The Argonaut Newspaper - December 22, 2022

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EDITORIAL

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Contributing Writers: Bridgette Redman, Morgan Owen, Leah Schwartz

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VICE PRESIDENT: Michael Hiatt PRESIDENT: Steve Strickbine

A Eulogy for P-22, a Mountain Lion Who Changed the World

By Beth Pratt, California Regional Executive Director for the National Wildlife Federation

Iwrite this eulogy while looking across one of the 10-lane freeways P-22 somehow miraculously crossed in 2012, gazing at a view of his new home, Griffith Park. Burbank Peak and the other hills that mark the terminus of the Santa Monica Mountains emerge from this urban island like sentinels making a last stand against the second largest city in the country. The traffic noise never ceases. Helicopters fly overhead. The lights of the city give the sky no peace.

Yet a mountain lion lived here, right here in Los Angeles.

I can’t finish this sentence without crying because of the past tense. It’s hard to imagine I will be writing about P-22 in the past tense now.

Biologists and veterinarians with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife announced today they have made the difficult decision to end P-22’s suffering and help him transition peacefully to the next place. I hope his future is filled with endless forests without a car or road in sight and where deer are plentiful, and I hope he finally finds the mate that his island existence denied him his entire life.

I am so grateful I was given the opportunity to say goodbye to P-22. Although I have advocated for his protection for a decade, we had never met before. I sat near him, looking into his eyes for a few minutes, and told him he was a good boy. I told him how much I loved him. How much the world loved him. And I told him I was so sorry that we did not make the world a safer place for him. I apologized that despite all I and others who cared for him did, we failed him.

I don’t have any illusion that my presence or words comforted him. And I left with a great sadness I will carry for the rest of my days.

Before I said good-bye, I sat in a conference room with team members from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the team of

doctors at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. They showed me a video of P-22’s CT scan, images of the results, and my despair grew as they outlined the list of serious health issues they had uncovered from all their testing: stage two kidney failure, a weight of 90 pounds (he normally weighs about 125), head and eye trauma, a hernia causing abdominal organs to fill his chest cavity, an extensive case of demodex gatoi (a parasitic skin infection likely transmitted from domestic cats), heart disease, and more.

The most severe injuries resulted from him being hit by a car last week, and I thought of how terrible it was that this cat, who had managed to evade cars for a decade, in his weakened and desperate condition could not avoid the vehicle strike that sealed his fate.

As the agency folks and veterinarians relayed these sobering facts to me, tissue boxes were passed around the table and there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. This team cares just as much for this cat as we all do. They did everything they could for P-22 and deserve

our gratitude. Although I wished so desperately he could be returned to the wild, or live out his days in a sanctuary, the decision to euthanize our beloved P-22 is the right one. With these health issues, there could be no peaceful retirement, only some managed care existence where we prolonged his suffering — not for his benefit, but for ours.

Those of us who have pets know how it feels when we receive news from the veterinarian that we don’t want to hear. As a lifelong dog and cat owner, I have been in this dreadful position too many times. The decision to let them go is never easy, but we as humans have the ability, the responsibility, and the selflessness to show mercy to end the suffering for these beloved family members, a compassionate choice we scarcely have for ourselves.

I look at Griffith Park through the window again and feel the loss so deeply. Whenever I hiked to the Hollywood sign, or strolled down a street in Beachwood Canyon to pick up a sandwich at The Oaks, or walked to my car after a concert at the Greek Theater,

the wondrous knowledge that I could encounter P-22 always propelled me into a joyous kind of awe.

And I am not alone — his legion of stans hoped for a sight of Hollywood’s most beloved celebrity, the Brad Pitt of the cougar world, on their walks or on their Ring cams, and when he made an appearance, the videos usually went viral. In perhaps the most Hollywood of P-22’s moments, human celebrity Alan Ruck, star of “Succession,” once reported seeing P-22 from his deck, and shouting at him like a devoted fan would.

We will all be grappling with the loss of P-22 for some time, trying to make sense of a Los Angeles without this magnificent wild creature. I loved P-22 and hold a deep respect for his intrepid spirit, charm, and just plain chutzpah. We may never see another mountain lion stroll down Sunset Boulevard or surprise customers outside the Los Feliz Trader Joe’s. But perhaps that doesn’t matter — what matters is P-22 showed us it’s possible.

He changed us. He changed the way we look at LA. And his influencer status extended

around the world, as he inspired millions of people to see wildlife as their neighbors. He made us more human, made us connect more to that wild place in ourselves. We are part of nature and he reminded us of that. Even in the city that gave us Carmeggedon, where we thought wildness had been banished a long time ago, P-22 reminded us it’s still here.

His legacy to us, and to his kind will never fade. He ensured a future for the entire population of mountain lions in the Santa Monica Mountains by inspiring us to build the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing, which broke ground this spring. P-22 never fully got to be a mountain lion. His whole life, he suffered the consequences of trying to survive in unconnected space, right to the end when being hit by a car led to his tragic end. He showed people around the world that we need to ensure our roads, highways, and communities are better and safer when people and wildlife can freely travel to find food, shelter, and families.

The Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing would not have been possible without P-22, but the most fitting memorial to P-22 will be how we carry his story forward in the work ahead. One crossing is not enough — we must build more, and we must continue to invest in proactive efforts to protect and conserve wildlife and the habitats they depend on — even in urban areas.

P-22’s journey to and life in Griffith Park was a miracle. It’s my hope that future mountain lions will be able to walk in the steps of P-22 without risking their lives on California’s highways and streets. We owe it to P-22 to build more crossings and connect the habitats where we live now.

Thank you for the gift of knowing you, P-22. I’ll miss you forever. But I will never stop working to honor your legacy, and although we failed you, we can at least partly atone by making the world safer for your kind.

Visit the National Wildlife Federation Media Center at NWF.org/news.

The late mountain lion P-22.

PHOTO CREDIT: STEVE WINTER

Karen Bass Takes Office

LA inaugurates first

By Morgan Owen

After 241 years and 42 mayors, Angelenos gathered on Dec. 11 to celebrate the breaking of glass ceilings as Vice President Kamala Harris administered the oath of office to LA’s first female mayor, Karen Bass.

Bass will officially take office the following Monday, Dec. 12. The crowd cheered as Bass took the stage to thank all of California’s trailblazing women who joined her in celebration, including the first openly LGBTQ President pro tempore, Toni G. Atkins, and the state's first female Lieutenant Governor, Eleni Kounalakis.

“Making history with each of you today is a monumental moment in my life and in Los Angeles… And let’s not forget our all-female County Board of Supervisors,” exclaimed Bass, addressing them directly.

“Holly, Katherine, Gilda,

Janice, Lindsay – We are going to make so much history together.”

Sunday’s celebration at Microsoft Theater was the first mayoral inauguration in LA not to be held on the steps of the City Council, moved due to concerns over the rain. How-

ever, the event was largely ceremonial, as Bass was formally sworn in at a private ceremony on Dec. 10.

Bass observed she will serve LA at an “inflection point.” In a rapidly changing world of pandemics, inflation, climate change, and the cost of living increases, 40,000 people are sleeping on the streets. Bass is committed to fighting the challenges of working-class families and to combatting the housing crisis that faces our city.

“This is why tomorrow morning, I will start my first day as mayor at the city's emergency operations centers where my first act as mayor will be to declare a state of emergency on homelessness,” Bass declared. “My emergency declaration will recognize the severity of our crisis, and break new ground to maximize our ability to urgently move people

inside, and to do so for good.”

The inaugural celebration also celebrated LA’s deeply rooted history of Angelenos of color.

