Darling versus Park on the Community Council Agenda

Posted on September 18, 2022 by Sue Pascoe

Erin Darling

If a resident is still trying to decide how the two CD 11 candidates, Traci Park and Erin Darling, stand on issues, they will appear via Zoom on the Pacific Palisades Community Council from 6 to 6:45 p.m. on Thursday, September 22. (Visit: pacpalicc.org for the link).

A September 13 L.A. Times story (“In West L.A., Two Lawyers Clash over an open City Council Seat, Encampments and Policing”) presented an overview of the two candidates:

“In the first round of the election, Darling distinguished himself as the only candidate who opposed the city ordinance that allows council members to request camping bans in certain protected zones, such as around libraries and parks. That aligned him with Bonin and against Park, who said she would not hesitate to invoke the ordinance, known as 41.18.

Traci Park

“The City Council voted 11 to 3 in August to prohibit homeless people from setting up tents within 500 feet of schools and day-care centers. Park strongly supported the majority, saying the move would help protect the health and safety of children. Darling declined to say whether he would have voted for the prohibition, but he said he would not try to thwart it, now that it is city law.

“A plan to build 140 units of homeless housing on two city-owned parking lots along the Venice Boulevard median also divides the candidates. Park says the project is in a potentially dangerous tsunami zone and out of character for the neighborhood adjacent the Venice canals. Darling said the city, and his opponent, need to stop finding excuses to block new construction that would help alleviate the crisis.

“The duo’s views on police and policing also diverge dramatically. Park wants to beef up the LAPD. She would increase the force from its current level of less than 9,300 to a minimum of 10,000. Darling says that too much of the city’s budget has been funneled to police and that more money should go to other services, including mental health workers. He has not named the right size for the LAPD.”

BYLAWS AMENDMENTS:

Also on the agenda, the PPCC will once again consider bylaws amendments, that mostly center around categories for different organizations.

Members of Resilient Palisades were presented with a certificate of recognition for the nonprofits environmental efforts by Councilman Mike Bonin (kneeling, second from left).

For example, Resilient Palisades, a nonprofit, which was formed in 2019, to work on energy resilience, plant-based solutions, zero waste and clean air and water, was not placed in the environmental group with Temescal Canyon Association.

It seems that some members of TCA did not want to share the environmental designation with another group, so Resilient was placed as a Civic Organization.

Another bylaw change would move the American Legion from Service Clubs and place it under Civic Organizations with the Civic League.

There are those on the PPCC that argue that the service organizations and representation should never change, that they were permanent when the organization was formed in 1973 and should remain that way.

A similar argument was made when the late George Wolfberg was the member at large in 2015. This editor reported (“http://palisadesnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Palisades-News-October-7-2015.pdf) “Wolfberg, who has also served as PPCC president, said the argument that the four permanent seats should automatically stay that way for historical reasons was not accurate.

“‘In December 2005, after a 12-year absence from the Council, PPRA [Pacific Palisades Resident Association] applied for reinstatement,’ he said, noting that when they were reinstated, the vote was taken away from the youth representative in order to maintain 23 voting members.

“Richard Cohen, co-chair of the bylaws committee, said that when the changes were drafted, the committee felt it was a mistake to say any one organization in the Palisades was more important than another.

“Chamber of Commerce president Adam Glazer announced that the Chamber would vote in favor of the bylaw change, thereby losing its permanent seat and alternating every year with a new Business Improvement District representative.

“Historical Society representative Eric Dugdale argued against the new bylaws. ‘We have to regard the bylaws as the Constitution. Change should never be taken lightly. It seems like we are being attacked from the inside.’ He then quoted Benjamin Franklin: ‘If we don’t hang together, we’ll hang separately.

“A rare secret ballot was taken. In order for bylaws change, it needed 15 votes: two-thirds majority of the 23 voting members. The motion lost by three votes (12 for, 11 against). The status quo was preserved.”

Will Resilient Palisades be classified as an environmental group? Tune into the meeting to find out.

Anthony Marguleas and Amalfi Estates Honored for Philanthropic Impact

Posted on September 18, 2022 by Sue Pascoe

The Amalfi Estates team is being awarded several honors.

Anthony Marguleas and his Pacific Palisades real estate company, Amalfi Estates, will be honored at several events this fall.

Marguleas was recently named one of the “top 30 agents in L.A.” by The Hollywood Reporter. The magazine considered sales volume, MLS-listed sales to Hollywood clients and media visibility to make its selections.

