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• Shooting on Melrose pg. 4 Sunny, with • Feuer takes highs in the action on illegal 60s nightclub pg. 7

Volume 30 No. 51 Serving the Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Hancock Park and Wilshire Communities December 17, 2020 BHUSD board swears West Hollywood questions Kuehl n Council, business in new leadership community criticizes supervisor over n Three members begin new terms outdoor dining ban BY LAURA COLEMAN success as the COVID-19 pandem- BY CAMERON KISZLA ic continues and once a safe return Rachelle Marcus was installed as to in-classroom instruction The West Hollywood City president of the Beverly Hills resumes, Marcus cited several Council and West Hollywood Unified Board of Education on issues the board will deal with Chamber of Commerce made Dec. 15 with Tristen Walker- including the budget, community clear their displeasure with Los Shuman installed as the new vice relations and Los Angeles Unified Angeles County Supervisor Sheila president. School District’s recent claim to Kuehl, 3rd District, during the “I know we’ve got a sensational own major portions of the land on Dec. 7 council meeting. board and we’re going to do great which Beverly Hills High School is During a discussion regarding things and I’m very positive about built. the city’s COVID-19 relief efforts our future,” said Marcus, who Marcus highlighted the district’s and the pandemic’s impact on the retired from BHUSD in 2013 after mission statement – “To inspire and local business community, photo by Jon Viscott/courtesy of the West Hollywood Chamber of Commerce 50 years of teaching. “We are in the enable each student to achieve aca- Fernando Morales, district direc- Local chambers of commerce and business groups marched on education business and our most demic excellence and meet the tor for Kuehl’s West/Metro Los Dec. 12 to push for businesses to reopen safely. important job is to prepare our stu- goals of college and career readi- Angeles office, provided an dents for the future.” ness” – as foundational to achieving update from the county and “For now, all I’ve heard is ‘stay icized the timing of the outdoor She emphasized the importance success in the future. answered questions. home and we’ve got you,’ but I dining ban, which came after busi- of working collaboratively as a “With the support of the parents, Multiple council members don’t feel like you have us, at all nesses made investments to pro- board to facilitate student success, the students, the administrators and expressed to Morales their dis- … People are looking for leader- tect their customers and employ- particularly as students return to the community, I believe we can pleasure with Kuehl, who voted in ship from Sheila and others and ees. She also asked about the tim- school campuses. meet these challenges and many favor of restricting outdoor dining are not seeing it. I lived through ing of the county’s COVID-19 “I recognize that the structure of more,” she said. last month. That order was over- the AIDS epidemic. We know safety compliance certificate pro- our education foundation has been Councilwoman Lili Bosse, who turned by a Los Angeles Superior what lack of leadership from the gram, which shows which busi- tested,” Marcus said. administered the oath of office to Court judge, though the state’s county looks like, and it looks a nesses have been trained and have In addition to ensuring that the Marcus, highlighted how the stay-at-home order still prohibits lot like this,” Councilman John agreed to follow the Los Angeles district’s students are given the restaurants from offering indoor D’Amico said. opportunity to achieve academic See BHUSD page 27 or outdoor dine-in service. Councilwoman Sepi Shyne crit- See WeHo page 27 TV City connects Fairfax students with mentors Raman sworn into n Teens discuss big ideas with tech, television titans office, outlines plans BY CAMERON KISZLA n Ridley-Thomas calls

On a recent Monday afternoon, homelessness ‘moral representatives from tech compa- crisis of our time’ nies including Facebook and enter- tainment companies Sony Pictures, BY EDWIN FOLVEN Netflix, Television City and its owner, Hackman Capital Partners, Councilwoman Nithya Raman, gathered for a Zoom call. 4th District, was sworn in on The businesspeople and execu- Dec. 15 in a virtual ceremony led tives were not there to talk about the by City Clerk Holly Wolcott in future of television and movies, and which all council members of their conversation never touched on even-numbered districts took the box office numbers and Nielsen rat- oath of office. ings. Raman was joined by the win- Instead, they were taking turns photo courtesy of Good City Mentors ning incumbents in the Nov. 3 providing answers to “What is Allyssa Bross Larrabee and Brian Larrabee founded Good City Mentors. election and the other newcomer love?” and “Why do we find it so – Councilman Mark Ridley hard to love at times?” and dis- Television City contributed Platform, said Television City con- Thomas, 10th District. Raman cussing the topic with students from $50,000 to get the leadership pro- nected with Good City Mentors and Ridley-Thomas then partici- photo courtesy of the 4th District office Fairfax High School as part of the gram up and running at Fairfax through Los Angeles Unified pated in their first council meet- Councilwoman Nithya Raman Mentor LA initiative from Good High School in September. So far, School District Board of Education ing, which happened to be the posed with her family in City City Mentors. 39 mentors have spent a combined member Nick Melvoin, 4th District, last of the year before a City Council Chambers. Good City Mentors partnered 336 hours with 56 Fairfax students, who is friends with Brian Larrabee, Council recess until Jan. 12. with Fairfax High School through and on average, 34 students attend Good City Mentors co-founder and Raman outlined her work ness that will be further consid- Television City’s Changing Lenses each week for program-wide talks executive director. addressing homelessness and ered at a future council meeting, initiative, a $2 million pledge to and smaller breakout groups. “[Larrabee] is such a positive, said she hopes to continue including one to shift the focus of invest in the adjacent Fairfax Zach Sokoloff, a vice president infectious person … We pursued progress on the issue on the City how the Los Angeles Homeless District after the civil unrest of this with Hackman Capital Partners pri- Council. She introduced two past summer. For Mentor LA, marily focused on the Studio See Mentors page 26 motions pertaining to homeless- See Raman page 26 2 December 17, 2020 Park Labrea News/Beverly Press CALENDAR

al catastrophe. Other films featured us02web.zoom.us/j/89527417340?pw Beverly Hills during the coming week include the d=RmswdFUxVElHN2xhVVlhOUlQ sci-fi/action movie “Breach” and the Y0gvZz09&fbclid=IwAR2ALmGQ6 Chamber romance/comedy “Sister of the 5kcTd9_KzFAFN5liXUfWlQdSbn4n Join the Beverly Hills Chamber of Groom.” The fist showtime is 4:55 hXPXwCrlitxqelkixqELUE#success. Commerce for its “Ugly Sweaters, p.m. Admission is $40 per vehicle. Beautiful People” holiday mixer on 1625 N. Las Palmas Blvd. are- Thursday, Dec. 17, from 4 to 5:30 nascreen.com. p.m., via Zoom. Dust off your ugly Fountain Theatre

sweater, order supplies and get ready Settle in with your favorite beverage for some fun. The program starts with on Saturday, Dec. 19, at 5 p.m., a quick class in mixology to create a Latin student when the Fountain Theatre con- special holiday cocktail, followed by cludes its 2020 monthly Saturday a healthy holiday appetizer demon- film festival Matinee series with an Old stration. There will also be plenty of Latin American Cinemateca of Los Hollywood-themed holiday party holiday music and mixing. Prizes will Angeles presents the 13th annual with games and online play reading. LACLA Student Film Festival on photo courtesy of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center be presented to the top three ugly Actress Karen Friday, Dec. 18. LACLA is being Kondazian, a Cedars-Sinai received the first doses of a COVID-19 vaccine for health sweaters. Admission is $10 for mem- bers; $20 guests. members.beverly- held for the first time in a virtual for- lifetime member care workers on Dec. 15. hillschamber.com. mat and is free. As a means of encour- of the Actors aging and celebrating student film Studio and Los making, the festival will feature short Angeles Drama films created by youth from various Critics Circle ‘Storage Run’ media arts programs and middle and Have fun with “Storage Run,” a new, Award-winner, high schools in the greater Los First COVID-19 vaccines arrive interactive holiday experience from will portray Angeles area. The festival received Rogue Artists Hollywood legend Bette Davis in over 200 film submissions and the Ensemble. Part “Interviewing Miss Davis,” by works of 10 finalists will be show- one of the adven- Laura Maria Censabella. Inspired by at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center cased. Winners will be selected for ture will be avail- a true event in Censabella’s life, the Best Film, Most Creative and Best After the Food and Drug tion and illness,” said Dr. Jeff Smith, able on Friday, one-act play is set in 1985 as Davis Social Impact project. lacla.org. Administration approved the first chief operating officer of Cedars- Dec. 18, at 7 interviews a new personal assistant vaccine for COVID-19 on Dec. 11, Sinai. “Until [now], the vaccine was p.m.; part two (Wonjung Kim) upon learning that Cedars-Sinai Medical Center the missing tool in our ever-growing will release on her current, beloved assistant and received the first vaccines for front- toolkit of treatments and prevention Friday, Dec. 25, Save Our Small nurse, Jacqueline (Aleisha Force), is line health care workers on Tuesday. methods against the virus.” at 7 p.m.; and part three will be avail- leaving. Admission is free. foun-

Cedars-Sinai Medical Center able on Friday, Jan. 1, at 7 p.m. With Businesses rally taintheatre.com. became one of the first local hospi- just a few weeks remaining until the Join Pasadena SOS for a Save Our “The arrival of the tals to receive the Pfizer-BioNTech holidays, Mike becomes trapped and Small Businesses car rally on Saturday, Dec. 19, at 10:30 a.m. at the COVID-19 vaccine vaccine. The medical center has alone, or so it seems. Enjoy a story of Wainwright capacity to store more than 450,000 computer age connection and holiday Kidspace Museum parking lot at the signifies a doses of the vaccine onsite in ultra- whimsy, and help Mike on a quest to Rose Bowl. The event is an appeal to Christmas powerful and cold freezers. The vaccine is send a message to the world. Over 50 save jobs and help the economy. 480 UCLA’s Center for the Art of N. Arroyo Blvd. positive shift required to be stored at minus-80 artists collaborated with Rogue’s Performance, Town Hall NYC, City ensemble to create “Storage Run,” Winery and Southbank Centre pre- change for our degrees Celsius. Health care workers in Cedars- including co-creator and director sent “A Not So Silent Night – community after Sinai’s intensive care units and Dillon Nelson and co-creators Jack Online Art Virtually To- emergency department will be Pullman, Emory Royston and Miles gether,” a months of fear, Taber. All three episodes will remain among the first to be offered vacci- reception Christmas show exhaustion and available for viewing through Jan. 31. nations, which are voluntary. Enjoy an online artist talk and recep- from siblings Tickets are pay-what-you-can; sug- tion for the exhibit “A Time of Rufus, Martha illness.” “Throughout the pandemic, our gested price is $20. Questioning” on Saturday, Dec. 19, at and Lucy utmost priority has been the safety rogueartists.org/storage-run. -Dr. Jeff Smith, 3 p.m., via Zoom. The LAAA Critique Wainwright, on of our patients and frontline Group Exhibition is curated by Shana Sunday, Dec. chief operating officer employees,” Smith said. “We are Nys Dambrot and hosted by Shoebox 20, at noon. The Cedars-Sinai Medical Center thrilled to now offer our health care Drive-in movies Projects. Participating artists include Wainwrights heroes a voluntary vaccine, which Responding to the pandemic, Alexa Druyanoff, L. Aviva Diamond, will be joined by aunts, mothers, has shown to be 95% effective thus Cinelounge has reopened as an out- Carl Shubs, Jeannine Chanin Penn, fathers, nieces, cousins, sons and “The arrival of the COVID-19 far.” door drive-in theater in a lot on Las Julie Ascher, Justin daughters from the acclaimed musi- vaccine signifies a powerful and The California and Los Angeles Palmas Bouelvard in Hollywood. Prough, Kevin cal extended family. First performed positive shift change for our com- County departments of public health From Friday, Dec. 18, through Mischler, Leslie in 2005, the holiday celebration is munity after months of fear, exhaus- will decide when the vaccine will be Thursday, Dec. 24, the new George Barton, Sharon equal parts concert and family offered to the general public and Clooney feature “The Midnight Sky” Koppelman and reunion. It will be livestreamed from how to prioritize groups to receive will be shown. The post-apocalyptic Snezana Saraswati locations in Los Angeles, Montreal inoculations. Vaccine recipients will story follows Augustine, a lonely sci- Petrovic. The cura- and New York City. Advance tickets receive two doses, 21 days apart. entist in the Arctic, as he races to stop tor will discuss the are $20; $25 on day-of-show. To reg- The vaccine is intended to supple- Sully and her fellow astronauts from works with the ister, visit veeps.com and ment other preventive measures returning home to a mysterious glob- artists. The passcode is 887651. cap.ucla.edu.

Founded 1946 such as wearing face masks, physi- cally distancing, frequent hand- P.O. BOX 36036 washing and avoiding large gather- LOS ANGELES, CA 90036 (323)933-5518 ings. “When deciding whether or not 8444 WILSHIRE BLVD. to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, BEVERLY HILLS, CA 90211 we encourage people to rely on the BEVERLYPRESS.COM latest scientific data,” said Richard Michael Villalpando V. Riggs, senior vice president of medical affairs and chief medical PUBLISHER officer at Cedars-Sinai. “At present, Karen Villalpando the data, which has been reviewed EDITOR & PUBLISHER by the nation’s leading health care regulators and other experts, favor Edwin Folven the vaccine as a safe and powerful [email protected] way to stop the spread of COVID- EDITOR 19.” Cameron Kiszla Riggs said that when enough [email protected] people in a population are vaccinat- ed, the large numbers help protect REPORTER the community, creating herd Laura Coleman immunity. [email protected] “These are extraordinary times,”

REPORTER Riggs added. “We remain in an Jill Weinlein, unprecedented national public Tim Posada, health emergency that has required Rebecca Villalpando, unprecedented responses to ensure Emily Jilg the safety of our community. This vaccine, along with other preven- CONTRIBUTING WRITERS tive measures like social distancing, The Park Labrea News and Beverly Press are mask wearing and proper hand weekly newspapers, published on Thursdays. Mail hygiene, will help bring us back to subscription is $120 annually. Decreed newspa- pers of general circulation, entitled to publish legal a more normal way of life.” advertising, Feb. 10, 1960 by Superior Court For information, visit cedars- Order No 736637. sinai.org. Park Labrea News/Beverly Press 3 December 17, 2020

WeHo approves digital billboard conversion WeHo applauds nomination n Project could yield nearly $40M over 30 of Buttigieg for transportation years with new policy The city of West Hollywood reflected in leadership at the praised President-elect Joe highest levels of government. By laura coleman Biden’s nomination of former This is exactly what generations presidential candidate Pete of LGBTQ people and their allies The West Hollywood City Buttigieg to serve as secretary of have fought decades for,” Mayor Council unanimously voted to transportation in the incoming Lindsey Horvath said. “Mayor approve a request to convert an administration. This makes the Pete, in having served as a existing static billboard to a digital former mayor of South Bend, mayor, will bring hands-on expe- billboard at 8743 Sunset Blvd., Indiana, the first openly LGBTQ rience to the job of marking the first time a billboard person nominated in the Biden Transportation Secretary at a will be allowed to be converted administration and the first open- time when practical experience under the city’s new billboard poli- ly LGBTQ cabinet nominee in and a 21st century approach to cy. United States history. investment in transportation In 2019, the city adopted its first photo by Robert Landau, from his book “Rock ‘n’ Roll Billboards of the Sunset Strip” If confirmed, Buttigieg would infrastructure is desperately comprehensive update specifically The Sunset Strip has long been known for its billboards, and a new policy be the first Senate-confirmed needed. President-elect Biden for billboards and other types of aims to bring billboards back to the limelight in West Hollywood. LGBTQ cabinet secretary, sig- has made an unprecedented com- creative advertising along the naling a historic milestone for mitment to diversity in staff and Sunset Strip. past 100 years, we wanted to agreement. LGBTQ visibility. In addition, he cabinet announcements made to “The Sunset Strip is a major eco- embrace it and really put the best Over the life of the 30-year would be one of the youngest date. If confirmed, Pete Buttigieg nomic engine for West Hollywood, standards in place.” development agreement, the staff cabinet-level appointees in histo- will join one of the most diverse with a long tradition of innovative The billboard was unanimously report predicted the city would ry, becoming a role model for a presidential administrations in and memorable signage,” the staff approved by the city’s Historic receive revenues in excess of $37 new generation of young history with an incredible cross- report read. “The creative legacy of Preservation Commission on Aug. million. LGBTQ people. section of people from every billboards on the Sunset Strip pro- 24 and the Planning Commission In addition to the annual pay- In a brief statement posted on background.” vides cultural value to both the city on Nov. 5. ment, the city will receive a revenue Twitter, Biden noted, “Mayor During his presidential cam- and the greater region.” The newly approved digital bill- sharing payment equal to 30% of Pete Buttigieg is a leader, patriot paign, Buttigieg visited West According to West Hollywood board will be developed with an the gross annual third-party adver- and problem-solver. He speaks to Hollywood, where he received Senior Planner Bryan Eck, 20 digi- “invisible frame” using cameras tising revenue, if the owner receives the best of who we are as a strong support from community tal billboards will be built on the and LED technology to create a revenue from a third party. nation. I am nominating him for members. A large portion of his strip in the coming decade. In addi- billboard whose frame can disap- Additionally, during the life of secretary of transportation platform focused on plans to tion to the “excellence in design” pear as needed. the agreement, the owner must peri- because he’s equipped to take on improve U.S. infrastructure and that each new billboard must meet, As part of the development odically update the sign’s technolo- the challenges at the intersection as secretary of transportation, according to the report, every pro- agreement, the city is guaranteed a gy, use the latest in green energy of jobs, infrastructure, equity and Buttigieg would be responsible posed billboard must also meet the minimum annual payment of practices and annually allow 17.5% climate.” for overseeing the development policy’s “stringent” operational $850,000 from the billboard owner. of the annual billboard operating “Representation is vitally and implementation of U.S. standards. For the first two years, the payment time to be devoted to public and important. President-elect transportation legislation and “The Sunset Strip is such a pre- will be $500,000 to accommodate arts programming to appear on the Biden’s nomination of Pete policy, with regard to national miere location and so lucrative,” construction and installation costs. sign – roughly two months a year. Buttigieg to the incoming admin- security and safety of transporta- Eck said. “We believe that because In year four, a 3% annual increase Also, the sign can at any time be istration is especially significant tion systems. off-site advertising has been an inte- will be added to the annual amount used for emergency announce- for LGBTQ young people who For information, visit gral part of the Sunset Strip for the and compounded over the life of the ments. will be able to see themselves weho.org.

Wishing everyone a safe holiday and healthy New Year! My thanks to everyone who helped their neighbors with food and support this year.

