Circling The News | Current Local News

OBITUARY: Stuart Farberow, 58, Beloved Maui Police Officer, Proud Father

Posted on October 19, 2021 by Sue

Longtime Palisadian Stuart Farberow passed away on October 11, 2021, in Anna, Texas, while surrounded by friends and family. He was 58 years old.

Stuart was born in Harbor City, California on January 10, 1963, to Roberta (Bobbie) Farberow and the late Mort Farberow. His early years were spent in Palos Verdes, until the age of nine, when the family moved to Pacific Palisades in 1972.

During his high school years, Stuart worked with his family at Mort’s Deli in various job capacities, and he was able to make numerous lifelong friendships while working there.

Stuart graduated from Palisades High School in 1981, and then joined the Malibu Sheriff’s Mountain Rescue Team as a volunteer. That job is what prompted his interest in becoming a police officer when he moved to Hawaii.

As a new recruit of the Maui Police Department, he was sent to work on the island of Molokai for a year, where he met his future wife, Christi. They married in 1996, and had a daughter, Kalee. Although the couple eventually divorced, they remained good friends while co-parenting Kalee.

Stuart’s world was immersed in his daughter Kalee, who had made him proud by becoming a third-year veterinary student at Western University in the department of Biological Science and Veterinary Medicine. Kalee had always brought so much joy to her dad.

Stuart was a longtime Lahaina patrol officer, speed team member, and evoc and taser instructor. His last assignment — and probably his favorite job — was as a school resource officer for Lahainaluna High School.

Stuart and Kalee decided to rescue retired horses that had no grazing land on Maui. West Maui Land Company generously allowed them to utilize 16 acres of fenced-in land with water, which became known as Kalee’s Retirement Stables.

While living in Hawaii, Stuart immersed himself in the Maui Island community and was beloved by all for his generous heart and big smile.

He was predeceased by his father, Mort Farberow. He is survived by his daughter, Kalee Farberow (Culver City); his mother, Bobbie Farberow (Pacific Palisades); sister Karen Farberow, and wife Kathi (Long Beach); and Stuart’s former wife, Christi Machler (Fall Creek, Wisconsin).

A memorial service will be held at Kehillath Israel Synagogue, located at 16019 Sunset Blvd. in Pacific Palisades, on Friday, November 5 at 3 p.m. (Masks must be worn.)

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to your favorite charity.

Posted in Obituaries | 11 Comments

Undefeated Palisades High Football Wins Showdown with Hamilton, 63-7

Posted on October 19, 2021 by Sue

After catching a pass, Moses Ross sprints to a touchdown.
Photo: Palisades High Football Facebook

It was supposed to be a hard-fought showdown: Hamilton (6-0) versus Palisades (7-0), with the eventual Western League championship on the line. Hamilton even rented floodlights so that the game could be played on a Friday night.

But then the game began, and it was basically over within two minutes as the Palisades Dolphins scored two touchdowns without even running a play from scrimmage and rolled to a 63-7 victory.

Receiving the opening kickoff, senior speedster Moses Ross returned the ball 90 yards for a touchdown.

Then on Hamilton’s third play, junior Amari Yolas intercepted a pass and ran 23 yards for the touchdown. The PAT kick by Giovanni Ferrero was good, and he would finish the night with nine of them.

Hamilton’s fortunes continued to wither as sophomore quarterback Sammy Silvia led the Dolphins downfield, with leading rusher Daniel Anoh breaking loose for a 29-yard run before Silvia scored from the one to make the score 21-0 at the end of the first quarter.

Quarterback Sammy Silvia hands off to Daniel Anoh.
Photo: Palisades High School Facebook

Hamilton advanced into Pali territory, but senior Liam Herrera recovered a fumble on the 26, and Silvia completed a 23-yard TD pass to junior Kwazi Estes. On Pali’s next possession, Silvia connected with Ross, who broke loose for an 82-yard TD run.

Unable to move the ball, Hamilton attempted to punt, but it was blocked by a Palisades defender Matt Fahn. Starting on the Pali 41, Silvia handed off twice to senior Anoh, who scored from the 30.