THR wrote about Marguleas/Amalfi Estates, “In a market dominated by mega-agencies, his tight-knit company features a team of eight agents who did $474 million in sales in 2021.” He was a co-listing agent on the Hearst Estate.

On Tuesday, September 20, at THR’s second annual Power Broker Awards Dinner, Marguleas has been nominated for the Philanthropic Impact Award.

Then on October 1, he and his company will be honored at the annual Benefit Gala for Wags and Walks, a canine rescue organization. More than 10,000 dogs have been saved, and this event hopes to raise $1 million, which will be enough to save 2,000 dogs.

The rescue was founded in 2011 by Brog, the daughter of a veterinarian, who was devastated by the number of sweet and healthy dogs being euthanized due to overcrowding in L.A. shelters. Visit: wagsandwalks.org

Amalfi Estates is the presenting sponsor for the American Cancer Society’s main Los Angeles fundraiser, the Cal Spirit event on October 2 at Sony Pictures Studios in Culver City. The event brings together more than 450 corporate, industry and community leaders to enjoy culinary creations from L.A.’s most renowned chefs and restaurants.

Marguleas notes, “We are a philanthropic company that excels at selling real estate. Alongside our commitment to our clients stands our commitment to our community.”

Ten percent of the net commissions from his team is given to one of six charities: The People Concern, American Cancer Society, Wags & Walks, Homeboy Industries, Make-A-Wish, and Heal the Bay. Since 2015, Amalfi has donated more than $2 million to charities.

Annually, Marguleas also donates to the nonprofit Village Green, and gives out Thanksgiving pies and heart-shaped boxes of candy for Valentine’s Day.

Anthony Marguleas donates to local causes, such as the nonprofit Village Green.

The Palisades resident grew up in Rancho Mirage, where his father owned Sun World, an agricultural company that marketed red seedless grapes, watermelon and special varieties of fruits and vegetables. His first job was working in the grape fields cleaning up after workers who had picked the grapes.

Marguleas attended the University of Riverside, where he started his own silk-screening company, and also RELY Safe Rides, which involved volunteers driving people home free of charge if they had been drinking.

“My last year in college I started a charitable scholarship in my grandparents’ and parents’ names awarded to students who do the most service,” Marguleas said. “I was also named the Volunteer of the Year for the City of Riverside during college. Whenever I decide to retire, I would love to be involved with some charities and do volunteer work because it’s my second passion.”

When Marguleas was 26 he was diagnosed with a rare cancer, rhabdomyosarcoma, and was given only a 30 percent chance of survival. His parents and an older and twin brother watched while he dwindled to 98 pounds during radiation, chemotherapy and finally a bone-marrow transplant.

“I seemed to always know I was going to be one of the survivors. I have always had a positive attitude,” Marguleas said. “So many people are given challenges in life and the real test is how one handles those challenges. As painful as the cancer treatments were, the hardest part was seeing the pain it caused my family as they watched me go through it.

“It sounds odd, but I am thankful and grateful for everything–even cancer. Without it I would never have met my wife [Sue, an oncology nurse], appreciate life as much and gotten as close with my family. Most people in their 20s take life for granted, but I was given a lesson in how important life is and to live every day to the fullest, which was a huge blessing.”

(Visit: amalfiestates.com.)

Posted in businesses/stores, Real Estate | Leave a comment

Preparing for Fire Season Requires More than Hope

Posted on September 18, 2022 by Sue Pascoe

The Palisades Fire, which was set by an arsonist, highlights problems with the wildland-urban interface and the need for planning, which could include better construction and evacuation routes.

With fire season around the corner and the drought reaching new heights here’s a cautionary tale about a village with poor fire management.

By REECE PASCOE

Long time ago in the middle of a forest there is a small village in a clearing just large enough to raise a few livestock and plant a few crops.

A small creek ran across the back side where the towns people would get water to drink and wash clothes. The creek would provide entertainment for the kids on hot summer days, there were some fish in the river but not big enough to eat.

The town survived by living off what the forest provided. It was filled with small animals, rabbits and squirrels, and bigger game mainly deer, but there would be the occasional bear.

The forest was also filled with berries where the women would pick from sunup to sundown. The town knew they were dependent on the forest.

From the food to the shade to the lumber it was their lifeline and so every full moon the town would throw a feast in honor of the forest. They would sing, dance, and feast.

Daily life was simple the kids would run around, play and the women would pick the berries, take care of the livestock, the crops, and prepare the food.

The village was normal except for one aspect, the men would wake up every morning before the sun to train.