All the best, Adam

Paid for and authorized by Schiff for Congress 4 December 17, 2020 Park Labrea News/Beverly Press Police hope leads will help One dead and another injured in Melrose shooting n Police are searching solve fatal hit-and-run for lone gunman who n Detectives identify fled on foot man who may have By edwin folven been driving One man was killed and another By edwin folven injured on Dec. 15 after allegedly being shot by a male suspect in the Detectives have released pho- Melrose Avenue shopping district. tographs and information about a Patrol officers from the Los man thought to be involved in a Angeles Police Department’s hit-and-run collision on Nov. 23 Wilshire Division were flagged that claimed the life of a 50-year- down by citizens shortly before 1 old woman. p.m. and directed to Melrose and The victim – Kuen Chu Ham – Stanley avenues, where they found was crossing Miramar Street at two men suffering from gunshot photo courtesy of Peter Nichols Union Avenue at approximately wounds. Paramedics arrived and Melrose Avenue remained closed throughout the afternoon as police 5:55 a.m. on Nov. 30 when she pronounced one of the victims dead investigated a homicide at the intersection with Stanley Avenue. was struck by a vehicle turning photo courtesy of the LAPD at the scene. The second man was left onto Miramar Street. The taken to a hospital and is expected Ronald Waldamar Jo-Jlux, vehicle dragged the victim for 15 to survive, said Detective Sean Detectives from the West Bureau is different. The high number in the known as Ronald Lux, is wanted feet before she was dislodged Kinchla, with the LAPD’s West Homicide Unit – which covers the Olympic Division, which includes and the vehicle drove away, in connection with the fatal hit- Bureau Homicide Unit. LAPD’s Hollywood, Olympic, Koreatown as well as the Pico- police said. The victim was and-run collision. Police do not know the motive Wilshire, West Los Angeles and Union and Arlington Heights dis- taken to a hospital, where she for the shooting, Kinchla added. Pacific divisions – have experi- trict, may be related to it being a later died. Campos added. He is also hop- The two victims were approximate- enced an increase in homicides this densely-populated urban area, but Detective Juan Campos, of the ing to speak to another person ly 30 years old. The deceased year, Kinchla said. In 2019, they the exact reasons are unknown, he Los Angeles Police who may have been in the vehi- man’s name was not released pend- investigated 18 homicides. This said. Department’s Central Traffic cle. ing notification of next of kin. year, there have been 39 murders. “We have no idea,” Kinchla Division, said investigators Campos said a security cam- “We are actively working on the He said the numbers are skewed by added. “In some parts of the city, found security camera footage era captured footage of the vehi- case,” Kinchla said. “We worked the Olympic Division, which has you will see a trend and you can say that showed the vehicle – a tan or cle parked in the neighborhood late canvassing for video. We are reported 18 homicides so far this it’s attributed to gang violence or gold 2003-08 Toyota Corolla. in the hours before the collision not sure why they were there. There year. The Wilshire and Hollywood something, but with us, our cases They also determined the car is occurred, with two men inside. was no event but Melrose Avenue divisions have each had six homi- are so varied.” owned by Ronald Waldamar Jo- At 3:45 a.m., and again between is lined with stores right there.” cides in 2020, while the Pacific Anyone with information about Jlux, 26, who also goes by the 5 and 5:30 a.m., a man exited the The suspect, only described by Division has reported five and West the shooting at Melrose and Stanley name Ronald Lux. Campos said passenger side of the Toyota and witnesses as a Black man, was last Los Angeles Division has reported avenues is urged to call West Jo-Jlux is believed to be home- purchased items from a food seen fleeing on foot, police said. four murders. Bureau Homicide Detectives at less and living in his vehicle. A vendor, Campos said. Investigators hope the public can Kinchla said he does not know (213)382-9470. During weekends $50,000 reward has been offered “The video shows the person provide a tip that will help them why there has been an increase, as and off-hours, call the LAPD’s hot- for information leading to an who got out and bought the food solve the case. the motives behind each homicide line at (877)LAPD247. arrest and conviction in the case. from the vendor right before “I have no idea where he is,” they drove off and the collision Campos said. “He could be any- occurred,” Campos said. “We where. He could have even gone are trying to locate him and the back to Guatemala. We just don’t last person to have driven the know.” vehicle.” Campos could not release Los Angeles Councilman some details of the case because Mitch O’Farrell, 13th District, it is an ongoing investigation. attended a press conference on The detective said there was no Nov. 25 calling for help in solving footage of the collision so he is the case. Anyone with informa- not certain Jo-Jlux was behind tion is urged to call Campos at the wheel. However, evidence (213)486-0755 or (213)833-3713, shows he was likely involved, or email [email protected]. Officers allegedly assaulted during street takeover Police arrested one man and are searching for other people involved in a street takeover in which offi- cers were allegedly assaulted on Dec. 11 at the intersection of Western Avenue and Seventh Street. The incident involved a sponta- neous street takeover of the inter- section while drivers in high-per- formance cars performed stunts. Officers from the Los Angeles photo courtesy of the LAPD Police Department’s Olympic The rear windows of an LAPD Division arrived at 11 p.m. and patrol car were allegedly their patrol car was immediately smashed by people involved surrounded by spectators and other with the street takeover. vehicles, police said. As the officers attempted to leave until backup arrived, some The officers followed that vehi- members of the crowd allegedly cle in a lengthy pursuit that ended threw rocks and bottles at the patrol in the city of Buena Park. The car. The crowd then surrounded the alleged driver, Myron Thomas, 25, police car and smashed the rear was taken into custody and booked windows, authorities said. They for felony evading. Bail was set at also forced a door open and $75,000. allegedly attempted to strike the The case is being investigated by officers. Olympic Division major assault The officers broadcast a call for detectives, who are seeking infor- additional help. A vehicle involved mation about others who were in the street takeover allegedly involved in the street takeover. intentionally struck the front of the Anyone with information is urged patrol vehicle and fled, police said. to call (213)382-6628. Park Labrea News/Beverly Press 5 December 17, 2020 6 December 17, 2020 Park Labrea News/Beverly Press Beverly Hills approves trash rate increase n New rates won’t take money, but I also have to look back fiscal year 2023-24, and no and think, for nine years, we change to the rates would deplete effect until 2022 due to haven’t had any increases at all, and the city’s reserves by fiscal year COVID-19 that’s significant in my mind,” 2024-25, leading to a $18 million Mayor Lester Friedman said. reserve deficit by fiscal year 2025- By cameron Kiszla The council members stressed 26, according to the staff report. that they knew the timing – during “In a perfect world, I think we Beverly Hills has approved an a pandemic and economic down- would love to not have to increase increase in solid waste rates, though turn – was not ideal, but they felt rates at all for any of us, but the real- the price hike will be delayed the delay was the best way to bal- ity of having a $18 million deficit is because of the pandemic. ance the needs of the city’s resi- not one I think we should take on,” On Dec. 8, the council continued dents with the needs of the city, Councilwoman Lili Bosse said. photo by Cameron Kiszla the discussion that began on Nov. which is using its reserves to offset Mirisch was the lone vote against Beverly Hills delayed an increase in its trash rates until 2022. 17 and agreed to put off the rate that cost increase instead of simply the rate increases, and he accused increases – originally proposed to passing it on to residents. the City Council of “treating the “I think, as I suggested at the last ly do something for the residents, begin on July 1, 2021, and continue “The advantages of that [delay] residents yet again like ATMs” meeting, that we should be reduc- for the community that we serve. I on each July 1 through 2025 – until … are it’s even across all ratepay- instead of cutting costs in other ing the rates by 5% in the middle of won’t be supporting anything July 1, 2022. The rate increases, ers, because everybody will not parts of the city’s budget. the pandemic, and it’s time to final- except a reduction,” Mirisch said. which differ based on the type of have to pay the increase, and at the customer and, in some cases, the same time, we can do it in a way size of the lot or size of the home, that has a manageable effect on the will still continue through July 1, reserves … I think we have to pass 2025. these rate increases, because they’re The only exception is for 73 not going to go away for the city. multi-family residential accounts They’re here to stay, and at some that have curbside service, as point, we have to figure out how opposed to alley service, the we’re going to get repaid,” Gold increases for which will begin on said. Jan. 1, 2022, and will increase each The delay will challenge the July 1 through 2025. The council city’s policy of maintaining a 50% agreed that these customers can be ratio of reserves to annual operating charged as single-family customers, budget – which will ultimately drop where the rate is determined by the to 46% in the fiscal year 2024-25 – square footage of the residence and but the city’s reserves are expected the size of the lot. These rates are return to 54% of the operating bud- anticipated to be lower than the get by fiscal year 2025-26, said multi-family rates. Shana Epstein, the city’s director of The rate increase came as a result public works. of the city’s contract with Athens “If we delay the rates not to start Services, which collects solid waste [increasing] until Jan. 1, 2022, we in Beverly Hills. That contract, do dip below the City Council’s which lasts for eight years, will policy of reserves being 50% of our increase by 61% on April 1, 2022, operating expenses,” Epstein said. and the city has not raised its solid “But then we recover by the fifth waste rates since 2011. year.” “Like anybody else, I hate paying In contrast, the proposal by any more than I have to for any ser- Councilman John Mirisch to reduce vice, and I don’t like the fact that rates instead of raise them would we’re going to be paying more fully deplete the city’s reserves by Notable quotes “It is safe and you can’t get safer than safe.”

Jonas Salk 1914-1995 Reply when questioned on the safety of the newly released polio vaccine he developed in 1955.

Jonas Salk was an American virologist, physician and medical researcher who developed the polio vaccine in 1955 and is credited with saving millions of lives worldwide. In the week that the COVID- 19 vaccine was approved and released to the American people, we salute the work of Salk and countless others for their contributions.

(source: “Bartlett’s Familiar Quotations”) L.A. LGBT Center responds to new rules on asylum eligibility

In response to the finalization of implemented, the rule would also a new rule published jointly on eliminate asylum for survivors of Dec. 11 by the Department of gender-based persecution such as Homeland Security and the female genital mutilation/cutting Department of Justice governing (FGM/C), forced marriage, rape, asylum and withholding of domestic violence, femicide and removal, the Los Angeles LGBT human trafficking. Center’s Director of Policy and “The rule’s far-reaching changes Community Building Terra to asylum set a dangerous frame- Russell-Slavin issued a statement work, endangering the lives of “condemning another blatant attack thousands of asylum-seekers who on the due process rights of asylum face anti-LGBT laws and anti- seekers by the Trump administra- LGBT violence around the world. tion.” We strongly urge President-elect “This final rule immorally targets Joe Biden to immediately take women and LGBTQ asylum seek- action to stop this rule once his ers by limiting their ability to claim administration takes office,” asylum based on their gender, elim- Russell-Slavin said. inating nearly all LGBTQ asylum For information, visit lalgbtcen- claims,” Russell-Slavin said. “If ter.org. Park Labrea News/Beverly Press 7 December 17, 2020

At the Time They Are Needed Most, Donor-Advised Funds Empower Charitable Giving BY STEVE GAMER

In the realm of trusts-and-estates help them identify vetted causes and • With an initial contribution of can help you determine which causes DAFs & the Tax-Reform Act attorney Paul Gordon Hoffman, programs worthy of support. at least $5,000 in cash, you can to support based upon your own pas- planned charitable giving is every bit He continued: “Our DAF enables create your own donor-advised fund, sions and fields of interest. The income-tax reforms in 2018 as personal as it is professional. A us to support a wide range of causes receive an immediate fair-market- • Finally, DAFs afford the abil- changed the standard deduction and founding member of the nationally more efficiently and strategically, value charitable tax deduction, ity to name your children as suc- raised numerous questions about its recognized Los Angeles law firm provides us with a lot of flexibility, and have your charitable dollars in cessor donor advisors, effectively impact on charitable giving. The Hoffman, Sabban & Watenmaker, and affords us access to The Foun- one convenient account where you creating the closest equivalent to a dation’s helpful guidance with our need for well-planned strategies to APC, Paul routinely advises clients can maintain total privacy about private family foundation without giving when we need it, as it has maximize the tax benefits of your on matters related to charitable plan- done during the pandemic.” your giving. the cost and administrative hassles of philanthropy is essential. DAFs offer ning and how it fits into the scheme Why did the Hoffmans, as well as • By using appreciated assets establishing and maintaining one. an ideal vehicle for maximizing the of their larger estate plans. hundreds of others, select Founda- such as marketable stocks and deductibility of your donations, in- Away from the office, the attorney tion DAFs as the best vehicle to con- bonds, real estate, or interests in a Multigenerational Giving cluding approaches such as chari- practices what he counsels clients. duct their philanthropy? limited liability company to fund table-gift “bunching” or via For Paul and his wife, Sue, giving your DAF, in addition to the fair- Studies indicate that children contributions of appreciated assets. back plays a prominent role in their market-value tax deduction, you will whose parents actively discuss giv- Streamline Your Giving lives, and their donor-advised fund avoid all capital gains tax on your ing are significantly more likely to (DAF) at the Jewish Community DAFs offer many of the advan- gift. And, through thoughtful pre- become charitable adults themselves For the Community’s Good Foundation of Los Angeles (The planning, a DAF can even help than those with parents who do not. Foundation) provides the ideal char- tages of a private foundation without This same research shows that char- The only cost associated with a itable vehicle for doing so. the costs and administrative com- maximize tax benefits in the event While the Hoffmans sustain a plexities of a private foundation. of the sale of a business. itable families volunteer more and DAF at The Foundation is a modest range of causes of shared importance One of the smartest ways to en- • You can recommend grants of consider themselves happier and annual fee which covers several im- to them through the DAF they estab- hance your philanthropy is by estab- $100 or more to a nearly limitless closer-knit. That’s why we suggest portant administrative and portfolio lished in 2012, the charitable fund lishing a DAF—essentially a range of nonprofit organizations, engaging your family early on to management functions. A portion of also enables them to respond gener- charitable-giving account—at The Jewish or secular, locally, nationally, communicate your charitable values that fee is reinvested in The Founda- ously and nimbly in times of crisis, Foundation. It provides convenience or in Israel via 24/7 online access to and decision-making process. tion’s own grantmaking to numerous including support in the aftermath of and flexibility for your donations, al- your fund. Plus, you can review your To encourage their children’s phil- causes throughout our community— catastrophes such as the Santa Bar- lowing you to give more strategi- fund’s balance and giving history anthropic values, many Foundation creating, in effect, philanthropic sus- bara wildfires and Louisiana hurri- cally. You can fund a DAF with a and add to your fund anytime with a donors have opened DAFs for their tainability. canes. Most notably, though, it is variety of assets and can recommend credit card or online check. children and grandchildren as well, To explore smart giving their giving during the current global grants to your favorite charities, Jew- • If your fund’s balance is $50,000 enabling them to experience first- strategies—and the fulfillment that pandemic that has taken on personal ish or secular, on your own schedule. or more, you can access several types hand the fulfilling power of giving at comes with it—at this time when it importance, with the couple stepping di- an early age. Upcoming articles in matters most, as well as ways to am- up their giving for COVID-19-re- You may select investment options of investment options providing plify the impact of your giving, please lated response and relief efforts. to potentially grow your fund as The versity and potential tax-free this four-part series include instilling “What is our DAF for if not to be Foundation streamlines the entire growth of your fund’s assets. meaningful giving in future genera- visit www.jewishfoundationla.org or used in a once-in-a-lifetime event process by handling all the admin- • Additionally, our Center for De- tions of your family, as well as con- contact us at (323) 761-8704, or de- like the current pandemic?” Paul istrative responsibilities, freeing you signed Philanthropy offers compli- sidering charitable legacies. [email protected]. commented, adding that The Foun- to focus on the joy of giving. mentary philanthropic consultations dation’s online COVID-19 Re- The benefits of a donor advised and educational programs on giving About the author: Steve Gamer is vice president of advancement for the Jewish sponse Hub provided a source to fund at The Foundation include: more strategically. For example, we Community Foundation of Los Angeles, which manages more than $1.3 billion in charitable assets and distributed $129 million in grants in 2019 to causes locally,

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Business and Professions Code and added. “We’re not only focused on that civil penalties and fees be clubs, like this one in downtown’s Feuer targets alleged illegal levied against them. Fashion District, we’re focused on The latest lawsuit is one of many party houses wreaking havoc in the nightclub with lawsuit ways the city attorney is cracking hills too. For example, we’ve down on illegal activity during the charged TikTok influencers and the pandemic, including party houses owners of their rented home with By edwin folven managed by David Taban, authori- ties said. in the Hollywood Hills. A homicide allegedly violating the Safer L.A. Los Angeles City Attorney Mike Taban is a real estate investor occurred in August at a house party health order and the city’s party Feuer is continuing to crack down with dozens of properties. He is held in the hills in violation of pub- house ordinance. We’ve charged on illegal nightclubs and party currently being prosecuted in two lic health orders, and shootings and other homeowners for similar houses allegedly operating in viola- separate criminal cases, one of other crimes have been reported. alleged violations.” tion of public health orders. which alleges he operated an “We can’t share where our cur- Problematic properties can be Feuer announced on Dec. 14 that alleged illegal marijuana growing rent investigations are heading, but reported anonymously to the Los a nuisance abatement lawsuit has operation and dispensary next door as COVID cases surge, we continue Angeles City Attorney’s Office by been filed against the owners of a to the illegal nightclub, Feuer said. to take super-spreader events across calling (213)978-8340, or visit lac- photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons secret nightclub that has allegedly Yves Oscar Jr., another defendant the city very seriously,” Feuer ityattorney.org. Mike Feuer been the site of serious crimes named in the lawsuit, is a tenant of including shootings, assaults, rob- the building and alleged operator of beries and fights. LA Party Society. Oscar was arrest- The property – 1114 S. Main St., ed in August in front of the club for L.A. not required to conduct 2021 homeless count in the downtown Fashion District – an outstanding warrant for sexual The U.S. Department of the right one,” LAHSA Executive increased need for PPE seen by has allegedly been advertised on assault, authorities said. During his Housing and Urban Development Director Heidi Marston said. health care operators and home- social media as a secret club run by arrest, more than one pound of mar- has exempted the Los Angeles The COVID-19 pandemic pre- less service providers during this LA Party Society. The alley directly ijuana was allegedly recovered Continuum of Care from conduct- sented many obstacles to conduct- latest surge. behind the illegal nightclub has from his backpack. ing a 2021 Unsheltered Point-In- ing a safe and accurate PIT count, Feedback from community been the site of numerous shoot- The complaint also alleges that Time Count. including the safety and well-being partners and volunteers regarding ings, assaults and violence, authori- LA Party Society is advertised as a While the Los Angeles of staff, community partners and resources and capacity indicates ties said. Feuer’s lawsuit seeks to secret club on Instagram and other Homeless Services Authority typ- volunteers. In addition, because that the community does not have permanently close the nightclub social media, and offers pole danc- ically conducts PIT counts annual- our unsheltered population is being the bandwidth to support an and impose penalties on the opera- ing, music, hookah smoking, live ly, HUD requires continuums of infected at a lower rate, bringing unsheltered count. tors. performances and a full bar. The care to conduct these counts every more people into their areas may Given these impediments, “We allege this club is a hub of storefront at the property appears to other year. As a result, HUD add unnecessary risk. LAHSA was concerned that the violence and crime that spills out be closed, but patrons allegedly would have expected 2021 PIT The state of California and Los accuracy of a 2021 unsheltered into the street and puts everyone in enter the club through a back door count data from LAHSA. Angeles County have released a count would not be comparable to the Fashion District at risk, and in a gated parking lot that is acces- After listening to community new public health stay-at-home past and future unsheltered counts. we’re stopping it now,” Feuer said. sible from an alley running east of partners, receiving guidance from order, including an overnight cur- While LAHSA will not conduct a “Beyond the bullets, assaults and Main Street between 11th and 12th the Los Angeles County few regarding nonessential activi- 2021 PIT count, it will proceed criminal activity, packing people streets. A large “LA Party Society” Department of Public Health, and ties due to increased infection with its sheltered PIT count and into an unlicensed nightclub dur- mural covers most of the wall in the taking into account curfews and rates, limiting the ability to con- Housing Inventory Count. ing the pandemic is the height of parking lot. stay-at-home orders across the duct a nighttime count. While the 2021 PIT count irresponsibility. That’s why In addition to having the property region, LAHSA determined that Due to limited planning time, would typically have affected licensed clubs are closed right declared a public nuisance and forc- there is no safe way to gather the the ability to recruit volunteers and funding, LAHSA is working with now.” ing its permanent closure, the law- 8,000 volunteers necessary to con- partner staff has been hampered. the Los Angeles County Homeless The Los Angeles City Attorney’s suit seeks to prevent the defendants duct the 2021 PIT count and col- Meeting public health require- Initiative to maintain the current Office filed a nuisance abatement from using the property in the lect data as accurately as it has ments, including acquiring per- Measure H funding level. For fed- lawsuit against Frontier Holdings future for a nightclub or in any way done in previous years. sonal protective equipment as rec- eral funding, HUD will continue to East LLC, and Regal Group LLC, that is a violation of the law. The “We did not come to this deci- ommended by HUD, would be fund renewals, pending upcoming each of which have an ownership lawsuit also seeks to have each sion easily, but it is the safe one and difficult, especially given the Congressional action. interest in the property and are defendant declared in violation of 8 December 17, 2020 Park Labrea News/Beverly Press West Hollywood agrees to housing allotment n New council members said. approved administratively instead D’Amico, who argued in of having to go through the “more reject previous decision September that the appeal was “a arduous” process of the Planning to appeal big waste of our time” because the Commission. state does not punish cities who fail “We lose some local control,” By cameron Kiszla to meet their RHNA allocation Community and Legislative Affairs numbers, reiterated that sentiment Manager John Leonard added. West Hollywood will drop its on Dec. 7, saying whether the D’Amico also argued in favor of appeal of the amount of housing the appeal goes forward or not, the city reconsidering the decisions of pre- state is requiring to be built in the “will develop the housing that vious councils. city before 2029. comes to us.” Mayor Lindsey Horvath joined The Southern California At Meister’s request, Senior D’Amico in reaffirming their earlier Association of Governments Planner Rachel Dimond confirmed opposition to the appeal, and with informed the city in September that that the city could face some reper- Erickson, who did not comment the state-mandated Regional cussions “under very, very specific beyond moving the approval of the Housing Needs Assessment deter- circumstances.” If the city fails to item but who expressed support for photo by Cameron Kiszla mined that West Hollywood would meet its RNHA numbers, she said, The Regional Housing Needs Assessment allotted nearly 4,000 units to be required to zone for 3,924 units some types of projects could be See WeHo page 26 be built in West Hollywood between 2021 and 2029. to be built between 2021 and 2029: 1,063 for very low-income house- holds, 687 for low-income house- holds, 681 for moderate-income households and 1,493 for above- moderate-income household. Later that month, the West Hollywood City Council voted 3-2 to appeal that decision. Then- Councilmen John Duran and John Heilman supported the appeal with Councilwoman Lauren Meister. However, after their reelection campaigns were unsuccessful in November, Duran and Heilman were replaced by Councilman John Erickson and Councilwoman Sepi Shyne, and the issue was reconsid- ered. On Dec. 7, a 3-2 vote decided that the city should drop its appeal, with Shyne and Meister dissenting. Shyne directly referenced Heilman’s reasoning that West Hollywood, which far exceeded its allotment of 77 units in the current cycle – 2013 to 2021 – with more than 2,200 units produced thus far, was not being given credit for past success and was being unfairly pun- ished alongside other Southern California cities that did not pro- duce nearly as much housing. She also reiterated Heilman’s concerns that the requirement to build new housing might drive up rent prices and force some of the city’s current residents to move elsewhere. “I think this is not about housing or anti-housing or anything like that,” Shyne said. “For me, this is really taking into account that we’ve done this appeal based on fairness, and even in this appeal, there’s talk about the potential for displacement of our residents and renters, which really concerns me … We need to take stands and be acknowledged for the work we’ve done.” Meister, who said that continuing the appeal would only take an hour or two of staff time as they answered questions about the city’s housing, agreed with Shyne that “the appeal is not based on opposi- tion to providing housing.” “The appeal is to ask SCAG to consider the fairness of the alloca- tion and to ask if it’s equitable that West Hollywood is asked to pro- duce 3,924 units, or 1,981 units per square mile,” Meister said. “That’s in comparison to Beverly Hills being asked to produce almost 3,100 units, or 542 units per square mile, or Culver City being allocated less than us, 3,333 units, or 648 per square mile. Santa Monica, which is eight times our size, is allocated 28% of our allocation per square mile.” Meister also argued against reconsidering past decisions of the City Council after new members are sworn in. “I say this with all due respect, if we’re going to start relitigating every decision the previous council made, we’re going to spend a lot of time relitigating things,” Meister Park Labrea News/Beverly Press 9 December 17, 2020 10 December 17, 2020 Park Labrea News/Beverly Press