The performance lineup included a list of Black and Chicano artists, including gospel duo Mary Mary, a surprise performance by Chicano band Las Cafeteras, and poet Amanda Gorman, who also performed original poetry at the presidential inauguration in 2021.

Bass’s commitment to solutions-based governance earned her the most votes out of any mayoral candidate in the history of LA. That accomplishment comes despite Rick Caruso, who spent 11 times more money than Bass on his campaign, the most out of any state campaign in California history.

The six-term congresswoman representing the 37th Congressional District made history

throughout her career, first in 2008 when she became the first-ever Black woman in U.S. history to serve as a Speaker in the state legislature.

Bass intends to call on all her resources to help serve LA and her mission to solve the housing and homelessness crisis.

“Vice President Harris, Governor Newsom, my colleagues in Congress who are here today, look for me on your caller ID because I will be calling,” laughed Bass.

“If we come together and focus on solutions rather than jurisdictions – on locking arms rather than pointing fingers. If we just focus on bringing people inside and comprehensively addressing their needs and moving them to permanent housing with a way to pay their bills, we will save lives and we will save our city. This is my mission as your mayor.”

Karen Bass.

Spreading Joy for the Holidays

15th Annual Muscle Beach Toy Drive was a big success

By Kamala Kirk

The 15th Annual Muscle Beach Toy Drive took place on Dec. 4 and spread joy to local underserved children during the holidays. Organized by Joe Wheatley Productions, the family-friendly event featured fun and festive events throughout the day. The Pacific Division LAPD Color Guard Cadets kicked off the festivities to the National Anthem followed by the Lat Pull

Down competition. The Venice Vintage Motorcycle Club rolled in with toys strapped to the back of their motorcycles, then Santa and his Elvettes made a special appearance on their sleigh and handed out special Certificates of Appreciation to event sponsors. The money raised from the Muscle Beach Toy Drive goes to the Pacific Area Boosters, a nonprofit organization that supports the LAPD Pacific Division Cadets Program.

CHRIS MORTENSON

Eddie Nicholas from Venice Vintage Motorcycle Club hands out toys.

Sal Cortez drops some toys off during the Muscle Beach Toy Drive.

Members of Venice Vintage Motorcycle Club with Santa Claus.

Venice Vintage Motorcycle Club rolled in with toys on their motorcycles.

Dakota Clark and Kirsty Robinson in their festive attire.

Zach Iddings and Carly Van Skaik dressed up for the occasion.

Thrive with Dignity

Community Corp. Santa Monica breaks ground on Westchester’s first affordable housing

By Morgan Owen

There was celebration in the air as public officials, community members, and representatives from Community Corp. of Santa Monica gathered for the groundbreaking of their most recent affordable housing complex in Westchester. Buying the property was a gamble. That was the consensus among the leaders present at the ceremony. But it was a gamble that paid off.

When Community Corp. purchased the lot at 8300 Airport Road three years ago for $9 million, there was no guarantee that the Santa Monica affordable housing nonprofit would successfully obtain permission to build Westchester’s first affordable housing development.

Aside from the typical community pushback to affordable housing, Tara Barauskas, Community Corp.’s executive director, explained their biggest obstacle was breaking through a nine-page restrictive covenant from the 1940s that prevented the property from being sold to anyone of Black, Jewish, or Mexican descent.

Although the racial component was declared unlawful during the Civil Rights movement, sections that outlined density restrictions for new developments and how future owners must use the property remained legally binding.

“That’s the more subtle way to get at keeping ‘those people’ out, is to say ‘we don’t want any multi-family housing here,” Burauskas said.

One way to overturn this covenant was to obtain a majority vote from the surrounding landowners, but pushback in the community prevented Community Corp. from taking that approach.

“That left me with very few options,” Barausakas said. “I could either file a lawsuit, or I could change the law.” And that is exactly what she did.

Now, in California State Law, recorded covenants, restrictions, and limits on private or publicly owned land that restrict the number, size, or type of residences built on a property are unenforceable against afford-

able housing developments.

Furthermore, AB 721 declares that “ensuring access to affordable and supportive housing and the production of additional affordable and supportive housing is a matter of statewide concern,” and that it applies universally across California.

“If everyone seems excited today, it’s because this is the project we had to go all the way to Sacramento and change the state law to make it happen,” said Richard Moore, Chairman of the Board at Community Corp. Santa Monica.

Red Tail Crossing will have

104 units, 52 of which will be two and three-bedroom homes for families, and 40 of which will be reserved exclusively for formerly homeless individuals looking for a new start. Selection will be through a lottery system six months before the building’s completion.

Rene Buchanan, one of Community Corp.'s residents, spoke at the groundbreaking ceremony to fight the stigma that comes along with offering affordable housing for the formerly homeless.

“I would guess we have all passed these people in the streets, stood behind them in

grocery lines, ridden the metro, or sat next to them as we worship. And we most likely had no idea, because just as two adjacent apartment buildings – one affordable and one not –are indistinguishable, two people standing side by side –one low income and one not –are also indistinguishable,” said Buchanan.

Community Corp. Santa Monica has been building affordable housing in Santa Monica for 40 years. Founded by community leaders in 1982, Community Corp. has built or restored more than 80 properties throughout the Westside,

creating over 1,900 affordable homes for more than 4,000 people.

Red Tail Crossing, Community Corp.’s largest development ever, represents their push further into the Westside after completing another affordable housing complex in Mar Vista.

It also represents Community Corp.'s commitment to creating sustainable “homes” that improve the quality of life for residents through health and wellness, solar power, and green space.

“As a dad, when I think about these (Red Tail Crossing), I think about some of the firsts. Babies will say their first words and take their first steps here… People will get their first jobs here… have some first dates here… All these first experiences will be enhanced because people living here will have a beautiful, safe, affordable home due to the efforts of everyone here today,” Moore said to the crowd.

The atmosphere at the groundbreaking emanated with pride and accomplishment. Sometimes affordable housing projects don’t make it, explained Moore, either because of financial obstacles or community pushback. But in 18 months, residents will move into Red Tail Crossing not just to live, but “thrive with dignity.”

Designs for Community Corp. Santa Monica’s Red Tail Crossing.

COURTESY

PHOTO

Community Corp. Santa Monica developers and advocates breaking ground on Red Tail Crossing affordable housing development.

PHOTO CREDIT: CHRIS MORTENSON

Thatcher Yard

Marina del Rey’s latest affordable housing community holds groundbreaking on Dec. 8

By Leah Schwartz

Thomas Safran & Associates, along with Mayor Eric Garcetti, city council member Mike Bonin, and state senator Ben Allen, broke ground on Dec. 8 in Marina del Rey at the Thatcher Yard build site, the city’s newest affordable housing community located in the Oxford Triangle Neighborhood. This event is the last that Mayor Garcetti and council member Bonin will attend before leaving office.

The project is slated for completion in the Fall 2024; once finished, Thatcher Yard will host 98 units, spread across eight two-story buildings, which will enclose a courtyard and green space complete with an outdoor patio, barbecue grill, play structure, landscaped gardens, and interior walkways.

There will be 67 units designated for seniors, 30 for lowincome families, and one unit for an onsite manager. 50% of these units will provide permanent supportive housing to tenants experiencing chronic homelessness. There will be onsite supportive services for those tenants in need.

“The Department of Mental Health at the county level will be here to help folks who are here complete their healing and move forward out of the trauma that they carry into apartments here,” Garcetti said.

The community will include a multi-purpose community room

replete with a gourmet kitchen, lounge seating, and a game/TV/ music area. Other amenities to be featured are a semi-subterranean parking lot and a fitness center.

Thomas Safran & Associates, the company spearheading the project, has been developing and managing affordable, luxury, and mixed-use rental housing in Southern California for over 40 years. Since its inception, it has constructed over 6,000 units.

