Heralding in the New Year Santa Monica High School seniors to perform in the Rose Parade
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PAGE 2 THE ARGONAUT DECEMBER 30, 2021
ON THE COVER: Santa Monica High School students Ian DiMundo and Jaden Robinson will perform in the 2022 Rose Parade as members of the Herald Trumpets. Photo: Chris Mortenson. Design by Arman Olivares.
LETTERS....................................... 4
Local News & Culture
The Westside’s News Source Since 1971 CONTACT US (310) 822-1629 Letters, News, Tips & Event Listings: kkirk@timespublications.com EDITORIAL Executive Editor: Christina Fuoco-Karasinski christina@timespublications.com Editor: Kamala Kirk (310) 574-7654 kkirk@timespublications.com Contributing Writers: Bridgette M. Redman, Michele Robinson Editorial Interns: Holly Jenvey, Sebastian Lipstein ART Graphic Designers: Arman Olivares Kate Doll Staff Photographer: Chris Mortenson
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N E W S
L E T T E R S
Compiled by Kamala Kirk Cases and deaths by neighborhood as of December 22: Culver City: 3,315 (deaths 116); Del Rey: 43 (deaths one); El Segundo: 1,240 (deaths 10); Marina del Rey: 817 (deaths four); Mar Vista: 3,299 (deaths 37); Palms: 3,860 (deaths 69); Playa del Rey: 210 (deaths one); Playa Vista: 1,021 (deaths 12); Santa Monica: 7,867 (deaths 196); Venice: 3,270 (deaths 20); Westchester: 4,055 (deaths 60) Total Westside cases: 28,997 Total Westside deaths: 527
Total confirmed cases in LA County: 1,576,702 Total deaths in LA County: 27,488 Total new cases as of December 22: 6,509 Total new deaths: 16 Hospitalizations: 748 Positivity rate (seven-day daily average): 1.64% Total number of people tested: 9,854,776 (Source: Los Angeles County Department of Public Health)
PHOTO BY KRIS DAHLIN
Coronavirus by the numbers and local updates
Charity solicitation fraud Editor: This year my mailman delivered numerous solicitations, including a package from the Disabled Veterans National Foundation (DVNF). It strongly suggested I make a donation in exchange for their gift of gardening gloves, greeting cards and ballpoint pens. They were betting my donation would easily cover the several dollars they undoubtedly spent to procure and deliver the merchandise. However, my response has been quite the contrary. Instead, their overblown “gift” has motivated me to research their organization and alert others not to donate; the DVNF charity is such a gross scam that it has been the subject of a report on CNN. In 2020, the DVNF’s IRS form showed more than 80% as “solicitation expenses.” Do I need to say more? Charities incorporate the terms ‘veteran” or “warrior” in their names to appeal to those with a soft spot for the U.S. military. Unfortunately, too many deliver few benefits for the dollars received. Do check with charitynavigator.org before donating to make sure your hard-earned dollars will go where they’re supposed to go. Michael Ernstof Mar Vista
Sun setting on the first day of winter directly out from the Venice pier.
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OPINION: POWER TO SPEAK
Food for Thought: A Tale of One Tree
By Wendy Zacuto, MA.Ed live in Playa del Rey, the flat part that people sometimes call “apartment village.” As a dedicated walker, I enjoy the choice of walking steep hills or finding a path that winds evenly through the community. I enjoy our businesses, especially those who provide water or iced tea for a thirsty walker. On a good day, I’m stunned by the beauty of Playa del Rey: the wetlands, the views of the ocean and mountains, the landscapes and the sky. Today, I was particularly entranced by the trees. Trees seem like such a great metaphor for a community, especially those regal trees that spread their solid branches wide and twisting and reaching out begging for a child to climb inside. We know that trees support our human community with more than beauty – they provide carbon dioxide so we can breathe and give shelter from the sun’s rays, and in a small way move us away from climate destruction. They give freely of their gifts and we accept them eagerly, often without any notice. But trees cannot work alone; they do their work through a root system, without which the tree could not stand and would die of lack of water. We can’t see the complex systems of roots below the surface, but they are the lifeblood that supports the beauty and gifts we receive. Kind of like a human community. As we go through our days, we often find that despite our Southern California weather and many conveniences, we sometimes feel afraid or become angry. We see what we perceive as threats to our peaceful existence as a horrible intrusion. Homelessness and poverty are not welcome here, as we size up our own specific lives and become as someone welcoming the tree, but being completely ungrateful and acknowledging of the work of the roots. If we take a different vantage point, we begin to think of the roots of a tree – not just the tree as it stands broad and safe above the ground. We see the entire community of the tree, leaves, branches, trunk, roots and all – as metaphor for our freedom and lives in a well-supported community. If we think of every human who comes to
PHOTO CREDIT: WENDY ZACUTO
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Playa del Rey as our community, we become the roots that feed our community. We become people who reach out, where others may not see us, to provide the infrastructure that enables communities to house the homeless and feed the hungry. We choose hard workers to support us in city government instead of holding on to our helplessness and fear. Our anger and fear transform into the question: What can we all do to help? Instead of: “It’s not fair to me that these people exist. It’s not my problem.” There are neither good nor bad people here in our community. There are people who misread the unspoken contract of a community. Healthy communities, like strong trees with deep-root systems, look for and create solutions to problems rather than being guided by fear to reach out and harm. Effective community members join and form groups that work together to ensure the health of the great “tree of life” our human tree. It’s unfortunate that sometimes the misguided solution makes things worse; roots get cut instead of fed. The money that could be used to help those less fortunate, to implement a compassionate plan for healing our difficulties, is likely to be used for another useless election. I ask that as you travel through our community day by day, you remember the roots as you gaze at the beauty that surrounds you and take a deep breath. We are the fixers. We are the roots. We are all community if we want to be.
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NOTICE OF FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT AND RECORD OF DECISION AND FINAL GENERAL CONFORMITY DETERMINATION The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced that a “Finding of No Significant Impact” (FONSI) and Record of Decision (ROD) has been approved based upon results of a Final Environmental Assessment (EA) completed in December 2021. A Final General Conformity Determination for the proposed project was also completed and is also in the Final EA as Appendix I. The proposed project is the Airfield and Terminal Modernization Project at Los Angeles International Airport, Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California. The following project elements subject to FAA approval and addressed by the FONSI ROD include: • Relocation and reconfiguration of Runway 6L-24R runway exit taxiways; • Extension of Taxiway D from Taxiway C14 west to Taxiway E17; • Extension of Taxiway C from Taxiway C3 east to Taxiway B1; • Concourse 0 and related airfield improvements; • Terminal 9 and related landside access and airfield improvements; • Roadway improvements; and • Various enabling projects as described in the FONSI ROD. The FAA’s Federal actions for this project include: • Unconditional approval of the ALP to depict the Proposed Improvements Subject to FAA Approval pursuant to 49 U.S.C. 47107(a)(16). • Determinations under 49 U.S.C. §§ 47106 and 47107 that are associated with the eligibility of the Proposed Project for federal funding under the Airport Improvement Program and under 49 U.S.C. § 40117, as implemented by 14 CFR § 158.25, to use passenger facility charges collected at the airport to assist with the construction of potentially eligible development items from the ALP. • Construction, installation, relocation and/or upgrade of various navigational aids, weather-observing equipment, and visual aids including but not limited to Runway Status Lights, runway edge lights, taxiway edge lighting and signage and associated utility lines. This equipment is necessary to ensure the safety of air navigation for aircraft operations at the airport. The FONSI ROD indicates that the proposed action is consistent with existing environmental policies and objectives as set forth in the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 in that it will not significantly affect the quality of the human environment. The Final General Conformity Determination concludes that the proposed action will conform with the current approved State Implementation Plan. Copies of the FONSI ROD, Final EA, and Final General Conformity Determination are available online at https://www.lawa.org/atmp/ documents or for public inspection at the following locations: Westchester-Loyola Village Branch Library, 7114 W. Manchester Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90045 El Segundo Public Library,111 W. Mariposa Avenue, El Segundo, CA 90245 Culver City Julian Dixon Library, 4975 Overland Avenue, Culver City, CA 90230 Lennox Library, 4359 Lennox Boulevard, Lennox, CA 90304 The FONSI and ROD may be viewed at FAA’s website: https://www.faa.gov/airports/environmental/records_decision/ DECEMBER 30, 2021 THE ARGONAUT PAGE 5
C O M M U N I T Y
Preparing for Emergencies and Natural Disasters The Neighborhood Team Program keeps communities safe
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by the federal government. Beyond the United States, official CERT training is also offered in at least six other countries. Prior to COVID-19, the LAFD offered in-person classes for CERT certification. However, since the pandemic, the LAFD has halted that. CERT has brought back the Neighborhood Team Program, which was created in CERT Battalion 18 about 10 years ago. The program is for CERT-trained and non-CERT-trained members, and is designed to get to the block level, forming teams that are emergency prepared. The training is done via Zoom and online manuals. “What we have come up with is an online course for the people who are interested in emergency preparedness and not necessarily CERT, called the Neighborhood Team Program,” said Jose Morataya, CERT coordinator for Battalion 4, a region that
COURTESY PHOTOS
By Sebastian Lipstein shattering 8.0-magnitude earthquake struck Mexico City in 1985, killing 10,000 people and destroying thousands of buildings and homes. An investigation team from the Los Angeles City Fire Department conducted research and found out that amid the chaos, citizens acted as first responders and saved 800 lives over a 15-day period. A year later, impressed by the effort of the Mexican people yet concerned about the lack of preparation and coordination, now-late assistant fire chief Frank Borden spearheaded a program that would teach community members how to act and organize themselves in case of an earthquake, evacuation or fires. The program eventually became CERT (Community Emergency Response Team), and in 1993, it became a nationwide program recognized
CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) has brought back the Neighborhood Team Program, which was created in CERT Battalion 18 about 10 years ago, and is designed to get to the block level, forming teams that are emergency prepared.