and Hispanic residents who cur- rently make up 70% of violent Gascón advances plan to eliminate cash bail crime victims. These victims and n allocate 10% of money from its some criminal offenses with a risk law-abiding residents lost a voice New D.A. announces general fund to alternatives to incar- assessment system, Virani noted today while criminals and gang widespread reforms ceration. Last month, the supervi- that it didn’t mean that residents members gained an ally in the pros- sors approved the creation of a 17- wholly opposed eliminating cash ecutor’s office. We sincerely hope By Laura COLeman member advisory committee to bail. Gascón realizes quickly that setting oversee Measure J funds. “You can look at Prop. 25 and L.A. County on the same path he Los Angeles County District “The requirement of cash bail say it was replacing cash bail with put San Francisco on will be disas- Attorney George Gascón is wasting contributes to overcrowding in our a system that would have led to the trous.” no time in his efforts to reform the jails, has a disproportionate impact same inequities that we see already Gascón, whose major criticism criminal justice system. on communities of color and hasn't in the criminal justice system, and during the campaign was that crime Precisely one minute after being been shown to improve criminal the voters wanted a third way for- levels soared while he was serving sworn in as the county’s new dis- justice outcomes, so it is high time ward,” she said. as San Francisco’s district attorney, trict attorney at noon on Dec. 8, an that we adopted common sense Despite being widely publicized said the reason for that crime email was sent to those working in policies that do not incarcerate peo- since Gascón made his announce- increase came down to police not photo courtesy of George Gascón his office – the largest prosecutor’s ple simply because they are too ment last week, Virani said that doing their jobs. L.A. County District Attorney office in the nation – announcing a poor to post bail,” Kuehl said. most media had been incorrectly “The district attorney doesn’t George Gascón announced multitude of reforms, including the According to Alicia Virani, the reporting the story by “overstating” make arrests,” Gascón said, under- sweeping reforms after being elimination of the cash bail system. Gilbert Foundation Director of the the mandate that the bail system scoring that the rise in crime was sworn into office. “It is time to change course and Criminal Justice Program at UCLA was no longer in place. predominately property crimes. implement a system of justice that School of Law, Gascón’s directive “The district attorney does not Gascón said that during a four- will enhance our safety and human- is a change in the “right” direction. have the power to eliminate cash year span, San Francisco had done by the Los Angeles County ity,” Gascón said after taking the “In the criminal legal system, it’s bail,” she clarified. “What around 81,000 car break-ins with a Commission on Human Relations oath of office. “Today, we are con- a real culture change within the Gascón’s policy does is to direct his total of 13 arrests made for them. published in 2019, underscored that fronting the lie that stripping entire judiciary,” she said. “It’s definitely deputy district attorneys to not ask “Basically, there was complete the most recent data showed that communities of their liberties a new day for Los Angeles in terms for cash bail in certain situations.” impunity,” he said. the county was experiencing the somehow made us safer. And we’re of criminal justice, but it remains to Historically, she said, the L.A. In addition to advising his highest number of violent hate doing it with science, research and be seen if people in the court sys- County Sheriff’s Department has deputies not to ask for bail, Gascón crimes in a decade, with 24% of all data.” tem are ready for that new day.” set bail according to the bail sched- released a host of new directives, hate crimes in the county commit- He said that experts estimated She highlighted how meaningful ule, then the individuals show up in including the immediate end of ted during 2019 having targeted that hundreds of incarcerated indi- the change would be throughout court with attorneys, where a judge seeking the death penalty and trans- Black individuals. viduals would be eligible to be the county in the lives of families to makes a decision. ferring minors to adult court. In Beverly Hills interim Police released under this new pretrial have a loved one, who is “legally In response to the change, the addition, the district attorney’s Chief Dominick Rivetti also voiced release policy. Gascón repeatedly presumed innocent,” be allowed to Los Angeles Police Protective office will stop charging a number displeasure with the policy change, promised to lower incarceration return home, particularly during the League, the police union represent- of low-level offenses associated underscoring that California voters rates and reduce recidivism during COVID-19 pandemic. ing the Los Angeles Police with poverty, addiction, mental ill- determined last month that they his campaign. “It’s been shown that communi- Department, immediately voiced ness and homelessness, instead wanted to keep the cash bail system Per Gascón’s directive, prosecu- ties of color have higher amounts its opposition. working to divert individuals into in place when voting down Prop. tors will no longer request cash bail of bail set than their white counter- “As homicides, shooting victims behavioral health services. 25. In L.A. county, 55% of voters for any misdemeanor, non serious parts in the criminal legal system,” and shots fired into occupied Deputy DAs were also directed cast their ballots against the state or non violent felony offense and Virani said. “If judges go along and homes soar in Los Angeles, it’s dis- to immediately stop seeking to measure. starting Jan. 1, 2021, Gascón said agree with the request to release turbing that Gascón’s first act in bring victims found in civil con- “I believe what the D.A.’s office he planned to roll out directives and people on their own recognizance, office is to explore every avenue tempt before the court, as well as to is doing is contrary to what the vot- mechanisms to eliminate money we should see ... more people of possible to release from jail those stop filing sentence enhancements. ers just elected to do in November,” bail in its entirety. color being released pre-trial or at responsible for this bloodshed,” the On Dec. 15, Councilman Paul Rivetti said. “My opinion is that it’s Los Angeles County Supervisor least at the same rates as their white league’s board of directors said in a Koretz, 5th District, introduced a just going to continue a revolving Sheila Kuehl, 3rd District, lauded counterparts.” statement. “The new D.A. talks a resolution opposing Gascón’s door of criminals being released. I the new policy. In November, vot- While voters did not pass good game, but his plans will do recent directive to remove sentence think it’s just going to add to a bro- ers passed county Measure J, which Proposition 25 in November, which nothing but further victimize Los enhancements when prosecuting ken criminal justice system here in directs the Board of Supervisors to would have replaced cash bail for Angeles residents, especially Black hate crimes. Koretz, citing research California.” Testing teams deployed as COVID-19 infections surge O’Farrell announces progress Mayor Eric Garcetti announced on Dec. 14 that the city will deploy five mobile testing teams to loca- as council goes on recess tions in the east San Fernando Los Angeles City Councilman Valley and South Los Angeles, Mitch O’Farrell, 13th District, out- where COVID-19 infections nearly lined progress made during the doubled in early December in pre- City Council meeting on Dec. 15 – dominantly Black and Latino com- the last meeting before the council munities. went on holiday recess until 2021. “Angelenos must remain vigilant O’Farrell continued efforts to in the face of this surge. Part of that create permanent housing for is knowing their COVID-19 status, unhoused individuals and protect and our mobile testing teams residents from becoming home- ensure that Black and Latino com- less with a “right to housing” poli- munities can get tested and access cy. He co-introduced an initiative this vital tool of public health,” photo courtesy of Mayor Eric Garcetti’s office that directs city departments to Garcetti said. “A vaccine offers us Mayor Eric Garcetti, center, recently encouraged people to be tested for report back on resources needed to photo courtesy of the 13th District office hope that the end of this pandemic COVID-19 at a testing site at Dodger Stadium. The mayor has deployed establish a “right to housing” is in sight, but we can’t ignore the Councilman Mitch O’Farrell rapid response mobile testing teams to areas of the city where cases are framework to acknowledge hous- realities of the current surge or the dramatically increasing. ing as a basic human right. inequities laid bare by this virus. O’Farrell also announced sup- home a paycheck, O’Farrell said. We have to keep our guard up to port for Assembly Bill 71, which The councilman also save lives and protect our loved and where new permanent testing Team, we are able to ensure that proposes a $2.4 billion annual announced progress in his seven- ones right now.” sites should be located. Launched in specific communities have access to allocation from the state to year effort to expand and strength- “These communities are home to April, the city’s mobile testing pro- this important testing program that address homelessness and hous- en the city’s protected trees ordi- essential-worker Angelenos who gram allows teams to respond more in no small way can end up saving ing. The initiative would be fund- nance. The City Council approved do not have the luxury to work quickly to neighborhoods where lives.” ed by revenues from specific the addition of the Mexican elder- from home, where they often live in infections are rapidly increasing and The east San Fernando Valley changes to the personal income berry and toyon shrubs to the close quarters with families in testing is most needed. Each mobile accounted for 26% of all new cases tax law or the corporation tax law. city’s list of protected trees. Both dense neighborhoods,” added Los team, composed of members of the citywide for the week ending Dec. To ensure assistance and pro- plants have played an important Angeles City Council President Los Angeles Fire Department and 4, and South Los Angeles account- tections for essential workforce, role in the city’s history, providing Nury Martinez, 6th District. “They Community Organized Relief ed for 19% or new cases, authorities the councilman introduced an ini- sustenance to the Chumash, are especially vulnerable to the Effort can test more than 1,000 peo- said. The numbers exceed the areas’ tiative with Council President Tongva and Tataviam Native cruel impacts of this pandemic. It is ple per day. share of the general population. Nury Martinez, 6th District, to American tribes who first inhabit- critical that we support their ability “I am proud of the LAFD’s Some of those neighborhoods expe- establish an emergency ordinance ed the area, O’Farrell said. to stay safe and utilize our mobile mobile testing group, which has rienced increases of more than requiring $5 of additional hourly Protecting trees and shrubs also testing units.” worked tirelessly to bring critical 100% compared to the prior week. pay for workers at grocery stores combats climate change by pre- The mayor’s office uses county- COVID-19 testing capabilities Testing is also available at other with 300 or more employees. The serving vegetation that absorbs wide case data to identify changes throughout the city during this locations citywide, including proposal recognizes that essential carbon emissions and improves in infection rates in neighborhoods unprecedented health crisis,” LAFD Dodger Stadium. For information workers must be justly compen- air quality, he added. throughout the city. The figures help Chief Ralph Terrazas said. “Using or make an appointment for a sated for risking their health and For information, visit cd13.lac- authorities determine where mobile data identifying neighborhood case- COVID-19 test, visit the health of their families to bring ity.org. testing units should be deployed loads from the Mayor’s Innovation coronavirus.lacity.org/testing. Park Labrea News/Beverly Press 11 December 17, 2020 WeHo continues tribute to 19th Amendment The city of West Hollywood is for women’s activism that lasted votes on Oct. 10, 1911. With the continuing its celebration of the for decades into the future. The passage of votes for women in 100th anniversary of the passage of 19th Amendment was passed California, the number of women the 19th Amendment, which gave decades later by Congress on June with full suffrage in the U.S. dou- women the right to vote. 4, 1919, and ratified by three-quar- bled. A large-scale public art banner ters of state legislatures on Aug. 26, The city’s project is also a display titled “Origin Story of 1920, giving women full voting reminder that there is still more Women’s Right to Vote” has been rights. work in regards to voting rights, installed at the southwest corner of California has a special connec- particularly for women of color, Santa Monica and Crescent tion to the advancement of the transgender women and women Heights boulevards. The banners national suffrage campaign. In with disabilities, as well as immi- will be on display through the end 1896, women in California lost the grants, people of low socio-eco- of Women’s History Month in first election for the right to vote. nomic status, and the formerly photo by Jon Viscott March and highlight important More than a decade later, after incarcerated. The city of West Hollywood’s public display on the history of the 19th moments in the suffragist move- much advocacy and lobbying, the For information, visit Amendment includes a timeline of important milestones in the women’s ment, from the 1848 Seneca Falls measure narrowly passed by 3,587 weho.org/19th. suffrage movement. Convention through the present day. The banners include commem- orative artwork commissioned by the Los Angeles County Department of Arts and Culture in collaboration with the Los Angeles County Women and Girls Initiative. The project also incorporates environmentally-friendly technolo- gy. The banners were printed by Lithographix, a company that uti- lizes technology to create materials that absorb UV light, which helps remove pollutants from the air in furtherance of the city’s green ini- tiatives and sustainability efforts. “The passage of the 19th Amendment was an important milestone for women’s suffrage in the United States and, as we wit- nessed in the most recent presiden- tial election, there is still so much to be done to ensure equal voting pro- tections for all,” West Hollywood Mayor Lindsey Horvath said. “This historic centennial offers an unpar- alleled opportunity to commemo- rate a milestone of democracy, as the city continues its year-long cel- ebration with an educational banner installation of the origin story of women’s right to vote. We will con- tinue to explore the impact of the 19th Amendment on women’s empowerment and equal rights for all, including protection from voter suppression.” Women worked for decades to win the right to vote, organizing in each state. Suffragists began a nationwide campaign and orga- nized the first Women’s Rights Convention in Seneca Falls, New York, in 1848. “The Declaration of Sentiments” was drafted at the con- vention and an agenda was created Deadline to apply for senior housing extended The Los Angeles County Development Authority has extend- ed the deadline to register for its elderly family public housing sites. While initially set to close on Dec. 31, applicants may now add their name to seven site-based waiting lists through June 30 by calling (626)586-1845, or visiting lacda.org. Elderly families may choose, based on eligibility, to register for one, or all seven, waiting lists. Applicants will be selected from each waiting list in order of admis- sion preferences, followed by date and time of registration. The seven sites are located throughout Los Angeles County and include West Knoll/Palm facility in West Hollywood. For information, visit lacda.org. 12 December 17, 2020 Park Labrea News/Beverly Press Metro keeps subway work moving on time More work is planned on Metro’s Wilshire/Rodeo station. ipated to be in place through Purple Line Extension project during Instrumentation is occurring along December. The enclosure supports the second half of December, with Wilshire Boulevard from Linden ongoing tunnel and mitigation work construction occurring at many loca- Drive to La Cienega Boulevard, as underneath Wilshire Boulevard. tions along Wilshire Boulevard. well as on Charleville Boulevard and From 5 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 19, Construction in Beverly Hills will on Young, Lasky, Moreno and through 6 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 21, continue through the holidays except Spalding drives. southbound San Vicente Boulevard for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, At Wilshire/La Cienega, station may be closed at Wilshire Boulevard. New Year’s Eve and New Year’s construction, material deliveries, Eastbound Wilshire Boulevard will Day. Excavation in the instrumentation and concrete pouring be reduced to a single lane through Wilshire/Rodeo station box, hauling, continue. Ongoing concrete and the intersection while the traffic con- material delivery and utility mainte- material deliveries to the Wilshire/La trol is in place. nance will occur, as well the installa- Cienega station box are anticipated to Near Wilshire/Fairfax, station con- tion of geotechnical instruments. continue this week. The work will be struction, hauling and concrete pour- At the Wilshire/Rodeo station, conducted from Wilshire Boulevard ing are ongoing. Wilshire Boulevard excavation will continue 24 hours and in the Wilshire/Gale staging yard will be reduced to two lanes in each beneath the deck over Wilshire from 3 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastbound direction between San Diego Way photo by Edwin Folven Boulevard until crews reach a depth Wilshire Boulevard may be intermit- and Spaulding Avenue through next Construction is ongoing in the staging yards for the future of 100 feet, which is anticipated dur- tently reduced to one lane from 7 August. Intermittent lane closures Wilshire/Rodeo station in Beverly Hills. ing the first quarter of 2021. To sup- a.m. to 4 p.m., and 8 p.m. to 7 a.m., may be in place to support deck panel port work in the area, lane reductions as needed. The lane reduction may maintenance and investigation. may occur on Wilshire Boulevard also be used on Saturdays from 7 A K-rail work zone has been until January. Ogden Drive will be A K-rail enclosure at Wilshire and between Beverly and Canon drives. a.m. to 4 p.m. Gale Drive will also be installed at the southwest corner of closed intermittently Monday Plymouth boulevards will be in place Reeves Drive remains closed during intermittently closed at Wilshire Wilshire Boulevard and Fairfax through Saturday at Wilshire for approximately one year. Wilshire excavation. Boulevard to support construction in Avenue to support work on Boulevard. Boulevard will be reduced to two Ground monitoring instruments the Gale staging yard. appendages to the main subway tun- Hauling, deliveries and tunneling lanes in each direction between are also being installed along the tun- A K-rail enclosure in the center nels. Orange Grove Avenue remains support is ongoing in construction Windsor and Plymouth boulevards. nel alignment and around the lanes at Wilshire/San Vicente is antic- closed south of Wilshire Boulevard staging yards at Wilshire/La Brea, Work will occur 24 hours in the and from a K-rail enclosure at enclosure. Wilshire Boulevard and Orange At Wilshire/Western, tunneling Drive. Intermittent lane closures on support and construction continues in Wilshire Boulevard and side streets a staging yard near Wilshire Koretz calls for cost analysis of tiny houses program between Highland Avenue and Boulevard and Manhattan Place. Los Angeles City Councilman is a classic example of the perfect identifying suitable sites, Koretz Detroit Street may be in place to sup- Northbound Manhattan Place will be Paul Koretz, 5th District, intro- being the enemy of the good. In this added. port construction from 6 a.m. to 4 intermittently closed just north of duced a motion on Dec. 15 asking case, the good has to be functional, The motion calls for the city’s p.m., Monday through Friday. Wilshire Boulevard from 4 a.m. to the city administrative officer and practical and affordable.” Bureau of Engineering and city Orange Drive will remain closed midnight, Monday through Friday, the Los Angeles Bureau of Koretz said the sharp increase in administrative officer – the two north of Wilshire Boulevard through and 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday. Engineering to find ways to cut the costs results from the city’s addi- departments responsible for plan- the end of February. Intermittent single lane closures on cost per unit of the Pallet Shelter tion of amenities which may not ning the tiny house village program A work zone on the west side of Wilshire Boulevard may be neces- tiny house village program. Koretz serve the basic mission of the tiny – to “value engineer” the effort to the intersection of Wilshire and sary between Western Avenue and is looking for ways to more quickly home villages. The city is propos- see how appropriate accommoda- Rimpau boulevards is anticipated to Manhattan Place. Access to business- and efficiently provide interim ing to place each structure on a tions can be provided at a reason- be in place through next May. es will be maintained and a signed housing for people experiencing newly-poured concrete pad and run able cost, and to report back with Wilshire Boulevard has been reduced pedestrian detour has been installed. homelessness. new plumbing and utility lines into recommendations in 30 days. The to two lanes in each direction For questions and concerns, call Tiny houses are prefabricated, each village, which can be costly, motion was referred to the City between June Street and Muirfield the 24-hour project hotline at composite sheds approximately 64 Koretz said.. Not only does it Council’s Homelessness and Road. Concrete and material deliver- (213)922-6934, email the project square feet in size that are being increase the price of installing the Poverty Committee for considera- ies are anticipated to continue at the team at [email protected], or used as quick and inexpensive structures, it creates difficulties in tion after the holiday recess. site. visit metro.net. emergency shelters for homeless individuals. The city of Los Angeles plans to open the first tiny- house village in January but analy- sis has determined they will cost approximately $130,000 per unit. Other cities are accomplishing sim- ilar installations a fraction of the cost, Koretz said. The cities of Make Your Holidays Riverside, Sonoma and Santa Cruz have created similar facilities for as little as $12,000-$17,000 per unit. Merry & Bright! “Our city’s homelessness crisis, Party Paper Goods, Decorations, Garland, which has been exacerbated by the Yard Lights, Christmas Lights, Plastic Yard Decorations, COVID pandemic, has too often been burdened with cost overruns Santa Hats & Stockings, Balloons, Giftwrap, Bows, and a lack of a sense of urgency,” Ribbons, Centerpieces, Banners & More! Koretz said. “It took us more than two years to figure that out with HHH projects, but we don’t have Goodbye 2020! the luxury of doing that with these tiny homes. The way we’ve started Ring in the New Year in style! Party Paper Goods, Decorations, Party Favors, DUI checkpoints Centerpieces, Horns, Hats, Banners & More! planned during the holidays The Los Angeles Police Department is warning about impaired driving during the holi- days and is planning additional Shop early to avoid standing in line! DUI and driver’s license check- We are following the guidelines of wearing a mask and points citywide during the next reduced number of shoppers at a time. three weekends. Thank you for your patronage! A DUI checkpoint will be held in the local area on Saturday, Dec. 26, 10% off all merchandise in the store from 6 to 11 p.m. at Western with this coupon! • exp 12/31/20 Avenue and Eighth Street. discounted merchandise, balloons and balloon delivery excluded Last year, the LAPD investigated 1,728 DUI collisions that claimed 17 lives and seriously injured 65 community people. For information, visit lapdon- • (corner of Wilcox) • line.org. 5969 Melrose Ave. (323)467-7124 Park Labrea News/Beverly Press 13 December 17, 2020 Cedars-Sinai CEO receives humanitarian award Newsom launches For Cedars-Sinai’s longstanding commitment to providing medical care and other support to survivors ‘Vaccinate All 58’ campaign of the Holocaust, President and CEO Thomas M. Priselac has As the first doses of the Pfizer we will get through this.” received the Outstanding vaccine arrived in California, California is determining its Humanitarian Award from the Gov. Gavin Newsom on Dec. 14 distribution guidelines in an open American Society for Yad Vashem- launched “Vaccinate All 58,” and equitable fashion as initial Western Region. California’s campaign for a safe, vaccine supplies will be very lim- The award was given Dec. 2 at fair and equitable vaccine for all ited. At first, vaccines will be the Los Angeles virtual gala held by 58 counties in the state. The gov- provided to health care workers the society, which supports the ernor joined Kaiser Permanente and those in long-term care set- work of Yad Vashem, the World Los Angeles Medical Center, one tings in accordance with the Holocaust Remembrance Center, in of the first locations in the state to CDPH Allocation Guidelines for Jerusalem. receive the Pfizer COVID-19 vac- COVID-19 Vaccine During Priselac called the recognition “a cine, as first doses were adminis- Phase 1A. This is expected to be very special honor.” tered. Across California, vaccines followed by essential workers “From our perspective at Cedars- will be administered in phases by and others at highest risk of Sinai, it’s impossible to adequately prioritizing groups according to becoming infected or severely ill express in words the positive contri- risk and level of exposure. Initial with COVID-19. butions that survivors of the doses will go to California’s “It is critical that we provide all Holocaust have made to our lives photo courtesy of Cedars-Sinai essential health care workers and Californians with the tools they and our institution,” Priselac said. Cedars-Sinai President and CEO Thomas M. Priselac has received the those among who are most vul- need to get through this health cri- nerable in long-term care settings. sis, from information to the vac- “Their character and influence are Outstanding Humanitarian Award from the American Society for Yad “Hope is here. As our first doses cine, and the ‘Vaccinate All 58’ in the fabric of our organization. Vashem-Western Region. My own experience with our sur- of [the] vaccine arrive, the promise campaign does just that. That is vivors has been life-changing. of ending the pandemic is on the how we get to the other side of Without fail, in every encounter and Directors. tor, social activist and philan- horizon. By taking collective, this pandemic, and to healthier every conversation, the qualities “A very important and welcome thropist who also is a Cedars-Sinai inclusive action across all 58 coun- outcomes for us all,” state Senate I’ve mentioned have been present in part of the Cedars-Sinai family for trustee. She called Cedars-Sinai ties to get people vaccinated, we President Pro Tempore Toni G. their words and deeds. I owe each close to 40 years has been hundreds “one of the crown jewels of the Los can get through to a healthier Atkins (D-San Diego) said. of them a debt of gratitude for the of Holocaust survivors in need of Angeles community, a world-class future for all,” Newsom said. “What impresses me most example they’ve set and the inspira- medical care and supportive ser- health and medical research cen- “This is a moment for hope, and it about this campaign is the aware- tion they’ve given me.” vices provided by the medical cen- ter.” is also a time to remain vigilant as ness that we must focus on com- “In an era when the world often ter,” Guerin said. “As a leader and “Quietly and without much fan- we face the most intense surge yet. munities that have sometimes seems preoccupied with the news of humanitarian, Tom has made cer- fare, Tom has made sure that While we have prepared for this been neglected, whether the rea- the day,” Priselac added, “there’s tain that quality care was extended Holocaust survivors are provided surge with beds and equipment, sons involve race, language, eth- an immense power and courage in to this population with dignity and with medical and psychological ser- staffing shortages are real and nicity or something else,” the act of remembering. In that grace, reflective of our mission and vices they need to ensure a quality impact our medical system. Assembly Speaker Anthony regard, no organization has done sincere commitment to the most of life that they so richly deserve. There’s light at the end of the tun- Rendon (D-Lakewood) said. more than Yad Vashem, and I am vulnerable in our community.” The impact of this help is immea- nel and I am calling on all “We can succeed only by sharing sincerely grateful.” Several other speakers also paid surable,” Streisand said. Californians to do our part to get information with these commu- The award was presented to tribute to the work of Priselac and Cedars-Sinai is located at 8700 us through this – wear a mask, nities and making them partners Priselac by Vera Guerin, former Cedars-Sinai, including Barbra Beverly Blvd. For information, visit reduce mixing, stay home, stop the in the task of getting California chair of the Cedars-Sinai Board of Streisand, the singer, actress, direc- cedars-sinai.org. spread and save lives. Together, vaccinated.” 14 December 17, 2020 Park Labrea News/Beverly Press