Hamilton drove downfield until senior Johnny Babala intercepted a pass and returned it to the Warriors’ 47. Silvia passed to Ross for 16 yards and then again to Ross for 31 yards and a touchdown, right before halftime, making the score 49-0.

In the third quarter, Silvia began handing off to sophomore Josh Russell, who ran for a touchdown and finished the night with 53 yards in just four carries.

Hamilton’s woes continued when senior Angus Gilchriest blocked a punt and junior Savyour Riley returned it 28 yards for a touchdown.

Jack Babala stops the Hamilton quarterback.
Photo: Palisades High School Football Facebook

Once again, the Palisades defense was smothering, led by senior Jack Babala and juniors Riley, Yolas and Toby Manheim.

Ross, who runs track for Pali (100 and 200), said he’s been playing football since he was six, first Pop Warner, then the Snoop Dog Youth Football League. In addition to his speed, he has nice lateral motion and can read the field. He caught two passes for 122 yards against Hamilton.

“We played one of our better games today,” he said, noting that the team was putting in the hard work and it was paying off. He was asked about his mind set on the field. “The TD is home,” he said, noting that once he has the ball, he runs it home.

Anoh, a slippery little runner who is tough to tackle, ran for 146 yards in just nine carries, for a 16.2 average, as he pursues a school record in rushing yardage. He has 1,093 yards and the record is 1,965 with two league games plus the playoffs still to play.

Silvia completed 5 of 9 passes for 155 yards and three touchdowns as Palisades once again displayed a balanced offensive attack.

Head Coach Chris Hyduke said, “I’ve coached for 40 plus years, and it’s amazing how ‘loose’ these kids are ‘like a bunch of kittens in a basket,’ but once they’re on the field they’re focused and play really well.

“They dominated tonight and met all expectations.”

Palisades will host Fairfax (2-4 record this season) for its homecoming game this Friday night at 7 p.m. The Dolphins remain third-ranked in the City, behind Banning (Wilmington) and San Pedro.

Head JV Coach Ray Marsden took his team to Hawthorne on Thursday night and won 38-0. Few of the City schools are fielding a JV team, which has forced Marsden to seek out other schools for his team to play.

“My kids will have a year of playing – and the experience – and then move up to varsity,” Marsden said, noting that the lack of JV preparation will hinder City varsity teams next year.

Sophomore Josh Russell scores a touchdown, after getting blocks from seniors Corey Ehrlich and Jonathan Pizante.
Photo: PaliHi Football Facebook

Posted in General, Sports | Leave a comment

Wedding: Sarah Levy Marries Graham Outerbridge

Posted on October 19, 2021 by Sue

Sarah Levy and Graham Outerbridge dancing at their wedding.
Photo: Instagram

By BERNICE FOX

Right now there’s probably a glow around Pacific Palisades Honorary Mayor Eugene Levy because of his latest role as real life father of the bride.

On Saturday, his actress daughter, Sarah Levy, married actor Graham Outerbridge.

Sarah’s big brother, Dan, was first to announce the wedding news with a posting Monday on Instagram. The photo on Dan’s page shows him, his newlywed sister and others whooping it up during the reception at the Sunset Tower Hotel on the Sunset Strip in West Hollywood.

Dan writes “Love you, SarahPLevy.”

Sarah responds in uppercase lettering:

BEST NIGHT EVER. Love you!!

And Sarah posted three sweet photo booth-style pictures of her and her new husband that were snapped at the reception.

Sarah is best known for playing Twyla the waitress on “Schitt’s Creek.”

Graham Outerbridge has had roles on TV shows such as “Law and Order,” “Ballers,” “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” and many others.

Together, they’re in the cast of an upcoming comedy-drama called “Distancing Socially,” which Outerbridge is co-producing.

