove the widespread assumption that “repression”—avoiding upsetting thoughts to prevent or minimize anxiety—is emotionally and physically destructive. In fact, clinical psychologist Karin Coifman and her colleagues observe that there’s “a small and relatively inconsistent body of evidence” that associates “repressive coping” with health costs.

Research increasingly suggests it can be “adaptive” —beneficial—for a person to direct their attention away from experiences that cause negative feelings (especially negative feelings about themself...say, like being “given up” for adoption). And the Coifman team’s own study finds that the “emotional dissociation” of repressive coping can actually lead to better adjustment, fewer health complaints and “a less significant medical history.”

Consider, too, that men often “speak” through action rather than words. Your boyfriend is probably flooded with uncertainty about what he should do: contact his birth mom, meet with her, do nothing. You can help him—by being loving and supportive as he goes about this his way. If he still seems to be suffering a month from now, you might Google adoptee discussion boards and ask him whether you could give him the links. Reading about others’ feelings and experiences could help him understand his own feelings and decide how he’ll proceed.

Ultimately, the emotional expressiveness that comes naturally to many women is unnatural for many men.

Benenson explains that women tend to bond through “sharing vulnerabilities” and soothe themselves by talking about their feelings, behavior that would leave most men feeling exposed and threatened. This provides helpful perspective on men’s seemingly counterproductive reactions to bad stuff that happens. True story from one of my male friends: “A few years ago, I mentioned to my wife that there was a guy at work who was a real pain in the ass. She said, ‘Do you want to talk about it?’ I said, ‘I just did.’”

GOT A PROBLEM? Write to Amy Alkon at 171 Pier Ave, Ste. 280, Santa Monica, CA 90405, or email her at AdviceAmy@aol.com. ©2020, Amy Alkon, all rights reserved. Alkon’s latest book is “Unf*ckology: A Field Guide to Living with Guts and Confidence.” Follow @amyalkon on Twitter or visit blogtalkradio.com/amyalkon.

DECEMBER 17, 2020 THE ARGONAUT PAGE 25

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING Classifieds / Legals

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

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 al i for ni a Au cti on Bond # 70 75 939 0 PUBLISHED: The Argonaut Newspaper 12/17/20, 12/24/20

Legal Notices

alignment with State environmental justice initiatives, including the Planning for Healthy Communities Act (SB 1000). The proposed program will also regulate recycling and solid waste facilities in support of Senate Bill 1383 that focuses on waste diversion, and the California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 (AB 32 and SB 535).The proposed project includes a Zone Change for 28 parcels and proposed land use category designated for 15 of those parcels located in the communities of FlorenceFirestone, West Rancho Dominguez-Victoria, West Carson, and Willowbrook.

Zones will be changed from M-2 (Heavy Manufacturing) to M-1 (Light Manufacturing).

SUMMARY OF significant Environmental IMPACTS The Draft PEIR concluded that impacts associated with the Green Zones Program would result in significant and unavoidable impacts related to, cultural resources, tribal cultural resources, and noise.

Public HearingA public hearing on the Project and the Draft PEIR will be scheduled b e f o r e th e L o s An g e l e s County Regional Planning Commission at a time and date to be determined. Once a hearing date is scheduled, another notice will be released for a minimum of 30 days prior to the public hearing. REVIEWING LOCATIONS Due to the Covid-19 pandemic and closure of County facilities, and to ensure public access to the Draft PEIR, the document is available for review on the following website:http://planning.lacounty.gov/GreenZones/Documents The document is also available on the Department's website at http://planning.lacounty.gov/c ase by typing the project number 2018-003209 into the Search Case Archive Window. Please submit written comments on the Draft PEIR to Tahirah Farris of the Department of Regional Planning at the above address.

You may also fax your written comments to (213) 6260434, or email to GreenZones@planning.lacounty.go v. Should you have any questions, please call 213974-6316.