turkey with chestnut apricot stuff- hazelnuts and an oven-ready, stand- Belgian red endive Caesar; iceberg ing, spicy garlic Brussels sprouts ing rib roast with shallots, red wine wedge with blue cheese or HOLIDAAYY SEASON and carrots with maple syrup, or a and horseradish cream. Sides Thousand Island; legendary char vegan nut roast Wellington include wild mushroom and potato sui pork chop, pot roast and prime TAAKEE OUT DINING wrapped in gluten-free puff. Finish gratin, farro and black rice with steaks. For family-style dinners, BY JILL WEINLEINE with a fresh pear and apple crumble kabocha squash, Brussels sprouts pre-order braised lamb shank for with custard or sticky toffee pud- with balsamic and pancetta, and two; bone-in pork loin for up to six p.m. The exclusive menu features a ding with cream. For $12.50, the Parker House dinner rolls. Finish people; or a 4.5 pound roast rib eye La Vigilia 2020 from half Peking duck, braised lamb, mulled wine kit comes with sim- with a rich chocolate hazelnut torte filet with creamy horseradish sauce Providence roasted arctic char, red kuri squash, mered red wine with cloves, cinna- with vanilla rum Chantilly for that serves up to five people. Jar’s winter root veggies and a cookie mon and lemon peel with a brandy dessert. The Christmas menu serves desserts include a chocolate or but- n Christmas Eve, Thursday, plate. There is also a mulled wine float. For more menu options visit six and is priced at $425. Add holi- terscotch pudding or banana cream Dec. 24, enjoy Providence's kit to bring home. The prix fixe direct.chownow.com/order/25199/l day cookies or hand painted pie. Add a classic Jar Manhattan or Oannual Christmas Eve Feast of the menu is $57 per person, and à la ocations/37245. The Cat and Fiddle Hanukkah cookies for $36 a dozen, naughty martini from the list of spe- Seven Fishes at home. Start with carte items start at $6. Call directly Restaurant and Pub is also selling and some of Larder Baking cialty cocktail kits. They are also baccala al tartufo nero, crudo of for safe pickup or order for delivery Christmas baskets filled with hand- Company breads. Lucques Catering making mezcal Mexican hot choco- wild Japanese yellowtail with win- via Postmates, Grubhub and selected British imported goodies also offers just an oven-ready late or spiced apple old fashioned. ter citrus; cannelloni with scallop DoorDash. 1800 Argyle Ave., such as candies, tea, crisps, short- standing rib roast, oven-ready They are available in 6-ounce or and lobster; Cacciucco Livornese (213)279-3534. bread biscuits and more. 742 N. brined turkey and pastry chef 34-ounce bottles. All food and bev- with monkfish, mussels, clams, Highland Ave., (323)468-3800. Shannon Swindle’s Christmas erage selections are packaged for squid and fennel; olive oil schiac- stollen ordered separately before easy warming or assembly so small ciata, and finish with a bûche de The Cat and Fiddle Dec. 19. Pickup on Dec. 23-24 groups can get together and cele- Noël. This special feast is $160 per Restaurant and Pub Christmas dinner between 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit Tock brate with traditional holiday person. Substitutions will politely for ordering. 345 N. Maple Drive, favorites. To order go online the- be declined. To order, visit explore- rder a festive holiday dinner from Lucques (310)800-1789. jar.com or book on Toast. 8225 tock.com. 5955 Melrose Ave., until Dec. 22, for pickup or Beverly Blvd., (323)655-6566. O Catering (323)460-4170. delivery on Dec. 23-24. Each meal Jar Christmas comes with one Christmas cracker agyu ribeye for two is avail- Festive Sushi Roku Jane Q safe at home per person. Start with a tomato basil Wable through Dec. 19 for Takeout soup or mixed organic green salad. $250. The team is also making a Bento Boxes for the holidays Choose one of three entrées starting special Christmas Eve and hef Suzanne Tracht’s modern with beef Wellington with mush- Christmas Day dinner kit for pick- chop house offers a menu of ento boxes travel well and pro- xecutive chef Jeffrey Williams rooms wrapped in puff pastry, pota- up and delivery on Dec. 23-24. The Csignature dishes and elegant spe- vide a variety of fresh Asian is hosting a Very Merry Q to carrot mash and sauteed spinach. elegant menu offers an arugula and cials in December. The à la carte Bflavors for a complete meal. Each Eremotely on Dec. 23-24 from 3 to 9 Other choices include roasted radicchio salad with pears and holiday menu includes Suzanne’s box features a garden salad with

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Order Direct or from Chow Now • Postmates DoorDash • Uber Eats Follow Us! @duparsfm In tthe Original Farmers Market • 3rd & Fairfax (323)933-8446 • (323)933-8447 Park Labrea News/Beverly Press 15 December 17, 2020 yuzu ginger dressing, spicy mari- ery via Grubhub, DoorDash and nated Japanese cucumber, Cha-Han Uplifters Kitchen’s Postmates. 1250 S. Fair Oaks Ave., vegetable fried rice, sautéed green (626)441-3136. Campaign urges support for local plant-based holiday beans with garlic sauce, tempura restaurants, hunger relief popcorn rock shrimp with a miso or a vegetarian or vegan-friend- glaze and a choice of grilled pro- ly holiday celebration, order CropSwap for the “12 Days of Takeout” runs through teins that include marinated free- F Everything but the Turkey with à la Holidays Wednesday, Dec. 23 to help local bars and range chicken, teriyaki salmon, carte plant-based dishes that restaurants and encourages the public to sup- New York steak or A-5 Wagyu include roasted beets with whipped olden State Papayas is one of port the Latino Restaurant Association’s Feed steak with ponzu sauce. Order at feta, mashed sweet potatoes and the local growers on Frontline Program, which feeds health care sushiroku.com, or call the restau- farro-stuffed acorn squash with GCropSwap offering a variety of workers and helps restaurant owners and workers rant directly. 1401 Ocean Ave., tahini dressing. Guests can preorder boxes during the holidays. Their struggling during the pandemic. (310)458-4771; 33 Miller Alley, online on Toast or by calling the pizza box includes dough, 5 ounces “We’re thrilled to have created ‘12 Days of (626)683-3000. Takeout’ and to be collaborating with so cafe. 2819 Ocean Park Blvd., of Drake’s Family Farm goat (424)268-4904. cheese, half a pound of rare and many fantastic partners to spread the word,” Gracias Madre West heirloom mushrooms, two heads of said Jesse Torres, principal for the consulting firm winter lettuce, three to five pears ArroyoWest LLC and co-creator of the campaign. “A purchase a day can Hollywood tamales The Raymond 1886 and one 8.5-ounce jar of Count of make a big difference in the bottom line for these eateries and drinking Monte Pesto super greens pesto establishments this holiday season.” ill your tamale cravings by Holiday Menu made from basil, arugula, onions, The initiative is supported by the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce, adding this holiday staple to hazelnuts, pumpkin seeds, olive CAMEO, Small Business Majority, the California Hispanic Chamber of Fyour table this season with Gracias njoy a three-course Christmas and sunflower oil, lemon, balsamic Commerce and the Los Angeles SBDC Network. Madre's vegan sweet and savory Eve prix-fixe menu for up to and salt. The ingredients in the kit “The Latino Restaurant Association is overjoyed to join in this collabo- tamales to go. This plant-based Efour people. Start with a beet and make two pizzas and a large salad. ration. We have yet to see the light at the end of the COVID-19 tunnel, and Mexican food favorite helmed by chicory salad; a whole branzino or Order one time only or by the sub- it’s partnerships like these that cumulatively make a difference to all of our executive chef Mario Alberto 16-ounce porterhouse steak with scription and each week you will restaurant owners,” said Lilly Rocha, CEO and executive director of the invites vegans and non-vegans sides, potatoes gratin and dinner receive a box with different organ- Latino Restaurant Association. alike to enjoy Christmas artichoke rolls. Finish with a Christmas but- ic, locally-sourced, seasonal ingre- The coalition is seeking to partner with other restaurants and hunger mole verde tamales and jackfruit terscotch budino with bay leaf ice dients. They also have an apple box relief organizations. barbacoa rosemary sage tamales for cream or whipped vanilla ganache that arrives with eight different sea- “We know many Californians are struggling to make ends meet while $48 a dozen. Pre-order at gracias- with peppermint tulle and spruce sonal apples and a 16.7-ounce jar of doing their part during this stay-at-home order, but we hope that those who madre.co/tamales before Sunday, butter. Preorder deadline for take- organic vegan salted caramel sauce are able to participate spread the word about their favorite local restaurant Dec. 20, for pick-up on Wednesday, out is today, Dec. 17. Dinner for made with dates, cashews and or bar to ensure those businesses are still with us when this crisis is over,” Dec. 23, between 1 to 10 p.m. 8905 two is $100 and for four people it is coconut milk with a hint of vanilla, added Sid Voorakkara, senior vice president of Strategies 360 and co-cre- Melrose Ave., (323)978-2170. $200. Available for pickup or deliv- continues on page 16 ator of the campaign. Visit 12daysoftakeout.com.