The training consisted of throwing rocks, running, and carrying their bags. Only the strongest would train while the rest of the men would help by bring back the rocks that were thrown and getting water for the trainers.

They were training to fight the greatest evil the village knew, fire.

Known as firefighters, they would practice running so they could get to a fire as quick as possible. They would practice throwing rocks to put out the fire, they would carry bags filled with rocks.

The village treated the firefighters like heroes because they were responsible for protecting the village from fire.

Whenever someone saw smoke or smelled a fire the alarm was sound, the firefighters would pick up their bags filled with rocks and run to put out the fire no matter the size.

While they were fighting the fire, the women and children would prepare a feast, in honor of the firefighters.

When they came back to the village, they would have a hero’s welcome, and tell tales the about them destroying the fire as they celebrated.

This went on for many years to the point where the kids that where once playing in the river soon became the firefighters continuing the legacy of their forefathers.

One day the alarm was sounded, and the firefighters went out to protect their village.

But today was not a normal day. When the firefighters got to the fire, and it was the biggest fire they had ever seen. Well, they started throwing rocks to put out the fire but it was like the fire was eating the rocks.

The firefighters ran out of rocks and not knowing what to do just stood frozen in place. Other tried hitting the fire with the bags but all that did was make the fire angry and it towered above them so high that everyone in the village could see the fire.

The firefighters ran back to the village, where the feast was being prepared. When they arrived heads down, bags gone the village knew something was wrong. The women and children tried to cheer them up, but eventually they started crying too when they saw the fire run at the village like a deer running through the forest.

The moral of the story is that fire is a part of nature and without proper management like controlled burns, brush clearance, and well-maintained power lines it can destroy towns and lives.

Eight of the largest blazes on record have struck California in the past five years. On one side is climate change, but the other side is the growth of homes in the wildland-urban interface. That means creating defensible space around homes, and building houses that are better protected against burning embers carried by the wind.

A Paradise home burns during the Camp Fire.
Photo: ABC Action News

Posted in Accidents/Fires | 2 Comments

New Pot Shop Discussed at Brentwood Community Council

Posted on September 15, 2022 by Sue Pascoe

This was the opening of the pot shop, Cookies, on Melrose.

Cookies, a new pot shop in the 13000 block of San Vicente Boulevard, which was supposed to open Saturday, September 10, had its first reported crime.

The Brentwood Community Council listened to Brentwood Senior Lead Officer Matthew Kirk’s report at its September 14 Zoom meeting.

According to Kirk, suspects smashed a rear glass window that Saturday, entered the property and removed clothing. There was an unsuccessful attempt to pry open the door of the safe, but it was unsuccessful. Prints were requested and a CCTV was available.

Kirk told residents that he had spoken with former SLO Chris Ragsdale, who has retired and lives near the Melrose Cookies store. Ragsdale told him there have been a lot of issues, including robberies and thefts.

Kirk vowed to look out for Avondale, a residential street that is adjacent to the strip of stories on San Vicente, where Cookies is located.

“This Cookies is not affiliated with the Melrose Cookies,” Kirk said, noting that he was told the store hours will be from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and that there will be an unarmed security guard on the premises. He was told that anyone purchasing would have identification checked twice before a sale: all packages are pre-packaged.

“They can take credit cards and there is no consumption of the product on site or in the parking lot,” he said.

One resident said, “I’m shocked and appalled at the existence of the shop at this location [adjacent to the Brentwood Country Mart]. How in the heck did it happen?”

Those in the meeting heard that there were eight or nine licenses available for Brentwood and the Palisades, but because the stores in Palisades are within 600 feet of schools and churches, the licenses would go to locations in Brentwood.

The store windows were smashed at Cookies. The store which was supposed to open on Saturday, did not.

The majority of residents on the Zoom call did not have a problem with a pot shop, but rather had a problem with the location.

It is adjacent to the Mart, where many young people visit after school and on weekends, and also in a residential neighborhood.

That location also serves as a school bus stop for several schools in the area as well. Brentwood CC President Carolyn Jordan said, “I am still getting details on the schools that have bus stops there.”

A resident asked the Council if a plea could be made to the landlord and was told the landlord did not like the Council because it had stopped a proposed three-story building along San Vicente several years ago.

The Brentwood CC was only alerted to the opening of Cookies in late August.

CTN contacted Veronica de la Cruz, the Deputy City Attorney for clarification about why the neighborhood had not been notified per City Law “Sec. 104.04 Final Inspection and Community Meeting.”

