Ballons & Bubbles Returns to The Draycott

Posted on June 12, 2022 by Sue Pascoe

A balloon expert is at the Draycott on Tuesdays from 5 to 6 to keep kids entertained with balloon animals and other creations.

Prior to the pandemic, Palisadian Marissa Hermer, co-owner of The Draycott, introduced a child/parent-friendly event, Ballons & Bubbles, at the restaurant on Tuesdays from 5 to 6 p.m.

Children were treated to a “Balloon” artist and allowed to play on the lawn by restaurant in the Palisades Village, while parents enjoyed a happy-hour drink – “Bubbles.”

Then the pandemic hit, and everything shut down.

Hermer wrote in an email to CTN on June 9, “I’m so excited to share with you that we are bringing BACK Balloons & Bubbles after a two-year hiatus.” The last time that event was held was on March 3, 2020.

“It is a thrill that we can welcome our young families back to our terrace,” Hermer said. “I’m so looking forward to seeing old friends and meeting new families over a glass of bubbles – while our Balloon Artist twists animal shapes and crowns for the kidlets.”

Adults can enjoy a happy-hour drink–Bubbles (wines) by the glass or cocktails such as the watermelon margarita, crafted by The Draycott’s beverage director Melina Meza.

Marissa and husband Matt have three children, so they understand the key to a happy hour/early dinner is “super-fast” service. It also means that the restaurant is is child friendly.

“I can assure you that the waiters are well versed with kids,” Hermer said. “Mine dine there a few times a week and there are spills – but cie la vie.”

Reservations Recommended: visit: thedraycott.com

Caption: The staff at The Draycott welcome children.

 

 

 

 

Posted in Kids/Parenting, Restaurants | Leave a comment

Photography Class Available in June

Posted on June 12, 2022 by Sue Pascoe

Rick Steil helps students learn how to make spectagular shots, such as this one.

Rick Steil, who worked as a professional fashion photographer around the world, is offering a photography summer camp from June 20-24.

Steil, Palisades resident, who wanted to spend more time with his family, came to Palisades High School, as the AP photographer teacher, 14 years ago.

His class rapidly became one of the most desirable – with a long waiting list.

At the camp, which is open for students ages 12 to 99, Steil will teach how to create stunning images using a camera or phone. Those enrolled will learn about lighting, camera functions, composition, Photoshop and more. There are still a few spots left.

Morning and afternoon sessions will be available, and cameras and computers will be provided, if needed. Contact Steil: [email protected] or (310) 428-1160.

Posted in Arts, Schools | Leave a comment

Free Yogurt for Graduating Seniors

Posted on June 9, 2022 by Sue Pascoe

In 2020, Amanda Zabaneh (left) and Brooke Richards who had just graduated from  Palisades High School, were treated to yogurt by Anthony Maguleas.

Amalfi Estates Founder and philanthropist Anthony Marguleas is not only honoring graduating high school and college seniors, but he is also helping a local business.

On June 11, from 1 to 5 p.m., Marguleas will pay for a free yogurt from the yogurt shoppe (873 Swarthmore) to all members of the class of 2022. Students are asked to bring a student ID to show that they are seniors.

The offer is for public and private school students and for high school and college seniors.

Two years ago, Marguleas treated seniors to yogurt, and it was much appreciated. He was not able to do it last year because of Covid restrictions. But now, “I just thought it would be a fun thing to do, every year, now that things are opening up.

It is supposed to be warm this weekend in Pacific Palisades, so seniors stop by and enjoy a cup of yogurt – thanks to Anthony.

 

Posted in businesses/stores, Schools | Leave a comment

Peoples City Council LA Is Activist Organization

Posted on June 9, 2022 by Sue Pascoe

 

Protestors from the Peoples Council Los Angeles disrupted an event downtown on June 3.
Photo: Jamie Paige

 

By REECE PASCOE

Although Peoples City Council Los Angeles (PCC) sounds like it might be an official city organization, it is not. It is an actions-oriented coalition of social and climate justice organizations from all over Los Angeles. According to its website click here “PCC emerged in the absence of definitive City action to protect the most vulnerable – the unhoused and tenants.”