Sarah Levy and Graham Outerbridge pose at their wedding.
Photo: Instagram

Posted in Film/Television | Leave a comment

Art Contest for Youth to Celebrate Town’s 100th

Posted on October 18, 2021 by Sue

The founding of Pacific Palisades took place January 14, 1922.
Photo: Zola Clearwater Collection

In conjunction with the Pacific Palisades Historical Society, the American Legion Auxiliary is helping sponsor a coloring/art contest.

The contest will help Pacific Palisades celebrate its 100^th birthday next January 14-15 at several landmark locations in the community, organized by the Historical Society.

The contest is open to all youth who live in Pacific Palisades, or who attend school here, and will close on December 1.

Kindergarten through fifth graders are invited to color a drawing created by town artist Katie O’Neil, who has patterned her drawing after one of the early Zola Clearwater Collection photos.

Copies of the drawing will be taken to all local schools. If more drawings are needed, contact the Auxiliary at (310) 454-0527.

Once the drawing is colored, the contestant should put their name, grade and a parent’s telephone number on the back of the sheet and deliver it to Estate Coffee at 847 Via de la Paz.

Kindergarten and first grade will be judged together; second and third will be judged together and fourth and fifth grade will be judged together. The winner in each category will receive $100.

For students in sixth through eighth grade, an original art project is sought. It can be based upon photos on the Historical Society website (pacificpalisadeshistory.org) or an art project that best celebrates the town’s centennial. The winner will receive $300.

High school students are also invited to enter an original art project based on the town’s history. The winner will receive $300.

Members of the Pacific Palisades Art Association will judge the entries.

Good luck to everyone who participates in this contest.

Posted in Arts | 1 Comment

Shared Housing Works, But the City Doesn’t Use It to House the Homeless

Posted on October 18, 2021 by Sue

This man is living in the Westchester Senior Center Parking lot, across from the Library and CD11’s Westchester headquarters. This is not a dignified way to live.

With more than 60,000 homeless people living on the streets and parks of Los Angeles – and residents told that nothing can be done because there’s not enough housing—one option is overlooked: shared housing.

The effectiveness of efficiency of this approach was explained at the October 5 Palisades Optimist Club Zoom meeting.

Brian Ulf of SHARE! and Heidi Roberts of Haaven Shared Housing noted that shared housing costs are far lower than building individual apartments at $700,000 each. Unfortunately, developers, contractors and those in the homeless industrial complex don’t make money with that model.

Why doesn’t LAHSA (L.A. Homeless Services Authority) get behind shared housing? CTN contacted that organization with the question, but no one has returned the call.

Roberts, a Venice resident who founded Haaven with her husband in 2019, said that LAHSA has told her that it is undignified for people to share housing and that because her nonprofit does not allow alcohol and drugs on the premises, she is “impeding people’s civil rights.”

Shared housing means, for example, that eight people might share a house and in some cases, they share a room. Roberts asks, “Is it more undignified to live on the street or share a room?”

Brian Ulf

Ulf said that he is a recovering alcoholic (since 2001), and that his career was in commercial real estate before he turned his attention to housing the homeless. He is president and CEO of StrongHouse Realty Advisors, managing partner of StrongHouse Development Group and president and board chair of SHARE! (the Self-Help and Recovery Exchange).

He told the Optimists that putting a homeless person in a room by themselves in isolation may not be the best way to help people.

“If they have a roommate and the roommate is going to an AA meeting, they might go along,” Ulf said, noting that a young social worker fresh out of college might not have the experience to appreciate the importance of peer advocacy.

Peer advocacy means that someone who has gone through a similar experience, such as homelessness, will understand the situation better and have a unique ability to engage with those who are socially excluded.

On the SHARE! website, reasons and research are listed about why peer outreach is essential. For example, “peers convey a sense of understanding and make a bridge between street life and the world of ‘professionals’ whom homeless individuals don’t initially trust.”

Ulf also said that self-help support groups are essential and are more likely to be used in shared housing, where a community is developed.

Roberts worked for a year as a PATH (People Assisting the Homeless) volunteer after a successful career in advertising. Living in Venice, she and her husband, John Betz, saw increasing problems with the homeless.

Convinced a shared housing model would work, the couple purchased three homes and turned them into housing for the homeless. They have housed more than 170 people since 2018.