At the event, Bonin remarked on Thomas Safran’s outstanding reputation as a leader in creating and maintaining affordable housing in LA.

“They want Tom involved because not only are the projects

the gold standard…he cares deeply about not just building housing, but building community,” he said. “And that’s what will be built here – a community.”

Bonin continued, “Tom doesn’t just come for the groundbreaking and the ribbon cutting and then disappear. He’ll be down here on his bike frequently, checking out the art, making sure that the art is right, making sure that people are happy, making sure that the doorknobs are polished. He’s going to make this thing, the beautiful gift for the people who live here and those who live around here that it needs and deserves to be.”

Before the project, the lot was an underutilized maintenance yard for the city. But in the wake of the housing crisis and ongoing homelessness epidemic, council member Bonin proposed using the lot for affordable housing back in 2016. Later that year, TSA was selected to develop the lot in partnership with the city of Los Angeles, which donated the land and will share the revenue from the project.

Since 2016 much has happened, between holding neighborhood collaboration meetings, securing land use and environmental approvals from City Planning, and receiving the funding commitment from the city and Housing & Community Development. The project was given the final go-ahead in 2021 after obtaining low-income housing tax credits and building permit approvals.

Bonin expressed his frustration at the length of the project.

“Eight years from conception to providing a roof over someone’s home doesn’t work, that’s why we’re in this crisis,” he said.

During this, many neighbors expressed initial misgivings about the complex in their community. This reaction is not unusual; neighborhoods often block low-income housing proposals, fearing it will lower property value and cause disruptions.

At length, Bonin and TSA engaged and educated the community, trying to quell some

initial unease.

“Part of what makes Tom so successful is the ability to listen and show enormous respect to neighbors, neighborhoods, quality of life, and all the concerns in the community,” Ben Allen said. “He also has such a track record. Neighbors here were able to go and visit other sites down in Playa, the Westside, and all over Los Angeles to see how the projects have been conducted. They saw how he had kept his commitments to neighborhoods and communities over and over again. And I think that is a big part of what got us to this place where people felt comfortable moving forward with this project.”

Initially, the project was supposed to include 160 units, but neighbors pushed back, which led to the 98-unit compromise. When choosing the design for the building, TSA wanted to collaborate with the neighborhood and put up the final design for the community to select by vote, ultimately voting for luxury architect Steve Giannetti.

Safran explained that there are often misconceptions about people in affordable housing.

“Every resident will be so grateful that they were selected and get to move in here,” he said. “So they’re going to adhere to the house and ground rules. And they’re not going to play loud music at night because we don’t permit it. So you’re going to have ownership and residents who will be to me a dream. It is not the fear that so many people have”

The demand for housing outweighs the 98 units available, and tenants will be selected through a lottery after completing a thorough application. TSA will screen winners with a credit and criminal background check and income verification, followed by an in-person interview and home inspection. This detailed process allows TSA to select high-quality applicants. But many in need will remain unhoused.

“We’re going to need in the 11th district alone tens of thousands more units of housing, workforce housing, affordable housing to end homelessness,” Bonin said. “And that is multiplied across the city. And it’s on all of us to get that done. It’s on all of us to end this crisis.”

Thatcher Yard, a 98-unit affordable and supportive housing community in Marina del Rey, held a groundbreaking and brunchtime celebration on Dec. 8.

PHOTO CREDIT: ROBIN WEITZ

The project is slated for completion in Fall 2024.

Extra Bedroom

Award-winning program relaunches for holiday season

By Kamala Kirk

Whether you have out-of-town guests or want to enjoy a local staycation, the award-winning “I Wish I Had an Extra Bedroom” program is back. Through the program, Santa Monica residents and their visiting friends and family that need extra space have the exciting opportunity to explore their city from a visitor’s standpoint while receiving a special discounted rate at participating local hotels.

The program is available through Jan. 30, 2023 at 23 participating hotels including Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows, Hotel Casa del Mar, Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel, Santa Monica Proper Hotel, Shutters on the Beach, and Viceroy Santa Monica, among others.

Santa Monica residents must show valid proof of ID to receive the special deals. To receive the discounted rates

(some up to $300), book directly with the hotel. The complete list or participating hotels and their special rates

can be found at santamonica. com/extra-bedroom. Rates are subject to availability and blackout dates may apply.

merchandise.

“Those of us that live here know Santa Monica is LA’s premier beach city with stunning Pacific Ocean views, a booming dining scene – including 17 Michelin-recognized restaurants— unique shopping and world-class hotels, all which typically play a factor in why current and future residents call Santa Monica home,” said Misti Kerns, president and CEO of Santa Monica Travel & Tourism. “'I Wish I had an Extra Bedroom’ is not only one of our most popular programs each year, but it provides residents with a unique opportunity to experience their community from a visitors point-of-view, so we encourage locals to ‘gift’ themselves this holiday season by taking advantage of these offers.”

Extra Bedroom Program santamonica.com/extra-bedroom

Saint Mark School

St. Mark School in Venice is a Catholic school that fosters the development and education of the whole child while also providing opportunities to practice the faith through community service, philanthropy and artistic creativity. St. Mark first opened its doors to students in 1949, and continues to serve the Westside of Los Angeles as an elementary school with classes from TK to 8th grade. Graduates from St. Mark continuously get accepted into the high school of their choice.

Lion TV: How the Lockdown at St. Mark School lead to a Popular Student Program

In March 2020, the Coronavirus forced the St. Mark community and the world into lockdown. And for St. Mark Church the quest began to stay connected when we were no longer able to attend mass in person. Live streaming mass became a regular way to maintain our faith during the lockdowns – it became an emerging ministry in the liturgical space for Catholics. Little did they know at the time, it would also give birth to one of the most popular and valuable programs at St Mark School: Lion TV.

St. Mark is a fully accredited school with an average class size of 20 and a student to teacher ratio of 14 to 1. Our education program includes Religion, Readers & Writers Workshop, Cognitively Guided Instruction (CGI) Math, Responsive Classroom Pedagogy, Spanish, Music, Art, Science and Physical Education.

For more on St. Mark School, join our upcoming Admissions Information Session on October 12, 2021 at 8:00 AM. Meet with Dr. Holmquist, take a tour of the school, see our children and teachers in action, and participate in a Q&A session with our students to experience what makes St. Mark School special.

For more details and dates, visit the website: www.stmarkschool.com

Under the direction of professionals in the production industry, St. Mark students were invited to learn the trade of filming and producing the live streamed masses. Equipped with the skills and the professional-grade equipment used in the church, those student directors became the core of what is now Lion TV. Soon, students imagined how to take their expertise and experience beyond the live streamed masses. Those students began writing scripts, directing, and editing content showcasing every dimension of school life. Sports, religion, interviews, even skits and game shows fueled the content for Lion TV episodes that began broadcasting in homerooms on a bi-monthly basis. Lion TV teaches its members digital literacy and citizenship, content creation, technical skills, and promotes collaborative learning, organizational and management skills.

And it has become one of the most popular leadership opportunities that St. Mark School offers its students.

The entire experience reflects what St. Mark School values: the faith dimension of its school life; problem solving and creativity; learning new skills; and building a diverse community. The birth of Lion TV reflects each of those values.

Mention the program at any of the three Santa Monica Visitor Information Centers to receive 30% off most Santa Monica

Whether you have friends and family visiting or need a change of scenery, residents can take full advantage of this year’s “I Wish I had an Extra Bedroom” program available through Jan. 30.