According to the law, the DCR (City of Los Angeles Department of Cannabis Regulation) is supposed to conduct “a community meeting via video or telephone conferencing or within the defined geographic area of the Area Planning Commission within which the Business Premises is situated. At the meeting, DCR shall accept written and oral testimony regarding the application and then prepare a written report to the Cannabis Regulation Commission summarizing the testimony in favor and against the application.”

After that is done, the applicant is supposed to contact the Neighborhood Council and offer to appear before the NC to address questions.

The applicant told the Brentwood CC they could not attend the September meeting.

De La Cruz wrote: “The community can file a complaint and inquiry with the City of Los Angeles Department of Cannabis Regulation through their complaint portal found on their website: https://cannabis.lacity.org/ You’ll find the link to the complaint portal in the upper right hand corner.

For general inquiries, community members may send an email to [email protected] or call (213) 978-0738 to speak with a DCR representative.

It seems that since so many kids attend Paul Revere from Pacific Palisades, which is in close proximity to the new store, Pacific Palisades Community Council might also request an audience with the applicant.

Posted in businesses/stores, Community, Health | Leave a comment

Theatre Palisades’ “Nunsense” Sparkles with Music and Comedy Talent

Posted on September 15, 2022 by Sue Pascoe

Nunsense is playing at the Theatre Palisades to rave reviews.

By LIBBY MOTIKA

Circling the News Contributor

Photos by: Joy Daunis

There is always something killingly funny about nuns doing just about anything beyond praying, teaching, nursing or tending to the poor. Yet, there are numerous set-ups that lead to unexpected specialties.

There is for instance a show on TV that features a sleuth, Sister Boniface, a la Father Brown. And, of course, the successful Broadway hit Sister Act, starring Whoopi Goldberg.

Nunsense, with music and lyrics by Dan Goggin, opened in New York in 1985, bringing nonsense to a mugging, punning, knee-slapping height.

The nuns throw a talent show to raise funds.

The musical comedy is once again being revived by Theatre Palisades in this decidedly different time, but with surprising appeal. The plot, thin as can be, is really just a vehicle for the five-nun ensemble, each of whom does a star turn in her specialty—singing, ballet, clowning and ventriloquism.

The Little Sisters of Hoboken are putting on a talent show fundraiser. The backstory is the least interesting part of the show. It’s the show within the show that makes Nunsense work.

In the first act, the audience gets to know each nun and her one personality trait.

Valerie Sullivan as the Mother Superior commands the stage and tries to hold her boisterous sisters together when they kick up their heels and get out of line. That is until she herself liberates her inner id.

She discovers a mysterious vial called “Rush,” which she proceeds to imbibe, releasing the most hilarious performance of the giggling, let-it-all-hang-out acrobatic moves of a good time drunk.

A bit of a star in her past, she competes with Sister Robert Anne (Savannah Ludwig), who forever the understudy, insists that she deserves a leading role Playing Second Fiddle.) She gets her chance.

Sister Hubert (Jacquelyn Levy), who is in charge of schooling the novices, affects a deadpan, Whoopi Goldberg raised-eyebrow persona. Sister Leo (Lindsay Kazan) shines in her “The Dying Nun Ballet,” a hilarious nod to “Swan Lake.” Imagine this with wippel akimbo.

One thematic trope has to do with Sister Amnesia (Julie Hinton) who, yes, has forgotten her name. Until she recovers, however, she entertains the audience with her puppet resembling the Reverend Mother.

These talented actresses are the joy of this show. All are superbly trained artists who skillfully add so much to the ensemble.

The songs are accompanied by musical director Bill Wolfe on piano and Eva Friedman on drums.

Despite its featherweight plot, the show, directed by Alta Abbott, offers an evening of unburdened good fun.

Performances continue through October 9, Friday and Saturday evenings at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. at Pierson Playhouse, 941 Haverford Ave. For tickets, call (310) 454-1970.

The nuns sing and dance their way through this hilarious spoof.

Posted in Reviews | Leave a comment

Pickleball Court Striping Goes before RAP Commissioners

Posted on September 15, 2022 by Sue Pascoe

Pickleball players came closer to having a tennis court striped at the Palisades Recreation Center today.

At a Zoom meeting, the Board of Recreation and Park Commissioners voted to approve tennis court #7 striped for pickleball – provided the noise limit was checked before, to ensure that the sound did not exceed noise limits.

Since residences abut the tennis courts, Commissioner Joe Halper asked for a sound check to ensure there would no problems.