The unofficial PCC leader is Ricci Sergienko, who self identifies as anti-fascist. Growing up in western Massachusetts, his mom worked two jobs and dad was a welder. When he was 18, he moved to Santa Monica to attend Santa Monica College and lived with his uncle.

His uncle had worked with Cesar Chavez and the United Farm Workers. When his uncle passed away, Ricci failed classes at SMC.

Subsequently, he enrolled at Compton college and went on to graduate from Southwestern Law School in 2018 with a concentration in entertainment and media law.

PCC it is one entity under a giant umbrella of groups, such as the Sunrise Movement, People’s Budget LA, Black Lives Matter and LA Communication Network, which have common goals.

These organization go about achieving their ideals in their own manner that they deem to be the most effective. The goals are roughly the same i.e., racial justice, environmental justice, and income equality.

Sergienko is associated with the Sunrise Movement LA click here which is focused to “advance intersectional climate justice solutions in the Greater Los Angeles Area, building an army of young people to stop climate change.”

The Peoples Budget LA, is coalition led by Black Lives Matter LA click here. The pivotal point of the Peoples Budget LA is to defund the police and the reallocation of the Los Angeles City yearly budget. If one goes to website and fills out a survey, the meta data shows that people want a budget focused on universal aid and crisis management, not police spending.

The LA police budget has been about $1.76 billion over the past couple of years. The main problem with The Peoples’ website survey is that only people who take it mostly have the same political leanings, so it doesn’t have an accurate assessment of what direction most Los Angeles residents want the government to go.

Sergienko and L.A. County Sheriff Alex Villanueva, have been targeting each other on twitter. The PCC leader has been mentioned in Villanueva’s political campaign. Sergienko consistently tweets about members of the police department and the city council, and recently got in some hot water for doxing the sheriff’s address.

But Sergienko most recently has been protesting the mayoral candidate’s race. In March the L.A. Times wrote that protestors were stopped and “candidates explained their plans without being shouted down by hecklers pretending to be activists.” But the L.A. Times had it wrong because PCC is an activist organization.

The PCC had a GoFundMe page in April 2020 to help pay for parking tickets that were given during a car protest. The fund, which has now been shut down, raised more than $2.5 million.

PCC donated a half a million to BLM. It donated $100,000 to National Lawyers Guild, and the LA Community Action Network, which “organizes people to fight back against oppression.” The money also financed masks, goggles, gloves and helmets. That left about $2 million for bail, medical costs and legal fees.

The National Lawyers Guild click here is a collection of lawyers focused on their own law expertise, like environmental justice committee, housing and homeless committee, and other specialized hot topics. The NLG is the legal side of these organizations which keep the lawyers on retainer.

Almost all these organizations are 501(c)4, which is not tax deductible. But the legal side, the National Lawyers Guild is a 501(c)3 and donations are tax deductible.

If one donates to an organization to advance a cause one believes in that is not tax deductible, that organization can then donate to the NLG, which is. That money is used to post bail and handle legal proceedings.

During the 2020 “summer of love,” Kamila Harris donated to the Minnesota freedom fund. Some said she was bailing rioters out of jail, but more likely, it was tax write off through NLG.

The PCC was in the news on June 3, when members were protesting the Sheriff, and then Kevin DeLeon at Olivera Street in downtown L.A.  It was rumored one could make $400 by just participating in a protest.

This author could not confirm this, but PCC still has just under $2 million from its GoFundMe effort and that does not include money that could have been donated though other means.

Paying $400 a person for a protest is not out the realm of possibility. “Our organizers serve as medics, legal observers and bodies in protests,” the website notes. “We continue to evolve to meet the needs of our comrades.”

John Steinbeck wrote in his book “Dubious Battle” about communist activists and that the true mission is not really the people they claim to represent, but rather their long-term plans for revolution, in which strong class feelings are stirred up.

Posted in City/Councilman Mike Bonin | 1 Comment

Heavy Voting in Pacific Palisades for the June Primary

Posted on June 8, 2022 by Sue Pascoe

In-person voting at the Palisades Recreation Center at the June 7 primary was busy.

Although L.A. County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk said only 14.45 % of registered voters cast ballots in the June 7 primary overall, poll workers at Pacific Palisades told Circling the News that they were busy.