DESIGN

Winter Wonderland

Barclay Butera transforms Shutters on the Beach for the holidays

By Kamala Kirk

Earlier this month, renowned interior designer and arbiter of Southern California style, Barclay Butera, unveiled a stunning seasonal transformation of the lobby living room and front façade at Shutters on the Beach.

The oceanfront lobby has been reimagined as a chic holiday wonderland dressed in glittering décor custom-designed exclusively for the hotel. A new Barclay Butera boutique also complements the lobby transformation and is open for the month of December.

“We are honored and delighted to work with design visionary Barclay Butera to bring to life the quintessential holiday gathering place at Shutters on the Beach. Barclay’s aesthetic perfectly complements Shutters’ classic beach house style,” said Christophe Baraton, general manager of Shutters on the Beach. “We look forward to welcoming hotel guests and our neighbors throughout the city to experience the warmth of the holidays in this magical space at Shutters.”

Since 1994, Butera has been the creative force behind his iconic design firm and showroom in Newport Beach. He is renowned for his approachable elegance and glamorous, chic interiors. His inspirations are drawn from a diverse variety of grand architecture from coast to coast, European and Far Eastern influences including everything from high-fashion runways to his world travels.

Upon arrival, guests are greeted by an illuminated coral tree wrapped in sparkling lights. The courtyard is adorned with thousands of miniature white lights, and life-sized regal nutcrackers stand tall in the entryway, custom hand painted in Shutters’ signature blue. An adjacent vintage sleigh finished in navy blue and surrounded by festive silver crowns and Christmas trees offers the perfect photo opp.

In the lobby, a 9-foot noble fir Christmas tree is decorated with lights and glass-blown ornaments in sea glass green and white, inspired by the Pacific Ocean. Classic and elegant magnolia wreaths and garland fill the lobby, while silver mint julep cups and white cyclamen

top each table in the living room.

The Barclay Butera boutique is located on the ground floor and invites the public to shop the look, including furnishings from Barclay Butera’s collection for Lexington Home Brands, alongside hand poured candles, diffusers, shell and coral pieces, handblown glass in distinct shapes, blue and white ginger jars, signature picture frames, pillows and throws, bar and bathroom accessories, original art, baskets, totes and more. The boutique is open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

“It has been a pleasure to partner with Shutters on the Beach to curate a space where guests can celebrate the season and create lasting memories,” said Barclay Butera, owner of Barclay Butera Interiors.

“Bringing the spirit of the holidays to this exquisite setting excites me and is truly special.

The inviting and magical energy here make Shutters the perfect venue for any holiday getaway or event.”

Shutters on the Beach

1 Pico Boulevard, Santa Monica 310-458-0030 shuttersonthebeach.com Barclay Butera barclaybutera.com

Renowned interior designer Barclay Butera has transformed Shutters on the Beach into a winter wonderland for the holidays complete with regal nutcrackers and a vintage sleigh.

The centerpiece of the lobby is a 9-foot noble fir Christmas tree decorated with thousands of lights and hundreds of glass-blown ornaments in sea glass green and white, inspired by the sparkling Pacific Ocean on the hotel’s doorstep.

In addition to reimagining Shutters’ oceanfront lobby dressed in glittering décor custom-designed exclusively for the hotel, a new Barclay Butera holiday boutique is open throughout December.

Hot Dog on

in Muscle Beach

Iconic landmark recently underwent renovations

By Kamala Kirk

After 75 years of business, the original Hot Dog on a Stick in Muscle Beach recently reopened after undergoing several months of renovations.

The first Hot Dog on a Stick opened in 1946 in Santa Monica on the famous Muscle Beach. Initially a food stand, the brand known for its trademark colors of red, white and blue with a splash of lemonade has since grown into a cultural phenomenon with over 50 locations across the United States.

“The location started to undergo renovations in late February of this year,” said Jenn Johnston, president of Hot Dog on a Stick. “After 75 years of business, the location was updated to carry the brand forward for the next 75 years. We worked diligently to keep the nostalgic look and feel of the original location, while providing a larger workspace for our employees, and modern amenities such as air conditioning to make it easier to operate the location.”

Updates include increasing the unit size from 420 to 600 square feet, upgraded water and electrical supply, a more efficient building shell, and a larger storage area.

“Every update in the construction process took into account the original,” Johnston said. “As an official Santa Monica landmark, it was very important to us to emulate the same look that we have had for the last 75 years, but with a modern feel. With more space, our famous Hotdoggers can now better serve our loyal fans their favorite hot dog on a stick and cheese on a stick products and fresh, handstomped lemonade.”

Hot Dog on a Stick –

Muscle Beach

1633 Ocean Front, Santa Monica

10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily hotdogonastick.com

After 75 years, the original Hot Dog on a Stick in Muscle Beach recently underwent several months of renovations.

RINGING IN 2023

From fireworks to champagne dinners, here are some fun ways to celebrate NYE

By Kamala Kirk

All

photos courtesy

2023 is almost here, and there are many different ways to celebrate New Year’s on the Westside, whether you want to be cozy at home or enjoy a night out. Local restaurants and hotels are hosting NYE parties and dinners, and free fireworks shows can be enjoyed from different spots across town. Read on to discover what’s going on around town to help you plan your NYE celebrations.

• Fireworks in Marina del Rey. Head to Fisherman’s Village or anywhere near the South Jetty to enjoy the annual fireworks display and countdown to the New Year with fireworks at 8:59 p.m. and again at 11:59 p.m. Plus, the family-friendly Glow Party returns to Burton Chace Park from 7 p.m. to midnight with DJ music, dancing, food trucks, and more. Free admission.

• Santa Monica NYE Pub Crawl. Enjoy the ultimate NYE party night out with drink specials at the biggest and best Pub Crawl Santa Monica has to offer this NYE. Your choice of ticket determines your check-in location: either at Circle Bar or Barney’s Beanery. Participants will enjoy VIP entry to fantastic venues and drink specials as low as $4 drafts and 2-for-1 premiums and champagne. Buy tickets online. 323-6046030, vipnightlife.com/events/santa-monica-new-yearseve-pub-crawl-party-2023

• NYE at NUEVA. Ring in the New Year with NUEVA’s special menu additions including an irresistible 16 oz. prime ribeye steak and grilled lobster. Guests can enjoy NUEVA’s a la carte menu as well. Celebrate with a complimentary champagne toast at midnight. The evening will rock, south of the border style, with DJ Illa, party favors and more to ring in 2023! They are also offering a New Year’s Day brunch with festivities beginning at 10:30 a.m. 310-747-6050, 822 Washington Boulevard, Marina del Rey, nuevavenice.com

• NYE Dinner Party at LouLou. Turn your NYE dinner into the best celebration to say good-bye to 2022 in style. LouLou Rooftop Restaurant Lounge is offering two DJs, two rooms, Confetti’s Storm, party favors and a countdown. First seating is from 5 to 7 p.m., $88 for a 4-course menu. Second seating is from 8 to 11 p.m., $149 for a 5-course menu. 323-410-2337, 395 Santa Monica Place, #300, Santa Monica, loulousantamonica.com

• Moonlight NYE Cruise. Party your way into the New Year aboard this 3-hour luxury cruise on the Entertainer Yacht featuring live entertainment from LA’s favorite DJs, premium open bar from start to finish, 4-course dinner buffet for all, two giant indoor areas to mingle plus sky deck with spectacular views of Marina del Rey harbor and Fireworks Show. 323-604-6030, vipnightlife.com/events/la-new-yearsever-moonlight-pier-pressure-cruise-2023