If no sound issues are found, the commissioners voted to go forward with the striping. The total cost will be $28,000 and will include replacement of the windscreens surrounding the tennis courts, resurfacing the tennis courts and the addition of hybrid pickle ball lines onto the tennis court #7.

Pickleball is one of the fastest growing sports in the nation, but it has also garnered numerous noise lawsuits.

The L.A. Time reported in March that “Pickleball Noise is Fueling Neighborhood Drama from Coast to Coast” and YouTube has many stories about the noise “Driving Neighbors to Build New Walls,” “Pickleball Playing Leads to Noise Complaints in Berkeley” and in Philadelphia “Noise from Pickleball Court Has Nearby Community Fed Up.”

Even the Wall Street Journal reported in June that “Thwack. Pop. Whack. Pickleball Noises Turn Neighbors into Activists.”

The sport has been described as a cross between tennis and ping pong played on a badminton-size court.

In a July 26 Forbes article (“Here’s Why Pickleball – the Fastest-Growing Sport in American – Is Bill Gates’ Favorite Game”), Bill Gates says the game has gained traction because it is simple to learn, easy to play and includes all ages and “it’s just super fun.”

The average noise level coming from a pickleball court is measured around 70 decibels at 100 feet from the court, which is reduced to 64 decibels at 200 feet from the court.

The Greenwich Pickleball newsletter described a noise study done in 2017 in Santa Rosa.

“With 24 active Pickleball players wacking away, decibel levels were 43 to 49 dB. Without noise from Pickleball play, ambient levels were measured at 40-48 dB. These sound measurements were taken from the neighbors’ decks and patios.

“In this case, the decibel levels of Pickleball play didn’t violate town or community standards, and weren’t that much higher than ambient noise, but neighbors still perceived Pickleball noise as intrusive.

“Because of this perception, the community was planning to add some sound dampening features even though the courts were within city noise ordinances.

“Oakmont Village planned carefully and showed respect for all members of their community,” the newsletter concluded.

CTN received two letters from readers about the sport.

“Thank you for pointing out the Pickle Ball noise issue. As a tennis player, I find the sound dreadful if I can hear it while I am playing,” the resident said. “Additionally, when I am enjoying the park, the Pickle Ball sound makes me want to pull hair out.”

Another wrote, “You should also know that Pickleball has taken off in the Palisades like wildfire. It started over two years ago when the gym was closed due to Covid. It started with a smattering of former badminton players and has grown to well over 100 to date and growing.

“There is a genuine sense of community/camaraderie among players,” the reader continued. “Sportsmanship is a byword as players regularly applaud opponents and advanced players applaud, encourage beginners.

“It’s easy to learn, except for the scoring system. It’s been compared to ping pong on ‘steroids.’ The mix of players is wildly heterogenous, young, old, rich, more moderate income folks, black, brown, Asian, Caucasian, etc. A recent New Yorker article was titled ‘Can Pickleball Save America,’” the reader concluded.

It seems like the commissioners chose a balanced approach.

Halper said, “I don’t want to delay the vote/approval, I just want to make sure the noise level is checked.”

Posted in Parks, Sports | 5 Comments

Search Warrant Served at Sheila Kuehl’s Santa Monica Home

Posted on September 14, 2022 by Sue Pascoe

(Editor’s note: this story is done in cooperation with Jamie Paige, editor of Westside Current, and City News Service.)

What did L.A. County Supervisor Sheila Kuehl do to have a search warrant and affidavit served at her Santa Monica home at 7 a.m. today?

Nothing – she said.

Kuehl told reporters that one of the sheriff’s deputies “presented a warrant to search the house, which has no information in it at all, signed by a judge who is a friend of a sheriffs.”

Search warrants were served at other locations, too, including the home of L.A. County Civilian Oversight Commissioner Patricia Giggans, the L.A. County Hall of Administration, Peace Over Violence Headquarters and L.A. Metro Headquarters.

According to the warrant released by LASD, it is alleged there is impropriety in Top of Form Contracts awarded by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to the nonprofit group Peace Over Violence, which is run by Giggans, a close friend of Kuehl’s.

“Between the years of 2014-2020, a series of `sole source’ contracts were awarded by the MTA to the Los Angeles-based nonprofit organization, Peace Over Violence totaling over $890,000,” according to the affidavit.

“A sole source contract is a non-competitive procurement that allows a single supplier to fulfill the contractual obligations and requirements from, in this case, a public entity/government contractor (MTA).”

Patti Giggans on Youtube.