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encompasses Westchester, Playa/ LAX, Mar Vista, Venice and Del Rey. The program consists of six lecture modules consisting of the following: Neighborhood Preparedness & Organization; Personal and Family Preparedness; Disaster First Aid; Light Search & Rescue; Two-Way Radio Operations; and Neighborhood Security & Situational Awareness. They work with neighborhood councils, business groups and homeowners associations to create neighborhood teams. They host in-person pop-up trainings and group activities to teach
people how to respond and act in case of an emergency Scientists are expecting a high-magnitude earthquake along the San Andreas Fault known as “The Big One” that is decades overdue. Additionally, Southern California is prone to earthquakes, fires and heat waves. In case of a major emergency, the community needs to be self-reliant. The NTP website is also a useful resource with information about radio skills, fire suppression, how to organize in case of an emergency, and other things that may come in handy when “The Big One” hits.
“In a time of emergency, LAFD, LAPD, or any emergency services are going to be unavailable for some time, so any neighborhood is going to be on their own for a period of time,” Morataya said. “If a power outage happens, communication goes down. In a major earthquake you’re going to lose a lot more than just power, like collapsed buildings and homes. You have to be prepared to be on your own.” Neighborhood Team Program ntp-la.org
A local Neighborhood Team Program training was recently held at Penmar Park in Venice.
DECEMBER 30, 2021 THE ARGONAUT PAGE 7
C O M M U N I T Y
Concert in the Park
The community enjoyed a music-filled afternoon in Santa Monica’s Tongva Park By Kamala Kirk n Dec. 5, audience members of all ages enjoyed a free Concert in the Park, at Tongva Park in Santa Monica. The family-friendly event was the second in a series of three events being held at parks within Santa Monica during the 2021-22 season. The concert featured a brass quintet from the American Youth Symphony performing lively music and festive holiday selections. There was also an instrument petting zoo — where children could explore violins, cellos, percussion instruments and others — before and after the performance presented by Elemental Music. Musical goody bags were also provided for the first 75 households in attendance.
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Elemental Music celebrates musicmaking and builds community through exceptional youth programs in Santa Monica and surrounding Westside communities. The American Youth Symphony’s mission is to inspire the future of classical music. The final concert of the series will be held on Sunday, March 20, at Clover Park with performances by string players from both organizations. Reservations are not required.
Rachel O’Connor from American Youth Symphony speaks to the crowd.
American Youth Symphony aysymphony.org Elemental Music elementalmusic.org/outreach PHOTOS BY CHRIS MORTENSON
Imani Duhe, Nathan Culcasi, Errol Rhoden, Rachel O’Connor and Luis Cardenas Casillas are part of the American Youth Symphony Brass Quintet.
Gabriel Slider plays with instruments at the musical petting zoo.
Adelaide Ged plays the violin at the instrument petting zoo.
A young musician tries out hand percussion during the Concert in the Park hosted by American Youth Symphony. PAGE 8 THE ARGONAUT DECEMBER 30, 2021
Nathan Culcasi from American Youth Symphony discusses the history of the trombone.
C O M M U N I T Y
NYE Celebrations
From fireworks to champagne dinners, ring in the New Year at one of these fun Westside events
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Fireworks in Marina del Rey. On New Year’s Eve, Burton Chace Park will be closed to the public. In celebration of the New Year, the Department of Beaches and Harbors will host two 10-minute fireworks shows on Friday, Dec. 31 at 8:59:50 p.m. and at 11:59:50 p.m. The shows will be shot from the marina’s south jetty and can be viewed from nearly anywhere in Marina del Rey, Venice and Dockweiler beaches, and surrounding areas. Parking will be available in 12 public lots throughout the Marina. Starting at 4 p.m., these lots will implement an event rate of $20 per vehicle.
Pacific Park Presents NYE Countdown. This New Year’s Eve watch the West Coast’s countdown to 2022 in person, online or streaming from Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier, one of the most iconic sites in Los Angeles. The countdown streams live on Dec. 31 beginning at 11:30 p.m. and will feature fun designs, colorful displays and a 60-second countdown in huge animated numbers on the Pacific Wheel. Using a variety of colors and patterns from its 174,000 LED lights, the Ferris wheel will present a numerical 60-second countdown, a “Happy New Year!” horizontal crawl, an oversized “2022,” and display “Happy New Year” in more than 16 different languages following the countdown. View the livestream at pacpark.com/countdown2022 or Pacific Park’s YouTube channel at youtube.com/pacpark
Midnight on the Marina. Guests are invited to join the Marina del Rey Hotel for its annual NYE celebration, Midnight on the Marina. Start the night with a red carpet photo, grab party favors and dance on the pool deck. Enjoy fireworks over the marina at 9 p.m. and midnight. Once the clock strikes midnight, ring in 2022 with a complimentary champagne toast and light bites. $55 to $2,000. 21 and older. Cocktail attire. 13534 Bali Way, Marina del Rey, bit.ly/3qzZTO9
NYE at Joliet. Celebrate at Joliet inside of Free Market Playa Vista to toast to 2012 and step into 2022. Tickets include champagne and live jazz, a variety of bites, including oysters and artisan cheese, as well as Disco in the Jungle Room, open bar all evening, champagne toast and a DJ set by Miramar. Tickets are $200. 12751 Millennium Drive, Suite 5-165, Playa Vista, bit.ly/3pA9IMy
Moonlight New Year’s Cruise. Party your way into the New Year about a four-hour luxury cruise on the Entertainer Yacht featuring live entertainment from LA DJs, 4.5 hours of premium open bar service, two giant indoor areas to mingle plus a sky deck with views of Marina del Rey. Tickets from $219 to $249 for hors d’oeuvres and open bar, $349 for VIP premium open bar and buffet dinner. Register online in advance. 13755 Fiji Way, Marina del Rey, bit.ly/3sFXILt
“I HAVE A DREAM” (12/23/21) By DARRYL GONZALEZ
ALL PHOTOS COURTESY
By Kamala Kirk 022 is right around the corner, and whether you’re planning to stay cozy at home or looking to enjoy a night out on the town, there are a variety of ways to celebrate New Year’s on the Westside. Various restaurants and hotels are hosting special NYE parties that include bites and cocktails, while free fireworks shows can be enjoyed across town. Read on to discover what’s going on around town to help you finalize your NYE plans.
NYE at Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel. Count down to 2022 in grand style at Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel’s annual NYE Celebration. Come for big band-style entertainment with live performances from jazz vocalists, The Satin Dollz and tap dancers, and stay for specialty cocktails, festive cuisine, and a midnight countdown. Additional package options include a Remy 1738 Cognac and a Satin Dollz VIP Experience, in addition to standard reservations, which include a champagne toast at midnight. 1700 Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica, bit.ly/3z3Nu8I
The Westside is a top destination for people who love great food.
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DECEMBER 30, 2021 THE ARGONAUT PAGE 9
F O O D
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D R I N K
A New Twist on Sandwiches Café Lovi brings challah to Santa Monica
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“I was on a tight budget so the interior is minimalistic, yet I wanted the place to feel new, bright and clean.” To make the café more sanitary, Guetta used disposable and compostable cups, cutlery and plates. She wanted everything to be single-use to ensure the highest hygiene standards, while being friendly to the environment. “I am striving to be a Santa Monica certified green business by the end of the month,” Guetta said. The name of the café was inspired by Guetta’s nickname, Lovi, which was given to her by her sweetheart. Guetta moved here from Italy two years ago to be here with her partner and has since fallen in love with Santa Monica. “The people are so sweet,” Guetta said. “On the day I opened, a random lady who lives nearby showed up with roses to wish me good luck.” Guetta is also a food writer specializing in Jewish cuisine and has co-authored cookbooks in Italy. In 2009, she created a food blog called “Labna,” the only Italian blog dedicated to Jewish food. She is also a food photographer and her work has appeared
PHOTOS BY CHRIS MORTENSON
By Michele Robinson he recently opened Café Lovi in Santa Monica puts a twist on challah to create a new type of sandwich. Owner Benedetta Jasmine Guetta is using her Italian-Jewish heritage to make these sandwiches featuring the traditional braided Jewish bread. For those who aren’t familiar with challah, the semi-sweet, fluffy bread is usually eaten during major Jewish holidays like Shabbat, and its origins date back to Biblical times. “Challah is our special thing,” Guetta said. “It’s my favorite food to eat at any given time of the day, and it makes the best sandwiches. Everyone who tries it loves it.” Guetta opened Café Lovi on October 11, just 10 days after purchasing the space from her previous employers at Priscio. Prior to opening her café, Guetta waitressed at that Italian café. Hit hard by the pandemic, the previous owners sold the business to pursue a different career. Luckily, Guetta was in a position to purchase the place and revamp it. “It took two days to clean the kitchen, redesign the space and paint it white,” Guetta said.
The newly opened Café Lovi in Santa Monica specializes in the traditional Jewish bread challah, which is used to make pastries and sandwiches. in several news outlets in Italy and abroad. Her newest book, and the first in English, is called “Cooking alla Giudia.” It is due in March. The book focuses on the Jewish-Italian tradition and took about three years to research and write. “I interviewed grandmas all around the country to get the recipes right,” Guetta said.
Owner Benedetta Jasmine Guetta runs the café with her chef, Christopher Swall, who has over 20 years of experience in the restaurant industry. PAGE 10 THE ARGONAUT DECEMBER 30, 2021
“Jewish food is what I write about, but writing is a very lonely job so I opened Café Lovi to bring the food out from the pages into the real world.” Guetta could not run the café without her chef, Christopher Swall. He prepares the sandwiches and other food, while Guetta works behind the coffee machine. A Chicago native, Swall has more than 20 years’ experience and has worked in many Los Angeles restaurants, including Birdie G, Eveleigh and Tower 12. Besides it signature challah sandwiches, Café Lovi’s menu items include pastries and sweets, salads, coffee, drinks and homemade lemonade. Their most popular item on the menu is the turkey and avocado sandwich. The team calls its favorite the pastrami sandwich, which comes with pickled red cabbage and beer mustard, both made in house. The most popular drinks are lattes, especially flavored ones like rose and lavender. Although Café Lovi isn’t certified kosher, its food is in that style The eatery does not serve pork or shellfish, nor does it mix meat and milk in its dishes. In addition to offering custom-
ers traditional challah, they also have a gluten-free and vegan challah option. “People, especially the celiacs, are very grateful for this choice,” Guetta said. Even though Café Lovi has only been open for a short time, the staff is seeing repeat customers. “Clients come back all of the time, because the challah is honestly addictive,” Guetta said. When asked what she hopes to see in the future, Guetta shared, “I would like to slowly implement a few Jewish-Italian dishes on a weekly rotation, and include some recipes from my upcoming book.” But for now, Guetta is enjoying what she has accomplished so far. “Running a business is a lot of fun,” Guetta said. “It’s hard work, too, of course. Feeding people and seeing them enjoy our food really warms my heart. I love bringing people and food together.” Café Lovi 1912 Broadway, Suite 100, Santa Monica 310-266-1367 cafelovi.com Open Monday to Friday for breakfast and lunch, and delivery is available.