• NYE Dinner at Shutters on the Beach. This New Year’s Eve, mark your calendars to ring in 2023 with 1 Pico. The beachfront restaurant will be serving a pre-fixed menu with two seatings, the first being $160 per person and the second being $220 a person. Menu highlights will include Thai prawns, seared Nantucket scallops, Hudson Valley duck leg confit, and vegan risotto. The next morning, 1 Pico will be serving a New Year’s Day Brunch with a steak, egg and truffle Omelet; caviar scramble, and black truffle carbonara, among others. Cost is $95 per person. 310-458-0030, 1 Pico Boulevard, Santa Monica, shuttersonthebeach.com

• Westside Winter Wonderland NYE Ball at Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel. What better way to celebrate than at the beach at the stunning Loews with 1940s Pin-Up Darlings The Satin Dollz, a DJ spinning tunes on the ocean view pool deck, countdown and champagne toast at midnight, party favors, indoor/outdoor dance floors, photo booth, and VIP oceanfront fire-pit tables to ring in 2023? Early bird tickets $60; $70 the week of 1700 Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica, nye2023loewssmbeach.eventbrite.com

• NYE Dinner at SALT. Kick off your New Year’s Eve celebration on the Marina at SALT! For $145 per person, the prix fixe menu offers four-courses of land-to-sea dishes with a glass of complimentary champagne. To start, guests can choose from Hirmasa sashimi, main lobster bisque, and roasted butternut squash, and a selection of fresh, seas nal salads. Main course options include Maine diver scallops, braised beef short rib, and roasted prime rib of beef. For dessert, guests can satisfy their sweet tooth with Basque “burnt” cheesecake or mini espresso pot de crème. SALT is open until 9 p.m. on NYE and Del Rey Lounge will be open until 11:00 p.m. 424-289-8223, 13534 Bali Way, Marina del Rey, marinadelreyhotel.com

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• NYE at Hotel Casa del Mar. To ring in 2023, grab your nearest and dearest for a dazzling bash sponsored by Pommery Champagne at the oceanside hotel. Enjoy a late-night festive dinner seating with access to an epic after party featuring live music from the Cardinal Gold band late into the night and into the New Year. The perfect option to celebrate 2023! For more information and to purchase tickets, visit https://bit. ly/3v1MuAW. 310-581-5533, 1910 Ocean Way, Santa Monica, hotelcasadelmar.com

• New Year’s Day Brunch at Café Gratitude. Kick off the New Year strong with rejuvenation at the favorite plant-based restaurant. This hot spot offers plenty of nutritional dishes created by Executive Chef Dreux Ellis that’ll have guests feeling grateful at every bite. Guests can opt for the savory ‘Machaca’ Mexican Breakfast hash made with mushroom carnitas and tofu scramble, the refreshingly clean Pumfu Greek salad, or go sweet with Belgian Oat Waffle & Berries. Pair the meal with a drink from Cafe Gratitude’s new beverage program such as the Gratitude Fiero Spritz or the Limonata Spritz, a light and bubbly sip with white wine and their house made sparkling lemonade. Reservations can be made online or by phone 424-231-8000, 512 Rose Avenue, Venice, cafegratitude.com

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• New Year’s Eve Dinner at The Tasting Kitchen. The Tasting Kitchen is beloved for their eponymous tasting menu. This year for NYE, they will be offering guests special 3, 5 and 7-course tasting menu experiences to ring in 2023 in the most delicious way. Executive Chef Travis Passerotti has deliberately curated the evening’s special menus which range from $145 to $265 per person. Each dish is made from the finest products in the region paired with premier imported goods to showcase the palate of Southern California terroir. Wine and cocktail pairings will be available as well. Guests who are there for the countdown to midnight will receive a complimentary champagne toast! Reservations are now available via OpenTable from 5 to 11 p.m. 310-392-6644, 1633 Abbot Kinney Boulevard, Venice, thetastingkitchen.com

• New Year’s Dinner & Fireworks at Jamaica Bay Inn. Ring in 2023 by the marina! Jamaica Bay Inn has one of the best fireworks shows in the harbor. Enjoy a special New Year’s Eve menu from 4 to 10 p.m. Fireworks starts at 9 p.m. and the hotel patio is the perfect spot to watch and celebrate with a champagne toast. NYE menu costs $75 per person and includes a complimentary champagne toasts. Dishes to choose from include Main lobster linguine, roasted half chicken, 10 oz dry aged NY, citrus salad, and coconut mango mousse or chocolate hazelnut crunch, among other delights 310-823-5333, 4175 Admiralty Way, Marina del Rey, jamaicabayinn.com

We are an official cat rescue in Venice Beach California run by Katelyn Michele and her wonderful team of volunteers!

Grace Meg & Missy Olive

Pumpkin Tortellini Trixie & Turbo

Spiritual Reawakening

Bellacures’ revitalized nail service helps cleanse and balance one’s aura

By Kamala Kirk

Popular nail salon Bellacures is bringing back its popular “Spiritual Awakening” service, which was first introduced in 2016, with a new revitalized version to cleanse and balance one’s aura.

The manicure and pedicure service will help clients connect with, and balance, their body’s electromagnetic field (also known as one’s aura) by releasing negative energy while setting positive intentions.

The service includes an AuraQuiz (to help determine one’s aura color, as well as what each aura color means), Positive Intention Setting (customers write down anything negative they want to release from their life and what they want to see more of on special dissolving paper), Cleansing Bath (includes one’s choice of aromatherapy essential oil), Detoxifying Salt Scrub and Massage, and a Healing Crystal.

To further nourish the body, Bellacures has teamed up with Sweetfin to create the “Bellacures Reawakening Bowl,” which features sustainable salmon, yuzu kosho sauce, avocado, cucumber, edamame, Napa cabbage, carrots and market radish over black

forbidden rice. The bowl will be available for a limited time at Bellacures’ Santa Monica and Larchmont locations.

Customers can also choose to radiate their vibe on their nails with Bellacures’ new spin on the aura nails trend utilizing reflective chrome atop of gel polish to match their aura color.

The “Spiritual Reawakening” manicure costs $65 and the pedicure is $75 with $40 additional for gel+ chrome upgrade and it will be available at all Southern California locations.

“Customers have been asking for us to bring the Spiritual Awakening service back, and we listed,” said Jennifer Bell, senior marketing and brand manager at Bellacures. “The Spiritual Reawakening service was created to help clients become more in-tune with their energy, and leave the salon feeling balanced and ready to take on the bustle that the holiday season brings into our lives.”

Bellacures 1609 Montana Avenue, Santa Monica 310-584-4584 bellacures.com

Bellacures’ Spiritual Reawakening manicure and pedicure service will help clients connect with and balance their aura by releasing negative energy while setting positive intentions through aromatherapy, a cleansing bath and healing crystals, among others.

To further nourish the body, Bellacures has teamed up with Sweetfin to create the Bellacures Reawakening Bowl featuring sustainable salmon and other healthy ingredients.

Festive Displays

Check out the best spots to see holiday lights and decor

By Kamala Kirk All photos courtesy

The holidays are a magical time, especially when stunning lights and decorations are on display around town. Go for a stroll or relaxing drive while checking out some of these local spots that are known for putting together stunning Christmas lights and activations for all to enjoy.