The affidavit documents the long history of friendship between Kuehl and Giggans, noting that Kuehl officiated Giggans’ wedding in 2004 when she was a state senator. It also noted that Kuehl — who serves on the Metro Board of Directors — is a member of the advisory board of Peace Over Violence and that Kuehl appointed Giggans to the Civilian Oversight Commission.

That report was based on allegations made by Jennifer Loew, a former Metro project manager who also alleged that Kuehl had steered the no-bid contracts to Giggans and Peace Over Violence. Loew was not formally identified in the search warrant affidavit, which only cites an unnamed “witness” who raised the allegations.

About Loew, Kuehl said, “This whole thing is drummed up I think by a very disaffected ex-employee.”

According to the affidavit, that witness claims former Metro CEO Phillip Washington pushed forward the sole-source contract to Peace Over Violence “to remain `in good graces’ with Supervisor Sheila Kuehl.”

The witness also claimed she pointed out billing irregularities involving Peace Over Violence to Washington, who ordered her to pay bills because he did not want to “upset any of Supervisor Sheila Kuehl’s friends.”

The affidavit contends that evidence gathered by the search warrants “may prove that there was a `corrupt agreement’ between Kuehl and Giggans to award and receive the sole source contracts in return for campaign donations, political power and continued opportunities to enrich each other in a variety of ways.”

The affidavit also cites a 2020 Fox11 investigation which found that Peace Over Violence’s operation of the sex-harassment hotline was costing taxpayers more than $8,000 per phone call.

The station reported that although the line was purported to have received 1,300 calls between 2017 and 2020, very few of them turned out to be legitimate, with the vast majority being hang-ups, tests or not applicable to the line’s purpose.

In October 2019, only eight of 29 calls reported by Metro turned out to be legitimate harassment reports, the station reported. Of the 349 calls to the line in 2019, 260 were wrong numbers or hang-ups, according to Fox11.

Through August of 2017, only 13 legitimate sexual-harassment-related calls were received on the line, equating to a per-call cost of $8,450, the station reported.

Responding to the Fox11 report in 2020, Metro defended the contracts with a statement saying, “Yes, there have been misdialed numbers or hang-ups, but of that total number, more than 230 calls have been specific sexual assault or harassment calls that have helped victims. The success of the hotline is not based on the volume of calls. It is a critical resource available to our transit customers 24/7. If 911 received a low number of calls, would you recommend it be shut down?”

Peace Over Violence told the station, in part, “We do not inflate the call numbers and we count accurately all the calls that are received on the Off Limits hotline. According to our contract, all calls coming into the hotline are legitimate.

“… We cannot put a price tag on serving a survivor of violence and there are no quotas associated with our hotlines. We are there to serve the people that call 24/7. This is not a fee-per-survivor service. Metro is paying for the program, not per survivor.”

Kuehl told news outlets that “I think the sheriff’s department going along with this Metro employee indicates the sheriff’s department is complicit in this,” she said. “Alex [Villanueva] I’m told recused himself from this… if he doesn’t know about it, that means there’s a rogue element within the sheriff’s department and either way it’s totally out of control.”

Villanueva has recused himself from any involvement in the investigation.

Another troubling aspect of this case is Kuehl told reporters today that she had been tipped off the night before about the search by a County Counsel, who had heard from Max Huntsman, LA County Inspector General. That is illegal to tip someone off that they will be searched. It allows them to get rid of any incriminating information.

Villanueva, who is not involved in the investigation because of a conflict of interest, sent a request for an investigation to Rob Bonta, California’s attorney general.

“The investigation has been shared with a federal agency and they continue to monitor,” LASD said in a statement. “This remains an active investigation and we are unable to comment further at this time, although in full transparency the search warrant [39 pages] has been posted online at LASD.org.”

The L.A. Times quoted Bonin, who called the search, a “vindictive, politically motivated witch hunt.”

Posted in Community, Crime/Police, News | 6 Comments

Deaf Theatre West Presents a Profound ‘Oedipus’ at Getty Villa

Posted on September 14, 2022 by Sue Pascoe

Russell Harvard as Oedipus.
Photo: Craig Schwartz

By LIBBY MOTIKA

Circling the News Contributor

The city is filled with cries of pain. The hearing audience can only “feel” the mood, while the deaf in attendance “hear” the citizens’ lamentation. Blight is on the land; crops wither, women are childless, and the plague has emptied out Thebes.

So begins the Deaf West Theatre’s bilingual production in American Sign Language (ASL) of Sophocles’ “Oedipus” on stage at the Getty Villa.