F A S H I O N
California Chic
Tocaya and Aviator Nation launch exclusive capsule collection
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reflect its values and highlight the beauty of imperfection. Known for hand-made and perfectly distressed hoodies and sweatpants, the brand celebrates a time when music, surfing and a love for community shaped culture. “Given that both our brands are born and bred on the beaches of Venice, California, we couldn’t think of a more fitting partnership,” said Matt Smith, CMO for Tocaya. “Being longtime admirers of Aviator Nation for many years now, and with so many synergies between the two companies, we thank Paige Myscoskie, AV founder and creative visionary, for helping to capture the collective essence of our brands in such an effortless way.” Available in sizes from XXS to XXL with individual retail pricing from $46 to $189, the gender-neutral collection is available for a limited time at tocaya.com/shop.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF TOCAYA MODERN MEXICAN
By Kamala Kirk enice icons Tocaya and Aviator Nation have launched an exclusive capsule collection that features chic and comfortable clothing and accessories. The Aviator Nation factory staff hand produces the garmets,which are distressed to a degree of imperfection, creating one-of-akind pieces. The Tocaya x AV limited-edition offerings includes a soft zip hoodie, matching sweatpants, and a trucker hat in two colors, black or teal. All of the items are crafted in Aviator Nation’s signature 1970s-inspired design style and are hand produced in Southern California. Featuring a striped array of classic Tocaya colors ranging from sea blue to soft sand, the collection is equal parts comfortable, cool and understated, making it the perfection representation of all that both brands embody and are connected by – the spirit of Venice surf culture. Born in Venice, Tocaya embodies all that is California with fresh ideas, flavor and a soulful vibe. Rooted in traditional Mexican flavors, its vegan-first menu caters to virtually every dietary preference. Aviator Nation is a 1970sinspired California lifestyle brand that creates products that
Aviator Nation 1224 Abbot Kinney Boulevard, Venice 310-396-9600 aviatornation.com Tocaya 1715 Pacific Avenue, Venice 424-744-8692 tocaya.com
The Tocaya x AV limited-edition offering includes four pieces featuring a striped array of classic Tocaya colors and the collection is equal parts comfortable, cool and understated, the perfect representation of all that both brands embody and are connected by – the spirt of Venice surf culture.
Tocaya, the Los Angeles-based modern Mexican chain of vegan-first restaurants, has partnered with renowned Southern California-based lifestyle brand, Aviator Nation, to release an exclusive capsule collection. DECEMBER 30, 2021 THE ARGONAUT PAGE 11
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Heralding in the New Year Two Santa Monica High School seniors to perform in the Rose Parade By Michele Robinson and Sandra Chin n New Year’s Day, the prestigious Herald Trumpets will announce the arrival of the Rose Queen and her Court in the 133rd Rose Parade. This select group, composed of nine trumpeters and one snare drummer, precedes the Queens’ float and is one of the most recognized musical groups in the parade. The Herald Trumpets are part of the Pasadena City College Tournament of Roses Honor Band, which will celebrate its 100th year in 2024. Since 1930, this band has participated in every Rose Parade and became their honor band in the 1970s, second only to the Salvation Army Band. Band leaders Kyle Luck and Kevin Brown have a long history of working together at Pasadena City College. “It’s been a real pleasure being the director here, especially with Kevin,” Luck said. Luck is serving his 16th year as the band director doing his “dream gig” since 2006. He was a student and band member playing percussion at PCC in the mid-1980s. Brown has been the director of the Herald Trumpets for the past 39 years since 1984. Writing original music, Brown composes about 15 new fanfare scores and two longer pieces every year. “He writes new fanfare every year, so those students who are returning get a new experience,” Luck said. “The music is unique and always interesting,” added Ian DiMundo, a current and returning Herald Trumpeter. To be a Herald Trumpeter, musicians need to go through a rigorous live audition process and must display distinct strengths in both solo and ensemble pieces. “There are certain types of qualities in a player that we are looking for including sound, tone, articulation, precision, and blending well together,” Luck said. To compete for a coveted spot in the Honor Band, auditions are open to current Lancer Band members (students at PCC) and high school students from all over Southern California. Students are also expected to maintain good
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Jaden Robinson, a Santa Monica High School senior and member of the Herald Trumpets team, will perform in the 2022 Tournament of Roses Parade. PAGE 12 THE ARGONAUT DECEMBER 30, 2021
academic standing and those selected earn free college credit. “I advertise to about 300 schools in Southern California,” Luck said. “Students are pulled from various counties including Ventura, Antelope Valley, Santa Clarita and Santa Monica.” Those with the highest scores from the audition pool are accepted. “This year the quality is very strong and all of the Heralds are high school students,” Luck said. This year, there are 174 Honor Band members and 10 in the Herald Trumpets for a total of 184 members. For the trumpeters in particular, 60 auditioned and 33 were selected. From there, 24 made it to the Honor Band and only the top nine made it to the Heralds. “I thought the audition process was very stressful because only nine trumpeters were selected, I pushed myself hard to get in,” said Jaden Robinson, a current Herald Trumpeter. Hard work is what it takes to get in and stay in. Those selected are expected to practice a lot, including giving up their free time during winter break. “The rehearsals are intense,” Robinson said. “We have to memorize every song, a little at a time, five songs per week, 19 songs in all. And then we practice five hours a day straight, marching in a parking lot. Each rehearsal is tiring but worth it.” Endurance is needed to play a musical instrument and march five and a half miles down Colorado Boulevard. In order to do this with ease, they will complete about 25 miles of practice beforehand. The students are loaded onto buses and taken to Santa Anita and Dodger Stadium to march, which is twice the distance as the parade. “The parade will feel easy to the students with the conditioning,” Luck said. “We want them to feel confidence and excitement. The goal is to get to the end of the Rose Parade and enjoy the experience. They will smile and feel like they have accomplished something special, because they have.” Other opportunities that the students will enjoy include participating at Bandfest and going to Disneyland. Bandfest is an annual tradition that includes
ArgonautNews.com performance showcases from all of the Rose Parade marching bands. It is open to the public and takes place in Robinson Stadium at PCC from Dec. 29 through 31. “Bandfest is unique because each group gets 10 to 20 minutes to showcase their talent,” DiMundo said. “It can be a high school field show, college halftime show or an international performance using different instruments. If you are into bands, this is the thing to go to.” Prior to that, the students will perform at Disneyland so they can simulate what it feels like to perform in front of a live crowd. “It’s their first dress rehearsal and first performance with a live audience,” Luck said. “In two months, those that never played together are in the biggest parade. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity, and they will remember this for the rest of their lives.”
Two local Herald Trumpeters Robinson and DiMundo will be hobnobbing with royalty, even without leaving their hometown come Jan. 1. The two Santa Monica High School seniors will be performing in the 2022 Tournament of Roses Parade and will precede the Tournament of Roses Queen and her Royal Court. The two seniors represent the best of the best, both having secured coveted trumpet positions on the Herald Trumpets team. This will be DiMundo’s second time performing at the Tournament of Roses Parade, while it’s the first for Robinson. The fact that not one but two students from Santa Monica High School were chosen as two of nine trumpeters for the Herald Trumpets speaks volumes about the school’s music program, as well as the dedication of the students themselves. DiMundo performed with the Herald Trumpets two years ago at the 2020 Tournament of Roses Parade. “It was indescribable, there’s a moment when you round the corner and make that turn and you see a mile of cameras and grandstands,” DiMundo said. “It’s a flood of energy that hits you.” Both teens set their sights on the Herald Trumpets even after hopes were temporarily dampened after the 2021 Tournament of Roses Parade was canceled due to the pandemic. They never lost a beat, balancing academics, volunteering and extracurricular activities in addition to trumpet practice and performances. Robinson is enrolled in AP and collegelevel courses and is earning a Certificate of Achievement in Cloud Computing from Santa Monica College. DiMundo participates in the creative writing program at Santa Monica High School. Robinson and DiMundo are involved in an impressive array of extracurricular music activities including the Santa Monica High School Symphony Orches-
tra, Concert Band, Wind Ensemble, and the Viking Marching Band. Robinson was also a member of the Los Angeles Youth Orchestra, as well as the Colburn Youth Orchestra (which made an appearance in the Hulu miniseries “Little Fires Everywhere.”) Most recently, Robinson was selected to perform at the 2021 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City as one of 300 performers. “It felt surreal,” Robinson said. DiMundo is a member of Santa Monica High School’s varsity boys golf team. In addition, he volunteers biweekly with “Give a Life,’’ an organization that connects musicians with children and their families worldwide who are in need of medical life-saving treatments. Through “Give a Life,” DiMundo and fellow musicians raise funds through performance for two young boys in India who are immune-compromised and in need of medical care. DiMundo is also committed to volunteering biweekly with kids at the Boys and Girls Club of Santa Monica by mentoring kids and honing their musical skills. What Robinson and DiMundo are modest to mention is the time commitment, discipline, and adaptability needed to perform at high caliber. “It takes up most of the break, but the experience of performing in the Rose Parade is keeping me going through the long rehearsals,” DiMundo said. “In a few days it will be Jan. 1, and it will all be worth it.” Due to COVID-19, they are required to wear adaptive masks, test frequently, and maintain safe distances between themselves and fellow trumpeters. “The adaptive masks are a challenge as the Herald Trumpets still need to produce the same quality sound and performance even with the adaptive devices,” DiMundo said. Robinson and DiMundo are slated to perform at two pre-Rose Parade practice venues – BandFest and Disneyland. BandFest essentially “allows ensembles to showcase their true potential versus the few seconds you see them marching by on TV for the Rose Parade,” DiMundo said. “I’ve been going ever since I was a kid (to watch it). I really enjoy it.” Performing at Disneyland was a great highlight for DiMundo. “It was like a burst of excitement, huge crowds of people lined up along Main Street,” DiMundo said. “It’s a lot of adrenaline mixed with the nostalgia of being there now, as well as being there as a kid.” DiMundo hails from a family of musicians. His aunt played the trumpet and his sister is a trombonist and preceded him in performing for the Rose Parade’s Honor Band. His family members are all huge supporters of the musicianship and performing in the Rose (Continued from Page 14)
SMHS senior Ian DiMundo performed with the Herald Trumpets two years ago at the 2020 Tournament of Roses Parade and will perform again in the 2022 Parade. DECEMBER 30, 2021 THE ARGONAUT PAGE 13
Heralding in the New Year Parade. “My family will (literally) be sleeping along the parade route to cheer me on,” DiMundo said. “My family is very happy and wants to show it by being right up front along the parade route.” Robinson started playing the trumpet in the second grade because of his dad and his family has taken him to see the Rose Parade annually since he was in the fourth grade. “I thought it would be cool to play the same instrument my dad did,” Robinson said. “Seeing the Herald Trumpets perform every year really inspired me. It was something I knew I wanted to do,” Robinson
said. Even with such a demanding schedule, Robinson and DiMundo haven’t skipped a beat and are anticipating Jan. 1. “The Rose Parade will be a really cool experience,” Robinson said. DiMundo added, “The Rose Parade (experience) is outstanding. This is definitely something I will remember for the rest of my whole life.” If what has been seen so far from Robinson and DiMundo is any indication, there will be much more to come from these accomplished young men. And come Jan. 1 along the Rose Parade route, Robinson and DiMundo along with their fellow Herald Trumpets will give everyone a glimpse of
what dreaming, believing and achieving is all about. Watch the Rose Parade live coverage without commercials on KTLA, (Channel 5) starting at 8 to 10 a.m. on New Year’s Day. ABC and NBC show it with commercials or on the Bandcam without commentary. The PCC Honor Band is Unit 19 and the Heralds are Unit 26, watch for them around 8:30 a.m.”