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Chef discusses ‘Rescued Recipes’ with Holocaust survivor In celebration of the holidays, the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum will be presenting a talk on family recipes rescued during the Holocaust and the heroic actions that saved those family treasures. The discussion, which is available on the museum’s Facebook page, is part of the muse- um’s innovative Stay Connected series, which last month won a Shorty Social Good Award. Join Steven Fenves, a Holocaust survivor and museum volunteer, and James Beard Award-winning Chef Alon Shaya for a conversa- photo courtesy of Eataly tion about family recipes and their Eataly Holiday Meal Takeaway connections to childhood memo- ries and Holocaust history. photo courtesy of Steven J. Fenves/U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum tart with a curated salumi and formaggi board of cured meats and In 1944, 12-year-old Fenves and The Fenves family at their vineyard in what was then Subotica, cheeses and Italy’s classic lasagna alla Bolognese offering layers of his family were forced from their Shouse-made lasagna sheets, rich ragu, bechamel and Parmigiano-Reggiano home in Subotica, Yugoslavia, into Yugoslavia, circa 1935-38. DOP. The chefs are also preparing a porcini-rubbed prime rib alongside a Jewish ghetto. While neighbors sides that include truffle mashed potatoes and roasted squash with toasted turned against them and looted book in the museum’s collection. Fenves also describes how the farro. The package also comes with a bottle of wine and signature tiramisu their home, their former cook, When Shaya discovered that Holocaust affected him and his and an artisanal fluffy panettone cake. The Eataly Holiday box serves four Maris, rescued their treasured fam- Fenves volunteers at the museum, family from the time Hungary people for $275 or eight people for $525. Order by tomorrow, Dec. 18, for ily artwork and recipes. These he reached out to him. Fenves occupied Yugoslavia in 1941, when pickup on Dec. 23-24. Holiday gifts and ordering is available to cherished items offer a glimpse translated 13 from more than 140 he was 10 years old, to surviving eataly.com/us_en/stores/los-angeles/holiday-market-los-angeles. 10250 into his family’s life before it was recipes, including one for a walnut imprisonment at Auschwitz- Santa Monica Blvd., (213)310-8000. shattered by the Holocaust. cream cake, so the chef could adapt Birkenau and Buchenwald before Shaya, the James Beard Award- them for today’s cooks. liberation in 1945. winning owner of Saba restaurant “As a chef … I want to cook Museum historian Edna Holiday take out dining in New Orleans and Safta in food that has meaning and stories Friedberg moderates the program. From page 15 Denver, helped make the recipes to it. I think that adds to what I love For more information, visit face- available after discovering the so much about food,” Shaya said. book.com/holocaustmuseum. a pinch of seal salt and touch of Minibar Delivery and ReserveBar. maple syrup. Go to cropswap.com Golden Rule Liquor, 7753 Santa or the CropsSwap app and click on Monica Blvd., (323)654-3337; Du Golden State Papayas to order pizza Vin Wine and Spirits, 540 N. San ‘Wonder Woman kit boxes. For the Count of Monte Vicente Blvd., (310)855-1161; and Pesto, go to IG @martinabuck- Liquor Time Liquor, 7873 Santa ley819 and message her. She is Monica Blvd., (323)654-5283. 1984’ premieres happy to deliver her 8.5-ounce jars of pesto for $15 each and 18-ounce at Hollywood jars of salted caramel for $19 throughout the Beverly Press read- Legion Theatre ership areas. “Wonder Woman 1984,” directed by Patty Jenkins and starring Gal Gadot, Chris Pine, Kristen Wiig and Goldbelly Christmas Pedro Pascal, is coming to the PieCaken Hollywood Legion Theater Drive- In at Post 43 on Dec. 25 and screen- photo courtesy of Hollywood Legion Theater oldbelly collaborated with tele- ing into January. The Legion vision personality and chef Zac Theater Drive-In is currently offer- GYoung to get his take on the most ing movie-goers a safe, big-screen popular desserts for the holidays – alternative to watching at home. pecan pie, eggnog cheesecake and “There’s nothing like seeing a red velvet cake – and layers each movie on the big screen in the heart with amaretto buttercream before of Hollywood,” Legion Theater topping with sweet and tart cherry Creative Director and Chief pie filling. The PieCaken is 8 inches Projectionist Taylor Umphenour in diameter, 5 inches tall and nearly said. “We are proud to continue our 6 pounds in weight. A whole cake partnership with Warner Bros. and can be cut into eight large servings encourage audiences to safely enjoy or 16 smaller slices. Since its dis- these films.” tinctive layers include pie, cheese- Casa Vega cocktails All-inclusive prices start at $65 cake and cake, it's satisfying, filling for the entire car, including candy, and just a few bites will gratify any elebrating its 65th anniversary soda and unlimited popcorn for sweet tooth lover's craving. The next year, the family-owned each person in the vehicle. “Wonder Christmas PieCaken is $99 and can CMexican institution is offering fes- Woman 1984” is the follow up to be delivered nationwide. It's one of tively named holiday cocktails to- Jenkins’ original 2017 blockbuster. the sweetest Christmas gifts to send go, via its new drive-thru. Try the The new film opens Christmas Day to loved ones who you can't be with Red Ryder made with sparkling and will play nightly at the drive-in this year. Order at rose, Chambord, pomegranate, red theater. Reservations to the drive-in goldbelly.com/the-piecaken- sugar rim and a mint garnish for must be made online at shop/the-christmas- $11. The Son-of-a-Nutcracker is HollywoodLegionTheater.com. piecaken?ref=merchant. Tito’s vodka mixed with ginger 2035 N. Highland Ave. beer, pomegranate juice, pomegran- ates and mint for $13. Keep the Air Vodka delivered Change, Ya Filthy Animal! is Casa Vega’s famous Mexican coffee, to your home 1800 Reposado, Kahlua and whipped cream, $12. How about a he world’s first carbon-negative Snowball Margarita - coconut mar- Tspirit, Air Vodka with natural garita with toasted coconut rum or flavors, is now available in West Dreidel I Shall Play - red sangria, Hollywood and the surrounding seasonal fruit, cinnamon sticks, areas. Founded by Greg each for $11. 13301 Ventura Blvd. The Tasting Kitchen) will have a Constantine and Stafford Sheehan, Sherman Oaks. (818)788-4868. retail pop -up in Los Angeles at Air Company aims to create a posi- Harvey’s Cafe on Beverly and tive impact on the planet while Laurel downstairs from the Easton delivering the most pristine sipping, Bread is popping up Gym. His breads are all naturally impurity-free alcohol. The $65 a fermented sourdough, no commer- bottle spirit is available at Golden on Beverly cial yeast. The pop-up will be open Rule Liquor, Du Vin Wine and Wednesday - Sundays, 9 a.m. - 5 Spirits, Liquor Time Liquor, and yan Isaac Bread, westside start- p.m., or until sold out. Order online can be ordered at aircompany.com. up bakery by 19-year-old Jyan at jyanisaacbread.com. 8051 Delivery services include Drizly, JHorwitz (son of Bruce Horwitz of Beverly Blvd. Park Labrea News/Beverly Press 17 December 17, 2020

Beverly Hills offers classes to keep residents engaged The Beverly Hills Community ipants about money management Services Department is offering in a fun and inclusive way; and fun and exciting online classes in Virtual Gardening Workshops, music, dance, fitness and language in which participants can learn to keep people mentally and phys- about seed saving and how to ically active and engaged during grow a winter vegetable garden the pandemic. and herb garden. The newest offerings include Other online classes are Brit West Soccer and Got Game available for a nominal fee. Sports being offered at Roxbury They include Wanna Park. Also, a free Teddy Bear Ballet or Hip Hop for Making Workshop will be held on Tots or Youth, a fun and Monday, Dec. 21, from 9 a.m. to musically engaging noon for participants 16 and older. program; Gentle The workshop requires basic hand Yoga, workshops sewing skills and a sewing for all ages offering photo courtesy of Art Delectables machine is recommended. a whole body, mind The Simply Delicious cheesecake is a crowd pleaser and can be paired Additional classes begin in and heart experi- with a holiday beverage from their bar collection. January and include a live, interac- ence; Latin Sizzle tive cooking class for people ages and Zumba, exhilarating and easy- Community Services Department 15 and older exploring cuisine from to-follow dance classes; and recently launched the seventh edi- around the world; Improve Theater, Country Line Dancing, which tion of Artmake, Recreate and Dessert as delectable art and which explores the use of theatrical teaches participants the Electric Library in Place, which provides tools and improvisation for an Slide, Double XL, Black Velvet over 100 new online resources. pairing treats with holiday drinks imaginative play; Oksana’s and Cowboy Hustle. For information registration, Financial Education for Children In addition to the winter pro- visit beverlyhills.org/bhrec and Art Delectables is an organic rience to the comfort of your home. and Teens, which will teach partic- grams, the Beverly Hills communitylifebh.org. high-end dessert company based in These bar collections offer dessert Los Angeles. This fully female-led, and optional beverage pairing expe- BIPOC company has a full line of riences, for a unique to-go dining elevated better-for-you treats, spe- option, especially timely for elevat- Miracle Mile Chamber supports Karsh Center holiday drive cializing in luxury cheesecakes. ing dessert tables this holiday sea- Each product is handcrafted in son. The fan favorite Cheesecake The Greater Miracle Mile center to pick up supplies and dia- culturally appropriate manner. The small batches using only organical- Bar offers guests their choice from Chamber of Commerce is raising pers will also be able to select toys. center seeks to meet the needs of all ly grown, non-GMO ingredients, the Simply Delicious (plain) or support for the Karsh Center at The Karsh Center has also created a clients and help them achieve suc- with one third less sugar compared Warm Spice cheesecakes paired Wilshire Boulevard Temple holi- wish list for everyday essentials to cess in their lives, building a to traditional desserts. Paving the with up to four signature dessert day charity drive and is asking peo- keep the food pantry and diaper stronger community and stronger way for high quality, sustainably sauces, coulis, or compotes (of your ple to make online donations distribution in operation. families in the process. conscious desserts, Chef Simone choice). through Dec. 25. The Karsh Family Social Service For information, email Dickson’s line of products contain Upon request, Art Delectables The chamber wants to make the Center offers an array of cross-sec- [email protected]. To only the finest produce with zero offers tea and wine pairing sugges- holiday season brighter, particular- tor, integrated, and co-located donate visit karshcenter.org/donate. artificial ingredients, never com- tions from Chef Simone, with pair- ly with so many people losing jobs social services. Through the Karsh To view the wish lists, visit ama- promising on the careful balance of ing notes walking guests through and not being able to purchase pre- Center, Wilshire Boulevard Temple zon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/35WOO99 flavor, texture, and quality. the flavor affinities in each product. sents for the holidays. When sup- and local organizations work 3QRZI7?ref_=wl_share and ama- Unique to Art Delectables’ prod- To order, call (310)686-6038 or porters make online purchases together to offer comprehensive zon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1N49POLG uct line are its “bar collections” that visit the online store at artdelec- from the center’s Amazon wish list, resources to the surrounding com- 0Y62P?ref_=wl_share. bring a fun, interactive tasting expe- tables.com. families who regularly come to the munity in an easily accessible and 18 December 17, 2020 Park Labrea News/Beverly Press LAUSD board elects Gonez as new president Los Angeles Unified School unprecedented challenges for our soon as possible, starting with our District Board of Education has families and for our district. It’s highest needs students. This board unanimously elected Kelly Gonez more important than ever that our is committed to putting kids first, as board president. board is united behind an urgent and I hope that in 2021 we will Gonez, 32, becomes the focus to meet the academic, social see leaders from City Hall to youngest female board president and emotional needs of all stu- Sacramento and Washington, in LAUSD history. She is also one dents.” D.C., follow that lead.” of only four women of color, and Gonez outlined her vision for Ortiz Franklin was elected to one of three Latinas, to lead the the district, including focusing on serve the board’s 7th District, in board. student learning, addressing South Los Angeles and the San Gonez is the only parent on the opportunity gaps worsened by Pedro communities. board with young children, and COVID-19, creating more equity “As the new representative on she grew up in an immigrant fam- and anti-racist programs, and fos- the Los Angeles Unified Board of ily in the district she now repre- tering good governance. Education, I look forward to sents, encompassing much of the Board member Nick Melvoin working alongside the diverse east San Fernando Valley. Gonez was also elected as chair of the communities of District 7 to prior- has served on the board since Committee of the Whole. “[This] itize our highest-need students,” 2017 and prior to her election, is an exciting day to close the Franklin said. “I am also equally was a middle school science book on 2020 and look to the excited to serve alongside our teacher and an education policy future in L.A. Unified as we wel- new board President Kelly advisor in the U.S. Department of come our newest colleague, Gonez, who I strongly believe Education, appointed by Board member Tanya Ortiz will prioritize the holistic needs of photo by LouAnne Brickhouse/GLAZA President Barack Obama. Franklin, and elect Board member students, not only through the Donations to the “Miracle Condor Chick Needs a Name!” campaign will “I want to thank my colleagues Gonez to serve as our next presi- eyes of our board president but benefit the California Condor Recovery Program. for this honor, and I look forward dent,” Melvoin said. “I look for- also as a parent, a former teacher to working with each of them and ward to serving as chair of the and a deeply committed champi- Superintendent Austin Beutner Committee of the Whole and sup- on for educational equity and L.A. Zoo asks public to help name and his team on behalf of the stu- porting our school communities anti-racism.” dents of Los Angeles,” Gonez through this crisis to get our kids For more information, visit said. “The pandemic has caused safely back in the classroom as lausd.net. rare California condor chick Riding the wave of excitement ing and interventions in the field, generated by its recent California and training and mentoring staff Triassic find by Dino Institute linked to pterosaurs condor hatching – which was from partner agencies and institu- shared with the world through dra- tions. In a paper published Dec. 9 in matic photos and video on social A donation of any amount Nature, Natural History Museum of media – the Los Angeles Zoo enables people to select from four Los Angeles County scientist launched a crowd-sourced naming names: Cali, Wallace, Timoloqin Nathan Smith, associate curator in campaign to raise critical funds for and Yurok. the Dinosaur Institute, was among a the California Condor Recovery The names were selected by the team of authors who wrote they had Program, which has helped to members of the zoo’s California found a missing link in the evolu- reestablish a sustainable population condor keeper team. tionary history of pterosaurs. of California condors in the wild. “‘Timoloqin’ means ‘to tell a Flying reptiles called pterosaurs With the recent arrival of its baby story’ in the Chumash language, flew over the heads of dinosaurs for chick, currently known as LA1720, and it is perfect because so many more than 150 million years, the California condor’s population people were drawn in by LA1720’s becoming the first vertebrates continues to thrive through the story and learned about condors (back-boned animals) to take to the zoo’s tireless conservation efforts, and the program,” said Debbie air. However, the specifics of how but funds are needed to carry on Sears, who has been working with these unique animals accomplished this valuable work. Donors can sup- California condors for 24 years. this feat, and from where they port the zoo’s efforts by participat- The campaign will continue evolved, has remained a mystery. ing in its first-ever condor naming through Jan. 7. Each donor will be Smith co-authored the article campaign. recognized on the L.A. Zoo’s web- while working with an international Funds raised will help support site with additional benefits to those team of scientists who appear to the program, which includes breed- who meet donor levels. All net pro- have cracked the paleontological ing condors, preparing condors for ceeds benefit the CCRP and are tax mystery of the origin and early evo- release into the wild, providing deductible. lution of pterosaurs, a topic of great medical treatment for sick and For more information, visit scientific interest since the discov- injured birds, performing monitor- lazoo.org/condorLA1720. ery of the first pterosaur fossils in the second half of the 1700s. “‘Where did pterosaurs come from?’ is one of the most outstand- Rosewood STEM Magnet ing questions in reptile evolution; rendering by Stephanie Abramowicz, Dinosaur Institute, NHMLAC Urban Planning & Urban Design we think we now have an answer,” A group of Dromomeron romeri pause while pterosaurs fly overhead. said co-author Sterling Nesbitt of n Virginia Tech. collected from Ghost Ranch for with tricuspid teeth preserved We Our Students! The newly discovered evolution- over 100 years. But more recently, alongside fossils of dinosaurs and ary relationships create a new para- discoveries of lagerpetids like the Brazilian lagerpetid digm for understanding the origin Dromomeron and early dinosaurs Ixalerpeton, I thought that we had of pterosaurs, and provide a com- such as Tawa have ignited a mini- discovered the oldest pterosaur. pletely new framework for the renaissance in our understanding of Later, other lagerpetids with study of the origin of these animals dinosaur and pterosaur origins and ‘pterosaur traits’ started appearing and their flight capabilities. early evolution,” Smith said. in the US, Madagascar, and The authors introduce strong evi- Previously known mostly from Argentina, revealing the close rela- dence that the closest relatives of hip and hindlimb bones, these tion between these two groups. In pterosaurs are a poorly known newly discovered lagerpetid skull the end, the jaw belonged to group of ‘dinosaur precursors’ and forelimb specimens were Ixalerpeton itself, and helped us called lagerpetids, which lived examined with new technological unveil the origins of the flying rep- across the ancient supercontinent advances, such as micro computed tiles,” said co-author Max Langer NOW ENROLLING! Pangea during much of the Triassic tomography scanning. of Universidade de São Paulo, Be a part of the first Urban Planning Period, from about 237 to 210 mil- The resulting reconstruction Ribeirão Preto, Brazil. lion years ago. Lagerpetid skeletal shows that the brains and inner ears “These new discoveries and and Urban Design STEM magnet in LAUSD! parts, including skulls, forelimbs, of pterosaurs and lagerpetids are insights into lagerpetid anatomy Rosewood is a community that nurtures the whole child and through vertebrae, have been found in similar, suggesting that some of the have given us a bit of an ‘evolution- a STEM focus, with an urban planning and urban design theme, Brazil, Argentina, Madagascar and specialization in pterosaur sensory ary roadmap’ for understanding the United States, with key fossils systems evolved prior to flight. where pterosaurs came from,” there are many pathways to meet your child’s interests. utilized in the study coming from a “This study is a result of an inter- Smith said. “It’s a great example of Rosewood has a full time music teacher with students collaborative field project in Ghost national effort applying both tradi- how international and multidiscipli- receiving music theory, keyboarding and ukulele. Ranch, New Mexico, involving tional and cutting-edge techniques. nary collaboration can create para- Students take part in the Mindfulness Lab, Science Lab, NHMLAC’s Dinosaur Institute. This is an example of how modern digm shifts in paleontology. And Technology Lab, and our brand new Makerspace. Made famous by Georgia science can shed light on long while these new fossils help close Rosewood is also a Social Emotional Focus school. O’Keefe’s dramatic paintings of its standing questions that haunted the gap on pterosaur origins, it’s colorful badlands, Ghost Ranch paleontologists during more than a clear that there are more discoveries Contact our main office for guidance with the application process. hosts a multi-year, ongoing excava- century,” said co-author Martín waiting to be made in the Triassic tion project co-led by Smith to col- Ezcurra of Museo Argentino de that will continue to shed light on Your child may be eligible for transportation. lect Late Triassic dinosaurs from Ciencias Naturales, Buenos Aires, these incredible animals.” Visit www.rosewoodelementary.org or call (323)651-0166 the Hayden Quarry. Argentina. For more information visit “Late Triassic fossils have been “When I first saw a lower jaw nhm.org. 503 N. Croft Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90048 Park Labrea News/Beverly Press 19 December 17, 2020