At the Palisades Recreation Center, voters were required to put on a mask and use hand sanitizer or gloves before going to a voting booth. Estimated wait times at the four sites in the Palisades, the Rec Center, the Rustic Canyon Rec Center, the Presbyterian Church and Paul Revere Middle School, were less than 15 minutes.

CTN reached out to the Registrar on June 8 for the percentage of Pacific Palisades voters participating. When that information is received, this story will be updated.

The registrar noted that outstanding ballots are still being processed and could include conditional voter registration ballots, provisional ballot and Vote by Mail ballots. (Every registered voter in California received a Vote by Mail ballot.) According to the registrar, countywide there are still about 400,000 Vote by Mail ballots to be processed. That number could increase as more ballots that are postmarked by Election Day and received through June 14 are counted.

These results below were as of 2 a.m. June 8. The registrar will continue to update counts.

Circling the News saw a steady stream of voters use the voting box on June 7.

COUNCIL DISTRICT 11:

For Pacific Palisades residents, one of the most hotly contested seats in the primary was to replace Councilman Mike Bonin for Council District 11.

Bonin had been under a recall threat and although 39,000 signatures had been collected, the City Clerk said in January that the recall fell 1,252 signatures short of the 27,314 needed.

If Bonin had been recalled, it would not have allowed him to be appointed to any office under the City Charter for two years after that removal or resignation. Bonin then announced he would not seek reelection.

Eight candidates vied to replace him. In this election Erin Darling, who received Bonin’s endorsement had 9,760 votes (31.39 %) and Traci Park had 9,669 (31.10%).

Greg Good had 2,820 votes (9.07 %), Allison Holdorff Polhill had 2,769 (8.91%), Mike Newhouse had 2,366 votes (7.61 %), Jim Murez had 1,624 (5.22%), Mat Smith 1,516 (4.88%) and Midsanon “Soni” Lloyd had 567 (1.82%).

Traci Park

Erin Darling

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COUNTY SUPERVISOR DISTRICT 3

The L.A. County Supervisor District 3 race to replace Sheila Kuehl, who is retiring, saw seven candidates running. Each county supervisor represents about two million people and the Supervisor Board oversees a $38.5 billion budget.

Although the Pacific Palisades Democratic Club endorsed Henry Stern, currently he is in third with 37,460 votes (21.99%) behind Bob Hertzberg who is leading with 58,027 votes (34%). Lindsey Horvath is in second with 42,098 votes (24.7 %). The top two candidates will face the runoff in November.

L.A. CITY MAYOR

Congresswoman Karen Bass and businessman Rick Caruso received the most votes in the mayoral race and will face off in the November election.

Caruso, who held his victory party at The Grove, received 133,059 votes (42.14%) and Bass received 116,688 votes (36.95 %). Councilmember Kevin DeLeon received 23,665 votes (7.49%).

It should be interesting to see if DeLeon will throw his support to Caruso or Bass. Prior mayoral candidates Joe Buscaino, Mike Feuer and Ramit Varma dropped out of the race. Feuer endorsed Bass and Buscaino and Varma threw support to Caruso.

CITY ATTORNEY

Mike Feuer was termed out as City Attorney. This important office examines contracts and ordinances to see if they are legal and litigates all civil actions on behalf of the City. This race, which had seven people running, is too close to definitively say which candidates will face off in November.

Marina Torres was leading with 57,693 votes (20.74%), in second was Faisal Gill with 55,101 votes (19.81%), third was Richard Kim with 55,078 (19.80 %) and, a close fourth, was Hydee Feldstein Soto 50,340 (18.10%).

CITY CONTROLLER

City Controller Ron Galperin, who was termed out, ran for State Controller. He and Yvonne Yiu are basically in a tie for third. Most likely the top two candidates, Lanhee Chen and Malia Cohen will face each other in November.

The City’s fiscal watchdog, the controller’s office, will feature a runoff between Kenneth Mejia and Paul Koretz. Mejia had 101,246 votes (37.17 percent) and Koretz had 67,364 votes (24.73%)

L.A. COUNTY SHERIFF

The incumbent, L.A. County Sheriff Alex Villanueva, who has often “locked horns” with L.A. County Supervisors, will battle Robert Luna in November. Villanueva received 258,808 votes (34.38 %) and Luna 184,640 (24.53%).