For more information about Bandfest: tournamentofroses.com/ events-calendar/bandfest For more information about the Honor Band Auditions: pccband.com/tofr
PHOTO BY CHRIS MORTENSON
(Continued from Page 13)
DiMundo and Robinson are also slated to perform at two pre-Rose Parade practice venues: BandFest and Disneyland. PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE HERALD TRUMPETS
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The Herald Trumpets have participated in every Rose Parade since 1930.
B U S I N E S S
Grand Opening
New State Farm in Westchester hosts celebration and ribbon cutting By Kamala Kirk o announce its grand opening, Tatiana Ruiz More Insurance Agency, State Farm hosted a celebration and ribbon cutting at its brand-new location in the Westchester Triangle off Truxton Avenue. Lunch, drinks and dessert were served at the event, along with tours, a meet and greet, and a raffle with prizes including a chance to win seasonal pies from Westchester Bakery. The LAX Coastal Chamber joined local State Farm representative, Tatiana Ruiz More, in support by cutting the ribbon. More is a second-generation State Farm agent and member of the LAX Coastal Chamber of Commerce who is passionate about helping others.
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“My passion has always been in helping others and keeping families safe from the unexpected and expected vulnerable events in life,” More said. “Prior to my insurance career, I held various positions in government and law enforcement. I also come from a State Farm Family where we have always had strong ties to our neighborhood and communities in which we serve. Thank you for allowing me to be here and for joining the growth of my business.”
State Farm insurance agent Tatiana Ruiz More and her State Farm family.
Tatiana Ruiz More Agency, State Farm 8705 Truxton Avenue, Los Angeles 310-450-8833 coveredwithmore.com PHOTOS BY CHRIS MORTENSON
More and LAX Coastal Chamber of Commerce member Kelli Trombley cut the ribbon to the brand new State Farm Insurance office in Westchester.
Trombley welcomes More to the neighborhood.
More shows off the official scissors before cutting the ribbon to her new State Farm Insurance Office.
Members of More’s family support the grand opening of her new State Farm insurance office. DECEMBER 30, 2021 THE ARGONAUT PAGE 15
H E A L T H
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Field Trip to Better Health
Local psychedelic clinic helps patients access a better life PHOTOS COURTESY OF FIELD TRIP HEALTH
By Bridgette M. Redman cross between a clinic and a spa, a therapy office and a lounge, Field Trip Health is Los Angeles’ first legal psychedelic clinic. Combining ancient wisdom and rituals with modern research and scientific evidence about psychedelics, Field Trip Health offers treatment for such challenges as post-traumatic stress disorder and treatmentresistant depression. They have nine clinics around the world with the one in Santa Monica being the first in California. Angel Cortes, a former Army Ranger who served in Iraq and Afghanistan as part of the 1st Battalion 75th Ranger Regiment, found the treatments to be life changing, something that he said made him into a better father, husband and person. He learned about the therapy from a Navy Seal friend of his, Mike O’Dowd, whom he met at a shooting range. “One day, he brought up the therapy and told me what it had done for him,” Cortes said. “But I wasn’t ready to do it for a while.” In summer 2020, Cortes started helping out at a printshop where he had worked in the past. He noticed that there was something different about the guys working there — they seemed more mellow. The told him it was because they were all doing DMT together. DMT, or N-dimethyltryptamine, is a hallucinogenic psychedelic drug similar to LSD and magic mushrooms. It is illegal to make, buy, possess or distribute it in the United States,, though some cities have recently decriminalized it including Oakland and Santa Cruz; and Ann Arbor, Michigan. Cortes said he tried it twice, but then the person who supplied it moved to Wisconsin and his connection was cut off. “I did the DMT and I remember that a layer of anxiety was taken off, so that really sparked my interest in psychedelics,” Cortes said. For a while, he tried magic mushrooms. He shared these experiences with O’Dowd, who encouraged him to try the
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Field Trip Health is a clinic in Santa Monica that offers psychedelic-enhanced psychotherapy to help people heal and beat depression and other mental health conditions. ketamine therapy at Field Trip Health. Cortes is the founder and owner of OG Pumpkin, a clothing and lifestyle brand that donates the proceeds to fund veteran initiatives. In early summer, Field Trip Health sponsored one of his events. They came and talked to a group of veterans about their programs. That was when Cortes decided he was ready for the treatment.
Program for ketamine treatments Ketamine has been used as anesthesia medicine for animals and people since the 1960s. According to WebMD, it was used to treat injured soldiers in Vietnam battlefields. Because it doesn’t slow down breathing or heart rates, patients don’t need to be on a ventilator to receive it. In recent years, it has been researched as a treatment for
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depression, and medical protocols using it have seen a great deal of success. The use of a nasal spray has been FDA approved for the treatment of depression, but many doctors are using infusions, which is what is done at Field Trip Health. The programs start with an initial consultation in which the patient meets with a therapist for an initial psychiatric consultation to discuss their past physical and mental health history and goals for the treatment. The therapy is introduced, and the therapist and patient discuss consent and safety. The second part of the program is the psychedelic exploration, which can be done alone or as part of a group experience. When the patient is comfortable, the therapeutic team will administer a low dose of the psychedelic medicine. Depending on the patient’s response, more may be admin-
istered. Afterward, the patients will speak with therapists about their experiences. The third step in the program is an integration session in which a therapist works with the patient to understand their experience and translate their new awareness into life practices. Subsequent sessions are typically designed to include more psychedelic exploration with follow-up integration. The treatment is not available to anyone with an allergy to ketamine, recent traumatic brain injury or a history of psychosis. Other contraindications can be discussed with the therapists. The introductory package that includes one psychedelic exploration is $750. Subsequent sessions are $750 for the psychedelic exploration, $250 for a full integration session and reduced rates for group sessions. They also offer payment plans.
Veteran experiences intense first session Cortes said that when he first arrived at Field Trip Health, the therapist asked him what he wanted to get out of it. He replied that he wanted to be a better human being. The therapist pressed, asking him what that would look like, what it would do for his everyday relationships. “I thought I would get cheat codes to life or just be better,” Cortes said. “In a way I got that, but the journey or the trip itself took me in a different direction that really impacted my life in a positive way.” The day of the exploration session, Cortes spent the morning at the range where he and Mike teach SWAT teams. When he arrived at the Santa Monica clinic, he said everything immediately changed. “You can just feel the energy was calm,” Cortes said. “Just walking in, I felt more
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relaxed. I was greeted by the physical examiner who checked my blood pressure and heart rate.” Once Cortes got out of the session with the therapist, O’Dowd was in the lobby waiting for him. He joined other veterans in a room where they lay down on individual mats that he said were like a human-sized pillow. “They put a weighted blanket on you and then a face mask,” Cortes said. “It’s calming. There’s no noise, you don’t hear the traffic from outside. There is music playing.” He said that when the therapist came and asked him if he was ready, he was so nervous that he just nodded. They gave him 25 mg and he was able to feel it almost immediately. First, he couldn’t feel the weighted blanket or the face mask, then he couldn’t feel his back on the ground, then he couldn’t feel his body at all. The therapist asked him if he was OK and whether he wanted to go deeper. Cortes said yes and the therapist asked whether he wanted a little or a lot. He said a lot, so they gave him 65 mg more. “When that hit, it hit hard,” Cortes said. “I remember seeing a bunch of shapes and colors forming. Then I started thinking about my family, specifically my two oldest kids. I had missed so much of their lives because I was on active duty when my son was born and I was in Afghanistan when my daughter was born.” As the experience grew more intense, Cortes started questioning his reality, wondering whether he had dreamed a life, wondering what he might be without a human form. Then, little by little, his awareness returned. He was able to start feeling his back on the ground, the face mask and the weighted blanket. After a few more minutes, he moved a finger. “When I blinked, I felt a tear drop,” Cortes said. “It wasn’t just one tear, it was multiple tears. At one point, I had started crying. When I took off the face mask, Mike was there nodding. He was so happy for me and I was like, I get it now. I get why he was so for this type of therapy.”