They have three rules: 1) No violence in words or actions, 2) No drugs or alcohol—“we don’t ask people to be sober, but we ask them not to use them in the house,” and 3) Be nice.

There is a community kitchen and living room. “Each house develops its own rules,” Roberts said, noting that it could be easy for people who have a single room to isolate, but “we want to encourage people to go downstairs.”

Each person pays $500 in rent, which includes, not just a room but a place that is fully furnished and has cleaning supplies, Wi-Fi and television. Roberts and Betz have also created outside spaces for vegetable and flower gardens.

Heidi Roberts

“Some residents have never seen anything grow and it’s a sense of pride when they had tomatoes,” Roberts said. And then they offer vegetables to their neighbors, which also helps grow a sense of community.

A peer advocate goes to each house and “her primary responsibility is to steer the clients. She helps them work through issues,” Roberts said.

Of the 60,000 homeless living on the street in Los Angeles, Roberts said, “They all have one thing in common: they lack the support they need to address homelessness.”

Remarkably, Haaven has never received any kind of public funding. Initially Roberts felt that if she could show officials the model would work, and it does, they would support shared housing.

“I’ve given up on the government,” she told the Optimists, but acknowledged that if the government could allocate taxpayer money for peer advocates, shared housing would break even.

Voters have approved measures to get the homeless housing, but nothing appears to be getting better.

“I have no hope they’ll adopt this model,” Roberts said. “No one makes any money on this. It is not a profitable solution.”

Ulf and Roberts said “helping” the homeless has become a money-making enterprise in Los Angeles.

“The money question is absolutely tragic,” Ulf said. “All contracts are made on a pay-to-play basis.”

Both believe that if taxpayers are to know where their taxes designated for the homeless are going, it will have to be done through forensic accounting.

“It’s not just a housing issue,” Ulf said about the homeless. “They have to have support.”

Visit: Shareselfhelp.org and Haaven.org

Posted in Homelessness | Leave a comment

Praise for the Lutherans’ Inaugural October Charity Run

Posted on October 18, 2021 by Sue

(Circling the News received the following letter on October 17.)

I ran in the inaugural Octoberfest 5K race yesterday in the Palisades. I met Pastor Mike Lee, who was just back from running the Boston Marathon. He’s a lovely guy and he finished this race second.

The crowd was a little smaller than I had hoped but everyone was very friendly, and they did an expert job laying out a course in the El Medio Bluffs. I hope to be able to run many more of these and expect many others in the community will join us in 2022.

Kudos to the Palisades Lutheran Church for doing this lovely activity to raise funds for charities as well as their church. And thanks to everyone who helped out, including the large contingent of young people from Palisades High School’s Ambassadors group, who helped all along the 3.1 mile route. Made me proud to be a Palisadian, even for a newbie like me who’s only lived here 22 years.

John Schwartz

This young woman, who attends St. Matthew’s placed first in her age group in the inaugural 5K run on October 16 in a time of 28:46.

Posted in Community, Sports | 1 Comment

Fire Station 69 Captain Tommy Kitahata Receives Firefighter of the Year Award

Posted on October 17, 2021 by Sue

Captain Tommy Kitahata was presented the Firefighter of the year award on October 13 by James Dolan, the president of the L.A. Firefighters Association.
Photo: Deborah Lew/Los Angeles Firefighters Association.

Of the more than 3,400 firefighters in Los Angeles, Pacific Palisades Fire Station 69 Captain II Tommy Kitahata was named the 2020 Firefighter of the Year.

Selected by the Los Angeles City Firefighters Association, he received the award at the 54^th Annual Firefighter of the Year luncheon at the DoubleTree Hotel in downtown L.A. on October 13.

Called “The Hall of Fame” of firefighters, this prestigious honor (first given in 1967), pays tribute to one person a year. Qualities honored are not only for one exceptional act, but also for outstanding character and service beyond self.

The room was packed with family, friends and people who have worked with Kitahata at some point. One firefighter told CTN that this was a bigger crowd than normal because “Tommy is well-liked and respected by everyone who has worked with him.”