CALIFORNIA GOVERNOR

Governor Newsom, who dodged a recall in 2021, received 462,997 votes (59.67%) and will face Brian Dahle, who received 87,340 votes (11.26%) in the November election.

The first post-election ballot count update is scheduled for Friday, June 10. California state law requires the RR/CC to complete and certify results within 30 days. (Visit: lavote.gov)

Posted in City/Councilman Mike Bonin, Community, Holidays | Leave a comment

Danielle Ariola Heads Kids Fun Run

Posted on June 8, 2022 by Sue Pascoe

Danielle Ariola heads the Kids Fun Run.

Danielle Ariola, a broker associate/realtor with Compass, is in charge of the Kids Fun Run this year.

“It’s been three years, since I took it over, however because of the pandemic, this is my first official year in charge,” said Ariola who grew up in Pacific Palisades. “So, wish me luck!”

The Kids Fun Run was started in 1995 for kids who were too young (or unwilling) to run a 5K. Every year hundreds of kids, some as young as three, sought to emulate the older runners by running the half-mile race that starts at Alma Real, turning left on Drummond and finishing back on Toyopa.

“I became interested in the Kids Fun Run after volunteering in 2019,” Ariola said. “The 4th of July in the Palisades is my favorite time of year.”

She and three siblings Wayne, Chris and Nicole, the children of Wayne (deceased) and Mary, attended Corpus Christi and grew up with the Palisades 4th festivities.

Ariola attended college in Santa Barbara for architecture before transferring to the University of Arizona. While there she worked for the University soliciting donations from alumni.

After college she worked as an event coordinator, managing large event productions in the entertainment industry.

“But my passion has always been architecture and design which eventually led me to a career in real estate,” said Ariola who is now partners with her sibling Chris, as The Ariola Group with Compass.

In 2016, when her daughter was only 18 months old, her husband, Chris Klein passed away. She is thankful for the support she receives from her family and the community.

“Our hometown means the world to me, my daughter and my entire family,” she said.

“We are all very close and still get together for the 4th.”

 Not only will it be a Kids Fun Run, but there will also be a family component because her brother’s kids Wren and Beckett will be running with Ariola’s daughter Aurora. And her family “has all been summoned to help with the Fun Run this year.”

I can’t tell you how special it is to share the 4th of July festivities and traditions with our kids,” Ariola said. “It’s important knowing they will experience similar memories that molded and shaped us all into who we are today.

“We have been so lucky to be a part of this community, surrounded by families supporting each other, and instilling in our kids the importance of values, all while honoring fun traditions,” said the Santa Monica resident. “It’s really magical to be a part of such an amazing community and I am very proud I now get to take part in creating some of that magic.

“My heart is here in Pacific Palisades,” Ariola said.

Her daughter, Aurora Klein attends Palisades Elementary and Ariola’s office is in the Palisades.

Currently, Ariola doesn’t plan to make any changes with the run. “Once I get my feet wet this year, maybe I will have a few new fresh ideas and will always be open to suggestions,” she said. “But for now, I’m just so grateful that my predecessors have left me with a very organized and well-oiled machine.”

For her the best part of this race is the obvious – the kids. “Their energy and excitement are infections and it really what makes this such a fun event.”

Only a month until the big day. Parents can sign kids up at Palisades4th.com. The cost is $25 but the price will go up after June 26. All participants will receive T-shirts.

Kids, 10 and under, speed down Alma Real Drive in the 2018 Kids Fun Run.

 

“I can’t wait for the race this year,” Ariola said. “It is really feeling like we are back to normal after these long, hard years during Covid and we all deserve to have some fun.

 

“I hope we see tons of kids this year with record-breaking participation,” she said.

 

 

Posted in Holidays | Leave a comment

Build a Float for Fourth of July Parade: Win $1000

Posted on June 8, 2022 by Sue Pascoe

Lou Kamer helped craft this float that featured Co-honorary mayors Billy and Janice Crystal.
Photo: Morgan Genser

By entering the Fourth of July parade, local service organizations/schools/nonprofits are eligible to win $1,000 – sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary.  To win, entrants must register with Pageantry Productions at PALISADES4th.COM by June 10 and then build a float or other parade entry.

Many groups might worry they have no idea how to build a float.

Luckily, resident Lou Kamer has offered his assistance.