Improving relationships Cortes slept a lot for the rest of the day, but when he awoke, his wife was making breakfast. He asked her to set aside the cooking for a moment. “I sat her down and I told her I thought about my family in the journey,” Cortes said. “It really hit me that we were about to be married for 12 years and I messed up a lot of years. I put her and the family second. It was always the career. Sometimes it was third — the career and then the guys from the unit and then the family. I told her I really hated how much I missed of a lot of things. I told her I was sorry and that I really want all of the family to get to know each other.” He had a second journey two days later that was more mellow. This time, his wife and kids picked him up at the clinic. He said he got into the passenger seat and then turned around to look in the back seat and address his kids. He told them about how he missed their births, their birthdays, their first steps, their first words and that he didn’t like that. He didn’t like that he didn’t really know them. “I told them, I want to get to know you guys during this vacation and the summer,” Cortes said. “I want to know what makes you and have quality time. As I was saying this, my son started crying. He said, ‘I’m happy that you’re saying this.’” In addition to his family life improving, Cortes noticed other changes. He no longer drinks alcohol. The bag of mushrooms in his house went to waste because he didn’t need it. His time on his phone and social media decreased. When it comes to tasks around the house, he’s become more aware of them and does them without being asked to. “Things that used to bug me don’t anymore,” Cortes said. “It was clear what mattered and what didn’t matter. I enjoy everything a lot more.”
Field Trip Health 1538 20th Street, Santa Monica 888-519-6016 fieldtriphealth.com
Legal psychedelic-enhanced therapy, mindfulness and self-care are blended with a series of sessions with trained psychotherapists in a comfortable spa-like environment that promotes healing. DECEMBER 30, 2021 THE ARGONAUT PAGE 17
A R T S
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Bringing Back Memories
Former Venice resident writes book about growing up in the community during the 1940s PHOTO COURTESY OF DONNA FRIESS
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Donna Friess is an author, historian and former professor whose book, “Growing Up Venice: Parallel Universes,” recounts her life growing up in Venice during the California Oil Boom of the 1940s. best time to start writing. Even though Friess doesn’t
live in Venice anymore, she wanted to bring a significant period of Los Angeles history to life. “It was just the experience of writing that book during a pandemic,” Friess said. “When I had the luxury of time to write, I didn’t have to be anywhere. In fact, I couldn’t go anywhere… Of all the nine books that I’ve written, it was absolutely pure joy.” The book begins with Friess’ grandparents who arrived in Venice in the 1880s, and honors the Indigenous community living on the Venice shores. It also highlights Abbot Kinney’s Venice-of-America years and includes stories that span the discovery of oil, along with the evolving art scene and how the city transformed into a tech hub. In the book, Friess also cites the importance of preserving family history. Prior to writing her book, Friess once read a line in a novel that stayed with her:
“Once the storyteller is gone, so are the stories unless they are written down.” “That line resonated so heavily with me that I heard it in the background as I wrote ‘Growing Up Venice,’” Friess said. “My childhood stories and memories that would otherwise be forgotten.” Even though Venice has changed since Friess lived there, she felt connected to her childhood when she visited recently. “To stand there and inhale the ocean water and relive that, it was marvelous,” Friess said. Friess wants readers to learn there is no place in the world like Venice. She said she believes the dichotomy and the variety of groups who live in Venice make it an attraction to the world along with its evolution. Friess wants her book to safeguard Venice’s history to live on for as long as possible. “Growing Up Venice: Parallel
LAYOUT OF TYPE: MARIUSZ JEGLINKSI
By Holly Jenvey uthor Donna Friess’ latest book, “Growing Up Venice: Parallel Universes,” was recently named a finalist in the Memoirs: Historical/Legacy category of the 2021 Next Generation Indie Book Awards, the largest international awards program for indie authors and independent publishers. Published in September 2020, the book recounts her life growing up in Venice during the California Oil Boom of the 1940s. Friess lived next to a working oil pump. At the time, she didn’t realize that she was living next to the fourth most productive oil field in California. Friess is a former professor and historian who was looking to delve deeper into California history, which ultimately led to the idea for the book. When the lockdown occurred during COVID-19, Friess felt it was the
Friess’ book was named a finalist in the Memoirs: Historical/Legacy category of the 2021 Next Generation Indie Book Awards. Universes” is available at Amazon in Kindle format, black and white print, and hardback color print. drdonnafriess.com
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WESTSIDE HAPPENINGS Compiled by Kamala Kirk
CREDIT: JACQUELINE PAIVA
Have an event for the calendar? Send it to kamala@ timespublications.com LA Sickle Cell 5K Saturday, Jan. 1 Run from Venice Beach to Santa Monica Beach in honor of Baffour Bohen and over 100,000 Americans affected by Sickle Cell Anemia. Register online ub adcabce. 1 Ironsides Street, Marina del Rey, 8 to 10 a.m., eventbrite.com/e/la-sicklecell-5k-tickets-215996991817 Santa Monica Main Street Farmers Market, Sunday, Jan. 2 Shop for local fresh produce and prepared foods from local restaurants. Guests can also watch musical entertainment, face painting, balloon designs and, on occasion, a cooking demonstration featuring local produce. 2640 Main Street, Santa Monica, 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Mar Vista Farmers Market, Sunday, Jan. 2 This vibrant, year-round market offers local produce, prepared foods, kids crafts and live events. 12198 Venice Boulevard, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., marvistafarmersmarket.org
can find him touring the world with his three-piece band and still catching waves anytime he can. $38, ages 21 and up. Get tickets on thevenicewest.com 1717 Lincoln Boulevard, Venice, 6 p.m. U.S. 99 Band Sunday, Jan. 2 Local U.S. 99 Band is performing at Hinano Café and will be playing retro rock ‘n’ roll and blues. 15 Washington Boulevard, Venice, 4 to 10 p.m., facebook.com/u.s.99band
Run from Venice Beach to Santa Monica in honor of Baffour Bohen and over 100,000 Americans affected by sickle cell anemia at 8 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 1. Motor Avenue Farmers Market Sunday, Jan. 2 The Motor Avenue Farmers Market enhances the farm-totable connection and availability of fresh, local produce to residents of the Palms, Cheviot Hills, Beverlywood and surrounding communities. The
market is dedicated to cultivating a sustainable food system through its operation and educational programs. The market consistently provides a wonderful opportunity to create synergy between local businesses and residents while promoting a healthy city and a vibrant community. Open every COURTESY OF VISIT MARINA DEL REY
Start the new year off with a walk around waterfront Burton Chace Park while taking in the beautiful views of LA’s Marina from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 4.
Sunday, rain or shine. 10418 National Boulevard, Los Angeles, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., motoravenuemarket.com Westchester Farmers Market Sunday, Jan. 2 Certified farmers market brings together some of the region’s best small and micro farmers from the Central Coast and Ventura counties with over 30 local food businesses, kids activities and live bands. Held in the heart of Downtown Westchester adjacent to many new local businesses from an independent bookstore to local eateries with plenty of free parking. Held every Sunday rain or shine. 6200 W. 87th Street, Los Angeles, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., westchesterfarmersmkt.com Donavon Frankenreiter at The Venice West Sunday, Jan. 2 For nearly four decades, Donavon Frankenreiter has been traveling the globe, first as a professional surfer and now as a musician. Born in Southern California, he spent most of his youth chasing waves, turning pro at 16. These days instead of surf competitions, it’s concert halls that bring him to town, where he entertains audiences with his unique blend of laidback grooves, philosophical lyrics and soulful delivery. You
Burton Chace Park Walking Club Tuesday, Jan. 4 Get some exercise while taking in the beautiful views of LA’s Marina at the waterfront Burton Chace Park. The club is free to join and meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays year-round at the park. For more info, call 424-526-7910. 13650 Mindanao Way, Marina del Rey, 10 to 11:30 a.m. Zoom Zone Virtual Trivia Tuesday, Jan. 4 Guests can test their trivia knowledge with 10 questions during this Santa Monica Public Library Zoom program for fourth through eighth graders. Sign up in teams of two to four by emailing the address below. Zoom, 4 to 5 p.m., myleen. dejesus@santamonica.gov Downtown Walking Tour Saturday, Jan. 8 Enjoy an outdoor walking tour led by a docent of Downtown Santa Monica’s history and architecture, where you’ll explore the various architectural styles and historic landmarks that fill the streets of the city. Open to all ages and limited to 10 people. Reservations suggested and walk-ups are welcome. Please bring a mask. $10 per person. 1436 2nd Street, Santa Monica, 10 a.m., smc.givecloud.co/dwt
Send event information at least 10 days in advance to kkirk@ timespublications.com
DECEMBER 30, 2021 THE ARGONAUT PAGE 19
LOS ANGELES TIMES SUNDAY CROSSWORD PUZZLE “NUTS!” By MICHAEL SCHLOSSBERG
TRUTH ACHE
My husband and I are in our 50s, married 25 years. I married for life, but I didn’t expect our initially happy marriage to turn into a dull housemates situation. With our children away at college, there’s no distraction from my husband’s lack of interest in having a fun, interesting life or even trying to be interesting to me. Most disturbingly, he isn’t interested in sex -- at least with me -- though I’m fit and still get called “beautiful.” I can pleasure myself, but I’m despondent at the prospect of spending the last decades of my life no longer being desired or even seen as a sexual person. I’m envious of my 50-something friend, now shacked up with her new partner. They are so effusively fulfilled together -- domestically and sexually, I’m told -- it makes me want to vomit whenever we meet for dinner. I can only imagine the fun and sex they’re having. Do you think I should follow their lead? — Sex-Starved Bored Wife There’s “Marriage, the Fantasy” – the gauzy gloriousness you see in wedding dress commercials – and then there’s “Marriage, the Unadvertised Reality”: Eventually, your spouse could die at the breakfast table, and you might not notice till dinner. Couples whose spousalship erodes to this point tend to feel guilty (yet mystified at where they went wrong). They’re unaware they’ve been set up to fail thanks to impossible-to-meet modern expectations for marriage. “For thousands of years the theme song for most weddings could have been, ‘What’s Love Got to Do with It?’” observes historian Stephanie Coontz. Until about 200 years ago, marriage was a vital system for powerful moneybags families to forge political alliances, merge fortunes, and even make peace treaties (lest Europe play host to the, um, Hapsburgs and the McCoys). We of the stinking masses did this on a smaller scale, like by marrying off our daughter to the son of the farmer with the enviable potato fields butting up to ours. In other words, the common modern expectation that a spouse be one’s lifetime romantic and sexual excitement provider gives marriage a job it was never set up to do – and really can’t do – just when medical advances have us taking longer than ever to go face down in the Cream of Wheat. Marriage modern-style has its pluses: among them, an on-site best
friend, a stable environment for raising kids, two-fer tax benefits, and higher living standards. And let’s be frank: It’s ideal to live with someone who’ll do more than lick his paw while you thrash around on the living room floor from a seizure. Unfortunately, there’s no stopping the “hedonic adaptation,” the inevitable dulling of marital excitement. “Hedonic,” from the ancient Greek word for pleasure, with “adaptation” describes how we quickly habituate to changes in our lives, positive or negative. That boob job or the bummer diagnosis stops giving us the lift or gut punch it first did, and we swing back to our baseline level of happiness or gloom. In a marriage, assuming things don’t go ugly, the early lusty romance gives way to “companionate love,” the comfy dog-chewed old slippers of long-term partnership. There is a defibrillator of sorts for flatlining marital excitement: an ongoing variety of surprising experiences – big and small, daily and weekly. Neuroscientist Wolfram Schultz finds that “unpredictable rewards” – aka surprises – can be three or four times as exciting to us as those we’re used to. To take advantage of this, spouses might alternate weeks bringing each other on a mystery date – taking into account personal preferences and medical issues, lest the surprise take a surprise turn: “Betcha didn’t guess we’d be drinking Benadryl nightcaps in the ER!” Admittedly, this is rather weak tea to throw at the problem disturbing you most: being sexually abandoned by your husband. It’s probably impossible to solve and likely would be even if he wanted to want you again. We’re sexually excited by the new and out of reach, and you can’t become a sexy stranger for him to pursue – or even fake it plausibly. You went into marriage with the best of intentions – marrying “for life” – but you’re now left with two options: 1. Part company with having any sort of sensual relationship that doesn’t require vow breakage. 2. Part company with your husband. If you’re inclined toward the latter, some inner voice might rise up to scold you, “Whatever happened to ‘Till death do us part’?!” Sure, that’s the deal you signed up for, but consider whether you think living the next 30 years like you’re sexually embalmed should count. Personally, as a nevermarried, seize-the-day type, I’m planning to be the hussy of the senior care facility – the subject of endless gossip by resentful elderly busybodies.