Speaker after speaker said, “We love this man. We respect and admire him.”

Kitahata joined the LAFD in 1988 as a firefighter and has worked in Hollywood, Echo Park/Rampart, South Central, Westlake, Van Nuys, East L.A. and Downtown L.A.

He worked his way up from apparatus operator to Captain I to Captain II.

He gained certification for the Urban Search and Rescue, California Task Force One and has been deployed to numerous disasters across the country during his career, including New York City for 9/11 as part of the massive FEMA response.

In 2018, Kitahata was deployed along with 80 L.A. firefighters and civilians to help with the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey in Houston and Hurricane Irma in Florida.

Kitahata had previously worked on the aftermaths of hurricanes Katrina (2005) and Gustav (2008), among others. “Houston was different in that it was just standing water,” he said. “We took our rescue boats and we just picked people out of their houses.”

Kitahata and his team spent two weeks in Houston, but as they prepared to return home, Hurricane Irma made landfall in Florida on September 10. The team then went to Florida.

His team was also assigned to disasters in California, and he and a Station 69 engine team responded to mudslide recovery efforts in Montecito in December 2018 (where 23 people had been killed by flooding).

“I got sent up as a manager for a search dog team,” he said. “We went into different areas, searching out the homes and the victims or where they thought they would be.”

Kitahata has worked as a teacher with the LAFD’s In-Service Training section and as a Drill Master in Recruit Training. He continues to serve as an instructor and subject matter expert across both search-and-rescue and firefighter skills.

When the Covid pandemic hit Los Angeles, Kitahata led the department with testing and vaccination through the Logistics Unit.

Called a “solid task force” commander, he was recognized not only for his work for LAFD, but also his community volunteer work.

A past Eagle Scout, Kitahata serves as an assistant Scoutmaster, and he works with his church to feed the homeless. He helped his neighbors during the 2018 wildfires.

At the ceremony, Captain Kit presented his wife Cheryl with flowers, saying “she should be named the wife firefighter of the year.” Photo: Deborah Lew/Los Angeles Firefighters Association.

With his wife Cheryl, he received the California Charter School Volunteer of the Year for the successful opening of the Meadow Arts and Technology Elementary school.

L.A. Department Fire Chief Ralph Terrazas addressed Kitahata and his wife, saying “You must miss Tommy, he’s always gone and always working.”

Kitahata quipped, “She says she’s used to it and her house stays cleaner.”

More than one person, in speaking about Kitahata’s character, said, “He’s mischievous and has a great sense of humor.”

Kitahata thanked the men and women he has worked with, as well as LAPD (many officials were in attendance), the Covid team, the logistics unit, and the civilian staff. “It is a pleasure to work with all of you and have your never-ending support,” he said.

Then he turned to his wife and said, “She makes everything run well. She should get the wife firefighter of the year award.”

Their youngest son graduated from Westlake High School with honors and attends Loyola Marymount. Their daughter graduated from the University of Washington and their oldest son, who graduated from Illinois Technical School, has just finished Navy officer school.

“The kids got their brains from Cheryl,” he said, and joked, “I have a GED.”

Kitahata explained that he and his wife had just returned from their son’s graduation at Fort Sumter. (The site of the beginning of the American Civil War and the celebration that ended the Civil War.) He said that 12 volunteers were needed to hold the flag that was being raised, so he volunteered.

“How cool is it to be in this great country raising the flag with 12 people I didn’t know,” he said. “We were honoring America and our freedom.”

When learning of Kitahata’s award, the Pacific Palisades Community Council wrote, “We couldn’t agree more! Congratulations, Capt. K., on this well-deserved honor — and thanks for your outstanding service to the Palisades community.”

Firefighters from Station 69 attended the awards ceremony for Captain Kit.
Photo: Deborah Lew/Los Angeles Firefighters Association.

Posted in Accidents/Fires, Community | Leave a comment

Bay Theater Will Reopen through Netflix

Posted on October 17, 2021 by Sue

The Bay Theater, on Swarthmore, will reopen through Netflix this week.