“This could be really fun,” he said, “we just need a few people to join along. If people get a group together, we will walk them through how to enter and what to do step by step, either on zoom or in person,” he joked there are two requirements having fun and eating pizza.

He does have float-building expertise and told Circling the News, “Once again, our neighbors and their kids will be joining us to dream-up, design, build, decorate and drive “The Alphabet Streets Spectacular” float in the 4th of July parade.”

Kamer said that in prior years, “We’ve built Washington crossing the Potomac boats, and Apollo lunar landers with Palisades honorary co-mayors Janice and Billy Crystal.

“We’ve recreated our beautiful local mountains with Resilient Palisades, and made a mini-Palisades on a flatbed truck, complete with sun and clouds, dolphins, and a kiddie pool. . .. complete with bubbles,” he said.

“The cool thing is that although parents help, it’s really the kids who get to come up with the design and work together to see it become something incredible,” Kamer said. “That’s also the definition of a vibrant community.”

This year with help from the YMCA, all float builders are encouraged to chat with Lou to get an idea, and then meet at Simon Meadow the day before the parade to assemble the floats.

“We’ll decorate and store the floats .. . .and eat,” Kamer said. Then on the Fourth “we’ll head up to the parade staging area and off you go.”

Kamer promises that “This is one of the most unique and memorable family experiences you can have. Oh, also, you can win $1,000.”

Honorary Co-Mayors Billy and Janice Crystal as “Washington crossing the Potomac.”                                        Photo: Courtesy Lou Kamer

Here are the steps:

  • Enter by contacting Pageantry Productions at palisades4th.com
  • Gather a group of people together for ideas and support
  • Contact Kamer for his thoughts and come up with an idea
  • Decorate the float on July 3
  • Put your float in the parade – and possibly win $1,000.
Posted in Holidays | Leave a comment

Free U.S. Flags on the Village Green, Sunday

Posted on June 7, 2022 by Sue Pascoe

This house on Kagawa, which won the home decorating contest one year, always has a flag out for the Fourth of July. All residents are urged to fly a flag on the 4th.
Photo: Morgan Genser

Fly your U.S. Flag on Flag Day, June 14, and on the Fourth of July.

Even if you don’t always approve of everything our government does, you have the right to vote to make changes – and the freedom to voice your approval/disapproval of the government.

What? You don’t have a flag?

The American Legion Auxiliary is here to help.

On Sunday, June 12, from 9 to noon, members will be at the Village Green, giving away free flags. Stop by the farmers market pick up your vegetables, and then afterwards walk to the Green and secure a flag.

Resident Rob Weber, who for years helped with the Home Decorating Contest, used to drive with realtor Joan Sather (now deceased), up and down the streets, bemoaning the fact that there were so few flags flying for the national holiday. “Wouldn’t it be nice if every house at least had a flag out?” he said.

Outgoing Auxiliary President Sue Pascoe, who has also written about that home decorating contest for several publications, listened to Weber’s lament.

This year, the auxiliary is trying to help residents who may not have a flag or are unsure where they can purchase one.

Incoming Auxiliary President Gina Jakel is even taking it an extra step and delivering to two of her neighbors.  “There are two shut-in ladies on my block that would like one,” she said. “I remember how badly my mom wanted a flag.”

Even if a resident does not want to decorate the house on July 4, stop by, so you can fly a flag. Or if you can’t stop by, contact Deloris at the American Legion and auxiliary members will try to see you have a flag. (310) 454-0527.

Posted in General | 3 Comments

Revival Roots Specialists Provide Tools, Plants and Advice

Posted on June 7, 2022 by Sue Pascoe

The Revival Roots team (left to right) Jonathan Coppel, Ross Katen, CEO Reed Newman, Nick Bielec and Andrew Zubek can help you grow vegetables in your backyard (or apartment).

By ALISON BURMEISTER

If a resident has thought about starting a garden, but is unsure how to do it, it’s simple: call Reed Newman, CEO and Owner of Revival Roots.

Newman and his team of experts will not only help you plant the garden of your dreams, but also help you maintain and grow it.

Newman started Revival Roots six years ago, after receiving his bachelor’s degree in environmental science from the School of Agriculture at Cornell University.