GOT A PROBLEM? Write to Amy Alkon at 171 Pier Ave, Ste. 280, Santa Monica, CA 90405, or email her at AdviceAmy@aol.com.
©2021, Amy Alkon, all rights reserved. Alkon’s latest book is “Unf*ckology: A Field Guide to Living with Guts and Confidence.” Follow @amyalkon on Twitter or visit blogtalkradio.com/amyalkon.
PAGE 20 THE ARGONAUT DECEMBER 30, 2021
ACROSS 1 Spanish for “prairie” 6 __ wind 11 “Carmina Burana” composer 15 Breaks down 19 Verdi creations 20 Milan fashion house 21 Letter-shaped support 22 Hose color 23 Hex nut? 25 Paints the town red 27 Sinus-clearing aids 28 Boilermaker ingredient 30 Go in for 31 Cool, in a way 32 Palm nut? 34 Encircle 37 “__ Bop”: Cyndi Lauper song 39 Fiver 40 “Curious George” co-author Margret 41 City on the Skunk 42 Audrey of “The Da Vinci Code” 45 Flavorful 47 It’s almost always fishy 50 Date nut? 52 Brewers’ gadgets 54 “Sorry, can’t do it” 55 Customary 58 Mischievous glance 59 Bit 62 “Sorry not sorry” 64 Old Bruins nickname 65 Wing nut? 71 Butternut? 74 Folksy Guthrie 75 Abdominal scar, actually 77 Earth goddess 78 One in the alley’s back row 81 Pueblo building material 84 Breakfast cereal magnate
89 Zigzagged, in a sport 91 Doughnut? 94 Drink with a painful homophone 95 Packed (with) 97 “Phooey!” 98 Family figure? 99 Kind of blanket or paint 100 Bubbly prefix 102 New Haven collegian 103 FDR had three of them 104 Wheel nut? 110 Card game cry 111 “C’est magnifique!” 112 “How ya __?” 113 Punter’s metric 118 Reggie Jackson nickname based on his postseason success 120 Chestnut? 122 Impress 123 “Game of Thrones,” for one 124 Dodge 125 Hawaiian veranda 126 Squirrels’ haunts 127 Train station, e.g. 128 Bob who was the voice of Future Ted Mosby in “How I Met Your Mother” 129 Muscular, in modern lingo DOWN 1 First to move, usually 2 Indy champ Luyendyk 3 Glove 4 Protest group, perhaps 5 Sooty receptacle 6 Allow as a handicap 7 “LOTR” menaces 8 Delt neighbor
9 Tangy Mexican sauce 10 More desirable to collectors 11 Massage parlor services 12 Triple Crown stat 13 Packers QB before Rodgers 14 Streaming service offer 15 “Match Game” regular Charles Nelson __ 16 In base eight 17 Fighters’ pact 18 Word that’s its own synonym when a “b” is added to the end 24 Family title? 26 Fly past 29 Due-in hr. 32 Former embryo 33 Bourbon order 34 “Funny not funny” 35 Pianist Gilels 36 Arizona College of Nursing city 37 “Here’s a thought ... ” 38 Center of activity 42 Move en masse 43 Many times o’er 44 Aerial enigmas 46 Old Spanish dough 47 Splash (through) 48 Split to come together 49 Request from 51 “Will do” 53 Novelist Waugh 56 Golf green insert 57 Mauna __ 60 Preserved, as sardines 61 Like 63 Chinese sauce additive 65 Prefix with belt, in slacks 66 What a wavy line may mean in music 67 Long bones 68 Advent air
69 Eggs in a lab 70 “Chopped” host Allen 72 Costa __ 73 Sign of boredom 76 Western wolf 79 Skunk cousin 80 “Haven’t the foggiest” 82 “Phooey!” 83 Week add-on 85 Inventor’s protection 86 Nasty sort 87 Ooze 88 A fourth of doce 90 Out of juice 92 Penn of the Harold & Kumar films 93 Hosp. test in a tube 96 MC Chris genre 99 Big name in jam 101 Maracanã Stadium city 103 Watches 104 “Did my heart love till now?” speaker 105 Main artery 106 As much as possible 107 Capital near Casablanca 108 Empaths pick them up 109 __ Gay 110 Serengeti bovine 113 London’s __ Park 114 Help in a risky way 115 Passport fig. 116 It may include several courses 117 One in a wet quintet 119 __ trip 121 Exposed, with “up”
In Escrow
In Escrow 1260 W 81st St, South LA 2 bed | 1 bath | $689,000 Classic 1930s Spanish Bungalow
In Escrow 1734 Bel Air Rd, Bel Air 5 bed | 6 bath | $3,495,000 Spectacular Panoramic Views
In Escrow 7918 Kenyon Ave, Westchester 5 bed | 3 bath | $2,495,000 Modern luxury with Timeless Style
Just Sold 7101 Playa Vista Dr #109, Playa Vista
3 bed | 2.5 bath | $1,150,000 Modern Deluxe Townhome
8000 Dunbarton Ave, Westchester 5 bed | 5.5 bath | $4,295,000 Coastal Vibes for the Holidays
8238 W Manchester Ave #407, Playa Del Rey
2 bed | 2 bath | $875,000 Top Floor Condo with Views
In Escrow 1015 S Gramercy Dr, Windsor Square
4 bed | 2 bath | $1,199,000 Traditional California Craftsman
2641 Glendon Ave, Rancho Park 3 bed | 3 bath | $1,649,000 Indoor-Outdoor Living
3720 Hughes Ave #5, Palms 3 bed | 3 bath | $799,400 Multi-Level Condo
Just Sold
In Escrow 7054 W 85th St, Westchester 3 bed | 1 bath | $1,049,000 Traditional Ranch in Loyola Village
In Escrow 16900 Gault St, Lake Balboa 3 bed | 1.5 bath | $699,000 Traditional and Timeless
In Escrow
In Escrow
Just Sold 4920 S Centinela Ave, Mar Vista 2 bed | 2 bath | $1,108,000 Bungalow in Silicon Beach
6516 W 83rd St, Westchester 3 bed | 1 bath | $1,049,000 Spacious Retreat
2528 N Via Artis, Elysian Heights 4 bed | 3 bath | $1,090,000 Tri-Level Retreat
Just Sold 4733 La Villa Marina #F, Marina del Rey
3 bed | 2.5 bath | $1,210,000 Tri-Level End Unit Townhome
In Escrow 8336 Bleriot Ave, Westchester 4 bed | 3 bath | $1,499,000 Traditional Ranch with ADU
FIND YOUR PLACE Stephanie Younger Group 310.499.2020 | DRE 01365696 stephanieyounger.com | @stephanieyoungergroup Compass is a real estate broker licensed by the State of California and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. License Number 01991628. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only and is compiled from sources deemed reliable but has not been verified. Changes in price, condition, sale or withdrawal may be made without notice. No statement is made as to accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footage are approximate. If your property is currently listed for sale this is not a solicitation.