Under the guidance of hearing director Jenny Koons, the inevitable tragedy is conveyed through what Koons calls the “visual vernacular.”

The production features hearing and deaf actors, assuring comprehension for all attendees. Koons has developed the poetry of the gestural language, adding another dimension to the action. The actors’ signing is vocalized at the same time, but ASL also incorporates the whole body, most effectively applied to the rhythmic dance of the Greek chorus.

The story unfolds slowly, with King Oedipus learning from the god Apollo that to rid the “pollution” from the land, the murder of Oedipus’ predecessor, King Laius, must be avenged.

In his promise to his people, to his city and to himself, Oedipus seeks more information and summons Teiresias, an old blind prophet to seek out the murderer. The reluctant seer is forced to reveal the buried truth of the tragedy.

Deafblind actor Ashlea Hayes’ Teiresias navigates the action by relying on her interpreter, who signs into her open hand, and by an emerging technology called Protactile. A Protactile interpreter stands by Hayes using a variety of taps on Hayes’ shoulders and back to convey supplemental information. DWT Artistic Director DJ Kurs explains, “Gentle taps convey when other people are nodding, while a finger rolled on the back means someone entered the room in that direction, and so on.”

As Oedipus (Russell Harvard) rebels against the wisdom of the truth, his fear directs rash accusations of treachery against his brother, Creon, and Teiresias. But, as we all know, the prophecy will be fulfilled.

The foreboding mood of the play is visually amplified with intermittent projections on the façade of the Villa museum that serves as backdrop. There might be an inchoate swirl of cloud-like images conveying the chorus’ commentary, or a projection of Oedipus’ face that displays his doubt and anguish.

Lighting, music, dance, and the power of silent communication come together in this profoundly tragic epic. And the powerful performance with both deaf and hearing actors demonstrates the importance of these two communities coming together to make art.

“Oedipus” opens the Villa’s 16^th annual outdoor theater production.

Performances continue through October 1, Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m. Contact: getty.edu or call 310-440-7300.

Ashlea Hayes as Tiresias and Amelia Hensley as Palace Servant.
Photo: Craig Schwartz

Posted in Reviews | 1 Comment

Palisades Residents Featured During the 2022 Emmy Awards

Posted on September 13, 2022 by Sue Pascoe

Michael Keaton wins an Emmy for Dopesick.

By BERNICE FOX

Michael Keaton, Bill Hader, Martin Short and Larry David – all Palisadians — went into Monday’s Emmy Awards as nominees. If they were optimists, they were hopeful they’d bring home that winged statue.

Keaton’s category came up first: outstanding lead actor in a limited or anthology series or movie.

He won!

This is Keaton’s first Emmy. It was for his starring role as a doctor in the eight-episode series, Dopesick, about the opioid crisis. It premiered last fall on Hulu.

When Keaton got to the stage to accept his Emmy, he looked at presenter Oprah Winfrey and looked at the award, joking that she must have 90 of those.

Then Keaton got serious and thanked his family for respecting his childhood dream to be an actor. It’s a dream that developed from watching television, starting in the mid-1950s.

He said from about age 5 to 10 his jaw would drop as he followed westerns and gangster shows and comedies on his family’s little black-and-white TV set. On the Emmy stage, he described this as “magic” for him as a kid.

Keaton said back then he would go outside and re-enact scenes or create his own scenes as his parents and brothers and sisters would watch through the window. Keaton emphasized that they were never demeaning or dismissive and never made fun of him. That’s a positive memory for a career that requires some measure of confidence.

It turned out Keaton would be the only Palisadian to win an acting Emmy at the awards show.

But Palisadians still were in the spotlight later at the Emmys.

Former Pacific Palisades honorary mayor Martin Short was joined on stage by Steve Martin and Selena Gomez — his fellow cast members from Only Murders in the Building, also a Hulu show. They were presenters. But the jokes came first.

Short realized the applause they received while taking the stage was, OK, nice. So he said “In my head, that was a standing ovation!

“But please, this is so embarrassing. Selena and Steve are here, too!”

Steve Martin said the real reason they were there was to sell reverse mortgages.

And Gomez topped it all by asking “You know what I love about working with these guys? No paparazzi, ever.”

Steve Martin, Selena Gomez and Martin Short were presenters at the Emmys on Monday.

If Bill Hader was disappointed that he did not repeat his two previous wins as outstanding lead actor in a comedy series for Barry, he didn’t show it. When Jason Sudeikis won for Ted Lasso, Hader rose from his seat and gave his former Saturday Night Live castmate a solid congratulatory hug. Martin Short also had been up for this award.