12/17/20 CNS-3424192# THE ARGONAUT

NOTICE OF COMPLETION AND AVAILABILITY OF DRAFT PROGRAM ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT RELien Sales PORT for Green Zones Program PROJECT NO. 2018003209-(1-5) ADVANCE NOTICE OF SALE PLANNING CASE NO. RPPL2018004809 GENERAL NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN PLAN AMENDMENT NO. that the undersigned intends RPPL2020002900 ENVIRto sell personal property, ONMENTAL ASSESSMENT household items, business NO. RPPL2020002788 goods and boxes of unSTATE CLEARINGHOUSE known content identified by NUMBER 2020060242 The Occupant name below, to enLos Angeles County Departforce a lien imposed on said ment of Regional Planning, property pursuant to Secacting in the capacity of tions 21700-21716 of the Agency" under the "Lead Business & Professions, secCalifornia Environmental tion 2328 of the UCC, SecQuality Act (CEQA) and the tion 535 of the Penal Code County Environmental Docuand provisions of the Civil ment Reporting Procedures Code. and Guidelines, Chapter III, Section 304, has filed a "NoThe undersigned will sell at tice of Completion and Availpublic sale by competitive ability" of a Draft Program bidding on Thursday, JanuEnvironmental Impact Reary 07, 2021 at 1:00 pm on port (Draft PEIR) for the the premises where said Green Zones Program property has been stored (Project, Green Zones Proknown as Stor-It Self Storgram, or proposed program). age and located at 4068 Del The Draft PEIR has been Rey Avenue, Marina Del prepared in accordance with, Rey, Ca. 90292, County of and pursuant to CEQA, as Los Angeles, State of Califoramended, Public Resources nia, the following: Code Section 21000 et seq., and the "Guidelines for ImMary J. Howroyd plementation of the CaliforKaren Mcclain nia Environmental Quality Act Brian Allaire (State CEQA Guidelines), KC Brown California Code of RegulaDorothy A. Washington tion, Title 14, Chapter 3, SecYolanda Washington tions 15000 et seq. Public Dorothy A. Washington Review PeriodThe formal M. Gloria Gowan public review period for the Carmelle Topps Draft PElR will be from Stephanie Hoffman 12/17/20 to 2/1/21 (45 days).

Donald Didion All comments received by the Adela Cei closing of the public review M. Castelo period will be considered in Kaela Whelan the Final EIR. SITE LOCADan Mapes TION Countywide PROClaudia Gutierrez POSED PROJECT The Joshua Hersko Green Zones Program aims Brett Smith to promote environmental James Barlow justice by providing zoning Eat The Ball USA requirements for industrial For Classified rates and uses, vehicle-related uses, Purchases must be paid for and recycling and solid waste at time of purchase in cash uses that may disproportiononly. All purchased items are info, call Ann at ately affect communities sursold as is, where is and must rounding these land uses in be removed at the time of alignment with State environ626-584-8747 or sale. The sale is subject to mental justice initiatives, incancellation in the event of cluding the Planning for settlement between Owner ann@argonautnews.com Healthy Communities Act and the obligated party.

(SB 1000). The proposed program will also regulate reAUCTIONEER: David Hester cycling and solid waste facilitLegal Notices Auctioneer & Associates, ies in support of Senate Bill Ca lifo r n i a Auction Bond 1383 that focuses on waste # 7 0 7 5 9 3 90 diversion, and the California Affordable Housing Program Waiting List for 1-3 Bedrooms for Jefferson at Marina del Rey is Now Open Global Warming Solutions PUBLISHED: The Argonaut Act of 2006 (AB 32 andemail SB JeffersonBMR@udr.com or text N To e wbe s pplaced a p e ron1the 2 / wait 17/2 0 ,a prospective list, applicant must 535).The proposed project in12/24/20 310-601-8013 the following: cludes a Zone Change for 28 parcels and proposed land Name(s) use category designated for 15 ofBedroom those parcels located in size desired the communities of FlorenceEstimated annual Firestone, West income Rancho Dominguez-Victoria, Phone number West Carson, and Willowbrook.

Emailbeaddress Zones will changed from M-2 (Heavy PhysicalManufacturing) address to M-1 (Light Manufacturing).

Estimated number occupants SUMMARY OF of significant Environmental IMPACTS The PEIRWILL concluded that NODraft WALK-INS BE ACCEPTED impacts associated with the Being added to the wait list does not guarantee eligibility for a unit under the BMR Program.

Green Zones Program would result in significant and unThe Jefferson atavoidable Marina delimpacts Rey fullyrelated adheresto, to all applicable Federal and State Fair Housing laws.

We doresources, not discriminate cultural tribal against cul- any person due to race, turalgender, resources, noise. color, religion, sex, gender and identity, gender expression, sexual orientaPublic HearingA public heartion, marital status, national origin, ancestry, familial status, source of income, ing on the Project and the physical or mental disability, genetic information, age, arbitrary personal Draft PEIR will be scheduled b e f o r e ort h e L o sstatus, An gore lany e s other protected classification. characteristics,military veteran County Regional Planning Commission at a time and PAGE 26 THE ARGONAUTdate DECEMBER 17, 2020 to be determined.

Once a hearing date is scheduled, another notice will be re-

Name Change ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME Case No. 20NWCP00264 SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES. Petition of FLOYD THOMAS KEARNEY, for Change of Name. TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: 1.) Petitioner: Floyd Thomas Kearney filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: a.) Floyd Thomas Kearney to Thomas Floyd Kearney 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: 01/08/21. Time: 10:30 AM. Dept.: C Room: 312.