The Bay Theater on Swarthmore will open this Friday, October 22, with Jeymes Samuel’s new Western “The Harder They Fall,” which Netflix is distributing. Netflix will also offer free screenings of two of its animated family films, “Vivo” and “The Mitchells vs. The Machines.”

According to the Hollywood Reporter “During the first few weeks after the Bay opens, free popcorn and beverages will be served at all shows.”

Netflix will use the theater to host special events, screen classic films and showcase its own original theatrical films. Financial terms were not disclosed, according to the L.A. Times.

Netflix is investing in some theaters because several top filmmakers want their films shown on the big screens, and in order to be considered for Oscar consideration, a film has to have been shown in a theater.

The L.A. Times Story “Netflix Takes over Bay Theater at Caruso’s Palisades Village,” had a major error. Resident Rosalie Huntington wrote to the Times,

“In your story, you state that the Bay Theater was renovated. Not so. This new Bay Theater is brand new construction in a different location from the original — about four blocks away.

“Yes, the original eventually became a hardware store. And it remains a hardware store — now owned by Anawalt. The original Bay location, now the hardware store, is 15140 Sunset Blvd.

“The new version of the Bay was built by Rick Caruso as part of his outdoor mall. It opened in fall of 2018. It’s at 1035 N. Swarthmore Ave.”

L.A. Times told Huntington they would print a correction.

The Hollywood Reporter’s story “Netflix to Operate Historic Palisades Bay Movie Theater” explained that the deal expands the streamer’s ability to show its movies on the big screen during awards season.

Netflix already operates the Egyptian Theater in Hollywood and New York’s Paris Theater and plans to use the Bay Theater for special events, screenings of beloved classic films and theatrical releases of its films. The Bay Theater will keep the 35mm projector that Cinepolis had installed.

In a statement to THR, Scott Stuber head of Netflix global films said, “The Bay is one of those rare places that’s modern but also feels like a throwback experience of your local main street cinema. Together with Caruso, we’re excited to welcome movie lovers back to Palisades Village and join the local community.”

The Palisades Village Bay Theater, which opened in November 2018, features five customized screening rooms, reclining seats, in-theater food and a lobby bar.

Netflix will also work with Palisades Village on a calendar of complementary events located at the center’s park.

The Bay Theater will have ticket prices ranging from $12 for adults, and $10 for seniors and children. Taxes and special format charges may apply.

Tickets for “The Harder They Fall” available at: Atomtickets.com

To claim complimentary tickets for “Vivo” or “The Mitchells vs. The Machines,” stop by the Bay Theater box office Monday, October 18 through Thursday, October 21 from 3 to 6 p.m. Advance tickets limited to five per person while supplies last.

Posted in Community, Film/Television | 3 Comments

Alan Eisenstock’s Playlist: Don’t Get Old

Posted on October 17, 2021 by Sue

(Editor’s note: Palisadian Alan Eisenstock’s 19^th book “Redeeming Justice” co-written with Jarrett Adams, came out on September 14 and was named the Best Book of September by Amazon. “A consuming tale of a broken legal system, its trail of ruin and the fortitude needed to overcome its scarring.”

When Eisenstock is not writing, he pursues what he calls “a crazy labor of love side project” that he started in March 2020: sending a weekly Covid-themed playlist of songs to his family and friends. These playlists (which can be downloaded on Spotify (click here) span rock ‘n’ roll and pop music from the 1950s to 2020, and Eisenstock adds one or two lines of commentary about each song that is clever, amusing and informative.)

Hi, Everyone,

According to the AARP, 95 percent of COVID deaths in the U.S. have occurred among people who are over 50. The CDC reported that 80 percent of deaths were among people over age 65. Don’t get old and don’t get COVID. What to do? Idea. Here are 17 “old” songs. Listen up!