He grew up in West Los Angeles and Santa Monica Canyon with his twin older siblings and his parents, Jeanne and Gary, who are in the entertainment industry.

His parents had purchased a vineyard in the Santa Ynez Valley, Jorian Hill.

“My interest in gardening and horticulture stemmed from my time growing up on a vineyard in the Santa Ynez Valley in California’s Central Coast,” Newman said, noting that while in school, he grew interested in how people interact with the food they consume.

Back in Southern California, Newman developed Revival Roots so that it not only helps a person plan, but also cultivate their own garden.

“I really love the educational component of what we do” Newman said. With California’s temperate climate, growing a garden is possible year-round.

With a complimentary consultation, Revival Roots team of experts will show you how you can reinvent your backyard into a year-round food supply.

“Shrubs become berry bushes, ground cover becomes herbs and trees become fruit trees,” Newman said.

During the pandemic people realized they wanted independence from grocery stores. Revival Roots helped many to reinvest in their backyards.

Families grew their gardens not only for the bounty, but as a “home-school” educational experiences to share with their children.

There are a variety of reasons why someone might hire Revival Roots. Chefs are interested in sourcing the best tasting vegetables. “They are seeking flavor rather than commercial viability when creating their extra special and delicious dishes.”

When asked his favorite vegetable to grow and eat, Newman said, “Midnight Roma Tomatoes.”

But you don’t have to be a chef to enjoy the bounty that Revival Roots has to offer. Many of Newman’s clients are families or singles just looking to grow enough to feed their family or themselves.

“Many of our clients find peace in gardening and picking their own vegetables,” he said. “Some hire us because they are too busy but still want a garden of their own.”

Newman said many people contract Revival Roots to grow the specific herbs they enjoy for holiday meals or an herb particular to their ethnic culture that they can’t always find in stores.

In the past five to 10 years, more and more people are growing conscious of how and where they get their food.

Newman, who says he is 80 percent vegetarian, takes pride in the fact that his company sources all products from local vendors.

During a consultation, Revival Roots specialists will address a clients’ requests and map out plant locations that won’t change the environment of the space – and they consider water conservation with every design.

Depending on a space, they use existing planters or can build planters out of untreated redwood.

Revival Roots preserves water for clients by installing drip irrigation for plants and trees.

A specialist will help establish, maintain and deliver disease resistant, organically grown seasonal fruits and vegetables from a resident’s “backyard to table.” The company also has a live chat on its website for questions.

Revival Root offers premium seedlings.

In 2022, Newman founded Revival Roots Nursery to expand access to affordable premium seedlings. For half the price of what one would pay in a big box hardware store, and for double the quality, Revival Roots Nursery will safely ship (for free) seedlings ($4.99) anywhere in California. In less than a week you can have organically grown seasonal plants growing in a yard.

Each plant comes with a code that connects to instructions on how to best care for a plant. If you don’t have space for a garden, Newman suggests rooftops and windowsills. When asked, what was the most difficult installation he has ever done, Newman mentioned “one tricky slopped hillside.”

Another unique property he worked with was “Abbot Lofts, a community of 22 urban loft style apartments close to the beach and the gateway building to Abbot Kinney Boulevard in Venice. Developed by Tooley Interests one of the apartment amenities is access to fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs just steps from the front door.

When asked the best time to grow a garden, Newman said, “There is no better time than now.”

To order plants for delivery or learn more about Revival Roots visit: www.revivalroots.com.

Revival helps apartment residents plant fruits and vegetables in urban settings.

These raised beds are at an apartment building on Abbot Kinney.

Posted in Geology/Dinosaurs/Earth | Leave a comment

Buscaino Asks City to Pass Motion to Ban Camping at Libraries

Posted on June 6, 2022 by Sue Pascoe

Ruby has been offered help, but continues to sleep at the Palisades Library.

Pacific Palisades residents will be happy to hear about a new motion (LAMC 41-.18 and 56.11) submitted by Councilmember Joe Bucaino on June 3 that would prohibit lying, sleeping and storing personal property within 500 feet of a library.

A homeless woman, Ruby, who has been repeatedly offered help but has refused, continues to sleep at the Palisades Library. She stores her belongings there.