WeHo releases animated video for holidays Traditionally, the City of West Hollywood celebrates the holi- day season each year with a spe- cial holiday card featuring the contributions of a local artist. For 2020, mindful of adapting and responding to COVID-19 health and safety precautions for stay-at-home orders and social distancing, the city has produced an imaginative and touching two-and-a-half-minute video called “After the Music” that community members can access digitally. “This year has been exception- ally challenging. The coron- avirus pandemic continues to impact all of us and many people in our community are struggling with isolation during the holiday season,” West Hollywood Mayor Lindsey Horvath said. “Art and poetry have the power to inspire us and bring us together, even in virtual spaces. This year’s city photo by Denise Kang Poet Laureate holiday season image courtesy of the city of West Hollywood J. Isaac Vásquez García, master weaver and dyer, is featured in the poem and animated video cre- West Hollywood released the short holiday video, “After the Music.” Craft in America “Borders” episode. atively remind us to ‘praise the Zoom call’ and celebrate the things that connect us. Let’s heed mated imagery from Zoo Crew munity and loved ones. It also its message to support one anoth- Productions. explores the ways in which peo- Craft in America receives inaugural er, boom laughter, gather in vir- Sonia-Wallace created the ple find joy in appreciating what tual spaces and stay connected.” poem to address the feelings of they have and connection over $100K decorative arts prize The “After the Music” video hope, connecting and coping video calls and socially distant animates a poem written espe- with isolation and change during interactions. Craft in America has been named importance and artistry of objects. cially for the holiday season by this holiday season, which looks The video was produced by the inaugural recipient of the Craft in America has an impressive West Hollywood City Poet and feels so different due to the the city of West Hollywood’s Decorative Arts Trust’s prize for history of producing video and nar- Laureate Brian Sonia-Wallace. It coronavirus pandemic. The Arts Division in collaboration excellence and innovation. The rative of the highest quality. We are combines Sonia-Wallace’s poem explores the ways in with Zoo Crew Productions and $100,000 prize recognizes scholar- proud to reach across the country to poem, read aloud by the poet, which people have adapted to the is available for viewing on the ly endeavors undertaken by a non- support a smaller organization that with holiday card artwork need for social distancing to pre- City of West Hollywood’s profit organization to advance the will make an incredible contribu- designed by West Hollywood vent the spread of COVID-19 WeHoArts YouTube Channel at public's appreciation of decorative tion to further appreciation for the artist Steven Rahbany and ani- and ensure the safety of the com- youtu.be/IVwN5HflB3c. arts, fine arts, architecture, or land- decorative arts.” scape design. “This project will organically As part of the Decorative Art demonstrate the ongoing continuity Trust’s dedication to nurturing aca- of historic craft processes in mod- demic and educational programs, ern life,” Craft in America Center Executive Director Matthew Director Emily Zaiden said. “The Thurlow announced that Craft in beauty and core of this project is America would receive the award that it captures precisely how his- in a special presentation. Craft in toric craft and decorative arts America was one of four finalists, processes are very much alive in the which included the Huntington hands of contemporary makers and Library, Art Museum and Botanical craft artists. It will demonstrate our Gardens, in addition to the connection with the past, with the Cincinnati Art Museum and work of the hand, and our inherent Thomas Jefferson's Monticello. connection with tactile objects and “The inaugural prize is a water- the material culture of our world. shed moment for our organization,” These videos will bring to life, in Thurlow said. “We are proud to be this modern, tech-dominated era, one of the few organizations able to the age-old techniques from our offer $100,000 in support of a dec- craft heritage. We could not be orative arts project at this critical more thrilled and honored to moment in the cultural sector. In receive this support from the recent years, we have helped hun- Decorative Arts Trust.” dreds of students and young profes- Craft in America is preparing a sionals make strides toward their free online video dictionary of careers in the arts, and the prize will tools, techniques and materials reinforce the value of their dedica- spanning all decorative arts media. tion.” This free resource for researchers, “Craft in America will blend the art historians, students and the pub- contemporary with the historic by lic will serve as an evergreen and sharing the techniques of talented widely accessible tool to demon- living craftspeople who represent a strate handmade crafts production. continuum of artisanship that Each dictionary “entry” will consist stretches back centuries,” Thurlow of a short video of a professional added. “The project is scalable, artist-maker explaining and docu- malleable, inclusive, and accessible menting a specific process. in a manner that will continue to For more information, visit draw interest in and promote the craftinamerica.org. BHUSD closes out oil well project The Beverly Hills Unified pleted over the next few weeks School District’s facilities depart- and that site restoration will begin ment has reported that the Venoco shortly thereafter,” BHUSD Oil Well abandonment project at spokesperson Rebecca Starkins Beverly Hills High School is cur- said. rently in closeout. In addition, the legacy oil wells All 19 wells have been aban- associated with the Metropolitan doned without incident at the site, Transportation Authority’s activi- according to BHUSD. ties at the site have been success- “We anticipate that the closeout fully abandoned and are in close- portion of the project will be com- out according to the district. 20 December 17, 2020 Park Labrea News/Beverly Press A playlist that keeps on giving in ‘The Prom’

A good musical is life-giving. “Singin’ in the Rain,” “The Sound of Music,” even modern gem “Moulin Rouge” – a good musical experience on screen lasts forever. Honestly, Netflix’s “The Prom,” an adaptation of the Tony-nominated Broadway show, might not survive the test of time, but it embraces the wackiest elements. In a small Indiana town, a lesbian high schooler Emma (Jo Ellen Pellman) receives the ire of a class- mates when her petition to bring a female date prompts the PTA to cancel the dance instead of comply. Setting the story in Vice President Mike Pence’s state is a nice touch, a biting reminder that basic human photo courtesy of Netflix decencies like dating whomever Meryl Streep and James Corden join a stellar cast in “The Prom,” a mem- you want are still weaponized. orable musical adaptation of the Tony-nominated Broadway show. Meanwhile, some white liberals in New York face a dilemma. like her across social media, exem- and TV producer, allows these Broadway stars Dee Dee (Meryl plifying how online spaces belong things to occur is rather baffling, photo by Jon York Streep) and Barry (James Corden) to more than just valid trolls. considering the more nuanced Cinderella is just one of the iconic “stars” who will be featured on the become untouchable following a Perhaps “The Prom’s” strengths explorations of sexuality in his upcoming virtual sing-along. host of bad reviews. They need a entirely hail from the stage show. small screen work, from “Glee” and cause, some good PR to help them That works. Each of the 17 songs “American Horror Story” to “The appear likable once more. Co-per- shine, complete with stellar chore- Politician” and “Pose.” Sing-along concert to benefit CHLA former Angie (Nicole Kidman) ography, staging and performances. “The Prom” won’t go down as The Lythgoe Family Panto is This virtual sing-along con- quickly locates Emma’s story on Sorry, Oscar-nom “Les Miz” can’t one of the modern greats, instead presenting a virtual at home sing- cert, produced by the Lythgoe social media. Armed with another touch the polished look of this one. falling somewhere in the neighbor- along concert “Carols for Kids,” Family with musical arrange- recently unemployed showman The story’s finer points, however, hood of 2007’s “Hairspray” and benefiting Children’s Hospital ments and direction by Michael Trent (Andrew Rannells, of “Book remain a point of contention, right- “Rock of Ages.” That said, it’s still Los Angeles and featuring stars Orland, premieres on Sunday, of Mormon” fame), they amplify a ly so. better than “La La Land” (you from a decade of Lythgoe Family Dec. 20, at 5 p.m. and is available cause with very little concern for As others have already noted, the heard me) and plenty of others, productions. on demand for seven days with the teen it affects. At least at first. most problematic aspect of “The though wading through its more “Carols for Kids” will feature each donation. Along for the ride, Keegan- Prom” is Corden’s performance. He problematic bits damages what iconic stars including Snow Tickets start at a $20 donation Michael Key, as Principal Tom, inconsistently portrays a flamboy- could have been something truly White, Peter Pan, Tinkerbell, and can be purchased at attempts a more modest role, a far ant character, cranking those choic- amazing. Cinderella and Aladdin. https://bit.ly/33Wu87j. cry from his comedic gold on “Key es up during chatter on fashion and and Peele.” And Kerry Washington omitting them entirely when more plays primary villain Mrs. Greene, emotional moments occur. The head of the PTA, an all-around implication of this choice is horrify- stand-in for all things homophobic, ing, compounded by the high prob- hiding her vile actions under ability that Corden didn’t research euphemisms like morality and com- the role or deeply consider his char- fort. acter’s motivations. This is Streep’s best musical per- Another challenge is inherent to formance. The songs fit her range most musicals’ affinity for happy and demeanor far better than any of endings. Some characters (OK, one her previous forays into the genre. in particular, while there’s an argu- Not shocking, Rannells steals the ment for a second) don’t earn the show, especially during a mall grace given to them come the number exploring religious contra- finale. Grace and forgiveness are dictions in “Love Thy Neighbor.” powerful tools, but too many films Even Kidman reminds the populace undermine them for the sake of clo- why she owns any role she takes. sure. Smiles might result, but But the real standout here is authenticity takes a back seat, Pellman, who rightly enjoys the which is troubling in a film (and catchiest numbers in the film. She musical) that tackles something this plays Emma effectively as a hesi- important. tant heroine forced into the lime- Those two pieces might be deal light because of who she is, but she breakers. Why director Ryan shines during those tunes. Emma Murphy (“Nip/Tuck,” “Eat Pray leads a touching song with others Love”), an openly gay filmmaker

photo courtesy of Netflix Ariana DeBose, left, and Jo Ellen Pellman are stand-outs in “The Prom.” Park Labrea News/Beverly Press 21 December 17, 2020

Dec. 11 Dec. 5 At 11:10 a.m., an unknown sus- pect robbed a victim near the cor- An unknown suspect committed a At 12:01 a.m., an unknown sus- ner of Wilton and Fountain. P OLICE BLOTTER burglary in the 800 block of pect committed a burglary in the Larrabee at 5:45 a.m. 100 block of N. Ridgewood. An unknown suspect committed a petty theft in the 5700 block of At 11 a.m., an unknown suspect An unknown suspect assaulted a Fountain at 1:45 p.m. The following crimes occurred in West Hollywood, Beverly Hills and the committed a burglary in the 8900 victim in the 1600 block of N. areas patrolled by the LAPD’s Wilshire and Hollywood divisions between block of Cynthia. Bronson at 1 a.m. At 7 p.m., an unknown suspect Dec. 5 and Dec. 12. The information was compiled from committed a petty theft in the 5800 crimemapping.com. To report a crime, call local law enforcement agencies: An unknown suspect committed a At 1:15 a.m., an unknown suspect block of Sunset. Los Angeles Police Department, Wilshire Division (213)473-0476, Los burglary in the 8600 block of robbed a victim in the 5700 block Angeles County Sheriff’s Department West Hollywood Station (310)855- Holloway at 7 p.m. of Sunset. Dec. 9 8850, and the Beverly Hills Police Department, (310)550-4951. Dec. 12 An unknown suspect committed a At 6:25 a.m., an unknown suspect Beverly Hills Police block of N. Palm. burglary in the 7500 block of committed a burglary in the 900 At 9:30 a.m., an unknown suspect Sunset at 11 a.m. block of N. Croft. Department A suspect was arrested on suspi- assaulted a victim in the 8300 cion of driving under the influence block of Santa Monica. At 2:30 p.m., an unknown suspect An unknown suspect committed a of alcohol or drugs near the corner robbed a victim in the 6000 block petty theft in the 6300 block of Dec. 5 of Third. Third at noon. of Foothill and Santa Monica at An unknown suspect assaulted a

At 2 p.m., an unknown suspect 7:51 p.m. victim in the 8900 block of Santa An unknown suspect assaulted a committed a burglary in the 400 Monica at 5 p.m. At 4 p.m., an unknown suspect victim in the 8100 block of Sunset block of N. Bedford. At 8 p.m., an unknown suspect robbed a victim near the corner of at 5 p.m. committed a petty theft in the 100 At 6:43 p.m., an unknown suspect Sixth and Windsor.

An unknown suspect committed a block of N. Almont. robbed a victim in the 500 block of At 6:24 p.m., an unknown suspect grand theft in the 300 block of N. Flores. Dec. 10 committed a burglary in the 800 Rodeo at 3:49 p.m. An unknown suspect committed a block of N. Croft. petty theft in the 400 block of S. At 2:05 a.m., an unknown suspect Los Angeles Police At 5:30 p.m., an unknown suspect Spalding at 10:58 p.m. committed a burglary in the 800 An unknown suspect committed a committed a petty theft in the 9700 Department block of N. La Cienega. burglary in the 7800 block of block of Wilshire. At 11:43 p.m., an unknown sus- Beverly at 7 p.m. pect committed a burglary in the Dec. 2 An unknown suspect committed a Dec. 6 200 block of Linden. burglary in the 600 block of At 10 p.m., an unknown suspect At 4:40 a.m., an unknown suspect burglarized a vehicle parked in the Masselin at 4 a.m. At 1:20 p.m., an unknown suspect West Hollywood committed a petty theft in the 7100 1100 block of S. Holt. burglarized a vehicle parked in the block of Hawthorn.

200 block of S. Spalding. Sheriff’s Station An unknown suspect robbed a vic-

An unknown suspect burglarized a tim in the 1500 block of Argyle at An unknown suspect robbed a vic- Dec. 5 vehicle parked in the 5800 block of 11 p.m. tim near the corner of Wilshire and Wilshire at 6:25 a.m. Camden at 4:20 p.m. An unknown suspect burglarized a Dec. 6 vehicle parked in the 900 block of At 7:20 a.m., an unknown suspect

N. Kings at 4 p.m. assaulted a victim in the 7200 Dec. 7 At 12:01 a.m., an unknown sus- block of Sunset. pect committed a petty theft in the At 6:35 p.m., an unknown suspect An unknown suspect committed a 900 block of N. Crescent Heights. burglarized a vehicle parked in the An unknown suspect committed a petty theft near the corner of 900 block of Kings. petty theft in the 1300 block of N. Wilshire and Le Doux at 1:04 a.m. An unknown suspect committed a Gardner at 4:15 p.m. burglary in the 600 block of N. La At 10 a.m., an unknown suspect Dec. 6 At 4:30 p.m., an unknown suspect Brea at 6:10 a.m. committed a grand theft in the 9800 block of Santa Monica. At 7:59 p.m., an unknown suspect committed a petty theft in the 400 block of S. Western. At 8 a.m., an unknown suspect assaulted a victim in the 1100 committed a burglary in the 1300 An unknown suspect stole a vehi- block of Alta Loma. An unknown suspect committed a block of N. Highland. cle parked in the 300 block of N. Canon at 6:12 p.m. An unknown suspect assaulted a petty theft in the 5100 block of Hollywood at 5 p.m. An unknown suspect burglarized a victim in the 8400 block of Sunset vehicle parked in the 1500 block of At 7:11 p.m., an unknown suspect at 8 p.m. At 8:15 p.m., an unknown suspect N. Las Palmas at 8 a.m. stole a vehicle parked near the corner of Canon and Brighton. committed a petty theft in the 1200 Dec. 7 block of West. At 9 a.m., an unknown suspect

burglarized a vehicle parked in the An unknown suspect assaulted a A burglary was reported in the An unknown suspect burglarized a 600 block of Vine. victim in the 9200 block of Burton 1200 block of Olive at 2:05 a.m. vehicle parked in the 1000 block of at 9 p.m. N. La Brea at 8:30 p.m. An unknown suspect assaulted a At 4:30 p.m., an unknown suspect victim near the corner of Sixth and stole a vehicle parked in the 9600 Dec. 8 At 9 p.m., an unknown suspect Irving at 9:45 a.m. block of West Knoll. burglarized a vehicle parked near At 11 a.m., an unknown suspect the corner of Yucca and Las At 1:30 p.m., an unknown suspect burglarized a vehicle parked in the Dec. 8 Palmas. committed a burglary in the 5500 9300 block of Dayton. block of Wilshire.

An unknown suspect committed a An unknown suspect stole a vehi- An unknown suspect committed a burglary in the 8200 block of cle parked in the 1300 block of S. An unknown suspect burglarized a theft near the corner of Beverly Sunset at 1 a.m. La Brea at 9:05 p.m. vehicle parked in the 100 block of and Santa Monica at 11:29 a.m. N. Kings at 6 p.m.

At 3:30 a.m., an unknown suspect At 10 p.m., an unknown suspect At 2:39 p.m., an unknown suspect At 6:30 p.m., an unknown suspect burglarized a vehicle parked in the stole a vehicle parked near the burglarized a vehicle parked in the burglarized a vehicle parked in the 1100 block of Orange Grove. corner of Hollywood and Schrader. 600 block of N. Oakhurst. 1200 block of S. Shenandoah.

An unknown suspect committed a An unknown suspect committed a An unknown suspect burglarized a An unknown suspect burglarized a burglary in the 1100 block of N.. La burglary in the 1700 block of N. vehicle parked in the 600 block of vehicle parked in the 800 block of Brea at 6:09 a.m. Sycamore at 10:10 p.m. N. Oakhurst at 3 p.m. N. Highland at 7 p.m.

Dec. 9 Dec. 3 At 10:30 p.m., an unknown sus- At 4 p.m., an unknown suspect pect committed a burglary in the burglarized a vehicle parked in the An unknown suspect committed a At 12:45 a.m., an unknown sus- 100 block of Ridgewood. 500 block of N. Arden. burglary in the 7900 block of Santa pect assaulted a victim near the Monica at 5 a.m. corner of Santa Monica and Dec. 7 An unknown suspect committed a Tamarind. petty theft in the 9500 block of At 6 p.m., an unknown suspect Santa Monica at 4:10 p.m. At 12:30 a.m., an unknown sus- burglarized a vehicle parked in the pect robbed a victim in the 5000 1000 block of Stanley. A suspect assaulted a victim dur- ing a domestic violence incident block of Melrose. Dec. 10 near the corner of Carlton and Dec. 10 Western at 6 a.m. An unknown suspect robbed a vic- At 9 p.m., an unknown suspect tim in the 1400 block of N. burglarized a vehicle parked in the An unknown suspect committed a At 8:10 a.m., an unknown suspect Highland at 1 p.m. 200 block of S. La Cienega. burglary in the 8800 block of assaulted a victim near the corner Sunset at 4:53 a.m. of Hollywood and Whitley. Dec. 8 Dec. 11

At 2:10 p.m., an unknown suspect An unknown suspect committed a An unknown suspect stole a vehi- At 4:37 p.m., a suspect was arrest- committed a petty theft in the 8800 burglary in the 7100 block of cle parked near the corner of ed on suspicion of driving under block of Sunset. Sunset at 2 a.m. the influence of alcohol or drugs Hollywood and Schrader at 10 near the corner of Foothill and An unknown suspect committed a p.m. At 5:30 a.m., an unknown suspect Sunset. burglary in the 7100 block of Santa assaulted a victim near the corner Monica at 7 p.m. Dec. 4. of Mansfield and Romaine. Dec. 12 At 9 p.m., an unknown suspect At 8:11 a.m., an unknown suspect An unknown suspect committed a At 3 a.m., an unknown suspect committed a petty theft in the 1100 committed a burglary in the 100 burglary in the 300 block of N. committed a burglary in the 200 block of N. La Brea. block of S. La Cienega. Hayworth at 7:40 a.m. 22 December 17, 2020 Park Labrea News/Beverly Press Classified Advertising email:[email protected] BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY COMPUTER HARDWARE LEGAL NOTICE UPHOLSTERY WEBSITE DESIGN