The address of the court is 12720 Norwalk Blvd., Norwalk, CA 90650-Norwalk Courthouse. A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: Los Angeles. Original filed: November 10, 2020. Judge Margaret M. Bernal, Judge of the Superior Court. PUBLISH: The Argonaut Newspaper 12/17/20, 12/24/20, 12/31/20, 01/07/21

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME Case No. 20SMCP00406 SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES. Petition of CASSIDY BROOKE CLEMENS, for Change of Name.

TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: 1.) Petitioner: Cassidy Brooke Clemens filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: a.) Cassidy Brooke Clemens to Cassidy Brooke Stocker 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: 02/05/2021. Time: 8:30 AM. Dept.: K. The address of the court is 1725 Main Street Santa Monica, CA 90401Santa Monica Courthouse. A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: Los Angeles. Original filed: November 18, 2020.

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: November 18, 2020.

Lawrence Cho, Judge of the Superior Court. PUBLISH: The Argonaut Newspaper 12/3/20, 12/10/20, 12/17/20, 12/24/20

Fic. Business Name FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2020184692 Type of Filing: Original The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: DOM SALES REPRESENTATIVE; 13810 Northwest Passage Unit #302 Marina del Rey, CA 90292. COUNTY: Los Angeles. REGISTERED OWNER(S) Anna P. Caldeira, 13810 Northwest Passage Unit #302 Marina del Rey, CA 90292. THIS BUSINESS IS CONDUCTED BY an Individual. 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/: Anna P. Caldeira.

TITLE: Owner. This statement was filed with the LA County Clerk on: November 10, 2020. NOTICE – in accordance with subdivision (a) of Section 17920, a Fictitious Name Statement generally expires at the end of five years from the date on which it was filed in the office of the county clerk, except, as provided in subdivision (b) of Section 17920, where it expires 40 days after any change in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to Section 17913 other than a change in the residence address of a registered owner. a new Fictitious Business Name statement must be filed before the expiration.

The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a Fictitious Business Name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state, or common law (see Section 14411 et seq., business and professions code). Publish: The Argonaut Newspaper. Dates: 11/26/20, 12/3/20, 12/10/20, 12/17/20

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2020189895 Type of Filing: Original. The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: AFTER SUNSET. 8020 W. Manchester Ave. Playa del Rey, CA 90254. COUNTY: Los Angeles. Articles of Incorporation or Organization Number: 202022010654. REGISTERED OWNER(S) Serein Dreams LLC, 3400 Cottage Way Ste. G2 #3156 S a c r a m e n t o , C A 9 5 8 2 5.

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: 08/2020. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. /s/ Jana Montalbano. TITLE: CEO, Corp or LLC Name: Serein Dreams LLC. This statement was filed with the LA County Clerk on: November 17, 2020. NOTICE – in accordance with subdivision (a) of Section 17920, a Fictitious Name statement generally expires at the end of five years from the date on which it was filed in the office of the county clerk, except, as provided in subdivision (b) of Section 17920, where it expires 40 days after any change in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to Section 17913 other than a change in the residence address of a registered owner. a new Fictitious Business Name statement must be filed before the expiration.

The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state, or common law (see Section 14411 et seq., Business and Professions code). Publish: The Argonaut Newspaper. Dates: 12/03/20, 12/10/20, 12/17/20, 12/24/20 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2020182708 Type of Filing: Original. The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: JUST MASSAGE STUDIO. 8329 Lincoln Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90045. COUNTY: Los Angeles. Articles of Incorporation or Organization Number: 3540149. REGISTERED OWNER(S) Magna Facility Management, Inc, 8329 Lincoln Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90045. State of Incorporation or LLC: California. THIS BUSINESS IS CONDUCTED BY a Corporation. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: 10/2020. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. /s/ Cesar Escobar. TITLE: President, Corp or LLC Name: Magna Facility Management, Inc. This statement was filed with the LA County Clerk on: November 9, 2020. NOTICE – in accordance with subdivision (a) of Section 17920, a Fictitious Name statement generally expires at the end of five years from the date on which it was filed in the office of the county clerk, except, as provided in subdivision (b) of Section 17920, where it expires 40 days after any change in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to Section 17913 other than a change in the residence address of a registered owner. a new Fictitious Business Name statement must be filed before the expiration.