One resident wrote CTN last week, “Until the community (and some library staff) quit feeding Ruby and making her feel welcome, Ruby will remain on library property and be a draw for the crazy homeless. They join her on the bench in front of the library and in the covered walkway.”

One of the recent people who had come to the library was “Minnesota Mike” who yelled obscenities at the different elementary school children as they walked by to play in the park. Mike was arrested for robbery, but his case was considered a misdemeanor, which meant no bail and he was released. He has returned to this community.

“Ruby living on library property is not good for anyone,” a resident said. “It isn’t good for Ruby, it isn’t good for the library, and it isn’t good for the community members (including children) that get harassed. Can’t the LAPL take some action to get her removed from their property?”

If Buscaino’s motion passes, Ruby could be removed.

“Libraries are an essential public resource and one of the pillars of our society,” Buscaino said on Friday. “Today I introduced a motion that would ban encampments within 500 ft of all LA City libraries.  Unfortunately, encampments are correlated with increased fire risk like what just occurred in Venice at the Abbot Kinney Memorial Branch Library. This motion will help us take the necessary action to preserve a vital public resource. We should not have to wait until one of our libraries burns down before we act.”

Buscaino also co-authored a motion that was approved with a 13-2 vote at Council–asking the City Attorney to draft legal language that would expand the anti-camping law within 500 feet all schools and day care facilities in the city. Councilmember Mike Bonin cast one of two dissenting votes against that motion.

One of the tents near the Venice library caught on fire and threatened the building.

A June 3 story in the Westside Current “Friends of Venice Library Says ‘Enough’ after Tent Fire Threatens to Destroy Building” spoke about the community trying to get its library back. An encampment, which contains some threatening individuals, has made it difficult for Venice residents to use that resource.

The story reported that the Friends of Venice Library is fighting to save what once was a vital library for that community. The Abbot Kinney Memorial Branch Library is under constant danger because of a nearby homeless encampment at the adjacent Centennial Park. More than 60 encampments are in the park.  And, after warning city officials of a potential fire hazard, just one of many dangers facing the area, the Friends’ concerns became a reality last Friday night, May 27, when a tent burst into flames, nearly torching the building.

“Do we have to wait until the library burns down before city officials take notice?” asked Linda Martinek, President of Friends of Venice Library. “Sadly, it was only a matter of time that a fire was going to happen. We have sent countless emails to [Councilmember] Mike Bonin’s office and other city officials warning them that the tents surrounding the building were a potential fire hazard. Their response? Nothing. Absolutely nothing.”

While no injuries were reported from the fire, a scorched palm tree was chopped down the following morning and within days, a new tent was set up among the ashes and burnt debris.

“This should be viewed as a wake-up call,” said Bert Fallon, another longtime Venice Beach resident and member of Friends of Venice Library. “We are extremely lucky that the library didn’t catch on fire. It could have been much worse had the winds been stronger. The city has ignored our ongoing requests to remove the tents that are up against the library. This is a fire hazard. Can’t we at least protect our local library?”

Another library under attack is the Westchester Library. Several “several aggressive homeless and several mentally ill homeless living in squalor in the library parking lot” have made it difficult for residents to go into the library to check out books or access the building. The library is across from Councilman Mike Bonin’s District Office. He has hired a private security company for his office, but there is no additional police support for the library.

On June 6, CTN stopped by the Westchester Library, which has several homeless loitering in the parking lot. Also of concern was the voting center located in the Westchester Senior Center. It was empty and one of the clerks came out and said that no one was coming by.

Maybe it was the big dogs that belonged to transients in the parking lot – many of which were off leash. The poll worker thought Westchester was an off-leash dog park. It is not.

A resident wrote CTN “We have been receiving complaints from community members that seniors do not feel safe voting there. Nearly all of the handicapped parking spots are taken by vehicles used as dwellings and the trash surrounding them. This is a terrifying situation for seniors, who could sustain a life-ending injury by tripping in that parking lot.

“Can we get a crew there early in the morning to clean up the parking lot so seniors may exercise their right to vote in person?” the resident asked.

“It might also make seniors feel safe enough to vote if there were law enforcement presence,” the person said. “The security guard Mike Bonin has stays in Mike Bonin’s office behind a locked door and provides no security at all for seniors trying to vote.”

The Westchester Library parking lot is a hazard for library goers and senior citizens.

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