“It’s The Same Old Song” Four Tops. From Detroit, this famous R&B group first called themselves The Four Aims. The Tops recorded this big hit in 1965, written by Eddie Holland.
“Glory Days” Bruce Springsteen. From the 1984 album Born in The U.S.A. Bruce sings about this raucous reminiscence of a barfly’s younger and more glorious days. “Bring it home!”
“When I’m Sixty-Four” The Beatles. Paul claims to have written this song when he was “around 14.” This song, from the 1967 album Sgt. Pepper, asks the immortal question, “Will you still need me, will you still feed me when I’m 64?” I have a follow-up question. Since when is sixty-four old?
“This Old Heart (Is Weak For You)” The Isley Brothers. Motown favorites originally from Cincinnati recorded this smash hit in 1966. How old is this old heart? Sixty-four?
“Old Man” Neil Young. Reflective ballad from Neil’s 1972 album Harvest. Neil wrote this about an old guy who was a caretaker at his Broken Arrow Ranch. James Taylor plays guitar and banjo and sings backup along with Linda Ronstadt. LOVE.
“Those Oldies But Goodies Remind Me Of You” Little Caesar & The Romans. Doo-wop group formed in L.A. This was their hit, recorded in 1961. The group made an appearance on American Bandstandand wore togas when they performed live.
“Old Friends” Simon & Garfunkel. A sad, lyrical song from their tremendous 1968 album Bookends. “Old friends. Winter companions. Lost in their overcoats, waiting for the sunset…” Poetry. LOVE.
“The Old Man Down The Road” John Fogerty. Creedence Clearwater Revival founder sings this raucous “swamp rock” song, a hit from his Centerfield solo album. I can’t explain swamp rock but I know it when I hear it.
“Grandma’s Hands” Bill Withers. Great song from the pride of Slab Fork, WV, written and recorded in 1971. Booker T. Jones produced the record and a couple of the MGs backed Bill up. Among many others, Barbra Streisand covered the song.
“Old Friends” 1988 title song recorded and written by Texan legend Guy Clark and one of my favorite songwriters. That’s either Rosanne Cash or Emmylou Harris singing with him. I can’t figure out which one. Can anyone help me out?
“Too Old To Rock ‘n Roll: Too Young To Die!” Jethro Tull. British rock-fusion band with a hint of classical music thrown in at times. Led by frontman Ian Anderson who plays guitar and flute, this song comes from a 1976 concept album about an aging rocker trying to keep up with current music trends.
“Old People” John Hiatt. Singer-songwriter of American roots music. Hiatt spent years under the radar until he finally released his album Bring The Family in 1987. This 2014 novelty song contains the heady lyric, “Old people are pushy, well, they’re not mushy.”
“Twilight Time” The Platters. Popular L.A. vocal group of the 1950s. This torchy song was co-written by Buck Ram and released in 1958.
“People Get Old” Lori McKenna. Born Lorraine McKenna, Lori is one of country music’s most in-demand songwriters. A little surprising because she was born and raised in Massachusetts. Go, Sox!
“Wall Of Death” Richard & Linda Thompson. Britishers Richard and Linda, married for ten years, produced some of the best folk music of the seventies and early eighties. They split in 1981 and not amicably. Somehow this sensational song came out of their breakup. LOVE.
“Time In A Bottle” Jim Croce. South Philly troubadour, Croce had only one hit in his lifetime, “Bad Bad LeRoy Brown.” He died in a plane crash at age 30 and this song was a big hit posthumously. Don’t get old. Keep everything the same. Trap time in a bottle.
“Who Knows Where The Time Goes” Judy Collins. Folk music, blues, rock, pop, show tunes–you name it, Judy sings it all immaculately. This song, written by Sandy Denny of the band Fairport Convention, was one of Judy’s first big hits, recorded in 1968. Stephen Stills plays acoustic guitar.

Well, “old” friends, there you have it, 17 songs about aging. Some advice:

Don’t Forget to Disinfect… and given your age… DON’T PLAY IT TOO LOUD!

The link again: click here.

Fact Check

Little Caesar and The Romans did wear togas when they performed.

LAST WEEK’S POLL QUESTION:

The Doobie Brothers and “Listen To The Music” slammed The Doors and “Touch Me.