Ted Lasso, on AppleTV, took the top comedy honor – outstanding comedy series. Bill Hader’s Barry, Larry David’s Curb Your Enthusiasm – both on HBO – and Only Murders in the Building with Martin Short, were among the shows also up for that award.

Former Palisadian Geena Davis received the special Governors Award. It’s for her Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media. The institute works to bring more women into the entertainment industry with a level playing field.

And two actors and one broadcast star who had lived in the Palisades were included in the In Memoriam segment. Photos of Ray Liotta, Bob Saget and Vin Scully were shown as John Legend provided reflective music.

Geena Davis was honored with the Governors Award.

Posted in Film/Television | 1 Comment

Westchester Residents Want the City Park Back for Seniors and Children

Posted on September 13, 2022 by Sue Pascoe

About 50 Westchester residents protested against taking away more park space for SafeParking.

“Are we against the homeless?” a resident asked the crowd.

“No” was the loud response.

“Have we offered alternatives to most of them?” he asked.

“Yes.”

“Did we offer them SafeParking?”

“Yes.”

“Did they – and are they using it?”

“No.”

“Are any other parks in the city offering SafeParking?”

“No.”

“Our parks have to be here for our children and our seniors,” he said. “We have to stand up and say this is not the right thing.”

Residents spoke against drug use and the human waste left in the park.

A protest with about 50 Westchester residents was held at the park today, September 13.

Councilman Mike Bonin is asking the Recreation and Park Board of Commissioners to form a new SafeParking space in the park. Residents were not involved with Bonin’s request.

Currently, there is a 25-space SafeParking site at the park, but residents were promised that when the fall league sports started on October 3, SafeParking would be removed from the Westchester Park lot, guaranteeing more room for patron parking.

Only last week, residents learned through public records requests that Bonin had asked for a new SafeParking site that is within 500 feet of First Flight Child Care Center and would operate 24 hours. (In most safe parking sites, cars leave during the day and return at night to park).

Beth, who heads a youth rugby league said, “We used to have hundreds of kids playing, but [homeless] people have taken over the parks. Parents are worried about the RVs, fires and drugs. To have the fields taken over by these people who do not pay taxes, takes the area away from children and the elderly.

“There is no safety for our seniors to get to the senior center and children and seniors can’t get to the library,” she said. “A park is not a place for housing.”

Tom spoke about the issues at the tennis center.

Tom, who runs the tennis program said, “Just a month ago, we were told that SafeParking would not be here after October 2.”

There have been numerous incidents at the tennis courts, with homeless. One man has been caught exposing himself trying to bathe in the drinking fountain. Another came to the court where five-year-old girls were playing and said, “They want to have sex with me.” Another has been caught urinating through the fence onto the court.

“They need help,” Tom said. “They don’t need housing. They are holding us hostage.” Some of those who have disrupted the tennis and pickleball program where arrested, but then come right back to the courts. Tom said the police are sympathetic but there is nothing they can do.

“They need help,” he said again about the homeless he has encountered. “It’s that simple.” He spoke about one man, Bill, who has been offered help hundreds of time over the past year, but “won’t take it.”

Another resident said, “I don’t want my child coming here and stepping over used needles and human waste. We need our park back for our kids.”

One reiterated, “This isn’t about the homeless. I’m a mother, this is about having a safe park. There is nothing humane about living in squalor and in feces. This is about safety.”

Residents would like 41.18 enforced, which would mean that the homeless could not live in sensitive areas such as parks and libraries, but unless Councilman Mike Bonin asks for that enforcement, police cannot enforce it under the emergency Covid mandate (that is still in place).

One resident asked when the senior center would open again, Tom told her, “It is open, but no one feels safe going there. It used to be a vibrant place for community members.” He said regularly 75 or more showed up to play Bingo. “Now at most there are 12-13.”

During the recent heat wave, the senior center was open as a City cooling center, but with RVs parked in handicapped accessible spaces and the lack of safe entrance into the site, it was not used by those who needed it most.

Over and over, those who were demonstrating for Safe Parks, emphasized they are not against the homeless, but that a park was not the right place for people who need help.

The community has organized, sending more than 19,500 letters have been sent to City officials asking for help in reclaiming safety for children and seniors.

At the protest, CBS, NBC, Telemundo, Estraella and Spectrum television, and KFI Radio station reporters listened to the residents plea to have their park back.

This person, who was offered help, lives by the senior center.

Posted in Parks | Leave a comment

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