• Westchester Mental Health Guild’s Holiday Lights Tour & Contest. Tickets are on sale for the Westchester Mental Health Guild’s 3rd Annual Holiday Lights Tour & Contest. For $10, ticket purchasers will get a map of Contest homes to see in Westchester and Playa del Rey from Dec. 10 to 26. All proceeds benefit Airport Marina Counseling Service. 2022holidayslightstour.eventbrite.com

• Winterlit in Santa Monica. Santa Monica’s holiday celebration, Winterlit, transforms Third Street Promenade and Downtown Santa Monica into an immersive experience for the whole family. Tens of thousands of colorful lights, décor and garlands will deck out the Promenade, 2nd and 4th Streets, illuminating convenient shopping and festive outdoor dining experiences. Live music and snow can be enjoyed every Thursday in December through Christmas in front of the holiday tree, and photos with Santa are available through Dec. 24 at 395 Santa Monica Place. 1351 3rd Street Promenade, Santa Monica

• South Coast Botanic Garden Astra Lumina. Through Jan. 29, set off on a mile-long enchanted night walk complete with elaborate projections, lighting, music and astral energy that transforms Palos Verdes’ South Coast Botanic Garden into a celestial pathway. Created by the visionary minds at Moment Factory in partnership with Fever, Astra Lumina is the 17th experience in the Lumina Night Walk Series – and the second in the United States. astraluminalosangeles.com

• Overland Avenue Festival of Lights. Drive by and enjoy the holiday season put on by the Herman Family in Culver City. This year they are displaying more than 7,000 lights and 42 animation channels, an 18-foot Menorah, a disco dreidel, and an 11-foot bear. This is a drive by or park and watch type of event. There is plenty of parking around the corner on Galvin Street. Please don’t come to the door and ring the bell, and stay off the lawn as there are nearly 100 power cords on it. The home is located on Overland Avenue at Northgate Street. The show will run through New Year's from 5 to 10 p.m. on weekdays, and 5 to 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. bradherman.com

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On display nightly through Dec. 24. 1200 E. Acacia Avenue, El Segundo

• Seaside Holiday Lights. Tucked away in South Torrance, the ‘Sleepy Hollow’ neighborhood known for its idyllic elm trees, is the home of the spectacular annual holiday lights display. This family tradition is brought to you by the residents of Seaside Ranchos in South Torrance and can be driven or walked by. seasideholidaylights.com

• Marina Lights at Burton Chace Park. Enjoy Christmas lights in Marina del Rey’s Burton Chace Park from 4 to 10 p.m. every night through Dec. 31, with free entertainment on Saturday evenings.

Venice Canals. The holidays are a great time to stroll around the canals, which look extra magical when decorated with holiday lights and décor. Grab some cocoa and enjoy seeing the charming homes and bridges over the canals all lit up.

Candy Cane Lane El Segundo. Celebrated every year since 1949, residents of El Segundo’s Acacia Avenue deck out their homes with festive holiday displays and music to bring the season’s cheer to this magical corner.

Women of the Sidewalk

Santa Monica photographer launches new project

By Bridgette M. Redman

Pictures can empower.

Santa Monica-based fine arts photographer Elizabeth Waterman already witnessed that in her previous series photographing strippers.

This December, she’s turned her considerable artistic eye to women who live on the streets, some of the city’s most marginalized populations. In a work called “Women of the Sidewalk Project,” she’s taken pictures that show just how powerful women in that population are. The project runs through Dec. 23 and the viewing link on Instagram will be up until the end of the year.

She has partnered with The Sidewalk Project and as part of the holiday seasons, they’ve been releasing 12 days of photos of women who live on the streets of downtown Los Angeles. The women are paid and will receive a portfolio of photographs. Anyone visiting the project can donate through an online campaign link.

Jen Elizabeth of the Sidewalk Project invited both trans- and cis-gendered women to participate in the project, women who find themselves unhoused for a variety of reasons.

Waterman first learned of The Sidewalk Project through a friend who works on their board. Impressed with the work that they do, she reached out to ask whether they could use photos.

The Sidewalk Project uses public health acts, art, music, film and other mediums to empower people. They focus on harm reduction, reaching out to unhoused people, in particular the drug-using and sex worker populations. They try to provide medical care and connect them up with housing and services. Their street team engages in crisis response, system advocacy, wound care, job placement, medicationassisted treatment and creative community resources.

When Waterman first started her project, everyone on staff told her she needed to speak with Jen Elizabeth, the director of Street Engagement and Services and an HIV navigation specialist.

Mariah, one of the women photographed in the "Women of the Sidewalk Project," encourages people to always stay true to themselves and “just be you.”

“Jen is a caseworker and the staff member who worked with sex workers,” Waterman said. “I tracked Jen down—she was always so busy helping everyone. She immediately said, ‘Yes, I have a lot of women I think would do this.’ They only came because they trusted her. It’s really a testament to her and their relationship with her.”

She ended up doing three shoots at the Sidewalk Project’s new offices with five different subjects plus the Sidewalk Project staff.

Elizabeth wasn’t sure how things were going to happen, but she did hear about Waterman through others in the office, getting told that she was an amazing photographer who had done an incredible book on strippers.

“I got to finger through it a little bit online and it was

gritty and real,” Elizabeth said. “I was like, this is really cool that she wants to take pictures of the population that (we serve) it is just so inspiring and incredibly moving. To me, everyone in the unhoused community are the most marginalized—the sex worker population in general and then zoomed in on the transgender sector workers, then you have the Black transgender sectors and it really doesn’t get much more delicate than that. They deserve to have a day, a moment, to feel beautiful and have their photos done.”

She points out that if many of these women dressed as men, they’d face a lot less violence and hardship, but that they are true to themselves and who they are. It causes her to be protective of them because she knows there are those who would seek them out and harm

them just for being who they are.

“They are the most badass of this community, the most courageous, so I was excited for them to have an opportunity to get their pictures done and a portfolio put together,” Elizabeth said.

Waterman said she was immediately impressed by the women who volunteered to participate in the project.

“These women are so strong,” Waterman said. “These are brave women. They are moving forward in circumstances that are not ideal and they have these complex lives. Those are the faces that really need to be seen. These are the people that need to be seen in a nice way, showing them as human beings and people that need attention and help and resources.”

The photos being released to

the public also come with quotes from the subjects. Blue tells viewers that only the strong survive.

“The Sidewalk Project is a great organization,” Blue wrote. “The people I met there really cared about me and they didn’t even know me.”

Another participant, Nala, is eager to inspire others.

“I want to keep shooting for the stars and not looking back,” Nala wrote. “I want to keep going forward and motivate others to do the same.”

Elizabeth stressed that it was very important to her that all participants were compensated and recognized for being gorgeous people who deserve to be treated with all the glamour of a model.

“We don’t use Black women’s bodies,” Elizabeth said in talking about the fundraiser.

“That’s very important to us at Sidewalk to always honor what’s happening and be very careful about it so they are definitely going to be compensated and they’re very excited to get the full portfolio. They’re thrilled about that because it is super beneficial for them. Part of the proceeds of any of the donations we get are going to go to these women as well as a payment to say thank you for being so courageous and wonderful.”

One of the project participants, Bianca Copeland, talked about how The Sidewalk Project and Elizabeth in particular helped her to get a new start and was impressed by the compassion that Elizabeth showed.

“Once I got out of jail, I was standing with some friends on the streets with nowhere to go and one of my friends recommended Jen of the Sidewalk Project,” Copeland wrote. “She said Jen was a good friend who had helped her and her girlfriends get places to stay. And so I met Jen. She knew everybody, she gives out food and gift packs and stuff like that. She got me housing, a shelter for the time being. I couldn’t get anything before. So it was a blessing.”

During the shoot, one of the women took cloth, went into

PHOTO CREDITS: ELIZABETH WATERMAN

the bathroom with some scissors and made her outfit for the shoot. It is the type of creativity and resourcefulness that Elizabeth said has her in awe of these women and the way they carve out joy in very difficult circumstances. She wants people to know about what incredible human beings they are and she hopes this project will contribute to doing that.

Most of the women in the portraits live in a world that looks askance at them, which is why Waterman felt it was important to look at them through a different lens, to look at them as people who deserve respect, who deserve to be beautiful and deserve to be taken care of.