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Collins, Sher and Soderbergh to produce 93rd Oscars SoCalGas announces assistance Oscar-winning filmmaker Steven in a statement released by the Soderbergh, Oscar-nominated pro- Academy. ducer Stacey Sher and Emmy-nom- “Jesse, Stacey and Steven are the funds to help customers in need inated producer Jesse Collins have ideal storytellers to harness the As families are staying safe which has allowed us to support signed on to produce the 93rd uniqueness of this moment and cel- at home, Southern California many families in need.” Oscars, Academy President David ebrate the artists who are dedicated Gas Company is encouraging The fund, administered by Rubin said recently. to telling stories that stand the test its eligible customers to apply the United Way of Greater Los The Oscars will air live on ABC of time,” said Craig Erwich, presi- for the Gas Assistance Fund, a Angeles, helps low-income and broadcast outlets worldwide on dent of Hulu Originals and ABC program that helps income- individuals and families in need Sunday, April 25. Entertainment. “By enlisting this qualified customers pay their pay their natural gas bills so “The upcoming Oscars is the per- incredibly talented team of televi- natural gas bill with a one-time they can cook, have hot water fect occasion for innovation and for sion and film producers, I’m confi- grant of up to $200 per house- and heat their homes. re-envisioning the possibilities for dent we will deliver a prestigious hold. United Way partners with the awards show. This is a dream event that will be remembered for To date, SoCalGas’ Gas nearly 80 nonprofit organiza- team who will respond directly to years to come.” Assistance Fund received over tions throughout SoCalGas’ these times,” Academy President Collins has produced numerous $370,000 and benefited more service territory to distribute David Rubin and Academy CEO awards shows and events including than 3,400 households, includ- the grants. Those who wish to Dawn Hudson said. “The Academy the Grammy Awards. Sher earned ing the elderly, people with dis- apply for a grant may do so by is excited to work with them to best picture Oscar nominations for abilities and low-income fami- filling out an application with a deliver an event that reflects the “Django Unchained” and “Erin lies in need. participating United Way part- worldwide love of movies and how Brockovich” and has produced In response to the economic ner agency. The Gas Assistance they connect us and entertain us photo by Doron Gild dozens of films and TV shows. downturn caused by the Fund is allocated on a first- when we need them the most.” Oscar-winning filmmaker Steven Soderbergh won an Oscar for COVID-19 pandemic, come, first-served basis, and “We’re thrilled and terrified in Soderbergh will produce the directing “Traffic” and nominations SoCalGas has donated an addi- eligible customers are able to equal measure. Because of the Academy Awards in 2021. for directing “Erin Brockovich” tional $200,000 to the fund to apply until the funds are deplet- extraordinary situation we’re all in, and writing “Sex, Lies, and support hundreds more people ed. there’s an opportunity to focus on hope to create a show that really Videotape.” this year. Since 1983, SoCalGas “We’ll all be safer at home the movies and the people who feels like the movies we all love,” For more information, visit shareholders, customers and through this dangerous pan- make them in a new way, and we Collins, Sher and Soderbergh said oscars.org. employees have contributed demic winter, but for our over $23 million to the Gas region’s most vulnerable fami- Assistance Fund, helping more lies, keeping warm can be a than 225,000 individuals and strain on a tight budget,” said FilmLA issues update on production restart progress families. Elise Buik, president and CEO “Natural gas is one of the of United Way of Greater Los FilmLA, partner film office for most affordable utility bills, but Angeles. the city and county of Los Angeles in a year unlike any other, we “We are proud to partner with and other local jurisdictions, on recognize that many of our cus- SoCalGas to help our neighbors Dec. 8 issued an update regarding tomers need an extra hand,” with utility bills and give them regional filming activity since the said Gillian Wright, senior vice one less financial burden this reopening of L.A. County to on- president and chief customer holiday season,” she added. location filming in June. officer for SoCalGas. “With In light of the economic hard- Over the last 24 weeks, FilmLA COVID-19 cases increasing ship facing many customers, has received approximately 3,552 once again, our customers are SoCalGas has suspended ser- film permit applications spanning spending more time at home, vicedisconnections for residen- 2,514 unique projects. For the first but they can rest assured that tial and small business cus- time since production resumed, the natural gas service they use tomers. That means customers month-over-month permit volume to cook meals and stay warm will not have their natural gas decreased in November, with appli- will be reliable. We are grateful service turned off if they are cation intake decreasing 7.6% to to our shareholders, customers unable to pay. 813 permits (from 880 permits in chart courtesy of FilmLA and employees that have con- For information, visit socal- October). Analysts point to overlap- Film and television production in Los Angeles fell last month. tributed to the fund this year, gas.com. ping factors including the 2020 election, the Thanksgiving holiday plexity of the moment,” FilmLA (NBC), and “American Gangster: and the COVID-19 pandemic as President Paul Audley said. “At this Trap Queens” (BET). reasons for the slowdown. point, progress for production rests, Approximately 40 feature films FilmLA’s daily intake is now aver- like so many things, on effective began shooting in Greater Los aging around 39 new applications community control of COVID-19. Angeles in November, primarily per business day. The Greater Los Angeles filmmak- independents, including “To Examining filming of different ing community, so fortunate to be Leslie” (BCDF Pictures) and “He’s types, the advertising industry (still able to remain working, continues All That” (Miramax). The Paul photography and commercials) to be mindful of safe set rules.” Thomas Anderson movie “Soggy remains prominent in the queue A sample of television shows that Bottom” was also filming through- with a 44% combined share of started filming in November out the region last month. November permit requests. include “The Kominsky Method” Products and services like Production of television content (Netflix), “Dave” (FX), “American Popeyes, Carvana, Pandora, represents the next-largest share of Crime Story: Impeachment” (FX) Experian, Loews, McDonalds and recent permit activity, at 29%. and “Curb Your Enthusiasm” Taco Bell were featured in Feature production currently com- (HBO). November commercial shoots. prises 5% of permit activity. Reality TV shows filming For information, visit “The November decrease in pro- include “The Dead Files” (Travel filmla.com/covid-19 and duction reflects the ongoing com- Channel), “Jay Leno’s Garage” filmla.com/our-services/research. Grand Park art installation aims to build community Now through Jan. 25, a new Grand Avenue and Broadway. and-coming small businesses; and public art installation, “Ground our The installation reinvents the Solidarity for Sanctuary, which Present, Dot our Future,” will be current floor-distancing-decal cul- strives to amplify the voices of on display at Grand Park in down- ture by putting the emphasis back immigrants, Latinx and Black, town Los Angeles. on how Angelenos can be socially Indigenous and People of Color Designed to build community connected – by gaining knowledge communities through music, advo- with enrichment, engagement and and understanding about the cacy and the arts. dialogue opportunities through art, diverse experiences in Los Angeles To highlight the public art instal- the installation also highlights how county from the perspectives of lation and create a festive ambi- communities strengthened their those who live them. ence as visitors stroll through the resolve this past year and sharp- In an effort to engage Angelenos popular urban space, Grand Park ened their values. across the county’s five superviso- has also wrapped trees in holiday Featuring more than 74 quotes rial districts, Grand Park sourced lights and will light up the park’s that reflect on 2020 and look for- the quotes and reflections by work- historic Arthur J. Will Memorial ward to 2021, words of wisdom ing with seven of its community Fountain with a rainbow of colors. range from 8-year old Siena Craig partners to engage their members, The installation is also presented of Montecito Heights to 88-year- including the Chinese American in conjunction with Grand Park’s old Bing Liu of Monterey Park. Museum, which is dedicated to NYELA celebration, which will be Each quote, with some in sharing the Chinese-American shown on television and via Spanish, Chinese and Tagalog, experience and history in Southern streaming channels on Dec. 31 in appears on 24-inch multicolored California and beyond; Head partnership with Fuse. circular decals guiding the familiar Wraps in the Park, which serves as For more information, visit pathways of Grand Park between a fashion platform to showcase up- grandparkla.org. 24 December 17, 2020 Park Labrea News/Beverly Press The Wallis presents ‘Estella Scrooge’ for the holidays Just in time for the holidays, the Wallis Annenberg Center for Performing Arts will bring audi- ences a magical musical, created Trump loses Ambassador with new cutting-edge technology, that is sure to become a new holi- day tradition – the world premiere Hotel in lengthy court battle of “Estella Scrooge: A Christmas Carol with a Twist.” The production features a cast of 24 award-winning Broadway nota- bles, and is the creation of John Caird, (the Tony and Olivier Award-winning director of “Les Misérables”), and Tony Award nominee Paul Gordon (“Pride and Prejudice.”) Caird and Gordon also paired to create “Daddy Long Legs,” which played at numerous regional theaters throughout the country and in four countries before enjoying a successful off- photo courtesy of The Wallis Broadway run. “I’m so happy to bring this new Betsy Wolfe (Estella Scrooge) and Danny Burstein (Ebenezer) star in the musical to life in the midst of these world premiere of “Estella Scrooge: A Christmas Carol with a Twist.” mad and maddening times. The cre- ative team nimbly learned new director of The Wallis. inees Lauren Patten as Dawkins, techniques to bring the actors and The story follows Estella Patrick Page as Mr. Merdle, their characters together. It’s won- Scrooge, a modern-day Wall Street Carolee Carmello as Marla derful to provide employment for tycoon with a penchant for fore- Havisham and Danny Burstein as the theatre community while we closing. A hotelier in her hometown Ebenezer Scrooge. enliven the classic ‘Christmas of Pickwick, Ohio, has defaulted on “This piece was a joy to create, Carol’ story, refashioned with a new his mortgage and Estella fancies the from the first beat of the idea to the twist for today. At a time of great idea of lowering the boom person- culmination of the film,” Gordon conflict and hardship, I hope we ally. Arriving at Harthouse on said. “Discovering how these can shine a little ray of optimism Christmas Eve, Estella discovers Dickensian characters (from differ- into the surrounding darkness,” that the defaulting party is her ent novels) would interact together Caird said. childhood friend Pip Nickleby. A and tell a cohesive story with a dis- “Estella Scrooge” is the first dig- good and generous soul, Pip has tinct musical voice was both a chal- ital theater piece filmed entirely transformed the property into a lenge and a thrill. I believe in find- during the pandemic utilizing cut- refuge for the sick, dispossessed ing new ways of sharing the magic ting-edge technology. The fully- and homeless. A freak snowstorm of musical theater with the world realized production, a dazzlingly forces Estella to take refuge and and now it’s more important than cinematic musical theater adven- that night, just as it happened to her ever to escape for a few hours with A photograph in the Dec., 18, 1997, issue of the Park Labrea and ture, was filmed using tracked ancestor Ebenezer, she is haunted a message of love and hope. I’m Beverly Press showed the former Ambassador Hotel site at 3400 green-screen techniques, with 3-D by three visitations. proud to be part of this creative Wilshire Blvd., which had been at the center of a lawsuit between the surreal digital environments created A modern day take on Charles team and to bring our community Los Angeles Unified School District and Trump Wilshire Associates, a in post-production and merged with Dickens’ beloved 1843 novella, “A together in a responsible way dur- company owned by Donald Trump at the time. The once-prestigious the actors’ actual footage to bring Christmas Carol,” “Estella ing these challenging times.” hotel, where presidential candidate and U.S. Sen. Robert F. Kennedy the story to life in a brand-new way. Scrooge” also wittily incorporates The show will stream from was assassinated in 1968, permanently closed in 1989. Trump Wilshire “Created during a pandemic characters and plot lines from Monday, Dec. 21, through Sunday, Associates purchased it that same year and planned to build a luxury world, Estella Scrooge’s modern Dickens’ other great novels. Jan. 3. Tickets are $29.99 for 72- hotel. However, the property remained vacant for years. reimagining of a classic story, with Betsy Wolfe stars as Estella, a hour viewing or $44.99 for a premi- The LAUSD later sought to acquire the property for a new school a remarkable cast and direction descendent of her famous great- um theatre experience, which using eminent domain and a multi-year legal battle ensued. The district from one of the theater world’s great-great-great-grandfather includes unlimited viewings, a allocated nearly $48 million to acquire the property but after a signifi- great directors, speaks to the world Ebenezer and Clifton Duncan stars download of the CD and behind- cant downturn in the real estate market in the mid-1990s, sought to we are now, but offers hope at the as Philip ‘Pip’ Nickleby. The pro- the-scenes footage. For informa- withdraw from the deal. end,” said Paul Crewes, artistic duction also stars Tony Award nom- tion, visit thewallis.org/scrooge. Trump Wilshire Associates had already withdrawn from the deal and argued that the district actually owed the company money because the value of the land had increased. A judge sided with the LAUSD and Trump Wilshire Associates appealed. In 1997, a final ruling was issued requiring the Trump-owned company to return $45 million to the LAUSD. Trump Wilshire Associates was allowed to keep approxi- mately $3 million for damages but later dropped plans for redevelop- Bogie’s Liquor ing the property. The district moved forward with building the Robert F. Kennedy Community School’s complex on the 24-acre site, which currently serves students in kindergarten through 12th grade. Youth film festival begins Jan. 16 The Black Hollywood Education makers to showcase their skills, tal- and Resource Center announced a ent and vision through film. As in call for submissions for the 11th the past, the Youth Diversity Film annual BHERC Youth Diversity Festival will present a combination Film Festival. The festival will of 50-plus short films by middle stream virtually on bherc.tv on and high school students. In addi- Saturday, Jan. 16, though Sunday, tion to screening films, BHERC Jan. 17. will introduce the youth to top pro- In addition to screening films by fessionals in the film, television and middle and high school students, animation industries who have the festival will also offer special become successful in various posi- panels with industry professionals. tions such as directors, editors, ani- “With such a great response to mators and script writers through our large festival by attendees who panels with Q&A sessions. A few of Stock your watched on-demand industry pan- the planned panels include “How els, special events, screenings and Sound and Music Supports Story favorite beverages the 140 curated films told by Telling” and “Animators On diverse filmmakers from 18 coun- Animating.” this holiday season! tries, 20 US states ages 9 to adult,” BHERC encourages all youth festival Director Billie J. Green who are interested in filmmaking, said. “We wanted to continue our or storytelling to plan to attend the Wine • Spirits • Champagne • Beer • Kegs commitment to our youth by pro- virtual festival. viding a distinct opportunity for To submit a film for consideration them to shine and amplify their to be included in the festival, visit 5753 Melrose Ave. Corner of Melrose & Vine work.” bherc.org/festivals/los-angeles- Created 11 years ago, the festival youth-diversity-film-festival/. The (323) 469-1414 is an opportunity for emerging film- submission deadline is Dec. 31. www.bogiesliquor.com Park Labrea News/Beverly Press 25 December 17, 2020

Zilber to speak on memoir at Holocaust Museum LA LACO to perform Bach’s famed Holocaust Museum Los Angeles being transported to the Stutthof presents “As Mama Told Us,” a Concentration Camp. Her story is a book talk with Ettie Zilber on testament to her fighting spirit and ‘Brandenburg 5’ concerto Tuesday, Dec. 22, at 11 a.m. Zilber the limits of human endurance, The Los Angeles Chamber will discuss “A Holocaust Memoir including more challenges she Orchestra continues its all-digi- of Love & Resilience: Mama’s endured after liberation. tal 2020-21 season, LACO: Survival From Lithuania to In the second part of the book, Close Quarters, with Bach's America,” a memoir about her Zilber analyzes the impact of her “Brandenburg 5” featuring mother, Zlata. mother’s experiences on her Music Director Jaime Martín on Compiled from recorded inter- upbringing in the United States, flute, Assistant Concertmaster views, the book is an account of a discovering parallels with other Tereza Stanislav on violin and remarkable woman who recovered children of Holocaust survivors. Conductor Laureate Jeffrey after unimaginable hardship and Her quest for answers led her to Kahane on fortepiano. sorrow. The Nazi occupation of Eastern Europe to follow in her Available on demand begin- Kovno in Lithuania changed Zlata mother's footsteps, honor the mur- ning Friday, Dec. 18, at 6:30 Santocki Sidrer’s life forever. Her dered members of her family and p.m., the digital program also teenage dream of living a normal collect evidence to corroborate the photo courtesy of Holocaust Museum LA features Claude Debussy’s life and becoming a doctor were accounts of Holocaust survivors. Ettie Zilber will discuss “A “Syrinx,” a work for solo flute gone. Instead, she witnessed untold A $10 donation is suggested. For Holocaust Memoir of Love & performed by Martín. There will deprivations, massacres, imprison- information, visit holocaustmuse- Resilience: Mama’s Survival From also be compelling visual ele- ment, hunger and slave labor before umla.org. Lithuania to America.” ments directed by groundbreak- ing director/designer/artist James Darrah, LACO 2020-21 creative director of digital con- Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation honored for programs tent. The Los Angeles Dodgers Although the Brandenburg Foundation has been announced Concerto No. 5’s keyboard part as a recipient of a Sport for is typically played on harpsi- Reduced Racial Inequalities chord, Kahane chose the fortepi- Collective Impact Award, support- ano as his “ideal instrument” to ed by the DICK’S Sporting Goods perform the work. Predecessor photo courtesy of CMArtists Foundation. of the modern piano, the fortepi- LACO Conductor Laureate The Los Angeles Dodgers ano was developed by Italian Jeffrey Kahane will lead the Foundation is being recognized harpsichord maker Bortolomeo orchestra in performing Johann for programs that address social Christofori in the early 18th cen- Sebastian Bach’s inequities and invest in solutions tury. Although it resembles a “Brandenburg Concerto No. 5.” driven by the community. The harpsichord in appearance, its foundation places particular focus inner workings could not be “Made of silk thread, cotton on projects supporting education, more different, given that its floss and pearlescent acrylic ink health care, homelessness and strings are struck by hammers. on canvas, it is among the most youth development. “As we perform Bach’s mag- outstanding of his multi-layered The DICK’S Sporting Goods nificent ‘Brandenburg 5,’ it is a works and adds a rich texture to Foundation and Beyond Sport is joy to again share the stage with the program.” bringing together a group of com- Jeffrey Kahane, the brilliant Thanks to the generosity of munity sports organizations to pianist and my predecessor who individual donors, the program collaborate in finding the best was the longest serving music is available to the public at no ways to harness sports to address director in LACO's history,” cost and can be streamed at racial inequities and support Black Martín said. laco.org/laco-at-home, and on communities. A new painting by Iranian LACO’s YouTube channel and The LADF is among organiza- American artist Ardeshir Tabrizi Facebook live. Subsequent tions selected nationwide for hon- made especially for this LACO: LACO Close Quarters episodes ors and investments to further Close Quarters will also be premiere on Fridays biweekly. their programs. shown. While there is no cost to “We are thrilled to be recog- “Viewers will have an exclu- stream the programs, donations nized with a Collective Impact sive, unique look as, inspired by are requested. Award for our outstanding work in the music, he creates this piece For more information or to using baseball to address racial to the performance of the Bach watch, visit laco.org/laco-at- inequality in Los Angeles,” LADF ‘Brandenburg,’” Darrah said. home. CEO Nichol Whiteman said. The Los Angeles Dodgers photo by Edwin Folven Foundation takes pride in champi- One of the Dodgers’ Dreamfields is located in Pan Pacific Park. oning racial equity through Dodgers Dreamfields and Dodgers RBI, making baseball The foundation has given $15 give these families the same CUSTOM PICTURE FRAMING and softball more accessible to million to over 100 community- opportunities as our wealthiest.” racial and ethnic minority youth based organizations and programs, “This award and collaboration by refurbishing dilapidated fields which have in turn helped over with like-minded organizations in underserved areas. They also 230,000 youths. gives us the chance to make an deliver health care, educational “We recognize that our local even greater impact in California, resources and trauma-informed communities have an increased and hopefully, across the nation,” coaching approaches to create risk of illness and economic he added. healing environments for some of despair based simply on the color For information, visit Los Angeles’ most vulnerable of their skin and zip code,” mlb.com/dodgers/community/fou youth. Whiteman said. “Our goal is to ndation.