DECEMBER 30, 2021 AT HOME – THE ARGONAUT’S REAL ESTATE SECTION PAGE 21
Era Matilla rEalty 225 CulvEr Blvd. Playa dEl rEy
Manager BrE#1323411
Broker assoc. BrE#01439943
THE ARGONAUT P R E S S R E L E A S E S CLASSIC SPANISH HOME
Realtors: Buying or Selling Westside Real Estate? The Argonaut has Your Best Audience
“Relax, connect, and explore in this classic 2BD/1BA bungalow in the heart of the city,” says agent Stephanie Younger. “Stunningly updated, this 1930s home is the epitome of SoCal style with its stately palm trees, arched doorways, and clay tile roof. This home is graced with original oakwood floors and decorative tile, high ceilings with wood beam accents and original built-in details, as well as ample picture windows while its gorgeous fireplace crowns the living room. The beautifully remodeled kitchen offers SS appliances, large double farm sink, six burner chef’s stove, and plenty of cabinet space and a large breakfast nook with dual built-in bookcases.” Offered at $689,000 Stephanie Younger Compass 310-499-2020
RESORT LIVING IN THE MARINA
“Extensively renovated in a sophisticated modern style this 3/BD/3BA town-home is located in the heart of Silicon Beach,” says agent Jesse Weinberg. “This unit offers a great open floor plan in a very quiet location with upgrades including new floors throughout, recessed LED lighting, spacious living room with high ceilings, and an expansive private patio perfect for the indoor/outdoor lifestyle. An updated chef’s kitchen with Calcatta style porcelain backsplash, SS appliances, soft-close artic white cabinets, French grey quartz countertops, and an adjacent dining area. The primary suite features a private balcony.” Offered at $1,349,000 Jesse Weinberg Jesse Weinberg & Associates 800-804-9132
Call Rebecca Bermudez at 310-463-0633 or rebecca@argonautnews.com
THE ARGONAUT REAL ESTATE BUSINESS NEWS
What Real Estate Agents Wish They Could Tell Their Clients It’s not always easy to work in real estate. Home prices continue to rise throughout most of the country, interest rates are low and inventory is tight. It’s a prime market for sellers and not so much for buyers. There’s a lot of anxiety and frustration for buyers and their agents, particularly with the prevalence of bidding wars. Regardless of which end of the transaction you might be on—buyer or seller—working with an agent who’s knowledgeable and experienced is one of the best things you can do to navigate this complex market. With that being said, as frustrated as you could be about certain things, there are likely things your agent wish you knew, or they could tell you as well. Don’t Contact Any Other Agents Once You’ve Started Working With Someone Once you start working with an agent to buy a home or sell yours, you’re usually entering a contract with them. It’s an exclusive buyer or seller representation agreement. Don’t call the real estate agent on the sign if you see a house you like. Call your agent and tell them. Your realtor is your representative for any purchase or sale.
They’re meant to carry you through the legal and financial steps of buying or selling. While you’re obviously concerned with your needs, it’s good to think about things from the perspective of your agent too. If you go to another agent and end up writing a contract, let’s say, then your agent doesn’t receive any money for the time or effort they spent working with you. If you decide that you aren’t ready to buy or sell or something changes, let your agent know right away. If You’re a Seller, Make It Easy to Sell Your Home Even the best agent isn’t going to have an easy time selling your home if you’re not upholding your end of things. That means you try and keep your home as presentable as possible, including very clean, while it’s on the market. You should also try and work around your agent and the buyers’ schedules as much as possible. Try to avoid being onsite during showings, and ensure your pets are put away and taken care of before a showing. Your Expectations Might Be Unreasonable
PAGE 22 AT HOME – THE ARGONAUT’S REAL ESTATE SECTION DECEMBER 30, 2021
If you were in a buyer’s market, you could can refer you to great experts in the areas get away with having higher standards, where you need help. but in the current environment, you’re very Don’t Say You’re a Motivated Buyer likely to have to lower your standards. If You Aren’t Things may gradually change over the next couple of years, but for the time being, your If you talk to any real estate agent, they’re going to have at least one and often many agent probably wishes they could directly tell you that it’s time to take some things off more stories about situations where they’ve worked with buyers and then ultimately, your wish list and be a little less picky. they had no intention of making a purchase. If you want a home that needs zero work, There are legitimate reasons you might take you’re going to pay a premium. Even fixera long time to buy something or things can uppers may not be extremely cheap right change, but if you’re just killing time by now. looking at houses, it’s disrespectful to the Real Estate Agents Aren’t agent who’s taking their time to work with Experts in Everything you. There are a lot of things your agent is going Stop Lowballing Just Because to be great at helping you with. They know Finally, some buyers are deadest on not the market, and they can help you with things like pricing and negotiations. You also paying the listing price. No one wants to pay more than a house is worth, and that’s have to realize there are limitations to their expertise. For example, your agent probably normal, but you also have to understand the market and realize that sometimes you can’t tell you if something is built to code have to pay the market value of a home if or what it might cost you to take on a you want it. large-scale project. They might have an idea, but it’s not what THIS WEEK’S CONTRIBUTION CAME FROM: they specialize in. REALTY TIMES STAFF, Rather than thinking your agent will have 214-353-6980 every answer, you can expect that they realtytimes.com
AUCTIONEER: David Hester Auctioneer & Associates, California Auction Bond #70759390
CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING Classifieds / Legals
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EDWARD T. ARTIN JR. EMREK HANUSEK DIMITRY K. VERGUN STARCITY PROPERTIES INC. JONAH MORREALE MAGNUS JANSSON TERRESA S. SHKOUKANI CRAIG BALKAM YANJUN PAN YANJUN PAN ALYX BATEMAN ANDREAS HONIGSCHMID CHISTINA RANIERI MAURRE CLEMM RICHARD SEGAL DAVID ALLEN WESTALL CLAUDIA GUTIERREZ STEVEN ASHBY MICHAEL CRAWFORD MOUNT PUBLISHED: Argonaut Newspaper 12/23/21, 12/30/21
Lien Sales Notice of Self Storage Sale Please take notice US Storage Centers - Marina Del Rey located at 12700 Braddock Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90066 intends to hold an auction to sell the goods stored by the following tenants at the storage facility. The sale will occur as an online auction via www.storagetreasures.com on 1/20/2022 at 10:00AM. Unless stated otherwise the description of the contents are household goods and furnishings. George Milton II Harbaugh (2 units); Jody Lee Hann. All property is being stored at the above self-storage facility. This sale may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Certain terms and conditions apply. See manager for details. PUBLISHED: Argonaut Newspaper 12/30/21, 01/06/22 NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned intends to sell personal property, household items, business goods and boxes of unknown content identified by Occupant name below, to enforce a lien imposed on said property pursuant to Sections 21700-21716 of the Business & Professions, section 2328 of the UCC, Section 535 of the Penal Code and provisions of the Civil Code. The undersigned will sell at public sale by competitive bidding on Thursday January 06, 2022 at 11:30 AM on the premises where said property has been stored known as Stor-It Self Storage and located at 4068 Del Rey Avenue, Marina Del Rey, Ca. 90292, County of Los Angeles, State of California, the following: Purchases must be paid for at time of purchase in cash only. All purchased items are sold as is, where is and must be removed at the time of sale. The sale is subject to cancellation in the event of settlement between Owner and the obligated party. . AUCTIONEER: David Hester Auctioneer & Associates, California Auction Bond #70759390 EDWARD T. ARTIN JR. EMREK HANUSEK DIMITRY K. VERGUN STARCITY PROPERTIES INC. JONAH MORREALE MAGNUS JANSSON TERRESA S. SHKOUKANI CRAIG BALKAM YANJUN PAN YANJUN PAN ALYX BATEMAN ANDREAS HONIGSCHMID CHISTINA RANIERI MAURRE CLEMM RICHARD SEGAL DAVID ALLEN WESTALL CLAUDIA GUTIERREZ STEVEN ASHBY MICHAEL CRAWFORD MOUNT
Fic. Business Name FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2021268797 Type of Filing: Original. The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: THE GREENBERG GROUP. 4316 Campbell Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90066. COUNTY: Los Angeles. REGISTERED OWNER(S) RA Greenberg International Inc., 4316 Campbell Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90066. 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: 07/2021. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. /s/ Randy Greenberg. TITLE: President, Corp or LLC Name: RA Greenberg International Inc. This statement was filed with the LA County Clerk on: December 10, 2021. NOTICE – in accordance with subdivision (a) of Section 17920, a Fictitious Name statement generally expires at the end of five years from the date on which it was filed in the office of the county clerk, except, as provided in subdivision (b) of Section 17920, where it expires 40 days after any change in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to Section 17913 other than a change in the residence address of a registered owner. a new Fictitious Business Name statement must be filed before the expiration. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state, or common law (see Section 14411 et seq., Business and Professions code). Publish: The Argonaut Newspaper. Dates: 12/16/21, 12/23/21, 12/30/21, 01/06/22
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FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2021268524 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: ARCHANGEL MICHAEL ORTHODOX BOOSTORE. 4145 Sepulveda Blvd., Culver City, CA 90230. COUNTY: Los Angeles. REGISTERED OWNER(S) Joy Of All Who Sorrow Orthodox Church, 4145 Sepulveda Blvd., Culver City, CA 90230. 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: 07/1999. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. /s/ Thomas John Tomasi. TITLE: President, Corp or LLC Name: Joy Of All Who Sorrow Orthodox Church. This statement was filed with the LA County Clerk on: December 10, 2021. NOTICE – in accordance with subdivision (a) of Section 17920, a Fictitious Name statement generally expires at the end of five years from the date on which it was filed in the office of the county clerk, except, as provided in subdivision (b) of Section 17920, where it expires 40 days after any change in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to Section 17913 other than a change in the residence address of a registered owner. a new Fictitious Business Name statement must be filed before the expiration. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state, or common law (see Section 14411 et seq., Business and Professions code). Publish: The Argonaut Newspaper. Dates: 12/16/21, 12/23/21, 12/30/21, 01/06/22