THIS WEEK’S POLL QUESTION:

“Old Man” by Neil Young or “Who Knows Where The Time Goes” by Judy Collins. Who you got?

That’s it for another week,

Thanks,

Alan

alaneisenstock.com

Posted in Arts | 2 Comments

Viewpoint: L.A. City Council Proposes Developing a Public Bank

Posted on October 14, 2021 by Sue

The City could turn its new bank and bank vault into a lounging area.

When the L.A. City Council announced last week that it may try to start a public bank, a resident wrote Circling the News: “Ya’ know….if they could just keep the streets paved, and safe, trim the trees and open our Library, maybe they could start looking at new things to manage. They’ve made a disaster of the commercial trash service in L.A. by eliminating competition and massive price increases.”

CTN is full on board for a City-operated bank—what could go wrong? After all, the City has been spectacular in everything it has attempted in recent years. Why not add a financial institution to its resume?

Let’s just ignore for the moment that current Councilman Mark Ridley-Thomas and two ex-councilmen, Mitchell Englander and Jose Huizar, have faced corruption charges that have nothing to do with money, we’re sure.

Councilman Mike Bonin is in favor of starting an L.A. City bank.

According to an October 5 L.A. Daily News article, “A public bank is a huge and essential step to building back better from the COVID crisis and from the recession,” [City Councilman Mike] Bonin said in a statement to City News Service on Monday. “With a public bank, we can invest in our neighborhoods, promote affordable housing, help struggling small businesses, support a just transition to a green economy, and advance equity.”

Perhaps Bonin was referring to helping the small businesses that have closed along the boardwalk in Venice. He blames it on Covid, but residents who live there blame it on the onslaught of homeless and an ensuing criminal element that scared tourists away.

Still, CTN is ready to trust placing tax revenue in the L.A. City Bank, because our esteemed council members and Mayor Eric Garcetti have taken the Measure H dollars and solved homelessness. The money has been well spent, is accountable and everyone is housed with no one left in parks, underpasses or streets.

The City Council should have a bank because it has also handled the DWP so well. In March 2016, the council passed ordinance 84133, which approved increased rates fixed by the DWP, including a three-tier system and a Power Access Charge, both of which were new, and both of which raised utility costs. Of course, that is still being litigated.

The ordinance was signed by Garcetti and approved by City Attorney Michael Feuer, and the appropriate public notice was published in a daily newspaper and posted for 10 days at a bulletin board on the Main Street entrance to City Hall, another on the Main Street entrance to the Los Angeles City Hall East, and a third on a bulletin board located on the Temple Street entrance to the Los Angeles County Hall of Records.

Please don’t try to dissuade me from backing a City Bank by recalling the 2017 garbage collection debacle, when the City Council voted to overhaul the way trash was picked up at tens of thousands of businesses and the work given to a select group of companies. This resulted in only a few minor problems.

In 2019, a settlement agreement was reached between the Los Angeles Bureau of Sanitation and seven RecycLA service providers. The city would split the expense of any fees, including retroactive charges, at an initial cost of $9.12 million. Contamination levels up to 20% would also be allowable through 2020 in an extended “optimization period.”

If the L.A.City Council is out of its element with garbage collection agreements, it’s hardly prepared to deal in high finance. A bank should be profitable – for someone.

City Council originally members proposed this bank motion soon after Govenor Gavin Newsom signed AB 857 in 2019, which would allow the creation of 10 public statewide banks starting in 2020.

In 2018, L.A. voters denied the city the authority to create a public bank in a ballot measure, with 44 percent voting in favor of establishing a public bank and 56 percent opposing.

But last week, on October 5, the City Council took a step toward creating a public bank by unanimously voting to authorize the Chief Legislative Analyst to seek contractors or consultants to develop a business plan for the bank.

According to a report by the Chief Legislative Analyst, the city should seek voters’ approval before forming the bank, but it’s not required by law.

Will this happen? Who knows? But keep checking for postings on doors in downtown L.A.

Posted in General | 1 Comment