The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state, or com-

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MASSAGE STUDIO. 8329 Lincoln Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90045. COUNTY: Los Angeles. Articles of Incorporation or Organization Number: 3540149. REGISTERED OWNER(S) Magna Facility Management, Inc, 8329 Lincoln Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90045. State of Incorporation or LLC: California. THIS BUSINESS IS CONDUCTED BY a Corporation. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: 10/2020. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. /s/ Cesar Escobar. TITLE: President, Corp or LLC Name: Magna Facility Management, Inc. This statement was filed with the LA County Clerk on: November 9, 2020. NOTICE – in accordance with subdivision (a) of Section 17920, a Fictitious Name statement generally expires at the end of five years from the date on which it was filed in the office of the county clerk, except, as provided in subdivision (b) of Section 17920, where it expires 40 days after any change in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to Section 17913 other than a change in the residence address of a registered owner. a new Fictitious Business Name statement must be filed before the expiration.

The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state, or common law (see Section 14411 et seq., Business and Professions code). Publish: The Argonaut Newspaper. Dates: 11/26/20, 12/3/20, 12/10/20, 12/17/20 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2020190109 Type of Filing: Original The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: HRH MORTGAGE; 1990 Westwood Blvd., Suite 100 Los Angeles, CA 90025.

COUNTY: Los Angeles. REGISTERED OWNER(S) Hillary Heyl, 4227 Tivoli Avenue 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: N/A. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. /s/: Hillary Heyl.

TITLE: Owner. This statement was filed with the LA County Clerk on: November 17, 2020. NOTICE – in accordance with subdivision (a) of Section 17920, a Fictitious Name Statement generally expires at the end of five years from the date on which it was filed in the office of the county clerk, except, as provided in subdivision (b) of Section 17920, where it expires 40 days after any change in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to Section 17913 other than a change in the residence address of a registered owner. a new Fictitious Business Name statement must be filed before the expiration.

The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a Fictitious Business Name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state, or common law (see Section 14411 et seq., business and professions code). Publish: The Argonaut Newspaper. Dates: 12/3/20, 12/10/20, 12/17/20, 12/24/20

The Argonaut Classifieds (626) 584-8747 ann@argonautnews.com

THIS BUSINESS IS CONDUCTED BY an Individual.

The registrant commenced to transact business under the Fictitious Business Name or names listed above Name on: N/A. I Fic. Business declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. /s/: Hillary Heyl.

TITLE: Owner. This statement was filed with the LA County Clerk on: November 17, 2020. NOTICE – in accordance with subdivision (a) of Section 17920, a Fictitious Name Statement generally expires at the end of five years from the date on which it was filed in the office of the county clerk, except, as provided in subdivision (b) of Section 17920, where it expires 40 days after any change in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to Section 17913 other than a change in the residence address of a registered owner. a new Fictitious Business Name statement must be filed before the expiration.

The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a Fictitious Business Name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state, or common law (see Section 14411 et seq., business and professions code). Publish: The Argonaut Newspaper. Dates: 12/3/20, 12/10/20, 12/17/20, 12/24/20 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2020198552 Type of Filing: Original The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: VERYNICE; 530 S. Hewitt St., Unit 434 Los Angeles, CA 90013. COUNTY: Los Angeles. REGISTERED OWNER(S) Matthew Manos, 530 S. Hewitt St., Unit 434 Los Angeles, CA 90013.

THIS BUSINESS IS CONDUCTED BY an Individual.

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/: Matthew Manos.

TITLE: Owner. This statement was filed with the LA County Clerk on: November 25, 2020. NOTICE – in accordance with subdivision (a) of Section 17920, a Fictitious Name Statement generally expires at the end of five years from the date on which it was filed in the office of the county clerk, except, as provided in subdivision (b) of Section 17920, where it expires 40 days after any change in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to Section 17913 other than a change in the residence address of a registered owner. a new Fictitious Business Name statement must be filed before the expiration.

The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a Fictitious Business Name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state, or common law (see Section 14411 et seq., business and professions code). Publish: The Argonaut Newspaper. Dates: 12/3/20, 12/10/20, 12/17/20, 12/24/20

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68 E is the only ruinous vowel that 3 “Doggone it!” doesn’t begin any 4 Reacted to a of their names punch 72 Napkin material 5 More saintly 73 Unemotional 6 St. Teresa’s 74 Destiny and home source of the 7 “Norma __” phoenix 8 Designer 75 Managed care Schiaparelli gp.

9 Roughly one-third 76 Some eligible of Africa receivers 10 Where embryos 77 Informed, with develop “in” 11 Emcee’s lapel 78 Communion site attachment 79 Frigate front 12 Like GIs in the 80 Tourist’s rental kitchen 81 Nitpickers split 13 Cream cheese them serving 82 Of great scope 14 Play badly?

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