Legal Notices NOTICE OF PREPARATION OF A DRAFT PROGRAM ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT AND PUBLIC SCOPING MEETING PROJECT NAME: Los Angeles County 2045 Climate Action Plan (Draft 2045 CAP) PROJECT LOCATION : Unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County The County of Los Angeles (County) is the Lead Agency pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and its implementing regulations, the CEQA Guidelines. The County intends to prepare a Program Environmental Impact Report (PEIR) for the 2045 Climate Action Plan (CAP) that would be an implementing component of the Air Quality Element of the Los Angeles County General Plan. The County has prepared this Notice of Preparation to provide Responsible Agencies, Trustee Agencies, potentially affected federal agencies, organizations, and other interested parties with information regarding this project and its potential environmental effects, and to solicit your input on the scope and content of the PEIR. PROJECT DESCRIPTION : The Draft 2045 CAP would require a General Plan Amendment to replace the Los Angeles County Community Climate Action Plan (2020 CCAP), which is an implementing component of the Air Quality Element of the Los Angeles County General Plan. In early 2020, the Department of Regional Planning ("DRP") released a Public Discussion Draft of the Draft 2045 CAP (Public Discussion Draft). After receiving significant comments from stakeholders, DRP determined the need to substantially revise and update the Public Discussion Draft. Revisions will include an updated GHG emissions inventory for 2018; new emissions forecasts for 2030, 2035, and 2045; new GHG emissions targets for 2030, 2035, and 2045; a revised suite of GHG reduction strategies, measures, and actions in response to public comments to be more clear, specific, feasible, and quantifiable; a technical modeling appendix to explain the Draft 2045 CAP's GHG reduction estimates; a consideration of environmental justice and equity concerns; and a new development review consistency checklist to allow projects to streamline CEQA compliance for by using the CAP, per CEQA Guidelines Section15183.5. POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS : The County has prepared an Initial Study, which is being circulated with this Notice of Preparation. Because the Initial Study indicates that the proposed project may have a significant impact to the environment in one or more resource areas, the County has determined that preparation of a PEIR is required. The PEIR will focus on the potentially significant
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other interested parties with information regarding this project and its potential environmental effects, and to solicit your input on the scope and content of the PEIR. PROJECT DESCRIPTION : The Draft 2045 CAP would require a General Plan Amendment to replace the Los Angeles County Community Climate Action Plan (2020 CCAP), which is an implementing component of the Air Quality Element of the Los Angeles County General Plan. In early 2020, the Department of Regional Planning ("DRP") released a Public Discussion Draft of the Draft 2045 CAP (Public Discussion Draft). After receiving significant comments from stakeholders, DRP determined the need to substantially revise and update the Public Discussion Draft. Revisions will include an updated GHG emissions inventory for 2018; new emissions forecasts for 2030, 2035, and 2045; new GHG emissions targets for 2030, 2035, and 2045; a revised suite of GHG reduction strategies, measures, and actions in response to public comments to be more clear, specific, feasible, and quantifiable; a technical modeling appendix to explain the Draft 2045 CAP's GHG reduction estimates; a consideration of environmental justice and equity concerns; and a new development review consistency checklist to allow projects to streamline CEQA compliance for by using the CAP, per CEQA Guidelines Section15183.5. POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS : The County has prepared an Initial Study, which is being circulated with this Notice of Preparation. Because the Initial Study indicates that the proposed project may have a significant impact to the environment in one or more resource areas, the County has determined that preparation of a PEIR is required. The PEIR will focus on the potentially significant effects of the project, and briefly discuss any effects found not to be significant. The PEIR will include a more detailed evaluation of the following environmental issues: Air Quality Biological Resources Cultural Resources Noise Tribal Cultural Resources PUBLIC REVIEW PERIOD : The County invites interested parties to provide written comments as to your specific concerns about the project's potential environmental effects. The County requests that any Responsible or Trustee Agency responding to this notice do so in a manner consistent with Section 15082(b) of the State CEQA Guidelines. A 30-day review period starts on January 3, 2022, and ends on February 1, 2022. Due to the time limits mandated by state law, please send your written response to the address or email below at the earliest possible date, but no later than February 1, 2022, at 5:00 p.m. Please include your name and address for all written correspondence. Please send written comments to the following address: Thuy Hua, Supervising Regional Planner Los Angeles County Department of Regional Planning 320 West Temple Street, 13th Floor Los Angeles, CA 90012 For email submittal of your comment letter, send to: climate@planning.lacounty.gov Any comments provided should identify specific topics of environmental concern and your reason for suggesting the study of these topics in the PEIR. All written comment letters/emails will be included in an appendix in the Draft PEIR and the contents considered in the preparation of the PEIR. DOCUMENT AVAILABILITY AND PROJECT WEBSITE : This Notice of Preparation and the Initial Study are available for view o n l i n e a t : https://planning.lacounty.gov/climate. NOTICE OF PUBLIC SCOPING MEETING: The County will conduct a public scoping meeting to solicit oral and written comments from interested parties on the scope and content of the PEIR. All interested parties are invited to attend the scoping meeting to assist in identifying issues to be addressed in the PEIR. The scoping meeting will include a brief presentation of the project scope to be addressed in the PEIR, a summary of the PEIR process, and will provide attendees with an opportunity to provide input to the scope and content of the PEIR. The scoping meeting will be held online via Zoom on January 13, 2022 at 5:00 p.m. PST . Please visit https://planning.lacounty.gov/site/c limate/meetings-hearings/ to register for the meeting. 12/30/21 CNS-3541836# THE ARGONAUT
Trustee’s Sales NOTICE OF TRUSTEES SALE YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST DATED 10/08/2020. UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDINGS AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER. ASSESSORS PARCEL NUMBER 5015-039-012 On JANUARY 4, 2022 at 10:30 A.M., BOBBY FORD as the duly appointed Trustee under and pursuant to Deed of Trust, recorded on 11/19/2020 as document No. 20201294172 of Official Records in the Office of the Recorder of LOS ANGELES County, California, executed by: ROBERTO HERNANDEZ BUSTAMANTE, a married man as his sole and separate property as Trustor, BOBBY FORD and MARY FORD, husband and wife as joint tenants, as Beneficiaries, will sell at PUBLIC AUCTION TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER FOR CASH (payable at time of sale in lawful money of the United States, by cash, a cashier's check drawn by a state or national bank, a check drawn by a state or federal credit union, or a check drawn by a state or federal savings and loan association, savings association, or savings bank specified In section 5102 of the Financial Code and authorized to do business In this state). AT THE FRONT ENTRANCE LOS ANGELES COUNTY COURTHOUSE, SOUTHEAST DISTRICT, 12720 NORWALK BLVD., NORWALK, CALIFORNIA 90650 all right, title and interest conveyed to and now held by it under said Deed of Trust in the property situated in said County, California describing the land therein as more fully described on said deed of trust. ALL CASHIERS CHECKS MUST BE MADE PAYABLE TO BOBBY FORD. All third party checks will be returned for re-issuance. The property heretofore described is being sold "As Is". The street address and other common designation, if any, of the real property described above is purported to be 5024 3rd AVENUE, LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA 90043. Directions may be obtained by written request. The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address and other common designation, if any, shown herein. Said sale will be made, but without covenant or warranty, expressed or implied, regarding title, possession, or encumbrances, to pay the remaining principal sum of the note(s) secured by said Deed of Trust, with interest thereon, as provided in said note(s), advances, if any, under the terms of the Deed of Trust, estimated fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee and of the trusts created by said Deed of Trust, to-wit: $337,340.97 estimated. Accrued Interest and additional advances, if any, will increase this figure prior to sale. Whenever the context hereof so requires, the masculine gender includes the feminine and/or neuter , the singular number includes the plural. NOTICE TO PROPERTY OWNER The sale date shown on this notice of sale may be postponed one or more times by the mortgagee, beneficiary, trustee, or a court pursuant to Section 2924g of the California Civil Code. The law requires that information about trustee sale postponements be made available to you and to the public, as a courtesy to those not present at the sale. If you wish to learn whether your sale has been postponed, and if applicable the rescheduled time and date for the sale of this C:\0 LA BUSTAMONTA FORECLOSURE\PUB NOTICE O F SALE\0 NOTICE TRUSTEE SALE.wpd property, you may call 714-6378877. Information about postponements that are very short in duration or that occur close to the time to the scheduled sale may not immediately be reflected in the telephone information. The best way to verify postponement is to attend the sale. NOTICE TO POTENTIAL BIDDERS If you are considering bidding on this property lien, you should understand that there are risks involved in bidding at a trustee auction. You will be bidding on a lien, not on the property. Placing the highest bid at a trustee auction does not automatically entitle you to free and clear ownership of the property. You should also be aware that the lien being
If you are considering bidding on this property lien, you should understand that there are risks involved in bidding at a trustee auction. You will be bidding on a lien, not on the property. Placing the highest bid at a trustee auction does not automatically entitle you to free and clear ownership of the property. You should also be aware that the lien being auctioned off may be a junior lien. If you are the highest bidder at the auction, you are or may be responsible for paying off all liens senior to the lien being auctioned off, before you can receive clear title to the property. You are encouraged to investigate the existence, priority, and size of the outstanding liens that may exist on the property by contacting the county recorders office or a title company, either of which may charge you a fee for this information. If you consult either of these resources, you should be aware that the same lender may hold more than one mortgage or deed of trust on the property. NOTICE TO TENANT You may have a right to purchase this property after the trustee auction pursuant to Section 2924m of the California Civil Code. If you are an "eligible tenant buyer," you can purchase the property if you match the last and highest bid placed at the trustee auction. If you are an "eligible bidder," you may be able to purchase the property if you exceed the last and highest bid placed at the trustee auction. There are three steps to exercising this right of purchase, First, 48 hours after the date of the trustee sale, you can call 714-637-8877, or visit this internet website WWW.BOBJOEFORD.NET for information regarding the sale of this property, using the file number assigned to this case (451) to find the date on which the trustee's sale was held, the amount of the last and highest bid, and the address of the trustee. Second, you must send a written notice of intent to place a bid so that the trustee receives it no more than 15 days after the trustee's sale. Third, you must submit a bid so that the trustee receives it no more than 45 days after the trustee's sale. If you think you may qualify as an 'eligible tenant buyer" or "eligible bidder," you should consider contacting an attorney or appropriate real estate professional immediately for advice regarding this potential right to purchase. The beneficiary under said Deed of Trust heretofore executed and delivered to the undersigned a written Declaration of Default and Demand for Sale, and a written Notice of Default and Election to Sell. The undersigned caused said Notice of Default and Election to Sell to be recorded In the county where the real property is located and more than three months have elapsed since such recordation. The Trustee contact information is BOBBY FORD, 18091 MARK CIRCLE, VILLA PARK, CALIFORNIA 92861 TELEPHONE 714-637-8877 FAX 714-637-2955 EMAIL BOBJOEFORD@ATT.NET PUBLISHED: The Argonaut Newspaper 12/16/21, 12/23/1, 12/30/21
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