“It changes the perspective of how people see them,” Waterman said. “There’s not a lot of great media right now or great visuals of them in a powerful, respectful way.”

She was determined to present her work in a different way than what is often done with people who live on Skid Row. She said that too often the focus is on their trauma and the images are depressing. She didn’t want to present that viewpoint.

“I want images that are colorful,” Waterman said. “I wanted images that could be in Vogue. One of the women, Bebe, is wearing a red dress that she literally designed and styled in the bathroom during the shoot. She came up with this really cool custom piece. It’s showing them in a far different way than what is out there and it’s a much-needed way. They’re really, really beautiful. They’re holding themselves with grace and dignity and like beautiful women who deserve to be respected.”

Elizabeth said she is always a bit terrified about having a photographer or a journalist witness their work because she never knows whether they will respect the best interests of those she serves. Words and images, she said, are incredibly powerful and can uplift or destroy.

“Meeting Elizabeth (Waterman), I have to trust a little bit,” Elizabeth said. “I am extremely protective of the women in Skid Row in general, of any woman that does not have housing. I tell them everything. The women

that were in this particular project, they were very, very, very ready to do it.”

Waterman hopes that this project will raise awareness of the Sidewalk Project and pave the way for them to earn more grants. The project, she said is all about the people in the community and that was something she tried to capture with her photographs.

“A woman alone is extraordinarily vulnerable,” Waterman said. “But women together can take over the world, we can do anything. The resources of the community are a thousand fold more than any one person. These women that we photographed have been involved with the Sidewalk Project and they help connect people.

Elizabeth said that people are often too quick to judge those who are on the streets. She cited the number one reason women end up on the street is because they are trying to escape domestic violence. Then, once they are on the streets, drugs become a huge temptation because they help them stay awake, which keeps them safer.

“Maybe keep a slight little window cracked open for the possibility that maybe this person is doing the best they can in a life that maybe none of us could even fathom,” Elizabeth said. “And they deserve love. They deserve to be appreciated and to belong somewhere. The streets are dangerous, rough and hard, and even in that, they’re still thriving. That speaks hugely to the type of women that other people want to judge. I see joy in the midst of this war zone that is super, intentionally created. Every day it keeps me motivated to keep fighting for what they deserve.”

And, as one of the participants wrote as part of the project, every day brings a new chance to make things better for someone.

“In every day there are 1,440 minutes. That means we have 1,440 daily opportunities to make a positive impact,” Nala said.

WHEN: Through Dec. 23 INFO: instagram.com/the_ sidewalk_project

Women of the Sidewalk Project

Bebe, who was also photographed for the project, styled her own clothes for the shoot.

Blue, another woman photographed for the project, emphasizes that on the streets only the strong survive.

It’s All in the Name

Derek Day says Classless Act thrives on energy

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

Classless Act frontman

Derek Day bounces with energy first thing in the morning.

He’s feeling great and strives to always have fun, whether it’s on or off the stage. Day said he’s here to make people happy.

“We like to have fun,” said the Eagle Rock resident, calling from snowy Syracuse, New York. “That’s pretty much all we do.”

Fans can get a taste of it themselves when Classless Act plays the Knitting Factory North Hollywood on Friday, Dec. 30.

“It’s rock ‘n’ roll,” he said. “You’ll hear a little bit of something fresh going on. If you hate every single song on our album, you might like a 2-second piece of music. That’s what I tell people: we have two seconds for everyone. When

you see the live show, you’ll get it. The vibe is always great on stage.”

Day honed his skills busking on the Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica. He admitted it was a little daunting at first, but when he loosened up, he found his calling.

“The first year or so was really tricky,” he said. “But it was something I was looking at since I was a kid. I would go visit there. At 13, I already had so many ideas. It was hard to break out of my shell, but that’s how I learned to break out of my shell.”

Influenced by Queen, Led Zeppelin, The Beatles, Guns N’ Roses and Bowie, the LA-based five-piece Classless Act brings a fresh, young take on a golden age of music.

“I have a little disco in my blood, too,” Day said. “My mom bumped disco in our

living room. That got me into my true passion, which is melodies and what makes a song really groove and sing.”

They’ve been applauded by the likes of Jane’s Addiction and only released their debut single, “Give It to Me,” in 2021.

“It’s humbling,” Day said about the compliments. “You just want to make these guys proud. We’ve had the chance to work with some of these people like (Metallica producer) Bob Rock and (The Darkness singer/ guitarist) Justin Hawkins, who’s a real clever dude; very artistic and awesome. At the end of the day, you can only speak with your work.”

Classless Act’s debut, “Welcome to the Show,” quickly racked up 2 million streams, which led them to The Stadium Tour with Motley Crue, Def Leppard, Joan Jett and Poison.

Motley Crue’s Vince Neil appears on Classless Act’s album.

While the music tells its own story, so do the members of the band, hailing from around the globe. The band — which also features guitarists Dane Pieper and Griffin Tucker, bassist Franco Gravante and drummer Chuck McKissock — formed in 2018 when they met through friends via social media.

They quickly bonded over anthemic rhythms, shreddy guitars, soaring vocals and clever arrangements. For Day, writing lyrics wasn’t the easiest thing at first.

“Lyrics are daunting,” he said with a laugh. “It has to sound good. It has to have voice. It has to sound fresh. You don’t want to write about what other people are writing. Now, I really love lyrics. Once you start journaling for yourself, it’s

not bad.”

Young veteran

Before joining Classless Act, Day recorded a few EPs and one full length by his first year of community college. After releasing his first solo-experimental EP in the summer of 2016, he opened for Steve Vai’s 25th anniversary tour of the “Passion and Warfare” album. From there, he hit up NAMM and then opening slots for Ted Nugent for his “Rockin’ America Again” jaunt. His resume also includes stints with Living Colour’s Vernon Reid and Corey Glover for the Chuck Berry tribute at the Lincoln Center. The Fenderendorsed musician joined Living Colour on its “Shade in the USA” tour, and Steel Panther in Fort Lauderdale. In 2018, he and Reid collabo-

Classless Act is, from left, guitarist Griffin Tucker, bassist Franco Gravante, vocalist Derek Day, guitarist Dane Pieper and drummer Chuck McKissock.

PHOTO CREDITS: TRAVIS SHINN

rated on music and that March, Classless Act asked him to join. Their sixth show as a band was a gig opening for Slash featuring Myles Kennedy and The Conspirators at the Palladium.

Classless Act is filled with young veterans, if the two words can be used together. Day said he’s been in the business for 15 years and everyone has released records.

“We’re all in love with each other. We’re all brothers,” he said. “It’s crazy to say our first album dropped this year. It’s like, ‘Whoa. This is crazy.’ This weird social media thing has been intertwined with beautiful synchronicity and good timing. We went through different members. They had two other singers before me. Once we got this right combination, it was like the Power Rangers.”

When he’s home in Eagle Rock, he writes music and works around town as

a session artist. He loves his German shepherd, Stella, to death, even though she’s the “clumsiest thing ever.”

He’s looking forward to his hometown show.

“It’s just the most electrifying kick ass, you can’t take your eyes off it spectacle,” he said with a laugh. “We love to have so much fun on stage. I learned how to move around from the streets, from busking. I love having a good old time. We’re a little funny, a little jokey, a little classless — it’s all in the name.”

Classless Act and Satellite Citi

WHEN: 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 30

WHERE: Knitting Factory, 5303 Lankershim Boulevard, North Hollywood COST: $15 in advance; all ages

INFO: noho.knittingfactory.com

Classless Act is, from left, guitarist Griffin Tucker, drummer Chuck McKissock, vocalist Derek Day, guitarist Dane Pieper and bassist Franco Gravante.