Bokde appointed chief deputy to oversee county parks Order Now for the Holidays! The Los Angeles County supervisors, our staff, partners and worked to address park disparities, Department of Parks and community members to advance as identified in the 2016 Park Recreation has appointed Alina the important work of delivering Needs Assessment, by bringing • Restoration of Paintings, Frames, Fine Art & Bokde as chief deputy director. park and recreation programs and over $40 million for new parks, The appointment by Director projects throughout the County,” playground renovations and infra- Art Objects, Wood, Metal & Stone Norma García-González marks the Bokde added. structure investment in parks. first time that two women have led Bokde will be responsible for The 2016 Park Needs • We do custom shadow boxes, double glass, the 76-year-old agency. the day-to-day operations of the Assessment was a comprehensive “Alina brings extensive experi- department and will oversee document that identified park dis- closed corner & gilded frames, ence in the field of parks and recre- deputy directors in charge of parities in high- and very high- hand carved & hand finishing. ation and a strong commitment to administration, planning and need communities, particularly advancing equity and developing development, and operations. She low-income communities of color. programs and projects that support comes to the position after four Bokde has also held leadership TED GIBSON vibrant, healthy and thriving com- years as deputy director of the positions in the public and non- Art Material & Picture Frames munities,” García-González said. planning and development agency profit sectors, including deputy “I am deeply honored to be for the Los Angeles County executive officer of the Rivers and 4271 W. 3rd St. • Los Angeles appointed chief deputy director for Department of Parks and Mountains Conservancy and exec- L.A. County Parks and look for- Recreation. utive director of the Los Angeles 213.382.9195 ward to working with the board of In her previous position, Bokde, Neighborhood Land Trust. losangelesframestore.com 26 December 17, 2020 Park Labrea News/Beverly Press

Mentors ease isolation for Fairfax students From page 1 other organizations across the city, The program has had a big to the 333 students and 264 mentors but the personal connection through impact on the Fairfax students who already part of the program, in Nick and the energy and excitement have participated, said Yesenia January, they expect to add two and passion that Brian brings to the Flores, secondary counselor at more schools and more than 60 new work, it’s really for him a calling, Fairfax High School. mentors. Larrabee credited and that’s apparent from the minute “We knew that especially during Television City and Hackman you meet him,” Sokoloff said. this time we would be distance Capital Partners for their work in “Every child deserves to dream learning and we needed a place helping expand Mentor LA. without limits, and Good City where students could interact and “The need is so great right now Mentors’ Mentor LA Initiative is help with others. It’s been such a that without the sponsorship of giving our students the knowledge, success and such a positive pro- these powerful and inspiring com- support, and confidence to envision gram for our students,” she said. panies in Los Angeles and limitless new opportunities for their She added that between the civil Television City, there’s no way future,” Melvoin said in a state- unrest, the pandemic and the “isola- operationally that we’d be able to ment. “Living in the entertainment tion that we’re all experiencing,” reach the amount of kids who need capital of the world, we’re thrilled the Mentor LA program “has really this amount of mentoring service to support the Changing Lenses ini- helped [the students] feel connected right now … [They’re] stepping up tiative and facilitate a partnership to others and relate to others and not and really leading the charge [and] photo by Cameron Kiszla that brings organizations like feel so lonely.” their hope is that they inspire other Fairfax High School students are being mentored by employees of some Television City and others in our “They didn’t have school or a companies to jump in and follow of the biggest and most prestigious companies in entertainment and creative industries into our class- place where they could be having their lead,” he said. technology. rooms to benefit our kids.” conversations about what really test- For the past 10 weeks, that bene- ed them, but having Good City fit has been focused on love and Mentors and having a mentor they “what love looks like,” said could have these conversations with Raman takes the reins in Council District 4 Larrabee, who founded Good City helped them feel better and showed From page 1 Mentors with his wife, Allyssa them how they could help their Bross Larrabee. community … The feelings of Services Authority provides ser- “It was on purpose for them to uncertainty and fear and confusion, vices, and another to create drop- see firsthand what love looks like this gives them an outlet to decom- in centers for people experienc- and a big part of our program is a press … I’m really happy with it and ing homelessness where they can leadership program,” Larrabee said. it is the highlight of my week. I look use restrooms and take showers, “What we call the students to do is forward to it and I know the students and receive services that will to take what they’re learning and and mentors do too,” Flores said. help improve their lives and put experiencing out into their lives, to Sokoloff, who taught at schools them on a path toward self-sus- be able to impact their families, in Boyle Heights and Watts as part tainability. their school, their community, their of Teach for America, also pointed “I believe so powerfully there state, their country.” to the benefits for the adults who is nowhere else on Earth like Los These students, the “people who participate. The meetings are “one Angeles. It’s so thrilling, so mag- are going to lead this country,” need of the highlights of my week, and I nificent, with so much stunning “a really safe place to talk about know I speak for the other natural and human diversity. It’s these types of things, of what’s Television City and Hackman part- a place where people can come going on in the world, not just in ners when I say that,” he said. from anywhere in the world and their backyard but really in their “In this period of isolation and feel welcomed and find commu- country right now,” Larrabee added. uncertainty, the personal connection nity and build their dreams,” “That’s a big part of why Fairfax is just, it’s a salve in an otherwise Raman said. “And yet, just as was such a critical school for us,” difficult time … It makes me a more vast as this city’s capacity for joy photo courtesy of the 4th District office he said. “[The unrest after the empathetic person, and so I feel very has been, so too has been its tol- Councilwoman Nithya Raman said combatting homelessness is one of killing of George Floyd] was right grateful to Brian, to Yesenia and the erance for suffering. Economic her top priorities. there, but also, L.A. is such a Fairfax team, to the other mentors forces are pushing people out of unique city where you might have who participate, because it reminds their homes, out of the city and people experiencing homelessness. Council President Nury Martinez, some of the most underserved, me a lot about my experience teach- onto the streets. Not just new- Instead of scenarios in which city 6th District, as chair of the coun- highest-need high schools like ing. I hope my students learned a lot comers [but] families who have sanitation workers and police offi- cil’s Homelessness and Poverty Fairfax, serving low-income youth from me, but I learned a lot from my been here for many decades, in cers are sent to encampments, she Committee. He has decades of of color, next to some of the biggest students. I hope they learned a lot particular working families, so envisions a system in which the experience in public service, hav- companies. One of the things with from myself and my other mentors, many Black and brown families, same case workers visit the same ing served on the City Council pre- Fairfax with having those compar- but I’ve learned a lot from them as families of color, who are facing individuals or encampments on a viously representing the 8th isons, how do we create a pathway well,” Sokoloff said. pressures that amount to a form regular basis to ensure people are District for three terms beginning for the students to have access to Larrabee also sang the praises of of racial banishment.” receiving services and their lives in 1991, later in the state these companies?” the sessions, which allow people Raman also cited challenges are improving. Case workers Legislature and most recently on Sokoloff said that mission melds with different backgrounds and presented by the pandemic and would know clients by name and the Los Angeles County Board of with the Changes Lenses initiative, experiences to share their thoughts adverse impacts to the environ- would be responsible for their Supervisors. which also includes a previously and feelings in a safe place. ment. progress, she said. “I want to thank Council announced partnership with “Just being able to release all of “We’re living the effects of cli- The other motion asks the city President Martinez for this Streetlights to train ethnic minorities the things that are inside and talk to mate emergency, as well, wors- administrative officer and other appointment. I am honored to con- from disadvantaged communities someone, create a space where we ening drought, fires and air qual- city departments to identify poten- tinue the important work of for jobs in the entertainment indus- can take all the stuff we have inside ity, which are also falling hardest tial sites for a drop-in center in the addressing the moral crisis of our try. Sokoloff said he thinks Mentor out in a positive way, I would say on L.A.’s low-income communi- 4th District for homeless individu- time – homelessness – at the city LA “embodies the best of what it’s therapeutic,” Larrabee said. “It’s ties of color. And today, we face als, similar to places created by level. Los Angeles is the epicenter Changing Lenses could become.” a therapeutic thing when you’re a health and economic catastro- nonprofits in other areas of the city. of homelessness, and with the cri- “This was our overarching goal, struggling with someone on the phe that has brought so much “In many parts of Los Angeles, sis within a crisis of COVID-19, make a difference in the local com- inside and to talk to someone you pain on our community, and there is not a single place where an its resulting economic downturn munity and expose kids to the enter- know cares about you.” simultaneously, it’s crippled our unhoused person can use a and persisting racial inequities, we tainment industry. I’m a big believ- The Mentor LA program, which city’s capacity to respond, with restroom, take a shower, store their must do more, and do it with er in the phrase ‘you can’t be what is already at 11 other high schools – much more pain still to come,” belongings or speak to a social utmost urgency so that we don’t you can’t see,’ and the opportunity including Hollywood High School, she said. “I feel the weight of this worker who can help them secure bear witness to even more devas- to pair students with professionals Alonzo Community Day School, moment so heavily. It hangs on shelter or medical treatment,” tating trends,” Ridley-Thomas in some of the biggest entertain- APEX Academy and Bernstein my heart. The suffering being Raman said. “Nonprofits in Los said. “My objective as a member ment companies in our city is some- High School – plans to expand felt all over this city right now is Angeles that operate low-barrier of the City Council and as chair of thing that’s very involved with our when the meetings resume after the with me every day. But that’s drop-in centers such as PATH, the committee is to help get us to a goals,” Sokoloff said. holidays. Larrabee said in addition also why I’m so grateful to be in Volunteers of America and place where we no longer talk this seat, on one of the most pow- SELAH have successfully used about homelessness as a challenge erful city legislative bodies in the hygiene, storage and caseworker that can be addressed a few pro- country. It is such a joy, such an services to direct many of their jects and policies at a time. We WeHo council reverses overwhelming privilege, to be in guests into stable housing and must carefully rethink our a position to help people in this treatment. The city of L.A. has rec- response and create a comprehen- moment, to create those needed ognized the value of this model as sive framework for establishing a housing allotment repeal policies, to create networks of well, funding centers in North ‘right to housing’ in order to From page 8 support, to govern in coalition Hollywood, San Pedro and South bestow on each and every with all of you.” Los Angeles, but not in District 4. Angeleno the dignity and well- rescinding the appeal during the that continues to build housing Raman’s motion for changing This critical link in the city’s being that we all deserve. I look campaign this fall, the decision to because we know it’s needed for the way LAHSA provides care homelessness response system forward to working with my fel- drop the appeal was confirmed. our residents and our community. seeks to alleviate a system that is must be filled.” low committee members, who I “Spending time and resources We’re not building it for the state; currently “largely reactive and Ridley-Thomas also expressed am sure share these sentiments as on this effort, I didn’t support in we’re building it for us,” Horvath scattershot” with one that is more his intentions to address homeless- well. The status quo is simply the first place … We are a city said. directly focused on individual ness, and was appointed by unacceptable.” Park Labrea News/Beverly Press 27 December 17, 2020 BHUSD board joined by two new members From page 1 incoming board president, who “To the residents of Beverly a role I will forever keep in my moved to Beverly Hills in 1968 and Hills, my family and I are very memories,” Hacker said. “It has raised two BHUSD-educated chil- been a true honor to serve in this dren with her husband, in addition community and especially in this to educating thousands of Beverly capacity.” Hills residents, was among the “I know we’ve got Spitz, who previously served on “most beloved members of our a sensational the board in the 1970s, said of the community.” 15 other board members he had “I believe that there is nobody board and we’re served with over the years, he had better to lead this community than going to do great the highest regard for Hacker. you,” Bosse said. “You and this “I want to thank the community fantastic board are the hope for this things and I’m for entrusting me to help oversee new year ahead.” very positive the public education of our chil- Walker-Shuman, who was elect- dren. It’s an awesome, awesome ed with Marcus two years ago, said about our future. responsibility,” Spitz said. “With photo courtesy of BHUSD photo courtesy of BHUSD that she was particularly enthusias- We are in the the exception of declining enroll- Amanda Stern Mary Wells tic about working with the board to ment, the district’s affairs are under help ensure the district’s vitality education control. The incoming board is now is educating our students,” steadfastly imparting to our stu- amidst “extraordinary circum- business and our inheriting a solid foundation for Margo said, after being sworn in by dents the skills and knowledge stances.” success.” former BHHS principal Dave needed to cultivate problem solv- “I believe very strongly in this most important After honoring Hacker and Jackson. “I’ve been doing a lot of ing, critical thinking and innova- board. I’m very excited to begin the Spitz for their service – the board reading of very inspirational educa- tion.” work we have to do,” Walker- job is to prepare members and superintendent tional practices that I look forward “This generation of students will Shuman said after being adminis- our students for made a contribution to the Beverly to bringing to my colleagues in the face unique challenges and it is our tered the oath of office by her hus- Hills Education Foundation in next year as we continue to reimag- duty to ensure that they are pre- band, David Shuman. the future.” both their names – new members ine education in Beverly Hills.” pared,” she added. Shortly after being installed as Mary Wells and Amanda Stern After being installed by Stern, who was installed by vice president, Walker-Shuman was -Rachelle Marcus, were sworn into their four-year Superintendent Michael Bregy, Hawthorne Assistant Principal named the board’s official represen- president of the Beverly Hills terms on the board, in addition to Wells underscored her belief in the Kevin Painter, said that as she has tative to the Los Angeles County Unified Board of Education incumbent board member Noah power of education to transform come to know her fellow board School Trustees Association. Margo, who was sworn in for his lives. members she believed “without Before electing a new leadership third term. “BHUSD is uniquely positioned reservations” that the students and team, the board said farewell to Margo is the longest-serving to facilitate great outcomes and I’m schools are in “good hands.” Isabel Hacker and Mel Spitz, both thankful for entrusting me to serve member and the only man on the dedicated to working hard to ensure “I hope to warrant your trust, of whom served for five years and as a governing board member rep- board. our students achieve both success your confidence and your support chose not to run for reelection. resenting our students and schools, “The most important job we have academically and in life,” she said. as we navigate these trying times,” “I believe that we can do this by she said. WeHo holds off on approving CES contract Garcetti urges Angelenos to From page 1 County Department of Public abandoned the business commu- tance programs. Health regulations. nity … She has not come forward One measure that was not shop local for the holidays “I think it was worth looking in all of the months since April to approved, however, was a request into something like this months really support and meet with the for $60,000 for the Coalition for Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti economic strength,” said Deidre ago, before we reopened outdoor business community,” Morrill Economic Survival to provide has a simple message to holiday Lind, CEO at the Mayor’s Fund for dining and then here we are, hav- said. “emergency proactive educational shoppers this year: “Do something Los Angeles. “These businesses ing to reclose outdoor dining after Rimedio, who praised the West outreach, advice and assistance to big. Support local small businesses chose to invest in our city and create not only the city of West Hollywood City Council, placed tenants,” according to the staff online and safely in your neighbor- jobs here. Now, it’s our turn to sup- Hollywood, but our small busi- blame not only with the county report. hood this holiday season.” port them.” nesses spent so much money,” supervisors, but with the state Peter Noonan, the city’s rent On Dec. 9, to help small business- Focused on giving back to Los Shyne said. government for the lack of prepa- stabilization and housing manag- es and protect people’s livelihoods, Angeles, L.A. Original has given Councilwoman Lauren Meister ration for the current spike in er, said West Hollywood expects Garcetti, in partnership with L.A. $50,000 in grant funding to added that the closure of outdoor COVID-19 infections. to see more of its residents facing Original, a program of the Mayor’s Downtown Women’s Center to sup- dining limits where people can “There is zero confidence in eviction as the pandemic contin- Fund for Los Angeles, announced port 3,500 hours of creative and gather, and many people might the county and state leadership. ues and some of the eviction pro- the Do Something Big, Support retail job training to women transi- now get together indoors, where Forget Donald Trump. We’ve had tections at the state and federal Small initiative, which encourages tioning out of homelessness. The the virus is believed to spread eight months to hear about the level are weakened. Angelenos to do their holiday shop- center sells products made by for- more easily. predictions of a holiday surge, a “We see that this is a real value ping with small, local businesses. merly homeless women employed “By closing our outdoor dining, holiday spike, eight months and opportunity to explore a means “Our small businesses are the by DWC’s job skills and mentorship we have concerns that that is we’ve been working on this … for CES to be an official, formal beating heart of our economy, and program, Made by DWC. going to have an effect on people The only people that have shown partner of the city, to help staff in they all need our support throughout The Do Something Big, Support gathering in their homes,” Meister any regard, with any sincerity, is that housing counseling, to address this pandemic,” Garcetti said. “As Small initiative features a digital and said. our city leadership,” Rimedio what we expect is going to be an the coronavirus surges again, this is social media marketing campaign Mayor Lindsey Horvath and said. uptick in the amount of questions a critical moment for Angelenos to and a bus shelter and digital bill- Councilman John Erickson As part of the actions taken on and calls that come into us about protect ourselves, our families and board campaign with pro bono asked about measures that could Dec. 7, the council unanimously their specific situation … and our communities – and that includes media placement from JCDecaux make it easier for businesses to agreed to send letters in support of avoiding eviction,” Noonan said. shopping local. When we spend and ClearChannel Outdoor. The reopen safely and remain in the business community to Kuehl, The request for funding was locally, that’s an investment in our campaign’s marketing materials and operation, such as rapid testing other county leaders and state unanimously tabled after neighborhoods – we can do some- design were created pro bono by and relief funds. Genevieve officials. Morales pledged that the D’Amico asked staff to come thing big for L.A. by shopping small L.A. based advertising agency Giant Morrill, president and CEO of county would continue to seek back with a scope of services that for our holiday gifts.” Spoon, with video production by the West Hollywood Chamber of assistance for businesses and resi- CES “believe[s] they can accom- Los Angeles’ small businesses Passerine. Commerce, and Nick Rimedio, dents. plish with those dollars,” as he have been especially hard-hit by the Participating L.A. Original small chair of the West Hollywood “On behalf of the supervisor questioned the quality of legal economic effects of the COVID-19 businesses represent neighborhoods Chamber of Commerce Board of and all of our office, we are there advice from someone earning that pandemic. For many small business- from across the city, and the rich Directors, stressed the impor- with the constituents in West salary. es, the holidays are a make-it-or- diversity of Los Angeles. tance of allowing businesses to Hollywood, with the business “Sixty thousand dollars a year break-it period for their bottom For information, visit reopen, calling the closure of leaders, with the workers in West does not buy an employee that I lines, accounting for 20% to 40% of laoriginal.com and mayorsfundla.org. many businesses “a public health Hollywood, and we feel their would want to send anyone to annual sales, according to the issue” leading to anxiety, depres- pain. We really do,” Morales with questions about their rent,” National Retail Federation. How sion, homelessness and other said. D’Amico said. small businesses weather the pan- Answers From Page 22 concerns. Those sentiments were In addition to the letters of sup- Meister also took issue with the demic is critical to the region’s over- echoed in the Dec. 12 Save port, the council unanimously proposed contract, arguing that all economic health, with a recent Small Business Protest March received its survey of renters from the money could be better spent, study by SmartAsset finding that organized by the West staff, allocated additional funding especially because the city 29% of Los Angeles County resi- Hollywood, Hollywood and for local groups – including already has a contract with Bet dents receive income from small Beverly Hills chambers of com- $150,000 for the National Council Tzedek to provide similar ser- businesses. Small businesses are merce, among other business of Jewish Women Los Angeles, vices. also the largest source of jobs in Los groups. $190,000 for the Alliance for “The things that we don’t need Angeles County. Morrill added that Kuehl has Housing and Healing, $115,000 to be spending money on, we “The Mayor’s Fund for Los been invited to have discussions for Project Angel Food and nearly shouldn’t be, because we really Angeles launched L.A. Original to with local business chambers, but $15,000 for Jewish Family need to think about every $1,000 promote local makers, manufactur- she has yet to schedule a meeting. Services’ Nutrition Program – and we spend as somebody’s rent,” ers and small businesses that add to “Supervisor Kuehl has really restructured the city’s rental assis- Meister said. our city’s diversity, dynamism and 28 December 17, 2020 Park Labrea News/Beverly Press