THE ARGONAUT PRESS RELEASES

WESTCHESTER

Completely updated, this crisp and clean three-bedroom Westchester home shines with remarkable attention to detail including hardwood flooring throughout, new paint and windows and welcoming landscaping. The spacious floor plan is ideal for hosting and has French doors to the back porch for that SoCal indoor-outdoor touch. The generous kitchen offers ample workspace, sunlight, Professional Series DCS cooktop with ceiling hood, cooking triangle for appliances and exposed bulb pendant chandelier illuminating the expansive dining area. The primary bedroom delivers a calm space with French door access to the remote controlled spa and covered patio while the two guest bedrooms include large closets, plenty of natural light and a fully remodeled bathroom. Curated with the finest landscaping, the backyard features a gazebo-style covered sitting area with natural gas tap and remote controlled lighting. Enjoy nearby ocean beaches, shops and restaurants, easy freeway access, or the serene privacy of relaxing in this stellar home.

We just got back from a lovely vacation to Costa Rica, and, truth be told, we’re already looking to go back. Being on vacation in such a tranquil environment is a pleasure, and coming back to “real life” is…well…all too real.

Until the day comes when we can surround ourselves with hammocks and tropical flora and wild monkeys and Pina Coladas on a permanent basis, we’re on a quest to make our home environment as peaceful as possible. And today we’ve got fountains on the brain.

While fountains are super pretty to look at, there are a number of additional advantages to adding one to your home. Here’s a few reasons why you need one immediately.

They can help reduce stress. Sitting outside watching the fountain bubble and flow is naturally calming. Bring it inside and you’ll get an extra dose of relaxation-inducing properties.

“How exactly do fountains decrease stress? Because not only are you providing soothing sounds of water flow, but you are also filling the air with negative ions, which can help to improve a person’s mood and energy,” said Kinetic Fountains. “Many fountain users report that simply installing a fountain nearby helps them to attain peace of mind, calmness and a certain ‘serene’ feeling.”

They can help drown out the sound of traffic.

If you live on a busy street or have other environmental noises that detract from your happiness or peacefulness, a fountain is a great solution. “You will be amazed at how even a soft flowing water sound can drown out other sounds around you such as traffic, voices in the next room, that dog that always barks at the same time every night and the neighbor in the upstairs apartment who walks loud,” said Serenity Health.

They improve the ambiance.

“An outdoor water fountain can turn any backyard into an oasis,” said Good Changes Now.

They can purify the air.

Add a fountain to your indoor space and it can work to improve the air quality. “In today’s electronic world there are many gadgets that emit negative ions in our homes and offices,” said Serenity Health. “Indoor water fountains can improve the air in your home with negative ions, reducing the air pollution. Dust is attracted by the negative ions so your water fountain is actively working to purify the air. The continuous moving water in a fountain will not only relax you with its water sounds, but will also rejuvenate you with negative ions.”

They are natural humidifiers.

Let’s face it. Humidifiers are ugly and loud, and can stand out in a room for all the wrong reasons. But, “Dry

environments are a catalyst for poor health and irritating for those suffering from dry skin conditions,” said Water Gallery. A fountain makes a great—and much better looking—substitute.

“Regular humidifiers require constant attention and refilling. The most common models are bulky, plastic eyesores that are meant as temporary solutions,” they said. “They’re loud, out of place, and spray a mist not easily controlled and excessive. In addition, humidifier filters need to be changed regularly and are costly to replace. Water walls, falls, and other indoor water fountains are natural humidifiers. Water from a fountain or waterfall feature only evaporates as the dry air absorbs it, at a natural rate. If the air isn’t dry, water won’t be evaporated. The threat of over humidification is eliminated.

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HAPPENINGS

Compiled by Kamala Kirk

Have an event for the calendar? Send it to kkirk@timespublications.com

Santa Claus is Coming to Culver Saturday, Dec. 24

Santa Claus will be making a guest appearance in the Grand Lobby at The Culver Hotel this Christmas Eve. Bring your littles and loved ones, and enjoy sipping on complimentary hot cocoa rom Lillie’s while making cherished holiday memories.

9400 Culver Boulevard, Culver City, 2 to 4 p.m.

Christmas in Venice – Feed the Homeless Sunday, Dec. 25

For the past 10 years, a large group of volunteers ranging from all ages come together to feed, cloth, hand out toiletries and many smiles to the less fortunate community of Venice Beach. They successfully have had over 500 volunteers at each event and have served thousands of people who may not have a family to spend the holidays with, and are living on the streets. They need your helping hands, physical donations and money donations to keep the event alive and going. For more information about donations and volunteer requirements, visit lostangelesla.org or send an email to: lostangelorg@gmail.com.

219 E Rose Avenue, Venice (in between Hampton Drive and Main Street), 6:30 to 10 a.m.

Acclaimed perceptual artist Michael Murphy presents his first-ever solo LA exhibition, “Perceptual Shift,” at Santa Monica Place, on view for a limited time through Dec. 31.

Christmas Picnic in the Park Sunday, Dec. 25

Don’t go it alone this Christmas holiday! Calling anyone who will be in Los Angeles for Christmas to join for a free Friends-Christmas. Come by yourself or with friends—the group is very friendly and welcomes everyone. There will be plenty of outdoor and social games for everyone to play and meet each other. Please plan to bring your own food and a little extra to share. This will not be a formal potluck but they encourage sharing. Alcohol is not permitted. Free event. Event will be held at

Burton Chace Park, exact coordinates will be provided after the group arrives.

13650 Mindanao Way, Marina del Rey, Noon to 3 p.m.

Chanukah Celebration Sunday, Dec. 25

Join Shul on the Beach for a Chanukah celebration. There will be a Menorah lighting ceremony on the Venice Boardwalk, along with musical performances, Chanukah caroling, a gourmet Chinese dinner, latkes and donuts.

Tickets cost $36 to $44.

505 Ocean Front Walk, 5 to 10 p.m., bit.ly/3YFTJw6

Citizen Public Market Comedy Night

Wednesday, Dec. 28

The Setup is doing an outdoor series at the Citizen Public Market in Culver City. Stay safe by enjoying a show in the fresh open air. Grab food and drink from one of the many choices in the market and then sit down for a hilarious night of comedy. The show is outside on the patio near WeHo Sausage Company. The show will feature 5 to 6 different comedians of varying styles from Comedy Central, HBO, Netflix, etc. The show lasts 90 minutes. The event is for ages

18 and over. Doors open 30 minutes before showtime listed on your ticket. Avoid ticket fees by purchasing online. Tickets cost $15. 9355 Culver Boulevard, Culver City, 8 to 9:30 p.m., setupcomedy.com/los-angeles

“Perceptual

Shift” Exhibition Through Dec. 31

Acclaimed perceptual artist Michael Murphy presents his first-ever solo LA exhibition at Santa Monica Place, on view for a limited time through Dec. 31. “Perceptual Shift” explores themes of perspective, transience, and how small details can contribute to a bigger picture. Guests have the chance to be the first to experience this one-of-a-kind collection of mind-bending experiential installations and watch in awe as illusions metamorphosize in front of you and the cleverlyconstructed art installations play with your point of view.

Michael Murphy’s “Perceptual Shift” is suited for all ages. Tickets range from $18 to $25. 395 Santa Monica Place, Santa Monica, Thursday to Sunday 3 to 7 p.m., feverup. com

On Christmas Eve, sip on complimentary cocoa while making cherished holiday memories with Santa Claus, who will be making a guest appearance at The Culver Hotel.

COURTESY

PHOTO

COURTESY PHOTO

PHOTO CREDIT: MICHAEL MURPHY